8-15 FEBRUARY 2015

     Our work with missionaries has been consistent though out the week. We have 24 on our caseload that we speak with each week for one reason or another. I try to get them back up on their feet within 4-5 conversations maximum, but some who are dealing with addictions take more support. I don't do therapy with them because I am not licensed in Germany and it is verboten. But I do try and lift and strengthen them. My biggest assignment is to evaluate their mental-psychological state and advise their mission presidents for them to make decisions. The mission presidents have final say. I actually enjoy being on the phone with them. Each one is so good and desirous of doing the work. It is quite a privilege to help the messengers of joy!
     A new couple (senior missionaries) arrived this week from Provo, Utah (The Mathesons). We knew them while on our mission in Hawaii. They weren't on a mission then, but he was teaching and doing some research at BYU-Hawaii. It was fun to show them the ropes and help them get settled. We took them shopping for food and I did a lot of translating for them. It is nice to not be the new folks on the block. We have been in Frankfurt for nearly a month.
     I've been getting better at finding my way around the city by auto. The first two times we tried to find our way to Offenbach where our branch of the church is located, our GPS took us on a circuitous route through the city. I finally discovered a route that is much quicker. I even got us safely down to the Zahlamt (tax office) to get our "pink card" for purchasing at the military PX and commissary. We have to bring our pink card to get stamped and pay each month a 19% tax on anything American we buy from the military installations. We don't save anything by buying there, and I've been encouraging Elaine to evolve into a true German and eat the way Germans eat. Well, not completely; the Germans eat somethings that I can't quite stomach--like sow stomach!
     Today in church meetings I conducted the meetings again and also had to give a 7-10 minuted talk on activation and missionary work. I wrote it out in English and then translated it into German. I then had a German sister missionary edit it so that it was German German instead of English German. People said they understood it and were grateful for it, so I was happy. Elaine played the piano for sacrament meeting and for primary. For Tuesday evening ward council I am assigned to give a 5-10 minute instruction from the church handbook of instructions auf Deutsch. I'm really getting my workout. However, the German is slowly coming. Each Sonntag the language is easier to understand and I feel more confident to speak. It is harder trying to learn German by hearing the words the Germans typically use. They are so different and said differently than American German. But it is better for me, but slower.
     Elder and Sister Halstrom (president of the 70s) visited and gave a fireside to the senior missionaries tonight. We had a group picture taken. Their comments were filled with gratitude for the senior couples who are throughout the world serving missions, and about the ways the Lord is hastening the work of salvation. We were so happy that we are part of that missionary force in the world. We know that the Lord is answering our prayers pertaining to our family. We know this is where we should be instead of back in Provo where we are not really needed. This work is so great. We are blessed to be serving.
   

Senior Missionaries from Europe Area with Elder and Sister Halstrom and Area Presidency