Week 20: Week 14 in the field, in Stuttgart: It's Raining and Pouring, We're Painting, and SNORING!‏

It's Raining and Pouring, We're Painting, and SNORING!‏

(And setting baptismal dates!! But more on that later!)

Hallo from Deutschland! From your favorite Sister missionary, who is as happy as ever!

Spring is in the air and its not looking like Winter will be returning

First signs of spring, pic from 'The Local' Germany's News in English

:)

So, this past week has been... amazing. The work is so good, and even though our numbers are... European, we've spoken with so many people, and done so much good. We've planted seeds that will be ready to sow in Gods time. I'm not even upset about it, either. Because we've helped so many people!!! 

So this week we helped with a lot of painting, getting ourselves very painted in the process. It's always fun to mix up the schedule :) 

We got POURED on after Sport Abend... looked like the most pathetic Sisters anyone's ever seen, but loved every second of it.

And we've been exhausted. Like... drool on the pillow, didn't move once, can't remember our dreams tired. You know you're working hard when you have a sleep schedule like that :)

We've also been working really hard on mapping our 20 page ward list. Why? Because I probably know 5 pages of people out of 20. So we are working on finding everyone's addresses, finding what U Bahn stops they live at, and which buses to take to get to their houses. Yes, we are doing that with every Member, Less Active, and Unknown person/ family on 20 pages (Except not the Kein Kontakt people.. not yet). This has been the biggest help to our work here in Stuttgart. It's brilliant. But we're really tired. And it's really addicting....  i like to consider this my pride and joy here in Stuttgart and then all the auxiliaries and missionaries in our area will get a copy. it makes our work a lot more efficient, and i'm excited to see it finished! It has helped our work SO MUCH! I love it!! 

I feel like we do so much, but then I can't remember what we did when it comes to email day...

I guess I'll share the most exciting part of our week with you, then :) We set a baptismal date with Xiaoyu! SHE IS THE MOST ADORABLE AND PERFECT GIRL WE HAVE EVER MET. We have her so gern! She's from China, and basically jumped in the font when we mentioned baptism. She knows she's not ready yet, but she wants to be as soon as she can be. The hard part is that she goes back to China for about 4 weeks on Friday. We are really worried that something or someone will talk her out of the goodness and truth she feels through this Gospel. We've been teaching her for about 6 weeks now, and it couldn't be going better, so we're hoping that plays a big part in keeping her on the path.

We had an eating appointment with her last night with a family in our ward. It was amazing. We were able to use their iPad and computer to show her all these amazing things in Chinese. She's amazing.... just. AH! She'll be back the day before Conference, so she'll come back and basically spend 48 hours with us having a spiritual ball watching conference with us. She is so EXCITED!! She's ordered the Liahona and she reads them so fast. She really FEASTS on the words of Christ. Really. And she asks amazing questions. I love her. So much. 

The date isn't set specifically because she'll be gone for a while, but it's there... and we were so happy! God is good, people. God is SO good.

I would also like to announce that I am OBSESSED with the body. Does anyone really understand the divine temple that we live in?! It is the most beautiful thing. I study it a lot. I read the talk "Decisions for Eternity" from Elder Nelson from October Conference. READ IT. It is the most amazing thing. And this is seemingly what it is that I want to study when I come home. The body and how certain things affect it. Especially food. I have never felt so healthy and energized than I have here, and I'm convinced it's because of the way the Germans eat. And I want to know what exactly about it it is that makes it that way. I want to know how to get my SPIRIT in control of my BODY. 

This talk talks about that in a few different ways. It's just really interesting. And it really hits on homosexuality... which I find interesting because that's been brought up a lot. And suddenly, through the study of the body and the spirit TOGETHER, we've come up with some pretty legit answers. Take a look.

I also realized, as I was studying this talk, that the world is a horrible place. I'm not in the world, but I read my scriptures, and I know it's bad. This morning, I prayed for... a long time... that God would bless us with the Second Coming. Soon, because I can't imagine things getting worse than they are. 

Sister Winters and I also had a good conversation this morning about all the things that have to take place before the Savior comes again.... or really... all the things that have happened and the very few things we're waiting for.

1) The word has to be taught in every country. But does it say anywhere that it has to be done by those wearing tags? I'm pretty sure it doesn't... correct me if I'm wrong. But God put an interesting thought in my head.... Maybe the reason that the First Presidency and the Church is really pushing member missionary work is because we aren't going to get into those places that don't have the Gospel with tags on; it's going to be up to the members to do it. AH HAAAAAAAAAH. Interesting thought, oder? He'll come as fast as we're willing to work. LET'S GET TO IT. 

2) We need a Temple in Jerusalem. But really... we need dedicated ground in Jerusalem. Nothing has to be built, just set apart :) That could happen... whenever. And at this rate, I really hope it's soon. 

So yeah. 

We were studying the other day about Alma and his brethren, and how they didn't pray to have the hearts of the people changed, but to change the circumstances in order to change their hearts. So I've really been focused on that lately. And we've read a lot about emergency preparedness. Basically.. I'm just waiting for something crazy to happen. Crossing my fingers, actually. Some Germans need something to change their hearts. As does the rest of the world.. 

Conference is in a few weeks.... lets see what wonderful things the Prophet have to tell us this time!! I'm waiting for something crazy :)

Okay.. now that I've written a novel.. I'll go now :) 

I wish you all the best week ever. Share the Gospel, and pray for the opportunity to do so. The church is true, God is good. He is a God of order and pattern, and He is never changing. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel of true change and repentance, for which I am eternally grateful. And READ THAT TALK!

I got the package... or a package. it's not here where I live, though cause I guess it has something valuable, so i'll pick it up on Wednesday when i'm in that area of Suttgart.

The girls look great!!! I love dad and how much of a kid he is! I love it!! I wish I could play around with him, too... but we've got eternity to do that :) keep him safe!!  You look good, too, mom!! your hair is beautiful :) I still think you're the best mom ever, and i will continue to think even more highly of you as the days go on :)

Until next week,

love you!! love to hear about how well everything is coming along!! 

Sister Gilmour 

xx

Week 19: Week 13 in the Field, in Stuttgart - 13 - Lucky For Some - Me and Sister Winters:):)

Hello, Hello :)

I'd just like to tell you how unbelievably happy I am :) 

I just got my NEW companion Sister Winters (from Lindon, UT) on Thursday. 

I've been praying for another best friend here in Stuttgart for weeks now because I had a feeling Sister Smith would be going, and I didn't feel like I had anything to lean on. I love the ward but I was really worried to take over.

But! The moment I hugged Sister Smith goodbye and hugged Sister Winters hello... I knew I had just met my new best friend :) The mission office had me drop Sister Smith off in Münchin.. weird... and then pick up Sister Winters. We (I) cried several times on the way home because I realized how uphappy I had been for the last few weeks thinking about taking over, and suddenly- I was myself again! Everything that I’d bottled up, I knew didn't need to be bottled up anymore. She is WONDERFUL!!! I haven't been stressed out once since she got here, and she's been so great!! We're figuring things out together, and from the moment she got here, it's been a team effort :) She loves me, and I LOVE her! She's going to be in my Sealing when I'm married, that's how much I love her. 

You were right Mom... you really do find people you will love forever on your mission, and already Sis Winters is one of them :) 

Also, she contacts like a beast!! She is so bold and I love it!! We love talking to people so much that we decided we were going to ride Bahns and buses tonight and just talk to as many people as we could.  This is a big deal!!! 

Mama Winters: You have a wonderful daughter :) And your family is great :) So... yeah. You'll hear more and more about Sister Winters and the love I have for her over the next 6-12 weeks (hopefully 12!)  Also, she has PERFECT German!! And Spanish! Looks like it's a good time to start learning those Romance Languages I’m supposed to. God can be a sneaky guy and works in mysterious ways ;)

So just some cool things from this week:

We had Stake/Regional Conference Saturday and Sunday. It was SO GOOD! The church is really focused on missionary work here in Germany. It was so amazing! I really hope the members were as excited about it as I was!! It was all about member missionary work and working with the missionaries. Everything is about that lately!! I hope you're all being member missionaries back home... do you know how easy you have it?! Seriously.. I'm so jealous! 

The coolest part of this conference was that President Bednar gave his talk in German!! Cool, huh?! And I could understand it because it wasn't proper hard German like the translator German. He is one of my favorite speakers... hands down. 

We had an adult session the night before. We, the missionaries in the whole zone, and the youth all sang the EFY Medley together. It was so powerful! I tried not to cry the whole time. The work is really hastening here in Deutschland. I'm so privileged to be a part of it! All the speakers were recent converts and asked to talk about their conversion stories. It was really cool cause we had Erin (our bestest friend here in Stuttgart) and Xioaya (our investigator) there! I think it was really cool for them to hear how different everyone's conversions are. I really hope it hit something in their heart cords. 

We then went out for Sushi with the Zone Leaders, Sister Wells and her daughter, Audrey (also one of my favorite people here in Stuttgart), Erin, and a recent convert, Kathrin (who I also love and adore..... I just love everyone here a lot ;)). It was so cool!!

I got to use the chopsticks Alex just sent me from Japan! That'S something else! Alex sent me a package with Japanese socks and chopsticks in it. He wrote me a nice long letter and also enclosed a chip of pictures... I just can't see any of them though:(:(. So.. I don't really know what's on it. He's wonderful. 

So over all...everything has been really good. One big whirlwind... and time is passing really quickly, but we're figuring things out. I really love the work... Really love it. I really love talking to people. 

Sounds like the family is doing so well!!

Dad, I got the picture of the FAT bike! My goodness.. Is our house a bike shop yet?;) I met with a less active family from the international ward (the grandma wants the sons to be baptized) and they are both Ironmans! Cool, huh? They're training for the Frankfurt full IM this summer, and she's training for the Budapest half IM. You both should look into some European ones... do they have any on Saturdays? But they have like... 10 bikes, I think I counted. I felt right at home with them :) That was the first full day with Sister Winters and I am so happy, she is so wonderful just like Sis Smith.  This’ll be my next chapter of my mission. I haven't even stressed out once since taking over the area... which is such a big thing!! So there's a quick preview of our companionship ;)

I can't wait to see the finishing pics of the new and improved home I'll be coming home to! Did you know this time next year; I'll be in my last transfer?! Weird to think.... It's going by so fast. I'm already in my 3 transfer... I hit 6 months in April. What??

Stuttgart:

It's also been really nice here! REALLY warm... we've gotten so lucky.  It's literally spring here. The trees are blossoming and the sun is out nice and early. The birds are chirping when we wake up in the morning... that's actually been happening since about January. The weather is really confused. I hope this doesn't mean we're in for a rough winter this year. I've got one more to brave! 

The Germans are watching the Olympics too. Sometimes I get to see how they're doing because they play updates at Bahnhof... and I'm always there. I've had some cool conversations with people about what's going on. I say cool cause I was actually able to talk about them! I'm learning German... and I can notice it. The first day of our companionship, I was in charge of the phone... I think I shocked Elder Moon a little because he didn't realize my German was so good... I have never spoken it like that for some reason.  So that was cool :) 

Running n’ Stuff:

Man, I really miss running! I have learned so so so much about what I want to study and how beautiful our bodies are, though! I appreciate physical fitness on a whole different level now. I can't wait to get home and study these things and apply them to all the things I’ve learned. I think I might end up being a little like KeenaJJ.  I’d like to put some personal touch of more emphasis on spirituality and stuff like that. I'm so obsessed with it! I've really noticed the difference between American food and German food- I feel A LOT less tired on my mission. Even though I'm going and going and I only get 8 hours of sleep, I feel more energized than I ever have before. I know that has to do with the fact that I'm a missionary, too, but I am convinced that the German food has a lot to do with it as well. We eat very clean here.. No preservatives, and I've really been able to keep sugar out of my diet, unless at eating appointments (and then I love every minute of it cause the Germans make such amazing Nachtisch!). The bread is made fresh every day. There's just such a difference. I don't think I ever want to move back and have to deal with American food that's packed with so many preservatives.. yuck. 

Could you tell me who has added me on FB and who you and dad have been accepting? I'm a little curious :) :)

Also, I have a challenge for you all:

Study the Articles of Faith and use them in your daily lives.  http://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng Whether to share with people, or just to think on. The prophets have told us that when we study the principles of our faith, we are able to share what we believe. Pray for the chance to share the Gospel with something this week. God has made a promise to us that when we ask, He will give. When we ask to share the Gospel, He's going to make it possible.. fast! The time is now to work with the missionaries. We have all been called to share the Gospel as member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are all missionaries and the time is now to find that people ready to hear the message of the Restored Gospel. I have been called of God by a living-day Prophet to proclaim His word, but so have you. And you aren't wearing a nametag... people will listen to you. You are POWERFUL: So my challenge? SHARE THE GOSPEL! READ THE CONFERENCE TALKS! STUDY THE ARTICLES OF FAITH!

I love every single one of you :) I pray for all those I can remember and all those that are mentioned to me that are having a hard time. The Lord loves us, no matter what we do :)

Bis nächste Woche! 

Sister Gilmour xx

Pictures:

This was the night we went out on our first splits, so that's why I'm only in one of the pictures. This is the Gierschke Family… we LOVE them! Especially the two little girls. They love me so much :) And I love them! Enjoy, and know I'm being well taken care of xx

 

Brian G: I stole this picture because I think its awesome: Thursday the AGM  missionaries in Switzerland had a giant Finding Day in Zurich Can you imagine about 100 missionaries in the streets at the same time?? I hope Sister Gilmour gets to do this some time.

Week 18: Week 12 in the field, in Stuttgart: Sad GoodBye Sister Smith:(:( Hello Sister Winters:):) FAINTING, VALENTINES,

So it's been an eventful week so say the least! Lots has happened... some pretty funny, and some... not so funny. 

I'll start with the 'fainting' story:

So we went to Tübingen on Thursday, main reason was to visit a girl in the International ward who just got a 7 POUND TUMOR REMOVED. Yeah.. let's talk about it. Tübingen is not in our area boundaries, so we had to get permission. Everything that could have gone wrong in the time before catching our Bahn.. went wrong. Of course. So then we were freaking out because what if it wasn't what the Lord wanted us to do and now we're on a train headed out there... and we can't go back now. All the things we had planned to do fell out and the only thing that was going to work was visiting the girl with the tumor. We got news that she was getting released early and we might not even see her. So.. we were stressed out, to say the least. I was worrying about how we were going to make this a missionary moment and how we were going to spend the day and whatever else.

Anyways, we get to the hospital, talked to two wonderful people on the bus who happened to be going to the hospital too and they helped us find our way around. We get to the room, visit with our friend G, and hear all about her tumor and how it came about... it was just really graphic and I wasn't feeling too well. I didn't think too much about it because it was probably all out of stress, but then the doctor came in and said they needed more blood. I was like: I don't feel well, so I'm just gonna go over here while you do that. I got to the door, and the next thing I remember is laying on the floor with a circle of doctors around me slapping my face and asking me obscure questions in German. The only thing i could think of was that my feet were above my head on a chair and that my knees and.. underwear were showing:):(. I could hear them all just fine, I just needed someone to cover my knees! Some doctor even slapped me to get me to come to. I finally said something just to get them to stop smacking me, and all I hear is Sister Smith laughing cause it's usually her fainting, not me. 

All in all.. it was hilarious. They made me lay there in the hallway for 30 minutes and drink an entire thing of Gatorade. I didn't feel myself all day, but it wasn't as bad as when Smithie passes out, so that was a blessing. Sister M, the girls mom, was laughing so hard, too. Good thing I wasn't dying ;)

VALENTINES DAY!!! We all went out to an all you can eat Mongolian Buffet. Man.. it was good. There was this place where you pick all the raw meats and fresh veg that you want, put a number on it, set it at the grill, and then they grill it and give it back to you. Guys... when we come back here... we're going to this place. I have never been so happy to eat all the veg i wanted :) I tried Kangaroo, too. It's so good!!! I didn't eat too much, though. Just veg, fruit, and some meat. I loved it. So good. The Elders surprised all of the females with Gerber Dasies! How nice?! I say females  because we had Erin, our best friend with us, along with our Senior Couple, Sister Benson and Elder Benson :) We love our little District Family so much!! I'm really sad that we have to make changes to it :( But that's okay... cause it's mostly staying the same :) 

Which brings me to Transfer Calls... :( Sister Smith is headed back to Münich! A place called Augsburg. She's already served in Münich, so she already knows it. We were both really surprised because we thought for sure she was headed to Austra. Nope, Münich. I'm staying and getting Sister Winters! All I know about her is that she's from Pleasant Grove :) But her 'mom', or trainer, was Sister Smiths trainer too.  I have a really good feeling about Sister Winters. She's going to be just what I need next... that other best friend I really need here in Stuttgart :) She's leaving the area she opened, so she knows how to deal with things. I'm very excited for this new time together!! I know we'll get AT LEAST 6 weeks together... maybe more. I'm still really counting on going to Switzerland though, fingers crosssed ;)

I CAN'T BELIEVE IAN IS HOME!!! Has it really been 2 years?! My gosh.... I hit my 4 month mark yesterday... does that count for anything? ;)  Looks like I've got a lot more to do here ;)

Things are hard, I just want you to all know that. Really hard. But, Things are also really good :) I appreciate all the kind words of encouragement I receive and I feel all your prayers and they really are helping me :) Pray for the German people... they're the ones that really need the prayers. And pray for opportunities to do missionary work as a family. We've been called of God to do it. Just read the most recent Conference Ensign and you'll see what I mean :) 

So much love, and my testimony, that God knows us. We have a story to write here on earth. WE have our own talents, and our pieces to share, and we need to pray for the chances to share those things with those who need them. We can't make it back to our Father in Heaven without helping each other. That's why our church is set up the way it is...  to help each other grow. We won't make it back without one another. I've learned a lot about that lately. Think about it.. it's a lot more profound than just that.. as is EVERY principle in the gospel :) It's true.. no doubt. I know some things better than others, some things stronger, but I've got the faith that my knowledge will grow according to the Lords timing. I'll learn what I need to, and He'll help me the whole way :)

Much love,

Sister Gilmour xx

Week 17: Week 11 in the firled, in Stuttgart: Opera, New Clothes, Thanks for all the Positive Vibes

Hello Everyone,

No pics this week, such a busy p-day and a long way to go for an appointment.  I'll send pics from zone conference next week.

So our stake president spoke in the American ward yesterday, and he used a great analogy:

You know those rides in amusement parks that swing and gets higher and higher as they go and then soon you're all the way upside down and you're so scared and you're thinking "what on earth was I THINKING?!" Before we always get on those rides, and we always think they look cool and like a lot of fun. That's what I was like in heaven; we looked down at Earth and thought, That looks like fun, I wanna try that whole "earth" thing. Then we get here and we're upside down like in the ride and we;re uncomfortable and we think we're crazy for even THINKING this would be fun. But then we get off that ride, go home, and tell everyone how amazingly fun it was, even though we wanted to cry and scream the whole time we were on it. Isn't that how it always is? Yes :) The answer is Yes :) That's how it is with our lives... we all thought they'd be fun, we got here.. and they're really hard, but then we know that when we're done with this life, or for me, my mission, well go tell everyone how WONDERFUL it was and how they need to do it, too, even though in the middle of it we wanted to die. Right? right. 

He got the whole ward to laugh really hard cause he's really funny and has a great german accent :) 

But I just thought you'd like to hear that. We're upside down and thinking " what on earth have we gotten ourselves into", and then, BAM, our time is over and we are LOVING it!! 

I got the clothes mom! Thank you so much!! We're excited to get a good wear out of these clothes while we're still together. We got them just in time for the OPERA! Yes, we went to an Opera today :) How cool is that?! I'll send pics later :) We saw Peter Pan and my goodness..... It was very modern! But so so cool!! All in German, of course, and all for kids. So we were there with a bunch of 9 year olds. It was way awesome! I got to wear the new black dress and it looks awesome :) One of the guys in our ward works for the Opera house, so he got us free tickets and we got a tour of the whole stinking, massive building! It was SO AWESOME! 

Best ward award goes to: OURS. 

I"ll keep my eyes out for V-day gifts, too. you're all too too good to me! 

Speaking of being too good, could you please tell everyone thank you for all the kind words of encouragement I've been receiving! I don't have time to answer everyone, but let them know I love them! Especially Uncle Paul, Aunt Alison, Nana, Brooks, Leslie Maxfield, and of course my wonderful family! You were all what I needed. But no worries, I'm good for right now. I knew this was going to be hard, right?? I signed myself up for this, might as well take it all in ;)

Here's a few highlights from my week this past week:









1. We talked to a man on the Gleis who was a poet. He was slightly drunk, but said some really sweet things... if he hadn't been masked with creepiness and the odor of alcohol. He talked about how the young men that met us wouldn't be able to sleep because they'd be dreaming of Smith and mine - blue and brown eyes. He really had some pretty poems, actually. I love the Bahns.



2. Germans are very blunt. I was told by a member that she wouldn't come to our English class once Sister Smith leaves cause I'm not fun enough. K cool. Love you, too. It's just part of the culture. My feelings were only hurt for a few minutes. I was also told a few times this week that my German was really bad :):):):) Good, eh?? I could have told them that.  Gotta love the Germans! 



3. I was asked to bare my testimony in Zone Conference and Zone Training... lucky them! They got tears twice in one week. But it was nice. I love our Zone so much. They really are such amazing people and I learn so much from them every time we meet.



4. Church was another miracle. Our number success this week was... horrible. But then yesterday, we had over 20 people in our Investigators class, and 11 less actives at church. So.... You can see where we see our success. Plus our members love the Sisters, which was not the case before Sister Smith came, apparently. So that's good!!



5. We have the most golden investigator right now. Her name is Xiaoya.. she's from China, so don't even attempt that name. She doesn't believe in God, but wants to. She gets herself to church alone every week and the ward LOVES her! She is really the best ever. Wish I had more time to tell you all about her.



6. We get transfer calls on Saturday. I think I'm going to Switzerland. One of our new members, my favorite member, actually, Sherri Kelly, she said "I love you, but you're going" the first time we met her. So we'll see. She served her mission there and she learned French and Spanish.  Also, there's rumor that they're making Switzerland it's own mission, so if I go, I'll be in a different mission. Supposedly. Sister Smith thinks she's headed to Austria, though. Zone Leaders think we're both staying. I'll let you know on Monday.






So it's been a good week!!! 






And mom, no, I didn't pick up my second pair of glasses. They weren't ready. 



Love you all.

Sister Chloe Gilmour

Week 16: Week 10 in the Field: Stuttgart: A Great Week: We need a Missionary Couple in Stuttgart-Send names!

HELLOOOOO!!

I'm going to be a little, All Over The Place with this email: 

My week has been MUCH better. You know how some weeks are good and others aren't so good? That was just a little phase. I sent a letter today explaining it a little better.

I'm hoping so for Sis Smith to stay but transfer calls are next week. she might go, she might stay another transfer and i go. Just depends. but either way, i'm not as stressed about it as I was, so that's good.

Man, the weather sounds NUTS there, your drive last Thursday that took over 6 hours to get to St. George, the snow, the police shooting (so sad) that closed down I-15 at Nephi, that caused you a huge diversion! It's literally like Spring here.  Yeah, I did the caves in snow canyon. they were sweet! we played glow in the dark hide and seek in them :)   I'm starting to think we'll just skip winter this year. I'm not complaining.. makes my life a little easier. I'll need new shoes if it starts to snow and get really cold. Probably another jacket, too. bummer.

Whether you pick me up from my mission or we come back during the summer or we come back to my mission area for Christmas in 2015 you'll love it here and I have so many people I want you to meet and places I want you to see\ places I want to see that I can't go on my mission ;)

Sounds like you've got a lot of success going on at work right now Dad. That's awesome. Hard work is paying off for the both of us :)

No, I don't miss any of it, FB, Twitter. I'll be excited to get back to it, but I don't miss it. I'm just fine without it and I love life without it :) I do really miss having google maps, though. That would be helpful. We're hoping for ipads soon. Fingers crossed!!

Some cool stuff about the way we're allowed to speak with elders now. It really is SO cool!!!! We had a district Pday for Sister Benson, our couple missionary. It was lovely. WE LOVE OUR DISTRICT!!  We're having zone conference and zone meeting this week. Should be interesting to see the new ideas the President has for us. We're really changing mission culture, it's awesome to be serving at this time.

We actually just got the MOST EXCITING NEWS TODAY! We can now use 'du' speach with the Elders instead of 'Sie' speech  In German, they have a formal and informal use of 'you', and we always had to use the formal with the Elders, but Pres Miles texted us today and told us that rule no longer exists! So we were so excited!!! I don't really even know how to use this kind of speech because I never use it. But it's happy nonetheless! We went our for Sister Benson, our couple missionaries birthday to a Schwabisch restaurant and we celebrated this new announcement. We all wore Dirndals and Lederhosen. 

Hahahahhaha, mom. EVERY missionary has a phone. The Zone Leaders have touch screen phones and we're working on ipads right now. Missionaries would DIE without phones. We are ALWAYS on our phones. Without a doubt. It's stricter than before missions, but we use them, and we rely on their use very heavily.

WE NEED A NEW MISSIONARY COUPLE!!! 

This is so important!! Ask anyone you know that wants to serve if they would serve in Stuttgart in the YSA position. Our couple just extended their mission 3 months cause there's no one to take their place. But they need someone desperately! It would be good if at least one of them can speak German, but it's not necessary. If you know anyone, send me their info so I can send it to the Bensosn, our Ehepaar (senior couple) and then to the Pres. PASS THE MESSAGE ALONG!!! 

DARLING GERMAN GIRL GOING TO THE U (SETH WYNN:))

I met the most darling girl yesterday at church. Her name is Lucy and she goes to school at the U, but she's from here. She's 22.  She's coming back to school in August, and wants to meet you all! 

A GREAT MEMBER

Mom, this is from my new favorite member of our ward, she's from America. We had a lunch appointment with her this last week and she told us of the beautiful concept of sharing our story, and of guilt and shame. I thought it was beautiful because it fit perfectly with an investigator that we have.

The story that she talks about is one that we should only share with those who are worthy of hearing it. Those who work to hear every thing about us, and that person is our husband. He has to work to take us to the temple, because there is where he learns something about us we can tell no one else. We should only share our story with those who earn the trust to hear them. It was beautiful. It fits right in with everything else Sister Smith and I talk about within missionary life, and our lives that will continue after our missions. One day I'll share the rest of our talk about the topic, but for now, maybe you know someone this could help. If not, maybe try reading this book. It might be a good read for Book Club. Something women everywhere need to hear, even missionaries.

All is well, and I'm not feeling so sorry for myself anymore. COME AT ME, SATAN. I dare you ;)

Love you with all my heart,

Sister Gilmour xxx

Week 15: Week 9 in the Field: Stuttgart: Tough but Better, Very Little Time: New Pics:):)

Hello all!

Well... missionary work is hard. Just incase you didn't know.

I had my sencond austausch this week. That'S when you switch companions with the Sister Trainer Leaders. This time, i was left in Stuttgart. I wrecked everything. I got us lost, I hardly ate anything I was so stressed out, we had a completely planned day, and then everything fell out. I felt weird because she didn't know me, and we couldn't swap ideas. It was just rough. I have never been so happy to see Sister Smith in my life. Man... it's going to be rough letting her go. 

On happier terms... um. I figured out a lot of things about myself this week? We visited Ritter Sport today with the district and went on base. We ate American food and then our Bahn broke down. I bought you all chocolate.. some kinds haven't been released yet, so you'll have to let me know how you like them. I'll send it all home one day. I don't know when.. but one day. 

Ritter Sport day and Museum with the district: http://www.stuttgart-tourist.de/en/a-ritter-sport-chocolate-factory-shop 

 

 

Went all the way to Germany to try Sushi - it was okay:)

Yes, the hair has been cut - I love it; and now dyed-I don't like it:)

It makes me so sad to hear about my Dad's uncle Bob passing away. I don't like hearing about death, but it's so comforting knowing that we can all live together again after this life. He's somewhere that his Heavenly Father loves him, and he's doing so much better there. Maybe he can help me find all those prepared souls here in Stuttgart; we always need all the help we can get, you know :) 

Thank you so much for the kind words of upliftment... is that word? I don't know English anymore. I'm lost in translation. But anywho.. thank you. I really love it. I'm trying to focus on my strengths, but unfortunately, all my doubt keeps creeping in. I don't want it, too, though. Stupid Satan. He's good and knows exactly how to hit me. I just haven't figured out to hit him back and overcome what he's challenging me with. I know the good days are to remind me through the bad days that it's all for my good. It's all because my Father in Heaven loves me and knows I need this and knows that I can handle it :) Time to forget myself and get to work.... that's a lot harder to do than to say, by the way. 

I have no time today. I'm so sorry. I want to speak about everything, but I can't. I'll  be better next week, I promise. 

P.S. I haven't gotten the package yet, but the zone leaders are going to Münchin on Thursday, so I think they'll pick it up then. Can't wait!! 

I love you all SO SO SO SO much!!

Sister Gilmour xx

Week 14: Week 8 in the Field: Trying to forget this past week, lots of weird stuff in my head; NEED your prayers.

Lot’s of weird things in my head today.

What a week:  

I don't know if all missionaries feel this way but i'm feeling an enormous amount of weight and responsibility on my shoulders to do the Lords work.  No matter how hard i try I just don't feel like i'm doing enough.  On the positive side i think its driven by the fact that i really love this place and I love the people.  I didn't know how long it would take me to get to the point where I'd love the people so much that it would hurt when we were rejected, I feel like I'm there already.

I'm loving studying the Old testament.  I can’t wait to further study all the things the Gospel has to offer... there’s so much to learn and thankfully we've got eternity to learn it. Thank goodness!

Pray for me.  I need help relaxing and being less stressed.  I don't think its just me, our Zone Leaders also felt like this week was the pits. 

I did give away 5 Book of Mormon’s, which is a really big step since I haven’t done that much before, since getting to Germany. Whoop Whoop.   We also got a new investigator and she is just lovely!  She wants to visit Sister Smith and I when she comes to Utah.

I love people a lot.  We've worked so hard to make it amazing here and to really get involved with our ward members but it's going to be hard going, keeping it up without good German.  I'm hoping for another great companion like Sister Smith who speaks good German and is so outgoing:).

Lot’s of weird things in my head today.

News Flash - Missionary work is hard.  I’m here to bring assist in helping people come unto Christ and gain Salvation through him by telling them how much their Father in Heaven loves them… BUT NO ONE LISTENS. Gosh. We were talking with a member on the Bahn on our way home for lunch, and she lives by our church where we have 4 other churches surrounding it. She says there are so many people, and so many churches, but no one ever goes in.  The Lord is coming, and He’s coming soon. They’ll realize one day that they should have listened.  Just listen to us and be good people. I think sometimes I just want to move and change so fast that I over look the changes I am making. Blah. Don’t worry about me, though J I’m happy, despite our awful week. We’re going on a run to Schloss Solitude today for a District P-Day… and it’s raining and cold. So bring on the mud and dirt! I’m way excited.

Lot’s of weird things in my head today.

I love you all so much!!! I think about you any time I have a spare thought! You’re always in my prayers. Thanks for all the pictures from Christmas! I love seeing how our friends from all over are doing. It’s cool to see how much everyone grows up! I love them.. thank you.
 All my love,Sister Gilmour xx