Life in Germany
An Art Festival in downtown Wiesbaden today was the perfect way to reflect and relax. Elder Heilmann, an artist himself, is drawn to beautiful works of art and the stories that create them. He was able to get 2 beautiful dream catchers today from a lovely woman from Mexico, of all places! She sold Elder Heilmann these two gorgeous dream catchers (which Aveline called 'pretty clocks'), one deep blue and one purple, his favorite colors. They were 2 for 17 euros. The woman accepted American dollars, so Elder Heilmann gave her a $20 bill. She gave him 6 euros back, so he ended up getting a discount! He thought that was incredibly generous.
I was surprised that someone from Mexico was in Wiesbaden, Germany, of all places selling dream catchers! It just seems like such a fish out of water thing to see. Elder Heilmann said that there are actually many Native American stores around too. He said that the diversity in Germany is like in America, but the only difference is that they all speak German. One of the Branch Presidents in Koblands is Philepeno, and you guessed it. He speaks German...with a Philepeno accent which sounds fantastic.
The Elders did a lot of shopping today, walking up and down the street and enjoying all the stalls at the outdoor market. Elder Heilmann stopped at a gem stall and picked up beautiful rose quartz shaped into a ball. Elder Heilmann loves gems and has quite the collection. He even brought a newly acquired amethyst with him on his mission to look at and hold. It helps him feel inspired and connected to God and his beautiful creations.
For lunch, they stopped at a sausage stand. The stand had all varieties of sausages and fresh bread rolls to eat them with. Elder Heilmann got totally delicious currywurst. He didn't add any condiments as he doesn't like that all the mustard in Germany has horseradish. But apparently, it was good without toppings. Bread in Germany is just heavenly.
Last Saturday, they were able to help out Colin again at Johnson's. He needed help setting up his sound system and asked the Elders and Sisters if they would assist him by singing Kareoke. Of course, they all jumped at the opportunity to sing. Elder Heilmann sang "House of the Rising Sun" and Elder Tillett and Sister Grey sang "Loathing" That was a fun little break from moving stuff ouf the the shop, but Elder Heilmann said, "Not the best use of time to bring souls unto Christ but I was kinda depressed because I had a hard week." So, once they got their Kareoke out of their systems, they got back to work. Although he also declares that he misses his "Nothing Box." (start at 4:37 and watch until you are done laughing and learning).
Missionary Work
The dreaded Danger Day is coming soon. On October 2nd, Transfers are announced! So to keep his mind off whether he stays or goes, he is focusing on preparing for General Conference this weekend. He officially invited us to Conference and asked that we each prepare questions to take to the Lord this weekend and listen carefully for the answers during the sessions. He also said there may be a picture of his Mission doing flood clean-up from the Reine, so that's something to look for!
Elder Heilmann recognizes that he has grown a lot, not physically, he says, just emotionally and spiritually, and others have noticed and pointed it out too. What freaks him out is that he has already been on his Mission for 4 months, and it's just going by so fast. He is afraid he will miss the opportunity to meet more people because he is not looking in the right place. I assured him that the Lord knows exactly where those people are, so all he has to do is ask to be led to them. I think that helped assuage his anxiety a bit.
While out and about the other day, Elder Heilmann handed out a card, and the woman texted them back! He is very excited and hopeful. They get a lot of no's, so it's so refreshing to see efforts paying off. I asked him if the German people he has come across are generally nice or rude. He paused and said, "Well, by American standards, everybody is mean." Apparently, there are 2 kinds of no's they get, either the "No thanks, I have to catch my train" or the "No, you're a cult!" Both are pretty junky ways to get rejected. It feels like they are rejecting the Lord, and that hurts. But there is also a lot of misconception about the Church there. Many think that we practice polygamy and ask if they come to Church will they get multiple girls. It's hard to be around such opposition, but Elder Heilmann is persevering, putting his faith and trust in God, and working hard to spread His love.
Overall, it's been another productive and faith-filled week. Next week, I can't wait to hear more from Elder Heilmann and his exploits as an American representative of Jesus Christ living in Germany.
Comments
Post a Comment