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September 9: Meeting a General Authority

Elder Heilmann and I had a bit of a quick chat today, but he had a surprise ready for me.  He is taking the suggestion of showing us more 'life in Germany' to heart and had coins and bills ready to share with me.  He showed me 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, and 50 cent coins. He also showed me coins for 1 Euro and 2 Euros. Also a 10 Euro bill.  It is very colorful.  I didn't know this, but Euros are used all over the European Union and each country mints its own coins with National symbols on the back.  I just thought that was so cool!!


Elder Heilmann also told me about his experience with the Gas Heizer or the boiler service tech. The Elders had to go open the Church for the technician.  Elder Heilmann said he was very jolly and it was a fun experience.  There are radiators all over the Church for heating.  Again, no AC. ;)

The true highlight of the week was the visit from Elder Bednar.  Elder Heilmann said he is so funny and really witty.  He also said he felt extra cool because they are both called Elder.  He said, "We have the same job!  He doesn't have a badge though, so he's not as cool as me."  He's so funny. 

Elder Bednars' topic was 'faith courage'.  He had previously sent the Mission 4 talks and had asked that all the missionaries read them and be prepared to ask questions.  Elder Heilman said, "The whole discussion was mostly us talking because that's how you teach.  You ask questions and then when they act they're edified.  So, it was a lot of us talking."  He also said that he thought Sister Bednar was very shy.  He loved that she came and she spoke anyway even though it looked like it was really hard for her to do.  Elder Cook, from the General 70, and Elder Kopischke were also there.  A family friend of ours, Sherry Henry Kopishke, is married to his son so that was fun to share with Elder Heilmann.  They ended the session with a group picture with Elder Bednar.  Overall, a fabulous and uplifting experience. 

We ended the call talking about food adventures, of course. He got to to to the Commissary today and he bought Vienna Sausages.  He said, "...because they taste like feet but I like them."  

Words to live by...  ;)

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