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Jan. 6th: Short and Sweet...cause we need a nap

Daily Doings

This great shot of Elder Wright says it all. The Elder's are POOPED! Christmas, New Year, and Missionary Work. Just beyond the mark, tired. 

Today was a very short chat. Elder Heilmann was visibly wilting on the call. We could tell it was taking his all just to chat with us, so we entertained him more than anything.  

The Ward Mission Leader invited them over for dinner after their appointment with him this evening. He lives in the middle of the forest, and the bus out there only comes once an hour. Hopefully, they both sleep on the bus for a bit. Sounds like a long night is ahead.  

Elder Heilmann has decided it's time to up his game with his morgensport (morning sports) to work off all of his Christmas weight. He has been consistent with his daily yoga stretches, but "it's time to get serious," he says. He knows he isn't an Elder Mahoney who worked out 1.5 hours every morning and evening. Still, he was definitely inspired to try harder. (Remember, Elder Mahoney was a firefighter before his mission and is returning to service now that he is home).

Missionary Work

As for Missionary work, the week sounded rather productive! They received five referrals, and they also met a gentleman and taught him a lesson! He didn't expound, but we are happy that he is working hard and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ at every turn.  

"Investigators in Germany are weird. They don't really seem like they are investigating." That definitely sounds like a challenge.

He also let us know that some Mission specific rules are no longer valid. They are now allowed to message people on P-days outside of just immediate family. The General Mission rules allow Missionaries to message extended family and friends on P-days. Still, the Frankfurt Mission rules only allowed messaging immediate family. Elder Heilmann says, "The law of Moses has been taken away." lol 

Quirky Germany

  • "If you are not in the city, you are on a farm. They don't really have suburbs," and farm people are super friendly! "Servus!" (Hello!) Most Germans don't say hi, so Elder Heilmann was not expecting such a lovely greeting from a gentleman farmer. It made his day. That, and the German countryside, is absolutely breathtaking. Beautiful country and cheerful people. 
  • "I have eaten more red cabbage on my mission than I have in my entire life! They cook it so much!" One of his favorite dishes is Rotkohl, which means red cabbage, but the preparation is gravy-like. Buttery cabbage ribbons in blended cabbage gravy. He says it's just a "purple goo and really, really good!" 
  • The German word for Smufs is Die Schlumpfe. "They love the Smurfs here." Haribo even has Smurf gummies! Elder Heilmann gets a kick out of all the gummy variations that Haribo makes. These are super adorable.  
That's all we got for this week, but more good things are coming.  Stay tuned for the next installment of an American Missionary in Germany.

Comments

  1. NanaFebruary 24, 2022 at 8:55 AM

    mmm Candy ... so many. I can imagine that missionaries sleep HARD each night ... mortal body just can't handle The Holy Spirit non-stop, until it changes their very nature and make-up ... but still <3 but I love my Elder Jules ... prayers and name in Temple <3

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