The Elders were at the Church in Krefeld today, and it was sunny and glorious! It hasn't been that nice in a long time, and Elder Heilmann said it felt GREAT!
.jpg)
This morning, Elder Heilmann logged in to his old Skype account to see if it would be helpful in his teaching. He didn't expect to see chats with old friends from 2014! He loved the feelings of nostalgia! What a treasure trove.
Then Tristan decided it was time to introduce his bro to his latest obsession, "Centaurworld." It had the opposite effect. It totally freaked Elder Heilmann out. He said it was just "too weird" even for him. That's really saying something!
Elder Heilmann had a chance to chat with a convert in Duisburg who was having a hard time. He said he was able to listen and give counsel, and it was a pleasant experience. It really helped him see his own work as a missionary being a positive example and influence. Elder Heilmann told the friend, "If you want to find yourself, you need to lose yourself." He shared Alma 34:41 and encouraged him to continue to work with patience and hope that he will one day rest. Elder Heilmann counseled, "It's not going to just get better on its own." It's going to take time, patience, and faith.
We require challenging circumstances and tough times so that, on the other side, we can learn to STILL choose God. Sorrow helps up to appreciate happiness and increases our capacity for joy.
Another way Elder Heilmann has worked hard is by helping his companion with his German pronunciation. They are also working on improving grammar and sentence structure.
Elder Heilmann is still mistaken for a native German speaker, however. "Your name's Heilmann, and you speak German. But you are from America?? Wait. Stop. No, you're not!" He said he gets proud of himself, and Heavenly Father says, "I gave you that!" He emotionally hides and says, "YES! Thank you! Don't take it away!! I need that!!" ;)
"Today has been a good nice relaxing day." He bought his favorite food, au gratin potatoes. They are right next to France, so he was excited when he found it. It's total soul food.
He also found a new favorite candy, Krusten Kandis. It's raw rock candy. It comes in all stages of refinement, and since they look like crystals (his favorite), he is in sugar shock heaven! They are typically used to sweeten tea, but Elder Heilmann was just crunching away.
At Edeka today, he picked up another favorite. Krauterbonbon. We know it as Ricola in the States. "Just herbs and honey. So nummy!"
While they were out, Elder Heilmann also got a haircut. (Do ALL the THINGS!) His barber "speaks English, but he sounds Australian...but he's Arabic." Also, since Elder Heilmann has been their so long, his barber recognizes him and they are gaining a rapport with each other.
It's not just his barber, either. People at the Citizens Office recognize him now since he's been there three times. First with Elder Jones, then Elder Wright, and Elder Lehman. Krefeld is finally growing on him, but he really would like to be transferred. His words, "If I stay, I will probably go insane! LOL I love Krefeld. I just don't want to be here anymore."
_______________________________________________________________________
More Daily Doings
Since the walk isn't too far from the church, they hooved it rather than taking the bus. It was too beautiful a day to not take advantage of it. The Elder's, back in their natural habitat of fabulously painted Sprite can striped walls and Kermit colored carpet, called us back for more fun and chatting. Of course Elder Heilmann was eating his crystals and mashed potatoes. "Mashed potatoes in Germany are so good!" That's a change! He used to think it was so nasty. Kartoffelpüree with fish sticks. Mmm boy! Tasty!
We chatted at great length about the family, keeping him all up to date. He also played with Aveline, a bunch; he and Elder Lehman. It was super sweet. I love seeing him so relaxed and happy.
He told us about how he needs to clean the apartment before a work crew comes in. It sounds like one of the Senior Missionary couples will do a pre-inspection before the work order. So funny. The kitchen floor is slanted and dented. It's a very old apartment! As I mentioned before, the carpet is literally Kermit green and gross. Elder Heilmann said it's a totally different color in the corners where no one walks. All other parts are as hard as a rock.
He and Elder Wright did a lot of organizing, purging, and cleaning while they were together. But some things just can't be cleaned anymore. Its' been a mission apartment for a very long time. It sounds like a really cool space, actually.
I think the most triumphant moment in our conversations was when he told me he has been practicing ironing a crease in his pants and...drum roll, please... "I finally understand when you told me to fold on the crease!"
My work here is done, ladies and gentlemen... "Sometimes, I make two creases, and by the time I am done getting one out, my pants smell roasted!"...well, almost done. ;)
More Missionary Work
After Pday is over, they are going shopping for Michael. After that, they will do Come Follow Me with the Lauches family; Lauches every Thursday, Lubbers every other Friday. Both are German families. After that, they will just call previous contacts to make appts.
Right now, they are actively teaching 6 different friends. That is keeping them very busy! Elder Heilmann also "asked God to make my weaknesses strengths, and He's crushing the weaknesses out of me...and I'm really tired." But he knows that he will be even MORE tired when he goes to a new area!
They use the TTI plan; Teach. Testify. Invite. Some areas, like his in Krefeld, make around 5-6 contacts a month. Others can do hundreds! He said he is looking forward to being in an area where people are more open but knows that it comes with a price. He's so ready!
We chatted about his brother Tristan's mission plan after that. We contemplated how much fun it would be for Tristan to serve in a Church History site. He loves history and has a desire to serve. How cool would THAT be? Elder Heilmann was the one who suggested it, too. He really knows his brother so well and believes in him. It's totally awesome.
More Quirky Germany
Germany has Day Light Savings. They just switch two weeks after we do in America!
_____________
It's always a joy and a pleasure to chat with Elder Heilmann. We are so grateful for technology that offers this great gift and for recording software that allows me to share these moments with you! We hope you have enjoyed another installment of an American Missionary in Germany.
Comments
Post a Comment