Saturday, September 22, 2018

Sept. 15-21, 2018

This week is going so fast - we must be busy.  I seem to shop, cook, study and prepare for assignments over and over every day.  We start each week on Monday with District meeting.  I was asked to share what I had experienced so far with the 21 Day Book of Mormon challenge.  I am so grateful for the scriptures and talks that we have studied the past 20 days that have truly taught me and helped prepare me to answer others questions.  Every day I have learned something that helped me in a situation that day.  Day 14 and Day 17 are linked together and I would like to share a few thoughts.  The scriptures are taken from Moroni 6:1-9 and Moroni 7:1-40.  Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2005 talked about The Virtue of Kindness.  He said, "The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings.  The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other."  He shared why we should attend church:
1.  Our names are taken so we might be remembered
2.  We can be nourished by the good word of God
3.  We can fast and pray
4.  Speak together to know about each other
5.  Partake of the sacrament in remembrance of Christ
6.  Repent and seek forgiveness with real intent, receive forgiveness
Pres. Thomas S. Monson asked, "What Have I Done for Someone Today?"  He said, "Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely, and do something for him or her."
We learn in Moroni 7 that all things that are good cometh of God.  Miracles have not ceased; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.  Charity never faileth and is the pure love of Christ.
I am so grateful for those who help me to feel welcome at church and reach out to me and translate the lessons.  I feel like I am a fly on the wall many times just watching and listening and not saying anything.  At times that is frustrating, but then I get a peace within that tells me, it is OK, you are hear to serve in different ways.  We continue to visit those who are lonely and it lifts my spirits.  I am learning that we each have needs and there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference in someone's life.  I am grateful for the many angels in my life and I know that the Lord needs each one of us to be His hands and be the ministering angel to someone today.

We were invited back to Katarina's home for lunch.  I shared her picture and story two weeks ago.  I just wanted to go visit and said we would come for a visit, but did not need food.  She said, no, I want to feed you.  She was so excited to have us.  She had been cooking all morning.  She said she usually feeds 4 or 5 and not just two.  So, of course she fixed enough for 5 and expected us to eat it all.  I was grateful for a Tender Mercy before we left home.  I bought her some flowers and decided to put them in a little bag to carry on the tram.  When we got there I took the flowers out of the bag and gave them to her.  I put the bag in the backpack.  She served us soup and then brought out the rice, potatoes, chicken patties, bratworst, large salad, cucumbers, apples, grapes, tomatoes, bread and crepes for dessert.  She kept apologizing for not having any mayonnaise for the salad.  We assured her we did not need it.  We took a bite of the brot and it was almost raw.  I did not know how I would eat it.  I did not want to get sick.  I put other food on my plate and ate it and prayed she would go in the kitchen.  I grabbed the backpack and took out the sack (tender mercy) and as soon as she left, I took the meat and put it in the sack.  I can't believe I did that, but it was the only way I was going to survive.  The best part was the crepes - at least we ended the meal good.  We actually had a very nice visit.  Russ was able to understand her Croatian German English talking a little better.  We were happy because we could see how happy she was that she had company and someone to cook for.  We prayed with her and I know she felt love at least for a little bit that day.

 They took the scaffolding down that has been around the Munster and we could enter in the front doors.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We go every Saturday morning to an organ concert.  I love to go hear the sounds from the organ fill the whole of the building.  We went back on Sunday evening just for a walk and there was a man playing the organ getting ready for the 8:00 pm service.  It was nice to just sit and listen to him.  I continue to be in awe of this building that was built in the 1300's and the work that went into  this place so that people could worship.

Finally can see the clock tower and other features.  















Tuesday, P-Day we drove to Bern Switzerland to
attend the Temple.  38 years ago we were able to attend this Temple.  It has been renovated since then and it is beautiful.  The Elder's wanted to come with us so we had a wonderful drive with them and then took them to lunch.  Switzerland is very expensive, but we resisted the temptation and did not go to McDonalds. We have been here two months and have not been to McDonalds, so not much of a temptation.  French, German, Italian and English are spoken here and that was a very interesting experience.  Two buildings, the Munster and the Temple built for worship of our Savior Jesus Christ and yet so different.  I am in awe of both structures  
for different reasons.  I am most grateful to be able to enter the House of the Lord, The Temple and participate in the Holy ordinances of baptism, endowments and Sealings for Eternal Families.  The Swiss Temple was the first European Temple and was also the first to use modern technology to aid in the translation for the ordinances.  I hope we will be able to go back soon.  It is a two hour drive and over our normal mileage allotment for our car.  We are looking at taking the bus next time.  Always an adventure.

The Elder's we work with currently are Elder Silva from Portugal and Elder Falkena from Holland.


This has been a busy week of cooking again.  I cooked on Monday night for Family Home Evening
and it was my turn to cook on Wednesday night for Institute. I made my friend, Sharon Dees' favorite recipe of zucchini, tomatoes and onions for the vegetarian kids and had some left over.  It was so good and I wanted to use it for something. I am still learning the best things to cook and they all like Italian.  So, I cooked lasagna, a family favorite. I pureed the vegetables and made a homemade sauce for the lasagna.  It was wonderful.  I love finding new foods that work. I also did carrots, green beans and zucchini  that turned out great (first time to cook it with recipe).  I made an Olive Garden Salad, homemade bread and Granola Bars for
dessert.  We had 24 last week and so I planned for that number and we only had 10.  That didn't seem to matter, they ate almost all of it and what was left they asked if they could take it home.  I am learning the German way that if you put out a plate of brownies or cookies and offer them, they think they have to eat the whole plate.  I couldn't believe one group ate the whole pan one night because I put the whole pan out.  Now I know to just put out the number that are there and then you can always offer more, but even when you don't expect them to eat it all if it is on the plate in front of them, they think they have to eat it.  Even the vegetarians were happy because there  were so many vegetables and salad that they had a meal just with that. This is how you buy herbs in the market produce section.  For $1 you get this whole plant and take it home to use for the week.  I am loving the fresh herbs in my cooking.  I have always just used fresh parsley for decoration with food and I have used it a lot in my cooking here.  It is soooo good!

I finished my presentation on Friday that we will be giving next week in Salzburg Austria at Senior's Conference.  I compiled a 40 page reference book on Recipes for Vegetarians, cooking for a large group and also how to cook inexpensive and quick meals for missionaries.  So glad I had some of my previous projects on my computer.  We had it printed to day and put each one in binders.  We also made 40 oatmeal packets so that each participant will take one home.  It is one of the recipes in the book.  Russ could not help me with all of the computer work in putting together the resources, but I put him to work today assembling everything.  It was a good day for both of us to be able to work together on a project.  IKEA is the only place I can get small zip lock bags, so we got to make an IKEA run.  It is always fun to walk through and see the new things.  We found a few more things than zip-lock bags!:)  I am so glad to be ready for the Conference and now I don't have to worry about it.  We will be on the road for the next week.  We will visit the little branch in Lahr on Sunday (our monthly visit) and then we are off to District Meeting on Monday.  It is not that far, but it takes most of the day by the time we drive, have a meeting, eat lunch and drive home.  We will leave on Tuesday morning for Salzburg.  We are taking a side trip and will stop and see some sights along the way.  We have reservations at the same hotel we stayed in 35 years ago when we visited Salzburg.  We will report on our trip next week.

NO PICTURES!!!
So Thursday was a beautiful 80* day.  We went to visit Amira like we do every Thursday.  She lives next to a park that has a nice lake.  We walk around the lake if we have time.  We have been there on really hot days and this was just a pleasant nice day.  There were more sunbathers and swimmers than we had ever seen. As we were walking I noticed a lady on the edge of the lake toweling off - I don't need to say more.  We walked a little further and I was sure it was a man sunbathing in his speedo, but Oh No - it was a woman.  I immediately said eyes right and don't turn your head to Russ. Apparently when it is too hot they don't want to get sunburned and this was a beautiful day to just bask in the sun.  OK, I can here you say, boy is she naive and why can't Russ look.  Let's just say we are trying to follow the Mission White Handbook of Rules. 
File Photo from last week, but this is the spot!



Saturday's are always busy as we get ready for Sunday and the next week.  We started our day at a large flea market held at a park by our home.  We were looking for walking sticks.  They are a really big thing here for people to use with all of the walking and climbing.  Elderly people use them instead of canes.  We have one set and were looking for another set.  I have also looked at Nativity Sets - not that I need any more, but it is in my blood.  We are anxious for the Christmas markets that start in November.  As I have looked, they are very expensive.  I found one at a flea market a few weeks ago and did not buy it.  I have regretted that decision.  So, today we were getting ready to leave and a lady was still unwrapping a beautiful Italian Nativity that was her Grandmothers.  We bought it before she could even get it all unpacked.  I came home and researched its value on the internet and I got a really good find.  When we traveled to Italy, it was the wrong time of year for Nativities and the ones they had out were way too expensive for me to buy.   I will wait until Christmas to show pictures.  We attended the Saturday Organ Concert and it was the best one so far.  She played the organ like it was meant to be played in a church.  It was very festive in town today.  I think the cooler fall weather and lots of tour groups made it a wonderful day. 

There are many vendors and street entertainers. This man was playing the accordion with all these stuffed animals that moved to the music.  The little children were all gathered around and loved being entertained.  I was entertained as well!
We went to a Baptism of an 8 year old girl at the Church.  Her grandparents were there and we talked with them and found out the grandmother is from the Philippines and knows Pam and Ruel Lacanienta who are serving as Mission Presidents there.  They live about an hour away but are actually in our Ward.  They are the only members of the Church in Tittisee (the city we visited two weeks ago).  They invited us to their home and we hope to be able to go and visit them soon. 
We ended our night with a walk and tram ride to downtown and our weekly gelato.  We missed last week so it was especially good tonight. 
We hope you have a wonderful Sunday and remember to find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for him or her today.
Viel Leiba,
The Grimmett's












Saturday, September 15, 2018

Sept. 8-14, 2018 The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music

I have a new appreciation for the words,  "The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music".  We visited another city in The Black Forest on P-Day called Triberg.

They boast to have the two largest cuckoo clocks in the World.
The one on the right is the oldest (38 years old) and the entire little house is the cuckoo clock.  On the back side you walk in and there is a little shop and the daughter-in-law of the man who built the clock runs the exhibit.  The inside is all of the workings of the clock. He built a replica of the small clocks but out of wood many times larger.  They showed us how the bellows work for the cuckoo to come out and sing.  It was very interesting inside and then you go out to a beautiful park setting with benches and nice gardens to watch the chime and movement on the clock.  It was well worth the 2 Euro to see it.  We visited the newer larger clock, but it was very commercial and more money.  The cuckoo was not very impressive and it was not near as nice as this original.
The woodcutter chops the wood about every 2 minutes.  There is a working water wheel on the side.













Larger newer clock that was nice, but very commercial.
I like authentic.  The man who built the clock had many wood carvings around and he had a complete  child size tractor with attached roller all carved from wood.

Every shop in town was a clock shop.  Thousands of clocks that are all made there.  So, the Hills are alive with the Sound of Music every 30 minutes as many of the clocks chime and cuckoo. 

One of the shops with another working clock outside.  Smaller, but very cute.  So I was standing on the street taking the picture of the store with all of the other tourists and then we went in the store.  I then realized I had been there before.  I remember standing in that very same place 37 years ago when we visited Germany and Austria.  We drove through this area on our way to Vienna.  I will have to find the picture when I get home and compare pictures.




 The town also is known as the city with Germany's highest waterfalls.  Water of Gutach falls 160 meters down into seven cascades to the valley.  Being from Twin Falls Idaho, I know what magnificent falls are, but these had a beauty of their own.  We hiked the 1.3 km to the top, walked across that bridge and walked back to town.  It was beautiful being higher than the city and looking out over the great expanse. 
 For my literary friends, this was a place Ernest Hemingway visited and fished in the river in August 1922. 
 This is the organ in the Baroque pilgrimage church "Maria in der Tanne".  This church is home to one of the most importent baroque altars in South-west Germany.  Of all the churches I have been in, this is the smallest, but by far the most ornate.  I have come to love the organs in each of the churches.  We enjoy going every Saturday to the Organ recitals in our Munster in Freiburg.  We went today and it was completely packed with people.  It is amazing to me how many people come to hear the organ.  We think it holds about 1,000 people.










This Church was built in 1645.

It would be nice if all we did was visit these beautiful places, but we are here doing a much greater work.  We meet with the Young Adults every Monday and Wednesday night.  This week we started the Fall Institute classes and it was so nice to have most of the students back after the summer break.  There was an excitement in the air as they were gathering again.
I have been preparing for our Senior Couple Conference that will be in two weeks.  I have been asked to do a presentation on meal preparation for 2 and also ideas for feeding large groups.  With so many vegetarians here, they also want me to share recipes for cooking for them.  I have been looking for a recipe of potatoes and Brots that I could share with them.  So far the recipes they fix are all American foods.  It is hard to find many of the ingredients and 50% of our missionaries are from Europe.  So, I want to share more local recipes and ideas so that we can use the local markets and foods.  I think the other Senior Missionaries want them to have the comforts of home, but to so many of them, that does not mean the same thing.  So, back to my quest for recipes - On Wednesday we cook every other week.  I arrived Wednesday this week to help the other Sister and she was cooking the exact thing I had been searching for.  German Potatoes for a large group.  She is from Peru and speaks Spanish as her native language and a mix of German.  No English.  So it is always fun to communicate.  With a little help I was able to get her recipe. I have been so blessed to have experiences like this happen that seem so small, but make such a difference for me.   I have had fun experimenting with new foods and finding some new favorites.  I am grateful to share my knowledge and love of cooking for others with the other Senior Couples.  I have a tough act to follow - the speaker before me is teaching how to make apple strudel  and he will bake it while I teach and then we will get to sample.  I will let you know in two weeks how it goes.

This past week has been a very challenging week with my family.  The very difficult decision to move my Dad to Utah to a new Assisted Living facility has tried all of us in ways we had not expected.  It is hard being so far away.  Saturday, family members gathered and packed his current apartment and got him ready to move.  Sunday my sister, Pam was able to take him to her home in Utah for a few days until his furniture would arrive and the new apartment set up.  Unfortunately, some family members did not want him to leave his current home or Idaho.  None of us wanted him to get older and need more care.  However, that is life, especially when you are 97 years old.  I especially did not want to have to move him as I handle all of his financial affairs.  I had just spent the past year getting everything in order after my mother passed away.  We had all of his payments electronic and going smoothly.  It takes months to change and get new services and billings and the mail where it needs to be.  We had a good system going.  I wanted the change before I left  for Germany.  That was not to be.  So for me, I would now have to handle things from Germany.  It has been very busy and trying as I have to work with my time zone of 8 hours ahead and taking care of changing all of his things.  We have learned, it takes many people to make this all happen.  So, he is in Utah and will move into his new home on Monday.  He is happy and looking forward to it.  He misses his exercise class this week, but will get a new routine and life will be good.
In all of this, there have been some very hurt feelings and strained family relations.

 Last week I shared the 21 Day Book of Mormon challenge we are doing.  I am so grateful for this study and learning the past 14 days.  It could not have come at a better time.  I have needed the teachings each and every day.  I can't believe how every day has been just what I needed.  On day 13 this week I had an amazing experience.  3 Nephi 14:1-27  How Can I Strengthen My Relationship with My Loved Ones?  WOW - I needed this.  When I started reading I thought, oh, this family member needs to read this or that family member needs to read this and the more I read the more I knew it was just for me.  I needed it.  The conference address that goes with it is April 2012 Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy"
"The topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two word sermon . . . .STOP IT!"

He tells of a mother who was concerned about two of her children that had not talked to each other in a very long time.  She asked him to speak in conference about that and she knew her children would listen and follow his council.  He told how there have been strained and broken relationships since the beginning of time.  Cain and Abel.  He tilled the ground of his soul with envy and hatred and allowed these feelings to ripen until he did the unthinkable - many tragic stories in the Bible of similar circumstances where we justify our own feelings of resentment.  He said, "we ALL need a Savior who allowed for us to Repent and forgive." He said we never have righteous anger or that judging is OK.  Paul said to the Romans, "Those who judge others are inexcusable. I the Lord will forgive who I will, but of all men it is required to forgive."
Pres. Uchtdorf said, "Don;t judge me because I sin differently than you.  We are all sinners.  We all want mercy for the sins we have committed.  Don't deny grace for others that we desire for ourselves."  He said, it is easy to love those who love us, even the wicked can do that.  Love our enemies, bless those who persecute you.  We need a change of heart to forgive.  When we are filled with the love of God, something good and pure happens.
"There is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment.  We are not perfect.  The people around us are not perfect.  People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger.  In this mortal life it will always be that way.  Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things.  That is the Lord's way.
Lay your burden at the Savior's feet.  Let go of judgment.  Allow Christ's Atonement to change and heal your heart.  Love one another.  Forgive one another.  The merciful will obtain mercy."

As Russ and I read and studied these words together, we talked about all that had happened this past week with family.  We saw it was easy to judge and to be angry about some very hurtful things that were said and done.  When we focused on what we needed to do and not what others needed to do, it made all the difference.  When I laid the burden at the Savior's feet in fervent prayer and study, I experienced a change of heart.  A peace came that I had not had in days.  I am so grateful for these words of wisdom that were placed before me at just the right time.

We had Zone Conference in Zurich Switzerland today.  It was a beautiful overcast day and a nice drive.  It is always nice being with the other missionaries and our Mission President.  We had great training and then the 3 Senior Couples prepare lunch for everyone.  We had Taco Salad and Texas Sheet cake - We each prepare our assignment at home and bring it to the conference.  We left at 7:00 am and arrived back home at 7:00 pm. We take our missionaries with us and it is always fun to be with them.  They are always happy when Sister Grimmett is driving.    
One of the other Missionary couples serving in our District is from Utah.  They received word early this morning that their neighborhood had been evacuated during the night.  They built their dream retirement home and lived in it 4 months before they came to Germany on their mission.  It is vacant while they are here and they just kept getting pictures of the mountain burning and getting closer to their home.  Please keep them in your prayers.  It is not looking good this evening and the fires have spread to over 68,000 acres.  This is when we have to,"trust God enough to accept the reality that he knows perfectly both what we have to offer and what we desire - that is a special form of trust." Neal A. Maxwell

We had our first "Get to know the neighbors bar-b-q tonight."  Everyone was invited by our neighbors and about 9 neighbors came.  It was nice to meet the people we have been passing or seeing the past 8 weeks.  They said they usually have a Christmas party as well.  We took Salsa and Chips - they said they were expecting it to be Texas hot and afraid to eat it.  It was hotter than I usually make it, but they could have taken it hotter.  We told them about our tradition of delivering chips and salsa to our neighbors at Christmas time.  They said, they people who lived in your apartment before you (the missionary couple we replaced) delivered cakes to everyone last year.  We told them to expect Salsa.  They said, we don't do that in Germany.  They said they had never heard of giving a gift to neighbors. 
We are so grateful for each one of you who read our story.  That means you have had an influence in our life in some way.  We enjoy hearing from you as well. Have a great week and keep praying for those who are effected by all of the natural disasters that are happening around the world.  Do something good today.
I finally got to buy some planters, dirt and flowers.  It was good to have my hands in the dirt.  Flowers make me happy.  Fall is beautiful. 



Monday, September 10, 2018

Grandpa's Move

There are so many life lessons to be learned.  Every day I am learning I CAN DO HARD THINGS.  Brian and Beth implemented that phrase in their home this summer.  When Will and Nora got frustrated or didn't think they could do something, they would say, "I can do hard things" and they would keep trying or change their attitude.  We thought that was so cute and were grateful for the lesson.  I have to honestly say I was glad I was not a little child and faced with so many learning experiences that resulted in saying, "I can do hard things."  So three months later I find myself reflecting on that experience in their home and grateful for the lesson taught to me by my grandchildren.  I am learning you are never to old to need the phrase, "I can do hard things."


My Dad turned 97 on July 22, 2018.  We were in the MTC preparing to leave for our mission to Germany.  We were able to spend the afternoon with family to celebrate this special man.  With 5 children, 29 grandchildren and 79 and counting great grandchildren it was a large gathering of the Haney Clan.  Many of the grandchildren were not able to be there.  We had a family picture and a nice picnic.  I wish we could have gathered together around Grandpa and listened to his memories and stories.  He has a greater memory of the past than of current events.  We need to hear his stories while he can still tell them.  Most people were more excited to play and swim in the water than to honor the man we all gathered to celebrate.  He was happy to just sit and watch his posterity and was so grateful to have them together.  His only nephew and living relative, Terry Haney, and his wife came to see him.  We had not seen him in about 30 years.  Shirley Bradshaw and Janet Gardner, nieces on my mother's side also attended.
With his advancing years and the need for additional care, we as a family were faced with looking at new options for his living arrangements.  This is not an easy task.  Dad always says, "getting old is not for sissy's".  We cannot even begin to walk in his shoes - not many can, so we have to do the best we can.
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley said in one of his last General Conference addresses: "I am now in my 97th year.  The wind is blowing, and I feel like the last leaf on the tree."  That is probably a good description of how my Dad is feeling today.
 In Alma 37:37 it says, "Counsel with the Lord in all they doings, and he will direct thee for good."
As his children, we all knew there needed to be a change made.  George and his family had been doing the majority of care giving the past year.  We each had helped in our own way during that time and found it took many people to keep his affairs in order and trying to keep his life as "normal" as possible.  He lived in Bridgeview Independent living and the residents and staff were very appreciative and amazed at the care he received from his family.  Someone was with him every day.  We each saw his needs in our own way.  George had contacted me and said his family needs were changing and they would need help in caring for him.  We had looked at hiring help, but with the cost of living in the nicest facility in Twin Falls to add paid help would be difficult.  George knew there needed to be a change, but his idea was to have more family involved daily.  That was not really possible with the few that actually live in town and with their family needs.  Dad also needs consistency in his care.  He has a hard time discerning between family and care givers.  He does not expect his grandchildren to be his caregivers.  So, we needed to find some other options.  We looked at everything Twin Falls had to offer.  There were not very many options for assisted living.  My sister, Pam, retired from her job and offered to have him stay with her in Utah.  Dad did not think that would be a good choice and wanted it to work out where he was.  He wishes and thinks he can take care of himself.  So, Pam looked at what was available in her area.  She found Legacy House in Bountiful.  We scheduled for Tad to bring him to Utah and look at it and see if he would be comfortable there.  Unfortunately, George and his family were not agreeable to this solution.  They assumed things that were not true and tried to stop the move from Bridgeview with no real options,  At this point, I contacted my brothers and sisters and asked them to meet together in a family council.  I asked them to start with prayer and ask for the Lord's help in coming to a decision.  As stated above in Alma, counseling with the Lord in all thy doings allows him to direct us for good!  We need all the help we could to make a wise decision.
Pres. Thomas S. Monson said, "We progress by making choices by which we are tested to show that we will keep God's commandments.  We have been given agency to choose between alternatives."  In 2 Nephi 2, Lehi gives council to his son Jacob:  "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.  If not so, ...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness, nor misery, neither good nor bad."  So, it was good to have everyone bring their concerns and ideas to the table and discuss them.
It goes on in 2 Nephi 2:23 to say, ...because it is opposition that enables choice and it is the opportunity of making the right choices that leads to the growth that is the purpose of the Father's plan.
The meeting was held and everyone put their opinions and options on the table.  Some came more prepared than others.  I was not able to participate, but had given my support to my sisters and brother Tad to be my voice.  I have learned so much this week as we have dealt with the decision and also the move.  It has been hard being so far away and still responsible for so much of my fathers care.  I handle all of the financial decisions and transactions.  In church on Sunday, we studied the Conference address by Pres. Russell M. Nelson given in April 2018.  I have watched his council and warnings come to fruition as I have watched what has happened in my family this past week.
He said, "When we convene as a Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, our meeting rooms become rooms of revelation.  The Spirit is palpabley present.  As we wrestle with complex matters, a thrilling process unfolds as each Apostle freely expresses his thoughts and point of view.  Though we may differ in our initial perspectives, the love we feel for each other is constant.  Our unity helps us to discern the Lord's will for His Church.  In our meetings, the majority never rules!  We listen prayerfully to one another and talk with each other until we are united.  Then when we have reached complete accord, the unifying influence of the Holy Ghost is spine-tingling!  We experience what the Prophet Joseph Smith knew when he taught, "By union of feeling we obtain power with God."  No member of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve would ever leave decisions for the Lord's Church to his own best judgment!"
After all of the discussion and options, Dad agreed to go to Utah to check out the facility.  Arrangements were made and he was very pleased.  He was so happy to see that he would not be the only man at church there.  He would be able to attend Church and all of the meetings.  He was happy with the room he was able to select out of three choices.  There was one choice left in Twin Falls at a new facility.  No decisions were made that day as they wanted him to see all choices.  He went back to Twin Falls and knew in his heart what would be best for him.  The new facility in Twin Falls was nice and new, but it did not have all of the things he could get in Utah.  So, a date was set for moving and arrangements were made.  George was still not happy with the decision and wanted other options.  Even though the Girls in the family did a lot of research and talking with Dad, in the end Dad wanted his "Boys" to make the decision.  Dad, George, Tad and Irene were given the opportunity to meet together and discuss what would be.  According to Dad and Tad there was a good discussion and honest feelings shared with tears and love.  In the end, George and Tad hugged and agreed to the move.  So, we felt that prayers had been answered and that counseling as a family was working.  Unfortunately, there were family members (grandchildren) who did not know all that was going on or that had been taking place.  They had their own opinions and Oh, how the opposition began.  It was a very difficult past few days for all of us.  I am so grateful for the Tender Mercies that have come my way.  Just when I needed strength and support, the right scripture or conference talk would be put before me in my studies and peace and answers would come.  I have shared many of those thoughts here today.  I am so grateful that I do not need to do this alone.  When opposition attacks me individually or my family, it is easy to take offense.  It is amazing to take that opposition and see the purpose of it and then move forward for the greater good.  I have learned much and know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, guides and directs me.  I know I have received answers to my prayers and that can not be taken from me no matter what others say or think.  I know that I CAN DO HARD THINGS.  I know that my Dad will be blessed as he embarks on another new phase of his life.  So many of the things that he was concerned about have been laid to rest.  His final visit to his Doctors this week confirmed to him that he will have great care in Utah.  The next weeks, months and possibly years will not be easy.  Each day will bring new challenges to him.  With all of our prayers and support he too will be able to do hard things.  The opposition we have faced has made us all stronger and allowed us to seek and find inner peace and assurance that our prayers have been answered.  As we continue to strive to be obedient and to Come Unto Christ in all that we do, He will direct our paths.
Some use personal reasoning or wisdom to resist prophetic direction and give themselves a label, "the loyal opposition".  Good for democracy - No warrant for good in God's government where questions are honored but opposition is not.  Some things can only be learned by Faith and a witness from the Holy Ghost.  I am grateful for this truth.  I am grateful for the lessons learned.  I pray for better days ahead and happiness and comfort for my wonderful Dad, George. 

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Sept. 1-8, 2018

Summer is officially over for this area.  School for the children started on Monday.  The streets are filling with people and so many mothers with children and strollers.  The University does not start until the 25th of September so some of the Young Adults are still on holiday.

Monday is our District Meeting with 8 other Missionaries.  We drove to Schwenningen, about an hour away and always enjoy the drive and the meeting.  We fix lunch for everyone and it is always a good day.  It is about 60 km away, but on a very winding road up into the Black Forest.  It is not the autobahn!  I love to drive and I do most of the driving and Russ is the navigator - that means he puts the destination in the GPS and makes sure I follow the instructions.
All of Europe is doing a 21 Day Book of Mormon Challenge.  It is 21 days of questions that many people have asked and are looking for the answer.  We are on day 4 and it has been a wonderful learning experience for us as we have studied the scriptures and the General Conference addresses that explain it.  I would like to share a little of Day 1.  Is There A God?  Alma 22:1-26
"The most powerful being in the universe is the Father of your Spirit.  He knows you.  He loves you with a perfect love."  Elder Dieter Uchtdorf, You Matter to Him, Oct. 2011 Ensign
God said we are the reason He created the universe!
Paradox of man:  compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God.
YOU MATTER TO HIM
1.  God loves the humble and meek
2.  The Lord entrusts the gospel to be proclaimed by the weak and simple unto the ends of the world.
3.  No matter what - you are not invisible to Heavenly Father.  He loves you.
4.  What you see and experience now is not what forever will be.
I know I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to atone for the sins, afflictions, illness, etc. of all mankind that we can return home to Him.  I would not be in Germany at this time if I did not know that truth and I could not be here doing what we are doing if I did not know that and feel of His love every day - even when it is hard.  I know that God in His greatness will consecrate my afflictions for my good.  When I look back on my life and see all that He has done with this girl from Idaho, "I Stand All Amazed."

  We have worked really hard this past week and I have cooked a lot.  We had people over 3 times last week.  We had dinner with 4 of the Young Adults and we had a family over for Family Home Evening.  A lot of people in Germany, especially the young people are Vegetarian so I am getting really good at salads and vegetables.  I had no idea two years ago when we changed our diet to help Russ with his diabetes that it would be a huge help to me serving a mission.  I was encouraged by many and especially James Borst to compile a recipe book of all my recipes.  I worked on it for about a year and promised him I would complete it before we left.  With the help of family, we were able to publish it in June.   Linda's Cookbook can be ordered at Lulu.com  (I am not looking for sales, just knew if I wrote about it someone would ask).  This is one of those times you look back and see the hand of the Lord in all that we do.  Nothing is by chance.  I am grateful I have a little knowledge and some great recipes that I can use when I need to feed people who don't eat meat.  My cinnamon rolls are becoming a favorite of the people and I have had a few requests.  So glad to have my new Bosch mixer to make them in.  I make bread a couple of times a week.  I am starting to really like all of the different flours that are available and how to use them.  Russ gets a lot of reading done while I cook.

P-Day!  We decided with all we have been doing it is time to travel out of Freiburg for P-Day.  Picture Time!



                                                                   Waiting for the Bus to Titisee.
 We went to Titisee (titty-zee).  It is a beautiful lake in the middle of the Black Forest.  We are just learning that the significance of the forest.  It is mystical, enchanting and the source of beautiful clocks, cakes and ham.
It was an hour bus ride and so nice to let someone else do the driving on the winding road.  It was a bus filled with older people and we are now in that group.  It is the beginning of the off season and so very nice to not have so many people in town.  The bus runs every 30 minutes and most of them were full.
We took the ferry boat around the lake. There are
 4 boats that run every 30 minutes and it is a beautiful ride.  It is only 5 Euro each and worth much more.  They have all kinds of water craft to rent.  You can rent for 7 Euro a paddle boat that seats 4 (the ones with the red top) or canoes or small power boats  and also these fun paddle boats that have slides on them to have fun out in the water.  There is camping on the far side of the lake and there were still a lot of campers.  There are hotels all along the water, a beautiful place to vacation.
 This is the boat we sailed on.  The Lake is very clear and they say it is clean enough to drink.  It has many fresh water fish including rainbow trout, perch, eel and many more.  It freezes in the Winter to 60 m thick and is used for ice skating, curling and other winter sports.  We will go back in the winter and check it out.  There is also a World Cup ski jump that was used in the Olympics many years ago.  It is still used for World Cup. 
 It was a beautiful day, but overcast early in the day.  I wish you could see, but that mountain to the right is the one I posted two weeks ago that we climbed on  and watched the paragliders. The pictures are looking down on this lake that we went to today.  
 This is a building with a working clock and movement with dancers and bird that actually work.  We looked at a lot of clocks.  There are so many kinds and they are all made in this region.  We will probably return before we come home so that we can bring one home with us.  We also went to a shop that has the original Black Forest ham. It is famous because of how it is smoked and cured.  We were deciding which piece of meat to purchase and the owner came up to us and asked if we would like a sample.  It was so good.  He asked where we were from.  We must have looked real American.  We told him we
 were from Texas and he liked us immediately.  He said he has friends in Texas - Palo Pinto and comes to visit them.  He said last year he came and bought a 1968 Mustang Shelby.  He said, "Come with me."  We followed him to the back of the store to his office.  He turned on his computer, and there was his white with blue stripe Mustang.  He shipped it to Germany and drives it here.  He loves it on the autobahn at 150+ speeds.  He likes to go to the Motor Speedway in Texas.  He treated us like his long lost friend.  So, we of course bought some ham and salami (some of the best we have every had) and pretzels.  He gave us a free bag (sells for 2 Euro) and we went on our way.  There were a lot of restaurants to choose from and the big thing here is a Cafe (they only serve drinks and ice cream).  We decided to eat at a local vendor and eat down on the beach.  Best decision.  We had a huge plate of fried potatoes and wurst.  It was so good and so inexpensive.  Just gave me more money to shop.

The picture above is for Emily.  One of the things of the forest is witches.  The stores had many displays like this of witches for sale.  There are lots of fairies and gnomes from the forest as well.

This is a picture out on the boat looking into the city.




I did a little reading before we went to know the best places to go and what to do.  There was a top 10 list.  The see (lake) was #1 and taking the boat ride.
#2 The clocks that are made in the area.  The are expensive and very fragile and many are now electric.
#3 The Black Forest Ham - experience above
#4 The famous Black Forest Cake.  I made this cake for Russ when he graduated from BYU with his Master's Degree.  It has always been one of his favorites.  To us it was a chocolate, cherry and cream cake.  I read that in the Black Forest the original is known for the wonderful cherry kirsche that the bottom layer is soaked in and also the cherries on top.  Many shops had them for sale.  We looked and decided we better wait to try.  We asked our Bishop's wife if they ate the cake and she said, "Oh no, not from the stores - we make it at home without the liquor." We stopped at the Gelato stand and got our favorite instead.  Probably had kirsche in it too-
                                                                we won't ask!
We had our first experience being invited to a sweet ladies home for lunch in true missionary fashion.  She is from Croatia and speaks a mixture of German and her native language.  She mixes in a few English words.  She lives by herself and has a married daughter that visits only occasionally.  We knew it would be an adventure.  She fixed us so much food.  She would not eat with us and expected us to eat all that she fixed.  We started with potato soup.  That would have been enough for me.  Then she brought us mashed potatoes and chicken - enough for 4 people.  She had a large (you can see it in the picture) plate of tomatoes and cucumbers in vinegar.  Well, Russ does not eat tomatoes so he said, you take those and I will eat the meat and potatoes.  She had large rolls and the plate of fruit.  Grapes and 6 plums.  She had 3 bottles of water and juice and ended with a chocolate roll cake.  I ate 3 plums and grapes, most of the tomatoes and cucumbers and two pieces of chocolate roll.  She kept saying she was sorry there was not more food but that she was not able to go to the store because of her health.  That was a Tender Mercy that there was not more food.  I kept telling Russ to tell her that we were not 19 year old boys with big appetites.  Russ only understood about every 5th word.  We would ask her questions and she did not understand him so she would just talk.  We finally looked at photos of her and her family.  I am sure she has an interesting story of leaving Croatia.  All of her family left about 18 years ago.  Her siblings all went to the United States.  She came to Germany.  When we left she made us take the leftover grapes and plums.  She wanted us to take all of the drinks and bread and we promised her we would come back and to save it for next time.  I am getting really good at smiling and hugging and that day eating.  She was so willing to do for us with so little.  It was hard for me to see the sacrifice.  She is so lonely and was so happy to have someone come and visit.  She is not a member of our Church but she loves the missionaries so she invites them to eat.

We had another Bar-b-q with the YSA out at the Garden.  This is the next door garden with lots of tomatoes and a fun area for their kids.  Everyone brings their own food to grill and it is so good.  We are getting really good at brats in the best brotchen (roll).
I know I write about a lot of food.  We decided to track our steps and miles today and we walked over 3 miles just visiting and getting to appointments.  That is with riding the tram the greater distances.  So, food is good at least once a day to help keep us going. 

Russ was asked to speak in church again this Sunday.  This will be his third time to speak in 7 weeks.  He told them he just spoke 3 weeks ago and they said, that's OK, we would like you to speak again.  I am glad it is him and not me.  I would like to give a talk, just not in German, yet.
We have had a great week as we have studied and also had people in our home.  We had our first experience of waiting for the train and being approached by someone because they recognized our name tags.   A beautiful older woman was waiting as well and she looked at us and said, "are you from Utah?"  She even spoke in English.  We said, we were from Texas but had family in Utah.  She said she was from Switzerland and left as a young women and went to find a better life in America.  She traveled to 35 States.  She met a good young man from Germany and married him.  She had 1 son and he has 3 passports.  US, German and Swiss.  That means a lot to these people.  They moved back to Germany in their older years.  She was so nice to us and we had a great conversation.  She was all dressed up to go to town for the evening.  It was nice to have a friendly face and conversation.
We would love you hear from you and to get updates on the happenings in our life.  Have a great week.
Viel Liebe,
The Grimmett's

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Aug. 26-31, 2018

My last post on Saturday told about the phone call we received to go to Lahr Branch to church on Sunday.  I was prepared to just go and listen and even took some reading that I could do instead of not understand anything.  There were about 30 people in attendance and Russ helped with the meeting.  The Elder's Quorum President was presiding and conducting the meeting.  He came and asked me something in German.  I looked at him and said, "I don't speak German."  He looked at me and walked away.  I went up to the front quickly and asked Russ what he said.  He said he wanted us to both speak for a few minutes in the meeting.  I went and sat down and thought -  It is now or never.  I can do this with this small group.  So, the meeting started and after the opening business and the sacrament, the President stood up (this was the first time he had ever conducted and was very nervous) and he said the ehepaar (senior missionary couple) would be speaking.  Russ looked at me and said, "do you want to go first?"  I had notes that I have been studying for weeks and went to the podium and gave my testimony in German.  Just before the end I realized I had been speaking in German and was overcome with emotion.  I finished and went and sat down.  When I got to my seat it came very clear to me that I felt like Peter must have felt when Jesus walked out on the water towards the boat and seeing the disciples were troubled said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  ...And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." 
I know that the Spirit was with me for those few minutes of me speaking.  I know I felt amazed and faltered for a moment.  I know the peace that came to me and then the thoughts of Peter that put it all in perspective.  In the end, I know the Lord will bless us in our times of need.  I have felt His love and hand in mine.
I can't tell you the difference in the people because I spoke in German (or at least attempted).  Those who would not speak to me the week before came up and in English told me how much they felt the Spirit and knew I was speaking from my heart.  A sister visiting from England came and sat with me in the next meetings as she did not speak German either.  The Relief Society President sat next to me and interpreted the lesson.  I felt so welcome and it was a great day.  Building bridges one day at a time.


 Monday was District Meeting.  We decided that Skype is not a great way to participate in meetings and so we picked a place that everyone can drive about an hour and meet.  So we went to the city of Schwenningen.  It is a nice little city with a beautiful little chapel nestled in the middle of a neighborhood. Two of the missionaries are going home on Wednesday and One Elder has been reassigned to a new area so it was an emotional day of great memories and good byes.  Sister Lau (in the pretty dirndle) is going home and she wore this special dress.  I have been looking for one - lots of stores are now getting them in because of Oktoberfest coming up.  They are quite expensive and I am still looking. 
 Our Elder Batzke, from Berlin Germany,(front row left) is going home.  He has completed his 2 year mission.  We will really miss him.  He has been such a blessing to us.  He has been so patient and kind and helpful to us.  We have traveled many hours together and even in this short month we have grown to love him and his dedication to serving the Lord.  We hope to see him again soon when he returns for a visit. 
We fed the missionaries on Monday after the meeting.  I baked real bread (not my Italian bread) and we made ham and cheese sandwiches.  They loved the bread.  I made a chocolate cake called 4 way fudgey cake that you bake and then decorate with four different toppings.  Elder Batzke loves peanut butter cups so I put chopped up peanut butter cups (hard to find in Germany), M&M's, nuttella with chopped hazlenuts and plain powdered sugar as the toppings.  Let's just say I brought home an empty pan.

  Tuesday P-Day!
I know I post a lot of pictures of the Freiburg Munster (Cathedral) but I love it.  There is so much history.  We went to the museum today and it was filled with history.

 I hope you can see the detail in the steeple.  There are statues of leaders of area in 1300's, Prophets and gargoyles.  There are 10 Prophets and the only one they can identify is Moses.  So, they were put in the steeple when it was built in the 1300's and over the years, the sandstone weathered and some were completely faceless.  So in the 1960's they took them down and had exact replicas made and donated the statues to the city for the Museum.  They are huge - picture below of me standing at one to show size.  They are near the top of the steeple.  The next row down are statues of local leaders at the time it was built.  They have also been replaced.  Then at the top are the Gargoyles representing five of the Deadly Sins

It is amazing how they have them displayed in the museum and how old they are.  Again, the history is very interesting.  This room is three stories high with portals at each level to see better.

Gargoyles representing five of the 7 Deadly Sins:
Pride (knight), Greed (man with a pot), Lust (nude woman), Wrath (lion man) below, and Gluttony (pig)
Freiburg, 1300-1310






WRATH - LION MAN







Description of a Saint



Jesus on the Mount of Olives in the Garden of Gethsemane, Freiburg 1400



Mary at the birth of Jesus
Mary visited by the Angel
Jesus presented at the Temple
Wood carving from around 1500






We really enjoyed the museum and the rich art history that was displayed.  It is hard to comprehend the age of this artwork and the beauty that is still there.  We walked around town and explored new stores and then decided it was time to head home.  We decided to treat ourselves to our favorite gelato and so we stopped and ate some cheese bread and then the best gelato.  The Elder's passed by on the Tram and saw us eating outside and called on the phone and asked if we could meet them in town.  We quickly finished our gelato and walked back to meet them.  Elder Batzke was going home the next morning so that was good-bye.  It was perfect timing as we had purchased him a little treat for the train ride and we were able to give it to him.  We must really stand out for them to be passing by on the Tram and saw us among all the people.  I will call it a Tender Mercy.

Wednesday we shopped and prepared for a dinner we were having that night.  We invited a couple
that were married last week to come for dinner. We just had soup and salad with bread and a chocolate cherry torte. This is a picture of the salad I made.  They love salad here.  We had so much fun.  We ate and talked and then played a favorite card game, Quiddler.  We played until 10:30 pm and they were really good sports to play our English game.  We are planning to invite a few people each week for dinner so that we can get to know them better.



This past week has been very challenging for me and for my siblings.  It has been hard to be so far away from my family as decisions were being made to take care of the needs of my aging father.  He has been living in an Independent Living Apartment for the past 17 months.  He has done really well with the help of family members.  His needs are changing and those who have been helping needed some changes to be made.  There has been a lot of research and visiting facilities that would better meet his needs in the future.  I was hoping all of this could have been done before I came to Germany, but it was not to be.  After much prayer, a family council, and a trip to Utah for my Dad to tour a new location a decision was made to move him to Utah.  It is a coming "home" for him.  He moved from Denver Colorado when he was 20 years old to Salt Lake City.  It was at the beginning of the War and that is where he joined the Army Air Corp and also met my mother in the front of Hotel Utah.  Their first three children were born in Salt Lake and for 40 years it is where we visited Grandma and Grandpa's.  My mother is buried in Salt Lake and that will be his final resting place as well.  There are a lot of memories and also my Sister and many grandchildren  live in the area.  Change is never easy especially as we get older.  I am grateful to my siblings for working through the process and finding a solution.  It was very difficult and I know that the prayers offered and hours of talking made it all possible.

Families are returning from their summer vacations and the city is starting to come alive.  Our apartment building is starting to have sounds of children and everyone is getting ready for school to start in the next few weeks.  It has been very quiet and we have enjoyed it, but we are looking forward to meeting our neighbors and visiting more people as they return from holiday.  They take their holiday time very serious. They are starting to gear up for Oktoberfest and it is fun to see the shops decorate and get ready as well. September is bringing cooler weather and much needed rain.  We have a lot planned for this month with some travel to conferences.  We are learning the area better and shopping is getting much easier.  Every day is a learning experience.  We can't believe all that has happened in our first month.  We survived!  We begin Month 2!

Viel Liebe
The Grimmett's