Jan. 13-19, 2019

6 MONTHS ON THE MISSION

 On July 16, 2018 we entered the MTC in Provo Utah.  We cannot believe how fast the time has gone.  As we were driving to District Meeting in Singen today, we reflected back on the past 6 months and all that has transpired.  We have met about 50 Senior Missionary Couples in that time and almost every one of them have similar experiences of what it was like getting ready to leave for the MTC.  We have decided the MTC is the best R&R for couples before they actually leave for their assigned missions. 3 meals a day provided with a really nice room.  A few hours of meetings and devotionals and then free time to just unwind.   We did not realize it at the time, but it really was what we needed after weeks of packing, cleaning, paper work, family gatherings, etc.  It has been fun to hear the stories of others and how we each worked through the night just to be ready doing last minute fixes on our homes.  I am so grateful that we have the Astorga's who were willing to move in to our home and take care of it. 

I am sure it was interesting for them to move in to a home that still had furnishings and things in the house.  When we walked into our new apartment in Freiburg - not knowing for sure it was even the right apartment - it was an interesting feeling to walk in to a furnished, even down to the sheets on the bed and food in the cupboards.  I felt like I was in someone's home and then realized it was now mine.  It did not take long for me to buy plants and try to make it my own.  I hope our home has become a home to the Astorgas as well.

OK, enough of the memories.  It is just amazing to think about all of the people and places that we have associated with and seen.  We have already said good bye to 4 missionaries and 2 Senior couples and will be sending Elder Fishburn home in a few weeks.  Interesting how time goes when you look at it in 6 week intervals.  We continue to be awed by the scenery and the beauty of this area.  We enjoy our drives and the many adventures we have had.

Monday was one of those adventures that we will always remember.

Winterhalter Family Home

 We were invited to the family Winterhalter for lunch.  They have been waiting for the snow to come to have us over.  They live on the Mountain in the Black Forest just outside of Titisee.  He was born and raised in the little village and she is from the Philippines. She even knows Ruel Lacanienta our friend from Arlington Texas who is now serving as a Mission President with his wife Pam in the Philippines.  This nice couple are in their 70's. They both have facinating stories and it was wonderful visiting with them.  It was a very Wintery day and we were not sure if the roads would be good enough to travel on.  We did not have a phone number for them and so we decided it would be better to go and them not be expecting us than to not show up and she be ready with lunch for us. 

Hotel Waldlust - Titisee

 They did not think we would come with the weather and they did not know how to get in touch with us either.  So, they were a little surprised we arrived.  They warmly welcomed us into their home.  He visited with us while she finished preparing lunch.  We told them we did not need lunch and just a visit was fine, but she made- as she put it - a little bit of German and a lot of the Philippines.  We had fried rice with homemade spring rolls, delicious ham with sauerkraut, potato salad and all the apple saft we could drink.  They are both trained as nurses and worked in the medical field for years.  He is  an authentic German Hunter and his preferred profession.  He does not hunt anymore, but continues to help with animals and preservation of the Forest.  He said the young generation does not respect the forest and are not good hunters.  Their whole house is filled with animals he has hunted from all over Europe.  It was like a museum with all of their "pets" on display. 

They wanted to show us around the area but it was snowing too hard and so they said they would have us come back another day.  We asked if they knew where the Hotel Waldlust was in Titisee.  Our friend Annabel worked their in 1971 and sent us a picture of her standing  on the balcony (other side of building).  They said they would take us and show us so we followed them and they took us to the hotel.  It turns out that their neighbor owns the hotel.  It burned several years ago and was restored with brighter colors, but still very much like the photo of 1971.  We took their picture - you can see he is authentic German from the forest.

They have been married for 42 years and lived there the whole time.  She told us stories about the people in our Church in Freiburg - probably more than she should have - it was a riot listening to her.  We will always remember these wonderful people.  We took our picture at the hotel just to let Annabel know we were actually there.  Fun to be a little part of her history.

So the snow was calling us.  Tuesday we headed a different direction for P-Day and went back to Schuainsland to hike on the Mountain.  We hiked this past summer and loved it and wanted to come back in the winter - it did not disappoint.
Enjoy the pictures. It was a beautiful sunny day most of the time.  The sky pictures are beautiful as the clouds rolled in.
I wanted to do snow angels but did not have on snow clothes and did not want to drive home in wet clothes.  The only thing better would have been skiing with the others on the hill, but that is against mission rules.

 This is looking West toward France.

The trails had not been used by very many people that day and you had to be very careful where you walked.  The snow was very deep - that is a fence below and only the top rail is showing.  every once in awhile you would sink where the snow was not packed.  Most of the snow was in pristine condition with no tracks and just peaceful.  They do not allow any motor craft like snowmobiles on this mountain.  It is pure nature.

 I couldn't resist taking this picture.  The blue sky and the sun shining on this snow covered tree was just beautiful.  Everyone on the trail had nice cameras and were taking serious pictures. 

 The snow plow came by and that was fun.  They keep this road open for service purposes and it was a nice walk.  The picture below is looking over to the ski hill where we watched some skiers.  There were also several families with children and sleighs.  The mountains in the far distance are in France.
We showed the pictures to our District today and they all want to go and hike so it looks like we will return in a few weeks for another adventure.

 It was a beautiful day, but still only about 30*.  The sun was very bright coming off the snow.  One of my favorite times in a Natural Wonder.

selfie with the carved tree

Wednesday was back at Katrina's for lunch.  We prayed we would be able to understand her better and to have a nice conversation with her.  It turned out to be a nice lunch with her traditional stuffed peppers, potatoes, asparagus potato soup, lettuce, tomato, cucumber salad with homemade crepes and yogurt.  As she was cooking the crepes, some grease got too hot and set the fire alarm off.  The housemeister had to come and they opened all of her windows and so she was a little rattled when we arrived.  She just kept telling us the story and making the sound of the alarm going off.  We closed the windows as it was getting cold and all was good.  It gave her something to talk about and made it an exciting afternoon for her.  It is always a good day when I get to go to IKEA.  I was cooking for Institute today and I had made homemade meatballs but needed a few more so we went to IKEA to get a bag of meatballs.  We managed to find a few other things!
We made meatball sandwiches, chips, and pasta salad with brownies and cinnamon cake for dessert.  It was a hit with the men especially.  I think they were glad it was not soup.

Thursday was District Meeting and Interviews with President Brown.  We drove to Singen and had a wonderful day.  We were so glad the weather was good with only a little snow and some rain.  It is always nice to get together with the other missionaries.  Pres. Brown shared some great mission stories and then interviewed while we continued the meeting.  We served dinner and then while we were waiting for the interviews to be completed the young missionaries asked if I would play the piano for them to sing.  They have wonderful voices and it was a wonderful time together.  Russ joined with them and what started as a quartet ended with 6 missionaries singing and the harmonies were wonderful.  Music is magical when it is good and it was a wonderful way to end the day. 

We were able to end the week on a quiet note with just doing things at home and a little shopping for the Sunday Family Home Evening and Zone Conference next week.  It takes some time to plan and shop and prepare for 80 people.  I needed a rest and I am glad we did not have a really busy schedule.  Because of being in Singen on Thursday we met with Amira today.  We are teaching her from the Come Follow Me manual - A study of the New Testament.  We had a wonderful discussion today on Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 1 & 2.  She was prepared and had read and written down her thoughts and questions.  This allowed us to have a great discussion and learning experience.  It has helped me a lot to be able to teach again even in this small setting.  I have been able to look at this Christmas story a little deeper.  I am grateful for the study about the Shepherds, the Wisemen, Simeon and Anna at the Temple and Mary and Josephs flight to Egypt.  I have learned of the signs given to the different people and how I can look for signs today preparing for Christ's coming again and be as willing to accept them as these people were.  It says, the shepherds went with haste after the angel told them of the new born babe who they would find wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.  Who is the messenger for us today? Have we witnessed the signs in our day of His coming and are we prepared to accept and proclaim them to others?    Just a few questions to ponder as we look at the stories and examples from Christ's life.  I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of Jesus Christ and His love for me.  Sweet is the Peace His teachings and atonement bring to me.

This week would have been my mothers 95th Birthday and 76th Wedding Anniversary.  She was a remarkable lady.  She was the mother of 6 children, grandmother to 29 and great grandmother to 79.
She is the glue that kept this family together.  This was a picture taken this summer at my Dad's 97th Birthday Party.  Russ and I were in the MTC and we were able to leave and be with the family for the afternoon.  15 of my family members were not able to be in Utah for the event.  About 10 of my sisters family were not there and about 18 from my Brother's families.  So 74 were in the picture and 43 are missing - so my parents have quite a posterity.  

My dear sister, Pam took flowers to my mothers grave on her Birthday and she took cake and ice cream to the rehab facility so that my Dad could celebrate these special days.  He misses his wife fiercely, but knows that he will be with her again soon - he says he is not ready to leave this life yet - he still has things to do.  He has a goal to live to 100 and continues to beat the odds.  He will be going back to his assisted living apartment on Monday and he is looking forward to that.  He has worked really hard in therapy to be able to go back to his home.
I am so grateful for my parents and their example to me.  They served 5 missions for our Church from 1994 - about 2008. They taught me how to work, provided experiences for me to learn and develop talents with piano lessons, sewing, cooking, and sports.  They taught me the value of service to others through their service that continues even today.  They taught me love of family and most importantly the love of Jesus Christ and His gospel.
I am so glad that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!


Viel Liebe,
The Grimmett's 

Jan 6-12, 2019 Come Follow Me

                                                        COME FOLLOW ME
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has restructured the teaching and learning model that will be used in lessons and teaching in the home.  We are in week two and I have already been blessed by the insights and teachings that I have studied.  The purpose of Come Follow Me is to help Individuals and families come unto Christ and become more deeply converted to His gospel.  The resources can help me understand the scriptures and find in them the spiritual strength I need as well as my family.  As I study at home I will be more prepared to share insights from what I learned with others when I go to church.  As each of us do this, our classes and learning will be scripture based along with the blessings of the Holy Ghost to teach us.  For this week the course of study is Matthew 1 and Luke 1.  I have read these accounts of the birth of Jesus my whole life.  It has always been a beautiful story - we read it every Christmas Eve.  There is so much more to learn from this story.  As I have studied and outlined the doctrinal truths found there, I have learned so much.  I needed this exact lesson this week as I have had to deal with a few difficult situations.  The angel Gabriel could have also been speaking to me when he told Mary, "With God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37)  And Mary's response can also be mine when I have learned doctrinal truths:  "Be it unto me according to thy word". (Luke 1:38)
God's blessings come in His own time.  Through this story we learn that sometimes we have to wait for blessings, even against all earthly odds, to receive what the Lord has in store.  He has not forgotten us, He has a plan for each one of us and He always keeps His promises to His righteous Saints.  I am so grateful for the peace that has come to me this week as I have studied these verses of scripture and have found deeper meaning to a story that has always been important to me.

2019 started different than I could have ever imagined.  My Dad being in the hospital to begin 2019 and then to be moved to a Rehab facility this past week has weighed heavy on me.  My sisters and I fasted and prayed on Sunday that he would not have to suffer long and that he would not end up just laying in a bed with no life in him to end his days.  Other family members were praying just as hard that he would be healed and continue to live to 100.  As I studied the story of Mary and Elizabeth in the scriptures, it gave me some new insights at how I was looking at things.  I began to think more about "With God nothing shall be impossible."  Deciding to take someone off of life support is not an easy decision.  Even when the decision is made we cannot determine how long they will continue to live or what will happen.  The human body is an amazing creation and given the opportunity can do things we think are impossible.  The Doctors have not given much hope of curing the infection in his body and also diagnosed him with Lewy-body dementia.  That diagnosis answers a lot of questions that other Doctors have not been able to answer.  If he leaves the Rehab hospital, he will have to go to a memory care facility.  My brother asked him if he wanted to continue fighting and he said, "Am I sick, I didn't know I was sick".  He said he wanted to get better and go back to his home and that he would do all that they asked him to do.  He said he was a fighter and did not want to give up.  So, again we understand that God's blessings come in His own time and not to our convenience.  I have found peace knowing that The Lord will bless Russ and I as we serve - He knows our needs and desires.  He knows my Dad and will call him home when it is time.  It does not make it easy - it does not take away the many decisions that still need to be made - but it helps to know and rely on who is in charge and trust in His guidance to help us know what to do.

 I have shared some stories of Elder Odro in previous weeks.  We have enjoyed serving with him and getting to know him.  We received a call on Sunday night from our Mission President that it was necessary for Elder Odro to complete his mission early and return home.  He asked if we would be willing to assist in taking him home.  We were ready and willing to do whatever was necessary to help.  It was determined that instead of us driving all the way to Holland, we would meet his parents half way in Frankfurt Germany.  I have to say, we were a little disappointed that we were not going to go to Holland. I have always wanted to see Holland, although they say you need to go in May.  We were told we needed to have him in Frankfurt Monday at 1:00.  So we had to change some meetings and make plans to go.  We invited the Elder's over for dinner.  This was his farewell picture at our home.  We enjoyed our last night with him and then tried to go over with him everything that needed to be done before we picked him up at 9:30 the next morning.

It was a whirlwind and lots to do, but we were able to deliver him to his parents.  We ended up leaving about an hour late because he was not ready, but we arrived about 1:30 in Frankfurt and he had a happy reunion with his parents.  He did his very best in the year he served and now can be home to get the medical treatments that he needs.  He can take all that he learned this past year and apply it to all of the experiences that are still to come in his life.  We wish him the very best.
We visited the Church Area headquarters in Frankfurt while we were there.  We visited with Elder Skouby who is the Area Missionary over the YSA program for all of the European Area.  We are in Skype meetings with them quarterly, but it was really nice meeting him in person and having him share personal insights of all that is happening.  We met the Seminary and Institute Area Office Secretaries and the head of Missionary relations for the Europe Area.

39 years ago we were in Frankfurt and stayed in a city outside called Wiesbaden.  We loved it and returned a few years later to stay in the same hotel as we began our travels in Germany and Austria.  We were so close so we decided to go have lunch there before we returned home.  We found the train station and from there set out to explore the city and find the hotel.  Well, in 39 years it is no longer a little city and we could not find the hotel.  We tried to Google it but could not find it.  We ended up back at the train station for lunch and had a fun time talking about the memories.


With the time difference, I have had some very late nights talking on the phone getting updates on my Dad.  It was so good to have Tuesday as P-Day and to sleep in and catch up on things.  Some things never change - Elder Odro left his tablet in our car and so we had to mail it to him.  His memory continues on.  It was a nice walk and tram ride to the Post and it was good to get out of the house.

Because of the change on Monday, we had to change our Monday District meeting to Wednesday.
So another road trip to Schwenningen.  We have waited since November for winter to hit.  Well, on Monday it started snowing in the mountains and it has not quit.  The 1 hour and 20 min. drive took us over 2 hours.

This was the view as we were driving out of Freiburg towards the mountains.  It was beautiful.  We were really glad that the mountains  were getting snow until we had to drive in the traffic and snow.

 Our Texas friends can sympathize with us about the road conditions. Our Utah friends  wonder what is the fuss about - but, this is Germany and the pass over the mountain is difficult on a good day.  The beauty of the snow was amazing in the forest.  I grew up in Idaho and have been around a lot of snow and this was magical.
The Sun was behind the snow clouds but so bright you could hardly see.  There are so many semi trucks on this road and it is 1 lane so it was very slow going.
We finally arrived and were only 4 minutes late for our first meeting.  We had a Skype Area YSA gathering with the other Senior Missionaries over YSA.  It was fun to see those we know and to get training for the new year. 

We went from that meeting into District meeting.  We met our new Sister, Sis. Penner,  who is serving in Singen.  She is a delight and we look forward to getting to know her.
Because of the sudden change with Elder Odro, our other missionary, Elder Fishburn  will be serving with the Schwennigen Elders until he completes his mission in February.  So for the next 5 weeks they will be working in both areas and traveling between the two cities as a threesome.  It has been a hard week for all of us with the quick changes, but it will all work out.  Again, we have learned to be FLEXIBLE.

 It snowed the whole time we were in our meetings.  We knew the pass would be really bad, especially with afternoon traffic so we decided to take the back road home.  Best decision ever.  This Idaho girl knows how to drive in snow.  The first 15 min. we followed the snow plow.  I was hopeful he was going the same way and would pave the way for us, but he turned off.  There was only one other car on the road and I was the lead car - pressure.  At one point, we came upon two trucks who could not make it up the hill.  I did not want to stop for fear of not getting going again.  They were sliding and having a difficult time and just in time I was able to go around them and continue up the hill.  It was an absolutely beautiful drive.  The true beauty of the forest was all around us.  This is what I have been waiting for.  One minute the sun and then total white.

 These pine trees have a unique shape in the snow that gives them their distinction in the Black Forest.

We were so glad to not have traffic and to be able to drive through.  We made it home safely and were able to be at Institute that night.  The Elders were in a separate car and came about 2 hours after us.  They forgot about the back road and it took them about 4 hours to come over the mountain.  They kept calling us and asking how they could get on a different road.  Once you start on the highway, there really is no other way over.  They did not make it to Institute as a result.
We have been invited to Lunch on Monday with some friends who live in the Forest above Titisee.  They have been waiting for the snow to come to have us over so that they can show us around their farm and the mountain.  We hope we will be able to get there with all of the snow.  We will share our experience next week.

By Thursday I was needing a rest.  We had a leisurely morning and then got to venture out to see Amira.  It was snowing lightly and nice to walk in.  We even decided to walk through the park to her house because it was so beautiful.

I just wanted to stay in bed on Friday, but it was time to get busy.  We have a lot going on for the weekend so I had a lot of preparations to do.  We shopped - always a long adventure and then I started cooking.  Zone Conference is coming up again and I needed to try a recipe and see if I liked it and how many servings it made.  I made the Chicken Tortilla soup, added my Texas touches and it turned out really good.  We called the Elders and asked if they would like to come and eat dinner with us.  They had an appointment, but came immediately and were able to eat before their appointment.  I needed to know how many servings it made.  Three Elders each had 4 bowls and we ate and still had some left over.  They were glad to be the taste testers.

  We have a Baptism on Saturday, Yeah.  We are having a pot luck dinner afterwards.  I made caramel dip and meatballs.  We are having all of the YSA for lunch on Sunday so I made Minestroni and Tortellini soup for that.  I decided it was easier to make it all in one day and get all of the cooking done.
Saturday I was invited to a baby shower for one of our young marrieds.  I was not sure I wanted to go, but Elder Grimmett "made" me accept. They are just now starting to have Showers for babies and asked me why they are called "Showers".  The new Mom hosted her own shower and had it at her home.  It was nice watching them and playing the same games we play in the USA at showers.  It was nice that she invited me when I was the grandma in the group.  Age doesn't matter when you are celebrating babies!
Tonight was our baptism for Nadja Pistor.

She is from Dresden Germany and is a student here in Freiburg.  We have really enjoyed getting to know her and we are so happy that she decided to get baptized.  It was a wonderful evening.  She asked that I play the piano and it is always nice that I can participate in a small way.  She will be a great addition to our YSA group.

 So today is 30% off at the Thrift store and so it is our favorite day to shop.  New Missionary attire for Sisters.  With the Winter weather, it is nice to be able to wear dress pants.  I found this pant suit and a few pairs of just dress slacks.  I continue to be blessed when I shop there and it is especially great when you can get things for a bargain. 

This is a common picture around town.  It was snowing and some of our students parked their bikes to come to class.  I am still amazed at how diligent they are to ride no matter what the weather because that is your transportation. 
So many times when we are walking in the rain or snow or heat I think, I would not be doing this if I were home.  Here, we would not think to do it any other way.  I hope it keeps us healthy.

Today was a great way to end the week.  We are grateful for this time to serve and to have the many experiences we are having.  We appreciate so much those of you who have commented on our post or have emailed us.  It really means a lot and brightens our day. 

Viel Liebe,
The Grimmett's

Happy New Year 2019- the year in review

WELCOME 2019

Every year since I can remember as a young girl my Dad has come up with a slogan for the new year.  It has always been fun to try and rhyme the words with the year.  This year is no exception - even with him in the hospital - he came up with this years slogan:
2019 . . . . the best we will have seen.  That is actually saying a lot considering all that he has experienced and seen in the past 97 years.  He is looking forward to the new year.  He is determined to live to 100 and has surprised all of his new Doctors.  Update:  he is being transferred to a Rehab Center for the next 3 weeks as he continues to recover from the sepsis.  He is definitely a fighter with a strong will to continue living and seeing what is yet to be seen. It is a Day to Day situation.  Keep him in your prayers.

For those who have not seen this video on Facebook, this was what was happening all around us on New Year's Eve.  It was the most crazy experience I have ever seen.  This was just outside on our balcony.  It started early in the day and escalated at 11:30 to this.  At midnight we went outside to see what all of the noise was about and could not even breath or see because the smoke from the fireworks was so thick.  It was just like a war zone.  It lasted until 1:30 and then finally was quiet around 3 am.  It was amazing watching them shoot off the fireworks and the noise was deafening.  It was even more eerie when we got up the next morning and left for a meeting and saw all of the casings and shells and bottles that were everywhere.  Sidewalks, middle of the main street, parking garage, lawn, etc.  It really looked like a war zone.
Monday was a semi holiday here.  All of the stores closed at 2:00 and Banks were closed all day.  We shopped early and got a few things for our Tuesday meeting and lunch.  We checked out a place we could go to for dinner later in the evening.  Our favorite places were closed for the night and the others required a reservation.  The fireworks were already starting as we returned home.
I cooked and made preparations for Tuesday the rest of the day.  We ventured out around 7:00 pm and went from plan A to plan C as we were trying to find a place to have dinner.  We went to a place we had found earlier in the day as one of our options and it turned out to be a great choice.  It was a quaint Italian restaurant that actually had a few available tables.  We had the best pizza and lasagna and a delightful time watching all of the people.  It was an adventure going home as the party crowds were now out and about everywhere.  They would walk around in groups with one person carrying a jam box and playing loud music with two people carrying the case of drinks and the others following behind.  Then you had the followers who would throw down firecrackers and noise bombs as they were walking along.  It was very dark and with the sounds and the burst of sparks flying it really did feel like we were in a war zone.  I could not help but think of people that actually live in places that it is real and not for fun like we were seeing.  I was glad to get home safely and be able to just watch from a distance the rest of the night.
The Europeanelections and Christians Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (Church) pick a verse from the Bible every year and select a Watchword for the year.  This year they selected Psalm 34:14
"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."  The Watchword they selected is Peace.  It is a nice verse and a very fitting after my thoughts and feelings of New Year's Eve.
I actually like the verse that follows in 15:  "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. "  I know that peace can come to each one of us individually as we seek the Lord and call upon Him and He will pour out blessings upon us.  His promises are sure.

Tuesday was District meeting.  Because it was also New Year's Day and we have a nice YSA Center at our Church Building, we had the meeting in Freiburg.  I was really glad we did not have to drive anywhere.  I fixed two soups and made bread and we bought the best fresh apple cherry juice and flamekuchen (their version of pizza). Elder Odro said his favorite Holiday treat was Eggnog.  I have not found it in the stores so I wanted to make him some.  I found a really good recipe and made eggnog for everyone.  It turned out amazing.  I did not think anyone would drink it except Elder Odro and they drank the whole 1/2 gallon that I made.  12 egg yolks and pure cream.  It is the best I have every made.  Good thing we only have it once a year.
  We had a nice meeting and then everyone was able to enjoy lunch, shoot pool, play Foosball and just enjoy.  Transfers are this week and we say good bye to Sis. Griffith in Singen.  We have loved getting to know her and to have been a part of her mission experience.  This was her first area and she is ready to move on.  We look forward to following her experiences and look forward to seeing her again when we all return home.
We also welcomed the new Senior couple who arrived in the mission on Saturday afternoon.  They will be serving in Singen with the Sisters.  They are Elder and Sister Blanchard from Oregon.  Oh how we know how they are feeling.  I am glad I have 5 months checked off and the learning curve straightening out a little.  We invited them to our home after the meeting to get to know them better and to share a few insights of things we have learned.  As I have mentioned before, just learning about the garbage and how to operate the washing machine and dryer are major milestones.  Elder Blanchard just kept saying, "You really do a lot for the Elder's, you are enabling the missionaries, I can't wait to get out and teach and find people, don't ask me to cook."  He will come to love the missionaries and want to help them and serve them.  He will also find that being a Senior Missionary is a lot different than being a 19 year old missionary - our role is a little different and our bodies are a lot slower even if we think we are fit.  We look forward to serving with them and getting to know them better.
I will never complain about doing laundry when I return home.  It is an all day event and a lot of work, especially in the winter when things take forever to dry.  I don't understand why the technology we have in the US is not used here.  Our machines look the same but do not operate the same at all.  I would rather spend P-Day doing other things, but it must be done.

Thursdays are always a good day - visit Amira day.  She had an epileptic seizure last Friday after we had visited her.  She has a concussion and continues to have headaches and pain from it.  She continues to be strong and has a determination to be happy.
HISTORY EVENT
We were invited to our friend Denise's house for dinner.  She has been the best friend to me and my translator at church.  We had a wonderful dinner and conversation and then she had made arrangements for us to visit her neighbor and landlord downstairs.  They are the Lutz family.  He is 80 and she is 81 years old.  Mr. Lutz and Russ were like long lost friends - they hit it off immediately.  They started to tell us their story and he went and got photos to tell the story with.
They grew up in a German speaking area of Romania.  They have known each other since grade school.  When he was six years old his father was enlisted in the German military.  His mother was pregnant with her second child.  His father was allowed to come home when the baby was born because it was a boy.  If it had been a girl he would not have come home.  He came for two weeks.  A friend had given him a camera to take pictures.  He showed us the only picture he has of his father - in full military dress waving good-bye as he left to return to active duty.  It was snowing outside and very cold.  This would be the last time he ever saw is father.  Just before the end of the war and about 8 months after his visit home, his father was killed in action in Poland.  When the War ended, the Russians came to Romania and took many of the women to come and work in the coal mines.  His mother and aunt were taken and their children were then raised by their grandparents.  He lived with his grand parents for 5 years.  His mother was forced to work in the coal mines in very dire circumstances.  It was wet and freezing cold.  She was sick when she returned home and never really recovered.  She lived 25 more years and then died.  The children were required to learn Romanian during this time - they had been raised only speaking German.  He eventually married his childhood friend and sweetheart and they had two children.  His family escaped the country by crossing the Danube River into Austria and then they came to Germany.  He was 35 years old when they came to Germany.  They had two suitcases and a little money.  The bank loaned them the money to build a home.  They bought the property outside of Freiburg in the countryside.  He was a craftsman with a specialty in windows and doors.  They built the basement and lived in it while he built the next floor.  He built the main floor and they lived in the two areas for several years.  He then added another two floors with two apartments twenty years ago.   Denise was recently divorced and a single mother of 3 children.  She was trained in the medical field and came to Freiburg to work.  She was looking for a place to live and bring her children.  She placed an ad in the local newspaper after many failed attempts at finding something suitable.  The Lutz family had just completed their addition to their home and responded to her ad.  They said they had a 3 1/2 room apartment they could rent to her.  She said she needed more rooms with 3 children.  She came to look at the apartment and they told her they had an upstairs apartment that they could also rent to her.  It was just the rooms that she needed.  For 14 years she lived using the two floors and apartments.  Her mother came to live with her and she cared for her for 7 years before she passed away.  Her children grew up and moved out of her home.  She no longer needed both apartments and needed something smaller and less rent.  Mr. Lutz - who was now like family to her - built another apartment on the top floor for her to live in.  She has lived in the loft apartment for 7 years and now takes care of the Lutz's and the other tenant who lives in the building two days a week as part of her employment taking care of elderly people.  They were so fun to talk with, even in German.  I could understand some of it and what I didn't understand Denise translated for me.  They shared stories and photos of their family and their 50th wedding anniversary.  They asked if we could say a prayer with them before we left.  Russ had prayed over dinner earlier in the evening so quickly volunteered me to pray.  I prayed what I could in German and then the rest in English.  I used to be afraid to do that and now it is more comfortable to just do what I can.  They invited us to come back and visit again.  They have a beautiful garden and we look forward to returning when the weather gets better.  As I was listening to their story I saw and heard a completely different side of WWII.  These people saw war in a completely different way than the Americans.  They have been through a lot and it runs deep inside of them still today.  They are truly a story of survival, hope, faith, overcoming and enduring to the end.  They have had a good life in Germany and have blessed many people during their journey in life.

One of my least favorite things to do is shop for clothes.  With the new announcement that Sister Missionaries can now wear dress pants, I have looked for the past 2 weeks for some with little success.  Everything is jeans or leisure wear workout pants.  Their styles are just very different here and also too trendy.  I am good with skirts and dresses - been wearing them my whole life - but with the cold weather of  Winter and for some activities it is nice that they are allowing us to wear pants - so thus the quest to find some.  I finally found one pair of pants in my size.  They were on sale and that was even better.  SUCCESS.

The Elder's stopped by tonight to pick up some things and we had a little fun with them.  Meet Elder Odro.  He is from The Netherlands and we really enjoy his bubbly personality.  Drinks are a REALLY BIG deal in Germany.  When you go to eat with someone, there is always a large selection of waters, juices and syrups.  We have acquired quite a collection and Elder Odro loves it.  This is a video of him mixing up a concoction of cherry and chocolate syrup with mineral water.  He had just finished blood orange juice and was trying other flavors.  This is the ultimate flavored water!

One of our investigators at church, Marianna had her second surgery for cancer on Thursday.  We went to visit her on Saturday at the hospital.  She is also from Romania and has lived in Germany for 5 years.  She was doing amazing and even surprised the Doctors.  Her last surgery was very difficult and a long recovery.  Today, she was up and had walked and was happy and very talkative.  She was really glad we came to visit.  She said the Doctor asked what had changed with her and how was she recovering so fast.  She said it was because of prayer.  Russ had given her a blessing on Sunday and many people at Church have been praying for her.  She said she knew it was because of those prayers she was being blessed.  She is hoping for good things to happen in her life this year.  She has been divorced for 3 years and would really like to find someone to marry.  I told her we would have to work on that as soon as she was better!?
It is always nice to visit and serve others.
We have had snow and rain all day.  I wish it had been all snow.  The mountains around us finally have snow and I can't wait to drive and see it soon.  We enjoyed our New Year's Eve dinner so much at the Italian Restaurant that we decided to go back tonight for dinner.  It was busier than on New Year's Eve.  I think we have found a new favorite and especially for Pizza.  We really enjoy going to the city center and just being with all of the people.  It was a nice evening - even in the rain.

Every day is something different and we have also learned we have to be flexible.  We are looking forward to the students returning this week and getting back into classes.  That also means back into cooking and other activities.  That is good.  It is also a Holiday here on Sunday.  It is Epithany - 3 Kings Day and they celebrate it as part of Christmas.  Many years ago my friend Annabel shared with me this tradition and so we have  waited to take down Christmas until after this day.  Tuesday will be the sad day we take everything down for another year.  We have loved the glow of the lights and all things Christmas.
The year is already off like a sprint.  We look forward to all that the year will bring.  There is much to look forward to and also things to be concerned with.  There are things within our control and things that are not.  I hope we can all remember the words in Psalm 34, "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Jesus Christ said, Come Follow Me.  I know that as we do, we will find peace and live with hope that will help us endure to the end.  Wishing you all the very best that life has to offer.
Happy New Year!
The Grimmett's

2018 Closing out the year

We attended Church in the Lahr Branch on Sunday.  They had a wonderful Sacrament meeting with music and talks.  The people there are so friendly and they really enjoy us being there.  They had what they called the Lahr orchestra - 2 cellos, 1 violin and 2 recorders.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I had never seen recorders as large as they had.  I am used to the ones my kids played in elementary school.  The sounds were amazing.  It really brought a nice spirit to the meeting.  One of the speakers talked about the pre-existence.  At first I thought, why is he speaking about Christ before he was even born on Christmas.  I learned so much and it added so much meaning to the Christmas story.  He talked about before the creation and God showed forth his plan to all of his spirit children.  He said, whom shall I send?  And one answered like unto the Son of Man:  here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me - Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever:  Here am I, send me.  God then said, do you understand what I am asking you to do?  You will be born in a lowly stable.  Your parents will be forced to flee and be exiles in a foreign country.  You will be rejected by your own people and will be homeless at times.  You will be spat upon and beaten and ultimately, placed on a cross and atone for all of the sins, pains, sufferings of all mankind.  Are you sure you want to go to earth?  Father, Here am I send me.  Have you ever questioned if he hears your prayers or is there for you?  He loves you enough that he sent his beloved son who loves us enough that he gave his life for us.  HE LOVES US. He asks us to Come Unto Me and I will give you rest.   Christmas is about that wondrous gift of His Son.  There are so many symbols of Christmas.  I love the lights, trees, angels, stars, aromas and yes, Santa Claus - all teaching us something about His love and presence in our lives.  And so on this final Sunday of Advent we lit the last candle on our advent wreath and nativity tower.  We look forward to the coming days of celebrations and serving.

After we drove back home from Lahr we started delivering cinnamon rolls and salsa with chips.  We walked past this home that was decorated with angels.  They were really cute.
We delivered as many as we could to our neighbors - we found that most people leave town for Christmas and we only found about 5 home.  We had a good time driving, walking, riding the tram to many people.

snow falling in mountains

Monday was a busy day.  We had District Meeting in Schwenningen and so we left at 8 AM and returned home about 3:00.  A highlight of the drive was that it started snowing.  Perfect for Christmas Eve Day.  We had a beautiful drive and we delivered a few treats to families on the way home.  We still had more to deliver so we took the tram and visited a few families.  One family was just putting up their tree and decorating their home.  Many people wait till Christmas Eve to put up their tree.  They keep it up till 3 Kings Day in January.  We had a wonderful time visiting and being out among the people.

On one of our deliveries we passed by this shop window.  This is a decorated ladder for a tree.  It was so cute - great idea for displaying Nativities in the future.

We had invited Amira for Christmas Eve.  We were really looking forward to having her over and sharing our Night in Bethlehem with her.  She called early in the day and said she was not feeling well enough to come.  So, we had a very quiet Christmas Eve dinner at home.

We had our Night in Bethlehem with Chicken Pita's, roasted potatoes, nuts and dried fruit with the best ever fresh dates, olives, cheese, baklava, fruit bread, chips and salsa (Texas twist) and juice.  We went to the market on Saturday and purchased the nuts, fruits, olives and pita bread.  It turned out really nice and we watched The Nativity Video as we ate dinner.
We enjoyed the evening together and then we went to the Munster (Cathedral) for the Christmas Eve Mass.

The schedule said there was a 9:30 and 10:00 service.  We decided we would go to the 9:30.  We went early, knowing we wanted to get a good seat.  It was already almost full - about 1200 people in attendance.  The music was beautiful.  It was an orchestra, boys choir and organ.  They performed 7 numbers and then the 10:00 service began.  The 9:30 was like the prelude for the actual Mass.  At this point we were committed and stayed for the entire Mass.  It lasted until 11:45.  We enjoyed the music and sang during the congregational singing.  Everyone had a program with all of the music and words so we were able to follow along.  I showed pictures of the Nativity inside the Munster last week.  At the beginning of the program and young girl carried in the baby Jesus and laid Him in the manger.  It was a wonderful place to be on Christmas Eve.  When it finished we hurried to make the tram to find out it was only running every hour at that time of night and it would be a 30 minute wait.  We decided to walk the 20 minute walk home.  We arrived just after midnight and we were so glad to be safe and warm at home.

We had a nice quiet Christmas morning listening to Christmas music and watching on Facebook what our family was doing in their homes on Christmas Eve.
We were invited to dinner with a family in our Church.  They are from Angola and have lived in Germany for about 25 years.  They have 6 children, 4 of them were at home.  1 son is serving a mission in the Berlin Germany mission.  They served a wonderful meal of German and Angolan food.  One thing we have had to get used to is so much of the food is served cold.  Lots of salads and cold meat and rice.  We love the assortment of drinks.  Mineral water is always on the table and then different juices and syrups to mix in.  We spent about 6 hours at their home with our Elder's.  We sang, watched a Christmas movie and played games.  It was a wonderful day.  We returned home about 6 so that we could call home to all of our children and grandchildren.  We started with Josh and Julie and worked our way to Brian and Beth.  We talked to Jaime and her family except Andy was out visiting three more families as Santa Claus.  It has been a wonderful year for him.  He had over 80 appointments and he loved it.  It is fun to see the Spirit of the Season carry over into their home.  Emily and Ian and their kids had a wonderful day together - Ian was so glad he did not have to drive to Texas this year.  We are so glad to see how they carried out some family traditions and had a great time together just with their little family.  Beth is back working as a producer at the local TV station in Wichita Kansas - so, Christmas Day the news must go on.  They were able to spend the morning together as a family and then Brian and family went to the movie while she went to work.   I think almost all of our kids ended up at the movies by the end of the day.  I think Mary Poppins must be the #1 family movie this year.  I ended the night wishing my Dad a Merry Christmas.  It was almost 12:00 midnight when I got to talk to him.  It was a great way to end a wonderful Christmas Day.

Wednesday is P-Day this week.  We watched the movie, The Best Two Years (a movie about being a missionary) and saw things in a much different light than when we have watched it before.  It was too true as it shows the different things missionaries experience as they serve for two years.  We laughed a lot as we have  seen so many of the same things.  Sure is different when you are one of them.
We also decided to accept another Find a Grave Assignment.  We took the train and went to this little city.  This grave is of a Polish Prisoner of War that was shot by a guard for what they said was mutiny and resistance.   There is an historical marker next to his grave and someone keeps up this grave site.  It is separate from the rest of the cemetery.  We took the pictures and then returned home.  We are finding it to be a very special experience as we find these graves and learn about these people.

We received a really nice thank you from the family for sending in the pictures.  It is a very small things, but means a lot to those who are trying to connect with their family and history. 
We were invited to our Bishop's home (The Muller's) for dinner today.  This is the first time we have been to their home.  It was delightful.  The Elder's joined us and so there were the six of us.  Bishop Muller does not speak English and so most of the conversation was in German, but it went great.  Good food is a language all it's own.  She cooked 2 whole chickens and they split them into fourths and gave each of us that big piece.  We had roasted vegetables and two kinds of potatoes.

There is a salad made with feldsalat that is wonderful.  It is grown here locally and this is the season of harvest.  It is in all of the stores and markets - but only at this time.  It grows in little clusters and you serve it still in the cluster and eat it.  It is sweet and wonderful.  We loved the dinner and also getting to know them better.  The young Elder's always keep things lively and it is fun just to listen and watch them interact with people.  We were truly blessed this week with wonderful meals with great people.

Thursday we were up early and off to Bad Sackingen for Apartment Inspections.  It was a very foggy day and very wintery.  We enjoyed the drive.  We really enjoy getting to know the other missionaries.  This is our third visit to their apartment in the past month and it was good.  One Elder is from Spain and he has only been on his mission for 6 weeks.  His family sent him his favorite meat from Spain for Christmas.  He was a happy boy - he even offered to share with us but we told him to enjoy his wonderful treat.  His companion is from Southern California and is always enjoyable to visit with.  The best thing is that their apartment was very clean.  That makes my assignment so much easier.  There was a nice spirit with their little Christmas tree and the bed we repaired a few weeks ago is working great - so all is good in Bad Sackingen.

We visited Amira in the evening and that is always a highlight of my week.  Her family gave her a new bed for Christmas and she was happy.  She has a studio apartment so her bed is also her couch.  She spends 95% of her time sitting or sleeping in her bed.  It was nice for her to have a more comfortable place.  Her goal was to not have to go to the Doctor before the first week in January.  We always leave a spiritual message and a prayer.  We found out that on Friday morning she had an epileptic seizure and fell.  She hit her head and had to go to the hospital.  She is back home, but these falls continue to be an additional problem.  The Elders went and visited her on Saturday and she is feeling a little better.

 Friday was another pleasant day of visiting.  We were invited to Sister Runga's home.  She served her mission in Austria from 1968-1970.  Russ served in 1970-72.  They were in the same mission for about 3 months.  They shared stories and pictures of the people they both knew.  She served one of the best meals ever - rouladen.  It is very thin sliced beef that is filled and then rolled like a jelly roll and baked.  It was amazing.  I asked her how she got it so tender and she said, good beef.  We had real mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.  She also served the feldsalat and we really enjoyed it.  We have been really spoiled this week.  We have been here 5 months and this week have had many food appointments.  It will probably have to last for a few months.  We really enjoyed our time with her.  She has never married and worked in banking until she retired.  She has been on the waiting list for assisted living for 10 years.  She is finally at the top of the list and is planning to move within the next 6 months.  She put her name on the list 10 years ago knowing it would be at least a 10 year wait.  She is still driving and capable of doing most things, but her building does not have an elevator and she lives on the 5th floor - that means about 50 stairs up and 50 stairs down every day.  She said she will miss her view but no the stairs.  We are always touched by those who are so generous and give so much to the missionaries.  We are grateful.  We also feel so blessed to be almost her age and to be healthy and able to serve our mission.  We don't take that for granted and continue to be grateful for good health. 
We left her home and went to Europa Park!

 This is the largest theme park in Europe next to Disney.  It is about 30 minutes from where we live.  We really did not know how big it really was until we arrived.  It is magical like Disney.  They had a Winter special for just the evening hours from 4 until it closed at 8.  It was affordable and a beautiful Winter night.  We had wanted to go all week and this was the first opportunity we had and a perfect night.  There were so many people we had to park in the remote parking lot.  They did not charge us the parking fee - I guess they figured the loooooong walk was our pay.  We had a great time.  They have a Weihnachtsmarkt as you enter.  Everything was on sale and marked way down as they were at the end of the season.  My lucky day.  I was able to get things for next year and now I don't have to look around for good deals - I already found them. 
We only went on the monorail and their huge tower ride that you could see the whole park.  We walked to all of the areas and enjoyed the decorations and exhibits.  it was

 very festive and a beautiful evening for walking around.

This was a cute display with Santa moving around in his sleigh and a nice train moving below him. 

 Russ fit in perfectly as we walked through their Russian area.  The park is set up by different European Countries.  They have Germany, France, Ireland, Russia, Italy, Iceland, Norway, England, etc. and rides and exhibits to go with each country.  They had one area with the Grimm Fairy Tales.  There was ice skating and snowmobile riding and lots of other fun rides for the younger people.  It was a perfect way to end the Christmas week.

This was  a huge Christmas tower that actually worked and spins with a little shop in the bottom.  I love these towers - and maybe had to buy a few while I was there. 

There were also many Nativity Displays in several of the Countries.  It is so nice to see this part of Christmas so much a part of everything and people not worrying about the public display of Religious things.  They don't worry that they are not religious or of another religion, they understand it is Christmas and part of that Celebration.  I loved all of the different wood carvings and displays of The Nativity.

We stayed until the park was almost closed and started our long walk back to the car.  We followed the crowd of people and quickly realized we were at the wrong parking lot.  We had to go back to the start and turn down the back trail to the south forty where we were parked.  So glad it was a beautiful night to walk and enjoy.  We left the park and drove 20 minutes to Lahr to inspect the apartment there.  Europa Park was just a stop on the way to our assignment - great diversion.
It is an empty apartment, but used every other week by our Elder's.  We have to check and make sure they are keeping it clean.  Mission accomplished and back home after a very fun and long day.

Saturday was shopping day for New Years day.  With the Holiday on Monday and Tuesday with all of the stores closed and Sunday Church Day, We have to shop on Saturday.  Fire works went on sale on Friday and it is a big deal here.  We have been hearing and seeing them all evening.  We were also invited to Katrina's house for lunch today.  The missionaries accepted the invitation for us last Sunday and told us we needed to go with them.  It was actually a good day - I think we are just getting used to her cooking.  It is always stuffed peppers with rice, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, with homemade crepes with yogurt.  She truly gives the widows mite in our behalf and we are glad we can visit her and bring happiness to her for a little while. 
The Organ Concerts are over until April 2019.  We will miss our Saturday morning visits to town and the Munster Organ Concerts.  We filled our day with other activities.
We left lunch with katrina and went with our Elder's to inspect their apartment.  Russ had gone in a few days earlier and it was really a mess.  I was worried, but they did amazing.  It was the cleanest it has ever been.  I was really grateful.  It really makes a difference when they do their assignments and they function better when it is clean. 
We stopped by the town center on the way home to check out a few things.  We found out the Restaurant we wanted to go to on New Year's Eve is closed that day - will have to make other plans.  It is always fun being out with the people. 
The Elder's stopped by to pick up the spare key to Lahr - they lost their set.  I told them they could not go stay there until they found their key and that I would not give them ours.  Trying to teach them responsibility.  They cleaned and searched everywhere and I could see that when we inspected their apartment - so, I was soft and told them to come and get the key.  They stopped by and I had dinner ready to offer them.  They were really grateful.  They had an appointment with Amira and did not know how they could keep it and get to Lahr on the train.  We knew Amira was counting on them coming and so we told them we would take them to Lahr if they would keep their appointment with her.  We were looking forward to a quiet evening at home watching a Christmas movie, but we also knew this was very important.  We made arrangements to pick them up in an hour.

Everything changed for me in that hour.  I received a message from my Sister and so I called her to answer her question about a banking situation.  Not expecting a problem. 

Emily on Wednesday with Grandpa

She told me my Dad was not doing well and that they were on the way to the hospital.  I then talked to my other sister, Brooke and learned more of what was going on.  I also knew it would take some time at the hospital to get any information so it was a blessing that we were going to drive the Elder's to Lahr and then return home.  I was preparing for whatever they would tell us.  He has pneumonia and sepsis in the bladder.  The Doctors are not very hopeful for his age of 97.  In one day things changed so quickly.  They suggested family be notified and come if they want to visit with him.  I got a call at 2:00 AM that he was finally awake.  So grateful for technology.  I was able to Facetime with him and talk for a few minutes.  He was very weak, but very alert.  He at least knew who I was.  I am so grateful for those few minutes.  I asked him if he had any advice for me - knowing it would not be the answer I would like to have had.  He said, "remember to study the eleven pages and tell everyone you now about it and get a - at this point he can't remember and is trying to remember the word.  We have heard this advice for the past 3 years on a daily basis so it was easy to fill in the blank - blood test.  He is referring to Melaleuca and the Freiburg Study and Peak Performance Vitamin packs.  I told him I was a missionary now and that I was not telling people about Melaleuca but telling them about the good word of God.  He said, Oh yes, you keep being a good missionary but it will be here when you return home and you can  tell everyone about it.  He said, I am not a missionary now and I can tell everyone and then he laughed."  I told him I take my vitamins every day and they do make a difference.   As I look back on this past two years of his life - I think he knows some things we do not.  It was on November 2, 2018 that our Prophet said, "There's so much more to come.  Wait until next year, and then the next year.  Eat your vitamins, get your rest.  It's going to be exciting!"  Dad has been saying that to everyone for the past few years.  I think he is right on and I will take his final advice to me with a lot more meaning than what we have been thinking we were hearing from him.  He has always been a very wise man and even in his old age and failing memory, I think he has a message that needs to be heard.  I love him and am so grateful for his love and guidance.  My siblings have all gathered in Utah and I am waiting to hear updates.  I think he will surprise the Doctors - He might be 97, but they do not know George Haney.  He is not your typical 97 year old.  I am prepared and ready for him to leave this life.  I just know that it is in God's hands and I trust in His timeline. 

Today is also a historic day in our Church as we end the three hour block of Church meetings.  There has been a restructuring of organizations and teaching and we will begin a new 2 hour block for Church on Sundays with an emphasis on more learning in the home and more family time on Sundays.  It was fun to see how many people were sad we were going to 2 hours - looking forward to the new learning and teaching pattern.  The best is yet to come.  This is part of the hold on and get ready for the ride I talked about earlier.  We look forward to 2019.
Wishing all of you a wonderful day as we close out 2018.  We did great things in 2018. 
It's time for a nap after a very short night. 
Love you all,
Viel Liebe .
The Grimmett's