Dec. 2-8, 2018 Light The World

Rainy, Rainy Winter.  It has rained since Thanksgiving.  There is a World Cup Ski Jump event Dec. 7-9 here and there is NO SNOW.  We drove by the jumps today and they are making snow, but I don't know how they will do it.  It  has been cold, but not snow cold.  Minnesota and Utah need to send some of their snow our way.

District Meeting in Singen.  We made Waffles for lunch today.  We had regular and Ginger bread waffles, the German version of hash browns and sausage.  The Ginger waffles were really good, a new recipe that is a keeper.  Today is our last trip in this car with this wonderful trio of Elder's.  We decided we needed a photo for good times sake.  I told  you about the battery last Wednesday.  We have had no problems - should have taken it to the shop and had it checked while it was working - but you know, if it is not broken you can't fix it.  We drove the 2 hours to Singen and back home today with no problems.  We are asked to keep at least a 1/2 tank of gas in the car and we have also found that gas is the least expensive in the evening hours.  It actually changes about every 30 minutes.  So, after we dropped off the Elder's we stopped at our favorite gas station across the street from our house.  I tried to start the car and it was just click, click, click.  How can you drive for 2 hours, stop for gas and have a dead battery?  So, there was a mechanic shop next door and Russ went and asked if they could jump it.  He brought over his jumping unit and it started right up, but he said it was completely dead and we needed a new battery - 2 days before we get a new car!  We were hoping to keep it going.  So, another Tender Mercy - it was across the street from our apartment and we could walk home and back when it was done.  Most expensive battery I have ever purchased: 225 Euro installed plus the 10 he charged for walking next door and jumping us.  I thought if we bought the battery from him he would take that charge off.  We went to pay and they did not take American credit cards.  It was 25 minutes until he closed.  We told him we would be back as quick as possible.  We walked as fast as we could and took the tram to the bank and got money and then back again.  We knew it was going to rain again, but so far so good.  We were almost running trying to get back before he closed.  We made it and just as we got in the car, it started pouring rain.  Tender Mercy again.

I had just made this Linzer Torte while we were waiting for the car to be fixed and put it in the oven while we ran across the street to pick up the car.  We were not expecting to have to go to the bank and back.  The recipe said 45 - 50 minutes so I thought I was OK.  You make the crust the day before and let it chill overnight in the fridge.  It looked wonderful and had lots of nuts, butter, raspberry jam and other things to make it a little expensive to make.  I was really looking forward to it.
When we returned with 10 minutes to spare, I looked in the oven and the torte was completely black!  I was sick inside.  All of that work and it was black on top.  I took it out of the oven and was not very happy.  I let it cool and sit over night.
I cut the top off and below it was OK.  The bottom and sides were not burned, just the top.  It did not turn out like I expected it to, but it tastes pretty good - not pretty enough to serve anyone else, but we will enjoy it for a few days.

Tuesday was a busy day of preparations for Wednesday Institute Dinner.  My turn to cook this week.  I decided to have soup, bread and dessert.  I made Pasta Fagioli, Leek Soup, bread and a chocolate chip cake.  I thought I was doing something simple and it took me most of the day.
We also had to clean out the car and take it to the car wash for the exchange on Wednesday.  It was pouring rain and hard to vacuum, but we got it done.

Today was also interviews with Pres. Brown.
We always enjoy meeting with him and he loves the Donor (Yufka cafe) down the street from our house.  It has become tradition to eat there after interviews.   He always asks about our family and he gave the most beautiful prayer with a blessing on three of our grandsons specifically for Kelly, Eric and Logan.  It is amazing how sensitive he is to things he hears and then cares enough to ask more.  We are grateful for his leadership and counsel.

Wednesday -  NEW CAR DAY!  We got up early and drove to Karlsruhe (just out of our mission) to make the exchange.  We went and toured a palace that was built back in the 1700's.  It is now a museum.  It is nice with beautiful gardens. 

I don't know much history about it, but the museum was nice.  We then met the man to make the exchange.  We have a new Hyundai i30.  It is a little bigger car than we had with some new features, but we miss some things from our old car as well.  It will take us some time to get used to it, but it is really nice.  It only had 250 kil. on it when we received it. 
The Christmas markets are in most of the major cities and even in a few smaller ones.  They had a really nice one here.  We walked through it - I would like to have spent more time but we did not have very much time to linger.

 These are two of the buildings that had shops.  They were amazing - much nicer than the shops in the market in Freiburg.  These were food booths.  There was also ice skating in the middle of the square that really looked fun.  It was a true winter wonderland - without snow.

This is a sausage and brot vendor cooking all of the meat on this very large round grill over an open fire.  It was amazing how much meat at one time to cook it like this instead of on an electric grill like most places. 
I had done some research and found a few fun places to eat in town.  We looked for the first place and walked and walked and could not find it.  So, we went to the second choice and were not disappointed.  I don't think things happen by chance - we really enjoyed the restaurant called Storchen. 

So, after a nice morning we had to get back to serve dinner for the Institute class.  I was so glad it was all prepared the day before and we just had to heat it up and serve.  It turned out wonderful.  Everyone really like the Leek soup.  They had never had anything like it before.  The soups here are mostly creamy broth - not chunky soups like I am used to making.  I will definately make this soup again.  Leeks are really big here and very inexpensive.  I do like all of the fresh produce that is available and much of it grown in our area.  The bread is always a favorite, just like in Arlington.  Mark Richins - Happy Birthday today - we were thinking of you as we enjoyed the bread.

 We were looking forward to Thursday to try and regroup from the weeks activities.  We got a call late in the day asking if we could take one of our Elder's to Basel Switzerland to the Doctor the next morning.  We have been helping him and I have shared before how the system works.  After finally getting the appointment, finding out he needed blood work, taking care of that and then returning for the results - we were hopeful to go back to the original Doctor and get the needed medication.  In the meantime, this doctor got sick and then decided to close his office until the first of the year for the Christmas Season.  So, a new doctor had to be found so that he could get what he needed.  A doctor was found in Basel and so we were glad to take him.  Road Trip in the new car.  We want to help him, we just had been on the road so much and working so hard we were looking forward to a little rest.  With the new car, we had to go get a permit (sticker) for the car window to be able to drive in Switzerland.  So, we went to town early and purchased the permit so we could make the trip.  We had an amazing experience.  I love how we continue to be blessed as we are willing to serve.  This therapist practices out of her home.  She was booked, but was willing to meet with him over her lunch hour.  We arrived just in time - for the appointment and her family lunch.  We were invited into the kitchen while she took the Elder to her office.  Her husband, son and daughter-in-law were eating lunch.  I think we got the better end of the deal.  Her husband was home for lunch and we were so lucky to get to meet him.  Her son and his wife had just moved back home from Utah.  They recently graduated from BYU and had decided to move to Germany.  His parents had their basement remodeled into a really nice apartment for them.  This is Germany - most people do not have free standing homes and this was an amazing home in a beautiful neighborhood on a mountainside overlooking the Rhine River.  We shared stories and he shared his conversion story to the Church of Jesus Christ when he was 19 and living in Freiburg.  He knew many of the people we know.  He told of his mission to France with his mission President Neal Anderson (currently one of the 12 Apostles in the Church).  He shared how discouraged he was after 3 months in the mission and not able to speak French very well.  He went to an interview and said, "I want to go home."  Pres. Anderson said, "I have failed you.  Will you give me a second chance at being a better mission president?"  He said he transferred him closer to the mission home and he met with him regularly and gave him a companion who would train and teach him better.  It changed his life, his mission and his whole outlook on life. He met a sister missionary who was from Spain and when they finished their missions they corresponded and eventually married.  He was glad he stayed on his mission!   He shared his love for the missionaries and we could see why they were so willing to accommodate us on such short notice.  We are so grateful for what took place that day.  She had the medicine there to give him and we did not have to go figure out that system as well.  We had a wonderful time driving with this Elder and getting to know him better.  It is nice to have just one on one time when you can just talk and not worry about your companions or others. 

We got back just in time to make our appointment with Amira.  She has had a hard week.  Because of being on Prednesone for so long they just found out she has osteoporosis  and it is causing her a lot of pain as the bones are breaking down.  She was in the hospital this morning getting treatments to help with pain.  Oh, how I wish I could relieve some of her pain.  She just says, keep coming and visiting. 

We decided while we were out to stay on the tram and go to town for dinner.  We have wanted to try a Thai restaurant and so we went.

 Sorry for all of the food stories, but that seems to be my life this week.  I had mango chicken with rice.  Russ had Pad Thai and both were soooo good.  So much food and a great atmosphere.  Every table had the glass top with a different scene inside.  This was our table.  I love all of the different cultures here and we have really enjoyed finding these fun places to eat.  I was really glad I did not have to cook after a long day.  We still had Choir practice to go to - I am playing the piano for two numbers.  It is for our Christmas program on Saturday night.

When we walked to the Motor Club this morning to get the car permit, we passed a large, beautiful hotel that we had never been by before.  Inside was a fun Gingerbread display.

 I went inside a took pictures.  It was really nice and made from a lot of chocolate.  We are making ginger bread houses on Monday for Family Home Evening - sharing one of our traditions with them.

Friday we got to sleep a little and then on to a busy day.   Today is baking day for the Ward Program on Saturday.  I made 10 doz. ginger cookies with cream cheese dip.  They are also giving cookies to about 25 families as a gift and asked for donations, so I dipped about 36 of them in chocolate.  They turned out really good.  I also attempted my first try at Christmas Stollen.  It  is the German version of fruit cake.  The biggest challenge is using the German recipe.  I now know why most of the women I have met do not bake and just buy.  All of their recipes are in measurements you have to weigh.  So it does not say, 1 cup flour or 1 cup sugar.  You have to weigh in grams every item .  I weighed everything and then measured it and wrote down the number so the next time I bake it I will not have to weigh. 

 You make the dough and then knead in the fruit and nuts.  Then you make three long logs.  You put two close together and the third on top.  Each log is filled with marzipan.  I have never really liked the ones from the store (Aldi).  There were a little dry.  Most sweets here look really good and then you taste them and they are not sweet.  I was not sure how this would turn out.  WOW!  it did not burn like the torte and it tastes amazing.  It is moist with a wonderful almond flavor from the marzipan.  I was going to take it to the party on Saturday, but I have decided to just take the cookies.

I did not think I would like anything better than my favorite fruit cake recipe I make every Christmas.  I will say, I think this stollen will become a new favorite. 

I took my cookies and cream to the Ward Program Saturday night and it was a hit.  They had never had anything like it.  All of the other cookies were store bought.  As I said, most don't take the time to cook.  When I asked a few weeks ago if I could help they said, do you know how to make our German cookies?  I said, no, but I would like to learn.  So far, I have not been able to find anyone willing to teach me.  As you saw, I did not do too good with the torte (it actually tastes really good with the burned top cut off).  I was worried about taking my ginger cookies and it turned out OK.  Many asked for the recipe.  They ate every one of the cookies.  I took 120 cookies and they are all gone. 


Saturday - Road Trip.  We went to Singen for an austelung (street display) with the other missionaries in our District. 

 We left early in the morning and drove through  a lot of rain and a few snow flurries.  We were a little worried how the roads would be for the return trip.  It was cold, windy and rainy but we  had a great  time.  The city allows groups to set up on the town square on the same Saturday every month.  We set up our table and talked to people for about 3 1/2 hours.  I made granola bars on Friday night and we put them in baggies like I did last week and put a card on each one.  The missionaries were able to pass them out to people who they talked with.  I made 48 bars and we gave all of them out.  One lady asked if she could take a couple of packages to her neighbors. 

Even in the cold and rain, we talked to many people as they were going to the Christmas Market.  The town square was very busy.  We only had one lady who came up to Elder Grimmett and asked him how many wives he had.  He  pointed to me and said I was the only one.  She said she didn't believe him and knew he had other wives.  We laughed and wished her well.  It was a good day and we were cold to the bones.  We went back to the church and I had taken a loaf of bread and some meat and cheese for our lunch.  It was supposed to just be for Elder Grimmett and I, but it turned out to be enough for all of the missionaries - parable of the loaves and fishes - grateful there was enough and more.  On the road again - had to be back for the Ward Christmas Program.  We changed our clothes, grabbed the cookies and were off again. 

Final practice before the performance.  The program went so good.  There are some really talented people in our Ward and it was fun to be a part of this.  Elder Falkena played for one of the singers and did a really nice performance.  They decided to sing several of the songs in English and had the narrator read the song in German before the song was sung.  It turned out really nice.  I played for the Choir and was so relieved it went well.  I have also been asked to play for the Women's Choir at church tomorrow. 

We invited all of the YSA over after the program for Texas Nachos and games.  We had Yowita and Nadja (both investigators) come to the program and Elli, our newest member.  We had 9 come over after and it was a fun evening.  I hurried home and put the nachos together and also made homemade salsa.  It was a real treat for them.  They also were able to be in our home and see where we live. 
We shopped on Friday evening for all of the upcoming events for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  It took us 2 hours of shopping and planning and we spent so much money.  It is Christmas and all for good things.  Maybe it will slow down ?!?!

So, all in all it has been an amazing week.  We received sad news today when we picked up the Elder's to go to Singen.  We have had 3 Elders serving in Freiburg for the past 12 weeks.  This is  not the norm for most missionaries.  It has worked out well with some of the circumstances.  There was a situation in another area that needed an emergency transfer so our President decided to take one of our Elders and move them to that area.  We will be saying good-bye to Elder Falkena this week.  He was expecting a transfer in 3 weeks, after Christmas, but not this week.  He will be going to Switzerland.  We will really miss him.  Always a new adventure. 
Every day is a new challenge for me.  Sometimes I wonder, what am I doing here.  It does not last long as we move onto the next thing and I see or feel the purpose of my service.  I have a greater appreciation for the young missionaries who serve for 18-24 months and can only email or write their families.  They are dedicated and consecrated to the work. 
I am grateful for this Season of Christmas.  Yowita expressed gratitude for being at the program tonight.  She said it is the first time she has thought about Christmas.  She has just completed her mid term exams and it was a really hard two weeks for her.  She also received her rejection letter from Stanford University today and was disappointed.  She said she really enjoyed the program and the message of Jesus Christ and of hope.  She is applying to several other US schools and I know something will work out for her.  I am grateful for the spirit of joy, kindness, happiness, hope and love that is seen and felt as people think about Christmas.  I am glad to be able to share my beliefs with others.  Continue to find ways to Light the World this week.
Viel Liebe
The Grimmett's

November 25-Dec 1, 2018 End of Month 4

This week marks the end of the 4th month of our mission.  Time is going so fast - it seems like I just wrote this about month 3.  Christmas is almost here, I want to slow it down and just savor the spirit of the Christmas Season.  This week however, there will be no slowing down.  We have a very busy week getting ready for Wednesday and the Mission Tour of Elder and Sister Sabin from the Europe Area Presidency of the Church.  The three  Senior Couples will prepare the lunch for 75 missionaries.

 Monday is Shopping Day.  We spent two hours in Metro (German version of Costco) and were worn out when we finished - spending money will do that to you!  We actually enjoyed looking at all of their Christmas and just enjoying the atmosphere.  The snowmen are a reminder of my friend, Maxine Hoff.  Always think of you and the Relief Society ornament exchange that I will be missing.

I love these little moose.  Brian and Emily, thinking of you.

We found a star topper for our Christmas Tree and so it is now complete.  This store is a two story warehouse and it takes a long time just to get through it all.
Buying food for 75 means 20 kilo of potatoes (about 45 pounds), 15 pounds of carrots, corn, 13 packages of chicken schnitzel and all of the paper products.  This was actually the easy part.

Tuesday will be preparation day.  That means NO P-Day (personal preparation day).  I hope we can take it later in the week.
We served chicken schnitzel, potato, carrot, corn and gravy foil dinners.  We had an assembly line and cut all of the foil squares and lined them up.  We cooked the chicken schnitzel and then we sliced 45 pounds of potatoes.  That is about 80 potatoes.  We then cooked the potatoes and made the gravy.  We layered the vegetables on the meat and then sealed them into packets.  This took us about 4 hours to cut, cook and put together.  Before we went to the Church where we had more room to work I made 9 loaves of homemade bread to serve as well.  We always look forward to our Zone Conferences.  We love being with all of the missionaries and especially the other Senior Couples that we serve with.  We have a great time in the kitchen and between all of us, we put on a pretty good lunch every time.  

I made several vegetarian packets with black bean burgers instead of the chicken for those who are vegetarian.  The black bean burger recipe is in Linda's cookbook.  It is one of my favorites - Russ still prefers 100% ground beef but I tell him not to think of it that way - it is not a replacement, just a different kind of meal.
I even did a few gluten free dairy free for a few with special diet needs.
So, the day was going great until the slicing of the potatoes.  I have a new electric slicer and have loved having it.  I started slicing and Russ said, let me do that while you get the other things ready.  On potato two he moved his hand wrong and quickly his thumb became the sliced meat.  I felt so bad and wondered, how did that happen?  What was he doing?   So, it was pretty bad and bleeding a lot.  We found a first aid kit and also had some Melaleuca with us and got it bandaged.  He was out of commission for a little bit trying to get it to stop bleeding.  He does not do very good with the sight of blood and he actually did amazing.  I thought, how are we going to get this done without his help.  I took over the slicing and finished the first lot of 50 potatoes.  We got them cooked and Russ continued cooking the meat.  We found some surgical gloves and he kept right on working.  We finished the first 50 packets and more potatoes were needed so I started on the second bag.  We had a good system down by this time and I was glad we were almost finished.   

With six potatoes left to slice, the potato jammed and my thumb went right into the blade just like Russ'.  The whole time I was slicing those I was thinking we are almost done and I will get him home and take care of his hand and rest before I have to go to Relief Society.  So, now we were both hurting and trying to finish up everything with cut thumbs - quite a pair.  As missionaries we do almost everything together, but this is a little much.
We still had all of the boxing and loading our car and doing all of the dishes.  We finished just in time for me to take him home and unload the car before I had to go back to church to Relief Society.  If I had not been looking forward to going and making a Christmas advent wreath I would have stayed home.  I continue to learn, I can do hard things!

 Tuesday night I made an Advent wreath (Adventskranz)
I have found a new tradition I want to carry on with.  The Germans really know how to celebrate Christmas.  It is a whole month of remembrance and preparation of ones life for the past year.
The advent wreath is used by many families on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas.  The wreaths have four large candles and traditionally, pinecones and berries.  The whole family gathers around the wreath each Sunday before Christmas as a candle will be lit until all four candles are lighting the room.  As one, they spend a quiet, reflective hour together.  Some families sing Christmas carols or enjoy a child perform.  Others watch an afternoon movie.  They have hot chocolate, tea, gluhwein for drinks,

and stollen, cookies, marzipan chocolate, roasted chestnuts (my new favorite) and fruit.  Many families do not put up the tree until Christmas Eve.  The advent wreath provides the heart-warming candlelight and evergreen aroma throughout the month.  This is a perfect Family Home Evening the whole month of December.  I like the significance of the light of Christ in the home and filling the home with this light. Red candles mean love, white represents the Light of Christ and the Catholic Church uses Purple.

 Modern homes use all colors and do not stick with tradition.  It was a nice evening and I made a wreath for our home.

December 5th is a very special night.  Children place a pair of freshly polished shoes or boots in front of their bedroom doors.  The home that St.. Nicholas and his assistant Knecht Reprecht will visit their home.  A little gift is left in the shoe, like chocolate, nuts or fruits, or a bag of gummy bears.  Saint Nikolaus only brings presents to those children who are generally well-behaved throughout the year.  A lump of coal is left in the boot of those who are not.  Saint Nikolaus dresses similar to our Sana Claus but does not drive a sleigh or come down chimneys.  He knows everything and carries around a record of each and every chil's good and bad behavior in his golden book.  His assistant Knecht Reprecht is a menacing figure whose role is to frighten children into good behavior .  Saint Nikolaus is based on an actual person.  He was a popular bishop who lived in modern Turkey during the fourth centruy and became a legend due to his humble and generous nature.  With the Reformation came a movement away from the worship of saints and the tradition of giving and opening gifts was moved to Christmas Ever.  Ever since the tradition is that gifts are thought of as having been brought by the Christkind (Christ Child).  This is how Kris Kringle derived his name - it's an incorrect anglicization of Christkind.  So, when our children say they don't believe in Santa Claus any more or they found out, I have always said, "When you don't believe, the magic of Christmas is no longer there because you don't understand the meaning of giving.
As Traditions go, not all families participate in this activity.  They like their Holidays just like in America and the true meaning of the day is lost to many other activities.  I do appreciate however that when it is a holiday, everything closes down.  No exceptions as far as stores are concerned.  I like that it is a true holiday for everyone.

Brad Wilcox  said: "Christmas is about giving to others, but it is also about receiving, for we received a Savior!  No gift was, is or ever will be more important and meaningful. "

So, late night and up early on Wednesday to drive to Zurich Switzerland.  We were picking the Elder's up at 7:30 AM.  We had the car loaded and new bandages on our thumbs and were ready for the day.  We were out the door right on time.  We have lived here 4 months and never been in the garage when our neighbors have been there.  We all seem to have different schedules and come and go at different times.  This morning, we got in the car and two neighbors came in the garage.  We said Hello and started the car - click, click.  I try again to start the car - click, click, click.  Battery is dead.  What are we going to do.  One of the neighbors came and asked if she could help.  We unloaded the trunk looking for jumper cables.  Russ  went back into the apartment to look for some.  She said she was a mechanic for SMART CAR and that she had a friend who had a shop just down the street and she would go get a jumper.  We could not believe it.  We did not even know this neighbor other than waving hi a few times.  She went and got the machine and checked out a few things on the car and it started right up.  She said the generator was fine and that the 2 hour drive to Zurich would charge the battery.  She said, I am a mechanic and a neighbor and I can't leave until I know you are OK.  TENDER MERCY.  It was the first really cold morning and with the battery almost 3 years old she said that happens.  So, 30 minutes later we were on the road to pick up the Elders.  With morning traffic it took us awhile to get out of the city and we were about 20 minutes late to the meetings, but it could have been much worse.  If she had not been there, we would have had to call a service and that can take hours.  We had most of the food for the lunch in our car and three Elder's  who needed to be at the meetings.  We were so blessed.  It was a very foggy morning and the drive was a little stressful, but we made it.

As I said before, we love Zone Conference.  It is a spiritual feast and with Elder and Sister Sabin it was going to be even more special.  Because we were so late, I had to spend more time than usual in the kitchen and missed some of the meetings.  I really enjoyed what I did get to hear.
Elder Sabin talked about:
Love - members of the church, missionary companion, the work
Gratitude/Attitude - Because of love you can have an attitude of gratitude
Obedience - with a grateful attitude you will want to be obedient
Work - obedience leads to a desire to do the work
Trust - you might not always know why or like all of the rules, but trust and wait and blessings will come.
He said to Simplify our lives.  Don't fear - just live right.

Foil Dinners were warmed in the oven and ready to eat.  We served the lettuce/spinach salad with apples and pomegranets; bread and wonderful apple cake and brownies made by the other Sisters.  It was a feast and easy to serve.  Clean-up was even better and everything was eaten.  

 Today we welcomed a new missionary couple, The Bretzings from Mesa Arizona.  They have been here about 4 weeks and Oh, do I know how they feel.  They are still trying to figure out the garbage and how to use the appliances, etc.  They are wonderful and we look forward to getting to know them better.
We also had to say good-bye to our wonderful friends, The Andreasons from Utah.  They have been our mentors and much needed friend since we arrived.  I feel like I have known them for years and not just 4 months.  We look forward to great reunions in

Utah when we return home.  They will be missed in the mission and especially in the Singen Branch.  The Utah snow is calling Elder Andreason home - he can't wait to use his new snow blower that he didn't get to use before they came on their mission two years ago.  Sis. Andreason is so talented and an amazing women who has lived a full and rich life.  She is an Idaho girl and I think that is why we are kindred spirits.
We did not arrive home until 8:00 pm and we were so glad to call it a great day.

Elder Grimmett was off early on Thursday with Elder Odro to a Doctor appointment.  He has enjoyed the time with him and helping him work through the maze of the medical system.  We are still trying to finalize our VISA and another set-back today.  We will try again Friday morning and hope all will go well.

We visited Amira today and as always, it is a highlight of our week. She received this Advent Calendar from a friend this week and it is really a cute idea.  It hangs from the ceiling on a wreath. She was having a plumbing problem and we looked at it and said we would come back on Friday with the right tools and get it fixed.  We hope it is as simple as that - plumbing is never our friend. Another Tender Mercy - Amira called on Friday and said a brother in the Ward came by on Thursday evening to visit and he was able to fix the plumbing problem so we would not need to come. 

We are finally legal in Germany!  VISA'S were issued today and we also received German ID cards.  There is a relief in knowing you can stay legally and also that no more money will be needed to feed the system.  Now we can work on getting our Driver's License.  We also received a call today that our new car is in and we will pick it up on Wednesday.  We have to drive to Karlsruhe (out of the mission) to pick it up.  Another Road Trip! Pictures will come next week.

 #LightTheWorld Day of Service - Christmas initiative for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Saturday all over the World we have been asked to give service.  I made granola bars and packaged them with 2 to a package and put a Light The World Pass along card on each package.  We took them to the City Center and after the Organ Concert at the Munster we walked through the streets and gave them out.  No one turned me down.  Elder Grimmett was not too sure about us doing it, but I had studied and

pondered on what we should do for the service day and I felt good about this.  There are so many musicians, craftsman and homeless on the streets that I knew I could find many people to help.  It was a good experience for me as I was walking and was directed to the people that I should offer them to.  Elder Grimmett at one point said, what are you doing, you look like you are in a daze and don't know what you are doing.  I explained that I was seeking inspiration and he just needed to follow along. 
We then went to the Refugee camp and tried to visit a family and give them some as well.  They were home but would not answer their door.  I was disappointed they would not visit with us as they are members of our Church and we wanted to get to know them better and to see how we could help them. 

The realization came today that The Andreason's are really leaving to go home as I had to plan and shop for District meeting on Monday.  We have done this together and I have really enjoyed the time spent together. 
We went to our favorite Thrift store today after I have looked in many stores for Winter sweaters.  I had not been able to find what I wanted and so we went to the Saturday sale at the Thrift Store.  I found 4 really nice sweaters and Russ found a tie.  Saturdays are normally 30% off and so we try to go on Saturday.  When he totaled up the sale he said, 4.50 - that was 1 Euro per sweater and .50 for the tie.  We can't believe how many times they have done that and given us an amazing deal. 
I have been asked to play the piano for the Relief Society and the Young Women for Christmas programs.  We went to the Church today so that I could practice the music.  The Elder's were there just finishing a teaching appointment.  We visited and then they were asked to help clean the building for Sunday.  They were going to stop by and pick up some mail on their way home.  I was fixing Texas Nachos for dinner with homemade Salsa.  I knew it was getting late and they had not eaten and also had not planned to stay and help clean so I invited them to eat with us when they came by.  They were so grateful.  It was the first time for one of our Elder's from Holland to ever have American Nachos.  He loved them.  They ate two full pans, two bowls of Salsa and lots of dessert.  It is always nice to have them in our home and we enjoyed the time with them today. 

Today is a very special day in Granbury Texas.  I would like to invite all of my Texas friends to go and visit The Nativity Display with Faye Landham.  It will be open Dec. 2 - Dec. 9 at the Langdon Concert Hall, 308 E. Bridge Street, Granbury from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM It is FREE and open to all. 
This is the first year in 25 years that we have not participated and helped with a display.  It has been a wonderful tradition for our family and a wonderful way to begin the Christmas Season.  We are so grateful for the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ to the World.  I am grateful I have been able to share my love for Him through these displays.  I know it has helped many people recognize the importance of putting Christ in Christmas.  I am grateful to be in Germany this year and to see and learn new ways to celebrate and honor His birth.  The Christmas markets are wonderful and it is festive with the lights, smells and things to buy, but it does not compare to the Spirit of Christmas that is seen and felt at The Nativity Display.  I will forever be grateful for the past 24 years.

For those who would like to send a card (I know it is double the cost to send over here, and email works great) here is our address:
Elder & Sister Grimmett
Eschholzstrassa 88
79115  Freiburg im Breisgau
Germany

So, it is Saturday night and it looks like we did not get our P-Day this week.  Next week is already filling up as well.  I guess the cleaning and laundry will just have to wait - it is good Russ is so good at keeping the dishes washed and the bed made.
Wishing everyone a great December - Light The World with Service - Week 1
Light your community - Week 2
Light your family - Week 3
Light your faith - Week 4
for more information you can visit http://mormon.org

Viel Liebe
The Grimmett's

Nov. 18-25, 2018 Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Dinner with the Institute Class.  Elder Grimmett was missing our traditional pineapple turkey and so he printed one and we put it on a pumpkin.









So much is happening this week.  It is interesting  how life changes and you live from one District meeting to another, Transfer days and all things mission.   

THE DISTRICT
We have been together for 6 weeks and Tuesday is transfer day.  Elder Silva will be completing his mission and returning home to Portugal.  Elder Fishburn will be joining us in Freiburg and Sis. Kasteler will be going to Augsburg so The District is changing.  Elder and Sister Andreason will be completing their mission and returning to Utah the first week of December.  With all of these changes this was our last time together.   

 We had District meeting in Freiburg this week.  It was a crazy day for us, but really nice to be together and learn from each other and as always eat good food.  I have really enjoyed this group of missionaries.  Some of them have been with us since we arrived and we have grown to love them and appreciate all they have done to help us learn and adjust to the life of a missionary.
Sister Kasteler has been so fun and she will be missed.  I have enjoyed the times we have been together and look forward to seeing her again when we all return home.  She is from Utah so we plan to stay in touch.

 We helped our Bishop with a service project on Monday morning before District Meeting.  It made it a very busy morning.  Lately, several people have asked, "What do you do all day?"  Do you stay busy?  Most days, we wonder how we will get everything done.  We are always willing to help if we can, but there are a few people who think we should do all of the service projects that no one else is willing to do.  We need to learn to say No, but that has always been hard for me.  

 We are anxious for Thursday to come and the opening of the Christmas Market.  We went to city center on Monday evening and the store windows are coming alive.  This was an amazing window scene.  The tree trunk moves and the face changes.  The fairy log was beautiful.  This is how they view the forest - magical, everything a little girl dreams of.
They do not have Thanksgiving here, but it is the start of the Christmas Season and they are even starting to have Black Friday sales.

 The magic of Christmas is in the air.  That feeling comes to me because of the babe in a manger who came to redeem the world.  There is a Hope in Christ in knowing His mission and The Plan of His Father.  That knowledge brings peace, hope, faith, joy as we study, learn and ponder on this wondrous gift of Jesus Christ to the world.  It is the symbol of this gift that brings the magic of Christmas.

 This is the view we see looking out of our windows.  They are adding 2 stories to the top of the building so we get to here all of the construction noise.  When we looked out Tuesday morning there was what appeared to be smoke coming out in the opening where there is a tree.  Picture does not show very good.  It looked like the tree was on fire.  I sent Russ outside to inspect before we called the Fire Department.  He went out and they had rerouted a vent pipe so on a cold morning the steam was coming out making the tree look like it was on fire.  I am glad we checked because if it had been fire, it does not take long for a building to burn and it was really close to my apartment.  Better safe than sorry




 Tuesday is P-Day, but today we have a lot to do to prepare for our Wednesday Dinner at the Institute and also it is transfer day.

Elder Diogo Samuel Silva

 We went to the train station to see Elder Silva off.  His train was delayed 20 minutes so we got to visit a little more.  He will always be a special missionary to us.  He was here when we arrived and welcomed us from the very first day.  He lived for 7 years in Sandy Utah (his Jr. High and High School years).  His family then moved back to Portugal and a year later he left on his mission.  He speaks great English, Portuguese and German.  He became a great missionary as he worked through some difficult times and as he matured.  He said he always challenged his parents and their authority and by the time he left

Elder's Odro, Silva & Falkena

he was serving as our District Leader and said he now appreciates his parents and feels like he is becoming just like his Dad.  He has a gentle heart and we wish him the very best as he pursues an education and continues on the path of life.

We wanted to take Elder Odro and Falkena to dinner after the good-bye, but they had an appointment to go to so we parted ways.

 We continue to find new restaurants to try and we found  an Indian Restaurant that was wonderful.  The atmosphere was so calm with beautiful music and the food was fantastic.  We had curry chicken and a chicken with cashew tomato curry sauce all served over rice. Each dish comes out and is served in a fondue like pot to keep it warm.  We really enjoyed it and hope to return and try other dishes. 

 I cooked chicken, made rolls and cooked the pumpkin and then made these Pumpkin Streusel Bars.  They were better than pumpkin pie.  The recipe calls for ginger snap cookies.  We looked in several stores and could not find ginger snaps.  The only place that carries them is IKEA and we had just been there last week and I did not buy them.  So, I had made some snickerdoodles and I used them for the crust and just added some ginger.  It worked really good.  Filling was pumpkin, cream cheese, eggs and sour cream with spices.  It is topped with a streusel topping.  They eat a lot of pumpkin here, but not sweet.  Some of the students would not try it because it was pumpkin, but those that did, really liked it.  

It's Wednesday!  Happy Birthday to our Grandson Zach who turned 12 today.  We will miss being with him and also miss that Russ will not be able to be a part of him receiving the Aaronic Priesthood at church.  
 I cooked most of the day.  Russ was a big help as we had to peel lots of carrots and potatoes.  We did not serve turkey - found some at the store but it was 17Euro for a 10  pound turkey and that was too expensive and would not serve everyone.  I made my favorite Chicken bundles (a tradition at the Arlington Institute for many years at Thanksgiving). The recipe is in Linda's Cookbook.  It is chicken, cream cheese and butter inside of a crescent roll dough.  They turned out really good even though I had to use a little different dough here. 

 I made stuffing balls, mashed potatoes and gravy and orange glazed carrots.  The stuffing balls turned out really good.  You just make up the stuffing and form it into balls and bake in the oven.  It was easy to serve and they liked it because it is kind of like the semmel knordel that they eat. They also are not used to gravy and they put it on everything.  I served rolls and rounded out the meal with a  Waldorf Salad (Recipe also in Linda's Cookbook).  This was our Thanksgiving Dinner this year and it was nice to show them a little taste of what we do.  Russ then shared with them a little thought about the history of Thanksgiving.
He shared the proclamation which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving.  During his administration, President Abraham Lincoln order government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving on November 28, 1861.  In September of 1863, Sarah Josepha Hale wrote Mr. Lincoln and asked for the day to be made a National Holiday.  Up to that time each State chose the day

they would celebrate a day of thanksgiving.  She had been trying for 15 years to get a President to do this.  He immediately responded to her request.  The following document was written by Secretary of State William Seward on October 3, 1863. 
By the President of the United States of America:  
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.  To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of sop extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the every watchful providence of Almighty God.  In the midst of a civil war . . .No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.  They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.  It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.  I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.  And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. . . .
We are so grateful for this opportunity, even as we sojourn in a foreign land, to give thanks to our Father in Heaven for our family, friends, and for the many blessings  we have been given.  We are so grateful to have been prepared spiritually, physically and temporally to be able to serve our mission at this time and place.  We love serving and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

 After all of those preparations for Wednesday, we celebrated Thanksgiving on a much smaller scale - grateful for a few leftovers.  We actually went a purchased chicken cordon blue from the meat market and added it to all of the leftovers.  It was a wonderful meal and just perfect for the two of us.  We had a delightful day as we recovered from the busy week and also began preparations for Christmas.  
Sorry about all of the stories of food - It's
Thanksgiving!

 We had our weekly visit with Amira.  She was so glad to have us visit and had gotten all dressed up.  She spends most of every day on her bed/couch and her world is all around her on the walls and shelves of her room  She is in so much pain and yet she has a wonderful spirit and brightens our day.  We love visiting her and hope we bring her some joy and peace. 

 We decorated our home for Christmas.  Russ assembled the tree and put the lights on it.  That has been his passion for many years and he does a great job.  We finally agreed on a place to put the tree and then completed the decorations.  We think it is beautiful and it gives the room a wonderful glow.  We had purchased a Nativity at a flee market back in October.  It was a great find.  It is an Italian set and is actually a composite of several sets.  Each piece is numbered and I looked it up on the internet and found some of the pieces are quite valuable.  I hand cleaned every piece and it is beautiful.  I cannot believe how vibrant the colors are and how nice it looks all cleaned up. 

 We watched a new music video by The Tabernacle Choir of Silent Night and now, Let the Season begin.  
We talked to each of our children and their families and also my Dad.  It was a wonderful day.  I only cried when we prayed at dinner, just a little home sick and missing my family.  It was wonderful to see and hear what each of them were doing and so grateful for each of them and their sharing and serving others on this day of Thanksgiving.  
We ended the day watching the replay of the BYU basketball game.  Russ only watches if they win, so it was a great evening  - probably better than the Cowboys Football game!

 CHESTNUTS (Marroni) ROASTING OVER AN OPEN FIRE - A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.  They were roasted to perfection and I ate almost the whole bag.  They were warm and so good.  The liking must come with age, I don't remember them being so good 40 years ago when I tried them. We had a wonderful evening walking through the crowds and seeing all the sights and sounds of the market.  The busy places were all of the hot drinks and food - most people were there to drink and socialize and not browse the markets.  We were there to browse the markets so it was nice away from the crowds.

 We had an Annual Cleaning of the Church Building this afternoon.  The Elder's came over to ride with us to the Church.  They loved the Christmas decorations and the festive spirit.  I gave them some pumpkin cake with whipped cream and they were happy.  Elder Odro was smiling and happy.  The other Elders said, see, you can find joy in something today.  He had been having a hard day and just having a little bit of food filled with love made a difference in his day.  I am so glad it brought him Joy! We cleaned for about 2 hours and then went to the Christmas Market.  3 of our Young Adults had the same idea after they cleaned and we met up with them as they were eating some fun breads.  It was a cold and drizzeling night but you really did not notice as you were among all of the festivities.  We got a quick view of it all and will go back in the coming weeks to see more.  We will have to go get some more Marroni.

We had a full day planned for Saturday.  Reports to catch up on and more paper work.  There is always shopping and preparing for coming events.  It has been five months since my last hair cut.  It was getting really long, but it is hard to find a new hair stylist so I just kept letting it grow.  A new shop opened just down the street from us and so we stopped in on Friday to check it out and make an appointment.  It is amazing how a little thing like a hair cut can make you feel so good.  It was nice to just have 1 hour of pampering - good for another 4 or 5 months.   

Two of the Young Married girls asked on Wednesday if they could come over on Saturday night and learn how to make bread.   Their men wanted a game night - so it was girl's night at my house.  I always enjoy teaching others how to make bread.  More shopping  and prepping for tonight.  I made chicken noodle soup to go with the bread and we also made a new dish with cheese.  You have a raclette pan - it is a pan that sits on top of a rack with 4 tea lights underneath.  You use a special raclette cheese and you put on the cheese and in minutes it melts to perfection and you scrape it onto bread or potatoes, etc.  We put it on the fresh baked bread and it was wonderful.

We made Italian Bread and Refrigerator Rolls.  They did a great job for their first time baking bread.  The best part was they got to take it home with them.  Their next girl's night out will be cinnamon rolls.  
I have asked some ladies here if they would share some of their Christmas recipes with me.  I am hoping they will remember and share so I can learn to make some local favorites.  I would love it if they would teach me how, but the recipes will be good as well.  

And so, the best time of the year in all of Germany is upon us.  I have three Nativities in my living room and so far everyone I have shown or talked to is amazed at them and really don't know what they are.  I share my story and show pictures of what we have done the past 24 years.  It is amazing to me how many people celebrate Christmas and have the markets and advent calendars and food and then when you talk about The Nativity you have to explain it.  Faye Landham, I think you need to bring your display to Germany next year - they need a little Jesus Christ in their celebrations.  
Tonight was a perfect way to end the week.  Looking forward to this next week and Zone Conference Mission Tour.  Details will follow.
Grateful to all of our family and friends for your support and love as we serve
Viel Liebe,
The Grimmett's