Herne

I can't believe November is almost half way over! Sister Williams and I are nearing the end of our first transfer together in Herne! We have had a ton of fun adventures and experiences here together.

I am learning a lot about finding people and talking to people. I think one of my favorite things to do so far, is watch peoples expressions. For example, I'll be sitting on a bus, and a lady will get on and sit right across from me- I'll smile at her, and when she smiles back I usually say hi and ask her how her day is going. It is so funny to see how they react! Because it is always one of two things, they just look annoyed, and I can imagine the conversation in their head goes "why are you talking to me? normal people aren't nice! stop it!" or - and this is more frequent they are surprised and smile really big, and say its great thank you! <--- that right there is a favorite moment of mine. Because then we can actually talk and have a conversation and almost always it leads into missionary work. I have been thinking a lot about the preach my gospel chapter, "teach when you find, find when you teach". And how important it is to share your beliefs where ever you are. We don't need to set apart a specific time to find people if we are finding people all the time. I was thinking about the example of the savior- He took every opportunity to teach, he didn't wait until he had scheduled the time for it. That is one of my goals- to teach the way the savior taught.

We called up a man that we contacted last week on the bus and were able to meet up with him at the bahnhof. He is from Togo Africa and wanted a french book of Mormon. I marked one up and brought it to him, we sat down on a bench for about 20 minutes and explained to him what we as Mormons believe. At one point I felt impressed to ask him, why he even wanted to meet with us. Because at first when we contacted he didn't have any interest- but something changed his mind. He said that when I pulled out the book... he began to think. He said it started to make sense that there was another book that went along with the bible- just like the Koran. And he wanted to know which one was true- the Mormon book or the Koran. And that something inside of him wanted to find out more- just like a spark. We gave him the book and he said he would read for a couple days and then call us back!!! As we walked home from that appointment I was so happy. It was a little bit late, and the stars were shining and I turned to Sister Williams and pointing up said,
 "Sister, sometimes its nice to know that God is in charge of his work- and that we are his instruments"

Sister Shurts

from the scribbled notes of a sister missionary

Lost at the train station

Marking up Books of Mormon to hand out

A very funny German cigarette ad

What happens to missionaries who don't obey the rules!

Adventures in Herne

Once upon a time... there were two missionaries who had both been in Germany for less than 4 months. They spent their day's in the cities and the train-stations gazing at the confusing routes and bus lines, wondering if they would ever figure it out so that they don't end up in random places they didn't even know exsisted!

But... I never would have guessed that the Lord would use my TERRIBLE sense of direction for a good cause! This week as we jumped from train to street car to bus- We were able to meet SO many different people. I think I am going to start a list of all the people I've met from different countries, (Tibet, Jamaica, Africa, Jordan, Portugal, Brazil etc). I am amazed at what miracles God works in our lives when we open our mouths. While I was on the Bus I felt impressed to go and sit by an old black guy, we talked for a little bit, but as soon as I said I was a missionary he put his hands up and shook his head, saying he was a muslim. I decided right then I could either be discouraged or encouraged. I decided to keep talking to him. The lady across from us joined the conversation and we discussed what faith was and how we get answers to prayers. I pulled out the book of mormon and read Moroni 10:3-5 and explained the purpose of the Book of Mormon. Then this man that I had sat next to after rejecting the idea asked me if he could have my book, and gave me his adress and number so that we can go visit him!!!! I got off that bus and jumped up and down I was so excited!!!! I think Sister Williams might have been a little bit emberassed!

This week people have just come up to us and asked us what we are doing here- what an amazing opportunity to share the Gospel. Heavenly Father helps us use every opportunity to teach, whether it is getting lost in Germany or having a broken bathroom. We had a plumber come over this morning because our water wasn't draining in our old apartment. As I was trying to remember what the German word was for pipe, he asked me about my badge. Then right there in that tiny little bathroom, I taught the first lesson to that old german plumber. Man... I can't even describe it. But being here in Germany has made me happier than I have ever been in my whole life.

It has been a great week, and I am excited to see what this next week brings

I love you all! thank you for you support and prayers!

Sister Shurts

from the scribbled notes of a sister missionary

In front of a cool church!

Our cute bedroom

My cute apartment and my even cuter companion!

Making dinner ourselves on a night that we weren't invited
to eat with members.

Stand-in Twin for the Day!

Quote of the week... "Sister Shurts thank goodness you speak German!"

I'm in Herne now!! I can't believe that I'm already in a new area- but we all met at the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station) that was a crazy adventure in and of itself- Sister Petersen and I had to carry 6 heavy pieces of luggage down 4 flights of stairs across the city of wetzlar up a crooked cobblestone ramp and then the Bahnhof all while rushing to catch a train!! my fingers and arms almost fell off I was SO tired! Once we got there I met my new companion Sister Williams!! She has only been out one transfer longer than me and just barely finished her training and those were the first words she said to me "Sister Shurts thank goodness you speak German!" haha- and what she has continued with all week! Our new little apartment is SOO much nicer (and cuter) than the one in Wetzlar!! I walked in and could turn around in a full circle and not hit anything!! haha But I really like it, it imediatly felt like home having a real desk to study at is nice too. Our first couple days were a little bit hectic but they are starting to calm down now.

20!!! wow that is wierd to think about- I have to admit it was really hard to wake up and not give my twin a hug, and share the moment with her. I can't believe that this is the first time in 20 years that we havn't shared this day together! On Sunday Sister Williams and I rode our bikes to church (now that makes me feel like a real sister missionary!) and then we stood at the entrance and welcomed the members. There was a cute girl who walked in and Sister Williams ran and gave her a hug and whispered something in her ear- then this girl (Alena) ran up to me and gave me a hug and shouted, "Sister! its my birthday too!!! we can be twins today!!!" After that she ran around all through church announcing that the new sister Missionary was her twin haha- it was quite funny to watch- her family was super sweet and invited us over for cake that evening. Although it wasn't the same as having Kiana there Alena was very sweet about making me feel at home.

During Church I was asked to share my Testimony on the spot (I still havn't quite gotten used to that haha) I stood up and as I was walking to the front I looked at all the people in the ward, Herne is one of the oldest Mormon congregations in Germany- I could see their belief and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ in their eyes- I am so excited to be a part of it!

I know that this church is true- I have felt it in my heart- I had a coach who told me once, that if I give him 100% then I will be amazed at the progess I make! Heavenly Father is like our coach- he knows what is best for us- He wants us to give him our all, and he will mold us and shape us into better people. If we give ourselves to Heavenly Father and his gospel 100% I know that he will work miracles through our hands. Although it is hard being away from my Twin Sister and family i would never trade this experience to be home with them right now. There is something special about being a missionary- something that makes me feel like I am part of something bigger- I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I am so proud to labor here in Germany in his name!

from the scribbled notes of a sister missionary

Sister Shurts

Missing my twin on my birthday!! Happy Birthday, Kiana!

Saying goodbye to Sister Petersen

Sister Petersen and I had to get all this luggage to the train station.

Saying bye to Sis. Blackhurst

My new companion in Herne, Sister Williams. 

Me, in heaven!! A store full of Playmobils!

Say What???

Well... sometimes as soon as you start getting comfortable life sweeps the rug out from under your feet. Sister Blackhurst and I were just settling in getting ready for this next transfer when we got a phone call from President Stoddard. I just watched Sister Blackhurst as she took the call- and she looked at me and her mouth dropped and then she mouthed 'your getting transfered!' .... WHAT?! I freaked out- because as a new missionary you normally spend 12 weeks in training with your trainer and I've only been here for half of that! Heavenly Father must have something else in mind for Sister Blackhurst and me. I'm getting transfered to Herne- I have no idea what the area is like or who my companion will be or anything! (It'll be a way fun adventure:)

It is sad to say goodbye to Wetzlar- I have grown to love the ward and the people here so much even though it has been for only one transfer. I was talking to my companion about it, and she said something that made me feel a little better- she said that it is better to leave an area sad, because then you know that you have put your heart into it and given it your all, then to be happy to leave. As I reflected on that I realized how true it was, the people we have worked with these past 7 weeks have progressed so much and have come so much closer to the savior. Yesterday we had Tina and Diana and her son Jamie and church! :) I was so happy to see them there. Diana decided not to go to a family brunch to come which was a big sacrifice for her, but she said that she felt like she needed to come if she wanted to get baptized. I am so excited for her- even if I won't be here for it.

Next week will be full of new adventures, and new experiences! I'm excited to see what Herne will bring! :)

Braunfels Castle

Farewell Interview with Wolfgang

Braunfels Castle

Found a huge "Benjamin Bluemchen" doll in shop window.
One of my favorite German childhood cartoon characters.

Bishop Meiser and his wife

My first Schnitzel

The Power of a Missionary

There is a special calling and power when you are set apart as missionary... I think I am only just beginning to realize that- but watching people as we teach them and seeing the spirit that we bring with us work in their lives is a testimony to me of the way Gods hand is evident in our lives. This week we had an appointment with Diana who was doing great last week- we walked in to a cloud of smoke and yelling. Diana, with a cigarette in her hand was getting angry at her son. She was close to tears and wanted us to leave! As we talked at the door we asked if there was anything we could do for her. With tears in her eyes, she said 'come in girls'. We talked with her and I was amazed as I saw her begin to smile and laugh. After we shared a spiritual thought she even asked us if she could say the closing prayer, which though simple was pure and precious and I could feel that heavenly father was working on her heart. 

Just one more week left in this transfer and i'll be out 2 months! That is for sure a strange thought. It feels like just yesterday I was leaving home to start my mission! My companions and I are working hard on getting to know the ward members and less actives. I have had a personal goal to meet more people on busses! Sometimes we don't get in our language study so I try to talk to as many Germans as I can, so that I can learn faster. On the bus I started talking to this cute Turkish lady named Ümi. She taught us how to make pizza crust and bread dough but more importantly we started talking about families and she wants to learn more about how our families can be eternal! After praying all week to be able to talk to someone who was interested in the gospel it was a blessing that we were able to met her. 

Lots of people ask me if it is hard being in a tri-panionship (as Sister Petersen likes to call it) but I don't think so. They are both such amazing missionaries and they both work so hard. I think one of my favorite parts of the day is companionship study- hearing the insights from both of them is always so enlightening! I am going to miss Sister Petersen when she goes home. (although I won't mind the extra space we will have in the already packed apartment haha)

Those are just some of the highlights of the week, which ended with a bang. literally. We had an appointment with Tina and Ahmet (some investigators) and from their apartment we could see the fair that was happening in Wetzlar for the 'feiertag' (celebration) and it ended with an awesome firework show over the cute old city. It was beautiful to see the fireworks reflecting over the old bridge in the water and see them light up the cathedral below. I just had to smile- and think heaven was applauding the missionary work in Germany. :)

Love you all

Sister Shurts

From the Scribbled notes of a Sister Missionary 

Happy About Cancelled Appointments?

So, the best news that happened this week was that someone canceled an appointmet on us! ... that may sound a bit odd- the best part was that it was because it was the sister of Marlies (who has been in a coma for 2 weeks now) called and canceled and said she was rushing to the hospital because Marlies had woken up!!!! :D We were soo happy the rest of the day I just couldn't help smiling all the time! Heavenly Father is really working little miracles everywhere!

We met with Wolfgang at Moo's this week (an adorable little bakery that is delicious) and talked with him about the plan of salvation and the book of mormon- he just ate up every word that we said, and he asked so many question and wanted things clarified and kept saying that it all made sense. I am so happy for him. We are praying about setting a baptisimal date with him in the november! That wasn't even the best part of the lesson- at the end of it he says to me and broken english, "Sister Shurts, you need a gooder back pack, und i have won here vit me" right after that he pulled out this little kiddy back pack with dolphins and "fans of the wild' written on it! BAHAHAHA and he was tottally serious, and made me take it! - to be completley honest i love it- and were it more acceptable i would wear it everywhere! He was able to come to church with us yesterday and I wore it then so that he could see that I was using it! He is really progressing quite a lot, he talked with all the ward members and loved listneing to the last session of conference with everybody!

I have been learning a lot about faith, but mostly the faith to know that if I do what I need to and remain worthy I will have the spirit with me. We have an single mom investigator from Ghana and she has been on and off coming to church for a couple years now. My companions felt like dropping her just because she hasn't made any progress- but there is somehting about her that told me- just wait a little bit. I have just been praying so hard for her all week, she has such a good spirit about her and such a good heart. We met with her today and I was able to bear testimony about the importance of the sacrament.  As we talked with her there was such a good feeling in the room. Even her crazy hyper active son was calm. We talked about the importance of taking the sacrament and the power it has after you are baptised and the power and strength we recieve once we have made those covenents with God. She started tearing up as we talked and said that it was something that she had always wanted and just had a hard time working toward. She is going to pray about a baptismal date and so are we!!! GAH!!!

The seasons are starting to turn here in germany- once we get out of the ghetto where our apartment is the area really is beautiful. I don't think I am quite as homesick because the weather is almost identical to that in Oregon. It is sporadically rainy and randomly sunny. The mornings are filled with fog and (aside from all the second hand smoke) it is nice. I have loved going to small little dorfs outside the city and meeting with people in their little cottages next to rolling green hills! Guys... i think i'm turning into a german! I love it here! I am so thankful for the opportunity to be in Wetzlar! -

I hope you all have a good week!

Love Sister Shurts

From the scribbled notes of a sister missionary

What is your passion? Learning from people everywhere! :)

I had an interesting discusion with a cute old German Lady on the bus last Thursday- we were talking about what makes people interesting- and we both came to the conclusion that it is a persons' passions. I was able to share with her my testimony and the excitement and enthusiam I have about serving a mission- but the more that I have thought about it, the more I have really begun to internalize that thought. Being a latter-day saint is not just a title that I wear, or even a name on a badge. Everything that I am and everything that I want to become is made possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I've decided to talk to people about their passions, when I meet them, because when you find out what someone really cares about you really learn a lot about who they are.

I loved listening to a part of General Conference this weekend- we will get the rest of it next week- but it was awesome hearing the guidence and direction that the Lord wants us to hear. We wanted to get a couple investigators to show up... but... they flaked on us- oh the sad life of a missionary- haha  

A sequel to last weeks ambulance incident- Marlies is in the urgent care and is still in a coma. I am really worried about her and her family. But I am just amazed at how the Lord is guiding his work here. Her son and sister who had previously not had any interest at all in the church let us talk with them for over an hour about the Plan of Salvation, and they both asked us to come over more often and teach them the lessons. I walked out of there just shinning- 

Once we get out of industrial Wetzlar the countryside in Germany is Beautiful! We took a train out to Marburg this week and there was a gorgeous castle and cathedral that we saw on our way to visiting some less active members. Sometimes I wish I had canvas and paint to be able to capture the beautiful scenery of Germany. I know that I have been here almost a month but it doesnt feel like it, sometimes I walk out of my apartment and still laugh and think- "echt? bin ich wirklich in Deutschland??" *am i really in germany?* We have several apointments a day and I want to keep that up and actually increase the amount. I just don't want to waste any of the lords time while I am here in germany. 

My German is getting better although there are lots of little things that I still need to work on. My companions are helping me with that, they are great. We have such awesome discusions and I am learning so much from them! - Although I think I am wearing them out, they are constantly telling me that I have way too much energy!! haha but I can't help it! I just get so excited and want to keep going and do more things. Sister Petersen wants me to let her know if I ever get tired so that she can take a picture and document the rare occasion haha. Thats been most of my week so far! I can't believe that it is going by so fast! I miss you all and am so greatful for your encouragment and prayers! 

Love Sister Shurts

From the Scribbled Notes of a Sister Missionary