Happy almost Pioneer Day!
We just returned from Stein am Rhein (which we had no idea was in Switzerland until the bus crossed the border) where we enjoyed a beautiful riverside daytrip with some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted.
We just returned from Stein am Rhein (which we had no idea was in Switzerland until the bus crossed the border) where we enjoyed a beautiful riverside daytrip with some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted.
We are booked-- this week will include 2 days in Munich for MLC and then every week after that will include exchanges. We're pumped!
It's been interesting to notice how we went from a super frustrating week where we got stood up by 4 separate people and literally everyone was mean to us (not even in the rejection sense, they were just flat out rude to us as people)... to then, in contrast, an absolutely FANTASTIC week. It makes you appreciate the good things.
Some things that went down lately:
- - we rode a ship
- - we had the most lit ward party I have ever attended. From an astounding view to grilling to a bounce house to Benji's band, everyone had a blast. Several people came (including many old faces not seen for a while) and the next day the chapel was filled with more people than ever before!
- - Played soccer with a bunch of competitive Germans #stillsore
- - Played barbies with the kiddos. They love us and we love them-- every time we see them we get tackle-hugged. Probably cause we give them cookies
- - There was a new lady working the cash register and she was so excited to see us! Turns out she met the sisters a few years back and really liked them.
- - We celebrated our bestie's birthday-- oh man she always makes us feel so loved
- - We had a lesson about learning to find God's influence in our lives... the Spirit was so so strong! It is truly a humbling to be able to teach.
Quotes of the week:
- - Me: "What an incredible scripture story that is! The Brother of Jared had such faith that, upon asking Him to light up the stones, he saw the finger of the Lord." Schwester K: "I have faith that one day you will speak perfect Spanish."
- - "Is there anything we can do for you?" "Yes sisters, we would love it if you took our dogs on a walk through the woods."
- - *in Sunday School* "We are living in the last days. There is not a single country that isn't plagued with conflict" "Except Switzerland."
I am so grateful for the time and the place in which we live. In a world where so many are persecuted for their beliefs, it is such a blessing to be able to practice freely. It was only within the last 2 centuries that my ancestors faced the treacherous journey across the sea from Europe and across the wild terrain of the American continent... and yet to this day others still risk their lives to worship their God.
We have so much to live for, and we cannot take these sacrifices made by others for granted. Instead, we have so many opportunities to strengthen ourselves (and others) by expounding upon our faith. We cannot afford to be wishy-washy, choosing to follow our religion based on, say, tradition. Rather, we must build for ourselves a firm foundation! Let us decide for ourselves what we believe and then act on it. We need not be "pioneers," although many will be even in this day and age. But we can always follow the pioneers' excellent examples of faith and dedication to their God.
Sister Lundgreen
