Woche 8

Who cares if the back fender's held on by zip ties, this sisters got a bike!!

Life is Good!

This week has been so packed with appointments that we almost never cook at home and we're becoming pros at unterwegs (on the way) contacting :) We've gotten to know a lot of our members better, especially those that live farther away. Missionaries in the past didn't really visit the members that far out but we've been able to work with them and get rides or go home with them after church and it's been a serious blessing to know their families better. 

This past P Day might have been the best one yet! 

Fact: castles in Germany are a major tourist attraction. 

Fact: it took us over two hours to find Burg Frankenstein, instead of the recommended 15 minutes. 

Possible conclusions: we're all incredibly directionally challenged OR we should petition for better road signs hahaha 

The only guides we had were little castles painted on random trees on the 'trail'. Towards the end of we just hiked straight up the mountain instead of taking time with switchbacks. But it was beautiful! Germany is just so GREEN. 

So it seems the more I try to persuade Sister Godwin that her fear of flying things is irrational, the more I prove her point. Exhibit B: (the bird mistaking my hair for a nest being exhibit A) we were eating dinner with Schwester Dahlke and I crossed my legs. Due to my valiant effort to be ladylike, I smashed a bee on my leg, resulting in it leaving a nice little bee sting on my calf. Naja alles gut (Well, all is good) :)

At our last district meeting together, we talked about the differences we've seen throughout the past weeks and what we felt we should continue to work on. I've felt that while we plan and work and expect miracles everyday, we still sometimes put a cap on our potential. We seem to have a hard time setting achievable goals that still push us. As much as I'd love to get 3 new investigators everyday, we try to set goals within our capabilities. So it's a learning process :) seeing what we're capable of and ways we can improve. Our new transfer goals are exciting and this past week has been a great start! Our ward has been fasting and praying for missionary work and we've felt their efforts every day. Teaching with members is fantastic. They share something that we can't. They can relate to those we're teaching on a different level because sometimes it's hard to see past the missionary tag. Having members with us at appointments makes the church more personal and the gospel more real when they can see its effects in someone else's life.

"Has God not endowed you with the gift of speech? ... If you are endowed with the Spirit of God, mo matter how simple your thoughts maybe, they will be edifying to those who hear you."
-Eliza R. Snow

It's not our method of teaching that will change and inspire people, it's the message. The truths are powerful enough that no matter how simply they're spoken, the Spirit delivers the same feelings. I think how often I want to bear my testimony, share more experiences, or just explain a little more but my Deutsch doesn't quite allow for that yet haha  There's a notecard on my desk that reminds me- confidence in the truths of the gospel = confidence in German. 

Approaching the Throne of God With Confidence - I could read this talk everyday for the rest of my life! (Thank you Brother Chidester) 

I can't be reminded enough times of how the Atonement should be used every single day! The Atonement is 24/7 made just for us. 

We fasted with Suellen again this past week! She's still loving that golden feeling :) we're talking with her about being proactive! And setting goals for herself because it's not enough just to know that it's true. It becomes easier to prioritize other wants and fears over decisions that bring us farther down the road to eternal life. We've shared talks and scriptures with her about Christ making up the difference and that HE can make us enough and ready to go forward. I'm looking forward to seeing what decisions she makes and how we can continue to help her. 

One of our investigators, Desiree, has been praying for a baptismal date and we hope that she finds a peaceful answer soon. Michelle has been sick this past week so we didn't get to see her but next week we hope to finish the Commandments with her! The love that Desiree and Michelle have for Christ and their search for happiness and truth is inspiring. Desiree invited her daughter to our last lesson and was so open to the changes that the gospel is going to make in her life. 

I've thought a lot about scripture study and the attitude I approach it with. To think that we hold the words of God specifically for us in our hands! And yet sometimes we spend only a few minutes studying this chapters that can better our lives and make us happier than we can imagine. The Book of Mormon contains eternal truths that help us become changed through Jesus Christ. I know that my day and expectations change as I read; it's like having a golden ticket in your pocket :) 

Remember the
blessings of the gospel in your life as you study. Think of the times that the scriptures have guided you and remember the mini miracles of everyday :) 

Viele Grüße auch von Sister Godwin (Greetings also from Sister Godwin)

Alles gute!

Sister Riser

Woche 7: The Birds. Maybe Hitchcock was onto something

1 transfer down! Holy mackerel 

How do you get to love so many people in a month and a half?? 

This week a bird landed on my head in the middle of Hauptbahnhof square. Don't asked me why, though I'm secretly convinced that people are putting crumbs in my bag to attract them or something. Sister Godwin and I were waiting in front of the Strassenbahn when she screamed and backed away. I know that logic suggests that at this point, I should have done something.  But as this happens on a daily basis, I figured it was a bumblebee and her voice would return to its normal pitch momentarily. Unfortunately I soon found that this was not the case as I felt claws on my head, gripped ready to carry me off to a pigeon cavern or something. I shampooed my hair twice but somehow still feel marked, like at any moment a hoard will come and take me away. Maybe I should learn some bird calls. 

First Mainz street display was a hit! We set up in Schillerplatz and it was amazing to see people's responses. I honestly don't know how I would respond to some of the questions that we ask if I wasn't a member. But so many people were so open and if there's one thing I like about people here is that they don't lead you on- if they're not interested, you'll know it hahaha :) our whole district was there and we hit up the famous Eis shop afterwards. :)

Survived transfer calls and it looks like we have two new elders in our district and a new district leader! This P Day will be our last together. AND there are ZERO sisters coming in this transfer from the U.S.! There's one sister from Switzerland waiting on her visa that will join our mission for a while but the MTC teacher that we email sometimes said that there are no sisters in for the Germany Frankfurt Mission right now!! Crazy stuff, they've been having more leaving than coming home and a lot of people anticipate a pretty major mission boundary change soon. 

The past week I've had the chance to put a general authority quote to the test. Which I highly recommend, they never disappoint :)

A testimony is found in the bearing of it. ("The Candle of the Lord" by President Boyd K. Packer)

I know that Christ is my Savior and I know that this is His gospel. But if I didn't have to tell people what I believe and how I came to have a testimony of das Evangelium (the gospel), then I wouldn't know. I have a testimony of the church and modern revelation and I come to understand more and realize the difference that it makes in my life when I share it with others. I know that the feelings and experiences I've had with the Book of Mormon build on each other the more I read and my testimony of scripture study & prayer is strengthened every time we invite someone to read and pray because I absolutely know the difference that it can make in their lives. Promising someone something that the gospel of Jesus Christ will bring them doesn't make a lot of sense if I don't have a testimony of it. It's like handing someone a recipe you've never tried and saying its your favorite. 

The more we share of the gospel and teach by example, the more we'll see its influence in our lives and gain a greater personal testimony of it. 

I'll finish with sharing something that probably shouldn't have made me laugh as hard as I did. 

Did you know that Ireland is the richest country in the world?

Yeah their capital has been dublin every year. 

Self Proclaimed Peddling Bar! 

Liebe Grüße

Sister Riser

PS- This week we didn't have as much time because we're headed to a Castle in Darmstadt! Have a lovely week!!

Woche 6

The temple was wonderful! Our district did a session in German with 3 other companionships :) I love missionaries. And the temple. And Fredrichsdorf.  And curry wraps at the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. 

MICHELLE ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO BAPTISM

Words, interpretive dance, or gang signs could not begin to describe how excited we are. She's so sweet and welcoming and like a sponge to the gospel! She's told us how her experiences so far have prepared her for something bigger and so she's ready for whatever God needs her to do. Seeing how prepared she is to do whatever will bring her closer to Christ and more in line with Heavenly Father's will for her, is motivating for me to want her to understand and know all that she needs to make this covenant. We hope to include her kids in the coming lessons :) A favorite moment I had was when she offered the closing prayer and compared the folding of arms to being hugged :) 

Our English class has dwindled to just one member this past week. But never fear, we've plastered the university with flyers and are constantly crossing our fingers- it requires a lot of duct tape but the class is worth it. This week we discussed participles with Mariaton over ice cream cones at Schillerplatz because no one else could be there at the church. No complaints here, I had hazelnut Eis (ice cream) :)

I love meeting people from the States here. We met a man from San Antonio after English class and we bonded over the South and how hard it is to du-est and sie-est in German hahaha

I've thought about one of my favorite scriptures this week in D&C 6:36. It becomes less about being directed in every thought and action but having Heavenly Father as a constant viewer of our lives. I don't need to doubt or fear because if I'm proactive and make my own decisions based on what I know Heavenly Fathers for me and for me to do, then He'll always be there. Even when I let pride or fear get mixed into my decisions, He'll still be there to pull be from my own little orbit back to the solar system where I can see and enjoy all of His work and plans. 

Who says I can't play out of state tags out of country??

We had dinner with the Marx family and they are Ahhhmazing! They shared stories with us about post war Germany. They're good friends with Dieter Uchtdorf & his wife Harriet and they told us about how he came to be a pilot and all the things they've done together. One time President Uchtdorf invited them to the Frankfurt temple on a Monday (what??!) and the temple president came down to ask Bruder Marx to be a counselor in the temple presidency and when he said yes, President Monson came out of the chapel to set him apart! Afterwards, Bruder Marx asked him to share a few words in German to which President Monson just said 'Ich liebe dich!' They have so many stories just like this and so many experiences to share! They've brought over 100,000 names to temple to have their work done! 

2 Nephi 11:6 - I love the references of joy that comes from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ 

:) we've started counting how many waves and smiles we get from people each day and it's a good reminder to me of how simple spreading the gospel can be! The Lord can't drive a parked car! He can't guide us and fill our mouths if we're not willing to get going and open our mouths! LDS- Let's DO Something!

On Saturday we had the brilliant idea to take our Morgen Sport run to the bakery a mile from our apartment. I still stand by this decision but I'll admit I wavered a little when an older man started laughing and shouted Guten Appetit! as we ran by with our little Brötchen bags haha 

Two investigators at church!! And Birget brought her daughter! The Hirsch family made lunch for the Gemeinde after church and then we had something similar to High Point/Low Point. (rest assured dad that I did not suggest it ) 

Reminders for this week! FEED YOUR SPIRIT

We like snacks, so does our Spirit!

Snackeroos: Alma 37:47, 2 Nephi 2:28, 3 Nephi 11

I love love love being a missionary! I love the stares, the studies, the WORK, and the Spirit!

Woche 5

This week has been a finding explosion!! We've never had so many people accept Books of Mormon and we had so many great conversations with people! (Our accents are getting to where people no longer asked us immediately where we're from yesssss) Our goal in the last week has been to set aside at least 40 minutes for contacting and finding everyday, no matter our schedule. It's been pretty tight at times but we've seen AMAZING things come from it. Call ins every night are fantastic-coming home each night ready to drop and getting to hear about the great experiences our district elders have had wakes you right up haha :) they have mad amounts of energy! I think Elder Blanchard was the mascot for Duracell batteries pre mish. 

Our zone goal is have 14 baptisms by the end of the next two transfers!! We've started praying for everyone in our zone by name and I see our personal transfers goals becoming more achievable! 

We had an online request for a Book of Mormon and got to meet with Michelle this week. This girl is prepared beyond words. As soon as we handed her the book and explained how we came to have it, she kept saying how she was going to read in it everyday and she couldn't wait to share it and asked about church and baptism all before we could even invite her to do anything! I love seeing her love for Christ so evident in her home and family. She's so open to learn anything that brings her closer to her Savior. I'm so grateful for a message that can bring so much joy 

"Our praise for the pioneers is empty if it does not cause inner reflection on our part."-Dieter F. Uchtdorf (from his talk "All is Well") 

Let us find reasons to shout All is well! Being able to find points of light in a life that can seem like a mess, is to have an attitude of gratitude. 

Sometimes when we have a bad experience, embarrassing moment or just an awful day, we let it overwhelm our perspective until that's all we can see. Being able to see that bad experiences are going to happen but they don't need to take over my whole day can take a little adjustment haha especially with something as important as missionary work. In reading the comments made at Elder Perry's funeral, someone mentioned how he had said that he'd never had a bad day. Pretty incredible attitude 

The last minutes of everyday I find myself scrambling to finish writing in my journal. I've definitely missed a few details and pictures here and there, I hope my posterity will forgive me. I've loved looking back on previous entries, especially those right before and after I got set apart as a full time missionary. 

Our district meeting this week was focused on personal revelation and discernment and how our mouths can be filled. (Moses 6:32) As missionaries, there are a number of things that invite the Spirit into our lives-habits, rules, experiences etc. But in what ways are we prepared to discern what the Spirit is sharing with us? We obtain the gift of discernment through righteousness and fulfilling our duties. But there's a difference between being open to Spirit and being ready to receive it. It takes action- I picture Garfield with his mouth open waiting for John to pour cereal in. 

Nevertheless, spiritual light rarely comes to those who merely sit in darkness waiting for someone to flip a switch. It takes an act of faith to open our eyes to the Light of Christ. Spiritual light cannot be discerned by carnal eyes. Jesus Christ Himself taught, “I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” For “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (The Hope of God’s Light by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Highlights and tidbits from this mad mad week!

-I started reading 'Daughters in My Kingdom' this week and I absolutely love it! It talks about the practices and priorities we have as sisters in the building of the kingdom. 

-We've been busy working on our German small talk but so far I'm still stuck in the basics so when anyone asks me about anything other than sports or trains or the weather, I just nod and smile haha  I understand almost everything I hear but I think the most frustrating part is not being able to respond how I want to. In lessons I can feel us being guided to know what we should say and how but in other more casual settings, I still struggle to find all the right words. Learning a language on a mission is accelerated and so much fun!! You learn a new rule or set of words in the morning and get to practice them just a few hours later!

-The new Provo temple is almost done!! Pretty please send me pictures if anyone goes to the open house next year! 

-SMILING :D the best tool ever! I don't think I'll ever be able to pass by someone without smiling again! It doesn't feel like a photocopied, cut out, and pasted on smile. I love coming home feeling like Barbie from Toy Story. 

-Schwester Harder is one of my favorite members in Mainz!! (If that's allowed... if not, I still love her a whole heck of a lot) After our last appointment, we sent a thank you card for the cherries and German correction she gave us. This week (after she gave us handmade crocheted butterflies!), she sat us down and went through the note correcting our grammar Hilarious and humbling experience, and I can now write a decent thank you letter thanks to her!

Hirsch's Border Collies

-we worked at the Hirsch's farm on Monday and got to pick fruit, play with their border collies, meet their miniature horses, laid gravel, pick weeds, and ate sheep sausage! I've also about given up on German mirrors. They either don't have one or it's about tall enough for me to see my collarbone. So while I feel I've gotten more familiar with my clavicles, I'll be happy to see mirrors for tall people again :) 

-On Thursday and Friday, I think we were all semi convinced that our elders were kidnapped because no one could get a hold of them or find them. Turns out their phone was/stolen/lost/translated. This led to a mini discussion on how we could be effective missionaries without cell phones to avoid such situations. Carrier pigeons were suggested but something tells me President Stoddard wouldn't go for it.

 **He says hi to the Risers by the way!

The Lord said, “[Seek] me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Seeking the Lord and feeling His presence is a daily quest, a worthwhile effort. 

Brothers and sisters, today more than in any other time, we have at our disposal exceptional opportunities and resources to deepen our understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of His Atonement. Using these resources appropriately will help us live a fruitful life filled with joy.

Don't we have a vast treasury of resources?? Pull out your gospel library app on the bus, share a Mormon Message with a friend, use your physical scriptures! I love the convenience of a phone but even in airplane/sacred grove mode, it can be distracting and seeing the markings and notes you've made over time reminds you of what you've learned and felt :) **"Seeking the Lord" by Elder José A. Teixeira is marvelous if y'all haven't read it!

While serving in Sugarland, my companions introduced me to the sacrament study that they have each Saturday night. It prepares us for the sacrament and what we're bringing. I asked Sister Godwin if we could start it this last week and it was wonderful :) The rush slows down and I feel more prepared for church and ready to act in ways that can add to the Spirit there. 

Sacrament: physically and spiritually taking Christ into us. 

"Personal sacrifice never was putting an animal on the altar, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar." -Elder Neal A. Maxwell ("Deny Yourselves of All Ungodliness")

*How are we preparing to sacrifice for the sacrament? What are we giving up that will bring us closer to Him and let us do His work more fully? I'm so grateful for a knowledge of my Savior and the many reminders I receive of what He did for us. 

Our ward will begin having sacrament meeting first starting in April! I'm continually so impressed with the members here :) 

And I had one of those bone shattering moments when my jaw hit the ground after reading "The Tongue of Angels" (By Elder Jeffery R. Holland) and excerpts from "Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters" (By President Spencer W. Kimball).   

"Be so absorbed with uplifting, enriching pursuits and pastimes that you leave no room for the negative or the evil that might move in to fill some bored or thoughtless void." (President Kimball)

One of my favorite things about addresses from general authorities is their ability to take all your concerns, questions, and thoughts and roll them all them altogether. The things they're inspired to say are simply put and yet provide the perfect counsel. 

May I just say how much I love Sister Godwin?! That girl is a Georgia peach and the sunshine of my life! She cooks omelettes like nobody's business, dances to EFY music with me, and is a wonderful teacher. We both believe in celebrating anything possible (half birthdays, prophets birthdays, days that look like rain and so forth) and are determined to make our mission cookbook a bestseller. Julia Childs is my inspiration thus far but Ratatouille is a close second.

Suellen is coming to the temple with us!!! And called to asked if she could bring her friend Brigetta!! They're going to see Fredrichsdorf and get a few things in the store during our session. Miracles never cease! The woman who came to the Sommerfest called to ask for an appointment out of the blue, and another woman on the Strassenbahn asked to come to church! As much as I love to claim Mainz as the Miracle City, I know God is working through is missionaries all over this mission. He asks of us and is so ready to give! I hope to develop an attitude of EXPECTING miracles every single day because it's all possible!!

Liebe Grüße 

Sister Riser

PS- Congratulations Sister Herrell!! I can't wait to hear about your experiences in Brazil  

BONUS LETTER : Woche 3: Fußball the World's Favorite Sport

***The Letter from Woche 3 was an adapted personal letter from Sister Riser.  She realized the next week that she had written an actual group Woche 3 email, but just forgot to send it.  HERE IT IS!***

 

Finally we got to play the  worlds favorite sport: Fußball! We got
shown up by a couple grade schoolers with mad skills before the game
started. We played with the Mainz elders, the ward mission leaders
family and a few investigators and other members. Elder Cloward
sacrificed himself for the ball and has a couple glory scrapes and a
good story to tell now.

There's been so much time for contacting this week!! We already know
that people wouldn't even think about listening to two American girls
talk about religion for two minutes. Thankfully, they have the spirit
to listen to if they stay long enough to feel it :) There's no end to
the Spirit that's invited and the miracles brought when you OPEN YOUR MOUTH!! We're trying to make the best use of our time in between
appointments and we've devoted the first few minutes of our language
study to memorizing German hymns to sing as we walk. I'd forgotten how
much I love that German Gemeinden stand for their intermediate hymns,
it's like a stretch/snack break because the toddlers next to us kept
putting pretzels on my lap ;)

I've spent a lot of time thinking about covenants this week and how we
continue to honor them. One of the qualifications and questions for
baptism is to have a determination to serve Christ till the end- how
do we continue to do that?

We have a temple trip date!!!!!!!!!! One of the first things my
trainer told me I would love about where we were serving is that we're
less than an hour from Frankfurt temple which means we can go once a
transfer! Unfortunately the temple closes for 2 years in September so
hopefully we get in twice before then! In the MTC we went altogether
twice and the on the day that everyone went finding in Manchester, the
three Americans that didn't have visas to proselytize outside Germany
stayed and went to the temple. It was just us and the temple workers
and so incredibly quiet and peaceful.

We're continuing to study attitudes and the powers of desire-
"Become a creator of circumstances instead of a creature of
circumstances." - Elder M Russell Ballard (from the talk "Do Things That Make a Difference"). The way we approach a day
makes the biggest difference! Being proactive can turn the slowest of
days into the most fruitful. Turn your day over the Lord! Don't wait
to be told what to do but be a ready recipient!

We taught our first English class this week! The members that wanted
to teach were on vacation so we had Adrielle- a less active Peruvian
who moved to Germany with his wife a few years, and Martine- a soon to
be Albanian student at the university here who called in from one of
our flyers AND he speaks 5 languages :) something tells me he'll be
teaching us quite a bit too. After class he brought out a bottle of
wine from his backpack to say thank you to us. I'm not sure if it was
the 'subtle' eyebrow raise or what that convinced him but we were
finally able to tell him that no we don't drink and no were not
allergic and yes were as young as we look. Note: contrary to
popular-ish belief, grandma shoes do not make you look more mature.
But it was great! He went from having no interest to wanting to know
more!!

Fun fact: Blue street signs run parallel to the R River, while red
signs point you towards it #themoreyouknow. Thank goodness for my
companion, we would never make it anywhere. I'm growing more grateful
for being geographically challenged, it makes me appreciate her even
more :

Nierstein is splendidly quiet and beautiful. And the sunsets outisde our window are the perfect setting for our daily planning and call ins :) Mainz has been in the high 90s or topping 100 this week and we've been melting just a little so today we're rejoicing in singing patriotic songs and wearing street clothes!! We may be two days late but our zone is meeting up for an All-American cookout and soccer!! We already celebrated with a failed attempt at solar cookers at the Fugels haha

Remember Zig Ziglar!! Opportunity + Preparation = Success!! God gives us opportunities to share the gospel all the time! Be prepared, study your scriptures, be brave, answer questions and BE AN EXAMPLE

We have loads of time for emails today so I can chat with most of you later when you're awake!! 

Side note: American matching was completely* accidental. 
PS- Kannst du mir unsere Familie Fotos schicken??

Woche 4

Suellen is doing fantastic!! After being taught for almost 10 years, she finally fasted with us is past weekend!! We were over the moon when she called and told us!! :) :)  

Quick note on how incredible companionship study is! Because she's been taught all the lessons and has been to church many times and has had over 15 missionaries teach her, were sometimes unsure of what to share with her. But we looked over a few videos and both felt like that's what we needed to prepare. That's sometimes a scary moment when you prepare something so specific not knowing what's going to happen. Thankfully the Lord knows exactly what people need :) On Monday we read together and shared the Patterns of Light video (II) by Elder Bednar. She talked about the answers and comfort she received that weekend while fasting but how very soon afterwards she convinced herself that she would have done those things and found those things regardless. She loved this video and we went on to watch a few more Mormon Messages after dinner. 

While teaching Suellen we heard a crack of lightening so loud we thought someone took a shotgun to a mockingbird. The sky was dark gray within just a few minutes! She gave us some of her sons shirts so we would we look presentable for our next appointment. I can't say I think it worked hahaha we booked it to the station and made it on time 

Notes of Interest
-American potato salad has NOTHING on Germans!! It's delicious and will forever have a place in my heart and tummy

-Ward Sommerfest! They had tug of war and a bounce house and waffles and chess and handpicked lavender and anything else you think might entice people to come and it WORKED! A woman named Birget has been semi interested in the church for a couple months and she came with her daughter AND a friend! She met almost everyone there and as she was leaving, asked us if maybe we wanted to come by sometime- cue internal rejoicing. She's fantastic!!! They also had face painting and the YSAs all got wrestlers masks. Maybe they could audition for Nacho Libre 2

-At zone training we talked about changing everything that's within our power (aka hustle factor) we can invite and ask for referrals but we can't make someone say yes or accept a Book of Mormon

-we had our weekly planning down by the Rhein and the swans kept hissing at me but no worries, I'll win them over with bread this week. 

-Johannisbeeren (Black Currant) are divine! They're red or white and have tiny seeds inside that you can pop! Oppenheim has gardens on the outskirts that people rent for a few years. Apparently they can kick you out if you are growing enough. It's like survival of the fittest for apple trees. We worked with Schwester Frübel in hers and she gave us two big bags to make muffins with! 

Other thoughts from training:
~Dangers of rationalization: doesn't feel like sinning, makes bigger mistakes easier, easiest thing to give into, you're asking yourself how best to spend your time instead the Spirit. 

~With any lesson, it can be brought back to the Restoration. Ex: why do you believe that? How can man do that? How can we be forgiven? Why do we have that commandment? Etc. It's not a question as to whether a commandment is really important or whether a doctrine is true, it's a question of if they know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. 

~Many choices are not evil but they absorb our time from the best choices.
First splits with our STLs! (Sister Training Leaders)These girls are gems! Sister Gardener and I went dooring, sharing a video about Christ. On our last floor, at the last door, with a doormat that said 'oh no not you again', someone invited us in. Whattt

We blinked a solid 7 times before finally saying something. It was incredible!! That was the first that had happened for either of us and Sister Gardner's been out for over a year!!! The family is from Paraguay and normally went to a Protestant church. The only Book of Mormon we had was in German whoops :/ but we did talk to someone from Ghana on the Strassenbahn so that was good :)
We also had our first street display in Frankfurt!!! I learned so much, one of which would be to not wear full skirts on windy days downtown. I love the excitement you get from others!! No matter how many times you get shut down, when someone finally watches a video or talks to you or accepts a Book of Mormon- you want to Napoleon dance in market square because it's worth it! Every single day is worth it for the one person you meet. 

"As significant as these trials can be, they must not distract us from rejoicing in and celebrating Christ’s supernal intercession in our behalf." -Elder Quentin L Cook 

Whether they be trials, preoccupied thoughts, or tough decisions- we can't let them overpower the absolute JOY that we have because of our Savior. 

We listened to 'Gods Grace is Sufficient' by Brad Wilcox this morning while cleaning the apartment. It had a wonderful emphasis that YES we are saved by grace but are we becoming changed through grace? There will always be things required of us but it's not to repay our Savior, it's us learning to become like Him. ~We're not earning heaven, we're learning heaven. 

We had a referral about two hours by train so the Jarrards offered to take us out there but she didn't end up being home so we go to door the whole neighborhood and then they took us out to dinner and we found out that Elder Jarrard's sister lives across the street from the Risers now! 

"Experience How it Really Was" 

Sometimes when you're one month a missionary, you make tacos in your room. It's for fun.
We spent today at Freilichtmuseum in Bad Sobernheim (Open Air Museum) with Schwester Dahlke! 'erleben wie es wirklich war...' (experience how it really was) I'm happy to report that it was very educational. I also feel very sorry for anyone living there over 6 foot in 1607. They must have had a permanent bar on their forehead announcing to the world that the doors weren't tall enough. Thankfully society has made leaps and bounds. 

Crossing the a bridge at the Barfußpfad

We also did the Barfußpfad (Barefoot Path) which was so fun!! You got walk through mud and and a river and all sorts of wood platforms and at the end, pull yourself across the river in a boat! We definitely embraced the no shoes rule. It was so quiet and started to rain a little towards the end so there weren't many people there. We walked through wheat and corn fields and Sister Godwin took so many pictures I felt like a reality TV star. (Having experienced this, I've decided that it's not a career I think I'll pursue) 

"The Cutest" Border Collie

Temple day next Tuesday!!! we switched our PDay to Tuesday so Monday well go work at the Hirschs farm! Schwester Hirsch trains and breeds border collies and they are the cutest. She brought them to the Sommerfest and they were a hit with the kids. Ok ok the missionaries too :) 

Love you wonderful people! Thank you for sharing the missionary experiences that you've been having!! 

Liebe Grüße ❤️
Sister Riser

Woche 3

“Happiness will depend on what each of us does with what each has, what we learn from what we do, and what we do thereafter.”   -Boyd K Packer

All week I think about about what I want to share with friends and
family.

We used our iPads in a lesson for the first time this week to show a
video (I don't know if this is the video she used, but it is a good one!)
I expected it to be a little out of place and maybe a little
awkward but it was wonderful! There was a tangible difference of the
Spirit growing stronger. It's fun to see the different things that
invite the Spirit for different people.

We've got to meet so many new people this week and this coming week is
packed!! I'm loving learning how to interact in different ways that I
didn't have to before. The things I didn't think would challenge me
definitely are and the things I worried about before have been
peaceful for me. Funny how life doesn't turned out the way we plan
haha but with the master planner that we have I'm not too worried :)

Once we talked about how having relationships before a missionary can
alter your focus and change the way you think about the time you're
spending as a missionary. But what I've noticed is that even though
it's over and not a concern anymore, that doesn't stop me from thinking 
about it. When my mind is an empty vessel, it automatically
goes to things I miss and home. That's been a struggle for me this
week but being open with my companion and always having something to
do has been great!! The missionary schedule is perfect for me and I
love it!

The typical Missionary Schedule.
Sister Riser will have an extra hour of language study and new missionary study in the morning. 

I have no idea what to expect but I'm excited to see the things that
we can do here in Mainz and how the work will change me when I let it!

It does become easy at times to create goals and know where you want
to be but either not know how to get there or not being able to see
yourself get there. Time is expensive and magnificent. It can be your
greatest resource and the Lord always has something to help you fill
it :)

I apologize in advance for the next 17 months as my thoughts get more
and more scattered! 

Sister Riser 

In case you've forgotten what I look like, that Peter Pan shadow lookin thing is me.