Great was my Joy

3 John 1:3-4 
For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

For 18 months people would walk the halls in the Boerne LDS church and read those words on my plague. Those words inspired me and kept me going throughout the mission. They were the words that would echo my very heart and mind as I waked the cobblestone streets of Germany.

Today marks the 2nd year that I have been home from my mission. Two years ago I got on a plane headed back to America. My heart ached. The mission was all I had ever dreamed of. I was living my dream--a dream I had since I was a little girl. I remember my mission president looking right into my eyes and telling me I lived my dream and I did well.

I would be lying if I told you I was not shedding tears at this very moment. My heart still belongs with the people of Germany, and I imagine my unseen footprints along the cobblestone still remain.

Two years have past, and I learned a great deal from my mission. I learned more about patience and what it means to love someone even if they literally spit at your feet and curse you and the Lord. I learned more about the plan of salvation and the mercy Christ give those he loves as I had a gun (pistol) pointed right at my very face. I learned that the Lord really answers prayers while members told you they doubt any non-member will show up at the church for an activity you are starting, yet someone walks right through that door and tells you he is looking for the truth.

I learned much more, but it will turn into a novel if I keep going on. I am grateful for each one of my companions--Sister Kaleena Peltier, Alison Christenson, Elizabeth Jeffery, Jennifer McCall, Kimberly Rasmussen, Amanda Bush, Elise Kittermann, Jennifer Neukomm, Andrea Dorsey, Whitney Olsen, Nicole Noyes, Sharice Kläy (some names have changed due to marriage). Each one had taught be something.

Just to add in a little humor. . . today I revisited my Tschüs Book. One of the sisters I trained was Sister Noyes. After reading the beginning of her entry in my book, I am grateful I got to be her mission mama! I would share what other companions wrote but that would extend this post longer than what I would like it to be.

Sister Noyes wrote this about me and titled it "Things I learned from my mother (aka Me). First let me explain that majority of these are not super serious; I just liked to have fun and wanted Sister Noyes to have fun too.
1. Climbing trees is a great way to do contacting.
2. Just because we can't put cards on parked cars does not mean we can't put them on moving cars.
3. Dogs are from the devil.
4. There are alligators in the Spree River. (Sadly, Sister Noyes did not believe me on this one.)
5. Waking up in the morning is dangerous.
6.Africans are dangerous, but they have awesome music and food. (Side note--I love Africans! Sister Noyes said this based on an experience I had during her first weekend in the mission field--long story.)
7. J-Dubs will brainwash you.
8. Auto!!!/Pole!!! (I admit I was a a klutz.)
9. Motherhood is an unexpected surprise. (She was referring to when I found out I would be training.)
10. At some point in everyone's life you have to die. (Referring to me being super sad about my mission coming to an end.)

That was just to remember the good times. Since being home for two years, I have gone skydiving, been Sunday School Teacher, Relief Society Teacher and Relief Society President; I have gone horseback riding for the second time in my life, I have hiked table rock, I have gone to a live General Conference talk for the very first time, I have gone to two mission reunions, I have seen for the first time real trees cut done for Christmas, I have gotten married, I have gone to the Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium for the first time, I have had my car break down (really break down) in the middle of an extremely small town called Dove Creek, Colorado and spent the night in a Motel, and I have graduated from college. WOW!

Now a recap of the best 18 months for my life:

Elder Healey, me, Sister Peltier, Elder Marshall, Elder Davis- Provo, MTC

Me, Sister Jordan, Sister Smith, Sister Peltier

Where the Berlin Wall use to stand

Sister Christenson and I--Rostock

Sister Oberg, Sister Chase, Sister Chritenson, and I--The Baltic Sea 

Elder Cox, Me, Elder Elmer--Rostock Easter Market 

Sister McCall, Nadine, and I--Taught in Leipzig, baptized in Hannover

Tan line from shoes--Leipzig

Me, and Katrin's pet spider--Leipzig

Bürcan, Me, and Sister Rasmussen--Leipzig

Me and Sister Bush--Kiel

Sister Neukomm and I--Langenhorn

Maria, Me, and Schwester Hageman--Rostock (visited for a day)

Maria saying goodbye to me for the last time--Rostock (visited for a day)

Sister Kitterman, Sister Neukomm, and I--Langenhorn

Me--Kiel

my desk in Cottbus

Sister Olsen and I--Freiberg Temple

Me in Dresden

Sister Noyes and I--Cottbus

Sister Noyes and I--Cottbus

Jeff, Katrin, and I--Cottbus 

Me, Anna, and Katja--Cottbus

Brother Gröschke and me--Cottbus

Sister Kläy and I--Cottbus

Where the Berlin wall use to stand

Jaime and I flying home to Texas

I am grateful for what I experienced for all the people I experienced it with. One day I will return Germany! Happy two years of being home!