I have to be really real first- writing emails
can be hard because I never know what you want to hear! How my week went and
what I did, the spiritual stuff or answering your questions and thoughts! I
only have two hours, I can’t possibly crunch all of that into one email, so I
have to pick and choose priority! Some weeks are more spiritual, some like last
week were about the week because it was so new, and this week I’ll really try
to respond to your questions!
I’ll answer the questions first to make sure I
get through them! They are some good ones!
1. Where is your companion
from?Sister Hansen is from Provo, Utah! Haha very exotic ;) I remember laughing when we would go to the temple (in the MTC) and she’d point and say, "Hey, look there’s my house!" She lives right next to the temple, and she could have just walked home! She said it was super weird and I don’t blame her!
2. Where is Sister
Decker from?
Logan Utah! She goes to Utah state and I’m
trying to get her to not.... But agency and stuff....
3. When you moved, did
everything fit in your suitcases?
Yeah everything fit fine when I moved! I
thought I had a lot of stuff, but it wasn’t bad! Granted, I did get rid of some
old clothes and threw out stuff, but I can’t even remember what I threw out I’m
pretty sure they were things that I’ve had forever, and I just needed to get
rid of them. But my suitcases are not in pretty shape. I don’t know, should I
just get new ones? The small one is fine, but both of the big ones now each
have a broken wheel. Makes transfer day a little hard, the Elders had to wheel
them backwards on the good wheels! At least they helped me though :) :) :)
4. Did you have to get rid
of anything? If so, what?
Oh, oops I answered that. I’m not really sure
to be honest. Some things I got from Sister Alton and some pencil skirts that
were not pretty anymore. Oh, I remember, my black pencil skirt and my maroon
one, they both looked really bad like they needed to be lint rolled but it still
didn’t make them better. They were just old and worn out.
5. What types of service do
you do for others?
I love service! There aren’t huge service
projects in the winter, but I love offering to clean peoples windows for them!
They are pretty fun to clean because they are the cool German windows, but also
its a big project and can be overwhelming for just one. Never fear, the sisters
are here! We helped Jenny in Elmshorn a lot with cleaning because she’s having
a pretty hard pregnancy and can’t stand a long time. But mostly, I really love
doing small simple things. I try to write lots of notes. Like that thank you
thing I posted on Facebook, I try to bring one of those to every eating appt. I
think it’s so nice that they welcome us in and feed us, it’s the least we can
do to bring the spirit and show our gratitude. I also write the sisters a lot
of notes- after every exchange and when I can put them in the mail at
interviews and zoko! I guess it’s really small, but I feel that its good.
6. Have you visited any
cool places just for fun? Any castles yet?
Like here in Berlin? There is apparently a
really beautiful one it Potsdam! We'll probably try to get to that next
transfer! But other than that, there aren’t a lot of castles up here, that’s a
southern Germany thing! We have beautiful huge churches, those are cool to
visit! There are so many cool things to see in Berlin, I will be for sure
visiting lots of things while I’m here! Probably a lot more next transfer,
since we only have one real pday left this one! And today we needed to recover
a lot!
7. What do you do on pdays?
hahahahaha I saw this this morning and I was
like, ohhh we are going to do something so cool and then I’ll have a good
story! Lol I slept 2 hours and then cleaned out the fridge. That was actually a
pretty wild pday to me if you’re asking. I promised president I would keep our
apartment a refuge for the sisters, so cleaning on pday is a priority. Then I
went through the clothes in the apartment (yeah that’s a thing! They are called
wohnung specials!) and I found some really cute stuff, and exactly what I
needed! I found a really cute dress and wore it today! It’s the grey striped
one in the pictures! But I had a cool adventure- I took out the trash! jk, well
we did that and then I played on the playground a bit. I love those things.
Then I decided to check out the weird door in the ceiling in the hallway and
found a secret way to the top of the building! It was pretty wild, I explained
it in my voice recording. Soooooo basically just a normal day. I needed the rest;
this area keeps you so busy and I’m so dang tired all the time haha. Maybe it’ll
help that I’m not eating any more sugar. (will explain that later)
8. How is it going with
dinner appts in the new area? Still basically vegetarian?
We don’t really have dinner appts here unless
we make them ourselves, so we’ve only had 2 since I’ve been here! But yes, even
in general I pretty much just eat vegetarian. I’m not even going to fake it, I
don’t like meat anymore. Every time I eat any of it I don’t feel good, it might
be just because I went so long without it, but I feel dang good not having
it!
9. Have you ever worn the
floral Express dress? Did you ever get it hemmed?
YES!!!! I wore it yesterday for Easter!!! I
got so many compliments on it, it’s so cute! I actually just found out last
week that we are allowed to wear floor length dresses, so I finally wore it! I’d
worn it once before, but I wasn’t sure. It’s the perfect length, thank you for
the dress :)
10. Where did that long pink
skirt come from that you tried on in your Christmas pictures?
Ohhh that was a wohnung special. I think it
was Sister Bagnouds. I just tried it once, it was pretty fun! But I left that
in Elmshorn because I didn’t need to collect things haha.
I don’t really know it USA anymore! I’m a European 39, which is I think an 8 1/2. Can you believe how European I am now? ;) But don’t worry, I actually shaved my legs this morning. I’m excited to see these ballet flats that you are sending me, you should send a picture first!! Have you seen those cute ones with like the ballet ankle strap things? They look totally cute.
12. Did you get the
Easter/Birthday package I sent you yet?
Yes, by a miracle, I got the Easter package!!
I was so excited. We went on exchanges with the Sister Training Leader Trainers
(Sister Thorpe and Sister Sheffield) on Friday, so we were in their area and
that’s where the mission office is! Technically, we can go there on pday, so
being in Berlin is a huge plus! My mission is just so dang huge, it’s
impossible to get packages and mail to people except through interviews and ZoKo.
But Sister Hansen got a package last week to our doorstep , it’s just if we
aren’t home they give it to the neighbor and then we just get it from the sweet
old lady when we got home :) But the package ahhhh!!! Okay you said it was an Easter
package, so I totally already opened it!! IT’S SO ADORABLE THANK YOU!!!!!! I
love that you colored on the box, that picture of you and Dad is super funny!
Oh, my goodness those Reeses eggs were so good. Don’t worry I didn’t eat them all,
but it was the last day I could have them before the sugar fast so I definitely
had more than one..... Not even sorry... My favorite thing in there was the
little stuffed bunny! AHHHHHHHHH it’s so cute! It’s little ears flap all
cute when you shake him a bit! It’s weird, just that little thing meant so much
to me, I love that little bunny. It’s like a little hug from mom :) Thank you
for the whole package though, those fruit bars are delicious! I love all of
those healthy treats you send; healthy treats just don’t exist or are too
expensive here! I usually just stick to fresh fruit.
13. Can you get an extra
name tag that I can have?
Yes of course. So, I actually just lost a name
tag yesterday (ughh) but I will order some more. So, the question is, is it
time sensitive that you need one for something or would you just like one?
Because I have an Elder suit clip thingy one that I could send soon, or I can
get a magnet or pin one ordered for you. Just let me know, I’ll order more
today, but they usually take a transfer to get here!
14. What is your most
spiritual experience of your mission so far?
That’s a really tough one, I’ve had some
really cool ones. I think this week I had a really powerful one when we had a
lesson with Fanny, a new convert. She’s 19 and amazing, I love her already! We
had a lesson prepared but it totally went out the door when she started asking
about a patriarchal blessing. We talked about that and I encouraged her to get
hers. She didn’t know why she didn’t call already, it’s been months, but she
said she was just a little nervous. I told her that she should fast about it,
and it led into a whole new set of questions. Why do we fast? Why doesn’t God
just bless us anyway, if he has His will, what’s the point of asking? I started
to explain and then stopped. I had no idea how to answer! Usually I like to
talk things out, but I really wanted to think this through and give a good
answer. Sister Hansen started talking, and Fanny still didn’t understand. I
remember my patriarchal blessing explaining that I’d develop the talent of
teaching gospel principles, and I prayed that this would be an experience that
would build my teaching skills. Fanny was still confused so I gave it a go. I
felt the Spirit as I taught and saw Fanny's head nodding up and down. The
spirit testified to all of us that what I was saying is true. It built my
testimony, Sister Hansen’s and Fanny's! In the Doctrine and Covenants, it says
that when we teach with the spirit, both the teacher and the student will be
edified and rejoice together. I knew that the Spirit helped us in understanding
that afternoon. There are many other ones, but that was a good one this week!
15. Most influential person
you have met so far?
Also, tough. I’ve met so many. The members
here have such a special place in my heart and have all pushed me so hard to
grow and improve. I think as of now, Sister Decker. It was a hard but rewarding
time together. Very spiritually draining but we came out on top. You should
look at her last post on Facebook, it completely made me cry. That smile was
not there when I first saw her, she was hollow and spiritually malnourished.
Seeing her grow and become whole and be healed through the Atonement of Jesus
Christ, I knew then that she could accomplish anything, and that I can as well.
I know through her that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. It brings
healing to the deepest point of our souls and fills us. She is a
warrior and I love her so much. I can’t even explain how much I have changed in
that time, it really matured me.
15 1/5 How do you feel your
mission has changed you?
(I
skipped over this one on accident but I’m not changing the numbers haha) I feel
like looking back, I see what I’ve become. It’s sometimes hard to think that I
wasn’t always where I’m at now, you know what I mean? Like progress is so good,
but you look back and it seems like it should have been obvious before. But I’ve
definitely needed my mission and needed this time to become what I want to be.
I feel that overall, I’ve become a better listener, and much more loving.
Relationships are deeper to me now, and I don’t want to take any one of the
members or sisters I serve for granted. I want them to know that I genuinely
love them and want to build them. That’s taught me humility, because nobody
wants to be preached at, and I’m no better than anyone. But above all, I have
developed my love and faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not always easy when things
get hard, but I know that essential foundation I build during the easier times
keeps me going through the hard. I am so grateful for my mission, I would not
trade these last 10 months for anything in the world. Wow how grateful I am.
16. What have you learned
about Germany that you didn't already know?
I’ve learned the German perspective of WWII!!
They are humble, amazing people that were just as much victims to their own
country and vicious leaders. They went through hard, hard times throughout the
war and the time of the DDR. It’s a painful history, but they are so strong and
are determined not to do it again! I also understand now why they are so blunt
and honest and I love it. It’s really just their language. To explain it
simply, the rules for German cause sentences to become very long, thus making
them shorten things to just say what they mean. It’s actually pretty funny. I
especially like speaking denglish and that was weird sending a voice recording
this morning and having to think of otherwise denglish words in just plain English!
17. What is the worst thing
you have had to eat there so far?
I have not eaten anything disgusting out here
thankfully! Granted the meat thing is weird (since I’m a vegetarian), but I
think you’d really like Rouladen. It’s like meat wrapped in meat and everyone
loves it.
18. Favorite food?
Falafel!! and I learned I LOVE hummus this
week! Ohhh and the Elders taught me how to make a mean curry, so that’s
actually my favorite food right now!!
19. What is something you
have learned from your parents that you have used on your mission?
(P.S. These are some deep questions that
require much thought to form a good answer in just one hour!!) You were both
very good correctors. When I needed help or counseling or correction, you did
not ever put me down. You never criticized or made me feel like I’m of less
worth. Somehow, I always felt okay after, that you were still on my side and
that you would help me become better. With working together with companions,
sometimes I need correction and they do as well. It’s still not easy for
me, but I’ve learned that if I can’t do it with love, I need to wait and think
it out until I can do it that way. Then we understand each other better, and
our relationship is not hurt because of it. You’ve also really helped me be
able to talk through my problems. Problems stay problems unless something is
changed, and that always involves communication- whether with a companion,
friend, spouse, colleague or especially our Heavenly Father. He is the one that
will perfectly shape us into who we need to be.
20. What have you learned
from your brothers that you have used on your mission?
They’ve been actually pretty good at emailing
me while I’m out here, and I’ve gotten some good advice from them. All three
boys that went on missions had such different experiences, and Conner as well.
I think overall, they taught me how to depend on each other, but individually
they’ve taught me certain things that I cannot group them all together.
Tanner-
how important it is to follow Heavenly Fathers commandments with exactness. I
really think God chose him to be the oldest, it wasn’t random. Despite us silly
little siblings, he knows what he wants and isn’t pressured by the outside. I’ve
closely watched him, especially being out at school, constantly look to God and
follow Him. That has had a tremendous impact on my life. I want to be the most
obedient missionary I can be. I want to be converted to Heavenly Father and
choose to follow him. I see that in my everyday life, and actually think of him
often when new rules come out or when I have the choice to obey; I want to
follow Tanner’s example and obey with an open heart.
Logan- I remember when we
got in a car crash soooo long ago, and the next week I was so scared of driving
home from church. Logan turned to me and said something along the lines of,
"Heavenly Father will take care of us. We just have to pray and
believe" I remember telling him on the spot that he was going to be such a
good missionary, and I’ve now met someone that knew him and told me he was
exactly that! Logan taught me faith, and to push through the hard times. I’ve
had my fair share of those out here, but often, I just feel the spirit whisper
to me to drop to me knees and pray, and pray hard! My faith has carried me
through my mission, and I know that Logan helped plant that seed.
Dallin-
He taught (and still teaches me!) dedication. When he sets his mind to
something, he is going to accomplish it, and do very well. I’ve always been
impressed by his way with people and ability to lead. He’s a natural. In many
ways, I have had to take the lead my entire mission, from a trunky comp, to
training, to helping a struggling missionary, to being an STL. He really taught
me amazing people skills and the ability to lovingly lead! I still have much to
learn in that area, but Dallin is such a boss for being that example and
teaching me so much.
Conner-
I know without a doubt he has helped me on my mission. Even though he did not
serve, he taught me something so valuable, crucial to my work here, and I thank
Heavenly Father for him. He was always an example of patience and kindness. I
seriously very seldom saw Conner angry or openly showing it. He reserved his feeling
but would share them when asked. There are times I have to bite my tongue,
because what I want to say is not completely in line with what a representative
of Jesus Christ would say, and I need to have a little patience and loving
understanding to comprehend the whole picture. How grateful I am for his
example of kindness. The world could use more Conners in it.
(P.S. Thank you for asking me these questions,
I love seeing how amazing my family is and how much I have to learn from them!)
21. Most spiritual
experience?
I think I got this question twice? :)
22. Do you have very much
free time and what do you do then?
HAHAHAH good one. No, I have really no free
time. When we do, we are planning and coordinating with the zone leaders and
checking up on our sisters. In the mornings, there’s a bit of free time and I
clean up. BUT, in the occasion that I do, because come on, nobody is as busy as
they say and I do get it probably every other day, I love to play the ukelele
and draw. I really love learning how to write calligraphy type things and
color! It’s really fun and relaxing! Talking is always a good one too, I like
talking to Sister Hansen :)
23. What is your favorite
scripture?
Favorite scripture.... ALL OF THEM! I am
grateful for every verse of these God given gifts! But if I absolutely had to,
it is currently 1 Nephi 21: 14-16. The love of Jesus Christ is my anchor, and I
know that he empathizes perfectly with me in my weaknesses, faults and trials.
Lately, I’ve had this picture in my mind of what I would give to just hug the
Savior. To run toward Him with arms out wide, to be embraced by Him. I’ve
prayed for that lately, that I can have that experience when I do meet him
again. I know it will be a joyous reunion.
Exchanges with Sister Smith
Wow. That took a solid hour and a half haha! I
hope you like the answers to the questions- I sure loved answering them!! That
got me to think deeply about my mission, and to really be grateful for what I
have. Thank you. I love you a million general conferences lead by the prophet
of God on the earth!!
Love, Macey
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