Another good week! (Mar 27 Group Email)

We had a good, hardworking week!

OH MY GOODNESS THE KÖCHERS PUP WAS SO DANG CUTE

1. Started off with zone pday! We grilled and played sports (I think if the elders could choose, that's what we'd do every time! 😂). An elder thought he could beat me in ping pong and walked away very humbled... Sister Oliphant brought cow tongue... The picture says enough 😝 Overall, Berlin zone did pday right (minus the cow tongue)!!

Trying Cow Tongue

2. Our lesson with Sabrina fell out on Wednesday, so we called our joint teach to let her know. She was bummed and was really looking forward to it, so we were like hey, can we teach you?! It was so cute, she came all prepared with her scriptures and it was AMAZING. The whole discuss changed just because of one question and it was by far the most spiritual part of the week!
3. I spent Tuesday and Wednesday way up on the coast of the Baltic sea on exchanges! FRESH. AIR. Oh I loved it. I got the privilege of being with Sister Van Dyken, who surely came pre-trained because she is rocking her training time! We prepared a family to visit the temple, taught english to a man who specializes in dad jokes and found and talk an awesome college student on the street!

4. I. Love. Zone Conference!! Sadly this was our last one with President Fingerle and his family. They made a tremendous impact on me and I can't thank them enough for their influence. It was an inspiring time. Sister Baldock and I also had the chance to lead a workshop, it was so fun and also one of the most spiritual times of the week.

5. About 2 weeks ago, I challenged Sabrina to read the Book of Mormon start to finish in one month with me. I thought it would help her, but it has surely helped me! I pick up different things as I read in German, but the overall feeling is the same. I know it's written by prophets from God and brings us closer to Him than through any other book. Just read the Book of Mormon and pray and you'll feel the same! Pinky promise!

Sister Hansen's Birthday!

Sister Macey Ingalls

Good, but Challenging! - Mar 27

Heyyy Parentals!!

I'm going to absolutely fail on the emailing today. Sigh. It has not been the most normal weekend to say the least, and today has just not been fun at all. But let's tell the good things first!

We had an awesome week! I really liked going up o Greifswald. It's so beautiful and right on the coast. It's a tourist and college town. It took 4 hours to get there! Then 4 hours back! So we had a longer exchange. Normally they both come down here but we thought it'd be better if we switched for real. That was a good spiritual time. I loved it and loved being with a young ready-to-learn comp for the day!

I also really enjoyed preparing for Zone Conference and giving a lesson with Sister Baldock. It went really well, probably the best I've ever felt about giving a workshop here! Well, actually this is only the 2nd one I've had.. but still it was cool and fun.

Saturday was so fun. We planned our day but it did not go at all like we expected. We helped clean up a wedding reception at the stake building. They loooooaded us with food from it, it was awesome. I can't believe it, the Mom made pretty much all of the food herself! That seems so stressful but it was delicious

Then we changed back into dresses and headed to a lesson on the way back. That was fun, she's Arabic and so cute. Her problem is that the Book of Mormon isn't the Koran... but we will talk about that. Haha then we get home and right away get a call from the Elders for an emergency painting moving service project. We throw our service clothes on again and go out and paint! That was really fun, Elder Claridge had to teach us how to paint though haha it's been awhile. But we did the whole apartment! I also got a lot of paint on me (also thanks to the Elders!) So I now officially have a painting shirt. We got home at about 18 just exhausted.

Then as we were just about to pray over our delicious tacos, I saw we had a text. Ella, an Arabic contact from a couple weeks ago (thankfully she speaks perfect English though!) said she was going to be at the park for another hour. We look at each other, look at our tacos, then remember we are consecrated missionaries. So we throw our dresses back on and fly out the door, tacos in aluminum foil (they were actualy really good!) and catch the bus. We searched the park and found her!!! It was a good decision and an amazing time. We connect really well. She even said at the end that maybe we knew each other before this life and I'd like to think she's right :) we have an apt on Thursday woo woo!)

Sunday was interesting. Sister Hansen and I actually did do our song together and it was beautiful! We meant to record it but you know, life. Maybe we will later. The rest of the day was rough, due to a missionary with an illness. (For their privacy, this part has been deleted.)

Well, I promise you I'm having a good week and loving the work and feeling spiritual but today just wasn't my day! It's super hot and we ran around all day and had to do the grocery shopping for everyone with 2 people and I sent the packages but there were so many problems, ahhh, but I sent you a package today! I actually sent two but one is for Rachel. I couldn't remember her address so I just sent it to you. The bigger one is yours, the smaller is for Rachel:) they are both small but they are with lots and lots of love (and a huge headache!)

I loved hearing about your weeks. You are amazing. Because of the difficulty with the packages and stuff that took forever and a half today I have legit no time. I'm sorry. But my week was good and I love you!

Crazy Logan got surgery! Is his nose straight now and can he breathe?

I can't remember anything else but I did sent a long letter today so I hope that makes up for the lame emails lately!

Mich love, Me

The Breadless Week (May 20 - Group Email) Plus Pictures!

This week was, hands down, one of my favorite weeks of my mission! Our zone held a miracle week, and we all gave up something and set higher goals. From the title, I'm certain you can guess what us 4 sisters gave up... (I'd give up bread for the rest of my life to have more weeks like this!)

Miracles of the week:
1. We had a special guest come last Monday... ELDER UCHTDORF! It was so cool to hear him speak to us in German. He held a "family home evening" for our zone and the young adults in Berlin on how we can work together in missionary efforts. I left inspired and hopefully for the future of Germany. Also, Sis Baldocks translator stopped working halfway through, so I translated the rest of the meeting for her! I felt God helping me completely beyond my strength, it's amazing how He helps us in every aspect of our lives.
2. We popped into a contact's flower shop and ended up teaching the entire Restoration lesson! It was just a miracle that we were able to mix German and Arabic and the language of the spirit. Totally cool, she has a ton of potential.
3. We met up with an Arabic contact in Tempelhof Airport! The Berlin Airlift happened there and it's one of my new favorite places, 10/10 recommend! But Ghidaa. SUCH a huge miracle. We got 2 extra tickets to the Living Legends concert that night and spontaneously invited her and her boyfriend to come and they did!! We all had so much fun and the show was AMAZING!
4. Ghidaa actually asked what exactly we did in Germany and we got to share the Book of Mormon in Arabic with her! I asked her to read the introduction out loud so I could hear more Arabic, and she started normally then pulled the book super close to her face, read super fast then popped her head up and asked if she could borrow the book. I've never seen somebody be so EXCITED as when we told her the book was hers! We also met some Arabic elders at the concert and she was so excited and wants to meet with all of us and learn!
5. Many more miracles happened this week, but this one was by far the most humbling. We had an extra hour and went out talking to people on the streets. That is hands down my favorite thing to do!! But we stopped this lady pushing a stroller and just struck up a great conversation about God. She started to tear up, and said that she had an awful day. She said less than 1 minute before we met, she asked God if He was even there and why He never sent her angels. I was completely humbled and shocked. Sister Baldock didn't even understand the words we were speaking but she felt the piercing spirit of the conversation. Danielle knew that God sent us to her, to let her know He is watching and caring for her. I'm so grateful that God leads us in paths to bless others.
"Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven."

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!

Sister Macey Ingalls

أمي العزيزة! - (May 20 - Week 50)

(Dear Mom!)

The house looks so amazing!!! I love, love, love the new color and the picture/board thing you did to replace the pictures. It looks so nice. Where are those pictures that you made from your phone? Right when you walk up the stairs? [Down the hall. MOM]

The snacks you sent are DELICIOUS! I just have to say that. Oh man I miss AMERICAN snacks 😂

Yes I’m sending something small, but the post office is closed today so I'll try to send it tomorrow!

I PLAYED THE PIANO! Like really, really played! Sister Hansen has a version of Be Still My Soul and we are going to perform it in sacrament meeting next week! I can hardly believe it. I haven't really read and played music in years, and we picked this up in an hour. Granted it’s not super hard or anything, but I'm so happy! We've gotten it pretty much down, and I think we'll have it by Sunday! I'll try to take a recording :)

Awhhh I love family time. I wish for that! When you don't get to see them all the time you realize how much of an impact they were in your daily life! That's funny about Charlee. I love hearing stories about them. Just for the record, I love sweet potatoes! We make grilled veggies pretty regularly, they are easy, decently cheap and a healthy option! It's funny I'll pretty much eat any veggie now!

Hey for the record, I love wearing those cute shoes, and now I use them as Sunday shoes. It was a very, very good purchase :) H&M will keep me going for the rest of my mission, they are going through a long skirt phase so I'm finding some good cheap ones! I’m like basically turning into you and bargain hunting!

We had such an awesome week. We've really been working hard, it's super addicting. None of my companions before were super big on going out and just talking to people on the street, and the thought kinda scared me too, so we only did it when we really just had nothing else planned. Lately, even though Sis. Baldock can’t strike up the conversation, that's how we’ve been trying to find new investigators and Turkish people. It's been super successful!! This week especially. I just feel so blessed. We come home every day just exhausted but there is just this fire inside what we do. It amazes me how often I’m able to share my testimony on the street and how it affects people. It's just opened up my eyes so much and I just love doing it. It's definitely one of my favorite things to do as a missionary.

I really learned this week that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. We gave up chocolate for the transfer, but on top of that, we gave up bread this week! It was actually super great, it was an adjustment but nothing too big and I felt super good!! Like really life changing! But sure, I don't think God cares how much bread I eat, but by telling Him that I'm going to give up a convenience to replace that with more miracles, He blessed us immensely. My love and heart are in this work. I feel like this is really my calling and what I'm supposed to be doing right now! I love it, I just simply love it.

We had zone pday today! It was actually in Neukölln! It was super fun, we grilled and played soccer, frisbee and volleyball. It was such a fun time to see that all of us missionaries are actually just super normal people just trying to serve God. Oh man, I just love them.

Yes, woohoo because we prepared for that I don’t have a ton of time but I'll try to answer a couple of the questions you asked me and think on the rest during the week :)

1. Did you take a picture of the finished table and chairs you did for the service project? It's not done yet, it's quite the project! We worked on it again this past Saturday and will again this week. It's almost sanded! That's the hard part but it's soooo fun.

2. Can you please explain the RV fire pictures? Oh yeah one morning I was just getting ready and heard a huge bang from outside. A work truck exploded, I have no idea what happened, but it was on fire. We all just watched it, it was super crazy. It made the car parked next to it start on fire. I hope everyone was okay.

3. So what is the surprise you have coming to Berlin this week? Elder Uchtdorf!!! It was so amazing. Definitely a very spiritual night.

4. Are you seriously sending a letter to make up for the shorter email? If so, I'm pumped! Yup but the post office is closed today!

5. So which missionary is Cb's lookalike? Does he still look like him to you and do they have similar personalities? Nope, he is super awesome, and a really hard worker. Yeah, I don’t see it too much anymore. Our Neukölln crew is so amazing, miracles coming left and right!

6. How is it going with 4 sisters in the same apartment? Is there more than one bathroom? I absolutely love it and never want anything else😂 its always a party. Yeah, the one bathroom thing is a little hard but we are fine.

7. What is the most beautiful place you've seen in Germany so far? I loved Tempelhof this past week. Google it.

8. What is the most annoying habit that some missionaries have? Chewing with their mouths open.

9. What motivates you to work hard? My love for God and my desire to follow Him.

10. What is your favorite book in the scriptures? Awhhh hands down Alma. There is a lot to learn from war. But I'm really digging Acts at the moment.

11. Would you rather ride a bike, walk or take the train? Walk any day! Easy to talk to more people, and no headaches from crazy public transportation.

12. How would other missionaries describe you? That’s funny, I actually can answer this one. They say that I'm super positive and happy, not like overly but enough. Focused and obedient. Creative problem solving. Easy to trust and confide in (I ask the sisters how I can improve every exchange and those are the ones they give me that are my strengths)

13. How would the mission president describe you? That’s a good question. He says that I'm a low maintenance, high performing missionary. I think that’s a good compliment? Oh, I love that man, he is so wise. I'm really going to miss him.

14. What is one thing you could not go a day without? Prayer. I need that, knees on the wooden floor, talking with my Heavenly Father.

15. What does your bedroom floor look like? Clean😉

16. What is the most unusual thing you have eaten? UGHHH I’ve eaten some weird food with Sister Baldock but other than that, the Elders grilled cow tongue today and I almost threw up.

Sorry I really have no more time... pday just goes so fast! I love you! I’m happy, doing great, and happy you're doing great :)

I love you a million miracle weeks!

Sister Macey Ingalls

انا اتعلم اللغة العربية الفصحة! - (May 14 - Group Email + Pictures)

Happy Mother's Day! I got to skype the fam and it was AMAZING, I'm 100% positive that my family is the most amazing, supportive, loving, joyful one that I could ask for! I love you a million!

Some highlights of the week:

1. We are giving our all to build this new area, and the miracles are coming. I was already late to my Arabic class one morning, but as we were speed walking down the street, we talked to this lady who spoke very little German, and a lot more Turkish! I felt like we were speaking sign language, talking about the Book of Mormon! She said she wanted to learn but was in a hurry, and legit said "house 130" and pointed down the main road!😂 Later when I was with my handy dandy Turkish comp again, we went searching and by the miracle of God's hand in our work, we found it!!

2. The wonderful Sister Lay came to Neukölln on exchanges! We had a hard working, productive day, she's absolutely dedicated. The storm clouds start rolling in around 8 pm, and we decided to just go visit 1 more person. It was perfect and we ran into their son while walking there! Then, it starts POURING. The son started screaming and booking it, and we were like , "this is just a normal day!" and started prancing around, it was pretty funny. I'm glad we decided to go to one more house.

 3. The next morning, somehow everything seemed to go wack! We kept forgetting things, we missed the bus, then we got off a stop early! As we walked to the next stop like pack mules, carrying our things to exchange (and then go on exchanges again! #loveit!) We passed this man and both felt we should talk to him. We stopped and just stared at him walking away (when I write that, it sounds pretty creepy and it probs was whoops). I said, Sister Lay, what should we do? Next thing you know we were jogging after him! We ended up having an amazing conversation for more than 15 minutes, and he said he felt he should talk to us too. We had a lesson with the elders the next day and he said he wants to start over, brand new, and he knows this is the right way for him. It was such a beautiful, spiritual experience. This was no coincidence that we ran into each other (okay, rather we ran after him!). I know God prepares His children to hear the gospel!

4. We did an awesome service project on Saturday with the whole Neukölln crew! Let's just say that I should apply to be on "Fixer Uppers" after my mission haha. We sanded and prepared the ward mission leaders table and chairs, and it was SO fun!! We all walked away super dusty with sore arms, but with huge smiles across our faces. #canwedothateveryday?!

The coolest service project ever!

5. We have a surprise guest coming to Berlin tonight.... I'm sworn to secrecy.... tune in next week!😎😱😉

Love, Sister Macey Ingalls

That was Unbelievably Exciting to Skype You Yesterday! (May 14)

Hey Mom!

Oh my goodness that was unbelievably exciting to skype you yesterday! Your happy faces and smiles and jokes just made my life! I love you! I miss you! I can't wait to get to see you again! It was really cool how nice skype worked out this time! No frustrating pauses or random crashing, that was a huge blessing. Prayers answered that's for sure!

Seriously, my love for my family has grown so much. I really love you guys and wish the best. It really hasn't been too hard being away, you are all so supportive!

That's cute, I remembered Dallin and Emily celebrated their anniversary this weekend! I'm glad they are happy and doing well together. I just want all of my bros to be happily married! You think they will have a kid anytime soon? I'm not getting any younger and I kinda want to be the cool aunt!

That's really gross to eat cake a year later though.. yuk

It was super cool, for Mother's Day the men surprised all the women in the ward and sang a song at the end of sacrament meeting! They sang I am a Child of God for 2 verses, then the 3rd verse was changed to be about mothers! I can't translate it well because then it wouldn't rhyme, but needless to say, I totally had goosebumps.

I went through a stage where I was super tired too, and I can almost promise you its exercise. I didn't exercise super well towards the end of the winter, and I had very little energy. I found myself eating more too and it slowed me down. I really think a long term exercise plan is better than a crazy hard workout schedule and super strict diet plan. Even just 30 minutes in the morning everyday like we do, it's seriously made a huge difference for me, in fact, I feel that I don't need as much sleep! This last week I've been waking up at 6ish and just laying in bed listening to birds until we all get up, it's pretty peaceful!

That's a huge project to take on, painting the whole house! I personally really liked the red wall in the kitchen, so I'm excited to see what it looks like in the end. I like the German way, simple and clean. My eyes like, bugged when I saw all of the stuff on the table! 😂 not meaning you are messy, but that they just don't even own that much stuff! [In my defense, everything from the counters and walls for all of the rooms was on that table in preparation for painting the whole upstairs! MOM]

This week was just so cool and filled with miracles. I feel the power of this work. I've strived to be 100% obedient because I want to do what the Lord wants me to do. I think at the beginning I didn't understand what a huge blessing and difference they made, but to really strive to do things exactly obediently, that is when the miracles come. I really truly love it, and think this is the perfect "jump" into discipleship for the rest of my life!

Okay... is it possible to Amazon ship Pilot G2 black pens size .38? THEY ARE THE BEST ONES, and Germany has really lame pens. And Crest toothpaste? 😄

Okay we have a special meeting tonight that I can explain more next week, so my pday has been a little wack. We had to come up to the stake center early and I'm not getting a lot of time to write. I promise to send a letter this week to make up for it!

P.S. This guy sneezed super loud today and I had a light bulb experience: Germans are alike, they sneeze the same word! Ah choo! Hahahahahahah

I'm sorry this email is super lame I feel really bad...

I love you so much, that was so much fun to see you yesterday! You are the greatest Mom I could ever ask for, and I love you a million Skypes!

Love, Sister Macey Ingalls