Week 8: Easter
Liebe Friends and Family,
This week was a very special week for me. It was so nice to celebrate Easter and have the opportunity to hear from Elder Uchtdorf and his family.
Last Tuesday, we went to the Hellbrunn Wasserspiele. It's basically a giant mansion with a beautiful park and some trick water fountains. The story behind it is that some wealthy bishop, who lived during the Renaissance, built it because he loved playing tricks on his friends. (Take my explanation with a grain of salt because the tour was in German, and I'm not sure if I understood it correctly haha.)
Anyway, there was one part of the tour where we sat around a table and water shot up from under the seat and splashed us. The only person who didn't get splashed was sitting in the bishop's seat at the head of the table.
Wednesday was a normal proselytizing day, and we had the opportunity to visit a family in our ward. They were so cute, and I loved getting to know them!
On Thursday, we went to Munich for our zone conference. While we were there getting dinner, I was able to see the city a little bit. It was so beautiful! :)
Friday was the big mission conference where Elder Uchtdorf visited us! I got to meet him and shake hands with him. I was so starstruck haha! He talked to us in German, so I couldn't understand much, but I think that I understood what I needed to hear. I was feeling frustrated earlier this week because I wasn't learning the language as fast as I wanted and felt like I wasn't really contributing much. Elder Uchtdorf told us to not worry about the language; the Holy Ghost would translate our message as long as we do our part. He also promised to us that we would find joy in the work. His promise was so powerful and comforting to hear.
I also got to reunite with all my MTC friends at mission conference! I was so happy to see all of them and loved catching up with them!
For Easter Sunday and Monday, we had some meal appointments with members. For one of the appointments, we traveled all the way to a town called St Johann. I can't even describe how beautiful it was, and the pictures don't really do it justice.
And finally, because it was Holy Week, I thought a lot about the Savior and His final week. I had the opportunity to read through His final week in each of the gospels. As I read, I felt really sad thinking about all the pain and humiliation Christ endured. However, I think that this also gives more meaning to His victory. Jesus Christ descended below all, and therefore overcame all. That fact gives me so much hope because I know that He will give me the strength to overcome everything that I face. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Elder Uchtdorf: "So, when you are encompassed by sorrows and grief, behold the Man. When you feel lost or forgotten, behold the Man. When you are despairing, deserted, doubting, damaged, or defeated, behold the Man. He will comfort you. He will heal you and give meaning to your journey. He will pour out His Spirit and fill your heart with exceeding joy". I know that Christ is the answer to all of our challenges and that He will make us whole.
I love you all lots!
Große Liebe,
Sister Gladwell
1. The view from a member appointment
2. My MTC district
3. Sister Swenson and I
4. Meeting Elder Uchtdorf! Sorry it's really blurry
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