SHARING THE GOSPEL THROUGH MUSIC

We have experienced some challenges the last few weeks related to health and other difficulties. It is amazing how the Lord sends us tender mercies when we need it most. 

Two weeks ago I (Eileen) had my birthday.  A couple of friends gave me flowers and my coworkers sang me to in French, Portuguese, German, Spanish and English.  

Birthday cake with flowers from Sister Rueckert

Sister Lovell took me to the flower shop to hand pick flowers for a bouquet

Last weekend we were able to travel to the Hague temple in the Netherlands. We are very fortunate that senior missionaries in the Europe Area Office are given the latitude to travel within a radius of 500 km.  It means that we have been able to visit 3 different temples while the Frankfurt temple has been closed for renovations.  Visiting the temple is an uplifting, peaceful experience for us and seems to be rejuvenating to our souls.

Hague Temple

Old fashioned carousel in Brussels

Eileen in Grand Place in Brussels

I have heard from some that it seems like we are on vacation here.  While it is true that we travel to train new couples and to attend the temple, most of the time we stay busy with doing administrative support tasks that we hope is helping the humanitarian work go forth in this area.  We don’t write about our day job because it would not only be inappropriate but also boring to read about.   Most of our work is on the computer or on the phone (except for when we are training new missionaries).

‪Wednesday night Russell worked late. I went caroling with some senior missionaries and other members of our ward.  It was probably my favorite experience of all 3 missions we have served. We went to the Zeil, which is the downtown shopping area in Frankfurt.  We gathered with about 40 of us and sang Christmas carols in English. I don't know if it is because people here don't carol, or because we were singing in English, but a lot of people gathered to see us and film us on their phones.  When we were singing Angels We Have Heard on High, one man pointed heavenward. It was really special.  There were 4 missionaries mingling with the people who were watching us.  They had 2 boxes of Books of Mormon, which were wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. We were able to watch them interact with people while we were singing.  They gave away many Books of Mormon.  The young missionaries said they have never had the opportunity to contact so many people who were receptive at one time. Several people with babies in strollers stopped to watch. One baby started bouncing in her stroller to the music.  When her Mom walked away the baby started crying and turned to reach for us.  We sang for an hour and didn't want to stop as long as the missionaries were still making contacts.  It was a blessing to have a small part in sharing our love of Jesus Christ at this Christmas time.

Senior missionaries at the Zeil

Caroling at the Zeil

 I have had three grandchildren contact me this week. One granddaughter shared some of the things she is learning in her seminary class. It seemed like we were having a long distance devotional together.  It is amazing how with modern technology we can interact with our loved ones so easily. I miss my family dearly and always like to talk with them.

Friday, Sister Caracena was kind enough to take me on the metro to the airport. Up until recently the metro stop near us has been under construction. We have lived in Frankfurt for 7 months now and I figured it was about time that we figured out how to take public transportation.  We will have a considerable amount of traveling in the next few months associated with our calling.  It will be nice to not be dependent on others for rides back and forth to the airport.

Saturday afternoon we had our daughter, our son in law and two of our grandchildren arrive.  I was so excited to see family, it was almost like I was a little kid again.  When our children were young I remember the newscasters on TV on Christmas Eve talking about where Santa would be during which hours of the evening. We jokingly called it the Santa Tracker.  Well, we were doing the Santa Tracker thing with our grandkids. We knew when they were leaving the US, when they were making their connection in Europe and were at the airport well ahead of their arrival time. There were many joyous reunions at the airport with loved ones greeting each other.  Perhaps the Christmas season makes hearts yearn to see those that we love.

Our grandson said we needed to have a Christmas tree so Santa would know how to find him

Saturday night we had the ward Christmas party. The cultural hall was decorated beautifully, and the food was plentiful. The program was music in a variety of different languages.  My grandchildren seemed to really enjoy the program, while their parents struggled to stay awake.  They all did a magnificent job of fighting the jet lag,which occurs when traveling overseas.

I (Eileen) was called to be the primary pianist the first week we were in Frankfurt. I have thoroughly enjoyed this calling. Seven different native languages are spoken in our primary. When a child is asked to give a prayer they get to choose whether to say it in their native language or English. Many choose English but need the help of a member of the primary presidency in order to do so.  It is touching to see a child say their first prayer in English.   Last week our primary presidency was released.  I will be sad to see them go.  There has never been a week go by where I am not thanked for my willingness to play the piano.  Each member of the presidency has simple but unique ways of teaching the gospel to the children of our ward.  

We are sad to think that the gifts we bought for our family which were shipped over 5 weeks ago are still stuck in customs. Perhaps they will be delivered by Christmas 2017.

Christmas gifts  for family will be similar to this...if they ever come out of customs