REACHING THE ONE

 Last Thursday we celebrated our 39^th wedding anniversary.  We were both a bit surprised as we realized that we have been full-time missionaries on each of our last six wedding anniversaries.  I may be wrong, and I frequently am, but I (Russell) think we will be home for our 40^th.  As I look back over the events of the past six years I am so grateful for my wife and missionary companion.  As we have worked together daily, I have grown to love and respect her in ways and to an extent that I don’t think would have been possible had we remained at home working at our separate jobs/endeavors.  I have been truly blessed!

As we have mentioned in the past, Eileen plays the piano for the primary meetings on Sunday.  A month ago a family moved in that had several children.  Their youngest child, a six year-old is very shy and was unwilling to go into primary without her mother.  From that first week Eileen has tried to make friends with the little girl.  For the last several Sundays the little girl has been willing to go into primary provided she sits next to Eileen as she plays the piano.  Today they made additional progress.  During a part of primary Eileen took her and they sat together with her class – Eileen between her and the rest of the class.  While it may seem like a small thing to others, to the little girl Eileen’s efforts matter.  

Engagement photo

This was taken during our better years

At the wedding of Eileen's sister

Our wedding reception-photo taken July 28th

All our living parents and grandparents-taken in Boulder, Colorado

We have aged a bit

Eileen with young primary girl after church

For our anniversary Eileen took a squash lesson. It was fun, but was a very hard workout

HELPING HANDS IN PORTUGAL

Almost all of the humanitarian projects the Church is involved with in Europe are located in area’s which are less economically developed.  However, natural disasters are no respecters of wealth and its victims no less needy.  This last week I (Russell) finished doing the “paper-work” on a project in Portugal.  Since we have no Welfare/Humanitarian missionaries serving there the responsibility fell to me to write the project up and coordinate its funding.  Although based in tragedy the events provided me a wonderful opportunity to work with Elder Joaquim Moreira, an Area Seventy and presiding Church authority in the country, and to witness the generosity, service and love of the Portuguese Church members for their fellow countrymen.

In the latter half of June forest fires swept through a large area of Portugal.  In just a few days over 60 people died and hundreds were hospitalized with injuries.  Many of those who died did so while in their cars as they tried to flee the area.

The Church’s relief efforts started with members in one stake gathering first-aid kits to be sent to those affected but then expanded.  Elder Moreira met with local political leaders and hospital officials to determine what the Church could do to help.  Wheelchairs to help transport the patients and medical supplies that the hospitals could send home with the burn victims were requested and supplied by the Church.  Also requested were people to triage the large amount of materials donated by the Portuguese people to the affected local population.  Leaders from several Church stakes gathered 55 young single adults to perform this task. 

The Church’s efforts were recognized by the Mayor of Pedrograo Grande and Republic President de Sousa in addition to those directly affected by the fires.  One expression of this feeling of appreciation for the Church’s efforts was demonstrated by a local business.  I was trying to track down the project’s expenditures and was missing the rental fee for the vans the Church used to deliver the donated materials. I was told that when the rental company found out what the vans were being used for they would not accept payment for their rental or fuel used.  It is interesting how in times of need the spirit of service and charity can be contagious. 

President de Sousa of Portugal with his hand on a "Helping Hands" Church volunteer

Equipment and vehicles burned by fire

Wheelchairs and other supplies donated for those injured in the fire

Organizing donated goods

Forest fire

Monday evening we had our monthly senior missionary devotional with Brother Armin Cziesla speaking. Armin is the father of our stake president. The title of his talk was German Saints after World War II.  Brother Cziesla grew up about 400 km east of Berlin in Prussia.  His mother joined the LDS church in 1925, however her children did not.  After the war as the Russian troops occupied his hometown, he and his family were refugees. Eventually they relocated to western Germany, where he joined the church. He served as temple president of the Frankfurt Temple from 2001-2004.  Brother Cziesla bore a fervent testimony of how grateful he was for the kindnesses which the Lord has shown him throughout his life.

Saturday morning the senior missionaries along with a few employees participated in a 5k race to celebrate pioneer day.  Some of the seniors walked, others ran.  Russell ran, while I (Eileen) did a walk/run combo. Afterwards Russell, Sister Keyser and I went on a 33 km bike ride. We felt like we were truly blessed to have returned home safely with our bikes intact.  While on the ride, Sister Keyser accidentally ran over a glass bottle on the bike trail. The glass then shot into Russell’s tire. Fortunately we were able to continue the ride without any flat tires.  It would have been a long walk home.

Saturday afternoon I (Eileen) played the piano for a baptism.  The 8 year girl who was baptized is trilingual. Her mother is Russian, her father is German, and the family attends the English speaking ward. All the talks were translated so that everyone that spoke either German or English could understand. After the baptism, Anouk jumped into her father’s arms with a huge smile on her face. He held her up and she waved to those watching the ordinance.  The bishop later spoke of how her father was representing Jesus Christ as he performed the baptism.  Just as her father gave her a huge hug and was happy she had taken this step, so too would Jesus be happy. By the time we are released from this mission we will have missed 3 of our grandchildren’s baptisms. We are grateful for each child’s decision to be baptized and hope that our other grandchildren will also choose to be baptized.

Elder Garrett (middle) won first place, Elder Rueckert 2nd place, and Coraline, 3rd place

Enjoying the view

RATCATCHERS AND HISTORY IN GERMANY

As I (Eileen) have mentioned before, Sister Engers is a local German sister who teaches a German culture and language class for the senior missionaries each Tuesday.  This week we went to her garden. Germans often have garden spots which they lease from the city. Sister Enger's garden is lovely with a multitude of different kinds of flowers, fruits and vegetables. She shared some kohlrabi with us which was very good. We also picked some gooseberries, which also were delicious. We read the story of the Pied Pieper of Hamelin. This legend dates back to the Middle Ages and the story is based in Hamelin of Lower Saxony, Germany.  The earliest written record is from the town chronicles in an entry from 1284 which states:  "It is 100 years since our children left."  No one knows what actually happened to the children. It could have been disease or an accident. The first record of the rats being added to the story was in 1559.  Although I am not sure we will ever get to Hamelin, it was intriguing to hear this story was based on some sort of historical event.  

Eileen and Sister Engers

Sister Engers cutting some kohlrabi for us

Sister Swenson (YSA for Europe Area) 

One of the beautiful flowers from the garden

During the month of July things get rather slow in our office.  It is a combination of Europeans taking long vacations during the months of July and August, and July being the designated month when our Area Presidency (as with all Church General Authorities) take vacation.  And as you can imagine when the leaders are gone many of the Church employees also take time off.  For several months we had planned on taking a two week road trip (last week and this coming week) to visit several of our missionary couples in the Balkan countries.  Unfortunately for us that trip had to be cancelled leaving us without a lot to do this past week.  When we heard that the humanitarian couple serving in Albania was going to be at the Freiberg Temple yesterday we decided that we would go meet them there.  The Weidmans were going to see a young couple sealed in the temple who they had worked with while on their prior mission in Austria.

We have known Elder Brent and Sister Teri Weidman since before our mission to Indonesia.  They had a call to serve in Austria and where taking German language lessons at the Provo MTC at the same time Eileen was taking Indonesian lessons.  Periodically Eileen and Sister Weidman would call each other between Austria and Indonesia.  Speaking with Sister Weidman was one of the few opportunities my wife had to talk to another a female missionary her age.  It was therapy for my wife.  Yesterday at the temple Sister Weidman apologized to Eileen for talking so much the night before when we went out to dinner.  Being somewhat oblivious to these kind of things I had not noticed anything unusual.  But for Sister Weidman it was a break from the relative isolation they experience in Albania.  As I observe Eileen talking to other senior sister missionaries I can tell her experiences in Indonesia have made her more compassionate and understanding of others who are experiencing life’s trials, particularly those brought on by being isolated.

It was truly a joy to be in the temple again.  This was our fourth time visiting the temple in Freiberg.  I was surprised, but pleased, to find that some of the temple workers now recognize us from our prior visits.

On the way to Freiberg we spent a day in Berlin.

Eileen and Elder and Sister Weidman

Eileen and Russell at the Freiberg Temple

On the way to the temple we did a short stop in Berlin.  It was helpful to learn about the conflicts of the Cold War and the significance of the Freiberg Temple being built prior to the Iron Curtain coming down.

Eileen in front of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall has sections still standing. When originally built it was 106 km long and 3.6 meters tall. It was made so that even an athlete could not climb it.  

Photos of some of the people killed crossing the wall

This "limo" was in front of the train station

This rye is planted/grown each year in what was once the Berlin Wall's death strip.
The metal object in the middle was once the steeple of a church which was torn down during the Cold War. 

Monument expressing the grief of loved ones separated

"Checkpoint Charlie" is more of a tourist trap now

THANKS GIVEN BY MISSIONARIES

At a time when I felt very discouraged about some things I received three letters on the same day. I believe Heavenly Father wanted to let me know that perhaps I have done some good. I have listed these letters below.

Sr Healy,

I know you are not going home for a few months, but time gets away so while I am thinking about it I wanted to send you a note of appreciation.  

Thank you for coming to train us, thank you for the ordinary wisdom about life abroad and the confidence you helped us establish.  Some of your very random comments have really stuck with us, and guided us.  I remember your comment about your mission to Indonesia being hard.   You had had a friend also on a mission somewhere who was eating pastries in a more comfortable life.  The disparity was frustrating.  Thank you for sharing that.  My take away was that I need to find the place where I can have a positive attitude, whatever it looks like, whatever my reality is.  It's not about anything except me deciding that I am here to serve the Lord, pastries or not.  :). We have found some pastries though..... :)

I read your blog occasionally and hope this mission has been of maximum benefit to your beautiful family.  I feel like, when we all arrive at the pearly gates, it will be a family like yours--with strength from diversity--that shines the brightest.  We certainly feel inspiration from you. 

Warmest regards

Sister Johelen Biven

MIssion Nurse Specialist, Cape Verde Praia Mission

Phone:    (238) 983-7049

Email:      Johelen.Biven@gmail.com

Eileen,

Thank you for going the extra extra miles for us...( Skype, inside stories, newsletters, luggage runs, gym passes, on and on..) When do you go home?
This will be a loss to us...you have been a friend even before we arrive!

I love you already!

Thank you for these..I felt the spirit so strongly this time and wept openly, tears flowing , and a swelling of testimony of the Masters hand and work through his servants , these wonderful couples. Humbling to think we will rub shoulders with them..I know I will be a better person for it.  I need to be.

Anita Canfield

Dear Sister Healy,

Thank YOU for all you do for us.  I was amazed to see those projects close so fast.  You are on the ball!  I am still working on two more  projects, but the finances were just submitted so won't come through until later.  We leave today but will be back on the 20th. This is our 50th wedding anniversary extravaganza.  Yes, there are many positive memories. Mainly, though, we are grateful that Steve has had energy and no pain with his cancer. Although Macedonia doesn't have the meds he needs, our landlord is a hemotologist and his wife, the head of pharmacology at the Univ. They have kept us in stock, ordering from Serbia, Israel and Switzerland and provided blood tests. We never dreamed it would be this easy.  I think God wanted us to finish out this mission.   It has been the best thing to keep us busy and engaged in a good cause.

Thanks again to you and Elder Healy.  We wouldn't want your job for all the rice in China!

Sister Pulley

And another letter sent to me earlier:

May 8th, 2017

Dear Eileen,

I just spent the last hour reading your blog all the way back to the Madrid conference. I think I’ve avoided it a little bit, I’m sorry to say.  I’ve just been struggling so much with all the confusion about our “early return”.  I know Elder Burt and the Area Mental Health advisor (what is his name? he was so kind) both felt strongly we should go home and I felt they were right at the time.  But I cried throughout our final interview with President Heder and have just struggled with feelings of loss and “failure” off and on since.  And I honestly miss the people…missionaries, leaders, members, NGO partners…SO many good people….

Your blog, however, is so inspiring!  You two are amazing in your stamina and devotion.  And your ability to appreciate so many places and see the good in all of them.  And even though I’m a bit tempted to compare your ability to handle huge challenges against ours, I was actually able to look at the pictures of the Willmotts in our old apartment and us in front of the Madrid temple and my name tag with the others without crying, which is saying something.  That conference really was a highlight for everyone we talked to, and for us.  What a great achievement, that you pulled it off.  And, of course, we appreciated the private consultations and ministrations as well…..

Oh brother, enough about us.  One of my favorite pictures on your blog is the computer with the Skype picture of the projection of the recording of you at your granddaughter’s baptism.  Holy Layers of Technology, Batman!  Seriously, such a blessing to be able to connect to your family through the wonders of modern communication.

How are things in Frankfurt?  We got a nice email from Gilles a while ago. I was very interested to read the story of your “replacements”.  That was very cool and inspired!  Will they overlap with you so you can train them?  If you think of it next time you talk to Elder Sabin (his conference talk was so good!) or Elder Kearon, please let them know how much their time, attention and counsel meant to us.  The fact of our leaving had nothing to do with not being adequately supported by ALL of our leaders.  I would write to them myself, but feel a little sheepish in calling any more attention to our particular situation.

I think of you so often and have intended to write this email for a while.  I just didn’t want it to sound too pathetic, which it still might.  I do have other positives in my life.  Red Cross has recruited me right back to work, I was called to teach Institute less than a month after we arrived home and a couple of weeks after that we were both called to be ward community service leaders.  Just today we attended a meeting in Napa of the Santa Rosa Coordinating Council to see a presentation on refugee relief/resettlement efforts by the Church in Northern California.  There are definitely plenty of opportunities to serve… I know that.  I just need to accept that the mission did not go as expected and that a period of grief and sadness is probably only natural when that happens.

I love and admire you, my friend.  I will move heaven and earth to come visit you when you return.  You are an important part of my life.

Susan


Another letter:

Dear Sister Healy,

Thinking of you today as you wind down and begin packing up.

I'm so grateful that our paths crossed in such a meaningful way, in such unique circumstances.  Thank you for your kindness and compassion. I'm still so appreciative of the talks we had while you were training us here at our apartment. Thanks for being so genuine and open;it made me feel a whole lot better about our mission in Ghana.

Sending love and best wishes for a safe journey home and a wonderful reunion with family!

Thank you for all your service and sacrifice!

Much love, Sister Scoville

ANSWERS TO PRAYER COME IN DIFFERENT WAYS

Last Sunday we were invited to our manager’s home for Sunday dinner.  Gilles François is from France and he is the Area Welfare Manager.  His wife Larissa is from Russia and she is our Relief Society President.  They have 3 sons.  Gilles speaks 7 languages, Larissa and all three boys speak English, French, Russian and German. It is amazing to be in the presence of their family and see the conversation change from one language to another. The boys speak French with their father, Russian with their mother, German with the neighborhood friends, and English when they go to church.  As an outsider it is a little confusing to figure out which language they will be talking in among themselves. When they have a disagreement with each other do they change languages, based on which one they feel they have the strongest verbal skills in? We enjoyed our visit with them. Dinner was delicious. It was the first time I (Eileen) have ever eaten lamb.  Each of the three boys performed on the piano for us.  The boys have each won piano competitions.  As I sat by the piano watching them perform it brought back many memories of me with my children, encouraging them to practice the piano, even when they would rather be something else.  At Gilles request we gave a short family home evening message.  We showed a video based on one of Elder Holland’s talks. After the video Russell and I shared our testimonies of God’s love for each one of his children.  He is willing to forgive us and help us, even when we make mistakes or bad choices. 

Guillome-6 years old

Gilles and family watching video

Click on link below for video
1-001-where-justice-love-and-mercy-meet?lang=eng

Earlier in the week I was pretty concerned about some issues that we have no control over. Sometimes even when I know I am doing my best, I can still become discouraged and wonder if my endeavors are worthwhile.  I had several events occur which helped me know that God was aware of my needs. Perhaps he sent others to buoy me up.  At a time when my confidence was quite low this past week I received letters from 3 different sisters within 24 hours.  Each wrote an email of thanks to me, expressing appreciation for specific ways in which I had impacted their life.  I was extremely surprised as I didn’t realize that I had done anything unusual.  It was nice to know at a time when I really needed it, that my service had been beneficial to someone else. Elder Sabin of the Europe Area Presidency also asked to meet with us.  We had a very nice conversation with him, during which it was obvious he was very concerned about the missionaries and wanted to help us in any way that he could.  I appreciate the kindness of many around me, especially my good husband and companion who is supportive and loving towards me. 

Here in Frankfurt there are a lot of missionaries coming and going. In the past, those that were departing their mission would leave things in the basement of the office building so that others could pick and choose and obtain things they wanted or needed.  This past week I left 3 coats and 3 sets of boots down in the basement. I left them there at 8 p.m. at night and then emailed another sister missionary and mentioned that they would be there. By the next morning at 9 a.m. they were gone.  I thought, hmmm, that is a little strange. I found that someone had  picked up the clothing and thrown everything in the dumpster.  Two local employees actually found them in the dumpster and retrieved them.  They even told me that they had gone "dumpster diving" just for me.   

On the evening of July 4^th we met as senior missionaries and had a barbeque, sang songs and heard some thoughts by Elder Sabin. He told the story of 25 year old Michael Monsoor, a navy seal who served in Iraq.  Michael was with other elite forces when Iraqi insurgents tossed a grenade into their sniper hideout.  Michael was near the only door. He had a just a second to make a choice. He could run out the door and save himself or choose to save his comrades.  Michael sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers by throwing himself on top of the grenade.  He died but saved the life of the other soldiers in that room. Elder Sabin then talked about what immense gratitude each of those men must have towards Michael. He then reminded us that each one of us has been blessed with an older brother who gave his life so that we might live.  Should we not feel tremendous gratitude in our hearts to our Savior?

Elder Sabin speaking on the 4th of July

Wednesday I left work a little early due to a bad headache.  As I was walking to our apartment a neighbor woman named Elfie, asked me if I could take her to go get her car from the shop. I was happy to help her. Elfie is 88 years old and a widow. Her only daughter lives in the U.S.  Elfie is German and has had a difficult life.  She is often quite lonely and will come knock on our door to visit. Even though she is not a member of our church she often comes to church with the senior missionaries.

On the way to pick up the car Elfie was beside herself with happiness. She kept telling me that she didn’t know how she would find a ride. She told me that she had just prayed to her Heavenly Father and came downstairs, and there I was. She kept saying over and over again “I can’t believe it”.  She asked what she could do to thank me. I told her I would just hope someone would help my parents when they are in need.  Later in the week she brought over some gifts, and also played a mini piano concert for me.  President Spencer W. Kimball said:  “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” Not only have I been able to give service this week, but I have also been the recipient of other’s service.  

Elfie and Eileen

Saturday we spent a few hours with Elder and Sister Garrett going to a medieval festival in Budigen.  This city was first named in history during the year 1131.  It was a wonderful afternoon.  It has truly been a blessing to rub shoulders with so many other dedicated and talented senior missionaries serving in Frankfurt.  We are realizing our time remaining in Germany is short. We are excited to go back to our family, but will miss the wonderful people we have associated with while on this mission.   

Getting ready for the parade

Elder Garrett and Russell in Bundigen

"Beggar" trying to eat Eileen's food

Parade

Eileen and Russell at outskirts of Bundigen

Going away party for Constanza

BABY SHOWER, PRAYER, SWISS TEMPLE

Last Monday a few of the senior missionaries arranged a baby shower for Constanza who is the administrative assistant for the Welfare department. This is Constanza’s first baby and we are very excited for her. Constanza is from Spain and her husband is from Brazil.  Their baby is due one day after one of my grandchildren is due to be born.  I (Eileen) feel like I have been following her pregnancy as if she were my own daughter.  During the time we have served in the Area Office, this is the first baby shower I have attended. It was fun to hear women from various countries talk about the traditions associated with marriage and birthing in their native countries.  

Constanza seeing the shower set up for her

We received permission to use the conference room of the Area Presidency for the shower

Employees and missionaries attending the shower

Sister Bateson, Constanza and Eileen

On Thursday I (Eileen) had volunteered to take a fellow senior sister missionary to the airport.  Before leaving for the airport we knelt in prayer together.  She asked if I would say the prayer.  I offered the prayer thanking Heavenly Father for our friendship and the opportunity we have to be missionaries.  I asked for his protecting care to be with her during her travels.  I then was overcome with emotion as I prayed that she might take opportunities to share our belief with others.  At the close of the prayer we both looked at each other and I said to her “I know there is someone that you should be sharing the gospel with.”  She was emotional too and decided to put some tracts about our church in her luggage.  While driving to the airport our GPS gave me the wrong directions and I traveled for a few extra miles until I could turn around and go the way I thought I should go. When I reached the airport I realized that I needed to take a different exit other than the one I took in order to drive into the parking garage. I dropped my friend off and went to go park.  Before I even got out of my car to go meet her, my friend texted me a message which said “I’ve already given my missionary materials away.” I reached the terminal and found her in a line with hundreds of people.  The man standing directly in front of her in line had been on a business trip in Germany and was returning to his home in Mexico. He saw my friend’s missionary nametag and started talking to her about our church.  I spent another 30 minutes waiting in line with Roberto and my friend.  He seemed anxious to tell us about his family members who were members of our church. Although not a member, he said he had attended many baptisms and always had a peaceful feeling when attending. He said it was remarkable to think with baptism a person could have a fresh start in life.  He wanted to talk with us to learn more about our beliefs.  I felt so grateful for the tender feelings which had been given to both my friend and I that morning during the prayer which had been offered.  We both knew that she should be ready to be a missionary on this trip.  Perhaps the frustration with the GPS and the lack of being able to find the entrance to the parking garage were all God’s efforts to have a missionary in the right place, at the right time to help someone who was truly interested in listening. 

With no new humanitarian couples training visits during the second half of June or July, and two other previously planned humanitarian related trips canceled due to budgetary constraints, we have a six week period of relative quiet.  Eileen and I decided that during this period we would try to attend the temple several times.  On Friday we attended the temple near Bern, Switzerland.  Elder Tom and Sister Ruth Rich went with us on this trip.  Tom was one of my former partners at Deloitte.  Elder Rich is serving as the Europe Area Auditor.  He trains and supervises the work of numerous assistant auditors in Europe.  While some of these auditors are senior missionaries, most are lay members of the church.

Bern

Prior to going to the temple on Friday we dropped by the old part of the city.  It is quite picturesque and there is a village clock that has worked for over 500 years.  While in downtown Bern we happened to meet Olinda, a woman visiting from Goa, India.  When we explained that we had two children from Goa she immediately identified the orphanage and its owner by name.  Her daughter and the daughter of the orphanage owner, Bonnie Chowgule, are good friends having grown up together.  Olinda was familiar with our church in Goa and we had a good time talking with her.  We also shared with her our contact information and hope to hear from her again.  It is interesting how the Lord helps our paths cross with others.

Olinda and Eileen

Russell and Eileen at the Swiss temple

The Swiss countryside is beautiful. As we were traveling home we took many photos along the way

Elder and Sister Rich and the Healys