WEATHERING THE STORMS OF LIFE

This past week has had been somewhat stressful, both on the work side of things and on the home front.  I (Eileen) will share a few of the good things which happened this week.

We have some new technology missionaries in Frankfurt. Elder and Sister van Hoff arrived just a few months ago. They have taken it upon themselves to try and help senior missionaries have a greater understanding of computer software programs. This past week Russell and I attended an intermediate class for Word.  This was one of several classes the van Hoffs have presented.  The training was very helpful for me.  I use the computer a lot in my calling, however just because I use it does not mean that I am good at it.  I am hoping to be able to get a few more classes from the van Hoffs before our release.

Russell, Eileen and Sister Swenson in computer class

Elder and Sister van Hoff during computer class

I have spent a great deal of time trying to procure and ship out an order of “LDS Charities” shirts which our couples could use when going to projects in the field. Unfortunately, the sizes of the shirts we first received were so inaccurate that many of the shirts could only be worn by my adolescent grandchildren. A few weeks ago Constanza sent out some measuring tapes to all of our couples and asked for their measurements. Our new administrative assistant, Jennifer, later compared those measurements with the shirt sizes and then we finally had our revised shirt order come in this week. Jennifer has categorized the shirts and is ready to send them out. It has taken several months, however I am hoping they finally will work for our couples.

Shirts ready for delivery

The weather here in Frankfurt has been very pleasant lately. It has seemed quite enjoyable compared with the countries we have visited with temperatures well over 100 degree Fahrenheit.   We have heard from several of our humanitarian couples that temperatures in their respective countries have reached record highs. In Rome, water is being rationed as Italy has suffered its driest spring for 60 years. Elder and Sister Herway have collected water in buckets for usage when their water is turned off. 

In our office we have a large panel of windows overlooking the church and facing downtown Frankfurt.  This past Tuesday a violent storm rolled into Frankfurt. Several of us gathered to look out the windows as the skies became dark within just a few minutes.  Torrential rain and gale force winds forced trains to be delayed and flights out of the Frankfurt airport to be cancelled.  We usually keep our windows at home cracked for air circulation. We and other missionaries went home to wet apartments.  The next morning as we walked to the gym we saw sidewalks covered with broken branches from trees blown down during the storm.  We were grateful for the refuge of the office building and the protection we were offered.  Perhaps this storm can be analogous to life. Elder M. Russell Ballard has said, we all need a refuge from the storm where we can remove ourselves from distractions of life.  One of the best places to connect with the Spirit is in the temple - the house of God.

Lightening in Frankfurt (photo taken by Michael Seebooth)

Trees downed behind our apartment building

Friday and Saturday we went to the Freiberg temple with the Proctors. Elder and Sister Proctor have been serving as our zone leaders and will be released from their mission just a few weeks after us.  I have gained a much greater appreciation for temple attendance after having served in Frankfurt.  As Elder Ballard said, it is our refuge from the storms of life. We are grateful for the ability we have to reconnect with our Heavenly Father through temple attendance. 

Freiberg temple