I can't feel my toes!

Surprises and Explosions...

Liebe Familie und Freunde,

So, you know how I don't like being surprised?! Well, I was surprised like never before this weekend at our ward Christmas party! Sis. Roth is the Choir director, and over the course of the practices for the Christmas concert, she asked if I would conduct the music. It was so great! I really enjoyed the time with the members in rehearsals and preparing the music! I gave her some music that we had done years ago in College Station, and we sang "Ding Dong Merrily on High" from Christmas 2009! It was so great! We had four songs as a choir, with one smaller ensemble song, with scriptures and short speaking between each. I only had the program and words for the first half of the program, and asked for the words to the second half, so I would know when to go up to say my part right before the last song, and also to know when each song was to be sung. She told me that it would be really easy, and I would know when to get up... ok.... The songs went great, the spirit was great, and I sat down, and she got up to announce the smaller ensemble song. I had no idea what was planned, and expected to sit an enjoy. Well, she got up and said that this song will come as a bit of a surprise to me.. Ok.... I thought, Oh man, what on earth is going to happen? She explained that this song was one that I had written years ago, and wanted to perform it, as a way to express their love of the Savior at His birth, as well as to say goodbye to me from their ward, as I am leaving soon. My mind was racing... what on earth?! She translate the words into German and began reading them to the audience, since the song would be sung in Englisch. It took a while for me to catch on to which song it was..."If Stars and Sheep Could Speak". That was one I printed out months ago, just for fun, when I gave her a whole stack for options for the Christmas concert... never been sung, never practiced or performed... I totally forgot about it! I was sitting there, just not believing this! I felt the Spirit and the love of this ward so much! She finished reading the words in German, and I expected her to sing a solo... but then the sisters, the elders, and 4 others came up to the podium, all smiling and looking right down at me... They had been planning and practicing this for two weeks before, and I had no idea!! Sis. McPherson began playing, and then the emotion hit me... holy smokes! I hadn't heard or played or sung this song for years. The Spirit was so strong, and they sang it so well! It was wonderful, not because the song is great, but because they all sang it with so much love and spirit. "If stars and sheep could speak, oh the stories they would share, of Angels singing, of Shepherd's praise, of wise men seeking, of Mary's care." It was such a neat experience! Of course, it was a bit embarrassing, to have this section focused a lot on me, and I have no idea what I did to deserve all this, but through tears in my eyes, all I could say after when they came down was "Danke." I still can't believe they pulled it off! Mensch! It was really great. I felt so happy and on top of the world the rest of the evening. What was so impactful, was how they did it. They could have come and said, We want to sing this song as the other song in the program. But they did it in a way to show their love and gratitude or whatever it was. And it touched me so deeply. I will never forget that night!

Stefan is so ready for his baptism! He came to the church on Thursday afternoon when President had interviews with everyone, and was able to talk with him for a little bit. Stefan had some concerns/doubts and wasn't sure how to go on. He has three days this week of huge end of degree exams, with his baptism planned for Saturday. On Friday, he called up, and talked for 25 minutes- he was so excited! He explained how he felt the spirit so strongly and now knows that God lives, and that this is His true Gospel and Church. He couldn't really explain it, but I knew exactly what he meant! He asked for a Book of Mormon to give to his dad, and has told all his friends about his decision to be baptized. He smoked a little bit, after this experienced, said he took one smoke and it tasted so bad, that he threw everything away, and no desire to smoke ever again. Stefan is converted to Jesus Christ and His Gospel. That is what this whole work is about! He asked me to baptize him this Saturday, and I am so looking forward to it! I love this work! I love this joy!

The Romanian family, all 24 of them, came to the Christmas party this weekend! The ward was pretty frantic the few days before, trying to organize enough Santa gifts for 22 more kids and seats and food for all. But it worked out great! They really enjoyed their time! Sunday morning, several came to church. We asked where the rest were at, and Hr. Mitica said that their toilet pipes exploded in the night, and so the rest were at home cleaning up... what is interesting, is that this exact same thing happened to Stefan a few weeks ago, just as he began reading the Book of Mormon and felt it was true. Satan is getting pretty creative with those that are starting to come into the church... He'll just try anything he can to stop people from learning and experiencing the Gospel... even making toilet pipes explode! Just kidding... I don't know if Satan did it, but it is just funny how the same thing happened to both of them! 

It snowed pretty hard this week... but it all melted away. Schade! 

The work of the Lord is going forward! We have been making plans with Präsident, the Assistents and other Zone Leaders for the coming months when we will get many new missionaries, and many many new sisters! They don't know exactly how many will come, the numbers increase all the time!, but right now, we are playing around with several additional missionary companionships per stake in this mission starting in March. That is HUGE! And it will be neat to see the changes that happen to the work when over 20 new additional sisters come to the mission this spring. But the only thing that is certain, is the the Lord is hastening His work, and doing more than ever before to reach more people than ever before, to change hearts, to bless lives, to spread His truth. What a great cause! It is interesting how I felt so strongly before my mission to leave in January 2011, when I could have easily left after another semester of school, which means I will leave for home right before this huge missionary explosion happens. But the Lord knows exactly what He is doing, and I trust Him to put me where He needs me, and to guide me every step along. That is what He has done in the past, that is what He does; He is the Way.

Mach's gut, bis nächste Woche!

Elder Nathan D. Garlick

German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22

Winter in Germany!

Friends from Romania

Winter Wunderland!

Saturday night, it snowed and snowed, and we went to church in the greatest winter wonderland! It was great! But now it is all grea slush.. I guess that's the opposition in all things! Everything is going great! I love German Christmases! There is such great tradition and spirit here. We were at the Krienke's house last night, and they told us about their family Christmas Tradition, the advent calendars, the music, there was such a great Spirit there, for that is the Spirit of Christmas. It's the Spirit of Christ.

The biggest thing this week was just that... BIG! We visited the Romanian family on Friday. That was so great. The grandfather and his 4 sons went back to Romania and brought back their wives, their kids, and are now 34 in total! They are looking for a larger apartment and waiting for all their things to get here. Sis. Böning speaks Spanish, and all these Romanian friends speak Spanish, too, so she came with us. We are so grateful she came with us! It was such a neat experience. They are so humble, so ready to learn. We brought the Restoration DVD, and said we wanted to show them a short film. They all got really excited, and then, like they had been planning and practicing,all took their places in chair in a circle around us and the TV. The little girl holding the Book of Mormon in the picture was super excited to help, even though we couldn't speak the same language, and helped me put the DVD in the player.... but remember that one time we had a family trip without the remote, and had to watch all the films with commentary? Well, here, there wasn't a remote either, so we wouldn't change the langauge to Romanian! I prayed so hard in my mind and heart, and kept pressing the Forward/Back/PLay buttons, hoping that somehow it would work. I felt a little shy of asking because of their situation, but asked if they had a computer or laptop. One son, Hersilias sprung up and came back with the laptop, speakers, mouse, and cord. There was excitedment and they were all so ready to watch! It really was a miracle, and we watched through the restoration in Romanian. We bore testimony that we know Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and was the prophet through whom they restored Their Church. Sis. Böning translated. She is so sweet and funny. I literally said "I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God", then three minutes later, Sister Böning ended her translation of what I said. Now, I am no expert in languages, let alone Espanol, but I don't think she was translating word for word :-) She wasn't, but this older woman was using this opportunity to bear her testimony and to teach this wonderful family. I am so glad she took the opportunity to expand and explain herself and our testifying. We brought a whole box of Romanian Book of Mormons, and passed them out, and read together from the introduction. They all were saying "amen" and nodding at the end! We asked them to read together right from the beginning with Nephi. I didn't realize until the moment I said and thought it, but the experience of Lehi and his family leaving their homeland, traveling far away, then returning to bring back the plates, and continuing in the new land, is just what this Romanian family has gone through. Leaving home, the men working, then returning home to get their families, then came back and are trying their best in the situtation they are in. The Book of Mormon is the best guide for life, in whichever situation we are in.

We were also in Frankfurt this week for the Mission Leadership Council. My favorite part was Wednesday evening's testimony meeting. President asked those who were leaving at the end of the cycle to bear their testimonies first. I felt the Spirit as I bore my testimony of the things I know to be true. At the end of the hour and testimonies from all, President expressed his love and apprectiaiton for the leavers, sharing personal "thanks" and compliments. Then he went around through every person in the circle- 20 of us, and shared with each´personally why he loves and appreciates them. It was the greatest experience of feeling the love of a leader, of really feeling that Präsident Schwartz cares for me and wants my best. Elder Penfold and I actually stayed the night at Präsident's house that night with two other zone leaders. They have a nice piano, and when the others left, Präsident came to us all and asked us to help him with some things, then said "And Elder Garlick, you go play the piano!" It was the greatest evening, with the testimony meeting spirit, and then the power of the hymns. I am so grateful for Präsident Schwartz, I don't know how else to say it. I know he loves me and cares for me, and would do anything for me. I trust him, I respect him, and will do anything he asks. The next morning we all ate breakfast together, and it started snowing, and more piano was played, and there just the greatest happiest joyful feeling ever! Us four missionaries talked about it later, how it was the best morning ever. It's because of the spirit of the Lord that is in the Schwartz's home. Both of them are so focused on others, especially us missionaries. I want to be like them.

I was supposed to have my exit interview with President during this training, but the time didn't work out, so he is coming up to Dortmund this Thursday for that. I look forward to it, but have mixed feelings. I pray to be open to what he says and counsels, and especeially open to the Holy Ghost.

I know this work is true. From the Romanians to Stefan to the members to the other people we meet with and serve, I can see the workings of the Spirit in their lives. And that makes all this worth it!

Ich habe euch schrecklich lieb!

bis bald

--
Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22

It's Christmas to Me!

Liebe Familie und Freunde:

Christmas time is here! It is so exciting! Last year, I was in the Wiesbaden Military Ward, so this is my first real German Christmas! There is such a neat feel in the air! It even snowed a bit on Saturday night... the snow, the markets, the music, the joy: this is Christmas to me!

On Saturday, we started out the Christmas season with a Street Display. We had some large posters on Christ, copies of the Book of Mormon, and chalk. We drew a big square on the ground, and asked people what Christmas meant to them. They wrote some thoughts or drew pictures in the box. It was mostly for the kids, but was fun! We were able to talk with many people, and had some great discussions. It is always so interesting to me, how the real meaning of purpose is getting more and more lost... lost among the bows and price tags and stress... that's the funniest part to me... why so much stress at Christmastime? At any rate... we sang many Christmas hymns on the street, as missionaries and members, and quite a few people stopped, listened, and even sang along. There is a power in the true meaning of Christmas, especially in the hymns and carols we sing. It was a great experience. I didn't even feel cold the whole time! But then we got hot chocolate afterwards, and realized I couldn't feel my feet... tis the season!

Stefan came to church in a ful three-piece suit! He is so great. He is excited, and is so ready for his baptism on the 22nd! 

On Tuesday, we met with Stefan in a cafe. We talked about the Book of Mormon, and asked how that was going. He is reading right through, and understanding! We reminded him of the promise in Moroni 10, about reading, praying, and receiving and answer that it is true. We asked him if he had done that. He looked at us and said, "Actually, I know the Book of Mormon is true. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here." I thought a lot about that answer. It is so true; Stefan felt the power and truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, which led to his conviction that the Church is true, and that kept his desire to meet with us and come to church. I thought more about that, and that is the same answer I can give. I know the Book of Mormon is true. Othewise, I wouldn't be here in Germany right now. The Book of Mormon means everything! If it is true, the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored, prophets live and teach today, the Priesthood of God is on the earth, and pure truth of God and His plan is again on the earth. If the Book of Mormon is false, then I'm between a rock and a hard place, for spending these last two years proclaming the Christ of whom the Book of Mormon bears witness. Honestly, if the Book of Mormon wasn't true, I wouldn't be here right now. No matter how great the organization of the Church is, the programs, or the doctrine or plan, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon holds it all together, and makes it all valid and work. I have seen the power of the Book of Mormon in my life, in Stefan's life, in the lives of so many others. This is the marvelous work talked about in the scriptures; the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the spirit that comes with, and the lives that are changed, the hearts that are changed and converted, because of the truth it testifies of. What a great blessing, to be involved in such a cause!

tis the season to be joyful! tis the season to make someone's day! tis the season of Him. Ich weiß, dass er lebt.

Alles Gute, und schöne Woche!

Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22

"Sie müssen leben wollen"

Liebe Familie und Freunde:

This was a huge week of service! Called to serve, it's what we love! I saw reports about the missionaries in New York and New Jersey who are helping so much with the clean up after the hurricane. I don't think there is a better way to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of the Church than by living the gospel through service to others. Through  these big planned service projects, as well as, and even better, through small acts of kindness, people get to see the Gospel of Christ in action- it being used for the purpose for which it was given us: to serve and help others come closer to Christ. 

It was also a crazy week of organizing all the missionaries going down to Frankfurt, and those coming back up to Dortmund for transfers. We now have the two new Elders living with us until we find them a new apartment. Change is fun! But it also takes a lot of organizing :-) Many new missionaries straight from the MTC came to the Zone, some from Utah, and one from Finland! 

Stefan is so great! We taught the Word of Wisdom, Tithing, and Fasting... of course, he said we would live them all! Stefan is one of those that has been prepared his whole life for the Gospel, and was led by the Lord to accept it at this time. 

We are still waiting for Romania to come to Dortmund... The fathers went back this week to pick up their families and should be getting here soon. 

There was a huge Stake Ball this week, and three people were in charge of all the decorations... over 6,000 balloons! Our schedule was such, that we were at the church quite a bit this week, and everything worked out just right so we had the time and availability to help out, where these three people really needed it! It all turned out really nice, and it felt great to be able to be in the right place at the right time to help... even though this "interruption" took us from other things we planned on doing that day. Dad, thanks for that quote from C.S. Lewis. These interruptions are no interruptions at all. Rather, it is the influence of the Lord, to use us for His purposes in His way to bless the children of the  Father. It is the hand of the Lord, turning us into His hands to serve and help and make light the burdens of others. We were there on Friday night when people were coming to the dance, and made sure friends and members were together and taken care of for the evening... then we ate some food from the buffet... and just a side note, I think Germans are the best at doing buffets... there are buffets for every event... and they are great! 

Anyways... we left, and went back to our apartment. We had a lot to organize for the Zone in the coming weeks, and needed the time before the weekend came. Right on the corner of our house was a very old woman with a walker, looking quite confused and lost. I looked at her as we walked up to turn the corner, took one more step, then had to turn back and go ask if we could help. She thought it was the afternoon, and was going to her appointment at the doctors. It was 8:30pm, and the doctors was definitely not open. So we asked if we could walk with her back to her house. She was very grateful... and for the first time in my life, I actually helped an old lady cross the road! :-) Frau Koch is her name, and she is 97! As we were walking, about 20 minutes, very slowly, she told us all about her life and family. She and her brother had a construction business and actually helped to build the church building in Düsseldorf many years ago! She knew right away that we were the Mormon Missionaries. We kept going, and I remembered back to the days when Grandma Burton lived behind Grandpa and Grandma Blake, and Ali and Makell and I would go over and help Grandma Burton walk over to the Blakes. Those were great times, and I really feel I learned a lot from my Great Grandparents. I feel really close to my great grandparents that I knew, and still feel great love for the older generation. I remembered the love for my own relatives, and felt love for Frau Koch. This older generation went through so much and have so much to offer, especially on counsel to the youngsters growing up. I asked, "What would you counsel us, as we are growing up through life?" She stopped walking, shook her hands forward as she talked, like Pr. Uchtdorf does, and said "Sie müssen leben wollen", or "You need to want to live." She shared some more about her life and all that she experiences. I learned so much about doing those things that make life worth living. 

Frau Koch focused a lot on the family, and how having and raising a family is one of the greatest things that make life worth living. I agree. But what is it about the family that makes life so worth living? It's the family counsels, and the family singing at the piano, it's the boys vs. girls football game, it's the laughing and not being able to stop when dad sits by you in Stake Conference, it's the road trips with movies with the commentary and no remote to turn it off, it's the trips to places where Spanish is the main language. It's the dwelling boxes and Rex, it's the family videos and dancing to Lawrence Welk, it's the swing dancing and the Christmas eve letters, it's the pulling weeds, and the morning song. It's the "Oh what a beautiful morning" to wake up for scriptures, it's the fried pickles and doughy caramel cake. It's the late night talks, it's the early morning Aggie Flags, it's the games and the treats, the surprise snacks, and the family picture-taking shoot bonanza... that makes life worth living! 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life worth living. Seeing people accept the gospel, read the Book of Mormon and change their lives, and become more happy than they ever thought, makes life worth living. Seeing personal progress and change makes life worth living. Seeing the hand of the Lord each day, and the many miracles that He does each day, makes life worth living. A hope of the next life and the Resurrection make life worth living. The hope of an eternal family and eternal progression makes life worth living. Knowing that the Church of Jesus Christ is again restored on the earth makes life worth living. There is so many reasons to live, and innumerable things that make life worth living! How grateful I am to live at this time in the history of the world! And the best is yet to come. I know that. 

Ich hab' euch alle Lieb!

--
Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22