24 Dec 2011 Missionary Xmas Brunch & Party At Lauer's

MISSIONARY CHRISTMAS EVE BRUNCH




































CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PLAY AT CHURCH IN BAD DURKHEIM
























XMAS PARTY AT THE LAUER'S












































This was certainly a full day. This morning I got up early to make a Potato, egg and bacon casserole for the Missionary Christmas Brunch. You would not believe the food. I loved the French toast casserole, fresh fruit, hot wassal and goodies galore. Afterwards a gift exchange. We were winners this year because we acquired a beautiful Lotus candle made by a group of refugees.

We had to leave early as we were invited by the Peter Family to the Christmas Eve party at their extended family, the Lauer's, home. First we went to the town Evangelical chapel for their Christmas play. Everyone goes to show support for the town church. The children put on the Nativity play and then two young men in some sort of uniform carried in a lighted candle that is said to be a flame that originated in Jerusalem. I guess they are distributed to churches all over Germany, then people bring their own candle to take part of that flame back home. The tradition is called the flame of Bethlehem. We sang at least 6 Christmas songs, three of which I had never heard of and neither had our German friends, but it was fun. They had a beautiful large tree in the front of the chapel underneath the stained glass windows where it was simply decorated, and under that, a very authentic Nativity scene, with animals too.

At 5:00 PM we walked back to the Laurer's home. We were warmly welcomed and treated like the family. The family consists of 2 boys and three girls ages 10-18 years old. Each one contributed something musical to the nightly festivities. This vaguely reminds me of last year's Christmas Eve but we weren't asked to perform this time. Simone's daughter Lena played two Christmas songs on the piano and sang a duet with one of the Lauer girls. The entire family took a huge Rembrant Painting called "Night Watch" and gave us a lesson on its significance. It was actually a piece of work done in needle point by Bro Lauer's grandmother. It was beautiful.

Then it was time for dinner. Our favorite weis brats, potato salad, homemade rolls and hot punch. Then it was back to the living room for present exchange. Of course they gave us both a gift, but did we bring anything for them? No, why didn't I remember that from last year? Oh well, we owe them one. It was late for our 2 hour ride home from Bad Durkheim to get some beautiful sleep for Christmas day.

I forgot to tell you about my little accident. I missed a step and fell flat on my side. I thought I was going to break the plate in my back but it wasn't too painful. Mostly on my thigh. I think the Lord was there to watch over me. It just so happens a physical therapist works out of her home a few houses from the Lauer's. She took a look at my spine and determined one side was about 1 inch higher than the other side. She was able to adjust my hip bones to make them even. I felt so much better. Have to remember to hang on to my husband next time and look down.

23 Dec 2011 Frankfurt Xmas Markt & Temple Night

FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKT



























































CHINESE RESTAURANT AFTER THE TEMPLE




Another Day off for the entire Department, so we decided to go to the Frankfurt Christmas Mart. This year I discovered the fried apple pancakes. Germans love pancakes. They serve them many ways but my two favorites are apple with powdered sugar and cinnamon and the other is Potato pancakes with sour Kraut and Nurnberg brats. We found a nativity scene for Rachel and some small gifts for all the Missionary couples. Then it was home early to get ready for Temple Night.

It was a beautiful session and it is a few hours of reprieve from the worries of the world. Afterwards we went to dinner with the group to Mai Kings. The best Chinese food in Germany. Elder Walters always gets his favorite, the sweet and sour pork and I get anything with fish in it. Home late and wondering if we will make it through the rest of the Holiday season. Stay tuned for more party time and great German food. Tschuss

22 Dec 2011 Winter in Friedrichsdorf

LOOKING OUT OUR APARTMENT









We woke up to snow this morning, had to take pictures before it melted. A day off from work and plans to go to the new second hand shop"Gaudi & Gala in Freigericht-Neuses it is for German clothing exclusively. We stopped by first to see how Sister Rosendahl's house is progressing. The walls have all been stuccoed and wall papered and the floors are sanded ready for a coat of varnish. It is beautiful wood underneath and she is getting excited to move the boys into their rooms upstairs. The only project left to do now is put in a skylight window in the bathroom and completely replace that room. She seems so happy. She is planning a Christmas party for everyone that has helped on her house.

Off to the Second hand store. I have included some of the Durndle's I found. They have new and used clothing so I am excited. I found a wool dress and a blouse as well as a durndel for Amanda and a hat for Mazz. Sorry, they will be late for Christmas girls. Elder Walters was so good to wait while I shopped. I will have to tell my sisters in the Gospel all about this place, they are always looking for a bargain.