18 Sep 2011- Hanau Family History Center

This afternoon we visited the Hanau Ward and went to Sacrament meeting. Afterwards we talked with the director of the Family History Center, Bro. Peter Pieper. We did a quick inventory of their equipment and they had one working computer as well as two microfilm readers. Don't you all feel a bit guilty with all the equipment we have at our FHC in California? Just kidding, however, we are very blessed in the USA. They are very grateful for what they do have here in Germany. Like the Lord says, the more people that use the Center, the bigger the center will become. We are doing baby steps here but interest is growing among the members. Most of the centers here in Europe are all attended by non-members.

We are trying to do more training with the Young Adults. Since the centers are so close to one another, there is a big need to utilize each others resources which is perspective members of the church. Everyone can do Indexing and we are concentrating on that area in our seminars. Our feeling is that in order to have a strong Family History program there is a need for a Stake that is supportive of the program. Since working in this area of our mission, we have come to appreciate how easy it is for the Saints in the US to do their Genealogy. Take advantage of all the available hours.

We took pictures of the Chapel and the grounds. It is a small ward and some people come from as far away as 100 miles to go to church so getting here to do FH is not convenient. Those people doing research also have the hardship of having to read the old Sutterlin (Old German) handwriting. You know how hard Old English is to read, well old German is way harder. We give the young people booklets full of examples of Sutterlin. We had a meeting recently with the Mission President and he said he needed us to work more closely with the young missionaries. I think we will be going out with them on splits more often now. He said the gathering in Europe has begun and the Lord will help us to bring them into the fold. We love President and sister Schwartz. Their personalities are magnetic and their spirits are so strong. They were on a couples mission in Berlin and when that was finished they called him to be the new President of the Frantfurt Mission. Originally they are from the Bavarian area. It is amazing how one day you ask the Lord for more opportunities to share the gospel and the next day he presents a way to do it. President Schwartz said there are thousands of young people in Germany joining groups to talk about Jesus. We just need to find those groups and teach them the truth.

We enjoyed our day and the new people we were able to meet. Sundays are a special day.

17 Sep 2011 - Weinfest in Bad Durkheim

WEINFESTIVAL




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Salt Water Cure
























We promised to revisit the Peter's, our part member family, who attend the Worms Ward. We have grown quite attached to them. Simone, has a daughter named Nena, she is 8 years old and such a nice girl. She lives part time with her mother and part time with her Dad. When we drove to their house, everyone was at home and just ready to set down to another good German meal. Of course they asked us to eat with them. We were so embarrassed, because the last time we were there they fed us. We feel so comfortable in their home. They said they would come to visit us after we get home from our mission. We want to take them to Disneyland, Sea World, Universal Studios and of course the Beach. They have only been to Utah, so it will be a real treat for them.

We lave learned not to say that we like something, because they will give it to us. Sister Peter goes to the Flo Markt (Flea Market) and she finds the neatest things. I told her I was looking for a German dress and she gives me two. One fits just right and the other, she told me to send it to one of my daughters. They are very generous. I think allot of German's are like that. When they let you into their hearts you are there forever. I like that about Germany. We can never repay them for their generosity and kindness.

After dinner they took us to the Weinfest which is a huge event here. All the area around is just one big vineyard and there are so many different kinds of wine. Of course we do not drink, but the German's pride themselves on their good wines. We drove about 25 miles away to the town of Bad Durkeim They say it has one of the largest festivals in Germany. a big attraction besides the wine is the carnival. I would say it has more rides than the Del Mar Fair. We loved the food section. It was similar to the Christmas Market. I could not make up my mind on the kind of food I wanted. Elder Walters always gets the brat but I want to try everything. I had three fried potato cakes with applesauce and sour cream. Love them!, then we all got a creape filled with bananas and nutella. We walked around the fair and watched while Nina rode the high swinging chairs. On the walking path we ran into a strange building made of wood and black absorbant material. Through this mesh runs salt water. Anywone who has a cold or sinus trouble are invited to walk the path to wellness. It cost a few dollars but they say it really clears out your nose. Kur in kurpark actually means cure park. It is a health park with holistic medicines offered along with healthful baths and food selections. If I keep eating like I have been I will certainly by finding a place to go there.

Along with the fair are the German celebrations. Tents packed with people being entertained by a German Band. Everyone sings together at the appropriate time and they all sway to the beat of the music. It is magical to be in the middle of it all. Even though we didn't know the words, we still sang along. I actually felt like a German. What am I saying we are German, that's why we feel so at home. After the fair, the Peter's took us around Kurpark, a beautiful sitting area with flowers and statues. We also saw a bit of the town which is not really old but rather quaint. I took a few photos and then for home to be ready to visit the Hanau ward and Family History Center tomorrow.