09 Apr 2011 Last Day With Ariell-A Triple Header

Early Saturday morning we picked up Ariell for a farewell outing to one of our favorite castles, our favorite city and an Ostermarkt Festival. The first place was Wurzburg. I didn't take a lot of pictures but I did get a few of the palace gardens with spring flowers everywhere. A Bride and groom were walking through the gardens and of course I had to take a photo of that. I love that her dress was fairly modest.









The second place we stopped was at Rothenburg. Ariell loved this city as well. We ate their famous brats and she toured the quaint little shops.



























Our last stop was to Ronneburg. I just had a feeling we should stop there and to our amazement we were in the middle of the OsterMarkt Festival. In the States we call it a Renaissance Fair. We felt like the outsiders as everyone was in the appropriate costumes. They take their fairs serious here. I would too, if I had the real deal to have it in. The surrounding area was so beautiful with spring in bloom. I think this is the most beautiful time to visit Germany, that is if you do not mind the unexpected rain now and again. As we entered the castle draw bridge they even had a beggar. I took his picture and I heard him mumble that I had taken his soul. We ate some Scottish fry bread that included fried lamb, sour cream and cheese, very tasty. I took lots of pictures. We saw a shop that all the guys would die for, swords, chain mail and helmets, all made by a blacksmith. They had entertainment with bag pipes, drums and dancers. This festival runs for two consecutive weekends so be sure and catch it this coming weekend.



















































It was a day filled with entertainment and Ariell was so glad she saw another part of Germany. She is from San Diego and received her BA from a University in Italy. She has been working as an ampere for 6 months. She is leaving on the 15th for San Diego, CA and we are so sad to see her leave. She is a wonderful young lady. She said we were just like her grandparents. She hopes to work for the Government, so she is moving to Washington DC for an internship that will also give her credits for a Master's degree.

The missionaries have been talking to her about the church but she is not ready to commit to any religion right now. Maybe one of these days she will find out what Elder Walters and I feel. In any case we had a very enjoyable time with her and hope to see her when we get back to San Diego. Home early to get ready for our Stake Conference.

03 Apr 2011 General Conference

Today we were able to watch conference life through BYU-TV via the internet. How thankful we are for these marvelous words that we were able to hear as we are serving on a mission here in Germany. It is comforting to know that the world has a Prophet who prays in our behalf and gives us words of wisdom to live by, especially during these trying times. How proud we are that the LDS church is one of the first organizations to send help to each nation in need. Not only to members of our faith but to all people.

In reflecting back on some of the talks that were given during the conference I listened to the highlights of our Prophet's words and this is what I gleaned form his talks.

As of today, there are 52,225 missionaries serving all over the world. Missionaries are the life blood of the Kingdom. We are blessed to be part of that number.

Protect yourself spiritually by having a strong testimony of the Savior for yourself. This will help you through to safety.

If you are not married and you would like to be, seek for a companion that you will want to spend Eternity with and make it a careful and prayerful decision. Chose your love and love your choice.

Receive the blessings of the temple. It is never too far to make the journey so that you may have the sealing of your family together for Eternity.

The other talks were wonderful as well, full of hope and the assurance that God is with us in these perilous times. It is really hard to be away from loved ones, but I am assured through the spirit that our family will be blessed. Tender mercies that we may not be aware of will be given when we least expect them.

We hope everyone was able to see conference and if not, it's not too late. You can go to lds.org and click on the conference talks. We testify that there is a Prophet and he is directed by God, who is ever mindful of all of his children. Read his words in the scriptures and live the kind of life he would have us live.

We bear testimony to the world that this church is true and that we have that same authority of the Priesthood in this church that Christ had when he was upon the earth. We join with all other faiths in praying for those who are in need of his help at this time. A beautiful day to remember.