[Gurneys' Mission] 1/26/2013 03:13:00 AM

[Allyson & Clint]

A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF A MISSIONARY COUPLE IN GERMANY

We spend most our time visiting with less actives.  We have a long list of names. The drill goes like this:

1.    We are scared and shy as Clint makes a phone call and sets up an appointment.  

2.     Most respond favorably and then we go to their apartment feeling awkward but are very prayerful.  They are usually hesitant and cautious.  

3.     We drink herbal tea and bland biscuits, chatting about their life.

4.      Clint, understanding most of what is being shared in Deutwch , responds as I am  casually pinching him with pleading eyes saying " übersetzen für mich, bitte."  I chime in periodically when I understand enough vocabulary words, body language and the Spirit on my own.

5.      We share a scripture/gospel principles, then give them a challenge, hopefully always dictated by the Spirit.

6.      Then miraculously after a 2-3 hour visit (they don't seem anxious for us to leave) we embrace with very genuine Christ-like love being exchanged and felt.   We love it - what a gift it is!  

The remaining time is spent with the missionaries teaching, and transporting together, district meetings, Gemeinedrat ( Ward Council), Zone Conferences, member activities,  studying German and the Scriptures (3 hours a day) and trying to be successful at shopping and cooking.  We often walk to the top of the hill to the Freidingen Castle for exercise.  We have faced some tough relationship issues hopefully learning a lot about ourselves and how to forgive ourselves as well as others. The saying “I never said it would be easy but that it would be worth it” definitely is how we feel.

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Posted By Allyson & Clint to Gurneys' Mission at 1/26/2013 03:13:00 AM