Gold and Green Ball (11-26-11) Thanksgiving Feasts, and Zone Conference

Remember the old Gold and Green Balls? The “ball” is still hopping here in Germany. They go all out with the decorations, the food, and the gowns. When they announced the ball in Relief Society, our Bishop’s wife was so cute. She said, “We even get to wear our night gowns!” (meaning our evening gowns). Everyone, both young and old, enjoyed rocking out to the live band. The Germans love to dance and have really learned the moves. We danced a little too, but not nearly so well as the members here, who have had real dance lessons. Lots of great food, lights, and magic!

Thanksgiving Feasts

This has been a week of great Thanksgiving and celebration. What a blessed Thanksgiving we have had here in Germany. On Tuesday the Office of General Counsel had their Thanksgiving feast—a delicious Mexican fiesta with enchiladas, nachos, cornbread, refried beans, rice, cornbread, and even guacamole. Mexican food is hard to find here, so we often have to make our own. They add sugar to the salsa in the store-bought salsa, so it’s pretty bad. But this dinner was scrumptious, and it was so much fun to be together with all of our office friends. I gave a little message on the first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day

On Thanksgiving Day, the area mission Senior Couples combined efforts to put on a real American Thanksgiving feast with all of the fixings—5 turkeys, dressing, Jello salads (they don’t sell Jello over here), mashed potatoes and gravy, and dad made his delicious caramel bread pudding for dessert. It was a big hit with everyone. We enjoyed sharing this wonderful day with our fun and loving new friends, who made the day even all that more memorable. 

Zone Conference 11-23-11

The Senior Missionaries met with the young missionaries for Zone Conference. It was an uplifting and spiritual experience. Elder Kopishke did not stand behind the podium. He came right down with us and told us to write down some questions that we were needing answers to. He told us that we were going to receive revelation during the day. I wrote down six questions and by the end of the day, I had answers to all six. The training modeled for us new ways to teach that directly involve each person.

How grateful we are for the wonderful training that we are receiving here. We are blessed to have such inspired leaders who are 100% committed to the growth of the Church in Europe. We feel Heavenly Father’s guidance and love as we strive each day to move the work forward. We recognize His hand in support of everything we do. We are grateful for the amazing people that we have the opportunity to associate with here from all over the world. They influence our lives for the better each day.