Every Kind of Weather and Then More!

Wow! What a week! I probably say that about every week, but this week was really something. Sister Baker and I went into this transfer feeling like everything was set up really well. We had less active work we were doing, we had a new convert to work with, a killer progressing investigator, and two other people who were on the way to becoming new investigators. Well...last Monday we got a devastating text. Our lovely progressing investigator said that she could not meet with us anymore because her husband is not a fan of the Mormons at all. I guess he let her meet with us in the first place so that she could see for herself how crazy we were, but then when she liked us and all of our appointments went really well, I think he got scared and decided to cut off contact. She texted us and told us that last week, and it was probably one of the most devastating days of my mission because I know that she has a testimony. I know it and I know that she knows it. She said she is going to continue reading in the Book of Mormon and get back in contact with the missionaries when her husband calms down. She is going to be in my prayers for the rest of ever because I know that she just has such a pure desire to come unto Christ. It was just really sad. 

Then after that both of our potential investigators went missing, as in they don't answer their phones and they are not at home...ever...so that was just kind of the cherry on the top...and our map broke...BUT we are sister missionaries and we are optimistic, so we bought a new map because that thing is seriously our Liahona and we are on the hunt for people to teach. We are working really closely with the ward and we literally talk with everyone everywhere. Still no one new to teach, but I have had some very...interesting conversations in the last week. People are just really interesting. Anyways, not having investigators is not an ideal situation, but there is still the less active work and neubekehrt work to do. Onward and upward. 

On Wednesday we were heading out of our apartment and walking over to our tram stop and it was actually quite nice out. Still a bit cold, but the sun was shining and that was revolutionary because I have not really seen the sun since early October. Anyways, things were looking good and then it slowly started to rain. We got to the tram stop and it was pouring...hard...like really hard. It was actually like we got beat up by the rain. There was an abundance of wind, so it was more like it was raining horizontally and if there is anything that is not fun, it is having wet tights. It just makes the cold cling to you. It was funny because we seriously got destroyed by the rain, but we were soaked, soooo, the moral of the story, always keep an umbrella and a second pair of tights in your purse???

Yesterday (Sunday) Sister Baker and I went to Family Home Evening at a member's home far away in the middle of nowhere. A lot of Bavaria is like that. They took us home with them after church and we had a really great time together. They were even awesome and invited a nonmember friend to be there with us. We ate some Spätzle and then chocolate fondue and played a game together. I think it was actually poker but I'm not really sure because I have never played poker before, but there were chips and cards and everything. Is that aloud on a mission? I don't think there's anything about it in the white handbook. We didn't gamble money or anything, so I think it's okay, but I learned that my poker face is not much of a poker face at all :)

Anyways, as missionaries we have certain boundaries with music that is appropriate for us to listen to. There is always a lot of discussion and argument about certain songs and genres, but fortunately, classical music is totally okay which is really good because I love classical music. I brought a bunch with me when I came on my mission and I just love listening to it so much. Listen to Dvorak, or Mozart, or Vivaldi and tell me those men weren't inspired? The thing is though, it is something I came to appreciate over time. When I was in first grade and living in Taiwan with my family, I started learning how to play the violin. It is such a great instrument. I took lessons and did orchestra when the opportunity was available throughout my life. When I was going into high school, my mom suggested that I try out for this one orchestra in Chicago called Midwest Young Artists (MYA) and I really have no idea why I agreed to it because the audition process basically made me sick. I had to play two pieces in front of a man sitting at a desk while being recorded by a camera. I had a really good violin teacher at that point who helped me get ready for this audition, and by some miracle, I made it. I went to the first practice on Saturday with my mom and my aunt coming with me for support. It was pretty scary because all of the other kids there were serious. The first practice is always just sight reading which can be hard or easy depending on the piece. Well, in this instance, it was hard. I just could not keep up with everyone else. I went home from that first practice pretty freaked out wondering how I was going to make it in this orchestra. We hadn't even had seating auditions yet. Well, I went to work. I practiced that piece more than I have ever practiced an orchestral part in my life. It was Dvorak New World Symphonie #9 Movement 4. By the next practice I was doing better than keeping up. I was playing with all of these other kids who really did have an appreciation for the music. Because of that experience in particular, I love classical music and have a deep respect for other people who do too. And now, I am coming to my point: I am learning on my mission, that people will not walk into their first experience with the gospel and love it right away. Sometimes, yes, but it takes time for understanding to come, and when that understanding comes, there is something so special that can't be taken away. I am so grateful that I get to be a missionary here in Augsburg sharing this message with people here. 

I hope you all have a great week and make good choices!

Love,
Sister Smiley

Pictures: me and my super cool new German dictionary I got, some really yummy chilli we made because there comes a point where sandwhiches just don't cut it, the crew at the train station as we said goodbye to Elder Griffey (he got transferred.