We started off the week with a big ol' Dirndl/Lederhosen party at the church as a send off for all of the missionaries that were leaving the zone. I think only pictures can explain this marvelous sight, so I'll send a few :)
For the most part this week was pretty normal, except for Friday. Friday the ENTIRE mission got to head up to Frankfurt for a mission conference with Elder M. Russell Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)!!!!!! It was a once in a mission experience to get together with all 252 missionaries (plus the senior missionary couples). It was so wonderful to get to see and talk to Sister Heywood and Sister Williams and other friends from the MTC.
Some of the things I learned from this meeting:
When Elder Ballard was younger he used to drive Elder LeGrand Richards (former Apostle) around. He said that no matter what Elder Richards was ALWAYS happy and positive. So one day Elder Ballard asked Elder Richards how he was able to stay so happy. This was Elder Richards' response, "I never worry, I let the Lord worry. I just do the best that I can." I love that! It reminds me of the old saying, "God, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference" All we can give is our very best, and have faith that it will be enough.
Another great piece of council Elder Ballard gave was right as we get up to say "It's gonna be a great day!" When we are looking for the good things we will find them. When we are looking for the negative things we will find them. I don't know about y'all, but I am sure gonna focus on finding the good :)
All in all life is great :) I love those moments where I realize how much past experiences have perfectly prepared me for things I run into now. How cool is it that no matter what situation we are in there is always something to learn and grow from. Everyday we have the opportunity to be better!
I am so thankful for all of your love and support! I love hearing about all of your different experiences, be it on missions, in school, or where ever life is taking you! I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your dreams. Remember to make the choice to be happy! :)
Love,
Sister Wahlquist
For the most part this week was pretty normal, except for Friday. Friday the ENTIRE mission got to head up to Frankfurt for a mission conference with Elder M. Russell Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)!!!!!! It was a once in a mission experience to get together with all 252 missionaries (plus the senior missionary couples). It was so wonderful to get to see and talk to Sister Heywood and Sister Williams and other friends from the MTC.
Some of the things I learned from this meeting:
When Elder Ballard was younger he used to drive Elder LeGrand Richards (former Apostle) around. He said that no matter what Elder Richards was ALWAYS happy and positive. So one day Elder Ballard asked Elder Richards how he was able to stay so happy. This was Elder Richards' response, "I never worry, I let the Lord worry. I just do the best that I can." I love that! It reminds me of the old saying, "God, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference" All we can give is our very best, and have faith that it will be enough.
Another great piece of council Elder Ballard gave was right as we get up to say "It's gonna be a great day!" When we are looking for the good things we will find them. When we are looking for the negative things we will find them. I don't know about y'all, but I am sure gonna focus on finding the good :)
All in all life is great :) I love those moments where I realize how much past experiences have perfectly prepared me for things I run into now. How cool is it that no matter what situation we are in there is always something to learn and grow from. Everyday we have the opportunity to be better!
I am so thankful for all of your love and support! I love hearing about all of your different experiences, be it on missions, in school, or where ever life is taking you! I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your dreams. Remember to make the choice to be happy! :)
Love,
Sister Wahlquist