Date: Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009
Hallo Familie!
This week has been great! So many awesome things have happened. First off, well, so my new companion is Sister Cutler from NEw Mexico. She is a very good missionary, an exceptional teacher and I think we will get along great. I am learning a lot from her already. 2nd we did have our Christmas Zone Conference. It was wonderful. Our Mission President and His wife spoke to us and it was really inspiring. They talked about the life of Christ and took us through scriptures and stories, and at the end there was time left over for testimonies and the spirit was really strong. Since then we have just been working and some really neat things have happened. Our first day together we were doing street contacting and we started talking with this girl Heike about Gods plan and we asked her if she ahd interest to meet with us and learn more. She said "Well I have about 45 minutes until my train comes, and I would like to learn more about this plan." So we took her to our Outreach Center and taught her about the plan. It was so neat to have that happen. That doesn´´t happen very often and so we were a little shocked and Sister Cutler and I had never taught before, but it turned out well. Another awesome thing is that our former investigator Shiresh called us!!! We started talking and he said he would like to meet with us again! So we met on Saturday and gave a Christmas message about Christ and he said it felt good to be with us. And he wants to meet again after he gets back from his Christmas trip. So I pray that all goes well on his trip. That was so neat though. Definitely a miracle. Then another day we were doing some doors and singing Christmas songs, but we had forgotten the words to a particular song. So we contacted a lady on the street then asked her if she knew the words to Hört die Engelschöre singen. She said no, but that she had the words at home, so we could come with her to her house. When we got there we met her husband and we talked for a little bit. They couldn´´t find the words, so we just sang it for them in English. They were so nice. After that her husband asked us if we could help him translate a Christmas card he wanted to send to a friend in America. So we did and then they ended us feeding us. At the very end we said we needed to go and the wife said "WEll you´´re missionaries right?" We said "Yes." then she said, "Well you probably want to tell us more about your church. Do you have any brochures that you could give us?" We said, "Yes. " Then we got them all out and explained them all a little and asked them which one they wanted to learn more about. She said, "Well could we read through all of them?" We said, "Yes." Then we really needed to go and so they offered to give us a ride and she even gave us each an angel caroler figurine she had carved. It was just such a neat experience. I will also just say part of what made this a tender mercy was that on this night it was -14 degrees Celcius. It was freezing cold. I remember last week when it was -2 I was trying to figure out what I could do to stay warm. Then I realized how funny that was when it became -14 degrees. I have realized how useful hats, gloves, scarves, and boots are. They help a lot. But come snow, come shine, come rain, come sleet, the work must go on! :)
Ritchie that is so funny that you are warm. :) That would be a very interesting experience. And you have a native speaker as a companion. That is awesome! My companion and I have decided to only speak German with each other. It´´s not quite the same as a native speaker, but I hope we both will grow in our language skills.
Chris: Sweet job on your Eagle Project! You did that fast. Way to be. And you got voted King again for Senior Prom. Keep being an awesome example!
Jason: I am looking forward to talking with you on Christmas to hear what has been happening in your life. How are you?
Crozier: How are you doing? Have you been doing any more plays?
Mom and Dad; Thanks for all your insights. Mom, you can share as many insights and scriptures as you would like. I have found that they really help me. It was fun to hear about Dads talk. I am glad that it went well. I would love to have a copy of that story he shared. you and dad should just start your life histories right now, you both have so many stories to share. that is so fun you went caroling. I love caroling and we have been doing it hear too. It´´s been fun.
Candace and Evan: I sent mom an email about maybe you calling me if your circumstances allow. I would love to hear how everything is going. Thanks for your emails you send. It sounds like you are just loving it there.
Tara: I am really looking forward to hearing how everything is going for you, and all about your accompanying and maybe masters.
Sean and Kim: It sounds like you are also doing well. I can´´t wait to talk to you on Christmas.
I can´´t believe it´´s already hear. I am looking so forward to it! I love you family, and I will talk to you on Friday!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Transfers :)
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009
Hallo Familie!
Mom before I forget, I finally got your package with the Nu Skin stuff in it and the wedding announcements. Thank you so much for sending that. It fills me with joy to hear from you, all of you. Also it sounds like life is pretty busy for everyone. You are all doing such wonderful things.
Chris´s Eagle project sounds awesome. That will probably help the different religions be more unified, and feel more a part of the community. Way to go Chris. Jason and Crozier are probably pretty busy too. Wahoo.
Candace thanks for your email. I am glad to hear that life is going so well in ARizona. I am so happy for you.
Life is going pretty well here to. This is the best week we´ve had in a while. WE got some new investigators, and a lot more contacts. And that has been wonderful. We also got transfer calls. And I will stay in Mainz, but my companion Sister Ley will go to Frankfurt. My new companion will be Sister Cutler from New Mexico. It´s funny because she is in Frankfurt now, so her and Sister Ley are just trading spots. I look forward to serving with her. Sister Ley has been a great companion though. I have learned a lot from her.
I love this Christmas season. It fills me with hope and faith and energy to keep making the most of this "probationary time" we have here on earth. I know that Christ´s birth is so important because of the life he lived and his sacrafice at the end. He went through so much out of complete love for us. I know that as we make little sacrifices to follow him we are blessed. I think I told you last week the little thought advent calendar my mission president made for all of us. Yesterday the thought was serving and sacrificing and the song we had to sing was A poor wayfaring man of grief. I never noticed before how every time this man gave up something he was blessed for it. v. 2 He didn´t have very much food, but he saw this man in need to he gave what he had, and then when he looked down he had an "angels portion". v. 3 he gave a thirsty man what he had and again was blessed with water enough for him. v. 4 "I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest, Then made the earth my bed and seemed In Eden’s garden while I dreamed." I love that! v. 6 I think is my favorite "My friendship’s utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried, “I will!”" Sometimes we feel like that. Our flesh is weak, but as we find the strength from within, our spirit cries "I will" do what you ask me to do. And when we do we are blessed.
Yesterday we were talking with a girl that was about to put in her mission papers and she asked us about our missions. And as I was talking with her I realized how much my mission meant to me. I am just so grateful for this opportunity I have to learn the gospel at a level I have never discovered before, and to share it with others. It means so much to me to be here in Germany right now. I cannot describe how much my mission has blessed my life thus far, and how grateful I am for all the precious lessons I have learned since being here. As much as I try to give, Heavenly Father gives an hundred fold back. I know that to be true.
Family I just love you so much. I look forward to talking with you next week. It will probably be one of my favorite Christmas´s ever.
Thank you for your love and prayers.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Hallo Familie!
Mom before I forget, I finally got your package with the Nu Skin stuff in it and the wedding announcements. Thank you so much for sending that. It fills me with joy to hear from you, all of you. Also it sounds like life is pretty busy for everyone. You are all doing such wonderful things.
Chris´s Eagle project sounds awesome. That will probably help the different religions be more unified, and feel more a part of the community. Way to go Chris. Jason and Crozier are probably pretty busy too. Wahoo.
Candace thanks for your email. I am glad to hear that life is going so well in ARizona. I am so happy for you.
Life is going pretty well here to. This is the best week we´ve had in a while. WE got some new investigators, and a lot more contacts. And that has been wonderful. We also got transfer calls. And I will stay in Mainz, but my companion Sister Ley will go to Frankfurt. My new companion will be Sister Cutler from New Mexico. It´s funny because she is in Frankfurt now, so her and Sister Ley are just trading spots. I look forward to serving with her. Sister Ley has been a great companion though. I have learned a lot from her.
I love this Christmas season. It fills me with hope and faith and energy to keep making the most of this "probationary time" we have here on earth. I know that Christ´s birth is so important because of the life he lived and his sacrafice at the end. He went through so much out of complete love for us. I know that as we make little sacrifices to follow him we are blessed. I think I told you last week the little thought advent calendar my mission president made for all of us. Yesterday the thought was serving and sacrificing and the song we had to sing was A poor wayfaring man of grief. I never noticed before how every time this man gave up something he was blessed for it. v. 2 He didn´t have very much food, but he saw this man in need to he gave what he had, and then when he looked down he had an "angels portion". v. 3 he gave a thirsty man what he had and again was blessed with water enough for him. v. 4 "I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest, Then made the earth my bed and seemed In Eden’s garden while I dreamed." I love that! v. 6 I think is my favorite "My friendship’s utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried, “I will!”" Sometimes we feel like that. Our flesh is weak, but as we find the strength from within, our spirit cries "I will" do what you ask me to do. And when we do we are blessed.
Yesterday we were talking with a girl that was about to put in her mission papers and she asked us about our missions. And as I was talking with her I realized how much my mission meant to me. I am just so grateful for this opportunity I have to learn the gospel at a level I have never discovered before, and to share it with others. It means so much to me to be here in Germany right now. I cannot describe how much my mission has blessed my life thus far, and how grateful I am for all the precious lessons I have learned since being here. As much as I try to give, Heavenly Father gives an hundred fold back. I know that to be true.
Family I just love you so much. I look forward to talking with you next week. It will probably be one of my favorite Christmas´s ever.
Thank you for your love and prayers.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Joy to the World!
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009
Family!
Mom I really liked your subject line. Joy to the world the Lord is come! and lives! and will come again! Yea! and that is why we are here to prepare for his 2nd coming! This is such a special time of the year. I am sure the First Presidency Christmas devotional was just amazing. That would´ve been wonderful to have seen it, but it was also good to be telling people about Christ too. :) It is so funny to think Ritchie is in summer. We had an appointment with a lady from Peru and we asked her what her favorite Christmas traditions were. She said it was different because it was too cold to do anything here in Germany. :) And boy is it cold here. I now understand what cold to the bone is. We´ve had a few cold spells and it was surprising. :) But other than that it has been pretty good.
Our investigator Brother Himioben has set a baptismal date! . . . for April 10th! :) He said he really wants to get baptized around Easter. He´s been investigating for 3 years, and now is the time. We are really happy for that. Also we have been getting a lot more contacts lately too.
On Sunday we got a call from someone saying he was itnerested and wanted to learn more. We were really happy about that. I just pray these people will progress and recognize the truth, and have the desire to follow. Our mission president and his family made up a Christmas Advent thought countdown until Christmas with little songs to go along and yesterday we sang „I heard the bells on Christmas day.“ Verses three and four really stuck out to me. So many people say the world is evil, there is no purpose, there is no peace it´s all just luck and money. And sometimes we feel like that, that „there is no peace on earth“ but if we listen we hear the spirit ringing in our hearts and saying, „God is not dead nor doth he sleep, the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth goodwill to men.“ It hit me so deeply that God is so aware of us. The scriptures are true and will be fulfilled. God wants us to be happy, to be at peace. We find that peace through the gospel. Those that try to challange that will fail. The right will prevail. And we will feel the peace. It is because of my conviction of the peace the gospel brings that causes me to want so much for these people to accept it. I know it will only help them and I want to know how to help them understand that.
Anyway, it was good to hear how the family is doing. That is neat that grandpa put on a concert in Midway and that it was a hit. I am glad that Chris and Jason are OK too. Let Chris know he can update anything until February 1st at BYU anyway. Also, I wanted to ask you when a good time to talk to you is on Christmas? I forget when your church is, but if you could email me times next week that would work for you that would be great. Send the times in Mountain Standard Time, and I can figure out the time difference. Um, transfers calls are this week, so I will let you know next time what happens to me. J
I love you all family! I sent a Christmas package home so let me know when you get it. Sorry, I made it a while ago, but it took me a while to send it. I hope you like it!
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Family!
Mom I really liked your subject line. Joy to the world the Lord is come! and lives! and will come again! Yea! and that is why we are here to prepare for his 2nd coming! This is such a special time of the year. I am sure the First Presidency Christmas devotional was just amazing. That would´ve been wonderful to have seen it, but it was also good to be telling people about Christ too. :) It is so funny to think Ritchie is in summer. We had an appointment with a lady from Peru and we asked her what her favorite Christmas traditions were. She said it was different because it was too cold to do anything here in Germany. :) And boy is it cold here. I now understand what cold to the bone is. We´ve had a few cold spells and it was surprising. :) But other than that it has been pretty good.
Our investigator Brother Himioben has set a baptismal date! . . . for April 10th! :) He said he really wants to get baptized around Easter. He´s been investigating for 3 years, and now is the time. We are really happy for that. Also we have been getting a lot more contacts lately too.
On Sunday we got a call from someone saying he was itnerested and wanted to learn more. We were really happy about that. I just pray these people will progress and recognize the truth, and have the desire to follow. Our mission president and his family made up a Christmas Advent thought countdown until Christmas with little songs to go along and yesterday we sang „I heard the bells on Christmas day.“ Verses three and four really stuck out to me. So many people say the world is evil, there is no purpose, there is no peace it´s all just luck and money. And sometimes we feel like that, that „there is no peace on earth“ but if we listen we hear the spirit ringing in our hearts and saying, „God is not dead nor doth he sleep, the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth goodwill to men.“ It hit me so deeply that God is so aware of us. The scriptures are true and will be fulfilled. God wants us to be happy, to be at peace. We find that peace through the gospel. Those that try to challange that will fail. The right will prevail. And we will feel the peace. It is because of my conviction of the peace the gospel brings that causes me to want so much for these people to accept it. I know it will only help them and I want to know how to help them understand that.
Anyway, it was good to hear how the family is doing. That is neat that grandpa put on a concert in Midway and that it was a hit. I am glad that Chris and Jason are OK too. Let Chris know he can update anything until February 1st at BYU anyway. Also, I wanted to ask you when a good time to talk to you is on Christmas? I forget when your church is, but if you could email me times next week that would work for you that would be great. Send the times in Mountain Standard Time, and I can figure out the time difference. Um, transfers calls are this week, so I will let you know next time what happens to me. J
I love you all family! I sent a Christmas package home so let me know when you get it. Sorry, I made it a while ago, but it took me a while to send it. I hope you like it!
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Advent
Date: Tuesay, Dec. 1, 2009
Hello Family!
I am sorry if I sounded a little depressed in my last email. But I do thank you all for the emails you sent me. They meant a lot. The love, strength, and testimony you send always inspire me. I was "cheered up."
I am still waiting to hear what surgery Chris had and how serious it is and everything. :) I assume its not too serious or I probably would have heard. How are you though Chris? OK?
It sounds like Thanksgiving was busy and fun. I would love to see Temple Square with all the lights. Germany does a pretty good job though. They really go all out for Christmas here. There are so many Christmas trees everywhere! And lights, and Weihnacht Markets. It´s awesome.
Anyway, this week has been good. I actually just got back from doing a split in Frankfurt. It was good to see Frankfurt again. It is also fun to be back in Mainz. This week we aquired a new English student. We were very excited about that. We hope our students will start inviting more friends. That will be awesome. Probably the most inspiring thing was the Sacrament meeting on Sunday. All the talks were on Family History, and we had an appointment with another member in Frankfurt that was really into Family History and it was so inspiring. They shared some really special experiences about finding ancestors and doing the work for them and I felt the spirit so strongly. As I heard them talk about it I could see the fire in their eyes. I could see and sense the spirit working through them and their love of the work. While we talked with them they just told us over and over how important and exciting it was. And as they said that I realized once again that the most important work is preaching the gospel. So that the people can return to their Father in Heaven and live with their family forever. I know this is Gods work. Talking with these older people about geneology and seeing their excitement and energy for what they were doing, inspired me to have the "fire in the bones" too. Also while we were in the temple today it hit me that we really are Gods children and that I think we have more in common than we realize. We are all at different levels in many different aspects of life, but we were all created for the same purpose, to have joy in becoming more like our Heavenly Father. We all have different talents, knowledge, capabilities, and opportunities, but we are all here to learn to become like Heavenly Father. I know that God is our Father. He is our Creator, but also our Father. He has a plan for each one of us to inherit the happiness He has prepared, if we are prepared to receive it. I know that He helps us in our lives. He leads, and guides, and is a part of our lives. I know that God can do all things, but in his wisdom He does not do all things for us. He is always there, and has all the answers. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This time of year is so special. I know it is very commercialized and fun. That is also important to have fun, but I hope that especially during this month we focus on the Savior what His life really means to us individually and globaly and everything else. He is the Savior of the world. I have prepared a little Advent thing, I hope to get it off today, so you should be getting it soon. I hope you enjoy. Advent is huge here, so I wanted to share a piece of Germany with you.
I love you family.
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Hello Family!
I am sorry if I sounded a little depressed in my last email. But I do thank you all for the emails you sent me. They meant a lot. The love, strength, and testimony you send always inspire me. I was "cheered up."
I am still waiting to hear what surgery Chris had and how serious it is and everything. :) I assume its not too serious or I probably would have heard. How are you though Chris? OK?
It sounds like Thanksgiving was busy and fun. I would love to see Temple Square with all the lights. Germany does a pretty good job though. They really go all out for Christmas here. There are so many Christmas trees everywhere! And lights, and Weihnacht Markets. It´s awesome.
Anyway, this week has been good. I actually just got back from doing a split in Frankfurt. It was good to see Frankfurt again. It is also fun to be back in Mainz. This week we aquired a new English student. We were very excited about that. We hope our students will start inviting more friends. That will be awesome. Probably the most inspiring thing was the Sacrament meeting on Sunday. All the talks were on Family History, and we had an appointment with another member in Frankfurt that was really into Family History and it was so inspiring. They shared some really special experiences about finding ancestors and doing the work for them and I felt the spirit so strongly. As I heard them talk about it I could see the fire in their eyes. I could see and sense the spirit working through them and their love of the work. While we talked with them they just told us over and over how important and exciting it was. And as they said that I realized once again that the most important work is preaching the gospel. So that the people can return to their Father in Heaven and live with their family forever. I know this is Gods work. Talking with these older people about geneology and seeing their excitement and energy for what they were doing, inspired me to have the "fire in the bones" too. Also while we were in the temple today it hit me that we really are Gods children and that I think we have more in common than we realize. We are all at different levels in many different aspects of life, but we were all created for the same purpose, to have joy in becoming more like our Heavenly Father. We all have different talents, knowledge, capabilities, and opportunities, but we are all here to learn to become like Heavenly Father. I know that God is our Father. He is our Creator, but also our Father. He has a plan for each one of us to inherit the happiness He has prepared, if we are prepared to receive it. I know that He helps us in our lives. He leads, and guides, and is a part of our lives. I know that God can do all things, but in his wisdom He does not do all things for us. He is always there, and has all the answers. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This time of year is so special. I know it is very commercialized and fun. That is also important to have fun, but I hope that especially during this month we focus on the Savior what His life really means to us individually and globaly and everything else. He is the Savior of the world. I have prepared a little Advent thing, I hope to get it off today, so you should be getting it soon. I hope you enjoy. Advent is huge here, so I wanted to share a piece of Germany with you.
I love you family.
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Friday, November 27, 2009
Lessons and Miracles
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Hello Family!
We (our zone) just got done playing a Turkey bowl football game for Thanksgiving. :) It was raining and it was muddy, and now we are here doing emails, so I am still a little wet and muddy. But it was really fun. It felt so good just to get out and play a game. I felt like I really needed it. To be able to just put a lot of things behind me and just have fun was very helpful.
But anyway, Ritchie: I love getting your emails. They make me more excited about the work. I can tell that you love your mission, and the work that God has called you to do. I can also sense your humility. You are learning from the Lord and I can see that in your emails home each week. Thank you for your example to me, I really appreciate your emails. That is so neat you were able to hear from Elder Bednar. I remember my first week here I was able to hear from Elder Oaks and it was an amazing experience. Keep it up Elder Fitzgerald. I am so happy to call you my brother.
Chris: What kind of surgery did you have? What happened to cause the need for a surgery? How are you feeling now after the fact?
Jason: How is basketball going? Are you enjoying it? Hopefully. :) What else is happening?
Crozier: How did you like being in the play? Is it fun performing and being in the spotlight? I would love to hear all about it. Mom said you did a really good job.
Candace and Evan: That is so neat you were all able to be in Utah for Mom and Dads anniversary. It sounds like it was really special. And you got to go back to Idaho. That is so cool.
Tara: Thanks for your email. I will respond accordingly, when I have the time. :) Thank you for your letter too, I just got that the other day. IT was such a treasure to recieve. Thank you so much. You were inspired to say everything you did, and to include that article about Gladys Night. I really appreciated it.
Sean and Kim: How are you all doing? Any new updates on whether or not you´re going to Texas? How is everything going?
Mom and Dad: It sounds like your anniversary went well. That makes me so happy. I am so glad that the family could all get together and be there for that special occasion. Families are where it´s at. Dad, have you been able to get that Priesthood line of authority? Will that be in my Christmas package? That would be great. Mom, you asked what I wanted in my package and I would love to have everyones testimonies on Christ. Also, I have realized a need for a new scripture case. I have my normal sized quad and my last case broke, so if I could get another one that would be wonderful. Just the most simple looking case you can find, no extra pockets would be great, but if so that´s OK too. I just need a case to put them in. Wow, and you are in the Stake Relief Society Presidency. That is wonderful. I will be praying for you and your new calling.
This week was good. Tara asked about Shiresh, Alexander, Tara, and Etti. Well I am sad to say that all of our investigators but 2 are gone. Etti is still with us and Brother Himioben. Shiresh said he liked meeting with us, he felt good when he met with us, but his friends have told him to beware of us. And so he said he just wants to think about things for now. I hope he comes back. He was great. A few other of our progressing investigators have also left us and that has been difficult. I feel that has happened so much on my mission and I just don´t know what more I can do to help them understand that this is where it is at. I know everyone has their agency, and that someday they may return, and that brings me joy. For now I would just like to know how I can improve so that I can be better at keeping our investigaotrs progressing towards baptism so they can have the joy of the gospel.
Anyway, there are miracles that happen with all of this too. :) The other day we were contacting and we talked to this lady that said, "God is always with me and I don´t need you." And then walked away. And we kept going down the street. A few minutes later this same lady finds us on the street and says, "I thought about it and maybe God sent you to me. What do you do?" We were very happy to tell her and we made an appointment for when we could meet and talk more. It was such a miracle. Sister Ley and I were both shocked. I know Heavenly Father is very aware of us and all of His children. As we continue to do His work, we continue to see His miracles. His miracles are big and small, for all things are possible with Him. And He works with us according to our faith. I need to have more faith. But I am so grateful for His loving watchful care. I know He is there, and blesses us. I can´t count how many times He helps me everyday.
I love you family!
Sincerley,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Hello Family!
We (our zone) just got done playing a Turkey bowl football game for Thanksgiving. :) It was raining and it was muddy, and now we are here doing emails, so I am still a little wet and muddy. But it was really fun. It felt so good just to get out and play a game. I felt like I really needed it. To be able to just put a lot of things behind me and just have fun was very helpful.
But anyway, Ritchie: I love getting your emails. They make me more excited about the work. I can tell that you love your mission, and the work that God has called you to do. I can also sense your humility. You are learning from the Lord and I can see that in your emails home each week. Thank you for your example to me, I really appreciate your emails. That is so neat you were able to hear from Elder Bednar. I remember my first week here I was able to hear from Elder Oaks and it was an amazing experience. Keep it up Elder Fitzgerald. I am so happy to call you my brother.
Chris: What kind of surgery did you have? What happened to cause the need for a surgery? How are you feeling now after the fact?
Jason: How is basketball going? Are you enjoying it? Hopefully. :) What else is happening?
Crozier: How did you like being in the play? Is it fun performing and being in the spotlight? I would love to hear all about it. Mom said you did a really good job.
Candace and Evan: That is so neat you were all able to be in Utah for Mom and Dads anniversary. It sounds like it was really special. And you got to go back to Idaho. That is so cool.
Tara: Thanks for your email. I will respond accordingly, when I have the time. :) Thank you for your letter too, I just got that the other day. IT was such a treasure to recieve. Thank you so much. You were inspired to say everything you did, and to include that article about Gladys Night. I really appreciated it.
Sean and Kim: How are you all doing? Any new updates on whether or not you´re going to Texas? How is everything going?
Mom and Dad: It sounds like your anniversary went well. That makes me so happy. I am so glad that the family could all get together and be there for that special occasion. Families are where it´s at. Dad, have you been able to get that Priesthood line of authority? Will that be in my Christmas package? That would be great. Mom, you asked what I wanted in my package and I would love to have everyones testimonies on Christ. Also, I have realized a need for a new scripture case. I have my normal sized quad and my last case broke, so if I could get another one that would be wonderful. Just the most simple looking case you can find, no extra pockets would be great, but if so that´s OK too. I just need a case to put them in. Wow, and you are in the Stake Relief Society Presidency. That is wonderful. I will be praying for you and your new calling.
This week was good. Tara asked about Shiresh, Alexander, Tara, and Etti. Well I am sad to say that all of our investigators but 2 are gone. Etti is still with us and Brother Himioben. Shiresh said he liked meeting with us, he felt good when he met with us, but his friends have told him to beware of us. And so he said he just wants to think about things for now. I hope he comes back. He was great. A few other of our progressing investigators have also left us and that has been difficult. I feel that has happened so much on my mission and I just don´t know what more I can do to help them understand that this is where it is at. I know everyone has their agency, and that someday they may return, and that brings me joy. For now I would just like to know how I can improve so that I can be better at keeping our investigaotrs progressing towards baptism so they can have the joy of the gospel.
Anyway, there are miracles that happen with all of this too. :) The other day we were contacting and we talked to this lady that said, "God is always with me and I don´t need you." And then walked away. And we kept going down the street. A few minutes later this same lady finds us on the street and says, "I thought about it and maybe God sent you to me. What do you do?" We were very happy to tell her and we made an appointment for when we could meet and talk more. It was such a miracle. Sister Ley and I were both shocked. I know Heavenly Father is very aware of us and all of His children. As we continue to do His work, we continue to see His miracles. His miracles are big and small, for all things are possible with Him. And He works with us according to our faith. I need to have more faith. But I am so grateful for His loving watchful care. I know He is there, and blesses us. I can´t count how many times He helps me everyday.
I love you family!
Sincerley,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
And ye shall testify of me, that I was, that I am , and that I am to come
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hallo Familie!
Happy Late anniversary Mom and Dad! I was writing a date down yesterday and it hit me it was your anniversary. So I hope it was wonderful! What did you do for it?
Mom in the last email you asked me if I was ok with eye stuff and I am. And eye stuff is pretty cheap here if I need anything. But thanks for thinking of it. You also said you wanted to know more about my companion. Well Sister Ley comes from Alabama. Hee dad is in the military so they have moved around a lot. She also goes to BYU and is a Psych major. She is a really great missionary. She really cares about the people here. Mainz is her one and only city she has served in so far. :) She has been here for 7 months. She´s not sick of it though and works really hard. It is going very well.
As for Mainz itself, it is going pretty well. A lot of our investigators got sick, so we haven´t been able to meet with them. But we have been able to meet with other people and that has been good. Shiresh, our best investigator, tschüssed us this week. We were really sad about that. He said he just needed time. We told him we´d call him this week to see how he was doing. We have been praying for him a lot. On the other hand, Etti, one of our other investigators met with us yesterday. While we were planning for her we felt that she just really needed to know who God is. She doesn´t really believe in anything. So as we taught the Plan of Salvation we read scriptures that brought out Gods love and mercy. How he loved the world so much he gave us his Son Jesus Christ. She asked the question, "What should Christ mean to me in my life?" As I bore my testimony I just felt the spirit so strongly testifying that it was true. It was such a neat experience. She still has a lot of questions, but she said she wants faith to believe. So we gave her Alma 32 to read and told her we would talk about how we develop faith next time. I love the Spirit. He truly is the convincing evidence that this gospel is true. It´s real. The scriptures are true for they truly testify of Christ and bring peace in our lives. Also, I love how logical the gospel is. I realize that it takes the spirit to understand spiritual things, that is why it is important to have the spirit so we can gain more knowledge about God´s plan. So hearing of the gospel for the first time might not make total sense at first, but it feels good, it feels right. Then as we exercise our faith, we have the spirit with us and are able to learn those mysteries of the kingdom that God has prepared for us to find, if we would just follow the spirit.
Well life is wonderful here in Mainz. It has been raining a lot, and I am scared that Winter has begun. :) Hopefully we´ll see a few more good days before December.
Family I love you, family I do!
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Hallo Familie!
Happy Late anniversary Mom and Dad! I was writing a date down yesterday and it hit me it was your anniversary. So I hope it was wonderful! What did you do for it?
Mom in the last email you asked me if I was ok with eye stuff and I am. And eye stuff is pretty cheap here if I need anything. But thanks for thinking of it. You also said you wanted to know more about my companion. Well Sister Ley comes from Alabama. Hee dad is in the military so they have moved around a lot. She also goes to BYU and is a Psych major. She is a really great missionary. She really cares about the people here. Mainz is her one and only city she has served in so far. :) She has been here for 7 months. She´s not sick of it though and works really hard. It is going very well.
As for Mainz itself, it is going pretty well. A lot of our investigators got sick, so we haven´t been able to meet with them. But we have been able to meet with other people and that has been good. Shiresh, our best investigator, tschüssed us this week. We were really sad about that. He said he just needed time. We told him we´d call him this week to see how he was doing. We have been praying for him a lot. On the other hand, Etti, one of our other investigators met with us yesterday. While we were planning for her we felt that she just really needed to know who God is. She doesn´t really believe in anything. So as we taught the Plan of Salvation we read scriptures that brought out Gods love and mercy. How he loved the world so much he gave us his Son Jesus Christ. She asked the question, "What should Christ mean to me in my life?" As I bore my testimony I just felt the spirit so strongly testifying that it was true. It was such a neat experience. She still has a lot of questions, but she said she wants faith to believe. So we gave her Alma 32 to read and told her we would talk about how we develop faith next time. I love the Spirit. He truly is the convincing evidence that this gospel is true. It´s real. The scriptures are true for they truly testify of Christ and bring peace in our lives. Also, I love how logical the gospel is. I realize that it takes the spirit to understand spiritual things, that is why it is important to have the spirit so we can gain more knowledge about God´s plan. So hearing of the gospel for the first time might not make total sense at first, but it feels good, it feels right. Then as we exercise our faith, we have the spirit with us and are able to learn those mysteries of the kingdom that God has prepared for us to find, if we would just follow the spirit.
Well life is wonderful here in Mainz. It has been raining a lot, and I am scared that Winter has begun. :) Hopefully we´ll see a few more good days before December.
Family I love you, family I do!
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Stewardship and Parenthood, more investigators!
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Hello Family!
Sorry I don´t have very much time today. But I just want to thank you all again for your support. I can´t even tell you how much it strengthens me every week to hear from you. How you´re doing, you´re insights, the news and details of your life. So thank you very much.
I will just get right into this past week. I wanted to start off with saying Mom and Dad I am so impressed with your skills and abilities to take care of 8 children. This past week we have been working with more investigators than I have ever worked with before in my mission and as we were planning for the week my companion Sister Ley said, "I don´t know how parents do it." All of a sudden it hit me, parents are amazing! More amazing than I even knew before. We are working with about 7 "progressing" investigators, and planning for all their different individual needs and questions and concerns is a little mind boggling. It is such a blessing and I love it! The more the better, but it is a lot of stewardship. So yes we got a few more new investigators this week and that has been wonderful. One of the best parts of the week was fast Sunday (we had it last Sunday because of Stake Conference the Sunday before). Our investigator Alexander has been having trouble believing what we are teaching him but he agreed to come to church. So that is what I fasted for, that he would have a good experience there and feel the spirit. Well my prayers were answered. When we got to church we learned that Priesthood and Relief Society would be held together because our Stake President, President Leimar (I think he was quoted in one of the Ensigns a while ago about the international ward in Frankfurt, He is amazing!) would be talking with us. Well before church President Leimar came up to Alexander and shook his hand and everything. Then during the lesson, he singled Alexander out and told him that he was about his age when he first started meeting with the missionaries and how it changed and improved his life more than he could have imagined. It was really neat. After the lesson he came down and talked with Alexander again. The ward was also very good to him and one of the young single adults also sat by him and answered his questions and after church they talked for a long time. It was great. I was so happy.
This past week really has been amazing. There have been so many miracles I just don´t even know where to begin. I know this church really is the church of Jesus Christ. When people choose to accept the truth and live it in their lives, their lives do change for the better. They do prosper just like the scriptures say (Mosiah2:41), they are better people more like Jesus Christ. I do know that the commandments are simply instructions from a loving Heavenly Father for a happy life now, and a map to Eternal life. Wisdom lies in obedience to God and his commandments.
I love you family! In Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and Uruguay!
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Hello Family!
Sorry I don´t have very much time today. But I just want to thank you all again for your support. I can´t even tell you how much it strengthens me every week to hear from you. How you´re doing, you´re insights, the news and details of your life. So thank you very much.
I will just get right into this past week. I wanted to start off with saying Mom and Dad I am so impressed with your skills and abilities to take care of 8 children. This past week we have been working with more investigators than I have ever worked with before in my mission and as we were planning for the week my companion Sister Ley said, "I don´t know how parents do it." All of a sudden it hit me, parents are amazing! More amazing than I even knew before. We are working with about 7 "progressing" investigators, and planning for all their different individual needs and questions and concerns is a little mind boggling. It is such a blessing and I love it! The more the better, but it is a lot of stewardship. So yes we got a few more new investigators this week and that has been wonderful. One of the best parts of the week was fast Sunday (we had it last Sunday because of Stake Conference the Sunday before). Our investigator Alexander has been having trouble believing what we are teaching him but he agreed to come to church. So that is what I fasted for, that he would have a good experience there and feel the spirit. Well my prayers were answered. When we got to church we learned that Priesthood and Relief Society would be held together because our Stake President, President Leimar (I think he was quoted in one of the Ensigns a while ago about the international ward in Frankfurt, He is amazing!) would be talking with us. Well before church President Leimar came up to Alexander and shook his hand and everything. Then during the lesson, he singled Alexander out and told him that he was about his age when he first started meeting with the missionaries and how it changed and improved his life more than he could have imagined. It was really neat. After the lesson he came down and talked with Alexander again. The ward was also very good to him and one of the young single adults also sat by him and answered his questions and after church they talked for a long time. It was great. I was so happy.
This past week really has been amazing. There have been so many miracles I just don´t even know where to begin. I know this church really is the church of Jesus Christ. When people choose to accept the truth and live it in their lives, their lives do change for the better. They do prosper just like the scriptures say (Mosiah2:41), they are better people more like Jesus Christ. I do know that the commandments are simply instructions from a loving Heavenly Father for a happy life now, and a map to Eternal life. Wisdom lies in obedience to God and his commandments.
I love you family! In Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and Uruguay!
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Transfers...
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Hello Family!!!
Well, I have the news you have all been waiting for. . . :) just kidding, I´m sure you are really anxious to hear where Ritchie is. :) But my mission president has decided to leave me and my companion, Sister Ley, together in Mainz. We were both so happy! We had Stake Conference this last week and Elder Texiara (I don´t know how to spell his name) from the 1st Quorum of the Seventy (in the area presidency for Europe) said that Germany was going to see more growth than ever before in Europe's history and it would begin in our Frankfurt Stake. It was really powerful. His wife spoke too and said that the days are over of South America getting more baptisms than in Europe, and it will be because of the members and the missionaries working together and joining their efforts. My companion and I felt a lot of responsibility on our shoulders but then as we did doors that night we talked about how we could develop better relationships with the members and get them more involved in missionary work. WE got so excited thinking of ideas. Then when we found out we would stay together we were really happy.
Oh mission life is great! Mainz is as beautiful as ever and we are finding so many new people and they are all younger people! Which means they can get baptized and raise their families in the church! Hurray! We had a lesson the other day with one of our new investigators. We taught him the first three lessons and started teaching him the commandment of following a prophet. As we were teaching him and as we showed him a picture of the prophet and the apostles he said, "Oh, you mean a prophet. Like God has called a man to be a prophet just like Moses." We said yes. Towards the end he said, "When I first met you I was just trying to decide if it was a good church or not. Now I see that I need to find out if it´s the right church." We said yes. It has been so awesome! We have also found other students and it has been truly amazing. God lives! and has a church with all the truth in it for us where we can learn about him and his plan and what wonderful things lay in store for those who keep the commandments.
A funny thing that happened this past week was Halloween. We heard it wasn´t a big thing in Germany at the beginning of October so we just never really thought about it since. Anyway, October 31st comes around and we had just chosen the best place to do doors and were happy and ready to do them. When we got off the bus we were a little surprised to see groups of children in scary costumes walking around. We were a little confused then realized, "It´s Halloween! Little kids are going door to door to get candy. And we are going to try to do missionary work." We tried a few doors and it didn´t work out so well, so we decided to go back into the city and contact there. But it was a funny realization to come to. Missionary work is funny sometimes.
Well Family there is so much to say, but also not enough time. I just love you all so much and hope that one day I can tell you all the stories. They are terrific. "Miracles every day, waiting just to be found. Out the door so much more, keep your feet on the ground. . . " (Thank you Tara).
I am excited to hear where Elder Fitzgerald ends up in Uruguay. One of the students we are teaching lived in Paraguay for 7 years. So that was fun to make that connection with him.
Last but not least, our mission president told us to send casual pictures to him of us for something. Anyway, so here is the fruit of that labor. This picture was taken this morning. :) Beautiful Mainz in the Fall is in the background. And I am sitting on some ancient Roman ruins. There are a lot of ancient Roman ruins here. It is really pretty.
I love you all family! Have a wonderful day today, and a wonderful week this week. And I look forward to hearing from you again.
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
P.S.
Mom I haven´t gotten those pictures from Arthella. Did they get mailed back to her? Did she mail them to the office or to my apartment?
Oh as for 30th wedding anniversary, I say take a second honeymoon. Go to San Francisco and stay in a hotel on the beach. :) You can try to find the $50 deal again ;)
Hello Family!!!
Well, I have the news you have all been waiting for. . . :) just kidding, I´m sure you are really anxious to hear where Ritchie is. :) But my mission president has decided to leave me and my companion, Sister Ley, together in Mainz. We were both so happy! We had Stake Conference this last week and Elder Texiara (I don´t know how to spell his name) from the 1st Quorum of the Seventy (in the area presidency for Europe) said that Germany was going to see more growth than ever before in Europe's history and it would begin in our Frankfurt Stake. It was really powerful. His wife spoke too and said that the days are over of South America getting more baptisms than in Europe, and it will be because of the members and the missionaries working together and joining their efforts. My companion and I felt a lot of responsibility on our shoulders but then as we did doors that night we talked about how we could develop better relationships with the members and get them more involved in missionary work. WE got so excited thinking of ideas. Then when we found out we would stay together we were really happy.
Oh mission life is great! Mainz is as beautiful as ever and we are finding so many new people and they are all younger people! Which means they can get baptized and raise their families in the church! Hurray! We had a lesson the other day with one of our new investigators. We taught him the first three lessons and started teaching him the commandment of following a prophet. As we were teaching him and as we showed him a picture of the prophet and the apostles he said, "Oh, you mean a prophet. Like God has called a man to be a prophet just like Moses." We said yes. Towards the end he said, "When I first met you I was just trying to decide if it was a good church or not. Now I see that I need to find out if it´s the right church." We said yes. It has been so awesome! We have also found other students and it has been truly amazing. God lives! and has a church with all the truth in it for us where we can learn about him and his plan and what wonderful things lay in store for those who keep the commandments.
A funny thing that happened this past week was Halloween. We heard it wasn´t a big thing in Germany at the beginning of October so we just never really thought about it since. Anyway, October 31st comes around and we had just chosen the best place to do doors and were happy and ready to do them. When we got off the bus we were a little surprised to see groups of children in scary costumes walking around. We were a little confused then realized, "It´s Halloween! Little kids are going door to door to get candy. And we are going to try to do missionary work." We tried a few doors and it didn´t work out so well, so we decided to go back into the city and contact there. But it was a funny realization to come to. Missionary work is funny sometimes.
Well Family there is so much to say, but also not enough time. I just love you all so much and hope that one day I can tell you all the stories. They are terrific. "Miracles every day, waiting just to be found. Out the door so much more, keep your feet on the ground. . . " (Thank you Tara).
I am excited to hear where Elder Fitzgerald ends up in Uruguay. One of the students we are teaching lived in Paraguay for 7 years. So that was fun to make that connection with him.
Last but not least, our mission president told us to send casual pictures to him of us for something. Anyway, so here is the fruit of that labor. This picture was taken this morning. :) Beautiful Mainz in the Fall is in the background. And I am sitting on some ancient Roman ruins. There are a lot of ancient Roman ruins here. It is really pretty.
I love you all family! Have a wonderful day today, and a wonderful week this week. And I look forward to hearing from you again.
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
P.S.
Mom I haven´t gotten those pictures from Arthella. Did they get mailed back to her? Did she mail them to the office or to my apartment?
Oh as for 30th wedding anniversary, I say take a second honeymoon. Go to San Francisco and stay in a hotel on the beach. :) You can try to find the $50 deal again ;)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Family!
Well I will start off by saying Hallo! Guten Tag! Thanks again for all of your emails. I appreciate it, as always.
Elder Ritchie Fitzgerald: My goodness next week you will be in the field! That is so exciting. Oh, I am so happy for you. You will just do amazing things out there. I am sorry to hear that Guerillo didn´t want to learn more. That is really sad. We had that happen to us this week too. One of our progressing investigators that we have been meeting with for about 3 or 4 months said she didn´t want to meet with us anymore. It was very sad, but we know that she did feel the spirit and some day when she misses that feeling she will read in the Book of Mormon and realize she does want what God has to offer her in his kingdom on earth. I will be excited to hear about your MTC experience one of these days. It already sounds like you are in the field. :)
Chris: When you asked me what was new or exciting in Germany I had to smile realizing that I don´t really share other details about Germany besides the people. Meeting and teaching people and watching their progress in coming to know their eternal father in heaven is the most exciting thing that is happening in Germany right now. But as for other things . . . :) I think I could say Germany is gorgeous in the Fall. Wow, all of the leaves are orange, red, pink, yellow. There are trees everywhere and it is a gorgeous sight. So that is a little bit new. Also it has gotten colder. I am a little nervous for Winter, but it´ll be good. Ask me more questions and I will give you more answers. That is awesome that you are applying for that scholarship at Utah State. Go Chris! I will be praying for you. Thanks for sharing what is happening in your life. I loved hearing about it.
Jason: Congratulations on getting your picture hung up in Big Juds. That is pretty cool. And football is going good. How is school going? How is seminary? Do your teachers use any cool ideas to teach you certain things in the gospel? I think I could use some original ideas to teach certain things in the missionary lessons. Let me know what your seminary teachers are teaching you.
Crozier: Mom told me about your knees. I hope everything is OK. How are you feeling? That is cool that you are in the school play and the high school play. What is your favorite thing that you are doing right now?
Candace and Evan: Thanks for your quick note. :) I hope things are going well for you!
Tara: Thanks for your email. I will be looking forward to your email next week. :) How are things going for you?
Sean and Kim: I heard that you are both feeling a little bit sick. I hope that you get feeling better soon. Sean when do you graduate? Is it in April?
Mom and Dad: Thanks for all the details mom and for all the quotes you send us from church news. My hobby right now is going through Ensigns, I think when I get home I will have to start going through all the church news´s too. :) I am sorry I threw away the announcements. You could be a spy with how well you disguise things. :) Thanks for all the emails and updates you send me every week. I love it. Dad, how was visiting Utah? How is work going?
Well as for this week, we found out we didn´t have to move from our apartment. That is why I entitled this email home sweet home because we were very happy about that. Transfers are this week though, so I will let you know where I end up going.
The best thing that happened this week was finding an awesome contact on the street, teaching him the first two lessons, then him coming to church, enjoying it and wanting to learn more. He is knew in Mainz and said he was looking for a church to go to, and so we were very happy to show him where he could go. :) Oh, and the members were amazing! When he came they came up and introduced themselves and asked him his name and things. Welcomed him. Then they continued to talk with him throughout the meetings explaining things he might not understand. Then at the end someone came up to him and invited him to the ward party that weekend, gave him their phone number saying that if he wanted to go or had questions he could give him a call. Oh, it was awesome. We are meeting with him again tonight and I am so excited. Our other investigators are doing well besides the one I talked about earlier in Ritchie´s blurb. We have also been getting a lot of contacts from younger people, which is really neat. We have been praying for that and the Lord has just poured down blessings upon us. It is truly a wonder.
Well family, I love you all. I pray for you and hope that all is well in your life. I know that because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ when things aren´t going well we know where to go. God is there to help us make things right and well in our lives. I know all things are possible through Jesus Christ and his Atonement. All, is all inclusive. God is there to help us make something of ourselves, to learn what we came to this earth to learn. We came here to become like God, to know all things, to endure all things, to be holy, strong, and righteous, to love everyone, and to overcome all things. And the place we learn to be like God the best, is in the family. The family is the center. Everything goes out from there. Families are ordained of God, for the eternal welfare of all of us. God loved us so he sent His Son, and placed us in families to learn how we can become like Him.
I truly love you family, you are important to me, and I know this church is true.
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
Family!
Well I will start off by saying Hallo! Guten Tag! Thanks again for all of your emails. I appreciate it, as always.
Elder Ritchie Fitzgerald: My goodness next week you will be in the field! That is so exciting. Oh, I am so happy for you. You will just do amazing things out there. I am sorry to hear that Guerillo didn´t want to learn more. That is really sad. We had that happen to us this week too. One of our progressing investigators that we have been meeting with for about 3 or 4 months said she didn´t want to meet with us anymore. It was very sad, but we know that she did feel the spirit and some day when she misses that feeling she will read in the Book of Mormon and realize she does want what God has to offer her in his kingdom on earth. I will be excited to hear about your MTC experience one of these days. It already sounds like you are in the field. :)
Chris: When you asked me what was new or exciting in Germany I had to smile realizing that I don´t really share other details about Germany besides the people. Meeting and teaching people and watching their progress in coming to know their eternal father in heaven is the most exciting thing that is happening in Germany right now. But as for other things . . . :) I think I could say Germany is gorgeous in the Fall. Wow, all of the leaves are orange, red, pink, yellow. There are trees everywhere and it is a gorgeous sight. So that is a little bit new. Also it has gotten colder. I am a little nervous for Winter, but it´ll be good. Ask me more questions and I will give you more answers. That is awesome that you are applying for that scholarship at Utah State. Go Chris! I will be praying for you. Thanks for sharing what is happening in your life. I loved hearing about it.
Jason: Congratulations on getting your picture hung up in Big Juds. That is pretty cool. And football is going good. How is school going? How is seminary? Do your teachers use any cool ideas to teach you certain things in the gospel? I think I could use some original ideas to teach certain things in the missionary lessons. Let me know what your seminary teachers are teaching you.
Crozier: Mom told me about your knees. I hope everything is OK. How are you feeling? That is cool that you are in the school play and the high school play. What is your favorite thing that you are doing right now?
Candace and Evan: Thanks for your quick note. :) I hope things are going well for you!
Tara: Thanks for your email. I will be looking forward to your email next week. :) How are things going for you?
Sean and Kim: I heard that you are both feeling a little bit sick. I hope that you get feeling better soon. Sean when do you graduate? Is it in April?
Mom and Dad: Thanks for all the details mom and for all the quotes you send us from church news. My hobby right now is going through Ensigns, I think when I get home I will have to start going through all the church news´s too. :) I am sorry I threw away the announcements. You could be a spy with how well you disguise things. :) Thanks for all the emails and updates you send me every week. I love it. Dad, how was visiting Utah? How is work going?
Well as for this week, we found out we didn´t have to move from our apartment. That is why I entitled this email home sweet home because we were very happy about that. Transfers are this week though, so I will let you know where I end up going.
The best thing that happened this week was finding an awesome contact on the street, teaching him the first two lessons, then him coming to church, enjoying it and wanting to learn more. He is knew in Mainz and said he was looking for a church to go to, and so we were very happy to show him where he could go. :) Oh, and the members were amazing! When he came they came up and introduced themselves and asked him his name and things. Welcomed him. Then they continued to talk with him throughout the meetings explaining things he might not understand. Then at the end someone came up to him and invited him to the ward party that weekend, gave him their phone number saying that if he wanted to go or had questions he could give him a call. Oh, it was awesome. We are meeting with him again tonight and I am so excited. Our other investigators are doing well besides the one I talked about earlier in Ritchie´s blurb. We have also been getting a lot of contacts from younger people, which is really neat. We have been praying for that and the Lord has just poured down blessings upon us. It is truly a wonder.
Well family, I love you all. I pray for you and hope that all is well in your life. I know that because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ when things aren´t going well we know where to go. God is there to help us make things right and well in our lives. I know all things are possible through Jesus Christ and his Atonement. All, is all inclusive. God is there to help us make something of ourselves, to learn what we came to this earth to learn. We came here to become like God, to know all things, to endure all things, to be holy, strong, and righteous, to love everyone, and to overcome all things. And the place we learn to be like God the best, is in the family. The family is the center. Everything goes out from there. Families are ordained of God, for the eternal welfare of all of us. God loved us so he sent His Son, and placed us in families to learn how we can become like Him.
I truly love you family, you are important to me, and I know this church is true.
Love,
Sister Melinda Fitzgerald
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Family!
I just want to thank you for all the emails you sent me this week. I truly felt fed with the details of your life and your testimonies, both of which meant a lot to me. So thank you.
Ritchie, thanks for your encouragement. I think we go through a lot of the same things. I am so glad to hear that you´re lesson went well. I also hope your investigator reads and feels something as he reads in the Book of Mormon.
Candace and Evan those pictures of Clara and Analee are SO cute! Thank you so much for sending those. That truly was a treasure for me. I cannot believe how fast Clara is growing up, and Analee too. Wow. Also thank you for your testimony and encouraging words. It is always good to hear from you.
Sean and Kim, thank you so much for your emails. I was so grateful to hear from you. Thanks for doing my request. I am happy that I am related to you both. :)
Tara I am grateful for the letter you sent to me. I finally got it! And it was so good to hear what is happening in your life and to hear your testimony. Oh, we also contacted some people from Ireland the other day and it was so fun. I just thought of you the whole time. They were so friendly and I just thought how much you must´ve enjoyed talking with such delightful people. I´m sure they were not always so delightful. But it was fun. It was funny when they saw my name they asked me if I came from Ireland. I said no, but my sister lived there for a while. They told me where the majority of the Fitzgeralds live in Ireland and how I should go visit them. And they pretty much convinced me. :)
Little Boys (Chris Jason Crozier): :) I think you are all a little grown out of that, but how are you all? Did Chris go to the dance yet? Jason and Crozier how is life going?
Mom, I never recieved Davids or Steve´s wedding announcements, but if I ever do I will send them to Ritchie. I am glad you got my package. I was surprised to hear you say the chocolate wasn´t as sweet. I guess I have just been out of America too long. :) The chocolate here is good, but the bakeries, mmmm mmmmm they are even better. The pastries aren´t really sweet, but amazingly so delicious. Anyway, thank you for the details of the trip. I am so glad everything turned out so well. It sounds like you were able to see a lot of the family. That is awesome.
Dad, how was your trip to Utah? and how was your return back home? How is work? And thanks for looking up the Priesthood line of authority for me.
But as for me and my week, I have felt the Spirit. :) We had Zone Conference this last week and it was such a spiritual high. I cannot even describe. Sister Ninow talked about "But as for me and my house we will sere the Lord." Saying how this is the time of our lives where we can give everything to the Lord. Everything we have and are we can give it to him. She went over the blessings in D&C reserved for faithful missionaries and how important it is to give what we can. It was so wonderful. It was interesting because just yesterday I was reading in Luke 7 or 8 and Christ says to lift up your cross daily and follow him. And I just thought how each day, we choose to follow the Savior, with each decision we make. Also as our Mission President, President Ninow talked with us about how to become better missionaries I just felt the spirit so strongly the whole time and I couldn´t write everything I was learning and feelings fast enough. Over and over I just felt the spirit bearing witness to me of the truth of which President Ninow was sharing with us. It was so incredible. The spirit is so refreshing. So strengthening, so comforting, so faith building. The spirit is incredible. President Ninow talked about how all of us should be in a three some. The spirit should always be our third companion, because he bears the most convincing testimony. It was great. We pretty much stayed in Preach My Gospel the whole time. That is a manual not only for missionary work but for life. It is a powerful manual that can bless every person on this earth when they decide to learn from it. Which I want to be better at because there are so many things in there. Like Chapter 5 about the Book of Mormon. Chapter 4 about the Spirit. Chapter 6 how to become more like Christ. Absolutely incredible manual. I am converted. :)
After that wonderful experience we had a pretty awesome street contact. Well, we started off asking him what role Christ played in his life. He said Christ had changed his life and then said he had met with Mormons before had read the Book of Mormon and didn´t want to learn more. But he didn´t walk away, which is a little unusual here. So we kept talking and as we kept talking he kept asking more questions. While we were talking with him his face just started changing and the spirit was so strong. By the end of our 30 minute conversation the spirit was so strong, it was just thick. We asked him again if he wanted to meet with us he said no (he has read a lot of anti literature), but he accepted our card and thanked us for the conversation. I just knew he had been touched, that he had felt something deep, the Spirit. There was no doubt in my mind. So, I hope he ends up becoming more interested someday. But for now I know he knows he felt the spirit when he talked with the Lords missionaries of His church. He will come around some day.
I love missionary work. It has changed my life. I hope and pray it continues to change my life. I love you all.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Family!
I just want to thank you for all the emails you sent me this week. I truly felt fed with the details of your life and your testimonies, both of which meant a lot to me. So thank you.
Ritchie, thanks for your encouragement. I think we go through a lot of the same things. I am so glad to hear that you´re lesson went well. I also hope your investigator reads and feels something as he reads in the Book of Mormon.
Candace and Evan those pictures of Clara and Analee are SO cute! Thank you so much for sending those. That truly was a treasure for me. I cannot believe how fast Clara is growing up, and Analee too. Wow. Also thank you for your testimony and encouraging words. It is always good to hear from you.
Sean and Kim, thank you so much for your emails. I was so grateful to hear from you. Thanks for doing my request. I am happy that I am related to you both. :)
Tara I am grateful for the letter you sent to me. I finally got it! And it was so good to hear what is happening in your life and to hear your testimony. Oh, we also contacted some people from Ireland the other day and it was so fun. I just thought of you the whole time. They were so friendly and I just thought how much you must´ve enjoyed talking with such delightful people. I´m sure they were not always so delightful. But it was fun. It was funny when they saw my name they asked me if I came from Ireland. I said no, but my sister lived there for a while. They told me where the majority of the Fitzgeralds live in Ireland and how I should go visit them. And they pretty much convinced me. :)
Little Boys (Chris Jason Crozier): :) I think you are all a little grown out of that, but how are you all? Did Chris go to the dance yet? Jason and Crozier how is life going?
Mom, I never recieved Davids or Steve´s wedding announcements, but if I ever do I will send them to Ritchie. I am glad you got my package. I was surprised to hear you say the chocolate wasn´t as sweet. I guess I have just been out of America too long. :) The chocolate here is good, but the bakeries, mmmm mmmmm they are even better. The pastries aren´t really sweet, but amazingly so delicious. Anyway, thank you for the details of the trip. I am so glad everything turned out so well. It sounds like you were able to see a lot of the family. That is awesome.
Dad, how was your trip to Utah? and how was your return back home? How is work? And thanks for looking up the Priesthood line of authority for me.
But as for me and my week, I have felt the Spirit. :) We had Zone Conference this last week and it was such a spiritual high. I cannot even describe. Sister Ninow talked about "But as for me and my house we will sere the Lord." Saying how this is the time of our lives where we can give everything to the Lord. Everything we have and are we can give it to him. She went over the blessings in D&C reserved for faithful missionaries and how important it is to give what we can. It was so wonderful. It was interesting because just yesterday I was reading in Luke 7 or 8 and Christ says to lift up your cross daily and follow him. And I just thought how each day, we choose to follow the Savior, with each decision we make. Also as our Mission President, President Ninow talked with us about how to become better missionaries I just felt the spirit so strongly the whole time and I couldn´t write everything I was learning and feelings fast enough. Over and over I just felt the spirit bearing witness to me of the truth of which President Ninow was sharing with us. It was so incredible. The spirit is so refreshing. So strengthening, so comforting, so faith building. The spirit is incredible. President Ninow talked about how all of us should be in a three some. The spirit should always be our third companion, because he bears the most convincing testimony. It was great. We pretty much stayed in Preach My Gospel the whole time. That is a manual not only for missionary work but for life. It is a powerful manual that can bless every person on this earth when they decide to learn from it. Which I want to be better at because there are so many things in there. Like Chapter 5 about the Book of Mormon. Chapter 4 about the Spirit. Chapter 6 how to become more like Christ. Absolutely incredible manual. I am converted. :)
After that wonderful experience we had a pretty awesome street contact. Well, we started off asking him what role Christ played in his life. He said Christ had changed his life and then said he had met with Mormons before had read the Book of Mormon and didn´t want to learn more. But he didn´t walk away, which is a little unusual here. So we kept talking and as we kept talking he kept asking more questions. While we were talking with him his face just started changing and the spirit was so strong. By the end of our 30 minute conversation the spirit was so strong, it was just thick. We asked him again if he wanted to meet with us he said no (he has read a lot of anti literature), but he accepted our card and thanked us for the conversation. I just knew he had been touched, that he had felt something deep, the Spirit. There was no doubt in my mind. So, I hope he ends up becoming more interested someday. But for now I know he knows he felt the spirit when he talked with the Lords missionaries of His church. He will come around some day.
I love missionary work. It has changed my life. I hope and pray it continues to change my life. I love you all.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Bringing souls to Christ, what life is all about
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009
Family!!!
Well I certainly love you all. And it is great to hear, once again, all of your news and updates. Mom thanks for getting that thing to me. I have received some things on my doorstep. So thank you for being so concerned, and no worries. I appreciate that you sent that thing though. As for Christmas, I am not sure exactly what I want yet. I will think about it and tell you next week. I can say I would really like to get a letter from everyone in the family sharing their testimony of Jesus Christ, how he plays an active role in their life, and their favorite scriptures about Christ and why. I hope that doesn´t sound like an assignment. But I would love to get that for Christmas. Anyway, it sounds like everyone is doing well. I am praying for you all. It was good to hear from Elder Fitzgerald. I am so amazed at Elder Fitzgerald´s enthusiasm for the work. It is so wonderful. It is so good to here how the work is rolling forward in all the world. I am so proud of you Elder Fitzgerald. Your story about sharing the 1st vision with that man really touched me. Oh, I would love to see you in action. Keep up the wonderful work!
The work here is also rolling forward. Here is what has been happening:
We had a really neat appointment with our progressing investigator Michael. We reviewed a first and at the end we asked him if felt anything as he read in the Book of Mormon and he said yes! He said that he felt something different, something special and deep. He didn´t know how to really describe it though. It was really neat. The spirit was strong.
Also another one of our investigators came to church with us on the hour long bus \ bahn ride. And she really enjoyed it and told everyone she talked to that she would come again next week. We were so happy for that. She got to see a lot. The last session of General Conference was shown for the first two hours, then we had Sacrament meeting, which was fast and testimony meeting. There was also a baby blessing, and they mentioned the ward temple trip. She had a lot of questions, but thought it was all really neat. We told her that this wasn´t a normal Sunday, but it was special. Coming to church really takes dedication. An hour there, and an hour back with a lot of trains and buses in between because there is no direct route. I am amazed at the dedication of new investigators they really want to to know it´s true.
We also had a really good time at FHE last night. We had the lesson and we decided to do it on Missionary work. We sang I´ll go where you want me to go. Then read Alma 17:11, talking about being instruments in the hand of God and good examples to bring others to Christ. Then we did little work shops on what to be, what to say, and how to know where to go and who to talk to. After that we read another scripture in D&C 123 that talked about doing all we can then watching the arm of God be revealed. After that we asked who wanted to go on the streets with us for 20 minutes to find a JAE to bring to the Outreach for games and dinner that evening. They were all really excited and we all went. Even our investigator that was there wanted to go out on the streets with us. It was a really great experience for us and for them. Afterwards they were telling us how hard that must be to do it everyday. And they said it would be a lot easier for them just to invite their friends. We agreed. They really enjoyed it though and said they would like to do it again. We were really happy with the way it turned out, it got the JAE´s excited about missionary work and helped them to see the importance of inviting their own friends. They understood how much more effective that would be.
All in all it was a great week. In one of our appointments, we had a member with us and we were talking about the importance of the family and how the gospel brings us strength and perspective. And he said, "The gospel does help bring perspective. With eight boys, a mother can wonder sometimes why the family is so important, but with the gospel we see why." Anyway, I thought it was funny. It made me think of my family, how the gospel helps give us perspective. I also thought of my parents and how dedicated you are in teaching us the principles of righteousness which are SOOOOOO IMPORTANT!!!! Being on a mission has helped me understand that so much more. Missionary work is the best pair of glasses I´ve ever had.
Thank you for all you do family! I love you!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Family!!!
Well I certainly love you all. And it is great to hear, once again, all of your news and updates. Mom thanks for getting that thing to me. I have received some things on my doorstep. So thank you for being so concerned, and no worries. I appreciate that you sent that thing though. As for Christmas, I am not sure exactly what I want yet. I will think about it and tell you next week. I can say I would really like to get a letter from everyone in the family sharing their testimony of Jesus Christ, how he plays an active role in their life, and their favorite scriptures about Christ and why. I hope that doesn´t sound like an assignment. But I would love to get that for Christmas. Anyway, it sounds like everyone is doing well. I am praying for you all. It was good to hear from Elder Fitzgerald. I am so amazed at Elder Fitzgerald´s enthusiasm for the work. It is so wonderful. It is so good to here how the work is rolling forward in all the world. I am so proud of you Elder Fitzgerald. Your story about sharing the 1st vision with that man really touched me. Oh, I would love to see you in action. Keep up the wonderful work!
The work here is also rolling forward. Here is what has been happening:
We had a really neat appointment with our progressing investigator Michael. We reviewed a first and at the end we asked him if felt anything as he read in the Book of Mormon and he said yes! He said that he felt something different, something special and deep. He didn´t know how to really describe it though. It was really neat. The spirit was strong.
Also another one of our investigators came to church with us on the hour long bus \ bahn ride. And she really enjoyed it and told everyone she talked to that she would come again next week. We were so happy for that. She got to see a lot. The last session of General Conference was shown for the first two hours, then we had Sacrament meeting, which was fast and testimony meeting. There was also a baby blessing, and they mentioned the ward temple trip. She had a lot of questions, but thought it was all really neat. We told her that this wasn´t a normal Sunday, but it was special. Coming to church really takes dedication. An hour there, and an hour back with a lot of trains and buses in between because there is no direct route. I am amazed at the dedication of new investigators they really want to to know it´s true.
We also had a really good time at FHE last night. We had the lesson and we decided to do it on Missionary work. We sang I´ll go where you want me to go. Then read Alma 17:11, talking about being instruments in the hand of God and good examples to bring others to Christ. Then we did little work shops on what to be, what to say, and how to know where to go and who to talk to. After that we read another scripture in D&C 123 that talked about doing all we can then watching the arm of God be revealed. After that we asked who wanted to go on the streets with us for 20 minutes to find a JAE to bring to the Outreach for games and dinner that evening. They were all really excited and we all went. Even our investigator that was there wanted to go out on the streets with us. It was a really great experience for us and for them. Afterwards they were telling us how hard that must be to do it everyday. And they said it would be a lot easier for them just to invite their friends. We agreed. They really enjoyed it though and said they would like to do it again. We were really happy with the way it turned out, it got the JAE´s excited about missionary work and helped them to see the importance of inviting their own friends. They understood how much more effective that would be.
All in all it was a great week. In one of our appointments, we had a member with us and we were talking about the importance of the family and how the gospel brings us strength and perspective. And he said, "The gospel does help bring perspective. With eight boys, a mother can wonder sometimes why the family is so important, but with the gospel we see why." Anyway, I thought it was funny. It made me think of my family, how the gospel helps give us perspective. I also thought of my parents and how dedicated you are in teaching us the principles of righteousness which are SOOOOOO IMPORTANT!!!! Being on a mission has helped me understand that so much more. Missionary work is the best pair of glasses I´ve ever had.
Thank you for all you do family! I love you!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Conference, blessings, great contacts, and more!
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
Family!!!
Hello! So this week was sad but also good. I will explain. :) So we had a lot of appointments scheduled but a lot of them feel out. We of course were sad, but because of that we were able to find some amazing contacts. This is what I emailed to my mission president:
After one of our appointments falling out we just started doing streets in the area and we contacted a man. At first he was´t interested said he knew God was there, but then as we bore testimony about the truth and happiness we receive from God he softened a little. We were able to tell him more about the message of the restoration and as we did he said, "I can see your faith in your eyes. Your faith shows in your faces." When he said that we told him that as we live this gospel it makes us happy and we know that it comes from God. Then he looked at Sister Ley and I in the eye and asked us if we were really happy doing what we were doing. We both looked at him straight in the eye and said yes. He then told us he would like to learn more about our church. It was so neat. I know the spirit bore witness to him as we told him of the restoration. I could see a change in him.
Another neat experience was contacting an old referral that Sister Osterloh had given to us. When we met with Fariba we found that she was completely golden. She told us of her miraculous conversion to Christianity from Muslim 10 or so years ago and that all of her siblings had converted to Christianity. In fact she even had a sister that was Mormon that lived in Frankfurt. During our appointment the friend that had referred her called and told us that she was very ready for the gospel. We had already noticed that as we taught her. Then at the end of the lesson she told us that she had seen something on TV about Joseph Smith and the Mormons and felt from the Spirit that it was a good thing. We were so shocked and overjoyed and told her that it was true and that she can find out if it is true to through the Holy Ghost. We made out another appointment for this week and we are really excited to meet with her again.
These two experiences were very neat. We also contacted this other guy as were we doing streets that was awesome. We started talking to him about God then he asked about our name tags and so we stalked about the Book of Mormon. He brought up the Revelations scripture and my companion explained it very well and then we took him to the promise in Moroni and he read it. After doing so he said, "That doesn´t contradict the Bible at all. That´s true." We said Yes, it is, and you can know if the Book of Mormon comes from God. He said he really wanted to meet with us and learn more. He was so excited. We were so happy! and shocked. It was so great. We are very excited to have our appointment with him.
Also General Conference was great! The good thing was that 3 of our investigators came, the other thing :) is that we watched it in German. So, I am looking forward to reading it in the Liahona in English. :) But not understanding every word didn´t keep me from feeling the spirit. It was so good. I loved so many of the talks. I really enjoyed Elder Hales and Elder Oaks´s talks. They were both very powerful. And Elder Packer´s talk. With his talk I felt like all of us were his grandchildren all sitting around his knee and he was just teaching us the truth. I really enjoyed President Uchtdorf´s talk about loving God and keeping his commandments. It made a lot of sense and was good for all of our investigators to hear I think.
Oh, life is grand. We live in the fullness of times. The standard of truth has been erected and no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Hurray!
Before I close I would like to say Happy Birthday to Mom and Kim this week!! I hope you both have great days. Your letters are coming.
Also, Dad I was wondering if you could mail me a copy of your priesthood line of authority. I think that would help the missionary work progress here in Mainz Germany. :)
I also loved Elder Bednar´s talk and I want you all to know that I love you!!!! and I know this church is true!!!
Sincerely,
Sister Fitzgerald
Family!!!
Hello! So this week was sad but also good. I will explain. :) So we had a lot of appointments scheduled but a lot of them feel out. We of course were sad, but because of that we were able to find some amazing contacts. This is what I emailed to my mission president:
After one of our appointments falling out we just started doing streets in the area and we contacted a man. At first he was´t interested said he knew God was there, but then as we bore testimony about the truth and happiness we receive from God he softened a little. We were able to tell him more about the message of the restoration and as we did he said, "I can see your faith in your eyes. Your faith shows in your faces." When he said that we told him that as we live this gospel it makes us happy and we know that it comes from God. Then he looked at Sister Ley and I in the eye and asked us if we were really happy doing what we were doing. We both looked at him straight in the eye and said yes. He then told us he would like to learn more about our church. It was so neat. I know the spirit bore witness to him as we told him of the restoration. I could see a change in him.
Another neat experience was contacting an old referral that Sister Osterloh had given to us. When we met with Fariba we found that she was completely golden. She told us of her miraculous conversion to Christianity from Muslim 10 or so years ago and that all of her siblings had converted to Christianity. In fact she even had a sister that was Mormon that lived in Frankfurt. During our appointment the friend that had referred her called and told us that she was very ready for the gospel. We had already noticed that as we taught her. Then at the end of the lesson she told us that she had seen something on TV about Joseph Smith and the Mormons and felt from the Spirit that it was a good thing. We were so shocked and overjoyed and told her that it was true and that she can find out if it is true to through the Holy Ghost. We made out another appointment for this week and we are really excited to meet with her again.
These two experiences were very neat. We also contacted this other guy as were we doing streets that was awesome. We started talking to him about God then he asked about our name tags and so we stalked about the Book of Mormon. He brought up the Revelations scripture and my companion explained it very well and then we took him to the promise in Moroni and he read it. After doing so he said, "That doesn´t contradict the Bible at all. That´s true." We said Yes, it is, and you can know if the Book of Mormon comes from God. He said he really wanted to meet with us and learn more. He was so excited. We were so happy! and shocked. It was so great. We are very excited to have our appointment with him.
Also General Conference was great! The good thing was that 3 of our investigators came, the other thing :) is that we watched it in German. So, I am looking forward to reading it in the Liahona in English. :) But not understanding every word didn´t keep me from feeling the spirit. It was so good. I loved so many of the talks. I really enjoyed Elder Hales and Elder Oaks´s talks. They were both very powerful. And Elder Packer´s talk. With his talk I felt like all of us were his grandchildren all sitting around his knee and he was just teaching us the truth. I really enjoyed President Uchtdorf´s talk about loving God and keeping his commandments. It made a lot of sense and was good for all of our investigators to hear I think.
Oh, life is grand. We live in the fullness of times. The standard of truth has been erected and no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Hurray!
Before I close I would like to say Happy Birthday to Mom and Kim this week!! I hope you both have great days. Your letters are coming.
Also, Dad I was wondering if you could mail me a copy of your priesthood line of authority. I think that would help the missionary work progress here in Mainz Germany. :)
I also loved Elder Bednar´s talk and I want you all to know that I love you!!!! and I know this church is true!!!
Sincerely,
Sister Fitzgerald
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mainz Germany!
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Family!
I love you so much. I loved all the emails I recieved this week. You are all so wonderful.
Jason: thank you for wishing me luck in becoming a willow tree. :) I appreciate your support. :) I am glad to hear you are loving highschool. I wish you luck in football.
Chris: Wow, thank you for your detailed email. I really appreciated it. Reading it was so much fun. It sounds like you are really enjoying yourself, that is good.
Elder Fitzgerald: That is so cool that you have gotten so many fest contacts. I wish I could see you in action. I am sure you are just amazing out there. Keep up the good work. Forward, press forward.
Candace and Evan: Thank you for your email. It meant a lot to me and was just what I needed to hear. I wish you well in your callings. And I am glad that your family is doing well. Last Sunday I was sitting by the Bishops wife and their little girl was walking around in front of us and she looks EXACTLY like Clara. Except she has blonde hair. Everything she was doing (little conversations and just smiling at everyone) reminded me exactly of Clara and it made me so happy. So I just wanted to tell you that.
Crozier: How is the play coming? Are you liking being in it? I will have to see it when I get home.
Sean and Kim: I hope my emails have been getting to you, I noticed that mom was forwarding everything to a different email address for you than I had. So how are you both doing? How is ltitle Miriam?
Tara: I am working on your birthday letter today. And I am sorry your letter you have tried to send me has gotten sent back so many times. Have you mailed it to the office or to my apartment? The office is probably a bit more stable. :) But it was so fun to read abotu your birthday. We got invited to a little "spiritual" birthday party from one of the part member families in our ward and while there I just thought how you would have a spiritual party too. I think that is so cool you went hiking and sang hymns. I am so glad you are my sister! Happy Late Birthday! Your letter is coming!
Mom and Dad: Mom, I loved your opening line. Go, missionaries go! or Hang on missionaries, hang on. It was funny. Also, I like the dual email thing between Elder Fitzgerald and I. Dad that is exciting Winco is sendign you to Utah to open up a new store there for a few days. Would you ever move back to Utah if they gave you the opportunity?
Well, before my time runs out maybe I should tell you a little about Mainz! Mom, thats cool you have that book feel free to tell me things you learn in there. And Yes, Mainz is on the Rhein River and it is BEAUTIFUL! Düsseldorf was too, but Mainz is just extra beautiful for some reason. And yes the first press was made here in Mainz. We might go see that museum today. I LOVE Mainz. It is so beautiful. The people here are so friendly and open. We have so many conversations on the street I just don´t know what to think. The conversations don´t always lead to contacts, but we are working on that. I am not as smooth as Elder Fitzgerald yet. ;) I also really enjoy my companion Sister Ley! She is from Alabama and has really good German. She is helping me a lot with that. We work as a really good team and it is wonderful. I have been amazed at how the Spirit has been working with us. There have been so many little miracles that I can´t write them all. But we stopped a man the other day and we just started talking :) and for some reason we brought up truth :) and he said "That is so interesting that you mention truth, because I don´t believe in God, but I do want to know what the truth is, what ever it is." It was awesome to be able to bear testimony and let him know that there is truth, adn that it comes from God, and that when we know truth it helps us in our lives. Another day we were waiting for a train and we had a few minutes so we went out contacting and we were about to turn back when we saw this lady pushing a stroller. We contacted her about the Plan of God and she started crying and said how her husband had just died to weeks ago and she wanted to know where he was. We read Alma 41:11-12. And said he is in a good place and would you like to know how you could be togeher forever? She accepted a card and we are hoping we will get to meet with her again. Oh, there are so many things. "Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure." Missionary work is really so wonderful. Also I was reading in Alma 48 today and it talks about what a great man Moroni is and then 2 versus later it says how Heleman and his bretheren were no less serviceable because they were preaching the word of God and bringing others to repentance. And it just hit me again that we all have our work that Heavenly Father has given us. Missionary work, parenthood work, sibling work, protecting our freedoms, families, everything. I just thought how you all are doign your work with faithfulness and bringing others closer to Christ with the work God has given to each of you. It is such a great work to do the work that God has given us.
Well I have to go. But I want to close with, "There is a right way to live and be happy. It is choosing the right every day." That is truth.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Family!
I love you so much. I loved all the emails I recieved this week. You are all so wonderful.
Jason: thank you for wishing me luck in becoming a willow tree. :) I appreciate your support. :) I am glad to hear you are loving highschool. I wish you luck in football.
Chris: Wow, thank you for your detailed email. I really appreciated it. Reading it was so much fun. It sounds like you are really enjoying yourself, that is good.
Elder Fitzgerald: That is so cool that you have gotten so many fest contacts. I wish I could see you in action. I am sure you are just amazing out there. Keep up the good work. Forward, press forward.
Candace and Evan: Thank you for your email. It meant a lot to me and was just what I needed to hear. I wish you well in your callings. And I am glad that your family is doing well. Last Sunday I was sitting by the Bishops wife and their little girl was walking around in front of us and she looks EXACTLY like Clara. Except she has blonde hair. Everything she was doing (little conversations and just smiling at everyone) reminded me exactly of Clara and it made me so happy. So I just wanted to tell you that.
Crozier: How is the play coming? Are you liking being in it? I will have to see it when I get home.
Sean and Kim: I hope my emails have been getting to you, I noticed that mom was forwarding everything to a different email address for you than I had. So how are you both doing? How is ltitle Miriam?
Tara: I am working on your birthday letter today. And I am sorry your letter you have tried to send me has gotten sent back so many times. Have you mailed it to the office or to my apartment? The office is probably a bit more stable. :) But it was so fun to read abotu your birthday. We got invited to a little "spiritual" birthday party from one of the part member families in our ward and while there I just thought how you would have a spiritual party too. I think that is so cool you went hiking and sang hymns. I am so glad you are my sister! Happy Late Birthday! Your letter is coming!
Mom and Dad: Mom, I loved your opening line. Go, missionaries go! or Hang on missionaries, hang on. It was funny. Also, I like the dual email thing between Elder Fitzgerald and I. Dad that is exciting Winco is sendign you to Utah to open up a new store there for a few days. Would you ever move back to Utah if they gave you the opportunity?
Well, before my time runs out maybe I should tell you a little about Mainz! Mom, thats cool you have that book feel free to tell me things you learn in there. And Yes, Mainz is on the Rhein River and it is BEAUTIFUL! Düsseldorf was too, but Mainz is just extra beautiful for some reason. And yes the first press was made here in Mainz. We might go see that museum today. I LOVE Mainz. It is so beautiful. The people here are so friendly and open. We have so many conversations on the street I just don´t know what to think. The conversations don´t always lead to contacts, but we are working on that. I am not as smooth as Elder Fitzgerald yet. ;) I also really enjoy my companion Sister Ley! She is from Alabama and has really good German. She is helping me a lot with that. We work as a really good team and it is wonderful. I have been amazed at how the Spirit has been working with us. There have been so many little miracles that I can´t write them all. But we stopped a man the other day and we just started talking :) and for some reason we brought up truth :) and he said "That is so interesting that you mention truth, because I don´t believe in God, but I do want to know what the truth is, what ever it is." It was awesome to be able to bear testimony and let him know that there is truth, adn that it comes from God, and that when we know truth it helps us in our lives. Another day we were waiting for a train and we had a few minutes so we went out contacting and we were about to turn back when we saw this lady pushing a stroller. We contacted her about the Plan of God and she started crying and said how her husband had just died to weeks ago and she wanted to know where he was. We read Alma 41:11-12. And said he is in a good place and would you like to know how you could be togeher forever? She accepted a card and we are hoping we will get to meet with her again. Oh, there are so many things. "Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure." Missionary work is really so wonderful. Also I was reading in Alma 48 today and it talks about what a great man Moroni is and then 2 versus later it says how Heleman and his bretheren were no less serviceable because they were preaching the word of God and bringing others to repentance. And it just hit me again that we all have our work that Heavenly Father has given us. Missionary work, parenthood work, sibling work, protecting our freedoms, families, everything. I just thought how you all are doign your work with faithfulness and bringing others closer to Christ with the work God has given to each of you. It is such a great work to do the work that God has given us.
Well I have to go. But I want to close with, "There is a right way to live and be happy. It is choosing the right every day." That is truth.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Transfers...
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Familie!
Well I don´t have very much time. This week is transfers and . . . . I am getting transfered! I only spent one cycle here in Frankfurt, but it was good. Tomorrow I leave for Mainz! I did a split there this cycle and it was good, and now I get to serve there.
Wow, South America sounds very wonderful. :) I had to laugh when Elder Fitzgerald said that they got 16 contacts (I don´t know if that was in a day or a week) because our cycle goal (a cycle is 6 weeks) was 18 new contacts. :) So that is awesome that so many people are thirsty for the gospel there. Keep finding them Elder Fitzgerald! I am so glad you are enjoying the MTC and the work there. Your excitement is contagious!
Chris good luck with Mr. Madison. Your talent sounds funny. Good luck!
Jason: How´s it goin? Are you still enjoying high school?
Crozier: I hear you are getting into all the stuff at the Middle school. That is awesome. I hope you are having fun.
Mom: Thanks for the update every week. I love hearing how everyone is doing. Also I love all the uplifting things you send. It´s funny I had that hymn stuck in my head all week, and then I read your email today and you had sent it to me. I need to really focus and realize how precious this time is.
Dad: How are you? How is Winco? How is it having one job?
Candace and Evan: Thanks for your letter Candace! I got it and really appreciated it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me! It is so fun to hear about your family.
Tara: How are you? Have you decided what your´re doing yet as far as school goes? How is accompanying? Is it like BYUI?
Sean and Kim: How are you both doing? How is Wymount? How is everything?
As for me, yes, I told you I am going to Mainz. That will be great. This week has been good. We taught more lessons this week than ever before in my mission and that was really cool. We were really busy, and it felt good. I am sad to leave people behind, but it will be good. So today I was reading about Captain Moroni in Alma 44 and it was awesome! It got me all fired up. I loved it! When I think of Moroni I think of this big willow tree so thick and rooted in the ground. No wind being able to knock it down. Oh, I want to become a willow tree in the gospel! He is just so firm, and stead fast in the faith. Steadfast and immovable I say. Like a willow tree. Captain Moroni is my new hero. I love the scriptures and everything they teach us. Just like Elder Fitzgerald said, when we sink ourselves in the scriptures we will have the spirit to direct us in our lives to do whatever it is the Lord wants us to do personally. "You have a work that no other can do." the Spirit can tell us what our work is that the Lord has for us. And when we do it we feel happy! That is how we know we have done something right. We feel right about it, and that is a good feeling.
I know this church is true! And the truth is steadfast and immovable.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Familie!
Well I don´t have very much time. This week is transfers and . . . . I am getting transfered! I only spent one cycle here in Frankfurt, but it was good. Tomorrow I leave for Mainz! I did a split there this cycle and it was good, and now I get to serve there.
Wow, South America sounds very wonderful. :) I had to laugh when Elder Fitzgerald said that they got 16 contacts (I don´t know if that was in a day or a week) because our cycle goal (a cycle is 6 weeks) was 18 new contacts. :) So that is awesome that so many people are thirsty for the gospel there. Keep finding them Elder Fitzgerald! I am so glad you are enjoying the MTC and the work there. Your excitement is contagious!
Chris good luck with Mr. Madison. Your talent sounds funny. Good luck!
Jason: How´s it goin? Are you still enjoying high school?
Crozier: I hear you are getting into all the stuff at the Middle school. That is awesome. I hope you are having fun.
Mom: Thanks for the update every week. I love hearing how everyone is doing. Also I love all the uplifting things you send. It´s funny I had that hymn stuck in my head all week, and then I read your email today and you had sent it to me. I need to really focus and realize how precious this time is.
Dad: How are you? How is Winco? How is it having one job?
Candace and Evan: Thanks for your letter Candace! I got it and really appreciated it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me! It is so fun to hear about your family.
Tara: How are you? Have you decided what your´re doing yet as far as school goes? How is accompanying? Is it like BYUI?
Sean and Kim: How are you both doing? How is Wymount? How is everything?
As for me, yes, I told you I am going to Mainz. That will be great. This week has been good. We taught more lessons this week than ever before in my mission and that was really cool. We were really busy, and it felt good. I am sad to leave people behind, but it will be good. So today I was reading about Captain Moroni in Alma 44 and it was awesome! It got me all fired up. I loved it! When I think of Moroni I think of this big willow tree so thick and rooted in the ground. No wind being able to knock it down. Oh, I want to become a willow tree in the gospel! He is just so firm, and stead fast in the faith. Steadfast and immovable I say. Like a willow tree. Captain Moroni is my new hero. I love the scriptures and everything they teach us. Just like Elder Fitzgerald said, when we sink ourselves in the scriptures we will have the spirit to direct us in our lives to do whatever it is the Lord wants us to do personally. "You have a work that no other can do." the Spirit can tell us what our work is that the Lord has for us. And when we do it we feel happy! That is how we know we have done something right. We feel right about it, and that is a good feeling.
I know this church is true! And the truth is steadfast and immovable.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I will pour blessings upon your head, and ye will not have room enough to recieve them
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Family!
Wow! Today was a record I had 11 emails in my inbox and everyone of them was a treat! Mom I think you´re allowed to send as many emails as you want. :) I am grateful for ALL your thoughts. That goes for the rest of you too. I love hearing from you and reading your thoughts you share with me. I ALWAYS appreciate it. You are a terriffic family. It seems like when I read in the scriptures it is always talking about families, probably becuase I am in the Alma chapters when he his counseling his sons. :) But it just never ceases to amaze me how important and amazing families are. Thank you for being amazing! Mom I love hearing the facts of the families life along with all your other inspiring uplifting thoughts. It is good to read what a normal life is like. Sometimes I forget people have normal lives, so it is a good reminder to know what everyone is involved with and their lifes right now. I loved getting Elder Fitzgeralds email from Argentina! My goodness. I had to laugh when you said you had written yourself a letter before you left. That was a good idea. :) I also second everything he said about preparing now! Wow, sometimes I wonder, if I could relive my life I would definitely change a few things. But I was so grateful to hear Elder Fitzgerald´s enthusiasm for the work. It got me excited. I am so glad you have a good district and are enjoying the work in the MTC.
And what happened to Chris´s foot? Is he OK? Crozier, I am glad you got my letter. I hope you enjoyed the chocolate. I finally sent some. :) Sean, I will be praying for you and your family in the decision to move to Texas. That is big. And Candace I am glad you are liking St. Johns more and more. Wow, we are spreading out, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Texas, ARgentina, and Germany. :) Thank you all again for your emails it was so good to hear from you all.
I don´t have much time left so the subject of my email about blessings is true. This week we have seen so many miracles, which is interesting. Because one day at the end of teh day we were home and I was writing in my journal and it wasn´t a particular awesome amazing day, but I was trying to think of what to write. And then I remembered something that an investigator had said that was an answer to one of our prayers. Then that thought led to another little miracle that had happened that day, then that led to another. Then as I kept thinking about what had happened that day I didn´t have time to write down all the miracles God had blessed us with. I remember as I was watching the time go by I thought "Wow, I thought nothing really exciting had happened today, but here I am ´writing down the miracles I saw and I don´t have time to write them all." It was such a testimony to me that God truly is in our lives and he blesses us, he blesses us so much we can´t even count them all. It was also a testimony to me of how important journal writing is and Elder Hollands talk about writing down how you see God´s hand in your life each day. When we actually take the time to think about it we will be amazed. How incredible the gospel is.
Another awesome experience we had this week was on Sunday we were at home tallying up our numbers and we got a phone call. IT was from one of our investigators. We answered and she said, "I saw a miracle today!" We said, "What was it?" She said, "I told you at church how I had lost my pillow and after church I couldn´t find it so I decided to pray. Then After my prayer I found my pillow. IT was a miracle! My prayer was answered." We were so happy. 1st of all that she had actually decided to pray to God, and that God had answered her prayer. But also that she was so happy that she had thought to call us. We were surprised but I thought it was so cool. God is there and is involved in the details of our lives. If we are concered about something then he is too, and he wants to help us. As I said there were so many little miracles that happened this week I don´t have time to tell you all of them, but that one was my favorite I think. Yea for miracles! Yea for the gospel! and Yea for everything that is true and faithful! That is my new favortie phrase, true and faithful. That is what this gospel is and what we need to be. This church has the truth. The truth for life and for eternity. We have it, we know it, and I am so grateful for this special opportunity to share it with others. Wow, we have truth. Real solid, stable, never changing truth. It feels so good to know that. Truth brings stability and true happiness when we follow the true commandments that come from our loving Heavenly Father. I love this gospel, I love it to my core.
I love you too family!
-Sister Fitzgerald
Family!
Wow! Today was a record I had 11 emails in my inbox and everyone of them was a treat! Mom I think you´re allowed to send as many emails as you want. :) I am grateful for ALL your thoughts. That goes for the rest of you too. I love hearing from you and reading your thoughts you share with me. I ALWAYS appreciate it. You are a terriffic family. It seems like when I read in the scriptures it is always talking about families, probably becuase I am in the Alma chapters when he his counseling his sons. :) But it just never ceases to amaze me how important and amazing families are. Thank you for being amazing! Mom I love hearing the facts of the families life along with all your other inspiring uplifting thoughts. It is good to read what a normal life is like. Sometimes I forget people have normal lives, so it is a good reminder to know what everyone is involved with and their lifes right now. I loved getting Elder Fitzgeralds email from Argentina! My goodness. I had to laugh when you said you had written yourself a letter before you left. That was a good idea. :) I also second everything he said about preparing now! Wow, sometimes I wonder, if I could relive my life I would definitely change a few things. But I was so grateful to hear Elder Fitzgerald´s enthusiasm for the work. It got me excited. I am so glad you have a good district and are enjoying the work in the MTC.
And what happened to Chris´s foot? Is he OK? Crozier, I am glad you got my letter. I hope you enjoyed the chocolate. I finally sent some. :) Sean, I will be praying for you and your family in the decision to move to Texas. That is big. And Candace I am glad you are liking St. Johns more and more. Wow, we are spreading out, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Texas, ARgentina, and Germany. :) Thank you all again for your emails it was so good to hear from you all.
I don´t have much time left so the subject of my email about blessings is true. This week we have seen so many miracles, which is interesting. Because one day at the end of teh day we were home and I was writing in my journal and it wasn´t a particular awesome amazing day, but I was trying to think of what to write. And then I remembered something that an investigator had said that was an answer to one of our prayers. Then that thought led to another little miracle that had happened that day, then that led to another. Then as I kept thinking about what had happened that day I didn´t have time to write down all the miracles God had blessed us with. I remember as I was watching the time go by I thought "Wow, I thought nothing really exciting had happened today, but here I am ´writing down the miracles I saw and I don´t have time to write them all." It was such a testimony to me that God truly is in our lives and he blesses us, he blesses us so much we can´t even count them all. It was also a testimony to me of how important journal writing is and Elder Hollands talk about writing down how you see God´s hand in your life each day. When we actually take the time to think about it we will be amazed. How incredible the gospel is.
Another awesome experience we had this week was on Sunday we were at home tallying up our numbers and we got a phone call. IT was from one of our investigators. We answered and she said, "I saw a miracle today!" We said, "What was it?" She said, "I told you at church how I had lost my pillow and after church I couldn´t find it so I decided to pray. Then After my prayer I found my pillow. IT was a miracle! My prayer was answered." We were so happy. 1st of all that she had actually decided to pray to God, and that God had answered her prayer. But also that she was so happy that she had thought to call us. We were surprised but I thought it was so cool. God is there and is involved in the details of our lives. If we are concered about something then he is too, and he wants to help us. As I said there were so many little miracles that happened this week I don´t have time to tell you all of them, but that one was my favorite I think. Yea for miracles! Yea for the gospel! and Yea for everything that is true and faithful! That is my new favortie phrase, true and faithful. That is what this gospel is and what we need to be. This church has the truth. The truth for life and for eternity. We have it, we know it, and I am so grateful for this special opportunity to share it with others. Wow, we have truth. Real solid, stable, never changing truth. It feels so good to know that. Truth brings stability and true happiness when we follow the true commandments that come from our loving Heavenly Father. I love this gospel, I love it to my core.
I love you too family!
-Sister Fitzgerald
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Temple!
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Family!
It was so good to hear from you once again, wie immer. (Like always). It is so fun to tell people I have a brother on his mission in Uruguay! There are two of us out now. That makes me so happy. We had an investigator the other day that said, "I think that is a good tradition that your family has, to go on missions. To share what you believe and to learn a new language and go to another country. That is a good tradition." I agree! Missions are very good traditions. And I would just like to thank all the examples that went before me. I have a thought about missionary work, but I will share it a little later.
That is so cool that some of you went and hiked Timp! Wow. I am proud of you. That is so funny because the other day my companion and me were going up and down so many stairs and we had so many places to go so we were running everywhere and I turned to my companion and said, "I will be ready to run up Timp by the time I get home!" So that is fun that you actually went this week. I am sure that would´ve been so fun. I cannot even tell you how much I have learned about the importance of families since I have been on my mission. Families are a great strength. A huge strength! I knew they were important before, but now I just know it even more. So I am so glad that we are a family and that we can all help each other. Thank you family for being there! Thank you mom and dad for taking care of all of us.
I don´t think I mentioned it in my last email, but that is awesome that Chris and Jason are starting together on the football team. It is turning into Fall here very quickly and the other day the cold weather reminded me of something but I couldn´t remember, then it hit me, Football games! It was such a funny thought. Anyway, I am so happy for Chris and Jason to play together. That must be so much fun. Go Fitz brothers!!!
Well this week has been great. I will start with the most recent thing on my mind and that is the temple. We had the opportunity today to go to the temple and it was wonderful. I cannot even describe. Well in short it was home, really home. It was so peaceful, and harmonious, and the feeling of love, and service was there. It was so wonderful. This was my first time in over 6 months, and oh it felt good to go back. While there I just had so many new insights and a chance to feel what heaven will be like. Enough to make me want to go back out again and share it with others. The Temple is a wonderful blessing, a blessing of heaven.
Well we were able to find three new investigators this week! And we are really excited for them. They all are really searching for answers. And we have them! It is so comforting to know that when people say, "My dad died three months ago, do you know where he is or what will happen to him?" we can say "Yes. God has a plan for all his children for them to be happy and that plan helps us to know where are loved ones go after this life and what God has in store for them and all of us." or when people say, "My family is the most important thing to me, I just want to know how I can keep them safe. I want to find my way in this life so I can show my children." And this gospel has the way prepared to help all people.
I love this gospel and the light it brings to our life. The peace it brings, the knowledge it brings, the comfort it brings, the help it brings, the strength it brings. God loved us so he sent his Son. If we have faith on him and follow his example we will have happiness now and always. This gospel brings happiness. That is truth. No one can deny that. While I was in the temple I just imagined what it would be like to converse with Heavenly Father. All the little sins that I might try to justify just seemed so silly. I felt and knew that Heavenly Father knew me to my core and I knew that I knew he was my Father and I just realized my desire to become more like Him and His Son Jesus Christ.
So my thought that I was talking about before about missionary work. It ´s like an all in one job. We are down in the dirt working (sometimes in service), we talk to people wherever they are on the street, behind their doors, on the Buses and trains, then we manage everything. Once a week we plan and we figure out how and what we can teach people so they can come closer to Christ. We are the managers, plus the nitty gritty workers. I guess God is more of the manager, if we follow the spirit he will guide us. But he does give us our stewardship and expects us to manage well and work hard. Missionary life, is a great life, and the best preparation for the rest of my life!
I love this work, and I love you family!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
Mom tell Kristin hi and thanks for those pictures. They were really fun to see.
Family!
It was so good to hear from you once again, wie immer. (Like always). It is so fun to tell people I have a brother on his mission in Uruguay! There are two of us out now. That makes me so happy. We had an investigator the other day that said, "I think that is a good tradition that your family has, to go on missions. To share what you believe and to learn a new language and go to another country. That is a good tradition." I agree! Missions are very good traditions. And I would just like to thank all the examples that went before me. I have a thought about missionary work, but I will share it a little later.
That is so cool that some of you went and hiked Timp! Wow. I am proud of you. That is so funny because the other day my companion and me were going up and down so many stairs and we had so many places to go so we were running everywhere and I turned to my companion and said, "I will be ready to run up Timp by the time I get home!" So that is fun that you actually went this week. I am sure that would´ve been so fun. I cannot even tell you how much I have learned about the importance of families since I have been on my mission. Families are a great strength. A huge strength! I knew they were important before, but now I just know it even more. So I am so glad that we are a family and that we can all help each other. Thank you family for being there! Thank you mom and dad for taking care of all of us.
I don´t think I mentioned it in my last email, but that is awesome that Chris and Jason are starting together on the football team. It is turning into Fall here very quickly and the other day the cold weather reminded me of something but I couldn´t remember, then it hit me, Football games! It was such a funny thought. Anyway, I am so happy for Chris and Jason to play together. That must be so much fun. Go Fitz brothers!!!
Well this week has been great. I will start with the most recent thing on my mind and that is the temple. We had the opportunity today to go to the temple and it was wonderful. I cannot even describe. Well in short it was home, really home. It was so peaceful, and harmonious, and the feeling of love, and service was there. It was so wonderful. This was my first time in over 6 months, and oh it felt good to go back. While there I just had so many new insights and a chance to feel what heaven will be like. Enough to make me want to go back out again and share it with others. The Temple is a wonderful blessing, a blessing of heaven.
Well we were able to find three new investigators this week! And we are really excited for them. They all are really searching for answers. And we have them! It is so comforting to know that when people say, "My dad died three months ago, do you know where he is or what will happen to him?" we can say "Yes. God has a plan for all his children for them to be happy and that plan helps us to know where are loved ones go after this life and what God has in store for them and all of us." or when people say, "My family is the most important thing to me, I just want to know how I can keep them safe. I want to find my way in this life so I can show my children." And this gospel has the way prepared to help all people.
I love this gospel and the light it brings to our life. The peace it brings, the knowledge it brings, the comfort it brings, the help it brings, the strength it brings. God loved us so he sent his Son. If we have faith on him and follow his example we will have happiness now and always. This gospel brings happiness. That is truth. No one can deny that. While I was in the temple I just imagined what it would be like to converse with Heavenly Father. All the little sins that I might try to justify just seemed so silly. I felt and knew that Heavenly Father knew me to my core and I knew that I knew he was my Father and I just realized my desire to become more like Him and His Son Jesus Christ.
So my thought that I was talking about before about missionary work. It ´s like an all in one job. We are down in the dirt working (sometimes in service), we talk to people wherever they are on the street, behind their doors, on the Buses and trains, then we manage everything. Once a week we plan and we figure out how and what we can teach people so they can come closer to Christ. We are the managers, plus the nitty gritty workers. I guess God is more of the manager, if we follow the spirit he will guide us. But he does give us our stewardship and expects us to manage well and work hard. Missionary life, is a great life, and the best preparation for the rest of my life!
I love this work, and I love you family!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
Mom tell Kristin hi and thanks for those pictures. They were really fun to see.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Miracles
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Hello Family!
I was so excited to hear from you this week. It is just always so good to hear from you. This week has been good. We had Zone conference this week and it was incredible. Sister Ninow spoke to us and I just felt the spirit so strong. I knew that must be what heaven feels like, it must be. Her topic was record keeping actually, all types, journals, letters, and scriptures. The biggest thing that stood out to me was to write down what you are becoming. Day to day as I write in my journal and letters home I feel like I include details, because that is good and wonderful. But more importantly I try to write down the things I am learning at each stage I´m in, write down the way I see the Lords hand in my life. I can´t say it all, but it really hit me. The major part of it was working more with members. President Ninow was in France (I think) at an area conference last week with Elder Ballard and the Area Presidency in Europe. There were some amazing things promised. Europe is preparing for another harvest, greater than the first when Heber C. Kimball and the others were here. It will happen with the younger generation and it will only happen as the missionaries and the members work together. It was so exciting. Also they said that for the first time in decades Europe is seeing an increase in baptisms instead of a decrease. I know this work is so important and it is Gods will that we all be a part of it. The Elders in our district had a baptism and as I saw her be baptized and confirmed I knew that it was so important that the members befriend her, accept her, love her, teach her. Being a missionary has really helped me see a whole other side of things. I was just thinking yesterday what a miracle it is that people stop long enough to hear what we say on the street. It is a bigger miracle when they decide to come meet with us and then actually meet with us. A greater miracle still is when they accept and keep the commitments, and start to progress in coming closer to the Savior. A greater miracle still is to see them get baptized and commit the rest of thier lives to living Gods will, to change their lives so God can bless them. It is a miracle to have them continue after baptism in the church, to not fall away, to not loose sight of their goal. A greater miracle still is to watch them preapre to go to the temple to make and keep more convenants and prepare to recieve more blessings the Lord has for them. And then to keep those covenants and continue to endure cheerfully, hopefully, faithfully to the end. There are miracles everywhere. Every step is a miracle and so important. I just pray so much for the new converts to not loose faith, to continue in the faith and never waver. This gospel is true and brigns peace in our lives. Satan is the adversary to everything good and pleasing to righteousness.
The gospel means everything to me. Knowing and becoming more like our Savior is my goal. Helping others come unto him is my quest. This work truly is a work :) and a wonder!
Love
Sister Fitzgerald
Hello Family!
I was so excited to hear from you this week. It is just always so good to hear from you. This week has been good. We had Zone conference this week and it was incredible. Sister Ninow spoke to us and I just felt the spirit so strong. I knew that must be what heaven feels like, it must be. Her topic was record keeping actually, all types, journals, letters, and scriptures. The biggest thing that stood out to me was to write down what you are becoming. Day to day as I write in my journal and letters home I feel like I include details, because that is good and wonderful. But more importantly I try to write down the things I am learning at each stage I´m in, write down the way I see the Lords hand in my life. I can´t say it all, but it really hit me. The major part of it was working more with members. President Ninow was in France (I think) at an area conference last week with Elder Ballard and the Area Presidency in Europe. There were some amazing things promised. Europe is preparing for another harvest, greater than the first when Heber C. Kimball and the others were here. It will happen with the younger generation and it will only happen as the missionaries and the members work together. It was so exciting. Also they said that for the first time in decades Europe is seeing an increase in baptisms instead of a decrease. I know this work is so important and it is Gods will that we all be a part of it. The Elders in our district had a baptism and as I saw her be baptized and confirmed I knew that it was so important that the members befriend her, accept her, love her, teach her. Being a missionary has really helped me see a whole other side of things. I was just thinking yesterday what a miracle it is that people stop long enough to hear what we say on the street. It is a bigger miracle when they decide to come meet with us and then actually meet with us. A greater miracle still is when they accept and keep the commitments, and start to progress in coming closer to the Savior. A greater miracle still is to see them get baptized and commit the rest of thier lives to living Gods will, to change their lives so God can bless them. It is a miracle to have them continue after baptism in the church, to not fall away, to not loose sight of their goal. A greater miracle still is to watch them preapre to go to the temple to make and keep more convenants and prepare to recieve more blessings the Lord has for them. And then to keep those covenants and continue to endure cheerfully, hopefully, faithfully to the end. There are miracles everywhere. Every step is a miracle and so important. I just pray so much for the new converts to not loose faith, to continue in the faith and never waver. This gospel is true and brigns peace in our lives. Satan is the adversary to everything good and pleasing to righteousness.
The gospel means everything to me. Knowing and becoming more like our Savior is my goal. Helping others come unto him is my quest. This work truly is a work :) and a wonder!
Love
Sister Fitzgerald
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Blessings! Thank You!
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dear Family,
Thank you so much for the package. I received it a few days ago, but I waited to open it on my birthday. It was so much fun! I will say all the birthday stuff first then I will say everything else. So I woke up on August 24th and what to my surprise was on my desk window? It was a Happy Birthday poster with a bunch of sticky notes with nice things written on them all around. It was really cute. Then we went through a lovely bike ride through this really pretty park near our apartment. Then while I was getting ready my companion Sister Bodtcher made me crapes!!! They were so good! And we had my favorite hazlenut butter on top. :) It was delicious. After studies we hit the road for contacting. Oh before that the zone leaders called and sang happy birthday to me. It was funny, they were trying to sound like the other sisters. Anyway, That morning I had prayed to have us be able to teach a lesson on the street today and to get a new investigator from it, that would be the best present. So of course, like usual at the very end of our contacting time we contacted someone that was interested, we taught him some things, made out a new appointment, and he became a new investigator! Heavenly Father is so good at giving good presents. It was so cool. Then after that we were supposed to have a practice (we are singing for a baptism this weekend) with our district. And so we all met at the train stop then got on the train and started to travel. I wasn´t really recognizing the surroundings, but figured it was just another way to get to the church. Then we approached this Thai resturant and all the district said "Surprise! We´re not practicing. Happy Birthday!" I was so shocked. It was so much fun. After lunch we started contacting again, then our investigator went to FHE so we went and while there everyoen sang happy birthday to me. It was fun. Of course the day ended with coming home and planning and then opening your package. Thank you so much for the letters and the pictures. I loved it! Really Truly. I have the best family ever! It was a very good birthday.
Now, this week was good. We had a good lesson with our investigator. We were able to find out what his concerns were with baptism and now we know what to teach. It was so good. I just hope we can be led by the spirit to help him overcome his fear of commitment and get baptized. We taught some other lessons on the street, all of which were answers to prayers. I was so grateful. God is so good to us. He does answer prayers, we just have to work for them, and look for Gods hand.
I know this church is true! It means so much to me to know the truth. I know that happiness comes in serving others. Sometimes when I get discouraged, or doubtful, I just stop and think, "What? This church is true and it makes me happy. Now go tell that person." Then when I do, I always feel better, no matter what their response is. When we do what God wants us to do, we feel satisfied and happy. It is a very good feeling. I love this gospel, and being a missionary!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Dear Family,
Thank you so much for the package. I received it a few days ago, but I waited to open it on my birthday. It was so much fun! I will say all the birthday stuff first then I will say everything else. So I woke up on August 24th and what to my surprise was on my desk window? It was a Happy Birthday poster with a bunch of sticky notes with nice things written on them all around. It was really cute. Then we went through a lovely bike ride through this really pretty park near our apartment. Then while I was getting ready my companion Sister Bodtcher made me crapes!!! They were so good! And we had my favorite hazlenut butter on top. :) It was delicious. After studies we hit the road for contacting. Oh before that the zone leaders called and sang happy birthday to me. It was funny, they were trying to sound like the other sisters. Anyway, That morning I had prayed to have us be able to teach a lesson on the street today and to get a new investigator from it, that would be the best present. So of course, like usual at the very end of our contacting time we contacted someone that was interested, we taught him some things, made out a new appointment, and he became a new investigator! Heavenly Father is so good at giving good presents. It was so cool. Then after that we were supposed to have a practice (we are singing for a baptism this weekend) with our district. And so we all met at the train stop then got on the train and started to travel. I wasn´t really recognizing the surroundings, but figured it was just another way to get to the church. Then we approached this Thai resturant and all the district said "Surprise! We´re not practicing. Happy Birthday!" I was so shocked. It was so much fun. After lunch we started contacting again, then our investigator went to FHE so we went and while there everyoen sang happy birthday to me. It was fun. Of course the day ended with coming home and planning and then opening your package. Thank you so much for the letters and the pictures. I loved it! Really Truly. I have the best family ever! It was a very good birthday.
Now, this week was good. We had a good lesson with our investigator. We were able to find out what his concerns were with baptism and now we know what to teach. It was so good. I just hope we can be led by the spirit to help him overcome his fear of commitment and get baptized. We taught some other lessons on the street, all of which were answers to prayers. I was so grateful. God is so good to us. He does answer prayers, we just have to work for them, and look for Gods hand.
I know this church is true! It means so much to me to know the truth. I know that happiness comes in serving others. Sometimes when I get discouraged, or doubtful, I just stop and think, "What? This church is true and it makes me happy. Now go tell that person." Then when I do, I always feel better, no matter what their response is. When we do what God wants us to do, we feel satisfied and happy. It is a very good feeling. I love this gospel, and being a missionary!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Power of the Spirit
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hallo Familie!
Well it sounds like the reunion was amazing. I am so glad. Mom, I just want you to know I have a testimony of reunions too. They really bring families together. The spirit of unity is so powerful! I am now in Frankfurt and I was pretty nervous to come, but it soon left because we had our first District Meeting last week and our district is so unified. I was almost blown away, the spirit was so strong. It just felt like home. That is what this transfer feels like actually. Everything feels so natural and wonderful. Our first District Meeting was really good for me, everyone was so nice and friendly wanting to help in whatever way they could. Oh, it was so cool. I know there is strength in unity, for I sure felt it. Also Frankfurt just feels like home. It´s huge though. It is the biggest city in our mission. Düsseldorf is the 2nd biggest, but it is a German city so it doesn´t feel as big. German cities are flat for the most part, no sky scrapers or anything, a lot of trees. The people were really nice and slower paced. A lot of Frankfurt was bombed out during the war so they have had to rebuild a lot and it is more modern. It reminds me of a city in America, tons of people, tons of tall buildings, everything is fast paced (I don´t know if I said that right). The escolaters are way fast here. When we go contact on the Zeil (a huge pedestrian/mall place) you really go from person to person and there is no time for a break. It is so much fun. You just talk and talk and talk. I really like it. And my companion is awesome! Sister Bodtcher from American Fork. She is so sweet, so nice, so charitable, so bold and such a good teacher. She actually reminds me a lot of Kim. She has been out for three months, so we are both kinda young on the mission. But that doesn´t stop us. We have been working so hard. Yesterday as we went to say our nightly companionship prayer we were talking about the day and the experiences we had had and it felt like it had been three days in one. I feel like I have been here for a month already, and it is only my first week.
So some funny experiences I wanted to share with you. . . . After I met Sister Bodtcher at the church we went to leave for our apartment to take my luggage there. Well the side walks here are all cobblestone and as we were going down the street the wheels on my luggage broke! We had to carry my 100+ pounds of luggage all over Frankfurt til we got back to our apartment. I felt so bad for Sister Bodtcher, but she was super nice about it, and we both just carried it back. I was so sore for like 3 days afterwards. It was so funny.
Another funny story was, I went to my first week at church here on Sunday. And I should also say it felt just like home. That was such a blessing. But as I went into sacrament meeting I heard someone say from behind, "Sister Fitzgerald?" in a familiar voice, I turned around and there was my MTC teacher! It was so funny. We were both so surprised. He was just touring the mission again and happened to be in Frankfurt my first Sunday there. What is funny is later on that night we had an appointment and when we were on the way there we saw him again, and he was going to the same place. So I ended up teaching a lesson in Germany to my MTC teacher. I never thought that would happen. At the end he was joking and said he tests all of his students to see what kind of missionaries they really are. It was so funny.
Frankfurt is the place to be. It is the center of everything. The Europe Area office is right by the church, and so that is really neat. Also you meet so many people here. Yesterday as we were contacting a man came up to us and in broken English said, "I am Member too from Venezuela." It was so cool. He showed us his temple recommend then wanted a picture with us. It was cool. Wow, A lot of things happened yesterday.
But one really neat thing that happened was we taught an investigator a 1st. (she´s been taught the first 3 already, but struggles with Joseph Smith so we taught a 1st again). We got to the part of Joseph Smith and she said she could not believe he was a prophet and wouldn´t pray about it because of the things she had read about him in some anti literature. So a lot of the discussion was how you can´t trust things online and this and that, but then my awesome companion just said, "Can I just say something?" Both of the ladies that were talking stopped and she proceeded to bare her simple, heartfelt, very powerful testimony. Then I gave mine. Once we bore our testimonies the Spirit was so strong and we committed her to pray about Joseph Smith that night and she said she would. The power of testimony is real. This gospel is true. And truth never dies.
Ritchie good luck with your talk! I am so excited for you. That is so neat you got to talk with James. I bet that was a really neat experience. I can´t wait till I get to talk with him. And everyone else! Ritchie you will be such a great missionary! What is your address in the Argentina MTC? I told the man from Venezuela that my younger brother was going to Uruguay on his mission next week, and he was very excited for you too. :)
I have to go, but I love you family! I am so glad you had a good week! I will pray for you mom for your lesson!
My address here is:
Karl-Kotzenberg Str. 9
60431 Frankfurt am Main
Deutschland
But really we see people from the office all the time and they give us our mail. So either way.
Love you!
Sister Fitzgerald
Hallo Familie!
Well it sounds like the reunion was amazing. I am so glad. Mom, I just want you to know I have a testimony of reunions too. They really bring families together. The spirit of unity is so powerful! I am now in Frankfurt and I was pretty nervous to come, but it soon left because we had our first District Meeting last week and our district is so unified. I was almost blown away, the spirit was so strong. It just felt like home. That is what this transfer feels like actually. Everything feels so natural and wonderful. Our first District Meeting was really good for me, everyone was so nice and friendly wanting to help in whatever way they could. Oh, it was so cool. I know there is strength in unity, for I sure felt it. Also Frankfurt just feels like home. It´s huge though. It is the biggest city in our mission. Düsseldorf is the 2nd biggest, but it is a German city so it doesn´t feel as big. German cities are flat for the most part, no sky scrapers or anything, a lot of trees. The people were really nice and slower paced. A lot of Frankfurt was bombed out during the war so they have had to rebuild a lot and it is more modern. It reminds me of a city in America, tons of people, tons of tall buildings, everything is fast paced (I don´t know if I said that right). The escolaters are way fast here. When we go contact on the Zeil (a huge pedestrian/mall place) you really go from person to person and there is no time for a break. It is so much fun. You just talk and talk and talk. I really like it. And my companion is awesome! Sister Bodtcher from American Fork. She is so sweet, so nice, so charitable, so bold and such a good teacher. She actually reminds me a lot of Kim. She has been out for three months, so we are both kinda young on the mission. But that doesn´t stop us. We have been working so hard. Yesterday as we went to say our nightly companionship prayer we were talking about the day and the experiences we had had and it felt like it had been three days in one. I feel like I have been here for a month already, and it is only my first week.
So some funny experiences I wanted to share with you. . . . After I met Sister Bodtcher at the church we went to leave for our apartment to take my luggage there. Well the side walks here are all cobblestone and as we were going down the street the wheels on my luggage broke! We had to carry my 100+ pounds of luggage all over Frankfurt til we got back to our apartment. I felt so bad for Sister Bodtcher, but she was super nice about it, and we both just carried it back. I was so sore for like 3 days afterwards. It was so funny.
Another funny story was, I went to my first week at church here on Sunday. And I should also say it felt just like home. That was such a blessing. But as I went into sacrament meeting I heard someone say from behind, "Sister Fitzgerald?" in a familiar voice, I turned around and there was my MTC teacher! It was so funny. We were both so surprised. He was just touring the mission again and happened to be in Frankfurt my first Sunday there. What is funny is later on that night we had an appointment and when we were on the way there we saw him again, and he was going to the same place. So I ended up teaching a lesson in Germany to my MTC teacher. I never thought that would happen. At the end he was joking and said he tests all of his students to see what kind of missionaries they really are. It was so funny.
Frankfurt is the place to be. It is the center of everything. The Europe Area office is right by the church, and so that is really neat. Also you meet so many people here. Yesterday as we were contacting a man came up to us and in broken English said, "I am Member too from Venezuela." It was so cool. He showed us his temple recommend then wanted a picture with us. It was cool. Wow, A lot of things happened yesterday.
But one really neat thing that happened was we taught an investigator a 1st. (she´s been taught the first 3 already, but struggles with Joseph Smith so we taught a 1st again). We got to the part of Joseph Smith and she said she could not believe he was a prophet and wouldn´t pray about it because of the things she had read about him in some anti literature. So a lot of the discussion was how you can´t trust things online and this and that, but then my awesome companion just said, "Can I just say something?" Both of the ladies that were talking stopped and she proceeded to bare her simple, heartfelt, very powerful testimony. Then I gave mine. Once we bore our testimonies the Spirit was so strong and we committed her to pray about Joseph Smith that night and she said she would. The power of testimony is real. This gospel is true. And truth never dies.
Ritchie good luck with your talk! I am so excited for you. That is so neat you got to talk with James. I bet that was a really neat experience. I can´t wait till I get to talk with him. And everyone else! Ritchie you will be such a great missionary! What is your address in the Argentina MTC? I told the man from Venezuela that my younger brother was going to Uruguay on his mission next week, and he was very excited for you too. :)
I have to go, but I love you family! I am so glad you had a good week! I will pray for you mom for your lesson!
My address here is:
Karl-Kotzenberg Str. 9
60431 Frankfurt am Main
Deutschland
But really we see people from the office all the time and they give us our mail. So either way.
Love you!
Sister Fitzgerald
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Season of Change
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Familie! I love you!!!
Before I forget maybe I should tell you where I am getting transferred too . . . :) I am going to FRANKFURT!!!! It´s funny how I said if I did get transferred, I wanted to go near Frankfurt so I could go to the temple. This just proves that God is very anxious to bless us, we just need to ask. I am excited and a little nervous. I will be the senior companion and yeah, that makes me nervous. But I feel totally at peace, and really excited too. As much as I want to be nervous I feel like the Lord won´t let me. He just keeps giving me peace, and excitement. I feel like I will grow a lot there, and it will be a little different. But I am looking forward to it. We go to Frankfurt as soon as I get this emal sent actually. My companion right now, will be training next cycle and has to go to a special meeting in Frankfurt tonight. We get to stay in a hotel, we are both kinda excited for that. :) Then I will meet my new companion tomorrow! I don´t have my address there yet, but if you send stuff to the mission office, my companion and I can stop by and pick it up. But I will have my new Frankfurt address next week. If you give stuff to Sister Marin, she will give it to Sister Niebergall who will give it to one of the AP´s at Zone conference who will give it to me in Frankfurt. I think Tara already gave her stuff. I am so glad you got to meet her and Shahab! That is neat you had met her family before in the temple. That is really neat. If you haven´t already given her stuff I would say just mail it instead.
Anyway, this week has been great. We have two more new investigators! I just can´t hardly believe it. The Lord has been blessing us so much. One we met like 3 weeks ago by the University. We did a survey and at the end he said he was interested. And we met with him this week and he really wants to learn more. Also, we got let in again doing doors! Miracles happen! It´s funny, this whole cycle whenever we had a lot of time to do doors we felt like we should go to this particular street. It was prettly long. And then this past Saturday on the very last building on the street we klingled this man and he let us in and we taught him about the Book of Mormon on the door step and he said he wanted to learn more! When we were back on the street I was just so shocked and happy. It was incredible. Some of our other lessons have fallen out, but hopefully we´ll meet with them soon. Another thing my companion pointed out to me yesterday was that two of the less actives we have been working with this cycle are coming to church now on a regular basis. I hadn´t noticed that, I don´t know why, but it was neat to think about. I will miss Düsseldorf. I have been here for 6 months. It does not feel like that long. I really enjoy the people, the city, our ward, our investigators, but I know I will love Frankfurt too. I think the change will be good for me. It usually is.
Also, I just love the scriptures. Everyday is just so rewarding. I have been studying the Christlike attributes this past cycle, and I just got to Knowledge a couple of days ago. (I go so slow because there is just so much to learn about each one). Anyway today I studied in D&C 93 and it said what truth was. Truth is a knowledge of things as they are, as they were and as they are to come. I thought that is so simple. Truth is so simple. It does exist, much to some people´s dismay, and it is simple, and is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also was studying in D&C 76:5-10. And it hit me that we are taught truth through the Spirit. The mysteries of God are told to us through the spirit. The way to find out the mysteries of God is to live worthy of the spirit. Then I just pondered for a long time about all the things I have learned on my mission so far. I have learned so much and have gained such a greater understanding of God and of his love for us, and for the truth that he has given us. I know that knowledge is given to us through the spirit. And when we have a knowledge of God and his love for us, our desire to share that knowledge grows. Oh I love this gospel! I just can´t explain how much I love this gospel. Ritchie I can´t wait for you to start your mission. There is great joy and happiness waiting for you in Urugauy! There is great happiness waiting for all of us as we live more worthy of the spirit day by day. This gospel is true! Truth brings happiness! Truth is a knowledge of how things are. Once we realize that we can use it for good and take flight! Just like once we realize gravity exists we can build a plane and fly. If we refuse to believe gravity exists we will never get off the ground. God wants to give all of his children so much! Let us get into the spiritual condition we need to be able to experience the joy he has for us, and share it with all his children. Tell everyone at the reunion hello from me! Welcome home James! Good luck Ritchie I am so excited for you! (What is Ritchie´s MTC address?) I love our Stubbs family!! I hope you have a wonderful time at the reunion. See ya next year!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
I am sorry my mailbox picture is torturous. I thought it would be funny. I am glad the boys got a kick out of it. Prepare yourself Ritchie. :) Just kidding, you have a ton of friends I am sure they will write you. If not though Paul wrote a lot of letters to us in the New Testement, just read those if you want a letter. :)
Familie! I love you!!!
Before I forget maybe I should tell you where I am getting transferred too . . . :) I am going to FRANKFURT!!!! It´s funny how I said if I did get transferred, I wanted to go near Frankfurt so I could go to the temple. This just proves that God is very anxious to bless us, we just need to ask. I am excited and a little nervous. I will be the senior companion and yeah, that makes me nervous. But I feel totally at peace, and really excited too. As much as I want to be nervous I feel like the Lord won´t let me. He just keeps giving me peace, and excitement. I feel like I will grow a lot there, and it will be a little different. But I am looking forward to it. We go to Frankfurt as soon as I get this emal sent actually. My companion right now, will be training next cycle and has to go to a special meeting in Frankfurt tonight. We get to stay in a hotel, we are both kinda excited for that. :) Then I will meet my new companion tomorrow! I don´t have my address there yet, but if you send stuff to the mission office, my companion and I can stop by and pick it up. But I will have my new Frankfurt address next week. If you give stuff to Sister Marin, she will give it to Sister Niebergall who will give it to one of the AP´s at Zone conference who will give it to me in Frankfurt. I think Tara already gave her stuff. I am so glad you got to meet her and Shahab! That is neat you had met her family before in the temple. That is really neat. If you haven´t already given her stuff I would say just mail it instead.
Anyway, this week has been great. We have two more new investigators! I just can´t hardly believe it. The Lord has been blessing us so much. One we met like 3 weeks ago by the University. We did a survey and at the end he said he was interested. And we met with him this week and he really wants to learn more. Also, we got let in again doing doors! Miracles happen! It´s funny, this whole cycle whenever we had a lot of time to do doors we felt like we should go to this particular street. It was prettly long. And then this past Saturday on the very last building on the street we klingled this man and he let us in and we taught him about the Book of Mormon on the door step and he said he wanted to learn more! When we were back on the street I was just so shocked and happy. It was incredible. Some of our other lessons have fallen out, but hopefully we´ll meet with them soon. Another thing my companion pointed out to me yesterday was that two of the less actives we have been working with this cycle are coming to church now on a regular basis. I hadn´t noticed that, I don´t know why, but it was neat to think about. I will miss Düsseldorf. I have been here for 6 months. It does not feel like that long. I really enjoy the people, the city, our ward, our investigators, but I know I will love Frankfurt too. I think the change will be good for me. It usually is.
Also, I just love the scriptures. Everyday is just so rewarding. I have been studying the Christlike attributes this past cycle, and I just got to Knowledge a couple of days ago. (I go so slow because there is just so much to learn about each one). Anyway today I studied in D&C 93 and it said what truth was. Truth is a knowledge of things as they are, as they were and as they are to come. I thought that is so simple. Truth is so simple. It does exist, much to some people´s dismay, and it is simple, and is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also was studying in D&C 76:5-10. And it hit me that we are taught truth through the Spirit. The mysteries of God are told to us through the spirit. The way to find out the mysteries of God is to live worthy of the spirit. Then I just pondered for a long time about all the things I have learned on my mission so far. I have learned so much and have gained such a greater understanding of God and of his love for us, and for the truth that he has given us. I know that knowledge is given to us through the spirit. And when we have a knowledge of God and his love for us, our desire to share that knowledge grows. Oh I love this gospel! I just can´t explain how much I love this gospel. Ritchie I can´t wait for you to start your mission. There is great joy and happiness waiting for you in Urugauy! There is great happiness waiting for all of us as we live more worthy of the spirit day by day. This gospel is true! Truth brings happiness! Truth is a knowledge of how things are. Once we realize that we can use it for good and take flight! Just like once we realize gravity exists we can build a plane and fly. If we refuse to believe gravity exists we will never get off the ground. God wants to give all of his children so much! Let us get into the spiritual condition we need to be able to experience the joy he has for us, and share it with all his children. Tell everyone at the reunion hello from me! Welcome home James! Good luck Ritchie I am so excited for you! (What is Ritchie´s MTC address?) I love our Stubbs family!! I hope you have a wonderful time at the reunion. See ya next year!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
I am sorry my mailbox picture is torturous. I thought it would be funny. I am glad the boys got a kick out of it. Prepare yourself Ritchie. :) Just kidding, you have a ton of friends I am sure they will write you. If not though Paul wrote a lot of letters to us in the New Testement, just read those if you want a letter. :)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Blessings from Heaven
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Güten Tag Familie!
I hope everything is going well at home. Crozier good job on your swimming class. How are all the other boys doing? I haven´t heard from them individually for a while. :) I promise blessings will come as you write missionaries. :) I know you´re writing me letters for my birthday and that will be wonderful. I am looking forward to reading your experiences on how God has specifically answered a prayer of yours. Feel free to share any insights you have as you read the scriptures too. I still remember the first time I discovered Captain Monori was not Angel Moroni. I ran up the stairs and told mom, because I was so excited. It was so cool. Many insights have come since then and each of them is so precious to me. As for my birthday, that is really all I want, letters, oh and pictures! :) I have no secret desires. They have international stores here, so we can buy peanut butter and things like that. I missed having maple syrup, but then we went to the international store and got some. Transfers are in a week so it would probably be best to send the letters to the mission office, then I will get them at Zone Conference which will be right after my birthday.
Anyway, this week has been awesome. The Lord is just pouring down blessings on us. It is so neat. I will include what I wrote to my mission president: One really neat experience we had this week was meeting with our investigator Annette. She is the one we found doing doors and let us in. We taught her a first and she accepted a lot of it except for having prophets today. She said she could never believe that, and was very firm in her decision. We told her to pray about it and ask God if there were prophets today, and to continue to read in the scriptures. She said she would. As we were planning for our next appointment with her, we were trying to figure out how we could help her gain a testimony of prophets today, we looked up scriptures, reviewed conference talks. Then when we got to the lesson we asked her if she had prayed and read, she said yes, and that as she was reading she had the thought, "Why couldn´t there be prophets today? If God wanted to call a prophet today he could." We were so shocked, because she was so against it when we first talked about it. After that lesson I realized that God does his part. Annette read, and prayed with an open heart, and God gave her an answer, we didn´t have to prove to her that there were prophets. She simply prayed, and God simply answered. I love this work!
It was really cool. She also loves the Book of Mormon. She reads it to her daughter as she goes to bed. Yea! She gave the closing prayer in our last lesson and it was so simple and powerful. She thanked God for giving her truth, and that he led us to her door. I love hearing investigators pray. It is so good.
We also got in touch with Ulrike, our lady investigator that had the baptismal date, but then it fell out. We haven´t been able to get in touch with her for over three weeks. But we had a lesson with her last night and it went really well. We read with her from the Book of Mormon Lehi´s dream and how no matter what we need to continue to hold to the rod (read the scriptures), because Satan will try to distract us, confuse us, but as we study the scriptures and live the gospel, we will gain eternal life. She really enjoyed that story.
This week we have also just met a lot of people that have interest and want to learn more. We haven´t had lessons with them yet, but they are interested and want to learn more. It is really neat. I just feel like we are meeting with so many people. It is teriffic!
Oh, I keep forgetting to tell you that we got bikes a few weeks ago. That has been fun. Only one of my skirts has gotten caught in the tire. :)
Well, missionary work continues to go onward and I love it! There is no place I would rather be than preaching this gospel to the people of Germany. I love being a part of this work. It means so much to me. I know it´s true, and that is all that matters. I read 2 Nephi 2:6-8 today and I know the scriptures are true!
I love you family!
Sincerely,
Sister Fitzgerald
Güten Tag Familie!
I hope everything is going well at home. Crozier good job on your swimming class. How are all the other boys doing? I haven´t heard from them individually for a while. :) I promise blessings will come as you write missionaries. :) I know you´re writing me letters for my birthday and that will be wonderful. I am looking forward to reading your experiences on how God has specifically answered a prayer of yours. Feel free to share any insights you have as you read the scriptures too. I still remember the first time I discovered Captain Monori was not Angel Moroni. I ran up the stairs and told mom, because I was so excited. It was so cool. Many insights have come since then and each of them is so precious to me. As for my birthday, that is really all I want, letters, oh and pictures! :) I have no secret desires. They have international stores here, so we can buy peanut butter and things like that. I missed having maple syrup, but then we went to the international store and got some. Transfers are in a week so it would probably be best to send the letters to the mission office, then I will get them at Zone Conference which will be right after my birthday.
Anyway, this week has been awesome. The Lord is just pouring down blessings on us. It is so neat. I will include what I wrote to my mission president: One really neat experience we had this week was meeting with our investigator Annette. She is the one we found doing doors and let us in. We taught her a first and she accepted a lot of it except for having prophets today. She said she could never believe that, and was very firm in her decision. We told her to pray about it and ask God if there were prophets today, and to continue to read in the scriptures. She said she would. As we were planning for our next appointment with her, we were trying to figure out how we could help her gain a testimony of prophets today, we looked up scriptures, reviewed conference talks. Then when we got to the lesson we asked her if she had prayed and read, she said yes, and that as she was reading she had the thought, "Why couldn´t there be prophets today? If God wanted to call a prophet today he could." We were so shocked, because she was so against it when we first talked about it. After that lesson I realized that God does his part. Annette read, and prayed with an open heart, and God gave her an answer, we didn´t have to prove to her that there were prophets. She simply prayed, and God simply answered. I love this work!
It was really cool. She also loves the Book of Mormon. She reads it to her daughter as she goes to bed. Yea! She gave the closing prayer in our last lesson and it was so simple and powerful. She thanked God for giving her truth, and that he led us to her door. I love hearing investigators pray. It is so good.
We also got in touch with Ulrike, our lady investigator that had the baptismal date, but then it fell out. We haven´t been able to get in touch with her for over three weeks. But we had a lesson with her last night and it went really well. We read with her from the Book of Mormon Lehi´s dream and how no matter what we need to continue to hold to the rod (read the scriptures), because Satan will try to distract us, confuse us, but as we study the scriptures and live the gospel, we will gain eternal life. She really enjoyed that story.
This week we have also just met a lot of people that have interest and want to learn more. We haven´t had lessons with them yet, but they are interested and want to learn more. It is really neat. I just feel like we are meeting with so many people. It is teriffic!
Oh, I keep forgetting to tell you that we got bikes a few weeks ago. That has been fun. Only one of my skirts has gotten caught in the tire. :)
Well, missionary work continues to go onward and I love it! There is no place I would rather be than preaching this gospel to the people of Germany. I love being a part of this work. It means so much to me. I know it´s true, and that is all that matters. I read 2 Nephi 2:6-8 today and I know the scriptures are true!
I love you family!
Sincerely,
Sister Fitzgerald
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Law of the Harvest
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hello Family!
Thanks for emailing Mom. It is always good to hear what is happening. Wow, there is a lot happening. David is engaged and Steve is engaged and Katie is engaged? My goodness! That is so exciting!!! The 24th sounded fun too. I love going on picnics with the family. Here in Germany we sang pioneer songs that night. It was fun. And I guess we spread the gospel too. That was a fun way to celebrate. :) I also read the quotes I brought along with me from Heber C. Kimball, David P. Kimball, and Crozier Kimball about their missions and faith. I am grateful to have pioneer heritage.
This week has been awesome! We have been able to talk and teach more than ever this cycle. I believe in the Lawof the Harvest. We had a really cool experience on Saturday. This is what I emailed to my mission president:
And this week we even got let in while doing doors! We planned on Friday night but by the end we felt something wasn´t right. We went through our schedule again, and we decided to do an area of doors in the morning instead of that night. The next morning we went out and started doing doors, without seeing much success. We were about to stop and go have lunch but we decided to do one last building. As we did doors there, one lady opened her door and we started talking about the Book of Mormon. She said, "Kommen Sie rein!" We were a little shocked but went in and taught her a lesson about the Book of Mormon. She said that it was really interesting that we had knocked on her door because she was praying that morning, and then we came. We told her it wasn´t a coinsidence that we were there. And we set up another appointment for the next day. It was really neat. Having that experience really helped me to see that the Lords hand really is in this work, and the Spirit does guide and direct us. The Lord is preparing people, we just need to find them!
That was really cool. That is the first time I have been let in while doing doors to teach a lesson. On Sunday our day was completely full. We went to church in the morning then went back to that lady again and taught her a full first. Then right after that we went to another appointment with a lady we met on a Preparation day actually. That lesson was a little interesting. It was my first lesson where someone wanted to Bible bash with us. It actually turned out better than I thought because her friend that was there started asking us questions and we were able to answer. She agreed with a lot of what we said to her friend, and we agreed with a lot of what she said to her friend. In the end we just taught about the Book of Mormon, read Mornoni 10:4-5 and said they could pray to God to know if it´s true. She said she would not only like to read it, but study it. We said that would be even better. :) We left that appointment and started talking to people on the street as we were on our way home and we started talking to a young man (I thought I heard a Russian accent) about the Book of Mormon. He seemed a little interested so we pulled out a copy but the only copies I had were in Russian and Ukranian (we had just given our German Book of Mormon away). That morning I put those two languages in my bag because I thought maybe I´ll need them. So when I pulled it out in Russian the guy was really schocked and said "Why do you have a Russian Book in Germany?" I said "Because I thought I might meet a Russian man today." He said, "Well I know Russian, but I am from Ukrain." I said, "You are?" Then I pulled out the Ukrain Book of Mormon. He was completly shocked, I mean completly. HE said, "Why do you have a Ukrainian Book here in Germany?" I said, "Because I thought I meet a Ukrainian man today." He looked through it and read a little bit. We all read the Moroni promise together. Then a drunk man came up and started talking to us and asking us for money. After a while he left, but when we started talking to the young man again he said he wasn´t interested. He was Orthodox and the Bible was good enough for him. We said he could have the Book anyways and read it. He said no. We were so sad. He seemed really cool, and really interested. Then he left. We never know how much people are touched though. WE visited the Stake Patriarch yesterday and he said that his family were converts to the church but the missionary that had had the biggest impression on them had no idea he had done so. 20 years or so later this Stake Patriarch went to America to visit him this missionary. He knocked on his door and the man answered and the Stake Ptariarch explained who he was and why he was in America. The man invited him in. The Stake Patriarch then said, it was because of you our family joined the church, and now I am a Stake Patriarch and all of our family is strong in the church. The man said he had not baptized anyone on his mission and had felt he served a mission in vain. It was really neat. We don´t know how much good we are doing. That is why we need to keep doing good.
I know this work is the work of God. I have never had such a clear vision of what life is all about. We are here to prepare to meet God!!! and to help others prepare to meet him and live with him and our families for eternity! I hope this vision I have had about what life is all about will always stay with me. I never want to forget who I am and what my purpose is in this life. It is to prepare to meet God and to live worthy of the Celestial kingdom. I don´t want to get lazy about my purpose ever.
I love you family!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
I think Sister Marin will be in Utah until the 13th and she will fly out on the 14th. Also, Sarah´s sisters name is Kristen. Tell her hi if you talk to her again. She is so wonderful
Hello Family!
Thanks for emailing Mom. It is always good to hear what is happening. Wow, there is a lot happening. David is engaged and Steve is engaged and Katie is engaged? My goodness! That is so exciting!!! The 24th sounded fun too. I love going on picnics with the family. Here in Germany we sang pioneer songs that night. It was fun. And I guess we spread the gospel too. That was a fun way to celebrate. :) I also read the quotes I brought along with me from Heber C. Kimball, David P. Kimball, and Crozier Kimball about their missions and faith. I am grateful to have pioneer heritage.
This week has been awesome! We have been able to talk and teach more than ever this cycle. I believe in the Lawof the Harvest. We had a really cool experience on Saturday. This is what I emailed to my mission president:
And this week we even got let in while doing doors! We planned on Friday night but by the end we felt something wasn´t right. We went through our schedule again, and we decided to do an area of doors in the morning instead of that night. The next morning we went out and started doing doors, without seeing much success. We were about to stop and go have lunch but we decided to do one last building. As we did doors there, one lady opened her door and we started talking about the Book of Mormon. She said, "Kommen Sie rein!" We were a little shocked but went in and taught her a lesson about the Book of Mormon. She said that it was really interesting that we had knocked on her door because she was praying that morning, and then we came. We told her it wasn´t a coinsidence that we were there. And we set up another appointment for the next day. It was really neat. Having that experience really helped me to see that the Lords hand really is in this work, and the Spirit does guide and direct us. The Lord is preparing people, we just need to find them!
That was really cool. That is the first time I have been let in while doing doors to teach a lesson. On Sunday our day was completely full. We went to church in the morning then went back to that lady again and taught her a full first. Then right after that we went to another appointment with a lady we met on a Preparation day actually. That lesson was a little interesting. It was my first lesson where someone wanted to Bible bash with us. It actually turned out better than I thought because her friend that was there started asking us questions and we were able to answer. She agreed with a lot of what we said to her friend, and we agreed with a lot of what she said to her friend. In the end we just taught about the Book of Mormon, read Mornoni 10:4-5 and said they could pray to God to know if it´s true. She said she would not only like to read it, but study it. We said that would be even better. :) We left that appointment and started talking to people on the street as we were on our way home and we started talking to a young man (I thought I heard a Russian accent) about the Book of Mormon. He seemed a little interested so we pulled out a copy but the only copies I had were in Russian and Ukranian (we had just given our German Book of Mormon away). That morning I put those two languages in my bag because I thought maybe I´ll need them. So when I pulled it out in Russian the guy was really schocked and said "Why do you have a Russian Book in Germany?" I said "Because I thought I might meet a Russian man today." He said, "Well I know Russian, but I am from Ukrain." I said, "You are?" Then I pulled out the Ukrain Book of Mormon. He was completly shocked, I mean completly. HE said, "Why do you have a Ukrainian Book here in Germany?" I said, "Because I thought I meet a Ukrainian man today." He looked through it and read a little bit. We all read the Moroni promise together. Then a drunk man came up and started talking to us and asking us for money. After a while he left, but when we started talking to the young man again he said he wasn´t interested. He was Orthodox and the Bible was good enough for him. We said he could have the Book anyways and read it. He said no. We were so sad. He seemed really cool, and really interested. Then he left. We never know how much people are touched though. WE visited the Stake Patriarch yesterday and he said that his family were converts to the church but the missionary that had had the biggest impression on them had no idea he had done so. 20 years or so later this Stake Patriarch went to America to visit him this missionary. He knocked on his door and the man answered and the Stake Ptariarch explained who he was and why he was in America. The man invited him in. The Stake Patriarch then said, it was because of you our family joined the church, and now I am a Stake Patriarch and all of our family is strong in the church. The man said he had not baptized anyone on his mission and had felt he served a mission in vain. It was really neat. We don´t know how much good we are doing. That is why we need to keep doing good.
I know this work is the work of God. I have never had such a clear vision of what life is all about. We are here to prepare to meet God!!! and to help others prepare to meet him and live with him and our families for eternity! I hope this vision I have had about what life is all about will always stay with me. I never want to forget who I am and what my purpose is in this life. It is to prepare to meet God and to live worthy of the Celestial kingdom. I don´t want to get lazy about my purpose ever.
I love you family!
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
I think Sister Marin will be in Utah until the 13th and she will fly out on the 14th. Also, Sarah´s sisters name is Kristen. Tell her hi if you talk to her again. She is so wonderful
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
God is Always There
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Familie! Ich liebe euch!
Thank you for all the emails. The Lord truly has blessed me this week, through you! Receiving your emails helps me to be optimistic. Thank you so much. Wow, the business is officially sold! Dad how do you feel? Mom, you joined facebook! My goodness. Now I feel like anything is possible. Chris you got your wisdom teeth out. How many? How are you feeling now? Ritchie way to go loading out all the machines by yourself. That is a pretty hefty job. I am impressed. Jason, Crozier, what are you up to?
Some really neat things have happened this week. It has been pretty great. I have started to take notes in my planner of things I want to tell you about because I always seem to forget the little things that happen. Anyway, first things first. At our Zone Conference Elder Coasse told us to go through the church and set up a church tour for our investigators. This would help them to feel more comfortable coming to church, and they would be able to feel of the spirit in the church. So Sister Niebergall and I did that. We walked through the church and organized a tour where we would stop and what we would say. Then later in the week our investigator Peter was able to come. (He is the one that got sick last week and wasn´t able to do this church tour we had planned). It was really neat. We started in the chapel and talked about the Sacrament then went through the rest of the church stopping to explain temples and families, health Word of Wisdom, then we ended in the room with the baptismal font and we both bore our testimonies of the blessings we have received form being baptized and asked him if he would be baptized when he found out the church was true. He said yes! then we asked him how he felt and he said wonderful. We told him that was the Holy Ghost telling him that the church is true. It was really cool. We are so grateful and happy to be teaching him.
Another neat thing was on Saturday we had a street preach. That is where our zone gets together and we sing hymns on the Fuß (pedestrian walkway thing) and others of us go and contact people that are walking by or stop to listen. Anyway, so we were singing and I noticed this lady that had stopped to listen, and after a song or two she started to walk away. So my companion and I ran up to her and told her why we were singing, because we knew Christ was our Savior and that brought us joy and we want to share that joy with others. She at first said she was Catholic and that she would stay that way. We said that was OK but then asked how knowing the Savior has helped her in her life. After that she just started crying and said that it has been really hard for her lately. But when we she walked by and heard us singing about Christ, and noticed we were all really young, we all looked nice, and were friendly she felt that the world was still good. There were still good people on the earth. She said thank you (Danke) a few times then left. She didn´t turn into a contact, but she felt the spirit of the Lord and it meant a lot to me to know that we were doing good and through that other peoples faith was being strengthened. It is moments like that that make me so happy to be a missionary.
Family, once again, I love you. I know God is there loving, helping, serving all of us. This gospel is true.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
Mom thank you for sending those pictures from Annika, and for the quote, and Cole´s funeral program. That was really neat to read. I am glad Ritchie was able to be a part of it.
Familie! Ich liebe euch!
Thank you for all the emails. The Lord truly has blessed me this week, through you! Receiving your emails helps me to be optimistic. Thank you so much. Wow, the business is officially sold! Dad how do you feel? Mom, you joined facebook! My goodness. Now I feel like anything is possible. Chris you got your wisdom teeth out. How many? How are you feeling now? Ritchie way to go loading out all the machines by yourself. That is a pretty hefty job. I am impressed. Jason, Crozier, what are you up to?
Some really neat things have happened this week. It has been pretty great. I have started to take notes in my planner of things I want to tell you about because I always seem to forget the little things that happen. Anyway, first things first. At our Zone Conference Elder Coasse told us to go through the church and set up a church tour for our investigators. This would help them to feel more comfortable coming to church, and they would be able to feel of the spirit in the church. So Sister Niebergall and I did that. We walked through the church and organized a tour where we would stop and what we would say. Then later in the week our investigator Peter was able to come. (He is the one that got sick last week and wasn´t able to do this church tour we had planned). It was really neat. We started in the chapel and talked about the Sacrament then went through the rest of the church stopping to explain temples and families, health Word of Wisdom, then we ended in the room with the baptismal font and we both bore our testimonies of the blessings we have received form being baptized and asked him if he would be baptized when he found out the church was true. He said yes! then we asked him how he felt and he said wonderful. We told him that was the Holy Ghost telling him that the church is true. It was really cool. We are so grateful and happy to be teaching him.
Another neat thing was on Saturday we had a street preach. That is where our zone gets together and we sing hymns on the Fuß (pedestrian walkway thing) and others of us go and contact people that are walking by or stop to listen. Anyway, so we were singing and I noticed this lady that had stopped to listen, and after a song or two she started to walk away. So my companion and I ran up to her and told her why we were singing, because we knew Christ was our Savior and that brought us joy and we want to share that joy with others. She at first said she was Catholic and that she would stay that way. We said that was OK but then asked how knowing the Savior has helped her in her life. After that she just started crying and said that it has been really hard for her lately. But when we she walked by and heard us singing about Christ, and noticed we were all really young, we all looked nice, and were friendly she felt that the world was still good. There were still good people on the earth. She said thank you (Danke) a few times then left. She didn´t turn into a contact, but she felt the spirit of the Lord and it meant a lot to me to know that we were doing good and through that other peoples faith was being strengthened. It is moments like that that make me so happy to be a missionary.
Family, once again, I love you. I know God is there loving, helping, serving all of us. This gospel is true.
Love,
Sister Fitzgerald
P.S.
Mom thank you for sending those pictures from Annika, and for the quote, and Cole´s funeral program. That was really neat to read. I am glad Ritchie was able to be a part of it.
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