Christmas in Germany!

Here are some of the beautiful sights of Christmas in Germany. This Advent wreath is a reminder of our Savior, the reason we celebrate Christmas. The Christmas Markets are plentiful so we visited one near Brandenburg Gate, and also one in Dresden. We enjoyed eating hot Hungarian scones, hot crepes filled with applesauce and other little treats. It was a nice rest from zone conferences and airport trips.

It is interesting to note that for the first time since 1981, ALL of Germany experienced a snowy "White Christmas"! Germany is also experiencing the coldest winter in more than 40 years!

"Rejoice, for the Hour of Your Mission is Come..." D&C 31:3

December Goldens

Front Row: Sisters Jordan, Smith & Anderson

Elders G. Davis, Jackson, Mitton, Frogget, Healey

Back Row: Sister Peltier, Elders Barnes, P. Davis

Elders Stoe, Colton, Dransfield, Marshall

Our newest missionaries (Goldens because they are precious, their light shines and they can be "written upon", taught by their trainers) arrive at Tegel Airport inspite of a snow storm that blasted the area. After checking in at the office we had a wonderful dinner and they had their first opportunity to go street contacting in Germany, only 6 hours after arriving.

On Wednesday the trainers arrive, we have our Golden Conference

and everyone departs for the train station only, two blocks from the

Lankwitz Church building. They are on their way to their first assignments.

"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" - Matt. 25:23

Elder Busche, Elder Merrell, Elder Gledhill, Elder Soupir,

Elder Stanworth travel home a few days after Christmas.

We wondered if the bad weather would keep them in

Berlin a little longer.

We did enjoy our outing to Mauerplatz (Place of the Wall) in

this winter wonderland.

"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" - Matt. 25:23

Elder Howarth returning home to Luxembourg

Elder Bertuleit returning home to Stuttgart, Germany

Mauerplatz was frosty cold but oh how beautiful and peaceful!

Christmas Zone Conferences

Berlin & Neubrandenburg Zones

Dresden & Leipzig Zones

Hamburg & Neumünster Zones

Hannover & Oldenburg Zones

Missionaries sing their thanks to those who prepare a wonderful meal.

Christmas Zone Conferences are a highlight because they carry a special, sweet spirit. It was well worth the hours upon hours of travel to visit these wonderful missionaries! At each conference the zone leaders and the assistants taught meaningful lessons. We were treated to a delicious meal and we played a white elephant gift exchange game.

A Pimentel family tradition is playing the hand bells together. The missionaries took part and did a great job. At two of the conferences we played inside due to the storm outside. At the other two conferences we stood outside and sang and rang the bells to those walking by, and to those who opened their window to listen. It really is sweet to hear testimonies of the birth of our Savior through song.

President and I both shared a Christmas message, the missionaries picked up their packages from home and they went on their way. They know their purpose. Christmas is a wonderful time to be on a mission.

Christmas Zone Conference Activities

The van was loaded and unloaded multiple times during the week. It served it's purpose and we were glad to have it for all of the packages and supplies.

It was a long, slow drive on the German Autobahn and many times there was

no moving at all. Travelling with Elder Howarth and Elder Allanbach made

time pass more quickly. (It took 7 hrs. to get from Hannover back to Berlin).

"Rejoice, for the Hour of Your Mission is Come..." D&C 31:3

Sister Singer, Sister Jordan, Sister & President Pimentel

Sister Jordan took the train to Berlin from her home in

the Oldenburg District. She will be serving with Sister Singer in Berlin

while she waits for her VISA to the USA. She will be

serving at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Sister Jordan receives her missionary name tag from Sister Pimentel.

"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" - Matt. 25:23

Elder & Sister Carr and Sister Monson

What sweet, hard working missionaries! They

will be missed.

"Rejoice, for the Hour of Your Mission is Come..." D&C 31:3

Elder & Sister Marks have arrived! They did not

hesitate a bit as they boarded the train to Kiel. They

will be serving in the Center for Young Adults.