Liebe Familie,
I ate an entire can of Rotkohl this week. By myself. 680 grams, Monday to Sunday. As part of my crescendo plan, I have resolved to eat another one before I go home. (Important side note: can you find Rotkohl in the US?)
Anyways, I could talk about my week or I could talk about the last eighteen months. I don't think I will ever be able to really describe what my mission has meant to me, nor will I ever be able to repay my Father in Heaven for giving me the opportunity to come on a mission. I found a scripture in Alma that described my thoughts it pretty well:
"36 ...Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of
this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost
from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my
God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.
37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people,
whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his
bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my
great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever.
Amen." (Alma 26: 36-37)
I know God exists, and that He is our Father. He is aware of us and He is mindful of us, wherever we may be. He loves us and He wants us to return to Him. I have felt His love more on my mission than any other time in my life. I have seen the difference that Jesus Christ can make in a person and I have seen that glimmer of faith and hope grow into something powerful. It has changed me and it has changed people I've come to know and love. I know that God knows and loves every single soul here in Germany and I am so thankful to have been called to share this message with these people. I love my Savior so much. He is the
hope for the world on a very personal level. He is the reason I came out and the reason I am here. I know that this church is His church. God has given us a prophet to lead us and guide us, and He has given us the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which contain the teachings and doctrines of Jesus Christ and help us find our way home to our Father. Jesus Christ is the most important message to the world, and it has been an honor and blessing to wear His name over my heart for the last 18 months.
God is so good. I love this country, but more importantly, I love these people. And I know that God loves them. Thank you thank you thank you for your love and support and prayers.
See ya soon!
Sister Simpson
