Hallo Familie.
How are you doing? Are sure do miss you. How is the weather
there in Virginia? It is freezing here in Germany. I get to wear my winter coat
though it is really nice. And no more bike riding for me YES. haha I don't know
if that is necessarily a good thing considering How much weight I have gained!
Well to start off I have learned SOOOO much this week. Can I
just say one thing that I have learned is how much you learn about yourself
from your companion. I never realized how critical I am of others.. Not even
that I want to be mean however I just sometimes say things really bluntly.. I
guess the Lord really did send me to the right place. So anyways enough about
myself and what I need to work on.. haha We saw some pretty cool things happen
this week. For the fun part we went and saw some monkeys on Monday. They were
really fun, until one of them bit me then I was pretty much done playing with
the monkeys for the rest of the time that we were there. Don't worry it didn't break
any skin and I didn't turn into a monkey I am still me, maybe just a little
more harry jk!
We had a great week though packed with Miracles one right
after the other. One of the best experience we had was with Migeul. On Friday
we were planning on teaching him about the organization of the church. When we
got there though things quickly changed. However before we went Sister Egbert
and I had really prayed for help and guidance on what to do because these
moments are now crucial with Miguel. We have been teaching him for almost 3
months now and he really does have a testimony of the gospel. We are almost
done with all the lessons and we are just not 100% sure what we need to do to
get him to commit to baptism. Sister Egbert had some great Ideas and when we
got there the spirit just guided the whole lesson it was great. We talked about
the atonement and what it really means. He has been struggling with letting
someone else take the blame for him. However at the end of the lesson he said
the prayer and even asked for forgiveness. It was so amazing and the spirit was
so strong. We later got a message that day from Brother Habermann our Ward
mission leader saying Miguel sent him a message telling him how strong that he
felt the spirit in our lesson that day. What a testimony to me that we are here
to teach people and NOT lessons. That as we strive to be obedient and really
listen to the needs of the people we teach the spirit will testify to them of
truth. Sometimes as humans we get carried away it talking about all we know to
try to convince someone that we are right. However we never are the ones
convincing.. it is always the Lord helping is Children come closer to him. The
spirit is the true teacher in lessons, We as missionaries and members just need
to remain worthy to have it. 
This week in District meeting we discussed what members can
do to help missionaries. I have to admit I hate this topic. I love the members
here in Germany they are great, but we are few.. I can't ask the same one person
to come to teach lessons with us ever day.. They have a life. However they
really do have a desire to help us with missionary work! How great is that. I
have such a testimony of member missionary work. I know that is really the best
way for us to find those who are ready to hear the Gospel. That when they
already have that connection with a member they are more willing and
comfortable to meet with the missionaries. It is hard to open up your mouth,
however all it takes is a little invitation to a ward activity making sure the
missionaries know who they are and we will take over from there. Or maybe just
sharing a spiritual thought or even the proclamation to the world with a family
next door. It really works I have a testimony of that. People do see us and
notice the good. We do have a light about us and people Do see that. (When you
are in the service of your fellow being you are in the service of your God).
When you really have FAITH on Christ we can do all.
This weekend we had our District conference. Or Stake
conference. It was so great. President Kosak and his wife were there and they
are just two amazing people. One thing that I noticed was at the very beginning
of our meeting we were singing and all the sudden President Kosak got up and
walked down the steps and gave his hymnbook to a little old mad in the front
who didn't have one. I have so much respect for him. He truly is an example to
me of someone who understands Christ. I am so grateful to have a Wonderful
mission president who knows how to lead his missionaries to hasten the work.
Who isn't afraid to chasten us when we are doing wrong or comfort us when we
need comfort.. The messages that were talked about at district conference were
so strong and powerful. I am seriously surrounded by spiritual giants here in
Germany. They really do have to stand for what they believe in, and they stand
with all their mind might and strength. What a blessing it is for me to learn
from them...
I have really just come to have such a testimony of EXACT OBEDIENCE.
how important it really is. I am so grateful for my wonderful brother Elder
Toma and his example for me of being Exactly Obedient. I really do see the
miracles that he has in his work every week. I know that when we strive to be
exactly obedient the Lords really does bless us. For me that is fallowing the
white hand book For you that is fallowing the council of the prophets,
scriptures and leaders in the church. It isn't easy, however I know that has we
keep the commandments we really are showing our Heavenly Father that we Love
him.
Well Family I hope that you have a great week I miss and
Love you. I enjoy our sweet messages every week. Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN. (p.s.
mom they do celebrate it here but it isn't very big and not everyone does)
Thanks for everything you do to support me..
Große Liebe
Sister Toma
