First Zone Conference

Today, December 18, 2009, was our first zone conference in Kaiserslautern. We left about 7:30 am and picked up the sister missionaries and drove 1 1/2 hours south and east. We had a great conference. We met other senior couples, had a great meeting with the mission president and his assistants. I accompanied Elder Houston as he sang a Christmas song and then dad and I had the opportunity to share our testimony. It always amazes me how the spirit touches you as your speak. At 12:30 pm the American Ward had prepared a Christmas dinner for us--turkey and all the trimmings. It tasted really good. Following lunch we helped clean up and then the missionaries sang Called to Serve to those who served us. It was great. The senior missionaries left following the dinner. We tried to find the Christmas market in Kaiserslauten but we got so lost. We drove back to Darmstadt in a light snow storm that made the roads really slick. We went to the center but no one came and we left to come home early tonight. We got here about 8:00 pm. We are tired.

Last evening we went to Heidelberg to an Institute class and dinner with the young single adults. They had planned on dinner for 30 but they had 43 show up. It was a great group. These are all the kids from our stake. The teacher was really great and then they had a great time socializing and eating great food. I did get some insight as to what I need to be doing with JTA. We drove down with the High Councilor and his wife and son. We were in a small car and the son was driving and he was going fast like must German drivers do. However we had a great time there and back but it was late getting home--almost 10:30 pm. We don't go to the center tomorrow until the afternoon so we can get some shopping done for the weekend and rest a little. Dad's ankle is beginning to heal and he is anxious to get outside and start walking. However the temperate was -10 Celcius which is about 18 F. It has been really cold outside and we hear that the cold weather is during January and February. I have already broke in the thermals.

I am trying to download some pictures but it is taking me longer because I am tired. If I don't get it done tonight, I will finish tomorrow night. Remember Heavenly Father loves you and always answers your prayers. We love you and feel your love for us.