And KAPOW - 12/1/14

Well....IT'S FINISHED. I am done, I am on my way home but not before I tell you the CRAZY AWESOME miracle that happened my last week!!!

We went to go to an appointment from someone we found the week previous and as we got there she had brought her friend with. Then she said, I think this Book of Mormon comes from you, and I thought, nah, I didn't give that to you.

She handed me the book and on the inside cover there was a note to another person (her other friend) and signed at the bottom was Sister Schmidt and Sister Rimmasch.

NO. WAY. 

Can you believe this?! This is crazy. A Book of Mormon that was given out in about Feb. or March. to another person, found its way into the hands of someone else, of whom we then doored into only because an investigator from Berlin moved to Leipzig and lived in that building and that investigator was in Berlin was found by one of my previous companions. Can you just read that one more time?

Yes, my friends, the Lord works in very mysterious ways and I like these mysterious ways because they always turn out really cool!

Oh, and for a grand total of BoM's given away from my mission, 102, and we are giving one out tonight. THE LORD'S WORK MOVES ON. I love this! 

And then this weekend was a party because it was the first advent and my last Sunday and so people just gave me stuff and fed me. It was fabulous. Lovely people, this is my last email and I just wanted to say:

Christ lives. Remember why it is that we celebrate Christmas. It wasn't just because he was born, it is what he did for us and what price was paid that we might enjoy the freedom of choice and peace in our lives and a hope for a better world, even a hope for ever lasting life. This I leave you in His name,

Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love

Sister Rimmasch

Soon to be Steph. Amen

AND ALMOST THERE - 11/24/14

Well...my companion and I have discovered that we LOVE doing doors!! It is so great!! We see miracles every TIME. For example, I felt like I needed to take a Chinese Book of Mormon with me. (Hello we are in Germany) and we did some doors. Then we were almost done and the VERY LAST door we did was a Chinese man who happily accepted the copy of the Book of Mormon. Like, whoa. What, are you serious? (Yes, I just quoted the district 2 thank you, missionary jokes are getting way too old. HA)

Or another one, we did doors and the girl already had a Book of Mormon in her native language and set up a return appointment with us on the spot. Talk about miracles of actually doing work. Seriously, you do work, you see miracles. That is just how it is.

We also had a lovely appointment with our self referral. Man, this man is definitely searching for the truth and it is absolutely awesome! I love it when people have such great questions and really are searching after the truth. So nice.

Also, I discovered...that I like to attack my companion in empty elevators and tickle the crap out of her...it just happens that she falls on the floor dead. I think I will do it next time when someone is actually in the elevator. Bwahahahhahahahahaha. And we totally bought comp toothbrushes...THE HOBBIT!!!!

Yes!!!

Well friends only one email after this and then I am slowly on my way home. I will take my dear sweet time. Please enjoy the hilarity of these pictures

The Countdown - 11/17/14

This week...oh man.

We did exchanges this week. I was in Chemnitz with a German companion! Cool!! We had a great time and found 2 different people! SWEET! I like finding people!

This week we did something special. It's called Pioneer Day. On this day, we plan no appointments and are not allowed to use Trams and Buses or S-Bahns. Too bad on this day, my foot had been acting up.,..so I basically limped the whole day around Leipzig. 8 hours of finding! We walked to Lindenaur Markt and back and then over to Straße des 18. Oktober. Cool! We found a new investigator and three different new contacts! How cool is that!!! Yes. Unfortunately for me at the end of it all, my foot was left with a giant bruise and I am still wondering what the world happened to me...na ja

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAREST MOTHER!!! :)

However, this week we tried out the SURVEY. Oh my best things to ever hit finding!! It is really nice! It really helps people to find interest and works like a charm. I think I would be a really good sales woman when I get home. Sweet.

Had some weird experiences. This guy... that I met in March...decided to call and wanted to meet...upon meeting him, we found out that he just wanted to hang out...so I basically had to tell him nice offer, but we got some work to do. Yes, even on Sunday! TSCHÜÜÜÜÜÜßßßßßßß

Yeah, so that is that. I guess I should probably start cleaning out my apartment slash packing things....that is super weird. I am not sure what to do with that. Does anyone have any tips on that?? ACK!!!

My ward is doing really good though! They invited my investigator to go bowling with them....without the missionaries!! That is good work right there! People being friendly without me having to ask them. That is a real good thing! Invite the investigators of the missionaries to be your friends and do stuff with you! It will make the missionaries faint and then it will be funny!

LOVE YOU ALL

Got about...14 days left. 

Anndd...we out!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

Soon to be reinstated as Steph

Yeahh - 11/10/14

Okay, people. 3 weeks.

This week was cool. We had Zone Training Meeting and!!! the Elders and Missionary Couple in Magedburg are going to check out some cemetaries for me and see if they can find my ancestor buried there!! How cool is that then?! Family history in the country of my family. So neat!

Also, even though I am in Germany and there are some many wonderful foods to eat, my district LOVES Subway. Plus, it was Sub Day, were each Sub was one euro. Needless to say, that is all I ate that day because we bought a ton of Subs as a district! Hahaha.

We have invited so many people to baptism this week! One it even going to pray about a baptismal date! We are so excited to be assistants in the Lord's work, because it is His work!!! We even so little miracles everyday!! The Lord really does take care of His children, sometimes we just have to pay attention.

Even at the end of my mission, I get to learn all the time. This week, one of my investigators asked if I would pray in English. Let me tell you, I have not prayed in English since who knows when. But seriously. I was a little nervous, but went for it anyway. As I prayed in my native language, I felt such a Spirit that is was almost emotionally overwhelming. It's tiny experiences like these that make a mission up. And Moments are just the little molecules holding life together. 

I was privileged to watch a baptism yesterday. Does anyone realize HOW cool this is? It is literally the first step in making it back to our Heavenly Father. He really wants us to return, so he set up a way for us, namely, baptism. So cool!!

Being on a mission is interesting. You meet so many people from so many different places with so many different ideas and stories. It is really cool and changes your whole perspective on everything. 

Also this week, I was at an eating appointment and do you know what happened? I tried to cut something in half, slipped and got sauce all over myself, my companions face, and the members' nice white shirt. Yup. Bummer. Good thing, nobody seemed to upset. I just laughed for the most part. Bwahahaha. Yes, I did this on purpose! (no I didn't...awkward. HAHAHA)

LOVE YOU ALL SEE YOU SOON

Tschüß!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

November 3, 2014

This week I was confined to a Trio once again...but it only lasted two days, so it's not a problem! Haha.

We had some good times this week! We had a service project! My favorite!! We helped someone move in to their new apartment...and here's the think in Germany, most of the houses do NOT have an elevator. (what's up with that?!?) Anyway, we had to make a chain to take everything up and they were so happy with us that they gave us ROOTBEER. Man, I miss that stuff so much. That's okay, I will just drink it all the time when I get home. ha.

 Also, we had a Halloween Party in the which one of our investigators came...that was really good though!  I really like it when the people I teach come to ward activities. Contact with members that stay in the area are essential! Please! Invite your friends and missionaries to the activities. That really helps...a lot!

We had stake conference this weekend!  Part of the Stake Conference was in a city called Böhlen. That was cool. I got to play in the orchestra and sing in the choir. Too bad I am sick and basically suffered through the whole thing....lammmmme. Haha. But I  made it, no problems...or too many anyway. I really stood out in the orchestra...I was wearing yellow...everyone else: black and white. Oops! Hahaha

Also on this day, we went to a members house. In the which she gave us Black Forest Cherry Cake...as I was eating it, I thought it tasted kind of werid, but I didn't want to be rude. Then...the hostess said, something is not right...she went to check the box...yes. There was Alcohol in the cake. Mensch!! That is so unfortunate. Needless to say, we did not eat anymore. Too bad the little kids may have already had two slices...Welcome to Germany, where you have to check the box on Cake and Icecream to make sure that there is no alcohol in it. Hahaha. Hahaha.

Anywho, we are teaching some great people! Including...a real German person!! Yes! Most of the people I end up teaching aren't actually from Germany...but he is! Heck yes, and he's super cool! And very German. Well done, Germany.

Also, sometimes in my spare time aka, during lunch, I like to copy things out of the Arabic Book of Mormon because that is the native language of two people I know here. They are so cool!

Also said bye to some people this week, they went home, but that's okay, we replaced them with new people...:D Like always. Haha. But I miss them! Life is good, the Gospel is true and the Book is blue!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

FINAL COUNTDOWN - 10/27/14

Well....it is now the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!! It's the last 5 weeks of the Germany Berlin Mission for me.

So let me tell you about last week! :D

It was pretty great. We had some interesting experiences walking in the rain...seriously, it rained for days..or what seemed like days. HAHA. 

We had a nice eating appointment at our Bishop's house this week...with Rouladen. Sorry Germany, our Rouladen is still wayyyyy better!! WAY TO GO RIMMASCH'S FOR MAKING AWESOME FOOD. Not that I am prideful or anything...okay, yeah I am. HA. 

We have had some really good times with the Book of Mormon this week! Lots of our investigators are really started to catch on how important this Book is. Because, when we read the book, and we know that it is true, then we know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, that what he said was true and that this is the true church of Christ. The Book of Mormon is basically what we call the Key Stone of our Religion. Without it, we have nothing. With it, all of what we say and know is TRUE. And absolutely true. Pretty cool, huh?

It's really fun having younger investigators, they are about my age and students! Being able to really connect with them on a level of Peer is super important! That is usually why is it better to have members with us, they have friendships with them and support them with all of their questions.

This weeks open house was SO FUN. Let's just say...PING PONG...I mean, TABLE TENNIS in a Skirt! Yes, that just happened. We have a cute member who plays on a team and beats everyone...but then our investigator came! He is pretty dang good and beat this member in one round. Not bad!! They are now friends. (HA) 

Things are getting crazy as there are only 5 weeks left for me...like...insanity here people!! I am staying in Leipzig for the next 5 weeks with my trainee so nothing changed with us, but everyone else in the district has a new comp. I am thinking about pretending to be Russian to the brand new trainee coming in...I don't know if I can hold it for 5 transfers...I could probably pull of British though...hmm...we'll see!!!

MISSIONS ARE GREAT. And Prayer are answered every day! I thank you all for always praying for me! Every prayer helps me be the instrument God needs to bring light, truth, and happiness to His Children! Thanks for alles! 

COUNT DOWN: 35 days 

ps We made french toast and my companion had a pool of butter on hers...after we cooked it in butter. oh man, Sister Jensen! How are you not fat!? Yeah, nice.

Also, I made that Schnitzel!! We make gourmet food at our apartment!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

Miracle Friends - 10/20/14

This week was nice...not really that cold...except sometimes and full of weird miracles. Personally, I think those are the best types of miracles. There are so many different kinds of miracles, I could be typing forever, but then again that would be super boring. Ha.

So...miracle one.

We got caught in the rain. Yes, this is a miracle, just wait. So, we got caught in the rain and so naturally, we took cover. As we waited for the rain to go away, a man walked by. (we were in town) and I smiled and waved. He must have been surprised, because he turned around came back and introduced himself to us. As we told him what we do, he wanted to meet and make out an appointment right away! :D

Miracle two: We got a random phone call from a contact that same day after walking around for HOURS. He called and said he was sorry he hadn't met for awhile but he wanted to meet..TODAY. Well, of course we were super stoked and changed around ALL THE PLANS and met with him instead. He is super excited to learn more.

Miracle three: Oktoberfest....So there is this street in Leipzig call Straße des 18. Oktobers. So obviously, we went there on the 18th of Oktober. Who could miss out on such an opportunity. As we walked around trying to talk to people, we may or may not have run into an Oktoberfest...yeah. People where just walking around in Lederhosen and Dirndls. Typisch Deutsch. Yeah, super funny, but that't not the miracle. We went by on our contact on this street and SHE WAS HOME. She is from China and wants to learn more! Yes, I love these people! Student are literally the best!

Oh, I saw some breakdancers in the middle of town, they were soooooo good! They drew a HUGE crowd and I thought...why did I not learn breakdancing? I could have drawn a huge crowd to come and hear about the Gospel...so those of you preparing to go on missions, learn breakdancing! :D Of course, I took a film and pictures! It was great!

Well my friends! Time is flying and I've 42 days left! Insanity!! Keep up the good missionary work where you are at! People need you there! The LORD needs you where you are. (unless He tells you otherwise!) Love you all!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

Well hello there. - 10/13/14

Well...I joined an orchestra this weekend. Yup...I joined the Stake Orchestra and will be playing in Stake Conference in a couple of weeks!! SWEET! Blessings of what happens when you finally repair your violin and take it with you to the church on a Saturday. It was totally 'coincidence'. There is no such thing. Haha.

We had Zone Training Meeting this week. We spoke a lot about the enabling power of the Atonement. Seriously, it was so good. The Atonement not only cleanses us from sin, BUT it enables us to change our very natures. I do not think that would be possible without Christ. He made it possible for repentance and possible for us to change our hearts. It was great. Please, if you  haven't already, study the Atonement.

I had my interview with President. I will most likely be staying in Leipzig until the very end. Sweet! That is about....49 days! Crazy!!! It was quite funny. I guess I will be needed to sign up for Institute when I get home...wooo!!! It rained pretty hard that day, and two of our appts. fell out, but that wasn't a problem. We had still a Word of Wisdom lesson and it went fabulously!!

We taught out Chinese investigator again. She is so great!! She follows all her commitments and even said that she loves prayer and she reads in the Book of Mormon EVERY NIGHT. People! Is this not amazing?! A girl who had no contact with the gospel four weeks ago is reading this book every night and prays everyday! What an example of Faith!!! So great.

We also saw the Lichtfest this week. It is the 25th anniversary. We went with one of our investigators and we there was SO MANY people there. (Dad, I don't think you would like it...:) ) But it was great! We had a good time and saw cool stuffs.

We also played basketball with our investigators. It was so fun! It was really good for our investigators and we got some good exercise. So that was good!

We had an actually German meal on Sunday, YES!!!!! It was so good, it was about time. Everyone likes to make other delicious foods, but it was the first German meal my poor comp has had. Hahaha.

Life is great and I have 49 days left before I am done with my mission....CRAZY. But then, the real mission starts!!!

Love,

Sister Rimmasch

PS

pictures from the zoo

KONFERENZ - 10/5/14

Well my friends, if you didn't watch conference, I would suggest going to the LDS account and watching it for yourself. It was pretty awesome.

We had exchanges this week in which I had to say goodbye to my trainee for a day. That was kind of lame. But yeah, so that happened...but then I got her back, it's okay.

We had some fun times randomly running into investigators...like everyday. I got daily contact with some investigators just by walking out the door...kind of handy I suppose. Haha. Actually really handy, you have no idea. It was great.

I also witnessed an act of beautiful kindness this week. I got off the tram to my surprise I see someone I know running after the tram. What had happened is someone had left their child on the tram so he dropped all his things and ran after the tram. He got the child back and a bag of apples which he then proceeded to hand to me and we walked back to the worrying mother of the child. So...yeah, that was the most Christlike thing I have seen for a while. It warmed my heart to know that people of all nations still have the Light of Christ burning ever so brightly in them. Look out for these people, they are everywhere. :)

And sorry for the lateness of the email, but we were at the zoo. I don't think I was built for the zoo...four hours and I was a gonner!! Next time...there is no Leipzig zoo next time, I've already been twice! ACK!

8 weeks and it's all over...just kidding. 8 weeks and it will all be beginning

LOVE

Sister Rimmasch

PS

congrats AJ and Cami for running a marathon! And their kids for running the mile!

New Companion

Sister Rimmasch and her new missionary, Sister Jensen.

LEIPZIG RULES - 9/29/14

People, did I ever mention how much I absolutely love Leipzig? And just how great it is to be a missionary?! Well...Super cool, let me tell you.

So for my birthday...we went and bought Oktoberfest stuff...aka a Bayern Flag...and a new outfit. Yay! And...yeah. Oh well! But this week we had miracles so it doesn't matter!

Using the 12 week programm to train has really made a difference in missionary work! It is so great! We love it! I like the part where we watch clips of the District. Super fun. This week we also got a new missionary couple. They are really nice and sweet. They brought me my packages! :D How nice! They are spunky and ready to work! Woo hoooooo! We love hard workers!

We had some good lessons! One of our investigators brought his girlfirend to our lesson and so...NEW INVESTIGATOR. Sweet. Also, someone stopped us on the street! He had met with missionaries before and wanted to start meeting again! Cool!!!

We tried out some new finding this week. We thought of it through inspiration! Pick a card finding!!! We wrote down some really deep questions and walked around the down town and asked people to pick a card! It went really well!  We had good gospel conversations and found a new investigator! MAN! PEOPLE LEIPZIG IS JUST BEGGING FOR BAPTISMS!! Super cool! So excited!

We also had an investigator from China come to church!! For testimony meeting! She asked me a really funny question. Why do people go up and announce their problems to the public? HAHAHA. I have no idea. People, watch what you say up there! :D Still it was funny.

Anywho. Lovely day lovely day...we are going to the harvest festival today! Bwahahahaha! Super excited!

AND General Conference is this week! I challenge you all to go with a question in mind and really pray for an answer and look for you answer because you'll get it!! LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Love 

Sister Rimmasch

a picture of me and my trainee at a members place 

and the sunrise this morning!

Miraclesssss - 9/22/14

Yeah, so this week...this week...diese Woche....ACH. Sorry, that was just my brain turning into German...haha. My bad...

ANYWHO. Training is AWESOME. I get to learn so much as well! And my Padowan learner is real great! Fast learner and ready to do all the crazy things that missionaries do that I am pretty sure no one else in the world does. Bwwahaha.

So some cool things about the Lord is that if you prepare yourself and say you are going to be a certain place at a certain time, he provides a way for you to get people. Yes indeed! I had the spontaneous thought that we need to do some finding at Augustus Platz and so we went! We walked and talked and thought maybe Sister Rimmasch is just crazy but them BAM. My comp was all, I want to talk to these two girls. That is what we did and then...BOOM. They were new investigators. Take that, Satan!

We invited our new investigator to baptism this week...he said yes. Wait, what? Yeah, that's right, he said yes. Of course we do not have a date yet, but we will be setting that this week for him! :) I love these people! MAN.

Oki, here's the cherry on top. We were at church...and just a little slow getting into class...you know...talking to people...my bad. I turned around and there was this man there...but I recognized him...from Berlin. From Dahlem. (I was in Lankwitz and was there on exchanges...) WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE MY FRIEND? Turns out this man decided to move from Berlin to Leipzig to study and I happened to know him. What?! My heart was so full of joy (I never thought I would see him again) that I could not even frown. What a great birthday present from my Father in Heaven. I know he is watching out for me! :D

I then had a FHE / birthday party at a members house...she only felt bad though because my name was spelled wrong on the cake...but that's okay!! HAHA No problems. But Leipzig is great and it feels like home to me! Everyone of the members wished me a happy birthday! :D How nice!

Keep up the good work at home!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

LEIPZIGGGGGGGGGGG - 9/15/14

Well if you can imagine this crazy week you will get tired just reading about it! Ha. So...in the midst of a billion Sister Sleepovers, I had the opportunity to take the new missionaries out finding. So that was fun. And then the next day I had trainer meeting and learned how to be a trainer and then the trainees came in and I got to introduce my area...LEIPZIG and then I receive my trainee....who I just happened to take out on her first finding! WHAT? Yeah, crazy, I  know. Then we jetted ourselves down to Leipzig to do stuff, then to Halle for yet another sleep over back to Berlin to see Elder Bednar and then back down to Leipzig. WELL THEN.

Now that that mess is over....WELCOME TO THE FINAL COUNTDOWN. (11)

So I am back in my area of Leipzig and I get to train! (Sister Jensen) It is pretty cool being a trainer because I get to learn as well. How sweet is that?! There is lots of work to be done and two willing hearts to do it! We are gonna raise Leipzig back up from the depths! :D

Being in a meeting with Elder Bednar this week was amazing. I felt the Spirit so strongly I wasn't sure if I could actually hold it all in, I thought I was going to explode. Amen. But you know what, it was so cool, I received answers to questions I didn't even know that I had. And he said something profound, One cannot possible convince one's self that this Gospel is true, you actually cannot talk yourself into it...it is only by the divinity of the Holy Ghost that we know things are true and sometimes we surprise ourselves by what we say because the Holy Ghost works through us to teach us. That's why testimonies are so cool, because sometimes the people don't know that they know it, until they say it. SUPER COOL.

Anywho. Had some fun times this week going to appointments in Sachsen...where people speak Sächsisch, the dialect of German that all Germans tend to hate and you know what? I totally understood every word. Oh man. That is just hilarious! Hahaha. Welcome to my life, my German is a mixture of High German, Berlinerisch, Sächsisch, Bayrisch, and just a touch of Swiss. It's not my fault, I've always had a German in my Distrikt except for two transfers. This time she's from Munich so another Bayrisch! Hiliarious.

Anyway this email is WAY too long. So enjoy these photos I choose to send to you! Ha.

Love

Sister Rimmasch, Queen of Leipzig. (not really)

There is a picture of my DDR face and the

giant mass of missionaries in Berlin...HA

TRANSFERRED - 9/8/14

Do you know what happens to people when they live next to the Office...? The President tells you your transfers before the actually transfer day...it's kind of nice...but then I was all in a flurry. Man...

ANYWAY. This week was nice. You know, appointments falling out like flies dropping to the ground. Maybe because the weather decided to be nice this week. Whatever people! I will find someone like you!!! Oh wait, that is an Adele song pushing it's way through verses of memorized German Scriptures. I now have over 20 Scriptures in German memorized. Sweet. It's actually really nice and they are there to help me when I need them! Sweet!

We had a sweet lesson with a YSA age girl who was just SO HAPPY to meet someone her age who wanted to talk about God. It's actually quite difficult to find here. Weird....but yeah. She basically accepted the truth of the message of the Restoration first time around! WOW! Super cool! This goes to show you, that the Lord puts prepared people in the way of his prepared servants who want to share the Gospel. True story.

Zone Conference was epic. Loved it....had a great time there learning about leaderships stuff and Elder Bednar stuff and yeah. It was sweet. And then...after it was over...that is when it happened the epic moment where my President pulled me aside and tells me that I am training and where I am training. Well..thanks. (Hint. It's not in Lankwitz, Berlin) Uh...okay. Challenge accepted. Will do, Captain! MAN! INSANITYYYYY!!!

Testimony meeting was awesome! It's really cool to have an opportunity to give testimony every month! Such a neat opportunity because when we bare testimony, that is when it becomes stronger. The very act of speaking the words strengthens the testimony more that just keeping it inside! PLEASE GO BARE TESTIMONY. You don't have to say, I'd like to bare my testimony, and it doesn't just have to be at church. We can bare testimony anywhere and we can tell them that we know or we believe...said point. That is a tesimony and we can give that anytime anywhere anyone. AMEN.

Now that you are all thouroughly annoyed that I haven't actually mentioned details of my transfer...here you go.

I will be in Lankwitz until Thursday so that I can pick up my BRAND NEW MISSIONARY. I will then be leaving the Beautiful Berlin...and will be WHITE WASHING a certain area. Just check out the address below...then you will know.

SISTER STEPHANIE RIMMASCH

KIRCHE JESU CHRISTI

GERBER STRAßE 18

APT 916

04105 LEIPZIG

Yes, I wrote the right address. I have been called to go back and start Leipzig back up. Brothers and Sisters, welcome to my life. White washing and training in an area that I have been in! Someone must have prayed me back. ;) LOVE YOU ALL

Love

Sister Rimmasch

I cannot English - 8/25/14

Well...this week was insane craziness the whole time. We said a farewell to our companion, Sister Cameron. She is now safely back in America with her American technology. I guess that is fun and stuff. 

We saw some great miracles this week. We finally found this referral we got and turns out that she had lived in America for a year! Sweet! She is super cool and wanted to come to church with us! Woo hoo!!! We also found 4 new people this week...people who were actually German!! This is a very great miracle indeed. :P Though, looking for these new people, a man talked to us and asked me if I spoke his language...wha...? He thought I looked like I came from Yugoslavia. But by the end of our conversation, he was 100% my comp was German and that I came from Russia. He said he could tell from my dialect. Good thing, he kept telling us how much he hated America so it was a blessing that he thought I was from Russia. It's almost Germany. Haha.

There was a baptism in Neukölln on Saturday, so we went and brought an investigator with us. The funny part was that it was partly in English. So...a German was giving a talk in English...and I was asked to translate it into German being an American. Quite flipped around, oder? Ja, that was really funny. Just ya know, losing my English. I just speak Deutsch now so....sorry if there are too many German words in the Email. Or if my capitalizations are in weird places because of how German is written. Happen. Sorry to break it to you! :D:D

I gave the ward quite the kick this Sunday...aka, I was playing the Organ. And well...sometimes when a song says 126 beats per minute, doesn't mean you should play it that fast...I do not think they were used to that and had a very difficult time keeping up with the pace. IT WAS SO FUNNY. I had to slow down for them, but at least I did what my President asked and did not play slowly. Fortunately, for them, the song said 112-126 beats per minute and they were able to handle the 112. Ach, so. Funny. Please for the love, follow the organists' pace in your wards. :D Oki, rant over. :P

Well friends. Going to East Side Gallery today and then we are going to missionary this area up in the Stadtteil of Lankwitz in Berlin!

LOVE

Sister Rimmasch

Almost Baptisms - 8/18/14

This week, we invited 4 different people to baptism....and you know what?! They all said when they get their answer that the Book of Mormon is true, they will be baptized!! Boom, take that, Satan!!! 

In other news...We took Sister Cameron to check out of the city. That was weird. She is going home tomorrow and the trio of missionaries will go back to a companionship. Well then. Awesome. 

We taught some great lessons. One with two new investigators we found by doing service. AKA, we are a moving service. We should really get a truck that says: Mormon Missionary Moving Company. I think we would find a lot more investigators that way. Well...these two are an awesome couple! One is from Jamaica and the other from Africa. They were both so accepting of the first lesson and kept saying Amen after really spiritual comments. At lease I know when they are feeling the spirit. Amen. But they both accepted to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and to be contemplating baptism! Super exciting!

And then Sunday came around and I ate way too much food. Like, an eating appointment...and then a pie appointment. We went to a members house. They are from South Africa and their British friends were there, and we were there and their German tennant. (all are members of the church) Oh man, it was  a party. Key Lime pie and interesting spiritual conversations definitely happened. One of the British people reminded me of Uncle Mark. They looked so similar! And then...I was told...

'The time of the Cauliflower is past' Figure that one out. :D

Well. Love you all, go out and be awesome! I am going to be checking out a museum today over in Innenstadt!

I hope you enjoy the cooking pictures and what we ate. Let's just say, 3 people in a German kitchen is 3 too many. Amen.

Love

Sister Rimmasch

Learning Stuff - 8/11/14

Something awesome about being on a mission is the part where one loses one's self for the sake of the Lord? Because do you know what He promises? He promises that we will then find ourselves. People, I want to tell you how true this is. Seriously though. Throughout my mission, I have seen some pretty cool things, but in this year I have been here, I am 'losing' myself more and more as I try to do the things the Lord has commanded. I am pretty sure that the Stephanie Rimmasch that came out on a mission does not exist any longer. She has become something new! (Aka, Sister Rimmasch. Hahaha) Through serving the Lord, the Lord has shown me what I can be. He has shown me my potential, and helped me 'find' myself.

I know that as we all strive to live the commands of the Lord and to be obedient, He will help us fulfill our potential. As we lose ourselves, we find ourselves. What a wonderful promise from the Lord!!

Anywho,

this week we tried out some awesome stuff. We did some finding using my violin. It totally worked. We gave out 4 Book of Mormons and bunches of cards and received one new investigator! How wonderful! The Lord gives us talents whereby our fellow men might benefit.

Something really funny...I was at ZTM and do you know what happened? My President tripped me. On purpose. Too bad for him I have Jedi Like (or should I say, Missionary Like) reflexes and I was able to catch my balance.  Bwahaha. But, the meeting was good and we learned a lot about being awesome missionaries and learned about Joseph Smith and a cool website called thewww.josephsmithpapers.org  Super sweet! It talks about the accounts of the first vision and his journal and what not. I think it testifies even more of the restoration. Go check it out!

Germany is great. Miracles happen a lot. Like yesterday. Just sitting at church and who should walk in? One of our investigators that we haven't seen in weeks! The Lord works in mysterious ways my friends. I like it! :D

I hope you all have a wonderful week and stuff! Keep being incredibly awesome and study the Book of Mormon and ask for yourselves, if it is true. Take the challenge given by Moroni in Moroni 10:4-5. I dare you. Watch your life change for the better! :D

LOVE YOU

Love 

Sister Rimmasch

The Monday thing applies to missionaries. Haha

Hotel Lankwitz - 8/4/14

Well...what do you get when you live next to the office and people are going home? Hotel duties. Aka, our apartment was transformed into a hotel for about 5 days ranging from 6 sister to 4 sisters and oh my goodness, does anyone get sleep? The answer is no. Hahaha.

ANYWAY...

Sometimes in Germany...to teach a less active you go running with them and then you can have a lesson. And sometimes you get a new distrikt leader because the other one went home. And sometimes you get referrals because they do Golden Finding in your area. And sometimes Bus Drivers know that you are a missionary and say, 'bye sisters!!' and SOMETIMES, you are put back with your trainer in about the same time of year that you were last year. Welcome Lankwitz. Which I still think should be named Lang Witz. Look it up on google translate.

Other than craziness that is Lankwitz, we had some really awesome lessons. I really enjoy teaching people about the Book of Mormon because it is just so true and so cool and Joseph Smith was write, a man will get closer to God with this book than any other book. Amen, Joseph Smith, Amen! Really, people, just read it and actually read it not just skim it and take Moroni's challenge and pray about it and you will see, it is the most true book than any other book on this planet! Honestly, I have found out for myself and you can find out for yourselves. You just have to read it. And pray. So cool.

Lots of learning experiences this week. Like...giving testimony in church without passing out. Yeah, that was cool. In German, so gar. And it was wonderful. Seriously, I think I will do that every month, it is so refreshing and it reminds us of what we really do believe in! It is a wonderful opportunity given to us! Also, coupled with fasting and we become so close to God in such a short time span, I am surprised that every relgion doesn't do that. Okay.

Also, I have found, that when one resolves to be obedient, because they want to, not because they have to, one finds that one's self is actually more free. For example. Speaking German 9-9 was something hard, but I decided, it doesn't matter if no one else will do it, or that it will be hard, I will do it! And you know what? The Lord has helped me see what I need to work on and has helped me be able to speak 9-9 and then have people tell me that they really like that I keep that rule. How cool?! OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS. Really, without law, we are less free than with law. (Righteous law, not unrighteous.)

People. Missions are crazy and great and I pray that you are all having your own missionary moments and that I will be getting an inbox full of the experiences...any day now...:D

Love you all! Pictures next week!

LOVE

Sister Rimmasch

The Normal Week - 7/28/14

This week was wonderful as we rode our bikes through Berlin!

On Monday, we even went and saw a German Museum and saw lots of war things and Germany through the ancient times. It was pretty sweet, if you ask me.

This week we saw some pretty psycho miracles. In District Meeting, we learned the art of 'How to Begin Teaching'. So we decided to use it. And you know what happened? Our first appointment with this investigator, she accepted the invitation to be baptized and said, I do not need proof that this book is true, I already know it is true!! Wow, talk about amazing!!!

Next, we were all the way in a place called Teltow, when one of investigators said he could meet, but he was about 30 minutes away by tram. Well, we jumped onto a tram and made it there and lo, and behold, he had brought his friend with him! His friend was also super interested and took the Book of Mormon and said he would read it in 2 or 3 weeks. Talk about dedication! I love people who are just willing to learn. They ask questions because they want to learn. I mean, if you have no questions, you will not be learning. Ever.Wow.

Anywho, this week was my year mark in Germany... I therefore bought a whole thing of ice cream, ate it, and drank a Dr. Pepper. So delicious. And that is how I celebrated my year mark, I am sure you were all lighting fireworks off for me as well. Or...just for Pioneer Day. I hope you had a great time.

This week, I would like all of those who are baptized to think back and remember your baptism. How did you feel? What was it like? What do you remember? Do you remember feeling the Holy Ghost?

Now imagine if you could always have those feelings....oh wait, you can! When we live worthy to feel the Holy Ghost he will guide our actions. He will be our companion and help us everyday. He can help us to know what to say when someone is in need of help. He can help us go out of our way to brighten someone's day and he helps us in our eternal progression to become like our Heavenly Father. I want to hear from you and your missionary experiences this week, and how you helped someone who was in need.

I love you all and thank you for your support.

Love, Sister Rimmasch

One year later.

I found an Alma Street in Germany. The Book of Mormon is everywhere.

Fußball - 7/21/14

Totally played Fußball last week. It was great...but then I was a little sore. But that is great! :D

ANYWAY, this week I talked to some dude on the street. He promptly gave me his number and we invited him to see a baptism a few days after that and he totally came...and brought his brother!! (Can I just say I love Romanians?) They are so cool and were very touched by the baptism, even though they were not really sure what was going down. Ha, people are great.

I also got a steal on some candy this week, aka, Picco Balla, 66 cents...normally one euro, but I got it for 66 cents. Take that Germany! Bwahaha. Anyway, that's not really important, but what is is that one of my companions was transfered to Cottbus. Well then, it's not even transfers, that is this week. But hey, whatever. It is now just me and Sister Cameron in Lankwitz. So we did what any sane people would do in the summer, we got bikes. Yes, the bikes are back! YESSSSSS. Bikes are fun...too bad it is humid.

And you know the funny part? They gave me a man bike...which is funny because one of the AP's just the week before called me Mannsweib aka Manly Woman. Thank you AP, tell me something that I don't know. He probably grabbed that bike on purpose. Na ja, whatever floats your boat.

We sang at a funeral this week...the one time I ever sang a solo and it was at a funeral. But...it went well and the family invited us over and gave us some Czechisch food. Yum. How nice.

I am getting really excited for the work here, we have one baptismal date, and we are planning on 7 more. Take that, Satan! It is going to be great! There are prepared people, but only if we are prepared to teach them. Please study Preach My Gospel and help your friends out!

PS

My year mark in Germany is on Wednesday, please feel free to celebrate as you see fitting. Amen.

LOVE

Sister Rimmasch

PPS

next week you will get cool pictures! :D

Well hello from Sunny...or Rainy Berlin! - 7/14/14

Soo...this last Pday we went to a Mosque and learned about Islamic culture! It was pretty sweet, we even got to go inside and they gave us cool books...IN ENGLISH. Yes,  it will not be too much of a struggle to read. :)

I had exchanges this last week with the STL's in Dahlem. It was quite fun! I got to teach a Russian doctor man who bought us hot chocolate! Yum. He was really cool and open to know more about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon! Double score!

We also set a baptismal date this week with one of our investigators from India. He is super cool and super smart and is really getting the gospel! It makes him so happy! It is great!!! Just picture a really happy indian student learning the gospel and you got it! So HAPPY. :)

Taught a lesson in District Meeting about teaching in Unity. It was really great! We learned something as well as our students did. Sometimes giving the lesson teaches the teacher more than the student, but hey, it should go something like that. That means I am learning a ton because we just keep teaching people!!

We found a soccer stadium next to our apartment, look who gets to do awesome exercise in the mornings!! This person! Ah, yeah, I will be the soccer proffie when I come home...or just some crazy German-American kid....hahaha. No worries, I will come back normal! Maybe...

Forgive me if I break into German every now and then when I get home. Ha.

Church was great...I played the piano and the Spirit just filled the whole room. It is really great, I have been feeling the Spirit more and more often as I pay attention to the feelings I get. It is really a great feeling!

AND.............GERMANY TOOK THE WORLD CUP. Let's just say when you are in Berlin, you can hear it being shouted from rooftops....slash everyone lit off fireworks for the sake of awesomeness...it was new years all over!!

Well...going into the last two weeks of the transfer and things are looking up and stuff...except when it rains...which is like...every other hour! (make up your mind German weather!)

LOVE

SISTER RIMMASCH

Eternity - 7/7/14

Man, I feel like it has been an eternity since I have written last...even though it was like...7 days ago! Hahaha.

Well people. This week has brought lots of stuff. Let's just say that I think I could be a professional phone call person because I do it so much...in German!! Haha. Will I ever remember how to answer a phone in English? Probably not. Haha.

Met some interesting people this week...who seem to think that if they take what they like from every religion...they have the right one. Quite funny, but these people are super sweet and pretty open to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Good thing, because EVERYONE needs it! :D:D

We had the 4th of July this past week...and well at 7:10 in the morning I played the national Anthem on my violin...I know the precise time because I received a note in my mail box telling my not to play my violin at 7:10 in the morning...sorry people! But it is a national holiday! oh wait...that's right, it's NOT a holiday in Germany...my bad! I even made burgers!! And a cake!! The cake looked like an American Flag! 'MURICA. Too bad we were kicked out of the World Cup...that's okay, Germany is still in at this point, they better make it to the final, I get to watch that one!

We have been teaching this really cool family and we taught the Plan of Salvation and they really loved it! I am pretty sure that they could be baptized soon, they are super ready to receive the Gospel of Jeus Christ! (that is what I am talking about!!)

Church was great. Great testimonies. Great atmosphere....and then lunch. oh my goodness!

These members made AWESOME food! (so much that I almost puked...) but it was MEXICAN FOOD. Tostandas, enchiladas, noodles, corn and rice!! yummmmmmm.....and then delicious dessert. And then came the test. Yes, test. This family quizes you on what happened during sacrament meeting. I have never known someone to be so observant! I will definitley pay more attention in sacrament meeting...like who gave the prayers, the testimonies, who blessed the sacrament, who passed it, who had door duty, who didn't do what, etc. You get the point! It was a great appointment.

Well friends...I am going to go enjoy my p-day now...and stuff...so love you all! Write me awesomeness!!!

Love

Sister Rimmasch

PS

I say Elmo and Cookie monster on the train

Hello from Berlin - 6/30/14

Welll my friends...The United States may have lost the match again Germany...BUT they are both moving forward into the World Cup!! Bwahahaha! We got to watch the match on Thursday at Institute with the YSA and our investigator! Sweet.

I totally have been creative this week with food. My comp has ciliac's disease and therefore cannot eat gluten. So I have made gluten free brownies, and a casserole that I totally made up! It was soooooooooo good! I can't believe the crazy things I learn on a mission! Woo hoo!!

This week, we had an ENTIRE family come to church!!!! They are so prepared! And awesome!! They come from somewhere near Ethiopia and are totally coming back next week! That is a family of 5 and I cannot wait to share more of the gospel with them! It was a miracle to end our week!

In other news, Berlin is still massive. I mean, honestly, there are two different zones JUST for Berlin. Oh man. Yeah.

Anywho, I decided some people do not have personal space. My personal bubble was completely invaded, let's just say if your stomach is touching mine, you're too close. And if you are holding me captive, definitely too close. Ha. All in good humor, do not worry.

We taught the lesson in Relief Society and watche the Touch of the Master's hand. So good. Every lady was weeping and I attempted to give my testimony through unwanted sobs. Okay, totally over exagerated, I was choking back tears, but it was totally understandable.

I was also told that I do not have a strong American accent in my German. That is also really good! YESSS!!

Being in a trio is fun and hard, and I learn new things EVERYDAY. So, I can honestly say, that no matter who you are, you can always grow in the gospel and keep going forward! It's a wonderful thing to be in this gospel, it keeps us growing closer and closer to Christ! And one day, we will all be resurrected and see Him face to face! :D So excited!

Love you!

Love

Sister Rimmasch