2 Timothy 4:7.....Bis Auf Wiedersehen

(From Sister Motto's mom:  This is Sister Natalie Motto's last missionary letter!  Thank you all for your incredible support and love for her and for our family throughout this unbelievably special 18 month journey.  We are humbled by her service to the Lord and we are eternally grateful for the work she has brought to pass while serving in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.  Thank you dear family and friends -- we love you all! We will be picking her up on Dec 5 and traveling with her for a few weeks. We can't wait to hear about all her amazing missionary stories!) 

Liebe Familie und Freunde,

What an incredible week. 

We met with the Torkos family yesterday for the first time in MONTHS. Laszlow found an apartment, and his family recently moved from Romania. We taught them last night, and found that they've been reading in the Book of Mormon. They have many questions, but agree with what they've read so far, and are eager to learn more. They want to be sure they are on the right path back to their Father in Heaven.

The Scholz family came to church yesterday, and have been the past several weeks. It has been a neat opportunity to work with this sweet couple and help them find their testimonies in the Gospel again.

We went bowling with Mathias Goeb for his birthday, which was super fun! Sister Ahlm and I got to talk to Baigal and Juergen separately one on one as each of us took turns bowling and watching the 11 year olds score triple the points I did. We'll be visiting the Goeb's on Wednesday this week so I can say goodbye.

We had a very special Thanksgiving weekend!! We were invited to our Relief Soceity president's house, and along with the Whatley family enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. Sister Ahlm and I had the chance to talk to nonmembers that Schwester Duckert invited, and teach them about Joseph Smith! Saturday we had a second Thanksgiving with the Sneddon and Bowlden families, along with President Auras and his family, and nonmember friends the Sneddon's and Bowlden's invited. The Elders provided a very moving spiritual thought, and during the dinner the four of us missionaries had the unique chance to talk to many of these people about the Gospel. This week I was particularly grateful to be a missionary! 

The most marvelous event of them all this week was on Saturday, the 29th of November. Not only was it my official "18 month mark", but most exciting is that Spacs was baptized!! On Sunday the 30th he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is looking forward to, hopefully, serving a full-time mission, and still has his special goal of entering the House of the Lord in one year.

This moment alone was worth each and every second of my mission.

Over the past 18 months I have had the opportunity to teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and about the unique and special message that the Church that Jesus Christ established while He walked the earth is here once again in it's fullness. It's been an opportunity to come to better understand the Gospel, and to recognize the importance of applying it into my life, to LIVE the things that I learn.

Christmas Gifts for the Missionaries at the mission office

My mission is the best gift given to me. Though there have been many times of incredible joys, the mission has also been a time of testing and proving. However, I am grateful for the experiences I have been given to test my faith, and to become more refined. The Lord has taken a rough edged, uneven stone, placed me in deep rushing water, and gave me the opportunity and gift of becoming smooth in His care.  I have continually learned how to apply the Atonement in my life in learning that the Lord has made up for all my shortcomings. As I look back, I see that He has provided for me all along. Ether 12:27 says,

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble;and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble 

themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, 

then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

He has indeed made me strong. I am a different individual than when I left on my mission 18 months ago. I am thankful that the Lord placed enough trust in an inexperienced, inadequate, young 19 year old girl, and helped make her into one of His instruments.

One of my favorite scriptures in 2 Timothy 4:7 goes as such,

 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

The greatest blessing of being a missionary, even after the name tag comes off, is in our baptismal covenant, when we promise to take upon ourselves Christ's name. We are ALWAYS and thereafter His disciple.  Jesus Is the Christ and we have a living Prophet on the earth who will never lead us astray.  I am so grateful for my knowledge and testimony of His beautiful, perfect Gospel plan.  

My dearest friends and my family, I want to thank you for your support you have given me each and every week throughout these past 18 months. Whether it was through emails, letters, or little notes of "thinking of you", I felt your love and your numerous prayers on my behalf, for I know the Lord has heard and answered them. I love you all dearly. I want you to also know how much I LOVE the people of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The Lord placed me EXACTLY where I was needed, and with those whom I needed. It had been made clear to me over and over again that as I have tried to pay back the Lord my debt by serving Him, He has only given me so much more back. Sister Bonnie L Oscarson once said that "Where much is required, much more will be given." How right she is.

Thanks, indeed.

Until we meet, Bis Auf Wiedersehen!

Sister Natalie Hannah Motto

Walking In The Sunlight

Liebe Familie und Freunde,

This week was SO GOOD!  Being a missionary is simply the greatest! I love each and every day. I've learned to even enjoy the hard moments, because I know the Lord provides a way for us to be refined and made something new. 

Last Monday Sister Ahlm and I had the opportunity to go to Dachau Concentration Camp for Pday. Even though I had been there a couple of times before, this was an experience to remember. The day was kind of grey and cloudy and cold, which for me brought a little more reverence to the memorial site. Walking around the camp, looking in the bunkers, and staring at the vast, empty plot where prisoners were called for roll call each day was a sobering, humbling, and peaceful experience. The events that took place at Dachau were tragic and unjustified, but I left that place with special sense of peace in my heart and mind that I knew came from my knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, recognizing in many ways that the grounds we had just walked are very hallowed and almost sacred. 

We met with Spacs a couple times this week, and were able to teach him a lot. Yes, his name is Spacs. Because of his thick African accent Sister Ahlm and I assumed that his name was Sparks. Well, he never noticed, or never bothered to correct us, but now we feel really silly for calling our investigator and soon to be new member by the wrong name for the past 2 months! (Can't blame it on a rookie mistake)  We finished teaching Spacs about the Plan of Salvation, talking about where we go after this life, judgement, resurrection, and the kingdoms of glory. Spacs posed the question, "so what happens to the people who don't hear about the Gospel in this life?"  We are going to be talking about temple work later this week, and help make a plan for the next year to prepare Spacs to go to the temple! 

On Thursday evening we went to the Sneddon's (Our lovely Bishop and his family) with Spacs and our district leader companionship for Spacs' baptismal interview. We had a delicious Swiss raclette for dinner and watched a Mormon Message. Spacs said he totally related to the man in the short video, because he also had to go on his own search for the truth. When he shared his testimony, I felt the Spirit wrap me up in a warm blanket, and I was immediately filled with gratitude for the opportunity to teach such a neat man the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Spacs' baptism is on Saturday (my 18 month mark, I also just noticed) and we are SO EXCITED!

We met with Juergen and Baigal again this week after a little while, and it went very well. We read in 2 Nephi 31 about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this lesson, Juergen and Baigal asked so many questions that were good and relevant to what we were teaching. I was a little surprised of how involved they were!! We encouraged them to begin/continue reading in the Book of Mormon together as a family. In return they invited us to go bowling for Mathias' (their son) birthday on Friday. 

Because next Sunday will be the Primary program in our ward, I had the opportunity to give my closing testimony in Sacrament meeting yesterday. That was sort of a surreal moment for me. I saw a lot of familiar and unfamiliar faces in the congregation, but it didn't matter to me. I loved each individual who was sitting in that chapel. Afterward, I was still so full of that joy. During that Sacrament Meeting, I just couldn't help but feel peaceful, happy, and grateful. Being a missionary has brought me a fullness of joy, like it talks about in Doctrine and Covenants 18. Now I'm most definitely not a perfect person, nor a perfect missionary, and it's more incredible for me to think of that joy being magnified when I one day am perfect!! That is something beyond my comprehension. 

Having the Gospel of Jesus Christ I have noticed is like walking in sunlight everywhere I go. Especially as a missionary, I have been more aware of this "light" given to me (meaning the Gift of the Holy Ghost received after my baptism) than I ever have before in my life. I see so many sad, disheartened individuals everywhere I go, and all I want to do is give them just a little taste of this light, of the warmth that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we act upon the principles and commandments taught in the Gospel, we receive blessings beyond our understanding or imagination.  At the very least, when we are obedient and strive to obey the commandments and keep true to our covenants, it really is like walking in sunshine, even on the cloudiest day.

I love you all!! Have a marvelous week.

Your Bavarian/Alpine missionary

Sister Natalie Motto

Gift from the McCormick's! 

Munich Hauptbahnhof decorated for Christmas!

"What more is required, Lord?"

Liebe Familie und Freunde,

Everyone should have more faith in pass along cards, and to give them out more often. You know why? Because they WORK! Sister Ahlm and I got a phonecall yesterday afternoon from a man by the name of Gerhard, an older German gentleman we met at our U-bahn station on the way home one evening. We had a very simple, brief chat with him, gave him a card, and didn't think anything of it. Yesterday right before church started we got a call from a number we didn't know, and it was Gerhard, and he explained that after we met in the Ubahn station he went home, looked on mormon.org, and now wants to learn everything about the Church! 

For Pday last week Sister Ahlm and I went with Jürgen and his friend from his church congregation, Ursula, down to Garmsich-Partenkirchen and the famous Oberammergau!!! It was BEAUTIFUL. The sun was brighter than it had been all week, the sky was startling blue, and we were really able to enjoy running around in these beautiful mountain villages. It was probably my favorite Pday that we've had in a while :)  I couldn't get over the brilliance of the colors of the trees, the clearness of the Bavarian mountain lakes and the crisp clean smell in the air.  It was perfectly picturesque and heavenly.  Every day, I grow more in love with Bayern, Munich and what this area has to offer.  The people are charming and warm and fully embody "Gemütlichkeit".  I feel so blessed. 

Sister Ahlm and I met up with our Tibetian threesome this week in a coffee shop to enjoy donuts (German donuts, sogar) and a discussion on the Word of Wisdom. Namdul asked us if we put milk in the black tea, if then it would be okay to drink. He and Ngawang kept asking if putting sugar, or milk, or more water, or many other random things would make the black tea "ok" to drink. After laughing at us and trying to get past the language barrier, Tenzin stepped in and translated everything nicely. We found out that Namdul has a problem with smoking, and he wants to give our Stop Smoking Program a try! He's really determined to stop, and that's all the motivation he needs.

Confession: I'm a really bad trainer...or just a little blonde.:)  Sister Ahlm and I got a ticket for riding the Sbahns without a valid monthly ticket!  (Lesson number one to Sister Ahlm...never ride "schwarz"!)  We got charged 40 Euro. Yikes!  Fortunately, the controllers told us that we could go to Hauptbahnhof, show our valid ticket, and get a slight deduction off our "strafe" price. You can imagine my relief when I found out our ticket strafe was only 7 Euro!!! I'm still a little embarrassed that we got a ticket, but all's well that ends well, and we learned from our mistake! Whew.  (I have to say how grateful I am for my awesome and very patient companion!)

I had the opportunity this week to Austausch again with Sister Smiley, but instead of being in Tübingen we were in Munich! We had a lot of fun talking about Wien, because she got to serve there for 1 transfer: it was so good to hear how everyone there is doing. We met with Sparks and were able to answer a lot of questions he has about the creation, repentance, the Atonement, and the meaning of the Sacrament. He's always so nervous to ask questions because he says he knows as he learns he'll find answers, but that being said he wants to be as ready as possible for his baptism soon. One thing I have noticed teaching Sparks is kind of like that when I taught Ainhoa back in Göppingen: teach simply and powerfully. Sparks, although 27 years old, is still like a child in the Gospel, and line upon line we as missionaries have the opportunity to help him grow and mature spiritually as he continues to learn. Teaching people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in many cases the teachings to them are so new, is something that will forever amaze me. I love this chance to teach, because whether or not the investigator/less active/member knows it, I grow right along with them.

Me and Sister Smiley!

There was a train strike in Germany this week that lasted somewhere around 75 hours, which is supposedly the longest strike in Deutsche Bahn history (so everyone is saying). It was really dumb, but thankfully we serve in the city where the buses and Ubahns still ran. Sadly, we had to cancel many of our appointments for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday due to the strike, but we were still able to make those hours productive.  For Germans, the trains are a necessity, so you can imagine how a train strike can paralyze a country.

We met with Armando this week for the first time in a real lesson, and cute Rachel Sneddon, our bishops daughter, came with us! Armando was so kind and made us REAL Italian food, and we were able to teach him about the Restoration. He's been reading a lot in the Book of Mormon and each thing we taught him about the Restoration he said "made perfect sense". That's what the Gospel does: make sense!!

Hashim,the Göb's, Muanza, Klaus, and the Muntean's are all doing well, even though we didn't get to meet with them because of the strike. We have regular phone contact with them all, and they are all doing well.

One thing I learned about this week in my personal study, and something that we talked about at district meeting, was the principle of Accountability. The Lord expects us to be accountable for all our actions, and to report back to Him at the end of each day, although He is very well aware of all we do. The very act of kneeling in prayer and giving an account of our day's actions shows our Father in Heaven that we know He is there, that He watches over us, that He is aware of us, and that we are grateful for the time He gives us each day. It also helps us personally to recognize what we are doing with His time, if it happens to be better instead of good, or even the best instead of a better usage. My thought process in my prayers lately has been "What more is required, Lord?" What more can I do? What can I do better the next time? What can I say the next time? Help me become who THOU wouldst like me to become. And it has made such a wonderful difference.

Elders Jensen and Abbott at MLC

Seeing my sweetest friend from Lindon.....and saying goodbye until 10 weeks:)

Me and Sister Erdentsegsogt

The Tübingen and München 2 sisters at MLC

Have a marvelous week my friends and family! I pray for you, I think of you, and I hope you know I love you!

All the best,

Sister Natalie Hannah Motto

Simply Listen

Dearest family and friends,

Yes, it's been another wonderful week of missionary work.....full of learning opportunities, service, teaching and enjoying some pretty amazing fall weather here in southern Germany.

We started off our week visiting Sister Franz in the hospital, an older sister in our ward because it was her birthday. The Elders and we sang to her, enjoyed cake with one another, and Sister Franz claimed  that we made her entire day. Little does she know how much it made OUR day as missionaries to visit her and perform that act of service for her. It did bestimmt (certainly) a lot more good for me than for her, to see this sweet elderly sister smile and tell us of her love for us and for the Lord.  

We met with the Goeb's this week. It was very, very good. We began talking about the nature of God, and what it exactly means to us individually that we have a loving Father in Heaven. They are making progress and even though there are stumbling blocks, we are doing our best putting faith in the Lord, praying that through our teaching of His truth, that the Goebs hearts will be softened and that they will listen.  The listening part has been tricky.  It took longer than normal to teach them this week but missing 2 train times was worth it.  We wanted them to fully understand the truth and be very specific what we believe and why. 

We then recommitted them to continue to read in the Book of Mormon, and to fully, 100% listen to what we have to say and teach, and then they can decide for themselves if what we teach as representatives of Jesus Christ is true or not. The Goeb's sincerely promised to listen, as well as wholeheartedly promising us--because of their own desire, not out of commitment-- to begin reading the Book of Mormon again.

After that appointment, I was so exhausted, and I couldn't remember what I had even said. Sister Ahlm didn't either.  We were so pleasantly surprised and grateful to see that the Spirit really had guided our thoughts and words during that appointment. We are looking forward to our appointment with them on Wednesday!

This past week we also had the privilege of attending the funeral service for Simon Auras, the 11 year old son of our stake president, who died suddenly last week playing soccer. It was a beautiful memorial service, and there was so much love and peace in the room. How grateful I am for the knowledge and blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we may be with our families forever.

I went on Austausch this week, and got to work with Sister Packer and Sister Smith in a dritt in the Munich 3 ward! It was really neat! I almost accomplished my mission goal of chasing down a biker, but the sweet older man stopped to talk to us even before I got two feet running. It was a neat experience working with both Sister Packer and Sister Smith again. I"m always so amazed of how much I learn on Austausch!  We were also able to see Dachau.  I remember going with my parents before my mission and feeling so overwhelmed and my emotions were guarded.  This time however, as a missionary who is called to preach hope and faith and to teach about a loving Heavenly Father and His plan, my eyes saw it differently.  I said a silent prayer that those who were so deeply affected by the Holocaust may have peace and the everlasting blessings through the Atonement.  

Sister Ahlm and I went back down south to visit Lenggries again, but instead of contacting our referrals again, we got to speak to Leandro, who is from Chile. He's lived in Germany for 15 years and knows a little about the Church, and we talked to him for an hour and twenty minutes right on the train platform where we had gotten off!  We are excited to meet with him again tomorrow to give him a Spanish Book of Mormon, and to continue helping him understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it plays a role for him personally. It's always a wonder to me to look back and see the Lord's hand in absolutely everything we do, and that we are always in the place he needs us to be.

We met with the Muntean's again and had the chance to teach Nikolina the Plan of Salvation, which was good review for Adrian and Adele. They are reading in the Book of Mormon a little more frequently now, and are praying also a little more often. They have lots of good, deep questions, which shows Sister Ahlm and I that the Muntean's really think about what we teach! They are progressing so well.....we're working really hard right now to get them to church some Sunday. That's their biggest struggle right now, but we're hoping to set a goal to get them to come this week. 

I am so grateful for the Spirit. One of the greatest blessings, and yet challenges of a mission, is the opportunity to have the Spirit with you 100% of the time. As servants of the Lord, the Spirit guides us as to with whom we should speak, and to whom the Lord has prepared to hear the message of the Restored Gospel. Sometimes that's hard. Especially when you are really good at thinking twice like me! :) One thing I learned this week from Sister Ahlm was that you should just simply act upon those promptings, and to not think twice. Out of that, Sister Ahlm and I have met some of the neatest people, and have had special opportunities to serve others. I love President Uchtdorf's quote from two conferences ago, to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." I like to think of it as doubting my second thoughts before doubting the Spirit! When we trust the Lord, and act upon that faith, the Lord blesses us tremendously. Listen to the Spirit! Listen to His gentle promptings, no matter how small. You never know what miracle is about to come your way. Simply Listen.

I love you, my dear family and friends.  I must be off, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your incredible support and love!

Your Missionary,

Sister Natalie Motto

The Spirit Is The Ultimate Teacher

Liebe Familie und liebe Freunde,

What a wonderful week Sister Ahlm and I had!! Sister Ahlm is so great and such a fun and sweet companion. I'm so grateful for her! This week FLEW by and it doesn't even feel like Monday today, I am so happy to be here and to tell you about another special week here in Munich.

A little souvenir from Oktoberfest

We were able to help at the Refugee Home again in the "Kleider Kaemmer" and help give out clothes and basic need products to all the new refugees who came to Munich this past week. Each time is such a humbling experience, and the beautiful words of "Because of I Have Been Given Much" runs through my head. I feel so blessed to really be my brother's keeper, and to simply give aid to those who are in so much more of a need than I. I met a new friend, Madeleine, who also volunteers at the refugee home. We had a brief but good chat about the Gospel during one of our slower moments, and I was able to talk to her a little about what I do as a missionary. It was great! I look forward in the coming weeks to being able to talk with Madeleine a little more, and to share more about what we believe. I love being a missionary!

Sister Ahlm and I got to meet with our favorite Tibetan threesome again this week! Tenzin, Ngawang, and Namdul met us at a park near the Zoo and we got to sit and talk in the beauty of a warm autumn day.  It has always been a challenge to try and teach the three of them together, because each one has a different understanding of the Gospel. Sister Ahlm and I thought it would be a good idea to talk about prayer, and the lesson went extremely well.  Each learned what they needed to, and that for me was a testimony that the Spirit really is the Ultimate Teacher.

I went on Austausch with Sister McEwen this week, a fiesty, fiery, spirited Scottish sister serving in Passau. Passau is beautiful, by the way. On our Austausch, we attempted to find the address of one of our less actives to give her brownies, but because it was late and we couldn't find the address, so we went to turn home. We saw a man near the bus stop, who looked worn down and tired. Without even speaking to each other, Sister McEwen and I gave this man the brownies we had baked for the less actives. He was so happy!! (Maybe a little shocked too that total strangers would offer him food?)  I'm still trying to learn Bayerisch, but his toothless grin from ear to ear let me know that he was happy for our small gift. 

We met a really neat woman named Maggy this week, who was really interested in our black name tags. She's about 30 years old, was born and raised in Munich, and said she's never seen our missionaries before. When Maggy approached us, asked us where we were from and why we were here, and then for our Ubahn ride home, we talked to her about what we do as missionaries, that is, inviting others to come unto Christ. She is an incredibly faithful woman, who LOVES the Bible, and was really excited about the idea of Another Testament for Jesus Christ. We're meeting with her later this week to teach her about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon.

We met with Adrian and Adele this week, who are making leaps and bounds as far as their progress goes. Adrian shared what he quickly realized to be a testimony of God, and told us that it has been extremely difficult for their family to put God as their priority. They know that's what they need to do, and they are trying to do everything they can to make it possible to come to Church as a family. With conflicting work schedules, it's been hard,  but they have the goal to come next Sunday. Please pray for them.

We got to finally sit down and have an official appointment with Sparks, who told us right off that he wants to know what to do in order to be baptized. And, well, we told him! Sparks has seen how happy the Gospel makes his friend Kai, and he wants that in his life as well. He told us he feels so much peace each time he comes to Church, and it makes his week go better. Also recognizing that as the Holy Ghost, Sparks said "I think that's what you call a testimony, right?" We're setting a baptismal date with Sparks on Wednesday!!

Yesterday we had a neat experience while going to an eating appointment with the Whatley's. A boy and a girl saw us walking on the street and asked us if we were the people who worked at a nearby mall, because of our black nametags. We told them we were missionaries, told them which Church we were from and what we do, and then this boy and the girl decided to walk with us to the Whatley's. We found out this young man, whose name we didn't catch, is 18 years old, and has already experienced a great deal of sadness in his life. He lost his little sister in a car accident exactly two years ago, and expressed that since that time he hasn't believed in God. We talked with this young man about the Plan of Salvation, and he stopped in his tracks. "Really?" he asked, and I'm sure he was contemplating how serious we were. We gave this boy our number, and completely acting on faith I said, "You give us a call. We know that you will see your sister again. We can help you learn that for yourself as well." The boy, obviously trying to be cool, said "I''ll think about it" and then he walked off. I've seen many miracles come from just handing out cards, because a good half the time the people call back, and with that ratio, I'm totally willing to act on my faith that they'll call back. I just feel really grateful that we ran into this young man, and that even if he doesn't call, we were able to share with him a comforting message on the anniversary of his sister's death. You just never know:)

This week we had Zone Conference. Awww, another wonderful one!  Sister Ahlm and I had the opportunity to teach about diligence. President Kohler followed us, and taught us about the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He explained the tradition of "birthright", where when the master of an estate passes away, he divides his share into equal parts among his sons, except for the firstborn, who then receives a double portion. The double portion is used to provide for the daughters and mother of the deceased master. The eldest son, then, will use his own portion to care for his father's property, and raise his own family.

 With that explanation, President Kohler asked how many of us missionaries, in our patriarchal blessings, were from the Tribe of Ephraim. (You can imagine a good 95% of us raised our hands). Part of the responsibilities and blessings the Tribe of Ephraim has is to be the first to bring the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto the WORLD. It is part of their duty as well, to be leaders and teachers and to help lead the gathering of Israel. Ephraim, as we know, was given the birthright from Israel. Ephraim received a double portion of his father's wealth.

Munich-Stuttgart Zone Conference October 2014

Relating that to missionary work, and to myself personally, it was humbling and enlightening to recognize for the hundredth time the blessings given to me throughout my life. I have been given everything I need temporally, from parents who work so hard to provide for the family. I have had food on my plate, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head, as well as many comforts of life that have made my life much more enjoyable and plentiful. That's my hefty first portion, so to say. The second portion of this birthright I have been given is the gift of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. With this double portion, it is my DUTY and right to take care of my father's estate. The Master of the Vineyard has called me to labor in a very particular part of His garden, to weed and sow and reap and harvest, until the day that He comes again and says "well done, thou good and faithful servant." 

I am so grateful to be a missionary. My heart simply wants to burst with happiness at the very thought of this marvelous privilege I have each day to preach the Gospel. Yes I do have moments of discouragement, weariness and exhaustion, but it is in those moments, when the Lord sends someone or something to me in a very personal way which reminds me of His love and alls well. I love being a missionary. I love this work. I am blessed beyond measure. 

I love you all so much!! Have an AMAZING week!!

Your Missionary,

Sister Natalie Motto

#MissionarymiraclesinmagnificentMunich....and Oktoberfest is Still Going On

Hello my dearest Family and Friends!!

Sister Ahlm and I have seen more missionary miracles in magnificent Munich this week!! (Say that 3 times fast:) I wish I had time to go into even more detail about EVERYTHING that happened this week, there was so much going on...great MLC meetings, Pres interviews, General Conference, an amazing Oktoberfest P-Day, service projects.....however, there are people to talk to and teach so, ja...here are the highlights!   Such. A. Great. Week!

Oktoberfest was super festive, cultural and kind of crazy!  I'm grateful that I had been "fore-warned" by my parents because it really is a bit overwhelming.  It was sad to see where the world places its priorities and fascinating how much the Germans LOVE their beer!  The food was really good, we both thought as we gobbled up some really tasty wurst.  Ja, I'm glad we could go and witness what all the fuss was about:)

We found the joy in service as we helped paint the wonderful Sneddon's back yard shed.  They are in our Munich ward and DO SO MUCH for the missionaries and this ward.  We love them so it was a honor to help them in this small way.

Our first miracle was the Muntean family, our wonderful Romanians....... Remember how I said that their regression after coming back from Romania was super discouraging? The Zone Leaders came with us on Tuesday for an appointment, so that Elder Vitel, a Romanian Elder, could translate for us. We wanted the Muntean's to know exactly what we expected of them, and we wanted to know exactly what their concerns were. When they were in Romania, because of some difficulties completing some renovations on their house, the Muntean's were stressed and had that as their only focus, pushing aside daily prayer and scripture study that they had done so habitually the weeks previous. Adrian also began smoking again, and took up drinking, and Nikolina became discouraged that our Stop Smoking Program was only a temporary fix. This, among other questions, caused the Muntean's to think twice about meeting with us when they got home from Romania.

With the help of our wonderful Romanian speaking Elder Vitel, we were able to clarify to the Muntean's what our purpose was, and to share testimony of how much we know the Gospel would bless their life. We reviewed the Restoration, and after a while the family became more engaged in the conversation as Elder Vitel explained what it means that we missionaries are here. And at the end of the appointment we made a return appointment for Thursday, having committed them to read the Living Christ, and to begin praying and reading in the scriptures again.

Thursday as Sister Ahlm and I showed up to our follow up appointment, Nikolina rushed to the door and embraced us, inviting us in excitedly like a little kid. Adrian yelled out the door and told us to hurry into the apartment, where we were greeted by food laid out on the table! They surprised us with a traditional Romanian dinner. Nikolina and Adrian and Adele were all so happy, and the Spirit in the room was stronger, sweeter, and warmer than I have ever felt before at the Muntean's. Sister Ahlm and I still can't figure out what was different, but we have an idea that the Lord is blessing the Muntean's with understanding, and a desire to learn about the Church. Adrian and Nikolina told us they know that they need to come to Church, and not only that they need to, but they want to. Nikolina told us that only good has come from our visits, and even though they haven't been always doing their part, that she still feels love and good inside when we teach. Nikolina and Adrian also asked us what is required for baptism into our church. As we explained that process, I couldn't help but get butterflies in my stomach in that moment recognizing the Muntean's true progression.   When we left Nikolina gave Sister Ahlm and I kisses on both cheeks, and the whole family invited us to come more often during the week, so they can continue to learn about the Gospel and gain a better understanding of what the Gospel has to offer them personally.

(MLC...meeting with my wonderful "sisters")

Another tender mercy/mini-miracle this week was when Sister Ahlm and I were visiting the Goeb family. We smiled at a woman on the Sbahn, who then smiled back. When we both got off at the same stop, Sister Ahlm and all her golden fire went to the woman and fearlessly gave her a Book of Mormon. The woman replied with the most gratitude, saying that she knew we were sent from God, and that she knew we had something to offer her. She quickly rushed off before we could get her information, but she called from down the platform "I promise I will read! I promise I will read and call you!" 

I also gave away my personal copy of the Book of Mormon I was using to study the Atonement to a really overbearing and somewhat rude American man with a cute border collie puppy. It was another one of those Alma the younger moments, watching this  man go from hard and crude to soft and genuinely curious. He said he would read the Book of Mormon, and naja, I figured my personal, marked up copy will do him more good than me. 

The Goeb's came to General Conference! Juergen, the husband, talked with us afterward, and told us the spiritual experience he had at Conference was only the second time he has ever felt that in his life. He was extremely moved by the speakers, especially President Uchtdorf from the Saturday morning session. Sister Ahlm and I are amazed at the progress and understanding Juergen is coming to in the Gospel.

Didn't you just LOVE General Conference? My spiritual bucket is overflowing! I feel like each time I watch General Conference on my mission the time goes faster and faster. I absolutely loved the "trend" of talking about living prophets. I would have to say my favorite talk was from President Henry B Eyring from the Sunday morning session. I love the topic of personal revelation, especially because I have the strongest testimony and also a sure knowledge that God speaks to His people, and that through His prophet, we will never be lead astray. It gives me a lot of peace and comfort to know as well that my loving, just, gracious Father in Heaven can speak to me on a personal level, and that the questions of my heart can also be answered when I seek Him. The Lord teaches this principle very clearly and understandably when He appeared to the Nephites after His resurrection. He said,

" 19 Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; 20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."

Ask and it shall be given, seek and will be found, knock, and it will be opened. 

I have this testimony. I KNOW my Savior lives, and that He speaks through His servant and living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. How grateful I am to be His servant, laboring in His field, to help prepare the way for Him to come again.

I love you all! May your days be filled with the love of the Savior and appreciation for the Atonement and ALL that He has blessed us with.  

Love,

Your little Alpine-Bavarian Missionary,

Sister Natalie Hannah Motto

Miracles In Munich!!

Dearest Family and Friends,

This week was simply marvelous! The weather seems to agree with me because I love periodic rain and that is what we have been getting. The bright autumnal colors are beginning to pop up everywhere around Southern Germany. Germany is really beautiful in every season and every season has it's uniqueness...Autumn just suits Bayern.  The many hills covered with green forests are dotted with spots of red and gold.  And although the weather has gotten cooler, the air is refreshing and everyone seems ready for Fall! 

Sister Ahlm and I have seen miracle after miracle after miracle this week, and I can't help but say that this "golden fire" thing is totally real! Sister Ahlm is exactly what this area, and what I needed this transfer! 

Last week we met a really neat man by the name of Armando while riding the Sbahn. He's originally from Sicily, but has been living in Germany for the past 2 years working for Intel. He speaks fantastic English, and when we asked why he started talking to us he said it was because we looked happy amist the tired, grumpy looking employees going home from work that evening. We invited Armando to German class, where he came and we were able to not only teach him German, but we were able to teach him about the Book of Mormon! Having felt prompted to bring an Italian book with me that day, we gave it to Armando to read. Not even 2 hours passed after the class when Armando texted us telling us he had already begun to read in the Book of Mormon, and that he wanted to come to Church Sunday. Yesterday he came and he thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He said he is happy to know where to start his life so he can also have this "light" that he sees in Sister Ahlm and I, and the other members that were at church that day.  Do we truly realize how much our light shines?  

Thursday was an adventure! Sister Ahlm got to go on  her first "real" (real as in lengthy and not a commuter) train ride as we headed down to the beautiful city of Lenggries, which is located south of Munich on the edge of the beginning of the Alp Mountain Range. We were blessed with 11 referrals from Church headquarters last week, and had time Thursday to go contact them. The sister who had referred these people to us was still fondly remembered, and we got a few return appointments with these people who want to know more about what their friend Sister Whiteley believes! (By the way Lenggries is another gorgeous corner of our area!)

Funny story: As Sister Ahlm and I were walking down a beautiful road in Lenggries, we came upon a really cute kitten. I took my camera out to get a picture, and a little girl about 4 years old came up to me and asked, "Why are you taking a picture of my kitty?" I told her I have a friend who loves cats and that I wanted to send the picture to her. The girl shyly smiled, gave me her permission to take pictures of her kitty, and then showing me a red berry, in her little Bayerisch accent said, "Das ist Gift. Ich werde es zu der Katze fressen." For those of you who do not speak German, the word gift means poison in German! Sister Ahlm and I started cracking up, completely appalled at this darling, cute, blonde haired and blue eyed German girl, and what she wanted to do to the kitty! Thankfully the little kitten was smart enough NOT to eat the poisonous berry.

This week we met Hashim. Hashim is from Somalia, and a refugee here in Germany. Hashim has had an incredibly hard life, and wants to know what he can do to be happier. He does not like the Muslim religion, and wants to be Christian. He is a single father of 3 sons, two of whom are still in Somalia. He is earning money to bring them to Germany. His son Jamil LOVES soccer. When we met Hashim at the bus stop, we asked him what he thought of eternal families. He replied saying that he would give his life if he could be with his boys for eternity. We met with the Elders on Friday with Hashim, gave him a Book of Mormon in his mother language of Swahili, and Hashim will start meeting with the Elders this week. After our appointment Hashim thanked us for the message we shared with him about the Restoration and eternal families, because it is the "beginning of a brighter path" in his life.

We met with Herr Muanza also this week. We reviewed the Restoration and answered all of his questions. Herr Muanza shared his testimony about the Book of Mormon and how he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He is really looking forward to General Conference this weekend, and this week he wanting to commit to being baptized. He is making such amazing progress!!!!

The Scholz's, our cute older couple who have been less active for 20 years, are doing incredibly well. They are still preparing to recieve their patriarchal blessings at ages 75, and are making progress as they have come to church for the past 3 weeks in a row!! I was so happy to hear that my own little sister just received her patriarchal blessing and how special that was for her as I know that the Lord wants each of His children to receive so many glorious earthly and eternal blessings.  

Oktoberfest!!!!

Yesterday was ward conference, and I had the pleasure of being able to accompany cute Rachel Sneddon on the piano as she sang "Ich weiss dass mein Erloeser lebt". Rachel did such a great job and it added to the wonderful spirit we felt during yesterday's meetings. Sparks was there (Kai's friend) and also the Goeb family came!! We are meeting with the Goeb's later this week!

The Munteans are doing well, but still struggling getting back into the habits that they had so well before they left to Romania. We are meeting with them this week with Elder Vitel, a Romanian Elder here in Munich, in hopes that with his help we can better convey exactly what we want said, and that we may also have an exact understanding of what the Muntean's need.

If I could sum this week up into one week, it would be that I am so grateful to be here. I am so grateful to be a missionary. I love this work. I"m counting my blessings of the greatness and beauty and gift of being a full time missionary. The trials and challenges that come are Heavenly Father's way of letting me know that He trusts me enough to use them as tools to become stronger, not as burdens to weigh me down. I love seeing the literal light the Gospel brings into people's lives as all I do is share testimony. The biggest testimony to me, that I know the Church is true, is by watching the transformation and complete 180 degree turn people take as they sacrifice their lives for the better. 

Guess what??? I got word this week that Marion, the sweet investigator Sister Pentz and I taught in Tuebingen, has a baptismal date for the 8 of November!!!! It is moments like these where I recognize that the Lord really has made of me one of His work tools, and that I really am doing what He is asking me to do. Whether that be to reap, sow, or harvest in His white and ready field, I am humbled and thankful to Him for the thousands of blessings He gives me each day. I am thankful for this precious time of 18 months He has given me to come closer to Him, to be more firmly rooted in His Gospel, and to come to a complete conversion in knowing that He lives. 

Have the best of weeks everyone!  I love you all.

Your Alpine Bavarian Miss(ionary!)

Sister Natalie Hannah Motto