Week 16….Stuck on the S-bahn and Service and All Horses Go to Heaven

Servus liebe Familie und Freunde!

Hello from wet, rainy, chilly Göppingen-- fall weather is finally here!

This week was great! I am still exuberant and blessed to be a missionary!  Every morning I get the butterflies reminding myself that I'm a missionary in the most beautiful land in the world, Germany!  Sister Woods and I get along so well and we are already in sync.   Although we have a different dynamic than Sister Clark and I did, we compliment each other really well and it's been a great experience learning to work with others, and forging these new friendships that will last forever! Sister Woods is fantastic and I love her so much!

This transfer has been a little different than my past two. This month in our distrit we got another set of Elders in Ellwangen (about an hour away from Göppingen and in a beautiful region...also about 20 minutes from Dinkelsbühl..a charming little town which my parents like to visit).   We also got the Waiblingen (just north east of Stuttgart)  branch into our area: we now have 8 elders and 2 sisters in our district. 10 missionaries!  And that many more missionaries to contact many more investigators!   We now go to Waiblingen for district meeting.  Waiblingen is beautiful, has a great ward, and I'm excited for this change. (Except for maybe the fact that there is a horse slaughter factory right across the street from where the elders live, and right next to the church. You can imagine my, well, disappointment and disgust.) To which my loving and dutiful district leader said, "Don't worry Sister Motto…I'm sure all horses go to heaven" :)

Last week, on the way to our first district meeting in Waiblingen, we traveled with the Ulm elders to share a 4-man body ticket. [A more economic way to travel for missionaries is to "use" buddy passes when possible]  As we were all traveling together on the S-bahn to Waiblingen Hauptbahnhof, we came to an abrupt halt at an unplanned stop on Nürnbergerstraße, 8 or 9 stops away from our planned destination. Some individuals on the S-bahn tried to exit, but the doors were stuck, and wouldn't open. Many people were confused and began to be frustrated that the S-bahn wasn't going. To be honest, our group of 4 missionaries was also initally a little upset and stressed, because we were going to be late for district meeting. After about 5 minutes, a DeustcheBahn worker came and told everyone to get of the S-bahn. There had been an accident: an individual had been killed, and was hit by the S-Bahn. Immediately this rush of a heavy weight settled in my heart, and immediately was sobered by what had just happened. I knew I wasn't the only one who felt this way, as the Elders and ourselves moved to the side. We were told to wait until the polizei arrived, and then we could leave. Many people were, as you imagine, very upset and saddned, and in shock, at what had just happened. As we umsteiged (disembarked) the train and tried to take another mode of transportion to get to Waiblingen, I stood next to a lady who was very distraught. She expressed to me her sadness over what happened to this gentleman who had been killed, and how awful it was that he had died. I expressed my sadness to her as well, but then was able to share my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the fact that we will live again. I don't know what happened to that woman, but I am grateful for the opportunity I had to share my testimony and share a small light and joy that this Gospel brings. It took us 2.5 hours to take a 15 minute route to get to district meeting, but we were able to finally make it and get everything done we needed to that day.

Saturday the missionaries in our zone had the opportunity to attend the adult session of Stuttgart Stake Conference. It was a really neat experience being able to speak with both the American members from the international ward, as well as the German members, from our stake. The theme of this stake conference, given by our stake president Präsident Schneider was 'Warum?'...'Why?' The three things that were focused on in each talk was "Warum habe ich, warum soll ich, warum bin ich?" or, in English, "Why do I have, why should I, and why am I?" Many of the speakers used these three things and tied it into faith. Why are we a faithful people? Why am I a faithful person, as an individual? For me, I liked tying this theme into "Why do I have this calling, as a missionary? Why should I do this work? Why am I a missionary?" I felt the Spirit very strongly as I reflected upon these questions after stake conference, and gave it a lot of thought.  The Lord is shaping me to be the best person I can be. I feel it every day, and I am so grateful for it.

I am so happy that the Benson's (a senior missionary couple serving in Stuttgart) daughter called you and asked you for the piano book.  It was wonderful to be able to perform piano again and share my testimony through the beautiful hymn arrangement.  You know how much I love playing the piano and being able to have someone feel so moved and touched by the Spirit because of it is a great blessing!  I'm glad you could ask Dr Hatch to sign it for the JAE. (young single adult).  

I am overwhelmed with gratitude that Julee sent so many relative names to find and contact!  What a blessing for which we have been praying!  We are in the process of locating the exact addresses and to plan out our week so that we can make the most of our time in those particular areas.   Keep praying that her relatives will be prepared and ready to hear the message of Jesus Christ.  Thank you again! (Sidenote....Kevin has a sweet wonderful lady who helps out in his office and when finding out that Natalie was in Göppingen, told us that is where her mother was from and then proceeded to give us over 15 names of living relatives still in that area who she would like Natalie to contact about the Church! We are still overwhelmed how this happened and consider it to be such a tender mercy)

 On the way home from the stake center to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (we weren't able to spend the night with the Stuttgart sisters, so we had to travel back to Göppingen before coming back Sunday morning for the main session), I was standing next to a lady on the S-bahn. (Hey....I am getting so pro at public transportation. Remember Mom & Dad, like you once lovingly "threatened"  to stick me somewhere in Germany and have me find my way back -- now I could probably do it!) This woman gestured to me and asked me to sit by her, so I did. We'll call her Jane. In broken German Jane asked me who I was, and who all these people with nametags were, and why we had the name of Christ on it. I told her we were missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that we were the Mormons. Jane, who is from the Ivory Coast, had heard of us before, and our 'little blue bible'. I smiled and told Jane and her friend about the Book of Mormon, how it is another testament of Jesus Christ, and His apperance to His people in the Americas. This woman kept asking why we needed the Book of Mormon, when we have the Bible. She then took out her worn, torn, and obviously very loved Bible from her purse. She told me that "this Bible is all I need to know Christ." I then had her turn to the scripture in Eziekel 37  where it tells about the stick of Judah and Joseph, and explained to her how the Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph, and is simply another witness of the Bible and of Jesus Christ. These 3 minutes I had to talk with this woman and her friend made me recognize the importance of always being a good example as a missionary, and being ever prepared to talk to whoever, and to answer any questions they may have. I was able to tell Jane about the restoration, and of Joseph Smith, and how the Gospel has been restored, and that she could know that by reading this Book and praying about it. Even on a crowded S-Bahn, I was amazed at how strong the Spirit was as I taught Jane. I offered the Book of Mormon to Jane, and she intially rejected my offer, but as she exited the S-Bahn she hurriedly caught the door again and said, 'Yes. I'll take it.'  She left so fast, I didn't have time before the S-bahn doors closed to get her information.  Thankfully, our contact information is in the Book of Mormon, so hopefully we will be getting a call soon to drop by a French Book of Mormon.

We also just got news that our apartment next transfer will be turned into a 4-man (or in our case, woman) apartment!! It'll be shoulder to shoulder, but I think overall a good experience. If that's the case, I can see myself possibly staying in Göppingen for 5 transfers. But you never know! It's all in the Lord's hands. :) Regardless where I am...I love working hard and serving here. Come what may and love it!

Have a wonderful week! You are always in my prayers and thoughts. 2 Nephi 25:26

Liebe Grüße,
Sister Motto

Week 15 -- From Schwester MOTTO in the ALPS!

Grüßle meine liebe Familie und Freunde!

This week was one full of change and exciting new things! Sister Clark and I bid farewell, she being transferred to Wien to work in the international ward there, and her MTC companion Sister Woods came to work with me in Göppingen! It was sad saying goodbye to Sister Clark, but one of the most beautiful things about a mission is that you make lifelong friends!  My new companion, Sister Woods, is AWESOME! I love her so much already. She's energetic, funny, sweet, insightful girl from Springville/Mapleton, who loves soccer, biomedical engineering, the U, and being a missionary. I think we are going to get along great! (So glad my Cougs beat Texas and the U won too...so we are BOTH happy as clams...uh, when does the Y play the U???)

This past week on Tuesday, before transfers, we were able to have Zone Training. One of our biggest focuses as a zone right now is the less actives, and helping find these lost sheep and help them return to the fold. The way we can better know how to work with our investigators, less actives, and ward members in general is through personal preparation. We've been doing so by learning to obtain the Christlike Attributes, as found in Preach My Gospel Chapter 6. I LOVE Preach My Gospel!! It is a MAGNIFICENT tool, and I am so grateful to be able to use it as a missionary. I would encourage everyone to begin reading PMG, specifically chapter 6, and focus on the Christlike attributes. For me, as a sister missionary, if I study each of the 9 attributes once each month for my mission, I will have been able to study them twice each. It's something that Präsident Miles has encouraged us to do, and I'm so grateful that he has!

This month I'm focusing on humility, and what a beautiful experience it has been! As I have put my faith and trust in the Lord that He will teach me what I need to, in order to accomplish that goal of becoming more humble, He has given me experiences to indeed humble me, give me patience, and strengthen my faith in Him. As I have studied the various Christlike attributes, I've recognized how interconnected they are, and you really cannot learn just one of them without learning about the others. I gave the analogy a while ago of a mission being like the refiner's fire.  That's when the Atonement comes in, and if, as Elder Holland says, 'we only have the DESIRE to believe, it is enough.' The desire to have faith leads to believing, and believing leads to faith. Faith grows as we exercise it. A mustard seed, Sanftkorn as they say in German, is very very small. However, once it is planted and nourished and fed, it expands and grows into a very large plant.  

Right now in Germany, the leaves are starting to change and at the edge of the Black Forest, there are many signs of autumn.  Its wonderful to go street contacting and walk from appointment to appointment in cooler weather. I have loved the summer but bring on the fall!

Last night, we met with Sister Böhm, an older lady in our branch who cannot attend church because of her health. We meet with her weekly: she enjoys the company and we love talking with her. Schwester Böhm is a really neat lady who loves the Bible and Book of Mormon. Every time we meet and teach her, I get more out of what she teaches us rather than we could have ever taught her! Schwester Böhm said something that goes along beautifully with the Christlike attribute of faith. She said, "Beten ist ein Werk des Glaubens. Nächstenliebe ist ein Werk des Glaubens. Und zu glauben ist eine bitte von dem Herz." Translation: "Prayer is an act of faith. Charity is an act of faith. To have faith is a plea from the heart."  God DOES answer that heartfelt plea! It is through Him and His Son that we find faith and joy in this life. The older German saints have so much faith and despite many of their tragic histories, they maintain their belief that they went through that for a reason and because of the Savior, they will never give in or give up.  I love these wonderful Germans!!!

Yesterday, in Sacrament Meeting, Ainhoa was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  It was awesome. The Spirit was so powerful as Bruder Kindermann, the Giraldo's home teacher and paternal-figure, gave Ainhoa the blessing. Everyone I know felt the power of that moment in sacrament meeting, and especially Sister Giraldo, as Ainhoa recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful Sister Clark and I followed that simple prompting after Gemeinderat (ward council) that night in July to take some brownies and a conference talk to Sister Giraldo, where we were able to have a conversation and build a friendship, and to hear her mother's desire for her daughter to be a member of the Church. It's these special moments, as we see God's beloved children make the steps to come unto Him, that make my work as a missionary completely worth the sacrifice.  Ainhoa is still glowing from her recent baptism and yesterdays confirmation and excited to attend primary, learn the articles of faith, and she has already been talking to her school friends about her baptism and the Church!

Teaching has been challenging this past week. Sadly things with Queen, Destiny, and Barbara have slowed down. It's been hard getting appointments due to busy schedules. We've been so grateful for the work we have been able to do with Ainhoa, but it makes our desire that much more to work with our other investigators. We have appointments with Barbara and Queen this week: just waiting upon return calls.  We are committed to find, teach and commit -- I haven't forgotten that is why I am here.  I am happy to make new friendships and build those relationships but ultimately those friendships and fellowshipping need to be made more by the members.  It is really disheartening when investigators stop progressing, but that is when our FAITH comes into play, and we keep working just as hard, if not harder, than before. I have a testimony of it! The Lord blesses us when we have faith. Proof? Saturday Sister Woods and I recieved a referral from Church headquarters for an 18 year old girl named Ana Berger. She lives in Sontheim-Brenz, a cute little dorf about 20 minutes south of Heidenheim, and about 1.5 hours away from Göppingen. Regardless of the trek, we made the next train we could to get there and contact Ana. Ana had the first lesson with Moroni's promise at the Washington Temple Visitor's Center. Ana did not have time to meet Saturday, but we got her phone number, challenged her to begin reading in the Book of Mormon, and now we have an appointment for later this week on Thursday. We are so excited and are going to remain optimistic :)

This week on Saturday and Sunday we have the opportunity to go to Stuttgart for Pfahl Konferenz: Stake Conference! SUPER EXCITED!  Sorry that this letter is a little shorter...I've got to get going and there is work to be done.

Thank you for all your uplifting and loving letters and packages!!  Have a wonderful week, my dear friends and family. Let me know how your challenge with reading Chapter 6 of PMG goes!

Liebe Grüße,
Sister Natalie H Motto

In Ellwangen

Our matching hoodies from H&M (parting gifts to each other…ha ha)

Week 14…Ainhoa's baptism and transfer calls

Hallo Familie und Freunde! Transfer three has BEGUN!

This week was a busy one, and one full of changes! As you can see....I cut my hair! I've been wanting to grow it out, but my layers have been hard to do so, so I cut my hair up to my shortest layer and am starting fresh with my hair. Having short hair is WEIRD, and I really don't feel like myself with it, but I know my hair is going to grow out fast(er) and, hey, change is fun and different! And I'm blaming Sister Clark somewhat on this....she was the one who put the idea in my head. :)

Earlier this week we went to Eschenbach, a little dorf in our area where some of my ancestor's on my dad's side are from. Eschenbach is a very small dorf, but absolutely beautiful. It's a nice town, with bigger homes and a gorgeous Evangelisch church in the middle of the city. Sister Clark and I were going to do some dooring and streeting, but we decided to walk around more and see what we had to work with, and we decided that we are going to go to Eschenbach for our Finding Day next transfer! We both feel like it has a LOT of potential, and we are excited to head there and do some good ol' missionary work. We didn't have success finding any ancestral names at the cemetery (Kevin has some distant grandparents from this region who we are trying to "find") but we will be going back to go to the Rathaus/ City Hall to see if they have any information of where Michael Wahl could be buried. We will see, and I'll keep you posted!!

Friday was TRANSFER CALLS.  I knew this day was coming so I'm a little prepared but sad nontheles that Sister Clark and I are being split, and Sister Clark is being transfered to Vienna! I'm so happy for her and I'm happy for me to stay in this wonderful corner of Germany.  Friday morning we went to the visa department place to pick up my visa (which came! I can stay in Germany!! --[when she got her new and renewed passport last week she had to get another visa to allow her to proselyte and live in Germany), and right when we arrived at the place our phone began to ring. Sister Clark answered, put it on speaker, and I couldn't help but smile as I heard my favorite "hick-German" accent from President Miles. President Miles has excellent German, but by far the best Cedar-City raised, Texan-sounding Aussprache (dialect)  I have ever heard. President Miles told us that Sister Clark will be working with Sister Harman, a sister from my transfer group, in the international ward as Sister Training Leader. Sister Clark is SO excited, and I am really happy for her. Funny enough, this transfer is a tausch, or exchange: Sister Harman's trainer, Sister Woods, who was also Sister Clark's MTC companion, is coming to work with me in Göppingen!  Yay!!  I am excited to work with Sister Woods, and see what big city, fast-paced missionary work she can bring to help speed up the work here in Göppingen. Change is always hard, and I sure will miss Sister Clark, but I know I will love Sister Woods and will be learning a lot this coming transfer.   Time is flying here and there is so much work to do!!! Slow down please.

A banner weekend -- Ainhoa's baptism was Saturday! What a beautiful experience that was!  Those sacred moments are why I am a missionary.  We got up a little earlier so we could meet the Giraldo's at the Bahnhof and travel to the Esslingen gemeindehaus together. We don't have a baptismal font in Göppingen, and the nearest one is about 30 minutes away in Esslingen, near Stuttgart.  Cute little Ainhoa was so excited and happy to meet us, even at 8 in the morning. She even brought her hamster, Luna, to the baptism, so that Luna could spend the special day with her too. (I find out more and more that ten year olds are the same, wherever you go in the world!) We arrived at the gemeindehaus/ward building with plenty of time to help the Esslingen elders set up chairs, get everything ready for the refreshments after the service, get pictures taken, and greet everyone. Ainhoa kept asking when the service would start, because she was so excited!  When it came time for the actual baptism, the water in the font was actually a little too warm; the past few baptisms had been ice cold, so they cranked up the heat a little more, but perhaps too much. Bruder Fromm (our GML/Ward mission leader) and Bruder Fingerle, who were the witnesses, opened the doors to the font and steam poured out. It was like a sauna in the tiny little Primary room! Ainhoa looked so beautiful in her little white dress as her brother Piero lead her into the water. She cringed a little because of the heat, but that didn't defer from a great big smile on her face. Sister Clark and I waited on the side and stood with Sister Giraldo. The service was beautiful, and there was no denying the powerful spirit in the room as Piero baptized Ainhoa. It was a very special moment for Sister Giraldo to see her little girl baptized. The three of us were pretty emotional, but there were only tears of happiness!  Regardless of who you are, what generation you are from, how old you are, what place on earth you live...this ordinance is assigned and required for all of Heavenly Father's children.  And it was that enlightenment that came to me, understanding again why this work -- bringing His children to Christ -- is sacred and necessary for our happiness here on earth and our salvation in the hereafter.  After the baptism, I gave Ainhoa a great big hug and asked her how she felt. She gave me a great big hug, squeezed me as tight as she could and said, 'I'm so grateful I followed Jesus.' Cue the floodgates!  Ainhoa has such a strong testimony and of her Savior Jesus Christ, and even though she is only 10 and doesn't fully understand everything in the Gospel quite yet, she knows how important it is to do all we can do follow Christ and His example, and strive to be like Him.

After Ainhoa's baptism we still had the afternoon to go out and work, so we decided to head North to Bolheim, a dorf outside of Heidenheim, to follow up on a referral we recieved Friday. This referral is from a member in California, to go by her aunt and uncle who are 94 years old. We figured it would be best to follow up on this referral as soon as possible... :) Cute little Gretta, the wife, answered the door. (Mom and Grandma: she reminds me a lot of Jeanie Ruderhauser. Tiny, little, but sweet and very talkative). We talked for a little bit, making the connection with her niece in California, and explained to her who we were. Gretta was eager to learn more, but sadly she and her husband didn't have time to meet right then, but we made an appointment for next Saturday when they do. Gretta is Evangelisch, Hans Katolisch, and the two are very open to learning more about the Gospel, because they had heard so much about it from their niece. Yes, another shout-out for member-missionary work!!! We gave Hans and Gretta (yep...just like Hans and "Gretel"...Brothers Grimm should have met this couple)  a Book of Mormon, encouraged them to start reading, and they gladly accepted. We are so excited to have these two cute investigators.

That's it for this week! Tomorrow we have zone training, and Thursday I get to meet my new companion. Lots of change, but change is good and I am so grateful for it!!  Bring it on!

Thank you in particular to my ward young women for their letters: I sure love you sweet girls!! As well as to Brother Healey, the Shipps, Nelsons, and Travis' for their letters. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to show how much you support me and care.  I love hearing from my ward family back home! :)

Have a WONDERFUL week! Love you!!!

Liebe grüß,
Sister Natalie Hannah Motto

Our "band" of missionaries from our district

 "Hello Germany -- I love you!"

Making Spätzel for Sister Clark

Ainhoa's baptism day -- she was so excited, she even brought her hamster:)

Attempting to style and curl my new shorter hair

At Ainhoa's baptism

In Eschenbach

Week 13 -- Lot of "Train-ing" this week!

Hallo Familie und Freunde!!

 This end of this next week brings me to my 3 month mark -- where has time gone?!  I know that I am in the most beautiful country, preaching the everlasting Gospel, being happier than I have ever been and loving every day! And these past 3 months have flown by.....

 District Meeting was this week and was wonderful.  We talked about baptism and confirmation and were each asked by Elder Fletcher, our district leader, to reflect on our own baptisms and the feelings we had that day, and how we can make our investigator's baptisms (when they come) that much more special. I thought of our sweet Ainhoa who is getting baptized on Saturday, and thought of how young she is in contrast to her amount of faith. I remember the day I was baptized, almost twelve years ago in Chicago, in freezing COLD weather, at the Naperville ward building and while Papa was the mission president.  It was New Years Day and I remember going over to the Petersens for soup afterwards. I don't remember many more details pertaining to the actual baptism, but I do remember the moment I was confirmed a member of the Church and recieved the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The rush of warmth I had go from my head down to my toes is one I will never forget. My heart is so full as I reflect upon this memory, and my heart swells even more as I think of Ainhoa and her baptism on Saturday. This sweet girl is so ready, so accepting, and so willing to follow her Savior Jesus Christ. She is the ideal example of childlike faith!! Everyone needs to teach a 10 year old the Gospel, but that's just my opinion:)  I love that I have a little brother who is also 10 and how Ainhoa's faith reminds me of my super tender hearted and sweet and faithful brother Jameson.

Our day trip to Munich was wonderful!! (Natalie had to go to the US embassy in Munich to renew her passport) We got to ride a SUPER nice train on the way to Munich, which got us there in about an hour and a half. The ride was BEAUTIFUL! I am seriously the luckiest Missionarin in the entire world. I have the most beautiful mission in the world!!!!! As we passed rolling hills, open fields, and little villages, I couldn't help but get emotional and feel so grateful to serve in Germany. We met Sisters Smith and Jenson, 2 of the Munich sisters, at the Bahnhof (train station), and the four of us took the S-bahn to the US Consolate. I really hope I get to work in Munich or Vienna one day; the energy and pace of a big city is something totally different from small-town Göppingen, and I would love to experience the contrast and learn how to do missionary work there. Sister Clark couldn't come into the consolate with me, so Sisters Smith and Jenson 'babysat' while I was inside.:)  It was really, really weird to be alone as I waited for my appointment. I guess you could say I felt sort of exposed. (Another thing Natalie and I have in common...I had to go to the Berlin embassy while on my mission to get a new passport -- it's quite the experience)  It's a strange feeling being alone, after you have had someone with you for the past 3 months for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  I talked with a cute, young, newlywed American couple that is living in Germany for school, and I told them a little bit about myself as they asked why I was living in Germany. Even a friendly conversation with other people is a great form of missionary work! I was in the embassy for about an hour, and afterward the four of us Sisters did a little bit of street contacting on the way back to the Bahnhof. It was so fun! I love talking to people in a big city -- such a different feel and culture! Our train ride home was about 3.5 hours long(obviously not on the nice ICE) ......it was unique and exhausting day, but we got back into Göppingen safe and sound, and that night finished teaching Ainhoa about the commandments (Word of Wisdom and Chastity) we needed to before her interview Friday.

Friday was Ainhoa's baptismal interview! Elders Chapman and Fletcher came from Ulm, and we met at the Giraldo's for Ainhoa's interview. She LOVES the Elders, especially when they speak a little Spanish with her. As Elder Fletcher conducted the interview in the family room, the rest of us talked with Sister Giraldo in the kitchen, and got to hear her conversion story. Sister Giraldo's testimony of the gift of the Holy Ghost brought tears to my eyes as she expressed her desire for her daughter to have that same gift, and how excited she is she has made the decision to be baptized, in her words 'into this Church, the only true and right Church.'  SIster Giraldo has been less active, but ever since my first Sunday here she as been attending regularly. She is such an amazing woman; I sure love the Giraldos!!! (Oh, and Ainhoa 'passed' the interview with flying colors!)

This week I felt like I was always moving back and forth -- maybe it is because I went on so many trains!! Saturday was Finding Day in Ulm. On the train to Ulm, Sister Clark and I sat next to a cute family headed south  for Urlaub (vacation). One of the little girls in this family, with big blue eyes and red hair, kept staring at me. This little girl, Amanda, is about 4 years old. I complimented her cute pink dress, and we started a conversation. She told me I talked funny, and asked where I was from. I told her that I am from America, and Amanda's darling blue eyes got huge with excitement and said, 'mein Papa ist aus Amerika!' My dad is from America! Her father, noticing that we were talking to his daughter, turned and smiled, and we started a conversation with him. This gentleman, from Louisiana, married a German, started a family, and has lived in Stuttgart for 15 years. He has quite a few friends who are members of the Church, and we had a pleasant conversation with him about our service in Göppingen and in general as missionaries. This gentleman was quite impressed that we were so young, and with the work that we do. He was very friendly, and as our train stopped we said goodbye and wished them a safe trip. It's hard sometimes, knowing that you COULD talk to people about what we believe, seeing as that is our job, but sometimes it is better to keep the conversation simply friendly, and leave room for curiosity. We left with warm handshakes and huge smiles and I thanked him for talking to us and hoped that he could run into more of our "missionaries" sometime soon:) There is no doubt in Sister Clark's or my mind that this gentleman will be more receptive to the Gospel and listening to his friends after our conversation with us.

For Finding Day, Sister Clark and I were assigned to work with a lady from the Ulm branch, and together we did follow-ups, street contacting, and a little "dooring". It was really neat being able to work with a ward member! Missionary work simply isn't possible without the members! (By the way, thanks so much for that talk by Elder Ballard, Mom! Everyone should read it!!) We walked a total of maybe 3 or 4 miles before we met the Elders at the Bahnhof after a few hours to eat lunch. It's always fun being with our district and hearing about the work in each of our individual areas! It's hard on finding days with not lots of success.....none of the people we were assigned to follow up on answered the door, or we got yelled at and told to go away. Yep -- Missionary work is HARD.  That being said, it is ever more important to work even harder, to push through those hard days, and give our best so we can find those who are ready, willing, and prepared to hear the message of the Restored Gospel. I was reminded again that nothing that is ever worth anything great, like our salvation, our eternal happiness, etc....is ever easy.

After Finding Day, because we had a few hours, Sister Clark and I went to Heidenheim to meet with Queen and Sarah. We gave a message from Alma 37 and talked about the importance of prayer and the comfort it brings into our lives. Little Aisosa, Sarah's two year old daughter, was VERY excited to read in the Book of Mormon. She would not let the copy we let her hold go, and as we left and took the Book of Mormon with us, Aisosa began to cry and say 'Buch Mormon! Buch Mormon!' So, naturally, we gave Aisosa her very own copy of the Book of Mormon. :)

Yesterday, Sunday, Sister Clark gave a wonderful talk in Sacrament meeting, using the talk you sent to me Mom! Thank you for being inspired to send it in German..that was a huge blessing for both of us this week. We are trying really hard to get our ward to do missionary work, and give them that courage that they need, and the Member Missionary Work talk by Elder Ballard was perfect. The members were so intentive as Sister Clark spoke; I know it was what they needed to hear! And Sister Clark did a great job! :) Her German is getting SO GOOD. I played the organ, so I got out of speaking. Maybe in two weeks when our organists are back from Urlaub I will have to speak...but until then..... :) Being in a small ward has been an eye opener for me because you don't necessarily just serve in ways that you think you are good at...you serve EVERYWHERE because the entire congregation is counting on you -- one day an organist, the next day...who knows.  I'm better understanding that it is not where you serve but how you serve, thank you Mom!

Transfer calls are this Friday; we will have to see how things go!! I feel an approaching 'mountain' coming my way; whatever it is, I know not. Whether or not I will conquer it is a different story: all things are possible in the Lord, and I know He will give me mountains that will help me become the best missionary, friend, sister, daughter, and Natalie and Sister Motto I can be.  

Thank you for all your support and love. I couldn't go about this work without such a fantastic support group. I love you!!!

Liebe Grüße,
Sister Natalie Motto

In Munich with Sisters Clark, me Smith and Jensen

Natalie on her way to Munich to get her passport renewed via the nice ICE fast train…

Week 12 "Yep -- STILL love the rain!"

(Bummer for us…no pictures this week again….:(…..Yes!  I do expect pictures every week…isn't that what modern technology for?? :)

Grüß Euch Familie und Freunde!!

Hello from rainy Göppingen! Yep -- STILL love the rain!!!  

This week was a little slower, because Sister Clark got sick. She woke up Tuesday morning with a really bad headache, and Wednesday and Thursday had to stay in because of a pretty yucky migraine. We have been working with the mission nurse to get her all healed up, and thankfully she is doing much, much better. I've been able to practice my little nursing skills, and although it was hard to stay in and not work, I am so grateful Sister Clark is better and this week we can compensate! :)   I'm so glad for the power of prayer because I've been on my knees a lot this week that Sister Clark would soon heal and feel better.  It's hard to have someone you care for deeply not feel well.

Last week we met with Ainhoa quite a few times in preparation for her baptism. It is so exciting! This sweet little girl has taught me more about childlike faith than I could ever have imagined. Her faith and incredible desire to follow Jesus Christ is to be admired. It is now, as an almost 20 year old young woman, that I recognize how the Lord says we need to be more childlike in our faith. We taught Ainhoa the third lesson, about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the importance of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ainhoa is so excited to be confirmed so she can have that 'warm blanket' and Comforter and Friend always with her.

Saturday, after a week of healing (for Sister Clark) and planning for this upcoming week, we went to Esslingen to show Ainhoa and her mother the baptismal font. We walked through the process of going into the font, and talked with her brother Piero of how to baptize her. Piero just turned 17 and Ainhoa is very, very excited for the chance to be baptized by her big brother. I love the time we get to spend with Ainhoa, Piero, and Sister Giraldo. My heart swells with warmth and joy in thinking of this beautiful promise Ainhoa is about to make. I honestly, truly, and deeply love the Giraldo family. My heart gets heavy of the thought at one day when I get transferred from Göppingen, when I will leave them. That being said, I am so grateful that our branch has a good relationship and friendships with the Giraldos, so they will feel more welcome and stay active in the Church (so important, you are right Mom & Dad!)  I am also grateful for the chance I will have to keep in touch with them, when I do leave, and maintain that special friendship and bond between missionary, member, and convert.

Sadly we have not heard from Destiny in about a week and half. We are praying we will have the opportunity to meet with him this week, as well as that he will come to church. Right now he is not progressing, which saddens us because of his goal to be baptized, but we know that the Lord will bless us and Destiny with strength as he progresses forward. It is always hard when your investigators do not progress, but it is with faith and diligence that we continue onward and know that as servants of the Lord, when we do all He asks, we will be blessed.  Due to the time spent in the apartment we were also unable to visit with our other investigators.  I missed our daily routine this week -- getting out into Göppingen, finding people to talk with about our Savior, helping our investigators testimonies grow and develop.  It made me appreciate that we are able to do that every day and so this week I have a strengthened focus on setting our sights on success in His work.  Although I really disliked being cooped up, I have faith that the Lord will take care of His work when we couldn't. :)

This week is a promising one!!  We have more lessons with Ainhoa, a meeting with a few less actives, Finding Days for our district (dooring, streeting, follow-ups, etc etc) district meeting, a "field trip" to Munich (to renew my passport at the US Embassy) and preparation for Ainhoa's baptism!  We talked with some wonderful Germans on the street who appear to be searching for "something" and we are praying that we can share with them the PLAN and why they are here on earth.  I'm am so grateful for what I've learned in my home, in church, and in the temple about WHY I'm here -- my joy is great!!

It is with great happiness that I express my deep love and huge appreciation for thís work.   Some days are so hard and exhausting and in those moments I never want to give up, pack up, and go home because I have the constant reminder of what (more like WHO) I represent.  My testimony grows in those moments when I realize that wonderful things come to those who sacrifice and those who work hard in righteousness. There is nothing like that ONE moment on your mission, when your ten year old investigator looks at you with big brown eyes and asks, 'What does it mean to have the gift of the Holy Ghost?', and then the Spirit fills the room as you testify what an incredible blessing the gift of the Holy Ghost is in your life. It is in that moment you pass somebody on the street, when everyone as walked a different direction or refused you, who finally will listen to your message (it's even better when they take a Buch Mormon!) It's moments of quiet peace during personal study, as I sit and ponder a question in my heart, and through sweet personal revelation, an answer is given, and I KNOW why I am here. I KNOW why I am a missionary. It cannot be put into words. It is felt in the drive and urgency to proclaim the Restoration of His Truth to an unknowing people, His sons and daughters, that only begins to explain the way I feel about this work.

I am so grateful to be a missionary. Your prayers, support, letters, love, emails, and thoughts are such great sources of strength, and I am so thankful to have such a great 'back up crew' at home in Utah. :) Thank you friends, Lindon ward members and family who have sent me loving and supportive letters and cards this week -- it truly boosted and buoyed me up!  You are very appreciated. 

I love you all, and I wish you a wonderful week!!!

Bis nächste Woche!

Liebe grüße,
Sister Natalie Motto

Week 11 from Natalie "Being a missionary is wonderful!"

Liebe Familie und Freunde,

What a wonderful week has past!  I realize I say that every week...but it's true...being a missionary is wonderful!

Last week, we were able to have zone training and zone conference in the same week, one Tuesday, one Friday. Kind of felt like I was living in Stuttgart all week because we were there so much! I have developed a love for Stuttgart though, and enjoy the time we have to be there. At zone training, we talked a lot about the Christlike attributes as found in Preach My Gospel. (I LOVE Preach My Gospel! It is a wonderful tool and I am so grateful for it.) We focused on knowledge, which is interesting, because I have never really thought 'Knowledge' to be considered a Christlike attribute. I then stumbled upon a quote by Elder Russell M Nelson that says 'The glory of God, indeed, is intelligence.' We must strive and learn all we can in this life so that we can more strive to be like our Father in Heaven! I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for all that I have learned while here on the mission. 

Wednesday and Thursday we had Austausch (exchange) again! Because of the new calling the church has made for Sister Training Leaders in each zone, we have the opportunity to go on exchanges each transfer -- something different from what you did, Mom! (We also never got emails, iPads, instant pictures either!)  This week, Sister Clark went to Pforzheim to work with Sister Holman, and I got to lead the exchange here in Göppingen with Sister Ackerman. I was so nervous! Sister Ackerman was trained here in Göppingen as well, so it was nice to have that extra 'security blanket' with Sister Ackerman knowing the area if we were to get lost (which we didn't up until the last few minutes finding our way to the Eislingen Hauptbahnhof.) Sister Ackerman and I had the opportunity to meet with a few older women in our branch, a less active, and did some follow-ups in nearby Eislingen. I love each opportunity on exchanges, because I learn so much.   It's always weird working with another missionary who is not your companion, but I really enjoyed working with Sister Ackerman because she is such a hard working missionary. She has a lot of opinions and isn't afraid to say them, but she is a great example of someone with a firm conviction for the Gospel and rock solid testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. She has a great command of German as well, so it was great working with her and being able to work with someone outside of Sister Clark with my language skills.  Even after all that,  it was great being able to be reunited with Sister Clark. I am so grateful that we have a strong friendship and bond and that we work really well together: I will be sad the day I have to get a new companion!

Zone Conference was fantastic!    At Zone Conference we were able to hear from President and Sister Miles, as well as our Stake President here in Stuttgart, President Thomas Schneider. President Schneider has come to Göppingen and spoken in Sacrament meeting a few times, and I have had the opportunity to meet him and talk with him, but in German. It was a little odd to hear him speak in English at zone conference! He gave wonderful feedback to us as missionaries in his stake and how we work, and how we can better work with the members. He said that as missionaries, we strive to develop and have the qualities of faith, charity, love, etc, in doing missionary work. The members have those traits as well! The one trait we have, that they don't, and that we need to help the members develop, is courage. Courage to invite their friends to church, courage to invite the missionaries over with their friends, courage to share the gospel. It was an interesting but enlightening perspective, and the frustrations we have had in the past working with our members has now changed to, 'what can we do to help them have courage?' I am so grateful for the church leaders here in Germany. Although different from home, and oftentimes I find myself heartsick for my homeward and stake, I am forever grateful to be in the service of these wonderful German people and the members here.  

At the close of zone conference we had a testimony meeting, where all the missioniaries who had not previously attended a zone conference had the opportunity to share their testimonies. It was great! I was able to share my testimony the night (two months ago exactly!) I arrived in Munich, and I was grateful for the chance to share it again. I can already feel a growth within myself!! It was also a neat experience to share my testimony with my trainer there, my wonderful and sweet companion Sister Clark. She has become one of my dearest friends, and as this transfer comes to an end I am saddened to think she may be leaving. At least we have two weeks left together; make every moment count, gel? President and Sister Miles both shared testimonies and thoughts on the work here in Stuttgart.   We LOVE the Miles, and are so incredibly grateful for their service to us. They are a stellar example of missionary work, and living Christlike attributes.  I hope to be like them one day.

Saturday we were able to teach Ainhoa again! This sweet little girl is progressing so well. Her childlike faith and developing testimony is something to be envied; she is one of God's prepared to hear the message of the Truth and she cannot wait to be baptized! Yesterday during Sacrament Meeting Sister Clark and I sat with her, and saw her write in her journal, 'Am 31 August wird ich taufen lassen! Ich bin so begeistert.'  (Translation:  On the 31st of August, I will be baptized, I am so excited!) Her baptism will be Saturday August 31. We can't wait!

We have not been able to get a hold of Destiny for a while. We have been praying that we will be able to meet to help him continue progressing, but it's been difficult. Satan works the hardest when he knows good things are about to happen and I know that Destiny is being challenged and needs to be reminded that Heavenly Father loves him and that he can overcome whatever road blocks are in the way of finding eternal happiness through the first step of baptism.  I know prayers in his behalf would be a great blessing and example of faith as he progresses towards his ultimate goal of baptism and confirmation.

Queen is doing well. She has started reading the Book of Mormon, and we are hopeful to make the 2 hour trainride to Heidenheim on Wednesday to teach her. We also have a potential investigator named Abi, who is also from Nigeria. (We have joked about that if we keep teaching the way we are, they will need to make a Nigerian branch for Göppingen!) He met with the elders in Ellwangen, who are in our district, and because he lives in our area Ellwangen referred him to us. We are so excited to teach Abi; from what we hear he is 'hungering and thirsting' after the truth and is yearning to learn more.

Hopefully we can meet with Barbara and Andreas this week! Barbara has a lot to do, as she is getting ready to put on some kind of play, but we are praying that the next time we teach her, Andreas can be there. Sister Clark and I still cannot deny the fact that we felt a very strong spirit upon meeting Andreas; we know that there is something wonderful in store, and that perhaps it is his time to accept the Gospel. All we can do is pray, fast, and follow the guidance of the Spirit in what to teach him and Barbara so that they will be receptive and accepting of the Gospel.

All in all, it was a great week. For some reason I got a little bit homesick, but because I recognize that it's AUGUST and that school is almost starting!! Didn't school just get out? :) (Natalie is one who has always LOVED school and would start counting down in August when it would start.) Give this next school year all you've got! Work the hardest you ever have. It'll pay off! :) Time has gone by very fast! 

Keep the flame of your faith burning, my wonderful family and friends!! This Gospel brings so much happiness, who wouldn't want to share it? Although I have hit lows and highs and have been challenged beyond my beliefs here on the mission, it is safe to say that I have never been happier.  This work is sacred and special,  it is glorious and great and it is His work.  I am grateful to be able to share the truthfulness of the Gospel to Heavenly Father's children in Germany at this time!!!  

Until next week!!

All my love,

Sister Natalie Motto

Natalie's Week 10…..Teaching Queen….yep, her name is really Queen!

Grüßle von Göppingen!
 
Liebe Familie und Freunde,
 
Wow, so much has happened in the past five days since I last wrote that it seems like it's been two weeks!
 
For starters, Wednesday was awesome. Sister Clark and I had the opportunity to go to Burg Hohenzollern with our recent convert, Sister Hausmann. The drive down south to Tübingen was beautiful; the landscaping here of Southwest Germany is breathtaking. The green rolling hills and wide open fields and meticulous farms and little dorfs (villages) scattered throughout has given this area of Germany it's quintessential charm. Burg Hohenzollern is built up on a big hill looking over the valley--truly majestic and breathtaking!! Not quite as stunning of an exterior as Neuschwanstein, Burg Hohenzollern is still very beautiful and almost elegant. It actually kind of reminds me of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. It was wonderful being able to do the tour (we did the German one and understood it!) and see the inside. It is simple but really pretty -- a wonderful example of the Prussian royal palace.  Had it been allowed I would've taken pictures of the interior. A little bit of nostalgia hit as we did the tour: seems like yesterday I was at Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee with Mom and Dad!! As we were doing the tour a guy came up to me and Sister Clark. He's from Idaho, but lives in AF! He served his mission in the Ukraine and is in Germany for some jump-roping camp of some sort for youth. It was really neat talking with an American member of the Church; definitely something you don't get to experience every day out here in Göppingen. It's always nice to be recognized as a member of the Church, no matter where you are in the world. (Granted I think the nametags helped a little bit…)

Thursday.....well. As you can see the title of my email, we set a baptismal date with our investigator Destiny!!! Our lesson Thursday evening was on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Recieving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. Sister Clark and I have been praying to figure out what we could teach Destiny that would help the Gospel 'click' for him, and as we taught about the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, Destiny had a lot of questions about eternal life and living with God again. At the end of the lesson, Sister Clark and I both shared our testimonies of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and how being baptized with the right authority and by the laying on of hands being given the gift of the Holy Ghost has changed our lives and been a source of great peace of comfort. After a moment of silence I turned to Destiny and asked, 'Destiny? Will you be baptized?' The invitation has been extended every time we've met, and every time he said he didn't know and wasn't ready. This time, after a moment of silence, anticipating a completely different reaction, Destiny smiled really big and quietly said, 'Yes. I would like that.' We were THRILLED! In my excitement, I turned to him again and said, 'So, will you be baptized?' Destiny laughed and said (in his really thick African accent) 'Sister Motto, you heard me. I said yes!' We have set his baptismal date for August 31. We are so happy for Destiny! I know prayers of strength and faith in his behalf will really help him avoid temptation as he prepares to be baptized. We are hopeful that one day Destiny can return to his native Africa and build up the kingdom of God there.

Saturday we met with our new investigator, Queen..yes, her name is really Queen.  We met Queen last Sunday when she came to church with her member friend Sarah. Queen is also from Nigeria, and is living with Sarah with her two kids to avoid persecution from her abusive husband. She is a very neat lady and is incredibly receptive to everything we teach her. We read out of 2 Nephi 25, and read verse 26. We talked with Queen about who we are as missionaries, and gave the lesson of the First Vision. Queen was incredibly intent, and after we closed she asked 'Where can I have that book?' We told her we brought that particular copy for her, and she excitedly took it and told us she would begin reading that day. About three minutes later as we were talking with Sarah, Queen said, 'I want to be baptized into this Church.' At first confused but nontheless excited, we talked with Queen about how we were very pleased with her desire, and if we could continuet teaching her we would love to set a date for her baptism. Queen is a honest and enthusiastic example of those indivudals we seek to find: completely prepared, humble, and ready to follow their Savior Jesus Christ. We have another appointment with Queen on Saturday, and I will let you know how it goes!

Saturday evening we met with Ainhoa and her family. Our last visit we gave her her very own copy of the Book of Mormon and a personalized bookmark. This lesson Ainhoa showed us that she has been marking whenever it talks about Jesus Christ, His Atonement, being obedient, and so forth, in 1 Nephi. She was so excited to tell us she read the whole first chapter, all in German! (Ainhoa is bilingual and speaks Spanish with her mom and German with everyone else). We enjoy teaching her in German because she is very forgiving of our grammar but also corrects the mistakes we make.  Such a cute 10 year old girl!

We talked about the Plan of Salvation and how it blesses our lives. Sister Clark and I even made visuals to help our cute 10 year old understand the Plan of Salvation. Ainhoa has earlier expressed a desire to join the Catholic church just like her friends, because she likes the concept of being able to feel God close to her. We talked a little about recieving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit was very heavy, but not in an uncomfortable way. As the golden, it's my job to extend the invitation of baptism. So I did! I asked Ainhoa if she wanted to be baptized, to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to have the gift of the Holy Ghost, so she and her family can live together forever? Ainhoa looked at me with her darling big brown eyes and whispered 'yes!' Ainhoa, too, will be getting baptized on the 31 of August. We are so excited for this sweet little girl to make such a big step!! I know prayers in her behalf, as well, will bless her family and Ainhoa as she prepares to get baptized.

We had so much success this past week here in Göppingen. We had THIRTEEN LESSONS. That's more than we had all my first transfer!! I can testify that the prayers in our behalf are being felt and the blessings thereof are coming to pass. Our prayers that our members would know how to work with us are finally being answered, as our ward gives us referrals and prays and fasts in our behalf. We are so grateful to be 'on fire' and to be simply power tools in the Lord's hands here in Göppingen. We are so lucky to be a part of the 'Taufgartt'/Stuttgart zone! Right now we are the most successful in our whole mission!! :)

On a different note, my prayers and thoughts go out to my beloved 21st ward members, particularly Sister Glenn and Grandma June, at this hard time with Brother Glenn's passing. He will be dearly missed, but what a magnificent example he is for all of us to follow! I know I'm thousands of miles away, but my heart is with everyone in my ward family at this time. I pray for you all, and know that I love you!

Congratulations to Alex Opfar and Tori on their weddings!! :) I am so happy for them!!!

Sending my love across the mountains, plains, and seas. Missionary work is the best, gel? (There's some Schwäbisch for you. Many people say 'gel' instead of 'oder' here in Schwabland.)

Thanks again for your letters, emails, and prayers. Keep it up :) I pray for you every day, and I love you!!

Liebe Grüße,
Sister Natalie Motto