"To Nourish Starving Souls"

Dearest Family and Friends,

Its getting coooollldddd.......:)  

It's been a wonderful week here in the beautiful, fairytale like land of Bavaria!! Sister Ahlm and I are attempting to adapt to the ever growing colder weather here in Munich, but we are warm in our hearts as we go about sharing the message of the Gospel.  I feel SO blessed to be able to stay in this incredible city and ward for my last transfer.  I have LOVED serving in Bavaria and it feels right to end in a place which has grown so near and dear to my heart.  I am also grateful to continue serving as STL and as a trainer with Sis Ahlm, who by the way, doesn't really need a trainer, she is incredible.  We have so much fun together and are working hard! 

FINALLY found a hedgehog~

We had a pretty successful week. We met with Sparks throughout the week, being able to teach him about the Restoration, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Priesthood. On Thursday Sister Ahlm and I took a beautiful S-bahn ride down to Tutzing, which is the most south we can go on our Munich train card, and met Sparks there. We taught him at a friend's home because it was so cold outside, and had an incredible lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each time I teach this lesson, I recognize the power in it's simple points. Faith leads to repentance, which will help our desires grow to follow the Savior to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and as we continually strive after this pattern week after week taking the sacrament, we can better and stronger endure to the end. We talked a lot about priesthood authority during the lesson, and priesthood blessings. We also extended the invitation for Sparks to be baptized on November 29 and he said YES! We called Kai afterward, and he was so happy he got emotional. Kai thanked us for leading his friend to the Gospel, and right then I corrected him and said, "No Kai, we didn't do anything. It was YOU who brought your friend to the Gospel, and we are just here to help you teach him." Even up through Church yesterday, afterwhich Sparks got his first priesthood blessing, Kai radiated such a glow of happiness and excitement for his friend. Member missionary work is the most powerful way to go about laboring in the Lord's vineyard.

We visited the Göb's again this week with Bishop Sneddon. Although it wasn't a terrible lesson, we didn't teach what we had planned. We'll be visiting the Göb's on Thursday this week, and after much prayer decided the best way to teach them, at this point in time, is through simple, clear points. Once we have a foundation of simple but powerful teachings, then we can build up from there.

On Wednesday we went to Lenggries and contacted our referrals. Our trip down there was grey and rainy, and Sister Ahlm asked "why is it always grey and rainy when we go to Lenggries?"  Ten minutes later the sun came out and Lenggries showed us her true colors of Bavarian beauty.

On Friday Sister Ahlm and I got to spend with cute Erika Kohler, the mission presidents daughter! It was almost like having my little sister Isabelle along. I forget how fun it is to have a 14 year old with you, and Erika reminded me in even the smallest ways of what great things come from the smallest amounts of faith. When we were with Erika we met with Tenzin, and Tenzin was thoroughly impressed with her spiritual maturity. Tashi (Tenzin's wife) was also very impressed about Erika's knowledge about the Bible. Sister Ahlm and I agree that bringing Erika more often might be the key to softening Tashi's heart to listen to the message of the Gospel.

Oh so get this! Sister Ahlm and I had a unique opportunity to attend a worship service for the 7 Day Adventists. This small congregation of about 10 people asked Bishop Sneddon a while back if they could use our Church building for their worship service, and he complied. We helped these really nice and really faithful people set up the Relief Society room for their service, and in return they invited us to stay for a time. So we did! And it was really neat! The time we spent with them, praying and reading in the Bible for their "Sabbath school" was an experience in which the Spirit testified to me the goodness of these people's hearts. They are such GOOD people and even though they are of different faiths, I know the Lord loves them and their efforts to learn more of the Bible.   We hope to have the opportunity soon to teach them what we believe so that they might enjoy the fullness of the Gospel. 

We met with Herr Muanza this week after such a long time, and taught him about priesthood authority. He LOVED it, especially the scriptures we shared from the Bible and the Book of Mormon in partnership. Muanza is loving his daily Book of Mormon reading, and he said he now knows that Joseph Smith IS a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon cannot be anything but the Word of God. We asked him to be baptized and he said no......because he was already baptized. Even after our entire lesson on priesthood authority, he still didn't get it. So back to basics and hopefully in the next lesson we're hoping to maybe clarify a little bit better with our Portuguese speaking member who can help translate/clarify a couple of things:)

Today I set the goal for myself to read the Book of Mormon one more time through before coming home. With the time I have left, that means I need to read 14 pages each day. I'm reading the Book of Mormon after Elder Bendar's challenge, to read with a perspective of the Atonement. Today when I studied, I read about Nephi and his brothers going to get the brass plates from Laban. Each time I read, I am astounded by Nephi's faith and unwavering obedience. Today when I read however, something else clicked in my understanding. The reason Nephi is so strong is because he simply gets the Atonement. He GETS it. The reason Laman and Lemuel mumble and grumble around is because they don't. They see angels, they witness miracles, and they still don't get it. Nephi understands the power of repentance, and the incredible power that comes from being grateful. I am really eager and excited to see what treasures of hidden knowledge await as I continue to read the Book of Mormon again with this new perspective. How grateful I am for this book of scripture! How grateful I am for the healing power it has to nourish starving souls (quoted by President Boyd K Packer).

I love my mission. I love being a missionary. I love my Savior, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity to be His representative.

Love always, 

Your Missionary

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

Oktoberfest has Begun...and Because I Have Been Given Much

Liebe Freunde und Familie,

I have never seen so much lederhosen and so many dirndls in my entire life!! Must be that Oktoberfest has officially started and is speeding full ahead into the coming month of celebration. Man, can this city celebrate!! I am overwhelmed with the beauty of this place and the decorations and flowers and life that happens every year here. This past weekend has been really fun to play "guess the tourist" and "I think they're American!" on the U-bahns and pedestrian zones and to see the stark contrast between Oktoberfest "tourist" goers and the humble citizens of Munich on their way home from work. These two days are only but the beginning of an exciting and interesting time here in Bavaria and I look forward to what the coming weeks have in store!  I feel so blessed to be a missionary here..serving in Germany..in the Alpine Mission..assigned to this wonderful Munich ward. 

Sister Ahlm and I had a great week this week! Sister Ahlm is definitely getting the hang of being a missionary in Munich! Her inhibitions to speak with others is diminishing as she is putting great faith in the Lord that He will place the right words at the right time in her mouth. It has been a little like watching a young bird learn to fly.  I get satisfaction out of her growth -- I can assume real motherhood has some similarities.  Her faith is rubbing off on me and I feel rejuvenated and I am reminded of that marvelous "Golden" power each new missionary brings.  

Today there was a funeral for an older woman in our ward. As part of that I had the privilege of accompanying Angela Brower, a member from Munich 3 ward, and a professional Opera Singer. She has been here in Munich for 6 years singing for the Opera, and when we went to practice with her, she gave us a VIP tour of the opera house! There are no words other than....WOW!!!!! HOLY COW! It was MAGNIFICENT!!! Angela sang beautifully and I felt so honored to be able to accompany her on the piano. Sister Ahlm and I joked as we went back to the Ubahn station that we were sewer rats, having just enjoyed an incredible taste of history and music, and then we were going back to our "dominion." Yeah....we practically LIVE on the Ubahns.... :)

Earlier this week we were blessed with spectacular weather, including blue skies, warm sunshine, and a crisp cool breeze every once and a while to remind us of the oncoming Autumn. Beautiful, 5 star weather, I must admit, makes missionary work much more enjoyable (although it is wonderful in rain or shine!) Humorously, our enjoyment of the "Goldener Sommer" as the Germans say (literally translates to "golden summer") came to an end Friday evening when we got stuck in a torrential downpour following our appointment with the Muntean's. Sister Ahlm and I were soaked from head to toe, but in that situation what else can you do but laugh? ("Embrace the Rain" and "Water doesn't hurt anything but brown sugar" floated in my mind from my mother) Our appointment with Adrian and Adele went really well. Sadly, the missionaries in Romania never contacted them, and the Muntean's found it very difficult to keep their commitments, so our job now is to help them get back up to the speed in which they were flying. They recommitted to read and pray, and are really excited for General Conference, in which we hope that they will attend. The idea of a living prophet really interests them, and we hope that General Conference will be a turning point for them.

We met with our favorite Tibetian trio this week! Tenzin, Ngawang (the former monk), and Namdul (a new investigator), and talked once again about the Plan of Salvation. Ngawang is having a difficult time understanding the premortal life and resurrection, and with his very strong Buddhist background that is understandable. It has taught me a lot of patience to teach people here on my mission with no Christian background, and I am that much more grateful for the knowledge of Christ that I was so lovingly raised with. Tenzin came to church on Sunday and LOVED it! He hasn't been in a while and mentioned how much he loves coming to church. He's progressing really well now on his way to baptism!

We did a service project at a refugee home Wednesday where we were able to help give out clothes and body care items to individuals from all over the world fleeing here to Germany. It was an incredibly humbling experience. The entire time the song played in my head "Because I have Been Given Much". I have indeed been given much, from a loving family and hardworking father who does so well providing for all our needs. I have also been given much in terms of the Gospel. How grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And not only that, I am so grateful to be a full time missionary with the priviledge of being able to share this Gospel message.

We met with the Ojo's again this week! This time both Brother and Sister Ojo-Osemwegie were there and we had a wonderful discussion on General Conference. In that appointment I felt so much love for this family, and couldn't help but think that they are maybe the one of the many reasons why I am here....It is without a doubt I know I needed to meet them, to feel their love, to hear their testimonies, and to share mine with them. 

One scripture this week in my personal study of the Book of Mormon stuck out. It"s short, simple, yet powerful. In 2 Nephi 2:25 it says

 in vs. 25 "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

Our purpose here in life is to have joy!!!!!  And joy you and I will all have as we embrace the everlasting and eternal truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Our Savior lives!!!!

I love you all my friends and family! I am so grateful for you and for your prayers. Know I am doing well, and that this little missionary soldier keeps trekking on come hard days or rain or shine because.... I love this work, and I love the blessings that come from it. Let us all throw in our sickle with all heart, might, mind, and strength.

All my love,

Your Alpine, Bavarian Missionary

Sister Natalie Motto

Called to Serve...as a Missionary "Mom"!

Hello my family and friends!! 

Everyone has said it, so I might as well say it too. I'm a mission "mom"! My cute new "golden" companion Sister Ahlm arrived into the mission field running at a full sprint. She's the unbrattiest US Navy "brat" I've met, having lived many places throughout the US and in London. She's determined, excited, and ready to be a missionary. When I met her I thought to myself "am I really going to be training you? You already seem so prepared and ready!" Sister Ahlm is great, and I'm super excited to work with her and get to know her over the course of our time together.

Sister Motto with her new "Golden" Sister Ahlm

At MLC with my "sisters"

This week was wonderful! It started off with a magical Monday Pday at Neuschwanstein Castle with Sister Peterson (her last pDay was a fun one!) with our Munich ward member, Sister Whaltely. Following our adventure we had Family Home Evening with the Whaltley's, complete with homemade sushi and a great Mormon Message. I am really grateful to be serving in the Munich 2 ward. We have such fantastic, dedicated, diligent members who serve us tirelessly, and who love being engaged in the Work of Salvation just as much as we do.

We had Zone Training this week, where we did some pretty neat role plays with keeping commitments and following up. Following up is about 80% of the commitment! Without following up, the commitment is "würscht" and we keep those we teach from progressing. Following Zone Training I was able to meet with a dear friend of my family's, Mohammed Baioumy! It was so wonderful to see him after 7 or so years! We talked for a little bit about our families, how every one is, how I am liking my time here in Munich, and then shared why I decided to serve a mission. Although our time was brief, it was wonderful to see this old friend again. It's in moments where we are reunited with friends and loved ones, even for a short time, that I get a little taste of the joy and happiness involved with the Plan of Salvation.

We had the special opportunity last Tuesday evening to hear from Elder M Russell Ballard and Elder Bednar in a special Europe-wide Sister's Conference. It was broadcasted from Frankfurt. It was a unique feeling of sitting there, listening to these beloved Apostles speak and to realize that sisters gathered all over Europe were listening and watching. It was quite empowering. There is such a unity that comes from the Relief Society, and I am so grateful for this inspired program in the Church.

This week I got to meet with an investigator family that is half German half Mongolian. They're Moonies. Yep, Moonies! Their form of religion belongs to the "Moon Sect", and since the Sisters were introduced by the a wonderful Munich ward member a few months ago, we have begun to teach them the Message of the Restored Gospel. I have never heard of the Moon Sect before, but they have some very interesting beliefs. Some parts sort of similar, and then also very different, from what we believe in the LDS church. We speak in German in normal conversation, and then English because this family believe it to be the "spiritual" language. Jürgen, Baigal, and Mattaüs are very sweet, and are probably the best commitment keepers out of everyone I've ever taught! We are looking forward to teaching them more!

We met with Tenzin this week, and got another fantastic pep-talk on Inner Beauty. This Tibetan man is so amazing! We also got in touch with Matthew again this week! Matthew is still figuring out the details for his mother's funeral, but he is still reading in the Book of Mormon and hopes to come to Church this week.

Another miracle this week happens to be named Sparks. He's from Nigeria, and a good friend of a new convert in our ward named Kai. Sparks wants to go to the temple one day, so we are going to teach him so that can be possible. He has a Book of Mormon, he came to church yesterday, and he's very excited to learn more about Christ.

We also met with Scott! Scott is another one of our amazing investigators, and we teach him along with the Elders in Hamburg. Scott isn't always at peace with where he is at, so he hops between Hamburg and Munich, meeting with the missionaries along the way. He talks at about 3,000 miles an hour, and has the idea that all Americans are Mormon missionaries, and that all Americans are Mormon period. He's a 24 year old "volcano" so to say.....once we finish teaching everything and really help him keep his commitments, Scott will "explode" and may do many great things as a member of the Church. :)

This morning I had a wonderful personal study. I particularly love what is says in Doctrine and Covenants 121, verses 33-46. (Included 33-34, 41-46)

 What a powerful statement in verse 34. Many are called, but few are chosen. In German, the word for chosen is auserwählten. This is what we call people who are "golden" investigators, otherwise known as the prepared. That word choice goes the same way: am I "golden", or am I "prepared", to preach with every ounce of energy in my body the message of the Restored Gospel?

I am so grateful for verse 46, which states,

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

My thoughts were these, that as I strive to be worthy, as I strive to be obedient, and as I strive to give all I can to the work of the Lord, that I will have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And I know with my whole heart that with His guidance and counsel, I can do ALL THINGS. I love the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 4, which says" I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

I know this with my whole heart. This transfer has some incredible mountains to climb, but I know they will be for my good. I believe it is time for me to stretch again...and I am ready.  I am so grateful for the thousands of blessings the Lord gives me each and every day. I am so grateful to be here. I am having the time of my life as a missionary, and I could not feel more whole.

These hills really are alive with the sound of music and the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I love you all! Have a marvelous week!!

Love,

Your Alpine Bavarian Miss (and now "Mom")

Sister Natalie Hannah Motto