ENJOYING SAXONY GERMANY

Kriebstein Castl

We have decided that the speed of the time passing is directly related to “laundry day” coming around every Thursday. We always say that it can't be time to do the wash again already! 

Two weeks ago we had a wonderful visit from Larry and Pam Gay. They are serving a mission in Poland – about 4 hours from Freiberg – and have been unable to come to the Temple because of Mission Policy. But there was a young lady who was coming for her own endowment and they were able to bring her themselves. It was so great to see them in the Temple and they were glad to be here.  We were able to spend a couple of evenings with them as well.  It was great to see friends from home.

  

We are officially on “Maintenance Break” from the Temple until September 30. However, we did help clean all of the Chandeliers in the Temple before officially starting on our "Day Trips". Wow.. we will never look at a Chandelier in the same way – literally thousands of parts! We had to carefully wash, rinse, and dry each piece and then they had to be put back on one piece at a time. It was very interesting and I am glad we were able to help.

Rather than go into detail about our travels during the past week, I am going to post pictures with captions.  However, before doing that, we do want you to know we love serving in the Temple and love the faithful Saints of Eastern Europe.  We spend 40-45 hours each week in the best place to be on Earth - any one of the beautiful Temples of our God.  We are excited to serve in Freiberg and learn more about the people here and their history and hope we will learn to love these members even more through our travels.

Just over the border in the Czech Republic

A Christmas German Pyramid in Olbernau



Now that's a Nutcracker!  Seiffen Toy Museum

Find "Dale" - Nossen Castle

                                            

Just a few words about Dresden.  As many of you might already know, Dresden was pretty much destroyed during World War II.  It is amazing how it has been brought back as much as possible to it's former state.  We were able to visit the Military Museum of Germany - the largest museum in the Country. We ate lunch there and then took a couple of hours to see a small portion of the exhibits. It would take more than one entire day to see it all! It was the history of War in Germany from 1300 to the present. It's main focus was to shift the world's perception of Germany to a Peace Loving country. The front has a NEW structure that appears to be cut into the building which represents the end of an era of War for the country. You could walk out onto it on the 5^th floor and there was only a grated floor between the ground and you with a beautiful view of Dresden.  These people have been through so much.

TEMPLES 

AND 

CASTLES

I, being a man who enjoys history, mystery, Disney and tales from the "Knights of the Round Table", am enjoying our visits to the many castles that are still standing in this part of Germany. Unfortunately, many of the castles have been refurbished, modernized and made into museums. However, there are a few that still hold their original basic design. 

In studying the intent of their original design and purpose, I've noted that all of them have a few things in common. First off, most of them are built on top of a hill or high plateau. This was obviously intended to be a look-out point in order to see the enemy coming from a long distance, giving the king's guard time to prepare for battle. Being on a hill also made it harder for the enemy to reach and storm the castle. 

Secondly, most castles had moats surrounding the castle, complete with a customary draw bridge to be drawn up when the enemy approaches. Another point noted was that the king and his royalty always wore the latest fashion of the most expensive clothing materials and jewelry available. 

Castles also came complete with a dungeon and the most modern tools of torture known to man, guaranteed to loosen the tightest of tongues and reap incriminating information from the enemy or the common criminal. Also, only the rich with royal blood could possibly darken the door of any respectable castle.

With these characteristics in mind, I couldn't help but observe the differences between castles and our temples. Yes, we do build temples on hills and other obvious places, but we place them there to be seen by all and welcome one and all to our temple grounds. 

Unlike castles, we have an angel posted on top of our temples, giving a loud and clear clarion call for all to gather at the temple. Unlike castles, everyone in the temple is dressed in white with basically the same clothes so as not to categorize the class or financial status of those attending. We also discourage extreme jewelry and outlandish makeup. In God's eyes, all deserve his blessings, no matter what their financial status or standing in life may be. 

Like castles, we do have an army, but it is quite a different type of army. For example, in the Manti Temple there are about 950 worthy temple workers who serve by choice. They give of their own time and means to attend and help wherever needed. The enemy is also quite different from castles.The enemy is anything that causes addiction, demeans or keeps one from reaching their God-given and preordained potential. 

Also, unlike castles, we do not have chambers that cause death. Rather, we have chambers that are dedicated and sanctioned to redeem the dead. And last but not least, castles didn't have electricity or lights, except the light they could get from a few candles placed strategically around the rooms. Our temples accentuate and radiate the light of Christ and stand as lighthouses to guide all who are lost in the tempest of life to the safe shores of the Gospel..........

TEMPLE WORK, PARTIES, AND CASTLES

I cannot believe how fast time flies now. We are so busy at the Temple and we are pretty tired when we get done for the day. Two weeks ago we were busy preparing for the Dittli Farewell-Wagner Welcome party which we were in charge of because of our new assignment as “Social Directors”. Brother and Sister Dittli had that responsibility and they returned home on September 2 and we have now been given that wonderful opportunity.

Albin and Ada Dittli from Mapleton, UT

The party was a big success thanks to a lot of help. We had a “Mexican” theme with chicken burritos with the fixins', Bean dip (of sorts), Spanish Rice plus the usual wonderful desserts, salads and drinks. Dale and I had found some decorations in the “missionary room” and we bought some cute planters which we gave to anyone who wanted one. President Husz gave a wonderful farewell and welcome “speech” and gave the Dittlis a memory book – which we had all given pages for – and gifts. I think everyone had a great time.

  

The Food!

Monday was a wonderful day.   The weather was overcast but not rainy, so it was cool and delightful for sightseeing.  We went to Meissen again and this time we toured the Church and the Castle which is the Albrechtsburg Schloss. We also ate at a wonderful Restaurant.  Monday was a wonderful. We went to Meissen again and this time we toured the Cathedral and the Castle which is the Albrechtsburg Schloess. We also ate at a wonderful Restaurant.   

The Church Gardens

A Gargoyle on the Church

We got to Meissen in time to enjoy the Organ Music at Noon for about a half hour. It was very classical and Dale actually almost fell asleep – but I enjoyed it! I actually did a video of two of the songs – but pretty much just did an audio recording.  We climbed very narrow and winding steps to get to...... this view of the Organ! There was a beautiful Garden at the Church and it was all very peaceful.  The outside of the Castle is awesome and white in stark contrast to the blackened church.

A Mural of the Kidnapping of the Prince

The Outside of the Castle

to this view of the Organ!

Climbing these steps to get......

View from the Restaurant

..