Typical Wood Ornament

LIFE CAN CHANGE QUICKLY

It has been a whole month since we posted and we really do have a very good reason.  At our Christmas Party on December 11 (see photo below), it was announced that the Temple here in Freiberg would be closing for renovations February 9 and would re-open in May 2016.   We had heard rumors to this effect since we arrived in June, but we were still completely shocked.  We couldn't believe that we would only have two months left here.  We have learned to love the area, the people, the saints, and especially this beautiful pioneer temple.  It is truly a pioneer temple because it was built behind the Iron Curtain and continues to inspire all of us.  

If you haven't had a real good opportunity to read about the Freiberg Germany Temple,  you might enjoy reading and I would refer you to http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/freiberg. There are also many books written about it and other articles on the Internet.  President Monson and President Uchtdorf both speak of it often.  We have been privileged to meet several of the early leaders of the Church and Temple Presidents who are still living. These people are so dedicated and a great example of endurance and love.  We will be sad to leave but happy for these special members.

We have been reassigned to serve in the Frankfurt Germany Mission to activate and strengthen the Young Single Adults.   Our service will begin soon after the closing of the Temple.  We do not have very many details right now, but should know more soon.  Another couple have also received this same reassignment and another couple will be serving in the Frankfurt Temple.  We all are sad that we will not have this "temple family" we have enjoyed here, but know that it will be another uplifting experience for all of us.  Two other couples will be going home as their mission service time will be completed in February. Our last couple, who arrived three weeks ago, have not been reassigned yet. We are extremely grateful for the time we have been able to spend here in this part of Europe.  We have so many wonderful memories and will cherish them always.

Now - on to other news - especially about how special our Christmas Time (Weihnachts Fest) was here in Freiberg.   What a busy and eventful month!  It almost felt like December in Central Valley and Sevier County because we were so busy.

The Ward Choir sang twice during the month.  The first time was for a Ward Program that was a little like our Christmas Program at home for the children of the Ward.  Dale and I sang in the choir and I played for the Primary to sing. I wish I had pictures because it was a very unique experience. They had two older brethren who portrayed “Luke” and “Nephi” discussing the events of Christ's birth in period costume and then there were the usual songs, video, and narration. BUT the fun started when “Luke” and “Nephi” handed out candy and a gift to each family with children under 12. They called up the “Kinder” from each family to receive the gifts. It was so fun to watch – and the benefit for us is that we finally connected children to families!

The second Choir performance was for Sacrament Meeting the Sunday before Weihnacht.  We are so going to miss this choir here in Freiberg. The men in this ward just love to sing! It is amazing!  I suspect we might be in a smaller ward or branch next Christmas time and then we will be home for Christmas.

We are still the Social Directors so we were in charge of the many activities for the missionaries during December.  We had a lot of fun times together, including time spent together during the Holidays when there were only four couples still here as some live close or have family members close and left to be with their own families.

December 24 (Christmas Eve – or Holy Night) was a really awesome day. Midday we were invited to the Bobinger home along with the other missionaries and the young missionaries. Their home is in Grossschirma about 10 minutes from Freiberg. It was a great meal in a  beautiful home.  After the luncheon, there was a special meeting for the Ward at 3:30 PM. I played for a family of children to sing and also lead the congregational hymns. It was really very special.

At the home of our friends, the Bobingers, on Christmas Eve

Christmas Day Brunch with Hans and Lyn Frohlich

Christmas Day Brunch with the Gublers and the Jones

We will finish up our time here in Freiberg with very mixed emotions.  It will be a very busy January, which isn't usually the case here.  But with the Temple closing, we are expecting many wonderful members to come enjoy serving in this beautiful setting.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!