222 Hours! Not that I am counting!

Moin Family!

 

Thank you for all the e-mails this week. I love hearing from you and seeing how you are doing. I am getting more and more excited to come back and jump on 1 couch with ya'll!

 

Mom. Dad did respond to that

 

As to the meal on Sunday. If you want German we can do Abendbrod. It is super simple; open faced bread with butter, chess OR meat-for sure not both, Germans.. sometimes I still don't understand. Potato salad. Cucumber Salad. und Jogurt als Nachtisch. We can cut up vegetables, if we want. Or if you want warm, statt the bread you do wurst with rolls. I am really good with anything. I am just excited to see you all again. 

 

Thanks you so much for doing the FAFSA application. I took comfort in your e-mail last week when you said that the Lord will bless his missionaries who finish strong, and that I should not worry to much about home. But there is one thing you can help me with when I get back. Let me know how I can help you, the family, the ward, the stake. I am going to have so open time and I want to be as useful as possible.   

 

As for the food I would love to do a detox program. There is a very big part of me that wants to go vegetarian again, I know that could be the case after serving in Germany. But a good Green smoothie with more then just spinach sounds great. Sister Kriser and I have been eating this Mexican salad that I have also really been enjoying. We may just have to go run some errands together when I get home.

 

As for the work here in Marzahn. Hr Bohne is doing so well!!!!!!! We are now teaching him with the Elders here in Marzahn. We decided that a little double team teaching would do him some good. Yesterday as we were walking to church we saw the bus pull away that the elders took. Behind the bud stood the two Elders, one of their investigators who has been coming a lot, and a man we had never before seen before. He looked super sharp! After looking at him for a moment we realized that it was Hr Bohne! He looked so nice! It was a proud mother moment for Sister Kriser and me. He truly is starting to change from the inside out. We have a baptism date with him, sadly after I am back home, but one that he really can hit. It is cool to see the change the gospel brings in to the lives of those who accept it.

 

Eric is also doing really well. He is attending another ward where they have translation into English. 

 

Schw Kremer is also doing well. We were able to have dinner yesterday with her and our ward missionaryleader and wife yesterday. She is just wonderful. I hope you all get to meet her one day. She has promised to write me letters when I go home. 

 

Mom, Thanks for sharing that experience you had the other night. I as well have been thinking a alot about and praying a lot for Jesse. I know one day he will been doing ''baking'' and he will come out and be the person he truly is. This week the Lord has been reminding me of the dream that I had back in Langenhorn about Jesse. I know that as we stay strong in this gospel, slowly we will have ALL of our family back together. God keeps His promises. We will have a (complete) eternal family. 

 

I found a scripture in 2 Nephi 22:2 

 

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will ^atrust, and not be afraid; for the Lord ^bJehovah is my ^cstrength and my ^dsong; he also has become my salvation. 

 

In German it says that, ''he also has become my savior'' instead of salvation. Taking upon the name of Christ is a process. He becomes our savior as we learn to trust in him. Some have a talent for being able to trust in him, others must learn. It takes them a little longer, but I believe that they will eventually reach the point where the understand his love, and through his love they will accept him as their Savior.

 

Jess will come back. I love him so much.  I will make sure that he knows how great he is, so that as his testimony of self incresses, his testimony of the Savior will also be able to grow. Mom we will keep praying for him. ''aren't we all a little like Alma the younger at times in our lives. Yet the Lord loves us and wants us back!!!''

 

I love you all so much! I can't wait to see you.

 

Love,

 

Sister Kimberly Bohne

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16 Days

Dear Family,

 

Wow what a week. Just when I think I am going to hit it hard, I am brought to me knees. LoL I just love life :) 

 

3 of the 4 sisters here in Marzahn have been sick the last few days with flu like symptoms. Thankfully Sister Kriser, the 'Beast' as she is so lovingly called, has been staying strong. We have been able to rearrange our schedules enough that two of us will stay home and sleep while Sister Kriser takes who ever is feeling the best, and they go out work until they are so tired they come and switch out. It has been working really well. Because of the sickness it has been a relatively relaxing week. I have slept...drank tea....slept....drank tea...und nachmal und nachmal... I am feeling better and better each day. I am just so thankful that Sister Kriser has been able to pick up the ball and keep the program running. After this week I have no fear about leaving Marzahn and those we are working with. Sister Kriser is going to go GREAT.

 

On Friday we had an awesome ward YSA grill that we helped organize. We had approximately 30 people who showed up, among them were Hr. Bohne and Douglas, a new man we are now teaching. We had some awesome food. The elders brought the guitar. We were able to build some relationships between members and investigators, over all a very productive evening.

 

I am sorry I don't have very much to say this week. I hope all is going well at home. I am so stocked to see you in just a few days! It is still super unreal. I feel as if I have been in Germany so long my time here will never end.

 

I was thinking about it....Dad is there a rule that we have to be in an office when you release me? I was thinking it would be really awesome if we could have a family BBQ up in the mountains. You and I can then go for a walk and either sit in front of a lake or go to the peak as I tell you about my mission? Let me know if that is even an option....because I think that would be great...but that is just me... ARROO :()

 

Well I love you all so much.

 

-Sister Kimberly G. Bohne

 

P:S

 

Dad- WOOT WOOT!!!! You finally broke. I thought you would never enter into the ''Hot Room''. I hear that you don't want to do it again, but I am so proud of you for trying. How are you feeling? Did you pull any muscles that you did not even know existed?

 

Mom- Concerning Jesse: Is there anything I can do to help? I know there is not much any of us can do. I have been praying and will continue to pray to know how I can best help him. I love that kid so much. It is crazy, I see him every where I look. Every skinny white Young 25 year old who sees like he just needs a little love, I immediately think of him...there are a lot of those people here. Do you know if there is anything I can do to get him up to Salt Lake, or should I just plan on going down to Moab to go and look for him once I get back? 

 

 

 

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The USA is young!

Dear Family,

 

This week, both Sister Kriser and I went and Tausched with Rostock. We were able to work with Sister Cluff and Sister Stuart, they are great missionaries! Sister Cluff was just in Longenhorn, so it was fun getting updates on everyone. Sister Stuart has just started her mission here in Germany, but is a spiritual giant. Every time I go and work with younger missionaries, I often feel I am the one who learns, instead of the one teaching. It is funny how on a mission, and I am guessing in life, the more experience you have, the more you realize you simply don't know...LOL...Life, is it not great! But really, these two sisters are going to change Rostock through their simple faith! 

 

Rostock is so pretty. The town is settled on the Baltic sea cost line. It is super old, and basically all the church we went into were older then the United States. It put our church history into perspective for me. The story of Jospeh Smith did not happen that long ago. For goodness sakes most of the streets I walked on, in Rostock where there even before Joseph Smith was able to read a bible, or work on his Fathers farm.

 

Needless to say when we had to head back to Marzahn it was a bitter sweet moment. I really hope that I am able to go up there again sometime in my life. But coming home is always GREAT.

Marzahn is doing so good. After President Kosak split our Training Program in half, we have had a lot more time to be developing those that we are working with in Marzahn. It is great because I am able to feel like a normal missionary again. Working hard, talking to people on the street. Watching peoples light up when you tell them that there is a God. All stuff that we were unable to do as much of as I normally would like because of all the traveling we were doing last transfer.  It feels so good, to be once again Finding, teaching, baptizing, and keeping, in Marzahn!

 

Sister Kremer is doing wonderful. I hope ya'll get to meet her one day! She is coming with us in the next few days to do some visits on older members of our ward. She is always willing to serve, and a great example to me of putting others before yourself. We have made it kind of a tradition, to go on walks together right after church as we are waiting for Choir to end. It is one of the best parts of my week. Our church is located close to some wild land. So on our walks we go and gather wild berries and fruit and eat them as we talk about the gospel. You would be surprised to see just how much wild fruit is here. Basically every where we go we can find plums, black berries, or apples! YUM!  

 

I am doing great this week. I just love being here in Germany. This morning I woke up at about 3 am with clips of my time here in Germany running through my head. They started in Eisenhüttenstand and highlighted all the main events of my time here.I have experience a lot! I then started thinking about what it would be like to be home in just a few short weeks. I got so excited I could not go back to bed until about 6am. As I looked at the pictures mom had sent me today I realized it has been a long time since we girls have had an ''Ou ou ah ah''. Emily you are so pretty and grown up I hardly recognized you! I can not wait to get home and see you all!

 

But before I come home I just want to be consistent, to learn to be " steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works" - Mosiah 5:15. I want to be working hard and developing a deeper internal commitment that I will always be found laboring alongside the latter days saints. Showing my love for those around me as I lead/live the way Christ led/lived. Always steady and constant. Never pushing nor sprinting but also never relaxed nor slacked. I want to be a steady well disciplined leader. As constant as the north star.´

 

I have a testimony that the Lord is in this work. That He leads and guides all those who are willing to humble themselves and come unto Him. I am grateful to be here, to be able to work with so many of the Sisters, to be taught every week by their simple faith and determination. God lives. Chris is our Savior, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led and guided by a prophet of God. I am grateful for the atonement that allows us to be reborn, in the name of Christ. I know baptism, through proper authority, is the only way back to God. I love the change and the hope that this gospel brings into the lives of those who live it. I am thankful to be here and for your support and love!

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne

  

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne

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Liebe Familie und Frauenden,

 

Ich vermisse Sie und freue mich auf den Tag dass Ich wieder mit ihnen bin!

 

This week had been such a great week, it sounds like on both ends. It sounds like you had a blast with the family. I am not sure where you took this bridge jumping pictures but I think that we should go there in 6 weeks. I don't think I have told you this, but ever since serving in Eisenhüttenstadt with multiple bridges I often think about the time when I will be able to jump off one again! It made me smile when I saw the pictures!

 

That is wonderful how the Bishop excused every one to go and help those in Ceder who were affected by the storm. That is true discipleship in work. There is no better way to teach people to serve then by just doing it. I am so glade you were able to also take the kids out and have them help. 

 

Thank you also for sending that picture of Grandma Munford and Bohne together. I guess grandma has not received the letter yet that I sent with the pictures of both young Sister Munford and I together. Serving together for a day was super cool. I felt some extra strength from home knowing that our family could have been doing the exact same thing as we were in that moment. I can't wait to go on some Visiteing teaching splits with older Sister Munford!

As for the browns I am SOOO excited to see them. They know that I will be speaking on the 8th right? Also random but could you, or Ashley get on facebook and post that somehow. I am hoping that a few nonmembers will see it and we will be able to do some missionary work. I have a list as long as the one I am currently working with that I am excited to get back on start working on. I don't know what you are wanting to do on September 8th but I would love it if we did not start anything at the house until after all 3 hours of church are done. I am hoping to be able to get those that come to be able to also learn somethings that will increase their intress in the church. I don't know how the missionary work is done in the area or if they have an investigator class that they teach. I think it would be cool if we could have a Sunday school class that day that the nonmembers could go to be able to be informed on the restoration and have the chance to ask some questions. But that is just my idea. Tell Dave I want him right up front.

 

I am so proud of all the Book of Mormon reading the family is doing! Mom that was a great idea to get the kids invloved!

As for my week I am doing great. I am really enjoying the work and enjoying being here in Marzahn. Yesterday due to the heat the ward only had Sacrament meeting. I did not know how much the Germans really don't like the heat. There were many wards in Berlin that also made the same decision to only have one hour of church. Due to not having Sunday school or relief society at church, we as sisters decided to have our own back at our apartment. For Sunday school we just took another hour of personal study; IT WAS SO GREAT! We were also fasting so I was able to study the gospel for 2 1/2 hours! By the time it was time to move on I did not want to stop. Yesterday evening due to only having sacrament meeting we had some open time. We decided that it would be a good idea to go out and meet the people who live in our area. We took some flayers and cards and just went and walked on the streets of Bisedorf. It was great. People seemed a lot more open to talking on Sunday, and because we were not rushed the spirit was stronger. We were also able to drop by on a investigator of ours and give her a Book of Mormon we had written our testimonies in. She has not wanted to take a Book before now because of some bad experiences with previous missionaries taking back a book of Mormon from her because she was not reading it....BAD IDEA DON'T EVER DO THAT. She did not want to take it but when we showed her we had taken the time to write in it for her it touched her. It was a testimony to me that the little things really can make a big difference! ,,Die Jünger Jesu Christi Zeichen sich unter anderem durch ihre Liebe zu Gott und ihren Mitmenschen aus..`` (Treu in dem Glauben)

We have also been able to meet with Erick some more this week. HE IS SO AMAZING! For one of the appointments we went over the difference between Alma the Younger and Moroni and how the Atonement heals/cleans us completely. It was great to see the hope and the joy coming into his eyes as he realized that He can once again stand up and start moving towards becoming like ''Alma''. I have loved working with him so much. It has truly been a tender mercy to help him become active again!

 

Any was I hope you are all having a wonderful week! I love you so much and and am excited to see you all.

 

-Sister Kimbely Bohne

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Week of MIRACLES

Gutten Morgetn Familie,

 

This week was a week of MIRACLES!!!! It started 3 minutes after finishing my last e-mail. Just as I signed off the computer I got a call from an unknown number. I quickly answered it, trying to double task and get some stuff done: ''Hallo, Hier ist die Sister Bohne von der Kirche Jesu Christi?'' ''Hi Sister......here is Erick...'' ''Erick....ERICK!'' After many prayers, doors knocked, and lots of pondering I was finally able to talk with Erick again. After talking for a little bit we set up an appointment for Tuesday where we could come together.

 

Erick is doing good. After moving away from Eisenhüttenstadt, and not having a steady good influence, he struggled staying strong. Luckily there were a few returned Sister missionaries staying in contact through facebook and helped him get back into contact with us. As we talked on Tuesday he explained his desires to come back and become again the person he was a little over a year ago right after his baptism. It was hard to see how hard he was being on himself, and on his struggles. Sister Kriser shared a quote that referred to a little child learning how to walk. It says that as a child is learning how to walk, and it stumbles and falls to the ground the parents don't get angry, rather they applauds and cheer as the child stands back up. As she was telling me the quote I imagined in my minds eye the look of a child as he falls hard and looks up to his mother for reassurance, not yet sure if he should cry and stay down, or laugh and get back up. It is often times the reaction of the mother that will determine the actions of her child. As we showed Erick that it is okay that he has fallen, and showed our faith that he can get back up, the look on his face started to change. Yesterday he took his first step by coming to church for the first time in a long time. I am so proud of him and the determination he has to hold true to the convents he made.

 

Jenny was also in the church again yesterday. Sister Nicole, a recently returned member has take it upon her self to help Jenny with the transition. I am so thankful for the work she is doing and the influence of a missionary focused worthy member. It can be hard for those who come into the church to make that transition and it is only when the members get involved that it is possible.

 

The highlight of the week has been the preparation for both the baptisms of Carmon and Annika. Both were baptised yesterday right after church. There were many from the ward that stayed to support them. Our ward mission Leader Br Schröder was able to baptise Carmon, and Annika's father baptised her. Both baptisms were wonderful, and the spirit was strong. However there was a difference in Annika's baptism. As I looked at her father with his arm held to the square getting ready to help his daughter make a convents it was conformation that that is how it is to be done, when possible. There is a real power when a worthy father steps up and leads his family in righteousness! 

 

For me it was a very special Sunday to have Erick sitting beside me, Jenny in the room, and both Carmon and Annika being baptised. 4 people that I was able to help come closer to Christ, all either making or keeping covenants with the Lord. With Erick there it kind of wrapped a lot of my mission together, I just needed apart of Langenhorn and it would have been completed.

 

Over all things are going great here in Marzahn. Oh transfer calls were last week. Sister Kriser and I will both be staying here in Marzahn continuing to serve together as STL's. I am so thankful that we are able to keep working together. She will be my longest companion. She is extremely driven and focused. She is helping me in so many areas. I am so thankful for her patience with me, as well as her understanding of my personal weaknesses. I hope by the end of our time together I have been able to teach her a fraction of what she is teaching me. I really hope that you get to all meet her one day. She is teaching me things that I will strive to apply my whole life....basically she is just awesome! There is no one else I would rather serve with my last transfer here in Germany, and I think God know that. Having another transfer is a testimony for me that God does hear and answer prayers.  ;) 

 

Well I hope you all are doing great this week. It sounds like you are staying busy. Ashley in 6 weeks I want to do a midnight Taco run with you! Emily and Ben how is reading the Book of Mormon coming along? Do you have any ideas yet of what kind of trip we will be doing together.    

 

I know that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, I testify that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet. That through him we have received the fullness of truth necessary to return back to live with our Heavenly Father. I know that this time is a time to improve ourselves, to strive to become more life Christ, in though, in word, in action.

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne

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Dear Family and Friends.

I am so glade to hear that you are all doing so well. It sounds like the girls had a great time at camp. Dad and Ben sounds like you both had a fun time getting to know the new mission president over in our area. Ben I hope that got you excited to serve a mission bud. I know I am so thankful that I have come. I would not have changed this for anything in the world. I know you and who ever else decided to go well learn so much. I am excited to read your letters one day.

 

Mom thank you so much for looking at the resume. I well keep you updated on what starts happening. I am going to be applying to a lot of different places, in hope that something works out.

 

 

So this week Anika was not baptised. We have moved it to this Sunday the 21st of July. However she is doing so good. I was unable to be there this week because I was working in another area but Sister Kriser says she is doing well. I was able to talk with her at church. We helped her find her baptism dress in preparation for next week. She was beaming and super excited. It has been a blessing for me to watch her family rally around her in preparation for her baptism.

 

Carmon is doing wonderful as well. We were able to have a 'get to know you breakfest' with The Bishop, his family, Carmon, and us. It went really well. We talked about service in the church and accepting church callings. When the bishop asked her if she was ready to help in the ward, her response was; ''that is what I always do in my life. I just go around helping people.'' She is just wonderful. I hope one day you well be able to meet her. Also on Sunday I sat next to her for sacrament meeting. about half way through she took my hand and just held it. I am not sure who was more comforted. :)

 

I am still unable to regain contact with Erick, but I am still praying for him. I know something well work out.

 

This week Sister Kriser and I were able to met up with Sister Kosak to grab some icecream and she how she is doing. I just love this lady so much. It was interesting for me to sit down and talk with her. One a mission you feel like you get to know people so well, so quick, because you are always seeming to have very meaningful conversations. After talking to Sister Kosak this week I realized, I know alot about her. I know how important the gospel is to her. Her views on a lot of different principles in the church, I know how she likes things ran. How she would handle certain situations. However I realized as well the basic things that you usually know about someone soon after meeting them have taken a back seat to the things of the spirit. For example, I had no Idea that Sister Kosak has her Masters Degree. She finished it after meeting President Kosak, getting married, and having their first child. POWER WOMEN. It was lots of fun needles to say. :)

I am doing well. I am trying as much as possible to work hard, as well as enjoy the time I have left here. It seems that it is going to come quicker then I thought it would. But I am so thankful for the time I do have left.

 

I have been refocusing this week on life is all about learning to  ''live a life in Crescendo'', growing in intensity step by step, always Diligently with a consistency of effort and clarity of focus. President Kosak taught ''The synchronization of those items in our daily life, on a mission and/or afterwards, will help us to be happy and filled with love. In all we do, we need what President Ezra T. Benson explained as, "The Spirit is the most important single element in this work/life. With the Spirit magnifying your call/life, you can do miracles for the Lord...regardless of your talent and ability" [PMG, p. 176

 

I am so thankful that the Lord is allowing me to live my life in a way that I am able to build while doing His work. It has never ceased to be amazed at the miracles we see as we walk hand and hand with the Lord. I am also thankful to understand that these blessing are not just for those with name tags. Family I hope you are also seeing these blessing in your lives as you do missionary work. I love you all so much. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the updates and I will see talk with you next week.

 

Love,

Sister Kimberly Bohne   

 

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Coming to the light

Dear Family and Friends,

 

This week has been a great week. I hope everything is going well for you at home.

 

This week we were able to go and get ícecream with the wonderful sisters who help in our Office; Sister Gibson and Sister Biesly. I don't know how we could do our work without them. They are the ones that take care of the details that us less experienced missionaries would have no idea where to start on. As we were eating ice cream a man came walking up to our table and said in a thick German accent and broken English; 'You Mormons?'' We were then able to talk with him about his prior experiences of meeting the missionaries in Switzerland. We were able to get his contact information. God really is preparing his children to accept the gospel. People are even getting bold enough to come and talk to us. At the end of our time I asked the two sisters if they had any words of wisdom for us, they said, ''If you allow Him, God will change your heart, but you have to give it to Him.'' It have thought about that statement a lot this week. It is so true. We can experience stuff, see stuff, know stuff, but until we are changed because of it we truly did not understand it. It is easy to do what we have been called to do, but to be who we are to be is another story. I think that takes a lot more, prayer, a lot more humility, a lot more trust in God. President Kosak a while ago gave the quote, "Know, that you know, what you know.'' It is not just enough to have a testimony, you must know that you have a testimony as well.

 

I am doing great. I am have a lot of fun teachingSchwester Kremir. This week we were able to go over the commandments, fasting being one of them. As we went over fasting  she got super excited. Apparently she loves to fast. I have never gotten that reaction before while teaching, it was funny. She is so sweet. I just love her. It has been a great opportunity to teach her and watch her faith be strengthened.

 

Anike will be baptised this Sunday. She is doing great. Her father got up yesterday and bore his testimony of family scripture study and prayer. It was been a wonderful experience being able to teach the family and help them get stronger in the gospel in preparation for the baptism of of their daughter. The bast part is that the drive to be better is coming from within. We are just able to watch it.

Recently I found out that Erick, that man that Sister Szvoboda and I were able to teach inEisenhüttenstadt as gone inactive. Mom I am starting to get just a little taste of what it feels like for a mother when her children leave this Gospel. The missionaries and branch members were doing their best to bring him back, but he ended up moving.....LOST.......BUT NOT. He now lives here in the Marzahn ward boundaries....and so do I. After lots of knocking on doors, and talking with a lot of people. We now know where he lives. Thanks mom on teaching me the art of tracking people down. We went to visit him yesterday, but he was not at home. Through out this process I am learning that God does not loss track of his lost sheep. It has been a testimony to me that every baptism is important, and God knows what He is doing with the placement of his missionaries. It is a slim chance I would just happen to be serving in the area that Erick moved into with out God in charge.

 

Also I am going to attach a story sister Kriser is working on right now. The story is about coming to the light. And how sometimes as we come unto Christ, his brightness, goodness, and light will Begin to show our weaknesses and areas that we need to work on. I have told many missionaries this story. I know it is helped me, and I hope it helps you.

Often as we come closer to Christ, we see our weaknesses and sins more clearly.. Sometimes we start to feel like we are doing all we can, but not improving at all. There is a story I once heard that illustrates this point, but that shows the progress that we are making in this process.

Coming closer to Christ is like walking into a completely dark room with a bright light which is Christ over on the other side of the room. We are drawn to this light (Christ), and the warmth and happiness that He sends out, so we start to walk towards Him. As we get a little closer, we look down see that we have stains and dirt all over our clothes. We quickly start to scrub out the stains, and brush off the dirt. Once we are satisfied that we are clean, we again start moving towards Christ, excited to come into His presence. After only a few steps into the light, we look down again, and with the increased light we see more clearly that we still have stains and dirt all over us. We again scrub out the stains and brush off the dirt. When we are satisfied we again move forward, closer to Christ. Again, after only a few steps further into the light, we look down and see that we missed a lot of stains and dirt and are still filthy. At this point it is easy to get discouraged and want to turn back. Back in the darkness, where don't see our weaknesses as clearly, and where it is easy to tell ourselves that we are clean enough.. yet the light and warmth from Christ draws us in, so after cleaning up one more time we move forward again closer to Christ. Finally we reach him, and looking down are again sad and ashamed at how filthy we are.. Yet Christ is smiling, and slowly begins to scrub out the stains and dirt from our clothes until we are perfectly clean. Then in this clean, warm and happy state we remain forever in his presence. Looking back, we shudder to think that we might have missed this perfect happiness, and remained content to wait in the darkness where it was easier.. but where it was dark and cold, and where we deceive ourselves into thinking that was where we belonged.

Often in life when we come closer to Christ, He shows us our weakness so that with his help, we can make changes, and improve. This process is hard, and sometimes it is hard to see the progress because every time we look down, we continue to see stains. Yet keep moving forward.. because we are improving and becoming more clean with every step. We can't do it alone, but he helps us, and gives us more light and help at every step. Then when we reach him, and humbly accept his help, he will make us completely clean. It is easier to stay in the dark and tell ourselves that we are clean and good enough, but we will never be happy in the dark.. we are children of light.

In Ether 12:27 it says "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

 

I love you all so very much and miss you. I am excited to go run out in the rain with you, hike pretty mountains again, and eat Mexican food.

 

love Sister Kimberly Bohne

 

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If you could ask God three questions?

Dear Family

 

I am sorry that this is later then normall. This transfer Sister Kriser and I are mixing things up a little bit. As part of our calling to help train and support the other sisters here in the north east of the mission we have decided to both be going into the other area. It allows us to help train both of the companions in the same things. We have noticed by doing so it allows us to help them more. It is so ,much fun. I feel like I am on a Companion Vacation 1-2 times  a week. The only down side to doing things this way is that we are now so busy. I am sorry that I did not get to e-mail you Monday, I will try to do better in the following weeks.

 

So quick update on everyone to start out.

 

Carmen Kremer is doing great. It was cool walking into our appointment this week. We meet at the Schröders home. Sister Schröder seems to be getting not only spiritual strength from these visits but Physical as well. Carmen goes over early and helps around the yard. I have no doubt that the relationships that are being built right now will keep both Carmen and the Schröders active in the Church. It is a testimony to me what happens when members get involved in missionary work.

 

Anika Pehl is doing great. I just love teaching her. I am thing that when I have children I would like to invite the missionaries to teach them the lessons before they get baptised. Meeting with Anika is diffrent then anything else I have ever done before. Besides having to use the ''Du'' language which we normally don't use. The form in the German language used while addressing children. It is harder to teach her. She is really shy, until we start playing games. Unsure of herself until we start playing ''I Spy'' after teaching the lessons. But It is fun having a whole family network standing behind her and her decision. 

 

Hr Bohne cool story. Just today we were able to meet him at a park. We wanted to talk about gaining a testimony. Hr Bohne has been reading in the scriptures everyday, Praying multiple times a day, would love to meet every day (if we had the time), but is still struggling in developing faith. So we decided to read Alma 22 together and talk about trusting the testimonies of others. As we were reading we decided to act it out. So Hr Bohne playing the King stands up on a bench in the Park. Sister Kriser is playing Ammon, and I am the Narrator. By the end he actual ''fall to the earth as if he was dead''. It was something I have never done before. But as Hr Bohne read the words of the King the spirit was able to testify to him at the same time. It was a cool experience.    

 

Oh funny story. We are meeting with this 19 year old girl named Kathrene. She was an exchange student in the US for 9 months. In the US she stayed with a LDS family, Attended seminary, Church, and participated in all the family activities. It has been interesting talking to her. We have asked her a lot about what she learned about our religion while living in the USA. Alot of the answers that she gives us or more about the LDS culture as to the belief. For example ''Even after going on multiply dates with someone. Holding there hand. WE ARE STILL ONLY FRIENDS'' ''It is inappropriate, and even a sin to have Coca Cola in the home'' ''It is ok to go against what they teach you in church as long as you will go talk to the bishop later....'' While speaking to her I often ask myself the question. ''If someone was to come and live with me for 9 months what would the way I live teach about what I believe?'' I hope nothing to crazy. But they other day we asked her the question: ''If you could ask the Lord 3 questions what would they be?'' Her first question was no surprise, we hear it all the time. ''If God really does care about us why does he let some many bad things happen. The 2nd Question is one I have never heard before. ''I want to know if God has ever kissed anyone?'' The question was so unexpected that Sister Kriser and I both just started laughing.....but she was serous.. Naja the questions people have sometime. :P

 

I am doing good. I have really been enjoying being able to travel around and learn from all the different sisters. I am working hard trying to make long term habits both in my life and in the ward before going home in September. I am reading the Book of Mormon 30 minutes a day from cover to cover. I know how important regular DAILY Book of Mormon reading is in day to day life. If I get preoccupied on my mission with other books, including Preach my Gospel, Ensigns, and other good inspired books right now, that habit of daily book of Mormon reading will only get harder when I go home. I am also working on making my prayers more meaningful. It is back to the basics for Sister Bohne. I want to make sure that when I go home, the foundation that I have will be able to support all the experiences, and knowledge I have learned here in Germany and allow me to just keep growing. 

I hope you are all doing wonderful. I am excited to see you when I get home. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you!

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne

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Re: Stone Fam Reunion/ Jesse's 24th Bd. June 17, 2013

Dear Family,

 

This week has been one full of miracles. Last week I told you a little bit about a women named Carmon Kremir. Well After two great lessons at the Schröders home we were able to set up a baptism date with her on the 7 of July. During us teaching her about the restoration she repeatedly kept saying, ''Why did I not know this earlier in my life''. She would then look at the Schröders and ask them why they had not explained this early er to her. Great example of how it is our jobs as members not only to testify of this gospel through our lives, but as well to open our mouth when the opportunity is there. I am sure the Schröders are happy they are now having these conversations and not in the next life.  When we asked her to be baptised, she just looked at us like. ''Ya duh, have you two not been listening to me the whole time. I wish I would have been able to earlier.'' It was a testimony to me that God prepares people, and when Members and Missionaries work together we see miracles!  Yesterday at church she met the Relief Society president, participated in the classes, and Met the Bishop. She loved being felt extremely welcome and  is excited for her baptism.

 

Also this week we were able to start teaching Anike Phel, she is a 8 year old daughter of the new family in the ward. We had a family home evening with her family a few weeks ago. When we found out she was not baptised we asked if she would like us to help her get ready for baptism. The parents are really making Anike make this decision, we make out all of the appointments with Anike, and then approve the time with her parents. I have never worked with a 9 year old before but it is lots of fun. She will be getting baptised the day after she turns 9 on July 14th. It is so much fun teaching her because we are able to get in and strengthen the family! 

 

Jenny is also doing a lot better. We were able to have a picnic with her and two of her friends in the park where we run every morning. Talking with her I am so thankful for the power, strength and comfort that the Holy Ghost truly gives to all those who are worthy to receive him. Life is hard, Jenny said it perfectly when she said. ''Why would I make it harder by walking away from the gospel which gives me the strength to keep going.'' I am so proud of her and the progress she is making.

 

I am doing well. Super excited to be here and excited to be coming home in a just a few short weeks and seeing all of your pretty faces AROOOO! The time has flown by, but I still have plenty left so I will not end this with on a sad note. Rather this morning as I was studying my scriptures I was reading in 2 Nephi 5:31-32 where it reads (changed just a little bit)

 

Wherefore, I, (insert name), to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, went and did...And I did that which is pleasing unto God. 

 

This idea that Nephi had of not only going and doing, but with the intent of doing that which he did in a way that pleased God made him into the man that he was. As I read this scripture this morning I asked myself the question; ''I go and do, but do I do what I do with the purpose of pleasing God, to fulfill his purpose. Or do I do it to check it off a list, gain glory in the eyes of those around me or any other reason?''

 

I have naturally been praying fasting and pondering the path I am to take when coming home. I have received a few answers but the revelation I gained today made it clear that I am not only to move forward with that which the Lord wants but in the way He wants, with the purpose to fulfill His will. I know that as anyone seeks to understand the path the Lord has put them on, and walk down it with the desire to fulfill his purpose they will one day be able to look back and realize the why of what He asked.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful day and a great time with the Stone family this week. Take a few pictures and send them to me bitte :)

 

Love you lots,

 

Sister Kimberly Bohne

 

p.s Last week I shared the story of the three construction worker. I hope that you thought about it through out the week and looked for the higher purpose of the mundane things in life.

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Dear Family,

 

It sounds like all is going well for you. It is crazy that David is headed out on a mission. It does not seem like he is old enough, but I guess I would not consider myself old enough and I am almost done with mine. ;)
Praying over a rat two weeks I really did feel like you mom. Jenny did not want to leave her apartment in case it died. I told her the story of me taking Roadrash to school. She just loved it.

I am in the process if trying to figure out what I want to do after the mission. It is something that President Kosak has asked me to do, and something I feel is good council. Everyone has fear about coming home from their mission. Missionaries have busy, purpose filled lives here in the field. It makes since that I need to have a plan for when I get home so I don't just back into my old, not so productive life. Have you had a chance and looking into the schooling at all. I have been looking into some different Recreation Therapy jobs, and have started the application process. I am focusing mainly on Anasazi right now. The training starts on September 13. 10days after I get home. I know it does not give me a lot of time in SLC but I am not sure if I am going to be able to do something like this every again in life. It for sure is not the most family friendly job if that is the direction life takes.  But I only want to work there till January so that I can get back to school.

 

As for my life here in Germany. Transfers were this week and Sister Kriser and I are staying together as STL's here in Marzahn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am so excited to continue learning and growing as a companionship. We are seeing so many miracles (all be written in my Journal mom) and I did not want it to end.

 

This week Jenny was confirmed! It was so great. She has been going through some health problems lately. After her confirmation she looked more at peace. It was a testimony to me that the Holy Ghost truly does offer strength and comfort.

One of our new investigators this week is a lady names Fr Karmen Kremir. She is a friend of the Schröders our ward mission leader. We have been working on getting a joint teach with her the last 7 weeks. Yesterday we were finally able to meet. It was such a great lesson! We taught the plan of Salvation and were able to have Brother and Sister Schroder give their testimonies on baptism. We have a return appointment this Friday,

once again at Schröders. When members and missionaries work together we see miracles

 

So something that I have been learning lately is that every minute of our life is a treasure. As I think about what I am doing here and what you are right now back at home. It makes me think of a story.

 

The story of the three construction worker.

Three men are transporting stones. As a passer talks to them he asks the first construction worker; "What are you doing?" "I carry stones!", growls he and doesn't look at him. "What do you do?", the wanderer asks the second worker. Sighing, he answers, "I have to earn money for the food of my family!" Finally the third worker is asked, "And what are you doing here?" He looks up to the asker, then to the building and says quietly, "I am working to build a hospital!"

It does not really matter what we do as long as we know why we are doing it. This week don't just go through your day, find a higher purpose and let me know how it changes your week. When making a decision know why you want to do it and the vision you will fulfil by going through with it.

This is something that I have been really trying to do lately. Developing a vision, creating a plan, and diligently following through. I am not the best at it yet, but hopefully I am getting better. I know as I have been attempting to develop a vision of what I want it is easier to do all the MUST to get there.

 

I hope you are all having a wonderful week! I miss you all and can not wait to see you.

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne.

 

 
 

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Life is great in Germany

Hello Family and Friends, 

 

So first the story of Jenny,  

 

Baptism of Jenny Herlitz
We first met Jenny when she walked into the Marzahn ward building one Sunday for sacrament. Her mother had been baptised a little more then a year ago and from that time on Jenny had been interested in the Church. She had met with a few missionaries as they were teaching her mother but had not yet decided to meet by herself. It just so happened to be that this Sunday was Ward Conference. The Stake President had come to talk about missionary work. He told a story about when he was on a mission he felt spiritually prompted to invite a man who was attending a Baptismal service to be baptised later that night after a few hours of meeting with the missionaries. The man accepted and later that evening entered the waters of baptism. Well being missionaries we know we were not at a baptismal service but we thought that ward conference could be a good substitute. Right after the closing prayer we walked over to Jenny. With no knowledge of her past history we followed what could have been a spiritual impression and and gave her the same offer the Stake President had done on his mission. To every ones surprise (besides ours;)  she accepted the invitation to baptism. Bishop Bredlow came up and Jenny then tried for the next 30 minutes to get the approval to be baptised. Stating that she felt that she was ready. In accordance with the wishes of the Bishop the baptism was pushed back for a few weeks so that she could first get to know the ward. The next 5 weeks Jenny spent in the Scriptures, at every church activity, and many nights of sharing her testimony with friends and us, the missionaries blessed to be able to grow beside her. Yesterday the 2nd of June 2013 Jenny Herlitz entered the waters of baptism after waiting for over month from the day that she decided she wanted to follow the example of Jesus Christ.   

 

On a more funny note; I continue to have experiences I never thought I would here in Germany, some of which are pretty funny.  One was saying a prayer over the phone with one of our investigators (in German) for her pet rat which was old and about to die. I made me think of Radish. It was a big deal to her, so we did it, and I didn't know all the words for a prayer about a rat dying, but it worked out, and she felt a lot better!  Another funny experience this week sitting in a cemetery and having lunch (we were waiting for our investigator and decided to have lunch their). we had brought a salad and some bread with cheese and meat. We realized we didn't have any forks and just kinda looked at each other.  Ha my comp thought we'd just use our fingers, but me being  real hippy sometimes was like "no we can use chop-sticks." of course we didn't have any on us, Sorry mom I left them back home on my desk. So I decided to show my little daughter a thing or two about living in the backwoods. I went and found some little sticks which we brushed off and used as chop sticks!  It worked really well to the surprise of my comp. I don't think she will ever worry about not having a fork again :) 

 

Also Sister Kriser and I are always trying to figure out what we can cut out to open up more time for us to have to teach lessons and do missionary work. We were talking about having late lunches and cutting out dinner breaks, but then we looked at our schedule and realized we only had one dinner break scheduled in because the rest of the evenings we are eating as we go, or at ward activities or investigators or member homes. We both sat for a minute trying to figure out what else we could do to open up more time and then I said "huh.. I guess we could cut out breathing :)"  ha we both laughed, because we really are going all the time, but we never seem to be able to fit everything in.  I love it, and we had a good laugh about that :)

So this week was great!  We taught some great lessons, and on Sunday our investigator Jenny was baptised along with a young girl that the other sisters have been teaching!  Jenny was so ready and excited for baptism, and it was a wonderful baptism.  She is an only child, never knew her dad, and has a pretty bad relationship with her mom.  Her mom said she would come to the baptism, but wasn't there when it started.. Jenny was pretty sad about that.  As we started singing the opening song Jenny's mom walked in.  I had a perfect view of the whole thing and it was wonderful!  She walked right up to the front, sat down by Jenny, and then Jenny turned with a look of surprise on her face, and then they both just hugged each other while Jenny Cried..  I couldn't stop smiling and tearing up myself.  I know this doesn't change everything for their relationship, but it was a good start, and made Jenny so happy.  The spirit was strong through the baptism, and overall it was just awesome!  We have really seen Jenny come a long way.  It is amazing what bringing Christ into your life will do to a person.  Jenny prays and reads her scriptures every day, and has just grown so much in the last couple of months.  Christ can and will change anyone who comes to Him and wants to be changed.  We become new, and so much better then we could be alone.  There is a quote/poem my comp loves and it goes. "A Cathedral without windows, a face without eyes, a field without flowers, an alphabet without vowels, a continent without rivers, a night without stars, and a sky without a sun--- these would not be so sad as a soul without Christ.                                                       -James L. Gordon
 
How true.  We will never come close to our full potential without Christ.  So this week lets do all we can to build our relationship with Him.  Without him, we really are nothing.  There is nothing more important that we could give our time and energy too.  I love you all, and hope it is a great week! 

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne with help from my amazing comp Sister Kriser (Sometimes it is easier to take what your comp all ready wrote :)

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Baptism of Jenny Herlitz

Baptism of Jenny Herlitz

We first met Jenny when she walked into the Marzahn ward building one Sunday for sacrament. Her mother had been baptised a little more then a year ago and from that time on Jenny had been interested in the Church. She had met with a few missionaries as they were teaching her mother but had not yet decided to meet by herself. It just so happened to be that this Sunday was Ward Conference. The Stake President, President (__________) had come to talk about missionary work. He told a story about when he was on a mission he felt spiritually prompted to invite a man who was attending a Baptismal service to be baptised later that night after a few hours of meeting with the missionaries. The man accepted and later that evening entered the waters of baptism. Well being missionaries we know we were not at a baptismal service but we thought that ward conference could be a good substitute. Right after the closing prayer we walked over to Jenny. With no knowledge of her past history we followed what could have been a spiritual impression and and gave her the same offer the Stake President had done on his mission. To every ones surprise (besides ours;)  she accepted the invitation to baptism. Bishop Bredlow came up and Jenny then tried for the next 30 minutes to get the approval to be baptised. Stating that she felt that she was ready. In accordance with the wishes of the Bishop the baptism was pushed back for a few weeks so that she could first get to know the ward. The next 5 weeks Jenny spent in the Scriptures, at every church activity, and many nights of sharing her testimony with friends and us, the missionaries blessed to be able to grow beside her. Yesterday the 2nd of June 2013 Jenny Herlitz entered the waters of baptism after waiting for over month from the day that she decided she wanted to follow the example of Jesus Christ.    

 

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Aroo Familie,

Ashley CONGRATS on graduating Seminary, when is your High School graduation?

No I was not able to contact with Anna yet, I am sure it will happen soon.

That is so cool that there are so many good young men leaving for missions from our ward. Those 12 apostles are going to change every mission they are in.

Do you by chance have a picture of Emily's mouth? Also where is she and Ben with Book of Mormon reading?

It sounds like the heavens are at work on the Brown family! They have been on my mind my whole entire mission. It makes me so happy to see they are making progress.

Mom you for sure have it right with missionary work. It is simply our job to invite. We can not create the action in others but we can invite and inspire to act.

I am dong well here in Germany. With the new calling that Sister Kriser and I have it seems like time has just hit hyper speed, it feels unreal that I am now writing again. I feel like I just wrote you yesterday.

This week I had the great opportunity to do splits with Sister Thorton, we were in the MTC together. SHE IS AWESOME! We did a lot of mission review together and set goals for the last few months of the mission (108 days until being home).We had lots of fun!

I was also able to do splits with my granddaughter Sister Knoll. She replaced me in Langenhorn when I moved down here to Berlin in February. She is AWESOME! She is native and a powerhouse of a teacher. We talked A LOT of German and she helped me more with pronunciation while reading out of the book of Mormon. It was cool to be able work with her.

However, no matter how great splits are, coming back home to Marzahn Otto-Nagel 13 with Sister Kriser is the best! It is so much fun working with her. She daily teaches me about endurance, diligence, and fun. Do you know that saying; ''Stop and smell the roses.'' Sister Kriser takes that latterly. Everywhere we go she is stopping on the side of the road and smelling all the flowers that are now blooming. Just the other day as we were doing some door to door around our church we both bent down to smell this beautiful yellow flower. As we continued walking I look over and see this bright yellow spot on the tip of her nose.I started laughing and before I could say anything she just started laughing and pointing at my nose...morel of the story I don't think I am a Brown nosier anymore rather a yellow nosier.

Well I hope all you guys are doing well this week. I will let you know when I get in touch with Anna.

Love you lots.

Sister Kimberly Grace Bohne  

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Pictures 1

 This is Sister Kriser and I teaching a man in the Castel Park just how cool the Book of Mormon is!

 

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Ohla....I mean Morgen

Morgen Familie,

  

First I just saw the pictures that Sister Krisers Mom sent to her from when Mom and Ashely went to meet the Krisers. It looks like you guys had a good time sitting in the parking lot. I am glade that you could meet them. From what Sister Kriser says they are an awesome family. 

 

So time for a super cool story. The hand of the Lord is truly at work here in Berlin. Just this week we have had 5 new people handed to us to teach. One of the girls is Named Jenny. Jenny came to Marzahn yesterday for the first time. Jenny's mom was baptised down in Spandou (south Berlin) a little more then a year ago. Jenny has been going down in the Spandou ward for the last little bit but because of the drive has decided that she needed to come to Marzahn. Yesterday was Ward Conference and the stake president focused a lot on missionary work, and on the importance of finding those in our own circle that are ready to be baptised and then get us ,the missionaries, involved. Right after we said the closing prayer we had a women in the ward give us a name and number of a man that she has been talking to for the last few years. She feels he is now ready to take the lessons! Sitting there it showed me the power that the Local leaders have on missionary work! 

 

After I talked with this women I then went and talked with Jenny. I asked her what she thought about following the example of Jesus Christ and her mother and being baptised. She got super excited, told me that she wanted to be baptised that night and then ran out of the room to call her long time boyfriend to get his permission.Thankfully they are not living together. When she came back in she said that she had a great talk with her boyfriend and he thinks that it is a good idea and was ready to jump in the water. Well I, and all those involved, felt like it would be better for her to wait just a few weeks so that we can go through the lessons with her. Make sure that she truly understands the convents that she is making, As well as organize the service. I felt like I was in South America...people wanting to be baptised....us having to fight them back for just a few weeks....... oh and I then walked outside and it was warm....but then the people on the bus were speaking German. Nope I guess I was not transfered to Panama. :P  

 

God does prepare people who will listen to the message we have, I know that. Yesterday was a testimony builder for me that when the members and missionaries work together miracles will occur! After working so hard last transfer and praying in faith that God would allow us to help teach someone that is ready for baptism, we meet her the LAST day of the transfer. He not only gave us some one, but someone who is already been to church, had many of the lessons, and who we had to litterly talk in to waiting just a little bit till we could organize the baptism. I am excited to see the person God has prepared to also be baptised this upcoming transfer! A mission goal is One baptism per companionship per transfer. I am excited to see the miracles happen.

 

Also Mr. Bohne came to a ward activity we had this last Saturday. Dad I don't think we are related at all. But it was cool he seemed to really enjoy it. Also at our last appointment he brought a friend named Thomas that we are now meeting with.

 

Oh also super cool story. This last week as Sister Kriser and I were waiting for an appointment with Hr. Bohne a man walked up to us. This mans name is David. David was being taught be the missionaries about three years ago and for what ever reason they just stopped coming. He asked us to come and help him learn more about  ''the boy Joseph Smith, the Church that he started, and how he can once again feel good like he use to when he meet with the missionaries''. David also was at the ward activity.

 

Also this week while running in the morning, we took a different path then we have ever taken. We ended up running into this super cool park, and in the middle of the park was....can you guess it...a castle! Only in Europe do you go for a morning run and end up by a castle. I will make sure to take pictures of it and send them next week. Sometimes I forget that most of the streets I walk on are older the country that I was born in....

 

This week was also the first, Sister Traning Learders meeting that I was able to go to. It was awesome sitting among the leaders of the mission and feeling the faith that was in that room. We talked a lot about helping other see success. I don't think I will ever get over how cool it is that the best way to grow personally is to focus outward. Is that not a cool gospel principle; ''To fix yourself, make others your first priority. God will have to step in and help you so that you can continue helping others.''  God will make sure that you have the power and ability to do the callings you have been given, and in so doing you will personally improve. It could be cheating but I love it.

 

I am sending some things in the mail today. DONT OPEN THEM UNTIL MOTHERS DAY.

 

I love you all. Let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.

 

-Sister Kimberly Bohne

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The winds of change

Dear Family and Friends,

This week I have lots of thoughts on my mind. Lots of changes are happening here in the mission field. Lots of growth in numbers as well as personally in every missionary. It depends not if you are a Sister, Elder, Senior Missionary, wife of a Mission President, or the Mission President called to preside over, worry, and care for the others; missions are about growth. It is about accepting the atonement in you life and BECOMING that who God expects you to be. About understanding the atonement and allowing others to become what the Lord expects them to be.
 
President Monson said. "Missionary service is demanding and requires long hours of study and preparation that the missionary himself might match the divine message he proclaims. It is a labor of love but also of sacrifice and devotion to duty."

I testify to that which President Monson said, Missionary work is demanding. Missionary work requires humbling yourself. Missionary work requires the ability to see yourself the way God the Father sees you. Missionary work requires men to turn outward when they only thing they want to do is turn inward. To love others even after the have turned you down. It is about sacrificing the current self inorder to become that which the lord requires to work miracles. It is about devotion, to God, to authorits, to rules, to personal testimony in order to accomplish the growth which the Lord has promised. 

I am thankful for the chance I have to be here in The Germany Berlin Mission. To be lead and guided by an inspired Mission President, Henry Kosak. I am thankful for his example of always striving to personal grow and improve The vision he has not only for the area he has been called to tend, but the missionaries that he has been called of God to preside over in love and honesty. I am thankful for his blunt German ability to help missionaries become what the Lord expects us as missionaries to be.  I am thankful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that has allowed me, Sister Kimberly Bohne,  to grow free from worry about past mistakes. The atonement that allows me to fallow my mission President, as he follows the spirit of God, in changing Germany. I feel blessed to serve here. I feel blessed to have the chance to work with so many wonderful dedicated Elders and Sisters. For the chance I have of being here in Germany as the lord hastens His work. For the incress of Sisters and Elders in our mission. It is just crazy cool to see the hand of the Lord work here in Germany.  

President Brigham Young said he knew the gospel was true when he "saw a man without eloquence, or talents for public speaking, who could only say, 'I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, thatJospeh Smith is a Prophet of the Lord.'"

^{I, much like this man have no talent for public speaking, and even less so for writting. I want to add my simple testimony to all those who have come before me. I pray that the spirit will testify to you that the words I speak are true. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that God is our loving Heavenly Father. He know us by name. He wants what is best for us. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, because Daddy in Heaven loves us He sent his son Jesus Christ so that we can make it back to Him. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, The atonement has a really power to change. To make us into the people we dream of being but don't have the ability to become by our selves. This life is about staying on the straight and narrow as often as possible and always striving to move forward. Repenting when we take a detour and having faith that Christ will make up what we lack. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. That they in reality spoke with him. That through Joseph Smith the priesthood power of God was restored back upon this earth. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, That God continues to call men as Prophets, Apostles, Area authority, Mission presidents, Stake Presidents, and bishops to bring to pass His work. I testify that EVERY person when in the service of God will be stretched, that they will be expected to grow. I give my testimony that every person in the service of God, when serving with all their Heart, might, mind, and strength will be positively different in the end. I am thankful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that helps erase the stupid mistakes, short comings, personality flaws, that we ALL have at the beginning of this change. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that this which I have written is true.}

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The Sisters I am Living With

 

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First week in Berlin

Hello Everyone,

Wow this week has been a different week then any other in my mission. Wednesday evening I got a phone call from the Mission office telling me that Sister Hinkle and I needed to be in Berlin the next morning rather then Monday (today). We had many great appointments set up, saying by to everyone, all being changed by being called to Berlin. We ran by Mirja`s house, as well as Mama Czinioka´s home to say goodbye. I am going to miss that ward a lot they have truly helped become the missionary I have been called to be.
Thursday as I got to Berlin I found out that I would be companions with a Sister Dean until we both get our new companions Monday. Sister Dean is known as being the funnies/craziest sister in our mission so I know this was going to be fun. Sister Dean will also be working in Marzahn with me. We will both be opening new programs. Also we will be living in the same 4 women apartment....I just hope our new missionaries survive this next little bit :P
Thursday-Sunday we spend in our apartment All DAY. Sister Dean was sick and was ordered to bed by Sister Kosak. We joked that we were working hard at being obedient laying in bed all day. It was for sure one of the hardest orders I have ever been given on my mission. I thought often of dad saying the worse thing about not working is that you can never take a break from it. Sitting inside all day was I believe harder then knocking doors all day long. But naja.
In just a few hours we will be headed over to mission office to pick up our new companions. I some how convinced Sister Dean to wear a Traditional German dress to pick up her new comp...you will see pictures on the Blog! :) :) :)
Well I am doing good. Super excited to meet my new comp in just a little bit. I am sure she will be great.
Okay so we took one ,,Break" this week. We went to a Valentin's Day dance that the Marzahn Ward was putting on. It was so much fun getting to know the ward. The Bishops wife is from Texas and has only been living here for less then 4 years. We ended up talking a ot. She is right now setting up an appointment with one of her friends that she really wanted to teach about the gospel but was a little scared using the Elders. The ward is SO excited to have sisters! I am excited to work with them! I feel like we are going to do great things here!
Well I hope that you all have a wonderful week. Sorry there is not much to update you on. I could tell you about all the crazy noises Sister Dean makes, but it is more then the sounds Ashley makes so it would take awhile, and really would not be so uplifting.

Schöne grüße

die Sister Kimberly Bohne
 

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Weekly Highlights 4 Feb 2013-10 Feb2013

Weekly Highlights 4 Feb 2013-10 Feb2013 

Monday:

We had a few adventures but we will explain them next week when we have pictures. ;) We had dinner with the Diener family and the Mansour family! It is amaizing to have a great ward and members who are always seeking opportunities for missionary work. It is awsome to work in a ward where they truly understand the three-fold mission of the church.

Tuesday:

We had brunch at Sister Glen's! She is the lady that gave us the rootbeer. We talked about grace and love. We read a quote from Believing Christ by Robert E. Stevenson. It's under the Saved by grace section around pg. 68. Yeah this is us saying that you should find the book and read it. :)

Wednesday:

We were invited to the Relief Society presidency meeting and we asked to give the spiritual thought. As a compainionship last week we studied "Use time wisely" chapter 8 of Preach My Gospel. In it, it says: ''Do all you can to leave your area stronger than you found it. Meaningful goals and careful planning will help you accomplish what the Lord requires of you. As you care for the people in your assigned area, you will account to Him and to your mission leaders. ''

Compainionship Study

Read Jacob 5:11–13, 61–64, 74–75, and answer these questions:

• •How does the Lord feel about His children?

• •What kind of effort does the Lord require of His servants?

As we read in Jacob we related the tree to our ward here in Langenhorn. Like many other wards in the church this ward is getting a little older. They look back on the good ol' days. As a missionary it is hard to watch and hear a ward walk about how they ''once were strong. How they once were united.'' We decided to change that.

In Jacob 5:11 it talks about the Lord also being grieved to watch this ''Langenhorn tree'' get weaker. 'And the Lord of the vineyard caused that it should be digged about, and pruned, and nourished, saying unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree...''

We felt inspired through this and other scriptures that one of our callings here in Langenhorn, or Germany in general is that of Strengthening the branches, wards and stakes . In verse 61-62 it says

61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may preparethe way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.

62 Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall aprune my vineyard.

We shared our testimony that the Lord will work with us. We know that the natural fruit is most precious. We as members, missionaries, ward leaders are those who have been called to labor diligently preparing our "tree" for the last time. This includes working with the active members, working with the fruit that has fallen from the tree (inactive members), and those who the Lord has placed around the tree to be grafted in, (investigators).

The lesson went well it was great to see the hope our leaders had as they were reminded that the Lord truly is watching over their tree, and that he is laboring beside them.

Thursday:

Today started off with District Meeting, Lunch, and finding. We had a great time walking on the streets of down town Hamburg. We were able to place a Book of Mormon and have some great street lessons. Today we also saw the first fruits of all the sport we have been doing, all the salads we have been eating, and all the stairs we have been climbing. Today while finding, a man "elevator looked" checked Sister Hinkle out head to toe MULTIPULE times.To which she says to Sister Bohne after walking away; '' That whould not have happened 20 pounds ago!" Sister Bohne is so proud of all the hard work of her little daughter but alittle afraid that she will have a lot of lock your heart problems... Go Sister Hinkle GO!!!!

On to more important matters...We regained contact with Bertha and Luis!! Whoot Whoot!! We set up an appointment for Saturday. Yay!

Friday:

TRANSFER CALLS!!!!

First we have got to explain the family tree of missionary life. When a missionary trains the one the train is considered their child. When your child trains you become a grandparent. If your ''mom'' trains another child she becomes your ''sister''

SISTER HINKLE IS A MOM!!!!!!! She will be picking up her new companion in Berlin a week from today on the 18^th of February. They will both return back here to Langenhorn to carry on the work.

Sister Bohne is a GRANDMA...and a Mom all at the same time. Does this remind anyone of Father of the bride 2? Young mothers, aunts the same age as the cusions, yep we are on a mission. Sister Bohne will also be picking up here new companion in Berlin on the 18^th of February and will then be headed to Marzahn, Berlin to open up a new program.

It has been a blast working together. We have really enjoyed the time that we have had to be able to learn from eachother. Grow in our testimonies of the importance of the spirit with us 24/7. We are excited to be able to continue to learn and grow as we take on these new roles!

Saturday:

We ate tacos at the Fuchs's again. Sister Bohne was supper happy, she loves tacos!

We stopped by a "costume" party held by the primary. Sebastian Mansour showed up to it by himself. We are so proud of him!

We met with Laarni today and spoke about how God is always there for us. We sang Lead kindly light together. She is making so much progress! Her faith grows stronger everyday.

We also met with Bertha and Luis! Had a wonderful appointment. We talked about the "why" of the gospel using President Uchtdorf's talk Forget me not. We didn't think about the name of the talk until after Sister Bohne had told them that she is being transferred. It was a very very good lesson and we felt the love of God with us.

Sunday:

Sister Bohne had the opportunity to Bear her testimony. The entire congregation felt her love for them and the strength of her testimony. The words might have not been elequent but the spirit was there.

We met with Mirja and Olivia tonight and had one of the most spirit lead conversations we have ever had with them. We took turns sharing conversion stories. It was a great opportunity to strengthen all of our testimonies.

We are happy that we have one more week together! We will let you know the fun stuff we do next week!

Sister Bohne and Sister Hinkle

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