July 20, 2014 Sunday

   First of all, we ran into our friendly guard on Saturday morning. He was excited to see us and talk to us. He asked if the Elders had called us to report on his progress. They have had a couple of lessons. He has attended church. He is studying and praying as well. He made it a point to tell us that he has a Baptismal date set! We asked him if he would invite us to attend. Of course he said, but he has some hesitation about  being ready by then. We assured him that if he continued doing what the missionaries asked, he would know in his heart that it is true.
   During the same walk that we mentioned previously, we were by the Berlin Plaza ( the Berlin Wall Monument ) when we saw a couple of kids tossing a Frisbee back and forth. It only took a minute and we invited ourselves to play with them. The boy was 10 and his Sister 7 years old. The Father was on a nearby bench watching. The kids were amused and delighted that we old fogies Gringos were playing with them. After several minutes , we ended the play and went over by the Father. We asked about the ages and names of his children, which he told us. Jimmy was the boys name and the girl was Marta. The comment was made that it was apparent that he loved his children. We told him that we have 5 sons and daughters along with 15 grandchildren which we love with all our heart. Now for the lead in to gospel conversation, what would you think about having your family together eternally? How would that make you feel? Have you heard about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints? The Mormons? Yes came the reply. Have you seen the missionaries around? Yes, again the reply. The challenge given was for him to speak with the Missionaries and ask how does one have an Eternal Family. Everything was just perfect except for the fact that we nothing to give him or even a pen and paper to take his name. RATS! Next Saturday morning we will go back and see if they happen to be there. We have to at least try to find them again, who knows but maybe we will have another chance, but if not, he will have something to think about.
  

   
      As we look at our beautiful family, we consider ourselves to be extremely blessed! Oh my how you all have changed since this was taken! As you can see, 2 new faces are not in this picture( Kit and Olive). Rest assured that they will be in the next one! We will have to have a stand-in for Elder Johnson.

 

 

Elder has decided to get creative with his hairdo. Front to back and side over the top. what do you think? No one will know the difference!

 

 

Love you all , have a great week!