FRIENDS TO REMEMBER--LAST DAYS OF OUR MISSION

The day before we left to go home, Sister Kenner asked John to baptize her.  I was asked to speak about the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  It was a glorious day!

Bezad, a dear friend from Iran, has yet to be baptized.

(upper left) Masa and Mamoud at stake conference.(lower left) Masa, Mamoud, and Bezad enjoying a YSA barbecue.(right) Masa baptism day.

We loved loved loved our sister missionaries!   We shared any fun moments at members homes.

The Erlachers invited us over for dinner.  Here you see the quilt Gudrun and
I worked on for Maike Erlacher.
 One of the YSA girls wanted us to make this quilt as a thank you from her to Maike for her love and service and friendship.

Brother and Sister Obermeier took us on an outing to the famous pottery factory in Gmunden.

What a hectic final week!  We had to pack, super clean the apartment for the next couple, move into a hotel, train the new couple, attend our last senior conference, and say all our goodbyes.
It was crazy busy!  And sad to leave so many friends behind.  In a way, we were dreading what might await us coming home.   We looked forward to family, but not starting over again.

As part of our senior conference, we had the opportunity to take a day to visit the famous Konigsee.  This happens to be one of Pres Monson's favorite places.  It lies between Salzburg and Munich and is one of the most pristine lakes on our planet.

We were very blessed to have Gudrun and Christian Anreither to be our special friends.  Gudrun invited us every Thursday to have lunch at her house.  We sewed a quilt together, discussed her great love for Family History, and shared many joy filled times.

We love the people we have gotten to know and appreciate in Linz.   This is Steffi and Walter Meyer. They have raised a large family and are true stalwarts in the Linz Ward.  Steffi still serves at the age of 86 and her husband is a wealth of information and history at the age of 73.

Our annual couples conference was in Salzburg this time.  We loved getting together and learning from each other.  We are so blessed to be part of the Alpine German Speaking Misssion!

Last District Meeting in Austria
We dearly love all the missionaries that serve in Linz.  We adopt them, feed them, nurture them, and advise them.  We are proud mission parents (more like grandparents)!

COMING HOME--BEING HOME!

Angie's Homecoming Talk (given at the Northpointe Ward April 12, 2015)

   “We are living in the time of the Restoration.  Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the Gospel as something complete, already behind
behind us.  In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now.  It includes ‘all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal’,  And the many and great important things that He will yet reveal.  The exciting developments of today are part of that long foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior,  Jesus Christ.”  (Elder Uchtedorf ?)
    This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history!

    WHAT IS OUR ROLE IN THIS GREAT ONGOING RESTORATION?
A.   The Gathering of all God’s children.
       We see many great changes in missionary work.  We see younger missionaries, use of modern technology to help them, more missions,
       etc.
       In our general conference from 2014, we heard Gerald Causse’ say:
       “These vast worldwide changes serve the designs of the Almighty God.  The gathering of His elect from the four corners of the earth is
       taking place not only by sending missionaries to far away countries, but also with the arrival of people from other areas into our cities and
       neighborhoods.  Many, without knowing it, are being led by the Lord to places where they can hear the gospel and come unto His Fold.”

B.    Examples:  Mahmoud,  Mahsa, Bezad
       Our time in Linz ward has been filled with teaching and fellowshipping young people from the Middle East.  Most are from Iran or Afghanistan,  a few from Syria or Iraq.   These are people seeking a freer way of life and a respite from the oppression and violence of their home countries.  Many trudge by foot through Turkey and into Eastern Europe before they find a place of refuge.  They come with only the clothes on their backs.   Mahmoud is a young man that waited a year to be baptized since the rules were he had to have official asylum before that could happen.  Mahsa is a young woman that came to Austria to study and planned to return to her life and family in Iran.  She found the gospel and embraced baptism.  For her, it is sad that she can never safely go back to see her family.  She cannot even call them or they would be in trouble because their daughter became a Christian (an offense that requires execution in Iran).  Bezad,  came to be free of the duties and responsibilities of working for the secret police.  His like is forfeit for just leaving.  His wife and son are in hiding in Iran.  He waits until he can be given refugee status.  At this point, he has lost faith of seeing his family and gave up on the missionaries and their message.  But, we can still hope that he will eventually find his way back to the church again and hopefully, enjoy the full benefits of membership.  We taught him with much love and have faith in Heavenly Father not letting go of him.

      LESSONS SERVING AS A MISSIONARY COUPLE

President Larson warned us prior to leaving for our mission that we would never be the same again.  He was so right. We have gained clearer insights into our own personal progress and the Lord’s love for His children.

1.  We have learned that weakness is not sin. 

 We commonly think of sin and weakness as a black mark on the fabric of our soul. In the mission field,  I lived the gospel more fervently, but I have never been more aware of my weaknesses.  Sin leads us away from God. It is a choice encouraged by Satan.  Weakness leads us towards God. In Ether 12:27 we learn that weakness is a condition given by  Heavenly Father to teach us that as we humble ourselves and turn to Him, He will make up the difference.  GRACE is the key to our personal progress.  Ultimately, it is only by His Grace that we can be make whole and perfect.

2.  Miracles and answers to prayers.

 We have experienced miraculous protections from harm, help with my health,  softening of hearts, and great joy.

3.  We have learned that the “mantel of authority”  applies to missionaries as well.

Joseph Smith said that “All men called to minister to the inhabitants of this world were called (ordained) to so in the pre-existence.”  There is a real, tangible power placed upon each missionary. With that power, he can testify with conviction,  learn languages, radiate a special spirit, and reach hearts.  There are no limitations because
 of age, education, ability.  It only requires faith and an awareness of his role.

4.  God’s timing is not ours.  Through watching how God works with others, I have come to realize we are too easily caught up in the idea of quick conversions, mighty changes happening in a moment. That can happen, but most of the time we see it happening slowly over time.


Finally, let me share my testimony…

 I know that God, our Heavenly Father, is aware of us.  Without our realizing it, he is guiding and directing the course of our lives.

Only personal sin and rebellion can alter that course.   I know that we are part of something much bigger than we can understand or imagine.

I know that we can help, even in a small way, to further the Lord’s kingdom here on earth.  I am keenly aware of the power of the Atonement in my life.  I love and revere the Savior for His great sacrifice and love.  He is my example, he is my Savior,  He is at the center of all we do as members of the church.  We are blessed to live in these times of the fulness of the Gospel.  I know that my faith will be tested many times before my time here on earth is done.  I know that the Lord will help me through those times.  I know he is REAL.  I love Him.

THE DAY AFTER AFTER

Today in most homes the tree looks bare without the anticipation of gifts.  They have all been opened and shared.  The mess of wrapping paper is put away,  Christmas music has stopped, and it's on with the usual life.  Hopefully, precious memories have been made.

We are enjoying this day, the 26th of Dec.  It is still an official holiday in Austria with all the stores and shops closed.  It's a day to remember friends.  Our Christmas here has been a wonderful teaching moment for us.  The Austrians celebrate Christmas Eve in a huge way with a big dinner, exchanging of gifts, and the "official" lighting of the Christmas tree and with it, singing Silent Night.  This year for what ever reason, the members were not interested in inviting the missionaries  (our two sisters and two elders ) over for Christmas Day.  We were invited for Christmas Eve and that seemed to be the most important time.  At first, we were all a bit hurt and even a bit angry that the missionaries had been forgotten on Christmas Day.  But we decided to make a dinner at church and invite many of those new members and investigators that would also have no place to go for Christmas Day.  We let go of our hurt and looked outward to what WE could do.   Our missionaries in Linz work very hard and try to be an example to others in kindness and love.
We all realized that Christmas had to be in our hearts most importantly.

Actually, serving a mission is a great gift for us because Christmas is in our hearts each day of the year.  We have the marvelous opportunity to devote all our time to preaching, testifying, and sharing the love of Christ.  We are not caught up in the minutiae and drudgery of everyday life as all must to survive.  Our sensitivity to Christ is not just felt at Christmas time.  We learn and teach each day that without Christ, there can be no fullness of joy.  Without His birth and His Atonement, we would have no Intercessor, no Advocate with the Father, and no Mediator who makes it possible for us to return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and live together as eternal families.  No, Christmas is not over for us....any of us really.  Our challenge as followers of Jesus Christ is to keep that special spirit of love, understanding, sacrifice and awe the day after and all the days after.

With this in mind, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!  We hope with you that this will be a stellar year of giving more, sharing more, loving more, listening more, and reflecting through deep study of the Scriptures our ultimate goal to be more like our wonderful Savior.

We send all our love to our family and friends,
Elder and Sister Didenhover

P.S. At the last minute, a family did invite us over for Christmas breakfast since they were leaving for a vacation at noon. They felt embarrassed that no one in the ward cared enough to make sure the missionaries were taken care of Christmas Day. This family actually lives in the next town over (Wels).  They would normally be attending the Wels Ward, but for whatever reason, unknown to us have permission to attend the Linz Ward.

We love  our little tree with  Christmas cards, chocolate Santas,  and odds and ends we could find. 
We feel so blessed!

YOUNG SINGLE ADULT ACTIVITY

On September 30 we enjoyed the YSA Institute Stake Activity at the home of Brother and Sister Roth. The house is full of touches of family antiques and memorabilia.  Wonderful atmosphere!  Great hosts!

The Roth's generously opened their home for this event. Traudi is the stake CES director.  She and her husband are fabulous people.  

They bought this 300 year old farm house and had it remodeled to a new glory. 

I love all the antique touches like the old hats on a rusty metal rack up on the landing of the loft.  Traudi's father and grandfather were hat makers and this diplays tools, old felt hats in various stages of finishing and the old sign to the store. 

John and Elder Mower are enjoying the view.  As well as Sister Smith and Sister Mower.
Traudi is giving an explanation of how far the property runs.

 The Roth's remodeled this house, only to be called as mission president in Bulgaria for three years.  They rented it out till they came back 2 years ago. 

The upstairs to the farmhouse designed by an architect.
 The large picture of the tree of life and the tree of knowledge
 is actually a sliding door to the master bedroom.

This is all the original stonework without mortar of a 300 year old farmhouse.

  The upstairs was completely remodeled and is the home of Traudi and Gerhard Roth of Salzburg.

We expected many more to attend, but the weather was horrendous and discouraged many from driving from long distances.  But those that did come had a great time. 

A VISIT WITH FAMILY!

Happy days... this summer we had a gathering with our oldest daughter Christina and her husband Scott, and their youngest child Clair, and our youngest daughter Brea and her husband Mike.

Elder and Sister Didenhover, Scott & Christina Kemeny and Claire), Brea & Mike Squires

The view in Hallstatt

Precious moments with our granddaughter Claire.

With Christina and Brea in Linz

By the church building in Linz

Subway in Vienna

Vienna, Schonbrun Palace and Gardens
(summer palace of the Hapsburgs during the Austrian Hungarian Empire)

Lovers bridge in Salzburg If you write your names on a lock and fasten it onto the fence your love will remain forever...they say.
Fortunately, this is a pedestrian bridge over the Salzach River.

Who doesn't want a "forever" love? One pleasure of missionary service is to
explain how Heavenly Father has provided a way.

Pastries in Salzburg

WATER YOUR GRASS

Here is a portion of a weekly email from President Kohler, our  current mission president:

"As we were in graduate school living in student housing, we lived in a complex of tightly packed 3 bedroom apartments that formed a rectangular area with grass in the middle where many young children of the families played. Because of the constant use and abuse of the children, the grass was very worn and bare.
In a bottom corner apartment lived a family from a very far and foreign place. At one point, this couple had their parents come and stay with them for an extended period during the summer.

Each morning all summer as I would sit on my balcony studying, unknown to him, I would watch this older gentleman come out and pour bowl after bowl of water directly on the grass in front of their apartment.  At first, I didn't know what he was doing, but his action intrigued me and I thought " why is he doing that? Is he really trying to help the grass grow? Doesn't he know there are automated sprinklers? That the kids will just trample the grass down? That it is impossible to pour water everywhere? Why there? Won't he be leaving soon? Isn't that the job of someone else? Doesn't he realize how hot and dry it is?"

However, as I continued to observe this event day after day, I began to notice something. I noticed that indeed his corner of the grass was getting greener.  His corner was growing and looking healthy and good. He seemed happy and pleased even if nobody else noticed. Through the constant persistence of his effort, he was seeing results. This simple experience changed my outlook and my very life. I think of this man often and have realized some very important lessons that I try to implement in my life.

This man had seen a need and decided to do something about it. He did not wait for someone to invite him to act, he took control of the situation and acted independently as an anxiously engaged steward (D&C 58:26). It did not matter if he was from a distant part of the world and he soon would be leaving. It did not matter that he could not water all the grass himself. He felt that it was his responsibility to take care of the portion he could do something  about, that part of the vineyard in which he labored. It was not a difficult task he was performing, but he had to first notice the need, make a decision and plan to do something, be persistent, and not care if nobody else was doing it.  It was within his control to make a difference and he had the ability to cause a change.

 He felt that it was his responsibility to take care of
the portion he could do something  about,
that part of the vineyard in which he labored. 

It dawned on me that I was not watering my grass and neither were any of my neighbors.  Yes, we had noticed it looked bad and even complained about it from time to time asking why someone wouldn't do something about it. What if we all were to water the little part where we lived? Then the whole area would be better and greener , and more enjoyable for all."

Pres. Kohler then shared how this analogy parallels a mission.  We can even use this analogy in the context as members of the church in our daily stewardships and callings. You are invited to WATER YOUR GRASS!

We continue to love our service.  Each day we notice more people that can benefit from our love, diligence, and service.  What a joy that is!  We keep busy and happy!

We send our love and regards to family and friends,
Elder and Sister Didenhover
Mom and Dad,
Gramma and Grampa D.

COMING AND GOING

We had a wonderful conference getting to know our new mission president and his family.

President Kohler is a younger man with his wife and two teenage kids along.  Each bore their testimony and shared what a challenge it is to make such a huge transition for the next three years.  Sister Kohler explained that they had known for a year that her husband was on a short list to be called to a German speaking mission. 

President D. Brian Kohler and his wife, Cheri C. Kohler

He has made a career with the church as a director of the Provo MTC curriculum.  He majored in German, having originally served in the Frankfurt Mission.  The family was told to keep it a secret from extended family and friends.   So while their sixteen year old son was looking forward to his senior year in high school, he knew that would not happen.  He had to listen to his friends making plans and saying nothing.  Their daughter would have started high school this Fall.  Sister Kohler decided it would be prudent for her to take German 101 at BYU. They are such a talented and spiritual family.

When they spoke to us, they had been here just 10 days and reeling from all the changes.  As I listened to her describe her efforts at shopping, getting lost, and weeping a lot I remembered back to our first week.  There is a saying in German "Aller Anfang ist schwer ". Which means all beginnings are hard.  But as those who have a firm foundation in the Gospel, you rely on Heavenly Father, gird up your loins, and even with tears in your eyes persevere forward.

It was sad to see the Miles leave.  It is sad to see favorite missionaries leave ( I know, we are not supposed to have favorites) and know that you will most likely never see them again. Your heart goes out to their bittersweet feelings of leaving behind the best experience of their lives so far.

We made contact with the Millers (Spokane Stake) serving in Slovakia on a humanitarian mission.  It's fun to reach out to other members of our stake serving.  We have different challenges, but the commitment and love for the Lord is the same.  There is a  shared understanding  of our purpose and concerns.  We are very fortunate to have three other couples serving in our zone.

We have a couple in Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Klagenfurt.  We love seeing each other at zone conference and at our weekly Zoom meetings with our Institute director.  Yeah for technology!

We continue to enjoy amazing teaching experiences, success with the YSA group, and making contacts that endure.  There are currently five investigators in the Linz ward that are making wonderful progress.  I have been working with a YSA young lady  on a quilt.  It's wonderful to get into a creative mode as a service.  The big challenge is that there are very few selections of quilting fabric.  Wow!  Had I had a crystal ball, I could have brought the dresser full of fabrics I left at home.

Last week we taught Mohammed (we used another young Iranian investigator who speaks perfect English to translate) the  Word of Wisdom.  After listening, he pulled out his cigarette pack and lighter and handed them to the sister missionaries.  He has not smoked since, after 15 years of smoking.  His faith is enormous and totally sincere!  We love this humble man!

Bis später...
Elder and Sister Didenhover

ps: 

After our monthly zone meeting in which we had to prepare a 30 minute discussion, we celebrated by eating at favorite restaurant in Salzburg.  We shared a meal for 2 which served us four. We splurged with dessert as you can see.  My huge bowl in the picture is mostly fresh berries and fruit with some ice cream at the bottom and whipped cream on top.  Very Fancy decorations!  John opted for the decadent chocolate delight, of course.

Great day!