_{Dear family and friends,}

_{We chose to leave you all for a season because we have felt the love of our Savior in our own lives and wanted to share it with those who don’t know or who have never felt His love before.  When we reflect on the feelings of serving others all day every day we feel JOY. Yet  we have longed for each of you and home many times.} 

 _{We have learned to live together in a new way.  It has been a wonderful way of experiencing everything together and then communicating our individual perspectives with gained respect, understanding and a deepened love for each other.  We have been awed at one another’s strengths which were not as keenly recognized as we were raising our children and grandparenting.  We see each other in a brighter light.}

_{It is truly a rewarding experience to be a missionary in this hastening of His work.  Your prayers have been felt, particularly when we find ourselves being better than we really are or when words have been given to us at “turning points” in other’s lives. We cherish the warm German Christmas traditions, particularly the church bells  ringing glad tidings, as we wish with all our hearts for others to accept His wondrous message of hope, peace and love. He lives and loves us all.    We pray we will  better internalize His love and try to have His image in our countenances at this time and always.}

 Bryan Wiest was baptized by Elder Gurney on his twelth birthday.  We loved teaching Bryan and building a good relationship with his non-member father.   When his father felt that this was his son's own decision, then permission was granted.  Over 20 members of Bertram's family atteneded the baptism - all non-members.

 This is our extremely "serious" new District whom we love and are constantly inspired by their goodness and ability to teach and train each other as well as have a great time together.

 We have learned how to make "apartment checks" well worth it.  Elder Gurney polishes their shoes, while Sister Gurney gives a spiritual thought and treat.  In this Schwenningen apartment of four Elders, we were been rewarded with Spaghetti Bolognese and a real English breakfast prepared by Elder Barber from England. He cooks better than a chef.

 The missionaries NEVER let a birthday go by withou a big celebration on their "Preparation day.  It was more exciting than Oktoberfest in Munich.

 The "Funky Siblings" came to our mission for a week ending in Zermatt, Switzerland.  Connecting in a meaningful way will leave memories forever.  Who would have ever thought we could all get along?

 This is Sister Arnold, whom Elder Gurney pieced together as the wife of the Branch President in Konstanz when he was serving in Germany 50 years ago.  We have the blessing of being her home teacher along with 30 others we home teach.

 Sister Gurney playing the violin on the banks of the Bodensee for a baptism was an experience never imagined before our mission.

Robert, a strong investigator from Romania, was baptized in the Bodensee.  He truly glowed after the baptism and has been embraced in the arms of our Branch as a new member.

        We were enjoying an evening stroll in the cool  breeze in our Dorf of Friedingen with flowing conversation from Mark, Cherie and baby Grant.  Cherie had just  commented on how the Germans are not very friendly which adds to the challenge of our mission…. and wouldn’t you know it, just then a ninety-year old woman excitedly stopped us , making a fuss over 3 month old Grant and engaging us in a delightful conversation.  After a friendly visit she offered to give us some zucchini from her garden which she promptly plucked. So much for “unfriendly people living in Germany.”  A couple of weeks later I made zucchini bread (which is what every true Mormon does) and we set out to share some with our new found friend.  She lives with her son and wife.  Before we knew it they had invited us into their home.  We all  chatted and laughed learning about each other  She lives with her son and his wife in a large farm house at the corner of our street.  Our new ninety-year old friend was sooooooo excited as I presented her with pictures we had taken of our visit the week before.  After declining a drink of water, her SON WHIPS OUT A VERY  SPECIAL DRINK WITH 5 WINE GLASES SET BEFORE US.  HE POPPED THE CORK WHICH FLEW INTO THE OTHER ROOM.  Clint explained that we don't drink alcohol but the son insisted there was no alcohol while pouring us a glass.  We did a "toast” and then Clint sipped and I took a big gulp by accident.  We both looked at each other and we knew we were in trouble.  Clint bravely said he could taste alcohol and the man insisted there was only a tiny bit.  We stopped drinking and the man was forlorn.  I think this bottle had been saved for only special guests and he wanted to share it with us.  We told him it was because of our religion and he finally relented.  I felt so terrible that we had to reject his warm hospitality.  But we laughed and had a good visit.  We walked home a little tipsy turvy.  So if any of this story doesn’t make sense you will know that I am writing under the influence of alcohol for the first time in my life.  

This ninety-year-old lady stopped us and immediately connected to Cherie, Mark and baby Grant

She would not let go of Cherie's hand as if they had been friends forever.

She climbed through her garden picking us her best large zucchini.

Sister Gurney's first experience with "happy hour" - doesn't she just glow???

The best missionary in Germany.  No wonder the Prophet is lowering the age.  Who wouldn't stop and talk to this friendly Elder?

Mark and Cherie and three-month old Grant came for two weeks to share in our mission and see the most beautiful places in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

In case you think missionary work came to a halt while the Gurneys were here - think again - Mark is connecting with this less- active Brazilian convert who could communicate with Portugese speaking Elder Gurney - a returned missioanry from Capinas, Brazil - missions live on.

The Wiest family came to our home for dinner.  Cherie and Mark inspired us all with a lesson on prayer.  Prayers were offered by each of us - a spiritual experience never to be forgetten.  Bryan will turn twelve and be baptized on his birthday - September 14th.  Hoping dad will follow.

 

Eva Honz (center) has the gift of drawing the less actives to Church - especially when we are celebrating her birthday.  With Russian hymns and German Folk songs the six non-members had a great first exposure to the Churchand the less-actives felt comfortable being at Church again.

O.K. - we had a request for a closer look at the ancient Senior couples so here it is!

Florika Bellm is a Sister with many challenges whom we love to visit.  She helps us stay thankful for our many blessings.  We have high hopes we will see her at Church more often.

This dear Sister Kamm and her husband fed 12 missionaries in a tiny space in Rheinfelden(15 miles from France) - they sacrificed much because they love the missionaries.  It was following this yummy lunch that Elder and Sister Gurney went tracting for the first time.

Eva Honz planned a big surprise party for Elder Gurney where 5 inactives attended - a missionaries dream come true

You won't believe this but here is Dr. Aldinger, Sister Gurney's Physical Therapist - he has done wonders.

Sister Barbara Rinas bubbles with enthusiasm and has come back to Church - what a joy for her and us.

Here are all the Senior Couples in Munich at a Conference.  We purposely chose a picture where you couldn't see how old we all are.  Our Mission has more Senior Couples than any other Mission in the Church

 Favorite Uncle Brandon spent a week with us. Here he is with his nephews going down a salt mine in Salzburg, Austria

Elder Gurney looking like a German, speaking like a German and loving all the Germans

This is Kerstin Fredericks being taught the Gospel and searching for truth.

 The Elders interacting after lunch at the Gurneys.  We now have two Zone Leaders in Singen and three new missionaries.  It is a wise thing that change occurs often so we don't get too attached to these incredible Elders.

The Cutler family came the end of May to see our Mission World.  Many memories will be cherished forever!

   Here are two very happy parents whose son (yellow tie), Julian  received the Melkezidek Priesthood.  This is a family of four sons who have each struggled mightily to stay active in the Church as teenagers. 

We gathered in Singen, Germany as the other two brothers skyped in from North and South America for the Ordination of Julian

Elder Gurney is known throughout the mission as the "bunkbed professional."  As 60 new young Elders are about to arrive we are busily turning 2 Elder Apartments into 4 Elder Apartments.

          

Here is wonderful Eva Honz who has returned to full activity after 10 years of inactivity. She knits me warm woolen socks and hand warmers ( she says she has to keep her hands busy since she has quit smoking) as well as drowning us with buckets of gifts for our apartment.

Precious Sister Graf who has bounced back from giving up and almost dying,

 to responding and eating.   

She was able to come to church this week and oh what JOY for her and us.

Christian Schaffer and his wife Saundra with Angie and Horst Shaeffer came to dinner.  

After over 20 years of Christian's parents praying and loving Christian, he is now a strong member again.  

We loved getting to know his wife who is not a member.

Energetic, and very well read,  Brother Luddeke is the leader of discussions we have on Tuesday night with the missionaries at his home.  

His wife is just as energetically apposed to the Church which always adds even more energy.

After feeding 6 Elders lunch at the Church they sang a "Thank You " song for Sister Gurney.

We spent the afternoon with this very interesting combination of personalities.  Jasmin (right) is mentally handicapped, Brother Werner is like an adopted father, and Jasmin's grandma who has raised her since birth is on the left.  

They understand much more about love than we do.

Three Germans from Russia  have won our hearts as we have learned their history.  Sister Barbara Rinas on the right has recently become active again.

Lisa Viest has a brilliant son, Bryan, who energizes the Primary. Lisa just told us she wants her son to be taught by the missionaries and hopefully get baptized before he turns twelve. 

 I think we just might be able to arrange that.

Don't ever think missionaries are too serious. 

 We went with these eight Elders on "P" day to see a castle.   

We witnessed how happy and playful our outstanding missionaries can be.

THIS IS HAPPINESS! !!!

 JIL AND CRAIG HUNT WITH EDY AND RALP HOWES CAME TO SPEND A FEW HOURS WITH US NEAR SINGEN, GERMANY - WE ALL LIVE ON THE SAME STREET IN LEHI.   WE VISITED THE LARGEST WATERFALL IN EUROPE WHILE LAUGHING AND SHARING MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES.   

 SISTER GURNEY WAS DELIRIOUS WITH JOY SHARING HER HEART IN ENGLISH.

Sister Cosacchia, an Italian member of many years, related for 3 hours, how she found the Gospel 10 years ago and why she struggles with activity now.  

An unplanned testimony was expressed as tears were shared.

This is a faithful member of the Branch, Quincy, who has been very well accepted and fellowshipped.

Do you think the groom looks a little stiff?  Stephan and Monika were married after many years of living together.  

 They will be baptized on April 6th. 

 We are trying not to be too excited but this is a miraculous story

This is the  beginning of a week of cellebration called Fasching.  The band plays in front of the Rathaus which is like the City Hall.

Don't be scared, this is just a mask worn by all the men in a social club representing Friedingen

Meet the Narrenpolizei (FOOL'S POLICE) 
He is guarding the Rathause but he will soon be overtaken by the villagers

The Hexenmeister is dressed in royal clothes as the leader of the club and the entire celebration.  He is about to go in the Rathaus and close it down because the people are displeased with the taxes. 

Now take a break from Fasching, back to Church to meet dear Gabi Luxemberg who loves the Church deeply and serves as a ward missionary.  She often has tears in her eyes from the pain she feels that her family is not active.

We are all about to go out and convert the world.  

It is Finden Tag (Finding Day) where we break up in pairs and go dooring (tracking) all day long.  What a great group - how could anyone resist learning about the Church with a group like this.

Samuel on the left was a refugee from Sierra Leone Africa and Baeta from Poland.  They both found the Church and then found each other and married.  They are a super strong striking couple  often found  serving, unasked, for example here they are washing dishes from our lunch meal on Finden Tag.

On the left is Julian, one of  four sons of the Stemmer family. Like so many of the teenagers, he became inactive and chose a worldly life style for several years but still had a spark of a testimony.  His parents arranged for him to go live with the missionary and his family who converted Julian's father many years ago and is now living in Provo.  Julian was blown away by the strength of the youth and has changed his ways.  He is preparing to serve a mission.  VERY EXCITING!

WHO COULD RESIST JOINING THE CHURCH WITH THESE GLOWING SISTER MISSIONARIES!!! 
 THE ONE ON THE LEFT IS GERMAN AND HER COMPANION IS FROM COLORADO.  

BACK TO FASCHING WHERE WE WATCHED THE PARADE FROM OUR WINDOW MARCHING BY.

 

This is the Fasching Friedingen band announcing the closing of the Rathaus.  It is a weeklong activities in our village

Thobias, is on the right.  He is now up to his 60th teaching meetings with the missionaries.  He is afraid of losing his family and friends if he joins the Church

 

The parade has ended and we are gathered around our rug having a Gospel discussion with the Zimmerman family Thobias and Eva Honz who all came to our home for dinner after Church. We served them a Mexican "Make Your Own, Enchiladas".  They did not even try the refried beans or guacamole.    Let's just say this was a new experience  for them and an experiment for me -  I have lots of food left over.