Two Years

This week marks the two year mark since I opened my mission call.....

THAT IS CRAZY!

I remember opening that and being filled with excitement but also being really nervous to learn a new language, and to be away from my home for so long, and to teach people to gospel!

But now I've been away from home for quite a long time, and my worries mainly revolve around distinguishing what language I'm actually thinking in, and teaching has become one of my favorite things...... seriously who would have thought?!

As these thoughts have been running through my head this week, I am always reminded of how I couldn't have made it this far with out the power of prayer! I can tell you right now that without prayer I never would have learned German or would have never been comfortable teaching people. Without prayer I wouldn't have been able to be away from home for so long.

During my studies this week I found these two quotes:

"It is better in prayer to have heart without words, than words without heart"- Mahatma Gandhi

and

“I long have been impressed with the truth that meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work.  Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them…  We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say “amen” by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father.” ~Elder David A. Bednar,

I'm so grateful for Prayer. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had to see prayers in action and to see that our Heavenly Father really does hear and answers prayers. I am also grateful that Heavenly Father doesn't just give me what I ask for, but He instead gives me what He knows is best.

Thank you so much for your prayers on my behalf, and thank you for your emails!

Love Elder Schmalz

Hello My Friends!

Well this week I've had the great opportunity to ponder how fantastic the gospel is!

This period of pondering was not only brought on by being a missionary and  the fantastic Talks that we heard in General Conference, but was also by assisting the Youth here in Pinneberg!

As some of you may know (but most of you don't, due to my inconsistency in keeping you updated)

I was called to serve as the Sunday school teacher for the youth between the ages of 14-18.

This calling has come to be something that I am super grateful for! I am always amazed by how much I learn or am reminded of when I am technically called to be the instructor. I am so grateful for things that I am learning!

Yesterday we received our transfer calls and sadly Elder Partridge's time here in Pinneberg is up. I will be getting a new companion (more about that next week).

But yes, thank you so much for your emails and your prayers!

Love Elder Schmalz

A quick update

I am doing pretty well here in Pinneberg. I'm really enjoying myself, and I love it!

This week I learned how to make dumplings from a Chinese new convert
which made for a lot of fun.

I absolutely loved conference, I haven't been able to watch the Sunday
afternoon session yet but I'm very excited to watch it next Sunday.

Today I went on a harbor tour with Elder Winkel

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