diese woche (December 16)

Well, this week just flew by.

Monday was kinda funny. After English class, we had an appointment with an investigator and invited an older lady in the ward to help us teach him. Well, she has this group of friends, we told them not to come, but they wanted to make us dinner. So random. Well they ended up coming, which only worked because our investigator never showed up. BUT we had a wonderful time with this group of friends. They are not members of the church, except the one. I am always so amazed what a great missionary she is! I hope that I will have that drive to constantly be finding new friends and trying to introduce them to the gospel. She's amazing.

Tuesday, we were able to do some member and less active work. We also had Gemeinerat. ummmmmm ward council meeting? I have no idea. Well we had this meeting where we all get together. The RS president is the coolest. She was so concerned with less actives and asking us how we were doing with them. She also told us to go by on one. Well, last time we talked to her on the phone, she made it VERY clear that she would make contact with us when she wanted and that we were not to make the contact. Well, I can’t turn down an assignment by the Relief Society President, but I was a bit nervous.

This week I had tausch (exchanges) with Sister Clark in Graz and we saw some miracles. Small, but oh so significant! We started off the day by going by a less active, she said she wanted us over, and she would give us a call, it sounded very promising. Then we went by on another less active that the RS asked us to go by on, not home. So we went by on other people. A potential that we had received a long time ago. When we knocked on her door, she remembered exactly who I was. She was having lunch with her extended family, but she asked us to come back. I was really impressed she remembered us and I have a lot of hope for her! We went by a less active that previously hung up on me on the phone, well, I was a bit nervous. But we also had a positive contact with her. After going by on these people, we saw some real success. It was funny, because that wasn't even our plan B, everything had fallen out, but for a reason. Well we had a bit more time at about 7. So we decided to go by that less active that wasn't home earlier. Well, over the klingel (intercom?), she was not nice. She told us she was already in bed and not happy with us. We left, I was feeling really sad, not knowing what we were going to say to the Relief Society President and a bit confused what to do. However, a bit later we got a call. She was apologizing and asked if we would have time for an appointment next week. It was truly a miracle. It was so cool. Tausches (exchanges) are really times for miracles! I have seen this a couple times on my mission now. When we make the slightest contact, the Spirit can talk to them and whether they come to church or want to make an appointment, its wonderful to see the Spirit work in such a way.

This week we also had Zone Training. Well, its quite different being on the other end of zone training. I felt that it went really well. Sis Judd and I talked a lot about the difference between charity and love. It was really a fun discussion. This week we had a lesson at a members about our baptismal covenants. We are committed to help others, and being charitable is really the way to do that! It is also always good to review what we have promised the Lord we would do. We know that when we do our part, he will bless us!

Saturday I attended my first Europe Christmas party. Wow, was it fun. I can't even explain how Austria feels about Christmas. It is so much bigger here, and it's SWEET. Well for the program, they told the story of Christ's birth with a slide show of pictures. These pictures were the scenes of the events but with the primary children's faces. It was so cool and well done! Afterwards, we ate soup (also, soup is so good here, I love Austria soup!) and socialized. I talked to a couple people in the ward I never had the chance before. I love these old ladies. You ask a simple question like, how did you learn about the church and they could talk for hours. It turns out the oldest lady in the ward's husband translated the Book of Mormon into German. SO COOL. Anyway, the Christmas party was a HIT.

Sunday was great. The Tews (the ehe paar (senior couple) in Graz) invited us over for lunch and we were able to figure out how we could work together in this ward. It was really great. They have so much excitement for the work. I have never seen such a motivated missionary couple. Seriously cool. Then we were able to have a very meaningful visit with our investigator. I must say, I LOVE the Spirit. It makes everything comfortable and lets us know what we need to say to help those we talk to. The Holy Ghost sure is the best tool :)

Well this week was a good one. We got ahold of many people, which we needed.

This week, I have just cherished my scripture study! The scriptures contain the questions of the soul. With this time that we study, we invite the Spirit. With these 2 aides, any question we could or might have can be answered. I have had some great searches this week leading off phrases in my p blessing. It has made it so much more personal. I encourage everyone to do that!

Quick cultural thing. Members here appreciate the Bible so much more. Sister Judd and I were talking about it this morning. The cultural basis here of the bible is so different. I get really sad that the German speaking people cant have the King James version with all of the footnotes and JS translations. We English speakers need to dive into our bible, we have so many more resources, that we take for granted!

Next week is going to be crazy! Christmas conference and 2 tausches (exchanges)!

Have a great week :)

Sis Regnier

This is a huge German decoration, if you can see it. They are everywhere- And way cool :)

The most popular decoration is the advents wreath. There are 4 candles and every Advent Sunday, you light one more. It’s a cool tradition :)

Austria and Germany LOVE Christmas! :)

ein wunderschöne woche (Dec 9)

Meine Familie,

This week has been wonderful.

It was very stressful but very wonderful. Last Pday, we ran up to meet the Bruck elders on the castle, haha that sounds like a `no big deal sentence´, kinda cool I can do that. It was beautiful, I will definitely send some pictures.

This week, we had very few appointments. But they were good ones. One was with a young member- she is having a hard time. She is away from home, having problems with the language, making friends, and things that go with that. Well, as missionaries, it's not hard to relate. We were able to meet with her, form a plan, and try everything we could to help her. A miracle with her happened this week. She was able to connect with another young adult experiencing the same problems. They have really been able to help each other and they can support each other in activity. It was really a blessing what happened, helping both of them to move forward. For that, I am so grateful!

Another lesson we had was with a new convert. We taught her about the pioneers. Being something that I am very passionate about, I was very excited. We got permission to watch 17 miracles. It was an interesting experience for me as well as the new convert. Being brand new in the church and not from America, she didn't know much. In the beginning of the movie, a miracle happened, she was questioning it. However, by the end, she, let's be honest, all of us, were weeping. The miracles that these people saw were truly because of their faith. I can't believe how great they were. These members went through a lot, I couldn't even imagine. But they truly relied on God, even when family members were returning to their Father. It made me so grateful for my circumstances and my family. Also, I am going to be a really funny, romantic movie watcher when I get home... haha.

The day before we left to Munchen, was a mad rush to prepare. However, we did have time to bring by some Regnier Valentine Cookies to a couple members. :) Well, first, we stopped by a woman I sat next to in church. I didn't know much about her, but Sister Judd and I are determined to get to know these members, no matter how many! Well, she very excitingly klingeled (rang) us in. When we got up there. She was asking us to stay to whip together dinner. It was amazing how sweet she was. We didn't have time to stay. But before we left, she pointed out that bringing a treat by is something very foreign in Austria. But she appreciated the thought and was able to tell us a little bit about herself. She too served a mission in SLC Temple Square! How cool! She was also able to serve in Sister Judd's hometown! I really appreciate the fact we got to know this member better and that we were inspired to stop by her. I am glad we were able to stop by some people in the ward.

The next morning, we woke up early and left and 7 am and rode the train all the way to München. We then had a wonderful Leadership council. Well, let me tell you, it was AMAZING. We were able to talk about the mission vision and goals for next year. It was really a cool experience to be a part of. We had many discussions. Hands down, my favorite was about repentance. We talked about the people in the scriptures. When I hear of someone calling someone to repentance, it doesn't really seem very loving. But really, these prophets were trying to open the people’s eyes. No matter how rude people were, they still tried because they knew the Lord's hand is stretched out to all. Repentance is something I probably will never fully comprehend, but it's amazing. We are so lucky to have such a great blessing and continually strive to become better. I was a little nervous for the rule aspect of the conference, I have heard horror stories, but it was actually pretty great. Some people have interesting opinions, but I am grateful I can see the process and get the words from the horses, President Miles, mouth. :) I enjoyed wonderful pancakes, pulled pork sandwiches and root bear floats. Living like an American king :) One of the things I enjoyed was spending time with Sister Garrett (she happens to be the Sister Training Leader for Salzburg). Mensch, I love her. It was good to catch up and discuss what is going on in our old area now :) Well, then we boarded a train and we were home 10:45 at night the next day. What an experience.

The best part of the week happened on the ride home from München.

I need to give some background so you can fully understand the miracle. So, last week our district leader asked us to tell a miracle story at the next district meeting. We prayed to give out a BOM everyday. We did find one person that wanted one, which was great, however, that didn't end up being our story. The miracle we shared Tuesday was about ourselves and how our eyes were opened. Well, we continued shooting for a miracle story, and on Friday, it happened. On the way home, someone came up to us, a big group of missionaries traveling back to Austria. Well, at that moment, the rest of the missionaries were departing the train. Sister Judd and I stayed as we continued to travel to the wonderful city of Graz which is where he was heading too. Well, we had a wonderful conversation with this guy for two hours. And yes, we gave a BOM out. It was wonderful. The conversation was the best one I have had on my mission. It enriched my scripture study drastically for the next couple days. I thought of questions I had never thought about. Some I knew, but not the reasoning for the answer. For example, was the Holy Ghost on the earth during the apostasy? And other questions, I had honestly just never thought about. It was really great. Because I was able to bear testimony of what I know. He asked us for our conversion stories. Overall, it was just AMAZING! I am really grateful I had the opportunity to talk to him. I know Heavenly Father blessed us with this experience because we kept our devotion and were diligent with our goal.

This week went very quickly, however, I learned a lot. I learned a lot about myself, the gospel, and I felt HF love for me a lot. I am so grateful for this week! I am also excited and grateful for this next week. We made a lot of appointments, and we have a tausch (exchage) and Zone training ( wow, its going to be weird helping run the show! instead of just sit back and enjoy it haha).

I am also so grateful for my experienced companion who I am learning a lot from. She is very charitable and a really great, dedicated missionary.

We are ready to help make a difference in this beautiful town :)

I hope you have a great week! I sure did!

Liebe Gruße

Sister Regnier

Let the Advent begin! (Dec 2)

Well, this week has been crazy! Transfer weeks are always crazy but this one, wow! The week started out wonderfully with THANKSGIVING! We had it together as a district. It was so fun to make food together and just explain what we are grateful for! I am so grateful for so much! I am grateful for the lessons I am able to teach, the members I am able to work with, all the things I have learned, I am grateful that I have a supporting family, I am so grateful that I get to serve a mission.

This week, we actually went to the Bishops twice! haha, it was so fun and gave my companions and I a great opportunity to get to know their amazing family a bit better (and eat some dang good essen(food)). The rest of the week, I don't even know what happened. We had a lesson with our investigator, it went well, but it is time to think of a new strategy so we can actually get through a lesson, or even a point in the lesson, he loves to talk.

We were able to celebrate a less actives birthday with her. It was fun and we were able to sing the good old German happy birthday song (way more fun to sing). She is doing wonderfully and looks forward to meeting with us every time.

Well, we had another übernachten (stayed the night) in Wien (Vienna) for transfers. Sister Kervinen and I met with a member-a Finish family. That was fun. I am sure glad I wasn't called Finish speaking! Then, I stayed the night at my new companion’s apartment, and made the trip back to Graz with her in the morning. It was nice to already have known her before. Sister Judd and I are really excited to work together. She is a wonderful missionary and I know I will learn so much from her!

The rest of the week FLEW BY I am guessing its a good sample of what our transfers are going to be like.

Something that broke my heart this week... Sister Kervinen and I had made an appointment with a less active; we were really excited to start working with a new one. However, the night sister Judd and I showed up for the appointment. She was... a bit rude on the klingle. It makes me so sad that she didn't want to meet with us and didn't see a reason that she should. I hope that one day, the Spirit will remind her what she has felt before, and hopefully another member will be able to friendship her.

This week we were able to take part in conducting the District Leader meeting (that I didn't even know existed haha). It was very cool to come together as leaders of our zone to develop our zone vision and discuss our callings. It's a LONG day on the train, but I know that it's important and hopefully the Lord will bless our area from our efforts that take us away from our area so much. That night, we were planning the austausches (missionary exchanges) for the transfer. We started to feel that our area was going to be neglected.... but then, it came to us how WONDERFUL the elders and the paar (senior missionary couple) are in this area! Elder Christensen and Elder Byers were going to be split up on transfer calls, but president called them 2 hours later and explained the Spirit wouldn't let him feel good about splitting them up. I know that it’s a blessing they will both be working in Graz. We will see miracles this next transfer.

I know that the Lord will help everyone who asks to help in this work. This work is the work of this time, and the Lord needs us.

This is THE work. This work brings happiness and so much more to everyone.

Love you!

Sister Regnier

It blows my mind. I really am in the prettiest mission ever! (Nov 25)

Well, first I would like to point out that it is 2 degrees outside right now.... but it seems like it was colder last week. We have seen some snow on cars, but it hasn’t hit Graz yet. I don't know If I am excited for that or not for the snow. :)

We got transfer calls this week! I am staying in Graz and Sister Judd, who is currently in Wien, is coming to work with me! We will be the Wien Zone's Sister Training Leaders. Sister Kervinen is headed to Brixen, Italy. The COOLEST city in our mission, the only city in Italy. She is excited, but sad to leave her golden area. I am completely jealous ;)

This week we did a thing called Gemeinde Busuch. Splits? It was my first time and it was really fun. I went with the Relief Society president. We had a great time and were able to visit 2 less actives! She was really excited to help. She went on a mission to Germany when she was younger, and she just seemed to love going out with me. It was a cool way to bring the members and missionaries together.

This week we visited a member in our ward, she asked when we were going to use her as a joint teach, well, we just kind of nudged the question off, not knowing how good it would be to bring this sister with us. Don't get me wrong, she's one of my favorite members, but we didn’t know how she would do.  However, through a serious of events, that at the time I was very frustrated at, but now I see happened for a reason. We called her 20 minutes before an appointment. She said I'll be there, dropped everything to come help. It was the best joint teach lesson I have ever had! Our investigator showed her total respect and although he normally doesn't let people talk much was completely listening and hanging on every word she said. Well, the member spent 7 years investigating The Church and investigated many others that our investigator has as well. He loved getting her comments and I think it was the best thing for him, even if we didn't talk about what we had planned. It was by far the best lesson with him ever. It was interesting because we got talking about the new temple in Italy. He was flabbergasted. That is definitely the right word. He told us that was a huge testimony builder for him because that is where the pope is and what not.  :)  Really cool.

This week we had Zone Conference. One of my favorite things. We get to go about every 3 months or so. I loved it. President and Sister Miles seemed to say everything I needed to hear. I am really pumped up for the work right now. But let's be honest, I always am :) It was really a great experience to see what we, as missionaries, need to be focusing on.

This week we had our second lesson with our progressing less active. The elders came, and it went wonderfully. She told us how much the church and the missionaries mean to her, and it was just really cool in general. She said her first prayer in front of us and she is just so excited about the Spirit. She LOVES having us over and going to church. We call her our Austrian mom. She's the cutest. She had us over for meat and cheese fondue. It was delicious. She is just so happy to be back in the swing of things it's really great to see and witness :)

Well on the way to conference we were able to go to Stephansplatz. One of the tallest cathedrals I believe, at least in Wien (Vienna). It was so beautiful because Christmas was just getting set-up and we could see all the busy streets of Wien. I love seeing the architecture in these ancient cities. It blows my mind. I really am in the prettiest mission ever!

Love ya!

Sister Regnier