Simply Grateful

Hallo meine Lieben,

How do I start my last letter as a missionary? Maybe if I just stop writing then I won't have to, right??? I remember writing my first letter as a missionary in the MTC. I was scared, excited, anxious, naive, and curious to what the coming months would bring. Today I have other emotions. Little did I know, the next 18 months would change my eternity. Last week, while in Switzerland, a general authority came and spoke to us. He mentioned the last week of the Savior's life and how it was the most important week in history. I instantly thought of my last week as a full-time missionary. I thought of our Father in Heaven and His goodness. I thought of the people I love here in this part of the world. I thought of difficulties I have had as a missionary. I laughed at the memories and stories that I will one day tell my children. I saw the faces of people who will always be a part of my heart. I cried. I cried realizing that it was almost over. And then a deep sense ofgratitude filled my soul. Not the Thanksgiving-everyone-say-what-you-are-grateful-for kind of gratitude. A gratitude that words do not express - in English or auf Deutsch. 

I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His love and His mercy. I am grateful that He allowed me to help others come closer to Him these last, precious 18 months of my life. I am grateful for the love He has allowed me to feel as I have led others by the hand toward him, not only His love for me, but more importantly His love for them whose hands were in mine. 

I am grateful that is hard to end my mission. It is so bitter-sweet. 

I know that God is our Loving, Caring, Father in Heaven. I know that He has a plan for us. Each of us. His plan leads us to happiness and joy - both in this life and the life to come. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. I have tasted of the sweetness of repentance and have felt time and time again the strength of the Atonement in my life. I know that it is only through Him, that we can return to our Heavenly Father. True Joy comes from living the Gospel and applying the principles it includes. I am eternally grateful for Joseph Smith and his courage to kneel down and to ask in faith the question so many people today have. Being able to share this knowledge with others has brought me more joy than I could have imagined. My entire mission I have tried to help others come closer to Christ, but somehow I feel like I have been the one who has been brought closer to Him than anyone. And for that, I am grateful.

Life is oh so good. There is so much to be happy about. (As I wipe away my tears) I mean hey - I get to be a missionary for a few more days. 

I love the Lord. He lives and loves us. I will thank Him everyday for the chance I have had to wear His name over my heart these last 18 months. 

Ich habe euch GANZ DOLL LIEB!!!!!! 

I cannot wait to throw my arms around each of you.

See you soon :)

XOXOOXOXOX

Schwester Jaynes

Switzerland Bound

Helllllo Meine Liebe!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful week! Our week was good - we had a million appointments fall out...welcome to missionary life. Do not worry though...we are not letting that get us done! So here is to a week of miracles! We have mission conference in Zürich this Wednesday which we are so excited about! And then....on Saturday...WE ARE GOING TO THE BERN, SWITZERLAND TEMPLE! Life is toooooo good. Total Miracle. So yes, this American is heading to Switzerland this week. The old stomping grounds of Britt. 

I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord! He loves us and knows our hearts! 

We are doing a fun pday today and go to the black forest...which is basically in our back yard...and hiking to the largest coo-coo-clock in the world i.e. universe! So i will write more next week! 

Ich habe euch GANZ DOLL LIEB!!!!!!!!

XOXOOXOXOXOXO

Schwester Jaynes

Puzzle Pieces

Guttttttttennnn Tag! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Easter here in Germany is really pretty! Spring is already here in Freiburg and pretty painted eggs hang from trees.  As for the people...they made their semi-annual trip to the church for 30 minutes...and did not think much of it. Don't worry, we are doing our best to change that! We had a ward Easter activity that was really great. Us missionaries gave different spiritual thoughts about the life of the Savior which was followed by a fireside by a really great member here in Freiburg. He spoke about the purpose of life and how our goal in life is ALWAYS the same...to return to live with God and to become more like Him. It is a straight and simple goal. We sometimes complicate things and make a zig-zag shape path trying to get there. Making mistakes along the way. The most important part of it all is who we BECOME becomes of our journey here in mortality. Are we better people? Do we love more freely? Is our heart changed? Life is not full of checklists. If at the end we are not better than before, what was the point? This simple and true principle changes a lot of things in life. When we recognize how we can develop our talents and become the best version of ourselves, knowing that is what our Father in Heaven wants from us, we receive a peace and confidence from the Lord. We are truly filled with joy knowing that God is happy with our lives and will continue to help us in the future. 

Yesterday, on that beautiful, sunny, Easter Sunday, We were able to meet with Devorah. Devorah is the woman who we met in the park last Sunday. We were able to meet and hear the story. Devorah is from Italy, but has lived here in Germany for the past eight years. Devorah met the missionaries in another city about five years ago. She met a few times with them and attended church often. Eventually, she lost contact with the missionaries and stopped going to church for various reasons. As the years passed, life had complications. Trials came and Devorah stopped praying and believing. She felt empty and alone. She thought often about returning and strengthening her faith, but was not sure how. Devorah described her circumstance as something was missing - her relationship with God was non existent. 

On that Easter afternoon, we helped Devorah understand what would fill that whole in her life. Blessings of peace, fulfillment, and joy that come from the Gospel are just waiting for Devorah. That missing piece she was able to find was the most important piece, and I am grateful I was able to help her find it. Life can be hard. All the puzzle pieces we are trying to put together sometimes seem intimidating or impossible. The truth is they usually are when we try and do it alone. But the good news is, we are not alone. Our older Brother, Jesus Christ knows how the pieces go. He will not put the pieces together for us, He knows better. He knows we learn best by experiencing things ourselves. Piece by piece, we can do it. I am grateful for the help of our Savior. I am grateful that we can become better people by putting together the puzzle of life. I love this Gospel. I know true happiness comes from following our Savior and trying to be a little bit better each and everyday. 

Our bishop here in Freiburg always says, in english, "Don't worry, Be Happy" - with a big smile on his face! I love that. We should be the happiest people we know - we are so blessed! 

Ich habe euch GANZ DOLL LIEB!!!

XOXOOXOXOXO

Schwester Jaynes

Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither

Hallllllllo Meine Lieben!!!

How is everyone doing?! I hope great! Well I cannot believe another week is already past. Time is FLYING by here in Freiburg! This last week we saw lots of miracles and saw tender mercies on many occasions. I saw first hand the Lord us to people and also He guiding people to us! We were just sitting teaching a lesson in a park about the Book of Mormon. We had rescheduled the lesson three times and so we were just happy to finally meet with this young student named John. As we were talking about the Restoration, a couple walks by with their dog. I see the lady look at me and then take a double look. Then she asked, "Are you Mormons?!!!" I said yes! She explained that she had been several times to the church here in Freiburg to get more information, but no one was ever there. She then asked if she could give us her number so that we could meet. WHAT?! So cool. The Lord is in the details. His timing is perfect. People are truly seeking the Savior and His church on the earth...but they just do not know where to find it. I am so grateful to be able to direct His precious children to the truth! 

With it being Easter this Sunday, I thought I would share one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon about the Savior - 3 Nephi 17. Here the Savior has been teaching the people for a while now. The people are tired and overwhelmed at everything that Christ has taught them (I can only imagine). The Savior tells the people to go home and to think and pray about what He had told them. He directed them to our Father in Heaven. As He begins to wrap things up, he looks around and sees the people in tears...wanting Him to stay a little longer. The Savior, like always, has compassion on them. 

"Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy." 3 Nephi 17:7

I love sharing this with people. Most of the miracles the Savior worked were miraculous healings and jaw dropping events. Here the people were healed who were physically sick..that is true. But what about the others? The people who were having a bad day? Those who had marital problems? A parent worried about a child? Someone overwhelmed with financial concerns? Someone who's life plan was not working out as planned? Or someone who just needed a little extra love that day? The Savior healed them too. I picture the Savior calling the people to him and just talking with them. Putting His arm around them and listening. Saying what they needed to hear. Those who were afflicted in any manner were healed. We all need His healing. This life is not easy. We knew that before coming to this earth. We also knew the Savior would be there to heal us in our time of need. Not just in the life-threatening challenges, but in the daily difficulties. 

I am grateful for this Easter week! I have felt the healing power of the Atonement in my life. Not in distinct singular events, but through time, much faith, and prayer. The Lord changes us and heals our wounded hearts. He sees and understands our weaknesses. He knows who we can become and what lays ahead of us. He allows us to grow and use our agency. He carries us when we are too weak and loves us when we feel we do not deserve it. He is ALWAYS there. His love is perfect. I am grateful for our loving Heavenly Father who loved us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son so that we can believe on Him and LIVE. I am grateful that He lives and leads us. Towards the end of the chapter, Christ prayers for the people...He weeps because of their Faith on Him...

"Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full....And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it"

The Savior was so happy because of their faith and is happy because of our faith. Tears come to my eyes when I picture the Savior praying for us. He loves us and wants us to be happy..truly, truly happy. He lived in a way to show us how to be just that. I testify of our Redeemer and that He LIVES! His healing is real. I am grateful I am able to help others come closer to Him and receive the same healing. 

I hope you all have a Happy Happy Easter!!! 

Ich habe euch GANZ DOLL LIEB!!!!!!

XOXOOXOXOOXOXOXO

Schwester Jaynes

Grus aus FREIBURG

GUTEN MORGEN!!!!!

So I am in Freiburg and loving it! It reminds me much of Graz - So I feel right at home! :) This last week was full of goodbyes and hellos (thank you transfer weeks)! My cutie new companion is Sister Bognar - yes, my second hungarian companion!!!! She has been a member for three years and is great! She is ready to work hard and see miracles - so we are excited what this transfer brings :) I have a good feeling about this transfer. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for each of us. I am not sure what He has in mind these next few weeks, but i am ready for them!!! 

I love this Gospel and the many blessings I enjoy daily through living it. LIFE IS SO GOOD!! I promise I will write more next week! 

Ich habe euch GANZ DOLL LIEB!

XOXOOXOXO

Schwester Jaynes

Tschus Munchen

Guttttttttten Tag! I hope everyone is doing well! We have had the craziest week! Full of emotions and miracles. To start off with, on Saturday I received my last transfer call. The assistant to the president and a good friend of mine, Elder Orchard called Sister Kutschke and I...that meant one of us would leave Munich. After him giving us a hard time, I finally told him to spill the beans - he told Sister Kutschke that she would be staying in Munich and getting a sister that was in Austria and then he made me guess where I was going... Elder:"Ok Sister Jaynes...do you think you are going to Vienna?" Me:"No..." Elder:"Ok, Salzburg?...." Me:"No..." Elder: "Serbia??..." Me: "Yes...." Elder:"Well Sister Jaynes, You are going to FREIBURG!!!!! You will LOVE it!" So I am heading to Freiburg! It is near the french border and supposedly a beautiful student city with a gorgeous river that runs throughout the streets! I have heard nothing but good about the place. The night before we received transfer calls I just prayed and prayed - the words of "I will go where you want me to go, dear Lord..." describe my prayer that night. For some reason, I felt that I would be transferred and turns out that feeling was right. Regardless, saying goodbye to these people is not fun at all! I have learned so much here in Munich and have experienced so many things. I have met friends and have really come to love the ward. As i thought about the entire situation, I knew it was bound to happen. I have had such a story-book mission including all of the unexpected events! It would be too easy or comfortable to finish my mission here in Munich, it would be too expected so of course I need to be transferred! haha 

So my very first Sunday here in Munich, a friend of mine, Angie, walked into the church. I still remember Bishop coming and finding me and telling me there was a lady that walked in and would like to learn more about the church. So I sat there and spoke with her. I was able to give her a Book of Mormon and we made an appointment. Over the last six months since being her in Munich, I have been privileged to see this young mother come closer to our Savior. I have seen the light of the Gospel come into her eyes and feel her beautiful home with the spirit of the Lord. I have also seen the adversary try to stop her.  I have seen him try anything and everything to stop this young family. Well the last two weeks we have not been able to meet with Angie. The last appointment we had was on a Sunday and which ended with her telling us about the anti-mormon things she had read. As I sat and heard her and watched her I could tell how unhappy she was. I saw a completely different person. I did not like it. All I could do was to speak from my heart and to testify of what I knew and what had helped me so much. We ended the appointment and I was not sure what would happen. I knew our Father in Heaven would have to take it from there though...and that is exactly what He did. 

The last two weeks consisted of distanced text messages and Angie being "too busy" to meet with us and to come to church. I was pretty hurt. Well Angie knew transfer calls where Saturday. Saturday afternoon she texted us and asked if we knew what was happening. I told her I would be leaving. She wrote a nice messages of how much she would miss me and that she would try to come to church. So yesterday Angie and Christoph came. They came and were a happy couple. Inside I was still sad and hurt at what had happened and how sad Angie was, but I had the prompting to just be happy and myself, so I was. We had great meetings and fast and testimony meeting was super. I gave my farewell testimony and was followed by little Anastasia bearing her testimony. Another one of those moments that I will never forget. After sacrament, goodbyes were said and there Angie and Christoph were waiting in the foyer to say goodbye to me. We hugged and Angie just clinged to me. She pulled back and told me she had something to tell me. Angie then said with a smile on her face - the same genuine smile I had seen earlier so often - that she would like to be baptized!!!!!! She began to explain the last two weeks she distanced herself from the church have been the worst two weeks of her life. She was so unhappy and hopeless. In these moments of sadness, she knew what was missing...she knew that was her answer! We hugged again. My heart was about to burst. My last Sunday in Munich was the perfect ending to this journey here in Munich. It ended with my dear friend Angie finally getting it. It was not an easy path. It was not the most desired route, but it was just what she needed. And what I needed. 

Angie gave me a beautiful letter that I will cherish my entire life. She explained her feelings and her journey. At the end, she concluded with her testimony of the Savior, the prophet Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. She thanked me for bringing so much light to her life. Each time I think of it I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the Lord. All of the goodness she has felt and happiness she has received is from Christ. I am so grateful to have been able to be a tool in the hand of the Lord. I think constantly of the verses in Alma 26:1-3....

"...My brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have [I] to rejoice; for could [I] have supposed when [I] started from the land of [Graz] that God would have granted unto [me] such great blessings?And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon [me]? Can ye tell? Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites [Angie, Elena etc], were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon [me], that [I] have been made an instrument in the hands of God to bring about this great work."

I am so grateful to be a missionary! I am grateful for the chance to help others be brought to the Light of God. A light that makes people happy, brings purpose to life, and strength to do good and become better. This light changes life. I have seen it change mine and the lives of others. This is not the work of man - but of the Almighty God, we are His children and He wants all of us to come back to Him. All we have to do is come unto Him. We have so many things to rejoice about! Life is so good. 

Ich habe euch ganz doll LIEB!!!!

XOXOXOXO

Schwester Jaynes

p.s. Nicole had prayed that I stay in Germany...so her prayer was answered too...haha! :) 

The Prayer of A Child

Grüßt euch!!! I hope you are all doing well! The week here in München was a good one. Fast, but good! We were unfortunately in the doctors office quite a bit with my companion...she is fine, she is just always really tired...and so the mission nurse wanted her to get checked out - Healthy as a Horse! Silly Germans. Well there is no huge updates on anyone, but the work is going forward! Miracles continue to happen all over the world! We were able to see Elena and the kids often this week! They are the best. There were a few tender mercies this last week that happened just at the right time. Probably one of my favorites that led me to think a lot happened at Elena's. We were there with the family and the topic of me going home came up. The kids are aware of me either getting transferred next week or in May. Talking about the subject is not all that fun. Well as we were talking and all the kids were telling their opinion...cutie Nicole who is 6 years old speaks up. Nicole suggested that we pray right there and then that Heavenly Father would let me stay in Germany. She offered the prayer. The child-like Faith was so pure, sweet, and sincere. She was talking with God - her Heavenly Father - and she knew He was listening. I could have just died. I thought to myself, how could I ever say goodbye to these people. Then I decided we do not talk about those kind of things. A few days later we were again at their home, Anastasia wanted to pray and asked our Father in Heaven if I could stay until August...miracles never cease, right?! :) 

As I thought more and more about this experience, I began to think of children and their importance in the Gospel. I thought of how the Savior used the children as examples of how we should act and become. Is that our first thought as soon as something happens - to pray? Nicole knew exactly Who could and would help her. Do we have the same trust that God hears and answers our prayers? Without hesitation do we take our desires to the Lord and expect Him to help us. There is so much we can learn from children. I know that God hears and answers our prayers. Sometimes the answer is different than we expect or hope. Sometimes the timing of the answer is not the most optimal according to our plans, but He always answers. He lets us exercise our faith, learn through the hard times, and find joy in the journey. He wants us to become better people and be happy. We gave a man a tour of the church here in Munich and he was saying how he thought hell is actually here on earth. He had served in the military and has seen some awful things happen. My mind could not help but also think of how there are moments of Heaven we experience here on earth. Our ward mission leader said something interesting yesterday as we were talking about this. He said something along the lines that "Earth life will be the closest thing to hell for the righteous, but also the closest thing to Heaven for the unrighteous". I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that the Gospel is simple and the way back to our Father in Heaven is laid out before us. We just have to keep pressing forward and rely on Him. I am grateful for the Lord's tender mercies and for the prayers from children.

Ich habe euch LIEB!!!

XOXOXOXOX

Schwester Jaynes