Happy St.Patty's Day! No, we do not celebrate it here in Germany...I am not even wearing green! I cannot believe it is already Monday again. Time is just so strange. This last week was filled with random events and mixed emotions. The highlight of our week was probably a funeral. haha That sounds super depressing, but it really was. One recent convert in our ward - Chai-ling from Taiwan - was really close to a member in the Augsburg ward. Schwester Gebauer passed away a week and a half ago from breast cancer. She was also from Taiwan and had helped Chai-ling so much. Schwester Gebauer was like a mother to Chai-ling since Schwester Gebauer was not able to have children, and Chai-ling's entire family is in Taiwan. Although I personally did not know Schwester Gebauer too well, Chai-ling asked if we could come to the funeral with her. We had a zone meeting the same time, so I did not think we would be able to. I was so looking forward to the zone meeting and being uplifted and motivated as a result. The idea of going to a sad funeral - being the baby I am - sounded not so fun. I still felt like we should go to help Chai-ling. As we talked to President Miles about it, he said that we have covenanted to mourn with those who mourn and help those who stand in need of comfort. These words went straight to my heart. We knew we needed to help Chai-ling. So we went!
The funeral was one of the most spiritual experiences I have had on my mission. And we have a lot of spiritual experiences! From the music selection, to hearing her life history and testimony, all present were touched and there was not a dry-eye in the chapel. As I sat there and had my arm around sweet Chai-ling, who herself was balling, I could not help but just cry. Not because I was sad, but because Chai-ling was. With the words of our baptismal covenant just running though my mind, my heart was full. Schwester Gebauer was well remembered for her musical abilities and her strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. She knew what it meant to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have seen her positive influence for good and her Christ-like love for Chai-ling which enabled Chai-ling to gain a testimony of the restored Gospel of our Lord. It was said of Schwester Gebauer that she testified of the Plan of Salvation and helped others receive the peace and comfort that come from knowing God's plan. As Schwester Gebauer was getting more and more sick, she wrote a song including the music, which was sang and played at her funeral. Chai-ling was asked to play the violin part. The words were about returning home and meeting our Father in Heaven. It was breath-takingly beautiful! The words of Enos were also read:
"...And I soon go to the place
As we were on the train heading home, I could not help but be grateful. I was grateful for the Gospel. For the peace that comes from our knowledge that God is there. That He is mindful of each of us. I was grateful for His Plan of Happiness. I was grateful for the knowledge that difficulties in this life such as sickness, death, or disappointment are not flaws in His plan, but rather ways we can come closer to Him and be happy. As sad the funeral really was, it was also one of the most uplifting experiences. I am grateful that the Lord has asked us to mourn with those that mourn and help those that stand in need of comfort. With that command, He also provides that strength and love to do just that. He knows what we need and what others need. His plan is a perfect one. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL! Two days later, I was sitting next to a girl on a bench and was able to share Alma 40:11 with her after finding out that her mother died when she was 10 years old. I was able to tell this sweet girl where her mom was and that she would see her again. I am grateful for such experiences. Life, is oh so short and oh so good. So be happy and enjoy the moment!
Ich habe euch GANZ DOLL LIEB!!!
XOXOXOXOX
Schwester Jaynes
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