Incredible Week

Wow, this week was definitely one of the best weeks on the mission. There is a lot to tell so I will try to write everything in detail. It’s so good to hear from everyone. I am so happy to read all the emails and knowing all my best friends and family are doing well. I know the Lord watches over you guys just as much as he does us as missionaries.

First off, I had an operation on my toe. It was actually one of the coolest things. For the past month my big toe on the left side was really hurting. I had a really bad in grown toe nail and the doctor said if it grew anymore that it would hit the nerve and do some damage. So I called last Monday for an appointment for this past Thursday. I was thinking it was just going to be a little checkup. The doctor comes in and says what he will be doing and just leaves... Elder Smith just sat there wondering what was going to happen. One of the nurses came in and had this needle about 2 inches long.. And as most of you know I absolutely hate needles... She just told me it would be a little prick then it would hurt.. A lot! Ha, I was lying on this bed thing and she went through my toe and went pretty much all the way through... It hurt SOO bad!! That was actually the worst part though. My toe became numb in about 10 min then he came back in. It was the weirdest thing ever. The doctor just cuts right down my nail like its paper and just grabs pliers and just rips it out. I was watching the whole time and I had Elder Smith take some pictures so I will definitely send some home. Anyways, that is all done and no more worries about that. But that was a fun adventure for me at least.

Saturday was a bitter sweet feeling I would have to say. Saturday morning we had transfer calls and I thought Elder Smith and I were staying for sure. We thought we were good. But as it got to our area and they announced that I would be leaving my heart just dropped. Elder Smith and I were just so upset because we wanted to stay together for longer. There were 5 of us in our apartment listening to calls and it seriously was such a sad feeling. It’s hard because you get to know all the members and so close to the new converts and it just seems like your home ward. Now having the idea of leaving was hard. But I am totally fine with it because I know that the Lord wants me down in Darmstadt. What’s really cool is I will be working on the University down there. My new companion down there will be Elder Bruneel. I am really excited but it’s also really hard leaving such an awesome area like Friedrichsdorf. I have loved serving here and being able to meet such wonderful people. It will be hard to leave but I am excited to experience something new. 

On a good note, Thomas’ baptism was Saturday!!!! It was soooo cool. Thomas had asked me to baptize him and I was so worried because the doctor told me not to get the wrap on my toe wet. So that morning I was trying a bunch of different ways to wrap it with bags in every way so that I could still perform the baptism. I wasn’t going to let that hold me back. This is something big in Thomas' life and so I figured a way to wrap my foot. We got dressed and Thomas was just happy as ever. This family is honestly one of the coolest families. We had the first part of the meeting and then it was time for him to get baptized. I was actually super nervous because I just was. haha I showed Thomas how it would work and then we went into the water. The water was freezing! But I was so happy and it was such a good feeling. I said the prayer and then he went under and came up. Coolest feeling just happened and the he just looked at me and gave me the biggest hug and said, "you are my brother," and just wouldn’t let go.. It was such an amazing experience for someone I really care about. I love that family and it will be hard saying goodbye to them and going to another place but I am so grateful for that experience I had being able to baptize one of my good friends. He is already a changed man. Shirleys baptism will be the 14th of December and I won’t be there for it. But I love this family and they have helped me grow so much. That is why I am out here on the mission. These experiences like this just change your life.

This is the Lords work. I am so grateful to be a part of it. Like I have always said, I am so glad I made this decision to come out on a mission and to serve our Lord. I am growing up so much and it has just changed me. I absolutely love serving. I know the Lord has a plan for each one of us. He loves us and knows what will help us in our lives. Just trust in him and most importantly, trust in yourself that our Savior will help you. He is always there. I have seen this Gospel change people’s lives. I know that he is super happy for all of us when we do what is right. Sometimes we take that wrong road but he is so happy when we find the right road again. Trust in the Lord. I love you all and I am doing awesome. I pray for all of you and I know that you guys are being watched over and protected. Say your prayers, go to the temple, and do all you can to serve our Lord.

Alles Klar!

Elder Emery