Settling Into Our Assignment

We’ve been here for 1- ½ weeks.  Our offices are in the Europe Area Office, in the Information and Communications Services Department (ICS).

Early in the mornings we’ve been taking walks to get to know our way around a bit.  Here in Frankfurt, first light begins about 4:30 AM and it doesn't get dark until 10:00 PM.   We haven't even gotten to the longest day of the year yet. 

This past Wednesday we were shown, by Sis. Orlowski (a senior missionary), how to use the rail and other related public transportation systems.  She took us on a trip to the center of Frankfurt.  It was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday afternoon.  Foot traffic is the accepted mode of transportation in the middle of town.

We have been visited over the past few days by these two pigeons.  I am amazed how fat they look. They're obviously well fed, but not by us.  Since they are showing up so frequently on our 7th story balcony, I guess we'll have to give them names. (Our apartment is on the right.)

   

I want to share something personal.  Thursday afternoon, I was feeling low.  Since coming on our mission, I just couldn't see the spiritual side of what we were doing.  Since receiving this assignment to serve, the Lord has revealed to me a number of times, in a number of ways, that He really wants me here at this time to work for ICS.  However, that day I felt I was swimming in a sea of the nuts and bolds of technology.  I just couldn’t see the spiritual focus of what I was doing. 

Friday morning, before work, I earnestly prayed to Heavenly Father to help me to find a spiritual purpose in what I was doing.  Before the end of the day, the Lord was able to convey the relationship my job has to His work.  The day before, Diane and I had sent out a Letter of Introduction to all the Stake Technology Specialists (STSs) in Europe.  Friday we received several replies.   I had the opportunity to talk to an STS in England and another in Ireland.  I had back and forth communications with an STS in Portugal, another in France, and another in Hungary.  I learned that some of the STSs in Europe are doing a great job and are happy, but there are others who are struggling.  I heard stories of lack of leadership support or understanding, places where there is such a lack of membership because the church doesn’t have a stronghold there yet.  One STS called and told me how hard it was in his area.  He told me of the sacrifice he and his wife are making.  He is  holding down 6 major callings and is trying to start his own business.  My heart went out to those who are trying so hard to do what is right, but are fighting against difficult odds.

I learned that day that what I am doing is not just training.  It’s not just helping communications to reach new horizons.  Though all of that is important. I am here as a support, a listening hear, a connection to others so that they can know that they are not alone in the work.   Friday, for the 1^st time since I arrived, I feel like I actually accomplished something--something good.  Those I talked to were happy to know I was there and personally interested in them.