Offenbach Fireside

Our area here in Frankfurt was invited to attend a Fireside at the church building to hear President Uchtdorf speak tonight! I could hardly believe it - I've always wanted to meet him! It was originially going to be held tomorrow (Sunday) evening but last minute, due to so many planning to attend, they divided them up and our Stake was asked to attend the meeting on Saturday night and the other Stake the following night. Saturday arrived and both John and Andrew were still very sick! John and I going together wasn't going to happen and I was really bummed. We were on base getting groceries earlier in the day and it was just taking way too long that I thought for sure I wouldn't make it in time to the Firesdie and was starting to get a little disappointed. Before I gave up all hope, I called up my friend Ashley to see how the parking was (she went early to save seats) and found out that it was actually going to start at 7pm and not 6pm and I had an extra hour than I thought I had. The girls and I quickly got ourselves ready and jumped into the car and got there an hour early! Which was perfect timing might I add! We got the very last parking spot at the very end going out the driveway! It was truly a miracle! You'd know this if you knew how hard it was to find parking in Europe. It's no wonder people walk or find other means to get around! The missionaries also ended up saving our seats for us (Ashley got there when there was only a handful of people) so we were very close to the pulpit. Another miracle! We were for sure blessed being there! When we got inside the building, it was PACKED! Everyone shared the same excitement as we waited for him to arrive. Ashley is such a good friend and I'm so thankful she was able to help me and I'm also thankful to my husband for keeping the boys for the evening even though he was sick so I could attend this once in a lifetime experience!

Another new experience for us here in Germany is that we got to have an English speaking translator. Someone up front translated into a microphone. We stuck on our ears the awkward ear piece and turned on the device and enjoyed hearing him and his wife speak to us for about 1 1/2 hours. She started first, to introduce him to us. She even had us laughing a few times! :) About us not being perfect, including her husband, President Uchtdorf. And how they were here visiting their homeland and area for President Uchtdorf's birthday and that their driver drove them all around Frankfurt to see the shops and for some lunch. They were so excited to get some green sauce (a treat to have as she stated) and some other delicious German food and because they couldn't find one single parking spot, they had to go back to their hotel and eat a salad! All this way for a salad! :)

President Uchtdorf talked to us of many great things. That we should use the short time here for the good as it goes by way too fast. That Jesus Christ is at the head of this church. We need to focus on scripture study and temple attendance. The simplicity of the gospel. To go on with our faith and do as we believe no matter what people think about us. We, through our example, have an influence on others. Help and strengthen each other. If we have faith, it can be done through Him. It is His work. It's not up to us or our desires. It's the Lord's will. Let us do His work with an open heart. Jesus Christ lives. He is reality. Through our faithfulness, miracles will happen. These are just a few things he mentioned that I felt inspired to jot down.

When the Fireside ended, he quickly mentioned that he wanted to chat with people before leaving and for us not to run off. :) As he was making his way down the isle of the chapel where we were (and many many others), he finally turned around where we were standing and smiled at Ashley's daughter and my daughters. He came over and started talking to us in German and Ashley quickly mentioned that we were Americans and spoke English. He was super excited to hear that and asked how we were doing and where we were from. He then shook our hands and gave the girls hi fives. He was super sweet and kind to take the time to have mini conversations with so many people tonight. What an inspiration he is to me and to so many other individuals. I'm very thankful I was given this opportunity to see him and have him meet my daughters and to go and be spiritually fed. :)