This is a map of where everyone who accessed Ariel's blog lived or visited from. It's credible that her message was worldwide.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Missionaries Who Finish
These pictures were taken from the Germany Berlin mission blog. Ariel on her way out of the mission
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| Finishers in the mission home - May 2013 E/S Johnson, Sisters Dean, Abamonte, and Curtis, Elders Stovall, Sullivan, Whitehead, and Fullmer |
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| Sisters Curtis and Abamonte |
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| Leaving May 1, 2013 - WE WILL MISS YOU ALL! |
Tracking Ariel's Flight Home
May 1st Ariel arrived home. We all woke up and immediately began tracking her flight home. It was like little children waiting for Christmas as we eagerly refreshed the flight tracker website all morning. This image was taken at 9am EST.
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| Ariel's plane flying across the Atlantic Ocean |
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Final Countdown!
Hey Andre,
No, we shouldn't do anything for my arrivals. I'm kind of sick of eating so maybe not eating. That would be nice. Lots of people like to say goodbye to me by feeding us. I keep telling them that if I go home fat my Mumma won't recognize me. They just respond by saying it's too late for you to get fat before you go home. Ha! How was choir rehearsal? Are you enjoying it? I miss you Andre and sooooo look forward to seeing you soon! Have a great few days at work! Love you!
-Ariel Nell
So close
Hey Lyndel,
It's been way weird to say good bye to everyone at church. Because it was my last Sunday they got me to say a lot of the prayers for the meetings. And everyone after church were giving me hugs and telling me thanks for the work I did here and that I always have a place to stay when I get home. Some even gave me gifts which I wasn't expecting at all. And three in-actives came to church because I am leaving. Man, if I only told everyone that I was leaving each week they all probably would be coming to church!
I really am going to miss these people, this culture and this country. In relief society we were discussing a talk that Elder Perry gave about good parenting and families and the first question was what we could remember about our moms and then I just broke down crying. I think because it finally hit me that I get to see my Mumma again as well as everyone else. This truly has been the best experience and most worth while thing I could have ever done. Many people talk about missions being the best two years and worst two years but I think they're all smoking something because there is no way I'd ever describe it as the worst 18 months of my life. It was the best decision I have ever made for my life.
Today we will be running around like a chicken with our head cut off. We have 6 appointments in 6 hours to say good bye to people. three of which are eating appointments. I am really sick of eating food. I think I'm not going to eat food for the rest of my life. We don't have time to go to the U-boat which I'm a bit sad about but I'm not done packing and we have all these appointments.
This past week we had a lot of teaching appointments as well as a lot of finding. We were doing some doors before an appointment when a lady let us in. We talked to her at her door about the importance of families. She shared with us that she has three kids and families are extremely important to her. We mentioned how as families we can pray together - "Yeah we pray every morning and night as a family." As families we can read the scriptures together- "Yeah, we read the Bible together as a family." And as families we can go to church together - "Yeah, we go each week to church. I even put my kids in a Catholic school so they learn more about God." What?! Where have you been my whole life? We taught her about the Book of Mormon and it made complete sense to her. We extended the commitment to read in it and pray about it. She said she would absolutely do that and even talk to her husband about it and asked US when we will be coming back. SOOOOO cool. So the appointment with her is for this next friday. I won't be here but I am so excited to hear what happens.
Sister Jensen is training here in Bremerhaven. She won't be traveling with me to Berlin. I'll be alone. She is coming to Bremen with me and the Elders there will babysit her until she meets up with another sister who is training. I haven't been having trouble getting things packed but getting things underweight. Dad said not to worry about it but the overweight fee is €200 per bag. That's ridiculous. I've been going through my things trying to get rid of things I don't absolutely need but books weigh so much! I've got three bags of clothes already gone but my suitcase is still filled with clothes. I'm not sure. I just wish I could talk to someone. I bought myself a Luther bible from 1900 that is like a brick it is so heavy. That's my treat to myself. As well as all the pictures I've ever taken.
I miss you like crazy. I can't wait to see you. I love you. Keep your head up. You got this Lyndel. See you soon!!!!
-Ariel Nell
It's been way weird to say good bye to everyone at church. Because it was my last Sunday they got me to say a lot of the prayers for the meetings. And everyone after church were giving me hugs and telling me thanks for the work I did here and that I always have a place to stay when I get home. Some even gave me gifts which I wasn't expecting at all. And three in-actives came to church because I am leaving. Man, if I only told everyone that I was leaving each week they all probably would be coming to church!
I really am going to miss these people, this culture and this country. In relief society we were discussing a talk that Elder Perry gave about good parenting and families and the first question was what we could remember about our moms and then I just broke down crying. I think because it finally hit me that I get to see my Mumma again as well as everyone else. This truly has been the best experience and most worth while thing I could have ever done. Many people talk about missions being the best two years and worst two years but I think they're all smoking something because there is no way I'd ever describe it as the worst 18 months of my life. It was the best decision I have ever made for my life.
Today we will be running around like a chicken with our head cut off. We have 6 appointments in 6 hours to say good bye to people. three of which are eating appointments. I am really sick of eating food. I think I'm not going to eat food for the rest of my life. We don't have time to go to the U-boat which I'm a bit sad about but I'm not done packing and we have all these appointments.
This past week we had a lot of teaching appointments as well as a lot of finding. We were doing some doors before an appointment when a lady let us in. We talked to her at her door about the importance of families. She shared with us that she has three kids and families are extremely important to her. We mentioned how as families we can pray together - "Yeah we pray every morning and night as a family." As families we can read the scriptures together- "Yeah, we read the Bible together as a family." And as families we can go to church together - "Yeah, we go each week to church. I even put my kids in a Catholic school so they learn more about God." What?! Where have you been my whole life? We taught her about the Book of Mormon and it made complete sense to her. We extended the commitment to read in it and pray about it. She said she would absolutely do that and even talk to her husband about it and asked US when we will be coming back. SOOOOO cool. So the appointment with her is for this next friday. I won't be here but I am so excited to hear what happens.
Sister Jensen is training here in Bremerhaven. She won't be traveling with me to Berlin. I'll be alone. She is coming to Bremen with me and the Elders there will babysit her until she meets up with another sister who is training. I haven't been having trouble getting things packed but getting things underweight. Dad said not to worry about it but the overweight fee is €200 per bag. That's ridiculous. I've been going through my things trying to get rid of things I don't absolutely need but books weigh so much! I've got three bags of clothes already gone but my suitcase is still filled with clothes. I'm not sure. I just wish I could talk to someone. I bought myself a Luther bible from 1900 that is like a brick it is so heavy. That's my treat to myself. As well as all the pictures I've ever taken.
I miss you like crazy. I can't wait to see you. I love you. Keep your head up. You got this Lyndel. See you soon!!!!
-Ariel Nell
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| Me & Sister Jensen |
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| Sunrise in Bremerhaven. I took this picture from our apartment window |
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| Me this morning |
April 29 - Making our week
Hey Dad!
I would be more than happy to do the work for Helen Blanch Taylor. What a neat experience you have had with that photo and trying to link this family together for eternity.
Church was good this past week. After sacrament meeting everyone was shocked that I could play the oboe. So many people said that it was a blessing they had tissues with them because my playing made them cry. One older lady was so impressed but also on the verge of giving me a whack on the side of my head for not playing sooner. Haha. It was certainly not the best performance because I am way out of shape but it definitely brought the spirit to our meeting. That's most important. I made sure to bake Yan some brownies as payment. He was excited for those. Sister Jensen also gave her first talk in German and I was able to record both her talk and my performance. She did such a good job talking about commandments and how God really has made it easy for us to stay on the path.
Sister Jensen will be training here in Bremerhaven. She won't be traveling with me to Berlin, I'll be going by myself. She will come with me to Bremen and help me get on my next train and then the Elders in Bremen will babysit her for an hour until her temporary companion arrives who will also be training. Sister Jensen will pick up her new companion on Thursday.
I spend some time thinking about what is to come but right now its mostly getting to Berlin and getting on the plane. I talked with Sister Kosak last night and she explained that the over weight fee is €200 per bag. I certainly can't afford that. I think I'm just going to have to put packages together and mail them home because there is no way I can afford €400 euros. My bags should be booked all the way through. I weighed one bag last night and it was 26 kilos and it's only allowed to be 23. And the other bag is heavier so I'm thinking I'll take the books out and mail them? I've gotten rid of as much as possible, things that have simply just been worn out or I won't need again and another Sister could use. I'm not sure. I'm just super stressed about it and wish more and more than I could just teleport home with my things and not worry about money and fees.
Dad, of course I'll feel like talking. You'll just have to be patient when I can't remember the word in English or a German one slips out. I'm having a harder time remembering bigger English words now. I can't wait to see you on Wednesday and get to hug you! Thanks for all the support you have given me my whole life but most importantly these past 18 months. I love you! Have a great week!
-Ariel Nell
I would be more than happy to do the work for Helen Blanch Taylor. What a neat experience you have had with that photo and trying to link this family together for eternity.
Church was good this past week. After sacrament meeting everyone was shocked that I could play the oboe. So many people said that it was a blessing they had tissues with them because my playing made them cry. One older lady was so impressed but also on the verge of giving me a whack on the side of my head for not playing sooner. Haha. It was certainly not the best performance because I am way out of shape but it definitely brought the spirit to our meeting. That's most important. I made sure to bake Yan some brownies as payment. He was excited for those. Sister Jensen also gave her first talk in German and I was able to record both her talk and my performance. She did such a good job talking about commandments and how God really has made it easy for us to stay on the path.
Sister Jensen will be training here in Bremerhaven. She won't be traveling with me to Berlin, I'll be going by myself. She will come with me to Bremen and help me get on my next train and then the Elders in Bremen will babysit her for an hour until her temporary companion arrives who will also be training. Sister Jensen will pick up her new companion on Thursday.
I spend some time thinking about what is to come but right now its mostly getting to Berlin and getting on the plane. I talked with Sister Kosak last night and she explained that the over weight fee is €200 per bag. I certainly can't afford that. I think I'm just going to have to put packages together and mail them home because there is no way I can afford €400 euros. My bags should be booked all the way through. I weighed one bag last night and it was 26 kilos and it's only allowed to be 23. And the other bag is heavier so I'm thinking I'll take the books out and mail them? I've gotten rid of as much as possible, things that have simply just been worn out or I won't need again and another Sister could use. I'm not sure. I'm just super stressed about it and wish more and more than I could just teleport home with my things and not worry about money and fees.
Dad, of course I'll feel like talking. You'll just have to be patient when I can't remember the word in English or a German one slips out. I'm having a harder time remembering bigger English words now. I can't wait to see you on Wednesday and get to hug you! Thanks for all the support you have given me my whole life but most importantly these past 18 months. I love you! Have a great week!
-Ariel Nell
Mumma ooooo ooo a ooo!
Mum,
Your email was soo hilarious I sent the part about the little boy to Kylee. I just died laughing here in the internet laden and Sister Jensen goes,'' what are you laughing about?'' I read her your email and then she died laughing too. I love little people. They are so funny and say the best things. I still think about Ben saying ''Don't they mean right side up'' about Martin Luther King. What an amazing question.
That's crazy that the two new sisters are so young. I feel ancient. I hit my half way to 23 a couple weeks back and I'm not so sure how I like that. I never thought getting older would bother me but it did. I'm excited to work with both sets in the ward. How awesome it is that you all have 4 missionaries. So cool!
The strengthening families activity at home sounded fun. I'm glad Drake came over to play. He is such a sweet little kid. Probably a little man now. I like that he was saying yes mam' to you. Don't you just love the south?
I am so excited for Tami and Quintiss. Where is the baby coming from, Georgia? Aww... I can't wait to see Tami's baby! I love that Quintiss is already wanting to put the baby seat in the car. He is just gonna be the best protective daddy. What a perfect name they chose too. She most certainly comes from God as an answer to their prayers.
You can tell Eli that I'll probably cry or wet my pants. One of the two is bound to happen. In Relief Society we were talking about our Mums and I just broke out into tears thinking that I get to SEE my Mumma so soon! I am very sad to be leaving this wonderful place and all the many people that have changed my life but I am soo excited to come home to the family.
Our week has been super busy and will continue to today. We have appointment after appointment. I feel so bad that Sister Jensen doesn't really have a P-day today and heaven knows what time I'll be going to bed tonight. I've got to mail things home because the over weight fees are ridiculously high. They just raised them to €200 per bag. Not a joke and not funny. I'm feeling stressed trying to get everything done before I have to travel to Berlin. Luckily we found a member who was willing to pick us up and drive us to the Bahnhof early in the morning tomorrow. That's ridiculous! THAT'S TOMORROW!? Bahh!
Grey hairs, here they come! Love you Mumma! Have a great week and try to have less stress and more good laughs with your awesome students. Love you! See you soon!
-Ariel Nell
Your email was soo hilarious I sent the part about the little boy to Kylee. I just died laughing here in the internet laden and Sister Jensen goes,'' what are you laughing about?'' I read her your email and then she died laughing too. I love little people. They are so funny and say the best things. I still think about Ben saying ''Don't they mean right side up'' about Martin Luther King. What an amazing question.
That's crazy that the two new sisters are so young. I feel ancient. I hit my half way to 23 a couple weeks back and I'm not so sure how I like that. I never thought getting older would bother me but it did. I'm excited to work with both sets in the ward. How awesome it is that you all have 4 missionaries. So cool!
The strengthening families activity at home sounded fun. I'm glad Drake came over to play. He is such a sweet little kid. Probably a little man now. I like that he was saying yes mam' to you. Don't you just love the south?
I am so excited for Tami and Quintiss. Where is the baby coming from, Georgia? Aww... I can't wait to see Tami's baby! I love that Quintiss is already wanting to put the baby seat in the car. He is just gonna be the best protective daddy. What a perfect name they chose too. She most certainly comes from God as an answer to their prayers.
You can tell Eli that I'll probably cry or wet my pants. One of the two is bound to happen. In Relief Society we were talking about our Mums and I just broke out into tears thinking that I get to SEE my Mumma so soon! I am very sad to be leaving this wonderful place and all the many people that have changed my life but I am soo excited to come home to the family.
Our week has been super busy and will continue to today. We have appointment after appointment. I feel so bad that Sister Jensen doesn't really have a P-day today and heaven knows what time I'll be going to bed tonight. I've got to mail things home because the over weight fees are ridiculously high. They just raised them to €200 per bag. Not a joke and not funny. I'm feeling stressed trying to get everything done before I have to travel to Berlin. Luckily we found a member who was willing to pick us up and drive us to the Bahnhof early in the morning tomorrow. That's ridiculous! THAT'S TOMORROW!? Bahh!
Grey hairs, here they come! Love you Mumma! Have a great week and try to have less stress and more good laughs with your awesome students. Love you! See you soon!
-Ariel Nell
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