Ariel On A Mission!: 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