Shine a Light

I had the opportunity to serve a mini-mission for a week. Wondering what on earth that is? Well, Read On! Members of my church (aka Mormons) can voluntarily go on a mission to spread the gospel and the light of Christ throughout all the world. Guys go for two years, girls for eighteen months. As the name implies, mine was considerably shorter. It was fabulous, though!

I got to do everything full-time missionaries do. I got to talk to people on the streets, ring doorbells, help teach lessons, go on a ridiculously long bike ride to a less-active member, study the gospel, wake up at 6:30 every day, wear a skirt every single day, and any- and everything else. It was so awesome! I was worried that I'd have difficulties talking to people, especially about religion, but it was actually ok, especially considering that I haven't even been to the MTC or really had training. It was so awesome to see missionaries in action! The two sisters I was with were shining examples.
I finally cut my hair off that Monday. I hope it makes a cancer patient very happy, since the lady cut off six more centimeters than necessary. I confess to crying a bit when she chopped off my ponytail. I don't mind my hair being short though, now that it's done and over with.

I got back from my mini-mission on Wednesday. I had to go into town that evening to buy a shirt for choir. I stumbled upon the Weihnachtsmarkt- O Happy Day!!! I've been dying to see one ever since I found out that such a thing exists. Advent here is pretty magical, at least for me as a newcomer. I feel like a child again, except that the presents don't matter. I wish I could properly convey the smorgasbord of sights and smells that presented themselves. Like I said, it's magical. 

And what Advent would be complete without Christmas concerts? We gave a few this weekend. We went to Idar-Oberstein. Dude. I got to sing at some castle ruins and then go inside. Childhood dreams we fulfilled that day. Ja, so I've been in castles and palaces before, but none of them were this old and they were all modified and renovated and stuff.

I love this country.

It snowed Saturday night, just in time for 1st Advent. Snow is so beautiful! I don't know if I'll be able to say that in a few months, but for now it's nice. 

And my dear mom will be here in two weeks! Just a short visit, but that's the best present I could wish for.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!