Ende‏

"The End"

Servus, 

Wow, it still doesn’t really feel all that real. The fact that after 2 years, I finally get to see you guys this week after 2 years. Man. Crazy crazy feeling.

I really have enjoyed this past week and I have made a ton of memories. General Conference, was really good. It was interesting though. I have been so used to watching general conference these last 2 years with my "missionary goggles". But this time as I was watching the sessions, I felt stuck in this weird in-between phase.  It just started to sink in that I am about to be an RM! Whaaaaa??!?

"Dying" and being "on my death bed" (good ole mission lingo) has led me to some deep reflection about these last 2 years..

A mission really is an amazing thing. There is nothing else that can compare to it. For 2 years you give up everything to go and serve and help other people. You are there for the sole purpose of blessing the lives of others. 

I have learned a ton about the importance of the human soul. I know with out a doubt in my mind that every single person that has ever lived on this earth, that is currently living on this earth, or that will ever live on this earth is a child of God. And as such they should be treated with love and respect. I have brushed shoulders with a very very wide array of people on my mission. And I can honestly say that I have gained something from all of them. I love the people here. They are so amazing. 

I also think back to my missionary plaque. And the scripture that is on there. 2 Nephi 2:25. "...Men are that they might have Joy." I love that simple sentence. It really is so true, We ARE that we might have joy. We can obtain that joy through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

There are so many memories that I could go on and share, but I’ll just tell them to you guys in person! (Seee you Thursday!) Yay! 

It has been such a blessing to serve in the Germany, Frankfurt Mission. I love it here. I have made so many memories and I have been blessed to come in contact with some of the most amazing people in the world. 

Don’t ever loose sight of what is really important. 

I love you guys!!!!!!!! 

Servus, 

Elder Nikora Philip Anderson

Legendäre Woche‏

"Wanna see some Michael Jackson dance moves?" Our hike in Jena with Farooq and Leila! 

"Legendary Week"

Hiking with the crew.

What a week. Oh my goodness, what a week.

Servus Euch,

This week was just one of those weeks that I will never ever forget. I don’t think I have smiled and laughed as much as I have this last week as I have in any other week these past two years. Legendary week.

So, I don’t think I have time to include all of the itsy bitsy details, but I’ll do the best that I can. Then you can just ask me about it in 17 days. < That felt really good to type. Haha.

But, back to the best week ever. I am really so blessed to be finishing the mission here in Jena with my boy Kenley.

Elder Kenley and I climbing giant trees on our hike. This was taken from Elder Kenley's tree. 

So on Monday, we decided to take a week off of chilling with other missionaries and we went on a hike with our buddies Leila and Farooq. And that was so much fun. We climbed trees soaked up the sun and had some good life (gospel) talks!! Later that day we were able to get Farooq and Leila to both come to FHE! Great day with our Jena homies.

English class with Farooq.

The dinner/game party that Elder Kenley and I threw! 

Then Dienstag. We had some German class with Gustavo. He is a really kind and helpful guy. We go and he teaches Elder Kenley German.

Later that day we went and had English class. It was Leila’s last week there because she is moving up to Dortmund. So we had a good time saying goodbye and speaking English! And it was cool, she sang Elder Kenley and I a song at the end as a goodbye!

So Wednesday! Great day as well. We tried to play match maker here in good ole Jena. We invited Eleen and Ian, 2 of our YSAs to a dinner hosted by us! It ended up being half of the Ward that showed up. It was way fun. And it was good because Farooq was able to watch the Restoration with us and Ian helped us teach him! It went great!!

Our boy Farooq talking to some girls in the park. Hahahahaha.

So yeah! Life is good. Through out the rest of the week we saw even more and more success and we were able to meet with Farooq every single day!!

We also got to go and do this way cool service project. We went and helped this guy that bought an old warehouse. We cleaned it out and moved things around. He is turning it into a club. So that will be pretty tight!!

And wow! I am out of time, I best be heading on out. I love you guys and I’ll be seeing you really soon. Makes me happy :)

I love you all! Thank you for your emails.

Elder Nikora Anderson

Halbzeit!‏

"Half time!"

Wow. well, I am now half way through this transfer. Crazy. Time is flying on by.

We had a really great week here in Jena. We were able to teach quite a few lessons and our friend Farooq is back from Hamburg so we were able to teach him a few times!

So Farooq. He is from Pakistan and is originally a Muslim. But he really likes us and our religion. He came to church this week and then our branch Präsident invited us and Farooq over for dinner. It was really great.

I think you guys will be able to meet Farooq when we go around the mission. Great guy.

Also this week, I was on a split with Elder Robinett from Wiemar. I love that kid. Didn’t know him before my last 12 weeks in the mission. But he is a way sick kid and a great friend. On our split we taught Farooq and then went out with Gustavo to meet some of his buddies. They had an American football and we threw that around and got to know them some more!

Elder Kenley did a great job this week too! We had a surprise visit from some investigators at institute and he jumped right in at welcoming them and helping them to feel comfortable and answering questions! He is a great last comp!

Hmmmm, other things . I’m excited to see you guys soon! You have no idea.

I’m so proud of you guys and the things that you are doing! Dad, business and working out! Go get it! You are looking great! Momma! You are just still killing it at staying in shape and keeping the fam fam running. We would be nothing with out you! And kowhai!! You are a champ. Keep on doing amazing things!

I don’t have pics this week! Sorry! But I’ll get them to you next week!

(and no, its not because I didn’t get a haircut yet ;) hehe).

Love you guys so much! have a great week!

Elder Anderson

Menschenkinder. Die Zeit !‏

Servus! 

We had a really great week here in Jena. Things are rolling forward and we are just having a really good time. I am so thankful for the time that I’ve gotten to serve thus far in Jena. Such a cool city and branch. 

The weather here is really starting to warm up. I love it so much. It is so beautiful just riding bikes through the city and seeing all that there is to see! We have been using our bikes a ton lately, and its really nice, we see lots of the city that we normally wouldn’t be able to see! 

So some highlights from this week:

We got invited by Gustavo this last Friday to go to a little bonfire in the park and roast some marshmallows and steaks. It was really fun, there were a ton of non members there and we got to talk a ton about what we do as missionaries and why we were wearing shirts and ties at 7 pm. Gustavo is a new member he was baptized back in December. He is the guy in the picture wearing the hat and the apron and what not. I cant wait for you guys to meet him when we are in Jena. He is such a great guy. 

We also saw some more success going door to door yesterday. We hit the very first door and found a new person. Her name is Sonika and she is from India. We explained what the Book of Mormon means to us and we were able to make a return appointment for tonight! Pray that it goes well! 

Lots of great things are happening here! Love the mission. It is a really good time. Keep the prayers coming! I need them. Haha. 

I love you all so much!! Thank you for all that you do!!

Love, 

Elder Anderson!