Wittenberg and Martin Luther

We were treated with a special couple's "Study Convention" on Juni 23rd by Area CES leaders. It was held in Wittenberg, (1 1/2 hours away). This is Martin Luther country and we did not realize how much of what he did happened all around us (even in Magdeberg). Wittenberg is where he preached and posted his "95 Theses" on the Church door. This was the beginning of the Reformation. The Church could not have been restored if this had not transpired. There were many events (miracles) that brought this about. We felt like we were on holy ground as we visited two of his churches and his home. Being with the other couples and a surprise last visit from President & Sister Borcherding made this a very special day for us. As we gathered, we realized there were ten Germans and only six Americans. This is as it should be and we feel the love, commitment and strong testimonies of these dear people.




Walking into the town we see the tower on the Royal Church of the Prince.

The Church and University where Martin Luther, as a Monk, taught and pastored.

Inside of the church where he preached.

The Town Square with the Church in the background.

The outside of the Prince's Church where Martin Luther's 95 Theses were posted.

The door where they were posted is not the actual door but a monument with the Thesis written on it.

The inside of the Prince Church

This is the doorway to the winding stairway tht led to the top of the tower. Some of us ventured up 289 very interesting stairs to the top.

We ended up behind the arched windows below the green part. There were Huge bells in this tower at this point too.

These were a type of concrete or maybe stone, (well worn) steps.

Can you believe that Sister Wells actually ventured on these stairs? They were closer to the top.


Four happy ladies who made it to the top. Sister Wells is the only one who is not German.

A view from the top

A view from the other side

This is where Martin Luther lived. The museum inside was very informative.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal together.. Thank you President Borcherding.

Baptism in the Saale River

The Sisters with Conny in the church before we head for the river

Instructions from President Moeller

Walking to the river

First is mother and we hope the rest will follow her example

The Branch members come to support her

The joy of being washed clean

This was the first we have seen in a river. It was very beautiful and spiritual.

First Activities in Jena

We meet our Branch President in Jena, President Moeller



JAE Talent Show

Florence showcases her country, Kenya, in song and dance.

Ian, British born, German raised, steals the show with his musical talents.


A beautiful song from Tiffy, out JAE President. Sister Bangerter also has a gift for music.

A German Funeral

Tiffy's grandmother passed away. She sings here with her mother and sister.

The cemetery was old and very beautiful.

We went exploring and found we could take our own pictures.

P- Day in our Wohnung with the missionaries.

Saying Goodbye at Zone Conference in Liepzig

Farewell President Borcherding. He goes home the first of July.

A farewell gift from one of the Elders.

Elder Orton goes home to Orem, Utah

Sister Taylor goes home to San Diego, California

The Sisters gather to tell Sister Borcherding Goodbye

Jena, Here We Come!

The Elders and Sisters loaded our "stuff" into the elevator, out of the elevator and into Miriam's car.

No room to spare

When we arrived in Jena, the Elders and Sisters unloaded our "stuff" out of the car, into the elevator, and out of the elevator on the eighth floor. Then they took us to the highest tower in Jena to see the view.


Our new Sister "Family", Sister Ryser, Tiffany (our JAE Council president) and Sister Bangerter.

The view from the top, including our very own "Thumb Butte"

We all went to Subway for lunch. Elder Graham is one of the Zone Leaders here.

Elder Grooms is the other Zone Leader.

The tower on the right is where we viewed the city and the tall building on the left is where we live. It was the first high rise in Germany built in 1920.


Here is the courtyard where we enter the building. Notice the rails. This is the end of the line for some Strassenbahns.

The entrance to our new home and the mailboxes

The view of the courtyard and the Strassenbahn from our bedroom window The entrance to a shopping mall is on the left. The University has buildings all around us and this courtyard is usually busy with many students.

This is a beautiful city and surrounding area as you can tell by the pictures. We have received a warm welcome from missionaries and members. We look forward to serving in Jena.

Our Last Day in Magdeburg

Our Magdeburg Branch surprised us after church with a wonderful German dinner, flowers and goodbye hugs and tears. We knew our JAEs loved us and would miss us but we had no idea the other members felt the same way.



President Burkhardt had tears in his eyes as he presented us with flowers, a book about Magdeburg and a hug. We appreciate this smile because he didn't smile much when we first arrived.


Our angel, Miriam, who drove us to the Temple, the baptisms and then to Jena. She loves us

We will miss Miriam's girls, Angelina and Philina.

Brother Winkler would not let go of Sister Wells hand as he expressed his gratitude in his broken English.




Brother Kunath takes care of Jens and the Branch Monthly Newsletter. He loved the birthday cake we made for him.


Brother Burkhardt, President Burkhardt's father, did not speak to us except for greetings in German, until this day when he spoke perfect English wishing us well. His wife worked in the primary and we did not get to interact with her much but she had tears as she hugged us goodbye.


The only good thing about leaving Magdeburg was that Christian finally gave us a hug. He was our best support in the Outreach Program. He has been the acting Student Council President and has divided the duties between all the active JAEs so that the center will be able to continue to be successful in helping with missionary work and being a nice place to associate with other young people. Thank you Christian.


The Relief Society preparing the food, Steffi, Carola and Sister Winkler, the RS President.

Tables were set up in our main room, the chapel.

Christian, Jasmin, Romy and Cindy were the happy clean up crew.

JASMIN'S BAPTISM

After the dinner we all went to Kuethen for Jasmin's baptism. Elder Orton had special permission to come back and baptize her. He and his companions spent many hours teaching her mother the gospel and Jasmin English. Her mother was not ready but Jasmin felt the spirit. We all had a part in helping her gain her testimony. She is a beautiful addition to this Branch.

Her family came to support her.

We all love Jasmin