Servus euch!
This week has been the absolutely craziest week of my mission. So much has happened. I'll give a highlight reel. 
The biggest is that transfers were this weekend and not only did Elder McBride NOT get transferred like we expected, but I did! I got assigned as a Zone Leader and transferred to Dortmund, which is actually the zone I was already serving in (which is very unusual). I basically moved over two cities, got some new responsibilities, and a ton more work. Fortunately, I didn't have to say goodbye to really anyone. In fact I'll be splitting back in Essen and going on splits with Elder McBride.
Also though, a few transfers ago, there were 3 companionships of missionaries here in Dortmund, but after this week, we will be the only ones. Which means we take over all the other missionaries' investigators and work and holy cow we are going to be up to our necks teaching and baptizing and doing Area Book work. Taking it one step at a time haha.
Before all these shenanigans though, last Friday we got to be there for the baptisms of two of the sisters' investigators who are awesome. It was a really cool experience though it took a lot of stress and improvising to get it to actually happen. It das really sweet, and Shahin and Kofi are way excited to be new members of the church.
Last Pday we went to an archeology museum and it was really cool. Super interesting and very well put together. We had a lot of fun.
For just a quick spiritual thought. Something I kinda came up with recently and have been trying to apply is this phrase "It isn't enough to love others. They need to know it". What I mean by that is that unfortunately people can't read your mind! I've been trying, in all that I do, and with everyone I interact with - missionaries, leaders, investigators, companions, members, and every contact I have on the street - to communicate as quickly as possible that I love and care for them. Whether that be through service, by sincerely listening, or just being kind and supportive.
What I have found is that if people understand that you love them, they will listen to you. The very first section of the chapter in Preach My Gospel (the Missionary manual) under "Ch 9: How to find people to teach" is "The Family Of God". We all are brothers and sisters. We all are loved by God. We all are trying to figure out how to be happy and survive life's ceaseless barrage of craziness and trial. We are all seekers, we are all imperfect, and we get to reach out and help one another. That's the most important thing in finding new people! In beginning relationships! When we can keep that perspective of love, patience, Humility, and sincerity with all of our relationships (ALL of them), we will find much more joy in life, and others will respond to it.
I would invite you to try this week to communicate to those you care about and even those you don't or struggle with that you love and support them. Serve them, tell them, spend time with them, listen to them. Help them understand a little more this week that you love them!
I love you all. You are amazing! Habt eine schöne Woche!!
Elder Harps
Pictures:
Me in a wolfskin at the museum haha
Essen Missionaries
Shahin and Kofi! The coolest Recent Converts in Essen!
Last district picture! Bye District Essen!
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