Ahhhhhhhhhhh

Just about the most wonderful awkward funny appropriate little birthday ever

(It was a close tie with my 5th birthday party, when my mom and Ian Gilletes mom hired power rangers for our joint birthday party and one of the "rangers" jumped off the roof and broke his leg.)

Crap.
Mission birthdays are wonderfully awkward.

My companion is adorable and made me banana chocolate chip pancakes (my favorite) 
Then we reported to Berlin..

REWIND: 
Last Thursday Elder Bangerter called, telling me all the sisters need to report to Berlin for a sisters conference of sorts

Here is your shoutout Elder Seth Bangerter! ( yes Bangerter like the highway exciting huh? ) 

solid AP right there. 

Annnnnd threw me a wonderful surprise birthday party!!

Now what other AP's throw surprise parties out there??

Get on our level. 
Fast Forward:
well much to my dismay it wassssss just a conference. But they did sing zum geburtstag viel glück. (Happy Birthday)

During the conference each sister got to go up and introduce themselves..

it went like this:

hey.. im sister ____, im from Provo Utah ( or Vernal, PG or Ogden...I'm 19 years old, i went to BYU and I love reading and sports.

Then i get up there:

hey.. im sister d, I'm from the hollahood, I'm 22 years old, i didn't get in to BYU, I prefer reading spark note books and have never played a sport in ma life..

( Ya you remember those sister missionaries? )

The 22 yr. old' ones you use to hear about..
Freaking dinosaur over here.

#OLD SCHOOL SISTER SWAG. One of the few still standing.

After that my day consisted of a lost birthday package, breaking through my boots, dropped my birthday cake on the floor and resorted to eating burger king..

winner winner chicken dinner.. spoiled

To make up for everything I DID receive some dollars in the mail from readers so i was a happy camper over here. It wasn't the 70,000 I was hoping for but..
- I can't wait to buy stamps, stickers, pens and other things us missionaries like.

AND FRANCESCO SANG GO GO GO SHAWTY ITS YOOOOO BIRTHDAY to me.. perfection

However the BEST birthday gift of all was one that money couldn't buy.
It was sitting in sacrament meeting Sunday and watching Francesco surprise me with his gift to me that he had prepared and practiced all week...

Which was him walking up and bearing his testimony in front of the whole congregation.

I just couldn't handle it
bawwwwwllinggg
The sweetest. Purest. Perfect. Powerful testimony I've ever heard. 

I wish I had a better update on my health..but I do not.

I'm having to do lots of thinking, fasting and praying about what is best for me right now.

The power of the priesthood is real and I've felt those blessing everyday and strength

i didn't know i had to keep going!

Line of the week: 

more like discussion of the week..

i overheard a nice 10 minute argument today from the elders..

concerning mayonnaise or miracle whip...

WHERE AM I?

i know it's true

This week Sister Woodward and I moved to a different apartment. It was sooo stressful. 
Friday night as we were settling in, our neighbor knocked on our door...
He asked who spoke German so Sister Woodward grabbed me and sure enough I beheld..
A small old man nearly identical to the old man from UP standing at our door.

I had to refrain from snapping a photo..
He just wanted to say whhhaaat up and tell me how to make the temperature perfect in our apartment.
It was like getting initiated into the old folks club

He saw my name tag and asked who we were so I told him we are missionaries for our church for a year and a half here in Germany.

He laughed and said " don't you have something better to do like be married?! "

-_- 
I just awkwardly smiled, so he said, " well I'm off to bed... if you hear loud party music.... it's me"

Then he proceeded to make the
" raise the roof" motion with his hands and went back inside his apartment.

mmk I found my new best friend 

The new apartment now that the stench is gone is lovely.
We got brand new kitchen supplies, oven, fridge, blenders utensils EVERYTHING.

It made me so excited to have a hubby. But then I realized..
New appliances are what really makes me happy. So now I can problem solve and cut other things out of that equation.

This weeks been my first with using the new medical bedding they prescribed for me... it's sooooo uncomfortable and feels like I'm sleeping on a towel.
The worst part is.. my sweet poor little daughter has to sleep on it also.. bless her heart.

I still feel strongly that I'd rather just live in a bubble

So we have all become familiar/in love with Francesco Assisi yes?

Well I'm gonna top it all off

So I've been with Francesco for 6 months now... and time after time we have tried to teach him how to bear his testimony since his baptism.
Francesco is a little shy and hesitant sometimes and sharing his testimony has been my project with him. He wants to share it so badly but is scared.
We practice every fast Sunday in the congregation together and watch the clock pass with no luck of getting him up there.
This Friday at our annual weekly Book of Mormon class Francesco came..

I had Sister Woodward take the lead with teaching and she nailed it.
At the end of the lesson she bore her testimony beautifully and looked at me..

( the infamous awkward missionary glance everyone knows and loves/hates )

And I forwarded the glance on to Francesco..

Simultaneously we both nodded at each other and then...

HE SLAMS HIS HANDS ON THE TABLE AND STANDS UP AND SAYS:

I GIVE MY TESTIMONY THAT THIS BOOK IS TRUE!!!!!! I KNOW IT!!!!!! 

( proceeds to pick up the book )

JOSEPH SMITH SAW GOD!!!
HE SAAAAWWWW GOD AND JESUS CHRIST AND TRANSLATED THIS BOOK. THE CHURCH IS ON THE EARTH AGAIN
I WAS BAPTIZED AND GIVEN THE HOLY GHOST AND FEEL NEWLY BORN AND LIKE I'M IN PARADISE!!!!
IVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY!!! I KNOW ITS TRUE. IVE BEEN TO THE TEMPLE. THE LORDS HOUSE AND WAS SOOOO HAPPY.
WE HAVE THE TRUTH YOU GUYS!!! IF YOUR MOT BAPTIZED YET... YOU SHOULD BE!!!
AND NOW THAT I HAVE THE PRIESTHOOD I WILL BLESS AND RAISE A FAMILY TO BE MORMONS TOO SO THEY CAN BE AS HAPPY AS I AM
I GIVE TESTIMONY THAT WE HAVE A PROPHET TODAY
AND THAT BACH ONE DAY I CAN LIVE IN HEAVEN WITH BACH ( he is obsessed with the classical composer.. gawl.. love him)

proceeding...

CHRIST CAME AND WILL COME AGAIN. I KNOW IT!!!!!!!! THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE
WE HAVE THE TRUTH!!!!

IN THE NAME JESU CHRISTI AMEN

Francesco sits down and looks at me and smiles the sweetest simple smile and says

" sister diederich I know it's true. Thank you"

tears. just tears 
streaming down my face

ohhhhhhhh of all the happy moments in my life I believe I found my #1 one. 
Who would've thought Friday nights full of classes, converts and reading scriptures could bring me so much happiness.

This week i saw lots of miracles. I'm still praying for a recovery with my health but know and believe
that in the Lords timing and his will.. all will be well. Thank you for your prayers..

WERE CHANGING GERMANY

Line of the week....
more like HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Sister Woodward and i were walking through a big group of people and hopped quickly onto our bus,
when she realized she had been pick-pocketed!!! And low and behold... she was...
but the thief got more than he bargained for... hahah he got a nice big stack of Jesus pass-along cards

#KARMA.

liebe gruße
Sister Diederich

ok real quick everyone... the ß symbol i place on letters etc.. is not just a fancy B.. its a symbol.
Ha ive been getting mail to the Zerbster StraBe..
its ok... i still love you nana ball..your letters eventually find me! xo

Moin Moin

Her top is from Zara.. skirt from Monki..shoes from H & M

                              

The church is true and the book is blue!

member in the ward

Finally mastered Penne Pasta

moin moin...

sooo..........
I have no idea what to say.

uhmmmmmmm

hi

It's spinach season in Germany... that's neat
NaJa
I'm alive
Kinda... I look like a zombie and been told " you look awful" at least 16 times this week.

A new member of ours asked me if he should lie to me.

I asked him why....?

He said... The prophet told us to tell women they look beautiful

Annnnnd?

You don't look good... So should I lie?

On the bright side he is learning honesty and how to harken to the Prophets voice right??

We did see success this week!!
If were basing success off of the little things..

* I had only half as many needles stuck into my body. #winning
* I figured out how to bake a perfect baked penne pasta #winning
* We found a new investigator and he is so prepared #winning
* A bird ran into our window...and lived #winning
* It rained #winning
* Francesco told me I am his best friend

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER

But even worse than blood, injections and my stomach being sliced open..
I was getting my cheeks pinched and kissed more than a chubby newborn in church hoping I will get better.

NOW THAT HURTS

Team Germany. 

The bleeding ulcer has been removed! I went back to the hospital this week and was given new medications and antibiotics,
 so we will hope that gives me my strength back. Until I am little bit stronger the doctor wants to hold off on endoscopy #2 till April.
So the knowledge of a deeper rooted problem is postponed. But I'm at peace.

In the words of Kelly Clarkson
" what doesn't kill you makes you stronger "

Thanks kell

Ha I don't think lots of people around here are too happy with me, because I'm still working after they told me to stop and heal.

I had to have a nice talk with the man upstairs ( not our creepy Arabian neighbor that spys on us... I'm referring to God)
and come to the realization that I'm only human and need to just keep doing my best.

Sister Kosak helped me realize the quicker I get better the quicker I can get back to work.

My sweet little daughter....she is way ahead with the 12 week training model ( its been 4 together),
and we still get out and teach and work. So if anything were ahead of the game!
She is learning so much. I love her

The work is still progressing!!!!
We have three new amazing investigators. All are so amazingly prepared for the gospel.

One in particular is a young mother from Columbia  with her adorable son Pablo.
I LOVE teaching women and showing them what the gospel can do for their lives.
Being a sister is such a blessing. Were allowed into peoples homes and hearts that elders maybe cannot.. ( no offense elders ).
There is no feeling like it being able to help women know of their worth and potential to their father in heaven.

I am seeing miracles and lives including mine change weekly.
I am soooooo grateful to be here apart of this work.

Bottom line of this week..

Missions are tough

I knew I'd see hard times and have days leaving me feeling alone and lowwwww.

Alot of people and doctors have counseled me to go home and heal.
However, I and any other missionary could tell you..
There is a spirit as a missionary that is unexplainable. Bad days...or months are bound to happen.
However, trials seem lighter and the promise that you are set apart and blessed makes all things bearable and understood.

Being on the receiving end of so many prayers has truly comforted me more than any possible love I could receive elsewhere.

It's such a spiritual experience seeing the miracles and strength I find daily, knowing it comes from prayers to our loving heavenly father.
I know it was by no mistake that I was called to this mission at the time when I was.
I know that heavenly father blessed me by sending me to Germany to help find answers to both life long medical problems and recent.

A place with alot of love and chocolate 

I don't know what will come next or what we will find in April.
But I have a testimony stronger than ever that the atonement works.
There is no possible way id feel how i do if it didn't..
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Church is true and Christ lives..
I want to thank every reader both those I do and don't know that sent a note or email my way.
You will never know the difference you've made.
You were truly inspired by what you said and I love you soo much.
You have given me the strength to press forward.

I'm overwhelmed to hear from so many young girls across the world that have written me thanking me for helping them find the desire to serve an sharing with me their calls.

Most rewarding letters and feeling I've ever felt before in my life.

Your all going to be amazing and I can PROMISE you more happiness than imaginable as you serve the Lord selflessly.
The Lord needs YOU an has prepared people than can only be taught by YOU.

Were changing the world

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL

Line of the week:

Me: hey make sure you put hand soap on the grocery list!

Sister Woodward: what do you mean??? There's a whole full pink bottle in the bathroom

Me:...

that's my face-wash

Mom... I am out of face wash! Please send more!

Mom... I am out of face wash!

Testimony from Marc Schulz

This was sent to me (Isabelle's mom) from Leipzig from a member in the ward that I wanted to share with his permission:

 

"Hello, this is Brother Schulz of the Leipzig I ward, where Sister Diederich is currently serving. I know, that Sister Diederich is a great missionary who really applies the Gospel to her life and she has a wonderful dedication to the members and the people she finds everyday. She is a very hardworking, precise and diligent servant of the Lord. From my various teaches with her, I can tell you, she is very tenacious in getting the message out. She has done many wonders and miracles in Leipzig and the members and I appreciate that. This week though, she was a little bit set-back by health, which she masters with grace and will be on the path to recovery in no-time. I know, she will continue on her path of the Gospel and the Lord will guide her through those temporal difficulties. You readers of this blog can be glad, to read from such a wonderful missionary."

 

Mrs. Diederich, I hope you are wonderful as well, and that your weekend will be full of blessings. I attached a photo of us in Leipzig to this e-mail. The photo includes: Me, Sister Diederich, Elder Thurgood, Sister Warncke, Elder Brogdon, Sister Thurgood, Elder Duff, Mike, Li. It’s from February 12, 2013.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Marc Schulz

ill not sick!!!

(from Sister Diederich)
"Dear all readers of this blog, unfortunately, I was in hospital this week for some check-ups so I was not able to write the blog entry. I sincerely apologize".

 

We didn't post this Monday because we wanted to wait and get her results back from the biopsy they took. We received information this morning that she has gastritis in her stomach that has caused inflammation and bleeding but can be treated and healed .  She will return to the hospital in April to hopefully complete the treatment.
(a reminder it is Isabelle's birthday this month. March 25th. I told her that her blog is now up to 62,000 views and she said  "all i want for my birthday is to have all of them send me a dollar." haha)  I would love to have her locate the mailman this month with some birthday wishes!) xoxo the mom


WORST ENTRY EVER I KNOW-tough week


I was asked to come to the Hospital early Thursday morning to figure out why i was throwing up blood..
Within 5 minutes of being there and not a clue of what was going on..

I was placed onto a bed.. rushed through some doors by a few attractive nurses..
had 4 different needles stuck into me and a catheter placed in my arm..
a gas mask around my mouth..
and last but not least injected with a blueish fluid

and passed out

I woke up 4 hours later completely alone.. no idea where my cute boots or companion were..
In a hospital room hooked up to a bunch of machines.. talk about a freak out
I had NO CLUE what happened and just began to cry... i hated it

A doctor came in.. because i started pushing buttons and trying to take out stuff
and told me that during the Endoscopy they found a bleeding ulcer ( worse than last time a few years ago )

But that wasn't all.. he also told me that the color and shape of the ulcer was strange looking to him..
and he asked me to return this Friday to be put under AGAIN to check the possibility of
the likeliness that there is a tumor somewhere in there..

So as you can imagine... this week sucked..
I was either in the hospital or at home..
( making telephone appointments because i was going stir crazy)

Late Saturday night just a few minutes before bed i began sweating and was in excruciating pain
My companion called the Elders and within literally minutes they were there and gave me a blessing.
I was so embarrassed but in too much pain and tears to care how i looked.. but they are all sweethearts..
Within seconds of receiving a Blessing i fell right asleep..

Today i am doing pretty good.. a little weak/nauseous and cannot keep anything but tea down..
I lost some weight ( not complaining )
and nervous but comforted for my other appointment this week.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and love in my behalf..

Line of the week:
Me: Sister Woodward... i donno if its the medicine or just a genius realization... Seals... are like dog mermaids
Sister Woodward: ya ya .... no wait... your totally right!


JUST TO CLEAR UP EVERYTHING

im ill..... not sick

only about a handful of peeps with get that one.. love all of you who do

We have two young women that we are now teaching.
One found the ward house and wandered inside..
and the other found our Centrum.. both are progressing and have appointments with us this week!
Its amazing to see that even though i was in the hospital and couldn't really work..
that the Lord blessed us and brought people to me..

The work continues...