Woche 55- Frederic Schmid!

Liebe Familie!

Lots happened this last week- but im going to dedicate this email to the story of Frederic Schmid.

Frederic is 36- typical german guy. Elder Garretts first week, he just walked into the building and requested to be taught by the elders. He had been an investigator of the elders before, but it was common knowledge that he was just crazy- like literally insane- and never made progress. Well, we decided to give it a chance! Our first lesson was a disaster- he talked the whole time, couldnt stay focused. He had an accident about 10 years ago, when he was hit by a car on the sidewalk, and suffered serious skull damage. when he woke up, he had to re learn everything. He is totally functioning now- he rents his own apartment, goes shopping, pays taxes- but he can only work simple jobs because he loses focus easy- so 2 times a week he delivers newspapers in switzerland. That first lesson he was so... crazy, but very obviously unhappy. when he finally let us talk, we talked about the gospel changing lives, and how baptism is the gate. He committed to work towards the 1st of march. Over the last 8 weeks, we have met 2-3 times a week, and it is miraculous to see the changes in his life. He has quick smoking  and drinking for good- his girlfriend moved into her own apartment, he has been to church the past 4 sundays in a row- he is HAPPY. Each time we met, it was such small progress, but he seemed a little bit more "there"- and over the course of 8 weeks its a drastic difference. the members who knew him before cant even recognize him now- he is still very distracted, but he is cleary happy and ready for baptism! the ward has really rallied around him to help him feel welcome. He will  be baptised this saturday :)

Just a few other points from the week- Stake Conference yesterday was a broadcast from SLC. Elder Bednar spoke- IN GERMAN! He didnt use a translator, because he served his mission in München 40 years ago! He spoke very slowly, but his accent wasnt even that bad! It was so cool to hear an apostel speak German! his talk was also incredible!

We said goodbye to sister allman this week- she got transfered to Graz! We got Sister Hammock.

ALSO! Maria called us again this week, and when we  met, she told us she was reading in the book of mormon about baptism, and she felt a fire inside. so she called and wants to be baptised on march 22! Wow! So cool! This ward is blowing up!

We are very excited for Frederics baptism! Pray for us that it all goes through!

I love you all! thanks for the support!

Adventure is out there!

Elder Bartholomew