The Vienna Chronicles

Austria



Although it is but the first week of November, Vienna has come to life with the crimson hints of Christmas.  Already Mariahilfestrasse is strung with lights, whilst the corner of Museums Quartier is packed with the beginnings of Christmas marks. 


Chilly rain and frosty breath cannot freeze the hearts of the Viennese bundled up and ready for the "Christkind" to come. Christmas time officially starts on November 11 here.  Unfortunately, after 7 months of being here I will only miss Vienna's holiday season by 3 days because.....

I AM GOING TO AUGSBURG, GERMANY.

Remember how the past two weeks I was saying that there was hardly anything on our schedule? This week (and the next two days) felt like fate was trying to make up for those lack of appointments times ten. It. Has. Been. Insane. Literally I am on the brink of exhaustion but it is so worth it because I just want to visit everyone before I go. So a day packed with five appointments all around town including meals with members, last chats with people I first met on the street back in May, and missionary district meetings? Bring it on.  I have fallen in love with this city, and I would be lying if I said I haven't shed some tears giving goodbye hugs to those I care so much about.













Notable notes:

- I got to be in a trio again!  We were with Sister Moore, which meant that I got to basically ADOPT A BABY MISSIONARY.  I was legit training two goldens this week. Last time in my trio we called ourselves the Blondies; in this trio we are all between 5'1 and 5'3 so I guess you could just call us the Shorties








- I bought dirndl (the traditional German dress) and got it for way cheaper than anything else in the store haha because I literally fit into child size

- we discovered the meaning of Syrian hospitality. WE WERE STRANGERS IN THEIR HOME AND YET THEY WERE SO NICE. LITERALLY MADE US SO MUCH FOOD AND THEN AFTER LIKE 3 HOURS THEY WERE SAD THAT WE COULDN'T STAY ANOTHER HALF HOUR FOR WHEN MORE OF THEIR KIDS CAME HOME. They also taught us some Arabic.

- We went with our Persian "best friend" (she always calls me that, yay!) to the Albertina Museum because it was free for the holiday

- a lady sneezed into my hair on the tram
- Literally so many people are confronting us about this election and telling us how we should vote because we are American
- We were fed so much that both Sister Slack and I were experiencing hot flashes
- We got to ride in a CAR outside of the city whilst going to visit a member family
- We got to read through the baptismal interview questions with a sweet woman who has been meeting with missionaries for ten years now. We are so excited that she has made this decision, it's too bad I won't be there to see it!








Seriously I am so so sad to leave Vienna.






The funny thing is that in August I really just wanted to get transferred out.  Things were not super great so I wanted to just deal with it the easy way-- by leaving it all behind.  But staying here taught me a valuable lesson about how what we think is best doesn't always correlate with what God KNOWS is best.  I have grown in so many ways even within the past few months and along with that I have met new people and also developed stronger relationships with those I knew before.  It pains me to think of if I had gotten my way (by leaving two transfers ago) and of all the wonderful things I would have never experienced!  I love Vienna more than I ever have before.

So with that I invite you all to leave your life in God's hands. Trust in Him a little, that He has a plan for you and that He can see the big picture.  There are things in store better than you could have ever imagined!

 Love,
Sister Lundgreen
**A note from mom:  Sister Lundgreen's new companion is Sister Howsmon - a cute sister missionary from Colorado - and her new area is Augsburg, Bavaria... One of the oldest cities in Germany!  The largest city on the Romantic Road (and Bavaria's third largest), Augsburg was founded by the stepchildren of Roman emperor Augustus over 2000 years ago. As an independent city state from the 13th century, it was also one of its wealthiest, free to raise its own taxes, with public coffers bulging on the proceeds of the textile trade. Banking families such as the Fuggers and the Welsers even bankrolled entire countries and helped out the odd skint monarch.  Shaped by Romans, medieval artisans, bankers, traders and, more recently, industry and technology, this attractive city of spires and cobbles is an easy day trip from Munich..an engaging stop on the Romantic Road!

In her new area is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle!!  The real Disney Sleeping Beauty Castle!



Süßes oder Sauers!

Austria
HAPPY HALLOWEEN, folks!  I've heard the holiday isn't as big here, but hey, we'll check things out today anyway!

   Our week went basically something like this: For most of the days we spent hours at a time out streeting. And then came Friday. Despite the near-lack of appointments the whole rest of the week, the 28th was JAM-PACKED with an appointment every 2 hours on all opposite sides of town. When one of them started late (outside our control), it was like a domino effect. Needless to say there was much sprinting that day. ON THE PLUS SIDE, Sister Slack and I are improving so much with streeting. We are really starting to make it fun! Not only do we have some good conversations and occasionally meet people who have interest to learn more, but we get to discover the hidden gems of Vienna along the way. Example: We accidentally found a palace when trying to go to a park.



Notable notes:
- I had to figure out how to use my German to speak to the police at like 8:45 at night. ahhh
- We have this awesome new friend who is literally so nice that he bought a giant pizza for us all at game night, and even came with us to church on Sunday
- After talking about the Plan of Salvation we asked him to read 2 Nephi 2: 22-28.   Somehow there was a mix up and he instead read 2 Nephi 23 (an Isaiah chapter including the violent prophecy of the destruction of Babylon). *Facepalm
- We saw Vienna from the top of Stephansdom.
- I had a picture of a pirhana on my iPad. When some members' baby saw it, he pointed to the sharp-toothed fish and called it "Mama!!!" His mother was not too thrilled by that haha.
- We got to go to the Primary Halloween party. I want to be a kid again.
- I figured out my Ward Mission Leader Emmanuel is also friends with Erik whom I hiked across a reef at Chinaman's Hat with in Hawaii #smallworld
- I got an extra hour of sleep because of time change, which is not a thing in AZ
- Wednesday was Austria's Independence Day to celebrate when the Allies left.
- We visited the Manner chocolate factory. #nevergoingbacktoUSchocolate
- Before my mission, my sisters, mom and I would freak out over actors we recognized. I still do that... Just with church movies. *watching A Search for the Truth. Squints. Why does Wilford Woodruff look so familiar?  ...Imagining him with long hair, no shirt and a spray tan.... Points and shouts "THAT'S JACOB FROM THE TESTAMENTS!!!!!"  Companion raises an eyebrow.*
From the top of Stephansdom (St Stephen's Cathedral)




I am continuing on with the Apocrypha in my German study.  10 chapters into Judith, I think she is literally my favorite woman of the whole Bible. So the Jews are in a panic because the enemy has cut off their water supply, and soon they will be destroyed. Judith confronts the high priests and then after throwing down all her God-fearing wisdom, dolls herself up with all her fineries; and from then on pretty much every other verse describes how every man who sees her is just "enchanted" by her beauty and can't stop staring at her.  She convinces the awe-struck Israelite guards to open then gates and then she courageously marches with her maidens into enemy territory. And then my favorite verse: "Einer sagte zum andern: Wer kann dieses Volk verachten, das solche Frauen in seiner Mitte hat?"  Which I will ROUGHLY translate as, One of the enemy soldiers said to another, "Well SHOOOOT! Who can hate a people who have got ladies LIKE THIS ONE???!"
That's about as far as I got, but man am I excited for language study tomorrow.

In all seriousness, I invite you this week to really try to learn from your scripture study.  I was once promised that I would grow to love the scriptures, and that has definitely come true as I really try to use them as a resource for my own growth.  When they are no longer just a part of my daily checklist, when I actually read them to READ THEM, then can I see that there are some truly incredible stories written within.  There are stories of REAL PEOPLE, some of whom went through unimaginably difficult experiences but trusted in God and came out courageously in the end.  I hope I too can develop such faith.

Happy Halloween! Enjoy the trick or treating for me :)

Chestnuts Roasting

Austria

This week began with the Vreugdenhills, on the mist-blanketed top of Kalenberg.  We watched their little dog race ahead through the leaf-strewn path, and squinted over the edge of the mountain where the view of Vienna was devoured by white nothingness.  






We wore thick coats and gloves whilst we pointed at the villas of millionaires, explored the chapel built as a wedding gift to Empress Sissi, and stood reverently on the hill where Austria was dedicated.  The steaming bowl of soup (and not to mention the birthday cake!) was definitely welcome  afterwards. While home is hot as 97, it's been dipping down daily into the 40s here. 


I'll admit, this week flew by and I can't remember much to report. But along with getting caught in the rain, traveling around town giving stake conference invitations to those who haven't been to church in a while, and waiting 30 minutes for a guy who never showed up (#ithappensmorethanyouthink), here are some random   
Notable Notes: 
- We accidentally went to the U.N. when trying to find stake conference




- Chestnuts roasting on an open fire are a legit thing.  So are gingerbread cookies and Christmas lights in October! #canitbedecemberalready . 
- We had eating appointments with SEVEN MEMBER FAMILIES (and it was even actually supposed to be nine!).  Our ward is the best!  I love getting to know them.  Our conversations ranged everywhere from Christmas traditions to the low food supply during Depression/War times to phycological tricks like the Linker Method which help you remember long lists of random words.  
- Friday was exchange with Sister McClellan as well as Teodora's birthday dinner and YSA waffle night.  We agreed that that evening was the awkwardest of awkward, a comedy of mishaps, an utter social disaster.  But even despite the hour-late guest, the stolen food and all the absurdities in between, the night was salvaged when (after we got home) our sweet friend whom we had invited texted us saying that she had had a fun time and that she was grateful for us. Awwww!
- We ran into another friends on the subway TWICE this week.  We also ran into one of our members twice.  This city is so huge I don't know why it happens.
- Is there a third Divergent movie out or something because I thought I saw it out on DVD at the store.... I didn't even know they had so much as a PREVIEW out for that thing. Have I really been out that long?
- There were five sisters in the apartment on Saturday night. Ya know, spontaneous exchanges, like my third transfer.  'Twas fun.


- I have been getting nineties songs stuck in my head all week.  Don't ask me why, all I listen to is Christian Rock and EFY music.
- During language study I finished reading the German Old Testament's Book of Tobit.  I have been thoroughly entertained, and only slightly weirded out.
- We had an appointment where we talked about the Plan of Salvation, which is my favorite gospel topic.  I know it for sure helps ME understand this crazy world a little better!




Well this week we had stake conference, so all the members in this half of Austria had the chance to meet at the huge Austria Center Vienna.  The highlight for me was listening to a British member of the Seventy.  To loosely quote him: 
"You may be kind and they will be rude.  Be kind anyway.  You may be happy and they will be jealous. Be happy anyway.  You may be honest and they will cheat you.  Be honest anyway.  You may give your best and it will never be enough.  GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY."
I invite you this week to be your best self, to continue working hard and seeking Christlike-attributes no matter what the world throws back at you. You have so much potential, don't let it be squandered by those who try to tell you otherwise.
As he finished, "In the end it's between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway." 

Heartstrings

Austria
  
Oktober Fest

    I remember the first time I had ever heard of Vienna was in the song Vienna Waits for You.  I had always been charmed by the idea of the city; it sounded beautiful and classic in an artsy European sort of way, but I had hardly dreamed of ever seeing it.  When I was assigned to serve here, I was of course thrilled.  I had no idea why (to be honest I knew hardly anything about this capital of Austria) but Vienna was the one city I sincerely, sincerely hoped I would have the opportunity to serve in after being called to the Alpine Mission.



    
 Six months later, my heart is captured; I am head over heels.  I love Vienna, and the idea of leaving this place where I have fallen not only in love with the ward members but with the random people we speak to on the streets, the meshed cultures, the Greco-Victorian architecture, the crazy subway system, the Wienerisch dialect, the classic arts, the incredible war-torn history... It's hard.  I still have AT LEAST another three weeks before I leave here and already I am trying to brainstorm ways to return.




"Exotic" decor


     But that's the wonderful thing about a mission.  I knew before I left that there would be times that were hard.  And that is true.  But I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA how much my heart strings would be tugged by the people who's stories I would never have had the chance to hear otherwise.


Things that went down this week:

- lots and lots of streeting through random neighborhoods and leave-strewn parks

- a number of opportunities to meet up with the COOLEST young people
- a sports night and a game night (I played chess for the first time in my life)
-  a beautiful garden-side lunch with the Bishop's family (LOVE THEM)


-  a Pakistani buffet where we sat on the floor and talked about traveling Greece (among many other things)
- a stroll past the Opera and a three-story H&M in a Victorian venue
- a lot of backtracking and rerouting and running through the station to catch the subway and otherwise just having to completely scrap our original plan
- an AMAZING fireside featuring Susan R. Madsen

Too short.... Story of my life...


Vienna's mini Oktober Fest
     Confession time: I am not the best missionary out there (haha). I am a natural introvert, and speaking with strangers is definitely not made easier when clumsily using a new language.  It is not uncommon for me to, for example, chicken out when Sister Slack says I should talk to the person walking past, or for me to just absolutely wing it when a lesson doesn't go as planned.   Besides this, my brain is an disaster-of-an-attention-lacking mess, I still accidentally call people "dude" (what can I say, I lived in Hawaii!) and I got way too excited when I heard "Rolling in the Deep" at the store the other day. But I am learning so much.  I am learning better how to follow the Spirit.  I am learning better how to see people for more than just how they look on the outside.  I am learning about gratitude, about facing fears, about strengthening testimony, about other points of views on religion and even politics.  I am learning about myself!
     I absolutely loved listening to Susan R. Madsen because she really hit home with how we as women can really step it up and use our unique attributes to influence the world for good.  We need to get educated, she said, both in the university and in the doctrine of gospel, because that is the way to truly impact the generations ahead of us.  She also pleaded for us not to be silent nor to confuse "humility" with "low self-worth." This reminded me a little of the parable in Matthew 5:


14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Let us be strong.  Let us not think that are too small or insignificant to make a difference, but rather let us be a light to shine forth in the darkness around us.  Let us see ourselves as our Father sees us, and live up to that potential He has given.

Schöne Woche! Tschüss!

TWENTY

20th birthday


365 days ago I celebrated turning 19 by exploring the glitzy tropics of Waikiki.  With bare feet and sandy hair I asked Lexi if we could scout out the Cheesecake Factory and try the pumpkin flavor cheesecake, even if just to get a tiny taste of fall while living living on an island in the middle of the ocean.
Last year in Waikiki, Oahu on my 19th Birthday!
This year my breath crystallized and my boots crunched on cobblestone whilst I lost myself in the grandeur of Franz Joseph's glorified city. Truly there is nothing like autumn in Vienna, where the auburn trees provide contrast against the bright architecture.  With the rest of our district we tasted the famed Sache Torte Cake, entered the ancient Stephansdom and saw the city from upside down at Prater Amusement Park.  I couldn't have been happier for the inbox full of emails, the mailbox full of packages, or the cute hearts Sister Slack left all over my desk.  Missionaries treated me to blueberry pancakes and pumpkin muffins and later tonight we are meeting Baagii downtown!  Honestly, it's just crazy how much everything changes in a year.

There are some days as a missionary where you will be out in the chilled rain, your nose red, your fingers numb, with nothing to do other than just talk to anyone who will listen. After one finding session I was admittedly happy as we were turning the corner into our apartment complex, after all I was cold and tired. But I saw a guy walking quite a ways off and had a feeling that I should talk to him. "Nah," I told myself. "I'm already home." As Sister Slack started opening the door I felt again like we should keep walking to talking to him. "He probably wouldn't wanna listen anyway," I justified. Then as I walked into the building and she pushed the button for the elevator, I could feel it in my gut and it was like a voice shouting in my head, "YOU NEED TO TALK TO HIM!" "Sister Slack, come with me!" I said quickly. I am so grateful that we were given the extra courage to talk to just this one more person... Because we have since met with him, and he is amazing. To think if we had chosen to follow the desires of the "natural man" to just go home and kick our shoes off rather than follow the prompting... Wow.



Some other notable notes:

- On Thursday we taught the German class where we played the question game, and then later all the missionaries got together had a game night. We had a number of people we invited show up and it was such a blast for everyone!
- Sister Slack had the unfortunate mishap of standing under a bird whilst we were talking to a lady in the park...... I was really proud at how well she managed to keep her cool despite all the yuckiness that landed in her hair.
- We visited a Turkish mart, where hundreds of vendors lined up together on a street so packed that one could hardly move. My eyes could hardly absorb all the colors (of food, tapestries, and jewelry alike!) and the aroma of exotic spices hanging in the air was delicious! We bought a couple of things: Baklava, hummus, and this savoury pastry stuffed with feta and spinach.




- We celebrated Baagii's birthday! She is the BEST.  One day when I am an RM I will just return to Vienna and lay on her floor.
- European holiday milk drinks should be on your bucket list. The apple-cinnamon-caramel flavour literally tastes like the epitome of fall.  Also, the world can take a lesson from the Viennese fall fashion. They all look like they came from a magazine. One of the elders mentioned how happy was that it is acceptable for manly men to wear scarves here haha.
- We have gotten back in contact with 4 people whom I met with when I was a golden. So excited to see them again soon!


365 days ago I was a design student who spent her time studying, socializing and swimming with sea turtles. A year later I find myself, remarkably, speaking a foreign sprache with strangers on a subway. The most astounding thing about that concept is that 365 days from now I will no longer even be wearing a name badge.  Time kinda just has this weird way of going fast-slow, but I think if we try to live in the moment than we can truly find the greatest satisfaction.  I loved the talk this past General Conference about finding joy even despite all the difficulties.  As a missionary, yes rejection and homesickness can be hard.  But we missionaries also learn to take so much joy in the little things: an example for me, getting texts from people who said they have felt happiness since meeting with us. Being joyful doesn't necessarily mean that your life is easy, but that you are doing what you can to give your best in the moment.

Mosiah 2:41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Have a beautiful week!

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