Trip to Bad Elstern

(This lake was the view from our room on our trip)

Well, we've been here two whole weeks. It sometimes seems like minutes and other times like years!! I just realized that I have taken pictures of the house across the street from us, our backyard trees, and many other houses, but not one of our own. I'll make that a priority tomorrow.

I just need to tell you a bit about our trip to Bad Elstern this past weekend. We traveled with another FH (family history) missionary couple in a crazy "van," and my introduction to the autobahn was pretty wild. We were never going past 80 mph, but we were being passed constantly by people going at least 120 or more. Once 40 years ago I was in a Porsche that went way faster--I think he hit 150--but I'll never do that again! Our van was shaped like a UPS truck only much smaller. I need to take a picture of that, too. I have much to learn about memories.

Anyhow, the other couple are Elder and Sister Howlett from Columbus, Ohio. They are wonderful. We have much in common, and the trip was delightful. They also work in the office with us, along with Elder and Sister Call (cousins to Katie's mom).

The reason for the trip was to attend a genealogical "conference" put on by the German Genealogical Society. It was primarily a selling point for companies who had hardware and software to sell that deals with genealogy, but it was interesting. Like I said in an email to someone, our job was to just observe and learn. The conference was held at a fancy "spa-type" place. They had various buildings vying for the sickly to come and use their pools and eat their food. Quite a luxurious place.

The area around the spa

It's nearly time for our class, and I need to study for awhile. Life is good. Elder Oaks executive secretary, Elder Adams, said just what Pres. Cook said in my setting apart, that we will have to be dragged from here when our time is up, so it must be true!!!