Update on Joseph

We got our weekly email from Joseph early this morning and he is doing so great. He got transferred last week from Zwickau to Forst. From what he says, Forst is a tiny town and they bike a lot. It's good for him :) 

He loves Germany and loves being a missionary. I just wanted to put a little snipet of his email on here. 

  "I love all of the people here that we get to serve. Sometimes it is hard to see the people that you love so much deny something that we know will make them so happy. Imagine that it was the birthday of someone you really love: a good friend, parent, child, etc. You thought really hard about what to give them for their birthday and the gift that you thought of was perfect for that person. That gift was going to make them happier than any other gift that anyone else could give them. Then on their birthday, you give them that gift. However, they give it back to you and say that they don't want it, or that they don't need it. That is a little bit how it feels being on a mission sometimes. However, the times where you meet with people like L, or like the times with S back in Zwickau make up for those harder times. Just like all of the missionaries say, it is worth it! I encourage you all to do your own missionary work. I have not found anything that has brought me quite as much joy as sharing the gospel with others. I know that as we share our joy with other people that we will be blessed with an increased measure of joy. Thank you Grandpa Hansen for teaching me that! I guess I just had to experience it to know that it is true!"

 I think that it is so great when he puts these little bits of advice in. He also sent me an email and told me good luck with Meg leaving. He assured me that missions are great, and that it's ok to be sad that friends and family leave, but to remember to be happy because missions bring joy to so many people. I am so grateful for Joseph. He is awesome, and we are happy that he is loving his mission!