We wanted to take a weekend trip along the Moselle River because we heard it was a beautiful drive from the Lear's. We invited the Johnson's (Kay and Gary) to join us and they invited the Done's so we told the Done's to invite another couple to join them so we would fill two cars. They invited the Yost's. We had a ball. We work hard during the week so on the weekends we look so forward to getting away and it usually is with friends we've made here in the mission. Although, I can honestly say, it would be wonderful to travel with ANY of these wonderful couples we've met here. They are all so wonderful and we've made some of our best friends and fondest memories with these wonderful people.
This picture is along the Moselle River - it is a river that is a tributary of the Rhine and joins at Koblenz. The Moselle twists and turns it's way between Trier and Koblenz along one of Germany's most beautiful river valley. The hillsides are terraced with vineyards and castles dot the tops of hills all along the beautiful landscape.
Kay Johnson (works in Public Relations) and is from Southern California. We have become good friends. She's been here about 5 months.
Our traveling group....look at the vineyards on the hill behind them
Kay being funny with Tony....this is in Koblenz
Kay, Pamela Done (going home in one week) and Suzie and Fred Yost (IFR - infield rep. - he is the person that Mission presidents go to before a problem is turned over to SLC headquarters.
We're having such a good time! Love these cobblestone streets
I feel like we climbed a mountain!
The Moselle River - just lovely.....fall is just starting
I will never get used to all the flowers ! Most of them are creeping geraniums
We hiked up to the castle where you can see the Moselle River below.....spectacular view!
Bagonias
Stephen Done, Tony being "squished" by Fred Yost and Gary Johnson (funny guys!)
I just love all the flowers!
Cute picture of Elder and Sister Done.....I love her smile!
Oh we have fun together!
The largest bathing complex outside Rome was built in Trier in the 2nd century AD. A luxurious bathing facility extended over an area equivalent to six football fields. Rooms with various heated pools, generously proportioned courtyards and rooms for sport, body care, exercies and distractions made the baths into a cultural center within the Roman City of Trier. This picture below is the exposed part of the plot where the baths once were.
Home of Karl Marx - founder of Marxism (communism)
They say that everybody has a twin......we found Suzie Yost's twin in Trier! We saw this lady and couldn't believe how much they looked a like!
Me, Sister Johnson and Sister Yost
Pamela Done (who is leaving next week for home) loved trying on hats
Another beautiful church in Germany
Look closely at this picture and see Tony and Elder Yost (Fred) waving. This is Porta Nigra which is a large Roman City Gate in Trier. It is the largest city gate north of the Alps. It was built in the middle ages.
Sister Yost and Sister Johnson
The vineyards are everywhere and so beautifully covering all the hills and mountains
Roman Amphitheater in Trier for Gladiator contests in the 2nd Century AD
We were able to get downstairs below the amphitheater to see where they held the animals, slaves, horses, etc.
Our little tour group traveling with us today. Done's, Johnson's, Yost's and Goodall's
Elder and Sister Yost have quickly become dear friends, originally from Idaho, now live in Alpine Utah.
Sister Done (Dr.s wife) and Sister Johnson (she and her husband Gary are over church public affairs)
I think I've made Elder Done a few too many chocolate chip cookies!
I am still amazed at the flowers EVERYWHERE!
American WWII Cemetery and Memorial - this cemetery is the resting place for 5,076 American Military members. Most of whom last their lives in the Battle of the Bulge let by General Patton. It is a humbling experience to walk thru these hallowed grounds.
As you enter the cemetery you first see a huge stoned chapel. On the one side of the chapel you sill see the inscriptions of the the accomplishment of the American Armed forces in the region. On the other side, are the names listed of 371 still missing.
General George Patton's grave. He was buried here but did not die in the battle of the bulge but instead in a car accident just prior to his return home from the war. He had requested to be buried with his troops. General Patton is regarded as one the greatest General's in US history.
You can't help but get a feeling gratitude for what these brave souls did at the invasion of Normandy.
I could not help but take notice of the Jewish grave stones. Many Jews battled to stop Hitler and they are marked with the Star of David headstone. Notice the "rocks" placed on top of this headstone which is traditionally what they do because they feel laying flowers is somewhat of a pagan custom. The stones have a special character in Judaism. In the bible, an alter is no more than a pile of stones, but it is an alter that one offers to God. The most sacred shrine in Judaism, after all, is a pile of stones, the Western Wall.
This was the first time I had seen an American flag since leaving America over 14 months ago. I was surprised at my reaction. It was flying at half staff for the Senator John McCain who had just past away. We were lucky to be here as they lowered the flag and played our National Anthem from the large bell tower. It actually brought tears to my eyes. There is just no place on earth like America.
Luxemburg
And, once again....we come to the end of a wonderful weekend and back to work on Monday. The weeks have passed by so quickly. I suppose that is because we are so busy. We have three months left and we will be home again. Changed, having learned more and met new friends and have become better people because of our experiences we have had here which have given us a better perspective for our own lives and what is really important in life. Things are not important, people are important, God is important and family is important. So grateful for the experiences and changes we have been able to make in our own lives. Forever changed for the better.
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