Happenings at the President Uchdorf Fireside in Darmstadt, Germany:
...Elder Hogan got in and grabbed our seats and then mingled with everyone that was there. We were able to see a lot of other missionaries with their investigators and it was really fun. We saw the Hasenstabs come in with Briguette right by their side. We greeted them and then waited outside for Peter. As we waited outside we saw a black van pull up. Elder Hogan and I started creeping our way over to the van to see who was inside. The driver door opened and we saw it was a just a member of the area presidency. Elder Hogan and I both looked at each other and just shrugged our shoulders and said, "Oh well..."
Then we saw the passenger doors open up. The first thing we saw was a head of silver hair getting out of the car. Sure enough it was him! As he got out of the car we was greeted by primary children who had brought him candy and chocolate. Elder Hogan and I looked at each other and started creeping our way towards the van. As we walked down he made eye contact with Elder Hogan and said, "Hallo Elder" and reached out his hand. Elder Hogan shook hands with him. Then President Uchtdorf made eye contact with me nodding and said, "Elder" while sticking out his hand. My heart pounding and hand shaking I reached forward and met a powerful handshake. Oh my gosh it was so cool! He then turned and hurried inside the door.
The meeting soon began and Elder Hogan and I took our seats. The meeting was amazing! President Uchtdorf bore powerful testimony of never being ashamed to be a disciple of Christ. He kept saying that wherever you are in life, is the best part! He said over and over during the meeting, "I know this work is true! I know this is the church of God!" It was awesome being able to hear him speak German. So great. After the meeting he asked everyone to stick around so he could greet people. (You see he was the Stake President here in Darmstadt many years ago, so many people there last night he knew personally.) I was able to shake his hand once again and he held onto my bicep for support for a few seconds.
