One Mattress at a Time

Upon meeting the Salvation Army Director in Opava, Czech Republic we quickly learned their Shelter is based on expecting service and helping the homeless become self-reliant.

We learned 85% of the homeless people have outside employment (Part-time jobs) or an assigned chore at the shelter.

This was an excellent NGO that had high expectations for work, cleanliness, and attitude for the clients and we found the facility cleaner than many city motels. Salvation Army also offers social services and counseling and employment assistance to get people back on their feet.

The director was requesting twenty new mattresses for the women’s shelter along with waterproof covers for long lasting protection. The women & children’s shelter is in a separate three story building with a capacity for forty.

Multiple women or families were observed living together in several rooms. Women are expected to care for their children and keep rooms and living areas clean and tidy.

An outside playground was donated by another charity for the children to play on and children were expected to follow rules of good behavior.

The older mattresses were soiled and worn and had no covers on them and the new ones are more hygienic, easy to clean, and longer lasting. The Director stated he was very appreciative for the assistance of LDS Charities.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

We decided to spend our P-Day (personal day) in Tatry Mountains and the snow. Here how it went. 

Arriving in Starý Smokovec in Tatry mountains.

Grand Hotel in Starý Smokovec. 

Funicular ride to Hrebienok.

  We were greeted by the mighty grizzly bear.

Souvenirs, wood carvings, and sled rentals.

Tatry Ice Masters 2017.

Inside the Igloo, a snow palace.

Hummingbird and flower.

Sledding hill for families

more sledding.

They skied by.

Fresh powder.

First snow angel without gloves. BRRR!

Right here I made an angel of myself

and here.

A grate for the sidewalks.

more ice sculptures

so awesome

hands

frozen mosquito

Some snow princess looking for for her prince.

Found him!

 View from our lunch table.

 Time for some hot cabbage soup.

 Off to see the giant waterfall.

 Nordic ski trails.

 Walking in a winter wonderland.

 Spectacular views.

 The path is covered in fresh snow.

 The trees are beyond gorgeous.

 This fur hat was my mother's, she bought it in Russia 30 years ago. Now it keeps me warm.

 What a view! The snow is pretty too.

 Gotta capture the signs.

 The frozen "giant waterfall."

Watch out! Just about got plowed over on the bridge.

 Unflavored snow cone anyone?

 I can't resist the fun.

I learned it from my daughter.

 We need to get back.

 Over the river and through the woods.

 For my sign family.

 Blaze your own path.

 The road less traveled.

 White frost in my hair due to the snow sticking to it and the -7 degree Celsius temperature. My hair was frozen in place.

 Down the pedestrian path.

 Greg regrets not renting one of these for his return trip.

 Me too.

 The sunset in the west. 

The funicular.

Icicles on the restaurant.

The best snow day ever!