Summer Abundance

We are well into summer and vine-ripened fruits and vegetables are in great abundance. 

Slovakia should be called the "garden state." It has fertile soil, an plethora of farmers, and perfect weather for growing crops. Everywhere we look there are backyard gardens, fruit tree orchards, and farm fields as far as the eye can see.

As the summer sun drapes the treetops the fruit is ripening and turning sweet. The fields along the roadways are full with dark green vegetables or golden grain crops. Every hectare of rural land appears utilized for growing food.

Most Slovaks are involved in growing some of their own food. With low wages and government handouts people subsidize their groceries with a garden. A home without a garden is unusual. 

Slovaks are proud of their well-manicured gardens. On our walks we see dozens of homeowners working in their gardens, bent over at the waist. Compost piles are very popular along with rain water basins. They love to show off their green thumbs.

One morning, we were walking by a neighborhood and admiring some plum trees. An older man who was working in his yard overheard us talking and popped his head up. We greeted him with "Dobry den" a Slovak greeting.

He invited us into his yard to show us his garden. We walked under an awning of white grapes and back to his small orchard of fruit trees. He pointed to a peach tree and motioned for us to take one, wow it was delicious. His flowers were amazing too. I noticed a few of his garden tools leaning next to the shed. Don't you love the twig brooms?

The Slovakia soil, weather and moisture are ideal to be a successful gardener. The plants literally grow themselves. The rain seems to soak the soil just enough and we never see water sprinklers or signs of drought.

This month we see the branches heavy with fruit bending down begging to be picked. 

Even along rural country roads we see hundreds of fruit trees growing wild.

Yesterday, we stopped and picked yellow and red plums and apples miles from any houses. We were told these fruit trees were planted decades ago along the path for people walking to town or out in the fields.

The outdoor farmer markets are very popular along with dozens of stores that offer only vegetables and fruits. Everything is weighed by kilos and priced with euros so we rarely know what the cost is per pound.

This is peak season, so many choices for fresh grown produce. I am particularly fond of the red ripe tomatoes. I love tomato sandwiches with mayonnaise on soft bread and sprinkle with salt. We both love them. It tastes like summer.

This simple child's song comes to mind when I see the bounty of God's goodness growing in Slovakia.

Thank thee for the world so sweet;
Thank thee for the food we eat;
Thank thee for the birds that sing;
Thank thee, God, for everything!

Disabled Facility Gets New Weaving Looms

Weaving is a form of creativity for people with physical disabilities. The Egidus organization requested three weaving looms to provide self and group activities for nearly 100 disabled persons. 

Many clients are in wheelchairs and others barely able to function. The plan is to improve attention span, motor skills, thought stimulation, group cooperation, and hand weave colorful rugs. The loom company has agreed to provide needed training on the new looms.

This man was very enthusiastic and eager to show off his hand made loom where the pegs adjust. He works at a snail's pace but gets excited every time he makes a loop.  

The materials for the looms would include textiles such as yarn, threads, old t-shirts, and other materials. There are textile companies in nearby towns, who could provide scrap fabric for use on the looms. 

There are clients who enjoy cutting the t-shirts into strips, others enjoy using their fingers and hands for activities like tying pieces together and tying the tassels.

The facility produces many hand made crafts and art textiles. They sell items like rugs, place mats, handbags, etc. in local craft fairs and community events, the funds reinvest more materials for the looms and art crafts.

A closing ceremony involved a multi-agency special Olympic sports day of over 100 disabled persons participating in simple challenges.

They recognized and honored LDS Charities for the looms and our visits. Elder Schultz was honored with placing a "Olympic" medal around each participants neck and congratulating them.

Hygiene Service Project

LDS Charities has approved a project that will produce 1,000 hygiene kits for the Roma children in Slovakia and Hungary.

We are grateful the European Regional YSA Conference has partnered with LDS Charities to assemble these hygiene kits. Conference attendees have been asked to donate hygiene kits items as a way to give to those less fortunate. The single adults came from several countries, Poland, Czech, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Germany, and Romania. The single adults joined together assembling the kits as a service project workshop. It was wonderful to see so many volunteers working together in a group effort.

Anzhelika, a young Polish female shared being involved with the project was an amazing feeling. She said, "Behind every kit is some story and there is some huge hopes." She feels there are two sides to this project, to be more grateful for what she has and to provide simple things for people who really need it. She believes it can strengthen our faith, help us to serve, and it can bless other people's lives.

Tomás, a 21 year old, Hungarian admitted he didn't come for the spiritual side of the conference but rather the social interaction. He knew he could help others by being himself. While he was putting together the kits he said he had a vision of the image of the woman who touched Christ's garment and Jesus felt something leave him. (Mark 5:27-34) He imagined himself like that situation. Tomás said, "I am really grateful I can help people who are less fortunate. By these kind acts that are really meaningful they draw me closer to the Savior and to God."

The Hygiene kits will support children striving to improve their hygiene habits. Items like soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and tissues can be used by children at home. Teaching children new habits not practiced at home will be difficult, but it is the best hope for their future. What is taught now may help better hygiene habits and improve health.

The opportunity to provide hygiene kits is a small help in the tough world of Roma communities. Seeing their living conditions is sad and depressing as most never get ahead in life and live in poverty through adulthood. We have learned many teenagers drop out of school because they believe no jobs are available to them. Living in a ghetto environment is like a “disease” that can be difficult to escape. We can reach out with a little help to improve children’s health and hygiene.

Deuteronomy 15:11, "Open your hand wide to thy brother, to the poor, and to thy needy in the land."

Senior Community Service

Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It is the way in which we ourselves grow and develop. 

A village doctor in a poor farming area organized an elderly care center after recognizing the many elderly are dying off due to isolation, inactivity, and sedentary habits. Most elderly are poor, suffer physical limitations, and lack family connections. The doctor rents a large room in the village office building for senior folk to gather and socialize. In the care center, activities are organized to keep the elderly active with finger dexterity, cognitive and memory, and other social skills which improve health. 

The NGO (non-government organization) is involved with elder care facilities in three Eastern Slovakia villages. The goal is to actively engage elderly clients with physical and creative activities to improve their quality of life and overcome depression, loneliness, and health issues due to being sedentary.

These crafts will provide physical and cognitive activities for persons suffering from multiple physical and mental illnesses.

LDS Charities provided a sewing machine, a knitting machine, skeins of yarn, and various other craft materials to the center. 

The seniors will knit clothes to donate to the local hospital for newborn and preemie babies.

Other supplies will be used to create sell-able items sold at booths and shops. The profit from the sale will purchase additional items needed to replenish the supplies.

A closing ceremony was filled with food and joy as these elderly shuffled into a room to thank LDS Charities for the donated items.

The village mayor stood and spoke of his gratefulness and thanked us abundantly for bringing life back into the center.

As Bonnie L. Oscarson observed, "There is no age barrier when it comes to Christ-like service."

48 Hours in Prague

Prague is often referred to as the city with a 100 spires. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.  

This week we traveled to Prague for our bi-annual senior conference. An opportunity to be taught from our mission president and learn from other senior couples serving in the same mission. There are three new couples who recently arrived. One couple arrived just last Saturday.

We are growing! A year ago there were only four sister badges.

Our conference began at the mission home with a delicious traditional summer meal prepared by Sister Pohořelická. Meat and vegetables on a stick, fried breaded cauliflower, and green salad.

We enjoyed the company of couples native to Czech Republic, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the United States. 

Each companionship presented a brief introduction and their mission assignment.

In the Czech Slovak mission, we are blessed with diverse and experienced individuals who have overcome many difficult trials and challenges who are willing to leave their home and family to serve the Lord.

As a group, we traveled the underground subway and walked through the streets of historic old town Prague. We climbed steep stairs to the top of Klementinum tower to find fantastic views. 

Prague is gorgeous. It is well preserved and steeped in history, culture, and charm. We are always happy for a return trip. It's no wonder it is called the European Jewel.

When you walk, don't forget to look up. There are so many  amazing detailed architecture buildings everywhere you go. Can you spot any iconic sites or landmarks? 

We are off to the chocolate making tour at the Choco-Story chocolate museum in old town.

Where a choclatier demonstrated how to work with chocolate and then turned us loose to create our own custom bars. One thing is certain, we are loving some dark chocolate.