Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Welcome Home Sacrament Talk


We have completed our 18 month humanitarian mission in Slovakia.



Greg and I arrived home Monday from an humanitarian mission in the great country of Slovakia. I know, I had to look it up too. Most Americans know very little about Slovakia. Until 1993, it was known as Czechoslovakia, when it divided from Czech Republic and became its own Republic. Slovakia boasts the title for being the geographic center of Europe.

There’s so much to say and so little time. EVERY DAY for 553 days, I posted a daily photo on social media and 83 WEEKS I wrote about our mission experiences on our mission blog. I loved knowing you were there and following the past 18 months. Your name popped up as you liked and commented. Truthfully, this alone brought more comfort and encouragement than you’ll ever know.

I want you to know, I think you all should prepare to serve missions and feel the love of the Savior through missionary service. The church really needs you and your talents. I know Slovakia could use about ten more senior couples.

In the beginning, I was comparing my experience with other senior missionaries in different missions. I’ve since repented and accepted to understand we are called to serve in the place of the Savior. We are His hands where He can’t lift. He sends senior missionaries with talents and life experiences to bless the lives of others all around the world. And in return, we are strengthened, uplifted, and blessed. The Lord puts us where we are needed most. There are thousands of people to influence and love. I know in Slovakia, church members are extremely grateful for your experience and example. They feel your spirit. They’ll say “you have a light about you that no one else has.”

But all didn’t go well, there were some challenges. Mine came in the form of isolation and self-pity. I encountered few people to speak English to.

In Ether 12:27 it says, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

One thing, I’ve been keenly aware of, is that the Lord knows and loves us. And because of his love He gives us experiences that help us grow and strengthen us IF we exercise faith, dig deep, work hard, and endure.

When we arrived to the mission we were the fourth senior couple in the whole mission. We were six hours train ride from the nearest couple. The others were in Prague, a ten hour train ride. Our branch was so tiny with the congregation of eight missionaries and a small handful of members. Relief Society consisted of five sisters, me, two junior sister missionaries, and two Slovak women who knew little to no English, and no Relief Society president. During church meetings, a missionary would sit behind us and whisper translations into our ears. We opened our meetings with Slovak hymns, and Slovak prayers. The sacrament was blessed in Slovak. Every talk and lesson we taught was translated from English into Slovak and this occurred about every third week. Sometimes both in the same day. For me, it was very difficult to acclimate to our tiny branch and follow along with the aid of a translator. Any comment I made was translated. I would say a sentence then wait until it was translated and then say more. It takes a lot of concentration to keep track of what I was trying to convey. Sometimes the translator didn’t know how to translate complex ideas and some things don’t translate well. It takes months to get accustomed to this new lifestyle.

We lived in Eastern Slovakia where English is spoken by so few people, or at least they say they don’t speak English. Although, English is taught in the schools, and we were led to believe that everyone under the age of 30 spoke English, we quickly learned that that just isn’t so. And no one was impressed by our English.

During the week, I went out into the shops and when I couldn’t find something or if I needed to ask questions I found someone and said, “I speak English”, and they would wave me away. Nie nie nie. So I slowly learned how to overcome this. I got creative playing charades, making gestures, and using google translate. Using fewer words and speaking slower was also helpful.

It wasn’t long before I felt isolated, alone, and frustrated. I didn’t have anyone to talk English to. My lifestyle of talking to people and making small talk with people was nil. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t find English speakers to talk to. I spent many quiet hours in Prešov, at church, and around the mission. I felt all alone in Slovakia.

I knew serving a mission was hard, but not this hard. I experienced some very difficult days. I was in a slump and I knew it. This is not who I am. I am a very passionate person full of love and life. I had to dig deep to find my purpose and overcome this weakness. I had to evaluate the reasons I was serving a mission in the first place. I had to recognize the Lord blessings in my life. I had to endure hard things and not give up.

On a Personal Day, one young sister missionary introduced me to “blueprint”, a blue and white folklore fabric used in traditional costumes, she was so excited and wanted some for herself. I bought two meters hoping to make skirts or aprons for my granddaughters. Over the next few months, I learned how important blueprint is to Slovakia. I found a fabric shop and bought several meters of material. I also bought ribbons and lace from another shop owner. My plan was to ship supplies home so I could sew clothing for myself and family members when I returned home.

And this is the turning point of my experience. The Holy Ghost directed me to action. I remembered the sister missionary and wanted to make her an apron before she transferred out of our area. I acquired a sewing machine and cut up traditional fabric. I began to sew. First for her and then for past missionaries who had returned home. I made more and more aprons, giving them to the young sisters who served in Slovakia before they returned home. Then I found myself giving them as gifts to our Slovak contacts whom we have come to love and appreciate. I gave them to the women of the Košice branch. I loved these aprons. Overall, I made and gave away about 40 aprons.

It wasn’t long before I made skirts to wear to church. And then skirts for the sisters in our branch. I’ll never forget the excitement of the recipients who received skirts or aprons as gifts from the heart that incorporated the folklore traditions of their beloved country.

It wasn’t long before the Elders took notice. They hinted that a tie made from Slovak material would be so awesome. It was a hard sell because I wanted only something for the sisters. And reluctantly, I agreed to make ties. I knew if I made one I had to make all the current missionaries one. A few months ago, at one of our last district conferences, we showed up with aprons and ties for all the missionaries in Slovakia who hadn’t received one yet.

I learned to overcome struggles and weaknesses because I lost myself in service. I learned one of the best way to overcome weakness is to lose yourself in service. There are so many ways I could have dealt with this trial. I could have brewed on self-pity and spiraled down into despair and depression. I could have wanted to come home early. I could have thought “why me?” But instead, I prayed sincerely to overcome, I listened, and waited to be led by the spirit. I had to look outward and never give up. I had to work hard and endure to the end.

President Henry B. Eyring said, “Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior.”

Your weaknesses will be different than mine, but the solution is found in stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

There’s a side story developing. It’s amazing how everything we do is intertwined with something else. I never knew how wonderful women really are.

With all this sewing going on, I needed materials. As I mentioned, I bought ribbon from a shop owner run by a couple. The shop owner’s name is Maria. I’ve been buying a ton of ribbon from her since last winter. She didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Slovak. I would shop by pointing at ribbons and meter sticks. This went on for several months. And again, the Holy Ghost prompted me, one day it occurred to me that she probably is wondering what the heck this American is doing with all this folklore ribbon and such. I gathered up some of the aprons and walked to her shop. She was so excited to see traditional fabrics sewn together with her ribbons. What happened next was amazing.



While I was in her shop she would tell her customers about me and my projects. We found ways to communicate with google translate. On occasions, I brought translators with me. We both struggled to understand spoken words, but the spirit of love ran deep between us. Being a true Slovak woman, she opened her heart to me. She gave generously and openly. We spent an evening with her and her husband at a favorite Slovak restaurant. She was interested in me as a missionary which led her to become interested in the church. She received a Book of Mormon. She told the missionaries to come visit with her frequently and often. She invited us to Christmas dinner. And invited us stay in her home during our return visit to Slovakia. She shed tears when I gave her an apron or said goodbye for the last time. Maria has shown me the genuine heart of a Slovak woman.
Brothers and Sisters, I am thankful for all the wonderful people, the tremendous experiences, and the beautiful country of Slovakia. I didn’t want to leave except for the fact that I missed my family and English so much.

Before we left Las Vegas we were asked to provide our favorite scripture. We choose D&C 110:12, “Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God will lead thee by the hand, and give thee answers to your prayer.”

As missionaries this scripture came alive as I learned to love and appreciate the hardships I uncovered in Slovakia. The Lord has prompted us to contact organizations, or show up in certain places. He comforted me when I felt isolated or lonely. He answered prayers to protect and watch over my children. He guided my thoughts while I taught Sunday lessons. He produced a sewing machine so I could lose myself in service when I felt alone. He guided me to specific shops or people who have befriended me who looked forward to friendly gestures and exchanges. He guided my thoughts for this talk.



The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same all over the world. It doesn’t matter where you are taught the gospel or where you are baptized. Missionaries who come from Ohio, Australia, Canada, or Czech Republic, share the same message and teach from the same scriptures. They teach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are prompted and led by the gift of the Holy Ghost. Their simple message is one of hope and love. Jesus Christ lived and died for our sins because He loves us unconditionally and God the Father sent Him. He is our redeemer and Savior. We can repent and feel peace and comfort in our lives. God hears and answers prayers. He stands ready to bless us if we seek after him. We are blessed and happy because we choose to follow His plan and keep His commandments. This is my testimony, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be healed from our sins and break the bonds of sin. We can find true happiness in this life by following God’s plan for us.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Hope for Roma Students

LDS Charities is providing educational materials for multiple Roma villages to increase the literacy rate.

Our NGO advised us that many Roma children are slow academic learners and most drop out of school by the 6th grade.
This problem leads to rampant teenage pregnancy, ninety-percent unemployment, and lack of hope. This housing is part of Lunik IVX in Košice and is considered the largest and worst Roma settlement in Slovakia.
The NGO, EPT, has researched tools that help improve the study habits of slow learners and discovered the Feuerstein Institute. The method helps students improve how they learn in an organized structured way.

The tools to combat this problem requires special worksheets and teaching aids. These teaching aids have been approved by John Hopkins University. 

Our NGO serves six Roma villages including the largest in Slovakia with over 5000 and half are young children.

Social workers operate in village community centers and has already been using this program for the four and five year old’s with high success rates. The plan is to now expand to students six through thirteen years with a promising goal of Roma youth graduating high school.

LDS Charities is excited to be partnered with this project.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

It Has It's Ups and Downs

LDS Charities is providing hope for disabled adults in Košice.

We have been involved with the Detsky Klub since we arrived to Slovakia.

LDS Charities will co-fund a lift which needs to be replaced in a facility for the disabled.
The center is for severely disabled persons, both physically and mentally, and many confined to wheelchairs. The three story building has a small elevator to lift disabled adults up and down to therapy sessions, exercise equipment, and group activity centers. The daily schedule is busy and clients are involved in worthwhile activities designed to help their disability.

A few years ago, President Uchtdorf came for a visit. He was impressed by the staff and clients who strive to improve physical and mental abilities.

The old elevator is worn out and stops without notice. It is tiny and holds only one wheelchair. The disabled client is trapped and sits alone in the dark. They holler and bang on the wall for someone to come to rescue them.
A maintenance person will climb through the attic and get the elevator to move. Some of the clients have been trapped for over 45 minutes and others report they've been trapped 20 times this month.


The elevator was built and installed by a Russian company no longer in business. The needed parts are obsolete and unavailable. The NGO raised the majority of the needed funds and asked LDS Charities to help contribute to the balance. Although a work contract has been signed, there is a delay before the work will begin. The clients and staff are eager for Spring when the new elevator will be installed. 

Our humanitarian replacement couple will have the opportunity to ensure the measurable outcome has been achieved before the project closes.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Bonjour from Paris

Ahhh! Paris! What is it about the French capital that attracts so many tourists? We set out to discover some possibilities in our brief visit. Below is our short list of top adventures every tourist in Paris should experience.
1. Buy French pastries from a patisserie.
2. Be impressed by the massive Arc de Triomphe.
3. Spot an charming Parisian flower pot bicycle.
4. Observe the local delicacies.





5. Cruise the Seine River on the sun deck.

6. Eat Nutella crepes from street vendors.
7. Climb inside the Eiffel Tower.
8. Write postcards to granddaughters.
9. People-watch atop an open-air tour bus.
10. Watch artisans at the Notre Dame.

11. Arrive shortly before closing at "Chateau of Versailles".
12. Stroll along cobblestone alleys with Parisians.
13. Buy lunch at the local delicatessen.
14. Browse book sellers on Seine River.
15. Notice modern pyramid at world famous Louvre art museum.


16. Honor the French for Lady Liberty.
17. Peer out hotel balcony window.

 ... and last but not least! 

18. Be seen wearing  berets at the Eiffel Tower. 

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Bonjour from Versailles, France


Bonjour! We enjoyed our three day Europe area humanitarian missionary conference in Versailles, France.

LDS Charities is the humanitarian arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As humanitarian missionaries we help relieve the suffering among the poor and needy around the world. We are stewards over donated funds and exercise prudence to help people become self-reliant. The purpose of the conference was to share ideas and experiences with one another to improve the service and sustainability of projects. Some couples serve in Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Cape Verde, and other poor European counties. (see name tags above)
President Russell M. Nelson said, "Measures of relief are at best temporary ... All needed things cannot be achieved by goods or gold. To care fully for the poor, we must help the poor to change." 

After training sessions, we visited places of personal pilgrimage and great historical interest to the group.



The LDS "Temple de Paris France" is located in Versailles. The interior is beautifully decorated with stain glass from the Holdman Studios. Blue flowers native to France, mainly lilies and cornflowers, are predominate in the glass work. This masterpiece of the Savior stands at the entry to the visitor center.

We took a day tour to the Chateau de Versailles. No photo can capture the grandeur of this grand palace or famous manicured gardens. France is known for rainy days and we experienced that using our umbrellas. 




Once home to kings and queens, it is arguably the most extravagant and elegant palace in France.