tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22773468612064902692024-03-13T04:34:24.424-07:00Nielson Poland Warsaw Mission BlogPresident Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18214430513367035541noreply@blogger.comBlogger757125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-74033374586257761092013-06-30T23:01:00.000-07:002013-07-07T09:55:58.255-07:00Getting to Vegas...June 29, 2013. (7:45pm)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We arrived at the Chopin International Airport in Warsaw at 9:00am. We quickly went through check-in and security. While we were in line, we met a great family in that was going to San Diego, Las Vegas and Temple Square (Salt Lake City). We had our assistants (Elders Zelezniak and Raines) bring us a copy of the Book of Mormon and gave it to them. When they get to Las Vegas they are supposed to call us. We'll keep you posted... We boarded the plane and got ready for the 14 hours of flight to Las Vegas. (Andrzej, Elder and Sister Hutchinson, Elders Zelezniak and Raines.)<br />
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Landing in Las Vegas, we were met with 116 F weather. As we were waiting for our bags at the baggage claim, family members had gathered outside of Customs to greet us.</div>
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As we were about to leave the Customs area, one of the workers said, "You must be the missionaries everyone is waiting for". I was surprised by the group that had gathered....<br />
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President was right behind me. <br />
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As I was met by granddaughters and nieces, I couldn't wait to give them all big hugs.</div>
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Our great family members who had come to welcome us back home.<br />
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We had a chance to finally hold new grandchildren who had joined the family since we have been gone. Meet Bode (5 months) and Cooper (4 months). We then went to the Stake Center where we were met by Ward and Stake members and former missionaries. It was a great evening...even though we were exhausted.<br />
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We got to our home around 11:00pm, and found that our grandkids had made something special for us and taped it to our garage door. <br />
The next day we attended church where President Nielson and I spoke.<br />
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A highlight of the meeting was when this great group of about 50 former Poland Warsaw Missionaries sang. The song was outstanding (Thank you, Elder Myler!) and brought tears to our eyes. We are very proud of these 'sons and daughters' of ours. (B/S McGrath, B/S Braithwait, Spears, McAdams, Steadman, Bezdjian, Brown, Jones, Ellis, Folsom, Stay, Sheets, Marshall, Fenn, Garcia, Sheahan, Petersen, Forsey, Ostler, B/S Harbor, Briggs, B/S Richards, B/S Jensen. Middle row- Smith, Dabrowski, Rogers, Smith, Murphey, Darowski, Marsing, Hillyard, Klosowiak, Waits, Johnson, Hulme. Top row- Lundin, Tribe, Curtis, Buckner, Tanner, Jensen, Kennedy, Myler, B/S Garrett)<br />
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Speaking of sons and daughters, we were able to take a <em>new </em>family photo with our children and grandchildren. We love and appreciate all they did for us while we were gone. We couldn't have served without their support.<em> </em>They took care of each other. WE LOVE YOU, and thank you for all you did!<br />
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President Nielson and me with our 11 grandchildren. A precious group! There is a saying in the church...."If you love them, leave them." I know that God blessed our family as we were serving our missions.<br />
We loved every minute in Poland. We have eternal friendships with so many members and our missionaries. Some may think leaving your family and home for three years would be difficult or a sacrifice. We found that the Lord blessed us far more than we could have ever imagined. Our mission will be one of the highlights of our lives. We are so grateful to the many wonderful people who prayed for us, wrote us, supported us, thought about us and most important blessed our lives by their examples and testimonies. We have experienced the mighty change of heart. This Church is true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on the earth today. The keys of the Priesthood of God are found in this Church. Jesus Christ has restored His Church on the earth today. Of these things we testify of and certify to the world.<br />
We are so blessed, and we love you! Until we meet again...Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-44753290345978676402013-06-28T23:03:00.000-07:002013-06-28T23:17:02.804-07:00President and Sister Edgren arrive in Poland! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We found ourselves back eight hours later at the airport Friday afternoon, but this time...</div>
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...we were waiting for 2 very important people to the Church in Poland...the new Mission President and his wife. The wait was getting long...which meant there might be a problem. <br />
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Soon they arrived from the baggage claim area....all smiles (even after losing 5 bags!) A warm welcome to President and Sister Edgren to the beautiful country of Poland.<br />
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The Edgrens at their new home...the mission home. We spent a few hours together "briefly" giving them information that hopefully will help them get quickly adjusted. We love you and wish you the very best as you lead the Poland Warsaw Mission. We departed in a taxi for our hotel knowing that everything will be perfect in Poland. Tomorrow it is back to the airport again- only this time it's us that will be departing. Three years has gone by so fast...and we have loved every minute of it!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-3979612857922286862013-06-28T13:45:00.000-07:002013-06-28T13:45:19.431-07:00Our last group of departing Missionaries!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, all good things come to an end; and we have come to our last group of missionaries that we will send home. </div>
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Sister Masters volunteered to go first to leave something behind with me.<br />
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Sister Bezdjian followed--donating a favorite sweater.<br />
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Sister Young had already gone through this procedure when she returned home because of health issues for 2 months last summer. She actually is making <em>two</em> donations...both have meaning to us.<br />
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There you have it...Sisters Young, Bezdjian and Masters...three of our great sister missionaries will be leaving for home very early in the morning. We love and appreciate all these Sisters have done. They truly served with all their heart, might, mind and strength.</div>
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<strong>Flashback!</strong> Three years ago, we arrived in the mission. It seems like this was yesterday but it was actually June 2010.<br />
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With that in mind, President wanted to leave the tie that he wore when he arrived...</div>
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and I wanted to leave a piece of my skirt which I lovingly refer to as 'big brown'. This skirt has seen so much of Poland.</div>
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Godfrey was also at the mission home this week and we needed something from him. He is part of our mission family....<br />
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...as is President Jarosz. This is his favorite tie. I feel honored that he let me have it.<br />
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We appreciate all he and Godfrey have done for us and our missionaries over the past three years. Now it's off to bed because we have a 4:00am airport run to make in the morning. Our final early trip at the end of a transfer week.</div>
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<strong>FRIDAY MORNING 4:45am:</strong></div>
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Bright and cheery our sisters arrive at the airport. Thanks to Sister Hutchinson, we have boarding passes! That may not sound exciting to you; but what that means to us is that we get to wait in the line with 4 people instead of 40!<br />
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One last picture with our wonderful sisters: Sister Bezdzjian, Sister Masters and Sister Young.<br />
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We love these Sisters and wish them the best. They have all served well and given it their all. Much has been learned to help them with the rest of their lives. </div>
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That is one thing I love about a mission....all the life-lessons you learn that if implemented can change your eternity! I love being a full-time missionary and am sad that it is almost over.</div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-71223921820645803052013-06-27T14:46:00.003-07:002013-06-27T14:46:36.062-07:00Transfer Day at Warszawa Centralna.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While some of our new arrivals left the night before from the mission home, the rest of them found themselves in downtown Warsaw getting ready to board trains for their various cities. (LtoR): Sisters Mikalauski, Ellis, Hemming, Whiteley, Petherbridge; Elders Anderson, Hardy and Pieper.<br />
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Making sure everyone had their bags, we headed into the train station...Warszawa Centralna.<br />
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Inside, President Nielson was showing these new Missionaries how to read the schedule.<br />
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Taking a look at the tracks, it was just starting to get busy. We had beat the 'rush hour' traffic!<br />
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Down on the platform, Elder Zelezniak (Center) was making sure that missionaries all over Poland were moving....and moving in the right direction! Good thing he had a few 'veterans' like Elder Boyce and Elder Tingey to help direct traffic. We got word several hours later that transfers had been successful. Everyone was in their new cities...safe and sound! That's always a relief! The Lord watches over his missionaries. We haven't lost one yet!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-79744389893718820572013-06-26T13:25:00.000-07:002013-06-26T20:43:39.826-07:00Day 2 for our New Missionaries & their Assignments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our new Missionaries were up early this morning ready to start their first FULL DAY of Missionary work in Poland. After spending the day contacting, teaching lessons and attending English class with some of our Missionaries serving in Warsaw, they anxiously returned home to find out who their real companions will be. Since Poland is so big and this is a large group, it was not practical to bring all the trainers in to meet their new trainees. So...let's get started!<br />
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Elder Anderson will be serving in Lulbin with Elder Tiner. Elder Tiner was our assistant until last week and will also be the Branch President in that great Branch. He and Elder Anderson will be a great companionship.<br />
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Elder Hardy is assigned to Szczecin with Elder Kotter. What a blessing that will be. Elder Kotter is full of enthusiasm and life, and Elder Hardy is anxious to serve.<br />
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Elder Swicegood will be serving in Warsaw II with Elder Saltmarsh. Since this is nearby, Elder Saltmarsh is with us tonight and can personally meet his new companion. They will be heading out later tonight to stay in their apartment. We are excited for these two to be together and all that is going on in that District and Branch.<br />
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Elder Fotu will be in Warsaw I serving with Elder Garfield. Elder Garfield also was invited to meet his new companion. They will depart soon for their apartment to get settled tonight and then plan for tomorrow. This is another great companionship in one of our strongest branches. They will help the members and all that is going on. These are hard working and dedicated Elders serving here.<br />
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Elder Pieper is assigned to Kielce and his companion is Elder Brown. Kielce is moving this weekend into their new Branch Chapel, and this companionship is now in a new apartment. These two Elders will see great success in Kielce.<br />
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Sister Ellis will be serving with Sister Blake in Wroclaw. Great Sisters in a great Branch will mean great success. We are excited for these two Sisters and all that is going to happen there.<br />
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Sister Petherbridge will be serving in Katowice and her companions are Sister Packard and Sister Pearson. These Sisters will continue on with the great missionary effort in Katowice. They will certainly find people to teach and invite them to follow the Savior.<br />
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Sister Ott will be serving in Warsaw I and with Sister Howells. Sister Howells is in the Mission Home tonight to meet her new companion as these Sisters will leave for their apartment shortly. Sister Howells and Sister Ott will be teaching some great investigators with baptismal dates in the near future.<br />
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Sister Whitely is assigned to Poznan and her new companion is Sister Bown. Poznan is such a great branch. With these two wonderful Sisters, the work will continue to move forward as it has been.<br />
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Sister Hemming with be in Krakow with Sister Allen and Sister Young. The Sisters were first assigned to Krakow our last transfer. They are setting the pace for the mission with lessons taught and great things going on in the branch. We are excited for these three great Sisters.<br />
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Sister Mikalauski will be serving with Sister Holmgren and Sister Wendel in Lodz. This is a great Branch in the Warsaw District, and these Sisters will see much success. We are excited for all that has happened in Lodz, and more progress will come in the future.<br />
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Our newest Missionaries in the Poland Warsaw Mission ...with their trainers! All of these Missionaries will be leaving early in the morning to board trains for their new cities. Elders Anderson, Hardy, Pieper. Sisters Mikalauski, Ellis, Petherbridge, Hemming and Whiteley. Sisters Ott and Howells with Elders Fotu, Garfield, Swicegood and Saltmarsh. </div>
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All except these 3 companionships. All their bags are loaded in the transporter, and they are ready to be dropped off at their new apartments. Planning at 9:00pm is next on their schedule! <br />
Tomorrow is transfer day...which means many of our missionaries will be on trains traveling to their new assignments. They will be talking to everyone...because that's what we do. We talk to everyone about the wonderful message we have! The gospel is true...tell someone about it!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-62151019817437496842013-06-25T12:44:00.002-07:002013-06-25T12:53:54.572-07:00We have new Missionaries! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today was a very busy day as we continued to get everything ready to leave AND assisted in the arrival of 11 new missionaries. </div>
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Godfrey was there to make sure that the grounds of the mission home looked great for these new additions. President Nielson gave Godfrey a 'thank you gift' (a BYU hat!) to thank him for all the help he gives the missionaries on lessons. Godfrey has a solid testimony and loves to share the gospel with others. </div>
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Now it's on to the airport....</div>
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Keeping with tradition, our Assistants each received a 'Kinder Egg' to help pass the time while we wait for the arrivals. (The Kinder<em>Joy's</em> have especially great toys in them and can only be purchased in the hot summer months!) We are grateful for Elder Raines and Elder Zelezniak for their organization of this transfer.<br />
It was finally time to meet our new missionaries....<br />
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Sister Mikalauski is from Kearns, Utah. She and Elder Raines, also from Kearns, surprisingly found out that they know many of the same people.<br />
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Sister Whiteley is from Provo, Utah. <br />
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Sister Ellis is from Sandy, Utah.<br />
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Sister Petherbridge is from Annapolis, Maryland.<br />
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Sister Ott is from Salt Lake City, Utah.<br />
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And our last Sister, Sister Hemming, is from Liberty, Utah. What a great group of new Sister Missionaries. They are so excited to be in Poland to finally start sharing the gospel... in Polish.<br />
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Now for our new Elders....Elder Anderson is from Hauula, Hawaii. (Winters will be different for him!)<br />
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Elder Pieper is from Taylorsville, Utah.</div>
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Elder Swicegood is from Broomfield, Colorado.<br />
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Elder Hardy is from Chino Hills, California.<br />
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And our final Elder, Elder Fotu, is from Highland, Utah. Again...these are a fine group of Elders that are here in Poland to serve their Savior.<br />
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President Nielson and I would like to extend a big WELCOME to these new missionaries. We are so glad we got to meet you and feel your strong spirits. You will be a great addition to the already great missionaries we have serving all over the country. Witamy!</div>
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Getting everyone home to the mission home (with all their luggage, I might add!), we got them all situated, President interviewed them and then it was time to eat. All rapidly came to the table....they were hungry!</div>
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After dinner, we had a special guest drop by...</div>
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Marcin came by to return a book but ended up putting on a 'mini-fireside' as the missionaries listened to his conversion story. We love and appreciate him and his good family as they help to build the church here.</div>
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Well, the new missionaries are sound asleep. Good thing....they have a big day in the morning...their first FULL day in Poland as full-time missionaries. It's going to be exciting!</div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-41569564447551136772013-06-25T08:13:00.000-07:002013-06-25T08:13:32.170-07:00There must be something in the air...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ruben and Jenny will be married in the temple on September 19. We are proud and thrilled for this wonderful couple. He was another one of our great missionaries from Germany. Congratulations on this important and eternal decision. We love you both.Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-39902896462885495552013-06-23T22:58:00.000-07:002013-06-24T22:45:18.671-07:00Our last Sunday in Poland....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Wolska Chapel: </b>Everything in Poland is in bloom. The country is green, green, green. Trees and bushes are trimmed so the chapel is beautiful AND visible! </div>
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However, for our last Sunday in Poland, we had a big rain storm...big enough that everyone was running to the chapel in order to not get wet.</div>
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Well, everyone but Ania! She had come prepared in her 'Ladybug' rain attire and simply sauntered into church!<br />
It's so great to be with the members of the Warsaw I Branch this last Sunday in Poland. It is fitting...since our first Sunday in Poland we also attended this great Branch. Lots of things have happened in the last 3 years...<br />
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Bogdan and Julia's girls were born and are now walking. Good thing, because another baby is on the way! Building the church in Poland....one baby at a time!<br />
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The Cordoba family has also grown up...</div>
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The nursery is small but soon Isaac will be joined by friends.</div>
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Today the Primary is feeling the effects of summer vacation....but we have several children who attend. Marta and Liz do a great job teaching gospel principles that will these children throughout their lives.<br />
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Some of the great Priesthood brethren of the Warsaw I Branch (and a visitor!) (Robert, Dominik, Godfrey, Brother Woods--who is back for a few weeks in Poland for business) and Rafal. We thank these good men for all they have contributed over the years to the Church in Poland.<br />
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Sunday School class with Roza, Sister Howells, Sara, Jagard nieces, Magda (their instructor) and Ula. </div>
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The Branch President (President Jagard) and his wife are expecting a baby boy! </div>
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We had several YSA's in the Warsaw I Branch today. they always have a great time when they are together. (Agnieszka, Kamila, Dagmara, Patrycia, Ada, Ewa and Sister Antkowiak....who is now a full-time missionary serving in Poland waiting for her Visa to the States.<br />
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The Sisters in Relief Society had a wonderful lesson. We have such a great group of Sisters who care about each other and love the Lord.<br />
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Agnieszka and her daughter, Maria, with a gift I have been waiting until she was old enough to give her. This 'doll' has always been a favorite 'quiet toy in church' with my granddaughters.</div>
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We even had 'visitors from afar' at church today...four great women (1 member and 3 investigators) from Canada. They are in Poland doing Family History Work.They were guests of my sweet friend, Beata from Lublin who had come to say 'good-bye'.</div>
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It was a wonderful Sabbath Day. It is always a great day when you are around people you love...especially in Church!</div>
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After church, Iwona and Beata were trying to help me with some translations. The joys of being in Poland and trying to get my thoughts across.<br />
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No, I am not fluent in the Polish language; but it doesn't matter. The best form of communication in the Church is Spirit to Spirit. There is never a language barrier when it comes to communicating this way. President Nielson and I love the Polish people....especially the members of the Church. They have taken us in and helped us and loved us back. A big THANK YOU to our dear, dear Polish friends! Iwona has always been there when I needed her. I owe her big time.<br />
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We also had some big things going on in the mission tonight. Our 1st Assistant, Elder Tiner, is being transferred to Lublin and will be a trainer. He leaves this week, and tonight would be the only night we could have him in for his "farewell" dinner. Joining us are the Office Elders (Elders Manwill and Cieslak), the Warsaw Zone Leaders (Elders Tingey and Raines) and Elders Tiner and Zelezniak. Elder Tiner will do great thing in Lublin. Elder Raines has been called as our new Assistant and he will be busy learning...fast! Tuesday, we receive a large group of new missionaries from the MTC in Provo. Oh, what a busy time it is for us. But there is no better way to serve a mission than just be constantly busy...and that we are!</div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-19174226949882741222013-06-22T23:39:00.000-07:002013-06-24T12:41:24.457-07:00Our last Saturday in Poland....busy as usual!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saturday morning started early for us. President was up very late last night, and I always wait up for him; but that didn't slow us down this morning. We had something very important to attend to.</div>
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We drove by one of our favorite landmarks in Warsaw. On the sign of this 'Famous Chicken' outlet is "Prawdopodobnie najlepszy Kurczak w Warszawie". After learning this sentence, President began using the "prawdopodobnie najlepszy" (probably the best...) phrase for wszystko (everything). </div>
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Now back to the important business of the day...</div>
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This group, including President Spencer W. Kimball and Sister Kimball with David M. Kennedy and Sister Kennedy, assembled before walking over to a nearby grove to dedicate the country of Poland on August 24, 1977 for the preaching of the gospel.</div>
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We met the members of the Warsaw II Branch Council at that very spot for a morning of reflection and appreciation. President gave them a little history of what happened in 1977 and 1986 here at Saski Ogrod. The world was changing, and there were miracles in the works for leaders of nations to change and allow the gospel to be preached in this beautiful land.<br />
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We then walked to the location where President Kimball offered that dedicatory prayer. It was a special occasion. President Nielson and I have been here many times...during the snow, the rain, the sunshine and the hot days. No matter what time of day or the climate, Saski Ogrod and this spot is the Sacred Grove of Poland. This would be our last time (while serving as Mission President) visiting our most favorite place.</div>
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It was a wonderful setting and visit with these Church members. They are doing great things in Warsaw II, and this year will make great strides in membership and activation. The purpose of this visit was to remind ourselves of the promises that were made to Poland when we, the members all do our part.</div>
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Later, we this evening we held a fireside at the Wolska Chapel. President is never late to a meeting. Never. Well, guess what happened? We thought the fireside started at 6:00pm, but the actual starting time was 5:00pm. Way to go! We arrived and the chapel was full. </div>
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My lesson was on commitment, and I had great group participation. Agnieszka was my translator with Dagmara, Dominika and Patty all helping. It came off without a flaw.</div>
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President spoke and had President Dresler translate for him. It seems like last week we did this same thing...only It was three years ago when we arrived. How time flies when you are having fun!<br />
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At the end of the fireside, the Branches, orchestrated by Elders Hutchinson, Jensen and President Jarosz, presented us with a plaque with the dedicatory prayer by President Kimball and the Prayer of Gratitude offered by President Monson on a piece of tree from the actual site of these prayers in Saski Park. This is truly a keepsake for us. What a thoughtful gift and remembrance of the land we love. Thank you.Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-15156330540962947622013-06-22T20:59:00.000-07:002013-06-24T12:40:49.828-07:00Families Can Be Together Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yannick and his fiancee will be married in the Frankfurt Temple in the coming months. This is music to the soul. We are grateful for our missionaries and their decisions that lead them back to the temple. We wish them all the joys and happiness in days ahead.Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-6328409480336170772013-06-21T21:16:00.000-07:002013-06-23T14:09:56.342-07:00Warsaw Zone Conference...June 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>The Warsaw Zone:</strong> We finally made our way to Warsaw....our very last Zone Conference of our 3-year mission. It doesn't seem possible....it's all gone by SO fast! Let's meet the Districts...<br />
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<strong>The Warsaw I District: </strong>Elders Raines and Tingey (Zone Leaders); Elders Peacock, Garfield (District Leader), Gibby, Szymanski; Elders Hayes and Baranowski (serving in Bialystok). <strong>Sitting:</strong> Sisters Antkowiak, Barth and Howells (Sister Leader Trainer). Elder and Sister Hutchinson.<br />
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<strong>The Warsaw II District: </strong>Elders Finch and Stockford (serving in Lublin); Elders Zelezniak and Tiner(Assistants); Elders Saltmarsh (District Leader), Boyce; Elders Cieslak and Manwill (both Office Elders).</div>
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<strong>The Lodz District: </strong>Sisters Holmgren and Wendel; Elders Van Bakel (District Leader) and Wolfley; <strong>Sitting: </strong>Elder and Sister Lloyd.<br />
After some great instruction from our Assistants and Zone Leaders, it was time for our Missionary White Handbook Chase.<br />
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Elders Cieslak, Van Bakel, Wolfley, Baranowski and Hayes are quickly finding the page with the answer to the question. Elder Hutchinson is the "scorekeeper" for this wonderful group.<br />
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Elders Peacock, Tingey, Raines, Szymanski, Gibby, Stockford and Finch are also easily finding the page with the correct answer. Elder Tiner there to see if their answers were correct.<br />
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Elder and Sister Lloyd are helping this 3rd group. Elders Saltmarsh, Boyce and Garfield, with Sister Lenhart, Masters, Antkowiak (directly behind Sister Wendel), Barth, Howells, Wendel and Holmgren.<br />
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After adding up the points, Elders Van Bakel and Wolfley were able to pick their prize first (From the other blogposts, you know what that meant!) This Trainer (Van Bakel) has taught his Trainee well!<br />
By now, everyone had worked up an appetite, and it was time for lunch!<br />
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Everything was ready and waiting for these hungry missionaries. We still had much to do, and lunch wasn't going to last long!</div>
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"The Sisters Table". The Sisters all had a great time just visiting together. They work hard, and we never worry if they are using their time wisely....they just do! (Sisters Lenhart, Masters, Barth, Howells, Antkowiak, Holmgren and Wendel.)<br />
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Our Elders also enjoy visiting and finding out how missionary work is progressing in other cities. (Elders Stockford, Gibby, Manwill, Boyce, Wolfley, Hayes, Szymanski, Zelezniak and Finch.)<br />
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And the rest of our Elders....(Elders Tiner, Raines, Garfield, Cieslak, Baranowski, Tingey, Peacock, Saltmarsh and Van Bakel.)<br />
And who put this great lunch together???<br />
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Our wonderful Senior Couples, of course! We love these 'seasoned' missionaries. You never have to tell them what to do...They just see a need and fill it! We love them all! (Elder and Sister Jensen, Elder and Sister Hutchinson, Elder and Sister Lloyd.)</div>
President Nielson leading into our next activity...<br />
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Now, let's get down to business.<br />
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We started with the Assistants where both Elder Tiner and Elder Zelezniak gave something special to remember them by.<br />
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Our Zone Leaders, Elder Raines and Elder Tingey, were next.<br />
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They were followed by Elder Saltmarsh and Elder Boyce.<br />
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Then it was Elder Peacock and Elder Garfield's turn.</div>
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Bialystok was next with Elder Baranowski and Elder Hayes giving something of themselves.</div>
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Elder Manwill and Elder Cieslak were our next 'victims'.<br />
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Elder Stockford and Elder Finch followed closely behind.</div>
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Elder Gibby and Elder Szymanski were next...</div>
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...who were followed by Elder Wolfley and Elder Van Bakel.</div>
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Now for our Senior Missionaries....Elder and Sister Lloyd, who are YSA and MLS (Member Leadership Support) missionaries, volunteered to be first. <br />
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Elder and Sister Hutchinson (who are the Office Couple and MLS) were next...with Sister Hutchinson's 'article' taking a little longer to cut and not ruin!<br />
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It was now Elder and Sister Jensen's turn. They serve as YSA reps for all of Poland, MLS, help in the Office and Elder Jensen is the Branch President of the Warsaw II Branch. Busy, busy missionaries.</div>
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It was finally the Sisters' turn. Sister Holmgren and Sister Wendel volunteered to be first...<br />
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...with Sister Lenhart being next. Sister Masters will 'leave something behind' in a few days!</div>
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And finally our Sister 3-some. Sister Howells and Sister Barth donate to the 'cause' as Sister Antkowiak looks on. She 'donated' a few weeks ago when she started her mission.<br />
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There were a lot of ties, etc. to cut. The 'group picture' after is always a favorite of mine. Everyone is curious to see what I plan to 'create' with all these 'donations'....Frankly, so am I!</div>
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I wanted to end this blog with one of the highlights of the day. Our great Missionaries had a special song for us which they sang at lunch. Here it is...</div>
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<strong>THE "PRESIDENT AND SISTER NIELSON, WE LOVE YOU" SONG </strong>(sung to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic")<br />
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The Nielson's came to Poland with a call to serve the Lord.<br />
Sister Nielson conquered buying food and then her spirits soared.<br />
Once she wasn't feeling well, was found, and many blessings poured.<br />
By us she is adored.<br />
<br />
<em>Who'Il remember all the birthdays?</em><br />
<em>Who will cut off ties and sweaters?</em><br />
<em>Who will blog our mission doings?</em><br />
<em>Sister Nielson's going home.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>A mission president is like a business CEO<br />
All the hard decisions come ... waiting to see what you will say<br />
Will it prep the missionaries for their lives, foundations lay? <br />
YES, let's do it today.<br />
<br />
<em>Who will text us every morning?</em><br />
<em>Who will listen to the spirit?</em><br />
<em>Who will motivate and lead us?</em><br />
<em>The President's going home.</em><br />
<br />
We love the Nielson's testimonies of the Mormon Book,<br />
We appreciate their time with us, there's much that they forsook,<br />
Now it's time to fly to Vegas ... there to at their family look,<br />
Their grandkids need them too!<br />
<br />
<em>Who will get us at the airport?</em><br />
<em>Who will pray to know our area?</em><br />
<em>On what will we eat spaghetti?</em><br />
<em>The pottery's going home.</em><br />
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A BIG THANK YOU to our clever, clever Sister Hutchinson for this wonderful song! It brought tears to our eyes as our wonderful Missionaries sang it to us! We love our Missionaries, AND we love serving the Lord!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-23384998375115292182013-06-20T04:27:00.000-07:002013-06-23T13:13:51.796-07:00Another Temple Marriage coming soon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our former "Elder Kennedy" and his fiancee will be married in December after an internship in Brussels and summer schooling. We are excited for them. We are grateful for "Elder Kennedy" and all he did in Poland, for our mission and our missionaries. We wish them the very best in days ahead.Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-25258757781989848172013-06-19T23:53:00.000-07:002013-06-21T22:57:56.210-07:00Katowice Zone Conference...June 2013.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was NOT staged...even though it looks like it was!</div>
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(For those of you who wonder how we get everyone looking and smiling and keeping their eyes open for a photo, here is what it usually looks like right before we take the shot. I saw this and had to add it. But...when it's time to start, these missionaries settle right down and it's business as usual!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wldIev0U3I/UcSuifa9NzI/AAAAAAAAYMA/wDo_rfj7S2o/s1600/katowice+ZC+June+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wldIev0U3I/UcSuifa9NzI/AAAAAAAAYMA/wDo_rfj7S2o/s400/katowice+ZC+June+2013+004.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></a></div>
And this is the photo that gets blogged!<br />
<strong>The Katowice Zone: </strong>The next morning we left the mission home at 6:00am found ourselves on a train to Katowice to meet with these great missionaries. Even though it was a beastly hot and humid day, it was great to be with them for our last Zone Conference together. Here they are by Districts:<br />
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<strong>The Wroclaw District:</strong> Sisters Bezdjian (Sister Training Leader) and Blake; Elders Stumpf (District Leader) and J. Smith. Sitting: Elder and Sister Durrant.</div>
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<strong> The Krakow District: </strong>Elders Dodge and Walter (District Leader); Sisters Allen (Sister Training Leader) and Young.<br />
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<strong>The Katowice District: </strong>Elders Dopp and Neuner (Zone Leaders) with Elder Rittmanic (District Leader); Sisters Packard and Pearson. Sitting: Elder and Sister Reed.<br />
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<strong>The Kielce District: </strong>Elders Blom and Lanham (District Leader); Elders Brown and Meherg.</div>
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Zone Conference began with instruction from our Assistants and then the Zone Leaders. </div>
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Just before lunch, it was time for our 'Missionary White Handbook Chase'.</div>
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Each companionship was up to the challenge...</div>
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...as they flipped to the correct page to find the answers to the questions asked.<br />
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The 'winners' got first choice of the prizes. Congratulations, Elder Walter and Elder Dodge, for a job well done!<br />
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It was time for lunch and Elder and Sister Reed with Elder and Sister Durrant had fixed a wonderful meal for a group of very hungry (always!) Missionaries. </div>
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Lunch time means time to celebrate birthdays. 'Sto Lat' to Elder Dodge and Sisters Allen, Packard and Reed. <br />
And now for the part of Zone Conference that everyone has been talking about for weeks (as they tried to figure out just what special article they wanted to leave behind...)<br />
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We started with the Zone Leaders, Elder Neuner and Elder Dopp...<br />
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Who were followed by Elder Rittmanic. <br />
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Elder Lanham (smile!) and Elder Blom were next...</div>
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...and then came our Wroclaw Elders, Elder J. Smith and Elder Stumpf.<br />
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Elder Walter and Elder Dodge were up next. <br />
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Then came Elder Meherg and Elder Brown.</div>
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Now for our wonderful Senior Couples......We started with Elder and Sister Reed...<br />
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who were followed by Elder and Sister Durrant.<br />
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Ok, Sisters....your turns! Sister Allen and Sister Young each gave me something to remember them by...<br />
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...as did Sister Pearson and Sister Packard.<br />
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Last but not least, Sister Blake. Her companion, Sister Bezdjian will wait until next week to make her donation.</div>
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One of my favorite pictures.....the whole group! We love and appreciate each one of these missionaries. They work hard and strive to be obedient in every way. They love the people of Poland and want so much to bring them something that will change their lives for good. Speaking of the people of Poland...<br />
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Shortly after Zone Conference ended, we were privileged to hold a member/investigator fireside with the Katowice Branch. It was great to be able to say 'good-bye' to some very dear members and to meet the incredible investigators our missionaries are teaching. I love this work! It truly brings joy to one's life! <br />
We arrived back in Warsaw after a very late train ride home. We got to bed just after midnight but what a great day. One more Zone Conference to go.....Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-20623651597203800062013-06-18T23:02:00.000-07:002013-06-21T19:48:25.506-07:00June Zone Conferences Begin! Bydgoszcz is first...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Bydgoszcz Zone: </strong>It was so good to meet with our missionaries in Bydgoszcz one last time for Zone Conference. We had lots planned for this Conference, but first let me introduce the Districts:<br />
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<strong>The Poznan District: </strong>Sisters Lidtka and Bown; Elders Jespersen (District Leader) and Caskey. Sitting: Elder and Sister Sheley. What a great group of Missionaries we have serving in Poznan. They are finding and teaching some amazing people right now.<br />
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<strong>The Bydgoszcz District: </strong>Elders Vernon and Wilson (Zone Leaders) with Elders Allen and Harris (District Leader). <br />
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<strong>The Szczecin District: </strong>Elders Waskiewiecz and Mikolyski (District Leader and Branch President) with Elders Kotter and Godwin.<br />
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<strong>The Gdansk District: </strong>Sisters Young and Swenson with Elders Skolimoski and White. Sitting: Elder and Sister Tufts.<br />
Making sure our Missionaries are reading 3 pages a day in their Missionary White Handbooks, we decided to have a 'White Handbook Chase'.<br />
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Companionships worked together to find answers to questions like: "Find the quote regarding chewing gum while proselyting in the White handbook." (Actually, that is a hard question....it is 'hidden' on p. 42)<br />
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All companionships did well. We could tell that they had been studying the Handbook as they should. There was one companionship who did a little better than the rest....<br />
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...the Zone Leaders! We would expect nothing less from them. But since the White Handbook also states that Missionaries should not engage in competitive activities (p.22), everyone received a prize but Elders Vernon and Wilson got to pick their 'prize' first!<br />
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It was time for lunch. When we are in Bydgoszcz, there is ONLY one place we go....Marcin's! They are delicious and worth the drive to Bydgoszcz! He delivered our lunch and we said 'good-bye'. A very nice man.<br />
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Next item of business....Birthdays! The traditional 'Sto Lat' was sung as the cookies were passed out. Happy birthday to Elders Kotter, Godwin, Sister Lidtka, Elders Tufts, Sheley and Harris.<br />
And now for an event the missionaries were wondering if we were going to continue....<br />
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Since we want to include every missionary on the Poland Warsaw Mission 'Tie Quilt', we had to cut their ties early. We wanted to take something from them that we would remember (and they would remember). We do give them something back in returen... We started with our Zone Leaders....Elder Wilson and Elder Vernon. (President Nielson was my helper! He did a great job!)<br />
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Elder Kotter and Elder Godwin were next.<br />
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They were followed by Elder Allen and Elder Harris. (By the look on Elder Harris' face, I think President Nielson must have slipped with those scissors!)<br />
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Elder Waskiewicz and Elder Mikolyski's turn......Again, President Nielson hasn't had any practice at this and I think the missionaries are nervous!</div>
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Elder White and Elder Skolimoski were our next 'victims'...<br />
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...and they were followed by Elder Caskey and Elder Jespersen.<br />
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Now for the Sisters. Sister Swenson was ready to give up a piece of her sweater, but Sister Young is going to wait until next week when she leaves to go home to give up her 'memento'.<br />
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Sister Lidtka and Sister Bown both gave up scarves....<br />
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And now for our great senior couples. Elder and Sister Tufts each donated to the cause...<br />
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...As did Elder and Sister Sheley. <br />
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The Bydgoszcz Zone holding up their 'donations'. What a great group of missionaries. We love each and every one of them. We will continue to pray for their success when we return home.<br />
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So why the photo of President Nielson driving the car? As we were returning home, we realized that this was our LAST road trip! No more eating in the car. No more getting mislead by a GPS that wants to take us down a muddy dirt road. No more beautiful Polish countryside. (Sniff!) Does that deserve a photo? YES! We have spent countless hours of our mission in the car. But every minute was worth it because it meant we were going to visit wonderful missionaries, faithful members and investigators full of hope.<br />
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Arriving at Kosiarzy 22 (6 days later), we find the brickwork in the front of the house complete. Yeah! And we also found an extra surprise.....<br />
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We have a water drain! No more 'Lake Kosiarzy' in front of the Mission Home. There are blessings around every corner! I love this life!</div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-55453066630114831332013-06-17T22:45:00.000-07:002013-06-20T22:03:30.037-07:00FHE and a BBQ (aka: Grill!) in Bydgoszcz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Monday night ....and in the Mormon church that means Family Home Evening. It's a night to spend with family learning about the gospel and having fun together. We decided to spend it with the Bydgoszcz Branch where they were having a Branch FHE and grill.<br />
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There were many helpers there getting everything ready for the crowd that would soon arrive.<br />
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Missionaries and members had found an ingenious way to get the chairs from the building to the backyard. It's always faster to go <i>through</i> the building than <i>around</i> it!<br />
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I had the lesson for Family Home Evening. I was able to use lots of helpers as we learned about a gospel principle...being committed to return to our Heavenly Father, and how we do it.<br />
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President Nielson followed teaching the importance of simplifying our lives so we can serve and give service when called upon.<br />
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Everyone sat patiently and listened until.......<br />
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....it was time to eat! Then the crowd moved to the table.<br />
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The weather was perfect for an evening grill behind the chapel.<br />
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The members enjoyed visiting with one another.....<br />
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....and President Nielson was able to catch up with one of our former missionaries! It was good to visit with Czarek and see that he is doing well.<br />
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After we ate, the Branch had something special for us....a few things to remember Poland by...beautiful handmade linens.<br />
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There were games, football and lots of fun going on. </div>
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We appreciate all the good work President Zalewski does to help this Branch grow together and take care of one another. He is a dear friend.<br />
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It was a fun, fun evening! But it's always great to spend time with people we love. Thank you Bydgoszcz Branch for making this Family Home Evening very special for us. The Bydgoszcz Branch will always be special in our lives and in our hearts. We love you all!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-44001289296306959432013-06-16T23:55:00.000-07:002013-06-20T14:25:35.161-07:00The Gdansk Branch is growing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Helena was baptized and Saturday night. She was baptized by President Kempa, the Branch President; and taught by Sister Young and Sister Swenson. What a great addition she is to the Gdansk Branch.<br />
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Helena not only brought her son to her baptism but other family members and friends as well. She is already a great missionary!<br />
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It was great to be able to visit with our good friends, the Kempas. We love this couple and they have always been SO nice to us when we visited Gdansk.<br />
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The next day was Sunday.....and the Gdansk Branch was full of great members, new investigators and some visitors as well.</div>
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Some came from Las Vegas! These our our good friends, the Strobehns and Brother Earl and his granddaughter. They are vacationing in Germany as well as in Poland. Ryan (center) served here in Poland from 2008 to 2010. If fact the day we received our call from President Eyring, Ryan was on the plane on his way home. It was great to see them and visit for awhile.<br />
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The great missionaries of the Gdansk Branch...Sisters Young and Swenson, Elder and Sister Tufts and Elders Skolimoski and White. These missionaries are working hard to bring new investigators to this loving and supportive Branch.</div>
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Speaking of loving and supportive....here are Ania (counselor) and Agnieszka (Relief Society President) who do such a great job of taking care of the sisters in the Branch. Thank you for ALL you do!<br />
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President Kempa (in behalf of the Branch) had a special gift to remind us of Gdansk...an amber tree! Amber is known for it's healing and health benefits. An amber tree in your home brings happiness! Add it to living the gospel and that adds up to one happy life! <br />
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Another thing that makes ME happy is cinnamon bears...and my good friends from Las Vegas brought me some. It was fun to share and watch the Polish members eat their first one!</div>
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Later that day, we went to visit Josef where he was ordained and received the Melchizedek Priesthood. Josef was also called to be the 1st Counselor in the Branch Presidency. (Elder Tufts, President Kempa, Josef and President Nielson.)<br />
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His wife, Irena, broke her leg and after surgery is mending nicely. What a great couple they are!<br />
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Leaving Josef and Irena's home, we took a detour....to see a meeting house where the Gdansk (Danzig) Branch met in 1925. It is a beautiful building in another wonderful area of Gdnask. There once were three branches in this area.<br />
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Before heading to our next destination, we needed to make one more stop....the Baltic Sea. Looking out from the beautiful city of Sopot. This is another beautiful spot in Poland. Now, it's on the road again. The week has just begun!</div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-4208658113918864982013-06-15T20:33:00.000-07:002013-06-20T11:42:24.088-07:00We made it to Gdansk!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gdansk is a beautiful, beautiful city PLUS it is 'home' to one of my favorite 'icons' in Poland....the Gdansk Crane. Built in the middle 15th Century, it was the biggest crane in medieval Europe. It was used to transfer heavy cargo and lift masts onto ships. It suffered considerable damage in WWII, but has been carefully rebuilt. <br />
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The Gdansk harbor is home to large cargo ships.....<br />
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...and fun pirate ships which stop in from of 'Amber Alley' to pick up loot!</div>
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This BIG oil tanker is in the midst of being built. I wish you could see just how huge it was!<br />
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The variety of sailing vessels continues as a rowing class goes by. </div>
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This shipyard is FULL of Polish history. Above is the factory where Lech Walesa worked as an electrician. It was here that the Solidarity movement was born. He assisted Poland in moving from a communist to a post-communist state.<br />
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Also along the harbor is our 'home away from home' in Gdansk....Qubus Hotel. This last trip (wouldn't you know it!), I discovered the most wonderful Amber store along the river called Michel's.<br />
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<span id="goog_875143286"></span><span id="goog_875143287">It is a family owned business (3 generations of artists!). These talented jewelry makers have some stunning pieces...all unique! I was so impressed with their selection that I had to take a picture. Dominik (right) is one of the owners/artists. </span><br />
It was a very nice way to spend an extra hour....seeing some sights of a very special city. Now....back to church business!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-40677861476875497862013-06-14T02:59:00.000-07:002013-06-17T13:27:10.766-07:00To Gdansk...the l-o-n-g way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week we headed up north for member and missionary business. The timing was perfect....we needed to be out of the mission home so it could be freshly painted and the drapes and rugs cleaned. </div>
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As we were putting our bags in the car, we saw this! They had come to fix the sidewalk around the mission home and....</div>
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...more road work in the front of the house! They must know it is almost transfer week! Hopefully, it will all be in order when we return several days from now.<br />
We needed to be in Gdansk, but we decided to take the long way there....through some of our favorite (and some new) villages we love in Poland.<br />
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Our first stop was Zelwagi (Selbongen in German). This great little town houses the very first chapel built in Eastern Europe and Germany. Fredrick Fisher (from Selbongen) was introduced to the gospel in Berlin in 1920. He served a mission then returned to his home to preach the gospel there.<br />
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This is the chapel that was built in 1929. It was built by members in 2 1/2 months. Missionaries were removed from the area in 1937; but this Branch was not forgotten by church members. Immediately after the war, President Ezra Taft Benson (then an apostle) visited the Branch via jeep.<br />
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Before WWII, church membership in Zelwagi was 200-250 members. This lake located across the street from the church was probably the site of many of these baptisms.<br />
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After WWII, Selbongen became part of Poland and it's name was changed to Zelwagi. The German saints were required to hold their services in Polish or cease to meet. In time, the Saints moved to Germany. The building was turned over to the Polish government became a sports hall then later (1971) was turned into a Catholic church...which is what it is today. There is still a strong, sweet spirit on the grounds of this structure.<br />
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Being in Zelwagi, we decided to do a little exploring. We had heard that there was a very old, unkept cemetery in the area. After looking and looking and looking and asking and asking and asking (in Polish, of course!)......we found the 'trail' to the cemetery...<br />
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...and the sign...<br />
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...and the graves. This grassy hill located above a lake is full of old German graves...and I'm sure there are many German Saints who once belonged to the Selbongen/Zelwagi Branch resting there. </div>
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Time to move on...</div>
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Mikolajki....a lakeside town that is full of boaters and great ice cream stands.<br />
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We were eating lunch at this restaurant on the dock. It was as entertaining as sitting at the Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell and 'people-watching'. Some things are the same all over the world. If you look closely, you can see that I basically ate lunch alone. Yes, that is President Nielson sitting on the park bench, on the phone...missing everything. But the problem was solved...and that is all that mattered!<br />
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Look what I discovered at the marina!!!!!!! If we had another year in Poland, I would ask Physical Facilities for one of these for the mission home! But it's ok....I can make 12 very small ice cubes a day...and it is sufficient!<br />
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This is the bridge at Mikolajki that takes you from the town to the marina. There were a 'few' locks on it....<br />
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...so, we decided to add one of our own! This is a great little city and it was fun to relax for an hour or two. Making our way up the countryside, we came to another lake city that has become my favorite...Ostroda.<br />
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Ostroda, we hear, is very popular with Polish people but virtually unknown to others outside the country. It is another beautiful city with some very cool features....like a wake board course. Our family would love this. It is electrical and pulls you in a long rectangle course. President loved this because the skiers cannot blame their "wipe-outs" on the driver of the boat...<br />
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If we had the time to stay here (which I begged President to do), we would have stayed in this hotel. A great view and swing. But we have places to get to. <br />
We are getting closer and closer to Gdansk....<br />
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That means we are driving close to the world's largest brick castle (by surface area--52 acres--also!) Malbork Castle was built in 1406 and was home to the Teutonic Knights, a German Roman Catholic order of crusaders). It is made up of 3 separate castles and once housed 3000 knights (and their servants, of course) Built on the Nogat River, they collected river tolls from passing ships arriving from the Visla River to the Baltic Sea. They controlled a monopoly on the trade of amber. It is truly stunning! It takes around 3-4 hours to tour the castle. Last time (and the only time) we were here, President Nielson did it in 45 minutes! (Probably a tour record! This time he was able to stay for 1 hour and 15 minutes. He's getting better!<br />
We have much to do, but it was nice to take a few hours out of our day to see the beautiful countryside of this beloved country!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-44654355184167848862013-06-09T23:54:00.000-07:002013-06-12T13:22:58.735-07:00Visiting Bialystok for the last time...and a solemn moment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Sunday morning early: </b>On our way to Bialystok for Branch Conference via the maze of sound tunnels. It was a beautiful morning....we almost had the road to ourselves!<br />
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Today, we also had two 'guests' with us in the car....our Assistants, Elders Tiner and Zelezniak. President needed to do a little planning for Zone Conference and the upcoming transfer and this seemed to be a good time to do it. Also, these two good missionaries were part of the Sacrament Meeting program. They also need some training on driving around Poland to aid President Edgren when he arrives.<br />
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A well-known site in Bialystok...a huge Greek Orthodox Church. We were getting close to the chapel.<br />
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Today was a special day for this companionship. Elder Baranowski (left) was called as the new Branch President of Bialystok and Elder Hayes (right) is the new Branch Clerk. President Dresler (Warsaw District President) was there for the Conference.</div>
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<b>Side Note:</b> The new 'Branch President' also has family in Bialystok. He has been able to visit with them on P-day for awhile and some are attending English class. (By the way...President Nielson did not know that he had family there. There are no coincidences!)</div>
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We ordered a wood Hymn number display board for the Branch some time ago. It's lost somewhere between here and Germany. So our creative and smart Elders came up with their own "display board" thanks to a little tape! It works just as well and brought a smile to all the members.<br />
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Those who were in attendance today. We appreciated Sister Rzeczycka (Warsaw District Relief Society President) for coming and teaching Sunday School. We are grateful for Patty, Darota and Halina (she has read the Book of Mormon 15 times in the one year she has been a member of the Church). What strong and dedicated members of the Church.</div>
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The Relief Society of the Bialystok Branch! These members love and take care of one another.<br />
After church, it was time to head back to Warsaw. There is much to do in the next few weeks! Then we passed the following sign....<br />
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"Treblinka...Nazi Extermination and Work Camp". This camp only functioned for just over a year (July 1942-August 1943) but over 800,000 people were killed here in this short time. In August of 1943, the prisoners organized an armed revolt. Guards were killed and 300 people escaped. After this, the camp was dismantled and a farmhouse was built to disguise what had formerly been there.<br />
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These concrete 'rail ties' mark the trail of the railway that brought prisoners to the camp. The average life expectancy for a prisoner at the camp was 2 hours.</div>
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The entire camp was destroyed by the Nazis but the huge field which was actually a burial pit is covered with memorials....the biggest being the one pictured above which honors the more than 310,000 people who were brought from the Warsaw ghetto to die here.<br />
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In the field are 17,000 stones depicting the towns, villages from many nations where (mostly) Jews and others were brought to be exterminated here. The grass field was the burial pit and it surrounded by the stone memorials.<br />
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Many of the stones have the names of the places these people came from. It was a sobering visit. Treblinka was the 2nd largest concentration camp next to Auschwitz. </div>
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Remember how peaceful and calm these sound tunnels were this morning? The weather was beautiful and hardly no traffic at all. During Church, there was a huge thunderstorm. Because of this storm, on the way home we ran into the largest traffic jam of our entire mission. We drove 2 kilometers in 2 hours! Because of the rain this afternoon some of the roads in Warsaw were flooded. So the highways from Bialystok, Gdansk and Lodz were all blocked off. There was no place to go. We finally made it home. I was impressed that after three years in Warsaw, President knows his way around this city well enough to find all the shortcuts. </div>
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It was a great day (and much longer than we had planned on) to be with the great members and missionaries in Bialystok. We also learned more of the incredible history of Poland. I am still amazed at what happened on the very streets we walk everyday. The Polish people are strong and resilient. </div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-53033029964692726032013-06-08T20:29:00.000-07:002013-06-11T04:29:52.975-07:00Bydgoszcz baptism June 8, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZL0SytCi9k/UbXn38svfwI/AAAAAAAAX5Y/A3oShxl69s8/s1600/Robert+Bydgoszcz+baptism+Jun+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZL0SytCi9k/UbXn38svfwI/AAAAAAAAX5Y/A3oShxl69s8/s400/Robert+Bydgoszcz+baptism+Jun+2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Robert is the newest member of the church in Poland. He was baptized last Saturday into the Bydgoszcz Branch by Leszek and was taught by Elders Allen and Harris. Welcome to the Church, Robert! We hope to see you at the Family Home Evening grill on the 17th!Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-38746331078782470442013-06-07T08:19:00.000-07:002013-06-11T04:24:51.773-07:00A few visits we wanted to make before leaving Poland.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As it gets closer to us leaving this beautiful country, there are a few things we wanted to make sure we did before we left.</div>
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One was visiting one of our Polish missionary's family. Elder Lyswinski is serving in the Washington Tacoma Mission. His family anxiously waits to hear from him every Monday on P-Day. They love him and are so proud of him. Shown above: Grandma, Mom, Grandpa and twin sisters.</div>
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This great family is always so kind to us. We wanted to make sure that we stopped by and said 'good-bye'. Elder Lyswinski's Grandmother is always very concerned with my health. She gave me a raw amber necklace--Baltic amber is known for it's protection and healing properties. I just thought it was known for it's beauty! I love the necklace and this wonderful family who gave it to me! Thank you!</div>
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Another stop I have been meaning to make before leaving...</div>
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My friend, Wendy, has a Barbie collection that is to die for. I am one of the <i>original</i> Barbie fans! My cousin, Jan, and I used to play Barbies for hours on end. Now, I play with my granddaughters...with all my old Barbies.<br />
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These Barbies, however, are 'show' Barbies and way too fancy and expensive to play with! But they sure are fun to look at! It is a stunning collection and this was only one side of the case! Thanks, Wendy, for sharing! </div>
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Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-8440985420598680832013-06-06T21:18:00.000-07:002013-06-07T05:44:06.921-07:00A (Surprise!) New Sister Arrives in the Mission!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Marta has been a HUGE help to our missionaries in Poznan (Sisters Bown and Lidtka; Elders Jespersen and Caskey). She is a great member-missionary. But it's time for her to start her own mission!</div>
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As she boarded the train in Poznan...</div>
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...she was met by the Assistants (Zelezniak and Tiner) in Warsaw. A few months ago Sister Antkowiak recieved her mission call to serve in the Illinois Chicago Mission. Everything was ready except one thing...her US visa. We are still waiting on this but her time to serve the Lord was not put on hold. She begins her mission service in the Poland Warsaw Mission. She arrived at the Mission Home to be set apart and receive her first assignment.<br />
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We all had a wonderful visit. Sister Antkowiak was set apart and is now a full time missionary and representative of the Lord and His Church. There was one more thing that we needed to attend to...<br />
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She needed to leave with us something to remember her by. Sister Antkowiak was here last weekend at the YW Conference and has been a tremendous teacher and member in Poznan. When her visa paperwork is all resolved, she will enter the Provo MTC and then head to the Illinois Chicago Mission shortly thereafter.<br />
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Her two new companions are Sister Howells and Sister Barth. All three will be serving in the Warsaw I Branch. What a great addition to our mission!<br />
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After dinner, being set apart and everything else, she was off with her companions to get her luggage put away and then out to preach the gospel to the people in Warsaw. Welcome, Sister Antkowiak, to the Poland Warsaw Mission! We love you and are grateful that you will be serving alongside us for a short while!</div>
Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-28280717397032710862013-06-04T03:04:00.000-07:002013-06-06T22:50:41.165-07:00Young Women Conference in Poland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These beautiful Young Women in Poland found themselves all gathered together at the Warsaw II Branch last Sunday. How did this happen? Well, let me tell you.....</div>
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A Young Women Conference was announced, and they started gathering at the mission home in Warsaw from all corners of Poland...from Szczecin to Wroclaw to Poznan to...<br />
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Bydgoszcz! Young girls (ages 12-18) came together to make friends and learn more about the gospel.<br />
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They all settled in....all over the Mission Home!</div>
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The first night, the group was brought together by having fun trying out their karaoke skills! </div>
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The girls loved it and had such a great time singing together. We have some very talented YW and YSA's.<br />
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Our YSA's finally got their chance at the microphones when the younger girls went to bed. (We love and appreciate all the YSA's who helped make this Conference a success. They were a great help and an even greater example to the younger girls!) Everyone had a full schedule the next day and needed some rest. Somehow some of the YW thought they could operate on only a couple of hours of sleep...sounds just like "girls camp" worldwide!<br />
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The next morning, everyone was up early for scripture study with President Nielson. These young girls are truly growing strong testimonies of the gospel. They love the scriptures and love studying them.<br />
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After scripture study, Sister Jarosz (Warsaw District YW President), announced that today was a very special day. It was CHILDREN'S DAY in Poland! (Every American child I know has always asked why there wasn't a 'kid's day' in America.. The usual response....."because EVERY day is Kid's Day!") But in Poland, there actually is a celebrated Children's Day where children receive presents.<br />
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Scripture Study was followed by a hearty breakfast......<br />
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...by one and all....<br />
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And then it was time to catch the local buses and head to the Wolska Chapel where more great activities and instruction would be given.<br />
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After the girls left, I went downstairs to grab something out of the pantry. Hummmm.....looks like girls camp to me! :) So, Bishop Call and President Teshima (my local leaders in Las Vegas), it seems I have already attended Girls Camp for the year!<br />
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<b> The Wolska Chapel: </b>The theme of the Conference was "Stand ye in Holy Places and Be Not Moved". Here everyone is gathered together for a great discussion/lesson on this topic.<br />
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Julia (Warsaw I Branch) was the guest teacher with Marta (Poznan) translating. (I love how the Church prepares our young people for the challenges of the day...)</div>
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As part of the lesson, they played the scripture game "Faith Factor" where teams competed to find answers from the scriptures to some very important life questions.<br />
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It was a great way to 'liken the scriptures' unto themselves. (I Nephi 19:23) </div>
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There were 'challenges' given to teams for extra 'points', such as...who could eat the whipped cream off their plate the fastest!<br />
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Or, I guess you could just eat it this way! <span style="text-align: center;">There were games that emphasized teamwork and the importance of working together. (Strength in numbers!)</span><br />
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And games that the only purpose was to get to know one another!<br />
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The Young Women also had an opportunity to make 'Value Bracelets' from beads the colors of the eight Young Women values...Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity and Virtue.</div>
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What was going on as the girls were getting ready to return to the Mission Home? A Grill was being prepared for some very hungry YW. And who better to make it happen than Brother Jarosz!<br />
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Everyone was back at the Mission Home....<br />
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...and it was time to eat!<br />
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Afterwards, everyone changed into Sunday clothes where they practiced for the song they would be singing in church the next day. We had a great fireside ending with a testimony meeting. I can tell you that even in Poland where our Church numbers may be small, when the spirit is in our meetings the church is as strong as any place on earth. </div>
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And that's how we came to take this picture. The next morning, everyone left early to be at the Warsaw II chapel for church. The Conference was truly a highlight and a faith building activity for all of the YW in Poland. Testimonies AND friendships were strengthened. </div>
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A VERY special 'Thank you' to the Jarosz family for ALL the work they did to help this Conference be a success. We appreciate their willingness to help the church in Poland grow! We love you!<br />
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Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-78838247360468444492013-06-03T04:25:00.000-07:002013-06-06T09:13:45.175-07:00Kielce our last time here. What a great Branch (& city)!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With Young Women Conference still going on in the Mission Home, President and I needed to leave early to attend Sacrament Meeting in Kielce. We headed out and left Sister Jarosz in charge...</div>
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Our meetings in Kielce were wonderful. These are some of the members who were in attendance today. Our missionaries had four investigators and everything went just how it was planned. We currently are renting this conference room and should be moving into our new Chapel location very soon.<br />
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After our meetings, we walked around the corner and down the busiest street in Kielce where our the new Chapel will be. This week Poland celebrated Corpus Christi Day and "Children's Day". (Every American child's dream!) There were still plenty of activities and displays everywhere.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbexh0Mn4Z4/UazWFeUZ38I/AAAAAAAAXxU/O8C_c4iAbh4/s1600/Kielce+fire+trucks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbexh0Mn4Z4/UazWFeUZ38I/AAAAAAAAXxU/O8C_c4iAbh4/s400/Kielce+fire+trucks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the top of the street, they had just finished giving a "Fire Truck" water show and let the children use the fire hoses to water everything down. The main train station (Dworzec) of Kielce is in the background.</div>
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From our new Chapel we will look down on this street. Now when we tell investigators where our chapel is, they will know right where we are located.<br />
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One of our favorite leaders in Poland is President Najberg. He is the Branch President and a great man. We will miss him and this Branch. They have always made us feel a part of them; and they will always be a part of us.Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277346861206490269.post-67441069899862903572013-06-01T22:45:00.000-07:002013-06-03T03:58:58.442-07:00A wonderful weekend ALWAYS includes Baptisms!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LODZ: Lodz was the place to be this week-end! This great Branch welcomed 2 new members of the Church into their congregation.</div>
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Igor was baptized by Tim. Elders Wolfley and Van Bakel were there to support and have been teaching this good man.</div>
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Tomek (center right) was baptized by Rafal.....a new member of the church himself! We met Tomek last week as we were traveling around for Specialized Training. Again, Tomek was taught by Elders Wolfley and Van Bakel.<br />
Two great new soon-to-be priesthood brethren that will strengthen the Church in Poland. A big WELCOME to you both from all the members.Siostra Nielsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14179706686574310049noreply@blogger.com0