Interview Trip...Day 2!

Leaving Gdansk this morning, I have convinced President Nielson that he needs to take a few hours and see some of Poland besides the chapels and centrums of the bigger cities. Even Mission Presidents are to take a P-Day! We got up early and started on the roads in the rain and ran into this....

See the ATV in the middle of the picture? He was holding up tons of traffic as he was 'putting' down the road! The big white truck on the left just barely missed hitting him! This is a major highway in Poland, lots of traffic and you have someone on an ATV who won't move over for others to pass. Welcome to Poland...the land of crazy drivers and unusual vehicles traversing the roads! You've got to love this place, though. It keeps a road trip interesting!

The rain stopped, and we happened to see these "Polish Scouts" walking along the road heading to a service project. We didn't have a clue what city we were in but saw these Scouts and had to take a picture. Their organization was inspired by the original 'polish scouts'---the children that used to transport guns and messages during WWII. The original scouts would go about 'doing good' undetected while the Germans thought they were just playing.

This is our destination...Hitler's Wolf Lair. He spent over 3 years here (1941-1944) with only short trips to the outside world. He used to say that this was one of the few places in Europe that he felt safe.

Hidden in the thick forest, the location was carefully chosen in a remote part of East Prussia. It was far away from important towns and transport routes but was a convenient command center for the German advance to the East.

The Wolf's Lair is famous for being the sight of the 'almost' assasination of Hitler by Colonel Stauffenberg. The monument on the rock is to honor the Colonel. (See the movie "Valkyrie")
This is the remains of the sight where it happened. A briefcase was placed under the table a few yards from Hitler. Although it killed two others, it only wounded him. Why is the building so demolished? As the Germans were facing defeat and leaving these hideouts, they blew them up trying to destroy the buildings.

This is one of the best preserved 'bunkers'. There were 7 heavy bunkers such as this for top leaders and about 80 structures in all on the premises.

Some of the walls and ceilings are more than 25 feet thick.

#13 was Hitler's personal bunker. It was over 2100 square meters big......over 4X the size of the other bunkers. Not much is left intact.

As the Germans left, there wasn't enough TNT to completely destroy the buildings. The explosives would most often crack the structures in half. The entire commandpost was hidden by design and years after the war it was discovered. Those who worked constructing all the buildings were killed when it was completed so it could remain a secret unknown area for Hitler to hide.

This shows the marshlands that this complex was built in. We saw these trees growing out of moss-covered water. This area was an extensive minefield that actually took the Russians 10 years to clear the 10 km of mines within the complex. (They found over 55,000 mines!) The Wolf's Lair is totally worth the visit.

As we were leaving, we were headed into another storm. We have come to appreciate the beautiful clouds in the skies of Poland. With such diverse weather, the sky is truly spectacular!

Not being able to make it to Bialystok, we stayed in the Masuria area....that is full of lakes. It was a very full day....a fun day....this 2nd day of interviewing! We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Interview trip....Northern Part of Poland. 1st Day:

By 5:30 am we were on the road to our missionaries in the northern part of Poland. It's time for Missionary Interviews and that means MANY hours in the car! My goal this trip is to make a few stops along the normal routes to see a little of the country this time.....we'll see how it goes!

Our first stop was Bydgoszcz. There we were able to visit with these great missionaries: (L to R) Elders Fletcher, Kalinowski, Buckner and Nielson and Sisters Steadman and Jones. All are working hard and striving to bring the gospel to the people of Bydgoszcz. After interviews, everyone was hungry so.........

...we found ourselves at Subway for a bite to eat. Fortunately they were open....as was McDonald's. It was a Catholic Holiday and even the malls were closed. Thank heavens for American franchises who stay open when everyone else is closed!

After saying our good-byes to Bydgoszcz, it was back in the car to make our way to Gdansk. Having the good fortune to be able to drive on a great freeway, we made better time than we thought; and I talked President into doing a little sight-seeing. He gave me 45 minutes. I took it.

We were able to walk around this beautiful seaport city in great weather. So often, when we are in Gdansk, it has been snowing or raining. Today was perfect and what a perfect city!

As we passed the shops and restaurants along the shore, I couldn't take my eyes off the "Gdansk Crane" (black structure on the waterfront). It is world-renowned and the symbol of the city of Gdansk. More to come about this later...

As we were traveling along the Motlawa River, a ship called 'The Black Pearl' (really!) brimming full of passengers sailed by. It had come from the neighboring seaport of Gdynia.

The shipyard in Gdansk is full of countless cranes standing idle. This was not always so. It was once a huge, very busy industrial zone, and it is an important part of 20th century history. In 1980, there was a large group of shipyard workers who protested the working conditions imposed upon them by the Communists. This strike ended in negotiations with the government and led to the beginning of the Solidarity Movement.

An electrician, Lech Walesa, led the strike and the negotiations and later became the first freely elected president in postwar Poland. He officed here in this building on the waterfront.

Today, while most of the machines lay dormant, some sections of the port have been bought by small companys who have refurbished the equipment and use it to ship their goods.

We see the 'Gdansk Crane' from a different angle. It was built in the mid 15th century and was the biggest crane in medival history. It was considerably damaged in 1945 but was carefully rebuilt. It is the only fully restored crane of its time. Now it is a museum.

And "The Black Pearl" has docked! The people came flooding out of the ship to go AMBER SHOPPING!

This is what the famous 'Amber Alley' looks like in the 'off' season.....

...and this is what it looked like today! Tourist season has arrived in Gdansk!

We ran into this guy who was painted as a rusted man, being as it is a seaport city. I happened to take his picture before putting money in his kettle. He got really mad at me and said something about Mormons... It was upsetting and President gave him a few coins and calmed him down. He told him we were missionaries and that being a Mormon was a priviledge and speak kindly of Mormons. The man was nice and promised us he wouldn't speak against us anymore. We will search out this man everytime we are in Gdansk and see if he remembers us and perhaps meet us for a lesson.

The great Elders of Gdansk! Elders Krzyminski, Seibert (District Leader), Gladun, and Lyzwinski. What do you do (after interviews) and when you meet 4 hard-working, hungry Elders???

You take them to dinner, of course! After a one-hour dinner break (because they are obedient missionaries), we said good-bye and went to visit a couple from North Carolina who are in Gdansk for work.

David and Lisa Lewis. What a great couple they are...and a GREAT help in the Gdansk Branch. We appreciate all they do to help with member support....and they're not even full-time missionaries! Brother Lewis was in the Warsaw ll branch presidency for a time, then work transferred him to Gdansk. It was great to visit with them.

Wow!!! What a day....Bydogoszcz, Gdansk, a little sight-seeing, a lot of interviewing, and some great visits! A lot was accomplished! Only 3 more days to go......I hope I can keep up the pace!

District Meeting with the Warsaw I District

We left for the Wolska Chapel early Tuesday morning for District Meeting with the Warsaw I District. Finding ourselves behind this truck, President almost wrecked the car getting close enough to see the details. This is the first of its kind that we have seen. Competition in Poland! For those of you who don't know, President Nielson has a shutter company in America (and a great partner, employees, and sons who are taking very good care of it while he is away!) He got so excited, I had to take a picture.

Now, back to the District Meeting....

The Warsaw I District: (L to R) Sister Briggs, Elders Rogers, Vreeken, Curtis and Kennedy, Sisters Ellis and Stay, and our newest missionaries....Sister and Elder Simons.

Playing the opening hymn requires teamwork.....and these missionaries know how to work together! Elder Rogers plays while Elder Vreeken holds the plug in and leads the music. (I vote for a new electric piano in the Relief Society room!)

Elder Vreeken, the District Leader, gave a great lesson on Revelation Through the Book of Mormon.

After a great lesson and discussion on how to implement what we learned, it was time for some Role Play! Elders Vreeken anad Rogers 'teaching' Sisters Stay and Ellis the importance of reading out of the Book of Mormon. Committing the investigators to read and it should start with the Introduction page .

One last picture taken before it's time to 'invite others to come unto Christ'. (Standing in front of the sign at the Wolska Chapel.) This is a great group of missionaries. They are obeying all the guidelines, listening to the Spirit and to finding those that are seeking the truth in Warsaw.

Now....on the way home, we came across this advertizing wonder!

Yes, that box is REALLY sitting on top of that small car. It may look silly, but it did it's job. IT GOT OUR ATTENTION! The box on top is larger than the car- not just from this angel, the width, but the length says the same message and is longer than the car... I love this country and the people who live here!

A missionary assigned for a short 10 day mission.

Brother Lyzwinski received a call to serve as a missionary in Gdansk for 10 days. This is the spirit of missionary work. This young man could have relaxed at home and slipped into summer vacation preparing for the YSA conference in Romania in July, but...he answered the call to serve.

A missionary agrees to devote ALL of their efforts, give ALL of their time in serving the Lord and leave ALL concerns of the world behind. That also means your iPhone! It applies to ALL missionaries...even for 10 days. This was a big step, and Dominik made the sacrifice of leaving the electronic connection to the world in the Mission Home with President Nielson. The truth is, he wanted to leave it so he would not be distracted!

After spending the first night with the Assistants and having an American breakfast, they are off to the train station and a 7 hour ride to Gdansk. There he will be serving with Elder Krzyminski until June 30.

This is a great accomplishment for Brother Lyzwinski as he gets front seat in the Assistants' car. We are excited for him in this experience. This is one more step in preparing this great young man for leadership training, personal growth and a special opportunity to serve the Lord in the future for 2 years.

New Senior Couple Arrives!!!!

It is always a GREAT day in the mission field when you get a new Senior Couple and today we were really blessed. A couple from McCammon, Idaho has come to fill the spot as CES Coordinators in Poland.

Sister Simons has arrived

.....as is her husband, Elder Simons!

Not only will they serve as the CES Coordinators for Poland but they will also be in charge of the Single Adult Program in Warsaw I and hold a calling in the Warsaw I Branch.

Sunday, we took them to the Wolska Chapel (Warsaw I Branch) where they started to meet the great members who attend there.  Elder and Sister Simon....we welcome you to Poland to serve along side all our other wonderful Senior Missionaries.

Wolska Chapel- 20th Anniversary of the Dedication

On the 22nd of June, 1991- the Wolska Chapel was dedicated by Elder Russell M. Nelson. In honor of that great day, the Church in Poland held a celebration on June 18, 2011. It was a wonderful day and a day to reflect on the great blessings that have come from the Lord.

The day started out early with Institute and Seminary Graduation. Receiving the Certificates of Attendance from Institute are Marta, Kasia (who graduated!) Dominik plus Kamila and Solongo (not shown).

Receiving their certificates of graduation from Seminary are Maja and Agnieszka with their instructors, President Zelewski and Karina.

With Seminary and Institute Graduation behind us, we had some time to 'play' before people started to arrive for the Dedication Commemoration.

Maciey and I played a little badminton....before the 'birdie' got hit up on the roof of the building!

Then we just started 'posing' with the rackets! Kasia, Marta, Nasa playing with Dougie and Asia.

Soon the people started to arrive..

The Hapgoods are still with us and anyday they plan on moving back to England. Sister Hapgood recently hurt her hand and is recovering nicely. We are glad they are still here but know they are anxious to move and get settled again.

More members start to arrive. Sara and Brat Jarosz along with Michael Isaac (who was receiving a special award for countless years of managing the Wolska Chapel), Siostra Kulinicz and Anja.

While people were arriving, missionaries and members were out back preparing for the 'Grill' that was to take place after the meeting. We have a beautiful lawn by the Chapel for such occasions.

Piotr is helping with capturing the events and memories. This good brother is our District Clerk and is always a helping hand.

President Zielonka, the Branch President in Warsaw I, was making sure that everything looked good and was set up properly. He is a huge help in all the events and in making the Warsaw I Branch a solid unit.

Godfrey has one more thing to do before we start. The front door needed a quick repair, and he is the one who can get it done. The lawns outside looked perfect all because Godfrey does such a great job.

The members arrive with investigators. Here Sisters Stay and Ellis are with Anna, a recent convert, Karina a faithful member and this good investigator.

The Neto's from Warsaw II along with Urszula (middle), who organized this great event. There was so much to do and plan for. These are three of the great members of the Church in Poland.

The Lewis', who now live in Gdansk because of work, came down for this great celebration.

Speakers for the occasion: (L to R): Filip--read the dedicatory prayers given by President Kimball (1971)and Elder Nelson (1991); Teresa spoke on the Family History aspect of the Church; Anja spoke on the importance of the family in our church; Brother Jarosz spoke on the 3-fold mission of the church: Proclaim the Gospel, Redeem the Dead, and Perfect the Saints. Our own Elder Eastman (far left) spoke about the missionaries in Poland, their purpose and the message they are bringing to the people of this great land. As he was speaking each of our 14 missionaries serving in the Warsaw area were standing behind him. (They were an impressive group!) When Elder Eastman concluded, the entire congregation stood and sang "Called to Serve" in Polish. It was truly a spiritual highlight of the meeting. Very powerful! Hardly a dry eye in the crowd.

After the meeting, members and investigators gathered to visit.

Alex and Oxana.

Elder Richards and Brat Herman.

Fillip and Dennis.

Jon Jagard and friends. Many of the investigators and members toured the building and enjoyed the things mentioned in the talks.

Sister Czesak and President escorted Dr. Biernat, Director of the National Archives, to visit the Family History Center and see our various classrooms and what we teach and instruct in our Wolska Chapel. Sister Czesak spoke on the program about the events of the Church leading up to the dedication and President spoke about the Dedicatory Prayer by Elder Nelson, its fulfillment going on today and our bright future as we recognize what this building represents to Poland and to the Church.

In the Family History Center with Sister Briggs who runs everything so well.

The blessing on the food was offered and the Grill (BBQ) started. The line just kept growing.

Rafel just kept running errands and was in heavy demand.

The "Ed Torrance" of Poland. Our very own Brat Jarosz, who does everything.

Anna with her daughter, Laura, and friend.

Asia, Alex and Gosia, getting salads and condiments ready...

Elder Kennedy and his investigator.

The Zielonka family.

The (invaluable) crew in the kitchen- Agnieska, Rafal, Sister Czesak and Sister Jarosz and Dominik.

The food, the games, the company... just a wonderful event and day. The Lord is blessing us.

We are blessed to have this wonderful building to attend and worship. We are blessed to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. This celebration was not only being grateful for the physical building but helping us spiritually build our lives with His gospel.