Today is November 1st...The Day of the Dead. It is a huge holiday here in Poland. Everything is closed --museums, grocery stores, even the malls! It was an absolutely beautiful day, so we decided to visit two very famous parks here in Warsaw. Here we are at Lazienki Park in front of probably one of the most famous symbols in Poland....that of Chopin , the pianist/composer and a Pole! This statue was built in 1929, destroyed by the Germans in 1940, and rebuilt in 1958 when plans of the original structure were found. It is a popular meeting place on Sundays where renowned pianists from all over the world come and play Chopin's music while the public sits on the countless benches and listens. This is a special year for Chopin...it is his 200th birthday!
Next we went to Saski Gardens.....Here are Devin and Scott in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This structure was built from stones that were left from the Saxon Palace (which was destroyed at the end of WWII) that once stood on this spot. Yes, those are real guards....and they did not flinch!
Also in Saski Park......in 1989 President Monson--then an apostle, Elder Russel M. Nelson, and Elder Hans Rinker came to this area to rededicate the land of Poland for the spreading of the gospel.
The Wolska Chapel is situated between two large cemeteries. Every cemetery was very crowded with people honoring their dead on this special day. The flowers were breathtaking. The amount of people and size of crowds is amazing. It truly is a National Holiday. Everything stops for this honoring of their forefathers.
This is a monument dedicated to the Polish Uprising in 1944 that took place between the German and the Russian occupation of this country. Everyone of these candles were lit...this was unbelievable and the people were still coming to place more in this special spot.
A sea of candles... What a 'finding' opportunity...right? And that's what we did! The missionaries and branch members organized a tour through the Wolska Chapel that was VERY well attended.
Elders Augustyn, Stohel, and Garrett inviting the people in with hot 'mormon' (fruit) tea and cookies AND a free tour of our Chapel! Once inside the building, the people were taken to the various rooms by missionaries and members explaining to them what our church was all about.
A very popular exhibit was the room where the baptismal font is located. There the people were taught about the Restoration and how we baptise like Jesus was baptized. This fascinated many and lots of questions were asked and answered. L to R: Sister Spear (who chaired the Open House with her former companion, Sister Brown), Sisters Allen, LeFevre, and Marshall.
When the Family History Center was explained, there was much interest in that as well. L to R: Elder Augustin, Sisters Sheets and Briggs, and Elder Garrett. Visitors went into the Family History Center and many wanted to start right then finding out about their families.
After visiting the Chapel, being taught about the sacrament and then on to the Primary room, etc., the Missionaries and some of the members that helped during the Open House, gathered for refreshments for our very important visitors. It was a VERY successful activity. Many families came to tour the building and so many Books of Mormons were given out that we had to make an emergency run to the Mission Office to get more!
What a fun and wonderful day we had at the Wolska Chapel and all the great contacts we made. It was wonderful to feel what was here where missionaries and members served together. We thank all who participated with this. Next year will be better and more rewarding.
Elders Augustyn, Stohel, and Garrett inviting the people in with hot 'mormon' (fruit) tea and cookies AND a free tour of our Chapel! Once inside the building, the people were taken to the various rooms by missionaries and members explaining to them what our church was all about.
A very popular exhibit was the room where the baptismal font is located. There the people were taught about the Restoration and how we baptise like Jesus was baptized. This fascinated many and lots of questions were asked and answered. L to R: Sister Spear (who chaired the Open House with her former companion, Sister Brown), Sisters Allen, LeFevre, and Marshall.
When the Family History Center was explained, there was much interest in that as well. L to R: Elder Augustin, Sisters Sheets and Briggs, and Elder Garrett. Visitors went into the Family History Center and many wanted to start right then finding out about their families.
After visiting the Chapel, being taught about the sacrament and then on to the Primary room, etc., the Missionaries and some of the members that helped during the Open House, gathered for refreshments for our very important visitors. It was a VERY successful activity. Many families came to tour the building and so many Books of Mormons were given out that we had to make an emergency run to the Mission Office to get more!What a fun and wonderful day we had at the Wolska Chapel and all the great contacts we made. It was wonderful to feel what was here where missionaries and members served together. We thank all who participated with this. Next year will be better and more rewarding.
No comments:
Post a Comment
To make a comment you must have a Google account (gmail)