Monday, January 24, 2011

On our way to Szczecin....(and it's far, far away!)

From Warsaw to Szczecin is a very long drive. On the way we went to the small town of Swiebodzin. Step aside Rio de Janeiro...Poland now has the biggest Christ statue in the world! It is supposedly 42 feet taller than the one in Brazil. Construction of it started in 2008 and the crown was put into place a few weeks ago.
There isn't much to see in this area but the statue certainly stands out. There was no charge or parking fee. We parked across the street in the Tesco parking lot. There were many families that were sight seeing as we were doing. It was really quite a nice place to visit and admire.
It was a beautiful but cold day for a visit. We were surprised at the detail in the face and even the outreached arms and hands. We were glad we took the time to stop and see this.
It made us thankful for the faith and belief in the Savior that so many others have. In a world that seems to be moving in other directions, it was great to see these people still have respect for the Savior.
A view of the statue as we were leaving the city which is located 1 1/2 hours west of Poznan.
More Polish trivia.....I have seen these recycle containers in most of the cities that we drive through, but I have never seen anyone near them. Just as I was saying this to President Nielson...
...here came an ecology-minded citizen down the street carrying bags of recyclables! Who knows how far she had walked to get there.
This was for all my American friends who murmur when they have to take their recycle containers to the curb of their front lawns every other week! I won't complain any more.
And what would a road trip be without a picture of another incredible Polish bridge. They should get the 'Coolest Bridges in Europe' award!
We finally made it to Szczecin (which I had no idea was a port!) Since the 1700's, this town was part of Germany and had been the main port for land-locked Berlin. After WWII, the Russians passed through this city leaving much of it in ruins. Now it is home to Poland's finest Naval University.
We arrived in Szczecin on Saturday night just in time to speak at a fireside held at the branch. L to R: Elder Attebery, Jurek, Mateusz, Elder Stohel, Henryk, Grazyna, and Arek.
After the fireside, it was Pizza Hut for the Elders! Lucky for me they have a salad bar, but the Elders love the pizza.
The next morning we got to the chapel early. The street where the chapel is located was so beautiful and peaceful that I had to take a picture.
The entrance to the Szczecin Branch. 29/13 (building 29 suite 13)
Elder Stohel, President, Lucasz (a future missionary!) and Elder Attebery right before Sacrament Meeting started.
Picture taken of the Szczecin Branch right after Sunday School. Elder Attebery, Mateusz, Stefan, Zbyszek, Elder Stohel, Henryk, Lucasz, Grazyna. A great branch with a great spirit. This city was truly a delight to visit and see the wonderful things that are going on.

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