Changes in Katowice....

Sunday morning, one of the changes in the city of Katowice was the view. We had never seen such a clean, clear day in all our travels to this great city. Katowice is part of a group of 14 cities and other small towns that make up one of the biggest industrial regions in Europe...population in this area is 3+ million.

Here you can see how sprawled out the area is.

The landscape is lined with countless smoke stacks. One can usually 'smell the coal' when you are getting close to Katowice.

I apologize for the number of pictures, but we were amazed at what we saw....or were able to see!

This would be my favorite picture.....because just a few months ago, we took a picture of this same view and this is what we saw......

I'm not kidding.....this is the same view. It is not raining....it is pollution. Katowice is one of the 'dirtiest' cities in Poland. But it is also one of the favorite places to serve according to the missionaries. They love this city and the people in it.

But changes were coming to the Katowice branch this week. Branch conference was well attended; and afterwards, members were able to linger and say 'good-bye' to 4 special missionaries who had been serving there...Elder and Sister Neiman who had finished their 18 month mission as YSA Directors and over the Center for Young Adults, and Elder Kennedy and Sister Smith who were being transferred.

Members visited....

Here is Sister Neiman, Damian--new convert, Adam and Adam's grandmother---who is not a member but attends faithfully every week.

Another group pose....L to R: Adam, Elder Kennedy, Sister Smith, Gosia, Damian, Helena, and Dorota (sitting in front).

A few members and missionaries gathered for a special tradition that we have in our mission.

The Tie Ceremony! Elder Neiman 'willingly' adds his tie to our 'tie board' at the mission home. They each leave a piece of themselves (usually their favoriate tie) with us. We will remember them and think of them.

As does Sister Neiman.....who donates a piece of a scarf in her favorite color!

Thank you, Elder and Sister Neiman, for all your hard work and diligent efforts. You have truly made a difference in the church in Poland. YOU WILL BE MISSED. We love you and wish you the best!

Monday Morning: As the Neimans headed out of town, missionary work went forward as usual. The Katowice District Meeting.....led by Elder Kennedy, the District Leader.

The Katowice District.....well, at least until Wednesday.

L to R: Elders Leimer and Dabrowski ( Zone Leaders), Sister Smith (who is being transferred to Poznan), Elder Hooker, Sister Mann, Elder Kennedy (who has just been made a Zone Leader in the Warsaw Zone), and a GREAT BIG WELCOME to Sister Austin who just arrived last week. She will be taking the Neiman's place with the Young Single Adults. Some great missionaries who have worked hard to keep the Katowice Branch growing.