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. 
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.
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.
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.
Tonight we said "Good-bye" to Elder and Sister Harding.......
Sister Harding wanted to leave a piece of a favorite jacket that she had worn countless times in the mission field.
Elder Harding decided to leave his "President Monson" tie....he has another one just like it!
This great couple, Elder and Sister Harding, have served endlessly here in Warsaw as the Warsaw II Branch President and wife. They are loved by missionaries and members alike and will truly be missed by all!
The Richards (the new Warsaw II Branch President AND Office Couple!) and Sister Briggs (Family History Center) came for dinner and a good-bye testimony meeting.
It didn't matter, the lines were long. The Hardings and Elder Lapot waited and waited and finally made it to the counter. The extra luggage cost them, and you can't pay at the ticket counter. You need to go to another line and pay there.
We love the Hardings and will always be grateful for their support and sustaining us in our calling. We thank you for all you have done to make the Poland Warsaw Mission grow and be stronger.
This is President Nielson's best friend...the parking ticket machine at the airport. It always works for him. It does what he asks. It never complains. It is fast and efficient, helps with exactly what he needs. It is always awake at 6:30am (even before) and just works when called upon.
This is his 'next' best friend...the ticket machine that lets you out after you show you have paid. There would be a tie for 'Best Friend', but this machine didn't work one time. Even though the ticket showed 'paid', the machine would not let President out. So this became his 'next' best friend. President tells me it is a sad state when two of his best friends are machines and don't even speak English. Mission President can be a lonely job!
Tonight President Nielson and I were able to visit the YSA Family Home Evening/Institute night in Warsaw. Kasia gave a great lesson for FHE and then Institute followed. We gave a lesson on Christ-Centered Leadership using a power point of various events in Christ's life. (See the image on the left) The events of Christ's life teach doctrinal leadership principles. In attendance were Kasia, Alex, Marta, Solongo, Dorota and several great Investigators. The YSA's are great missionaries and they are doing much to further the work here in Poland. We love being around these YSA's.
(LtoR) Emmanuel (1st Counselor) and Gosia Neto, Elder Richards (Branch President) and his wife, Sister Richards, Jackie and Mark Pickett (2nd Counselor). The Picketts are from Houston,Texas and are here in Poland for work. Brother Pickett has been here for several months, but Sister Pickett arrived yesterday...Welcome to Poland, Sister Pickett...we've been anxious to meet you!!! You're going to love it here!
Not only does Warsaw II Branch have a new Branch Presidency, but we had a visit from a former one! Elder and Sister Bulkley from Mesa, Arizona had 'dropped' by to say 'hello'! The Bulkley's had served in Warsaw before we had come out, and Elder Bulkley had been the Branch President of this branch for 18 months. Funny thing...President Nielson has known this good couple for over 25 years. Having grown up in Mesa, you just know "Doc" Bulkley and his famous Bow Tie. If you play golf in Mesa, you would know "Doc" also. (L to R:) Sister Buckley, Rose, Elder Buckley and Santiago. A great day in Warsaw ll.
During a great day at the Wolska Chapel yesterday, some other activities were going on outside. While Specialized Training was going on, President Nielson had a conference call with Elder Teixeira and a baptism was about to start. After the baptism, the members mingled and President took his briefcase out to the car. He returned 10 minutes later to get something and found this (the photo above). Someone had broken the window and stole his briefcase. In the briefcase there was no money, no passport -nothing of monetary value other than some of his most valuable personal items. His scriptures with 20 years of notes and quotes, notebooks of all mission presidents seminars, the Preach My Gospel he's used for the last 6 years, flash drives with all his mission power points and DVD's, and many mission and personal papers. Plus his iPad that did have his life in it. It was a rough day, but it's just stuff. He says it was a 'wake-up call' to not rely on his past notes and to start over with new thoughts and inspiration. It was still a great day. Every day in the mission field is a great day...especially when there is a baptism! Perhaps the cards containing his 'line of authority' (that he gives to those he ordains to the priesthood) will inspire someone to inquire about the Church.
