Finishing up Mission Interviews

President has interviewed all of the missionaries in the past two weeks except the Elders in Bialystok and Lublin. These two sets of Elders come into Warsaw every other week for District Meetings. So first thing this morning we ran over to the Wolska Chapel for Warsaw l District Meeting to interview Elders Darowski and Hannemann. These two great Elders are serving in Bialystok.

Other members of the District are Elders Bode and Vreeken (the District Leader) who ran into Godfrey who was making the exterior of the building look wonderful as usual.

Elder Hannemann received a package from his mother. Apparently she sent a package containing a watch some time ago. The package arrived, but the watch didn't. This time she was really creative. The watch was sent hidden inside a stuffed animal. Elder Hannemann was able to undo some of the stitching and there was the watch. Everyone was happy and thrilled for Elder Hannemann.

After interviewing the Bialystok Elders, we dashed across town and met with the Elders from Lublin who were attending the Warsaw ll District Meeting.

This District received their "gifts"- DVD players, Preach My Gospel DVD's, Fire Blankets and Fire Extinguishers. Elders Sheridan, Basha, Johnson, Marsing with Sisters Bailey and Jones.

We were running late and needed to get the Lublin Elders to the train station but had about 30 minutes to spare. President needed to interview these great missionaries, the weather was pretty good and we were really close to one attraction that was dear to Elder Basha's heart- a driving range. So off we went.

Between hitting a few golf balls, sitting in the car and talking, both Elders were interviewed and it was a great day. President used to say that some of his best meetings were on the golf course. I think the look on Elder Basha's face says it all. Thanks Elder Marsing for supporting your companion. The interviews are now completed and we will doing this in another 60 days. The snow will be on the ground so this interview meeting place probably will be different. But President has ordered a basketball standard for the Wolska Chapel so maybe we will have more interviews there in the future... I love my missionaries and MY companion!!!!!

Elder Fritzsch returns home....

One of our great missionaries, Elder Fritzsch, has returned home to address some medical issues. We have great hopes that he will be returning to mission field here in Poland...soon! He left one of his favorite ties with me....one that a favorite companion had given him.

Some of the Elders in the mission came by to have dinner with Elder Fritzsch and to wish him well. (L to R): Elder Davis (companion), Elders Sheridan, Hillyard, Dabrowski and Johnson.

After dinner, these great Elders got their musical talents together and sang a few songs in 4-part harmony. It was a great send-off for Elder Fritzsch.

Elder Fritzsch had a very early flight back to Germany. We found the airport isn't quite as busy as we are used to at 5:15 am. We will miss this great Elder. He added so much to the mission. Elder Fritzsch...know that you are not forgotten. Your mission is praying for you in hopes that you will be able to return to good health and be able to serve with us again soon. We love you, and you are in our prayers!

More great things happening last weekend!!!

Not only did we enjoy a great 2-day Warsaw District Conference, but great things were happening all over the mission. Great things, you might ask? YES! Nothing is greater than when we baptize!!!! Meet our newest members....

Adrian, from Katowice, was baptized by his good friend (and great member missionary!) Adrian! He is shown here with the missionaries who taught him, Elders Seibert and Curtis. Yes, the lake was a 'little' chilly! He is a great addition to the very-strong YSA program in Katowice.

We had a baptism in Szczecin!!!! Here is Lukasz who was baptized by Lukasz--a great member missionary who often helps the missionaries with member lessons. This man was given a Book of Mormon when he was contacted on the street. The Elders told him if he read it, God would let him know if it was true. At the first lesson, he sat down and told Elders Kennedy and Rogers that God had confirmed that the book was true; and he wanted to know more. These are the quality of people we are finding...those that are searching for truth and answers...and we have them!

The church is growing in Poland....and the foundation of the gospel in this country is strengthening. As you can see, we have great missionaries in Poland. They are obedient, dedicated and valiant in the cause of Truth. Our dear Polish members, is there any one you know who would benefit from the blessings of the gospel? Our missionaries can't wait to help you share the message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them!

Warsaw District Conference October 15-16.

District Conference weekend---an exciting weekend for the members of the church in the Warsaw District. It was great to meet together, visit and be edified.

The conference started with leadership meetings for the women and the priesthood on Saturday at 1:00 pm. In the women's leadership meeting, leaders of our Relief Societies, Young Womens and Primaries met to receive instruction. Shown with our 'stones of faith' are Wioletta (translator), Me-spoke on the purposes of Relief Society and how to implement them in our branches, Sister Tarasevich-spoke on the importance of Visiting Teaching (and how to do it!), and Malgorzata who spoke on 'stones of faith' needed to lead and bless our lives.

Leaders in the Relief Societies and Primaries in the District: Irena (Lodz), Monika and Sylwia(Warsaw), Wioletta (Lodz), Anja, Karina, Beata (Warsaw), Zosia, Sister Tarasevich, Mirka (Lodz), Malgorzata (Warsaw District Relief Society President), and Sister Richards (Poznan). We had a great meeting!

Some of the wonderful members from the Bydgoszcz branch- besides Ewa and Andrzej are Lech, Renata and her son Adam and Marek.

From Bialystok, President Libert and Krzystof. It was great to see these wonderful men.

The Branch Presidents in the Warsaw District- Elder Richards (Poznan), President Zielonka (Warsaw l), President Libert (Bialystok), Elder Tarasevich (Lodz), President Mecham (Lublin) and President Staples (Warsaw ll). Not pictured but is greatly appreciated is President Michael Isaac (Bydgoszcz). To these wonderful men....we are so grateful for your service!

Jerzy, a new convert and newly ordained Elder, from Warsaw ll helped with everything during the weekend. He is currently the Branch Mission Leader in his branch.

President Zielonka and Blazej enjoying a quick bite to eat during the afternoon and evening sessions on Saturday. Blazej is a deacon in Warsaw l----and has an appetite of a Missionary!

Some of our beautiful YSA's and Sister Missionaries! Ewa, Dorota, Kasia, Marta, Sisters Mann, Ellis, Leppanen and McAdams.

Before being transferred to Lodz, Sister Tarasevich served with her husband in Bydgoszcz where she and Ewa became good friends. Ewa is doing a wonderful job as "Webmaster" for mormoni.pl --- the church website here in Poland. Sunday morning before District Conference was one of the best meeting we held. The youth (ages 12-18 yrs) met and had a wonderful hour together. (L to R): Sara, Maja, Bailey, Agnieszka, Grace, Maja, Hanna, Karolina, Jake, Blazej, and Kai.

The Warsaw ll Choir sang at District Conference. It was second only to the Tabernacle Choir. It was absolutley fabulous! We can't say enough about how great they sounded. A huge 'thank you' for your talents and music.

Members from Lublin: the Mechams and Cody and Jasmine. Thank you for attending and being such great members of the Church.

Two men that were ordained Elders in the Conference were Lech and Jerzy. Andrzej and Robert ordained them and it was wonderful to witness this. In the conference, all new converts in the last 6 months were presented white corsages, as Jerzy has on. We are so blessed by these new members of the Church and the spirit they add. Thank you so much for your testimonies and for being valiant.

The Warsaw District Presidency. President Dresler with counselors President Armstrong and President Poludnikiewicz along with their family members. What a wonderful group of great leaders and members

I have great Visiting Teachers and we were able to enjoy a minute after the conference session on Sunday. Thank you, Susan and Beata...I look forward to your visits!

Dominik and Alex. Both are great YSA's in the Church and doing wonderful things. Both are working and serving hard. Mission papers are just around the corner for both of them. Now, how great is that!!! These two WILL BE great missionaries for the Lord and the Church.

Nasa, Agnieszka and Rafal after the Sunday session. Rafal spoke and gave a wonderful message. (Agnieszka and Rafal's baby is coming soon!)

Brother and Sister Neto from the Warsaw ll branch. Great faithful Saints in Poland.

Sister Pritchett, with her parents and sister, made it back from a quick tour around Poland to attend conference. A great family, and they are always welcome here in Poland.

President Jagard (Mission Presidency) and Anja. He spoke on Saturday evening and today they both had a great time---after the conference.

The church is small wherever you go. Michol is here with his family working in Warsaw. He came from Salt Lake City, where he has a good friend, Gordie, that just happens to be my cousin! Small world!

Like I said, the District Conference was indeed wonderful. The chapel and cultural hall were full of members, investigators, and the spirit. It was a great week-end! I love this church, and I love serving in this great country! The church is true....never forget it!

Katowice (and surroundings!) Interview Trip...the Finale!

Another very early day began with a train ride to Katowice for the final stop of our 2-week long interview trip. Taking the train to Katowice is getting better and better.We're still giving out DVD players, Preach My Gospel DVD's, fire extinguishers and fire blankets! But before the 'gifts' were handed out, this is what took place... (I just had to make a note a few days later- do these faces show you what it is to be on a mission? It is HAPPINESS !!)

The Katowice District held their weekly district meeting. (L toR): Sisters Folsom, Marshall and McGrath; Elders McGrath, Seibert, Curtis and Fletcher.

All these great Missionaries were being taught by their District Leader, Elder Fletcher, who was teaching how to help investigators want to commit to coming to church and feeling the spirit there.

Meanwhile, in another room, the Krakow District had also come to collect their essential apartment items....But before doing that, they were also attending a District Meeting.

Sitting in on a role-play asking investigators to come to church. Elder Klosowiak, the District Leader, was making notes on the white board. Both District Meetings were well taught. We have great leaders in this mission who will someday be great leaders in the Church! Here, Elder Kalinowski is teaching (with Elder Gudnason helping) that the Book of Mormon contains everything and it is physical evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet and everything he helped restore and do was inspired and true.

Elders Hancock and Gudnason, currently serving in Kielce, pack up to head back home...renewed and ready to work!

Our Krakow Elders, Kalinowski and Klosowiak, are doing the same.

The Katowice Sisters, Sister Folsom and Sister Marshall, bundle up and get ready to go to a lesson.

Elder and Sister McGrath standing in the library closet.....one of the many places they have cleaned getting ready for the new 2012 curriculum which is on its way.

After the meetings and interviews, it was back on the train heading to Warsaw.

As we stepped out of the train station, I had an overwhelming feeling of joy that we were home...and what a beautiful place it is...especially at night!

The Zloty Terrace mall. One of my favorite places to spend a spare moment in!

The Cultural Center. They periodically change the colors on this building...all are beautiful. Some times I have to 'pinch' myself! We live in Poland! We are on a Mission! It is hard work, but very rewarding. We really are having 'the time of our lives'......you need to try it! We love 'being on the Lord's errand' mingling among some of the Lord's most choice people!

District Meeting in Lodz- 10 Oct 2011

Having had a great fireside last night, we got up this morning to attend District Meeting at the Chapel with the missionaries in Lodz. Elder Leimer, the District Leader, taught a great lesson - 'Revelation through Church Attendance'. There was wonderful instructions and participation by everyone. Today is the day where the Lodz District received their "gifts" (DVD players, District I & II DVD's, fire blankets and Fire Extinguishers). Elders Smith, Berry, Leimer, Pofelski and Elder and Sister Tarasevich, with Sisters Allen and Stay.

Afterwards we headed over to Manekin's who are famous for their 'polish pancakes'. This is a favorite. Here is the Sisters' table where we visited about all the wonderful things happening in Lodz. (L to R): Sisters Stay, Tarasevich and Allen.

The Elders' table was also talking about the branch, the investigators and the work going on in the specific areas of the city. (L to R): Elders Tarasevich, Smith, Pofelski, Leimer and Berry. The fun thing about going to restaurants in Poland is how affordable they are. Look at these delicious dishes, the total bill was about $60 for 10 people. Not bad...and we even had a couple of desserts to share!

As we came out of the restaurant, we noticed this "thing" on Elder Tarasevich's car. Sister Taraseivach made the phone call to have the "policja" come and remove their "Boot".

After waiting for some time, the fee was paid (no negiotiating!), and the "boot" was removed. The parking sign with the symbol of "No Parking" was way down the street. There were cars parked in front of us and behind us, but we were the only one that they selected to be "locked down". Elder Tarasevich is a great sport to let me take pictures of this. I know 'someone' who if this had happened to him, would refuse this to be published....

In fact, this wasn't the best day for that 'someone'. After the boot incident, we went back to the parking garage to pay our parking fee and head to Warsaw. We are now about three hours behind schedule. The garage parking machine would not accept a 100 zloty bill (our parking fee was 21 zloty). So President came back to the car and we hunted for extra change in the car. Having been to Poznan and gone through all the Toll Booths, we luckily found 21 zloty. By the time he got back to the machine to pay the 21 zloty, the price of the parking had gone up to 25 zloty! We tore apart the car and found another 4 zloty under the seats. Finally, we were on our way home (now four hours later). I won't even tell you what happened next (and it won't make the blog!) Let's just say it was a day that President will never forget (another unexpected hour to get home).

Continuing our 'Interview Road Trip'....Poznan then on to Lodz!

We were out of the house by 6:00 am this morning heading towards Poznan. The Sacrament meeting in Poznan was well attended. Elder Buckner was released as Branch President. Now he and Elder Plumb can focus on missionary work---which is what they do best. Elder Richards was sustained as the new Branch President. In two weeks the Branch will be moving to a larger Chapel with more classrooms. This is a great Branch with growth and great things happening. There were 28 in attendance this day for Sacrament meeting-members and...

...great Investigators like these women who Sisters Leppanen and McAdams are teaching.

Some of the sisters in the Poznan Relief Society....Sister Richards, Sister Ballantyn, Malgorzata, Jola and Sister McAdams. Where was her companion?

Sister Leppanen and Marta were teaching Anja and Natalie in Young Women!

Priesthood meeting was attended by (Elder) Brother Torke, Elder Plumb, President Dresler (District 1st Counselor), the Ballantyns (son and father), Elders Buckner and Richards.

All of the missionaries in Poznan- Elder and Sister Richards, Sisters Leppanen and McAdams. Elders Plumb and Buckner. This is a powerful group. This branch has steadily grown, and now it is time to move to a bigger chapel location to accommodate all that is happening.

On our way out of town, we stopped at the new Chapel to see how the improvements were coming along. The new wood floor is in along with many other upgrades. What a better location with a larger chapel (about twice as big as where we are now) and three more classrooms. This new facility will add to the great spirit in this branch.

This morning as we left Warsaw for Poznan, we were able to pick up a former missionary who was heading the same way....(Elder) Torke! Two great friends: Brother Torke (who served here a few months ago as the Branch President) and Grzegorz who is a great member and support in Poznan. They truly are 'brothers in the gospel'!

Now, back in the car for the next half of our Sunday events...

We arrived in Lodz just as the fireside we were speaking at started. Here are Elders Leimer and Smith, along with Jonas (who is being baptized this Saturday), Jacek, Jakub, Sister Tarasevich, Jerzy, Elder Tarasevich, Izabella , and Sisters Stay and Allen.

Two more great friends from the mission. Elder Smith and Jacek-a valuable member of the Lodz Branch.

Jakub and Jerzy. Jakub is such a great support in the Lodz Branch. He does so much, and his presence at these activities adds to the spirit.

Sister Stay and Izabella...a member of the Lodz branch.

Elders Smith and Leimer with Jonas and Jerzy. Both wonderful investigators have baptismal dates.

An added treat for us and the members was a special visit from (Sister) Sidney Pritchett. She served in Lodz about 10 months ago. She is visiting Poland with her parents and came by tonight. It was so fun to visit with her and hear what great things she is doing in California. She was an outstanding missionary in Poland and continues that tradition back at home in her ward and among her friends.

It was also a great day in Lodz where their sacrament meeting attendance was 51. What a wonderful day in seeing the members, missionaries and investigators in two of our wonderful Polish cities. I love this country and everything it has!