Christmas Eve at the Rzeczyckis

A truly remarkable expierence as we shared this Xmas Eve with a wonderful Polish family who, after climbing 81 stairs met us at the door of their 400 sq ft. 2 br, 1bath apartment that in years gone past when the communists were running the country was designated as 6 person flat and this was before they added on to the kitchen taking it from 350 to the 400 it is today. The only reason they were able to live there with four in the family was because his grandfather was in the governmnet and as we know in America the Gov.can do as they wish. We were immmediately seated by their HS age daughter who speaks good English to a table that was beautifully arranged and with enough 'starter' or cold food as they say, to feed the Branch. However, before we began we took part in a traditional Polish pre-meal event which started by each of us taking a thin, flour-baked waffer, (much like the communion waffers in the Episcipal Church), then turning to your spouse and while each break a small corner bite off you tell the person something special about them. Then your partner does the same to you before moving around the room doing the same with all who are at the meal. A really wonderfull and spiritual way to begin the evening. Then onto the begining foods which were mostly unknown to the American eye, (and taste). But of the 15 or so mini dishes we did recognize pickled herring, marinated mushrooms, and of course about 4 types of sliced bread. The drill is for everyone to have a taste of each item and if necessary you can wash it down with my least favorite vegitable in the U.S. (or anywhere for that matter), beets! My only problem was that the drink was heated beet juice more commonly known as Borsch. Next it's time for the hot foods or the main course (s). Lots more breads, perogies filled with mushrooms and cabbage, pastry filled with more mushrooms and a golosh of some sort that among other items in it were mushrooms, of course. A quite good ocean fish, (not Carp) which was fried and had some fine bones in it much like trout does and on and on. Then, when it was enough already, the desserts were brought in and it was PLURAL desserts! All that we tried were great which we think, along with the yogurt and vegitables are as good as you can find. And let it be known my waistline is showing it. Just before leaving, sitting around the table talking with this sweet family we learned that in all the years they have been married they had never had anyone but family with them on the first day of Christmas (Eve), so we felt honored to be with them to share the evening. Then the daughter started passing out the gifts which is when they do it here and each got 2-3 only and very inexpensive at that. Jean and I also got a Polish Xmas CD and a hand painted picture of the old town area much to our surprise. We then took turns reading from the Bible in Luke chapter 2 and the evening after about 4 hours was concluded. As we said goodnight and returned to our vehicle in the cold and wet evening we commented how this
had been the highlight of our stay here thus far. How meaningful to spend Christmas in such a humble way and with such a warm and loving family. It really has us thinking how in the future a more conservative Christmas can be so much more heartwarming allowing the real Christmas spirit to come forth. We feel blessed to serving here.

The Post Office Experience

To me the post office in the photo looks like any normal government facility....if the time period was in the 1880's and you were living in Tombstone Arizona. And if it looks cold inside, it was! You had to park in the rear of the building but walk through unshoveled snow around to the front to enter, even though there were five doors in the back. Once in, you waited in one of three lines. Of course I had a few sizeable boxes that would only be received by one of the windows which I didn't determine until the line ahead of me dwindled. I thought, these boxes are not going through those little 'mail slots' so asking the young lady in front of me she said "Nie", meaning 'no' and pointing to the other end of the building to window #3. So, down to my new 'window' where larger package could be received only to find about 8 people in front of me while all the time trying to figure out what is going to go wrong next. After another 1/2 hour I found out. You had to fill out a Polish form for each package and have it on top of the box when the window guard opened up to take your package, before quickly closing it with a 'slam' as if to say ....only one box at a time! (I immediately thought of the Jerry Seinfeld episode of the soup kitchen when Elaine walked up to the counter and asked for her soup but somehow managed to tick the soup nazi off, and she heard the words,"no soup for you....") I finally found the forms and began filling them out when the person in front of me saw what I was doing and once again I heard that term that I was becoming familiar with, "Nie"! So, she is at 'wardens window' #3 now and asks the marshall if she had the correct forms for me,(international shippments) which she said Nie, again! I am now an hour and a half into this drill when I finally get the right forms which I couldn't fill out for you see we have a language difference over here. Anyway. I got them done with the help of three people behind me who only lent a hand as they were getting real upset with this American with the funny Church tag on his coat. All the while, all throughout the building you are hearing this huge noise which sounded like a hammer hitting a piece of plywood. When my boxes finally got to the "window" each one had to be weighed of course and then she sat back down and had this form in 3 copies and I learned where the hammer noise was coming from. It was a stamp on each form and a couple of her documents as well. Each stamp action was like shot in the night and this was going on at all three windows all day long. You should have seen the muscles in their right arms. I finally finished after over 2 hours but of course not before I tried to pay and didn't have enough cash. Will you take my credit card......Nie! "lLet me see your license" she said. I showed her my international DL and she said "what's this?" I knew that I was in for yet more problems. Now I've got the other patrons about ready to make a snowman out of me when the postal nazi came to the desk to see what was wrong. He said, in his worst english that they don't take C. cards because it takes too long , (it was one of those hand slide type card devices which I hadn't seen since the 70's). I said, do you see this line of 15 people behind me, one of us is not going to be leaving here as healthly as we were when we came in if we don't solve this problem and I have been here way too long to start over. Finally after about five more "nie's" he took my card and I headed for the door, watching my backside all the way out. All I could say as a departing gesture to my linemates was "przepraszam, przeprasam"! I'm sorry, I'm sorry.............Next time to the post office will be done by the office Elders, do you think?

The Renyk (Old Town) Experience

If any of you were blessed to have received a Cristmas trinkett from us this is where it was purchased. (Sorry kids, friends and relatives, grandkids only this year) This place is amazing and as you can see the weather was rather frigid so we didn't loiter for long. But, come spring we will return and enjoy what was once the heart of Warsaw but which was totally destroyed during the wars. It was rebuilt years later and is patterned after the originaltown square. It has all kinds of really cool little shops and eateries. The one shown is where they made these hollow cones with dough and then dipped in cinnamon and/or other tasty ingrediants. Of course I had to try one, (or was it a dozen?) The photos this week include one of Ada and her mother, sister Jarosz. Ada leaves for BYU on Christmas day and as excited as she is, mom and dad are just a little apprehensive about sending their oldest daughter away from home to attend school 6,000 miles away. The group shot around the conference table in our office is a meeting of the Warsaw District which is held weekly. Jean and I are invited to this meeting and try to be there for at least part of it. Then there is the pictiure of Jean with the office elders, the tall one who is being transfered to become a Branch Pres next Friday, (E/Torke from Germany who was Austen's MTC companion and who has been in the office for 5-6 months). His replacement, on the far left, E/Taylor who is a computer whiz, (too much time on computer games,Elder?) Elder Crittenden who is in the grey suit, 2nd from the right who is also leaving and Elder Darowski. Great young men, the all of them. And then there is my 'cold weather' hat. Relax, my children, it really isn't mind although I wish I had it on my head Saturday when at the Renyk.
the kiosk which sold the cinnamon goodies. It's interesting, these places here and elsewhere especially near the cemeterys set up their little booths, regardless of the weather. I guess when you have to provide for yourself and/or family you will do whatever it takes. I mentioned the Elder,(Crittenden) in the photo who is from wWyoming and who is leaving. Before coming in country he had the strongest impression that he would be going to Scotland. So he got his call to Poland and had a real dificult time with the language at the MTC, but came to serve nonetheless. A couple months ago while playing football on 'P-day' he incurred a bad high ankle sprain and there was some discussion he wouuld have to return to the States for surgery. Well, it is now improved enough for him to return to the field however the President and this young man both felt he might better serve in an english speaking mission. Thr President submitted the request to SLC for a transfer and when it came in where was he reassigned to? Scotland, of course where he will serve and then may end up in England south where there is also an opening. We can never deny the hand of the Lord in our lives, can we? Now for a few of my weekly tidbits.the wooden coat hangers here hav a rough edge on the top so the garmet wou't slip off. When you get your monthly water bill, which by the way is nearly three times what it is for the electricity, gives you a reading of how much hot and how much cold water you used and were charged for. You would think with all of the rain and snow here that they would paying you to use it! There are virtually no diet drinks here. Shopping carts at the grocery store charge you 2 zl, (about 70 cents) to unhook from a locking devise and use while shopping. If you return it to the trolley, (cart) station you get back your money. The milk we buy is on the shelf and not in the cold storage of the store. It also lasts for 5 months, so you really need to take this stuff down in a hurry.....and, speaking of lasting, one square of toliet paper is like three or four squares of ours and feels like a piece of paper towel, which, by the way are about the size of a small napkin. Well, enough jibbish for now. We are listening to the beautiful Mormon Tab Choir from one of their Xmas CD's and are enjoying our little mini tree and reflecting about our first exchange with two of sister missionaries and the visit we had with youg man from Nigeria who is here studying A. engineering. What a great experience and perfect way to finish off a Sunday. Our Christmas will be spent at the baptism of a man and his wifee and we hope to have our office Elders and these same two sisters with us for a Christmas eve meal and evening of thanksgiving for all of our blessings. Next week will include a visit to an underground parking experience in a mall.........................Stay tuned!

The Power of Prayer

No matter what your beliefs are we all offer prayers that can be answered by our faith through the power of prayer. A couple examples...when we thought our laptop had been left in the garage before departing for the office we looked everywhere even returning to the garage but no computer. We were at wit's end so Jean and I and the Elders who were in the office for a Zone Conf all offerred a 'computer prayer.' I returned to the car and hesitantly said to myself I would take one more look. And there it was, in the car where I had looked previously. Then,the office Elders were having trouble getting a baptism candidate to return their call after repeated tries. This went on for some time and finally aftter a couple weeks they deceided to offer a prayer in this persons behalf that they might be able to make contact with him. As the prayer concluded, it wasn't but 5 minutes and their phone rang with guess who.....? There is, in the mission field nothing that takes place without having a mighty prayer first. I can recommend it to everyone, because it works if you only believe in it and have the faith that it can happen. The photos this week are the Apartment and the office Christmas trees, each a whopping 2 feet tall! My 'work station', the new Warsaw 2nd Branch building and Chapel that they just moved into a couple weeks ago. Our young Single Adult representatives, Dominac and Tasha and one of the three primary children on Primary Presentation Sunday. And a couple additional differences here in Poland....the light switches are on the outside of the door rather on the inside like at home; They don't seem to like cold drinks and you ever hardly see ice, other than on the streets and when a red stoplight is about to turn green it turns yellow first where it is the opposite in the USA. Finally, they have the very coolest windows, (and some doors as well) in the apartements and offices, they open as usual but they also open a 2nd way by turning the handle the opposite way they open from the top about 6" as well. Hope you all are getting with your exercise programs cause we aren't......no time nor facilities. Maybe later on.

A picture is worth a thousand words......

So another really good week has passed with a little snow on Thanksgiving morning, a little turkey in cultrual hall with some of the Warsaw servants, and little, (very little) time to catch our breath. But a wonderful baptism held for Eustace Obi by Elder Berry from Rexburg and who has only been out about a month. Sister Spear, (who is standing with her companion, sister Marshall below) spoke at the baptism and related a story she recently learned about of her great grandfather back in the early 1800's about his baptism. Apparently he had been friendly toward but not really interested in the Church or any religion for that matter. He happened to accept an invitation to attend a local meeting by the Elders which he did and heard the Bishop, (Bristle England) prophesied the content of which deeply touched his heart. After the meeting the Bishop saw her G. grandfather outside on the sidewalk and asked him how he felt about the meeting when he told the Bishop that it touched his soul from head to foot and said he wanted to be baptised. The Bishop asked him when and he said "right now!" Some clothes were found and he was taken into the water of baptism. Afterward the Bishop told him that his talk had been directed for him and him alone. This evetn started the Church on Sister Spear's mothers line. Other pictures are of President Nielson, (a little blurry) in the Nission office, a photo of the Family home evening group playing "straw ball" which is an atempt to blow the ping pong ball off the table using only a straw. Also, our group of young and older singles at the Institute class, held every thursday evening. In our office with a picture of sisters Allen, Lefevre, and elders Darowski, Torn, (Germany), Davis, Crittenden, and Torke posing with a home made snowman. The office elders, Darowske and Torke and Jean and I,

More Pictures, Less Talk

So, a big hello to all who are following our Blog. We hope you are all well, happy and comfortable as we approach the Thanksgiving week which as you might guess is not celebrated here in Poland. Anyway, the pictures this week include our new Mission Office, (we're on the 2nd floor) and wouldn't you know it the Las Vegas Tavern is nearly next door and is open 24 hours....of course! Inside the office is Secretary General Richards, (sister, in my chair) and two of our sweet sisters who were hard at work when I caught this photo making a paper mache snowman while waiting for some travel money for the train back to their area. (sisters Brown and LeFevre) Then on a foggy morning the front and rear of our apartment complex. And finally, a shot of our 'memories from home', on our credenza, the boys and the G. children and new to our Fridge is a collage made by the Richards/Spear family and two recent pictures of Shaun and Maggie Richards, which was sent by mail, (our first envelope!) which made our week.
One brief story story of interest. In our small Branch there is a couple about to marry. They live in a small town where there is no LDS Chapel so they have to drive 100 miles, (not kilometers) each way to come to Church. And if this is not bad enough most of the roads are just short of an accident, especially in the country so this is at least 4-5 hours one way. So for them to get nmarried in Poland, first they must have a civil marriage, then if they choose to marry in the Temple they must do so within 5 days or wait one (1) year to re-apply. Since she is Russian and from Kiev this is where they will drive to, (about 7 hours) right after their civil ceremony to get their Temple marriage. They met, oddly enough a few years ago as both were then living in Warsaw and went on a Temple excursion to do Batisims not knowing each other.....until they happened to meet on the Temple grounds in Germany. And now you know the rest of the story....... It's interesting how we often don't realize how good, (comfortable) we have it until you see the sacrifice and how rough some people throughout the globe, both in and out of the Church have it to find what they want, need or are looking for. Most, these days can drive across town to the Ward or Temple where here this couple have to journey 200 miles to attend the Branch meetings where 20-30 people currently attend. We drive into the Branch 10 minutes before the meetings begin and see maybe all of 4-5 cars in the parking area. Then you start to see both members, investigators and missionaries walking towards the Church from different directions having just got off the train or bus. Until next Sunday............Blessings!

Tidbits!

So, here are a few random photos of life in Poland. This is the way the cars park, on the sidewalk, over the curb, and basically anywhere they can find space. Essentially, it turns a two way street into one. The refridgerator in our apartment has on it a few itmes including my 'homework' assignment given to me before we left from Avery Mainor. I was suppose to have had it done 10 weeks ago but didn't do so. I'm hoping for an April 2012 completion. Forgive me Avery! Also, there is a painting from our granddaughter Addy showing a Polish flag which we treasure and a soap wrapping of the best smelling soap ever given to Jean, (Sister Richards) by her visiting teacher, Lisa Mendenhall. Then a pic of most of our kitchen with one who doesn't cook anymore, (who has time to cook, she says) but who makes the kitchen look better nonetheless. The picture of me is on our balcony, (4' X 6') looking into our living area but most important wearing the beautiful tie that was given to me by Tiffany Orien, (Mainor) before leaving. And finally, a view shot from our deck into the center square that is a play area betwen the 4 units which make up our complex. If the grass looks wet it may be because we just finished our 10th day of rain. It seems to me that we relocated from Oregon (to LV) to leave the rain......and here we are again.
Our Branch had about 15 members in it today for the meetings and these along with 11missionaries and/or couples made it look like a regular meeting. (Almost!) We really do have a group of very wonderful and dedicated young and older people serving here who go about their business without complaint and with great gusto. It seems the key to me is to not dwell on what a wonderful life we left behind and just dig in and concentrate on the work. Love the people for they are trying their very best to make the Church work here and to try and blend in with them as if you have been here most all of your life. Pres. and Sis Nielson have their hands full and are on a schedule that boggles the mind. I don't think either of them are getting any sleep. While the Pres is gone to meetings around the country, Judy, if not with him is preparing meals for new missionaries, visitors, guests and the list goes on. She may never want to cook again. They are both doing very well and it is easy to tell that their service is much appreciated. We haven't had time to visit any interesting places yet but will do so including the new Pope Palace they are building nearby honoring the Polish Pope, the Uprising Museam, Old town and of course the concentration camps to name a few. More next week..............

Fireside

The Young Single Adults held their fireside at the Mission Home on Sunday evening. Jean and I have in addition to our duties in the office, the call to work with the YSA in the Warsaw 1 Branch. This involves a Monday family home evening, a Thursday institute meeting, movie night on some Fridays, service projects as they come about and other involvements such as youth conference and outings, etc. They are presently a small group of about 10 with only 3-4 actually coming out on a regular basis so we have some serious work to do. Jean is thinking about teaching some English classes as we get more involved.

The above photos are of the group who attended the Fireside where Jean and I spoke a little about our conversion. All spoke enough English that we didn't have to use a translater. It was a good evening with one non-member in attendance. The kitchen picture is Jean, Judi Nielson and sister Marshall, a senior sister who is transferring to Canada fixing some homemade dumplings which were sweetened and topped with berries and whipped cream....yummie!

We have been here 3 weeks now and the weather has been mild until the past few days where we saw more rain in a 48 hour period than LV gets in a year. And the worst of it is that there is no place for it to go so there it sits!

We, meaning Jean, I and our GPS took a trip across town to the IKEA store. Our Polish downloaded GPS has been serving us well until now where it took us everywhere except to our destination. Finally, I had enough so I pulled into a service station and asked in my best Polish, where I was. Everyone in the place looked at me like I was sort o af poor lost soul.....which of course, I was. Finally, I pulled out my map and said, "help"! So four of the men standing near by started in the 'help' process. After about 10 minutes they were arguing and yelling and carrying on so I just picked up the map and went back to the car as they continued to banter back and forth. For a moment I thought there was going to be a fist fight all because of Mr. Ikea. Anyway, we finally found the place by the only means left......LUCK!

We are now moved into our new Mission office....what a 'trip' that has was. The address is as follows:

Kosciol Jesusa Chrystusa

Swietych w Dniach Ostatnich

ul. Wiertnicza 135, 1. Pietro

02-925 Warszawa Poland

I send this to you in case anyone wants to send gifts, money, food, new clothes, expensive jewelry, even a new German brand car or any other such wonderful goodies that all senior missionary couples from Las Vegas should have.....................

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Day of the Dead

This national holiday honors the dead by buying candles and flowers and placing them at the grave sites. Flowers are sold for weeks preceeding the Day and hundreds of people are seen at the various cemeteries throughout the country. These pictures. at a cemetery near the Branch show one of the flower/candle kiosks on the Sunday before the holiday. The candle photo was taken at the "Uprising" monument where a mass of candles are placed as the people pay tribute to the movement which set the stage for great change in the years ahead. It was a most beautiful site and as we strolled through the cemetery in our Church clothes with our LDS name tags, we were looked at by nearly everyone who, no doubt were wondering why these 'non-catholics' were here. But we made it without incident and were glad we had the opportunity to see all of this.

Overdue Phots

So, here are some of the early photos I wanted to send concerning our departure from Salt Lake until shortly after we arrived. They are in random order but include arrival at the SLC airport with our designated driver and "Nephew" Brett Nielson, in front of our new Boeing 777 waiting to board in London, a rather full luggage cart at the Warsaw airport, a photo with the Mission President, Nielson, and a photo at the Mission home shortly after arriving Sunday, two weeks ago. Also, a picture of us and our 'carry-ons' in our apartment, an attempt at a Friday night pizza joint, one of the near to the office shopping malls where inside we joined some of the other senior couples for a going away lunch for the couple, (the Thuesons) who we are replacing, (also pictured). And finally, our new clothes dryer which is used because none of the apartments have clothes dryers. It only takes a day and a half to get things "crusty" dry, but hey, who needs soft, warm and nicely scented undergarments???

Just think how we are doing our part to save energy............SURE!