What's New?

Well, after almost 6 months, we got our car. It's a new Opel and the first one of it's kind in the Mission. (It was ordered 2 months before we arrived) Most cars in Poland, (Europe) come with manual transmissions so it takes a while longer as the Church has particular specifications, including automatic. Upon inspecting the trunk area I noticed there was no spare tire, not even a 'baby' tire. Come to find out that next to the fire extinguisher, and first aid kit there is a compressed air pump with a tire valve and a long pull-out cord to inflate your flat tire. Those Germans, (and G. motors)! Also new, thanks to our dear friends the Gaffins from Las Vegas, a goodie box of "essentials" including as you see in the picture cake and brownie mix, chocolate, herbel tea and even a couple 'comfy' blankets and house socks. What a great surprise! Then there was the recent 2 hour train ride that Jean and Sister Nielson to to a town to the southwest by the name of Lodz, (pronounced Wo0dz). They went on Friday morning to vist the other Las Vegas friends serving in Poland, the Harbers who were giving a baby shower for one of their members and who Sister Nielson had known from previous visits.
What an experience, riding a train through the countryside of Poland to a city of Lodz which in times past was the center for famous stars of the entertainment world. there is a street in Lodz which is being renovated to again reflect that era. the city was not totally destroyed during the war but had one of the biggest extermination facilities on the outskirts. It doesn't take much to see evidences of the grim history of Poland.
The train was modern, comfortable and a great way to travel to another city. the roads leave a lot to be desired, 2 lane and crazy drivers. we made it to Lodz, had lunch, did some shopping went to a baby shower and ran for the last train to return back to Warsaw. The other couple over here from LV are in Lodz. He is serving as the branch President and she is busy with everything else. It was a fun LV girl's reunion. On the train back we had our own compartment and a woman joined us. Very classy and sharp. she knew quite a bit if English so we got to know her. she is with television, she writes documentaries for TV and movies. she had a showing in Lodz of her latest documentaries. We actually talked about the Mormon church. she was extremely curious and wanted to know everything about it. So............ we told her.
I should have gotten a picture of the train and the compartment. Next time. all in all it was great fun!!!!!!!