1. Mark (an RM who is visiting Poland on assignment with the air force) took us out to dinner this week. We were with Kasia, a member he is good friends with, and we went to Zapiecek, a classic restaurant featuring Poland's greatest classic foods. As we ate pierogi, kiełbasa, bigos, and naleśniki with some compot we talked and were able to have a really nice time. It's not too often we are treated to such a feast. Mark also gave a lot of meaningful insight. He didn't "have any baptisms" during his time in Poland and talked about how difficult that was. He then explained how he learned that the relationships he has built are still going. From my recent struggles this was comforting to hear. It reminded me of my calling and doing what I was capable of, building relationships and influencing the lives of others for good.
2. The following day (Wednesday) we attended the funeral of Kasia's mother, Klaudia Górniak. Since Elder Garrett is musical I was a part of a quartet that sang by the grave side "Gdzie znajdę spokój swój" (Where can I turn for peace). The cemetery was over an hour drive away positioned away from the town by some forest covered land. It was peaceful and as we walked along to her grave sight I felt the Spirit testify so strongly of the goodness of the lives of the polish people now remembered by their headstones. Kasia gave a touching expression of love for her mother and hope for the next life and the peace and surety we enjoy now thanks to the Savior.
3. We had a lesson with some former invesitgators that went really well, Bartek and Przemek. We also met with Musa from Afghanistan. We talked about turning to prayer and the Book of Mormon to find love, peace, and guidance. He taught us some Perski (persian/ farci) and even wrote our names in their cool, beautiful alphabet.
4. I was able to have an exchange with Elder Weggersen, from Norway and in the same group as Elder Garrett. I love them both and I am grateful to be surrounded by such good friends.
5. All of the missionaries in Warsaw 1 banded together for a finding activity in the Rynek (old town square) of of Warsaw. Our focus was talents and we had quite the attention capturing set up. We had a couple of whiteboards with drawings and photographs from artsy missionaries and then we had some missionaries singing. Sister Moncur and I were on the first shift of singers, neither of us are singers but it was a lot of fun. I had two lessons: one with a polish couple from a city near Wrocław who were really kind and ready to talk. They had great faith and established views but were easy to talk with and accepted to test out my invitation to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. I also talked to two girls from Israel. At the Rynek There was a huge group of Jewish students who were touring Poland seeing the historical sites of their ancestors lives and deaths. The two that I spoke with both had Polish Jewish heritage. It was the most Spirit filled lesson of the week and it was a great practice (in Enlgish) to be personal and raw. It was an energy and unity boosting activity and super successful!
6. President Edgren sent out a weekly email this week about perfection. He has some needed wisdom shared and I was grateful to learn from what he said. Even if I have trouble seeing how this mission needs me at times it has become clear how much I need this mission. The inspiration President Edgren has been receiving and sharing recently has richly blessed my life and work. I am grateful to be here and enjoying my mission!
I love you all,
Starszy Kimball
No comments:
Post a Comment