Last P-day we accomplished one of the biggest priorities on my bucket list and learned how to make pierogi (pierogi is already plural: one pieróg, mulitple pierogi - so you can avoid the whole pireogis mistake) with Barbara, a member from the branch here in Warsaw. She was baptized toward the end of my stay and is full of fun and love!
As assistants we are able to visit different district meetings so met with Warsaw II (the other branch in Warsaw) and it went so well. The Spirit was strongly felt and there was love. Sister Johnston shared a segment about humility and gratitude, I had started to fall back into the self-doubting, what-have-I-accomplished, who-have-I-helped trap. It was exactly what I needed to hear, to stop worrying about what I don't have or what others do have and be grateful for what I personally do have, which is so much.
We had district conference yesterday (like stake conference but we have districts in Poland - basically a gathering of church members from our region of of the country) and it was so so good. The weather has been beautiful this past week making everyday light and happy. There was a special spirit and strength at the meeting. Dominika was there, she just got back from he mission in Chicago. She is from Łódź (a city a couple hours from Warsaw) and was in the MTC with Elder Retallick and I. It was fun to see her after all of this time and be able to speak with her this time. She was able to bear her testimony and also talked about gratitude. I had already started to forget Tuesday's district meeting and was thankful for the reminder. Being grateful is so important, it changes our attitudes and points of view.
People and Miracles:
Anja: on March 15 2014 I met Anja with Elder Wilson at Park Żeromskiego and had a wonderful lesson. I remember thinking to myself she is somebody I would be life long friends with. She saw us once later as she drove by and waved but nothing much. Then March 13 2015 (nearly a year to the day) Elder Fogg stops a young lady while we are on a whiteboard in old town. I look over to somebody that seems familiar to find her beckoning. It is Anja! Life has gotten harder this past year and she seemed in a more solemn mood. She was in a hurry and promised that if she saw us a third time she would give what we have to say a real shot. I've been on the look out ever since.
Long braid girl: also during my time in Żoliborz, I bumped into a high school girl with a long, dark brown braid. It was multiple times (maybe 5) all in different areas and even with different companions (Elder Wilson, Elder Platter...) I remember her being an extremely kind and faithful Catholic, always smiling and wishing us well. As we did a white board by the university we bumped into each other once again! She is older, now at college and as nice as ever. Again, she was in a hurry and we didn't have too long to talk but she distinctively remembered me and at the end said "we will surely see each other again soon" - I hope we do because coincidences don't exist.
Asad: I'm not sure if you remember the two men from Afghanistan we met with when I was in Warsaw with Elder Garrett, but Elder Retallick and I bumped into Asad on the street near our place this week. So many reunions and they all remember - another answer to a prayer when I am feeling like I haven't made any impact.
Zbyszek: Another former acquaintance I was able to get in contact with. He is doing about the same, right now we are waiting to see if he is ready to truly change. He is a super nice guy. While he was in Kraków recently he was at a milk bar (a cheap restaurant with traditional polish cuisine) and saw some sister missionaries. I am grateful that Heavenly Father is preparing people in little ways and that those sisters fulfilled their callings as examples.
Luc and Maryana: Luc is from Congo and Maryana is from Ukraine. They have five kids and are working to get married, currently waiting on legal matters to be resolved. We visited their family yesterday with Sisters Kuchar and Woodward. Elder Retallick and I used our super rusty french - it was a mix of polish, english, and french to try to ensure everybody understood. They are in a tricky spot but the gospel has helped them a lot and their home is full of love. Luc was baptized in Congo when he was 11 but never went to church much after that. A few months ago he decided that he needed to return, told Maryana and then they came to church. Maryana was skeptical at first but after reading the Book of Mormon believes this is the true church. They travel over an hour with their five kids on public transport to come to church each week!
Dawid: Elder Blom and I met with Dawid when I was in Warsaw last and now we are back in touch. Last year we were meeting in May and when we invited him to be baptized he mentioned a date in April coming to mind (we weren't convinced seeing it was about a year away). Now, nearly a year later, we invited him to be baptized April 25, he paused and said that April 2011 was the day of his spiritual rebirth and he accepted the date. It's exciting. He is super busy but really with it. My favorite parts of meeting with investigators are often the prayers. This past week Dawid prayed, "Thank you for this elders who are greatly fulfilling their missions." I have been worrying about if he understands everything and is ready to make this step but then when I remember moments like that I remember that it is all about the Spirit and having the simple desire to follow Christ, giving up our will for Heavenly Father's.
I love Elder Retallick. I also love Elders Burdick and Weggersen (currently zone leaders in Katowice so they call in every night). They all helped me get through this week by building me up and being true friends. I am lucky.
We have zone conference this week I am super excited!
Love,
Starszy Kimball
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