WEEK THREE

Dobrÿ deń!

We met with President and Sister Skousen on Monday morning at the mission office and had a wonderful interview with them.  We already love them and admire them for their dedication and sacrifice.  They have four children, two of which have joined them here in the mission.   They then bid us goodbye and delivered us to the train station and we were off to Slovakia.  

We arrived late on Monday following a nine hour train ride from Prague to Prešov.  Again we took the Kozak's suggestion and upgraded our seats on the train.  We basically had most of the train car to ourselves...best travel we had in those long three days.

This week brought some of the most interesting experiences of our lives--so far.  We had the privilege of working with our great mentors Scott and Kelly Kozak with whom we felt an instant connection the minute we met.  Many of you have heard us speak of them.  They have become a legend to the people of Slovakia and Poland.  Not only did they calm our greatest fears in taking on this assignment but they also were the best tutors and trainers. We will forever be grateful for their love and support.  We miss them already!

Tuesday was spent in a whirlwind of training with the Kozak's but by late afternoon we were a little overwhelmed so Scott and Kelly took us for a walking tour of Prešov.  What a beautiful city--exactly what you would expect an old Eastern European city to look like.  We live in a beautiful part of the city and have everything we need within walking distance.  

Notice the hammer and sickle symbol left over from communist years

                                                 View from our bedroom balcony

Wednesday morning we were able to travel to Košice to meet the Roma Coordinator for the Slovakia Government.  Darina is a wonderful example in the humanitarian aid worker's circle.  She has dedicated her life to her family, her church, her friends and the Roma people.   She has worked miracles among the Romani but there is so much more that needs to be done.  After our meeting with Darina, the Kozaks took us to several Roma settlements so we could get a vision of the scope and magnitude of their plight. With the help of NGO's in the region and LDS Charities our hope and prayer is that we might be able to make difference in the lives of this displaced people.

The Romani people in Slovakia originated from Northern India from the northwestern Indian regions of Rajasthan and Punjab.  Racism, unemployment, and poor housing are among the hardships endured by Slovakia's half-a-million Roma. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  We miss you all but we know our work here is important to our Father in Heaven.  In one of Christ's first sermons following His messianic ministry he said:  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and...set at liberty them that are bruised."

Our prayer is that we might all be more mindful of the Lord's children who are lost and forgotten in this world.  Have a great week.