WEEKS 66-74
May 1, 1980--one of those days that can never be forgotten. Lindsey was a spunky little soul from the beginning. We can't begin this blog post without remembering our sweet daughter Lindsey. Each year on Lindsey's birthday, we find ourselves at Sodadelicious—her favorite soda shop—buying drinks for those coming through the drive-thru. It's our small tribute to a woman whose joy and generosity spilled over into everyone she touched. And while the cups carry fizzy sodas, they also hold a little piece of Lindsey’s magic.
Though each year without her grows a little more bearable, the ache of her absence remains. In those moments when we’re all together, there’s a space that only she could fill. Yet we sense her often—in subtle gestures, unexpected moments of comfort, or familiar bursts of sunlight—and we believe she’s not so far away.
Happy Birthday, Linds! We celebrate you with every sip, every memory, every heartbeat. We love you endlessly and are so proud to be your parents.
HOPE IN SLIEPKOVCE
In the quiet village of Sliepkovce in East Central Slovakia, a partnership between the Church and Michalovce–Obláčik Detský Domov has created something truly special—a shelter wherein these young people can gather to build lasting memories and learn valuable life skills.
This Children’s Home is more than just walls and shelter. It’s a haven where safety meets joy, and where every child is embraced not only with care but with deep respect and understanding. The heartbeat of this place is Silvia, the Director, whose compassion shapes the soul of the home. And beside her, Zuzana leads the way in education, nurturing minds and building confidence.
Recently, we had the privilege of sharing a day with these incredible children during the celebration of a new shelter built in collaboration with the Church. Laughter echoed, music danced on the breeze, and performances from the children stirred something profound in all of us. It wasn’t just an event—it was a window into the resilient spirits of the kids and the unwavering dedication of Silvia’s team.
To be part of their world, even for a few hours, left a lasting imprint on our hearts. We walked away inspired, humbled, and grateful to witness the quiet miracles happening every day in Sliepkovce.
ANNUAL TRENČIN CELEBRATION
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a deeply meaningful celebration in Trenčín, Slovakia on May 12, 2006, when the country was formally dedicated for the preaching of the gospel. This dedication marked a turning point for the Church in Slovakia, which had previously lacked official recognition. Following the event, members and missionaries worked with renewed energy, and by October 2006, the Church received legal recognition in Slovakia.
Each year in May the members of the Church and friends in Slovakia gather together to commemorate this important event. This is always a wonderful event for us to attend, as Trenčin is one of the most picuresque towns in Slovakia.
In the heart of Eastern Slovakia, a quiet but meaningful project unfolded—one that began with cardboard boxes and ended with hope. Our Infant and Mother Kits initiative was born out of a desire to support Romani women, many of whom begin motherhood at a very young age and face daunting challenges due to poverty and limited access to basic hygiene products.
In Romani communities across Europe, early motherhood is common. Studies show that nearly 50% of young Romani women marry before the age of 18, and one in three becomes pregnant during adolescence. These young mothers often live in overcrowded settlements with poor sanitation, limited access to healthcare, and little to no prenatal support. Infant mortality rates in these communities are significantly higher than national averages, with rates around 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births and even higher in marginalized areas. Many Romani women face systemic discrimination in hospitals, including segregation and neglect during childbirth.
Motivated by these realities, we teamed up with Darina—whom you may remember from previous posts—an incredible advocate working with the Slovak Government to support 60 Romani villages across the country. Together, we launched a project to assemble 300 Infant and Mother Kits filled with essentials like diapers, wipes, baby soap, and blankets. As deliveries from Amazon Europe began arriving, our living room quickly transformed into a makeshift warehouse. For weeks, boxes stacked from floor to ceiling, wall to wall—a fortress of compassion built one package at a time.Thank heavens for the young elders who cheerfully hauled those boxes up to our flat--and when the time came, back down again to be assembled. Their strength and smiles made the chaos feel like a celebration.
Once everything arrived, the real challenge began: how to assemble 300 kits. It felt overwhelming—until our Košice Branch stepped in. With the help of missionaries and members, we turned a daunting task into a joyful flurry of teamwork. In just a couple of hours, every kit was packed, sealed, and ready to go.
On Monday, with Darina, we began delivering the kits in Iňočovce, a village where the need is real and the gratitude is profound. Each kit was more than a bundle of supplies—it was a message to these young mothers: You are seen. You are supported. You are not alone.
From Košice to Belfast: Tymur’s Journey Through War, Resilience, and Friendship
Last summer in Košice, we met someone who left a permanent mark on our hearts — a remarkable young man named Tymur.
He was just 16 when the world shifted under his feet. On a morning like any other, his mother burst into his room with urgency etched on her face. Russia had invaded Ukraine. Without time to process or say goodbye, Tymur packed a bag and was sent to safety in Austria with his aunt. What began as an ordinary day instantly became a crossroads in his life.
Eventually, Tymur made his way to Slovakia, where he enrolled in university in Košice and connected with the missionaries. That's how we first met him — curious, intelligent, and remarkably mature for his age. He quickly became part of our tight-knit circle of young friends, and despite the language barrier, we shared some of the most adventurous and hilarious conversations as he practiced his English. His ability to bring joy into any room is something we’ll always remember.
Recently, Tymur relocated to Belfast, where he’s staying in an immigration camp while awaiting documents that will allow him to work and eventually continue his education. He dreams of coming to America next year — and we’ve told him he’ll always have a place with us when he does.
Before his move to Ireland, we had the great privilege of meeting his mother, who traveled from Ukraine for a visit. She graciously prepared a beautiful traditional Ukrainian meal for us — and in that moment, we understood even more clearly where Tymur gets his resilience, warmth, and depth of character.
Tymur’s story is a vivid reminder of the countless lives reshaped by conflict, but also of the friendships that transcend borders, languages, and circumstances. His journey is not only extraordinary — it’s inspiring.
Parking Lot Dreams: A Day in Trebišov That Changed Us
We were finally able to joined our friend Stefan— an attorney working with Slovakia's Department of Education — on a long-promised visit to the Romani village in Trebišov. It’s one of the largest in the country and, like many Roma communities, faces layered challenges: poverty, flooding, waste management, and deep social divides. We arrived just after a heavy rainstorm, and parts of the village were heartbreaking to see — garbage-strewn paths, standing water, and conditions that would be unimaginable elsewhere.
Though we were not able to collaborate on a formal Church project during our visit, we met a man appointed by the mayor to mediate between the Roma community and local government. His dedication moved us — he has made it his life’s work to fight for dignity and better conditions for the people there.
He introduced us to something unexpected and uplifting: a group of young Roma boys practicing soccer in a parking lot — not a park, since they’re often excluded from public spaces. Their coach, a former pro turned schoolteacher, was training them on rough pavement with barely any equipment. When he shared their dream of having real soccer shirts to wear during matches, Marilyn and I couldn’t help but get personally involved.
Together with our friend Stefan, we found a sports shop in Prešov and met Ivan, the owner. He helped us put together a full kit — shirts, shorts, even shoes — that exceeded all expectations at a price that made the dream a reality. When we delivered the gear, the boys’ reaction was unforgettable: pure joy, gratitude, and a flood of "thank yous" as they ran beside our car waving and cheering.
That day in Trebišov reminded us why we came here — and why we’ll carry these stories in our hearts forever.
Harmony in the Hills: A Day at Dubrava
Nestled in the quiet forested mountains of eastern Slovakia, just 3 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, lies Centrum sociálnych služieb Dubrava — a social care center that serves 217 adults with significant mental disabilities, including schizophrenia. It's a place where healing happens gently, surrounded by pine trees, birdsong, and compassion.
Recently, we were fortunate to complete a gazebo project for the facility. Tucked among the trees, the gazebo has quickly become a treasured refuge — a space for the residents to sit, talk, read, meditate, and enjoy meals together. Witnessing them embrace it was deeply fulfilling.
The closing ceremony for the project was nothing short of delightful. Dressed in traditional Slovak costumes, residents sang folk songs accompanied by a local gentleman who made his accordion truly come alive — a soulful soundtrack to a day full of warmth. Children from the nearby village danced joyfully, adding a vibrant splash of culture to the festivities. Meanwhile, the scent of sizzling sausages on an open fire reminded us just how life-affirming a simple meal shared in community can be.
One of the most touching moments was observing the residents' adoration for the facility’s director, Marian Petro. Their affection was unmistakable — trailing behind him like devoted paparazzi, smiling, laughing, and vying for a moment of his attention. His presence clearly brings comfort and trust.
After the celebration, we drove to the Ukrainian border just to say we had been there. It was humbling to witness the quiet flow of people crossing back and forth — ordinary routines unfolding on the edge of a conflict that continues to alter lives. It was a moment of reflection: how remarkable it is to find places like Dubrava, where joy and human connection persist even in proximity to hardship.
This day reminded us that sometimes, the simplest acts — a gazebo in the woods, music shared among friends, or a sausage grilled over fire — are the most powerful ways to say “you matter.”
Bread, Barbecue, and Bridging Gaps: A Red Cross Connection in Košice
In June, we teamed up with the Red Cross in Košice on a mobility project — supplying wheelchairs, walkers, and canes to help fill the gap left by Slovakia’s lengthy healthcare process. Leading the effort was Martin Pecho, a kind and resourceful young man whose regular work involves helping refugees from Ukraine reconnect with lost family members.
Because Martin speaks English, he was assigned to work with us — and what a joy that turned out to be. Alongside meaningful work, Martin introduced us to two culinary gems: a bakery in Košice with a wood-fired oven that produced heavenly cinnamon-nut and peach-cream-cheese breads, and a restaurant in Prešov called The Diktator, where we had pulled pork that tasted just like home.
It’s not often that a project brings both purpose and friendship, but our time with Martin did just that. He made our work more impactful — and more delicious.
A Fond Farewell to the Skousens
This week, we had to say goodbye to two extraordinary people who have shaped the last eighteen months in unforgettable ways. President and Sister Skousen, our beloved mission leaders, are off to new adventures — and though we’re excited for what’s ahead for them, their absence will be deeply felt.
The Skousens have led with grace, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Their influence on the young missionaries has been profound — earning not only respect but genuine love. Their guidance, support, and example have left a lasting impression on all of us, including Marilyn and me.
Their next chapter begins with Elder Skousen joining the Church’s legal department — a new opportunity that’s sure to benefit from his integrity and leadership. But while their mission may be shifting, the impact they've had here is etched in our hearts.
We’ll miss their laughter, their encouragement, and their quiet strength. Farewell, Skousens — and thank you for everything.
We love and miss you all!
Our time in Slovakia is quickly come to and end and we are looking forward to seeing you all soon.
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