Monday 25 January 2010

More bowling pics.

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Bowling on Preparation day Jan 25th.


We were invited to come along and bowl with the younger missionaries. We felt that we may have been the entertainment value!! It was great fun and very good value . Elders Baker and Harris decided to do under leg bowling, I am sorry I don't have a picture, it really was a sight to see.
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Cyprus Zone Conference 23rd. Jan 2010


We love Elder and Sister Fairbanks, we are so happy that they are here with us. They are in the top right hand picture. Elder Rimmel is demonstrating a very greek gesture. It usually means " I don't know" They are a very strong group of missionaries, we delight in spending time with them and are humbled by their dedication.
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Monday 18 January 2010

Thessaloniki Pot Luck Jan 2010

We always enjoy visiting the branch in Thessaloniki. It has a wonderful warm family spirit. It was particularly good today as it was a pot luck lunch. This is a very humble branch ,but everyone is always so generous in bringing and sharing what they have.
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Thessaloniki Zone Conference 16th Jan. 2010


There was a wonderful spirit here in Thessaloniki. Sister Johnson tackled the same subject given by Elder Bell in Athens. There was a lot of participation, more role playing and some very good practical advice. I did some role playing with the sisters. Sister Longhurst was very patient as she was taught by myself and Sister Christenson. I was amazed at how much sister Christenson knew of the greek language, the three of us had such a glorious time together. Elder Middleton was a sparkling example as a teacher as he taught us about SYL. ( speak your language) His major point was that we needed to open our mouths. We did some more role playing which helps us gain confidence.
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Athens Zone Conference Jan 13th 2010

We attended the Acropoli Branch for Zone Conference. Elder Bell gave a wonderful presentation entitled 'Missionary Traps'. For example speaking too much, not listening carefully, not allowing people to express their thoughts and feelings. Lots of participation, role plays laughter and much to think about. Looking at the pictures you might wonder what people are up to. Bottom right Elder Stephenson proves he can touch the ceiling, the picture on the left shows President Taylor trying to touch the ceiling!! President Charles invited Sister Tolonen and Elders Baker and Palm to the front. They will be leaving us next transfer. We love them and admire them, and we thank the Lord that we got to spend this time with them. Don't know what's happening in the group photo, is President giving Elder Harris a piggy back ?? I never found out whether Elder Lindfors was measuring or folding his scarf ?
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Monday 11 January 2010

It's all about the olive!


It was very interesting to learn that the residue that is left over after the grinding is not wasted. It is a grainy brown substance and is compressed and used to make bricks to use in the fireplace for warmth.
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Preparation Day 11th. January 2010


We spent the day with President and Sister Taylor and Elder and Sister Johnson. We visited an olive farm 250 kilometres from Athens. It was fascinating to watch the process of preparing the olives to the point were the oil is ready for those amazing greek salads, that we can now all prepare and love to eat!
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Preparation Precedes Power !


While the brethren were in a General Priesthood Meeting we sisters gathered together to do some planning. We sorted out assignments for the Auxilliary Training meeting at the end of the month. We will post pictures of that, we are so excited. Sisters Tolonen, Lellei and Simmons helped us with language training and role playing. We were taught some simple phrases and made up scripts to practice. We feel that if we prepare in this way we can be effective tools in the work of the Lord. The lovely young woman with the ponytail is Sima a member of the Acropoli Branch.
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Palio Faliro on Sunday 10th. January.


We went to Palio Faliro for our meetings today. Sister Ollerton gave a wonderful lesson in Relief Society about our Heavenly Father. What a splendid way to spend a Sunday morning. It was potluck lunch afterwards, Elder Lauener made one of my favourite desserts, chocolate mousse. You can see it in the bottom right picture, it was delicious.
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Words of Wisdom.


On Saturday the 9th . of January we had a meeting at the mission home. It was a time of reflection and expressions of gratitude. President and Sister Taylor, Elder and Sister Smith and Elder and Sister Johnson shared with us some of their thoughts and insights concerning their missions.We feel a great love for one another and are so glad that Heavenly Father brought us together.
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Friday 8 January 2010

A Symbol of Home


On the way home from a meeting Sister Smith asked if we could make a detour to take a picture of this decorated boat. In Greece you will see many boats decorated in this way. In times past when fishing was the main trade ,and the men would be gone for long periods their return would be heralded by lighting up the boats. So this came to be a symbol of home. In some homes paper or wooden boats are made, and decorated with small colourful lamps and ornaments . They are usually placed by the outer door or by the fire, and the bow should always point to the interior of the house. These little boats symbolise a full load of riches reaching one's home.
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A Visit To Athanasia 7th January.


Elder Baker and Elder Harris asked us to join them on a teach with a beautiful sister called Athanasia. The Elders taught a lovely lesson on the Saviour being The Light of the World. We bore testimony and felt the Spirit.
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A Day Out In Loutrakis


Nancy a dear sister from the Halandri Branch recommended visiting the lake here. We enjoyed walking, skimming stones, just spending the time together was wonderful. On the way back found an ice cream shop , the man was quite passionate about serving the best ice cream made from the freshest ingredients. President Charles got to taste every flavour, it really was delicious.
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Family Visit 27th December


It was so wonderful to have our family come and visit. We made some beautiful memories, that make me smile now as I think about them.
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Wednesday 6 January 2010

Baptism of Charmy

This baptism followed the baptism of Athanasiou. The first was conducted in Greek and the latter in English. Charmy was baptised by Elder Palm. . At college she asked herself " what is the purpose of my life". She explained that she didn't want to waste her time on this earth. She said, " I asked Heavenly Father to show me the right way , and what I should do in this world? " She is a humble young woman and we are happy to welcome her into the fold.
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Baptism of Athanasiou


What a wonderful way to start a New Year. Brother Athanasiou was baptised by Elder Gifford. He was so overwhelmed with the Spirit of the occasion, that he found it hard to express his feelings.
He said that when we he looked upon us he saw his brothers and sisters.
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Mars Hill Group Dec 2009

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Mars Hill December 2009


Up at 6 a.m. for Mars Hill with Sisters Simmons and Christensen and Elders Steeby, Wells and Balhorn. There was a beautiful spirit in attendance as we listened to heartfelt testimonies.
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More Christmas Pictures

What is this cracker business all about??
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Christmas Day 2009


We had a lovely Christmas. Missionaries popped in to the mission home to share a bite to eat, and we enjoyed spending time with each other.
There was a division when it came to watching a movie. Upstairs we viewed Its a Wonderful Life, and downstairs that timeless classic Madagascar 2.
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Christmas Morning 2009


Brother and Sister Johannson prepared breakfast for anyone in the North Branch of Athens. It looks like Elder Harris has had one pancake too many!! ;)
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Acropoli 24 December 2009


Christmas Eve Party for the Greece Athens Mission. It was wonderful to see everyone together. Santa brought gifts and we played the white elephant game and watched a movie. Sister Ollerton shared her gift of dance. It lasted less than five minutes, but in that time she took us to the shepherds on the hill,the heavens opening and finally to the manger.
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Monday 4 January 2010

Hurrah!! Sister Simmons is here. 24 Dec.


Isn't this a beautiful picture? Sister Simmons with her companion Sister Tolonen.
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Souvlaki Kifssia

Forgot to mention our trip to Souvlaki Kifissia on the 22nd. Santa Claus also made trip there, obviously setting himself up for the heavy schedule on the 25th!!
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