Sunday 28 February 2010

Sunday 28th. Feb. 2010


Came back from Thessaloniki today. The plant in the picture has been in bloom since December. I thought it deserved a mention because its bright colour really does 'gladden the eye'.
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Happy to be Together.


This was taken after church on Sunday. I am just so happy to be near these angels. I love the sisters so much. Today Sister Longhurst spoke in Sacrament Meeting, (in greek of course) and Sister Christensen gave the Relief Society lesson. These missionaries really are all about service. God bless them all. I have to mention that all the missionaries treated us to a rendition in greek of that well loved hymn Called to Serve. I felt like cheering at the end. Also have to mention Elder Grow, he taught the gospel doctrine class in greek with such fluency . He teaches with energy and sincerity I always feel it a privilege to be in a class when he teaches.
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Thessaloniki Centre for Young Adults


Elder Grow ( you can see the back of his head) is here to bring his experience of serving in the Athens centre for young adults to Thessaloniki. It is small at the moment but with the wonderful missionaries who serve, we shall see " that by small and simple things great things are brought to pass "
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Visit with Zoitsa and Institute.


Still on the 27th Feb. the sisters took me to see Zoitsa, she had been recently baptised by Elder Mortensen. She told me of the day, and her eyes shone as she remembered. Elder Johnson took the Institute class. Voula and Yiorgos were very involved asking and answering questions. The spirit bore witness of the truthfulness of his words, he really teaches with a power and purity. The Saviour is the Anointed One, how blessed we are to know Him.
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27th. February 2010


We are in Thessaloniki for interviews and visits with some of our newer members. In the picture on the left we can see Elder Middleton and Elder Kroll arriving for the first interviews of the day. We saw them from afar, and our hearts give a leap of joy at the beautiful sight.
Hurrah!! we have mail, it doesn't take long for Elders Rodriguez, King and Balhorn to get those packages ripped open.
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Monday 22 February 2010

Here we are with Elder and Sister Sorensen


We look forward to spending more time in the company of Elder and Sister Sorensen. They have much to share and I know we will have the best of times.
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After Interviews 20th. Feb. 2010


It was wonderful to have a meal with the senior missionaries in Cyprus. So happy to finally meet with the beautiful Sorensons. I just love it that after a handshake and a hug we are connected by that gift of love from our Father in Heaven.
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Interviews 20th. Feb 2010


Arriving for interviews and after interviews they are all still smiling.
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20th. Feb. 2010 Elder Stephenson goes to Cyprus.


The picture on the left just before take off. I think he is pleased! Picture on the right is outside Larnaca Branch although he will be serving in Limassol. Elder Stephenson is a delightful travelling companion!! We hit some turbulence-my stomach is doing somersaults, other travellers are crossing themselves, and Elder Stephenson is punching the air hoping for even more. He then proceeds to tell me that having reached 30,000 feet if we had a problem we would fall straight down and hit the ground in about 3 minutes!!
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Sisters on a Mission! 17 Feb. 2010


I was able to go out with Sisters Lelle and Simmons. We taught a lovely sister called Mimika. The sisters used the scriptures so wonderfully to teach gospel principles always likening it unto ourselves. What a privilege for me to walk with them.
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Companionship Study 17th Dec. 2010

Elder Gifford and Elder Steeby look as if they are enjoying study time with President Charles. They were preparing for a teaching opportunity that was to follow this study time. I wonder what was said to make Elder Steeby smile??
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Tuesday 16th. February 2010 Desiree and Nadine


Desiree and Nadine came to stay for a few days. Desiree served as a missionary in the London South mission, and Nadine served in the Manchester Mission. They are beautiful strong sisters and to spend time with them was such a delight. They spoke to us about lessons they had learnt from their missions, and we felt the Spirit of the Lord. Thank you to them both for blessing our lives.
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Monday 15 February 2010

Clean Monday, what a beautiful day.


It has been a wonderful few hours enjoying the warm sun and the blue skies. Mingling with many nationalities, listening to the music and looking heavenward to the dancing kites. In this manner, the Orthodox celebrate the fact that " The springtime of the Fast has dawned, the flower of repentance has begun to open..."
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More Clean Monday!


This really is a happy springtime holiday which may seem at odds with the Lenten spirit of repentance and self control. The Orthodox approach to fasting is taken from Matthew 6: 16-18. ( Go on look it up, I dare you!!)
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February 15th. Καθαρη Δευτερα


Καθαρη Δευτερα (Clean Monday) is a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus. Eating meat, eggs and dairy products is traditionally forbidden. It is celebrated by having family picnics and the widespread flying of kites. We met with members on Philippapou Hill and enjoyed the festivities with all the other Athenians.
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Saturday 13 February 2010

February 13th. 2010 Tasos is Baptised.


It was all simply beautiful . Sister Bell gave the first talk on Baptism. This was followed by Brother Dimitropoulos talking about the Holy Ghost. Elder Wells sang hymn 236 -Lord, Accept into Thy Kingdom, he has such a clear voice that once again we were taught sweet gospel principles . Elder Roderick baptised Tasos with such power and authority it was privilege to behold. Tasos bore his testimony at the end, and summed it all up, he said " I feel complete!"
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February 13th. 2010 A Day in the Park.

It is Sister Simmons birthday today and Elder Sebalds. So after a hearty breakfast we are off to contact in the park. We met some lovely people, and as I looked into faces I began to lose some of my fear. In losing the fear I began to see before me chidren of my Father in Heaven. Once again these beautiful sisters lead the way with great courage and humility.
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Planning for the new day.

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Friday 12th February 2010


President Charles was in Frankfurt for meetings, so Sister Lelle and Sister Simmons came to the mission home to keep me company.We had a wonderful time together, the sisters had planned, and a lot got done. They took me bus contacting which was a new experience for me. They were such a wonderful example and I tried to emulate their language skills and boldness in contacting. I most certainly want to do this again. I have never said so many prayers in such a short time.! I love the sisters!
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Tuesday 9 February 2010

Athens Airport February 8th. 2010


How bright they shine.
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A Final Photo or Two !!

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After the Testimonies

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Our Farewell Testimonies

We couldn't have testimony meeting on Mars Hill because the rain was so bad. We didn't want people to be injured clambering over the slippery rocks. It was a very emotional gathering, our tears seemed to match the weeping skies. I took a few photos , hope you enjoy seeing your beloved missionary.
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Leonidas Lunch February 6th. 2010


Sitting down to lunch with fellow missionaries at the end of faithful service has to be one of the highlights. We look around the table at beloved faces and rejoice with them. Today we rejoice with Elders Baker, Escher and Palm and our lovely Sister Tolonen.
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Wednesday 3 February 2010

Farewell to Elder and Sister Checketts

Here we are at the airport to say goodbye to Elder and Sister Checketts. They are going home into the welcoming arms of their family. We rejoice with them, but will miss them dearly. They will always have a place in our hearts and in the hearts of the members of their dear Larnaca Branch.
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