Comings and Goings

Sister Aziz from Pakistan (with Sister Williams)

Aren't they amazing!!


.......or should I say "goings and comings". That's what we experience every three weeks. We have just had the "going" of a most interesting group. Very small -- just 14 -- but from 9 different countries. And the make up of the group was a first for us. More sisters than elders - 8 sisters to 4 elders and 2 couples. As a result the entire group took on a different personality. fFlowery notes on the boards and thank you cards at the table. These were strong sisters who led the way.


Sister Medvescek is from Slovenia. She is an only child and the only member in her family. Her family was not happy about this whole mission thing, but this young woman is so grounded in her beliefs that she just couragously moved ahead and in the end they supported her. Her English is amazing and she is loaded with dynamite.

Sister Kutsevych is from the Ukraine. Another wonderful young woman, though a little nervous about missionary work. Her English was good and as she gains confidence she will be terrific. (Yes, ask me how I do with name pronunciation!!! They laugh at me but they forgive me!)

Sister Tsogoo is from Mongolia. She was an abolute delight. Very polished, very proper and very lovely in every way!!

Sister Aziz is a little bitty thing who is from Pakistan. She suffered from cultural shock and had a hard time eating the food and studying in English. She arrived with nothing but a light jacket and no boots. She simply could not imagine the kind of cold we have here. (and I also doubt they have such warm clothing there) We took care of those things for her and by the time she left she was a little happy camper.

I have mentioned before that we have them all sing their national anthems and tell us a little about their home countries. The really sweet thing is that they all love their countries. We wonder about their freedoms and their oppresive governments. Some of them come from war torn cities and yet they never mention it. Rather they talk about the beauty of the landscape, the mountains, rivers, forests and deserts. They talk of the wonderful people and their families. They talk of their little branches and the members who are so faithful. It is humbling to say the least.

The others were from Australia, Denmark, England, Scotland, and USA.

.......and now for the "comings". They arrived yesterday. Again a small group, just thirteen. But they are our Christmas group. They will be a fair replacement for the family at home. They have each brought a wrapped surprise gift from home (at our request) that we have put under our tree. And since I now have an IN with Santa, I am sure he will fill a sock for each of them! Already we love them. As we move through this Christmas season I will add more to this blog. Until then.......I hope you are feeling the magic!