Our First Young Woman

In our post last week we were on our way to a baptism.  We had such a sweet outpouring of the spirit there. After coming out of the water, she kept saying "I feel so good!"  We have our baptisms at the swimming pool of a local hotel.  It is a very busy place and sometimes it is difficult to reserve the use of the pool.  We were able to get a slot at 7:45pm Sunday night so we took it.  She was baptized and confirmed the same evening.  She is our first young woman.

 Elder Sheridan, Amela, and Elder Kroff

 

Elder Kroff, Elder Sheridan, Gary, Amela, Elder Quinn, Elder Compton

 

Singing "If the Savior Stood Beside Me"

 

Monday we traveled to the town of Orasje (close to the Croatian/Bosnian border).  We had submitted a project to replace some asbestos lined pipes so that a kindergarten will have clean water.  Since it was approved, we went to get things going on this project. 

 

Gary, Susan and Kristina (principal)  

 

On our way back to Tuzla we stopped in a town called Srebrnik.  We pass through this town on our way to and from the border.  There is a fortress in Srebrnik built in 1333.  We decided it was time to visit.  The view was unbelievable.  Everything is so green right now.  You can truly enjoy the beauty of the countryside.

 

  

 



Early Monday morning we put Elder Compton and Elder Kroff on the bus to Zagreb.  Elder Compton was transferred to the Adriatic South Mission.  Elder Kroff was picking up another new missionary to replace Elder Compton.  The missionaries (9 sisters and 2 elders) had a horrible time getting here.  They were suppose to arrive at noon on Tuesday.  They got here at 7:30pm on Wednesday.  How is that for an adventure to begin your mission?  Elder Stuart, our new elder, is from Logan, Utah.  Needless to say he is suffering from jet-lag.  We are delighted to finally have him here and are confident he will fit in quickly.  Jet-lag, language, and new surroundings can be a little overwhelming.

 

  Elder Stuart, Elder Kroff, Gary, Susan, Elder Quinn and Elder Sheridan

 

The local Cantonal Red Cross is one of our best partners.  They have helped make it possible for the Church to bring wheelchairs and other supplies into the country without paying custom charges.  Their photocopy machine had quit working.  We received approval to purchase a new one.  It is a pleasure to be able to help an organization who does so much for the needy.

 

       

Thursday was Susan's birthday.  While we were getting our car serviced, Elders Quinn and Sheridan arranged to come to our apartment, bake cupcakes from scratch, and decorated the place.  It was a delightful surprise. You can not go the the party store here to get your supplies, nor do they have cake mixes on the shelves at the store.  This took a great deal of thought and effort on their behalf and it did not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. 

 

 

Notice the firework candles

 



Friday we traveled toward the Serbian border to the town of Bijeljina.  Here we did a follow up on the wheelchair distribution we did back in February.  We had the opportunity to visit one of the wheelchair recipients.  He is a diabetic amputee who lives with his two sons and their families.  Everyone is unemployed.  He has no pension.  If he had not received a wheelchair from the church, he would not have a wheelchair.  It is always such a delight to be a part of serving our fellowman.   

  

 

We had an excellent fast and testimony meeting today.  Four of our local members and investigators shared their testimonies.  It is a privilege to see the church grow here.  We look forward to seeing how things will change over time.