Night Shots on the Squares

In preparation for Pecs being the 2010 European Cultural Center, many of the Squares (Ters) were upgraded or rebuilt. The town planners love to introduce water into their designs.

And the locals young and old love the fountains. On a hot day kids strip down to their nothingness and jump in. These jumping fountains are on a program and the kids love it.

The historic mosque highlights the main Szechenyl Ter. with the new led lit fountain. Interesting mix of the old and the modern

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New Elders in Pécs

Elder Diamond, Elder Mullen (Orem Utah), Elder Christensen (Caldwell Idaho), Elder Tracy
Welcoming our new Elders with a Feast of Mexican in Hungary no less. Diamond and Tracy have been with us for a while and Mullen and Christensen just arrived. Elder Mullen we met back in Utah at the MTC, and Elder Christensen served up the road in Kaposvár so we know them all well. Looking for inspirational and fun times together. One does get attached to these fine young men.

Cotton Eyed Joe

Mimi just kicked off her shoes and kept on dancing. By this time everyone else was exhausted. You will notice that I was as far away from the dance floor as I could get and still be in the room. We think it was a fun night for the YSA's. Sure wish we could have the energy they do.

Even Elder Rollingson had a go at it. He tried very hard to keep up to Betti and she tried very hard not to laugh too loud at his attempt.

Heather: Texas line dancing instruction was very ably given by our Mimi, Luca, and Betti! The Guys made it through one round of Cotton Eyed Joe but the girls kept on dancing with energy to burn!

Sloppy Joe's and Texas Sheet Cake

TEXAS NITE. Our resident Texas Elder gives an overview of the Lone Star State. "Eat beef, not chicken." We think it was a hint. What did we serve....beans with beef, but pass on the beans. Sheet Cake got sucked up by a Texas tornado in the form of devouring Hungarians.

A Church for Komló

A few years ago when Hungary had a higher quota of missionaries than at present there were Elders stationed in Komló. Komló is a small city to the North East of Pecs. Several members joined the church and made the commute to Pécs over a mountain pass with a 45 minute bus ride. Many of the dedicated persevered and attend the Branch in Pécs, however many, due to various circumstances found it a hardship to do so and fell away. President Baughman authorized the Pécs Branch Presidency to establish a group in Komló. Sunday August 8, 2010 was Komlós first Sacrament meeting. The space was already filled to near capacity. After the regular meeting a spontaneous testimony meeting broke out. One wonderful sister who has been looking after a elderly bedridden mother inlaw for many years, can now attend church just blocks away from her home for the first time in a long time. Her spirit and gratitude was felt by all.

The Komló meeting room is located centrally in the town on the ground floor of a small retail complex and has a seating capacity of 19. Elder Mark Mason, second counsellor in the Pécs Branch acts as Group Leader. During the meeting I could not help but notice a few of the sisters plotting a reconfiguration of the floor plan, and sure enough, as soon as the closing prayer was said they had totally reorganized the seating arrangement. We rejoiced in their pride that this was now their Church. These dedicated pioneers will hopefully be the nucleus for a future Komló Branch.

August Zone Conference, Then off to Skanzen

Norm: I sat in awe. Here in Zone Conference, we were being instructed by a pair of twenty year old kids. No let me rephrase that. We were being taught by a group of the Lords Elect Disciples. There could be no doubt, we were rubbing elbows with tomorrows leaders, CEO,s, Bishops, Stake Presidents. These missions are a 24 hour a day, 2 year intensive training of the Lords Elect. Absolutely no where else could a person receive an experience such as this. The whole process is truly inspired. Greenies become District Leaders. District Leaders turn into Zone Leaders. Zone Leaders develop into Assistants to the President, And this was but a small group of 50 or so. And to think there are some 50,000 more out there speaking every conceivable language one could imagine doing the same thing. All being molded into the best of the best. This process has no equal any where in the world.
And at the same time another phenomena is taking place. They are changing lives of those they meet and strengthening the church.


Lets call this Shot "The Migration of the Penguins"

Does this look familiar. A balance gate. Very much like the one that used to exist at the Sun Ranch " Mormon Handcart Historic Sites".

After Zone Conference we were treated to a field trip To "Skanzen." This is a Heritage Park or Old Nauvoo style re-creation of a Historical Northern Hungarian Village representing the traditional vernacular architecture and life style of the region.

"Hey Elder..whats that story about the woman at the well?" " Your name is not Rebekah by chance?"

Shopping the Szentendre

Quaint picturesque 1700's village now a popular tourist shopping area. Love those cobble stone streets; Great to look at, but a bear to walk on.

Elders shopping for souvenirs to take home to the family.

Our CEO's of the future, practicing their Chairman of the Board technique.

In this photo (Elders Golze, Smith, Cheney, Bohner)

In just a few short weeks these Elders will be back home after their two year mission, But not for long. A week at home then back to University. Elder Cheney and Golze served with us in Pecs. We are proud to have associated with each and every one of them. They have affected our lives. Please Elders, don't forget us

How Can That Be

HOW CAN THAT BE..............
*THE SMALLER THE FRIDGE, THE BIGGER THE APPETITE.
*BACK IN AMERICA, A SHIRT SIZE WAS LARGE. ITS HUNGARIAN REPLACEMENT IS AN
EXTRA LARGE.
*BACK IN AMERICA, A SKIRT SIZE WAS AN 8. ITS HUNGARIAN REPLACEMENT IS A 12
*WHEN WE MOVED INTO OUR APARTMENT, WE WERE ON THE SECOND FLOOR. NOW I
SWEAR WE'RE ON THE THIRD FLOOR, AND WE HAVEN'T MOVED.
*WHEN SOMEONES SPEAKS IN HUNGARIAN THEY SHOUT.
*WHEN SOMEONE SPEAKS IN ENGLISH THEY WHISPER.
NOW, CAN YOU TELL ME...........................HOW CAN THAT BE?????????