Random Pictures of Our Mission

Matthew and I are in Kosice, Slovakia, in front of the singing fountain.

President Slovacek is standing in what is left of Spissky Hrad. Construction of the castle began in the early 12th century, but the original structure collapsed, having been built
on a geological fault. The present castle was built in the first half of the 13th century, as a defense against Tatar incursions from the east. The Romanesque palace was completed in 1249. Following severe damage from the armies of Matthias Cak in the early 14th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Additions were made in the 15th century and served as a garrison until 1780 when it was abandoned after a disastrous fire. The Spis castle is the largest in central Europe. It covers over 10 acres.

In May, we sent home 13 wonderful missionaries. We miss them. But they were replaced by
13 excited new missionaries. We love their enthusiasm and spirit!



We were out walking one evening, and the storm clouds started to gather as we came upon Charles bridge. I took a picture before it started to rain.



This is a random thing, but the Young Women from my ward back home will know the M&M guy stands for "Slam Dunk Missionary Moments". We've instituted it in our zone conferences, as well. The missionaries get to share their happy experiences (Sharing Time), and get a handful of M&Ms. By the way, many thanks to those of you who send us M&Ms!! Our missionaries LOVE them!

Baptism in Trencin, Slovakia

While on our usual round of zone conferences, Elder Van de Graaf baptized a semi-professional soccer player named Roman in a river that runs below the Trencin castle. It was a picture perfect day in Trencin. They say the water was a little chilly, but there was a warm spirit in that grove of trees, as a few of the elders in Slovakia sang a hymn before the baptism.







You can see the Trencin castle on the hill in the background. Roman's baptism was one of my most memorable experiences on my mission so far.