Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: MISSIONARIES IN MACEDONIA

This week has been both busy and, as the British would say, interesting. It seems like obstacles, either with our work here in Europe or with family back home, that we can anticipate and prepare for usually turn out OK in the end. But those challenges which are unexpected and take us by surprise seems to prove to be the greater challenge.

Each Wednesday at noon the senior missionaries in the Area office get together and study the Book of Mormon for an hour. We each take turns leading the discussion and this week it was Eileen’s turn. Having just finished the Book of Mormon last week, Eileen’s assigned topic was the Introduction and first four chapters of 1^st Nephi. We can usually count on quite a bit of participation from the group so the instructor has to pick just a few major points within the assigned chapters to focus on. Although Eileen had us read several scriptures and quotes it was the last which generated the most discussion. In 1^st Nephi 1:20, Nephi tells us that, “the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith . . .” Eileen pointed out that although Nephi was beset with problems that he was still able to see the Lord’s hand in his daily life. The ability to see God’s hand in our lives is indeed a great blessing of comfort as we face the trials of this life.

Wednesday evening we flew to Skopje Macedonia, landing around midnight. On the drive into the city we could see a large cross lit up on a nearby hill. For three full days we were able to work with Elder Robert and Sister Leeann Olson, training on various Welfare related subjects. From our work the week before we were able to ascertain that the Welfare Department provided computer they had did not work properly, so we were able to have the IT Department format a new one which we tested and then took with us to Macedonia for the Olson couple to use. During past training visits a significant amount of time has been spent just getting the computers to work properly. Eileen did not want a repeat of our prior week’s experience in Serbia. We felt comfortable that the new computer we were taking down would allow us to avoid that happening. We were prepared and indeed that was not an issue this week. What we did not anticipate was that the internet connection in the the couple’s house did not work – it stopped working just Wednesday evening. Most of Thursday was spent trying to get the modem and internet working. It was not until Friday around noon that internet service was restored after a technician came to the house. It is the unexpected things that get to you. However, it was a blessing how fast we were able to complete the Humanitarian computer and financial training. In the end everything worked out fine. It was a pleasure to get to know and work with Elder and Sister Olson.

Skope airport a little after midnight. In Macedonia they use the Cyrillic alphabet instead of the Latin alphabet

Eileen and Sister Olson trying to get the internet working

Rumor has it that President Russell Nelson sat in this rocking chair when he visited Macedonia to dedicate the land to the preaching of the gospel

Skopje is the land of the statues. After a long day at the apartment we took a walk around the town

Alexander the Great is a big deal in Macedonia. It seems like all sorts of statues are around depicting his conquering spirit.

Visiting with SOS, a potential future partner. This group works with at risk children and families with the hope that they can strengthen the family enough that the family won't be torn apart.