Fall Leaves and Autumn Breeze

The seasons have changes along with the time here. We have beautiful fall colors and our morning walks are brisk. The colorful pansies fill the flowerbeds. It is getting darker earlier with evening rains. All the children are bundled up with hats, gloves and big coats. Winter is on its way.

We have been able to meet with some new partners. We met with Global Human Dignity foundation at a refugee shelter. The morning was spent watching the children learn cooperation, trust and kindness with a therapy dog. We saw the classroom where the children meet afterschool for extra tutoring with all the subjects. We learned that some of the families come from generations of never learning to read or write. Survival is the key to existence. In the shelter, social workers meet with the families to help them know, yes, every morning you have to help get your children to school, yes learning to read and write is important. The extra classes help with basic development skills and introducing technology, which in some cases is easier to learn, the symbols are on a key board.

One sweet little 5 year old girl, sat at her desk the whole meeting writing her letters over and over again. So proud to show us her work. Her desire to learn was heartwarming, but concerning that her situation might not provide it.

We visited Elisabeth Lookout, the tallest spot in Budapest. The monument was built to honor a previous queen who was known for her beauty. A wonderful day spent with other Senior Missionaries, and local new friends. It was a good hike up the hills and Melody's new knees held up perfectly.

We met with a group of Ukrainian refugees in Szombathely. It was fun to see the children gathered to celebrate Halloween. We saw that the fathers and older men were not there, they were in Ukraine fighting for their freedom. We could see the concern on the women's faces. They gather on Saturdays to unite as a community. The families speak Ukrainian, not Hungarian. I have great compassion for them as they try to adjust, send their children to school where only Hungarian is spoken. Most of the older students are trying to do school online, sometimes only with their phones. These families have hopes of going back to Ukraine, always wondering if they will have a home to go back to.

We have had the wonderful opportunity to meet together as a group of missionaries from Hungary.

We had wonderful meetings with Elder David A Bednar, and his wife. He is an Apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two weeks later we met with Elder Alliaud and his wife as they toured our area missions. It was a spiritual feast. It is always fun to gather with the other Senior missionaries and the Young Elders and Sisters.

In between meetings we have continued to see this beautiful country. We still go for walks along the Danube in the evenings. We love watching the boats on the river, the beautiful old buildings, charming shops and coble stone streets. We found the famous Box Donuts who were celebrating Halloween week, some beautiful town squares and old castle wall ruins.

We miss our family and friends far away. We are grateful for technology that allows us to be a part of events we miss. Our eight grandchildren loved being together for Halloween and trick or treating was "the best ever". Our daughter Sarah celebrated her birthday with a quick visit to Thomas and Makayla in Missouri, and a party with CAKE & BBQ that included David, Callie, Christopher, Megan and all eight grandchildren. Our heart is full when we know our children gather. We are able to keep in touch with phone calls, facebook and messages.

We spend a lot of our days on the computer writing up project proposals. We are working with homeless shelters, hospitals, special needs schools and disability homes trying to help improve the care in small ways.

We have enjoyed our study of Ezekiel and Daniel this month as we try to find ways to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an ever confusing world. We feel the importance of listening to a prophets voice and keeping our covenants while living in a world like Babylon. We are practicing our faith, trying to share the Love of the Lord with others.

We are grateful for the many contributions to the Humanitarian Aid Fund. We feel the responsibility to use those sacred fund wisely and effectively. We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. We truly are thankful for all of you, who bless our lives in so many ways.