Zone Conference, Housekeeping and Friends

Our Monday started early, as we had planned with Elders McConkie and Liddle to drive to Belgrade early, rather than later in the day. This early departure allowed the elders to spend part of their P-day (preparation day) with the Belgrade Elders. It allowed us to spend our afternoon in exploring the city. After our arrival, we went by foot to visit the St. Sava Church. It was only a 15 minute walk from the hotel where we were staying. The weather was beautiful and it felt like spring. 

The St. Sava Church is The Church of St. Sava is the largest orthodox church in the Balkans and ranks in the top 5 largest in the world. It is a relatively new building, compared to some of the cathedrals we visited in Germany (groundbreaking 1935, finished 2004). 

St. Sava's church was built in Neo-Byzantine style in the shape of a Greek cross with a large dome in the middle - it creates an open floor space and vaulted ceiling. It does not have any benches or places to sit. It has 3 choir lofts, about 25 ft. off the floor. Each loft had the capacity to hold 700 singers (all standing) So a total capacity of 2100 singers. I would like to listen to a concert there. 

The walls and ceilings are all decorated in art frescos and millions of mosaic tiles, many of which are sparkly gold - making it quite ornate. There are depictions of many saints and depictions of the life of the Jesus Christ. (photography inside was prohibited. This photo was copied from Wikipedia)

As we left the church in search of something to eat, paused in front of a restaurant. A man spoke to us and said, "Are you looking for some ćevapi?" We told him we were. He smiled and said, "I recognize you as missionaries (pointing to our name badges) and know the BEST place. It is just around the next corner!" He was not a member of our faith but he and his friend had previously had good interactions with the missionaries and he kindly helped us. We have found the Balkan people to be very friendly and helpful. This was a great example our our overall experience. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday it was our missionary Zone conference. It was so good to be gathered with the other missionaries in our zone, both young and more experienced :-)

We had presentations and small group learning. 

We ate and stretched, when we needed a break. 

We fellowshipped and and visited. 

Tuesday night, we even played a version of 'Family Fued', missionary style - 

But most of all we felt God's love and had opportunity to consider how we can better invite others to "come unto Jesus Christ".

The rest of the week included many "housekeeping things" like a car inspection, so that the car registration could be completed and checking on a new missionary apartment. 

Elder and Sister Stafford left on their journey home on Tuesday, while we were in Belgrade. We will be forever grateful for their kindness to us - especially when we first arrived in Sarajevo. They were gentle guides who helped us settle in and mentored us in some of the ways a senior couple can serve, lift and bless. 

"Thank you" - is not big enough 💜

Elder and Sister Lamb are our new "upstairs" neighbors. They are no strangers to the Balkans - having served as a couple in this mission several years previous. Elder Lamb has an ever stronger connection, as he served here as a young missionary in the late 1970s. We are grateful for the experience they bring and we look forward to working with and coming to know them better.

Each day we count our blessings and are grateful for this time we have been given to serve here in the Balkans. The two great commandments are first, to love God and second, to love our fellowmen. Some days it is challenging, but it has been such a rich experience to learn what it looks and feels like to strive to keep those two commandments.