The Toilet Paper Roll Anaolgy

We were recently speaking with Elder and Sister Hladky, another senior couple from Austria. We were talking about how quickly the times seems to go. Elder Hladky said, "time is like a toilet paper roll. When you first start out, it seem to take a long time to get around the roll. However, when you get to the end, it goes very, very quick. It takes no time at all, to get around the roll." We all laughed at the analogy, but as I reflect on it, I think he might be right . 

In our assignment to train and help with the orientation of new couples. We traveled to three beautiful Croatian cities; Osijak, Karlavoç and Varaždin.

Osijek, Croatia is about a 3 hour drive by car, to east and a little south from the Croatian capital, Zagreb. The town is only about 40 km from the border with Serbian and Hungary. As we passed through some small rolling hills and into the valley area of Osijek, Lot got a little nostalgic. We saw the regional agriculture; fields of sunflowers, corn and grain. As we neared the city, there were signs to prove it really was 'farming country'. 

Lot commented that if the mission president ever needed a couple to move to Osijek, he'd say, "pick me, pick me". It was in Osijek that we met with Elder and Sister Schmidt , who are new and Elder and Sister Hladky, who will soon return home to Austria. 

On Tuesday, we traveled back west to Karlovac. Again, we saw beautiful farm ground, with the hay harvest almost complete. In Karlovas, we met with Elder and Sister Thompson, fellow Idahoans from the Pocatello area. Wednesday took us to Varaždin, which sits just south of Zagreb, less than an hour. Elder and Sister Ballou, who live in Varaždin, support the members and missionaries. Sister Ballou's primary responsivilty is as the Mission Health Advisor. She is a nurse by profession and helps all th missionaries, both young and "not so young" stay healthy and well. 

On Thursday and Friday, it was Mission Leader Council (MLC) in Zagreb. In this mini conference, the young missionaries throughout the mission, who have leadership callings, gather together to learn and plan. There is large group instruction and council sessions.

 
There was small group activies and role playing sessions, to help improve their skills of in language inviting others to "come unto christ". 

We laughed and ate. And the young missionaries lead, planned and taught. It was miraculous to see these amazing young adults grown and learn - these skills will serve them well their whole lives. 

At the end of MLC on Friday, we drove to Belgrade Serbia in preparation to attend the District Relief Society Activity on Saturday. 

It was so wonderful to gather with women who live within the 5 countries of our mission (Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Sloviena). We spent the day learning, becoming better acquainted and enjoying the day. There were also activities planned for the children and young women who had come with their mothers. We came from various backgrounds and countries, but are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ and our desire to follow Him. 

I was grateful to Sister Lamb, my traveling companion - as we navigated the large city of Belgrade (1.4 million). On Saturday night we were trying to reach a destination and between the closed roads due to the civil protests and crazy Google maps - it was quite the adventure. But we made it back to our hotel without incident. She is a a great friend!