Monday 23 November 2015

Devotional with Elder Ballard

On Friday 20th November 2015 missionaries serving in Athens had the privilege of having a one hour devotional with Elder M Russel Ballard, one of our 12 apostles. For an 87 year old he was on a very demanding schedule. Visiting and holding meetings throughout Europe and Ireland he was also assessing the refugee crisis and after our meeting was flying to the Greek island of Lesbos. Despite his schedule, as always a missionary, while viewing the Athens skyline from the restaurant in the hotel where he was staying, he made friends with a waiter, acquired his name and address and promised him that two representatives of the church would deliver a copy of his book to his home in the next few days. That responsibility we now know has fallen to Elder Shaner. Watch this space for how this story progresses.
The picture of us was taken by Joel Mawlam, Christian's brother (husband of our daughter Elizabeth) who was accompanying Elder Ballard. He is currently employed as the Church photographer in Europe. The other picture is of Elder Ballard with the mission presidents daughters, Alinda and Marie.


Elder M Russell Ballard on Mars Hill, Athens, where Paul once preached.
Early morning, Friday 20th November 2015


Sunday 22 November 2015

November 21st Our First Seminary Super Saturday

Yesterday was our first Seminary Super Saturday activity. We bought pizzas and salads, picnicked in one of the Olympic parks, had a devotional and went to a matinee performance of Jason and the Argonauts, together with thousands of school children! The show was all in Greek but we followed the ancient plot okay and the props and costumes were very impressive.


From left to right: Marie, Alinda, Manasah, you know who, Nikolas and Josh.

Sunday 15 November 2015

Peaceful Protest in Athens 12 November 2015


Outside our chapel in Acropoli, on the day of a general strike, a demonstration of the people regarding the latest bailout plan for the Greek economy. It marched from Syntagma, where the parliament is down to Acropoli.



Some Random Snaps

The Districts we worked with before the BIG TRANSFERS!!



On 14th November 2015, after 7 weeks in Greece, we at last saw the sea.



It was time for our Hep B second shots at the local private hospital.....


Angelo awake.


Thursday 12 November 2015