Feeling exhausted tonight but another great day here. I took more pics from my camera today so I can't share them as easily. It has been an amazing evening. We found the church mid-day and helped set up and get ready for the evening meeting. First off- it is amazing there is even a meeting house here. We walked down the street to where they would meet (on top of a store) when Matt served here. The new meetinghouse (pictured here) would fit inside our whole chapel/gym area. A simple brick building with tile and wood flooring throughout. No carpet. A chapel and small, small gym (same room), kitchen, RS room, YW room, primary room, and nursery. A few offices for the Branch Presidency and a library make up this single-hall building. My favorite thing was the font. It is in the hallway and has huge windows in front of it! Simple but inviting. The kids and I helped sweep the floors (it is a small building until you have to sweep it with an 8" broom with the handle broke in half!) and Matt helped put pictures on display and help with set-up. It was fun to watch Matt with the members as they recognized him! Denis (pronounced Denise) has always held a special place in Matt's heart and they didn't miss a beat. It was so fun to see!! There were 15 past-missionaries and 1 past - mission president there tonight. More may come tomorrow. Tonight was a testimony meeting for the past-missionaries. AWESOME!! Two of the four original missionaries are here and we will hear from them more tomorrow. Let me say that they were dropped off here on December 21, 1992. This mission was not yet opened. They had a list of people that had heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir two years prior. That is it. In May of 1993 Elder Ballard, Elder Nuewenschwander, and Elder Creel came and opened the mission to the preaching of the Gospel. This was done at Gedimino Castle (where we were yesterday). Elder Allred told of being there that day. He said his back was so cold but he remembers the front of his body feeling the warmth of the Spirit from the men that were there to open this mission. I feel very blessed to be here sharing this experience with these first missionaries. For all of them it is their first time back. Elder Checketts (the first missionary here) was actually called to the Helsinki Finland Mission and then spent 6 months in St. Petersborg Russia Mission. He was then called by the First Presidency to come here. A copy of his letter is on display. So neat to read the dedicatory prayer and letters from these very first missionaries. I still consider Matt as one of the first missionaries, serving 1995-97, as do the members here.
Lithuania joined the European Union a few years back so a lot of members have moved from the country. That being said, I am amazed at all the American products you find in the stores here. Matt is amazed we can walk into a store! I really picture this being like any other European city but the members say big money has moved in over the years. And like I said before, Matt doesn't recognize much. They say Kaunus has not seen much change so I am excited to see that area.
I miss my boys. Please give them loves from me! One thing church members world wide have in common is unruly kids. I think that's when I got missing them the most. However, I did enjoy the meeting :) I found myself looking for them in the hall after!!
I apologize if this all seems out of order. I am constantly focusing on what people are saying - hoping to grasp something I know - I feel out of sorts. A lot of the members speak English but still have distinct accents. Makes for an exhausting day!!
