Unique Assignment, Unique People

Unsere Kirche (our church)

We have come to realize how special and different our assignment is from the normal senior couple mission.  As you may be aware, we are responsible for support and training, where needed, for the Stake Technology Specialists throughout all of western Europe.  Our assignment will eventually allow us be in contact with a vast number of individuals from different countries and different cultures. 

Up until now, that contact has been minimal.  Nevertheless, since we have been here, we have had a lot of exposure to the special and unique struggles and experiences of individuals from different parts of Europe.  In our office environment, there are employees from several different countries.  Even in our own little department team, besides us being from the United States, there are three other countries represented: German (of course), Portugal and Italy.  At church there are so many more individuals from other countries: England, Spain, France, Eritrea (a country in Africa), Jamaica, New Zealand, Russia, Poland, and Scotland, to mention a few.

We have had more opportunity to talk to some of our co-workers about their personal lives.  Some of their struggles and concerns are similar to any you would find in the States, but dealing with them in the environment and culture outside the States is very different.  Some struggle with religious persecution, some with health, some with children who are wayward, some with financial challenges, and so on. Many have the attitude of happiness despite the struggles -- don't worry about what you can't control, it's better to be happy. Also, to take the best of even less than ideal situations and apply those good things in your life.

Our hearts have been touched by the stories of these faithful members.  We feel blessed to be surrounded by them and feel of their humble, yet strong, spirits.