WE MADE IT!!!

We're on our way!!! Czech Republic here we come. We flew to Washington DC and then on to Vienna. I sat next to a very nice woman, Zlata, from Odessa, Ukraine. We had a great conversation about life, family and religion. We had 8 hours next to each other and got well acquainted. I gave here a pass-a-long card with a promise from her that she would call for a Book of Mormon when she returns to the US. She said she was very interested and we exchanged emails. So I will follow up with her in about 3 months when she returns to the US.

We were met by Pres and Sis Slovachek, our mission president and wife. It may sound like they are Czech, but they are from Florida. Pres. Slovachek grandfather was from here. We had lunch with them and the Alsops who work in the office. They have truly become our "New Best Friends in Prague" ( The Alsops have helped us get money, tram passes, telephone, dinner, apartment hunting and personal tour guides.)They took us on a tram ride to see some of the Prague sights. We went to "Old Town" built in 900 AD and "New Town" 1400 BC. The reports are true this is truly a beautiful city. The Vtlava River winds through the city, with castles and cathedrals everywhere. Any fairy tale you can think of could be filmed here! We were up for 36 hours. They say it helps the jet lag. I should say so you don't care what time it is. Next day we attended our District Meeting with 6 Elders and 4 Sisters. We have amazing missionaries in this mission. We all practiced our finding investigator skills. We spent the rest of the day getting our phone and instructions, fixing our email and looking for an apartment. Ed Barner an american member here has offered us his home while he is away, until April. Only problem is it won't be available until Dec. 1st. We are l0oking for a temp. rental. (Everyone says his apartment is big, so visitors would have a great place to stay!) We attended the institute class and although we understood little (and I emphasize little) the spirit was strong. The teacher is a returned missionary having served at Temple Square and there were 12 young adults in the class. Most of them speak some English and they were very encouraging of our Czech. (Unfortunately I didn't have my camera for the first days, so no pictures, but I will get some next week of missionaries, institute and Mission Pres.)

At Wenceslas Square, yes this is the famed "Good King Wenceslas" from the Christmas Carol, he is the patron saint of the Czech Republic,
Looking towards St. Charles Bridge sort of a foggy day, but this spot is only a 10 minute walk from the church so we can return often and on a sunny day.

Autumn walk to the famous Prague Castle. A half hour walk from the church

St. Vitus Cathedral - There was a long line at least 6 across winding around the cathedral, probably an hour wait. My favorite quote of the day from Elder Alsop. "We don't have to wait, we live here!!" Can you believe it? (Where's Waldo?)

At Hradcany, Prague Castle (Hey, I found Waldo!!!)