November or Listopad in Prague

Winter has finally arrrived in Prague this week with snowstorms and cold wind, but these first two photos were taken before the winter blast! Petrin Hill is one of Prague's favorite parks, high above the city. You can take a funicular( that's a fun word) railway car to the top or walk it. We walked up (after a baptism, hence the suit). That is Prague Castle in the background. We rode the funicular railway back down. We continue to find new places to explore!

We haven't seen alot of beggars in Prague, but the ones we have seen are in this position to petition for help. But we are all beggars of sorts. We depend upon our Eternal Father who created us. We recognize that is one of many reasons we celebrate Thanksgiving.

We had dinner with a young family: the Bywaters and Ed Barner, both from our Branch. The Bywaters are here doing a project for a masters in architecture and we will be living in Ed's apartment for 4 months while he is in the United States. (It is a lovely big apartment, plenty of room for visitors!!!) As you can see the Bywaters have three adorable children and it was so good to get our arms around some littles ones. We realize how much we miss our own.

Today was the missionary Turkey bowl-Thanksgiving feast! The "red" zone beat the "blue" zone. Um, seems to me I've heard that somewhere else lately. The feast afterward was complete with KFC (no turkeys in Prague)? However we did have homemade rolls and pumpkin pie. Quite a treat since the pumpkin is imported. What a grand time the missionaries had together!!!

Whether you live in a country that celebrates thanksgiving or not we can't let November 2008 become a memory without giving thanks to the Lord for His bounteous blessings this past year. We welcomed into our family a worthy son, how grateful we are that JJ and Natalie make each other so happy. We received two little cherubs straight from the presence of God. We watched as fathers, mothers and siblings lovingly adjusted. We cheered as young boys developed their talents at the keyboard, the playing field and in the classroom. We observed little girls learn to sing and dance and create. We witnessed the hand of the Lord in blessing husbands and wives strengthen eternal marriages. We watched him comfort those who lost loved ones and strenghten those with physical and spiritual challenges. We felt the power of the priesthood as worthy sons gave us blessings and as our Stake President placed his hands on our heads to set us apart as the Lord's servants to serve in the Czech Republic. We have felt His watchful care as we continue to adjust to a new calling, language and culture. We have felt your prayers of faith and words of encouragement. Mail in the inbox certainly has taken on a new meaning. We know the Lord loves us and all of you, our dear family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to you ALL!

"....live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you ." Alma 34:38