Last Saturday we had the privilege to attend the Frieberg, Germany temple with the youth from the Czech Republic. It was so good to be in the temple again after a year without that blessing. We watched our youth transformed into angels as they participated in the baptisms and we were able to attend a session.
It is a beautiful little temple and we felt again the great spirit of the work that goes on in temples all over the world. Even Waldo (where is he?) enjoyed the visit.
Freiberg is about a two hour drive from Prague, if you ride with Brother Wicker on the autobahn or a three hour drive by bus! The temple as most do has a miraculous story. It was built behind the iron curtain at the suggestion of the Germany Democratic Republic. In 1978 the GDR decided not to grant visas to those wishing to attend the temple in Switzerland because it feared people would not return. The communists insisted that children be left behind as assurance that parents would return. Of course, sealings could not be performed without the entire family. The church explored every option but could make no progress with the government. The saints began to fast and pray for divine help. One day as Thomas S. Monson, then a member of the Council of the Twelve met with government leaders, THEY proposed a simple solution. " Why not build a temple here?" No argument here! Land was purchased in 1983 and two years later on June 29, 1985 the Frieberg Temple was dedicated. They would not allow the statue of Moroni to be placed on the temple, but when the temple was renovated in 2002 Moroni was added. We are so sorry that we didn't get a photo with Moroni!
Sunday dinner with the Armstrong Familyand Bro. Ogle. We felt right at home with their blonde and redheads!!! These are Americans who are living in Prague for the next four or five years. They are learning the Czech language bit by bit. Brother Armstrong, however, said the opening prayer at church Sunday and thanked the "fruit" (ovoce) instead of "God" (Otce) for the "ice cream" (zmrlina) instead of "this day". As Grandma Carol would say, "...the poor soul". Everyone laughed during the prayer, but patted him on the back for giving it a good try. Later, he confessed that he just threw in the only Czech words he knew and hoped they landed safely. The Branch President told him after not to worry for he was sure the Lord had a keen sense of humor.
One of the blessings of this mission is getting to know so many faithful and wonderful young people, this is Shannon Wilde who was here over the summer on an internship with BYU. She brought much fun and friendship to the YSA group. But on the downside we have to say "Good-bye" ALOT!!
Anna also left us to return to her homeland in the Ukraine. We will certainly miss both of these special young ladies.
It is a beautiful little temple and we felt again the great spirit of the work that goes on in temples all over the world. Even Waldo (where is he?) enjoyed the visit.
Freiberg is about a two hour drive from Prague, if you ride with Brother Wicker on the autobahn or a three hour drive by bus! The temple as most do has a miraculous story. It was built behind the iron curtain at the suggestion of the Germany Democratic Republic. In 1978 the GDR decided not to grant visas to those wishing to attend the temple in Switzerland because it feared people would not return. The communists insisted that children be left behind as assurance that parents would return. Of course, sealings could not be performed without the entire family. The church explored every option but could make no progress with the government. The saints began to fast and pray for divine help. One day as Thomas S. Monson, then a member of the Council of the Twelve met with government leaders, THEY proposed a simple solution. " Why not build a temple here?" No argument here! Land was purchased in 1983 and two years later on June 29, 1985 the Frieberg Temple was dedicated. They would not allow the statue of Moroni to be placed on the temple, but when the temple was renovated in 2002 Moroni was added. We are so sorry that we didn't get a photo with Moroni!
Sunday dinner with the Armstrong Familyand Bro. Ogle. We felt right at home with their blonde and redheads!!! These are Americans who are living in Prague for the next four or five years. They are learning the Czech language bit by bit. Brother Armstrong, however, said the opening prayer at church Sunday and thanked the "fruit" (ovoce) instead of "God" (Otce) for the "ice cream" (zmrlina) instead of "this day". As Grandma Carol would say, "...the poor soul". Everyone laughed during the prayer, but patted him on the back for giving it a good try. Later, he confessed that he just threw in the only Czech words he knew and hoped they landed safely. The Branch President told him after not to worry for he was sure the Lord had a keen sense of humor. 
One of the blessings of this mission is getting to know so many faithful and wonderful young people, this is Shannon Wilde who was here over the summer on an internship with BYU. She brought much fun and friendship to the YSA group. But on the downside we have to say "Good-bye" ALOT!!
Anna also left us to return to her homeland in the Ukraine. We will certainly miss both of these special young ladies.
Thank you for your beautiful pictures and explanations and history lessons! You and Elder President Robbins look wonderful. I love your blog. It's fun to catch up on the travels/adventures of your cute kids too. How fun that they could visit you! Thanks for doing this blog and sharing some of your precious and fabulous experiences with us! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteIncredible. The tory behind the Freiberg Temple. I heard it just the other day and wow! here is is again, so it must be true.
ReplyDeleteI agree, That the Lord and Heavenly Father must have a keen sense of humor--otherwise I think we would all be out in the streets. I think Heavenly Father Ilkes Ice Creme too--what flavor was he thinking?
another great story! rock on!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you made it to the Freiberg Temple. We loved our visit there. Did you get to stay in the patron housing next to the temple? I am still trying to talk Kari into going to Prague before you come home.
ReplyDeleteHey, I recognize some of those Prague people! :) That is a neat story about the temple. Like Michelle says, "Rock on!" Love you.
ReplyDelete