Apartment Dwellers Prague Style

This is our Czech home for the next 5 weeks. We are on the 5th floor in the back corner. It is the lovely suburb of Vysocanska. Rubeska 521 for any of you who get here in the next 5 weeks. We are 25 minutes from church on the metro (subway with a transfer) or 30 minutes on the tram, definitely a more scenic route. Last Saturday was my solo ride on the metro and I must say I was quite proficient. (Something I didn't think possible 3 weeks ago) I went in to help Sister Alsop fix the lunch for the sisters who came in for Auxilliary Training and to view the Women's Conference. Mike had his own solo when her came in later for a baptism.

This is the kitchen-living room and Elder Robbins is listening to the BYU game! We have all the comforts of home just in a small space. We even have a washer and dryer, unusual here and a garbage disposal, but no dishwasher except for the 2 human ones and were pretty good at sharing that responsibilty.

The Brockbanks (friends of Kari and Eric) picked up their missionary in Hungary and on their way through Prague, as they took this Sister to the temple in Germany. graciously stopped to bring us a package from our kids and a few things we decided we could use. Thank you, thank you! Robbins children thank you for the bday present. Couldn't have received a better gift...digital frame of the kids big and little.

Then we were off to VIENNA!!!!!

We went for 3 days to receive training in setting up the Outreach Center. We took a 4 1/2 hour train ride through the countryside and it was beautiful, The country was mostly rolling hills and black soil farm lands. Here and there we passed by small villages mostly with red tilled roofs and always a church steeple pointing heavenward. It appeared that the last 40 years hadn't touched them very much. Many people in Prague have what they call their cottages in the country and we saw many of them along the streams we passed. To call many of them a cottage was a stretch, but they were lined up on plots about 50 x100 with the the cottage at one end and the rest they use to plant their gardens. The training was so helpful and we feel much more confident in what and how to accomplish what we have been called to do. There were six couples to be trained and two of them were with us in the MTC and it was good to see them again.

The first night we were there we had famous Weinerschnitzel, (highly reccommended by the missionaries and BYU study aboard students) You can't really tell from the photo but those pieces are two deep and cover the plate. Talk about great doggies bags. Took us 3 days just to finish them!

We didn't have much time for sight seeing but what we saw was gorgeous. We visited Karlsplazt and Sisi's summer palace. (An Austrian queen) I tell you what, that girl knew how to live, I'd love to see her permanent residence. If you're wondering about the elegant "fleece-blanket" wrap. Somebody's mother didn't tell her to take a warm coat to Vienna. But I did stay snuggy warm and recieved all kinds of comments from the couples we were with: "Strange blanket woman seen in Vienna. Blanket woman appears to have been abducted by people in black suits and coats."

We are REAL Missionaries

With President and Sister Slovachek

(For all of you who have thought we are just tourists in Prague these pictures are to reassure you that we really are on a mission. )
We attended our first zone conference this week and we know why the Slovacheks are here. They are very strong leaders and teachers and the missionaries love them. The theme for the conference was: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" This mission had a total of 29 baptisms last year and so far this year they have had 42. The missionaries received training on finding contacts wherever they are: tram, metros, buses etc. As soon as we go off daylight savings it will begin to get dark around 4ish so it's harder to find the people in the squares and parks! Many of the apartment buildings are locked and it is very difficult to tract them. I am so impressed with these missionaries and I sat there with tears running down my cheeks thinking about their mothers and how proud they would be to see them with such courage and strength as they overcome their own fears to share the gospel. Two missionaries who are leaving this month bore their testimonies and I loved what the sister said. "This has been the most amazing game of hide and seek." These missionaries are doing every thing they can to find the Lord's elect in the Czech Republic.

With our Zone Leaders: "The A Team" Elders Anderson and Auger

After institute class having goodies. We are going to Vienna this week for some training to learn how to set up the Outreach Program. As we understand it now it's to provide a wholesome place and activities where young adult can come and be with others and a place for the missionaries to bring investigators to fell the spirit and friendship.

Missionaries do have Pday. We took a few hours and visited Vsyehrad, a rock fortress along the Vltava River. This is where according to legend "the rule of the wise woman skilled in magic ways was replaced by the rule of men." (Was this a good idea?) Anyway it is a huge fortress and inside it is the St Peter - St. Paul Cathedral. Unfortunately we arrived 10 minutes too late for the last tour of the day but, "we live here so we can come back another day." Next to the cathedral is a cemetery where many revered Czech musicians, writers and artists are buried. One of the most famous.........

Antoine Dvorak

We moved in to an apartment that we will be in for 6 weeks but I couldn't end this post without telling about our Bohemian Penzion that we lived in for 9 days. A slightly musty, coffee smell greets you are you enter, along with the soulful sound of french or american jazz. The small and I empasize small room had two beds with slats and a 3 inch mattress and I thought, "Oh no, girls camp!" But they were surprisingly comfortable. Master of the house, Alexander was most welcoming and very apologetic of the flooded bathroom and broken water heater. Only one day without hot water

Every morning we had this spread: yogurt, boiled eggs, ham & cheese and all these delicious breads and pasteries. I loved it but I know somebody who doesn't want a boiled egg for a longggg time and has his mouth all set for a bowl of Wheaties!!

I know, I know, I don't usually leave the bed unmade, but I wanted to remember that the mattress truly was only 3 inches thick! Dobre Noc!

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!!!)

Did You Go On a Mission?

For all of you who have wondered . . . . . Did you really go to the MTC? Here's the proof!






The Graduating Senior Class of the MTC September 2008!!

The famous missionary pose with our new best friends....Elder and Sister Dean Hughes!!

See how brave I am getting typhoid and hepatitis shots!!!

We were called the week before we went into the MTC and asked if we would mind staying in our home at night, they had such a large group of missionaries there was "no room in the inn." I must say at first I was quite pleased, I didn't need to pack for the MTC and I could sleep in my own bed. But after 12 hours at the MTC and the commute it made for a very long day. It has been an amazing, exhausting and emotional week. To be with these incredible missionaries, senior and junior and to be taught by young returned missionaries has truly been a privilege. I have a new appreciation for "Preach My Gospel". We had the opportunity to prepare and teach lessons from it for four days. I know I shed tears every day the first week. Mike would just look at me and say, "Now what?" We had senior missionaries in our group called to Australia, Iceland, India, Korea and everywhere in between. We even met the couple called to serve in Austin, Texas. ( We felt just fine although Mike did try to work a trade with them!) We learned a few important coping phrases from our tutor: Kde je zachod? ( Where is the bathroom?) Mame otazku? (I have a questions) etc. and she said to use only in an emergency.....Mluvite anglicky? ( Do you speak English?) I think there will be many emergencies! We ate lunch with temple square sisters from Brazil who had only been here 4 week, their English was amazing and Elders who were eating cereal for dinner. When asked why they weren't having the dinner, they replied, "Oh this is just the appetizer, we're waiting for the lines to get shorter!" They are right some of those lines are very long right as the rush of missionaries enter the cafeteria. We saw Elder Russ Irion and Elder Jeff Augustin and had to sneak in a hug from their Mothers. This week we have done more teaching from CES materials and tomorrow is our last day. We feel ready to get going but know these last goodbyes will be hard. We know we're in for a real adventure and are grateful for the privilege to serve. We leave for Prague October 6th.

One more week!?

This has been a busy week, with many last things to accomplish and decide. We have been looking for a scripture to go with our placque that will be displayed at church and were considering many different references, ( the scriptures certainly have a lot of good things in them":) and Dad found the the one that was written just for us....



"... I will bless you and your family, yea your little ones: and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.
Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come: and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation."
Doctrine and Covenants 31: 2 - 3

We had a family photo taken last week with all the new members of our family. This one with all thirteen little people was a riot to be part of! It is because of them and their parents that it makes it so hard for us to leave, but on the other hand it's because of them that we need to serve this mission. So I want them to know why I feel so strongly about this mission and my testimony of the gospel.

To my Grandchildren: Taylor, Finn, Jeffrey, Michael, Annie, Easton, Katie, Jacob, Emma, Suzie, Brett, Will, Ashley and more to come:
What I want you to Know:

You are a beloved child of God. Your parents and your grandparents anxiously awaited your arrival and joyously welcomed you into our family. This is an eternal family and you will always have us to love, support and pray for you.

The only way you will truly be happy is to be obedient to Heavenly Father. He loves you so much he was willing to give his son, Jesus Christ to show the way then to die for us so we could return to live with Him. There will be challenges and trials and difficult things that will come into your life but He will always surround you with those to help you through.

Joseph Smith is the prophet who restored the Church of Jesus Christ. He translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God. I love that book and hope you will read it and come to love it too.

We have a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson here upon the earth. He is here to help you. As you listen and learn from him you will be blessed. As you listen the Holy Ghost will help you know things that are true and things that you should be doing in your life. You are some of Heavenly Father’s chosen spirits and he expects good things from you and so do I.

With all my love,

Grandma Shauna

I did it! (actually Natalie did it)

Well look at me! I'm a blogger! (Natalie, what's a blogger?)

The countdown is on. (Natalie, what's the countdown?) 18 days till we head for the MTC! Yikes! A language to learn, new babies to take care of, the Gospel to teach, life couldn't get any better!

I created this blog to keep in touch with my family and friends while we are in Prague. We'll see how proficient I can become without Natalie by my side.