The Last Post From Hungary...



We made one last trip to the Castle.   It is looking so good this year.   Many changes have come to the area to make it much nicer.  One of the changes are the guards at the doors of the President's home.  Just like London.




No smile from this guy!




This girl coaxed a little smile from this one.  He tried hard not to and it was only just slightly, otherwise they were both standing stiff looking a little scary with the Men in Black glasses.





Check out the pointed toe march they do.   It is impressive to watch.




That beautiful gate.  So sad to leave this behind. 



Saturday was a baptism in Pest.   Such a cute little girl.   Don't be fooled, she is 21 years old.   These are all the missionaries involved with her teaching.



These are many of our relief society sisters from Pest.  They have been so sweet and welcoming to us here.  I needed a picture of them.   The cute president (redhead peeking over the shoulder) changed the closing song for me.  It was very tender and sweet.   How hard to say goodbye to them.




The Houck Family.  They are the strength of the Church here.   President Houck is the Stake Patriarch and has recently been set apart as a sealer in the Temple.   Sr. Houck is in the presidency of the YW program for the stake.  Carolina is everything.   The thing she did most for us was translate in church.  She does so many things, it is amazing.   Counselor in the EFY in Germany, very involved in YSA.   A returned missionary having served in the SL Temple Square Mission.  She is amazing.

  

The Balatoni Family.   He is the former Bishop of the Pest Ward.   Now he is in the Mission Presidency.  Amazing strong family. 




And as we drove out of the parking lot a quick good bye to our good Sunday School Teacher, Brother Bishop.  He is one of the best.  Cute family they are from Nebraska.

We have loved being here in Hungary and again mingle with our many friends across the country, to serve with the Senior Missionaries and the young missionaries. 
We have loved getting to meet so many others in all the countries we have travelled in. 
Truly the Gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading and growing stronger all around the world.   We hope that we have been able to add to that growth and strength.  It is a privilege to serve.



One last trip and then comes the packing...




Thursday we headed to Serbia to do some audits and other stuff.   Who did we run into there (it was planned)  The Ivins from the East Stake and now from Mueller Park Stake.   Small world isn't it?   We enjoyed our time with them and had a bit of tasty food while we were at it.  They have been in Croatia for two months and seem to be doing very well.  They will be doing some of what we have been doing in that area.




As we were driving out of town, we came upon a demonstration that was really blocking traffic.   Note all the police that you can see in the picture.    There were lots more than that.   It did seem orderly.  We have no idea what they were demonstrating about.  This was in Beograd  (Belgrade, Serbia).




We crossed the Dunav (as they call it in Serbia) and what you see is the sun shining on it. (didn't want you to think it was the moon)  We do love the Danaube.   It goes through Serbia and then empties into the Black Sea.




We drove to Croatia.   I am not sure when they had the last war, but there were certainly signs of it.   This is a water tower that they will leave it as it is as a reminder and memorial of that recent war.  The history of war in these areas is so old and also so recent. 




Here is a house that has not been repaired and is riddled with bullet holes.




Here is a bombed out house.   It is right by the railway and the river.  We could see why they would want to bomb that area as supplies would come in both by river and train.

We then spent the night in Croatia and drove to Pecs in Hungary for church on Sunday morning.  We had an interesting experience at the border which we will discuss at a later time.   We did get through.




These are my dear Relief Society sisters in Pecs.  They are so sweet.  It was so great to be with them one last time.




After we went to dinner with the Szabadkai Family.  They are so dear to us and also to all the members of the church.  We do love them.  Bence, their son, served in the Leeds Mission.




They had also invited the Joo Family from Sopron, so we got to have a wonderful meal and visit with them too.   They also are very strong members of the church and contribute much.




Before we left their home I took a picture of them with this plaque which we left with them before the left our first mission.   Denese (Brent's sister) gave it to us for Christmas when we were here before and requested that we give it to someone else, with a suggestion that they could pass it on.   They told us it was still there and they love it so much that they cannot give it up.    It is the scripture from Josuah that says  "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".  Good job Denese!




Monday we took a hot trip to Szentendre and came home hot and exhausted, but loved spending the time with the Cormars and the Flammers.   I didn't take one picture all day long. 
Tuesday evening we met the Family of a former missionary (Dan Lofgren) for dinner.   We had a great time and enjoyed the food too.  What a nice family.  Lars (in the red shirt) just graduated from Skyline High and will be a pitcher  for the U baseball team this coming year.




Just had to have a picture for my Red Rocks fans...who are our grandaughters. This is Mary Beth Loftgren a great gymnist and a member of the red rocks at the U. 

Today we are really packing!!  It is true that this wonderful experience is coming to an end...rapidly!