Within a day of arriving, we were immediately faced with some daunting challenges—as the Mission Nurse, Susan was asked to help with an Elder with a medical issue.  I was asked to pull together in a matter of days a Government Relations Plan for the country of Croatia to be submitted to the Area Authority Presidency.  In addition, we were blessed with some "tender mercies" as we felt inspired in our responses to:

·      Several medical issues that came up

·      Asking one of the Senior Couples to document with photos the Easter Message he managed to place on a Jumbo-tron in the middle of Podgorica, Montenegro. 

·      Identifying and putting into place some filming to be done at a YSA Conference.

·      Identifying some opportunities to work more collaboratively across the Church Leadership on Government Relations issues

We spent our first Sunday watching General Conference.  There was a sweet spirit as we watched most of the five sessions, all on Sunday—two recorded from Saturday and three “live.”  During the “Solemn Assembly” on Sunday, the Spirit gave me a sweet confirmation that President Nelsen is a prophet, as I watched him humbly be sustained by the Church membership.  His eyes glistened, and he looked with love and appreciation toward the membership.

We have tried to be supportive of the missionaries:  Elder Froc (from Saskatchewan), Elder Cribble (from Idaho), Elder James (from Arizona) and Elder Strong (new to the mission and from Michigan—although is family is in China).   We took them to the highpoint above Rijeka and enjoyed the view on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.