Monday, April 11, 2016

SENIOR CONFERENCE April 1-2

Senior Conference is a wonderful time to reconnect with all of the senior couples serving in the mission.  We have the opportunity to serve with seven amazing couples here in Hungary(which includes President and Sister Szabadkai). Since our last senior conference we have received two new senior couples. Elder and Sister Peterson II, arrived in February and Elder and Sister Howell arrived in March.  Both of these couples are from California, in fact they come from the same ward.  What are the chances of that happening?
When we have senior conferences we try to attend a cultural event so we can learn a little bit more about the history of Hungary.
We toured the "House of Terrors" here in Budapest. Having survived two terror regimes, the Nazis and the Soviets, Hungary fittingly opened a museum dedicated to those who died, suffered and survived those horrendous periods of Hungarian history.  The museum fittingly housed within the building where victims of the Soviet regime were captivated, tortured and killed.  The museum strives to paint a picture of these bloody periods of history; honor the victims and remind us that the struggle was not in vain and that victory was achieved in the form of freedom and independence.
It is a pretty sobering experience to see what horrific experience these people had to endure.  We are so grateful that democracy is now found in Hungary.  This allows the missionary work to go forth.

Sister Szabadkai, Elder and Sister Lund, Elder and Sister Peterson II, Elder Goulding, Elder and Sister Peterson, Elder and Sister Howell, Elder and Sister Simkin, and Elder and Sister Oldham after our tour of the "House of Terror"

  Tanks like this one rolled into Hungary to crush the 1956 uprising.  Behind the tank, stretching to the ceiling, is a vast wall covered with 3,200 portraits of people who were victims of the Nazis and Communists. regimes in this very building.




All of the senior couples on our way to the theatre to enjoy a traditional Hungarian wedding through song and dance.
Enjoying a wonderful Hungarian lunch at one of the seniors favorite restaurant, just a block away from the Mission Office. "The Muzzo"



The original culture of the Hungarian music and dancing has been preserved  in a region which is presently in the country of Romania.



Beautiful theatre where we enjoyed a traditional show of Hungarian music and dance.


Some of the senior Elders enjoying the Spring Festival at Vasmarty Ter on Saturday
The next morning, on Saturday, the senior couples wanted to tour some sites in Budapest before returning to the cities where they serve.  We got on the Metro and headed to the other side of the river where there was a "Spring Festival".  Here in Hungary they have festivals for everything.  Basically they have these portable little wooden booths that they set up in the squares of the city.  They sell Hungarian crafts and cook traditional Hungarian food and there is even Hungarian dancing and music.  It is a very festive sight to behold.  We love the atmosphere at these events.  After a few hours of enjoyment the couples returned to their cities.  Another wonderful, successful senior conference packed away in our memory.


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