Lovely Mediterranean Spring

 

Here we are again popping in to update our blog.  We trust they aren’t too boring to our readers, but in the end when we have it printed we can rely on it to trigger some happy thoughts of our experience here.

I’ve become convinced that the Cypriots wrap anything in phyllo pastry.  I’ve sampled a number of items that are shrouded in phyllo pastry.  Those lovely layers of pastry add deliciousness to anything they come near and consequently add layers to those who indulge!! A fellow senior missionary who returned home recently said she had to get home so she could lose the weight she gained on the Mediterranean diet!!  It’s totally understandable.

Our district president and wife, the Browns, invited us over with the elders.

The Günter's live right on the sea and hosted us for a lovely Saturday lunch.  The salad was adorned with nasturtiums from her garden.  Delish.

Roland had a haircut recently.  Previously the barber was a lovely older gentleman, 80+.  This last visit it was his son who commented what nice gray hair he has but suggested he dye his eyebrows to match his hair color…hmmm.  Somehow I don’t think that’s going to happen.  But be prepared if he swings that way prior to our return.

Each Sunday when we welcome people at church I’m often reminded of what it means to see them present.  For some they were up very early to catch a bus or two to travel to the church. Very few of them have vehicles.  In some cases it may have taken them two hours on the bus.  One family has a toddler daughter and so it represents a significant sacrifice for them to attend because it is a two-hour bus trip for them.  Others have walked a great distance.  Some have managed to get a ride with someone who passes by their residence.  It is a 20-minute drive for us which is of no consequence.  But each one present means they have chosen to worship God that day, irrespective of the sacrifice.  “All are alike unto God.” 2 Nephi 26:33   That is such a beautiful truth. 

 Many of them have crazy work schedules that preclude their attendance.  And I might add that their jobs are often menial jobs that as asylum seekers are their only option.  One young lady was telling us that as a hotel worker she earns $750 Euro/month for a six-day work week, and usually a 8-10 hour day!!

On a recent preparation day, we visited some ancient ruins less than an hour away from where we live.  The Salamis Ruins in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus goes back to the 11^th century BC.  Quoting from Microsoft’s Co-pilot, “The Apostle Paul, along with his companions Barnabas and John Mark, embarked on a significant journey across the island of Cyprus during his missionary endeavors.  They sailed to Salamis, the principal city and seaport of Cyprus.  While in Salamis, they preached the gospel in several synagogues.

 From Salamis, they crossed the entire island by foot and arrived at Paphos.  (From Salamis to Paphos by car, on the motorway, is approximately 3 hours).  Paphos was the Roman capital of Cyprus and an important port. Greeks considered it  the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. 

The mosaics at Paphos are exquisite.  Amazing detail.

In Paul’s day, Paphos was famed for its impressive Temple of Aphrodite. Here, they encountered a Jewish “magician” named Elymas (or Bar-Jesus), who was an attendant of the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul confronted Elymas and temporarily blinded him. The Roman proconsul, witnessing this miraculous event, believed in the Good News about Jesus.”

It's still a reality check for us to consider that we can just drive to a site such as this and wander about in ruins that have existed this long.  Such a fascinating experience.

After our visit to Salamis we stopped for lunch at a restaurant in Turkish occupied Northern Cyprus.  The hostess seated our party of 18 (President and Sister Nelson, elders and sisters, as well as ourselves) and took our orders. She was a lovely woman and was so kind to our large group.  And then she made the sweetest comment, referring to our group, “Look at them, they just shine.”  They indeed are a force for light in a darkening world.  President Nelson beamed with delight and thanked her for her kind words.

 

Following lunch we visited Famagusta which has a large area that was a prosperous resort and was fenced off and abandoned in 1974 at the end of the conflict between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.  A few streets are opened for people to walk through and see the remains of some of the city which is now known as Ghost City.  To some degree it feels like walking through Universal Studios.  There is an eerie sense of the city as you stroll the streets, knowing the conflict that erupted there.  

 

We feel so honored and blessed to serve alongside these great missionaries. We could be grandparents to any of the junior missionaries, and at a stretch parents to President and Sister Nelson.  One of the elders commented to me yesterday when we were walking to a restaurant and we had to duck under a parking barricade, “My grandparents could have never done that!”  I asked him how old he thought we were………he was politely hesitant and then said, “Maybe 60?”  He was pleasantly surprised when I divulged the double digits…72.  WOW was his reply.  Certainly we’ve developed some sweet relationships with many of them.  Some require a little more patience, but they are very polite and kind to us.  Their gospel knowledge and commitment to their missionary service overshadows any of their flaws.

 

We have finally secured an apartment in Limassol and went there yesterday to sign the contract.  And now we have to secure the utilities, internet, etc.  Lots of administrative issues to manage.  The sister missionaries are thrilled about the move.  While it is partially furnished, I will have to outfit the kitchen with basic items, some bedding and linen items, desks, chairs, etc.  So grateful we have an Ikea 45 minutes away!

 

Limassol is a pretty large city, about 300,000.  There is a significant Russian influence there and in areas of the city you’ll see storefronts signed in Russian.  Some refer to it as Moscow on the Med!

Here’s another interesting fact about the island we call home.  The feline heaven in the eastern Mediterranean sea is home to around 1.5 million cats vs 1.2 million people.  They are EVERYWHERE.  I’ve actually heard people disclose the number of cats they foster and one up others with the count.  You’ll pass by people’s yards and see a number of cat dishes lined up to fill for their herd.  Pretty crazy. 

Tomorrow the Gregorian calendar followers will celebrate Easter Sunday.  Those who follow the Julian calendar, or Eastern Orthodox, will celebrate Easter on Sunday, May 5.  So it has seemed a little off to have followed the Easter Holy Week events that I’m more accustomed to but with no culmination tomorrow.  It will be interesting to see the Orthodox traditions that will surface in a month to culminate on May 5.  Just another curiosity of life in Cyprus.

Spring is in full swing here and the plant life has come to life.  Beautiful, colorful foliage basking in the warmth.  Today it’s 82 F, lovely weather but we’re warned the heat and humidity are not far off.  We see many sailboats out on the sea, people are swimming and what we’ve always called summer is in full swing. 

A photo of a celebration of the Relief Society anniversary gathering. 

It’s an abundant life, we acknowledge God’s goodness to us as we seek to serve and bless the lives of those within our stewardship.  Celebrate what’s possible because of the Savior Jesus Christ.  Happy Easter.

Elder and Sister Kiddle