Visits, Wedding and Conferences

 

Ezekiel is from Liberia and is one of our many Branch members living in Ayia Napa, about 30 minutes away, working seasonally and has difficulty getting to Larnaca to participate in church.   A very intelligent man living in difficult circumstances to provide for himself.  

Oh that there were more Medich in the world.  Such a fine young man with a heart of gold.  He, too, works long hard hours and days, living in Ayia Napa as well.  We brought him into Larnaca because he wanted to send money to family and offer his tithes.  His home is the Congo and he's been here about three years.

Just one in a string of several days in these temperatures. Heat and humidity, painful combination.  But we have taken advantage of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea a few times and the pool in back of our building which doesn't involve any travel and is more easily accessible.  Dipping in the Sea is about 15 minutes away. 

These trees are everywhere right now and we can't get enough of them.

My braiding session.  I decided in an effort to beat the heat I'd do some braids and embrace the African culture we're surrounded by.  I now have the distinction of being Bella's first grey haired client!!  They certainly simplify getting ready, are not uncomfortable and will last about a month.  I'm on week three now. 

Williams is from Nigeria and we took him shopping for the ingredients to make Joloff Rice for the wedding of some friends we were preparing for.  He's holding a starfish, one of the ingredients.

Clerk at the African grocery store where we got all the ingredients.

My contribution for the wedding was a Nigerian vegetable salad.  So many ingredients - cabbage, carrot, celery, corn, red kidney beans, romaine lettuce, red pepper, all chopped and layered and served with a tangy mayo dressing.

Table decor

Wedding Cake

Cristian and Bella are our friends who have attempted marriage previously in Cyprus but we were finally able to help them tie the knot via a Zoom marriage originating in Utah County.  It seemed a little odd to pursue but it accomplished the deed and they are legally married now.  Apostilled documents will follow.   Cristian is from Romania, Bella from Nigeria. 

Elder Kiddle and I were the witnesses.  Bella and Cristian are seated at the computer screen while the officiant performs the ceremony.  

Bella the Bride

President Georgiev welcoming the guests.

The Ceremony

Guests congratulating the couple.

Elder Bonney, left, with Elder Bartsch.  Elder Bonney is an accomplished musician, playing the piano for the ceremony and then playing the viola for a special musical number.

More guests.

Sister Helen Sheen and I.  She's a cornerstone of the Branch and serves as our Relief Society President.

Williams, left, was the chef for the Joloff Rice, a common Nigerian dish which the bride requested.  Stephen, right is from Liberia and a member of our branch presidency.

Bride Bella w/ Sister Kiddle.  Bella is a hairdresser and it is she who did my braids.

Cake time for the Bride and Groom. 

The cake was delicious.

First Dance.

Their smiles say it all.

Cristian making a point!

The bakeries in Northern Cyprus turn out some pretty delicious cakes.

Our Larnaca elders.

The Sunday following the wedding we had a District Conference which essentially includes all five Branches on the Island of Cyprus.  There were approximately 100 in attendance.  We each had speaking assignments for the conference.  We had to rent a conference room at the Radisson Hotel in Larnaca.  Because of the distances travelled, we hosted a luncheon at the Larnaca Chapel for those wishing to participate.  We prepared food for 85 and there were probably about that many present.  We were spread throughout both floors of our chapel.

Elder Paez 💓 and Sister Eva Brown, District Relief Society President

Many hands make clean-up quick.

The day following District Conference we had our Zone Preparation Day, followed by Zone Conference, all in an effort to maximize the time of President Nelson.  He, Sister Nelson and daughter Sarah spent three days with us.  Always good instruction.  The slide on the screen is a profound promise from Elder Neil Anderson

"...on your mission the Lord will instruct you like never before.  I give you my sure witness that Jesus is the Christ and that He directs this holy work.  I leave my blessing upon you, that as you honor Him and His doctrine, as you keep the flame of faith aglow, His hand will be upon you.  He will send His angels to assist you, and miracles will permeate your mission." 

Elder Bartsch, a mighty fine elder from Dresden, Germany, who serves with us here in Larnaca.

Ever present Orthodox church on the road from our Ayia Napa visit.

Elder and Sister Lamb recently arrived here and are in Nicosia.  We had some phone conversations with them prior to arrival and upon hearing our name he immediately recalled having known an Elder Kiddle who was in fact Roland's nephew, Glen Kiddle.  They were MTC companions heading to their missions in Japan.  The Lambs are a lovely couple and we're delighted to serve alongside them.