Youth Camp, P-Day and Visits

Another majestic flowering tree that we are seeing regularly as we're out and about.  Absolutely gorgeous.  We will surely miss the varied botanical species of plants and trees here.

We had the marvelous opportunity of planning and executing an island wide youth activity.  Though somewhat overwhelming to organize such an activity in an area we don't know and with youth we don't know, it exceeded our expectations.  There were seven girls and two boys, ages 12-16.  Many of them did not know each other as well.  Perhaps that was an underlying bonus, because they connected beautifully.  I've participated in a number of girls camps over the years and it's sometimes a challenge to make sure everyone feels included.  Not a problem in this instance.  I was so impressed.  

Our theme was "I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ", and we employed the assistance of two of our Elders Huhtala and Lauener from Limassol Branch to introduce our theme.  They did a marvelous job, engaging the youth in their presentation.

Hair braiding for any who wanted to indulge.

Including yours truly.  Seems to always be a hallmark of camp.

We rented cabins at Platres Valley Houses up in the Troodos Mountains, about an hour and a half drive from us.  The elevation change provided for about a 20 degree temperature difference which was so welcomed in our current heat.  It was a lovely setting, providing a camp atmosphere, yet the amenities of comfort, bed, bathroom, etc.   There were volleyball, basketball, tennis courts and a pool, which sadly wasn't open yet.

A boardroom provided space after dark for games and movies.

We spent several hours at Mountain Adventure Park.  Those willing to take on the challenge of rock climbing are gearing up.

Several of them participated, never having done so before.

Even some who were more anxious surprised themselves and scaled to the top.

The fearless group, even those who didn't climb!!  President and Sister Nelson, our mission leaders, as well as President and Sister Brown, our district president and wife are numbered in the crowd.

As if rock climbing wasn't enough, we then moved on to archery.  

President and Sister Nelson take a turn with the bow.

Onlookers awaiting their turn for a bow.

After all the calorie burning activities you have to refuel with lunch.   Four of these youth have fathers who are U.S. embassy employed, thus U.S. citizens

Another companionship, Elders Paez and Graub from Paphos Branch, performed Friday evening and engaged us in some "campfire" singing and a musical journey of the many roles music can have in our lives.  Such a sweet and tender presentation by some very talented young men.  Certainly, utilizing the talents of the two companionships for our camp was such a blessing.  Powerful young men who were  dialed into the youth!!  They were welcomed most warmly.  

And then we had the blessing of being instructed by Pres. and Sister Nelson.  We so appreciated their time amidst the busy lives they lead.  They brought their daughter with them and her friend from Bulgaria.

As our 2 1/2 days together drew to a close you could see the bonds that had developed and friendships formed.  Contact info was exchanged for future reference.  

We felt greatly rewarded for our investment of time and energy and planning and executing the first ever Cyprus youth camp, which we trust created some warm memories and will hopefully generate plans for a future repeat event.

We're often off to explore on our P-days.  Last Monday we visited the Larnaca Medieval Fort.

Djami Kebir Mosque

A view of seaside Larnaca from atop the Fort. 

The cruise ship you can see in the distance is in fact a retired Virgin Atlantic cruiser that has been acquired by the U.S. Navy and is used as barracks for personnel involved in humanitarian aid for Gaza.  It's been in port now for approximately three months.  It's not uncommon for us to see various vessels on the sea, even U.S. military ships including an aircraft carrier.

A few more Fort pictures, dating back to the Middle Ages. 

We then moved onto Saint Lazarus Church which was built over Lazarus's tomb.  Lazarus was the first Bishop of Larnaca.  It is still an active house of worship and we've been by there when services were in session.  It draws huge crowds of worshippers.

Lazarus bone relics

We visited Julius and Sondra and little LaSondra the other day.  They are Liberians and have been here for about two years.  They are asylum seekers, as are so many of our branch members.  They work very long, difficult jobs at a laundry to provide for themselves at an astonishing 4.30 Euro per hour for 10-12 hour shifts.  Julius has a MBA degree but as an asylum seeker is unable to be employed in his field here.  When we visited on Friday it was the first day they'd had off together since February.  They pay 200 Euro a month for childcare.  It's so hard to process how a life here is better than what they left in their homeland.  That is often the story we hear from so many.  They live in a village about 40 minutes from here.  We brought them back to Larnaca for shopping.  They would do their grocery shopping here with their toddler in tow, 110 degrees, pack their shopping from store to store, board the bus for their trip home and that is how their day off was spent.  It's exhausting to just recount it.  But they are good people and we'll visit them again soon. 

We were delightfully surprised by an invitation to dinner tonight with Elders Morgan and Bartsch.  Elder Bartsch is from Germany and other food items he has shared would indicate he's not lost in the kitchen.  Tonight was no surprise.  He prepared a lovely beef goulash, served with roasted potatoes.  We brought a Greek salad.  He was so worried that we would find it palatable which we absolutely did.  Elder Morgan prepared a chocolate bundt cake we enjoyed with ice cream.  They can invite us again anytime!!

We have a big week ahead.  We're having a wedding Tuesday evening and preparations are underway for those festivities.  Stay tuned.  There are never dull moments here for Elder and Sister Kiddle.