A 2012 NOVEMBER WE WILL NOT FORGET!
On Election night we attended a political gathering at the Bruxelles Marriott, sponsored by the United States Embassy here. The entire hotel was packed with not only Americans, but interested Europeans as well. Most, if not all the Europeans there, favored Obama. But we were filled with faith and hope, and at that point really thought that Mitt Romney was going to pull it off!!! However, very sadly, it was not to be....................................!!!
AIRPORT DEPARTURE FOR
A FABULOUS RETURN TO BUDAPEST
My dear Hungarian friend, Juliana Morano, now of Palm Beach Florida, was coming to the end of her six month stay in Hungary. We had prayed fervently that Mitt Romney would win, and that there would be a righteous man in the White House. But it was not to be, and I was devastated!
I don't recall exactly how it happened, but we decided that I would go and stay with Julia for a couple of days for some much needed R&R, (since our mission boundaries are all of Europe). You see, I had never been back to our former Mission, unlike David who returned a few years ago to speak at a symposium there. And so here I was, ready for my departure from Bruxelles for a Budapest adventure!
Well the years have rolled on, and we are astonished that it has been twelve years since we first arrived in Budapest, Hungary on July 1, 2000, to serve as President of the Hungary Budapest Mission. We were called by Elder James E. Faust of the First Presidency, by phone. In that call he told us that we were the only new Mission President who knew where we were going. The other Mission Presidents he said, would not be told their specific assignment until the spring. This statement made us realize, that the Lord wanted us specifically in Hungary. President Faust told us that since there was no stake, David was essentialy the "President of the Church" in Hungary, and would preside over twenty branches consisting of 5,000 members, as well as 140 missionaries.
Fast forward nine years since we left Hungary, and another call in 2006-2008 to serve as Visitors' Center Directors at the Mesa Arizona Temple. Serving now in Bruxelles as "Diplomatic Representatives to the European Union" 2011-2013, it was difficult (for me especially) to be out of the country during the Presidential Election.
A WALK BACK IN MEMORY TO THREE SPECIAL AND DEMANDING YEARS IN HUNGARY
Our First Mission Home
My dear friend Julia met me at the airport, and what a JOY it was to see her again!! One of my first priorities was to go see our first mission home in the Buda Hills, where we lived for two and a half years, prior to moving to our newly built gorgeous new mission home in the heart of Budapest.
Julia and I finally found our old mission home, and it was truly a strange and emotional feeling to be outside looking in, and it brought tears to my eyes. I was disappointed that the lovely new black wrought iron balcony railings that we had installed had been painted white, which didn't seem right. The light yellow facade that we chose, was repainted a more mustard color now.
As we parked outside the closed gate, luckily an older gentleman came out to sweep the leaves from the driveway. As he came to the gate we approached him and introduced ourselves, telling him that I had lived there for 2 1/2 years, and would he mind if we looked around. The man was very obliging and told us the history of the home after we left.
He said that after we moved out, the home remained vacant for three years, then rented as an office for a year, then sold and divided into two condos. The first floor was his condo, which was formerly our office floor. Then the upper two floors was the second condo, which were our living quarters. He told me that there is a woman who lives across the street who is now 101, who often told him of an American lady who lived there and grew the most beautifiul cascading flowers on the balconies. That would be ME!
All of our missionaries and children will recognize this area, as it is where many group photos were taken of arriving and departing missionaries, and also of visiting family members.
It was truly a walk down memory lane for me to be there again!
Following our special visit to our former first mission home, the night was falling and the air was crisp , so Julia and I made our way down the hill a few blocks to our favorite "Nancsi neni" restaurant! This time nothing had changed, and it remained exactly as we had left it so many years ago. I even recognized one of the waiters when we walked in! To the right of the building, there stood the same beautiful outdoor eating area under the huge old trees, where on a chilly evening warm plaid wool blankets were passed out, to ward off the chill of the night. It was always a treat to have this experience with our visiting children and their families. Very special memories for us all.
As you can see, inside "Nancsi neni's" was still cozy and inviting to all!
In the back of the restaurant was this wonderful pantry and colorful display of bottled jams and fruits, making you feel that you are just in someone's Hungarian kitchen. I couldn't help but notice the adorable large jars of......I don't really know what....., but it appears that smiley faces have been painted on the fruit inside!!! It tickles me to see all these happy faces, which mirrored my feelings of just being back in this beautiful country again!!!
Just as we were leaving, the most delightful accordian music began coming from the pantry, where this gentleman was playing many of those old familiar Magyar songs! Be still my heart!
On my last night Julia and I visited the beautiful Marriott Hotel along the Danube River, which had become our home away from home during our mission. As I looked out at the incredible and spectacular view of Castle Hill across the Danube, and the uniquely beautiful Parliament building further down river, my heart struggeled to take it all in..... to always remember......and to never forget this moment, and the wonderful memories we had here.
During our mission in Hungary, we became such good friends with the Marriott manager, Willy Ribba and his assistant Ronnie Meier, that not only did they give as a permanent key to the Executive Lounge, but they allowed us to hold our District conferences in their beautiful Ballroom twice a year, which overlooked the river...... at no charge! The members were astonished that our meeting was held in such a beautiful and classey place!
When Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife Pat came to visit, we booked them a room at the Marriott. When the manager Mr. Ribba learned who he was, he upgraded Elder and Sister Holland to the Presidential Suite....at no charge! The Hollands commented upon leaving, that it was the finest accommodations that they have ever had, anywhere in the world! I can vouch for that, because while the priesthood holders were in their meeting with Elder Holland in a smaller ballroom, Sister Rasband, Sister Jensen (Marlin K.) and I were invited to go with Sister Holland to their Presidential Suite for a "Sisters' gathering". It indeed was a beautiful and very large suite, that included an atrium at the entrance filled with exotic plants, and of course had the fabulous view of the Danube River and Castle Hill.
What a FABULOUS two days in our beloved Budapest!!! On our mission, we worked our hearts out serving the people of Hungary, along with the missionaries ! Every part of the city and country, holds special memories of those wonderful three years!
My departure was early the next morning, and to assure my timely arrival at the airport in rush hour traffic, Julia and I decided it would be wise for me to go by cab, since they drive like maniacs and can travel in the bus lanes! Good thing, because I was late in waking up the next morning (you know, the kind of night when you are nervous about waking up on time, so you wake up every hour checking the time, and then fall asleep in the early morning!!) When I looked at the clock the next morning, I was like a frantic energy bunny getting ready to go. At least I was smart enough to have packed the night before, so I made it in time with not a minute to spare!!!! And I was right.....it was a breathtaking, white knuckle drive to the airport, but I made it in plenty of time!!! Yeah!!!!!! That cab driver deserved every "forint" of my tip!!!!!
I checked in with Swiss Air, and then made my way to the final security checkpoint. As I approached the last ticket check counter prior to entering security, I saw two couples that were dressed in suits and dresses. Not a usual sight at any airport these days! As I was was about twenty feet away, the first couple departed into the security area. and as the other couple turned around to leave. The Brother saw me and called out to me in a loud voice with a big smile on his face............"S i s t e r
P e t e r s o n"??? Well, they were wearing tags, so I knew they were missionaries (smart huh!)
My response was...."How do you know my name????? When I got close to see his tag which said "Elnoke Smith" I said..."Oh my goodness, are you the Mission President"????? YIKES..... I was SNAGGED!!! I asked him how he knew who I was, and he told me that the Mission Presidents' photo wall in the mission home office has our picture as the Fifth Mission President. I told him that I had started that Presidents' photo wall in the office waiting room, and that I was so glad that the tradition was continuing.
Also, Prior to my coming, my host friend Julia, had called the Mission Home to tell them that I was coming, and asked if she could bring me by. Sister Smith told Julia that President and Sister Richards of the Seventy were house guests, and that she was frantically cooking dinner for them, so the timing was not good. (It was the Richards that went through the gate)!!
President Smith said to me "I understand that you were the one responsible for decorating the entire mission complex and office", and added "It is Beautiful"! He was interested to know about our assignment in Bruxelles, which I explained. I told him why we did not wear tags, and that while we are "based" in Bruxelles, our responsibilities involve Ambassadors throughout the world. As we departed, he said that prior to our leaving Europe, that he would love to be able to sit down with President Peterson and glean from his experiences in Hungary. We need to make sure that happens.
Arriving safely back in Bruxelles, my sweetie met me at the airport, and brought me this lovely pot of yellow roses! He is always so very thoughtful!!! It was a wonderful and nostalgic trip, and the memories will last a lifetime.................................. Viszontlatasra........ until we meet again!
Back to Reality
Well, here I am, back in Bruxelles.......and back to the early morning exercise routine at the gym! Ugh! When it's cold outside I don't like to go out, but it is good to get myself up and out for that brisk walk in the fresh air on the cobbelstone sidewalks. When I leave at 8:15 a.m. (opens at 8:30...can you imagine!) it is just getting light!
I am dedicated to this regimen of regular exercise. Because of the results of my last bone density test in Arizona, and the huge improvement in my bone density, it proved that the exercise and weight lifting are working!! My doctor and I were doing "high fives" in his office when we read the results of the tests, and he could hardly believe it, because my bones were at the osteo level when we left the USA. So my advice is to DRINK THAT MILK ladies!! This is something I have never done, and perhaps it is because, when I was growing up we had one cow, and I used to love to go out to the tiny barn we had for our cow, and watch my Daddy milk "Bossy". Because I had blonde scraggely hair, my father would call me Dolly, and would say to me with a twinkle in his eye as he was milking her..."Open Your Mouth Dolly" and squirt it into my mouth!!! Now you know why I will never drink milk.....because I know exactly where it comes from!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love to see how the Belgian women often decorate their bicycles with flowers. Each time
my friend would come to the gym and I would see her adorable baby blue bicycle, I
would tell her to let me know which day she was coming, so I could bring my camera!
Well, this went on for a couple of months, and then finally she came and I had put my camera
in my gym bag that morning, just in case!!! Isn't it adorable!!!!!
The most endearing sight I often see when walking to the gym in the morning........is a father dressed in his suit ready for work, pedeling his bike with a toddler in the front basket and another young child behind his seat! Now this is a sight that you would NEVER see in America!!! .. ...At least not where I live!!! Apparently he was taking the little ones to the day care place before going to work!!
NOVEMBER BRINGS THE CELEBRATIONS OF THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS
We were thrilled to share a fabulous traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with our dear friends Orlando and Astrid Casares and their great family. Astrid must have cooked for days, and the reward for all of us was a delicious feast!!!!!!!! Thank you Astrid!!!! These three handsome sons are involved in sports..... and Rugby is their passion!!!! They are outstanding and faithful young men, and great future missionaries!! Savannah, recently baptized, is mom's helper and a real sweetheart!! And, we can't leave out Orlando....he is the original energy bunny travelling businessman, constantly flying around the world for his law firm! We love this family and they have been wonderful friends to us.
Two additional choice families and dear friends in our ward, are Gary and Rebecca Berz, and Lisa and Ryan Voightlander and their families. We had the pleasure of celebrating the wonderful Fall season with them, having a bounteous and fantastic Sunday dinner together. Once again, Rebecca and Lisa cooked for hours I am sure, preparing this delicious meal!!! We feel blessed to have been included!!
My dear friend Rebecca
Gary and Rebecca Berz
A GALA DINNER AND EVENING
The final night of "The World Forum for Ethics in Business" we attended a gala dinner at the
Hotel Metropole in downtown Bruxelles. This famous 19th century hotel has been the site of
many royal events over the years and exudes an "Old World" charm all its own. The size of
fireplace brings new meaning to the invitation "to gather around the fireside!"
On the way to an elaborately served dinner, we paused to enjoy the fine furnishings and
spacious hallways. At dinner we enjoyed the company of many diplomats, academicians, business people, and EU officials. Seated next to Darelyn was a Hungarian businessman, Andras Laszlo, whom she engaged in animated converation following her recent visit to his hometown... Budapest! When she learned that he lived in Bruxelles near the LDS stake center, she told him that we would be there for a stake conference the following day. He answered, "What time does it start"? Ten a.m. she answered, and he said...."I'll be there"! So, just in case, we made sure we saved an extra space on our row.
Yes, the day following the Metropole dinner was the Bruxelles stake conference and our new friend,
Andras Laszlo, actually came and brought his friend, Sesto Giovanni Castagnol, who lives in a Swiss monastary in Baldegg, Switzerland. We were surprised by their enthusiasm for the gospel and thrilled that they had accepted Darelyn's invitation to attend the meeting with us.
Andras's father was a well known Hungarian violinist, and we were happy when he invited us to attend upcoming musical events with him in Brussels. We discovered that he was no stanger to the missionaries serving in his neighborhood, and hope to expand his circle of LDS friends and resume his discussions with them. On our next visit to Switzerland, it would appear we also have a bed waiting for us at the monastery!
This picture of old Saint Nickolas was taken in December. For all good little children in Europe, if they were not naughty, but were very, very nice, they awoke that morning to presents in their shoes, which had been left out for him to fill. As we send this message, Santa Claus, the American cousin of Saint Nickolas, is busy readying his sleigh for his traditional visit to the homes and families from California to Virginia, and from Utah to Arizona, and all points in between!
It is a glorious time of the year and we rejoice that the giving of gifts of love has come
to symbolize the gifts of the Magi, prophets in their own right from the time of Christ, who found their way by the light of the star to the presence of the new born King of Heaven and Earth, even
JESUS CHRIST.
We send our warmest GREETINGS to each of you at this special time of year. May the
blessings of Heaven be yours as THE ANGEL promised on the night of His birth: "Fear not: for behold, I bring you you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11.
As a NEW YEAR dawns we can imagine the joy which fell upon the earth that night of nights so long ago: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13-14.
We testify of Him and the Restoration of His gospel to the earth once again through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Truly, the best days of this old earth lie ahead and, as Isaiah testified, He will come again "and all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear; and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." Isaiah 54:13-14.
Au Revoir, Joyeux Noel!
THE PETERSONS
THE PETERSON "BOBBLE HEADS"
Thought you might enjoy seeing this very unique gift from our seven children! So Funny!!!
This was such a fun post to read!!! Loved all the details of Mom's trip to Hungary - it brings back so many wonderful memories!!! You both are amazing and we love you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso loved the picture of the bicycle! Charming - I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat adventures! How delightful to hear of your visit back to Budapest - so many happy memories there wih you. Much love for he new year!
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