From Egypt to Greece

 Hello to all our favorite people!

     We love this mission with all its unique sights and cultures.  This week we got to experience a lot of interesting things.

     We started off with our job seeker from Egypt coming into the employment office.  The first time he came in he grabbed my hand (Sister Jerman) and kissed it!  This time, he was so excited about getting a job that he gave me a full on hug, then kissed me on the check, then again, and again, moving closer and closer to the front of my face.  I pulled back and in a startled voice burst out, "You can't kiss me!"   Whoa!

     We attended a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta dinner with other senior couples in our mission, and then a Paella Party (rice and fish dish served in Spain) with local members who also served in Spain.   Elder Jerman got to use his "Spainish" several times at the Employment Center and at the Visitor Center.  

     One day we had a homeless gal walk into our job center asking for water.  She came back later asking for a blanket and food.   I had a muffin in the freezer and told her it would be ready to eat soon and gave her a list of places around town that distribute food.  Much to her disbelief, we didn't have a blanket.  She said she thought we were Mormons and would be able to help her.  She walked away, crumpled up the paper, and tossed it and the muffin in the middle of the parking lot.    Hmm...

     We went to a Greek Festival at the Greek church right below Temple Hill.  We ate some yummy food (mousaka and bougatsa) while listening to fun music and watching folks of all ages hold hands up and dance around a circle.  I forgot my name badge (2nd time ever in 7 months) and felt so lost without it that I put on the extra one I found in the car even though it said Elder Jerman.  I figured the folks at the Greek Festival wouldn't even notice, and it was more important to me to have the name of Jesus Christ over my heart.  

     While delivering some supplies to missionary apartments out in the countryside, we drove past farms selling fresh picked cherries, strawberries and apricots.  We were happy to buy super "fresh" fruit. It was the best we've ever had - so soft, sweet and juicy!  Saturday, we bought more produce at the Farmer's Market in Vallejo where we traveled to participate in a stake Self Reliance Fair with our Employment Service ideas and handouts.  

     Sunday we were happy to meet our Egyptian friend at a local ward. He told us he is a Coptic Christian. This time I got a nice little kiss on the hand which was still quite unexpected at a church meeting. I was so grateful that both speakers were inspired to talk about trials, prayer and working hard to make life better for ourselves and others  - all good things he could relate to.  

     After the meetings, I recognized another one of our job seekers, who is Chinese.  I had seen him a week ago at a YSA event so I told him we were going to the YSA ward next, and asked if he had been there yet.  I learned that he had been meeting with missionaries and coming to this ward for about 5 months. He accepted a ride to go with us and had a wonderful experience. 

     We feel it a privilege to get the opportunity to help some great people in their job search during the week, then help bring them closer to Christ on the Sabbath day.  We are excited for a new week of experiences as we serve. 

 

Love, Elder and Sister Jerman

Bonus, we got to go with another fun senior missionary couple on a catamaran out into the Bay. We even got a turn to steer, and pull the ropes “lines” to tack the sailboat back and forth.  We are having the best of times, and often think that we should just extend!

Greek Fest

Self Reliance Fair