I am a Disciple of Christ: Jesus said, "Come Follow Me"

 České Budéjovice Visit & Cumorah Academy Graduation

        We visited the beautiful city of České Budéjovice, and took a few pictures of its scenic Náměsti (Town Square) before I spoke in church.  In the 2nd hour, we led a discussion with the branch on self reliance: faith in Christ, the foundation principle, and then overviewed the 12 classes of personal finances.  We had great chat with the branch president, Aleš Chrdle, for about 45 minutes afterwards.  He is an infectious disease doctor (some 25+ years) and had so many stories about Covid the past 18 months.  He contacted Covid at the hospital and his family all survived it as well.  I was deeply impressed with his care and love for his branch, his patients and the citizens of České Budéjovice.  It is not uncommon to see words with 5-6 consonants to start a word without a vowel, including his name.  Each letter has a unique sound so pronunciation is possible, though we're still working on it.

        We remain impressed with the many great people we continue to meet here in the Czech Republic.  With translation help of another member, I talked with a man who lost his 17-year old son 10 years ago, so some of my comments of losing our son spoke to him; tender hugs and moments were shared.  We called the Humanitarian senior missionary couple serving in eastern Slovakia near the Poland/Ukraine border.  We look forward to meeting with them in the next month and helping in the work they are doing with so many community organizations and schools for the needy.

        We celebrated with the 1st graduating class of the Cumorah Academy.  They come from many countries across Europe and have been instructed in business, leadership, education and self reliance courses.  Their enthusiasm to go home and make a difference is encouraging.  They forged many new friendships that will last their lifetimes I'm sure.

         We love the many Christmas decorations and traditions, even though most Czech citizens do not believe in God or Jesus Christ, many Christmas traditions continue.  We hope you enjoy some of the pictures and places with joyful decorations and snowfalls which accentuate the beauty and buildings of Czechia in the winter.

 České Budéjovice Branch & Náměsti (town square)

     Great people and places this past Sunday 12-Dec-2021, České Budéjovice (CB) also built a larger ice rink than our town of Jihlava.  Many Christmas stores built for the season.

  

 

 

    An open Christmas market shop??? our first sighting on any town square--after 2 years, I hope they do open.  The CB town tower clock next to the Cathederal.

Cumorah Academy Graduation and Celebration  9-December -2021

    These 5 graduating teams did self reliance, devotionals and classes together.  All received leadership training certificates, self reliance course completions and unique talent recognitions by their team.  They come from the cities and nations tagged below:

 

 

 

The Chill Grill won the 1st Academy Cup with teamwork & points earned together!

 

Recognizing the site's staff and kitchen crew!

Graduating Speakers

Founder of Cumorah Academy, Patrick Sedivy, addresses the 1st graduating class

a beautiful song in 4 different languages..unable to upload

   

  

  

final dinner in the common entrance/lobby area

Until we meet again.. we will remember you all fondly.  What glorious testimonies were shared of our Savior together as well.  Merry Christmas and let us celebrate Him always.

Snowy Sites Around Jihlava 10-Dec-2021 Christmas celebration time!

 

drove home from Cumorah about 10pm in light snow, Friday morning walk up toward the town square and decorations on the magistrate offices

so beautiful after a fresh snow with a clear blue sky morning

our church is held in the blue building (right entrance) in front of the town's Christmas tree above

 

  

The mall across from our apartment and previous Sunday coming home from church.

Sestra (Sister) Schroedter brought a few tree decorations for our Christmas Tree (a poinsettia for now).  Our married children have their own wood engraved names from last Christmas.  Millie has one for her dad, Garrett, too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS