First Week in Poland

Dzien Dobry!!! Jak sie maczie??

I can't believe this is all happening.  It really is just like I have imagined my whole life! This past week has been CRAZY! Full of random, spontaneous and new stuff.  I am serving here in Gdansk and it is beautiful! Well, I guess I'll rewind a bit first. I got in the country on tuesday about 5 pm and we ate, had interviews, then hit the sac! We woke up, had a wonderful breakfast, did a bunch of paperwork stuff, then we went contacting on the Rynek (the town square).  I was a little nervous, but we had practiced SOOOOO much that I was actually really excited.  So the first 5 or 6 people weren't interested and kind of just shrug you off.  Oh well :) Then the 6th or 7th person I came to was an 18 year old girl named Ola.  She was so interested, so we (me and 2 other awesome trainers) sat down and talked for 20-30 minutes.  She took a book of mormon and set up another appointment with the sisters in that area! Soooo cool :) I was really happy about that.  So then we went back and met our companions and found out where we're serving.  I am soooo happy to be serving here in Gdansk with Sister Bezdjian :) :) :) she is wonderful.  She's been here for only 3 months and she's my trainer! We have had a blast together.

        So thursday morning we took an 8 hour train ride up here and we unloaded our stuff and went to work! :) Wow, what a first day I had! It was pooring and we didn't have an umbrella because it wasn't raining before.  I learned how to make phone calls and I called about 10-12 people to set up appointments, then we tracted 2 huge buildings.  1 person let us in! :) Miracles :) So then we contacted in the rain and I was loving it.  I have learned that the more you smile and talk to them, the more they smile and talk back :) We have a couple new investigators from that first day in the rain.  Really cool!

         So Friday was pretty hard for me.  I had a really bad sinus infection, and I kept thinking about you guys at home and I didn't want to get out of bed.  So, I did what any missionary would do, and I hit my knees.  I needed a turn of perspective and I needed to feel loved and comforted.  I needed to know that I will see you all again and that this is where I'm supposed to be.  Sure enough, after a good couple hours of studying the gospel, I was feeling good and ready to go.  We had a fantastic day.  The language is coming more and more every day.  when I first got here, I could maybe understand about 30 percent of what people were saying.  Then about 40, then about 50, now I can understand maybe 70 percent and I can be involved in the conversation a lot more.  It has been so great! I really love this language and people are just so grateful that we can speak it to them!

        So there is so much I want to tell you.  Wow. I've just learned so much.  The three biggest things that make this mission successful (I've discovered) are diligence, obedience, and perspective.  When all three of these are in order, everything just works out better.  Miracles and more visible and we find more people to teach.  It's amazing! I think this goes for life as well.  These 3 things will bring joy and success when your heart and works are centered in Jesus Christ.

       So, some of the things I wanted to share real quick.  Oh first of all, thanks so much for the info on the iron man. I was sure praying for you Daddy! I want to know how it went!!! How are you all? It sounds so beautiful! How's Kelsee and ashlee and chase and jon and zach and the kids? Ashlee, thank you sooooo much for your email! I loved all of them, mom, dad and ash :) I sure miss you all.  Okay, so saturday was fathers day here and we were contacting on our way to an appointment ( we are so busy we can hardly handle it.  Sometimes we just don't have time to eat meals, but that's okay! we love it!) and all of a sudden, about 30 priests come out of this HUGE cathederal.  We were standing in the middle of all of them at a stop light! Hahaha, it was hilarious! We got up the courage to offer a pass along card to one, and it didn't really turn out hahaha oh well! :) It was too funny :)

      So about the language - I love it! My brain hurt REALLY bad for the first 2 or 3 days, but I'm getting used to it now, and it's coming easier and easier.  Sometimes I speak polish and people don't know I'm american until they say a big ol huge sentence that sounds like a question and I look at them blankly and am forced to say, "eh..... nie rezumiem... (I don't understand)" haha, but it's all part of the experience eh? :)
      so the sun goes down at about 10:30 at night and it comes up at about 3:30 in the morning! It's nuts! I'm getting used to the mornings though.  Oh and the weather.  At any given time, it'll be sunny and hot and beautiful, and then without 10 second's notice, it's cloudy and POORING rain! Haha It makes for some serious adventures :)

      So yesterday was my first sunday.  I loved it.  Church is only 2 hours here.  I gave a 10 minute talk and I think it went really well :) I felt good about it.  Then we had to get to an appointment clear out of town and we couldn't be late, so we ran the whole way! Well, and mile or 2 and we made it 2 or 3 minutes late but we were sweating soooooo bad! Haha, it was worth it.  They are amazing.  Today we are going back to their house and they're going to teach us how to make pierogi soup! I love that stuff- so excited! :)

       Well, there is so much I want to tell you about.  Please just know that I love you sooooo much.  The people here love the pics of our family.  I think about you everytime I bear testimony of the plan of salvation.  I pray for you every day, all day.  I want you to know that I will never give up.  I am learning more and more the importance of this message.  I love it and I want to share it with everyone. Don't worry about me okay? I am happy and doing great.  I hope you like the videos and pics.  You are my heroes.  I love you soooooooo much!!!! Pa-Pa Na Razie! :)
Love, Sister Shelby Ostler

Shelby's first area will be Gdansk. It is the nothern most part of Poland. It is right next to the Baltic sea. Very hot and humid in the summer and freezing in the winter

Information about city

Gdansk description

Gdansk pictures

Gdansk streets

Gdansk links

Gdansk accommodation

Gdansk map

Elevation 13m

Area code 0-58

Car plates GD

Area 262.0 km²

Population 458000

Postal codes 80-001, 80-007, 80-008, 80-009, 80-010, 80-012, 80-013, 80-016, 80-017, 80-018

Map Poland

Poland Photos

Gdansk Photos

Gdansk Poland

Gdansk Poland

Gdańsk is a district city and the capital of Pomorskie Voivodeship (Province) located in the region of Żuławy (an alluvial lowland of the Vistula River) and Kaszuby Lakeland. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms the so-calles TriCity.

After the establishment of the Northern Port, Gdańsk has become the largest and the most modern seaport. It is an important shipbuilding industry and tourist centre with the historical Old Town and Market Square. What's more, it is an academic centre with few universities and large cultural centre with the theatre, opera, music hall and museums, among many the National Museum.

In the 10th century it was a fortified craft and fishing settlement as well as the seat of the Pomeranian dukes. In the 13th century Gdańsk was granted town rights. In 1308 it was seized by the Teutonic Knights and remained under their rule until 1454. In 1340 they built the castle and in 1343 established the town which was soon inhabited by German settlers.

The city flourished under the Polish rule in the years 1454-1772; it had the monopoly of sea trade and the most beautiful buildnigs were erected and works of art created at that period. In 1793, again, Gdańsk was seized by Prussia and due to the customs crodon was about to fall into decline. In 1807 it was captured by the Napoleonic Army. In the second part of the 19th century the city and port gradually developed - the shipyard was built.

New Arrivals...2nd Day!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New Arrivals...2nd Day!

Starting their first FULL day in the mission field, our new Missionaries had a chance to head to Old Town and do a little contacting. And why not start with the guy who makes the great pierogi they had for lunch. Let's do some missionary work! Elder Bokinsky and Elder Skolmoski using 'short, bold statements of truth' to stop this man. Elder Myler with Elders Register and Rittmanic testifying of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and how it changes lives. Elder Dopp and Elder Jespersen sharing the gospel with this young man while... Elder Raines and Elder Tanner do the same. Sisters Mann (on her last day of her mission) and Allen and... Sisters Sheahan and Howells contacting others to tell them that God has a plan for them.. Our new missionaries with the help of some of our most experienced Elders and Sisters had a wonderful time speaking Polish and helping others find their way to Christ. It was a great day...and these young missionaries are fearless! Sisters Howells, Sheahan, Allen, Mann, McAdams (her last day also), Ostler and Peterson. Elders Myler, Dopp, Register, Skolmoski, Rittmanic, Raines, Jespersen, Bokinsky, Tanner and Gudnason. More great things to come....
While our new arrivals were down on the Rynek, some other important people were arriving at the Mission Home.... Their Trainers! (L toR): Elders Hancock, Siebert, Sorn, Fletcher, Vreeken and Waits with Sisters Bezdjian, Jones and Folsom. It's time to put them together! Elders Jespersen and Vreeken will be serving in.... ...the Kielce Branch....a 2-Elder city that just had a baptism last week....and more to come! Sister Jones will be training Sister Howells in.... Katowice! A city where there are always great people interested in the gospel. Elder Raines will be trained by.... ...Elder Siebert in one of our great Warsaw Branches....Warsaw I. Elder Register... ...will be heading to Lublin where he and his trainer, Elder Hancock will be serving. Sister Folsom will be taking Sister Allen back to ..... ....the beautiful city of Poznan. Sister Bezdjian will be training Sister Ostler where .... ..they will be serving in the northern-most part of Poland...the Gdansk Branch. The Sisters will be escorted by Elder Skolmoski and.... ...his trainer, Elder Sorn as they will also be serving in the Poznan Branch. Elder Waits who is currently serving as a Zone Leader, will take Elder Rittmanic... ...to the southern part of Poland where they also will be serving in the Katowice Branch. Elder Bokinsky will also be trained by one of our great Zone Leaders, Elder Fletcher. They will serve together in the Warsaw I Branch. There you have it! Our new Missionaries are now paired up with their Trainers. (Standing): Elders Sorn, Skolmoski, Vreeken, Jespersen, Raines, Rittmanic, Siebert, Waits, Bokinsky, Hancock, Register, and Fletcher. (Kneeling): Sisters Bezdjian, Howells, Ostler, Jones, Folsom and Allen. After instruction was given, it was time to sit down to dinner. We have a new face at our table? Wendy just moved over from the states to join her husband, Guy, who has been working here since January. They attend the Warsaw II Branch and live just a few streets from us! Mormon Neighbors! (they have a son serving in the California Santa Rosa Mission under President & Sister Jon Bunker our dear friends from Las Vegas- its a small world in the Church). Not only did we get to meet for the first time, but Wendy was able to meet 18 of our great Missionaries. She graciously stayed for dinner....there is always room for one more! Having such a large group, we had to set up a table in the living room. No one seemed to mind as long as the food didn't run out! And it didn't! Sister McGrath has come to help with the transfer. We are holding some desserts that Sister Jensen made to make our 'time in the kitchen' a little shorter. They were delicious...thank you, Sister Jensen, for going above and beyond what was asked of you. AND...Thank you, Sister McGrath, for the hours spent alongside me in the kitchen. It goes much faster having someone to talk to! We have great Senior Missionaries that will do ANYTHING that is needed in the mission....'flexibility' is a definite requirement for serving. They ALL contribute so much....the Reeds, the Sheleys, the Pecks, the Taraseviches, the Jensens and the McGraths...YOU ARE THE BEST! Thanks to you all! Tonight, the Warsaw Elders are spending the night in their own apartments. So, tomorrow morning, it's 'real life on a mission'.....up at 6:27, exercise for 30 minutes, shower, dress, breakfast, personal study 8 am.........etc. You know the drill! IT'S A GREAT LIFE! (L to R): Elder Myler (Chauffeur), Elders Siebert and Raines (Warsaw I) and Elders Bokinsky and Fletcher (Warsaw I), Elder Basha (Asst. Chauffeur).

Poland here we come.....

Our New Missionaries have Arrived!

Tonight we welcomed 9 new Missionaries to Poland. We have been excited to meet this great group. We were not disappointed...they came off the plane all smiles, excited to finally get here AND ready to do missionary work! That's what we love to see! So, let's meet them...

Elder Skolmoski comes from Polish descent on both sides of his family and has relatives living near Warsaw. He is from Murray, Utah.

Sister Howells has lived in many places (including Holland) but calls Payson, Utah home now.

Here is Sister Allen. She is from Provo, Utah...

...as is Elder Rittmanic.

The midwest is represented by Elder Bokinsky who is from Pella, Iowa.

Sister Ostler comes to Poland from Riverton, Utah.

Elder Register is our Missionary who represents the southern states from Fayetteville, North Carolina. His Polish has got a bit of a southern drawl to it.

From West Jordan, Utah comes Elder Raines.

And our last Elder, also coming from Provo, Utah, is Elder Jespersen.

What a great group! These new missionaries will fit right in with our hard-working Elders and Sisters of the Poland Warsaw Mission.

After collecting everyone (and their stuff) we make our way through the parking lot looking a little like a parade....

...to the transporter and 2 other cars that are waiting to shuttle these Missionaries to the Mission Home. It was a tight squeeze, but we were able to get all the luggage to fit!

At the Mission Home, President had short interviews with everyone, we took a tour of the mission home and had a homecooked meal. After that, everyone was ready for bed. That's a good thing. Tomorrow is a big day....their 1st FULL day in Poland, and there is much to do. To all their parents who are anxiously awaiting news of their arrival....your missionaries are here, they are happy and we love them already!

Hi Friends and Family,

     Shelby leaves on Monday the 18th for Poland.  She departs the MTC at 8:00 am.  She flies out at 12:20 pm  to Dallas, and from Dallas to England.  She has a 7 hr layover in England and then flies to Poland and will arrive on the 19th at 5;30 pm. (Poland time).  So it looks like it will be a long 24 hrs.  She is so excited,  We will get to talk to her tomorrow from SLC and Dallas and I'm gonna make her call me in England, even if it is  1 in the morning our time..  I will forward an email when I get one, so you all will know she is safe and sound.  Keep an eye on her blog, as her mission president always has pictures of the missionaries arriving.  I will transfer them to her blog so all can enjoy.  I do not know when her p-day will be, but we will soon find out.  I will also post her new address soon, it will also be on her blog. You can still Dear Elder her, just change the location to Warsaw Poland when you send it.  That might be the fastest way she will get a letter.  And it's free....
     Thanks for all your support and prayers on her behalf.  She loves you all.... 
Happy Fathers day all you DAD"S
Thanks Kelli

Shelby's last week in the MTC

June 11, 2012
Hello Everyone :)
                                                                                  
     Wow, this is so weird! This is my last email here at the MTC. Super strange! I can't explain how fast it has gone and how much it has impacted my life and my outlook.  I have come to love this gospel more than I ever have and I feel like I'm going to explode with joy all of the time.  I have so much to share, so I hope I can get it all in.

    One thing I have learned a lot about is something I learned in College. "Keep your mind and heart where your feet are." Whever you are- be there. What ever you're doing- do that with all that you have.  I have learned to really concentrate on doing my best and focusing.  I am often distracted or side-tracked, and this reminder has sure helped me alot.
      So this week we read Hebrews chapter 11.  Wow it's so good!! chapter 10 is great too, but I strongly encourage you to spend some time reading chapter 11 because it is powerful and has such a great insight into real faith.  It's fantastic.  Also, Phill. 4:11-13 - love it.  We really can do all things and we can be content and happy.  Simple, but true! :)

      So a pattern I've noticed throughout my life and throughout my mission the past 2 months- we learn best when we are low.  When there are struggles and challenges in your life, look to the Lord and ask Him to help you find what you need to get out of it.  It is hard- so hard- sometimes! But I promise, I have seen it so many times, we are more submissive and more willing to receive guidance when we look to Him.  He will make you burdens light.  I had a really great answer to pray this week.  I was looking for ways to find peace when reading the scriptures, then an elder shared a great scripture with me.  It is Moroni 9:25. Moral of the scripture- at least for me at this specific time- BE NOT WEIGHED DOWN.  In this gospel, we can be reassured that everything is OKAY.  It will all work out.  Seriously.  Find peace and rest in Christ.  Don't beat yourself up.  Try to see yourself as God sees you.  I promise if you just do your best, He will bring you that comfort.  You just have to ASK.  I'm still learning how important this is.  It's tough, but it's so great!
      So before my mission, I often had a bad or rough day every now and then, sometimes they'd even last a couple days.  Since I've been here I've made a goal to never let my tough moments and my rough times to become a "Bad Day".  It is SOOOOO hard sometimes, to pull myself away from my self pity and remember the purpose and reason that I am here.  But as soon as I try to do that, and I pray for help, my bad moment becomes easier and I am so much happier.  It's definitely not instant- But somehow, the Lord brings something back into perspective that allows me to remember how great life is, and how much I have been blessed.  Perspective is everything.  Like I said last week- I think- sometimes I miss home SOOOO much I can hardly stand it.  I love you so much and it is so hard to think of being away from you for so long.  BUT THEN, I remember the 39 million people in Poland who don't even know that they can be with their family for eternity.  That thought whips me into gear real quick.  I just want you to know that I miss you and think about you and pray for you.  You are my everything! I wouldn't be doing this is I didn't KNOW with a surety that we can and will be together for the rest of eternity.  :) :) :) Happy thought huh? :)
       So the devotional last night was wonderful. Stephen Allen. He's great.  I took some notes, and want to share some points he made.
1- If you keep thinking about yourself, you'll be miserable.  He related this to our companions, to our spouses one day, to us being parents and all sorts of relationships. It's true.  Look for ways to serve the people aroudn you happily.
2- When everything around you says you can't, listen to the voice inside you that says you can!
3- This life is not about who you AREN'T, it's about who you ARE.  Being yourself is being great.  Don't be anyone else- Be you! And be the best You you can be! :)
4- Harmony requires submission (Think about that one)
5- If you love them, let them know it.
6-How the people around you feel about themselves, depends on what label you put on them.  Don't be critical- love them, and build them up
7- Avoid childish arguments- they're not worth it.
8-Acknowledge the people around you and what they are doing great.  Cheer them on and support them.  Love Love Love them.  :)

So that was his talk pretty much, it was really powerful. We all needed it.  I have to say this. Whatever I am or am going to be, I owe to great teachers- beginning with my parents.  Thank you so much for hanging in there and teaching me.  Thank you for teaching me about life and about this gospel.  Because of so many wonderful examples in my life, and from the love within my own family, my desire to teach well and love those that I teach has grown so much!!! That's all I want to do is teach the way I've been taught, because my life has been so blessed by so many wonderful people.  Mom and Dad, thank you so much for supporting me on this mission. I am so sorry it's so tough.  I love you more than I will ever be able to tell you.  Seriously.  I wish words were more powerful.  I am so excited to write to you from Poland.  I don't know when that will be, but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to call you!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!! :-D I hope you have a blast in Lake Powell- just relax and don't think about me okay? You'll be busy doing the things I said to do in those letters ;) Dad, I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day next week. I love you so much! I will be thinking about you! Be safe and have a blast in Lake powell.  Anyone who is going to write or email again, needs to send stuff before friday otherwise I will not get them.  Sorry :( This is so Crazy!!! I'm going to Poland!!!! :-D I've never had a one-way ticket before! I can't wait.  Seriously, my district thinks I'm absolutely crazy because I'll radomly get so excited and giddy that I kinda... freak out :-D Hahaha, this gospel is amazing, this church is true.  You're in my prayers night and day.  Stay strong and endure the tough times- it's all worth it. I love you all!!! Talk to you in Poland! :-)

Love, Sister Shelby Ostler

PS. Momma, please don't be sad.  I sure miss you.  You and dad each give each other a big hug for me okay?? :) My scripture for the plack is actually my song :) There is sunshine in my soul today :) I LOVED the pillow case. You are amazing. Thank you so much.  I cherish that picture!!! Your package was so great! Everyone LOVED the pretzels.  YOu do so much.  Have fun! I love you!!!! :) oh and you'll get my travel plans, I sent them to you on friday.  :) :) Muah!

New's from Poland

Friday, June 8, 2012

Euro Cup Games and Warsaw is READY.

Thursday, June 7th...the day BEFORE the Euro Games started. Warsaw looked great...they were ready for the thousands of people that would soon be descending on this capital city.

At this well known intersection a giant soccer ball stands next to the palm tree where a 'Bread, Not Games' sign had been erected. It seems there were a few people that weren't in favor of the whole event!

If you look closely, you can see the famous face of Chopin...dressed in a Polish soccer uniform with soccer shoes slung around his neck. Even Chopin has gotten into the spirit of the games! In the following pictures, you will see how Warsaw has embraced the Euro Cup...

The above is a very cool wrap of the Orco building. It was my personal favorite. As always, much better in person!

The main train station...

Entrances to the FAN ZONES...where 1000's will gather to watch the games on big screen TV'S...

... like this one in the parking lot of the Palace of Culture and Science.

Bleachers where some will be able to relax and watch the games...

Another entrance to the FAN ZONE...

The Novotel Hotel. Look closely....

A couple of very brave guys are just finishing wrapping this building.

Just in time...the games start tomorrow.

All the advertizing is aimed at the Euro Cup.

Marszalkowska Street has been closed off and is now a walking mall for pedestrians. They are expecting over 200,000 to come to the Centrum area on game night.

WARSAW IS READY!

Friday, June 8th: The Euro Cup officially begins...and the crowds are ready!