July was
“Slovak culture month” for us. When we realized that one of the
three largest folk festivals in Slovakia would be held in Detva, just
30 minutes from our home in Zvolen, we juggled our schedule so that
we could spend a day there. It
far exceeded our expectations!
We thought that after a year in Slovakia we had experienced quite a
lot of the culture, but the festival at Detva was an incredible
immersion in Slovak culture and history. Traditional crafts ranged
from iron work and woodwork to needlework and straw weaving to
musical instruments (bells, flutes, fujari). Of course there were
spirited folk dances with lively music---watching this man play a
cimbál was fascinating---beautiful traditional costumes on children
and adults, and even foods that were new to us and SO delicious! Our
Slovak friends were as thrilled as we were that we could go to Detva
and they wanted to know what we thought of it all. IMPRESSIVE!
Also in
July, we were able to take a day trip to Banska Štiavnica. It is a
UNESCO World Heritage site and is such a beautiful, picturesque town.
Because of its UNESCO designation, there are continual facelifts to
the buildings in order to maintain its historic, medieval appearance.
Banska
Štiavnica has a mining history from at least the 3rd
century BC (gold and silver). We went on a mine tour, sometimes
squeezing
through very narrow shafts. The tour was also a great escape from
the heat wave Slovakia was enduring. The cool air in the mine
shafts felt wonderful.
Of course
we ate lunch at a sidewalk cafe! After the cool air of the mine, we
felt every degree of the +100 day, but we sat in the shade and there
was even a breeze. The scenery was fairy-tale-quaint, the flowers
were lovely, and the food was delicious. We could not have asked for
anything more!
As
July 24th
approached, the early Mormon pioneers were honored in talks and
lessons at our branches. We also used pioneer stories in our
English classes. They turned out to be some of the best classes we
have had. We were touched by the interest and compassion of members,
investigators, and our English students. Those struggling with
personal problems and facing economic uncertainty seemed to find
encouragement from the sacrifices of the pioneers. In the church
hymn, “They, the Builders of
the Nation,” one phrase
reads: “stepping stones for generations were their deeds of every
day.” We’re sure this will one day be said of these Slovak
“pioneers” of Cirkev
Ježiša Krista Svätých Neskorších Dní.
It's true that we miss home, and yet we can't imagine missing this opportunity to be missionaries in the Czech/Slovach Mission. We are so grateful to be here!
Laskou, [with love]
Phil and Susan
aka Nyeovci