April 2023 - Final Days of Cumorah, Home, Easter, and Portland

 

The final week at Cumorah Academy!

How much can we put into one week?  We had one last day in Prague, Started sending students home and graduation.  It was filled with so much emotion and experiences that will forever bless our lives.

PRAGUE - THE FINAL VISIT

We started our Saturday with taking Ed and Vickie Austin to the airport for them to return to Paris, France and their mission.  They were our final mentors and such a special treat for us and the students.  They spent 30 years as the International Folk Dancer Directors at BYU.  They have traveled the world with the dancers and it was so fun learning new dances and their insights in life.  Because we did not need to pick up new Mentors, we took the opportunity to be in Prague one last time.  The Easter Markets were open and it was a delightful day together.  Finally a day in Prague without snow, rain or gusty winds.

I bought a box of hand-painted Easter eggs - there were thousands of eggs to choose from.  

Fun decorations around the city markets - unfortunately, it was all about eggs, bunnies, commercial side of Easter - no real religious meaning like at the Christmas markets.  Czech Republic is still coming back to religion after generations of no religion.

FOOD - So many food booths.  It was hard to choose what would be the best.  We finally opted for the traditional sausage on a bun and homemade chips.  It was so delicious - they do know how to make a great sausage!  Potatoes are a staple in their diets and they really know how to make them good in so many ways.

St. Charles Bridge

We have tried several times to walk across the St. Charles Bridge but the weather never cooperated.  Today was a nice day and the bridge was filled with people.  We finally walked across it,  

It is one of Prague's most famous attractions, located in the middle of a city known for its Gothic and Baroque architecture.  It is the oldest bridge standing over the Vtlava River, and the second oldest in the Czech Republic.  Construction started in 1357 under king Charles IV, and was finished in the early 15th Century.  It was the only bridge to cross the river until 1841 and was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the City's Old Town.  It is protected by three

bridge towers, Old Town Bridge Tower pictured above.  The bridge is decorated by a continuous  alley of 30 statues, most of them baroque-style originally erected around 1700, but now all have been replaced by replicas.  They depict various saints and patron saints of the early 17th Century.  Most noted are the ones of St. Luthgard, the Holy Crucifix and Calvary, and John of Nepomuk.  

Had to take this picture for my grandson, Kelly.  He loves vintage things, especially Coca-Cola.  Always fun to see familiar things in a foreign country.

We really enjoyed walking the streets and seeing the architecture of the buildings and statues.  We made one last stop at Creme-de la-Creme for our favorite Gelato.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

The good-byes begin.  Yuri, from Brazil had to leave 4 days early due to his airline booking availability.  We loved getting to know him and being his friend.  It was a hard day for everyone as we felt the end coming.  The picture below is the students all huddling around Yuri telling him goodbye.  We are Family!

Yuri and friends

The day just continued to be special.  We had our second baptism Sunday afternoon.  Alanna, from Spain decided to accept Jesus Christ in her life and to be Baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  She came as an Elementary English student and made so much progress.  She advanced quickly and was ready to return for the Spring Semester in the Leadership program.  It was such a special Baptism.  She was very quiet and wanted a small private meeting.  We were invited to be there and were so grateful,  The Spanish speaking students sang a special musical number and then all bore their testimonies to her.  

Two students were asked to be speakers and then each one asked if they could also share their feelings.  It was a special meeting.  

Polina, from Ukraine and Alanna from Spain were the two Baptisms this Semester.  They were both invited to return to Spring Semester as Student Leaders.  We are so proud of both of them and the special Young Women that they are.  

It was a special weekend to end our time at Cumorah.  It was also General Conference weekend where we spend two days listening to the leadership of our Church.  Being in Europe and the time differences, we received the broadcast at 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm.  It made for a different Saturday and Sunday with the students.  With so much going on it was a very busy day.  General Conference is held twice a year and they are my most special weekends of the year.  

We received word this past week that Ian had decided to move out and leave Emily, Logan and Preslee.  We knew it was time for us to be home and help in this transition.  Conference gave us a lot to find hope and comfort in as we navigate this new change.  The overall theme from conference was on being a Peacemaker and finding Peace in our lives. 

 Carl B. Cook was the first speaker and he began with Joseph's plea to not let disappointment discourage us.  He said he was inspired by his heroes who just keep going, NO MATTER WHAT.

Gerrit Gong spoke on the power of ministering to others.  We are so grateful for those who minister to our family and have been there for Emily this past month. "Hearts unlock and Hearts are open"

Pres. Henry B. Eyring said, "The Savior know all children yearn for peace.  In John 14 Christ said, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to. you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but. ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also."  Pres. Eyring said, Disciples (followers of Christ) - the Lord guides them to reach out to wandering sheep, their coming to  rescue may seem accidental but He loves them and will send them peace.  

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf:  "Parents have God given sacred duty of raising children . . . Parents are always learning - Don't delegate to anyone else.  Jesus Christ is the Strength For Youth and Parents.  The Love of a child is one of the strongest forces on earth."  

These and many other talks were very helpful and continue to give us guidance, hope and peace.

Personal Leadership Style

Monday morning was our last Leadership Class and Kelly Shepherd presented a presentation on what we learned and experienced during the semester.  He showed a slide and then had students share their thoughts and feelings about that slide or topic.  It was a really nice reflection from the students.  

Leadership with Campus Staff

We interviewed the students every week for 15 minutes.  

This was one of the highlights of my experience with the students.

My nephew, Gabe Chariton came with his wife Amy as Mentors.  He was a tipping point for Cumorah.  He spoke on motivating others and Vision and Purpose.  As a result of his week, we as a staff were motivated and worked on the Vision and Purpose of Cumorah and implemented some changes that are helping to move the work forward.  

Habits of Success

  You can see Russ was all in with Ed and Vickie Austin as they taught us the Habits of success through Dance.

Monday night we pulled out our stash of treats and shared them with everyone.  We had wonderful Hot Chocolate with whip cream, wafer cookies from Karlovy Vary and other cookies and candies.  It was time to clean everything out and start packing.  As you can see, the students were thrilled to have Hot Chocolate.

Julius, our student and friend from Samoa, currently living in New Zealand taught and performed the traditional Haka on his last day.  He had to leave a few days early and had a tremendous influence on the students.  The Haka is a ceremonial Maori war dance or challenge.  It is usually performed in a group and represents a display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity.  

Pedro, Russ & Julius

Manel and Russ

  Russ had a wonderful relationship with many of the students.  Manel is from London, England.  He was a free spirit and loved to wear his robe to breakfast.  He was told he could not do that after the first week and he complied.  He showed his true self the last day of class by coming to breakfast in his robe.  Oh, how we came to love him.

GRADUATION DAY!

Our morning began with another trip to the Airport in Prague.  We were glad to take Pedro from Brazil and a friend of one of our students from Spain to the airport.  They had to leave before the graduation ceremony.  Pedro was one of the Team Leaders and it was hard for his team to tell him goodbye.

We passed by this Statue located at a round about in a little city every time we went to Prague.  We loved this wooden statue with the beautiful scarf and finally stopped and took a picture on our way back from the airport.  Great memory of our many drives and to know we were almost home.  

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Nicole and Nina

Five of our Ukraine students.  They are changed Young Women from the first day they walked through the doors of Cumorah Academy.  It was a privilege to be a part of their experience.  They are going to make a difference in whatever ventures they pursue.  They are powerful personalities and have learned valuable lessons on human relationships and personal development that will bless them in all that they do.  

House Cup Winners

Bohdana 

Business Students - Manel Top Award

Ricardo 

  So good to be with Ricki again.  

Manel

William

Staff and Interns

Jose' and Gabriel

Adrianna

Abish

Olena (Helen)

  I have always wanted to meet an Abish. Her name is taken from a women in the Book of Mormon and I had never heard of anyone in modern days to have that name.  She became a special friend and best next door neighbor along with her roommate Helen.  

AND THE EXODUS BEGINS . . . .

The group flying out of Vienna left at 8:00 pm and would travel by bus all night to catch their early morning flights.  They were the first big group to leave and the tears began and did not stop until morning.  We had another group leave at midnight and then 2:00 AM, 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.  We were up for all of them to give them a good send off.  

Mauro - Happy Day going to Spain

luggage waiting to be loaded

Ukraine Girls and Moises

Anastasia

Miroslav (Mirek)

  One of the finest young men we met.  He is our only student from Czech Republic and we really enjoyed our time with him.  He has a bright future ahead for him.  These three were roommates and spent most of their time together and really supported each other.  Petr  and Ivan are from Belarus and their friendships were very important.  

Petr

Ivan

Aneta is the head of HR and became a good friend.  She is from the Czech Republic and is also getting two degrees from University. She is such a big help and part of the staff that makes all things work.  She was always looking out for me and taking care of any needs we had.

THE FINAL DAY!

The last student on campus just hanging out with Russ.  He was going to go with us to Prague and spend the night and then take an early morning flight to his home in Nicaragua.  We became very good friends with Moises.  He needed a suitcase for his return home.  We decided to go purchase one for him.  We took him to dinner at the airport and enjoyed spending our last evening sharing stories and memories together.  He had to layover in another area of the country for 2 days before his connecting flight to Nicaragua.  He actually served his mission in that area so he knew people there to stay with.  He sent us the most special thank you when he arrived.  He thanked us for the suitcase and how it blessed his life and then told us that there was a young women who was leaving on her mission the following week and needed a suitcase for her mission.  He gave her the new suitcase we had given to him and said he wanted us to know it was a blessing to not only him but to this Sister missionary.  That is the kind of young man Moises is.  Always serving others.  

Saying goodbye to one of the Chef's.  He did not speak English, but we had a nice friendship with appreciation every day for the wonderful meals he prepared.  I wish I had some of his recipes.  

Danial - The Official Cumorah Driver taking his last load to the airport - US!

He was a great addition to the staff and we enjoyed getting to know him.

Final sunset in The Czech Republic.  We flew to London, England and then to DFW.

We were able to fly in Business Class from London to DFW.  Definitely the best way to fly across the ocean back home.  So grateful for the benefits we have when it all falls in place as planned.  

The meals were delicious and we had really good service.  Only 6 passengers in Business Class so it was very nice for everyone.  Crazy that we had fully reclining seats and private areas and could not even sleep.  It was daytime and our bodies were used to being awake.  Still way more relaxing than trying to enjoy an 11 hour flight in a chair.  

Easter Weekend was NOT the time to be trying to fly to Salt Lake City.  

All of the flights were full and not looking good for about 3 days.  We had looked at options hoping we did not have to use our back-up plans.  Las Vegas was the closest option with open seats and so we went to plan B.  I had already reserved a car just in case.  We flew to Vegas and arrived at 8:00 pm. We had been traveling for about 18 hours at this point.  We got the car and started our drive to Utah.  We were amazed that I was able to drive and not be tired.  I drove for about 4 hours and then stopped at a truck stop and took a 30 minute power nap.  We had about and hour and a half left to our drive and arrived at 3:00 am. 

It was a quiet arrival and we were so glad it was Saturday and we could sleep in and catch up on our sleep.  

It is good to be home and the weather has been really nice.  Home just in time for Easter Sunday!

EASTER SUNDAY

Emily & Preslee

Family gathering and picnic


We were invited to spend the afternoon with my sister Pam and her family.  We had a delicious dinner, egg hunt for the kids and family fun time with cousins.

SPRING WEDDING TIME.  

Friends from our AGSM, Sam Cope and Leisel Fawson were married this month and we got to celebrate with them at their reception.  Always a fun time being with this awesome group of Young Adults.  

It is also extra special to be with Senior friends like the Lloyd's.  We found a quiet table in the back of the room to talk and catch up on our lives.  This is just the beginning of the Spring and Summer Weddings.  We look forward to all of the reunions.

PORTLAND OREGON

My daughter-in-law, Julie had surgery in Portland, Oregon last week.  They invited me to come and help with the family for a few days.  I flew to Oregon on Thursday and she had surgery Friday afternoon.  She did amazing and we brought her home around 6:00 pm.  I had a great time playing games and being with Kelly, Shannon and Jamie.  Josh had a few days off work and we enjoyed spending time together as well.

We went for a Sunday evening drive through the hills of Portland and ended up down town.  I love the beauty of the area and the fun vibe of downtown.  

The trees and flowers were coming into full bloom and it was so beautiful.  The roses were just beginning to bud so in a few weeks it will even be better.  The Magnolias, tulips, pear, cherry, etc. were so full of flowers making it one of the prettiest times of the year.

I have become the boys Barber and it has been about 5 months since I was last there so we got the clippers out and Shannon got a haircut.  There was enough hair to make a wig.  Crazy that I took a photo of the hair and not the handsome young man that he is.  

It was a very full month.  We have not stopped since we landed back at home.  We have worked so hard getting our yard in shape after Winter.  All of the hard work we did last year paid off and we are mostly doing maintenance.  When you have a forest of Oak trees in your back yard there are a lot of leaves.  Three truckloads of leaf bags to the city dumpsters and the job is finally done.  I love Spring and the planting of new flowers and watching to see what will come back from the previous year.  It looks like most of our plants survived the Winter and I look forward to May and all the blossoms.  With the current situation at our home it looks like Russ and I are the lawn crew - one of these years we will need to hire it out but so far we are grateful we are healthy and able to keep up with it.  I am so grateful for the experiences we have had and the blessings that we continue to receive.  It is time for us to stay home for awhile and serve our family - they are the greatest blessing we have.  

This was the Sunset this past week.  Absolutely gorgeous!  Oh what a wonderful time of year!

The Grimmett's