Meeting with JRS

We were invited to come to Rome and participate in an Operational Review of the Europe Area Welfare and Self-Reliance Department.  Elder Shayne Bowen and his wife came to Rome to provide training and learn first-hand of the work being done in Europe. Elder Bowen and his wife had served in the Philippines prior to his assignment at Church headquarters.  We learned that we have several mutual friends.

We had the opportunity to hold our meetings at the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) headquarters building which is located right by St. Peters Square and the Vatican.  Latter-day Saint Charities and Jesuit Refugee Services partner together to do several humanitarian projects in Europe.  

Just before lunch we had the opportunity to go up on top of the JRS building which gives you a birds eye view of the Vatican.  Father Tom Smolich provided us with all kinds of wonderful information about the Vatican, the Pope's apartment and lots of trivia.  

After our JRS tour we had a small photo op with the Vatican in the background.  For lunch we walked across a bridge over the river to a small restaurant for lunch. 

Our group divided after lunch - some went to the Church operated Friendship Center in Rome for a visit and others went to the Colosseum and to see a few of the other famous Roman sites. Friendship Centers are places where refugees can come to learn about their new country and learn how to integrate better into society.

We all met together for dinner that evening at a place called Hummus Town where we learned how to make Syrian food.  It was a unique team building experience.

May I never forget on my best day that I still need God as desperately as I did on my worst day." Unknown