Remember the Elder with the old violin that needed a new E string? Well, we held a Music Fireside last evening where Elder Dougherty played his violin with the new E string, and it was wonderful! He is such a sweet and humble young man. He played “Oh How Lovely Was the Morning” as we watched the video “The First Vision” on a TV screen (no sound).   It was so touching to see him play the old violin that the other Elders had purchased for him for $50.00. A member from Nigeria sang “I Need Thee Every Hour” in his broken English. It was so beautiful. I had to cry a little and just appreciate the simplicity with which the Spirit can touch our lives. I sat next to an investigator who is blind. He seemed to enjoy the music and seemed very interested in the Elder’s talks. These Elders are incredible! The Spirit is so strong in our meetings. My testimony is being strengthened greatly!

Life in our apartment has taken a little getting accustomed to. The bed we’re sleeping on has no springs or foundation. We found some boards and placed them under the mattress, but it does not support our heads. We find our shoulders and heads on a downward angle every morning. We’re thinking about buying another bed! Please remember to be grateful for what you have and the simple comforts of home! Our oven sits on top of the counter top (kind of adult “Easy Bake Oven” style), in the kitchen and can bake one sheet of cookies at a time. We are grateful we can bake and the Elders have enjoyed the cinnamon rolls I have made for them. As Jean knows, we have to substitute ingredients for those we can by in the States. I made brown sugar the other day by pouring molasses over white sugar and letting it soak in. It worked!

We have a neighbor who lives two floors below us, and we have exchanged “good mornings’” with her a couple of times. She is an architect and very friendly. The Elders came to dinner last Wednesday and ran into her as they were leaving the building. Of course they stopped and introduced themselves, and told her they had had dinner with us.  She told them she was interested in learning English and they relayed the message to me. I went down stairs to talk to her this afternoon, and now she has my phone number and said she would call me. Perhaps she can teach me Turkish while I help her with English. We’ll see where this goes.

I just found out I will be playing the piano for Sacrament Meeting this summer!!! Those are exclamation points of fear!!! Our piano player, Sister Bauer, is going home in June, and the other piano players will be on vacation in Utah. Are you laughing yet?? I am practicing every day at the branch and studying music theory on line to try to remember what I learned as a child.  Please pray for me!

We hope everyone is doing well at home. Of course we miss you, but know we are in the right place doing the right thing. It’s a great feeling!

Thanks for the emails and pictures, they keep us going!

Love lots,

Elder and Sister Ercanbrack