Great Blessings

31 December 2004
"Well, I sure can't believe another year is almost over with. It is insane. I really can't believe how fast time flew. I am sure I will write something similar next year too, but it is crazy. Today was a quiet day as we didn't do a whole lot. We went to see Слава but he wasn't home so we just did a little spiritual thought with his Mom - a member of the church. We did have a small planning session today, and that was nice. We bought some stuff for the new year and then we started our wait in the apartment. I really can't believe how crazy it will be here in the city that we have to be home. It is sad to me that people get so drunk here. I am so greatful for the gospel in my life and for the guide it has been to me. I don't know what it would be like without it, but it is hard to imagine. I am lucky to have wonderful parents, and brothers and sisters, and although I won't be with them this next year, I love them very much and know that we will always be together! To the best year yet in my life!!!"

P-day

30 December 2004
" It turned out to be a good one today. Well, we took our П-день today because of conference yesterday and so that meant we couldn't. I guess my brother wanted to call, but couldn't get through. All is well, and I wrote him an e-mail to find out how he was doing. We went to McDonalds and we went bowling today before we came back here to chill. We went and helped Айдаровы's a little and then went to sports night and chilled there. We had a good time and played hard. Other then that not much is happening. We will have to be home early tomorrow and chill out for New Years."

Conference

29 December 2004
"We were at conference all day and then at a baptism in Сольнечный. It was pretty good – conference that is. We listened as usual and had a good time, and then we all shared our testimonies as usual and we at pizza for lunch and that was awesome. We were on the baptism and that was way awesome. The best part was the musical numbers. I love music and that was cool. We were at Айдаровы's for a bit but not much happened there. I received a huge package from my Mom and so now I have a lot of good food. It was awesome. I love it!"

Members

28 December 2004
"Another quick one went by today. We stopped by to Слава and there we gave Нина a blessing – I gave the blessing and was scared, but the Lord blessed me and I said what I should have. We stopped by to Баба Рая today and gave her a Лиахона and talked with her for a while. We came home and ate before our FHE with the deaf people. We greatly enjoyed it and we were late too because there was traffic and it took us an hour to go what usually takes 2 minutes, all in all we made it without much and a had a good time. Tomorrow is conference and so hopefully that will be good."

Crazy

27 December 2004
"We had 3 meetings, helped Володя to the hospital and had a way good time there – well, we'll pretend. We left super early to help him out, and all he did was complain. We don't even help him, we just walk with him. Well, we had district meeting and enjoyed that. Afterwards, we ate and chilled a bit with the other elders. We stopped by and met Алек, and he is crazy. I guess because he told the missionaries not to come back but was upset that we hadn't come by for a couple of weeks. He wanted us to give him ties also. Well, we went to Айдаровы's and relaxed there for a bit before going to FHE. It was with the president and his family. We read a talk from conference and played UNO. And spoons. It was cool. They are all wonderful people, and its tons of fun to be with them."

Church

26 December 2004
"It was super busy and a long one. We did lots today. We helped Володя and that was tons of fun. At the church, we helped people and I talked with a bunch of different people. We had sacrament meeting – I had to pass today – and then all our other meetings. I talked with Аня at the end and looked at her pictures from her mission – she's the one who just got back a week or so ago. We then sat around at the church – well Elder McCain had a meeting. We came home and ate – by that time it was already 7:30 so we just chilled here at home. I have just been enjoying myself a little bit more. It is awesome. I have been studying hard to and learning the language."

Christmas

25 December 2004
"С Роджеством!! Merry Christmas to me! And to all. Well, it was a nice Christmas and I talked with my family. I woke up and talked with my family first thing this morning and it was a lot of fun. They are doing good and had lots of questions about Russia and the culture. I talked a lot with my sister also, and that was nice. Well, I then talked with my Mom and that was nice. It was nice to hear her voice and talk with her. We went to Andre's to eat, and I had a couple of pizzas to eat there – it was way good. After the little celebration we went to a christmas party in the Сольнечный branch. It was fun to see all the talents and skits by all the people. We were there and there was a dance after, and it was cool to see all the Russian people dance. It reminded me of home, and I thought a lot about how much fun dance were. We came home, and Elder McCain is talking with is family. We are getting ready for bed too. What a wonderful time of year it is here. I love the spirit of Christmas and I love my family a lot! What one exciting time in life. I love my mission."

Christmas Eve

24 December 2004
"Well, it's Christmas Eve, and I'm listening to a little Kenny G christmas and relaxing. We had a slow day as usual so we didn't do a whole lot. We did extend our contract in our apartment here with our Хозяйка and she just stopped by and gave us a table so we could eat. We bought some needed items, and then we went to English. I talked with a teacher the whole time. We didn't got to Андре's, but we tried. Well, after it all, I'm ready to go to bed, and talk with my family tomorrow. It's crazy to think that I will be talking with them tomorrow morning! I love them a lot."

Working

23 December 2004
"Well, we had a meeting with a бабушка today and it was pretty cool. She is way nice. We contacted and it went better then last time, but we still didn't get anyone new. Later we went and did more stamps for the Айдаровыs before sports night. We played there – I am dead from that – and then we went to Елвис and ate before coming home. Well, I am getting more comfortable with everyone here, and I am learning to love the people more and more here. It's amazing how much I am focused on the work! I love it here!!"

Being Myself

22 December 2004
"It was a great day! We did a lot and ended with a good meeting. We wrote home this morning and while I waited for McCain I got on MSN and talked with Jeff. He is excited to leave, and he will be awesome. We went to McDonalds, and then bowling. After all that we went to 3rd Дачный and bought stuff – well I actually only bought a cd. We all came back here, relaxed a bit and then we went to FHE with the deaf people. It was cool, and we had a good time playing with them. Today when I talked with Jeff he asked me about the mission and I said that you just need to be yourself here on the mission. It is something that I need to do better at. I try to hide myself, but I need to be myself! I know I will be a better missionary if I will let the Lord shape me as he wants!"

Big Ankle

21 December 2004
"We headed off to contact today, and we had no success at all. We tried to talk with people to 3rd Дачный, but no one was interested. Well, we took a break for lunch, and Elder McCain noticed his ankle was huge and so we just sat – I just worked on my lessons. Well, Айдаровы called us and we went over there to help them with stamps again. Well, we helped them and then we played UNO. We came home, and bought a bunch of junk good and now we're relaxing. Well, tomorrow is p-day, so it will be more relaxing!"

UNO

20 December 2004
"Tonight we had FHE with everyone, and that was a lot of fun. We played UNO and chatted. It was way fun. Before that we stamped for an hour and a half for the Айдаровы's. It was a lot of fun. Before that we stopped by to see some people – Артур on the рынок and Катя the member. Other then that we didn't do a ton. We had собрание округа , and ate some good fajitas."

American Voices

19 December 2004
"I talked with someone In America for the first time in 5 months. Talk about a weird feeling. I called tonight just to set up a time to talk next Saturday. I talked with my Mom and Dad and then Spencer. It's crazy – I didn't realize how much I miss them. I am way excited to talk with them. Well, besides that, not much really happened here. I have been at church all day. I guess one way cool thing at church was that a girl got back from her mission in West Virginia. What an awesome thing that was. Она горячая также! Well, we were at church for awhile because tithing settlement is going on right now, and Elder McCain needed to help. Well, I ate good, so that was nice. Other then that not much is going on. The work is still slow..."

Not Much

18 December 2004
"We started with a meeting for the missionaries and for the ward. That went well, and then we gave Сергей a blessing as he has some tests this coming week. Well, we decided to all eat together and so we stopped to the rionik and got everything we needed to make enchiladas. They turned out sooo good. Well, we then ate, after which Elder McCain fell asleep for several hours, so that was good as he isn't feeling well."

Exchanges

17 December 2004
"t was a pretty good day today. Elder McCain twisted his ankle and so it was huge today – he twisted it yesterday at sports night. Well, we went on exchanges so that we could get all our stuff done. I was with Elder Smith and we went to see Слава. Well, only for a minute. We then went to see Аня and Таня. They are way cool, and they are suppose to get baptized in a few weeks. They are awesome and it will be cool when they get baptized. We ate with them too. We went to English class and had a good lesson. After the lesson we went to Андре’s and ate pizza. It was way good. We came home and now we are just relaxing."

Work, Service, and Sports

16 December 2004
"Well, it was a good day today. We tried to stop by to see Слава, but we couldn’t because they were sleeping and so we did some contacting. We met some interesting people, and so it was fun to talk with them. Well, we payed for the telephone bill, and then we went and helped Ольга put some stamps on letters – her work! Well, we all went together to sports night, and had a good time there. Well, it was way fun and as usual, we went to Elvis after that and ate. Talk about fun, that’s what contacting was today. I love doing real missionary work. It’s a lot of fun, and it make me feel better!!"

Fun Day

15 December 2004
"Talk about an awesome day – that would be today. We had a lot of fun. Elder McCain and I took off super early to write home and that was good. I found out that I have a new niece – Амара – and that was good news. Well, we went and ate at McDonalds and that was tasty. We went to a nice place and bowled. It was so fun, and I did way good – 140! Well, we were still not satisfied and so we played pool together. After all of that, we went to 3rd Дачный and checked out all their things. I bought an Enya MP3 disc, and that is nice to listen to. After all was said and done, we came home and slept before the english lesson, which we taught for a couple other missionaries. All in all a good day. Elder McCain and I talked tonight and he told me not to get lazy like him – he said that I shouldn’t be a stickler about all, but that I should just work. It was good advice, and it was good to get to know him better. He’s a good guy, and just got lost earlier on in his mission. I plan to keep focus in order to have a successful and enjoyable two years here in Russia!"

Elder McCain told me that he got lost earlier in his mission, and that I should be careful not to.

Work and Fun

14 December 2004
"It was an awesome day today. I was with Elder Smith and we planned and did everything we were suppose to. Well, after the planning, we went to a guys house had a good discussion with him and then later to another discussion with members of the church. We ate good there. Well, after that we went to the church building and I got back with Elder McCain. Well, we went to FHE with all the deaf people in our ward. They are good people, and it was awesome with them. After the meeting, we had a snowball fight with our members and the other elders. It was way sweet, and it was fun to relax. Well, it will be cool to write home tomorrow, and chill with all the missionaries here. I am really starting to like it here! I got a tie from Elder McCain’s family too."

Fun Day

13 December 2004
"Well, I’m in the hole! Actually I am with Elder Smith – the zone leader – on an exchange. Today we didn’t do much, but we did have fun. District meeting went way good, and I enjoyed it. We then ate together. It was fun. After that, we stopped by and got my film and then we tried to stop by to people. We went home, and I made some cookies and then we went to FHE. It was a lot of fun, and I played Dominoes. It was way awesome to see families together. Well I am here with Elder Smith now and I am realizing something about a missionary – it’s not how well you speak, its what faith you have, and how well you work. Something that I really need to work on, and so I will do my best to do better!"

Different

12 December 2004
"Talk about a completely different experience today at church. I am so use to very few people at the meetings so it was weird to not really participate. I did share a little about myself, and then my testimony, but other then that, it wasn’t much. It wasn’t such a big deal like in Ижевск. Well, there was a full 3 hours also. I didn’t get to know everyone, in fact I met very few people there. Well, that’s all we did today. I did eat well, but other then that, we just relaxed. We already have a lot to do this week so that is good. Сегодня, я слуша песни, которые Юлия пела мне. Я очень скучаю по ней и всем в Ижевске. Я надеюсь что все будет хорошо у них!"

Service??

11 December 2004
"Well, we worked like dogs today, and I feel better than yesterday. We helped out a man named Констатин to gather stuff for his house. He is building it for himself, and I have to be honest that it’s going nowhere. We gathered trash for him for like 4 hours. He kept saying that we need to find хорошая вещь. Well, it was a big waste of time, but he thinks it is going somewhere. We’ll see…Well, I didn’t want to move after helping out, but we came home and ate. We then met with Слава и Нина. They are awesome. Слава is our investigator, and Нина is his Mom and is a member. It was a good meeting. We then met with Саша, Ольга, Ира, и Баба Лена. They are less actives that are way awesome. Well, then we came home, and yeah. Things are different here, but I realized that this is still an awesome place. Bed time!!"

Better

10 December 2004
"Well things were a little better today at least. It was fun. We planned as we usually do on Fridays, and then we tried to stop by to people, but we couldn’t fifnd anyone at home. Well, we went to the internet place because I wanted to write home and we needed to do our English lesson. Well, we went to English, but it was a bit of a let down because there was only about 5 people there – not like 20 in Izhevsk. Well, we did our thing there then then we went and ate pizza at a way good restaurant. We ate pizza there, and it was so good. Well, I am still getting used to everything, but it is getting easier and easier to adjust. I am enjoying everything greatly. It will be so awesome to meet the members. I am excited!"

Long Transfer

9 December 2004
"It's been a long couple of days. We have been going crazy. We were in Samara yesterday as we flew there for my transfer. Well, we were suppos to leave for Saratov, but we were too late, and so we spent the night in the old office there. Well, I just made some copies of discs there, and talked with Elder Andelin. Well, we took off early this morning in a gazelle and after 8 hours we came to Saratov. What a different city we have here. It is huge, and it is pretty dirty. There is also tons of people, and tons of different ways to get around. It will take awhile to get use to. Well, we came and I met my new companion. Elder McCain and I came home and unpacked. Our apartment is huge so that is way awesome. It is way more comfortable than in Ижевск. After unpacking, we went to sport night, and it was way awesome. We played like 2 hours there, and had a way good time. We ate in a nice little restaurant, and it was way good. We came home, and I am ready to die – I'm tired. Well, I will write more tomorrow morning about my thoughts and feeling.

Well, I really miss Ижевск. I have so many awesome friends there. I know I don't need to compare between areas, so I will work hard to love the people, and just jump into the work. I don't know exactly what will be here, but I do know that this is a huge city. Its crazy. There is some good news though, and that is that I will soon have more friends in Russia. The Russian people are awesome. I love them. This is hard here, but I know I need to just keep on going, and the Lord will bless me."

Last Day

7 December 2004
"I never knew it would be so hard to leave a city in Russia. Well, now I know. I love the Умуртский people so much. I really hope that I will see them again, but if not, I know that I will always have friends there. The last day we kind of just sat around and chatted with people. We met with Юлия one last time at a little restaurant when Настя и Маша came. Well, it was fun to talk with them. Later we met with Наташа, Маша, и Юлия (same one) at their house. Юлия sang for us one last time and it made me cry. I don't know what it is, but there family is amazing. Юлия мой самый любимый друг. Я хочу видеть ее еще раз, но кто знает. Well, we went to see Ольга, Настя, Сергей, и Маша to end the night. They were all sad, but we all made it through goodbyes. I just shared my testimony with them, and then we left. I don't know why the Lord blessed me so much, but he did, and I am truly grateful to him for it. I love Ижевск and the people and I will never forget them. I must now turn to the Lord as I have a new people that I must learn to love. I know that he will help me! And, maybe one day I will be lucky enough to go back to Ижевск to see the people."

Rich

6 December 2004


"Wow – good things are happening in Ижевск and I am leaving. We met with Маши и Саша (rich lady, friend of Лена), and here friend Игор was there. Well, we talked about the BofM, and wow they were way interested. All 4 of us were there. Well, I took some pictures, but I really want to be here to work with them. Well, before that we were with Денис, and it was nice to talk with him. He is such an awesome guy. It will be weird without him. Well besides that not much happened. No crying today at least, so that was good. Tomorrow is the last day here – wow, it will be hard. Luckily, I found out a week ago – Elder Jensen found out late tonight. Well, I will miss Ижевск, and especially the people. The Lord has truly blessed me to serve here!"

Hard Day

5 December 2004
"Man, I gave it all up today. What a way to have a good ending. Well, it was testimony meeting today, and I cried my guts like when I first came. It was an absolutely awesome meeting. All the Михайловы family shared their testimony. They all wanted their family to be sealed in the temple. Well, after the testimony meeting, we had the lesson. At the end of the lesson was my time. I just stood and cried, and then I finally said a few words. Well, they sang Бог с тобой доколе свидимся. I cried and sang with them. Well, we headed to Норья and had a good little meeting there with them. We ate and said goodbyes – not as hard as I didn't really know them. We ended the night with a visit to Ангелина и Лидия. They gave me socks and postcards. Лидия hugged me too – I let her. Well, we came home and now I am writing. 2 days left. I am just going to cry when I leave. It will be so hard to leave. Я Ижевск люблю!"

Fun

4 December 2004
"It’s really hard to understand when you don’t feel well. We tried to find something on the internet, but the problem was they didn’t have a link so we didn’t find anything. Well, we stopped by to Ангелина и Лидия and gave them the news. Later, we worked on our lesson that we have to do tomorrow. Well, we finished that, and then we went to see Ольга – she is doing alright. We finished the night with a meeting with Лена (Тимур, Лилия) and Настя Ермелайова came with us. It was awesome. Настя is so awesome. She is so blunt with her friends. She just put it all out. Well, it’s too bad that all the members in the world aren’t like here. They are so awesome! People are amazing here in Ижевск."

Sick

3 December 2004


"I’m getting sick and its not fun. We didn’t do a lot here, but I just don’t feel well. We planned this morning and ate, and then we went to the internet place, and did our English lesson. We dropped by to the other elders, and their food was good. Well, we had English lesson and it will be hard to leave, I already know. I love the people so much. I am going to miss them. Юлия is amazing, and it will be sad not to see her when she is baptized. I love everyone here. It will be super hard to leave. I must turn to the Lord. It will be hard, but I have to continue on."

Transfer

2 December 2004
"The news came late yesterday and it wasn’t all that great – I am leaving to Saratov to the дачный район, and Elder Alton will be here in my place. Well, I didn’t sleep well and today I have been kind of sick. Well, we were super busy so that helped, but I was still thinking about the transfer. We decided to help Стася with English, and so that was good. Well, we then ran to Лена’s house and watched her videos with her and met her friend. After chatting we headed off, and we went to find Наташа but of course she wasn’t home. We just went to our last meeting of the night with Ольга и Настя. Also Настя, the other waiting baptism, was there. That was the day, and it was good. I really don’t feel well, but hey, what can you do. I just need to get it in gear, and finish off these last few days."

P-day

1 December 2004
"We have another good one today! We wrote home to start out the day, and we were there for 3 hours – Elder Kirk and Watts wanted to know more about the Ukraine crisis. I resorted to playing Minesweeper. Well, after the adventure there, we went and ate, and then Elder Kirk and I came home and slept. Well, we went to visit Галина but she wasn’t feeling well. We then had a meeting with Ангелина и Лидия и Марина. That was way awesome! We talked with them about carrying on, and doing well! They are amazing!"

English Class

30 November 2004
"Well, we had a pretty good time today. We visited Юлия’s school – УГУ! We were there to talk with her class about English. After the class, we talked with Юлия about the baptismal questions! She is so awesome! I love her to death and she is so ready to be baptized! We came home, ate and then went to Book of Mormon study class. It was way awesome. We had a blast. Well, after that we came home and had a good time talking about a good missionary subject. It was a good day overall. Tomorrow is П-День еще!"

2 Quick Days

29 November 2004
"Another crazy couple of days. We were on another surprise sleepover at the other elder’s house and so couldn’t write yesterday. So we woke up Sunday morning and went to church as usual and Elder Kirk gave an awesome talk. He is very spiritual, and always brings the spirit. The best part of the meeting was when Сестра Лидия prayed – she is so humble! After the meeting, we went to Норья and had a good lesson there! Алексей was there and not happy to see us as usual, but I had a short talk with him, and things got a little better! Well, we came home, and had a quick decision to make, and so of course we stayed at the other elder’s place.

Today, we were there, and then we had district meeting! We talked about a lot, but especially about electronics – my favorite. Well, we came home, and then we went and searched for a Bible. We still didn’t find one – its like they don’t sell them here. Well, we went to a meeting with Наташа, Маша, и Юлия and watched Legacy. It was awesome because Наташа got permission form her husband to be baptized. She says when she is ready she will be baptized. Well, we ended the night and came home! I love to work! I think everyone does! It’s awesome!"

Kazan Trip

27 November 2004
"What a day! Tired, but still doing well. We were in Казань today for a zone conference, and it was very good. We heard a lot about the new program that we have, and the importance of it in the work. We also heard about how we are not eating very healthy – that’s not a big surprise. Well, the train was deathly hot to Казань, but was better on the way home! I didn’t sleep like I wanted to, but all is well! Маша Михайлова also came with us, so that was interesting. I got a package from my family, and it was interesting – well we almost finished the 3 pound bag of M&Ms which is disgusting! There’s a pecan pie there also, so we will see how that testes later. Other then that, not much is happening – conference was good, and soon we will be having transfers again."

Quick and Short

26 November 2004
" Not much got done today, but I feel all right. We left early to get a talk from the internet for him and then came home and ate. I made brownies – I was feeling ambitious – and Elder Kirk slept. Well, we left, and bought some boots and then we went to English. It was a good day, but now I am tired, and tomorrow we are headed to Казань."

Thanksgiving!!!

25 November 2004
"Happy Thanksgiving!! Well, that's all we have thought about today. There's a long story for all, so I'll get started. Yesterday was -pday. We wrote home and ate at Позимь. Jeff got his call to Ecuador...and he goes in to the MTC Jan. 5. Anyways, so we got haircuts and all that good stuff, and then we had a meeting with Лена's friend Маша. She lived where Бела lived, so is way rich. She is way cool, and has a way cool daughter. She said she'd be interested to here more. That will be cool to meet with them again. Well, we finished way late there and it was by the центр. We just decided to sleep a the other's house.

Well, this morning we just waited till about 12 and went to a restaurant – Кама. We ate, and it was way good, but way expensive. Well, after the 3 hours there we went to Baskin Robbins. Now we are at home because Elder Kirk has to talk on Sunday. We have a meeting with Ольга и Настя Ермелайовы later, so I will write about that later.

Later – well, the night ended way good. We ended up stopping by to Наташа and talking with her. We then had a meeting like I said with Ольга и Настя. It was good. Настя talked in English with us and it was funny! They are such great people! I love working! It makes me feel good! Я скучаю по брату. Я очень хочу говорить с ним. Все-такие, только 19 месяцев еще!"

Great Day

23 November 2004
"It was probably our most effective day yet. This morning we were looking for an address, and found it, but I turns out that we had written the wrong Дом. Well, we met with Галя and talked with her for a bit. She broke her arm, so now she can't even sign. We ate, and then we met with Юлия. She is way awesome. We talked about reading the BofM and she asked questions – it was awesome. We met up with the other elders and Elder Jensen and I went to Ангелина и Лидия. Марина was there also. We watched a talk from conference. It went way awesome. We met back up with the others, an all worked out. Now we are relaxing, and have a good day ahead of us tomorrow. Work rules! I love it."

Rug Beating

22 November 2004
"We went to district meeting, and as usual, it went way long – I ate Elder Watts' chocolate bars which are dang good. Well, we came home and our landlady wanted us to beat the rug and vacuum up. Well, we were at it for about 2 hours, but now our apartment looks way good. Tonight, we just stopped by to people and no one was home as usual. We got some food and came home. We ate some popcorn and just talked. Right now, we have a baptism for the 18th of December – Юлия – and hopefully we will have one more. Who knows – anyways tomorrow we have a couple of meetings. That should be nice!!"

Movie and Work

21 November 2004
"Another day missed, but at least it was a good couple of days. Saturday, we talked with Виталий, and had a good chat with him. We tried to stop by to a contact that we received, but no one was home. Well, we then went and watched the film – The Other Side of Heaven – and tons of people came. It was way awesome. The film was a lot of fun, and everyone enjoyed it. Well, after the film, we decided to just sleep at the other's hour since it was late.

This morning we went to the meeting, and it was good. Настя taught the lesson – her first time ever. It went way good, just like home. Well, after the feast we went to see Ольга, and it was way pointless – she didn't really listen to us, but she just wanted to get answers on every question. Well, after that, we stopped by to some people, and then helped Стася with her English. It was a lot of fun. I love it here!"

Snow!!

19 November 2004
"You should see it here! It just keeps on snowing! It started this morning, and didn't stop all day. Well, that makes it hard to want to work, but we still did. We did planning this morning, and that went well. We stopped by to Галя and met her niece. After that, we planned english and then headed to the lesson. As always, the lesson was good. After the lesson we came home and ate. It was fun. We have lots to do tomorrow so that will be good. Hopefully it will go well."

Slow Day

18 November 2004
"Well, we had a couple of meetings with people. This morning, we were trying to контактировать. We had a meeting with Ольга, and it went very well – it was about Joseph Smith. It was good for her, and she greatly enjoyed it. Well, after that we tried to stop by to Наташа, Андрей, и Аня but they weren’t home. After that we went to visit with Ольга и Настя but Настя didn’t show."

Sleep

17 November 2004
"I feel a little better today – well, I’m not so tired because I slept about an hour and a half. Well, after the writing home, and eating we came home and slept. We tried to stop by to a couple people tonight but no one was home, so we got the DVD player, and screen and watched the church information disc with Ангелина и Лидия. They enjoyed it a lot, and it was awesome to show them. Well, after it all, we are back home and getting ready for a new week! Time flies here! Here we go for another week! The work is awesome! It’s awesome! I love it!"

Busy

16 November 2004
"It was a fun day. We left to the internet place this morning to help Настя find a topic for her lesson. We found a good talk for her from President Faust. Well, after that we went to the other Elder’s house, and then we shopped for food and for a few other things. We came home and ate – chicken and potatoes. It was good. Well, we went to the Book of Mormon class, and had a good discussion there. Well, after that we stopped by to a couple people, and then came home. Wow – tomorrow is already p-day. Talk about crazy! The work is awesome!"

Missed Day

15 November 2004
"It’s the first time in a long time that I was unable to write yesterday. It was a crazy day, and just didn’t know what to do. We had our sacrament meeting as usual, and that was good. We then went to Норья, and there we talked with the family for awhile, and had a good sacrament meeting. After that, we talked with the kids that are going to America (Logan) for the exchange program. That was cool, but it meant we were there for a long time. We came back and spent the night at the other elder’s house – unexpectedly. The good thing was we got to eat chili that Elder Watts had made – it was way good like home.

This morning, we had district meeting as always, and enjoyed that. Well, it was interesting. Elder Watts is depressed right now – he is under a lot of stress being the leader here. He just feels like he can’t do it all. He feels like these have been the 2 hardest year of his life. It was interesting to listen and talk with him. After the meeting, we went to help Лилия again, and were there for a while. After that, we dropped by to a referral that we received from Salt Lake – they ordered a film. They were nice people, but we were unable to conduct a discussion with them – жалко. To finish the night, we stopped by to Ольга и Настя as they were not at church Sunday. They are well, but a little sick. We always enjoy being there! They are awesome people! I am so glad to be here! It’s awesome!"

Sport

13 November 2004
"We didn’t eat today, but we did play volleyball and basketball. It was nice. We watched Legacy with Ольга and then we helped Лилия, one of our English students, with her work. Later, we saw Ангелина и Лидия and watched President Hinckley’s talk from conference with them. After that, we went and played at a school with our ward here. It was way fun, and nice to actually do something! Also, today I talked with some drunk people on the bus, and Elder Kirk got mad, but it was pretty funny!"

Meetings

12 November 2004
"A fairly good day was today! We didn’t leave the apartment until 2:30 but it was because we had 2 hours for planning, and then eating, and then I prepared the духовная мысль. We stopped by to see Слава and then met with a lady name Зула. It was awkward because she just asked why we have so many rules, and what they all are. She did have a cool friend that has lived in France and Spain but he wasn’t interested in the church. We had English, and that went well – we talked about slang and everyone enjoyed it. I did the spiritual thought, and it went well."

Tired

11 November 2004
" I am so tired today! It is crazy. We slept at the other’s place last night and I didn’t sleep so well. Anyways, we only had one discussion today with Ольга, Настя, Маша, и Сергей. It was a lot of fun with them as always, and I greatly enjoyed. They are amazing members of the Church. Well, besides them, we worked on preparing our talks – well spiritual thought that is, and also our English lesson. We tried to stop by to people we had on our lists, but no one was home really. That’s missionary work for you.

Well, I saw Elder Gallop for the last time. It’s weird to think in 1 ½ years I’ll be in his place. He’s an awesome elder, and I want to be like him. Right now I must lean on my testimony! The gospel is true, and I love it! I love this work!"

Awesome Conference

10 November 2004
"Talk about an awesome conference! That’s what we had today with Elder Peterson. It was way awesome, and I learned a lot about myself. We flew in to the Samara airport and then went to Толияты where we started the conference at 11. We went until 2 when we ate pizza – it was way good – and then from 3 to 6. Right now, we are on the plane back to Ижевск! I absolutely love this work! It is truly amazing thing to be here! I can’t wait to get back to work tomorrow!!"

Dinner

I found this great picture. I think the date was November 8 or something on it. I know it looks gross, but Elder Kirk and I made way too much dinner. We threw it out in the toilet. He had ketchup on his and I had mayonnaise...

P-day

9 November 2004
" It was weird to have p-day today. I didn't get any mail because they didn't know that I would write today, so yeah. All is well though and we ate as always at the Кафе. Well, I slept for a couple of hours, and then we went and stopped by to Наташа and just talked with her. Other then that, not much happened. Elder Chapman is coming to Ижевск right now. Somehow he got permission to come here but we can't figure it out. We have a mission wide conference, but somehow he got out of it. It will be interesting to find out how he got permission to come here, but we'll see how all goes tomorrow."

Good One

8 November 2004
"Well, it was a good day. We had our district meeting this morning, and then we came home and ate. After that, we went to see Галина and she is doing well! Later we went to see Ольга. Se actually listened very closely to what we had to say, and accepted it. Well, things are going well with her, so that makes things better here. Oh yea, tomorrow will be p-day and then Wednesday we will be in Толияты to hear from President Peterson. We just found out about that today, but yeah! We'll see how everything goes!"

Testimonies

7 November 2004
"What an awesome testimony meeting we had today. It was way cool to hear and understand. Моша Михайлова bore her testimony about when she was baptized a year ago. She told that she knows that this church is true. I actually started to cry, but luckily not too bad."

Quiet Day

6 November 2004
"Well, we had a fairly quiet day. We stopped by to people most the day. We met with Слава for a couple minutes, and then also we met with Ангелина, Лидия, и Марина and watched Наследие.

I actually felt better today...I am always tired. No fun! Oh well, what to do? Work!"

Bush

5 November 2004
"What a mood I am in today. I honestly don't know what it is, I just don't feel all that great. I have been tired most the day. We didn't do much, but we did have english lesson. We played American music for them, and it was awesome. It made me think a lot about all my music, and made me miss it, but it was fun to explain to them! Also today, we were in the internet club to plan our lesson, and we found out that Bush won for President. It was way close, but yeah - he'll still be President when I return home. It's crazy how things are here too. It gets dark at 4 or 5 and we have to work. Sometimes it's hard, but the Lord will bless us as we do so! I guess that's all for now, but of course I'll write again tomorrow like always."

Working

4 November 2004
"We went out to Металург to find no one home before coming back for lunch. We met with Ольга and things went well. No arguments like usual, and she seemed to accept what we had to say about pre-earth life. We then went to our meeting with Ольга и Настя. It went fairly well, and the spirit was way strong. We gave Настя a blessing so that she would know what to do. Elder Kirk and I both think that she should not marry the guy, but its not our decision. This is the Lord's work! I love it!"

Australians

3 November 2004
"What an awesome day! We had normal day - p-day, and also we slept well also. We went to Кафе Позэнь - like always that is. Tonight we didn't know what we were going to do, and so we decided we'd call a girl that we met in the internet place - Катя. Well, we met with her and her friend from Australia and some other friends. It was way awesome. We talked all on English, and talked about the Church. Everyone spoke way awesome, and all enjoyed themselves. It was a good night to get to know some new people.

Today I wrote a letter explaining about my mission to future missionaries! Wow, what an awesome feeling. I am really a missionary! It is such an awesome opportunity. I never thought it would come! I love it here!"

Problems

2 November 2004
"Elder Jensen and I were together today. We saw Слава after more then a month of not seeing him. We ate and then we met with Евгения Петровна. She believes that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ, but can't believe that she should be baptized a 3rd time. Talk about craziness. We had a meeting with Генади и Тамара. They are awesome and we watched conference. Pretty good day!

Also, we found out that Настия had problems. Well, her boyfriend invited her to get married, but he doesn't believe in God. Wow, the problems in Russia. They just need some good guys here, but they can't seem to find them. Well, I hope that all will work out for her! Бог благословит ее!"

Good Feeling

1 November 2004
"I'm still in Ижевск!! That's right - all the worrying for nothing! In fact nothing scary happened The lady didn't even mention anything about friday to our landlady. That was good that nothing happened, and I am now registered here in the city. Elder Watts and I then went to the bank where he took about $1200 for the district (crazy how much money we need for missionary work). We met Ирина from America there and she went to the library with us (where everything is still alright, and we can still meet there). Elder Кирк and I ate and then sat on собрание округа. We came home and then went to help Александр - english student - with english. We also wrote to Washington because Юлия will be there!

Ижевск - I love it here! Thank goodness the Lord is blessing us. Talk about an awesome feeling."

Halloween

31 October 2004
"We were super busy today! Wow - what a good feeling. We went to our meeting this morning, and it was way fun. It was very interesting. After the meeting, we ate, and then stopped by to Галина. After that, we watched conference with Моша,Юлия, и Настя. We went to our Хоязайка and helped her daughter with English. It was fun. We came home, and wrote to the President. Talk about a good day! I love to work. Oh yeah - Happy Halloween!"

Busy

30 October 2004
"I had a bad headache, and so it helps when we are working. Today, we started out with a meeting with Ангелина и Лидия - they said something about наша Церковь (провославная) that was interesting to me. Later we met with Ольга and wathed General Conference - a couple talks. We then went to the store for food before our visit with Настя и Ольга. We watched Наследие (Legacy) with them, and it went well. We ended the night, and now we have to change our clocks. Tomorrow is another busy day!"

Broken Law

29 October 2004
"I am lucky to be writing this! Wow! It was a crazy day! We had English tonight, and so we spent most the day getting ready for it. We were at the internet club, and then we mad pumpkin bread - I'm almost a chef! The bread was alright, but that's not the crazy thing that happened today! So we're at English class and a lady is checking our passports - she registers us here in the government building. Well, I was in Samara on Wednesday because we have to register there in order to register here (there is not religious organization here in Izhevsk). I hadn't registered because we have 3 days to do so. Well, she checked and told me that I couldn't be in Izhevsk without registration. Well, she talked with all of us - made it a huge deal so everyone got all freaked out - and then filled out some papers.

I thought nothing about the papers when I signed them, and neither did Watts who was there when I signed them. Turns out that the papers were saying that I had broken a law - when really I hadn't. Prison...here I come! Well, I don't know for sure, but we'll see what happens Monday. After english, I went with Elder Jensen to a discussion! Elder Watts was too worried and stressed. We might loose the library for this! Satan is working hard, but we just have to keep on going! The Lord will bless us. I just hope its not by sitting in jail."

Married

28 October 2004
"Well, a fairly good day today. We worked all night, and had a good time today. We were all at the other elder's house as we all slept there, and we talked for a while. Then, we went out to the internet, and wrote home. After that we ate in our Cafe - Позэнь, and we had a good time there. Elder Kirk and I came home, and we rested and I wrote several letters home. We then headed to see Слава but he wasn't home. We ended the night with a meeting with Галина - deaf, and that was good.

Well, I got the news today that likely Meagan will be getting married soon. I don' t know what to think, but I will be happy when all is resolved - either yes or no. Right now, my head hurts to think about it. All is well, and I am grateful to serve the Lord, and know this is where I should be! I love to serve! This is the Lord's work!"

Registration Trip

27 October 2004
"It was a quick one to and from Samara. We took of early and flow into Samara around 10. We went to the office, and they took my stuff to get all registered. We sat around for a bit, and then we headed to an Italian restaurant for lunch. It was way good, and I loved it. We just sat and read in the office most of the day. We took off, and our flight was delayed, so we just waited a bit. We took off about an hour late, but made it back to Izhevsk without any problems. I slept most of the time on the plane, and on the hour taxi ride.

I kind of wish I had been here in the city, but all is well. It was a nice break. I was with Watts and we had a blast talking. He's a good elder, and knows the language very well. I enjoy missionary work, and I can't wait to get going again! Well, p-day again tomorrow, but yes.."

School Visits

26 October 2004
"We stopped by to Ольга this morning and then went to a university. There we just talked. It was mostly girls, so that was awkward, but it was good. We met a girl who lived in Colorado, and she knew English very well. It was pretty cool.

After that...We went home and I mad tortillas, after which we met with Юля. She is awesome. I wish I could be here when she gets baptized, but likely I will be gone. Anyhow, we are staying at the other elder's house tonight, and then tomorrow I will be in Samara to do registration. Hopefully all will work out for us tomorrow."

25 October 2004
"We left early to get the passport of Настя and then to собрание округа. We were there for awhile, and then we came home and finished studying. We then went to Ольга's, but she wasn't there. We then went to Наташа, Моша, и Юля. We shared a short message about testimony with them. It was awesome. We sang with them, and it was fun. We came home late, but all is well."

Conference

24 October 2004
"At least we saw some of conference today. It was all we did, but we did enjoy it. We headed to the other early this morning, and then we went to the library for the meeting. We needed an extension cord, so Elder Jensen and I ran around but couldn't find one forever. We bought one - we're sinners - after half an hour. Well, we returned and watched Saturday Morning and Sunday Afternoon session. They were all in Russian, but they were still very interesting and spiritual."

Busy

23 October 2004
"Interesting day today. We met with Таня from English and tried to help her find a book on the internet. We didn't find it, but it was a good opportunity to talk with her about the church. We came home and changed all the things from the area book to the new one. It took a good 6 hours, but we got it all done finally. We then had a meeting with Ольга, and that was interesting. She still can't get over субботный день. We told her to read and to pray about Joseph Smith, and it was pretty awesome. We ended the night with Ангелина, Лидия, и Марина. We talked about general conference, and the importance of it.

I love being able to help people, and to serve them. I absolutely love the people here. They are amazing. I will sure miss them."

Busy

22 October 2004
"Well, it was better again today. We just didn't have much time to do anything. We went to a school and talked with them for a bit, and that was cool. We then came home and ate and then went to plan our English lesson. The lesson went well, and it was about politics and was pretty interesting. We ended the night by talking with people, and it went fairly well. I love being busy! It makes the work easier!"

Preach My Gospel

21 October 2004
"Another good day today. It was p-day, so we did all the things we needed to as well as got haircuts. It was a lot of fun to hear from my brother, and to eat like always. Tonight we had a meeting with Ольга и Настя. It was a lot of fun. Nothing from Meagan again so I take it she is getting married or something - who knows.

Today we got the new Preach My Gospel books. It is our new everything, and I love it. I am excited to teach again, and know that the new materials will help. It focuses on the restoration, and I know that that is the most important part of our message. I have a testimony about it that I want to share with everyone! The gospel is true! I love it, and the opportunity to share that with people."

Work

20 October 2004
"It's sure a lot better when we have some work - well at least a couple of meetings. We started the day by just stopping by to people, and of course finding no one home. We ate, stopped by more, then came back here and combined our lists together so that we would be ready for our new supplies. We then went to see Галина - глукая - and that was nice. She is a great lady, and I am amazed at her love. After her, we went to Юля and had a nice short spiritual thought with her. I love working!"

Uh-Oh

19 October 2004
"Well, I'm ready. Elder Kirk and I both are bummed. We got back together, and stopped by to the internet club to write a letter to a contact. We ate and then we headed out to work. We stopped by to a couple people, and then we came back and prepared our Книга Мормона урок. It was an alright lesson, but Алексей и Кирк had a nice argument. Elder Кирк is in an interesting mood, and now he is worrying about everything."

Quick Trip

18 October 2004
"Today turned out different then planned – I was back in Норья unexpectedly. We had district meeting after Elder Kirk registered. We were sitting there discussing our week when Марина called and said that Darcy – one of the students – needed a priesthood blessing. Well, Elder Watts and I were on an exchange, and we went out there. We gave the blessing which was weird because it was in English – something Elder Watts hasn't done for almost 2 years. Well, everything was alright with her, and so we decided to stay around for FHE with Алек и Марина. They are awesome, and we watched The Light of the World program that Elder Watts has, and it was a lot of fun. We came home and that was the night. It was crazy.

Also, we where were there, Zan talked about some of her life stories. They were pretty amazing! She has gone through a lot. She is also going to build a home in Норья, and basically just give it to the missionaries there – the Church I guess. Elder Watts and I talked about it, and we were amazed at how generous some people are. They are so willing to give to the people here. It is so awesome! Amazing the things that the Lord is doing here. He truly does have his hand in the work!"

Good Times

17 October 2004


"Talk about amazing meetings – that's what we had today. It was absolutely awesome. There was very few people at the meeting today in Ижевск, but it was still a good one. We heard testimonies from Zan and Mrs. Johnson, and that was awesome. We took a picture afterwards, and it was a lot of fun. I helped Галина today (deaf investigator). After the meeting we headed to Норья. There, we had another testimony meeting, and it was awesome. The spirit was amazing again. It's awesome how close members of the church are when they live so far apart!

On the trip to and from Норья, I talked with Марина (дочь Ангелины) and it was nice. She is awesome, and I want to help her to get baptized. She would be an awesome member. We have so much good here, and I love it! I know that the Lord has blessed us, and that all we have is from him. Ижевск is an amazing place, and I love the people here. I know that there will be a great branch here soon."

--Sorry about the crappy picture quality.

Skinnier

16 October 2004
"I found out why everyone says I look thinner – probably because I am. Today we were so busy, I didn't even have time to eat. We bought some meat on the рынок, but we didn't have time to eat. We stopped by to a contact across the street, and chatted for a bit. We then did a couple things for Elder Kirk's registration. We had a meeting with the other and that went well – it was with Ольга. She is still caught up with субботный день. We really can't get over it. We finished the night with Ольга и Настя. We chatted and had a good meeting with them."

15 October 2004
"What a day! We didn't meet with anyone, but we couldn't really. This morning we worked on registration for Кирк. We were there for a nice long time. We then came home and ate followed by планирование! That is 2 hours long, and it went fairly well. We then returned to do more registration. We held English lesson, and then we came home. It's ridiculous how much we have to do in the city here – we do everything."

P-Day

14 October 2004
"Weird to have preparation day on a Thursday, but it worked out. Last night after I wrote, we got a phone call and had to go to the other elder's apartment. In short, the Z.L.s couldn't find the apartment, and Kirk and Watts didn't have keys. That meant that we had to go there and help out. We slept there and just relaxed.

Today we wrote home, and ate at our cafe that we always eat at. We then came home and slept and wrote more letters. Tonight we met with Лена, Тимур, и Лиля. It was interesting, but not much happened - they are just super busy."

Exchanges

13 October 2004
"I was with Elder Jensen today, and we didn't have P-day. Elder Kirk and Watts were in Samara for the day so this means that Elder Jensen and I were busy working. We had a good time and worked hard - mainly in their район. We did meet Elder Gallop and Smith (Z.L.) on вокзал. They are in the city to work. We had a time meeting with people, and made several contacts.

It was the second day in a row with snow, so that was insane. It is plenty cold outside, but luckily we are inside a lot. Soon there will be tons of snow! I am excited! I can't wait! I love snow!"

Quiet

12 October 2004
"Another interesting day today. We were in a school today doing some service - well, mainly a presentation about America. Арсентин - he is one of our contacts - took us to the school, and we just talked with the kids about America. It was a good experience. The kids really enjoyed it, and it was very interesting to answer their questions. We ended the night with a meeting with Юри - it went well, and is doing well. Fairly quiet, but good today!"

Read to Know

11 October 2004
"We had another super long district meeting, but then we got to go on a couple visits. Лариса was the first one, and that was good. She is doing very well, The second one was with Ольга and that was interesting. She says she wants to find out if the church is true, but she is not reading the BofM. We told here that we have to read in order to know. It was interesting!

In district meeting we talked about the HG. It's crazy how we feel it so often, and often don't realize. Also, the different ways I feel it too is crazy. I know the the HG does and is helping me, and this awesome to know. It makes things much easier!"

Americans

10 October 2004
"Well, today was amazing. We had sacrament and the 4 of us did everything. I talked about service in the church and about the importance of service in the church. After church we went to the other elders house before going to Норья. What an awesome experience we had there! There are like 13 people - students that is - here from Logan high. They were there at the meeting. Zan - there teacher and leader was also there.

Алексей и Ольга received the Holy Ghost, and that was absolutely awesome. The spirit was strong, and many tears were shed. We then had a testimony meeting in Russian and in English. The spirit was awesome! I remembered how I felt 2 months ago when I came to Russia. The total shock of what love these people have! It is so awesome! There is no question - the gospel is true! What an amazing thing it is that the Lord is helping the Russian people to find truth through youth from America - from Logan that is!

Oh yeah, it was nice to see some American faces here in Russia! I was in the circle and participated in the giving of the HG when Elder Watts gave it - what an awesome experience!"

Baptism

9 October 2004
"An interesting day it sure has been...So, we got home and got all ready for the day, It was fairly hectic as there was a baptism today – Алексей и Ольга. They were baptized, but there was only like 5 people there for that. It was awesome to see them get baptized! I love baptisms, and especially the spirit that is at them. It is absolutely awesome. After the baptism, we came home to eat at about 5...I prepared a nice big meal for us, and then Elder Kirk prepared his lesson. I prepared enchiladas with the stuff my mother sent me. I love her to death! Anyhow, so that was our day!

We talked for awhile with Elder Watts and Jensen for awhile after the baptism about Alec and Marina – they live in Норья. They searched for the true church for awhile, but they couldn't find it. Well after awhile, they found American kids there, and they knew that these kids were different. Well, there leader gave them a BofM. They knew that the church was true, but there were no missionaries in the area. They waited an entire year, and then the missionaries came to Ижевск. Well, now they have brought another family in the gospel today! What an awesome work that this is that the Lord is bringing forth. It is awesome the way that he does so!"

Conference

8 October 2004
"I was in Kazan for zone conference again today. It was an awesome conference. We learned more and more about the new program which we are starting to implement. It is a good program, and will help us focus on investigators more. It should allow for more baptism, and making sure people are converted!

We were on the train to Kazan, and now back to Izhevsk. It is like an 8 hour ride both ways so that means a lot of time to sleep and also to think. I know I need to focus more on the work right now, but its hard. The Lord has blessed me so much, yet it is hard. I love the Lord so much. I love this work. I know as I dive in, the Lord will continue to bless me. This is an awesome time. I know that this is where I should be, and that I have tons of support at home!"

Blessed

7 October 2004
"Well, it was a fairly good day. I did have a harder time concentrating then I thought, but all is well! So anyhow, we had a couple of meetings today. The first thing we did was I got back with Elder Kirk, and then we stopped by to people. Our last meeting was with Ольга и Настья, and that went well! Our meeting before that was with Галина and that was interesting.

She is deaf and very nice. She fed us too. Well, she was very sweet and nice I wish we knew how to help her. Anyhow, I tried hard to pay attention to her, but it was hard. Wow, why am I so lucky to have been born in America, to have hearing, sight, and the gospel? Often I take it for granted. I wish that I could share it with everyone. The gospel is true!"

Finally

6 October 2004
"What a relief today has been! It is so nice to have finally heard the news from Meagan that she is dating someone! I am sad of course, but at the same time relieved to have heard the news! I just want to be able to write to her and not have her worry about it - we're friends, and that's what friends are for! I am so glad to be here on my mission. It makes things so much easier on me! The Lord knows what is best for me! I must rely on him! He will take care of meas I work and do that which he wants!

Tonight I was on an exchange with Elder Jensen from Canada, We met with Сестра Лидия и Ангелина and had a good meeting with them. I wish that all the members of the church would be like them. They love the gospel! I know that this gospel is true and that I can share it with them! Its time to kick into gear and work!"

5 Months

5 October 2004
"5 months - what in the heck! I sure don't feel like I've been out that long! All the same - life goes on! Today we were on the рынок, and Elder Kirk bought his coats. After that we just stopped by to people and talked a bit. It was nice to be out tonight and talk with people! Tomorrow - Pday!"

Eating

4 October 2004
"Well, it was a pretty exciting day. Well, at least we ate good today. We had a district meeting, and Watts showed us how to prepare real food. We ate better! Later, we stopped by to Надежда и Настя - they live far away. That was a pretty good meeting. We then stopped by to Ольга quickly and set up an appointment for tomorrow.

We learned that we better eat better because we will work better as missionaries. It just takes a little more time to prepare, but it is worth it! I'm excited to eat better."

-- This is funny because this didn't really happen. Maybe a couple of days, but not overall.

Upended

3 October 2004
"We thought we were headed to Норья for the second week in a row, but it didn't happen. That meant we had nothing planned. We of course had a good meeting, but that was about all. We ate and then tried to stop by to people. No one was home, so we ended up finally just going to Ольга и Настя and giving them a short thought. When we came home, I made tortillas, and they were all right.

I realized what a convenience it is to have conference right there in front of us. Here we don't have the luxury. luckily, we will get to watch it next week - in Russian of course. All is well, I am excited to see some of it. I love hearing from the prophet. What an opportunity!"

Working Hard

2 October 2004


"A hard working day over with. We were at Парк Кирова this morning and that was fun, but tiring. We cleaned up garbage, and we had like 100 bags of garbage after 2 hours. I picked up more beer bottles than I ever saw in America - that's no lie either. Well, after that we tried to stop by to Слава но его не было. Anyhow, we came home and ate quickly, and then went to вокзал to help Галина. She wasn't there so we ran home for a meeting with Ольга.

Talk about frustrating. Its that субботный день again. She doesn't understand. It's so hard I need the Lord's help with this, so I will do that for sure. He will help her and overcome our frustrations about this."

--Lots of Russian here:
но его не было - no evo ne byila - but he wasn't there/home
вокзал - vokzal - the bus/train station
субботный день - subotni den - sabbath day (seventh day adventist belief that Saturday is the day we should meet).

The Spirit

1 October 2004
"It was sure a quick one today. We don't have much time at all it seems to me! We had only one meeting today, but that's all we really had time for. Лариса was our one meeting today, and it was a 2nd D. For some reason we couldn't get the spirit there, and so she didn't commit to baptism. After that we had English class, and that went fairly well. We then ended the night by chatting.

I realized what the spirit means in a d. It is the most important thing ever. Wow - the spirit is an awesome tool. We need to work harder to have his influence."

Sick

30 September 2004
"Elder Kirk didn't feel well at all today...We did have one appointment with Ольга, Настя, и Моша and so that was nice. We had a good time visiting and sharing a short message.

I hope that I won't be sick. It's not fun. Also, I want to always...serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. This is the Lord's work - and it depends on us - 19 and 20 year olds. What a responsibility!"

Family

29 September 2004
"I finally got to write home today, so that was nice. The family is doing well. Meagan didn't write again, but hopefully she will next week. We will hope for it. Also today, we were on the рынок. It was crazy busy. We also ate at our restaurant like always.

Tonight we had a visit with Ольга и Аня и Катя. It was a good one to get to know them much better. We also talked about family, and it made me realize that I love my family tons, and I loved doing scripture study with them. What a great strength they are to me! I am grateful to them for all that they do! I love them so much!"

Busy

28 September 2004
"Time is not enough here. We had 3 meetings with people today and wanted to have another. We met with Галина - deaf woman this morning, and that was crazy. I don't know any sign language, so it was plenty hard, but good to meet with her. After lunch we met with Лариса for a short time. She is doing well, but was unable to read with work. We will return and give a good lesson to her on Friday.

We then had a short meeting with Elder Jensen as it was his b-day. We ended the night with a short lesson with Лидия, Ангелина, и Марина. It was good to be with them as is always the case. I love the people here They are absolutely awesome. Also, the weather has turned gloomy. Its always dark outside. It is crazy. I like it, but it is also making me tired. All is well. I love the work and I love life here."

Rich and Poor

27 September 2004


"We have met the richest person we will ever meet here in Russia. Бела is her name, and she is super nice. Лена from English introduced us to her. She has a huge house, and has been everywhere. We even watched a video from when she was in California. It was crazy - her house was nicer then mine at home.

On the other hand, we met with another investigator who is on the other end of the scale. She lives with very little. It is in insane. Неля has a son and husband who were killed about 5 years ago. She is very humble, but said that she doesn't want to meet with us anymore because she is already living correctly. We will return though.

It's funny how the Lord blesses us in weird ways, and we don't realize it. Неля is so blessed because she is so humble. I think I need to step back and look at all the things the Lord has given me. I know that he has blessed me, but I often take it for granted. The Lord blesses me, I just don't realize it always.

Also, we had district meeting, and we are starting a new program for missionaries worldwide. It is awesome - we now actually have time to write here. Also, we will have time for dinner, and we have to be home at 9. Talk about crazy! It will take getting use to, that's for sure!"

Investigators

26 September 2004
"We had our sacrament meeting, and that was good. We had a couple of investigators there, and they are all moving to baptism. It is awesome to see. After the meeting, we hat a lot of time to contact, and other such things, so that's what we did for awhile.

We ended the night with a discussion with Наташа, Моша, и Юля. It was awesome. We gave a short spiritual thought, and then Юля sang for us! It was awesome. It will be awesome when they are all members. Only 3 more months for Юля and she will be 18. Maybe missionary work is hard, but it is sure fun!"

25 September 2004
"We did drop by to people today, but no one was home. We were able to meet with Сестра Лидия и Ангелина so that was nice. We also met with Сестра Ольга и Настия. It was nice to see them.

Other then that, not much is going on. Just a lot of studying. I have a lot left to learn, so I am working on that. I hope that things will start coming a little faster. I just need to work! The Lord has already blessed me tons. I am very grateful."

Working

24 September 2004
"It was a full day, or at least a busy one. We had to do a lot of stuff for registering, and it was ridiculous. Anyhow, later in the evening we met with Ольга and tried to answer here questions. We then met with Юрий and found out we have some work to do with him. Hopefully all will work out that way.

Elder Kirk is a good missionary and has a lot of energy. He is helping me tons too. He is definitely different, but I think we'll have much success together. The Lord is awesome, and has blessed me. I love this work!"

Registration

23 September 2004
"Well, we sure didn't do a whole lot today. In fact, we only had English and that's all. We were doing registration all morning, so that was a good waste of 3 hours - we had to do it though. After lunch, we stopped by to Слава and encouraged him to church.

Its hard right now because I have to plan everything that we are doing. It is alright, but nothing is happening. I need more help, and I'll keep praying for it. The Lord will help me!"

-- Registration was really bad in Izhevsk. Really bad!

New Companion

22 September 2004
"Well, we're back in Izhevsk after a short day in Samara. We took off on the flight this morning, and got to Samara with few problems. I sat in the office most of the day, and wrote letters home. I met Elder Kirk and I met a lot of other Elders also. I did get to write a quick note on the internet so that was nice. We flew back, and got settled in, and that's all that happened.

Once again, I will be in an adjusting period. Elder Kirk is a good elder, but I will have to adjust to how he works for course. I will pray for the Lord's help to have a strong companionship."

Юрий

--I forgot this picture the other day. This is Юрий.

Members

21 September 2004
"We were everywhere today, and it was crazy. We met with Денис (член церкви) and chatted for a bit with him. he wants to be a missionary, and we strengthened him that way - he is awesome! After that, we met with Сестра Лидия и Ангелина! (also Марина). It was awesome. Марина prayed - for the 1st time - and it was awesome. I hope that all will work out for her! We will continue to meet with her.

Our last meeting was with Наташа, Моша, и Юлия! They sang for us, and it was awesome. I need to take my tape recorder next time! They are awesome! I wish all members of the church were as strong as them - Наташа и Юлия aren't even members. They are strong! The work is awesome here - I love it!"

Leaving

20 September 2004
"Well, another day gone and it will sure be nice to be back to normal. We have not really done a lot of missionary work, just visiting with members...I know it will be hard to leave...Anyways, I want to just keep on working.

We did all the cleaning and things that Elder Jensen needed to do, and then we met with crazy Лена. That was interesting and all, and then tonight we had a big FHE ...Well, anyways, that is about all. It was all right..."

Craziness

19 September 2004


"Ugh - things are crazy! We were in Норья most of the day, and so we couldn't do a lot. We did the meeting this morning without the other two elders as they are in Samara. I talked, and went it well. It was about baptism. It was funny because the closing prayer was given by Саша, and he wanted to read the prayer from Matthew. He gave a sermon about it, and finally just prayed.

After that, we went to Норья, and that went well. We held a good meeting there. I shared my testimony of why I came, and it went well. The people there are awesome. Алек и Марина want to share the gospel with everyone. They always invite their friends and family to church. What awesome members there are here. It's awesome.

I am holding up alright. Things are crazy with Ст. Jensen taking off. I have to hold things together for after Wednesday. I will keep praying and working hard! Hopefully all will work out all right I will keep going! The work is awesome here! I love it!"

Good Day

28 September 2008
"Well, things keep getting crazier and crazier. We started out the day here with an awesome meeting where we played pool and talked with him for a bit. We then met with Лариса and had a follow up visit with her. It was awesome. She read everything and felt the spirit. She will be baptized. We then met with Ольга, and worked to resolve her concern. She can't get over суботный день. We just need to keep working with her.

Tomorrow I have to speak in church, so I have to work more on that. I will just have to pray and be prepared. I hope that all will turn out well. The Lord will bless us more and more. I love the work."

I don't know who "him" is in that first paragraph there...

Transfer Time

17 September 2004
"The sad news came today. Luckily, not too bad for me. Elder Jensen is going to serve in Orenberg. We were eating lunch when the news came. Well, after that we had to buy ticktes for him and stopped by to the other elders. We did have to teach the English lesson - just me alone, but all is well. We also gave the spiritual thought. After that, we came home, and Elder Jensen is calling people - he was here in Ижевск 6 months.

It's crazy how much I love the people here. I need to work harder and love them more as I am sure my time to go is soon. I am so grateful for the Lord to server here in Ижевск. I love the people! I hope I can let them know this before I receive my transfer! I love this work!"

Forgetful

16 September 2004
"Well, certainly the day ended off with a bang. We started the day by just talking with people, and it went all right. I forgot Elder Jensen's name when we were talking with one person on the street, but all turned out well. Tonight we meth with Лариса and ran a first with her. She is going to read, and we are meeting again on Saturday.

After that, we met with Юрий and wanted to run a 5th, but things didn't work out because he ran the встреча. He basically gave it all. He knew tithing, fast and all. It was awesome. He is moving in the right direction. In fact, he's ready.

Interesting how much I have adapeted already. The Lord has blessed me tons. Its such a blessing to me. I am so grateful to be able to talk and understand. This work is awesome!"

Going Home

15 September 2004
"Talk about insane - I think I will die because I am so tired. We got up at 5 to see Elder Sutak off at the airport. It was sad but happy. He is headed home, so that will be nice. I feel like I should be going home! All is well, just need to keep going. After the airport, we washed our clothes, got haircuts, and wrote home. Of course Meagan didn't write, but I will keep praying for her - I really hope that she will be able to do all that she needs.

Tonight we had a meeting with Ольга, Настя, и Моша and we took Ольга и Катя with us. They all got to know each other! It was awesome, and it really helped Ольга to get some friends in the church! We just need to keep on working."

1st and More

14 September 2004
"Well, we had at least a couple of D's happen. We ate early and then had a 1st with Алик. It went well, and he said he wants to read. Hopefully all will work out with him. After that D we met with Гуля and talked about reading scriptures. She is one of the awesome members here in Ижевск. We then of course got dogged. All is well - this is missionary work!

The gospel is coming, and the language too. Just need to keep studying. Today I studied in Alma about all the wars and contentions. I really think that the world is going in the same direction. I just hope that I can help the people here realize the great importance of the gospel. This is the work of the Lord."

13 September 2004
"It was definitely better today. I talked, and people understood. It was super nice to be able to talk a little with them. Today we really just stopped by to people, and saw how they were doing. No D's, just a few showrt little conversations. Tomorrow will have some actual D's. Just got to keep on moving and the Lord will continue to bless me! What an awesome work."

Renewal

12 September 2004
"A good day finally passed, and we met with people finally. We went to sacrament, and it was good because we had 4 people show up that we are teaching. Elder Watts gave an awesome lesson about priesthood, and that it was absolutely lost. It was so awesome. I hope that I will be able to teach like him someday. Anyhow, we also visited with Моша и Наташа which was good.

We then met with Ольга also, and it was a fairly good meeting. I realize that I have a lot of work to do in the gospel. I need to learn and understand it better. I can't talk about the gospel until I know it better. I need to study, and understand the principles better. I have a lot of work to do over the next few months. I know if I will pray and work, the Lord will continue to give me blessing! He we go Elder Tenney!"

Diggin'

11 September 2004
"Well, it's about time that we did some service around here. We got to help dig up potatoes. And of course I have a bad back so it doesn't help. Ольга had some that she wanted help with, so we decided to help. it was a lot of fun, and it made me feel better to help out.

Its awesome to help and serve. The people here are absolutely amazing. I love them so much. i wish I could serve them more and help them. The Russian people are wonderful! I love them!"

Quiet Day

10 September 2004
"Once again a quiet day. We didn't have any meetings today with people. We really just walked around and talked with people on the street, and tried to stop people. We did have English class and that was alright. After that, we went to Ольга just for a few minutes. Tomorrow we have a little more to do, so that is nice.

Once again, I am understanding more and more everyday. I know that this is the Lord's work, and I want to do all I can to help. The Lord knows me and loves me. I can feel that love for me right now."

Leaving

9 September 2004
"Finally some of our appointments happened today! It was nice. We had our final meeting with Женя as he leaves on Sunday to go to America. It was a good meeting, and I am going to sure miss him. After the meeting w/ him, we met with Юри. He is going to be baptized soon, and he knows so much already. He always gives the discussion himself practically.

The language is coming awesome. I practically understood everything - well in discussions that is. It was nice to be able to understand. I hope that the Lord will continue to bless me tons. I know he will!!!"

Love

8 September 2004
"I am glad that I finally got a letter from Meagan today. It was a nice relief. All is well w/ her and w/ my family. Also today, it was just another normal day. Elder Nance was with us again, so that was interesting and exciting.

Other then that, not much is going. Just learning and working. I realized that I need to love other mores today. Its hard when they don't love you! I need to look at all the good and things will be better."

Apostate

7 September 2004
"It finally turned out to be an awesome day for missionary proselyting work. Elder Нанц was with us again today, and so we were plenty busy. Our first meeting was with an apostate. Well, we didn't know Андрей was until after we began. It went very well actually, and he listened to a lot of what we said.

We also had meetings with Леньа - crazy Лена from English. She actually listened, and it was a good meeting. We met with Ольга, Настие, и Моша and we gave them a nice little discussion about family. They are awesome people. I love it. I know the Lord has blessed me to be here. What an awesome work this is."

Falling Through

6 September 2004
"Another day of everything falling through. We ran all over the city today, and all of our appointments fell through. We really ran everywhere. It was definitely a weird day. Hopefully tomorrow we can get some more done.

Things are getting better and better here, so that is a good thing. The Lord has helped me so much. I need to rely on him more - my faith is not as great as it needs to be. I must rely on him more and hope that I will be blessed. I already have been blessed tons. The Lord is my strength!!"

Alcohol and Candy

5 September 2004
"Once again an itneresting day turned out for us. We had sacrament this morning, and that was awesome. Presidnet Давыдик was there, and he bore his testimony and taught the lesson for the second half. It was awesome. After the meeting, we had several meeting. An interesting one as always was with Лена.

She had some candies (chocolates), and I was eating them. Well, no one had told me that some Russian candy has alcohol, and so I had a nice surprise - actually it was disgusting! I lived so that was nice. It was good to do missionary work again. It makes life a lot better, and time really moves. The work is fun too!"

-- I still remember this experience very vividly. The candy was disgusting and I thought that the candy was rotten at first. Elder Jensen explained to me later when I asked him. I even ate another candy, but broke it open and poured the alcohol out on my plate before eating it, just to be courteous.

Conference

4 September 2004
"It was a good conference...We got a lot of good advice, and things to work on. I hope that I can focus more on these things that he talked about. I will work hard on it. As for the rest of the day, here is a quick run down.

We started off by leaving at 5 to go to Kazan. We went by taxi and it was a 5 hour ride. We got there and we started the conference. After the conference, we got interviewed by the President, and then we went to McDonalds. It was good as always. After that, Elder Jensen and I took some pictures in the city, and then went to wait for the train. We were on the train 7 hours, and arrived in Ижевск at 1:30 in the morning. Tomorrow the President will be in Church!"

No More Tags

3 September 2004
"Well, it was another good one today. We really just stopped by to see how people were, and invite them to come on Sunday. English lesson went well, and it was a lot of fun. My eyes are really red, so I think i have an allergy to something.

The other big thing today was we found out that we are not to wear name tags. There has been a lot of terrorism as of late, and they want to just be safe. Just need to pray and the Lord will bless us. Off to Kazan tomorrow for zone conference!!"

Terrorists

2 September 2004
"Talk about a hard and good day all in one. The Lord knew I needed some humbling today, and so he gave it to me. I had a hard time understanding anything. It just means I need to work harder, and be more humble. Anyhow, it was a good day because Юри committed to baptism today. He really wanted it and so that was awesome. Hopefully all will go well, and he will be baptized as planned.

Other then that, not much happened. We met some good people on the street that will hopefully come to the meetings. We heard a lot about a problem in Moscow - a school taken with terrorists. Talk about insane. Hopefully all will turn out all right for everyone."

School

1 September 2004
"An interesting day it was today. We had a couple interesting things happen today. We started off by writing home. Once again I didn't get a letter from Meagan. I really hope all is well that way. I will see next week. Also, we wrote to others and relaxed a bit too. Then we began working tonight as we usually do.

We stopped by to a contact, and he wasn't home, but his wife was. Well, after a few minutes, she was offering us wine, and like forcing us to drink. Luckily we didn't have to, and we got out of the situation w/o much of a problem. The other thing was we played uno tonight with Ольга и Аня. Well, it was fun until 4 other girls showed up. It was really awkward to play with them (I am a missionary).

Anyhow, other then that, all is well here. The language is coming and I'm having a good time. The work is awesome. До завтра! Oh yeah, I forgot that it was a big holiday today to go back to school."

31 August 2004
"We had another good one and did a lot. We began the day by making a few quick stop bys to people, but with little success. After lunch, we stopped by to Слава and had a little chat with him. After that, we stopped by to a man here who received a BofM 12 years ago in America. He read the whole thing, but it was a while back. Hopefully all will work out well with him.

We had two good meeting to end the night. We met with Сестра Лидия и Ангелина, and also Марина. Марина starts school tomorrow, and we had the opportunity to give a blessing. It was an awesome thing as always. We then met with Наташа, Моша, и Юлия. They are doing well, and Юлия returned from Самара, so she had lots of fun stories to tell. It was a good meeting. The work is awesome here!! I love the people, they are awesome!"

Work

30 August 2004
" We had a couple good D's today, so it finally felt like missionary work. We rarely meet with people and do a real D, so it was nice. We also had a собрание округа. Our first meeting today was with Надежда. We met with her a while back, and finally got back with her. She hadn't read so we read with her. It was awkward because during the discussion she was breast feeding her baby. All in all it was a good one.

Our other D was with Ольга. We worked on resolving her concerns about субботный день, and Joseph Smith. It was very nice to help, and to answer her questions, and to feel the spirit. What an awesome time it was to help her. The spirit was strong. Hopefully she will be baptized soon. Just need to keep working and praying."

--Ben didn't even flinch during the discussion. I don't know how he did it.