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!"