Fun Time

3 January 2005
"Today was a blast! We had a way fun time up the hill in the forest. There was tons of people there. We headed up at about 12 today and we found a place and started a little fire there. We played soccer, buried each other in the snow, and had hot dogs. Well, after the fun we went to Айдаровы's and had a spiritual thought before playing UNO. We then came home and it was about 7:30. We ate and got all ready for bed, and now I am dead. I will sleep like a rock tonight. Today was perfect as it was snowing and it wasn't too cold. It was sweet."

Early Morning

2 January 2005
"We made it a good day today. We left this morning at 6:30 - it just about killed McCain - and went to get Володя. We rode in President Никитон's car and I felt like I was in America. It was sweet. We had our meeting and it went well. Less people were there but that's what you get when all starts at 9. Well we got our passports and ate a bit. We then studied for a couple of hours because we couldn't this morning. We went and saw a kid named Денис, and he is doing good. He is active, but usually goes to Централный. Well, we stopped by to Айдаровы's and then we came home. It's nice to work, and get to know people. It is awesome here in Russia, and I love it!"

Home Boredom

1 January 2005
"I am officially bored! We have been home all day - by instructions from the mission president, and so I have done quite little. This morning I got up and did some working out and studied the scriptures a bit. I layed back down for an hour or so and then studied the language a little. I wrote to BJ and Jamie, and also made tortillas. I had a tasty little lunch and then I set some goals for this coming year. I never set them at home, but I'm on a mission so I got motivated to make them. Well, I played cards a bit and studied some more. now I am writing, and then going to bed in a couple of hours. It has been fairly boring today, and I haven't done as much as I should have, but I figured it was a holday to relax a little bit."

Our apartment, my bed and study area.

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."