31 December 2005
"What a lazy day we got going here. I am already bored out of my mind. Well, at least I made some tortillas for about 2 hours today. I made about 40 or so and they are way good! We also watched The Incredibles for a little bit so that was sweet. We have the television and DVD player here, so we will likely end up watching some more cartoons - President said that was fine. This whole day has been lazy. This morning we kind moped around before we went to the store to buy a bunch of food. I bought a couple of DVDs but they are in Russian only unfortunately. We brought all of our stuff home and then we headed to the приходская квартира where we all got together to play some baseball. That was way cool and I had some really sweet hits. We played for a little more than an hour, and then we came back this way. We walked around for about 20 minutes and then came home - we were in denial and didn't want to. Right now I don't feel much like a missionary as we are just sitting here. I should be studying something probably. I can't believe that tomorrow is the New Year! Time flies, I don't know how to explain. Back to being bored I go!"
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Preparing
30 December 2005
"The holiday spirit is kicking in and it is making it hard to work. I had a hard time keeping us focused on work, but it was alright. The hardest part was that there was basically nothing to do. No one could meet with us as they are all getting ready for the New Year, and people didn't want to talk with us a ton, but we managed to work. We had planning this morning, and that went fairly well. We then contacted and stopped by to a few stores. We went to see Afina but she wasn't home. We need to talk with her to tell here we need to postpone the baptism. Well, we then went to the branch where we had a cool concert/play. It was the branch new year party, and they did a good job organizing it. They had the Russian Santa Clause (Дед Мороз) and a big program. We sang a couple of songs there and kind of relaxed. It was fun and really funny.
After the concert, I found out how crazy things are, and that girls have insane emotions. I have noticed how a couple of girls - Маша и Аня always are going for the missionaries attention. Other members notice this, and it is really bothering them. They wish that we would not focus all of our attention on them and we would talk with everyone, and have a good time. I don't know how to talk with our missionaries about it, and get them excited for it. I hope that they will understand where I am coming form, and that they will want to change. Tomorrow we are going to have a lazy day and get ready for New Year's!"
"The holiday spirit is kicking in and it is making it hard to work. I had a hard time keeping us focused on work, but it was alright. The hardest part was that there was basically nothing to do. No one could meet with us as they are all getting ready for the New Year, and people didn't want to talk with us a ton, but we managed to work. We had planning this morning, and that went fairly well. We then contacted and stopped by to a few stores. We went to see Afina but she wasn't home. We need to talk with her to tell here we need to postpone the baptism. Well, we then went to the branch where we had a cool concert/play. It was the branch new year party, and they did a good job organizing it. They had the Russian Santa Clause (Дед Мороз) and a big program. We sang a couple of songs there and kind of relaxed. It was fun and really funny.
After the concert, I found out how crazy things are, and that girls have insane emotions. I have noticed how a couple of girls - Маша и Аня always are going for the missionaries attention. Other members notice this, and it is really bothering them. They wish that we would not focus all of our attention on them and we would talk with everyone, and have a good time. I don't know how to talk with our missionaries about it, and get them excited for it. I hope that they will understand where I am coming form, and that they will want to change. Tomorrow we are going to have a lazy day and get ready for New Year's!"
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Exchanges
29 December 2005
"Today was pretty sweet day with Boster, and we had a good time chattin. He is such a good guy, and he wants to do the best he can as a missionary. He is not quite sure what to do, but he is a great guy. Well, we talked about how to do better that way, and how he can work more effectively. He is really to do it, and is going to try.
We went and contacted a bit. That went pretty well, and we had a good time. We stopped by to a huge magazine and looked around for a bit while we tried to decide what to eat, and what else to do. We went home and grabbed a bite to eat. That was good, and it gave us some good time to talk. We then started our day of trying to meet with people by stopping by to some members. Of course no one was home, and we just chatted a little bit with some people there close by. We did meet with Герасимовы's and that was cool. Люда и Настя are sisters, and they are way cool. We read 4 Нефий with them, and it was cool. That is a really awesome chapter about the power of pride. We then ran over to the branch apartment where we had молодежный вечер. It was way cool as we went out on the square and played tag on the ice rink. It was insanely fun, and we all had a good time. Everyone was watching us and thinking we were crazy. We just laughed and enjoyed ourselves. I am ready to die now I am so tired. Tomorrow should be a fun day again."
"Today was pretty sweet day with Boster, and we had a good time chattin. He is such a good guy, and he wants to do the best he can as a missionary. He is not quite sure what to do, but he is a great guy. Well, we talked about how to do better that way, and how he can work more effectively. He is really to do it, and is going to try.
We went and contacted a bit. That went pretty well, and we had a good time. We stopped by to a huge magazine and looked around for a bit while we tried to decide what to eat, and what else to do. We went home and grabbed a bite to eat. That was good, and it gave us some good time to talk. We then started our day of trying to meet with people by stopping by to some members. Of course no one was home, and we just chatted a little bit with some people there close by. We did meet with Герасимовы's and that was cool. Люда и Настя are sisters, and they are way cool. We read 4 Нефий with them, and it was cool. That is a really awesome chapter about the power of pride. We then ran over to the branch apartment where we had молодежный вечер. It was way cool as we went out on the square and played tag on the ice rink. It was insanely fun, and we all had a good time. Everyone was watching us and thinking we were crazy. We just laughed and enjoyed ourselves. I am ready to die now I am so tired. Tomorrow should be a fun day again."
Monday, December 28, 2009
Relaxing
28 December 2005
"We completely chilled out today, and had a way good time. This morning we didn't do a whole lot, and then we just headed over to Gene's house where they practiced a bit for the concert on Friday. I went with Anand and Condie to play a little pool. It was fun, and the best part was that it was way cheap. We played for a couple of hours before went to Трио Пицца to grab a bite to eat. There was a cool film. The Incredibles - playing there, and so we decided to watch. It was way funny, and cool. Well, about that time we headed out to write home and that was cool. I didn't have a whole ton to write though as I had just talked to them, but I did what I could. it was a lot of fun, and I had a good time there. We finished the night off at English lesson although I didn't have anyone to teach, and so I basically just listened to Theurer's lesson there. We did some practicing for the concert on Friday and now I am with Boster on exchanges. We are going to be working together tomorrow, and hopefully it will go well. I thought about when I became senior companion and how it was tough. I want to help Boster to relax and just work. It is something I wish I had known earlier on my mission. What a wonderful place to be!!"
"We completely chilled out today, and had a way good time. This morning we didn't do a whole lot, and then we just headed over to Gene's house where they practiced a bit for the concert on Friday. I went with Anand and Condie to play a little pool. It was fun, and the best part was that it was way cheap. We played for a couple of hours before went to Трио Пицца to grab a bite to eat. There was a cool film. The Incredibles - playing there, and so we decided to watch. It was way funny, and cool. Well, about that time we headed out to write home and that was cool. I didn't have a whole ton to write though as I had just talked to them, but I did what I could. it was a lot of fun, and I had a good time there. We finished the night off at English lesson although I didn't have anyone to teach, and so I basically just listened to Theurer's lesson there. We did some practicing for the concert on Friday and now I am with Boster on exchanges. We are going to be working together tomorrow, and hopefully it will go well. I thought about when I became senior companion and how it was tough. I want to help Boster to relax and just work. It is something I wish I had known earlier on my mission. What a wonderful place to be!!"
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Huge Answer
27 December 2005
"I received the biggest answer to my prayer ever today. Last night Elder Steiner and I talked about Afina and whether or not she should get baptized. We both decided to pray very sincerely about this last night so we were sure. Today we went to the Баня to pay for it for Afina's baptism and when we got there, I found out that someone had stole my money. We thought forever, and after about 30 minutes we agreed on Afina as it is the only logical answer. We were at Afina's Friday and Saturday I was without 1000. We were there yesterday and today I was without 500. We are almost sure and we could barely concentrate at our meetings once we figured it out. We are both sad and disappointed and don't know how to approach her about it. Somehow we need to though because we need to verify that it was her.
Well, besides that we contacted a little, we then went to several meeting. Our first 2 meetings were with less active members, and we talked about the importance of reading the BofM every day. They are all great people, just lost a little. Our meeting this evening was with Владик and that was sure interesting. We wanted to conduct a 2nd lesson, but he just had so many questions and concerns. He is really good guy and is very open, but his questions are very deep. The members help a lot, but it is hard. The best part is that he truly wants to know truth. He is truly an awesome and chosen guy."
"I received the biggest answer to my prayer ever today. Last night Elder Steiner and I talked about Afina and whether or not she should get baptized. We both decided to pray very sincerely about this last night so we were sure. Today we went to the Баня to pay for it for Afina's baptism and when we got there, I found out that someone had stole my money. We thought forever, and after about 30 minutes we agreed on Afina as it is the only logical answer. We were at Afina's Friday and Saturday I was without 1000. We were there yesterday and today I was without 500. We are almost sure and we could barely concentrate at our meetings once we figured it out. We are both sad and disappointed and don't know how to approach her about it. Somehow we need to though because we need to verify that it was her.
Well, besides that we contacted a little, we then went to several meeting. Our first 2 meetings were with less active members, and we talked about the importance of reading the BofM every day. They are all great people, just lost a little. Our meeting this evening was with Владик and that was sure interesting. We wanted to conduct a 2nd lesson, but he just had so many questions and concerns. He is really good guy and is very open, but his questions are very deep. The members help a lot, but it is hard. The best part is that he truly wants to know truth. He is truly an awesome and chosen guy."
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Crazy Girl
26 December 2005
"We are so confused at the day today. We are not sure how to help Афина. She is a great young lady, and she is doing a lot, but she is out of control a lot. She can't control her own actions - well she can - but she just is so crazy out of control sometime. I know she is only 13, but she really needs to calm down. It was really bad today, and almost impossible to conduct a lesson with her. She just has so little interaction with others, that she goes crazy when we are there. We are going to pray a lot for her, and hope that she is ready for baptism. She is ready, but still needs to understand.
This morning we had собрание округа which was super fast and we didn't have a ton of time for that as a couple of the elders were late. We worked on setting goals for 2006 and that went well. We got a lot done, and there should be a lot of good next year. We then went to Афина's house after which we went to another member's house - Нина Краснова. She is well, and her son is here. He is mentally handicapped, but a really nice guy. It was interesting to be there as he doesn't comprehend completely. I think I am going crazy as every day I want to sleep more and more. I guess that is part of life, and in 4 days I will have my wish."
"We are so confused at the day today. We are not sure how to help Афина. She is a great young lady, and she is doing a lot, but she is out of control a lot. She can't control her own actions - well she can - but she just is so crazy out of control sometime. I know she is only 13, but she really needs to calm down. It was really bad today, and almost impossible to conduct a lesson with her. She just has so little interaction with others, that she goes crazy when we are there. We are going to pray a lot for her, and hope that she is ready for baptism. She is ready, but still needs to understand.
This morning we had собрание округа which was super fast and we didn't have a ton of time for that as a couple of the elders were late. We worked on setting goals for 2006 and that went well. We got a lot done, and there should be a lot of good next year. We then went to Афина's house after which we went to another member's house - Нина Краснова. She is well, and her son is here. He is mentally handicapped, but a really nice guy. It was interesting to be there as he doesn't comprehend completely. I think I am going crazy as every day I want to sleep more and more. I guess that is part of life, and in 4 days I will have my wish."
Friday, December 25, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
25 December 2005
"Another Christmas passed by here on the mission. It is crazy how they pass without much noticing. We had church this morning and that was good. Once again, Владик was there and he enjoyed it all very much. He is a great guy, and we have another meeting with him on Tuesday. Well, after the meeting, we went to the branch apartment, and made cookies. It took about 3 hours, and I was ready to die by the end. It was really a huge waste of time, and I was the only one who even worked on the cookies. We took off to a few members, and gave them what we had made, and sang a bit with them. It was cool, and it was nice to sing to people.
We then ran back here as I had to talk with the family. That was awesome, and at the same time really weird. They are doing well and it was cool to talk with them. It was really cool to talk with my sister Elsa. I also chatted with my Mom for a few minutes and that was nice. She is doing well, and having a good Christmas break. My brother should have called, but I must have given the wrong number because he hasn't called yet. Tomorrow we will be back to work, and it will be super cool. I love work, and it helps me not worry about dumb things."
"Another Christmas passed by here on the mission. It is crazy how they pass without much noticing. We had church this morning and that was good. Once again, Владик was there and he enjoyed it all very much. He is a great guy, and we have another meeting with him on Tuesday. Well, after the meeting, we went to the branch apartment, and made cookies. It took about 3 hours, and I was ready to die by the end. It was really a huge waste of time, and I was the only one who even worked on the cookies. We took off to a few members, and gave them what we had made, and sang a bit with them. It was cool, and it was nice to sing to people.
We then ran back here as I had to talk with the family. That was awesome, and at the same time really weird. They are doing well and it was cool to talk with them. It was really cool to talk with my sister Elsa. I also chatted with my Mom for a few minutes and that was nice. She is doing well, and having a good Christmas break. My brother should have called, but I must have given the wrong number because he hasn't called yet. Tomorrow we will be back to work, and it will be super cool. I love work, and it helps me not worry about dumb things."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Getting Ready
24 December 2005
"I felt a lot better today although we didn't a whole lot. We started the day out by doing some contacting, and then we went and bought Santa hats and a Christmas tree. We got things all decorated, and then we tried to relax a bit, but ended up going to sport time quick like, and that was a huge waste of time. We sat there and just chatted and then we played a little chess which was our sport. We came home, changed, and then went back for a meeting that we had there. It was pretty cool, and we had a good discussion about our investigators. After that, we stayed there and had a little get pumped up for Christmas and watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas, and that was a lot of fun. We sat and chatted for a bit before we went with Андре to find some more presents. We were wearing our Santa hats, and tons of people wanted us to give them as presents. All these young ladies came up to us, and it was funny. We didn't buy anything other the some food for tomorrow. We came home, and now we are just chillin. Андре stopped by to get his book, and is still here. I talked with my Dad quick like, and now we are going to bed soon. Christmas eve - that is sure crazy!"
"I felt a lot better today although we didn't a whole lot. We started the day out by doing some contacting, and then we went and bought Santa hats and a Christmas tree. We got things all decorated, and then we tried to relax a bit, but ended up going to sport time quick like, and that was a huge waste of time. We sat there and just chatted and then we played a little chess which was our sport. We came home, changed, and then went back for a meeting that we had there. It was pretty cool, and we had a good discussion about our investigators. After that, we stayed there and had a little get pumped up for Christmas and watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas, and that was a lot of fun. We sat and chatted for a bit before we went with Андре to find some more presents. We were wearing our Santa hats, and tons of people wanted us to give them as presents. All these young ladies came up to us, and it was funny. We didn't buy anything other the some food for tomorrow. We came home, and now we are just chillin. Андре stopped by to get his book, and is still here. I talked with my Dad quick like, and now we are going to bed soon. Christmas eve - that is sure crazy!"
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Kill Me
23 December 2005
"You can kill me. That is all that I have wanted all day. I am so dead tired that I have almost no energy to do anything. it is all thanks to the nice long train ride that I didn't sleep much, and worse than that is all the time we spent yesterday sitting in the office. Today we had an interesting day as not only I was out of it, but my companion also. We planned our week next week, and that should be cool. After that, we had some lunch before we went to see Афина.
The meeting with her didn't help my mood or energy level. In fact, it probably got worse because of it. We talked with her Mom for a while and we wanted to explain baptism to her, but it didn't work that well. We mostly just chatted for 3 or 4 hours! I was ready to fall over along with Elder Steiner. The one good thing was that we set the baptismal date for the 4th of January. We are going to be working towards that.
We went and gave Anna K. a blessing and then we went to finish the night with a meeting at the Старостины. That was good, and we talked about Joseph Smith as today was his 200th birthday. What a blessing, and I can't even think what my life would be without the gospel. It would be so much different. I can't believe how blessed I am to know the truth, and have this knowledge. I am so blessed! Off to die!"
"You can kill me. That is all that I have wanted all day. I am so dead tired that I have almost no energy to do anything. it is all thanks to the nice long train ride that I didn't sleep much, and worse than that is all the time we spent yesterday sitting in the office. Today we had an interesting day as not only I was out of it, but my companion also. We planned our week next week, and that should be cool. After that, we had some lunch before we went to see Афина.
The meeting with her didn't help my mood or energy level. In fact, it probably got worse because of it. We talked with her Mom for a while and we wanted to explain baptism to her, but it didn't work that well. We mostly just chatted for 3 or 4 hours! I was ready to fall over along with Elder Steiner. The one good thing was that we set the baptismal date for the 4th of January. We are going to be working towards that.
We went and gave Anna K. a blessing and then we went to finish the night with a meeting at the Старостины. That was good, and we talked about Joseph Smith as today was his 200th birthday. What a blessing, and I can't even think what my life would be without the gospel. It would be so much different. I can't believe how blessed I am to know the truth, and have this knowledge. I am so blessed! Off to die!"
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Made It
22 December 2005
"I am going crazy. We were in Samara all day today, and in fact we were in the office the whole time. We had a good time this evening doing absolutely nothing. We got in this morning, and that was alright, but I was tired. We chilled in the office until Council started. We had a good time there, and not a whole ton there. We learned about enduring to the end, and how we can help people do that. We mainly just used preach My Gospel and talked about how we can prepare people better for baptism. I thought a lot about the people that we are working with, and we can help them even more than we have.
We had a way awesome lunch, and I ate a ton. It was sweet, and I sure miss eating in the office. Well, after ZLC we did some crap in the office before we were just sitting there doing nothing. Basically we just chatted with a bunch of the other ZLs and enjoyed it. We took some crazy pictures. It was sweet. I then saw Sister Silva and talked with her for like 15 minutes. She is way cool, and I sure miss serving with her in my district. We had an interesting experience making it to the train. I ordered the taxi an hour before we needed it to be to the office, and then it showed up 15 minutes late. We had to run to the train with tons of boxes in our hands, and we barely made. We were both praying like crazy and we are so happy to be here on this train. What a day, and back to Penza to work we go."
"I am going crazy. We were in Samara all day today, and in fact we were in the office the whole time. We had a good time this evening doing absolutely nothing. We got in this morning, and that was alright, but I was tired. We chilled in the office until Council started. We had a good time there, and not a whole ton there. We learned about enduring to the end, and how we can help people do that. We mainly just used preach My Gospel and talked about how we can prepare people better for baptism. I thought a lot about the people that we are working with, and we can help them even more than we have.
We had a way awesome lunch, and I ate a ton. It was sweet, and I sure miss eating in the office. Well, after ZLC we did some crap in the office before we were just sitting there doing nothing. Basically we just chatted with a bunch of the other ZLs and enjoyed it. We took some crazy pictures. It was sweet. I then saw Sister Silva and talked with her for like 15 minutes. She is way cool, and I sure miss serving with her in my district. We had an interesting experience making it to the train. I ordered the taxi an hour before we needed it to be to the office, and then it showed up 15 minutes late. We had to run to the train with tons of boxes in our hands, and we barely made. We were both praying like crazy and we are so happy to be here on this train. What a day, and back to Penza to work we go."
Monday, December 21, 2009
Good P-day
21 December 2005
" It was nice to be able to take a break today. My hands are really cold and it is tough to write. It is super cold outside and so I can barely write. We started out this morning by chilling here at home, and then we went to Gene's house where we had a good time. I really just sat there while they played a bunch of songs and practiced for a concert that we are going to have in a week and a half. After we sat there for about 3 hours, we finally got out of there.
Steiner and I went and looked around a bit, and bought a few things. I got a couple of discs and a new photo album and they are my gifts for Christmas. We had a sweet time looking, and it was fun to see what there was. Well, then we met up with Boster and Condie at Subway where we grabbed a bite to eat before going to write home. The family is good and it will be weird to talk with them in a couple of days. We then had English and that was cool I just sat and listened, and really enjoyed the lesson. We practiced a little more for the New Year's party, and then we took off to come home. We chatted with some of the youth from the branch for a bit, and now we are home. Tomorrow we will be in Samara and tonight we will be on the train."
" It was nice to be able to take a break today. My hands are really cold and it is tough to write. It is super cold outside and so I can barely write. We started out this morning by chilling here at home, and then we went to Gene's house where we had a good time. I really just sat there while they played a bunch of songs and practiced for a concert that we are going to have in a week and a half. After we sat there for about 3 hours, we finally got out of there.
Steiner and I went and looked around a bit, and bought a few things. I got a couple of discs and a new photo album and they are my gifts for Christmas. We had a sweet time looking, and it was fun to see what there was. Well, then we met up with Boster and Condie at Subway where we grabbed a bite to eat before going to write home. The family is good and it will be weird to talk with them in a couple of days. We then had English and that was cool I just sat and listened, and really enjoyed the lesson. We practiced a little more for the New Year's party, and then we took off to come home. We chatted with some of the youth from the branch for a bit, and now we are home. Tomorrow we will be in Samara and tonight we will be on the train."
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Investigators
20 December 2005
"The day went really well, and we met with almost all of our investigators today. We started by going contacting as usual, and that was alright. We had the worst meal ever - fried noodles and sausage. We were dead tired because we talked till about 12:30 last night and so we were hardly moving. We did go to Raisa's house and she is doing great. She is so happy, and all is going so well for her. She wants to quit smoking, so hopefully that will work out well. We will be helping her with that.
We then met up with a member - Люда - and went to Афина's place. She is doing well and getting ready for baptism. We need to talk with her parents still and get permission for her baptism. We talked about haunted houses a bit and everyone there was so freaked out. It was funny and we had a good time.
We finished the night at Алексей Гладков's house and had a meeting with Владик. He is doing awesome, and accepting a lot of what we say, and feeling the spirit. The only problem was that Алексей talked way too much at the meeting and we couldn't really do a lesson. All the same, Владик is moving along well. We came home, and now we are chillin' here and having a good time as tomorrow is p-day!"
"The day went really well, and we met with almost all of our investigators today. We started by going contacting as usual, and that was alright. We had the worst meal ever - fried noodles and sausage. We were dead tired because we talked till about 12:30 last night and so we were hardly moving. We did go to Raisa's house and she is doing great. She is so happy, and all is going so well for her. She wants to quit smoking, so hopefully that will work out well. We will be helping her with that.
We then met up with a member - Люда - and went to Афина's place. She is doing well and getting ready for baptism. We need to talk with her parents still and get permission for her baptism. We talked about haunted houses a bit and everyone there was so freaked out. It was funny and we had a good time.
We finished the night at Алексей Гладков's house and had a meeting with Владик. He is doing awesome, and accepting a lot of what we say, and feeling the spirit. The only problem was that Алексей talked way too much at the meeting and we couldn't really do a lesson. All the same, Владик is moving along well. We came home, and now we are chillin' here and having a good time as tomorrow is p-day!"
Saturday, December 19, 2009
One Prayer
19 December 2005
"I can't believe the joy that comes from working! It is so awesome. Today was one of the downest days ever on the mission, at least at the start. I had no way of focusing. I sat, read, but nothing got through. It was about 10:00 and I said a prayer to the Lord to help me to focus and to get the spirit. I opened Preach My Gospel right to the Book of Mormon section and had an awesome 30 minutes of study. From that, I was ready to get out on the streets and to do some contacting. Not only that, but I talked with a ton of people and knew what to say. What a blessing just the one little prayer made.
We had собрание округа, and that went well. We ate some pelmeni after that, and we just sat and chatted. The other elders are good guys, and they work fairly well. Our evening was another great blessing from the Lord. At about 4, we left the other elders house, and we had no plans at all. We called several people, but nothing. I finally got hold of one lady, and things went well. We had a meeting with her, stopped by to another lady, had a meeting with her. It was interesting because this lady hasn't seen the missionaries in over a year, and she is very believing. She talked about the Bible, and about how we need to talk more about it not to scare people away. We then stopped by to a couple more people before finishing with one more meeting. It was so awesome. We blessed the lives of tons and it is such an amazing feeling. The crappy day turned out to be a fairly good one."
"I can't believe the joy that comes from working! It is so awesome. Today was one of the downest days ever on the mission, at least at the start. I had no way of focusing. I sat, read, but nothing got through. It was about 10:00 and I said a prayer to the Lord to help me to focus and to get the spirit. I opened Preach My Gospel right to the Book of Mormon section and had an awesome 30 minutes of study. From that, I was ready to get out on the streets and to do some contacting. Not only that, but I talked with a ton of people and knew what to say. What a blessing just the one little prayer made.
We had собрание округа, and that went well. We ate some pelmeni after that, and we just sat and chatted. The other elders are good guys, and they work fairly well. Our evening was another great blessing from the Lord. At about 4, we left the other elders house, and we had no plans at all. We called several people, but nothing. I finally got hold of one lady, and things went well. We had a meeting with her, stopped by to another lady, had a meeting with her. It was interesting because this lady hasn't seen the missionaries in over a year, and she is very believing. She talked about the Bible, and about how we need to talk more about it not to scare people away. We then stopped by to a couple more people before finishing with one more meeting. It was so awesome. We blessed the lives of tons and it is such an amazing feeling. The crappy day turned out to be a fairly good one."
Friday, December 18, 2009
Effort
18 December 2005
"We tried to kill ourselves today, but luckily we are still alive and moving. As usual, we went to the meeting this morning and that was good. Владик was there and also Афина и Роза. Владик is way cool, and he even paid tithing after hearing a talk about it. He is really a great guy. Directly after the meeting, we went with Илья on a couple of meetings to some members, and that went well. They are both physically handicapped and so it is hard for them to do a whole lot. We were with them for awhile before we had to run to a meeting with Афина. That was an awesome meeting. Афина is a great young lady. She is doing everything that she needs, and the next step is baptism. When she showed up to church today, I was relieved, and I thought about what a great example she is and about how she is truly ready. We need to run through a few more things with her, but we think she will be getting baptized next week.
After our long sit there, we went to the Поваров's house, and did some practicing for a celebration of New Years that we will be having. That went well, and we had a good time. We read a little about becoming something and not to go through the motions. It is such an important principle in life. We need to give all of our effort, and then the results will come."
"We tried to kill ourselves today, but luckily we are still alive and moving. As usual, we went to the meeting this morning and that was good. Владик was there and also Афина и Роза. Владик is way cool, and he even paid tithing after hearing a talk about it. He is really a great guy. Directly after the meeting, we went with Илья on a couple of meetings to some members, and that went well. They are both physically handicapped and so it is hard for them to do a whole lot. We were with them for awhile before we had to run to a meeting with Афина. That was an awesome meeting. Афина is a great young lady. She is doing everything that she needs, and the next step is baptism. When she showed up to church today, I was relieved, and I thought about what a great example she is and about how she is truly ready. We need to run through a few more things with her, but we think she will be getting baptized next week.
After our long sit there, we went to the Поваров's house, and did some practicing for a celebration of New Years that we will be having. That went well, and we had a good time. We read a little about becoming something and not to go through the motions. It is such an important principle in life. We need to give all of our effort, and then the results will come."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Fluent
17 December 2005
" So many interesting experiences all in one day. It was insane. We started the day with a meeting at the Старостины and Vladik was there (was at church last Sunday). We had a first lesson and that was awesome. He was in agreement with us on all, and wants to know truth. As we left, he tried to give us money as he though we didn't have enough. What a great guy. We came home, and had tacos. They were so good and they were better with my homemade flour tortillas. We then had an English lesson, and that was interesting. There were 11 and 12 year-olds, and they knew English awesome. They will be fluent in about 4 or 5 years. We had a good time chatting with them, and playing. Then came собрание миссионеров, and we ran over there to the branch apartment. The meeting went well although there were few people.
We had a meeting with a member right after that, and we went there. The meeting went well, and we read 4 Nephi and discussed the righteousness and wickedness of the people. After our meeting we didn't have anything, and so we walked to several members. We tried to help a drunk laying on the street who was laying in the water and ice but she didn't want any, and just lay there. We sat and waited for Аня on the bus stop as she wanted to go to some member with us. We walked to a bunch of houses with little success and at one point had a little kid launching snowballs at us, and not leaving us alone. It was a real pain, but it was all good in the end. We walked around a lot, and it was a lot of fun, and a pretty successful day!"
" So many interesting experiences all in one day. It was insane. We started the day with a meeting at the Старостины and Vladik was there (was at church last Sunday). We had a first lesson and that was awesome. He was in agreement with us on all, and wants to know truth. As we left, he tried to give us money as he though we didn't have enough. What a great guy. We came home, and had tacos. They were so good and they were better with my homemade flour tortillas. We then had an English lesson, and that was interesting. There were 11 and 12 year-olds, and they knew English awesome. They will be fluent in about 4 or 5 years. We had a good time chatting with them, and playing. Then came собрание миссионеров, and we ran over there to the branch apartment. The meeting went well although there were few people.
We had a meeting with a member right after that, and we went there. The meeting went well, and we read 4 Nephi and discussed the righteousness and wickedness of the people. After our meeting we didn't have anything, and so we walked to several members. We tried to help a drunk laying on the street who was laying in the water and ice but she didn't want any, and just lay there. We sat and waited for Аня on the bus stop as she wanted to go to some member with us. We walked to a bunch of houses with little success and at one point had a little kid launching snowballs at us, and not leaving us alone. It was a real pain, but it was all good in the end. We walked around a lot, and it was a lot of fun, and a pretty successful day!"
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Long Night
16 December 2009
"We had a fairly lazy day today. It was the first one since I have come, but it was sure crazy. This morning we got up and we didn't do much. I studied and all of course. After that, we did our planning, and then we ate a nice big meal of chicken and noodles. We headed out to do a little contacting.
We walked forever with little success. We talked with a few people, but not as many as we would have liked. People weren't really up for talking with us, but I think part of that had to do with us. We didn't contact near as well as we should have. We also searched for a home for a nice long while, but we sure didn't find it. We asked a ton of people, but no one seemed to know where it was. We then came home for dinner and chilled a bit. I was so tired for some reason. We sat around before heading to шавкат's house.
There things are well, and надежда (their neighbor) was there again. We taught her about the Book of Mormon and then we chatted for a bit. She said that she is scared to come to church because she has never been. We encouraged her to pray about it. After the meeting was the long walk home. We waited for our bus forever before making it home. What an adventure - that is part of the mission!"
"We had a fairly lazy day today. It was the first one since I have come, but it was sure crazy. This morning we got up and we didn't do much. I studied and all of course. After that, we did our planning, and then we ate a nice big meal of chicken and noodles. We headed out to do a little contacting.
We walked forever with little success. We talked with a few people, but not as many as we would have liked. People weren't really up for talking with us, but I think part of that had to do with us. We didn't contact near as well as we should have. We also searched for a home for a nice long while, but we sure didn't find it. We asked a ton of people, but no one seemed to know where it was. We then came home for dinner and chilled a bit. I was so tired for some reason. We sat around before heading to шавкат's house.
There things are well, and надежда (their neighbor) was there again. We taught her about the Book of Mormon and then we chatted for a bit. She said that she is scared to come to church because she has never been. We encouraged her to pray about it. After the meeting was the long walk home. We waited for our bus forever before making it home. What an adventure - that is part of the mission!"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Party
15 December 2005
"What a night. We partied everything away. So we had a big going away party for Stapleton and Brimley. We ate a ton of ice cream, and drank a bunch of im-bru. In fact, a couple of the members drank way too much, and it was like they were drunk. They laughed at every little thing and were going crazy. I sat and talked with a bunch of the members, and it was way cool. I love the youth here. We were there really late, and I was ready to kill everyone (I wanted to leave), but it was fun.
This morning we had a goal to talk with our 10 people, and that went well. We talked with all of them and then we stopped by to the store to buy a bunch of crap for this evening. It was cool, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. We spent a lot of money, and then we came home and ate. We went to the рынок, made some keys, and then we went to Афина's house.
We talked with her about baptism, and about what it means. She seems to understand well, but she has way too much energy sometimes it seems. Well, we set a baptismal date for her in about a month, and we'll be working towards that. We hope that she will be ready and are praying hard for her. We then went to молодежный вечер and that was exciting and all. Back to work tomorrow."
"What a night. We partied everything away. So we had a big going away party for Stapleton and Brimley. We ate a ton of ice cream, and drank a bunch of im-bru. In fact, a couple of the members drank way too much, and it was like they were drunk. They laughed at every little thing and were going crazy. I sat and talked with a bunch of the members, and it was way cool. I love the youth here. We were there really late, and I was ready to kill everyone (I wanted to leave), but it was fun.
This morning we had a goal to talk with our 10 people, and that went well. We talked with all of them and then we stopped by to the store to buy a bunch of crap for this evening. It was cool, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. We spent a lot of money, and then we came home and ate. We went to the рынок, made some keys, and then we went to Афина's house.
We talked with her about baptism, and about what it means. She seems to understand well, but she has way too much energy sometimes it seems. Well, we set a baptismal date for her in about a month, and we'll be working towards that. We hope that she will be ready and are praying hard for her. We then went to молодежный вечер and that was exciting and all. Back to work tomorrow."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Fun P-day
14 December 2005
"Another p-day gone and down the drain. We had a way good time, and had a good time relaxing. This morning we went to Gene's place, and the elders played a bit on the guitar and played some interesting songs. Elder Theurer and I went and walked around the рынок and bought him some boots. I love the weird stares that people always give to us and how they talk about us as if we don't understand them. We found the boots he wanted, dropped off my rolls of film and then went back to Gene's to get our companions.
All of us elders then headed over to a restaurant - The Steak House. It was really good, and I had a real piece of meat. It has been such a long time since I have eaten some good meat. We went and wrote home, and that was good. The family is doing well, and they are getting ready for Christmas.
We quick like wrote home, and all is good that way. We had English lesson this evening, and that was alright. I am not a big fan of English lessons, but it is all good, and part of life. We sat and chatted with everyone after the lesson and that was cool. Back to missionary work tomorrow. We have a lot of work, and we are going to be contacting. I love the work here!"
"Another p-day gone and down the drain. We had a way good time, and had a good time relaxing. This morning we went to Gene's place, and the elders played a bit on the guitar and played some interesting songs. Elder Theurer and I went and walked around the рынок and bought him some boots. I love the weird stares that people always give to us and how they talk about us as if we don't understand them. We found the boots he wanted, dropped off my rolls of film and then went back to Gene's to get our companions.
All of us elders then headed over to a restaurant - The Steak House. It was really good, and I had a real piece of meat. It has been such a long time since I have eaten some good meat. We went and wrote home, and that was good. The family is doing well, and they are getting ready for Christmas.
We quick like wrote home, and all is good that way. We had English lesson this evening, and that was alright. I am not a big fan of English lessons, but it is all good, and part of life. We sat and chatted with everyone after the lesson and that was cool. Back to missionary work tomorrow. We have a lot of work, and we are going to be contacting. I love the work here!"
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Marriage Advice
13 December 2005
"Holy crap - I saw the scariest thing ever today on our way home. Hanging on a building was this - 2006. Time is going way too fast. I just can't believe it. I don't want to think about it, but the time can't go any faster. Who thought that time would freak me out like that.
Today was the day of doing all the hud. It was an alright day in spite of that - awesome in fact. This morning we contacted on the street, and that went really well. We were at Раиса's - the lady who smokes and can't quit - and we got marriage council from her. She talked about how love is the most important part of marriage and about how you must show great respect to your wife. We of course knew all of this because we have gospel in our lives. We are sure blessed.
We went across the street, and made a baptismal program and then we went to вокзал and got ourselves tickets to Samara for ZL Council in a week. Well, by that time we needed to eat and so we went to Блин Хаус - the little pancake place that was pretty decent. We paid for our phone, and then also for a couple other bills.
To end the night, we had a baptism! Elder Brimley and Boster baptized Вера Федоровна. There were about 20 people there, and it was awesome. The spirit was way strong, and the Lord has another one of his children on the path back to him. What an amazing thing baptism is. It is truly the only way back. After the baptism, we stood at the bus stop forever, and then finally decided to walk as nothing was going - it took us 1 1/2 hours to get home, but we had a good laugh about it in the end."
"Holy crap - I saw the scariest thing ever today on our way home. Hanging on a building was this - 2006. Time is going way too fast. I just can't believe it. I don't want to think about it, but the time can't go any faster. Who thought that time would freak me out like that.
Today was the day of doing all the hud. It was an alright day in spite of that - awesome in fact. This morning we contacted on the street, and that went really well. We were at Раиса's - the lady who smokes and can't quit - and we got marriage council from her. She talked about how love is the most important part of marriage and about how you must show great respect to your wife. We of course knew all of this because we have gospel in our lives. We are sure blessed.
We went across the street, and made a baptismal program and then we went to вокзал and got ourselves tickets to Samara for ZL Council in a week. Well, by that time we needed to eat and so we went to Блин Хаус - the little pancake place that was pretty decent. We paid for our phone, and then also for a couple other bills.
To end the night, we had a baptism! Elder Brimley and Boster baptized Вера Федоровна. There were about 20 people there, and it was awesome. The spirit was way strong, and the Lord has another one of his children on the path back to him. What an amazing thing baptism is. It is truly the only way back. After the baptism, we stood at the bus stop forever, and then finally decided to walk as nothing was going - it took us 1 1/2 hours to get home, but we had a good laugh about it in the end."
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Movie
12 December 2005
"The weather rocks! I love it. It is constantly snowing and there is already a ton of snow on the ground. It is way cool. It is also nice to be able to have a snowball fight and other things like that. It is so awesome.
So this morning we had to go pay for the place where the baptism will be, and that went well. We then had to find some ink replacement for the fax machine, and that was successful. Well, we came home for собрание округа which was a lot of fun, but hard as I was tired. Things seem to be going really slow right now, and it is hard. We got Subway for lunch and it is always nice to get some American food in the body. Максим then asked for a blessing and so we gave him one for his health. It has been a long time since I have given a blessing, but it is an awesome feeling when the spirit is working through you. I felt the words coming from somewhere else, and that is how the Lord blesses people.
We ran to a meeting with Баба Нина and she promised to come to the baptism, and she wants to come to church, but she says it is hard to get up. She will be trying. We then went to Афина's and had a good lesson with her, watching "The Restoration." It was a really good meeting. We enjoyed that, and then we played a bit with her. What an amazing time it was, and it is so amazing to teach the gospel. I love it here."
"The weather rocks! I love it. It is constantly snowing and there is already a ton of snow on the ground. It is way cool. It is also nice to be able to have a snowball fight and other things like that. It is so awesome.
So this morning we had to go pay for the place where the baptism will be, and that went well. We then had to find some ink replacement for the fax machine, and that was successful. Well, we came home for собрание округа which was a lot of fun, but hard as I was tired. Things seem to be going really slow right now, and it is hard. We got Subway for lunch and it is always nice to get some American food in the body. Максим then asked for a blessing and so we gave him one for his health. It has been a long time since I have given a blessing, but it is an awesome feeling when the spirit is working through you. I felt the words coming from somewhere else, and that is how the Lord blesses people.
We ran to a meeting with Баба Нина and she promised to come to the baptism, and she wants to come to church, but she says it is hard to get up. She will be trying. We then went to Афина's and had a good lesson with her, watching "The Restoration." It was a really good meeting. We enjoyed that, and then we played a bit with her. What an amazing time it was, and it is so amazing to teach the gospel. I love it here."
Friday, December 11, 2009
Doubt
11 December 2005
"Today we didn't have a lot of meetings, but it was a pretty good day. I was dead tired this morning, and didn't have much energy. I didn't feel like doing much and that is the worst feeling in the world. Well, I did, and we had a good time one we go to the meeting. There was a guy that Kotov and I talked to yesterday and gave a Book or Mormon to. He was at the meeting today, and he really enjoyed it quite a bit. He read the 1st chapter and felt that he needed to come to church today. It was cool, and the members were so friendly and introduced themselves and invited him to meet with us at their houses. Well, after the meeting, we had branch council, and that went for 2 hours. We talked a lot about home and visiting teaching. It was crazy, and there were some people who said that it is not possible to do 100% home/visiting teaching. They talked about how immediately it will not be like that. After that, we finally went and checked out the Баня where the baptism will be. Things worked out well for that.
We came home and ate before we went with all the other missionaries to Андре's to get ready for our New Year's skit that we will have. We were there for awhile, and had an interesting time answering her questions about the scriptures. She knows a lot, and doubts a lot. Now we are home, and tomorrow, we are back to work!"
"Today we didn't have a lot of meetings, but it was a pretty good day. I was dead tired this morning, and didn't have much energy. I didn't feel like doing much and that is the worst feeling in the world. Well, I did, and we had a good time one we go to the meeting. There was a guy that Kotov and I talked to yesterday and gave a Book or Mormon to. He was at the meeting today, and he really enjoyed it quite a bit. He read the 1st chapter and felt that he needed to come to church today. It was cool, and the members were so friendly and introduced themselves and invited him to meet with us at their houses. Well, after the meeting, we had branch council, and that went for 2 hours. We talked a lot about home and visiting teaching. It was crazy, and there were some people who said that it is not possible to do 100% home/visiting teaching. They talked about how immediately it will not be like that. After that, we finally went and checked out the Баня where the baptism will be. Things worked out well for that.
We came home and ate before we went with all the other missionaries to Андре's to get ready for our New Year's skit that we will have. We were there for awhile, and had an interesting time answering her questions about the scriptures. She knows a lot, and doubts a lot. Now we are home, and tomorrow, we are back to work!"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
No Temptation
10 December 2005
"Today we had an interesting meeting with Афина. We talked about knowing the truth and about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon every day. She said that she wasn't ready for baptism because she has a pull to do wrong. We talked with her about how this temptation will never leave and that she needs to be strong. It was interesting hear her wish to get baptized only when there is no temptation. I think that we all wish that we could have something like that but it will never happen. Also, her cousin Роза was there and she is the cutest little girl ever - she is 9 and is tiny. It was so awesome to be there.
This morning we went contacting with the APs and that was cool. We also ate some German Pancakes that were tasty too. I was with Котов and we talked with a ton of people. They then left, and we had our sports time. That was pretty cool as we walked up a big hill, and looked out over the city. It was cool, and the view was amazing. We hurried and made it on собрание миссионеров which was sure interesting. It seems that people are really starting to hate how things are going in the branch because they are voicing a strong opinion. They don't completely understand the importance of strengthening the branch by doing all that they can. I am not sure how to help them, but we need to do something to get them more excited, and so that there was excitement in the branch."
"Today we had an interesting meeting with Афина. We talked about knowing the truth and about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon every day. She said that she wasn't ready for baptism because she has a pull to do wrong. We talked with her about how this temptation will never leave and that she needs to be strong. It was interesting hear her wish to get baptized only when there is no temptation. I think that we all wish that we could have something like that but it will never happen. Also, her cousin Роза was there and she is the cutest little girl ever - she is 9 and is tiny. It was so awesome to be there.
This morning we went contacting with the APs and that was cool. We also ate some German Pancakes that were tasty too. I was with Котов and we talked with a ton of people. They then left, and we had our sports time. That was pretty cool as we walked up a big hill, and looked out over the city. It was cool, and the view was amazing. We hurried and made it on собрание миссионеров which was sure interesting. It seems that people are really starting to hate how things are going in the branch because they are voicing a strong opinion. They don't completely understand the importance of strengthening the branch by doing all that they can. I am not sure how to help them, but we need to do something to get them more excited, and so that there was excitement in the branch."
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
APs
9 December 2005
"Today was sweet other then the fact that the weather is really terrible. All this snow came down, and now it is melting. There are huge puddles, and we walked through them, and we got our socks and shoes super wet. It was sure crazy, and not that much fun to walk through, but I guess that is part of life.
We stopped by and got the APs this morning at the vokzal and then we took our walk home. We had waffles for breakfast, and that was way cool. We then studied and prepared for our days. It was certainly interesting, and we also planned for the next week and set goals. We finished planning, and then we head to Трио Пицца to get some lunch, and that was way awesome.
Elder Nance and I were together, and we contacted for a bit, and it went way awesome. We found several new people and we talked with a ton. We then had a meeting with a member that went well. We talked about the Melchizedek Priesthood, and about how we can work to receive it. We then had another meeting with шавкат - that was interesting. We first had to get out to the древня where he lives, and in all the water, that was interesting. There we had an interesting meeting - Шавкат blamed his wife for all the problems, and she blamed him. They just blame each other, and solve nothing. Shavkat is a good guy, but he doesn't want to listen. If they would just have FHE and family scripture study and prayer, life would be so much more enjoyable for them. it is sure interesting how such things can bless people's lives so much. It is something that has to be done to greatly bless lives.
It was way awesome with Nance today. He is an awesome elder, and we are such awesome friends. I am going to miss him and Bennett as they are leaving home. We just talked about all the good time that we had together, and the great people that we served with. I can't believe how fast time is going, and it is sure insane. I need to start focusing more, and really kick in the last few months on my mission. The last ones are the ones I will remember the most of all."
"Today was sweet other then the fact that the weather is really terrible. All this snow came down, and now it is melting. There are huge puddles, and we walked through them, and we got our socks and shoes super wet. It was sure crazy, and not that much fun to walk through, but I guess that is part of life.
We stopped by and got the APs this morning at the vokzal and then we took our walk home. We had waffles for breakfast, and that was way cool. We then studied and prepared for our days. It was certainly interesting, and we also planned for the next week and set goals. We finished planning, and then we head to Трио Пицца to get some lunch, and that was way awesome.
Elder Nance and I were together, and we contacted for a bit, and it went way awesome. We found several new people and we talked with a ton. We then had a meeting with a member that went well. We talked about the Melchizedek Priesthood, and about how we can work to receive it. We then had another meeting with шавкат - that was interesting. We first had to get out to the древня where he lives, and in all the water, that was interesting. There we had an interesting meeting - Шавкат blamed his wife for all the problems, and she blamed him. They just blame each other, and solve nothing. Shavkat is a good guy, but he doesn't want to listen. If they would just have FHE and family scripture study and prayer, life would be so much more enjoyable for them. it is sure interesting how such things can bless people's lives so much. It is something that has to be done to greatly bless lives.
It was way awesome with Nance today. He is an awesome elder, and we are such awesome friends. I am going to miss him and Bennett as they are leaving home. We just talked about all the good time that we had together, and the great people that we served with. I can't believe how fast time is going, and it is sure insane. I need to start focusing more, and really kick in the last few months on my mission. The last ones are the ones I will remember the most of all."
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Fun Day
8 December 2005
"Today was a sweet day. We had a good time writing home and doing all that way. We were home for awhile, and then we went out to write home, and all is well at home. We came back home after I bought some cool Christmas socks and then we just worked on getting pictures all in order. I have ton from Riga and Moscow, and so I put those in order.
We went to scripture study, and had a good time talking about Mark 7. It was awesome with all the people. We then had молодежный вечер and that was a lot of fun. We had few people there, but we played in the snow, and had a huge snowball fight. It was sweet, and we were soaking wet afterwards. The rain came too, so it was fun but wet to play there in the snow. We came home, and then we have been planning as the APs will be here tomorrow. I am dead tired too. It is crazy!"
"Today was a sweet day. We had a good time writing home and doing all that way. We were home for awhile, and then we went out to write home, and all is well at home. We came back home after I bought some cool Christmas socks and then we just worked on getting pictures all in order. I have ton from Riga and Moscow, and so I put those in order.
We went to scripture study, and had a good time talking about Mark 7. It was awesome with all the people. We then had молодежный вечер and that was a lot of fun. We had few people there, but we played in the snow, and had a huge snowball fight. It was sweet, and we were soaking wet afterwards. The rain came too, so it was fun but wet to play there in the snow. We came home, and then we have been planning as the APs will be here tomorrow. I am dead tired too. It is crazy!"
Monday, December 7, 2009
Heading Home
7 December 2005
"We are heading back to Penza, and it was a nice vacation. This morning we got into Moscow and we ran to McDonalds to get the breakfast, and fortunately I got it. They changed the sign about 2 minutes after I got there, but I was the only one of us 3 to get it - breakfast. We then took off to the рынок on the Metro. It is so awesome, and I love how well it is set up. We searched for this рынок for a bit, and then we found it. It was huge, and they had all kinds of awesome stuff for really cheap. I got a ton of things there for the family and it is going to be sweet. We bought and bargained all kinds of stuff - shirts, shapkas, and matroshkas.
We then went to the airport where we had a bit of a problem. The dates on our tickets were for yesterday, and so that meant that we had to change them, but they only had business class. Non problem though, and it cost me 22,300 ($745) for our 3 tickets, and I just used my church card as I have a bunch of zone money there. Anyhow, we made it on the plane, and had a good flight home with great service. We flew in and went with Роман (the mission driver) to the office.
There I sat around for awhile, but I was able to read my mail. We went to MickeyD's and then back to the office. There I chatted with the sisters and they are doing well."
"We are heading back to Penza, and it was a nice vacation. This morning we got into Moscow and we ran to McDonalds to get the breakfast, and fortunately I got it. They changed the sign about 2 minutes after I got there, but I was the only one of us 3 to get it - breakfast. We then took off to the рынок on the Metro. It is so awesome, and I love how well it is set up. We searched for this рынок for a bit, and then we found it. It was huge, and they had all kinds of awesome stuff for really cheap. I got a ton of things there for the family and it is going to be sweet. We bought and bargained all kinds of stuff - shirts, shapkas, and matroshkas.
We then went to the airport where we had a bit of a problem. The dates on our tickets were for yesterday, and so that meant that we had to change them, but they only had business class. Non problem though, and it cost me 22,300 ($745) for our 3 tickets, and I just used my church card as I have a bunch of zone money there. Anyhow, we made it on the plane, and had a good flight home with great service. We flew in and went with Роман (the mission driver) to the office.
There I sat around for awhile, but I was able to read my mail. We went to MickeyD's and then back to the office. There I chatted with the sisters and they are doing well."
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Walking Around
6 December 2005
"We are back on the train to Moscow. We had a pretty interesting day in Riga, Latvia this morning. We got in and started to walk around the city a bit. We had no clue where we were going and so we just wandered around and took some cool pictures. Riga is way clean compared to Russia, and there are tons of really nice cars. The language doesn't make sense, but almost everyone speaks Russian so that is way cool. We checked out a bunch of the old city before we went and looked at the Stockman's store where they have all kinds of American goods for sale. It was way sweet, and they have some crazy things.
Well, we went and ate at McDonald's as we knew where it was, and we knew the food was decent. We grabbed some good postcards from a place before we just walked around. There are a lot of super nice stores in Riga, and they are like malls. We got our food, and then we got on the train. Tomorrow we will be in Moscow and then back to Самара. Oh, the joys of train traveling!"
"We are back on the train to Moscow. We had a pretty interesting day in Riga, Latvia this morning. We got in and started to walk around the city a bit. We had no clue where we were going and so we just wandered around and took some cool pictures. Riga is way clean compared to Russia, and there are tons of really nice cars. The language doesn't make sense, but almost everyone speaks Russian so that is way cool. We checked out a bunch of the old city before we went and looked at the Stockman's store where they have all kinds of American goods for sale. It was way sweet, and they have some crazy things.
Well, we went and ate at McDonald's as we knew where it was, and we knew the food was decent. We grabbed some good postcards from a place before we just walked around. There are a lot of super nice stores in Riga, and they are like malls. We got our food, and then we got on the train. Tomorrow we will be in Moscow and then back to Самара. Oh, the joys of train traveling!"
Saturday, December 5, 2009
VACATION
5 December 2005
"Off to Riga we go! We are on the train right now, and we will be there in about 15 hours. Today we got into Samara after a long train ride from Penza. The Russians have this funny idea that since it is cold outside, you need to burn the cabins up. That means that you just die as you try to sleep and sweat to death. It is a pain. Well, we sat in the office for a bit before we were finally able to leave to the airport.
In Moscow, we had plenty of time to see the city. We went to Red Square and checked it all out. It was way sweet. We then went to TGI Fridays and pigged out. It was so sweet to get some really good food. We then walked around for a bit before we got on this train, and soon we will be in Riga. I am excited, and it should be way cool there."
"Off to Riga we go! We are on the train right now, and we will be there in about 15 hours. Today we got into Samara after a long train ride from Penza. The Russians have this funny idea that since it is cold outside, you need to burn the cabins up. That means that you just die as you try to sleep and sweat to death. It is a pain. Well, we sat in the office for a bit before we were finally able to leave to the airport.
In Moscow, we had plenty of time to see the city. We went to Red Square and checked it all out. It was way sweet. We then went to TGI Fridays and pigged out. It was so sweet to get some really good food. We then walked around for a bit before we got on this train, and soon we will be in Riga. I am excited, and it should be way cool there."
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sweet Day
4 December 2005
"This week was a good one, and I am off to a vacation for the next 3 days. We are headed off to Samara tonight, and then to Riga and Moscow. Well, it’s good that today was such a good day. We had Афина at the meeting and on one stopped by for her, so that is good. Also Света came with Ирина so that is way sweet. We also had the Hunts there with us, so I had the opportunity to translate which was good. It was a really good meeting and so that helped a lot for the day. We ran by and picked up my beanie and then went home and broke our fast. We discussed our lessons that we were then going to have.
We headed to Афина's and had a way awesome lesson. We talked about testimonies and the importance. She wants to know the truth, and is working on understanding. Аня и Маша were there and at times they helped while at other they didn't help one bit - they go crazy together sometimes. They went with us to our next meeting with Поваров. That was interesting as we talked about the Book of Mormon. She has a lot of questions and is doubting the truthfulness of it. Well, it is an interesting time with her. We are now ready to head out to Samara. Hopefully all goes well."
"This week was a good one, and I am off to a vacation for the next 3 days. We are headed off to Samara tonight, and then to Riga and Moscow. Well, it’s good that today was such a good day. We had Афина at the meeting and on one stopped by for her, so that is good. Also Света came with Ирина so that is way sweet. We also had the Hunts there with us, so I had the opportunity to translate which was good. It was a really good meeting and so that helped a lot for the day. We ran by and picked up my beanie and then went home and broke our fast. We discussed our lessons that we were then going to have.
We headed to Афина's and had a way awesome lesson. We talked about testimonies and the importance. She wants to know the truth, and is working on understanding. Аня и Маша were there and at times they helped while at other they didn't help one bit - they go crazy together sometimes. They went with us to our next meeting with Поваров. That was interesting as we talked about the Book of Mormon. She has a lot of questions and is doubting the truthfulness of it. Well, it is an interesting time with her. We are now ready to head out to Samara. Hopefully all goes well."
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Girls
3 December 2005
"So we had a lot of wasted time today, but all in all, it was an alright day. This morning we were doing some contacting and it was super slippery. That was cool, and it made for a fun time trying to talk with everyone. Well, we came home, and we were going to eat, but then we decided that it would be better later. We ran out to the рынок quick like - it is 2 minutes from us - and my companion got himself some gloves. We had sport time, and that was cool. We played fly's up with the football in the snow. We slid all over the place. We then played a game, followed by a little basketball. All in all, it was sweet and a bit cold, but worth it.
We came home, showered, ate and then went to the собрание миссионеров. That was pretty cool, and we got a lot done, and I know when people can help us. We should have had a meeting with Гарик but he couldn't make it, and so we just chatted with Gene for a bit. We then met up with Андре to teach a lesson to a couple girls in our area - Ирина и Юлия - they are sisters and members. Юлия wasn't there but Ирина's friend was - света. We chatted for a bit with them, and had a good time there. They said they would come tomorrow, and that will be great if that is the case. Tomorrow should be busy and then it is off on vacation!"
"So we had a lot of wasted time today, but all in all, it was an alright day. This morning we were doing some contacting and it was super slippery. That was cool, and it made for a fun time trying to talk with everyone. Well, we came home, and we were going to eat, but then we decided that it would be better later. We ran out to the рынок quick like - it is 2 minutes from us - and my companion got himself some gloves. We had sport time, and that was cool. We played fly's up with the football in the snow. We slid all over the place. We then played a game, followed by a little basketball. All in all, it was sweet and a bit cold, but worth it.
We came home, showered, ate and then went to the собрание миссионеров. That was pretty cool, and we got a lot done, and I know when people can help us. We should have had a meeting with Гарик but he couldn't make it, and so we just chatted with Gene for a bit. We then met up with Андре to teach a lesson to a couple girls in our area - Ирина и Юлия - they are sisters and members. Юлия wasn't there but Ирина's friend was - света. We chatted for a bit with them, and had a good time there. They said they would come tomorrow, and that will be great if that is the case. Tomorrow should be busy and then it is off on vacation!"
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
BofM
2 December 2005
"Another fairly good day turned out for us today. We had plenty of time this morning and so we did our planning. That went fairly well, and we got next week well planned out. We made an interesting lunch - I wanted to make a chicken casserole but it didn't turn out all that well. I guess I don't really cook so well. It was still decent, and we didn't starve.
We went out and contacted while we bought tickets to Samara, and tried to get my beanie back - I left it at someone’s house the other day. We didn't have a ton of success, but we talked with one really good guy, so we hope that something will come from that. We then took the nice walk out to Афина's house where we had an interesting as always with her. We want to baptize her, but we want to make sure she understands. We shall see what will happen.
We then had another meeting with a member that fell through. We instead decided to stop by to some other members and they were home. The mom doesn't really come to church and we talked about the Book of Mormon with her. She wants to read every day, but it is hard to find time. It is interesting how the minute people stop reading the BofM is the minute they start to fall away. There is such a great power found in that book. I don't know if I'll completely understand, but I shall try to find out how it is so."
"Another fairly good day turned out for us today. We had plenty of time this morning and so we did our planning. That went fairly well, and we got next week well planned out. We made an interesting lunch - I wanted to make a chicken casserole but it didn't turn out all that well. I guess I don't really cook so well. It was still decent, and we didn't starve.
We went out and contacted while we bought tickets to Samara, and tried to get my beanie back - I left it at someone’s house the other day. We didn't have a ton of success, but we talked with one really good guy, so we hope that something will come from that. We then took the nice walk out to Афина's house where we had an interesting as always with her. We want to baptize her, but we want to make sure she understands. We shall see what will happen.
We then had another meeting with a member that fell through. We instead decided to stop by to some other members and they were home. The mom doesn't really come to church and we talked about the Book of Mormon with her. She wants to read every day, but it is hard to find time. It is interesting how the minute people stop reading the BofM is the minute they start to fall away. There is such a great power found in that book. I don't know if I'll completely understand, but I shall try to find out how it is so."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Weird
1 December 2005
"We ran all over the place today. It was sure crazy, but it was good too because it meant that we were busy and had a lot of meetings. This morning, we met with Раиса and she is doing well. She is fairly sick, but at least she is happy as usual. She can't give up smoking, and we are unsure how to help. We were there for a long time, and we finally left to another meeting.
We met with another guy named Димитрий that is interested mainly just in English. It is fairly pointless to meet with him as he doesn't really want to get baptized. We are trying to help him, but he still doesn't want to give up his religion. We talked about baptism and about how it is important. He said he would think about it - and that is all.
We then ran to a meeting with a guy named Виктор. He is an interesting old fellow who also smokes plenty. He only has one lung, but he smokes anyways. Well, we talked about the Book of Mormon, and he said that it is true, but doesn't need to pray about it - for that he didn't know how to pray also. He kicked us out because he didn't feel good. Talk about weird meetings.
We then stopped to вокзал to buy some tickets, and then finally had some time to eat. We went to Трио Пицца and ate as we had no energy to make anything. We ended the night at молодежный вечер which was actually set aside for a missionary and his parents. It was fun, and nice to talk with people. I love the youth here, and I love to be able to work with them. They are a great help to us. I love it."
"We ran all over the place today. It was sure crazy, but it was good too because it meant that we were busy and had a lot of meetings. This morning, we met with Раиса and she is doing well. She is fairly sick, but at least she is happy as usual. She can't give up smoking, and we are unsure how to help. We were there for a long time, and we finally left to another meeting.
We met with another guy named Димитрий that is interested mainly just in English. It is fairly pointless to meet with him as he doesn't really want to get baptized. We are trying to help him, but he still doesn't want to give up his religion. We talked about baptism and about how it is important. He said he would think about it - and that is all.
We then ran to a meeting with a guy named Виктор. He is an interesting old fellow who also smokes plenty. He only has one lung, but he smokes anyways. Well, we talked about the Book of Mormon, and he said that it is true, but doesn't need to pray about it - for that he didn't know how to pray also. He kicked us out because he didn't feel good. Talk about weird meetings.
We then stopped to вокзал to buy some tickets, and then finally had some time to eat. We went to Трио Пицца and ate as we had no energy to make anything. We ended the night at молодежный вечер which was actually set aside for a missionary and his parents. It was fun, and nice to talk with people. I love the youth here, and I love to be able to work with them. They are a great help to us. I love it."
Monday, November 30, 2009
Free Beer
30 November 2005
"Another p-day gone and done. It was actually a lot of fun and we did a lot. We started the day by cleaning on the подезд. That was the фиг нам. We had to wash off the stairs because when they painted the gay walls they got the paint like stuff everywhere. We cleaned the stairs for 2 hours, and it was so painful. My blister popped that I got from ringing out the rag. The best part of it was that we helped a couple of grandmas move a door down the stairs and they gave us a beer as a reward. We told them we don't drink, and one of them got real upset we wouldn't take it. It was funny.
We took off, and Steiner got a haircut and then we bought some food for the next few days. We came home and we played a little chess. It was 1 to 1 and it was way sweet. We ran to the рынок, and I set up my lights for Christmas here. We then stopped into Subway and had some American food. It was sweet. We wrote home, and I finally heard from my Mom. We then went to English lesson and as always, it was pretty boring. We stayed for some singing, and then we came home. Tomorrow we should be super busy so it will be way nice!"
"Another p-day gone and done. It was actually a lot of fun and we did a lot. We started the day by cleaning on the подезд. That was the фиг нам. We had to wash off the stairs because when they painted the gay walls they got the paint like stuff everywhere. We cleaned the stairs for 2 hours, and it was so painful. My blister popped that I got from ringing out the rag. The best part of it was that we helped a couple of grandmas move a door down the stairs and they gave us a beer as a reward. We told them we don't drink, and one of them got real upset we wouldn't take it. It was funny.
We took off, and Steiner got a haircut and then we bought some food for the next few days. We came home and we played a little chess. It was 1 to 1 and it was way sweet. We ran to the рынок, and I set up my lights for Christmas here. We then stopped into Subway and had some American food. It was sweet. We wrote home, and I finally heard from my Mom. We then went to English lesson and as always, it was pretty boring. We stayed for some singing, and then we came home. Tomorrow we should be super busy so it will be way nice!"
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Complaining
29 November 2005
"Today was sure a sweet adventure. We wanted to visit some members that live in a village outside of the city and so that meant that we had to find the place. Well, we walked forever to try and find the stop to get on the bus - we had some people who were super nice in helping - and other not so much. We finally found the thing, and headed out there - well I guess I was filled with the spirit, because I guessed the right stop. The weather right now is not normal - there is rain in winter in Russia? That means that everything was super muddy, and especially the деревня. We found the first lady, and it turns out that her husband started to drink again, they got divorced, and they are rarely together. We then walked another couple miles in the mud to find that another ladies house burned down. We were covered and these huge trucks were going by and getting us all muddy. We were covered by the mud, but it was way sweet.
We finally got home and got off of our feet and had a bit to eat. It was nice as we had walked a ton during the morning. We then went to the other деревня at the other end of the city to visit шавкат. He is doing okay, but he just complained a lot. It was hard to listen to him for a long time. It was hard to listen to his complaints because he isn't doing anything about it. We need to do some simple things and the most important one is to worry about yourselves. We need to work and do better!"
"Today was sure a sweet adventure. We wanted to visit some members that live in a village outside of the city and so that meant that we had to find the place. Well, we walked forever to try and find the stop to get on the bus - we had some people who were super nice in helping - and other not so much. We finally found the thing, and headed out there - well I guess I was filled with the spirit, because I guessed the right stop. The weather right now is not normal - there is rain in winter in Russia? That means that everything was super muddy, and especially the деревня. We found the first lady, and it turns out that her husband started to drink again, they got divorced, and they are rarely together. We then walked another couple miles in the mud to find that another ladies house burned down. We were covered and these huge trucks were going by and getting us all muddy. We were covered by the mud, but it was way sweet.
We finally got home and got off of our feet and had a bit to eat. It was nice as we had walked a ton during the morning. We then went to the other деревня at the other end of the city to visit шавкат. He is doing okay, but he just complained a lot. It was hard to listen to him for a long time. It was hard to listen to his complaints because he isn't doing anything about it. We need to do some simple things and the most important one is to worry about yourselves. We need to work and do better!"
Saturday, November 28, 2009
10 Commandments
28 November 2005
"It was sure an interesting day. It was actually a fairly decent one actually. This morning, we went out and had a good time contacting, with not much luck. We walked across the river, and found that not too many people live there - no one really walks around there even. We stopped by to the store before were able to get home. Here we had собрание округа, and that went well. The zone is doing well, and having a good time. We want to help Theurer and Stapleton, but we aren't quite sure how. Well, we then ate chili dogs made from beans that expired a month ago - that's missionaries for you.
We then went to a meeting with a бабушка that is less active and that went alright. We had a member with us who did not help a lot - he wrote SMS the whole time. We then went to see Афина and we watched some of the "10 commandments" with her. That was cool, and I really like that film. We are happy to be home, and have the other elders gone. Life is better with 2!"
"It was sure an interesting day. It was actually a fairly decent one actually. This morning, we went out and had a good time contacting, with not much luck. We walked across the river, and found that not too many people live there - no one really walks around there even. We stopped by to the store before were able to get home. Here we had собрание округа, and that went well. The zone is doing well, and having a good time. We want to help Theurer and Stapleton, but we aren't quite sure how. Well, we then ate chili dogs made from beans that expired a month ago - that's missionaries for you.
We then went to a meeting with a бабушка that is less active and that went alright. We had a member with us who did not help a lot - he wrote SMS the whole time. We then went to see Афина and we watched some of the "10 commandments" with her. That was cool, and I really like that film. We are happy to be home, and have the other elders gone. Life is better with 2!"
Friday, November 27, 2009
Good
27 November 2005
"Today was a good one. We went out to the meeting this morning, and that was a lot of fun. It went good, and there was a lot of people there so that is good. The lesson for priesthood was not so great, and in fact, I felt like sleeping - I did a little. Well, we did a lot of talking about apartments and such things also with Сестра Макарова.
After the meeting, we decided to stop by to a couple of members that we don't know, but as usual they weren't home. We took the long walk home, and talked about how life is on the mission, and how we can't believe how fast it is going. I sure can't believe it. I have like 5 months left. Well, we came home and ate really crappy - fried potatoes and chicken.
We then did a little knocking and that actually went really well. We had a good time getting doors slammed in our faces and having people laugh at us, but for that, there was rewards. We met one lady that was fairly interested in what we had to say - she was in the last door that we knocked on.
We then went to see a family who is all active besides the father - Старцевы. He is awesome, but doesn't really want to come for some unknown reason. Well, I got my butt kicked in chess playing against the father, but it was fun. Now we are home, and I am going crazy. I have so much going through my head."
"Today was a good one. We went out to the meeting this morning, and that was a lot of fun. It went good, and there was a lot of people there so that is good. The lesson for priesthood was not so great, and in fact, I felt like sleeping - I did a little. Well, we did a lot of talking about apartments and such things also with Сестра Макарова.
After the meeting, we decided to stop by to a couple of members that we don't know, but as usual they weren't home. We took the long walk home, and talked about how life is on the mission, and how we can't believe how fast it is going. I sure can't believe it. I have like 5 months left. Well, we came home and ate really crappy - fried potatoes and chicken.
We then did a little knocking and that actually went really well. We had a good time getting doors slammed in our faces and having people laugh at us, but for that, there was rewards. We met one lady that was fairly interested in what we had to say - she was in the last door that we knocked on.
We then went to see a family who is all active besides the father - Старцевы. He is awesome, but doesn't really want to come for some unknown reason. Well, I got my butt kicked in chess playing against the father, but it was fun. Now we are home, and I am going crazy. I have so much going through my head."
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Snowball Fight
26 November 2005
"It was finally a snowy day. That is right - there was finally white streets, and trees were white. That meant we were finally able to slip and slide around and have a good time on the snow and ice. It made for a good contacting on the the street and it was a lot of fun. We actually did talk with one really good guy and there wasn't much else besides that. We had a meal like I always had at home - top ramen and tuna fish sandwiches.
We ran off and met with the Хозяйка (landlady) of an apartment, and set up a договор. I really do not like to do such things but that is part of the job. Сестра Макарова did help out a lot though, and so I am really glad that she came. After signing that we went back and had a big snowball fight - it was our sport time activity. That was way sweet. The snow was perfect for making snowballs and there was quite a bit. We also threw the frisbee around, and that was fun with the snow coming down. We were all wet, and tired, and so we went to the branch apartment to warm up (we were in our shirts and ties still). We had собрание миссионеров which went well, and then we hiked out to Афина's house. She is so great, and she needs some more friends in the church, because whenever we come, she is so happy. She is a really good girl for being only 13. She understands well, and that is good as we tried to teach to the law of chastity - we just beat around the bush, not wanting to come out and say it. We played some UNO and then we came home. We are doing well, and have a big day ahead. I love the snow, and wish it wasn't already melting (it started to earlier this evening)."
"It was finally a snowy day. That is right - there was finally white streets, and trees were white. That meant we were finally able to slip and slide around and have a good time on the snow and ice. It made for a good contacting on the the street and it was a lot of fun. We actually did talk with one really good guy and there wasn't much else besides that. We had a meal like I always had at home - top ramen and tuna fish sandwiches.
We ran off and met with the Хозяйка (landlady) of an apartment, and set up a договор. I really do not like to do such things but that is part of the job. Сестра Макарова did help out a lot though, and so I am really glad that she came. After signing that we went back and had a big snowball fight - it was our sport time activity. That was way sweet. The snow was perfect for making snowballs and there was quite a bit. We also threw the frisbee around, and that was fun with the snow coming down. We were all wet, and tired, and so we went to the branch apartment to warm up (we were in our shirts and ties still). We had собрание миссионеров which went well, and then we hiked out to Афина's house. She is so great, and she needs some more friends in the church, because whenever we come, she is so happy. She is a really good girl for being only 13. She understands well, and that is good as we tried to teach to the law of chastity - we just beat around the bush, not wanting to come out and say it. We played some UNO and then we came home. We are doing well, and have a big day ahead. I love the snow, and wish it wasn't already melting (it started to earlier this evening)."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Great Family
25 November 2005
"Today was way fun, but it wasn't a great work day. We ran and got our passports this morning, and that was cool - I can now be legal here. Well, we came back here and ran through a planning session. That was good, and we are almost sure that we will have a lot of time and a lot of meeting next week. We hope that we can help Афина to get a baptismal date, but she needs to start coming to the meeting.
After we planned, we went and took all the leftovers for ourselves and ate a bunch again - nowhere near as much as we did yesterday.
We then took off to try and find some members that didn't go so well for us. We ended up walking around in the cold and freezing wastelands of Russia. We even tried to contact some of the people, but no one was really wanting to. We ended up walking a long distance with little result. I guess that is part of missionary work and that is what we are here to do.
We then went to service at the cancer hospital and we cleaned the walls and the floors to get rid of the germs. It was fun, and there was about 15 of us. We then had to stop by to President and Sister Makarova's house to get a contract. We had a cool time there and I got to play an accordion for the first time ever. Let's just say that I made a complete fool of myself, and I sure didn't make any music. We tried some dry, pig fat (сала) - it's pretty tasty - and they tried to get me to like olives. Let's just say that it was a ton of fun, and they have an awesome family. I love them to death. I want to find and baptize a family like them. So many good people here, so many faithful saints - they are such an example to me."
"Today was way fun, but it wasn't a great work day. We ran and got our passports this morning, and that was cool - I can now be legal here. Well, we came back here and ran through a planning session. That was good, and we are almost sure that we will have a lot of time and a lot of meeting next week. We hope that we can help Афина to get a baptismal date, but she needs to start coming to the meeting.
After we planned, we went and took all the leftovers for ourselves and ate a bunch again - nowhere near as much as we did yesterday.
We then took off to try and find some members that didn't go so well for us. We ended up walking around in the cold and freezing wastelands of Russia. We even tried to contact some of the people, but no one was really wanting to. We ended up walking a long distance with little result. I guess that is part of missionary work and that is what we are here to do.
We then went to service at the cancer hospital and we cleaned the walls and the floors to get rid of the germs. It was fun, and there was about 15 of us. We then had to stop by to President and Sister Makarova's house to get a contract. We had a cool time there and I got to play an accordion for the first time ever. Let's just say that I made a complete fool of myself, and I sure didn't make any music. We tried some dry, pig fat (сала) - it's pretty tasty - and they tried to get me to like olives. Let's just say that it was a ton of fun, and they have an awesome family. I love them to death. I want to find and baptize a family like them. So many good people here, so many faithful saints - they are such an example to me."
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
THANKSGIVING
24 November 2005
"Happy Thanksgiving!! Yea! That is right! Today was one of the sweetest days on the mission in terms of relaxing. I love it here. We made a nice celebration today by starting out with making food, and then studying just a little. After that we played chess and card games (a really cool one called дурака) and basically just chilled. We then went and played in a Turkey Bowl. It was 3 on 3 and it was way awesome. We had tons of fun playing and I faked so many people out with all of my jukes. I love football and I miss being able to play it and to really enjoy it so much. Just running and catching the ball today brought so many great memories.
The feast then began! We had sooo much food. It was so awesome. We loaded the table up and we started to purge ourselves - literally. There was a turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, funeral potatoes, a salad, macaroni salad, pumpkin pie(fresh), and then the condiments. We were ready to die later, and we could barely laugh it was so painful. I wanted to throw up - that is such an awesome feeling. I did a lot of clean up, and dishes, but it was all worth it. I think that the hardest part was getting up and out to молодежный вечер that didn't even turn out - well, it was alright. I am so thankful for the food, my family, and most of all right now - my mission!"
"Happy Thanksgiving!! Yea! That is right! Today was one of the sweetest days on the mission in terms of relaxing. I love it here. We made a nice celebration today by starting out with making food, and then studying just a little. After that we played chess and card games (a really cool one called дурака) and basically just chilled. We then went and played in a Turkey Bowl. It was 3 on 3 and it was way awesome. We had tons of fun playing and I faked so many people out with all of my jukes. I love football and I miss being able to play it and to really enjoy it so much. Just running and catching the ball today brought so many great memories.
The feast then began! We had sooo much food. It was so awesome. We loaded the table up and we started to purge ourselves - literally. There was a turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, funeral potatoes, a salad, macaroni salad, pumpkin pie(fresh), and then the condiments. We were ready to die later, and we could barely laugh it was so painful. I wanted to throw up - that is such an awesome feeling. I did a lot of clean up, and dishes, but it was all worth it. I think that the hardest part was getting up and out to молодежный вечер that didn't even turn out - well, it was alright. I am so thankful for the food, my family, and most of all right now - my mission!"
Monday, November 23, 2009
No Experience
23 November 2005
"Another p-day drifting away. Like I said last time, I am not a big fan of the p-days here. I have not time to work with people. We are doing our stuff all day, and then we have English and studying hymns.
So this morning, I couldn't really concentrate, and then we finally took off to the Internet place. There wasn't much for me there. Well, I wrote a bunch and that was cool. I sat around and waited for Steiner for a few minutes and then we all went to a big grocery store and bought stuff for Thanksgiving tomorrow. We only spent about 1500 rubles ($50) which is awesome for 6 of us. Well, we brought the crap home and we prepared several things for the big feast. We ordered pizza and then slept for about 30 minutes before taking off to English lesson which was pretty boring other then the fact that we chatted with all.
So Elder Steiner and I talked a lot about how things are. We realized that we don't know how to baptize someone as neither of us have had such an experience. We talked about how we need to work. I have a strong desire to work and to serve the Lord, and I know that he is giving me what I need to fulfill my calling. The Lord blesses those whom he calls!"
"Another p-day drifting away. Like I said last time, I am not a big fan of the p-days here. I have not time to work with people. We are doing our stuff all day, and then we have English and studying hymns.
So this morning, I couldn't really concentrate, and then we finally took off to the Internet place. There wasn't much for me there. Well, I wrote a bunch and that was cool. I sat around and waited for Steiner for a few minutes and then we all went to a big grocery store and bought stuff for Thanksgiving tomorrow. We only spent about 1500 rubles ($50) which is awesome for 6 of us. Well, we brought the crap home and we prepared several things for the big feast. We ordered pizza and then slept for about 30 minutes before taking off to English lesson which was pretty boring other then the fact that we chatted with all.
So Elder Steiner and I talked a lot about how things are. We realized that we don't know how to baptize someone as neither of us have had such an experience. We talked about how we need to work. I have a strong desire to work and to serve the Lord, and I know that he is giving me what I need to fulfill my calling. The Lord blesses those whom he calls!"
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Weird and Excellent Day
22 November 2005
"What a sweet day. This is what we call missionary work!! We had all kinds of meetings on the street, meetings with members and also in the presence of members. Not only that, we talked with a guy who believes everything but won't give us his religion, we talked with a guy who told us that we were going to hell, and we watched, as we taught a lesson, a little kid peeing into a bucket. For all that though, we taught a ton of lessons.
Elder Тайр and I left and contacted this morning, and talked with a lot of people who wanted to talk. It was one of the best days yet. We used the golden questions like were were suppose to, and it turned out way good. Well, we decided to eat some Трио Пицца as that was the best, and easiest way to go. It is like the American stuff, and it is way good.
We then had a meeting with Димитрий and he told us that he more wants us to just meet and he can't give up his faith. He doesn't understand. Well, we then went to see a less active lady, and that was way cool. She enjoyed the opportunity to meet with us, but can't come to church (инвалидка).
We then headed out to see Шавкат, and that was fun. The little one pooped in a pot while the Mom held him, and then during the closing prayer he peed all over the floor. Talk about an adventure. We did meet their neighbor and did the 1st lesson with her. It went way good. Elder Тайр said it was one of his best days on his mission. I love to serve!"
"What a sweet day. This is what we call missionary work!! We had all kinds of meetings on the street, meetings with members and also in the presence of members. Not only that, we talked with a guy who believes everything but won't give us his religion, we talked with a guy who told us that we were going to hell, and we watched, as we taught a lesson, a little kid peeing into a bucket. For all that though, we taught a ton of lessons.
Elder Тайр and I left and contacted this morning, and talked with a lot of people who wanted to talk. It was one of the best days yet. We used the golden questions like were were suppose to, and it turned out way good. Well, we decided to eat some Трио Пицца as that was the best, and easiest way to go. It is like the American stuff, and it is way good.
We then had a meeting with Димитрий and he told us that he more wants us to just meet and he can't give up his faith. He doesn't understand. Well, we then went to see a less active lady, and that was way cool. She enjoyed the opportunity to meet with us, but can't come to church (инвалидка).
We then headed out to see Шавкат, and that was fun. The little one pooped in a pot while the Mom held him, and then during the closing prayer he peed all over the floor. Talk about an adventure. We did meet their neighbor and did the 1st lesson with her. It went way good. Elder Тайр said it was one of his best days on his mission. I love to serve!"
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Weakness
21 November 2005
"We had a sweet day today. We were out contacting this morning and that was really good. I had a way good time there. We used some golden questions, and it went over really well. We got a lot of people's attention, and people listened to us. We came home for собрание округа, and had a good time with that. We talked about how we can talk with people better and how we can help them understand our message better. We all ate together and that was sweet. We planned our Thanksgiving day, and that should be cool.
Our first meeting was then with Раиса. That was sweet, and we had a way good time. She is great, and she is reading, and she is trying to understand the Book of Mormon better. She loves to sing and to chat with Маша и Аня. She told us that we can't come w/o them - we are going to just send them soon. We talked a lot about our weaknesses and about why we have them. We hope that she will be able to throw her smoking problem.
We all then went to see Афина and find out how she is and why she didn't come on Sunday. She just doesn't get enough sleep - she says that she is too tired (sounds like excuse for not wanting to go). We hope that she can get over that and that she will start coming. She really wanted to watch the 10 commandments but there was no time at all. Steiner and I then went out to get Theurer as we were on exchanges. Now I am with him, and we will be back together tomorrow. It is awesome to be able to be working and I love it!!"
"We had a sweet day today. We were out contacting this morning and that was really good. I had a way good time there. We used some golden questions, and it went over really well. We got a lot of people's attention, and people listened to us. We came home for собрание округа, and had a good time with that. We talked about how we can talk with people better and how we can help them understand our message better. We all ate together and that was sweet. We planned our Thanksgiving day, and that should be cool.
Our first meeting was then with Раиса. That was sweet, and we had a way good time. She is great, and she is reading, and she is trying to understand the Book of Mormon better. She loves to sing and to chat with Маша и Аня. She told us that we can't come w/o them - we are going to just send them soon. We talked a lot about our weaknesses and about why we have them. We hope that she will be able to throw her smoking problem.
We all then went to see Афина and find out how she is and why she didn't come on Sunday. She just doesn't get enough sleep - she says that she is too tired (sounds like excuse for not wanting to go). We hope that she can get over that and that she will start coming. She really wanted to watch the 10 commandments but there was no time at all. Steiner and I then went out to get Theurer as we were on exchanges. Now I am with him, and we will be back together tomorrow. It is awesome to be able to be working and I love it!!"
Friday, November 20, 2009
Strong
20 November 2005
"We sure had an interesting day today. We went to the meeting this morning as always and that was alright. Of course it was good, but it was lacking. I think the main thing that didn't go very well was the talks were just lacking. I really wish that people would get rid of their books and stop reading in front of us. That is a major problem here. I am sure that it is not only a problem here, but everywhere. I have just noticed it so much on my mission and I wish that it would change. I guess that is one thing that we will be working on here. After that we tried to stop by to Раиса, but that didn't work out for us. We came home, and made a great big casserole with chicken, noodles, white sauce, cheese and broccoli. We ate well, and then we headed to work.
We had one meeting that worked out, and it was with Андре and his family. That was sure interesting. His Mom has fallen way from the church, and she is asking so many questions. She also has read anti-Mormon literature and has had some wrong ideas put in her head. She is not reading the Book of Mormon right now, but we hope that she will. I told her that I have had to strong of a testimony to get shaken. The Holy Ghost has borne witness so many times, and still bares witness that this church is true. That is something that I can't deny. I know that the Lord has restored his church. It is truly here on the earth and Satan is working hard to keep people blind. That's why we're here - to kick Satan's butt. The Lord's work will go forth without question. We must be faithful in this work."
"We sure had an interesting day today. We went to the meeting this morning as always and that was alright. Of course it was good, but it was lacking. I think the main thing that didn't go very well was the talks were just lacking. I really wish that people would get rid of their books and stop reading in front of us. That is a major problem here. I am sure that it is not only a problem here, but everywhere. I have just noticed it so much on my mission and I wish that it would change. I guess that is one thing that we will be working on here. After that we tried to stop by to Раиса, but that didn't work out for us. We came home, and made a great big casserole with chicken, noodles, white sauce, cheese and broccoli. We ate well, and then we headed to work.
We had one meeting that worked out, and it was with Андре and his family. That was sure interesting. His Mom has fallen way from the church, and she is asking so many questions. She also has read anti-Mormon literature and has had some wrong ideas put in her head. She is not reading the Book of Mormon right now, but we hope that she will. I told her that I have had to strong of a testimony to get shaken. The Holy Ghost has borne witness so many times, and still bares witness that this church is true. That is something that I can't deny. I know that the Lord has restored his church. It is truly here on the earth and Satan is working hard to keep people blind. That's why we're here - to kick Satan's butt. The Lord's work will go forth without question. We must be faithful in this work."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Question
19 November 2005
"Today was certainly an interesting day. We went out this morning to do some contacting and people didn't want to talk really at all. We walked around for about an hour with very little success. We did decide that there is a lot better way than to tell people that we are representatives - we have to give them a good question about what we want to talk with them about.
We came home, grabbed a bit to eat and then we ran off to play a little b-ball. That was a lot of fun, and we had a lot of missionaries. We got pretty dirty, but it was all worth it in the end. A couple of guys stopped to talk with us, and so that was good that it turned into a good missionary opportunity. Then came the собрание миссионеров. That was way fun too - everything was fun today - and we had a lot done there.
We then went with Маша и Ирина to a meeting with Афина. The meeting was way awesome, and we had a good time with her. She is such a great young lady. We want her to get baptized soon, but she has to start coming to the meeting is the main problem. She is way happy, and has a lot of energy. We came home, ate bread, cheese, and salami. We are going to have a good day tomorrow, and we hope that all works out. I love this work!"
"Today was certainly an interesting day. We went out this morning to do some contacting and people didn't want to talk really at all. We walked around for about an hour with very little success. We did decide that there is a lot better way than to tell people that we are representatives - we have to give them a good question about what we want to talk with them about.
We came home, grabbed a bit to eat and then we ran off to play a little b-ball. That was a lot of fun, and we had a lot of missionaries. We got pretty dirty, but it was all worth it in the end. A couple of guys stopped to talk with us, and so that was good that it turned into a good missionary opportunity. Then came the собрание миссионеров. That was way fun too - everything was fun today - and we had a lot done there.
We then went with Маша и Ирина to a meeting with Афина. The meeting was way awesome, and we had a good time with her. She is such a great young lady. We want her to get baptized soon, but she has to start coming to the meeting is the main problem. She is way happy, and has a lot of energy. We came home, ate bread, cheese, and salami. We are going to have a good day tomorrow, and we hope that all works out. I love this work!"
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Good advice and food
18 November 2005
"Today was a pretty sweet day. We had a nice long time in the gazelle. We were in Engels for a Zone Conference and that was cool. It has been a long time since I was there, and I had a lot of memories come back. It was a good 2 months there, and I love to serve there. Victor - a guy that we contacted there - got baptized last Saturday, and that was way cool.
Conference today was a good one, and we talked a lot about крещение (baptism). That was way good and we learned a lot about how we can work a lot more effectively to prepare people for this important step in life. We have several investigators, but we don't know who is ready for baptism. We need to work with them and to help them a ton. I am excited to be able to have so much work.
We had Papa John's for lunch and that was way good. On the way home from Engels we stopped into Saratov and got ourselves some Шарума. It was way good, and it has been a long time since I have had such tasty food. On the way home, we talked forever and told a lot of jokes. It was a lot of fun, and we were all super tired. It was a nice long ride home, but we made it.
President gave me some good advice. He said that I should set a goal that I am striving for while I am here. I need to make a difference during my service here. It is something that I will be attempting to do, and I will have to think of what goal I want to set."
"Today was a pretty sweet day. We had a nice long time in the gazelle. We were in Engels for a Zone Conference and that was cool. It has been a long time since I was there, and I had a lot of memories come back. It was a good 2 months there, and I love to serve there. Victor - a guy that we contacted there - got baptized last Saturday, and that was way cool.
Conference today was a good one, and we talked a lot about крещение (baptism). That was way good and we learned a lot about how we can work a lot more effectively to prepare people for this important step in life. We have several investigators, but we don't know who is ready for baptism. We need to work with them and to help them a ton. I am excited to be able to have so much work.
We had Papa John's for lunch and that was way good. On the way home from Engels we stopped into Saratov and got ourselves some Шарума. It was way good, and it has been a long time since I have had such tasty food. On the way home, we talked forever and told a lot of jokes. It was a lot of fun, and we were all super tired. It was a nice long ride home, but we made it.
President gave me some good advice. He said that I should set a goal that I am striving for while I am here. I need to make a difference during my service here. It is something that I will be attempting to do, and I will have to think of what goal I want to set."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Good day
17 November 2005
"Today was a sweet day. We were all over the place. We started out the day running to 3 meetings and stopping by home to get a bite to eat. We were ate a members house this morning and that was good. He is an interesting guy - Анатолий Смолькин - and he got baptized about 2 years ago. He is a good guy, and he wants to do home teaching.
We then met with an investigator - Гарик - who wants to read the Book of Mormon and know of its truthfulness. We are way happy, and he is a great guy. We had Максим there, and that was cool. We grabbed a bite of chili before we went to a meeting with another investigator Диама. He knows a lot about the church, but is kind of lost in the learning and not looking to the spirit. I felt the spirit guiding me a ton while we taught him, and that was way nice.
We then had to pay for the phone and later, send off a film for a referral that we had received. That was interesting to be in the Почта and we stood there for an hour. It was sure insane. We contacted for a bit after that, but it was way too dark. We came home and I got ready for my lesson and got all my things gathered before I taught the lesson about Mark 4. That was cool, and that was very helpful. We finished the night with молодежный вечер and playing. It was cool. We grabbed a Subway for our dining pleasure and then came home."
"Today was a sweet day. We were all over the place. We started out the day running to 3 meetings and stopping by home to get a bite to eat. We were ate a members house this morning and that was good. He is an interesting guy - Анатолий Смолькин - and he got baptized about 2 years ago. He is a good guy, and he wants to do home teaching.
We then met with an investigator - Гарик - who wants to read the Book of Mormon and know of its truthfulness. We are way happy, and he is a great guy. We had Максим there, and that was cool. We grabbed a bite of chili before we went to a meeting with another investigator Диама. He knows a lot about the church, but is kind of lost in the learning and not looking to the spirit. I felt the spirit guiding me a ton while we taught him, and that was way nice.
We then had to pay for the phone and later, send off a film for a referral that we had received. That was interesting to be in the Почта and we stood there for an hour. It was sure insane. We contacted for a bit after that, but it was way too dark. We came home and I got ready for my lesson and got all my things gathered before I taught the lesson about Mark 4. That was cool, and that was very helpful. We finished the night with молодежный вечер and playing. It was cool. We grabbed a Subway for our dining pleasure and then came home."
Monday, November 16, 2009
P-Day
16 November 2005
"It was sure an interesting day. I am not going to be a big fan of preparation day here. We don't have any time for meetings as we have English and then studying of hymns. Well, we don't really have much time, and it is kind of depressing to not be able to get out and work, but that is life I guess.
This morning we sat home forever, and did little. We did get the place cleaned up a ton and we go things in order here. It looks a lot better here and we can actually live. We ran to the store and bought a bunch of crap that we are going to live on somehow this next week. We then talked with the Хозяйка of the apartment of the other elders. We set up a договор and chatted for an hour. I was ready to kill myself, and we finally got out to the рынок. I didn't do much there, but I always love to look at things there. That is so sweet to walk around. Steiner bought his beanie and then we went and ate at a Russian place where they make pancake sandwiches and things. It was decent. And it was really really Russian. I meant that because the music, the style, and the cheap food for cheap prices. We wrote home before we went to English lesson. We sat there way too long, and I got really bored. I was ready to go, but the comp was still busy. We finally left, and went to English... We chatted with people forever - after the lesson and introduced them to the church. Hopefully something will come of it. I am ready for a good day tomorrow, and hopefully it will go well."
"It was sure an interesting day. I am not going to be a big fan of preparation day here. We don't have any time for meetings as we have English and then studying of hymns. Well, we don't really have much time, and it is kind of depressing to not be able to get out and work, but that is life I guess.
This morning we sat home forever, and did little. We did get the place cleaned up a ton and we go things in order here. It looks a lot better here and we can actually live. We ran to the store and bought a bunch of crap that we are going to live on somehow this next week. We then talked with the Хозяйка of the apartment of the other elders. We set up a договор and chatted for an hour. I was ready to kill myself, and we finally got out to the рынок. I didn't do much there, but I always love to look at things there. That is so sweet to walk around. Steiner bought his beanie and then we went and ate at a Russian place where they make pancake sandwiches and things. It was decent. And it was really really Russian. I meant that because the music, the style, and the cheap food for cheap prices. We wrote home before we went to English lesson. We sat there way too long, and I got really bored. I was ready to go, but the comp was still busy. We finally left, and went to English... We chatted with people forever - after the lesson and introduced them to the church. Hopefully something will come of it. I am ready for a good day tomorrow, and hopefully it will go well."
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Real Missionary
15 November 2005
"I am a missionary again!! That is right - I walked a ton, had meetings fall through, and talked with a ton of people on the streets. I was so happy to be out working, and to be doing the Lord's work. I was with Elder Brimley and this morning we went out contacting and had a good time chatting with people and getting to know them. We didn't have a lot of success, but at least we were working and it was cool.
We stopped home for like 40 minutes and grabbed a quick bite to eat before we went to a meeting with a bunch of grandmas. That was really what it was, but it went way good so that was sweet. We then had a meeting with some members - Червыковы - and talked with Костя about his drinking problem and what he has to get rid of it. It was very useful. We headed to a guy in the hospital and had a good meeting. The guy talked about the verse in John and how it should be в начале был звук у Бога, и звук был бук (boot). He said it was mistranslated. We laughed, and tried to keep things serious. He is a good guy.
We did a few more things before we ended the night with some less actives. The guy got offended on someone in the branch here and he doesn't want to do anything in the branch now. The problem is all over Russia, and it is so hard to deal with. People just need to humble themselves and need to work!"
"I am a missionary again!! That is right - I walked a ton, had meetings fall through, and talked with a ton of people on the streets. I was so happy to be out working, and to be doing the Lord's work. I was with Elder Brimley and this morning we went out contacting and had a good time chatting with people and getting to know them. We didn't have a lot of success, but at least we were working and it was cool.
We stopped home for like 40 minutes and grabbed a quick bite to eat before we went to a meeting with a bunch of grandmas. That was really what it was, but it went way good so that was sweet. We then had a meeting with some members - Червыковы - and talked with Костя about his drinking problem and what he has to get rid of it. It was very useful. We headed to a guy in the hospital and had a good meeting. The guy talked about the verse in John and how it should be в начале был звук у Бога, и звук был бук (boot). He said it was mistranslated. We laughed, and tried to keep things serious. He is a good guy.
We did a few more things before we ended the night with some less actives. The guy got offended on someone in the branch here and he doesn't want to do anything in the branch now. The problem is all over Russia, and it is so hard to deal with. People just need to humble themselves and need to work!"
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cool Babyshka
14 November 2005
"Wow, today was a great day. I don't think that things could have gone much better. We had a meeting with the Хозяйка downstairs this morning, and we got things worked out so that everything will be good. We then headed off to meet with a former investigator named Раиса. She is one of the coolest old бабушка that I ever met, and she understands us so well. She has a great sense of humor, and she is just super cool. One problem is that she can't quit smoking. She is way cool though, and we hope to be able to help her. Well, it went for awhile before we went to Stapleton's and Theurer's house for собрание округа. That was way cool, and we got a lot done before we ate. We had pork and beans with grilled cheese. Elder Stapleton also made some fresh homemade lemonade. Well, I chatted with Elder Nance forever and talked about the zone and about how we didn't work that well last week, but we will do better. Well, after my long talk we went out to see some members Шавкат, Ортык, И Мариям. They live outside the city and we stood there on the bus stop forever. We froze our butts off and were ready to die. Well, we had a good time at their house, and we talked with them about the Book of Mormon. They want to read together, and that is way good. They are an awesome family, and we want to help them in order to get to the temple. Now we are home, and we are on exchanges. I am with Elder Brimley and we should have a great day tomorrow. Oh Russia, the joys of living here! So many amazing people, I love it so much!"
"Wow, today was a great day. I don't think that things could have gone much better. We had a meeting with the Хозяйка downstairs this morning, and we got things worked out so that everything will be good. We then headed off to meet with a former investigator named Раиса. She is one of the coolest old бабушка that I ever met, and she understands us so well. She has a great sense of humor, and she is just super cool. One problem is that she can't quit smoking. She is way cool though, and we hope to be able to help her. Well, it went for awhile before we went to Stapleton's and Theurer's house for собрание округа. That was way cool, and we got a lot done before we ate. We had pork and beans with grilled cheese. Elder Stapleton also made some fresh homemade lemonade. Well, I chatted with Elder Nance forever and talked about the zone and about how we didn't work that well last week, but we will do better. Well, after my long talk we went out to see some members Шавкат, Ортык, И Мариям. They live outside the city and we stood there on the bus stop forever. We froze our butts off and were ready to die. Well, we had a good time at their house, and we talked with them about the Book of Mormon. They want to read together, and that is way good. They are an awesome family, and we want to help them in order to get to the temple. Now we are home, and we are on exchanges. I am with Elder Brimley and we should have a great day tomorrow. Oh Russia, the joys of living here! So many amazing people, I love it so much!"
Friday, November 13, 2009
Great time
13 November 2005
"What a nice day - we finally got out to work and didn't worry about any little, stupid problems that we have to do usually. This morning, Elder Boster and Brimley made french toast, so we are happy to have them living here with us while they are being so kind to us. They have a lot more energy than we do, so that is way cool.
We then went and sat on the meeting and that went way good. I really enjoyed being able to not have to worry about how the meeting will go. I was pretty tired, and the elder's quorum lesson was fairly boring and I fell asleep for a bit, but I guess that is part of life. We then came home, and had a really good meal - some chicken that we deep fried and ate it with pasta. It turned out awesome, and after that we went out and worked.
We basically walked around and went to members homes, and met several new people. It was way cool, and we got to meet some new people and we have set up a good week for this next one. Now we are working on getting ready for the new week. I am way excited and it should be a lot of fun to work hard!!"
"What a nice day - we finally got out to work and didn't worry about any little, stupid problems that we have to do usually. This morning, Elder Boster and Brimley made french toast, so we are happy to have them living here with us while they are being so kind to us. They have a lot more energy than we do, so that is way cool.
We then went and sat on the meeting and that went way good. I really enjoyed being able to not have to worry about how the meeting will go. I was pretty tired, and the elder's quorum lesson was fairly boring and I fell asleep for a bit, but I guess that is part of life. We then came home, and had a really good meal - some chicken that we deep fried and ate it with pasta. It turned out awesome, and after that we went out and worked.
We basically walked around and went to members homes, and met several new people. It was way cool, and we got to meet some new people and we have set up a good week for this next one. Now we are working on getting ready for the new week. I am way excited and it should be a lot of fun to work hard!!"
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Registration
12 November 2005
"Today went pretty well and we had a good time. It was a ton of fun and well, it was interesting. I found out what a pain it is to get registered here in this city. We went this morning to do it, and it was really bad. We go there and then we sat around for about an hour while we waited for the opportunity to get in the room and sign some paper. It was pretty crazy. We then left and then we went and waited while the registrator took our passports and did something that she needed to with them. We came home, ate, and then we went to sports time. That turned out really well, and enjoyed it. We played b-ball by the big рынок here, and it was way sweet.
I then had a fairly interesting experience of meeting with the Хозяйка of an apartment. Well, it was a long meeting, and none of us felt right about renting the place, but we agreed to meet tomorrow and to sign the contract. In the end, we called back and felt that it was better not to rent the place, and so we will wait and see what happens.
We then ran off to the branch concert that didn't turn out as we expected. I think that the main problem was that there was so much modern music and it didn't feel like a church activity, but we had a prayer at the beginning and the end. The other problem was there were a ton of gypsies. We have one in our ward and she invited all here friends and people to dance. It was crazy how many of them there were. Of the 70 people there, 50 were gypsies - this is no lie or exaggeration. It was crazy, and I could not believe it. Well, they had some cool dance numbers, so that was fun. Now we came home and are getting ready to sleep as always. Tomorrow we will have the entire day to work, so it will finally be a good one."
"Today went pretty well and we had a good time. It was a ton of fun and well, it was interesting. I found out what a pain it is to get registered here in this city. We went this morning to do it, and it was really bad. We go there and then we sat around for about an hour while we waited for the opportunity to get in the room and sign some paper. It was pretty crazy. We then left and then we went and waited while the registrator took our passports and did something that she needed to with them. We came home, ate, and then we went to sports time. That turned out really well, and enjoyed it. We played b-ball by the big рынок here, and it was way sweet.
I then had a fairly interesting experience of meeting with the Хозяйка of an apartment. Well, it was a long meeting, and none of us felt right about renting the place, but we agreed to meet tomorrow and to sign the contract. In the end, we called back and felt that it was better not to rent the place, and so we will wait and see what happens.
We then ran off to the branch concert that didn't turn out as we expected. I think that the main problem was that there was so much modern music and it didn't feel like a church activity, but we had a prayer at the beginning and the end. The other problem was there were a ton of gypsies. We have one in our ward and she invited all here friends and people to dance. It was crazy how many of them there were. Of the 70 people there, 50 were gypsies - this is no lie or exaggeration. It was crazy, and I could not believe it. Well, they had some cool dance numbers, so that was fun. Now we came home and are getting ready to sleep as always. Tomorrow we will have the entire day to work, so it will finally be a good one."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
11 November 2005
"Today was sure and interesting day. We wasted a lot of time, and then we had a really good time. This morning we got in from Samara and that was good. I tried to get some more sleep once we got home in but that didn't go so well. We then went and wasted a few hours at Gene's house. There is going to be a concert tomorrow and so the elders all got ready for that. We quickly left and stopped by to Subway and got some good food! We then ran off to an English lesson that we should have done.
There was 6 missionaries, 10 young ladies, and 1 малчик. The lights in the school had gone out and so we went to a little cafe - шоклад.ru. We talked with them forever on English and talked about why we are here and in the end it was way fun, but awkward. We hope there will be some new investigators because of it.
Tonight I had the opportunity to conduct a baptismal interview with a Вера Федоровна and that was awesome. This lady is great, and the spirit was way strong. Tonight we ended up just planning and got things worked out for next week and how we are going to be super busy! It will be awesome and we excited to work hard!"
"Today was sure and interesting day. We wasted a lot of time, and then we had a really good time. This morning we got in from Samara and that was good. I tried to get some more sleep once we got home in but that didn't go so well. We then went and wasted a few hours at Gene's house. There is going to be a concert tomorrow and so the elders all got ready for that. We quickly left and stopped by to Subway and got some good food! We then ran off to an English lesson that we should have done.
There was 6 missionaries, 10 young ladies, and 1 малчик. The lights in the school had gone out and so we went to a little cafe - шоклад.ru. We talked with them forever on English and talked about why we are here and in the end it was way fun, but awkward. We hope there will be some new investigators because of it.
Tonight I had the opportunity to conduct a baptismal interview with a Вера Федоровна and that was awesome. This lady is great, and the spirit was way strong. Tonight we ended up just planning and got things worked out for next week and how we are going to be super busy! It will be awesome and we excited to work hard!"
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Counsel
10 November 2005
"I am going to die...I am so tired I have had a little sleep, but i will be all right. This day has gone by pretty quick. We got in this morning, and we went to the office where we sat around for awhile. Well, we started совет, and that went well. We talked about how our area books are, and how we are working. It went really well, and we enjoyed it. Well, we then had lunch which was awesome. I miss eating in the office with the Davidiks. I ate a ton as always. After lunch we went back to совет which went alright, but it drug out a little too long. I wanted to catch a few winks, but it didn't happen. I did get to see Сестра Гугелская and that was way cool. I miss seeing everyone here. Well, we did a few random things in the office before we took off. We headed to McDonalds with Elder Barney and Richards and had a good meal. Well, we walked back to the center where Elder Steiner and I met with Надежда which went fairly good. She is a really nice lady, but is so confused and loves me to death. It went well, and she understood that she needs to read better, but in the end she was still confused. After the meeting we came here to the вокзал where we are waiting for our train. On the way here I had a Russian moment. We stopped by to a store and I had a jar of tomatoes on the ground accidentally and the lady freaked out and told me that I had to pay for it immediately. Well, it was really dumb.
Today was really cool, and I was happy to be back in Samara. I sure miss things here. I talked with the sisters for awhile tonight and that was cool. They are such great people. I got a lot of advice about how can I help the zone, and I hope that I can apply. Off to the train we go..."
"I am going to die...I am so tired I have had a little sleep, but i will be all right. This day has gone by pretty quick. We got in this morning, and we went to the office where we sat around for awhile. Well, we started совет, and that went well. We talked about how our area books are, and how we are working. It went really well, and we enjoyed it. Well, we then had lunch which was awesome. I miss eating in the office with the Davidiks. I ate a ton as always. After lunch we went back to совет which went alright, but it drug out a little too long. I wanted to catch a few winks, but it didn't happen. I did get to see Сестра Гугелская and that was way cool. I miss seeing everyone here. Well, we did a few random things in the office before we took off. We headed to McDonalds with Elder Barney and Richards and had a good meal. Well, we walked back to the center where Elder Steiner and I met with Надежда which went fairly good. She is a really nice lady, but is so confused and loves me to death. It went well, and she understood that she needs to read better, but in the end she was still confused. After the meeting we came here to the вокзал where we are waiting for our train. On the way here I had a Russian moment. We stopped by to a store and I had a jar of tomatoes on the ground accidentally and the lady freaked out and told me that I had to pay for it immediately. Well, it was really dumb.
Today was really cool, and I was happy to be back in Samara. I sure miss things here. I talked with the sisters for awhile tonight and that was cool. They are such great people. I got a lot of advice about how can I help the zone, and I hope that I can apply. Off to the train we go..."
Monday, November 9, 2009
P-Day
9 November 2005
"Today was a way sweet day. It was p-day and so that was nice. I got up and did a little studying before we did the big clean of the house. I got the kitchen cleaned up and got things so that we can at least live here. It was nice and the other guys got things cleaned up too. Well, we went to the internet place and wrote home and that was good. As usual nothing new, and things seem to be going well there. No one really writes except the family so that is cool. Well, we wrote home before we had to go wait for Шавкат to get his stuff from the branch apartment. Let's just say that we waited there way longer then we needed to, and then he complained about his problems. Well, he got what he needed and then we took off to the store. It took us a nice long while to get there, but now we have food. We had English lesson tonight and that went well. We just talked about ourselves and it was pretty fun. We then went and sang and that was interesting. It was pretty fun, but I sang myself out and I was ready to go. Now we are getting ready to head out as we will be in Samara tomorrow morning. Hopefully all will go well, and I guess we shall see. It will be a long day..."
"Today was a way sweet day. It was p-day and so that was nice. I got up and did a little studying before we did the big clean of the house. I got the kitchen cleaned up and got things so that we can at least live here. It was nice and the other guys got things cleaned up too. Well, we went to the internet place and wrote home and that was good. As usual nothing new, and things seem to be going well there. No one really writes except the family so that is cool. Well, we wrote home before we had to go wait for Шавкат to get his stuff from the branch apartment. Let's just say that we waited there way longer then we needed to, and then he complained about his problems. Well, he got what he needed and then we took off to the store. It took us a nice long while to get there, but now we have food. We had English lesson tonight and that went well. We just talked about ourselves and it was pretty fun. We then went and sang and that was interesting. It was pretty fun, but I sang myself out and I was ready to go. Now we are getting ready to head out as we will be in Samara tomorrow morning. Hopefully all will go well, and I guess we shall see. It will be a long day..."
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Real Meeting
8 November 2005
"Today was an awesome day. It was sure way awesome to be able to work. We didn't have any great success, but for that we at least tried. We worked like real missionaries. Steiner really does want to work, but sometimes he is just unsure. He is an awesome elder, and because of him, I am happy. He is a great guy. This morning we got our studying in, and that went way well. It feels so good to be able to have studying knowing that you will be out working. We rant to the branch apartment, where we thought we were going to be with Шавкат but he didn't show up, and so we ended up coming home back to собрание округа. That went really well and we talked a lot about what will be going down on Совет on Thursday in Samara. We have a great district who is ready to work, and that is awesome. The bad thing was that we had to meet here in our apartment where we have a 4some right now and all this crap. Well, we thought we were going to have to wait home all day, but we ended up talking with the neighbors and we got to leave. We went to find some addresses and since we are in Russia, half of them do not exist, or they are in random places. We had some good contacts, and we worked hard. We then went to a meeting with our only investigator - Альфина - and we had a way good meeting with her. Аня, Маша, и Илья were all there and we had a way good meeting and all shared our testimony and it was awesome. I love to have such meetings. It is so awesome to be here, and I love it. This is a way awesome city!"
"Today was an awesome day. It was sure way awesome to be able to work. We didn't have any great success, but for that we at least tried. We worked like real missionaries. Steiner really does want to work, but sometimes he is just unsure. He is an awesome elder, and because of him, I am happy. He is a great guy. This morning we got our studying in, and that went way well. It feels so good to be able to have studying knowing that you will be out working. We rant to the branch apartment, where we thought we were going to be with Шавкат but he didn't show up, and so we ended up coming home back to собрание округа. That went really well and we talked a lot about what will be going down on Совет on Thursday in Samara. We have a great district who is ready to work, and that is awesome. The bad thing was that we had to meet here in our apartment where we have a 4some right now and all this crap. Well, we thought we were going to have to wait home all day, but we ended up talking with the neighbors and we got to leave. We went to find some addresses and since we are in Russia, half of them do not exist, or they are in random places. We had some good contacts, and we worked hard. We then went to a meeting with our only investigator - Альфина - and we had a way good meeting with her. Аня, Маша, и Илья were all there and we had a way good meeting and all shared our testimony and it was awesome. I love to have such meetings. It is so awesome to be here, and I love it. This is a way awesome city!"
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Long Gazelle Ride
7 November 2005
"Today went pretty well. I am dead tired, and I want to sleep, but as for now, I am working on getting things ready for tomorrow so that we can have some meetings. This morning we took off to Saratov at about 5 and we were all super tired. Well, we had a lot of time once we got to Saratov and so we stopped by to the store. Well, lets just say that I ate way too much. I forgot how much I dislike Saratov - I mean the roads are super crappy and it is really dirty. Well, it has been a long time since I have been there and so it was cool to see all these things I haven't seen in a while. Well, President Pieper talked again about how we were foreordained before we came and how we knew that we would be here in this mission, and that there is a reason that we were called to this mission. I loved it, and it was way sweet. President Pieper is a great guy. I really love to hear from him. Well, we had a way good time and played a ton. Well, we then started to come, and it was way crappy. I tried to sleep, but it didn't do that good because the gazelle is so small. We somehow survived and now we are home and getting ready for an exciting day tomorrow. I hope that I sleep well, and that all will go well tomorrow."
"Today went pretty well. I am dead tired, and I want to sleep, but as for now, I am working on getting things ready for tomorrow so that we can have some meetings. This morning we took off to Saratov at about 5 and we were all super tired. Well, we had a lot of time once we got to Saratov and so we stopped by to the store. Well, lets just say that I ate way too much. I forgot how much I dislike Saratov - I mean the roads are super crappy and it is really dirty. Well, it has been a long time since I have been there and so it was cool to see all these things I haven't seen in a while. Well, President Pieper talked again about how we were foreordained before we came and how we knew that we would be here in this mission, and that there is a reason that we were called to this mission. I loved it, and it was way sweet. President Pieper is a great guy. I really love to hear from him. Well, we had a way good time and played a ton. Well, we then started to come, and it was way crappy. I tried to sleep, but it didn't do that good because the gazelle is so small. We somehow survived and now we are home and getting ready for an exciting day tomorrow. I hope that I sleep well, and that all will go well tomorrow."
Friday, November 6, 2009
Moving
6 November 2005
"Today went really well even thought we didn't have anything planned. We went to church this morning, and that was way awesome. We were at the presidency meeting this morning, and that was way cool because there is real leadership here. That was way awesome, and then we met with everyone and had a good time. There is a ton of youth here and they are great people. I love it. Well, after the meeting, Илья, took us on a meeting to some members and that was nice. Well, the members that we met with are handicapped and so they are not able to come really, and have problems. They are good people, but we mainly just wanted to visit and to invite them out. We then went out to where the other elders lived and worked on getting them moved. Well, that went all right other than all the crap that we have here at our house now. Also, for that we had to take 2 trips, and in all it took forever. It was insane basically and I was sweating like a pig afterwards and was in the suit coat. Now our apartment is a mess, and it really sucks. Well, tonight I have been talking with people and getting things ready for the next couple of days which shall be interesting. We aren't going to have a lot of work, but we are going to be dead tired. I guess we will see how things shall go and hope for the best."
"Today went really well even thought we didn't have anything planned. We went to church this morning, and that was way awesome. We were at the presidency meeting this morning, and that was way cool because there is real leadership here. That was way awesome, and then we met with everyone and had a good time. There is a ton of youth here and they are great people. I love it. Well, after the meeting, Илья, took us on a meeting to some members and that was nice. Well, the members that we met with are handicapped and so they are not able to come really, and have problems. They are good people, but we mainly just wanted to visit and to invite them out. We then went out to where the other elders lived and worked on getting them moved. Well, that went all right other than all the crap that we have here at our house now. Also, for that we had to take 2 trips, and in all it took forever. It was insane basically and I was sweating like a pig afterwards and was in the suit coat. Now our apartment is a mess, and it really sucks. Well, tonight I have been talking with people and getting things ready for the next couple of days which shall be interesting. We aren't going to have a lot of work, but we are going to be dead tired. I guess we will see how things shall go and hope for the best."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tough Day
5 November 2005
"I am officially here in Penza. I don't feel good at all. I felt like we wasted the entire day. I miss Samara a ton, and I am having a hard time, and we didn't have any meetings today - with actives, or inactive, or with anyone. We did have one meeting on the street with a guy... Well, we did buy the tickets that we needed to get to Saratov on Monday, and to Samara on Thursday. We had a really good собрание миссионеров which was good for a change.
One of the worst parts is that I am dead tired. We were on the train all night and when we got here, I wanted sleep. We cleaned up the apartment a ton as it was a pig sty here, and we needed to. I am going to pass out tonight."
"I am officially here in Penza. I don't feel good at all. I felt like we wasted the entire day. I miss Samara a ton, and I am having a hard time, and we didn't have any meetings today - with actives, or inactive, or with anyone. We did have one meeting on the street with a guy... Well, we did buy the tickets that we needed to get to Saratov on Monday, and to Samara on Thursday. We had a really good собрание миссионеров which was good for a change.
One of the worst parts is that I am dead tired. We were on the train all night and when we got here, I wanted sleep. We cleaned up the apartment a ton as it was a pig sty here, and we needed to. I am going to pass out tonight."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Last Day
4 November 2005
"My last night in Samara and I am spending it here in the office. Tonight at 11:45 we are going to leave for Penza. Let's just say that it will be nice to be gone from this office. We came here at 7:30 this morning, and from that moment, my head has been going crazy. We had problems with people not getting here on time, with people's taxis breaking down, and that isn't to mention the tons of people here. I am not going to miss these types of things. Elder Nava told me to deal with the problems, and so I tried, and things worked out. We had a sweet time, and I ran all over the place as usual. New missionaries are great, and I love them, but there is a lot of stress too. Well, I sat around for awhile, and then finally at about 11:30 I took off with Elder Boster to do some packing. That went well, and then we went to McDonalds where we ate with the sisters. That was way cool, and we just chatted for awhile, and it was awesome. I love the sisters to death.
After eating, we came home and I finished packing all up, and that was sweet – I finished! I hate to pack but that is transfers. Well, we brought my stuff here to the office and I then finished up all that I needed here. We took off to English lesson where we were at the lesson which went well. After that we ate cake and just chatted for Elder Umina's b-day. We took pictures and then came home for goodbyes. I will miss people soo much here. We are now here, and I ready to call several people and tell them goodbye – Elder Bennett especially. Tomorrow is the first day in the new area. The Lord has blessed me more than I would have ever imagined. I love my mission, and these people."
"My last night in Samara and I am spending it here in the office. Tonight at 11:45 we are going to leave for Penza. Let's just say that it will be nice to be gone from this office. We came here at 7:30 this morning, and from that moment, my head has been going crazy. We had problems with people not getting here on time, with people's taxis breaking down, and that isn't to mention the tons of people here. I am not going to miss these types of things. Elder Nava told me to deal with the problems, and so I tried, and things worked out. We had a sweet time, and I ran all over the place as usual. New missionaries are great, and I love them, but there is a lot of stress too. Well, I sat around for awhile, and then finally at about 11:30 I took off with Elder Boster to do some packing. That went well, and then we went to McDonalds where we ate with the sisters. That was way cool, and we just chatted for awhile, and it was awesome. I love the sisters to death.
After eating, we came home and I finished packing all up, and that was sweet – I finished! I hate to pack but that is transfers. Well, we brought my stuff here to the office and I then finished up all that I needed here. We took off to English lesson where we were at the lesson which went well. After that we ate cake and just chatted for Elder Umina's b-day. We took pictures and then came home for goodbyes. I will miss people soo much here. We are now here, and I ready to call several people and tell them goodbye – Elder Bennett especially. Tomorrow is the first day in the new area. The Lord has blessed me more than I would have ever imagined. I love my mission, and these people."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Free Cell
3 November 2005
"Things went really well today although we worked forever in the office. I am about ready to kill myself having served in the office for such a long time. Let's just say that today I sat in the office and told Elder Nava what to do. I even gave in and played a little Free Cell. Well, it was an interesting day and I tried the best I could to pass all that I could over to the Elder Nava. It was a pretty good day, and I enjoyed it in the end. Elder Nava will do great w/o me and it will be good to leave. I had a chat with Elder Nance today about how I can be a good ZL. I want to serve the Lord the best that I can the next several months, and I want to help the young guys.
Well, after a long day in the office we got out and went to see the Stalnovs. They are doing well, and it was good to meeting with them. Sister Stalnova is an awesome lady. I wish that Брат Стальнов would pick his act up. We then went up a whole 5 floors and met with Галина Коноваленко whose daughter lives (Palina) in Murray. She is great and she loves to help with missionary work. Her friend wrote me a poem, and that was nice. Tonight I am going to sleep well as tomorrow will be insane. New missionaries, last day, and all the goodbyes. Life will be tough, but the Lord has called me to where I am most needed."
"Things went really well today although we worked forever in the office. I am about ready to kill myself having served in the office for such a long time. Let's just say that today I sat in the office and told Elder Nava what to do. I even gave in and played a little Free Cell. Well, it was an interesting day and I tried the best I could to pass all that I could over to the Elder Nava. It was a pretty good day, and I enjoyed it in the end. Elder Nava will do great w/o me and it will be good to leave. I had a chat with Elder Nance today about how I can be a good ZL. I want to serve the Lord the best that I can the next several months, and I want to help the young guys.
Well, after a long day in the office we got out and went to see the Stalnovs. They are doing well, and it was good to meeting with them. Sister Stalnova is an awesome lady. I wish that Брат Стальнов would pick his act up. We then went up a whole 5 floors and met with Галина Коноваленко whose daughter lives (Palina) in Murray. She is great and she loves to help with missionary work. Her friend wrote me a poem, and that was nice. Tonight I am going to sleep well as tomorrow will be insane. New missionaries, last day, and all the goodbyes. Life will be tough, but the Lord has called me to where I am most needed."
Monday, November 2, 2009
Strong Spirit
2 November 2005
"Today was a great day. I had a way good time, but once again I am dead. This morning the Zls came by and picked me up and that was cool because we went to play some. We once again played frisbee and a little football. We played for a long time and then we went and we ate McDonalds. That was really good, and I really enjoyed it. I am home, showered, and then we took off. I got to the office and did a few things and then Tom came. Wow! That was way sweet!
Elder Nava was a Catholic earlier in his life and so he told about how he was converted and it was way awesome. We felt the spirit really strong and it was awesome. Tom promised to come on Sunday – and that was way sweet. We all felt the spirit way strong.
Well, after the meeting we were all on a high, and I wrote home a really awesome letter, and that was way good. My family is doing well, and now I am going to have p-day on Wednesdays with her and that will be nice. We then went to собрание миссионеров and that was sure interesting. We got there late and it was basically useless. After we stopped by to Надежада and tried to do a lesson with her, but it didn't go so well. She doesn't understand her baptism, and it was very hard. Well, she just worried about me leaving that this all. Now I am off to bed. I will write more tomorrow!"
"Today was a great day. I had a way good time, but once again I am dead. This morning the Zls came by and picked me up and that was cool because we went to play some. We once again played frisbee and a little football. We played for a long time and then we went and we ate McDonalds. That was really good, and I really enjoyed it. I am home, showered, and then we took off. I got to the office and did a few things and then Tom came. Wow! That was way sweet!
Elder Nava was a Catholic earlier in his life and so he told about how he was converted and it was way awesome. We felt the spirit really strong and it was awesome. Tom promised to come on Sunday – and that was way sweet. We all felt the spirit way strong.
Well, after the meeting we were all on a high, and I wrote home a really awesome letter, and that was way good. My family is doing well, and now I am going to have p-day on Wednesdays with her and that will be nice. We then went to собрание миссионеров and that was sure interesting. We got there late and it was basically useless. After we stopped by to Надежада and tried to do a lesson with her, but it didn't go so well. She doesn't understand her baptism, and it was very hard. Well, she just worried about me leaving that this all. Now I am off to bed. I will write more tomorrow!"
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Fun Day
1 November 2005
"It was a pretty sweet day. We had a good time other than being unable to get in a good study with having to go to the office early. Well, we headed out early, and we got to the office. There I helped Elder Nava understand all that was going on, and it was pretty good. Well, we went and Elder Nava had MEC while we went to the post office. That went bad because we stood there for a long while and didn't get anything sent off. We finally just left and went back to the office where I just burned CDs for myself. I now have all of the music that I want and soon I will have all the pictures I want. Well, we worked and got things all done for the leaving missionaries. Things went well for them and that is good. After that we ate with the leaving missionaries and that was awesome. We ate a ton and once again, I had the pride of eating the most food and that was way great. I love the Davidiks. They are such wonderful people. I will sure miss them. Well, then we went to the church where we had FHE. That was a lot of fun and I finally saw the Орловы twins again. They are doing great, and had a good time in Germany. Well, now we are home after a good time there. It was sure a lot of fun, and we played the neighbor game for a long time."
"It was a pretty sweet day. We had a good time other than being unable to get in a good study with having to go to the office early. Well, we headed out early, and we got to the office. There I helped Elder Nava understand all that was going on, and it was pretty good. Well, we went and Elder Nava had MEC while we went to the post office. That went bad because we stood there for a long while and didn't get anything sent off. We finally just left and went back to the office where I just burned CDs for myself. I now have all of the music that I want and soon I will have all the pictures I want. Well, we worked and got things all done for the leaving missionaries. Things went well for them and that is good. After that we ate with the leaving missionaries and that was awesome. We ate a ton and once again, I had the pride of eating the most food and that was way great. I love the Davidiks. They are such wonderful people. I will sure miss them. Well, then we went to the church where we had FHE. That was a lot of fun and I finally saw the Орловы twins again. They are doing great, and had a good time in Germany. Well, now we are home after a good time there. It was sure a lot of fun, and we played the neighbor game for a long time."
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Contacting and Knocking
31 October 2005
"I am really training my replacement. It is sure a weird feeling. I don’t know how much I like it, but I guess that is part of my job. We got in a great deal of studying this morning and I learned a bit about the gifts of the spirits. I wish I could have studied a little more, but I will find some more time later. We had time to then get out and contact that went well. I was with Elder Pantone, and we walked around and had a good time chatting with everyone.
Once we got to the office, things went well. I showed Elder Nava what I do and we got all the statistics typed in. He got it done after a while, but it was a bit of a slow process. We then had собрание округа and that was way cool. I love to be with the district, and it is always a lot of fun. We did a lot of practice and all in all it went well. We finished and then we went back to work. We started to get things ready for the departing missionaries and that took a while. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and then we worked some more. By about 6 we were gone and we walked for a while and just talked. That went well, and then we decided to knock. Elder Nava was scared a bit, but in all, we had a good time. We then walked home, and now we are home. Elder Nava will do great here. I am excited for him, and glad that he is here on my place!"
"I am really training my replacement. It is sure a weird feeling. I don’t know how much I like it, but I guess that is part of my job. We got in a great deal of studying this morning and I learned a bit about the gifts of the spirits. I wish I could have studied a little more, but I will find some more time later. We had time to then get out and contact that went well. I was with Elder Pantone, and we walked around and had a good time chatting with everyone.
Once we got to the office, things went well. I showed Elder Nava what I do and we got all the statistics typed in. He got it done after a while, but it was a bit of a slow process. We then had собрание округа and that was way cool. I love to be with the district, and it is always a lot of fun. We did a lot of practice and all in all it went well. We finished and then we went back to work. We started to get things ready for the departing missionaries and that took a while. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and then we worked some more. By about 6 we were gone and we walked for a while and just talked. That went well, and then we decided to knock. Elder Nava was scared a bit, but in all, we had a good time. We then walked home, and now we are home. Elder Nava will do great here. I am excited for him, and glad that he is here on my place!"
Friday, October 30, 2009
Great Missionary
30 October 2005
"It was sure an interesting day. We have my replacement here – Elder Nava. He is a great guy. What a great missionary he is. He will do awesome here. We went early this morning to дом учения where we had conference. It was awesome, and we had a really good time listening to President Peiper again and he is such an awesome guy. He has such a wonderful spirit, and he always is ready to help. We sang in the choir, and that went way awesome. We sang great, and the spirit was super strong. I loved to sing and that was good.
After the conference, we sat around for a bit and that went really well. I talked with people, and then we finally left after waiting for a long time. We had a good time at the office, sitting, eating, and chatting. All in all it went good, and then we got out of there. I was with Elder Nava and we attempted to contact a bit, but that didn’t go too well. We went to see Вячеслав and he is doing well, and having a real good time with him. I realized what a good missionary Elder Nava is and I am shocked at his ability to teach. I wish that I could be as good of a missionary as he is. He is such a great guy. I hope that I can become a lot better missionary. Right now is hard, but I think it will be better. I hope at least…"
"It was sure an interesting day. We have my replacement here – Elder Nava. He is a great guy. What a great missionary he is. He will do awesome here. We went early this morning to дом учения where we had conference. It was awesome, and we had a really good time listening to President Peiper again and he is such an awesome guy. He has such a wonderful spirit, and he always is ready to help. We sang in the choir, and that went way awesome. We sang great, and the spirit was super strong. I loved to sing and that was good.
After the conference, we sat around for a bit and that went really well. I talked with people, and then we finally left after waiting for a long time. We had a good time at the office, sitting, eating, and chatting. All in all it went good, and then we got out of there. I was with Elder Nava and we attempted to contact a bit, but that didn’t go too well. We went to see Вячеслав and he is doing well, and having a real good time with him. I realized what a good missionary Elder Nava is and I am shocked at his ability to teach. I wish that I could be as good of a missionary as he is. He is such a great guy. I hope that I can become a lot better missionary. Right now is hard, but I think it will be better. I hope at least…"
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Another Conference
29 October 2005
"I am ready to leave but I am not. One of the hardest things for me is to get the desire to work as I know that I will be leaving. Today we didn't have a lot of work as it was preparation day. We wrote home first things this morning, and that went well. The family is doing well, and there is not a ton going on at home. It was nice to write home before we went to the Lunt’s house and had a nice meal with them, and I love them a ton. They are such wonderful and nice people. We then went out to Книжный Рынок and bought a couple DVDs and that was cool. We quickly came home, gathered all our stuff and then went out to the branch building in order to meet for choir. Well, that wasn’t too great, and then we had district conference, which was awesome. President Peiper is a great guy and he speaks so well. He talked about love and sacrifice and how it relates to faith. He talked about how we need to be ready always to help others. After conference we stopped by to the store and bought our stuff for the week."
"I am ready to leave but I am not. One of the hardest things for me is to get the desire to work as I know that I will be leaving. Today we didn't have a lot of work as it was preparation day. We wrote home first things this morning, and that went well. The family is doing well, and there is not a ton going on at home. It was nice to write home before we went to the Lunt’s house and had a nice meal with them, and I love them a ton. They are such wonderful and nice people. We then went out to Книжный Рынок and bought a couple DVDs and that was cool. We quickly came home, gathered all our stuff and then went out to the branch building in order to meet for choir. Well, that wasn’t too great, and then we had district conference, which was awesome. President Peiper is a great guy and he speaks so well. He talked about love and sacrifice and how it relates to faith. He talked about how we need to be ready always to help others. After conference we stopped by to the store and bought our stuff for the week."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Conference - President Peiper
28 October 2005
"Today was way awesome. We had a ton of success, and President Peiper made it in for his conference with us today. We left early through the snow this morning and went to the church. Well, we thought that conference was suppose to start at 10 but there had been a last minute change and we didn't start until 11. Well, we had a way awesome conference, and we found out how well President Peiper really does speak. He talked to us a ton about our role in the plan of salvation and how we learned the things we are learning now before this life. We know the people that we are meeting now before this life, and we prepared for this! It was crazy to thing about and it was a way awesome conference. We got flu shots after the conference and that was good. We then chilled there for a bit and had a good time chatting with all the missionaries. We then had english lesson and that was pretty cool. I was chatting with Sister Чалимова and Фамичева and they wanted me to do english. Well, I taught the beginning group, and at was with Elder Nance and Lamber and we stopped by to Надежда, Ваня, и Вася. That went really good, and they said that they would read and pray. Well, they told us that Elder Umina was lost and so we had to go to the APs and then we came home when we found out that he had been found. Its bed time now thought."
"Today was way awesome. We had a ton of success, and President Peiper made it in for his conference with us today. We left early through the snow this morning and went to the church. Well, we thought that conference was suppose to start at 10 but there had been a last minute change and we didn't start until 11. Well, we had a way awesome conference, and we found out how well President Peiper really does speak. He talked to us a ton about our role in the plan of salvation and how we learned the things we are learning now before this life. We know the people that we are meeting now before this life, and we prepared for this! It was crazy to thing about and it was a way awesome conference. We got flu shots after the conference and that was good. We then chilled there for a bit and had a good time chatting with all the missionaries. We then had english lesson and that was pretty cool. I was chatting with Sister Чалимова and Фамичева and they wanted me to do english. Well, I taught the beginning group, and at was with Elder Nance and Lamber and we stopped by to Надежда, Ваня, и Вася. That went really good, and they said that they would read and pray. Well, they told us that Elder Umina was lost and so we had to go to the APs and then we came home when we found out that he had been found. Its bed time now thought."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fog
27 October 2005
"Russian winter has started! We are going to be super dirty of course as that is part of the deal. Things are good and there was a bit of snow that is all melting. That makes everything super dirty. We went out and contacted this morning in spite of the fact that it was dirty, and although nothing major went for us, we had a good time. I printed some pictures on the roll of film that I just finished, so that is cool. We got into the office super late, and we started orientation immediately. That went well, and then I ran and did all my stuff. We got to eat with President and with the Gunnells and that was awesome. Elder Nance thought he could out eat me and he told Sister Davidik that we was able to eat a lot and was proving it. She laughed, pointed at me, and said that this is a big eater. We all had a good laugh, and I was proud!
After dinner we dealt with all the problems of fog. We have 2 missionaries in Moscow that should be coming back but have been sitting in the airport like 12 hours because no flights are coming into Samara. President Pieper of the Area Presidency should be coming to a conference tomorrow too, but he is also sitting in Moscow – it is bad because we have half of the mission coming down for this. We went to choir and that went well. We had a prayer to pray for the fog to go away, and that was awesome. The spirit was so strong. We are home now, and I have a feeling it will be a busy night working things out. We shall see, and are hoping for the best!"
"Russian winter has started! We are going to be super dirty of course as that is part of the deal. Things are good and there was a bit of snow that is all melting. That makes everything super dirty. We went out and contacted this morning in spite of the fact that it was dirty, and although nothing major went for us, we had a good time. I printed some pictures on the roll of film that I just finished, so that is cool. We got into the office super late, and we started orientation immediately. That went well, and then I ran and did all my stuff. We got to eat with President and with the Gunnells and that was awesome. Elder Nance thought he could out eat me and he told Sister Davidik that we was able to eat a lot and was proving it. She laughed, pointed at me, and said that this is a big eater. We all had a good laugh, and I was proud!
After dinner we dealt with all the problems of fog. We have 2 missionaries in Moscow that should be coming back but have been sitting in the airport like 12 hours because no flights are coming into Samara. President Pieper of the Area Presidency should be coming to a conference tomorrow too, but he is also sitting in Moscow – it is bad because we have half of the mission coming down for this. We went to choir and that went well. We had a prayer to pray for the fog to go away, and that was awesome. The spirit was so strong. We are home now, and I have a feeling it will be a busy night working things out. We shall see, and are hoping for the best!"
Monday, October 26, 2009
Basketball Game
26 October 2005
"Today was way sweet. We had a really good day, and there was a lot going on. We started the day by playing some football and we saw the first snow of the winter. We played with about 10 elders and I was sure tired after. As we were leaving, we got a call from President telling us that the Gunnells had flown in. We had been expecting them to come in next Friday and so they went and picked them up, and all worked out. Well, nothing had come from Salt Lake informing us of their arrival, so we were super shocked. Well, we got to the office, and got things worked out of them. We also worked on some other small things before we had a meeting with Tom. That went great. The spirit was very strong and Лариса was there with us which was awesome. She has such a strong testimony, and she speaks so awesome on English. She bore her testimony about how she was converted, and it was way sweet. Well, after the meeting we ran back here to change and then were off to Патио to eat. We had really good lasagna there, and Caesar salad. I really loved it, and it tasted so good. We were there with our district and the zone leaders. We then went to a basketball game that was way sweet. It was great to be there, and it was even better that Samara won. It was way cool and I am losing my voice from it. All is well, and now we are super tired. I am going to crash. What an awesome day!"
"Today was way sweet. We had a really good day, and there was a lot going on. We started the day by playing some football and we saw the first snow of the winter. We played with about 10 elders and I was sure tired after. As we were leaving, we got a call from President telling us that the Gunnells had flown in. We had been expecting them to come in next Friday and so they went and picked them up, and all worked out. Well, nothing had come from Salt Lake informing us of their arrival, so we were super shocked. Well, we got to the office, and got things worked out of them. We also worked on some other small things before we had a meeting with Tom. That went great. The spirit was very strong and Лариса was there with us which was awesome. She has such a strong testimony, and she speaks so awesome on English. She bore her testimony about how she was converted, and it was way sweet. Well, after the meeting we ran back here to change and then were off to Патио to eat. We had really good lasagna there, and Caesar salad. I really loved it, and it tasted so good. We were there with our district and the zone leaders. We then went to a basketball game that was way sweet. It was great to be there, and it was even better that Samara won. It was way cool and I am losing my voice from it. All is well, and now we are super tired. I am going to crash. What an awesome day!"
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Our Reactions
25 October 2005
"A fairly quiet day just passed by. We didn't do a ton in the way of work, but we stayed busy. This morning we went to the office after preparing a lesson for Tom tomorrow. In the office, I got all my things printed off for MEC, and then we started that. We had a great time there, and we talked about everything. There is a ton going on, and with transfers in a week, it is insane. There are problems as always, but that is always the case. The thing is that things will be better. I got my calendar all set up, and so things are good with that, and I also fixed President's problems. What a joy it was to be there.
After MEC we ate lunch, and that was tasty. We ate пелмены that we had fried with cheese, mayo, and ketchup. I think my Mom would die if she knew that I was eating these things. The most important part is that it was really tasty. I then worked on some random odd jobs that I had to take care of. One of the main things was to get a map of Moscow for an elder who lost his passport who will be going there. We worked until we left at about 5:45 to FHE.
That went really awesome, and I really enjoyed it. We talked about having freedom of how we react to our problems. We may not be free to choose how things will be, but we will always choose how we will react. I thought about how when I came here to the office and how we had nothing. We could have easily just died and no one would have noticed. We often talked about how no one looked over us or worried about us. But for some reason we decided to work, and we decided to try even though we had little. We made such an awesome choice, and I am super happy that we did. I know that the way we reacted greatly blessed us.
Well, tonight I will sleep good, and we hope that tomorrow will go well. I love it here. I will sure miss it a ton!"
"A fairly quiet day just passed by. We didn't do a ton in the way of work, but we stayed busy. This morning we went to the office after preparing a lesson for Tom tomorrow. In the office, I got all my things printed off for MEC, and then we started that. We had a great time there, and we talked about everything. There is a ton going on, and with transfers in a week, it is insane. There are problems as always, but that is always the case. The thing is that things will be better. I got my calendar all set up, and so things are good with that, and I also fixed President's problems. What a joy it was to be there.
After MEC we ate lunch, and that was tasty. We ate пелмены that we had fried with cheese, mayo, and ketchup. I think my Mom would die if she knew that I was eating these things. The most important part is that it was really tasty. I then worked on some random odd jobs that I had to take care of. One of the main things was to get a map of Moscow for an elder who lost his passport who will be going there. We worked until we left at about 5:45 to FHE.
That went really awesome, and I really enjoyed it. We talked about having freedom of how we react to our problems. We may not be free to choose how things will be, but we will always choose how we will react. I thought about how when I came here to the office and how we had nothing. We could have easily just died and no one would have noticed. We often talked about how no one looked over us or worried about us. But for some reason we decided to work, and we decided to try even though we had little. We made such an awesome choice, and I am super happy that we did. I know that the way we reacted greatly blessed us.
Well, tonight I will sleep good, and we hope that tomorrow will go well. I love it here. I will sure miss it a ton!"
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Leaving the Office
24 October 2005
"Today went good - well it ended awesome. I was super tired this morning and then we ended things off great. We went to the office early as there were elders that had to go to Vilnius for their visas. They got there and I printed off their schedules and maps of Moscow and so forth. That went really well, and we got them off, and we hope that they won't have any problems. Well, Elder Umina left, so that meant that I conducted собрание округа and that went really well. We enjoyed chatting and all, and then afterwards we had some way awesome cake that Sister Фомичева made that was super good. I loved it a ton. We all really really liked it. After that, we had a really long time to get stuff ready for MEC. We did that, and I am all ready.
Well, I got things done and then President met with me and told me that I am leaving from the office and that I will be serving in Penza. I am excited for the branch where I will serve, and I know that the Lord wants me to serve there. I am sure going to miss people here. I love people so much. It will be super hard.
This evening we were contacting and we met a nice grandma that we had helped a few weeks ago. She was so happy to see us, and she gave me a kiss on the cheek. She said she is 82 and she loves us. What a joy to meet with us, but we have to pass here to the sisters. We finished the night with the Стальновы's and we encouraged them to write in their journals, and write how they became members. I talked with my companion and we both wished that we had written better when we were younger. I have so many lost memories. Writing about our experiences and feelings is so important. I wish I had done better."
"Today went good - well it ended awesome. I was super tired this morning and then we ended things off great. We went to the office early as there were elders that had to go to Vilnius for their visas. They got there and I printed off their schedules and maps of Moscow and so forth. That went really well, and we got them off, and we hope that they won't have any problems. Well, Elder Umina left, so that meant that I conducted собрание округа and that went really well. We enjoyed chatting and all, and then afterwards we had some way awesome cake that Sister Фомичева made that was super good. I loved it a ton. We all really really liked it. After that, we had a really long time to get stuff ready for MEC. We did that, and I am all ready.
Well, I got things done and then President met with me and told me that I am leaving from the office and that I will be serving in Penza. I am excited for the branch where I will serve, and I know that the Lord wants me to serve there. I am sure going to miss people here. I love people so much. It will be super hard.
This evening we were contacting and we met a nice grandma that we had helped a few weeks ago. She was so happy to see us, and she gave me a kiss on the cheek. She said she is 82 and she loves us. What a joy to meet with us, but we have to pass here to the sisters. We finished the night with the Стальновы's and we encouraged them to write in their journals, and write how they became members. I talked with my companion and we both wished that we had written better when we were younger. I have so many lost memories. Writing about our experiences and feelings is so important. I wish I had done better."
Friday, October 23, 2009
Interesting Meeting
23 October 2005
"Today was a good day. I just talked with Лариса - a member here - for about 30 minutes. She is way awesome. Why can't all members be like her? She was baptized just over a year ago and she is way strong. She is great. She gave me all kinds of advice on how to become a better missionary. She is way cool, but she wants to find some guy through the internet, so I told her it’s better not to. Anyhow, that was what I did this evening.
This morning we went out and went to church where things went a lot better. We had a really interesting meeting and Брат Буланов taught half of the lessons again and so that was no good. We talked about doing work for the dead, but not why. It was weird and I was way confused. We then came home and did some contacting on the way. We didn't have a lot of success, but yeah - that is part of life. We came home and grabbed a quick power nap - 15 minutes and then we continued on working. We found one really great guy, but he is from Moscow. We ate with the Ehlerts this evening and that was way good! I wish that I could always be with them. Well, the APs were there and we had a good time that way. Elder Kirk shared his testimony about his mission and that was way awesome. He had a lot of success and he has had a good time. We then came home, and I have very little time. It was sure an interesting day, but that isn't uncommon."
"Today was a good day. I just talked with Лариса - a member here - for about 30 minutes. She is way awesome. Why can't all members be like her? She was baptized just over a year ago and she is way strong. She is great. She gave me all kinds of advice on how to become a better missionary. She is way cool, but she wants to find some guy through the internet, so I told her it’s better not to. Anyhow, that was what I did this evening.
This morning we went out and went to church where things went a lot better. We had a really interesting meeting and Брат Буланов taught half of the lessons again and so that was no good. We talked about doing work for the dead, but not why. It was weird and I was way confused. We then came home and did some contacting on the way. We didn't have a lot of success, but yeah - that is part of life. We came home and grabbed a quick power nap - 15 minutes and then we continued on working. We found one really great guy, but he is from Moscow. We ate with the Ehlerts this evening and that was way good! I wish that I could always be with them. Well, the APs were there and we had a good time that way. Elder Kirk shared his testimony about his mission and that was way awesome. He had a lot of success and he has had a good time. We then came home, and I have very little time. It was sure an interesting day, but that isn't uncommon."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sports Bar
22 October 2005
"I think I'll just write the day down as it went. We got up and did our studying this morning and then we went to the office and enjoyed the time to write home. Nothing major really happened there, but I wrote home with not many problems. I worked on getting my pictures done as I wanted so that I can burn them. Also Сестра Петунц wrote and asked me why I was always so nice to her - I told her that it is just my character. Well, at times I think that I am too nice too. We then went to the рынок and магазин where we bought food for next week. I bought some thing gloves too that I wanted. We came home and headed to lunch.
Lunch was way awesome! We went to a sports bar type place, and there we ate and watched a soccer game. It was way awesome and the game was way sweet. Maybe we weren't supposed to go there, but it was way worth it. I love to watch soccer, and I ordered buffalo wings that were to die for. It was way worth it.
We then went out to choir practice and that was fun. We did good and I love to sing. I wish that I had a better voice, but I guess I am blessed with other talents. We came home and I grabbed a power nap before we headed out and did some knocking. There wasn't any success, but it was a good time and I felt great afterwards. We finished the night with Степан and enjoyed him as always. Tonight I will sleep great! I am excited!"
"I think I'll just write the day down as it went. We got up and did our studying this morning and then we went to the office and enjoyed the time to write home. Nothing major really happened there, but I wrote home with not many problems. I worked on getting my pictures done as I wanted so that I can burn them. Also Сестра Петунц wrote and asked me why I was always so nice to her - I told her that it is just my character. Well, at times I think that I am too nice too. We then went to the рынок and магазин where we bought food for next week. I bought some thing gloves too that I wanted. We came home and headed to lunch.
Lunch was way awesome! We went to a sports bar type place, and there we ate and watched a soccer game. It was way awesome and the game was way sweet. Maybe we weren't supposed to go there, but it was way worth it. I love to watch soccer, and I ordered buffalo wings that were to die for. It was way worth it.
We then went out to choir practice and that was fun. We did good and I love to sing. I wish that I had a better voice, but I guess I am blessed with other talents. We came home and I grabbed a power nap before we headed out and did some knocking. There wasn't any success, but it was a good time and I felt great afterwards. We finished the night with Степан and enjoyed him as always. Tonight I will sleep great! I am excited!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
