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."
Showing posts with label Bennett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bennett. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Craziness
23 September 2005
"Another day over with. We survived the battle and it was sure insane. We got up super early this morning – well we got up as usual and then we came here to the office. Once we got here this morning, we started getting things ready for the elders that were going to be coming. I put all the books in order and got all the paperwork that I needed put together and then the troops started to pour in at about 7:30. By 8:00 we had the new missionaries here and they were super tired and ready to sleep. They sat down for a few minutes before eating the breakfast that we had bought them. After a quick bite they went back to studying and writing in their journals and doing all that fun stuff. I put some District Leader and Zone Leader Handbooks together before I started to talk with several of the elders and get to know them. They are really good guys, and they have a good spirit about them. Well, I ran around while everyone acted like they knew what would be happening. They started to meet with President at about 10 and they didn’t finish interviews until 1. Well, we then got our orientation started. That went really well, and orientation was really cool. We talked about the mission and we talked about all that is expected out of them. We also talked about where they are going to be serving and we had put together a presentation and put it up on the wall for them with the projector. Well, we got through orientation and then at the end we heard from all of the elders and sisters and their testimonies. That is always awesome to hear the testimonies of the new missionaries as they are always so strong and have such a wonderful spirit about them. We finished our orientation and then we went up to the newly finished apartment to eat a little bit. We had a really good meal, and I stuffed myself to death basically. I ate 3 Big Tasties from McDonalds and that was way good but I am still full from that. We also had Pringles and good salads from Sister Davidik as always. I enjoyed it a ton and I love to eat with them. We then sat and talked with the APs for a bit and some of the new missionaries. Then the craziness really started. All of the trainers got here at about 4:30 and they were all in the office. There were about 50 people in the office, and we could barely walk around. We were running everywhere trying to get people out of here, and get them to places that they needed to go. The reason there were so many is because President had asked that all of the new trainers come here to meet with their new guys. Of course the bus to Saratov was late and so that meant that people were standing around longer then they needed to, but we finally got things taken care of. We got everyone on their bus to Saratov and they were on a really nice bus – it was nothing like what I rode on when we went to Izhevsk. It was super nice and it was just for us. Well, the elders took off, and then we just started to relax a bit. That was good because I had run all over the place and was going crazy. In fact, it was a little better today they usual when missionaries come in, but yeah it was a lot of fun, and I had to play a big role so of course that always feels good. We have been working on getting some little odds and ends worked out now, and we have been doing the little things that we couldn’t earlier. Well, we are now working hard to get the last elders off to their cities and then we are going to go home and sleep awesome. What an awesome day in the office and tomorrow will be even better to be able to relax finally. Wow, life is sure crazy. I can’t believe it!"
"Another day over with. We survived the battle and it was sure insane. We got up super early this morning – well we got up as usual and then we came here to the office. Once we got here this morning, we started getting things ready for the elders that were going to be coming. I put all the books in order and got all the paperwork that I needed put together and then the troops started to pour in at about 7:30. By 8:00 we had the new missionaries here and they were super tired and ready to sleep. They sat down for a few minutes before eating the breakfast that we had bought them. After a quick bite they went back to studying and writing in their journals and doing all that fun stuff. I put some District Leader and Zone Leader Handbooks together before I started to talk with several of the elders and get to know them. They are really good guys, and they have a good spirit about them. Well, I ran around while everyone acted like they knew what would be happening. They started to meet with President at about 10 and they didn’t finish interviews until 1. Well, we then got our orientation started. That went really well, and orientation was really cool. We talked about the mission and we talked about all that is expected out of them. We also talked about where they are going to be serving and we had put together a presentation and put it up on the wall for them with the projector. Well, we got through orientation and then at the end we heard from all of the elders and sisters and their testimonies. That is always awesome to hear the testimonies of the new missionaries as they are always so strong and have such a wonderful spirit about them. We finished our orientation and then we went up to the newly finished apartment to eat a little bit. We had a really good meal, and I stuffed myself to death basically. I ate 3 Big Tasties from McDonalds and that was way good but I am still full from that. We also had Pringles and good salads from Sister Davidik as always. I enjoyed it a ton and I love to eat with them. We then sat and talked with the APs for a bit and some of the new missionaries. Then the craziness really started. All of the trainers got here at about 4:30 and they were all in the office. There were about 50 people in the office, and we could barely walk around. We were running everywhere trying to get people out of here, and get them to places that they needed to go. The reason there were so many is because President had asked that all of the new trainers come here to meet with their new guys. Of course the bus to Saratov was late and so that meant that people were standing around longer then they needed to, but we finally got things taken care of. We got everyone on their bus to Saratov and they were on a really nice bus – it was nothing like what I rode on when we went to Izhevsk. It was super nice and it was just for us. Well, the elders took off, and then we just started to relax a bit. That was good because I had run all over the place and was going crazy. In fact, it was a little better today they usual when missionaries come in, but yeah it was a lot of fun, and I had to play a big role so of course that always feels good. We have been working on getting some little odds and ends worked out now, and we have been doing the little things that we couldn’t earlier. Well, we are now working hard to get the last elders off to their cities and then we are going to go home and sleep awesome. What an awesome day in the office and tomorrow will be even better to be able to relax finally. Wow, life is sure crazy. I can’t believe it!"
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Battle
22 September 2005
"We're preparing for war tomorrow. We got the guns loaded and ready to fire. We are going to be working up early and headed off to the battlefield. We are tired from a long day of preparation and preparing the weapons for battle. These darn books take a while to prepare for incoming missionaries, and it is a bit stressful. This morning we went to do some service before we went to the office. I wouldn't really call it service as we sat there for about 45 minutes before we left. I did change a light bulb and get a nice little shock from that. It was pretty crazy but yeah. We worked in the office for a bit before we decided that we needed to go and eat with the APs at McDonalds for an important "business lunch." Well, we did that and there were little beggar boys that we wouldn't give any money to and then later we saw the kicking a guy for stuff - it was sad.
We came back to the office, and on the way, we stopped by to a couple of stores and picked up some more materials to make the little booklets. We also got some food for the guys coming in tomorrow. We walked back to the office where we tried to get some more work done. Brock came to the office and after a quick interview left and we found out that he couldn't baptize Лилия so that means that Lister will be doing it. We took off with Блинков to stop by to some people, but no one was home. We talked with him for a bit before we went back to the office to finish up some work. We left to Elder Hunsaker's concert after not too long and we enjoyed the music from his family. We also had a good time talking with everyone before we came home. I am tired as can be, and like I wrote - it is off to battle we go.
"
"We're preparing for war tomorrow. We got the guns loaded and ready to fire. We are going to be working up early and headed off to the battlefield. We are tired from a long day of preparation and preparing the weapons for battle. These darn books take a while to prepare for incoming missionaries, and it is a bit stressful. This morning we went to do some service before we went to the office. I wouldn't really call it service as we sat there for about 45 minutes before we left. I did change a light bulb and get a nice little shock from that. It was pretty crazy but yeah. We worked in the office for a bit before we decided that we needed to go and eat with the APs at McDonalds for an important "business lunch." Well, we did that and there were little beggar boys that we wouldn't give any money to and then later we saw the kicking a guy for stuff - it was sad.
We came back to the office, and on the way, we stopped by to a couple of stores and picked up some more materials to make the little booklets. We also got some food for the guys coming in tomorrow. We walked back to the office where we tried to get some more work done. Brock came to the office and after a quick interview left and we found out that he couldn't baptize Лилия so that means that Lister will be doing it. We took off with Блинков to stop by to some people, but no one was home. We talked with him for a bit before we went back to the office to finish up some work. We left to Elder Hunsaker's concert after not too long and we enjoyed the music from his family. We also had a good time talking with everyone before we came home. I am tired as can be, and like I wrote - it is off to battle we go.
"
Monday, September 21, 2009
Heartattack
21 September 2005
"Yesterday was insane - I am writing today the 22nd. We did tons, and I thought I was going to lose it. I seriously ran all over the place and worried myself way too much. I had a heart attack twice almost, but in the end it all worked out and we got to bed by 11. The day started pretty calm, so that is good. We got in a good study before we ran off to the office. Once we got to the office, I ran my normal routine of doing some random things. I had to make books and help some of the people there in the office. I then had to run to the bank for 20,000 rubles for a lady. We gave the money to her and got the bus taken care for Friday - we got all the missionaries coming in and have to order them a bus. Well, we then ate some lunch before Tom came.
With Tom we had another awesome lesson as often seems to be the case. We talked about the priesthood and about its loss and restoration. We then watched a talk from President Hinckley that he gave last April. It was about the restoration, and went perfectly with our lesson. He (Tom) said that he accepted it all, but is very stubborn and has to convince himself that this is right. Meeting with him is way awesome.
That feeling didn't last long though as about 2 minutes after the meeting, I started to worry a ton about some elders gone to St. Petersburg. I completely redid my plans in about 5 minutes as they all got home super late. Well, in the end it worked out, but only thanks to Sister Фомичева talking a bus into waiting. The day continued, and I got elders through interviews and finished up things for the Friday group. I ran through disorientation with Elder Andelin before I was in orientation with the new Elders that are both from Russia and Ukraine. That was really quick and then we went up to have a really good meal with president. After the meal, I started to worry about some elders making their train as they only had 15 minutes. I guess they made it because they didn't come back. Well, the Ehlert's waited forever for a taxi to take them home, but it didn't come. By this time it was already 10 and so Blinkov helped me out, but we still had to wait 30 minutes for a taxi. We finally got out, and I came home and crashed. I was dead tired and just passed out. We will have another day like that on Friday so I guess I had better be ready. I honestly dislike such days very much, but life goes on I guess. We'll see how today goes."
"Yesterday was insane - I am writing today the 22nd. We did tons, and I thought I was going to lose it. I seriously ran all over the place and worried myself way too much. I had a heart attack twice almost, but in the end it all worked out and we got to bed by 11. The day started pretty calm, so that is good. We got in a good study before we ran off to the office. Once we got to the office, I ran my normal routine of doing some random things. I had to make books and help some of the people there in the office. I then had to run to the bank for 20,000 rubles for a lady. We gave the money to her and got the bus taken care for Friday - we got all the missionaries coming in and have to order them a bus. Well, we then ate some lunch before Tom came.
With Tom we had another awesome lesson as often seems to be the case. We talked about the priesthood and about its loss and restoration. We then watched a talk from President Hinckley that he gave last April. It was about the restoration, and went perfectly with our lesson. He (Tom) said that he accepted it all, but is very stubborn and has to convince himself that this is right. Meeting with him is way awesome.
That feeling didn't last long though as about 2 minutes after the meeting, I started to worry a ton about some elders gone to St. Petersburg. I completely redid my plans in about 5 minutes as they all got home super late. Well, in the end it worked out, but only thanks to Sister Фомичева talking a bus into waiting. The day continued, and I got elders through interviews and finished up things for the Friday group. I ran through disorientation with Elder Andelin before I was in orientation with the new Elders that are both from Russia and Ukraine. That was really quick and then we went up to have a really good meal with president. After the meal, I started to worry about some elders making their train as they only had 15 minutes. I guess they made it because they didn't come back. Well, the Ehlert's waited forever for a taxi to take them home, but it didn't come. By this time it was already 10 and so Blinkov helped me out, but we still had to wait 30 minutes for a taxi. We finally got out, and I came home and crashed. I was dead tired and just passed out. We will have another day like that on Friday so I guess I had better be ready. I honestly dislike such days very much, but life goes on I guess. We'll see how today goes."
Sunday, September 20, 2009
20 September 2005
"Today was a pretty good one although I am going to be super tired. I am really tired right now though. This morning we got up really early and we went to the vokzal to meet Сестра Дегроф. We met her and then we waited for a taxi and just waited. We got to the office and there I started to make copies for MEC. We had a good time chatting with all the missionaries that were getting ready to take off. Well, we got all that stuff taken care of for them and then we started MEC. I got a bunch of things of that I have to do. We talked about all the things that will be going on this week, and it will sure be crazy. We talked about stats that weren't too bad but could have been a lot better. We talked for awhile, but not too long. We got out and then I worked on a few things while I waited for lasagna that the APs made. It was good and we all ate together as a district with the sisters (Sister Larsen was there too with us) and it was awesome. We had plenty to eat and enjoyed ourselves. Well they all left and then we went and I worked on transfers and getting things ready for that. I really got tired at that, and we finally just took off to English. We got there plenty late but we were able to play a round of Mafia with them and then they told me that I had to give a spiritual thought. I talked about the Book of Mormon and how much it helps me. I love to read and talked about her. I love all that it gives to me. Well, we then came home and Bennett needed to pack a bit. I am going to die and sleep great tonight and then tomorrow I will be super busy. I am excited for tomorrow."
"Today was a pretty good one although I am going to be super tired. I am really tired right now though. This morning we got up really early and we went to the vokzal to meet Сестра Дегроф. We met her and then we waited for a taxi and just waited. We got to the office and there I started to make copies for MEC. We had a good time chatting with all the missionaries that were getting ready to take off. Well, we got all that stuff taken care of for them and then we started MEC. I got a bunch of things of that I have to do. We talked about all the things that will be going on this week, and it will sure be crazy. We talked about stats that weren't too bad but could have been a lot better. We talked for awhile, but not too long. We got out and then I worked on a few things while I waited for lasagna that the APs made. It was good and we all ate together as a district with the sisters (Sister Larsen was there too with us) and it was awesome. We had plenty to eat and enjoyed ourselves. Well they all left and then we went and I worked on transfers and getting things ready for that. I really got tired at that, and we finally just took off to English. We got there plenty late but we were able to play a round of Mafia with them and then they told me that I had to give a spiritual thought. I talked about the Book of Mormon and how much it helps me. I love to read and talked about her. I love all that it gives to me. Well, we then came home and Bennett needed to pack a bit. I am going to die and sleep great tonight and then tomorrow I will be super busy. I am excited for tomorrow."
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Great District
19 September 2005
"Today just flew by. I don't even feel like I got anything done. I tried, but it just flew by. We got to the office and we started the day. I typed in all the statistics and that went really well. I felt like it was a bad week and that there wasn't a lot that got done, but then I saw there was a good average all over so that is good. Well, we then had our собрание округа this morning that went really well although it went a long time. We had a good time joking around, and we really did have a cool time with everyone. Our district was awesome and it will be sad w/o Бэннэт. He is way fun. Well, we finished and I ran back to work. I had to work on some mission papers and getting things ready for Saturday. I got some books ready for new missionaries and while doing all this we had some lunch - пелмены и рис. Well, I basically worked but didn't feel like I got a lot done. We then ran off to FHE and there things went decent. We talked a lot about genealogical work - something that I wish I had worked on more before my mission but I didn't. The lesson was a little long but the APs did a pretty good job. We then played do you love your neighbor and that went really well. We are now home and Elder Jonsson is with us now. He will be my new companion, and things will be a lot better next week but we are going to bring him with a baptism of fire and water with all that we got going this week. What insanity!"
"Today just flew by. I don't even feel like I got anything done. I tried, but it just flew by. We got to the office and we started the day. I typed in all the statistics and that went really well. I felt like it was a bad week and that there wasn't a lot that got done, but then I saw there was a good average all over so that is good. Well, we then had our собрание округа this morning that went really well although it went a long time. We had a good time joking around, and we really did have a cool time with everyone. Our district was awesome and it will be sad w/o Бэннэт. He is way fun. Well, we finished and I ran back to work. I had to work on some mission papers and getting things ready for Saturday. I got some books ready for new missionaries and while doing all this we had some lunch - пелмены и рис. Well, I basically worked but didn't feel like I got a lot done. We then ran off to FHE and there things went decent. We talked a lot about genealogical work - something that I wish I had worked on more before my mission but I didn't. The lesson was a little long but the APs did a pretty good job. We then played do you love your neighbor and that went really well. We are now home and Elder Jonsson is with us now. He will be my new companion, and things will be a lot better next week but we are going to bring him with a baptism of fire and water with all that we got going this week. What insanity!"
Friday, September 18, 2009
Marriage Lesson
18 September 2005
"It was bound to be a bad day...and then it turned out to be decent. Well, we had at least one good meeting that is. This morning we got up and studied quick like after which we headed over to the church. I rotted my teeth with a chocolate рулеть and so my Mom would be happy to know that I eat such things for breakfast. The meeting went alright today, but it could have gone a lot better. We had a really good lesson that Олеса taught. She did awesome. She talked about preparing for Zion and being physically and spiritually prepared - something that the Russian people have a lot of work to do. Священство was like usual with a fairly boring lesson that he just read from the book. Well, we chatted for a bit then we came home and went to the office to eat. We had a decent meal before we just sat there in the office. I wrote President and did some planning for next cycle. Well, we finally left and went to see Степан. He is a really good guy and today we were talking about marriage - a really missionary topic - and he said that you got to be careful because maybe your wife will say "Ты мне не нравишься в постели." Bennett and I had a good laugh as he is about 70 and really funny. Well, we had a good lesson with him, and enjoyed it. I was glad to be working and now we are home and getting ready. I have a bunch to do, so I am going to run."
"It was bound to be a bad day...and then it turned out to be decent. Well, we had at least one good meeting that is. This morning we got up and studied quick like after which we headed over to the church. I rotted my teeth with a chocolate рулеть and so my Mom would be happy to know that I eat such things for breakfast. The meeting went alright today, but it could have gone a lot better. We had a really good lesson that Олеса taught. She did awesome. She talked about preparing for Zion and being physically and spiritually prepared - something that the Russian people have a lot of work to do. Священство was like usual with a fairly boring lesson that he just read from the book. Well, we chatted for a bit then we came home and went to the office to eat. We had a decent meal before we just sat there in the office. I wrote President and did some planning for next cycle. Well, we finally left and went to see Степан. He is a really good guy and today we were talking about marriage - a really missionary topic - and he said that you got to be careful because maybe your wife will say "Ты мне не нравишься в постели." Bennett and I had a good laugh as he is about 70 and really funny. Well, we had a good lesson with him, and enjoyed it. I was glad to be working and now we are home and getting ready. I have a bunch to do, so I am going to run."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Надежда Человечества
17 September 2005
"What a sweet day. I am dead tired, but we did a ton. We left bright and early this morning to write home, and that went well. The family is doing well, and so is my brother. He is way awesome. He has a great attitude, and i love it. Well, the APs were with us, and we took off to play with them. We went to Самарская Площадь and played with the frisbees for a bit and that was pretty fun. We quick like then went to the APs and started to watch Надежда Человечества. Роман came and we went with him to help him to move some things. We went back to the APs and I took the football and we went back to play some football. Wow - that was so sweet. It has been so long since I have played football. It was awesome and we threw the football around a bunch and ran plays, and we were dead tired. We went back to the APs, started to eat and finished watching the movie - there was nothing all that great about it, but I slept because I was super tired. I woke up and we came back here to our house where I started my laundry, took a shower, and then laid down for a bit. We then went to the office because the sisters from Bezimanski had left us something there. We stopped by quick and then ran to the church building where Elder Bennett had an interview with Лилия and I sat in the hallway and sang the new hymns. Well, here we are at home and we are eating popcorn for fun. We are working, and having a good time. I love it!"
"What a sweet day. I am dead tired, but we did a ton. We left bright and early this morning to write home, and that went well. The family is doing well, and so is my brother. He is way awesome. He has a great attitude, and i love it. Well, the APs were with us, and we took off to play with them. We went to Самарская Площадь and played with the frisbees for a bit and that was pretty fun. We quick like then went to the APs and started to watch Надежда Человечества. Роман came and we went with him to help him to move some things. We went back to the APs and I took the football and we went back to play some football. Wow - that was so sweet. It has been so long since I have played football. It was awesome and we threw the football around a bunch and ran plays, and we were dead tired. We went back to the APs, started to eat and finished watching the movie - there was nothing all that great about it, but I slept because I was super tired. I woke up and we came back here to our house where I started my laundry, took a shower, and then laid down for a bit. We then went to the office because the sisters from Bezimanski had left us something there. We stopped by quick and then ran to the church building where Elder Bennett had an interview with Лилия and I sat in the hallway and sang the new hymns. Well, here we are at home and we are eating popcorn for fun. We are working, and having a good time. I love it!"
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Conference
16 September 2005
"Things went well today and I feel myself a lot better. My side still huts a bit, but it is a lot better than yesterday. At least I can walk and breathe without a lot of pain. I think the main thing is that I have started to drink a lot more. This morning we took off to the office to get some things for the elders and to take to the zone conference. We were there for a bit trying to get things ready and printed off for the conference. Conference today was really good and we talked a lot about faith. President talked about if we will talk with 10 people every day then baptisms will double. We need to have faith. I thought about my faith and I decided that I needed to work on this a lot. I have a great love and I love people so much, but my faith is weak to help them like I need to. I want to hug and help people so much! I love them with all my heart - members, missionaries, and Russian people. These people are so awesome. I need to increase my faith and teach people to show their faith even more. So, that is what I got from conference today, and I need to work on that. We ate McDonald's there and that was good as always. We planned a little with the Assistants what we are going to do tomorrow. We got out of there and we decided to come home as we had to get some things done and I fell asleep for a bit. When I woke up, we went to see вячеслав and we talked about how we can show our faith and about how we can use it as a power in our lives. It went well, and we said our parting words with him - I meant that Elder Bennett said goodbye. We then came home and we were the only ones that were on the трамвай and so we took some pictures and enjoyed that. We have been taking care of things a lot and I have talked way too much on the phone today. Tomorrow is already p-day again so that means that we will be writing home. I love conference, and it always gives me new energy. I love the spirit! It is way awesome."
"Things went well today and I feel myself a lot better. My side still huts a bit, but it is a lot better than yesterday. At least I can walk and breathe without a lot of pain. I think the main thing is that I have started to drink a lot more. This morning we took off to the office to get some things for the elders and to take to the zone conference. We were there for a bit trying to get things ready and printed off for the conference. Conference today was really good and we talked a lot about faith. President talked about if we will talk with 10 people every day then baptisms will double. We need to have faith. I thought about my faith and I decided that I needed to work on this a lot. I have a great love and I love people so much, but my faith is weak to help them like I need to. I want to hug and help people so much! I love them with all my heart - members, missionaries, and Russian people. These people are so awesome. I need to increase my faith and teach people to show their faith even more. So, that is what I got from conference today, and I need to work on that. We ate McDonald's there and that was good as always. We planned a little with the Assistants what we are going to do tomorrow. We got out of there and we decided to come home as we had to get some things done and I fell asleep for a bit. When I woke up, we went to see вячеслав and we talked about how we can show our faith and about how we can use it as a power in our lives. It went well, and we said our parting words with him - I meant that Elder Bennett said goodbye. We then came home and we were the only ones that were on the трамвай and so we took some pictures and enjoyed that. We have been taking care of things a lot and I have talked way too much on the phone today. Tomorrow is already p-day again so that means that we will be writing home. I love conference, and it always gives me new energy. I love the spirit! It is way awesome."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
More Pain
15 September 2005
"I am getting this started early tonight as I will be here for a bit and I don’t feel all that great. I want to go lie down and take a break, but right now there is nowhere to lay down. I have not felt good all day and I hope that it will go away for tomorrow as we have a zone conference and so that means that we will be busy there and it will be another long day. I hate being sick because you don’t feel like doing anything and you just want to lie down and sleep. Well, it is really bad, and I hate this feeling. I don’t know what to do about it, and I think I will call the doctor tomorrow if I don’t feel better soon. I still have this shooting pain in my side not far from my heart that is not helping and I don’t know what it is from. This is already the third day of that, and so that is no fun. I feel like dying. I hate this feeling. I guess that is part of life, and maybe getting away from here will help. I don’t know, but I do know that we still have a long evening tonight as we are going to have to take some poster things to the Вокзал for Sister Стальнова. It is going to be crazy. And I hope that all will be okay with that, but we will see.
So this morning was an interesting as we had to get here early and most of the day we have been pretty busy until just now. We came in here and I got a bunch going, and I am going to have a crazy week next week and so I hope that things are going to be better and that I feel a lot better. I had to do some lists and then I had to get things ready for Roman to get out of here, and to have things run smoothly. Well I can’t think right now as I am really hurting in pain in my side. It sure doesn’t feel too good and I wish it would go away. We thought that today we were going to go to do some service but it turned out that we couldn’t because our sisters needed some help as they couldn’t leave until someone was going to come and fix something at their house. Well, that meant that we had to go on to a meeting for them to Людмила who we helped on Tuesday do some service. Well, we helped her a bit, ate some watermelon and chatted with her about life. It was nice to be able to get out of the office and be at someone’s house to help them. It was a lot of fun. We decided that we had better stop by to McDonalds as we wanted to have something to eat and we didn’t have a lot of time. We stopped by and got some food real quick.
Well, we got back here to the office and the fun began. The APs were working on setting up the transfers that will be next week. They were racking their brains over who is going to go where and when and things like that. They were trying to set up the plan but it wasn’t going all that well as we have 18 new missionaries that will be coming in next week. Well, we had to get that all figured out and to put things on top of that we have another big trip that will be going on next week for new migration cards. Basically it was insane, and it will be absolutely crazy. So we got that figured out after about 2 or 3 hours and our heads hurt. We now have a good plan set up and we also have a good list of things that people can do. Well, we are going to have fun tonight. I did some other things in order to get ready for this and so that was a blast. Elder Bennett had to some translating and that meant that I got to sit here and wait for him. We will be going to the train station here in a bit and then we will be going home. Elder Nance just told me that the reason that I am in so much pain is because I don’t have enough water in me so I am trying to drink a lot. It hurts to laugh and sometime to breathe – it really hurts to take a deep breath. As for now, I guess that is all, and tomorrow should be an interesting day again. Off I go…"
"I am getting this started early tonight as I will be here for a bit and I don’t feel all that great. I want to go lie down and take a break, but right now there is nowhere to lay down. I have not felt good all day and I hope that it will go away for tomorrow as we have a zone conference and so that means that we will be busy there and it will be another long day. I hate being sick because you don’t feel like doing anything and you just want to lie down and sleep. Well, it is really bad, and I hate this feeling. I don’t know what to do about it, and I think I will call the doctor tomorrow if I don’t feel better soon. I still have this shooting pain in my side not far from my heart that is not helping and I don’t know what it is from. This is already the third day of that, and so that is no fun. I feel like dying. I hate this feeling. I guess that is part of life, and maybe getting away from here will help. I don’t know, but I do know that we still have a long evening tonight as we are going to have to take some poster things to the Вокзал for Sister Стальнова. It is going to be crazy. And I hope that all will be okay with that, but we will see.
So this morning was an interesting as we had to get here early and most of the day we have been pretty busy until just now. We came in here and I got a bunch going, and I am going to have a crazy week next week and so I hope that things are going to be better and that I feel a lot better. I had to do some lists and then I had to get things ready for Roman to get out of here, and to have things run smoothly. Well I can’t think right now as I am really hurting in pain in my side. It sure doesn’t feel too good and I wish it would go away. We thought that today we were going to go to do some service but it turned out that we couldn’t because our sisters needed some help as they couldn’t leave until someone was going to come and fix something at their house. Well, that meant that we had to go on to a meeting for them to Людмила who we helped on Tuesday do some service. Well, we helped her a bit, ate some watermelon and chatted with her about life. It was nice to be able to get out of the office and be at someone’s house to help them. It was a lot of fun. We decided that we had better stop by to McDonalds as we wanted to have something to eat and we didn’t have a lot of time. We stopped by and got some food real quick.
Well, we got back here to the office and the fun began. The APs were working on setting up the transfers that will be next week. They were racking their brains over who is going to go where and when and things like that. They were trying to set up the plan but it wasn’t going all that well as we have 18 new missionaries that will be coming in next week. Well, we had to get that all figured out and to put things on top of that we have another big trip that will be going on next week for new migration cards. Basically it was insane, and it will be absolutely crazy. So we got that figured out after about 2 or 3 hours and our heads hurt. We now have a good plan set up and we also have a good list of things that people can do. Well, we are going to have fun tonight. I did some other things in order to get ready for this and so that was a blast. Elder Bennett had to some translating and that meant that I got to sit here and wait for him. We will be going to the train station here in a bit and then we will be going home. Elder Nance just told me that the reason that I am in so much pain is because I don’t have enough water in me so I am trying to drink a lot. It hurts to laugh and sometime to breathe – it really hurts to take a deep breath. As for now, I guess that is all, and tomorrow should be an interesting day again. Off I go…"
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dying
14 September 2005
"I am dying. That is how I feel at least. I have this pain in my side that is right by my heart. It hurts really bad to lie down at all and to be standing for a long time. In fact this morning I had to sit at the end of my bed in order to study at all. Tomorrow I will absolutely call the doctor if the pain is still there. As for now, I will live with it and hope that it goes away, or at least that I will be able to sleep.
So this morning, we got all ready for our day and we studied together. We made a plan for our lesson with Tom and basically it was way cool to be able to study. The bad news was that we had no lesson with Tom as something came up. That is sure a bummer because he is a great guy. We headed to the office where we had a few things to do, but not a ton. I got things ready for the elders that will be coming in, and that will be leaving. After a few other things, we went to get some keys made, but couldn't find a place for all of them. We made a few on the рынок and then went back to the office after some scorching heat. We decided that we had better eat and so we did that by making chili dogs that turned out really tasty. Elder Lunt really enjoyed it as he was there. We then ran off to the church where we were suppose to have a meeting with President Колцов, but he didn't come and so we were just there at institute and that was interesting. It sure isn't like my class that I had at home and there was one young man there that just wanted to argue. We came home and now I am writing here."
"I am dying. That is how I feel at least. I have this pain in my side that is right by my heart. It hurts really bad to lie down at all and to be standing for a long time. In fact this morning I had to sit at the end of my bed in order to study at all. Tomorrow I will absolutely call the doctor if the pain is still there. As for now, I will live with it and hope that it goes away, or at least that I will be able to sleep.
So this morning, we got all ready for our day and we studied together. We made a plan for our lesson with Tom and basically it was way cool to be able to study. The bad news was that we had no lesson with Tom as something came up. That is sure a bummer because he is a great guy. We headed to the office where we had a few things to do, but not a ton. I got things ready for the elders that will be coming in, and that will be leaving. After a few other things, we went to get some keys made, but couldn't find a place for all of them. We made a few on the рынок and then went back to the office after some scorching heat. We decided that we had better eat and so we did that by making chili dogs that turned out really tasty. Elder Lunt really enjoyed it as he was there. We then ran off to the church where we were suppose to have a meeting with President Колцов, but he didn't come and so we were just there at institute and that was interesting. It sure isn't like my class that I had at home and there was one young man there that just wanted to argue. We came home and now I am writing here."
Sunday, September 13, 2009
High and Girls
13 September 2005
"I had the feeling like I was high today. I know what those people feel like now and how they don’t have much feeling in their bodies. It was pretty crazy. I felt really really weird, and I don’t think that I will be able to explain it in words, but I will explain what happened. We had gone to help a sister that the sisters are teaching and she needed us to do some repairs on her home. That meant that we got pretty dirty. We started off by caulking the windows at first but without caulk guns but with some spatulas. That was interesting and of course Bennett did a lot better at it then I did, but that didn’t mean much. Elder Bennett finished my window up for me, and then the sisters had to leave because they had a meeting. Well, I called Elder Ehlert and had him to help me to get things ready, and to get the things done that I wanted done but couldn’t and we stayed to do some painting. Well, I was in the kitchen where they had already started and my head started to go crazy. It was hard to breathe, and there were so many fumes there. It was sure insane but there was another girl from the branch there, Валя, and she was sitting there painting without any problems at all. She just kept painting and kept things going just fine. Well, I didn’t want her to have to be there for a way long time and so that meant that I helped her do a bunch of painting even with the bad smell. I helped her for awhile and then I had to leave a couple of times. When we finally left I was going in circles and I couldn’t really walk all that great, and I definitely couldn’t feel things well at all. I thought that if this is how those drunken guys feel then they must be going crazy. I couldn’t handle it and I didn’t feel good at all. I was hurting really bad, and yeah. Now I am over it, but at the time it hurt a bit.
This morning I studied a bit but then we had to get here to the office to help the APs to get some stuff into the car for Roman. Well, we sent them off and then I just studied some. There is a crazy verse in Alma 28: 11-14 about dead people and the Lord and it goes really way too well with what is happening in New Orleans. We have some crazy things that are going on right now, and it is sure insane. Well, it was interesting to read that and then we took off to get to the service.
After service we came here and we got settled down from the crazy high that we were on. We then decided that we had better eat as we had a ton to do and we hadn’t eaten all day. I did a little work here in the office, but I didn’t have a lot of time before we had to leave to go to English and teach there. Well, we got there and there was no there and the sisters had the keys so we waited for a bit. A new student came this week that had been there once before, Ольга, and we hope that the sisters will be teaching her. The sisters came and we got in the building and then we were able to start our lesson. We had to teach Лиза и Алиса and they are out of control. They are 8 and 9 years old so that means that they are not really great listeners but they have a lot of fun and tons of energy. They were all over me and my companion and it was weird. They are both young but still it is strange where there are girls touching you. We tried to keep them away but Алиса sat on my lap at one point and put her arms around me and told me that I was her fiancé. That was sure strange and it won’t be something that I am looking forward to again. Well, anyhow we got through the lesson and then we got on to the spiritual thought and that went really well. We had everyone there and then we headed off to come back here to the office. We had to come back so that I could call some of the District Presidents and Branch Presidents to have a chat with them. Right now things are well, and I am hoping that all will go well with Tom tomorrow. We have a good lesson planned for him!"
"I had the feeling like I was high today. I know what those people feel like now and how they don’t have much feeling in their bodies. It was pretty crazy. I felt really really weird, and I don’t think that I will be able to explain it in words, but I will explain what happened. We had gone to help a sister that the sisters are teaching and she needed us to do some repairs on her home. That meant that we got pretty dirty. We started off by caulking the windows at first but without caulk guns but with some spatulas. That was interesting and of course Bennett did a lot better at it then I did, but that didn’t mean much. Elder Bennett finished my window up for me, and then the sisters had to leave because they had a meeting. Well, I called Elder Ehlert and had him to help me to get things ready, and to get the things done that I wanted done but couldn’t and we stayed to do some painting. Well, I was in the kitchen where they had already started and my head started to go crazy. It was hard to breathe, and there were so many fumes there. It was sure insane but there was another girl from the branch there, Валя, and she was sitting there painting without any problems at all. She just kept painting and kept things going just fine. Well, I didn’t want her to have to be there for a way long time and so that meant that I helped her do a bunch of painting even with the bad smell. I helped her for awhile and then I had to leave a couple of times. When we finally left I was going in circles and I couldn’t really walk all that great, and I definitely couldn’t feel things well at all. I thought that if this is how those drunken guys feel then they must be going crazy. I couldn’t handle it and I didn’t feel good at all. I was hurting really bad, and yeah. Now I am over it, but at the time it hurt a bit.
This morning I studied a bit but then we had to get here to the office to help the APs to get some stuff into the car for Roman. Well, we sent them off and then I just studied some. There is a crazy verse in Alma 28: 11-14 about dead people and the Lord and it goes really way too well with what is happening in New Orleans. We have some crazy things that are going on right now, and it is sure insane. Well, it was interesting to read that and then we took off to get to the service.
After service we came here and we got settled down from the crazy high that we were on. We then decided that we had better eat as we had a ton to do and we hadn’t eaten all day. I did a little work here in the office, but I didn’t have a lot of time before we had to leave to go to English and teach there. Well, we got there and there was no there and the sisters had the keys so we waited for a bit. A new student came this week that had been there once before, Ольга, and we hope that the sisters will be teaching her. The sisters came and we got in the building and then we were able to start our lesson. We had to teach Лиза и Алиса and they are out of control. They are 8 and 9 years old so that means that they are not really great listeners but they have a lot of fun and tons of energy. They were all over me and my companion and it was weird. They are both young but still it is strange where there are girls touching you. We tried to keep them away but Алиса sat on my lap at one point and put her arms around me and told me that I was her fiancé. That was sure strange and it won’t be something that I am looking forward to again. Well, anyhow we got through the lesson and then we got on to the spiritual thought and that went really well. We had everyone there and then we headed off to come back here to the office. We had to come back so that I could call some of the District Presidents and Branch Presidents to have a chat with them. Right now things are well, and I am hoping that all will go well with Tom tomorrow. We have a good lesson planned for him!"
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Good Life
12 September 2005
"Life is sure good right now. I really am enjoying things today and I think the main reason is because we have been so busy. This morning we headed off early to the office and started work. I grabbed the stats and then I decided to get to work making some chocolate revel bars. They were good and I can't make food because all I do is eat it before it is ready. Well, it was fun to make them and then I had to get everything ready for MEC. That was fun to put everything in and the statistics were fairly interesting for the week. We then started our meeting and that went well. We talked about how we can help the branches to do better and to be able to help themselves. We also talked about some of the problems in our mission and it is very interesting to hear how missionaries always just sit at home and don't want to work. I don't understand how this is so, but some missionaries just don't want to I guess.
Well, I just forget that we had собрание округа this morning - I guess I am just tired and not thinking about these things. Well, we started late and then we talked forever before we finished. Сестра Фамичева had a good мысль языка about different Russian expressions that they use. I had practice and we shared some experiences.
So, after the MEC with president, we immediately left for FHE. That was cool and we had a good time with that. Денис taught the first half of the lesson and then Валя taught also. It went well, and then I set Юрий up to teach on Sunday. That was way cool and I am glad for him. Well, on the way home we rode with Анна and she is cool. She knows English way good. She is a lot of fun to talk to. Well, we got home and we are getting ready for tomorrow. I am tired, but tomorrow e have a lot to do. I love to work! It's way cool!
"
"Life is sure good right now. I really am enjoying things today and I think the main reason is because we have been so busy. This morning we headed off early to the office and started work. I grabbed the stats and then I decided to get to work making some chocolate revel bars. They were good and I can't make food because all I do is eat it before it is ready. Well, it was fun to make them and then I had to get everything ready for MEC. That was fun to put everything in and the statistics were fairly interesting for the week. We then started our meeting and that went well. We talked about how we can help the branches to do better and to be able to help themselves. We also talked about some of the problems in our mission and it is very interesting to hear how missionaries always just sit at home and don't want to work. I don't understand how this is so, but some missionaries just don't want to I guess.
Well, I just forget that we had собрание округа this morning - I guess I am just tired and not thinking about these things. Well, we started late and then we talked forever before we finished. Сестра Фамичева had a good мысль языка about different Russian expressions that they use. I had practice and we shared some experiences.
So, after the MEC with president, we immediately left for FHE. That was cool and we had a good time with that. Денис taught the first half of the lesson and then Валя taught also. It went well, and then I set Юрий up to teach on Sunday. That was way cool and I am glad for him. Well, on the way home we rode with Анна and she is cool. She knows English way good. She is a lot of fun to talk to. Well, we got home and we are getting ready for tomorrow. I am tired, but tomorrow e have a lot to do. I love to work! It's way cool!
"
Friday, September 11, 2009
At the Ehlert's
11 September 2005
"I feel a lot better after today. It was nice to be out and talking with members and other people on the streets. It was way cool . This morning we went to the church early to pen in up because President Колцов didn't have his keys. We opened it up and then we sat there. Well, the sacrament wasn't there and so that meant that someone had to run get some bread. Not only that, but they forgot to bring the water up after getting it ready, so we started sacrament w/o water and bread. Luckily I noticed and we got it before there was much of a problem. The meeting was good and then Elder Ehlert taught priesthood - that was the best lesson since I've gotten here to Russia and everyone participated. We then sang in a choir that went well. I sang bass with a crazy guy here - Mark Chamberlain. We then came home and Elder Bennett and I chatted a bit about things before heading off to do some contacting! We then went and tried to talk to people but not much came from it. We just felt good to be helping people and to be doing missionary work. We went to the Ehlert's house for dinner and as always, it was really really tasty. I love the Ehlerts and I will miss them when I do leave. We talked about the branch and how to help them, and so we had a good time there. I also thought some about the areas that I have serve in and about my success. It was interesting and even more so in 8 months when I leave. We got home, and now I feel a lot better that we got out and worked. I love to work!"
"I feel a lot better after today. It was nice to be out and talking with members and other people on the streets. It was way cool . This morning we went to the church early to pen in up because President Колцов didn't have his keys. We opened it up and then we sat there. Well, the sacrament wasn't there and so that meant that someone had to run get some bread. Not only that, but they forgot to bring the water up after getting it ready, so we started sacrament w/o water and bread. Luckily I noticed and we got it before there was much of a problem. The meeting was good and then Elder Ehlert taught priesthood - that was the best lesson since I've gotten here to Russia and everyone participated. We then sang in a choir that went well. I sang bass with a crazy guy here - Mark Chamberlain. We then came home and Elder Bennett and I chatted a bit about things before heading off to do some contacting! We then went and tried to talk to people but not much came from it. We just felt good to be helping people and to be doing missionary work. We went to the Ehlert's house for dinner and as always, it was really really tasty. I love the Ehlerts and I will miss them when I do leave. We talked about the branch and how to help them, and so we had a good time there. I also thought some about the areas that I have serve in and about my success. It was interesting and even more so in 8 months when I leave. We got home, and now I feel a lot better that we got out and worked. I love to work!"
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Good day
10 September 2005
"So today there was another interesting experience. We went to the office to write home and did well. I got Elder Bennett to cut my hair this morning also, so now I look like a real missionary. While we were there, I got a call that Elder Yesaysan didn't come in from Moscow. Well, we made several calls and found out that he left for sure. After worrying about it, we went to the store and then back to the office where I started to make Chocolate Revel Bars. We then went to вокзал before we went to lunch with our округ. We ate an Italian place call Патио and there I had really good lasagna. We had a good time with the district and that really helped me to feel better. I wish that we could see them more, but I guess that is part of life. We decided to go with them to the opening social in Bezimanski for seminary and institute. That went really well, and I really like it. One thing that I had to do was talk with the mission president in the Moscow South Mission and in the Yekatrinburg mission to work things out for Yesayan. Well, that went well, and we got things worked out. We chatted with people and had a good time that way. We then came back to the office to get things worked out with Yesayan but it turns out that he showed up and had just missed his stop, but he caused us a lot of headaches. Well, we just sat there for an hour or so and wasted time honestly. I sat and thought about what we could be doing, and what we were doing. Well, I finally said that we needed to leave and we did, and we came home. Now we are chillin here. I am super tired, so now I am going to sleep!"
"So today there was another interesting experience. We went to the office to write home and did well. I got Elder Bennett to cut my hair this morning also, so now I look like a real missionary. While we were there, I got a call that Elder Yesaysan didn't come in from Moscow. Well, we made several calls and found out that he left for sure. After worrying about it, we went to the store and then back to the office where I started to make Chocolate Revel Bars. We then went to вокзал before we went to lunch with our округ. We ate an Italian place call Патио and there I had really good lasagna. We had a good time with the district and that really helped me to feel better. I wish that we could see them more, but I guess that is part of life. We decided to go with them to the opening social in Bezimanski for seminary and institute. That went really well, and I really like it. One thing that I had to do was talk with the mission president in the Moscow South Mission and in the Yekatrinburg mission to work things out for Yesayan. Well, that went well, and we got things worked out. We chatted with people and had a good time that way. We then came back to the office to get things worked out with Yesayan but it turns out that he showed up and had just missed his stop, but he caused us a lot of headaches. Well, we just sat there for an hour or so and wasted time honestly. I sat and thought about what we could be doing, and what we were doing. Well, I finally said that we needed to leave and we did, and we came home. Now we are chillin here. I am super tired, so now I am going to sleep!"
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Running Around
8 September 2005
"What a long day! We had tons to do. This morning I got up on time and I took a shower and then started to study. it was a lot of fun to finally be able to study a bit. Well, we then had to leave and go to the office to help the Assistants to move some boxes. We found out that Елена Ревиякина from Saratov couldn't go with Роман to the sister's house, so I went with Elder VanHouten and took her there to their house. On our way back we made a search for a printing company that could print some fliers for the film. We went to the place and they had moved, so we then went to find the new place. We searched for the street forever, and then after that we finally found it. We walked up a little alley and found it. We talked with them and then we got on the gazelle back to the office that we sat on forever while we waited to get back to the center. In the office, we made some lunch which was really, really good and spicy - chili. Well, I worked on getting some e-mail addresses together, and I read some from the ensign. We then went out to get a mattress for the sisters as they didn't have one and need it. We then went on to the church for the hymn singing and giving out of the new books. We had a good time but it wasn't well planned at all, and we're kind of embarrassed for them. After a long time, we came home, and here we are now. I am ready to pass out I am so tired. Tomorrow, we will be back on a normal schedule! Hoorah!"
"What a long day! We had tons to do. This morning I got up on time and I took a shower and then started to study. it was a lot of fun to finally be able to study a bit. Well, we then had to leave and go to the office to help the Assistants to move some boxes. We found out that Елена Ревиякина from Saratov couldn't go with Роман to the sister's house, so I went with Elder VanHouten and took her there to their house. On our way back we made a search for a printing company that could print some fliers for the film. We went to the place and they had moved, so we then went to find the new place. We searched for the street forever, and then after that we finally found it. We walked up a little alley and found it. We talked with them and then we got on the gazelle back to the office that we sat on forever while we waited to get back to the center. In the office, we made some lunch which was really, really good and spicy - chili. Well, I worked on getting some e-mail addresses together, and I read some from the ensign. We then went out to get a mattress for the sisters as they didn't have one and need it. We then went on to the church for the hymn singing and giving out of the new books. We had a good time but it wasn't well planned at all, and we're kind of embarrassed for them. After a long time, we came home, and here we are now. I am ready to pass out I am so tired. Tomorrow, we will be back on a normal schedule! Hoorah!"
Monday, September 7, 2009
Film Work
7 September 2005
" I think this is really the last time that I will be writing here in a row at least. I am sure that I will end up writing another time here sometime before I leave and problem several times. Today has been a good day other then the fact that Tom was unable to come today. We found out and that was sad. We weren’t all that ready so that is too bad, but we need to work with him to be able to help him along. So this morning I got up and we got all ready and we left right away. We had to go to the sister’s house here – Silva and Фомичёва to help them with their filter. They were unable to open the filters in order to replace them so that meant that we had to do it for them. We went there and we changed that and then we chatted with them for a bit. They are great sisters, and it is always fun to have a little chat with them. Sister Silva knows the language really well and Sister F. is always willing to help her out. They are always so happy and always smiling and laughing and working. What a great example that they are to me. I love working with them. We got things worked out there for them, and then we came to the office and got started. We had to do several things here and that was fun. On the way here, I just remembered, Elder Kirk gave me a call and got mad at me that we weren’t here in the office this morning to help them put some boxes in Roman’s car. Because of that they forgot to print off a guide of the day and so they called me and wanted me to do it. We weren’t in the office, but we weren’t far from it and I told him that I would get it as soon as I could. Sister Ehlert made us cookies again and so that means that we pigged out, and ate way too much. We had some cream cheese frosting with them too and so that made them even more tempting. I got the language books all ready for the elder that are coming in and after about a half hour of copying it finally finished. Well, I worked on some other random things that I had to do, and then Elder Hunsaker and I went and showed a lady the film that he is working on so that they would show it to others here in Russia. Well, she didn’t really like it all that much and she said that the artistic film wasn’t really her style and the other one she didn’t like a ton because there was a lady in it that she didn’t like. Well, we talked with her for a bit and then we left. We stopped by to a couple of stores quick like so that we could find some DVDs but they weren’t really available. Well, we came back to the office and took a look at the apartment there on the 2nd floor. It is really nice and they have the furniture going there and things so soon it will be super nice. We came back to the office and we ate some really good food, and I enjoyed it a ton. It was rice and chicken and some other things. Well, we then have been working on different things, and I am right now working on calling people so that they know about a conference that we are going to have in a couple of weeks here in Samara and trying to get things worked out. I also did some translating of papers tonight for one young lady to serve on a mission and got that basically worked out. So, as we see another day has gone by in the office and we have a ton to do tomorrow, and then Friday will be a fairly free day to be able to work finally. Right now I am super tired and just want to get to bed. Elder Bennett will be here soon and we are going to go home and I will just crash. This life is crazy, and I understand why some people have died here in the office if they are always here. It is so boring. Well, I am going to finish up some things and make some calls. That’s all for tonight!"
" I think this is really the last time that I will be writing here in a row at least. I am sure that I will end up writing another time here sometime before I leave and problem several times. Today has been a good day other then the fact that Tom was unable to come today. We found out and that was sad. We weren’t all that ready so that is too bad, but we need to work with him to be able to help him along. So this morning I got up and we got all ready and we left right away. We had to go to the sister’s house here – Silva and Фомичёва to help them with their filter. They were unable to open the filters in order to replace them so that meant that we had to do it for them. We went there and we changed that and then we chatted with them for a bit. They are great sisters, and it is always fun to have a little chat with them. Sister Silva knows the language really well and Sister F. is always willing to help her out. They are always so happy and always smiling and laughing and working. What a great example that they are to me. I love working with them. We got things worked out there for them, and then we came to the office and got started. We had to do several things here and that was fun. On the way here, I just remembered, Elder Kirk gave me a call and got mad at me that we weren’t here in the office this morning to help them put some boxes in Roman’s car. Because of that they forgot to print off a guide of the day and so they called me and wanted me to do it. We weren’t in the office, but we weren’t far from it and I told him that I would get it as soon as I could. Sister Ehlert made us cookies again and so that means that we pigged out, and ate way too much. We had some cream cheese frosting with them too and so that made them even more tempting. I got the language books all ready for the elder that are coming in and after about a half hour of copying it finally finished. Well, I worked on some other random things that I had to do, and then Elder Hunsaker and I went and showed a lady the film that he is working on so that they would show it to others here in Russia. Well, she didn’t really like it all that much and she said that the artistic film wasn’t really her style and the other one she didn’t like a ton because there was a lady in it that she didn’t like. Well, we talked with her for a bit and then we left. We stopped by to a couple of stores quick like so that we could find some DVDs but they weren’t really available. Well, we came back to the office and took a look at the apartment there on the 2nd floor. It is really nice and they have the furniture going there and things so soon it will be super nice. We came back to the office and we ate some really good food, and I enjoyed it a ton. It was rice and chicken and some other things. Well, we then have been working on different things, and I am right now working on calling people so that they know about a conference that we are going to have in a couple of weeks here in Samara and trying to get things worked out. I also did some translating of papers tonight for one young lady to serve on a mission and got that basically worked out. So, as we see another day has gone by in the office and we have a ton to do tomorrow, and then Friday will be a fairly free day to be able to work finally. Right now I am super tired and just want to get to bed. Elder Bennett will be here soon and we are going to go home and I will just crash. This life is crazy, and I understand why some people have died here in the office if they are always here. It is so boring. Well, I am going to finish up some things and make some calls. That’s all for tonight!"
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Double Responsibility
6 September 2005
"This is sure becoming into a habit to be writing here. I will be writing here for a couple of days at least probably as Elder Hunsaker has a lot to do on his film. He always has to work on the thing and he seems to work well, but it is just easier for him in the evening as there is a lot less people – well only us in fact. Well that means that he is able to work a lot more effectively. That also leaves me to be very bored and have not much to do. Well, anyways, we are doing a lot here and today was an alright day although I am dead tired. It was sure long, and I have sat in way too many meetings. I have had to help a lot of people and do a lot of things and the meetings just didn’t help. This morning we slept in for a long time as we didn’t go to bed until about 1 last night. We were here and then Hunsaker and I talked for awhile about how things are going and about life as a missionary in general. It is pretty crazy, and we always have a ton that we have to worry about and there is always some kind of dumb problem that is arising. We talked for a long time about things and it is pretty crazy how long we talked. So that means that I got up at about 8 this morning and then we were here before 9. We basically just live here. I had to fill up some orders for Elder Bennett as he was unable to do so and so that means that I have been super busy. I do not know anything about the library and I don’t know where things are or what they are called, and basically it is pretty crazy. I spent forever trying to get all these things together and I finally got it all, but it took me awhile. After I did that I finished up the preparations for MEC and we started that meeting. Well that was way long and we talked a long time about how we can help the branches to help themselves. It was pretty crazy and we had a ton that we had to do, but we just talked forever. We also talked about FHE’s here in the branch and how we shouldn’t be doing them. Well that meant that Elder Kirk has some words with President and talked with him about how it helps. President in the end said that we shouldn’t do things on Monday nights, and I agree but it was interesting. We also talked about how we can make things more interesting with the programs for Young Men and Women and how we can get them excited about this. Well, let’s just say that there is a ton of work here, and there is a ton to do. We have to help a ton of people and get them to understand a lot about the church. It will be a struggle, but that is part of our work here and why we are doing what we are. We talked forever about statistics and how that is going and of course as always we had a good time listening to President. We got out after 4 hours of discussion and I decided to go with the APs to eat something. We had a good time eating, and we enjoyed that of course. The food was good and of course since we are in Russia I got taken for every last coin that they could get from me – they charged me for the garnishes that I didn’t order that were on the plate. I mean come on, how can you get so stupid. We came back to the office and I immediately ran off with Денис from our branch to do some service. We did that for Баба Нина and we helped her to be able to have a place to plant some fruit and things. Well, we worked on that for about an hour and then we came running back here to the office. It was the first time for a long time that I have run and it felt good to do. As soon as I came to the office I changed and we started right into another meeting, and got things going that way. Well, that means that I sat in on a committee for this film that Hunsaker is making and that I will have a fairly large part in it. There is sure a lot to do that way, and I will have to watch after the technical part of things. That was another hour or so and by the end I was dead tired. I came to my computer, and I was ready to fall to sleep. I didn’t know what to do, and so I just sat here for a bit, and tried to figure out what to do. I have no idea, but I am just dead tired now. I saw the transfer sheets and it will be interesting because I am supposed to be getting a new companion in a couple of weeks. We will see how things work out. Right now I have to fulfill Elder Bennett’s responsibility and call some people. I am sure it will be another exciting one tomorrow, and we will have a meeting with Tom! Hooray for that and we shall see how that goes!"
"This is sure becoming into a habit to be writing here. I will be writing here for a couple of days at least probably as Elder Hunsaker has a lot to do on his film. He always has to work on the thing and he seems to work well, but it is just easier for him in the evening as there is a lot less people – well only us in fact. Well that means that he is able to work a lot more effectively. That also leaves me to be very bored and have not much to do. Well, anyways, we are doing a lot here and today was an alright day although I am dead tired. It was sure long, and I have sat in way too many meetings. I have had to help a lot of people and do a lot of things and the meetings just didn’t help. This morning we slept in for a long time as we didn’t go to bed until about 1 last night. We were here and then Hunsaker and I talked for awhile about how things are going and about life as a missionary in general. It is pretty crazy, and we always have a ton that we have to worry about and there is always some kind of dumb problem that is arising. We talked for a long time about things and it is pretty crazy how long we talked. So that means that I got up at about 8 this morning and then we were here before 9. We basically just live here. I had to fill up some orders for Elder Bennett as he was unable to do so and so that means that I have been super busy. I do not know anything about the library and I don’t know where things are or what they are called, and basically it is pretty crazy. I spent forever trying to get all these things together and I finally got it all, but it took me awhile. After I did that I finished up the preparations for MEC and we started that meeting. Well that was way long and we talked a long time about how we can help the branches to help themselves. It was pretty crazy and we had a ton that we had to do, but we just talked forever. We also talked about FHE’s here in the branch and how we shouldn’t be doing them. Well that meant that Elder Kirk has some words with President and talked with him about how it helps. President in the end said that we shouldn’t do things on Monday nights, and I agree but it was interesting. We also talked about how we can make things more interesting with the programs for Young Men and Women and how we can get them excited about this. Well, let’s just say that there is a ton of work here, and there is a ton to do. We have to help a ton of people and get them to understand a lot about the church. It will be a struggle, but that is part of our work here and why we are doing what we are. We talked forever about statistics and how that is going and of course as always we had a good time listening to President. We got out after 4 hours of discussion and I decided to go with the APs to eat something. We had a good time eating, and we enjoyed that of course. The food was good and of course since we are in Russia I got taken for every last coin that they could get from me – they charged me for the garnishes that I didn’t order that were on the plate. I mean come on, how can you get so stupid. We came back to the office and I immediately ran off with Денис from our branch to do some service. We did that for Баба Нина and we helped her to be able to have a place to plant some fruit and things. Well, we worked on that for about an hour and then we came running back here to the office. It was the first time for a long time that I have run and it felt good to do. As soon as I came to the office I changed and we started right into another meeting, and got things going that way. Well, that means that I sat in on a committee for this film that Hunsaker is making and that I will have a fairly large part in it. There is sure a lot to do that way, and I will have to watch after the technical part of things. That was another hour or so and by the end I was dead tired. I came to my computer, and I was ready to fall to sleep. I didn’t know what to do, and so I just sat here for a bit, and tried to figure out what to do. I have no idea, but I am just dead tired now. I saw the transfer sheets and it will be interesting because I am supposed to be getting a new companion in a couple of weeks. We will see how things work out. Right now I have to fulfill Elder Bennett’s responsibility and call some people. I am sure it will be another exciting one tomorrow, and we will have a meeting with Tom! Hooray for that and we shall see how that goes!"
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Chillin in the office
5 August 2005
"Here I am once again writing here on the computer. I am sure that it will happen again also. We are here and we have to do a ton. I have been working on this access thing all day, and it is actually way cool. I figured out how to set it up so that I can print off all of the pictures that have served here while you served here. Wow, it was crazy and that is actually what I am working on right now. I am trying to get all of the pictures set up for people that have left and that are here. It is a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end. I have to edit every picture for every person so that means about 500 pictures of work that I am doing and it is crazy. Then I have to paste the names of the pictures into the database, but it is definitely worth it. I will have a cool thing when I am done. Well let’s just say that I have spent most of my day doing this. This morning we had some time to read and then we came here to the office where I put all of the stats together and things like that so that I could be ready for our meeting tomorrow. All of the ZLs sent in their stats on time so that is a good thing, and we are going to have a good meeting tomorrow. The stats are actually kind of sad, and there isn’t a lot that went on in our mission. Elder Bennett and I had more lessons then almost everyone here in our zone and that is really sad. All the same, I finished that up and I worked on getting things figured out for Dima and his time to Ukraine that went all right, and at least I got it planned. Then I just worked on this program all day basically. I figured it out and then I just worked on getting the pictures ready. It is going to be way sweet and the sisters will be really happy (they are the ones who asked me to put the thing together). I did take a quick break to eat, and that was good. We had some fries and some chicken nuggets and that was cool. Well I came back and I quick like finished up some things before we went to the church for the FHE. That was way awesome. The sisters gave a lesson about home teaching and that was way cool. They are way awesome and they work well in involving others and basically it was cool. We then played “Do you love your neighbor?,” and that was way fun. We played ton, and Elder Lunt and I went at it pretty good. Well I had a good time playing and I took a few blows and gave several to people. I know it sounds violent but it was really a lot of fun. We then came back here and I am with Elder Hunsaker. I will soon be leaving with him and Elder Bennett will be going to Penza for a couple of days. Well that should be good for him and I wish that I could go but I will have fun chilling here in the office. Well, I am going to quick like finish up this program and then we are headed home. It should be an exciting day tomorrow! Yea!"
"Here I am once again writing here on the computer. I am sure that it will happen again also. We are here and we have to do a ton. I have been working on this access thing all day, and it is actually way cool. I figured out how to set it up so that I can print off all of the pictures that have served here while you served here. Wow, it was crazy and that is actually what I am working on right now. I am trying to get all of the pictures set up for people that have left and that are here. It is a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end. I have to edit every picture for every person so that means about 500 pictures of work that I am doing and it is crazy. Then I have to paste the names of the pictures into the database, but it is definitely worth it. I will have a cool thing when I am done. Well let’s just say that I have spent most of my day doing this. This morning we had some time to read and then we came here to the office where I put all of the stats together and things like that so that I could be ready for our meeting tomorrow. All of the ZLs sent in their stats on time so that is a good thing, and we are going to have a good meeting tomorrow. The stats are actually kind of sad, and there isn’t a lot that went on in our mission. Elder Bennett and I had more lessons then almost everyone here in our zone and that is really sad. All the same, I finished that up and I worked on getting things figured out for Dima and his time to Ukraine that went all right, and at least I got it planned. Then I just worked on this program all day basically. I figured it out and then I just worked on getting the pictures ready. It is going to be way sweet and the sisters will be really happy (they are the ones who asked me to put the thing together). I did take a quick break to eat, and that was good. We had some fries and some chicken nuggets and that was cool. Well I came back and I quick like finished up some things before we went to the church for the FHE. That was way awesome. The sisters gave a lesson about home teaching and that was way cool. They are way awesome and they work well in involving others and basically it was cool. We then played “Do you love your neighbor?,” and that was way fun. We played ton, and Elder Lunt and I went at it pretty good. Well I had a good time playing and I took a few blows and gave several to people. I know it sounds violent but it was really a lot of fun. We then came back here and I am with Elder Hunsaker. I will soon be leaving with him and Elder Bennett will be going to Penza for a couple of days. Well that should be good for him and I wish that I could go but I will have fun chilling here in the office. Well, I am going to quick like finish up this program and then we are headed home. It should be an exciting day tomorrow! Yea!"
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