Hi, Everyone,
Yes, we have now been in Russia for six weeks. Things are starting to get more "normal," or at least what we are starting to realize is going to be our normal life until our mission is over. For instance, yesterday was a break the fast pot luck--but we have learned, there are no lines--they just set everything on a couple of long tables, and everyone just grabs plates and stands around the tables and eats--no tables and chairs, no lines, no sitting down. Just grab what you want when you want it and start eating--of course we had a blessing first. And yes, we've had our embarrassing times with trying to say Russian words. The word for "hello" is "ssstraws - witch - a," and Dad said "hello" at church saying, "Swa - stick- a." Pretty funny! I think we'll go with the more common term of pre-VYET! Hah!
Tuesday, we had our seniors meeting and had Elder Golden who is the First Counselor in the Area Presidency and his wife tell us about themselves. They are from South Africa and he has been a General Authority since 1995, I believe he said. They serve until they are 70 years old, usually, and go wherever the church needs them. It is quite a life for them. All three of their children are still in South Africa. Anyway, they are very humble, sweet people with very British accents.
Thursday, was Gpa George's birthday! What a great day it was for him! He had so many e-mails, notes on Instagram, and even some calls. He loved it! I surprised him with making all kinds of treats--muffins, cookies, and Texas sheet cake (luckily the sister before me had left cocoa--I can't find anymore now, so hopefully at a bigger market I'll be able to!), then had to load everything in my granny cart and cross the bridge and walk the mile to the Area Office It was quite something to finally get there, but it was so worth it. I think Dad was really surprised, and so many of the seniors came to wish him happy birthday and helped him eat all the food I brought! Oh, yes, I took ice cream, which was just as hard as when I left home because it was so cold out! Hah!
Ninth Floor Area Office Receptionist - She is Russian, a returned missionary, and just darling!
Sister Carlile, Elder Cook, George, and Elder Carlile - The Carliles are here in the legal department from Oregon. Elder Cook from Idaho is an Asst. Area Auditor under George.
Surprise!
After work, I took him to a Brazilian steak place--not nearly like the ones in the states--and really not like the ones in Brazil itself, but it was very good!
Saturday, we went to Izmaylovo--the outdoor market here in Moscow.
It definitely is a must for anyone coming to Moscow--literally thousands of items to purchase!
All kinds of items that are made here, as well as just items on blankets spread everywhere with all kinds of old items and garage sale type things. It was so cold that day, but those people just stand or sit on the ground by their items, hoping to make a sale. Luckily, they don't come after you and pester you to buy. They just sit there and wait--mostly anyway. We had such a great day--ate bbq pork and chicken--which was truly delicious!
This little lady is always there cleaning tables. She was so thrilled when we gave her 100 rubles--about $1.75, but it is never expected!
Then we wandered to the other part of Izmaylovo which looks just like Disney World! Amazing! People of every age were having such a great time there.
Too bad this was only a backdrop! We would LOVE to have weather like this!
Saturday night, we had invited the sister missionaries to bring an inactive to our house, that preferably spoke a little English so we could talk to her, too. We really enjoyed the young Black woman they brought--from one of the islands that speaks French. She, also, had broken English and spoke Russian. After dinner, we had a lesson about the Book of Mormon, then Gpa George and I were able to bear our testimonies about the Book of Mormon.
We then went into the living room because the sisters said they wanted us to show her the video about our family that they had heard so much about all over the mission! So, we showed it! The young lady loved it and was laughing and touched all through it! Yes, you are all doing missionary work just by being the wonderful people that you are! It was such a fantastic evening, and everyone felt such a feeling of family and love. The next morning, there she was at church with her non-Mormon fiance! We were so happy! She came up and gave me a big hug! I know that was partly because she saw all of you and trusted that a family in the gospel is such a loving place to be! Thanks again for making this fantastic video, Natalie, and thanks to all of you for making it so special!
This Friday, we will be going to Bulgaria until the following Monday. We are very excited about doing training there. We will let you know how everything goes! Thanks for all your e-mails, calls, and love you send! We surely appreciate all of you!
With much love, Gma Laura
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