April 30, 2012

We had a good week in Samara at the mission home for a Senior Couples' Conference.  There are a total of six couples serving in our mission right now which is absolutely fabulous.  I don't know how that compares with other missions, but President feels good about having that many senior couples, especially when there are only 50 junior missionaries here.  We had only met the office couple previously so it was good to meet everyone and put a face to a name.  One of the couples is from Morgan, UT, and knows the Weitzeil's.  Another couple who just arrived brought me more cream of tartar at my request in order to make more snickerdoodles (I'm running low already), and another couple live in Lindon just west of Oak Canyon.  We took turns on both mornings giving devotionals.  We each gave stewardship reports which was good because we were able to glean from each other's experiences.  Dad and I realize our branches are significantly different from the other branches in the mission; we have our work cut out for us.  Our district will be undergoing some changes shortly and then we will be able to train leadership on the branch level and hopefully get things started on the right foot.  All of the couples shared similar sentiments about being surprised with calls to Russia.  One sister even made the comment that they don't send sissies to Russia!  We would agree with that!  We had a testimony meeting which is always good.  We went and toured Stalin's Bunker which was built during WWII but was actually never used.  We took a picture of the tour guide because I thought his "pointer stick" was interesting.  It was just a piece of wood similar to a stake you'd use to stake out boundaries on an empty lot.  We also went to a concert one evening to see a man who performed on a Russian instrument called a balalaika.  It's a triangular guitar with only three strings.  It sounds like something between a guitar and a banjo.  It was pretty amazing, but I would have been content going home at intermission.  We stayed in the extra apartment next to the mission home with another couple, one couple stayed with President, another couple stayed with a couple who lives in Samara, and the last couple also lives in Samara.  

We also had training by President and Sister Sartori that was excellent.  The highlight thought I brought home with me and wanted to share was that what is happening to us as couples (or individuals) while we are on our missions is much more significant than what we are making happen.  What is happening to me?  Who will I be when I go home?  Our call as missionaries continues to be a discipleship we possess forever.  Our missions are a time when we can gain experiences, strengthen testimony, and acquire traits and talents that will enable us to serve the rest of our lives.  Of course, we want to baptize and help other people which talks to the point that in serving God and others, we find ourselves.  I'm so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary.  I am learning a lot about myself, as well as realizing God's children all over the world are able to enjoy the same blessings of the gospel in their lives.  We'll never go back to where we were! 

After our first day of the conference, Dad and I talked about what our favorite thing had been thus far.  It could have been the fabulous hash brown casserole we had for breakfast, meeting the new couples, Stalin's Bunker, our walk along the Volga River....but, hands down, we both agreed it was reconnecting with elders at Stalin's Bunker who we haven't seen since they were transferred from our area.  We love these kids like our own and are amazed at their strength.  I can't stand not being able to give them a big hug, but I try to transfer all my affection and love into a hearty handshake!  Our office couple shared in their stewardship report how their primary goal is to take care and love the missionaries and they do!!  We are reminded of our ability and desire to teach and influence the missionaries and want to be better at doing that. 

We arrived back home from our trip just in time to go over for Sports Night.  The elders have organized this every Thursday night for anyone and everyone who wants to come and play frisbee, volleyball, kickball, etc.  We play in the park near our home and had a good turn out from investigators and members.  They enjoy being able to be outside and having fun together.  The conditions are somewhat hazardous with long-growing weeds that hide potholes, beer bottles, and the like, but so far there haven't been any mishaps.  If only we could eliminate the mosquitoes!!

1 - Samara Seniors
2 - Balalaika
3 - Our new investigator
4 - Samara
5 - Stallin's bunker
6 - Sunset on the Volga river
7 - Williams, Stevens, Connell, Sartori, Wing, Peterson, Wood