I've been grateful for my rain boots this week! We have had a lot of rain! That's a good thing I suppose because it keeps things nice and green. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn colors. We went on a little field trip Saturday to a neighboring town called Jigliovsk. We can see it across the river from where we live and have been wanting to check it out. It is a small town that is in the "mountains." The streets are definitely more quiet than where we live--not many cars, friendly people on the streets, older architecture, just a different feel to it all together. The hillsides were very pretty! In a couple of weeks, the colors will be full on. One of the funniest things we saw while we were there was a frantic push for everyone to get onto the marshutka (taxi van). Have you ever played, "let's see how many people we can fit into a Volkswagen?" Well, that's pretty much what this looked like, only more like a tiger pouncing on fresh meat. The marshutka pulled up, and obviously this particular one hadn't been coming very often because it was practically full before it came to the stop, and 15-20 more people pushed and shoved their way into the van...strollers and all! It took about three tries to get the door closed! It also reminded me of the old Heatheridge Fourth Ward days before the ward was split--the ratio of soft-benched seats to people was rather low, so as soon as the chapel doors were opened after Sunday School and before Sacrament Meeting started, members would toss their scriptures onto a bench from where they were standing and wherever they landed, that would save their family's spot. Good times.
We had our first YSA FHE of the new year. We had about ten young adults come so that was encouraging after a slow summer. We talked about the scriptures being our books of instruction in our lives and made cookies with the ingredients that we determined from scriptures we looked up. They enjoyed it--something a little different and interactive. Our Sport Night activities are winding down since it is practically dark by 7 now. The elders love to be able to be outside running so it will be sad when that comes to an end. Elder Peterson has an idea to bring it inside and teach everyone how to line dance. Ha, we'll see how that goes!!
Friday night was a Relief Society Women's Conference organized by our RS Distict presidency. The theme was "Do You Love?" They showed a cool video clip that illustrates when we give love to others, they will be more willing to share their love with others as well, kinda like the "pay it forward" idea. Then they had sisters speak on loving yourself, loving others, and loving the world. The district president prepared and served dinner to everyone with the help of the two branch presidents and Elder Peterson. We had plov, tomato and cucumber salad, bread, grapes, and don't forget the chai (tea)! The meeting didn't end until after 8:30 and then we ate after that so it was a long night, having started at 6:30. The best part of the activity is that we were able to bring an investigator with us named Valyentina. The missionaries have been teaching her for a couple of months, and she is progressing just great. She is 70 years old, lives alone, is very kind, and is also very patient with us because we don't understand a lot of what she says. She says she knows the Book of Mormon is true, but she doesn't really understand why she needs to be baptized. Elder Peterson taught a good lesson to her on the apostasy and prophets the other night. We are praying she will continue to feel the spirit and desire to be baptized. She thought the RS meeting had a very good feeling so that's good. I just wish the members would have talked to her.
Institute started back up this week. We are studying New Testament. I remember teaching primary one year when we were studying the New Testament and how much I loved reading the stories of Jesus. We have two teachers who will be sharing the teaching this year. One of them has been a member less than a year; it will be a great learning experience for him. There's no better way to learn from the scriptures than to teach from them!
We feel so blessed to be part of the missionary effort here in Toliatti. Our unique opportunity is to able to serve in the same place for the duration of our mission which gives us the opportunity to become well acquainted with the members here. Our lesson in RS Sunday was on missionary work, and I was asked to share what blessings we receive as senior missionaries. Definitely one of the biggest blessings is our association and love for the members here in our branches. It is life changing to see their sacrifices in overcoming deep cultural traditions to become dedicated Latter-day Saints. We are growing to love them so much.
Here is the link to the video clip we watched for anyone who is interested:
https://www.google.com/url?
1.Leeza and Nastia Izmalkova
2.Brother and Sister Izmalkov3.Elder Long, Elder Hangen, Brother Alexander, Sister Vera, Sister Gallina, me at Izmalkov's home
4.Making Scripture Cookies - Anatoli, Vitali, Oleca
5.Making Scripture Cookies - Sister Pearce, Lucina, Anatoli
6.Making Scripture Cookies - Stas
8.First Institute class for the 2012-2013 year
7.Making Scripture Cookies - Elder Malloy
9.Playing Charades at Family Home Evening
10.This decorated SUV is typical to a wedding entourage. People decorate their cars like this and then drive down the street honking their horns. There are always several on Fridays and Saturdays.
10.This decorated SUV is typical to a wedding entourage. People decorate their cars like this and then drive down the street honking their horns. There are always several on Fridays and Saturdays.
Last 7 pictures are of a field trip to Gigliosvk
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