The Life and Light of the World

We reached the shortest day of the year last week.  Here in the north country, we are conscious of the low angle of the sun.  Even mid day finds the light soft and quiet.  We don't really see full light until 10:00 and 4:00 brings the darkness again.

We were privileged this week to spend time is Pereslavll Zalessky, one of the ancient cities of the Golden Ring, a collection of cities northeast of Moscow.  They played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox church.  Together they preserve the memory of the most important events in Russian history.

Pereslavl was founded in 1152 with the building of Saviors Cathedral.  many convents and monasteries  dot the city.  We loved walking the neighborhoods, filled with churches, enjoying the culture and history..  We were impressed with the restoration of these religious buildings in just two decades since the 70 years of being closed/  A very large monastery was  converted to a tractor factory and a place to house German prisoners in WWII.

The mild weather allowed hours of observing the charm and fun of a Russian winter..  We slid down hills (not very gracefully) and I managed to conk my head in a total head over heels fall on a sheet of ice.  No lasting damage, as far as I can tell.  Thank goodness for tons of hair. We had so much fun.

I also noted the soft slant of the sun.  I couldn't help but feel the symbolism of the gospel of Jesus Christ bringing light to this land that had endured such darkness for centuries.  We see it in the radiance of a people who for generations have endured the "dark night of the soul".  As the gospel of Jesus Christ takes root in their hearts, they feel the joy of His atoning sacrifice and fear and despair are swept away.

Last  week, because of a speaking assignment, we attended a different ward.  The adult Sunday School class was taught (emergency substitute) by Lina, a radiant woman we had not seen since her baptism two months ago.  She taught with a firm reliance on the   scriptures and her own powerful testimony to bring the lesson to life.  The spirit was strong and you would never have known she had about 10 min. to prepare.

 As I reflected on the Lina we knew  as she was taught by the missionaries, we were astounded at her growth.  The light of Christ radiates from her and so many others who have allowed the gospel to teach and testify of Him.

Many people here in Russia use powerful artificial light to fight the "winter blues".  I love the insight given by an LDS scholar, Douglas T. Bentley.  He suggests that we "picture a darkened room at midday.  If we were to open the blinds, the room would immediately be flooded with light, which would displace the darkness.  Now let's reverse the situation for a minute.  Imagine being in a lighted room at midnight  If we open the blinds will the room suddenly be flooded with the darkness from outside?  Of course not.  But...why?  What is there about light that makes it so different from darkness?  Light will repel darkness, but darkness has no power over light.  In fact, all that darkness appears to be, is the absence of light."

The light of the Gospel is allowing Jesus Christ, the Savior of the word, to repel the darkness of the world.  We are seeing it happen daily.

In our search for a good restaurant, we stopped a fine looking young prosecuting attorney who, thankfully, spoke some English and was eager to help us.  He walked us to a taxi stop, instructed the driver and saw us safely off.  He knew something about Salt Lake City and Mormons and was curious about us and what we were teaching, as missionaries..

 In our rush, we realized we hadn't taken any information about him.  The next day, in our exploring, we encountered the same man again.  This time we got his phone number.  He wants to come to church in Moscow, where he often spends weekends.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.

So many scriptures testify of the light of Christ.  Some we love:  D&C11:29-  "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  I am the life and light of the world."
"He, (Christ) is the light and the life of the world;  yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened"{Mosiah 16:9)

Just as the dim, slanted sun light is gradually growing here, the gospel will continue to grow and bring the light of Christ to these people we love.  "I am the light which shineth in darkness".  (D%C
110:57-58).. Let the sunshine in...

Our Own Christmas Miracle

Just about anyone who knows me also knows that I am pretty deaf.  I have 80 percent hearing loss in each ear so I am totally dependent on my precious hearing aids, I call them Connies because they are my connection to the world. I am grateful for technological advances that allow me to function pretty well, unlike my grandfather who for decades was entombed in a wall of silence or my singing, people loving, story telling father who was shut out of most conversations because the 1970s apple size appliances weren't much help.

Mine are fabulous.  I love them and I treasure them but I take them out during our noisy, bumpy metro rides.  Late Christmas Eve found us returning from a very fun senior couples party. The metro was packed and I couldn't get to the box in my bag where I carry my connies so Elder Pierson offered his pocket.  When we reached home, one of the connies was gone.  We were heartsick.

It was now well past midnight but Elder Pierson grabbed the flashlight and backtracked to the metro station. No connies.   We reviewed all of the possibilities.  Could it have come out as he pulled out his phone or glasses on the hour long metro ride?  Maybe when he reached for the keys as we got closer to home.

Our mood was not very festive as we headed for bed.  Neither of us slept well as we tried to think how we could replace my precious little machine. If it was on the metro, with a daily ridership of 9 million people, a lost and found would probably not be an option.

Christmas morning revealed that Santa never found our little apartment  Nothing under our tree.
As we looked at each other, "You didn't get me anything?" Really?  When you are glued together as we are, it's not easy to spring a surprise, so we didn't.

Months ago when family members  asked us what they could send, we were adamant that it was too expensive, maybe packages wouldn't get here and we were just fine.  Brave words in October that seemed not to apply to homesick missionaries on Christmas morning.  Add the real downer of my missing world connector and we were pretty glum.

My husband had carefully covered the blocks on our homeward route several times but in the early afternoon we headed to the store.  Looking carefully around, Dick spied a baby's binky and asked me if it might give me some comfort.  His next words were "Here it is!"   It was lying in the
snow, at the edge of the sidewalk, where hundreds had walked that day.  \

We still can't figure out how it got there.  I know he had checked that area over and over and it wasn't there.  We consider it the tenderest of mercies.  We know God is guiding and blessing us every moment we are privileged to serve Him.

Hosting these wonderful missionaries in our home for dinner  and then seeing their excitement as they were able to skype with their families (they are able to do it twice a year), we were reminded again of the miracle of this experience. Their families were from other parts of East Europe to Philadelphia to the mountain west.   Having been on the receiving end of many of these calls from our own missionaries, it was nice to be able to give these very focused, spiritually mature young people some love and support.  They are amazing missionaries.

So your Christmas is over?  Here in Russia we are just getting started!  Our sweet apartment supervisor, Lada, was excited that I was taking a picture of her hanging the decorations today.
Russians celebrate New Year's holidays (Jan. 1-5) then Christmas on Jan. 7 (Gregorian calendar)
so we are still loving this Christmas music, gifts and food!

Our message for YSA

Tonight we were the featured speakers at the Moscow young adults at their monthly fireside.  My handsome, knowledgeable, filled-with-the spirit companion gave counsel on prayers-answered as would like or not.  He gave the example of an insightful family member who noted the comforting presence of the Lord through significant life events.  Some prayers were answered as hoped, some were not, but the comforting warmth of the spirit was the same.
As we bring our own will in alignment with the Lord's, we are content to accept His will for us
These are really great youth.  Very mature in the gospel and faithfully keeping their covenants.

.My message was about the transformation of the shepherds in the Luke 2 account of Christ's birth.  They went from a bunch of paid workers hanging out with the sheep, passing time to men who could not be kept back from happily sharing their enthusiastic testimony of the coming of the Son of God.  How blessed we are to feel that same joy, bringing light to ALL people.  The more light we let in, the happier we are.  I listed the 7 reasons why, because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have nothing to worry about and we are under covenant to fully live the "great plan of happiness".
My family has heard this many times but experts say that we have to hear something at least 8 times before it starts to register.  For those of you who haven't passed 5, I would be happy to send you a copy.  (These thoughts didn't originate with me, but I love them and know they are true!)

We have enjoyed the happy combination of warmish (low 30s) temperatures with abundant, fluffy white snow.  Red Square has been transformed into a wonderland, St. Basils is background to the small craft huts (renniks) selling all things Russian. The warmth is beautiful for strolling but not good for the melting ice sculptures and slushy skating rink.  We are so taken with the joy of this happy, happy season.  Magical.

Never Get too Comfortable

So, last week I went on and on about our wonderful Rechnoy ward, filled with young adults with whom we socialize, do yoga, feed, hug and laugh a lot.  It includes a "district", a group of 6 young missionaries assigned to that ward, or geographic area.

We thought we were set for the remainder of our mission.  Silly us.  On Thursday we were asked to move to another ward, about 20 miles from the center of Moscow, called Zelenograd.  We didn't really have time to give our goodbyes to Rechnoy.  Just a goodbye hug at our Tuesday lunch/district meeting for Sis. Thomas, who was being transferred.

Today was our first Sunday to travel to our new ward and it was windy and below zero wind chill. We love the metro.  It is close, warm, reliable but doesn't go to Zgrad.  We must become bus riders.  As we faced the bracing wind for  20  min. waiting for the 240,  I was not excited.  My heart was in Rechnoy. As we transferred to our 2nd bus and looked around, the couple across the aisle nodded a greeting, so not Russian.
As the bus stopped in an unfamiliar neighborhood, they, in Russian, told us to follow them.  The building was two blocks away, totally hidden. We had very vague directions and we would never have found it without the help of the Lord through our new friends, Alexei and Tanya who somehow recognize lost missionaries.  No coincidences.

As we entered the building in ZGrad.  I immediately felt the warm, familiar reassurance that this was the Lord's house, dedicated to teaching  truth and I knew we were supposed to be here loving these happy, faithful saints. Zgrad is very much a family ward.  Not so many single young adults but a thriving primary.

In Sacrament meeting,the bishop invited us to introduce ourselves while he interpreted.  It was with gratitude and pride that I told these good people  that our children and all 23 of our grandchildren would be in their church meetings today stretching from Arkansas, to Texas, to Utah and even to our missionary grandson in Brazil.  Wherever we are, as a family, we are learning the same things, testifying of the same truths and partaking of the sacrament and renewing our covenants to the Lord.  They were astounded at the number. This is one amazing church.  

The world class huggers are in Relief Society and Russians are among the best.  I took a picture of the candy they gave me to stave off hunger and the afghan I was wrapped in, even though  the room was very warm.

 The Relief Society President proudly displayed a huge box containing  dozens of blankets and bibs the sisters had made for charity. Just like any Relief Society anywhere in the world.

 I am also including a picture of Tatiana, the sweet sister who translated the RS lesson for me.

I usually just hate it when I am wrong but this is truly where the Lord wants us to spend our Sundays for now and I couldn't be happier.  We  have the added blessing of hosting a new district of missionaries weekly in our home.  They are just as fabulous as our last district.

 We continue to testify of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We know we are guided and blessed every minute of this precious mission.

Where we worship, teach yoga and socialize a lot...

Our chapel is one of several LDS chapels in Moscow.  Three wards meet in our building so on Sundays  it is a bit of a dance as we all try to get to our various classes while greeting and hugging friends we see from other wards.  It gets very clogged in our tiny lobby.  Our Sacrament meeting begins at 10:00, followed by Sunday School and Relief Society for women, Priesthood meeting for young and old men, Young Women and Primary for the children. 3 hours total.  The metro ride is about an hour so, after all of the socializing, we get home about 2:30 or later.
The building is in a fashionable part of Moscow and is beautiful but way too small so the church is always searching for a more functional space.  Not easy to find here.
 It is such a blessing to feel the same spirit in our cramped building in Moscow where we understand very little of what is said but we continue to be taught through the influence of the Holy Ghost.  This gospel is the same wherever we are.  We so love these people and we feel their love for us.

The Stake Presidency has been very generous in allowing me to teach a few weekday yoga classes in the building  for the young adults and the community at large.  

Weekly we gather with other senior missionary couples in the building for Senior Council, where we teach each other.  The strength and testimony of these 25 or so Moscow-based couples continues to inspire us.  These people, like us, have left careers, families, homes, businesses and have committed themselves to this sacred work.  Their assignments vary from humanitarian, auditing, perpetual education, self-reliance, office work and CES like us.  We often attend performances as a group.  This week we enjoyed Russian Folk Dancing.  What talent and what joy they bring to the expression of traditional dance.  They are proud of their heritage and they should be!  

 A few days later, we took in one of the two year-round circuses in Moscow.  Spectacular artistry.  It was wonderful to sit among delighted children who were enchanted by the aerial acts, tumblers, clowns and so much more.

Life is wonderful, we are blessed and feel grateful each day for this opportunity to work together to help bring the light of the gospel to these dear, sweet people.  

  

Hi ho, hi ho! It's off to work we go...

So, after our morning routine, we trudge off to our office.  It is a 15-20 min. walk.  The past few days have introduced us to the hazards of untreated snowy sidewalks.  We don't deal with that a lot in Arkansas.  Due to construction, we find ourselves either walking for short distances in the road, dodging these speedy Russian drivers or teetering on temporary sidewalk bridges made of unattached side by side two by fours.  We gauge the relative danger daily.

We then climb 2 flights of stairs to the CES East Europe area offices.  The adjoining office houses the Moscow Mission.   We share rest rooms and the kitchen.  We are blessed to have phenomenal Russian (and one Japanese) cooks who trade off Fridays making huge batches of borscht, plov, or seaweed pancakes for everyone.   Really yummy stuff.

Everyone asks what we do.  I will  try to explain.  The East Europe  area consists of 10 countries.   14 CES area coordinators supervise the Institute and Seminary programs in these countries.  The larger countries have more than one area,  Russia has 5.  The Area Coordinators  are all natives of thee countries who also speak english, a huge help to us.

 A good part of our task is to assist the 25 or more missionary couples serve well where they are.  They are scattered all over East Europe.  We encourage, hold hands, cry with them a bit,  cheer for progress and sometimes just talk to them in English, which is very nice as most of them are Americans and the only English speakers in their area, except for the young missionaries, who are encouraged to speak only the native language.  We tell them we are their new Mom and Dad.   We telephone, skype, email and after jet lag, we usually visit to train.
. I also get to pour some creative juices into our monthly newsletter and a facebook group, keeping everyone talking, sharing, encouraging each other.  We begin with their call and continue with their transition to home.

Elder Pierson spends a lot of his time with the implementation and use of a new CES computerized registration and student tracking system .  We produce monthly reports on youth and young single adult activities.  We measure  attendance, scripture reading, service opportunities, adjustment of returned missionaries with callings and jobs.  These are all important measures of progress in the gospel.  As with any new program, there are glitches, especially here with many language, culture, mobility challenges.  Let's just say, he is known in Salt Lake.  I often hear him say into the phone, after listening, "I understand and I am just a lowly missionary but it seems to me it would work better if...." and he usually fixes the problem.

As anyone who was near me before we received our call, I LOUDLY expressed my desire to be anywhere but in an office.  Well, yes, God does have a sense of humor because we are pretty much in an office but this is the PERFECT assignment for us.  We have found that we love living in Moscow and enjoying the friendship and companionship of the 20 plus missionary couples doing different things here.  We travel enough to see and experience even more new things but home base is a comfy, warm apartment.
 We also enjoy interacting with these amazing CES missionary couples and, hopefully, smoothing things out a bit so that they can do what they have been called by the Lord  to do, serve and bless the lives of these young people.

This is our workplace.  You will notice I am standing with my keyboard stacked on boxes.
I really hate sitting for very long so my sweet companion stacked boxes perfectly so I don't have to.  It works great.

Turkeyless thanksgiving

No one seemed to care that it was chicken and ham.  Turkeys are not big here,  neither is cranberries, pumpkin or sweet potatoes.  We just loved having all of these fabulous missionaries in our tiny apartment.  They are happy and inspiring.  We love each one.

Beautiful Messiah-

Yesterday, we attended an extended version of Handel's  Messiah, sung by beautiful Russian voices in English.  Period clothing and gorgeous voices.  As the longing for the coming of the Savior and the joy in His Kingdom was presented so tenderly, I couldn't help but feel so grateful for the privilege we have of playing a small role in helping others to come to Christ.  

Today My Mother's Prophecy is Fulfilled

Sitting in Relief Society (women's organization) today,I am opening the hymn book.  Sister Nyoff, the chorister, tries valiantly to keep the sisters together but no one has a clue what the pitch or tempo might be for the opening song.  It is vocal chaos for awhile, then we get the hang of it.   Sis. Johnson, our one missionary who can play the keyboard is in Young Women's and no one else can help.
My mind jetted back to the tantrum I threw when my mother tried to nail me to the piano bench for yet another fruitless practice.  I love music and really wanted to play well but I refused to practice.  Then, this prophecy,"Someday, you will be on a mission in some country and  they will need someone to play and you won't be able to help!"  Did my 12 year old mind care?  Obviously not.  55 years later, again, Mom was right.  Not the first time.  I really can play a few hymns but not if there is  any pressure and they must be played VERY slowly.

Topic #2.-  Some have asked about how we really live here.  I think I will take it by topic.  I will start with the beginnings of our days.  After prayers, scripture study (alone & together), we tackle our workouts.We are having a great time walking this city.  All bundled, we head out into the morning air.  The length varies.  Saturdays are 2 hrs. or so.  Beautiful parks with great walking paths.  Last Saturday we found this beautiful little church in a new (to us) park.

Back in our cozy, warm apartment building.  Three times a week we then run the 17 flights of stairs 3 times, usually wearing headsets and listening to fun music.  Favorites-Trout Fishing in America, Beach Boys.  It totally wipes us out.

I follow with an hour or so of yoga  and Dick does some strengthening stuff.  Combined with the walking, walking, walking we do to get anywhere in Moscow, we are feeling great!
We  get in to the office about 9:30 or so.

Topic #3- How grateful I am for my knowledge of prayer and the ability all of us have to talk to our Heavenly Father at any time and about anything, knowing that prayers are heard and answered.  As the sister missionaries and I were teaching Irina (the sweet woman who wanted to give me her earrings.  By the way, in the many times I have been with Irina since, she always wears those earrings.  She was giving me her ONLY earrings) she told us how she prays. In the religion in which she was raised, prayers are at set times and are read in a language she does not understand.  As we talked, she was so excited to learn that she can actually communicate at any time with a loving God and just pour out her heart.  We explained how to feel and listen for answers.  She was touched and happy.  She told us how her life has been totally changed by what she is learning about this true gospel.  I know there are no coincidences.  Irina was supposed to become my good forever friend.  I love her.  How blessed we are!

Glories of an empire

One would have to be blind and deaf with a stone heart to not be touched by the beauty and history of Moscow.  This week we were privileged to tour the Grand Kremlin Palace, built in 1837, housing the former residence of the tsars. On the site are 9 churches from the 14th through 17th centuries, each built for a military campaign or an individual.

 The main building includes 5 full reception halls, and over 700 rooms.  The most interesting room to us was a large hall with dozens of painted murals depicting biblical stories.  No one can explain how this escaped the demolition that occurred with other Christian buildings and paintings.  The main reception halls were stripped of the ornamental gold and ornate designs when the Bolsheviks took over.  In the 1990s the halls were lavishly restored in accordance with original designs.
Our tour guide took great delight in our "OOHS" and "WOWS".  The pride of this great nation has taken several hits and they are always happy to hear how much we love this city and these people.

Moscow Stake Conference

For my non-Mormon friends, an explanation.  Our church organization is divided geographically.  As individual congregations (wards) are formed, they are organized into Stakes. Usually between 8-12 of these congregations. Picture in your mind the strength of stakes securely anhoring a tent into the ground for strength and stability.  Each stake is named for the geographic area.  Having a stake in an area is an indication of the growth and maturity of the church in that area.  It is a accomplishment and a huge help in moving the work of the Lord forward.  Twenty years ago there were no Latter Day Saints in East Europe, now there are over 42,000.  Amazing.

Two years ago the Moscow, Russia stake was formed.  Twice a year a conference is held, bringing all of the members together as a group to receive instruction from church leaders.  This past weekend was our conference.

Saturday night was an adult session with guidance from our stake presidency and area leaders. Even through our headsets, we could feel the familiar messages of faith, love and testimony.  The room was packed with strong, faithful saints of all generations.  It had the same spirit of stake conferences we have attended anywhere.

 Sunday consisted of a telecast from church headquarters in Salt Lake City.  Elder Bruce D. Porter, one of the speakers is a fluent Russian speaker (we can only dream of speaking that well).  He was a counselor in the East Europe Presidency in 1996 in a very dark time for Russia.  The atheistic communist government had fallen and everything was in upheaval.  Food was very scarce and basic survival was a challenge.

As Elder Porter  related in his talk, as he was being driven through the streets of Moscow, his gaze fell on thousands of small, lighted windows in the lines of never-ending high rises. Much like our building and the one across from us, pictured here.   He found himself in prayer for the dark, sorrowful city.

As he prayed, he began to to catch a new vision.  He saw the whole city alive with the love of God.  He sensed the workings of the spirit on each person, blessing them and preparing them for the coming of the Gospel into their city.  It was a powerful witness of the love and care that God has for each of His children.

We are blessed to have a tiny part in that great design and unfolding purpose.  We see that God is truly no respecter of persons.  He will never leave us comfortless.  As Paul reminds us, "he be not far from every one of us".

We pray daily that we might be of service in helping these people we love so much find the joy and peace that the Gospel brings.

Some people we have come to love

In Armenia we met Nia, a talented professional, and a returned missionary who regularly translates general conference to Armenian speakers world wide.  She has a long, sweeping bang over one eye.  She later explained that she lost her eye in the gigantic 1989 earthquake, when 50,000 died .  She was a toddler at  the time  but has met her challenges with courage and great joy in the gospel.

Hazan, an PhD in Engineering from Iran who was introduced to the gospel through American colleagues.  His rational mind has always struggled with the strict rules of the faith he in which he was raised and the "no rules, anything goes" mentality of western societies.  In the gospel of Jesus Christ  he has found truth upon which he can base his life.

This picture is the Armenia stake Young Women's board.  All returned missionaries.  Amazing  young women.

We met a terrific missionary who just returned home to Armenia with the unlikely name of La Grande.  He and his siblings were all raised in the gospel and each was given the name of a righteous scriptural person or a modern day one.  I'm sure first grade was interesting, trying to write Le Grande in Armenian.

Oleg, our mission driver, a former MIG pilot who whizzes around these Moscow streets like he was still flying fighter jets against the Americans.  He speaks no English but is jovial and LOVES loud opera music in his van.  He often sings along.  He always wears a white shirt and keeps a tie hanging behind his seat in case he is needed in performing a priesthood ordinance.

So many others.
The picture below is of my new best friend, Irina, who I met waiting for the metro  (the one who tried to give me her earrings.)  She came to dinner last  week, along with our sweet sister missionaries who did a marvelous job translating.  It was the very last night of her mission for one of our sisters and she was thrilled to be able to do more teaching.  Irina came bearing flowers and a beautiful cake for dessert.
I love Irina.  She lives in a small apartment like ours, very near us.  She has two sons, one graduated from college and  a government employee, the other  in his first year of college.  They live with her.  A niece studying to become a pediatrician lives there as well.
 Her husband is a thousand miles away, in their small village in the beautiful mountains to the south.  Irina studied culinary skills for 4 years but found she could make more money maintaining a small coat shop, 2 hours metro ride away.  She closed the shop  early Tuesday to have dinner in our home.  She is devoting her life to helping her sons and niece have a brighter future.  She is anticipating going home for a short visit next summer and is determined that we will go with her.

She is loving and kind and is eager to share and learn.

We are happy and well and grateful to have a small part in building the Lord's kingdom.

Such gentle, friendly people.

.  Last week, Elder Pierson and I ventured south to the beautiful city of Yerevan, Armenia for a few days.  The snowy mountain in the distance is Mt. Ararat.  Some believe remnants of Noah's ark are still there.   We came to visit a wonderful CES couple serving here and meet some of their students.  We like  to know how we can help each of our missionaries throughout East Europe and spending time with them in their environment is a great help.

We sat in on classes, visited with students (many speak English) and just felt their goodness.  There is spectacular teaching happening here.  As we are finding all through East Europe, there are many, many returned missionaries and several preparing for service.  A strong foundation Is being laid for the growth of the Kingdom of God in Armenia.  Yerevan is a gracious city designed on a European grid plan.  It is beautiful and walkable.

We found out yesterday on an excursion into the mountains some of the reasons Armenians love their country so much.  The scenery is jaw-dropping with a perfect climate.  World's best fruits & vegetables but more than any other factor, it has to be these sweet, kind people.  Ready smiles, eagerness to assist lost visitors.   Lots of hugs.

As we entered the chapel this morning for church, tears came as they always do.  It doesn't matter where in the world we are, the feeling is the same.  I know we are in a dedicated house of worship.
The bishop of the ward is burly, gregarious and made us feel at home.  His identical twin brother is his first councilor.  They each served missions in California.   Fortunately, the councilor has a little beard.  Otherwise, I don't know how anyone could tell them apart.  The opening song in Sacrament Meeting was "Joseph Smith's First Prayer", sung in Armenian.  The prophecy that the prophet's name would be had in every corner of the world kept coming to my mind.

We were privileged to attend a special fireside welcoming two missionaries who returned this week.  A radiant sister who served on temple square in SLC and a powerful young man who served in
Ukraine.  The room was packed with family, friends and tons of investigators.

Sacrament meeting was filled with testimony, excellent teaching and even a very respectable ward choir.  The bishop gave a stirring talk on the blessings of paying tithing.  The economy in Armenia is poor.  Many people struggle but he promised the ward that blessings come from obedience.

Gospel Essentials class on obedience.   The discussion turned to obedience to leaders of nations.  Interesting comments from several Syrian refugees.  All of a sudden world turmoil is very close and real.  Not many easy answers.  These people have suffered much.  Gospel principles are the only hope for lasting peace.

We are continually grateful for this opportunity to serve.  We feel the tugs of home.  Not being there for events like the births of babies (welcome , newest little Pierson) makes the miles very long but we know we are where we neede to be, doing what we need to do.  Life is wonderful & the gospel is true!

"To Reach Every Human Heart"

I don't know what your lesson was in Relief Society and Priesthood meetings today but in the Richnoy Ward, Moscow Russia stake, it was Lorenzo Snow's teachings on missionary work.  I loved his teaching about our joy in missionary service.  He said, "There is a way to reach every human heart, and it is your business to find the way to the hearts of those to whom you are called."
(So sorry, laptop isn't working and my ipad can't do pictures on blogspot so only words today)

We pray every day to be instruments in God's hands to bring an element of light and goodness to His children in East Europe.  I love the analogy of the honey bee.  Each honey bee creates just 1 milliliter of honey.  Is that tiny amount worth it? Each hive has about 20,000 bees.  By combining their efforts, nature's most perfect food is created.

We are reminded daily of the power of tens of thousands of missionaries throughout the world.  Our field of labor is unique but together God's kingdom is moving forward.

As we approached our metro station with 2 other missionaries this morning, Elder Pierson held the door for a very pleasant looking young woman who smiled and thanked him.  She followed us down the escalator and we waited at the platform together.  You know how it feels when you instantly really like someone and you share a connection.  She spoke no English and my Russian wasn't going anywhere so I gestured at her very pretty earrings.  She seemed pleased and we entered the train and sat down a fair distance apart.  We continued to smile at each other, then I became intent on reading my scriptures.  A few minutes later, I was surprised to see her standing in front of me with her hand open and the earrings in her palm.  It took a great  deal of persuasion to help her understand that she should keep the earrings.

As she stood to get off at her stop she bent down and hugged me and thrust a paper in my hand.  On it was written her name and telephone number.  She added some other information that I can't read.  The young missionaries will help me figure it out and contact her.
I'm not sure what she sensed in us that inspired her to want to connect but I truly feel it is the spirit of Christ that we have truth that will bless her life. I will let you know where it leads.

All Hearts Yearn for God

The history of this city is ever-present and touches our hearts in so many ways. A magnificent church overlooks the Kremlin in Moscow. It is named The Cathedral of Christ the Savior and was originally built in gratitude for the victory over Napoleon in 1812, (along with Tchaikovsky's overture). The political climate changed and in 1932, the building was blown up to make way for a tribute to the new Communist culture. The money was never there and decades later, Kruschev's government converted it into the world's largest swimming pool.
 In 1993, permission was granted for the rebuilding of the church. Most of the money came from millions of poor people who wanted to honor God. It is a reminder of the need all humans feel to connect with a higher power, however that is defined.
We were privileged to visit the church as a service was beginning.  The voices were beautiful and the visual artistry was stunning but as we toured the beautiful sanctuary last Saturday,  we couldn't help but wish we could communicate our testimonies that in just a few hours real apostles and prophets would again testify of the reality of Jesus Christ and His love and care for each of us.

So much to see in a  very walkable distance in Moscow.  As darkness fell, we made our way from the church to the Bolshoi theater for a magnificent light show.  For 4 days in various locations, Moscovites were treated to amazing theatrics with light.  We chose to stake out the front of the Bolshoi, along with thousands of others.  Fortunately, the evening was clear and just a little brisk.  The facade of the Bolshoi was transfigured from minute to minute with accompanying gorgeous Russian music emanating from gigantic speakers.  Lots of children hoisted on father's shoulders.  Lots of "oohs" and "aahs".  Language was no barrier for a change.  We were all enthralled by the joy and creativity of these wonderful Russians.

How Moscow Moves

This city of 15 million people or so would could not function without this fabulous metro system.  We spend a lot of time, along with most people here, finding our way on the train.  Occasionally, we are driven someplace in a car and we are always amazed that this is the same city we only see from below.  Those who navigate the crazy, traffic-clogged streets are subjected to jarring horns, lanes that are formed at the moment and, I would think, jangled nerves.  I'm not sure they get anywhere any faster than we do.

 Last week we attended a weekly meeting of missionary couples in central Moscow.  We rode on the metro with the office couple who are our nearest neighbors.  After the meeting, a couple  who have a car offered us a ride  I needed to stay to teach a yoga class but the Meilstrups took them up on the offer. We got on the metro about 90 minutes later and still got home faster than the car riders.
Lots of advantages to not owning a car.  We see so many interesting people!  Lots of variety in Nationalities, income level, age, mobility-some of everything.  We often see tottering ancient babushkas shuffling unsteadily with their canes.  I used to fear for them but I have noticed that space is  reverently made for them.  Somehow, with this sea of jostling humanity, no one ever seems to run into each other.  I don't know how.

The metro stations are mini-museums.   They are all different and most are equally stunning.  We thought we would fill you in on some of the beauty we see daily.

The Moscow metro system is the second busiest in the world (second to Seoul, Korea).  It carries about 9 million people daily.  When conceived and constructed, beginning in 1935, it was with the intention if not just moving people, but showing visitors what the Soviet Union was capable of creating.  Stalin put his best architects to work and the results are wondrous.  Each line is identified by a number and a color.  Thankfully, most signs are in Russian and English.  A male voice announce the next stop if you are moving toward the city center and a female voice is heard if you are moving away.  The one at the bottom is honoring the revolution.  Tons of bronzed soldiers.  The one with the dog is special.  As people pass, most will rub the dog's nose for good luck.  We feel blessed to be part of this ever-moving city.

Each of the 188 metro  stops is unique but they are spic and span.  Moscovites are justly proud of their metro system.

Our Perfect Missionaries

Last Tuesday our 6 district missionaries were rewarded for their 3 weeks of observance and love for the guidelines of the mission with a culture night. They are super missionaries but for 3 weeks they were "perfect". They chose the opening night of the Bolshoi opera.  Through the efforts of a wonderful friend in the area office, tickets were obtained at a nominal cost.  We hosted them at a Russian restaurant and the evening was memorable.  Beautiful warm Moscow night. The opera, "The Queen of Spades" by Tchaikovsky,  was beyond beautiful.  Of course very few opera plots make a whole lot of sense but the sets were creative and sumptuous, the music was glorious, and these wonderful missionaries were, as always, inspiring with their goodness and joy.  We had to say goodbye to 2 of them that night as they were transferred on Thursday.  We love these precious representatives of the Lord.

We experience daily the sustaining power of the spirit in doing what we can to help this beautiful gospel to come into the hearts and minds of the young people in East Europe.  Our focus is to help them come to Christ and we are united with dedicated missionaries, leaders, and coordinators who love and serve the youth.  We are spending more time at our desks than we anticipated but we know this is where we can serve best now.  Our missionaries all over this wide expanse are doing admirable work.  We try hard to encourage them, hold their  hands, come up with ideas, counsel when needed and applaud a lot.  

We are finding that we wiser, more knowledgeable and insightful than we really are .  We know this isn't really us, we are only tools for the Lord to bless others.  Our "tender mercy" list is updated daily, sometimes hourly. We are given what we need for that moment.

 There are no coincidences.  We are blessed and are more grateful than we can ever express.  I'm attaching a picture of a conference with the coordinators from 13 different countries.  What faithful, talented, loving priesthood holders. All wise beyond their years. The church in East Europe is in great

 hands

We are well, happy and grateful.  

Steeped in History

We are  reminded daily how much has happened and continues to happen here.  Last week was the annual International band festival at Red Square.  Bands from all over the world, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, China, England, and many others performed.  The finale of the nightime performance, all of the bands were on the field, over a thousand strong.  They played Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.  I had to brush up on my history and I found that he wrote the piece about 60 years after the event. it is a musical depiction of Napoleans invading army.  The much smaller Russian army was joined by citizens but they were greatly outnumbered by the French.  The Czar called on the citizens of Russia to pray.  They  burned much of the city of Moscow to deny the invaders food and winter quarters.  The music includes the battle, Russian folk hymns and the french La Marsellaise.  All of that is brought into the piece.  The booming of the 5 cannons, lights on St. Basils, which Napolean fully intended to destroy was chilling.  So amazing to be here.

We are even more impressed with the example and testimonies of these wonderful people, many still so young in years and experience in the gospel.  A group of our young adult friends were traveling to a distant city (they are all distant cities).  Transportation delays caused them to arrive after all of the public transportation was shut down.   They could not afford a taxi and were without means to get to the hotel where they had reservations.  As it happened, one of the group was acquainted with a wonderful priesthood leader, an Area Seventy, who lived in this city.  He called him and he said, "Okay, I will come get you, but it is going to cost you.  Not in money, but it you will pay."
 As he drove them to the hotel, he explained the fee.  He committed each of them to read the Book of Mormon in 3 weeks, looking specifically for references to "the Power of God".  As they discovered that power and what God is capable and willing to do for each of us, they then would write an essay and send the essay to him.  This wonderful man was deep into his own scripture study when the call came from the stranded youth so he was inspired to challenge them.
The young people are about halfway through their reading and each of them is receiving individual revelation on what God can do for them.  We see powerful teaching every day here.

We are enjoying a sweet friendship with a dear Russian family.  Sergei is our boss, also our bishop and his darling wife, Elena is a yoga buddy.  We finally have children climbing all over us.  We have so missed it.  These lively girls, ages 8 and 4 are adorable.  We love having them for dinner and applauding the children's newest tricks.

We feel so blessed to have this opportunity to serve and help build the Lord's kingdom here in East Europe.  This gospel is so true.  We know that through Jesus Christ's atonement,  we can learn and grow and live with Him and be with our dear family forever.  That is all that matters.