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!