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.