Sochi and Tula

Russians are justifiably proud of their spectacular Olympic Games in Sochi.  The opening and closing ceremonies were  innovative and beautifully presented.  We weren't able to understand the commentary for any of the events but we still found ourselves pulling for our adopted home.   Of course we didn't attend but we know several people who did go south to Sochi and they were so excited.

 Our interaction with people here in Moscow reveals their great desire to connect with the rest of the world in a positive way.  They are warm, good people who love to engage with us, even though we don't speak good Russian.
The young people, especially, want to embrace all that is positive and hopeful in the world.
They are optimistic about the future.   We are impressed with their emphasis on the "New Face of Russia".  We pray with all of our hearts that bright days are ahead for this country with so much promise.

We spent this weekend in the land of Tolstoy, Tula, Russia.  It is a city of 500,000 about 120 miles south of Moscow.  Leo Tolstoy's home, Yasnaya Polyana is 7 miles from Tula.  This is where Tolstoy was born and where he wrote Anna Karenina and War and Peace.  He called it his "inaccessible literary stronghold".

Our train from Moscow to Tula was our first railroad adventure in Russia.  I felt so Dr.
Zhivago or maybe Lara.  It was fascinating to view all of the small Russian villages from the relative comfort of the train.

The purpose of our visit was not Tolstoy but to visit the missionary couple who are serving in the Tula Branch.  We were able to sit in on their Institute class and activities afterward and speak in their Sunday Sacrament Meeting.  We felt the same love and peace we find in any LDS church building anywhere in the world.  The saints in Tula are young in the gospel but anxious to learn and grow.
The Senior Missionary couple, Elder and Sister Vandry, are experienced and bring wisdom and testimony to the still developing branch.  They are delightful and love and serve these good people.  We were privileged to learn from them.

After Institute class, fun games followed.  The young people really got into it.

We were always grateful for interpreters who can take our words and magically turn them into another language.  Elder Pierson speaking in Sacrament meeting.

Our new friends in Tula made us promise to return in the summer when we can join them in their annual branch picnic on the grounds of Yasnaya Polyana.  Being in the area and observing the expansive fields and forests, I felt again how much I love the writings of Tolstoy.  Before we came on our mission I reread Anna Karenina and wept again.  Here are a few of my favorite Tolstoy quotes:

It is exciting to see the gospel take hold in the hearts and minds of people, wherever they are.  They become happier and more open to serve and care for each other.  The light of Christ is visible.  This is the best work in the world in which to be engaged.  We love it.