The poor and the meek

We have grown to love so many of these sweet saints in the church here in Russia.  We are touched by their strength, generosity and depth of testimony.  Twice a year the Moscow stake gathers items to give to the poor.  The bags are stacked by the room I use for my yoga classes and there is a ton of stuff!  I know how little many of these people have, and their generous hearts inspire me

Last week we were graciously entertained by a wonderful couple from our own Zelenograd Ward in their home.  We have been in many apartments here in Moscow and thought we had seen humble circumstances but we were not prepared for the tiny, poorly constructed apartment that is home to Anatoly and Tatiana.  In size, the total apartment  would fit into two of our downstairs rooms at home.  Tiny bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area.  Obviously very old and run down but these people are so happy.  We were served a fabulous Russian dinner, served in 3 courses.  Borsht, Pelmeni (dumplings) and a plate of delicious vegetables and meat.  Assorted chocolates for dessert.

The lovely dishes were a 25th anniversary gift.  They hope someday to be able to purchase more than the 4 they have.  These dear people are as talented, hard working, educated and bright as just about anyone we know but making a living here is very difficult.  

You would think we would see the same slumped shoulders and defeated look we see   every day in Moscow but the light in the eyes and the joy Anatoly and Tatiana carry into their challenging days testifies of their happiness.  

This is dinner with Anatoly and Tatiana in our apartment a couple of weeks ago.  We are so grateful that these amazing sister missionaries can translate.  We actually do pretty well gesturing.  They are very funny people and we laugh a lot.

Tatiana is enormously creative.  She has tons of fun putting together these very life-like dolls.  Each is completely different and the detail is astounding.  She makes big ones and tiny ones.  She spends months on these dolls, selling them online.

These are just two of the very happy people we encounter in the church here in Russia.

Very few care about fashion or having the latest anything.   Most will never drive a car or live in anything but dark, cramped quarters but their joy overflows.

How to account for this?  

I love this thought from Bruce R Hafen's book, "The Broken Heart".  He describes the inner joy that those who have a deep, private relationship with the Lord experience.  He tells of Robert Louis Stevenson's boyhood growing up in dark England.  He and his friends carried small, tin, "bull's eye" lanterns on their belts.  Stevenson described the joy of having a tiny light that no one else could see, guiding through the darkness.  

Elder Hafen comments that if we understand the secret of the lantern, we will not miss the joy that awaits us in discovering that all things do work together for good to them who love God.  If our hearts are full of love for our Savior and His gospel,  we will feel His sustaining hand and promptings and we will never be without our own light to guide our way and lift our hearts with love and hope. 

Anatoly and Tatiana lead lives that  are different from ours  but the temple is as central to their lives as it is to ours.  We have each made the same covenants and have the same promises.  They are doing all they can to build an eternal family, as are we.  In the most important ways, we are the same and we love them!  This truly is the Lord's plan of happiness!