In our neighborhood, we began our arctic sponge baths several days ago, and it will conclude in about 4 more days. Fortunately for us, we were blessed to be in Yekaterinburg for four heavenly, hot shower days right in the middle of our ordeal. We treasured the experience of washing our hair and feeling really clean. The things we take for granted.
We were happy that we had already planned to be traveling this week. We were invited to Yekaterinburg by Nikolai, the CES coordinator for the Yekaterinburg mission, to assist with Seminary graduation, speak at a youth fireside, and do some contacting of young adults with the YSA council. We did all of that and loved it.
The youth of Yekaterinburg are happy, faithful, strong and loving. Just like our LDS youth everywhere. We loved meeting them and feeling the joy they find in the gospel.
Another reason for our trip was to orient a new CES senior couple, Elder and Sister Dastrup. Their assignment is in Perm, a few hours away from Yekat. They arrived there two weeks ago and are already teaching a class on Family History and reaching out to those who need their love and nurturing in the gospel. They met us in Yekaterinburg for the graduation. We loved getting to know them and feeling their joy in serving the youth and sharing their testimony.
We are always impressed by these amazing folks with whom we serve. For 13 months Elder and Sister Godfrey have been blessing the lives of the many youth in Yekaterinburg. In that period of time, Elder Godfrey has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Many of us would have taken the first flight home but he happily continues on. Elder Godfrey's father has been dealing with the same thing for 20 years, so they know all about what to expect and how to make the symptoms manageable. Elder Godfrey still jogs several miles a day and is ALWAYS happy.
A few hours before we arrived, Sis. Godfrey fell hard on her face on some gravely pavement. No permanent damage but she looked awful. She couldn't move her mouth or open her left eye. Bandages, drying blood, swelling. She didn't want to get out to have dinner with us, but she did it anyway. And she just kept going. So like both of them.
The following day, Elder and Sister Godfrey organized, cooked, fed and honored the 100 plus young people in the day long seminary graduation. These sweet youth who had completed their gospel study courses were not aware of Sister Godfrey's pain. I saw her wince more than a few times as these young people couldn't resist hugging her. We did what we could to assist but the Godfreys were the only ones who could give directions.
She still wasn't done. Sunday, she prepared a beautiful meal after church and before the fireside for about 20 people and had baked dozens of cookies for the youth to munch on afterward. Amazing, but so typical of these dedicated missionaries! In the picture below, Sis. Godfrey, (on the far R) still can hardly open her mouth or left eye.
Saturday evening, we loved zipping around Yekaterinburg with Nikolai and the YSA President, Yulia, to visit those young people who haven't been coming lately. Yulia is so full of love for others and the gospel, she truly bubbles over. Her joy is contagious and irresistible. She had prepared a gift packet for each person we were visiting. A copy of the Liahona, a few YSA pamphlets and her testimony were wrapped in a ribbon topped off with a candy bar. We visited many people that night and no one could turn her down. More than a few asked us to pray with them and Yulia pulled out her much-used missionary scriptures to share some verses with these dear young people. Hearts were touched and commitments were made. Mine weren't the only tears shed. Love what missionaries do!
This is Yulia and Andre, also on the YSA council. He also visited young people that night.
Four sweet days with these dear people. We are so blessed to have gained more eternal friends.
We love them and love our mission!
Now to endure four more cold water days!
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