Finally...Family!

We spent an absolutely fantastic week with 3 of our charming, witty, adventurous children.  We had so much fun.  Elder Pierson commented as we were saying goodbye that the nice thing is that it could have been any combination of our 7 children and their spouses and they would have had just as much fun and been just as good a mix.  We are blessed with a jolly group.

We met Lindsey, Amanda and Aaron (who one day earlier graduated with an MBA from UT with a perfect 4.0) at the airport last Sunday.  As we saw all of the obviously Singapore crew and passengers deplane with no sign of them, we became concerned.
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty five, thirty minutes ticked by and we were panicked.
The photo from their settling into their seats in Houston assured us that they had made the plane.

 They finally emerged and we discovered the hold up.  Lindsey's passport had been marked M for male and our very feminine mother of 6 had a stare down with the Russian authorities.  "Are you a boy or a girl?"  It took intervention from the Russian consulate and a new visa to make our daughter officially feminine.

After that rocky start, we sailed along famously all week.  Sapsan bullet train to St. Petersburg for 3 days, marveling at the history and culture created by the Romanovs, particularly Peter the Great and Catherine the Great.  Our guide knew everything and anticipated our every question.  Our rental apartment had the patina of a European flat.

The beauties of the Hermitage, Catherine's Palace, Peterhof and the European flavored city.  We loved it all.

Our 3 days showing off our beautiful city of Moscow passed all too quickly.

A jam packed week.  Thanks to their spouses who were troopers.  Welcoming Amanda and Lindsey will be new puppies (these dads are pushovers) and a new car for the Clausens.  

We have the itinerary down, now.  Anyone else want to make the trip? You still have 6 months.   We will make it worth your time.

Krasnodor & Sochi...

We love it when we can spend some time with our fabulous CES couples in the area where they work.  And they do work! These ranchers from Wyoming left their cattle, horses and family to seek after and bring the youth of the church in Russia to Christ. See how they love this seminary student?  

This past weekend we spend with our missionaries and young adults in Krasnodor, near the border with Crimea, and Sochi, a 6 hour train ride away.  

The wonderful CES couple we visited are responsible for 4 branches.  As is always the case here in East Europe, the distances are daunting but traveling through the gorgeous Caucasus mountains and emerging to the beauties of the Black Sea is breathtaking.

In Krasnodar, we  observed an animated  faith-filled Institute class.  Even though we didn't understand much of what she said, this teacher is fun to watch  We know she taught a great lesson topped off with a well planned object lesson.  We have a vague idea of what she was teaching but the youth plainly understood  and they loved it and her!

In Sochi, the branch president is a missionary as sometimes happens in still-growing branches.

All missionaries grow as they serve and this missionary clearly has.  

We spoke in sacrament meeting, partook of the same sacrament and heard the same inspired messages we do in any ward or branch anywhere in the world  The Relief Society president told me a bit about her conversion.  She taught Russian literature in college for many years during the Soviet era.  When she heard the truth of the gospel, it rang true to her and she was baptized with her family.  Her long-held belief in the reality of God was confirmed.  Now a widow, she is grateful for the reality of eternal families.  She loves the sisters in the branch.

 We loved accompanying the missionaries on splits, visiting less-active members and hearing their testimonies and desires to become more involved in the Lord's kingdom. 

  

This darling young woman is leaving for her mission next week.  She is so excited!  

One sweet sister in Sochi welcomed us into her humble apartment on Sun. evening.  In church she had asked the branch president for a blessing.  As Elder Pierson and the President placed their hands on her head, the spirit bore witness to me of the reality of Priesthood power.  The words didn't matter and I don't know what the Lord said to her in the blessing but I do know that God works through 20 year olds and almost 70 year olds, anywhere in the world.  Peace and comfort settled in that tiny room in southern Russia and a sweet sister was assured of the love of the Lord for her.  I felt a sister-in-the-gospel love for her, even though we had just met and I will probably never see her again.  I know that we are eternal friends.  What a great church!

As we did some sight-seeing on Monday in Sochi, we rode a tram to the top of a 500 acre botanical garden.  As we exited the tram, the view was stunning.  I was content to stay, enjoying the view there but Elder Pierson, as always, saw a narrow stairway and wanted to climb.  6 flights later, we reached the very top of the tower and observed so much more.  We could see further with far fewer obstacles to our vision. The vista included mountains, then more mountains on one side and the Black Sea on the other, with Turkey outlined in the distance.  

 It reminded me of what God sometimes asks of us.  We are often content with who we are and what we see but if we continue to climb and grow, even when it is hard, we are given a greater degree of knowledge and we become more than we could ever have imagined.  As we tell those who are investigating the gospel, keep the truth you have and build on it.  There is so much joy in the climb.

May Day in Moscow

We learned from our office staff that May Day is a huge deal in Russia, as it is in many parts of the world.  The honoring of workers and military heroes begins on May 1 and continues until May 9.  Since our office was closed on May 1, we invited the Moscow senior couples to our office for a brunch, followed by a brisk hike through the woods behind the building.  It was fun.  We fed 20 some people.  Lots of waffles, hash browns, eggs on toast, all the usual stuff.
I didn't take pictures but others did.  I will try to hunt some down.

What was really amazing on May 1 was the patriotic fervor of the Moscovites.  They have not had a May Day parade since Soviet days and they were thrilled to celebrate and show their love for their country.  Red Square was packed with dignitaries, families, soldiers and babushkas.  A warm and sunny day greeted these proud people.

Parents are anxious to further a love for their native land in their children. We all want to feel pride in our home and country.  These people  want the same things we all want.  We pray for their peace and prosperity.

My proudest moment today was playing with this sweet baby during Relief Society so that she quickly fell asleep on her mother's lap.  The blessings of wearing lots of fun jewelry.  She would only come to me.  Her mother, Sveta, is our RS President.  I love her and so many others in our Zelenograd Ward.

Our bishop and friend, Bishop Nabatnikov shared a sweet story with Elder Pierson today.  When he joined the church,  20 years ago, he was nurtured in the gospel by a wonderful branch president who loved him and guided him in gaining strength in knowledge and testimony.  At the dedication of the Kiev Temple, Bishop Nabatnikov was given a white handkerchief by his friend, the Branch Pres. to remember his participation in the dedication of the temple.

The Bishop's friend passed away this week and he was asked by the widow to assist in dressing the body, preparatory to burial.  He told Elder Pierson that it was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences he can remember as he placed sacred garments on the body of his friend.  He then took the handkerchief from the temple dedication and gave it back to the widow as he shared with her how much her husband's love and testimony had influenced his life and decisions he had made. It was a tender moment for both of them. 

This is our Stake Presidency.  Each one has a fascinating story to tell of  conversion to the gospel.  The Lord is in charge of this work.  They and so many others heard the message of the restoration and knew it was true.  We sustain them with all our hearts.

So interesting today in Fast and Testimony meeting how the spirit bore testimony to us of the strength and truth of what was being said, even though we understood very little.  I love watching the faces of these sincere people as they talk.  My knowledge of Russian is limited but I know that they know that the gospel is true.  Spirit speaks to spirit and testifies of truth.   Witness is borne of the power of the Savior's atonement and the reality of Priesthood keys.  I know this is true and so do so many others.  The spirit speaks to us individually.

 This knowledge is my most precious possession. 

The Joy of Being A Peculiar People...

As we wend our way through the busy thoroughfares of Moscow and other cities, we are used to  curious stares.  Who dresses in suits, ties, skirts, sensible shoes and tops these unusual outfits off with the "tell the world" name tags?

Blending in is not an option.  Even when we aren't wearing our name tags for some reason, we still stand out.  How do people know to try to speak English to us, or at least to look at us curiously, if not suspiciously?  We didn't think we looked that different but we apparently do.

  We have moved from discomfort to great pride in our identity as representatives of our Savior Jesus Christ.  We love carrying his name wherever we go.  We have found suspicion disappears when we smile encouragingly and, if possible, assist in some way.  Opening doors, helping with bundles, offering a seat in the metro, lots of possibilities.

(Elder Pierson encountering one of our young adults in downtown Moscow)

We are serving our mission because of our love for Jesus Christ.  He has called us to bring his gospel of happiness to more of His children.  We do that best when we put our fear and reluctance to draw attention away and help reflect His light.

We love Peter's reminder to us that we are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, A PECULIAR PEOPLE; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."  That is our job and our joy.

Our Sacrament meeting today was presented by our Zelenograd Ward Young Women.  They were wonderful, even if we  understood little of what they said.  They sang beautifully of following Christ and each spoke and bore her testimony.  We saw the light of Christ in each faithful young woman.

These teen aged girls are happy and unaffected.  They see no need to be "sophisticated, trying-to-be 25 year olds".  They are happy to be different from the world.  They dress modestly, love their families and are very best friends.  They encourage each other as they  become the  Women of Christ He wants them to be.

I was able to catch some of the young women after their program.  They were very relieved it was over.

One of our delights is welcoming senior CES  missionaries to Moscow.  Often our couples have a layover of several hours before completing their journey to their assigned city.  We greet them at the airport and help with their bags.  These faithful, jet-lagged, sleep-deprived people are then given the option of taking a nap at our home, in our famous round bed, or seeing the city.  They usually go for the tour.  Last week we had the privilege of escorting two new couples and they were real troopers.  It was windy and cold but they were up for the adventure and happily tromped around Moscow.  You think we don't stand out then?

As we show these great people around, we get to know them a bit better and are always impressed with their strength, testimony and love for the youth of the church. Their life-changing service and example bears eternal fruit.  They are blessing generations.  Each one of our missionaries truly radiates the joy of being "peculiar".  They  teach volumes about what a life-long commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ looks like.  Happiness and faith absolutely bursts from them!

Just one of our totally amazing missionary couples...

Our greatest desire is to serve Him with all of our hearts and minds.  We love helping others come "out of darkness into His marvelous light".

Christos Vas Kres

On Easter, Moscovites greet each other with a cheery " Christos Vas Kres" (Christ is Risen).  The response is "Voistinu Voskres"! (Truly He Is).  I love it!  We were given some beautiful onion-dyed eggs too beautiful to eat.  The 70 degree weather and the blossoms around us remind us that Spring is delicious!

Last evening the Young Adults of the Moscow Stake presented a moving reminder of the power of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in the ongoing process of healing, repentance and joy that comes to all of us as we implement His atonement into our lives. The musical  was "The Garden" by Michael McLean, sung in Russian.

 These talented young people beautifully brought home the message that  each of us needs the Lord's power.  He earnestly seeks to turn our "mourning into joy, our blindness to sight, and our ashes to beauty". 

The production was professionally presented and so moving.  We continue to be touched and inspired by the strength and testimony of these wonderful youth!

Our Easter celebration was made even more delightful as our dear friends, Gareth and Mardie Tobler joined us in Moscow for 4 days of tromping around and seeing the sights.  We love showing off our  adopted city.  We packed in as much as we could, including a dinner river cruise and placing our personalized locks on the lock bridge tree.  We have loved this family for decades.  We had so much fun.

  

 We love this work and we love our Savior, Jesus Christ, for his sustaining influence in our lives.  We are so blessed.

Streetsful of splendid people!

We watched General Conference a week later than the U.S. but loved all of the inspired messages.  So anxious now to take each apart and pray for application to my own life and missionary work.

I loved Elder Richard G. Scott's instruction on how to be a significant influence for good on those we care about.  We just love them.  "Giving them confidence in your love can help them develop faith in God's love."  That is something I can do.

This quote by Neal A. Maxwell has always been special to me.
"Truly we work and live on a streetful of splendid people, whom we are to love and serve  even  if they are uninterested in us!"

In our case, it would be not only streetful but also metroful, trainful, busful and occasionally planeful.  So many interesting people.  Armed with our calling as missionaries and specifically, our assignment to help the youth return to our Savior, we feel an increase of love for everyone we see.  Elder Maxwell also said, "We can be walking witnesses and standing sermons to which objective onlookers can say a quiet amen."

 I asked a Russian friend how people seem to know we are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints even when we are not speaking or wearing our name tags.  She said anyone just feels the difference.  Perhaps they are not familiar with the church but they still sense our calling.  I call that a great advantage.

These Russians are so talented!  We take every opportunity to catch Russian folk dancers.  Their creativity, strength and artistry are truly remarkable.  This was the troupe we saw this past week.

The arts are tremendously important to them.  Even at 300.00 a ticket, the Bolshoi ballet is sold out months in advance.  In the past few weeks, we have enjoyed a 100 violin gypsy band in a beautiful concert hall, beautiful opera, and symphony.

Following Friday's class, a yoga friend with a driver let me tag along to the Azerbaijani market where she buys all of her fish, breads, nuts, spices, cheese,meats and produce.   Football fields full of the freshest, most beautifully and creatively presented food and goods and the very nicest people.  Want to sample something?  They are ready to oblige.  Their warm grins, jabbering away in a strange language, ready laughs and hugs and handing out free food connected with me.   We are not world travelers but it felt to me like a middle eastern bazaar.  These good folks are my kind of people.

I am always inspired after General Conference.  I love the assurance that we are exactly where we need to be, doing what God wants us to do right now.  We know how blessed we are.

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!