Yasnaya Polyana and the Tale of Two Sisters

For those of us who have loved the writings of Leo Tolstoy, an excursion through his beloved plantation, Yasnaya Polyana, near Tula, Russia,  is breath-taking.  Strolling the lanes, breathing the apple-scented air and feeling the musty closeness of his library and study is to go back more than 100 years.  It is not hard to see in our mind's eye  multitudes of children (he and his wife, Sophia, had 13, plus children of estate workers) climbing trees, sledding hills, and racing down the wide boulevards.  Our missionaries were wonderful interpreters and we enjoyed our day with a dedicated missionary couple, Elder and Sister Vandry.

These dear saints of the Zelenograd Ward have become great friends.  Saturday, we enjoyed a lovely "blini" dinner and evening with two wonderful families, united decades ago through the marriage of Galia and Nikolai.  When they married, in 1984, each had a daughter.  Natasha, Galia's daughter was 8.  Nikolai, a widower, had a daughter, Olga, just turned 7.  For the girls, it was sisterhood-at-first-sight.  They bonded instantly and forever.  They spent every moment together and at least on 2 occasions, saved each other from very dangerous situations.

As 15-16 year olds, they shared an excitement and curiosity about the many churches bidding for their attention.  They attended many, each church claiming a corner on "truth".  When a friend of Galia's ask if she knew anyone who would like to hear a message about Jesus Christ from her church, Galia said, "Oh, my daughters are very interested in religions".  An appointment with missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was set but the girls disappeared.  They had heard negative stories about the church and hoped to skip the meeting.  However, they returned with the missionaries still there.

The girls were intrigued by the message and even more by the challenge to pray for themselves about the truth of the message they had been taught.  As they studied and prayed, they knew it was true and were baptized.  Six years later, their parents joined them in making that sacred covenant.

They actively participated in youth seminary and Young Women activities and grew in testimony.  Natasha served a mission and both married in the temple after obtaining university degrees.

As children they had dreamed and planned of their adjoining future homes.  We saw the realization of that dream when we visited their homes.  Large back yards, joined by a wooden fence with a gate that would not be necessary if Natasha's husky dog wasn't so frightened by Olga's 3 cats.  Natasha and her husband, Vladimar have 3 daughters and Olga has 4.  Girls everywhere.  Trampoline covered with dolls and all that go with them.  It is truly a child's wonderland.

As with all of us, life rarely goes according to plan.  Olga is now a single mother and her father, Nikolai lives with her and her girls.  Galia, Natasha's mother,  lives just behind that house with Natasha and Vladimar and their daughters.

The love and support these people give to each other is wonderful to see.  Olga, Natasha, and Vladimar are business partners in a very successful creative company.  They have combined their talents to produce the most beautiful greeting cards I have ever seen.  They work, play, pray and support each other in everything they do.  Because it is a family enterprise, the children are part of the effort and everyone is talking and laughing...all the time.

Olga and Natasha know that they were joined as sisters before this life and they will enjoy that bond forever.

Olga, Galia, Natalia and Vladimar and our fabulous "blini" pancakes.

In spite of her challenges, Olga remains optimistic and happy.  She told me today that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings her such great joy.  She knows God is aware of her and her sweet daughters and that she is being blessed.  This is what sustains each of us.

Elder Pierson with his "buddy", Tonya.  They have so much fun together.

Love vs.fear

I once heard a world famous soprano address a group of university students before her vocal performance.  She explained that there are really only two emotions-love and fear.  As she sang to them, she had a choice, she could allow her motivation  to be  one of fear (what will they think of me?  Am I good enough?   What will this do for my career?).   Or she could be motivated by her great love for them.  As she connected with these young people through beautiful music, it was clear that she was succeeding in her desire to join with them in great love.

I have thought of this many times.  I always have the choice to retreat in fear or go forth boldly in love.  In our missionary service, I am always inspired by these  brave saints who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and have built their lives on a firm foundation of His love.

A member of a Stake Presidency here in Russia, Sasha, shared his conversion story.  At the fall of the Soviet Union, his mother had a great desire to learn about many different religions.  After attending several services, she told her 2 young sons and husband that they needed to go with her to one that had a very different feeling from the others.  They attended and felt "at home" and sensed truth and light .
 Sasha, his brother and mother began meeting with the young LDS missionaries who taught them the gospel.  The young men idolized the missionaries and knew their message was true.  The father wanted nothing to do with it and, in fact, attended the baptism of his wife and sons with a loaded gun in his pocket.  If this "cult" was going to do something terrible to his family, he would be ready.  Seven years later, Sasha's father was ready for baptism himself and the family has continued to grow and serve.  Both sons served faithful missions and are building eternal families.

One of our good friends, Igor,  grew up as the descendant of several generations of highly decorated Russian and Soviet military men.  As the son of a high ranking Soviet Air Force officer, he was in training to become a fighter pilot.   He knew all about American military equipment and was prepared for possible battle.  Things changed after the fall of the Soviet Union and Igor decided to be the first in many generations to pursue opportunities outside of the military.  Now with a lovely wife, Sveta, and a little daughter, he met his first Americans, two missionaries.

Igor recalls that they were the most "worthy and clean" people he had ever met. " I knew I wanted to know what they knew."  He found answers and feelings he had never felt before.  "I felt joy and great hope.  I had peace.  I saw light and something better in the future.  For the first time in my life, I prayed.  I knew it was right."  Igor and Sveta were baptized together and have served in leadership positions for many years.

The love and selfless service of these inspiring missionaries blesses so many others but it changes them as well.  We have been here long enough to see inevitable growth and power and each faithful servant of the Lord experiences.  We also see how they are blessed as they replace fear with great love. \

(On Saturday,We were blessed to be involved with the teaching of three great investigators.)

This week we witnessed a couple of small miracles.  One provided a much-loved elder with badly needed shoes and the other saved me from  total humiliation (and maybe arrest for indecent exposure).

We emailed this story to our children earlier so you guys can skip it if you would like, but I want to record it to make sure I don't forget it.

On Wednesday Elder Pierson looked at his comfy black loafers and realized that he didn't need these shoes.  The image came into his mind of Elder G, who had been in our district but was now who knew where.  We hadn't seen him in weeks.
  Responding to the promptings of the spirit, he packed them with our stuff and we hauled them to the office.  To our surprise, the adjoining office, which houses the Moscow Mission, was bustling with elders and sisters who had arrived for monthly leadership meeting.  There was always- happy Elder G, fresh from the train.
  Elder P invited Elder G into our office and asked him about his shoes.  Elder G.  admitted that his shoes "broke" a few days ago.  He showed Elder P. what he is now wearing in this Moscow heat-his winter boots.

The black dress shoes fit perfectly and are "way comfortable".  He was so excited and so were we!
We all shed tears but Elder G. didn't seem really surprised.  He just hugged Elder P and kept saying, "I just love you guys!"
All of these missionaries have sure knowledge that the Lord is aware of their needs and they will be blessed.

My barely- averted total embarrassment occurred yesterday on the escalator leading to the metro.  Elder Pierson was right behind me and I was madly waving at the attendant (one of our favorites)in the booth at the bottom.  As we were mid-way in our descent, I felt a strong tug on the back of my long knit skirt.  I reached back to pull it up.  To my horror, the escalator was eating my skirt!  Neither of us could yank it loose.  Quick prayers.  As we neared the bottom, my skirt was released from the metal teeth A bit tattered by my modesty was retained.  Miracles are not just for young missionaries.

As I ask the missionaries what miracles they see in their service, they each roll their eyes and admit that they don't know where to start.  There are so many and they happen every single day.  We are each doing our best to serve with love.

Ya znayu, chto Yevangeliye istinno...(I know the Gospel is True)

The first Sunday of each month provides each member of the LDS church the opportunity to fast for 3 meals.  This isn't starvation.  Each of us prays and fasts for a purpose.  It may be personal or family needs or extending outward to  those who have specific concerns. Usually several needs. Fasting and prayer have been a part of the Lord's church since biblical times.  Christ, when asked by His apostles why they couldn't perform a particular miracle, explained that some things can only be affected by fasting and prayer.

A few years ago, my then 90 year old  mother was told by her doctor that she must not fast.  I was visiting and noticed that she was not eating.  When confronted, she sheepishly admitted, "I know but I so want to".  She had seen and felt so much from faithful fasting and prayer.
Forty years earlier, we all witnessed a  miracle.  Doctors had given up on her defective heart.  It had been steadily weakening since her teen age years.  The only option left was to petition the Lord to intervene in our behalf.  Mom's heart was miraculously healed through a family wide fast.  It beat steadily on for another 40 years.

 On this first Sunday, each congregation comes together as fasting, praying saints for a testimony meeting.  We are  given the opportunity to express the power of God in our lives.  It is a time to strengthen our own faith and bless and encourage others.  We are encouraged to bear "pure testimony"; the sure knowledge that God lives, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith restored the gospel to the earth, the Book of Mormon is true and any other truths we have learned through the power of the Holy Ghost.  As we bear testimony, these truths are sealed in our hearts and burned in our souls.  For those who hear, The Spirit of Christ, which each mortal carries, is touched and each of us is strengthened.

Yesterday, in our August testimony meeting, I listened intently to these Russian saints as they, one by one, spoke of the things that were closest to their hearts.  I know just enough Russian to get the gist of some things.

 Over and over, I heard the same phrase, "Ya znau, chto..." (I know that...), followed by "Iisus Khristos zhiv",(Jesus Christ lives), "Dzhozef Smit vosstan"Iovil Yevangeliye Krista (Joseph Smith restored the gospel of Christ", or "Kniga Mormona istinna" (the Book of Mormon is true), etc.

We know most of these saints in the Zelenograd Ward well enough to connect with some of their stories.  There were lots of young people, fresh from Youth Conference,  strengthened in testimony and knowledge.  Young Adults, heading off for their own conference.

Several elderly people, sharing again the joy they found in these later years in the gospel.  My sweet friend, Olga, radiant in faith as she begins a new chapter of her life as a single parent of 4 beautiful daughters.  So many that we love, feeling the hope and peace of the gospel.

Even though I didn't know all that they said, the spirit was the same as any other Testimony meeting I have participated in over my many decades in the church.  I marvel.  How did such mature gospel understanding and application come to these people in 20 short years?

We are here for just 18 months.  How much can anyone really accomplish in such a short time?  But, I realize that we are just building on the teaching and testimony of many, many other missionaries.  It's very much a tag-team relay.  We pick up and do what we can, then the baton is passed   The Lord is truly guiding and building His kingdom from our meager efforts.

I knew the day would come when we would look homeward and I also knew I would not be ready.  A wonderful couple from Ft. Collins, Colorado,  Elder and Sister Goodell, have been called to replace us in a few months.  We still have much to do and we know the timing is right.  How blessed we are to be part of this work!  We see so much happiness in those who truly come to Christ.

This week, we visited another amazing  CES missionary couple who recently arrived in Riga, Latvia. This is the fourth mission for Elder and Sister Atkinson and they have hit the ground running.  It is so inspiring to see how the Lord is using these good people to reach these precious youth.

Riga is a very old, beautiful city.  We fell in love with the magic of Old Town.  It is a city with more statues to poets than generals.  So lovely.

Here in Moscow, our beautiful ladies are out on the "porch" again every evening.  These are jolly, huggy best friends.  They now have a gentleman joining them much of the time.  They all chatter away at us as if we understood them.  We are all laughing but have no idea why. They could be laughing at us and that's just fine. We love them.

"by the way, you have spinach in your teeth...."

So, I try to carry myself with a bit of dignity, befitting a representative of Jesus Christ.  I try to dress modestly and tame my admittedly crazy hair.  I depend on my fastidious husband to keep me advised of things I can't see.
Today, after mingling with these wonderful saints for several  hours, greeting all with my shiniest grin, and engaging in animated conversations, why would he wait until we were leaving to point out what must have been the focal point for anyone looking at me.  The bright green band across the front of my smile!

(isn't it amazing what you can google?  I'm  not the only one who did this.  Her teeth look a bit better than mine.)

I thought I was done with pride but as I pulled myself together, I realized how many ways I am compelled to be humble.  As we view old family photos, we are amazed that we did some of the things we did in our much younger days.
 Elder Pierson asked if I would go back to those physically stronger, dewy-skinned  days.  I'm grateful for lots of fun memories but I have to admit that what I have gained emotionally and spiritually, I would not replace with a younger body. I would not take back the insecurities and "trying to find myself" days.

(Who are these people?)

 Turning 50 was revelatory. Competition and judgement of myself and others began to fade away.  Advancing years bring more and more acceptance and peace.  A mindset I couldn't find when I was  young.  I didn't know myself well enough.  It takes decades but it is worth the wait.

 Daily miracles resonate in my soul.  In the past, my too-busy brain would have acknowledged much less the depth and breadth of the love I feel from my Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.  I acknowledge my dependence in all things.  I have so much more faith in the Lord's timing.

Getting older is really very fun!

One recent miracle.  At one point in our temple worship, we are required to participate without seeing the person asking certain questions.  I am always a bit nervous when I reach this point because of my terrible hearing.  In the Keiv temple, I realized that the voice to which I needed to respond spoke in a quiet whisper.  I prayed hard that I would be able to hear the instructions.  The voice was immediately amplified and I heard perfectly.  A sweet peace washed over me.  How blessed I felt.

I have experienced tons of potentially  embarrassing situations since we began our missionary service. We have had our share of lurching metro cars sending us flying on the laps of stone faced Moscovites.  In one case, our sweet friend Olga, an amply built sister, grabbed me for a hug at just the wrong time and we both piled on top of Elder P, who landed on three seated people.  It took some time to pull us all apart.  Without exception, when it is obvious that we didn't intend to do something so silly, gracious good nature takes over and everyone is smiling and laughing.

Our feeble attempts to speak Russian make us feel stupid but these good people applaud and act like they can understand.

My favorite play, "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder, captures the joy of life so beautifully.  In a poignant scene, Emily, a young mother, dies in childbirth.  She is given the opportunity to return to her life for one day.  She chooses her 12th birthday but, seeing those she loves and the vitality of life, she realizes it is too hard and asks to return to post-mortal life.  She asks,"Does anyone live every moment of every day?"  The answer is no, no one does but we can!

We can embracing each moment, just as it is, bringing a fullness of love and joy.  When we let go of pride, and feel grateful that the spinach in the teeth provided some laughter and connection with others, we see the goodness of the NOW!  We concentrate on others, not ourselves.  We care less what others think of us and more of how we can bless their lives.  The ego diminishes and life is wonderful!

This week we toured Catherine the Great's dream home.   Her insistence on perfection required a couple of tear-downs.  Finally, more than a decade after beginning the structure, it was finally complete but, unfortunately, Catherine was dead.  All of that anticipating for her life in the Palace and she never even moved in.  Beautiful place to visit and a good lesson for us.

If you believe in God...

I have long loved this quote by Ugo Betti,

"If you believe in God, you know that all the rules will be  fair and there will be wonderful surprises."

This has been a really tough week, worldwide.  We are only spectators, like the rest of the world but it's almost impossible to stay sunny when there has been so much sorrow and suffering.

In Moscow, we take our metro so for granted, it never entered any of our minds that it was vulnerable to malfunction.  During the morning rush on Monday,  three cars derailed on our very own blue line, the one we take several times a week.  The cars folded on top of each other. Twenty three people were killed and over a hundred were seriously injured.  We weren't involved but our office assistant, Olga, was on the next train.  Her train stopped suddenly, the lights went out for 20 min.and they had no idea what had happened.  They heard chaotic sounds and voices.  It was hot and so dark.  They were finally escorted through the tunnel.  Olga was pretty shaken when she called us but she made it into the office.  It was much later that any of us found out what had happened.

As we returned from our Sr. Council meeting on Thursday, we heard the news of the shooting down of the Malaysian flight over Easter Ukraine.  Almost 300 people lost their lives.
Having just returned from Ukraine, our hearts are tender.  We love all of these people, on both sides of the political issue.  I can't imagine the terrible pain of the families of those innocent people on the flight.

I don't know how anyone can look at the Middle East and not weep for the suffering so many are enduring and have endured for decades.  I don't like political arguments but innocents are dying because of political stalemates.  So many opportunities for peace have been lost because of extremists.  My heart breaks for families who are just trying to build some kind of stability and live in peace.  Many hundreds have been killed.

Combined with challenging situations faced by people we love here in  Russia and elsewhere, I have not felt a lot of peace.

Elder Pierson, bless his heart, is my rock in so many ways.  He is rational while I often can't gain perspective.  When I am a total emotional mess for the suffering in so many places, he gently points out the limitations of my influence.  I can't do much to stop the tragedies in the world.  Sleepless nights don't help anyone.  I do pray really hard and we contribute generously to our fast offerings.
Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, invites all of us to "Mourn with those that mourn", as part of our baptismal covenant but I really don't help much in these very large events.

Somehow, we, individually,must find peace.  The above quote  from Ugo Betti was included in the remarks of a young father at the funeral of his 4 year old son.  Lindsey attended the service in Arkansas and sent her impressions.  Both parents bore testimony of the truth of the Lord's eternal plan and "somehow, pain and faith are learning to live peacefully side by side in my heart.  I have been richly blessed before and I know I will continue to be blessed."  (the Mom).

That is what I want.  How to get there?
In April, 2013, Elder Quentin Cook, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ talked about how to find deep, abiding happiness and spiritual contentment.  This is from his April 2013 conference talk:

President Heber J. Grant described the Savior’s peace this way: “His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hates, engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness.”¹⁷ 

The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior’s Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace. In the intimate setting of the Passover chamber, the Savior promised His Apostles that they would be blessed with the “Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost” and then uttered these important words: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”³⁰ Then just before His Intercessory Prayer: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”³¹

Eliza R. Snow penned this concept beautifully:

"Lift up your hearts in praise to God;

Let your rejoicings never cease.

Though tribulations rage abroad,

Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace."

I echo the message:  I have been so richly blessed and I will continue to be blessed.

All the rules are fair.

Sometimes things seem like this upside down house we saw in a Moscow park but, just like this is an anomaly, reality shows me that the world is a wonderful place to be and , in the Lord's time, everything will be "right-side-up."

Road Tripping through Ukraine...

We are blessed to have five Senior Missionary Couples serving in Ukraine.  Each couple is extraordinary but very different from each other.

This past week we had the privilege of traveling throughout the western part of this breathtakingly beautiful country to visit and serve some of them.  Each couple serves in large cities all over Ukraine.
We visited classes, met and fell in love with both teachers and students.  Our hearts are full.  There is love and wonderful teaching happening everywhere!

A few of these couples we have visited before and we enjoyed sharing the exciting things they are seeing in their area.  Others are pretty new and we spent time training them.  In every case, our hearts were touched as the hand of the Lord is evident in this great land.


Our driver, interpreter and all around fun traveling companion, was the CES coordinator of Western Ukraine, Igor.   He and his lovely wife, Sveta, have a bunch of great children.  They are a faithful and happy family.  Igor is bishop of a friendly, bustling ward in Keiv.

Igor is at the head of the table.  On the right, one of our great couples.

Ukraine has known so much suffering these past several months.  It was in contrast to that terrible pain that we felt the peace and sustaining influence of the Keiv Temple.  It is the center of everything for the good saints of East Europe.  We attended an early morning mid-week session and it was packed with faithful saints.  We were one of the very few with headsets.  It was wonderful to feel the same spirit we feel in any temple.  I testify to the presence of angels.  We received answers to prayers and an increase of faith.  Temples are truly Houses of the Lord.

After our temple session, the plan was to  hit the road with Igor.  As we got in the car he received a call from Sveta.     We circled back to his home so that he could give a Priesthood blessing to his 14 year old son, Sasha, who had injured his hand while picking apricots from the tree in their yard.  We witnessed the peace and healing that comes through Priesthood power.  What a great church!  In the middle of Keiv, Ukraine, all of the keys are present for God's power bless His saints.

The previous evening, Igor and Sveta showed us around Keiv.  The tragedy of Maidan, Independence Square, is still fresh.  It is heartbreaking to see the throw-everything-in-there, kitchen sink included, barricades and the photos of the 400- plus civilians who were killed.

What has arisen in western Ukraine is a patriotism and love of country that is seen everywhere.  Yellow and blue flags flutter from most homes and businesses.  In our travels, we passed several bridges where young people with paint cans were happily changing the dull brown color of the railings to yellow and blue.  Cars with flags flying or even some spray painted were very common.

The Ukrainian language is predominant in the western area.  Keiv is about half and half Russian and Ukrainian speaking.  In church on Sunday, the hymns, scriptures and lessons were taught in Ukrainian but many comments were in Russian and everyone (but us) understood.  Many of the men and women proudly wear traditional Ukrainian clothing.

Everyone prays daily for peace to come.  Members of the church put aside partisanship and just love each other.  Testimonies are shared and all are strengthened.  The Lord's work continues to move forward.

In our travels we saw charming villages, ancient castles, waving wheat fields and more corn than Kansas but, as always, it's the people we love.  One humble family is just a short way from the Polish border.  Each of their three sons have been home taught in Seminary by their parents.  The two older sons served missions, married and have moved away.  The youngest son  received his 3 year certificate from Igor, who made the long, rocky trip to their home.

This family has great faith and joy in the gospel.  They travel by bus 2 1/2 hours to church each Sunday.  On Wednesdays, the Dad and Son ride their bikes to catch the small bus to return to the church to clean it.  They have done it for years.  Such kind, happy, shining people. Everyone who enters their home comments on the temple-like spirit that is present.  In this tiny corner of the world, they have embraced Zion.  We are humbled.  We love all of these good people,

Our hearts have grown as well as our faith!  Missions are amazing!

The Perfect Wedding.....

For Mormons, nothing is more important than the  creation of  eternal families.  We believe that, if we remain faithful to covenants made in our temples, we will have the blessing of being with those we love forever.

Friday we were privileged to witness the wedding of two wonderful people.  We have known Oksana since we first arrived in Moscow last year.  She has chosen to remain morally clean and temple worthy as many years have passed since she served as a missionary on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

A year ago she mentioned to us that she had been re-reading her Patriarchal Blessing.  She said that a particular phrase  jumped out at her.  Her blessing promised her that she would find her companion in a sacred setting.  She thought she had paid attention to the meaning.  She always sought out new people at church, attended Young Adult and now Single Adult Conferences but didn't find her special companion.   In her church callings, she is faithful and has given so much service.


                                              .

As she looked again at the promise given in her blessing, the spirit spoke to her and told her that the key was the temple.  She had been attending the temple in Keiv as often as her schedule allowed but with this new insight, she decided to take her yearly vacation and spend every day in the temple.  A few days into her temple service, she noticed a handsome man in her session.

She knew he was special.   He radiates goodness, as does Oksana.  His name is Vadim.  He is Ukrainian and has served a faithful mission in Russia.  It didn't take long for them to fall in love and prepare for their temple marriage.

Russian law requires that all marriages must take place in the office of a government registrar.  That done, the beautiful day was perfect for picture taking.  Then the fun really began.  Elder and Sister Blackwell hosted a lovely party in their beautiful apartment.

 We had never witnessed how Eastern Europeans celebrate marriages.  Nothing stuffy or formal, as ours tend to be in America.  This was just lots of fun!

As the bride and groom enter, they are presented with a loaf of bread placed on an embroidered towel.  A salt holder is placed on top of the bread.  It signifies the wish of plenteous blessings in the new household.

 We enjoyed  lots of games involving balloons, story telling,wishes for the couple and dancing.
And of course, SINGING!  Every time Russians get the chance, songs of the Motherland and family are sung with gusto!  Copies of the music (which we can't read) were passed out but everyone knew the choruses and belted them out!  We love these powerful Russian voices!

Lots of traditional food and a beautiful cake!



Saturday was when the real marriage took place.  Oksana and Vadim returned to the Keiv Temple where their story began.  Sacred covenants were made and another eternal family has begun.  We are blessed to have witnessed the faith and love of this dear couple.  They are so happy and grateful for the divine plan of a loving Heavenly Father who guided them to each other in His sacred house.