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.

Passing the Baton

A new Moscow Stake Presidency was sustained today at Stake Conference.  We were blessed and honored to witness the Lord's hand in the calling and passing of authority to guide and bless these faithful saints.

President Boiko and his counselors have guided the church in Moscow for many years, first as a District and then attaining the landmark designation of a Stake in Zion.  This was not an easy task and many prayers and very hard work went into creating the strength of effort and testimony that characterizes the present church here.

The Area Authority who conducted the meeting described the spirit-guided process that is part of all callings.  In the case of a change in Stake leadership,  more than 35 worthy stake leaders are interviewed over the course of a day or two. Any of them would be outstanding in this responsibility.   The presiding authorities  receive inspired direction and guidance in issuing the call for the new leaders.   The Lord has already placed his hand on those who will serve.  His will is then made known, calls are made, and after sustaining by the members, authority to act in these sacred roles is given.

Members of the stake are always invited to raise their hands in support.  We felt the love of the Moscovite saints for these good men and their families, sustaining them and pledging to do all they can to lift and help build the Lord's kingdom.

The new stake President's wife bore her testimony and described the feelings of many women whose husbands spend countless hours in service, helping others to come to Christ.  She first thought," he is rarely home already, now he will hardly be home at all!"  She described the warmth that she first found as she embraced the gospel as a very young girl.  She loved it and wanted to shout the joy she had found to everyone.

 As marriage, children and other responsibilities crowded out that initial enthusiasm, she longed for the return of that simple, enthusiastic embrace of the Gospel.  As she  and her husband unitedly consecrated their efforts to this new calling, she felt the joy and assurance that, together, they would serve and love the Moscow Saints.  She experienced the warmth and joy she had prayed for.

One of the new counselors joked that everyone knew the name of the first cosmonaut but who was the second?  The first female cosmonaut?  But who knows the second?  The first Stake Pres. in Moscow?  Everyone will remember Pres. Boiko but the second?  When the new Stake Pres. spoke, he reminded everyone that even though Joseph Smith was the first Prophet of  the Restoration, no one forgets Brigham Young.

 One of the counselors who is being retained told the Saints how much he has loved sharing tender moments in interviews.  "Keep your temple recommends current.  I want to see you!"
Just like any stake in the world.

We looked around at the hundreds of saints and felt the the affirmation of the Spirit in the gigantic room., and we hugged and greeted so many we have come to love here.   We were overwhelmed again with the knowledge that this is the Lord's church and the same spirit exists anywhere Saints are gathered under His authority.  We are all coming to Christ.  The closing song, "High On a Mountain Top" sung with great enthusiasm reminded us that mountaintops can be anywhere.

The new President indicated that he had felt prompted many weeks ago to step up his service.  He didn't know why but he felt guided to purify and place his life in greater alliance with what the Lord would want him to do.  He used the analogy of relay runners.  Before the 2nd runner grabs the baton, he starts running, trying to match his pace to the oncoming runner.  The baton is then seamlessly passed, and the pace remains the same.

I couldn't help but remember our experience in 2001 when my husband was called as President of the LR Stake.  I had just returned from taking my Mom to Georgia for a week.  It was her dream to visit Sylvania, where she and Dad had served their mission 20 years earlier.  It was tender and inspiring but we were both exhausted.
We had barely walked in the door when Dick, with gravity in his voice asked me to come out on the porch swing because we needed to have a serious talk.

I was relieved (he was not having an affair and I would not have to kill him) when he explained that for the past 2 months he had been feeling that he was going to be called as the next  Stake President.  He produced a notebook with impressions he had received about the stake and what was needed.  He wanted to leave the next day for the Memphis temple to receive further assurance that this was the Lord's will.

When the call came the next week, I thought the presiding authorities would be interested in his experience.  They were, but they were not surprised.  They indicated that it is almost always the case.  The Lord prepares us to serve.

This is Tamara, the LDS woman I encountered last week in downtown Moscow.  She came to conference with her family.  We were able to introduce them to many other young LDS families in their area.  I am still amazed at the workings of the Lord in our lives.  I often wonder how much control we actually have.  Very humbling.

They Answered the Call

How blessed we are to get to love and encourage these amazing Senior Missionaries who serve with us in Church Education in Eastern Europe.  Our area covers 10 time zones, from Ukraine to Vladivostok, from Turkey to the Baltics.

We are currently at 22 couples with several more coming in the next two months.  They, like us, miss family terribly but they felt the call from a prophet and here they are.  They serve from 18 to 23 months.

They leave behind sterling careers, comfortable homes and familiar cushiness to the life of limited conversation in the native language, sometimes uncomfortable apartments, strange customs and food to exhaust themselves in service.  Temporarily left behind are sweet hugs and kisses from grandchildren, family celebrations and long time friendships. And they pay their own way for the privilege.

Looking at the group, we have lots of teachers, doctors, dentists, farmers, even a couple of hospital administrators. Gazillions of children and grandchildren have been loved and nurtured by these good people. They represent decades of experience in teaching, administering and serving in almost every possible church responsibility.

 They arrive to circumstances that are rarely comfortable, especially now.  It has been bite- your-nose-off cold in Siberia, where many of them serve, many experiencing their second winter.

 Several missionaries are in politically unstable and volatile areas with not a little danger attached.  Nevertheless, they are out there daily, loving the youth and encouraging their teachers and leaders.  They work the swing shift.  Up later than  us old folks are used to. These are the hours the youth want to talk.

Most travel throughout their assigned areas, training and encouraging. Most teachers and youth are still young in the gospel and need nurturing and lots of teaching.
When they are home, they still find energy and room in their homes and hearts to host and feed gigantic youth gatherings.  And most apartments are tiny.

This is a group photo from our trip to Perge.  Happy bunch of people.

Let me share a few stories:
One couple, facing a progressive illness,  chose to spend their remaining mobility in service to the Lord in a remote area of  Siberia.  Daily functioning isn't easy but they are doing great things and are always optimistic.

Another, having worked really hard for many months in a very temperate area of Russia, establishing close, nurturing relationships with youth and leaders alike, willingly answered the call to relocate to a struggling area in Siberia.  They started all over again, facing great challenges and put their magic to work.  The new area is blossoming under their love and testimony.

Several months ago, we visited an elder in the hospital, here in Moscow, and he looked awful.  This couple had already served over a year and done wonderful work.  Everything indicated he needed to take the advice of the mission doctor which was to accept the thanks of the Lord and go home to his own bed and family.   The plan was to for them to spend some time resting here and then decide what to do.  As soon as they could, he and his wife took the first train back to their Siberian mission area.  They then extended their service time several months.  This elder's health has been stable since and they are building a strong foundation for the church in their city.

In politically charged parts of East Europe, our missionaries are a calming, centering influence on these precious youth.  They are able to keep the young people and their leaders focused on the things that matter most:  the covenants they have made with their Savior Jesus Christ and the joy that is found in faithful service.

We are blessed to serve in Moscow with many other mature missionaries who have other assignments-humanitarian, auditing, legal, member support, office, addiction recovery-lots of opportunities.  Most of us didn't choose our assignments.  We just know the Lord has placed us where we need to be, doing what we needs to be done.  We love and respect these dear missionaries and their service.

One thing that is universal--We are having the best time ever!  This gospel is true and we are blessed to see the joy it brings to so many!!!

Just hangin' out with Paul

This week found us in Antalya, Turkey, which lies on the southwestern Mediterranean coast.  We brought together 20 plus other CES missionary couples.  The purpose of our conference was to share ideas, testimonies, insights and information.  Each one of these CES couples is responsible for furthering the teaching of the youth in East Europe.  Some areas are large, geographically, some smaller and more dense.  More about the conference itself later.

It was a wonderful week.   As part of the learning experience, we were privileged to travel to Perge, an ancient Greek city about 10 miles east of Antalya.  Both Perge and Antalya are mentioned in Acts 13 and 14.

Before our journey to Perge, we spent time reviewing the journeys of Paul and again studying his teachings.  As we then explored the ruins of the ancient city, we could almost imagine that great apostle impatiently striding the length of the main thoroughfares and preaching in the marketplace.

In 46, A.D., Paul and Barnabus journeyed to Perga, from there to Antioch, then back to Perga, where they preached the word of God.  He went from there to Attaleia (Antalya).

In the fourth century, during the reign of Constantine, Perga became an important center of Christianity.  It retained its status as a Christian center through the 5th and 6th century.

As we walked the streets of Perga, we talked of many things we love about Paul.  After the vision by the resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ, Paul dedicated himself to the preaching of the gospel, becoming one of the greatest missionaries in history.  He was instrumental in bringing the gospel to Jew and Gentile alike and in helping them to understand that through Christ they could be unified in faith and love.

Like Joseph Smith, he was true to his vision and acted with unrelenting faith and courage, bearing testimony to a skeptical  world.

The Prophet Joseph Smith described Paul:  

"He is about five feet high, very dark hair, dark complexion, dark skin, large Roman nose, sharp face, small  black eyes, penerating as eternity, round shoulders, a whining voice, except when elevated, and then it almost resembles the roaring of a lion."

As we talked about the many things we learn from the teachings of Paul, one of the things we love most is the tool he gives us to measure the degree to which we are Saints.  He teaches of Faith, Hope and Charity but "the greatest of these is Charity".  (1 Corin 13;13).  The power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ will show through us as we love each other.

Walking among the ruins of Perge, with layer on layer of ancient civilizations, we treasure most our knowledge of this gospel and the teachings of this beloved Apostle.  As with Joseph Smith, his witness was sealed with his blood after having fervently preached the gospel throughout his life.

May we all wear out our lives in service as he did....

Growth through Change or Change through Growth...

First, some explanation for my friends who are not members of the Mormon church.
We place great pride in our organization. You need help immediately?  Done with one phone call.  Natural disaster needing teams?  Again one phone call, crews respond immediately.  We are a close, nurturing bunch of people.  We also do not choose where we attend church.  One of the blessings of our world-wide organization is that we all believe and teach exactly the same thing.  "One faith, one baptism."   Geographical boundaries are set for our Wards (congregations).  Several wards become a Stake.  As the church continues to grow, new Wards and Stakes are formed and the kingdom continues to grow, "the stone without hands that fills the earth."  Exciting to participants and observers.

Our family began attending  the Pinnacle Mountain Ward, Little Rock Stake  33 years ago, after moving from Minnesota. Because our church has no paid ministry, we have each served in almost every calling there is. Our family fingerprints are literally all over that lovely building on the corner of Rodney Parham and I-630.  We have taught, prayed, sung, blessed babies, seen our children (and many others) baptized.  We have cleaned, organized, and gardened at the building.  We can find anything in that kitchen for you.  The stage and gym have seen basketball, volleyball, roadshow, Christmas, primary talent shows, always with Pierson, Gustafson or Clausen family members participating.  Testimonies have been strengthened and borne thousands of times in the sacred chapel.  Each of our children were taught "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" within those walls by hundreds of devoted, loving saints whom we love with all our hearts.

This weekend changes are occurring.  Sufficient growth necessitates the creation of a new stake, moving the Maumelle Mormons into North Little Rock Ward and Stake. Our daughters and families will lead the way for us as they are part of this weekend's reorganization.   Upon our return from our mission we will attend church in a different building with the opportunity to learn to love many new saints. Families we have loved for decades, many in their third generation in the gospel in Arkansas, we will rarely see.

We have had some very fun discussions lately about the challenge and joy of change.  We came upon an analogy that seems right for us.  Would you like to see some photos of our early Spring Arkansas garden?

Now our connection.  As our garden has grown, we have become great at dividing plants, sometimes brutally.  When the once- beautiful plant becomes root bound, the growing and blossoming is compromised.  All of the energy goes inward.  When this occurs, we dig it up, shake the soil from the roots, look within the roots for the beginnings of a new plant then pull it apart carefully, if possible.  When that doesn't work, the spade or shovel comes out and force is applied.  We can get as many as 6 new plants from the "mother".   We then lovingly place the new plant in a well prepared spot with loose, fertile soil and nutrients already placed in the hole.  Watering and watchful care results in strong, beautiful plants with strong root systems of their own.

The same thing happens to us as we allow our roots to become root bound.  We may treat ourselves too gently and resist opportunities to grow.  Change is hard and not always convenient.   We love the truth that nothing is so unchanging, so inevitable as change itself.  The things we see, touch and feel are always changing. Our relationships are always changing.  However,there is a constant that allows us to use change for our own good, and that constant is the revealed eternal truths of our Heavenly Father.

When we added a rock path leading from the street to the front door, our boys were not pleased.  Gone was second and third base.  In fact the front yard ball field was cut in half.  As they "participated" in ground leveling, sand and stone hauling, excavating and planting the azaleas, they were really not happy.  When we were done, they agreed the results were worth the effort.

We have always loved this C.S. Lewis quote;
"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” 

As we were enjoying the spirit, testimony and love from our new friends in the Zelenograd Ward today, we both commented how much we have learned and grown through our mission experience.  The change from this life to a life with Him who is our Eternal Father is the ultimate goal to which meaningful change can bring us.  As we allow ourselves to be pruned (changed), nourished and sometimes have our roots shaken a bit, we continue to be drawn toward His light.  We can then "bloom where we are planted".  

We are posting more garden pictures..
Thanks to Alyssa and Ed, we will return just in time to enjoy this beauty in 2015.  Arkansas springs almost hurt your eyes.  

 During growing seasons, we search each day for how our garden has changed and excitedly await the glory of perennials we haven't seen for awhile.  As we are challenged to reach deeper, we often find we are more than we thought we were.  We truly can become what the Lord wants us to become.  So exciting!

Following the path...

Winter has hit Moscow in earnest and our rosy cheeks and steamy breath attest to the sub zero air.  We feel so Russian!  As we waited for the bus this morning, I felt grateful for the beavers who sacrificed their lives so that I could inherit this all-enveloping coat!  I didn't buy it so  please spare me the animal rights argument.  Besides, we don't eat hamburgers.   For Moscow winters, there is nothing better.  I will happily pass it on when we leave.  Not much need in Arkansas.

We are also grateful, daily, for these unseen hands who brave the frigid early morning air to remove the new layers of snow and scatter salt crystals on the sidewalks and roads, making it easier for all of us to get where we need to go, safely.   I thought of this today as we walked to the
church from the bus stop.


We started off on a wide boulevard, cleared by big machines...

Then a broad sidewalk, made smooth by giant shovels,

and finally the well-worn foot path, leading to the chapel...

and finally, our chapel (yes, some folks drive)...

As we carefully followed the little-used path, compared to the boulevard, I was again grateful for those who went before, physically but especially spiritually, showing me and those I love the path we will all need to follow as we seek to become one with our Father in Heaven and His precious Son, Jesus Christ.  

"Strait is the gate...narrow the way"

"Follow thou me'

CONNECTION TO YOGA...

I truly love yoga.  I love my practice and I love teaching.   I am often asked about the spiritual underpinnings of yoga and, as much as I love it, it is not the gospel, 

Yoga helps calm our too-busy minds, helps us breathe deeply, opens up our joints and makes us stronger but all of this is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

The discipline of my practice has allowed me to more fully feel the love that my Heavenly Father has for me.  As I focus on that love, I feel complete, seeking only a continuation of that love. My prayers deepen, scriptures come alive and I want only to serve Him well.  

The peace and joy we feel in our missionary work fills our hearts to overflowing.   

 To help others feel that love, hopefully radiating from us, is our every prayer.  Whether i in our mission relationships, riding the metro or bus, shopping or helping out in the ward or teaching yoga, we want to t

We love this scripture "Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.  Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up" 3 Nephi 18:24

We love this opportunity to hold up His light.   

The Spirit of God is truly burning...

As I sat in Sacrament meeting this morning in the Zelenograd Ward, trying to keep up with the fiery rendition of the opening song, "The Spirit of God, Like a Fire is Burning", I was  so focused on keeping up with the Russian words that it wasn't until the last verse that I looked around at the looks on the faces of the ward members around me and realized that they were truly singing their testimonies.

Beginning with the dedication of the Kirtland, Ohio temple in 1836, this song of the restoration has been sung in every temple dedication.  I have always felt my heart quicken when I hear or sing this song.  As I heard these powerful Russian voices belt it out, hardly looking at the book, I knew I was seeing the burning taking place.  These are people with deep, mature testimonies who love each other, the Lord and His Gospel.

Last week, we were moved by the baptism of a fine Russian soldier who had been taught by a fellow soldier the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are stationed two hours away from the nearest church meetings but the missionaries were able to visit him for his initial lessons and many members skyped with him, adding their testimonies and helping with questions.  The joy on his face as he came up from the baptism water was beyond words.  He truly feels the love the Savior has for him and knows the power of the atonement in his life.

Our Relief Society lesson was taught with testimony and knowledge.  Olga has been a church member for about 15 years.

  

  I thought of my own sweet sister who, a few hours later would be teaching the exact same lesson to her ward in Kansas. All over the world, the teachings are the same.  Amazing.

I also just finished compiling the December newsletter for our CES ;missionary couples throughout Eastern Europe.  I have to share some of what they have accomplished.  I am so impressed by their efforts.
Like all LDS missionaries, these are volunteers who pay their own way to spend 1 1/2 to 2 years serving the youth  of the church.  They mostly work the "swing shift", staying up late teaching, loving, providing a safe  place for youth to gather and, of course, feeding the kids.  The joke is that CES stands for Cooking Every Second. .Not far from  the truth.     They work so hard.  They work closely with YSA Councils, building leadership for the future.  They also train and encourage native speaking volunteer teachers throughout their assigned area.

Some December highlights from our newsletter-
VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA- Our CES couple taught the students  to record their own histories and testimonies on "metal plates" made from poster paper covered with aluminum foil.  Inscribing tools were dulled toothpicks.  Two stories from Vladivostok:

1.  A young woman had been attending family home evening and Institute for months.  She knew she needed to be baptized as she was touched by the testimony of a recently returned missionary.

2.  A young man who was investigating the church came to the New Year's eve party for awhile then left to join his friends at another party.  He surprised everyone when he returned about 11:30, explaining that he much preferred the humble party with no drinking, smoking or immoral behavior at the Young Adults party.  He left a few days later for a short visit to the US and planned to read the Book of Mormon on the long flight.

KHARKOV, UKRAINE- Service was the theme for the Youth in Bulgaria.  Our missionary couple assisted them in purchasing, assembling, stitching and then helped them distribute dozens of quilts to the elderly in this very cold country.  Not easy work.




The Institute tree in Kharkov was decorated with small pictures of the life of Christ, mounted on shiny paper.  Testimonies of the young adults and missionaries were recorded on the back.

BULGARIA- The year ended with the young adults joining to complete their reading again of the Book of Mormon.  All of the Blulgarian member were challenged to read but the Young Adults wanted to end together, sharing testimony of the truth.

NIZHNY-NOVGOROD, RUSSIA-- Our couple and the YSA council planned Christmas dinner for 50, bought for 60, 120 showed up. Elder and Sister Jones kept praying for "loaves and fishes". and somehow it worked.  Miraculously, there was plenty and some to send home.  

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA  -Dec. 7 brought Seminary and Institute students together to commemorate the life of Joseph Smith.  Matching games helped the youth learn more about the Prophet of the Restoration.  A traditional Russian meal followed.

These are just a tiny taste of the burning fire that is going forth, bringing the joy of the gospel to the children of God throughout the earth.  We are blessed to see a small part.

The fire is burning for those who choose to see it.  We pray we can keep up with all that God expects us to do to bring about His purposes.

I felt the symbolismc as we sang "The Spirit of God"...I stumbled through to the end, catching up with the rest of the congregation  with the words, "Ameen and Ameen!"