Go COUGARS! Sounds like they are rocking the football area? Ok, maybe not but all is well! I still love them and it seems like my niece does too! GO EVA!!! Well I have to say I was pretty disappointed because I really wanted to see that I had a new niece but I guess I can wait a little longer...Patience is a virtue. Oh, and by the way... have you picked a name. O'm thinking a good Russian name would be the best option. Maybe svetlana, Lubov, or Nadia. Just some options. Well this wek was really really good. We got to spend some good ol' time in Samara, my new home away from home, and got to be with the other sisters which is always pretty good. Other than that, not too much exciting, but all good things happened. Monday night we had a great night. We were out contacting (in Samara) and had the opportunity to serve a grandma. Well, normally this wouldn't be a big deal but it has become a joke in our district that serving babushki is NELZYA (forbidden). One time we asked to go and serve a babushki in our ward and immediately got the answer NO. So.... we started joking about it. So on Monday we were walking around and a grandma asked us to help her find her bus stop. She had gotten all turned around and so we were able to escort her to the bus stop and help her get on the next tram. IMMEDIATELY after that we grabbed the phone and just called our fearless District leader and just said, "guess what we just did?"
His answer of course was immediately "SISTERS...." in a half, I don't trust you, half this could be interesting voice. We then informed him that we had just served a grandma. He immediately started yelling into the phone, "NILZYA, NILZYA, greshniki, greshniki" Oh, priceless. BUt hey, SERVICE! We had some good lessons on Tuesday with the sisters. Sister Jackson was on her visa trip and so I was with Sister Loboda and Sister Lindyova, who are AMAZING. That morning we stood on a street corner and caroled. Out of all of the looks we got I tihnk my favorite was by an intoxicated man who then tried to start singing with us. Oh, awesome. Later that night we had a great time playing on a playground (it was during dinner, mozhna) and playing... well... TRUTH because truth and dare gets a little "iffy" for missionaries. It was really
fun to talk and be able to talk about the Gospel with people who have like views. Oh I love them. Wednesday we were headed back to Penza. Our train took off at abuot 8
that night but in a beautiful farewell to Samara I got another kiss on the hand and many compliments from a less than sober man on the street. We also got some apples from a grandma on the bus to the Vokzal which were from her Dacha. I have to say it was a pretty good farewell to Samara... one more time. So back in Penza we have seen, of course, miracles! Everyday I feel so blessed to be able to serve here. We were able to work with one of the members here Thursday night and I had a fantastic time talking to her and getting to know her. We had a great leson with a new investigator
and we were really able to talk about why bad things happen to good poeple, the ever-present question and paradox. It was great to hear the testimonies of our members about what they have made it through in their lives. We also had tender mercy that day. We had been at a families house here to get all things sorted out for Sister jackson's new visa. The whole thing was a handful because there were three missionaries who needed a new visa, all of which lived in different areas, and we felt so bad for the lady doing all of our visa's because she is so great and patient to work with all of that paper work and government officials and... well, lets face it... red tape. (but maybe in Russia, it;s red, white and blue....) SO as we were walking away we thought, "we should make her a cake". So we got home made a cake and decided to just doorbell ditch. We decided that because it was Fall we would make
a cobbler (thanks Missy for the cobbler recipe we used) and dropped it on their doorstep. That night we got a really cool phonecall. She said that the cake was really special beacuse it was their son's birthday who had died a couple years ago. We had no idea! As we were walking away we just decided to make a cake, we didn't know why, but we did it and it really made her night.I really think it's those times that the Spirit talks to us and helps us know what to do. It's those times we
can see thoughts being placed into our minds to do good, to serve and to help others. She thanked us over and over again and it felt so great to be able to serve someone and hlep them feel the Savior's love. Service is one way we can really help epople to SEE and FEEL the love that their Savior has for them. So this week.... go and serve
someone. Let them feel of your love and see that helping others, really helps you.
The weather here has gotten to be really really really nice. I love the leaves and the changing colors and I especially love to be able to walk outside without a jacket!!! Woohoo!!! We just got back from the store where I purchased some new, really cute, Fall boots. So I'm excited to start trying them out. We had a great lesson last night with our Branch President and his wife. Toay they are headed to
AMERICA to watch General Conference, LIVE-- their life dream and goal. We are so excited for them and it was so fun to see how excited they are to go!So i think that about sums up the week. Things here are good and we are excited for another week of working with the members, finding people to teach, teaching people and doing this work! Yea for missions. I hope all is well with you and that you have a great week!
Love,
Sister Morris
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Rock Stars, All of Them...
HELLO! From the sunny lands of... Samara? Yes, so I am back in Samrar, another week. CRAZY! I really am getting to love that train...mmm.... We are in Samara this week so Sister Jackson can get her visa renewed and so are having a good time here with the sister's, again. Ever feel like you've worn out your stay... But anyway things are going well. This last week was fantastic and everyday I just love Penza more and more and especially the MEMBERS. They are incredibel. I feel so blessed that I get to serve in this ward and with these members becasue they really are the best.
So I guess a summary of the week.... P-day was good. We were able to have a Family Home Evening with one family in our ward and it was great. We were able to play some fun games with them (thanks mom) and talk about how important it is to read your scriptures. They have a little 2-year old and I love playing with him, it reminds of my nieces and nephews ;) and EVA is ridicuously cute. HOLY COW! She is
beautiful, and I love the heels. We had some good lessons this week with investigators and we have really enjoyed getting to work with them. We also had some great lessons with members. I love working with them and talking abuot the
Gospel. I think I've said it before, but it is so great to just take a step back when you're teaching and look at the peopel in their eyes and realize how much of an influence the Gospel has had on their lives. I love being able to look into the eyes of these beautiful Grandma's and think, wow, at 23 I wouldn't rather be anywhere else
than hanging our with babushki, talking abuot the Gospel. WOW, we are blessed. The Gospel brings hope into these countries where theere isn't a lot. It also gives them a sense of belonging, they now know where they come from, who they belong to and where they are going. The Gospel is able to bring them perspecitve that is VERY hard to find in a world focused on beauty, entertainment and money. They are also able
to find real relationships and friends where they kjnow they are loved, feel safe and know that they will always have support! As I've said, WE ARE BLESSED. The Gospel is able to bring a light into this country that you can't buy, that you can't fake. It is real and the power of the Gospel is LIFE CHANGING. We were able to go to an
activity this week in the ward and I have to say it really touched me. (Ok, I may be getting too emotional...) On the way to the activity we had a nice bus ride. I talked to a lady for a little bit but she got off on an earlier stop and so I sat there
just looking at all of these beautiful people on the bus. Many with bags, many with nothing, some having just come from the market, some going to the market, some going home, some going to work, etc. And the thought really hit me, that Heavenly Father knows them. THat he knows what their thinking, what they're doing, who they are, what they want, what they think they want. etc. HE KNOWS and LOVES US! He loves every
single person on that bus. And then you look outside of the bus, you look on the street at how many buses there are, how many cars... and then cities, conutries, continents, etc. (I think you get the picture). But I sat there and looked them in the eye and saw a piece of that love,. That people everywhere want to feel secure, loved and happy. Happiness, isn't just something we want in America, or in the
church, but EVERYWHERE, and the surest way to it is throught the Gospel. It is through the atonement of Christ. As I sat on that bus, I saw a glimpse of why Jesus Christ had to die, why he did die and why this plan is SOOOO great. IT was really neat and then we went to an activity. The ward building was filled with members! The Sartori's had come that day and so everyone was wanting to see them. Our amazing,
and as I hinted in the title of this email, talented ward had planned a musical night to help us see the love our savior has for us. The program was amazing but the best part was looking into those eyes, the eyes of people who know, trust and love their Savior, and seeing that light. Seeing that happiness. It was dark on the street but inside the building was the greatest and purest light. I wanted every single
person on that bus to have been there, to see that you can laugh, dance, sing, play the guitar, have fun, talk to friends, joke around while still finding that happiness. The spirit in the building was, to me, electrifying. The Gospel brings happiness. I don't think I can number how many times in the Book fo mormon it is written, "IF you keep the commandment, you WILL prosper." It's a promise! Do we rely on that? These people do and are. They are amazing, beautiful and
talented and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be with them. Just an hour and a half, but they really helped me see what is HAPPINESS, and it made me want to share it with everyone else. So, there you go. What I did Saturday night. Yes, I was with some of my favorite Grandma's, I didn't go to the clubs with my friends, drink,
etc. BUt I felt LOVE and that's what it's about. The love our Savior has for us and for each of his children. WOW! Again, WE ARE BLESSED, Well that's probably enough fo Sister Morris rambling. I hope taht this week, each of you finds the love the Savior has for you. Because it's there. I love you if it counts for anything. Look for the good, and then look how to share it. I love the example of my mom who is
always looking for someone to serve. Cool. So I guess that's it. Love someone, I never thought I'd go and quote Deliah on my mission but a mission does some crazy things to your mind. woohoo. Last night on the train we had a really funny conversation with the Elders and we were able to share some chocolate and just, talk about our feelings. I guess everyone needs that every once in a while.
And.... by the way, Mexican week was AMAZING!!!! We made some extremely tasty nachos and it just made us wonder why we hadn't made them for so long... and then we remembered that they don't have taco chips in Russia. oh well. It was delicious while it lasted. So tehre you go, my week. Hvae a fun-filled, Fall-tastic week!
AMAZING quote-- I LOVE IT!
It is wise to fear that our own skills are inadequate to meet the
charge we have to nourish the faith of others. Our own abiliteies,
however great, will not be enough. But that realisitc view of
limitations creates a humility which can lead to dependence on the
Spirit and thus to POWER!"
- President Eyring
Love, Sister Morris
So I guess a summary of the week.... P-day was good. We were able to have a Family Home Evening with one family in our ward and it was great. We were able to play some fun games with them (thanks mom) and talk about how important it is to read your scriptures. They have a little 2-year old and I love playing with him, it reminds of my nieces and nephews ;) and EVA is ridicuously cute. HOLY COW! She is
beautiful, and I love the heels. We had some good lessons this week with investigators and we have really enjoyed getting to work with them. We also had some great lessons with members. I love working with them and talking abuot the
Gospel. I think I've said it before, but it is so great to just take a step back when you're teaching and look at the peopel in their eyes and realize how much of an influence the Gospel has had on their lives. I love being able to look into the eyes of these beautiful Grandma's and think, wow, at 23 I wouldn't rather be anywhere else
than hanging our with babushki, talking abuot the Gospel. WOW, we are blessed. The Gospel brings hope into these countries where theere isn't a lot. It also gives them a sense of belonging, they now know where they come from, who they belong to and where they are going. The Gospel is able to bring them perspecitve that is VERY hard to find in a world focused on beauty, entertainment and money. They are also able
to find real relationships and friends where they kjnow they are loved, feel safe and know that they will always have support! As I've said, WE ARE BLESSED. The Gospel is able to bring a light into this country that you can't buy, that you can't fake. It is real and the power of the Gospel is LIFE CHANGING. We were able to go to an
activity this week in the ward and I have to say it really touched me. (Ok, I may be getting too emotional...) On the way to the activity we had a nice bus ride. I talked to a lady for a little bit but she got off on an earlier stop and so I sat there
just looking at all of these beautiful people on the bus. Many with bags, many with nothing, some having just come from the market, some going to the market, some going home, some going to work, etc. And the thought really hit me, that Heavenly Father knows them. THat he knows what their thinking, what they're doing, who they are, what they want, what they think they want. etc. HE KNOWS and LOVES US! He loves every
single person on that bus. And then you look outside of the bus, you look on the street at how many buses there are, how many cars... and then cities, conutries, continents, etc. (I think you get the picture). But I sat there and looked them in the eye and saw a piece of that love,. That people everywhere want to feel secure, loved and happy. Happiness, isn't just something we want in America, or in the
church, but EVERYWHERE, and the surest way to it is throught the Gospel. It is through the atonement of Christ. As I sat on that bus, I saw a glimpse of why Jesus Christ had to die, why he did die and why this plan is SOOOO great. IT was really neat and then we went to an activity. The ward building was filled with members! The Sartori's had come that day and so everyone was wanting to see them. Our amazing,
and as I hinted in the title of this email, talented ward had planned a musical night to help us see the love our savior has for us. The program was amazing but the best part was looking into those eyes, the eyes of people who know, trust and love their Savior, and seeing that light. Seeing that happiness. It was dark on the street but inside the building was the greatest and purest light. I wanted every single
person on that bus to have been there, to see that you can laugh, dance, sing, play the guitar, have fun, talk to friends, joke around while still finding that happiness. The spirit in the building was, to me, electrifying. The Gospel brings happiness. I don't think I can number how many times in the Book fo mormon it is written, "IF you keep the commandment, you WILL prosper." It's a promise! Do we rely on that? These people do and are. They are amazing, beautiful and
talented and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be with them. Just an hour and a half, but they really helped me see what is HAPPINESS, and it made me want to share it with everyone else. So, there you go. What I did Saturday night. Yes, I was with some of my favorite Grandma's, I didn't go to the clubs with my friends, drink,
etc. BUt I felt LOVE and that's what it's about. The love our Savior has for us and for each of his children. WOW! Again, WE ARE BLESSED, Well that's probably enough fo Sister Morris rambling. I hope taht this week, each of you finds the love the Savior has for you. Because it's there. I love you if it counts for anything. Look for the good, and then look how to share it. I love the example of my mom who is
always looking for someone to serve. Cool. So I guess that's it. Love someone, I never thought I'd go and quote Deliah on my mission but a mission does some crazy things to your mind. woohoo. Last night on the train we had a really funny conversation with the Elders and we were able to share some chocolate and just, talk about our feelings. I guess everyone needs that every once in a while.
And.... by the way, Mexican week was AMAZING!!!! We made some extremely tasty nachos and it just made us wonder why we hadn't made them for so long... and then we remembered that they don't have taco chips in Russia. oh well. It was delicious while it lasted. So tehre you go, my week. Hvae a fun-filled, Fall-tastic week!
AMAZING quote-- I LOVE IT!
It is wise to fear that our own skills are inadequate to meet the
charge we have to nourish the faith of others. Our own abiliteies,
however great, will not be enough. But that realisitc view of
limitations creates a humility which can lead to dependence on the
Spirit and thus to POWER!"
- President Eyring
Love, Sister Morris
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Trains, trains, and more trains!!!
Family and Friends!!!
Thanks again for the great emails! I love seeing the kids and how grown up they are! Sounds like they really are a handful and I can't wait to see them! Oh how fun that you got to see all of them in the span of a week. I am jealous! This week was really good. The training in Samara was absolutely wonderful and I really enjoyed being able to see a few of the other sisters and to be able to learn so much from President and Sister Sartori and the assistants. Well as I said, Monday night we headed off on a train to Samara... mmmm.... trains.... I can say that one good thing happened. I learned how to braid!!!!!! Da, it's true, I learned how to braid hair and even learned to...french braid. I know, I'm awesome. Somehow, little girls learn to braid when they're about 6 and can then braid their hair for the rest of their lives, but i missed that crucial stage in my development so I'm glad that I have finally caught up. Might come in handy when I get to babysit my nieces... yea! Tuesday we got into Samara and headed to the sisters in Avrora to shower and get ready for conference. We then went to conference which was absolutely fantastic! i feel like we learned so much and I can just say that I am jealous of all of the other missionareis who will
be able to use this program from the beginnning of their mission-- it is amazing. It is so inspired and will make missionaries thousands of times better. It really is the right way to teach and it focues 100% on the Spirit and being sure that you are involving the investigator, teaching so that they understand and using their interests and backgrounds. We really focused on asking "heaven sent questions" to get them to find the answers, understand the doctrine and understand why it is important to them. I really liked being able to learn and just have a HUGE spiritual boost right now. It was also great to be able to practice these skills with the other sisters and some of the older couples. We also ate delicious food all week prepared by... the elders... what?Who knew that they could cook. I have to say I was completely and totally impressed. They cooked food for about 30 people all three days and to my knowledge no got sick.... and it was good. They made ragu, potato salad, plov and pasta with TWO different kinds of sauces. So taylor, better start working on your cooking skills beacsue who knows who you will have to feed on your mission.... Wed, Thurs and Friday were also training and then we got onto a train
to come back to Penza. It was really funny becasue as we were sitting in the train station, waiting, our registrator here in Penza came up to us and asked why we weren't boarding the train. we were totally shocked to see her in Penza but turns out they had a conference with all of the registrators in Samara to know how to deal with police and all of that fun stuff. So.... we talked to her for awhile and we were actually on the same wagon coming home which was a lot of fun. She is amazing and I love talking to her. It was so great to just be able to "boltat" (chat) with her that night and hear about her cute family. You can imagine the shock of the elders when they saw her get on the train with us. It was pretty funny! So we made it back to Penza and just had a normal working day Saturday. We were able to meet with a couple members here and talk with them about inviting their friends and family to hear the Gospel. Sunday was also good. Church and then visits with some of the members
and a couple investigators. o like I said, this week has been great. We have been giving members materials to give their friends and it seems like it is wokring really really well! Yesterday as we were on the marshutka, some guys decided that they
wanted to talk to us. It was pretty funny because they immediately started asking the "fighting" questions like "are you Christian", "why don't you have crosses", "are you some kind of sect". etc. We politely answered all of their questions and just invited them to come to church. I think they sensed that we weren't going to fight for them
and we definitlye weren't going to condemn them to Hell or anything, so they said maybe they will come. When we got off, we both looked at each other and said, "men." How easy it is to talk to them. They always want to talk! We have realized that sometimes, woman are a little more shy to talk and ask questions and so it is the men that are really intersted. But oh well. So we are, another P-day. We already bought groceries and I have to say I'm pretty excited for this week. We have decided to do a theme week every week this cycle. We already did russian week whcih included
piroshki, Shi (I already said), cirniki, plov, blini. And this week.... MEXICAN. We actually found salsa in a grocery store here and so are planning on doing nachos, Mexcian rice casserole, and taco soup...mmm.... We're pretty stoked. Tahnks to Sister Jackson's mom we willl also be able to do chipotle seasoned stuff... mmmmm....
So I tihnk that's about it. Everything is going great and we are loving the amazing weather and being in Penza. It is a fantastic city! I hope everything is going well for everyone. Have a great week and remember to do some missionary work. I love you all!
Sister Morris
Thanks again for the great emails! I love seeing the kids and how grown up they are! Sounds like they really are a handful and I can't wait to see them! Oh how fun that you got to see all of them in the span of a week. I am jealous! This week was really good. The training in Samara was absolutely wonderful and I really enjoyed being able to see a few of the other sisters and to be able to learn so much from President and Sister Sartori and the assistants. Well as I said, Monday night we headed off on a train to Samara... mmmm.... trains.... I can say that one good thing happened. I learned how to braid!!!!!! Da, it's true, I learned how to braid hair and even learned to...french braid. I know, I'm awesome. Somehow, little girls learn to braid when they're about 6 and can then braid their hair for the rest of their lives, but i missed that crucial stage in my development so I'm glad that I have finally caught up. Might come in handy when I get to babysit my nieces... yea! Tuesday we got into Samara and headed to the sisters in Avrora to shower and get ready for conference. We then went to conference which was absolutely fantastic! i feel like we learned so much and I can just say that I am jealous of all of the other missionareis who will
be able to use this program from the beginnning of their mission-- it is amazing. It is so inspired and will make missionaries thousands of times better. It really is the right way to teach and it focues 100% on the Spirit and being sure that you are involving the investigator, teaching so that they understand and using their interests and backgrounds. We really focused on asking "heaven sent questions" to get them to find the answers, understand the doctrine and understand why it is important to them. I really liked being able to learn and just have a HUGE spiritual boost right now. It was also great to be able to practice these skills with the other sisters and some of the older couples. We also ate delicious food all week prepared by... the elders... what?Who knew that they could cook. I have to say I was completely and totally impressed. They cooked food for about 30 people all three days and to my knowledge no got sick.... and it was good. They made ragu, potato salad, plov and pasta with TWO different kinds of sauces. So taylor, better start working on your cooking skills beacsue who knows who you will have to feed on your mission.... Wed, Thurs and Friday were also training and then we got onto a train
to come back to Penza. It was really funny becasue as we were sitting in the train station, waiting, our registrator here in Penza came up to us and asked why we weren't boarding the train. we were totally shocked to see her in Penza but turns out they had a conference with all of the registrators in Samara to know how to deal with police and all of that fun stuff. So.... we talked to her for awhile and we were actually on the same wagon coming home which was a lot of fun. She is amazing and I love talking to her. It was so great to just be able to "boltat" (chat) with her that night and hear about her cute family. You can imagine the shock of the elders when they saw her get on the train with us. It was pretty funny! So we made it back to Penza and just had a normal working day Saturday. We were able to meet with a couple members here and talk with them about inviting their friends and family to hear the Gospel. Sunday was also good. Church and then visits with some of the members
and a couple investigators. o like I said, this week has been great. We have been giving members materials to give their friends and it seems like it is wokring really really well! Yesterday as we were on the marshutka, some guys decided that they
wanted to talk to us. It was pretty funny because they immediately started asking the "fighting" questions like "are you Christian", "why don't you have crosses", "are you some kind of sect". etc. We politely answered all of their questions and just invited them to come to church. I think they sensed that we weren't going to fight for them
and we definitlye weren't going to condemn them to Hell or anything, so they said maybe they will come. When we got off, we both looked at each other and said, "men." How easy it is to talk to them. They always want to talk! We have realized that sometimes, woman are a little more shy to talk and ask questions and so it is the men that are really intersted. But oh well. So we are, another P-day. We already bought groceries and I have to say I'm pretty excited for this week. We have decided to do a theme week every week this cycle. We already did russian week whcih included
piroshki, Shi (I already said), cirniki, plov, blini. And this week.... MEXICAN. We actually found salsa in a grocery store here and so are planning on doing nachos, Mexcian rice casserole, and taco soup...mmm.... We're pretty stoked. Tahnks to Sister Jackson's mom we willl also be able to do chipotle seasoned stuff... mmmmm....
So I tihnk that's about it. Everything is going great and we are loving the amazing weather and being in Penza. It is a fantastic city! I hope everything is going well for everyone. Have a great week and remember to do some missionary work. I love you all!
Sister Morris
Monday, September 6, 2010
Two nights on a Train
Family and Friends!
How are you all? It was so great to hear from all of you this week and to hear how Taylor is at school! Yea for BYU and way to go cougs on the win. Already stating the season with a win is a good thing. Katie- Yes, Sparkle has died. I didn't want it to be this way for you but I know you are strong and will cope. Good luck in Michigan! I hope you have an extra room or your chocolate covered cinnamon bear?! So as for
other news--- dad, this one's for you-- my shoes broke. Officially. I wore a hole through the bottom and strp on the top finally wore out and the insides were already gone (we did some remont a few weeks ago with bandaids-- oh the joys of being a missionary) So we;ll see what this week brings in the form of shoes. I'm down to about a pair that works but boot season should be here within a month and half and I
think I can make it;) Oh it will be interesting. This week was really good. We did have conference in Samara and between the two nights in a row on a train I'm feeling better than expected. Problem is we get to do it again tonight! yes, back on the
train. But oh well! It's really not that bad and it's pretty fun to say I traveled across Russia on a train. We aso are able to have slumber parties!!! YEA!!!!
Well Monday was a great night with a "Hogwarts Express" Marthutka to a member's house for a great Family Home Evening. Why Hogwart's Express? Because we were running late from meeting with our Registrar who needed to give my passport back and had to be at the FHE in lik 15 minutes. We looked on a map and it seemed like she lived at the other end of the city and so knew it would be about a 40 minute ride. We got on the next Marhshutka and flew there in about 15 minutes. WHAT? We
were so surprised and so happy that we go there so quickly. We still don' know what route that driver took but we were impressed. The evening was great and we were able to talk about being ready to go to the temple and the blessing we receive becuse of it. It was definitey a neat experience as we sat with these three babyshki, singing hymns and just talking about the temple and I just thought to myself, "I
wouldn't want to be anywhere else." We also made some delicious Shi that afternoon-- mmmm.... We had a good time trakting on Tuesday night and I think if you ask
any missionary where their craziest stories come from it's always knocking. We knocked into a couple winners, including a crazed grandma who kept asking us if we like crosses and a middle-aged woman demanding to see our documents. oh good times.
Saturday was Conference and it was great. I really enjoy being able to see the other sisters in Samara and see Presidet and his wife. They asked Sister Jackson and I to think of a musical number. We did a quartet with Sister Loboda and two Elders and I played the piano. It turned out really well and they sang "Press Forward Saints". We also had aspecial treat because President Lawrence and his wife were there.
They're part of the East European Arera Presidency and they are FANTASTIC! They gave great talks and Sis. Lawrence gavea whole lesson on the House of Israel hich was really really interesting. It was so great to know why we're here on a mission and to see that the Lord's work really is going forward. I love ths work! I love these people and I am so happy that I have this opportunity o serve! President Lawrence
ahd a lot of great advice on working with your companion and working with members and it was just a great talk. I learned a TON and just love Zone Conference becasue it gives you a boost to just keep going. Sunday was FANTASTIC! We had such a powerful and amazing sacrament meeting! It was cool. A couple of our members had gone to the Kiev Temple Open House and they were able to bear thei testimonies in
church. It was so fanastic to hear their testimonies and to feel their spirits. They told about the tour and how thy were able to also tour a lot of Pravolsavni temples but NOTHING compared or even came close. They said that the temple in Kiev, is something out of a Fairy Tale becasue of how pretty, serence, ad majesitc it is. Especially in Russia, it is a incomparable sight. A couple in our ward(who are
AMAZING) got sealed last week as well and they also beared their testimonis about the power of the sealng and just being in the temple. As we sat and listened, it reallyn felt like we were all in the temple because the Spirit was so strong. There was also a great testimony about sacifice and how the Lord ALWAYS blesses us when we
sacrifice.The members who went to the temple had made a lot of sacrifice to get there but they knew it was all worth it. That is so true!!! How neat it is to know that Heavenly Father loves us and always makes up for what we willingly give Him. I am so excited for when I will be able to be in the temple again and feel that spirit and have those blessings. We are blessed. The temple is such a fantastic
way to truly "endure to the end" and "press forward in the future". It gives us a goal and gives a glimpse of the poteial we have as our Heavenly Father's children. On Sunday we also had a lesson with a grandma in our ward and were able to go with one of my favorite grandma's in our ward- Baba Katya. She is FANTASTIC! (there was a
picture a week ago) We had a lot of fun with her and look forward to just working with the members more here. So tonight we will get on a train to Samara an head back for 4 days of Training in the new program for missionaires (simplified
curriculum) and then be back in Penza on Satrudya morning to work. I love you all! Thanks fo the prayers, emails, love and support. Good luck with everything you do and know I LOVE YOU!
Sister Morris
How are you all? It was so great to hear from all of you this week and to hear how Taylor is at school! Yea for BYU and way to go cougs on the win. Already stating the season with a win is a good thing. Katie- Yes, Sparkle has died. I didn't want it to be this way for you but I know you are strong and will cope. Good luck in Michigan! I hope you have an extra room or your chocolate covered cinnamon bear?! So as for
other news--- dad, this one's for you-- my shoes broke. Officially. I wore a hole through the bottom and strp on the top finally wore out and the insides were already gone (we did some remont a few weeks ago with bandaids-- oh the joys of being a missionary) So we;ll see what this week brings in the form of shoes. I'm down to about a pair that works but boot season should be here within a month and half and I
think I can make it;) Oh it will be interesting. This week was really good. We did have conference in Samara and between the two nights in a row on a train I'm feeling better than expected. Problem is we get to do it again tonight! yes, back on the
train. But oh well! It's really not that bad and it's pretty fun to say I traveled across Russia on a train. We aso are able to have slumber parties!!! YEA!!!!
Well Monday was a great night with a "Hogwarts Express" Marthutka to a member's house for a great Family Home Evening. Why Hogwart's Express? Because we were running late from meeting with our Registrar who needed to give my passport back and had to be at the FHE in lik 15 minutes. We looked on a map and it seemed like she lived at the other end of the city and so knew it would be about a 40 minute ride. We got on the next Marhshutka and flew there in about 15 minutes. WHAT? We
were so surprised and so happy that we go there so quickly. We still don' know what route that driver took but we were impressed. The evening was great and we were able to talk about being ready to go to the temple and the blessing we receive becuse of it. It was definitey a neat experience as we sat with these three babyshki, singing hymns and just talking about the temple and I just thought to myself, "I
wouldn't want to be anywhere else." We also made some delicious Shi that afternoon-- mmmm.... We had a good time trakting on Tuesday night and I think if you ask
any missionary where their craziest stories come from it's always knocking. We knocked into a couple winners, including a crazed grandma who kept asking us if we like crosses and a middle-aged woman demanding to see our documents. oh good times.
Saturday was Conference and it was great. I really enjoy being able to see the other sisters in Samara and see Presidet and his wife. They asked Sister Jackson and I to think of a musical number. We did a quartet with Sister Loboda and two Elders and I played the piano. It turned out really well and they sang "Press Forward Saints". We also had aspecial treat because President Lawrence and his wife were there.
They're part of the East European Arera Presidency and they are FANTASTIC! They gave great talks and Sis. Lawrence gavea whole lesson on the House of Israel hich was really really interesting. It was so great to know why we're here on a mission and to see that the Lord's work really is going forward. I love ths work! I love these people and I am so happy that I have this opportunity o serve! President Lawrence
ahd a lot of great advice on working with your companion and working with members and it was just a great talk. I learned a TON and just love Zone Conference becasue it gives you a boost to just keep going. Sunday was FANTASTIC! We had such a powerful and amazing sacrament meeting! It was cool. A couple of our members had gone to the Kiev Temple Open House and they were able to bear thei testimonies in
church. It was so fanastic to hear their testimonies and to feel their spirits. They told about the tour and how thy were able to also tour a lot of Pravolsavni temples but NOTHING compared or even came close. They said that the temple in Kiev, is something out of a Fairy Tale becasue of how pretty, serence, ad majesitc it is. Especially in Russia, it is a incomparable sight. A couple in our ward(who are
AMAZING) got sealed last week as well and they also beared their testimonis about the power of the sealng and just being in the temple. As we sat and listened, it reallyn felt like we were all in the temple because the Spirit was so strong. There was also a great testimony about sacifice and how the Lord ALWAYS blesses us when we
sacrifice.The members who went to the temple had made a lot of sacrifice to get there but they knew it was all worth it. That is so true!!! How neat it is to know that Heavenly Father loves us and always makes up for what we willingly give Him. I am so excited for when I will be able to be in the temple again and feel that spirit and have those blessings. We are blessed. The temple is such a fantastic
way to truly "endure to the end" and "press forward in the future". It gives us a goal and gives a glimpse of the poteial we have as our Heavenly Father's children. On Sunday we also had a lesson with a grandma in our ward and were able to go with one of my favorite grandma's in our ward- Baba Katya. She is FANTASTIC! (there was a
picture a week ago) We had a lot of fun with her and look forward to just working with the members more here. So tonight we will get on a train to Samara an head back for 4 days of Training in the new program for missionaires (simplified
curriculum) and then be back in Penza on Satrudya morning to work. I love you all! Thanks fo the prayers, emails, love and support. Good luck with everything you do and know I LOVE YOU!
Sister Morris
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