tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30037453542911957882024-02-08T07:55:54.077+06:00Elder & Sister Simmons Russia JournalA history of the Simmons' mission in Novosibirsk, Russia from June 2008 - May 2010Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-9390089896186015792010-05-12T15:12:00.002+07:002017-01-06T05:12:54.927+06:00The Last . . . April 25, 2010<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Last . . . April 25, 2010</b><br />
Weather -- warming, overcast<br />
Temp -- 55 F Wind -- 5-7 mph<br />
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We are doing a lot of "Lasts" as we get ready for our exit. Two Sundays ago we spoke in 1st Branch as our last appearance in that branch. I spoke on callings and Sister Cindy spoke on listening to the Spirit. That week the McCauleys (our replacements) came. They stayed in the Mission Home for the first three days and then moved in with us. It is a long-term sleepover and a little complex getting ready in the morning, but they are very compatible and just plain nice people.<br />
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(This post was started while at home but from here on it was completed on the airplane and not posted until May 11th after we had been home for a week and gotten totally unpacked.)<br />
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Today begins a series of "LASTS", the last metro to Zoloni Kupola, the last YSA fireside, the last choir practice, etc.<br />
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At the 1st Branch Sacrament Meeting we also had a first. The young couple, Alexe and Marina, who have been taught in our home at least 5 times, were both in the meeting with their little boy. Alexe had attended several times alone, but this was the first time Marina had come because she didn't want to bring the little one out in the cold. They are very attentive parents. We had intended to escort the McCauleys' via Metro to the 2nd Branch meetings and then spend some time at the office before returning to the building for choir practice and the "last" YSA fireside, but upon hearing that this couple was in the 1st Branch meeting, Sister Cindy insisted that we stay to support them. It was a good choice.<br />
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After the second set of meetings, we just stayed for choir practice at 5 and the Fireside at 6:30. I did not conduct, but sang with the choir and let Sister McCauley get her feet wet. We were preparing for an event that was to be the next Saturday, the 1st of May, to celebrate the Church's 180th birthday, but as it turned out, the event was canceled due to lack of interest. She did a great job and will work into the role with time.<br />
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The last YSA fireside was a tribute to us. They prepared a "Newly-weds" type game in which I was to answer questions that Cindy had already answered to see if our answers were the same. It was cute, but sort of dated. We all had fun and I got most of them right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVZifO5AlzE8CGj0wm-PnmRSzIb3Vna_jRKMBXHWClZvO3998F0c9LLh88Ar01q3e_y5LesrJYfdqcRELbPtbhpq9WnZXufjFVlPSqRgWGzd-vHAdJoIksj5TujcbAgxrs5SvrH7IKoMV/s1600/DSC03286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVZifO5AlzE8CGj0wm-PnmRSzIb3Vna_jRKMBXHWClZvO3998F0c9LLh88Ar01q3e_y5LesrJYfdqcRELbPtbhpq9WnZXufjFVlPSqRgWGzd-vHAdJoIksj5TujcbAgxrs5SvrH7IKoMV/s320/DSC03286.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6IQjAEtgFRvb50XkkYNK_2BYhkN37SfF_Lh96HHYNKreqLvIPC28ZQ1BEwUsY2PES006O6ij-KXGBVJ0RMf3p8DdrpAev8vEAzT38E5QnQk51KeI9wM8qD1kQ8-uOCWSCygEinpr99jg/s1600/DSC03279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6IQjAEtgFRvb50XkkYNK_2BYhkN37SfF_Lh96HHYNKreqLvIPC28ZQ1BEwUsY2PES006O6ij-KXGBVJ0RMf3p8DdrpAev8vEAzT38E5QnQk51KeI9wM8qD1kQ8-uOCWSCygEinpr99jg/s200/DSC03279.JPG" width="200" /></a>This game was preceded by two talks, Julia (from the office) talked about friends coming and going and how important friends are. Ina spoke about something that I cannot remember, possibly because Elder Petersen had to translate it for us and I just got lost. After the game we both spoke for just a couple of minutes and it closed with "Love One Another" from the hymnal.<br />
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Many of the young people came up to get their picture taken with us only after the refreshment table was pretty-much emptied; typical. Here, Yulia from the office held it together for most of the event, then lost it at the final goodbye. We sure love her. She is a very bright light in a dark place and I hope that she can find joy in the things she can do in the Gospel. She seems to be waiting for a missionary who left from our city and should return early next year. I really hope that it all works out for her happiness. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bZItJJoxEy5Z8IEOqzfP0gV5LTaquAXA0bYCWcj3VbQ8tJiEftk7e-QsUva2TezmSHoNF5CLFqjnUNP0J27ZsuyQfTVCPnBJN46Sqlql0tDHQczOYeC9GWlXGlGN01jV232KdTayZusq/s1600/DSC03331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bZItJJoxEy5Z8IEOqzfP0gV5LTaquAXA0bYCWcj3VbQ8tJiEftk7e-QsUva2TezmSHoNF5CLFqjnUNP0J27ZsuyQfTVCPnBJN46Sqlql0tDHQczOYeC9GWlXGlGN01jV232KdTayZusq/s200/DSC03331.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1uIimc-g8lAva3N5n6zQjBCH1z_m0JyGEY4iwgaB8Lyt_LADvOEHNFf5u9nFZ2fbHpOstwq_ZTjZUcObpyE9EjjfFEP1LHG1Ri4m9pAopF8IxmZwW5hqF3SjUTxayeJjc2M-HDcCXhg5/s1600/DSC03346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1uIimc-g8lAva3N5n6zQjBCH1z_m0JyGEY4iwgaB8Lyt_LADvOEHNFf5u9nFZ2fbHpOstwq_ZTjZUcObpyE9EjjfFEP1LHG1Ri4m9pAopF8IxmZwW5hqF3SjUTxayeJjc2M-HDcCXhg5/s200/DSC03346.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY4X0e8oRls9p02yTM-luZaQPDTMabayQW99glmz5gPHtpMBqJE8uly4P_h7enKvGDjpR4i83casw5qJyuDjEFtp7zeKVAdZZ-m1DHJmTI4lYVODrXXjFW8yMpzMo5aFqAIjpU6tpL-2j/s1600/DSC03348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY4X0e8oRls9p02yTM-luZaQPDTMabayQW99glmz5gPHtpMBqJE8uly4P_h7enKvGDjpR4i83casw5qJyuDjEFtp7zeKVAdZZ-m1DHJmTI4lYVODrXXjFW8yMpzMo5aFqAIjpU6tpL-2j/s320/DSC03348.JPG" /></a>Monday was the last full day at the office where we took the lead. The staff gave us a bon-voyage party and a lacquer-box which was very lovely. They didn't have to do that, but we truly appreciated the sentiment and the gift. We have had a good relationship with all of them over the past 2 years and I am sure we will think of them often as we try to get back to life in America.<br />
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Monday night we had the last visit with the Ozherelev's. We played Hand and Foot with the 6 of us and had a very tearful goodbye with them, particularly Lenna who had grown very close to Sister Cindy. She was very sad as she delivered the last of the sewing work she had done for Cindy. We will miss them every day and I know that as of today I think of them often each day. The separation is as painful and full of feelings as it would be with a family member, After all, they were family for two years and remain so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcJp1qZY-eBXBm_QqkMP-cBUD1ch_l971eNrF-aD4JXYwqn_E3NDyc3m97nyEhf8pjJc4RMO-gWnoXUA6G0wY_SiJYo6DCujNBukZVJIcVNiqu3W9i9PvdLMZzFmLqexMiLuu7R3Q1PmY/s1600/DSC03350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcJp1qZY-eBXBm_QqkMP-cBUD1ch_l971eNrF-aD4JXYwqn_E3NDyc3m97nyEhf8pjJc4RMO-gWnoXUA6G0wY_SiJYo6DCujNBukZVJIcVNiqu3W9i9PvdLMZzFmLqexMiLuu7R3Q1PmY/s200/DSC03350.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcJp1qZY-eBXBm_QqkMP-cBUD1ch_l971eNrF-aD4JXYwqn_E3NDyc3m97nyEhf8pjJc4RMO-gWnoXUA6G0wY_SiJYo6DCujNBukZVJIcVNiqu3W9i9PvdLMZzFmLqexMiLuu7R3Q1PmY/s1600/DSC03350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Tuesday I got up at 6AM to be ready for President to pick us up with our luggage at 7:30. I looked out our 9th floor window at the scene below on Sacco & Vanzetti Street with its potholes and water still running from the last ice melting along the way. A street sweeper was slowly moving along, picking up the sand in the road from the previous winter ice treatment. I looked up at the blue sky with its summer haze from the power plants on the left bank across the river just laying in. I took the last shower in our cracked tub, started the last load of wash (the sheets from our bed), plugged in the Christmas Tree for the last time in the "shrine", a waist-high shelf in my corner shelf unit. It all seemed very final.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL3aPT5Z3ZpIsxdU4kq9kdLGv572wHldT95_SImVH2N-uQ8GWJp4tEF0DUQ13aQPrd4RYHITOpkNVxwigji2iPS-bdyWtJpuxG0VqRLRKlrNeI1r407qcFNmFZEh3AnYgB2CEiGHvfM5G/s1600/DSC03359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL3aPT5Z3ZpIsxdU4kq9kdLGv572wHldT95_SImVH2N-uQ8GWJp4tEF0DUQ13aQPrd4RYHITOpkNVxwigji2iPS-bdyWtJpuxG0VqRLRKlrNeI1r407qcFNmFZEh3AnYgB2CEiGHvfM5G/s200/DSC03359.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvJosvUkufNm5Dxc6d_41hOYhYNIsh8Zl9KUyQWoOLLZXkzdOHVfniV6f1-J9cF3RguvcYuUxEyffVloYrWKhP5ysBkOKgxU9CeTtLijhKK6xrZ1GMkrfY-05qH5CMGBgNfRMnf-1C4TH/s1600/DSC03383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvJosvUkufNm5Dxc6d_41hOYhYNIsh8Zl9KUyQWoOLLZXkzdOHVfniV6f1-J9cF3RguvcYuUxEyffVloYrWKhP5ysBkOKgxU9CeTtLijhKK6xrZ1GMkrfY-05qH5CMGBgNfRMnf-1C4TH/s320/DSC03383.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
At the office we took pictures with everyone. Here are our office elders, Elder Barwick on the left and Elder Byers in the center, whom we love very much and will miss deeply. Elder Byers was the one who wrote the verse to the Mission song that I put together. He is a talented musician and I hope to keep up with his career post mission. Elder Barwick is also a talented singer and the two of them make great music. I feel very close to both of these elders.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0awK1Jhu2v9do6z5XADUwibHdUeLInrFig9Zy_sodxri9MyyDR_v7ntMWd_JhBqSLlyjj0SISPB6xyCOOrrfxkQdi2qYH71I87SxBiGKR72HVr2RB7YGCCB3MscWX6xERYgHrwPRhkBIU/s1600/DSC03382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0awK1Jhu2v9do6z5XADUwibHdUeLInrFig9Zy_sodxri9MyyDR_v7ntMWd_JhBqSLlyjj0SISPB6xyCOOrrfxkQdi2qYH71I87SxBiGKR72HVr2RB7YGCCB3MscWX6xERYgHrwPRhkBIU/s320/DSC03382.JPG" width="320" /></a> We had the my last Mission Presidency Meeting where I had Elder McCauley take over completely (He did marvelously well). Here we are reviewing items on the agenda that he will prepare weekly.<br />
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We participated in the last Office Coordination Meeting where the old issues remain and the McCauleys pick up the baton. They are diplomatic and careful to keep everyone engaged. I expect them to be very effective in that regard.<br />
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Here Sister McCauley is receiving the keys and cell phone from Sister Cindy. These are the symbols and the actual tools of the job she will have to pick up. Sister Cindy leaves big shoes to fill, but I think she and Elder McCauley will make their own mark on the mission.<br />
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Finally, we had our last interview with the President. He said some very kind things about us and how he would miss us. He has a great burden to carry with the Millers gone, our leaving, and the Holmes going in May. We love him and Sister Trejo very much and pray for them nightly even now.<br />
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That night, we went to the Mission Home with the other departing missionaries for the last time. We had the final meal of Taco Salad, the traditional tie cutting-off for the marriage predictions, got our Green Berets, Cindy and I sang two songs. Then we had the final Testimony meeting before heading to bed and the 3:30 AM wake-up call.<br />
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Sister Zhernova got the bunk-bed room, the Elders got the great room, and Cindy and I had the General Authority room, same room where we slept that first morning 23 months ago when we sat and cried together, asking the Lord and each other how we were ever going to do this.<br />
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Now, for all practical purposes, it is finished and with the Lord's help we served with our might. We hope it was enough.<br />
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What a mission. What a country<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-6506424937816628712010-04-23T01:39:00.000+07:002017-01-06T05:17:26.483+06:00ZLC Sleepover March 23rd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKWu-ZjeoJbepij5swIE8FrAIUo4EzfIoQF4PvyaaGzw_JswWN5Ddg1gbo-IQlQoyDeQuwvNt0GYf4nFbVGnkGbQl7hgw650iv6wF1Z28X1wsIeOBTuiC1P9NOn55yFG0lSICAX7qN3jz/s1600/DSC02862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKWu-ZjeoJbepij5swIE8FrAIUo4EzfIoQF4PvyaaGzw_JswWN5Ddg1gbo-IQlQoyDeQuwvNt0GYf4nFbVGnkGbQl7hgw650iv6wF1Z28X1wsIeOBTuiC1P9NOn55yFG0lSICAX7qN3jz/s200/DSC02862.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>ZLC Sleepover March 23rd</b><br />
Weather was COLD<br />
Temp -- minus 10 F Wind 7-15 mph<br />
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Zone Leader Conference runs from 5pm one night to 3pm the next day. Zone leaders come from all of the cities in the mission to get instructions and discuss challenges they face in their cities. We often house some of them overnight between sessions of the conference.<br />
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After the first night of this ZLC we were to house 6 elders and so we all went down to the garage at the mission home together in the elevator to get the offered ride from President Trejo. The first challenge of this event was getting stuck in the elevator for 40 minutes. <br />
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After the building manager called someone to rescue us, they had to jack up the elevator car to the proper level so the door could open. Finally we got our ride as promised.<br />
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We have only two actual beds in the extra bedroom of our apartment so the other four elders had to be creative. It has become a bit of a status symbol to get your name on the "Simmons Wall of Fame" and so those who have not slept here are anxious to do so before we are released and leave for home.<br />
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We started this wall shortly after we arrived when we needed to house a sick sister so that her companion could continue to work with a member as her companion. We got her to put her name on the wall and it grew from there. We have several notables, a couple of semi-notables, and three almosts. The notables include some people from the Moscow service center, the Masons who did audit training and the Kirbishly's who headed a program for returned missionaries. We also had several long-termers like the Bowdens who stayed more than twenty nights and our friend Lelia from South Dakota who was the only one of our friends to actually come and visit us in Siberia. We also had several sisters stay over. Sister Tymochko stayed a week for some reason that I forget and several transient sisters stayed one night.<br />
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And then there were the "almosts" like Elder McBride who never stayed overnight but DID take a nap in the room one day and Elder Hinkson who never actually laid down in the guest room, but napped on our couch after three different ZLC events while waiting for his bus.<br />
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This particular night we had three in the bedroom, two on beds and one on a foam pad. In the living room we had the other three on the couch, the pull-out bed and another foam pad. Here they are trying to decide who will sleep where. We suspended the rules and gave all of them room on the wall so that was eliminated from the discussion.<br />
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Our office elders just don't get a chance to get their names on the wall because they live just a few blocks from us. It is a status they will not achieve, but they are high on our list of great elders. They help us, protect us, support us, carry our groceries up the stairs, and call our taxis. We could not ask for more from them, but if we did they would perform. We love our office elders.<br />
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All is well now among our 6 elders and the night passed peacefully. We enjoy having them and make every effort to make them comfortable and happy. Life for a missionary in Siberia is tough enough and we can only soften the edges. We pray for them all each morning and night for their safety and success. <br />
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What a great bunch of young men. What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-37069724487324049852010-04-20T20:26:00.001+07:002017-01-06T05:34:56.904+06:00The Packing Monster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Packing Monster</b><br />
Weather -- High overcast warming<br />
Temp -- +60F Wind 15-25 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby83vOHFzslCMFOW7JcNtXh11YenQubBKLYpTavDY9Pek3V3nQlvGqXs1GIeZyuq1G5MCroOD8viqkpG610L2l5sK-ydatwHeBfp474VYHbNZqtc9NcQtwGKn5I8G7YrjkzSGfAewLS5R/s1600/DSC02615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby83vOHFzslCMFOW7JcNtXh11YenQubBKLYpTavDY9Pek3V3nQlvGqXs1GIeZyuq1G5MCroOD8viqkpG610L2l5sK-ydatwHeBfp474VYHbNZqtc9NcQtwGKn5I8G7YrjkzSGfAewLS5R/s320/DSC02615.JPG" /></a></div>
Packing to go home is a monster. It haunts you for weeks and then you finally have to face it. How can I defeat this monster? Is it possible? Can I actually get my clothes, shoes, coats, books, music, nesting dolls, wooden shot glass, paintings, love gifts from members, cosmetics, bathing suit (which I never wore), white shirts that are now two sized too big, two year old suits that I love but hang like a gunnysack on me, two years worth of YSA Fireside lessons and Sacrament Meeting talks, DVD's, alfalfa seeds I didn't sprout, sprouting trays, Porterhouse Seasoning Sister Cindy didn't consume, Levies and three casual shirts I never wore, six backup name tags I never wore, twenty pair of shoes sister Cindy never wore, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3VItUx_F6S4525xUubfl1FBIUTip-6Sykr9fvr-3z4udNYJw07QiueGEamm-5cuT_a6wJhwPxEoAkwnSX3wdFma2DFVkWdRqhKe6u3JJNAxecU26XEIQyW4BaN2eDJxhfnwh_DJXlakV/s1600/DSC02438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3VItUx_F6S4525xUubfl1FBIUTip-6Sykr9fvr-3z4udNYJw07QiueGEamm-5cuT_a6wJhwPxEoAkwnSX3wdFma2DFVkWdRqhKe6u3JJNAxecU26XEIQyW4BaN2eDJxhfnwh_DJXlakV/s320/DSC02438.JPG" /></a>How do you plan your needs for two years in a place you have never even heard of let alone have been to? And now, what do you take home of what you never used because "It's still good and we might need it, some day"? It was a daunting challenge to guess and then pack, ship, or ask from home things you imagine you will need, or thought you still needed? The truth is, and I hope that we have learned to some degree, that we don't need ALL THIS STUFF!!!! However, you DO need a stain-stick once in a while and a band-aide or two, but come on, we are leaving several suitcases of stuff to the locals because we just can't take it home.<br />
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Whether here in Novosibirsk or in Sacramento, we really don't need most of the stuff we have. We have lived for 18 of the 23 months with the knowledge that you just don't need much stuff. A couple pair of shoes, warm-weather clothes, cold weather clothes, and your scriptures; that's it. Well, maybe a bit of an overstatement, but truly, we didn't need most of what we brought, shipped, or had shipped to us here. For those of you planning a mission, leave most of your stuff at home. You won't need or have time to use most of what you bring. You need your sweats and apron for watching General Conference two week late on the DVD, you need <br />
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a warm coat so you can make the trip out to the dumpster on the street without suffering frostbite, but mostly you need to bring with you your life-long skills, a little of what you learned in Primary and Sunday School, and a genuine love for people. I brought my love for music, in spite of my lack of technical skills, and was appreciated for what I DID have.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vr9BN5VBDaWFefQnQxjEzCUHNaq3YTGXORKuTflh4y1o7Z7NApnKdvu8aXBNafpbBZfIP8fUulnLDxQw-TjinJ_RMFYX053054ECELlLMVPVa0-5hEdya1cBtelNISqjwIAWXVyzvFFa/s1600/DSC02817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vr9BN5VBDaWFefQnQxjEzCUHNaq3YTGXORKuTflh4y1o7Z7NApnKdvu8aXBNafpbBZfIP8fUulnLDxQw-TjinJ_RMFYX053054ECELlLMVPVa0-5hEdya1cBtelNISqjwIAWXVyzvFFa/s200/DSC02817.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
People are the best part of every mission. Well, I haven't been on every mission, I haven't even been on any mission away from home but this one, but I have a deep sense of love and loss at leaving the people here and I suspect that the people (missionaries and members) are the core of every missionary service experience. Our replacements, the McCauleys from Eagle Idaho are already learning this. Sure, there are cultural clashes and outright disappointments, but as a whole, it is a great experience.<br />
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If you want to be really loved, serve a mission. If you want to really love, deeply love, serve a mission. If you are lonely, serve a mission. If you think that no one knows you exist and you could suffer spontaneous combustion at your local mall in total anonymity, serve a mission. If you think no one needs what you know or have, serve a mission.<br />
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It is the most enveloping, consuming, loving thing that I have ever done and after I say hi to my children and grand-kids, tell some stories to my friends, and we decide what to do with our house, I am ready to go again. OK, I will enjoy one season of really ripe tomatoes and peas picked fresh, but trust me, you don't need all that stuff and the place to put your stuff, and the locks to protect your stuff, and the dog to guard your stuff, and the insurance to replace your stuff. Dump it all and come serve missions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiMBYf0AVQeZp5T2oprDV5H2pwWBt_SZrH6-eW5WUxwCLEzM3NImD_MxUHWwnz_UAL6He843_69mEHNZjyY_LkNCQ9SFgje3TOLJsStAMC8UYG5XWNmpn3YZq9hg20vWDqAXFjF11nx_9/s1600/DSC03081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiMBYf0AVQeZp5T2oprDV5H2pwWBt_SZrH6-eW5WUxwCLEzM3NImD_MxUHWwnz_UAL6He843_69mEHNZjyY_LkNCQ9SFgje3TOLJsStAMC8UYG5XWNmpn3YZq9hg20vWDqAXFjF11nx_9/s320/DSC03081.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7OkBl3iqNntEXRkRjOZu7EEizPzmkIwpfabm71W0gCxpXgTARo7WD1HnPMLjqJw_CyJS8DpWy3jQttW3vukCqcT1CXcjmnyVz_A7zYYzzNEnXg0qRkZQpMTVDMppbILZNmWRQGavY4RY/s1600/DSC02532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7OkBl3iqNntEXRkRjOZu7EEizPzmkIwpfabm71W0gCxpXgTARo7WD1HnPMLjqJw_CyJS8DpWy3jQttW3vukCqcT1CXcjmnyVz_A7zYYzzNEnXg0qRkZQpMTVDMppbILZNmWRQGavY4RY/s200/DSC02532.JPG" width="200" /></a>Most of the people you know will miss you only when they get your emails. Once you are gone, they will go on with their lives and do whatever is in front of them; even your family. You are a nice memory and they are happy to see you again when you return, but not like the people that you left in the mission. Of course, it is very cool to have your grandparents on a mission somewhere, but the people in the mission, THEY ACTUALLY NEED YOU. They actually benefit from your being there. They don't have 26 other things they could and should be doing while they are with you; they NEED you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYr1NQjvrvfejSxbU77uLfRKLaSx7kKmk9-13XrEWjX35X9BcKg7r0x8mGXjUkQN09PoPlEqBOhe5oIeIzweUGrWtoKP2mif_lxulkks77HEQGccFVgsA2yN4xbstaFhYw4894eDqbPFo/s1600/DSC03058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYr1NQjvrvfejSxbU77uLfRKLaSx7kKmk9-13XrEWjX35X9BcKg7r0x8mGXjUkQN09PoPlEqBOhe5oIeIzweUGrWtoKP2mif_lxulkks77HEQGccFVgsA2yN4xbstaFhYw4894eDqbPFo/s320/DSC03058.JPG" /></a>Don't get me wrong, please. I love my friends and my family. They are a great treasure. I love the time I have, and will again, spend with them. The point is, they don't need me. In the mission field, the new friends, the missionaries, the members, the investigators, the mission leadership, even the people you can't talk to; they need me (us) and I feel that love that comes from a met need.<br />
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Yes, even those that cannot talk to us, nor we to them, have come up at church with tears in their eyes and thanked us for being here and expressed their love. Babushkas with a long history in the Church here try to thank us for just being here. They have seen missionary couples come and go, but they actually value us. They need our example, our experience, and our support. We have not had many of them in our home and can only say a brief hello at church to most of them, but they value our being here. Families like the Drachyov family give us all they have and we feel filled. When we think that our apartment is a little (well a lot) shabby, we visit a family like this and appreciate what we have, even here. What they have they value and what they value they share.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQQjkjc_P1mVe-tL6FZ2K8_ZyAdJ3Qhng9v_CjglGP0a2xS8HZ9KNVmMNkw7jTvYk2MxagWP1B2AwpNx9hyUmL6SkpWW02EfG7TDP9yf3_hTrd1tE4M0Q38BAQ6SpLzk00tGh4QoApmWg/s1600/DSC03056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQQjkjc_P1mVe-tL6FZ2K8_ZyAdJ3Qhng9v_CjglGP0a2xS8HZ9KNVmMNkw7jTvYk2MxagWP1B2AwpNx9hyUmL6SkpWW02EfG7TDP9yf3_hTrd1tE4M0Q38BAQ6SpLzk00tGh4QoApmWg/s320/DSC03056.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
So, now what? Well, we will try to vanquish the packing monster and get each of our two 50 lb checked bags to actually weigh 50 lbs, well, maybe 70 lbs for one of them. We will get the matryoshka dolls and the scarves, and the pictures, and the unused alfalfa seeds into the luggage and we will go home for a while; but not for ever. Maybe I will get soft and comfortable at home and forget these feelings. Maybe I will lose these memories of those we have learned to love and forget how it felt, maybe, but right now I don't think so. I intend to print these two years of blogs into a book and keep it out to remind me. I guess we will just have to see.<br />
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What an experience. What a country.<br />
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DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-2523073063638232152010-04-12T23:04:00.000+07:002017-01-06T05:46:27.661+06:00Remonting the Office 4/12/10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Remonting the Office</b><br />
Weather -- Heavy cloud cover, snow<br />
Temp -- 31F at 11:15 AM Wind -- 2-3 MPH<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxy2RBLIQkxq3xGLHlRfHsa-yxUthz9KP1oL26IQL9aChbwOB7L-pBDxxk1_QbJCOD-Gr44lw7N8KbmYvK8XhAa5UZ1jOOJwQcqOSawalWTzNMDr5E0lGmix7JEeZwUHc6heHyzFapwff/s1600/DSC00342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxy2RBLIQkxq3xGLHlRfHsa-yxUthz9KP1oL26IQL9aChbwOB7L-pBDxxk1_QbJCOD-Gr44lw7N8KbmYvK8XhAa5UZ1jOOJwQcqOSawalWTzNMDr5E0lGmix7JEeZwUHc6heHyzFapwff/s320/DSC00342.JPG" /></a><br />
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Two weeks ago they started to remodel (remount) the Mission office Library room into an office for the employees, Olga and Pyotr, and making a conference room for meetings. This will create a larger entry/waiting area for visiting missionaries and guests to give them space and keep them from wandering around the office and impeding the work.<br />
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This project started a year ago when two of the employees' supervisors came for a visit and said that all employees, including the accountant, needed to be together in a single area. That idea was rejected by President Mickelsen and seemed to die, but here the wishes of a superior do not die easily.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tEiMKpJImS8GOqEShgPdLBszYmqV0x0wauhgNo68jPzOe1nsR0f97_2WKO8OhniLFL0O64O_ZxBXOis_r6Q8qnopaAa-VC3535OoWS12o0pNpDufDxowqmLNIZE6hM4DQw_B3CsFdhbr/s1600/DSC00348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tEiMKpJImS8GOqEShgPdLBszYmqV0x0wauhgNo68jPzOe1nsR0f97_2WKO8OhniLFL0O64O_ZxBXOis_r6Q8qnopaAa-VC3535OoWS12o0pNpDufDxowqmLNIZE6hM4DQw_B3CsFdhbr/s320/DSC00348.JPG" /></a></div>
The idea surfaced several times during the ensuing year until a couple of months ago when Sasha Ozherelev announced that the library was going to be converted to offices and only a small supply of the materials from it would be stored in my old work area and the space formerly occupied by the copier, fax, and supply cabinet while the majority of the supplies would be stored in shelves newly constructed at the Left-Bank chapel where Sasha has his office. This is several miles away, would require longer-range planning/control, would mean Sister Gushchina would have to work in both places, and would take most of her stuff out of her control.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd76FJQzWatiXdMcQDBoXjoAEJc9FCUhxgnbbqrqL1zjmMHnlmilZoWjCtuX0DX-eF9SzrYymM3zt9Ov0xqtZ55Hcnc-wsb0UIDr5UhFQShMAkOiIgPh9A9dQ9tfbayvCuOEHDluadZTh/s1600/DSC00347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd76FJQzWatiXdMcQDBoXjoAEJc9FCUhxgnbbqrqL1zjmMHnlmilZoWjCtuX0DX-eF9SzrYymM3zt9Ov0xqtZ55Hcnc-wsb0UIDr5UhFQShMAkOiIgPh9A9dQ9tfbayvCuOEHDluadZTh/s320/DSC00347.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18zxjMczHeV2VwqrUeezNiPfnjio1nifu2n6FFkbAMA2DuP69xtgC6comO35SC1bScP1u_1h0o9dI6IOnJdJaLl7vqRgvFE-UHi_jdS_MUlpkANjF9vt7Zi_fsNbq4rgHg6nWiEVAwDkK/s1600/DSC00353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18zxjMczHeV2VwqrUeezNiPfnjio1nifu2n6FFkbAMA2DuP69xtgC6comO35SC1bScP1u_1h0o9dI6IOnJdJaLl7vqRgvFE-UHi_jdS_MUlpkANjF9vt7Zi_fsNbq4rgHg6nWiEVAwDkK/s320/DSC00353.JPG" /></a>Sacha made the drawings, he and President Trejo agreed on the plan and Sister Gushchina was surprised when instructed to move her supplies out of the library in a hurry for the construction to begin in a couple of days. Sister Cindy and I did not know that she had such a short time to act on those instructions or that she needed help, and we missed an opportunity to support our friend; not good. No one offered to help her and only the office elders came to her rescue quite by accident because they happened to be working late and saw she was in trouble. It was very unfortunate.<br />
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After the rush to move out, Julia was finally brought into the discussion and pointed out some flaws in the plan which caused plan B to emerge. Olga and Pyotr didn't like that one and plan C was born. Sister Gushchina didn't like any of the plans, but that didn't have much impact on anybody. Each successive plan was rejected by one of the parties and finally President said, enough! Get it done and get my office back in operation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y5cB0i08GVBpb4sXogE1tt2vPeIJSkT6lAowNGwdLBm-9vUp8j_h1Bsip2Him5PzbHP3-qL4VYJK4ypX1K4C9ac7s5x4783-Zcn7AuA6A7sztrRTWKsjDu4I7PG_bD4GKM1zq4GHKDzD/s1600/DSC02971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y5cB0i08GVBpb4sXogE1tt2vPeIJSkT6lAowNGwdLBm-9vUp8j_h1Bsip2Him5PzbHP3-qL4VYJK4ypX1K4C9ac7s5x4783-Zcn7AuA6A7sztrRTWKsjDu4I7PG_bD4GKM1zq4GHKDzD/s320/DSC02971.JPG" /></a></div>
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The construction is a week underway and will take at least another week. The limited supplies are being stored along the hallway, sorted and reorganized; some staying and some going. The branch supplies are under Sister Gushchina's care in the old paper supply area and the mission and office supplies will be under Sister McCauley's care in my old work space; and it is a bit of a shambles. Pyotr has a "ton" of public affairs stuff that he hasn't used in years that will have to go somewhere else; maybe under his desk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhb9_CdkvZWVbK91j19LEjBLQVlFVKM_eyu-kO-GpkhffUBdM5n3NJ4YrSeLMw2L20r1PiWS2XSnT-Bp8VkXRJi5mobDyu7CAppkjvuEjXsPf-1nqvV_AHFQlJFK4Qcc5vzd4z7yp0yjD/s1600/DSC02968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnoI4hy4C7IbvXUzW_MWaS0yO-hMAGEaBsFSmTU02L2mTiyEd3aZcj5jGoOF2skMw5dTnfoEMi2KYqyYCQZUkE0CBPuAlP3jt9PdIhRWEluDllN3jkrAmr_2tz28uSAJG3lndHOawBER-/s1600/DSC02972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnoI4hy4C7IbvXUzW_MWaS0yO-hMAGEaBsFSmTU02L2mTiyEd3aZcj5jGoOF2skMw5dTnfoEMi2KYqyYCQZUkE0CBPuAlP3jt9PdIhRWEluDllN3jkrAmr_2tz28uSAJG3lndHOawBER-/s200/DSC02972.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhb9_CdkvZWVbK91j19LEjBLQVlFVKM_eyu-kO-GpkhffUBdM5n3NJ4YrSeLMw2L20r1PiWS2XSnT-Bp8VkXRJi5mobDyu7CAppkjvuEjXsPf-1nqvV_AHFQlJFK4Qcc5vzd4z7yp0yjD/s200/DSC02968.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vOs32K380wXcGKMAuzH99cFeDc2Ow8M7HI9v5hYmetjkRMGZ49JERNo3pyCdqwDA13dPn_VTaHAMq-BNu2dR69KXgD_lZQD2nrmcFS_UF7WSnMV4qjcGgQrXMsaIZFytzxgL17jWfHP3/s1600/DSC02967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vOs32K380wXcGKMAuzH99cFeDc2Ow8M7HI9v5hYmetjkRMGZ49JERNo3pyCdqwDA13dPn_VTaHAMq-BNu2dR69KXgD_lZQD2nrmcFS_UF7WSnMV4qjcGgQrXMsaIZFytzxgL17jWfHP3/s320/DSC02967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Several lessons can come out of this. One of the big ones is how you merge two cultures within the Church. You need to either make your best decision and ignore the discontent as has characterized Russia for centuries or involve all the players from the start and negotiate the best plan you can manage. Either way, someone will not like it, but in the latter case it will not be a surprise and no one can say they were not consulted.<br />
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Change is difficult and in this mixture of Russian and American attitudes towards authority, planning, and change, it is doubly difficult. I missed several opportunities to help Sasha in this process by not interfering in his job. If I had it to do again I would learn from that mistake. Regardless, the project should be finished by month's end and everyone will move forward.<br />
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What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-86809540470682132852010-04-12T03:16:00.000+07:002017-01-06T05:49:10.159+06:00Some good ideas for living life.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: x-small;"><b>Some good ideas for living life.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span></span></span><span id="role_document_D4CF9F9D_0123_1000_AECB_DB5A64F067AA_5017" style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I got this yesterday as an email. It is supposed to have been written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland,Ohio. Even if it is from some spam writer in Borneo. It has some good ideas for living life.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.<br /> 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step,<br /> 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.<br /> 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Stay in touch.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> 5. Pay off your credit cards every month.<br /> 6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.<br /> 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.<br /> 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.<br /> 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.<br /> 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.<br /> 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.<br /> 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.<br /> 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.<br /> 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.<br /> 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.<br /> 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.<br /> 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.<br /> 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.<br /> 19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood, b</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">ut the second one is up to you and no one else.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.<br /> 24. The most important sex organ is the brain.<br /> 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal_D4CF9F9D_0123_1000_AD50_DB5A64F067AA_5017" style="font-family: lucida grande;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> 27. Always choose life.<br /> 28. Forgive everyone everything.<br /> 29. What other people think of you is none of your business.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal_D4CF9F9D_0123_1000_AD50_DB5A64F067AA_5017" style="font-family: lucida grande;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.<br /> 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 33. Believe in miracles.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.<br /> 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.<br /> 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.<br /> 37. Your children get only one childhood.<br /> 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.<br />39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.<br />40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.<br /> 41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.<br />42. The best is yet to come.<br /> 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"> 44. Yield.</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal_D4CF9F9D_0123_1000_AD50_DB5A64F067AA_5017">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "lucida grande";"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Yes, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;">life</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">is</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> a gift and every day is ours to use or waste. Here in the mission, it is hard to waste a day because there is so much to do. Use yours the same way.<br /><br />What a life.<br />D.S.</span></span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></b></span></div>
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Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-22334982169847240662010-04-06T04:04:00.000+07:002017-01-06T05:52:06.168+06:00Let's Speak Russian Correctly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Let's Speak Russian Correctly</b><br />
Weather -- Clear, warming, high occasional clouds<br />
Temp -- 43F at 11:30 pm Wind -- Calm<br />
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I would not recognize the signs, but the missionaries tell me that there are signs in the Metro cars encouraging people to speak Russian properly. The signs read, "Let's speak Russian correctly", and give the reader some examples of words ofte<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvNEIvWfdW1GxYE-GDko1kYWgSuE0ksz3B9ctaS7VCTM11_8eW-ZrOKqmTWZxzgJzMWfC9EzJ34W5ZiOe2mApF0TPuMDHKtPx0SbZo75BlAc5I5o88nW-NKR3sgdt4o2WP1YpsNb8oC4x/s1600/metro2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463005486936095586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvNEIvWfdW1GxYE-GDko1kYWgSuE0ksz3B9ctaS7VCTM11_8eW-ZrOKqmTWZxzgJzMWfC9EzJ34W5ZiOe2mApF0TPuMDHKtPx0SbZo75BlAc5I5o88nW-NKR3sgdt4o2WP1YpsNb8oC4x/s320/metro2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 191px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /></a>n mispronounced or misused. The sign then gives the proper pronunciation or usage and encourages the reader to be more respectful of the mother tongue and take the time to speak properly.<br />
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This is an example of the pride Russians take in their language and an indication of how seriously they take it. On the other hand, I have found that my friends here are very tolerant with the missionaries and myself when we try to speak Russian. I think there is a strong pride in being able to speak Russian at all and particularly to speak it properly.<br />
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Today we took the McCauleys on a shopping tour <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jY_Nsa23rZtSxrYuBN6dWT7hqPAHF3CvOB-FN6_zpmU7MiVsECcgGAJq6bks-NVgymqfcAcyUomp3uy-UBhnKmQIJtddBuJcivuXQSbrRiFEgKHaaeZy2cVugf0x0rObgQMKF1RFYzhb/s1600/DSC02929.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463004440083132562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jY_Nsa23rZtSxrYuBN6dWT7hqPAHF3CvOB-FN6_zpmU7MiVsECcgGAJq6bks-NVgymqfcAcyUomp3uy-UBhnKmQIJtddBuJcivuXQSbrRiFEgKHaaeZy2cVugf0x0rObgQMKF1RFYzhb/s320/DSC02929.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>to several markets and a mall. Yulia, the 20-something accountant came with us along with President Yuri Gushchin, our driver. Yulia is a terrific young lady, beautiful in appearance and spirit. We love her and will miss her a lot.<br />
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While waiting in the checkout line we were all saying "<span class="short_text" id="result_box"><span style="background-color: #ebeff9;" title="formal hello">привет" (previet) and </span></span>"здравствуйте" (zdrasfitya) which are all forms of "hello". Yulia turned to me and quite seriously said, " The baby does not speak Russian yet". You and I would say, "The baby does not speak yet", but for her it was important that the baby did not speak Russian yet.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV59jpsNMzf0_YQnGvTOUmgOPikCN-kMz73RHZ0UaJvWhtSIVWVxQPqaYeIaLsJgT14_xPfOGEoYjfVC3s0TvdejzXsUNKGPkXXcJr5yNCHqQa-jI0DcOyjohB-aXQugLJscy_dBqUZP5/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463004617692205586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV59jpsNMzf0_YQnGvTOUmgOPikCN-kMz73RHZ0UaJvWhtSIVWVxQPqaYeIaLsJgT14_xPfOGEoYjfVC3s0TvdejzXsUNKGPkXXcJr5yNCHqQa-jI0DcOyjohB-aXQugLJscy_dBqUZP5/s320/IMG_0614.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
I love this genuine interest and pride in speaking their language and doing so properly. As I tell Sister Cindy all of the time, "Words have meaning" and we need to use them properly. I am so sick of "thingey" and "stuff" and "way" (as in way cool). I even heard an elder at English Club teaching the conjugation of the word "way" as in "It is way cold", "Yesterday it was wayer cold" and "Tomorrow will be the wayest cold ever". Things have names, words have proper uses, meaning comes from agreed usage, and they all contribute to communication.<br />
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Thanks to whoever put up the signs and to the effort it promotes. That was way cool.<br />
What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-19972165557548093402010-04-04T20:53:00.001+07:002017-01-06T05:58:30.946+06:00The Problem with Dunkin' Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Problem with Dunkin' Cookies</b><br />
Weather --Light snow and overcast<br />
Temp -- plus 39F Wind --light 3-5 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uhA2PIl6yRGrGx7mCV_WUUp6MYHW7zKupWbjk769M_L7n_oG2NrK1lD0W9ZjRhRpzEs14yFPRJe48TQoorTrcY_dt9U1HwOL63aHU3X7V2ARpYL0w-pa2lThXQ-VwO0YCopE8ONwsKe3/s1600/Elders,+Ninja+Turtles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uhA2PIl6yRGrGx7mCV_WUUp6MYHW7zKupWbjk769M_L7n_oG2NrK1lD0W9ZjRhRpzEs14yFPRJe48TQoorTrcY_dt9U1HwOL63aHU3X7V2ARpYL0w-pa2lThXQ-VwO0YCopE8ONwsKe3/s320/Elders,+Ninja+Turtles.JPG" /></a>The mission office is a mixture of solemn seriousness interspersed with goofy laughter. We need the laughter to break the tension caused by some pretty serious issues we deal with every day, all day, like when Elder So-and-so came back from his visa renewal trip and threw away his airline ticket before surrendering his passport to Olga to get registered in Novosibirsk. That ticket is necessary to prove that he actually CAME into the country and without it, he could be deported, fined, or jailed for being here illegally, or, when Sister What's-her-name didn't notice that the passport check officer in the Moscow airport port-of-entry didn't stamp her passport and she is now in the country without proof of legal entry, or, when the elders in Barnaul on their way home after English Club got beat-up by a gang of young thugs, or, the time the two Elders who went to Astana, Kazakhstan for a visa renewal couldn't get their Russian visas from the embassy because of a series of unfortunate events and were stranded there for over two weeks in the care of a Humanitarian Couple. Well, you get the idea.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvruAXu2i1S-FIOBZkclExEQRoBMAkXiV-eWbq1y9478Q0cqEGjU44SjBVB5D7AWUO-5CpvbFQQ0vNv239BDUkkDtxw8ifU293Qrg2rs2uiJH7maHCxr3t_568k1kqF_mFCBYbeZzAjqAP/s1600/DSC00509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvruAXu2i1S-FIOBZkclExEQRoBMAkXiV-eWbq1y9478Q0cqEGjU44SjBVB5D7AWUO-5CpvbFQQ0vNv239BDUkkDtxw8ifU293Qrg2rs2uiJH7maHCxr3t_568k1kqF_mFCBYbeZzAjqAP/s200/DSC00509.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
To break the tension, we have to laugh from time to time. Above, one of the elders got a package from home and among the other emergency essentials the family sent there was a set of Ninja Turtle masks. I came around the corner into the "computer room" to find them sporting the masks and quoting Ninjaturtleisms to one another from the TV show that they thought quite funny.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfQAWxedGkEwmEgdiGMJs5XknAl9N67PJU8Jyvw2-tzkUwxqq1-Sb7bj9BkUcbtYn_fXj0R1Lfz2_TIhYRD56nq1FTGGwbPCZOcaL-FNN0AmZPXZQbOQ-mh_rahzq6r1IFXJPGPNtElr9/s1600/DSC01256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfQAWxedGkEwmEgdiGMJs5XknAl9N67PJU8Jyvw2-tzkUwxqq1-Sb7bj9BkUcbtYn_fXj0R1Lfz2_TIhYRD56nq1FTGGwbPCZOcaL-FNN0AmZPXZQbOQ-mh_rahzq6r1IFXJPGPNtElr9/s320/DSC01256.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmeFXdHB7GPXgXueBRn4gNIqkvGehjVg4h1lZrxXZCc_SQTggGws9O3AZ2WL6amyD_egTwJ0flyVQGK5ogIbCn78NcvvUEnne14Rc_zLMwJsKh8J-bBgyPtNWhOO7tKHhdrBBfuUxSrHB/s1600/DSC01258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmeFXdHB7GPXgXueBRn4gNIqkvGehjVg4h1lZrxXZCc_SQTggGws9O3AZ2WL6amyD_egTwJ0flyVQGK5ogIbCn78NcvvUEnne14Rc_zLMwJsKh8J-bBgyPtNWhOO7tKHhdrBBfuUxSrHB/s320/DSC01258.JPG" width="320" /></a>In between emergencies, Sister Cindy laughs a lot in the office with the staff, especially with the elders, (she really enjoys them) but I rarely catch her in a real guffaw. However, twice I happened to be on scene when she really lost it and I caught it on camera.<br />
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Sometime in late November of 2008 she and her Travel Secretary Elder Watson were talking about something and his cell phone rang. For some reason she had to answer a question regarding the call and took his phone. (Not so funny yet, right?)<br />
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Above, as I sat around the corner with my camera, he is trying to explain what happened in a somewhat calm, collected manner while Sister Cindy is convulsing with laughter across the aisle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TC6HCUmfNeHmoVaxGY53e2nokz2XjvhGKlDdMf9riLfgr8Klhb3n1i5_mBybAE4MCP8WxT0pKApUEfRFhFjNeYb8iVOPHMH9nSuKa1wwfslmvt82bq3nzZctEO1DmCV7wQjBvOCvPusD/s1600/DSC01257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TC6HCUmfNeHmoVaxGY53e2nokz2XjvhGKlDdMf9riLfgr8Klhb3n1i5_mBybAE4MCP8WxT0pKApUEfRFhFjNeYb8iVOPHMH9nSuKa1wwfslmvt82bq3nzZctEO1DmCV7wQjBvOCvPusD/s320/DSC01257.JPG" /></a>It seems that when she finished the call, they were laughing about something and they both got distracted while she was handing back the phone. He didn't get a good grip on it and it fell between them. Watching it fall, she adroitly extended her foot to keep it from falling on the floor and timed it just right to actually give it a good soccer kick and sent it flying in five pieces. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJfuvNKFpi0f70vXEoFUi1z3RFOMYvN-V4FcsEydO7_2JrVclxV8p96uEKzRqnVLPoOTdUtn2Y5P9xwK7N2SGqDFh2mOeOzp56Q45S5Z4BPPs4am7Io0oVARUKchOMC-V7PsTL6zq5kjU/s1600/DSC01847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJfuvNKFpi0f70vXEoFUi1z3RFOMYvN-V4FcsEydO7_2JrVclxV8p96uEKzRqnVLPoOTdUtn2Y5P9xwK7N2SGqDFh2mOeOzp56Q45S5Z4BPPs4am7Io0oVARUKchOMC-V7PsTL6zq5kjU/s320/DSC01847.JPG" width="212" /></a> For some reason that struck both of them funny and they lost it. I was busy working my stubby fingers to the bone, with my camera in hand, and came around the corner into the foyer to see what was so funny. As they tried to explain it they both lost it again. While Elder Watson reassembled the phone she continued to laugh.<br />
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Incident number two, Sister Cindy likes to dunk her cookie in milk. One Family Night when we had the elders and their investigator over for dinner, FHE, and the requisite game, she served some homemade chocolate chip cookies and provided herself, and all who wished to dunk, a cup of milk. She likes the wide opening of the cup because she can get a good dunk and not get her hand stuck in the glass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSwrNC_k9ujkFoQs_ZiJO5Nq1e7CLNW59Ek6lCxM2sIVLKIIAYefArX5Zr8PCpeJ4ALUH0jDlQB_eB5L3EKBKjgY8K6SQewUKFp85sAt0_FAwr-36u5vnhQXyjDvR5MxlmH-qxht76pbR/s1600/DSC01845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSwrNC_k9ujkFoQs_ZiJO5Nq1e7CLNW59Ek6lCxM2sIVLKIIAYefArX5Zr8PCpeJ4ALUH0jDlQB_eB5L3EKBKjgY8K6SQewUKFp85sAt0_FAwr-36u5vnhQXyjDvR5MxlmH-qxht76pbR/s320/DSC01845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Above she is demonstrating the manual dexterity she inherited from her baseball-playing father by dunking while managing her Phase 10 cards. All of a sudden, disaster strikes; she lost her cookie. Amid some little embarrassment and an apology for having to fish her cookie out of the cup, she begins to laugh.<br />
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After fishing her cookie out of the cup and downing it quickly, she pauses momentarily to gain her composure and play a card. Taking a new cookie, she makes another attempt at a dunk. You guessed it; dropped the second cookie. If you click on the picture you can see the floating cookie number two.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLEylHYIYqRpDEo_hhMXE0arVjg2KTWh-Q6z2_s6uYlFrCI4a2jyI_niA6jQy6WxavrFFBTI4WCOJ6oVB3Aizm7eTAphbOSyKGbE_u4Cx35gs_4fP_VN-_wxIWTvF_5rd5loCM5sfxZFV/s1600/DSC01849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLEylHYIYqRpDEo_hhMXE0arVjg2KTWh-Q6z2_s6uYlFrCI4a2jyI_niA6jQy6WxavrFFBTI4WCOJ6oVB3Aizm7eTAphbOSyKGbE_u4Cx35gs_4fP_VN-_wxIWTvF_5rd5loCM5sfxZFV/s320/DSC01849.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjTxVtGKtgKNtRJPrcf5rDLabgi9xk9lt3qgJThSiNfIPizB-nckUrpooJ_8-rveMrsVU6_0I3ioWGoOIdOdAoQT58SyKplENBNVSNFdA7swRFYZlhwksl9FlPttpMZa-foJz6hB0Cf0-/s1600/DSC01848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjTxVtGKtgKNtRJPrcf5rDLabgi9xk9lt3qgJThSiNfIPizB-nckUrpooJ_8-rveMrsVU6_0I3ioWGoOIdOdAoQT58SyKplENBNVSNFdA7swRFYZlhwksl9FlPttpMZa-foJz6hB0Cf0-/s320/DSC01848.JPG" width="212" /></a>By this time, everyone at the table played another card while breathlessly awaiting a successful dunk. After fishing cookie number two out of the cup, and eating it, she takes a moment to compose herself before making the final assault on the cup.<br />
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Well, as fate would have it, I missed the final and successful dunk and had to be content with this final picture below of Sister Cindy confidently relaxed and fully composed at the opposite end of the table after finally achieving a perfect dunk. I, on the other hand had to be satisfied with simply drinking my milk with my non-chocolate chip cookie, especially made by Sister Cindy because I don't like chocolate chips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHbABWskdgW_UI9Qj4haDlwH79aiIcILj_woGbaPdKSQ3ifVyWvDzAgeOVzNyGkEKscE5SdzSwZeaKvkvriPUvrM-vv8kOtbvu-QliszvBXmVl40eaLNh5w6rfpKLcKORbLTgUooWyKwo/s1600/DSC01844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHbABWskdgW_UI9Qj4haDlwH79aiIcILj_woGbaPdKSQ3ifVyWvDzAgeOVzNyGkEKscE5SdzSwZeaKvkvriPUvrM-vv8kOtbvu-QliszvBXmVl40eaLNh5w6rfpKLcKORbLTgUooWyKwo/s320/DSC01844.JPG" width="212" /></a>This is the last of the list of blogs that I intended to write over the months and never got to it. The writing may taper off now as I finish the projects I have on my list. The things left on the list are to finish creating the game I have started to introduce to our friends and to sort, cleanup, and categorize the pictures so that we are prepared to use them if we are ever asked to talk to a group about our mission.<br />
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Thank you for following this blog and I hope you will check in from time to time to see if anything else has popped from my fertile mind.<br />
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What a companion. What a country<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-12997790067990947892010-04-04T01:36:00.000+07:002017-01-06T06:07:07.694+06:00A Patriot's Dream 4/4/2010<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>A Patriot's Dream 4/4/2010</b><br />
Weather--Overcast, still cold, warming<br />
Temp-- plus 36 F Wind--calm<br />
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Yesterday while looking for something to watch while I did my morning exercise (that is what's so hard about exercise, it is mind-numbingly boring) I came across the archive copy of the 2008 Utah Freedom Festival on BYU TV featuring Glenn Beck as the main speaker. I WAS BLOWN AWAY.<br />
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Not so much by the program, although that was terrific and I follow Glenn Beck (although I think the few times I have listened to his radio show on the internet it was too silly for me), I did not realize how I would be effected by the flag . . . and the music . . . and the whole idea of people getting together to celebrate their freedom . . . . and the whole idea of home. I stood there for several minutes, tears running down my face and just felt . . . just felt home . . . just longed for home.<br />
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I will apologize to my Russian friends right now for what I am about to say and hope they will forgive me for my open love for my home. Please forgive me. I love you. I love you collectively. I love you individually as we have become acquainted and with some have become close. I love you. I have loved being here with you. I have loved my experiences here and will treasure the memories of my time here with you and my privilege to serve here, but this is not home.<br />
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I don't know if you have ever lived elsewhere and longed to be back in Russia, I don't know if you have ever felt a longing for home no matter where home is, but I have and I do, and that 20 minutes or so of looking at home stirred in me feelings that I have put away somewhere for the last 22 months. I cannot afford to dwell on them and will put them back away for another 4 weeks, but for those few minutes they were all-consuming.<br />
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I long to be where I have choices, almost unlimited choices. I long to be where birth is less of an issue than talent. Where who I know is less important than what I know. I long to be where freedom to choose is still the prime directive and where I can be, do, go, get, give, run, stand, lay, look, picture, serve, laugh, cry, love, be loved, and just be, without fear.<br />
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Some will say that America is not what it used to be or that it never was what it was purported to be or that it is all an illusion. Well, some of that may have a kernel of truth, and for some it may not have been true at all. But for me is was and still is. My ancestors read the signs that "Irish need not apply". My ancestors were driven from Kirtland, Nauvoo, Independence, Spring Hill, Haun's Mill, Far West, but over time truth, honesty, law, and justice have caught up with all of us and the wrongs get righted and the wounded get healed, and the evil punish themselves.<br />
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America is not perfect. America is not Zion (yet). America has lost something precious over the last two years, but with whatever faults exists, America is not only my home, it is the greatest, most generous, most free place I know of. People are still coming over, under, and around our borders to get into America for a very good reason. America is not perfect, but it is way above whatever is in second place.<br />
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One of the greatest things about America is the right to make changes in it. I strongly object to some of the changes that have been made recently and I glory in the opportunity to change it back. Some of those who voted for those changes have had second thoughts; and even repented. That is what America is for me . . . an opportunity to make it better. Heavenly Father protected it while it was growing and as long as the majority of us honored Him He blessed it. I am afraid He has withdrawn somewhat from it and I for one am going to try to help my fellow Americans show Him that most of us still honor Him. <br />
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I love the people I've met in Russia and I will always love them. They are my friends and my brothers and sisters. We are more alike than we are different and that gives me hope for the future. Bloom where you are planted. God bless you my friends. God WILL bless you my friends as you love and serve Him. Love one another and keep the faith. Hold one another up until the Savior comes. I love you . . . I'm just ready to go home.<br />
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What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-27135129867883042672010-04-01T21:44:00.001+07:002017-01-06T06:26:39.142+06:00Winter is Reluctant to Let Go of Novosibirsk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Winter is Reluctant to Let Go of Novosibirsk</b><br />
Weather -- overcast, light wind, warming<br />
Temp -- plus 36F Wind -- 3-5 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GyOs3PJsu-K7mZPBjHz56X3GPBdw_VzZLZXhd0eIaWeirJfcFkv8W_DDqI3snS_w4z7TOohfES1PvX7HRCseqZzrmZcsU-oM7iMN2HbHK33ulUiTu11HZCDf-OpeEkDn7w0NrFfZgdSI/s1600/DSC01393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GyOs3PJsu-K7mZPBjHz56X3GPBdw_VzZLZXhd0eIaWeirJfcFkv8W_DDqI3snS_w4z7TOohfES1PvX7HRCseqZzrmZcsU-oM7iMN2HbHK33ulUiTu11HZCDf-OpeEkDn7w0NrFfZgdSI/s320/DSC01393.JPG" /></a>April first and the melt is on; again. Here I am in my winter duds, wearing my scarf "Siberian Style" with my fur collar around my neck and my shapka down to my eyebrows. <br />
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In mid-March the temperature got up to the mid 40's and everything began to get soft and/or melt. That lasted 4 days, enough to get a good melt started. Then it snowed for 4 days and then the temperature dropped into the 20's and whatever was melted froze into a solid sheet of ice. Novosibirsk became a huge ice skating rink with people slippin' and slidin' from площадь Ленинa (Ploshad Lenina) Lenin Plaza at the city center to площадь Марксa (Ploshad Marksa) Plaza Marx at the left bank Metro terminus.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LY9znF7U4HlNh8VRtGRUTJhRc6vScxfaUTTMPj5e5z2GykGnZtAfpDtYyv-j9MqAZoftxFmLk-9sCjxxaOiYCi8zpx52WwcdKTu3LMMHH9G_bz546NZzyTNPOUFqud5eZLfvKx3WjZDH/s1600/DSC01769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LY9znF7U4HlNh8VRtGRUTJhRc6vScxfaUTTMPj5e5z2GykGnZtAfpDtYyv-j9MqAZoftxFmLk-9sCjxxaOiYCi8zpx52WwcdKTu3LMMHH9G_bz546NZzyTNPOUFqud5eZLfvKx3WjZDH/s320/DSC01769.JPG" /></a><br />
It stayed that way for a week or so and then we hit the 30's and the ice began to get really slick with a sheen of water on it. Then last week the snow came again and we were back to the high 20's. Finally this week we have had 3 days of high 30's and the water is flowing again. Below is our office driveway with the ice partially melted (about a foot thick) and the water flowing from beneath it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANM_oUp5PtIG5jKraLB2hP161Z0CKGoZCUeW6sZeKxYFOpdGdQ249I8OEJ9qx9WXAHqTqNowpWk4wseQnmsnBlZTIVhVMoUvZwACFKCfVGF_CYGv5v6JTnqj245w5JPZwh_tdI24alw33/s1600/DSC01879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANM_oUp5PtIG5jKraLB2hP161Z0CKGoZCUeW6sZeKxYFOpdGdQ249I8OEJ9qx9WXAHqTqNowpWk4wseQnmsnBlZTIVhVMoUvZwACFKCfVGF_CYGv5v6JTnqj245w5JPZwh_tdI24alw33/s320/DSC01879.JPG" /></a></div>
It is interesting to contemplate the various things that have been contributed to the water that now splashes from passing cars and collects in puddles that you must traverse on the way to and from. Surely it contains the auto component, the dog component, the trash component, the human component, and whatever is actually seeping up from the ground as it mixes with the flowing surface water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExPug6-5CYNFlRrHGLygql8jSMuzpO5PRTh2ne_y0xrIxmiqNn6u9imR1xq8c6rH1_31SE3eG6UBuQ-TaqjdgWlWaCGMMTgPO3PtpnN7T3aFTxS87hG57ADCJe-Cw4QWjETiquvDfxzja/s1600/DSC01809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExPug6-5CYNFlRrHGLygql8jSMuzpO5PRTh2ne_y0xrIxmiqNn6u9imR1xq8c6rH1_31SE3eG6UBuQ-TaqjdgWlWaCGMMTgPO3PtpnN7T3aFTxS87hG57ADCJe-Cw4QWjETiquvDfxzja/s320/DSC01809.JPG" /></a> The trash component is huge. All winter stuff accumulates around the neighborhood and is then buried with snow that becomes encased in ice and remains out of sight until the melt. As the ice recedes and the waters flow, the hidden becomes known and what was not picked up last fall or winter now becomes a project. The snow removal department and the ice chippers do a very good job keeping the major thoroughfares clear and as the snow stops falling and the main roads are passable, they start on the smaller roads and even parking lots. One morning last week we awoke to the sounds of a snowplow breaking up the ice in our parking lot and moving it into piles. You always know when the weather has been clear, the machinery gets closer to home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI15iv6bbR6E4ysnfUa_SDOZdPhhy8mlI2V82T76yPcuxEt-rN0E-d-v2tVV3sH8f4uhyphenhyphen912vS__SiMxcQXTtKQeDkEHgCxRBdAwIZkv1dENyExn3TRn3pJ0OkIoPepSmBlP0tSK2KWHc/s1600/DSC01805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI15iv6bbR6E4ysnfUa_SDOZdPhhy8mlI2V82T76yPcuxEt-rN0E-d-v2tVV3sH8f4uhyphenhyphen912vS__SiMxcQXTtKQeDkEHgCxRBdAwIZkv1dENyExn3TRn3pJ0OkIoPepSmBlP0tSK2KWHc/s320/DSC01805.JPG" /></a></div>
Another contemplation is the question of, "where does it all go?" The storm-drain system is full of the sand they spread on the ice for traction and as Sister Woodhouse can attest, it is full of a lot of trash as well. You remember that she was the one who stepped into an open storm drain one night while leaving our house on her way with Sister Boggs and a recent convert, Anya, to English Club. There WAS enough room for her to go down past her waist, but I can see the trash piled up in there to stop the water. So where does it go? There is no sign that it flows in any systematic way to the river. The drains don't work. Closer to the office we DID see several sink holes that formed last spring and there was significant water flowing underground there to create quite a hole. The ground must be saturated pretty quickly, and evaporation is a little slow; a mystery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw59h4-qEH57l4YaFmHj2eiX8gE1MHap4MkkV9Fwxr26uU031FdFA4F4e1dqMskDXOiUo4mrH3eszTaHxZTjkMNiJpmCo19CD-faugIdtEXWCreqYQ1qv82qMRUE9QemzVYRr4YzZD1gJ7/s1600/DSC01815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw59h4-qEH57l4YaFmHj2eiX8gE1MHap4MkkV9Fwxr26uU031FdFA4F4e1dqMskDXOiUo4mrH3eszTaHxZTjkMNiJpmCo19CD-faugIdtEXWCreqYQ1qv82qMRUE9QemzVYRr4YzZD1gJ7/s320/DSC01815.JPG" width="212" /></a> When you are little and the snow gets icy, it is hard to find a place to play outside. Here a mother and toddler are trying to get some outside time and it's tough finding something to dig in or slide down. Having a young child in an apartment is like having a large dog. They both need to get outside during the day and just run around. It surely strains a mother's patience to have such an "animal" on the loose in a 800 sq. ft. apartment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-8b4Imiud993xlNjo4FI8QTj-1tQB9-SBQcGOcLkeLwKRA72cg5Wiej0-5I5cppbC5BfDchH6kfO1wj8XvqtBGdNPCHO_GdetExiOPlQXl1UjJl4h4NET8p8vieZ6m6Oqs4OCeUD-Dpp/s1600/DSC01804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-8b4Imiud993xlNjo4FI8QTj-1tQB9-SBQcGOcLkeLwKRA72cg5Wiej0-5I5cppbC5BfDchH6kfO1wj8XvqtBGdNPCHO_GdetExiOPlQXl1UjJl4h4NET8p8vieZ6m6Oqs4OCeUD-Dpp/s320/DSC01804.JPG" /></a>Here the water has melted and frozen again. This can be really dangerous for us older folk. We don't bounce like the young ones and we hit with a thud. The only time I have fallen (knock on wood) during our whole mission was as we were coming down the stairs from the hill upon which is the Zolani Kulola building (green roof) where the 1st and 2nd branches meet. The stairs have two sets of about 30 steps that end at street level. Then you make a 90 degree turn to the right and walk about 200 feet to the Metro entry. As we turned the corner ( the only time I wasn't wearing my shoe chains) I slipped on the ice on a little incline and took out Sister Cindy like a 7-10 pin split (bowling term) and we both went down in a heap. Fortunately, 5-6 of the YSA girls were with us and got us on our feet. I cracked a rib on Sister Cindy's bag that I had on my right shoulder, but otherwise we survived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64Z_59_Fyx2AtMj9GxjPh8etcpnbP2AaAk1PmIWSJKEIXfRf6HTv8tBoQQQkNQYqkr3mPzXfzybXASY3CgkhqbdsNbLRqGWBADygw-abFezYVGrbqvVo1jScnWkyjvoT56HWbdU8QsRfk/s1600/DSC01891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64Z_59_Fyx2AtMj9GxjPh8etcpnbP2AaAk1PmIWSJKEIXfRf6HTv8tBoQQQkNQYqkr3mPzXfzybXASY3CgkhqbdsNbLRqGWBADygw-abFezYVGrbqvVo1jScnWkyjvoT56HWbdU8QsRfk/s200/DSC01891.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDkXuDxyXZMR3rDj4Fz1u_ASCMGAt2erG_ojVZEfhzUtXIVO500L2er4icMsjw_gIBAFNqPkaQtsXEf0V1keX_pc7xx1fdnzlMgRbLX8aWdJmCrGXWxAJJrEw9spCe0AYLxog_vxateQR/s1600/DSC01813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDkXuDxyXZMR3rDj4Fz1u_ASCMGAt2erG_ojVZEfhzUtXIVO500L2er4icMsjw_gIBAFNqPkaQtsXEf0V1keX_pc7xx1fdnzlMgRbLX8aWdJmCrGXWxAJJrEw9spCe0AYLxog_vxateQR/s320/DSC01813.JPG" /></a>When the melt is in full sway, this is what we have in several spots along our route from home to the office. Some creative Russian has laid some pallets against the fence and they stay there all year just for the month or so that we have the spring flood. Why not?<br />
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If you aren't fast enough getting across the street or watching carefully you get some of that interesting water on your nice clean пальто (palto) and I'm sure it will eat a hole in it before I get home. <br />
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But for Russians, and particularly Siberians, any hint of sun and thaw is time for a bar-b-q and shish-kebab is the order of the day. They call it шашлык (sashlik and it is usually beef and veggies on a steel rod cooked over coals. Very ethnic.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Z1V02atkcyt3H59KeHczFmQWe1Lvu1ANwouMeSEhXp8rXv294wKZ4N628qnygM-1SfIV2pqOtehyphenhyphentdww_psmzTPoNnPl9zecBmN_BOSBL6weCHBosxcyX4bo218tDBRHHjMoEwxfv7n8/s1600/CIMG0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Z1V02atkcyt3H59KeHczFmQWe1Lvu1ANwouMeSEhXp8rXv294wKZ4N628qnygM-1SfIV2pqOtehyphenhyphentdww_psmzTPoNnPl9zecBmN_BOSBL6weCHBosxcyX4bo218tDBRHHjMoEwxfv7n8/s200/CIMG0132.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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The melt is what the Siberians hate almost as much as the winter. The good thing about winter is that it is not so messy. The bad thing is that it's "DARN COLD". The bad thing about the melt is the mess. The good thing is that summer is coming and there is hope for a time to thaw out and rest up for the next winter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bRfWvXsuWkn6F6iIoqoquA8lqe99hSFmi8RNj6zKWgc66ArlOaWy9rmNCidd_6Y7T8C-heD93BzfEi-VWAE0D4hSkJcRJtLs8qKmVru0kgX_H512DFum2t8f6sRU7CUGeqDcrA23JK4U/s1600/DSC01732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bRfWvXsuWkn6F6iIoqoquA8lqe99hSFmi8RNj6zKWgc66ArlOaWy9rmNCidd_6Y7T8C-heD93BzfEi-VWAE0D4hSkJcRJtLs8qKmVru0kgX_H512DFum2t8f6sRU7CUGeqDcrA23JK4U/s200/DSC01732.JPG" width="200" /></a>Finally, I just love this picture. It is Elder Wilson and Elder Baird in front of their передняя дверь (front door) that did not close all the way during the winter. The moist air from the building's interior leaked out all winter and formed ice crystals on the under-side of their entry awning as you see here. You can just imagine what the melt will do to that.<br />
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Winter is brutal; the melt is just a last reminder that man is nothing in the face of nature. We can prepare for it and even endure it, but we cannot control it. Once the melt is past we will enjoy five months of reasonable weather and freedom.<br />
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For our missionaries, this begins the time when they can contact people on the street and have a hope that they will stop and listen. It is hard to concentrate on a gospel message at -37F.<br />
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The melt is also the reason that Siberian Russians take off their shoes when they come into a house or apartment and they always head straight for the bathroom to wash their hands. This is a dirty place and you have to have these traditions, habits, to keep any semblance of cleanliness.<br />
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What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-8764452246655951192010-04-01T20:38:00.002+07:002017-01-08T11:03:27.134+06:00One of the great families of Novosibirsk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>One of the great families of Novosibirsk</b><br />
Weather -- Slight overcast, cold, mild wind<br />
Temp -- Plus 20F<br />
Wind -- 3-5 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5jhgF5Pkk_OZHdrQJkm5j37LC2n0gC_AZoafqY9OJB0X_KEF7zTsNZzYOhikuj91pHiZtZEF1Kgdy6FVeqR8IfQ4Mg53AycSGfNgAIIW4MC-B9rL7TkJSqqAbSAb33u9h5IJSBf8VD4p/s1600/DSC02966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5jhgF5Pkk_OZHdrQJkm5j37LC2n0gC_AZoafqY9OJB0X_KEF7zTsNZzYOhikuj91pHiZtZEF1Kgdy6FVeqR8IfQ4Mg53AycSGfNgAIIW4MC-B9rL7TkJSqqAbSAb33u9h5IJSBf8VD4p/s320/DSC02966.JPG" /></a></div>
Meet the Savchuks, one of the really great families of Novosibirsk. Father is Victor, mother is Nina, daughters are 21 year old Galia and 18 year old Dasha. We said good-bye to them after dinner and a round of Phase 10. As I closed the door Sister Cindy said what I was thinking. "There's a family we should have gotten better acquainted with a year ago. They would have done things with us." They are some of the nicest people we have met anywhere; just genuinely nice people.<br />
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Victor was the last of the family to join the Church, getting baptized in 2006. First was momma, Nina, who met the missionaries at her door in the 1990's when the church in Novosibirsk was totally run by the missionaries and they had many small branches scattered around the city. Later Galia and Dasha were baptized when old enough and now Victor has made the family complete.<br />
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At dinner, Victor talked about the various jobs he has had over the years. He said there were 10 different jobs, starting with his work in a factory that made components for the Soviet space effort. It was there that he met Nina who worked in the same factory. They both were in a back-packing club organized at the factory. I believe he started as an electrical engineer and continued in that general category for several job changes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4rcqIEhhnfN6ejHa78Pnk4P1fx1kacvhVabd8ixhdODFZ5yBPDBgP5pmInTJWXzrLDR8oesHkxLBgdiz1NCYbmNRe8NqzXPOUBIU7gv78hGkV8fY5uSrBNlBBXrS2_SfVSA_kAdBtfwO/s1600/DSC00411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4rcqIEhhnfN6ejHa78Pnk4P1fx1kacvhVabd8ixhdODFZ5yBPDBgP5pmInTJWXzrLDR8oesHkxLBgdiz1NCYbmNRe8NqzXPOUBIU7gv78hGkV8fY5uSrBNlBBXrS2_SfVSA_kAdBtfwO/s320/DSC00411.JPG" /></a>Next he worked at a gold mining site in the Yakutia area of north-central Russia, then worked in the same general area for a diamond mining project. Both government projects during the Soviet period. Later he continued in other jobs using his electrical expertise, turning to home building, large building construction, and now has turned a photography hobby into a business where he now has contracts with schools to take class pictures all over Novosibirsk. He is a smart, capable man with the willingness to succeed.<br />
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A few months ago we had Victor to our home with an investigator to meet with the elders. The lesson went OK, but when Victor started to tell his conversion story and bear his testimony of what the Gospel and the Church had done for his family, the meeting came alive and the Holy Ghost was talking. That was the first time I had heard him talk, through a translator, and was I impressed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2UH9oZR4JEN1Wqam271-Vnz06kXT7AH5MTa7ZvFruDiywFg4Ktn0qOe7SSv2RuBHnG30707PVogxMNuuuPABakp-v1hYxdhnv1EvoT7qdmPqSOVUnWxa8CgUK3pkDl0vlGgURq7fq_Ld/s1600/DSC04075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2UH9oZR4JEN1Wqam271-Vnz06kXT7AH5MTa7ZvFruDiywFg4Ktn0qOe7SSv2RuBHnG30707PVogxMNuuuPABakp-v1hYxdhnv1EvoT7qdmPqSOVUnWxa8CgUK3pkDl0vlGgURq7fq_Ld/s320/DSC04075.JPG" /></a>The family took a road trip last summer that would put our US road trips to shame. It is like comparing a road trip on the Big Island of Hawaii to one on the mainland. In short, they drove from Novosibirsk to Helsinki to be in the Temple for only the second time. They were sealed as a family in May of 2007. That's 4311 km one way, or 2675 miles. That's 5 thousand miles by car; Yikes! Galia got to drive in the country, but papa drove in the cities. That's quite a commitment for four people in a sedan.<br />
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Galia and Dasha are two of my favorite people. They are beautiful outside and inside. Above they are the ones kneeling on the left and standing on the left. Below, Galia is sitting front right. They are open, friendly, kind, smart, and a lot of fun. They are two of the bright lights I will miss.<br />
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What a family. What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-64814061975201012452010-03-30T12:18:00.002+07:002017-01-10T04:41:32.280+06:00The Lost and Found<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Lost and Found</b><br />
Weather -- Bright and sunny this morning, now beginning to cloud over<br />
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This morning I was cleaning up my computer desktop and came across this post I never completed. It was from April 2009 and I wanted to save it here rather than trashing it.</div>
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Tonight we had the Zone Leaders, Olga (office), President Chudinov, Lena (first branch), and President Gushchin for dinner to celebrate Jesus birthday and the birthday of the church. It was not a kosher meal, but it was worthy of the celebration with salad, pork chops, buttered noodles, asparagus, rolls, butter, and jam. </div>
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After dinner we had a lesson from the elders on Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. I contributed some answers to two questions, “Why do we have Christmas on December 25<sup>th</sup>”, and Is the evergreen tree a pagan symbol. The first, about the date was quite simple. Constantine tried to unite the Roman Empire with Christianity by meshing Christian holidays with the old pagan calendar of festivals. The end of the year celebrations were ideal for celebrating Jesus’ birthday and Christmas was born.</div>
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As for the evergreen tree, "yes" it was pagan at first as a symbol of life in mid winter at the winter solstice but was combined with Christmas as the symbol of Christ’s living and resurrection. </div>
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After the lesson we had dessert and while eating, the elders started on a discussion of how bad their apartment was and how they would like to move into the building where the Assistants and the Office Elders live, called “The Palace” because it is so large. After about 5 minutes of the virtues of the Palace and the shortcomings of their current apartment, Elder Bindrup said that they were going to look at it tomorrow and I said not to get too excited about it because both of you will someday be transferred and moving into better digs would not benefit them. Then Elder Bindrup made the fatal slip, saying, ” Well, I wouldn’t just go there and buy it”. I smiled and quietly interjected, “you are not going to buy anything”, meaning that I make those decisions. That caught him off guard and he was speechless for a few moments. Then we all laughed and had fun with that little play of words.</div>
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What a country.</div>
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DS</div>
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Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-66307320609263200762010-03-24T23:12:00.001+06:002017-01-10T04:45:28.378+06:00The 1,000,000th visitor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The 1,000,000th visitor</b><br />
Weather -- Warming, overcast, melting<br />
Temp--plus 40F Wind--3-5 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5si46n24yhFU4yZpBULOGwNGOM74YkKdWFHR75SNk85IvdQHuOCjHh12G63qyDkk1pRjE0toGq5vb1mVCg51RWuejEoipu23FX_-YMJsHRH6BTseG8yofTR8jn36FhUqLNFkch7aexlql/s1600/DSC00293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5si46n24yhFU4yZpBULOGwNGOM74YkKdWFHR75SNk85IvdQHuOCjHh12G63qyDkk1pRjE0toGq5vb1mVCg51RWuejEoipu23FX_-YMJsHRH6BTseG8yofTR8jn36FhUqLNFkch7aexlql/s320/DSC00293.JPG" /></a></div>
When I began this blog, I intended it for family and a few friends around the country. I never dreamed that other people would want to read about our experiences in Novosibirsk. I guess we each think that our lives are uninteresting and that no one would care, but the truth is that everyone's life is interesting and full of stories with life-lessons, humor, pathos, sorrows and joys. The blog has certainly changed from what I intended, and once people began to tell their friends and friends told friends, and the online Mission Moms group found it, the hits keep on coming. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF_oYUBA0XmbIHArEko0f7uzJzlzGsoTinx2ofz3vwYjMHsiL6_HWZZ3WJPBebGHW-wQj4I_soiBjmjkXZSrTZba-zi5IUso8Q32kTEqmQN3nIhk7DfHPr_5Q7MiR6b1bsyL2LYN2qPDK/s1600/DSC00259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF_oYUBA0XmbIHArEko0f7uzJzlzGsoTinx2ofz3vwYjMHsiL6_HWZZ3WJPBebGHW-wQj4I_soiBjmjkXZSrTZba-zi5IUso8Q32kTEqmQN3nIhk7DfHPr_5Q7MiR6b1bsyL2LYN2qPDK/s320/DSC00259.JPG" /></a></div>
Around September of 2008 I began to learn about Blogspot and some interesting things I could put on the blog. I am very ignorant of this technology so everything was an adventure. Among other things I found a counter that could be put on it to tell me how many looks I received and I expected that it would be maybe 100 a month. You can see the counter on the left side under our picture.<br />
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I kinda lost track of it until Christmas time and when I happened to look at the counter in December it was about 80,000. I was stunned! It was at that moment that I became aware of the exposure this blog might have and that I needed to be careful that what I put on it was factual when I was talking about anything serious because people from all over were reading about us, our mission activities, and the people of Russia that we met here. I certainly didn't want to give anyone an incorrect impression, so I tried from that point to be factual and even-handed with any comments about events here. I hope that I have succeeded.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqbz48KIBwsn3sWmXR_AR_MqBTrAYKUbAJJIyo4j2zto-r81zTx2E9lD7AUKZWv40BjiSyynTx2qZoHmK0hH0GWMzvfiUw755EN9bFa-sutlm5viRTn7USDCz-ZZKZt4pNnZbnBVMZ68K/s1600/Kiev+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqbz48KIBwsn3sWmXR_AR_MqBTrAYKUbAJJIyo4j2zto-r81zTx2E9lD7AUKZWv40BjiSyynTx2qZoHmK0hH0GWMzvfiUw755EN9bFa-sutlm5viRTn7USDCz-ZZKZt4pNnZbnBVMZ68K/s320/Kiev+012.jpg" /></a></div>
Occasionally, I checked the counter over 2009 and saw that the speed of the hits kept increasing. At first there might be 1,000 a month and now it runs about 10,000 a week. I just don't know what to do with that. It is amazing that so many people around the world have read, and apparently continue to read what comes out of our experiences or out of my imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5LnNIrvmrc-823f6DJ8wtyJoY8h7pMco1luDS3aPCJzXYJi1BYmjsbLA9EhlbPakvPTcEedIqv03Ks5y5Y25T8oSF3eluZmCUGaWW0w2Gh-0EBeU-jVhADna7YTy_-AyVvspi2aqjJ7L/s1600/DSC01779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5LnNIrvmrc-823f6DJ8wtyJoY8h7pMco1luDS3aPCJzXYJi1BYmjsbLA9EhlbPakvPTcEedIqv03Ks5y5Y25T8oSF3eluZmCUGaWW0w2Gh-0EBeU-jVhADna7YTy_-AyVvspi2aqjJ7L/s200/DSC01779.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I have enjoyed reading the comments from the readers. Some members of the on-line missionary moms group read it to keep up on life in the mission. Even young men who are called to Russia and are preparing to go to the MTC have read it. Some of them have even come to Novosibirsk and left comments. Many of the young members here in Novo have read it, but none have commented that I know of. Several comments have been made by Russians that I don't know, but wish that I did. The readership is diverse geographically, demographically, and in some way very random.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4iN90E2YbbwMbHNi7-QCRH-5FxsVk2fGS7cOzkGRXfs7a8mUiFkk9aEkS8q4sR7SeHLNGa0kKhWdWLpxpHw2EYduvrAzyUc7pBLUPFpZwl_qrZBQb43rVuHMtsxvifiWc7vnCawJSO6i/s1600/DSC02415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4iN90E2YbbwMbHNi7-QCRH-5FxsVk2fGS7cOzkGRXfs7a8mUiFkk9aEkS8q4sR7SeHLNGa0kKhWdWLpxpHw2EYduvrAzyUc7pBLUPFpZwl_qrZBQb43rVuHMtsxvifiWc7vnCawJSO6i/s200/DSC02415.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Thirty-five people have registered as followers and even that blows me away. Even though most of them don't leave comments, apparently they read it and get something out of it, which is really gratifying. For people to come back means something, doesn't it?<br />
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I will close this rambling with thanks to you all who have read this blog over the past almost two years. We will be going home in April and the accounts of our adventure will of course cease. However, I like to write and maybe I would decide to start some kind of general blog to air my ramblings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHuPuIqylz55l_e3T8c21_WW63I5WR26nWn4jt4-4bwR7rlgMMDykMEy8HoPPFIQAXqK2fL3Qy5HNUHxovY9xvVeyP9x4HAFUUxkjE3jnzEXTff1ldbOn-NgUb6MNQ8BwQAwukDXySlFc/s1600/DSC02611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHuPuIqylz55l_e3T8c21_WW63I5WR26nWn4jt4-4bwR7rlgMMDykMEy8HoPPFIQAXqK2fL3Qy5HNUHxovY9xvVeyP9x4HAFUUxkjE3jnzEXTff1ldbOn-NgUb6MNQ8BwQAwukDXySlFc/s320/DSC02611.JPG" /></a></div>
In the mean time, I would like to say a<span style="font-size: large;"> big welcome to the one millionth visitor</span>. I never imagined that you would exist and I am stunned by our existence, but I love you and hope that the time you spent here was worth your effort.<br />
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We still have a month to go and will continue to write about our mission in this country and specifically this city as the snow melts and spring approaches.<br />
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What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-88203763316961864652010-03-20T18:28:00.002+06:002017-01-10T04:48:02.409+06:00Too Much of a Good Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Too Much of a Good Thing</b><br />
Weather --Started sunny, got windy, now snowing<br />
Temp--plus 26F Wind 25-30 mph<br />
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Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Have YOU ever had too much of a good thing? Well, I think I have on several occasions here in Novosibirsk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClLNYT-T1OJa72oJsJAVgc1Tl2rJkVOfGyqoKZ_luKek2jb_3YeUfnAgEQHt2S551KtYqrygIwtu4Fx3B4HaImLVd9VS7ZWWUnt9hGoVhWwDb1S_21Xve7kKg2WvlgGKlIgGtnd8WY80v/s1600-h/DSC01489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClLNYT-T1OJa72oJsJAVgc1Tl2rJkVOfGyqoKZ_luKek2jb_3YeUfnAgEQHt2S551KtYqrygIwtu4Fx3B4HaImLVd9VS7ZWWUnt9hGoVhWwDb1S_21Xve7kKg2WvlgGKlIgGtnd8WY80v/s200/DSC01489.JPG" width="200" /></a>Weather change is a good thing. Without it we would live either in a rain forest or a desert. However, here the weather changes on a dime. As noted above, around 9 am today it started off clear and sunny. Gradually it clouded over during the morning. Then the wind really picked up about noon. (we always have SOME wind) By 3 pm it was snowing, the temp dropped 5 degrees, and the wind had tapered off. Now at 4 pm the wind is again about 20 mph, the snow has stopped and we are waiting for the next event.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39xNVm-V96td6u2OdmAk06_gCTgOjdypsQYgEr-njk-pcyfPrwCqpgJq5w8v63WhvUfANfvx-dO_fRypXpnCLyoEBgEv2kPYeqhH9ZYnAdqsvQARGflwlbVJS8r3zEiMSWw0Lf_eJv4NQ/s1600-h/DSC02605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39xNVm-V96td6u2OdmAk06_gCTgOjdypsQYgEr-njk-pcyfPrwCqpgJq5w8v63WhvUfANfvx-dO_fRypXpnCLyoEBgEv2kPYeqhH9ZYnAdqsvQARGflwlbVJS8r3zEiMSWw0Lf_eJv4NQ/s200/DSC02605.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Water is a good thing, right? Well, not if you live below a pair of missionaries who forgot to hook the washing machine effluent (for those of you from Rio Linda that's the drain) back over the lip of the tub after some operation that required its removal. If you put in a load of wash just before you go out for the day, it can be a disaster because a full cycle of the washer would probably dump 10 gallons of water on the bathroom floor and subsequently down onto the ceiling, walls, and floor of the apartment below. All of the door jams here have a high threshold because they are after-thoughts to the poured concrete construction. The one in the bathroom acts like a dam and prevents most of the water from running out of the bathroom, concentrating it there to find an opening into the lower apartment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLLnTY4X__-NNQukUBsl-hahPGK0QzwnEIGXhzBawYMPmp0_sfza_XLIa6Orc8-qmQu0nKZHF23ROW4CbaBUHi8t1jWuQEbNUFDpePVcEheXLwV0DnhwfjA0P_uXFygJ_7GgL5yZh2BeC/s1600-h/DSC00116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLLnTY4X__-NNQukUBsl-hahPGK0QzwnEIGXhzBawYMPmp0_sfza_XLIa6Orc8-qmQu0nKZHF23ROW4CbaBUHi8t1jWuQEbNUFDpePVcEheXLwV0DnhwfjA0P_uXFygJ_7GgL5yZh2BeC/s320/DSC00116.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKm2yCwsAu_yTocjVfsoMssHZvgHr_8TgfLnPjMbHS57Ax05hJzMfvgyOLucO_RhLbsdO9lnGzVnhtt7Y1bqHMqRqJg50ozCEqV47r9cLUXqyujyjt0WZ2Pf6cfdEetSujGX7MtJ4Uysg/s1600-h/DSC00664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKm2yCwsAu_yTocjVfsoMssHZvgHr_8TgfLnPjMbHS57Ax05hJzMfvgyOLucO_RhLbsdO9lnGzVnhtt7Y1bqHMqRqJg50ozCEqV47r9cLUXqyujyjt0WZ2Pf6cfdEetSujGX7MtJ4Uysg/s200/DSC00664.JPG" width="200" /></a>Water can be a problem even when it gets turned off, a common event in the summer when they are repairing the pipes and boilers of the central hot-water facilities. Over several months in 2008, we learned to grab the hot water pipe that bends out from the wall next to the sink to see if we have hot water today. No sense getting naked if you are not getting wet. (This one was in a Moscow hotel. Ours isn't that pretty). However, the absense of water is not the theme here. The problem comes when the "joy-stick" faucet handle is not centered while the water is off or if a faucet is left on accidentally. When it comes back on, while you are away of course, you have running water until you return and you are billed for every liter of hot water you use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIWrRqXcsO5XyCZ0L3677PwzLn6kHaCtLElNyjYiUhft89qDV9Cf42MVEWB3urH0cj3ke3VpbzXJWtUhMf1cpkjlq4YMXuubn8cwOm9iT4lFnQ67luNCaM5otPGE6dmXxF6F2EFYMF2xB/s1600-h/P1000091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIWrRqXcsO5XyCZ0L3677PwzLn6kHaCtLElNyjYiUhft89qDV9Cf42MVEWB3urH0cj3ke3VpbzXJWtUhMf1cpkjlq4YMXuubn8cwOm9iT4lFnQ67luNCaM5otPGE6dmXxF6F2EFYMF2xB/s320/P1000091.JPG" /></a></div>
It became even more of a problem for a senior couple who were assigned to mentor a city about 4 hours from their own city twice a month. While staying in their apartment in that city, the hot water was turned off while someone was in the shower. Somehow, the hot water faucet was left on when they locked up and left for what was to be two weeks, but turned out to be more because of illness. About 4 weeks later the Zone Leader got a call from the landlord to meet him at the apartment and arrived to find a swamp. It seems that the hot water returned and ran in the tub for a month, creating a rain forest in the apartment and growing a rather interesting variety of molds on absolutely everything. It only came to someone's attention because it finally began to rain in the apartment (condensation of steam on the ceiling falling on the floor) and that rain began to run into the apartment below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnAZom6YxFOP7iuAk11FbdamHEShMWZJoY3LXFNHbifvtfuTYXOry_4LWRMVHh0l7kKzMHUopqCPw0otbB9BuMgLxFgD75gg3_p9mlewjer4Xje6tYlXFn2ENO8hbqLaSDp0NFyj9eQ3T/s1600-h/DSC04044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnAZom6YxFOP7iuAk11FbdamHEShMWZJoY3LXFNHbifvtfuTYXOry_4LWRMVHh0l7kKzMHUopqCPw0otbB9BuMgLxFgD75gg3_p9mlewjer4Xje6tYlXFn2ENO8hbqLaSDp0NFyj9eQ3T/s200/DSC04044.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyroyF8RTihJQrLI4cfoJqPvnYygvHdtJP1wjdlsRufF6YP5m0H3slaPQ2r-DmQ08DdiLtOqCcfDUf0XRMiJxHS9AWvasEke6jt0GRDY8eVUR0QldkXBWArSR-S5c1w9QMVA3b5ctbKGfu/s1600-h/DSC04039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyroyF8RTihJQrLI4cfoJqPvnYygvHdtJP1wjdlsRufF6YP5m0H3slaPQ2r-DmQ08DdiLtOqCcfDUf0XRMiJxHS9AWvasEke6jt0GRDY8eVUR0QldkXBWArSR-S5c1w9QMVA3b5ctbKGfu/s200/DSC04039.JPG" width="200" /></a>One good thing we need here is something to help with our digestive system. We just don't drink enough water or get enough fiber. Without being indelicate, we needed a little digestive motivation and since we are, collectively, health-food-nuts, we were looking for something to add bulk to our diet. We tried bran in the oatmeal, but that was insufficient. Then we had our daughter, Trisha, send us some psyillium to add to the oatmeal and to take with water or juice when needed. This is the "active" ingredient in Metamucil. Well, Sister Cindy discovered that this "good thing" can be over-done as well. Have you ever eaten slime? Above, Sister Cindy tried drinking it. You can see the result of too much of this good thing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GozK9JzQfpn__dz0UFyJhpLTuJUL-Y_8JVvFi67AXlVYwWr8D0RJLui51fRr2vOyhU4DgwZmkI_dTeeLg7ZFlW-0CgvsmIIizTA6Syvgvv_a2pofGbOMFsUCWZmwV9deytMzk4NuAAdN/s1600-h/Itigelov-pd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GozK9JzQfpn__dz0UFyJhpLTuJUL-Y_8JVvFi67AXlVYwWr8D0RJLui51fRr2vOyhU4DgwZmkI_dTeeLg7ZFlW-0CgvsmIIizTA6Syvgvv_a2pofGbOMFsUCWZmwV9deytMzk4NuAAdN/s200/Itigelov-pd.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Another good thing that can be over-done is advice. Ya'know, I love advice. There are several people in this world smarter than me, I married one of them, and I love to get their advice; when I ask for it. I thrill at the insight other people can provide to you when they are not living in your skin. It is mind expanding. It is reflective thinking at its best. I LOVE ADVICE. I know so many wise people, it is like I am surrounded by Lamas like this one from Ulan-Ude who is still meditating after over 100 years.<br />
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However, advice is like chocolate syrup. A little on your spumoni ice cream can be a delight. Even chocolate syrup on chocolate ice cream can be interesting. BUT, too much chocolate syrup just ruins the whole thing. When there is more chocolate syrup than ice cream, something is seriously wrong and you will probably end up not eating it at all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdOgY2s5KUB0YfktK8n2l5gmM9M-TV_cFb4yT5f957ZkDjx3kQRDO4SbM80HlAW0vrQXWVkLY8YRKIqpGGS1gjneRzlWtps_pz8iibH84CkbwFw6v96rSwATPop9CQ5ODkT_72Oelp3V1/s1600-h/mainimage-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdOgY2s5KUB0YfktK8n2l5gmM9M-TV_cFb4yT5f957ZkDjx3kQRDO4SbM80HlAW0vrQXWVkLY8YRKIqpGGS1gjneRzlWtps_pz8iibH84CkbwFw6v96rSwATPop9CQ5ODkT_72Oelp3V1/s200/mainimage-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Moms and wives everywhere listen up. By the time your son or daughter goes on a mission . . . it's too late. Do yourself and your missionary a favor and save the advice for when they have kids; they'll be listening then. If you regularly give advice on staying healthy, being careful, being a good companion, reading the scriptures; don't. He/she is getting advice and directions from a companion, a zone leader, a senior couple, an office couple, a mission president, and God. That's plenty of chocolate syrup. Come on mom, enjoy the ride.<br />
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Read their emails with relish. Respond with supporting, loving encouragement. Be a great cheering section and put him/her into God's hands. You are too far away and too late to make any kind of significant impact in their day-to-day behaviors now. You did a good job. You prepared your missionary the best anyone could. Now let them fly. I can tell you from first-hand experience--THEY ARE AWESOME!!! Especially those assigned to Siberia. I am wiping the tears from my cheeks right now thinking of them and how great they are. Trust me, they are the best of the best and I am personally sinning every day in my pride for them. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkNTQDxbM3jAci-P3dt94CKrIDPIgfUz-2S1W_JjYdTlnZ2F4kCw8q_A062zdVQHpQHfxn5b_xI9xawwKBGHXX2d788AcC5zg_SZ3rrFp6nhjnToMMz8jXRhhyphenhyphenrt5aVaAc5sqgh27BWvP/s1600-h/DSC02675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkNTQDxbM3jAci-P3dt94CKrIDPIgfUz-2S1W_JjYdTlnZ2F4kCw8q_A062zdVQHpQHfxn5b_xI9xawwKBGHXX2d788AcC5zg_SZ3rrFp6nhjnToMMz8jXRhhyphenhyphenrt5aVaAc5sqgh27BWvP/s320/DSC02675.JPG" /></a><br />
Thank you for all you have done to prepare your missionary and the support you are to them. I guess that is one good thing that will be hard to over-do.<br />
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What great moms. What great missionaries. What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-77456288764381384512010-03-18T23:49:00.002+06:002017-01-11T05:46:21.208+06:00The Greenies Arrived<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Greenies Arrived, March 18, 2010</b><br />
Weather--Heavy snow, blustery, blowing & drifting snow<br />
Temp--plus 26F Wind--25 to 50 mph<br />
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The weather turned nasty last night and today. Very strong winds from the west, horizontal snow, drifts knee-deep, melting ice mixed with wet snow, and cars crashing into one another all over town. It's like these people don't know how to drive in the snow. When the Zone Leaders called tonight, they said that walking on the street was like doing Michael Jackson's moon-walk. They were stepping forward, but actually being pushed backwards because the wind cleared off the snow exposing the foot of ice beneath. During a big gust, one lady grabbed a sign post and just hung on until it stopped so as to not be driven back on the ice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvc8jZ0M90MirzMVqxKE3-Y28DFROpNkm_n6cC4Bgz08ueps9WPEJh84aD8nXd6Cu__NzfgFMsQHQoAnLPDAWX0faRllE4_0OLc-D1nr19oYIFbJU6Xw473xWm4lC91caEBz-tjpbZVSp/s1600-h/DSC01840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvc8jZ0M90MirzMVqxKE3-Y28DFROpNkm_n6cC4Bgz08ueps9WPEJh84aD8nXd6Cu__NzfgFMsQHQoAnLPDAWX0faRllE4_0OLc-D1nr19oYIFbJU6Xw473xWm4lC91caEBz-tjpbZVSp/s320/DSC01840.JPG" /></a>The good news is that our four new elders arrived yesterday morning in good shape and great spirits. They were greeted at the airport by President Trejo and brought, with their luggage, to the mission home where they were put to bed for the rest of the morning. That afternoon they were fed and introduced to the mission by the Trejos and the Assistants to the President, followed by dinner at the mission home and more orientation. Here we see them at the table with Sister Trejo while president took the picture. Here we see elders Drasso, Capps, Eborn, Septon, and the Assistants (Elders Antuna and Rainsden. <br />
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After dinner they took a formal picture and got into bed again for some much needed sleep to reset their "clocks".<br />
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Today it was up for breakfast, more orientation by the Assistants, lunch at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken store called "Rostiks", a brief tour of the central area of Novosibirsk (the opera house and "Center of Russia" chapel) and finally delivered to the mission office where the office staff gave their instructions.<br />
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Olga, the visa clerk, told them about registration and the need to keep their documents in order. I instructed them on the ATM card use, cell phone protocols, and the luggage policy. Sister Simmons gave them the general do's and don'ts and we introduced them to their new senior companions.<br />
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During my time I asked them about the trip in and if they had any challenges. The report was that everything went as they had been told. They paid the Delta luggage fee, got on the plane in SLC and transferred to the international flight with no problems. They were traveling with a group of missionaries destined for Rostov (in the banana belt of southern Russia) so they had company all the way to Moscow.<br />
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In Moscow they were met by Sister Stapley, the Director of Temporal Affairs' wife who guided them through the second passport process at the US Embassy and delivered them to the domestic airport for their flight to Novo. Everything went smoothly for them except Elder Septon would have liked more sleep. <br />
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Later throughout the afternoon and evening they were taken to their various trains and sent off on the last leg to their first cities of assignment. We are glad to see them here and look forward to seeing them prosper in their new surroundings. The weather was quite an introduction to Siberia, but they were all up for it. A strong group of Greenies.<br />
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What a group. What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-79606311439610191772010-03-18T21:41:00.000+06:002017-01-11T06:46:52.217+06:00An Immense Capacity to Endure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>An Immense Capacity to Endure 3/18/10</b><br />
Weather--Bright sun after 4 days of snow<br />
Temp--+18F Wind--3-5 mph<br />
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We went to Snegiri (picture below) with the Trejos and the assistants this morning because we rarely get out there to church and we always take advantage of a ride anywhere. This branch is in a small village about 5 miles to the east of Novosibirsk proper but within the City jurisdiction.<br />
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The branch has 101 members on the roll, but with about thirty on any particular Sunday. The branch president has begun to get the vision of ministering to his congregation and was greeting people at the door today and organizing rescue visits to inactives during a 15 minute meeting after church. Our friend at right is a new convert in this branch and needs lots of support. Here she is with her youngest daughter and granddaughter.<br />
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While visiting with those we know in the branch, we talked to one of our friends whose wife is in the hospital suffering from undiagnosed pain that has accompanied paralysis of her upper body, including her hands and arms as well as a benign tumor on her spine. This is just the icing on the cake for this lady who is the mother of an autistic son and the wife of a man who lost his job a year ago and cannot work because the former employer will not return his "work card".<br />
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These folks have struggled with burdens that would bury most of us, but they still try to smile and make the best of it. The autistic son has made a lot of progress over these past 2 years because she has worked with him constantly, every day, using techniques she has learned herself from books (several of which we provided) and the internet because the medical community here does not recognize autism as a legitimate disease/syndrome needing treatment. She has treated this boy at home for the last 6+ years, as soon as she identified his behaviors, without support or even acceptance by medicals or community. They were even afraid to tell the members of the branch because he would be isolated and ostracized thinking that other children could be affected.<br />
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If I had this autistic child, wife with a spinal tumor, no prospect of being allowed to work for the foreseeable future, and now the wife is paralyzed with an unknown condition, I would not be able to get out of the bed in the morning, but this family is at church, he is teaching the priesthood lesson, and he is going with her to her medical tests, and he is sounding upbeat about the possible treatment of his wife's condition.<br />
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It is astounding, but it is typical of Siberians who see themselves as able to endure anything, after all, they live in one of the most inhospitable places of major population in the world and manage to make a life for themselves. Imagine that you live in a place where serious winter lasts 6-7 months of the year and winter temperatures fall to the high - 30's and stay there for 3-4 months at a time; where government, crime, pandemic corruption, and a thousand years of tyrannical history make daily life miserable; where everything in your life is controlled by someone or something else; where hope is a four-letter-word and initiative is crushed; where you live on so little that any minor setback is ruinous; where most young couples live with a parent or rent a bedroom in another family's apartment because they can't afford their own; can you imagine this?<br />
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These people have an iron will and an almost-unlimited capacity to endure and it is way beyond anything I understand. This is why I love the Russians and especially the Russians in the Church that I know. They are extraordinary people and they have my admiration, my love, and my respect for what they can endure. I am grateful to be part of the process to introduce them to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope that it can bring to them. God bless the missionaries in their effort to do so.<br />
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What a country<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-81637739300123166792010-03-09T23:01:00.002+06:002017-01-11T06:39:01.914+06:00Children of Siberia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Children of Siberia</b><br />
Weather--Warming, windy and snow<br />
Temp--plus 38F Wind--10-20 mph<br />
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Children are basically the same all over the world. They are explorers, searching their environment for new experiences and new things to test and try out. Mothers everywhere spend much of their time trying to corral and limit their child's searching, but most children find ways to experience the adventure of discovery.<br />
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It is the same in Siberia and I have seen some instances of children wandering off, or trying to, when their mothers are otherwise occupied, sometimes without incident and sometimes to their hurt or worse. From our 9th floor bedroom I see much of the adventures of children as they tag behind mom, get pulled on a sled, get picked up while crossing the street or when moving too slowly. Even without hearing the sounds that surely accompany these events, the body language and actions are enough of the story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAKYTWDZZ9wpWyMrEn00Fy8fb0c1cVKT8Mssgqro7YziJzXajyMBN4LaYa5IaJdWa3dPv5mDDVOf49l0k_1SdidmPmmxGFD3NZ80kl6qqpJy4Bnjaw_lQCuYtaz4QPWMDYRLVHfOQyTwN/s1600-h/DSC02635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAKYTWDZZ9wpWyMrEn00Fy8fb0c1cVKT8Mssgqro7YziJzXajyMBN4LaYa5IaJdWa3dPv5mDDVOf49l0k_1SdidmPmmxGFD3NZ80kl6qqpJy4Bnjaw_lQCuYtaz4QPWMDYRLVHfOQyTwN/s320/DSC02635.JPG" /></a>I was too late to catch the action from the window of the church meeting hall at Zolani Kupola (green roof), but the tracks in the snow tell the story. Mom is walking (right to left in the picture) with a 2 year old when distracted by another adult and, before she knows it, the little one climbs into the snow bank and is trudging through the snow toward the rail road tracks beyond the fence at the top. When the mother discovers the missing child, she bounds through the snow, picks him/her up and makes her way back to the road. As mom finishes her conversation with the other adult, junior is again off toward the fence and she has to retrieve him/her once again. Giving up the exchange with the other person, the mother and child continue toward the train station. <br />
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Another attempt at adventure unfolded below the bedroom window as I was getting dressed the other morning. A young mom with a toddler holding an orange plastic shovel came along the walk-way across the street in a slow, meandering way as the child stopped every few feet to examine something in the snow bank. He/she suddenly picked up something and put it to its face and of course mom intervened, throwing it back into the snow, leaving the child to look back at the object and then to mom a couple of times. Mom moves forward a couple of steps, encouraging further progress and a little distance from the object, but junior heads back to the object. She again intercepts him/her and decides the walk is over. Picking junior up, she walks briskly to the corner and turns right up the driveway to her apartment entry where I finally got the picture. I just hate missing the action shot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLi0mRdj4OgcrhWAwFeK35NzUv9oygVweo0nzaHzy8kkqq-fRM9XdL9XL-xRW_QG4ByWeFp_LlzsY2M8c2hGStI_xC6IwBOtqPujrgzKFLwdoDnPX6ZLsKKlovnzxeqVYwk8D00hyDd0Kr/s1600-h/DSC02310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLi0mRdj4OgcrhWAwFeK35NzUv9oygVweo0nzaHzy8kkqq-fRM9XdL9XL-xRW_QG4ByWeFp_LlzsY2M8c2hGStI_xC6IwBOtqPujrgzKFLwdoDnPX6ZLsKKlovnzxeqVYwk8D00hyDd0Kr/s200/DSC02310.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUfV_vsha10PuMLg2rhbmliodIV4RPcyoAW_AeLz5G25_4GEVyThnWb40xCUdE7vTwYESGujERSe0cjw72MUFFjmiGSKg6xacBzfUKb44Z7NAbfAL6qztnkdqt1G3iA84ItbApBm1n_Sw/s1600-h/DSC02307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUfV_vsha10PuMLg2rhbmliodIV4RPcyoAW_AeLz5G25_4GEVyThnWb40xCUdE7vTwYESGujERSe0cjw72MUFFjmiGSKg6xacBzfUKb44Z7NAbfAL6qztnkdqt1G3iA84ItbApBm1n_Sw/s200/DSC02307.JPG" width="200" /></a>Just going home after a family night at our house can be an adventure. In this sequence, a three year old boy is prepared for the -30 degree night as his family walks to the bus stop for the ride home. By the time they get him into his suit and the parents get their own coats, scarfs, mittens, and boots on, this kid is almost comatose from the body head trapped in his little suit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBPOsYGxvDIKWfMiP4pUDwVTDyYrDa34IGWutkrQTwti0zNFo0bb8_HSnFlYDECPiaAC8YzwkOO2iAJQ4YYYsOBo8hehhiVWd8_YJt9DJIZrP476GCc1LBuy96GR4cLLqGl8WOWbFooLV/s1600-h/DSC02311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBPOsYGxvDIKWfMiP4pUDwVTDyYrDa34IGWutkrQTwti0zNFo0bb8_HSnFlYDECPiaAC8YzwkOO2iAJQ4YYYsOBo8hehhiVWd8_YJt9DJIZrP476GCc1LBuy96GR4cLLqGl8WOWbFooLV/s200/DSC02311.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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The Cabo window looks out onto a school in the back and Sister Cindy saw a cute scene which I again did not get in my camera. A class at the school was at recess and the children were playing and digging in the snow as if they were at the beach, digging in the sand. They had a number of plastic shovels and buckets and were making tracks and digging holes when recess was over and they were called away from the play and pretend to the reality of the classroom again. The same game was seen in microcosm with a mom supervising a toddler with a shovel in a spot near our back door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNhsBRmFvVLV6ErMGFlg8tii9706oo3lEg1DAc6nDJjmN-_BsL0pxuHdGY_5pbYq4fnlaWsP3xBRNeAsAf6QFUaF3v-r2N-khf1xhq6KZp7_s4jhMt2L8k2RRxmk2uczvEv-3afZbC9Xq/s1600-h/DSC02312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNhsBRmFvVLV6ErMGFlg8tii9706oo3lEg1DAc6nDJjmN-_BsL0pxuHdGY_5pbYq4fnlaWsP3xBRNeAsAf6QFUaF3v-r2N-khf1xhq6KZp7_s4jhMt2L8k2RRxmk2uczvEv-3afZbC9Xq/s200/DSC02312.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QRcfao3IjsDec4-hzxTfwVxBSYsgHZr1ewdBVNNZnplQ8imnHcfdQIWjOJTG-ZIq-1ArELCW5MZSFfQYQQLQGai7P9Ig7SG803C2L3W_Pryq_wFCmcaFkZQqjXF4bTc-DFnTr6dOiYSu/s1600-h/DSC02633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QRcfao3IjsDec4-hzxTfwVxBSYsgHZr1ewdBVNNZnplQ8imnHcfdQIWjOJTG-ZIq-1ArELCW5MZSFfQYQQLQGai7P9Ig7SG803C2L3W_Pryq_wFCmcaFkZQqjXF4bTc-DFnTr6dOiYSu/s200/DSC02633.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuSFU0UIyFRcq76F_Sw7gfgL4GJp2AJUPj5TGgN0T0VlpQrAPVdMs1bOh6FyzziG7MXKFXJb4I2H3KxIWoTpKJKwFtkN58r1B8IjJIif1e6F2Uxxd-6Il3QY7pKX6jQoJ3StAvW2EN49l/s1600-h/DSC02702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuSFU0UIyFRcq76F_Sw7gfgL4GJp2AJUPj5TGgN0T0VlpQrAPVdMs1bOh6FyzziG7MXKFXJb4I2H3KxIWoTpKJKwFtkN58r1B8IjJIif1e6F2Uxxd-6Il3QY7pKX6jQoJ3StAvW2EN49l/s200/DSC02702.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
At church the music in First Branch is conducted by a 12 year old daughter of the Drachyov family and their 2 year old child has taken to standing by her while she directs. Her mother tries to divert her, but to no avail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlBK8LtwASVo0HnFadF421sklqROZYNbrYRB5ltEj_aJcNs0bFC6-iOb6ZU-lK8trk8mkXB3h766yCRBjWRmrrhotf23wcCY_P0WD4LBwZtcziQmE7Ja2YqCczx88FwI_N5S7TTBFzx7N/s1600-h/DSC02703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlBK8LtwASVo0HnFadF421sklqROZYNbrYRB5ltEj_aJcNs0bFC6-iOb6ZU-lK8trk8mkXB3h766yCRBjWRmrrhotf23wcCY_P0WD4LBwZtcziQmE7Ja2YqCczx88FwI_N5S7TTBFzx7N/s200/DSC02703.JPG" width="150" /></a> Even some of our big kids are continually seeking adventure. Here Elder Antuna is trying to drink out of a juice box after Zone Conference lunch without his lips touching the spout on the theory that it would still be sanitary. What do you think? He thinks he made it and feels pretty satisfied.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lXtVqoMAjPODGDjvfKIN0eE2Zw42XWWDJd9O0tGLzcytnnilNljAMek07klrOh0s8SzPp_9l6K6NCcZW1DUXgIQnNO_kUlWOORf08ppKgynCYLkeYuo1dGt_tHNI-0X4IiS_dEE7ZeWw/s1600-h/DSC02723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lXtVqoMAjPODGDjvfKIN0eE2Zw42XWWDJd9O0tGLzcytnnilNljAMek07klrOh0s8SzPp_9l6K6NCcZW1DUXgIQnNO_kUlWOORf08ppKgynCYLkeYuo1dGt_tHNI-0X4IiS_dEE7ZeWw/s200/DSC02723.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Even Elder Peterson got into the act. I left my camera on the table after dinner tonight and came back into the kitchen to find him experimenting with close-ups of his face. Another adventure.<br />
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Kids are all alike,<br />
What a country<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-79294454278975211602010-03-09T19:55:00.001+06:002017-01-11T06:12:20.223+06:00A Night With Carman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>A Night With Carman</b><br />
Weather Temp--minus 24C Wind--3-5mph from the west<br />
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Every quarter each Zone (city) attends some kind of cultural event that is typical of the local people and instructive about their ways and attitudes. We have been to a dozen ballets, a hockey game, and a folk dance and music show. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MYeh_STcrxkllwliNIELSlIrTXRXtYEwy_hzPuZF1bfk3KzPJ_zCHQ8j-G9H_uYX8VVwt2GhyphenhyphenFfxTYl1lmpdT8QkDW7jG2GD-YKL1TDOFMQBIGBJMlf6hS1lWUsrHF_GnbqsYVwh8c4I/s1600-h/DSC02543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MYeh_STcrxkllwliNIELSlIrTXRXtYEwy_hzPuZF1bfk3KzPJ_zCHQ8j-G9H_uYX8VVwt2GhyphenhyphenFfxTYl1lmpdT8QkDW7jG2GD-YKL1TDOFMQBIGBJMlf6hS1lWUsrHF_GnbqsYVwh8c4I/s320/DSC02543.JPG" /></a>This time we were influenced by Alexander, an investigator who is a member of the local opera company and suggested that we attend this production because it is a family friendly show and appropriate for the missionaries. He has been associated with several sets of the elders and has attended church with us so we had confidence in his suggestion.<br />
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Alexander invited some of us to come back stage before the performance. Sister Cindy, Elder McConnaghey, and I met him and were escorted around back stage to see how things look from that perspective.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHpZZJ23Wc4dfNEd4DUlAiAt5bvtggb_TJ0giTFf-iDqechpjjSK_L4wewfx8p95nUF-CJM-f2Xmax33eTSOjdWUVeZ5C7oxJsbAwFTy-Ahk5TpB2_h9n4-XcT6V3zYiAa-cBfYkjbtry/s1600/DSC02553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHpZZJ23Wc4dfNEd4DUlAiAt5bvtggb_TJ0giTFf-iDqechpjjSK_L4wewfx8p95nUF-CJM-f2Xmax33eTSOjdWUVeZ5C7oxJsbAwFTy-Ahk5TpB2_h9n4-XcT6V3zYiAa-cBfYkjbtry/s200/DSC02553.JPG" width="200" /></a> Having been to many performances in this theater, it was interesting to see it from the stage. Here we see the workers cleaning and preparing the stage for the performance as we took the tour. Here is the front view for comparison.<br />
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Here Sister Cindy and Elder McConnaghey talk with Alexander about the theater as I take pictures around the back stage area. I noticed that scenery items for other shows were covered and stored beyond the audience's view and I am sure we would see them in other performances.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10sV0h8xNVd3-FFlHmgWNWKtv20JhYt6IEAjwl-Vv1XznksfV2WCD-mxtFEdunG0CnjblzXOje-qygtBj_30AwLdIQKgnOoDejAs6EQfEOO8G82STmo0-qlrAo5R2PcCOIB-GFtEnyxah/s1600/DSC02544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10sV0h8xNVd3-FFlHmgWNWKtv20JhYt6IEAjwl-Vv1XznksfV2WCD-mxtFEdunG0CnjblzXOje-qygtBj_30AwLdIQKgnOoDejAs6EQfEOO8G82STmo0-qlrAo5R2PcCOIB-GFtEnyxah/s200/DSC02544.JPG" width="200" /></a>Walking through the dressing room and other backstage areas, it shows the age of the theater, having been built during the Stalin era and being used four or five performances a week since that time. I cannot even imagine the number of performances that have been staged since that time and the ghosts of all that time are surely haunting that place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG3JdIBG8GqeYWAIc6Slpo34JdYuMeqs-nNiFPul-_RoyCOJroSRVMUGq6Y__H4v_6UfvyCW-QvklRBmIjYoeHd8tkCss-sOis5qmazYpyiT5GrMSlXSbnuohhpDk0erv44SYAOjGEGN4/s1600-h/DSC02546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG3JdIBG8GqeYWAIc6Slpo34JdYuMeqs-nNiFPul-_RoyCOJroSRVMUGq6Y__H4v_6UfvyCW-QvklRBmIjYoeHd8tkCss-sOis5qmazYpyiT5GrMSlXSbnuohhpDk0erv44SYAOjGEGN4/s320/DSC02546.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
As we met some of the performers and then saw them on stage it was an interesting transformation in my head, seeing the before and after. The costumes and makeup really transform them into the characters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquOkjAHOjsqzH-hwloAk_9NWYCsjzbT_oBBi4iSZ4Gi-qFmks9RxzsG1Q-Vfi3GaOwriDVh3dOzrgCJJohblHnAjjICIKDBdd0uLyKSqHGmRItb3qGmGcaUbQ7bgSgqknK0AmjWqevW5P/s1600-h/DSC02554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquOkjAHOjsqzH-hwloAk_9NWYCsjzbT_oBBi4iSZ4Gi-qFmks9RxzsG1Q-Vfi3GaOwriDVh3dOzrgCJJohblHnAjjICIKDBdd0uLyKSqHGmRItb3qGmGcaUbQ7bgSgqknK0AmjWqevW5P/s320/DSC02554.JPG" /></a>Alexander played several parts, one being a soldier. Here he is with Elder McConnaghey and the female love interest of the main character before he gets mixed up with Carmen.<br />
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Although Alexander said it was missionary appropriate, this production definitely was not. As one of the sisters said at the first intermission, "Well, that had everything (the first act) that I am suppose to avoid on a mission". We all were a little shocked, especially me because I knew the story line and had seen one performance many years ago that was pure white-bread compared to this one. This production had been Russianized and was full of inappropriate touching, revealing clothes, suggestive posturing, drunkenness, and a half-dozen other White Book violations. We all hoped that it would get better in the subsequent acts, but it was still pretty raunchy. That surely ruined our opera experience and poisoned the well for any future performances. It is so frustrating to go to a performance expecting something acceptable but getting embarrassed and surprised. We will stick to folk dancing and symphonies from now on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9LOgcyuGa6QIG8_J0FasVdFuYAM_PkBSUMrZMb8nkxcrxHBieji7UmkpdYzZ9Hph36l9wh0a14QFJXosEqMcFQn7hKYwKnwmenmNriB7d2crT8fjZES6tXh-uJt8zkbZ3xjITQljjkHE/s1600/DSC02551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9LOgcyuGa6QIG8_J0FasVdFuYAM_PkBSUMrZMb8nkxcrxHBieji7UmkpdYzZ9Hph36l9wh0a14QFJXosEqMcFQn7hKYwKnwmenmNriB7d2crT8fjZES6tXh-uJt8zkbZ3xjITQljjkHE/s320/DSC02551.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
All twenty of us were seated in the 5th and 6th row and had a good view of the performance. Here we are with the Trejos during the first of four intermissions. Sister Trejo's expression tells it all.<br />
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The curtain call was most welcome and we all left knowing that we should have left in the first intermission. It was another lesson in acting on the spirit's promptings.<br />
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A mission includes many successes and a few uncomfortable lessons. This was certainly that for all of us senior missionaries who should have led our lambs out of the theater right away. It serves to strengthen all of our resolve to act when prompted and be the leaders we came here to be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFreWFGa9OlTACQJOIrMKCIlXUMcU8xwkE8riz6GphGp8YMC7_w9DKQQvGM0QXLrMP0aKWjBfLKFODOSwcKI6qoyGSBqNUlZfumLhaxhXSG6lv4FEkvxaeLXfT1equk0kcyd8oFHSa4qe/s1600-h/DSC02557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFreWFGa9OlTACQJOIrMKCIlXUMcU8xwkE8riz6GphGp8YMC7_w9DKQQvGM0QXLrMP0aKWjBfLKFODOSwcKI6qoyGSBqNUlZfumLhaxhXSG6lv4FEkvxaeLXfT1equk0kcyd8oFHSa4qe/s320/DSC02557.JPG" width="320" /></a>Every culture has its threshold of tolerance for conduct and ours in the world-wide Church certainly has one a notch above what we have experienced here. The email to the senior couples from President Trejo the next morning reminded us all that it is up to us to show the way and we were all called to repentance and strengthened in our resolve to do a better job of protecting our missionaries. What a lesson.<br />
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What a country<br />
DS<br />
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Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-81744052606966601362010-03-06T00:21:00.000+06:002017-01-11T06:01:48.709+06:00The Lord's Earthquake Warning in Chile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><b>The Lord's Earthquake Warning in Chile</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i>Weather--Clear and colder alternating with overcast and snowing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i>Temperature--minus 26C </i></span><i style="font-family: arial;">Wind--10-12 mph from the north-west</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i>I would like to share something that I believe demonstrates another reason why missionary parents can sleep well with their sons or daughters in the mission field. This is taken from the Meridian Magazine dated March 3, 2010. I have selected a few sentences that are the heart of her message. The article text is in blue and my comments are in black.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i>"Editor’s Note: President Larry Laycock and his wife, Sister Lisa Laycock head the Santiago Chile East Mission and had spent the two weeks prior to the 8.8 earthquake visiting each missionary apartment and preparing them for an earthquake."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i>Sister Laycock writes this open letter to tell us how the Lord prepared them for the earthquake. They have</i> <span style="color: blue;">". . . 171 full-time proselyting missionaries in this mission."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">"When we were set apart for this calling, Elder Scott of the Council of the Twelve Apostles taught us many important lessons." "One message that he shared with us is this: 'At times, during your mission, you will be awakened in the middle of the night or the early morning hours with thoughts of specific things you should do for certain missionaries. Do not ignore these thoughts.' "</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJjffbFtdsTHueYVV2DphKIrGY5_VX0KSMVv4rIO2eeaIxUiYq9TCrN6gqqnf5PfHAWzBAr7jcZLg4Yt7Yig079Quy-WCTijKQ7KJUL2yH6XWjpCISJq6X4hV8YYcGrXvk_1NgWnJMuzl/s1600-h/240px-2010_Chile_earthquake_epicenter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJjffbFtdsTHueYVV2DphKIrGY5_VX0KSMVv4rIO2eeaIxUiYq9TCrN6gqqnf5PfHAWzBAr7jcZLg4Yt7Yig079Quy-WCTijKQ7KJUL2yH6XWjpCISJq6X4hV8YYcGrXvk_1NgWnJMuzl/s320/240px-2010_Chile_earthquake_epicenter.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">"Nearly two-and-one-half weeks ago, I (Sister Laycock) was awakened at around 4:00 AM by just such a prompting. I did not hear a voice, but the thought was as clear as if it had been in the form of spoken words: 'There is going to be an earthquake. Prepare your missionaries.' I sat up in bed and immediately remembered Elder Scott's counsel. That morning I told Larry what had happened. He immediately set to work organizing our missionaries to prepare for an earthquake."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">"We set a goal and arranged our schedule so that we could visit every apartment in the mission to check for safety and to review with our missionaries what to do in case of an earth quake. What a wonderful experience we have had as we have met with them and shared scriptures with them about being spiritually and physically prepared '...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear' (D&C 38:30)."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">"When the earthquake came, we were prepared. We did not experience the panic that many felt. We knew we were prepared. Because of the words of the Lord's chosen Apostle, Elder Scott, we had listened and heeded the quiet, but clear promptings of the Holy Ghost. We were blessed with peace in the midst of chaos.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">I think that this clearly demonstrates the other part of why missionary mothers and fathers can sleep well at night. Besides all of the organization and people to watch out for the missionaries, the Lord is actively involved with the missionary effort and His angels are there to protect his missionaries, sometimes in spite of all of us. Frankly, I was more anxious about my son and daughters going away to camp or to college than I was for them going on their missions. I believe that there is no safer place for 19-20 year old people in the world. Here is a look at the Santiago Chile missionaries, almost three times the number of missionaries as in Novosibirsk.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkTNNm_TZSxcxloRwntpuG5lX9kHc4NSs_9YSBKQOjqy6jppjymGTzXZVopV7HOqne2V9_NZdlj3y12AWzblL67eqd2XDU5pUmvlSTxoNSk2whBHVD05ZVn3C3OxROlttGdeFaJ2wHOZq/s1600-h/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkTNNm_TZSxcxloRwntpuG5lX9kHc4NSs_9YSBKQOjqy6jppjymGTzXZVopV7HOqne2V9_NZdlj3y12AWzblL67eqd2XDU5pUmvlSTxoNSk2whBHVD05ZVn3C3OxROlttGdeFaJ2wHOZq/s320/2a.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">Even without an earthquake or some other threatening situation, mission presidents, and especially their wives, are getting instructions from the Lord regularly, and I know that as I watch President Trejo work with matters needing his thoughtful and inspired decision, he is getting messages all of the time and his leadership shows the footprint of the Lord. It is a great comfort to know that our mission president is actively seeking and getting the messages from the true head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">What a Church. What a country.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">DS</span><br />
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Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-38793369049996888382010-03-02T20:58:00.000+06:002017-01-11T06:13:34.731+06:00Missionary Mothers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Missionary Mothers</b><br />
Weather -- Bright sun, warming<br />
Temp-- minus 12C (+10F) Wind -- Easterly 5-7 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoR8VvEVW1w2E6ufct1lcTFDHyOinzmv13GVa_PVyP_I7SJPS_EEkmq-4pE2O10jxGEvf3IeLTEpBAzuDehYM1RUASLX1AP68egC-GuKRjxDXLyMc0JRjjRdCNVK8te8uNwDwoLviF69G/s1600-h/DCP_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoR8VvEVW1w2E6ufct1lcTFDHyOinzmv13GVa_PVyP_I7SJPS_EEkmq-4pE2O10jxGEvf3IeLTEpBAzuDehYM1RUASLX1AP68egC-GuKRjxDXLyMc0JRjjRdCNVK8te8uNwDwoLviF69G/s320/DCP_3544.JPG" /></a></div>
A comment on my "Miss and not Miss" blog made me reflect on you mothers who are sending sons and daughters on missions, particularly to Siberia, and I want to comment on that a bit. We sent three children, well, they weren't children, and that's the core of the matter. Where was I? Oh yes, we sent three of our children on missions. One to Illinois, one to Korea, and one to Temple Square. We didn't send anyone to a place like Siberia, but maybe we did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn7RWhuAFBmxNSHd9bGeDXQ6yaYe3mEj_1pKoma9k-q5UbbWlj9x5_g78oo1_PR4opB8hdd2d60aJl5mg_o_FawaNivkVSNuxseM2D-45O7xVLPTfcXPb6bQ01ZNTrkFZCHyUYfWrBw2t/s1600-h/DSC00089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn7RWhuAFBmxNSHd9bGeDXQ6yaYe3mEj_1pKoma9k-q5UbbWlj9x5_g78oo1_PR4opB8hdd2d60aJl5mg_o_FawaNivkVSNuxseM2D-45O7xVLPTfcXPb6bQ01ZNTrkFZCHyUYfWrBw2t/s320/DSC00089.JPG" /></a></div>
In any case, we, and you, are part of that heroic group of parents who, like Samuel's mother in the Old Testament, gave their children to the Lord's service before we were really ready to let them go altogether. With three of the four children now in their 30's, I know that you don't really EVER let your children go completely, but there is a time when your influence and even your duty takes a peripheral role instead of a primary one.<br />
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That being said, let me relate to this missionary-mom's comment about spending more time on her knees now that she is sending her son to Siberia. I understand. I don't know if this will make it any easier or allow you to sleep better, but let me share, again, how the Church, and specifically we here in Novosibirsk, care for your missionary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF6GdTfSsu7o3ljEms9ZvJqEIcpusH-q0q6SN8xpOL8ytiY3Nx4RRZABhoq6rqF543DsCp4nlLA8zxuDzMa_G-b7axNQJ10B-XAuiVXqwMfWudbRyPtAgr7DCOkYkg2L9p24wmF3pwTwC/s1600-h/DSC00088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF6GdTfSsu7o3ljEms9ZvJqEIcpusH-q0q6SN8xpOL8ytiY3Nx4RRZABhoq6rqF543DsCp4nlLA8zxuDzMa_G-b7axNQJ10B-XAuiVXqwMfWudbRyPtAgr7DCOkYkg2L9p24wmF3pwTwC/s320/DSC00088.JPG" /></a>First they get 3 months of training at the Provo Missionary Training Center and they would have to be brain and spiritually dead to not be impacted by that experience. When they finally get to the mission they get a full day of instruction from the Mission President and the Assistants to the President. The next day they get a thorough orientation from the Mission Secretary, who in this case its Sister Simmons. Then I instruct them on the cell phone, ATM cards, and financial matters. When they get to their assigned city, they are put in the care of a Trainer, who has been in the mission a good long time, to spend 6 weeks learning how to be a missionary in the field. They have a senior couple either living in their city or assigned to mentor their city from an adjoining city.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiWKb2FwjRw0veCHStaPJk-x1ZO0UQAZy9XIw5V4Kk7MrDAtTEBgjTul57nO2zuUREm-MTsXDFQuwZV0F-Z7Kg7BqArd7OfawGq4BnreTpD7yno9hs-nYZcR-cPDKcLiw2TvDFD2t2PlA/s1600-h/DSC09449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiWKb2FwjRw0veCHStaPJk-x1ZO0UQAZy9XIw5V4Kk7MrDAtTEBgjTul57nO2zuUREm-MTsXDFQuwZV0F-Z7Kg7BqArd7OfawGq4BnreTpD7yno9hs-nYZcR-cPDKcLiw2TvDFD2t2PlA/s320/DSC09449.JPG" /></a></div>
The missionary is never alone except in the shower and the toilet. They learn to watch out for their companion and to be watched. It is a partnership and they learn to be a good partner during this first 6 weeks. He/she may stay with the trainer for a second transfer (6 weeks) or be assigned to a senior companion where further training and experience is gained. They work on the language, the discussions, the behaviors and demeanor of a missionary, proper relations with members and investigators, contacting, lesson planning, teaching, and everything they will need to know.<br />
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The missionary housing is inspected each transfer. Anything they need for their safety or comfort is provided by the mission, and there is an extraordinary amount of money spent to insure the well being of each missionary. I know. I pay it. There is also an extraordinary amount of effort expended by the entire mission organization to ensure the success of each new missionary and nothing we know of is spared to develop the missionary into what he/she came here to be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNBKOKXz0pSQdT8kyjHvVbL4GLtmjneohzQuQujyx4AzMlg0c3LKXi69XfoxEOenu0-PsX2_asDW9jTvuZd9NmXWTGf7rdvSosA6TdBlmGd5i9ArcWzFd1sg65uhgqaUkvoWnOsXp_kaB/s1600-h/DSC04064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNBKOKXz0pSQdT8kyjHvVbL4GLtmjneohzQuQujyx4AzMlg0c3LKXi69XfoxEOenu0-PsX2_asDW9jTvuZd9NmXWTGf7rdvSosA6TdBlmGd5i9ArcWzFd1sg65uhgqaUkvoWnOsXp_kaB/s320/DSC04064.JPG" /></a></div>
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Missionary mom, we know that God could not be everywhere so He made moms. Well, when you can't be everywhere, God called a Mission President, assistants to the mission President, senior missionary couples, an office couple, and the best of the best missionaries to come to Siberia just to watch out for your son or daughter. Even the members like these take a personal interest in the new missionaries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_u9u1mw-FgKojBDf8HgJIPxpjHQFaQkZ_K9wSQNGTYVuR7ySiT3ym89YqEfqk9XBE6Vsffu-P_vC5RTM6LyWX0WpanobmszXeiUjFe9sro8sjfb1gQb90QqnlpJsxtcMekI6dsvUdCot/s1600-h/The+plan,+Christ+%26+Satan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_u9u1mw-FgKojBDf8HgJIPxpjHQFaQkZ_K9wSQNGTYVuR7ySiT3ym89YqEfqk9XBE6Vsffu-P_vC5RTM6LyWX0WpanobmszXeiUjFe9sro8sjfb1gQb90QqnlpJsxtcMekI6dsvUdCot/s320/The+plan,+Christ+%26+Satan2.jpg" /></a></div>
We honor you for preparing your missionary for this great challenge and we take this responsibility very seriously. I can tell you personally that we as the office couple have taken these missionaries into our hearts, into our lives, and into our personal care. They are our sons and daughters in every sense and we hope that you will know in your heart that all I have told you here is true. They are gone from you, but they are come to us and we will take good care of them.<br />
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What a great opportunity. What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-64506458912342039112010-02-25T22:13:00.003+06:002017-01-11T06:45:08.033+06:00Things I Will Miss--Things I Will NOT Miss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Things I Will Miss--Things I Will NOT Miss</b><br />
Weather--Snowing, heavy wind, alternating clouds and sun.<br />
Temperature--Minus 8.7 C (+16F) Wind gusting to 40 mph<br />
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I have begun making a list of the things that I will miss and not miss when I go home. I would like to share them with you.<br />
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<b>The list of things I will miss is the shortest and easiest to cover here. It includes:</b><br />
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The first that comes to mind is the missionaries. I have said this so many times that it is in danger of becoming trite, but, these young people are the highlight of our mission. There is no question about the high caliber of people being sent to our mission. Without question, they are chronologically young, but incredibly mature in the Gospel. Spiritually, they are bright lights in a dark place, maybe even brighter because of the darkness, and people-on-the-street have noticed the actual light around them and have even tried to capture it with a camera. The Light of Christ in them, along with their own spiritual light, is undeniable and a great comfort to us. These are the Lord's anointed for the preaching of the Gospel and they, along with their angels, are powerful beings on the Lord's errand. <br />
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_92QZNuu9Ba6edmQxbIpHf4YSDF_-HBOsVy-XfyseXoaOrh_2bbfs0gkRPzOoF4xtavlLzOoc-AqwK2HOLr0Hs3k8gcAlnEa4HX8Tzo9BTpvpue3klrrEJh-h7sW9f-ydle3MeN7OtstM/s1600-h/DSC00354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_92QZNuu9Ba6edmQxbIpHf4YSDF_-HBOsVy-XfyseXoaOrh_2bbfs0gkRPzOoF4xtavlLzOoc-AqwK2HOLr0Hs3k8gcAlnEa4HX8Tzo9BTpvpue3klrrEJh-h7sW9f-ydle3MeN7OtstM/s320/DSC00354.JPG" /></a></ol>
A close second on this list is the group of young adults in Novosibirsk with whom we have had a close relationship these past 21 months. I have met many of the others from various other cities and they are equally quality young people, but it is the Novo YSA group that I will sincerely miss. They are open, loving, enthusiastically involved in everything and willing to do almost anything. Most of them are either working or still at the university with most of life in front of them. Six of our strongest ones have left during the past year on missions somewhere in Russia. They go to the MTC for a month and then they are returned to Russia to their mission of service.<br />
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Another thing we will miss is SKYPING with our family. We will be close to at least one child and grand-children when we return home, but we will still be using SKYPE to keep in touch with the rest of the family. However, there is something unique about being half-way around the world and talking in real time with someone over your computer. <br />
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Our 9th floor window is my periscope on the world. I can stand there and watch the world below while shaving, getting dressed, or just daydreaming. We can see the Ob River, the Left Bank, the train track, the main roads to our west and the buildings to the right near the neighborhood administration building. I can watch the construction workers across the street, the foot traffic along the street, the local dogs and birds, the college students going to their classes west of us, and the fireworks when people get married or on holidays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXljl8HkK_pYglAvRC5w12lVhsBQol7APWu8nyIerOckWzbZVPIfAhB9sVHdHcxylYZkoIKIz5Gv-gCAzpqFE4sOipGGNQD49i4PLkX0nRvkZ8JuqWVbC3a8d0qgLIouChe3BGVut4udi5/s1600-h/DSC00508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXljl8HkK_pYglAvRC5w12lVhsBQol7APWu8nyIerOckWzbZVPIfAhB9sVHdHcxylYZkoIKIz5Gv-gCAzpqFE4sOipGGNQD49i4PLkX0nRvkZ8JuqWVbC3a8d0qgLIouChe3BGVut4udi5/s200/DSC00508.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XdqQFWUHym0UlY6otHEdzc0qYSuGlWf7zYIn4cO1rIhr7hdHnmNoAZxnGlQefv92zBnWtC_UQNiaE6J04U6QsOaMIIXc9BftXH5pDPsH9Zjqj8nZI3r25gaKOQUJzEz8cQjo1bHDxu8e/s1600-h/DSC01193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XdqQFWUHym0UlY6otHEdzc0qYSuGlWf7zYIn4cO1rIhr7hdHnmNoAZxnGlQefv92zBnWtC_UQNiaE6J04U6QsOaMIIXc9BftXH5pDPsH9Zjqj8nZI3r25gaKOQUJzEz8cQjo1bHDxu8e/s200/DSC01193.JPG" width="150" /></a>The Gushchins and the Ozherelevs will certainly be missed. Yuri Gushchin is our mission driver and a real prince of a man. Natalia Gushchina is our office librarian and cleaner. She speaks pretty good English and is our link to Yuri. She is also a good friend and we love them both. Sasha and Lenna Ozherelev are in their late 20's and very enjoyable for us. Sasha is the physical facilities man for the mission and Lenna is Cindy's professional seamstress. She can make anything and Sasha can fix anything. He also loves root beer and I intend to leave him whatever extract I have left when we leave. They also like "Hand and Foot". All four of them take especially good care of us and we call them our "kreysha" which means your roof, your protection. A very important concept in Russia.<br />
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<b>Some things I will not miss . . .</b><br />
Where do I begin? Well, really the list is not all that long, and frankly I can deal with it all. It is just that I will not remember them fondly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgRGTcr-wobzYJ5oKAhaFPPABO8163aQaPAEf7OQ5lIEor4Cj93B5eF-7pduQK_S3kInNPA6bVgBkF04rsEmXL9sTNq43m88L-Bum1D8S8FQ9t5zj6ZbiFQyOnL1gLue6Ku8bGc5PhTeu/s1600-h/DSC01763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgRGTcr-wobzYJ5oKAhaFPPABO8163aQaPAEf7OQ5lIEor4Cj93B5eF-7pduQK_S3kInNPA6bVgBkF04rsEmXL9sTNq43m88L-Bum1D8S8FQ9t5zj6ZbiFQyOnL1gLue6Ku8bGc5PhTeu/s200/DSC01763.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbXXaWBLxvGRz1kiWL6kCv-7gGDmgjnESi7pkyYniQA3KcsfeMFT6cIl89RKQkXZdH9efrDSPyUH7I2FOgv-95rTr_t88iomyqw1pJRmfizMJtkUUnQx44Apyh_BkwxcUbD8Ith7IC5tl/s1600-h/DSC02456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbXXaWBLxvGRz1kiWL6kCv-7gGDmgjnESi7pkyYniQA3KcsfeMFT6cIl89RKQkXZdH9efrDSPyUH7I2FOgv-95rTr_t88iomyqw1pJRmfizMJtkUUnQx44Apyh_BkwxcUbD8Ith7IC5tl/s200/DSC02456.JPG" width="150" /></a>First, the cold. This is something you just never get used to. Even the Siberians hate the cold. You can dress for it and you can function in it, but it goes through you like a knife. "It stings your toes and bites your nose . . ." and any exposed skin at -35 is soon a victim if not covered quickly. It penetrates everything, even the double-pane windows. I got these pictures of ice forming on the INSIDE of our windows to prove just how cold it can get here. When we sleep with the window wedged open with a water bottle, it is always frozen in the morning and we often have snow on the window sill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mTzXoqLBvTXt8BXuyHjvxORBpuIuwF9x8PvmXzYeJzDqkpYKdAhzZjGJhpKYzXyAPnYbVZ-JmTwoG-XMlkNG-vdaK9U-mmiIUYsg06pJPKQtGV3LjnaiBIdEOlx6qecRc-mNfl77W1fl/s1600-h/DSC02562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mTzXoqLBvTXt8BXuyHjvxORBpuIuwF9x8PvmXzYeJzDqkpYKdAhzZjGJhpKYzXyAPnYbVZ-JmTwoG-XMlkNG-vdaK9U-mmiIUYsg06pJPKQtGV3LjnaiBIdEOlx6qecRc-mNfl77W1fl/s200/DSC02562.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6EwMLuIG6igMmn8c1mmYz3WuUj7dU4289tbwuLqSX2LMo-LgEVUgBEOez-pAsXkf_40aw9dH3lNlTTImFIaMR7YQq1VeqygpfDCnhpIGBIvRfo3LBqbvxjeS8w9A3fFx1WX6jU9q2ao7/s1600-h/DSC02564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6EwMLuIG6igMmn8c1mmYz3WuUj7dU4289tbwuLqSX2LMo-LgEVUgBEOez-pAsXkf_40aw9dH3lNlTTImFIaMR7YQq1VeqygpfDCnhpIGBIvRfo3LBqbvxjeS8w9A3fFx1WX6jU9q2ao7/s200/DSC02564.JPG" width="150" /></a>The elevator in our building. This is another of those inanimate objects with an attitude. It will stop between floors and shut off the lights whenever it wants. It will go on the blink on the day you shop and bring home 12 bags of groceries that you, and the Elders, will now have to carry up 9 floors. It doesn't like jumping in the car, more than 4 people, loud noises, or 10th, 14th, or 23rd of any given month. However, it will tolerate trash, spilled beer, melting snow, various forms of excrement, and anyone who speaks Russian.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhWdfsEUu-y8iAmebu_zeAkfJauT3b0W9VOA45rrW0FZ_Ce2MiBynry5KD0iQwkpzNPsUkw28VzOAagiRs6WgmAAjB4c9VEYz5DwMfZ9qrLZKxu2jrJQ7jYXdmWBPyw9MUhO8FCxJaiij/s1600-h/DSC02454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhWdfsEUu-y8iAmebu_zeAkfJauT3b0W9VOA45rrW0FZ_Ce2MiBynry5KD0iQwkpzNPsUkw28VzOAagiRs6WgmAAjB4c9VEYz5DwMfZ9qrLZKxu2jrJQ7jYXdmWBPyw9MUhO8FCxJaiij/s200/DSC02454.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWRV2S5P7s71IZn6BVR7LJXuiFHFBRn8S1xrR_m7dzMgMIeJyr94GFjb93yeVmd67gkQSh3Ke89d3ohzNNQh9tTvi5Lg9AYwmK-xfBukXrL_-jjgh0mRnZ6yFGb7ug2rj2gsvgUlv6nyx/s1600-h/DSC02290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWRV2S5P7s71IZn6BVR7LJXuiFHFBRn8S1xrR_m7dzMgMIeJyr94GFjb93yeVmd67gkQSh3Ke89d3ohzNNQh9tTvi5Lg9AYwmK-xfBukXrL_-jjgh0mRnZ6yFGb7ug2rj2gsvgUlv6nyx/s200/DSC02290.JPG" width="200" /></a>Washing the vegetables is also near the top of the list. We usually go shopping, with Yuri Gushchin's help, on Wednesday mornings, in company with the office elders, and drop our bags at the apartment before returning to the office for the balance of the day. Regardless of the time we come home from the office, I never get started washing until 9 or 10pm. Then it is a 3-4 hour project to wash, chlorinate, rinse, and put away the produce that often includes 10-12 lettuce plants, cucumbers, tomatoes (if you can call them that), potatoes, onions, celery (on occasion), asparagus (on occasion), broccoli, cauliflower, pineapple, eggs, and other assorted things that we eat raw. I don't get to bed before 1AM ever on Wednesdays and often later.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWRxyggZHofm1X_-Vg5NnG_6_F79l9V-lAdhVBqNWA9mXQpbwfk6ykOWITJOO4CneQSEu450srjj0ADhan5-vcKttnKOxBm7IUWdSUBxQtq99PuShd3A1wX53twl4gxUWRw8YSQvXObO6/s1600-h/DSC02141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWRxyggZHofm1X_-Vg5NnG_6_F79l9V-lAdhVBqNWA9mXQpbwfk6ykOWITJOO4CneQSEu450srjj0ADhan5-vcKttnKOxBm7IUWdSUBxQtq99PuShd3A1wX53twl4gxUWRw8YSQvXObO6/s200/DSC02141.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Our apartment is not so bad, although I won't miss the pealing wallpaper or the need for extension cords, but the washing machine is truly the most forgettable. I did a whole posting on that process last year and it still goes on. Whatever I am doing, washing takes a big chunk of my time. After all, you long-timers know that I am in charge of washing and world peace, and clothes washing is a real time consumer.<br />
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The dogs are another thing I won't miss. As you know, I was concerned for the 9 puppies that were born in the construction site across the street early in the winter, but now that they have grown to maturity, I am ready for them to demise. I mean really, who needs 15 dogs running in a pack all night (9 puppies, three adults, and 3 other strays that have joined them) barking, baying, whining, and barking some more. I watched one of the younger ones down below our window bark continuously for at least 10 minutes, apparently calling its siblings. Finally the pack shows up amid the usual barking, jumping, licking, mock-fighting, and then all troop off for a new adventure somewhere to the west. I WON'T miss that.<br />
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Finally, I won't miss the gulag mentality I see in many non-LDS people, the knowing that life is crummy, but enduring, suffering, scrambling, scratching, taking, misusing, defrauding, abusing, living a hedonistic lifestyle of the hopeless but getting all they can in spite of it instead of working, learning, growing, improving, giving, serving. These people have an enormous capacity to suffer and endure, while brutally using whatever power or strength they have to get whatever they can from fellow inmates. It is just heartbreaking.<br />
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On the other hand, the members we know are the lights and life of our time here. They have hope. They have vision. They know who they are and what life is about. Their lives are not any better, but they are living it better. They are riding the wave instead of being dumped on. I love them so much.<br />
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What a country<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-19037944422071097272010-02-23T22:04:00.000+06:002017-01-11T11:43:38.419+06:00The Lost Name Tags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Lost Name Tags</b><br />
Weather--Clear and warming<br />
Temp--Minus 1.7 (30F) Wind--Strong 18-25 mph<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOxqSOG5TD46tP2ACnUbPEp06_by7_oPYeVNg-VdTpuirPathMChknQMTLcCeohyphenhyphenWM3vNDliDqQlUZBB4CLhN9-onj2-9-X9uXXTcy846mdNRS1nLMHUnu8FooDC39eX-eoELkPdUNqbv/s1600-h/DSC02071_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOxqSOG5TD46tP2ACnUbPEp06_by7_oPYeVNg-VdTpuirPathMChknQMTLcCeohyphenhyphenWM3vNDliDqQlUZBB4CLhN9-onj2-9-X9uXXTcy846mdNRS1nLMHUnu8FooDC39eX-eoELkPdUNqbv/s200/DSC02071_2.JPG" width="184" /></a></div>
After 21 months in the mission field, I lost my name tags SOMEWHERE. I have worn that tag daily and managed to keep track of it all this time. What went wrong?<br />
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I cannot believe that it just jumped off my coat lapel because it has an alligator clip with very strong teeth and it could not just fall off. Maybe it doesn't want to go home. Maybe this is another of those inanimate objects that has developed some sort of intelligence and is making its own decisions.<br />
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I cannot blame it for wanting to stay here and if it had just talked to me about how it feels, I would have worked something out. I have several extra ones that I could use and could have just clipped it to the curtain and that would have been OK with me, but it just seems to have taken things into its own, well, hands? No, its own teeth. I am just disappointed that it felt that we couldn't talk this thing out and found a compromise somehow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi3nbchtkTdb884ghdxXaSmL7MCYNvxs8owtcY-Uzpr8LEA5diKNB4nGxFQTXOOP-_frK23TfgJtJA9muG4SOF12Id5S0M72xrbY7WSJWBZfX6sx9XowrH23_Gp4pHvEXuliHSmnge-tb/s1600-h/DSC01217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi3nbchtkTdb884ghdxXaSmL7MCYNvxs8owtcY-Uzpr8LEA5diKNB4nGxFQTXOOP-_frK23TfgJtJA9muG4SOF12Id5S0M72xrbY7WSJWBZfX6sx9XowrH23_Gp4pHvEXuliHSmnge-tb/s320/DSC01217.JPG" /></a></div>
Other missionarys' name tags seem perfectly content to go home with their owners. Owners? Well yes, these objects, particularly name tags are named after the person who does, actually, own them. Look at how content Elder Tanner's and Elder Swenson's name tags seem to be on their shirts. No contention. No independent thought or action; just doing their name-tag-things like they were created to do.<br />
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If any name tag would be independent thinking, it would be Elder Olson's. He was a self-motivated independent thinking young man with his own ideas. Although a great Financial Elder, he had his own direction. Now, that could infect a name tag with all kinds of ideas about finding itself and making a statement, but no. His name tag filled the measure of its creation and did its job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDayhwWTrk7tr7w8xUb1YoNSe0cpKL9T67Y-4PDf9snC8Xie7zgeeyHhwDtUtiBx9i_abd9C8bB2NlvJmAMR0KKlu640pc5BiZ067UZpFiqYGAPYTvj0qPqwzho35DFjV6GRpgUFKy8Ou/s1600-h/DSC02353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDayhwWTrk7tr7w8xUb1YoNSe0cpKL9T67Y-4PDf9snC8Xie7zgeeyHhwDtUtiBx9i_abd9C8bB2NlvJmAMR0KKlu640pc5BiZ067UZpFiqYGAPYTvj0qPqwzho35DFjV6GRpgUFKy8Ou/s320/DSC02353.JPG" /></a>Now, Elder Ahuna. There's a real potential for name tag rebellion. This elder is so relaxed, I would not be surprised to see his name tag do almost anything including being AWOL. I don't think that there is a tense centimeter on his entire frame. He is a friend to everyone and OK with anything, BUT, now that I think about it, his shirt tail HAS been showing signs of imitating his relaxed demeanor by hanging out and refusing to be tucked in. That's right! Another case of attitude infection of an inanimate object. This could be worthy of further study. zzzzzz </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJxLi_wDVPpSkjdCkfYvPovbwxLXODKM1eyoIiuOb0a2Q_XCCjCzr9o7QcmW26OLjyLJ2t0eBZgLpqb1Ub4Q2SCeRgSmO9hnAFoUxmzYNtLoqib4mjk4ylUr6xsU1U6hR4KgCatoiBfms/s1600-h/DSC01858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJxLi_wDVPpSkjdCkfYvPovbwxLXODKM1eyoIiuOb0a2Q_XCCjCzr9o7QcmW26OLjyLJ2t0eBZgLpqb1Ub4Q2SCeRgSmO9hnAFoUxmzYNtLoqib4mjk4ylUr6xsU1U6hR4KgCatoiBfms/s320/DSC01858.JPG" width="320" /></a> Thank goodness our new missionaries don't seem to have this problem. It's hard enough coming into the mission field with so much new without having your name tag giving you fits. Sister Fesenko here is showing great name tag control and discipline. She even has the same clip that mine has and hers is behaving just right. It's a sign of complete control when everything works as it should.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyMQ6J1GFibNS6ZJc27wY6-jV2SJKHKhgl_2e7xly3BGiASzf7eZtAtZn5M8Dd0gZNNmemcv1BMeAGDEMVCZ4I9zDMPwYSDGHWFsfyq2BChpdIo93EyZHM3m0Ry1uzBWZLkmuYC-TrQeX/s1600-h/DSC02286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyMQ6J1GFibNS6ZJc27wY6-jV2SJKHKhgl_2e7xly3BGiASzf7eZtAtZn5M8Dd0gZNNmemcv1BMeAGDEMVCZ4I9zDMPwYSDGHWFsfyq2BChpdIo93EyZHM3m0Ry1uzBWZLkmuYC-TrQeX/s200/DSC02286.JPG" width="150" /></a>Whatever the cause, I am anxious to find and reconnect with my name tag and maybe come to some agreement on what's expected of it.</div>
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Maybe then it will become an agent of change and be a good influence on my pens that also seem to be unwilling to stay where I put them. They must share a common ancestor with this name tag.<br />
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What a country<br />
DS<br />
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Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-60175816783633532472010-02-23T19:05:00.000+06:002017-01-11T12:01:02.575+06:00Odds and Ends Observations 2/13/10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Odds and Ends Observations</b><br />
Weather--Overcast with light snow<br />
Temp--minus 22C (-7F) Wind--10-12 mph from the west<br />
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I have made many observations from our 9th floor bedroom window and while walking or riding around our limited area of experience. Surely these cannot be generalized beyond my actual experience, but they COULD be a microcosm of the activity all over Siberia for all I know.<br />
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One of my observations is that I see people walking alone down our street at all hours of the day and night; alone. I mean, at 3:00 AM when Sister Cindy has finished her last email and run completely out of things on her list, I can stand at my side of the bed, next to the window, and see one or two people walking down the street solo. It seems interesting that ANYONE would be on the street at that hour (it seems strange to me that I would be up to observe this phenomenon at 3AM), walking alone from somewhere to somewhere, alone. The streets must be considered safe to be alone at a time when only criminals and the homeless are afoot.<br />
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Another observation is associated with the elevator. As we stepped into it tonight we looked down to see 4-5 hand-print-size puddles of liquid about 1/4 inch deep. With our 20+ month experience with puddles in our building and particularly in the elevator, we both looked at one another and said, "I hope that's melted snow."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMRd76iu0q2BuqZP44vS_ajl2Fk6fE_-OBRxKhCZZiKJN7RfhFBz8SiHdglP7cx1miMwPHOXIHwoHf3FnaVN3BHExmJGPgikQP-DXGxeJqPmY46jf6CakacRQa59JLCpxDVf41c4JnKMX/s1600-h/DSC02357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMRd76iu0q2BuqZP44vS_ajl2Fk6fE_-OBRxKhCZZiKJN7RfhFBz8SiHdglP7cx1miMwPHOXIHwoHf3FnaVN3BHExmJGPgikQP-DXGxeJqPmY46jf6CakacRQa59JLCpxDVf41c4JnKMX/s320/DSC02357.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrC1qqClvms1Pu9IOckZtbCS5sTTe354U4Mys5hliAecDbtqe4h-hIkcJvPQAqChvU2Mf5jqwbX_EC-Ocrywce_KJGUJED7KiGCgmhZaxqmOln4kOGNE6o8ricsejx9VrrvaxK9nk2trbl/s1600-h/DSC02358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrC1qqClvms1Pu9IOckZtbCS5sTTe354U4Mys5hliAecDbtqe4h-hIkcJvPQAqChvU2Mf5jqwbX_EC-Ocrywce_KJGUJED7KiGCgmhZaxqmOln4kOGNE6o8ricsejx9VrrvaxK9nk2trbl/s320/DSC02358.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
An associated observation is the fauna and flora on our 18 staircases as we go to the office each day. As we walk down the stairs each morning we have to dodge what has been left on the stairs by our, usually young, neighbors and their friends. We pick our way amid the cigarette butts, partially consumed cans and bottles of various liquids, the by-products of apartment remodeling, and puddles of vomit, some of which are thoughtfully absorbed by notebook paper that is now dried and permanently stuck to the stair.<br />
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We had a puddle of used spaghetti in front of the elevator two months ago that, rather than being removed by the donor, just soaked into the unsealed concrete floor for several weeks along with being tracked away by the shoes of those running the gauntlet of obstacles on our stairs. It is hard to believe that the donors of these various deposits don't get it. It has to be that they are so sick(or drunk) that the issue of cleaning up is simply beyond them. Logic would suggest that the donors must be visitors to our building because if you lived here you would not tolerate your own mess for very long; would you?<br />
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The fauna consists mostly of the stuffed animals in our living room. As soon as the YSA kids come into the room, they grab one of them and hug them the whole evening. Even the missionaries, mostly the sisters, hug the toys, but even many of the elders seem to get some real comfort from them. When Sister Cindy started buying them at Ikea, I objected. Now I see the wisdom in it and am glad that we have them. Here, Anya Kovalenko demonstrates her technique with the panda. Anya is a returned missionary from Japan. She was also my choir pianist, my translator, and a good friend, one of those who has moved from Novo for work in Moscow. We miss her a lot.<br />
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I have mentioned the cars that start, run, and turn off multiple times during the night. I can look out the window at various times of the night and see the hazard lights flashing on the street, in the parking lot across the street, and in our own parking lot. It is kinda creepy to walk through the parking lot past blinking, driver-less cars with running motors each building its parking-lot volcanoes beneath their tailpipes.<br />
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Russians want to be friendly and occasionally we get a glimpse of that. This past week, a young lady pushing a pram (for you in Rio Linda that's a baby buggy) caught up with us and started asking us something. I gave her my usual "don't speak Russian" response and with limited English and gestures she asked if we bought our shoe-chains (Yak Traks) in Russia. We said no, but maybe they were available. Sister Cindy immediately wanted to see the baby and bonded with the young mom.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTot_N2uQAg0spN5YChpjHXLLj79jIVXYDhKgHPzt9w0yL-KUAqGThi1uRH9jW5DxpkRiX3KxDDXwlCvFQxsiz79HKGrobI9H-azy4D3WDSzeYeQnRxP-YEFqsF0qCDfauooVuGJOcl3o/s1600-h/DSC02360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTot_N2uQAg0spN5YChpjHXLLj79jIVXYDhKgHPzt9w0yL-KUAqGThi1uRH9jW5DxpkRiX3KxDDXwlCvFQxsiz79HKGrobI9H-azy4D3WDSzeYeQnRxP-YEFqsF0qCDfauooVuGJOcl3o/s320/DSC02360.JPG" /></a><br />
She asked the lady for her cell phone number and promised to call her with some information. Now, you have to picture this. I have a 22 pound briefcase slung over my head and left shoulder, cutting off my circulation while we are standing there, and Sister Cindy starts pulling on my coat, trying to get at a pen for her to write her phone number. After the lady writes the number, Sister Cindy tries to tell her where we live. Then she gets real aggressive and tries to expose my name tag while she explains that we are missionaries. The young lady, somewhat amused and a little disappointed said, "I know. I live across the hall from you."<br />
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Of course, we have seen her several times and I once helped her down the stairs between the elevator and the exit door with her pram, but we did not recognize her in all the clothes we all have to wear. We all laughed and she was genuinely pleased to make the connection. It seems that her grandmother slipped on the ice and she saw our shoe-chains as a possible solution. Nice lady.<br />
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A little farther on, as we approached the office on the driveway, a lady in a full-length mink coat approached us and, smiling, said something in Russian, I gave her my usual answer and added, "Amerikanski". She smiled broadly, apologized and waved as she walked on. It was a very pleasant encounter.<br />
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I will have more observations from the 9th floor window, but I need to get this posted so my readers don't get discouraged and quit checking in. Reason: I have a secret goal to get 1,000,000 hits on the blog before we go home in April. At first I thought that no one would read this but family. Then when I put the counter on the blog and saw that over 100,000 hits had occurred, I sort of checked on the count every once in a while and watched it grow. Now that it is over 900,000. The one million mark is not so far fetched. We'll see.<br />
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We love our mission here and the people we know. Even the people we just see and meet periodically like the checkers at Megas (supermarket) or the Metro guards, or the security guard in the Zoloni Kupola (green roof) building where we have church. They call up from my heart a sincere love. I have heard it said by other senior couples that you are filled with God's love for the people, but I doubted it; just missionary hype. Well, it's true. I am filled with love for all of these people, even the ones who don't look at or talk to us or those who donate the stuff to our stairs, or the drunk teenagers who congregate on our landing and leave sunflower seeds all over. I love them as brothers and sisters and cannot help myself. It is a gift God gives his missionaries to allow them to love strangers. It is a neat feeling.<br />
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What a feeling. What a country. <br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-67192236169367452542010-02-09T22:07:00.001+06:002017-01-11T12:20:03.397+06:00The Last Visa Trip 2/5/10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Last Visa Trip</b><br />
Weather -- Gathering overcast<br />
Temp -- minus 21F (-29C) Wind -- 3-5 mph from southwest<br />
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Last Monday we returned from our last visa renewal trip. This is sort of a benchmark because as you all know we have had to leave the country every 90 days to renew our Russian visas and those trips usually take about 5 days; some longer. Where else could you go on a mission and get a 5 day trip to exotic places like Madrid, Prague, Riga, Almaty, Kiev, and Helsinki every three months? Come on you retirees. The Novosibirsk Mission needs you and you need this great experience. Nicki, come on--these are your people!<br />
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The morning we left it was -37C (-34.5F), but it didn't feel much more than -20. Look how we have become acclimated in 20 months. A warm day is -10 and we have to consider wearing something lighter. <br />
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We landed in the new Terminal D in Moscow and would have had to change terminals to Sheremetyevo International Airport, Terminal 2. By shuttle bus except we got picked up by a van arranged for by our friends at the U.S. Embassy. We needed to meet with the people in the American Citizens Services department who service and track American Residents in Russia to discuss how best to register our missionaries with the embassy. We met them several months ago when they visited Novosibirsk and came to our apartment for lunch. These employees of our government are not the stereotypical government workers. They are genuinely very nice, fun people and very concerned about serving the needs of U.S. citizens in Russia. I cannot praise them enough for being so dedicated to my personal welfare. I have some nice pictures of them in our apartment but for security reasons I will not publish them.<br />
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After our embassy visit, we wanted to visit the Moscow Central Baptist Church where Ezra Taft Benson visited and spoke in 1956 on a tour to evaluate the humanitarian needs in eastern Europe. He bore a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation right in front of his government guides and guards. Recently, President Uchtdorf visited the same church while on a tour of the Europe East Area with Neil L. Anderson. It has become quite famous among those who know its history.<br />
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We had a bit of trouble finding it even with the directions of the embassy folks and our local driver, but we finally located it and had a wonderful visit. When we went inside, the "guard" came out of his little office, greeted us and when he learned that we were Americans who had come to visit his famous church, I think he knew who we were and was both helpful and gracious in letting us take pictures and telling us of the church's history. He even found an English-speaking lady who told us about the building. Here, Sister Cindy is taking in the moment of victory as she finally got to see the church after two years of plans that fell through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyka0gQB7DA3UN4iWPkfZYC3IoJO45W6vYsQ1QkWiCfeGsZv_Lxjn4VW_jPswOR5m6nWX3BwbriBQTnjrb-ZIQIfGsKDtUFjF4fLW4_ilyog_8Qr9K1O_jZmpk68YJ6FtiEdXb1JmG6eUT/s1600-h/DSC02042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyka0gQB7DA3UN4iWPkfZYC3IoJO45W6vYsQ1QkWiCfeGsZv_Lxjn4VW_jPswOR5m6nWX3BwbriBQTnjrb-ZIQIfGsKDtUFjF4fLW4_ilyog_8Qr9K1O_jZmpk68YJ6FtiEdXb1JmG6eUT/s320/DSC02042.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHUY8nzbH2M0BI3THHuFfhfDVtxvQwQv_GZ7x5wGwwCslg6eRjWdIeyc9ii3jrEv9i8TaVHa1rD6ns-31hDqPndA2k7dWGZC2M-y-6JN-8zknFZX86GWw6tnD9vHpJkUYEV9owvSlsPqB/s1600-h/DSC02092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHUY8nzbH2M0BI3THHuFfhfDVtxvQwQv_GZ7x5wGwwCslg6eRjWdIeyc9ii3jrEv9i8TaVHa1rD6ns-31hDqPndA2k7dWGZC2M-y-6JN-8zknFZX86GWw6tnD9vHpJkUYEV9owvSlsPqB/s320/DSC02092.JPG" /></a>This was the culmination of a dream for Sister Cindy. Ever since we came to Russia and had to pass through Moscow twice on our visa trips, she has wanted to visit here. Here she shows the #2 Pastor and the watchman the articles about Elder Benson in 1956 and President Uchtdorf in 2009. We first became aware of the then Secretary of Agriculture Benson's visit when we were coming to the USSR in 1990 with the Sister City tour to Moldavia. Our friend Charlene Hunt told us about it and felt that we needed to make a pamphlet about it to take with us and . . . well, that's another story, but our interest in this church goes back that far. It was such a joy to finally BE there to see and feel the place we had talked about to those gospel-hungry people we found almost 20 years ago. Wow, what a thrill.<br />
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The rest of the trip to Helsinki and our hotel was pretty routine. During the three days we stayed downtown we shopped, attended a concert, ate, walked, took a bus tour, and generally enjoyed a beautiful city amid the falling snow and visibly pleasant people; with few exceptions, the Helsinkians are courteous, happy, and helpful.<br />
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We especially enjoyed the concert and the eating. The concert by the Helsinki Philharmonic featured a Sibelius concerto that was outstanding. The eating included seeing an ice-bound sailing schooner and the Chapel. The schooner is moored at the dock near what would be the craft fair on the waterfront during the warm months. Even now the fur dealers and fish mongers were there in tents amid the falling snow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLWhJtJrIHF0PZT4ymJzzwcEtlhGFJjQ9lSFsoc41zPbXuJ8_3kgVgPhJcJNIqlBHAd4DhI5ltP5kjCWxP7iNG5LT7mjgabG6W3c7tHugB0jrWqGYaa2kyOEUA5o0kY-_BFZ3vXevUaSx/s1600-h/DSC02219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLWhJtJrIHF0PZT4ymJzzwcEtlhGFJjQ9lSFsoc41zPbXuJ8_3kgVgPhJcJNIqlBHAd4DhI5ltP5kjCWxP7iNG5LT7mjgabG6W3c7tHugB0jrWqGYaa2kyOEUA5o0kY-_BFZ3vXevUaSx/s200/DSC02219.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9ZNSw1Qmzbt0CDR1t3_vDxvgZHvn3GsS_cirGLZnoBbsFDX4Rpb5rH0zxYXMRecPc2z1m7R3uXaNY5MHgZ3TEsXKsxtKlAZVMgxo4fMFWfFCxbfiMK6kOBgdu1G4oLT0HsMDx3d8J-dU/s1600-h/DSC02145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v6ts-7_kmh0x4wSCq0MQFGkpqx4zSg8B8KHzNJR2Lb78ZdvH564F3kGrLyuwQ1Yw1z42SPDZym-401E3TwG5Z6-k5JUZJPbmQKvEsF-Xn0UjLhHqNzCh0CJydAry1oCWypbykv6xpErR/s1600-h/DSC02222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v6ts-7_kmh0x4wSCq0MQFGkpqx4zSg8B8KHzNJR2Lb78ZdvH564F3kGrLyuwQ1Yw1z42SPDZym-401E3TwG5Z6-k5JUZJPbmQKvEsF-Xn0UjLhHqNzCh0CJydAry1oCWypbykv6xpErR/s200/DSC02222.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9ZNSw1Qmzbt0CDR1t3_vDxvgZHvn3GsS_cirGLZnoBbsFDX4Rpb5rH0zxYXMRecPc2z1m7R3uXaNY5MHgZ3TEsXKsxtKlAZVMgxo4fMFWfFCxbfiMK6kOBgdu1G4oLT0HsMDx3d8J-dU/s200/DSC02145.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVN2qZc4DLusqWncrsL8hjftoK9qOyth0YVIqcFp9WWH5ZEjZpqTzcEUgJF-d73NF_5y6HUAPTODL_5GQBvsptAef7ovI8dPG7FFG7eb3okzMi8bwv7AIM8s6zdcAR3LmQQGsr3KB__uc/s1600-h/DSC02110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVN2qZc4DLusqWncrsL8hjftoK9qOyth0YVIqcFp9WWH5ZEjZpqTzcEUgJF-d73NF_5y6HUAPTODL_5GQBvsptAef7ovI8dPG7FFG7eb3okzMi8bwv7AIM8s6zdcAR3LmQQGsr3KB__uc/s200/DSC02110.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Chapel has an interesting story we learned during our bus tour of the city. In the early days of the city, its western boundary was what is now a boulevard that lines a 5-block long park that ends at the marina. The park was a meadow where a sheepherder tended his sheep and lived in a shack that stood there for many decades after his death; known as the chapel. When the park was dedicated and the roads extended, a cafe was located on the site of the chapel and took the same name. It was built in the mid 19th century of iron and glass and has become a landmark as well as a great restaurant. Of course, I had the lamb and garlic potatoes; heavenly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6P6NmjtjCRdRE7CtgnAx52vXiyCAOHbvOa1Ohnkkbw_xJRsvAYROo9igaUroRGA8JUirPx9ERXk89DNdf3PvpAXvltwtf7MIMCF2lskR5e5CX3KuduBsOMquOs4rVFZrrRbhOF4NdHJ4/s1600-h/DSC02239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6P6NmjtjCRdRE7CtgnAx52vXiyCAOHbvOa1Ohnkkbw_xJRsvAYROo9igaUroRGA8JUirPx9ERXk89DNdf3PvpAXvltwtf7MIMCF2lskR5e5CX3KuduBsOMquOs4rVFZrrRbhOF4NdHJ4/s320/DSC02239.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Friday night we moved to the Temple "Guest House" which is a hostel build just south of the Temple. The accommodations are spartan, but clean and comfortable considering that it is fully occupied Sunday through Friday with patrons from as far away as Ulan-Ude who must travel 3 days, stay 5 days, and return for 3 days on each trip. Most are only able to attend the temple once in their lifetime because of the time and cost. Attending a temple session and doing other work was highlight of our trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5d3kg6SVHZEDm2TXexjkO00gBO7GvzzS5IwxRdCzyp0vemmi_BEm7U3ZZ2tZ0nis5J0BVR-vpWjktpLU8fVy-esf73Qs5E4Yon0meOcL2ChwjZOGvgkYdQhYLLY38lVqf_h0-buosl7Q7/s1600-h/DSC02259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5d3kg6SVHZEDm2TXexjkO00gBO7GvzzS5IwxRdCzyp0vemmi_BEm7U3ZZ2tZ0nis5J0BVR-vpWjktpLU8fVy-esf73Qs5E4Yon0meOcL2ChwjZOGvgkYdQhYLLY38lVqf_h0-buosl7Q7/s200/DSC02259.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Another highlight was having lunch with a member of the Helsinki stake presidency, Ilkaa Aura, who was a teenage exchange student with a Utah family many years ago. Our traveling companions, the Moleffs, have a son-in-law from that family and got us connected with President Aura. On the way to his home he showed us a place on the Baltic Sea that the city plows in an oval and people cross-country skate. It was so unusual to be standing ON the Baltic. We saw skaters from infants in carriages to grandparents. There was even several skaters using parachutes like the wind-surfers in Hawaii.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn9yp4I2-5nfJdG-q2S1ddGeYupOjKoo_lbhkmaa5YMrv91VXYJ1EIcfDGtFA3jQ1CSWWncjioeVBRVTeEb8i0RsFWyAEb0e6UZaQ8xJRoE9fu45ZrQqIXMtnk7VoqJhaAMDkBUnSunQK/s1600-h/DSC02273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn9yp4I2-5nfJdG-q2S1ddGeYupOjKoo_lbhkmaa5YMrv91VXYJ1EIcfDGtFA3jQ1CSWWncjioeVBRVTeEb8i0RsFWyAEb0e6UZaQ8xJRoE9fu45ZrQqIXMtnk7VoqJhaAMDkBUnSunQK/s200/DSC02273.JPG" width="200" /></a>Ilkaa took us to his home for a wonderful lunch of typical Finnish fare that included smoked/baked salmon, smoked trout, potatoes in creme, mung bean sprouts, cheese, and reindeer salami. We met his new wife Paula, his first wife died last year and he married this lady just a few months ago. She is only a couple of years younger than he and had never been married. What a great lady and so gracious. I didn't even mind when she poured black licorice syrup over her ice cream. I love new things, but that was way beyond my tolerance for the exotic.<br />
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Sunday we drove with several of the temple missionaries through a pretty good snow storm about 45 minutes to a ward conference in the Helsinki Stake and enjoyed their block meetings with the help of an interpreter most of the time. Three cute sisters sang the special musical number. They were so cute and right on pitch.<br />
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After the block, we had an extra surprise; another Finnish meal. This time it was to celebrate their conference meeting and starred salmon soup, bread, and a table full of beautiful desserts. I enjoyed it all.<br />
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We have enjoyed our visa trips, but I am glad they are over. The short trips are exhausting, the time difference is confusing to my body, and the uncertainty of the government officials all combine to make these trips primarily a disruption in the work. I am grateful for the work of Olga, Pyotr, Sister Cindy and all the embassy and Moscow central office to make sure we get there and back safely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvweSLKChfp3vD8-fmux2zM5vSGkPMwROm6tR_oQ8SsIAvM4hFpHjHLBapV6EzwV_nlo2R9kIZvwBFKZwzvNyflhsf-GS93eoA12m0pby83ObLrwQCaLM8qggrNXWMl-nfRBbTGA8PxXJq/s1600-h/DSC02277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvweSLKChfp3vD8-fmux2zM5vSGkPMwROm6tR_oQ8SsIAvM4hFpHjHLBapV6EzwV_nlo2R9kIZvwBFKZwzvNyflhsf-GS93eoA12m0pby83ObLrwQCaLM8qggrNXWMl-nfRBbTGA8PxXJq/s200/DSC02277.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
What a trip. What a country<br />
D.S. </div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-22816154425739621742010-02-05T01:12:00.002+06:002017-01-11T05:17:56.977+06:00Pillow-Talk in Novosibirsk 2/4/10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Pillow-Talk in Novosibirsk</b><br />
Weather -- Clear and Sunny Temp -- minus 10F (-17C)<br />
Wind -- 7-10 mph from the east<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-t3mAhOmgUreqJvb5vFaQ0DmbaDC2tMBxzoPlLOmScr8VcHNmiPj9yEBpLcYSid3pX2opaV8SOlTsB-bI1p6euXJ00Srn8KndLaWHtljK6eeVyhfkQsJWTI8SmyNlY_Tekmmnz0dh6Jv/s1600-h/bxp51813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-t3mAhOmgUreqJvb5vFaQ0DmbaDC2tMBxzoPlLOmScr8VcHNmiPj9yEBpLcYSid3pX2opaV8SOlTsB-bI1p6euXJ00Srn8KndLaWHtljK6eeVyhfkQsJWTI8SmyNlY_Tekmmnz0dh6Jv/s320/bxp51813.jpg" /></a>Pillow-talk is a little different here in the mission. For you single people, this is the time between going to bed and sleeping that most women use to communicate with their husbands about the events of the day because they are hardwired with this special calendar in their heads attached to a mental notebook that are both activated when they get horizontal.<br />
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Below, Brian and I are having a little pillow-talk, but it isn't the same thing.<br />
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At a time when a man's thoughts are either on romance or sleep, his wife's systems are cascading dates, names, needs, he-said/she-said dialogues, and honey-do list items that would choke a horse. As this dialogue continues, the husband's inclination for romance is permanently stifled and sleep is his only refuge, but as the wife senses his relaxation she ups the volume or employs the elbow to be sure that he gets the entire message. If all else fails, early the next day she will "remind" him of what he agreed to last night while he was trying to go to sleep and he is defenseless. <br />
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Well, here in the mission field the process continues unabated, but the topics revolve around the situations, people, and commitments of the mission plus one new category; metabolic processes. To try and keep this blog "family friendly" and socially acceptable I will euphemize the dialogue so as not to offend the sensibilities of the reader, but please realize that these additional pillow-talk topics are important to older couples out in the mission field away from their usual remedies, medicines, doctors, exercise routines, and other helps to stay healthy and mobile.<br />
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Below, Grammy Cindy is having a little pillow-talk with Hannah (number three grandchild), but that's not the same either. <br />
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Sister Cindy is undoubtedly going to take me to task about this blog, accusing me of various insensitivities and generally massive poor judgment, but I write this for two purposes. One, to let you parents know the struggles and challenges of we older missionaries that the young ones don't have, and two, to let the older readers see that these things can be dealt with, overcome, or avoided and that they should not let their fears of such keep them from serving away from home. I will probably treat all of this with some attempt at humor, but that's how I cope with difficult things.<br />
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Recently, a pillow-talk session went something like this.<br />
Sister Cindy, "I love you. Thanks for all your work today."<br />
Me, "You're welcome, I love to serve. You worked hard too"<br />
SC, "What did you weigh tonight?"<br />
IMe, "I didn't want to know."<br />
SC, "Well, get up and weigh yourself. You need to keep on top of this."<br />
Me, "Mumble, mumble." Returning to bed, "196".<br />
SC, "Was that net or gross?" (I subtract the weight of my garments, watch, glasses, etc to estimate my true weight and keep the number as low as possible)<br />
Me, "Net of course. It is always net. Why do you always ask that?"<br />
SC, "I just want to be sure."<br />
Me, "Well, it's net, always net."<br />
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SC, "Did you p_ _ p today.<br />
Me, "No"<br />
SC, "You need to get up and take some Yucky Tea." (This is an herb tea that is a blood cleanser with some definite lower track impact)<br />
Me, "Mumble, mumble". Returning to bed, "I drank the last of it. You will need to make some more."<br />
SC, "Did you drink it ALL?"<br />
Me, "Not the dregs. I hate the floaties."<br />
SC, "That's the best part for you."<br />
Me, "I hate the floaties."<br />
SC. "You need to drink more water. I made an appointment with the dentist for Friday night to fix my other broken filling. Can you stay at the office while Olga and I go to the dentist or do you want to come home before I go? Oh, I can't leave you alone at home or the office. Maybe the office elders will stay with you."<br />
Me, "I can stay at the office and I promise not to leave and fall down on the ice."<br />
SC, "I don't know. Maybe I should cancel that appointment. You should call the office elders and get them to stay late."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-SO8iu3aI04Ys9PFSLaZUxnL6xRc7oaSK32MvkOigmLECHn-c9k_0IqUWL-Zdj-q8okvvgTdl4fxnmQuLQTQDklxWaknsPs0AgzCYsP7QWYCj-kM0-H2eDoFmqDHwsJjuVeCpdjrSWxC/s1600-h/DSC02252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-SO8iu3aI04Ys9PFSLaZUxnL6xRc7oaSK32MvkOigmLECHn-c9k_0IqUWL-Zdj-q8okvvgTdl4fxnmQuLQTQDklxWaknsPs0AgzCYsP7QWYCj-kM0-H2eDoFmqDHwsJjuVeCpdjrSWxC/s320/DSC02252.JPG" /></a>Me, "It's 2:15 am. I'm not calling the office elders now."<br />
SC, "I know that. Just be sure to call them in the morning. I'll write that on my list for tomorrow." (gets out of bed, goes to the kitchen and writes down that I should call them) (returning to bed) "I wrote it down. Now be sure to call them."<br />
Me, "Cindy, it will be fine for me to stay at the office. I promise not to do anything life-threatening."<br />
SC, "Do you need any cleaning supplies at the store? President Gushchin will pick us up at 9:00 am for shopping."<br />
Me, "Blue Fairy and some bleach."<br />
SC, "Do we have plenty of toilet paper?"<br />
Me, "We have at least 8 rolls in the toilet."<br />
SC, "Maybe you should bet another 4 just in case."<br />
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Me, "In case of what?"<br />
SC, "Just to be sure. Are you keeping water in the humidifier?"<br />
Me, "Yes."<br />
SC, "I had another nosebleed this morning. Are you sure you are keeping it going?"<br />
Me, "Yes. Are we done?"<br />
SC, "Did I start the dishwasher?"<br />
Me, "I don't know."<br />
SC, "Can you go look?"<br />
Me, "Sure, I love to serve."<br />
SC, "The Left-bank Sisters will bring their investigator to dinner and a lesson tomorrow at 5. We need to leave the office at 4. OK?"<br />
Me, "OK. Are we done?"<br />
SC, "Are you keeping up on your blood pressure pills?<br />
Me, "Pretty much."<br />
SC, "What's pretty much?"<br />
Me, "I missed a couple of days but I'm pretty much regular. Are we done?"<br />
SC, "How are you doing on our taxes? Can you be done by the end of the week?"<br />
Me, "Hmm, mumble."<br />
SC, "Are you sleeping?<br />
Me, "No, I'm just looking at my ideas like the guide in Guatemala."<br />
SC, "Don't you go to sleep yet."<br />
Me, "What was the question?"<br />
SC, "Can you finish the taxes this week?"<br />
Me, "I think so. Are we done?"<br />
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SC, "I think so." Kiss "Good night"<br />
Me, "Good night. I love you. Roll over and don't snore"<br />
SC, "No, YOU rollover and don't snore. Roll over! Straighten out your legs. You are in my space."<br />
Me, "I would have to get out of the bed not to be in your space."<br />
SC, "Come on . . . move your legs just a little. There, now I can cuddle up to your back."<br />
Me, "I love you."<br />
SC, "I love you too."<br />
<br />
Well, that's pillow-talk in the mission for a couple of 67 year old missionaries. I love my companion and I'm glad I don't have to worry about where I am going to be transferred every 6 weeks.<br />
<br />
Noting the picture to the right, you would think that it would be easy to control someone smaller than yourself, but it is the other way around. Without her, I would probably weigh 250, have high blood pressure, and starve, but I would get more sleep.<br />
<br />
What a partner. What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3003745354291195788.post-24876076329359482112010-01-25T23:49:00.007+06:002017-01-11T12:27:25.760+06:00A little Housekeeping, Wisdom from the Couples, & Tailpipes 1/24/10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>A little Housekeeping, Wisdom from the Couples, & Tailpipes </b><br />
Weather<br />
Clear & not so cold Temp 0F<br />
Wind 4 mph NNW<br />
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Answer to a comment:<br />
Yes Carol, the Galbraiths were the second mission president here in Novosibirsk. It is interesting how much in our lives connect to others isn't it. The grandson of some friends who formerly lived in Sacramento served here during the early part of our mission. One of our missionaries grandmother is in the same ward as the son of our new office couple (replacing us) and responded to their mention of Novosibirsk. It's fun. You live in my mother's birthplace. She was an Anderson, her mother was a Harris. Know any of them?<br />
<br />
More wisdom from the Senior Couples<br />
<br />
At our Senior Missionary Couples Conference we exchanged a lot of stories and some introspection. Among the latter was a list of reasons for seniors to go on a mission. These were contributed by our missionaries, two of which have served prior missions.<br />
<ol>
<li>Get to do things you can't do at home.</li>
<li>Put yourself where good things will happen.</li>
<li>Just show up, the Lord will do the rest. If you don't come, you will miss the blessings.</li>
<li>Go and find out what you are. A Greeny (first time missionary) is either a moth or a butterfly.</li>
<li>Become more aware of spiritual influences.</li>
<li>It is not a sacrifice. The only real sacrifice was made by Christ.</li>
<li>God grows you up while you grow the Church.</li>
</ol>
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Here are a few pictures of our senior couples putting themselves where good things happen. First is the Holmes in Barnaul. It became known that they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and the Branch members put on a Russian wedding for them. Here is Sister Holmes in full costume for the party.<br />
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Here are the two "newly weds" ready for the traditional bread, salt, and dance. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3WnVRN9MleiznL8U68PQeqV1zKBY3gnIZoG0aROGAnIkc7sUULlu-vJqKA3a_-Xk8Y9zhqE1pb91BsYZo1pYgZTm-zhQL_OKkrTGP2lmdUzxZOWsx74qcwkU8qHzK9ac7dg12h4HE3w3/s1600-h/GetAttachment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3WnVRN9MleiznL8U68PQeqV1zKBY3gnIZoG0aROGAnIkc7sUULlu-vJqKA3a_-Xk8Y9zhqE1pb91BsYZo1pYgZTm-zhQL_OKkrTGP2lmdUzxZOWsx74qcwkU8qHzK9ac7dg12h4HE3w3/s200/GetAttachment.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Another of our fun-loving seniors on the ice slide in Irkutsk. You can't say that we older folks don't know how to have fun. <br />
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Sister Southam is the one on the right in missionary attire going down the slide. Rumor is that she went twice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJytgoDxdPG9AcrrUibIChUlXk2MdZOsXGvDjHr5C65U3mNq7o2Cjd-1JqvibWpc4JeRMzG-61y5u4KYnLqxHO3QfNgBRbvRQqHPBjFwQO3yJr9y1nA9eV5FPTronR28ZmE9bDsOx6tU7X/s1600-h/ice+slide+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJytgoDxdPG9AcrrUibIChUlXk2MdZOsXGvDjHr5C65U3mNq7o2Cjd-1JqvibWpc4JeRMzG-61y5u4KYnLqxHO3QfNgBRbvRQqHPBjFwQO3yJr9y1nA9eV5FPTronR28ZmE9bDsOx6tU7X/s200/ice+slide+3.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Fun observation<br />
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An interesting thing I have seen on the way to the office and elsewhere is cones of ice in parking lots. Some may be 8-10 inches high. I saw one that looked to be a foot high. At first I was mystified, but soon it became clear; car exhaust. It is quite simple when you think about it. Here is a quote from a web site about water coming from a car exhaust.<br />
<br />
"Gasoline does not contain water, as has been claimed in some other answers. However, water is a by-product of the combustion of gasoline. Gasoline does contain hydrogen, and when gasoline is burned, some of that hydrogen combines with the oxygen being used to burn it, producing water."<br />
<br />
"Most of the time, the exhaust is hot enough that the water remains in the form of invisible water vapor. When the engine is cold, the exhaust pipe is cold, or the outside air is cold, this water may condense and become visible as 'steam' or as liquid water dripping from the tailpipe."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViIo1vvJhVu_BWksUtwqj4LVEAj99vdRirebtPyFmt4WwmiitVwMHtzK5fZS7rLFE0H6eJCDMyGq68Oiiy9SD-ul7l8A5gKV3DsRqwqtDsoUpqYa07UxT5hDhaxZBT4RWzrMXuTdI4DXl/s1600-h/Picture+0151260137768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViIo1vvJhVu_BWksUtwqj4LVEAj99vdRirebtPyFmt4WwmiitVwMHtzK5fZS7rLFE0H6eJCDMyGq68Oiiy9SD-ul7l8A5gKV3DsRqwqtDsoUpqYa07UxT5hDhaxZBT4RWzrMXuTdI4DXl/s320/Picture+0151260137768.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCnRzpnSm43B1TLuGKP_05dgu5zV08XWb8z9mizWwXIDQhm6DzLNiGtMI6GIYDqpzFiYzB7Dp6JsH06zPqn9tyOXreJxoi1ElrUBl61ygK5C-byu393vr9B0in4yxT6VJuOyEtdv9z7wz/s1600-h/DSC01936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCnRzpnSm43B1TLuGKP_05dgu5zV08XWb8z9mizWwXIDQhm6DzLNiGtMI6GIYDqpzFiYzB7Dp6JsH06zPqn9tyOXreJxoi1ElrUBl61ygK5C-byu393vr9B0in4yxT6VJuOyEtdv9z7wz/s320/DSC01936.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Well, sure enough, that is what I was seeing. Here in Siberia, the drivers run their engines for anywhere from minutes to almost an hour to warm up the engine before driving. I don't know if it is necessary, but almost everyone does it. Some of the newer cars even have remote starting features so that you can start your car while eating breakfast and have it warmed up by the time you hit the parking lot. This would cause water to condense on the cold exhaust pipe and produce lots of water until the catalytic converter gets hot enough to prevent it.<br />
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From our window I often see cars parked below with the hazards blinking randomly as if someone was clicking the electronic locks. I think this is related to that remote starting feature. Someone told me that even some of them have clocks that cause the car to start periodically during the night to prevent cold damage. I'm not really sure of that.<br />
<br />
I tried to find some cool (pardon the pun) pictures of these water cones on the internet and came up empty. I will try and get some over the next few mornings.<br />
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You just never know what you will see next here in Siberia.<br />
<br />
What a country.<br />
DS</div>
Grampa Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199443214191294908noreply@blogger.com2