Alright I can not Even begin to tell you all that has happened and all that I have experienced. Alright so:
I had one hiccup in the flight plans and that was we were bumped off our flight to Moscow and to Novosibirsk in the JFK airport. So we fixed it but in made me land in Novosibirsk at 4 am. WOO HOO!! So not being able to speak to anyone was fun!
When I landed I was met by two red headed elders who's names are elder Morrison and elder Peterson, They are really cool and have been here in Russia for about 1 year and a half. They speak very good Russian and they are very crazy. All the missionaries here are very cool and very good at working with each other. I still haven't been able to meet my mission president here in my mission because he is touring the mission. The very very big mission. VERY BIG. So he has been traveling for about a week. We will be going to the mission home very soon probably but who knows.
I am currently serving in Sniggery; Very close to Novosibirsk.(connected by subway) and buses. That basically how everyone gets around is by bus and subway and by these vans called "root vans" the literal translation. I can't remember how to spell it in Russian.
My trainer elder Parrott is awesome. He has been an absolute blessing to me and I can't express how much it means to me that he is my trainer. He is very patient with me and helps me with the language by testing me. He also loves to cook and knows how to make some very good dishes. I aspire to be like him. The language is very hard and I am constantly pushing to learn it. I always practice speaking as much as I can. And I say hello all the time to everyone we walk by. Also before we leave any building to go out onto the streets we pray. We pray about 10 times a day. What an absolute blessing that is.
CHALLENGE: before you leave your home-pray Before you leave work-pray before you go anywhere- pray ...the feelings I have, the testimony i have gotten just from that is absolutely amazing.
Which brings me to the big question what can you do in Russia as a volunteer?? Well no one really knows exactly, but I will try and list the rules and guidelines.
1.You are not allowed to preach the gospel in public
2.you are not to hand out any gospel related books, media, or pass along cards.
Those are the no No's. What our days usually consist of are: normal studies and when it comes to proselyting we basically go outside and try to find people who will talk with us. Most Russians are very busy and no one except kids and old people have time to talk. Though we try our best wherever we are. It is a trial and a challenge to get the work done. We usually try to call old contacts but a lot of those run dry.
What we have been doing now is working on the less active and converts. We want to strenghten our branch and the numbers for them because we only have 10 people total who come to church....that includes children. But they are all very powerful members. I can testify to you that there is a strong spirit here in the small wards that shows their conversion to the gospel that melts my heart. The members are very sweet and very patient with me and my language difficulties. I wish I can tell them how grateful I am for their example and for their patience.
I got to go to a baptism!! They had it for a little girl in my ward and I cried when I watched the father baptize her daughter. The spirit was so strong and the joy was undeniable. They were truly converted in their hearts to this gospel. It was an honor to be there.
The power of the gospel is amazing and it has the ability to soften hearts and bring light and life into the lives of all those who let it in. I have struggles, my companion has struggles, our members have struggles. But through the gospel of Jesus Christ we can grow and turn our weaknesses into strengths.
I love this gospel I love all my family and friends and elders and sisters that I have the wonderful opportunity to serve with in this great work We are devoted to a righteous cause and in this cause we will bring Joy and happiness and light to all the dark and dreary places. I know this church is true. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and restored the Church of Jesus Christ. I know that We are children of God. I know that we all are meant to return to our Father in Heaven but we must first qualify for his grace and mercy. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and that he suffered and bled so that we can return to him. I know he knows me personally. I know that he will guide me through the Holy Ghost to find those who are searching for light or who are ready to receive it.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Love you all I give you my best wishes and Pray for you all always.