Forward was the only direction our feet could hope to take us---the surrounding area void of any substantially stocked bushes, trees, stop signs to hid behind and whimper 'til the coast was clear. We approached the long lost acquaintance from Christmas past--this time, with a strolling sidekick. Yay, looks like this contacting positions calls for Sister Clyde's obligation to do the undoable. That is, entertain the mandatory small chat with this Russian Rouge character, simultaneously masking all indication of very present fear. I stared cooly in to her crystal eyes, ornated with all the eye shadow and liner this side of the Black Sea has to offer--while picturing someone calm, cool, and collected like Joe Nydegger to put me at ease. Except Joe never had the defined ivory cheekbones of a doll and the creamy bright orange lips of an Arabian sunset. AAAH.
"So.... do you have children?.... How's your family???"
Low gasp of a laugh, "а как же!!!" = "I wouldn't picture life without it, How EVAHh NAUGHT???"
And then a little more inquiry as to the whereabouts of each, dancing around the lack of material I actually had---since the gospel is still not something she's drawn to.
"Well, we'll be running now," she indicated delicately---before stopping dead in sentence tracks to add, "Don't freeze now," before she froze us anyway with the ominous eye contact of mystery and ice.
Gulp.
Then they continued their shuffle away. I turned to the nearest source of sympathy, surely Sister Hancock would understand.
"I'm so scared of her."
Dear Vova, and all other roommates of Russian One Direction---we can't autograph your Book of Mormon.
Elders, go ahead and make your ND jokes about being socially permitted to drink whole milk, as long as you pick up 1.5% kind for us sisters at your stocked grocery store.
Neighbors, thank you for the chance to do our new JUDO jumping jack workout in the chilly cement hallways
Liodmila, you are my Russian hero for adding while discussing a recent inactive woman, that it's all the same- no matter how much she might be unintentionally neglected by the ward in any case, it would be no reason to fall away from the church.
Bogdon, thank you for giving the opening prayer in sacrament meeting yesterday.
As for spraying Sister Clyde with cologne last night when she wasn't looking--- she's not too happy. And I still smell like Bloomingdale.'s Yugh.
Haha, what a lovely week. Lots of things happening with NEW CYCLE, after an 8 week one. Transfers were juicy--- as there is a war going on in Ukraine right now, so now all Ukrainians and surrounding Eastern European country people are in danger with visa requirements and on the fence, apparently with bags packed should they be pulled out---missionaries included. So, we are on the edge as a mission and praying that the three main ones can stay since they are visa-less. Sister Hancock and I are still together for the time being----- told to "enjoy the time we have remaining together," seeing that delayed MTC visas may come in any week, meaning new missionaries and needed trainers from the sister pool. Hmm. We're nervous, concerned, excited, and hopeful.
I don't got no time, so I will copy and paste what I shot to my president already today
This has been a good week, as the Lord continues to teach us things together as a companionship, and separately as individuals. There have perhaps been few moments when I have experienced the amount of faith, hope, excitement, and enthusiasm I had for my calling and the work to be done here than when, for the first time, we were let in to the home of recent convert and brother forever, Bogdon. The little boy you've met on a few occasions. His mother is less active, baptized 14 years ago. We had a meeting with the Reeds, and with their good help, encouraged him to invite his mother to attend sacrament meeting with him again. He shyly, hopefully said he'd try.
And then, Sunday night came, and I gave him the call, wondering if it'd be alright to stop by (as it hasn't been in the past.) At first he turned it down, surely doubtful as to how his mother would react, (who is married to a nonmember man who apparently hasn't been super supportive of the mother attending church). Two minutes later, in the middle of a conversation, my phone rang again, Bogdon telling us to be over in 15 minutes.
So, we were there sharp.
Wow, Yulia the mother invited us in. Usually quiet, like she was at his baptism, was more talkative and warm. She wanted us to sit down and eat the sandwiches they'd quickly prepared. She began asking questions about missionaries, missionary life, all sorts of things-- with, I'm sure, astonished Bogdon sitting and watching all mystery unfold--as his shy, less active mother befriended the two sisters who he'd come to know so much over the past few months. We eventually were able to suggest and invite her back to church. "I've been thinking about it--and wanting to," was her response. I wanted to die of happiness, to imagine this little boy, who weekly boards a bus alone to faithfully show up, surrounded by others who have family support.
Bogdon, for quite possibly the first time vocally and in front of family members, offered the closing prayer. I can't imagine the feelings and thoughts wiring between this mother and son. I couldn't stop gushing after we'd left the apartment. President, I am so excited about this little priesthood holder-- whose future is so, so so bright---and would and WILL BE so much more, when he has a mother, and younger brother accompanying him to church. It was a miracle. This is what the gospel is all about.
And then, Sunday night came, and I gave him the call, wondering if it'd be alright to stop by (as it hasn't been in the past.) At first he turned it down, surely doubtful as to how his mother would react, (who is married to a nonmember man who apparently hasn't been super supportive of the mother attending church). Two minutes later, in the middle of a conversation, my phone rang again, Bogdon telling us to be over in 15 minutes.
So, we were there sharp.
Wow, Yulia the mother invited us in. Usually quiet, like she was at his baptism, was more talkative and warm. She wanted us to sit down and eat the sandwiches they'd quickly prepared. She began asking questions about missionaries, missionary life, all sorts of things-- with, I'm sure, astonished Bogdon sitting and watching all mystery unfold--as his shy, less active mother befriended the two sisters who he'd come to know so much over the past few months. We eventually were able to suggest and invite her back to church. "I've been thinking about it--and wanting to," was her response. I wanted to die of happiness, to imagine this little boy, who weekly boards a bus alone to faithfully show up, surrounded by others who have family support.
Bogdon, for quite possibly the first time vocally and in front of family members, offered the closing prayer. I can't imagine the feelings and thoughts wiring between this mother and son. I couldn't stop gushing after we'd left the apartment. President, I am so excited about this little priesthood holder-- whose future is so, so so bright---and would and WILL BE so much more, when he has a mother, and younger brother accompanying him to church. It was a miracle. This is what the gospel is all about.
Dasha, Anya still working towards baptism!!!
'Twas rathuh cold this past week:) If the new accumlating collection of gloves, scarves, moo moos, and hats in our front hallway THROWN at us by all Russian church members isn't indication enough, I don't know what is.
Love you all!!!!
Sister Clyde
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| One of my favorite!! With all of these incredbile people during the children's primary program!!!
EVGENNIYA the woman in SORCECOR ROBES that I always bring up totally snuck in on the left!!!! hahahahah
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