LOW KEY WEEK....LOTS OF 'FIGS'.

 So glad our couch has this storage area under the

cushions of one section.  It comes in mighty handy

for storing extra food items.

We have kept a rather low profile this week for the fact that I wasn't feeling real well...some kind of a flu bug, probably. We did pull off going shopping on Monday to finish up our two week food supply and 72 hour kit. All the missionaries have always been advised to have enough food in our apartments to last two weeks in case we are required, for some reason, to stay in our homes. Every time we have checked the missionaries apartments we have inventoried their two week food supply to make sure it was up to date. We decided we needed to have everything on the suggested list too. We have plenty of food stored, but were lacking the 6 cartons of shelf stable milk suggested. As for the 72 hour kits, just recently it was suggested that each missionary assemble such a kit in case a quick exit was required. We bought granola bars, water, and a few toiletries and put them into a bag for quick retrieval, if needed. This is all just a precautionary measure for our safety. It is always a good feeling to be prepared in anyway we can.

This is how we were a lot this week....

dressed and waiting for missionaries and

their investigators to show up for their appointments.

Our week also consisted of lots of 'figs'......a missionary term for appointments not kept by investigators. It all started on Tuesday. With no district meeting for which to prepare, and still not feeling too well, we stayed home again.  In the morning, we watched the WCC tournament semi-final game where BYU defeated San Francisco. The rest of the day was spent in lesson prep for our weekly Institute and Seminary lessons. We had an appointment scheduled with Elders Kelly and Shepherd to have a discussion in our home in the early evening. We waited and waited and finally they called us to tell us their investigator showed up late and didn't have time to meet with them. We invited the elders over for fresh baked chocolate chip cookies to soothe their disappointment. They readily accepted.

Elder Shepherd and Elder Kelly of the International Ward

Thursday the sisters called and were so excited that they had finally made contact with Nastia and that she had agreed to meet with them on Saturday at 3:00. We said we would for sure be home to be involved in that discussion.  Sadly, they called on Friday afternoon to say she found out she had to work so she couldn't meet with us. 

Elders Merril and Bugg after a disappointing day

Saturday, though, was the all time 'fig' day. We had discussion appointments at 1:00, 2:15 and 6:00. At 1:30, the other International Elders came by to tell us they had been figged. The sisters then called us to say their 2:15 appointment scheduled with us had fallen through. We were sure the 6:00 meeting would take place as it was with Michael from last week who seemed extremely interested. I baked a cookie pizza for after the discussion. At 6:00, the elders came but they were alone....no Michael. It seems he was not feeling well....so disappointing. The elders ate the cookie pizza, of course. These elders needed a treat as this was the fifth appointment no show for the day. Pretty discouraging but, sadly, that is often the life of our missionaries. 

On a more positive note, later Saturday evening, the zone leaders came by our home to fax some forms to their bishop. They said they had had a very successful day. They said they had met a man as they were street contacting.  He expressed interest and even met with them later in the day for a discussion.  He also committed to come to church on Sunday...so good things are happening as well.  (These elders appreciated the cookie pizza, too.)

Wednesday was a highlight day for us. It was a zone conference as part of a mission tour by the Area President, President Lawrence. Both President and Sister Lawrence spoke to us. Sister Lawrence talked about the House of Israel and how the lost ten tribes are, indeed, scattered through out Eastern Europe. In 2004, the first Patriarchs came to this area and gave 100 blessing each. It was reported that all tribes were represented in those blessings. The job of the missionaries here is to help in the gathering of these tribes of Israel. A pretty motivating talk. Other subjects discussed at the zone conference were 8 steps to successful missionary work and the need to develop relationships with the members of the wards and branches in order for the work to progress with greater success.

Evonne is sitting between the two elders

Wednesday evening, we had a birthday celebration for Evonne, an investigator of Elder Jewkes and Elder Friar. It was his actual birthday and so he called the elders to see if they would hang out with him. They called us to see if they could all come to our home. The elders brought Evonne and Dema, a newly baptized member. We provided a plate of cookies and caramel sundaes which Evonne loved. At the end of the evening we all watched the Restoration video which Evonne loved, too. Elder Friar referred to the evening as a 'miracle meeting.'  Evonne also came to game night on Friday and seemed to have a good time playing a board game with the elders, Misha and his wife, and a three YSA girls.

A pretty intense game......but seemed to be lots of fun

Thursday was hair cut day.  Our hair dresser came by our apartment to cut our hair and brought us a wonderful loaf (more like a disc) of bread. It was delicious. That evening was our Institute lesson.  Misha, our coordinator, sat in on the lesson and afterwards talked to us about what he had observed. He gave us a very positive evaluation and he thanked us for doing what we do.  We are glad we are needed and lighten his job a little.

The picture of flowers

from a darling little girl

We'll end our week with Sunday.  During sacrament meeting the ward choir sang a wonderful musical number. The choir rehearses every Sunday after church and the practice was very evident. The song was so beautifully done. Our sisters and two companionships of elders added their voices to the choir which the choir director must have appreciated. We have some pretty talented singers in our district right now. During Relief Society, two little primary children (maybe 3 years old) came in with pictures of flowers pasted to pieces of paper.  They went around to the Relief Society sisters handing them a picture and saying, "Heavenly Father made these flowers for you." So cute. After our meeting block we got a call from the sisters. They were in need of a place to have a meeting with one of our ward members, Valentina.  Of course, we opened our home to them. Valentina is one of our young singles so it was wonderful to get to know her a little better and to feel of her sweet spirit.  

Valentina, Sister Simmons, and Sister Hunter

Beautiful both physically and spiritually

LIVING IN RUSSIA SPOTLIGHT

They say in Russia there are three Springs.....first there is the Spring of light where the days begin to get longer. We are now light at 8:00 in the morning until almost 8:00 at night. We love the added hours of sunshine. The second spring is the Spring of water....where the snows all melt.  That must be taking place in other parts of Russia about now but, here in Moscow, we have had almost no snow. They say that last year at this time there were cars still covered with snow and that the temperatures were below freezing. We have had a very mild winter. The third spring is the Spring of green where the leaves begin to bud on the trees. This hasn't happened yet but probably will in a few weeks. We are sure looking forward to that.

Maybe we will have our spring of water after all.....this happened just today

In January, we failed to report about another holiday.  It was the Day of Baptism, having something to do with when Jesus was baptized. It is considered to be a major religious holiday. Many who celebrate this holiday cut holes in the ice on the lakes and rivers and jump in, submerging themselves in the freezing cold water. On Red Square two above ground pools are constructed so people can baptize themselves. One of the pools is ice cold and the other one is a little warmer but is it still outside in the freezing cold weather. This January 19th was one of the coldest days we have had.  It is believed that this process washes away sin and provides protection and healing.  Such an interesting tradition.

We thought this goat on the side of this restaurant wall was interesting and very unique. It attracts many people passing by, for sure.  Every time we pass by we wonder what the name of the restaurant is.....that might explain the goat.

SO MUCH FOR ANOTHER WEEK.....WHERE IS TIME GOING?