Since our arrival Moscow, we have traveled to Krasnodar, Russia, to observe an ARP meeting and train the senior couple there, and to Kiev, Ukraine, where we interviewed the Mission President and Stake President regarding the social/emotional needs of members in that part of the world. We also did a session in the Ukraine, Kiev Temple. It was surprising to run into 3 couples we knew when living in Rexburg.
As reported earlier, Russ arrived in Moscow in a wheelchair, having twisted a knee shortly after boarding in SLC. Then on November 26th, he twisted the other one going down steps in the metro. Two soldiers carried him back up the first set of steps, but didn't offer to get him down the long hall and up the last stairs. If it hadn't been for a fellow from our office who happened to work on a Saturday and going home via the metro, we might still be down in that hole. Of course Moscow metro stations are a lot nicer place to be stuck in than NYC, but still.... He finally got an appointment for an MRI. The first time we went to the European Medical Clinic, the machine was broken and we had to reschedule since our belief that the knee would improve in time didn't happen. Russ used a cane and some heavy duty medicine. Amazing what a person can buy here without a prescription, and cheaply too.
On Dec. 15, we assisted with the first Russia Moscow Stake Christmas Concert. A few photos from the dress rehearsal:
On Dec. 19, we flew us back to Utah on emergency medical for Russ's knee surgery - torn miniscus. With surgery (scope) on Dec. 22, we got to spend Christmas with Molly and Vic and Taylor and Emily and grandkids! Then on to St. Louis until 11 January, when we fly back to Moscow to resume our duties. Can't wait to get back. Russ' knee is recovering normally - which means another month of physical therapy and walking with a cane. It has been spiritually uplifting to be in Amy's home and ward. We attended the baptism of the wife of the 1st Counselor in the Bishopric here. One of the best parts was the opening song: "Amazing Grace".
We've been in Moscow 2.5 months and are still in the assessment process to determine how to implement the Addiction Recovery Program, Strengthening Marriage and Family, and how to help single adults find spouses. One of the missions recently had a single adult conference: 155 women attended and 10 men. Need I say more? Russ spoke at the Priesthood session of the first Mosow Stake conference in November and was asked to talk about pornography. It was the first time ever that word had been spoken across the pulpit in Moscow, according to the Stake President. Big problem, but not addressed and few come forward. Work cut out for us! Upon our return to Moscow, we will present our proposal to the area presidency, then start working for real.
Our supervisor was in Turkey last week. He is the Area Welfare Manager and went to attend some event where the church had given wheelchairs, a water project, or something like that. He met several civic leaders and was in meetings with them. One morning he asked a leader if he had slept well, and the man replied he hadn't slept at all. He had been on lds.org learning about the church the entire night. "Tell me more about this Jesus," he asked. Turkey is opening up for full-time missionary work in the very near future.
As reported earlier, Russ arrived in Moscow in a wheelchair, having twisted a knee shortly after boarding in SLC. Then on November 26th, he twisted the other one going down steps in the metro. Two soldiers carried him back up the first set of steps, but didn't offer to get him down the long hall and up the last stairs. If it hadn't been for a fellow from our office who happened to work on a Saturday and going home via the metro, we might still be down in that hole. Of course Moscow metro stations are a lot nicer place to be stuck in than NYC, but still.... He finally got an appointment for an MRI. The first time we went to the European Medical Clinic, the machine was broken and we had to reschedule since our belief that the knee would improve in time didn't happen. Russ used a cane and some heavy duty medicine. Amazing what a person can buy here without a prescription, and cheaply too.
On Dec. 15, we assisted with the first Russia Moscow Stake Christmas Concert. A few photos from the dress rehearsal:
On Dec. 19, we flew us back to Utah on emergency medical for Russ's knee surgery - torn miniscus. With surgery (scope) on Dec. 22, we got to spend Christmas with Molly and Vic and Taylor and Emily and grandkids! Then on to St. Louis until 11 January, when we fly back to Moscow to resume our duties. Can't wait to get back. Russ' knee is recovering normally - which means another month of physical therapy and walking with a cane. It has been spiritually uplifting to be in Amy's home and ward. We attended the baptism of the wife of the 1st Counselor in the Bishopric here. One of the best parts was the opening song: "Amazing Grace".
There are about 15 senior couples in Moscow, and we all meet together for dinner every Thursday and have senior couples council. On Saturdays we often have a social outing of some sort, such as museum, opera, ballet, and recently, the Old Circus in Moscow which has been running for 90 years. It was very entertaining and no animal droppings or accidents all night! :) A photo below of most senior couples, taken following an evening at the home of a member of our Area Presidency.
Recently we attended a ward farewell party for a couple who are the parents of one of Russ's Showtimers. They are young, barely 50, and have been the CES couple here. Elder and Sister Chad and Bethany Packard from Dallas, Texas area. Very, very popular - they will be missed.
Recently we attended a ward farewell party for a couple who are the parents of one of Russ's Showtimers. They are young, barely 50, and have been the CES couple here. Elder and Sister Chad and Bethany Packard from Dallas, Texas area. Very, very popular - they will be missed.
We've been in Moscow 2.5 months and are still in the assessment process to determine how to implement the Addiction Recovery Program, Strengthening Marriage and Family, and how to help single adults find spouses. One of the missions recently had a single adult conference: 155 women attended and 10 men. Need I say more? Russ spoke at the Priesthood session of the first Mosow Stake conference in November and was asked to talk about pornography. It was the first time ever that word had been spoken across the pulpit in Moscow, according to the Stake President. Big problem, but not addressed and few come forward. Work cut out for us! Upon our return to Moscow, we will present our proposal to the area presidency, then start working for real.
Our supervisor was in Turkey last week. He is the Area Welfare Manager and went to attend some event where the church had given wheelchairs, a water project, or something like that. He met several civic leaders and was in meetings with them. One morning he asked a leader if he had slept well, and the man replied he hadn't slept at all. He had been on lds.org learning about the church the entire night. "Tell me more about this Jesus," he asked. Turkey is opening up for full-time missionary work in the very near future.
So, our mission is basically a day job in an office, but we enjoy every minute and look forward to the time when ARP meetings are operating through the Europe East Area and we can rub shoulders with those who attend. That will be the paycheck.
Hope you guys are back ok and in your rhythm of service again. Sorry I couldn't see you while you were here, but I'm glad Russ is doing well. Much love from Provo!!!
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