Firesides

Every Sunday evening this is what you will find in our entryway -- Shoes! It's fireside night and an opportunity for the youth to gather, share the gospel, sing songs (they love to sing), enjoy each other's company, eat, play games, and laugh. We have now held 6 firesides in our home and we love having the youth come. In spite of the fact that we are crowded, the youth don't seem to mind. However, they were very grateful when Elder Nuzman fixed the bathroom door so it locked on the inside, instead of the outside. That got him a round of applause!

Cute little, vivatious Varvara poses with Elder Nuzman -- she put on the Sister's name tag as a joke.

Luba gives our spiritual thought and talks about her conversion. She has been an example of kindness to me as she takes her little brother (about 10 years old) with her to many church functions. She is a very talented seamstress.

These three girls speak some English -- our translator, Ksusha (all in white) has been a blessing to us. Anna, girl far left, has been called as a missionary -- she leaves in September for Hawaii.

Elder Taylor gives us a 'cheesy' smile. Shasha smiles like most Russians -- not showing their teeth.

Just a few of the beautiful faces you might see --

The girls outnumber the boys by about 10 to 1.

They love games, here they are playing 'Do you love your neighbor?' We try to keep it in the Sabbath mode, but there is a lot of laughter. They enjoy one another, and we are grateful.

We are a bit crowded , but the youth haven't complained. Daniel did ask if we had more chairs -- I wonder where we would put them?

We don't have enough chairs for 20 people, so some sit on the floor. That is where you will usually find me.

We have served Navaho Tacos, Macaroni Chicken Salad, Tuna sandwiches, (their own concoction, consisting of a really oily tuna, corn, cheese, pickles, and mayo -- served as open face sandwich -- pretty messy, but they love it), patatoe salad, and always, always -- cucumbers, tomatoes, bananas and oranges. I have made a lot of cookies and Texas sheet cakes -- I bake about 3 times a week.

Eating is always important to the youth -- it's amazing how much they can 'pack away'. Most of the girls are tiny, little things, but boy can they eat!!! Hear they enjoy ice cream and sliced bananas. They love bananas -- we serven them every Sunday, no matter what, and they dissapear.

Daniel gives the announcments and usually takes 'charge'.

The youth love personal stories -- here they are listening carefully to what is being said.

Sisters Konstantenova and Richey say, "Paca! it was nice sharing your fireside with you." Just passing through town prior to a visa trip. We enjoyed their enthusiasm and fun games.

EAST MEETS WEST

A couple of weeks ago two of our favorite people invited us to a picnic. Elder Farmer and Elder Reynolds, our Zone Leaders said they were celebrating a last 'get-together' before some of the Elders in the District went home. I don't think they thought we would accept, but we were happy to spend time with these exceptional young people. We traveled by van (marshute) up into the Ural mountains where we enjoyed the day -- picture taking, laughing, getting to know each other, cooking hotdogs, playing ultimate frizbee, yep, a day to remember.

We traveled by marchute (a van loaded with about twelve seats) and Taxi to see the spot where Asia and Europe meet.

It's an impressive monument and there is a nice park all around it -- places to sit and paths to walk.

One foot in Asia and the other in Europe -- how fun! Blue skies, fresh air and great company, who could ask for anything more?

A casual day in the mountains - no suits, ties, skirts, panty hose -- need I say more?

Hold that pose -- I think you will like this one...

East or West?

A beautiful day and we are having a good time.

After picture taking we were off to the woods to build a fire and roast our lunch. Where in Colorado can you build an open fire without worry of burning down the forest? It's quite humid here but no one seems to worry about starting a fire.

There is something odd about the forests in Russia, at least in this part of the Urals -- We have never seen any animals. No chipmunks, squirrels, deer, rabbit -- nothing -- only birds. You would think that at least you might see 'road-kill' along the highway if any animal life existed, but we have never seen any. Maybe this is a sign of how severe the winters can be.

We made our hotdog sticks out of dry branches -- thank heavens for Elder Nuzman's trusty pocket knife -- where would we be without it? I cooked and ate one hotdog and decided it must be an acquired taste. Not quite like the hotdogs back home.

Strange hotdogs on dry bread or some kind of lunch meat with cheese -- take your pick -- the Elders didn't seem to mind, but I didn't see the sisters consume much.

Hey -- where's the mustard? What kind of a lousy outfit is this?

Goofy pose -- great kids....

Elder Kornev was one of the Elders heading home the following week to Latvia. I will miss him -- both Ron and I thought he was a kind and thoughtful man. I am sure his family will be happy to have him come home.

Check out Elder Taylor in the back -- such a cute character!

Shhh! Elder's sleeping -- A long hard day of ultimate frizbee will do that to you.

But Sisters Borchardt and Bodavets (from the Ukraine) are still full of life.

It was a really fun day -- so glad we tagged along.