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.