From Russia With Love: January 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009

Christmas Pageants

I remember going to the church as a kid to watch the nativity acted out by our ward members. I don't remember if I ever got to play the part of Mary, but I do remember playing the part of a lamb, and I was cast as an angel a few times. During the Christmas holidays Ron and I attended one of the branch activities where they acted out the nativity. Shortly after arriving they pulled Elder Nuzman aside and started to dress him in his costume. We were not able to understand what they were saying as they cloaked him in his regal attire. While we were waiting for the play to begin we speculated as to whom he might be playing, and of course, one of the Wise Men was the logical choice. And so.....

"Rinat, I get to play one of the Wise Men in the Nativity. I guess they did some type casting."

Hey, Danil, what did they cast you as? A pirate???

"No, Elder Nuzman, I'm going to be Joseph".

"Well, they looked at me and thought I would make a good Wise Man." Ha Ha

I know this looks like one of Harry Potter's friends, but anyone with that cool of a hat, has to be cast as a Wise Man. The guy with the scarf was cast as a slave -- one that stands and fans the King.

So 'wicked King Harod talks to the 'real wise men' and invites them to return when they find the new King.

You may ask, "What part did you play, Karla"? Why an angel of course.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Elder and Sister Nuzman (Mom & Pop),

Kamee, and Kim have asked us to maybe write down a note of encouragement, a scripture or something uplifting to begin the post on your Blog page. For some reason I have found this difficult – possibly because I have always looked to you for those things, not visa-versa. I imagine that you two will be successful missionaries, successful representatives of Christ, not because you are fluent in Russian or genius scriptorians or even because of your incredible good looks (although everyone who knows the Nuzman family can attest to our talent in those three things). Rather, I think you will be successful because both of you have an incredible gift: a genuine love, compassion, and charity for people. I have seen that gift from both of you many times and can think of specific examples off the top of my head. If I had any piece of advice or encouragement it would be to bring that gift out and show it to everyone you meet in the next two years: to your fellow missionaries, to the people of Russia, and to each other. It seems to me that Christ’s ministry was based around that same thing – of course he was a great teacher and leader, but mostly – he healed people, physically and spiritually. And that was how he changed their lives, through charity.

Also, know that as you are loving others that there are a group of people here who love you very much and will be praying for you. Thank you for your example to both your grandchildren who will be following you soon into the mission field, and also to your children (me) who hope to follow your example someday and take another trip into the full-time service of the Lord. We love you and appreciate your sacrifice and service.
Love,
Bret

“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” ~Shakespeare

Mom & Dad,

Thank you for being a constant source of light in my life. I have often marveled at how well you did in parenting us and providing us our needs physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. This isn’t to say that mistakes weren’t made, but I have to say I think you did a fantastic job….I mean come on, just look at us. What more evidence would one need?

After working at Anasazi for a few years I can remember asking Mom how you two knew what to do to help us in our progression as you raised us. I can remember her answering that you didn’t. She said, “Kimberly, your Father and I prayed every day for guidance so we would know how to be good parents and how to give you each what you needed. We didn’t have the solutions, but the Lord did.”

Your children in Russia will need you to continue in past tradition as you seek to know how best to serve them. I know you are already well aware of this, but it was comforting so many years ago when Mom reminded me that we don’t always have to have the answers as long as we have faith in the One who does.

I want to thank you for the light you give so freely to all who surround you. I am utterly amazed at the powerful way you have taught us to serve and love through example. Of all of the hundreds of things I love about you, this is by far one of the most endearing to me. I have come to thoroughly appreciate the countless times you have humbly and quietly helped those who were distressed, or hurting, in need, or simply needing to know that someone loved and cared about them, without fanfare or need to draw attention to yourselves. This taught me that you did these things out of genuine love and because it was the right thing to do and not for vain recognitions.

You have been a significant source of support….my personal cheerleaders really. What will I do without you? I will read and hear of your success and take comfort in knowing that by sharing your light (the Lord’s light) with those seeking it, you will be strengthening a weary world in need. Rock it!!!!! I love you with all my heart. Let that light shine.

Kimberly

Mom and Dad,

Your ability to succeed as the Lord's servants in Russia will increase as you master the Russian language. My trouble in learning and remembering Korean words was that they were unfamiliar sounds without anything to anchor them in my mind. I was lucky to discover a few vocabulary gems when I was in Colorado, perusing your Russian-English dictionary that I think you'll have no problem remembering and using on a regular basis.

thud puck er \n\ 1. a singer in a choir 2. the leader of a choir or group of singers

You may not know all of the hymns in Russian but if you pay careful attention to the Thudpucker you'll do just fine.

hawn yawk er \n\ a book used to organize one's appointments or schedule

Go over your hawnyawker during companion study and before you go to bed at night. Keep it current and you will increase your ability to be a tool in the Lord's hands.

As I have grown older, gotten married, started a family and lately started to grow copious amounts of hair in my nose and ears, I have come to the realization that one of my greatest blessings is to have parents that continue to be parents. That may seem intuitive to some but I don't think it is. I have been blessed with parents that continue to set the standard in our family by living the gospel and choosing the path that is right, instead of the one that is easiest. You continue to show your children and grandchildren the way by word and by deed.

Mom and Dad...Thank you! We will be praying for your success and safe return every day.

Love,

Travis & Family

Mom and Dad,
Or is it, Brother and Sister Mom & Dad? I’m really not sure what to call you. I have been trying to think of some profound advice to give, that would serve you throughout your mission. Or possibly some words of encouragement to uplift, inspire and motivate. However, considering that this would be coming from the one son that requires your special attention when it comes to advice and inspiration I think I will forego getting philosophical. For the time being I will offer you some of my regrets from my mission… in advice form.
1. Keeping an eye on your towel in the group showers at the MTC is always a priority. It gets a little uncomfortable going door to door in the buff in order to bum a terry cloth.
2. Closely observe and inspect your seat BEFORE you sit anywhere in public transportation. Dry cleaning cannot remove all odors.
3. Plan your day’s route so as not to be more than 5 minutes from any accessible bathroom. You’re going to Russia, need I say more?
In all seriousness Mom and Dad my biggest regret, looking back on my mission, was working so hard, at times, that I forgot to stop and enjoy the moment. I fear there may have been many missed moments of inspiration and many ignored answers to prayers because I was so busy rushing to the next appointment or deadline. I think I could have been a more effective tool in the Lord’s hands had I stopped to relax, meditate and enjoy some peace every once in a while.
You will be working closely with the young adults who will need your parental advice and wisdom. As long as you give them the same love, attention and dedication you did us you will succeed. As you take the time to get to know them on a personal level, the Lord will bless you with the inspiration you need to direct, motivate and lead them to reach their potential.
I love you both and am so grateful for all you have given me.
Love, Jaren

Home

Friday I came home from work, only to open the door to what I thought would be an empty home. With Mom and Dad on their way, I thought I would find myself alone in the house. But as I stepped in, I realized how absolutely un-empty it was.

Not physically empty, because everyone who has been to our house knows it is full of furniture and storage spaces crammed with so many things collected throughout the years. I don’t think a place where Mom and Dad have lived could ever be physically empty; they have been diagnosed with pack-rat-itis—a disease common among their generation, who were not so abundantly blessed with the wealth we enjoy today.

It was also not spiritually empty either. Although the lovely chaos that was there last week, when company, friends, neighbors, and family packed the walls in our home, was now gone, strangely, I found myself not alone.

I felt like I did when I was back at BYU, when I would come home for the holidays. After a long drive, to finally arrive and walk though those front doors, a spirit of love, support, and connection quickly made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I felt at home.

Well, so it was yesterday. I found myself standing in the front hallway, just inside the doors. I gazed around and felt at home, full of peace and love. What I thought was going to be an empty house, was full. As I walked around, trying to take in the reality that Mom and Dad were gone, I felt a rush of emotions.

I stared at the fireplace, where just back in December Dad had prepared a fire for me and my girlfriend, so we could lay on the floor and warm our toes. Upstairs, I found Dad’s work shoes sitting next to his chair and I was reminded of last summer when we spent wonderful time together building a bookcase for me.

I stared at Mom’s computer, where she spent hours every week doing family history work. When I went downstairs and opened my closet to change, I stared at my shirts. So many times I would find my shirts freshly pressed, hanging silently there. I was reminded of the hours Mom spent ironing my clothes—a chore I sorely hate, and done without asking and without recognition.

I was overcome with emotions. Being home reminds me of all Mom and Dad have done for me. It reminds me of the devotion and sacrifices they have given to making our family happy and to making the world a better place. I realized that being in this exact spot was indeed home, but not because of the location. I realized the home Mom and Dad have created, was because of the love they poured out through all of their hard work, service, and sacrifices through the many years. This is home.

So, I want to tell Mom and Dad thank you for creating a home for me. For being such wonderful parents, teachers, and examples. The Russian people you will be serving will be so blessed and grateful for the home you bring with you. I am so proud of you.
Love,
Scott