Novosibirsk Youth Conference

We met at the Yekaterinburg Boxal on the afternoon of July 22nd, anxious and full of enthusiasm to begin our journey across Siberia to attend the Novosibirsk Mission Youth Conference. This is an event that the youth look forward to with anticipation all year, so they were particularily happy and excited. However, Elder and Sister Nuzman, new to the job, had a few reservations and viewed the trip with some trepidation.

A couple of little gypsy boys wound their way through the crowd begging for money. The youth and leaders were generous, but this encouraged the boys to 'stick like glue', especially to Elder Nuzman and President Allen. Cute, but well seasoned in the art of begging.

To begin our trip into Siberia we had a four hour bus ride from the Yekaterinburg station to the Chelyabinsk train station.

We arrived at the Chelyabinsk train station (Boxal, pronounced Voxal)and waited for another mission group to join us. While we waited two of the Perm youth entertained us and many other travelers with their violin, guitar, and drum music. A very nice diversion and the time passed quickly.

The train arrived and we were ready to be on our way. We would arrive at our destination after 38 hours of arduous train shaking, rattling, and many, many stops -- With us we had 72 youths and 16 leaders.

I had never ridden on a train before and this was quite an 'eye opening' experience. We were given a compartment called a 'coupee' -- not luxurious, just four bunks and clean sheets with a small table between where you could eat. At the end of each car a place where you could get hot water -- we did have noodle bowls so this came in handy; and one bathroom at the end of each car for everyone to share. And boy was it dirty -- yuck!, a small sink to wash in and the toilet flushed right onto the tracks -- we were not supposed to use it when we were at a station. Walking from car to car was amazaing! Not quite like in the movies -- but a mass of humanity sleeping out in the open for everyone to see in cars that everyone shared. I would have hated to be stuck in something like that, but that is where most of our youth stayed. Of course, they were all together and so didn't mind, and probably played games instead of sleeping.

We did get to see some interesting sights as the train rocked back and forth as it clickity-clacked along the rails. When one sees the vastness of the Russian countryside it is truly inspiring, and quite awesome. A vast wilderness.

We arrived in Krasnoyarsk on July 24th and were ushered to our buses. Tanya smiles -- we were happy to be on the last 'leg of our journey. The youth look rested but probably had only a few hours of sleep during the 36 hours on the train. They were anxious to shower and change into clean clothing -- Elder Nuzman and I were anxious, and stinky also.

On our way to camp we were able to view beautiful Krasnoyarsk from our bus windows.

The things we loved about the Youth Conference:

The Scenery: The camp where we stayed was in the mountains and reminded me much of the mountains in Colorado, except not quite so big. It was a beautiful setting. We stayed in buildings similar to dormatories -- twin beds and a shared bathroom. Each of the senior couples had their own bedroom -- phew!

Workshops: For two days the youths attended workshops learning a variety of things based on topics like faith, self worth, and priorties. Many said these were the best part of the youth conference. They enjoyed being able to express themselves where others would understand their feelings and they wouldn't be ridiculed.

Dances: Every night a different dance. The youths loved being together and it showed in their faces. Sister Nuzman loved being a part of the 'group' too.

Food: OK, maybe not everyone enjoyed the food -- I know some of it was not good! Even those from Russia left some of the food on the table. I took the picture of the kitchen because they really produced a lot of 'grub' three times a day. We had potatoes, fish, a strange hot drink with floating fruit, cream of wheat, bananas, barley, yogurt, cucumbers and tomatoes and many other things -- my motto was: 'If I can't recognize it, I won't eat it.'

Did anyone notice the fly strip above the serving counter -- another thing to add to the appetite.

An international dance with costumes -- even the Palmers got into the 'act'.

Games: No matter where in the world you live, youth love water ballon games -- and the water fight that always follows. Sister Paul (wife of visiting Seventy) didn't care for the fight -- but the youths ran and screemed and soaked each other. Great fun!

Dances: Romance was the theme for the last dance.

Our youths dressed so nice -- Dasha looks like she is going to a debutante ball. Everyone hopes someday to find 'that someone special' -- someone who believes the same as they do.

Beautiful women with dreams for a future filled with a home and happiness.

Elder Page took a special young woman for a 'twirl' and enjoyed every minute of their dance -- she looked like she was enjoying it also.

Sunday we all met for a wonderful testimony meeting and to listen one last time to Elder Paul of the Seventy speak. The youths lined up against the auditorium wall as one after another stood to give their testimony with spirit and conviction -- the Spirit was very strong. After about 1 1/2 hours the meeting closed with a song and a prayer and we headed to our dorms to pack and prepare for our jouney home.

The senior couples really had a good time bonding -- The Moultons (Humanitarian Missionaries), The Pages (Proselyting) and The Palmers (Proselyting)

All of us pose together -- not an easy task. We had a great time and many are already planning for next years East Europen Youth Conference to be held in Saint Petersburg. Potentially, we could have as many as 1,000 youth attending. Wow! What fun! Once on the train, we stood near the windows and talked, or sat in our coupees and watched as mile after mile of beautiful county rolled by.

We saw wonderful gardens which were filled with many potatoes, dill, tomatoes, cabbage, flowers (Russians love flowers), cucumbers and manyother plants that I wasn't totally sure of. They own these gardens outside of the cities, where they usually have a small house called a Dacha, and they can go to get fresh air, relax and work in the summer time. Also the fresh produce might help to supplement their income.

These nicely decorated water towers were located near many of the railroad stations.

Going home was a lot more fun -- we have side-by-side coupees and we enjoyed each others company. Elder Page loved telling us jokes and we laughed alot. The train was much newer, quieter, and cleaner, plus the coupees had tableclothes! We were really enjoying luxury now.

Night came, we were exhausted, but we would all soon be home. We were grateful for a wonderful experience and an opportunity to share time together.

DISTRICT SERVICE PROJECT

About 3 weeks ago, on a Saturday morning we took a bus to a park near a great university. We were going to join the members of the District in a service project to clean and add beauty to a local park. One of the major culture shocks for me when I arrived here is the lack of 'public pride' where it comes to keeping the city clean. Garbage is everywhere -- I think they just think someone else will take care of it. Anyway, we had our work cut out for us.

About 35 people showed up to help clean up their park and serve the community. We were given aprons with the church logo of 'Helping Hands', some water to keep us going and a pair of gloves. I have never picked up so many cigarette butts in my life -- actually, I don't remember picking up any before. I started counting after about a half hour and I had picked up about 500 an hour later; also many liquor bottles and pieces of glass.

Ok, grab your sacks, put on your gloves, and get to work!

Zhennia and Sasha pose for me -- they are two of our Institute age youth and have come to make their contribution to serve.

A building from the near-by university pokes through the trees -- really quite a nice sight.The broken glass was everywhere. I couldn't figure out why parents weren't concerned as their children ran and played on and off the paths.

Ron got his bag and began picking up empty liquor bottles, broken glass, and other trash and then he disappeared -- I didn't see him for a couple of hours. When we finally met up again he said he had found the 'mother-load' of trash on one side of the park and had filled his sack to the top. He said a man watched him for a while and then began helping pick things up and putting them into the bag. The man kept talking to Ron, but of course, Ron didn't understand. Our District President came by and talked with the man -- the man couldn't figure out why an American would come all the way to Russia and then help clean up thier park -- he was amazed. He emptied one bag and began another -- no shortage of garbage here.

The park had lovely flower gardens and I couldn't resist putting aside my garbage bag for a few minutes so I could snap a few pictures. It would have been a beuatiful place to sit and do some watercolors -- I would have loved it, but not today.

Some of the older members worked on painting poles and benches in an area close to the children's play ground.

The Sister missionaries and some of the youth covered themselves with plastic bags to try to avoid painting their clothes with red, as they 'spruced-up' one of the covered patios.

Across the park, some men were practicing sword play with large bladed swords. It reminded me of a scene from the book 'Erogon' -- my grandsons would have loved it! I thought it was a little wierd and didn't venture too close.

The picnic area recieves a face lift with red paint, and it's starting to look beautiful again. Much brighter and very colorful.

Elvira and some of our Seminary age youth paint over bricks that have been covered with graffiti.

The Elders shoveled dirt into a wagon to be transported to a location where flowers were being planted. Notice how young the dirver looks -- Elders are coming into the mission field looking younger every year, or maybe it's just that I am getting older.

We leave the park a much prettier and cleaner place than when we found it. It was a good day, an enjoyable day, a day to remember.

Transportation

We thought you might like to see our modes of transportation, now we are living in the city of Yekaterinburg. When we go to our English Club, the Russian adults are very interested in American cars and what is popular there. You might be interested to know that if they could choose, they would like to have SUVs. Gas prices here are about what they are in Colorado, maybe that is one reason there are not may large cars, although they can be found. The roads are lousy. The winters are rough on them, so there are many huge potholes. Speed limits do exist, but are not enforced. Policemen stand by the side of the road and signal anyone driving by to pull over









In the morning and evening rush hour streets are filled to capacity -- drivers drive three abreast where there is only room for two. Some even drive on the sidewalks. The streets are filled with buses, Tram Vi (runs on a track), Marshutes, Tram Autobus, cars, and trucks. It's a mess! and it moves at a snails pace during the rush hour. If you think your traffic at home is something -- you should be here!










I hope you can see how congested traffic is in the City of Yekaterinburg. In the picture is a Tram Autobus -- it runs on electricity, but doesn't have tracks.
Parking an issue? Not really -- you can park anywhere -- no rules where it comes to parking. Park on the sidewalk, in the trees, on the street, in traffic -- almost anything goes. It is truly amazing!

Marshutes - are yellow vans that have a seating capacity of about 12 people. The cost more and are quicker than the buses and trams so that might be an advantage. We don't ride them much because Ron is so tall that his knees take up two spaces and the poor person sitting across from him can't find a place to put their knees. We took the back seats in one of these once and we had a hect of a time trying to get out.

On the other side of the 'city center plaza' is a large body of water, where the river backs up. You may rent canoes or this larger craft to paddle across the water -- it is really quite beautiful.

A small craft takes people on an outing --

the Cathedral On The Blood can be seen

in the background.

The Metro stop is close by our apartment and we have had the opportunity to take the 'subway' a few times. It is a quick way to get to areas outside of town.

One day, while we were waiting for the train, two little boys, about 10-12 years old, came up to us and started talking. Elder Nuzman told them he did not understand and I told them in Parooski that we were from Denver Colorado. Boy, did they get excited over that! When the train came they motioned for us to follow them and they wanted to stand next to us -- the one little boy whipped out his cell phone and I couldn't understand anything in his excited speech except "Denverah Colorado!" We were celebrities. It's a long way down and the escalator moves rapidly -- quite an exciting ride -- I was quite scared the first time we jumped on and down, down, down we went into the abiss.

It's dark and chilly so far underground. When the train arrives a swish of cold wind comes from the tunnel.

I hope you can see how steep the climb is -

not as scarey going up as coming down.

A few people ride bicycles -- they can be tricky when encountering all the city

traffic. Ron was hit by one a girl was riding one day -- he as not a happy camper!

We have seen only a couple of Harleys -- but there is a Yamaha store not far from us. They do have small motorcycles, and motorbikes. We understand that snow removal on the streets is minimal in the wintertime, so maybe that's why they are not popular.

Skating, rollerblading and skateboarding are all favorite pastimes for the young -- Ron and I do not claim them as our favored mode of travel.

I finally figured out where all those 'road apples' we had been dodging in the middle of the sidewalks had been coming from when we encountered horses on the plaza one evening. I had my camera handy so I asked if I could take pictures, the girl said if I wanted to pay -- at least that's what I think she said. Ron and climbed the hill and sat on the stone wall where I snapped all the free pictures I wanted. The girls charge money for people who want to ride the horses -- we didn't ask how many Rublee it would cost.

A few weeks ago we traveled by train across Siberia -a story I will share in another blog -- quite an experience!

When all is said and done, this is how we get around most of the time.

Besides you have a greater opportunity to see sights you have never seen before.