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.