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.