We Have Been Busy

It's April 12th and I have missed the beautiful blossoming trees and tulips in my gardens at home. Spring is almost here in Ekat -- at least the temperatures have risen and the days are much longer. I have thought of all of you and know that your lives have gone on with the raising of your families, work, education, service, etc., etc.

Well, we have been busy also.

We have gone through a muddy season -- and probably will have more of the same before summer arrives. I have written enough about this -- but pictures do not do justice to the thick, brown goo.

We took another Visa trip to Kazakhstan. Ron got this great shot of this babooshka who had fallen asleep at her stand and was about to fall off her stool. We watched and she slept on and seemed stuck to the stool. I'm pretty sure she didn't make much money (tenge) that day. We have supported our youth as they have prepared for their missions and have watched them progress until their departure. Arseniy opens his letter in front of our group -- 'I'm going to the Russia, Vladavostok mission!' (we will have 3 of our group leaving for the MTC this month - that will bring the total serving from Ekat to 6). They are great examples to the rest of the youth.

Olyssia and Tanya are currently serving as missionaries in different missions in Russia. Zoya gives the girls a big hug. Zoya is the mother of their good friend Katya, who is currently attending BYU.

We love being with our youth - and we have attended their activities. Elder Nuzman must love them a lot -- he hates dancing.

We attended Nina's wedding - one of our Young Single Adults.

Once a month we host an activity for our Seminary age youth. We are trying very hard to get more of the 14-17 year olds excited about coming and participating. We hope they will build a support system with many friends for their future.

We've hosted many dinners in our apartment for the missionaries who serve us so well, and also to thank those who are leaving the missionfield.

Dinner before Elder Savage leaves for home (grey sweatshirt)

Then, we've said 'goodbye' to our wonderful missionaries and dear friends, whom we have learned to love.

We are currently planning a 3 mission youth conference which will be held in August. We meet with our youth committee twice a month. We have great youth leaders and they are planning a wonderful, uplifting and fun 3 day experience for about 200 Russian youth.

And we have moved into a new apartment (see other blog), which meant no internet for 1 month. So that is what we have been doing and that is why you do not hear as much from us as you used to.