The Golden Years

Young Performing Missionaries

2011-09-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

This Sister was so awesome. Her and Elder Packer were in Just Plain Anna and Amanda, they did two shows a day just for that.

The Sister on the right played the violin like you wouldn't believe.

Elder Atkin was a special Missionary. He played in the Band and did an awesome job.

All of the Young Performing Missionaries, these included, did 6 shows a day every day except Sunday. They gave 110 % every day singing, dancing, acting. They were wonderful. The video is when they were getting ready to get on the bus to go to St. Louis and then fly home. Notice the tears. You can't see our.

Leah and Ezra leaving

2011-09-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

Sorry but this was about a month ago when they left. It was sad to have them leave. We all miss them. Our cast had a dinner at NRI for all of those that were leaving.

sister Ronco made this quilt and put each piece on it. It took a long time but what a treasure she has now.

Sister Walker, Sister Kinikini and Sister Hadley. They are single Sisters, we love them

A whole table of good people. The Holmsteads, Thompsons, Storeys, and McKnights. We love them all.

Abe Lincoln

2011-08-16T16:57:00.001-07:00

This is at the Museum in Springfield Illinois. In front of the Capital when he was President.

The Log House he was raised in, he taught himself to read

On the campaign trail when he ran for President he must have used this. We really did enjoy going and seeing and learning all about Abraham Lincoln. What a great man he was.

Surprise, this is Sister Murphy. We served in Ukraine together. I saw her in the spring but I didn't have a camera but she came again with a youth group as one of the leaders. I gave her my long winter coat just before leaving Ukraine and she said she wore it. She said she left it for others and that it would be my legacy. What a special young lady she is.
Sister Hadley, a single Sister after losing her husband. This was her first attempt to bake bread in the Bustle Oven, which is in the back ground. They were perfect!

Child of God

2011-08-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Elder Williams driving the Band Wagon. He had just bought new ribbons for the horses. The Band went through out Nauvoo playing.

I've never seen such big flowers except on Linda's Blog when she was serving in Nauvoo.

I'm not real sure whose hole this is maybe a Raccoon.

This is what the first Nauvoo temple looked like. Lucius Scovil had them made in England.
This video is at Pioneer Pastimes and they played for this girl in the wheelchair. The song is perfect.

Pageant

2011-07-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful statue, I hope we didn't ruin it.

Doug and shannon pulling the hand cart at the fair before the Pageant.

This man played Joseph, he did a fabulous job. So did Emma. Some of our Young Performing Missionaries also have to help with the Pageant. They are on the go all day doing sometimes 6 shows a day.
The vinyet's going down the Trail of Hope. The Pageant was wonderful.

Doug and Family

2011-07-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

At the women's garden at the Visitor's Center, look at the statue behind them.

This is a good likeness!
We took the oxen ride and Grandpa talked Savannah and Page to give that ole ox a kiss.

Pioneer Pastimes is a favorite of the kids. Here they are all dressed up. What fun. Below at the oxen ride is Doug and Dad together trying to carry a yolk, it was hard for them.

The Band came at pioneer pastimes and everyone was dressed up and they played and marched along.

VOCAL POINT 2

2011-07-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

I hope this uploaded, make sure you look at the previous posting also.

VOCAL POINT

2011-07-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Me and Sister Crowley with Vocal Point when they came in to the Visitors Center when we were working there. Everyone was taking pictures so they agreed to have one with us for our GRANDCHILDREN.
I really do not know this couple but it was the 4th of July and they were all decked out.

At the Visitor Center on the 4th of July we had a little program, here is S/Garrard, Me, S/Cranney, S/ Barnett. It was a short and sweet program, last year they didn't have one.

Sister Robertson, Me, S/Drummond who left this week to be released and S/ McKnight who came out with us. We.re going to miss S/ Drummond.

VOCAL POINT was very popular, some people came everynight they could to see them.

Ukrainian Dance

2011-07-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is what some of the kids sent Elder Williams for his birthday. Everything he enjoys eating.
He Loved it!
Here he is at "Sunset by the Mississippi". He tells about the people going down the Trail of Hope as they make their trek to the Rocky Mountains. He does a good job.

The 27th of July they did a commemoration of the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum at Carthage Jail. Here we are standing under the window that he fell out, you can't see the window. We had to hurry back to do our program on stage. Here is one of the video's of the Ukrainian Dance, they did it every night. It was my favorite.

BYU Folk Dancers and Band

2011-06-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Alex Ranquist with his daugther Jessica. His Uncle, Max lived with Stanleys family growing up.

Jessica, Alex's daughter was in the BYU International Folk Dancers. They were here for 2 weeks. This is the Ukrainian costume, which they always danced every night, I'll try to put part of one up on a later time.

The Band is also here all summer and they also play at "Sunset by the Mississippi", they're great.
One of the favorite songs in "Rendezvous" is Willingly sung by the men, they're great.

Ward Members

2011-06-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hyrum and Joseph Smith at the Memorial down by the Mississippi

Jessica and Melanie Ipsen came on a Church History tour and stopped by to see us and the Larsens. It was so good to see them. We are at the Log School House.

You will have to click on this picture to bring it up closer to see the temple in the back ground. This was taken at Sarah Granger Smith house

You will have to click on this to see it a couple of time. There is a very tiny
baby fawn in the grass. Yes it's Mother does come every night to get it.

A hard day done and a beautiful sunset, the Lord blesses us so much

The Shows Go On

2011-06-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Elder and Sister Larsen in Rendezvous, They have mighty FAITH. Her health isn't too good but she is so determined to do this. They are great people. We are from the same Ward and came out together. He is a Teamster and a very good one.

Leah and Ezra doing the Salty Dog Rag She is Stanley's sister and got things going so we could come out here to Nauvoo.

The brass band goes on the wagon and plays, they are so good. Sometimes Elder Williams drives the Brass Band Wagon.

Meeting Family and Friends

2011-06-05T13:00:00.001-07:00

Candice and Jacob came Memorial Day weekend to see us and Nauvoo We couldn't spend a lot of time with them but what time we did have we had fun. We even went to a BBQ in down town Nauvoo We experienced a storm that made the street lights turn on at 10:30 in the morning, it was so dark.
I was at the Post Office and this little family came in. The sister who started the tour asked if she was a different nationality and she said she was from Ukraine. I asked where and she she said Chernivitsi (that's where Stanley was the Branch Pres.) She had moved when we got there but if was fun to talk about all the people we both knew. Lena Avramenko Steinmetz was her name. Her, her husband and children live in Omaha Neb. , he's in the service.
"Sunset by the Mississippi". We're playing jugs.

Elder Williams tells about how many people left Nauvoo when they went west to the Rocky Mountains.

Our Beautiful Nauvoo Temple at dusk.

Nauvoo & Visitors

2011-05-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Joseph Smith and Hyrum riding up to the Nauvoo temple.
It was such a beautiful day.

This is our little house here in Nauvoo. It is very small but very comfortable.

The biggest surprise I ever had was walking into the Cultural Hall to perform "Rendezvous" before the show and Matthew Jacobs jumped up out of his seat because he had just seen me. We didn't know he was coming and he didn't know we were there. He and his darling wife Laura were there with her family of 21. It was such a joy to meet them all and to visit and have dinner with Matthew and Laura. He was our first Elder in Ukraine and took such good care of us and was always caring.

Elizabeth (Watt) Henderson and her husband Blair came for about a week to visit with his parents who are serving with us in Nauvoo. The Hendersons invited us over with the Leah and Ezra Robertsons (Stanley's sister) to have some cheesecake that Blair had made from scratch, it was delicious, he's a great cook. It was fun to see Elizabeth, it had been many years, since she was a little girl. since we had seen her.

A barge going down the Mississippi River

MTC

2011-05-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are again. I have to learn all over again how to do a blog. You have to put the ones you want first last and last first. I forgot I put this one on

Here we are out by the visitors center's gardens. We are getting ready to go inside to practice for "Sunset By The Mississippi". Notice the tulips, now they have been pulled out and they have planted so many flowers in pots all over down by the sites, it's beautiful.

Elder and Sister Larsen are from our Ward and we came out together. Neither one of us knew the other one was coming until just a couple of weeks before. They're wonderful people that have a lot of faith and try to do everything they are asked.

This was at the MTC, I couldn't resist taking a picture of it
I'm not sure what it meant but it was good for a laugh.

This is our District. Elder Williams was asked to be the District Leader. The ones on the left are going to Russia and the rest are going with us. Hillman's are standing by E. Williams, we worked at the Temple together and they wanted to come so we told them who to get in touch with and here they are. He's a teamster and she wanted to be but that wasn't allowed. We had 18 COUPLES AT THE MTC ALL GOING TO NAUVOO. The biggest group they had ever had at the same time. I'll try to do better next time on the placement of pictures.

NAUVOO MISSION

2011-05-18T08:33:00.001-07:00

We arrived at the MTC on the 11th of April, 2011 and was there for 8 days getting training to go to Nauvoo and in Preach My Gospel. They really did a good job.

Mission Reunion

2009-12-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here is Elder Higgins, Sister Mills, Elder Hinkley, Tonya from Ukraine, Sister Hinkley and me as people were saying there goodby's from the Reunion. It was so fun to see everyone again at Pres. and Sister Davis' home.
It was fun to go up to our cabin when we got home. This was in Oct. Of course I put these on backwards.
At our missionary reunion, it was so fun to see our missionaries that had come home. Elder Bringhurst and Elder Higgins came to see us in St. George. It was fun to have lunch with them.
Elder Traasdale and his friend. She is so cute.

3 days in Kiev

2009-10-07T20:12:00.001-07:00

This is an old Russian car that you see mostly in Kiev. Eat your heart out Greg.
This is actually a toilet in Ukraine. They are usually in public places. This is a clean one. There are toilets like we have in America also but it's always a surprise when you open the door and see these.
We stayed with Elder and Sister Baird in Kiev. They are such great hosts. They take care of the Mission Office and do such a good job. They took us to a very nice restaurant that was beautiful. We had our last meal here in Kiev.

Oleksiy Hakalenko is President Steinagel's Executive Sec. He has been such a good friend to us and has helped us when ever we had a problem. He took Candice and us to the airport and took care of us again. We were getting ready to get on the plane and they informed us that we would be flying first class. We were so surprised because we've never flown first class before. What a treat that was for our long flight to America. We flew home Aug. 25, 2009.

" WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU UKRAINE"

Farewell Party, in Lviv and Cixiv

2009-10-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I goofed again. This picture was suppose to be last because it is a picture of those that came to the airport to see us off as we flew to Kiev. Two of our Elders also came for a minuet. It was very hard to leave them.
Andrea who is pictured here wrote a poem and recited it at our farewell party. What a great spirit he has. The poem was about missionaries and he is always one.
Sister Morton and Elder Prawitt did a musical number and then all of the men did a wonderful song.

Roman, the Mission Leader in the Branch was in charge. One thing that we wanted was to start on time and so he told everyone to come 1/2 hour earlier than usual. They had a beautiful program and then without us knowing they passed out flowers behind our back and they all presented me with a flower. Some of them said a few words. What wonderful people they are.
It was hard to hold it together when they started singing the closing song that is in the video.
"God Be With You Till We Meet Again".

Farewell our dear Friends

After Church, Cxiv Branch

2009-10-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

These performers are at Yachenko Heights. It's a little ancient wooden village up on a hill in the forest in Lviv. We took Candice to it and these were some of those performers. They have beautiful costumes which they wear on holidays and special occasions.
Elder Ward and Elder Fulton, what will we do without all of our missionaries. Elder Fulton is the one that came and stood by me while Elder Kauffman took a man aside that had started walking with Wenja and I after a soccer game over a year ago and he's still by our side. What mighty warriors!!!
Tamara who is a member but inactive is a good friend. I went Visiting Teaching to her and Elder Williams gave her a blessing about two weeks before because she had been hit by a car and had hurt her leg. She took Candice and I to the Opera center where she works. They were doing major cleaning but she got us into all the important places. We even heard the cast practicing for the next opening of the Opera Center. They weren't in costume but they sounded wonderful. We met the main soloist as we left, what an opportunity.
This is some more of our wonderful missionaries. The lady on my left was 72 when she joined the church. She was the neighbor of Andrea who is a wonderful member of about 7 months. On E. Williams left is Svitslana who was Andrea's ex-wife, and she just joined the church, we hear. Her countenance has changed so much. Sister Morton on my right just got back from the States. Her mother passed away but was able to come back to Lviv.
These are twins that were in our English class. They have been coming for several years to English but have just started the missionary lessons and we've heard they are waiting to be baptized.

Candice in Ukraine

2009-10-07T12:16:00.001-07:00

The day finally arrived that Candice got here. I was just fine until I had her in my arms and then I fell to pieces. It had been so long and it felt so good. She came on the 15th of Aug. 2009.
We went to church in Lviv and they asked us to speak in Sacrament Mt. and while Candice and I were in Sunday School, Elder Williams came in and got us because the Cxiv Branch asked us to speak in their Meeting so we left and went up to the chapel. While we were in there waiting for the Sacrament, Ira came in and wanted us to come out in the foyer to meet her Mother, who is not a member and it was the first time she had been in our church. What a wonderful lady she is. We couldn't go until after we spoke, however, and then we went out but we had to go back in because I had to give the closing prayer. This was after church and many of our Cxiv Branch are here. We took a lot of pictures.
We left on Mon. to let Candice have the experience of riding the train for 7 hours to Chernivtsi. We were planning on getting together with these Elders and the members but they were called to transfer and had to leave, about 20 min. after we arrived, to go to Kiev. We really wanted some time with these Elders. Elder Gregiore, the one standing next to Elder Williams was his right hand man and we became very close. He was the Ex. Sec. and Assistant branch clerk and then after Elder Chamberlaine left (which was his counselor) he became his counselor.
The members in Chernivtsi had a party for us. It was a home evening. These are wonderful people who we grew to love as Elder Williams was there Branch President for 3 1/2 months. On our ride home on the train to Lviv it was very hot. We just happened to have a window in our Koupa which we could open so we could get some air. There was a small child on the train and we actually had a window across the hall so we could get some ventilation but the mother kept shutting it so the baby wouldn't get sick.
In Lviv our dear friends, Lena and Orest, and Candice and us went out to eat and visit. She was our Tutor and taught us a little Ukrainian and he is the counselor in the Lvivski Branch. What fun times.

Humanitarian

2009-09-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

This was a humanitarian project for our mission and they sent a whole container full of humanitarian things from the church. It was the first one ever sent to Ukraine. It has been sitting here in this container storage place for 2 months waiting for Customs to send out a man to be there when they opened it.

The fellow in the white shirt facing the camera is the customs guy. Stanley is the one on the right. About 2 feet in the front of the container had some water damage because of so much rain but the rest was in good shape. It arrived in Lviv and another organization that the church works with will distribute it.

Lots of toys clothes, cribs, accessories for everyone in the family. There are so many people that need things like this. We had a huge storm last summer that pretty much wiped out a village around 4 hours from Lviv. Their houses where made of straw and mud so of course the wind did a lot of damage. It was wonderful to get these things.

Chernobyl

2009-08-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Stanley wanted to go to Chernobyl while we were here in Ukraine and we were able to get a tour organized for us and 3 other couples. When we finished with the tour we all had to go through this check point to be checked for radiation. We checked out o.k. The explosion took place in 1986, they never did say how many people died because they tried to keep it a secret for a couple of days. There were about 50,000 people whom they evacuated in one day with 1500 buses.
This was a circus that they had just finished putting up but never was able to use it before they had to leave. It is bumper cars.
People can tolerate 50 micro rams and hour. This was taken behind the reactor
This is a picture of number 4 reactor that blew up. They put a cover over it and are still working to put a permanent cover over that and the water is the cooling pond for the reactors. There are huge catfish that live in this water, we asked, " how do they survive" and they said that they were just used to it and they are so big because of course know one can fish here.
These are barges that used to get materials in and out but everything was left the way it was. Even in the houses they left everything and was told not to take anything with them except the clothes on there backs.

Irina Klyuba and Alex Wedding

2009-08-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Irina and Alex. What a beautiful day for them and they make such a wonderful couple. They met while she was going to school in Germany then she fulfilled a mission for the church and he waited for her. They both speak English and German so they will do well. He doesn't speak Ukranian however. This took place on July 30th.
Her gown was beautiful and everything was perfect
This is their wedding bread, it was very fancy
This is where they were married in Ivano Frankivski which is the Government building and these people came to wish them well. After the wedding we went to a restaurant (below in video) we had a dinner for all that was there and they asked Elder Williams to say a few words which he did with a translator. Then everyone enjoyed dancing. We left in a taxi and her parents came running out with some cakes in a carton to give to us, her Mother is in blue, they were so sweet. There are a lot of traditions here that are interesting.

The important thing is they left the next day to go to Frieburg Germany to be sealed in the Temple.

Missionaries in Chernivtsi @ Lviv

2009-08-08T00:14:00.000-07:00

Elder Higgins was transferred here in Lviv his last transfer. He was such a good missionary and a great person. "That's what I'm here for" was what he always told me after he did something for me. He came back about 3 weeks later to Ukraine with his brother, Tanner who they adopted when he was a baby from India, and his parents. This is him and Tanner who just turned 17 this day that we had dinner together at Dynamo Blues.
First one on the left is Elder Higgins then his family. We sure grow to love these missionaries.
These are our missionaries in Lviv. We finally got our Sisters back after about 3 weeks then Elder Allen our District Leader that does an awesome job his companion that I love to hear play the piano Elder Prawitt then our zone leaders Elder Fulton and Elder Ward. We sure don't know what we would do without them.
In Chernivtsi we have our right hand man Elder Gregoire, our District Leader Elder Horne, then Elder Betenson and our mini missionary Sasha. He isn't an Elder yet but he is getting ready to go on a mission.
Elder Gregoire baked a BETTY CROCKER cake so we could thank Sasha for his service before he left and went home. He was here for 3 weeks. Boy that cake tasted good, I had forgotten what they tasted like.

Picnic in Chernivtsi

2009-07-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is a very old castle that we pass each time we go on the train to Chernivtsi.
The Branch had a Picnic in this forest. We rode a Marshootka there, (all of us). It was a very hot day but it was cooler in the forest. The first thing they did was start to build a fire, I thought that was a little strange but then we found out we were doing tin foil dinners with ham and potatoes and onions. Then we had cucumbers and tomatoes and cookies. There were mosquitoes which none of us liked but we had fun with the big balloon, bubbles and other toys that our kids sent us at Christmas time. It was great.
Natasha is so funny, she served a mission and now she leads the music in church she is a wonderful seamstress also. they're all wonderful.

Zoyia has found some huge mushrooms. That's what the older women did as soon as they got there. They had a big bag full of mushrooms to take home.

The video is of a slug, it was HUGE. The next one just shows the surroundings. I think everyone had a good time.

Lviv and July 4th in Chernivtsi

2009-07-18T23:21:00.001-07:00

Pretend this is on the bottom, I accidentally did something and deleted it. We walked down by the river in the evening on the 4th. This is where everyone goes to get away from the heat and have a good time. On down further there are also a lot of people but they are not shown.
We are at the place that we buy train tickets every week to go to Chernivtsi in Lviv. They won't sell them to us only 3 days from when you leave, so we try to get ours by Tue. morning so that we can get a full Koupa. However, that isn't always possible but we have only had one man with us and I talked to him about the gospel for about 1 1/2 hours plus his family and life. Elder Williams was on the top bunk so he pretty much stayed out of the conversation. He is the one that left his cell phone and I had to run him down to get it to him. I don't know what we would do without our Zone leaders and District Leaders. Elder Higgins and Elder Ward were always so happy to help us plus they helped others that didn't speak Ukrainian trying to get tickets. We sure miss Elder Higgins who went home.
When Elder Higgins left we took them all out to Dynamo Blues. Elder Higgins is by me and Sister Morton who just left to go home because of a family matter is in front of me. They're all such good missionaries.
On the 4th of July we went to this park in Chernivtsi where there were many booths advertising and we had our booth also because it was organized by our Branch clerk through his business. Elder Polyshuk and Elder Chamberlain are doing a good job keeping things going while the others are also out talking to people.
This is the walking street in Chernivtsi, it is a very nice street and the sidewalks are almost like tile. They claim it's the longest walking street in Ukraine. We ate our lunch in a restaurant where I am taking the picture.

Kiev Temple Damaged

2009-07-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

We had a storm about a week ago and it also hit Kiev. It was raining and windy, thunder and lightening. The next day we received these picture from the Mission Office. The top one is the Mission Office and Chapel.
The side of the building which was wrapped up in metal.
It even blew this against the window of the Mission Office. I guess they came to work to see a big mess.
The steeple of the temple has lost about 4 levels. I suppose this will put the Dedication back a ways, but you never know, I think they were ahead of schedule away. You can go back on this blog where I posted it a couple of months ago and see the difference.

This video is in Lviv just behind our apartment building. We have to cross this road to get home. Elder Williams ventured across but I went to the left back up the street until I could find a place that it wasn't flooding which was a good block and a half, then crossed and walked around the block. We have really been having the storms lately just like home I hear.

Family in Chernivtsi

2009-06-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today a couple of the missionaries and us were invited out to Visil and his wife, Volya's home. Visil gave a wonderful talk in church a couple of weeks ago. This little farm keeps him very busy but we're hoping he will decide to come to church more often. Look at this big turkey with his feathers all out.
This is them with us. They are so sweet to invites to their place. It is located in a Celo (village) that's not too far away from the church but is in a hilly part of Chernivtsi.
This is Elder Chamberlain looking it all over and Volya who also grows beautiful flowers of many kinds, she picked a wonderful bouquet and gave me. I took it to the church so we could all enjoy them tomorrow. They have really listened to the Prophets about being prepared. They have all they need here except a cow. They even have fruit trees of different kinds and there are several plots twice this size that they take care of. Besides he's building a house for his daughter which will be very nice.
They just kept feeding us fresh berries. It was so nice to just sit under the trees and enjoy the sun and good company.
Of course after we were fed the cherries (two different kinds) and strawberries, we were brought in to a wonderful meal that his wife had prepared. The red drink at the end of the table is some that he made himself from his fruit. What a blessing to be in there home of these good people and rub shoulders with them. Of course we couldn't understand a word they were saying unless the Elder's translated but we could feel their love and hopefully they felt ours.

Home Evening

2009-06-20T07:18:00.001-07:00

On Monday night a couple of weeks ago Lena, the lady in the green shirt came to Home Evening and gave the lesson, her husband came late, he's also in green. The Oldham family was there with 3 of there children. He is in the Service and is getting reassigned and his son used to serve here in Lviv. It's always fun to see Americans. Lena gave a great lesson on President Bensons talk on Pride. We had a very good visit with everyone.
This is the Oldham family. They didn't get to see there son but they did meet Volva the man that Elder Oldham baptized who has the blue shirt on. He's a great guy and is helping to bring others in to meet the Elders.
They are a great family and I can see why Elder Oldham is such a good Missionary.

Branch Picnic

2009-06-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

On Sat. a couple of weeks ago we had a combined branch picnic in Lviv. It was a beautiful day and it didn't even rain on us. This is both branches of the ones that came. It's a good time to draw closer together. They also invited some of the English students to come but there is just a few. They play soccer, Robert the only baby in either branches was enjoying himself by sleeping.
His Mom on the right and Masha, the activities chairman for Cixiv Branch, we don't know what we would do without the youth.

They even have a ping-pong table in the park. You have to bring your own paddle and ball but they love it. As you can see there is two basketball hoops, you have to bring your ball and it's in the grass or dirt but who cares. There is things for the little kids to climb on. and they play soccer and we always have a lot to eat. Sandwiches, fruit cookies water or juice, it's not fancy but it brings them out. There is a pond that you can fish in on the other side of this park. It makes for a great day.

This is what the guys do to have fun so I had to get a video of it.

Temple in Kiev

2009-06-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is our group from Lviv that went to hear President Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen, our missionaries and four members. What a wonderful experience that was.
This is our Koupa. If you go to Kiev it takes a long time but this was a new train and it was clean!!! If it would have been in the day, the windows were so clean you could have seen everything but it was dark and very late by the time we got on. Compare with the other pictures that I just posted.

The temple is coming along. Not as fast as we would all like but it has such a special feeling as you walk around the grounds.

This is the Hotel that they are still working on that is to the right and forward of the temple as you're looking at it.

Chernivtsi

2009-06-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is the University in Chernivtsi. It looks like a castle and the grounds are beautiful. It's a big square so these pictures are on three sides. Click on one and see the roof and the different design, it's very unique.

This building has drawings toward the top of the building, it's really quite beautiful.
This building was designed to look like a ship. The road runs on both sides of the building. I thought they did a pretty good job.

This video is of the City Hall and every day at noon there is a man that plays a short piece on his trumpet. He moves to each side of the building and plays the same song.

Kaiser Hotel, Chernivtsi

2009-06-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

This was on our tour. It was our P-day and Pavlo the 2nd from the left was our English speaking guide. Two of these Elders are new here so we went on a tour since the other things we had planned fell through. Pavlo said he would come to church but his wife had a baby so he didn't make it.
We went on Sat. to orient a new Y.W. President and they were having this big celebration in the square across the street where she lived so we stopped off and watched while we were waiting for Elder Williams to come from the church after he was finished doing an interview.

This is our home away from home, the Kaiser Hotel. They even put out the American flag for us. This last weekend they had 3 different flags out, one for us and 2 other countries.
Our church house is this building. It's a rented building but it serves us well. We spend most of our time on weekends here.
Also on the square they had different dancers dancing and music playing. They were from different countries. This one is from Moldova we think.

The Wedding

2009-05-26T06:34:00.001-07:00

This is Tonya, she is the one that helped me find a skirt when my seam came apart, she is leaving to go to America to be a nanny. The lady in the pink shirt is the wedding planner and she really did keep things going.
This is Natasha and Volva, she was so beautiful. Each couple or person stands with them to have their picture taken.
They had salads, fruit and sandwiches and a drink. I think the Relief Society President did a lot of this or helped with it. It was very good. Below-- is the video as they came into the church. Some of the girls had spent all day decorating. They were married at the Gov. building at noon and then they came to the church. The church is not dedicated because they are only renting it so they have there activities in the chapel. That's alright but we still feel we must keep the standards of the church which sometimes things get out of hand. They left the next day to go to Frieburg Germany to be sealed in the Temple. Enjoy a Ukrainian wedding.

Symphony & Train

2009-05-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

On our train rides we get a whole Koupa, the picture above is what it looks like after they give us some clean (we think) sheets and pillow cases and the picture below is what it looks like when we first get there except the beds are up and you have to unhook them to let them down and then we put a mattress on them to make them softer. Sometimes there is a window down the aisle outside the door to this Koupa and you can pull it down to get air but their is usually only about two windows per car. It gets very hot and stuffy sometimes but it gives us a chance to rest and study or read. There was a baby next to us on this trip and he was so good and so cute.

This is a better picture than I put before of the men or women that stand out at every crossing or station.
Ira, is the lady that helped us everyday when the Patriarch was with us. Her Mother wants to meet us but we can't get her to come to things, she's not a member, so this next week we're going to go and see her. Ira is about 43, she's a dear.

The Symphony was so good, of course, I didn't get a video of the very best part when the drums and horns where all there. This orchestra is from Lviv and the conductor is from Switzerland. He was very good. They have this special event twice a year with special Opera singers and chorus' Enjoy a little bit of Ukraine.

Couple Conference in Lviv

2009-05-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

The morning of our Couples Conference we had a zone Conference. Thatcher's, one of the couples who are our good friends from Page, Utah came the day before and stayed with us. I was able to get her an appointment with my hairdresser, she even was able to get her nails done. They stayed with us the one night so we had to leave them to go for half of the day to this conference so she put the chicken oriental salad together for me to be used for the next day. I love meeting with these wonderful missionaries. They are so good and work so hard.
That night after supper, the couples conference began with introductions and we had a program. This is only some of them. Sister Olsen is playing the Bandura. She just bought it when she got here and is taking lessons, she does very well. President Steinagel is playing Sister Olsen's violin and I'm playing an old trainer one that I borrowed from Tatiana, a lady from our English class, who still won't listen to the lessons but reads the Liahona's in English and knows who our Prophet is.
Sister Steinagel is so accomplished, I love to hear her sing. She used to sing with the Young Ambassadors at BYU. She also served a mission in Argentina (I think). We had several other parts and they were so good. We just had a good time together and none of us worried about how bad we did. Elder Williams did the poem "The Touch of the Master's Hand"
This is quite the sculpturing on this building. You can click on it and see it better.
This was near by the statues of the man and the kerosene lamp. I think it must be a museum, check out the guy in blue.

Walking tour and Opera

2009-05-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

On our walking tour these are sitting out in front of a building, they depict the kerosene lamp. The picture below was of a statue just hanging out the window above. I'm not sure why but it surprised me when I saw it.

Some of our people where sitting on the front row to the right of these. These are box seats. Elder Williams and I split up just because that's how it worked out. We all had good seats. We saw "The Merry Widow". It was a Operetta so there were dancing, singing and a story line. It was fun and I think most of us enjoyed it.
The costumes and scenery are always beautiful. I can't understand a word they're saying but when there is dancing and songs and I printed the story line for everyone in English then it's enjoyable. It's a beautiful building constructed similar to one in Vienna.
We have some of the best couples in our Mission, it's fun to rub shoulders with them.

Monastery

2009-05-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

On our castle tour we went to Zhovkva to see a castle but it was not in good condition. It turned out that we had been here last summer with Elder Swiss ( he was looking for names for family history). So we went to this church in the town which was a nice one. Each church usually have a lot of icons of saints.

This is the entrance to the Monastery and is called Krekhiz. It is a working one and the monks live here still. Here are some of the pictures around and inside the walls of the Monastery. It was beautiful and well kept.

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-12T00:36:00.000-07:00

We were asked to go to a city which is located in the Southern part of our Mission called Chernivsi. There had to be a change in the Branch Presidency and Elder Williams was put in as Branch President. We left Sat. morning on a (fast) train which took us 6 1/2-7 hours to get there. We were able to have our own Koupa or compartment with a door and 4 bunks and a small table so we were comfortable. You have to learn to take books, scriptures and anything else to take up your time. We loved to look out over the fields as we went through the Villages and the fields, they were beautiful this time of the year.
The meeting went very well but he only has one councilor and he's a missionary. He was kept busy interviewing Presidencies and we spent time getting to know the members. There are some wonderful members there and we hope we can help this branch to grow. We will head back to Lviv and stay there during the week and then on Fri. head back to Chernivsi. We're not sure just what we'll do the whole time, what ever works I suppose. It was so nice, as one lady came in she had an arm full of beautiful lilacs and daffodils and she gave me the lilacs, so I found a clear colored pitcher in the kitchen and put them in it and then set them on the piano for Sacrament Mt. so everyone could enjoy them.

On Mon. we headed back and I'm still not use to reading these train tickets and so we had some time before our train left so we walked to a park and then I went shopping which I hardly never do because I never can find anything, but I found a pair of shoes and a skirt, I couldn't believe it. Usually they never have my size of shoe because it's small but they found one so I bought them. Elder Williams spent his time at the church while I shopped (not his thing to do) and the Missionaries came for a while to teach a lesson which didn't show up so it was fun to visit with them. This is there P-Day so they had lots. to do.
This is the Hotel we stayed at. It's called the Kaiser. It has a restaurant inside where we ate breakfast, but on good days I guess they feed you out here. It's beautiful with a water wheel and pond and in the upper right hand corner is a wind mill. Up at the top of the stairs are tables in these wooden patio things. The food was very good and the atmosphere was excellent.
It was a wonderful Mother's Day for me because before we left to come here all our kids were in St. George together and they called on Skype so I was able to see each one of them except Blair and 3- 4 son-in laws who were taking an early tee-time on the golf course. Hope you had fun guys, I'll catch you later. I sure hope all my daughters and daughter-in-laws had a good one also, in St. George.

Cobblestone Road

2009-05-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Brownings, Cobblestone Road

2009-05-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

A few days after we had our Open House, our Europe East Area Patriarch came for a week in Lviv. They stayed in a Hotel just around the corner from our apartment so it was very handy to help them. This young lady is married and has children and is from one of the cities that came for a blessing. I wanted to take her picture because of her coat. If you double click on her you can see it better. Most coats here are very European, fur with a hood, they are very stylish.
This is a cobblestone road being laid right in front of our church. If you double click on it you can see the difference where they have finished putting the sand over it and where they haven't.
This is certainly better than it was. It seem like with as much rain as they have they always sink in spots.
They must get a crew to work on them, I'll show you a little more in the video which you have already seen.
Brother Browning is our Patriarch. What a blessing it was to have them here. We had 7 different branches come into Lviv to receive blessings for the week that they were here in Western Ukraine. The people would sometimes come on an over night train and get in Lviv in the morning and then wait for their time to receive a blessing. All of them besides our two branches here came on bus or train. The shortest bus ride was 3 1/2 hours. The longest was about 12 hours on a train. What dedicated people. Brother and Sister Browning came from Provo, Utah and will be here in Ukraine for 3 weeks. We would go from 8:30 to 4:00. Sometimes he would get a half hour break. We were very tired, I can imagine how tired he would be. We had a member, Ira help us with translation and to read their recommends and make sure all the names and dates where right. I don't know what we would have done without her. What a wonderful experience we had.

Baptism

2009-04-18T10:51:00.001-07:00

After the Open House the signs had to be taken down and it was pouring outside but these brave missionaries weren't afraid. Even Elder Williams managed to stay on the wall.
Tatiana is 71 years old. She has had a hard life but is so happy to have the gospel and the members as her family now.
Sister Yakshenkova was so happy to see her baptized before she finished her mission went home.
Andrea, a neighbor and friend, and the one that baptized her has been a good influence on her.
This young man is the Chef for the Open House. He's very quiet but a great cook.

Elder Imahazi, the video under this was also transferred. He is a great missionary but things had been slow but the day before he left he was able to set two baptismal dates. He was on cloud nine. This is him and Elder Bringhurst singing at Tatiana's baptism, don't they sound great?

Baptism

2009-04-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Changes and Opera

2009-04-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, a lot has happened since I wrote last. First we moved to a different apartment the 6th of March. It's a long story but we like our apartment and it's cheaper and closer to the church. We lost two of our missionaries this last transfer so we took some of the investigators to the Opera for a farewell. Nadia is an investigator who is so nice, she's still having a hard time saying yes.
Sister Yakshenkova is leaving. She's was such a great missionary. She's from Russia and her time is up. We got a new one from Utah so it will be fun to get to know her.
We had an Open House at the church and it was very stressful but we had more people come than at any other time. Look at the refreshment. Chicken and little sandwiches. The Chef is 16 years old, he did a great job.
Nick and Masha was doing the Young Men and Young Women. I helped the next day and told about the Word of Wisdom which is on the right side and she told about the law of Chastity on the left side of the board.
This is what welcomed everyone in. I think every year will be better and better because they know now what it takes to be a success. The video is from the Opera enjoy!

President Paul Pieper

2009-03-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

These pictures where suppose to be on the end but of course, the last will be first and the first will be last. Sometimes the Elders trust me enough to cut their hair. It a good time to visit and relax.
President Pieper and President Steinagel and their wives came on a mission tour this last weekend. We've talked to President Pieper a few times but this was the first time in a long time since we have seen him. The picture above is when we were having dinner with the Presidents, the three couples, because we were also having two zones at our zone conference. This is a picture of Sister Klyuba who stayed with us. She is on her way to Frieburg Germany to go to the temple and see a young man. She just finished her mission about a month ago. She's very sweet and it was fun to visit with her. The Thatchers one of the Senior Couples also stayed with us.
We were so privilege to be with these good people. Those that spoke did such a wonderful job, it was so inspiring. For those that don't know, President Pieper's family, when he was a boy, lived about a half a mile down the road from us. He caught us up on his family and we shared memories.

Sister Pieper is so sweet, she came from the Tuttle family. What great roots.

Sophia, Bulgaria

2009-02-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

On Feb. 14th, Valentines Day, we had a party with both branches and the next morning when we came to go to church, a couple of our members had built this, I don't know how they did it. We loved it.
The next Tue., Feb. the 17th, we left this snow to go to Sophia, Bulgaria to renew our visa's. We only have to go once a year unlike Russia where the Elders and Sisters have to go every three months. We landed in Sophia at the Musseldorf airport (doesn't that sound like a Harry Potter place?) It was pretty nice in Sophia when we got there and everyone took very good care of all of us. There were 6 of us.
After getting settled in our apartments and after having dinner we went to the Jorgensons apartment and had ice cream and the Elders played games and we visited.
The next day the Jorgensons took us on a tour of the city. This is Alexander Nevski Cathedral, named after St. Alexander Nevski, a Russian tsar who saved Russia from invading Swedish troops in 1240, and is without a doubt the most spectacular building in Sofia.
The Presidential building in Sofia which is the administrative quarters of Bulgaria's president. There are always two guards as you can see at the doors behind us. I'm not sure how often they have a changing of the guards but they are well worth a snapshot.
Here is the St. George Rotunda. Set among the excavations of ancient roman ruins, this charming round red brick church dates back to the 4th century and is Sofia's oldest preserved building, it didn't become a church until the 6th century. They did some major restoration work and it was reopened to the public in 1998 for the first time in 70 years.
This is a sculpture of Sofia and overlooks the main intersection there in Sofia.
This is the former Communist Party Headquarter (until August 1990). The red star which I didn't get in the picture is not there. It was removed after the collapse of the communist era.
We all went in to see the Banya Bashi mosque built in 1576. It is the only mosque in Sophia and is quite small but they want all women to wear a head scarf, so luckily they let me in, we also took off our shoes to show respect, it was also carpeted. It was a very interesting day but when we woke up the next morning there was a lot of snow and it snowed all day. Then on Fri. the day we left, the plane was 1/2 hour late departing because of the blowing and drifting snow. It was an enjoyable trip.
Now the video below is what we did after we got home. Elder Williams is always making home made chicken noodle soup and he's really getting good at it.

Wood & Arsenal Museums

2009-02-13T04:38:00.000-08:00

This is the Arsenal Museum which was built about 1575. It is a rectangular structure building with eight-foot-thick walls that are stone on the outside and brick inside. On display are weapons from more than 30 countries from the 11th to 20th century. I would hate to be hit by one of these balls.

These were very interesting. Some of them reminded me of Camalot time.
This was in the wood furniture museum. It must have been the throne for the Count.

Wood & Arsenal Museum

2009-02-13T04:18:00.001-08:00

We have been checking out a couple of museums here in Lviv to see if anyone would be interested in seeing them. The end of April we will have a Couples Conference here in Lviv and we need to find out activities for them to do. There will 22 people here from the Kyiv Ukraine Mission. It's always fun to see everyone.
This museum is the Museum of Furniture and China and is located in the former Count Liubomirsky palace. These are instruments, the first one is a Bandura, which is an authentic Ukranian instrument. I'm not sure about the second one and the third one is a harp.
They are from the 15th- the 20th century. Chinese, Italian, English Wedgewood and French.

This museum is the only one like it in Ukraine.

Two More Baptisms

2009-02-06T23:04:00.000-08:00

Andrea, which is the 4th to the left of me, was baptized about 3 weeks ago and these were all the people that supported him. He has since passed the Sacrament, blessed the Sacrament, given a talk and prayed. He is such a great guy and the gospel has made such a difference in his life. He is being such a wonderful example to his son, sister and niece who he lives with.

These great missionaries are the ones that work so hard and change so many lives for good here in Lviv. They are leading in the mission and we love rubbing shoulders with them.
Our Branch Mission leader's Mother (Olena) was baptized a couple of weeks ago and I didn't get a picture of her. She is an awesome lady so I can see why her son is so awesome. Dave her son is always such a good example to everyone especially the youth. He has been a member only 3 years and is only 18 years old and is hoping to go on a mission sometime this year. This younger generation is truly instruments in the Lords hands. Just like the 2000 stripling warriors.
This is Andrea before his baptism, he invited us over to his house with 2 other missionary companionship that evening and he had cookies and juice for us to eat and we met his family.

Trip To Ivano

2009-01-27T02:44:00.000-08:00

About the middle of the month we were invited to go with President Steinagel, his wife and son to Ivano Frankivs'ka to help with a Branch Conference and a training meeting with the leaders of the different auxiliaries. We are at the front door here. It is in one big long building and the church is one small part of that building. We left on Sat. morning and came home Mon. morning so it wasn't so rushed this time mainly because they had a lot of interviews to do.
This is the chapel as we are getting ready to leave, check out the floor. The building is very nice but I guess they didn't put enough heat in it because they have little heaters that they put in the rooms that they are going to use, then they don't waste the heat.
We took the train there and if you click on this you can see a man holding a sign. There is someone at each station and road crossing. They only stay out there a short time and then back into the building they go. At the road crossings they always have a small building where they stay.
We went on the day train I guess. The lady sitting in the back is in the next compartment, you can see a bunk that she is sitting on and one above her plus one above that one (which you can't see). Across from her is the same thing and on the end behind Elder Williams is one that goes across. Where he is sitting makes out into a bed, one above him and one above that so it sleeps 9 people. A man is sleeping above her, you can see his legs. If you ask at the beginning of the trip they will give you clean sheets and a pillowcase. No doors on any of these. When you buy a Koupa and go all night, it only sleeps 4 people but has a door and lock on the door but we buy the whole Koupa so we don't have to share it with anyone that is drinking.
There sleighs here are old fashion but they really use them on the sidewalks pulling them here and there. They usually have a back on them so the children don't fall off the back end. The next one is our Hotel that we stayed in Ivano. It was one of the nicest ones that we've stayed in.

To the Theater

2009-01-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

One of our Branches went to the Theatre as a group. It was a play but not at the Opera Center. This however is a picture looking down to the Opera Center. The lights were beautiful.

The Play was good. We had to just guess what they were talking about because it was all in Ukrainian but at intermission, Ira caught us up.
This is our Branch Pres. and his wife. Ira is on the left, such a sweet lady with another sweet lady, the mother of a friend of ours. They are all wonderful people that we have grown to love.

Holidays

2009-01-20T05:48:00.000-08:00

This little truck we saw one day and we hadn't seen it before. It says "roostick". I think they are like cheese puffs.
This is in center down by the opera center. They were all dressed up. There were little cars to ride in for the kids and this is where the big Christmas tree is also.
I guess this little train was taking people for rides also. This woman's coat is fur. They really have beautiful fur coats, some short and some clear down to their ankles. Boots always match their purse.
Usually they always wear hats. They are very stylish.
The one with the white on is very different. I didn't mean to get the man smoking but sadly enough most men do.
The video below this is what I sent to some people. It was very touching. I was trying to save it so we could take it to English and show it without an internet connection but I'm not as talented as most people, I was able to put it on here however.

Video "Miracle"

2009-01-20T02:44:00.000-08:00

Odds and Ends

2009-01-02T06:11:00.000-08:00

At Thanksgiving the Elders were popping each others back, they seem to have a lot of trouble with their backs.
Our kitchen isn't very big so a couple of Elders had to sit by the sink to eat at Thanksgiving.
The rest of us are at the table. Ukrainians seem to be quite superstitious, here are some of the things they believe. They never shake your hand in the threshold of the door if you're coming in only after you're in, it's a sign of insincerity. They never drink cold water or drinks (maybe that's why there is no ice) it will hurt their throat. They always wear a hat in the winter when it's cold. They never sit on the cold cement, it will make you infertile. Never open the windows on opposite sides of the house to cause a draft, you'll get sick. If you sit at the corner of the table, you'll be single forever. When entering someones house you always take off your shoes, I like this one. When it comes to queuing (getting in line) Ukrainians are the very worst (it says in a Ukrainian book) even worst than Greeks, they just crowd in. On the Marshootka's (bus) they pass their money up and down the aisle to the driver always trusting those who get on the front or the back to pay but if you're in a store and they don't have enough change to give you a few kopecks they just don't.
The first video is of some Indian dancers trying to earn money down the center of town. A couple of days after Thanksgiving at our Branch party the Elders did a dance, I hope this works o.k.

Baptism

2008-12-29T07:15:00.000-08:00

On Sat. the 27th we had two baptisms. This young man Sasha has been taught for quite a while. He's a very quiet young man but we are so happy for him.
Elder Rhodes did the honors this day, he Sasha and Elder Feil. They did a wonderful job.
Ulya has also been taught quite a while but she has really been determined.
After her baptism she just glowed she was so happy. Here with Elder Rhodes and Sister Yashenkova. There were quite a few people to give support and it ended up being a wonderful day. Of course, the next day they both received their confirmation. We look forward to working with both of these young people in the Branch.

Branch Party

2008-12-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, Christmas night we had a Branch Party with both branches. Elder Moulder was Santa's helper and did a great job. We have to have all of our parties in the chapel because we don't have another room.
Check out the Santa costume. It's a little different than what we're used to seeing.
They had a play at the beginning with angels (with wings) and the devil (opposition) and shepherds and wise men. They put a lot of effort into the play.

They started the evening off with a few songs from the missionaries. We actually didn't see Santa come in or any of the rest of the program because we had another more important appointment. Most of the Elders talked to their families except Elder Imangazi who will talk to his on the 31st. I'm not sure about the Sisters. They sure are all hard working missionaries. We had a very large crowd of members and investigators that filled 3/4 of the chapel.

Christmas Day

2008-12-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

Here come Elder Rhodes and Elder Feil to help us before our dinner. What troopers they were.

Christmas Day

2008-12-29T05:40:00.001-08:00

Here is some pictures of Christmas day. We were sitting around just enjoying each other.
All but two of the Elders and Sisters went out to do some caroling before dinner and had a great time.
Elder Rhodes and Elder Feil came over early and helped us cut up things to get ready for our dinner.
Elder Feil taking a break and Elder Imangazi looking at a book waiting for dinner.
Yes, we did have a white Christmas. It wasn't as much as in Utah and Idaho but it was a white Christmas. All of the people that usually sweep the streets early in the morning are now shoveling the snow early in the morning.

Zone Conference at Christmas

2008-12-22T08:12:00.001-08:00

In our Previous post you saw what we had up for decorations. Well, our landlord came and asked us where our Christmas tree was and when we showed him he went home and brought us this one, he said we needed a bigger one. He also brought the "toys" to go on it. (Which was the balls
This tree is all lit up and they just started turning them on every night all night long. It is located right out our bedroom window.
This is our Zone. It is always so good to see them all again. Some of them served here in Lviv and then was transferred but are still in our zone so we look forward to getting together. Pres. Steinagel came without his family so Elder Williams and I had dinner with him on Sat. night after he had finished interviewing the missionaries. He stayed for Sunday also and spoke in each of the branches. They all love to hear what he has to say. We are loving the Christmas Season and the opportunity to think of the birth of our Dear Savior. You can tell it even makes a difference here in Ukraine.

Chernivtsv

2008-12-16T05:21:00.000-08:00

Elder Williams and I were talking about whether to put up Christmas decorations or not and when I was in the kitchen the other day and I walked into the living room, he had found most of these things in the cupboard and was putting them up. The snowflakes across the top with the green ribbons on are what our kids sent us for Christmas. They sent the 12 days of Christmas. They each have our kids and grandchildren on them. Our youngest daughter, Candice who is not married is hanging just below in the middle of the tinsel. There were lights from America (110 volts) also in the cubboard and we put an adapter on but they blew out so we went to the Renok and bought some more.
We went to Chernivtsv because Elder Williams had to do a Priesthood Leadership Training meeting for two Branches, one from Chernivtsv and one from Ivano Frankivsk. It went well, they're such good people. On the way home on the train which was a 7 hour ride we had a Koupa which was cold. These rooms have 4 bunks (two on each side) with only enough room between them to turn around. There is a little table to set your water and a few things on at the end under the window. I was reading a book in the dimly lit room that our Mission President had written about his first Mission in the Cook Islands, so Elder Williams put one of the mattresses against the window which really helped and with a few wool blankets it wasn't too bad. I read for about 3 hours and then gave up because there wasn't enough light.
This must be the Opera House in Chernivtsv. They even have cobblestone roads. The thing that's different about this town is that it is very hilly.
This is the Church house in Chernivtsv. The Branch President only has one counselor but he is super nice. They have 3 sets of missionaries there so I'm sure it will continue to grow.
The Hotel that we stayed in. It was quite nice. In the morning we asked where we could get something to eat and she said, "just go to the road, turn left and go down the street. Well, about three blocks later we found a pizza place so because pizza was the only thing we could read that's what we ordered. It ended up being Bar B Q pizza. Then after the meeting they wanted to feed everyone so what did they bring in? Pizza. We were glad to have it because we had to hurry and catch the train for our trip home.

E. Perry Dinner

2008-12-04T23:27:00.000-08:00

Well, another Elder is going home. Elder Perry is sitting by me. He lives in the Salt Lake area and has been with us for several transfers. He's an awesome missionary and person. We take them out to dinner just before they leave and he chose to go to Dinamo Blues. It actually has American food and is really good. We will miss him but he will do great. He loves to hunt and fish and ski so he'll keep busy.
Here we are waiting for the bus to take us to Dinamo's, we went after District Meeting on Tue.. I often wonder what they think when 10 people get on that all have the same name tags, especially when it's completely full with 5 or so standing and only has 18 seats. We just push our way in just like everyone else does.

I thought you might want to see Lena and Sasha do their little dance and see the people that were at our party.

Branch Party

2008-12-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

Last Sat. we had a party with the other Branch. We have to have our parties in the Chapel because there isn't room in any of the other rooms. I guess it has been dedicated for that. We had 77 people there and 19 of them were investigators. We ate Ukrainian and American food, had some dancers, a couple of skits and some entertainment. It really went well. Lena the girl in this picture is a sweet heart, she did two mini missions this summer. She is our Activity chairman. She's not married, she's 20 years old. Sasha the guy is our family history specialist. He's not married either but they did this line dance from America.
These three little boys are Pres. Malonose's boys. He is a counselor in the Mission Presidency. They also have a girl. I watch them and have to remember when we had little ones. He's on the stand all the time and she is trying to keep these kids quiet in Sacrament meeting. They don't believe in hurting their feelings or talking cross to them so they have a time.
Lena who did the dance and Elder Perry (he's going home Sunday, he's been a great missionary). Lena and Masha decorated and it was very cute, they did a good job.
This is one of the skits. When he talks he's asking if it's time yet and the one on the end says no. until it's time.

First Snow in Ukraine

2008-12-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

We went to Lutsk a few weeks ago. It was during our first snow fall. It was pretty cold but it wasn't too bad going there. You can't see but I have boots almost up to my knees and I carry my back pack, I travel lightly because we have to walk a lot when we're there checking Missionaries apartments. Elder Williams had meetings with the Branch Presidency on Sunday and I found out about 10 min. before meeting that we had to talk in church. I asked the Elder who was translating for us how long we should take and the Pres. said that we could divide it out anyway we wanted, the talks didnt show up.

It didn't snow too much but roads weren't too good coming back. We only slid through one intersection and had to back up. The bus was completely full with people standing up 1 1/2 hours until we arrived in Lviv. We only had to walk from the bus drop off about 1 1/2 blocks to get home so it wasn't too bad. We were very blessed
At the end of the week it was looking like this. If we only have a few cold days and then gets nice again I think I can make it. This is out of our big windows from the chapel windows. This video below is what we hear all the time. I tell about it on the video.

Huge Zone Conference

2008-11-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

This week we had two Zones together for one Zone Conference. We had around 50 people here in Lviv. Pres, wanted to try it and see if we could cut down on traveling and time but we'll see if he does it again. This picture is out of the window of the church house. You can see the mistletoe hanging from the trees. It seems, as we've traveled, if it starts growing on one tree and there is a bunch of trees together, all of them get it on them.
Elder and Sister Thatcher are our newest couple that came for the Conference. Each of the couples, the Thatchers, the Hinckles and us provided cookies and brownies for the Conference. We also bought ice cream to go with it. The Zone leaders ordered pizza's for each one and they were happy.
The night before the conference we took the Hinckles and the Thatchers to Dynamo Blues, it's the only place we've found that has good steaks and pasta. The decor is in the 50's so we like it. See the records all over the walls.

This shows a few of the Elders and Sisters at our Zone Conference. Some of them had to get up at 2:30 in the morning to make it here so I'm not sure how productive it was. It was a great and wonderful Conference however. All of these Elders and Sisters are so dedicated.

Karina's wedding

2008-11-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

Last Sat. one of the Elders called us in the morning to see if we were going to Karina's wedding, I don't know her husbands name, she has been investigating the church all summer and wanted to be baptized but they found out she wasn't married so she couldn't be baptized but they were going to get married anyway so here is the wedding party, just missionaries, no family. We knew she only wanted a small wedding so that's why we didn't plan on going but at 8:30 a.m. we were out the door. They have to be married in the government building, then they can be married in a church. She's the one holding the marriage license her husband to the left of her in the back.
It's different in Ukraine, they put their wedding bands on the right hand, they say that all the important things are done with the right hand.
The happy couple----, after the wedding we just walked out with them and they went on there way and Elder Williams and I went to eat some breakfast and the others had things they had to do. The Elders and us gave them flowers and the sisters gave them something we didn't see what it was. We haven't heard when she will be baptized yet but she was at church the next day. She's a sweetheart, and he says he doesn't mind if she come to church and is Baptized.
Our new district. Boy this is a lot of missionaries. but of course they're all wonderful. Left - right
Elder Adams from Washington, Elder File from California these two Elders have only been here for about two weeks in Ukraine, Elder Williams, Elder Burnham from Alaska, Elder Imagazi from Kazakhstan, Elder Rhodes California, Elder Perry from Utah, Sister Beletskya from Crimean, me and Sister Yashenkova from Russia. I hope I got some of those right. This is who will be at our Thanksgiving dinner.
Thought you might want to see the entrance of the wedding party. It was very nice but nothing like ours in the House of the Lord.

Elder Jacobs with Parents

2008-11-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

Elder Jacobs sitting 3rd from the left, sitting next to his father served in Lviv I think, for 6 transfers and then he went to Kyiv. He is now released and his parents came to pick him up and they came back to Lviv for a visit. We are having a dinner with him and all of the missionaries at the Golden Boar. We tried to get in the day before but it was a 1 1/2 hour wait. Elder Williams had meetings and Linda Jacobs (his mother) wasn't feeling well.
On Sunday after going to church we decided to visit this cemetery. It was for the rich and famous and the veterans. This was where Ivan Franko is buried (famous man). He had a University named after him and also a town. Roman 2nd from right is the branch missionary leader in one of the branches. He had a very hard time when Elder Jacobs was transferred.
In front of the entrance of the cemetery. Lena, who had been on two mini-missions this summer and is 20 years old, I think, was with us and is taking the pictures. Linda is napping and Elder Williams stayed home to read. This cemetery is HUGE. If you click on this picture to make it bigger and look at the trees in the back there is some big round things growing on the trees, it's mistletoe.
On Sat. we walked to the top of the tower. 408 steps to see the city. Brother Jacobs said there were more steps than that. We then walked down center and went to the Opera House. They wanted to see it because there is one in Vienna that has the same architecture. They were in Vienna this year teaching. Pres. Yushchenko (Ukraines President) had been at the Opera House just moments before for a celebration, so they wouldn't let us in but a friend of mine and I had gone just two days before to make sure we could get in and so I, with Elder Jacobs translating, reminded the man of this and he said he remembered me so he let us in.
We had a wonderful weekend. They left Mon. night at 10:50 p.m. on the train and the youth always meet them at the train station when they go home and bid them farewell.

Elder Kauffman going home

2008-11-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

Elder Kauffman the blonde sitting is leaving to go home. This RAPYO was written on this building just down the street from our church here in Lviv. He wanted a picture of it.
The Elders and the golden boar.
When ever an Elder leaves to go home we take them and the district out to lunch to the restaurant of their choice. He, Elder Kauffman wanted to go to the Golden Boar. This place has very good food and not expensive so they get a lot of business. Apparently, when the owner went into the basement when they were starting to remont (Ukrainian for remodel ) it they found all kinds of artifacts and this was one of them. I've put this restaurant on before but not of this boar.

Halloween in Rivne

2008-11-05T08:26:00.001-08:00

As you can see I've got these small again, Elder Rhodes helped me.
We had to go to Rivne for apartment checks for the missionaries and while we were there they were having a Branch Halloween party. As you can see they were really getting into it. This is Looda (Lucy) in English. She is actually from Lutsk but just came for the party.
The missionaries and fellow investigating. They're all awesome.
There were actually about 40 people there so they felt that it was a good turn out. The full mask was the Branch Pres. We all live and learn.
The second counselor. He was a crack up the whole night. They even had a spook alley and a talent show. We had been up until 5:30 a.m. so we went back to the Hotel early.
Just another lovely church

Couple Conference

2008-10-22T03:27:00.000-07:00

This is the National Opera Center. We went to the Ballet "The Marriage of Figero" on Friday night while we were at the Couples Conference. They gave us the story ahead of time so that we would understand it. It was very enjoyable.
This is three brothers and their sister monument, depicting them coming into the area of Kiev. They were the founders of Kiev.
We visited the National Treasures and Miniatures Museum in Kiev and this is most of our group but not including those that are taking pictures
< /> A Monument of the Grand Prince Vladimir who announced one thousand three years ago that Christianity would be preached in the dominion over which he presided. He then caused the pagan images to be pulled down and destroyed and the gospel of Jesus Christ then spread from Kiev into what is now known as Russia. This is the place that Elder Packer dedicated the land of Ukraine to the preaching the Gospel, and to have Missionaries here to preach. This happened on the 12 of September 1991 in the early morning at 7:00 a.m. What a blessing it has been for these people. There is actually a Stake now in Kiev.
On the 15th of Oct. it was Patriots Day which is a celebration of their army. This is a picture of the Communist Party with their flags of the Hammer and Sickle to protest against the Patriots day. They are also surrounded by police to keep everything orderly. We were warned in an email to stay away from this area but didn't receive it until we returned from Kiev.

Couple Conference

2008-10-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

We so enjoyed the Couples Conference in Kiev, Oct. 14th thru the 18th. We visited the new temple area there which was wonderful. Sister Luschin, the architect's wife explained a lot about it. He was gone from the area so we appreciated her taking his place. This is the new chapel which is finished and is very nice.
The end of the chapel
The temple in Kiev and the only one in Ukraine, which is being built just across from the chapel is coming along. This is as high as it will go but they will put the spire on it also and the angel Moroni. They are working diligently on it but hope it will be done by the early fall of 2010.
This is the Hotel next to the chapel and by the temple. It is coming along well but did not hear when they anticipate it being finished. People have to travel a long distance to attend the temple so it is nice to have some place to stay while they are here. Quite often they will want to spend 3 days doing temple work and then however time it takes to travel. Now they go to Frieburg, Germany and it takes a big week because it's so far.
One of the many churches we saw in Kiev.

Conference

2008-10-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is the missionaries and us watching General Conference. See how diligent they are in taking notes. We all loved it. I was thinking that we are so blessed to be able to hear the Prophets voice unlike the the Ukranians who have to listen through a translator. I heard this when we were up to the church and they had the translating for them . I thought how sad as it says in John 10:4--And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice." I'm sure they will recognize him from his fruits but how blessed we are.

Express Train

2008-10-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we took this Express Train which is only one train, to Rivne to do apartment checks. It usually takes us 5 hours on bus and it only took us 3 hours on this train. The windows are big so you can see out the windows well. The seats are not soft but I took my travel pillow and sat on it. It only took us about 5 grevans more so we felt it was a deal. All in all it went very well.
This is a group of Y.M from the Sikhivskiy Branch. The blonde Elder in the back is Elder Kauffman and he is the Y.M. President and he asked if we could feed them and have an activity here so we did, it turned out pretty well.
This is our Elders and two from Lutsk, one of them and one of ours is leaving this night, Sat. night, for Bulgaria, to get their Visa's renewed so they are doing splits with ours. The two on this end are the ones leaving. We are in our office at home listening to Sat. morning conference. It's 7:00 on Sat. night. We gave them a little home made soup and then sent them on there way.

Western Ukraine Leadership Conference

2008-09-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

We had a Western Ukrainian Leadership Conference and the night before we made reservations for everyone who where couple visiting here at the Golden Boar Restaurant. They have good food and it's not too expensive. Pres. and Sister Steinagel are in front with us and the Lackey's on the left and Elder and Sister Mikulin from the 70's and the Hinkles from Ivano Frankivski (couple Missionaries)on the right. And standing in the back is Oleskae, the driver for Pres. Steinagel. He translates a lot also, he got married not too long ago and they are expecting their first. We had about 80 people to the Conference. The Theme was Unity in Presidencies and Reactivation. We are needing this alot here. These Branches are so new and they are learning that the Branch President doesn't do everything, everyone has their own responsibilities. They're wonderful people.
Elder and Sister Mikulin and Sister Steinagel

Just an old couple that happened by.
Yes, this is the golden Boar. I guess when they were in the basement getting this ready they found a bunch of old relics of Boars so that's what they decided to call this restaurant. They have this hanging to one side of our table. It's quite the conversation piece.

Hair cut, and Marshootka ride

2008-09-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

I hope you can see just how full they can get. When you want one to stop you just hold your arm straight out and they stop. It doesn't matter where on the street, they'll stop and let you off anywhere. You can get on in the back or the front but when they're this full you had better get in quick and suck in and hold on. The other day we where on one, it has 18 seats to sit on and I counted 43 people on it. Well when you get your feet set you tap the fellow in front of you and give him 1 1/2 grevan, and he hands it to the next person in front of him until it gets to the front. If you need change the driver, as he drives gets the change and hands it to someone and they just keep passing it back until you get it. Now these drivers are very talented because they watch to see who wants a ride, does all the bookkeeping , opens and closes the doors all while they drive the bus swerving in and out of traffic. Now to get that many people in one place when it is very hot and not any windows opened so you would notice, we hope we get there very soon.
The other day we jumped on a tram-vie (electric) train and it was just starting to rain so there were a lot of people all of sudden jumping on to get out of the rain. We had to get off and then it just poured, as we stood on the street under our umbrella we watched as hordes of people who were soaking wet jumped on the tram-vie, there wasn't room enough for even a child. I bet that smelled good. They sure move a lot of people though. But if the traffic is bad which is all the time, sometimes it's just faster to walk.

Well, it's always an experience to get my hair colored and done. I went at 5:00 and finished at 8:00, which isn't too bad but when you can't speak the language, it's a lot of sign language. I have a lot of things written down in a tablet like, just the roots, not too dark, cut, not too short, a little shorter here ect. Well, my husband always thinks it's too dark, so do I until I wash it and then it's not too bad. It's a good thing our hair will grow out or I would be in trouble. I think they now realize I'm from America and they can charge more so they do. I can't wait to get home to Stephanie to have my hair done but until then, it's o.k.

Our finished job

2008-08-30T06:52:00.001-07:00

This is down the walking street, I thought it was beautiful
Now we don't see this to often down the walking street but I took a picture then she put a bag in front of me so I could donate.
For some reason I can't get more than 5 pictures on the Blog at a time so here is our finished project on the trees on the road. Elder Perry is tired and we're talking to an old gentleman that came on his bike to see what we were doing. This is our new District. These Missionaries we have are such great missionaries. From L to R Elder Burnham from Alaska, Elder Perry, Elder Rhodes , Elder Kauffman

Service at Pres. Petrichko's

2008-08-30T06:25:00.001-07:00

On Sat. the 23 of Aug. two of our daughters birthdays, we had been talking to Jan (one of them) and there was a loud bang and it was thunder. It then started to hail and then rain. Not to long after that we got a call from Pres. Pretrichko saying that he was in Lutsk and he had received a call that part of his roof had blown off, and his mother was there alone and very frightened so we called the zone leaders and we four took a taxi (about a 45 minute drive) out to check on her. She was fine by then and we called Pres. Pretrichko to let him talk to his mother because all the electricity was out and he wanted to tell her he was on his way home (3 hr drive). She was using a candle so we left our flashlight with her.
By Mon. there was a service project organized and about 23 people went to their house. He had to put some roofing on Sat. night because we had a lot of rain Sunday morning. The roof to the house blew off and hit the shed and tore it off. That's what this is, is the shed.
There were about 4 trees down going to his house and I saw national guard there but they left 3 of these so we decided it would be a good thing for the community to cut them up and get them off of the road.
They are trying to get this old stump out on his place next to the river. They finally succeeded
This house is just before Pres. Petrichko's. It lost almost the whole roof. I wish we could have helped them also. Most of the crew stayed from 9:30 a.m. to 7 or 8. We stopped on the way and bought some food and ate around 2:00 so I hope that held them o.k.

Elder Kauffman & Roman

2008-08-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

We are still at the village but I wanted to put this on so you could hear Ukranian singing, they do pretty good and Roman loves to sing. I wanted to put another video on which is below because this is the one showing the forest. It's hard to remember which one I want unless you get your camera and then I can still get mixed up. Oh well, that's life and I'm not perfect. (as you well know)

Old Village

2008-08-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

On Sat. the Branch had an outing to this 17th-century Museum of folk Architecture and Life, it had houses, churches, schools, and many other buildings. Aug. 24, 1991 was there Independence Day from the U.S.S.R. But the Orange Revolution which finally put their President in, was by the voice of the people in Dec. of 2004. That's not too many years ago. So they are celebrating. This is what the Ukranian clothes looks like that they wear for celebrations. These buildings are over 100 years old.
I thought this was pretty with it's flowers and they had even cut the grass. Here in the city most of the grass is cut with weed eaters, even in the parks. I think I've seen one lawn mower. They have them for sell because we've seen them but no one can afford them. How do you like there thatched roofs?
Just another house but grass is starting to grow on this roof.
This is an old wooden church and we started to go into it and they were baptizing a little baby so we didn't go in. This is our group standing in front of Taras Shevchenko's statue, he is Ukraine's national hero and eternal poet. It was a fun day, Elder Williams got tired however, and our leader Tonya broke her sandal so she had to walk with that flipping around. After we got home I was talking to Jan and we heard a loud boom and it was thunder and lightening. Then Vicki called and by then we were waiting for the zone leaders (third from the left and clear at the right end) to come over. Our Branch President was in Lutsk (2 hour drive) and his mother who is also living in their house called and said that the roof had blown off from the storm so the 4 of us where going in a taxi to be with her (a 45 min. drive in a taxi) until he made the trip back home. He said she was in shock. We had to go around about 4 fallen trees on the road but on our return trip the National Guard had one removed. Some of the neighbors had put plastic on the floor of the attic (1/3 of one side of the roof had blown off) but we had a big rain storm towards morning so they're getting a group together and go tomorrow and help fix the roof.

Trip to Old Village

2008-08-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

When we were at the village I remembered it was Ira's birthday two days ago. Jan and her are the same age, she is the one squatting down, so we sang Happy Birthday to her, she didn't know we were going to do that.
Here is some singers on the stage at the village.
We were in this forest in the village with pine trees and birch trees and also the other trees but it was beautiful. I'm sure this doesn't do it justice. We sure had a fun time with these good people.

Store Cont.

2008-08-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

You'll see this first, I tried to put it at the end of the last blog but I must not be doing something right. This video is the carts at Vam, the grocery store we go to, we used to go to Arsen but the taxi driver charged us too much so now we get on a bus which starts just around the corner from us and ends up at Vam, they turn the key off and everyone gets out and 5 min. later they fill it up again and go back where we got on. Of course they will pick up and let off anyone along the way. You pay $.75 each time you get on, most buses will take you anywhere they go but you have to get on the right one because there is different routes. It's especially hard for us because we don't know the roads so sometimes we guess and if we start going the wrong direction we get off and walk or get back on another one that's going in our direction. This is the way you get a cart, you put a Kopec in and it unlatches the chain and then when you return it you stick the key in and it gives you back your coin. Alas, no carts left in the parking lot.We were coming home from Vam and I decided to take this. You can tell a little bit from our ride what it's like on the cobble stones and the town.

Store and About

2008-08-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

This is just around the corner from us. This picture was taken about a month ago so there is a lot more ivy now, they have this once in a while up and down the streets.
We were going to the Voxall (train station) with those that were here from America and I thought I would take this picture. I think this is what bothers me the most is the pile of garbage they leave in big piles all over. Even the streets in town by night have garbage blowing around. That's why they have the old women and men clean each morning. They do have small garbage cans once in a while and people do use them but there is not near enough. They also remodel apartment buildings and there is always a pile of sand out on the sidewalk. So these two picture are opposites, I guess that's how is where ever you go.

Service and Visitors

2008-08-20T02:57:00.001-07:00

This is the bus that they rented for all the people to go to Ivano Frankivs'ka to work on a service project. We had had a lot of rain in July and it flooded the Celo's (villages) outside of Ivano. The houses are only made out of mud and straw with lattice on both sides and wall board on the inside for walls. They say the window structure is the more stable part of the house. It flooded the houses clear up to the ceiling and ruined most of their possessions. The water is contaminated and they have brought in food but have given it to the Renoke's (bazaars) and they have been charging for it and the people don't have the money.
This is a picture of just some of them. There were at least 40 or more, it was spearheaded by Pres. Molonose, the guy on the left front who is the counselor to the Mission Pres. Two of the people from Rivne were together and she got sick so they stayed at our house most of the day until she was feeling better and then they caught a Marshootka home.
These people had served mission's in Ukraine about 2-3 years ago. There were 2 more men who went on to Rivne and came here later. Dave Richards on left, Elizabeth Blumell, from Canada, I think I misspelled her name in my letter and David Gashler from Utah. The two on the right stayed with us one night because they served here in Lviv and spoke in English with the other ones that came from Rivne. They will all meet up in Budapest. They had come from visiting Rome. David Richards is a pilot and was able to get standby tickets for the group. Notice the old lady sitting in back of them. She had a scale sitting on the walk and so they weighted themselves. It didn't cost much but people will do anything. This was a lot better than begging for it which there is a lot of.

Squeeky Door & Filters

2008-08-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

We have three filters under our sink. We change #1 which is this one, on the left every month with the the one on the right. We change # 2 (not seen every other month) and # 3 once a year. Because of the drippy faucet in our tub the inside of the tub under the faucet looks this color so I have to clean it often to get it white. We buy water or Elder Williams fills a bottle with the filtered water which is good.
Boy am I glad I took this video. We have been hearing this sound, which echo's because this is not a through street, for almost 6 months now. Well, Elder Williams found some lubricant spray and went down and lubricated the hinges of this door and also the door to our building. It's so quiet I thought the world had come to an end.

Soccer game & Lunch

2008-08-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

This is most of our group, two of the other girls were taking pictures. There were three investigators with us this day. Elder Williams didn't go because of his stomach so he told the Elders to take care of me and as we were walking back home, I was walking with Wenja arm in arm and a man came next to me and started walking with us and talking to us, of course I couldn't understand him but Wenja could. All of a sudden Elder Kauffman (two Elders to the right of me) and Elder Fulton came right back, Elder Kauffman took the man and talked to him and Elder Fulton walked with us. Boy, it was just like having two security guards by my side. He wanted to know how to get to America. This question is asked quite often.
Dried fish at the football game (as they call it). I guess they eat it with there drink.
This is the stairs going down from George's place, this is only the first level, there is another one. We had to climb up these. It's a lot worst then it looks. We did this before the football game and before we met the others.
Yes, these pictures got mixed up. On the left is Elder Swiss who just left yesterday (tranferred) to be A.P and had just got hit with a soccer ball at Sports Day that they had just had, he's o.k. now. George is the young man that invited us to lunch (down below). Wenjia (from China) Elders Kauffman, Fulton and Roman our branch mission leader, me Elder Perry and our investigator Roman, Marsha is a member but she is taking pictures also. This is before we go into the Soccer Park. This is the third time I have worn pants, twice for service projects and this time. We didn't want to stand out.
This is at George's apartment. There is a bunk bed at the left and I'm sitting on another one. That's how much room we had. I guess all you need is room in the heart. George is not a member but comes to English class and speaks very well. I think he's about 21 years old and he will graduate from the University in Dec. He always used to catch me at English and ask me the meanings of words. I know he has been taught some but probably not about coke. Two other Elders were invited but of course had to go to the Dr. to get his eye checked, it had red on the colored part of his eye.
Well, here is a video of our awesome event. It doesn't show how hot it was however. We were in the sun all the time. It didn't start until 5:00 p.m. but it was very hot and they took our water away from us before entering the gate. I guess because they wanted us to buy beer. I had candy and gum that I handed out to help with there thirst but I'm sure it didn't help. We did have a great time even if Lviv didn't win. It was 1 to 0 and the other teams name was Deneepro. It only costs us 5 grvn or ($1.00) to get in, maybe that's why we sat in the sun. One of our investigators got us the tickets. ENJOY!!!

The Tower

2008-08-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

The other day after a great district meeting we were on our way to eat and decided to walk up to the top of the tower because several of us have wanted to do it. The tower is at the top of the (court house) gov. building. This is the bells at the top and sirens also. We took a tram vie so we could hurry and on the way on the tram, Elder Swiss was talking to a couple of women and all of a sudden an old man with crutches moved up about 3 seats or so, and started hollering at him about you Americans come and take our women and our money ect. Well the women just hollered back that they were just nice young men trying to do good but he just kept hollering. Pretty soon the people behind me were hollering at the man and the lady we give our money to came and started hollering at him, I thought we were going to have a riot right there but they were at least sticking up for the Elders.
Beautiful day at the top of the tower
There were a lot of people so you could hardly move
That radio tower is north of us so it keeps us going in the right direction, kinda like the gospel.

Countryside

2008-07-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

This was coming home on the train, I think you can hear the sound of the train tracks. It was beautiful scenery with their little villages and the green mountain side. Elder Kauffman stuck his head out the window so that he could smell the clean fresh air and also the flowers along the way. We were all in one room just the 4 of us so we had a good visit.

At the Castle

2008-07-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

Coming from the church, going toward the castle we passed a lot of people carrying plates of food and flowers. When we got to the castle this is what we found. I guess they have a lot of receptions there also. So we didn't go into it because there were so many people.

video's

2008-07-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of a wedding that we saw when Olena was taking us on a tour in the city. This bride has two white pigeons in her hands and I shut it off a split second before several people clapped their hands and made the pigeons fly, (just my luck) of course they were taking photographs but it was quite the wedding because of the music and the pigeons. After this party left the Priest came out to get the next wedding party. He had a great day. We were told by Olena that they only have weddings on Tue., Thurs. and Sat.

Train Ride To Uzhhorod

2008-07-22T00:26:00.001-07:00

This was our train ride going to Uzhhorod. These folks came through and sounded just wonderful and of course they had their can out for a little donation.
This church was just down the street from our Hotel. It's quite colorful don't you think?
Here are these good saints. We met with them for two hours on Sat. and gave the hymn books and Liahona's then were able to give them the Sacrament on Sunday in Sacrament meeting. We each gave talks to try and strengthen them. We then did Sunday School. They were very sweet.
Most train stations look better then most buildings but this is the best one I've seen. The Government takes care of them so they always look good. This is Elder Kauffman & Swiss. As you remember we went to a village with Elder Swiss where his Great grandmother was born. He just found out from the Archives here in Lviv some dates and information, he was excited.

Uzhhorod

2008-07-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

After meeting with the other sisters, Olena the investigator took us to a place for lunch and to see the sites. Check out the back wall. Storks are a big thing here and there are two storks in the nest. Olena is a very sweet lady and seems to have a strong testimony, I'm not sure why she isn't baptized.
Weddings in Uzhhorod. They go all out. When we were coming down the elevator in our Hotel there had to be at least 250 people going up the stairs in front of us going to the wedding dinner. I will put on a video at a later post if I can figure it out.
Even the cars are dressed up with flowers and bows
A scenic view off of the bridge going into the old part of Uzhhorod which is only walking streets down center. Look how muddy this river is.

Baptism & Opera

2008-07-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Ira is a lady that is such a sweet lady. She is Jan's age and not married. Her birthday is Aug. 21, 1966. We feel a kinship to her because of this. We were so happy for her. She was baptized last Sat. night. Elder Swiss is the one that baptized her. We even had the font water warm for her. Elder Williams talked them, (those filling it) and asked them to heat it, and amazingly enough they were able to do it. I can't figure out why they don't always do it.
Some gave her flowers, we gave her a card and wrote on it. The sister on the left is the Mother to Lena the one on a mini-mission. She and Ira and the lady in flowered jacket went with us to the Opera Sat. night to celebrate the day. Svitlana Malonos is the one in pink, she is the wife (mother of 4) of Pres. Malonos, a counselor in the Mission Presidency.
Nastya Gnatyshyn is the girl that went with us to the orphanage to translate for us. She is 25 years old, has served a mission here in Ukraine. She spent time here in Lviv while on her mission, she was born in Sumy, in Eastern Ukraine and now is a nanny for some people from England and lives in Kiev. I found out that her and Candice has some of the same questions about life. She is a very strong member of the church.

Baptism & Opera

2008-07-17T02:50:00.000-07:00

After the Baptism the Elders and us took Ira, the one baptized and some other members to the Opera to see two of our members dance. The one on the far right is Ira and second from the left is Nasya.
We invited our dear friend and tutor Lena and her husband Orest who is also a counselor in the Branch Pres. They are a wonderful couple. These are the parents of Uri, who is 21 years old, and is the boy whose picture is in the July New Era.
Our wonderful Missionaries and four young adults, two in the middle are members and the blonde wants to be and the one on the right is working things out so she can be. We're two rows ahead of them.
This is in the Opera House in a room called the Hall of Mirrors. Does this remind you of anything?

Orphanage

2008-07-12T04:59:00.000-07:00

They have 4 cows to give them milk, cheese, and butter. Elder Williams leaned over and milked this cow just like he used to do when he was young, they were amazed. They also have a hector of potatoes, a green house with cucumbers and they used to have 3 pigs but they ate them.
This is the reason we went. This is their toilets, located 36 yards out from the back of the house and down 10 steps. Some of them can hardly walk and it's very slick in the winter time.
Sister Chemazova, the sister that took us. She just got her drivers license 1 month ago. She went very slow and was careful, we even used our seat belts.
Inside the out house, there is this hole in the floor in which you just straddle it. Surprisingly enough there was another hole in front of the big hole because it was so old. They want to build an indoor bathroom off of the house with two for the women and 1 for the men and two showers. Yes, they do not have showers, they bath in a large tub in the kitchen that they fill up just like we use to do up at the ranch. I don't know why these pictures get mixed up, I don't put them on this way.
Three little kids watching us. This is next to where we were milking the cow and it looked like this is where they lived. Well it was very interesting but the church does not do construction for projects so I don't think we can help them. It really tore at my heart strings to see these good people.

The Carpathian Mountains

2008-07-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

On Wed. we went with another lady and a girl to translate for us up into the Carpathian Mountains. It was beautiful but a little cloudy and ended up hailing on us. This is how they take care of their grass. They cut it with scythe and then with a pitch fork they throw it up on this pile with a pole in the middle of it. They let it dry and them come with a wagon and pick it up and store it at home. We went to the Oeoblast (Region) of Uzhhorod which borders Hungary and Slovakia (Cheq Republic). We drove from lviv to this little town of Nyzhni Vorota in a little valley of Uzhhorod which is about a 3 hour drive on a very good road I should add, and it is in the Carpathian Mountains. This town is 130 kilometers from the Hungarian border.
The reason we went was to look at an Orphanage, they call it, for old people (or old folks home) to see if the church could help with a humanitarian project. Elder and Sister Lee who is in charge of that in Kviv asked us to check it out. It's occupancy is 25. They only have 20 right now because two of them passed away last week. 13 women and 7 men.
It is a very old home. There are 4-5 people in 4 rooms. I'm not sure where they put the rest of them if it's full. They even have a T.V.