Karen's update Jan 2, 2013

Hello From Russia,

     Christmas is over and the NEW YEAR has begun.  We have had such a wonderful time soaking in all of the Russian traditions.  We still haven't had our branch party because in Russia the birth of Christ is celebrated on January 7th.  Our branch  is wokring so hard to make this a very special performance.  They all practice behind closed doors, and all we see are costumes coming and going.  We are excited to see what they have planned. 

     

MY NOSE KNOWS

     The big news here is of course the weather.  When the cold temperatures hit, it was quite a shock.  We went from the minus 5-10 to - 40.  Today it is -31 F.   I noticed that when the temperature was from minus 1-15 my nostrils  would stick together when I took a big sniff, It reminded me of when I was in college at USU.  Then one day when we were outside,  my nostrils stuck together just breathing normally.  I asked Frank what the temperature was and he said minus 24.  I then realized, ok, this is cold.  Then one day we were out, and I knew that  the temperature  was minus 35F so I dressed for it.    At this point your mouth and nose are covered with a scarf so the steam comes up to your eyes.  The vapor condenses on you eyelashes, bangs, scarf and on the fur on your hood.  All of a sudden you are frosty the snowman.  Minus 35 to minus 40 is a scary cold.  You do not want to be out side very long, you can feel the cold going deeper and deeper through all of your layers.  We are just so happy that we are here when the weather is the coldest its been in 70 years.   Another reason that I know that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor. Now when I go outside, I start to sniff and try and guess what the temperature is.  I'm getting pretty good, if I say so myself.  Maybe it will warm up to a more normal temp later in January.  Some Russian friends of ours took us for a ride in their car last night to see some lights.  Sergey has to get up at least twice every night to go out and start his car or it will not start in the morning.  He lives on the 8^th floor of his apartment building and the car is usually about ½ to 1 blocks from the apartment. So that is no easy task.  His wife Julia must start hers every two hours, but she has a remote for hers.  They are one of the few couples we know who even have a car let alone two.  They were both engineers.  So far they show no interest in the gospel.  But we continue to hope. 

This is what we look like in -25 to -35 degrees F.

Karen with a couple of the street vendors we buy jam and other items from.

  

Bus Story

     One day while on the bus a cute mom with a little girl sat down.  The little girl looked bored so the mother took out her lip stick lid and showed the little girl how to scrape the ice off the bus window so that she could see out.   I didn't realize that Frank and I would be doing the exact same thing.  Frank just lays his hand on the window for a few seconds and it warms up enough that we can scrape a circle big enough to see out.  There is only a short window of time before it is iced up again, but it works. Every seat that is next to a window has a cute little circle for viewing so that passengers know when to get off.  

     On December 9th Frank decided to try out his ice trekkers.  They are stretchy rubber with spikes on the bottom.  They worked so well, that I put mine on also.  We have worn them ever since, only taking them off when we go into a mall or area where there is slippery tile.  They are such a clever wonderful invention.  We still have to watch for clear ice because we could still slip.  The missionaries don’t wear them, probably because when they fall they bounce.  When we fall we break, so we wear them.

A STICKY SERVICE PROJECT...

     December 13th we arrived back at our apartment at 8;30 am. from our mission conference in Novosibirsk after an all night train ride. We showered and changed for our service project.  Our Relief Society President had set up the project the week before, so we knew that it was a wall papering project in a home.  We met the missionaries and all went together on the bus. When we arrived at the address we found a large home with a sign indicating that it was a homeless shelter.  We soon found out that we were going to wall paper two rooms.  We were aware that it was a two day project.  One day to take the paper off, and one day to put it up.  We assumed that a day would be until about 6:pm because the missionaries have appointments in the evenings.  In fact, Frank and I had an appointment with one set of missionaries and a investigator.  We began by moving everything out of the rooms, or over to one side while we worked on the other side.  This took about one hour because we also had to dust off the walls.  The paper had already been taken down, or else there never was paper on the walls.  

     I became very nervous because none of these missionaries had ever wallpapered before.  My uncle was a professional wall paperer, and my mother was a perfectionist when it came to wall papering.    The ceilings in these two rooms were eleven feet high.  

I thought to myself, surely they will have wall papering tools and ladders, and tables to lay the paper on.  We waited and watched as things began to arrive.  We received two table knives, two buckets, one with glue in it, and one with warm water, two rags, one ladder, (Frank ended up standing on a table in his room) and a tape measure.  That was it.  Frank went in one room with half of the missionaries, and I went into the other room with the other half.  As always God blessed me.  Sister Karachova, our little Russian missionary had wallpapered before.  She had Elder Topham our 6'6" missionary on the ladder measuring for the first cut.  Soon we had enough pieces cut to do one wall.  The linoleum  on the floor was a life saver because it curled up onto the wall, so we could peal it back and put the wall paper behind it.  There were two other blessings, one, there was no pattern on the wall paper, and two, when the cut was uneven because when you cut wall paper with a table knife, the cuts are somewhat jagged, we would just turn the piece up side down and put the bad end under the linoleum.  The thing that bothered me the most was we did not have a straight line or plum line to begin this project.  I could not understand how we could hang it straight without one.  I just kept my mouth shut and let Sister Karachova take over.  We began to paste and hang the first strip, all went well, except the ladies wanted us to begin at the other end of the room.  Sister Karachova didn't want to, soon we found out why they wanted us to begin at the other end.    The next piece went up, but, with a little bit of trouble because in order to make it work we had to overlap the seam by about one inch, (because we didn't have a straight line).  Ok, now I see, these seams are going to show when you enter the room, but if we would have started on the other end they wouldn't have shown so much.  We kept going,  glueing paper, mopping up glue, and then me, trying to get the bubbles out with a ruler that I found on the desk.  Sister Karachova told me not to worry about the bubbles, she said that it was normal.  I thought to myself, my mother would be turning over in her grave right about now.  But, we worked until about 5:00 and only had one wall finished, but  then realized that we had better clean up so that we could make our meetings.  Well, the ladies about died because they thought that we were going to stay until we were finished.  It took some pretty fast talking to get us out of there.  There were a few cross words exchanged, but, we told them we would be back. 

     The next day everyone returned, except me, I was home cooking for our district missionary meeting.  About 1.00pm the missionaries got to our apartment and I got the rest of the story.  Elder Noel had been held hostage,(just kidding) there was still work to be done and he was the only one that could stay.  He had had no lunch, and I didn't send any water with him.  He had to be at a young men's birthday party by 5:00pm. and he had to bring a cake with him.  I was a little concerned, but, we went a head and ate and then the missionaries had their meeting.  About 4:00 pm Frank arrived, ate a bite, drank a lot, showered and headed for the branch.  We were right behind  him because the missionaries were putting on a Christmas program that night.  

     The Lord again came to the rescue, because Frank later told me that Ivan, our YSA friend felt like he wanted to help so he got the address and arrived just in time.  The bonus was, he knew how to wallpaper, so Frank could leave for his appointment. Ivan stayed and finished, and put the furniture back.  The ladies were all happy and very appreciative.  We also learned that Sister Valeshin, the Relief Society President taught the ladies two of the missionary lessons while Ivan finished.  All in all it was a great experience.

HIGH ON ROOT BEER?

     Igor, one of our YSA showed up to FHE with a bottle of root beer extract. His friend brought it back for him from USA.   He asked me if I knew how to make root beer.  I, of course said, yes, all the time, (my witches brew), but I use dry ice.  He told me that there is no dry ice here, but asked if we could make it with yeast.  We told him that we would work on it.  We tried two recipes, one was on the box, very easy, using carbonated water and sugar.  We made it and at the next FHE we tried it.  To me it tasted a little salty, but it was ok.  Igor wanted us to try the yeast recipe.  Frank got on the Internet and got the step by step instructions with pictures.  We made a bottle and let it sit for about three days (according to directions)  until Institute that Friday night. Everyone was tasting it, but not liking it.  Igor thought it was wonderful, and Kostya, one of our institute teachers, and a counselor in the Mission Presidency, returned missionary, and just  newly married, thought it tasted just like Hires (he was at the Provo MTC).  He was so excited, he wants to make more, so if anyone wants to send Root beer extract, it would be a hit. He asked me Sunday if anyone is sending root beer extract.  I told him that I didn't know, but, I will wait to see if someone emails me.  He said, "Oh thank you, ever since I tasted this home made root beer I have more meaning to my life."  I was laughing so hard, I told him that he should get a job with Hires Co. doing root beer commercials in Russia. He has an incredible radio, TV voice, all he needs is a contract with Hires.   Anyway, just before we were to clean up and leave, Frank asked Slava, another YSA if he had tasted it. He is very intelligent, has a back ground in medicine and chemistry and speaks very truthfully.  He answered, "No, I have to drive home."  Frank laughed and told him that there was no alcohol in the root beer.  Salava said, "Yes, I think that there is."  

     After we returned home, Frank got back on the Internet and found out that there could possibly be some alcohol in it, but if there was it would be 1/30th of what is in NyQuil.  We began to laugh, thinking we could be the only senior couple to get sent home for making alcoholic beverages with the YSA's. So that is probably the end of our root beer making days.

NURSERY STORY

     This week we really wanted to teach the children the concept that Jesus was born, and then grew up to be a man.  We down loaded two short movies from the Mormon channel.  Then Galya read them the Christmas story.  I had one of the parents bring a baby doll.  We dressed Lova up like Joseph, and wrapped the doll in a table cloth.  He held the doll very carefully. Eva did not want to be Mary, and she was the only girl there that day.   Then Galya thought of turning the little chairs upside down to make a cradle.  We put a blanket over the chair legs and layed the doll in the cradle.  We sang Silent Night and everyone seemed to get it.  Then Lova took the baby out and handed it to me.  He pulled over a chair, climbed up and got into the cradle.  He smiled, like this is just made for me.  Joseph in the cradle. . . it took on  a different twist, but, with nursery age, you've got to love it. 

     Next week for the birth of the savior, Galya and I have made little nativity sets out of toilet paper rolls, (thank heavens for pinterest).  I wanted to find something that could be made from recycled materials so that Galya could see what can be done for next to nothing in cost.  

CHRISTMAS EVE 

     Christmas eve in America was Christmas day here so we had missionaries coming at 6:30 am to skype with their families. I had made a breakfast casserole so that they could eat at their convenience. It was so much fun to overhear the shouts of joy coming from America.  It made me a little teary eyed, just because we knew that at 9:00 am we would be doing the same thing with our family.  It was a wonderful day.  The missionaries were able to visit with each other (we have four new ones) and then eat together, and then skype some more. We were able to meet some of the parents over skype.  Frank is really good at getting pictures of the missionaries as soon as they arrive on the train so that he can email the parents to let them know that they have arrived safely.  One set of parents, the Xanthos from Hyland Utah broke our hearts.   Her father is Greek with a very thick accent.  Her mother is Brazilian, they are both converts.  They have four boys who served missions  one being twenty years older than Sister Xanthos.  With tears in his eyes and a trembling voice he thanked us for letting us know that their daughter was safe.  He told us that she was their only daughter and it was hard for them to see her go so far away.  He said that he knew that it was for a good cause, but, he reminded us that she was their only daughter.  We feel so humbled to have her in our mission. .  We know that she is a very special girl, her spirit is penetrating. They were all here until 6:30 pm..  Then the next day Christmas day in America, they were able to come over again, eat and finish skyping.  What a wonderful invention  

     All in all the many trips to the grocery store, the baking, cooking, planning and cleaning up was all worth it. We enjoyed the noise, the laughter, the companionship, and most of all the spirit of Christmas where all hearts go at this time of year. We feel so blessed that we were able to share our Christmas with those who are serving the Lord and working so hard to bring souls unto Christ. 

STORIES FROM HOME

   Natalie, our oldest daughter emailed us and told us that on Christmas day their family went sleigh riding.  They went over to the golf course near their home.  There was a ton of snow and Logan who is 6 was interested in walking over to a ridge to see what was on the other side.  Natalie explained to him that there was a road that winded around the mountain.  He wasn't convinced and said that he just had to see.  She walked with him, they walked and walked, and walked, he worked so hard trudging through the snow. Finally he reached the edge, as he looked over his head went down as did his shoulders.  He breathed a sigh, Natalie asked him what was wrong.  Logan said, "Well, I thought that I would be able to see Russia." 

    Marianne our youngest daughter told us that Daniel, one of her twins who is 5, took the last letter we sent and asked his mom if she would help him tuck it in his pants underneath his shirt.  She did as he asked, he left it there the entire day as he went to school and played.  

CULTURE NIGHT

     The missionaries all get one culture night every three months.  So this time we all went  to see the Nutcracker ballet.  What an amazing time we  had.  It was actually a matinee for children, and that was the best part.  We watched children arrive in their warm snow clothes, and then magically change into wonderful costumes.  Here, for New Years, which is when “Santa” comes, or actually “Grandfather Frost”, the children dress up in costumes.  We saw everything from Ninja's to animals, to fairy princesses. They all gathered around for the program being held in the foyer. (Frank told about that on our blog)

These few photos are of what was going on in and around the theater during our "Cultural Night."  There are more of them in our last blog. This contraption on the left is actually a barbecue type device.

The New Year's celebration is a time for the kids to dress up in costumes.

Another photo of the beloved "Ded Moroz."

Notice the beautiful curtain in the "Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theater."

NEW YEARS EVE HERE

     Sister Karachova decided that we should eat a Russian dish for our dinner.  She planned it, bought the food, and put us all to work.  It was amazing to see the Elders, (Elder Topham in an apron) dig in and work.  Kneading dough, and filling the Pelmeyny, (little cut out circles of dough rolled and twisted into a round shape) with mashed potatoes, and  ground spiced chicken. We have seen different shapes frozen in bins in the grocery store thinking that is was  pasta.  But, now we know what they are.  They are filled with different foods and then boiled.  They are good, but they take for ever to make.  It is a project for an entire family. 

     The funnest part of this whole project was rolling out the dough.  While rolling out the dough (for over an hour) I could listen to different conversations that were going on.  Ivan (who we invited over to be with all of us because he is alone) was standing by me asking me words in English because he is really trying hard to learn English.  Then Sister Karachova who is Russian, and who understands English some what, but often needs an interpreter was asking me for utensils and pans, and what ever else she needed with the help of the English speaking missionaries.   Then there are all of the missionaries who speak English and in and out of Russian.  I just had to smile and wonder what it must have been like building the Tower of Babel.   

  

BOOK OF MORMON STORY

     Sister Karachova (our little Russian missionary) and Sister Xanthos, a brand new missionary from Hyland Ut. were getting ready to leave their apartment to go visit a shut-in member.  They decided that they would do their post office errand at the same time.  The original plan was to go to the  post office near the sisters' home.  But, as they left, Sister Karachova decided that they should go to the post office near their apartment.  So, they entered the post office and stood in line.  There were two couples near by.  One of the women asked sister Xanthos, "what is that book you have?"  Sister Xanthos had the book of Mormon in her hand but it was down by her side.  The woman continued, "I need that book, I need to get that book and I am going to read that book."  Sister Xanthos told her that she could have the book, and handed it to her.  Her husband began to tell her that she did not need the book, but she insisted on taking it.  Right after that, the other woman seemed to feel left out because she said, I want that book, I need to read it, and I will read it.  Sister Karachova told her that it was alright, she had another book that she could have.  She smiled and took the book.  They both were given invitations to church and phone numbers in case they had questions. I think these two sisters set a new record, two books of Mormon given out in thirty seconds.  The spirit that comes from that book still amazes me.  I love hearing these stories, and most of all seeing the faces of the missionaries when they tell the stories. 

I took this picture on the street one day not knowing who these people were.  When I got closer I could see that it was two of our sister missionaries telling someone on the street about the Book Of Mormon.  The missionaries work hard over here (as they do everywhere) in very extreme conditions. If you look closely you will see the Book of Mormon they are asked to carry at all times.  They are also asked to give one out every day to someone they seriously think will read it.

      The church is true, Christ has set up his church here on this earth. We have the fullness of the gospel.  We have his word.  We are the most blessed people on the face of the earth to have more written word than any other church.  It is such a blessing to see, feel, and experience the joy that comes from sharing this gospel.  We hope that this new year will bring many more lives into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  May God Bless you in your efforts as you share the gospel with those around you.   

      We love you all, you are such dear friends and family.  We feel so blessed to have such great support and many prayers, while being so far away. May the Lord bless each and every one of you with the desires of your hearts. 

 All Our Love,

 Elder and Sister Noel