The Lords Angels - Last Visa Trip

So I get back from Finland and I see that I've got a few messages from some people in Kemerovo and one of them was raving on about my families Halloween Costumes.  LOL They were pretty excited. I just called them after I saw the pictures and said, "oh yeah, that's my family!" looks like you guys had a pretty legit halloween party! I loved that Maddie was a gypsy.  I may not have told you but there are many gypsies here in Russia, so it made me smile. I can't wait to have some good ol' parties with ya'll when I get back!

This week has been pretty interesting, with a 3 day trip to Finland and back. I've decided that after living in Russia for 2 years traveling anywhere else in the world isn't going to be too hard. There was an American couple in Moscow that we talked to and helped with some translation and they were all, "aren't you terrified to travel by yourselves in Russia?!" It's just become second nature for me I guess.

ANYWAYS... Visa trip went well, because it was our last time going we got permission to go into Moscow and take a walk around Red Square and we even hit up McDonalds :) yum. It was pretty legit I'll send pics next week or just wait until I get home to show them to you. We got into Finland and took a train to our stop and as we sat down a man got on the bus. He came up to us and just broke down into tears. He started to speak to us in English (cause most Finns speak English) and told us how he needed help. He went on to tell us about everything that had happened to him the the last few months and how he felt his soul was dying. He then looked at our nametags and said, "Is that Russian?" We said "yes", we're from Siberia. At that point, asks he us what it means and we explained who we are and what we do and he started crying again. "Help me" he pleaded. We got his number and passed it on to the Missionaries in Helsinki. It's interesting, He couldn't read our name tags but he knew we could help him, the Lord does hear our prayers.

The next day we had a chance to go through the Temple--- it was amazing. I was a little sad that it was my last time to be in the Finland Temple. I did the session in Russian and I learned a lot. I guess teaching the Temple prep class is a good thing.

While sitting in the Celestial room, the four of us just sat down and had some personal pondering/prayer time. After a few moments a lady came in and sat down by herself. it was us four and her in the room for a peaceful time. We all got up and left.  This Lady got up and ran after us. She yelled something at us in Finnish, and I said по-русский или English please? She asked us who we were, and we said "Elders from Siberia". She told us how she had been feeling very alone and came to the Temple to feel some peace and when she'd walked into the room she could feel the presence of hundreds of angels, standing around the room, and that when we got up to leave they all left with us.

She got all teary eyed and said, "I've met a lot of missionaries, but the Lord's sent angels to bear you up." Humbling.

We made it back to Novo and all is well, we took a bus to Kemerovo which was the worst thing ever. I was so tired. 36 hours of traveling takes it out of you. Yesterday, at Sacrament...we had 3 investigators and the 2 of us. The Filapov's and Tamara went to Keiv to the temple :) so I'm presiding for the next few weeks until they get back,  Humbling.

Its been fun, I'm glad to be back in Kemerovo though. I just want to run as hard as I can until I hit the finish line of this race! I love you guys! Have a great week!

liveSTRONG
Старейшина Иборн!



Mom & Dad - LOL, no worries I won't bring anything back. I will donate my stuff to those in need here. I bought a new pair of underclothing (ha) that I'm not going to wear until the ride home.Washing machine's here change anything white to a nice grey... so I'll have a nice pair to come home in ;)  Mom, you are so funny! I won't get a hair cut until I get home no worries. However, what's up with me not knowing about my cousins having babies and getting married earlier? (Josh/Garrett?) I am feeling way out of the loop. I guess I will catch up in a month or so.

Do I need to do anything for school in January?
Just curious. I love you, thanks for everything.

Megan Shea! - I love ya sister! I don't know if I've gotten taller but I think I've lost some weight. but no worries I am still me! :) We will have a lot of fun when I get back no worries there...

Maddie B- Way to go on the Reflections contest B! you rock! go play in the snow with my puppy for me will ya?

Tanner - Dude, I totally am digging your sword...