Sunday, October 24, 2010

Привет всем!!!

Hey everyone! How are you all? Is it cold where you're at? I'm pretty cold... but this is nothing still. Bahahaha. I'm trying to prepare for the winter, but I don't think I'll ever be really ready... There's news that it'll start snowing in the next week... we'll find out...


So this week was way cool. We've just been working hard and having fun. :)

We had a cool meeting with a recent convert, Ira, where we talked about pioneers. I haven't had too big of a "testimony" I guess you could say, about pioneers, but when we were talking about it with Ira, I really felt overwhelmed with what they did and their sacrifice. And we reminded her about how she is a pioneer here too in Russia. It will require a lot of courage and strength like what they had to start up and strengthen the church here. She is so awesome- I know that she'll stay strong her whole life. I think it would be good for all of us to study up what the pioneers did for all of us so we can remember. When we remember what they went through, it makes us more willing to do our part. :)

Also, we got to meet with Lilia this week!! She's so cool- we are planning to meet with her today, too.

We met with Olya again, too! We tried to tell her about the Book of Mormon, and she had tons of good questions. We will be meeting again for sure. :)

We haven't met with Olya for a bit, so I'm not sure if she has prayed yet. I called her in between meetings and she had not yet. I hope she does by the next one!!!

I tried sending those movies, but they're too big :( Bummer.

Well, I love you all and I hope you have a super great week! If you haven't yet this year, go feed the garbage-eating goat! Love you! Thanks for the letters and support!

с любовью,

Сестра Рид :)

                                1) BIG pumpkin!! :)


                                        2) Me and Lilia :)

I saw Star Wars on TV last week...!

So don't judge me. :) There was nothing I could do... it just happened to be on at a member's house very quietly while their son watched it...... I'll just have you know that Jabba has the same voice in Russian and English. hahahaha.


So thanks for the letters! And the pics! Mom, I like your haircut!! It's pretty sweet!! You look way good, too! Thin and beautiful! :)

Well sadly there's not much to tell since last time. It's been a pretty good half-week. :)

On Sunday we were able to have a pretty powerful meeting with one of our investigators, Olga. She has been an investigator already for a couple years and has met with several sister missionaries. Her younger sister is on a mission right now. During the training last week I really thought about her a lot. About how we can help her progress. I was really excited to teach her using the training we received. She had not kept her commitment last week about praying. She still has a hard time accepting that God has a body of flesh and bones and that He is actually a person. It's hard for her to pray to someone/something like that. We had a good heart to heart, read out of Alma and Ether about faith. There is written in Alma about even if your faith is not quite a "seed" yet, but if it starts even with a desire to know, then it's somewhere to start. After we TEST our faith and ACT (move forward in the dark a bit), then we will see results and answers. She definitely has a desire to know, so like it says in the scriptures, that's a start. so we decided that we could make goals together to help her know that this is all true. We had her make the first goal. She promised to pray to know if God is a person and exists. It will be hard for her, but God knows her heart and desires and will bless her accordingly, with an answer that she needs.

Anyhoo, that's a story for the week. I wrote President and explained that you will be writing him. So go for it. His email is trejojon7@gmail.com

I am so excited for the next transfer! I hope you know that I am working my hardest, testing my faith more than ever in my life. It is tough being on a mission sometimes, but the BEST! And I would never take back this time that I have had here. I could not even imagine myself a year ago in the MTC... thinking that I would be here, speaking Russian (kinda), approaching and talking to people in Russian on the streets and in transports, helping people come unto our Savior, and making best friends. It is true----- you love those you serve. So if anyone has a problem with any other person in their life- serve them!!! I love being here and doing my best to forget about myself, and focusing on the welfare of other people. I'm not a genius, but I have grown to know the scriptures a lot more, and I've grown to know just more about life through this experience. Good thing I still have time because I have yet a long ways to go!!

I am also excited to talk at Christmas! Should be AWESOME!!

Toots- I am so glad that you are getting better! Keep it up!! Thanks for sharing funny stories- I love them :) Thank you so much for being my Mom. I am so grateful to have you. :) Keep being the person that you are. God gave you your talents and abilities for reasons- use them often! :) I love you soooooo much!!!

Dadiskis- Thanks for your love and understanding! I am glad to hear that all has been good with you guys! I hope it stays that way! (we are just eating rolls filled with this sugary stuff in the pic from last time :) ) I am reading Jesus the Christ and it's pretty interesting! You've read it, right? Thank you for all that you do and your wonderful example to me!! I love you very much!

Dayton- Thanks for the e-mail!! You are hi-larious. Can't wait to hear your music!! Are you going to introduce me to cool, new music when I get back? (which will actually be old to you by that time?) Your classes sound sweet! Good luck with that! You're gonna speak better than me by the time I get back!! Love you! And Ash and Clay! :)

Have a great week everyone!! You are all in my prayers!!

c любовью,

Сестра Рид :)


p.s.- there is only pooey Peanut butter in Russia!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

And I think to myself... what a wonderful world...

Hello hello everyone!  Thanks for the e-mails!
Aunt Barbara and Krystine, it was way great hearing from you and all about your adventures!  I love you!

Well this week was a bit different than usual.  We took a bus to Novo and had a 3-day training from President.  It was 8 sessions of training, and practice in between.  It was way cool.  He basically taught us about how we can teach better, and he pumped us up and helped our faith.  It was way cool.  What he actually taught us wasn't anything new- it was all out of Preach My Gospel.  But he taught us again, and it was a good experience.  Really spiritual. I'm excited to use everything I learned. So that's why this e-mail is so late. Sorry about that.

Last week we went to this BEAUTIFUL park they have here about 40 minutes away from the city.  Here are some pics from it.  It was sooo fun!  Nature is just amazing- I love it.  The two women that went with us were members, Larisa and Tatiana.  Tatiana used to work at this park (they have excursions there), so she showed us around.  There are trees and plants from all over the world.  See if you can recognize which bush is in the 4th pic (the sign says "plants of northern america")

We haven't seen Conference yet- not sure when we will.  I haven't heard about it yet.  I didn't even know that it was conference weekend!  Haha!!  But it sounds like from what you all said that it was amazing, so I'm really excited to see it. :)

There is this way cool girl, Olya, that comes to english who invited us to her house to look at her paintings she does.  She is way talented!  So that was way sweet.  I love talking to other people who appreciate art as well. :)  I'll send a video of her playing this Russian instrument- domra.  Tell me if you can hear it, ok?  So cool.

So at that training, Pres also announced transfers.  I was so stinkin nervous- he announced it while everyone was there in this room- I think they announce transfers like that in America, right?  At ZC?  And he made us all stand as zones to announce what it happening with us... just made it worse.  Haha.  So anyway, turns out that I will be staying here in Barny (which I'm pretty happy) and Sister Fronk is coming back to me as my compy!  I'm super excited!  Should be a sweet transfer.

I'm so glad to hear that things have been better for you at home.  I really tried to pray for you.  :)
I'm glad that you also had fun on your little trip together, Mom and Dad, and Dad you're awesome for setting goals and fulfilling them!  Such a good example!  Funny that Shon and Kimberlee had a little parenting experience... haha... I can only imagine.  :)  They're awesome.

Mom- I hope you find your ring!  Hopefully by the time you get this, you already have. :)  I get your letter, too.  Thank you so much!  You are such a good colorer!  :)  but the best part was the words you write me. Thank you for your support!  You are wonderful!  I hope you are feeling so much better these days!  I love you!

Dad- I'm so glad to hear that things have gotten better in all ways!  Keep up the hard work and I know that all will work out!!!  You are so great!!!   Thanks for all you do... you're the best Dad ever.  :)  I love you!!!

OH-- I thought about Christmas.  :)  Doritos and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups is what I have to say.  I realize that Doritos might not live, but it would be so sweet!  And any other American candy would be super de duper. Mike and Ikes?  :)  Anything your little hearts desire...I will love.  Most importantly that it will not be expensive!

I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful week!!!
Keep smiling!  Its contagious!  :) :)

Love,
Sister Reed :)






hi

Hello everyone!  So... thanks for the e-mails!

Congrats to Dave and Melissa... I saw their pictures and that is so exciting!!  I hope that Melissa is doing well as well as the babies!  they will be super great parents!!

Dad and Mom, I'm sorry to hear about all the setbacks this week.  I hope things get better soon.  I know that this is a time we can show Heavenly Father how truly patient we are, and how dedicated we are to Him in accepting His will.
  
And yes, I found a pair of boots.  THANKS sooo much that I could buy them.  We actually went shopping with Lilia, and the fact that she knew a girl working there, she got us a discount!  So they should have been about $100.  I hope it's not too much.... !

This past week we did a lot of contacting.  We actually got 3 telephone numbers!  We were suppossed to meet with one of those contacts, Nadejda, on Monday but we waited and she didn't come.  We called her and she couldn't make it.  So we set up a meeting for tomorrow with her.  She asked us to call her in the morning to make sure she didn't forget, so that's a good sign, I guess.  Haha.  We have hopes for her!  She was way excited about the Book of Mormon when we told her about it, so we'll see what happens!

It hasn't gotten too cold yet, which is awesome.  I decided that September is my favorite month so far in Siberia.  Oh my goodness it is so beautiful with the trees changing color and everything.  That's awesome that it's still nice there, and you're enjoying some good weather!

Mom, I hope you are feeling better!!  Sounds like you're getting better slowly yet surely... which is good.  I pray that you will feel better ever faster.  We haven't watched the woman's conference yet, and it seems to me like we didn't last year... I don't remember to be honest.  It's kinda just like that here in Siberia... haha.  We're still waiting for the Liahona for August and September, lol.  But I'm so excited for conference coming up!  That'll be sweet!  How is Joslyn?  Is she doing okay?  Hope so! I love you so much and I thank you for your support!  You're amazing!  Keep up the optimism!  It's so great! :)

Dad, thanks for the updates on everything!  And thanks for the Alf picture!  Haha!  So funny.  Here are some pics of the autumn weather and just your goofy daughter.  :)  I hope you get some more good motorcycle riding in while you have the chance!  I hope you figure out everything- man, so much going on.  I really hope you get your truck back tomorrow like they promised!  I pray for you!!  That everything will be okay!  I love you very much!!

Have a great week!  Always remember to pray and read your scriptures!  They truly give a strength and peace that you can find from no other source!

Love,
Sister Reed :)




Hey

Hello my dear family!

Thanks for the letters!  :)

I really appreciate all your love and support.  I had a dream the other night that I finished my mission and went home.  And all I wanted to do was come back to Russia.  Yes, the mission is very hard... and sometimes I get homesick and just want to quit... but this really is the best time of my life and the best thing I could be doing right now.  I just love it.  :)  And seriously the miracles that God performs are amazing.  And they are real!!

It's starting to get colder, and I'm preparing for winter!  Haha!  Here it comes: ready or not!  :)

Mom:  Thank you for your letter.  No, I never get tired of hearing those things, they help me every single time. I love you!!  You are wonderful!!!

Dad:  Thanks for all you do!  You are so great and I love you!!!

Have a wonderful wonderful week!!  You are the best ever!!  And I pray for you all the time!

Love,
Sister Reed




It's another day for you and me in paradise

Hello hello!  Thanks for the e-mails!!  It is always super good to hear from you!  :)  That stinks about the cars... man don't you love those little setbacks in life?  Hope everything will be back to normal soon.  In the meantime, sorry you have to drive around a Subaru.  Oh the shame...  :)

Well this week was pretty good.  As all weeks are.  Last week we actually went bike riding again and that was fun until my companion wiped out on her bike (haha... WIPEOUT!)  and hurt her arm.  We went to the doctor and they sent us to a free hospital... the worst medical facility I have seen in my life.  I felt like I was back in WWI.  The type of hospitals you see in movies.  But we went there and they told her she bruised her arm, and she needed to make a sling by herself.  Great service.  I was in shock.

Besides that, we've just been working and trying to do our best!

Mom: You haven't yet answered my questions... what did you find out? :)
Things with my comp are okay.  I miss the temple and I want to go back.  I agree with you that you should go.  There is such a power and strength there that cannot be found anywhere else.
I hope that things get better with you soon.  I hope you feel so much better physically and spiritually.  You are amazing, and I hope you always remember that!  I am praying for you all that everything will always be good with you.  Keep being good!  :)

Dad: I hope you all have fun at the fair!  That would be super cool!
Yeah things are way hard but I'm trying to stay upbeat.  It's for sure, that the harvest is a small amount right now.  I do feel like I'm working harder than I receive in return.  I do hope and pray that my efforts are making a difference.  When it's hard and I feel like thigs are standing still, I start to get homesick.  I pray for strength and help all the time.  Thanks for your prayers and help- it means a lot and I know that God hears them.  :)  I'm sorry for the depressing letter!  Know that I'm not moping around Russia, but I'm still trying to do my best and work my hardest even though it's difficult.  Don't worry about me.  :)  I love you and thank you for all you do!!  :)
 
Shon:  Thanks for the letter!  It's way good to hear from you always!  I love you!  Good luck with everything! :)

Much love,
Sister Reed :)


p.s.- I got the letter from G-ma.  Thanks!!!  :)


                                 1) Me, Lilia, Olya, Larisa


                            2) 2 youngest Klivakin kids.

                                 3) Bike riding trail

                           4) With Lilia and Olya