December 19, 2012

What a week.  The olders left this week, that was sad cause I had gotten to be really good friends with some of them.  Especially our zone leaders, they were absolutely the best!  I have some pictures, I'll try to send them later today or next week.  But, now we are the only ones here until January.  I think there are now 18 people in our branch haha.  It'll be fun for the next few weeks.

So, as you all know, one of my teachers is a native and last week we got him off on a tanget, which isn't really too hard to do.  He was telling us all about his grandparents.  They lived during WWII and it was so interesting to hear the Russian side of it!  His grandma was in a concentration camp and he told us all about the stories from that that she told him - so sad!!  His grandpa was one of the people who Stalin like exiled to Siberia (I forgot why, but usually those who were sent there would never come back).  His grandma wasn't expecting him to so she kind of half married another man to help raise the 2 kids, but then kicked him out 6 years later because my teachers grandpa unexpectedly came back!  He told a lot more and they were just incredible.  Also, fun fact about Maks (my teacher)  he doesn't have a native language!  As a toddler he moved to latvia for a few years and started learning latvian, but then, a few years later moved back to ukraine, where he's from and started learning ukrainian.  A few years after that, he moved to belarus and learned belarussia.  A few more years after that they moved back to ukraine where he had to learn ukrainian again, and english and russian in school.  He said he was so behind in school because of that and never really had a language that was his first language because they always moved to different countries.  Interesting!

On Thursday, we had "ugly tie day".. that was pretty fun, I'll have to show you a picture when I get time. 

Also.. I got moved out of my district this week:(  I am officially in the advanced district! (4 people haha)  I am so excited, we are going to learn so much!  Of course, this means a new companion!  He's way cool.  We went yesterday and he tried out to perform during the Christmas devotional.. he is seriously one of the most ridiculously amazing singers I've ever heard!  So good!  That being said, a few things have happened as a result of this change.  One, I was kind of a "solo" missionary for like a day and a half since my companion had to go with someone else. It actually worked out nice because now the tri-panionship that existed in my district, doesn't anymore.  So what I did was become a temporary tri-panionship with Elders Gatrell and Noorda.  They are absolutely my favorites in the whole district - and they are both going to St Petes too!!  Since we have to move rooms, and I can't sleep alone, I had a sleepover in their room on sunday.. so great!  We stayed up til 4 am "pillow talking" haha.  2 1/2 hours of sleep, needless to say, the next day was rough!The other cool thing that has happened as a result of this switch, is that my new district gets some new teachers!  and one of them is Elder Neuenschwander!!!  if you don't know who that is, he is/ was (I can't remember if he still is) a General Authority who was instrumental in opening up the church in Russia!  What's funny is I think i remember watching a talk by him back in like October before i came.  He taught us for the first time yesterday!  He speaks fluent Russian, and since we are in the advanced class, we had a whole doctrinal discussion with him, in russian!! It was so cool!  Interesting fact, he actually asked the MTC if he could come and work with the advanced district - they didn't ask him to come.  He will come once a week I think.  Next week we will be analyzing and discussing the tree of life with him... po russki!  What a blessing, I am so excited!

Now last, but not least, my little thought for the week.  Last night our devotional was by Elder C. Scott Grow (just his name is hilarious).  one part that I absolutely loved was when he told us to never "let anything hold your faith hostage".  I loved it! What an amazing thought!  Protect your faith in Jesus Christ like its the most important thing in the world, because it is.  Through that faith, miracles can be brought about!  Such a great thought - one that I'll probably be pondering for days.  Also, read the BOM!! Again!  With more dedication and desire to learn! It was strengthen your faith like nothing else!  Just do it!  Anyways, great week spiritually. 

Thanks mom for the Cinnamon rolls!  They were delicious! also, Mom, can you send me the family list of birthdays please?:)  and while we're on the subject,  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYA AND DAVID this week! (This past Monday and Tuesday respectively)  I was thinking about you:)

I love you all!! Have a fantastic week!! Till next week!

CT. Robison