A miracle is occuring in Russia...

Dear Mom,

 I love receiving e-mails from you. I did send all the grandchildren letters. I hope they got them. I don't think I can attach pictures to e-mails, but I will send you the SD card with the letter I will send you today. Please tell all the family to send me letters or pictures or drawings from their kids. The drawings that I got from Britton and Claire are taped on the bulletin at my desk, and every day I look at them and they make me happy. I did ask Elder Fitzgerald if he knew Kaylynn and her family.  He doesn't. The other Elders:  Elder Bennett is from St. George, Elder Krushinsky is from Provo, Elder Kodra is from Lehi, Elder Garrett is from Cedar City, Elder Howard is from North Carolina, and Elder Anderson is from North Dakota. It's funny since the only Elders from out of state are companions, and they are both from states with "North" in the name. Crazy.

My posterior and I thank you for the cushion! Sitting for hours at a desk has been made more bearable thanks to your donation. Unfortunately, I have some other desires. Elder Fitzgerald accidentally knocked my water bottle off my desk and it broke. If you could get me another Katadya water bottle (Dad should know where) without the filter, I would love it. If that is too expensive, I have a cheap one that I got at the book store that I could still use. I just really liked that water bottle. Another thing, I have a black journal with an elastic that is in my room. Could you send it to me? There were a lot of notes in it that I wish I had. It is probably in the plastic tub with my Northridge Blanket. Another thing, could you send me Ben Larsen's address? I bet you could call him and ask for it. I really would like to write to him.

I have been learning about Russia's culture, and all I can say is that it is ready to receive the gospel. After less than 20 years of the gospel being preached, a temple was built in former Soviet territory. That kind of rapid growth to a temple hasn't happened since the Kirtland Temple! A miracle is occuring in Russia, and I am honored and humbled to be part of it.

It is funny, but I think we are synchronized in our scripture readings! I read the scriptures every morning, and this morning I read about Christ cursing the fig tree. I don't really know why Jesus cursed a fig tree. It could be symbolic about those who don't work to provide good fruit for the Lord will not receive any blessings. The fig tree was given the blessing of life, but since it did not produce fruit according to its purpose, it was cursed, and its blessing of life was revoked. This is a lesson to us that we have purposes, and that we need to fulfill them. If not, we will not receive blessings.

I love Sister Kuznitzova. She is an amazing teacher. I do not know her conversion story, but I will find out and reply back. She did in fact serve a mission, the Russia Samara mission.  Our district is amazing. We are such different people, but we are able to work together, and we support each other as a district. we decided for ourselves to have district prayer every morning before we left for breakfast. This was of our own choice, and we have been blessed because of it. We are really good friends. I will be sending cards to all the grandchildren with a picture of Jesus with children, and the Articles of Faith on the back. I would like the parents to teach their kids these articles, as they are the basic beliefs of this gospel. I will also be sending questions to all the grandkids about what they are learning in the scriptures. The scriptures are so important, and I want these children to receive a strong testimony and knowledge of the truth of them at a younger age. It will help them so much. Please have them write to me.

 Я любю вас мать (I love you Mom)

P.S. This Gospel IS true.
P.P.S. I will be tentatively leaving June 21