This is week two of my service in Novosibirsk. I am glad for one thing that this keyboard works. Last week, the keyboard on the computer had sticky keys that didn't work. This Internet club is pretty much a place where people go to play games. It is sad to see their eyes, blankly staring at a screen, while the gospel of living with Heavenly Father is being preached.
What is there to say? Well, I am not used to the metro system. In Novokuznetsk, we usually walked to places, since it was shorter and easier to meet at the branch building. It is fun to ride buses and trains everywhere. I have NO idea how I will be able to navigate the maze of this city, but in time it will come.
The language used to be a beast to me, but now it is a DEMON!!! Sorry if this isn't proper missionary conduct. This language is fun and I love speaking it. Elder Voronkov is a great missionary with a lot of patience. He speaks good English in which he can explain somewhat if I don't understand. He is from Moscow, and he was in the Kyiv Temple Cultural Celebration. If you look up the film on LDS.org, you can see him. He danced with those spoon things. I am so jealous that he got to dance for a temple dedication, but at least I got to dance for President Utchdorf in Leiderhosen. Just saying...
So in short, I am speaking 100% Russian everywhere. There is no break for me. I hope that I can study well enough to be able to communicate better. Something interesting, is that I think that Novosibirsk and Novokuznetsk have different ways of speaking. They use different words more often. Maybe it's just that I am paying better attention to what is being said.
On Sunday, there were youth speakers. They were awesome talks. This is a message to the youth: take advantage of every opportunity you can to speak. I don't care if it's scary or embarassing, gladly accept that assignment. I was entirely grateful for that day, because I received a miracle. Despite it being in a different language, I understood what was being said. I didn't understand every word, mind you, but I knew what they were talking about, and I could follow it. That is a testimony to me that the Gift of Tongues is real. I am in month 4, and I am conversing with people in Russian. I studied Spanish in school, with certified teachers for two years, and I could not even hold a simple conversation. No worldly certificates can compare with the certification of the Spirit.
I also know the power of the Priesthood. I have had opportunities to give blessings, and I feel the power of the Priesthood work through me to bless these people. Priesthood is real power.
Despite cultural differences between me and Elder Voronkov, we work together great. He is funny, he plays the piano, and is VERY knowledgeable in the gospel. There are some differences, such as he does NOT eat cold cereal. Cereal is a kid thing in Russia, but I still eat the good old cornflakes. There is a cereal which is called Podooshedjkee, or "little pillows" They are little pillow-shaped crispy cereal bits with frosting in the middle. Some are filled with fruit filling, like pear or apple. They are very yummy.
The best thing is herbal tea. We get herbal tea from members, home grown, such as mint, or camommile. All are very delicious. Don't worry mom, I am still brushing my teeth and wearing my retainers every night. I won't come home with rotted teeth.
Finally, I want to talk about the importance of the temple. We are teaching these people to prepare for the temple. These people have to leave the country to visit the temple, which is expensive. I lived 20 minutes from the temple, and I didn't go as much as I should. We have every opportunity to go to the temple. There is no excuse. Prepare now to regularly visit the temple. That is the greatest blessing.
No time. I love you all
The gospel is true.
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)
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