Time of reflection....

Dear Family.

As I turned 21 this week, it was again another time of reflection. These last weeks are going to be extremely reflective, as I unwillingly count the days until it is all over. I have been thinking about what I have done, not just on my mission, but what I have done my entire life. This is a milestone in my life I knew I would reach, but didn't fully comprehend. I am no longer a child, though sometimes I wish I was. I am no longer a youth, but now an adult. My whole entire life has been a testing period, preparing me for great assignments, and great responsibilities. I am not saying I am finished learning and growing. I am just finishing the basic training for life.

It was actually really nice for my birthday. The other elders came over to our apartment, and we shared a nice meal of Блины (Blee-nee) or Russian pancakes. It wasn't a huge deal, but it was nice to enjoy some time with friends. I guess I am too old for the birthday parties with the pinatas, musical chairs, and goodie bags. Oh, well... The sisters made me a wonderful birthday card, wishing me a happy birthday, health, sunny days, many children, that my frying pan will never warp, and the other wishes that the native Russians desire for each other.

The pictures with me and the metal door is when we went tracting one day. You think tracting is scary? What if you are standing in front of a steel metal door with several locks, and the person yells, "Who's at the door?!" from the other side, with a lion of a dog barking? Welcome to Russia. (Bryson, you will have some FUN experiences tracting)

A little too short for 6' 3"

Tracting in Russia--apartment style!  :)

Aaron and Nikolai

 We also went over to Nilokai's apartment this week. The biggest surprise was that I was able to talk to my first companion, Elder Washburn, on skype. Nikolai and Trevor have been keeping in touch, and it was a major "wow" for me to see him, since it was over a year and a half. It was really cool to see him, and strange, because I am now in the same shoes he was in when he was training me.

 We met with Vacilli this week to teach him about tithing. He was at first excited to keep this commandment, but then a little unsure. He is not the richest person in the world, and he is now on pension. He still works, but that doesn't mean he has a lot of money. It really struck me home. This man has been really helpful to other people. He told us stories of him giving fruit and bread to some of the homeless people on the street. He is a really generous person. 

Being here in Russia, I have seen poverty. I have seen houses where running water is a luxury. In a way, I was unsure to commit him to keep this commandment. At home, paying tithing meant that I wouldn't have a fancy car, or video games. Here, paying tithing could be the decision between eating or going hungry. But then I remembered my experiences with tithing. When finances were tight, we paid our tithing. We didn't have as many nice things, but we survived. We were happy with what we got. Heavenly Father took care of us, and we were richly blessed. I understood the importance of obedience. I am so grateful for parents who helped me learn such a lesson. Heavenly Father WILL provide for us. His hand supports the entire world, which we live upon. That means He will take care of us, if we put our trust in Him.

In meeting with Vladimir, we found out he didn't read the Book of Mormon like we committed him too. I was a little irritated...I don't want to number how many times I read that book. I took a breath, and then gently told him the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is so special to me, and it is really the foundation of my testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, therefore, I know that our message is true in its entirety. Vladimir quickly repented, and the next day he sent us a text, telling us he was reading the Book of Mormon.

Thanks for the story of the missionary couple! I love hearing about senior missionaries, because they are gold mines. They make such a difference in the work, and they are a huge blessing to members here, as well as their own families. I want nothing more than to serve a mission with my eternal companion, right here in Russia. I can't think of a greater form of joy. Us young missionaries love senior missionaries. They are my examples. I don't think I ever told you, but one of our senior couples, the Webbs, who worked in the office, Their time of service was about to end, but then they accepted a call to temporarily serve as Mission President in St. Petersburg! When we got that text message from President Gibbons, the district was together for a meeting, and we yelled in excitement. That takes some major dedication and sacrifice.

I love you all, and pray for your well-being. The days left are getting smaller, but they are still there, and I am going to make the best of them.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)