Angel time

Week of October 26-November 1, 2015
WE LOVE BEING ON A MISSION! They say when you type in all caps it's like you are shouting. Alma 29:1 "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!"
What a blessing to be out and serving in this wonderful country.

 Yes I know that "Every Member a Missionary" and we "lift where we stand", but it just takes on an entirely different meaning when you are totally immersed in the process.  In case I haven't mentioned it before prepare now, serve as a senior couple!

Old picture the famous wall at MTC

 It is not too early. If you have young kids begin now to plan so that your children know you are excited to also serve a mission when you come of age. Example is the greatest teacher there is.  Adjust your financial situation so that you are debt free and you have a retirement that can support you and your spouse on a mission.  

In case you think you are too old the Elder standing next to me he and his wife are headed to Nauvoo he is almost 80

Those of you that are at the right age to serve, you might think you are too old, have responsibilities to the grandkids, the pet will never survive us leaving, who will take care of the house, we can't afford it, or a million other reasons.  Let me answer all those question with just one statement made by an apostle in conference not too many years ago.  He said "Where is your faith?"  You don't have to travel to a different country and if your situation is such that you can't leave your home, go talk to the stake president. He can arrange a home stake mission where you can assist full time in your stake and bless the lives of others.  Those of you serving at the temple, bless you for your service.  Here in Ukraine they are begging for people to come and serve in the temple.  Yes you would have to memorize a few things in Russian but with your faith, you can do it. There are temples all over the world that can't stay open all day long because they just don't have enough people to serve, just a thought.  There are plenty of "OLD" people in the states that can take care of the temples there and since you aren't OLD you could serve in one of many places around the world and help fill those assignment there. Well, enough said. Just know that we love it here and are looking forward in the years to come to continue to have the blessings of missionary work as part of our retirement package.
Sister Mikkelsen said I could keep the above soap box speech, so hopefully you made it this far. The following is the rest of this weeks adventures.
We were blessed, Monday, to have our good Elders over to the apartment and they fixed us lunch.  Elder Kudaibergen from Kazakstan made, Monte, which is a pasta filled meat and potato noodle thing that is steamed until done.

Elder Kudiabergen

They were great.  It is such a blessing to work with these young missionaries they just bring such joy to our life.  We are making eternal friends as we work and counsel with these young people. It is like being surrogate grandparents.

Elder Albert

Monte, steamed and yummy to eat

 I love to take pictures of them serving and then send them home to their parents and surprise them several times a week with candid shots of their missionaries.  We traveled out to a small village to have FHE with a recent convert and to purchase some yummy apples from him.

Wonderful apples

Tuesday and Friday as we have said before are our favorite days.  We get to work with the young kids teaching them English.  They are so excited to learn and just drink in the lessons.  Perhaps some day when a missionary approaches them on the street they will remember those fun times and be open to the gospel.

Word of the week activity at English

Mr. Shape head we are learning our shapes

It is fall alright!

 We also teach adults after that, at the church, and we have some really wonderful gospel discussions.  I work with the advanced students and that covers a wide swath of language skills from people who can almost make a sentence to several Ukrainians that work as English tutors at the local universities and speak English quite well.  One who's name is Paval (Paul) speaks with a Texan accent that is very pronounced.  Years ago he studied with several friends from Texas and not only did he learn English, he learned it with a Texan Drawl.
We spent time this week preparing for the branch Halloween party that took place on Saturday.  I had a great time making a Pumpkin piñata.

Piñata in the making

We also helped our talented Zina cut out decorations for the walls and ceiling.

Zina is the best!

 On Thursday we traveled out to a farm, helped with cutting wood and set cement forms to pour stem walls for a barn. We got back and had a quick bit to eat and then travel another hour out to another village to gather тыква (Russian for Pumpkin) or гарьуз (Ukrainian for Pumpkin). As we brought our pumpkins back to town on the little bumpy bus, and then got on the tram, is was clear to all, that the crazy Americans, were getting ready for their funny holiday.
We love walking through the city center.  We have to walk through this area to get to the church there is always something fun happening as you travel back and forth.

Spray can paint art in the square

The Water Tower Clock in the square
we pass by this every time we go to church

Saturday was a wonderful day.  We traveled out to a local hardware store much like a Home Depot with a Wal Mart hooked on it, and helped a family purchase a wood burning stove to assist in heating their home.  It gets cold here in the winter and this will be a wonderful addition to make their situation a little more comfortable.

This will keep you warm

We spent the rest of the day getting ready for the big party at the church.

The light weight Ukrainian ladder

Heavy Duty Ukrainian Ladder

When everyone showed up we had over 50 people and 14 of them were non-members we had invited.  The members were just great with them. They are so loving and kind.  We played several games and did Ukrainian Karaoke, had lots of food, did the "Heel Toe Polka" and the "Virginia Reel" dances.

Sweet sisters in the branch and they are smiling!

Party time

Yummy Food

 Then it was time to take a stick to the piñata.  The kids were super excited and when the pumpkin finally broke the scramble for the candy was epic.

Taking a swat at the Pumpkin piñata 

What a wonder party it was, these people know how to have fun.

Over dosed on party fun

Sunday we had the East European Conference Broadcast from SLC.  Elder Nelson presided and Elders Bennett and Lawrence spoke along with Sister McConkie.  It was an inspirational conference. Elder Lawrence gave a wonderful talk on the spirit world the exact thing one of our investigators that was in attendance needed to hear.  I posted that talk on Facebook take the time to watch it. Well this is way long but it is hard to not share everything with you it is so fun and exciting. "Oh that I were and Angel"

Oh that I were a Missionary.....

Have a happy and busy week
Love You all Elder and Sister Mikkelsen