Christmas in SUMY!

Week 70

This last week was good, it is funny that everyone assumed we were catholic yesterday when we said merry christmas.  The members had a really good christmas party, and we had quite a few of potential investigators and investigators there. Anton is one of them and he came to chruch yesterday.

NO transfer still, so I am still District leader up here in Sumy. We have had a few changes to missionary schedule that will allow me to sleep more, so I am all for it!

SOrry it is a short letter this week, but I figure youll all be too tired to read it anyway!

LOVE YOU ALL!

Hey bud!

Skyping was so great!  I can't believe how much I miss you and how much you have changed.  You have a man face now;).  I'm so proud of you.  You looked happy and great.  

OK  FIRST of all...I AM SOOO SORRY!  For how we responded about no transfer.  I didn't even think about the fact that he could hear us.  I tried to cover with why I was shocked because of the Facebook post I saw.  Which was true.  I went back and looked at it and it was actually that Sister Vanbuskirk had posted a pic of EV and tagged it as Sumy, but it was the pic in front of the tree in Kharkiv.  All she wrote was "its Kharkiv" and with the fact that she saw you guys I assumed it was his transfer.  So sorry about that awkwardness and I hope I covered it up.

But the truth is my response was complete shock because I CAN'T BELIEVE that you guys didn't get split up!!!!!  And then we couldn't even talk about it, so I just wish I could figure out how you are feeling about it!  I have been a little upset about it all day...maybe more than a little.  It is so hard for me when you have problems and I can't fix them.  I'm sure that is part of my learning process...but it's terrible!  I need full details this email about how your feeling about it.  Will you survive?  ETC.  I will come back to this at the end of the email with all the info I want.

It was really great to see you and talked to you though.  It's the best Christmas present I could get!  It was nice to do it in the morning, because I didn't have to wait for it...but then I was sad because it was too short and over too soon.  It felt like 10 mins maybe, and I feel like we got shorted on our last 5 mins, which made me sad.  I wanted to do a family prayer at the end and a picture but it got to crazy with EV skyping too.

Our week..

Mainly we just did Christmas stuff all week.  The kids finished up with school.  Kaestli was sick all week with a cold and ear infections.  Cam got sick Friday night and has been REALLY sick.  He has had a fever and is pitiful.  He had to miss the Christmas Eve party and I just quarantined him for the Christmas day party.  He has been up all night for 2 nights now, and I am exhausted...cause I have been up with him.

Me and my sisters started a new tradition of a Christmas Bake.  We got together on the 23rd and baked a bunch of things we haven't ever done before.  It was so much fun.  Even Traci joined in and made peanut butter squares...(now you're craving peanut butter squares;).  

The Martineau party was good.  Carly is having her baby boy next month.  Abby and Kimball graduate BYU next semester.  Everyone else is about the same.  

We got the tboys today around 2 and I think they are staying for a couple days.  They are all doing good.  Ethan has a serious girlfriend that makes us a little nervous.  He says she is a big supporter and pushing him for a mission, but this is the most serious he has ever been.  I honestly think that HE THINKS he will marry her...but she does seem nice.  We just hope he doesn't get into trouble with her.  

Leigh Sirrine got engaged last week!!!!  She said she is getting married in August and said you should know the guy.  He is in the pic and was on the swim team with you guys.  She did say he was kind of a jerk in HS but he is nice now.

Ok...back to the issues that need to be discussed

1-Have you told the MP how bad things are with EV???  You NEED too!!!  Be honest with him.

2-How bad is it really?  Like give me a % of how bad vs how good things are.  Give separate % for companionship, 4 some group dynamics, being in Sumy, etc. Also a % of how effective this companionship has been in the work compared to past companionships.

3-Will you be able to last another 6 weeks with him?   

4-Do you think he will ask for an emergency transfer like he threatened?

5-Will you ask for an emergency transfer?

6-Could you just say to the MP that you are ready for a change and things are not working out with him any longer?  Or even tell him that its hindering the work being with him.  I mean it's been since Sept...that is forever!

7-How are you feeling about the no change?  Are you mad, upset, resigned to it, frustrated, fine, happy???  How are you handling it?

8-Did the MP tell you why he did not transfer you guys?  Again does he know how bad it is?  You had an interview with him this week right?  What did you talk about, give me full details please. I feel like if you had told him how bad it was he would have made a change.  Help me understand. What did he say about the situation, what advice did he give you?

9-Are you REALLY staying happy and positive or are you just saying that for me?

10- Final question....do you want me to email Sister Sullivan or President and tell them they really need to make a change?  Cause I will if you want me too.

Please read and answer all of those.   I miss you like crazy and am so excited that we only have 7 months and 10 days before our hug.  I can't wait!

4.5 months to Skype again!  I'm hoping this year flies by!  I am so ready for you to come back.  We literally miss everything about you.  Kaestli was totally crying today talking to you.  She wants you back so much.  We all love you and miss you.  Thanks for the package and the nesting dolls.  We love them.

You're the best.  Hang in there and keep working hard.  Pray for understanding and that you will be able to help EV learn what ever he needs to learn for you, and you from him.  I just still can't believe it didn't get changed.  I'm sorry.

I love you so much!!!!!!  Thanks for being awesome!

Love

Mom

Oh yeah, Leigh HATED that guy, I think it is so funny that they are together. She probably had to tell him off like every day.  I havent told him so deep, but he seems to know, he said that Elder Vanbuskirk knows that at least 90 percent of the problem is him.  Honestly I am pretty sure that he would hate me if I was just a potatoe at this point.  He hates that he has been junior companion for so long. He hates that I "correct" him all the time, but he just does stupid things that would get us yelled at real good, which is worse for me since I know what they are saying to us.  He can probably speak Russian just as well as Cam spoke english when he was 3. 10-20 percent of what he says is understandable, the rest is just words that he has made up.  Honestly, the problem is that I am his first companion that is definitively better than him. He cannot handle it.  He often attacks me, whenever I have any opinion. I knew that he had had hard companions that insulted him for no reason, and I promised him I wouldnt do that when we became companions, but honestly, half of the insults wouldnt be insults, they would just be truths.

90 percent of everything is good. I could last another 7 months with this guy, it wouldnt even be hard. It is literally all his problem.  I dont care what he thinks of me, and I think that I will start "Correcting" every single little mistake, if he cant take it that is his problem, because I dont care if he likes me anymore, I dont care about being his friend, I would love to, but I am done changing, he is going to have to change and come to my level.

It is comparably the same to effectiveness in the work as past companionships.  

NO I will not ask for an ET.  Maybe God wants me to be his companion for so long so nothing my wife does will ever bother me.

Yeah I have told him that the Companionship has been rough, I try to keep him updated without making EV sound like a terrible person.  I am fine with no change, I am starting to find it funny when he is upset. He hasnt learned Russian yet becasue he doesnt actually want to. He says he wants to, but when it actually comes to doing it he loses determination. Then He goes into Grumpy EV mode. Elder Vanbuskirk is a normal person until he is in Grumpy EV mode. It happens at least once a week, and sometimes it lasts a whole week.

As far as with the interview, I talkeda bout a lot of important stuff, said that the companion ship was rough, and he responded that he was aware.  Elder Vanbuskirk at least apologizes for the big things, so I dont report those to president, I expect him(EV) to ask for an ET in about 2 weeks.  

Yes I am really happy and Positive. ELder Vanbuskirk is not.

No you dont need to ask for a change. What will be will be, and its only another 6 weeks, not the end of the world.  

So to sum it up: I do wish I had a new comp, but its not the end of the world. Elder Vanbuskirk creates his own problems, the only person who feels contention, is him. I can feel that he is feeling it, but I dont know waht it is about. IT takes two to fight, and it bothers him that I dont respond aggressively like he does. I kind of vent to you in these letters so remember that what your reading is stuff I have already gotten over. HE does have some good qualities, like sometimes he will make dinner, or something like that. 

MOm I love you so much! You have nothing to worry about, please dont worry about the situation, it will be ok! You are the best and it was so good to see you last night and it really helped. That time will definitely help me to work more effectively. MOst of my dreams have all of you in them and they seem to always end with us going to lake powell. LOVE YOU! 

Saint Nicholas Day

Week 69

Quite a few things happened this week, it is already Wednesday, which leaves us with a very short time before Christmas! I cant wait to see my Family again!  Just this Monday I could not Email becasue we were at a Russian Orthodox Temple singing for them. We attended their mass, wich consisted of some ceremonies, Confessions(Which they do at the front while everyone is watching, they whisper to the priest) then after that they have sacrament, which is bread put into a cup with a liquid that I assume is wine, so the bread is all soggy from the wine, and then the priest spoons it into your mouth.  At the close the priest talked using his own words, and with the Little Ukrainian I understand he explained the importance of loving others as the savior loved us, and helping others.  Then they set up a "stage" and Elder Vanbuskirk and I sang o come all ye faithful, other people there also got up and read poems, or sang a song. Then there was a small puppet show. And that concludes their Saint Nicholas day celebration.  For us Santa Claus is a man who brings presents, for them, Santa claus is Saint Nicholas, and he is probably the most highly regarded priest in their Religion.  They had an Icon of him at the front and people took turns going up to it, kissing it, then kissing the cross, after which the priest would spray them with Holy water.  Interesting Sacrament meeting.

This next week should be really good we have lots of plans to carry out as a district.

Hey buddy,

YAY!!!  I am so excited to Skype next week!  Seriously it is the best knowing that the longest time we have to go is now behind us!  So awesome:)

Thanks for all the pics last week, that was awesome!!!

LEt's start out with our week...

Kaestli had her Gymnastics performance.  She did great and can do kick over's now.  She is getting strong and flexible.  It makes me so happy to see her doing well.

Josh has had a ton more madrigals performances.  

Jordy's school situation is turning out to be a great thing.  I am so glad we switched him!  It will make all the difference in the long run.  It was hard at first, but he is so much better off!

Jacob won both of his basketball games, made a nice 3 pointer and also made his foul shots.  They played a team that had boys and girls on it and it is so funny to watch him play against girls.  He is normally so aggressive, but he doesn't want to hurt girls so he is a gentleman to them while playing.  His coach noticed it and so did I.  I teased him that he would give them the ball and then offer to open the door for them.  It was funny.  At one point during the game I said, "come on Jacob they are just girls...they won't bite:)"  

Kaestli had her dance recital on Friday night.  Lily, Kate, Paris, Faith, and Seraphina were all in it too, which made it super fun.  Mary Ann and Spencer came up and then they and Casey and Jen came over to the house afterwards.  Mary Ann and Spencer actually came to Jacob's game as well.

Today I went to Elder Ditty's homecoming!!!!!!!  IT was so awesome to hear him speak about his mission.  He really did a great job.  Elder Montgomery's parents came too.  I talked to him for a minute after and he said you were doing great up in Sumy.  HE said you are a great missionary.  

Jonny Sirrine came home this week and it was his homecoming today as well.  I saw Leigh with her boyfriend...that baby is not hers in the picture;).  She said they are pretty serious.  

I got an awesome video of you and EV singing from Julia.  She actually tried to call through on Facebook live, but I didn't answer it.  She told me the week before she wanted too but you said no, and I told her not to as well but to send me a picture.  I'm assuming she told you guys she was just videoing you.  I think that EV mom answered...she said it was just a live video of you guys singing and then it cut out.  I know you wouldn't have been ok with it, and neither was I.  I was glad I didn't answer it.  Did she tell you she was going to do that?  She did send a ton of great pictures of you guys and the video was awesome, I'm just glad I didn't see it live, or I would have guilt!

I have been pretty worried about you this week and the issues you are having with EV.  I am praying like crazy for you and him.  I am so sorry it is like that.  Does President Sullivan know of your issues?  I really want you to get a new comp this week!!!!  I am really praying for that.  I am proud of you for continuing to try and serve him and stay positive through out.  Pray that you will learn whatever it is you need to learn from this experience.  Maybe it's just so you'll like Josh better when you get home;).  

So questions for this week-

1-Did you know about the Julia thing/what did she tell you about it?  How do you feel about it?  I didn't even want to tell you because I didn't want you to get upset, but I know that EV will tell him and she was super obnoxious about it, so I wanted you to know my side of it too, and know that I didn't answer.

2-Does President know of the struggles you are having?  Has EV had problems with all him companions? Have things gotten better or worse with him?

3-Does Elder Jeffery help and carry his weight?

4-Are you still happy and positive?

5-Have you come up with a list of questions for us for our Skype?

6-Is there anything else we should discuss about the Skype? Remember to do it at 9:00 am my time:)

7-Do you have any info or thoughts on transfers this week?  (I hope you get a new comp at least!!)

8-How is Anna and Roman doing?

9-How is the gloves guy doing?  Also do you have another pair of gloves to use??

10-How can I best help you?  I'm pretty worried about you right now in the situation you are in.

11-Have the Christmas packages from the other moms been fun?  Are you feeling the Christmas spirit at all?

12-What was you favorite thing that happened this week?

13-message for  me

14-pics and recordings.

So I really hope your doing well.  No sign of the package you sent yet, but I'm hoping it will be soon.  Life is good here, but I've really been missing you!  Funny story...last week I wrote this big long email to you, it took over an hour.  The last paragraph talked about Daddy Jake a little and your life growing up.  The spirit told me to delete the paragraph.  It made no sense though.  I read it and re read it and decided not to delete it, even though the spirit was clear that I should delete it.  Then I sent the email...and the whole email was deleted in cyberspace and just disappeared.  My computer froze and I couldn't recover the email.  I was so frustrated with my self for not listening to the spirit.  The next morning when I read your email I got the feeling that if you had read it, maybe it would have made you sad or frustrated and Heavenly Father wanted to protect you from getting more down.  So just so you are aware, Heavenly Father is quite aware of you and your feelings.  I also learned a valuable lesson!

I heard Daddy Jake laughing at me the other day when I was trying to give the puppy a bath.  I'm training her right now, and she has to be leashed to me for several hours a day, and I carry around a doggy treat bag.  I honestly can't recognize the person I have become with her.  It's funny and I know Daddy Jake is getting a big kick out of it!

I love you and miss you like crazy.  I am very proud of you.  Keep trying, praying, repenting, working, and having faith.  Missions are hard but worth it!  So is life in general.  I am glad you are learning so much out there.  It will all be for your benefit!

Love you so much!!!! 

See you Sunday!  Merry Christmas!

Mom

Yeah, I told her that we were in her house, and that she can do what she wants, but that we are only allowed to call our family twice a year, and that I was going to call you in a week anyway.  She is a little bit crazy, but her husband seems to have decent potential. I was aware that she was calling you, and I was pretty sure you wouldnt answer. ELder VanBuskirk Was way akward about it, it was funny.  IF you had answered I would have just said. MOm I will call you in a week, you know what to do!

YEs President knows, he also knows it is at least 90 percent Elder Vanbuskirks fault. Ye he has, even with Elder Jeffery.  Honestly I cant tell if things are better or worse, I stopped helping with him in the language, and now he speaks basically as good as when we first became companions.  HE is way stressed out, and the other day he yelled at me for our entire companion inventory.

At the beginning I said lets make a list of all the things that we like about eachother. I tried really hard to make a good list for him. He said"I dont want to do this right now"  but he made me a list anyway. then he opened fire.

Ill Summarize what he didnt like about me really fast: I breathe too loud sometimes, and I read the book of mormon aloud during language study to practice pronunciation.  His solution "If we are still companions next transfer, I want an emergency transfer from you" I just took all of the harsh words, and told him to keep it coming (at this point I value his opinion of me at a high 2/10) He finally got it all out and we got out on the street to go to a lesson.  I honestly just felt bad for him, because this is going to be a problem that if he doesnt take care of will seriously affect his entire life(I pitty his wife).  He finally apologized as we were about to go back inside, and he said he felt really bad for being such a jerk and that he didnt actually mean all of those things. I forgave him. 

Yes I am still happy and positive, I will be more happy and more positive after Christmas!

Elder Jeffery kind of carries his weight, he is better than the other two.  I am still working on the list of questions. I think I will either stay in Sumy, or Leave. I do not know, but I know that somehting needs to change in my companionship at least. Anna and roman should meet with us tonight and then we will find out how they are doing.Yeah I bought a new pair of gloves, his phone has been off all week, so he must be out of town or really busy.You dont need to worry about me, I have changed a lot on my mission, and I almost never get angry anymore. Elder Vanbuskirk is only like 20 percent on my nerves, it helps not to value his opinion of me.

Yeah I feel the christmas spirit everything is going well for that side of it. One of the good things that Elder Vanbuskirk does is spend money on people. He bought me that pipe(for Josh in the future, he would love a Gandalf pipe) and a book for Christmas.

My favorite thing was singing at the Temple, and being able to meet with Inactive that went back to Orthodox, and she still knows everything we say is true.  She said she would come back to our church, if ____, ______, and _______ died or moved away.

I love you so much mom you are the best! I am still keeping the binder updated for you and it is still huge, I dont know what I am going to do with them, I have almost filled up the second one.  You dont need to send a binder or sheets though, I can buy those here. I cant wait to see you!

A pair of gloves...

Week 68

So last Sunday or Monday night, I gave my gloves to a potential investigator. His hands were cold and due to unfortunate circumstances he was locked out of his apartment, meaning he got to spend the night somewhere not warm.  My hands froze that night, but I knew I was going home in about 2 hours, so I just bucked up and kept working.

A week later: "I recieved an Answer that the book of mormon is true, and you two have me 98 % sure that your church is true, I knew you were sincere, and followers of Christ when you took your gloves off and handed them to me. My hands would have frozen off that night."  Pavel wants to get baptized as soon as he is done smoking( his plan is to quit by January 5th)  He is keeping the gloves, and I hope they will always remind him of us.

Well folks it doesnt get more clear than that. An answer from God, and a sincere heart is all it takes to bring someone to the fold, God will always answer, we just need to have a sincere heart. We are very excited for Pavel.

Well with Fun stuff this week, since Elder Vanbuskirk cant play twister due to his back, Elder Rice bought a Munchkin game in Russian (Boy is that language headache) They all got upset with me when I conveniently mistranslated a card that allowed me to win the game hahaha.  Besides that it has just been your normal week, All of our other investigators are on Vacation, Ksenia, Anna, Roman. But they will all be back next saturday.

Jax,

У нас временно отключили электроэнергию в доме. Но всё нормально, было замечательно :)) 

I got that message from Tanya with a picture. Will you translate for me please?:)

Love you

We have a temporary power outage at our home.  But everything is okay, it was a notable occasion.​

Hey bud...

So I just spent and hour typing you an email and it just disappeared into cyber space:(((  I am so bummed, So here goes again.

First off Skyping.  I'm planning on 9:00 am my time and I think that is your time at 6:00.  Will that work?  Remember to prepare some questions for me and the family.  I think we might have the TBoys here that morning but not sure.

Your Skype account name is: jaxon.jorgensen 

With your password being: byucougars1

I am Julie.toone3 but we should still be saved as contacts. Just email me at this email  (jjtoone@gmail.com) when you get on and it will send me an alert right when the email comes in, and we will hop on.  YAY... I can't wait!

Our week was pretty laid out in the photos, but here is a brief run down

Biggest news is that Mike and Keely had their baby.  He is super cute and was born today the 11!!!  At 9:03 weighing in at 8 lbs 3 oz.  They named him Carter Michael.  Mikey is super cute about it and quite proud.  He got emotional just talking about it.

Jordy had his Choir concert on Tuesday night.  Josh has had a ton of concerts this week.  It was our Stake sing along tonight and Dad, Josh and Jordy all sang in the choir.

Jacob is doing well in Basketball.  Their jr. jazz team has to play up a year because they are a super league, so the 6th grader next to the 7th graders was  a huge difference.  One of the guys had a mustache!!!  They made our big guys look small.  It was crazy, Jacob fouled out of the game, haha.  

Everyone is still loving the puppy.

It was awesome to see Brother Shumway today in church.  He spoke so highly of you and said that he really misses the mission.  He was so impressed with you and the missionary you were.  I am glad you won't have to have your homecoming with Christian though:)

Kaestli has her gymnastics performance tomorrow and then the dance recital on Friday.

It sounds like you guys got spoiled with some good packages from the other moms.  I hope that makes it fun!  Send some pics of the apartment decorated.  You can give that little tree away after Christmas if you want.

Ok, Questions

1-Skype, is that time going to work?  Will you have good internet, where will you be skyping from?

2-Christmas packages...Do you like the stuff I sent?  Does the iPod and speaker work?  What about the hat and scarf thing?  If you don't like it you can give it away, I went back and forth wondering if you would like it.  I hope I didn't send too many gifts.  

3-Did you make a chore chart/dish night?  Is that going better?

4-Are you still happy and positive?

5-Any problems or concerns I can pray about for you?

6-How are Roman and Anna progressing?  I really hope you get to be there for their baptism...is there any plans made?

7-What are you thinking about transfers? what are you hoping for?

8-Do you see Vika very often anymore?

9-pics

10-recording

11-message for me

12-Any miracles this week?

I really miss you a lot and love you.  It's weird to see Christian and Coleman home and I get a little jealous, but then I immediately am filled with gratitude that you are exactly where you should be right now.  I wouldn't want you any where else.  I am really proud of you.  Thanks for setting such a great example to all your siblings.  

I hope you are doing well.  I think about you and pray for you constantly.  Thanks for being my best friend and for being such a help to me over your entire lifetime...you're the best!  Thanks

I love you so much, have a great week and stay positive!!!

Love,

Mom

Yeah that should work just fine. We will skype from the Branch.  I love all that stuff. The hat is awesome but the scarf is hard to wear, but it works well.  I love all the stuff you send to me.  No, so basically, I just keep my dishes in a separate cupboard that they dont touch, and I clean the dishes whenever I have extra time, it is a good way to serve them, Elder Jeffery feels bad about it, and He guilt tripped elder vanbuskirk into cleaning once. Yeah I am happy and positive.  No I am good, just pray that Pavel is really sincere and not crazy.(He wants to go to america and have bill gates sponsor his company. The first of that sentence is probably just as unlikely as the last part). Roman and Anna are in the Karpathian mountains right now, but she is diligently searching the scriptures, if she gets baptized he will too, I can see them married in the temple in a year and a half if Anna doesnt go to dubai. I think I will stay and I hope EV goes. It is completely ridiculous. Last night he was complaining that I have only had perfect companions and he has had only terrible companions.  I think you can see the Irony in that statement.  Elder Schwieghardt is the new zone leader here which I am stoked about. HE is going to do soooo good. He is honestly one of the best missionaries in the mission. IT will be fun to be on exchanges withhim  where I am the Junior companion.  Elder Vanbuskirk is mad that I am happy about that. No not too often, but every week still.  

Just Pavel.

I love you soo much mom and I cant wait to see you in just a short 8 months. It is scary how fast the time is going, in just 2-4 years youll be holding my first child.

Snow... snow...sno

Week 67

Yeah so it has been snowing non stop for the last 3-4 days, cant really remember anything but an intense amount of whitness falling from the sky.

This week went really well, we were able to find 4 new investigators from english and contacting and tracting. 

We had a lesson with Andre and his mom again. I shared 2 verses and got a lecture from his Mom... about a lot of different things.  At the end she was like "God loves people like you because you come to him yourself" Then I said "God loves all of his children" SHe responded with something that translates roughly to "Nope, not all of 'em." Then she gave me two kisses and we left the apartment.  He wants us to bring him another book because he finished the Book of Mormon and loved it. We are still trying to get him to connect the dots that a true book equals a true church.  I shared a verse from the Bom and he was like "This is when they are on the ship right?" so yeah he did his reading for sure.

We also did some high quality contacting last night and got a new investigator named Pavel. He didnt have a place to sleep last night because his parents accidentally locked him out of his apartment...  

I called President shellyhov and there was nothing we could do, so I gave him my gloves off my hands and we parted ways. We were supposed to meet today but it looks like we wont do that till later.  Shortly after parting ways like rarely happens in Ukraine, we got stuck talking to a drunk guy.  Luckily he was friendly drunk, and yeah, it was a hoot.

"Do you need help?" "Ye, yes, pels please help me." " Okay..."(That is when we know he is drunk) "IS that book for me" (Dangit I dont want to waste a book of Mormon on a wasted guy)"Yeah it is for you" *takes book waits 5 seconds* "Whose book is this? is this your book? here take it." (Yay he gave it back!) "Okay thankyou, we need to go now" "O okay, thanks for he helping me."

​Thats all for this week I love you!​

Hey Jax,

How are things going?  First things first...Yay you got your card and I know that it works because I saw you used it:)!!!  Wahoo!  I have been stressed about that.  I put about $200. in the account so you should be good to send any packages etc.  I am also fairly certain you got your christmas package.  Remember the little stocking should have a gift in it that you can have immediately and the christmas box goes with it...the one that isn't wrapped but is Gold and black.  I guess a bunch of moms have been sending Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper etc.  Well one of the packages that had that the Mountain Dew exploded and made a mess of the delivery place and the office.  I'm glad I didn't try to send it.  And now Sister Sullivan has told the moms NOT to send it!  She also said we shouldn't send a lot of candy and instead give you extra money for cheese or nuts.  If you have too much candy you could always take it to the primary or something:).

Our week has been full of Choir performances both Josh and Jordy school choirs have been performing, but also they are practicing with the ward choir with Curtis for the Stake sing along next week.  Jordy LOVES singing in the choir and being on stage.  He reminded me about his performance every 30 mins for a week straight and then made his teacher text me on Friday to remind me again.

Jacob had his first basketball game of the season yesterday.  He is playing on the Junior Jazz and the Super League team with the same coach and team this year.  They did really well and won 44-22.  They had a great game and are getting pretty good.  Jacob had a real awesome shot and several steals.  He loves playing and is improving.

Me and my sisters had our annual Favorite Things Christmas Dinner.  We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and then exchanged 2 gifts of our favorite things.  Traci is getting so much better and is healthy and happy again.  She is like she used to be!  I can't wait for you to see the changes in her.  It is so awesome.  The last step missing is getting her to go to church again.  

I spoke at the Deer Mountain Ward Young Women in Excellence this week as well.  I really love doing it and its been a long time since I have done it.  Doing it again reminded me how much I love it and I hope I get to do it more.  

Cam had a Physical therapy evaluation and they found several things that he is struggling with and she really feels like we can make some improvement with therapy.  We will do 8 weeks of therapy and see if it helps.

Jordy had to get his flu shot yesterday since Keely will be having her baby.  He didn't have a panic attack and handled it so well.  It was a first...and was shocking!  I was so proud of him.

The puppy is doing good.  The kids are realizing she is a lot of work, but they are stepping up and doing it.  Kaestli actually takes really good care of her too.  It's been nice for me to have a reason to be home in the afternoon when everyone is gone.  I get lonely and tend to go shop to kill the time, so maybe I'll save some money:).

We are taking the Church's challenge of lighting the world and doing the advent calendar they provided.  Tonight we watched the first presidency Christmas devotional.  I am hoping we can continue on the path I started a couple years ago of making the holiday's more about Christ and making memories with our family.  

I miss you a lot, but I am truly grateful that you are serving a mission.  I am so proud to have so many missionaries out at once.  It is a blessing and we have seen blessings in the lives of all of my siblings since G&G have been out.   Thank you for starting the missionary train that should be going for several years to come.  I know that with out you serving Dakkon would not have served a mission and that Ethan would have a small chance of going...maybe none at all.  Josh was called to be the Secretary in the Priest quorum today.  He has really been doing well. I am proud of him for the changes he has made in his life.  He is a lot happier and a lot more helpful.

How are things going with you guys up in Sumy?  I am really hoping that Anna and Roman are  still progressing toward baptism!!!  I love that I can feel like I was a little bit apart of that by adding all that stuff to Family search.  

Christmas Day Skype...

Our church is going to be from 10:30-11:30 so can we plan to Skype from 9-10?  I'm not sure we will be able to get Dakkon on at the same time, and I'm not sure about the Tboys either.  Will you be ok if that doesn't work?

Questions-

1-How are you doing?  Still happy and positive?

2-Is Anna and Roman still progressing?

3-How is the 4 roomies situation working out?

4-Is the card working fine?

5-Did you get your Christmas Package?

6-Did you get the small present that was in the stocking?  Is it going to work?

7-Do you need anything from me?

8-I got a photo from a new Ukrainian lady Tanya...is she a member?  I love the pictures!!!  Thanks for when you have them sent.  It totally brightens my week!

9-Will that Skype time work?  What are your thoughts on that day and the Skype call?

10Recordings

11-pics

12-special message for me

13-When you asked Sarah was it by email or regular mail?  I'm glad you can make peace with it out there and then come home with an open mind for all the cute girls at the Y!

14-I noticed that the missionaries going home this transfer are going home 2 weeks earlier than the transfer time.  Do you think they will do that for you guys coming home in August?  The new student orientation for the Y is Aust. 29 I think.  

I miss you and am so excited that you will be home for Christmas next year.  I think this next 9 months will fly by so soak up every moment of your mission while you can!!!

Love you tons and think about you all the time!  You're the best, keep up the good work.

Love you

Mom

I am doing good, everything is going well.

Kind of, it was tough to meet with them this week, but as far as we can tell, they are doing well.

It is good, one of the Few differences is I know clean up after 4 missionaries instead of 2.

Yeah it works great, I will be careful with it! 

I did, and I sent you a package today and a letter too.

Yeah the IPod works, its great!

Yeah Tanya is Nikitas mom(He left on his mission from Sumy while I was serving here) I thought you would want to be friends with her.  Yeah that should work for us. 

I asked her through regular old Mail. Yeah it wasnt crushing or all. For me it was better to get a no than continue wondering.

They are going to send us home sometime at the beginning of August. Probably the first or Second wednesday.

If it is what I think and they send us home at the beginning, it is only 8 months!

THanks Mom I Love you so much, In the package I sent the nesting dolls, the T Shirts are for Jordy, The Super man Hoodye is either for Jordy or JJ.  The plaid shirt is for Josh.  The Chess set is for all. The Dolls are for you,  The Green Ukrainian scarf is really cool, I want it when I get home but you can use it as a decoration if you want, it almost looks like a blanket. There are 7 ties which should be enough for one for each of the boys. Then there is the dolls and Kontiki and a mug, and some little vitamin tablets that are really just glorified smarties.

THanks for all the stuff you help me with. YOu are the best mom ever.

I'm so excited about the packages. Thanks. I had an idea about cleaning up. Maybe you guys could each have a dishes/kitchen night where you take turns. Assign it out or something??  Even a chore chart could work for other chores??  Just an idea. Love you

Twister and Elder Rice...

Week 66

Twister is just an amazing game for 4 missionaries to play... and Elder Rice is just a goof ball, so thats where the subject line comes from.

This week went really good, I had my first success with tracting ever! It went really well! We have given out 2 Books of Mormon and A plan of Salvation pamphlet in a realatively short time, hopeful they will be touched by the spirit.  

We also had a really good zone conference in Kharkov and Elder kecher from the area 70 was there, IT was a very good opprotunity for all of us to repent and become better.

Anna and Roman are starting to progress and we expect they will be baptized in the next month or so, we have high hopes for them.

SHe said that she is on level 2 of conversion according to her scale, they both like us and it seems like Anna is really starting to look for spiritual truth.

Love you All!

Hey buddy,

I was thinking the other day about how I have a 9 month wait to give you a big hug and finally see your face.  Then I realized that 20 years ago in November I started a 9 month wait to meet, see, and hold you in August.  

I am super anxious to hear about your week with your roomies!!!  I hope things are a lot more fun now!!  I also hope you are able to work even harder and be more successful!

A bunch of us Mission moms went to brunch yesterday.  It was so fun.  We had 8 of us.  It's fun to swap stories and learn more about the areas.

This week for us was good.  I was able to be successful with my first Thanksgiving dinner.  Allie and I had our families and Traci joined us.  Allie and I learned to make pies from scratch and also homemade rolls.  It was really a fun week.  I really enjoyed planning and preparing all the different dishes for our meal.  Everything was finished at the same time on Thursday and was delicious.  We had the TBoys as well.  

I have spent the last few months seriously researching service dogs.  I started feeling like we shouldn't wait for Cam to have seizures.  I hope he never has them for one thing.  But the more I researched I realized we were better off getting a puppy and finding a trainer to help us train the dog to be a service dog with Cam and Jord.  Then we researched the best breeds for our needs.  I knew it needed to be a big dog, because of how cam throws his weight around, the dog would need to be able to tolerate it.  We decided on a Golden Retriever.  After more research I decided I wanted an English Cream Golden Retriever.  Then began the search for the right puppy.  I thought about a puppy that was very well trained already, but realized we will probably ruin it within a week or so.  I feel like the family will need the training as much as the dog does.  So I found a lady that was selling the exact puppy I wanted and also provides 4 weeks of training with the price of the puppy.  She also has a service dog training program that we can do with her that will be about 7 months long and is very reasonably priced.  I wanted a girl puppy, and she had 1 left, but had a buyer for it.  She said I could come at 3:00 and have the little girl if the lady didn't show up.  I have prayed hard about this whole thing, so I prayed that if she was the right puppy for us she wouldn't get sold.  The lady texted at 2:00 saying that the buyer never showed up.  We went and met our little puppy and stayed for about an hour of training with her.  The seller said that she spent 2 hours on the phone with the other buyer and she was shocked that she never showed up.  So I am feeling confident that we are meant to have this puppy.  The kids are doing great with her and she is crate trained already.  She has had a few potty accidents, but all by the door and she has been mostly going outside for us.  I am really excited about it as are the kids.  It will be a lot of work, but I think we will be successful.  She is so cute, Cam named her Penny.

BYU Basketball lost to UVU!!!!!!!!!...yes I said LOST.  Curtis had taken Kalten, Jacob and Jordy to the game.  He said it was our worst loss in 40-50 years.  The football game was on about an hour later.  In 11 seasons of BYU football that we have been married, Curtis has never missed watching a Football game.  Well, this basketball game broke him completely.  He didn't watch the football game at all!  Hopefully he will recover;)

I get to speak to a ward in our stake this week, so I am excited about that.  Josh has a madrigals concert and Jordy has a choir concert as well.  Keely should be having this baby anytime now.  It could be a couple days or a couple weeks.  We are all really excited for them.  

They finally built a new church in Bluffdale so starting next week we will go back to have only 3 wards in the building and we go to the 1:00 session and stay with that all through 2017. Sacrament meeting will be first again too.

Questions this week-

1-Are you still happy and positive?

2-How has the dynamic changed in the apartment with the new missionaries?  Is it fun?

3-How are you and EV getting along?  How is his Russian improving?

4-Did you go to any mission conferences last week?

5-Have you received the card in the mail yet? or the package?

6-How are your investigators coming?

7-Did you ever get your test scores back? How did you do?

8-One of the moms yesterday said her sons emails go to her and that there was an email about mission Facebook groups and a competition or something.  Can we join those groups?  Are you doing that?

9-Also someone said that Sumy has the best Sharmas.  Is this true, you haven't said much about them?

10-How are you feeling about this transfer?  Are you doing well as the DL?

11-What do you miss most about home?  What do you miss most about living in america?  

12-What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned on your mission?

13-recordings

14-Pics- remember I want a tag picture...do you know what I mean?

15-message to me:)

16-Are you mad we got a dog or glad?

17- christmas Skype---

-Lets discuss Christmas.  When do you think you will be able to Skype for Christmas?  We are only doing Sacrament meeting, but they haven't decided what time we will be doing it.  So as soon as I find out I'll let you know.  You said you wanted to come up with a plan going into this Skype session.  What do you want to do for it?  I was thinking about writing a bunch of questions down to ask you, and you could do the same.  I'm not sure that we will be able to connect with Dakkon and G&G too.  How are you feeling about it, and what are you wanting to do?

I miss you like crazy, but I am so proud of you and glad you are serving.  I hope you are doing well.  Keep working hard and being the best person you can be.  Remember you aren't supposed to be perfect yet, that is why we are here.  Just keep doing your best and improve each day.  

Love you tons!!!!

Mom

Yes I am happy and positive.  IT is more fun, but unfortunately it can be distracting at some times.  YEah we are getting along better, its been a lot better since there are  4 people now.  His Russian is slowly improving, he still really struggles.  Yeah we got to go to the conference in Kharkov which was good, I saw EB and he looked like he was doing good.  The Card is sitting in the Mission Office right now, they should send it up to me today.  Our investigators are doing good, we think that Roman and Anna(The family history girl) will be baptized before next year.  I got them back today, and it was really good to see the scores, he told me exactly what I needed to improve on and stuff. I got 97% on the Grammar test, and I need to retake a few of the other ones. The Vocab tests were hard, because every missionary gains a very different vocabulary, but they released all of the words on the tests, so I have been able to study them, a lot of the words are very useful, but that I usually just talk around. 

Yeah I dont know if you can, it is Russian/Ukrainian Facebook. IT is called Contact, and I am pretty sure you wont be able to get onto it there, because There is a lot of "Free" Music on there, that I am pretty sure wont let you onto the site. All Music and Movies are basically Free here, because why pay for it on Itunes when you can download it for free? Yes Sumy does have the best Sharma, that is starting to be well known throughout the mission.  I like Sharma every once and a while, but most missionaries like it a few times a week.  I like it being a district leader is good, I think this will be one of my last transfers in Sumy.  

I miss:FREE Public Toilets, Clean Streets, clean air, Straight sidewalks, Mountains, Tortillas, Doritos, The Lack of Stray Dogs and cats, my own car, maple syrup, waffle Irons, lunchmeats, Good Peanut butter, Drinking Fountains, happy people, Modest young women, the Lack of porn on the street, Good Dentistry, My Gospel Library, Manners, large wards and stakes, things to do in your free time, and of Coarse All of YOu! Specifically about our home, I miss pretty much everything.

Gratitude, and Charity are two big things.  also we got this one last night from a potential investigator "If you want something good to get done, do it yourself." Yup pretty much, you cant really rely on anyone else to do something for you, except for God, and even then He requires things from you. I am glad you got a dog, I knew it would happen at some point.  Yeah lets just both make a list of questions for Skype, we will probably be on at about 7-8 PM Ukraine time.

I love you so much thanks for figuring everything out with the Card.  I am so blessed to have you as a mom.  I am so excited that we only have 9 Months to go but at the same time I am terrified, because that is not very long at all (6 transfers).  I love being a missionary and your son.

2+2=4

Week 65

We had one companionship, (Elder Jorgensen and Elder VanBuskirk) and the Lord added another companionship(Elder Jeffery and Elder Rice), what does that make? A district of course!

This week went well, it started off with a miracle! We didnt have very much time and we had planned to go to an area that is pretty far away from our house, but we decided to follow the spirit, and we got on that Marshutka anyway.  Just a short 5 minutes after leaving the Marshutka, we found a youngman whose family was interested in the Book of Mormon, and our Church. Doesnt matter how much sense it doesnt make to do something, because it makes less sense not to do it if that is what God wants you to do. (If what your doing makes 0 sense... I am not sure how that works, maybe it makes -1 sense).

We are now in 4 wheel drive, we picked up the other 2 wheels on Thursday night, and they brought a box of very much needed copies of the Book of Mormon, which we were nearly out of(good problem right?).

We had a thanksgiving feast for our English class on Saturday night, I will send pictures, it was a really good opprotunity and they all enjoyed it. We tried to have everyone say something they were thankful for. Elder Vanbuskirk started and said something pretty good.  Then the Participants went and... the first set a tone of thanking us for what we do, so we got like 20 thankyous from everyone, I dont think they understood the purpose was to be thankful for Family, or Life, or time, or God. But o well, eventually they will be grateful that they got Baptized ;)

I miss and love you all, and it is such a privelege to serve the Lord and his children!

Hey Jax,

I am sooooo excited that they are sending you new missionaries up there!  Elder Jeffery will be a great one to bridge the gap for when you get transferred out of Sumy.  I feel like you would need someone awesome to take over so you don't lose your connections that you've made with the community and the branch.  I feel great about it!  I am glad you are the DL too.  You are great at leadership and I'm glad you will be doing that again.

Last thanksgiving without you!!!  We are counting down;)  Time seems to be flying by!  I love getting your emails each week and it really makes the weeks go fast.  

Me and Sister Montgomery went to Elder Maylett's farewell today.  We talked to him afterward for a few minutes.  Any connection to your mission feels like a connection to you some how!  A bunch of the mom's are getting together for lunch this Saturday.  It should be a lot of fun!

Our week...

Cam had his swollen salivary gland again this week.  The Dr. said it is from the shape of the salivary ducts and that they have become pinched, or misshaped somehow and that it will continue to happen regularly.  They just hope that it eventually gets better, and treat with antibiotics when it becomes infected.

Cam also had his swallow study this week which was normal...but he choked again tonight on the same pill so I don't know what to do with him.  It is super sad when it happens, it's really painful.

We also had the pinewood derby.  Clint, Curtis, me and a guy in our ward helped him do the car.  It was probably a family best and he took second in several of his races.  He was happy and had fun, and didn't cry and throw a fit when he didn't win like several other kids...so I think we are the real winners;).

I have been learning how to bake homemade rolls and pie crust in preparation for Thanksgiving.  I wish I had learned sooner because it really has been fun and easy.  We are having thanksgiving with Allie and their family and traci.  We will have the Tboys the entire weekend too.  We are planning to have a lord of the rings marathon with baking and cooking all day.  I'm actually excited about it, and it make me want to put more effort into the holidays in the years to come.  

I volunteered in Kaestli's class this week and taught a fairytale unit on Cinderella.  It was fun and really cute.  I had all the kids saying how nice I was and coming and giving me treats.  I could tell sis was proud to have me as a mom and that just makes my week!  

The boys went to a byu game yesterday with Curtis and Jordy took a friend, garrick gibbons...who is also Jacob's friend so they were happy.  Josh took a girl!  So that was interesting group.  I kept the little kids home and had Colette teach me how to make rolls and pie crust.  I saw Coleman and he is doing good.  No plans for a mission and no girlfriend.  Ethan Glaittli had his homecoming today and did awesome.

I miss you like crazy!  I am requesting some "tag" photos.  This is a picture of your tag with a background that is unique to your area.  I'm sure other missionaries have done them...it's a thing.  So ask around if you don't know what I mean.

I hope your bank card comes this week!  I am anxiously awaiting Sister Sullivan emailing me that it has arrived.

I want to hear everything about having Elder Jeffery and Rice up there in Sumy!  

So Questions-

1-How is it having them up there with you?

2-Did you find them a separate apartment, or are they going to live with you guys?

3-How is the branch feeling about it?

4-Will they be helping you with the English classes? How often will you see them during the week?

5-Do you still see Ksenia very often?  I miss her sending pics of you guys.

6-How are you and EV getting along?  Has having the other missionaries there helped?  

7-What responsibilities do you have as a District leader?

8-Are you still happy and positive?

9-Anything dragging you down, or that you are struggling with?

10-How is your Russian?  How are you doing on your test things you told me about?

11-Special message.

12-Pics

13-recordings

14 anything I can do for you or that you need?

15 How is the new greenie, Elder Rice adjusting?  Do you guys do splits very often?  Will you?

I saw the gibbons girls yesterday and they are both BYU mentors and know all about getting missionaries registered for school.  They also said you would have to wait to apply for the MTC teacher position, but that they are always looking for Russian teachers so that is great news.  They said they will get me a bunch of information that I can send on to you and you can look over, but they will help me get you all set up and ready so not to worry.

In Ethan Glaittli's talk today he mentioned something I wanted to pass on to you.  He talked about his trainer and how positive he was about EVERY THING!  He said the he wasn't so positive about anything and his comps positivity bothered him a little bit.  When he switched comps and moved around the mission the longer he had been out the more he came to understand that Elder and how he saw how much better of a missionary he was than some of the others.  He recognized the difference was his positivity.  He started striving to be like that companion and a year later saw him and thanked him for his example.  The story reminded me a little of you and some of the things you have said.  Just keep being who you are and stay your happy positive self.  Even if they don't understand or appreciate it now, you could leave a lasting impact that will change their whole mission, and maybe even the course of their lives.  You are awesome!  

I love you so much.  I hope you have a great week and get to have some sort of thanksgiving dinner.  At least eat potatoes or turkey and remember what you are thankful for!  

Love you,

Mom

It is good having them here Elder Vanbuskirk has changed a lot because of it. It is nice, he is a lot more helpful.  They live with us.  The branch is excited, it hasnt been 4 missionaries up here since May!  We see them very often, yeah they will definitely help with the english classes.  We see her sometimes, we want to watch meet the Mormons with here and her husband sometime.  Make sure everyone is home and working hard. To relay information and be a good example. I have to make call ins to the zone leaders.  I think this will be either my last or second to last transfer here.  I am happy and positive. Nope everything is great!  My Russian is good. I dont know about the tests becasue they havent given me my score yet.  Elder Rice is doing well, he is a goofy guy, we will do splits every week and a half or so.  Are either of the gibbons girls married yet? I'd be surprised if not, but I feel like youd make sure to tell me that.  I will try to do the name tag thing.  I love you so much you are the greatest and I am so happy for you. I am glad that sis is proud of you, because I am too! I love getting letters, I am working on a big Christmas letter. If its snow there it sounds like Shapka season! Love you!