All for the Family...

Week 62

The title is because of a song that plays at Andres gym.  IT talks about giving your all, all for the family.  IT really gets me to work hard, I can feel the intensity build while its playing.  Thinking about how that applies to missionary work is not difficult, we are giving it all, all for my family, all for the Family of God.

This week was another busy week and the wheel is still turning.  We were able to work with a lot of people. One of the highlights was after the spiritual thought on Saturday night. During the spiritual thought we talked about Baptism and what it means.  We asked who was baptized and each person raised their hand.  We asked them why, and they said "My parents did it, its a tradition" WE explained how Baptism is not a tradition, it is a commandment of God, and about what we agree to when we are baptized (Mosiah 18).  We then challenged each of them to start living up to the promise their parents made for them, and we plan on inviting quite a few of them to really make that promise for the first time.  WE also talked about Baptism for the Dead, and we explained the churches family history program.  Anna and Roman were really interested in it, so we showed them it after.  Anna was stoked, she couldnt believe how much information I had about my Great great grandpa, stories, memories pictures.  She was shocked.  She wanted to have it so bad.  We invited here to meet with Sister Teeshen our family history specialist who will help here create an account.  We then showed them all the other church websites, they loved it. she was like "This isnt even like heavy duty religious, this is just being a good person" Yep pretty much, as James E Talmage said that is the only religion of any value, the religion of Good living.

Tamara will get baptized on Saturday! She quit drinking black tea at school, now she drinks carrot juice, and apple juice and stuff. (Speaking of Juice, here the have banana juice, dont ask or tell me where they get it from, I do not want to know, but it tastes great)

We are working really hard, and I can feel the power. It is amazing when a companionship contacts in Unity.

Hey buddy!

I can't believe you have lived in Ukraine over a year and that you have been serving for over 14 months now!  That is awesome!  I am so proud of you.

I'm a little worried about Elder Besieger...his letter last week was sad, and him mom is falling apart over it.  I guess he isn't training and was supposed too, but didn't feel ready.

I am worried a little about you and EV.  I hope you are getting along ok and you're able to help him and be patient with him.  Hope things are going good though.

Our week was filled with Dentist appointments and Halloween parties.  This week is full of dentist, doctor appointments and Halloween...so I'll be ready for both of those things to be over!  Kaestli was rainbow dash and a sugar skull.  Cam was a lego ninja, and Jacob is Donald Trump...don't mistake that as support for him though.  I was in charge of Kaestli's class halloween party this friday and Jordy and Josh didn't have school so I had them come and help me run the games.  

We discovered Cam is missing one of him permanent bottom teeth at the dentist and also so serious work that needs to be done on his back teeth.  He will have to go 2 different times to get the stuff fixed.  The enamel on his back teeth never formed properly and they need to be repaired.

Jordy over rotated a back flip on Landon's tramp and landed on his neck/head on the bar of the tramp.  He had massive swelling and was really pale.  We ended up going to the ER to get a cat scan done of his neck and head.  Luckily everything was clear.  He was really sore for a few days, but feels better now.  Unfortunately it was on Dad's birthday so we had to cancel his birthday dinner.

It was also Mikey's birthday this week so you should give Dad and him both a shout out for their birthdays.

Yesterday we went to Cole's birthday party at a bounce house place that was similar to Some Dude's...which I had totally forgotten about.  Then everyone came over to our house for a Caramel party.  We made caramel apples and pretzels.  It was a lot of fun.  We had tons of fun topping for the kids to put on their creations.  

We had the Tboys this weekend and miracle of miracles happened....

Me, Curtis, Margaret and Mike had a civilized...even pleasant conversation!!!  First time in 4 years...2nd time in 10+ years...so #missionblessings for that!  We mostly just talked about Dakkon's mission and Ethan's girlfriend...but it's a start!

The primary program was today.  I cried the whole time.  It was so good.  Kaestli knew all the songs and sang so good.  Ollie and Dad had to sing in a boys group for one of the songs-Praise to the Man.  It was awesome!

I feel like I live my whole week just waiting for Sunday night/monday morning emails!!!  I hang on every word you write.  

Questions this week-

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

2-How are things going with EV? 

3-Is he working hard, or being more positive?  I think I'm worried only because you guys are up there alone and don't have any other missionaries to hang with or do splits with.  Are you doing ok with that?

4-I think EB is really down about his russian and his ability to be a missionary at all, maybe you could send him an encouraging email or something.  He thinks he is terrible, and I'm sure that isn't true, and you of all people would be able to attest to that.

5-Are you hoping for a transfer or new comp this coming transfer?

6-How are you feeling?  Staying healthy?  How are your feet and legs?  Do you need new inserts or anything?

7-Birthday message for Dad and mike.

8-Are you guys able to listen to music?  Do you have a way to listen to music? How do you?

9-How are your investigators doing?  I can't believe that tamara has a WofW problem with the black tea!!!  Can you imagine if they served that at the schools here to little kids?!?  Is she going to give it up?  

10-Are you mad I planned a trip to Fiji, and you won't be able to come?  I'll make it up to you somehow.

11-recordings

12-pics

13- message for me

14-Any other needs for they Christmas package?

15-Did you notice anything different thanks to the fast we did? any miracles or blessings I can tell the other moms about?

Remember that Christmas is less than 2 months away now...and this mother's day to this Christmas is the longest stretch we have to go your entire mission without speaking/seeing each other.  So that is awesome!  It really is going quickly.

I am really proud of you for staying positive and doing so well through this mission.  I can't imagine how hard it truly has been.  You are a great example to the kids, but also to me and Dad!  I love you so much!  Thanks for being amazing and working so diligently.  

Let me know if you need anything or if I can help you.  

You're the best!  I love you so much!  Have a fantastic week.

Love Mom

I am doing well I am happy and positive.  I dont know what his deal is.  I do literally everything I can to not cause contention, or to help him out a bit, but he still seems angry with me.  I dont get it.  I made a list of things I am grateful to him for today, and I gave it to him and he was irritated with me.  I shined his shoes last night for him, and he was irritated with me for doing it.  I do so much stuff for him and he rarely says the two simple words thank you.  I am trying to figure out what I did to him.  IT is really tempting for me to just drop everything I am doing for him, take his dishes out of the sink and put them on his bed, this morning I could feel that desire and thats why I made the list for him, because I was trying to focus on the things I am grateful for from him rather than what he doesnt do(I also made a list of these things and I am not going to share it with him).  It is his problem, he can get over it, I am happy he is not, and that is how it is.  Yeah I am okay with it, I am getting a long with him, he is not getting a long with me.  Yeah I will send Elder Biesinger an email, he is much better a companion that I currently have, so he shouldnt feel too down.  Yes I would like a new companion, but I dont think that is realistic as I dont know anyone else who has patience for Elder Vanbuskirk.  I am still healthy, my legs only hurt in the good way, the way that you know you put in a hard days work.  I am good on all of those things.  

I will send them each an email.  We are now allowed to listen to any appropriate music, we have a dvd player, EV has an Ipod(Which I am grateful to him for)  They are doing well, she already stopped.  I am not mad, I am actually really happy for you, and way excited to see pictures from it.  

I love you so much, you are such a good mom, I know that I am the kind of person I am because of you. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me you as a mother.

Dont send Hand warmers, I dont need them, and Do send something really good for Elder Vanbuskirk, I will UTTERLY DESTROY him with kindness.  

There wasnt any of HUGE,but I could feel a sense of constant support, it definitely gave me strength to not be upset with EV.

Dont worry about me and Elder Vanbuskirk, I can still handle the load, it will take a lot more than this to break me.  I love you so much!

The Lord will hasten his work...

Week 61

Last week at zone conference, President Sullivan talked about the Lord Hastening his work.  

Oh boy he was not kidding. We were jam packed this week.  Appointment after appointment, it almost felt like a stateside mission for a second, then you remember we are the only missionaries in this whole city and it all makes sense.

Lots of Less actives that just need some love and attention came out of the blue, and we were able to find 5 new investigators.  English practice is really picking up and if it keeps growing we are going to need to baptize a few of them real quick so we can go on exchanges and meet in different rooms!  Best of all, many are starting to stay for the spiritual thoughts. 

Saturdays spiritual thought was on faith, and boy was it powerful. I could really tell everyone wanted to develop faith.  One of our investigators brought his girlfriend and they want us to teach them. He said "I want us to move to you" and he wasnt talking about english practice, he was talking about church.

THe Lord really is doing his work.

My Russian has gotten fairly good, the Lord is really blessing me, I dont know how or when or why I have learned a lot of it and that tells me it is of the Lord.  We are doing things in Ukraine that people consider impossible, or rather the Lord is doing things in Ukraine that people consider impossible, and Elder Vanbuskirk and I are sprinting to catch up to him.  "Put your shoulder to the wheel" or else the wheel is going to leave without you!

We are in for another good week and I Love it and am so excited!

I love all of you!

Hey buddy,

I can't believe we hit 14 months this week!!!  We also hit your 1 year mark in Ukraine...That is crazy and awesome!!!  I am so proud of you.  Thanks for being strong and being able to handle this with such grace!.  You are the best.

Our week...

Thanks for the birthday wishes!  That was awesome.  I had a great day.  I loved listening to your recording singing Happy Birthday.  Thanks for doing that.  My birthday was good.  Dad and I went on a date and I dressed up.  We then came home for cake with the kids.  I also got awesome pictures from Julia and Ksenia for my Birthday.  The pics from Ksenia were so awesome.  You looked so happy and genuine in them.  It was the best birthday present I could have gotten!  Please thank them for me.  I did...but you can too:)

Tuesday Josh had a madrigals performance.  Dad and I went with Cam and Kaes.  The other boys were at young men's.  It is still weird that Jacob is in ym. now.  He has his first campout fishing trip this weekend and I'm not sure how I really feel about that!  Again, I feel like that is your age, not his.  Josh is a little bummed because he found out that the spring tour will be over spring break in California.  They are going to disneyland and Harry potter world, but Josh can't go.  I planned that trip to go see Grandma and Grandpa in Fiji with the kids for all of spring break.  He is thrilled to go to fiji, just wishes it wasn't the same weekend.  I am telling the kids about fiji on Christmas...because it will be the main Christmas gift they get.  But, I had to tell Josh about the trip because of the conflict.  Don't be mad I am taking them to fiji without you...GandG are really homesick and I was worried they were going to come home for a while.  I figured it we booked a trip next april, they would have to stay.  I think they are loving it now though.

Lyndsee and Clint did an in vitro study and have 3 frozen little embryos.  She had a weird side effect so they can't try to implant them for 3 months though.  So you should be home when she has the baby if it works!  Fun!

Me and the kids went to the cabin for Fall break.  The boys helped clint get some stuff done around the yard for winter.  We watched movies and played outside.  The weather was beautiful.  Cool, but pleasant.  Lily is talking a ton.  It is super cute.

Last night we carved pumpkins.  The kids loved carving and making a mess like usual.  They ended up just spraying off the entire deck and all the furniture after they finished.  Jordy was shaking off the guts all over the place.

I've been doing a ton of family history.  I went in on your account and released the ordinances left on your account to do...they go inactive after 2 years.  I then requested them and got them all printed again.  I have about 50 ordinances that need to be performed.  I have also added a ton of photos of family members.  

We went to tithing settlement tonight and I asked for a record of your mission payment history.  I paid most of it off last year but left about $1000. to pay.  They printed it off and Ben and Leisl made 2 payments of $50. But the real surprise was MaryAnn and Spencer have been paying $50. a month for every month you have been out.  If they continue to pay that by the time you get back the $1000. left will be paid off completely.  I think it is so nice!  You should send them a nice thank you email.  I know they don't have a lot of money, so it is a sacrifice for them.  They are paying $50 a month for Dakkon too.  

Questions-

1-Well,  All of us moms are just going nuts about the new missionaries coming.  Any changes to you guys?    What info are you aware of if any?  

 

2-Are you still happy and positive?

3-Do you think you will be changed out of Sumy this next transfer?  Are you hoping for a transfer?  

4-Are you staying healthy?  Have you started getting you winter sickness?  Have you had to use the antibiotics?  Do you still have the antibiotics?

5-What size of shoe do you wear?  Jordy's feet are all the sudden as big as josh about a 9 but he still hasn't gone through puberty at all yet so he should still have a big growth spurt coming.  The boys were asking about your feet.

6-I'll probably send your Christmas package in a few weeks so let me know if you need anything added for convenience?  Food wise...really no pop tarts still?

(I'll wrap your presents so you can open the package and get the food stuff out early)

7-How are you and EV getting along?  Do you miss EB?

8-Out of your comps who has been your favorite, and who do you think you will stay friends with after your mission?

9-When does Tamara get baptized?  

10-How is Lena doing?

11-message for me

12-Pics

13-Recordings

14-Do you think you will use Russian in your profession/ or minor in Russian in college?

15-Do you want to live at home the first semester of college and then move down in January?  (wishful thinking I know, but I can hope!)

16-What majors/ minors are you thinking about.  You should need enough generals that we can sign you up for some random generals you need that first semester.  Dad thinks you should take the lowest amount of credits required that first semester so you can ease back into it and make sure you're getting good grades.  You could also take a Russian class and that would be easy!

I miss you like crazy.  I love you so much. I am very proud of you.  I know that missions are hard but you seem to deal with it so well.  I am so glad you are serving a mission.  We get to talk on Skype in 2 months!!!  Yay for that!  I love you.  Keep being you.  You're always going to be my best friend.  

Love you

Mom 

Yeah we are staying the same, The rest of the mission is getting misionaries.  Yup I am happy and positive.  No I think I will stay and that we will get missionaries up here and I will stay in Sumy, if I do get switched I would be surprized.  Yeah I had it but thanks to many kiwis I am already over it.  I wore size 11 and a half or sometimes 11.  My feet havent grown much out here. Send me some Mucinex that I can take before bed. The DM stuff keeps you up according to Sister Sullivan.  Yup No poptarts, I never want to eat another poptart in my entire life.(This is really hard for me)  Yesss! I miss EB so bad, he is like my brother I feel a little lost without him, I trust EB with my life, he and I are tight.  We get a long but he is kind of moody sometimes, He needs Hustle and initiative.  Elder Biesinger and Elder Schwieghardt were both amazing so it is probably a tie between those two.  I will stay friends with all of them.  She will get baptized on November 5th, its funny we were expecting smooth sailing since she is 8, but she has a word of wisdom problem! They serve black tea at her school and apparently she really likes it.  She was a little devastated when we told her if she wants to get baptized she cant drink it any more, it was funny she put her face in her hands for like 5 minutes.  Lena is doing well, she forgets doctrine and commandments easy. She did some missionary work this week to one of her friends though so that was good.

I am sending your letter today, I love you so much you are the greatest mom ever!  I dont even know, try Economics and Programming or Business and Programming, I for sure want to take some computer classes.  Calculus was one of my strengths so something I need math for would be good.  I want to go to BYU and live near there for my first year, but when I get married I want to move into the Guest House if thats possible.  Do what you think is right! I would love a Russian class, but I dont know if I want to major in it or minor in it. I would for sure love to study it though.

More time out...

Week 60

Yeah this week we spent more time outside of Sumy than we did in Sumy. 4 days out, 3 days in.  But it is okay because we still got some good work done.

We had to buy some medicine this week for one of the most adorable little girls. She was running a really high fever and all of the branch presidency were unavailable so it fell to us.  It used all of the Money we had with us, except for 4 greeven and some coins Elder Vanbuskirk had.  After that we talked to some Jehovahs witnesses.

You know how I feel about Bible bashing (probably the biggest most pointless waste of time that drives the spirit away) and so I wasnt going to talk to them because that is all they want to do.  Then they said "Come here" so I came there. And I testified of Thomas S. Monson as a living prophet. They asked me to show them where in the Bible it says that we need prophets. So I showed them, they refused the validity of Amos 3:7 (God doeth nothing if he doesnt open his secrets to the prophets). So according to them God is doing nothing. Then I asked them in the bible to show me where it says we shouldnt have one.  They tried to apply a verse at the end of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 where it talks about Charity not failing, and Prophecy and Gift of tongues failing(They told me I did not have the gift of tounges, though they themselves complimented and maybe even wondered at how I spoke). This is where I could have continued by asking them to turn the page to where Paul admonishes us to seek the gift of prophecy(1Corinthians 14), but I did not(Trading versus all day does nothing when those with whom you speak refuse to feel the spirit). I testified that God is a God of miracles, that there is a prophet today, and that if I had not the gift of tongues I would be unable to say a word.  That meeting only took about 5 minutes, and it ended with me having a stronger testimony of our prophet, and of the miracles God does, I told them if they want to talk to us on the grounds of learning and coming closer to God (not contentiously arguing) that they are welcome to call us.  The spirit had remained with me and supported me.

That is the big story this week.  We had exchanges and zoneconferences which is why we were out of town so much.  I am really loviing being a missionary.

More miracles we had 3 Less actives show up to church yesterday. We have a prospective appointment with each of them and all of them heard President and Sister Sullivan speak, and I know it touched their hearts.

I love all of you!

Hey Buddy!

There were some great blog posts this week and Sister Sullivan sent me some photos of you too!  I love anything extra I get!  I can't wait to hear all about the changes for this week from the other moms...and you.  We have found a few of the moms from the new missionaries coming.  They have been in Washington waiting for their visa's.  Sounds like they are set to arrive Wednesday.  

Our week was good.  Jordy and I went and observed in the class over at Oquirrh Middle School.  At this point I think we will have him switch.  It will give him the best chance at learning more.  I have him accepting it at this point.  It will cost me...bribes but it will be worth it in the end.

We had Kalten and Ollie this weekend.  Ethan was sick on Friday and had Sadie's dance yesterday so he didn't come.  We went to the BYU game Friday night.  It started at 8:30 pm and went in to double over time so it went until 12:15 am.  We left at the end of the game...but missed the double overtimes.  The weather this last week was super nice so even really late it wasn't cold.  

Josh has to go to a concert for his choir classes so today he took Cayson's sister with him to the Mo-Tab choir performance.  I was worried about him driving downtown, but he made it safe and sound.  

Christian Russel came home this week.  I'm not sure why, they said a "honorable medical release".  I think he was just having a hard time and was ready to come home.  It was weird to see him though.  Ethan Glaittli comes home in a couple weeks and then it will start everyone else coming home every few months until it is your turn to come home.  It makes it seem fast.

Dad got a response from Elder Oaks to his Religious Bill of Rights so he was pretty excited about that.  

I'm improving on the piano playing, and I am still working on the Family History stuff when I have free time.  

So all the moms have been talking about different things that I want to ask you about.

1- did you eat some of that Nutria rat thingy???  What was that????

2- Elder Vanbuskirk's mom said that if his back doesn't stop hurting he has to be sent home?!?  I didn't know he was having back issues.  Is it really that bad???

3- New branch president in Sumy.  A couple weeks ago I had the passing thought that they could make you branch president.  But then Sister Sullivan told me they were changing it this week.  So who is the new guy?  Do you know him well?  Is it a good change?

4-Transfers Changes this week...did you guys get changed, or moved?  Do you have any new missionaries coming up to Sumy?  I think that would be awesome!!!

5-How was your interview with the President this week?  What does he ask you about and what do you talk about?

6-Did you give Sister Sullivan the Envelopes?

7-Where do they stay when they come to town?  Was your apartment clean for her inspection???

8-EV sent home some white chocolate snickers bar...send me one please!

9-How is training with the master of sports?  And your other investigators.  When will Tamara get baptized?

10-Any predictions for your future in the mission?  

11-Does the president hint at things/changes to come before hand?

12-Are you still happy and positive?

13-Are you staying obedient?

14-Do you hear much about our politics?  It's a pretty big disaster at this point.

15-Are you still getting mail from me?  Please send me another letter soon.  I love them so much!

I miss you so much but I am so proud of you.  Seeing Christian was odd.  Keely said, "Are you jealous, do you wish it was Jax?"  and after thinking a second about it I said, "No, I would be sad if he was back already.  I feel like the best 10 months of his mission are ahead of him, now that he has the language down good and it immersed in the culture."  I am truly grateful for the experience you are having.  I am so proud, and impressed with the person you are.  Thanks for being amazing and such a great example to me.  I love you so much.  

Good luck this week if you have any changes coming up:)

Love you,

Mom

No, I have no clue, but I saw a picture, and it probably is in half the stuff we eat anyway, its an over grown rat.  Yeah his back his hurting him pretty bad. I dont think there is anything wrong with it except for maybe a bruised bone or some messed up nerves.  Yeah I know the new Branch president he is not as good as the Old one was(he is moving to Dnepr)  but he is a good man.  We are staying the same. President seems to like to keep me in the same place for a while. Interviews are good he usually asks us about our goals or about how we feel we have grown it is different every time, he says you all wont recognize me when I get off the air plane. No, she did not ask for them, but I asked if there was anything and she said no.  Yes, but no inspection happened.  Okay I will send more letters and packages soon for the snickers.  They are all in about the same spot, but Tamara is doing good still. She will get baptized either this week or next week we are not sure.  I am clueless as to the future.  No he makes no hints and no clues.  Yes I am happy and Positive.  Yes I am obedient.  No we dont hear much about that.  What is wrong with our politics? Yes I still get mail every zone conference.  Tell christian hi for me. I hope he is okay.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM I love you so much, do you remember the Surprized BDay party Traci helped me throw for you? I cant believe that was so long ago, I love you so much.

Hittin' the Gym with the "Master of Sports".

Week 59

So we had a stalker this week.  The night before we left to Poltava for an Exchange, our little cute old door lady says, "A big guy was looking for you he left his name(Andre) and phone number, he was a sportsman maybe he wants to recruite you"(She sees us go out to Run often)  I said thanks and put the note in my pocket, kind of disturbed, people I dont know shouldnt know where I live, that is a threat to our safety.  I didnt call that night and we left for Poltava.  

 While in poltava we had a good time. I was supposed to be with Elder Jeffery but I ended up with Elder Ustin(From Belarus) and Elder Bates(Yay former companion!) for most of the Exchange.  Me and Elder Ustin sat in the Poltava branch while Eldrs Biesinger and Jeffery went to go get registered by the government.  Hes pretty cool, he already has a degree, and he knows what he is doing with anything that runs off electricity.  With Elder Bates we taught an Investigator in Poltava who saw a TV show about Salt Lake City and saw MOrmons and wants to be baptized and make a blog to advertise the Church more widly in Ukraine.  THen we went home. 

Our Door lady comes out and said there was a very large man looking for us. I was a little bit scared because in Ukraine, Very large means VERY LARGE.  I remembered about Andre. I called him and he was thrilled. He wants to learn English, not rip our arms off, I was relieved.

We met with him and he is the Ukrainian "Master of Sports" many of his friends are also proffesional sports men, one is an amazing wrestler. ANdre is a power lifter. He picks heavy things up and puts them down.  He offered to train us at the gym he works at. We said we will get back to you on that. 

WE have had the opprotunity to give him the Book of Mormon and he is reading it in English and Russian.  We have Faith that the power of the book will touch him. His wife is also a trainer that works at the same gym, we saw her today. THey are not living together because they dont understand eachother.  We hope we can strengthen their marriage. Andre is HUGE. 6'3" and 110 kilograms of Pure Muscle. He placed Second In Ukraines National Powerlifting tournament.  If he wanted to he really could tear our arms off. Thankfully he really likes us.

WE worked out at his Gym this morning, and he secretly trained us.  Ill get a picture with him this week for you all. 

Tamara is doing well and still wants to get Baptized so that is good.

Lena came to conference yesterday and she is still pretty strong.

LOVE YOU!

Hey buddy,

Your email last week was awesome!  You sound so good and so happy and so positive.  It does my heart good to hear that you love Ukraine so much and love the people!  I'm so proud of you, but I am so happy that you are enjoying it!  I'm sure it's hard, all things in this life that are worth it are hard!  But to be able to find joy in the journey is such a blessing.  I know that not all missionaries are able to do that.  I am so glad you can!  

We have had a busy week.  I sent a bunch of photos of it.  We are all doing well.  On Monday I took Cam to the ENT.  They are going to order a swallow study to see why he is choking.  He also said that his salivary gland will most likely remain an issue for a while.  He was hopeful that eventually it will go away on it's own, but thinks it's likely that it will continue to get infected serval times before he stops getting it completely.  If it continues to progress and become more frequently then we will have to look at surgical options.  That is at the bottom of the list right now.  The swallow study should be fairly simple.  They just take X-ray of him swallowing different things to figure out where the problem is.

Jacob got his braces off.  He won't get them back on until he is 16-17 so that he can have a chance of not having to do a third set like you will have too.  Interesting that you and him both got Daddy Jake's jaw, but not Jordy and Josh.  

The youth had their annual fall festival for the primary.  We had a lot of fun.  IT was weird that Jacob was there as one of the young men and not one of the primary kids.  The primary program is at the end of the month.

The district is recommending that Jordy be placed in a Communication Academic cluster unit at Oquirrh Hills middle school.  The bus would pick him up and bring him home.  He was originally throwing a fit about any change, but Josh and I have been working on him and he seems more open to it.  We pointed out that he will be able to be super popular in high school because he will know all the kids from both schools.  This tuesday Jordy and I are both going to the school to observe and then we will make the final decision.  Prayers for us to make the right decision would be very welcome!

Josh went to a party last night and a girl told him that she liked him.  When I said he should just say, "Thanks, that is really nice, we should go on a date sometime." He said I don't understand how complicated it is.  It's not that simple;)

Kaestli is getting super smart.  She is reading really well and doing awesome in school.  She almost has her backbend and kickover by herself in tumbling.

BYU finally won and had a good game.  Well, they had a good second half of a game really...the first half was pitiful.  Dad and I got a smoker and so Dad make a brisket yesterday.  We smoked it for 12 hours.  It was super yummy.  We got a bunch of yard work done yesterday and winterized the yard/pool area.  Dad still hadn't seen jungle book so we had a family movie night after our chores last night and watched it.  

Friday night me and dad went to dinner with Elder Besinger's parents.  It was a ton of fun.  We met at 6:30 and ended up talking until 10:00.  His parents are great!  Julie and I are seriously kindred spirits!

I loved the video of you and EV in your apartment.  That was awesome.  Dakkon is doing better.  He sent me a message last week, but not a group one and not one to dad either. But he sounds better and more positive.  

I love you and miss you so much!  You are just the best!  Stay happy and positive and do your best always.  Know that perfection is never expected or required.  Just do your best and strive to be better everyday.  I love you!

Questions-

1-Still happy and positive?

2-Any word on the new arrivals or transfers?

3-Where did you watch conference and with who?

4-What was your favorite thing about conference?

5-How are your investigators doing?

6-How can we help you?

7-Are you hoping to stay in Sumy or ready for a change?

8-How is EV Russian coming?

9-Can you send any photos of you with the fall colors and outdoors?

10-I need more pics of you specifically!

11-Special message for me.

12-Are you sure you don't want to put in a request for a christmas gift?

I miss you and I love you!  I love every Sunday night getting to hear from you.  Also I love that you have been sending them earlier, because I get them before I go to sleep usually so then I don't lose sleep that night:)

Love you,

Mom

Yes I am still happy and positive.  NO, but none of them are coming to Sumy, those poor guys have been stuck in the MTC for EVER.  WE watched confernce just on Sunday, we have been listening to it all week because we downloaded it.  There was one american randomly in town, he watched it with us.  My favorite talks were all in Priesthood Session, but I love it when President Monson speaks.  They are all doing well, Tamara still wants to get baptized and she should be able to in about two weeks.  I am close to a ready for a change, but I love Sumy.  Honestly it is really hard for him, I fasted yesterday especially for him.  He has very poor retention, and will often forget what he learns just an hour or two later.  Very few people are able to understand him, and it is embarrassing for him when I have to translate from his Russian, to Regular Russian, I know he will get it eventually.  Sometimes he resents me because I dont struggle with it like he does, but he gets over pretty quick, I try to do what I can to serve him.  He is very similar to Josh, in that he is prideful, he tries to Irritate me just like Josh did, it doesnt work, he is not nearly as good at it as Josh was.  He says he wants to find out what happens when he reaches my breaking point, I guess Josh could tell him so he doesnt have to find out.  But I know that he loves me, and I love him. I really miss Josh, and I cant wait to hang out with him when I get home.  I will try to send pictures of me more, it is hard because here, all the trees turn at different times, some are still green, and some have no leaves left. That pretty much describes Ukraine, it doesnt really know if it wants it to be summer or winter.  I love you so much and you are the best Mom in the whole wide world.  I love that we are best friends and we can trust eachother. I am so happy that I was raised by you.

I guess I could use a good pair of Sweats, I plan to run every other day even in the winter.

Another week in my favorite country!

Week 58

Wow Ukraine is SOOO... Beautiful.  I love being here so much, it is so great.  THis week we went to visit a family clear out in the country side.  They have this tiny little home on a road in the middle of no where. They have an out house, and all that cool stuff.  THey were so kind they made us delicious toast and compote.  I seriously love Ukraine so much. We went out behind thier house and you just see rolling hills for miles and miles, or kilometers and kilometers.

WE had 5 new investigators this week. 

ANd most importantly one of them wants to get Baptized!  Her name is Tamara and she is the most adorable 8 year old you will ever see.  She is a little sassy sometimes but it is so cute.  Her Parents are out of the picture,and so her Aunt and Uncle who are members take care of her.  She is Russian Orthodox by birth and one of her grandparents is very against the church, and always tells her "You were already baptized, you dont need to again, dont get baptized.  Well, we come to their house everyweek, they feed us physically we feed them spiritually, and then we leave.  I had been thinking about tamara, and I felt we needed her to help her Identify that baptism is her choice, not her uncle or aunts, or her grammas choice.  So we taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When we got there I had Elder VanBuskirk lead the lesson in Russian and he did a stellar Job.  She asked her uncle "why am I not baptized yet?" And we told her she can, she just has to say when.  She is so excited.  Her Uncle will baptize her.

No health problems this week, except for an over intake of York Peppermint patties from the Amazing package my Mom sent me.  The socks were a life saver, that package was the best! 

I had told myself "Only 2 Yorks a day" Elder VanBuskirk was supposed to keep me on track, it worked for about 3 days, then I lost control.  There are no more Yorks  as of 7:00 am this morning.  But at least I am happy!

Hey buddy,

Conference has been amazing this time.  It always it, but I've been sick and so I couldn't go anywhere or do anything anyway so I have been able to sit and enjoy listening to all the sessions.  I am seriously loving that there will only be one more conference without you.  I know I shouldn't count down, but I miss you and can't wait to have you back.  

This week has been good and hard.  

On Monday I went to lunch with Julie Biesinger so that I could give her the things from EB.  She was so excited about it.

On Tuesday Josh had  a big program at the school for madrigals where he would be singing several songs including a couple duets.  I took Cam and Kaes with me and Dad was going to meet us there.  Jacob and Jordy had scouts.  I gave Cam an antibiotic pill before we left for the High school.  When we were in line at the school Cam tugged on my shirt and put his hands around his throat and quietly said, "I'm choking".  I asked him on what, and he said, my pill.  He was breathing and could kind of talk so I figured he just needed some water to get it done the rest of the way.  I went and got him the water but it seemed to make it worse.  He started panicking a little and crying.  I was trying to get him to drink and figure out what to do.  I realized that I needed to get him to the ER before things got worse.  We left the performance after just the first 30 seconds of the first song.  When I got to the ER they rushed to work on him and check his vitals.  Dad met us at the ER and we were there for a couple hours.  They started having him drink sprite and apple juice. The pill was not budging. Cam went between being very upset and scared that he was going to die to completely out of it and lethargic.  He couldn't sit or stand or function at all.  It was so scary. Then after about 1 hour and 45 mins Cam finally threw up violently.  Luckily we had a bag there ready.  After his episode we could see the blue pill at the bottom of the bag.  He perked up immediately and said, "Wow, that feels better".  He was fine the next day.  I have an appointment with his ENT dr. tomorrow.  They wanted me to see him after the salivary gland infection, but now with the choking too he needs to be seen asap.

On Thursday I had a big meeting with the school district and all of Jordy's teachers and principal.  They are trying to figure out the best placement for him, whether that is in the resource classes or a cluster unit.  It was very difficult to sit through the meeting with them listing all of the struggles he is having in the resource classes.  After the meeting I got really sick.  I think the stress combined with the virus that everyone was passing.  It hit hard and I have been down all weekend.  I am feeling a bit better today.  There are still no decisions on Jordy's placement.

Friday night Dad took the TBoys and Jacob and Jordy to the BYU game.  They finally won!!!  It was another very close game!  The kids had a great time.

Last night the Tboys came back up to go to the priesthood session with Dad and the boys.  Unfortunately Jacob had to miss, he was at the cabin helping Clint with the horses.  The boys have really come to look forward to Dad taking them to the session and then to the Chinese restaurant for dinner after.  It wasn't our weekend, but they talked about how they wouldn't miss that tradition.  I am so happy that a tradition like this has stuck for all the boys and that it is a positive thing for them to look forward too.

Everything else is about the same.  I have been so anxious all week about your transfers.  I want to hear all details of what is going on.  Are there any new missionaries coming this week...or not until 6 more weeks?

Questions

1-Transfer info...where, who, what is your responsibility?

2-If you leave Sumy who is your replacement?

3-Is your leg better?  On EV recording he said it was your knee.  Is it still bothering you?

4-How is the weather?

5-I got more pics from Julia, has she let you teach her yet?

6-Any more contact with Ksenia?

7-I want some good fall pictures

8-Are you still happy and positive?

9-Are you healthy? Have you got your winter cold yet?

10-Did you get the package yet? (The envelopes were supposed to be for Sister Sullivan but she didn't take them out).

11-Favorite thing about the package?

12-How are your investigators doing?

13- pics/ recordings/ message for me:)

I love you and miss you like crazy!  I pray for you constantly.  Thank you for serving the Lord.  I am so proud of you.  You're the best!

Have a great week, stay strong, faithful, humble, and teachable.  You are a great missionary and are doing a great job.  

I love you,

Mom

Nothing has changed, I am still here in Sumy as the senior companion With EVB. Yes my leg is better.  Sometimes my knees hurt, but its ok, it is only occasional and it goes away.  Maybe God will give me a new pair of legs after I wear these ones out. THe weather is Bipolar, it has been really cold, and really warm The leaves are changing quickly.  No she wont let us teach her, but it is clear she feels the spirit around us, it is so frustrating when people know we are different but they wont let us say why! Yeah she brought us TONS of food yesterday and I made Borsht for EVB and myself.  I put some ranch in it and it is the best thing ever. I will make borsht for all of you when I get home, and teach you tons of Ukrainian traditions.  I will try to send some good ones.  Yes I am happy and positive.  No cold, I am a bit conjested but no cold.  Yes the package was amazing, I loved it so much.  By far the Foot stuff.  I was trying to find one of the file things but couldnt, then I got the package.  The SOcks are all so amazing, My old ones need a break.They are all doing really good.  I forgot my Voice Recorder, but I have pics.

I love you too mom! You are the best and I am so excited to be able to see you again only a few months until skype.  When you go to Cali you need to visit Elder Vanbuskirks family!