Day #3

The Elders, Drew, Masha, me, the sister missionaries and Sister and Brother Hardy (a couple that serve in the mission office.)

This is Elder Johnson, the missionary that was adopted from Russia when he was 7. He was very sweet and I can tell he loves the work he is doing here. He has a special spirit about him.

We went to church today again in Dnipropotrosk. We were a little late to the meeting but found our way alright after being there last week. Having the car has been nice for us to be able to go where we want, when we want but it did take a little getting used to the driving culture. We now know where the cops usually park themselves and we know what potholes we can skim over and the ones we have to crawl over. I think I have a life of adventure ahead of me with Drew, who really enjoys his independence. The driving has been an adventure for sure. I think there is good reason for us being the first family to drive ourselves around and probably the last. :)

Like I said, we were a little late to the meeting but we did make it for the sacrament and the rest of the meeting and afterwards took pictures with all of the sweet missionaries. They are so fun to be around. We asked them to give Masha the first discussion during the Sunday School time. Of course, they were happy to oblige and we had a wonderful hour with the sister missionaries teaching her. A couple of the Elders translated for us, one of them being the one that was adopted from Russia. They showed the church movie about Joseph Smith and the Restoration and it just made me ball. Masha looked at me and wondered, "What is up with my mom???" Whenever I feel the spirit, I can't help but cry. It's the way I've always been. So it was a special hour and Masha seemed receptive to what they had to share with her. Masha said the senior companion (Sister) that led the discussion was very pretty. I hope she got a little more from it than just that! I'm sure she did.

After the discussion we walked around the main street for a little while and then headed home. It was funny when we pulled up to the apartment Drew said, "You never thought we would call a place like this home sweet home, did you?" It is so true though. We have come to feel at home in Constantine's apartment and to be near the apartment makes me feel safe. I feel safest when I am inside the apartment. It is very funny to think, though, that I could ever consider a place like this home.

The garbage outside is horrendous! With all of the snow melting off, it has revealed all of the trash that was trapped under it. It is such a mess right now, much worse than last summer. And, it is muddy, muddy, muddy. Half the time I don't know if I'm in just mud or if I'm stepping in dog pooh also. Alas, this is home!

We watched movies, knitted and did email. Pretty lazy day again, but nice.


We missed the blessing for our new little nephew today. Major bummer, wish we were there with the rest of the family! Hope you all enjoyed yourselves.