is thomas s. monson in kharkov? (does he even know kharkov exists?)

fam bam,

last week we tracted a lot. again.

there's an old man that lives in our dom named genya.

today he gave us a speech about how Russian names are the prettiest in the world.

'nevers? really? what kind of name is that? better are names like lena. tanya. katya. easier.'

and on and on. whatever.

last week we had a lesson with two men that reminded me of 'grumpy old men.'

they weren't grumpy. just oldish. and working on remodeling the home?

pleasant fellows. who pleasantly, openly listened.

when we talked about prophets they asked if thomas s. monson was in kharkov.

well, no.

then afterwards as we walked home sister fin rhetorically asked if he even knows kharkov exists -- probably not.

we have sister's conference this week. tomorrow we're going to donetsk.

rumor on the street is that sis fin and i are doing a musical number together.

a violin musical number. (she plays, did i tell you?)

we're excited. nevermind that it's been a real long time since i've played.

and then we'll talk about all good things.

sisters, sisters.

there once was a woman named asya. she's 64. muslim historically, but not identifiably.

'just asking god for everything isn't good, right? you need to be grateful for everything.'

maybe it won't turn into a picture perfect story.

she had us over again and bought the tea we can drink. and darling little tea cakes.

then told us she won't read. won't come. won't be baptized.

so we call them 'break up cookies.' the nicest being dropped by someone i've ever had.

so it's not a picture perfect story in that image they write in the liahona.

but. i choose to embrace the moment. dream and love it anyway.

'i am like a little child. i don't know how yet, you'll teach me.'

'you taught me to pray.'

and for that time she said she'd read and pray. and that? that's more than enough.

nevermind that she told us she'd never pray in the name of jesus christ,

but then when she said the final prayer at the end---she did.

it just takes some time.

we had a day that we got yelled at a lot. a not so nice day.

during call ins at the end of the day, our district leader said:

'i have so much respect for sisters. it's not even your obligation to be here the way it is for elders.

so then when you get yelled at or things like that? it's just completely unacceptable.

you shouldn't have to tolerate that.'

good egg.

yesterday in relief society during the opening prayer something struck me.

she started with,

'dear heavenly father. we love you so much.'

and then went on and on in thanks.

i think there's a striking lesson in that.

even more so in the fact that that's how most their prayers begin here.

maybe we should all start with a little more love.

much love,
cectpa em.