Max and Deanna

Mulan

2012-01-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

Max built the Hodges girls a bookshelf and wanted to deliver it this week. Luckily it was the same time Ethan was performing in the play at his school. We went down Wednesday, helped Mandy with a few things, saw the play, and came home Thursday. It was a short visit, but we always enjoy spending time with the Grand kids. I was impressed with Ethan's play. It was amazing what eighth graders could do.

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

My Sister-in-law, Nina Ricks, just moved from near Seattle to Rexburg. We went out to see her new home and visit. Even with the boxes, we could see how beautiful her new house is and enjoyed some fun conversation. Susan was tending her grand-daughter Lily so it was an added bonus to see her. She sure likes her Grandma.
In the picture are Lily--Susan's Granddaughter, Susan Landon, my sister, Nina Ricks, and Laleene Ricks my sister-in-laws.

Where's the Snow??

2012-01-11T03:44:00.000-08:00

We are having the strangest weather this year. It's almost like living in St. George. There is no snow on the ground and the sun shines everyday. It's still a little cold--but it almost makes you want to go out and start working in the yard!!

Elk Refuge

2011-12-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

Part of the family went to Jackson Hole to the Elk Refuge. The weather was cold--but the shine was shinning and it was beautiful.

2011-07-31T09:01:00.001-07:00

Summer Flowers

2011-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

The flowers and planted, weeded, and ready for some warm weather.

This plant is so hardy--coming up each year in the middle of our patio.

Wheeler Farm Visit

2011-06-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

We took a wagon ride behind a tractor.

Hannah looks a little fancy for a farm visit!

Grace looks a little nervous.

Good mother duck--she wouldn't leave her nest for anything.

Saw some old farm machinery.

It was a fun morning. We were there to see Hannah's dance recital--but I didn't get any pictures of that. We were not allowed to take pictures so I left my camera in the motel.

Mountain Man Rendzevous

2011-06-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

The week-end my husband and children threw me a surprise birthday party in Logan, we attended a Mountain Man's Rendezvous. Sad to say Chad's family had to leave early so he could get back to work.

Recitals

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

We attended a few recitals this months where our grand-children performed.

Alex's Orchestra Recital

Kate's Dance Recital

Lauren on Stage

Mad's performing her tape dance routine.

Fancy Hat

2011-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Olivia found that hat I wore to the Kentucky Derby and tried it on. Frankly I think it looks much cuter on her than it did on me.

Backyard Snow

2011-06-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

(I'm doing a little catch-up on my blog)
We had a lot of snow in the bottom part of our back yard which stayed a long time. Ethan was able to build a tunnel he could actually crawl through.

Wicked Weekend

2011-05-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

3 daughters + 1 daughter-in-law, + 1 grand-daughter made for a fun week-end in Boise, Idaho. (We sure missed Melissa, but her girls had a dance recital she needed to be home for.)

We visited the State Capitol Building.....

ate Vietnamese, French, and Melting Pot....

and even had race up the to the top of the steps.

The reason we went was to see the musical "Wicked" which was fantastic.

Kentucky Derby Part 2

2011-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is what we saw of the race. We really had pretty good seats because many in the crowd couldn't even see the any of the race. Animal Kingdom won the race with a 30-1 odds--so people who were brave won a lot of money--not us!! It was fun and exciting to be there. Kentucky is beautiful.

Kentucky Derby

2011-05-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

We were able to attend the Kentucky Derby with its...

horses.....

fancy hats.....

fancy clothes..............

interesting hats.......

and lots of people.

I think we look like Ma and Pa Kettle. (and I was afraid my hat would be too much)

2011-05-10T14:09:00.001-07:00

Arizonia trip day 2

2011-01-29T06:35:00.000-08:00

Jan 28, 2011. Fri-- we spent most of the day in Cedar City getting Mel's pickup fixed. They kept telling us-another hour. Very frustrating. We were finally back on the road again at 3:00 pm. But we didn't get to south rim of the Grand Canyon until 11:00 pm. We did stop to deliver a horse at Cameron, Arizona and visited the neatest store full of indian art. The casher said they had 250,000 items in the store

Sorry no pictures. Imagine some beautiful mountains covered in snow.

Arizonia trip

2011-01-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well as you can tell I'm experimenting on my iPad. We have one day down of our trip. The weather keeps getting better the further we go south. Mel's truck had problems and had to be hauled to cedar city. It's good that buddy is with us and can haul us all there.

Arizona trip

2011-01-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

Wild Animal Kingdom

2011-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Disney Trip 2

2011-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Mickey and Minnie were very popular and showed up everywhere!

The whole family putting on their "Mickey Ears"

Disney Trip

2011-01-09T16:17:00.001-08:00

It seemed that when we returned from our "trip of a lifetime" with all the children and grand children to Disney World, it was Christmas and I didn't get much time to post some pictures of our trip--so lucky fans of "my blog" here you go. Actually it will be fun for me to remember the fun times we had on our trip.

One of the things the grand kids enjoyed was having their pictures taken with the Disney Characters.

(Sorry the only "character" in this picture is Travis)

Even Grandma and Grandpa were included!!

Christmas Memories

2011-01-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

The tree is down, company gone, and all that's left of Christmas is great memories and fun pictures.

The Tabernacle Christmas Concert with David Archeleta.....

Sleigh ride and caroling (Thanks to Delbert and Linda for the ride and the delicious hot chocolate) ....

Silly Games....

The Nativity performed by the grandchildren...

Great talent show....

And Pillow Pets for Everyone!!

Las Vegas Trip

2010-12-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

We took our annual (minus the year we were on our mission) to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. We drove over to the Hoover Dam to see the new bridge that was just recently completed. We have seen the building process over the years and were amazed at the final results.

One foot in the state of Nevada and one foot in the state of Arizona

Disney Trip

2010-11-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

Day One--Epcot Center or as Hannah called it "Epricot"

Disney Characters...

Pluto and of course....

Mickey Mouse.

Thrill rides for the brave...

and Snow White for the rest of us.

Kayla's Kool Kolors

2010-09-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

I visited by daughter in Logan and helped her do some projects in their new home.

These are my two "helpers"

Makayla's room went from tan to green--isn't it pretty!! We also fixed the broken drawer, but I took a picture before the drawer was put back in the dresser.

And here is the "mommy" who isn't probably too happy with me right now for 2 reason.

1. That I put her picture on my post and 2. the name of this post.

(But I like them both!!)

Fond Farewell

2010-09-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

When we first brought the ground in Burton the Rotary Club were selling trees. Dad asked if we would like some. I said 5 - 10 would be great thinking they would be pretty good sized trees. Well he brought all ten of them wrapped inside a sheet from the newspaper.

Just last week we had to cut one of them down. It had grown from a small twig to a huge tree. It was getting so big and the roots were growing everywhere. Even to the point of lifting up the playhouse. But it was sad to lose such a wonderful tree that provided so much shade for our back yard.

Orphan Kittens

2010-07-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

Max, Mandy, and Abby found some kittens that had been left along the rode. When the brought them home I thought they were dead. Well we fed them milk with a syringe and they revived. After about three days they were eating lunch meat and lapping milk by themselves. The grand kids fell in love with them. Mandy took them home to take care of until they could find a suitable home. They found a family with 5 daughters living on a farm that were willing to take them. That was one stipulation--they could not be split. I don't know what all those cats had been through before we started taking care of them--but they seem to be pretty protective of each other. I understand there were a few tears shed when the new owner came to pick up the kittens. But they learned a great humanitarian lesson--taking care of orphans.

Running is Fun???

2010-07-14T05:02:00.000-07:00

These people think so. Adam, Ethan, Abby, and Courtney (Chad's sister) ran in the 4th of July 3K. Adam ran it in record time. All of them finished, which in my eyes makes them all winners!!! Mandy has been training to run in it, but has a leg injury and was unable to run.

Home Again

2010-07-13T04:50:00.001-07:00

I figured it was time for an update. We made it home and have been enjoying our family-- doing a little of this and a little of that. I get busy watching the grand kids and forget to take pictures.

Hannah

Lauren

Grace

Mads

Kate

Parting Shots

2010-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

As our mission finishes I think back to all the great experiences we have had, the challenges we faced, the fun times we experienced, the laughs over language mistakes, the beautiful scenery in the country and the city, but most of all the wonderful people that we have met in what we will always remember as one of our favorite countries--Belarus!

Street Vendors in Vityebsk.

Bushes growing out of the top of this house.

One works--five supervise!

We were presented several bead tree made by the handicap people at some of our humanitarian project.....

but this was our first feather tree, presented to us on our last road trip.

English Club

2010-06-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

For our last English Club I brought some American Cookies--Snickerdoodle and Peanut Butter. The group was small, but we had fun playing games and eating cookies.

Masha, Olya, Helene enjoying the cookies.

English Club June 2010

"Yeah for us!"

Max and Victor Kudin

Olya, Deanna, and Masha (these three are leaving for America June 25)

They made us a thank-you card and signed it, in English of course.

Making English "Fun"

2010-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

In English Club this week the sisters had a fun way to improve our language skills. They had some pictures we had drawn for FHE. One person described the picture while the other person drew it on the board. It really was hilarious.
Max with his work of art.

What he drew....

What it was suppose to be. Artoim call this person an alien when actually it is an elder with puppets on his hands.

Then Helena described for Artoim his picture. I just love to hear them speak English with a Russian accent.

Health Fairs and Missionary Work

2010-06-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Sisters went with us to Vityebsk to present a puppet show on healthy living in this public library.

Sister Werner and Sister Oaks

Max and Sergie carrying out the trunk holding the puppet show supplies.

But there is no rest--the sisters are scheduled to visit with the members of the church in Vityebsk and we are on to visit a Day Care Center for adults with handicapps.

(They work while I sit in the van and take picture--but someone has got to do it---right!!)

An Improvement

2010-06-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's an interesting process to improve the looks of these old apartment building.

First they put a layer of Styrofoam over the brick, then they use a plaster to cover the seams and screws.

Then they are painted with all sort of bright colors.

Friday Fun Fotos

2010-06-18T01:00:00.001-07:00

We are not moving...but its still a cool picture from the van.

Lenin Street in Minsk

Doll presented to us for our humanitarian work at the Byhovsky

Retirement Home.

Lawn Art

2010-06-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I can't even imagine thinking of a flower design--let alone planting them.

Mogilov Road Trip

2010-06-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

We see lots of village homes with very little color....

and newer homes with a bit more.

We see a few horses..

and a war memorial in every village and city.....

and lots of beautiful churches.

But we do miss a little. I look just like this in the back seat, but Max is nicer than me and didn't get it on camera!!

Moscow--parting shots!

2010-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Assumption Cathedral inside the Kremlin Wall

notice they are wearing their badges--something they are allowed to do in Russia.

Tsar Bell--1735 weight 200 ton

Tsar Cannon--1586 Weight-39.5 ton

Moscow Weekend 2

2010-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

We rode from the airport and to the airport in a rainstorm--but the weather was great the rest of the time.

The famous Kremlin Wall

Great Bell Tower of Ivan the Great.

Alexander's Garden

Sister Oaks, Lena, and Sister Werner having some fun.

Moscow Weekend

2010-06-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

We were able to hear Elder Perry speak to the saints in Russia. (sorry for the bad picture)

Had dinner and played a new, fun card game with other "senior" couples.

Run into some LDS girls from the United States on Red Square that were in Russia teaching English. (The church sure makes this a small world.)

The senior couple serving in минск spending time in the big city of Moscow!!

In front of the famous Kremlin Wall. We took a tour inside--pictures to be posted later.

Friday's Fun Fotos

2010-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

We are actually standing in this field of canola. I had no idea it grew so tall.

I liked the shape of this apartment building. A little bit more design than just a straight wall. (My Dad would call it a nightmare!!)

Cute house--looks like a doll house.

This is a gas line going over the road...then down...around...and through...

(bad picture--but what can I say when my shots have to be taken "on the go")

Vitebysk Road Trip

2010-06-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our road trip this week to the Vitebysk Region was so beautiful. At times I felt like I was in Island Park.

Looks like a post card with the small village along the river and church in the background.

I love the tree-lined roads.

I thought this shot was so pretty when I took it with the old barn and home and the cow in the pasture, not noticing the electrical wires until I downloaded it on the computer. I guess that shows the the "old and the new" of this country.

Eating Experience

2010-06-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

For my birthday Sergei surprised us with a visit to his mom's village. His wife Olga, his son Joseph, and his sister Larissa also came. His Mom had fixed a traditional Belarussian meal.

We started out with a salad made with pineapple, eggs, corn, and mayonnaise eaten with brown bread.

Then she served Machanka, a soup made with pork ribs and mushrooms.

The soup is eaten by putting a piece of this pancake on the end of your fork and using the pancake as a scoop to eat the soup. Each bite is a piece of pancake and a scoop of machanka.

Max is trying it out.

Last, but not least, she served this birthday cake. It is made by cutting the cake into small square, dipping them into a sauce, then arranging them in a dome shape, and then covering it with chocolate frosting. She also added nuts and banana. It was really delicious.

Birthday Celebrations

2010-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated birthdays all week long!!

We took Sister Werner to TGIF for her birthday dinner.

FHE was at our home where we celebrated Kira's birthday.

Sergei invited us to his mother's village home where she fixed us a dinner to celebrate my birthday. (check in tomorrow to see pictures of the Belarusian food she fixed us)

Then following the Belarussian tradition with a little American flavor--I brought German Chocolate cake to the office to celebrate my birthday. It's been a fun week.

Sunday Dinner Guests

2010-05-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday dinner guests were the Kovalenko Family.

Oksana, Ivan,Ludmilla, Veronika, Nina, and Malina....

and also Sister Werner, Tonya (an investigator), Dasha, and Sister Oaks

Veronika is three years. It is so fun to hear her speak Russian.

Ivan Kovalyenko is president of the 1st branch. He served a mission in Sacramento, California. The little girl in the red is his sister's daughter. Him and Ludmilla have two daughters. Nina, is his mother. His father is also a member, but was unable to come for Sunday Dinner.

Friday's Fun Fotos

2010-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

If the stork isn't their national bird it should be.

Notice the hand made rake. These babushkas are such hard workers.

Fun and colorful water drainage system.

Here is an example of patience. He (or she) was a long ways from anything!

Interesting raft--doesn't look too safe to me and I'm thinking with those paddles you would not go too far too fast.

Something New!!

2010-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Just when I think we have done it all--Sergei finds us a new adventure. On our road trip this week we ferried across the river.

Where we started....

Driving on...

where we are going.

We made it!!

It was a pleasant, smooth ride and the scenery was beautiful.

Visit to Polatsk, Vitebsk Region

2010-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

We took Susan and Randy to open a project in Polatsk and while we were there Oxana showed us around her city which is full of history.

This is the group in front of the Statue honoring the first women to be sainted by the Orthodox Church. She was a princess, but refused to get married and instead devoted her life to God and helping other people. Her bones are At St. Efrasinnia Monastery where thousand visit yearly to pay their respect.

Interesting stone--remind you of anything?

Legend has it if you touch this stone and make a wish, it will come true and you will have good luck.

St. Efrasinnia Monastery for women.

The women that visit are required to wear scarves and dresses.

Visitors from Idaho

2010-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

While Susan and Randy were visiting us, we showed them some of our favorite and famous places in Minsk.
Of course the National Library, which by the way, was voted as one of the top ten ugliet buildings in the world. That doesn't say much for my taste--because I like it.

We even found a car show for Randy. This was one of my favorite cars. It even had a car alarm that went off when people touched it. I thought the little girl was especially cute.

I could see myself driving this car. Does that couple look a little cultured shocked. Actually they were doing amazingly well after it took them almost two days to get here.

I love the light in the city at night. This is just across the street from our apartment and the Landon's motel.

The tulips were in bloom, but they were just a week too early to see the other flowers planted. They were planting them today.

In the winter time this dome is used for an ice skating rink, in the summer it becomes Go-kart course.

Two in One Week???

2010-05-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Igor and Marina Timofyeyev went with us to the ballet when Susan and Randy missed their flight connections and didn't arrive in Minsk until 11:00 pm.

We saw the performance of "The Nutcracker."

Now tell me which do you think would be harder....

to hold a dancer above you head on bare ground or...

on ice????

Fun Road Trip Shots

2010-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

We see some beautiful country when we leave the city--but you still have to have power lines!!

I wonder what those two are thinking about.

Do you think the bus will give this guy a ride?

Mama milks while Papa brushes off the flies--what a team!!

Happy Birthday!!

2010-05-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

During the month of May all the sisters serving in Belarus celebrate their birthdays--so we all went out to dinner at a nice restaurant near Sofia. They serve the best salmon and Belarussian mashed potatoes. You don't want to be in a hurry when you eat there--but the food is worth waiting for.

Sister Werner's birthday is May 18th.

Sister Oaks birthday was May 8th. Of course we had to give her a doll from Belarus.
Sister Wade's birthday is also in May--but when you're my age you don't advertise with pictures!!

Ballet on Ice

2010-05-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Near to our apartment is the Palace of Sport, built for hockey games. This week they had "Swan Lake--Ballet on Ice" performed by dancers from St. Petersburg.

Nastya Davydik, a member of the branch, went with us.

The Stage--those people on sitting on the ice.

Great costumes....

fantastic dancing....

and amazing talent.

Mogilov Wheelchair Distribution

2010-05-14T21:27:00.001-07:00

Each Territorial Center we visit always have interesting displays in their reception areas.

One service they provide is craft classes for the adults with handicaps that visit their day care centers.

Irina was at the ceremony to receive a new wheelchair. About six years ago her legs and back started to hurt. She lives alone and with a new wheelchair she will be able to be more independent and keep taking care of herself.

Sister Oaks interviewed this 36 year man--who has been in a wheelchair since about the age of 19.

The adults with handicaps love to make gifts with small beads and sequins. We were presented from the director two hand crafted trees.

They presented to me for my birthday a handmade straw doll from Syvtelana the Chair of the Committee of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Mogilov Region. (How's that for a title?)

Fun Shots

2010-05-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

With each road trip I keep thinking I won't find something new to take pictures of. Wrong!! I found some fun shots on our trip to the Grodna Region this past week.

I like this pictures with the leaves on the trees starting to bloom and the church steeple in the background.

Grodna is near the border of Poland and Sergei said these "fancy" stroller are purchased in that country.

Most cities have a statue of Lenin, but this was the first statue we've seen of Stalin.

These Orthodox church and huge and built out of brick....

then covered with a plaster and painted white.

We see churches being built or remodeled all over the country of Belarus. Some day we hope to see a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in this country.

Entertainment at Train Ride

2010-05-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

After the train ride we watched some very talented dancers.

But the cutest was probably this little "wanna-be" dancer, sad I didn't get much of a shot before her mother pulled her back.

Train Ride

2010-05-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

We went to the opening day of the Minsk Children Train ride with the Young Adults and Sister Missionaries.

The train is operated by young people.

They take their job very serious.

Sister Oaks, Yulya C., Sister Werner, Lena L.

Just like "Disneyland"

We have a great group of youth in Minsk, that are so kind to include the "senior couple"

It was a fun ride with some fun friends.

Wheelchair Dancing

2010-05-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Anna Gorchakova and Igor Kiselev are the World champions in wheelchair dancing. We visited their rehearsal this week. Her husband is also in a wheelchair and Igor is married with a small son. We were very impressed with their talent and enjoyed our visit with them. They would like to get more exposure for their sport in Belarus and around the world.

My Favorite Part!!

2010-05-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

The church donated bed, mattresses, wardrobe closets, chairs, and night stand to the Orsha Boarding House for Elderly and Invalids. The little "grandmas" were so appreciative of their new comfortable beds. They just wanted to talk. Past "how are you" and "what's your name" I couldn't say a thing or understand what they were saying--but that's OK. A smile and a nod seems to work just great.

??, Sister Wade, Katyea (92 years old), Tatiana (93 years old).

Oh how I wish they could tell me the story of their lives. The director said they come from some pretty difficult circumstances and the boarding house is a blessing in their lives. They are always so excited to have visitors and especially someone from America.

Road Trip to Orsha and Byeshyenkovichi

2010-05-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

This time I took a picture of a real stork. I love that his nest it on top of an old broken water tower.

Interesting park decorations

Every village or city we travel through has a war memorial.

Byeshyenkovichi Village in Russian. Each village or city also has it's own unique sign.

(Still asking for directions)

View from a moving van. (Actually I could crop this picture but I wanted to you actually experience Belarus the way I do---love it!!)

Sometimes I really feel like I'm watching an old movie.

This was so cute. Children are the same all over the world.

Fond Farwells

2010-05-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Belarus District had a drastic change this past week. Three of the four volunteers either went home or transferred to other areas of the mission.
Elder Vernon, Elder Krudyiak, Elder & Sister Wade, Sister Werner, and Sister Ionina

Elder Vernon is going home to Utah. Good luck to a great missionary.

Elder Krudyiak is going to another city in Russia and..

Sister Ionina is also transferring to Russia.

The youth were there to see them off. Sister Ionina, Dasha Kelnik, and Sister Werner.

Vitaly and Lena

They rode the night train to Moscow in a sleeping car. I remember doing that with Chad when we visited him in Bulgaria. It's a great way to travel!!

(It says Minsk - Moscow Belarus)

Istanbul--who was there

2010-04-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Couples serving from all over Eastern Europe gathered in Istanbul.

Max and Deanna Wade from Rexburg, Idaho serving in Belarus.

Tom and Jill Blotter from Logan, Utah serving in Armenia.
Dave and Connie Pincock from Rigby, Idaho serving in Armenia.

The Area President, President Paul from Germany, living in Moscow and directs the affairs of the church in the 22 countries of the Eastern Europe Region.

Jack and Pam Shaw from Rexburg, Idaho serving in Kazakhstan.

Area Welfare Specialists: John and Francis Holmes from New Mexico now living and serving in Moscow. Brother David Stapley (Director of Temporal Affairs for the Europe East Area) also living in Moscow.

The Holmes were in Belarus at the time of the Volcano in Iceland and had to visit with us a few extra days until their plane could fly out. They are great missionaries and doing such a service in this part of the world After their mission they plan to build a home and live in Utah, closer to their children.

Istanbul--what we did

2010-04-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Stayed in the Best Western The President Hotel. Our beds were so comfortable!!

Received some great training from our supervisors in Moscow, Russia.

Bought a Turkish scarf from a street vendor.

Ate some "interesting" food.

We were reminded of how blessed we are.

Bought some ice cream from a very entertaining street vendor.

Istanbul--what we saw!!

2010-04-24T21:12:00.001-07:00

Lots of people--the city has a population of 17 million.

The Palace of the Sultan

The Blue Mosque

Fountain at the Palace

The Grand Bazaar--went forever, row after row after row.

I'm glad we didn't have to learn that alphbet.

Stayed tuned for "what we did" and "who we did it with."

(I know, I know--you can hardly wait!!)

Sights around Minsk

2010-04-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

On Belarus' Memorial Day we decided to ride Bus 63, just to see where it went. It didn't go very far until it "was the end of the line" and we had to get off. Walking back to our apartment we saw more of the beautiful city of Minsk.
Entance to Minsk City

Rememberance from "Soviet Times"

The flowers are starting to bloom.

Posing with a statue or two.

(Do you think that umberella is doing her much good?)

(Wish I had those skinny legs!!)

Eating Out!!

2010-04-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

We don't "eat out" much, but this month was an exception. We ate with Lena and Vladimir in Vitesybk and..

with the Holmes at a restaurant on the way to Brest.

We're lucky that Sergie is there to help us with the menu--because it was only Russian in both places.
Great food and great company!!

A Great Picnic

2010-04-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

We were invited to a picnic behind the Drobin's new apartment, which happens to be a forest. Great spot for a picnic.

President and Sister Groshkov singing hymns.

Vitaly enjoying the fire.

Syergyey Drobinin

Vladimir Drobinin

And great food.

The Ride Home

2010-04-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Storks--the sign in Belarus that summer is coming. Though these are not real--we did see a real one in the field, though we passed too quickly to get a picture.

Some of the barns are very colorful....

some are not!!

I love this picture with the tree lining both sides of the road. No leaves yet, but it won't be long and everything will be green and beautiful.

Closing Cermony and Ribbon Cuttin

2010-04-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

I know Max put some pictures on his letter about last weeks closing ceremony, but I wanted to add some on the blog.

Ready for the "cutting of the ribbon"

Gift of bread with salt in the middle is customary.

Other dignitaries presented gifts to the Retirement Home.

Then the town residents put on a program.

I love the intricate sewing patterns on the tradition Belarussian folk costume.

I sure wish I knew what he was singing about. It was cute and the backup dancers were having so much fun.

Road Trip Sightings

2010-04-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

We pulled up to this vehicle loaded with the twig broom the ladies use here to sweep the sidewalks, lawns, and flower beds. When we first saw them we were not impressed--but have since found out they really work great.

Then when he made the turn we noticed he had plans to make several more brooms. If they were not so hard to bring home in my suitcase--I would really like to have one to sweep up leaves. They work great on cigarette butts (which we count our blessing everyday we don't have to mess with.)

Wheelchair Closing Ceremony

2010-04-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Pictures from our last Distribution Ceremony.
We have a neat video of these grandmas dancing--but it wouldn't download. You'll have to see it when we get home!!

FHE

2010-04-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

After a great lesson given by Max on the Resurrection--we played Uno. We sure enjoy our association with the young adults of the branch.

Road Trip

2010-04-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Road trips starts out early with making sandwiches. There were a lot this week because the Elders and Sisters went with us.

It was raining so my shot of a church from "a moving van" was a little wet!
An ice cream break. Sister Werner (from Colorado) and Sister Ionia (from Russia).

A road side vendor selling the last of their potato crop.
And of course a trip isn't complete without a picture of a local monument. I would tell you what is says but it's in Belarussian.

Fun Shopping

2010-04-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

These two ladies work at my favorite souviner shop. We have gone there enough times they recognize us. (I'm excited to take Susan and Randy there when they come.)

Easter in Belarus

2010-04-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before Easter we took a metro ride to visit a new Russian Orthodox Cathedral that is being built in Minsk, Belarus.

People were lined up with baskets full of bread to be blessed with holy water. It is tradition that if your basket is blessed you will have good health all year long.

The white church is the old one they are using now, the brown is the new one that is being built. In fact they have been building on it for several years.

Zubovich's New Apartment

2010-03-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Come join our tour of Sergei and Olga's new apartment.

They live on the fifth floor--and the elevator isn't working yet.

The hallway

I love their french doors.

Front room/parent's room combination. We were surprised at how big this room was.

European style bathrooms with the sink and toilet in one room and another room with the tub.

The kitchen comes with the "bare" necessities and then they apartment owner has to buy and install the cupboards.

Valya's room

Dash's room.

They are so excited and we are just so happy for them. They've got a lot of work to do before it will be ready to move in--but that is part of the excitement of getting a new and bigger place to live. They are hoping to be able to move in sometime this summer.

Zubovich Birthday Celebration

2010-03-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Branch Missionary Fireside

2010-03-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Branch is planning each month to have a "missionary fireside" and provide meetings for the members to invite investigators. At the first one they proformed a puppet show about the harmful effects of cigarettes and tobacco and about eating healthy foods.

Road Trip Shots

2010-03-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

As we leave the city the sun is just coming over the city's horizon.

We pass row and row of green houses growing the fresh produce we enjoy in this country.

We see a lot of churches, but this is the first one that is held in an old train car.

Birthday Celebration

2010-03-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's customary in Belarus that the one celebrating the birthday bring the cake. Sergie bought a delicious chocolate cake with sour cream filling made by his wife to share with us and celebrate his birthday. It was delicious!!

Sergie having fun on his birthday--stealing bites from Sister Ionia and having chocolate on his mouth!!!

Then we all sing Happy Birthday in English and get a rare group photo with Sergie in it. Usually he insists on being the one that takes the picture.

Sister Ionia, Natasha, Deanna, Sergie, Elder Vernon, Sister Werner, and down in front Elder Cecil. (who, sad to say, is leaving this next transfer, he's been a great assest to the missioanry work in this area).

Interview

2010-03-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Lena from the "Vitbsk Prepective" a local newspaper invited us to her home for lunch after the interview. He husband had fixed some soup and we shared the sandwiches and potato salad I had made. They live on the 5th floor of their apartment building--with no elevator. (Good things we've been practicing stair climbing!). He is a doctor and specializes in trauma therapy. They have one daughter, Masha. They are members of the Orthodox church but had lots of questions about what we believe. Max gave her a Proclamation on the Family and Sergie shared with them his testimony. They have invited us back and we hope to give them more church literature at that time. You never know when a humanitarian project can turn into a chance to share the gospel.

After lunch entertainment!!

Orphanage

2010-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

We opened a project in the Vitebsk Region at an orphanage for 108 children. The older children were all at school but the younger ones were home playing in the snow. You should of seen Max, in his suit, pulling this little boy on his sleigh. The children were so cute, well-behaved, and so excited to see us. One little girl ran up to me and gave me a big hug--then they all wanted hugs, which I was more than happy to do. They loved it when Max took their picture and then showed it to them. I admired the care-givers that were trying to get all the children in their snow gear. Imagine putting coat, boots, hats, scraves, and caps on 30 four year olds;, with visitor from America distracting the children.

Sunday Dinner

2010-03-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Rose Family invited the six missionaries to their home for dinner. Eric Rose works at the American Embassy. They are a great family and strong members of the church. We have enjoyed getting to know them. We were just thinking the other day of all the great people we have met and become friends with because of our missionary service. Just one of the blessings we have received by being missionaries in Belarus.

Something Different

2010-03-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

We passed by a funeral possession in Mogilov Region. All the traffic stops while the people pass that are walking to the cemetery. The man in front is carrying a picture of the deceased. The coffin is open in the back of the blue truck.

The ladies follow carrying flowers. I didn't feel right about taken of picture of the man in the open coffin.

Notice how the chimney is in the middle of the house. The stoves are built in the middle with the chimney going staight up, then the room are built around the stove--thus providing heat for the whole house. I would love to go inside of one of those homes just to see what they are like.

Don't ask me what this was about, but I thought it was a fun picture.

Moglilov Road Trip

2010-03-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

On some of our travels in the country, it seems like we have really "stepped back in time."

I thought this "Christmas House" was neat.

The contrast between the old dark apartment complexes and the new ones with some color!

Wild Animal Sightings

2010-02-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

We saw some more moose on our last road trip. I'm wondering if they are coming closer to the roads because there is so much snow--then again Max was always good at seeing animals along the road.

Record Snowfall

2010-02-25T01:00:00.001-08:00

I looked back to our pictures in Feb 2009 to see the difference in snowfall. No wonder they are making comment such as, "When this starts to melt, we better all learn how to swim."

Last year view from our apartment window.

This year...and to think all those piled were made by one lady, one shovel, and one broom. I bet she's looking forward to spring. It is getting warmer and the snow has melted off the roads--but they are predicting more snow this week-end. Yahoo!!!

Svisloch Village, Grodno Region

2010-02-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

We opened an humanitarian project in the Grodno Region this last week. We see a lot of churches in our travels. I got out of the van and took these pictures...

walked accross the bridge (can you imagine riding a bike in the snow and slush)....

and took pictures of another church.

I also enjoy finding unique looking houses. Notice the brick work on this home.

This home used rugs nailed to the windows to keep the wind out.

Then of course each city has it's beautiful government buildings.

Road Trip to Bryest and Grodno Regions

2010-02-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Our Road Trip this week was to the Bryest and Grodno Regions.

Already to go...Sergie driving, Max riding shot gun, and me in the back with my camera and kindle.

I was wondering at one point if we were going to make it through all this snow. But Sergie is a good driver and the van just plowed right through.

They have these little stores in every city we have gone to--big or small.

You go to this little window and ask the clerk for whatever you want. We don't shop there much because "the point and smile" mention of communication doesn't work too well in this situation. But as you can see they have anything from stickers to gum, to shampoo... if only a person knew how to say those things in Russian.

Family Home Evening in Belarus

2010-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a party at our house for Family Home Evening...

played games.....

made cards....

and frosted cookies.

They are really a fun group of young people and so good to include the "senior couple" in all their activities. Well I take that back--we didn't go ice skating with them!!!

Thanks Lena for arranging a fun evening. You're great!

Georgian Dancers

2010-02-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

We attended a performance in the Palace of the Republic of a Folk Dancing group from Georgia.

The lobby of the theater is huge and beautiful with all kinds of lights.

They had a display of tractors that are made in Belarus. I was wishing I could bring them home for our grandsons to play with--just the right size.

Before the show started, every chair was full. There is also three layers of balcony seats.

Their precision was unbelievable.

You wouldn't believe the moves he made balancing a bottle on his head.

Look at that toe action. He would jump in the air and land on the tips of his toes--several times in a row. They would move in a circle, on their knees, and throw knives into the floor. They would jump way in the air and land on their kness spinning.

The costumes were beautiful with several complete costume changes. We had seats on the 5th row, with a perfect view of the show. We were so close we saw the sparks when the men where doing their dance with swords and shields. One reason we like our apartment is the location. We are only 3 bus stops from this theater and also the ballet theater, which makes it very handy to attend these great cultural events.

????

2010-02-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what we talked about in English Club???? The letters were handed out randonly and they had to make the words. They are so quick and figure them out pretty fast.

Max gave me a dozen roses and some chocolate. He always remembers--even in Belarus. I made him some sugar cookies--twice since the first time they didn't taste so great. (I need Susan Baldwin's recipe).

The celebration continue---the FHE group is coming to our home Monday night to make Valentine cards and decorate sugar cookies. (Just like home when the kids were little)

Sunday's Snowy Walk

2010-02-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

In front of the Yubiliney Motel

This l ittle older lady doesn't have much to clean all that snow with.

On the bus--notice how the windows are all frosty. A year ago that made us very nervous because we didn't have a clue where our stop was. Now we just listen for "Skoala"

Bus 91--our favorite. We even know the lady that's checks for tickets so well, we don't even have to show our pass. She just smiles. She is very friendly and smiles all the time--unlike most of the bus conductors.

We have to walk through some very deep tire tracks.

Thanks to the young people the sidewalks by the church were all cleaned off.

The sister didn't even have gloves on. They had them, but choose not to wear them. Notice they have pretty good shovels--the church does things right!!!

They Say It's Your Birthday

2010-02-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

Elder Tyler Cecil had a birthday and we celebrated at Sofia. I brought a chocolate cake (made from scratch) and some peanut butter cookies. Lena had a number 2 and we used a cookies for the 0 for his 20th birthday.

(It took me two tires to get the cake right. I grabbed potato starch instead of baking soda my first try. Oh the joys of a good old Betty Crocker Cake Mix!!)

Lena, Natasha, Max, Elder Cecil, Deanna, and Elder Minakov. The Sisters and Eugene were doing a health fair and came later for cake.

Happy Birthday Elder Cecil!!

Dinner Guests' Conversion Story

2010-02-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I forgot to take pictures at our home!! But we invited Dasha and her family to dinner Sunday after her confirmation. Let me share their store. Makyeyev's (Dasha's brother-in-law) father was very interested in American right after communism fell, but it was still illegal to have correspondences with people in the United States. The KGB would watch people very closely. So his father would find Americans to send his letters. He met a couple of LDS missionaries in the grocery store and started visiting with them, hoping to get them to send his letters. Instead they converted him to the gospel. He was obsessed with the United States and moved there the first chance he had, but his wife did not share the same obsession and choose to stay in Belarus. They were divorced. He is now living in Salt Lake City and she is serving a mission in Moscow. They had two sons that also joined the church. Makyeyev is the youngest, meet his future wife Anna at the university, converted her to the gospel, they were married and now have three children. They taught and converted her sisters. But none of the girls were allowed by their parents to join the church until they were 18 years old. The 2nd sister, Tatiana, is going on a mission February 14th to St. Petersburg. We went home teaching to his mother Galina before she left on her mission. It just goes to show, because of a little curiosity the church spreads like small branches on a tree and the influence one family can have on the growth of the church.

Convert Baptism

2010-02-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Minsk had it's first convert baptism since we have been on our mission. Dasha Kelnik has been ready to be baptismed for about two years, but had to wait until she was 18 because her parents would not give their permission.

The sister have been teaching her the lessons to prepare her baptism.

Her other two sister are already members. They both live in Moscow.

Road Trip

2010-02-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Our Road Trip this week was in the Minck area.

Entrance to the Metro, their subway system.

Another beautiful sunset.

I like this picture with the stove pipes and smoke.

Dinner Guests with a Twist

2010-02-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Our dinner guests this week were Igor and Natasha Gorbachyev and their daughter Masha--which is not a new or different activity. What was fun is that we got a bit of a smile for the picture!!
He had an interesting conversion story. He saw a poster advertising Elder Nelson's visit and decided to attend. He felt the spirit and requested missionaries. He met his wife at church. She joined when her friend invited her to come to church. They have been married for five years.

Potential Projects

2010-02-02T01:00:00.001-08:00

We visited two potential projects this week. A boarding house for children with mental and physical disabilities and another boarding house for adults with mental disabilities. Both facilities need new laundry equipment.

I so admire the care-givers in these homes. They are certainly doing a great service and we have not found any that didn't enjoy working with those with special needs.

(Sure makes you appreciate a clothes dryer!!)

The Director of the Chereyven Boarding House for Children with Mental and Physical Handicapps.

Slow Week?

2010-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't think we had done much different or exciting this past week--but when I looked at our pictures I did find some fun shots.

We found this cigarette box discarded in front of our apartment. Apparently they can't speak English because there sure are a lot of them that smoke.

Max's new mini-van--notice it even has his name on the license plate.

This lady is dressed in the traditional Belorussian native dress, presenting bread to the newly married couple. (I'm not sure what those old-married people are doing in the picture)

Grandfather Frost, his daughter, and his reindeer.

Winter lawn art