Hello from the cold and snowy land of Liepaja. Yes, that is right, I've been here since May 2011 and I'm fine not moving (my luggage broke!) My new companion is Sister Clark from Omaha, Nebraska. She is majoring in physics at BYU. I Love love love love love Sister Clark. You have no idea (well you probably do) how fun it is to be serving with someone who you would have been friends with if you were in high school together. She is incredible at the language, she is smart, obedient, fun, she gets missionary work, she will share ideas and helps me want to be better. Guess what, I'm having fun and working hard at the same time! That hasn't happened in a while. It is super nice to be with a companion that doesn't talk about boys all the time too. Needless to say, I am so happy to be in Liepaja with her. She is a great teacher. She is terrified of talking to people, but once she teaches she is amazing so she is a great fit for Liepaja.
Last MONDAY I got sunburned. Bad. I would have made a great lobster. We ran into Martin the Irish sailor. He was telling us about Kurt Cobain. We used what is called Rimi cash (money you save up for spending money) and bought our groceries with it. Well, all but $1.37 worth, it was pretty fun. I ordered some delightful shrimp and rice tomato soup at Pastnieka Maja and got kicked out of the Catholic Church. Sintija and SW wanted to go inside so we did. It was freezing (I could see my breath!) and they still had Christmas up. The nice lady asked me what our church believed so she got a little lesson. Then she said it was time for her to go so we needed to go to...there were still people in the church. We are still confused. We harvested into this awesome lady Mudra and her cute cat. She took English forever ago and was really kind to us. She gave us apples and maizites and is planning on coming to English. We cut off Eriks rattail at FHE with the Frolavi. By we I mean SW took Crayola scissors to the back of Eriks head. She doesn't like mullets. In other news, Monday evening we taught the Frolavi obedience and Janis and Kristina (baptismal dates) from 2 Nephi 31.
TUESDAY we got transfers after District Meeting. I was so excited! SW was really sad to be leaving. She doesn't like change. I'm glad she finally fell in love with Liepaja though! We taught Valda out of Alma 32. Metaphors aren't the greatest idea with her. We taught Oskars about pride, obedience, and purity (his choices). It made for an interesting study. Some scriptures I liked: Proverbs 16:18, Helaman 3:35, Mosiah 3:19, Jacob 4:10-11, Psalms 24:3-4. We also taught Guna (investigator) 2 N 31. She still seems a little iffy on baptism- isn't faith enough? NO! We also took SW's ring to Maris the ringman on Tuesday. He showed us his ski slope in the backyard; it is pretty fantastic.
WEDNESDAY Ruta the RS President wanted to say goodbye to Elder Davidson and Sister Wilson. Elder Davidson is going to be with Elder Schmidt in Imanta and Elder Alder is training Elder Baxter here in Liepaja. SW went to say bye to Kristina and told about how she felt she needed to talk to her. Kristina said that she had a feeling to go out walking and pause at that street, she didn't know why, just felt like she should. They were supposed to be found, that is why! Aivars Fishmeisters helped us get our luggage to the bus station. He then felt the need to stay with us until our bus came and harass the bus driver to get him to help us with our luggage because Aivars couldn't. It was super great. I felt like it was my grandpa sending me off for summer camp or something. We had the Davis couple pick us up at the Riga bus station. They are so fun and told us lots of stories about the Boswells (they were in their stake) as we had dinner at DaDas with them. Elder Davis was a trooper and helped us get all the luggage up 5 flights of stairs, including past an old bathtub. We picked up Sister McPhee who came up from Klaipeda. She is so funny. She ran XC and likes to wink. She was with Sister Santa Schneidere who know speaks Latvian with a British accent and they slept at the Riga sisters apartment with us.
THURSDAY we got to pick up our trainees! Sister Wilson had a bad morning. She wasn't ready on time, the door to her apartment got jammed, she didn't get all unpacked, we missed the bus, etc. She was a little stressed to say the least. We hid at the other end of the bus. We went to the mission home and I found out that I'm serving with Sister Clark! We came home on the bus with the elders and Sister McPhee and Madson who were going to Klaipeda. Sister McPhee forgot her passport, so we had to do some crazy travel arrangements. We all sat in the back of the bus and talked. I then made my first homemade alfredo, we taught Janis and Kristina about tithing, and then taught Santa D. the Restoration. We are working with her for referrals.
FRIDAY I woke SC up. At 5:30 am. Oopsie! I forgot to change the alarm. I felt so bad. She's still alive though and went right back to sleep. We made soup, taught the trolls about repentance, got Olga to throw away her lighter, taught Liga the Plan of Salvation while sipping peppermint tea, did some harvesting, and had a fun time on the bus ride home. Of course the only person to talk to was a charming young man who wanted to take us out for drinks. I told him we didn't drink. "Not even water or milk?" "Well, you touched the button, you'll have to come drink tonight." "Not tonight buddy, sorry." He was harmless and mostly pretty funny. Oh yes, it is cold, -10C (14 F)! But the sky is blue!
SATURDAY Madara helped us teach Valda. Madara loved going through the temple and just has a new glow about her. While helping clean the church we got to tour the attic; it was so cool! We taught Janis and Kristina a lesson strangely akin to a dream that I had had last week and taught the Beldavi the restoration and focused a lot on receiving answers.
SUNDAY's highlight was contacting at the beach. At sunset (I had cabin fever, okay?!). We talked to this awesome girl, Marta at the beach yesterday...she was from Portugal so it was in English. She is doing volunteer work here and believes in God. The Baltic Sea is freezing over! Mostly the week was spent doing lots of planning and studying, with a lot of fun and Janis and Kristina came to church!
The time is far spent!
Love,
Sis L
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Week 49
The snow is back, the tank is clean (it was super clean today. The house is now SUPER clean.), and I still don't know where or whom I am training. Internet Janis is also gone; we can't get a hold of him.
MONDAY I was feeling awfully artsy- I made a whole bunch of cards and postcards and such. We ate at a place called the Barons Bumbiers (The Baron's Pears). I didn't see any dishes with pears, but I did have a good soup bowl as well as some amazing potatoes. My new favorite way to have potatoes since being in Latvia? Boiled. And then fried. Unhealthy, but soooo good. We taught the Frolavi about using our time well from the General Conference talk...they both are computer addicts. We now have some alternative ideas and some bribes set up.
The bus and tram fare went up this year, in case anyone was wondering. It know costs .50 lats to ride public transport. That is as much as 4 kilos (9 lbs.) of potatoes cost here!
TUESDAY morning I had a lovely time sprinting on the beach. After District Meeting we went through fire safety with Branch President/curator Antons. It was so much more entertaining this time- probably because I understood everything. Member Zina helped us to teach Kristina and Janis. She did a great job. Pretty much one of us needs to be entertaining Eliza at any given time. We taught them the Plan of Salvation and then we taught the trolls tithing. It snowed again so we had a snowball fight with them. We also went for a ride around the parking lot in their sled...so! much! fun!
WEDNESDAY. Sister Wilson has fleas. This makes her very unhappy. Watch out! We went to stack wood with Rihards and the elders. We got a call while we were there...I'm an illegal alien and the government is after me!!! My visa expired yesterday and I don't have my appointment for my new one until February...oopsie! So Valda is in love with Oskars, just if y'all were wondering. She asked us to tell him. We said no. She proceeded to say the closing prayer and asked God to tell Oskars what she didn't have the courage to. Oh boy. Should be fun.
So I've been taking a steroid inhalor for my "asthma" [I so don't have asthma] and it has a tendency to tickle my throat sometimes because of the steroid. Often this occurs during lessons where I don't have water and proceed to start coughing. This occurred while teaching recent convert Dzintra about the atonement. Trying to not cough also makes me cry. Everyone now things I have a great testimony of the Atonement, when really my eyes were wet because of my cough. We dropped by Elina Tolmacova's and talked to her a bit and did a head-bob with her cute little one Eliza who is the same age as baby Ezra. She came to church on Sunday for all three hours!! Anywho, we made some delicious frikadella soup and then went with Oskars to talk to the Trolls about having a quit-smoking plan. They were ready for us...they had piles of snowballs.
THURSDAY we were able to meet with Vineta (less active). We hope to work with her more so that she can come to church again. She doesn't have support from her hubby or monster-in-law. So we made dad's pizza recipe...with cheese in the crust. Fattening, but we do not regret this. It was SO delicious and quite possible the best homemade pizza I've had. Janis prayed about baptism and wants to be baptized again! Kristina is so excited to be a believing person and she loved the idea of FHE. I am glad we have FHE, even if sometimes it is WWF [not world wildlife federation] sibling-down. The snow is gone now because it is raining. We weathered the weather (HA.) and went to Liga's for a suprise visit. She told Sister Wilson she should sing opera. Sister Wilson didn't like this. Sister Wilson also didn't like the black tea she got served. Oopsie! And that is why Sister Lindstrom keeps tea in her bag for times like those. Liga loves church though, recognizes the good feelings there and when we are with her. She just needs to get taught more (we only met with her 6 times before baptism). We decided to take a bus home...duhn duhn duhn. You can't use tickets bought last year if you were wondering. The bus driver said we could and the controllers disagreed, would not let us buy new ones, and fined us. Sister Wilson was very displeased. She doesn't like the bus controllers.
FRIDAY we were supposed to have a Skype mission conference, but we couldn't hear anything (boo) so we went back home and studied. Taught Kristina and Janis as well as the trolls. We made them teach us the plan of salvation. It went really well. The highlight of Friday for me was playing a chutes and ladders-esque game with Sarra (3) and Ieva (6). Three year olds cheat! Just if you were wondering. I lost.
SATURDAY After we had a great meeting with our branch mission leader, we coaxed him to help us with Valda's lesson. It was super great. Sis. W. ALWAYS yawns in lessons. Today Valda commented, "Why are you yawning? Is it because you have a boyfriend? Which one of those boys..." I had to try really hard to contain myself. I guess she still doesn't get the law of chastity. The trolls wanted to meet and told us that they tried Oskars idea and didn't smoke! Exciting and good if plausible.
We celebrated Santa Dike's "25th birthday." Mostly she didn't tell us it was her birthday on January 4th, so we told her we were celebrating it again, with tea and cake and all sorts of yummy goodness. We also read about her future husband Ammon cutting off the arms. We then went to the Beldavi home and taught everyone about prayer. Well, everyone but Raivo. Cutie was sleeping. We got fed even more food (AHH!) at Ruta Jekste's. I think she had 4 or 5 sandwiches for us each. It was super interesting talking with her. We got on to the topic of faith during the occupation. "Everyone who said they couldn't go is lying. You could. My mom went every week. The Russian's didn't disallow it, they just tried to brainwash the worshipping of their communist leaders." It really is so interesting talking with people about the communist times.
SUNDAY. We sang (by we I mean myself, Wilson, Madara, and Rubija) sang a beautiful children's song -possibly I know my Savior Lives in English. Santa is a dork. She is so hilarious. Today she was joking about needing to go to the bathroom and peeing her pants and that you can't have a wet seat for Oskars' lesson (Oskars is the Gospel Principles teacher). She was also referring to herself in third person whenever Oskars would call her Masa Santa. "Masa Santa isn't ready." "Masa Santa agrees with Masa Lindstroma who agreed with Elders Alders talk today in Sacrament."
We passed off Nadezda (from English class) to the elders. She is so great. She gave Elder Alder and I a hug because she had such a fun party last night. And why are we here on earth? "To love." Myself and the Elders were trying not to crack up because Sister Wilson's answers to everything is love love love love love.
Only investigator to church was Valda. The trolls were "sick" and Janis was scared. We talked to him about church - the why and the what.
More snow! I'm so excited for training! Should be a blast and a good time to slow down and teach someone how to do it right- with the Lord!
Xoxo sis l
MONDAY I was feeling awfully artsy- I made a whole bunch of cards and postcards and such. We ate at a place called the Barons Bumbiers (The Baron's Pears). I didn't see any dishes with pears, but I did have a good soup bowl as well as some amazing potatoes. My new favorite way to have potatoes since being in Latvia? Boiled. And then fried. Unhealthy, but soooo good. We taught the Frolavi about using our time well from the General Conference talk...they both are computer addicts. We now have some alternative ideas and some bribes set up.
The bus and tram fare went up this year, in case anyone was wondering. It know costs .50 lats to ride public transport. That is as much as 4 kilos (9 lbs.) of potatoes cost here!
TUESDAY morning I had a lovely time sprinting on the beach. After District Meeting we went through fire safety with Branch President/curator Antons. It was so much more entertaining this time- probably because I understood everything. Member Zina helped us to teach Kristina and Janis. She did a great job. Pretty much one of us needs to be entertaining Eliza at any given time. We taught them the Plan of Salvation and then we taught the trolls tithing. It snowed again so we had a snowball fight with them. We also went for a ride around the parking lot in their sled...so! much! fun!
WEDNESDAY. Sister Wilson has fleas. This makes her very unhappy. Watch out! We went to stack wood with Rihards and the elders. We got a call while we were there...I'm an illegal alien and the government is after me!!! My visa expired yesterday and I don't have my appointment for my new one until February...oopsie! So Valda is in love with Oskars, just if y'all were wondering. She asked us to tell him. We said no. She proceeded to say the closing prayer and asked God to tell Oskars what she didn't have the courage to. Oh boy. Should be fun.
So I've been taking a steroid inhalor for my "asthma" [I so don't have asthma] and it has a tendency to tickle my throat sometimes because of the steroid. Often this occurs during lessons where I don't have water and proceed to start coughing. This occurred while teaching recent convert Dzintra about the atonement. Trying to not cough also makes me cry. Everyone now things I have a great testimony of the Atonement, when really my eyes were wet because of my cough. We dropped by Elina Tolmacova's and talked to her a bit and did a head-bob with her cute little one Eliza who is the same age as baby Ezra. She came to church on Sunday for all three hours!! Anywho, we made some delicious frikadella soup and then went with Oskars to talk to the Trolls about having a quit-smoking plan. They were ready for us...they had piles of snowballs.
THURSDAY we were able to meet with Vineta (less active). We hope to work with her more so that she can come to church again. She doesn't have support from her hubby or monster-in-law. So we made dad's pizza recipe...with cheese in the crust. Fattening, but we do not regret this. It was SO delicious and quite possible the best homemade pizza I've had. Janis prayed about baptism and wants to be baptized again! Kristina is so excited to be a believing person and she loved the idea of FHE. I am glad we have FHE, even if sometimes it is WWF [not world wildlife federation] sibling-down. The snow is gone now because it is raining. We weathered the weather (HA.) and went to Liga's for a suprise visit. She told Sister Wilson she should sing opera. Sister Wilson didn't like this. Sister Wilson also didn't like the black tea she got served. Oopsie! And that is why Sister Lindstrom keeps tea in her bag for times like those. Liga loves church though, recognizes the good feelings there and when we are with her. She just needs to get taught more (we only met with her 6 times before baptism). We decided to take a bus home...duhn duhn duhn. You can't use tickets bought last year if you were wondering. The bus driver said we could and the controllers disagreed, would not let us buy new ones, and fined us. Sister Wilson was very displeased. She doesn't like the bus controllers.
FRIDAY we were supposed to have a Skype mission conference, but we couldn't hear anything (boo) so we went back home and studied. Taught Kristina and Janis as well as the trolls. We made them teach us the plan of salvation. It went really well. The highlight of Friday for me was playing a chutes and ladders-esque game with Sarra (3) and Ieva (6). Three year olds cheat! Just if you were wondering. I lost.
SATURDAY After we had a great meeting with our branch mission leader, we coaxed him to help us with Valda's lesson. It was super great. Sis. W. ALWAYS yawns in lessons. Today Valda commented, "Why are you yawning? Is it because you have a boyfriend? Which one of those boys..." I had to try really hard to contain myself. I guess she still doesn't get the law of chastity. The trolls wanted to meet and told us that they tried Oskars idea and didn't smoke! Exciting and good if plausible.
We celebrated Santa Dike's "25th birthday." Mostly she didn't tell us it was her birthday on January 4th, so we told her we were celebrating it again, with tea and cake and all sorts of yummy goodness. We also read about her future husband Ammon cutting off the arms. We then went to the Beldavi home and taught everyone about prayer. Well, everyone but Raivo. Cutie was sleeping. We got fed even more food (AHH!) at Ruta Jekste's. I think she had 4 or 5 sandwiches for us each. It was super interesting talking with her. We got on to the topic of faith during the occupation. "Everyone who said they couldn't go is lying. You could. My mom went every week. The Russian's didn't disallow it, they just tried to brainwash the worshipping of their communist leaders." It really is so interesting talking with people about the communist times.
SUNDAY. We sang (by we I mean myself, Wilson, Madara, and Rubija) sang a beautiful children's song -possibly I know my Savior Lives in English. Santa is a dork. She is so hilarious. Today she was joking about needing to go to the bathroom and peeing her pants and that you can't have a wet seat for Oskars' lesson (Oskars is the Gospel Principles teacher). She was also referring to herself in third person whenever Oskars would call her Masa Santa. "Masa Santa isn't ready." "Masa Santa agrees with Masa Lindstroma who agreed with Elders Alders talk today in Sacrament."
We passed off Nadezda (from English class) to the elders. She is so great. She gave Elder Alder and I a hug because she had such a fun party last night. And why are we here on earth? "To love." Myself and the Elders were trying not to crack up because Sister Wilson's answers to everything is love love love love love.
Only investigator to church was Valda. The trolls were "sick" and Janis was scared. We talked to him about church - the why and the what.
More snow! I'm so excited for training! Should be a blast and a good time to slow down and teach someone how to do it right- with the Lord!
Xoxo sis l
Monday, January 16, 2012
Week 48
So, not like anyone is counting, but I'll be training in ten days! I'm so excited...Sister Clark and Sister Kurr are the new sisters coming in...thank heavens! We are very low staffed Latvian speaking wise- 2 sisters and 12 elders who speak Latvian- that is all! The bets all around the mission are Sister Wilson training in Riga and me staying in Liepaja. The former Sister Ferrin is predicting that I will be with Sister Clark, so we will see who is right in two weeks!
It has been quite the crazy week. At one point or another we have had six baptismal dates this week! What an outpouring of blessings. Kristina (24) and Janis- a cute family with 2 month of twin girls and a two year old girl who is almost as cute as my niece. Kristina loves church but Janis didn't come this Sunday. We also need to get them married. I'm considering getting a marriage licence so I can wed them (just kidding). Janis (27ish) #2- who found us on the Internet. *Sigh*. He has not showed up to meetings and he won't answer our calls. We don't know what happened but it is too bad because the First Presidency (somehow) found out about him and wanted to do a Liahona article on him since he found the church on the Internet. We are praying that he will come back. The trolls are back (Ieva [13] and Olga [15]) both with baptismal dates for Olga's birthday. I think Ieva might drop out but Olga, if she is sincere this time, will hopefully be able to kick her Word of Wisdom problems and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the waters of baptism. And then we have Valda (51). Her and Santa Dike are friends now and Valda is getting more and more prepared to be baptized by the day!
MONDAY was a backwards preparation day. We started with tanning and ended with internet. I took Sister W. to my favorite store...a mistake. It's called "Otra Elpa" (Second Breath) and is a second hand store that works purely on donations and uses all the money to go to charities and other warm fuzzy activities. We now have a very Latvian tea set, including a tea pot and spoons, some socks cards, a table runner, a doily, and a Latvian travel guide. If anyone wants to come for a tea party, they are welcome. The cashier I'm quite sure thought Sister Wilson was crazy for spending so much money. Good luck getting it home! I was content with the 50 cent (not the musician) CD I found by a famous Latvian band "Prata Vetra" (Brain storm). We took Santa Dike out to eat with us at a hotel/restaurant called Colombus. It was pretty snazzy looking and the food was fine (a little expensive and not many options). I got some delicious pasta with some salmon...yummy.
TUESDAY morning we went on a gorgeous run to the beach- full moon, no wind, it was perfect. Madara (former mini-missionary who will be serving in Temple Square) joined us for a hoot and a half of a district meeting. The title? "Hunting People." The lesson was complete with a deer hunting analogy (if only I hunted and knew about needing to get a tag and all those sorts of things). We met with the trolls and introduced them to their coach, Zina. She is supposed to be their go-to person when they want to break the Word of Wisdom. I lost beyblades to Eriks when we had FHE with the Frolavi. Eriks did an incredible job during the lesson telling us about prayer. "It is when you talk to God and if you want to ask a question to Him you can and He will answer you so you can know more about Him."
WEDNESDAY morning I was up far too early. We woke up to catch a 5:40am bus to Riga. So that we could ride with the elders to help Elder Alder find a palto (a sort of coat). It wasn't worth it. We then had the most incredible amazing Latvian Zone training (aka only 15 missionaries- only 2 being girls). We are a funny zone. Jokes were being thrown out left and right but it was still a super good meeting about how to be Master Preach My Gospel Teacher. I came with a few questions and left with many answers and ideas on how to better teach. The ride home was much better. Why? (Well, number 1, it wasn't 6 am) Elder Holdaway came down! aka I got to talk it up with my favorite pus-masa (half sister- Elder Holdaway loves shopping, clothes, talking girl stuff [don't worry, he likes girls too]) all the ride home.
THURSDAY we had a pretty funny lesson with investigator Valda.
The dialogue went as follows:
Sister Lindstrom: What color do you think of when I say the word "pure"?
Valda: Red! [odd looks from sisters] PAUSE It's my favorite color!
Sister Lindstrom: {internally: crap!} Ohh...well, when I hear the word pure, I think of the color white.
The lesson was saved, the law of chastity was taught, and there was much laughing among the sisters.
Ruta Grodska, our new RS president helped us out with a lesson with an English student, Nadezda. She is around 60 or so and speaks Russian better so we thought her and Ruta would be besties. They were. We didn't really even teach the lesson. Ruta started going and we just sat back and smiled. Occasionally Ruta would throw out a word or two in Latvian so we knew what was going on. Words I understood: Angel Moroni, Hill Cummoruh, three degrees of glory, Book of Mormon, etc. Nadezda wants to see a baptism first before she gets baptized, but I think she is golden. She LOVES The Book of Mormon and wants to understand it better. We also met with our cute family Janis and Kristina. Their twins have so much hair! Eliza the two year old is the politest thing I have ever met. We taught them about the Restoration and had a great lesson, with Kristina ending in prayer on her knees! We also met with the trolls and went through the baptismal interview questions with them. Their answers were really good and I hope they get baptized this year.
FRIDAY we had even more fun with Valda.
Sister Wilson: If you have 10 lats, how much tithing do you need to pay?
Valda: Umm...14 lats!
Sister Wilson: How did she get 14?! What? Why did you say 14?
Sister Lindstrom: But Valda, you only have 10 lats, you don't have 14 to even give!
I am happy to say that Valda can now pay her tithing. Correctly.
We made yummy polenta pizza (polenta = the Italian name for cornmeal mush that you eat as a side dish) thanks to Kirstin Lee's package as well as cinnamon rolls for a church activity tomorrow. Presidents helped us to teach Kristina (Janis wasn't home). She is so great. She asked 1. What do you wear to church and 2. How do you donate?
Ieva (the six year old BP's daughter) cut her hair today. It is pretty great. You can give her fuzzy wuzzys on the top of her head now. He hair is normally half way down her back. She will be having some epic fun growing it back. Currently mom is trying to cover it up with lots of bows and flowers, lol. Gotta love kids!
It started snowing! And it is sticking! It makes it look so much brighter outside so I kind of like it. I'd rather be out in snow than rain at least.
SATURDAY morning we went on an exciting trek with Kristina and Janis to show them the church. Mother Nature graced us with 4 inches of snow or so, which is lots of fun to push a twin stroller in. Bless their hearts for being determined. We showed them the church and then the Restoration film which they really really really enjoyed. We had a great big English class and the spiritual thought went well. Sister Senkane came and taught us about raising chillin's. I learned a lot. Parenting styles (which also apply to investigators she told us): authoritative, liberal, and democratic. During the Communist time children being raised were always under authority and they never had any choices. Sister Senkane said that when she had the option to choose what shoes she wanted she didn't know. "Mom knows what kind of shoes I like better than I do. Mom knows what dresses I like to wear and what color." Latvia has now swung to the opposite side- liberal. You see six year olds on public transportation unaccompanied, there is no discipline in schools, etc. It is best to be democratic, where their aren't punishments, but consequences that you have already talked about. When children/investigators/members need to do something, give them options, not choices. e.g. "Do you want to wear the green dress or the red dress?" not "What do you want to wear?" or "Which lesson would you like to teach, here is the list with the dates" not "Will you teach the lesson next Sunday?" She's a genius! She also stressed the importance of one on one time with children (where they get to pick what you do together for 30 minutes) and to have a good relationship with your spouse. Dad, I think I want to garden for my 30 minutes. :)
SUNDAY Kristina came to church with all three girls! The Branch LOVES them. I made popeye pucks for lunch and it made me think of dad a lot (P.S. I don't like the oregano in them). We also met with Santa. She never fails to be hilarious. "Riksi, cut it out! I need to read! Do you know what that means, 'to read'? It means to say letters together." Her prayer was hilarious. We were all laughing. Before we asked if she'd pray and said that her husband would be cuter. "Yeah, you could have one of the stripling warriors. Or I like Ammon," said Sis. W. "Who's Ammon?" "He's the one who cut off the arms." "He cut off his own arms?" "No, he cut off lots of other people's arms." "Oh...with a chain saw? Vrrm! Vrrm!" Thank you Santa. Her prayer included praying for said Ammon, the masochist to marry, as well as asking God why Riksi was so dumb. I may have been squealing during the prayer...Riksi kept on walking back and forth on top of me. Oh my, what a fine day.
It has been quite the crazy week. At one point or another we have had six baptismal dates this week! What an outpouring of blessings. Kristina (24) and Janis- a cute family with 2 month of twin girls and a two year old girl who is almost as cute as my niece. Kristina loves church but Janis didn't come this Sunday. We also need to get them married. I'm considering getting a marriage licence so I can wed them (just kidding). Janis (27ish) #2- who found us on the Internet. *Sigh*. He has not showed up to meetings and he won't answer our calls. We don't know what happened but it is too bad because the First Presidency (somehow) found out about him and wanted to do a Liahona article on him since he found the church on the Internet. We are praying that he will come back. The trolls are back (Ieva [13] and Olga [15]) both with baptismal dates for Olga's birthday. I think Ieva might drop out but Olga, if she is sincere this time, will hopefully be able to kick her Word of Wisdom problems and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the waters of baptism. And then we have Valda (51). Her and Santa Dike are friends now and Valda is getting more and more prepared to be baptized by the day!
MONDAY was a backwards preparation day. We started with tanning and ended with internet. I took Sister W. to my favorite store...a mistake. It's called "Otra Elpa" (Second Breath) and is a second hand store that works purely on donations and uses all the money to go to charities and other warm fuzzy activities. We now have a very Latvian tea set, including a tea pot and spoons, some socks cards, a table runner, a doily, and a Latvian travel guide. If anyone wants to come for a tea party, they are welcome. The cashier I'm quite sure thought Sister Wilson was crazy for spending so much money. Good luck getting it home! I was content with the 50 cent (not the musician) CD I found by a famous Latvian band "Prata Vetra" (Brain storm). We took Santa Dike out to eat with us at a hotel/restaurant called Colombus. It was pretty snazzy looking and the food was fine (a little expensive and not many options). I got some delicious pasta with some salmon...yummy.
TUESDAY morning we went on a gorgeous run to the beach- full moon, no wind, it was perfect. Madara (former mini-missionary who will be serving in Temple Square) joined us for a hoot and a half of a district meeting. The title? "Hunting People." The lesson was complete with a deer hunting analogy (if only I hunted and knew about needing to get a tag and all those sorts of things). We met with the trolls and introduced them to their coach, Zina. She is supposed to be their go-to person when they want to break the Word of Wisdom. I lost beyblades to Eriks when we had FHE with the Frolavi. Eriks did an incredible job during the lesson telling us about prayer. "It is when you talk to God and if you want to ask a question to Him you can and He will answer you so you can know more about Him."
WEDNESDAY morning I was up far too early. We woke up to catch a 5:40am bus to Riga. So that we could ride with the elders to help Elder Alder find a palto (a sort of coat). It wasn't worth it. We then had the most incredible amazing Latvian Zone training (aka only 15 missionaries- only 2 being girls). We are a funny zone. Jokes were being thrown out left and right but it was still a super good meeting about how to be Master Preach My Gospel Teacher. I came with a few questions and left with many answers and ideas on how to better teach. The ride home was much better. Why? (Well, number 1, it wasn't 6 am) Elder Holdaway came down! aka I got to talk it up with my favorite pus-masa (half sister- Elder Holdaway loves shopping, clothes, talking girl stuff [don't worry, he likes girls too]) all the ride home.
THURSDAY we had a pretty funny lesson with investigator Valda.
The dialogue went as follows:
Sister Lindstrom: What color do you think of when I say the word "pure"?
Valda: Red! [odd looks from sisters] PAUSE It's my favorite color!
Sister Lindstrom: {internally: crap!} Ohh...well, when I hear the word pure, I think of the color white.
The lesson was saved, the law of chastity was taught, and there was much laughing among the sisters.
Ruta Grodska, our new RS president helped us out with a lesson with an English student, Nadezda. She is around 60 or so and speaks Russian better so we thought her and Ruta would be besties. They were. We didn't really even teach the lesson. Ruta started going and we just sat back and smiled. Occasionally Ruta would throw out a word or two in Latvian so we knew what was going on. Words I understood: Angel Moroni, Hill Cummoruh, three degrees of glory, Book of Mormon, etc. Nadezda wants to see a baptism first before she gets baptized, but I think she is golden. She LOVES The Book of Mormon and wants to understand it better. We also met with our cute family Janis and Kristina. Their twins have so much hair! Eliza the two year old is the politest thing I have ever met. We taught them about the Restoration and had a great lesson, with Kristina ending in prayer on her knees! We also met with the trolls and went through the baptismal interview questions with them. Their answers were really good and I hope they get baptized this year.
FRIDAY we had even more fun with Valda.
Sister Wilson: If you have 10 lats, how much tithing do you need to pay?
Valda: Umm...14 lats!
Sister Wilson: How did she get 14?! What? Why did you say 14?
Sister Lindstrom: But Valda, you only have 10 lats, you don't have 14 to even give!
I am happy to say that Valda can now pay her tithing. Correctly.
We made yummy polenta pizza (polenta = the Italian name for cornmeal mush that you eat as a side dish) thanks to Kirstin Lee's package as well as cinnamon rolls for a church activity tomorrow. Presidents helped us to teach Kristina (Janis wasn't home). She is so great. She asked 1. What do you wear to church and 2. How do you donate?
Ieva (the six year old BP's daughter) cut her hair today. It is pretty great. You can give her fuzzy wuzzys on the top of her head now. He hair is normally half way down her back. She will be having some epic fun growing it back. Currently mom is trying to cover it up with lots of bows and flowers, lol. Gotta love kids!
It started snowing! And it is sticking! It makes it look so much brighter outside so I kind of like it. I'd rather be out in snow than rain at least.
SATURDAY morning we went on an exciting trek with Kristina and Janis to show them the church. Mother Nature graced us with 4 inches of snow or so, which is lots of fun to push a twin stroller in. Bless their hearts for being determined. We showed them the church and then the Restoration film which they really really really enjoyed. We had a great big English class and the spiritual thought went well. Sister Senkane came and taught us about raising chillin's. I learned a lot. Parenting styles (which also apply to investigators she told us): authoritative, liberal, and democratic. During the Communist time children being raised were always under authority and they never had any choices. Sister Senkane said that when she had the option to choose what shoes she wanted she didn't know. "Mom knows what kind of shoes I like better than I do. Mom knows what dresses I like to wear and what color." Latvia has now swung to the opposite side- liberal. You see six year olds on public transportation unaccompanied, there is no discipline in schools, etc. It is best to be democratic, where their aren't punishments, but consequences that you have already talked about. When children/investigators/members need to do something, give them options, not choices. e.g. "Do you want to wear the green dress or the red dress?" not "What do you want to wear?" or "Which lesson would you like to teach, here is the list with the dates" not "Will you teach the lesson next Sunday?" She's a genius! She also stressed the importance of one on one time with children (where they get to pick what you do together for 30 minutes) and to have a good relationship with your spouse. Dad, I think I want to garden for my 30 minutes. :)
SUNDAY Kristina came to church with all three girls! The Branch LOVES them. I made popeye pucks for lunch and it made me think of dad a lot (P.S. I don't like the oregano in them). We also met with Santa. She never fails to be hilarious. "Riksi, cut it out! I need to read! Do you know what that means, 'to read'? It means to say letters together." Her prayer was hilarious. We were all laughing. Before we asked if she'd pray and said that her husband would be cuter. "Yeah, you could have one of the stripling warriors. Or I like Ammon," said Sis. W. "Who's Ammon?" "He's the one who cut off the arms." "He cut off his own arms?" "No, he cut off lots of other people's arms." "Oh...with a chain saw? Vrrm! Vrrm!" Thank you Santa. Her prayer included praying for said Ammon, the masochist to marry, as well as asking God why Riksi was so dumb. I may have been squealing during the prayer...Riksi kept on walking back and forth on top of me. Oh my, what a fine day.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Week 47
To start out the New Year right we went tanning, yes tanning (don't worry...only 7 minutes for health). I don't think I've seen Sister Wilson happier, neither did the super nice lady who owns the salon. It was extremely nice to get some UV rays. We are planning on going again. The highlight of Monday was definitely eating with Santa's son, Kristaps, at Pastnieka Maja. He is a hoot and a half (as is his mother). Elder Alder (former hooligan) did a great job keeping the conversation going and then turning it spiritual. Kristaps is planning on taking home one of his mother's many copies of The Book of Mormon. He has seen how much it has changed his mother and wants to know what it is all about. In other news I found a purple and white hoolie scarf for only a lat.
Tuesday we started a mission-wide fast. We are pushing to have 120 baptisms this year. We had many many meetings with the elders. The highlight was definitely waiting for our last meeting. Little Ieva (Branch President's daughter) did my hair and let me look at her Barbie magazine. We all know how much I love Barbie!!
Wednesday to break our fast we made delicious waffles. I haven't had waffles since the Provo Temple. We took Sintija Frolava to help us with a lesson, but he didn't want to meet. It was really windy so we decided to go to the beach to try sleeping in the wind. Sister Wilson got the brilliant idea of opening up her coat. She was promptly lying in the sand. We all got belly aches from laughing. I went to the doctor's office (it was only 1 lat this time [verses the private practice 25 lats]) and got an antibiotic for my cough. It seems to be working. :)
On Thursday I lost Sister Wilson in the morning. It was quite the event. The elders helped me look for her, bless their hearts. We taught Valda [we meet with her six times a week, forgive me that I don't mention it every time] about tithing and she didn't get how much 10% is. Oh boy. We even had a visual, and only ten pieces! Zelma made our day by feeding us yummy pork and potatoes. Raivo and Lauris Beldavs stole my heart as always with their cute prayers and singing, "I am a Child of God." We met with Guna and taught her Lehi's Dream and are starting daily contact in hopes that she will get more interested.
On Friday after teaching Rita (an investigator) some English we had a really good lesson with prayer. She thinks prayer is communication with God and now knows how to pray correctly! We had root beer floats and talked about the changes that we are making to teaching English...one hour, twice a week, with breaks for finding people. While doing so Janis came to the church. He read all about us on the internet and wants to be baptized! He is more golden than the sun, it is insane! We taught Valda with flashlights today...she doesn't have lights. :)
Saturday was a warm day. What am I saying?! Pretty much every day has been warm. I don't mind at all- no snow! We missionaries all had fun playing with Kaspars' (ward mission leader) son after our meeting, teaching English, and having a very spirit filled lesson with Janis about the Restoration. I seriously don't know where this man (maybe around 27??) came from. He already watched the Restoration film online, he came to church in a white shirt and a tie. "How did you know?" "I read about it on the internet and it seemed like the right thing to do."
Sunday was just full of miracles. Miracle 1. Feeding the 5,000. We were going to break the fast with the elders and Rihards but Rihards had a family emergency come up. Sandijs, Sintija, Eriks, Madara, and the Scherbinini (4) joined in the feast and somehow we fed everyone with one small chicken. While cooking up this feast miracle number 2 happened. Miracle 2. The trolls are back! Ieva and Olga texted, asking if we could meet. Madara helped out and we talked to these former teenaged investigators. They have really missed the spirit that they felt at church and want to come back. Olga accepted to prepare for baptism on her birthday, February 25, and Ieva is still thinking about it. I definitely didn't think I would see those two back and humble on their knees praying to God and thanking Him for the Spirit they have felt at church. Miracle 3. Skaidra opened up...she wasn't wanting to (she was falling asleep...it was 7pm) but Sis. W. really needed to use the bathroom. Wish granted. Miracle 4. We contacted a member referral who wants to meet with us and change her life! How great is that. Miracle 5. Ruta Grodska, the new RS president, is so great. I was so proud of her, she is going to do an excellent job.
All is well in Liepaja. Soon Sister Wilson and I will be training. I'm excited, she's terrified. We have no idea which one of us will be heading up to Riga to train, but whoever is down here will have 3 (or possibly more) baptisms in January. The Lord loves and blesses us when we are obedient.
Love,
Sis. L.
Tuesday we started a mission-wide fast. We are pushing to have 120 baptisms this year. We had many many meetings with the elders. The highlight was definitely waiting for our last meeting. Little Ieva (Branch President's daughter) did my hair and let me look at her Barbie magazine. We all know how much I love Barbie!!
Wednesday to break our fast we made delicious waffles. I haven't had waffles since the Provo Temple. We took Sintija Frolava to help us with a lesson, but he didn't want to meet. It was really windy so we decided to go to the beach to try sleeping in the wind. Sister Wilson got the brilliant idea of opening up her coat. She was promptly lying in the sand. We all got belly aches from laughing. I went to the doctor's office (it was only 1 lat this time [verses the private practice 25 lats]) and got an antibiotic for my cough. It seems to be working. :)
On Thursday I lost Sister Wilson in the morning. It was quite the event. The elders helped me look for her, bless their hearts. We taught Valda [we meet with her six times a week, forgive me that I don't mention it every time] about tithing and she didn't get how much 10% is. Oh boy. We even had a visual, and only ten pieces! Zelma made our day by feeding us yummy pork and potatoes. Raivo and Lauris Beldavs stole my heart as always with their cute prayers and singing, "I am a Child of God." We met with Guna and taught her Lehi's Dream and are starting daily contact in hopes that she will get more interested.
On Friday after teaching Rita (an investigator) some English we had a really good lesson with prayer. She thinks prayer is communication with God and now knows how to pray correctly! We had root beer floats and talked about the changes that we are making to teaching English...one hour, twice a week, with breaks for finding people. While doing so Janis came to the church. He read all about us on the internet and wants to be baptized! He is more golden than the sun, it is insane! We taught Valda with flashlights today...she doesn't have lights. :)
Saturday was a warm day. What am I saying?! Pretty much every day has been warm. I don't mind at all- no snow! We missionaries all had fun playing with Kaspars' (ward mission leader) son after our meeting, teaching English, and having a very spirit filled lesson with Janis about the Restoration. I seriously don't know where this man (maybe around 27??) came from. He already watched the Restoration film online, he came to church in a white shirt and a tie. "How did you know?" "I read about it on the internet and it seemed like the right thing to do."
Sunday was just full of miracles. Miracle 1. Feeding the 5,000. We were going to break the fast with the elders and Rihards but Rihards had a family emergency come up. Sandijs, Sintija, Eriks, Madara, and the Scherbinini (4) joined in the feast and somehow we fed everyone with one small chicken. While cooking up this feast miracle number 2 happened. Miracle 2. The trolls are back! Ieva and Olga texted, asking if we could meet. Madara helped out and we talked to these former teenaged investigators. They have really missed the spirit that they felt at church and want to come back. Olga accepted to prepare for baptism on her birthday, February 25, and Ieva is still thinking about it. I definitely didn't think I would see those two back and humble on their knees praying to God and thanking Him for the Spirit they have felt at church. Miracle 3. Skaidra opened up...she wasn't wanting to (she was falling asleep...it was 7pm) but Sis. W. really needed to use the bathroom. Wish granted. Miracle 4. We contacted a member referral who wants to meet with us and change her life! How great is that. Miracle 5. Ruta Grodska, the new RS president, is so great. I was so proud of her, she is going to do an excellent job.
All is well in Liepaja. Soon Sister Wilson and I will be training. I'm excited, she's terrified. We have no idea which one of us will be heading up to Riga to train, but whoever is down here will have 3 (or possibly more) baptisms in January. The Lord loves and blesses us when we are obedient.
Love,
Sis. L.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Week 46
Hello hello! It is currently raining and feels like it is March. I'm not complaining. :)
Monday
During Preparation day I played Nerts with Sintija. We then went to her house (the Frolavi's) and had FHE with her and Eriks. Eriks insisted that we play Wayblades...fighting tops! I totally did not win. We met an awesome Russian man (there were many this week), Vassils. He had met with missionaries before and was just so kind. "Has anyone else talked to you in my building? No? That is a shame. People need to. God is important." Sister Wilson made some egg nog...uh....it turned out chunky. Great flavor, bad texture. I prefer the stuff from the store.
Tuesday
District Meeting was pretty funny. We practiced working with members so we had Presidents come in. The elders were teaching us sisters (we being investigators) and Presidents was supposed to be the member. That wasn't clear to him. Elder Alder asked him about life and what he believes Presidents said, "I believe that there are other planets and like, maybe aliens." I chimed in, "Presidents, you are supposed to be the member!" "Oh! Oopsies! Wrong setting!" For service in a team effort Sister Wilson and I cut Sintija's hair in the church bathroom and did a swell job. The highlight of harvesting was this angry anti-Christ lady we knocked into.
Wednesday
We taught Rita, our investigator about prophets very much in depth. I took a nap during our lunch time. When I woke up I thought it was morning and that we needed to go teach Valda. "Why is it so dark outside?" I asked Sister Wilson. "It is 6 o'clock and we need to go teach the Beldavis.'" We had a great time teaching them, regardless of my momentary time warp. Everyone was home and we had a great lesson from Helaman 5 about names and choosing the right. We want people to remember good things when they hear our name so we need to always do good. When we went knocking this super nice Russian lady gave us clementines. Sister Wilson understands Russian and knew that she said, "Wait here, I want to give you a gift." Sadly her ancestors were pareiz-ticigs (Russian Ortho) and so she can't change religions. I was super duper thirsty so I went and got some water at the store (there are no drinking fountains in Europe). I was guzzling it down outside of the supermarket when I heard, "Sister, don't drink the snoggy outside!" "No, it's water! I promise!" We proceeded to have a conversation with another nice Russian whose friend went in and bought us alcohol. "They don't drink because of their faith." He told his friend. I liked this Russian.
Thursday
We taught inactive Alesja and hopefully we will get her to come around to church as soon as she finishes driving school. She is a sweetheart and remembers a lot! We went to Santa Dike's house...it is so different from when I first went there in May. It is clean, there is lighting, and pictures of Jesus...the gospel changes lives...quite literally! Santa is seriously one of my best friends here. She is so funny and we just always joke and talk.
Friday
We headed up to Riga so that Sister Wilson could go to Zone Leaders Council (aka Council of the Gods). I got to hang out with Sister Sandberg, a tall skinny brown haired Russian who is a health nut and reminds me of my best friend. We worked hard and had fun being with eachother. We met an awesome lady, Ludmila on the bus and chatted with her. Sister Sandberg is so good at contacting everyone. She talked to this woman who I thought was stealing tinsel off a tree. She ended up being a really neat lady, quite the saint and we were to meet with her in a bakery a half hour later, but she never showed up. :[ We left a bunch of our contact cards on the Christmas tree. Sister S. and I ran into an unpleasant Russian. He was a communist and didn't want to do anything good with us. We skeedadled out of that situation fast.
Saturday
The bus ride to and from Riga keeps getting longer. Sigh. The highlight of Christmas Eve was definitely teaching Santa's son, Kristaps. He is 21 and likes to live life. We taught himt he basics of what the church believed. He thought is was all very interesting and said he has a lot to think about. He is so smart and made all the connections. We are going to lunch with him and the elders on Monday so he can see that we are "normal" and aren't munks or anything crazy like that. To celebrate the New Year we made corndogs, root beer, and french fries. We didn't stay up to ring in the New Year, nor did we hear everyone else (how I do not know...we were tired).
As usual we taught Valda, our progressing investigator, practically every day this week. She is planning on being baptized on the 21st of January. She went to institute and really enjoyed it.
Sunday
Happy New Year! Church was only 1 hour long and the Blums from Riga were there with cute little baby Sebastian. We were able to teach Sintija about making decisions and receiving revelation about those decisions, as well as Ausma about being more Christ-like. She is so funny. She is sick and hopes that she gets admitted into the hospital. Getting old doesn't look fun. We also did some weekly planning but didn't finish (oopsie).
I know that God's church is on the earth today. He loves all of His children and He still speaks to us today. We are so loved by our Father in Heaven.
Sister L
Monday
During Preparation day I played Nerts with Sintija. We then went to her house (the Frolavi's) and had FHE with her and Eriks. Eriks insisted that we play Wayblades...fighting tops! I totally did not win. We met an awesome Russian man (there were many this week), Vassils. He had met with missionaries before and was just so kind. "Has anyone else talked to you in my building? No? That is a shame. People need to. God is important." Sister Wilson made some egg nog...uh....it turned out chunky. Great flavor, bad texture. I prefer the stuff from the store.
Tuesday
District Meeting was pretty funny. We practiced working with members so we had Presidents come in. The elders were teaching us sisters (we being investigators) and Presidents was supposed to be the member. That wasn't clear to him. Elder Alder asked him about life and what he believes Presidents said, "I believe that there are other planets and like, maybe aliens." I chimed in, "Presidents, you are supposed to be the member!" "Oh! Oopsies! Wrong setting!" For service in a team effort Sister Wilson and I cut Sintija's hair in the church bathroom and did a swell job. The highlight of harvesting was this angry anti-Christ lady we knocked into.
Wednesday
We taught Rita, our investigator about prophets very much in depth. I took a nap during our lunch time. When I woke up I thought it was morning and that we needed to go teach Valda. "Why is it so dark outside?" I asked Sister Wilson. "It is 6 o'clock and we need to go teach the Beldavis.'" We had a great time teaching them, regardless of my momentary time warp. Everyone was home and we had a great lesson from Helaman 5 about names and choosing the right. We want people to remember good things when they hear our name so we need to always do good. When we went knocking this super nice Russian lady gave us clementines. Sister Wilson understands Russian and knew that she said, "Wait here, I want to give you a gift." Sadly her ancestors were pareiz-ticigs (Russian Ortho) and so she can't change religions. I was super duper thirsty so I went and got some water at the store (there are no drinking fountains in Europe). I was guzzling it down outside of the supermarket when I heard, "Sister, don't drink the snoggy outside!" "No, it's water! I promise!" We proceeded to have a conversation with another nice Russian whose friend went in and bought us alcohol. "They don't drink because of their faith." He told his friend. I liked this Russian.
Thursday
We taught inactive Alesja and hopefully we will get her to come around to church as soon as she finishes driving school. She is a sweetheart and remembers a lot! We went to Santa Dike's house...it is so different from when I first went there in May. It is clean, there is lighting, and pictures of Jesus...the gospel changes lives...quite literally! Santa is seriously one of my best friends here. She is so funny and we just always joke and talk.
Friday
We headed up to Riga so that Sister Wilson could go to Zone Leaders Council (aka Council of the Gods). I got to hang out with Sister Sandberg, a tall skinny brown haired Russian who is a health nut and reminds me of my best friend. We worked hard and had fun being with eachother. We met an awesome lady, Ludmila on the bus and chatted with her. Sister Sandberg is so good at contacting everyone. She talked to this woman who I thought was stealing tinsel off a tree. She ended up being a really neat lady, quite the saint and we were to meet with her in a bakery a half hour later, but she never showed up. :[ We left a bunch of our contact cards on the Christmas tree. Sister S. and I ran into an unpleasant Russian. He was a communist and didn't want to do anything good with us. We skeedadled out of that situation fast.
Saturday
The bus ride to and from Riga keeps getting longer. Sigh. The highlight of Christmas Eve was definitely teaching Santa's son, Kristaps. He is 21 and likes to live life. We taught himt he basics of what the church believed. He thought is was all very interesting and said he has a lot to think about. He is so smart and made all the connections. We are going to lunch with him and the elders on Monday so he can see that we are "normal" and aren't munks or anything crazy like that. To celebrate the New Year we made corndogs, root beer, and french fries. We didn't stay up to ring in the New Year, nor did we hear everyone else (how I do not know...we were tired).
As usual we taught Valda, our progressing investigator, practically every day this week. She is planning on being baptized on the 21st of January. She went to institute and really enjoyed it.
Sunday
Happy New Year! Church was only 1 hour long and the Blums from Riga were there with cute little baby Sebastian. We were able to teach Sintija about making decisions and receiving revelation about those decisions, as well as Ausma about being more Christ-like. She is so funny. She is sick and hopes that she gets admitted into the hospital. Getting old doesn't look fun. We also did some weekly planning but didn't finish (oopsie).
I know that God's church is on the earth today. He loves all of His children and He still speaks to us today. We are so loved by our Father in Heaven.
Sister L
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Week 45
MONDAY We thought the Dome (kind of like the city hall) would have a good cafe. We were wrong. It was retched. My favorite was when Sintija said in English, "This tastes like rubber." Oh goodness! We quickly left and went and sat in a love bird booth at Chili Pica and got dessert. I got some yummy melted chocolate and ice cream.
TUESDAY We met with my favorite Santa Dike. She had to pray twice because she forgot a word in her pray. It was pretty great. She is still my favorite. Her prayers have changed so much. God is definitely one of her best friends, it is awesome. We headed up on a bus to Riga so that I could go to the doctors. Dr. Caune was a super nice lady and she told me I had a terrible cough (thank you, like I didn't know that). She listened to my lungs and said that they sounded clean and then sent me off with some prescriptions for plant juice (that doesn't help you stop coughing), some cough drops, and an asthma inhaler. Fun stuff! She sent me off to get some blood tests to make sure that I didn't need an antibiotic. That was fun. Screaming children, needles, foreign language. Good stuff. I also got walked in on whilst going to the bathroom. It was a long day. We also got lost. (Not my fault! I was not leading). Luckily the assistants came and picked us up because I was TIRED from walking all over. They took us to the empty sisters' apartment. There wasn't even toilet paper in it! It was pretty funny. The night before Sister Wilson said, "What if there is no toilet paper." "That is ridiculous," I replied. "What kind of person would do that." I guess she should have listened to the spirit and brought toilet paper, lol.
WEDNESDAY was Zone Conference. Our district wore ugly Christmas sweaters! It was epic. Sorry we didn't get a picture...sigh. The elders had Charlie Brown-esque sweaters and Sister Wilson's was bright blue with snowmen. The senior couples made us a nice Christmas lunch, there was a slideshow, and we had a gift exchange (I got cookies), Elder Alder told me stories on the ride home to snowy Liepaja!
THURSDAY We had choir practice for the Christmas Eve Program. Aivars Fishmeisters (eternal investigator) came hobbling in [he has had hip surgery], "Elders! I just heard twenty minutes ago that you were in a fight. Are you alright? Are you hurt? You should get another day off." It was really cute that he was so worried about it. The elders are fine; the newspaper decided to write an article about it so they have been the talk of the town.
FRIDAY night we got to help out Santa Claus deliver gifts to the Frolavi home. Eriks was so excited and so confused about it. I like doorbell ditching people. Sister Wilson slipped on the ice as we were running away, oops!
SATURDAY we went out caroling in the rain. We were all pretty wet by the end, but we had a lot of fun. People thought we were crazy (we are). We then went to the Christmas Concert and sang songs like Go tell it on the Mountain and Silent Night in Latvian. It was a nice short program and at the end Ausma gave me chibas (aka knit slippers). They are so great! They look like fairy shoes and are pretty much my favorite. Since I was fairly awake on Saturday night we had Christmas early and opened all of our presents. Thank you everyone!
SUNDAY we had an hour meeting full of testimonies of Jesus Christ. We sang Silent Night as the closing hymn and the spirit was very strong. We went to some less active's homes and saw a bunch of wild swans on the lake. They were beautiful. I like watching the wind on the water.
Practically every day we have met with Valda, a 51-year-old working towards baptism. She loves Jesus and likes to wear clothes that sparkle. Her mom, Zigrida is 80, has no chompers and loves to have us sing since she can't see well. She claps her hands and giggles like a little girl whenever we finish a song. I'm pretty sure that Valda has a crush on Oskars. Valda has a boyfriend that we are trying to help her get rid of. He is a drunk that already has a wife. Lots of fun stuff.
Merry Christmas and I love you all. God loves us so He sent His Son! Christ, Jesus, the annointed one!
Love,
Sister L
Note from Thor & Lisa: We had a nice 'video chat' with Mari on Christmas morning. She looked great, and we all enjoyed visiting with her.
TUESDAY We met with my favorite Santa Dike. She had to pray twice because she forgot a word in her pray. It was pretty great. She is still my favorite. Her prayers have changed so much. God is definitely one of her best friends, it is awesome. We headed up on a bus to Riga so that I could go to the doctors. Dr. Caune was a super nice lady and she told me I had a terrible cough (thank you, like I didn't know that). She listened to my lungs and said that they sounded clean and then sent me off with some prescriptions for plant juice (that doesn't help you stop coughing), some cough drops, and an asthma inhaler. Fun stuff! She sent me off to get some blood tests to make sure that I didn't need an antibiotic. That was fun. Screaming children, needles, foreign language. Good stuff. I also got walked in on whilst going to the bathroom. It was a long day. We also got lost. (Not my fault! I was not leading). Luckily the assistants came and picked us up because I was TIRED from walking all over. They took us to the empty sisters' apartment. There wasn't even toilet paper in it! It was pretty funny. The night before Sister Wilson said, "What if there is no toilet paper." "That is ridiculous," I replied. "What kind of person would do that." I guess she should have listened to the spirit and brought toilet paper, lol.
WEDNESDAY was Zone Conference. Our district wore ugly Christmas sweaters! It was epic. Sorry we didn't get a picture...sigh. The elders had Charlie Brown-esque sweaters and Sister Wilson's was bright blue with snowmen. The senior couples made us a nice Christmas lunch, there was a slideshow, and we had a gift exchange (I got cookies), Elder Alder told me stories on the ride home to snowy Liepaja!
THURSDAY We had choir practice for the Christmas Eve Program. Aivars Fishmeisters (eternal investigator) came hobbling in [he has had hip surgery], "Elders! I just heard twenty minutes ago that you were in a fight. Are you alright? Are you hurt? You should get another day off." It was really cute that he was so worried about it. The elders are fine; the newspaper decided to write an article about it so they have been the talk of the town.
FRIDAY night we got to help out Santa Claus deliver gifts to the Frolavi home. Eriks was so excited and so confused about it. I like doorbell ditching people. Sister Wilson slipped on the ice as we were running away, oops!
SATURDAY we went out caroling in the rain. We were all pretty wet by the end, but we had a lot of fun. People thought we were crazy (we are). We then went to the Christmas Concert and sang songs like Go tell it on the Mountain and Silent Night in Latvian. It was a nice short program and at the end Ausma gave me chibas (aka knit slippers). They are so great! They look like fairy shoes and are pretty much my favorite. Since I was fairly awake on Saturday night we had Christmas early and opened all of our presents. Thank you everyone!
SUNDAY we had an hour meeting full of testimonies of Jesus Christ. We sang Silent Night as the closing hymn and the spirit was very strong. We went to some less active's homes and saw a bunch of wild swans on the lake. They were beautiful. I like watching the wind on the water.
Practically every day we have met with Valda, a 51-year-old working towards baptism. She loves Jesus and likes to wear clothes that sparkle. Her mom, Zigrida is 80, has no chompers and loves to have us sing since she can't see well. She claps her hands and giggles like a little girl whenever we finish a song. I'm pretty sure that Valda has a crush on Oskars. Valda has a boyfriend that we are trying to help her get rid of. He is a drunk that already has a wife. Lots of fun stuff.
Merry Christmas and I love you all. God loves us so He sent His Son! Christ, Jesus, the annointed one!
Love,
Sister L
Note from Thor & Lisa: We had a nice 'video chat' with Mari on Christmas morning. She looked great, and we all enjoyed visiting with her.
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