Our First Sunday

Yesterday we enjoyed our first Sunday in a branch in Samara. The Connells work with three branches so we went to one with them and the Wings. They are great people!  Took us 45 minutes to get to the branch via bus. Bus ride is 30 cents and it's kinda bouncy. Bus holds about 30 people. Got to church and enjoyed sacrament meeting.  A counselor in the mission presidency - a Russian - was there as well as the District President, also a Russian. Great brethren. Talks were great - couldn't understand them but I could certainly feel the spirit.  Mom had a sister missionary translating for her. I felt very happy that I could understand the feelings and enjoy sacrament meeting. Very friendly members and I got to thank all the speakers.  During Sunday School Sister Connell gave a teacher development lesson using Teaching: No Greater Call and also using one of the elders as a translator.  Took longer to teach but it went very well.  Gave me confidence that I can use a translator and still be effective as a teacher. That has been a huge concern of mine. Then attended priesthood and, using a translator, made a comment or two.  Also reassuring.  I talked to the district president after and made sure my comments were appropriate and he assured me that they were. Very nice to know!  Then I went to Relief Society and had a slice of delicious watermelon with the sisters.  Doing my part for Russian relationship building! There are some things I am VERY good at!

We took the Metro and tram home - metro is like a subway and the tram is an electric streetcar.  We walked and walked and walked just like the pioneer children. Incidentally, Sister Connell made a good point in her class.  She had mentioned to the branch previously that she viewed them as pioneers.  She explained yesterday - using some pictures - what we mean when we say pioneer and how we love and respect them and she intended to give them a great compliment.  however, she didn't know the connotation the word pioneer had. During communist times pioneers were a communist youth group.  lesson learned!

Mom and I made a nice pot of soup and we had the other two couples over for dinner.  We had a wonderful fruit bowl - the fruit is really good and they have it year round.  

Tuesday our couple conference begins - i'm a little worried about the devotional.  it's the first thing on the first day - hope it sets a nice tone.  Usually when i wake up at 4 a.m. and then get up and write something down, it usually works out okay.Our love to you all.  Let's plan on skyping after we get to saratov next week.  We look forward to it!