White Nights are still here, but fall is coming to St Petersburg.

Well, I'm still in Shoovolovo, yes with Elder Loskutov. I liked to serve with him as he is a really good companion. I just didn't like that last area as much as others. People just were so rude there... I'm excited to be serving with Elder Loskutov in Shoovolovo! He is a hard worker and really happy, plus he speaks Russian perfectly. :) That's always a plus when serving with a Russian companion.

 I did put holes in my shoes, yes.  No, I still have the other pair that I didn't wear quite as much that will last me...maybe, since in the winter we usually just were our big boots anyway. Yes, I can also buy those cushions for the new shoes. Thank you for the help! I appreciate it!

Elder Anthony went to go train in Petergof with a new Elder Pierce. He seems like a really nice guy. Will miss Elder Anthony though. He is a good friend! I would like to go to Petergof soon and see that city in the summer. All the cool stuff was covered with snow when I was there.

White Nights are still here, but they are changing really fast, along with the weather. Last week it was pretty warm, but this week it has cooled down a lot already.  Elder Anthony and I noticed that a few trees are already changing colors. Fall might be coming early this year in St. Petersburg.

I have had a letter letter for K. B. for a couple weeks now, but still haven't had time to send it. I will today, along with the letter that was sent back to me. Sorry. I just keep forgetting to go to the post office...

Speaking of post offices, I received your package...finally! Thanks for the Easter candy and all the enchilada mixes. I think it is funny that you sent so many right as soon as I'm serving with Elder Loskutov again. Maybe there will be another "What about Bob" incident. Ha ha. And Cherry Craisins~ I think are some form of manna or something! They are a lot better tasting than I remember. Thanks a bunch! Really!

A Dacha is a little piece of land that people have outside of the city with maybe a little hut or small cottage on it, and a large garden where they grow lots of vegetables. We'll probably help Gregory with some weeding and he said that he'll make us "shashliki" (shishkabobs) MMMMMM!

Elder Shirbeana from Ukraine was the one who got punched last week, Mom. Elder Loskutov got punched multiple times last transfer, and an Elder from Oklahoma, Elder Brisolera got his finger kicked and broken a couple weeks ago. I got punched in the chest once in Pskov. Stuff like that happens a lot, but no one ever gets seriously hurt. The Lord protects His missionaries!

Thanks for everything that you guys do for me! I wouldn't be the same kind of person I am now without your examples and your support in my life. The Lord has a plan for who he wants us to be and sets us up in situations that we can learn the most in. If we make the right choices, we can learn and grow and become closer to Him. I want to just say thanks for being part of that environment were I could learn and grow and make correct choices. I love you all VERY MUCH!

Have fun and be safe!

Keep Smiling, Be of Good Cheer!
Love,
Blake