What? No email?...

What? No email?... Oh well. That just means next week I get 2, right?

Oh and Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

 

This last week has been a really crazy week! So Russia came out with a new law that changed how we have to register where we live with the landlords here. Some landlords haven't agreed to do this with us, and the Pushkin Elders lost there apartment because of it and so this past week Elder Gillette has been on a split with me and Elder Svirskiy as a triple companionship. Elder Punderson and him are companions, so it was crazy working with them so they could meet up and go to their area. Elder Gillette has to leave today from our apartment because they were only able to register him at a different apartment. He was just staying with us until they got him registered. So that was kind of busy/stressful this week, but it wasn't so bad.

 

We had a REALLY good meeting with a former investigator who is interested in the church again. He is an African from Nigeria named John, and he wants to get baptized. He wasn't able to because he isn't married legally yet, and had to wait to get some documents from Nigeria which took about a year to get to him. He just got them last week, so they are working on doing the documents to get married legally so he can get baptized. He said that his soon-to-be wife wants to hear the lessons too, but hasn't yet. She is Russian and doesn't know any English, so John speaks Russian, English, and 3 other tribal languages in Nigeria. He taught us how to say some stuff in a language called Eboo? It's a cool sounding language. He is an awesome guy! He said that sometime in June they should have everything worked out with the documents, so I hope I can be in the city then to see his baptism! :)

On Wednesday, President took all the missionaries to see a play- Prince and the Pauper. He said it was because of our hard work last year. It was very interesting and partly a musical, but mostly just acting. I even understood most of what was said. Some parts were kind of different but I got to experience some different culture though. Nice of the president to take us. 

 

The branch here in Avtovo is a lot bigger than in Petergof. Maybe 60-70 active members here. Brother Igor Balashov who Mom knows, lives in my area. His son is the only active young man here in Avtovo, and is a really cool kid! He said he is will to always go to a meeting with us in the afternoons and he likes to help the missionaries.

 

There was a visitor and recent convert here from another branch, and I was teaching Sunday School about the gifts of the Holy Ghost when the visitor said he had the gifts of tounges and started yelling giberish. Luckily one sister missionary stepped in and talked to him about how that wasn't the gift of tounges... Most eventful Sunday School lesson in a while...

 

Well, I hope all is going well with you all at home. I miss you all and Love you very much. I'm Happy to be on my mission. I know this church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I know that God loves us. I know that we are blessed when we repent and follow the commandments.

 

Keep Smiling, Be of Good Cheer, Peace be with You!

 

Love,

Blake

New Assignment~

Hello! Lots has happened this last week and I don't even know where to start.  Transfers happened and I have been called to serve in the city! I'm serving in the southern west area of St. Petersburg, which they call the Avtovo area. This area has been closed for a while, and has been opened up off and on, and me and my new companion are opening it up again. Our area is about 30 minutes by metro from the mission office.  I'm senior companion to Elder Andrei Svirskii from Ukraine.  This is only his second transfer here on the mission. He seems like he is a really nice, humble guy. He's pretty shy but he's cool though, and I look forward to serving with him. We live on the 13th floor of an apartment building and you can see pretty far. I've never realized how big St. Petersburg is until now.

Elder Berven is still in Petergof as our district leader, so I still will be talking with him every night and can tell him to say hi to people there in Petergof, so that's good. His new companion is Elder Wilde from St. George, Utah. Will miss Elder Berven. Great friend, great missionary! Before I left Petergof, I was able to make it around to all the members to say goodbye except for one.  I'm going to miss Petergof alot!  All the members are so nice and friendly, and since the branch is so small it just feels more like a little family meeting every week than a sacrament meeting, but I like that.  We also were able to meet with Vladimir and Sergey. Sergey was pretty sad to see me go, and we took some funny pictures because he wanted me to remember him as a fun person. I'm glad to have become his friend! When I met with Brother Silva who is from Cuba, that was the first time I was at his house, and he has a Lab named Nika who looks just like Shelby but black instead of chocolate color. I played with her while I was there and got my "dog fix" satisfied for a day. Ha ha. After that she wouldn't leave me alone and keep putting her head on my knee like Shelby used to do, and then when she realized I wasn't going to pet her anymore because we were busy talking, she laid down on my feet.  Brother Silva is a cool guy! He knows the Gospel like a General Authority would, and speaks English, Russian, and Spanish. He has some birds too at his house, all very bright colors that like to sing.

It's been really cold lately. REALLY COLD! A couple days ago during the evening it got down to -30, and President didn't want us to be on the streets... I've been living in a freezer for the past 3 months. Add the humidity and the wind factor, and that -30 feels like NEGATIVE DEATH sometimes. Bitter!

Did you get my letter yet, Dad? I sent one for your birthday, and it should be arriving there soon.  I just barely got a letter from Bishop Rose that was sent on my birthday. Tell him thank you! It was really nice of him to send that. Yes, I know that chapter well, Dad. "Oh, if I were an angel..." One of my favorites, after Alma 26 or 3 Nephi 17-20, especially the part when Christ is praying to Heavenly Father for us.

Today for P- day we are going to go play Floorball again. Maybe by the time I get home I will be able to play Hockey like a Russian?! ( they are pretty good, really good! )

I feel very blessed, as I already notice that I can talk better with Elder Svirskii better than I could back with Elder Domanksy. Somehow, I'm slowly learning this language... And that Somehow is the Lord. I couldn't do it without His help. I've realized that I can't do anything without His help. He's always willing to help me out, even though I have my weaknesses and inabilities and problems. I can't even describe it. I'm just happy that He is there.

Well, Love ya! Miss ya! I'll write again next week, but until then, BE HAPPY! Be of Good Cheer ( I have to give credit of this saying to Liz, since I stole it from her letters ha ha) Keep smiling! (from Grandpa Clifford)

Love,

Blake

One Year Mark~ Hump Day Today!!!!

Yellow!!!!!!
So I have now been on my mission for a year now!! I'm a "middle-aged missionary"! Ha ha. Weird to think about. It doesn't feel like it has been a year... I think that a year sounds like a long time, but before I know it it will be another year and I will be on my way home. You really don't need to send me anything for it, Mom but if you are going to send stuff, send music! I miss music, and I need some new stuff other than what I have. You know the allowed kind of music of course. Ha ha. Really though, you don't need to send me anything.

It's almost Valentine's Day, and as far as I know they don't have it in Russia. That's okay though. Valentine's Day is kind of a weird holiday.  Everyone calls it "a day of love," but isn't everyday supposed to be a day of love?

Yep, That's me and Elder Kyle Berven from Tampa, Florida in that picture from Zone Conference.  He's been a really good companion!  He acts just like Nate Booth, so I laughed when you sent me a picture of him. (By the way thanks for that picture! Nate does look older! And he's uber tan... I guess it is summer in Chile right now. It takes a month and a half to send letters to him... :( )

Thanks for your experience that you shared with me, Mom. That is really cool. That's one thing that I have learned on my mission is that he veil between us and those have gone on before us is a lot thinner than we think it is. I'm sure Uncle Bob has been teaching Nick for a while now and that's why he couldn't come see me when grandma and grandpa did. Still at the river.  When I read that I started crying right here in the library.

Tell Kels thanks for the pictures of her, Liz, and their new boyfriends. Ha ha. She sent me some pictures today and they both look so different. I'm sure I look different too though!

Well right now, I'm in St. Petersburg doing internet and afterwards a bunch of the missionaries are meeting at the office to play Floorball. (Hockey without the skates) I'm so excited because I haven't played a sport in who knows how long!!!!  I'm out of shape! I think I've lost so much weight because I've lost muscle. Yesterday Elder Berven and I had to run home because we had a late meeting and didn't want to be late getting home and I just realized how out of shape I'm in. Before my mission I could run for MILES with Millie-girl and yesterday I was tired after maybe 3/4 mile.  I miss running, but I'm definitely going ot do it when I get back!

This week in the branch Arseni Aumeister (the branch president's son) turned 12 and will be getting the Priesthood on Sunday. He is the first person in this branch to have been born in the church and receive the Priesthood! Awesome! Elder Berven and I made him a cake and I gave him a yo-yo for his birthday. He's a cool kid! Next year his little brother Klim, will be getting it too, so it's really exciting to see!

Other than that this, last week was kinda slow which is unusual. LOTS of people dogged us on our meetings, or just plain didn't want to meet with us... We're really trying hard though, and we're happy because we are doing the work of the Lord. :) Things will work out. Sergei found me on Facebook? He wasn't able to meet this week, but he did tell me over the phone, which is good so we did not miss an appointment. I'm sure he would be glad to talk to you, Mom, but he doesn't know English, so you will need a translator. Ha ha.

Transfers are next week. I have a feeling that I'm being transfered.... I'd love to stay in Petergof if I could, but I'll be fine wherever I go! I've really come to love the branch here, even if it is so tiny. It just means I can get to know everyone better. I'm happy to have met Sergei and Vladimir here too. They are both really close to accepting the Gospel, and I know that one day they will be baptized.

I sent Dad's birthday letter off yesterday (that was the soonest I could do it) so hopefully it makes it soon. I actually sent some pictures!!

Tell "Howdy" to Kiddo for me and give Millie and Forest a rub behind the ears for me. You can give it to Meleea and Cole, too, but I don't think they would appreciate it as much as Millie and Forest. Ha ha. Side note: I ALWAYS contact people if they have a dog, just so I can talk with them about their dog and play with it a little bit. I'm going through dog withdrawals!

Gotta run. Thanks for your love, your support, and your examples to me back home. I hope that I can be half of the example for others that my friends and family have been for me.

Be of Good Cheer and Keep Smiling!!

Love you tons!
Blake

Miracles don't bring faith...Faith Brings Miracles.

Well Hello There!
How is everything at home? Sounds like things have been pretty quiet back there other than blizzard's/ weddings and stuff. That's super weird that Brock and Maddie are getting married. I did not know that they were even dating? I just barely got Steph's wedding invite in the mail after 2 months because it had a big stamp on the envelope that said  "MISSENT TO SIERRE LIONE." The guy is either really tall, or Steph is standing on a lower step than he is in their picture? ha ha.  Tell her thank you and a big Congratualtions from me, and also to Brock and Maddie. Marty is in Houston? Isn't that were Ricky is? Maybe I'm confused. Either way, that is really cool that he is out on is mission now.

I pray for you all back home, and my friends on missions often. I know that things will work out, we just need to show our patience and faith in the Lord so He can bless us. God will not bless us if we don't show faith. Christ himself said among the people of Nazareth that he could not do any miracle among them because of the lack of their faith, and we learn in the Book of Ether that miracles come after the trial of your faith. Miracles don't bring faith, Faith Brings Miracles.

Keep on plugging with those resumes, Dad. I'm really sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well, Mom. Wish I could help more than just my prayers. How's news with everyone else? Meleea? Cole? KB? How's Forest Gump doing? Is his hip feeling a little better? How's my Millie? I'm REALLY glad to hear that Kelsey's mom is doing better! I was really worried for there for a second.

This last week was a busy week. We had a really good meeting with Sergei about baptism, what it means, why we do it, etc. He told us that he has a desire to be baptized, but doesn't want to rush in to things quite yet. He wants to gain a testimony that is strong first, because he still doesn't quite know for sure yet if this church is true. He asked us how we know, and we shared our testimonies about the Book of Mormon, living propehts and personal revelation that comes through prayer with our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. He said he will read more and pray, and he is already reading it, so we are excited. I know that SOMEDAY he will come to the knowledge of the Gospel. I Know It.  Also an investigator who has been having problems with alcohol, has finally made a plan to quit and is working with us to do so. We are really excited about that! I'm glad to be serving with Elder Bervan. He is pretty much my clone because we like all the same things and have the same personality. Good team we are.

On Tuesday, we couldn't get a meeting, so we were contacting and trying to find members of the Church that hadn't been there in a while when an little old lady came up to us asking us where an address was? We soon found out that she had a bad memory (maybe Alzheimers or something), her name was Katia and had wandered away from home and was looking for it. We helped her find her house, but it took about an hour. She kept getting confused and wanting to turn back, even though we knew exactly the address were she said she lived. Her neighbor saw her coming and helped her the rest of the way home. I worry what would have happened to that grandma if we hadn't helped her, as it was getting dark by the time we brought her home and that night was really cold... I'm sure that wasn't an accident, and I thank the Lord for showing me that He remembers every one of His children, from the youngest baby to the oldest grandma Babushka, and wants us to help Him bless them and keep them safe.

On Wednesday we had a great Zone Conference, and we had President Manjas (don't know how to spell his name in English) come and talk to us about the importance of working with the members to of the wards to do missionary work. It was really good! I want to invite everyone at home to work with the missionaries in your wards and branches, because you are all very big assets to the missionaries, and I know I that I want to help the missionaries after my mission. I know the importance of it now.

What else is new here?  Elder Berven and I successfully made carrort cake the other day, along with tacos and pizza. I'll be sending Dad's birthday letter in the mail today, so be looking for it!

I've got to wrap it up. I love you all! Stay safe! Peace be unto you! Keep smiling! Be of Good Cheer!

GOD BE WITH YOU TIL WE MEET AGAIN.

Love,
BLake

This Week's Email...

Hello... I'd like to order a pizza please. Oh wait, this is an email...

Well, it sounds like you got the right Elder Bervan. Ha ha. He definitely has a big SMILE and is a happy guy!  He is already one of my favorite companions. Really good missionary, good with people, really fun and happy and doesn't take crap from people, etc. which is good! He speaks PERFECT Russian, I swear. Dadgummit, how did he get so good?  He's only a couple transfers older than I am too.  Don't worry Mom, we laugh alot! You ask me that every email.... We laugh and we are happy and having fun! Don't worry about me. :) Really. That's really cool that you talked to Sister LeBaron. I didn't know her very well, and that is probably why she thought that I was a quiet kid because we never really had a chance to talk to each other. From what I know about her though she is pretty nice and friendly though! Last transfer was my first transfer with sisters in my district, so I don't really know any of the sisters in the mission very well.

That picture of Cody was awesome! I didn't know that his companion is African American and when I saw him, I immediately thought about the wonderful Ghana Africans that we taught here and got jealous of Cody. I know it's not quite the same, but that's what I thought of. Good people. I know that Cody is having fun teaching with his companion.

That is ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE what happened to Kelsey's mom! Tell her that she is in my prayers. How often do you talk with Kels? Truly, tell her from me that I know that everything will be okay.

This last week was a busy week, and an eventful week with a split with the Zone Leaders, meetings with President, and I got sick... I will explain in a minute. We had to go to St. Petersburg on Monday and it was super busy there with alot of people so we pretty much were at the office or traveling all day... I did get KB's card for Christmas while I was there though! Tell Kiddo thanks from me! We had a split, and I was in Petergof with Elder Beck from California. He is a really cool kid! I think I've told you about him already? He is quite a funny kid and good missionary. We had a meeting with a couple of older ladies who are investigating the church and we watched the movie about the Restoration with them. We shared our testimonies and read in the Book of Mormon with them. They are really nice, sweet little ladies but they don't really understand what we are trying to teach them. They really believe in God though and they are such wonderful people. Good lesson in general and I enjoyed it.

I got sick on Saturday with a migraine... first one in about a year. I jinxed myself last week when I was telling you that I had not got sick for a while. It quickly when away by the end of the day so I was up and doing missionary work on Sunday, but on Saturday we couldn't really do much. I think I will be fine, but please pray for me that they don't come back like they used to. I think I might have got sick from some anti-worm pills that they have us take every now and then, just incase our filters don't get everything out of the water. I've heard a few other missionaries had some side-effects too.

Tell Karl hi for me, and thanks for putting up with me, BP and Cody before we all went on missions! Also tell Cody P. and Heidi congratultions on the baby for me! BP is going to be an uncle again. That is crazy awesome!

I looked for a birthday card for dad, but I couldn't find one that I liked for him. I will be sending some letters soon. That makes me sad that you and Cole never got those two letters that I sent. I did sent them before I sent Lee's card, so I blame the mail systems. Haha.

Next week we will be in Peter for Zone Conference, so P-day will be on Friday next week,  just so you know and don't worry.

It's starting to get colder here after a period of a little bit warmer weather. Everyone says about now is when it is going to start getting really cold. I think these thermals I got will do the trick though. Thanks again for sending them.

Yesterday, Elder Bervan and I had a really cool meeting with Sergei. We planned on talking about the Plan of Salvation, but he just wanted to talk about baptism. He said he is still waiting for an answer if this church is true, but he wanted to know what he should do if (when, I say) he finds his answer, what he needs to do. We talked about how baptism is a promise with God, what it symbolizes, and what we get after baptism through the gift of the Holy Ghost. I KNOW someday that Sergei will find the answer that this is true. He is a good guy!

Don't worry about me at all. I'm happy and well. I promise. I love you and miss you all and know that Jesus is the Christ who died for our sins and through Him and Him only can we return to our Heavenly Father and enjoy the blessings of Exaltation.  

Keep Smiling! Peace be with you! Be of Good Cheer!
Love
Blake.

~ Double click on the background to start music...

Last week's email...

Elder Bervan is feeling much better now, so I know that your prayers helped him. No I didn't get sick either. It's crazy, before my mission I used to get sick with migraines all the time, but when I got set apart, President Eckman blessed me to be healthy during my mission. In the MTC, I got a bad migraine and Elder Andersen blessed me to not have migraines on my mission, and now the only thing that I have had on my mission is a head cold that didn't really even make me feel sick, but was just a little annoying.

I'm glad Lee got my card! I wasn't sure if I had put enough postage on it. I will be sending one soon for Dad's birthday, too, so be ready! ha ha. Maybe this time I won't translate the Russian on it and that will be your Russian homework assignment. ha ha.

The weather here in Petergof is still pretty cold, but it's warmed up a little bit than it has been.  Everyone always says they get a warm spell, and then the coldest part of winter comes at end of Januray or early February, so we'll be looking to see that. I want to see it! Bring it on! Those thermals that you sent are really good, lots better than the Under Armour. They were made more for standing and walking and I think the Under Armour is more for running. I haven't been wearing the 180's because I need to wear a hat to cover my head, and if I wear both it's too hot. They will definitely be worn when it is warmer.

Elder Bervan is a sweet companion! We have alot in common, and he has a good sense of humor. He works hard, speaks Russian WAY good, and just is a good missionary/person in general. We like all the same kind of music, hobbies, movies etc, too. He is very easy to get a long with and we are having a good time.  We haven't really been able to meet with any investigators yet due to the Elder Bervan was sick, I had to go for visa trip, and we had a missionary training in Pete's on Tuesday. We have a meeting with Alexander tommorrow though, so pray for Alexander and for us to be able to help him.

The scriptures you sent for Noble got here, but another missionary's mom sent some too, so the one's you sent are being given to another African here. (I think his name is Cheapo. no joke that is his name) Either way, they are being given to someone who needs them and will use them. :)

Poor Forest! Why is the surgery so expensive for his hip?  Forest is a tough dog, so he will be okay. Who knows, it might get better on it's own soon. Just gotta have faith to heal! (I hope you can teach a dog to have faith. The Gospel is for every creature you know)

That's crazy to think that Elders Poulson and McCleary are going home so soon! Elder Poulson trained me and Elder McCleary trained Elder Andersen... I remember being with him and him saying that is was his year mark, and I thought that was so long still to go and now he's already going home... Crazy. Are you going to go to Washington to hear Elder McCleary?

Time sure is flying by, and I will be home before you know it!  Soon it will be my year mark on my mission... What is going on? ha ha.  Time sure is a precious gift that we need to learn how to use while we are here on this earth. I don't think I realized that until I came on my mission.

 I've learned a lot of things on my mission, but it would take to long to write them, but all the things I have learned stems from the facts that God is our Heavenly Father and He loves us! He made a plan to learn and grow on this earth, He never does anything to hinder us, but only to help us grow. He knows everything and He is always there, even when we feel like we are far from Him. He loves us so much! He gave us the agency and ability to chose for ourselves, which means we have the ability in participating in our own creation... WE get to choose who we will become.  If we want to become a Son or  Daughter of God. If we follow His teachings, we talk with our Father through prayer, and we apply the things He tells us in our lives, just like a father here on earth teaches his kid to ride a bike or helps a baby learn to walk. I hope that someday I will learn to walk like God. Sin makes us crawl though, and we need to everyday repent of our sins, and ask our Father to help us stand, and to support us as we walk.

 Keep Smiling! Peace be with you! Be of Good Cheer!


Love,
Blake.

Crazy Busy Week!

Hello!!
Ha ha. I thought you'd like that video, mom. I don't know why but for some reason while Sister Luna was recording me, I thought that it might not be allowed. After she did it though, I thought about it and now I realized that it is okay, but that is why I didn't really talk during the video. Nervous I guess. It just caught me off guard for a minute. Sorry, Mom! How on earth does Elder Andersen send so many pictures home?? I don't know how I can with this camera. I know you miss getting pictures. 

Well, this week started off pretty crazy! We got our transfers, and Elder Gerard is now Zone Leader in Center Zone! (Not surprised he went zone leader) We met with some branch members and with Sergei, Vladimir, and Alexander to say good-bye. They were all really good lessons, and they all were reluctant to see Elder Gerard leave. He is a really good missionary, and I think they all really saw that he just wanted to help them all find happiness in life. It was good serving with Elder Gerard. I will really miss him.Elder Berven from Florida is now my senior companion here in Petergof. He knows Russian really well, and he is really funny. I think he will be a good companion. Nice guy!

On Thursday, we had a visa trip again, so that is why P-day wasn't the usual and is now Saturday. We just walked around Estonia and got some food and stuff. We even made a snowman. ha ha. We got back from Estonia really late because the roads were really backed up due to accidents and snow. It was too far for both me and Elder Andersen to make it back to our areas so we had to stay the night in Peter with the South Zone Leaders. Our companions were on a split too in Elder Andersen's area. On Friday I was stuck in Peter waiting for my registration to be completed, so Elder Andersen and I did some contacting  and had lunch with the zone leaders. I would like to serve with Elder Andersen some time again. He is a really hard working missionary, and I laughed so much with him! Elder Berven got sick on Friday with a really bad sore thought and cold, and can barely talk right now. So Friday night he just went to bed about 7, and I just studied and worked on the area book and did all the phone calls for Elder Berven. He still is feeling kind of miserable today... Elder Luna and I gave him a blessing and that helped though.

I got your package! Thank you for the new thermals and the cereal! The soup will come in handy too because it also helps to keep us warm. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I also got your Christmas card and one from the Hammond's and a Christmas letter from Kels. It was all a great post Christmas surprise for me! I also enjoyed the Ensign in English that you sent from Oct. General Conference. I really liked the talk by Elder Uchtdorf about slowing down and focusing on the things that are truly important in life. I think I needed to hear that because sometimes I just try to stretch myself too thin here on my mission and I forget why I'm here in Russia. I don't remember what the message it is called you I think you should read it. I enjoyed it alot and took it to heart.

Lately I've realized just how Almighty God is. I don't know how to fully describe it, but I feel it. It's amazing for me to think about how we sin so easily, and when we repent God forgives us everytime, as long as we sincerely repent. It's amazing that He provided a way to return and live with Him, receiving the blessings of exaltation and glory that we can receive by living in His presence. All sinners and all indebted to Him, always. We can try all we can to do our best to repay God back, but we will always be indebted because He continually blesses us... And that is what love is. It's continually giving to others. It's focusing on others. It's sharing your time and your energy for others. Service for others.

Sounds like Cody is having fun in Conneticut. Tell him good luck for me! One year?!!!!!

Can you please do me a favor and contact B.P. for me somehow and tell him a little how I'm doing? Ask Karl to read my blog and pass along to B.P.? He emails me sometimes like today and tries to talk to me, I feel bad but I'm not allowed to email him back. I don't want him to think that I forgot about him though as I miss B.P.!

Well, gotta run. 

Love you all. Miss ya! Keep smiling. Be of Good Cheer!

From Russia with Love,
Blake

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Happy Russian Christmas!

Happy Russian Christmas!!!
Today is when the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas here.

Well, since New Year's is the biggest Russian holiday and they pretty much celebrate it for 2 weeks, transfers have been messed up and this transfer is going to be a week longer, next transfer will be a week shorter, so I will be finding out on Monday if I'm transfered. I truly hope that I can maybe stay here with Elder Gerard, because I feel like I just finally know the area and love it. It has been great being companions with him! We will see though...

All the kids loved the stickers, rings, bracelets, cool rubber bands, etc. that you sent, Mom! They thought I was the coolest missionary ever... I told them that you sent me all this stuff to give to them, and they said, well she is the coolest missionary mom ever then! Thank you!

New Year's was really fun here, but REALLY weird. We were allowed to stay up and watch the fireworks that EVERYONE does here at midnight, so pretty much everywhere around the apartment of the Z.L.'s we heard fireworks ALL night. We played Phase 10, and made ourselves sick on Christmas candy. Elder Gerard and I found out how to make a really good homemade pizza at the Z.L's, so we had homemade pizza too like you did back home!

New Year's day we went to one of the buildings the church owns here with our whole district, including Elder Punderson!! Happy he is back! The sisters made lots of food, and we just watched movies until 5, when we had to be back home. That was fun. The streets were EMPTY on New Year's, and I didn't feel like a missionary, for a minute. I then wrote Lee a letter, and I finally will be able to send it off today. (And I HAVE sent more than 3 letters... Probably didn't get to you?)

This week was pretty hard as far as meeting with investigators. Sergei said he didn't want to meet again just yet... He said he is still thinking things over and we gave him alot of information to think about. He said he wasn't meeting but just not right now, especially during the holiday season. Vladimir and Alexander both said no or didn't show when we set up appointments, so we did a LOT of contacting... ONE day we probably walked about 10 miles just for contacting....

I sure hope that K.B. is COMPLETELY over her croup!! That's awful! I'm very glad to hear that she is okay. I'll pray for her as I always do. Miss her!

Glad to hear that Lee had a fun birthday! Dance at the U.? Cool, cool! Who did she go with to dinner and the dance? I found a funny b-day card here in Russian, and translated it for her. HOPE SHE GETS THIS LETTER.

No I don't think that the hat, and scarf are dorky. They are plenty warm too. Thank you! You don't need to send more.  I usually were the scarf only wrapped around once and tucked in my coat, because since I'm already wearing a tie and the coat is also big, if I wrap it arond more than once it looks like I have a goiter or something! Ha ha.

Congratulations on a year mark, Cody!!! Mine will be in a month! That is so crazy!?

Don't worry Mom. I'm healthy, happy, and SMILING like Grandpa used to say to you! My letters are probably getting shorter just because I don't have as many things going on like I did, and also because President has been asking us to write more to him about our areas and investigators, so he can know how to help us better, so my letters to him have been a bit bigger.

Well, I love you all back home! I know that things get tough, but they just make me appreciate the small things in life more. Like when someone gives you a smile, or just realizing that I'm ME, and the Lord LOVES ME just the way I am. And since He loves me the way I am, I just want to make myself better and help others do this too, so we are more worthy of the Heavenly Love that He gives us! We will always owe him for this love, and I will always be grateful for that.

Peace be with you! Be of Good Cheer! Keep SMILING!!
LOVE,
Blake

Appreciate all the letters and support on my mission!

Yellow!! It was great to talk to you on Saturday. Everything is a blur, as our day was pretty busy on Christmas. I feel like I talked about nothing with you guys... Ha ha. Hope you liked talking with me anyway... Code said that you think I have an accent?... I don't believe it. ha ha. Often here people ask Elder Gerard and I if we are from Estonia or the Baltics, and say our accents are alike like their accents.  They think that my face looks like someone from the Baltics too... I still think I look very American and sound very American.

Please tell Grandma, Grandpa, and Liz "Spa-si-bah" for the Christmas cards. They came on Monday and were both very nice. I really appriciate their support for me on my mission, along with my family's of course. I don't know if I told that Paige Andersen also sent me a card? Tell her thanks too! That was really nice of her. Still waiting on your card you sent?

On Tuesday we had a really good meeting with Sergei. We FINALLY taught him all of the first lesson, as he is the kind of guy that asks a lot of questions. That's a good thing though. That means he wants to find the truth and wants to understand what we are saying. He really liked when we read the story of Jospeh Smith, and how he read in James 1:5 that you can ask God directly if something is true, or if you lack wisdom, that if we ask with real intent, we can all find the truth. He said he believes that our message is true, but he isn't sure if it is the only true church on the earth. We told him that we both have received this knowledge, and felt the power of the Holy Ghost testify that it is true, and that he can too. He said that he will definitely ask God if it is true. We haven't been able to talk to him since that meeting, but it was a really good.

Today we have a meeting with Vladimir, a long time investigator who can't give up smoking/drinking. He has a good testimony and accepts everything, just needs help with his addiction. I admire people who are trying to give addictions up. I've never really realized how hard it was until I came on my mission and saw peolple struggle with that kind of thing. I never was around that stuff before my mission, and I realized how much of a blessing that was. We know Vladimir can do it, and we know that the Lord will help him.

Tomorrow and the day after we will be staying with the zone leaders, as New Years here gets pretty crazy. We aren't allowed to be on the streets, so it will be a day of studying, writing letters, etc.

Just barely got your letter and only have 10 minutes left to type. Don't worry mom, I'm staying warm as I can be. I'm usually hot from all the layers, except my legs. They usually are still pretty cold!! Thank you for the other package, and I know you like to do that for me, but really you don't need to send me lots of stuff. I'm okay.

Well. Gotta run. Tell Lee HHHHHHAAAAPPPPPYYYY BBBBBBIIIIIIRRRRTTTTHHDDDDDAAAAYYYY!!!! on New Years!!! Remember, you are all in my prayers, and that the Lord is always around. I love you all alot and miss you! We'll see each other again before you know it.

Love,
Blake
aka....
Elder Blake T. Larsen

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hello!!!

First I must say a MERRY CHRISTMAS to Dad, Mom, Cole, Meleea, Cody, Kallie, Millie, Forest, and even Gracie... ha ha.

Well, it's Christmas time!!! I think that I will be calling about 10 AM YOUR TIME or so... If I can we will earlier, but we don't know. On Christmas, Elder Gerard and I will be in St. Petersburg for a baptism, since Elder Gerard is District Leader. Nobel, one of the Africans is getting baptized!!! He is a stud. We were in Peter yesterday for his interview, and he passed with flying colors. Then later we had a lesson with him and his roommates, and they are all SO blessed!! What great people! They have a great spirit about them. Then David, another African said the closing prayer in Twi, one of the languages in Ghana. That's a CRAZY language. It is SO COOL! Nobel is SO ready to be baptized. All of them are, they just need to get the documents. Then we are heading straight back to Petergof because The branch is having a Christmas Party which we are trying to get some investigators to come to, but if they say no, then we will be calling earlier. Expect my call about 9 or 10 in the morning for the time range... As far as I know I'm not allowed to call Cody and that makes me sad... :( Elder Gerard and I are buying some international calling cards today, so it shouldn't cost you anything.  Can't wait!

We had a very nice Christmas Party on Tuesday! We had some training before, and then we had a great dinner of potatoes, vegetables, porkchops, and a fruit/jello dessert thing, all done by Sister Podvodova and Sister Luna.  It was really good! They are good cooks!  After we had a white elephant. I gave a rechargeable flashlight,  I received some Christmas lights to string in the apartment, and some chocolate. Then each district performed a musical number.  Our district sang Jingle Bells and We Wish you a Merry Christmas and we danced. I'm sure Sister Luna got a video and will send it to you. Ha ha! Sisters Bryshtel and Wise bought all the Elders in our district Christmas ties that play a song, and we wore them while being dressed up like Santa Clauses. It was really fun! We saw Elder Andersen too!! GOOD day! 

MOM! You sent way too much stuff! You didn't need to do that. Of course I will be sharing with everyone.  All the packages got here, including the one you sent for Sisters Luna/Bryshtel. They were both very surprised and pleased. Thank you for everything! THANK YOU... I worry that you spent too much on us here... :)  Thank you for all the candy and the warm clothes you sent! I might be giving the PJ's to someone else, because they are a bit short to be honest... maybe I've grown a little on my mission... Elder McCleary and Andersen are putting together a gift box for Nobel... maybe I'll give them to him.

That is absolutely terrible what happened to Kelsey's mom, and her whole family! Tell her that she is in my prayers and give her my love!. I wish I could talk to her and help, but the most I can do is send this email. I do know that Christ is always there for her to lean on if she will ask Him. ALWAYS.

Remember the Lord is in control. He loves all His Children. Remember that Jesus Christ came into the world to provide a way to save all of the children of God. He has all power, and He shows His power through service and love. He is our perfect example. He set up His church, and His doctrines. When people changed His doctrines, and there was total confusion about what the true teachings fo Christ were, He again established His chruch on earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and He still leads this church today, and forever. I'm glad to be a missionary during this Christmas to help my Lord continue the work that He did when He came into this world over 2,000 years ago.

Love you all! Stay strong! Remember the Savior! Peace be unto you! Be of Good Cheer!
Love
Blake!!!

Be of Good Cheer!

Hello! I'm happy and doing well here in Petergof!

Well, what to say about this week?... It was kind of uneventful to tell you the truth... Except yesterday. We had a meeting with Sergei, but then he called and said that it wasn't going to work out today. So Elder Gerard and I called for a long time former investigators/ members who hadn't been to church in a while to see if we could meet, but we couldn't find any home. So we went out contacting for a little bit, when the Zone Leaders called and said that we had to be home because there was going to be a riot in St. Petersburg or something, and police we going to be involved. So we were just inside playing chess and studying the whole night, because we had already called practically everyone in the area books... We haven't heard anything about the "riot" or if it actually went through yet. It was still really quiet in Petergof.

Next week on the 21 will be a mission Christmas party.  North and South zone are going to all be together, and then center zone will be on 22. That means Elder Andersen will be coming down from K-grad. He's jealous that Elder Gerard and I get to serve together. Ha ha. :) It will be funny to see his reaction. Ah, we love Elder Andersen! Elder Gerard is a really good missionary. He speaks Russian well (or at least better than me!), works hard, is organized, and happy. Good companion!

Wow, that's crazy that Bishop Rose is now 1st Counsellor. ha ha. And my "Pa" is 2nd counsellor? (President Chidister was my Trek Pa). Tell them good luck for me! I know they will do well. Let me know who the new Bishopric is going to be too! Things sure are changing back home. I don't know if I'll recoginze anything when I get back. Kallie will be bigger, backyard is (more) done, friends will be married, new people in the ward.  It will be exciting to see.

So I don't know if I can call Cody either for Christmas... I was talking with Elder Andersen when I was on the split with him. He also has a twin on a mission in the Moscow West mission, who right now is in Kazikstan. Last year he asked President if it was okay to call him seperate than his family and he said no.  I think to be able to talk to Cody, the only way is to both of us call at the same time and have a 3 way connection on the phone and that may be impossible... Any other ideas?  We have one more P-day inbetween then, so let me know what is going on. Sad!

Scripture of the day: 3 Nephi 5:13. (Elder Gerard and I are trying to memorize one verse a day in Russian) :)

Tell everyone Hi for me!

Well, I gotta run. Thanks for your love and support from everyone back home. Your letters and emails mean a lot to me! Please tell everyone to write more! I know that God loves all His children, and that when we try to do what is right, with all our heart, God makes up the rest and we can accomplish miracles. It's important to  recogize the miracles in our lives everyday, because a day you don't recognize a miracles from God is the day your faith is weakened, and miracles cease only because of lack of faith.

Praying for you all, working hard, learing a lot. It's hard sometimes, but we can't know joy without pain, and we can't receive a result without putting something into it.

"...You cannot bear all things now, but be of good cheer, I will lead you along..." - Jesus Christ (somewhere in doctrine and covenants seventy something)

Love!
Blake

St. John 16:33

Howdy! Well this last week has been a little warmer than the weeks before, but only because it hasn't been straight snowing and blowing everywhere... And we live right by the water, so the wind from the ocean can just blow straight through your coat, no matter how big it is... I got a nice, good coat that goes down past my waist. It is warm, don't worry, Mom! Also the boots I brought are good too, in fact sometimes a little too hot... They are probably the biggest boots in the mission, and President makes fun of me for it. :) Ha ha! This past week was pretty good! I served two days in the city with Elder Christopher Andersen from Magna, UT. (There are 3 Andersen's here) He is our zone leader along with Elder McCleary. It was really good! Elder Andersen is a really good missionary, VERY happy and polite and laughs alot. We went and had a meeting with 3 African investigators (in English!)and with an African member. They are all from Ghana, and waiting to receive their documents so they can all get baptized. They understand the Gospel really well, and you can just feel the Spirit so strong when we were there! We talked about Faith in Christ, and it was probably one of the best if not the best lesson I've ever seen. They are all so excited to be baptized! Afterwords, one of them told us "You know, thanks for comin over all dees times an sharin da good word o' God to ma brudas. You guys don't see color, just soul, and we all ar' brudas in soul." (I love African accents. Wish I had one.) They are so right, we are all family in Soul... :) Great people! Me and Elder Gerard had a good meeting with a former investigator who has recently wanted to learn more again. He wants to get baptized, but has problems with giving up alcohol and drugs, and he doesn't want his repentance to be fake, but a true, full repentance where he will never do it again. He said he wants to get baptized, but he is not ready. He will meet with us often he said though. We talked about Christ overcomeing the world and that through Him, we can too. We shared with him St. John 16:33, which has become one of my favorite scriptures~ "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  I love the book, Jesus the Christ by James Talmage. I've only a chapter and a half left and then I'm done with reading it. He does just an extensive study of the New Testament, comparing scriptures and showing the importance of the Book of Mormon and the true doctrine of Christ. I've read the Book of Mormon again twice so far on my mission, and I'm attempting to read it again, but this time only in Russian. The Book of Mormon is amazing!
ANYONE who will ask God with a real intent to know if this book is true, will receive without a doubt an overwhelming joy of emotions, telling not just the brain, but the SOUL, the heart, that it is true! And if it's true, Joseph Smith was a prophet, and if that is true, than our Church is run by God, proving that the scriptures are true, that God doesn't change, that He lead His church in ancient days, but also leads His church today, thus He is an Unchanging God, like the scriptures say. I can testify of this with all my heart and being, but when it all comes down to it, every person has to choose to find out for themselve and ask God. What better source to go to?! When we are sick, we ask a doctor, when we want to learn to cook, we ask a cook. When we want to find God, WE ASK GOD! Amazing the power of Prayer in our lives!!!! God talks directly with us through the Holy Ghost, and we can literally say that WE KNOW THE TRUTH because GOD has told us. 


Well, My time is up... I want to wish you all the best of luck. I would say "God be with you til we meet again", but I know that He is ALWAYS with us, WE just forget to be with Him. Remember faith brings miracles, miracles don't bring faith. Love you all! "Peace be unto thee!"

Merry Christmas!! 
Elder Blake T. Larsen Старейшина Блейк Т. Ларсен

Branch Made Thanksgiving Dinner for Us!

Dear Everyone, Thanksgiving here in Russia was pretty good! We were able to eat with the branch, where they made chicken and salads and stuff. It was quite different than an American Thanksgiving, but it was still very good!! So nice of them! The branch shared there testimonies about why they are thankful to the Lord this year, and I felt the Spirit so strongly. The branch here is only about 20-25 active members, so the majority shared their testimony. I really like the branch in Petergof. Sister Aumister (the Branch President's wife, they are from Estonia) even knew how to make a pumpkin pie!!!! Awesome!! Elder Gerard is a stud, and speaks straight fluent Russian!! We noticed that we learned a lot more when we had Russian companions, so we are trying to only speak in English when absolutely necessary. Elder Gerard knows lots of words, and he is a great missionary! I'm glad, grateful to be serving with him right now. I don't want to hear anyone complain that it is cold unless they are living in Russia!!! It's so cold and humid here that your face just stings from the cold after a while, and I swear even my boogers are frozen!!! I bought a good coat, had to buy another scarf because I lost mine in the Metro, (maybe stolen) and bought a good hat. The only thing that I am still looking for are thermals. I'll keep looking. Don't worry Mom, we are eating well. I do have to say I have lost 15 lbs. since I came to Russia, though. I lost all the MTC weight and then some. We actually have a Mission Rule that we have to eat 5 vegetables a day, so we eat a lot of vegetables and fruits and stuff. I will do the math and figure out the time differences when I will be calling for Christmas. I want to call when K.B. is there. Tell our cute little monkey thank you for the monkey E-card. It made me laugh! Also tell Kelsey thanks for the pics. She sent me a few with just a quick note. Is that Liz? She looks different to me. Oh and thanks for the picture of Nate. That's last week in England? Here EVERYWHERE is frozen! I sent a letter to Cole the other day, so hope he gets it soon. I never hear from him. Dad? Pancakes!! That would be pretty cool! How long would that be? Well, the work here is hard because we don't really have any investigators who want to meet with us, and we contact alot in the freezing cold weather. We did have a good meeting with a man named Sergei in the next city over who is really interested in the message though, and is already reading the Book of Mormon and the Bible. He had been sick after that though, and haven't been able to meet with him again. Pray for Sergei and his wife! They are really cool people, and the Gospel would bless them so much! We're trying hard to find people, but sometimes you have to search a long time I guess. I know that this church is true and that God loves us. His power and mercy are incomprehensable, and His love is insurmountalbe. He is the God of the Living, and all who come to Him will live again, on this side of the veil and on the other side where people have gone through the ordained change we call death. He loves us ALL! I'm glad to be a part of sharing this love with the people of Russia, who I am coming to love with all my heart, even if they are a little rough around the edges at times. They have the same heart as anyone else if you can break the walls down they sometimes put up. That might not just be a Russian thing, I think that is everywhere around the world. Remember I love you all back home too though!
 Peace be unto you! From Russia with Love, Blake

Happy Thanksgiving!

Alrighty. Well, I had to leave Vyborg, which was really hard! I really grew to love the people there, and I'm going to miss them a lot... I felt like I was saying goodbye to a second home in a way. But this transfer is going to be good here. :) I'm serving with Elder Gerard from the MTC Trifecta!!! Way excited!!! He's a stud. Also there are lots of parks, old castles, famous palaces like Peter's Palace and the Summer Palace. We are near the water seperating Finland and Russia too. I've only been here a day, but I already like it here... Maybe I'll like it as much as Vyborg... Maybe. ha ha. Nikolay is the Elder's Quorum President in Vyborg. He's a very nice guy, and a really strong member here in Russia. He and his wife just recently had a baby. It meant a lot to read what he said... Makes me miss Vyborg already! ha ha. Ha ha. -2 degrees? That's everyday right now here in Russia... I bought a scarf and gloves here already, when me and Elder Gerard were buying groceries, and after internet I will go and buy a coat. Winter is just starting! ha ha. Random side note, they play American Christmas songs in the store here. :) Snowing constantly here, and ice is everywhere. Tell Kallie to she's just so sweet, she's rotting her teeth! ha ha. (Bu-dum ching). Seriously though, not good to hear. Did you take her to Tom? Tell Lee sorry about the doctor appointment! That sounds horrible!!! I miss her too! I pray for her often, and I hope she gets feeling better soon! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our thanksgiving dinner will be sausage and bread and cheese. ha ha. The branch is actually celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow here, but me and Elder Gerard can't eat with them I think, due to the rule because so many missionaries had been getting sick... Rule still hasn't changed. We will find out though. I got a letter from Liz, a letter from Booth, and a letter from a Sister Hemelinina that I met in the MTC from Vyborg. Her mom isn't a member of the church and isn't really interested in joining, but she misses her daughter a lot and Elder Domansky and I made friends with her. Sister Hemelinina wrote to say thanks for just being friendly missionaries with her mom, and that she mentions us a lot in her emails. :) Cody in a new area? I see he has a new companion. When is he planning on calling for Christmas? We can call either the 24th, or the 25th here in Russia. Could you tell Karl to pass a long some info about how I'm doing to BP, or maybe you could? He emailed me and asked me how I'm doing. It's been forever since I've talked to him. Things aren't always easy on my mission, but the Lord blesses me a lot, and I'm happy! Since it's Thanksgiving, just wanted to say thanks to everyone at home and who have supported me. My family, friends, and even complete strangers have helped me on my mission.
I love you all! Love you! Be of good cheer! Love, Blake