District Conference in Kharkov - November

I'm not very good at keeping the blog updated. Many preparations and projects going on all the time. I was searching through my pictures tonight and found this one. Here is a group of our missionaries inviting by song. It was District Conference in Kharkov this day. They sounded very good as well. From left to right, Elder Kline, Andre Kharkov CES youth, Elder Karly, Elder Sanger, Elder Golushokov, Elder Johnson, Elder Coakwell, and Elder Rooney.

Our Mission in Ukraine

With just a little less than 4 months left in our mission I have been reflecting upon our experience here and desired to share some thoughts as well as pictures of our special time here.

In the words of President Monson: None of us will honor our Heavenly Father and our Savior more than by serving as a devoted compassionate missionary.  1 Samuel 2:30 "For them that honor me I will honor".

Missionary service is a labor of love but also of sacrifice and devotion to duty.

As I think about my service here in Ukraine I ask myself, Today, have I increased in faith, in hope, in charity, in love?  I can honestly answer in the positive to each of those four characteristics. I never imagined the great love I would feel for the people here in Ukraine. They indeed are my brothers and sisters. I cry with them and for them when their trials are heavy, I laugh with them when they are happy and full of energy and youthful playfulness, I love them as if they were my children.  I hope that each of our youth will realize their dream of a temple marriage with a worthy companion and raise a righteous family and strengthen the church here with families. I used every ounce of faith I had to accept this assignment and leave my own family and travel and live on the other side of the world to answer a call from our prophet. I have been rewarded greatly with love and my family has survived without me, and  my faith has been strengthened because of it.   Was it a sacrifice? Yes, but where much is given, much is required. I can not complain about my sacrifice when my life is so full with the treasure of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

District Farewell Pictures before Transfers

I didn't get it that we were suppose to be goofy. Starting at the back row. Elder Butterworth, from Australia on the left, Elder Coakwell, from all over, family currently in Germany, originally from U.S., Sister Paletta, from Utah this was her send off photo, Sister Baguinets from Donetsk, Ukraine, Elder Kline from Texas, Elder Sanger from Utah. Front Row starting at the left, Elder Harris from Davis County, Utah, Elder and Sister Bailey and Elder Henrie from Michigan.

Family Home Evening

Every Monday night we have a group of youth in our home for family home evening. It's a fun time for us to have them in our home and to share a spiritual lesson with them, some kind of food or treats and a game or two that usually brings much laughter. We have a large group of young men from Nigeria that have accepted the gospel here. They are students here in Ukraine. They bring a very fun spirit with them to our home. To entice them into coming Elder Bailey promised food. One single man gave our family night the nick name of "Eating Monday". One Monday we went to another town for the day and night and so we told the young men we would not be holding f.h.e. on that Monday. So they gave that night the nick name of "Fasting Monday".

What is a Metroshky Doll?

Every missionary from Ukraine comes home with a Metroshky doll or two. They open up and inside is another doll which opens to another doll which opens until it gets so small that it's impossible to open. These two 25 feet dolls were at the entrance of the Fan Zone for the Euro Cup right here in Center Kharkov. It's always fun to see what the city is going to put up in there big square for a celebration.

Summer 2012 Memories Bus Ride to Donetsk

In July all the missionaries in Kharkov filled a very large bus and we had the special treat of going to Donetsk for a missionwide conference with Elder Razband of the Presidency of the Seventy. The bus ride took 7 hours. Now I ask you what do you think that bus ride was like. Actually it was okay as far as a 7 hour bus ride goes. These are great young men and we have grown to love them and appreciate their different personalities. It was wonderful to be in a room full of missionaries and President Razband. He is a great teacher and we felt great love from him as he spoke to us. I would ride another 7 hours there and back to hear a servant of the Lord.  

Favorite Summer Sites 2012 in Ukraine

As Ukraine was preparing for the Euro Cup Soccer Tournanament this year hundreds of flower gardens were planted all over the city. Their garden designers are quite excellent. Sometimes in walking the streets it's easy to notice and  point out things that are rather unattractive and run down so as we walked the streets this summer we especially enjoyed the beautiful flower gardens large and small planted in public parks and private little garden plots outside their apartments. Almost everywhere there were beautiful gardens large and small that brought  joy and I'm sure a sense of pride to them. They love flowers and I will take home some good ideas for planting a flower garden in my own yard.

A Dream Come True

A highlight of the summer was the marriage of this wonderful Latter-Day Saint couple.  One of the great challenges of the youth here is finding their eternal companion. The numbers of strong active LDS youth is small in each city. Most have grown up with these youth from kindergarten. They are the best of friends but they don't choose each other as marriage partners. One of the goals of the mission and the CES is to provide opportunities for youth to gather and have opportunities to find that special someone. Actually this couple found each other on their own. The young man is from Kharkov and the young lady is from Rustov, Russia. They now reside in Kharkov and are a delight to know. The rug that they are stepping on is part of a Ukrainian tradition. It is said that whoever steps on the rug first will rule the household. So they look at each other and count to three and each take a step together to show they are one and united together as a couple. The government here doesn't recognize a temple marriage as a legal marriage, so the youth are required to get married in a marriage establishment and then they make the trip to the temple to be sealed. The temple is a most charished opportunity for each endowed member and the youth. They make regular trips to do baptisms for the dead. It is a night train ride for them and then a whole day at the temple and then a night ride for them to return. They love their temple.

Take a walk in another pair of shoes for a day or two

This is what our entry way looks like every Tuesday afternoon as we join with our district and have lunch together and then be spiritually fed, uplifted, challenged by each other.  Of course some of those shoes belong to Elder Bailey and myself, but there are eight pair there that belong to some wonderful young people that love the Lord and are here fulfilling their calling as a missionary for our Lord.  It is September, the summer flew by full of activities, lessons, acheivments, challenges, and special events. We have reached our one year date. There is always much to accomplish, it is a never ending work, a work that can never be relaxed or put on hold. This work is too critical here and everywhere.  To be apart of such an important work is a humbling experience. We hope that in these last months of our mission we can see miracles, accomplish goals, and be an instrument in our Lord's hands to strengthen the youth and the church here in a special part of the world. It has been our privilege and blessing to be here and to come to know these good people and to love them.

We have had many interesting stories here in Ukraine as the missionaries find a few very special people from other countries going to school here. This man is from Iraq, left his homeland particulary because of the governments intolerance of Christians. He was not one at the time, but felt a stirring in him. He has been in Ukraine for about four years and two young missionaries found him one day and he said he didn't really know why he came to Ukraine, but after they taught him he felt like this was the reason. He was baptized about three weeks ago. A more humble and nice man you will never meet.

I can't believe it's been a whole month since I added to my blog. What's happened this last month. We had a great zone conference. President and Sister Lawrence from the East Europe Area Presidency visited our mission and taught us the importance of serving here in the Eastern Europe area and finding the House of Israel here, particularly members of the "lost" ten tribes. As President Lawrence interviewed each missionary personally Sister Lawrence a 20 year early morning seminary teacher gathered around the elders and the sisters and answered questions and taught and inspired a group of young missionaries as she shared her great knowlege of the scriptures. It was an awesome sight and an awesome setting.

As we continued on our walk through the town a path lead down to a park area where we were delighted to see this outside dance hall. It was a holiday this day and the music was playing loud and the senior citizens of town were having a great evening dancing to the music. It was delightful to see them enjoying themselves so and all dressed up too.

There was no grass in the cemetery. It was full to the brim with buriel markers. Each buriel spot had it's own garden of fresh flowers. The markers were most interesting each bearing the portrait of the deceased. It was awesome to walk around and see the different memorials.

While in Sumy we found this very old cemetery in town and was fascinated by it. This Angel statue is quite the eye catcher.

Here is our little flower garden. We bought some tulip bulbs last fall and decided to claim some of the dirt outside of our apartment. We planted 12, only 8 came up but we sure enjoyed seeing them as we left and came back each day. You would have thought it was a royal garden as we examined our little row of flowers each day. To think that next year their will be at least double that many brings a smile to our face.

Even those inside the city if they have a plot of dirt in front of there apartment building use it to make a garden. These garden spots are in a very populated apartment area in Kharkov. We don't ever see any type of sprinkling system in the city so we assume that all their little gardens are hand watered. I did see a lady outside of our apartment watering her flowers with a gallon size water bottle. So if there is a will their is a way.  

Not all the gardens we saw were out along the countryside. This garden spot was inside the city but down a hill and in an area where the busy city streets were out of sight. I believe the people here take great pride in their gardens because they are very neat and orderly looking.

One thing I enjoy doing here is a train ride to Sumy a smaller town about a 31/2 hour train ride away. This Spring we visited our institute class there and along the way we saw the many small country gardens. The countryside is beautiful and Ukraine has indeed been blessed with furtile soil.

Elder and Sister Burr farewell party put on by the Kharkov District. A very much loved couple that gave great service here in Ukraine. They completed their mission on April 17th. Some of the CES youth performed a traditional Ukrainian dance in their Ukrainian costumes. The smiles on the faces of Elder and Sister Burr radiate their love of the people here and the love of their Savior. They were a great example to us and we loved serving here with them.  

Our Awesome Mission President

Our humble, loving mission president spent the day with us at our Celestial Marriage activity. He joined in the dancing and it was fun for all of us to see him be a part of it all.

SPEED DATING

Another segment of our Celestial Marriage Activity was speed dating. The church in Donetsk has a loving park area. We took advantage of the nice weather all enjoyed the speed dating part. They are not shy about talking to one another, only getting serious.

Celestial Marriage Activity Donetsk Ukraine Mission

One of our big projects to help the single youth mix, mingle and hopefully find celestial marriage partner was our Big Celestial Marriage Activity in Donetsk on April 14th.  This was a mission wide activity for all singles ages 20 to 40 for the gals and 26-40 or returned missionaries for the men. Here we are having a dance instruction by our fun loving senior couple the Cannon's serving in Maurioople.

JUST ONE MORE THEN BACK TO WORK

A real scale made out of designer metal. We have both managed to stay the same weight, and thank heavens Elder Bailey still weighs more than Sister Bailey. The cookies, cakes, ice cream and goodies we are constantly serving our youth, missionaries, dinner with the president and senior couples keeps us in top physical form. Thank Heavens we have to walk everywhere!

Seniors Can Be Silly Also

Here's a moment of sillyness from senior couples. This is actually a monument of the beetles in down town Donetsk. We were trying to immitate them, but of course you see who the more serious one of us is.

A Day of Relaxing and Recreation

A couple mission is quite an interesting experience. We are together 24/7. Most the time it's busy with assignments, busy in study, busy in being with the youth, busy with district meeting, fixing meals for missionaries, our youth council, members we invite into our home etc. Today we had a few hours to visit a most delightful park in Donetsk, the center of the mission. This park was full of art made out of metal. Ukraine does not lack it's own artists and creators of beautiful things. Elder Bailey under duress posed for this picture with me. He's not much for liking the spotlight.

Answering Our Prophets Call

"Called to serve Him, Heavenly King of Glory. Chosen e're to witness for His name. Far and Wide we tell the Father's story. Far and wide His love proclaim." The words of this hymn describe these couple missionaries perfectly. Another song that comes to my mind about this group is the third verse of the song, "In this very room." "In this very room there's quite enough love for all the world, And in this very room there's quite enough joy for all the world, And there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom, For Jesus,

Lord Jesus ... is in this very room. This group of couples serve in the Donetsk Mission. We gathered together this last week for two days of edification. Sharing with each other, and teaching each other under the direction of our Mission President. Our mission president and his wife are on both sides of me. The couple next up the stair by the wall are just finishing their two year humanitarian mission. They have been our friends, our tutors, our shining example here in Kharkov. The couple behind them also along the wall are serving their second Eatern Europe mission. They served in Siberia Russian the first time and came back for a second round here in Lugansk, Ukraine. This happy elder had a number of tricks up his sleeve, literally. Rope tricks, magic tricks, tricky tricks, how fun they were. The very back couple at the top of the stairs are also here for a second time. They served in Muldova as a CES couple and in China for a year teaching English. There enthusiam and love and dedication to the Lord was indeed inspiring. They now serve in Maurioople, Ukraine. The couple on the outside of the stair railing serve in Sumi, Ukraine. This is their first mission and they are full of laughter, always making us laugh. Another great couple to rub shoulders with. The couple next to them, the sister in the pink and black sweater and her husband right behind her are the finance and office couple. They taught us about family history and gave each of us a gift, for they searched each of our family lines and found someone for everyone to do work for. What an inspiration to us they were. The next couple second from the top actually serve in Russia as LDS Social Service missionaries. They taught us how to teach the saints here about family relationships, and addiction recovery. A very needed help here, because 80% of all new members that come into the church have some kind of addiction they've have had to give up. Great, great instruction. Of course our Mission

President, President Campero and Sister Campero are our Spiritual Leaders, they are the greatest example of Love and Service. What an edifying two days we had, and what an honor to be included in the missionary circle with them.

Eighteen Senior CES Mission Couples serving in 8 Russian missions, 3 Ukraine missions, Bulgaria, Armenia and Baltic Mission. The couple on the botton right is our CES Area Director and his wife, native German's and soon to be new mission president in Germany. They have lived in Moscow for 7 years at this assignment. They are fantastic people. The 3 men on the top right are two of our area coordinators and our new Area Director, all natives to Ukraine and Russia, next to them is the wonderful secretary for this CES region, also Russian and served a mission in Japan herself. We spent 3 days in a CES training conference with these awesome, wonderful people and were very much edified by just being in there persence and feeling of their great testimonies, love of the gospel, their humor, great personalities and leadership. It was also wonderful to meet and associate with all the senior couples and feel of their strength and testimonies and willingness to serve in their various callings.

These Two Are a TEAM!

Elder Stradling, and Elder Mironchenko. They are the funnest young men. They are heros to us, never complaining, at least to us, obedient and diligent and fun!

Cold Mornings and Obedient Missionaries

Here is an example of a cold morning here in Kharkov. Early morning contacting really brings out the greatness in these young men and young women.

They Just Keep Coming!

They all look happy Yep you guessed it another one of Elder Bailey's breakfast. Either the food is really good or I am just a good barbar!

Hair Cuts! Hair Cuts! Hair Cuts!

Elder Solin and Elder Young two of our young elders who don't mind short haircuts. This was Elder Young's third time, Elder Solin's first time. We just love these young Elder's. I warn them every time that I'm not a beautician. They never complain, maybe it's the pancake breakfast that Elder Bailey makes for them.

We Love Our Sister Missionaries

Sister Hudson from Canada and Sister Fitzgerald from Alpine Utah. We love our missionaries. They are diligent in their missionary callings. They are great examples to us. It is an honor to be among them.

I Told Her It Was Going On My Blog

Big burger, I told you so. We had a fun afternoon.

Elder Bailey also ate one that big. They both got very full!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE

This is our friend Jane. She helps us with Russian once a week and goes on field trips with us. This day was her birthday we took her to McDonald's her choice. She wanted a kids meal but Elder Bailey talked her into a super burger as well. She ate it all and was still smiling. She helped us go to the post office and mail some valentines to my grandkids. The postal system is most interesting here. We couldn't have done it with out her. Thank You Jane!

Second Night Train Experience

Artyome, Veeka, Alina, and Veetalik, four super youth here in Kharkov. These are our officers for the CES Student Council. We went to a Student Council training in Donetsk. The train ride was 100% more pleasant than the first. We got on the train at 10 p.m. and arrived in Donetsk at

6 a.m. We didn't get much sleep the first night, but we stayed up with these four gents and ladies and played phase 10 until 1:00 a.m. It was alot of fun but yes I was very tired and it was hard for me to stay awake during the training sessions. Of course if they had been in English it might have been a little easier.

Always a Smile on Her Face

We have four Sister missionaries here in Kharkov. They are awesome young ladies. This is Sister Ward from Orange County California. No matter where or when she has a big smile on her face. And she is a sunshine girl and it is cold here.

Cleanest Apartment Winners

Elder Hardy and Elder Smith not only had the cleanest apartment this month they made and fed us the most deliscious chocolate pie I have ever eaten. Do you think they were trying to bribe us?

Our Model Missionaries Modeling Christmas Present

Elder Stradling and Elder Mironchenko our district leader and our zone leader, our translators, our' if you need anything just call us', our children away from home, our friends, and many time our inspiration. We gave them matching p.j.'s for christmas. We we came to their apartment for apartment checks this month they opened the door in their p.j.'s. Notice their shirt and ties under there p.j.'s and slacks too. These two young men are super and we love them.

French Cooking Ukrainian Style By Our Own Ukrainian Chef

We had a great youth activity this past month. One of our young men is a chef/cook at a local restaraunt. We bought the ingredients, he had everyone helping with some part of the meal and it turned outfantastic. The menu, Warm Salad with eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms, and tomatoes fried in a tomatoe sauce and mixed with cream cheese, Fried Turkey Livers fried in pineapple/sugar sauce, Chicken Curry, Baked Potatoes saturated in oil and sprinkles with bazil, Spinach Crepes with sweat and condensed milk. Definately not a Low Calory meal but it was very tasty.

Elder Bailey and Babooshka Cart

This is what we use to carry our groceries home from the market. The first month we were here we carried the heavy bags. This saves alot of wear and tear on the old bodies. It's still quite the ordeal to load up the cart and pull it home.

Ukrainian Feast

This is our authentic Ukrainian Christmas Dinner. In the pot is a dumpling filled with meat and served with mushrooms. The rolls have a fruit filling and sometimes a meat filling. There is also a a rice pudding dish, a cabbage salad type dish and a home made juice made with fruit. It was all very tasty, well most of it.