Sunday, April 7, 2013

Close Quote, Batman.

Sometimes life can kind of get you down.  There can be experiences and times when everything is just falling down around you.  Everyone's felt that at some point.  Being in Russia isn't always the easiest thing.  I'm far away from my family, I'm pretty sure Putin is actually the White Witch from Narnia and we're stuck in an endless winter until Aslan comes, teaching can be difficult and the kids can be crazy, and sometimes it can just be hard being around people, but truly, "the night is always darkest before the dawn" close quote, Batman.  I think it's important that in these moments of hardship when the White Witch gives you Turkish Delight to win you over or when your attractive Mr. Tumnus is turned into stone that you take a minute to look around you and think of how beautiful the earth is.  It was created by God just for you.  Look at how beautiful and intricate each snowflake, each leaf, and piece of grass is.  Then, look at the sky.  It may be overcast, snowing, clear, starry, but whatever it is, look at it and marvel that God created that as well.  He created worlds without number.  He did all of this with the holy priesthood and "the same priesthood power that created the world, galaxies, and the universes should be part of our lives to bless and strengthen friends, family, and neighbors." Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that yesterday, April 6, 2013.  This priesthood can be part of our lives.  This same priesthood that created everything can be in our homes.  How humbling!  If you are struggling, turn to God in prayer.  Pray for love and comfort.  He will answer.  He always does.


Here's a video that brought me a lot of peace today.  I hope it helps you, too!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

What Words Begin with the Letter I?

I have begun teaching.  Scary?  Yes, but it has been so much fun!  I absolutely love the kids I teach.  I'm not feeling up to writing a ton, so I'll just post some recent photos :)

Pause: in Basic Reading we were going over the letter 'I'.  I asked the kids to think of words that start with that letter.  Sasha shouted out "INCEST!"  I almost died!  She meant 'insect' because we had gone over it last time...close enough to count! :)














































So that's what's been going on the past two weeks.  I hope you enjoyed it!

Oh, and I'll leave you with these lovely pictures.  I love Louis the Tommo Tomlinson.

Prevet!

It's been a while, so I thought I'd post.  Also, I really don't want to do my homework.

Life in Moscow has been incredible.  I've been to St. Petersburg, Suzdal, Vladimir, had lunch with an Aussie, and basically fallen in love with the kids I teach.  I'll post some pictures and perhaps some stories to go along with them :)

 Elvis and Harry Potter...two of my favorite people ever.
 My host parents took Sara and I ice skating.  I can't ice skate.  At all.  So, basically I held my parents' hands the entire time.  I fell twice and ended up taking my dad, Vitalik, down with me.  Our bodies were fine but my pride was definitely wounded a bit.
 One of the billions of churches/cathedrals/monasteries/convents here.
 At a cafe in St. Petersburg.  We were happy to get some food in us after a 10 hour train ride! :)
 Probably my favorite cathedral ever.
 The Romanov Winter Palace!  I was so stoked to be there!

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 One of my Catch Up students always freaks out and says "LOOOOOOOOOOOK" to get my attention.  Saw this and was reminded of him!
 In Suzdal the people burnt a doll that symbolizes winter.  It was way cool to see!  We threw snowballs at it to put the fire out :)
 Alyona has a mustache!
 We got stuck in an elevator...
 Paulina!
 Alex and his creation :)
 Selima, my personal fashion consultant.  Don't I look lovely?
 Sasha, my pop star modeling her box-thing.
 Lev got me!  He's my favorite.  He's also "crrrrraccccy!"
Our host parents are the best!  They took us to our first ever circus!  We were super pumped and loved it!  There were hippos, bears, monkeys, goats, dogs, crazy acrobats, and super talented dancers.  We love the circus!

Overall, Russia has been lovely!  Remember folks: Adventure is Out There!