Su Šventom Kaledom!!
Hello Family!
Merry Christmas to you all. This last Saturday, a young girl which Sister Alldredge and I taught over the summer was baptized. We both wish that we could have been there. It is wonderful to see the Lord preparing the hearts of the people here, little by little. We are seeing some hopeful investigators sprout out of the snow, like daisies. Speaking of which, we had daisy tea last night at an investigator's house. The word for daisies is equivalent of "calm flowers," or calmies. Kind of cute, eh?
We enjoyed a wonderful zone conference, enjoying a Christmas pageant afterwards. Sister Alldredge and I were Shepherds. Each zone conference is like a re-charge session. The spirit has a way of speaking to the heart that is unlike anything else. There are questions, trials, and worries so deep that I find myself overwhelmed and unable to express them. The spirit really can act like a balm, drawing out the natural man, consoling, cleansing, and really changing one's desires. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission. I have a testimony of the power of prayer.
Yesterday at Church, I was feeling troubled that someone a few weeks before had walked into the church, looked around, and left before any of the missionaries talked to him. I was so busy running around with church preparations that I didn't say anything to him either. I said a prayer, promising that if I ever saw someone new in the church building, I would immediately introduce myself. During the third hour, I saw someone in the foyer, and instead of talking myself out of it, I went and talked to her. Turns out she was just passing by after doing some grocery shopping. We are hoping to meet with her and her family before Christmas. I know that we are surrounded by opportunities everywhere to do missionary work. Last night we went knocking. We are focusing on finding and teaching worthy males who can become Melchizedek priesthood holders. I felt a desire to pray for this specifically, and we were able to teach two lessons to men last night. I know that the Lord is waiting anxiously to bless us if I will just exercise the faith to express the desires of my heart.
I am so excited for Christmas. I know that my Redeemer lives. I am so grateful to be able to serve Him at this time. I could not ask for better learning experiences, or a more wonderful people to serve. We visited in the home of a mother and son. She's 73. He's got to be in his 30's. They live in one room without a kitchen. There was no where to sit together. The walls were decorated with pasted grocery ads. Donatas, the Son, has autism. He is very intelligent, speaks four languages, but sometimes his thoughts get stuck on a track that just repeats itself. He had brought his mom to church the previous Sunday, and we set a time to meet. He seems to already have read the book of Mormon, or most of it, and has even received a spiritual witness that it is true. His mother has a desire to know more of our message because of the impact it had on her son. The spirit has really prepared this family.
Love,
Sister Paul
December 20, 2010
December 13, 2010
Letter - December 13, 2010
My hands are still numb....
Dear Family,
The Baltics are a beautiful place around Christmas time. I am immensely enjoying the opportunity to serve here. However imperfect my offering may be, I feel the Lord really does accept my sacrifice. I feel a sort of longing, maybe a sadness today, as I think of less effective or less diligent moments in my service. However, I know that there will come from these reflections a more committed Sister Paul.
We've been teaching a wonderful progressing investigator. His name is Gediminas. He is one of the first doors I harvested while serving with Sister Edgin. He has read through first Nephi and is living the Word of Wisdom. It's great to see him searching one step at a time for the truthfulness of this message. We always have to teach with members present since he's a male. At the end of the Word of Wisdom lesson, I said, " If you will keep this commandment, you will become more sensitive." Of course, Gedeminas got this confused look on his face, since, by inference, I had just called him insensitive. I was sure glad the participating member chimed in, "She means, spiritually sensitive, that you'll be able to feel the spirit testify to you."
The Lord sends us wonderful experiences to keep us going. Last Saturday Sister Alldredge and I were searching for a couple named Hortas and Irma. Their teaching record had mysteriously ended in 2006-ish, and our efforts late on a previous evening had ended in frozen failure. We returned, found the building, and tried the doorbell at the bottom of the stairwell. There was no ring and the apartment seemed vacant. We then knocked a few neighboring stairwells and headed off to our next activity. As we neared the bus stop, I looked up to see a passing man with a pleasant look on his face. I said hello, and he seemed to recognized us as missionaries. We talked, and I asked if we could come by and share a Christmas message with him. He said "Sure. Here's my number *******, and my name is Hortas. If my wife answers, her name is Irma." Our jaws just dropped. We told him that we had prayed that morning to find him. He smiled. " My wife and I have been living near Kalingrad for a couple years and have just returned." We are excited to go by to see him tonight.
I've got to run. Thanks for all your prayers.
Love,
Sister Paul
Dear Family,The Baltics are a beautiful place around Christmas time. I am immensely enjoying the opportunity to serve here. However imperfect my offering may be, I feel the Lord really does accept my sacrifice. I feel a sort of longing, maybe a sadness today, as I think of less effective or less diligent moments in my service. However, I know that there will come from these reflections a more committed Sister Paul.
We've been teaching a wonderful progressing investigator. His name is Gediminas. He is one of the first doors I harvested while serving with Sister Edgin. He has read through first Nephi and is living the Word of Wisdom. It's great to see him searching one step at a time for the truthfulness of this message. We always have to teach with members present since he's a male. At the end of the Word of Wisdom lesson, I said, " If you will keep this commandment, you will become more sensitive." Of course, Gedeminas got this confused look on his face, since, by inference, I had just called him insensitive. I was sure glad the participating member chimed in, "She means, spiritually sensitive, that you'll be able to feel the spirit testify to you."
The Lord sends us wonderful experiences to keep us going. Last Saturday Sister Alldredge and I were searching for a couple named Hortas and Irma. Their teaching record had mysteriously ended in 2006-ish, and our efforts late on a previous evening had ended in frozen failure. We returned, found the building, and tried the doorbell at the bottom of the stairwell. There was no ring and the apartment seemed vacant. We then knocked a few neighboring stairwells and headed off to our next activity. As we neared the bus stop, I looked up to see a passing man with a pleasant look on his face. I said hello, and he seemed to recognized us as missionaries. We talked, and I asked if we could come by and share a Christmas message with him. He said "Sure. Here's my number *******, and my name is Hortas. If my wife answers, her name is Irma." Our jaws just dropped. We told him that we had prayed that morning to find him. He smiled. " My wife and I have been living near Kalingrad for a couple years and have just returned." We are excited to go by to see him tonight.
I've got to run. Thanks for all your prayers.
Love,
Sister Paul
December 9, 2010
Letter - December 6, 2010
The Perfect Picture for your Christmas Card!
Dear Family,
I got a kick out of how wonderfully Amish Sister Alldredge and I appear in this picture. Transfers were last week, and we're now serving together in Vilnius. In this picture, we're in Riga, not Lithuania.
Thanks for all you're doing
Sister Paul
Dear Family,I got a kick out of how wonderfully Amish Sister Alldredge and I appear in this picture. Transfers were last week, and we're now serving together in Vilnius. In this picture, we're in Riga, not Lithuania.
Thanks for all you're doing
Sister Paul
November 27, 2010
Letter - November 22, 2010
Here are some lovely pictures from the leadership training in Riga. We red-heads were on the prowl for investigators.
We, of course, don't speak a lick of Latvian. (Latvian is similar to Lithuanian, but all the first syllables have accents, and all the endings are truncated. I would compare it to a drunk-sailor trying to speak Lithuanian.) However, someone I contacted in English now has, or had, a baptismal date. Yay!!
Also, here is a recent letter I wrote to President Dance:Dear President Dance,
What a wonderful opportunity it was to hear from President Scwitzer. I have personally found a lot of joy and challenge in applying his inspired counsel.
Sister Edgin and I have put in three hard months together. She has taught me very much, more than few people have over the course of my life. Our week was hampered by the fact that Sister Edgin had food poisoning, but it seems that all is better. I feel a sort of sadness and excitement with transfers coming up.
I find that with the increased comprehension of the language, that there is a certain level of freedom and joy in missionary work that has come about. I can help more in branch auxiliaries. I can express more of my personal life experiences. The one thing that hasn't changed is the heart-break that can come when investigators don't follow the witnesses of the spirit that they have received ultimately accepting baptism. I know that I am called of the Lord. The feelings of sadness drive me to want to be better. I want to be a more kind person, President. As I understand the people more, they also have the ability to try my patience, my charity in a whole new way. I find myself lacking in the Christ-like attributes.
The application of President Schwitzer's teaching for me is a deepening of my level of personal consecration. I feel that this can only help the missionary work. Sometimes I wonder, President, whether I'm in a sort of Zion's Camp. I want so badly to see some results of my service here. I long to see someone accept baptism. However, I know that the personal growth I experience because of these times will have impact far beyond these 18 months. I didn't think I was coming here to experience growth. I thought I was coming here to "perform" if you will, or "produce results." I little expected that the product being refined was me. I feel a new acquaintance with my Savior because of this time. I think of his ministry, of his life and example, and I feel often his influence in my life. I am humbled, it is "wonderful to me."
Thank you for the opportunity to serve,
Sister Paul
November 8, 2010
Letter - November 8, 2010
D&C 103: 9 For they were set to be a a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men
We've had some really neat experiences this week. Sister Edgin called a couple of phone numbers which we hadn't called in forever, and we had some really wonderful lessons come out of it. One of their names was Gabija. Her parents are scientific researchers. She loves to think and reason empirically, and she's also eager to understand the process of personal revelation by the means of faith. She mercilessly studied 2 Ne 2 and Alma 34. She has decided to wait awhile to investigate because her mother has forbidden it, and she's a Senior in High School. We know that she knows where she can turn when she's grown up a little.
Our second miracle's name is Elina. She's a free-spirited Latvian who's studying architecture. She, and I as well, love Eckhart Tolle. On our most recent lesson, she started bringing up concerns that caused her to doubt that Christ could really be the Savior. She expressed a desire to know. Sister Edgin, guided by the spirit, taught about the role of prayer in knowing truth. We knew that this could be a big hurdle for her because her background is in meditation. We invited her to say the closing prayer, and she said she had no idea how to do it. We taught her again very simply, and then she said her very first prayer with us. The spirit was incredible as she thanked God for our meeting, and thanked him for his guidance. As she closed, we sat for a moment and she said, "I want to feel tickles all the time."
This is His work. What a wonderful time it is to be alive. Thank you all for your prayers. Things that grow more slowly generally live longer. I'm definitely experiencing some slow growth. With any luck, something's going to stick :)
We also had some wonderful upside down apple cake this week. I thought I'd send you the recipe:
Melt butter in the bottom of baking pan.
Cut 8 cups of apples and line the bottom.
Sprinkle cinnamon.
Put little pieces of butter on the top.
Then, mix batter in separate pan:
5 eggs
2 cups sugar
200 g butter (between 3/4 and 1 cup)
200 g gretine or sour cream (between 3/4 and 1 cup)
2 cups flour
2 spoons baking powder
This truly is a season of plenty.
Thanks for all your Prayers,
Sister Paul
We've had some really neat experiences this week. Sister Edgin called a couple of phone numbers which we hadn't called in forever, and we had some really wonderful lessons come out of it. One of their names was Gabija. Her parents are scientific researchers. She loves to think and reason empirically, and she's also eager to understand the process of personal revelation by the means of faith. She mercilessly studied 2 Ne 2 and Alma 34. She has decided to wait awhile to investigate because her mother has forbidden it, and she's a Senior in High School. We know that she knows where she can turn when she's grown up a little.
Our second miracle's name is Elina. She's a free-spirited Latvian who's studying architecture. She, and I as well, love Eckhart Tolle. On our most recent lesson, she started bringing up concerns that caused her to doubt that Christ could really be the Savior. She expressed a desire to know. Sister Edgin, guided by the spirit, taught about the role of prayer in knowing truth. We knew that this could be a big hurdle for her because her background is in meditation. We invited her to say the closing prayer, and she said she had no idea how to do it. We taught her again very simply, and then she said her very first prayer with us. The spirit was incredible as she thanked God for our meeting, and thanked him for his guidance. As she closed, we sat for a moment and she said, "I want to feel tickles all the time."
This is His work. What a wonderful time it is to be alive. Thank you all for your prayers. Things that grow more slowly generally live longer. I'm definitely experiencing some slow growth. With any luck, something's going to stick :)
We also had some wonderful upside down apple cake this week. I thought I'd send you the recipe:
Melt butter in the bottom of baking pan.
Cut 8 cups of apples and line the bottom.
Sprinkle cinnamon.
Put little pieces of butter on the top.
Then, mix batter in separate pan:
5 eggs
2 cups sugar
200 g butter (between 3/4 and 1 cup)
200 g gretine or sour cream (between 3/4 and 1 cup)
2 cups flour
2 spoons baking powder
This truly is a season of plenty.
Thanks for all your Prayers,
Sister Paul
November 2, 2010
Letter - November 1, 2010
Happy Halloween!
I feel that the Lord has just kept us going with little tender mercies along the way. We've had some wonderful opportunities to really bond with a few of the members as they've spontaneously befriended our investigators. Last Sunday, I felt impressed to speak with a member. She opened up to me about how her husband is struggling with his testimony. Later that day she told me about how she had begun efforts to really magnify her church calling. She even participated more in Sunday School. Just a simple conversation at the right time can really make a difference. I've seen such a change in her countenance, just from knowing that I cared. Maybe it's just my perception that's changed, but I think that when we seek to work with members more, it not only helps them, but we're happier and work better. I'm so grateful for the examples of the members here.
The 3oth was a branch Halloween activity. So Happy Birthday Rachel. I celebrated on my side of the world. We found some really scary clothes from the 80's underneath my bed last week. We decided to use them as our Halloween costumes. I really enjoyed making chili for the group. The only problem was, that the chili at it's normal strength was far too spicy for the Lithuanians. They were all red in the face. OOPS!! I guess the trick is on them this year. (I am hard pressed to find anything spicy here.)
The 31st had its share of tricks for us. Sister Edgin and I were on our way out to go knocking when she noticed water flowing out from our washing machine door. Our unplugged, and apparently possessed washer, had begun leaking through the entry way. We had to call our landlord over. That washing machine has given us tons of trouble these last two transfers. Sometimes it would run all night before we could open the door and get our clothes back. It was so fitting that this infernal machine would give us trouble last night. With the flooding, the landlord finally got the message, and we should have a new one this week.
Today is Day of The Dead in Lithuania. There was a new statue at our bus stop in commemoration. There are so many who do not know about the plan of salvation. Through this plan, we can celebrate every day as the Day of the Living. Let us remember the sacrifice of our Savior every day. 
What a blessing it was yesterday to read a letter written from Aunt Marylynn about Sarah being sealed and Christiana receiving her endowment. Woot Woot for eternal families!
I love you all
Sister Paul
I feel that the Lord has just kept us going with little tender mercies along the way. We've had some wonderful opportunities to really bond with a few of the members as they've spontaneously befriended our investigators. Last Sunday, I felt impressed to speak with a member. She opened up to me about how her husband is struggling with his testimony. Later that day she told me about how she had begun efforts to really magnify her church calling. She even participated more in Sunday School. Just a simple conversation at the right time can really make a difference. I've seen such a change in her countenance, just from knowing that I cared. Maybe it's just my perception that's changed, but I think that when we seek to work with members more, it not only helps them, but we're happier and work better. I'm so grateful for the examples of the members here.
The 3oth was a branch Halloween activity. So Happy Birthday Rachel. I celebrated on my side of the world. We found some really scary clothes from the 80's underneath my bed last week. We decided to use them as our Halloween costumes. I really enjoyed making chili for the group. The only problem was, that the chili at it's normal strength was far too spicy for the Lithuanians. They were all red in the face. OOPS!! I guess the trick is on them this year. (I am hard pressed to find anything spicy here.)
The 31st had its share of tricks for us. Sister Edgin and I were on our way out to go knocking when she noticed water flowing out from our washing machine door. Our unplugged, and apparently possessed washer, had begun leaking through the entry way. We had to call our landlord over. That washing machine has given us tons of trouble these last two transfers. Sometimes it would run all night before we could open the door and get our clothes back. It was so fitting that this infernal machine would give us trouble last night. With the flooding, the landlord finally got the message, and we should have a new one this week.
Today is Day of The Dead in Lithuania. There was a new statue at our bus stop in commemoration. There are so many who do not know about the plan of salvation. Through this plan, we can celebrate every day as the Day of the Living. Let us remember the sacrifice of our Savior every day. 
What a blessing it was yesterday to read a letter written from Aunt Marylynn about Sarah being sealed and Christiana receiving her endowment. Woot Woot for eternal families!I love you all
Sister Paul
October 25, 2010
Letter -October 25, 2010
Shto? I mean Snow?
So, I'm back from Riga, and trying to get back into the Lithuanian swing of things. I just got a phone call, and it turns out that someone we found and taught in Latvia now has a baptismal date. I think that would be cool to say I "have" a convert in Latvia.
So, Friday was our first snow. It wasn't enough to stick, but I enjoyed it anyway. Just the night before, Sister Edgin and I had a laugh together, as I made a not-so-graceful exit off the bus... As the bus pulled off to our anticipated stop, I wasn't sure if Sister Edgin knew that we should get off. So, I quickly headed toward her end, only to see her stepping off. As I tried to follow her, I was shut in by the bus doors, with my Book of Mormon and hands outside the bus, and the rest of me in. I had a good fight with the door, and then decided to extricate myself one hand at a time. I then took a walk of shame toward the previous bus stop.
I hope you're all enjoying your bananas. Sister Edgin and I were so excited to buy some bananas to eat with her new jar of peanut butter. Unfortunately, there was not a single banana in the entire grocery store.
So, what else? Oh yeah. I love member missionary work. So, yesterday, our progressing investigator Laime was coming to her first three-hour block of church. At the end of the lesson Laime asks, "How can I feel and recognize the Holy Ghost?" There were several answers given in the lesson, but class had to dismiss so that Relief Society could begin. I was doing singing time in primary, but my companion told me that a couple of acquainted members sat next to Laime after the prayer, and just listened to her. She was emotional. The spirit has truly begun to work in her. The members comforted her and offered some of their own experience. Though I wasn't there, and my trainee couldn't say much, she was in good hands. After church, we said quick good byes as she headed home with a member. Good grief. That all members could and would be like unto these members. There is a beautiful mom and two kids which we found a few weeks ago on a bus. They were taught a lesson with the missionaries and Russian Branch President this week. If all goes well, they also are setting their sights toward baptism.
Sister Edgin and I taught a wonderful first last night. We could feel the spirit guiding us as we spoke without fear of the language. I know that we said things that touched this woman's heart. Even though she has decided not to investigate, it was a wonderful experience to be a mouthpiece for the Lord.
Time has run out. Thanks for all your prayers. Thanks so much for the package, family. I really enjoyed celebrating my birthday from you. Jordan, you've always had good taste.
This is me celebrating missionary work after that investigator last night decided not to investigate. The
work is still worth celebrating.
I also took a few pictures of notable things at the
grocery store this morning.
Full legs they sell in the freezer section.
The selection of bacons, the nearest being pure fat, and the progressively pink ones having a higher meat content.
2-foot high cookies they sell for special occasions.
The children's play area in the middle of the grocery store.
I forgot to take a picture of the egg-stand. They don't
refrigerate their eggs here.
We have also bought slippers. It's considered unhealthy and improper to walk around the house without slippers.
So, I'm back from Riga, and trying to get back into the Lithuanian swing of things. I just got a phone call, and it turns out that someone we found and taught in Latvia now has a baptismal date. I think that would be cool to say I "have" a convert in Latvia.
So, Friday was our first snow. It wasn't enough to stick, but I enjoyed it anyway. Just the night before, Sister Edgin and I had a laugh together, as I made a not-so-graceful exit off the bus... As the bus pulled off to our anticipated stop, I wasn't sure if Sister Edgin knew that we should get off. So, I quickly headed toward her end, only to see her stepping off. As I tried to follow her, I was shut in by the bus doors, with my Book of Mormon and hands outside the bus, and the rest of me in. I had a good fight with the door, and then decided to extricate myself one hand at a time. I then took a walk of shame toward the previous bus stop.
I hope you're all enjoying your bananas. Sister Edgin and I were so excited to buy some bananas to eat with her new jar of peanut butter. Unfortunately, there was not a single banana in the entire grocery store.
So, what else? Oh yeah. I love member missionary work. So, yesterday, our progressing investigator Laime was coming to her first three-hour block of church. At the end of the lesson Laime asks, "How can I feel and recognize the Holy Ghost?" There were several answers given in the lesson, but class had to dismiss so that Relief Society could begin. I was doing singing time in primary, but my companion told me that a couple of acquainted members sat next to Laime after the prayer, and just listened to her. She was emotional. The spirit has truly begun to work in her. The members comforted her and offered some of their own experience. Though I wasn't there, and my trainee couldn't say much, she was in good hands. After church, we said quick good byes as she headed home with a member. Good grief. That all members could and would be like unto these members. There is a beautiful mom and two kids which we found a few weeks ago on a bus. They were taught a lesson with the missionaries and Russian Branch President this week. If all goes well, they also are setting their sights toward baptism.
Sister Edgin and I taught a wonderful first last night. We could feel the spirit guiding us as we spoke without fear of the language. I know that we said things that touched this woman's heart. Even though she has decided not to investigate, it was a wonderful experience to be a mouthpiece for the Lord.
Time has run out. Thanks for all your prayers. Thanks so much for the package, family. I really enjoyed celebrating my birthday from you. Jordan, you've always had good taste.
This is me celebrating missionary work after that investigator last night decided not to investigate. Thework is still worth celebrating.
I also took a few pictures of notable things at the
grocery store this morning.
Full legs they sell in the freezer section. 
The selection of bacons, the nearest being pure fat, and the progressively pink ones having a higher meat content. 
2-foot high cookies they sell for special occasions.
The children's play area in the middle of the grocery store.I forgot to take a picture of the egg-stand. They don't
refrigerate their eggs here.
We have also bought slippers. It's considered unhealthy and improper to walk around the house without slippers.Sister Paul
October 18, 2010
Letter -October 18, 2010
I'm not in Lithuania right now, but it's ok. I'm not supposed to be.
Dear Family and Friends,
I am writing you from Riga, Latvia. I'm attending a training conference for missionaries. I have felt an outpouring of the spirit here, and I feel a renewed desire to apply myself to the work with a renewed vigor. I know I'm learning things that I will use for the rest of my life. I know this because I have felt small stirrings and changes in my own desires lately. I've felt a deepening of commitment, and a resolve to call repentance a little longer, a little louder. I've received overwhelming amounts of love and support and prayers from loved ones. I've received priesthood blessings of healing. I've felt feelings of gratitude lift me, as I've taken my energies off my own success or failure.
I have probably written you these verses before, but they're found in Isaiah 58. I feel these are the words that the Lord would have me emulate, "1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." And if I will serve in an attitude of fasting and dedication, the Lord has promised the following in verse12 "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in." I hope that I can serve in a way that people will say of me, "She was a bridge builder. She laid the foundation for the righteous generations of Lithuania."
The Branch President was able to bless his little girl Laura in sacrament meeting yesterday. In Jeremiah 3:14, we read, "and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion." I have a firm testimony that there are already those 10 families beginning to make a difference in Lithuania. I am privileged to be a part of that work. I hope that wherever you are, that you are taking time every day to let the gospel sink into your soul. I hope it's driving you to your knees. This world needs each of us to be a 'bridge builder' in our own spheres.
It's a great time to be alive. It's a great time to be alive. I can't say that enough. I think of you and your individual labors and sacrifices, many of them on my own behalf, and I am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude. I think of you in your own spheres, and I remember that my life really isn't that uniquely hard. As a member said earlier this week, "I think back on sacrifices past, that I've made for the Lord, and all I can really remember are the blessings." I stopped a woman while contacting last week, and asked her if she really, really felt she was happy. She hurriedly brushed the question aside, and affirmed that she goes to church. "That's good, but do you feel that you're happy?" She looked down, she faltered, and I could see her as she was, a daughter of God, searching. Then she quickly hurried away. I know that I felt prompted to ask that question. I guess that Thursday was just not her day to receive the gospel.
Love,
Sister Paul
Dear Family and Friends,
I am writing you from Riga, Latvia. I'm attending a training conference for missionaries. I have felt an outpouring of the spirit here, and I feel a renewed desire to apply myself to the work with a renewed vigor. I know I'm learning things that I will use for the rest of my life. I know this because I have felt small stirrings and changes in my own desires lately. I've felt a deepening of commitment, and a resolve to call repentance a little longer, a little louder. I've received overwhelming amounts of love and support and prayers from loved ones. I've received priesthood blessings of healing. I've felt feelings of gratitude lift me, as I've taken my energies off my own success or failure.
I have probably written you these verses before, but they're found in Isaiah 58. I feel these are the words that the Lord would have me emulate, "1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." And if I will serve in an attitude of fasting and dedication, the Lord has promised the following in verse12 "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in." I hope that I can serve in a way that people will say of me, "She was a bridge builder. She laid the foundation for the righteous generations of Lithuania."
The Branch President was able to bless his little girl Laura in sacrament meeting yesterday. In Jeremiah 3:14, we read, "and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion." I have a firm testimony that there are already those 10 families beginning to make a difference in Lithuania. I am privileged to be a part of that work. I hope that wherever you are, that you are taking time every day to let the gospel sink into your soul. I hope it's driving you to your knees. This world needs each of us to be a 'bridge builder' in our own spheres.
It's a great time to be alive. It's a great time to be alive. I can't say that enough. I think of you and your individual labors and sacrifices, many of them on my own behalf, and I am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude. I think of you in your own spheres, and I remember that my life really isn't that uniquely hard. As a member said earlier this week, "I think back on sacrifices past, that I've made for the Lord, and all I can really remember are the blessings." I stopped a woman while contacting last week, and asked her if she really, really felt she was happy. She hurriedly brushed the question aside, and affirmed that she goes to church. "That's good, but do you feel that you're happy?" She looked down, she faltered, and I could see her as she was, a daughter of God, searching. Then she quickly hurried away. I know that I felt prompted to ask that question. I guess that Thursday was just not her day to receive the gospel.
Love,
Sister Paul
October 11, 2010
Letter -October 11, 2010
Pictures of my birthday lunch in the one and only Mexican restaurant in all of Lithuania!Su Gimimo Diena!
Wow!
The best birthday present of all is writing home to my family on this fine day. I can't believe I'm 22. This week was conference blitz for us. We watched a session of conference almost every morning this week, and we also attended the Lithuanian broadcasts with our investigators. In comparison with my previous conference in the field, I can definitely say that my comprehension has improved. It's still a little hard for me to write very quickly in Lithuanian.
I was overwhelmed with gratefulness yesterday evening as Sister Edgin and I ate dinner. Our kitchen light had burned out, so we were eating by the light of my upturned headlamp. I'm reminded of President Monson's words about "Gordon's Family" as they ate their Jackrabbit and turnips by the light of a gas-lamp. I felt overwhelming feelings, much like the ones I felt as I found out I would be training Sister Edgin in Vilnius. Sister Edgin, through her example, has taught me more than few people ever will in this life. We've had such a wonderful six weeks together. I know the Lord truly was mindful in allowing us to serve together. It was nearly a year ago, this last October conference that I opened my mission call to serve in the Baltic States. It was this same week that she received inspired priesthood counsel that she was to serve a mission. In the same sweep of his hand, the Lord called me and began arranging my companions. I can honestly say that my head is hitting the pillow every night knowing that we served a little better, brought happiness in some small way. I can hardly think of a lifestyle more tiring or challenging. We are stretched to our very limit. What an extraordinary birthday this has been.
I love and miss you all more than I can hardly bear. The consolation is that your love only drives me to work harder, to seek the spirit, and to invite others to accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You'll never know what your love and prayers have done for me here. What a spiritual feast we have had at this last General Conference. I had an investigator ask on Saturday, " Why were there so few people at the Conference? This is so important, so needed. Why was hardly any one there?" I didn't have an answer for her. Most people would kill to sit at the feet of a living prophet and feast upon his words. I wonder if in the past I haven't taken this opportunity too lightly. I love you all very much.
Sesuo Paul
The best birthday present of all is writing home to my family on this fine day. I can't believe I'm 22. This week was conference blitz for us. We watched a session of conference almost every morning this week, and we also attended the Lithuanian broadcasts with our investigators. In comparison with my previous conference in the field, I can definitely say that my comprehension has improved. It's still a little hard for me to write very quickly in Lithuanian.
I was overwhelmed with gratefulness yesterday evening as Sister Edgin and I ate dinner. Our kitchen light had burned out, so we were eating by the light of my upturned headlamp. I'm reminded of President Monson's words about "Gordon's Family" as they ate their Jackrabbit and turnips by the light of a gas-lamp. I felt overwhelming feelings, much like the ones I felt as I found out I would be training Sister Edgin in Vilnius. Sister Edgin, through her example, has taught me more than few people ever will in this life. We've had such a wonderful six weeks together. I know the Lord truly was mindful in allowing us to serve together. It was nearly a year ago, this last October conference that I opened my mission call to serve in the Baltic States. It was this same week that she received inspired priesthood counsel that she was to serve a mission. In the same sweep of his hand, the Lord called me and began arranging my companions. I can honestly say that my head is hitting the pillow every night knowing that we served a little better, brought happiness in some small way. I can hardly think of a lifestyle more tiring or challenging. We are stretched to our very limit. What an extraordinary birthday this has been.
I love and miss you all more than I can hardly bear. The consolation is that your love only drives me to work harder, to seek the spirit, and to invite others to accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You'll never know what your love and prayers have done for me here. What a spiritual feast we have had at this last General Conference. I had an investigator ask on Saturday, " Why were there so few people at the Conference? This is so important, so needed. Why was hardly any one there?" I didn't have an answer for her. Most people would kill to sit at the feet of a living prophet and feast upon his words. I wonder if in the past I haven't taken this opportunity too lightly. I love you all very much.
Sesuo Paul
October 4, 2010
Letter -October 4, 2010
Oh What a Beautiful Day!
Fall here is just beautiful as the leaves redden. Vilnius has a beautiful river running right through it. We're seeing miracles every day, especially as I learn to humble myself. I'm finding a little more freedom in the language every day, or rather, if I do my best and carry a prayer in my heart, then the Lord will send the words needed to help his children. Yesterday we knocked by a woman named Giedre. She said she already had a Book of Mormon, " You understand?" She began to shut the door. I asked her if she had prayed and read it. She said that God didn't seem to be answering her prayers at the moment. I asked what her favorite part of the bible was to read. She said she just listens to tid-bits read over the radio. My heart just gushed to see this woman, a daughter of God, starving spiritually because she's not yet turned to the source. I asked her if she prays. She said it's hard, because she's not feeling anything and she doesn't know why. I taught her a little bit about prayer. It was amazing to see how she warmed up over the course of about 3 minutes. I hope we will be able to meet with her again.
There is a dear friend and investigator with whom we were able to reacquaint after being gone from Vilnius for three months. She's really felt something it seems, because she brought herself to church a few times back in May. This week she told me that she won't be coming back to our church because she's just not a "strong person" like that. She said she belongs in Mass. I'm sad for her, that she hides her Book of Mormon, is terrified of what the neighbors might think. She feels excluded in social situations, even in her own family. She doesn't even feel that God loves her. I think too often we fear the reproach of men, and it keeps us from doing what will ultimately make us happy. How important it is to live not "to be seen of men." That kind of worship will never make us happy. God would have us preoccupied with more important things than what others think of us. This is a great season of the year to reflect, to examine our own intentions, and to recommit to living the gospel of Jesus Christ with full sincerity of heart.
I hope you are all well and happy,
Sister Paul
Fall here is just beautiful as the leaves redden. Vilnius has a beautiful river running right through it. We're seeing miracles every day, especially as I learn to humble myself. I'm finding a little more freedom in the language every day, or rather, if I do my best and carry a prayer in my heart, then the Lord will send the words needed to help his children. Yesterday we knocked by a woman named Giedre. She said she already had a Book of Mormon, " You understand?" She began to shut the door. I asked her if she had prayed and read it. She said that God didn't seem to be answering her prayers at the moment. I asked what her favorite part of the bible was to read. She said she just listens to tid-bits read over the radio. My heart just gushed to see this woman, a daughter of God, starving spiritually because she's not yet turned to the source. I asked her if she prays. She said it's hard, because she's not feeling anything and she doesn't know why. I taught her a little bit about prayer. It was amazing to see how she warmed up over the course of about 3 minutes. I hope we will be able to meet with her again.
There is a dear friend and investigator with whom we were able to reacquaint after being gone from Vilnius for three months. She's really felt something it seems, because she brought herself to church a few times back in May. This week she told me that she won't be coming back to our church because she's just not a "strong person" like that. She said she belongs in Mass. I'm sad for her, that she hides her Book of Mormon, is terrified of what the neighbors might think. She feels excluded in social situations, even in her own family. She doesn't even feel that God loves her. I think too often we fear the reproach of men, and it keeps us from doing what will ultimately make us happy. How important it is to live not "to be seen of men." That kind of worship will never make us happy. God would have us preoccupied with more important things than what others think of us. This is a great season of the year to reflect, to examine our own intentions, and to recommit to living the gospel of Jesus Christ with full sincerity of heart.
I hope you are all well and happy,
Sister Paul
September 27, 2010
Letter - September 27, 2010
Toks Gynenimas (That's Life)
Wow, what an insane week. We've been fed by the natives a surprising amount, and it's taken a heavy toll on our digestive systems, especially my companion's. It's mushroom season here, and some of our investigators have cancelled last-minute because they're out gathering. It's the duty of every Lithuanian to know what kind of mushrooms are safe, how to prepare them, how to store them, what to serve them with, how they should smell, the best areas and weather to pick, and how to use mushrooms in almost every dish. They also have many desserts in the shape of mushrooms, so as not to leave them out of any phase of the meal.
Never assume you know a city. Never assume you know the bus line. In an attempt to save some time, I hopped on to a private-line bus with my companion. The bus stopped just about two blocks from our investigator's house, but we decided to wait for the next stotele (stop.) What we didn't know, is that this bus doesn't stop at every bus stop. I began to worry as the driver passed our intended stop, and then was progressively more livid at myself as he passed yet another, and another, until he was on the highway, and driving through forest, and then in a completely different area of town. We got off a good 45 minutes travel from our intended destination. Bad Sister Paul.
Our most shocking "being fed" story is from our friend Elana. She asked if we wanted some "L----" and I didn't recognize the word. She said, " YOU don't know what L---- is? I'll bring you some." She brought us a slab of raw bacon from the country, cut into thick slices, to eat just plain or on bread. For those of you who don't know this about me, I'm not a big meat eater, nor a big pork eater ( as is obvious by my ignorance of the word for Bacon in Lithuanian) and I'm especially not a raw pork eater. I did my best to pretend, but Sister Edgin and I were naughty and hid raw bacon in a bag so as not to have to eat it. I hope she never knows, because I really think she's wonderful, and am so proud of her desire to begin reading the Book of Mormon. We challenged her to read the first fr chapters, and she said it was too few. So instead, we challenged her to read the first ten, and she said that sounded better. That night, we drank some fresh Ginger tea that she made so strong, it just burned.
So, if you want to experience missionary life, eat some raw bacon for me, or get lost on a bus out in yonkers, or better yet, invite others to come unto Christ by eating their wonderful cuisine.
Sister Paul
Wow, what an insane week. We've been fed by the natives a surprising amount, and it's taken a heavy toll on our digestive systems, especially my companion's. It's mushroom season here, and some of our investigators have cancelled last-minute because they're out gathering. It's the duty of every Lithuanian to know what kind of mushrooms are safe, how to prepare them, how to store them, what to serve them with, how they should smell, the best areas and weather to pick, and how to use mushrooms in almost every dish. They also have many desserts in the shape of mushrooms, so as not to leave them out of any phase of the meal.
Never assume you know a city. Never assume you know the bus line. In an attempt to save some time, I hopped on to a private-line bus with my companion. The bus stopped just about two blocks from our investigator's house, but we decided to wait for the next stotele (stop.) What we didn't know, is that this bus doesn't stop at every bus stop. I began to worry as the driver passed our intended stop, and then was progressively more livid at myself as he passed yet another, and another, until he was on the highway, and driving through forest, and then in a completely different area of town. We got off a good 45 minutes travel from our intended destination. Bad Sister Paul.
Our most shocking "being fed" story is from our friend Elana. She asked if we wanted some "L----" and I didn't recognize the word. She said, " YOU don't know what L---- is? I'll bring you some." She brought us a slab of raw bacon from the country, cut into thick slices, to eat just plain or on bread. For those of you who don't know this about me, I'm not a big meat eater, nor a big pork eater ( as is obvious by my ignorance of the word for Bacon in Lithuanian) and I'm especially not a raw pork eater. I did my best to pretend, but Sister Edgin and I were naughty and hid raw bacon in a bag so as not to have to eat it. I hope she never knows, because I really think she's wonderful, and am so proud of her desire to begin reading the Book of Mormon. We challenged her to read the first fr chapters, and she said it was too few. So instead, we challenged her to read the first ten, and she said that sounded better. That night, we drank some fresh Ginger tea that she made so strong, it just burned.
So, if you want to experience missionary life, eat some raw bacon for me, or get lost on a bus out in yonkers, or better yet, invite others to come unto Christ by eating their wonderful cuisine.
Sister Paul
September 20, 2010
Letter - September 20, 2010
Brick Upon Brick
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Doctrine and Covenants 64:33
So, after being out for a week with a cold and with trainings from the Mission President, we are back to the streets. I am happy to say that we're being blessed in the work. We had two investigators in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. I almost couldn't believe it. I had the chance to share the above scripture with our beloved branch Relief Society President, and her daughter who is struggling with depression and side effects of her antidepressants. This verse I want to send to you, my loved ones. If you're still the wonderful people I left you, your load is 3x what it should be. You have high expectations and demanding calls.
Fall is definitely upon us here in Vilnius. The weather is what I consider November weather for Las Vegas, just the point where you want to put something on over your t-shirt. If this is the September weather, I cringe to think of the Lithuanian November weather. We shall see. With my leadership, things are quite different than they usually are. Sometimes we get lost. Sometimes we are working long-hours. Sometimes we forget to eat. Sometimes we're pouring over a map while the rain is pouring down upon our small umbrella. We're always making friends, and inviting them to hear about the gospel. We're both very enthusiastic...sometimes to the point of frightening Lithuanians with our copious " Laba Diena!"s. We're excited to make great strides in the language.
Must Go,
Love Sister Paul
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Doctrine and Covenants 64:33
So, after being out for a week with a cold and with trainings from the Mission President, we are back to the streets. I am happy to say that we're being blessed in the work. We had two investigators in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. I almost couldn't believe it. I had the chance to share the above scripture with our beloved branch Relief Society President, and her daughter who is struggling with depression and side effects of her antidepressants. This verse I want to send to you, my loved ones. If you're still the wonderful people I left you, your load is 3x what it should be. You have high expectations and demanding calls.
Fall is definitely upon us here in Vilnius. The weather is what I consider November weather for Las Vegas, just the point where you want to put something on over your t-shirt. If this is the September weather, I cringe to think of the Lithuanian November weather. We shall see. With my leadership, things are quite different than they usually are. Sometimes we get lost. Sometimes we are working long-hours. Sometimes we forget to eat. Sometimes we're pouring over a map while the rain is pouring down upon our small umbrella. We're always making friends, and inviting them to hear about the gospel. We're both very enthusiastic...sometimes to the point of frightening Lithuanians with our copious " Laba Diena!"s. We're excited to make great strides in the language.
Must Go,
Love Sister Paul
September 6, 2010
Letter - September 6, 2010
My new companion and I in Vilnius enjoyingsome Lithuanian food.
My Kaunas companionship next to a Siberian-Style Jurt.We're doing "The Baltic Squat."
Miracle: My companion and I were waiting at a bus stop, when a woman asked us whether the bus which had just pulled away was the 20. I answered that the twenty would come in about 8 minutes. My companion, very new to the field, just smiled. This woman so appreciated our smiles, she said she felt like weeping. She thanked us for our help, and seemed "pricked in her heart." We hugged, and told her that we have come here to share a message of hope with people. We planned to meet again the following day.
In last week's email, I messed up while typing. I originally said they were Lithuanian sisters but they're Russian speaking sisters, so, I really improved my Russian for a week instead. :)
Love Sister Paul
August 30, 2010
Letter - August 30, 2010
Dedication
Hello All!
What a wonderful weekend it has been. Surprise! I got transferred a week early, and am now living in Vilnius with a pair of Russian sisters. I will be training a new Lithuanian Sister in a few days, so I've been sent back to Vilnius to get a handle on some things. I have to say it's been pretty odd to work with companions whose language I don't understand. It was hard for me to leave Kaunas unexpectedly.
This Saturday and Sunday we were able to prepare the branch building and watch the Kyiv Temple Dedication. There really was a special spirit in the ward building on Sunday, and we missionaries were filled with feelings of gratitude and triumph as the first temple in all of Eastern Europe was dedicated to the Lord. This temple will served the saints of Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Russia including Siberia, Georgia, Armenia, and Khazakstan. President Monson gave us some beautiful words, encouraging us to turn our members and our families to the temple. He spoke of his family very tenderly, he invited many children to participate in the sealing of the cornerstone. I really enjoyed the words of President Gilbreth, as he spoke of Moses restoring the Keys of Gathering through Joseph Smith, that millions of saints would one day gather to hundreds of temples all over the world. The Kyiv temple is the 134th temple.
My new trainee and I will be building from the ground up starting this Thursday. Please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Sister Edgely. Summer's already on it's way out here in Lithuania.
This Saturday and Sunday we were able to prepare the branch building and watch the Kyiv Temple Dedication. There really was a special spirit in the ward building on Sunday, and we missionaries were filled with feelings of gratitude and triumph as the first temple in all of Eastern Europe was dedicated to the Lord. This temple will served the saints of Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Russia including Siberia, Georgia, Armenia, and Khazakstan. President Monson gave us some beautiful words, encouraging us to turn our members and our families to the temple. He spoke of his family very tenderly, he invited many children to participate in the sealing of the cornerstone. I really enjoyed the words of President Gilbreth, as he spoke of Moses restoring the Keys of Gathering through Joseph Smith, that millions of saints would one day gather to hundreds of temples all over the world. The Kyiv temple is the 134th temple.
My new trainee and I will be building from the ground up starting this Thursday. Please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Sister Edgely. Summer's already on it's way out here in Lithuania.
Love Sister Paul
August 17, 2010
Letter - August 17, 2010
Because He Loved Us First
Dear Friends and Family,
This week has been a time of searching and recommitment, as I've tasted a little disappointment. My first time extending the baptismal commitment was the week previous. The spirit was present, and Regina, the grandmother of one of our investigators, accepted to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. However, since then, she had a misunderstanding with her family (possibly about the fact that she was meeting with us) and has ceased all contact with us.
This Monday, we had a special zone conference in Vilnius. I know that our mission leaders are inspired. I'm grateful for the people the Lord has placed in my path, knowing that that is just what I will need. I read a verse in John the other day which was really meaningful. "We love him, because he loved us first." I want to serve, always, because he loved me first, not because of any rewards I may earn.
I'm out of time to write. I attached a picture of us at Kaunas Castle. We held a car-naming ceremony at this historical site. We named the car "The Travolta."
We also had a very large storm here in Kaunas. We are spanning our arms across the base of a fallen tree in the park near our house.
Love you all,
Dear Friends and Family,
This week has been a time of searching and recommitment, as I've tasted a little disappointment. My first time extending the baptismal commitment was the week previous. The spirit was present, and Regina, the grandmother of one of our investigators, accepted to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. However, since then, she had a misunderstanding with her family (possibly about the fact that she was meeting with us) and has ceased all contact with us.
This Monday, we had a special zone conference in Vilnius. I know that our mission leaders are inspired. I'm grateful for the people the Lord has placed in my path, knowing that that is just what I will need. I read a verse in John the other day which was really meaningful. "We love him, because he loved us first." I want to serve, always, because he loved me first, not because of any rewards I may earn.
I'm out of time to write. I attached a picture of us at Kaunas Castle. We held a car-naming ceremony at this historical site. We named the car "The Travolta."
We also had a very large storm here in Kaunas. We are spanning our arms across the base of a fallen tree in the park near our house.
Love you all, Sesuo Paul
August 2, 2010
Letter - August 2, 2010
When it Rains, it Pours
Dear Family,
This week we had quite the cloud-burst as we were walking home from the Church toward our house. It was so dark outside, it looked like the Baltic version of 10:00 at night. We were dashing for cover as the lightning and thunder started to crash progressively nearer. We stopped under an over-hang, and I looked to my right and recognized a wizened elderly face we'd seen somewhere before. We didn't have much time, but I wished him a good day and we hurried on. I prayed that we'd run into him again, since it wouldn't have been safe or pleasant to start small talk at that moment. We made it home scared out of our minds, tired, and smelling like sewer run-off. During our lunch break, the rain took a break. The second we stepped outside, the onslaught resumed. The following morning we went to a park to do some contacting, and who should walk right in front of us but the man we had seen the day earlier. Although he was not terribly receptive of our message the first time we talked, this time he gladly accepted a pamphlet, said he would read it, and was excited to talk with us again. I know that there are truly people the Lord wants in our path.
We also spent a good part of our Saturday at Rumšiškės. Each of the branches in Lithuania prepared skits and picnic lunches. There was dancing and sporting and all sorts of merry-making. We also had the opportunity to see the Open-Air Museum of Lithuania, a gigantic museum chronicling the ethnic background of the four regions of Lithuania. I stood in front of a Jurtas and walked inside a railway car used to haul the intellectuals of Lithuania to their new life. I couldn't help but pause a bit to reflect on a few of my own blessings.
Jurta (a type of dwelling from Soviet GULAGS in Siberia)
Railway car dedicated to the Lithuanians deported to Siberia.
This train car was used to transport people 10,000 km to the remote region of Russia.
The following night, I felt the spirit especially strong as we were knocking doors. We returned to one stairwell that we couldn't break into the week before. Surprisingly, we were able to get in without a hitch. We were let in by a woman named Stasa. She told us that tomorrow would be the day her sister died 6 years ago, and she told us her life had been hard. She had such a good, tender, and wonderful spirit about her. She said, honestly, she wouldn't repeat her life again if she could. It had been too hard. She had seen to much heart-ache. She said she believes we are called of God. I don't know what will happen to her, but I know the Lord is mindful of the smallest sparrow, and that he knew Stasa needed a hello.
Much Love,
Sister Paul
Windmill at Rumšiškės, Lithuania
Display for the Open House that happened last week. We spent close to 20 hours trying to write that thing. 
A pottery craftsman in the Rumšiškės museum.
We've named him Japetto.
Dear Family,
This week we had quite the cloud-burst as we were walking home from the Church toward our house. It was so dark outside, it looked like the Baltic version of 10:00 at night. We were dashing for cover as the lightning and thunder started to crash progressively nearer. We stopped under an over-hang, and I looked to my right and recognized a wizened elderly face we'd seen somewhere before. We didn't have much time, but I wished him a good day and we hurried on. I prayed that we'd run into him again, since it wouldn't have been safe or pleasant to start small talk at that moment. We made it home scared out of our minds, tired, and smelling like sewer run-off. During our lunch break, the rain took a break. The second we stepped outside, the onslaught resumed. The following morning we went to a park to do some contacting, and who should walk right in front of us but the man we had seen the day earlier. Although he was not terribly receptive of our message the first time we talked, this time he gladly accepted a pamphlet, said he would read it, and was excited to talk with us again. I know that there are truly people the Lord wants in our path.
We also spent a good part of our Saturday at Rumšiškės. Each of the branches in Lithuania prepared skits and picnic lunches. There was dancing and sporting and all sorts of merry-making. We also had the opportunity to see the Open-Air Museum of Lithuania, a gigantic museum chronicling the ethnic background of the four regions of Lithuania. I stood in front of a Jurtas and walked inside a railway car used to haul the intellectuals of Lithuania to their new life. I couldn't help but pause a bit to reflect on a few of my own blessings.
Jurta (a type of dwelling from Soviet GULAGS in Siberia) 
Railway car dedicated to the Lithuanians deported to Siberia.This train car was used to transport people 10,000 km to the remote region of Russia.
Much Love,
Sister Paul
Windmill at Rumšiškės, Lithuania
Display for the Open House that happened last week. We spent close to 20 hours trying to write that thing. 
A pottery craftsman in the Rumšiškės museum.We've named him Japetto.
July 26, 2010
Letter - July 25, 2010
Miracles
Hello Family!
Hello Family!
Sister Alldredge and I have officially walked on water. The attached pictures are of our recent adventure outside the mall. We spent 10 min. inside giant hamster balls, just to let off a little steam. The following is the account in her words:
" I have never understood Newton's, 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction' law as well as when I got in that ball. It was literally impossible to move anywhere! You'd try and run in it and you would just end up looking like a hamster, cuz your ball wouldn't actually move anywhere. Anyways, Sister Paul and I both got in these balls and tried to "duke it out" but we only ended up by each other for like 30 seconds and then we drifted out of range."
" I have never understood Newton's, 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction' law as well as when I got in that ball. It was literally impossible to move anywhere! You'd try and run in it and you would just end up looking like a hamster, cuz your ball wouldn't actually move anywhere. Anyways, Sister Paul and I both got in these balls and tried to "duke it out" but we only ended up by each other for like 30 seconds and then we drifted out of range."
As our ten minutes ticked away, we realized how fortunate this time-limit really is, for preventing serious oxygen deprivation. Our lungs are bigger than most 10-year old boys'. Oh what a great time. 
Now on to a few real miracles: we've been blessed lately with people who are interested to meet regularly. On inventory, none of them were found through our own rigorous finding efforts. I know that the Lord has heard our prayers of faith and has blessed us according to our obedience. One woman brought herself to Church having already heard the discussions from the missionaries, and telling them that she no longer wanted to investigate. She had been meeting with us for quite awhile, without much foreseeable progress. Our lesson with her last Monday was for me, a very special one. We were trying to answer a question that she had on the Word of Wisdom, and she brought up her dependence on coffee herself, and then proceeded to ask us how she could quit. She committed herself! She is a very hard person to read, but the commitment shows that she is ready to make some big steps.
We spent a good portion of our week assembling a display for an open house that was held last Friday. We lamented over the hours that we couldn't be out finding, but again the Lord blessed us for doing our best. A member, Kazimerius, came up and told us that there will be a girl here tonight that will ask to be baptized, and I had a hard time believing his words, since he's in his 80's and fairly senile. (My previous memory of him was the prior week, when he was posting the Lithuanian flag in honor of a holiday. He ardently forbade me to stabilize his tipping ladder, because he would rather go to God.) A few minutes later, his friend and granddaughter walked in, and asked how she could be baptized. She is 11, and had seen something about our faith on television, and decided that since it was time for her to be baptized, she would choose this faith. She was excited and touched by the message of temples. Seeing youth like herself makes Joseph Smith's life much more believable.
The time has run short again. Thanks for all your prayers.
Sesuo Paul
July 21, 2010
Harris Family Reunion
Hayley's extended family got together this past week for a family reunion in Durango, CO. Fun was had by all, but we sure missed Hayley's smiling face. :) Love ya Sister Paul, we'll look forward to having you at the next reunion.
Grandchildren (minus Hayley and Bryce)July 15, 2010
Letter - July 12, 2010
The Wilderness of Lithuania
I was told I was being sent to the Arctic, but I think I must have jumped on the wrong flight. Lithuania hosts a mean, hot summer. It's short, but it's definitely a summer season.
I am standing next to a weed growing by the side of the road. I think everything here has little-man syndrome. It grows quickly. The mosquito bites come in waves. I went half a week itch free, only to score another handful all in one afternoon. We were on sidewalks all day, so I'm still amazed that mosquitoes found my ankles.
Contacting on the main thoroughfare the other day, we found ourselves walking in the view of a camera crew filming a beer commercial. Don't be too surprised to see us walking right through a short on European Beer. In case you won't be able to recognize me, I'm the one with a small run in my tights. Just before leaving the house I said to my companions, "Good thing no one's going to be taking pictures of us, because I have that stupid run." About a half-hour later, we began contacting a woman and her husband who were apparently very involved with the theatre community of Lithuania. Her husband, an ardent photographer, began taking candids of us while walking and talking to his wife.( Luckily, this 5 minute photo shoot was from the front, so there's less of a chance he'll catch an awesome shot of my run.) She was headed to a memorial service, and was really excited to show us the front of the theatre. We walked in only to realize the viewing was smack dab in the front of the theatre. The corpse was beautifully lit with bright blue and silver lighting. We were suddenly very creeped out, and decided to thank her and leave. I can't wait to have a few more months of language under my belt. We'll avoid most of our awkward situations.
I'm including a picture of this hill, that's actually a garage. It has such excellent ambiance. I think I want to build something right into a hillside someday, just to say I've done it.
Must be off,
Sesuo Paul
I was told I was being sent to the Arctic, but I think I must have jumped on the wrong flight. Lithuania hosts a mean, hot summer. It's short, but it's definitely a summer season.
I am standing next to a weed growing by the side of the road. I think everything here has little-man syndrome. It grows quickly. The mosquito bites come in waves. I went half a week itch free, only to score another handful all in one afternoon. We were on sidewalks all day, so I'm still amazed that mosquitoes found my ankles.Contacting on the main thoroughfare the other day, we found ourselves walking in the view of a camera crew filming a beer commercial. Don't be too surprised to see us walking right through a short on European Beer. In case you won't be able to recognize me, I'm the one with a small run in my tights. Just before leaving the house I said to my companions, "Good thing no one's going to be taking pictures of us, because I have that stupid run." About a half-hour later, we began contacting a woman and her husband who were apparently very involved with the theatre community of Lithuania. Her husband, an ardent photographer, began taking candids of us while walking and talking to his wife.( Luckily, this 5 minute photo shoot was from the front, so there's less of a chance he'll catch an awesome shot of my run.) She was headed to a memorial service, and was really excited to show us the front of the theatre. We walked in only to realize the viewing was smack dab in the front of the theatre. The corpse was beautifully lit with bright blue and silver lighting. We were suddenly very creeped out, and decided to thank her and leave. I can't wait to have a few more months of language under my belt. We'll avoid most of our awkward situations.
I'm including a picture of this hill, that's actually a garage. It has such excellent ambiance. I think I want to build something right into a hillside someday, just to say I've done it.Must be off,
Sesuo Paul
July 5, 2010
Letter - July 5, 2010
Lordai! Lorday! Down Lordai!
We, Sister Jansen, Sister Aldredge, and I are very happy and very busy here in Kaunas, Lithuania. We are seeing immediate results from our mission fast, in people's receptiveness, and in personal progress. We are working hard to make more effective the planning/preparing phase of missionary work with the work itself. We're putting in lots of dedicated hours, and the Lord has truly helped people open their hearts and doors to us. This week, I really want to help my sisters teach better by letting them work through some new principles to teach. The Lord has helped us to become bountiful finders, but the real test now, is whether we found those who have true interest and can adequately teach and invite them to make progress. It's crazy being the oldest out here. I know that we are finding, and now the work is ours to teach in order to baptize. We're going to need to build our courage and our confidence, and I'm sure the Lord will qualify us. It's relieving, when we allow the spirit to testify to us that our best is enough, and then we can do as is written: "Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Truly, we've been given wings .
Things have been a little topsy turvy. I feel like we've had a lot thrown on us all at once, and yet it's all turning out to be a fun adventure. The experience that typifies this last few weeks, would be the one that my companion, Sister Aldredge wrote home about me. "We went to this member's house... and they have this dog named Lordas (Lorde when you address him... anyways) I kid you not, they opened the door, the three of us walked in, and it was literally the scene from Without a Clue where Sherlock gets taken out by that dog, ya know? I just see one of my companions get taken out by this huge beast of a dog, who pins her and starts licking her face :). I was laughing SO hard! Then we sat down and he jumped up and sat in her lap like he was a little mini poodle or something! Oh man, it was so great! I don't think I've ever had such a hard time keeping in the laughter (because this isn't unacceptable behavior for dogs here... their dogs are like a child)." In a word, we're laughing all the time, while I'm getting my face mercilessly licked.
We, Sister Jansen, Sister Aldredge, and I are very happy and very busy here in Kaunas, Lithuania. We are seeing immediate results from our mission fast, in people's receptiveness, and in personal progress. We are working hard to make more effective the planning/preparing phase of missionary work with the work itself. We're putting in lots of dedicated hours, and the Lord has truly helped people open their hearts and doors to us. This week, I really want to help my sisters teach better by letting them work through some new principles to teach. The Lord has helped us to become bountiful finders, but the real test now, is whether we found those who have true interest and can adequately teach and invite them to make progress. It's crazy being the oldest out here. I know that we are finding, and now the work is ours to teach in order to baptize. We're going to need to build our courage and our confidence, and I'm sure the Lord will qualify us. It's relieving, when we allow the spirit to testify to us that our best is enough, and then we can do as is written: "Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Truly, we've been given wings .
Things have been a little topsy turvy. I feel like we've had a lot thrown on us all at once, and yet it's all turning out to be a fun adventure. The experience that typifies this last few weeks, would be the one that my companion, Sister Aldredge wrote home about me. "We went to this member's house... and they have this dog named Lordas (Lorde when you address him... anyways) I kid you not, they opened the door, the three of us walked in, and it was literally the scene from Without a Clue where Sherlock gets taken out by that dog, ya know? I just see one of my companions get taken out by this huge beast of a dog, who pins her and starts licking her face :). I was laughing SO hard! Then we sat down and he jumped up and sat in her lap like he was a little mini poodle or something! Oh man, it was so great! I don't think I've ever had such a hard time keeping in the laughter (because this isn't unacceptable behavior for dogs here... their dogs are like a child)." In a word, we're laughing all the time, while I'm getting my face mercilessly licked.
The weather has been a little unpredictable. The rain was half-frozen for a day last week, it was so cold. I couldn't believe that the end of June could be so wet! We're a pretty small district here in Kaunas. We've got one pair of Elders and ourselves to proselyte through the whole city. We've got a wonderful support system from the members. The branch is much smaller here in Kaunas. The primary is much smaller, but we're hoping to find and teach more families with young children. I wish I could describe the life we've got here. We wear skirts, we talk to all sorts of people in the town centers. We're surrounded by centuries of Catholic tradition. The people here are very believing, almost to the point of mysticism. It's a refreshing change from the choking materialism of the "modern" world. Though Lithuanians now mostly live in flats, their blood is in the Kaimes, or country. The still very much cling to the village mind-set, being very hard-working, self-sufficient, with plenty of village-gossip to keep things interesting.
Ata,
Sister Paul
June 21, 2010
Letter June 21, 2010
New Home Sweet Home
So, I've spent the last week seeing sister Hall off to America. She wasn't the only one packing her bags, since I've also been transferred to Kaunas.
Sister Janson, my MTC companion, and I are both training Sister Aldredge, who is an angel in every respect. There is one other pair of Elders in the city, one Senior Couple, and plenty of ward support helping the work run here.
Kaunas is West of Vilnius, is the second largest city in Lithuania. (For a short time, it served as the capital of Lithuania, while Vilnius was annexed into Poland. ) Kaunas, I hear, is the heart of Lithuanian Nationalism. I don't know if I've seen much so far, except that there are very few Russian-speakers, and hardly any immigrants or foreign students or tourists. This place definitely has more of a small-town feel. People are more apt to smile and say hello to strangers.
With a new missionary from the MTC has come a shower of blessings. We have been allowed into many doors. The first building we ever harvested together was chosen by our wonderful Sister Aldredge. As we knocked, a few people even recognized us, and said, "Hey, I know you guys. Our neighbor, Lolite, goes to your church!" It was so wonderful, that the spirit led us to people who already had favorable contact with the church, without our even knowing it. We were able to teach lessons because Lolite's great example.
We can be certain that the Lord takes into account our weaknesses as well as our strengths. The other day, after being lost for a few minutes, we walked around a corner, and spoke to a man just walking from his driveway into the house. He invited us in, and we had a wonderful lesson. We still don't know what will become of this man, but the spirit was definitely there. The Lord knew we would be lost for a minute, and yet his timing is perfect.
The sisters and I share a love of exercise and a healthy amount of spontaneity. While jogging the other morning, we decided to take a short cut home through a gully and across a creek. We soon found ourselves in waist-deep foliage, and then running through a patch of thistles. The short-cut didn't actually lead home, but the experience led me to much reflection on the importance of staying on the Lord's straight and narrow. That night, we were attacked by mosquitoes in the park. I don't think they've taught me anything, but they added nicely to the thistle-scratches.
Our Kaunas apartment is very nice compared to the one in Vilnius. To light our old oven, we would strike a match, and drop it in the bottom like a barbecue. The Kaunas' oven is a nice convection. The only problem was that Sister Jansen had never used the oven until last week. Sunday dinner sat in the cold oven for about an hour, until we went to pull it out. I'm sure grateful for canned food.
I couldn't help but be grateful once again that I'm in this different apartment, especially when the Elders now living in my Vilnius apartment called to ask whether the bathroom had ever locked us out before. They couldn't hack it. They're shopping for a new place to live.
Well, it's not much, but my time is up.
Love,
Sister Paul
So, I've spent the last week seeing sister Hall off to America. She wasn't the only one packing her bags, since I've also been transferred to Kaunas.
Sister Janson, my MTC companion, and I are both training Sister Aldredge, who is an angel in every respect. There is one other pair of Elders in the city, one Senior Couple, and plenty of ward support helping the work run here.
Kaunas is West of Vilnius, is the second largest city in Lithuania. (For a short time, it served as the capital of Lithuania, while Vilnius was annexed into Poland. ) Kaunas, I hear, is the heart of Lithuanian Nationalism. I don't know if I've seen much so far, except that there are very few Russian-speakers, and hardly any immigrants or foreign students or tourists. This place definitely has more of a small-town feel. People are more apt to smile and say hello to strangers.With a new missionary from the MTC has come a shower of blessings. We have been allowed into many doors. The first building we ever harvested together was chosen by our wonderful Sister Aldredge. As we knocked, a few people even recognized us, and said, "Hey, I know you guys. Our neighbor, Lolite, goes to your church!" It was so wonderful, that the spirit led us to people who already had favorable contact with the church, without our even knowing it. We were able to teach lessons because Lolite's great example.
We can be certain that the Lord takes into account our weaknesses as well as our strengths. The other day, after being lost for a few minutes, we walked around a corner, and spoke to a man just walking from his driveway into the house. He invited us in, and we had a wonderful lesson. We still don't know what will become of this man, but the spirit was definitely there. The Lord knew we would be lost for a minute, and yet his timing is perfect.
The sisters and I share a love of exercise and a healthy amount of spontaneity. While jogging the other morning, we decided to take a short cut home through a gully and across a creek. We soon found ourselves in waist-deep foliage, and then running through a patch of thistles. The short-cut didn't actually lead home, but the experience led me to much reflection on the importance of staying on the Lord's straight and narrow. That night, we were attacked by mosquitoes in the park. I don't think they've taught me anything, but they added nicely to the thistle-scratches.
Our Kaunas apartment is very nice compared to the one in Vilnius. To light our old oven, we would strike a match, and drop it in the bottom like a barbecue. The Kaunas' oven is a nice convection. The only problem was that Sister Jansen had never used the oven until last week. Sunday dinner sat in the cold oven for about an hour, until we went to pull it out. I'm sure grateful for canned food.
I couldn't help but be grateful once again that I'm in this different apartment, especially when the Elders now living in my Vilnius apartment called to ask whether the bathroom had ever locked us out before. They couldn't hack it. They're shopping for a new place to live.
Well, it's not much, but my time is up.
Love,
Sister Paul
June 7, 2010
Letter - June 7, 2010
Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav in Vilnius
Church of St. Anne's, next to (the orange) Church of St. Francis and St. Bernardine
Church of St. Anne's
Petro and Povilo Church (St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church)Churches! Bažnycios!
Here is a little trivia on some of Vilnius' Churches:Vilnius has tons of historic Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches. It used to have more Synagogues, but many of those were destroyed around the time of the Second World War. We spent some time last Monday visiting around. The first church we visited was the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav. Buried underneath the Cathedral are Vytautas the Great, Lithuania's most famous ruler, and wife of Zygimantas Augustas, Queen Elisabeth of Austria (The Hapsburg.) Lithuania's history is very tied to the history of Poland, having shared a monarchy and their love of the Catholic religion for some time. There are statues of the Evangelists at the very front of the building. They're very Greek, and very macho. I like it when righteous men are portrayed as having rippling muscles, hair waving in the wind, with a drawn sword and a facial expression that could cause any evil-doer to shiver.
Secondly, we stopped by the Church of St. Anne's. This church is in a Gothic-style, with twisting and turning spires of brick. Legend has it, that Napoleon so loved this Church that he wanted to take it home to France in the palm of his hand, or so I've been told by at least three Lithuanians. The reality, I learned, was that when the Napoleonic army came through Lithuania, that this church was consigned to the French Cavalry forces. This church has been exactly as it stands for 500 years. That's a long time.
Joined to the Church of St. Anne's is the church of St. Francis and St. Bernardine. This church was built a bit later, the interior being finished in the 17th century. It's interior was gorgeous. It's a pity though, that the organ is always in the back of the church, where the congregation can't see during the services. I often think that is the best view.
We also visited the Churches of St. Nicholas, and also a Russian Orthodox Church by the name of The Assumption Virgin Cathedral. It's very interesting to me to note the style differences between Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox. There are no pews, the art is very different. Everything was focused on the Virgin Mary, fitting with the name.
I would have to say that my favorite church, however, was one recommended to me by an Elder Havens. Petro and Povilo Church is a Baroque chapel with the most expressive sculptured interior I've ever seen. Every inch of this church is packed with original art. It seems that none of the art was cast from a mold. Every face has a different expression. There are tons of flowers, animals, and bible characters hiding in the walls of this church. It's like a huge Bacchanalian garden party. On one side of the door is a fleshy duke, bidding adieu to the patrons. Directly opposite is a standing skeleton wearing similar garb. I didn't take pictures out of respect for the worshippers, but I definitely want to go back sometime.
June 2, 2010
Letter - May 31, 2010
I'm over my cold. Two weeks ago, I was quite ill. It's always harder to concentrate when one feels under the weather. One tricky thing about the Lithuanian language, is that "noaw" means "yes." I really confused someone last week then I called, and asked, " Is __ home?" The reply came back "Naow" and I promptly said, " Sorry, wrong number!" and hung up. It took a good 10 seconds for me to realize why I had this lingering itch in the back of my brain that I had done something wrong. That was an awkward situation to iron-out.
I run into lots of wonderful new-age people here. I ask them what's most important in life, and they say " To live in the moment. To stay in between the future and the past." I often feel a twinge of humor at this point, because in a very literal way I'm always traveling between the past and the future. You see, our apartment is on Minties Gatve, meaning memory street, and the church is on Ateties Gatve, meaning future street. So, I feel like I'm living wisely.
There's so much miscommunication all the time. Our neighbors aren't very fond of us. We've tried to take them cookies and wish them a good day, but they didn't take them. So, we thought that maybe they felt over-loved. My favorite instance happened last week, when I was standing on the landing as they cracked open their door to leave. She, the grandmother, took one look at me, uttered a despairing "OY Ne!" and shut the door. I think she's been contacted one-too-many times.
On the other hand, some people are really friendly. After the above experience, I had a dream that Sister Hall and I showed up to a neighborhood block party, and everyone left. The next day I had quite the opposite experience, when we came across an older lady in a bright orange sweater and matching beret. We told her we were going to wish someone a Happy Birthday, and she said, " Great! We love to sing and dance!" She proceeded to hug me around the wist, bounce up and down while swaying, and sing a song of unfamiliar tune and make. I was thoroughly confused, and tickled-pink. I felt like I was living in a musical. Then she stopped, while still holding on to me, looked at me again, and said, "How about another!" and then began again to make up her own song, and dance with me some more. We finally parted ways, with some smiles and some well-wishing. Lithuanians, even if they don't know you, or are telling you that they're not going to let you in teach them, are still nice enough to well-wish you happiness, success, luck, and health before they close the door.
The Lithuanian language is just whimsical. They have verb-roots with tons of constructions and variations. There are prefixes that add slight variance to the use of the verb. Their are at least nine ways to say "I Run." I had to laugh when I learned the noun for absence, "nebuvimas." It literally means, a not-being-ness. Their spelling is also completely phonetic, which means that it's really hard for me to spell in English after studying Lithuanian.
Last Saturday, we visited a member who lives in the forest. It was magical to walk among the incredibly tall trees with rain sprinkling all Lithuania, it rains a lofairy-tale land, with really tall trees. We had a lesson with her, and weeded her garden. Then, while my companion was using the outhouse (she decided she didn't like indoor plumbing, so she moved her toilet back outside) she showed me this bar, and she had me hang upside-down by my knees to help my lymph system, and then, we walked around, and she showed us herbs that grow around her that we can just eat. Her life is so simple. I want to live like her in many ways.
I can't report anything outwardly miraculous this week, but I can say that I'm very grateful for the way this week has gone. I've been touched by the words of Dorine and Covenants 6. I know that God knows the thoughts and intents of me and my companion. I've never been so happy with so little outward "success." I think this is all part of the process though, that the Lord will first try our hearts, and then prepare us for the miracles ahead. I have an assurance of the miracles to come stronger than any physical evidence. I know that when we feast upon the word, when we drink of living waters, we are never left wanting.
Have a good week!
Sister Paul
May 17, 2010
Letter - May 17, 2010
Hello All!
We've had an interesting couple weeks. Last week we had a conference with all of the missionaries in Lithuania, and then yesterday, we traveled again for a district conference (equivalent of a stake conference) in Kaunas.
A note on Lithuanian food: mayonnaise and garlic are a must on everything. In fact, if you can have both together, that's even better. This flavor is so popular that they sell bottles of garlic-mayonnaise in a two-pack with another 28 oz bottle of ketchup. We had a Lithuanian teacher from the MTC passing through Vilnius, and a group of us went to have lunch together. I ordered a traditional "Chicken Pudding." I was just excited to eat chicken and rice. However, when the entree came out, half of it's contents, to my dismay, was a layer of baked mayonnaise over the whole thing. I distinctly remember the feelings of the "Undercover Brother," his aversion to mayonnaise. I feel that I have gained a new empathy for his lamentations.
It was wonderful to see the Lithuanian saints all in one place, to meet some of my trainers' converts, and see how happy they are to have the gospel. We heard a talk from Elder Paul, and others. The day before was special for our branch, because we had a 14-year old girl baptized, making her family a full-member family. They also called and asked if I would talk at her baptism. Knowing Austea, the Baptismee, was really shy, I said I would only talk if she would talk with me. To my surprise, she said yes. I was really touched by the spirit, as we stood together and spoke. I was very touched to think of my own baptismal day, and how much more that covenant has come to mean to me. I stuttered with my baby-Lithuanian, and she bore her sweet, young testimony. No matter how limited our ability to express ourselves, it is always the right time to share what we know. It's always the right time to lift those that hang low.
Myliu Jus,
Sesuo Paul
We've had an interesting couple weeks. Last week we had a conference with all of the missionaries in Lithuania, and then yesterday, we traveled again for a district conference (equivalent of a stake conference) in Kaunas.
A note on Lithuanian food: mayonnaise and garlic are a must on everything. In fact, if you can have both together, that's even better. This flavor is so popular that they sell bottles of garlic-mayonnaise in a two-pack with another 28 oz bottle of ketchup. We had a Lithuanian teacher from the MTC passing through Vilnius, and a group of us went to have lunch together. I ordered a traditional "Chicken Pudding." I was just excited to eat chicken and rice. However, when the entree came out, half of it's contents, to my dismay, was a layer of baked mayonnaise over the whole thing. I distinctly remember the feelings of the "Undercover Brother," his aversion to mayonnaise. I feel that I have gained a new empathy for his lamentations.
It was wonderful to see the Lithuanian saints all in one place, to meet some of my trainers' converts, and see how happy they are to have the gospel. We heard a talk from Elder Paul, and others. The day before was special for our branch, because we had a 14-year old girl baptized, making her family a full-member family. They also called and asked if I would talk at her baptism. Knowing Austea, the Baptismee, was really shy, I said I would only talk if she would talk with me. To my surprise, she said yes. I was really touched by the spirit, as we stood together and spoke. I was very touched to think of my own baptismal day, and how much more that covenant has come to mean to me. I stuttered with my baby-Lithuanian, and she bore her sweet, young testimony. No matter how limited our ability to express ourselves, it is always the right time to share what we know. It's always the right time to lift those that hang low.
Myliu Jus,
Sesuo Paul
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