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

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

Letter - September 6, 2010

My new companion and I in Vilnius enjoying
some 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