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.

Sister Paul

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

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

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

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