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

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

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

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