This was Italian Night at our little Branch. The missionaries planned a great night of fun for the Branch. First was something spiritual, then some games, then this dance, and finally a spaghetti dinner with real sauce (not found anywhere in the mother land of Russia). This is the movie of the elders teaching the dance to everyone. They loved it!!!
Here is the font. We had to do a test run since we have had no experience with this type of font. So we set it up and filled it up. The water is pretty typical for Ussurisk if you think it is an odd color. The font came with a 50 foot garden hose and a hookup for a faucet.It is Sunday and Elder Busico is leaving from church when I spot this rather large animal on his head. He assures me that it is indeed dead and that he actually paid money for it. Actually it is a great looking Shopka (hat)!! If you look carefully you may still be able to see it move. I mistakenly called him Elder Madsen because his previous companion Elder Madsen had one that was made from red fox and about the same size. Yes they are popular amongst the elders. The first competition is "how big the hat is". Second is "how much did you pay for yours?".
Upon their triumphant return from Korea Elder Roberts and Busico were sporting these two classy ties. Unfortunately they were "Salvation Army" ties so they now represent two churches. They thought I was taking a photo and I surprized them with a movie. They are great elders and a lot of fun to be with.
Here is the more dignified photo. Still the same wonderful people. The couple to the right in the front row are the Strawderman's. We will replace them in the Vladivostok mission office on May 23rd. Still having fun....wish you were here.
I don't know if Luke is standing on a 'balcony' in front of his apartment or if this is just a photo moment as he and his new companion were cruising the city. Castallammare is south of Rome across the bay from Naples in the area of Napoli. Can't beat the view!
Luke with President and Sister Acerson in front of the historic mission home in Rome the morning he arrived.
I have no explanation from Luke about this photo except to say that this must be a photo of their first day of sight seeing when they arrived in Rome (The President had to do something to keep them awake to get their bodies used to Italy's time clock). So after a short refresher at the Mission Home all the missionaries went out to see the sights - what they could get into a one day field trip, that is. There is so much to see in Rome! It is enough to make me want to go back to Italy......right now!
This is everyone in our mission zone. The picture is being taken by a sister on a mini mission. She is a local member helping for only one week. Her name is Nina and she was our photographer. This is our final picture with this set of missionaries. Most of them will transfer to other areas this Saturday. We keep only Elder Busico and Elder Cranney. But Elder Roberts is coming to serve with us in Ussurisk.
It was a blessed opportunity for Nick to be able to spend time with Luke at the Provo MTC. Nick's Visa did not come through in time so he joined Luke in Provo. Here they are with 2 high school and former baseball buddies, Sam Skanchy and Nicholas Hagen. All hands in pockets?
Missionaries in Luke's District in front of Provo Temple
Study time...Hitting the books.....Where are the books?
Luke and his companion Elder Romero
