qyzee: 2011

Sunday, November 27, 2011

week 32-Vyborg

Well please forgive me for my last email, the computer I was on did not work with the photos so this week you'll get a bunch. Since I will being sending a bunch of photos I am not going to have much time to send individual emails! SORRY! I know I said I would today. But, I lied. Well I didn't lie, I just, well circumstances changed. Understandable? OK! GOOD! Here we go.......!!

So this week was awesome! We had a Zone Conference last Thursday and it was the best, I felt the spirit so much. I will also share some things that happened and thoughts about it, later on.

So basically I had a major spiritual experience this week. Let just say I haven't felt like the best missionary ever, and spent some time on my knees. As I was praying and asking for forgiveness, I had the impression to, "Have Patience and Wait." So I knelt in silence for a couple of minutes not receiving any revelation or anything, so I did exactly opposite of what it said and started asking again for forgiveness and why Heavenly Father hasn't answered me yet, again I received the impression, "Have Patience and Wait." So again I waited and didn't think anything or say anything, but after a while my mind started to drift off of the prayer and into worldly things like home, friends, and movies. Yet again I received "Have Patience and Wait." This time is was said with such a calm tone, that I desperately waited, and waited. I don't know how long it was but it was after a while, when suddenly I imagined myself at the throne of our Father in Heaven, immediately I looked away from His face and looked upon His feet, I told Him I wasn't worthy to be in His presence for I have sinned, and asked him sincerely to forgive me and help me be a better person, then all of sudden another pair of feet walked into my view these pair had nail holes in them, I started crying, saying out loud, "No, please don't be here I have caused Thee so much pain I couldn't stand to see the ashamed on Thy face. Please leave me be, please...Help me." Then a hand with nail print came into my view, reaching for mine. I gave Him my hand and he lifted me and I say on his face, the expression of sadness, but not sadness of my sins, but the sadness of me being sad. He then embraced me with one of the biggest hugs and repeated over and over again, "It's okay...It's okay." At that moment I felt the greatest peace to know that He has given me the chance to change, He has and can free me from my sins, He can make it possible for me to look upon my Father and say, "I have done my best, please forgive for me for my faults." And because Jesus will be standing there on my side, saying, "Yes he did, and all of those worldly sins he has done you can put on me." The Father will welcome me with open arms and say, "Good job, I am proud of you."

I can not wait for that moment, I can not wait to see my Fathers face again.

Some things I liked this week: (besides that experience for that truly was the highlight of my week.)

During Zone Conference the President talked about a lot of Charity, and having it with Faith and Hope. He mentioned one talk by Elder Wirthin of the October 2007 conference where he was talking about Charity and God-like love, and in the middle of his talk he started shaking uncontrollably and almost fell over, then right away Elder Neilson stood up and supported him during the rest of his talk. One thing my Mission President knew that most didn't, was that Elder Wirthin was his Stake President once and Elder Neilson was his first councilor, they have always had that love for each other and always have been working with each other. He emphasized that we all need this love on our missions we need to support our investigators at all times and love them how Jesus would love them.

Here is something I wrote the president this week about Thanksgiving:

"With Thanksgiving coming up, I have been thinking of what I am truly thankful for. It all comes down to rain. That might sound weird right now, but everything I am truly thankful for is tied into rain. Some reason I am one of those people that just loves rain, I am even inspired to say that I get happier in the rain or when it rains. Rain has always reminded me of my family, we, every year have a family Reunion. Which family Reunion has all of my extended family which is around 450 people every year. Every year we also gather together and have a camp out for 3-5 days, and every year it rains. That is one of my fondest memories is sleeping with my family in a tent and hearing the rain hit the roof of the tent. It's one of the only places I have the best nights of rest also. Rain also reminds me of hope, all the trees and plants have hope and faith that it will rain so they can live, that is just like us here on earth we all hope and wait for Jesus Christ to come into our lives so we can 'live'. Rain is my family, rain is my friends, rain is faith, rain is hope, rain is Jesus Christ, rain is love. Again, I am thankful for rain more than anything. You understand now why everything comes down to rain, because rain reminds me of everything that is good in life. "

You are all the best! Please be happy this week, receiving emails about everyone fighting doesn't really help, I get worried that the family isn't doing to well. Please look for all the best things in life OK?

BE HAPPY! :D

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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week 31-Vyborg

Hey Ya'll, I am so surprised how fast time flies. Months are totally weeks now to me. I was shocked that tanner get's home so soon. I thought he still had half a year or something. But a month? Wow.

Vyborg is awesome! We meet with two families this week, the Demetrivs and the Egnatevs. The demetrivs have 4 daughters and one son, all of them are pretty young. It totally reminded me of home, and all of our fights and silly stuff we did. They totally feel like a mormon family. I already love them. Then the Egnatevs is this old man and women, where the women got baptized about 20 years ago, and had a spiritiual experence where she needed to give a man on the train a Liahona, in short she did, he got baptized and then they got married. It was an awesome story, we will be going back there hopefully this week, they will feed us too! :)

We also had a split with the zone leaders in St. Pete. The elder I was with was in the MTC with me, but left to Russia 6 weeks before me. He is a great elder. We met with a man named, Max. Who knows perfect english, its just with a heavy southern accent. He learned english from all those old western films, John Wanye and stuff. He always referred himself to a cowboy and all these Russians here are indians. It was quite funny. :) He went on about how he actually performs country music here. I thought that was really cool. We taught him the Word of Wisdom, and we asked him to tell us what he learned, because he is quite distracted. He told us, "We'll I can't drink black coffee and can't em Rattlers, because theys bad fer yuh." We didn't mention anything about Rattle Snakes, but it was funny. :) That same Elder I was with introduced me to a band he found a while ago, listened to some of it. After hearing it, I thought you would like it father. They are called Sigur Ros they sing in Icelandic. It's quite peaceful. I like it.

So the weeks are kind of the same, Vyborg is actually smaller than Pskov, people and size. We can walk the entire city end to end in 45-60 minutes. Which is interesting because, here in Vyborg we had 67 people at the branch for sunday. I was kinda shocked in all. But oh well. Experiences, experiences. Oh tell grandma I got her halloween card. Don't have too much time today to write everybody. Maybe next week.

Some answers of your questions:

It's only me and my companion in this city, there were 6 missionaries at a time. There were also 3 branches here too. Until they made a branch building. Yes vyborg is one of the two areas that have their own branch building. Which is really nice. It's getting cold, but has not snowed yet! I don't even know why. Russia does not have Day light Savings i just figured out. So that's quite interesting, i thought the entire world does that. Or maybe that was just America.... Hmmm...

Well my mind is kinda of scattered right now, so I'll end my email here.

I love you all, Tell me all about the shop next week! K?

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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week 30-Vyborg

Well it's kind of crazy, but Vyborg is amazing! I found out that Vyborg was one of the first cities to get Missionaryized in Russia. There are so many members this ward totally reminded me of our ward back home. They have a ward mission leader in all too! I was so excited about that. My companion is from Utah, and speaks English, finally. His name is Elder Andersen from Bloomington Hills St. George. (see if grandma and grandpa Lee know them. K?) He also lives right next to that golf course underneath the tower with the flashing lights. I've decided the Lord has a sense of humor, because he loves to bless with me companions who are noisy eaters. Haha, yeah in one of my talks I have read it says something about patience I really like, "If we didn't have annoying people in the world we would never learn to be patient." Vyborg is really small, it's three hours north of St. Petersburg and small, you can walk the entire city in 45 minutes. I don't know if you say any pictures of the castle or anything but this Wednesday we do service there and such, pictures to follow.

Haven't done too much missionary work in the past 4 days, we meet with two members, but the rest of the time we have been cleaning the apartment and area book. (The last elders didn't leave us to a clean apartment, even left a clogged toilet, ugh.) We did all this because, we don't have a plunger and had to call our landlord to fix it. He saw how bad the apartment was, (which wasn't too bad) and got pretty mad. So we've been cleaning! What is great though my companion has OCD, now I feel like I am not always cleaning up after my companions.

OH! Before I forget to say this, thank you so much for the package, I have drunken so much Cocoa I love it.! I am going to try to send the family a christmas package this week, I hope you get it on time, don't expect to much, I am not in St. Petersburg where all the cool stuff is, I might just send candy and such, music (really cheap here, really really cheap) maybe some russian nesting dolls. We'll see. Thank you so much for your letters this week, helped me cheer up. I miss you all so so much. Especially with Christmas coming around, my companion and I are listening to a lot of Christmas music now, I am so in the mood for Christmas! Even if I don't get to celebrate it like we normally do. I feel like November is already over, months fly by so fast. This mission has flown, in two weeks I have been on my mission for 8 months! Crazy! It just doesn't feel right, how fast it is going. It kind of makes me frustrated that I don't know enough Russian already, yet humbled for how much I do. Ether 12:27 Comes to mind, I need to trust the Lord with all my weaknesses, and he will make them strengths if I believe in him.

Father do not apologize for your last letter, I needed it. I needed some back handing. I'm kidding. It was back handing maybe small little thumps on my forehead :) But, it was needed I have not been frugal with my money. I have been spending on things that I really don't need. Things I can't return, things I have wasted money on. Yeah, it's true.

Well I can't think of anything else to write about, other then talking in English is a wonderful blessing and relief. I'll send some pictures of last week in Pskov and this week in Vyborg. Love you all!

Oh P.S. I'll send you a family email each week now and if you feel like it should be put on my blog, you can go ahead and put it on there also. Also if you want to you can put the pictures I have sent on there also. Friends tell my there isn't any on there and they would like to see some.

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

week 29-Vyborg

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Week 28-Pskov

Happy Halloween everyone!

Please send pictures of Mason's minecraft costume. Sorry I don't have a lot of time to write today, we are helping the branch with Halloween here, which we wont be here for because we leave for Petersburg tomorrow. I am being transfered. :( more of that later.

Well your request is not a problem. I understand that also, and today if I have time for the other email for my blog I will write it. But, that's later and of course that's important. And about Taelor, it's wasn't really chatting I happened to be at the interenet and she emailed me, and we emailed back and forth a couple times. Which was strange because she was up at 1 in the morning to do that. The mission president hasn't really made any rules for that, but I made a personal one that I can only write one friend once a week. Because after that little, "chat" I was way too distracted. That is not good at all. I will let you know when I recieve your packages, tell Aunt Chris that I am recieving her emails. Also thank grandma for her emails too. I love you all, and miss all of you so much. I hope all of you are doing great, how I read your email, it sounds like everyone is a little sad. Why is that? There is no reason to be sad, like I told one of the members here that, often, never smiles. You have the greatest reason in the world to smile, you know that Jesus and Heavenly Father love you! That's enough to get me happy. It helped me out this week, I have been a little down this week. Missions are hard. You have people you hate you on the street, before they even meet one. Friends back home forget you. Have no friends on the mission, yeah you have members but they forget you once you leave the area. In short of writting, all of that got to me. I was just down, and just thought Well I have one friend that will always support and love me and that Jesus. He is such an amazing person, it amazes me how much he has done for all of us.

Thank you for telling about the money dad, I am not offended. I actually miss getting lectured as funny as that sounds. Yes at the start of my mission I was not being froogle with my money. Now I have learned, and also if you check my bank account. I don't use my card, I have to withdrawl everything. But that doesn't mean I have spent everything. That last 500 $ I withdrawled around 400$ of it. 15000 rubles, I have only spent 4000, 3000 on a winter coat and 1000 for a hat and gloves. I know I need to make a sacrifice, this mission isn't for me to buy 500 ties. It's to baptize someone, bring people to christ.

So about transfers, I am going to be in Vyborg pronounced, Voo'eburg. That's the best I can translate it into english, it's really hard to switch some letters into English from Russian. I am actually kinda sad about that, I love Pskov, it's like my homeward right now. I feel like yesterday was my farewell and I went on a mission again. I really hope a helped someone here, even though I can't see it and don't see any success from being here 4 1/2 months maybe I helped someone, I don't know. I pray often that I have. Again missions are hard. But, worth it. I look back and think what I would be doing if I wasn't on the mission and seriously can't think of anything. School maybe? I have no idea.

Every sunday I usually feel bad, because I forget my family and then remember that I need to write you the next day. I don't know if that's a good thing that I am getting incompased with the work or not.

I love you all so so so so much, pray for all of you all the time.

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 27-Pskov

First off I am on week 31 I think, I'll do the math later. It is really crazy how fast time flies. This email is actually earlier because, we are going to a different city called Peeshori, apparently it's very beautiful because all Pskovites talk about and say if you been in Pskov and haven't been in Peeshori you really haven't been in Pskov. So we will take their claim to test. Pictures will come next week of it.

I think that is great you became a Psych fan dad, it is quite hilarious. Probably has a lot of 70's and 80's references that you know of. If I remember correctly, it's also quite clean. I don't remember hearing any swear words in it. Well don't spoil it for me too. That's one series I want to continue to watch after my mission. The address with the Backwards R, will always be the best. In fact don't even use the other one. I am excited when I will recieve it finally, patience is a virture ain't it?

It's is quite cold here actually. We were in St. Petersburg last week for 3 days, (did not recieve the package yet, but I learned packages take quite a while) and one of the days it snowed for 25 minutes! On Monday Pskov got to 32 degrees! It was quite cold, I have a picture I sent of what I used on that day, I was quite shocked that I used that kind of stuff in October! There isn't much in this letter for a couple of reasons, one I am tired. Ha. Two, we spent most of last week in St. Pete. Also sorry that I didn't write everyone back this week don't have much time today, since we are leaving for Peeshori soon, and need to shop also. The Split with the Zone Leaders was kinda cool, in fact my first companion Elder Loskotov is my Zone Leader right now. It was good to see him again, he is kinda of depressed I am not sure why, I think it's because he is training again, training a Russian too. Who has his own ideas about the mission and argues with Elder Loskotov a lot. It was good for him to see me again, it was good for me also. I went contacting with his companion in a park for two hours, it was great! I was surprised on how he contacts. Basically Bold and straight forward, if someone says they aren't interested, he asks why, unlike how I learned to just not petster people into talking, because that doesn't leave a great impression. It was fun to get out of my cage of Pskov. Next week is Transfer Calls, to be honest I actually want to stay here in Pskov. I love it here.

Well that's about it this week, In the package you send me, I would love one of those cookie scoopers you use mom. :)

And Dad, a member asked me what is the best Anti-Virus program for Windows? I told him you would know, he want's to know both free and pay for. Thanks!

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 26-Pskov

Well to first answer your question, this transfer is actually 7 weeks long because the new missionaries don't come in two weeks from Wednesday. It's kinda of important to have a transfer with them here. Also I recieve grandmas letters each week, they are much enjoyed. Maybe someday I will have time to write her back, maybe today. I don't know. We will see.

This past weekend was awesome. We had the mission president with us, what was interesting was that he came without the AP's and I had to translate for two meetings he was in. It made me realize how much Russian I know, and how much I don't know. But, thank goodness that we had a return missionary that learned a lot of english on his mission (ilya) because if he wasn't here, I would have to translate for their talks during church, and that would be extremely hard for me. I speak understandable Russian, but not grammatically correct Russian, and many members here in Pskov like to shove that in my face. Like sometimes I put that accent in the wrong spot, and they act like they completely don't understand me, and I am speaking entirely different language. Oh well humbling moments are loved by missionaries right?

I like what you said dad about not doing anything stupid, it reminded me of President Hinkley, he once gave an address to the MTC, and he straight up said, "I can only give you bit of advice, Don't do anything stupid." It was funny hearing it from the prophet. This week is going to be hecktic, we are in St. Petersburg for 4 days from Tuesday to Friday, my companion has a visa trip, then right after that we have a split with the zone leaders. After that the week is almost already done. I am interested to see how things go, maybe my package is there, maybe not. I called the office elders and they said to ask you which address you sent it to. The one with the a/(backwards R) because that's the one that is best to send anything to. Because if I am not in St. Petersburg to pick up the other one which I have to pick up personnaly, after a month the russian post office needs to send it back, but that costs too much, so they just open it and take what they want.

I am doing great here, I love Pskov. I gave up fighting within myself for change. Pskov is an amazing place, I asked the President if I could stay here my entire mission, probably a little prideful, but I was joking a little bit, just trying to let him know I love it here in Pskov and the people here are amazing, the members also.

Well this week I want to share to what I eat normally each week, you are going to be shocked. I have at least 20 eggs, 2 gallons of milk, 2 loafs of bread or more. That's the normal. Some reason I jut like eggs. Eggs I like. Like I eggs. (the girls will remember that. ;) I love the food here, I haven't eaten anything I haven't liked yet. Which isn't a shock, because I eat everything.

For Christmas: Ok don't send me your vanilla, but send me some vanilla extract. Also a big bottle of vitamin pills from cosco, because they are quite expensive here maybe 10-15 dollars for 25 pills. Also because the president recommends it. Also some more Emergence-C I loved those things and finished them in the MTC. After that, everything doesn't matter what you send me.

Well I love you, always be happy! Be strong! Read the book of mormon in the morning together in the morning!

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 25-Pskov

To start off, it is quite cold here, already in between 5-10 degrees. Pretty cold huh?

Well to answer your question I am doing spectacular, there's always those days where you don't want to do anything, but I have given my will to the Lord. Everything I want to do, everything I worry about that what I am going to do after the mission, doesn't matter now, I put them in a box like all of my clothes and leave them at home. Right now I 100% the Lords. I gave the only thing I can give to him, my will and my heart. Because in all actuality everything else on this earth is already his. I want to be a 4th missionary, (I don't know if the attachment worked, but it's a talk titled "The Fourth Missionary") basically there are 4 types of missionaries, one doesn't finish the mission and is disobedient, one finishes the mission but is disobedient and gets nothing from the mission, one is obedient only because he has to, there are so many other things he'd rather be doing, he is a "grin-and-bear-it" missionary, he is successful, but like the first two he receives nothing from the mission. Then the last missionary, he devotes all his time, and consecrates (not serve) himself to the Lord, basically the mission president that gave this talk said that this is the easiest way, because it's the only logically away. You are on a path and always moving, you are either moving forward towards the Lord, or away from him, towards the devil. Yesterday I prayed, told all my desires to the Lord, all my wants, and said, ok you know what I want, please keep those safe for me until after my mission. I really hope you receive this attachment. It is quite wonderful.

Thank you for the Webolos information on Mason. I laughed quite a bit. Sorry I don't have that much time to write everyone today, but I promise I will next week. (We have a meeting today at 5 and need to shop and stuff and it's already 12:10) It's quite crazy, awesome, how the work is here and how busy it can get. I watched the Sunday sessions of conference, they were in Russian, but I still received some personal revelation. I like this one, "It is so much better to be optimistic, attitude truly effects everything. If I am always thinking down and bad, down and bad stuff will happen to me. There are certain people who will say, We'll if you are always looking up, you'll just end up walking in the mud. We need to reply, 'What mud?!' 'I just see this wonderful day up above!' I finished Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage last Tuesday, I enjoyed it so much, and learned a lot. It's like reading the new testament, but, with everything explained. Like how Jesus died on the cross, like what happened to his body to cause him to die, which was a broken heart, literally his heart burst from the pressure. I am reading right now, "The teachings of Joseph Smith" and again learning a lot. I really love reading deep doctrine, there is a talk title, "The meaning of the Atonement" I suggest you read it dad, I have learned why we really need the atonement, because God already has mercy for us, why do we need a Redeemer to create mercy, mercy for whom? Why can't God just say, we'll you messed up a little bit, but that's ok, you did your best, come on in.

To be honest dad, I truly do miss your lectures. I also used your circle example of perfection as a spiritual thought on family home evening last Wednesday. You are quite correct, obedience is the key to success, in everything. You are going to laugh, but what I really want for Christmas, is some beef stew in a can. I actually miss American food, ooo...also some brown sugar and some of your home made vanilla too. Cookies will be wonderful after that, then everybody in Russian would love, peanut butter too, because the Russian people love it, and if they receive it from an American they will remember me forever. I will also be sending you a package for Christmas, but for Russian Christmas (January 6th) and that's when you have to open it. I'll send some Russian snacks and treats, and some other awesome things.

Well that's about it for this week, oh by the way, it's about 5-10 degrees Celsius, which is about 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 24-Pskov

Well first off, thank you so much for pictures! I am really glad to see everybody! Next week I would love to see what is actually in the shop! (like I have asked a bajillion times!) K?! Ok!... *finger snap* and point. (Cassie and Mason might now what that is from.)

This week has been awesome, sorry if my last couple of letters were on the down side, that was probably because, I don't know really. Maybe because I have been kinda sick. But, I will do better in these next ones, I have not recieved your package yet, because I have been stranded here in Pskov for three weeks, and the package is in St. Petersburg probably waiting for me. I am excited for when I finally get it, which probably be next week. Tuesday-ish.

Sounds like everyone is doing fine in good ol' Kaysville. Some things that has happened to me this week, we had a "Split" with a member, I say "split" with quotation marks because it wasn't really a split, it was more like he came with us contacting. His name is ilya, and he returned from his mission about 2 weeks ago. Really really spiritual. I can honestly say that was the first I felt like a effective missionary, I have never prayed in the street before in front of people I have no clue who they are and what they have done. It was really good. I have learned a lot from that.

I bought an awesome device, I don't know if you have heard of it, it's called the "Dolphin" basically you squirt sea water up one nostril and it comes out the other, and after that your sinuses are completely clear and can breath really good. Pretty much I love it. It feels really really weird.

On Saturday we had service for a member and many of the youth of the branch here came with us. It was a blast, we ate and had a lot of fun, as you can see from the photos. Then we had a Sport Day where we played ping pong, but everyone plays and you run around in circles, it's hard to explain but was really fun.

I actually didn't get to watch conference, it's a funny story because. We were all ready to watch it at 11 o'clock but, it didn't work. So I was on the computer trying to work out WiFi then download conference and a lot of other stuff, basically what happened, is that it came to 2 o'clock and said ok, we will have Sunday School then have Borsh, (which was going to be ready for Conference) while everyone was in Sunday School I worked on the computer and helped with Borsh, and then finally Conference worked. At the end of Sunday School, Borsh wasn't ready so we had everyone watch the morning session of Saturday, while I helped ilya finish the Borsh. In short, the one session of Conference took, from 11 to 7 to complete. Then after that we had to help count tithing with the president, and finally left the branch at 8:30. We had a really eventfull day, full of stress and running around, it was quite funny.

Well I hope that answers everyones questions. Until next week!

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 23-Pskov

Well it's already P day! I guess you can expect this on Monday now, it is interesting, we'll see if I like it. In fact all missions in the entire world have P day on mondays. Some interesting things I have found out, Russians sell a Finnish Milk that tastes just like American milk, I am quite happy. Something also interesting, Russians have a belief that every single piece of bread that you throw away, is collected by the devil. When you die, if the bread collected weighs more then you, you go to endless fires of hell. Think of that the next time you see the heel of the bread and don't want to eat it. That's also means that Russians will not throw away bread even if it's been on the floor. There was one story about a girl, during the second world war, found a chunk of crusty moldy bread in the creavus of the sofa, and ate it right away, then started crying because she felt ashamed for not sharing it with her family.

I have taken a liking in Pate. The meat paste stuff, it is quite tasty. Yeah I know that is quite weird, but I love it. There's a lot of interesting foods I need to try. I will for sure tell you about them, when I do. Maybe send some home for christmas.

We had a split with the President and a member, (ilya) it was quite successful. I went with the President of the Branch and meet with a Mother of a mission from Pskov. She was drunk, but still felt the spirit. It was great. Afterwards, because she lives in the so called "boons" of pskov, we walked 5 kilometers back to the city in the middle of grazing grounds. I have lot of cool pictures from that walk, a lot of really good looking clouds. I learned while walking with the president that he was baptized a day after me. I was baptized March 4th, 2000 he was March 5th. He was baptized when he was 17, I 8. That was awesome to find out.

We had a meeting with a woman, who came to all our activites but was to afraid to meet with us. She felt the spirit, and committed to read the book of mormon. I hope something comes out of this one, actually I pray something will.

It sounds like everything is dandy at home, I hope everything is fine.

This is about it for this week.

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 22-Pskov

Well first off, just to let you know, my Preperation days are moved to Monday, and that will start as of an effect next Monday. So writing me on Sundays are the best now. Second off, Happy Birthday mother!! I hope you had a good day.

This week I have been a little bit under the weather with a cold, but that doesn't stop the work. Still running around, contacting and, well, working. I have not recieved your package yet, mainly because I am not in St. Petersburg, I will probably recieve it this week or next, we will see. It sounds like everyone is busy up in Kaysville (it's actually left, but oh well) I hope everyone is doing fine, I pray for everyone everyday.

My visa trip was a blast, I went with my district that I was with in the MTC, (I will everytime) I think those guys I am the closest too then out of any other missionary. When did not fly, we actually drove to Estonia, took about three hours to drive there and left at 5 in the morning-ish. Got there at 8, but in Estonian time its 7, waiting in the van for a little bit, then we had 8 hours to "roam" around Estonia, we can't really do any missionary work, because it's illegal, we were not registered in that area. But, we did a lot of talking, eating fast food, shopping, and went to a castle in estonia that faces a castle in Russia. It's kinda funny because in the castle in Estonia there's an old cannon pointed directly to Russia. One of the best Hamburgers I have ever had was in Estonia, I don't know if anyone has heard of Hesburger, but it's delicious, their sauce they use is just fantastic.

We had a missionary return home from his mission in Somara, he lives in Pskov, his name is Ilya and just an amazing person, always speaks with the spirit, it made start thinking if I would feel that way when I got home. He hates real life. He said he wants to go back to the mission, but one thing he doesn't miss is the 6:30 wake up time. He said as soon as he got back that, he slept in till 11. Which was kinda funny, I have heard missionaries say that can't get rid of the 6:30 habit, then there are ones, that get rid off it, the day after they are released. I am actually with my same companion, Elder Sokolov this transfer. We have our differences, but who doesn't have differences with there companions, nobody.

Which brings me to the subject I wanted to hit on today, it's a companionship every member of the Church has, it's a companion ship with the Holy Ghost. That's one companionship we should always strive to not have differences with, because if we always the spirit to be with us, we will be better off then without it.

Well that's about it this week, I really want to see some pictures, of the family, the shop, of a lot of stuff. I know it's probably a big thing to ask for, because you all are really busy. But, I, just like you, am excited for the shop, and right now have no idea what it looks like.

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Week 21-Pskov

Well first off, I am going to strongly advise you to write me on Sundays. Because I never know when days like today will happen, and I will have to have P day earlier. It kinda saddens me not, to her anything from the family this week, cause, I will have to wait till next week to hear from you again. Like I said last week we have Transfer Day tomorrow, and on Thursday I have a Visa trip, it's going to be very interesting, and fun, since I will be with my district I had in the MTC all day. I did learn where I am going, I am staying here in Pskov for another month and half. With Elder Sokolov, at first I was not too happy to hear that. But, after some pondering, and praying, I've decided this is where I need to be, if I am here my entire mission, I am ok with that. As long as it's where the Lord wants me to be, that's where I am going to be. I will work my hardest, and try to be the most effective companion I can be.

Well I made your cookies mom, first off I found out they (Russians) do not have brown sugar, and vanilla in the bottle. So I used vanilla sugar. It was really good, I was surprised. So my was my companion, so he told me to make me more. So I can bring it sport day, and everyone in the branch loved it. I am making more today, for the branch again. Russians don't have soft cookies, ever. It's quite interesting. If you ever send me anything, brown sugar and vanilla would be nice. Thanks!

Yesterday we had district meeting, here in Pskov, and we decided to go out and eat some SUSHI!! It's was ok, not american sushi, and it was quite expensive. Probably wont happen again. Oh well it's was a good experience.

Don't have that much more to right about, so this is it for this week! Until next week!

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Thursday, September 8, 2011

week 20-Pskov?

I am coming quite fast to the 6 month mark, every Conference is a fourth of my mission, its pretty cool. Even though I will watch Conference in Russian and not probably understand it, I am excited to hear the word of the Lord. There was a story in this months Liahona, about Conference, there was one man talking to his neighbor about conference, and the neighbor said, "To get this straight, you have prophets and apostles who speak the word of God twice a year?" The member exclaimed, "Exactly!" very excited that his neighbor was understanding, but the next question brought him grief and shocked him. The neighbor asked, "Well what did they say last Conference?" The member was devastated, because he could not remember a single talk, he expressed his lack of memory to his neighbor, and the neighbor said, "So you're telling me that, you have the word of God preached directly for our time, and you can't remember what He said?" It is very important that we listen to conference, and right down personal revelation. Any impressions we need to write it down, that is very important, to WRITE them down. Without writing them, we will forget through a time.

Some cool things I have learned/experienced this week, that Russians have a single word for, "gathering mushrooms in the forest with the family", my companion asked if we do this in America, and I said, "Yeah! Just in the store." Then of course, I heard for the umpteenth time, how America, in short, is the worst country in the World. My companion really likes to express this to me, about every day. What is funny, is that he wants to live and study there. He will see that's it is not all that bad. I asked him where he got all his opinions about America, he said the News. Then I understood. Russians will eat Sour Cream plain, straight out of the tub. It's funny to watch, they will use a tub of Sour Cream for one bowl of Borsh, very interesting.

Two Sundays ago, we had the chance to go to mother of a missionary from Pskov, she drinks all the time, it was a very humbling experience, because that mother said, that she prays everyday that her daughter will call her. She doesn't fully understand, the whole mission thing. How lucky I am to have a family that understand why I am on the mission, why I am doing what I am doing, and why I can't talk to them everyday. I am so thankful for growing up in this church.

We served, more like worked for, a less active member a couple of days ago. I was quite annoyed with her, all she wanted was free man labor, still doesn't come to church, the service didn't do anything. We didn't finish everything that she wanted, but we said we can't serve anymore, she has the money for it, she has her sons who can do it. Sometimes, I don't get why people will so easily use other people, why can't people be good?! Why does Satan have such a hold on their hearts? I kinda feel like Nephi, when for the countless time, his brothers rebelled and murmured and denied everything they knew, they denied God, denied Jesus, denied that they saw an angel, how can a person can do that, I don't understand. It's hard for me to understand, why people deny the teachings of Christ, my heart breaks about every time, a person hears that we are Missionaries of the Church of JESUS CHRIST, they just walk away and say not needed as soon as they hear the name Jesus. I know every person has the light of Christ in them, sometimes it's really hard to find it, and light a fire underneath it, I hope through time I can be more effective tool for God. There is a verse in Mosiah, where Alma wishes he were an angel, I wish that sometimes. Then people would listen, but that is not so. People need to make the choice for themselves, that is the plan, the plan is for us to work all our days. I like this plan, I am like God having the choice of good or evil. I will always choose good.

We had a miracle this week, we had a less-less-less active member who suddenly decided to change and wanted to come back to the church, I saw twice last transfer and the difference in her countenance from then to now, is astonishing. She has to been to every meeting since last Thursday, and bore her testimony last Sunday, it was such a spirit-filled testimony. I am excited to see the change. She also gave us a couple referrals. It was awesome.

I have not bought my coat yet, in fact it's about 15-20 degrees here, Celsius that is. Which is about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Me and my companion are the only ones in Pskov who are still using Short-sleeved shirts. It's quite funny, I don't understand how people can wear coats right now.

Oh and about Taelor, uh, could you tell her to email me, I don't have her email address, and I try to remember it, but I am not sure it's right. Thanks.

Well that's all for this week, until next time. (Transfers are next week so I might be somewhere else. I kind of hope for that and I kind of don't, we will see...)

--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

week 19-Pskov

Well this transfer flew by, next transfer right after conference is a 4th of my mission. Crazy crazy.

This week has been really busy, a lot of meetings, like Tuesday we had Family home evening at the branch. 9 people showed up, including us, that's the most people that has been to FHE in two years. First transfer, we didn't have it every week, I think it's a lot better to have it every week. We start English today, I'll see how it goes. It'll be interesting.

Some interesting facts, do you know who the first person in Russia to read the Book of Mormon? I do. Leo Tolstoy. Yes that Leo Tolstoy, the writer of "War and Peace" the person who sent it to him, was Brigham Youngs daughter. It's really interesting, there is a website for it, but being on a mission I can't send you the link. Cool cool.

I haven't had the chance to make your cookies yet, but I will tell you when I do try. Might be a little while. Today is "Day of Wisdom" which is the day school starts, school lasts an hour, then all the kids go and celebrate the end of summer, get drunk, and have fun. This little inernet cafe i'm in is full of kids right now. Really noisy. Hard to concetrate, so sorry if this letter is short and really jumbled.

A funny thing that happened, my companion and I were talking about age difference, and he said he was born before me, and then I said for some reason (can't remember), that I was in heaven talking with God, and saying after seeing my companion as a baby, "That's going to be my companion?!" Elder Sokolov laughed (and cried from it) pretty hard. It was quite funny.

My dreams are almost always in Russian now. It's really strange, doing personal prayer, and randomly it's in Russian, then in English. I wonder how it will be in two years. Just yesterday, I accidently started a pray in english, then switched right back into russian, without realizing it. Was strange. Especially the English part, because almost always I pray vocially in Russian.

There's a quote i really love, that I saw in a different Elders home after zone conference, which was great, Jeffery R. Holland said, "The future of this world has long been declared; the final outcome between good and evil is already known. There is absolutely no question as to who wins becaues the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team's jersey we want to wear." It makes a lot of sense, how strange and stupid it is to sin. Why we do it, I have no clue. Somepeople never want to be like King Lamoni, and give up all his sins to come to know God.

I also like this quote, it's not word for word, because it's in one of the books you sent me, it is also by Jeffery R. Holland. Most people wonder why they have trials, why is God doing this to me right now, I'm doing everything I am supposed to, I am keeping the commandments, I am reading daily, and praying daily. What more can I do? People who ask these questions, do not see the point, our life on earth is the TEST, the REWARD is to come after this life. Trials come to test us, if we succeed, and come out on top, our reward will be even greater. We should thank the lord for the chance to test our faith, so we can be strong, and eventually reap our rewards.

Sorry don't have too much time, going to a cafe, to eat pizza, russian pizza with a member. I will write everybody next week! Love you all, I pray for you every day.

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Week 18-Pskov

Well to be honest I am actually in St. Petersburg right now, we have a Zone Conference tomorrow, first one, we will see how that goes. I will tell you about it next week.

I think I am turning into a Russian. Russians, love their tea. Yeah you can guess it, I'm drinking tea a lot more now, maybe 5 times a day. (All Herbal, so don't worry) Some blessing I've seen recently, in my Setting Apart blessing, the Stake President said everyone will be surprised on how fast you are learning the language, I have now had 5 missionaries tell me, I was a lot better than them when they were at the state I am in right now. (2 transfers) Personnally I do not think I am all that great, so I think that's just the Lord blessing me with the gift of tongues. I really enjoy speaking it, but sometimes, it down right bugs me. But, I think that's natural.

Some things I want to say before I answer some questions you all had. We had an interesting experience last Friday, we did some service for Bro. Alexander (the one who speaks english like an english gentleman), it went all fine, finished the project, and started giving a little 'spiritual thought', then about half way through, his wife comes home (not a member) and starts yelling at us at the top of her lungs, "Get out! Leave, I hate Americans, I hate missionaries, you ruined my life, I called the police so you better leave." I had no idea what to do, so I just looked at my companion, and he was laughing. (I personnally don't think that was the right thing to do, but oh well) So we left, and my companion to be quearky, said as we were leaving, "Someday, everybody will want to know our message." Probably hindered the work there. We will see.

I realize how OCD I am, now that I have lived with two Russians, (being missionaries is a factor too) let just say, that my companion is really lucky to have a clean freak like me as a companion. I really do love cleaning though, and being organized. It is really strange.

Well I went back through all the emails, there weren't that many questions, to answer the few I found. How often I can to acctually talk to people? On the street, about once a week. With members and investigators, about 6-7 a week. Which is really low. In St. Petersburg they will have times when they have 20-25 lessons a week. Kind of crazy. Oh well this is a wonderful experience being out here. English class, isn't really a class, it's more like read the book of mormon in english and I correct how to properly say something, since well I know how to say it. (being american in all)

Well I don't have much more to say, but that I have about two weeks left of this transfer, my mission is going by fast. Whooo. Next transfer and I a fourth done. One fourth, oh I am also very very excited for Conference, being on a mission I realize how awesome it is, to have a word of God given directly too us. Our time and generation. Cool beans. "Kruta" in Russian.

Well I am going to end with a quote on honesty from James E. Talmage: "His honesty is an armor against temptation; but the coat of mail, the helmet, the breast plate, and the greaves, are but an outward coverings; the man within may bay vulnerable if he can be reached." (Jesus the Christ) I really love this quote, honesty is very important, it gives us that thick coat of armor, so we can not be reached by temptations, my commitment for you this week, be 100 % honest. That's including your thoughts, you think something about someone, say it outloud. It might make you watch your thoughts and deeds more.

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Thursday, August 11, 2011

week 17-Pskov

Well first off, sorry for last week, that letter was kind of pathetic. I was tired, and adjusting. I hope all is well there and the shop is coming fine! To answer your questions, some of my pictures do not have name tags, because we are in the Kremlin or in a City building. (i.e. Museum) we are not allowed to do that, because I guess if a City Authority saw us in a different church, they could complain to the government and hinder the work of missionaries in that area forever. We are also not allowed to prosalyte in front of those same places. Again legal issues. If you are going to write me a letter, physical not internet, do not write Elder, because of some reason, when people do that, letters hardly come and are stopped or either taken. Normal week in Pskov, is all street contacting, maybe 3 meetings in a week, and no door to door. Everything is on the street, everybody is there too. Pskov is the hard place in the mission. Elder Sokulov keeps asking me, where's the people? I point down the street where there's probably 10 people and I say, "Tom" which means there. It's small. It's just a hard city, it used to have like 30 members and 3 companionships working here, but not anymore. It's now one companionship, and 6 members. Well 8, two are on missions right now.

Some things I need help on, if you ever send me anything, put a couple 2 $ bills in there, my companion said, Russians love that. They will also remember you for a long time. If you have time, I would also love some reciepes especially your cookie receipe. Then some easy foods, I'm getting tired of having, soup, spaghetti, and instant mashed potatoes in a mug. (I actually am not getting tired of that.)

Russian, is coming on fine. It's taking over my English as you can tell, in my grammar and spelling of words. I actually had a dream last night that Nelson Davis and I had a conversation in Russian. It was strange, I was using words I didn't know I knew. That's another thing I'm noticing, I can understand Russian, better than I can speak it. I excited to have the point when both of those are equal.

Some intersting things, I can't remember if I told you in my last letter that, we recieved a baptismal date, from a man named Bagdan he is about 70 years old. Very humble. Has little to nothing. Haven't met him since then, he has been at his Dacha. Though, the story behind recieving it, is quite interesting. Last transfer, we thought Bagdan did not have a phone, so often probably twice a week we would go and knock on his door. Most of time he wasn't home, actually all time except for once, he wasn't home. But, one time, I had the impression to tell Elder Loskutov to leave a Pamplet, and write a little note to come to church, well he didn't come to church, but the Monday after, he called us. Elder Loskutov was, "Bagdan, Bagdan, who is Bagdan....OH! Bagdan!" Is was funny. We met that day, and read from 3 Nephi 11, which is christ coming to this earth, and then teaching quite a bit about baptism and why it is important. I had the strongrest impression to ask him to be baptized. So I asked, and he said YES! It was funny because after that I felt wonderful, and didn't know what else to say. So Elder Laskutov saved me.

On the other note, members here are differernt, we have one member named Ge-or-gee, not George. All those are pronounced seperate. But, we called him yesterday, to have a meeting today, he said he doesn't see the point. He has time, he just doesn't see why he needs to. We told him, we could answer some questions, or just come to get to know you. He said don't have any questions, and you saw me sunday. That was that. It shocked us.

I just got to say, what a blessing it is to live in america, especially Utah. I have seen so many things here, I have not seen ever in my life. Like yesterday, I saw a women, putting her shirt on while she was running down the sidewalk, as she passed by I saw blood on her face and her lip was bleeding, I'm like ok. Then a couple seconds passed and I saw a man, with sctratch marks on his neck, looking furious and running after her. I turned to Elder Sakulov, and he said that was normal. You see that quite often. I'm like ok...? I also so a man, who was so desperate to have a smoke, he would look on the street for unfinished ciggarites to smoke. He would do this until it was finished and then find another one. How one person can do that to themselves I do not have clue. The landlord of our branch house, left a pack of ciggerites on the stairs once, I held them in my hand, that was the closest I have ever been to ciggerites in my life. I felt so dirt holding them, I threw them away as soon as I could. I immediately felt the burden lift off from me. I just could feel the evil coming from it. Satan sure has a strong hold on people, it saddens me dearly.

Well I forgot to prepare a scripture this week, I really like, Alma 37:36-37 from the top of my head. It's about prayer, and it gives some council about what to pray for at night, and what to pray for in the morning. I know if you do that, it will bless you dearly. Alma 34: 18-27 is really good advice also what to pray for.
--

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Week 16-Pskov

Well hey everybody!

This week has been quite fantastic! This is the last week of this transfer, if I leave Pskov, to a new area or not, I don't know. I will know on Monday. So my next email, well tell what's what.

Last P day after shopping and emailing, we went to this giant statue out in the 'outskirts' of Pskov. Pictures of course explain it. It's was huge. I don't know what it's a monument for. But, was really fun to get some pictures, also with my pictures is a picture of a small little hut, that's our apartment from the outside. Yeah talk about being humble, we bath in the river in all. haha, just kidding.

The city had it's birthday last friday, the 23rd. Pskov is 1108 years old! That's crazy! It started in 903, that's like 482 years after Moroni put the plates in the Hill Cummoriah! Talk about history! We had to go home early because of the increased number of drunkards. Yes, to boys in ties and white shirts, one of them american, and a lot of drunken Russians, do not mix well. At all. Like the first week I was here, haha, first sunday, out contacting after church. A drunk man comes up and accuses us of being zombies, and actually hits my companion to prove his point that he doesn't feel pain. It was quite funny, because the man was like, You're a zombie, and my companion, is no I'm not, and he said, How do you know?, my companion, because of my Heart. Everyone says you remember the first week of your mission, for the rest of your life. I sure will!

Well I am a little nervous, because I have to give a talk in church next week. In russian of course. But, not like the MTC, it has to be 10-15 minutes, instead of 3. Yeah, I hope I do well! I'll tell you about it in my next email!

Yesterday, we had service, with a Less-Active member, who knows english, actually learned english from the BBC brodcasts, so yes when he speaks english, it's with an english accent. Pretty funny. But, we went to his Dacha, at first I had no clue what the heck a Dacha is. He explained that its a summer house, where people grow veggies to gain an extra income, and to go an relax. I don't think we have them in america, If we do I think its, called the front yard. But, he also fed us! Really good! Had buckwheat porridge, curd with sourcream and sugar, and kvas (which is an alcohal-less beer, best explained its a drink made out of wheat. Disgusting). What was interesting, is that this man, Alexander, has heard of Kaysville. Which suprised me, I asked him how. He said previous missionaries, do you know anyone from kaysville who served in Pskov, who knows a Alexander who lives in Pskov, and speaks english?

Something awesome, is because there is no mountains, almost everyday, the clouds here are amazing! As you can see in some of my pictures.

This letter isn't too long, but talley-ho!

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Week 15-Pskov

Well I know have seen a real live gypsy. That was cool.

This week has been busy, but great. Because I had a split with the Zone Leaders, Monday through Wednesday morning, then the new president, President Clark, and the AP's came up to have meetings. First off, I've got to say, I love president Clark. He is amazing. Secondly, we had 6 missionaries in the same apartment tuesday night. That was a blast. Especially if you're serving in Pskov, becasue they are only two missionaries here at a time. So it gets kinda lonely sometimes. We met with the Less Actives, well my companion did. I met with Investigator, wonderful man, knows this church is true, believes in God, believes in the BoM, believes in Joseph Smith. Just also believes in Saints, and the Russian-Orthodox church. I never ever thought that would be a situation. So it came as a shock to me, I really had to ponder what to talk about. Hard. Oh his name is Guhnadi. Really really nice guy. We also met with a member, Sister Masha, who has already served a mini-mission. (If you don't know what that is, it's in the name, it's a mission usually 3 or 6 weeks long.) That was a good meeting also. Some cool things that has happened. I found chocolate that 99% Cacao, so I've made some Cacao here, at least one every day. LOVE IT! Anyone who is reading this, and doesn't know that my parents are opening a shop, called, 'Bite Size'. It'll be open within this next month or so. PLEASE GO! and please try the Cocoa. It's wonderful. (Mom you still plan on serving that right?) I got my first Haircut in Russia two weeks ago. That's what that picture is of. In Russia they do not believe in having hair on the sides of your head. So that was strange. Especially, I felt like a little kid. Because I had no idea how to tell the lady, how to cut my hair. So I just told Elder Loskutov to tell her a "6 all around". That worked fine. I'll do that from now on. It's so HUMID! Ugh... I love it. Another interesting thing, on random days, around 8-9 at night, about 3,000 crows come to the center of town and have a convention or party. Roofs that are normally white are straight black. Then when they all start to fly, that's when Elder Loskutov and I start to walk pretty fast. I fear of being pooped on. Haha. I couldn't get my camera out in time. So sorry but you'll just have to take my word for it. One thing that was so awesome, we were contacting yesterday, and all of sudden we heard, "Ctareshanee!" we turn around a couple was walking up to us, come to find out. From Utah. The women served in Pskov like 5 years ago. I never ever thought I would have that opportunity of people getting excited to see elders in Russia. It was awesome.

Some strange things, sometimes, when we tell people we are missionaries. They say they believe and they do the cross on their chest to us. That feels awkward. I just sat there, like, "uh........." I bought a Russian Bible, pretty ok one. From a Less Active member who sells Bibles for a living. He became less active when his mother was sick, then she died. And I guess that just threw him out of whack. Has no money. So I thought I'd help him out. I just got to say, I am so lucky to live in America. The inferstructor here is completely unexcistant, or does nothing at all. All the roads are poop. Maybe in 25 years they will get everything back into normal. I sure hope so. Oh it's our city's birthday, Friday. That means no contacting after 6 P.M. for a couple of days, 4 to be exact. Why? Lots and Lots of drunk people, in one place. Yeah could be a lot of trouble for us. Well I'll write about that next week.

To explain some pictures: two of them are some of my sketches. One of Nephi's dream. (not to be confused of Lehi's, Nephi 11) And one of Jesus carrying the cross. I invisioned that one yesterday, and sketched it today. I hope one day, I can make it better. One is of my Haircut, in one of my last emails, i sent a picture of a sign that was purple, and had the words that looked like Babylon. It's pronounced Vavylon. I thought it was funny, because we serve in Babylon. That was funny.

One question, mother, Landon. Could you get me his email? *Please remember*

Some thoughts, I have had about testimony. If you truly know, it will show in your countenances, people will see it in what you do and don't do, how you act and react, and by who you are and who you aren't. Do you know who you are? You are a Latter Day Saint of the Church of Jesus Christ, you are a Child of God. Do you know how awesome that is?! Do you know that means?!

To me it means that I have the privilege to be be on this earth, and have the opportunity to come to know the truth, and share it! I know what the Lord has is store for me, I can read his plan. I can live with Him and Heavenly Father once more, and forever. That completely astounds me! It brings me so much happiness. One thing we as Saints have problems with, is sharing our uniqueness. Sharing our testimonies. We are so afraid of rejection, that we don't even open our mouths! You are embarrassed, How embarrassed do you think Heavenly Father is? Simply put, "Be thou and example of the believers" I have one challenge for everyone who reads this letter. Bear your testimony once a day. To someone you would normally wouldn't bear your testimony to. If you can't do that, or think that's too hard. Start of with once a week. But do it, you will receive so many blessings! I know it! I know this gospel is true! I am so excited to be a representative of Christ. I am so lucky! God has truly blessed me! I want to hear, experiences that happened in result of this commitment. If I don't I will be truly sad. Please do it!

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I have been here for 4 weeks, but I am writting about last week. This is weird. I think I messed up somewhere, someday I'll fix it.

To answer some questions first, the Kremlin doesn't really translate to english, it's the Kremlin, it means "stronghold" but, it's more like the the "main church" or temple of that city, every major city has one.

I am thinking about buying a screen, but, we were allowed today to buy a fan, so we might not need the windows open anymore. So I'll see about that next week.

I will buy my winter stuff, probably in two transfers, when it starts getting cold. I might have to buy another suitcase too. I don't have that much room for more stuff, including boots.

Dad you talked about Peter, Elder Holland gives a great "talk" about Peter in that book you gave me, "No matter how long the road" I advise you to read it. I can't remember what it is called.

To write about stuff I learned this week, and what happened, thus:

While my companion and I were contacting, in a park East of our apartment, we contacting a guy, who told us he was an atheist, so we handed him a pass-along-card and continued on. Ends up there was a guy sitting on a bench, Nickoli, who was watching us contact him. He asked the atheist what we were doing, and the atheist handed the pass-along-card and walked away. Then Nickoli roller-bladed after us (roller blades are big here, so are mullets) and stoped us, so we taught him the first lesson there. He was very very interested. Got his number and continued, had a meeting with him the next day, which fell through because his car was broken. It was awesome to see sometimes, that even though somebody denies you, there is always a reason you are in a place preaching the gospel. The Lords work is awesome. There's no way we can comprehend how He does it.

This is sad to say, but I would love a list of birthdays. I tried to remember everybodies, but I came to realize, that I have forgotten a lot. I only remember two (three including mine) of my families, and thats because important holidays/events are on that day, or near. If any friends of mine, send you theres too, that would be awesome.

Two words, Super-Kontek, it's a cookie that's has sqooshonka (the sugar and milk, boiled) in the middle, and dipped in chocolate. That's not the yummy part, what you do to eat them, is you boil water, bite two ends of the cookie, then suck the water through the cookie, as soon as you start drinking hot water, you eat the cookie, and it melts in your mouth. Oh I will totally bring a lot of those home when I come home, so you can try. They're really cheep too. :)

I had my first split on Monday and Tuesday, which was really cool, I split with Elder Melnek, he is from Ukraine, really a good missionary. He really does listen to the spirit, contacted 4 people in two hours. Each of those people, he got their number and almost taught a full 30 minutes. Amazingly funny. Because he looks up English words at night, and uses them in sentences like, "Elder Davis, is confounded by an entrantress" He learned his English by reading Jesus the Christ. Really smart fellow. Split was fun.

Ok there is one picture of my companion with a pig. I will explain that here. That pig is a squeeky toy, and really annoying, because he wakes me up with it. He does it every day, quite often. He also named it "Davis" because I hate it so much. Haha I hid it from him once.

There is also another picture of an omlette, yes I cooked that. Without burning it, and it tasted wonderful! I had to send that home because at home, I guess the oven doesn't like me. Because every time I cook eggs, it smokes up the house. I don't know why...

Today I am buying earplugs, Elder Laskutov, snores. Like a train, going 80 miles an hour. Very funny, until I can't sleep. I also figured out, Russians, are very very noisy eaters. Yeah. I'm learning patience. They're are also very unsanitary, espicially when cooking. Yeah two of my biggest pet peeves, oh well. I fixed one of them, by cooking for myself. Just got to hang in there. :) (thanks for the curse Mom!)

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Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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PICTURES COMING SOON:)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Week-13 Pskov

Hey Everybody!

Ok enough chit-chat and down to the point. Stuff I want to talk about this week: Churches, Masiquittos, 4th of July, Picnic, Singing, Uncle Tony, Mom.

Here we go:

Pskov is know as the Russian-Orthadox Salt Lake City because of the many (43) churches like the ones in the pictures I sent. It's kinda of difficult, because you are not supposed to go contacting in front of churches and since there are 43 three of them, there are many places we can not contact people. But, they are beautiful none the less.

Bugs, that's all I have to say. I am living off of those insect-repelant wipes you gave me mother, and the itch-relief you gave me gramma. They have been very helpful, yeah I looked like a leapor how many masquitto bites I had. Funny, but very annoying. It happens mostly at night we were are sleeping, it's either shut the window and bake to death or get eaten alive. Well Elder Loskutov, chose being eaten-alive. Haha. Can you say humbling momment?

4th of July was actually strange for me, especially that I forgot it was the fourth until the day was half way over. Yeah nothing special, now fireworks cass, I'm in Russia, their Independance Day is on a different day. There were about 10 weddings from the 1st to the 4th though. I don't know why... It was strange for me, because I wrote in my journal that day, and when I was writting, I did the math, and I was like hmmm...the family is watching a parade right now. But, I now learned that didn't happen! See what happens when I leave? Traditions go down the drain. ;)

We have an activity every week, and the activity this week, we had a picnic, interesting and nice. We went down by the river, laid a blanket on knee high grass, and ate and plaid UNO. Russians love UNO, especially Elder Loskutov. I got sunburnt, to answer your question, it's way way hot. about 80-85 degrees, but you add the humidity its about 90-95 degrees. So there are some days when I'm sweating quite a lot.

All I have to say is one sentence, "Russians cannot sing." It's hilarious. Singing hymns is like listening to 20 people pick their favorite key (or note) and sing however they want. Oh this will make Katheryn happy, I am playing for our branch every sunday. Most of it is sight-reading. But, they enjoy a piano player finally.

Haha, this moment made me laugh so much. I saw a man, one day while contacting, that looked exactly like Uncle Tony, but with hair. :) I was laughing so hard. My companion just looked at me weird. I wish I could get a picture of him. But couldn't.

Then finally, I showed the Branch President the picture of our family, and once again I heard, "Are you sure that's your mom?, isn't her (Cavin) your mom?" He had a good laugh about it.

K little spiritual thought, then I'll answer some of your questions. In Mosiah 15:15-17, it talks about, "how beautiful are the feet of those" who preach this gospel. Well I'm pretty sure my feet are not beautiful for how many blisters I have, my feet have been hurting for the past 2 weeks constantly. That'll soon stop, I hope. :)

Answer some of your questions:

Yes I have been able to understand my companion more, but only by little by little everyday. It's a trial, that will help me out a lot in the future. Hmmm...I think I've answered all the questions but, yes Christine you can send me pictures.

To explain some of the pictures, I don't know what order they are in. One is of a Kit Kat and Milkyway, the kitkats are amazing, and the milkyways are just three muskateers. One is of the Kremlin right outside of our apartment. Really cool picture. OH one is of a graffiti that says, "Iky" and thought that was great, since 'I (am) ky' One is of a Christian church, and it was HUGE, like almost half of the conference center, but taller too. This city is pretty old, and a lot of buildings are fallin down, and pretty crummy. But I think I was blessed from my father, (some would say it's a curse) that I have a gift of perspective, I don't see this city as a crummy little ol' dump. I see character everywhere, I see this city as one in story books, or when it was first began 1800 years ago, I think? Imagine how it would be then. I am amazed at the beauty I see, at nothing.

Well until next week! Keep writting!

Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Week-12 Pskov

Well everyone, I survived one week! Two years? That's cake. A lot has happened this first week, and you're right dad I don't think I'll ever forget this week.

Here are some experiences I have had:

On the homesickness, I'll admit the day after I sent the email last week, I got homesick again. You want to know what over? A pen and some insect-repellent. Yeah, I actually asked me companion for a blessing it was so bad. Things are so much better now. I think I've got the whole, "I'm in Russia" thing down. Drivers here are crazy. Period. You thought Californian drivers were bad? Take them and multiply it by 20. I see at least one accident a day while I'm out contacting, two of those were really close to our residency, there are no speed limits, and there are cross walks in the middle of a busy street, without any stop lights or signs. Buses are bad too, most of the time the driver is a teenager, and he drives like a teenager. I've been on a bus thrice where it skidded out. A bus. Yeah, talk about nerve racking. Most typical cars are here, but the most popular is Audi's, and they're cheap. I have yet to seen a Reliant K, but once I do, I will send home a picture of it and me. Last Sunday, we had church, I'll be 100 % honest it was weird, but I loved it. There are 6 active members in the entire city of Pskov, of 300,000 people. That's crazy. I expected more, I also expected more missionaries out here too, but nope, Elder Loskotov and I are the only ones. Time to get baptizing. :) After Church, we went contacting, of course like a normal day, no luck. But, we did have a drunk guy come up and accuse us of being zombies. That was laugh and a half. I was so nervous that he was going to spill beer on my suit, the way he was waving his hand around. On Tuesday, we had a District meeting, in Novagorad, 4 hours away. All in one day, so 8 hours of travel time, for a two hour meeting. I felt that it was so pointless. Then the next day, guess what? They changed it that we stay there a full 24 hours, and go on splits. Talk about coincidence. I finished the book, Devine Signatures, in that 8 hours. I loved it. As I was reading it, I had flash backs of divine signatures in my life. Friends and Family who were constant daily divine signatures. I was really grateful to the Lord that day. One divine signature, I've started to realize, it's pretty small, but every time I feel the spirit very strongly, there has always been a strong cool breeze. Through pondering, I've realized that is the Lord. The Lord created the Earth, why can't he cause a breeze? People here are totally different, my whole conception of reading people is out of whack. I see an "aged" person, and I immediately think of one of my grandparents, I get excited, and think, "For sure this person will listen to us!" Then I'm heartbroken when they are even more rude than the average adult. I have difficultly getting over that there are some people who don't want this gospel. I see my life, and lives of others in this church, and compare it with theirs. I think, "How can you not accept this message?! The wonderous, fasinating message that will make you eternally happy?" That actually got me pretty down yesterday, I'm starting to second guess myself, I used to say, "I believe everyone is good at heart." I don't know about that anymore, maybe they are and it's so so so small it's about worth one kopeck, (that's about 1/400th of a penny (it's in the picture of the money, the tiny ony on the left (they are actually rare))) but, I've have to remember. Even though somebody only has a mustard seed, a kopeck, of faith they can come to the knowledge of this gospel. And grow. To more things, Food, yeah you know I was going to talk about this. A couple of things I have tried. Sgooshyonka: It's milk, flour, and sugar brought to a boiling point, it's creamy and you put it on bread. AMAZING! I love it! Shaoorma: It's a like Euro, but with either Chicken or Pork. I don't know how else to explain it. But it's good. Adzjega: It's a pepper based, seasonings, you put it on bread and it's spicy. Yeah you know I like it. ;) Last Monday we had Service, we served an Old lady (Babooshka) by, guess what, yeah you guessed. Weeding. She hasn't weeded in like 10 years so we took this lawn of weeds and pulled and pulled and pulled. There was so much weeds. I didn't know I could get physically tired from weeding. The Old Lady was a character, you would of loved her dad, had coke-bottle glasses, kept calling me Davit and my companion Andre, his name isn't Andre. She said it was too hard for her to remember our names, so she just called us that. I have lost so much weight, from walking around so much, I'm already down one belt-size! I'm going to be so skinny when I get back!

That's all for this week!

P.s. Emailing is the best thing for me during this transfer, I wont get letters until the end of this transfer. Also I can only write home one email. So don't get upset if you don't recieve an email. Sorry!

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Love Always,

Elder Ky Davis

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