So, I'm pretty sure that it was since I last wrote that we receive our nametags in Russian. At the MTC the whole tag is in Russian except for the last name. So, that's pretty neat. We will be in Ukraine in about 4 weeks now. Time really flies here.
Remember how I said we were hoping for an apostle? Well, guess what? Last Tuesday Elder Russell M. Nelson came to speak to us. It was pretty awesome as ~2500 missionaries all stood as he entered the room while we were singing. It was my first time ever seeing a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in person. He spoke about our purpose and doing everything in the proper order. He also stressed that our missions continue on after we get home, that we need to be friends with the people we bring into the Church, care about them, and keep up with their lives after we get home. I think that's such a great point to remember. He said that when we meet people we need to shake their hand and look them in the eyes. He said the eyes are the window to the soul and we are entitled to receive revelation as to how we can help them. It was certainly a powerful experience.
Last Wednesday our new missionaries all arrived safe and sound. There are 12 sisters and 6 elders. On Wednesday evening we did a quick introduction and took them all to their residence halls so they could unpack. Then on Thursday evening they had a special meeting with the Branch Presidency which we brought them to, followed by some training conducted by Elder Takagi and I, and the co-ordinating sisters. It all went really well. It was an inspiration to see every one of the new missionaries stand and tell us all why they chose to serve a mission. There are some amazing people here. They are all full of testimony and love, I'm humbled and grateful to serve amongst people like this.
There is a native Russian sister here from Moscow, going to Temple Square, named Sister Anastasia Tizhanina. It's been great to get to know her a bit. This past week she asked me if I would do the temple work for her grandfather. I was so honored by this request. We don't do baptisms or confirmations here as missionaries, but it will be done today and I'll do the rest next week. It is such a special thing. She also did the work for her mother while she's been here. She has an amazing conversion story and spirit about her. Again, there are some truly great people here helping to move this work along.
This Sunday was jam-packed and super good. I loved every minute of it. Due to our calling Elder Takagi and I have meeting almost the entire day on Sundays. One of the coolest things was that our branch was assigned to preside at the sacrament meeting for the cafeteria staff. Our Branch President played the piano, Elder Takagi conducted the meeting and I conducted the music. I could feel the spirit so strongly in that room, even though the staff were wearing everything from Church dress to uniforms to leather jackets. The service that they do for us touches my heart. One of them gave a spiritual thought and she talked about how she didn't really want to get out of bed that morning but then she remembered what her job is and that she needed to go to help nourish these missionaries so they could serve the Lord and help bring others unto Christ. It might sound a little cheesey, but it is so real. We are treated and provided for so well here, it's incredible. Surrounded by greatness.
In our regular Sacrament meeting Pres. Harrison gave a great talk and related the story of the mule in the well. The people decided to just fill up the hole and the mule realize he could just shake of the dirt and step up. That's what we need to do as missionaries, shake it off and step up. He told us that our missions will be a little hard, but not a lot hard. I'm so eager to get out there and to serve the Lord with all that I have. Yesterday we were asking our teacher Bro. Keith Anderson about eating in the mission field. He served in Novosibirsk. He said that your so busy everyday that you don't have that much time to think about that kind of thing. I know he was a great missionary. I want to be like that. Sunday concluded with a Fireside where Stephen B. Allen the Managing Director of the Missionary Department spoke.
Late last night our native Russian missionaries came. So far I have only met the 2 Elders. They are Elders Golotsvan and Scherbina. One of them is from Odessa which is in my mission. The other is from the next mission over in Ukraine. We have another Ukrainian sister here and a Russian sister who should be here soon if not already. It's exciting to have them here. We get to take a lot of our preparation day today to give them some training.
I continue to love it here. It was funny, at the fireside on Sunday Bro. Allen asked everybody to stand who loves the food here. I'd say it was about 15-20%. I stood up. It's pretty good stuff usually. I switch to just drinking water this week and I've been feeling really good about it. I was drinking a lot of Powerade and chocolate milk before. I've gained a little bit, maybe 10 pounds, but you can see it much. 10 pounds isn't a lot on me. I figure, as long as I'm not growing sideways I'm alright. I expect to lose weight in Ukraine too. I have apparently gotten bigger though. My chest is up to 46.25" now and my suit jackets are 44". Not the ideal situation. It became more apparent as I wore one of my vests on Sunday that used to be too big and is now too tight. I think I'll manage though. Haha. I'm looking forward to probably buying a suit in Ukraine. My teacher said he got a tailored suit in Russia for about $80.
Time's running out now. I'm so grateful to be alive, to be a missionary, and to serve the Lord. I know that this is where I'm supposed to be. God lives. The Atonement is real. The Holy Ghost is real. I feel Him everyday. Thanks again to everybody. 4 more weeks in the MTC. Life is awesome.
Much love,
Elder Mahoney
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