Christmas #2

Last week was kicked off with a sweet ward activity on Monday. It started with a talent show that was pretty well put together. I played piano and sang a French hymn, Souviens-Toi that I had translated into Russian. It was cool. I didn't have anytime to practice, so the piano dropped out on a couple lines, but I kept singing. The youth did a hilarious skit of the Cinderella story. I was laughing almost the whole time. After the talent show, there was some food and a dance started up. It was cool, there were really a lot of people dancing. Our bishop is a very good dance and has taught dance before. At the end he taught the waltz, so I practiced with my companion, then we did a little jive. It was really fun. I want to get more into dance when I get home. It was a really fun, unifying activity. We had an investigator there too.

On Wednesday we did service at the hospital again. We got to see one of the operation rooms and transfer a patient right after surgery. It's a pretty nice place. I'd trust them. The only funny thing is that they use iodine here, so everybody is always stained orange in the hospital. Haha. The anaesthesiologist is really cool, his name's Pavel. We invited him to the Stake Christmas concert on Saturday and he stopped by with his wife, but said he couldn't stay. That was great progress though. He said they'll come again. He's a big man, probably 6'3", 300 lbs. He doesn't have a probably moving patients around. Haha. We look forward to working more with us. Whenever we walk in the halls with him he's always telling people about how good guys we are. Haha.

We met an Iranian guy in the post office the other day. He was having some trouble communicating and spoke English, so I translated for him. He also came to the Christmas Concert and said he's interested in learning more about our religion. We're looking forward to talking to him again.

A member asked me where I was from on Saturday and told me she thought I was from Russia or something. That's the first time I've had a member think I was a native I think. I still have a lot to learn, but the Russian's coming along a bit at a time. The more I learn it, the more I feel like it may be one of the most ridiculous languages out there.

We had the chance to go caroling 3 separate times this week. It's really fun to sing and see the people stop as the walk by. I love singing and I love our hymns.

I don't have much time left, but the work moves on here. I'm happy to be a missionary here in Ukraine and I love this gospel. The Church is true.

Thanks for all the support.

Love,

Elder Mahoney

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