In spite of the controversy - or perhaps because of it - we went to see The Golden Compass. Roger and Jesse have read the books and thought they were pretty good - though a bit slow.
Alec stayed home since he was wiped out from long work hours, and so that he could go with Peet later (Peet was on Stradbroke Island with the YM camping).
Max was in fine form and spent the night teasing everyone - starting with me. Roger was sent back inside to shave so I started to drive. I was in his car and when he came back out he asked why I was driving. I was goofing around saying I liked 4 wheel driving and spun the wheels etc - Roger grabbed the steering wheel and said 'I can see I'll have to drive like I do with Jesse.' Max gasped and said 'Jesse - are you really that bad!'
Max claims to like The Golden Compass better than Waterhorse since it has more battles. The rest of us thought it was pretty good - but I'd pick The Waterhorse.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
More Thomas News
This weeks letter:
I have the card. But by now it has warmed us so much I'm beginning to think the gloves aren't necessary. Will get a hat, though. During the colder part of winter it was my ears that were hurting with numbness, not my hands.
This week saw us use the area book to find some people to talk to. So far it hasn't been so bad. We found one guy in his 40s- Ruslon- who we've been meeting with fairly regularly. He was going to come to church on Sunday, but his poor mum went into hospital. I'm not sure it helped when Elder Rassmussen told him that his grandmother had a similar kind of sickness and died, but can't really change that.
We also set up a meeting with one other guy -Maxim- who went to sleep before we got to him. He had been working all day.
Apart from that we have had a fair bit of office work, a fair bit of tracting. Which actually resulted in a somewhat positive experience.
It was my turn to pick the apartment block that we would tract. It had been a pretty bad night for tracting, and I was beginning to feel pretty down (times like these are when the Lord does something great, I think it is the time when I'm most humble). But I picked a block and we started there. Going up that staircase, I felt INCREDIBLY excited. I had a sudden boost of energy. For most of that night I had plodded up the stairs, this time I ran, jumping two or three at a time. I had never felt this way about tracting an apartment block but this time the message was clear: someone is here. Someone will listen.
Well, it seemed to be a block full of rejections, but for some reason my mind wouldn't allow the thought that I had made the wrong choice. And when the last door came, I found out I was right to do so. Paus, an old man who had been drinking, but not plastered let us in. He was the most friendly person I had met in the Baltics thus far. He chatted with us for a while and said he would like to talk to us.
That wasn't the only experience this week where I feel I was led by the spirit. This week, while teaching Ruslon, I pulled out an analogy about baptism- focusing on the meaning behind the symbol. How baptism (like a persons signature) though a symbol, is a symbol that seals an agreement between us and God. After the lesson, Elder Rassmusen told me he had never heard that analogy before. I told him I hadn't either. The spirit leads missionaries. I don't know what I did to make me worthy of these experiences, but somehow the spirit was able to communicate with me stronger.
The branch here is incredible, we have some truly special people in the Imanta Russian Branch. One of the more friendly (and that is a HUGE call, this is a very friendly branch) members is Vladimir. When you see him... it's kinda like you're looking at a mad scientist, he has all the physical characteristics of one who is currently trying to create a monster. But under that he is a really friendly, warm man- with a PhD in chemistry, so that monster thing might be just around the corner if he's not careful.
Did something this week that I felt was the Christlike thing to do. We passed a couple kids who started throwing snowballs at us. They were diligent enough to keep this up for about half a kilometre until we reached the bus stop. One kid left, but the other kept it up, until an old lady started yelling at them, I came in and said there wasn't any harm done, they were only young, and started talking to one of them. He asked where I was from and we had a short conversation. I suppose he would have learned something if I just let the old lady yell, but I came off of that feeling pretty good.
I suppose you'll want to know how the birthday deal went. Well, on Friday, after district meeting at the mission office, we started setting up chairs and a table to eat. I had no idea what was going on, but I helped out anyway. So a little while later all the missionaries in the Imanta area (Russian and Latvian) had gathered in the kitchen. Where one of the office sisters starts a chorus of "happy birthday", along with the rest of the missionaries. I almost fell off my feet. we then proceeded to have a wonderful lunch. Sunday was just the ordinary Sunday. Which I liked very much.
I have the card. But by now it has warmed us so much I'm beginning to think the gloves aren't necessary. Will get a hat, though. During the colder part of winter it was my ears that were hurting with numbness, not my hands.
This week saw us use the area book to find some people to talk to. So far it hasn't been so bad. We found one guy in his 40s- Ruslon- who we've been meeting with fairly regularly. He was going to come to church on Sunday, but his poor mum went into hospital. I'm not sure it helped when Elder Rassmussen told him that his grandmother had a similar kind of sickness and died, but can't really change that.
We also set up a meeting with one other guy -Maxim- who went to sleep before we got to him. He had been working all day.
Apart from that we have had a fair bit of office work, a fair bit of tracting. Which actually resulted in a somewhat positive experience.
It was my turn to pick the apartment block that we would tract. It had been a pretty bad night for tracting, and I was beginning to feel pretty down (times like these are when the Lord does something great, I think it is the time when I'm most humble). But I picked a block and we started there. Going up that staircase, I felt INCREDIBLY excited. I had a sudden boost of energy. For most of that night I had plodded up the stairs, this time I ran, jumping two or three at a time. I had never felt this way about tracting an apartment block but this time the message was clear: someone is here. Someone will listen.
Well, it seemed to be a block full of rejections, but for some reason my mind wouldn't allow the thought that I had made the wrong choice. And when the last door came, I found out I was right to do so. Paus, an old man who had been drinking, but not plastered let us in. He was the most friendly person I had met in the Baltics thus far. He chatted with us for a while and said he would like to talk to us.
That wasn't the only experience this week where I feel I was led by the spirit. This week, while teaching Ruslon, I pulled out an analogy about baptism- focusing on the meaning behind the symbol. How baptism (like a persons signature) though a symbol, is a symbol that seals an agreement between us and God. After the lesson, Elder Rassmusen told me he had never heard that analogy before. I told him I hadn't either. The spirit leads missionaries. I don't know what I did to make me worthy of these experiences, but somehow the spirit was able to communicate with me stronger.
The branch here is incredible, we have some truly special people in the Imanta Russian Branch. One of the more friendly (and that is a HUGE call, this is a very friendly branch) members is Vladimir. When you see him... it's kinda like you're looking at a mad scientist, he has all the physical characteristics of one who is currently trying to create a monster. But under that he is a really friendly, warm man- with a PhD in chemistry, so that monster thing might be just around the corner if he's not careful.
Did something this week that I felt was the Christlike thing to do. We passed a couple kids who started throwing snowballs at us. They were diligent enough to keep this up for about half a kilometre until we reached the bus stop. One kid left, but the other kept it up, until an old lady started yelling at them, I came in and said there wasn't any harm done, they were only young, and started talking to one of them. He asked where I was from and we had a short conversation. I suppose he would have learned something if I just let the old lady yell, but I came off of that feeling pretty good.
I suppose you'll want to know how the birthday deal went. Well, on Friday, after district meeting at the mission office, we started setting up chairs and a table to eat. I had no idea what was going on, but I helped out anyway. So a little while later all the missionaries in the Imanta area (Russian and Latvian) had gathered in the kitchen. Where one of the office sisters starts a chorus of "happy birthday", along with the rest of the missionaries. I almost fell off my feet. we then proceeded to have a wonderful lunch. Sunday was just the ordinary Sunday. Which I liked very much.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Thomas News
Last weeks letter:
Well, once again, transfer time has come and it has been a shocker: My new companion, Elder Rassmussen (who was in my district in Vilnius, in the last picture, he's doing the little hand symbols) and I have been "Whitewashed" into Riga, Imanta.
Whitewashing involves when two missionaries are sent into a new area in which neither of them have any experience. Basically, those missionaries are to open a new area. Usually, missionaries just have a flat and an area book and have to work their way off that. Well, Elder Rassmussen and I expected that after transfer calls. What we didn't expect was that we were extremely whitewashed.
To explain the situation, we came into Riga without: -An area book,-A phone (which we got later that day)-A city map,-A branch list or even-An apartment.
As of last night we had an area book, which was encouraging. We still have no branch list or apartment, but the branch list is getting worked on by our district leader, Elder Sargeant, who is also trying to find us a new apartment. We've been sharing a flat with two Latvian-speaking elders, which has been fine. This does, however, mean that we have no investigators, which is a shame. But we're working on it.
Riga is the capital city of Latvia. It's a VERY large amount of people compacted into a very small area. Traffic is worse her than any of the Baltic cities I've been to thus far, but we get around. The city is divided into four branches 1. Riga center on the western side of the river, and it's Russian and Latvian branches, and2. Riga Imanta, where I serve on the other side. Both sides of the river are incredibly different. Riga Centre is the business side of the city, whereas Imanta is almost entirely the residential side.
Street contacting here is more difficult than in other cities, but we make up for that with tracting. What we are really looking forward to is meeting the members, we both had some amazing results come from member work, and we're looking to emulate those results here.
Riga in the last few days has had a huge amount of snow and it's only just starting to warm up up. This means that either the snow will all melt or it will all become ice again. Personally, I'm not fussed on either. It's cold when it snows, but when it DOESN'T snow, it's even worse. It can get so cold that clouds can't form ice crystals. Damned if I know.
The Daugauv river (the river that runs through Riga, I think that's how it's spelt) is entirely frozen over. This is disturbing to me as it's size is about that of the Brisbane river times 1.5. The River that ran through Vlinius is a glorified creek in comparison, and it hasn't even entirely frozen over yet.
My previous companion, Elder Lind, is training a new missionary in Vilnius, I'm glad he is, he was a good teacher for me and I'm sure he will be for this kid. Elder Rassmussen kinda reminds me of Codi in a way. I can't put my finger on it, but he's a good, somewhat laid-back guy. You are sure to hear more about him throughout my time here, however long that is.
In this district, Elders serve for a certain amount of time in the mission office, and yesterday was our turn. Mostly stuff they couldn't afford to train the monkey to do, but it wasn't bad.
Well, before leaving Vilnius we had some great things happen, mostly to do with Pjotr and Taisia. We've been reading the Book of Mormon with them and Taisia has just been desperate to read. Desperate enough for her to get mad at her Pjotr when she thought he had been reading too much. I also found myself understanding people a lot better now. Elder Lind told me my language had greatly improved, and to top it all off, Elder Vigners, a missionary from Latvia serving as a Lithuanian-speaker said my Russian had greatly improved. This, as you can imagine, is VERY exciting.
Still without my card. But things sent by mail during the Christmas season DO tend to take forever to come. I have a little bit of personal funds with which I hope to by at least a hat (Gloves I can do without for a little while longer as it's actually a little bit warmer in Latvia than in Lithuania).
Well, once again, transfer time has come and it has been a shocker: My new companion, Elder Rassmussen (who was in my district in Vilnius, in the last picture, he's doing the little hand symbols) and I have been "Whitewashed" into Riga, Imanta.
Whitewashing involves when two missionaries are sent into a new area in which neither of them have any experience. Basically, those missionaries are to open a new area. Usually, missionaries just have a flat and an area book and have to work their way off that. Well, Elder Rassmussen and I expected that after transfer calls. What we didn't expect was that we were extremely whitewashed.
To explain the situation, we came into Riga without: -An area book,-A phone (which we got later that day)-A city map,-A branch list or even-An apartment.
As of last night we had an area book, which was encouraging. We still have no branch list or apartment, but the branch list is getting worked on by our district leader, Elder Sargeant, who is also trying to find us a new apartment. We've been sharing a flat with two Latvian-speaking elders, which has been fine. This does, however, mean that we have no investigators, which is a shame. But we're working on it.
Riga is the capital city of Latvia. It's a VERY large amount of people compacted into a very small area. Traffic is worse her than any of the Baltic cities I've been to thus far, but we get around. The city is divided into four branches 1. Riga center on the western side of the river, and it's Russian and Latvian branches, and2. Riga Imanta, where I serve on the other side. Both sides of the river are incredibly different. Riga Centre is the business side of the city, whereas Imanta is almost entirely the residential side.
Street contacting here is more difficult than in other cities, but we make up for that with tracting. What we are really looking forward to is meeting the members, we both had some amazing results come from member work, and we're looking to emulate those results here.
Riga in the last few days has had a huge amount of snow and it's only just starting to warm up up. This means that either the snow will all melt or it will all become ice again. Personally, I'm not fussed on either. It's cold when it snows, but when it DOESN'T snow, it's even worse. It can get so cold that clouds can't form ice crystals. Damned if I know.
The Daugauv river (the river that runs through Riga, I think that's how it's spelt) is entirely frozen over. This is disturbing to me as it's size is about that of the Brisbane river times 1.5. The River that ran through Vlinius is a glorified creek in comparison, and it hasn't even entirely frozen over yet.
My previous companion, Elder Lind, is training a new missionary in Vilnius, I'm glad he is, he was a good teacher for me and I'm sure he will be for this kid. Elder Rassmussen kinda reminds me of Codi in a way. I can't put my finger on it, but he's a good, somewhat laid-back guy. You are sure to hear more about him throughout my time here, however long that is.
In this district, Elders serve for a certain amount of time in the mission office, and yesterday was our turn. Mostly stuff they couldn't afford to train the monkey to do, but it wasn't bad.
Well, before leaving Vilnius we had some great things happen, mostly to do with Pjotr and Taisia. We've been reading the Book of Mormon with them and Taisia has just been desperate to read. Desperate enough for her to get mad at her Pjotr when she thought he had been reading too much. I also found myself understanding people a lot better now. Elder Lind told me my language had greatly improved, and to top it all off, Elder Vigners, a missionary from Latvia serving as a Lithuanian-speaker said my Russian had greatly improved. This, as you can imagine, is VERY exciting.
Still without my card. But things sent by mail during the Christmas season DO tend to take forever to come. I have a little bit of personal funds with which I hope to by at least a hat (Gloves I can do without for a little while longer as it's actually a little bit warmer in Latvia than in Lithuania).
21
Tom turned 21 on Sunday - he's in Latvia so we had a party - not quite - the Fulchers came down and had dinner and cake with us.
We miss Tom - his sense of humour - his long suffering with the little kids - his willingness to help - his love of reading and stories - his storytelling - his passion for justice and right - his commitment to the gospel - his good looks - and more are all missed in our home. Proud as we are of his choices, we are glad it is only 16 months to go till he gets home.
We finished the night with sparklers - Samuel was scared at first but summoned enough courage to try it once - then he was hooked.
Postie Bike
The Parry's passed down three broken down postie bikes when they moved house. Roger and the little kids spent a few hours getting one going on Saturday.
There was a lot of smoke...
There was a lot of smoke...
a lot of excitement ....
and finally a ride....
Saturday, January 12, 2008
FFFN
Went to see The Waterhorse - fabulous film - beautiful scenery and house - gorgeous and satisfying story - fantastic CGI Lochness monster - scary in parts - funny in others a true feel good film.
Max is convinced that there will have to be a Waterhorse 2 - he thinks the whole thing is pointless unless there is - which translates to it was so good that he doesn't want it to end.
Max is convinced that there will have to be a Waterhorse 2 - he thinks the whole thing is pointless unless there is - which translates to it was so good that he doesn't want it to end.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Drawing and Wii
Max's latest drawing - a pirate ship, there are two turtles (one in the coral), a bream, pirates, a rudder and countless other little details. I love the pirates - stick figures with classic pirate hats.
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