Maybe not!

Was planning on calling everyone but just went to the laptop and it seems totally down. Won't even turn on. The lights were flickering earlier but did not know if it affected the laptop. If any one knows what to do email us. Luv MOM

Merry Christmas to All

It is the night before Christmas -- at least it is for us Americans who are in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Christmas is not till 7 January so we are in for a long 3 weeks of lots of time off, holidays and drinking. We will have the Elders in our District over tomorrow for the customary soups, games and maybe a film - or that may not be until New Year Day activities. Most of the snow has melted but some areas are still very slick and Dad slips and slides his way along. We have two couples coming up to watch the Christmas Special from a couple of years ago. Have the Wassail ready but that oven is giving me trouble again and the cake has been cooking for over an hour!

We are doing good. Keeping busy this week - helped out in the office on Monday and had Zone Conference yesterday so I actually was a little lazy today and did not give up at 6:30 like I did the first two days to get everything done. Friday we will travel to center again and maybe try to do a little post Christmas shopping - do you think they have such here. Did hear that the Spuss did have a sale after Christmas just don't know which Christmas.

I have learned a few more things here in Ukraine. Found out that beans can harbor bugs. Went to get out some white beans we had bought about a month ago and there were bugs in the sack with holes in the beans. I have kept beans in the panty for years at home and that never happened. So went to the internet and googled bugs in beans and sure enough it does happen. Usually found in old beans. Now my questions if that is an indication of old beans and the bugs come out when they hatch were they not in there to begin with? So do we eat them as larva - if I think to long on that I may never eat anything again. Also found bugs in the carrots. I thought those little holes were from maybe sticks that get stuck when harvested only to find a moving thing onse. Maybe it is best to use pesticides. Any way there are bugs abounding. We are doing good - will try to call everyone sometime on Christmas or the next day. Luv to all M&D, GM & GP, J&J

Baby It's Cold Inside!1

The hot water has been turned off again in our apartment for the last 4 days. It is do to the "crisis" we are told. Even the PM here said she was without hot water! As we had our friends up when we heard this on the news they were all laughing and said that she "lied". They would not dare turn off any of the hot water in the Center area where all the politicians live and where the businesses are. However the hot water also controls the heat in the apartments and it is colder in here than it was last winter and the registers are cooler so they somehow must also control the heat by how hot the water is that flows through the pipes. We were to go downstairs last night to play games and about 20 minutes before we were to go down we had a knock on the door and it was them. They said it was to cold in their apartment so they came up - they live on the ground floor so it is colder. We fortunately have two units that are either heaters or air conditioners so we turn them on and in Sept. we bought a small space heater that can warm the place up. I just wonder how the children and the "older" citizens survive! They also said all the bills aren't getting paid so they will just give less money to the pensioners to pay the water bills. Oh, well life in Ukraine as usual.

We had a good trip to Bulgaria. For the most part the area was about the same. It did have mountains around the city as we flew in and Dad thought it reminded him of home. The streets are narrower and the buildiings not as tall and not as many but the litter is still there, the old paved streets, lots of cracks in the sidewalks and buildings with no outward care. We did enjoy the few days we were there. Stayed in a really nice hotel and actually had some KFC and even a Buger King hamburger.

We will not be traveling much the rest of the time here as we have been to all the countries except the Baltics. We continue with English and a few calls from the missionaries. Had a broken finger and foot, 2 different people, this week. Not much else. Which is good.

Hope things are going good at home. we know that there are a few trials but just rely on the Lord. We do love you all. May this Holiday be full of fun family times. Luv M&D

Christmas in Ukraine

Just a quick note to show you that we are ready for Christmas here in Ukraine. The ornaments are the ones the grandchildren will get for their next year's ornaments. Will be gone for the next 4 days so have a great weekend. PS. The tree is only about 3 ft. tall just wanted you to think it is big. Luv MOM

Leaving Again - This time to Bulgaria!

This is the latest picture of your Mother and Dad having dinner with the RS General Board Member and the Primary Pres. They were touring the Ukraine Mission.



This is our District after the Thanksgiving meal. Forgot to take one before the meal. Elders Rupp, Hamilton, Trasdahl and Wahl. It was great to fix a meal for them since no family showed up for the day. One IOP teacher's mother and sister surprised her!!!


We are doing good. Hope this month is a White December for our Mission!! Remember the real purpose of this month and share what you have as much as you can. Teach the kids it is a great time to do service for others.

We will be going to Bulgaria on Friday to renew our Visa. A requirement that we have to do every year. So you can tell we are coming up on the year anniversary - 7 Jan. 2009!! Will stay a few extra days to give a presentation - that area is also in our assigned mission coverage. For the most part the mission has been relatively healthy. The missionaries must be following the rules - OBEDIENCE- does bring results and blessings. May you all find joy in this season - our tree is up. The lights have already burned out after one day!! Oh, as the saying goes - only in Ukraine. But it is up - hope your greatest desires come true as you remain valiant in your doings. Luv M&D, GM&GP