Elder Matua: YOooooo!

Service at a members home

Second week out in Ukraine annnnnndd still can't understand anyone....

Super fun week! Flew by super super fast because we are definitely staying busy. Even though looking back at my journal and planner right now, I have no clue what to write about.

We had an awesome FHE with a member, Sister Timochko and her sister who now lives in South Jordan but is here visiting. It was so cool talking to her because it felt so nice talking to someone who is like from Utah even though she's from Ukraine. But she says she's totally American now and she loves America. It was super fun and they fed us really good food! They actually complimented my Ukrainian which was THE best thing that I have heard since being here. It definitely gave me a boost of confidence.

Tuesday we had my first game night! We played fear factor. Was interesting especially because Elder McGrath and I got to do the shopping for it, which was pretty fun. Unfortunately we didn't have too big of a turn out. But it ended up being pretty fun and promised them that we would have a better activity next week. So mad at Elder McGrath because he told them that we would have a night where I teach them how to dance....but guess what....I can't dance! Let alone teach others how to dance. But from what I've seen I don't think anyone in Ukraine can either so it'll be fun to just mess around.

Wednesday we had a two lessons with investigators! One with Vika again (that sister Timochko helped us out with because they have become good friends, which has helped so much and I thank sister Timochko so much for), and one with Tina, who is a 12 year old little girl that lives with her mom and grandma. The grandma is a less active member who we are also working hard on and the mom is not a member and loves her drinks, if ya know what I mean. Which makes it really hard because Tina wants to get baptized so bad but her mom says no. Huge obstacle but we continue to pray for a way. Vika is doing awesome!! She LOVES coming to church and feels so welcome and she says she feels the spirit every time in sacrament. She also told us that she watches Mormon messages all the time because she "loves Mormon families" it was super funny. She just is still scared to get baptized. But for sure with time it'll happen. Super fun fact also is she actually plays volleyball for Ukraine's national team. She's super dope.

Thursday was a bummer because all the lessons we had set up fell through. They called us before each one and said they couldn't make it. It was rough. But we decided to go do a book stand to try and cheer up. It turned out really well. I loved it, it was so fun. Especially because people come up to you! Super, Super fun. And lemme tell ya, Elder McGrath is one heck of a missionary. Look up to him so much.

Friday had a fun English practice! Got to teach intermediate so I was pumped. We played a few games and just had a blast.

Riding on a Electrichka

Saturday was a super fun day. The other elders in our area spent the night at our place and we woke up early and hopped on a Electrichka out to a members house to do service. There are some pretty interesting people on those things. Doesn't matter if it's 7 am you'll still get a few drunks having the time of their lives. Service was super fun! We helped him pick apples from the tree and off the ground for hours. We also dug holes to put all the dead ones in after picking em up. Was funny cuz he had us dig in a spot where other elders have definitely dug a few times so there was like no point. But it was fun. The members a crazy old man who is just hilarious like every other old man here. He kept yelling at us for speaking in English and we were just dying laughing the entire time. Every time I would say something in English to the other elders he would just yell 'Matua!' After service we headed to a members house named Mikola. He is a recent convert and is super awesome. Him and his wife are members but their kids are not. So we went out there to teach them a lesson. And it went really well. We just need Mikola to help us work on them in the home so they understand why they need to be baptized and all the good stuff. But I know he will and those kids will get baptized soon.

Sunday we had an amazing day! Good talks good lessons and everything! Everyone is really excited for General Conference. Us elders are super super super super super excited. Can't wait.

Had our weekly slumber party at the other elders last night and made bomb tacos. This morning we headed out to the tunnel of love and did some shopping. Super fun day.

Sorry for writing so much! Never feel like anything happens during the week but then I always have so much to talk about. But lovin the work and growing every single day. I love love love these people and hopefully one day I'll actually be able to talk to them. ONE DAY.

з Любов'ю,
Старійшина Матуа