Elder Matua: Crazy Quick!

Show Basilic in Lutsk

This week was gone in a flash. We had a lot to do to prepare for the special sacrament meeting we had yesterday and the Christmas party tomorrow.

We had another lesson with Katya and it shocked us. We had planned to teach a whole lesson about a couple of the commandments and emphasize on baptism and a couple other things. We got to the lesson and she asked how she was doing and everything and then she immediately said she had some questions... about baptism!! So we said a prayer and she just went off asking a bunch of questions like, how do I know if I am ready to be baptized, what do I have to know before I am baptized, what really happens (like the whole process). So our entire lesson plan changed and we just answered her questions about baptism and helped her understand a lot more. Then she said she watched a video about family search and that she wants to do that. So we went and got on the computer and got her signed up and now she is doing family history! Super cool experience. The only down side is that she is leaving for three weeks but we will definitely try to stay in touch the whole time.

Painting activity

We had the opportunity to do service for a member in the branch, helping her buy groceries and stuff for her kids. It was a very long day because after doing that for a while we had to go to the bus station to head to Lutsk for exchanges.

Exchanges were super good. I was with Elder Pachev for the day and we had a good time with the elders and sisters in Lutsk. This is my first time serving in a district with sisters and wow, sisters are super, super good missionaries. They planned a super cool finding activity with wrapped copies of the Book of Mormon, and family proclamations, and we just asked people what was the best gift they could give or receive. Super, super fun and exchanges all together was a blast.

At English practice, there were these kids that invited us to come to their English club. So Saturday night, we went. It was very interesting but fun at the same time. Really only one of them could understand and speak to us but the others tried super hard. They were shocked how well we knew Ukrainian (well, Elder Stott) and they just asked us tons of questions and we taught them how to play signs and it was a good time. Little awkward, but fun.

We had our special Christmas sacrament meeting yesterday and it was awesome. Unfortunately, the big emphasis was on getting a friend there who is not a member of the church, and only 3 people did that, but it's all good they are trying. But we read the story of Christ's birth and sang hymns in between scriptures and all that good stuff. And we actually had someone from English practice come! A friend of Vika's. She is being a super member missionary right now and she is just killing it. But awesome, awesome Sabbath.

Finished product(s) - painting activity

I wanted to share a thought from a book I am reading, written by one of our favorite seminary teachers in the Matua home. He was talking about our Heavenly Father and said, "When we are making decisions, He is available. When we are lonely, He can be with us. When we need help, support, and strength, He is willing to be there." Just wanted to remind everyone that our Father in heaven is always there and that He loves you.

Love you all and have an amazing week!

з Любов'ю,
Старійшина Матуа