Greetings from Vinnigrader

Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:48:10 +0300
Subject: Greetings from Vinnigrader


Hi Family,


There is so much to say today, we'll see if I can remember to say it all.  Well I got transferred sure enough and I'm now serving in Kyiv.  I'm in northern Kyiv in the Vinnigrader ward.  I also cover the international branch (more about that in a bit).  I'm serving with Elder Hinkson who was one of my roommates in the MTC so needless to say we are compeletly stoked to be serving with eachother.  I'm sad to have left Vinnytsya but I'm so excited for what is ahead.  And as you said dad change is a part of our Heavenly Father's plan for us as we grow in the gospel.  


So there is so much potential in this area right now it is crazy!  We are working with a family, the B-----, who are temple refferals and way close to being baptized.  That is right a family!  I get to meet them for the first time tonight and I'm so excited, just pretty much giddy with anticipation to teach them tonight.  The only thing really holding them back from baptism is coming to Church so that will be a big focus this week, I'm going to be praying none stop for them to come to church this week.  We also have a few other people who are progressing.


So I'm serving in a ward!  It was the coolest thing ever on Sunday to have a bishop!  And to have everything run without the missionaries help (ya we are willing to help but it was nice to watch the church run how it is designed to).  There are so many strong sweet members and I can't wait to get to know them all.  Because of this months primary theme we were invited to visit primary which was a blast and really just made me so happy to see the real importance of this gospel in uniting and building strong families.  It was great to reflect back to my primary days and everything I learned there and share with the kids what helped me want to be a missionary.  I sat down on the piano and sang "I hope they call me on a Mission" with them, it was so great!


In addition to the ward that I'm serving in we also go to the international branch Sacrament Meeting.  It was so awesome to be in an English Sacrament meeting and was just way comfort feeling.  The Branch is filled with girls here for the International Language Program just like cousins M--- and B---- did and they went to the same branch.  Sacrament meeting was great as we got to hear from the L-------, he was in charge of building the Kyiv temple (so they'll be moving soon) but it was just a sweet meeting.  


It is strange to once again live in a big city, been over 2 years since living in London, but I love it.  We live at the northern part of the city so I think it is comparable to living in Camden Town (but don't worry too much mom, it's way safe).  I'm excited to just get straight to work here and do all we can.  Elder H------ and I have already started off with fire and I know this transfer will be one to remember.  We also had some sweet planning training this week.  President feels like he let some things go the past 6 months with so much focus on the temple, so with his help we are working hard to get things really going.


Also I'll be going to the temple this week most likely.  And then after this transfer the policy will be that we can go once every 2 transfers, so another 4 or 5 times while on my mission.  I'm so excited to be able to go to the temple, it will be such a blessing to me.  Well family I love you all and this gospel is true!  I have come to reallization after reallization of what I need to do and I just love this gospel.  Glad everything is going well with everyone at home and that you had an enjoyable visit to M-----'s house.  Thanks for your love and support!


Love
Elder Alexander Larsen