Letter From Our Kev
Hey Mom,
Well I am glad that you all enjoyed my email last week unfortunately this week has been really dry we had a lot of meetings with people but they shafted us and did not come to the meetings it makes me so mad not because they are wasting my time having to walk to the branch building for our meetings but rather the fact that here I am on the Lord's time and these people are wasting his time when that happens. And not to mention that I have a message that can change their lives forever. And bring eternal peace and happiness. But what can you do, some people are going to do that but I am really starting to think that it is a Russian tradition to just not show up to the meeting that you have scheduled or something. Well I will definitely write Craig, do you know if he sent a letter back because I never got a response to it but whatever. Well I have got to say it has been really cold most of the week but the last two days have been really warm, well still cold if you are not wearing a jacket or anything but at the sometime really warm where I could be cooking with my jacket on. That is so cool that grandpa found out that he has a brother that it one of the coolest things I have ever heard. That is truly how family history works it’s the greatest. Just goes to prove the spirit of Elijah is true and an important part of our church. The Spirit of Elijah is the turning of the hearts of the father's to the children and the hearts of the children to their father's. It is really interesting you can read about it in Preach My Gospel ch. 9 you will have to look for it but it is under the heading temples and family history work. It is really cool and it gives some scriptures that you can look up and read about the Promise of Elijah and what a great privilege that is to teach the old testament I have always found the old testament interesting and once I finish my studying of the book of Mormon this transfer I am going to start on the old testament. I really feel that we should read it at least once every so often after our studying of the B of M and the D&C. I am sure that you will learn so much from that. That is amazing.
Oh and before I forget the name of my city is Kolpino it is a little city south of St. Petersburg.
Well I love you all and hope you have a great week and look forward to hearing from you them.
Love Elder Beck
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Letter to Home
Hey Mom and Family
Well, I have got some bad news unfortunately I will not be sending my written letters out this week because the post office is closed do to it being Christmas day in Russia. So I will hope to have them out next week so you should get them by, Oh I don't know by the end of January beginning of February or so. Ha-Ha Well, I have got to say I am bummed on that fact but it does give me more P-day to get together Tyler's and Kyle's birthday presents I just hope they like them and they get them in time. I am still keeping my eye open for the Russian Nesting dolls for you and grandma so I hope to have that for you and them soon.
Well just so you know my P-day is on Thursday just for a head's up. I also have to say that Russia is freezing. Seriously I am freezing even with my Big Sweet jacket, thermals, and G's on and I am still cold I don't understand it. It has been snowing a lot actually it is the most snow they have had in over 100 years. Normally they get a few inches, this year its feet of snow, like 3 to 4 feet it is insane. Really makes walking that much harder and we do a lot of walking but other than that Russia is fantastic! We just had a baptism well two baptism in my branch two girls about in there twenties their names are Dasha and Dasha they are really cool and are really fun to talk to. We hopefully have two more baptisms in my area before we leave, we are working with a lady that has a date but not until March and she is ready in fact she is golden. She is deaf so are lessons are hard we have to write everything down but I have also been studying Russian sign language which is really cool, I mean I can not give a whole sentence or anything but I can say hello and how are you stuff like that. It is amazing. Then we just got three potential investigators that are just awesome and we are hoping that they will start to really grasp the gospel and we can get one of them to get a baptism date before we are transferred out of the area. The Lord has been helping with that I can honestly say I have seen his hand many times through out each day. I have had many testimony builders since I have arrived here and I am grateful for that.
Well, I have got to say I am little jealous of the PS3 but it will be there when I get back but by then they will have something better out but whatever.Ha-ha I am super excited that you all has a great Christmas and that they had a great break. That is pretty cool that they went to the beach so many times. Tell them all that I said hi and that I love them. Kyle and Tyler should be expecting a birthday present soon. That is awesome that Kyle is getting ready for track and that Tyler is doing dive again. Tyler needs to finish his scuba then when I come back him, Dad, and I can go which would be awesome. And it is a bummer Trevor doesn't have much but what time does football start. I am really bummed that I will miss Megan's dance recital that is one of my favorite things to go and watch. Wish her my luck and I know that she will do awesome.
I am glad you and dad are doing great, I love to hear that the two of you are doing great and to hear that dad is busy at work which means he still has a job, I have no idea how bad the economy is right now to be honest everything over here is in Russian so it is a little hard to understand. Ha-ha. I hope that you and dad continue to do well and you both are in my prayers as well as the rest of the family.
I have got to say I do hope that Nate was paying attention but I know that in time he will realize what he needs to do and I know that he will make the right decision. My prayers are with him. I am glad to hear Dylan had a great time and I have to agree with him I have only been here for maybe 2 to 3 weeks now and I do not regret coming. In fact seeing how much I love it I would probably have killed myself if I had not gone. I continue to have great experiences everyday. I feel so close to my Savior and that grows with each passing day. Unfortunately I have got to go but I love you and will come next week with more great experiences. Tell everyone that I love them and That I will look forward to hearing from them and that they have a great week.
Love you all
Love Elder Beck
P.S. I don't know if I told you but I will definitely write Mike and the guys at work in fact I already have a letter written to them I just can't send it because the post office is closed. Well, have a great week look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year!
I have to say that part of me is happy to say Good-bye to 2009. But on the other hand I feel like I was truly blessed in 2009. Although I am looking forward to 2010. I feel that I received to many blessing in 09 that I would be truly ungrateful to my Heavenly Father if I didn't reflect back on the past year. In looking back it was a great blessing to have gone to the Dr's and have the spot on my leg looked at. Although it took longer than I would have liked to find out what was going on. When we finally did they worked fast and were great with me and helping me through the process. I am so blessed to have had so many great Dr's to help and answer my questions and really to just be honest with what was to happen. I am so blessed to have such a great Husband and friend in David. He is amazing to me, he is always so clam and patient with me and just life in general. I truly could have gone crazy if not for David. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for blessing me with him in my life. I can't believe all he did and took care of so I could heal and get better. He tried so hard to make sure I was dealing with things good and had every thing I needed. I am so grateful for my children although it was not the summer we had planned they never complained and were there to help. I am blessed so greatly to be in the ward I am. I have amazing friends that were just there, always at the right moment I would need them even when I didn't know I needed it at the time. I feel blessed that everything went well and is continuing to go well, still pain involved but other than that we are fine. Feel very healthly and strong mentally and physically. I feel so blessed to have had a daughter get baptized during June of 09. The spirit present that day was truly amazing and what a great day we spent with family and friends. And then there is this great blessing of watching your oldest child grow and get prepared to go on a mission. It was an amazing experience to be with him during his patriarchal blessing and hear the wonderful blessing he received. To be present on the day He received his call with family and friends there to witness his opening of the letter. The excitement that was there when the call was read. What a wonderful blessing to witness someone go through the temple and receive their own endowment and watch as they marveled at the things around them and love the whole experience. Then to watch family and friends come to share in his departure. To see that he was truly ready to go and serve the Lord. It is truly a humbling experience. I also feel so blessed that I was able to be with a dear sister in our ward when she was sealed to her husband. David and I were lucky enough to share that experience with Sister O'leary in our ward. We were able to take her and some of the other widowed sisters in our ward that day. We were able to spend some time with them, Sister Burns, Sister Keyes, and Sister Rodriquez. They are truly inspiring women in our ward that I truly admire and would love to be like. It was a great day to be with them and experience the joy felt that day. It was also a great day because it was our 21st Wedding Anniversary that day. What a wonderful way to spend it at the temple. Being reminder of what you have and share. I have also been blessed this year by such wonderful people who served me and my family. I am grateful that I had the experiences I had this past year. I feel a better relationship with my Savior and am truly grateful for the Life he had and gave in my behalf. I am grateful for new years, for reflection and being not only grateful for the big things in life but for the small things that happened. What a wonderful time to be here and see the amazing things that are taking place. I know that there is sadness and bad things all around. But stop and take a look, there is great things happening all around you every day. I feel blessed to see them. So Welcome 2010 hope its as good as 09. How can I not be grateful for those faces below!
Kevin has landed in RUSSIA
Well, Kevin is in Russia. Things went great and he's there enjoying being a Missionary and getting started spreading the Gospel. There is a letter below so I will let the letter from Him do the talking. He sends his love and appreciation for all the support from home. Thank you every one.
Kevin with the Eight other Elders that came with Him from the MTC. He just loves these guys and enjoyed getting to know them in the MTC. He made some great friendships.
This is Kevin with his Mission President , President and Sister Podvodov
Dec 31, 2009
Hey Mom,
Thanks again for the presents that you sent they were amazing and I wasn't expecting anything like it. I really enjoyed the pictures from home that you sent as well. I remember taking that last family picture before I left. I cannot Thank you enough. I have to agree with you the phone call was my favorite present too. I just enjoyed hearing all of your voices again. Even though I had already talked to you guys at the beginning of the week . That will be my favorite Christmas present this year and next. Well, I suppose that I am the only lucky Elder who got to call home after Christmas right.hahahah... that was cool to hear your voice Mom and to be able to talk to you for a moment, I really enjoyed that. Well, you will have to to tell me all about Christmas, like what everyone got and what you guys did and how was Grandma's if she wasn't in Vegas.
Well, now for the report of the week.; My first true day of Missionary work was exciting I could hardly wait to get started that day and start talking to people even though I really don't know the the language that well yet. But it was Super fun, COLD but Fun. We contacted people for a good couple hours or so and really not much happened everyone would just say: "I don't need that" or "I'm an atheist". We also ran into some Muslims which was cool, really nice but don't want anything to do with our religion. But while we were out contacting we ran into this amazing person super nice and we actually talked to her for a long time. Well when I say we , I mean my companion and her. I could hardly understand what was being said. It really did not sound like Russian but more like baby talk or something . But after a great conversation we gave her a Book of Mormon and unfortunately did not get her phone number because I have no idea why she just would not give it to us. Well, we have had more experiences like this and it is amazing. The people are so nice, yes sometimes they are in their shells and do not want t come out or anything but when they do they are just the nicest people. They really want to help you and listen to you. Oh and something cool this coming Saturday we have 2 baptisms for two young girls in their 20's. That is exciting they are super nice and really are great people. The branch that we are serving in is awesome too and I'm looking forward to working with the members and the people on the street. Well, I have got to go love you all and have a Great and Happy New Year. By the way we have got to stay inside for today starting at 5pm and all day tomorrow since there will be a lot of drunks out and they are pretty crazy.
Well, talk to you all next week and before I forget I will definitely write Mike that is a great idea Thanks Mom, love you , hear from you soon.
Always Kevin(Elder Beck)
Dec 25, 2009
Hello Family,
Well, I am in Russia and it is crazy, let's just put it that way. Well I will be calling you today but an hour or so earlier. And I realize now that you will not get this until after I call but I thought I would let you know. HAHAHAH!
Sorry, this is so short but I figure I will talk to you later today. If you could forward some emails for me because I am only allowed to e-mail you and my Mission President.
Love you all,
Elder Beck
Merry Christmas
We had a wonderful Christmas. Our Christmas started at 6:00am with a phone call from Russia. It was great to talk to him and hear how things were going I felt like a little kid that night, I could hardly sleep knowing that Kevin would be calling. I think we all were excited. He is doing great loving every minute of it. Someone well, I think just about every one told him to enjoy it and make every moment count. I think that is what he is doing. He is full of excitement and just looking forward to getting started. So our Day started off perfect and than it was just a really nice day together. We opened gifts and a great breakfast, and just enjoyed the day being together. Our family is changing but I am truly enjoying my family and watching them. It is truly amazing. Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me so. I truly hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas with your families. Merry Christmas Every one! We love you all.
Football in the Street
On Christmas Eve!
For any of you that don't know this, my boys love to play football. It is something they just look forward to. Usually everything goes ok, there is the occasional frustration when things aren't going well. But they try to get along because they want to play so bad. Well, this year while Megan and I were enjoying our day of baking and getting ready for the night. We were having the Elders over for dinner. We decided that this would be our new Christmas tradition. And we were all looking forward to our Christmas eve. So while I was baking and David was getting things ready outside. My boys were playing football out front. When at 12:30 our Trevor comes in very upset and holding his elbow. Well, for those of you that don't have boys when a boy comes in holding a limb you don't jump up and get excited and run to the Dr's. You very calmly look them over make sure nothing is sticking out and then you clean them up and wait. I know some of you may think, "What you wait", Yes you wait. You see sometimes these things are nothing but a bruise and they are fine within minutes. If you jump to quickly you are at the Dr's way to often and you don't need that and either does He. So we waited, unfortunately this time it didn't feel better. So at 2:00pm we left for the Dr's, now did I say that the Missionaries were coming for dinner. Ok Trevor and I spent about 2 hours at Kaiser which truly wasn't bad. He came home with a splint and a wrapped arm. They said he had some chips and a crack in his elbow. So needless to say I had a very upset young man. To wrap this up we went back in a week and the specialist took a look at it. He decided that he was fine and that it looked good. So then we had a very happy young man because this meant he could play football on New Year's Day.He did and he played great they had a great game lots of fun!
Baking Traditions
On Christmas Eve Megan and I did our baking. It was really fun and we enjoyed our time together. She is really turning into quite the little baker. She loves helping and just being in the Kitchen. I use to have a bunch of little helpers but this year Megan and I did most of the baking. The boys cam in at one point to decorate some cookies. I truly enjoyed this day I am not sure that it was because it was so fun and mellow. I think that this year I just have a little deeper appreciation of being with my family and doing this activities that I feel I might of taken for granted. Whatever the reason I truly enjoyed Christmas break and hanging out with my kids.
Welcome Little Rusty!
Megan has a new little friend, his name is Rusty. He is adorable and she loves him. It's her cat, and she is doing great with him. She takes care of him. Yes, I still have allergies but we are trying to deal. I just can't not let her have a pet because of me. He is so tiny that for right now he's in her room. Which is working out ok, she is doing great dusts her room and wipes things down and vacuums almost every day. We all just love Him, he is so very sweet and very mellow. So we would like to introduce our little RUSTY...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
