Hey Mom,
Thanks for the letter. It was a great Christmas. I'm so glad I got to talk to everyone. I agree with what Bryce said, turns first would probably be the best way for next phone call. I think it'd be nice to plan it out so our time overlaps a touch as well. It was really nice, though, and I really appreciated everything in my Christmas package. I liked the paints, decorations and useful things, and I loved the books and pictures. You'll have to post some every once in a while so I can see them.
Sorry we didn't write yesterday, we didn't know if we were supposted to or not, so they let us write today. I just want to let you know that all is well, and our work is really picking up a lot. Elder Larson and I are doing well. He is a really great guy. We make each other laugh a lot.
Something funny happened this week. We brought the wrong reciept somehow to pay our bills with and so we ended up paying for the old apartment. We were pretty confused for a while, our Land Lord even called us, but we finally got it all figured out. Finances can be a stressful thing for sure.
Guess what? Sako passed his baptismal interview and he asked me to baptize him tomorrow. I'm really happy for him. He keeps saying how he wants to make a 100% covenant with God. He still has a lot to learn, but I'm excited for him to make this step in his life. This will be my first baptism, too.
I'm so glad I got those pictures to you. I'll try and keep it updated for you and see if I can find a better way to get them to you.
I'm glad you got to talk to Bryce. I love him so much. Tell Grandma and Brandon thanks for their wonderful letters. Crystal and Mark both wrote really nice letters as well.
I hope you have a wonderful week with everyone. It sounds like the nieces and nephews are all doing well. I love you all.
Have a great week. Tell Bryce and the family hi for me. Talk to you in a year.
Love,
Elder Bruce Wainwright
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Basketball
Hey Mom and Dad,
I don't have much time today, sorry, we had to change around our Prep Day. We played basketball with some of the other missionaries this morning in an Armenia vs. America basketball game. It was pretty fun. This funny teacher guy got it all set up, and he was so excited. We even both sang our national anthems before. It was great, but pretty tiring. We don't get a lot of exercise. I'd say we only walk about a mile every day. The Marshutni vans are pretty efficient. Elder Gull hurt his arm a little in the game, which was no good. After that we all ate some pizza together with the sisters and Siranush. It was nice. Siranush is so wonderful. She helps so much with the work here, and has been on many mini-missions. She's such a good example for her family.
In this mission, instead of having three-some companionships, they call natives to be mini-missionaries. Right now Sister Fisher has one for three weeks until the new missionaries come. It's a great experience for the youth here. Poor Sister Fisher is pretty sick, though. She has bronchitis I believe.
It snowed again this morning. I love it so much. It melts pretty fast, though. It's pretty slushy, but it might last a while this time. It does get pretty icy, though, like Bryce was talking about. It's sorta muddy.
We fnally found a bike pump, so we had our first Rocket Class! It was so fun! The sisters' two little investigator boys came, as well as Miran - a funny investigator who has been taking english lessons for ten years. Miran is actually about to be baptized. I can't wait til next week. We only launched one this week. Our pump is actually super weak, it doesn't work that great. A lot of things don't work that great here:)
I'm so grateful for the relationships I have with the missionaries, members, and some of our investigators. Our relationships are so important. When they are good, I am so happy, and when they're not, it can be miserable. We had such a nice chat with Gohar, the Queers' ( "queer" is how you say "sister" in Armenian) maid. She's about fifty and is single. She is having a hard time right now, but she know's that because she has the gospel, everything will be fine. I am so blessed to have always been able to feel the blessings of the Atonement, and to know God's plan for me. The spirit is one of my most prized possessions.
Elder King is going to be an office elder. The AP's have been doing all the computer work, so now they'll be more free to teach. They're great missionaries. Elder King has been our District Leader, so tomorrow I should find out who's coming to replace him. That'll be interesting. I'm ready for a change, though, I think. I have learned a lot from Elder King though, I will miss him. We've had some good times together. He's taught me to be more decisive and self-reliant as well. Every companionship is going to change this time, actually.
I like what you and Crystal said about trying to help people see the real meaning of Christmas. They have it here, but I think it gets kind of skipped over almost. Sister Fisher gave a wonderful talk about that on Sunday. Her family always shared their testimonies on Christmas Eve. I like that. I love our Christmases. People really do change during the month. What did you say you were going to do for a senior couple? I didn't understand. I haven't got my package, yet. It might not make it, which would be sad. You really don't have to send me things, just so you know. I have gotten a few letters, though. Some wonderful ones from Janet, and from Megan Gale as well. I really hope I can share my testimony about Christ with people, though. That's why I wanted to come on this mission. It's really hard, though, especially through the language barrier. It's getting better, though. I feel good about this new companionship, I think it'll help. I've been sort of quiet this week, which is sad. I like talking to people.
Hey, you get to call me pretty soon. You can choose when. Two days within new years. I'll get the number to you next week. It's cheapest if you call. That way you can gather together as well. I like the clock on my blog, that's cool. I would suggest calling me between 8 and 11 in the morning maybe on my new years eve. that'd be about 9 to midnight for you. We can talk for 30 - 45 minutes, so it'll be quick.
Well Merry Christmas every one. I love you all. I hope God continues to bless you. Crystal wrote me a wonderful letter that I'll have to answer later. Thanks so much for all your prayers, I know it helps. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Elder Bruce Wainwright
P.S. you can keep emailing me Bryce's letters. That's probably easiest for me. Thanks for Kendall's letter. Sounds like he's doing well. Wish Matt a Merry Christmas.
I don't have much time today, sorry, we had to change around our Prep Day. We played basketball with some of the other missionaries this morning in an Armenia vs. America basketball game. It was pretty fun. This funny teacher guy got it all set up, and he was so excited. We even both sang our national anthems before. It was great, but pretty tiring. We don't get a lot of exercise. I'd say we only walk about a mile every day. The Marshutni vans are pretty efficient. Elder Gull hurt his arm a little in the game, which was no good. After that we all ate some pizza together with the sisters and Siranush. It was nice. Siranush is so wonderful. She helps so much with the work here, and has been on many mini-missions. She's such a good example for her family.
In this mission, instead of having three-some companionships, they call natives to be mini-missionaries. Right now Sister Fisher has one for three weeks until the new missionaries come. It's a great experience for the youth here. Poor Sister Fisher is pretty sick, though. She has bronchitis I believe.
It snowed again this morning. I love it so much. It melts pretty fast, though. It's pretty slushy, but it might last a while this time. It does get pretty icy, though, like Bryce was talking about. It's sorta muddy.
We fnally found a bike pump, so we had our first Rocket Class! It was so fun! The sisters' two little investigator boys came, as well as Miran - a funny investigator who has been taking english lessons for ten years. Miran is actually about to be baptized. I can't wait til next week. We only launched one this week. Our pump is actually super weak, it doesn't work that great. A lot of things don't work that great here:)
I'm so grateful for the relationships I have with the missionaries, members, and some of our investigators. Our relationships are so important. When they are good, I am so happy, and when they're not, it can be miserable. We had such a nice chat with Gohar, the Queers' ( "queer" is how you say "sister" in Armenian) maid. She's about fifty and is single. She is having a hard time right now, but she know's that because she has the gospel, everything will be fine. I am so blessed to have always been able to feel the blessings of the Atonement, and to know God's plan for me. The spirit is one of my most prized possessions.
Elder King is going to be an office elder. The AP's have been doing all the computer work, so now they'll be more free to teach. They're great missionaries. Elder King has been our District Leader, so tomorrow I should find out who's coming to replace him. That'll be interesting. I'm ready for a change, though, I think. I have learned a lot from Elder King though, I will miss him. We've had some good times together. He's taught me to be more decisive and self-reliant as well. Every companionship is going to change this time, actually.
I like what you and Crystal said about trying to help people see the real meaning of Christmas. They have it here, but I think it gets kind of skipped over almost. Sister Fisher gave a wonderful talk about that on Sunday. Her family always shared their testimonies on Christmas Eve. I like that. I love our Christmases. People really do change during the month. What did you say you were going to do for a senior couple? I didn't understand. I haven't got my package, yet. It might not make it, which would be sad. You really don't have to send me things, just so you know. I have gotten a few letters, though. Some wonderful ones from Janet, and from Megan Gale as well. I really hope I can share my testimony about Christ with people, though. That's why I wanted to come on this mission. It's really hard, though, especially through the language barrier. It's getting better, though. I feel good about this new companionship, I think it'll help. I've been sort of quiet this week, which is sad. I like talking to people.
Hey, you get to call me pretty soon. You can choose when. Two days within new years. I'll get the number to you next week. It's cheapest if you call. That way you can gather together as well. I like the clock on my blog, that's cool. I would suggest calling me between 8 and 11 in the morning maybe on my new years eve. that'd be about 9 to midnight for you. We can talk for 30 - 45 minutes, so it'll be quick.
Well Merry Christmas every one. I love you all. I hope God continues to bless you. Crystal wrote me a wonderful letter that I'll have to answer later. Thanks so much for all your prayers, I know it helps. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Elder Bruce Wainwright
P.S. you can keep emailing me Bryce's letters. That's probably easiest for me. Thanks for Kendall's letter. Sounds like he's doing well. Wish Matt a Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 7, 2009
12-7-09
Hey Mom and Dad,
Sounds like you've had a pretty good week. That's nice you got to see Grandma Snow. It's cool, any older person here you can just call dadik or papik (grandma or grandpa). There seems to be a lot of them. Especially poor old drunk men. They're so sweet though. Last night we gave a nice old man some money to get of the marshutni ( like 25 cents). Wonderful, poor people. Elder King is very compasionate. I need to be a better friend for him and be better at communicating like you said, mom. I'm glad you two have some nice time together, that's important.
That's cool you're almost ready for Christmas. I'd gladly climb on your roof for you:) What wonderful neices and nephews we have. I'm excited for their new years. We'll eat so much! I didn't get your little package yet, but Elder King thinks it'll still come. Speaking of Christmas, I need to get you the number to call for Christmas. I should have it next time. I hope it doesn't cost too much. That'll be nice though, to get to talk to you again. My favorite part about Christmas in America is how much people change. It really is wonderful.
Mom, sounds like you are really loving Sunday school. I like hearing what you are teaching and learning about. Tell Eric I said hi and am thinking about him, as well as everyone else. It'd actually be nice if you could get his email for me. That's cool that Summer came over to hang out with you. She's a great friend. And yes, the Blanc's will be here maybe this month, I believe. There's about 8 senior couples in both Georgia and Armenia. That's a lot. I'm not sure where the Blanc's are going though. Elder King will actually probably leave at the end of the month. That will be really interesting to see what happens.
One of the Area Presidencies came to our mission this week, which was pretty neat. His name is Elder Schwitzer. He is living in Russia and knows a little from being a mission president, which is impressive. He is pretty and a very sweet man. I really liked him. He went on a tour of Armenia and Georgia, so we got to go to two meetings with him. There was a very strong spirit, and he gave both people wonderful blessings. After his talks, I really wanted to deepen my studies of the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. There is precious truths in every part of both of those, and there's so much I have to learn. I could tell he has spent much of his life in the scriptures. I love our Mission President so much as well, he came too. President Dunn loves people so much and is very wise and sociable.
I also got to go to a meeting with Elder Lowe from my group this week when we were in Yerevan, which was hard but way fun. It was a nice mission conference. I got to meet some more of the missionaries here, which was nice.
The language is still moving forward. I'm starting to feel pretty confident, and I even starting translating simple things for the Van Dyke couple.
I'm doing good though. I love you and appreciate your love and letters. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year. I miss not seeing the Christmas devotional. Maybe we'll figure something out. Have a nice week.
Love,
Elder Wainwright
Jnl 12/3/09 Thurs
Yesterday was so nice. I felt really comfortable with Elder King, and we had some fun together. I really love Elder King a lot and am grateful for who he is. He loves to learn, grow, and be challenged. He also loves people and is very compassionate as President Dunn said. I like how Elder King studies and uses many resources to help him. He is studying from armenian poetry and from latin right now. He also tries very hard to make me happy. I wonder how happy I seem? I can do better at being happy. Elder King is also very creative and likes being resourceful.
Jnl 12/5/09 Sat
We have been blessed these last couple of days. Well... sorta. We also have been losing things like crazy. I read a nice talk from Pres. Eyring, though, where he said how important it is to somehow remember all that God has done for us. He would write in his journal every night something that had happened that day. I think I can for sure do that. That would be really nice. One example, yesterday Elder King left the phone in a taxi, which often means it's a goner in this society. However, the wonderful taxi driver happened to answer when Jirar called, got it to Jirar, and we happened to meet Jirar on his way to bring us the phone. It was a nice little blessing. Then we sat on the same marshutni as Lilia, the Apostate, which I'm not sure if that was good or bad, but she apeared rather uncomfortable. Then today, Elder King lost his poetry notebook that had a precious letter in it. Fortunately, on our way home we stopped the taxi driver so he could look where it likely fell. I didn't see it, but as I prayed that he would find it, we saw it in the street. It's nice that God wants us to have all we want and need. Little experiences like those are simple, but they build my faith and help me know i'm being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father. I know He will answer all of our worthy prayers.
"God bless us, every one."
- Tiny Tim
Sounds like you've had a pretty good week. That's nice you got to see Grandma Snow. It's cool, any older person here you can just call dadik or papik (grandma or grandpa). There seems to be a lot of them. Especially poor old drunk men. They're so sweet though. Last night we gave a nice old man some money to get of the marshutni ( like 25 cents). Wonderful, poor people. Elder King is very compasionate. I need to be a better friend for him and be better at communicating like you said, mom. I'm glad you two have some nice time together, that's important.
That's cool you're almost ready for Christmas. I'd gladly climb on your roof for you:) What wonderful neices and nephews we have. I'm excited for their new years. We'll eat so much! I didn't get your little package yet, but Elder King thinks it'll still come. Speaking of Christmas, I need to get you the number to call for Christmas. I should have it next time. I hope it doesn't cost too much. That'll be nice though, to get to talk to you again. My favorite part about Christmas in America is how much people change. It really is wonderful.
Mom, sounds like you are really loving Sunday school. I like hearing what you are teaching and learning about. Tell Eric I said hi and am thinking about him, as well as everyone else. It'd actually be nice if you could get his email for me. That's cool that Summer came over to hang out with you. She's a great friend. And yes, the Blanc's will be here maybe this month, I believe. There's about 8 senior couples in both Georgia and Armenia. That's a lot. I'm not sure where the Blanc's are going though. Elder King will actually probably leave at the end of the month. That will be really interesting to see what happens.
One of the Area Presidencies came to our mission this week, which was pretty neat. His name is Elder Schwitzer. He is living in Russia and knows a little from being a mission president, which is impressive. He is pretty and a very sweet man. I really liked him. He went on a tour of Armenia and Georgia, so we got to go to two meetings with him. There was a very strong spirit, and he gave both people wonderful blessings. After his talks, I really wanted to deepen my studies of the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. There is precious truths in every part of both of those, and there's so much I have to learn. I could tell he has spent much of his life in the scriptures. I love our Mission President so much as well, he came too. President Dunn loves people so much and is very wise and sociable.
I also got to go to a meeting with Elder Lowe from my group this week when we were in Yerevan, which was hard but way fun. It was a nice mission conference. I got to meet some more of the missionaries here, which was nice.
The language is still moving forward. I'm starting to feel pretty confident, and I even starting translating simple things for the Van Dyke couple.
I'm doing good though. I love you and appreciate your love and letters. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year. I miss not seeing the Christmas devotional. Maybe we'll figure something out. Have a nice week.
Love,
Elder Wainwright
Jnl 12/3/09 Thurs
Yesterday was so nice. I felt really comfortable with Elder King, and we had some fun together. I really love Elder King a lot and am grateful for who he is. He loves to learn, grow, and be challenged. He also loves people and is very compassionate as President Dunn said. I like how Elder King studies and uses many resources to help him. He is studying from armenian poetry and from latin right now. He also tries very hard to make me happy. I wonder how happy I seem? I can do better at being happy. Elder King is also very creative and likes being resourceful.
Jnl 12/5/09 Sat
We have been blessed these last couple of days. Well... sorta. We also have been losing things like crazy. I read a nice talk from Pres. Eyring, though, where he said how important it is to somehow remember all that God has done for us. He would write in his journal every night something that had happened that day. I think I can for sure do that. That would be really nice. One example, yesterday Elder King left the phone in a taxi, which often means it's a goner in this society. However, the wonderful taxi driver happened to answer when Jirar called, got it to Jirar, and we happened to meet Jirar on his way to bring us the phone. It was a nice little blessing. Then we sat on the same marshutni as Lilia, the Apostate, which I'm not sure if that was good or bad, but she apeared rather uncomfortable. Then today, Elder King lost his poetry notebook that had a precious letter in it. Fortunately, on our way home we stopped the taxi driver so he could look where it likely fell. I didn't see it, but as I prayed that he would find it, we saw it in the street. It's nice that God wants us to have all we want and need. Little experiences like those are simple, but they build my faith and help me know i'm being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father. I know He will answer all of our worthy prayers.
"God bless us, every one."
- Tiny Tim
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