Welcome Home.

My dear friends and readers, I am home.

Miss me?

I loved my mission. There is no point in trying to summarize the breathtaking experiences I had, the inspiring people I met, and the unbelievable miracles I witnessed on my mission in a matter of a few paragraphs; it is simply impossible, although I have quite enjoyed the irony of such a question after my mission: "So, how was your mission?!" My dear friends, if you want me to answer that question in full then snag your favorite body pillow and get comfortable because I have a lot to say. You'll laugh/cry/shout hooray for the Happy News that is being shared with a people who have awaited it for a long time.

“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great (D&C 64:33)."

My mission has quite a happy ending for two reasons:

1. My parents came to pick me up. My two sisters decided to surprise me the day my parents arrived and come as well. Best surprise ever.

2. My last Sunday as a missionary the announcement was made that the first stake in Russia will be formed in Moscow on June 5 by Elder Russell M. Nelson. The goal toward which we had been working as missionaries, members, and leaders had finally been reached. The stake has now been formed and now we're done. WHOA WHOA WHOA. Not so. This is only the beginning. Now we're in the thick of things in The Motherland. The Gospel is spreading there like the mold on the PB & J you left in your car last week. I would like to add, parenthetically, that great things will come of it:
In June 1843 the Prophet Joseph Smith appointed Elder Orson Hyde of the Quorum of the Twelve and George J. Adams as the first two missionaries to “that vast empire” of Russia. In announcing their appointment, the Prophet stated that to Russia “is attached some of the most important things concerning the advancement and building up of the kingdom of God in the last days.”

Excuse me, I've gotten carried away again. If you have questions about Russia, I will gladly tell you. For now, suffice it to say that Russia is the best. I want to go back there "right же now."

Here are some shots from the last part of my mission while touring around:

This is Moscow's version of the London Eye (Moscow in Russian below).

This babushka (emphasis on the first syllable, Americans!) asked me to take a picture of her in a convent in which I was touring. After taking it with her camera, I couldn't help asking if I could take one with my camera. I love the Russian people so much it aches. Elect people.

Let's play Where's Waldo, but instead of Waldo, look for the big red "M" metro stop sign.

Matryoshki dolls. Everywhere.

St. Basil's is absolutely fascinating inside. They even sing to you in there.

Moscow: modern technology and fashion meets Old Soviet Russian Orthodox tradition.

This lady is Russian by the fact that she is carrying those plastic bags, called pakyeti.

Wedding tradition: put a padlock on one of these trees for your wedding day and your marriage is set. Also effective: LDS temple sealings.

Just hanging around Red Square, see?

This one still hurts a little bit to see. Тебя люблю, Сестра Бараш!

Covering our heads before entering the Temple of Christ the Savior.