That October Holiday . . .FHE's and District meetings......

October thirty-last . . .

No costumes this year.  No jack-o-lanterns.  No Trick-or-Treat-not even out of a trunk. 

But the 31st WAS on Monday, so our extended family did gather for sharing and uplift and cookies.
Anya brought berry filled pastries.  Because finally locating the spice "ginger" was such a big thing we made ginger cookies -- (they are just not the same without molasses).  We cannot find chocolate chips in the markets but we were innovative and made "Mrs. Field's" cookies by cutting a chocolate bar in pieces.  They were the hit of the evening.

 The apples were enjoyed even more because of the effort it took to get them!

Elder Pulsipher was neat and careful, catching his apple by the stem with not a drop of water on his person.  Some tried to kiss and nibble.  The pretty girls didn't want to ruin their make-up but they cheered the young men on!

Michael was determined to catch one of those little green floaters....no matter the cost
And he did it!  Not just once, but twice!!

 Chidi had an aversion to getting wet, but his competitive spirit won out.

Success!!!

 Elder Smith showed everyone how a real man does it by putting his whole head down into the pan and pushing the apple all the way to the bottom. He led out as champion, after which inhibitions were set aside by all until every apple in the barrel had been successfully retrieved.

Because his companion was released this week, Elder Smith was temporarily assigned to our district.  When he discovered that he would be able to come to one of our "famous" home evenings he talked about it for the week before and for the week after.

Another "last" meeting of District Three. All of the young missionaries here but one were being  transferred the next day.  Can you tell which one is going home? Exhaulting Elder Shorthill in the middle? no... he will be serving next transfer in Kharkov.  Joyous Elder Petersen on the far left???  no... also going to Kharkov.  Elder Hodgson just to his right is the greenest missionary here and will be obediently following his companion to Kharkov.  Smug Elder Roberts just right of center?  no... he is getting out of the office.  Stunned Elder Pulsipher two right of center --- no, not going home---going to be new Zone leader.     What about Elder McArthur on the far right!

Family home evenings are getting better and better.  Things that make good evenings are when the recent converts and even those not yet baptized bear testimony to the new ones.  When we sing hymns it is always a combination of Russian, Ukrainian, English, Armenian and Nigerian-English, all in unison.  I get confused and just hum.

Sister Hatch gave one lesson on the Book of Mormon including special stories of miracles of some finding the Book and feeling the pull from the spirit.  We included the story of Elisabeth and the old white haired man who chased the sisters down with his flash light and then told her that he had seen her in a dream and she had a book for him. It was a wonderful lesson.  During the "sharing" time Elder Antamanov ( first time in our home, new district leader, from Russia and on the left above) told everyone about his conversion through the Book of Mormon. He is the only church member in his family and has come to Ukraine to serve the Lord, not from guilt or compulsion but from conviction.
   
Missionaries, new converts and investigators all felt the spirit of the Book of Mormon from the lesson and from the testimonies.  All parted feeling somehow richer because of the experiences and feelings shared.