The world is right again*

This morning Andre picked us up for church. We went around the back side of the church building and up the stairs into the building. These stairs were THE WORST stairs I have ever encountered here in Russia. It wasn't just due to the ice and snow, but the tile underneath them was slick all by itself. I seriously thought that I was going down when climbing the stairs. Thankfully, the elder warned me about them beforehand and Tyler was also there to steady me on the way up. The joys of being in Russia in January.

Andre asked Tyler and I to share our testimony in Sacrament meeting, which we were happy to do. Elder Bressler translated for both of us. I went first and talked about how trials can lead to blessings. Infertility is the hardest trial that I have faced in my life thus far. And the trial of infertility led me to adopt Keith and Iryna and now Calvin and Silas. I would not have been blessed with these wonderful children had I not suffered with infertility. God has blessed me and I am grateful to Him. After Tyler bore his testimony, the branch president announced that there would be a special musical number by Sister Pierce. Well, this was news to me! So I grabbed my Children's Songbook and went up and accompanied myself singing "I Wonder When He Comes Again" - which is such a beautiful song. I was appreciative for the opportunity to sing and play and especially for how strongly I felt the Holy Spirit because of it.

After Sacrament meeting, we had Gospel Principles with Elder and Sister Foutz teaching us on the important of prayer. I know that I can do better in my prayers. I am grateful for the things I was taught and aim to improve in this area. I also want to increase charity in my life. I know that I can do more to become charitable. Relief Society was nice. Sister Owens translated for me. I spoke with Natasha afterwards - she is due with their second baby any day now. I told her that I would love to get together sometime while we are in Russia. I love how the members reach out to us and we feel like a part of the ward instantly. They are so kind and make us feel welcome.

After church we went home and Skyped with Anna. I guess Iryna and Danielle are both sick right now. Please pray for them to recover quickly. After skyping, Tyler & I took a nap. Then Andre picked us up to go over for dinner at the Foutz's apartment. She made chicken parmigiana (my favorite!), wild rice, homemade rolls, steamed vegetables, and homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. What a meal! They really made us feel at home. We had a great time talking and spent about 3 hours there. This is their third mission as a senior couple. I hope that Tyler and I can serve a mission, too.

Tomorrow we are planning to visit Silas in the morning and then drive up to Vyksa. I hope we can see Calvin tomorrow, but I don't know if that will be possible. If not, then we will see him on Tuesday. I am ready to see my little Calvin. It's been too long.

*Tyler lost his beanie hat twice today. And both times when he found it he said, "The world is right again". Let's hope he can keep tabs on it for the rest of the trip. I want the world to be right. :)