"...be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Where did ya come from, where did ya go? Where did ya come from cotton-eyed jo?

Hello!

So we just heard that song on a marshutka on our way over here, and you best believe my cute little boots were tapping, who wants to go line dancing with me when I get home? Sisters, I know you want to! :) Okay, okay now I will talk about the stuff we all really care about: The Work of Salvation!

I am blown away by how lucky I am to be serving here. I was always scared that one day I would wake up and for some weird reason, not be excited to be here in Ukraine, thank heavens that has never happened. I still almost a year later find myself exclaiming "HOLY COW! I'M ON MY MISSION!" The thrill just never goes away. I love it. I love my mission so very much. Some days may be long and hard, but always so worth it. Every night at the end of my journal entry I write "Today I'm grateful for:..." and it's always so hard for me to pick one thing, haha, usually I do more, because I have so much to be grateful for. What would you dooooo for a day in the life of Sister Mariel Lee? Sometimes I do wish so bad that you could just come experience at least one day with me. You would feel on top of the world. There is nothing better.

This week our Zone Leaders came down for exchanges with the elders and we got to have district meeting with them, hearing their two cents. We have such good missionaries in this mission. I always learn so much from every single missionary here. I am convinced that the best of the best missionaries are called to serve here, to help me and these wonderful people of Ukraine. One of the Zone Leaders kind of put us in check, making us evaluate our efforts and how much we are truly giving to the Lor; look out Billa, Sister Lee's coming out with much more umph! I try every day to be better and better and I can see the Lord truly rewarding me for my efforts.

our friend the slug.. sometimes we wake up to these guys, haha, gotta love it :)

We have began meeting with Ira, and she is amazing. We have already met with her a few times and she has been to church the past two weeks and loves everything. She can really see the hand of the Lord in her life. She has been reading the Bible every day for the past year and was just about finished when she met us. She told us "Sisters, I don't know about you, but I don't think I met you right when I was finishing the Bible by coincidence." Up next, Book of Mormon! We love her, and we're doing family home evening with her and a family in our branch tonight, so very excited for that.

Have I told you about Stan? Stan is an American farmer in our ward, I LOVE STAN!! I remember hearing about him when I first got to the country and I thought so poorly of him, because I knew he had lived here for several years and still hadn't learned the language, it made me sad to think of a man that would do that. But as you are with Stan it doesn't matter what language you speak, you have no doubt he loves you! I have never met a more loving person. He truly lives as the Savior did and devotes his life to serving others. He is such a good example to me. Well anyways this week we got to go out to his farm and do service and it was so much fun! Playing with the sheep and chickens and just getting dirty- loved it!  It was so nice being outside getting lots of fresh air because that night and the next day we were stuck inside again. It's hard to be inside when all you really wanna do is work, but it's okay we're out and about and working our little tails off again and loving it! I have a new obsession with the New Testament, I really can't get enough, I get lost in it every day. I'm so mad I haven't taken greater advantage of this book sooner. But, oh how I now love and appreciate it! I find so much peace and love as I study the life of the Savior. And never have I felt more known by him. When he speaks to his disciples and people he teaches as I read the words I feel as though he is speaking to me Mariel Lee I love it. 

A day at the farm with Stan :)

Today I was reading in John 16 and the last verse hit me so hard.

 "33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Friends and family, we have a Savior, who loves us so very much! He atoned for us so that we can not only through him be cleansed from sin, but in him find comfort and peace. All that is bad in the world will not ever come close in comparison to all that is GREAT in the life to come for those who endure well.

I love you all so very much! And stop worrying, I'm fine here :) Seriously, I'm in great hands. You're right mom, I have so much more work to do!I am not done yet! I've still got a lot of work to do here! I will not leave Ukraine!! Keep praying for this wonderful country.

Have a great week!

All of my love,

Your sister, Sister Lee

I was always pretty sure I had the coolest dad in the whole world... now I'm positive! Haha, dad I love you!

Do you hear the people sing...?

Hello family!

So this week has definitely been different for us here. A week I will always remember. But I want you to know, I am so safe. Really nothing bad will ever happen to me. Sometimes I have felt just sad and concerned, but never worried about my own safety. It just has been an exciting time to be serving here, I guess you could say.

For three days this week we were told to stay in our apartment just to ensure our safety. It was so hard for me! Staying inside for just a few hours makes me so anxious during this work, so three days of it was probably much more than I could handle. If there was any once of me that didn't appreciate being outside and sharing the gospel, I'm sure that is gone, oh how I love the outdoors and testifying. I missed it. Our first day inside we called literally every person in our area book, and deep cleaned our apartment, and still had time to spare so we talked and reminisced on our MTC days, ha! I'm so happy I love the person I was stuck with, can you imagine how awful that would have been? Oh man. We had Thursday all planned and ready to work when we found out that Thursday we would also be inside all day. So what did we do? We baked goodies and brought them to the people who live in our building. Through out the days being stuck inside we would receive calls from members checking in on us, making sure we were alright, willing to bring us anything we needed, I love our members. Dasha would regularly call us with updates of what was going on, so we knew a little bit. On Friday we once again were ready for a regular day where we could work, but to our disappointment we were once again told to stay inside. We planned for the week, wrote in our journals we even watched some churchy movies when finally we got a text, our freedom at last! Friday night we were able to get back to work and it felt so good!

Three days inside was toooooooooo long! I would sit outside of our window to get fresh air, haha!

I believe I talked about Alla in my last email, she came to church last Sunday we've met with her a few times and she is so special. She has no religious back ground, whatsoever. Growing up she was taught that God doesn't exist, she herself became a teacher and taught that very same thing to her students. As we have met with her she has literally changed before our eyes. I can say that the sweetest thing is to hear someones first prayer, how humble and sincere, and the spirit there, wow. There is something so cool about that. I know that every other missionary would agree with me, that there is no sweeter prayer than that first prayer that an investigator says. The presence of the Holy Ghost is always so undeniably present, you can tell that Heavenly Father had just been waiting for that moment for years. Can you imagine, hearing from your daughter after so long! How happy He must be. Man.

We have also been meeting with Masha quite often, I love that cute girl! Simon, you better not be looking for a wife right now because you're so young, but I am allowed to look for you and I found her. You will marry Masha! Ha. I would be so happy. The other night we were teaching her and her dad was the member helping us on the lesson, I love Jenya! He has such a strong testimony and he is such a good example to his daughter. Masha is ready and wanting to get baptized, but her mom hasn't given her permission yet. Please pray for her mom! Pray that her heart will be softened, I know it will over time, just as Nastya's mom's heart was softened. Just remember her and keep her in your prayers.

Church was such an amazing experience yesterday. With all the trial and turmoil and all of the awful things that were going on here, you could feel the relief as every member walked into the church. As they walked through the doors they lifted their heads a little higher and walked a little taller. I kept thinking of the hymn "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" and this is where they turned. During this past week I have felt so much heart ache and concern for people here, as this has so drastically been changing their lives. I was so happy to hear one brother bear testimony about how he knew everything would be fine because we have a temple here.

What strength the members take from that wonderful temple! It is truly inspiring! And oh how I also love that place. I also find so much strength and peace from the temple as I know that truly is the House of the Lord.

Friends and family I have such a strong testimony of the gospel. I know with all that I am, that this church IS the true church of Jesus Christ. I have found so much peace and comfort in reading my scriptures and praying these past few days. And I know here, is where to turn for peace. Come and feel the peace that Heavenly Father has been longing to give you. And be happy.

I love you all so very much!

All of my love,

Your sister, Sister Lee

"The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace."

Hello!

I am now learning a new language. Everyone here speaks Ukrainian or Sergik(Ukrainian and Russian mixed! Ha, I remember being in Kharkivsky I would hear Ukrainian pretty often, but not like here, it's so much Ukrainian. And then I was down in Odessa where it was always super clean Russian, so I forgot all little of the Ukrainian I did know. It's a little stressful but I love it. I have always loved the Ukrainian language so hopefully I will be able to pick some more up while serving here. Sister Barnes knows quite a bit, so it's fun to be with her. Ha! Man just thinking about my mission and the adventures I have here is so awesome! I'm so lucky!

This week we went and visited so many members. The branch here is incredible. We have so many families and youth, it is such a fun branch to serve in. Once again, I lucked out being called here. They are all so loving, with the friendships I have already created it seems like I've served here my whole mission. They have really taken me in. I love the Ukrainian people.

We have continued to teach Masha and she is preparing for baptism. After we were talking about the Plan of Salvation I asked her if being baptized was something she wanted. She just asked "Uh, what kind of question is that? Of course I want to, you know the answer to that!" ha! Oh we love Masha! She still isn't sure when she wants to, but it will be soon, that's for sure. Keep her in your prayers if you could. She is such a cool girl.

Something that I have loved seeing on my mission is the Lord helping us fulfill our righteous goals. On Saturday night, as we were making goals, we wanted one new investigator, but we couldn't think of someone we knew to help reach that goal. As we prayed we decided that someone would be a walk in at church, and yesterday as we were going into Gospel Principles I saw a lady I had never seen before! So excited, but not surprised because God DOES give us help, I went and talked to her, after a short conversation she has decided to start investigating the church. I love seeing miracles like that happen every day. Not only daily goals has He helped me fulfill, but goals I have had since I was a little girl, trying to become the person I really want to become.

Everyday is something so special as I serve my mission. I hope I haven't fooled you and made you think that my mission is easy. Just because I love my mission so much does not mean it is easy! I was studying in Jacob 5 the other day about the tame and wild olive trees. As they talk about the work that they did in the vineyard they continually use the words diligently and labor. Illustrating that the work really isn't easy. But the beautiful contrast as they speak of the joy they will have in the fruits of their labors. Continuing on in the story I found that for them to feel that joy, in my opinion, would be not possible had they not labored alongside the Lord of the vineyard. How truly blessed we are as we labor alongside the Lord, I have noticed that time and time again, not only in my mission but just my life in general. Every day at the end of the day, feeling that sense of accomplishment is so rewarding as you aline your will and work with that of the Lord.

He knows what we want, where we want to be, the desires of our heart, he really knows everything, but most importantly he knows what is best for us. And as we go throughout life's journey things may be hard, or maybe not even make sense but as we put our trust in the Lord everything is perfect! Isn't that so wonderful! "The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace." He is with us he is FOR us! He wants us to win. Don't get discouraged in times of trial or set back. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Remember that.

We are so blessed. Never forget that! I am SO blessed! Thank you all of you for your love and support and everything you do for me! I could never thank you enough!

Birthday Shout Out to the most cutest pregnant sister in the whole world! Lexi Happy Birthday! I LOVE YOU!!!! I pray for you and yours all the time, I hope you know that!

Okay everyone, remember who is fighting for you, take courage in that and live your life and be happy, there is no better way to do it. :)

All of my love,

You sister, Sister Lee

Chapter 7: White Church

Family!

So, saying goodbye to Illi and all of my loved ones there was so hard. I hate goodbyes. But how lucky was I to meet such wonderful people that made it so hard to say goodbe! I have seriously lucked out with the people that have been placed in my path during my journey here in Ukraine. I feel like everyday I meet a new best friend, ha, it's awesome! 

This is the Black Sea frozen... like really frozen. It got cold in Illi this winter

We had my last supper in Illy with the branch and investigators on Tuesday night and it was so much fun. We had a musical night and then were just all together. I know it sounds weird but it made me happy to see how sad they were to see me leave, like, it made me feel as if I actually made a difference there. I think that is the hardest thing about leaving an area. I don't think I'll ever feel like I'm ready to leave. I always feel like there is so much work for me to do there! I just need more time! Mom and dad, good luck getting me home.. I might extend my mission forever, haha. Really though, there is so much work to do and I cannot even imagine not doing the work. I have to always be doing it! It's my life. 

Flat Stanley on my bed on the train

Okay, well as sad as it was for me to leave Illi, I cannot believe how much I love it here in Billa Tserkva. I think I mentioned before that I have always wanted to serve here. I heard about it my first transfer, never been, really didn't know anything about it, but when ever anyone talked about it, I always had just the strongest desire to be there. And now it's so understandable. This is my city. (So yeah, I may feel that way about every area I serve in) But really as you walk the streets it just has Mariel written all over it. I love it here. And you would not even believe our branch. I have NEVER felt this much love. Immediately I was welcomed, more than I ever have before. This branch is so special. And there are tons of... FAMILIES!! Children, everywhere oh my goodness and youth and just all of the most amazing people you will ever meet! I am so blessed to be here! We have many activities in the church so I have already made friendships with almost all of the members. All of the members here are very involved in missionary work so it makes our job so much more fun! I love working with the members. Man, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am to be here. 

 this is one of the MANY babies we have in our ward, I had not held a baby in so long! I miss my neices and nephews!

On Saturday, a man was baptized into our branch and he is incredible. He has such a strong testimony and his spirit is one of the sweetest I've ever felt. He has a small family who have not accepted the gospel yet, but his daughter came to his baptism. I sat next to her and we hit it off reall fast. We talked a little bit and we were able to set up a meeting with her for yesterday night. We met with her at a members house and talked about the Restoration of the Gospel. As we had the lesson in a house where the spirit was so undeniably present it was so sweet to see her be touched by the testimony of one of the young women. As she realized she herself could find an answer, just like we had and just like her dad had, the spirit once again testified to me that the church is true! It is so true! As she closed the lesson with her sweet humble prayer I just wanted to tackle her in a huge hug because you could just feel the love her Father in Heaven had for her. You'll be hearing a lot more about Masha, that's for sure. (Masha is the girl in the picture with long brown hair she's 12, the other girl was Dasha a young women from the ward and probably one of my very best friends,  then Illya Dasha's brother another really good friend, Alyona, the cute girl on the couch is basically a member of the church her mom just wont let her get baptized and she is the sweetest girl in the world, and the blurry one is my cute new companion Sister Barnes)

'Cause when you're the best of friends, spending Sunday nights together :) 

I have so many amazing people to love here. Which sets us up perfectly for our words from Baba!

Words from the Wonderfully Wise Baba:

"Love is the most important thing. Without love life cannot be."

How true is that! As I was thinking about that more today it made more and more sense to me. No one would be here if it weren't for love. God would have not created us, and in fact God would not be. Because God Himself is love. Love the people who have been placed in your life. They were all put there for a reason. And as we live with a culture of love we are happy! 

I have learned to love so much better since I've been on my mission. I think that is why I've had such a good time since serving. Becuase I really truly love the people and as we love the people we are around we have a good time! I can testify of that! So love the people God has placed in your life and be happy! Now I'm gonna send some lovin to my baby sisterichka Sayde, who I should have loved a lot more when we were together! 

Sayde, I love you so much! I hope you have the happiest birthday in the world! I can't believe you are getting so old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I wish that all of your wildest dreams will come true! Sending you so much love from Ukraine! 

So, our district may or may not have been made up of "How I Met your Mother" characters... Lilly, Robin, Ted, and Barney 

I hope you all have a good week!

All of my love,

You sister, Sister Lee

This Little Light of Mine

Dearest Family, 

As a missionary (as long as you are working hard and doing all you are supposed to) every day is full of miracles. Some may be huge that are impossible to miss but others may be small, if you're not careful they might just pass you by. During my service as a missionary, I have made it a goal of mine to see the Lord's hand in everything and in doing this I can say that every day is truly miraculous. Our God is an awesome God.

This week we had exchanges. I have always really loved exchanges, it's such an awesome opportunity to learn from other missionaries and they're just fun! Sister Lamoraeux came down to Illi with me and we had such a great time, I always wondered what it would be like to have served with Deseree'. Growing up she was the missionary I wanted to be. Des, you were always such a good example to me, I love you! As I was with Sister Lamoraeux it was just like I was with my sister Deseree'. And you best believe that serving with her was one of the best experiences ever! I learned so much and her sweet spirit brought such a warmth to my missionary life. Having some home away from home is always so nice. So one of my favorite parts of the exchange was exercise, ha! I have been dying to go running outside (Sister Parish and I usually do work outs on the stairs of our apartment) at night, I timidly asked if we could go running for exercise the next morning and she was so excited. She just said "Oh I was praying you would go running with me!"  So, on snowy Wednesday morning Sister Lamoraeux and I went running thought the quiet town of Illichyovsk, it was so serene and beautiful, probably the best run I've ever been on. It was sad to end the exchange but good to be back with my Sister Parish - we're trying to soak up all of our last precious days together before I leave to Bila Tserkva (but really who knows? We could serve together again!)

 On Saturday it was our best friend, Katia's birthday. We threw a little party for her during English club and it was so much fun! We seriously love Katia so much. She has become such a huge part of my life. I feel like I have known her for so much longer than I have, well obviously we knew each other before this life and I promised her I would come to Illichyovsk one day and find her. Seriously, I know I have known Katia for way longer than only seven weeks. Anyways, Katia has had a desire to meet with us and talk about the church for a long time. You can just see the desire burning inside of her. But her mother has always been very against the church, even very hesitant allowing her to come to our English club. Sister Parish and I have been praying and fasting for a miracle. Her mother has never allowed us to come over and has never agreed to meeting us. Katia was asked what she wanted for her birthday and all she wanted was for the Sisters to come over, her mom, though reluctant, agreed- MIRACLE!!! Last night, we celebrated both Katia and Sister Parish's birthday with Katia and her little brother and mother; it could not have gone better. We prayed and fasted that God would help us know what to say and how to act and He did! We enjoyed a delicious meal and we were entertained by her little brother, Max. Then, we just sat and talked and got to know each other. When it was time for us to go, Katia's mom pleaded with us to stay just a little bit longer and was already inviting us back to her home. Within the matter of minutes her mother had become a different person. Her heart was softened right in front of our eyes. A wonderful miracle I was blessed to be a part of. I'm so sad I have to leave when so many exciting things are happening, but I'm so grateful that I had the time and opportunity to be here and see so many miracles come to pass. 

I have already started saying goodbyes and it has been very hard for me. You would think that leaving a place you've only been for two months wouldn't be that hard but it is. There are just so many people that I love so much here! 

Words from the Wonderfully Wise Baba: 

 "You were made to serve!" 

We were all given wonderful gifts, our bodies! Aren't our bodies truly incredible? We can do so many amazing things with them. And we should use them to do good for others! Help those in need. I promise you that as you lose yourself in the service of others you will receive more blessings than you ever could have imagined.

Friends and family I love you all more than I can even begin to try to type on this keyboard. As we walk through these freezing Ukrainian streets my soul is warmed by my burning testimony of the gospel and my love for each and every one of you! Thank you for your love and your support, You mean the world to me! Keep on keeping on! 

Next stop, White Church.

All of my love,

You sister, Sister Lee

Men are that they might have joy!

Hello!

baby, it's past being cold outside IT'S FREEZING!!!!

I'm in love with my life, honestly in love. I'm sorry if you get sick of me telling you how much I love my mission all of the time. But that's just how it is. If anything I really hope it just motivates you to do missionary work because truly it is the best work ever. There is nothing more satisfying. There is nothing that can bring you more joy than when you are giving service and spreading the pure love of Christ. Truly remarkable.

We had an awesome mission conference this week. President Lawerence, from the area presidency and his sweet wife, along with the Klebingats, came and spoke to us. Talk about a spiritual feast. I learned so much, I've already seen a huge difference in everything as I have applied the things I learned to my studying, my missionary work, and just my life in general.

Angela was baptized on Saturday, such a special experience that was, as the day she had looked forward to for so long had finally arrived! She was so ecstatic about everything and to just share in her joy on her special day was the greatest blessing anyone could have ever given me. SHE WAS SO HAPPY!! And, Heavenly Father was so happy! You could just feel Him beaming down at her, as His love filled the room it seemed that every care in the world just melted from everyone's shoulders and everyone just realized "Oh yeah, this is what life is about." This is what life is about, BEING HAPPY. Men are that they might have joy! I'm sure Angela was the happiest person in the world at that time, and she still is beaming. We were just with her, outside (and it is FREEZING seriously SOO COLD outside) and she was so happy! She just kept talking about how warm she always feels, how grateful for the decision that she made, and her gratitude for our Savior is overwhelming and has helped me to once again strengthen my testimony of the Atonement! I have felt the love of my Savior and my Heavenly Father so much lately. It has been unreal.  

Angela at her baptism! :)

So I have a little brother here, Bogdan,  and I love him. He's 14 and really he reminds me so much of Simon (shout out to Simon, he added you on Facebook so be looking out for that! He knows English pretty well so you guys can totally chat it up!) so of course we totally hit it off. He comes to all of the activities we have but has never showed interest in the church. Every time I'm with him I think of Simon and how bad I want Simon to serve a mission one day, and now I just have that desire for Bogdan too! On Saturday night I sat Bogdan down and I started talking to him about The Book of Mormon and he ate up every word, he loved everything that The Book of Mormon talks about. He loved the story of Joseph Smith, how amazing that he was only 14 at the time. I invited Bogdan to come to church the next day, and he was a little hesitant saying that he wanted to sleep in and what not. On Sunday morning I prayed so hard that Bogdan would come. Church started and Bogdan was no where to be seen, but with in two minutes of the meeting he came bouncing in the chapel as we began to sing the opening hymn "How Great Thou Art" tears were falling down my face. My little brother came to church with me! And my sweet Angela was sitting next to me preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am so happy to be a part of this work! The joy I feel is incredible.
Friends and family, I'm going to have to ask you to keep me in your prayers again. I am being transferred again! Already! I've only been here one transfer, so I'm pretty bummed. I have already fallen so in love with this area and the people here so it is going to be very hard for me to leave. I have some good news about it though. They have started telling us transfers a week in advance, so I still have one more week to spend here in Illi. Other good news, I'm serving in an area I've always wanted to- Billa Tserkva, not too far from Kiev, and I'm serving with Sister Barnes one of MY sisters from the MTC! So I'm really excited for that, we will have so much fun together! With me leaving it means only 2 more emails with words from Баба so I really hope you soak them up!

Words from the Wonderfully Wise Baba:
"How do you expect to grow if you never are challenged?"
This week we went to a less active with Baba and the less active has had some hard trials in her life, and this is what Baba said to her and it is the truth. We are challenged but use it to our benefit! I have had such a good life, with very few major trials. But there are those of you who may be given challenges and burdens hard to handle. This does happen. And let me tell you what I think, no, what I know about that. Trials are given to those who can handle them. They are given to the strongest of people. Those of you with trials think of how highly our Heavenly Father thinks of you! He knows you can handle them! And as you overcome them you become a strong person, the person that you were placed on the earth to be. But please, never for one second think to take on these trials alone! Take the yoke and pull through together with Christ, as you do so, these challenges will be accomplished. Things with out the Lord are really scary and maybe even impossible, but with Him they are so possible. Take the help given to you.

I love you all so much! I have such a strong testimony of the truthfulness of this church. It was restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith and to him I am forever grateful. I know that I have a Savior who loves me so much and is always with me, willing to help me through every trial and challenge I have and as I take his help I find myself so blessed! I know I have a LOVING Heavenly Father He loves me so much! And I am so grateful for His love. I'm so grateful for the happiness and peace I have found in living this gospel and I invite all of you to do the same!

Have a good week!

Your sister, Sister Lee

on blistery P-days when my companion is feeling sick I make pancakes Papa Lee style, every shape imaginable!

If you aren't having fun, you're not doing it right.

Happy Monday!

our little sister :) she wanted to be a missionary too!

Well, Illi had me tricked. I thought I had completely missed winter but I think it's coming now. The weather has been so nice, here on Saturday it was almost 60 degrees! But yesterday a super cold front came in. Living on the sea has it's ups and downs, like when the wind blows, it really blows and it's a cold wind, you know the kind that just bites - burr! Good thing I got my cute hat just in time (thanks so much sisters!) and all of my other winter supplies I already started to pack away. Ha! Thank you weather for keeping me on my toes. It's been pouring rain all day with a thick fog and it really shows no sign of stopping... what am I a weather man? Okay, now for the stuff that you are really interested in!

Анджела is amazing! She has strengthened my testimony so much. I am so blessed that Heavenly Father has put her in my life. She is such a huge example to me. She already appreciates the gospel so much and has the faith that every person longs to have. This journey of coming to church and completely changing her life has not been very easy for her. She has many friends who are not supporting her in her decision and many people who are really just giving her a hard time. And, on top of it all, Анджела has cancer. You can tell that very much of the time she is in a lot of pain and with not much support, it's just hard for her, but not once has she complained. Not once have I ever heard something that wasn't positive come out of her mouth. She is such an example to me! The testimony that she already has gained is so awe-inspiring, I wish all of you could spend just five minutes with her in a room and feel of her spirit, it is so special to be with her. At the beginning of each meeting we have with her we usually spend about ten minutes where she just tells us her missionary experiences of the day, who she had the opportunity to testify to, and how she did it in one way or the other. Man, she is so awesome! Her baptism is planned for this Saturday, and she is so excited about it. I think she tells everyone she sees, to come, it is so sweet. But last night she was feeling really bad, she had to go to the hospital, so loved ones please keep sweet Анджела (Angela) in your prayers, I know she would appreciate it.

my boots were made for walking... they did me well may they rest in peace.. (actually I love them too much I think I'm going to take them to a boot repair today)

So, a funny story from this week, Sister Parish and I were walking down the street after a lesson, talking about how it went and this man came up and started talking to us in English, he heard us speaking in English and was so excited. He lived in America for five years and got back a few months ago. He said he wanted to practice with us but saw us with our Books of Mormon and said he didn't want anything to do with the church. But he kept on talking with us and kept on bringing up the church, but then said he didn't want to talk about it, he was just acting too cool for us, but still wanted to talk ha, it was pretty funny! Anyways at the end of our conversation I told him about our English practice and told him that we will have a spiritual thought at the end and everything, he took our card and was like, "I'll probably not come, but whatever." As we walked away I told Sister Parish that he was going to be so interested in the church and get baptized next month. That night he came to English practice, he stayed for the spiritual thought and he loved it. He met with the Elders after that and has met with them a few times since, and he now has a baptismal date in February. The gospel is so true and so wonderful, people are literally drawn to it, it's so incredible.

I believe I talked about Баба Лидия (Baba (babushka-grandma) Lidia) when we skyped. I LOVE HER! I want to be just like her when I grow up, seriously! Every time we are with her I learn so much, I seriously take notes while she speaks to us and she loves it, ha! But I have decided that every week I would write a little blip about what I've learned from Baba and share it with you.

Words from the Wonderfully Wise Baba:

  "The second you feel sorry for yourself, you let Satan win." 

Satan tries so hard to bring us down, but really we should just be happy, for all that we have, and all that we have to live for. Yes, days are hard but never should you feel sorry for yourself, do things to make your days better. Lift others and in turn your spirits will be lifted!

Isn't Baba so smart!? Goodness I love her!

I'm never going to tell you life is easy, because I would be lying to you, but I can say life is good! My mission has been so hard, so hard, but because of that it has been so awesome! I have grown and I have learned so much, more than I ever have, because it has been the time in my life when I have been the most challenged. If you're having challenges or hard times, don't get down on yourself. Look at the good in everything, see what you can learn from it. I promise there is good in everything, there is always something to be happy about!

Remember life is to be enjoyed, not endured. Heavenly Father wants so that we are always happy!

I love you all so much and I want you all to be happy as well. If you aren't having fun, you're not doing it right. Have a good week!

All of my love,

Your sister, Sister Lee

on the marshutka to Odessa for a youth activity