This week has been absolutely incredible. Thanks for all the mail, it's great hearing from you. I only just found out that the library is closing in 15 minutes, so it might be a little short this time around. 

I got to eat dinner with the Allens'. They invited a long-time friend over for dinner and we were able to speak in Russian for a good 45 minutes. A very incredible conversation about our pasts and the miracles in them.

We've been getting an incredible amount of food from the members. Right after emailing last week our ride gave us groceries so we didn't need to go. We stopped by and got a good 3 pounds of lasagne from a ward party. Add about $70 worth of groceries and some kvas, pechenyas and cured beef from Little Russia and our fridge is packed to the brim (Malachi 3:10).

One family that has been very inactive for a long time except when the Church was financially helping them has just been going through an incredible amount of trials. Their daughter's cancer is coming back and amidst other things it would seem as if their time with the Church is done. Their Church attendance was closely tied to financial assistance from the Church. With how much chaos is at home amidst other things it looked unlikely that our efforts with them would be fruitful in the least. The father loves us but has short term memory loss. However, while pondering about that family in Sacrament meeting I was overwhelmed by the Spirit, and the perfect knowledge that they will receive salvation washed over me. It's incredible knowing that, because otherwise we would have gave up on them. We really can't give up on others.

There was so much I wanted to write about but can't due to time constraints, and the thing of greatest worth I can share is my testimony of our Savior. Like Moses as of last night I can say that man is nothing. Christ's might and triumph over sin and pain in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross is beyond description. My love for Him is growing every day and feel duty bound to share this knowledge with whoever will hear it. "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6) Truly let us remember Him always. 

I love you all and pray for you every day.

God speed,

Elder Szendre