w which one. Right now, we have only one investigator in Пенза (Penza), but she didn't come to church like she promised. (Right - one day when we were going to visit someone, we saw this cat. I called out to it and it started walking toward me. As soon as its tail was up, I noticed something a little weird. I had to get a picture of this tail that looked like a squirrel's tail, I don't know if you can see it in the picture) She basically doesn't want to do anything, she just likes it when we come because she gets bored at home alone and then her parents don't yell at her for not going to church. I think it is hard for her because her family wants her to go to church, but they don't want to do anything themselves. We have only seen them once and after that, never. I don't think she will accept the gospel until it becomes important to her family. Then again, she is only 14 years old. Other than that, all we can really do is try meeting with the members that the Elders gave us to work with. Unfortunately, they gave us everyone that they either can't or don't want to work with. Can't because they can never find them home, or don't want to because they are unpleasant to work with. That leaves us with very little work to do and leaves me wondering why we came to Пенза. Then, Ирина (Irina) tells me that she prayed so long and harder than anyone else so sisters would come to Пенза and I understand. She has a strong testimony of prayer and she really needs a listening ear because her parents treat her awful. She is really great, but somehow they can't see that. Maybe all they see is the church that they don't consider to be anything more than a sect. Who really knows. I can't help wishing that she will be able to get a Visa to America soon, but at the same time I will be sad to see her go when she does so much to help this struggling branch. This branch is struggling because many strong members leave for other places, some for Moscow, others for America, and some for the spirit world. It seems like half of the members are dieing, some because they are just plain old, and many others from terminal illnesses. It is so hard to watch and makes me wonder what is the cause. Maybe this is just the trial the branch needs to come out stronger, I really don't know.Other than that, last week was really hard because while we were at Youth Night, someone stepped on my purse and broke my camera. Yeah, I almost died. All that money went to waste because the screen doesn't work. It is
possible that it still takes pictures, but there is no way for me to know. (Left - one of the posters that we made for our activity. This is about Family Home Evening) We went to see about getting it fixed, but they can only replace the screen in Moscow. So . . . you can imagine how I feel about that. Especially because I don't have my old camera anymore and that means that no matter what, I have to buy a new one. I got too used to being able to take pictures and films whenever I want and I don't want to not be able to capture these memories. In the end, that will be all that is left. Last week I bought two new skirts, a new shirt, and a new suit jacket.So, I got your letter, Lizzy and Sara. I sent off a reply and also those insurance papers. I hope you get them soon. Thanks for your emails this week, Lizzy, Sara, Mom, and Dad. Dad, I'd like to remind you to get my emails put up as soon as possible. I realize that it takes a little bit of time, but since I can't write to anyone but you, if you don't get my emails posted, no one will write me. I haven't heard from Heather or Erin or anyone else in a really long time. Please get that taken care of ASAP. It should only take a few minutes to copy and paste. Don't worry about how it looks if you don't have time, just get the words put up. PLEASE!
Today we are having what we are hoping will be a good activity. A year or so ago, an Elder worked ten months in the office to make a film called "Время СемиЭ (Vremya Semi - Family Time) and now we will be showing it here in Пенза. I'm excited because people I know in Тольятти (Togliatti) are in the movie. We have been inviting people for the last few days and I hope there will be a big turn out. I would have rather had two weeks to invite people, but we are using the time that they gave us. All I can hope is that people who are ready to accept the gospel will be the ones to come. It will probably be too late, but pray anyway that it turned out well. This is pretty much our last hope to have a good jump in work here.
Other than that, I don't really know what to say. Keep writing me, I enjoy hearing from everyone, even if I don't answer your emails personally. Also, Mom, yeah, I'd like Dumbo. That would be great! All Disney movies except for most of the #2 and #3, etc. movies. That's great, Lizzy, about Numbers. Sorry about the cavity, but that's very lucky you have only one. Sara, that's too bad about Girls Camp. If the clothing is a problem, you could always wear the dress I made. It may be too big for you, but with the apron it should be all r
ight, just don't ruin it. That means, be careful when you wear it. If it is too long, have mom hem it up so it won't drag on the ground, and be careful when you eat so you won't spill anything on it.(Right - This is the other poster we made. It is about how we rest. If you look closely, there are some pictures with me in it on the poster) Let me know when Heidi's baby is born, when, what time, how much, the name, etc. I like to be kept informed about the family so things won't be too big of a surprise when I get home several months from now. Please also holler at Becky again. I honestly feel like she has died! I haven't heard a peep and I'm beginning to think that she has forgotten that she even has a sister in Russia. Or maybe she thinks I'm still in Provo . . . who really knows. Someone should let her know that I'm not there. Then maybe she will think to write me a letter, or even an email. She could even write me a letter on the internet through DearElder.com and it won't cost her a penny! I know that stamps have gone up a few cents and that may be difficult for her to handle, so she can always use that site to send me some kind of sign that she exists. Or maybe I'M the one that's crazy. You would tell me, right, if I just imagined having a sister named Rebecca?
Well, that's about it for now. I don't know what else to say. Let me know about the money. It would be great if you could have it in there before next week so I can get that camera. Also, let me know about the package I sent and the letter, when you get it. Don't forget!
Love,
your daughter, sister, friend, and missionary,
Сестра Атвуд
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