Well, here I am writing from an internet club in Пенза. Mom, you're right, that's Penza. It is a city in the Southern half of our mission. Half of my mission was spent in the north half and it will be interesting if I spend the second half in the southern half. We'll see, though, what happens.
Registration has been a bit of a pain. I had to take a couple pictures and make two copies of my passport. Then, I also had to go with them. I've never had to do that before. In Тольятти (Togliatti) I just gave my passport to the office and they did everything for me. (Left - here I am sleeping on the overnight train to Пенза. It isn't very comfortable, but it is better than having to sit up. The only problem is, when traveling with all your stuff packed, it's rather difficult to get out comfortable clothing to sleep in) Oh well, the change is still nice.
I haven't yet gotten any mail, but the Zone Leaders are going to Самара (Samara) tomorrow, so maybe there will be something for me when they come back. That would be the best because we are having Zone Conference in Саратов (Saratov) on the 5th, so I would be able to send it back, then. I sent my package off on Thursday. It was 20kg! I think that is almost 50 lbs, so it will probably take a while to get there. I hope it arrives safely. I sent all my film and disks with pictures on them. I also sent a letter and a couple cards in there and two small gifts. One for mom, one for dad, for both birthday and mothers/fathers day. Sorry about that, but I didn't really know what to send. The one for mom is in pink wrapping and the one for dad is in green wrapping. You'll probably have to search through the huge box to find them because the lady at the post office took everything out and didn't put it back in the way I had it. Let me know when you get that and I'll tell you another secret. Pretty much the rest of the stuff in the box is mine. I did send the ornaments home that I wanted to give you for Christmas, but I didn't figure out which one was for whom, so that will have to wait until I get back. (Right - this is the sign for Пенза that we saw as the train was pulling into the train station)

So, let's see. Last Friday morning we left Тольятти for Самара around 9:00. That was nice because we were expecting it to be even earlier. When we arrived, almost all of the sisters were there. Only Sister Фомичёва (Fomicheva) wasn't there with her mini-missionary. Oh, by the way, Sister Блохина (Bloxina) told me that she heard that now sisters can't start serving a mission until they are 23. Is that true? She didn't really know, so I thought I would find out if you heard anything like that. That would be really interesting, but I don't think it will make that big of a difference because most of the sisters were over 23 when they decided to serve a mission. If it IS true, I'm very glad that I left when I did, otherwise I would have had to wait even longer!

So, back to my journey. Our train to Пенза wasn't scheduled to leave until midnight that night, so we had a lot of time on our hands. We went to McDonalds with a lot of other missionaries and then we walked to the Волга (Volga). That was relaxing. We bought a bundle of flowers for President's wife and went back to the office. We stopped by their apartment to give her the flowers and she gave us some food to eat. So, we went back to the office and ate. Then we had a little bit of time before pretty much everyone left. Around 5:00, all the missionaries had left except us, two going to Оренбург (Orenburg), and the office missionaries. The APs had left and promised to come to the train station to help us with our luggage (the two Elders going to Оренбург were supposed to leave a couple hours before our train left). At 7:00 we had to leave the office in order to wait at the train station. That was pretty boring to sit there. The other Elders left around 9:00 and the APs came around 10:30. Then we sat around, talking, looking at pictures, etc, before our train came. They loaded our luggage and we got ready to leave. Пенза is on the same time as Moscow, which is one hour earlier than Самара or Тольятти. (Left - This is the hallway in our train car. There are several rooms on each car with a bathroom on each end) We had to get some clean bedding and then we went to sleep. It was very interesting to sleep on a train. We arrived in Пенза around 7:00 in the morning the next day. 4 of the 6 Elders here were there to pick us up and help us with our luggage. We live really close to the train station, so we walked home. They dropped off our stuff and left us to rest a bit, promising to come back to show us to the Branch's apartment (They don't have their own building here) in time for our Branch missionary meeting. There was also a program planned for Saturday night since Sunday was Easter (here that is, I don't know why it is different). So, we had a bit of time to unpack, shower, etc.

The Easter program was really interesting. Our landlord (who is also the leader of missionary work here) played the guitar, harmonica, and tambourine all at the same time. That was great and I even got it on film. There were a couple skits, poetry reading, music, stories, etc. It was interesting, but hard to focus because I was still tired. But, I think I am going to really like it here.

Sunday, we had our usual church meetings. It is interesting that the building where we meet is covered with mementos from the communist era, including a flag with CCCP written on it (that's USSR in Russian). It is interesting because before, they would have had to hide their activities from the Communists, but now, they can meet openly, even in a building commemorating them. The only problem is that a couple of members have become inactive because they say that the building isn't conducive to the spirit. (Right - after walking to our apartment, we waited outside while the Elders took a few of our large suitcases up. This is Sister Блохина) I guess they don't really understand the freedom that they now have and how great it is that there is SOMEWHERE to meet.

We are still getting to know the area. That means that it takes a long time to do just a little. We will be able to do more as we get used to transportation and addresses. I'm looking forward to that. It is very possible that I will only be here for 6 weeks, though. At the end of this cycle, there will be two new Russian sisters and there are very few Russian sisters who can train them. Actually, there are only two, and then Sister Саргсян (Sargsyan) who leaves 6 weeks after they get here. We will see what happens, but if Sister Блохина ends up training one, then I will probably get sent somewhere else and not the other way around. That would be alright with me, just interesting to me to know why I was sent here, then. What do I need to accomplish during this 6 week period? I guess I will find out.

Oh, dad. Just to remind you. If I don't send a second email, you can just post my emails immediately. Heather said she has read through the 8 of March but that is all that was up there. If it is a problem for me to use Russian letters, let me know and I won't do that anymore so you can just post them immediately.

Anyway, I'll let you know when I get those papers.

Love,

Сестра Атвуд
(The two films below were taken at the branch Easter Program the Saturday we arrived in Пенза. Илья is amazing. The first video, he plays Lead Kindly Light. That is my favorite hymn and I sang it a lot on my mission when I was having rough times. It is also his favorite hymn and the favorite hymn of several members of the church in Пенза who were having a tough time, one of which was suffering from cancer and died a few months after this. The second video is We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet. That is really fun to watch. It makes me wish I was so talented)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So, yeah, another week has come and gone and now I have only a day and a half left in good old Тольятти (Togliatti). (Right - after sports day. We played soccer every Saturday for the entire 7 months I was in Тольятти, even when it was really cold outside. It was always a lot fo fun) I have to admit that starting to say good-bye to everyone is really hard. I do love the people here, even though I still am glad to leave. It looks like I am going to Пенза (Penza) now, so that will be exciting. Sister Саргсян (Sargsyan) told me that she thinks my new companion needs me and that is why I got transfered away from her. Maybe that is true, I don't know. All I know is that one of the Elders told me that he doesn't think he came on a mission to
baptize someone, but for a different work, part of that was to help a few of his companions. One of his companions was not exactly the most obedient missionary and always had problems with his companions. (Left - baptism in New City! This was really exciting because his wife and sons were already members, but he put it off for a year) But, at the end of their short time together, that Elder thanked him and
said that he was his favorite companion. Later he wrote a letter to the president to apologize for his behavior. I also know that another Elder says that this Elder saved his mission. That's comforting to me because that is how I feel about why I'm here. Of course, baptisms are good and I am happy when people choose to be baptized, especially when I really care about them, but I don't think that is my main mission.
(Right - One of the last meetings with our Лида (Lida) and her roommate Яна (Yana). Лида, Sister Саргсян, Яна, and me) So, I kind of came to this conclusion after the Elders told us about a new girl that we can start working with and they said they think she is golden. have the chance to accept the gospel. That is true, I started thinking, why does a golden investigator have to come just when I am leaving? I started feeling a little jealous and then I realized how dumb that was because it doesn't really matter who teaches them as long as theythis is not my work, it is the Lord's.
This last week didn't bring a whole lot because Sister Саргсян ended up being sick several days. We spent a lot of time in our apartment and I went crazy trying to find things to occupy myself with. (Left - this is an active family that we regularly visited. Галина (Galina) the best friend, Валерия (Valeriya) the daughter, me, and Татьяна (Tatyana) the hostess. She fed us Ши (Shi), which is a very good cabbage soup) I found a lot of stuff that I want to send home because I don't need it, so the package that started off not so big has become really huge. I was afraid that it was going to be really expensive, but I don't even care because it will be nicer than having to lug all that stuff around with me to Пенза and to other cities where I may serve.
Let's see. I've started saying good-bye to everyone. When I spoke during Relief Society on Sunday, several women started crying. It is interesting to me because they love me and I'm not even sure why. (Right - me and one of my Armenian бабушки (babushki). She sold seeds on this corner and we went to tell her that I was leaving) We have been working with one girl who got baptized a month or so after I
got here who then moved to a dorm to start school and immediately became inactive. She is becoming really strong now, and I am sure that everything will be ok. She even bought a skirt to wear to church! I was so excited. Unfortunately, the first time she will wear it will be this coming Sunday when I will already be gone, so she promised to send me a picture so I can see how it looks on her. I have a notebook where I ask people to write and she wrote in there that I have become the sister she has never had. Others have hugged me and told me how much they are going to miss me and how grateful they are that I served here. I want to see these people for the rest of my life (even though I don't want to live in Russia my whole life) and I hope that someday I will be able to come back to see everyone.
(Left - Татьяна and I after our last meeting with her. She is new member that we worked with) Лида (Lida) also wrote that wherever I am, I should know that there are people in Тольятти who love me, are waiting for me, and believe that we will meet again. When I look at the whole picture, I have really spent only a little time here, and yet these people have a big place in my heart. Another lady who was baptized a year ago and with whom we meet once a week, is waiting to see me tonight. The funny thing is, last week we met with her on Monday and Wednesday, she saw me on Saturday, Sunday, and on Monday she showed up at another appointment we had (it was with her best friend and I'm sure she was invited) and I am pretty sure that she would have loved to see us yesterday if she could have. She made sure several times that we were still going to come today and when we mentioned that someone else had invited us to come see them Wednesday, she got a startled look on her face. (Above - we stopped by the Adult Institute class to say goodbye. Агнесса (Agnessa), me, Вера (Vyera), Татьяна, and Валентина (Valentina) on the edge of the couch) She was relieved to hear that we had turned them down. I honestly don't know what I have done to deserve their love, but I am grateful for it. I am also grateful to leave now before I get too tired of being here.
Another lady, inactive member, wanted to call President to tell him that he can't take me away. Then when it was time to leave, she asked if we were coming again this week. (Left - me and Галина (Galina) after our final weekly meeting) When I told her I didn't know, she wouldn't let me go. She hugged me, held on to me and said that she wouldn't let me leave, that I would stay with her and become her fourth daughter.
One of our Armenian guys who works in our store offered to call President, too. When we told him that wouldn't make a difference, he was really sad. I can't even understand what the people here are feeling, I don't know what kind of impact I have had that makes them want to keep me here, but I am glad to know that I have done something.
Well, I guess I should wrap up. Next week I will be writing from a different city, far away from the one where I am now. And, hopefully my package to you will be on its way.

Love,
Сестра Атвуд

Well, I have great news . . . well at least it is great news for me. I have finally received my first transfer. I can't even explain how I feel right now. We found out last night and unfortunately that triggered a sobbing session for Sister Саргсян (Sargsyan). (Left - this is a very famous and popular statue. It is a tribute to loyalty. This dog's owner was killed in a car accident at this corner. The dog sat on this corner for 10 years waiting for his owner. People would bring the dog food and water, but he would not leave this spot. So, when the dog died, the city built this statue to remember the loyalty that was shown) Her worst nightmare has been realized. She is staying in Тольятти (Togliatti). Really, there is no work here for the sisters. It will be really hard for her to stay, but she says what will make it even harder is that her new companion doesn't speak or understand Russian very well (I don't know if that is really true because she came with me, but I guess that's what happens when you ALWAYS speak English with your companion and NEVER Russian). Anyway, I still feel good because I am out of here! The only problem is, I guess they haven't yet found a place for me. That is, they don't yet know where I am going. They have two options but they haven't decided which to do. (Right - this picture was taken on April 6, my half way mark of the mission. To make it something special, I wanted to do something special. So, I bought a tomato and put candles on it) My new companion will be Sister Bloxina (Блохина). She is from the Moscow mission but I don't know if that means she is actually from Moscow or from some other city in that mission. But I guess I will have time to find out. They say I will either be going to Ульяновск (Ulyanovsk - a city north of Тольятти) still along the Волга (Volga) or to Пенза (Penza), a city in the southern half of the mission. To get there I will have to go by train to Саратов (Saratov) and from there by train to Пенза. It should be a very interesting experience if that is the case. If not, I will probably just go by bus to Ульяновск. That would be a little weird because Sister Блохина has already served in Ульяновск. We shall find out, I guess. I will be leaving Тольятти on Friday the 21st. That is almost 7 months to the day from when I came. You can just imagine how glad I will be to see something new. Pretty much all I have seen in Russia is Тольятти, Самара (Samara), and Санкт Петербург (St. Petersburg).

Anyway, that is enough about that. What else do I have to say? (Left - at the Волга river) Thanks for sending the box, mom. I am looking forward to getting that. I love getting mail and packages. They always make me feel better because then I know that people are thinking about me. I am still trying to get my box sent off for you, but I haven't been able to yet. I will send it for sure before I leave Тольятти because I don't want to lug that stuff with me to my new area.

Hmmm. What else? I was sick last week, but you already knew that. I am feeling a lot better, but then Sister Саргсян (I remembered how to switch easily between Russian and English so I like that better) got sick so we spent most of Monday and all of yesterday at home. That was a killer. The only nice thing was that I got a lot done. I was able to read a lot, write in my journal, clean out my shelf, finish knitting my Russian flag, and other things like that. But by the end of the day I was just so tired of being at home. We didn't have any hot water, either, so I felt gross because I didn't take a shower. They shut it off for the entire city on Monday and they only just turned it on today . . . after we both had heated water on the stove to use. That was interesting.

Let's see. I'm going to make some films to send on one of the disks I am sending home. You can look at the disks, there will be pictures and movies, and you can even print the pictures if you want, but the disks are still mine. (Right - Elder and Sister Gunnell, senior couple missionaries, invited us over for dinner, so we went. This was an interesting night because my companion didn't speak much English and the Gunnells didn't speak Russian. I was the link between them. One time, my companion was telling a story and I was translating, but at one point I began to speak in Russian instead of speaking in English. Then I realized what I had done and had to repeat it in English) Oh, I will also be sending a couple of disks that won't be interesting to you because they are copies of disks from some of the Elders.

My companion needs 15 minutes more, so I'm not exactly sure what else to write.

The work is really slow here in Тольятти so I have nothing to say about that, though we are having another baptism on Saturday (that is if he doesn't smoke again before then). Yeah, that's about it. I guess I will write something in Russian.

Я люблю вас всех и скучаю тоже. Я рада быть здесь. Пожалуйста, пишите мне! Я хочу знать что происходить там. Я тоже хочу сказать что я очень благодарна за то, что я могу служить на миссий в Россий и учиться этому языку. Я знаю что я здесь по воле Бога и что, эта Церковь-истина.

С любовью,

Сестра Атвуд

P.S. That was a really big chore because I had to search for pretty much every letter. I guess it would get easier if I had to use it more, but for now, that will suffice. Try translating it, if you got the time. There will be a prize for anyone who can give the correct translation . . . that prize will be a big pat on the back, and the pride that comes with understanding another language. . . he he he.

This week has been a pretty bad week. I don't even know how to explain it. I'm a little sick right now, so that doesn't help, but everyday ends with a feeling of just being a dumb day, not necessarily wasted, just dumb.
First things first. Mom, thanks for doing my taxes. I appreciate that. It will be nice to have that in there in case I need to get something. My cd player broke, so it looks like I may need to get a new one. If my next companion has one then maybe I can hold out, but as it is I feel like I am going to go insane without it. The only problem is that everything here is more expensive than I would ever pay at home. It makes it discouraging because I don't want to buy anything then. I
don't know how long I can hold out without music.
It looks like we will be seeing General Conference a lot sooner than last time, in two weeks or so. Last time was more like a month. I hope Sara is feeling better. I haven't heard from her or Lizzy in a really long time. I hope that means that they've been sending letters. Really, I don't understand how they can have less time than I do. That tells me that it just isn't important enough to them to write me because if it was important, they would set aside time to write. Yeah, I probaly do want Chronicles of Narnia. Thanks mom. As for the box, if you haven't sent it off yet, I thought I should tell you. I mis-estimated and I only need 250 more sheets of paper. I forget that I had another package of 150 from last time, so that's not even that soon going to
run out, but since you are sending the puzzle, it would be good to send that off, too. (Above - While we were feeling sick, our DL, Elder Simmons, brought us some treats. He and his companion Elder Schenk, made brownies and brought us a Russian wafer cake. At the same time, he returned my companion's scarf) I want to get a package sent off. I have something for you for birthday/mother's day and something for dad for father's day/birthday, but then I also want to send a bunch of stuff that I just don't need. One of the Elders is sending a package today so he said he would let me know how much it costs, then hopefully I can get that sent off. Unfortunately, most of what is inside will just be my stuff, but I want to send all my film and you can look at those if you want to. It won't be very easy to see, but that way if you wanted to print something off, you could, and I won't have to carry them around Russia with me. Other than that I will probably be sending my completed journal pages and some material that I don't need here. I especially have to be careful because they told me that when I leave I won't have nearly as much weight as when I came, so that kind of sucks.
Anyway, dad, hopefully they won't find big bugs. I always hated correcting bugs. That's good to know about Bismarck then. I still don't know exactly, but we are all (as in the 10 or so of us going home at the same time) hoping that it won't be the 28th like they originally said. Honestly, that would be dumb to send us home three days AFTER Christmas. We will see what happens.
I really don't feel like writing much today. My head hurts, it looks like I have a sinus cold (but at least the Sudafed I have helps, though now I am almost out), and I've been sleeping a lot lately, so that doesn't make me feel good. I know that sounds weird, because it should make me feel better to sleep, but then I feel like I am wasting time and I end up feeling down, even though they say they want us to be healthy. Also, I am basically counting the days to transfers. I
really need to get out of Тольятти (Togliatti). I don't care where I go, I just can't be here much longer. Plus, I really think they might close Тольятти for sisters. Then maybe the members will learn to appreciate what they had while they had it.
Anyway, enough of that.

Love,
Сестра Атвуд