Time Stand Still

Ahh L'viv.  This was my second of many trips to that city.  I never got to serve there, but I visited a few times for conferences and later to go on splits with other missionaries.  It's an amazing city that plays a prominent role in much of Ukrainian history - it's one of Ukraine's cultural hubs.  Every trip to L'viv was an adventure and I'd love to go back.  For now, though, I'll have to be content with these e-mails and my memories.

"From: Grant Stoddard <gstoddard86@yahoo.com>
Date: February 8, 2006 1:26:24 AM AKST 1
Subject: my 2 cents - or kopek

Hi everyone. 

Sounds like everyone had good weeks...or not, either way...I heard from ya, and I appreciate it. 

To all my missionary pals, hey...keep up the good work, and to all my family and friends...you too! 

I hope your realize how valuable to me these emails are and how good it is to hear from ya every week...I don't know if I could do it out here without them. Everyone this week needs to let time stand still...be like a captain who's ship runs aground...just wait until the tide comes around. Life is great and we need to not get so caught up in the day to day stuff...that's my thought anyway. 

Ok, so I set a goal to do some more detailed emails...or at least try. Just cuz I think you'd all like to know. 

First thing, hope everyone was able to see on the webcam...doesn't sound like it, but what the hey...we stood and waved and stuff for like 5 minutes. 

Our new district consists of Elder Adair - he's from Rexburg, Idaho...he's sitting next to me right now and he's been out for 2 more transfers than I have...we're the younguns here. Elder Gashler - He's my companion, he's zone leader, he's one of the oldest in the mission with the other 3 elders in our group...he's from Wisconsin, but he doesn't have an accent cuz he wasn't born there, and he loves airplanes. He wants to have a jeep wrangler when he gets home and start teaching flight school until he can become a pilot. his parents are also coming to pick him up, and they were mission presidents in the Samara, Russia mission so he already knew russian. Elder Jolley - he's from Salt Lake City...he went to Bountiful, and from pictures I've seen and stuff, I would guess that he's right around Heidi's cousin Bryan's house, and Brayden's grandparents. He's from the same group, and he'll be going home later than all of the others cuz he chose to extend his mission. Elder Bowen - was in our group last transfer, he got demoted and now isn't in any leadership position...he's going home when elder Gashler and Elder Clark do which'll be here in 10 weeks. He's really cool and is from Burley, Idaho...and was a state champion in mimickry (drama talent...being a mime) Elder Clark - he's got the biggest mouth in the mission...literally, and my companion has the smallest...they all measured I guess. He's from Logan, Utah and has a unique personality and really like Halo for a while I guess. He's going home w/ Bowen and Gashler, and yeah...that's our district...then there's me of course. 

The Rivne District - (from left to right) Elder Adair, me, Elder Jolley, Elder Bowen, Elder Gashler, Elder Clark

 wow...so that was detailed

So our week...headed to Zone Conference on wednesday night...got there at like 1 am and stayed at the L'viv zone leader's house. then we had zone conference, and it was awesome...had some good talks...reconfirmed my faith that President and Sister Davis were called specifically for me, they talked alot on subjects I needed such as being yourself, preparing and you won't fear...and how fear is really the only thing that gets us down. We spent the time after walking around L'viv and scoping out the new church with this crazy guy who was in charge of building it...he's not supposed to let anyone in I think, so it's good to know the L'viv church is in good hands. then we got back friday morning around 3 am, had a pretty good day...of tracting, recent convert lessons with Dima and Roma, and stuff...Saturday we had a really gay day...we met with the mom of one of our investigators and had a 2 hour 5 minute lesson getting absolutely nothing accomplished...it was way frustrating, but then we had a cool little fireside on Family home evening that kinda picked it back up...I've noticed that happens alot...we have crap for days, but then one thing at the end'll kinda raise your spirit. so let's look for that one thing that redeems it every day.

The meetinghouse in L'viv.  When Elder Holland dedicated it he said that it could be used as a temple at some future time.

Sunday - Church...met this cool guy Denis who was referred, and everyone thought was a shady character, but turned out to be really interested...we taught him and now we're just trying to get back ahold of him...Monday was the bummer day of the week...oh man did it kinda blow...Hooray though for those normal people, bad bummer cold sucky experiences...we had a good day planned, lessons and stuff, and everyone ditched out on us...so we walked everywhere going to try and stop by some people, and couldn't find anyone...it was cold, I wasn't in the best moods...neither was my companion, so everything just wasn't going right. On that day I saw that way cool sunset too, but even that couldn't help...I mean it did a little, but just enough to keep going and trudge through. then we had family home evening at okcana's house and just picked everything up to get up on tuesday and go...P-day eve hooray...Really good day. It's like golf, you play and get so freakin' frustrated that you hate the sport and then you have an awesome hole at the end of your rope to keep on coming back for more. I love it! we taught our investigator Luda the 3rd lesson (the gospel of Jesus Christ) and it was awesome...you know the spirit was there cuz I had a good language time...and we just answered all her questions and stuff...it was great! went and did service w/ the young mens and made blonde brownies then delivered them to the branch president's wife (her name is Annya Deedooshok and his is Andrey Deedooshok by the way) then lunch...canned soup is a great idea for the future I had campbell's cream of mushroom and it was great...a lesson with a little girl who got baptized a while back, picked up a lesson with our investigator Sasha, who turns out is progressing really well, he just had a slip and fall injury that kept him from us this past week...and other good news stuff like that. It was great. 

That brings us to today. It's started out interesting cuz I locked the keys in the apartment, so we're gonna have to go get the spares from the branch president's wife..but we don't have a phone...so it may be a bit tricky. but other than that...it'll be really good I know it...it's p-day halle-freakin'-lujah...oh quick comment I used the phrase "pissed off" in my last letter...be it known - I am not perfect still. My halo hangs crooked, I become more and more the Grant that I've always been as I grow into my life here, rather than the person I thought I needed to be. Which as we remember is why i'm here, to show these people that great Grant Stoddard that can change the world one person at a time...with his freakin' beautiful figure, gorgeous locks, striking eyes, tight-round buttocks, and lack of humility - funny I can't ever remember that word in Ukrainian...must not be important ;) 

Anyway...that was my fun detailed letter...it took a while to write...it was slightly mischevious, but hey...that's me, I have a feeling you all won't mind.

 [Here I asked for some e-mail addresses, a copy of videos I made in high school, and suggestions for ward activities that we could do in our branch.]

that's my email for this week. Hope it was good. I love you all. Let time stand still...freeze this moment a little bit longer, it'll only happen once, then it'll change.

Oh, another quick thought - Life is a huge repetition...it reminds me of high school... you start out small, scared, looking up to older kids, wanting to be them, growing in confindence, learning who you are, getting to where you feel comfortable, enjoying it for a while, then your scenery changes and you start the process all over again. Ain't it great? we're gonna be so good at it by the end of this life, that we'll get to continue it in the life to come...hooray! I've noticed this and realize that I'm gonna let it happen...let nature take its course...realize that I'm normal...everyone else is going through it to...and do all I can to get to my comfort points and enjoy! then ride the rollercoster down and start up the climb once more. I'm glad I have tons of people i love to do it with me. 

Be safe, love one another, write me back. and have one heck of a week!
love, vash oolooblennee khlopets,
--Grant
Elder Stoddard"

June Roses

 "God gave us memories that we might have June roses in the Decembers of our lives."  Over the past 32 years, President Monson has repeated that phrase nine times in General Conference (don't believe me, look here!).  I thought it was great timing to read that this morning as it is currently December.  Looking back over these e-mails and pictures each week has definitely become a June rose, though I wouldn't say I'm in a December of my life.

Interestingly enough, I have had a number of experiences lately where I remember something random from my mission.  Last night, for example, I dreamed I was back in Ukraine buying the world's greatest soft drink, Zhivchik (see the picture below).  I'm baffled at how periods of time in my life that were so challenging, like my mission, are now fond memories to me.  This concept reminds me of a poem that I wrote shortly after I got back from my mission that I titled, "Current Memories."  Here it is:

I'm living current memories...

Events that when recalled here shortly, will call me to my knees.

You could say a current look back.

A look at how good things are happening,

And how my life is right on track.

Oh yes, I really should be pleased...

Because the Lord is right beside me

To lead me and to guide me

There's joy building inside me,

And these current memories...

Now as I face another day...

I notice a strange sense of direction.

Safety and protection.

Drop your doubt and hesitation

'Cuz it's onward to perfection!

...Don't chase your dreams away!

Just listen when I say,

"Live your current memories."

Rather juvenile, I'll admit, but the concept is sound: when struggling through anything, realize that you will someday look back on that trial with some measure of fondness.  Try to find joy in the journey now and know that things are going to pick up.  That's been my life lesson this week.  What was yours?

Yum.

"From: Grant Stoddard <gstoddard86@yahoo.com>

Date: February 1, 2006 1:00:37 AM AKST

Subject: dobre den

Hi everybody,

It's great to hear about life back home from everyone...I opened my mail today and there were tons, didn't think I'd ever be able to get through it, but here I am...just another example of enduring to the end ha ha ha. 

Anyway, this week has been way good...it started warming up, plus I had good gloves, and good boots...which by the way boots were so hard to come by...no one in their right mind sells size 47 (European) boots...especially fur lined cool looking ones...but I ended up finding some that were size 45 that fit and worked out for me...so all is well. 

We had a way good week as far as work, we started just teaching and teaching and teaching and ended up with like 30 lessons...including ones from contacts (something that sounds foreign in the provo area :)) and tracting and things like that...it was way good, and helps me with my language quite a bit...as well as teaching skills, cuz now I just go up to people and teach teach teach. Elder Gashler and I play a pretty cool game all the time in which we give one another words to use as we contact or door approach or what not...it usually has some pretty funny results (i.e. have you ever stopped by los angeles? did you go fishing today...which the guy miraculously said yes to...and hello, my name is lawnmower...I mean elder stoddard) it's a lot of fun, and just gets us smiling and also, surprisingly people become more interested in these weird americans. 

Elder Gashler and a kitty - an example of us being "weird Americans."

We taught a really cool guy that talked about how anything that draws someone closer to Christ is good, and that we're doing a great job out here doing exactly that. He has his own radio station in which he plays a bunch of Christian music, and recordings of the bible...it was way cool. 

Speaking of the Bible, I finished the New Testament the other day...if anyone's looking for some good reading, I highly recommend it...especially the book of Revelation - it was freakin' awesome (try references with D&C 77, and Joseph Smith Translation) wow...fun stuff. 

We have zone conference tomorrow with Lutsk and Lviv...it's gonna be way cool, cuz everyone from my district in the MTC'll be there except Elders pace and jackson, but it'll still be good to see some of those other guys and see how they are progressing in language and in life. 

Elder Gashler and I have started a diet...no worries, I took a nutrition class I know what to avoid and stuff (haha, yeah I know it all)...in which we only eat soup and salads at lunch, we run every other morning, we don't eat candy and all that, but rather fruits and breads...which by the way the little mandarin oranges over here, are awesome...and all that jazz. We just talked about how he's going home in a few months, doesn't want to be fat, and everyone always puts on some weight in the winter time, I figured what the hey...it's not that hard, it's not that long, and I've already felt like I can see results. it's pretty good. Can't wait till summer still :) 

I think now that I look back on that that I may have already mentioned it...well, tough. 

Life is good. Things are still hard, but it is good. I, the awesome, imperfect Grant Stoddard, have to admit one little flaw now. Does everyone remember how I said that I got all the good genes? well, I think I see some bipolar flair up every now and again. It's not the rage, I wanna kill the whole world, type, but every now and again I'll have just a bummer sad day...even if it's right after our best day ever...it pisses me off...I do, really all that I can, and pray...read scriptures those sort of things and miraculously everything picks up. More of that "God of Miracles" stuff. 

I had one or two people mention feelings like that this last week in e-mails, and I (get ready for the sermon part) think it's amazing that I read the article I did today. It was called the profound power of gratitude by Thomas S. Monson, and it was way good. My favorite quote from it...dealing w/ something that has been hard...because I have all these vivid memories of things that I miss - camping, movies, music, people, friends, family, tak dali (etc.) - hit me like a ton of bricks today and it's perfect. It goes like this, "God gave us memories, that we might have June roses in the December of our lives." It talks about how greatful we should be, and I just thought about that in a positive outlook...I have all of those vivid memories and things to be grateful for and I truly am. I still miss all of those things at the moment, it doesn't change that fact...but I know in the long run, everything'll be back to normal...and even further down the road, every other thing will be restored in all its perfectness...the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ strikes again. 

anyway. It's February now...January, the long month is past, now we have just 28 days of this and then it's March and hopefully warmer. plus...there's a bunch of birthdays and valentine's day in there, so it'll go by like a blur. 

I hope you all know how grateful I am for all of you. and for the fond memories that I have of you. I'm grateful to the Lord for giving me such great examples and role models and people to learn from in my life. I'm grateful for my attitude, my learning experiences and philosophy on life. People do what people do...we all need to learn to forgive, to compromise, and to continue loving people even if we don't condone their actions...that's been my life lesson this week. What was yours? 

Anyway...in case anyone doesn't notice...I have an affinity (vocabulary word mom) for writing. I enjoy it, and get caught up in it...and because I look at all this like journal entries as much as emails home...I will continue to write in the style that I do. It's kinda therepeutic I must admit. 

Anyway. Someone asked me how my church is. Church is interesting here. I try to listen, but I try to learn to. People speaking in Ukrainian/Russian/Serjick (a mix) w/ words I don't completely understand, is tough...but as I strive to listen, and all, it's interesting because I'm beginning to follow what is going in the conversation, and at least know what we're all talking about. I don't input much, but it's still quite a thing to behold. 

I'm gonna start teaching the intermediate english class...we'll see how that all works out. our new district is composed almost entirely of elder gashler's mtc group with me and Elder Adair in there too. it's cool, but tough to infuse yourself into something that tightly bound already. it'll work though, I know it. 

Anyway. I think that's about it as far as news is concerned. We've really done a lot of finding people...we've got a guy named Sasha and his family who came to church, they're way cool, and just ready to start teaching. We've also got some people who are frustrating because they're ready, we just can't meet with em, or when we do they don't really care. whatever, all is well. 

Oh quick news...Elder Gashler reminded me. We have a webcam here in Rivne, it's live and you can view it online...I don't know the address...get a hold of my mom to find out more...but if anyone's interested in maybe seeing elder Gashler and I run in the morning here next week...get on and view Tuesday Night (your time) at 9:45 p.m. to 10:00p.m. we'll be right in center and try to do something to catch your attention...then, you can quickly write and tell me if it worked and I can respond and talk about it with you that day (cuz it'll be pday for us) 

all is well. Love everyone. Have fun w/ each other. Do what is right, let the consequence follow. 

Love you all.

peace out, life is peachy.

--Grant

Elder Stoddard"

Frozen Nostrils - Quite an Experience

Here's a real long one.  Oh man it was cold.  I really thought that my fingers were going to fall off.  I had people telling me that it was the coldest winter in 40 years or so.  It sure felt like it.  Not sure that Joseph Smith really said anything like I quoted him as saying, but I do believe that that principle is right.  Trust your gut and you'll be right most of the time.

"From: Grant Stoddard <gstoddard86@yahoo.com>

Date: January 25, 2006 1:18:45 AM AKST

Subject: Brrr from Rivne

Hi everyone,

Life is the coolest, biggest, greatest learning experience. I love it, I must admit. I quite honestly learn more daily from experience than I ever learned in high school - for instance I'm a hands on learner. The stuff I use regularly is the stuff I remember. Yeah I can do all of the bookwork and stuff and then when times roll around for tests or whatnot, I can cram and pass...but I soon forget that stuff and I haven't really "learned" it. I think it's like that with the language. I go out and talk and just do it and I've seen a fast, dramatic improvement. Elder Hassell, as he left, told me that my language is uncanny, and that I'm doing great. I always deny this at an attempt to have humility (everyone knows how hard that is for me) but I do see how well things work out as you try your best day by day and just do all you can to be a good person. It's interesting how views change constantly in some aspects and new things are adopted and discarded, and more understanding about everything comes day by day in an eternal progressive roller-coaster ride. 

Ain't it great? 

So anyway...thanks once again for everyone's emails, love, support, prayers, hard work, and simply being who you are. I've been very fortunate in my life to have wonderful teachers all around me, and I do even now...great person that Heavenly Father...he takes care of me. 

It has been insanely cold here! something like 26 below on the celsius side (17 below F I think) and alas, still no gloves, and still no boots...BUT, I'm getting some today so no more worries about any of that :) 

Hoar frost on the trees.  First time I'd ever seen it.  It was freezing! 

A random thought I just had right now, as I ponder people's emails, and such - The person the Lord wants me to be, and wants all of us to be, is the person that I want to be.

I had a breakthrough this week with an understanding of how I don't have to do everything perfectly for Him, or do all that He wants (or what I thought he wanted)...I have to do my best, love everybody (make em feel good about themselves), and be that awesome kid whom all of you love so freakin' dearly for some reason...oh that's right I'm FETCHIN' awesome. 

haha. 

Yeah, so my council to all you folks back home. Listen to your hearts...it's cool, the prophet Joseph Smith taught us that if we go with our gut feelings, 90% of the time, we'll get it right. That also goes as far as living our lives...do what feels best, what you should be doing and you'll probably be right. Don't do anything because you think others want you to, and will only love you for that, do the things that you feel good about, and if people don't love or appreciate you for that...screw 'em...the only ones who matter do (not just those people here on earth for that matter either). Just be you...that's the key.

Yeah, so...back to it being cold...IT HAS BEEN SO COLD. Just have to say it again. but, the sun is coming out more...at least for now, and everything seems to be warming up...funny how we as people are so like the seasons...something I've heard is that the work and the people here reflect the temperature...things are warmer when it's warmer...we'll keep praying for that. 

The week has been nuts. with Elder Hassell leaving, our work was a little crazy...I went on an exchange with elder McArthur in my area for a day and I got to be senior companion and plan everything out...it was way good, I had everything planned it was all gonna work...then like those horror, humbling stories everyone hears...everything fell through. even our tracting to make up for it sucked...so I was walking outside on the 2nd coldest day since I've been here all day. Bummer eh? 

Then, We had to get ready for this activity we were putting on for the ward - summer time in the winter - and I was on yet another exchange to gather up a bunch of stuff and get everything worked out for that...that was the coldest day, and again I was outside for quite some time. Saturday was good...had awesome service, in which I got to play with little kids and pretend like I was a dinosaur (how cool is that)... then we prepared for our activity, and had a lot of fun...I was in a skit w/ the other elders dressed up as a girl on a Dating Game for Elder Hassell back at home getting married...I was the big manly one who liked garlic and eating...What? :) 

Sunday was Elder Hassell's last Ukrainian church, and we had a lot of him saying bye to the members and stuff then we shipped him to Kyiv and I stayed the night with elder Bowen and McArthur...the crazy thing is McArthur and Pinkerton in all that suddenly were told to pack their bags and they were getting transferred on Monday morning...so we shipped them off... and were left in a Threesome all alone in Rivne, Ukraine. It was nuts...and somehow, by a miracle (elder Bowen's phone didn't work and I had to pick up some clothes to sleep over at his house, and that somehow put us the right spot at the right time...the Lord's hand in everything) we got a phone call telling us that tomorrow (Tuesday morning) at 5:00 am, my new companion was coming in. So we went to get him, his name is Elder Gashler and he's great...he's showing me all the fun you can have as a missionary like playing games while tracting and really lightening up and not taking life so serious...something I stupidly started doing on my mission...and for our first day, we had a lot of fun...it has also been really cool, cuz I was able to feel important cuz I had to lead him everywhere and work all that stuff out, I'm the one who knows it all now :)

That brings us to today...it was awesome, we got up and went running at 6:30...yeah I know...remember, it's freaking cold too...but it was great, something that we're gonna do more, and I loved it. I feel so good right from the get go and yeah...it's great.

today we're getting stuff to fix our showerhead, get gloves, boots, other random stuff like that, and I can tell things are picking up and gonna get going really well. I like Elder Gashler a lot. He's from Wisconsin and he really wants to be an airline pilot. Airplanes are his passion. He lived in Ukraine for 2 years prior to his mission, and knew Russian already and knows Ukrainian really well. He has about 3 months left and plans on living somewhere warm. Is that descriptive enough for everyone. It's cool, cuz we're kinda working to get to know a lot of investigators whom I heard about but never met with, and find some of our own and get a baptism for this month - that's a mission goal (baptism every month) so it'll be done, and I'm gonna have one heck of a good time too.

I got a bunch of mail - lots of cards from the ward for Christmas, a card from the Den Boer family with pictures of Heidi's baptism, and drawings from the girls. No packages yet :(, but oh well, I'll have faith that I'll get them sometime in the next year or so...if not, all is well. 

I love you guys. Each and every one of you who receives a copy of this email. You're all perfect the way you are, don't ever think otherwise. Remember that the Lord wants you to be who you are for a reason...and that the gospel isn't something to spite you or control you. It's a perfect plan devised by a perfect Father who knows and loves each of us, who knows how to help each of us reach their potentials. It's something, I've learned, that is for everyone, just in different ways, and at different times. However, don't ever forget that the Lord loves you, and that his hand is always stretched out waiting patiently for you to come to him and walk and talk. It's sometimes hard for me to remember that, and that not everyone is as enthusiastic about it all and that's ok because it's not their time. I hope everyone knows that I'm here to share my joy and love and excitement, because I know it can do the same thing for every person in the planet that it has done for me...it's all just a matter of timing and patience, and that includes members of my own family. Don't ever forget that I love you, that you're great the way you are...The gospel is set in place so as to help us STRIVE to be perfect, but no matter what we're all gonna fall short. Here's an awesome quote - don't be a pharisee. I love it. Be you, and simply do your best, and as you do (as with physical excercise) you become stronger and stronger, better and better. That's my great lesson this week, that and listening...it's amazing how as I listen more intently...truly listen (meaning I don't focus on what I need to get said when others talk) I understand more of this language, and the feelings of others. It's one of those great side effects of serving on a mission that I'm gonna come back and be better at...good news for all hooray! 

Anway...after that long old rant, I'd like to request pictures of me doing things at home...having fun, football, track...the people here are obsessed with getting to know you and where you came from, and I don't have any pictures of the cool stuff I've done in my life...it'd be fun to have...also of school leadership and junk. it'd be awesome.

Will everyone do me a favor and try to openly pray with someone else this week. I get assured all the time that I'm in everyone else's prayers, and I don't doubt that for a second, I thank you for that...but try something, try praying with someone else. Think about how the Lord listens to one of his children's prayers, how much louder is something when there's 2 or more? Couldn't hurt could it? I know that it's a cool thing to pray knowing that the other people are there hearing and adding their faith at the same time. We do it as companions and stuff. I know it works.

well, it's time to draw to a close. I love everyone, miss you all, but am figuring out how to live my life without you who I'm close to there to catch me when I fall. Kinda cool I must admit. 

Love one another,

--Grant

Elder Stoddard"

We Rely on Him

Ah ketchup on bread.  I can happily report that I learned how to make much better, healthier food as time wore on.  In the beginning, however, I was not sure how to do anything.  It seemed like every skill I had developed before the mission was set aside because I was so focused on learning the language, the gospel, and how to manage time that I actually took a step back in my intellectual capability.  That and I was really just being led around by Elder Hassell and not confident enough in myself or my knowledge of how things worked in Ukraine to push for food other than shelled peanuts and ketchup bread.

I was just reminded of the train ride out to Rivne.  It was dark when we boarded, and the guys on the train just had to be KGB (Soviet secret police) and I didn't have my passport because they needed it at the office.  I thought I was a goner, destined for a labor camp in Siberia for sure.  Elder Hassell, though, was able to say something or do something to appease them and I was able to make it in one piece.  I depended on that guy for everything for that first transfer.  I sure hope that someday I get to thank him adequately for keeping me alive for six weeks.

I feel the same way about my Savior.  Jesus Christ stands between me and Heavenly Father and advocates for me.  He says what needs to be said ("Look, I was punished for this kid's sins.") and gets me into His kingdom.  He leads me around, guiding me to adequate spiritual nourishment.  He holds my hand at every major crossroad and I am grateful for him.  I do my best to show him that by serving others.

During this season of Christmas, it's easy to remember Christ and His benevolent sacrifice on our behalf.  May we learn to always remember Him and recognize just how much we rely on Him from day to day.  He's keeping us alive, spiritually, after all.

"From: Grant Stoddard <gstoddard86@yahoo.com>Date: January 18, 2006 2:11:17 AM AKST
Subject: general stuff 

Dear Everyone,
today was interesting w/ internet...we had to go get haircuts so we printed our mail and read it while waiting for one another so I'll probably be able to answer a few more questions than normal...so this letter'll be a bit shorter. 

Everything is going great...I learn so much almost daily...about life, about work here, about dealing w/ others, you name it, I figure stuff out about it all the time. 

First, a funny story...so houses are really small here, sometimes people only have one room and it's cramped (I think I mentioned this before) well, we were at this ladys house with one of those situations and just waiting until a taxi showed up so we could help her move her tv, when from out of no where, she pulled her kid (little Genna from pictures) and made him potty train right in front of us :)...it was really funny to me, but I simply laughed inside. just normal to them I guess. 

Me and Genna.  He was having fun being pushed around on the floor by the broom.  I was having fun pushing him. 

what else are ya gonna do? 

as far as telling you all the nitty gritty details of each day, I figure I'll kinda sum it all up a little more...this week wasn't as interesting I guess, we had a lot of the same old stuff...tracting, handing out stuff to teach english, which by the way is held in the church and pretty cool...it has been a bit until I've realized that I'm just helping them all learn english and all I have to do is be their friend and it's way fun. So yeah English is great...
then we do lessons with recent converts and members and such, and also some with investigators. looking at it from this perspective we do quite a bit, even though as I go through it I still don't feel like I accomplish a lot. I guess it's one of those big picture thingies. 

so that's about it as far as the week is concerned. Today's a busy day...we've got internet...pick up a few random things (shower head, crayons, a new towel so I can alternate laundry, etc) Did I mention we have a lady who sometimes comes and cooks for us? She's really cool and the Branch President's Wife, and pregnant...as far as I'm concerned, she can do anything...and she's way nice... We also have a laundry lady...haha the truth comes out...life's not as bad as you all thought. Well actually, the laundry lady has only started to come regularly the past 2 times, so it has been rewearing some older stuff... 

but aside from all that, all is well...I find it very funny cuz I always seem to want to write that right after I read the part in the Book of Mormon that says, "wo unto those who say all is well in zion" (which I did today weird eh?) 

But yeah. 

random story, you all'll probably think is gross, but whatever, you're 6,000 miles away...so I remember when Grandma Grant told me about Uncle Bobby eating ketchup sandwiches as a kid...well I wanted to throw up and whatnot every time I heard that, but funnily enough I've become addicted to ketchup - especially cuz they have all these cool kinds here (spicy mmmmmmm) and I actually tried the ketchup on bread thing and it's not terrible. I talked w/ my companion about it and we think that the Lord can also give gifts to make food taste good to you. I figure, that's what I've got to munch on, and it works. 

so thank you all for just the random notes about home...I think they make for an entertaining read...I like to hear life is still normal and everyone is moving on, because it's something that helps me to know that everything is ok - change in life is normal: big lesson I've learned this week 

Quick request - Church talks on tape (like about Joseph Smith, or Life is a football game...fun stuff like that) cuz I like to listen to them in the morning as I excercise.
Also pictures of normal life...unfortunately, mail isn't the coolest, but if you send em I'll get em eventually - how it works is all the mail goes to KYIV, and then they send it out...when, who knows? as I'm out here, I've heard we get it about 4 times a transfer...so it's better than nothing is how I see it... packages, I've no clue on...if there are any they'll at least get to me on transfers so whatever...patience - another crucial lesson
well, as far as general stuff...I think that's about it... I'm glad everyone is doing well. Keep smiling...I know I've got quite a fan club, and I thank you for your prayers and love.
Let the sunshine in...right now, it doesn't sound like it's around for any of us, so soak it up when you can :) 

I love you all!
--Grant
Elder Stoddard"

The Gospel Anchor

Not a whole lot of time for commentary this morning.  I will say this: I was touched by my testimony at the end of the letter.  My friend Heidi had lost her mom to leukemia while I was in the MTC and that's what I was referring to when I said,

"We've all learned hard lessons about parting from people we hold dear in the last little while. Always remember that. Remember that the love of the gospel and its principles can help with ANYTHING."

Well, now I've lost a son and have needed to hold onto that faith even stronger.  I know that what I said then is true.  The gospel is everything in my life.  It serves as an anchor, not as a restricting tether, in this crazy world.  I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to learn those things while serving a mission.

"From: Grant Stoddard <gstoddard86@yahoo.com>

Date: January 11, 2006 1:04:16 AM AKST

Subject: I've been in Ukraine for 28 days?!?!

Who's ready for a sermon...hee hee 

Wow family... 

I say that cuz you're all family...we are all such freakin' amazing children of a loving heavenly father! HOORAY. 

So first off...wow...Nicole's in Arizona, and Brayden's in the mtc...someone get me his mtc box and info so I can dear elder him...joels too if poss...also nicole's email as soon as you find out. 

next...how am I? I'm doing great. 

things just pick up and pick up and pick up...the language is still a very difficult barrier, but one I know that I'm capable of overcoming. all is well, all is well.

the work has still been kind of slow...but it's picking up. holidays are getting over...hallelujiah...and we're finding more and more people...I guess just in time for me to drop a companion and start figuring stuff out for myself here...that is if I get to stay (transfers are top-secret/confidential cool huh?) I do know that Elder Hassell is headin' out, so that's a certainty. 

Let's take a look back at the week...one of the cool things is we have these planners and I just look back and can give a quick description of stuff...no worries, I'm keepin a hold on the planners so we can all gather round and look at them upon my return.

We teach English twice a week...not sure if I mentioned that, tuesdays and thursdays...and those mornings we take care of handing out a bunch of english flyers and this past week we had a lot of fun doing it...I'm feeling more and more comfortable all the time to just get in someone's face and saying "hey do you know english?" it's not that bad at all...then as they talk to me...I understand what I can...and smile when I can't, it's great. seriously though...I'm on a positive note w/ the lang (still don't know it, but i'm learning how to accept that a little better). 

so we had some members come do that with us...okcana and ira...they're like gung ho on missionary work and helped us out a ton...we handed out quite a few books of mormon and flyers and invitations...the best ones being the the santa clauses that are out on the street for pictures...they accepted...and one of the big mice guys wants to start having meetings w/ elders bowen and mcarthur. Cool eh?

No idea who the mouse guy is.

Had a really good wrap up to the Plan of Salvation lesson w/ this girl named marina...unfortunately we have to stop meeting w/ her since she's going to Kyiv, but we hit her hard w/ commitments and testimonies...throughout the lesson we really weren't feeling the spirit at all, I guess she'd just ripped in to the member we were gonna have teach with us and she went home all sad...so we were kinda down on the fact that Marina isn't very nice...well I sit there in the lesson...I'd gone over my part w/ death and the spirit world and was kinda just...blah, and then I looked at the picture of Jesus hanging on the wall...let me bear testimony of the importance of artwork of sacred things - they're amazing...anyway...I looked at him and got hit hard...This is the plan of FREAKIN' salvation! this girl needs this more than anything in her life! she needs this knowledge and to know what to do in order to live again with our loving Heavenly Father and Elder Brother Jesus Christ and eternal families and all of that. What's more important, she needs to understand the truthfulness of it, and the amazing blessing it is to have this through the modern revelations of Prophets in our timE! and how does she do that? BY READING THE BOOK OF MORMON...da da da!! So she hadn't really been much of a lesson, and we finished the principles...kingdoms of glory, and I said..."look at that picture of Jesus"...he loves you...do you love him...she said yes and I said he wants you to return to him and do what's right...I said she needs to do what is right and that this plan we've just taught is the outline of what we've got to do...I testified of its truthfulness and how she had to know if it were true or not...the very nature of her soul depended on it. I spoke boldly and, "with meekness and mildness (that's a scriptural thing that I loved when I found, cuz I needed a little more of it)" and simply hit up how important it was for her. And it was amazing...the spirit was so strong and Elder Hassell told me afterward, it was one of the best testimonies he's ever heard on it, and as he watched her...he could tell she was influenced...well he committed her hard core to pray even if she has to catch pnemonia out in the cold doing it to find out if it's all true, and if it is...she'll be baptized...little surprise for her...it is true, so theorhetically...she's gonna be baptized :)...I have faith ;)

Teaching Marina 

anyway...so that was really good. then we've had a lot of lessons with members (recent converts/less actives) and they've been really good...A lot of them have started asking really deep doctrinal questions...stuff I myself am not completely knowlegeable on, in english let alone Ukrainian and it's been awesome how the Lord has helped me to resolve some concerns by going to the basics of all things. That's one of the greatest things I've learned thus far...go to the basics...is the Book of Mormon True? Was Joseph a prophet? Did our Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ appear to him? it's so amazing to look at that and answer yes and then know what you have to do (i.e. some amazing girl overcoming the adversity of a family in order to be baptized) 

Had a lockdown on Sat. for their Christmas...we went and planned an activity we'll be having and got that all squared away. then slept over at Bowen's and McArthur's.

good Sunday...had an hour of church...I bore my testimony :)...it's amazing I can do that and tell all the members there that I Love Them and thank them for helping me feel at home...yay for them and learning! Made an awesome dinner...oh ps I'm a ketchup fan now...of fried potatoes...farsch (hamburger) w/ basically ketchup and some spaghetti sauce mixed making a really good sauce and noodles...I tell ya what...it was better than most things I've had back home...how I've grown eh? 

Then elder Hassell and I got a little closer as we had a really good talk...he's leaving Rivne in about 10 days can you believe it?! We can't. Stayed the night at Bowen and McArthur's again so as to send in numbers for the week (Hassell's Zone Leader work) 

Went on exchanges with elder Adair (mom, he's the one in the picture's of the pancakes)...had some good lessons and finding experiences...found them some people and helped give a baptisimal commitment to this guy who's really interested. 

So I didn't sleep in my bed for 3 nights in a row...kinda a bummer...but yesterday I hooked up w/ Elder Hassell again...had Vika skip out on our lesson where we were gonna get her baptisimal date and stuff worked out, and worked a bit w/ Okcana about some of her deep questions about polygamy and eternal marriage and how she's kinda confused about it all...her big question was why the Lord chose at this time to recall polygamy (as w/ Abraham and Jacob and Isaac...but w/ Solomon and David it was bad...all those tough questions I didn't think would be present in Ukraine of all places?!) and I just thought about this thing about the Christlike attribute of Humility and Patience I'd read in Preach My Gospel that I really liked...and go figure we were in the Church's Library and they have Ukrainian Preach My Gospels. So I grabbed it and we talked about obedience and how I have no clue why it was a commandment of God...it's hard for me to accept...but I have a testimony of how Joseph was an obedient servant and brought it into the church because the Lord asked...and we should follow his example and be obedient and follow the Lord even when he tries our faith as in this time...she really understood that and kept thanking me last night for how I taught that...she says I have the answer she always needs...last time was faith is not to have a perfect knowlege...lol. Poor Okcana, I wish I could have the other answers for her. all is well though...she's easily our strongest member. 

then I taught English w/ Elder Bowen and got to sleep in my bed. YAY 

that was my week. 

fun fun eh? 

Family...something I thought was funny...it mentions wickedness and geneology in this one - Titus 3:9...I couldn't help think of all our people who are obsessed w/ dead people...haha kidding. 

Hope all is well with everyone individually. 

I love you...hope you know this. 

Love one another...can you believe I've been gone as long as I have? Wow...goes fast when you look back...but not ahead....that's been my key to sanity. Look back from time to time, and focus on the present (it's a gift remember) 

I just would like to tell you all how greatful I am for the man Joseph Smith. Boy one things for sure...I know that he saw God and Jesus Christ. I couldn't manage here if I didn't know 100 percent that that were true...and that through this knowledge...we have proof that our Heavenly Father loves us, and wants what's best for us...Jesus lived, died and resurrected, showing us what we need to do in this life...how we ought to live and how we ought to be toward one another. 

Love each other. We've all learned hard lessons about parting from people we hold dear in the last little while. Always remember that. Remember that the love of the gospel and its principles can help with ANYTHING. when in doubt pray. the power of it is real. I promise. If you have any doubts about anything I've said...here's my answer for ya - READ THE FREAKIN' BOOK OF MORMON...it's proof of EverythinG! and I mean it. 

Thank you for your examples. you are all great. Sorry no pictures...the comp is dumb today, and i wrote a lot longer than expected. 

KKLLHH! (kiss kiss love love hug hug...for those who don't now)

--Grant

Elder Stoddard"

The MTC and the Big Party Afterwards

Thanks for all the comments on the last post.  They gave me a lot of ideas about how to improve these posts.  Good 'ol Mom sent me a Dropbox folder full of pictures that I sent home (good thing because my other ones are probably all packed right now) and suggested that I add pictures to the posts.  I thought that was a great idea, so you'll get a lot today.

My friend Seve Isaacs also made a comment and I began thinking that this blog will miss an important part of my mission: my experience in the Missionary Training Center (MTC).  With that said, I thought I'd write a quick overview of my experience there.

I was at the Provo MTC from September 28, 2005 to December 14, 2005. Initially there were six other Ukrainian-speaking elders with me. Elders McGary and Jackson were a companionship; Elders Isaac, Johnson, and Higbee were a three-some; and then there was me and my companion, Elder Pace. We had three amazing teachers to begin with - Брат (pronounced brat as in bratwurst and means brother) Carrier, Сестра (pronounced Sestra, means sister) Naumova, and Брат Barabash, who was from L'viv Ukraine. Sister Naumova and Brother Barabash left us while we were in the MTC, Brother DeGroot came in toward the end.  Their job was to teach us the gospel, how to teach, and how to speak Ukrainian.

My companion, Elder Pace

The crew minus Elder McGary.  He ended up leaving earlier than all the rest of us because he'd been in the MTC learning Russian before we all got there.

For twelve long weeks we worked to learn how to teach people that Jesus Christ suffered for the sins of mankind and that the Church of Jesus Christ had been restored to the earth by a prophet named Joseph Smith (for more information about all of this, visit this website).  We also received instruction from modern-day prophets and apostles, sang in choirs, exercised, ate delicious food, served in the temple, did laundry, wrote letters home, attended church meetings, talked with people over the phone about the church, got haircuts, and had a lot of fun doing it all.  The MTC is like a little community and has just about everything a person could ever want or need.

And then we were shipped to the country.  Some of us (I speak only of myself really) felt inappropriately confident in our language abilities and preparedness.  Don't worry, we would all soon learn just how difficult life as a missionary could be and just how good we had had it back at the MTC, a sheltered environment to say the least.

The e-mail below is another juicy one.  So much could happen in one week.  Oh wait, that hasn't changed.  So much is still happening in each hectic week.

"From: Grant Stoddard <gstoddard86@yahoo.com>
Date: January 4, 2006 4:58:51 AM AKST
Subject: There was sunshine...blessed sunshine ;)

Hi all.I figure, everyone gets to read this so I'll say all.  First off thank you so very much for all of the emails.  I love them all...don't ever hesitate to write, or i might go crazy.  I have to tell you the coolest thing.  We had sunshine for the first time the other day...it was wonderful and glorious...halle-freakin'-lujah!  :) 

No seriously though, I was beginning to think it wasn't a real thing, so it's good to know the sun works here too. 

All the snow melted and then it's back today...the past few days had been really nice, now it's cold once again...bummer, oh well all is well. 

Couple of quick random things - Scriptures:D& C 29:39 - No bitter, no sweet.  Oh man, let me tell you this scripture just got me.  It was discovered and instantly one of my favorites cuz i desperately needed it.Next - this one's to make you know I'm still a normal Grant Stoddard guy - 1 Tim. 2:11-14...I still laughed :)D & C 38:7 - This one I found after I prayed and prayed accusing the Lord of not being there with me...whoops, I guess I got told.k...that's outta the way. 

Things are doing a ton better!  It's kinda weird though, I still have tough days, it's just getting less and less frequent.  This week i can say I didn't think about home as much...i kept my focus on what I needed to be doing and learning, and the time just cruised buy...i've been in this country for 21 days now, can you believe it? 

not a ton as far as progress in our work is concerned...Elder Hassell has an interesting role as both a trainer and a zone leader so he has a whole other companion that we have to go visit (i.e. yesterday we went to lutsk) and so it's not like i have the full trainer attention directed toward me so I'm learning a bit about who I am and what I'm doing.  I had a big heart to heart talk with myself in front of the mirror the other day, very helpful, in which I told myself that I loved me, and we were gonna get through this and that for the first time in my life I'm kind of learning who I really am...we're gonna define Wesley Grant Stoddard...shall we...here's what I know - I work hard, I have wonderful family and friends, I love the Lord and his son Jesus Christ, I'm not perfect nor do I strive to be...no one at home expects it (hopefully) but more importantly my Heavenly Father and dear Older Brother don't either...hence the reason we have the whole Christmas season (He came to this world for imperfect people like me)...but no worries...I'm still workin' on it, and should be by the time I get home ;) 

We have this cool lady named Vika right now who is looking at baptism right now...our awesome recent convert okcana is pushing her and helping a ton...feel free to pray for her if you'd like 

Me and my anal nature are working on organizing our area book and ways of doing things right now...I figure as organized as I can do this, the more efficient and effective I'll be able to work.  I have a feeling, the organization's really gonna pick things up especially as these holidays get over (remember in Ukraine they have holidays and stuff up until the 14th).  

New Years Eve - went over to Elder Bowen (our District Leader) and Elder MacArther's apartments and watched a bunch of slide shows of elder macarther's girlfriend...we didn't have nothing else to watch except a thing in russian on joseph smith (don't worry we watched that too) and that was it...we also made donuts and drank this fake champagne stuff like sparkling apple cider...mmm mmm...although, funny story, remember how everyone drinks here, well this stuff is for babies and so as we walk out of the store, all the people laugh :) oh well 

Our district enjoying the greatest drink on the earth: Zhivchik

Elder Bowen and our homemade donuts 

we were in at 6 pm both new years eve and new years day...all the crazy drunk weirdos and all...and this saturday it looks like we're doing the same (their Chrismas...heidi's Baptism hooray) but on new years I read quite a bit, and wrote in my journal...not a whole lot.  Then monday we had this really big ward party starting at 5 and going until 9 so we were in there...but it was a lot of fun...our members are all so cool and loving etc...

which brings us to yesterday...yesterday was amazing...I went to lutsk with elder hassell and met up with elder woodruff and elder isaacs (he was from the mtc) and we went on exchanges...I was with elder isaacs - it was awesome...we don't understand anything, but we were able to go and work our butts off...getting in at night and just crashing cuz we were tired.  We taught and taught and taught...and talked to each other about our problems and kinda worked on how we could overcome them...we're all normal and struggling as newbies...thanks for pointing that out those that did. 

A castle in Lutsk.  Unfortunately, this was the only picture I really took while there with Elder Isaacs.

so yesterday was good. 

oh another quick note...we had our Branch President come and live with us for 5 days...I may have mentioned this, not sure, but it was great...he's such an amazing man, we'd come home and he'd have dinner made for us and we'd just talk about life and the gospel and how great it all was.  he was a lot of fun (and he let us borrow the projector and dvd player so we could watch elder macarther's slide shows)... 

President Didushok, Elder Hassell, and I enjoying a lovely dinner of pasta, sardines, some strange chicken patties, mayonnaise, and that baby champagne I referred to above (President Didushok made it.  That was some good 'ol authentic Ukrainian cooking.)  

here's a quick request and note...I haven't gotten any packages but it's all good...more stuff halfway through my mission eh ;) j/k, I dunno they'll get here sometime...but in the meantime if anyone ever gets the crazy idea to send one...I would love peanut butter and jerky... 

[Babble about e-mailing pictures.]

family and friends...I love you all.  you're truly wonderful...know you're always on the back of my mind and everything even if I get so caught up in the work that I forget to think about you sometimes haha j/k...but here was some advice given from the mtc that I've been thinking about.  Put both feet into the mission, and take both feet out when you get back home.  That's what I plan to do, and know that as I do...it'll be good...My best friend Brayden needed some attention in this letter...so hi...you're going in to the MTC SOON!  YAY!  And my other best friend (HJ) mentioned something that was great - in an eternal perspective 2 years is nothing.  truly...all is well. 

I love you all,love one another! give big hugs and kisses and let little things go please...there's so much good in all things to let the dumb things direct you.talk to you next week!  Kiss kiss, love love, hug hug 

--Grant"

Reflections on Rivne

It snowed last night. Hard. While I was watching it come down in large, fluffy flakes I began to think of Rivne, Ukraine seven years ago. It snowed a lot there, too. I remembered my apartment - a little one bedroom flat with kitchen appliances that seemed to be a hundred years old! The walls were adorned with large area rugs. And our landlord's stuff was packed in all of the closets leaving us the main living area to store our suitcases that were full of materials to last us for two years.

Main Room

Kitchen

Bedroom

It was a dark time for me, a culture shock to say the least.  I came from a comfortable middle-class lifestyle.  I stepped into a second-world country, complete with its Soviet apartments that hadn't been updated since the sixties.  It was cold.  It was dark.  It was discouraging.

As I reflected on these memories last night, I snuggled up next to my wife watching the large snowflakes float effortlessly to the ground.  I felt the warmth of the heater in my room.  I thought about the computers, TV, iPad, nice appliances, and other first world comforts that surrounded me at the moment.  I recognized that I am back in this comfortable middle-class life and am definitely not in need.  What a perfect realization for this time of year.

From: "Wesley Stoddard" <gstoddard86@myldsmail.net>

Date: December 28, 2005 1:01:13 AM AKST

Subject: Priveet from Rivne

"Hi all!

This is one gigantic letter which I am sending to all because time unfortunately is limited and yeah...

THANKS FOR THE EMAILS!!! yay, I have now had conversation with everyone...oh boy, there were a lot, with a lot of questions so I hope I cover em all...if not oh well, you all will still love me and be there upon my return ;)

Quick request though.  I found out that my myldsmail.com account doesn't have a lot of memory so please send letters to gstoddard86@yahoo.com - it has a ton more!

About letters and packages and stuff, haven't gotten any, but we got a shipment of mail today so i'll keep my fingers crossed.

Alright, a little about Rivne...

Rivne is pretty big, dunno how many people, but it's pretty big...much bigger than coalville anyway.  It's winter here, there's ice covering the ground 100% so it's tough to walk around...I've only fallen once and it wasn't that bad.

A fall mark.

The members here are amazing...I love em, and as time rolls along I'm finding more and more time to chit chat with em and I'm understanding and communicating a lot better...just cuz you can't understand words people say doesn't mean you can't read body language, or put things in to context with what you do know.  and I get other missionaries who can interperet as well...but I'm trying really hard to just have conversations by myself...and it's a lot of fun.

So I have a new goal...a lot of pondering over it today.  Mornings are really hard for me cuz there's a lot of quiet down time in which I can think a lot...lately about family and homesickness...but when I get outside, it kinda goes away.  So I'm open for suggestions as to how I can manage that an overcome slightly.  A tip i got from some of the other missionaries, and good old General Authorities is to lock up your heart.  I had an epiphany today when I began work on Heidi's tape...everyone else'll get one in due time, I just know where my priorities lie ;) j/k...but I was really sad thinking those dreadful thoughts about dear johns and whatnot...well I then decided that that was a stupid thought, that heidi's been my friend since 5th grade...she has a bunch of schooling still ahead of her...2 years isn't that much time for her to totally emigrate to khatmandu or whatever...the same principle applies to my family (with the exception of Cory and Chad going to Eastern USA lol).  You guys are there...you still love me...you're still going to love me throughout the 2 years...I can't do anything about what you guys do there here, so what the hey...I'll be ok! :)

So that was my battle with homesickness today and i overcame...good eh...anyway, back to my goal...I'm gonna try to go without missing or whatever each day but rather thinking of good things and all that crap.  Sounds fun right.

So on to the most FAQ's...

Christmas - it was good...while we were supposed to go out and work, it was an odd day...both Elder Hassell and I have 2 sets of parents so we got double the phone calls...hooray for divorce :)...then, it was Sunday so we still had church and all...not a whole lot of time other than that...it was pretty relaxing and good to talk with family...best present ever.

K, quick new story, we have this recent convert named Okcana...she's the coolest...she's always positive and upbeat...yada yada.  Well she was sick yesterday and called us over to give her a blessing.  So I did the anointing and Elder hassell did the blessing and as it all went down I was amazed and totally overcome with the greatest feeling...If I weren't there, she wouldn't be getting the blessing, without missionaries sucking up the harsh weather and dreariness she never would have found the gospel and found the true happiness she feels now...she tells us all the time that we are her happiness and we've given her reasons to live (her daughter died a little while ago I found out...very sad) it made me realize how truly blessed I am.  I look at my life, compare it to others and I have it really good.  I have a wonderful family, who's world has stopped turning because I'm gone...no humility yet ;)...I have awesome friends who are taking good care of each other, who love me very much and I know I need not worry about.  I have the gospel in my life, eternal happiness in other words, and I know I'm doing what's right...plus look at it this way...I don't have to deal with all the chaos of regular everyday life...Woman, you know what I'm talking about right.  Life is great, and as i write this email i realize it more and more.  That doesn't change the fact that I miss you all to tears...literally...but I can be happy, and I can find peace in those tough morning times and times where there's no sunshine and the styrofoam is falling off the buildings around here.  I have the gospel, a wonderful life, let's forget about me and bring these people to it eh?

Me and Oksana

Anyway...that was a little rant...I finished the book of mormon again...yes HJ I am an overachiever, but I totally am glad I did...it's awesome...those of you who read this who haven't read it recently...do it, you'll be glad you did...plus as I'm starting over again, you can think about how I'm in the same spots as you reading the same thing and we can all have happiness and joy for the next 21 months!  HOORAY

Pictures pictures pictures...I'm gonna work on getting a bunch working today...we'll have to see, but I'm taking more and more, and trying to get myself in them.

Family, I'm very very proud of all of you.  You all are such hard working, loving, supportive, beautiful people.  Your miracles to me and I'm grateful for you.  You help me to realize that I play the pity party game on myself to much...when you all have it a lot harder than I do.  Heidi Jane, thanks for your strength...I love your emails explaining how hard you are working for the gospel...remember those words you wrote me "i never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it"

Woman - thanks for your long emails...I smile and realize that you enjoy talking...and you know what I do to...sorry I don't nail every one of your questions all the time.

Dad - I didn't get your email send it again...I wanna read your lyrics...gstoddard86@yahoo.com please

Heidi & Mike - thanks for coming into my life...you're the best parents I could ever ask for.

Grandmas and Grandpas, wherever you are, whenever you receive this - I especially love you and thank you for your love and care over these 19 years.

Well everyone... I think that's about all I can muster for today...it felt good to get that all of my chest and let you know how much I love and appreciate you...I would go back through all my emails, but I deleted em all cuz I didn't have anymore room...and I need room in the myldsmail.net one because that's were I get important news from the mission office.

anyway... love ya tons.

Hi meg - :)...thought you'd like something too - READ THE BOOK OF MORMON :D

I'm gonna work hard this week...pray for me please ;)

few quick scriptures - Ephesians 3:7-8 how I feel about my calling

Ephesians 6 :18-19 a thought about prayers and stuff.

Woman, please send this out to everyone cuz I don't have a bunch of addresses (i.e. grandparents and anyone else)

love love love!

--Grant

Elder Stoddard"