January 31, 2011

Dear Family,
Congratulations on the birthday mom, and congratulations dad that you have done so many names.It sounds like things are good down there, but a lot sounds different.I am doing well this week, and we had some interesting experiences this week. We spent a fair bit of time with the Nehrings before they had left (They were a really nice couple, and I hope you meet them some day), and Monday night, we were at President Abagyan's home with him and his family. He and his brother had prepared meat shishkabobs for the missionaries and the Nehrings. They were pork with some greens and onions, and it was some of the best meat that I have had. There was also an Elders quorum activity on Saturday which seemed to help the men get to better know each other. It was not organized all that well, but it seems like they had a good time together. We had a dish called plov, and some played checkers. 
We have a few investigators, but we also found that another one of our investigators has a mother that is very against the church. It really seems to be her desire to be baptized and she really thought about it, but her mom will only let her have limited activity with the church. Another investigator we had told us that he does not believe in our church and wants to continue searching and studying in other directions. A few other potential investigators have just been difficult to set up meetings with and develop a good relationship with them. Hopefully we can meet and help them feel the Spirit and a desire to know more.
Last Sunday brought some large changes in the ward. President Abagyan was released, and валерий власов was called. Many of the ward members were shocked, and they had started to build good relationships with him. The sacrament program went well, and stressed the points of not comparing branch presidents and accepting the Lord's will. Naturally, some members do not like the change, but we will see how things go. They really are two different people, but rock solid members.
It has been snowing a lot here, but it is still not too cold. I am having a really good time, and I am learning a lot. I have really learned about the power of the Book of Mormon, and also that through the atonement, so much can be fulfilled. No matter our mistakes, or inadequacies, through Christ we really can make those weaknesses into strengths and develop into a person like him. I love you all Bye.-Elder Larson