"The Times, They Are A-Changin..."

I liked Bob Dylan as a teenager and as a young adult.  I can’t say that I agree with all of his lyrics today, but he did get one thing right.  “The times, they are a-changing.”  Whether they are changing for good or for ill is for each of us to decide.  But change – it is inevitable.  My father used to tell me that the only thing that was constant was change itself.  (Just to make the record clear, he also taught me that there is a source to which we can always turn, that is constant and that will never vary – our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ).  I remember this lesson about change when I am experiencing adversity.  I say to myself, “This too will pass.”  I also remember it when things are wonderful, when my children are all doing well, the bills are paid, health is good and life is comfortable.  I say to myself, “This too will pass, so appreciate and enjoy every moment.”  The way in which we react to change in large part not only reveals, but forms, our character.

Forty years ago I was a happily married young wife in my mid-twenties.  Laury Kent Backman was not only my husband, but my best friend.  He was a kind, handsome, charismatic, adventurous kind of guy, loved by the men he commanded and respected by his superior officers.  He was adored by his children and me. We were married in the temple and so I thought we were just at the beginning of our happily-ever-after story.  On a cold November morning in Japan, I kissed him goodbye as he left for work.  Several hours later, our branch president and the military chaplain together came to tell me that he had lost his life in an aircraft accident.  Noooo!!! That news did not fit with my idea of what reality should be.  My world came crashing down in one terrible, unexpected event.  That I was devastated is an understatement of gigantic proportions.  As I awoke each morning with fresh realization of the horrible truth, the world seemed somehow off-kilter, as if I was in some kind of alternate reality.  But facts were facts and I didn’t have the luxury to wallow in self-pity or numbing despair.  My babies and I were living in a foreign country and I needed to get us home; I needed to help and protect (and feed) them; I needed to help them survive, even thrive, without their daddy.  I needed to look forward, not backward.  As I now look back to those tragic times, I realize that two things brought me through intact and as a better, stronger person.  One was my early and deliberate acceptance of an unwelcome change.  I spent almost no time bemoaning my situation, almost no time mentally playing the “if only” game.  I accepted my situation and looked at what I needed to do to make a good life for my children.  The other was my faith in a loving Father in Heaven to whom I turned and who did not abandon me.

The United States has just come through a bitter election campaign season, perhaps the most bitter in modern history.  Each side has been positive that their idea of what is best for our country is the right one.  Each side has painted the other as evil, or uninformed or duped.  Each of the candidates has been painted by the opposing side as the most ugly, corrupt, evil person to ever come to national prominence.  Many persons on each side were convinced that should the candidate of the other party win, our country and their own lives would be plunged into the darkest abyss.  I believe that neither candidate is even close to perfect, but that neither is the evil caricature he/she has been described to be.  I believe that most people have the same desires for their personal lives, for those of their families and for our country.  We just have different ideas about how to achieve the results we all want.  Having differing ideas does not make those opposing ours evil or stupid or motivated by malice.   I am also convinced that none of the projected calamities have happened, nor will they. I know for certain that God has not abandoned us, nor will He, provided that we don’t abandon Him. 

Howard and I stayed up very late to watch the inauguration from start to finish.  Living overseas and learning about (and in Howard’s case, experiencing first hand) how power is transferred in some other countries makes us appreciate so very much our American system of choosing a leader and peacefully transferring power from one to another.  We were impressed by the attendance of representatives from the other branches of government, especially that they came from both political parties.  The attending dignitaries obviously understand this amazing and important example to all the world.  Democracy cannot exist without this peaceful transfer of power.  Once there is a large enough group which refuses to yield power and which is willing to resort to violence, democracy comes to an end.   And so we were moved by this most democratic of processes.  And while we have not embraced the policies or philosophies of our out-going president, we were impressed by his and the former first lady’s gracious behavior in the transition.  The election of President Trump meant the repudiation in some degree of the Obama legacy, and yet the example and behavior of the (now former) first couple was beyond reproach.  We were impressed by the graciousness of President and Mrs. Obama in greeting Mr. and Mrs. Trump to the White House.  We were impressed by President Obama’s last press conference in which he expressed hope for the future.  We were impressed by Mrs. Clinton’s gracious speech to her supporters the day after the election.  We were impressed by Mrs. Obama’s last speech.  It all was dignified and gracious and classy.  Again, the way we respond to change reveals our character.  We can all learn from the example we have just seen.  And we can be assured that God has not abandoned us and that our country can and will move forward with hope toward the future as we peacefully work toward that future.

 

Accepting a change in church leadership can also be difficult at times.  Brigham Young was a very different type of leader than was Joseph Smith.  Some just could not accept him because they didn’t like his brash personality.  The press of his day didn’t do him any favors either.  But he was used by the Lord to accomplish a formidable task.  In the early days of the LDS Church in Ukraine, the members loved the foreign missionaries and the foreign mission president.  They saw them as great leaders worthy of their loyalty.  It was more difficult for them to accept leaders called from the local branches.  (“How could you call and trust someone whose father was KGB?”)  The fact that changes in church leadership now occur without criticism and reluctance to accept a new leader shows the spiritual maturity of the Ukrainian members. 

We have had several changes in church leadership recently.  Our temple president, Frank Trythall and his wife, Nancy, have completed their service.  President Gerold Roth his wife, Gertraud, have replaced them.  We love both the Trythalls and the Roths!  Interestingly, John and Carol Galbraith, first temple president and matron just visited this past weekend.  They were enthusiastically greeted by the members and the love for them was very evident.  (We love them too). Their fireside was well attended and inspiring.  They will always be loved, as will the others who have succeeded them in their service.  Elder Bruce Porter completed his mortal journey and was released as area president of the Europe East Area.  Elder James B. Martino has replaced Elder Porter in assignment and responsibility.  Just Sunday, our stake president, Kirill Pokhilko was released so that he can prepare to assume leadership of the St. Petersburg, Russia mission.  He was replaced as stake president by Igor Kravchenko.  The visiting authorities making the change were Elders James Martino and Larry Kacher of the area presidency.  And back home, President Steven Allred was released as stake president for the same reason – a call to serve as a mission president in Argentina. 

    

None of these persons receiving church callings and assignments sought the positions to which they were called.  There was no lobbying, no campaigning.  In fact, when a call is received, the most common reaction is one of deep humility and a sense of inadequacy.  These callings are filled at great sacrifice in time, effort, missed economic opportunities and great emotional investment both from the one called and from the spouse and family.  We appreciate and love each of the Lord’s servants who accept a call to serve, from the highest position of leadership to the least visible of callings.  It doesn’t matter where we serve; what matters is our devotion to the Lord and to His children.  Not only do we accept these changes with humility, but we also pledge to sustain, support and help each person as he/she serves the Lord by serving us and others.  None of these men (in these examples) or women (in other cases) are perfect.  The Lord works miracles through his imperfect servants, because not only is that all He has to work with, but because His work is to perfect his children.  That is done as we humbly and faithfully serve in our own ways, and as each of us welcomes such changes in leadership and do our part to encourage the success of our new leader servants.

Yes, change is inevitable and it can be very difficult.  Yet, it is in the times when we are out of our comfort zones that we learn and grow the most.  I thank my Father in Heaven for the many changes, both welcome and unwelcome, which have come in my life.  I am not the same person I was 40 years ago.  Hopefully, I am a wiser, kinder, more patient person, more seasoned in faith.   I love the Lord with all of my heart and thank Him for never abandoning me, especially in the times of my greatest stress and anxiety.  Yes, the times, they are a-changing.  That can be a good thing, depending upon our response. 

My favorite inauguration picture.  What a great example to us those two ladies are!

She may not have won the election, but she supports democracy and attended the inauguration.  Another good example.

A peaceful transition of power.

Stake conference. Those with eagle eyes might find us on the right.

 Our new stake president at the podium.

Our old stake presidency and our new stake presidency in one picture.  The three men on the right are the old stake presidency.  The three men on the left are the new.

Ring in the New!

Like many of you, at the end of each year I assess what I have accomplished during the preceding year and set goals for the next.  Note that I said “SET GOALS.”  These are goals that I will give myself an entire year to accomplish.  I do not make resolutions for the year, because of course, those are easily broken early in the year, leading to discouragement.  (In case you wondered, I do NOT like being discouraged)!  My RESOLUTIONS are made each week as I renew my covenants with the Lord during the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.  

On Sunday, I put into effect a suggestion made by Sister Wendy Watson Nelson in her book, Covenant Keepers.  As I partook of the emblems of the Sacrament, I said in my mind, “Father, I now covenant with Thee, that I will remember that I have taken upon myself the name of Thy Son in the waters of baptism.  I also covenant with Thee that I will always remember my Savior Jesus Christ throughout the week and I further covenant with Thee that I will keep His commandments.”   Amazing!  The Spirit bore witness to me that my covenant was noted and the outpouring of the Spirit promised in return was abundant.  The accountability session one can have with the Lord during those precious 20 minutes each week as the Sacrament is administered can be one of the most rewarding of experiences.  A review of the past week and a resolve to do better in the coming week fills me with happiness.  Each week I “ring in the new” filled with the Spirit of love.

I love the concept of new beginnings.  I love new years, new weeks, new days, new semesters, new projects.  What hope they each bring!  What promise of new learning, new accomplishment, new understanding!  I also, as time goes by, look anxiously forward to endings because they mark a time when you can make another new beginning.  Not every kind of ending mind you!  I don’t like in the least the ending of the mortal life of someone whom I will greatly miss.  That of Elder Bruce D. Porter was one such life.  Howard knew him well, and I had some wonderful encounters and meetings with him too.  We will greatly miss him and the loving direction he gave as area president of this Europe East Area in which we live and serve.  However, even in these endings, I see wonderful new beginnings.  Just think of the marvelous experience Elder Porter had as he entered the World of Spirits and had his own accountability session with the Lord!  As one renews his or her covenants each week and then keeps those covenants, he or she is incrementally sanctified step by step over time by the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit.  Such a person surely looks forward with anticipation to coming face to face with the Lord and feeling His love and compassion for a life imperfectly, but valiantly, lived.

So here in Ukraine, we haven’t had our new beginning yet.  Yes, January 1^st has come and gone (complete with a few fireworks), but we have continued to celebrate Christmas since December and the “Old New Year” is still to come on January 14.   We’ve celebrated two Christmases: December 25^th and January 7^th.   According to the Julian calendar, Christmas is January 7^th and the New Year is January 14^th.  This calendar is observed by the Russian, Ukrainian, Jerusalem Serbian, Polish and Georgian Orthodox churches.  It is also observed by the Greek Catholics of Ukraine and Belarus. The others celebrate according to the Gregorian calendar, which is what Americans are used to using.  In Ukraine, that means lots of celebrating!  On January 5^th, we attended a warm and friendly ward Christmas party complete with decorations, a program, music, games and food (even though our LDS ward does not fit into any of those religious categories listed above).  

On our January 7^th Christmas, we had a wonderful Christmas gathering in our apartment.  Our good friends, Liudmyla and Anatoli, invited three Ukrainian musicians to come with them and entertain us with Ukrainian Christmas carols.  Luidmyla also brought with her a traditional Ukrainian dish called kutya.  It is made of wheat boiled in water, to which is added poppy seeds, walnuts, raisins and honey.  The ritual significance of kutya is ancient.  The dish signifies penance and is placed behind the religious icons, an honorary place in the house (which we failed to provide). The head of the family is supposed to offer some to the frost, thrice inviting him to participate in the dinner.  When the frost does not appear, he is advised not to appear to harm the crops.  Our friends, Zoya and Slava brought desert and I provided a large veggie tray.  Yevgeniy provided vanilla shakes.  Good food and good company and absolutely wonderful singing made for a memorable afternoon and evening.  Later that evening, members of our Kyiv LDS Stake gathered at a metro station and sang Christmas hymns for the passersby.

On the evening prior to our Christmas gathering (the Orthodox Christmas Eve) we left in a snow storm to attend a Christmas Mass of the Greek Catholic Church. This service was a combination of the liturgy of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The mass started at midnight (January 7^th) and lasted for five hours!  Our legs gave out (standing for most of 2 1/2 hours) so we left half way through.  Our dear friends who had invited us stayed the entire time!  We admit wholeheartedly that it was a very interesting cultural experience.   The robes and pageantry were beautiful and impressive.  The incense was fragrant.  The a cappella choir was very good. I didn’t understand much of the liturgy, but I could make out the Ukrainian words for “Lord,” “God” and “glory” which were repeated over and over many times.  Howard understood much of it, which was done in Ukrainian, Greek and Old Church Slavonic.  We were impressed (but not converted).   

This experience brought fresh appreciation for the simple and humble way we have been taught to come unto Christ -- having faith in Jesus Christ, offering broken and contrite hearts as we conform our ways to His, being baptized by immersion and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and then living our lives in such a way as to allow the Holy Spirit to remain with us always.  We love that we can petition directly our Heavenly Father through personal prayer, not needing an intercessory except for Jesus Christ.  We love that we can renew our commitment to the Lord each and every week – and even sit reverently while we do it.  The truths of the Gospel are beautiful and simple – simply beautiful – but they are not easy.  It’s living our lives in a way that shows our discipleship that seems to be so difficult.  Thank goodness for new beginnings each and every week as we renew our promises to the Lord and He promises His help! 

Ring in the new!

Pechersky Ward Christmas party

Carol singing in the metro tunnel

Kutya

Our Ukrainian Christmas

Hallelujah!

When I was a senior in high school, three friends and I drove into downtown L.A. to attend a Christmas concert - Handel’s Messiah performed by the Southern California Mormon Choir and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. As we stood for the Hallelujah Chorus, the Spirit bore powerful testimony to me of the divinity of our Lord and the tears streamed down my face.    Since that evening, each time I hear that stirring chorus my heart feels that it will burst with joy and gratitude for the life and love of our Savior.

Of course, I am a normal person in that I love, love, love the Christmas season.  It seems as if people are friendlier and more thoughtful as they prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.  I have really enjoyed the “Light of the World” initiative done by the LDS Church.  This was presented to the missionaries at the Thanksgiving Day zone conference we attended.  He really IS the light of the world and as we emulate Him, we become that light on the hill.  Our light becomes a reflection of Him.  The world is better and so are we.

For us, Christmas this year was devoid of shopping and gifts.  We decided instead to spend the money we would have normally spent on gifts for our family on a dinner for Ukrainian Latter-day Saints who first made a pilgrimage to the temple, traveling by old, rickety buses from Kyiv to Freiberg, Germany in the years of 1992-3.  We invited 68 persons, of whom about 60 were able to attend.  Elder Jeff and Sister Kathy Anderson (on a two year hiatus from the Orchestra at Temple Square to serve a mission as mission doctor and his best assistant for several missions in our part of the world) blessed us with beautiful violin music accompanied by another great senior talent - Elder Don Wood.  As we projected pictures of the first 3 temple excursions, people shared their memories of the trips.  The Spirit was very strong as our guests recounted the miracles that allowed them to travel to make covenants with God.  These wonderful people made great sacrifices to receive their temple blessings.  One example recounted was a sister (since deceased) who rented out her apartment (becoming homeless) for an entire year so that she could have the money to make the trip to Germany. 

The best part of our evening was the excited expressions of agreement when Howard asked our guests to go with us on another temple trip – this time to the Kyiv Temple.  It was a thrill to us to see such a positive response especially from those who have been less active in recent years. We have set a date far enough in advance that all can have recommends ready.  We’ve worked with our new temple president, President Gerold Roth, to schedule a special baptismal session, endowment sessions and sealing sessions for our group.  Each “traveler” to the upcoming temple trip is to bring with him/her the name and story of at least one late family member for whom ordinances will be performed. In the meantime, we will be planning family history classes and temple preparation classes to be ready.  We hope all of those who were baptized during Howard’s tenure as mission president (1991-1994) will participate in some way.  We believe that the reason that the Lord has so far preserved Ukraine as an independent nation is the temple.  We also believe that as temple attendance increases, the protection afforded by those on the other side desiring their temple blessings will also increase.  We expect these pioneers who began the tradition of temple worship in Ukraine to inspire an upsurge in temple activity among all of the members here.

The dinner we hosted took place on December 19^th, the Ukrainian “St. Nicholas Day.”  I love it that Ukrainians separate Christmas itself from St. Nicholas gift giving.  For me, that would mean a more Christ-focused Christmas.  However, I have yet to see what actually happens on Christmas, as the official day for that is January 7^th.  At least January 7^th is the Orthodox Church’s Christmas (that is most of the population).  Catholics and Protestants celebrate on December 25^th, which is to say there are two Christmas days here and some celebrate them both!  Additionally, New Years’ Day is a big celebration too.  During Communist years, celebration of Christian holidays was frowned upon and New Years’ Day was made into a big holiday, complete with Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), who has a long white beard, wears a floor length blue fur coat and gives gifts.  The change in regimes, did not negate the celebration of the new year.  Ukrainians brighten the dreary winter months by celebrating everything! 

Although we didn’t personally spend all month shopping, baking and decorating, it seems as if we’ve celebrated the Savior’s birth all month.  It started with a family home evening shared with the senior missionaries serving here wherein we enjoyed a Christmas program and good food.  We then enjoyed the First Presidency’s Christmas Fireside, which we saw twice (how wonderful is that!?).  We then were completely blown away by the Sacrament Meeting program presented by our ward Primary children – all ten of them.  We were amazed at how well they spoke and by how well they sang.  The entire room was filled with their clear voices.  If one’s eyes were closed, one would have thought there were 30-40 children singing.  I couldn’t resist going into the Primary room to congratulate them afterwards, I was so impressed.  There they were, eating well-deserved treats.  We have listened to Handel’s Messiah over and over, along with other Christmas music that we have on CDs.  A great highlight of the season was the Stake Christmas concert.  Have I mentioned how musically gifted are our Ukrainian brothers and sisters?  So many of them are unusually talented!  We commented upon how the wonderful program was produced by just one stake.  And then we thought of the concert we attended in the Opera Theater in September to celebrate 25 years of the gospel in Ukraine which was produced by this very one and only stake.  Wow!  And finally, Christmas Day consisted of Sacrament Meeting, dinner with just the two of us and visiting via telephone and Skype my four and Howard’s five children plus my mother.  More is yet to come, as our ward family will be celebrating at an Ukrainian Christmas party on January 5^th. 

As you can see, we have thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas season, in spite of being away from home and without the normal dinners and gifts.  What we have most enjoyed is the focus that we have been able to put upon the true meaning of the holiday, precisely because we have been away from our normal routine.   We have had time to “Be quiet and know that I am God.”  We have felt the love of God expressed through the awe-inspiring gift of His Holy Son.  We love the Lord Jesus Christ with all of our hearts.  We are grateful for His love, strength, support, inspiration, healing and forgiveness.  We are also grateful for how much more that we are because of His power and willingness to enhance the gifts with which He has blessed us.  We are so grateful for the hope that he gives us that we will live again to see those we love so much in this life!   He truly helps us to comprehend the love that our Heavenly Parents have for each of us.
  

Hallelujah! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! 

These (3 pics) are some of the people who went on the first three temple trips to Freiberg, Germany.

What a great reunion of the first travelers to the temple in the early 1990s! They have changed just a little in 24 years.  We hope we didn't miss anyone! 

Yevgeniy took the pictures of the temple trip gathering, and so he wasn't in any of them! He helped us organize the event.  He is pictured in front of our grand tree.

Slava and Zoya Gulko also helped organize our temple trip event.  Here they are pictured (at a different event) with their delightful daughter, Kyra and her family. Kyra was sealed to her parents on the third temple trip. 

Kyiv Stake Christmas concert.  It was spiritually moving and very beautiful. I have many more pictures but not enough room to post them.

Primary children of the Pechersky Ward.  What great singers!

Do you think visions of sugar plum fairies are dancing in his head?

Beauty From Ashes

We were privileged to spend November 24th (the American Thanksgiving Day) with the full-time missionaries here in Kiev at a wonderful zone conference.  Our hearts were filled with gratitude for the amazing young and not-so-young persons who have dedicated two years of their lives to serving others.  We were so inspired by President and Sister Packer’s instruction.    Additionally, Sister Packer had planned and, with the help of senior missionaries, served a delicious noon-time dinner complete with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salads, and deserts.   A few hours later, Americans sat down to a similar dinner to give thanks for the hand of the Lord in preserving their forefathers who settled North America. 

   

While Americans were celebrating Thanksgiving, Ukrainians were commemorating Holodomor Remembrance Day.  On this day especially, Ukrainians remember the unimaginable suffering and death of many millions of their forefathers who were intentionally and systematically starved to death by Josef Stalin in 1932-33. Although I have always loved history, this horrific event is something of which I was unaware.  Conquering nations have a habit of rewriting history to fit their narrative. Some in the West combine coverage of this mass murder together with the collectivization of the farms in the Soviet Union.  But this was more, much more.  Proletarska Pravda in 1930 wrote that the collectivization in Ukraine was intended to “destroy the social basis of Ukrainian nationalism.”  Once the farms were collectivized, Stalin sought to destroy Ukrainian culture, traditions and yearnings for independence.  Not only was the countryside stripped of grain, but of anything else that was remotely edible.  All farming tools and cooking utensils were confiscated and the borders were sealed to prevent food from coming in and people from going out.  This happened in Ukraine and also in the parts of Russia adjoining Ukraine where there were large Ukrainian populations.  Genocide was the intention.  Entire villages disappeared.  Estimates range up to ten million victims.  Russia then colonized portions of Ukraine where the population had been decimated.  When media outlets mention people of Russian ethnicity living in Ukraine, this is why. 

The spirit of freedom has always burned brightly in Ukrainian souls, and in 1991 they choose freedom as an independent nation and withdrew from the Soviet Union, catalyzing the dissolution of the USSR.  The current leadership in Russia is now seeking to rebuild an empire. Realizing that there has never been such an empire without Ukraine, (the bread-basket of Eastern Europe with rich soil and ports on the Black Sea), Russia has sought to reclaim Ukrainian territory as its own.   I’ve seen western media reports which claim that the ethnic Russians here want to be reunited with Russia.  And indeed, those still living in cities where armed Russian soldiers are stationed do say that, presumably for their own protection.  But those who descended from the Russians transplanted by Stalin into Ukraine with whom I’ve personally talked, claim now to be Ukrainian in nationality and allegiance.  They love the freedom enjoyed here and have no desire to lose it.  As a result, there are in Kiev hosts of refugees from the Crimea and Donbas areas. 

You can imagine the distress felt by Ukrainians as they contemplate the 55,000 Russian troops stationed on their borders.  They are further distressed by media reports of the American president-elect’s friendly attitude toward Russia.  No wonder, with such a tragic history behind them, Howard didn’t often see smiles on the street 25 years ago.  (He actually saw cheering when independence was declared).  No wonder I don’t see smiles on the street now!   But, don’t let that fool anyone – underneath the stern exteriors lie hearts with the capability of a full range of emotions.  This is abundantly clear with those who have embraced hope in Christ through covenants made in the waters of baptism.  Such love expressed to one another!  Such smiles and hugs!  Such love expressed within families and among close friends!

The depth of emotion felt by Ukrainians, and not just by those of our faith, is also abundantly clear in their music.  An amazing number of people here show unusual musical talent which we enjoy at almost every event.  Howard and I were deeply moved by a Rachmaninoff concert we attended.  (Yes, I know Rachmaninov was Russian). Three members of the L’Viv Philharmonic orchestra performed the entire Second Concerto on piano, cello and violin.  We barely noticed the hard upright seats and were disappointed that it had to end, so beautiful and full of passion was the performance given by these talented Ukrainians.  Two days later, we attended a concert of Ukrainian folk dancers.  Oh, my goodness!  I could never have imagined anything so amazing and wonderful!  The costumes!  The music! The colors!  The happiness! The athleticism of the dancers!  No words can come close to describing it.  Attached to this post are pictures, which don’t do the experience justice. 

It has been my experience that deeply held emotions, even joy, arise from suffering, and that the height of our joys can be measured by the depth of our sorrows.  I was asked to speak to a group of LDS sisters last Saturday evening about how I had survived adversity and still retained my ability to be happy.  The event went very well.  Several sisters told me that I spoke directly to their hearts and lives.  I spoke of the blessings that come from adversity, the most important of which is that we can come to know the Lord personally and deeply when we experience the most profound distresses, but only if we truly turn to Him in our anguish.  I used examples from my own life to illustrate the concept.  I have lived through much adversity and I have never failed to acknowledge the Lord’s critical role in strengthening and helping me through all of it.  However, I have always taken it a challenge at a time.  It wasn’t until after the speaking event that the totality of the things I’ve suffered hit me.  I could visualize the events transpiring over the length of my life.  It was quite overwhelming, not just the realization, but the gratitude that I feel for the Lord and His love.  What a paradox!  It is impossible to survive severe adversity on our own without becoming bitter, but if we accept the Lord’s help to successfully navigate the deep waters, He loves us for our faithfulness in coming through not only intact but transformed by Him.   Oh, how wonderful that is to me!

Not only can the Lord use adversity to shape our individual character, but He can use it to transform a nation.  Adversity can soften hearts and prepare them to receive divine tutoring.  I think of the way in which a farmer harrows his fields to prepare them to receive seed.  Perhaps Holodomor prepared Ukraine to receive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I hope that this thought doesn’t trivialize what happened, because, like what is happening currently in Aleppo, there are no words to describe the horror.  In spite of that, I believe deep in my soul that the Lord, who does not cause, or even condone such inhumanity, can and does use even horrific events to bless.  There is not one soul who turns to Him who will not feel His love and transformative power, if not in mortality, then in the hereafter.  In 1991 when Howard and his little band of missionaries arrived in Ukraine, the people were seeking for truth.  Many were prepared through dreams and other divine intervention to receive the glad message.  The harvest was bountiful.  It was common to see more than 100 baptisms a month, more than all of the European missions combined.  It was a true miracle.  The first stake in Zion formed in the former Soviet Union was organized in Ukraine – and the Kiev Temple is the first, and only, temple operating in the former USSR. 

Our Father is truly a God of miracles, a God of love, a God of mercy!  The reach of His power and compensatory blessings is seen in individual lives, and collectively in a people prepared to receive them.  Truly He creates beauty from ashes. 

Ukrainian Folk Dancing concert.

                                    

Zone Conference

Off the subject, but above is a picture of a protest taken from the window of our apartment. The white edge at the bottom is our window sill.

Rachmaninoff Concert: 

Far right is the violinist, third from right is pianist and the one with the beard is the cellist.