Cold,Cold, Cold

Hello Dear Ones,

We are enjoying the frozen veiw from our apartment windows. We went out yesterday to just get out of the apartment and do some shopping. It was Valentine's Day after all. So we braved the cold and I kept asking Elder Mayberry whoes idea was this??? It was his.

WE are loving Ukraine and the rich culture that is all around us. This past week we attended a preformance of different dance troupes from all around Ukraine. They preformed dances from around the world. Many were lively and of countries that neighbor Ukraine. We got a little concerned when they got to Turkey,India and Brazil. We had to keep our eyes down as they wore little clothing and were risque. We enjoyid the evening non the less.

This last week we were able to watch the cultural celebration of the Ukraine Temple. It was a little like what we saw last Saturday but really lovely and you knew that you could keep your eyes on the particapants with no problems. This time in Ukraine is full of miracles. How and why was a Temple built in Ukraine of all places. I really and see the hand of the Lord just opening up this country for the building of this Temple and blessing the people of this country and the surrounding counties.

We are well and Happy. We think of you often and pray that the Lords blessings are upon you. We are studying the Book of Mormon like we have never done before and we find it so amazing how clear it makes Isaiah and other books of the Bible. I am in 2Nephi 29 and I am loving all the "WO" verses. Wo unto those who suppose that I the Lord speak unto only some of my children. I speak unto all for I love them all and do you supose that there is only one record of the things of which I have spoken unto the house of Israel?? I'm paraphrasing but I love that we know that God loves all of his children and he would teach all of his children the principles of his gospel so that they might know where to turn for salvation.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be on a mission with a super fired up companion. There isn't a day that he is not just on fire rarein' to go and do and serve some how and some way. It's pretty funny watching us trying to communicate with Russian dictionary in one hand and gesturing with the other. We are having fun.

I will now attempt tp down load some pictures. Hugs from Ukraine

Elder and Sister Mayberry

Week 4

I guess I haven't figured how to post pictures and blog at the same time. We have had a great week here I Kiev. We have found a home,a place to rest our heads or as you can see stay warm...
We had delightful meetings in the International Branch today. It was all in English and we learned so much in our combined Priesthood and Relief Society about the Book of Mormon. We have such kind members that are taking care of us they make sure we find the right bus and Metro stops. We are learning to navigate this huge city. Hugs to all. Here are some pictures...

Devotional

Dear ones,
Tuesday night we have devotionals. We have speakers come and share a message of the gospel of Christ. Tonight we had an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ come and speak to us about missionary work. Elder Jeffery R. Holland said things that truly stirred my soul. I had tears in my eyes most of the time. He spoke of Paul and as senior apostle had to learn to lead the church. The story of the apostles fishing all night and catching nothing and Christ fixing them breakfast on the shore. How he asked if the fishing had gone well and the answer being NO. Cast your net on the right side of the boat and the net being so full that they could not pull it in. John saying it is HIM. Peter jumping in and getting to shore as fast as he could. Christ asking if ye love me. Do you love me more than these? Yea, Lord I love thee.Three times Christ asks, Do you love me? Peter says YES. Then feed my sheep. Do we love Christ more than these? I want you to know that I love Him. I have His gospel written on the fleshy tablets my heart. I want to share what I know about Him and our Father in Heaven. I am so blessed to have a great missionary companion. We are really enjoying being together. We are meeting wonderful people and we are happy. Love to you all. It was a suprise to see you Jenn at the Church Office Building. HUGS!

Dear ones, We are at a new MTC. There is no MTC sign to take a picture by. We are in a building that is being renovated to house more couple missionaries. It is awesome and we are so thankful for a lovely bed and closets and a bathroom to ourselves. No dorm room and walking down the hall for us. We have been in PMG classes from 8:00am until 5:00pm.We have had 6 more hours of language training this past week. We were able to bare our testimonies on Friday night along with the other senior missionaries learning languages as proselytizing missionaries. Amazing!!!
Pictures will be coming as we (I) need to get a usb cable. Huh look what I just did! I changed mid blog. Just want to tell you all that we love and appreciate you so much. We could not be here with out your support and taking on so many of our responsibilities. You are our Heroes.
All our love, Strechena and Cectra Mayberry

Elder Steven Mayberry

This is Elder Steven Mayberry (center right) standing next to Marti as he is entering the Missionary Training Center before he goes on his 2 year mission to Oregon Portland Mission.

Merry Christmas To Me

One of our presents this Christmas was this lovely Blog from Dave and Lacy. This was one of the things that I really wanted to do prior to our Adventure to the Ukraine. I am learning and I will soon know how to post pictures from my camera. Thank you all for the lovely gifts. We are truly blessed.

Christmas Day

We have had a great day as we have 3 our 6 children here and their families and we have heard from our other 3 children. Elder Steven Mayberry called from the mission field in Oregon and we chatted for about an hour. We also talked to Brent in Djibouti, Africa and Kevin and family in North Carolina.