Tucked away on the east side of magnificent Lake Baikal is the charming city of Ulan-Ude. The people are friendly, many of Buryatan descent. They've learned how to survive bitter cold winters, colder than most people can imagine. Ulan-Ude is the home to the most beautiful LDS Church building in all of Russia. It was built by the church on land owned by the church and resembles a small "храм" or temple. The branch is growing with Sacrament meeting attendance booming and baptisms becoming a frequent occurrence.
President Brinton and I had the wonderful experience of teaching/training the missionaries there and associating with members of the church. We also enjoyed sharing the gospel with people on the street, on the tramvai (trolley), and marshrutkas (Russian vans and mini-vans that speed along quickly to a destination). We even took-in a Talent Show produced by the members of the Ulan-Ude Branch. It produced many laughs and a feeling of camaraderie. What a blessing this branch is to our mission!
President Brinton and I had the wonderful experience of teaching/training the missionaries there and associating with members of the church. We also enjoyed sharing the gospel with people on the street, on the tramvai (trolley), and marshrutkas (Russian vans and mini-vans that speed along quickly to a destination). We even took-in a Talent Show produced by the members of the Ulan-Ude Branch. It produced many laughs and a feeling of camaraderie. What a blessing this branch is to our mission!
This is the famous Trans-Siberian Railroad which is the mode of transportation to and from Ulan-Ude. It is an 8-hour train ride (after a 5-hour flight from Vladivostok to Irkutsk). Once we arrive in Ulan-Ude, it is always worth the long trip to visit the missionaries and members!
We usually take the overnight train and have a "coupee"(pronounced cou-pay')to sleep in.
Our wonderful senior couple, Elder and Sister Hughes, always greet us with warm hospitality. They are such a blessing to the missionaries as are all our senior missionaries.
From left: Elders Ibragimov, Herbert, Lau; Elder and Sister Hughes, Elder Laursen, Elder Gunnell, Sister Brinton, Sister Morgan, Pres. Brinton, Sister McMurtrey, Elder Patterson
Training to be more effective missionaries is at the heart of each visit to a branch.
After our training session, we all enjoyed a wonderful meal together. Russian food is actually very delicious.
At the Branch Talent Show, we were treated to an accordian solo...
Sister Morgan's piano solo...
a guitar solo...
and memorized poetry.
The Branch President sang, "You're Beautiful, it's True" to adoring fans.
The missionaries entertained with a skit. Elders Laursen and Lau showed a "day in the life of a missionary". Here Elder Hughes is a marshrutka driver...
Hands (from behind the curtain) demonstrated a missionary shaving and brushing teeth.
Here is Pushkin and his "wife"... (Elder Gunnell)
Pushkin aka Elder Herbert, a new missionary in Ulan-Ude, got a little help with his lines...
Elder Patterson (in Muskrat hat) comes to the rescue.
This pair rocked the audience with their energetic Russian singing.
Afterwards, there was a big feast. Everyone had a wonderful time!
The day ended with a spectacular Siberian sunset.
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