Your child will arrive tomorrow morning.
So this visa trip will be finished at least. Don't worry.
Love,Elya"
I've used Elya's nick name instead of her full name for privacy. Elya is my dear friend who works in my sons mission home in Russia. When we first met, I had no idea she worked in the mission home. She has been such a good, dear friend and I am thankful every day for her generosity and her words of comfort. The above was just one more kindness she passed onto me as a missionary mom and friend. Thanks so much Elya!
Yes, Elder Otis is back in Russia tonight! Thank you all for your prayers on his behalf. He is so excited to be able to finish his mission in Russia. He will miss the branch he was Branch President for though. He was there for 7 or 8 months and loves the people of those two cities he served in Russia.
He told me once that he knew he wasn't serving in that area to baptize new members, but to strengthen the Branch and the members who lived there. I think was very successful. He was able to teach them about Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching. They are very important to know in our church. They both help fellowship and strengthen the members and teach families each month.
I think the most wonderful contribution he made while he served there was to teach the members to love one another and fellowship the new members appropriately. I'm sure that they won't soon forget his kind hearted example and his love for each of them as individuals. I know he'll never forget his time serving there.
President Ezra Taft Benson described twelve ways in which we can overcome sorrow disappointment and depression. One of them was that "the fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless...we should you seek to become the friend of our Father in heaven and our brothers and Jesus Christ." I know this is needed in Russia just like it is here at home in America.
Now Elder Matthew Otis is off to a new city! He is going to be a senior companion to a younger missionary. His name is Elder Dewey and the city they will be serving in is Kurgan. So, he's off on another adventure, and we are all so excited to hear about it on Monday morning.
Elder Jason Otis in Los Angeles is not being transferred like his brother. He will stay in Malibu and will be a District Leader and a trainer for a newly arriving Elder fresh out of the MTC! We fondly refer to them as "Greenie's". He is hoping to be a good example to this new Greenie on the block. I know he's gonna do just great!
Elder Otis continues to sing in all the wards he attends and has gained so much more confidence in his abilities. We can't wait to hear his angelic tones throughout our house again. Gosh we miss his music!
Our soon to be Elder Ryan Otis has now purchased his two suits! We took him shopping to Mens's Wearhouse the other day. Terry was healthy enough to go along with us and enjoyed watching Ryan looking so dapper. He really does clean up well:) What a handsome guy! He is really getting excited about January 7th when he'll be leaving for the Mission Training Center in Provo Utah. Wow! I still can't believe we'll have three sons serving the Lord at once!
Hunter our youngest will only be an only child for one full week before Matthew in Russia returns and he is absolutely elated! He says he never wants to be an only child. How funny!
Terry continues to improve! Today has to be the best day so far! He is up and around and working through the pain. Yesterday was the first day he didn't take a nap and he slept through the night for the first time. I am so glad he's doing so well.
We all cherish each other so much more since the accident. Life is good. Blessings continue to flow for our family. I am so grateful for the Tender Mercies of the Lord which we recognize daily.
All is well in the Otis household. I pray it is in your homes as well. Have a great day everyone!
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