We were called to serve as Assistant Area Legal Counsel on July 6, 2011 by Elder Lance B. Wickman, with the approval of the First Presidency. Lary was to assist Robert Lochhead, Area Legal Counsel, who is also his brother-in-law, married to his sister KLynn. Marianne was assigned to use the Smart Traveler Program to register all new U.S. Missionaries with the American Embassy for safety reasons. Warnings of possible dangerous activities and demonstrations that Americans should avoid are received through this program and helps to insure the safety of our missionaries.
We arrived the last week of August 2011 and have few memories of the 1st 24 hours because of the time change. Thankfully, we were settled into a very nice, completely furnished, apartment about 25 minute walk from the Area Office where we have served for 20 months. We have always been anxious to get to work each day to see what may be new and interesting. Time has passed so quickly! We love Moscow and its wonderful people. The work has been very enjoyable and rewarding. Working with such wonderful people from America and our new Russian friends, has given us special memories and strengthened our testimonies. Our daily devotionals at 8:30 am have been a spiritual boost we looked forward to each day. We were excited when our Mission President, President Sorensen, asked us to attend the Perovo Branch to give support there, as well as be the Senior Couple in charge of the missionaries in the Perovo Mission District. This assignment gave us an opportunity to serve the missionaries by feccling them lunch once a week and being a part of their district meeting held in our apartment after lunch. This has been one of the special blessings of our mission. The last few months of our mission, we also accepted the assignment to be District Leaders for the Senior Couples District and be in charge of the Thursday evening meeting and the joint activities. What a great opportunity this has been to get to know the excellent couples the Lord has sent to be here in Russia Moscow Mission. We have become life-long friends with the others Senior Couples we have served with. Elder and Sister Johnson, Executive Secretaries and Kent and Donna Jones, Youth Conference specialists, have been especially close and influential in our lives. It has also been a great experience to work with everyone in the OGC office as well.
Last but not least, we have been so impressed with the beautiful parks scattered throughout the city and have thrilled at many superior performances by Orchestras, Bands, and Ballet Companies. The beautiful theaters have been so impressive and matched the perfect performances. We also had the chance to visit homes of famous people and even had the opportunity to attend the Kyiv Temple on one of our trips.
Our mission has blessed our lives in so many ways; it is hard to explain the changes that have occurred in every aspect of our lives. We will ever be thankful for this tremendous opportunity and blessing of serving as part of the Russia Moscow Mission.
