BE RUSSIAN

Hello dear family and friends. Here is a saying we saw at the Elders apart. in Sochi, 'DON'T BE AFRAID TO FORGET ABOUT AMERICA, AND BE RUSSIAN FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS'! Soooo, on our train ride back in the dark, Lee had a little piece of waste paper and threw it out the window!!!! But, these people throw bottles, and bags of trash out the windows, really. I have even thrown my gum into a trash pile alongside the walks. Wow!! We went to a marriage reception for Lera and Denis Friday night. They had a few friends and his family over, and boy was her food delicious. We wanted to take something and was told that flowers were the only thing appropriate, so the sister miss. and I went and bought a pretty bouquet and i bought a vase too. the elders said after i bought them, "How many roses?" 5 I said were in it. Whew! they said, because you have to give odd count of roses to anything but a funeral and have to give even then. Did we luck out!!!
We went to Sochi this weekend and had reservations at a hotel we stayed at last time. we only had copies of our passports and visas, as the originals were up at the office in Rostov being organized so we can get visas renewed in a 3 day trip, later. long story how it is being done. anyway they had to have our orignials. so we get there, and they won't let us check in without the original, cause our copy was too lite, and they said no even if we had a better one faxed down. so we stayed with the 2 elders, another experience. but it was nice, and i was able to make them a couple of meals as they are so busy. made us really appreciate more, what the missionaries have to put up with, it's amazing!!!!
We met a lady on the train, and had fun trying to talk with her, and she lives here in Krasnodar, gave us her phone # and we will get the missionaries to translate for us. She seemed kind of sad when she was telling us abt. her son and wife, and 1 grandson. then she told us her husband died 9 years ago, so she works 2 jobs to keep busy. It will be great to visit with her and a translator.

We came in abt. 10:30 last night and wanted to catch a tramvi to get back to our place. we were on the way to a stop for it, and one was coming behind us, so grandpa starts running and pulling it, and i had a large purse on one shoulder, and a heavy bag with computer on the other. We RAN, and my sandals kept slipping and the bag was heavy so i unloaded the water bottles, threw them in a trash can, but missed, and kept running, and we jumped on as the doors were closing. THAT probably didn't look like a refined missionary couple!!!!!!! Ya, who ever said we were.
English Club went well, and we met some really neat people. Will have it on Thurs. evenings. We are supposed to LISTEN to the advanced students, and just have them talk about any subject they want too, and help them. But, when they found out we didn't speak Russian, they all voted to be in the medium class, wonder why????? 2 were there who are just learning and they have a class. so will be fun to be in with the missionaries, not so scarry!!

This is from grandpa . Grandma didn't tell you that she wouldn't let me get a taxi to come home in the middle of the night and it would have taken us right to our aprt. steps. But we have monthly tramvi passes and we only had to carry bags and pull luggage in the dark passed drunk homeless people for about four blocks to get to the tramvi and about the same from the tramvi to our aprt. and we thought it was the last tramvi running for the night . If we missed it we had about A five mile walk . so I didnt want to miss it. so when I seen it comeing I told her we had to run . We still had a block or so to go when she said she couldn't run any more .I told her to give me her bag but when I would slow down to get it so would she so I ran faster. I though if she knew she had to make the walk by her self she woulden't give up and she didn't. But I thought she was going to for awhile . I though to myself I have got to feed her something beside lettuce so she has more go power. Any way we made it home and we saved eight dollers. I guess that is one of the reasons I love her so much .
From grandma now, HA HA HA! isn't grandpa funny? Love all of you and have a great week. I get my package Wed. YAAAA. Grandma and funny grandpa

Are You Happy?

We are. I was hopeing someone would be on IM. But, oh Well. I went to the internet center today after we helped clean the church, but it was closed. I wanted to look up the web site of Pres. Krivenko. as i wanted to see more of his paintings. if anyone wants to look at them and didn't get his web site. it's www.DAMIRKRIVENKO.ru , he is an amazing artist. I was going to look up all the blogs, and facebooks too. that center is on a street called Krasniya, and about 4 miles of it is closed to traffic every Sat. and Sun. and maybe Frid. nights so people can just walk down the middle of the street, instead of just on the sidewalks. Now tell me how exciting that sounds!! probably 1/4 million will walk it, as that is about their only recreation spot in the city of 1 million. it is even monitored by alot of police. I will try again Monday. The English club, sponsored by the church, is starting up next Thurs. and dad and I passed out invitations yesterday and today. didn't have to say a word, just hand the invite to someone about shoulder level. If not, then they won't take it. We are going to do the conversation class, where people already know english pretty good, and want to improve, and they just talk about any subject. It is held at the church and sometimes someone wants to know about the church while they are there. If they do, then we visit with them after or before class. When we went to Novorossiysk last weekend, we got to hand out ones on Sat. for the missionaries. It was kind of fun to get rejected, snubbed, and noses turned up at you. even more fun when someone politly took it and was pleased to know that it was free classes. We are going to Sochi next Sat. and Sunday. It is the last weekend for the big tourists' to be there and was hard to get a hotel rm. not looking forward to the train ride, but, oh well. We also went on splits with the sister missionaries yesterday, and that was fun. Sure glad they did all the talking. dad went with one and i with the other on opposite sides of the street. one time dad and sister taylor stopped a lady, and sis. taylor was talking and saying that elder g. didn't know any of the language but was interested in meeting people. the lady looked at him as she was talking and said "he doesn't understand any thing we are saying?" No, sis. taylor said. a minute later the lady looks at him just smiling, and said "He really doesn't understand, does he?". was quite humorous. bright side is, they could be saying naughty things and we wouldn't get offended. The security man at the store behind our apartments is quite friendly with us now, and we walked in today to get things, and some young ladies were giving away free samples of beer, and when we walked in the man went over to them and said, " ? english" to them, to let them know we didn't speak russian. he even shook dad's hand when he extended his. they did ask, we could tell, if we liked beer! guess what our answer was? they were quite surprised we said we didn't like it, much less didn't drink it. but, they laughed with us. weather is pretty good. rains like crazy, then clears up, then next day it's warm and windy. almost hot, then does it again. still leave the windows open, no screens, and no flies. plus 1 !!!! the people upstairs, love their music very, very loud at times. no one complains, and i won't be the one to. the law is it has to be turned down by 11 p,m,. that canceled out the plus 1 !!! We are doing fine, inspite of the 24/7 cement. when we go out we try to find a little path of dirt. the little kids are so cute to watch, and reminds us so many times of one of at least one of the grandkids. It's amazing to me, to know that Heavenly Father has so many millions of children that He loves, and knows each person individually. I know He wants each one of us to find true happiness and return to be with Him. He knows our faults, and is willing to help us overcome them. I hope all is well with each of you, and know that we love you all very, very, much. And we miss you!!!! but, this is what we can do to repay, and such a small repayment it is, our Savior, for what He has done for us. Can never fully repay Him. We love Him so much, and we are trying to teach some of these choice people here that He loves them, and that they do have a Heavenly Father and a Savior. Take care of yourselves. Jonathan and Jamie please e-mail us as soon as possible abt. how things go on Monday. You are in our prayers. Love all of you. Mom and Dad - p.s. did I tell you they don't celebrate Thanksgiving, of course, or Christmas. Only New years, and on Jan. 7 or somewhere around that. and they close everything down for days, but celebrate with drinking and fireworks for 3 weeks. interesting, huh? If any of you have copies of good movies, you could send them in a flat rate envelope. I'll let you know what else we could use real soon.

I love my missionary!

Just a few pictures and details about Russia life.....

These beaches are nothing but rocks, round sort of flat some, to lay on. We found one area that had some sand and that is in a picture with thousands of people in a little area. see the picture and visualize a thousand more people because that is what was there, they just didn't show up like that in the picture

The facilities here have much to be desired, and how about the safety of that door lock?

Us in Gorachy Klyuch kissing on a rock. We were supposed to show people we really cared for each other, does that count?
Us and a girl Annette at overlook in that area.

We met with this lady the other day who is living in really humble circumstances, and used to be really active. But she has an extremely bad infection in one leg that can't be cured for some reason, and it has gone almost all over her leg from the knee down. She has respiratory problems now too. But, know what she said? Other than these problems, I am o.k. and don't worry about me. she wants to come to church but can't take the public trans. because of her leg. She has 2 daugters 14 and 16. The 16 yr. old works as much as she can to support them. Look around and see the WORST possible living condition and that would be theirs. There are almost no opportunities for a good life for the sick, elderly 55 up, and young girls wanting to work. They have to retire at 55, and then it's down hill all the way. Be very grateful for your life in the USA, and let your Heavenly Father know that. I can honestly say that I am, and I will show my Heavenly Father that I am by doing the best I can do here, and try so hard not to show discouragement. He does have a sense of humor, that's for sure! Take care and my you find peace and comfort in any of your own life's burdens.

Hey everyone,
Don't worry about war. All is well, really. We are moving to another apartment tomorrow & it will be a good move. We are tired. It is unbearably hot and humid. Thought i got a touch of heat stroke today on the tramvi travels, but all is well now. New landladies are real nice, two sisters, ages around 50 -60, they really wanted things to be nice for us and they said they liked all of us, where as the missionaries that were out and about today, got told many times that americans aren't welcome here and to go back home.
Pres. Harrison said all is o.k. and things are coolingdown. If there every were to be a problem , we would be taken care of. NO WORRIES, really.
Leera and Denise (investigators) are going in Monday to registrar to get married, and when they do she wants us there, as she said we were her best friends. it made me almost cry. I can see why it's hard for missionaries to leave the friends they make, especially in a far away country like this, and you won't see them again.
No one bakes here, and they all like my cakes, and banana breads, so I think for their wedding day, which will only consist of signing a certificate, I will make them a cake. I think they have to wait a few weeks, after first applying, crazy, huh?
Does anyone need to hire anyone? this Annette Rise is going to utah to marry a return missionary from utah who served here. He is trying to get her over there on a work visa as fast as possible, because word is out that russia is going to try and stop a russian citizen from leaving. They were planning on this for a couple of months now, but now time may be running out for them. She is very smart, and speaks 4 languages. russian, greek, french, english. was working as an accountant for a big firm, but her contract was up and she doesn't want to work again for anyone here because if you work for any kind of business, you have to sign a years contract. Any good ideas to help her our. Her fiance is Bryce Hess, from Sandy, ut.

First Post From Russia

23 June 2008
Dear Gregersen Family,
My name is Sister Cameron. My husband and I are serving here in the Russia Rostov Mission as the office couple. Sister Gregersen asked me to write you to let you know they arrived safely in Krasnodar and are all settled in their apartment. We went down with them and helped them for 3 days. We served in Krasnodar for 3 months before coming to the office last year, so we know our way around there pretty well. We showed them grocery stores, transportation, the branch building, etc. We tried to set up their internet but couldn't get it to work. Hey, that's Russia for you.
Sister Gregersen will email you as someone helps her set it up this week.She said to tell you they are fine, and to pray for them. She feels really out of her element. Their apartment is in the city on the 8th floor of their building. She says that Challis house is looking pretty good right now!!She will write more as soon as she can.
Love, Sister Cameron
Russia Rostov Mission Office

Happy Father's Day!

Hello Elder & Sister Gregersen! This is your family here... taking over your blog for a minute... wishing you, Dad (a.k.a Grandpa) a HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

And now: A little message from some of your favorite grandkids...

We hope you've had a wonderful Father's Day in the MTC.

And Jerica would like to add: (with the help of her father) "Feliz Dia De Padre" She's certain you can learn Russian since you are related to her and she has such impressive bilingual skills. " :-)

Farm Sale

April 3rd, 2008 Day of Relief! Auction sale of farm equipment. Lee finally felt a sense of relief as it was getting underway. It was a mixed up emotional day, tho. 38 years here, but someone had to break the cycle.
Autos lined up about 1/2 mile towards Dalley's, and North, East and West.
Clancey had enough and decided to look at things in another view.

In spite of the emotions, it really turned out to be a great day. Randy Mausser was the auction co. and he did a great job. So, it's goodbye to the old homestead and onto a new chapter in our life. After the auction, and I mean right after, Lee came back to the house and announced we were loading up and moving things to Challis! all was packed but I didn't think we would actually move things until the next day.

The Call...

The long awaited day has finally arrived! Jerry's family, Marlo's family and Joanna & Francine gathered at our home to document the grand opening...



It took real self discipline to leave the letter in the mailbox until everyone could get together.

President Andersen said, "If you have that good of self discipline you'll make great missionaries!"

This is a first for both of us...
Lee had been out hauling grain all day but the family wouldn't let him take time to shower & get ready. We had Chris with the tape recorder for our Grandson, Elder Shon Gregersen and she had Christopher listening on the phone.

We each got our own paper and we read them aloud together... Rostov-na-donu, Russia! We leave June 9, 2008! I'm thrilled!

And once Lee realizes he's got time to hit the Salmon River again before we depart, he is thrilled too!

Before our mission

Tues. Jan. 8, 2008 was the start of a humble experience. We had our interview with Pres. Darvel Anderson for our mission. He is such a remarkable person, with such enthusiasm for life and missionary work. He extended an invitation from Elder Paul Pieper, area pres. of Russia, for us to serve in Russia. Elder Pieper then called us on Wed. and we weren't at home, and he called again on Thursday, from Russia, and extended the call to us to serve in the Russia, Rostov mission, and be assigned to the branches in Sochi, and Tuapsi, by the Black Sea. We don't know yet the day we will leave, but our papers should be here about the first of Feb. We had gone on a cruise that next day, and I was lacking one test, CBC, that didn't get into the dept. until we got back. I ended up getting it in Oranjestad, Aruba - an island in the Caribbean, on our cruise to Panama and e-mailed the results to Marlo. She didn't receive the e-mail tho. So we didn't get the results to the stake until Wed. 23rd. Wow!!! That is the start of a new life. Along with the fact we sold out the farm and dairy, and have to move out before our leaving. Which we will distribute the furniture and store the rest. Our farm sale will be in March. We really don't know what we will do for sure. A friend of mine said to me - "You know where you are going, you just don't know how you will get there"! So true.

Day 1 on a Blog

Marlo here... setting up a Blog for the folks so all of us can be up-to-date with their mission experiences. We've got only a couple months for them to learn how to use this. If you've got any helpful hints you should drop them by. Now let's see what happens...