"Surrounded By Russians"

This was a solid week. I have learned a lot about many different parts of the gospel. My district just got to the in-person MTC today (Wednesday), and it is so sweet!!

The people here are so fun, and it is so amazing to work with them in person!

I have a very cool story to share. 

On my 6 am flight :) from Portland to Salt Lake City today, I was seated on an aisle seat. There was another elder a couple of rows away, so we started talking about where we were going. When I said Dnipro, the man across the aisle from me said with a heavy accent, "You're going to Ukraine!" He proceeded to tell me he was born in Ukraine and grew up in Russia. He was fluent in both Russian and Ukrainian. His family was in the two rows near him. It was so cute to hear his kids say things I could actually understand in Russian. He taught me so much, and we talked on and off the whole flight.

At this point in the story, one may say, "Elder Sheppert, this is just a coincidence that you were sitting near a Russian speaker."

I will continue the story. As I am learning Russian from a Native Ukrainian, the couple splitting the aisle in front of us over hears us, and starts talking to my new friend in perfect Russian. I was able to witness fast-paced, beautiful, natural Russian conversation. As we continued the flight, the flight attendant noticed my tag. She proceeded to tell me that she was from Russia, and started saying things that went way over my head. My friend across the aisle stepped in and saved me with some more Russian. A little later, he laughed and exclaimed to me in his thick Russian accent, "You are surrounded by all Russians."

Yes, I was. This was not an accident. I know the Lord was letting me know how important Russian will be for me and He was giving me an opportunity to learn through real life practice.

The Book of Mormon is the Keystone of our religion. Anyone will go closer to God through reading it. Read it!!

I love y'all,

Elder Sheppert

PS, I got pictures this time but they are not on my phone. I promise I'll have some for you next week!