Dear Family and Friends,

We are alive and kicking here in Moscow and have had another great week. The work here is consistent, although it is slow but there is just lots to do here for people and for the church. We were able to do a variety of things and have some very interesting experiences. Here are a few highlights.

1. It got about freezing this week and rained instead of snowed. Actually it was nice to experience the cleansing effect of rain. We are supposed to have a few more days of it.

2. We had the opportunity to attend a choral and dance concert in Tchaikovsky's concert hall here in Moscow. It was fascinating and historical to be in this beautiful facility. It was not as ornate as I thought it would be but it was beautiful none the less and interestingly enough, we had seats on the very front row just on the left side. The music was amazing and very unique. They say of their heritage and culture and it was interesting to hear how their music was portrayed. It was a little intimidating and scary to listen as they sang with such passion and enthusiasm about their country and to hear the thunderous applause and watch people, including military men in uniform, come to the stage and give flowers to the participants. Although we did not understand much of what was said, one could feel the deep conviction they have for their "Mother Russia." It was a wonderful experience to witness and to behold.

3. We experienced "tranfers" which happens every six weeks on the mission. Luckily, Bethany and I are still missionary companions and have no transfer happening. It was exciting to see all of the missionaries here in this mission together and hear of their excitement to work in new areas of Moscow with different companions. We had a few changes in our district.

4. We met someone from the past this week. We may have eluded to this in a previous letter, but there is a dentist who is an American who has been working here in Moscow for a number of years. He works a lot with the missionaries and helps them periodically when things are needed. It turns out that he is from California and his name is Dr. Giovanni Favero. He practiced for a number of years in the Sacramento area and interestingly enough Bethany worked for him for about a year while we lived in California, prior to moving to Texas. It just so happens that this same doctor has been coming here for a number of years and is here now. We just had dinner with him last night and reflected on old times and well as current times as well. Since he is not a citizen of Russia, he cannot own his practice. He shares it with several other dentists, none of which are American. There is one Canadian orthodontist that comes over periodically to work. The thing that keeps Dr. Favero coming back is the money. He can make a good amount of money here in Moscow and pay 13% income tax. He works 3 weeks here and then goes back to California and spends the next 3 weeks golfing, then comes back to Moscow and starts all over again. When I say the next 3 weeks golfing, that is all he does. He told us of a time he was ruffed up by a couple of hooligans who were trying to get him to stay in the states so that one of his business partners could just take the business here from him. Dr. Favero has just stayed the course and keeps coming back. He indicates that if he had to do it all again today, it probably could not be done. He said that things have changed drastically here in Moscow over the past 10 years. It is just very interesting and too much of a coincidence that someone we knew 20+ years ago in California is here in Moscow and we have been able to meet up again and renew old acquaintances.

It has been a good week. We had had several meetings in our home here with individuals investigating the Church. The Spirit remains strong as we share and testify of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The people here are good people of God and want what is best for their families. Some of them are very radical however and many don't like the fact that we are here in their country. We continue to get strange looks from most of the people as we walk along the streets and on the Metro. We just look different than they do and thus they stare. Many of them want what we have, they just don't know quite where to find it. They are searching. We had about 200+ people to English Club on Wednesday night. I couldn't believe how many people there were who wanted to learn English. When they come to the Church, they feel something and want to return again and again. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers in our behalf. If you haven't been praying for the missionaries, please begin doing so. The work needs to progress more rapidly and there is so much work to be done.

We love you all,
Sincerely,
Elder and Sister Packard