On Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 9:33 PM, Daniel Ostler <ostler.daniel@myldsmail.net>
wrote:
Dear Family!!
I don't have much time tonight to write because its getting
pretty late and we won't have time in Kharkov to write but i just wanted you
all to know that this week we had a transfer and I am now with Elder Solin!
He's a great Russian elder that loves this work and a great missionary. I am
excited to serve with him because of the great man he is and his speaking in
'real' russian, not missionary russian, will really help me out!:) Just being
around him when he speaks helps improve my grammar and expands my vocabulary.
We also had a great experience welcoming the new missionaries to donetsk. There
were two sisters and two elders who came in about 2 oclock on tuesday. We took
them all to president's house and had a great meal and chance to talk with each
other while interviews were held. Afterwards, I went on a split with Sisters
Armkneckt and Erekson, both great sisters with strong testimonies who you can
tell know that this gospel is true. We three hit the streets and had a great
night talking to many really kind people who listened intently while i led the
conversation into the importance of the Book of Mormon and they testified. They
know russian sooo well, its amazing how prepared the missionaries seem to be
when they come out. The elders and sisters in our mission at this point and time
are so great. Later that night one of the elders was having some intense pain
in his leg so we called all the doctors we knew. Our area doctor told us to go
to a hospital right then so the new elder and i took an ambulance to the
hospital and waited until about 12 at night, doing different tests and xrays.
We returned home after not finding any immediate problems later that night and
went to bed. It was quite the first night for this missionary. We still are
waiting for results to make sure everything is alright.
I was sad to hear about Greg Forbush. (Greg was going to be one of Daniel's roommates this fall, and he died last week...no known cause. His parents were on a mission in Portugal and had to come home. So sad.) I have
been keeping his family in my prayers. He was my neighbor in college and a
great young man. I am sure he is in a better place now. This is one of the
first experiences i feel i have had with someone i knew pretty well passing
away. It really made me reflect a little on the miracle it is to have a
knowledge of the plan of salvation. I am so grateful that even in these times
when people are taken so suddenly from us, we can still face the trial with feelings
of hope and joy for that individual. The gospel has never been so real to me. I
love it so much and i wish with all my heart that these people could know what
I know. I look forward to the day when the gospel message will be sounded in
every ear and the people will humble themselves and accept such a marvelous
gift that our Father is waiting to give us. I love you all very much and i wish
you all a wonderful week. I cant wait to hear from you all!
With Love,
Elder Ostler
