5/25/2011
Hello!!! How is my family? It has been great to hear from all of you. It's been a really big confidence booster and helps me keep goin'. Thank you for the Russian Shirt, AXE, Reeses, and everything else you've sent me! I bet you can't guess who spoke to us in last nights devotional...Russell M. Nelson! I can't believe it! Four Apostles in the time I've been here, I wonder who's next! It was great. Elder Nelson and his wife spoke to us about obedience. One thing that stood out to me that they said was, "Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles". I'm going to strive to be obedient to every rule whether I understand it or not. That's a principle that the older Elders really tried to get out there was "Just follow all the rules and it will all work out. You would have died if you had been here with me. I was writing a letter at my desk a couple days ago and a little rat/mouse baby came out to say hello. We made a box contraption to catch it, but it never came so we gave up. I just hope he's not creepin' on me while I'm sleepin'... Speaking of creepin, Mike, I like the shoes. That's really cool how you could do that, you'll have to show me when I get home. I'm SOOOOOOO SOOORRRYYYYY for not being able to get a birthday shout out to Shelly, could you let her know. Thanks for all your letters. Also, there is a rumor that some of us might get to go to Korea for our Visa trips, so that would be really cool. Good ol Gunnell's boy is goin' to Russia huh? Vladivostok is where one of my teachers, Brat Savage, went on his mission. So I forgot, about how long will Tanner be able to know where he's going? Did Sky View have graduation yet? Let "the gang" know that I say congratulations to all of them. I don't know who the seamtress is for CTR clothing, but she must have had a bad day or something when she was putting on all of our buttons. Elders with the same pants and suits as I have all have loose buttons, it's kinda frustrating, but it's not that big of a deal. It's crazy, I'll be teaching the Plan of Salvation lesson with a hint of lesson 4: word of wisdom today in 100 % Russian at the TRC. Everyone's prayers and the Lord's help has been such a strength to me in learning this language. Sometimes I just want to take the grammar book and chuck it out the window as hard as I can, but learning it has gotten a little better everyday. We have great teachers that really care about us. I don't know if I've told you, but we have a native Russian teacher, Sestra Kuznetsova. She is so kind and helps us so much in understanding everything. We are all very thankful for her and Brat Savage. We'll, I better get back to studying, I love you all! When you see Justin & John tell them I say hello. Thanks for everything!!! Love Elder Bennett

Wednesday, May 18, 11:08 am
Hello!!! I like how in every letter you send to me has different closing phrases like "Your crazy mama," Your creepin mama" ect. I don't have the letter that you wrote with me so I'll have to go a little bit by memory. I think you asked when I was leaving, it's June 20th. It's sooooo crazy that the new Elders are coming today! It'll be nice to see what I looked like 6 weeks ago :). Last nights devotional was great. President Gordon B. Hinckley's son Elder Richard Hinkley spoke to us. He has a great sense of humor like his dad. This was a joke that he told us, he goes something along the lines of this..."So Adam and Eve had been kicked out of the Garden and have lived for a couple years outside of it and had some children. Adam was taking his little boys on a walk by the entrance of the Garden of Eden. He couldn't go in, so he put one of the boys on his shoulders so he could see what it looked like and said, "Boy, that's where your mother ate us out of house and home..") He said that his dad told him that one. Let everyone know that I say "Zdrastvuytsye" and that I love them. If you could, speaking of Hollister, send some more cologne or body spray. I'm close to out, I use it alot since we all stink because we all wear long pants and long sleeve shirts all day. Things are going well though, we're all getting really excited and nervous to be leaving here in about 4 and a half weeks. It's unreal! I can't believe that any of this is actually happening! I've waited 19 years for this opportunity and it's finally here. Life really goes by so fast! Russian is coming along, we'll be teaching an investigator tonight for the 2nd time in 100% Russian. Heavenly Father has blessed us all so very much with trying to understand and speak it. Going to the temple is such a great experience, I'll miss that. Russia has a stake center now, which is great news. The work is progressing so much there. Well I love ya all, hope things are going well. Da svi danya ! Love Elder Bennett

Letter to his Dad
Thank you for the letters and all of the support, it's really helped me out. Things are going great here, it really gets better everyday. I get more confused with Russian grammar, spelling, etc. everyday, but it truly does get better and I learn and grow through trials and experiences. I can't believe that I'm already almost at the half-way mark of the MTC. I'll be in Mother Russia in no time! It's so exciting and I can't wait for it to happen, but it also makes me want to put forth my best efforts in training and preparation so I can be ready for that day. It's inevitable that companionships and districts will have difficulties and contention or annoyances, so as District Leader, I rely on the Lord and Heavenly Father to help me do and say the things that I need to for unity and the companionship of the spirit. We all come from different lifestyles, have different opinions, personalities , ect, So we all disagree on things, but we can agree on one thing. This gospel is true. Jesus is the Christ. He wants us as missionaries to share that truth with others. I love Him, and know that He will be with me every step of the way for these two years to help and carry me through trials. Please pray that I'll be able to speak this language and make a difference in Russia. The Savior has his hand in all things. I am so thankful for you, Thank you so much for helping me pay for a mission and for all you've taught me. Your the best and I love you very much. Thanks again! Love CTAPEULLUHA Bennett Fun Fact: The 9th of May is "Victory Day" in Russia. It's bigger than New Years. Former Soviet Union WWII Holiday. Anyway, Russia invented the war-truck with missle launcher artillary on the back. Theres a song about this war machine that they sing on this day that EVERY Russian knows, it's like 'Old MacDonald" to us. if you want to look up how the song sounds it's really cool. It's called KATHOLLlA "Katyusha"

Billy got this at the MTC:
Poem to Missionaries from Russian Convert, circa 2000
Who are you boy? For a boy you are journeyed to this land of ours, this land where I've endured my days. And felt oppression kill my soul and force me into some tight mold. And teach me that I should not hope unless I care to smell the smoke of dreams that the Red Army tamed.
Who are you boy? From this land of plenty, teaching of God if there is any. You have all; we have none. Do you know what that feels like son? And yet, you ask me to believe in something that I cannot see; some force you say will bring me joy. Do you know what that feels like boy? Where you're from, faith is free, but it has a price for me. When I have pain, I have my bottle. Hurt dies quick when you down it in Vodka. That's enough to warm my soul. I work, I sleep, the days go by-- I'm waiting for the day I die. You don't understand this place. You say believe, obey, have faith, live life well, serve and give. Here in Russia we just live.
Who are you boy? Why did you come? To save a soul who once was numb. To teach a wretched, hateful, man who cursed your help, refused your hand. I thought that we were worlds apart. So how is it that you knew my heart? A fraction my age you calmed my rage; mercy paid my generous wage. I should have been left behind. It is hard to love my kind. Hope in your heart, power in your hands, why did you come to this distant land? I know now, it was for me. The Red Curtain fell, but I was not free. Until a boy from nations away brought me my Lord, I bless the day. He led me to weep at my Master's feet, the American boy I met on the street---new and naive, still in his teens, with a message to bring the world to it's knees. I thought that the truth would come from another ---I did not know this boy was my brother.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Hellllllooooo!! How is everyone doing?! Thank you so much for sending me the Reeses care package. Peanut butter is scarce in Russia so it's great to have lots of it now. Well, we're the oldest group of Russian Elders, they left yesterday and Monday. It's sooooo weird. I liked a lot of them, it was hard to see them go. There is a thing called the "Free Box" and it's a tub of things that the Elders leaving throw in that they don't need so they can meet weight requirements on luggage. I've got a couple treasures form there, it's great. I was even awarded the "Fan of Faith" from Elder Hayes. There was a competition for it and the Elders had to give their definition of "faith" and the best one won. This fan didn't work when Elder Hayes for got it, but he tryed it again and it started working so they have never turned it off since. Thats one of the rules with the fan of faith, you can't turn it off. So my answer that won was "Going to Russia with just a suitcase and a bag of scriptures :) Oh, big news, since the older group left, it marked the 6 week change of leadership positions in every district. I was called as District Leader! It's crazy! I am so honored to be able to serve in this position and do my best to magnify this calling. I've started to see a lot of good changes in our zone and district and I know it is because of the Lord. He cares about all of His missionaries sooo much. We had the priviledge of having ANOTHER Apostle (3rd one since I've been here) come and speak to us. It was Elder Neil L. Anderson. At this rate, we might get to be taught by all the 12 before we leave! :) Could you thank Justin Hutchinson for me? He sent 4 more SD cards because he heard that I was sending you some pictures and he thought I needed some more. The temple was great today, Elder Krushinsky and I were able to do a sealing session. I could really feel the spirit as we did that. Guess what...We have to teach the entire TRC lession tonight in Russian! I'm a little nervous, but it is really fun. I have noticed that the Lord helps me remember what I've studied and blesses us with the gift of tongues if we try our best. I'm so thankful for my Savior. He has helped our companionship everyday to have more success and be better missionaries. Elder Krushinsky and I are becoming good friends and are learning how to teach and study more effectively and powerfully together. It's sooo crazy to think that we've almost reached the half-way mark! The other Elders that left said that it goes by so fast from when the new missionaries come to when they're about to leave. They come next week and I think there are going to be 80 or so of them in the two Russian zones, so it'll be interesting. Thanks for Clint's address and everything else. Oh could you please tell Pat Dagley thank you for sending me a letter. And let her know if it takes a little bit to get back to her. Thank you for all the letters, they've been a real strength to me. Let everyone know I love them and I say hello. Love you all!!!!!!!! Elder Bennett

Wednesday May 4th, 2011
Kak y vas dela?! (How are you?!)
Thank you sooooo much for sending all the things I've asked for! Clothes, supplies list, the sweat pants are the best thing to have ever graced my hairy legs. Thanks again. Tell Justin Hutchinson thanks for the Reese's shirt, and for all his letters. We heard about Bin Laden, thats crazy they got him after all these years. Big news, my companion Elder Krushinsky, and I were called to be the Sacarament Coordinators for our branch. I'm very grateful for this calling. It's a great way to feel the spirit and get ready to partake of the sacrament. We are in charge of asking others to bless using Russian sacrament prayers and ones for priesthood meeting, and we get the bread and needed supplies and prepare it. It's like I'm a priest again! Anyway, I'm so thankful to be able to take part in our sunday meetings. We just had fast Sunday and a monthly mission conference a couple days ago. My companion and I were heading to the chapel to get sacrament ready and the President of the MTC, President Brown was in the hall and we got to talk to him for a little bit, he is really nice. Fasting was great, I didn't even feel hungry, I testify of the power that it can have. It is crazy that we will be teaching all of our lessons in 100% Russian from now on! Keep praying for me, I'm gonna need it. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over me and will help me. I love Him so much. Tell Justin T that I'm thankful for the talks and letters that he sends, they have been really helpful. Also, let the kids know that I love em and their pictures are fantastic. Anyway, Love you all, thanks for everything!!!!!!!!!! Elder Bennett

Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hello, Just letting you know that I'm O.K. We've had a schedule change and things have been CRAZY today! Tons of people were on the laundry room computers so I didn't get a chance to use one earlier. Other than adjusting to this new schedule things are going great!! We've had two apostles speak at devotionals, Elder Richard G. Scott and Elder Dallin H. Oaks. We're soo lucky! Some Elders say that they haven't had apostles speak for a couple months and we have had 2 in 2 weeks! The Russian is coming along and we are learning alot. From now on we have to write our talks in Russian and start to teach 100% pretty soon. Thank you sooo much for the letters and the Easter packages. It was perfect I'm going to send you the camera SD card in the mail soon, oh and the coolest thing happened. You mentioned that Jim knew one of the Elders here and I thought it would have been hard to run into him but the other day at dinner I went to sit at a talbe and started to talk to this Elder that was goint to Russia. Through the conversation I found out that he was from Hurricane and I put it together, it was pretty cool! Sorry that this one wasn't that long but like I said the schedule is crazy today . Love Elder Bennett

Tuesday, April 19th 2011,
Hello!!!!! Thank you so very much for the bag of candy! All the district really liked it and so did my teacher Brat (Brother in Russian) Savage. He's a really cool guy . Tell the kids that I miss em and tell Mike to be a good boy and mind you!! I don't think I've told you about our other teacher Seestra (sister) Kuznetzsova, she's really nice, and she's native Russian. It's been great to have her because we are experiencing what it's like to listen to a native speaker. Anysho, things are getting better here everyday! Today at the temple I did iniatory work and it was great! Sundays and P days are fantastic! So are the other days of the week, but you catch my drift. Lately we have been learning how to get to know about one's family and how to set up an appointment with them in Russian. The grammar is so crazy!! I am getting the hang of it, but if you could , pray for me that I will able to have the gift of tongues. Next week, we have to give our talks in sacrament meeting in Russian. It'll be weird when it happens, but I know the Lords hand is over this work and that he blesses his missionaries with miracles like that. Oh and for special requests, I would love some reeses!! and some body spray. I hope things are going well and I want you to know how much I love you all and miss you! I also miss the St. G weather, it's not as warm here, it's even rained some of the days... Treat Lambo good, he's been a good car! Later Love you Elder Bennett

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Zdrastvuytse Semeya!
I hope everything is going well for all of you! I'd just like to first say how much I love you all and miss you, it has been a pretty emotional couple days for me as well. Right when you left, it was like I was trapped in a whirlwind of craziness! It was like we were all a bunch of cows getting registered! I didn't even have time to think! After getting my ID card, taking pictures, getting instructions, etc. the Elder that took my bags took me to my room and in a minutes time we were already out the door heading to class! I met my teacher and then we had to get a orientation on how to use the gym on the computers. It was there where I met my companion and the rest of the district. They are all very cool and funny. One of these times I'll have to explain all of them to you. Its crazy how much you learn in one day! I've learned more Russian in 5 days than I would at 3 years of high school (maybe a bit of an exaggeration) I'm very glad that I got acquainted to it before I came though, because some of the Elders were struggling with learning the alaphabet and some phrases for the first couple of days. But we're all for the most part caught up with each other. We already know greetings, testimonies, some grammar rules, and how to pray. Oh and your question about a meltdown. I havent' had one , but I've come pretty close a couple times...like the first night in a strange bed, and the temple today when you weren't there with me, and last night I was coming down with something and my back hurt and I was cold and I just wanted to be in my uuunnn(Ty's way of saying it) bed, but I'm feeling better today. I'm so happy that it's P-day! We got to go to the temple as I mentioned , and we get to do laundry and other things. The hardest part was the first couple of days when it's just meetings, meetings, and more meetings and you don't have any time at all, but the schedule is more concrete from now on. The Elders and Sisters here say that if you can make it to your first P-day, the rest will be better. The food here really does give you gas like Jared said, but it is good and there is always a large selection of food items to choose from. The candy has made me very popular :) Everyone in the district comes to get some everyday! You'd be proud, I have been going to bed at 10:30 and waking up between 6 and 6:15 and I ate my first cereal the other day. Let Justin Hutchinson know that I appreciated his letters the other day. Well I only have 4 minutes left I better hurry or this email will close and not save, we only have so much time to email. Alrighty, we'll talk to you next week, I love you all!!!!!

MTC

Elder Howard from North Carolina going to Novosibirsk & Elder Anderson going to Samara

Elder Hoggan from Ogden area & Elder Fitzgerald from Pleasant Grove both going to Novosibirsk


Elder Krushinsky's bow tie

High School Musical Jump


A game Russians play called the flour game

Star Wars...........you put a colored pencil by the camera and it catches the flash



Star Wars..........Put a colored pencil by the camera and it catches the flash


our end of the day, ab ripper workout ..... Iron Lovin'

Karate Kid by Japanese cherry blossom tree


Lovin' the smell of my Reese's

Everybody is jealous of my Russia shirt



Elder Kodra from Lehi, Tennessee, and Michigan going to Samara and Elder Garrett from Cedar City going to the Ukraine Me & my Comp Elder Krushinsky