Second Area – Krasnodar

From what Elder Addis (Michael) told us Krasnodar was a much more modern city.  There he lived in the ritziest apartment in the mission – still not much compared to US standards.  He did a video tour of his apartment but I’ll have to post that a little later.

Elder Hansen, Elder Johnson, Elder Addis, Elder Barrows

Elder Addis Taking Goofy Pictures

Skyline of Kranodar - They Tract in Buildings like the One Here

Krasnodar and Elder Addis' Face

Handsome Elder Addis

New Ties for Elder Addis' Birthday! Quite the Assortment

Look...the Whole Addis Family is in Russia!

P-day Playing Frisbee with the Youth

Church in Krasnodar

Church in Krasnodar

First Area in Russia – Volgograd

Well after much prayer and fasting (by the missionaries, families, and many friends), Elder Addis’ (Michael’s) district was finally on it’s way to Russia.  It must have taken 30 hrs or so of air travel to finally get there.  But they were greeted by President & Sister Harrison (all 19 of them – two districts arrived at once).  They didn’t have long in Rostov at the Mission Home before they were all shipped out to their first areas. 

Russia is a difficult enough lanuage to be immersed in after studing it for 3 months in the MTC but can you imagine studying it for 3 months, then speaking English for 4 weeks and getting thrown into total immerssion in Russia?  It was difficult to say the least for these missionaries.  Michael struggled at the beginning but now after being out about 15 months he’s speaking pretty well.  In fact he recently was paid a huge compliament – someone thought he was a native to the Baltics (Latvia etc).  Of course native Russians would never think an American could speak Russian that well!

Here are some pictures of his first area – Volgograd (I think it means the Red City) of course any reference to ‘Red’ in Russia is a reference to Communism.  But that’s another topic of discussion all together.  Enjoy the pictures.

Elder Addis Sportin' His New Russian Coat

Elder Addis Outside a Typical Russian Apartment Building

Elder Addis Posing for the Camera

Elder Addis at 'The Motherland Calls' Statue

Elder ?, Elder Hansen, Elder ?, Elder Addis

Branch Member ?, Branch Member ?, Elder Jones, Branch Member ?, Elder Addis

Missionaries and Branch Members in Volgograd

'The Motherland Calls' Statue - Erected in 1967

A Church in Volgograd

Photos from Colorado

Elder Addis (Michael) was in Colorado Springs from Sept 21st to Oct 25th.

Elder Addis & His Companion - Elder Keck

Elder ?, Elder Addis, Elder ?

Elder Addis' District in Colorado

Photos from the MTC

Missionaries called to Russia typically spend 3 months in the MTC.  Michael entered on June 20th but unfortunately due to visa issues they were not able to leave on time.  Eventually they were temporarily reassigned to other missions around the US. Elder Addis and several others left the MTC on Sept 21, 2007 for the Colorado – Colorado Springs Mission.

Elder ?, Elder ?, Elder Addis

Elder ?, Elder ?, Elder ?, Elder Addis, Elder ?, Elder ?

Elder Addis' MTC District and Their Teacher

Sis. Burnett, Elder Ortega, Elder Angel, Elder Addis, Sis. Sherman

Opening His Mission Call – The Movie

Here’s a movie of Michael opening his mission call back in March ’07.  Allie and Caroline (his sisters) were able to be there (along with all his friends from Helaman Halls @ BYU) but the rest of the family was on speakerphone (hence all the cell phones you see in the video).  We are so proud of our Elder and the amazing work that he has been called to do in Russia!

Welcome

Hi All.  I was inspired by the recent mail we got from Russia (which included a DVD of movies and pictures) to start a blog where you all can keep updated on Elder Addis’ adventures. 

First, let me introduce myself, I’m the older sister Caroline.  I anticipate posting his weekly letters from now on as well as his pictures.