Winter is definitely here. This morning the temperature was - 11 F. and - 20 C. We aren't out contacting but we do have to shop and go to meetings. We have to allow an extra 15 minutes to "suit up". We are very grateful for the Trax we wear on our shoes to keep from slipping on the icy places.

The Strengthening Marriage and Family classes we have been teaching have kept us a little busier. Julia Klevakina arranged for a reporter from a TV station to conduct an interview asking questions about the class, why we are here and about ourselves. We were very nervous, but it turned out to be a nice experience. Galina, the interviewer, was very pleasant and friendly. On Sunday, she came with a photographer and filmed one of our classes. We used some of the members as students and taught part of a lesson. It will be aired in January and we hope will create more interest in the class. We will repeat the same classes after the first of the year. It is hoped that after we leave the Branch will continue these classes. The Sisters are meeting with one of the women that come to our class. She was coming to the English program then started coming to the marriage class. We are hoping that more will start meeting with the missionaries.

The members of our branch are enjoying their new building. The missionaries appreciate a beautiful building to invite their contacts to.

Several branch members are attending the Temple this week. At least two will be going for the first time. They will attend the Kiev Temple.

The process for renewing visas is changing. From now on, no one will stay overnight. We will not even be leaving the airport in Finland or whatever country we go to. We think it will be much better. We were spending up to 8 hours in the Moscow airport waiting to catch our flight and we hope that will change. Getting into the city is a complicated procedure, and we haven't done that this time at all. We just read or walk around.

Our branch leaders have urged us to do some act of service during the Christmas holidays. We have been thinking of things we can do for the people who serve us in the apartment complex. The amount of snow they have shoveled has been huge. There are piles of snow higher than my head around the grounds to keep the walk ways open and the street into the complex cleared.

Yesterday there was another baptism, this one was after the block and many members stayed for it, some investigators too.

Some less active are coming back. Now if we can get them to come every Sunday. More callings are being extended. The Relief Society President serving since we first came in 2006 was released and called to teach the investigator class. Another long time member replaced her. A new Primary President was called.

More men are advancing in the Priesthood and helping with the Sacrament. The Branch Presidency is fully organized now. At times there are 12 adults attending Priesthood, though not every Sunday. Two Aaronic Priesthood holders are there nearly every week with three others that come from time to time. Progress is being made.

We love you and appreciate your e-mails. May you have a very special Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love,
Elder and Sister Holmes

Sharon in front of church

Bart in front apartment building

Current district

Maxim mission farewell

Sasha's birthday party

Clothes dryer

Bird visiting sun porch

Icicles

Sun porch window with ice on the inside

Grandma Tatiana

Branch clean up service at park