bbq in the country...suits chopping wood

Whatcha gonna do…

Hmmm…looks like I will be staying here in Botancia… And, let me try to say this without laughing… I will be killing yet another elder! Elder Sorenson will be my new companion and returns home at the end of this next transfer. I am at a loss for words... what more can I say?? I served with Elder Sorenson for a short time in Surgut while my companion was away on a visa trip. It was an interesting experience. When contacting, we would stand on street corners and Elder Sorenson played his violin while I talked with people (keep in mind, we are talking Siberia in November. I'm not sure you all know that kind of cold, and it was this az. kid's first winter in Russia! haha.) I have to admit, it worked out pretty well, so we will see how successful it is here in Botancia in the summer. I guess the thing that keeps me sane with killing off another elder and... always forever the youngest is that I love Botanica and I love the branch members here. The other stuff is just getting a little, you know_____! Oh well, whatcha gonna do!! Such is life!

The highlights for the week –
We enjoyed a wonderful BBQ at the Druzhkovy's garden home. We had a great time with their little kids. The Druzhkovy's have the cutest kids in the world! It was a blast.

I also had the opportunity to conduct the baptism of Oksana, Uralmashs investigator. It was the coolest baptism, Elder Shreeve baptized her in a nearby lake, and I lead the meeting in a little quaint garden house. It was an incredible experience.

A humorous moment from this past week...Elder Shreeve’s and I had to chop wood for the baptism in Revda and as people walked by, we received some pretty strange looks, confused as to why two guys dressed in white shirts and ties would be chopping wood. (I guess that would be an odd sight to see.)haha.

Upcoming highlights for this week –

President Uchdorf and Elder Anderson will be visiting. Stoked!

Until next week,
Elder Dewey

P.S. Shreeve's is going AP...I'm hoping he will hook me up - it's due time. haha!

Ikea's 40 MEATBALLS...Russia in the springtime...

notice the purple addition to the ear...haha

view from our apartment balcony...no jumping allowed!


Elder shreeves and I (two mesa az. elders survive russia's winter.)

Russia in the spring... (nothing like the sacred groves, but it will do.)
Say cheese...me being a goof.

поздравления от ekat,

I hope all is well at home. The work here in Ekat seems to be moving at snail speed. We are working harder than ever without much progress. It sure can wear on ones nerves. I know the Lord is forcing my patience, which I’m sure is something I am need of. Contacting did pick up while we were out on the streets, we managed to get a few additional contacts and then another great one while on the bus, so we will see what happens.

We went to a baptism this past Saturday, which was way cool!

I know I have mentioned before, the interesting things you learn about yourself while serving a mission. This week I thought a lot about how fortunate I have been through out my life thus far. While I serve among these great people of Russia and see them struggle with all of lifes challenges it really gets to me. I truly feel for them. I feel they deserve all the blessings and comforts that I have been blessed with in my life. At times I am astonished at all their many struggles, but more amazed at the amount of faith they have. Honestly, I don’t think I could go through half of what these people do. Their faith is more than I can even comprehend.
My goal this week is to truly lose myself in the work and try not to over think the future. I'm not going to worry about the numbers game and just stay focused on the needs of the people. I truly love the people here and love my mission.

We were supposed to find out about transfers today, but they decided to hold back for a week. I’m sure it has something to do with President Uchtdorf and Elder Anderson’s visit. We are all looking forward to this great opportunity. I believe it has been ten years since the mission had a general authority visit. I guess the last was about ten years ago when the mission first opened…exciting stuff!

We have been invited to a BBQ this week (weather permitting) by a family in our branch, the Drushkovy’s. We are going to their garden out in the country. It sounds like a great time.

The weather has been crazy. It warmed up, then on Saturday we had a rain storm, and now it has turned off cold.

Earlier today we all went to IKEA and had their “40 MEATBALL” lunch. Whoever ate all 40 got to join our “MEATBALL’ club, it was one of those moments that you had to be there for…but way funny.

I am sending a few pictures today from when Shreeves and I went to a meeting to see a lady and we got there too early so we walked around in a nearby forest….kind of goofy pics.

Sorry for the boring email today, hopefully I will have more upbeat, positive, and interesting news next week.

I love you all and thank for your support!

P.S. BJ and Brit – Don’t worry about your little Chad jr taking after his/her uncle…he/she will GROW into his/her EARS! They will be a little noticeable while young, but once he/she reaches the height of 6.6” the EARS will become less noticeable. Just remember the CHARM and WIT he/she will inherit!! LUCKY KID!!!! AND... don't let his/her grandpa and grandma call him/her Yoda ( the creature from Star Wars)...even if the EARS are pointing and flop over! I will be thinking of names you can call the MINI ME. I'm sure I can come up with a few good Russian names...I will have them for you next week.

до следующей недели,
Старший Dewey

President Uchtdorf Visit...

Exciting news…President Uchtdorf along with Elder Anderson will be visiting our mission towards the end of May. We are all stoked! I will let you all know what the experience is like.

счастливый День матери

Victory Day and Service Project...Elders Dewey and Anderson at Victory Day. ..

Elders Thomas and Dewey...service project in Ekat.
Elders Shreeve(ZL)and Dewey on splits.

Elders Bassett (AP) and Dewey

Hello Everyone,

I hope all the mom's had a great Mother's Day. Mom, since you like to receive pictures I will send a few today. It was great to talk with all of you today. It sounds like everyone is doing awesome. Since we had a good chat I will cut this email a little short.

Congratulations BJ and Britt! You two don't waste any time, I will give you that! How am I suppose to compete with you guys! I am sure he/she will take after their uncle with all my good looks, charm, wit, and all of my other great characteristics. Ha ha!

I forgot to mention that transfers are soon approaching. We should find out next Monday and I will let you know the outcome. I really have no idea if I will stay or end up transfering. I really love it here though and would hate to leave...I love the area, the branch, and the great members. It just gets a little frustrating, always...I'm not even going to finish that sentence. Complaining or whining will get you no where in life. It is just the circumstance our mission is in. The good news is ...there will be a few new missionaries arriving over the next couple months, so we will see what happens.

The weather is warming up and the days are longer. We can now shed the coat! We don't have to deal with the snow and ice for a while and we can let our feet unthaw! OH HAPPY DAY!!!

I love you all and thanks so much for all your love and support! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Dewey

say uncle...

noooooo jk...

GOT FURRRRRR...

elders dewey and shreeve cleaning the neighborhood by the mission office... (Chad -please tell me you don't wear those shoes/boots/or whatever they are out contacting. They look like the same shoes you are wearing with your suit in the picture below...yikes!)

(service pictures taken from McEvoy's blog...thank you McEvoy's!)

elder dewey hiding behind branches of trees...(you can barely see
him.)

snow in may...

Hello Everyone,

Since I don’t have a lot of time to email, I am going to cut to the chase and give you a quick brief recap of last week. I hope the few pictures I send will make up for lack of sharing. I promise next week will be better.

This past week we were busy with meetings, district conference, a service project, (cleaning up the neighborhood by the mission office)and a whole lot of busy work, which was all great. I went on splits again with Elder Shreeve and it was amazing as usual. He is the coolest guy ever. We had a ton of fun. He speaks Russian extremely well, and inspires me to keep at it. I'm just grateful I no longer have the language barrier I had my first six-seven months out, and now can speak and understand it pretty well.

Again, I apologize for the shortness of this email, but I will write more details next week.

Make it a great one.
Love,
Elder Dewey

pictures from friends in Russia...

older photos shared by a friend...she found these on facebook...thanks kim!

elder dewey serving in surgut for a few weeks with elder sorenson while companions were away on visa trips...

baptism in kurgon..

great work sister missionaries... elder dewey thought these two sister missionaries were the best of the best...

lost for words...just look at that hair AND those SHOES...

"Member Missionary" Work...The Key To Success!

Hello Everyone,

What a crazy/busy week it has been, but a GOOD one! I have little time to email today due to another busy day ahead. We had some great meetings and also Zone Conference this past week. Our focus for the week was on "Member Missionary" Work. We actually met our goal! Due to humility... I realized we had to be more humble, truly praying for guidance. We met with some less actives and members, emphasizing the importance of getting the less active members more involved and help them regain their desire to come to church. Our goal is to get the members here in Yekaterinburg more involved and participate in "Member Missionary" work. It will help those that need that extra reassurance and acceptance from the members. "Member Missionary" work truly is the key to success!

Here are some random crazy/funny scenes that we witnessed in our travels this past week:
Scene 1– Some crazy guy went up to a light post and ripped off a flyer that was posted and started eating it, like it was going to be his last meal! So CRAZY!!

Scene 2 – One day while out contacting we stumbled across a bunch of kids (ages probably 10-12 years of age) destroying some random car on the street. They were climbing all over it, pounding on it, breaking the windows!!! Some poor old babushka (older women) tried to yell at them to get them to stop, but they ignored her and continued with their destruction!!! They were maniacs!!

Scene 3– While we were enjoying one of our many rides on the Ghetto buses here in Yekaterinburg we heard some punk kids talking about me, trying to be funny, and thinking that I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, so I started conversing with them in Russian. They were shocked out of their minds that I could speak their language!! They didn’t know what to say after that. Pretty funny!!

**Just thought I would share some of the interesting events that take place around us.** You got to love it!

We had a great Sunday. Our missionary coordinator gave a great talk on priorities. She is way cool!!
I love my area, the members, and the people we work with. Our one area now covers three. Himash and Botanica being the main areas that we currently cover. We live in Botanica and it takes about 40 minutes to get to Himash.

I want to share a few awesome quotes with you all:
"Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny" David O McKay I really love that one!

“Strength and struggle go together. The supreme reward of struggle is strength. Life is a battle and the greatest joy is to overcome. The pursuit of easy things makes men weak.
Do not equip yourselves with superior power and hope to escape responsibility and work, it cannot be done: Its following the line of least resistance that makes rivers and men crooked.” Ralph Parlette

I love both of those quotes so much, but I don’t have a lot of time to explain. In a nut shell…before my mish I always seem to look for the easy way out, but on the mish I realize that’s what makes life dull. The struggle in life is what brings the best reward. Struggles and challenges also result in making one the Best person that they are intended to be.

So, that’s it for this week. I love you all and grateful for all your love and support!
Have a good week!

Love,
Elder Dewey

Don't forget to email me!!! I get lonely! You can email me at chadmdewey@gamil.com

Yekaterinburg Zone Conference

Dear Families,

Yesterday we enjoyed a Zone Conference with the missionaries of the Yekaterinburg Zone. They received trainings from the assistants, from their zone leaders, from President and Sister Allen, and also practiced teaching doctrines in Russian. They had sandwiches for lunch, and then interviews with the President. Thank you for the support that you give your missionary. We love and appreciate each one. The weather is getting a little warmer here, though there is snow in the forecast.

Our best,

President and Sister Allen

Sharing The Lord's Message...Easter in Russia...General Conference...

Elder Dewey sharing the message on the ice?

He begins his search, leaving footprints in the snow...

and maybe hope in the hearts of these ice fishermen? (I'm not sure if he actually went out that far:))

Elder Shreeves and Elder Dewey at the Asia and Europe border.

Elder Dewey and Elder McKenna at the Mission Home
(Elder McKenna headed home.)

Elder Dewey and McKenna saying goodbye...
(Elder Dewey enjoyed serving with Elder Mckenna.)

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was packed full of exceptional and uplifting events. I especially enjoyed watching General Conference with the members here in Botanika, Elder and Sister McEvoy, Zhenya and her friend (former missionary companion.). Elder Holland never fails to deliver, nor to disappoint. I have to admit, Holland’s talk was my favorite and will be worth reviewing over and over again. In between sessions we had a snack. Russians always have sandwiches with one slice of bread, a slice of meat (usually sausage) and a pickle or cucumber. It’s my favorite, and so good! A few of us watched conference in English instead of Russian so we could soak it all in and not have to concentrate translating in our heads…just a little more enjoyable to hear it in ones own language….ha-ha!

(Note from mom - This beautiful picture of their lunch spread is from McEvoy's blog)

Elder V and I went out on splits this week. We taught Antonina and her daughter, Anya. They are amazing people. And… after our lesson they gave us two referrals! We were stoked!! Referrals are rare here in Russia, unlike Idaho…right BJ? Ha-ha. We will be meeting with the two referrals next week.

Since the weather has warmed up the majority of people are a little more willing to talk with us when we are out contacting, and not in a mad-dash to get inside to unthaw from the cold. We managed to get five new numbers…only time will tell if they lead to anything…always keeping high hopes though.

I am now at the point that the language is definitely not a barrier or a struggle and is actually a lot of fun for me. I can understand probably 90% of what is being said and I can speak it pretty well, at least I believe I do. I love learning the Russian language and still feel it is the coolest sounding language…Ever!

I’m lovin Botanika and the members here. It is an awesome area to serve. The people here in Russia are so unique in the sense that if they like you…THEY LOVE YOU!!! They are truly a great and caring people. However, if by chance they don’t like you then they don’t give a dang what you think! It definitely has its up’s and down’s. Ha-ha.

I was asked the question, “what is something that I see here in Russia that we normally don’t see in the states?” Some of what I see would be such things as huge apartment buildings that are old and somewhat scary looking, small elderly ladies (Buska's) sweeping streets for no apparent reason, and cars driving on sidewalks. Ha-Ha! Oh, and missionaries with dirt on their pants! I heard that doesn’t occur in Idaho…right bro? Hmmm And…people randomly saying hi to us and we responding with some funny comeback in English that they don’t understand, unless of course, they are being nice, then we invite them to English. Ha-Ha!

I was also asked, "what is something that I have learned about myself since I’ve been out in the field.” I would have to say, that I have learned that I am capable to do more than I thought. Also, it's amazing how I have learned this difficult language. And...have come to realize that I have a lot more to be appreciative for than I ever thought I did. It’s hard to explain the things a missionary learns while on a mission.

Well, that is it for this week. I am sending pictures as well.

Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Dewey

Out With The Old And In With The New...

Hello Everyone,

Well, It's out with the old and in with the new this week. I "killed" yet another Elder, meaning...I sent another Elder packing for home. Elder McKenna left yesterday. He seemed to be a bit nervous, but I’m sure that is to be expected. I was able to accompany him to the Mission Home and attend the meeting for the departing missionaries. It was great! However, it was hard to see McKenna leave. He was a great companion and a good missionary.
I will get my new companion, Elder Odair tomorrow. He is from Northern Arizona and has been in the field for a few months longer than I have, which makes me yet again, the younger Elder. So, not to feel too discouraged... always being the youngest and not feeling I’m making much progress, I try to stay focus on the work... however, the work seems slow going as well. A few new missionaries should be arriving over the next couple months, which will be great for the mission.
I hit my year mark this past Thursday; the day just kind of came and went. So, I am on my way down the slope and I am sure this next year will go fast. I feel I have so much more I would like to accomplish.
I love being a missionary and grateful for all the many blessings and, even the challenges that come along with it. I look forward to this next year and the great experiences that awaits. I will write more next week. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I love you all and grateful for all you do.

Love,
Elder Dewey

ELDER DEWEY'S HUMP DAY!

HUMP DAY! Congratulations Elder Dewey!

Dear Elder Dewey,

Your family is extremely grateful for the sacrifice, hard work and dedication you have given your mission thus far. You've always had a strong, firm and grounded testimony of the Gospel. It's been amazing to hear stories of how you've shared your testimony as a missionary, teaching the Russian people. We have seen your growth and love you have for the Gospel and the Russian people as you serve them. We look forward for this next year to learn more of what will come your way. You have made your mission come alive through your weekly emails to your family and friends. We appreciate you sharing with us some of the challenges and experiences you've had thus far. We are excited for you as you begin your down hill slope. This next year will go amazingly fast, remember to continue to cherish every second you have left. We send you our love and support and, wish you great success for this next year! We love you Chad and, grateful for your service. Thank you for your valient example.

Love,

Your Family

P.S. Thank you for your amazing outlook and attitude. ..And for keeping your excitement of being a missionary ALIVE!

A Farewell Lunch for Elder and Sister Page...

(Thank you for the picture Sister Allen.)

Dear Families,

I thought I would share this picture with you. Elder and Sister Page recently finished their mission and went home to Denver. On their last day in Yekat, they wanted to buy lunch for some of the missionaries that had served in Ufa. They love the missionaries and the missionaries love them. We had a fun lunch at Subway, where they ate, hugged, and said "goodbye". Thanks for sharing your missionary with us.

Love,

Sister Allen

The Forgotten Elder...

Hey Fam & Friends,

Quick summary for the week.

Monday - Trip to the Border of Asia and Europe!

Tuesday– Wednesday - Meetings, contacting, district meeting, coordinating meeting with Zhenya. Zhenya is really cool and a return missionary. Zhenya understands how difficult this mission can be. Splits began Wednesday evening, and I went with Elder Shreeve. It was cool reminiscing about the good ole days of Mountain View and spending time with someone from the same stomping grounds. We also talked about becoming pediatricians and opening a practice together.

Thursday – Friday – We had a great meeting with Nataliva, a great new and promising investigator. We ended splits Friday morning and finished out the day with only one meeting and more contacting. It has been pretty warm and mild here lately, but then Mother Nature decided to hit us with some freezing temperatures and wind on Friday.

Saturday – Sunday - We had a great meeting with the Droshkovi family. They are the coolest family and both are RM’s, and have two little kids that are way tight.

Today –UGH!!! ONLY TWO EMAILS!!! One from my dad and one from Sister K!!!! What happened to the rest of my family and my great pals Stephan and Chanel?

We are off to play soccer.

I hope you all have a great week!

Until nest week,
The Forgotten Elder Dewey

Elder Dewey Split down the middle of Asia and Europe...

(Pictures taken by Elder Holden...thanks for sharing!) Elder Dewey split down the middle of Europe and Asia


Elder Holden and Elder Dewey

Elder Holden took this picture for Sister Dewey of Elder Dewey giving the Russian fig.


Visa Trip to Helsinki Finland March 2009

Elder Dewey, Elder Holden, Elder Campbell, and Elder Stewart

Hey Everyone,
Here we go with yet another lame email. I forgot my planner at home so I am trying to remember what went on last week. After receiving your email with the wedding pictures my brain is not quite in the right frame of mind! After seeing the great pic’s its hard not to be homesick and wishing I could have been there to join in on the happy occasion and all the excitement. However, since I am on the other side of the world the pic's will have to suffice…UGH! It looks like the wedding turned out to be a great success and everyone looks happy. Congrats BJ and Brit! Job well done!! You two make a great couple!!
Well, my week will seem a bit hum -drum compared to your exciting week back at home, but here is a quick rundown - Monday, we had a really cool meeting with a man from Africa who speaks French. We watched a movie about Joseph Smith in French. I didn’t understand what was being said, but since I have seen the film so many times, it was fine. He even prayed in French…what a cool language! We answered some of his questions and from his response, he seems “golden”. He really enjoys reading the Book of Mormon and agrees that it supports the Bible. He is an amazing investigator! It is always uplifting and exciting to have the opportunity to teach a “golden” investigator! I have not quite recovered from the flu, it still seems to be hanging on a bit. I have also been trying to fight off a little homesickness. Man, those pictures really have me a bit homesick! It was great to see all the family in the pictures though. I sure wish I could have been there, I guess I've already said that...UGH! However, it was cool to talk to everyone before the "Big Day". I guess that could've added to the homesickness and being a tad trunky...haha. I'm sure I will pull myself out of it and recover quickly. haha! My comp, elder Mckenna also hit his two-year mark and we went to this place called Sundays to celebrate, it was pretty good. I had plov, which is a Russian rice dish. He will be headed for home in a few weeks. This will be my second companion I will have sent packing! Friday, we had a great meeting with a woman and her three girls. I gave the spiritual thought and then we had orange soda floats, which was great! We all had a good time. I really love the members here in my branch and I believe they like me as well, at least I hope they do! Haha! Sunday, we had our regular meetings and took sacrament to an older woman. We also met with the blind member again. He is a real nice guy and tells some pretty crazy stories. This morning we went to the Asia /Europe border…how many people can say they have been on two continents at the same time! After Internet, we are going to hit up subway. Anyway, sorry for the lame email I am just having a hard time this week. I really wish I could have been at the wedding...oh yeah, I already said that!!!

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Dewey

Elder Chad Dewey's New Sister- In Law...Brittney Dewey

BJ and Brit Dewey

married March 27th 2009

We miss you Chad!We had a few visitor's from the past drop by for pictures!

Britt's adorable brother's

Grandpa Beus with Skylar and Samantha

Grandma Beus with Braydn, Taryn and Skylar

These two were looking pretty good until...


these two came along...Grant (Brit's brother) and Samantha (BJ's cousin) danced the night away!

Bribed by her mother, Samantha danced her first dance with Grant and ended up on the dance floor the entire night! These two showed off some pretty amazing dance moves! By the end of the night Samantha forgot all about the hamster bribe...or did she?

Adorable!

Hilarious! (great job cousins!)