Barrett's email - January 31st

Yep, you missed me. Haha. No problem. It's a strange day for email. We have a lot of stuff we gotta do today, so we gotta email early and we're using an internet cafe that we've never used before and it's not good. It took me the first 10 minutes to figure out how to switch the keyboard from russian to english (normally there's an icon, but this one doesn't have it), and then I discovered there's now way to get into my camera, so I am unable to send pictures, which stinks because I had some good ones, plus Elder Schoenfeld's Happy Birthday graffiti picture, so he'll have to wait til next week.

Right now I'm listening to Elder Mackey's voice recording. He sounds like he's doing great. I love that guy. And I got Elder Schoenfeld's pictures. I love that guy too.

So it's been quite a week. New companion, new assignment, new area, new ward. I love the new ward. The first russian patriarch in the history of the world is in our ward. He's one of my favorite people. The Stake president came over for lunch after church. There's a new translation of the triple combination coming out soon, and I guess it's already out in the digital world, because the stake president has it. He told us it's like a whole new book. I guess the old translation it terrible. Full of errors and stuff. But the new one is amazing. He said that he got it and he started reading it and he just couldn't put it down. He said, now the church is true! haha. I can't wait to get my hands on one. It's supposed to be soon.

Okay, now for some B+O! I've been getting a lot of questions about food, so today's theme is food

B: How's the food?

O: Oh, man, I love the food! All of it. So far I haven't gotten sick (knock on wood). I've never before worried about my weight, but this last transfer, I started worrying. I cannot believe how much bliny I've eaten this transfer. So much bliny. But somehow, I still love it

B: Do you eat a lot of beet soup?

O: Yes. Borsch is great. There are quite a few variations, pretty much everyone has their own recipe, but they're all good. I'm trying to find the best recipe, so when I get home we can have a borsch party.

B: What are some gross things you've eaten?

O: Pig ear, goat intestines, kholodets (basically meat jelly), kefir (pretty much just straight sour milk), kvas (very popular drink that tastes basically like soy sauce in water with maybe just a touch of beer), and a bunch of kashas composed of who knows what. I believe gag suppression is a gift of the spirit. haha

B: How is the food agreeing with you?

O: So far I haven't gotten sick (knock on wood)

B: What's your favorite food?

O: Holy cow! There's too much. They have some really good soups, and salads, and sandwiches. I can't even list all my favorite foods. Don't worry, the list is much longer than the gross foods. And I'm collecting a lot of recipes. I think probably the best thing I've eaten is this shashlik wrap that can only be found in this one little stand in the farthest southeast corner of moscow. It changed my life. I'll take you there when you come to pick me up

Okay, well have a great week! sorry I missed you. I love you all. Don't be afraid to write me (dearelder is still free, hint hint). Love you

Love

Elder Hamp