January 22, 2009

Dear Family,

Oh boy! So much has gone on this week I wish that I could have enough time to write everything and my feelings behind it all but unfortunately we will have to wait a little while before that time comes. So I'll get started. First of all this letter is coming to you from the Hermitage. It is kind of weird to think about the last time that I sent you a letter from here and how it was only my second transfer and all the thoughts that were on my mind then and to look back to see what has changed and what is similiar to that time and what has not changed. Kind of interesting.

Brittany and jared I got the calendar last Thursday, and I was so excited. I opened it up and everyone was way excited to look at the 09' version of the Dean Family calendar. Elder Clement and Elder Dunford were there and elder Clement told everyone that I have the coolest family and I always get the best gifts. I have to agree with him. I also got our family christmas card-that is way cool! I like it a lot. But after reading through a few letters and through the calendar I was walking through the metro and it just hit me how amazing my family really is. Kind a sense of humble pride swelled up in me as I thought about who I am representing here and those who are supporting me out here. I don't really know how to describe it but I felt the spirit and strong feeling of gratitude for each of you and all that you do. Thanks.

Before I forget there was another experience that I had while I was on the metro the other day. We went to the office to pick some things up for the branch and one of those things was the new Russian January Liaxonas. I opened one up while I was on the metro and begin flipping through the pages, and then suddenly lo' and behold I saw a picture of two of my cousins!! I was in shock and I looked up at Elder Rittel and excitedly told him, Look at this! Its my cousins! When we got home I looked through my pictures and found some pictures of Karen and Clayton. I showed them to everyone in the office yesterday and it was way fun! Kind of crazy!
Next, so there is a reason that this letter is coming to you from the Hermitage, that is because the Hermitage is now in my district. I got transfered from Pushkin and I have now been called to be the district leader of the center center district of St. Petersburg. 5th branch, 6th area and 9th companion, needless to say that it was a shock. It is hard to describe how I feel about it. I love Pushkin so much but I am also excited to see what the Lord has in store for me and my new companion here.(Elder McLeroy from Tenessee) We received our transfer calls on Monday and after Elder Rittel got off the phone we were so suprised because we thought that we both would be staying seeing that we were both white-washed in but the exact opposite happend and we were both white washed out. He to Pskov and I to be white-washed for the third time in a row into center. Pushkin is the first Branch that I really felt like I had a real relationship with them. Elder rittel and I worked so hard and it was hard to say good-bye. We told them at family night on Monday and afterwards I was talking to Bro. Igor (one of my heroes, the branch mission leader, 1st couselor in the Branch Presidency and Primary president!? His daughter is the only active primary child) but I walked in the main room and I looked at him and he just said, Jalka! Meaning-Too bad but with more emphasis. I said, "I know!" He then held up 1 finger and said. You were only here for one! And then went off on a lot of other things that I don't remember exactly. I was so excited for this next transfer but the Lord wants me to be here. I can honestly say though that I can walk away from Pushkin and say that I tried my hardest, I worked hard and left a piece of my heart with the people there. We had a meeting on Tuesday night and Bro. Igor just thanked us for our service, we sang, "i'll go where you want me to go dear lord" and I shared some of my favorite scriptures with him and told him that I will never forget this transfer and his example. The branch president then came and brought ice cream and then another member came to take pictures with us and to say good-bye. After we said good-bye to them we went to Loodmilla's house and she had made us some food and had some presents for us. She is so nice and I am looking forward to seeing her in Heaven. The Lord certainly qualified me for the work there and I have felt that comforting feeling as I have reflected on the pressures that have come with this new call. Please keep me in your prayers, especially so these people can feel my love and the Lord's and that I can have patience and love for my companion. I love you all so much and am so grateful for all that you do.
Love,
Elder Dean