Wedding & Girls Camp

The branch celebrated the wedding of Nastia and Vova.  They were married in a civil ceremony, required by law, with only family and close friends attending.  Two days later, on Saturday, the branch had a wedding party (we would call it a reception) for them.  On Monday they left for Kiev to be sealed in the temple.  At right, they have just arrived at the branch and their nieces and nephews are their attendants.

They were proceeded down the aisle by the nieces who tossed rose petals.  The room was decorated with balloons and bows and flowers.

After we arrived, Rick was asked to perform a ring ceremony and give them a marriage blessing.  He's had lots of experience and did a beautiful job.  Sister Williams (right) and Sabina held the flowered arch for the ceremony.

The stand was decorated with satin covered chairs for the couple and their mothers.  Tamara, the branch Relief Society President  and Vova's mother is on the left and Marianna (right), the first member in Almaty, is Nastia's mother.

There were many dances and musical numbers for everyone to enjoy.  Sister Dautov is performing a traditional Uygur tribal dance.  President Dautov is Uygur.  The young women performed a traditional Kazakh dance and there was a fun line dance as well as dancing for couples. We have posted two videos below of some of the dances.

Vova and Nastia danced to one of our favorites, "Unchained Melody".  The younger children enjoyed blowing bubbles while they danced.  They loved being a part of all the festivities.

After all the dancing and games inside, we went outside to enjoy the refreshments.  The cake was truly a highlight as the sparklers were lit and it looked like it was about to take off in flight.  The evening was cool and pleasant as we ate the wonderful meal and desserts.  It was a perfect party for a perfect couple!

This video is the National Kazakh dance and is being performed by Sister Dautov and Sabina.  It was amazing to watch in person.  Sabina will be serving a mission at Salt Lake Temple Square beginning in September.  Sister Dautov has been teaching Kazakh dances to the young men and women in the branch.  Many of them performed at the celebration before the dedication of the Kiev Temple.

This video shows a traditional wedding dance by the bride and groom.  It was lovely to watch and Rick was especially impressed with Vova's ability.

BIRTHDAYS

We celebrated Elder Beckh and Sister Williams birthdays at English Club.  Their birthdays are two days apart, so we surprised Sister Williams.  All of the English Club participants enjoyed being a part of the fun.  We served cake, which Sister Williams made, and ice cream.  We had celebrated Elder Beckh's birthday at district meeting the day before and enjoyed having his cake after lunch.

YOUNG WOMEN CAMP

Rick and I were asked to go with the girls to their "camp" which was held in the Dautov's country home.  From left are Arina, YW President, her daughter, Deanna, Sabina, 1st Counselor, Austik, Nursulu, Adelia, Armanui and Masha.  Rick and I each did a spiritual presentation and gave the girls gifts to help them remember the things we talked about.  (Austik and Armanui are sisters.)

One of the activities the girls did was a life page.  They selected pictures and embellishments and each made a page of their hopes and dreams.  It was so nice to see the finished products with each girl focusing on being married in the temple, raising righteous children and getting an education.  These are truly exceptional girls who have strong testimonies and set the right example for those around them.  Each of them is very accomplished in their abilities and talents.  Several of them speak very good English so it's nice to be able to communicate with them.

Arina prepared all the food for each meal.  She did such a wonderful job and everything was s-o-o-o good!!  She's promised to teach me how to make plov, a traditional Uzbeki rice dish.  Hers is the best I've ever tasted.  She was so considerate of what Rick and I would eat and planned each meal with things that we could enjoy.  The whole experience was a blessing for us and we appreciated being able to get to know the girls better and also their leaders.


NEW ELDERS ARRIVE

We have been blessed to have two new missionaries join us.  Elder Hansen, from Chicago, above, and Elder Brinton, from Roy, Utah, right, were switched from the Moscow West Mission and have been serving in Novosibirsk.  They bring a fresh approach to the work here and their enthusiasm is catching.  Elder Hansen is the district leader and conducted district meeting the day after he arrived.  We appreciate having them join the other four in trying to build the Lord's kingdom and strengthen the Almaty Branch.