February 16

So, another Tuesday has come, and now I only have four weeks left. I will probably be sitting on a plane at this time, four weeks from now. It is pretty scary to think of where we are going to be in just one month, but at the same time I am so excited to know that it is getting so close. We have learned so much Ukrainian since getting here, but at the same time I am afraid that I will not be ready for when we get there. Luckily we have four weeks left here to work as hard as we can and master a few more of the basics of the language.

So the new districts came in this week and it has been pretty exciting to see all of them. There were three new districts of 12 each that came into our branch and it more than doubled the size of our branch which was nice, but kinda weird at the same time. It will be fun to get to know them a little bit. I heard that a few of them are going to Kyiv so I may even be companions with some of them. Also, I heard from my teachers that there will be 8 new Ukrainian speakers coming the week after we leave so hopefully that is good news for us. Our district of 9 Ukrainian speakers is replacing 1/4 of the Ukrainian speakers in Kyiv. That is exciting, but at the same time, it means I might be training or be the senior companion within just a few transfers. Even though that is daunting, I am so excited for it.

So not much else has happened in this past week. I haven't gotten anything that you may have sent since Saturday so sorry if I didn't answer any questions. I want you all to know that I love you very much. I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord and to get to know and teach the wonderful people of Ukraine. I am thankful for this gospel and all that it teaches and promises us. I have no doubts that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. He did atone for us and I have felt His presence so often since I have been here. I am grateful for all of you and your support. Keep working hard with everything you do.

Love Ryan

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day and whatever other holidays we have probably had.