Friday, June 5, 2009

SEMINARY-INSTITUTE GRADUATIONS

Here is a picture of Genya. He is from our city (Khabarvosk). He received an Institute certificate this day. He has been called to serve a mission in Rostov Russia. Most all Russian missionaries serve a mini mission before going on their 2 year mission. Genya lives in Khabarvosk, but is now serving a mini mission in Vladivostok. He actually goes and lives with the full time missionaries and goes out with them every day. It is just like a real mission, but usually only last for 6 to 12 weeks. It is great training. Maybe we ought to do this in America????
We attended the Graduation Exercises for the Vladivostok and Nahodka branch students. The exercises were held in Vladivostok, which is about 400 miles south of Khavarovsk. It was great because Brother Drachyov, our CES Director, surprised the students with the caps and gowns. We have 5 branches in our mission, and most of them only have 4 or 5 students in their classes. The teachers are great and very devoted. We love them.