Thread: Church mission in Russia St Peterburg

Hi, I noticed that this forum isn't visited much, but I was hoping to have some questions answered.

I am going to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been assigned to the Russia St. Petersburg mission (attached is a map of the area that the mission covers). I will be in Russia for about 21 months.

I have heard that St. Petersburg is the most European city in Russia (this doesn't mean much to me, since I'm American...). I was wondering how the smaller towns within the mission are like. I know I will be going through a bit of a culture shock, so I would like to prepare

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I am from a small desert town in Southern California, so the cold is a concern. What are some ideas for what clothing I should bring?

TIA

Scott


Map of the mission:

As far as I know, the Russian Orthodox Church tries out of their way to make the life of missionaries from other confessions moderately difficult.
Nothing outrageous, but still they can be a headache.

Even in the 'most European' Russian city you'd see many things are different than they are in California. There must be a million of things that should be told but the only thing I'd tell - don't jumt to conclusions fast while in Russia, at least not in the beginning. Russia generally is a hospitable country so I think you'd be allright.

http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Russi ... rg/Climate

Looks like an inch or two of rain/snow every month, very cold winters, and just cold summers. Just google travel and "st. petersburg" russia and you will find tons of info about this beautiful city.

You know theres a city called Grozniy about 2,000 miles south of Saint Petersburg. I heard they love Americans and often try to convert to other religions from their native Islam but could use some help. You should go see what you can do for them there!

Originally Posted by Dogboy182

You know theres a city called Grozniy about 2,000 miles south of Saint Petersburg. I heard they love Americans and often try to convert to other religions from their native Islam but could use some help. You should go see what you can do for them there!

Always consider the possibility that some 'bright' fellow would take your words seriously enough to actually go there and check for himself... you'll have bad dreams

From what I've been told, it seems that the people of St. Petersburg are much nicer than the people in Moscow. Is this true?

Also, what would the average price (USD preferably) be of a winter coat be in Russia?

Originally Posted by dfx

From what I've been told, it seems that the people of St. Petersburg are much nicer than the people in Moscow. Is this true?

I think you should ask Vendingmachine and Olya for their opinions on this question.

Originally Posted by dfx

Also, what would the average price (USD preferably) be of a winter coat be in Russia?

You can probably get one for a few dollars, or a much much better one for a few thousand dollars, and everything in between.

Of course, if you bloody people would do the whole world a favour and keep your absurd beliefs to yourselves instead of actively seeking out the desparate, the simple and the credulous wherever they are in the world in order to infect them with your particular brand of stupidity, you wouldn't needn't to bother with a winter coat.

No offense like.

Originally Posted by scotcher

I think you should ask ... Olya

Я извиняюсь, но по идиотским вопросам - это не ко мне.

Hey, give the guy a break, he is just trying to save your soul! In his book he is doing you the greatest favor!

Originally Posted by dfx

From what I've been told, it seems that the people of St. Petersburg are much nicer than the people in Moscow. Is this true?

Yes, it's true, but exceptions exist. I for one am from St Pete but I am not a nice person Olga, on the other hand, is originally from St Pete but she defected to Moscow and grew nice there.

Scott, I have heard from both my Russian exchange student and my Russian tutor that good clothes are more expensive in Russia than America. My Russian 'son' bought a nice winter coat here (very cold Idaho) and took it home to Russia with him. It is not cheap to send packages to Russia, by the way- I spent $35 to send a small box to Russia, and after a month is has still not arrived- so take as much as you can with you.

SOME OF THE REST OF YOU- lighten up , OK? This is a forum to help everyone, even religious people. This 19 year old kid is going to spend 2 years doing what he believes his God has asked him to do- and he is spending his own money to do it- these kids work for years to earn enough money to go on a 'mission', and put off college and marriage in order to go and serve. They don't just "preach", they also give a lot of volunteer time in the communities that they serve, helping those that need help and cannot pay. Perhaps the best part, however, is that they go home again afterwards with a better understanding of and respect for a different culture and people. So, please help him understand what he will be facing, yes, but show your good side, eh?

Originally Posted by greentchr

Scott, I have heard from both my Russian exchange student and my Russian tutor that good clothes are more expensive in Russia than America. My Russian 'son' bought a nice winter coat here (very cold Idaho) and took it home to Russia with him. It is not cheap to send packages to Russia, by the way- I spent $35 to send a small box to Russia, and after a month is has still not arrived- so take as much as you can with you.

SOME OF THE REST OF YOU- lighten up , OK? This is a forum to help everyone, even religious people. This 19 year old kid is going to spend 2 years doing what he believes his God has asked him to do- and he is spending his own money to do it- these kids work for years to earn enough money to go on a 'mission', and put off college and marriage in order to go and serve. They don't just "preach", they also give a lot of volunteer time in the communities that they serve, helping those that need help and cannot pay. Perhaps the best part, however, is that they go home again afterwards with a better understanding of and respect for a different culture and people. So, please help him understand what he will be facing, yes, but show your good side, eh?

Well said! Thank you, Greentchr!

Originally Posted by Lampada

Originally Posted by greentchr

Scott, I have heard from both my Russian exchange student and my Russian tutor that good clothes are more expensive in Russia than America. My Russian 'son' bought a nice winter coat here (very cold Idaho) and took it home to Russia with him. It is not cheap to send packages to Russia, by the way- I spent $35 to send a small box to Russia, and after a month is has still not arrived- so take as much as you can with you.

SOME OF THE REST OF YOU- lighten up , OK? This is a forum to help everyone, even religious people. This 19 year old kid is going to spend 2 years doing what he believes his God has asked him to do- and he is spending his own money to do it- these kids work for years to earn enough money to go on a 'mission', and put off college and marriage in order to go and serve. They don't just "preach", they also give a lot of volunteer time in the communities that they serve, helping those that need help and cannot pay. Perhaps the best part, however, is that they go home again afterwards with a better understanding of and respect for a different culture and people. So, please help him understand what he will be facing, yes, but show your good side, eh?

Well said! Thank you, Greentchr!

Yeah! Way to win that 8 month old argument! You sure gave it to 'em!!

Originally Posted by Dogboy182

Originally Posted by Lampada

Originally Posted by greentchr

Scott, I have heard from both my Russian exchange student and my Russian tutor that good clothes are more expensive in Russia than America. My Russian 'son' bought a nice winter coat here (very cold Idaho) and took it home to Russia with him. It is not cheap to send packages to Russia, by the way- I spent $35 to send a small box to Russia, and after a month is has still not arrived- so take as much as you can with you.

SOME OF THE REST OF YOU- lighten up , OK? This is a forum to help everyone, even religious people. This 19 year old kid is going to spend 2 years doing what he believes his God has asked him to do- and he is spending his own money to do it- these kids work for years to earn enough money to go on a 'mission', and put off college and marriage in order to go and serve. They don't just "preach", they also give a lot of volunteer time in the communities that they serve, helping those that need help and cannot pay. Perhaps the best part, however, is that they go home again afterwards with a better understanding of and respect for a different culture and people. So, please help him understand what he will be facing, yes, but show your good side, eh?

Well said! Thank you, Greentchr!

Yeah! Way to win that 8 month old argument! You sure gave it to 'em!!

Time is not of the essence here. :P

Originally Posted by Lampada

Yeah! Way to win that 8 month old argument! You sure gave it to 'em!!

Time is not of the essence here. :P[/quote]

oops- never did get the hang of checking the posting dates...

Time is not of the essence here.

Well sure........ you win this one!

But there should be some statute of limitations... any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Dogboy182

Time is not of the essence here.

Well sure........ you win this one!

But there should be some statute of limitations... any suggestions?

No limitations besides the listed rules: http://masterrussian.net/mforum/viewtop ... 14&start=0