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Thread: Church mission in Russia St Peterburg

  1. #1
    dfx
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    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:

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    Завсегдатай Ramil's Avatar
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    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.
    Send me a PM if you need me.

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    Завсегдатай chaika's Avatar
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    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.

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    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!
    Вот это да, я так люблю себя. И сегодня я люблю себя, ещё больше чем вчера, а завтра я буду любить себя to ещё больше чем сегодня. Тем что происходит,я вполне доволен!

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    Завсегдатай Ramil's Avatar
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    Quote 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
    Send me a PM if you need me.

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    dfx
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    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?

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    Quote 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.

    Quote 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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by scotcher
    I think you should ask ... Olya
    Я извиняюсь, но по идиотским вопросам - это не ко мне.
    In Russian, all nationalities and their corresponding languages start with a lower-case letter.

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    Завсегдатай kalinka_vinnie's Avatar
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    Hey, give the guy a break, he is just trying to save your soul! In his book he is doing you the greatest favor!
    Hei, rett norsken min og du er død.
    I am a notourriouse misspeller. Be easy on me.
    Пожалуйста! Исправляйте мои глупые ошибки (но оставьте умные)!
    Yo hablo español mejor que tú.
    Trusnse kal'rt eturule sikay!!! ))

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    Quote 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.
    Show yourself - destroy our fears - release your mask

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    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?

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    Moderator Lampada's Avatar
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    Quote 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!
    "...Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. ..." - MasterАdmin (из переписки)



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    Quote Originally Posted by Lampada
    Quote 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!!
    Вот это да, я так люблю себя. И сегодня я люблю себя, ещё больше чем вчера, а завтра я буду любить себя to ещё больше чем сегодня. Тем что происходит,я вполне доволен!

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    Moderator Lampada's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dogboy182
    Quote Originally Posted by Lampada
    Quote 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
    "...Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. ..." - MasterАdmin (из переписки)



  15. #15
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    Quote 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...

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    Time is not of the essence here.
    Well sure........ you win this one!

    But there should be some statute of limitations... any suggestions?
    Вот это да, я так люблю себя. И сегодня я люблю себя, ещё больше чем вчера, а завтра я буду любить себя to ещё больше чем сегодня. Тем что происходит,я вполне доволен!

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    Moderator Lampada's Avatar
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    Quote 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
    "...Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. ..." - MasterАdmin (из переписки)



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