We thought the Potato Ball a couple of weeks ago was a unique treat, but that is before we attended the district Thanksgiving celebration! It was great fun from beginning to end.
Chief Golovenkov was the master of ceremonies
#1 game: Put a match between the roof of your mouth and bottom of mouth and say the name of a bird.
Game #2: Hold hands encircling the Indian Princess and try to pull the others in the circle so they touch her, then they are out. John is in this one.
Game #3: All the young elders had to do a mass push-up.
They did it!!
Game #4: gargling
Game #5: Snatch the candy bar through the knot without getting your wrist caught.
These teams had to run to the table, put on rubber gloves, untie and grocery sack, undo a candy bar and eat it, tie the sack back up and take off the rubber gloves....then next person's turn.
Lots of laughs!!
Game 6: After the candy bar game he asked for macho volunteers and their task was to clean up the mess, but they all had to do it together.
Chief Golovenkov and Princess Paulina
Just what I need to get my hands warm!
The Indian village...but that's not all....there was a Thanksgiving Feast!!
Tater Balls and Roasted Chicken
and fruit and drinks. There were at least 50 people there and it was a very fun evening. Thanksgiving, of course, is not celebrated in Russia. This was just the American influence of the members of the church. Probably many years ago some missionaries did this and they have made it a tradition.
Then today, we had a great zone conference, with President and Sister Paul (in middle front) and President and Sister Nechiporov (left front)
Next week you will hear about Thanksgiving Day in Russia.
I worried that pumpkin pies made out of this green pumpkin would not taste the same as the ones made from our garden pumpkins....but they tasted the same (thanks to those who sent ginger, nutmeg and cloves)
Of course, I had to make favors. This time, though, not placecards, because we had to sit wherever, so I did that same as last year with the guest's pictures inserted into pilgrim or indian heads and made napkin rings. Click on picture for closer look. 
Our big spread on our little table! Missionary made fresh salsa and chipa and salad. Also, chicken and mashed potatoes and dressing and gravy and rolls and pumpkin and apple pie.
Elder Flint is ready to dig in.
Can you eat all that, Elder Wesemann?
Elders Porter, Behunin and Peterson making their selections. (Most missionaries were in casual attire, because they came from playing frizbee. Assistants came from Rostov on train, so were dressed like missionaries.
Elder Meecham can't move after finishing his meal!
Elder Kempton is very happy and Sister Gillmore is eating more slowly.
All 14 of us.....full and grateful!!
