Funny mission story

After I had been in Ukraine for one month, I was sent on a "greenie split" with my former MTC companion. Our older counterparts had set up a first discussion for us with the mother of the previous branch president in the other companionship's area. Pretty safe for two green limited Russian speaking missionaries right? We had been practicing the first discussion ever since we had been in the MTC and although we didn't speak Russian very well yet, we prayed hard, having faith that the Lord would bless us in our efforts. In Ukraine a lot of families have multiple generations of their extended family living together in cramped apartments, so it is not uncommon for a fifty something man to be living with his mother and his wife and children and possibly his siblings if not their family as well. As we entered Sergey's apartment, we nervously took off our shoes and donned the "tapochiki" or house slippers that we were offered. We were led to a cluttered room with ornate rugs hanging on the walls and bookshelves crammed with books. In Ukraine people say that their wealth is in their books, just one example of how intangible values like knowledge are more important than outward appearance or status symbols. We were asked to sit on a well used "divan" a type of futon that is a couch by day and bed by night as each room in these apartment buildings is a bedroom as well. There is no concept of a living room or family room, each room has several purposes. We sat at the edge of the divan with attentive ears ready to pick up on any recognizable Russian word. Sergey told us about how the missionaries have tried to teach his mom over the years, but she is not "verushaya" a believer. But he thinks that she may be ready now and has been praying that we could reach out to her. Well, if that didn't just complicate things a little and put the pressure on us.
"Mother, get out here the Sisters are here to see you!" Sergey calls to his elderly mother. I had the impression that most Ukrainians are about 5 to 10 years younger than they looked. Life is just harder there and it really takes a toll on you. Most women by their mid forties have humped over shoulders I venture to guess from carrying heavy grocery bags for long distances. So, she looked to me like she was in her seventies but I wouldn't be surprised if she was really in her sixties.
She comes out and Sergey makes the introductions and hurries out of the room. So we set in on our first task of "building a relationship of trust," which includes getting to know each other. We ask her about herself and listen closely again for anything perceptible and tell her our much rehearsed phrases about ourselves by way of introduction. From the look on her face we gather that our Russian is yet to be understandable. Sergey returns with "keifer" a Russian drink that we call buttermilk here. I had not yet tasted buttermilk, but the taste is neither buttery or milky, more like milk that has gone bad. While my companion started in with the first principle of the first discussion, I tried my best to be a good guest and consume my buttermilk, fighting back gags with each sip. When it came time for my principle I was more than halfway through my mug. To my dismay Sergey reappeared for refills, Sister Wells politely said no thanks as I noted that she had not even ventured to sip her buttermilk, and Sergey happily refilled my mug. It hit me that I had not learned anything from my experience in Korea the previous year where I would eat food that I didn't really want to, just to be polite and then they would be so pleased that they gave me more.
As I struggled through the next principle ever so grateful for the flip chart of pictures, and wondering if she could feel the Spirit, something waddled into the room. That something was her pet. Her pet DUCK! She gathered him up in her arms and he started climbing around and eventually worked his way into her cardigan and around her shoulders. The "discussion" was lost after that. We had probably been there for an hour by this time and we had to leave,we pretty much gave up on trying to teach her, but were grateful for the interesting evening and cultural experience.
I have a lot more experiences from my mission to share, some more faith-promoting than this one, but that duck was very memorable.