From Russia with love . . .

Last Thursday morning Elder Garlick (a.k.a Barry), found me in the workroom and said, "There is a young couple from Russia in the lobby that wants to see the Museum. (We open the Museum at noon.) I am not sure, but I don't think they are members."

I jumped up, eager to meet them. As I walked out of the office, I saw a handsome young couple outside wearing casual hiking clothes and looking at their phones. I went out to greet them and introduced myself. First thing I asked was, "How did you learn about our Church History Centre?" Leo Panfilov said in perfect English with a distinctly Russian accent, "I was watching the Conference and saw the Church News about the dedication of the building. After watching the report I had a feeling that I had to come here. That was on my mission and the feeling never left." He went on to further explain that he and his wife, Alina Panfilova had just been married in the Kiev Temple 2 months ago. They had been in New Zealand for a few days. New Zealand was the start of a 6 month, backpacking, hitch-hiking trip that would take them to Australia, the Philippians, Thailand and on up the east coast of Asia, back to their home in Russia. They pointed to two enormous backpacks leaning against the furniture. 

When I asked how much time they could spend with us they said they had planned to spend most of the day. It was my privilege to introduce them to the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre museum. I shared the focus of each of the six rooms and I did my best to convey the message of the Savior's love for all God's children. As we looked together at the evidence of God's hand in the spreading of the Gospel in the South Pacific and the faithful lives of those who embraced it, I couldn't help but think of the parallels to their own countries. Leo from the Ukraine and Alina from Moscow had both grown up in the church and served missions in the Baltic and Siberia. 

After our first quick tour, I left them to go back and discover and learn at their own pace. They spent well over an hour learning about the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Pacific and its influence throughout the world.

Leo Panfilov and Alina Panfilova

When they finished in the museum, Leo asked me where they could find a grocery store. I forgot about the little dairy (small market), just a few blocks away. I told them the nearest store was in Dinsdale about two miles down the road. They were prepared to put on their heavy packs and start walking. They said they hadn't eaten yet. I said, "No, wait. My husband will drive you."

Elder Garlick was only too happy to drive them but not to the grocery store. He took them to his favorite bakery and introduced them to meat pies and cream buns. They loved it! When they came back I thought Alina looked like she was "all in," so I insisted they walk down to our house, (across the parking lot 100 yards) and have a nap in our reclining chairs. We promised to wake them up in 30 minutes.

The friend of a friend they planned to stay with, who turned out to Elder Ardern's daughter, wasn't going to be home until early evening. We took them to the Kabob Stop and got them dinner take-aways. We drove to our new-found favorite spot on Hamilton Lake to eat. It was a beautiful evening and they told us all about how they met and their families.

Alina was Leo's teacher in the Madrid MTC and they wrote during his mission. Leo was a bit older than most missionaries and has a law degree.

They had not planned to marry until later this year but the temple workers in the Kiev Temple told them not to wait so they prayed about and received the same answer.

Leo and Alina's wedding picture from Facebook, December 2018

Alina's father left the family when she was about 4 years old. She has an older sister who has 2 children and is a less active church member. When Alina was on her mission she said she prayed every day that Heavenly Father would send her mother a good husband. One day she felt a strong impression that she didn't need to worry about that anymore. She felt confused. When she was able to call her mother on Mother's day she asked her mother a very unusual question. She said, "Do you have a boyfriend?" Her mother said, "Actually, yes." Before she returned from her mission her mother was married in the temple to a wonderful man who is very good to her and has a strong commitment to the gospel. She knows her prayer on her mission was answered.

Leo's father left his mother when he was about 3. He was not a good father and was not in Leo's life growing up. His mother remarried to a good man and they had a daughter, Leo's younger sister. When Leo went on his mission his (step) father was less active. Leo prayed for his father while he was serving in the Baltic Mission. During this time Elder James Martino of the Europe East Area Presidency spoke at a mission conference. Leo heard him say that every member, active and less active, needed a calling. After he spoke, Leo approached him and told him he had said something that was very important to him and had touched him. He explained that his father was less active and did not have a calling. Elder Martino asked his father's name. He later made contact with the Stake President in the area and related Leo's concern for his father. Leo said that within two months his father had a calling and returned to activity. After returning home Leo went to the temple with his family and his father was sealed to his grandparents. He did not feel that it was a coincidence that Elder Martino was in the Kiev Temple that day and they had a very sweet reunion. Leo knew his prayers had been answered.


We had a magical time sitting with them at a picnic table and feeling the spirit and love that we share. We embraced when we left them at the church waiting for their friends. We promised never to forget the experience.

Leo rummaged in his backpack and brought out a gift for our table. It is made from a tree from Ukraine and a tree from Russia. He took a pen and signed it.

Side one -- Juniper (we think)

Side two -- Cedar -- for sure! Smells so good!

Leo and Alina are a very special couple and we pray for their safe travels and return to their home and families.

We never know who we will get to love next and where they will be from! That's what heaven is like and we have found it!