A global family thrives in Eastern Europe

Mormons in Moscow had just left the Kosmos Hotel where President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder Neil L. Andersen had addressed them in a member meeting that evening and had reassembled in the subway where they continued their socializing when, to their surprise and delight, the two General Authorities suddenly appeared.

Instead of being driven to his hotel that night, President Uchtdorf opted to walk to the Metro where he and his associates descended the thick tile corridors to Moscow's massive Metro system several stories below ground.

Among those he greeted was a blond-haired, blue-eyed woman, the only member of the church in her family, who had been baptized three months earlier. She planned to spend the night with a friend before beginning her five-hour journey to her family the next day.

President Uchtdorf said, "This faithful sister was so appreciative of the gospel and longed for her husband and two sons to join."

President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve returned home last week after completing a 12-day tour in Europe that included Ukraine, Russia and England.