Varvara C. and Ivanna V.,

16 and 15, Ukraine

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Two sisters

Photograph provided by family

Hi! We’re sisters from Ukraine. As the only Church members at our school, we have lots of opportunities to invite friends to Church activities and teach them about our standards. We both love to dance, but sometimes our folk-dance group rehearses on Sundays. When we explain to our friends that we don’t attend Sunday rehearsals because of church, they ask us questions.

Varvara: If you’re having a bad day, you can read the Book of Mormon and find help. One time when I was reading, I found a scripture that resembled my day and my exact situation. I love the feeling and atmosphere at church. I also love singing the hymns because it helps me feel the Spirit.

Ivanna: I don’t think of the commandments as restrictive or hard. Instead, I see the blessings that come from them, especially the Word of Wisdom. In Ukraine, a lot of teenagers drink alcohol. I work at a horse stable, and when coworkers offer me alcohol, I tell them I don’t drink. This hasn’t made them think any less of me. I stood my ground and didn’t fall into temptation. I know I am not alone. Heavenly Father supports me whenever I have troubles.