from Shyamala Gopi devi dasi – Russia, Orenburg

Dear Spiritual Master, Srila Indradyumna Swami Maharaj! Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thanks to Your grace, I lived one more year in devotional service. And my life in this body continues only because you give instructions, and I try to follow them. Your every word supports me, inspires me to continue to fulfill my duty and not break the promises made to you. Please keep talking, I beg you with all my heart. Thank you for your blessings and prayers, for your purity, for being so kind. I am learning to live by looking
at you.
This year I was lucky to draw illustrations for the children’s Vaishnava book “The Amazing Transformations of Krishna.” Mataji Shrimati graciously gave me the opportunity to be the artist and co-author of this project. And also we started a new project called “Journey to Vrindavan”. Now we are creating this book about the personalities who open the way to Vrindavan: Gopisvara Mahadev, Purnamasi, Vrindadevi, Yamunadevi, Govardhan and Vrajarenu. Let me thank you for the seminars, because they help me a lot in my work on books.
I was also asked to draw illustrations for the lecture book of Anand Vardhan Swami Maharaj. This is a book about Krishna’s Family, about all His relatives, friends and lovers.
Of course, it’s hard for me to draw them, because I can’t even imagine
what they might look like. But thanks to your lectures and research, I feel confident and draw. Thank you very much!!!
Unfortunately, I have been sick for 8 months now, and because of the illness I lost my job. I’m doing my best to get better, but I can’t do it. Therefore, I again ask your blessing to continue my service. I am very happy to paint the Lord and His associates for all the devotees. If Krishna wants me to leave the body, of course, so be it. But I am an imperfect instrument in your hands, I just ask you to give me the opportunity to draw more.

Your maid forever always at your feet,
Shyamala Gopi Dasi