Merry Christmas!

So I had a small head cold during the week, but enjoyed a very nice Christmas on the Mission! 

On Friday, we had a mission x-mas party with a gift exchange! I gifted a rechargeable flashlight, and received a cool - knit - tie.

On Saturday, Xmas Eve, we basically walked all around town contacting and looking for service opportunities. That was nice, its such a blessing to serve - in any way, shape, or form. In the night, we went to eat hamburgers, and a real nice guy offered to buy them for us, saying the word of God is good.

Most importantly of the entire week, I called home yesterday afternoon on Christmas Day. It was SUCH an amazing-unforgettable experience to be able to have! It made me feel more support, happiness, and motivation to work harder. We had a great Xmas, and I hope you all did too!

Happy New Year!

PS - (Make some realistic goals this year...haha!)

Love,

Elder Russon

Feliz Navidad...Prospero Ano y Felicidad!

Feliz Navidad de Mexico...!

So, we had another baptism last Thursday! His name is Jonathan, and hes 15 years old. We also baptized his little sister of 8 years old as well. Its always great to see a baptism. 

Well, I really cant believe that Christmas is in 6 days, it's sooo close. But my companion and I really don't feel the Christmas spirit. We have a tree, some Christmas songs, and today we got gifts for each other, all wrapped! But I just don't believe its almost here!

We're gradually finding new investigators to teach, which is great. Were also seeing difficulties in the ward, how they work and support each other and us. Its real hard sometimes, because if a ward doesn't support the missionary work, the missionary work just doesn't progress. So were straddling some hurdles and learning a lot of humility.

I had a pretty good week, I'm actually just a tad bit sick, it started yesterday, but I'm trying to get over it as quick as possible. Its all good though, I'm not worried.

Anyways, I WISH YOU ALL THE MERRIEST CHRISTMAS OF ALL, ENJOY IT WITH ALL THE FAM!!!

Love,

Elder Russon

Who Let the Dogs Out?!?!...Who, Who, Who?!

Ignore the title, just an advertising song we've been hearing in the streets every now and then...haha!

So...Less than 2 weeks til Christmas, I can hardly believe it! Honestly, I don't feel any different, I don't feel any part of Chirstmas happening soon, super weird.

One thing I'm really starting to notice is how confused the people really are. Satan has the people so confused, that they don't even know what they believe in. Almost every time I ask  them a question about their religion, they never answer my question. They always divert the question and respond with something else  random. And its hard to find a true catholic, the majority are just following traditions of their ancestors, and its real hard to change their way of life. Which its understanding, but sad to know there is something better in life for them. On the other hand, I am meeting people who are being prepared by God to listen to the gospel. Not everyone is ready receive the message of the restored gospel.

Anyway, this week, we'll be having a baptism of Jonathan on Thursday at 6pm, you're all invited, haha! Jonathan is great, he's 15, happy, and wants to follow Jesus Christ. Its been great to see his progress and teach him, I'm excited for his baptism!

Elder Macias and I are working great here in Cortazar. We're learning and experiencing lots of cool things. The church is true, and the more I study and pray, the stronger and clearer my testimony develops!

Have a great week! And enjoy the Holiday Festivities!

Love,

Elder Russon

Ay...Perdon!

Lo siento, se me olvido a decirles que...we watched the Christmas Devotional LIVE last night in the chapel with about 20 members. It was great, I encourage all who didnt watch it...to watch it! Always a blessing to listen to the prophets.

And wow, were starting to find investigators who are rather smart. One, who we found in a corner library, actually a reference from a member, is a wizard. Almost a second Einstein, mas o menos. But it really helps us to strengthen our testimony and knowledge of what were teaching, to an even higher level!

Love,

Elder Russon

Macia and I Stay A Second Round

So we had changes, ''transfers'', yesterday, but nothing changed for us. We're both staying for another change here in Cortazar. We're both really excited for this new change. We have some new goals we want to achieve this change. We get along very well, and we're united in the missionary work. Here, we'll pass Christmas and New years, woohoo!!! - My first Christmas in Mexico!

This month, we'll be having a baptism of Jonathan on the 15th of December! Other than him, we have a few other getting ready for baptism. The next one will be the 5th of January, Carlos, I'm excited. 

Right now, we have 10-15 investigators, which is a little low, but we keep on trying to find new investigators. All I can say is its hard work. Several times we're just walking the streets trying to contact people. 

From what I've seen, its 1 out of every 4 people that will give you an address or phone number. Of those 1 out of 4, 3-5 out of 50 turn out to become investigators. So it takes a ton of contacting to find new people. That's where the work of the members really comes in, but not many members really know or understand. 

All is going well, we keep learning new things, have a SOLID week!

Love,

Elder Russon