Get Up, Study, Work, Go to Bed....Repeat! - HaHaHa

Aug 29th, 2016

Another week?! ... What?!?! Haha

So, now after about 5 months, I feel like I'm adjusting to the mission routine. I'm automatic to roll out of bed at 6:30 am and say my prayers. The do some type of exercise before showering (that is after I go outside and light the boiler for hot water). Later, I eat my yogurt, fruit, juice, nature valley granola bar, and herbalife (a healthy drink with tons of nutrients, its pretty good). 

Then I start personal study with a conference talk from the Liahona, some preach my gospel, and then the New Testament. I don't quite look forward to comp study, but its alright, I usually try to practice teaching something to my companion. Then I finish off the third hour with some language study; the same talk I studied for personal study, in Spanish, and el libro de mormon.

Then its time to leave and work. Its rather hard to find people available until after 4pm in the day, but that's how it goes. We eat with a member, ''comida'', at 230 or 300. Then back to work - lessons, contacting, etc, (tons of walking, haha). 9 o'clock comes pretty fast, and then we plan appointments for the next day til 9:30, calling people, and whatnot. Then I write in my journal, do random things before bed, but necessary, and jump in bed ASAP. Before 10:30, 'cuz wow, every minute of sleep counts. Then about 10 minutes later, I get out of bed, and do the same thing, haha. But every day is different. So now, about 5 months in, I'm accustomed to it all, haha.

Things are going well, this week flew by, only less than 2 weeks left of the change, and you could say I'm ready for a new companion. My comp now is great, but the time moves faster with changes, but its all good. 

Right now, we have one solid investigator, Santiago, who has a baptismal date for Sept 15, maybe earlier though. We have 34 people that were teaching, a few that are progressing mas o menos, and the rest rather slowly. But nevertheless, we continue forward, haha.

So...we walk A LOT! - About 8 miles every day, sometimes more. I'm already accustomed to walking fast awhile ago, but now my mind is more accustomed, not so boring anymore. I'm learning a BUNCH of things, more Spanish, teaching skills, and so much more. Really, how to live and enjoy the life according to how God wants us, which is perfect. My Spanish is pretty great for the time that I have, and its not such a struggle anymore. But my mind hurts sometimes, after trying really hard to speak and understand. I think in Spanish a lot, I'm constantly translating my thoughts in Spanish throughout all the days. 

This week was nice and it went well, pues...until the next Monday, HAVE A SUPER-CALI-FRAJI-LISTIC-EXPIALI-DOCIOUS WEEK!!! Love ya all!

Love,

Elder Russon

FOURTH BAPTISM! Things Are Going Swell!

August 22, 2016

 

This week went swell. Normal, quick, and good. Most importantly, we had another baptism on Thursday, Fabiola, the daughter of Gabriella. Woohoo, now my fourth baptism. Things are movin' along. We have 26 people that are in our teaching, or enseñanza. Some are progressing really fast, and others, not at all.

This past week, we talked to Jehovahs witnesses, who were sitting down on a bench in the garden, passing out pamphlets. We talked with them for almost 2 hours. Crazy things they believe is, God doesn't have a body, there are only 144000 people who will be saved in the heavens, there are no prophets today, and families are not forever. Wow, we shared a lot, asked a lot, and talked a lot. Many people saw us talking, and I can only guess what they were thinking, haha. But it was a cool experience, a little strong at times, but nothing harmful.

I'm realizing more of the need to WORK! I'm developing the need or desire to work, serve, help others more because we NEED to, not just because its a mission rule. Its not like I never wanted to work, but that its more sincere, more clear, better understood the need. We can all, always develop stronger wills, habits, personalities, etc. The Gospel is amazing, and helps us in every aspect. We truly are preparing to Meet and live with God and our Families FOREVER!

One cool experience I had was when we taught Martin, and Martina. They're living together, he's 29, and she's 48, and they have problems with the word of wisdom. We were teaching them about prayer and Joseph Smith, I spoke a lot, and I felt the spirit so strong there. I teared up as I shared experiences, scriptures, etc. 

That day in specific, I thought earlier, If God already knows everything, and whats going to happen in the world, why do we need to pray to him and ask for help or blessings when he already knows whats going to happen? I prayed for help, and right in my prayer, I realized that we pray to SHOW OUR FAITH. To obey His commandments, and be faithful to Him. That was a pretty cool experience!

Its great to be a missionary here in Mexico. I see a lot of people in really hard situations. People without legs, or arms, riding bikes, living in rotten houses made out of complete cement or brick. Many people with many struggles. But yet, they continue to go through life with a smile on their face, and to help others. How humbling for me, and many others. Ive got life so easy, its the least we can do to serve others. That's how the gospel is set up.

Hope y'all have another fantastic week! Love and miss y'all bunches, haha!

Pictures: Baptism of Fabiola, Big Mexico flag my comp bought, and little Mex flag I bought, etc

Love,

Elder Russon

Third Baptism!

So, last Thursday, I baptized Gabriella, 37. And it was GREAT! I felt wonderful, and she did too. The next day, we visited her, and I noticed her eyes were much clearer, and brighter. She told us that she felt, "Perfectamente bien'' - haha! Then, yesterday, Silva confirmed the Holy Ghost upon her. We also had about 4 investigators come to church yesterday. The most we've had is 7, pretty cool. But we had less actives come that haven't come for the past 4 months, and finally, we got them to come this time, woo-hoo!

I continue to learn a lot daily. The mission, language, doctrine, teaching, helping, Christ Like Attributes, etc. I'm growing little by little in SO MANY WAYS! I'm now coming up on 5 months, but who's counting, haha!

Today, we played futbol as a zone in an indoor court. It was pretty cool and fun. I play pretty good defense, but I can't control the ball super well. I'm learning though, and learning to like it more. But...IF ONLY THERE WAS A BASKETBALL COURT...! -haha.

This past week, I've really noticed, that a ton of people think, that all churches are good, and that we're all going to the same place, same God, and we don't need to do anymore. Many like to listen to us because they think we simply share the word of God, but really, were inviting them to completely change their lives for the better, be baptized, and come closer to Christ. But, many people, investigators, contacts, members, and random people on the street respect us a lot. They say, God bless you. And they tell us, that their house is our house whenever we want. They're pretty awesome like that, humble, open, and welcoming. 

A few or many times, we've walked through, past, or by cholos (gang members). And I KNOW that God watches over and protects us as His representatives. Especially being me as an American, dressed in a white shirt and tie, walking really poor dirt streets, its a miracle we aren't robbed every minute, haha. But todo estabien. Dont worry. Its a great life!

So this past week, I also saw a video from the church, called two brothers two. Check it out, its a story over 5000 days of two brothers growing up, and its really cool to watch. Here's the link, 

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/two-brothers-two-1

And OF COURSE, have a FANTASTIC WEEK!

PS. Several members are watching the Olympics here, so I've seen some, Michael Phelps, and some bball, and some gymnastics, pretty cool and amazing, haha!

Love,

Elder Russon

4 MoNtHs!!!...Woot, woot, woot! Haha FOUR MONTHS!!!

Wow, what a week! Last Saturday I completed four months. Can't explain enough how fast the time flies. Tuesday, we met our new district and zone. I love my new zone and district leader. Both Americans as last time, but I like them better than the others, haha. We have a nice district this change. 

On Saturday, Silva and I helped paint a members new house they moved into. We painted in our white shirts and ties, and I was super careful not to get any paint on me, but I got a few spots, not to worry though!

This past week, I've been realizing more the need to first seek the word of God, and then teach it unto the people. I wished I would've studied the doctrine of the gospel more before the mission. All the doctrine, fasting, tithing, praying, church, etc, etc, etc. But I'm learning a lot more as the time goes; lessons, language, doctrine, etc. 

One thing that were struggling with a lot is our investigators and their work. They want to attend church, but they all work, all the days, several hours. It's so hard to visit some people because of their work and they can't attend church, which is really important because in order for someone to be baptized, they need to have 5 assistance's to the church. 

Also, I really love attending church. Its great to be surrounded by solely members, and to chat with them, super cool. Church is awesome! 

My study area

A scripture I want to share with y'all is chapter 3 of 2 Nephi. Talks about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, through Joseph Smith. How it truly was revelation about the BOM. God has His hand in everything, and the Gospel is True! But, also, we won't see or feel anything unless we put actual faith in the gospel. If we have any doubts, were not going to receive any answers. 

I believe it's the on going question if the church is true or not, but just look back on the times you felt the spirit in your life. We CAN NOT DENY the Holy Ghost, or the feelings we've felt from the church, it's impossible. Satan is super clever and is very deceptive, tries to wash away our memories. But we know its true, and faith is something hard to have, but very necessary in order to know the truth. But if anything, I TESTIFY TO YOU ALL THAT THE CHURCH IS TRUE! I KNOW IT.

This new week, were planning on another baptism for this Thursday, my third baptism! Woo Hoo!

So these legit fotos that I have, let me explain, 'cuz I never usually explain them, haha. One is when I FINALLY solved my rubix cube (just this morning,) such an accomplishment, I felt great. Another is a cool table top pool table I bought today in Tiangis for 25 pesos, pretty cheap (he bartered for it - end value about $1.35) The others are me and my comp with some sweet hats. Silva says I look like a Jehovah's witness, but were allowed to wear them while we proselyte because of the sun, it helps. So far I've worn it two days!

Anyways, have a great week y'all, enjoy all the blessings and trials that you receive from the Lord, because that's the whole purpose of why were here on earth, and we forget that sometimes.

Love,

Elder Russon

Wearing a Member's Fedora

Barter time! Got it for 25 Pesos (about $1.35)

Our new hats!

2 more photos!

Picture of us helping a member paint, and a collage my stake president made for me, pretty cool!

Love,

Elder Russon

August 1, 2016

 

This past week has been good. Ya know, Mondays really roll around a lot faster than I expect, isn't it great! First off, I want to share two videos I saw this past week! The first is called Lift - about a ward who serves a fellow ward member and the struggles, its SUPER GOOD! The second is about SUICIDE, a different perspective and thoughts. Also, REALLY GOOD! Enjoy both of them, they're both from the church!

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/lift-the-power-of-service

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/sitting-on-the-bench-thoughts-on-suicide-prevention

Also, something very important this past week is...another Baptism! Woo-hoo, this is my second! And that's great for how little time I have. I know another Elder who has 14 months, and only has 5 baptisms, but that's pretty low. The average here is probably about 18 per Elder for 2 years. Anyways, his name is Moises, 9 years old, and a funny, typical 9 year old. I confirmed the Holy Ghost to him yesterday in church.  (Pictures of Moises are in previous post)

Also, yesterday in church, I met a guy that is studying in BYU right now, hes just visiting his family here. I was able to chat with him in English for a while and take a picture with him, hes super cool. 

I have a question for y'all. As missionaries, we walk, and walk, and walk, and walk, and walk, and walk. So, do any of you know any great walking games to do? Whether with one person or my comp as well? Sometimes its rather boring to walk, haha, but I sure appreciate cars A LOT! Haha

Like my new hat?!? We can wear these to help with the heat while we're walking.

Today, I finally finished my training! Its 12 weeks of training in the mission, but I actually only had 11, because of weird timing of changes here. Anyways, I'm done, woohoo! Also, as the title says, changes are today. But my comp and I are staying here in Cortazar for another 6 weeks, it'll be good. Were actually hoping for 3 more baptisms! WooHoo!

Things are going well, the time is going fast, and I continue to learn a lot. This Saturday Ill have 4 months on the mission!!! WOOOOO-HOOOOOO! haha! Have a great upcoming week, until next Monday!

 

Love,

 

Elder Russon 

 

Fwd: ¡[Samsung Smart Camera] le ha enviado archivos!

Pics from the baptism!

Love,

Elder Russon