Baptism!!! Another New Member in the Church!

October 17, 2016

Last Thursday, I had the privilege to baptize Santiago, who is just a real Faithful guy. The water was cold, Because we couldn't get the boiler running, but we really didn't even think or notice so much of how cold the water was. But we couldn't believe how fast the ordinance was. We did it right the first time, without any repeats. I made sure to push him enough under the water. It was all great, every baptism just fills my soul with joy. 

You could really see that Santiago was happy, its been real awesome to know him, and watch his progress. After, we gave him a white shirt and tie that he wore to church on Sunday, hes really grateful for us. Something cool as well is that his son Carlos, wife, and 2 kids came to church yesterday for one hour, and they enjoyed it. I think they felt something different there. Santiago was really glad to see his son there, and hopefully we can start teaching them!

So we went to visit an investigator who is having some problems in his business. When we arrived, he saw me, and said, ''There's the man with the Eternal Smile''! We both smiled even more and began chatting with him. A smile really does go a long way.

Here in Cortazar, we're in need of new investigators. We tried an idea the bishop mentioned. To stand in front of the chapel, and invite people passing by to show them the chapel, baptismal font, and explain what we do there. He said they would even invite people to be baptized right then and there. So we tried it yesterday, but not many people were walking by, so I was only able to talk to one lady, but she wasn't interested. I think I actually frightened her by not gaining her trust in me first. Two strangers asking someone immediately to come inside to a building they've never entered takes a little trust, haha. But well probably try it again another day when there's more people passing by. 

Alrighty, so here's some photos! 

One is of Santiago and his baptism, another of the shirt and tie we gifted him, another of a speaker I bought for my USB to finally be able to listen to the latest general conference (including women's session!, haha), another of some fireworks they did here outside the house two nights in a row, and the last one about my planner that I've used this change, I put the two pictures as covers.

I'm still learning a ton of things, and the mission is great, because it's hard. But the time is flying, and I'm changing more than I can realize. This is the last week of the change, so transfers are this Sunday. Anyways, have a solid week this week!!!

Love,

Elder Russon

Another Rapid Week in the Mission Field! (Ya paso una otra semana en el campo misional!)

October 10, 2016

 

Man, the days are so short, they happen so fast. But I'm seeing more the reality of life, and when you have more responsibilities, the faster the time goes. Because you're always thinking about something, or the next thing, and you don't have any time to think about time. This week was a nice week, we're working real well with the members.

This Thursday, we're going to have a baptism for Santiago, woohoo! Santiago is the ideal investigator, a really faithful guy. First of all, he found us, has listened and accepted every doctrine we've taught, and has been faithful to every invitation we've extended. He also quit his job for another job so he could come to church on Sundays. And, this last Sunday, he paid his tithing! So I'm pumped to see him baptized, he's a great example to me and so many others. He inspires me, just seeing how hard and rough his life has been, and how he continues to press forward faithfully, with a smile!

So...hey, after being a man of more than six months, I can say the mission is  pretty great!...because it's challenging. I made a motto for the mission that's real helpful. Be Dedicated, Disciplined, and a Disciple (of Jesus Christ). The 3 D's of the mission. I read a quote from Gordon B. Hinckley that says, ''if you serve a dedicated, faithful mission, you will be better husbands, better parents, better students, and better workers.'' And wow!...ain't that True!!! I'm always trying to give my all and progress. I can already see so many blessings from the mission in my life. The missionary work is going well down here in Mexico, and before I know it, I'll be back in Utah to do some more work up there! Hope all is well, and that y'all have a great week!

Sorry, I didn't really take any new cool photos this week. But I cut my hair (every 3 weeks, I cut my own hair, for free), and here's some photos from G. C., last week!

Love,

Elder Russon

 

General Conference 2016!

Wow, what a sweet, wonderful general conference this weekend! I was able to watch it all in English with a member who is from the US, but lives here. My comp also watched 2 sessions with me in English, but he only understood about 30%, thinking he would understand a whole lot more. I took notes on every speaker. They were very direct in their talks. They mentioned a lot about prayer and repentance.

I've been thinking about conference, and how simple the truths are that they share. The gospel is not complicated, it's real easy. The hard, but very important part of life is agency. The leaders of the church teach us basic principles of what we need to do to live the gospel. Now it's a matter of choice to act and follow the counsel they give us. The gospel is so perfect.

Things here in Cortazar continue going well. We're working hard and well with the members and investigators. This past week, I hit a record of 10 lessons taught with a member present. which is very important for greater retention of investigators in the church. I'm developing great relationships with the people of Cortazar, and it'll be hard to leave.

This Thursday, I complete 6 months, wowisimo! Already a fourth of the way done, the time just flies. Really , the answer for anything hard on the mission is work! Forget yourself and Go To Work - said someone really amazing. Don't take anything for granted in the gospel, as Pres. Dieter F Uchtdorf said. Especially your families, the temple, and general conference. I hope y'all have an incredible upcoming week.
 

Love,

Elder Russon

Here Comes THE BIG G.C. Weekend! - Woohoo!!!

My laundry room (or rooftop!)

September 26, 2016

So, the missionary work has been going well here. Recently, we've been dropping old investigators because either we can't ever find them home, or they don't progress. So we are focusing on finding new investigators. But we have about 10 that are progressing little by little. Right now, we have Santiago and Carlos that can be baptized in October. They lack some more teaching, but they both have a strong desire to be baptized. Actually, we have an appointment with Santiago in 2 hours, so that's great!

Elder De Leon and I are working really quite well together. We teach well, and we work hard without complaining, we Just Do It! The days are rolling by like someone going down a water slide. I'm learning so many different things every day, and I'm changing. I'm really starting to love everything about the mission. Can't believe I'm a fourth way done of the mission, 6 months!

Elder De Leon and I

I've been thinking, and there are 3 things that every member or investigator must do in the church. They need to pray and read the scriptures daily, and attend church every Sunday. It's super hard to find problems in the life of a person who simply does these 3 things. Of course there's so much more to the gospel, but it all starts with praying, studying, and attending. The ultimate goal of the gospel is to attend the temple. EVERYTHING we do in the church is to prepare us to attend the temple worthily. 

The blue sky photo, if you look closely, there are white balloons in the air, but I have no idea why. Another photo is when we had zone meeting, and some were in a circle without chairs as a  object lesson to show that we have to be united, 'cuz if one falls, we all fall.

Anyways, I had a great week, didn't feel like a week, more like 2 or 3 days, ha-ha. Y'all out there have a marvelous week, but most of all, ENJOY GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!

Love,

Elder Russon

White balloons in the sky. Not sure why, though.

My kitchen!

Happy National Mexico independence Day! Sept. 15/16

New companion - Elder De Leon

September 19, 2016

Hands down, this week flew by! Elder De Leon and I are working hard and well together. I'm basically in charge of our area Cortazar, because I'm showing him all the people and leading everything. But were both senior companions. He has this transfer and next transfer before he goes home. But this change might be his last one because his visa expires one week before the end of the next change, but President is gonna check on it, 'cuz Elder De Leon wants to finish the full time of the mission. He's a pretty cool guy, short, obedient, and a little different. He's from Guatemala, and we work well together.

Right now, we have Santiago who has come to church 5 times, and is progressing well, but his new job he started won't let him rest on Sundays anymore. So he's gonna talk to his boss, or look for another job. He'll probably be baptized in 2 to 3 weeks. Then there's Carlos, who has come 3 times to church on his own, and he'll for sure be baptized real soon. He even mentioned about serving a mission, super cool. There's about 6 others that have a real potential for baptism. And there's several more that are just potentials. It's real hard for them to get to church, and sometimes finding them home or free to listen to us is hard too.

Everyday I'm progressing. My Spanish is so much better, also my teaching and coordinating skills. I can really see how the mission helps shape the future perfectly, in every little detail as missionaries. Right now, I feel like I have a bit more than enough things to do, but that I can just barely handle it, which is great, I love it. The time flies so much faster that way, I'm always thinking, Ok, what next?

 

Last Friday, the ward had a big party for the Mexican Independence day. We joined for about an hour, they had like a talent show with people dancing and acting, making jokes. Later, a TON of food served. Tortas, Tacos, etc, etc, etc. Super good food. 

Can't believe I've almost got a fourth of the mission done, goes super fast. This is my third change here in Cortazar, and I really love the area. Its a smaller town, less noise and business, more my style. I enjoy the members a lot, their really great. We had a ward mission leader coordination last night with the Bishop and the WML. It went terrific, we came up with several ideas to help the investigators, less active, recent converts, etc. 

All is going well, hope y'all have a fantastic week! Hasta el proximo semana! (Until next week!)

 

Love,

Elder Russon

Transfers! I'm stayin' in Cortazar!

Transfer Time

September 12, 2016

Not a lot of time this time, or really any other time. But, this past week went well. We had transfers. Elder Silva left to go open a new area and train a newbie, wow, lots of work for him. I'm staying here with a new companion Elder De Leon, who goes home in December, pretty crazy. He's pretty cool. We're gonna work and learn a lot this change. 

We'll probably have a baptism next week for Santiago. We also have a few other possibilities that can be baptized. Now that Silva is gone, and my new companion and I are both Mayor companions, I have more responsibility, and I know I'm gonna learn even better how to teach the people effectively, with the Spirit. 

A thought I've had before; When I started the mission, they told us as missionaries that we SHALL not teach without the spirit. Not shouldn't, but can't. And I was thinking, wow, is it truly possible to always have the spirit with you? I learned yes, it is possible. Because although we might not feel strong feelings from the spirit in every moment, the spirit can reside in us always, as long as we obey and are worthy. Many times we don't realize how the spirit works inside us. But I can now sense for sure if the spirit is present, and wow, how important it is for everyone to have the spirit. It's like a sure guarantee to heaven, haha.

Anyways, life goes well, have a fantastic week y'all!!!

Love,

Elder Russon

 

 

 

A bird flew in our house the night before transfers!

Guess what...5 MoNtHs!!! Sweet, really running out of good title ideas...HAHAHA!

Sept 5, 2016

 

Tomorrow, I complete my 5 month anniversary...haha! The time sure has flown by. This week went normal. It was rather hot and tiring. The sun felt fierce for a few days, and I have a little head cold, so thats not super fun. I can tell theres a change in the weather. 

Last Tuesday or Wednesday, I had a cool experience. I was wearing my sombrero, and we walked passed a lady sitting down outside her house, who caught our attention. We headed for a less active to visit, knocked, no one answered, so we went back the way we came. On the way, we saw this lady speed walking in our direction toward us. She stopped us and immediately asked if we could visit her and her family. We were surprised, but very happy too. We said of course!

Laundry time!

Later, she said, your testigos de jehova, verdad? (Jehovah's Witness) And we said no, were missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. But she was still interested, and were going to visit her this Thursday. After we left, I laughed really hard, because I knew she contacted us because I was wearing my hat. Its very common here that the testigos wear these types of hats. My companion laughed, also knowing the same thing, a lot of members joke that we're testigos when we wear the hat. Later, I said, wow, this hat is worth every 110 pesos I spent!

Also, yesterday, one of our recent converts got a new job. And now she works 7-5pm every day, for 800 pesos a week. That's 800 pesos for 70 hours of work, about $0.64 an hour! It was hard to believe it, that's literally nothing at all, but shes okay with it. She plans to work there in the restaurant for about a year and a half, without rest. She says shes gonna read the scriptures and pray everyday, and attend Institue on Tuesday and Thursdays after her work. But I fear a lot that shes headed straight for inactivity. It doesn't matter what the situation is, attending church is mandatory for everyone, every Sunday!

Eggs and Herbalife for breakfast!

This is the last week of the change, and its very likely that Silva leaves, and I stay, but quien sabe? If I stay, we'll have another baptism next week of Santiago, woohoo! This afternoon, I also received another package from home, that was awesome! A chess set and a tie! 

It was a good week this week, love you all, and enjoy your upcoming week!

 

Love,

Elder Russon

Package from Home!

Thanks Dad for the Chess set and tie!