July 7th

Hey Everyone-

Again we had another very busy week and it went by way to fast! I will try to remember what I did over the week but it won’t be as detailed as before considering one of the Assistants forgot to give me my planner back!.

On Monday as you know we went to Triple X burger with the Assistants, it was a lot of fun and those were the biggest hamburgers ever! I wasn’t man enough to finish it ha-ha. The Root beer is one of the top 5 in the world and I loved it. We took a lot of pictures and videos; we had a lot of fun. That night we had a great lesson at Bishop Kinghorns house with Katie. It was all on the Prophet Joseph Smith, the spirit was very powerful as we watched a movie about him and everyone went around and told their favorite story about him. We each had the opportunity to share with her our thoughts about the Prophet. It was a great lesson!

I honestly can’t remember what we did on Tuesday or Wednesday, that’s kind of sad but that just shows you how fast our weeks go by. I do remember Thursday though since it was interviews. My companion and I also gave a great workshop and then we got to evaluate our zones teaching skills. President Moffat also talked to us and I again felt his inspiration, he talked about some things that were perfect for our missionaries in the zone to hear. I am so grateful that he is so inclined to the spirit and knows our needs, it’s a great blessing to see the Lords hand work through him in so many ways! My interview with him was very brief but I felt his love that he has for me. I love being able to support President Moffat in any way for I know his burdens are heavy, and yet he loves this work!

I feel sometimes that’s how I feel; this is the hardest thing I have had to do in my life, and yet I have never been so happy. But the one thing it teaches me is that I need to depend upon the Lord for everything I do, and it’s amazing to see how he sustains me, he truly does make my weaknesses and short something that I can overcome! It all starts with sincere prayer everyday! My favorite scripture that I love sharing is Alma 37:36-37.

Friday was the Fourth of July; it really didn’t feel any different, probably because we don’t take holidays off. But everyone was home with their families, which is what we love. We talked to a lot of people and will be teaching some soon! That night we went on exchanges with the Assistants, and since it doesn’t get dark here until later, I wasn’t able to see any fireworks!

Saturday I was on exchanges with Elder Siggard from Heber, Ut. We had so much fun, we pretty much tracted the entire day! But that gave us an opportunity to really get to know each other and for me to learn from a great leader. We had a lot of success and found some people to start teaching mostly people from South Korea! The day seemed to go by fast, that’s what happens when you’re working hard.

Sunday, wow it was the longest day ever! We were in church for 8 hours and we also taught two classes and spoke in the primaries of both wards! I was exhausted after that! Oh one thing I forgot to mention is President Moffat brought back member meals but only on Sunday and Monday nights! So last night we had dinner at the Kinghorn (bishop) family, I had my first steak in 10 months!!

Katie surprised us and came to church (she was in Oregon for vacation during the weekend) She brought us back tons of salt water taffy. Her baptism is scheduled for this Saturday and she is doing great! I just talked to her and she got a job offer in Utah teaching Kindergarten, in the Jordan School District! Crazy huh!!

Well again I am almost out of time but I want you to all know I am so happy and couldn’t be better. I am so blessed to be able to testify of the Prophet Joseph Smith every day. This is the Lords work. Love you so much!

Will you give Aunt Judy my love and tell her I will keep her in my prayers.

Elder Jason Russell