August 25

Hey Everyone-
It’s amazing to me to see how fast things can change in a matter of one week! It was a very memorable week and seemed to be over before I knew it. I have to first update you on Anna and then I’ll proceed to tell you the rest of my week!
Anna was all set and ready for baptism the last time I emailed you, but once again things changed that night. She had called me up in the afternoon on Monday and explained that her parents were deciding whether or not she could be baptized, they had even threatened to not help out with college and other major things in her life. We figured that we could pray and maybe even meet with her parents to overcome their views, but that all changed when she called us that night and explained that she had gone to the doctor that day and they found a tumor! The doctors didn’t know if it was cancerous or not but preformed a biopsy to determine the results. In the meantime we continued to meet with her and give her encouragement and to uplift her in any way we could, she is a strong woman and always had a cheerful countenance despite this challenge! She kept Praying and reading her scriptures every day and we even gave her a Priesthood Blessing, and she was still determined on getting bapti
zed! We found out on Thursday morning that it was not Cancer, which meant she was still scheduled to leave for Boston the next day. We felt blessed to hear that great news but we also found out that because she had stitches, it meant she had to wait 6 days until she could be immersed into water! So on Friday (also her Birthday) she set some time aside so she could say bye to us. We ended up giving her as a present; some scriptures we bought and she surprisingly enough had given us a goodbye present, Ties!! Ha-ha This was a good experience and we plan on continuing the friendship we have developed and hopefully see her baptized!
Tuesday, was District meetings and a day full of tracting. We did have a lesson with Anna that night and finished teaching her all the lessons, she always wants to know exactly what she can and can’t do (very faithful!). So after I taught the Law of Chastity, she made me discuss dressing modestly, something I’ll never forget ha-ha.
Wednesday, we had IngaLisa’s Baptism Interview, she was nervous for it. We went over the program so she is ready for the baptism on Saturday. We invited a couple of the youth to another lesson with Anna, we watched Special Witnesses of Christ, a DVD of the Prophets and Apostles Testimonies, we, wanted her to be familiar with President Monson’s personality and voice.
Thursday, I honestly can’t remember what happened; it seems like a blur and mixed within all the other days of the week! So Friday, I mentioned saying goodbye to Anna, we were a little sad but decided to get to work so we can forget ourselves in the Lords Service.
Saturday, the highlight was the Baptism of IngaLisa! I could tell how excited she was and pray that she will remember this for the rest of her life. Her father came along with her Brother and Sister-in-law. There was a good turn out with the ward, to support her; they really made it special for her! I had the blessing and opportunity to perform the baptism and loved feeling the spirit that is always present on such occasions! My companion and I celebrated by getting an ice cream cone at McDonalds!
Sunday, was such a busy day but again a highlight in my life. The Gift of the Holy Ghost was given to Anna, followed by a sweet and tender blessing. Her mother was very touched by it. That night the Wickstrom’s (IngaLisa’s family) invited us to dinner, we had a wonderful time and took a couple of pictures and I just cherished that moment, especially seeing IngaLisa’s personality come out! Last night was also transfer calls; Elder Stapley is getting transferred along with one other missionary in my zone! I feel at peace knowing that this is the Lords will, but I am never pleased to see a change!
Well I have got to go but I love all of you very much and have an amazing week! I hope that every day you will come one step closer to the Savior and let him continually bless your lives! I also heard that it was Grandpa Earl’s birthday today and so I want to wish him the best day ever!
Love Elder Jason Russell