December 15th

Hey Everyone-
We have had a wonderful week; I have especially cherished the last two days because it has snowed and looks beautiful and actually feels like Christmas! I have laughed because no one here knows how to drive in the snow and ice, so they drive ridiculously slow!!
Last Monday we went to 12th ave Cafe and I had an amazing breakfast of biscuits and gravy! The rest of the day was filled with Member lessons and we actually received two referrals!
Tuesday was Zone Conference, which lasted half of the day! I remembered the Spirit that I had felt during every meeting. Our mission has truly seen mighty Miracles, as our baptisms have increased tremendously this year and more particularly these last 4 months! I loved hearing the inspired words of President Moffat; he speaks with great conviction and with power and authority. He spoke on Angels and how they do exist and are doing a great work within our mission and helping people prepare for baptism! The spirit bore powerful witness to me to what he had said and I Testify that angels are among us~ Wednesday we had our normal meeting with Sis. Stanley, but we were unable to find a priesthood holder to attend. So we visited her anyway and talked outside on her doorstep in the freezing cold. We had a great discussion of Joseph Smith and how he prophesied the marvelous work that the church would do and how it would go forth to every nation, kindred and tongue! We also went to the Cahills, we gave them a Christmas gift (a holiday picture of my companion and me and the Movie “Mr. Kruger’s Christmas”) we were able to watch it with them! It was an old school movie but the message was still powerful!
Thursday I went on exchanges with Elder Robbins, he is from AZ and is pretty new in the mission. We had a really good day and did a lot of finding activities. We tracted into a man who was beyond nice. He let us right in and started to talk to us; apparently he knew who we were. He was a retired NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals, and his sister is actually LDS and living in Provo! I hope we will get to teach him and his heart it ready to hear the message we have to proclaim! Friday was very much a normal day and nothing really sticks out.
Saturday was a slow day, mostly because it had snowed!!! We had correlation with our ward mission leader and tried to do service for a gentleman but he was at work!! We went to a members house the Davis’ they are a great family and have a son on a mission in Tempe! We tried to do a lot of visits that night as well!
Sunday was beautiful and the church meetings were good, but because of the road conditions we only had sacrament meeting!! We ate dinner with the Carlsons! and then finished our weekly planning!
Things have been looking up and I am loving this Holiday Season! I am excited for Christmas as well. We continue to pray and fast for Miracles and Know that they will happen only after the trial of our faith!! I love this work and seeing the change it brings in peoples lives- Thats what lasting Joy does!!!
I love and miss you all I hope all is well!
Elder Russell