December 8th

Hey Everyone-
We did have a wonderful week, unfortunately Melissa’s Baptism got pushed back until the 27th of December and I will still be here for that! I still get calls from her about twice a week and her updating me on how things are going. She went to a singles dance that she thought was boring because there weren’t any guys, ha but she loves the idea of attending a ward full of students her age! We found a couple of new investigators last week but had to drop most of them, we continue to search for the true in heart looking for the truth, and we know there are many out there!! On Wednesday, we continue to have our weekly scripture study with the Cahills, it’s been great. The daughter has really set an amazing example for the rest of the family and the Mother realizes this and has been coming to church consistently. They are a great family and the Mother is so spiritual, I feel so welcome when I go over there! On Thursday we had exchanges in the morning with one of the Assistants, it went very well and he has been impressed with Elder Bogle. I have been blessed to serve with him and he brings a lot of faith, has been adjusting wonderfully and keeps telling me how fast time is flying, we get along like brothers! He is already on planning on staying with me sometime in Utah and maybe going to school! Later that night we had a Mission Christmas party! I loved being able to gather with everyone and to feel of the love of others and also the spirit of Christmas! The food was amazing, honey baked ham and Mormon funeral potatoes!! My favorite! We also got to watch the movie “A Christmas Carol” with the guy from star trek! It was an amazing movie! Friday wasn’t the best day; I had the pretty long and bad headache that wouldn’t go away! But I tried my best to continue to work and finish the day off strong, I continue to ask my self why this has been going on for most of my mission and why is it getting worse. It prevents me from being my best self and giving it my 100% effort! I have come to realize that this might be a trial from the adversary, his power is real. But the power of our Heavenly Father is also very real and powerful. I finally asked for a priesthood blessing (I don’t know why I have waited so long, I guess it was my natural self telling me a could handle it and I’ll get one when it gets worse). My companion Elder Bogle gave me a blessing (his first) on Saturday night, and my headaches haven’t come back yet! That is such a testimony to me as to the power of the priesthood and how amazing it is and what a blessing it is to those who are able to use it to benefit others! Saturday was a very busy day for us with a lot of meetings and lessons we were able to teach! We also did service at the food bank again, and I made sure I grabbed some more Cheez-Its! Haha (they beg for us to take food) Sunday was also very busy and like I have said before it can be exhausting with 8 hours of church and meetings! And right after church we ran over to the Stake Center and watched the First Presidency Message for Christmas! I loved it and it was almost like General Conference, which I can’t wait for the next one! I have been feasting on the words of the New Testament and can’t get enough of it, I have been using the book Jesus the Christ as my guide to helping me understand all of the passages and teaching of Christ! It has been an amazing experience and I keep praying that I won’t ever loose this desire and so called thirst for the scriptures! Today will be kind of a busy day as well; we have a dinner appointment with our ward mission leader and than a lesson with a less active family, and then a member lesson with the high councilor over missionary work! I have been excited for the efforts I have seen with the ward and I can feel that they trust us and are starting to give us referrals!! Well I love each and every one of you, I hope that you will find joy in the Christmas season and I pray that you will all come to know our Savior even Jesus Christ a little more this season, by reading the scriptures and praying!! It will only bring eternal and lasting happiness! I love this gospel and the work I am apart of, even though it can be a challenge sometimes!! Have a great week!
Elder Russell