January 26th

Hey Everyone-
We have had a great week! Last Monday we pretty much played basketball for most of the time. It was a lot of fun; I wouldn’t recommend eating a triple X burger right before though! Tuesday, was just a normal missionary filled day. We continue to do a lot of our tracting in the Tiger Mountain area. We still haven’t seen much success but we know miracles are going to happen! Wednesday was also a normal day, but we had visited a couple of the members in the ward. We try and do that every night, so they can get to know us and so we can teach them a lesson! Thursday, was Zone Conference! Its always one of my favorite things to attend and this time it was extra special since Elder Gary Coleman of the Seventy came and spoke to us! He is a man filled with the spirit, I loved his insights of the Book of Mormon, and He really made all of us Motivated even more. He is a people’s person and I really could tell he had a concern for all of us! Lunch is always a highlight of these meetings-gotta love the free food! I feel like I don’t know anyone anymore, I have been in Bellevue South too long it seems (9 months). But it was great to see those that I did know. Later on that night we got to travel to Burien, which is right next to Seattle and we listened to a fireside by Elder Coleman! It was kinda like a road trip, but only 30 min long! Friday was a normal day as far as the missionary activities; we were able to visit Cash and his family. His Girlfriend had her family over but they invited us to join them anyway! That’s the kind of man Cash is! He had us laughing the whole time, but we were also able to answer some questions her mother had. I could immediately tell she had looked up some anti, but I answered them without being contentious in anyway! We offered to come back Saturday and do some service- Which we did! But before that we went over to the Stake Presidents home for Breakfast but also to discuss the missionary work in the wards. Once again once he found out what wards we served in he mentioned how much they love us! I have heard that so often and it has humbled me because we haven’t done anything out of the ordinary, it has been a great blessing. I have always felt that one of the reasons I was serving in these wards was to earn their trust again! I am blessed to also have a great companion who has helped me tremendously! We are telling everyone we know, we want to stay one more Transfer here!! I hope that it happens! Interviews are going to be this week! I have just loved the work and the weeks are going by fast. My scripture studies have been so great; I am starting the Book of Mormon again but also studying individual topics. Like Today I studied all about what the Spirit of Testimony, Revelation and Prophesy are, and how they all relate to each other! I am loving it! I hope all is well back home. I know Mom and Dad are getting ready to go cruising, I hope you had a wonderful Birthday Mom and be expecting my letter before you leave! Thank you for all of the letters and prayers! I love you all! Stay Strong- Elder Russell

January 13

Hey Everyone-
Well I just had the wonderful opportunity to attend the temple yesterday. It is such an amazing place and I can testify that the Lords Presence is very close and open are the windows to revelation! I am always stronger in Faith and Devotion each time I am in the temple! I pray I will always be close to a temple so I can attend it often!
This week, we were able to do a lot of service due to the massive floods in Snoqaulmie. We spent one day filling sand bags and the next day we spent the whole day cleaning up the damage. It was amazing to see the community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come together to serve others in a time of need. I finally got a yellow Mormon Helping Hands T-shirt! That pretty much made my day! I have always wanted one! haha We were able to clean up a local Catholic Church and spent hours tearing up the floors and walls from the damage! They were so thankful and it was so nice being united for the cause of helping each other out! It was a nice change from the usual focus of our different doctrines. I wish we could always stay united as Christians and move this work throughout the world instead of contending against one another!
Now I don’t have much time at all, but I am doing Great in my area. My companion and I are doing the best we know how to do with our individual talents! We also got to attend a fireside where Kenya Jackson, Gladys Knights Daughter and her family shared their conversion story and how the gospel has changed their lives! It was great! Well I love you all and hope all is well!! Take care of yourselves!
Elder Jason Russell

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