April 6th

Hey Everyone-
What an Amazing week I have experienced, of course the Highlight was listening to the inspired words of the Prophet and Apostles. I look forward to hearing each General Conference. Although I will be able to always read their words and remarks in the Ensign. I wish I had a way of capturing my thoughts and feelings when I first hear their words. I have found it wonderful to listen to the Still Small Voice of the Lord and to find out how I am doing; the Spirit will always tell me those things that I can improve upon. I wish I had my notes here at the Library, so I can tell you the insights I learned and remember which talks touched me the most but I do remember Elder Jeffery R. Holland’s talk. Throughout my mission I have cherished listening to his words. I have a number of his talks and they have all touched me. So when I have a chance to listen to Elder Holland, I get excited because I know it’s going to be very spiritual and have significant meaning for me. I relate to him the best! I can’t wait to read all that he has written. As always I also love hearing from our Prophet. He has such a gentle yet profound way of speaking.
This week we also had something unusual happen, we woke up Wednesday morning and got a Phone call from the Office explaining that a Missionary, Elder Stevens, who was returning home to Alaska from his mission in Guatemala, was stranded here! I guess there were volcanoes going off in Alaska that prevented him from returning and his flight had been delayed in Seattle. So we went to pick him up from the Hotel that he had stayed at (I am sure it was very weird for him being by himself). He spent the entire day with us! He was so much fun to be around and got along so well with me and my companion. We compared the differences of each other’s missions and he was often shocked at how little we baptize but he was also in awe at how well we live (cars, nice apartment etc...) every mission has its positives and negatives, but we are all able to change drastically and help others to come unto Christ! We made a lot of trips to Seattle, to give blessings and take Elder Stevens to the Airport etc... I have loved being able to see this beautiful place I serve in and experience what it’s like in the city. My companion and I are doing wonderful and I love serving with him. We are working hard and having glimpses of success, it’s been hard but we know we can baptize someone in April! How blessed I feel right now to be able to serve the Lord and to also have a testimony of this Great work. I know my mission well set the foundation of the rest of my life and I am glad to witness the change the gospel has had in others lives! I love each and every one of you and during this Easter Season I pray that we will all come to know the Savior more through Prayer and Scripture study. I encourage everyone to take the time to reflect on what his sacrifice has done in our lives and then to act upon what the Spirit is telling us to do in our hearts! I love you-
Elder Russell