We are all God's Children...we all need Charity........week 11

So now that my family is fully equipped in cowboy boots and 10 gallon hats, I can officially say, ´´howdy´´. ha ha. Haven't said that in awhile.

So Troy is officially a doctor now. Wow. That is SaWEET! Good work Brother! I wish I could have been there. You'll do great in the profession.

Sean, I hope you get better soon. I imagine that your school plans are falling into place and that you are getting ready for school. Good luck there.

Tyler, I hope everything is going well for you. I understand that you are busy with school and work but when you get a chance, send me and email so I can feel the stress too. Ha ha.

Mom and Dad, busy as ever. Thanks for all of your hard work and your examples. The Greenway project was a success and it is always good to get some publicity. The missionary work can go forward faster when people associate the good with the church.

So now about me...

This week was absolutely crazy. We had about a bajillion meetings in Managua and it takes 3 or 4 hours round trip every time we go there. I think we had more like 4 days to work this week instead of 7 if you subtract all of the hours. But we still had some great experiences.

We worked hard with two families this week to try and prepare them for baptism this last weekend. Both families (pairs) felt good about the doctrine but wanted more time. But missionaries don't accept that as a No. So we continued to give it our all.

Naturally, Satan gave it his all though too. We had some serious trials with the families. Carlos and Fatima have some pretty interesting family ties. I think they have about every religion possible in the extended family...Evangelicals, Catholics, Jehovah's Witness, Mormon, etc. They have had quite the struggle with their family and even received some visits from them who came to save the family from our devil worship...yeah.

But like I always say these days, Challenges are good because it means we are doing the Lords work. We eventually challenged the family to pray about their decision to be baptized on Saturday. Carlos decided to be baptized and Fatima decided to wait a week. Although we were disappointed with the wait, we were extremely happy with Carlos and even more so because he was really excited.

Jose and Leticia proved to be a whole other story. They are a young couple, unmarried, and had many troubles finding their information to be married. When we finally got everything together, we had trouble finding a lawyer and we had little money to pay one. But the Lord always sees us through our trials. We found a lawyer who gave ex tremendous service and performed the wedding on Saturday. We had to travel by moto in the rain 30 minutes one way to marry them in the house of Leticia's sick mother so she could be a witness. We crammed 6 people into the moto (it is about the same size as the tiny European cars) and then, yeah. It was done. Then we headed for Managua to baptize Carlos, Leticia, and Jose.

Carlos' baptism

Jose and Leticia's baptism

The baptism went really well except for Jose became really doubtful and we had to comfort him that his decision was the right one. Really, he has never been one to make commitments and we were asking him to make a ton in a short period of time (marriage, baptism, etc). But he did it and it was a great experience.

I really felt the love of God as I was privileged to perform the baptisms. I love being able to say ´´having been commissioned by Jesus Christ´´. It feels so great and my joy is so full as I see Gods children enter the waters of baptism and accept the covenants, and blessings, He has in store for them.

So I had a really special experience at church yesterday too.

We had ward conference with the Stake Presidency and everything. I don't know if I have told you, but we work with basically two groups of people in our ward. Where we live, the Borgoña, they are trying to form a Branch and in Las Colinas they are trying to maintain a ward. The people in the Borgoña are very humble and don't even have money for the bus on a weekly basis and so they frequently don't attend the other meetings in the ward. To help this last week, the ward provided transportation to bring as many as possible to the meeting.

So as we arrived in the ward we (the members of the branch) took our seats in the back, most of us together. There had been some other members from the ward seated towards the front and I took my seat toward the back as well. We went around greeting the members and such and when I realized that one member and his family looked very solemn and sad, I began talking with them. It took some coaxing, but eventually they told me why. Pointing with his finger, he said ´´in front are seated those who have money...in the back are seated those who have nothing´´

As I realized this distinct division, I began to be filled with sadness! I became so emotional that I had to leave the room and stand outside. I began to weep. My companion followed me out to see what the matter was as well as the ward Mission leader. I told them it wasn't my problem, only it was the love of God within me that provoked such a response. I felt terrible seeing the monetary division that the members had created within themselves. This ward has had some problems with some of its members and pride. We have the greatest spectrum I have seen. We have doctors and utterly unemployed. It is almost as if the members in the Borgoña were treated as filth.

When one serves among a group of people, he develops love and charity for them. That is what I felt. It was so sad to see that this charity didn't exist in all the members...I was reminded of the vision of Enoch when he saw God weep and had the question as to how the heavens could weep. His response was that he had created all things and that to see His children acting wrongly gave Him great sorrow.

Truly, it is a great blessing to have this charity developing within me. I feel such a great love for the people I serve. I love all of you and if I could ask you one thing, it would be that you always treat your brothers and sisters with respect. We really are all brothers and sisters and we should never, NEVER look down on anyone. The Savior never did. He was a carpenter after all.

I love this gospel and I know it is the gospel of peace. I have seen it change lives and I know that it has changed mine. Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts in my behalf. Never forget to be missionaries. Until next week,

Elder Grant Russell

From that Gringo in Nicaragua........week 10

Hello family!

How is everyone doing back at home?! It sounds like the answer is good from the letters I am reading...I am glad that that is the case. Everything here is going well. I will try and catch you up on the activities of the week.

So yeah, we have been teaching some families and preparing them for baptism (let´s hope...cross your fingers) One couple, Jose and Leticia, are only 22 and 16 and they have a two year old. Just think, having a kid at 14. Wow, now that is overwhelming. They are really progressing and always have questions, which is a really good sign. The worst lessons are when the investigators just nod their heads the whole time, say that they understood everything, and then stare at you with a blank face when you ask them a simple question about what you taught. Unfortunately, it happens occasionally.

The other couple, Carlos and Fatima is having a good experience. They seem to like everything so far they can see about the church. Their challenge will be to have faith enough to not know everything when they are baptized.

Oh and you´ll think this is really interesting...We also have been working with a Mason. Not Mason as in the name Mason but a Mason like the organization. Yeah, he is a really smart engineer and retired fireman who cant wait to go to the temple. He ALWAYS has really interesting ways of explaining principles and seems to understand principles better than the missionaries. But he is going to be baptized next week hopefully.

What you said about having the Lord´s hand guiding us through it all is definitely true. Sometimes I forget that as I walk in the street, but He is always there guiding us.

One of the greatest experiences as a missionary is exactly what the quote says that you shared. This week we had the great experience of being an answer to the investigators´prayer.

We were wandering in the street at about 830pm Sunday when we ran into Leticia and Jose. They, like many here in Nicaragua, have a hard time making ends meet. I thought I understood what that meant before I came to Nicaragua, but since I have been here I have met some very humble people. There are people here that don't eat because they cant. Jose is unemployed and they support themselves by buying bread in the city and then going to another city to sell it for a higher price.

Because Sunday was the 30 year anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, there was quite the celebration in Managua. They had to go to the celebration to sell and couldn't´t make it to church. Long story short, Jose fell in his commitment of the word of wisdom and he felt terrible. Leticia had said a short prayer aloud to Jose and said if only the missionaries passed right now...and so we did.

So we spent the next hour talking with them about repentance and his desire to do what is right. I really think one of the greatest opportunities as a missionary is help people come closer to Christ and solve their problems through Him. I felt the Savior´s love emanate through me as he told us of his fall and it was really special. He again had many questions about why he would fall and how he could keep his commitments. We bore simple testimony that if he had faith, that God would help him through this trial. And just to show you how humble the Nicaraguans are in general, we did all this over some drinks and cookies and bread that bought for us with the meager income they have. That is humbling to know that they think of others when they cant even provide for themselves. They were so grateful to just have something to eat.

SO yeah, the President has set new goals for the mission with each key indicator we work with each day. Let´s just say that we are missing the mark in more than one and have to work harder than ever to accomplish what is required. I am finding that desire is different than obedience. I definitely have the desire to do everything right. I am still working on the obedience part. Like you said, I am trying to turn my will over to His and just submit myself to the work. Line upon line, I am learning how to be a missionary. I thought it was going to be easier than this...ha ha.

Thanks for all of the information on the family.
Joy and Josh- I hope that everything goes well for you in this hard, and life changing transition. I can see that this is going to be rough on the whole family, but you will all be strengthened through this. It is always through the flame that we achieve our brightest shine.

Troy- Congrats on the success at school and I wish I could be there to see you receive your coat. I think you´ll understand. I look forward to seeing Doctor Russell in action when I return, though I prefer it be from a third person perspective.

Tyler...same old!? Am I just going to here that for two years...ha ha. I understand. I wish you the best while you work like a maniac in school, work, and social activities (at least I hope so)

Sean- I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your 50 miler. I look back on my experience with great memories. It is always better in retrospect, believe me.

Dad- It sounds like Dad is busy as ever with church and work assignments. I would like to read the talks, if you get a chance. Thanks for everything you do DAD! You might like to know that I talk about you often in lessons, especially in lessons about the priesthood and families. I appreciate you worthiness and example over all these years and I aspire to be a priesthood holder and father like you.

Me- Busy as ever. I can imagine that adding Joy and the two chavalos ´´kids´´ to the routine would be busy...Thanks Mom for everything you do as well. I often think of you and I miss you always as I do with all of the family.

I find it very interesting that you chose that scripture this week because I read that scripture this week and it hit me really hard. I realized that it was my desire too. I feel so grateful to have had opportunities to that already.

Is there really a greater call than to be involved in the work of the Lord? I think it is the greatest opportunity.

So cultural differences,

So it rains pretty frequently here, and it is always a challenge to stay out of the rain. Typically, people use umbrellas...typically. This week Ï saw a man wearing bubble wrap over his head like a scarf. That was funny.

It is the anniversary like I said for the Sandinista. There was a lot of Babylon going on in every direction. And the handheld cannons are so loud. Obnoxious.

It wasn´t until yesterday when I was talking with some gringos that I realized how funny it was to buy the bread here. It looks like hot dog buns and so they joked about how weird it would be to just walk to your neighbor´s house and ask, ´´hey, do you have any hot dog buns!´´´

The smell, I think I found a new one. Rotting animals on the side of the road. Just ask Sean about Alan´s car. He will know what it smells like. We are linked across the miles after all. Ha ha.

So until next week, I wish you the best of luck and may God attend you in every minute of every day. I know that God is intimately involved in the happenings of his children. Lets pay attention to what He does for us.

I love you all and I will write soon!

Elder Grant Russell

Another weerk has come and gone........week 9

Hello family!

Wow a lot seems to be happening back at home! I look back on the 50 miler with fond memories. I have found myself looking back on many memories of youth trips, family vacations, school experiences lately and I just feel so grateful for the experiences that I have been blessed with. I think I always look back on experiences with a better vision than when I experienced them. I seem to forget the hard times and only remember the good times. It is pretty neat. I even find myself starting to do that with my mission. I have 2 months now! Wow, time really does fly by. I look back on my old area and the people I met and the times when we ran getting drenched in the rain...all great experiences. I forget the sweat I had on my face and I only remember that we walked 45 minutes in the heat to the chapel with a family so the mother could enter the waters of baptism. Being a missionary is really the greatest blessing I have ever received.

The family is experiencing her fair share of trials, but with every trial comes an opportunity to show the Lord our obedience and hence receive blessings. It is in the trials of our lives that we learn who we really are and who the Lord wants us to be. It is kind of funny to think back on the trials we had as a family and the trials I had as an individual...I realize that I have grown and that my trials now are completely different. I now have trials with adapting to a new culture and being away from everything I have ever known. I really have only one thing to rely on now, the Lord. He has always been there for me, in the best and worst of times. When I was willing to listen, I was blessed. When I didn't heed His promptings, He patiently waited for me to come back.

So we have been working hard this week and trying to adapt to the new area. The Mission President is turning the mission around and changing a lot of things. He has asked us to meet certain goals for each key indicator (baptisms weekly, lessons, etc) and many are much higher than what we have been achieving. We have put our foot down on the gas and tried to give it everything we have. One of our goals is to have more people accept the invitation to be baptized. We did a better job this week and have about 11 or 12 people now with baptismal dates (but I don't think all will be baptized...lets hope)

About the photo...that is perfectly okay! I was worried it wouldn't go through and, to tell you the truth, I have felt bad that I haven't sent any photos. So from here on, feel free to check my email to see if I posted anything you didn't receive.

Thanks for sharing the gospel everyone! It is really the best gift we can give someone. I even sometimes forget how special the gospel really is and I feel disanimated. We should always be ready to give THE reason for the hope that is within us as Paul directs.

So cultural differences for this week...lets see how many I can remember

Urination in public...just about anywhere.
Noche de Hermanamiento (Fellowshipping night) was very interesting. Lets just say that I ended up with lip gloss all over my face. It was a game where you had to try and not laugh...if you laughed, you got painted. I laughed.
All buildings and churches are gated and locked.
There is this smell next to this field we walk by every day...lets just say I can barely breath. ha ha.

So spiritual experiences for the week (at least some of them)

I gave my first and second blessing in Spanish this week. That was definitely different and it was kind of hard. Not only are you trying to listen to the spirit, but you are trying to speak in another language. I think it turned out okay.

I have been really blessed this week in my Scripture study to find answers to investigators questions. I love searching the scriptures with questions in mind. It always turns out better.

I went on my first divisions with Elder Contrerras from Venezuela. He is a great missionary and really a hard worker. I felt the spirit really strong that day. I want to be as hard as a worker as he is. I was able to help teach some lessons and answer questions.

So anyway, it was a great week. I am so grateful for all of you and for your examples. May God be with you and strengthen you always. I feel your prayers across the miles and I hope that you feel mine as well. Till next week.

Elder Grant Russell

I stand out in the crowd.........week 8

Okay...

So my first photo was sent now, I think. I will try and send a few more if I have time. I will just have a short letter today!

Feet fine. Shoes work great! No problems. Next question.
Haven't been burned yet! Sunscreen (the baby power stuff is the only thing I use and only on the face. My arms are kind of tanning)
No hats.

I stand out, but it is an advantage because I can get people to look at me and once that happens....contact. Game, set, match (baptism ha ha). My complexion seems to be doing better if you believe it?

Ticuantepe is much cooler. I really live in the Borgona right next door. It is still kind of hot but cooler than Managua. I don't really know what temperature it is. I figure it is better not to know.

Only shop for the essentials, next!

The people are very humble and receptive to the gospel. But they are also very religious and set in their ways too. They are smaller in build and I have even been called tall several times.

I am adjusting yes. I have had a few problems but they have all work out! Lots of beans and rice. In the new house, the lady is cooking a few American meals here and there.

The work is still going forward. We are trying to contact a lot and use the recent converts and less actives to get references. The ward is really good, but it is just so big we are still adjusting. We have about 4 new investigators with baptism dates and we are teaching a bunch more. Hopefully, we will be able to start baptizing this next week.

So something I am working on this week has been trying to be more outgoing and fearless in sharing the gospel. Many people have noted my reservation at times and have labeled me as a newbie because of it. I want to be just as outgoing and effective as other missionaries so I am trying to improve in this area. I don't want people to know I am new.

I have really started to trust the Lord to help me reach my goals. I have to put forth my effort and do what He wants, but he pulls through to help me. I am so grateful to serve here in Nicaragua. I am learning every day more why I am here. My love for the people and for the mission is growing as well.

Cultural Differences

So people burn just about anything...just about anywhere. I think I have inhaled some potentially cancerous substances (just kidding).
I don't know if I mentioned the carts in the last email...not enough could be said about them.
I ate coconut for the first time...the real way. There are so many fruits here.

I know this church is true and that this is the Lord{s work. I love hearing about the family and it sounds like everything is going well. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts and I can testify that I feel them across the miles. Don't forget to preach the gospel. It is really what we are here to do. Thanks for the pictures Joy and I will write you next week. Continue to send my letters on to the friends and family and tell them all that I love them! Que les vaya bien

Elder Russell

Wow a lot has happened in a week!.......week 7

Hello from Las Colinas! Yeah, let me explain ha ha.

So as you read in the title, this week (and especially the last 24 hours) has been a HUGE change! I am now in Las Colinas (or that is to say the ward Las Colinas). I am really in the city Ticuantepe. It is absolutely beautiful and huge (the ward boundaries) and well, I don't much about it yet but I will give you a briefing...

So we had a multizone conference last Thursday and we had interviews with the President. It was great! I always learn so much in the conferences with the President. He is changing the way the mission is being run. He said in the meeting that there was going to be emergency changes the following Monday (yesterday) and that we needed to be prepared with everything including the area book, etc. Also, the President decided to create two zones dedicated to training. So all the future trainers were transferred to Chinandegas and Leon to get used to the area before the 14 new missionaries arrive in two weeks. It was all kind of confusing.

But Sunday night both my companion got a phone call. I was just sitting there and then he paused...he was shocked. We were both going to be transferred out of the area. He knew nothing more. We were both leaving.

So we spent the night packing and finishing all of the notes and stuff. We didn´t get to sleep until 12...unfortunately. But it was really a blessing yesterday though because we had time to say goodbye to our recent converts and less active members. That is not normally the case. It was a bitter sweet experience. It is amazing to me how much love you can have for a person only after 4 weeks there.

So we got to the transfers and we found out that our companionship was going to stay the same, but we were both moving to Las Colinas (the area of the APs) and that the office would now be working in our old area. Weird, but exciting. So we spent pretty much the whole day yesterday just getting stuff ready. A member drove us around and we got to see most of the area.

Now about the area...IT IS HUGE. REALLY HUGE! Our area, just me and my companion, is bigger in size than all of the other areas in our zone put together. It is about 30 kilometers from Managua but it feels completely different. It is very green and a bit cooler than Managua. It also has a volcano and zoo in the area...pretty sweet. I took some sweet photos yesterday but I didn´t know I was going to write today so I will send them soon.

So about my old area, Montserrat is in Managua. It is one of the wards there. I was pretty much in downtown Managua.

The photo problem is that the computers here don't have jacks for my SD card. I want to buy a cable so I can upload them and then send them...I will keep you updated. I can receive photos as far as I know. I did have an extra card but I was looking for it yesterday during the changes and I couldn´t find it. I don't know where it is...

About the money, it seems like most missionaries have a problem keeping a hold of their money. It is easy to waste it. We get a set amount from our credit card each month that is allotted for each expense. I received mine late last month so Ï have a lot of extra. I will figure it out next month. As far as the debit card goes, please take off all but about 100 dollars. I don't want to carry around a ton of money in case someone steals it. But President Fraatz said that we could use the cards in emergencies...

My health is fine. I have been trying to drink lots of water and I eat a fairly balanced diet. Though my body is still adjusting to the food here...I wont burden you with the details.

Mailing is safe as far as I can tell. I have received about 3 or 4 letters from Elder Minor and a few from friends. It only takes about a week or two I think and I get the mail on Pdays. It might take longer for the zones really far from Managua, but I am still in the same zone as Montserrat so it should be pretty quick.

Elder Menendez is great! We have our differences, but I think we work as well together as any other companionship and better than some.

Weather, HOT! But like one of training movies said, the two hottest places known to man: the Sun...and Nicaragua. I have accepted that I will just be one sweaty kid for 2 years. Ticuantepe isn´t as bad thank goodness. I have used my boots a few times and they work great!

I do get to play the piano occasionally...

About the recent converts: I don't know how I forgot to tell you last week in the email, but we had another baptism. And then this last week we had another one, the man who had a problem with smoking =)

The one two weeks ago was a woman named Sandra. Really nice lady, had a big change in her life. David is the man who quit smoking, but not without some fighting. In a district meeting we were talking about his challenge and then another elder suggested we use this method to stop smoking. He suggested that we take 3 cigarettes and empty the insides into a glass of water. Then we made him drink half of it right then and the other half the following morning. We did it and it WORKED! He said the next day he wanted to smoke but couldn't because it just tasted so gross it was revolting. Ha ha. By Small and simple means are great things brought to pass.

So...more about my new area. Like I said, we are switching areas with the office and so really, we are opening an area. The APs work very different than most missionaries. They don't live in the area or work every day, so we are going in as two new missionaries blindly. My companion said that he felt like it was his first day in the mission all over again. I thought. "oh great...now we have two lost missionaries."

But really, I feel so lost and inadequate. I think I feel more lost than I did my first day because I cant rely on my companion and his knowledge of the people or area. He doesn´t know either. It is also really intimidating to follow the APs in the area. Even though they don't work all of the time in the area, they still teach, etc so we have BIG shoes to fill, and I have 4 weeks in the mission ha ha. Oh and it is the ward that the Mission President´s family attends too. Ha ha.

But I have been comforted already with this new assignment. I know that we can do it despite the huge pressure we both feel. I want to work hard and it seems like the members are going to help us do it too!

We live in this super sweet house that has three rooms and a toilet that flushes!!! And a fridge. Wow my perspective on things is already changing. The lady who lives in the house is really nice and she is a member with desires to serve the Lord if I do say so myself.

So now time for the cultural differences for the week!

Goats, I saw about 10 of them dart out from behind a house one morning and it didn´t bother me a bit. They are just trotting along next to me.
They have these little cart things that aren´t quite rickshaws but definitely not cars. They have three wheels and they drive people around for about 5 cordobas a piece (25 cents)
Las Colinas has hills filled with pineapples. It is my first time seeing a plantation where they grow pineapple. It is pretty cool looking.
Not enough could be said about the dogs.
Women here have no problem nursing in public...it is really different.

Anyway, I will cya next week. I just want you to all know how much I love you! I am growing spiritually and I really do know that this church is true. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to share the gospel here in Nicaragua. It is probably the coolest thing in the world to be completely dedicated to do the most important work there is: the work of the Lord.

I will write next week.

Elder Russell

PS could you send a picture or two of the family via email whenever you get a chance here and there so I can see everyone! Thanks-

Buenos....from Nicaragua........week 6

So hey there family! I really feel like I was just writing you all a few days ago...this week was a blur. I will fill you in a bit.

So we have a pretty consistent schedule as far as the week goes. Mondays are P-days and we get together in Altagracia as a zone to write letters and release some energy in non-competitive, sporting activities. wink wink. We also do FHE with less active and recent convert families.

Tuesday mornings we get together in Altagracia and have zone meeting and companionship study.

Wednesdays are just a normal day but we get together with the Bishop in the evening to discuss missionary work etc.

Thursdays we meet in Altagracia yet again for district meeting and weekly planning.

Fridays and Saturdays are normal.

Sundays we get together in the morning with the ward mission leader and missionaries to do what they call the Mormon Battalion. We visit less actives, inactives, and recent converts to animate them for church and teach a short lesson. It is pretty neat. I like it really but it is different than anything I have ever done on a Saturday morning. We are really busy and put in a lot of effort Sunday morning but it does produce some results. So it is worth it!

But this past week we also had a Multi-Zone Conference with the President and 5 or so zones over all of Nicaragua on Wednesday. It was really great! I learned a ton and I need to work harder. I think I always come out of those meetings feeling like I need to repent but also energized and ready to serve the Lord harder. So it was this last week.

I had some really good experiences with the Spirit this last week, but I also had some challenges. Satan...he definitely has his eyes on the missionaries and their efforts.

We have been working with the father of a part member family who has a problem smoking. He has great intentions to stop but he just can´t seem to go a day without smoking. We have animated him every night it seems like but he just falls the next afternoon. We are going to continue working with him. I just see so much potential in that young family. In one lesson with that family this last week I was reading a scripture and then suddenly an idea popped into my head. I was reading about how when Christ called his Apostles, they instantly left their nets and boats and families to serve the lord. The word for fisherman in Spanish is pescadores and I thought, ¨by taking out the s, the word becomes pecadores which in Spanish means sinners. So in reality, we could relate the way that the Apostles left their nets to the way sinners must leave their vices and other distractions that are keeping them from following the savior. We must leave them immediately. Pretty cool huh?

I also had other experiences with the Spirit where I just felt like I was saying exactly what the family needed to hear. I love being a missionary because I at times throughout the week feel the love of God just fill me, and it emulates out to the investigators and members. I think I am starting to love the people. I am starting to love being a missionary, but I still have a lot to improve.

Our companionship is improving I think, but we still have challenges. I think my problem is that I have always put missionaries on this pedastool, especially trainers, and I expect them to just do everything perfect. But even my companion is human. I definitely am.

But like I said, we have had our fair share of challenges this week. We have had a hard time with our investigators because they aren´t keeping their commitments. We actually dropped one sister even though she knows all the answers to the questions. She just isn´t ready for baptism or at least she doesn´t think she is and doesn´t want to be. She just had to pray for an answer, but she wouldn´t...it is frustrating. Also, yesterday my companion said that during divisions our investigator with a baptismal date for this coming Saturday just said he doesn´t want anything to do with the church now. I was confused. We are going to visit him this week to see what his doubt is.

Yesterday, church was nearly a disaster because the Bishop left with all of the ward missionaries during sacrament for a reunion in another part of town. It was rather disruptive and to top that, the speaker offended some of our investigators and recent converts with a comment about noisy children and they stormed out of church. Yikes...it wasn´t pretty. Not to mention that our attendance dove like crazy yesterday. Satan is strong, no doubt about it.

I was actually relieved that our new investigating family didn´t show up yesterday because it wouldn´t have been a very good first impression. If I could change one thing in the church, it would be to straighten up the members. We work day after day with these investigators and commit them to come to church, they make changes in their lives, and then in one light comment, all of our work slips away. Either that or they come and no one says hello.

It sounds like things at home are going well. That is good to hear. I am so happy to hear that the house was sold, and so fast! I know it is definitely a blessing because of obedience. That is the only way we receive blessings after all.

Tell Sean to keep up the good work as a missionary. He is definitely going to be great! I always admired Sean´s ability to make friends so fast. I have a hard time just being myself in front of strangers. I normally have to ease them into knowing me ha ha. As for Troy´s comment, let him know that I feel like I have big shoes to fill after both he and Tyler served so honorably. I hear of their stories and I just hope similar experiences happen with me. Both Troy and Tyler have served as great examples to me of what return missionaries should be like. I am very grateful for their service, and for Dad´s. Happy Father´s Day by the way! And don´t give me too much credit, I haven't done much...

Tell Cassandra congratulations for me. That is great! I figured at least some of my friends would get married before I got back. Some were already engaged before I left!

Thanks for the encouragement from everyone! I definitely feel your prayers from across the miles. I frequently think on our family and the things that we did together over the years. In retrospect, I don't think I would want to change anything. I really love you guys and I feel so much pride to be a member of the Russell family. I have shown pictures of our family to investigators several times and they always comment on how happy we look. It is a happiness that only the gospel can bring.

And now, drum roll please....Cultural Experiences!!!! Confetti and party hats all around. (I think I am going to start a weekly list of things that I found hilarious or different...normally the two go together) lets see

Dogs here are like skeletons...and they are everywhere.
No one obeys the rules of the road. I think there are rules...
I frequently am packed so close to people in the buses here that I feel like a sardine.
Really a lot of funny things happen on the buses.
Today we had two clowns putting on a show on the bus. I think they called it poetry...ç
Our toilet doesn´t flush...we have to throw water into it and then it flushes.
My companion threw water into the toilet that also had his shirt inside. It wasn't so clean afterwards ha ha. HA ha. I laughed a lot after that. ha ha.
Water and other liquids come in bags and you bite the edge to drink.
I have rice with every meal...pretty much.
Street vendors sell about everything. I saw a guy selling motor oil. Ha ha. It is always funnier when you look back on it.
oh and pirated movies...there are a bunch of those.

Well I have to go. I love you all. I know the church is true. I learn more every day and my testimony continues to grow. Take care and I will talk to you all next week. Thanks to everyone who writes letters. Thank Bro Minor, who writes all the time. Please continue to post my letters and forward my letters to everyone that asks and anyone else that might want it. Brother Minor said he wanted to read. So I will talk to you later. Love you bye,

Elder Russell