Elder Eborn Has a Smile

Time in the Temple

Elder Eborn at the Provo, Utah Temple

MTC Russia District

MTC Companion Elder Drasso

Fun Photos From the MTC

"Why Two Cupcakes?"  Just In Case....

Missionary Issue - Running Shoes, Direct From Nike

Elder Eborn has run 46 miles in the MTC thus far....

His Love is All Around Us

Another week down here at the MTC.  It's crazy to think I've been gone 4 weeks already!

I am  almost 1/24 of the way done with my mission and I'm still in Provo!

Well, I am still having a great time! Elder Drasso and I are getting along---we're learning alot about Russian and the gospel. It really is a wonderful place! This week,  the group of elders older than us are shipping out for the mother land. as such we were in need of new zone leaders/district leaders.

We had been told that the Zone Leaders would be chosen from the District Leaders who were already called. Most of us knew with out a doubt that Elder Smith would be called for the next group of Zone Leaders. Sunday morning, he and his companion were called out of our class and went to talk to the Branch President, President Callister (who is a stud by the way). They both came in and sat back down.

Next, one of my roomates was called out--Elder Capps, which made sense. Elder Smith and Wright would be Zone Leaders and Elder Capps the new District Leader. next he called out my companion-Elder Drasso went out and came back in. I thought to myself he must just be doing the weekly interviews. Sure enough, I was next.

Our conversation went like this...
"Elder Eborn, how are you?"
"Good President, you?""
"I am fine, how is the language?"
"Ha, It;s Russian, you know how it goes."
" Yes, yes, it continues to kick my butt... anyway I am going to get right to the point, I want you to serve as Zone Leader, along with your companion. Would you please go get him again?"

I don't think I could have looked any more shocked than I did. I figured I would be a District Leader or Zone Leader later on in the field some time but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be here in the MTC.   We have about 25 Elders in our Zone 9 of which leave for Russia soon. Another 15 coming in the 15th of  Feburary.

It's quite the calling on top of everything else we have to do, now were in charge of 25 other young men who are almost all older than me, several who already have college degrees, and some who don't even speak English! Oh well, bring it on!I am always up for a challenge!

This last week we've been teaching the second lesson, The Plan of Salvation. while I've been studying this I've come to realise how perfect this plan really is. Our Father in Heaven really must love us to have put such a plan in place for us to return to live with him. From the earth we live on, to the family we were born into, evidence of his love is all around us. All we need to do is look. I am SO greatful that we have the opportunity to live with our families in the eternities! It makes you think maybe 3 months in Provo isn't so bad when you think of it with an eternal perspective. Not saying I would ever go to school here--ha but the MTC isn't so bad.

Along with our lessons in English we also teach as much as we can in Russian. Not going to lie it is so fun (minus the whole not knowing what you're saying and accidentily cursing in russian). I'm begining to love this language. I don't know how to say much, but what I do know is the truth and that's all that matters.

I know that God is our Father, and our Creator. He has given us this earth, as a place to learn and grow to become like him if we choose to do so. I know that he has provided us a Savior to redeem us of our sins and to help us overcome death and his name is Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph, starting with a miraculous visit in Palmyra New York. we do have a prophet that leads and guides us today with devine revelation from our creator. I know this things to be true. and best of all I can say it all in Russian!

I love you all and hope you'll keep me in your prayers and you will be in mine!!
I love wearing this badge!!

Love, Elder Eborn

Pray Like Everything Depends on God

Another week down here at the MTC and I'm still going strong!

This week has been full of hard work, long hours, and much learning. We've been working on how to conjugate verbs, and putting words into the correct case. This language is so crazy! Some days I feel like I just want to pull all my hair out and run into a wall. But it's a good feeling, when I have day's like that I realise that it means I've been working hard.

It's not like this will just come one day... I'll have to work my butt off to get the gift of tongues. We heard a quote in a devotional the other day that said, " pray like everything depends on God.... then work like everything depends on you." I feel that that was directed straight to me.

I read through D&C 46 with my companion, and it really hit me on the gifts of the spirit. Then last night we were kind of thrown in the fire, we had to teach the first lesson to the russian Elders and Sisters who are here, in Russian. I was so terrified. I didn't know what to say thats for sure. But it was crazy! After a prayer I was really conversing with them. I didn't say much but I got my message across. The gift of tongues is real, and I just feel like I need to keep at it and it will eventually come.

Our district as a whole, was super grumpy the other day as well. The elders who reported the same day as us who AREN'T going to Russia are getting shipped out to the field and we were a little bitter towards them.

Our teacher, Brother Fisher brought us back down to earth and made us feel a little better about being stuck in the MTC for an 8th of our mission.

Novosibirsk is the largest mission geographically, as of June this year there were 26 missionaries there.
But, is still the most fruitfull mission in Russia and Eastern Europe. He told us that we are going to be one of the few missionaries who are there; most of us will be called to be branch presidents, district, and zone leaders with in the first few transfers.

In addition, we will be more than likely be a trainer soon after arrival. Suddenly, all the training in the world didn't seem like enough. I am still looking forward to that 36 hour plane ride to the middle of Siberia. I will try to enjoy my experience here at the MTC.  Being p-day, I have some opportunities I don't get the rest of the week. One of which is the temple. Elder Drasso and I left early to the temple this morning in hopes of getting the cafeteria food from the temple before our session.

As we walked up to the temple we saw an older man struggling to make it up to the door. As we got closer we saw him reach for one of the pillars and then fall on his face clutching his chest--- it scared the crap out of me! I threw my backpack at Elder Drasso and ran to the man telling my companion to get help. We helped the man into the temple and made sure he was ok before we went into our session. The ambulance came to check on him just to be safe but I think he was ok.

The second part of my day that was exciting was the fact that I got haircut. Maybe it wasn't that big of deal but I sure enjoyed it.  I was getting sick of looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket every morning when I woke up.

I will send pictures of it when I can. I guess the only way to get pictures home is to send my memory card so I will do that when I have taken more pictures. 

Thanks to all who have written me! It really is so good to hear from people. Letters in any form, are worth more than gold here! I hope all is well at home. I miss you all like crazy. I miss playing halo with my brother, coming home to Maddie and Ashlyn doing something just completely crazy, even listening to Megan argue ;) Going on runs with my dad and just laying on the bed at night with mom. Oh well, I'm glad to be where I am and theres no where else I'd rather be!

Please let me know how things are going. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

If anyone wants to send food it would be greatly appreciated ;)
I love wearing this badge!

Love always,
ELDER EBORN

I Made A Call

Thank you so much for the package. The underwear are being put to good use as we speak ;) This week has been great! I love it here that’s for sure. Sitting in a classroom for 9 hours a day in a suit and tie is getting a little old. But I’ll have to deal with it. This week we got a new set of missionaries in our district. They are all Russian natives and speak little to no English. It's fun trying to communicate with them, they teach you so much just by listening to them. It gets me super excited to be going to their country! They all went through the temple today with our zone and it was a really neat experience. When we had finished one of the Elders from Georgia (the country, not the state) raised his arms and said, "eto ictina!!" (Spelled grammatically for those of us who don’t read Russian) meaning it's true!! The look on their faces was one of pure joy. They have sacrificed so much to come be in the service of the Lord. I admire them for their desire to serve.

This week our district went to the call center where we made outgoing calls to people throughout the country who had sent for a church DVD and/or copy of the Book of Mormon. We were to call and see if they had received it as well as their thoughts on the message that was presented. I made about 30 calls in a half hour, I got hung up on, sworn at, told I was going to hell unless I would repent and be saved, and that if I ever called back they would kill me. Ha! Needless to say it didn’t seem like a very worthwhile activity for me.

I thought to myself, I’ll make one last call before I call it quits. I got on the line and called a lady in Alabama and she answered. I told her my name was “JT from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that I was calling to confirm the delivery of her Book of Mormon by the missionaries.” She told me that she had just gotten out of surgery/rehab and had missed the missionaries visit. They had however, left her a note with a copy of the book of Mormon. She had just finished reading and praying when I called. I asked if she would like the missionaries to come back for a visit and she said that she would like that very much, she felt she needed to know if God cared about her and she was so glad that I had called. I set up an appointment with her to have her local missionaries come and visit her and teach her about the gospel of Jesus Christ. What an experience that was. I really do love being a missionary and bringing others to the knowledge that our father in heaven really does love them. As in Lehi's vision of the tree of life, there are many people wandering in darkness waiting for someone to help them to the rod of iron.

 The language is coming, slowly but steadily. I am learning to read and to write much better. The Russian language really is amazing. Completely, ridiculous but amazing. We've been teaching "investigators" they're really just members who come in and pretend to be. But I feel that Im learning to teach the principles of the doctrine fairly well. Now if I could do it in Russian I'd be set!! It's weird to think I've already been gone this long. I'm already getting sick of the food here lol. So snacks would be greatly appreciated ;) I've nearly got Jospeh Smith's first vision down in Russian, it sounds so sick!! You’ll have to hear it when I call .

 I hope all is well. You’ll be getting my letters throughout this week I hope The mail here is kind of ridiculous. The only thing that comes straight through are the dear elders. We get those the day you send them. So they're a great way to let me know what’s going on. Plus they're free and easy to do!! I wish I could write more.  I will write you again next week! Until then I love you! Please keep me in your prayers as you will be in mine.

 Love,
 Elder Eborn.

 p.s. I will send pictures as soon as I can figure out how? The kiosk doesn’t like me for some reason.

Power of the Priesthood

I have been asked by many individuals for a copy of the poem JT shared the last Sunday JT spoke. So I thought I would just post it here for you to read if you desire.  ~ Rene

"With the new year rapidly approaching I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my New Year’s resolutions with you.

#1 I would like to dress up a bit more often.

#2 I want to wake up early and study my scriptures every day.

#3 I want to learn a new language, and travel abroad.

#4 Move out of my parents home, and live with someone I’ve never met before.

And my Final Resolution is that I want to serve and bless the people around me.

Power of the Priesthood

The first 4 won’t be as difficult as #5. That will require the help of the lord, through the priesthood which he grants every worthy male member of his church to act in his name for the salvation of his children. Now the priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God, and through it the heavens and earth were created and are governed. Through this power he redeems, and exalts his children bringing to pass the “immortality and eternal life of man. “

There are two things I would like to focus on today. First is something I noticed while preparing for this talk. Being worthy to hold the priesthood of God, and the second is the blessings that can be received by our willingness to honor our priesthood.

Being Worthy
I would like to start by sharing a story with you from Elder John H. Groberg, and an experience he had on his mission.

"My first assignment was to a small island hundreds of miles from headquarters, where no one spoke English, and I was the only white man. I was given a local companion named Feki who was then serving a building mission and was a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood.

After eight seasick days and nights on a small, smelly boat, we arrived at Niuatoputapu. I struggled with the heat, the mosquitoes, the strange food, culture, and language, as well as homesickness. One afternoon we heard cries of anguish and saw a family bringing the limp, seemingly lifeless body of their eight-year-old son to us. They wailed out that he had fallen from a mango tree and would not respond to anything. The faithful father and mother put him in my arms and said, “You have the Melchizedek Priesthood; bring him back to us whole and well.”

Though my knowledge of the language was still limited, I understood what they wanted, and I was scared. I wanted to run away, but the expressions of love and faith that shone from the eyes of the parents and brothers and sisters kept me glued to the spot.

I looked expectantly at my companion. He shrugged and said, “I don’t have the proper authority. You and the branch president hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.” Grasping at that straw, I said, “Then this is the duty of the branch president.”

No sooner had I said this than the branch president walked up. He had heard the commotion and returned from his garden. He was sweaty and covered with dirt and mud. I turned and explained what had happened and tried to give the young boy to him. He stepped back and said, “I will go and wash and put on clean clothes; then we will bless him and see what God has to say.”

In near panic, I cried, “Can’t you see? He needs help now!”

He calmly replied: “I know he needs a blessing. When I have washed myself and put on clean clothes, I will bring consecrated oil, and we will approach God and see what His will is. I cannot—I will not—approach God with dirty hands and muddy clothes.” He turned and left me holding the boy. I was speechless.

Finally he returned, clean in body and dress and, I sensed, in heart as well. “Now,” he said, “I am clean, so we will approach the throne of God.”

That marvelous Tongan branch president, with clean hands and a pure heart, gave a beautiful and powerful priesthood blessing. I felt more like a witness than a participant. The words of the Psalmist came to my mind: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? …

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.” On that tiny island a worthy priesthood holder ascended into the hill of the Lord, and the power of the priesthood came down from heaven and authorized a young boy’s life to continue.

With the fire of faith glowing from his eyes, the branch president told me what to do. Much additional faith and effort was required, but on the third day that little eight-year-old boy, full of life, was reunited with his family.

Just as Clean wires properly connected can carry electrical power, so clean hands and pure hearts are required to carry priesthood power.

Ways to Be Worthy

Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to be involved with scouting. Those of you who know me laugh at that, I’ve been known as one of those scout kids and I consider that a compliment. For what is a scout? A Scout is trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Aren’t those attributes the lord would like in all of us? Especially his priesthood holders? I have learned a lot from scouting that has taught me important things about life. Those deacons teachers and priests as well as all priesthood holders Living the scout oath, and law in your lives and you will be able to be worthy to hold that mighty priesthood you bear.

I attribute scouting to a lot in my life, as a 14 year old boy I had the opportunity to attend the national boy scout jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. What an experience that was the friendship and comrade is something I will never forget. Prior to the jamboree a group of us scouts went on a tour along the east coast to many historical sites both national and church history.

Before that trip I had never read the book of Mormon, I solely relied on my parent’s testimony. Passing the time on the bus between spots of interest many people slept, sang songs and read. After singing every possible scout song you could think of and feeling that I could no longer stand the thought of sleeping in that chair. I began to talk to the boys sitting around me one of which who was reading his scriptures. I felt like maybe I should read them too. I started and I became engulfed in reading the scriptures. One of the last stops before we went to the jamboree was the Palmyra New York, Where we would be visiting the sacred grove. We were instructed that we would have 45 minutes in the grove before we needed to be back to the bus. I remember that day as being cloudy and over cast. It was a little chilly, but as I entered the grove the sun came out and it warmed up quite a bit. I wondered threw the trails and found a spot where I decided to sit and pray. As I knelt and prayed I felt the spirit bear witness to me of the truth that had happened in that grove. After I prayed for what seemed like just a few minutes I stood and wiped the tears from my face and continued on my way. As I got on the bus and saw everyone sitting there waiting for me they told me I had been in the grove for closer to 2 hours. I couldn’t believe it.

I am so grateful for the experiences in my life that has brought me to this point. Another thing that has really blessed me has been Camp Helaman. Unfortunately I have never been threw as a participant, but being a part of the planning of it has been a great experience. This last year as we were preparing I was searching the scriptures for something we could use in our camp. In Luke Chapter 22 verse 32 it reads, “ but I pray for thee that thy strength fail not. And when thou art converted, Strengthen thy brethren.” That scripture hit me hard. I began to think of things that I could do to strengthen my brethren.

Things like having regular family home evening, attending seminary, and attending church meetings came to mind. A friend of mine gave me this poem in seminary last year and it has become one of my favorites.

Blessing Others | Follow Jesus' Example
Poem
The alarm rings at 630; I stumble to my feet. I grab my companions bedding and pull off his sheet. A groan fills the room, is it already time to arise? It seems like just a second ago I was able to shut my eyes.

The morning activities follow – Study, prayer, and such. When it’s time to leave the apartment you feel you haven’t accomplished much. “we have a super day planned” my comp says with a grin. I lowly utter a faithless breath,” yeah if anyone lets us in.

With the word of god and my faithful scwinn, we ride off in the street. Prepared to face another day of humidity and heat. (yeah, I wont be seeing much of that) its 930 in the evening the day is almost through; my companion and I are riding home, not accomplishing what we thought to do.

We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to receive a lot. Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate, “air box”. We go up to our apartment, the day is now complete. The only thing to show for our work is a case of blistery feet.

It's 1030pm, my companion is fast asleep. Silence engulfs me and I begin to weep. In the midst of sadness I kneel down to pray; I need to talk to father, but im not sure what to say.

“Oh, father” I begin,” what happened to us today? I thought we’d teach somebody, but everyone was away. My hands, my aching hands- worn, hurt and beat; if our area were any smaller, we’d of knocked on every street.

“why on missions are the days so much alike? The only difference today was the flat tire on my bike. Will you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me. I sweat so bad, it gets in my eyes; it’s very hard to see.

“why do I have to wear a helmet, isn’t your protection enough? People always laugh at me and call me stupid stuff. Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack; I want to give them books of mormon, the weight of them hurts my back.”

“and what about my family? They don’t have much to say, im sick of not hearing from home day after day after day. Oh father , why am I here, am I just wasting time? Sometimes I just want to go home, I’m sorry but that’s whats on my mind.”

“my companion heavenly father, what are you giving me? The way he rides his bicycle, I don’t think he can see. Now you have it, I cant go on, I don’t know what to do; and that my father in heaven is the prayer I have for you.”

My prayer now finished I stand up, then jump into bed. I need my rest for tomorrow; we have another long day ahead. Sleep starts to overtake m, I seem to drift away, then it seems a vision takes me to another time and another day.

Im standing alone on a hill, the view is very nice; a man walks towards meand says, “my name is Jesus Christ.” Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet, “arise” he states, “follow me to the shade – you and I need to speak”

My attention is toward the savior, total and complete. He says, “your mission is similar of what happened to me, I understand how you feel, I know what youre going through; in fact it would be fair to say, I’ve felt the same as you.”

“I even know how you felt when no one listend to you. At times I felt not quite sure what else I could do. I know you don’t like to ride a bike, for you a car would be sweet; just remember the donkey I rode wasn’t equipped with 21 speeds.”

“I understand you don’t like sweating, in fact it’s something you hate; I remember when I sweat blood from every pore, oh the agony was great! I see you don’t like your companion –you’d rather have someone else. I once had a companion named judas who sold my life for wealth.”

“it’s hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you. I remember when they put thorns on my head and called me king of the jews. So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack. I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back.”

“Your hands hurt from tracting and knocking on doors all day. I guess when they pounded nails in mine, I ached in a similar way. It’s hard not to hear from home when your family’s not there to see; I lost my communication on the cross and cried, ‘father why hast thou forsaken me.’”

He embraced me with his arms, his light filled me with his love, with tears in my eyes I watched as he went back to the father above. I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my head, I listend and heard the alarm, then realized I was in my bed.

My companion let out a groan, “630 already, no way!” I sat up and said, “ come on ill even carry your scriptures today.” No matter what we go through, when we feel we can’t take no more, just stop and think of Jesus Christ, He’s been there before.

A few weeks ago Brother Stillman spoke to us, and said it’s not about missionary work. It’s about love.

How can we strengthen our brethren? By being worthy priesthood holders and With love. How can those of us magnify our priesthood? Love. God who is full of light, life and love wants us to hold and properly use his priesthood so we can transmit that light, life and love to all about us.

I Am Alive in the MTC!

Dad, Mom, and Whoever else reads this,

I am a live and well! Unfortunetly, I only get 30 minutes to write/email to you.  I've been in the MTC a week now and it's been great!! I love it. My first companion Elder Drasso and I seem to be getting along great so far. He's from California and is not very use to the cold. He will have to get use to it if he's coming to Siberia with me!! :)

I still can't believe it. Russia!! Ahh. I got rushed out of the car when I was dropped off and barely had time to look over my shoulder and smile at my family as they drove away.

With in minutes however, I was in a room getting a new name tag pinned on my suit. The letters, now a week later I can read but that day I had no idea what it said. Phonetically it says Star-yea-shena Eborn, it means Elder! How crazy is that!! I love it though, I've been learning so much just this last week.

I love being on a mission. How ever I do miss you all. I've gotten some of your letters and to say the least they are greatly appreciated. Keep them coming!! After a long day it's a good feeling to see letters slid under my door.

In my zone, there are 4 missionaries from other countries. Two from England, one from Austria, and one from Indiana! Ha that's pretty foriegn right? All the guy's in my room are going to Novosibirsk with me and we're getting along great.

The spirit here is so awesome!! I love being here, we have to teach investigators this week and that will be a little nerve wraking we have to do it in as much Russian as we can which is not a lot haha.

We were told the other day that the missionaries they are sending to Russia aren't the ones that they will send any where. They told us the leadership in the church thinks long and hard about who they send there. I hope I can live up to that.

Our distict has been learning to read in Russian and its coming, I've read one chapter in the knega mormona (thats not Russian, it's just how its sounds in Russian) and can sing from the hymn book. I love it. The songs in Russian seem to hit me so much more... we sang,  "Be Still My Soul" I nearly started crying. I love it!! Mom, I need more garments. Please send them quickly!! Iwont make it until Sunday on the limited supply I brought. I think I must have left some in the wash because I am severly lacking in the underclothing department. Also, I will be sending stuff home in March, I leave for Russia March 15. Which will be awesome, minus the 10.5 weeks I still have here. ..oh well, I am learning.

I'm not able to send pictures via email, nor am I able to write home I any way, email letters, etc. any day but Tuesdays. Which as you can guess is today!! P day was much needed I felt like my brain might explode with everything I've learned!. Plus, being able to communicate with you all has been great. It's nice to have some contact to the outside world. on our way to the Temple this morning we saw people walking to BYU and it was weird seeing normal people. I was like, " those people arent wearing suits!!" I know it's only been a week but has felt like a month. All of the older elders in our zone have told us it's suppose to feel like that. but after the first week everything flies by.

Soon enough I will be on a 35 hour flight to Russia!!! Well ...my computer is beeping at me that my 30 minutes is up in like 2 minutes so I'd better send this quick!! My letters will come in the mail hopefully soon.

 In the mean time continue to write me! It's great to hear from people. DearElder.com is great way for me to get a letter that day!!

I love you all, keep me in your prayers as you will be in mine.

with Love,
Elder Eborn

PS. Mom I am serious about the underwear.