"Being a Dude" Day

Another week has gone by and it seems to me to be going faster and faster. Tomorrow, I leave on my 4th Visa trip which means that this transfer will make it an entire year since I left America. We missionaries all have our own silly things we do when we hit different points on our missions. Get rid a shirt, buy a new tie, go to Finland, ya know things like that but, for me I am looking forward to a couple days in Finland.

I'll give you a full report of that next week though. Today is a special day in Russia! It's Man Day! It is the day you celebrate “being a dude” its way funny our phone hasn't stopped ringing all morning all these babushka’s calling us to wish us happy man day lol.

As for this week, we've been very busy. We had a training and zone conference here this week, which was so much fun to plan. I have always just been the missionary who got to sit and enjoy zone conference not the one who had to plan it all our and well it was different experience that's for sure It was really good though, I got to interview with President Trejo (who's awesome) we had a good long talk about wrestling.

He talked to me a lot about why I was called to be a ZL and he told me that I had the "wrestler mentality" that is I go as hard as I can for as long as I can and I don't give up until the whistle blows. I enjoyed his compliment and analogy; I do try to work hard. Speaking of wrestling Elder Trunov has had me teach him how to wrestle ha, it has been some really interesting exercises in the mornings I'll tell you what. Sister Trejo told me that I need to sleep more and that throughout my mission the circles under my eyes have been getting darker and darker (it runs in the family).

We've had some rather excited things happen this week as well, finding the balance between ZL stuff, and missionary work is hard but so worth it and I am learning so much. This week we found 2 new investigators, one of which is like some world famous chess player from the Soviet Union, and the other is one of Agaba (Uganda)'s friend, Henry. We started teaching them together. Henry has a MBA and is so smart, he asked for a Book of Mormon to read with Agaba. We had been teaching Agaba the lessons and such, and we asked him to read 2 Nephi 31 which talks a lot about the Doctrine of Christ, which is faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Monday night, he said, "Elders, when can I make the covenant with Heavenly Father that is baptism?" Elder Trunov and I were just in shock, we set a baptismal date with him for March 27th. Henry also agreed to get ready for that date. We're very excited! We'll see what happens, please …keep them in your prayers. We're also planning and hoping to set a baptismal date tonight with one of our investigators, she's 7 will be 8 soon. I will have to tell you about her story another time but she's a nice little girl, who lives with her grandma who's a member and they want us to teach her and help get her ready for baptism. She is a convert due to the fact that neither of her parents are members. So we get to teach her, which is fun and great experience, I can imagine, what it'll be to help my future children get ready to make that big step.

Those of us who were baptized when we were 8 may not remember all that went on and what it all meant. It is something special and I am very grateful that I am a member of Church. I often show the pictures of Maddie’s baptism at Bear Lake (some 2-3 odd years ago…sorry Maddie, you're like 10 right?) and it always makes for a good “intro to missionary work” I have my pictures in my album strategically placed to focus on the importance of families and the gospel. I am grateful that my family is such a great example and that I can show that to the people here and help them come closer to Christ, I know we are not perfect, but I do love you.

Well my times about up and I want to send you some pictures! So…I love you, have a great week, I will be in Finland tomorrow on my 4th visa trip which means I only have like 3 more yikes, time flies. Well be excellent to each other!

Mom & Dad - Dad's email made me laugh way to hard I just got it but man, I miss you guys, thanks for being awesome parents :) Love ya.!

The Knowledge We Have

Hey Family!

Sorry, I know my last couple emails have been interesting I really haven't had time to do any sort of compiling my thoughts for the last few weeks so my emails home are probably just like blah of information thrown at you. Plus the fact that I am not speaking English well anymore and probably makes the translation of my letters quite the task ha. Good thing I've got a wonderful mother who can make sense of things and puts my letters up. I don’t know what I’d do without my mom; she really is the best thanks for all you do Mommy :) I love you.

So today we had a lot to do. It seems to me like P-days now days are just days that I can try to get an email off and then hopefully buy groceries - we've been living on vegetables and rice for the last few weeks because we don't have time to buy groceries. Today, we picked up the Elders that were coming in. Oh! We had transfers last week; I'll be here in Omsk another 6 weeks as ZL. I told President T that I would stay here until the end if he needed me to. Yeah, we didn’t know if we'd have email time today, so we ran into the internet cafe paid for 10 minutes and printed off all our emails so that if we didn’t have time to write we'd still get to read from you guys. But, after we took care of the Elders we realized we had about an hour to do something so we came here and I actually get to write so Yay!

This week has been way busy, we've had to deal with a lot of stuff ...  I do love being a ZL. But yeah, in between all the stuff we have to do, we balance missionary work in there as well. This week was very productive. :) We found 3 new investigators, 2 of which are from Africa we found them an English book of Mormon and have been teaching them the gospel. Agaba is awesome, he's always smiling and is so excited to learn about The Book of Mormon. We talked about Prophets and the Book of Mormon and he almost jumped off his seat when i gave him his copy in English. He has called me 2 or 3 times already telling me how much he loves reading it and how he feels about reading it. I think it is ironic, makes me smile, in his country they already have a stake and the church is flourishing, and he came all the way to Siberia and found out about the gospel. We also met a man and he's very smart, he teaches kids how to play chess at a wrestling club, ha it was so sick. We got to go in and talk to him a bit the other day. He asked where I was from and I told him Utah, he then said, “There are a lot of Mormons in Utah aren't there? I admire those people, they did so much with so little ah, I would like to know more about what they believe..." Elder Trunov and I couldn't help but smile and pull the Book of Mormon out of the bag and invited him to learn more about the restored gospel. We haven't reached our goal for the month yet, but we are working hard and I know I am doing what I am suppose to.


I am so sorry about Grandma Flora, she was an amazing lady, and I know mom, she was special to you. I think that is one of the main things that restored gospel gives us. We have the knowledge of the plan of salvation. We know where we come from, why are here, and where we are going. The Lord's plan is in motion, and we know what we need to do here, and other people need to know it as well. We pass all sorts of people every day, and how many people know what we know? We truly are blessed to have the knowledge that we do.

It is the "Good News". I'm so grateful that I have a family that loves and supports me, and that I will be able to be with them not only in this life but forever. The years we spend in this life are just in preparation for what is to come.

We are Children of the most supreme being in the universe and He loves us. Mom said, Love is what Valentine’s day is for her is about love. I agree with her that is right. One of my favorite camp songs is called “its cheese that makes the world go round and in the end of the songs it explains that in reality it is love that makes the world go round….it is so true. Our Father in Heaven Exists and he loves each and every one of us. He sent us here to learn and to grow to become like him, then we will return to his presence and be able to sit down and tell him about everything we learned, everything we did. We will all fall short…. of being able to become like him. That is where the love comes in. Our older Brother came and took upon himself all of our imperfections, weakness, sickness, and faults upon himself. So that when we do go to see our Father, we can be clean in his sight. The news isn't just good, It's Great!” It's all based upon love.

So I guess I'd better get back on the street and let people know! ;) I love you guys, Thanks for the letters, your faith, and for all the support you give me. I really couldn't do what I am doing without you. I have to go now; we have a lot to do. Missionaries to take care of, Zone Conference to plan to name a few things. So I love you guys, have a great week and I'll see you soon!





Mom - Hey mommy :) Thanks for everything. I love you.



Dad – I’ll send some pictures next week hopefully, I will be in Finland next week so maybe will have some time at the Temple house to send some.

Tanner - A Limo? This girl must really like you or something ha.


Grandma & Grandpa Eborn- Hey! Happy Birthday Grandma! Thanks for everything you guys do for me :) I love getting your emails every week :) I print them off and read them again and again. I hope you have a wonderful week and know that I love you guys, and you're in my prayers.

D & C 133:26

"....And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence."

Go and Bear with Patience

I am SO sorry you guys didn't get my email last week, I was using the computer in the office in Novo and it just must not have wanted to send. But I re-sent it so hopefully you all get it ha... looks like 2 emails this week for ya'll!

So last week we got back from Novo, horrible night sleep on a train, and just got back to work, we didn't have time for recuperation but just hit the road and started right where we left off when we left. We’ve been trying our hardest to find people to teach. That is the one thing that we are lacking here in Omsk is investigators, it's been the problem for the last 7 months here ha. And one of the things we do is we just talk to people. All the time we're trying to find those that have been prepared for our message.

Sometimes it seems hopeless. Getting shut down time and time again is kind of discouraging. Well… a lot discouraging but like the Lord said to Ammon and his brethren “Go and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give you success”. I’m not sure when it'll come but I know that the Lord loves me and that what I’m doing is His work.

Yesterday, for instance, we found 4 people who wanted to learn more about the message of the Restoration. It was a funny experience, we were standing on a bus stop and all of a sudden everything gets really quiet and everyone on the crowded bus stop is looking up the road, and down the sidewalk comes these two Africans. Here in Russia, it is very rare to see a black person at all and so I was standing there just like wow, "those are the first two black guys I’ve seen in almost a year". Then, I think to myself “I wonder if they even speak Russian?” So I yell out in English, “Hey! Do you guy's speak English?” They both turn around and look up at me with this big smiles and looks on their faces of just pure relief. “YES!” they yelled back and they ran back to me and we had a good conversation they are from Uganda, here studying for the year and have been met with a lot of hard times thus far, they don't speak any Russian, and Russians don't really like them. They were so relieved to see an American missionary it was so awesome. They asked if we would take them to church, We said “of course”. They called us later that night to make sure we weren't kidding and that they wanted us to meet their friend’s...it was great. Who know's? Maybe some of them will truly be interested… we could have an English speaking branch in Siberia! Man that'd be way amazing.

We've also been working with a family here and they are progressing! They read and pray as a family every night now. Their father is not as supportive (down right against) the missionaries coming over but the Mother said that she loves how she feels around us and that they're wanting to keep it up. We're hoping for them to get baptized the end of the month ...early March. So keep them in you're prayers!

Artiom, (aka Jon Bon Jovi) unfortunately has decided that our gospel is not for him and he has dropped the missionaries. He was trying to go to America, and when he couldn't it was a mess, but in short he's still looking for truth and wants to explore other options. I was saddened what happened and by what he said, and told him that the truth he's looking for is right here. It's like money on the table. We’ve laid it all out, and given him the option to take it, and he won’t. My investigator Roman, who was baptized almost 2 months ago, was able to receive the Holy Ghost and be confirmed a member of the church Sunday. It was a great feeling being able to stand in the circle around him and help confirm him. It was a great experience and you can read about it in my journal at the end of this year.

So yeah, that is pretty much my week. We've got Transfer calls coming this Friday. Being a ZL is definitely interesting. I get to talk with President Trejo ever week and report on things, and pass him information from the district presidency here. President T is awesome. What a great experience I have working with such good people!

Elder Maughn was telling me how much different our mission is from the rest of the world.  This is the only mission I know, and it's crazy and mom figured out that the people aren't as nice as you'd like them to be but it's the mission,... my mission, where I’m suppose to be. I’ve learned a lot here, and I’m not even close to done. I’ve got a lot to do and I’m looking forward to doing it.

I love you all; I’ll let you know if I’m leaving Omsk or not next week. But all the same I’ll be giving it my all. Like Elder Mueller and I say, “You can sleep when you're dead!" Love you guys have a great week!

Mom & Dad - Hope you got my last week’s email finally the computer here says it was sent this time so idk hopefully it worked. But yeah mom I need you to send shirts... I’ve given them to members who need them and well washing machines here aren’t very good so if you could send me those I’d be very appreciative :) ha I checked out the pictures. Looks like you guys are having a blast :) I miss you a lot but it's alright May is coming up ;) love you guys!

Megan - Thanks for the Valentine’s Day Email Meggie Shake. It's always good to hear from my sisters. You look like you're kicking butt at volleyball ..keep it up. You rock!

Maddie - You're a goober LOL  I love ya Maddie, your “smiley deals” always make me laugh lol because the Russian computers have a hard time reading them….but I know what you are saying....keep being you Maddie!

Our Mission is Hard

So I guess you didn’t get last week’s email. I sent it from Novo but I guess it didn’t work so I’ll try again...

Hey ya'll!

I am writing you from the office in Novosibirsk right now! Elder Trunov and I took a train last night from Omsk to Novo and got here around 6 this morning and we will be leaving for home tonight around 10.
We came for zone leaders’ conference! We have got to spend 6 hours with President Trejo and with the rest of the ZL's from around the mission.

I got to see some of my favorite missionaries! (Old companions etc.) It was just so awesome. We had to give our report on how our zone did in the month of January. We have a goal for the year 2011 of 130 convert baptisms and have been working very hard to get that. Our zone goal for the month of January was 2 baptisms and we only got 1... I also got to give a spiritual thought on the quote "work work work" from Elder Ezra Taft Benson which was pretty legit I talked about wrestling and how we as missionaries want to have no regrets when we go home from our missions and that is why we need to have our whole heart might, mind and soul into what we are doing. (Sorry Dad, I know my last email may have seemed like I was getting trunky, but I am really not.) I miss you and all, but this is where I need to be and this is where I will be for the next 10-11 months, "there's a time and place for everything" and this is my time to Serve I am very focused on what I am doing here. At the end of all of our reports, President Trejo got up and told us that the Lord has sent us, the Elder's of the “Siberian battalion here, and he didn't send us to fail. Our mission is hard, but the Lord qualifies those he calls.

I'll be working hard to fulfill my potential as well as to help the members of my zone reach theirs.
It's getting really warm, well for Siberia. It’s like -15 or so outside on the street and I’m like sweating! This week was a good one though, our investigator family has been progressing, they came to church, family night, as well as to a fireside on eternal marriage. It was way good. I love teaching them and it's always such an warm and inviting atmosphere. They love the gospel and we are hoping to help them be baptized this month. So keep them in your prayers. We've been doing a lot of other good things as well and it's been a lot of fun. Elder Trunov is funny. …I've learned a lot from him already.

He's going home in a few months and that is why he was wondering about the BYU thing. I’ll explain it to him on the train ride home. I am not really sure what will happen when I get home but I am not really worried about it. Like I said I’m here right now and I am a missionary! I am here 100% I am giving myself to the Lord and we'll see what he will form me into. He is our maker and I know if I submit myself to his will he will me make me more than could ever be on my own. I just need to trust in Him.
That's way cool that Tanner got his Eagle….. and that he just had his court of honor! I'm proud of my brother that is for sure! He's got a lot of great things ahead of him. Love ya bro. It's amazing all the things scouting teaches us about being good people. I think I already told you about how Elder Trunov read tmy scout hand book and was all impressed by all the stuff that scouting has to offer, and that the aim of scouting is to help make young men into the men they need to be. I love scouting. I hope when I get home I get to serve in the scouting program.

Well... I think that is about it for me! I've got a long train home tonight and its way hard to sleep on the train. We stop at every little city in between Novo and Omsk and I wake up every time. But hey, I’m riding on the Transiberian railroad!!? How cool is that! Until next week...

liveSTRONG!
Elder Eborn

Mom & Dad - Hey mommy dearest :) it sounds like you've had a little adventure….. that is way cool though, it’s always fun trying to explain what my mom does to our investigators and such. ha and no one believes you can be a professional boy scout ha, I’m like…” I've got proof!” Ha he's my dad! It’s always fun :) so to answer your question about shirts and such. you can by almost anything here in Russia, but white shirts are a very hot item. You can get ALMOST white shirts but you can never find just plain ones. They always have something that won’t work with missionary attire. So if you could send me those shirts I'd be very appreciative :) I DON'T need garments lol. I have like 30 tops and like 15 bottoms for some reason but if I do need them I can by them in Finland so no worries :) I am also looking for a new suit. I’ve just given up on my American ones. They didn't last dang Mr Mac. I guess, he's never been to Siberia.. So I’ll be probably buying one sooner or later. They’re usually about 100 bucks or a little more they're really cheap here. I love you guy's thanks for everything :)

Tanner - Way to go brosky! You rock! Thanks for being my brother. I really do look up to you, thanks for always being a great example and just being awesome keep on doing what you're doing!

No Letter Today

Last week, Elder Eborn mentioned he would be in Novo this week.  I will put up his letter later in the week. 

Thank you for the Kind Posts

Having this and my family blog up via public is something I go back and forth on.... I keep the blog as our family history, and record for others to see.  It is interesting, here on Elder Eborn's blog (which I moderate) some of the mean things people in Russia say.  Gives me a glimpse of what my son must deal with on a daily basis.  However, he never mentions or complains. 

I am proud of my American son, who has put his goals, education, and family on hold to go share a great message to others who may not be aware.  I am sad, when people are mean to him.