Hard Things Make You Stronger

It's been a long week but a great week. Elder Trunov and I worked very hard and got a lot done. We had the opportunity to meet with our investigators and to help them all come a little bit closer to Christ. It was wonderful to be a part of that and I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to help Henry and Valentina come unto Jesus Christ and be baptized. Agaba is still working towards it but in a few weeks time he'll be ready. Neither of them had church clothing so I gave them both a pair of slacks, white shirts, and ties to come to church in. I'll tell you what, those men looked amazing in white shirts and ties!

They are going to be awesome Priesthood holders here in the near future. It was amazing; they got baptized before church so that they could be confirmed the same day. I had the opportunity to confirm Sister Valentina a member of the church and to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost. What an experience, the two of them had a chance to bear their testimonies after their confirmations and it was amazing to hear their bright burning testimonies. Henry talked about how when he goes home to Uganda he wants to help his family, and all of his friends come to the church. We (Elder Maughan) sent a email to the mission president down in Uganda and are working on having missionaries go and start working with his family. I am so blessed to have been a part to be a part of this great work:) Elder Dearden's (Brock) Mom once said, "A missionary is one who leaves his family for two years to help others be with theirs forever". It really is such a wonderful thing to help people come unto Christ!

Friday morning I received a call from President Trejo, which was weird because he always calls on Friday nights for Transfers. Then when I started talking to him I quickly realized why he'd called so early. I've been asked serve in Novosibirsk as Assistant to the President with Elder Justin Rupper from Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

So Sunday evening after church and after having our little party deal for Henry and Valentina, I got on a night train to Novo and have been learning what it all means to be an AP. I had some reservations about the new assignment, but I know that Heavenly Father's got a plan and that if I give myself to him 100% he'll turn me into the person I need to be. It'll be an adventure that’s for sure.

So now, instead of being over missionaries in one city, my responsibilities include working over all the mission with missionaries and will be traveling all around the mission for the next few months training missionaries and translating for President Trejo. Honestly, my first thoughts were that I must have messed something up pretty bad to have to serve right under President Trejo, for the last few months of his mission, but so far it's been a wonderful opportunity. I've even been able to do some real missionary work which is really where it’s at! I do spend the majority of my time in the office doing whatever it is that President asks me and try to help the missionaries to be the best they can be.

So yeah! I was sad to be leaving Omsk. 9 months in the same city, well you learn to love the people, but this will be a good change and a new chance to learn and to grow. Hard things make you stronger.

This next weekend I'll be going with President and Sister Trejo to Kemerovo for a branch conference, and the next weekend to Novokuznetsk for a Zone Conference. I've also got to prepare and get ready for Zone Leaders Council, and in the end of the month I'll be flying to Ulan-Ude (on the other side of Baikal) so this new calling will have some opportunity to meet people in many cities. Oh, and seeing as how I'm stationed in Novosibirsk, if you have any desire to send me letters, goody packages etc. they'll get to me a lot quicker! (hint) So yeah, that's basically my week in a nutshell. I'm trying to find my way around Novo, trying to learn my duties and do all I can. This morning we had 3 new missionaries come in. and we got to go and meet them at the airport and bring them back to the mission home for breakfast with the Trejo's. It brought back good memories of Elder Drasso, Capps, Septon, and I flying into Novo a year ago. We were dead tired, had no idea where we were, what people were saying and how the heck we were going to help people to learn about the gospel. But we learned… and they will too :) we get to go have orientation with them today around 4 so yeah. :)

Well family, I love ya. thanks for the awesome emails! I love hearing from you all please keep the letters coming! You've only got like 30 some odd weeks of letters so let’s keep em commin!

жив сильно Ст. Иборн!

Mom & Dad - Ha well... I am sorry you can't all go to Havasupai... but maybe next year we could try and go again :) I know I'd love to go... Sounds like you guys are going to have a way fun Spring break :) be safe and as dad always said to me,” don’t jump off anything".

Tanner - Dude, ok. you need to get me a pair of those shoes for when I get home. Alright? Those are way to cool! That's pretty sweet that you're girly friend will be going  with you, I remember getting to have Amber come with us up to Jackson Hole for Lotoja. It's was a  lot of fun --treat her good.

Megan - who said you could grow up and become a teenager already? eмоё! ёлки палки! если мне нада убить кого то я смогу! с днём рождения сестра моя!

Maddie- Love ya sis :) thanks for the email, take my puppy on a walk alright?

Another Photo

The Night of Transfers

Elder Eborn, with Henry  and Agaba the night of transfers.  Celebration of Henry and Valentina's baptism. (Photo from Sister Maughan, Omsk Russia)

I'm Ready for Spring!

Dearest Family of mine!
Yet another week has past and what would you know! We had a baptism this weekend!! Violetta was able to be baptized on saturday and this next week she'll be recieving the gift of the holy ghost! We're Very Excited! (I dont know if I've told you this but there is no word for excited in Russian; interesting eh?)

We are looking forward to this upcoming weekend as well. We've got 3 baptisms set up for Sunday morning! Which is unreal!! President Trejo even told me that he has never seen that happen in the entire time he's been a mission president. As much as I'd like to take the credit, I really haven't done anything. I've taught the gospel, and the Lord has given them the witness that they've asked for.  It's going to be a historic weekend for the city of Omck! But, it's not over until they're all in the font... so please keep them in your prayers. miracles are just around the corner but we've gotta finish doing our part for them to happen.

This week has also been quite an adventure, I'm actually conducting splits with one of the other Elders right now from the north area in Omck. We've been on splits for 2 days. It's just the only way it could work out for us. but we've had fun, and been learning a lot. As a Zone Leader I'm supposed to help teach the missionaries on exchanges how to be more effective and such. And we had about a half hour of down time and I realized that I was craving chocolate chip cookies way way bad. so we made them, it was actually a good thing though because on our way to our next meeting we met a man who told us that he was searching for another church because his church wasn't answering the questions that he had. We asked him what they were (the questions that is) and he asked about prophets and apostles. A Little alarm went off in my head, "Hey, Elder Eborn, thats part of the message you share..." and I jumped all over that! he's way excited to come to Church and to learn more about it. I guess sometimes you've just gotta take some time and make some cookies! We might not have met him if we hadn't stopped to make the cookies so it was a win/win.

It's been warming up quite a bit, but not enough, there is still snow everywhere and I'm not even kidding when I say my legs want to run. I've been running up and down the 12 story flight of stairs in our apartment builing almost every morning but it's not cutting it. I can't wait until  summer and I'll be able to run a little bit.

I also did get your package :) I've had to put a limit on how many Reeses I eat each day. I even have a little counter on the fridge to keep track so I don't eat them all at once. (funny)

I had to explain to Elder Trunov what a Leprechaun was because of the hat and socks you sent. He still doesn't get it. Silly Ukrainian. We've also have transfer calls coming up this Friday and if this pattern continues I'll probably be in Omck another 6 weeks :) which honestly will be fine, this place is pretty much like home now, except without my family, and  more crazy people lol  I think its something in the water (jk). Any ways we'll see what happens maybe I'll be taking the longest transfer in the world! I'll let you know next week.

So yeah, that's pretty much my week :) I've just been workng hard and trying to smile while I'm at it. It's been a little bit rougher this week, I've been a little bit down but it's all good, I just need to get my endorphins going and we'll be just fine!

I love you all. Thank you for your letters of support and the love you give me.The Church is True, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, The Book of Mormon is True, and God loves us!

жив сильно!
Ст. Иборн

Mom & Dad - Well, diet wise its basically the same as back home, just with a lot less selection and a whole lot worse quality. I've been eating a lot of rice and veggies lately due to the fact that we don't have time to eat real food. but the selection of meats isn't very good so you basically stay with chicken that you have to skin and pull the breast bone out of. so yeah, it'll be nice to come back home and be able to eat like normal again. but I guess if you wanted to be a vegetarian in russia you could, but you won't be able to get away with it with the members, especially in winter.

Love you guys and if you do wanna send another package here soon send some food coloring!

Garrett, Gavin, & Libby - You guys Rock! Thank you for the awesome pictures :) lol I didn't even know we had Pirates in Russia but I'm glad I know now ;) It's good to know you guys are having fun in Nevada I'll have to come visit when I get home 

Love you guys!

Happy St. Patricks Day From Russia

Bless Sister Maughan, yesterday at Megan's volleyball meet, I was waiting for her game to start (we leave around 6 am and stay all day on these days) when my phone beep'd I looked down and saw this email/note with the accompanying photo. 

Brought a tear to my eye, and warmed my heart.  Thank you Sister Maughan for letting me know our missionary recieved his new shirts (along with the other little supplies we sent). I was worrying because I know he was running low on his white shirt situation.   Here is the email...

"Brother and Sister Eborn, I thought you might like this picture of your Elder. He does a wonderful job as a missionary and zone leader! You can be very proud of the job he is doing. It is a pleasure to serve with him.

Sincerely,
Sister Maughan"

All is Well In Siberia

It's been another great week here in Siberia and all is well. I'm a little bit sick, but nothing to be worried about just a little cold. I took a nap yesterday and now everything is much better.

So, I should probably let you know that everything is going as planned for our scheduled baptisms this month. Violetta will be baptized this Saturday in between sessions of District Conference. We have recieved permission for her to get baptized. Also, our Uganda friends are doing awesome we're working with them and helping them get ready for the 27th of March. It will be an eventful day, we will potentially have three baptisms that day. We have one new investigator who we set a baptismal date with last week. She's a great lady who really has been searching for the truth and we were able to find her. It's amazing how that works isn't?

Thanks for the prayers. She was very excited about it all. She's already read almost all 2nd Nephi in the Book of Mormon and says she loves every bit of it! She says it has answered almost every question she wanted to ask us. It will be fun to see her learn and grow and to receive the blessings that come with that. We taught her yesterday about the Plan of Salvation and she was so excited and had one of those “Moments of Clarity” (as Dad calls them). I am blessed that I've had the opportunity to be a small part of her conversion.

We've been working with other investigators as well trying to help them to progress and we've been having some success. Our friends from Africa are so excited about their baptism. They were a little embarrassed though they have been coming to church in just casual clothes because that is all they brought with them and they felt bad about it, and wanted to wait until they could get church clothes to get baptized. I ended up giving them each a white shirt and tie, and told them that they're going to make some very good Preisthood holders.
Spring is coming here in Omck (we are in Siberia), and the weather is very unpredictable! For instance, 2 days ago it was a warm -5 outside, and then yesterday we had a huge snow storm.
I just realized that a year ago yesterday I left the MTC, man how time flies. I haven't been in America for over a year.

I've even been wearing just my polto around and it feels way good outside! Soon enough it will be summer and time really has been flying. Today, Elder Trunov left on his visa trip and I am on splits with the Left Bank Elders, we did half of our email before his train left and then I came back to finish my letter home with the other Elders who didn't have a chance to do email yet.


I was reading in the scriptures the other day about Nephi (First Nephi that is - ah, White Dog :) I was reading in Chapter 4, and it talks about trusting in the arm of the flesh. Here is what it says; it really hit me kind of hard. Nephi (who is such a Scriptural Stud) says that he is fed up with sin, and that he makes little mistakes as well. But He talks about knowing in whom he trusts. He says at the end "O Lord, I have a trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that put his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that puts his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen."

And that is one thing that I've been learning so much on my mission. President Trejo often talks to me about becoming a "spiritual being on a mortal experience" rather than the other way around. If you think about the Plan of Salvation. We REALLY are without beginning and without end. And we are here for only a short time on the grand scale of things, and of course there are things we need to do here in this life. We're here to learn, to grow, and to have joy. There's more to life, and we need to put off the natural man, and see with our spiritual eyes. I am not saying that I am going to be a missionary for the rest of my life or anything lol. When it comes time to come home I'll be ready. I want to try to be more like Nephi, and trust not in the arm of flesh, but trust in the rock of my salvation. Just like a climber trusts in his anchors.

Well everyone I love you. Thanks for all of your support. I know you are all very busy, but I really am very appreciative of you taking time to read what I write and to write me, it always makes my week a better. P-day is almost better than Christmas!


LiveStrong
Elder Eborn

Mom - LOL I read all that you sent me and I realized I am going to be so messed up when I get home I had no idea what half of those words meant! Elder Trunov had to help explain it to me in Russian; I wonder if Dad had a hard time re-adjusting to English when he got back?

Dad - So we were at the mall today, and we went by the Solomon store and they had a 50% sale and I bought a new jacket and almost some new shoes. I figure though I'll just run through the ones I've got here (they're pretty trashed) and get some Nikefrees when I get home. I want to run so bad.

The Proof

First of all, I want say that “I love my Mommy!!” She's the best and I am very grateful for the fact that she is my mother. I have learned so much from her, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without her love and example. Happy Birthday.

This week has been way fast and I am kind of freaking out that it is already March where is my mission going? Elder Trunov goes home next transfer, and I have less time on my mission than I've been on my mission. Well slightly. Mind boggling I am definitely not ready for my mission to be over, and it's a good thing that I've got another 9 months. That's still too short. I am just going to have to work harder.

So we got back from Novo last week and decided to get haircuts. OK, so the thing is here in Russia no matter what you say, the hair stylist will always just do whatever she wants and well I am pretty much bald. It's way convenient though ha and with the weather warming up it's not even that cold so I guess it just means that I don’t have to get a haircut for a long time. It was way funny. Every 2 transfers we get to do a "culture night" where we get to go and do something cultural and last Thursday we went and saw a violin concert. There was this way famous artist guy there who I'd never heard of (but he had a top hat and me and my baldness got a picture in his hat.) It was way fun, but I don't think I am meant for the whole classical scene, I almost fell asleep three times and yeah, it was way pretty and those people are very talented… but I'd of rather seen Van Halen. (I got to eat some of Elder Bonuses’ Reese's Peanut butter Cups which was kind of him, and a highlight!).

We have 3 baptisms scheduled for this month. Of course, things are never easy. My Uganda friends are now confined to their hotel because one of their group members got deported. And we just found out that the sweet little girl’s father doesn't want her to get baptized. But, it's amazing what you can learn from an 8 year old :). Her grandmother was telling us the situation and she piped up, “I have the answer! Heavenly Father will help us, he can help my dad to give me permission.” We all knelt and prayed together for that. Elder Trunov and I will be fasting for them all. Like it says in Ether 12.6 “the proof will not come until after the trial of your faith”. This is definitely a trial. I am sure that Our Heavenly Father will do what he can, after we've done everything we can. You've got to have faith, please keep them in your prayers.

The rest of the week was pretty good. We had district meeting which we are in charge of teaching the missionaries how to be better missionaries which is silly because they are all WAY better than I am. It was way good. We focus so much on goals, on working hard and all of that kind of stuff. So Elder Trunov and I thought we needed to focus on the love. That is the reason for everything we are doing here in Russia. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us, he created a plan for us to become like him because he loves us. He created a place for us to learn and to grow because he loves us. He knew that we would make mistakes and therefore sent our older brother Jesus Christ to help us return to him because he loves us. And I love my Heavenly Father for everything he has done for me. We as missionaries talked about all the people we are serving; Members, Investigators, missionaries etc. and about why we loved them. The things you'd do for the ones you love really helps you realize what this whole thing is all about. No wonder the two greatest commandments are "Love the Lord thy God" and "Love thy fellow man" I love these people here and I Love you all :) thank you for being the best examples you are to me :) and for loving me like you do, I couldn't do it without you all :)

I need to go, P-day is really just a day to get food for the rest of the week and write home day for us.

LiveStrong,
Elder Eborn

Mommy - Sounds like you're having fun with your iPhone! It probably sounds missionary dorky but I am excited to get home and get one so I can put my scriptures on it. That's crazy about the new Elder's that are coming my way, there are a lot of missionaries getting ready to go home so I can see that there will be a lot new coming. Small world that a 2nd cousin of mine will be here for the last six months of my mission ha. They’re in for the ride of their lives! I just wanted to let you know that I love you and that I am so grateful for all you do for me and our family.

Dad- I checked out your running times and it's looking like you're getting faster. Not too shabby for an old guy! You'll be faster than I am when I get back. Sounds like you've got some races lined up this year that will be way fun. I am super jealous you’re going to Havasupai for spring break! What?! You couldn't wait until next year when I get back? Man.. Oh well. Love you pops

Tanner- Ha man you're getting so old. Graduating from high school and doing all sorts of fun stuff. Thanks for writing...It'll be fun to come home and be able to play with you again Broski. Do those vibram shoes come with nike+? That would be so sick. I wear mine around the house and to sports night all the time lol. I’m starting to rip them though... I’ll have to check them out when I get home. Love ya bro!

Megan- Student Body Historian?! I thought you were in like 7th grade or something? What?! When did my sister grow up?! That will be awesome though. I loved doing student government it was way fun especially in highschool. Love ya sis :) Keep being awesome I’m way glad you wrote :)

Maddie - Ha Maddie, you know I love hearing from you right? It always makes me smile way big :) love ya baby sis!

Africa Has Come to Me

So I got to and from Finland just fine. My body must just be so use to jet lag that the lack of sleep doesn't even phase me anymore! I then, totally spaced mentioning that we in addition, had Zone Leaders council this week, and so I am actually writing you in the office here in Novo! I take a train home tonight late.

Finland was awesome! We flew into Moscow and got to meet the mission president of another mission here in Russia, he was way cool. We also found out that we will be getting a new mission president in July. Our mission is one of the only mission's in the world where the mission president only serves 2 years instead of 3 years.

We will be getting President Stephen Petersen from Ogden, Utah as our new mission president in July. So for the last 6 months of my mission I'll have a new Mission President. Interesting eh? Anyway, we got to Moscow and waited for our group then we went to TGI Fridays (heaven ahhh) and got a burger with a large strawberry shake, we'll worth the 30 bucks I had to spend on it! We then flew to Finland--Helsinki! We got to the temple house. The temple was closed for cleaning (which was a bummer) but we had the opportunity to do some service and clean up around the temple house. In Russia due to all the laws, and regulations and such we aren't allowed to do much public service. So when we got the chance to clean floors and wipe widow wells we were more than happy! It was way fun.

The next day we got to go into the city and go look around. Down town Helsinki is very cool, we definitely need to take a trip Finland. I found REAL A&W Root beer ahhh it was so good! Fresh from the can, man I couldn't be happier, until we found McDonald's! I had the first dollar cheeseburger, and McFlurry I've had in over a year and man, it was so good! Sorry that's about it for the trunky side of this email.

We made it back to Omck fine and dandy then we got all ready for the week, started working hard and then realized that we traveled to Novo.
ZLC was way good. We talked about the progress in our cities and how things are going, and all sorts of things. I was very disappointed in myself that we didn't get our goal of 3 baptisms, but I was glad to report, upcoming, that we do have 4 baptismal dates. One of which Elder Trunov and I sent on Tuesday night, she's a 7 year old girl she will be turning 8 soon and she wants to get baptized her parents aren't members and there for we get to teach her and help her get ready for baptism.

That means in my companionship we have 3 baptismal dates for the month of March, keep us in your prayers. I just put in an order for 30 Book of Mormons in Swahili (I think that's how it spelled?) for our African friends. They are doing so awesome! They keep inviting more and more friends to hear about the gospel. It's great they love reading and coming to church, I translate everything for them, but they are still doing awesome ..in spite of that LOL.  Remember, when we were waiting for my call, I thought I may go to serve in Africa, and I guess Africa came to me! Keep us all in your prayers. We've still lots of people to reach.

We'll I'd better get going, we've got a lot of to do and we're still in Novo and so yeah, I got to get back to “feeding the sheep” as our Savior said to Peter. I love my Savior, and I need to give all that I can to him, especially after all he's done for me. I love you! Have a great week…I will send pictures from Omck when I have my camera (stuff) and all with me!

liveSTRONG,
Elder Eborn



Mom - Hey mommy :) First of all, I want thank you for everything you've done for me I know, I wouldn't be where I am today without you as my mother. You're the best! Way to help the young women understand more and more about what it means to "believe". Thanks for sharing….there's a great example of how parents help their children...read Mosiah 27 v 10.