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.

"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.

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!

A Needy Email

Hey Mommy,
Just a quick note, Elder Trunov, is looking to study at BYU after his mission ends. He's got his Bachelors in Marketing and wants to work on his MBA. I was wondering if you could figure out what kind of stuff he'd have to do in order to go there and continue his education?  I know you're busy and have a lot to do being a "big wig and all ;)" but he'd  (and I) would appreciate the help if you could.

Also, on my side of the college front if you could look into getting me enrolled for the Spring 2012 Semester at Weber that'd be awesome :) The classes go pretty quick and I know we should probably start working on it sooner rather then later.

Plus if you could figure out anything I need to do so I can get Financial Aid, as well as any scholarships so we can be all good to go when I get home the end of this year. SO yeah  ..This is a needy email ...so sorry. I just know that you're the one who will/can figure all this stuff out so yeah :)  what'd I do with out my mommy! I love you!

JT

My Scout Handbook Comes in Handy

Hey family!

Another week has flown by and I’m just in shock at how fast this month has flown by. Sooner than I know I’ll be on an airplane headed home... that's a little scary to think about. I’m having a great time though  and I’m learning so much! This transfer really does feel like I’m being trained all over again. But it's a good thing; I’m becoming better at what I need to do. We moved one of our missionary companionships into a new apartment this week, which is a huge endeavor; there were many hoops to jump through. The Church leaders want us to make sure everything is done and in the best way so it's all good. It's interesting, now I don't only worry about me and my companion but I’m worrying about a whole city of missionaries. I just want them to be able to do everything they can and be the best they can be. I find myself trying to do whatever I can do to help them succeed.

Yesterday, we received a call from the office about the bombing in Moscow. Don’t worry Mom, I don’t go through Moscow for another month and we don’t use that airport.Elder Trunov has a sister serving there in Moscow on a mission and so we were pretty worried about those things. But all is well, No missionaries were injured and so it's all good.

The whole morning yesterday though there was a weird feeling, like something was wrong but we didn't know what it was. Then we looked out the window and realized that the building across the road from us was on fire! But even after the fire department put out the fire the feeling was still there and we couldn't figure it out. We had no idea what we needed to do. But we felt like we needed to do something. So we stopped all of our stuff (paperwork for the apartment, registration for missionaries, passports beings taken care of to and from Novo etc.) and went outside and did some contacting. We just went and talked to people. It was interesting. We didn't find anyone who was interested in hearing from us, or anything but i felt like that was where I needed to be. So maybe something will come of it but it was just interesting.

Elder Trunov speaks English well, but wants to get better. So he asked me to help him. He wanted to read a book that was how real Americans speak and not scriptures. So I gave him my scout hand book! He was reading through and asked what scouting was all about so I got to explain to him. And share with him the scout oath, law, and motto. He was all impressed and was repeating it all day. It's interesting to me that in the scout oath, the first point is to do your duty to God. I’m so grateful for scouts and for the impact it's had on my life. I definitely wouldn't be here without it.

We also have a new investigator, his name is Sergey, and he’s about 49 and is really searching for truth. I tracted into him a few weeks ago and was able to meet with him this last week. He explained how he read the bible and believed it then; he said he hadn't found the Holy Ghost in any of the churches he had investigated. I couldn't help but smile. We haven’t told him yet but we have the power to help him receive it! That will be a fun meeting :)

I’ll probably be in Novo next week on Zone Leaders Council so hopefully I’ll get to write home sometime. I love you guy's thanks for everything you do! I couldn't do this without you!



liveSTRONG

Elder Eborn!



Mom & Dad - way to go on the race! I checked out the pictures and was way jealous! I can't wait to go run with you when I get home :)

Just Keep Going

Sorry this letter is a little later than I usually send, there's just a lot more I have to do with my email time. Being a ZL has been interesting and a good experience so  far. We had a very interesting week. We had a group of missionaries come in to Omsk and we got to help them move all into their new apartments. When you're entire life has to fit in 3 suitcases, you get some pretty heavy bags and even at -20 you sweat!


But everyone got in and everything is fine now, we're getting back into the regular beat of things. Well, as regular as it gets around here. I was at district meeting on Friday with all the missionaries and I realized that of the 10 missionaries there. I’ve watched them all be "born" in Omsk! I love this city, I’m glad to still be here what my life would be like without the "kosmos"?


Elder Trunov is awesome we're having a lot of fun, he corrects my Russian and I correct his English and we get along very well. It's different not being with a companion who might not understand everything that goes on in a lesson, instead now everyone just talks faster and faster. Today for instance, we had a meeting before we came to do internet with our investigator family. They all were talking so fast, I was like "why did they all of a sudden start speeding up?" I still understood everything, but it just seemed like everyone was talking at lightning speed. I don't know if my Russian has gotten any better because of it all. But I sure am speaking more and more Russian. That’s pretty fun.

Oh I forgot to tell you, I have a bed now! I’m so excited even though it's harder to get up in the mornings because I have this bed and it's all comfortable and just awesome but all the same I get up and try to salvage whatever shape I was in before the mission.

I really do miss running. Reading dad's email about going to a qualifying run made me just go ah...” i wanna run”... Like dad said, the hard part is starting. But once you start you can't stop. I even dream about running some nights. That's kind of how it seems like here with the missionary work. It's really hard to getsomeone started on the path but once they start they don't stop. Or when youare contacting and you talk to someone, then it makes it all the easier to talk to someone else especially if they listen.

People just need to keep going and as soon as they get a taste---they'll want it all! It’s just how it is. If everyone could have a taste of the "fruit" we would all desire to share it. It is much like Lehi.

So this week have a lot coming up, I’m working and finding a new apartment for the sisters who live in Neftanik, we do a lot a translating for the Maughns. I translated a talk for Elder Maughn on Sunday which made me laugh way hard. Elder Trunov just looked up at me and was laughing way hard. After he said “you said everything right I was just surprised”

So maybe my Russian is not as bad as I think. We've also been trying toget our own missionary work in as well, leading by example. Basically been my week!

I know there's not a lot this week, I’ll try to write more next time. I love you guys!

LiveStrong,
Elder Eborn

Mom & Dad - Good luck with the race guys. I hope to see some pictures!  Love you both thanks for all you do for me and our family.

Tanner - Nice dancing bro! LOL I think you've been playing that game a little to long if you're that good at it!

Megan - Way to go with the grades, personal progress, and volleyball! My sister's a stud that’s for sure! I bet you jump higher than me!

A Little Heavenly Help

So President Trejo called Friday night and gave us all the news, Elder Drasso will be back on left bank, with Elder Banous, (who served in Neftanik before) (same city) Elder Stuart will be in Ulan-Ude (the other side of Bakal) And Elder Eborn will be staying in Omsk for another 5 weeks, this will make it 7.5 months here lol, but I have been called to be the New Zone Leader of the Omsk, Russia.

So mom, speaking of leadership, I am learning on my mission.  I get to start the whole new leadership opportunity for the next half of my mission. I was kind of thinking maybe I'd become a Senior Comp somewhere in another city, but I am super excited and humbled to be in Omsk. I love this Gorod! (Russian-English for Ya!)

I am very nervous about being Zone Leader (ZL)  in our mission you when you are a ZL you are responsible for the Zone so that normal missionary work can function, like passport registration, locating apartments, translating for Senior Couples, etc.. You then have to do the ministering side of it and be a Leader for the Zone which has 10 other missionaries in it, making sure everything is alright with them. On top of that you have to do your own missionary work. In short, I have a lot more on my plate than I have had in the past. I am very excited for this new opportunity to learn and grow.

It's the principle of overload, if you don't stretch yourself, you'll never know how far you can go. I'll be a Co-ZL with Elder Trunov. He is from Ukraine, it'll be my first official non-american companion, so I am hoping my Russian will just get better and better. The Maughns already tease me that I am forgetting English when I am at their house and talk. But yeah, we've already got all of the stuff taken care of and when you live out of 3 suitcases it's really not that hard to move I am in my new apartment which has a pull up bar. Score! It is more in the center of the city so I will get to learn a new area it'll be fun I am excited for this new adventure!

This last week, we did have another baptism. Sergey was baptized last Saturday and will be confirmed this Sunday. I am really excited! His wife is a member, and they are planning on going through the Temple next year. It was a beautiful service. I'd send pictures but my card reader is put away in my bag back at the apartment, so maybe another time. Well we have a problem here in Omsk that the water that fills up the font is always supper gross. ...but we figured out the solution! The more baptisms we have the cleaner the water gets! So the more people we have ready to get baptized the better it will be We, as a mission have all set new goals for the year and are ready to work hard in order to get them. We've set a goal to help 130 people get baptized, and we micro organized it into months and such to help us stay focused on what we need to do and to help us reach our potential.

It is interesting being a missionary it's a lot different than I thought it would be and I love what I am doing. As much as I do miss you all and such, but this really is going by way fast. I've already learned so much and it's just amazing the things you see. I've seen how peoples lives change as they start to do things, as they start to excercise their agency righteously and what an impact that makes on them. Just today, we were on a meeting with a family we're teaching. They're new since I am new to this area and all. They are just really engaged..... we taught them about strengthening their family. We taught them about 3 things, that would make their family become better than they've ever seen.

1. Prayer. Having family prayer together every night. The mother looked at her daughter and said, "well, looks like we're going to be praying together every night".
2. Reading from the Scriptures
3. Attending Church Meetings.

Through out the last year, those are the thing's I've noticed making the biggest difference.

If you want to change something and make things better, no matter what they are. Whether you want to play volleyball better, get good grades, or pass big tests or what ever. Those three things really will make the difference. Nothing like a little Heavenly Help to make things better right?

Well this next week will be full of lots of interesting things, for instance I will getting up at 4 to be a the trainstation to make sure the Sisters that are coming in to Omsk (yeah, my entire zone consists of myself,  Elder Trunov, Elder Drasso, Elder Banous, and then 6 sets of Sisters, and of course the Maughns.  President Trejo told me that I was being blessed.  Also, I will be helping in the planning a spiritual district meeting for the Zone and all sorts of running around/errands. We're trying to find a new apartment for the orth area, and so in short this will be interesting But I love you all :) and I miss you. Thanks for all you do and for the prayers. I couldn't do this with out you! Until next week...


жив сильно,
Ст. Иборн!!


Mom & Dad - That's way cool you guys are reading together every morning..keep it up, that way when I tell my investigators my family does this, I am not lying ;) The New Testimont is awesome too, I read it last year and wow, I learned so much. You learn so much about the Savior by reading what he actually did while he lived. I love my Savior. I've started the Old Testiment, and am working on finishing Jesus The Christ before I come home in Decemeber so yeah :) Anyways, love you guys!

"Clean Elder, Clean"

Who throws a cupcake? Honestly! That picture made me bust up! My companions didn't get it, but eh lol (our family laughs). They got a good laugh out of the picture with Maddie getting attacked by the birds though ha.

So this week has been an interesting one. I got sick a bit before New Years and it progressively got worse until New Years day I ended up just laying on the balcony at the Maughns and sleeping until we went home. Pretty sick... better now.

All in all it was fun New Years Eve. My companions and I, stayed up until midnight.. playing phase ten and just laughing. Elder Stuart told us about what he did last year...and Elder Drasso and looked at each other and laughed b/c we were in the MTC together last year... just started.. ah good times!

We went to the Maughns and watched some movies, ate tacos and played games it was a lot of fun. There's a lot of movies I will be wanting to watch when I get home so I hope you guys have got a list of good ones going for me.

Elder Drasso, Elder Stuart, and Elder Eborn New Years 2011

So I guess you probably want hear about the baptism last week? It was way awesome! It was close to -30 degrees outside, and there were about 20 people gathered around a small baptismal font in the bottom of a branch building,in Omsk, in the middle of Siberia. and we all watched as Elder Maughn, with Roman went down into the water with a stern face. Then Elder Maughn, slowly said the baptismal prayer in broken Russian and he was baptized. When he came up out of the water his face couldn't withhold what he was feeling and he smiled with tears in his eyes. I asked him how he felt, and he said, "clean Elder, clean". I feel very blessed to have been able to help another brother....son of our Heavenly Father's come unto Christ and to make covenants to follow him. There really is no better feeling!

Elder Eborn, Roman, Brother Maughn, Elder Drasso, and Elder Stuart

This week we will be having another baptism, his name is Sergey, he was going to be baptized on Sunday but we had to re-arrange his date. So that will be this weekend :) It will be exciting to help a family get
closer to their goal of going to the temple. It' really has been such a privilege to work here in Omsk. It's been a long, hard six months, and I don't know what will happen next transfer, but if I leave Omsk.... Omsk has been nicknamed the "Cosmos" by other missionaries, due to the fact that if anything that is out of the ordinary happens, it usually happens here. And after being here for the last half of the year, I can say yeah, thats probably right!  I do love this city, however, maybe will be one of those Elders that spends his entire mission in one area ya never know!

You may not want to put this on the blog-- but  ...this transfer's been rough companionship wise, the three-some is not exactly fun and games.  (Call or Check back at  the end of the mission for this story!)

I have also made some New Years goals that will help be not only be a better missionary, but will help me get be better prepared to come back and be who I need to be. I love you all! Thanks, for everything  I will see you all next week!

liveSTRONG
Elder Eborn

Mom & Dad - Hey no worries, I had to pull off some personal money to help pay rent but I get paid back for that here soon so no worries looks like you guys had a fun new years and stuff.

Tanner -Nice pink frosty bud! LOL

Megan - Whats this you wearing my ski jacket? When did you get big enough for that? I love ya sis.

Maddie - Love ya baby sister.

I Have the Good News!

Needless to say, I miss you all a whole bunch.  It was a good thing mom hung up the phone cause I wasn't gunna ;) That hour really did go by way too fast, but, it was so good to hear from all of you---even my Scout dog! I do miss you guys a lot that is for sure. The rest of my birthday was pretty good as well, we had zone conference and Sister Maugh made me a chocolate cake. Elder Drasso snuck my little party hats you sent me and brought them to zone conference lol. I walked into the kitchen for lunch and every one was there wearing those silly little hats singing happy birthday to me . Even President Trejo wore one! It was awesome!

President Trejo and Elder Eborn

The conference was awesome, I think it was just what I needed so that will be ready for the next year of my mission. We talked a lot about finding people, testifying, as well as planning more effectively. It was just plain awesome I can't get much better than that, I am ready to do better this year than I did last year, and leave it "all on the mat" as we would say in my wrestling days.

So I am old now, I can say that. I mean like 2 years ago I graduated from highschool! Now it's Tanner's turn ;) But yeah, it's been a really good couple days.

I had a great interview with President Trejo the day before, which scared me a little bit, he told me that my day's of being a "greenie missionary" were over and that the Lord will be expecting a lot more out of me. I know that I have been blessed with much; A wonderful family who loves me, Friends who support me, and a Father in Heaven who is behind me 100% to hold me up when I need it. Because of this...ALOT is expected. I hope I can measure up. I also got to share my testimony in front of the zone, and I got up there and my mind went blank, and I just started to smile ha, so I told them about my phone call and about what dad told me about smiling...I  realize, I as a missionary, have no reason to not be smiling! I have the good news, and I get to bring it to people! I love being a missionary.

We are having a baptism today, which is the best news! Yesterday, after we finished our Zone Conference, we had a meeting with our investigator, about 30 years old and really was searching for truth. When we first got in this companionship Elder Stuart had said that he likes to know all of the informantion before he'll make a decision. He was thinking it probably wouldn't be good to set a baptismal date yet, but during first meeting we both felt that it was right, and so we asked him to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be Baptized.

He accepted, and for the last month we've been working with him getting him ready. Last night he had his baptismal interview, and came out after it just smiling :) He came up to me and said, "Elder Eborn, I don't know everything, But I am ready for tommorrow." I know that I played a very small part in his conversion, that he felt the spirit, and recognized it as from his Heavenly Father, but that was probably the best thing that could have happened on my birthday for me to see someone I've worked with, prayed for, loved, and taught come unto the fold of our Heavenly Father. The Baptism's not until tonight at 6:30 so I will send you pictures later on that and tell you all about it of course!

What else to tell ya that I didn't yesterday? Hmmm if you couldn't tell by my voice I am a little under the weather, I have a cold but, I will be alright, I am planning on working it out of my system. I hope you all have a very happy New Year :) We will be inside our apartment before dark due to the fact that New Years in Russia is the biggest holiday of the year, and it's not safe to be out on the streets. So New Years day we'll be at the Maughns all day watching movies and playing games, who knows maybe I will write some letters or something. 

So I love you guys! Thanks for everything you do for me, I couldnt' be doing this with out you all :)
жив сильно

Ст Иборн!

Mom & Dad- Thanks for the call! I miss you guys like crazy. I'll be home in less then a year, and I promise there's a lot more that I will tell you ;)

Grandma & Grandpa - I just wanted to thank you guys for the emails :) They are really something I do look forward to every week! I love you guys and am extremely grateful for your example.

Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer

 

We'll as you probably know, the weather outside has become freezing! You know it's cold outside when your giant fur hat freezes! Ha but I love it, there is no where else on the earth I'd rather be than in Siberia! 

I should probably give you info on when to call and stuff. I am trying to be more patient and loving so, I've decided that it would be best for you to call me on my birthday so Decemeber 28th at 7:00 am, which is actually December 27th around 7:00 pm for you I think? I'm not quite sure on the time difference but that is a guesstimation for ya lol.

That day we will be having our zone conference so I will get to talk to you then go meet with President Trejo for a couple hours, it'll be good :) I haven't seen President Trejo for almost 3 months I guess it happens when you serve in the biggest mission in the world!

So this week was pretty good, we've been working hard and trying to help people to come a little bit closer to the Savior, this really is such a wonderful time of the year. We get to celebrate the birth of our Savior here in Russia ...they don't really celebrate Christmas, ( it's a little more than sacreligious to drink on the birth of the Savior and all so they don't do anything until New Years lol) but it's been interesting.

With not a lot of people worrying about the hustle and bustle of Christmas, you can really think about what this holiday is really about. I was reading in the Book of Mormon where Samual, the Lamanite, is prophecing about the coming of Christ and about all of the miraculous things that would precide his coming, then I read in the first Chapter of 3 Nephi, the people were waiting for these signs and if they didn't happen they were going to put to death those who believed. The prophet Nephi went in prayer to the Lord, and the Lord answered his prayer, saying,"lift up your head, and be of good cheer, for tomorrow I come into the world. "

Megan, .you did an awesome job of playing that song by the way, it is my favorite Christmas song (ha you made me cry you little booger ;) I dont know if I told you that that song is one of the only songs that the Russian hymn book has that the English one doesn't, and the translation they have in Russian comes saying, "This is Christ our Lord, who came to earth to save, of who angels sing, our Savior, the Son of mary.."

We may be home for Christmas, with those we love or maybe on the other side of the world. But no matter what we are doing, what our situation is this Christmas, remember the good news that we are celebrating this time of year. That which was told to a prophet long ago, " Lift up your head, and be of Good Cheer, For Tomorrow I come into the World."

I know that our Savior Jesus Christ came to this earth, for each and everyone of us, That he lives, and that he loves us. That is the message we have to share with the world. That he was and is our older brother, our Savior, and Redeemer, and that he loves us and is here to help us. Even the cold, that is Siberia, can't keep that love away.

I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas :) I can't wait to hear from you all!

жив сильно,
Ст. Иборн


Mom and Dad - Hey Thanks for the updates! I love you guys, try not to miss me to much this saturday ;) I can't wait to hear from you!

Megan - Wowsers Sis! That was way good present! Maybe you can play it for me on and I will sing you the Russian version alright?

The Happiness and Joy the Gospel Brings

 Another week and another email. but don't worry, in a few weeks we'll be able to talk! Not going to lie, I'm pretty excited to hear from you all :) I actually needed to talk to you about it though... you see I have 2 other companions who's families will be calling as well on Christmas, and it might be better if you guys call me on my birthday instead, just so that we don't all interrupt each other and stuff, lol Christmas and Mother's Days calls are "holy" and we don't wanna screw things up. So if you guys really want to call me on Christmas that'll be cool, let me know what you wanna do and I will give you a time to call next week alright? :) Cool now that thats out of the way.

So this week was good :)  I did buy me some boots they were a lot cheaper than I was planning so that was pretty sweet. They're actually american boots ha hi-tec like all the hiking boots we usually get but they're winter and super warm :) so thank you! The comps are doing good, we're just working. It does they require a lot of patience and holding of our tongues but we're getting better. I may have ulcers after this, but we'll be alright. It's been pretty cold this last week, but nothing to bad, frozen Siberian lands and all. But yeah..... things are doing good. Today we're going to go sledding at a park on the otherside of the city so that should be fun. we'll try not to break anything. lol (no tail bones Mom ;).

Don't worry mom, I really don't need anything, but I will make sure I pick something up I'd like for my holiday present. Sounds like you are all getting ready to have an awesome Christmas, I  know that I will miss you like crazy but no worries, I will just be chilling here in my big furry hat sipping hot cocoa and having myself a Merry Christmas.

We found a little tree while we were grocery shopping and bought it!  I am the only of us 3 who hasn't opened our Christmas presents yet, so I've got all my presents under a little Christmas tree it's in our living room right by my bed.

Our investigators are doing great, we'll be having a baptism on the 29th, Roman one of our investigators has committed to getting baptized and that's going go through, I am very excited for him. Also we'll be having another baptism the beginning of January, probably the 1st or 2nd. his name is Sergey his wife is a member and they have a small son, they have a goal to go to the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity and the first step to making that goal a relization will be fulfilled here soon. This time of year is always special, even here in the middle of Siberia, where the weather isn't the only thing that is frozen but even here, the Lord will cause his works to be fulfilled. Little miracles, are happening everywhere, and we're helping people "shake up the happiness" (you probably have all heard that song already but being a missionary and in the middle of Siberia it takes a some time those types of things, I mean I have to wait until I hear a song while riding buses to know what they are!) but I can see the happiness and the joy that the gospel is bringing to people and it is an amazing thing to be a part of it! I love being a missionary!

Well I guess that's probably it for this week. Sorry I know it's not much, we've gotta get going though, a lot to do in not a lot of time to do it. Seems like the day's are geting shorte and shorter here maybe just because the sun doesn't stay up very long any more but oh well. I love you guys! :)


жив сильно!
Ст. Иборн

Mom & Dad - Thanks for everything you guys are the best! :) I love you guys thanks for being the best parents in the world. :) see ya next week

Tanner - 7 Seconds?! Holy fast swimmer batman! you rock broski!

Dale & Barbara - Thank you guys for Everything :) It's great to have such wonderful people in my life like you. I love you! have a very Merry Christmas!

Trusting in the Lord | Finland and Back

Well, another visa trip has come and past!
That makes three...I probably only have 3 more... man I don't feel like it should be this far on the mission. Kyle, Deven, and Gabe will be starting out and here I am, getting closer and closer to the half way...

Finland was awesome! As always. It felt so much like Christmas there it's was like a little Christmas village in Helsinki especially around the Temple, all the little houses covered in snow with  glow of the Temple illuminating the area was just an amazing thing. I got to go attend two sessions. I did both of them in Russian (Yes, I can speak Russian!) ha I was very impressed with myself and the Temple worker there that was Russian was impressed that I haven't even been out a year yet, and that I could speak with him as well as I was.  I told him that I was impressed with myself, a year ago i wouldn't have ever thought I'd be speaking in two languages, let alone be in Finland doing it. but eh that was my little pride moment... (I'll will repent later).

I sent a package home to you guy's you should get it by the end of the month hopefully, I sent it from Finland so it shouldn't be sent via Russia mail. I had a wonderful experience while in the Temple, as well. I took some time in the Temple thinking about what I needed to do starting out into my 2nd year as a missionary, what changes I needed to make, and how I could fulfill all that the Lord has in store for me. While I was there I opened up the scriptures and read from Alma 26, where Ammon is talking about his mission, and about how he is weak, but that he knows that in the strength of the Lord he can do all things. I thought about something I've said before while on the mission. "Pray like everything depends on God, then get up and work like everything depends on you." I feel like I've been working very hard on my mission, (my shoes attest to that) but maybe I've been relying to much on my own strength. I need to trust in the Lord more and to put more of my confidence in the Lord. Let him do his part. He is the most powerful and I know that like Ammon said, "In his stregnth, всёвозможно".

This week since I've been back has been interesting as well. We found tortillas at our grocery store (you may laugh but they were the first burrito's I've had since leaving the MTC) which was awesome!  As well as, being in a three companionship in a small apartment (sleeping on the couch) having to figure out how to work in 2 areas with 2 other companions, it's been rough, requiring a lot of patience. I am the only one who gets up on time and actually has studies, I've had to try and wake them up and they just lay in bed untill almost 11, it's been rough...and I am sure I annoy them (I am like dad in the AM I think, I get up and get going).  Then on meetings they won't say anything... and then after get upset with me because I didn't let them teach. Ugh,  it'll be alright.  We are all just learning how to work with others.... we're just working hard and trying to make things happen.

We met with one of our investigators Monday, we opened with a prayer and she just started to cry, we asked her what was wrong and she said, "Nothings wrong, I just feel that I found what I've been missing. " We talked about the foundation upon which we should build our lives, and she told us she want's that foundation. so we set a goal for her to get ready to be baptized. We don't have a date or anything planned but she wants to.

Artiom, is also doing, alright. last night in our meeting his mother called (she just underwent surgery and is in the hospital) Apparently his family is having a lot of problems, keep them in your prayers. He looked up at us with tears in his eyes and asked us where do people who don't believe there is a God go after this life? I could tell he was concerned for his parents. We kind of went away from his question, and offered to give him a blessing. He accepted and asked Elder Drasso to voice, I've never prayed for the gift of tongues more in my life, than at that moment, for Elder Drasso. I think he was as well, and said what Artiom needed to hear, and standing there in the dark primary room of the branch building (the light went out on us) we gave him a Priesthood blessing. Elder Drasso was amazing and Artiom, he is great and a great friend, I know that what he needs now more than anything is to have the sure foundation. A foundation that if we build upon we can not fall.

So that is basically my week in a nutshell! I hope you guy's all had a wonderful week, and I can't wait to hear from you next week!
I love you guys!

жив сильно,
Ст. Иборн!

Mom & Dad - Well all is well for me! I used my sky miles on the way back to Omsk, (thanks Mom) and I am going go buy some boots today! so yeah :) thank you guys for everything! I couldn't do this with out my wonderful parents who support me. You rock! Thanks for taking flowers to Am.

Tanner - You have 7 pair?! Wha? How? If I could wear them outside I totally would ha, I just don't have the option, it's either 2 pair of socks or frostbite. Your girlfriend Laura, is cute, ha just don't be an idiot alright? I am not worried you're my bro, and i love ya! Keep on being the awesome man you are!

Maddie - Ha isn't it good to have friends, especially who drive the bus? Dale rocks! I must say ....he .has safed my butt a time or three over the years (he is a great man)  love ya sis!

Yep! It Is Cold in Siberia!

Elder Drasso, Elder Stuart, and Elder Eborn Contacting in the Siberian Weather

We'll it's officially winter here, yesterday we had -25 degree weather and well it was just plain cold. I thought thermals would help and well honestly nothing helped. Elder Stuart and Drasso were talking about how their boots weren't really doing anything to help their feet from getting cold and they asked how mine were doing, looking down at my dress shoes I realized, 'huh, I haven't been able to feel them for a while...'  it was great adventures in Siberia!

Omsk Missionaries 2010

I was at the Maughns yesterday and they invited me to come say hello to their son who lives in Provo (they were talking via Skype) and he laughed and told Artiom, (when they found out he grew up on a cattle ranch) they sent him to serve in the nethermost regions of Mexico. We then saw some pictures it was like paradise with beaches and jungle and yeah, so I then asked him what do you have to do to get sent to Siberia? He just laughed. it's probably a good thing we can't use skype to talk to each other while I am here I would be way super trunky..


Speaking of which, I got my giant box from America last week.. I've been wearing the toe shoes everywhere around our apartment, they're interesting (Ha Tanner). It'll probably be better to wear them in the summer.. I haven't opened any of the presents... except the cd's... I was hoping one of them would be Transiberian Orchestra, I  love the motab and we've been snacking on beef jerky all week, you wouldn't even begin to imagine how good that tastes!  Thanks so much family.

Thanksgiving was great, I have included some pictures, we even had pumpkin pie! Ah gotta love Elder Nelson, he spent over 1000 rubles on the last pumpkin in Omsk so we could have pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.  We couldn't find a turkey so we had chicken with all sorts of yummy fixins. It was way good, we watched Chronicles of Narnia, and then the most trunky missionary approved movie there has to have ever been ... UP... man I tell you what I was just like in "totally I  wanna go home mood.  We all left around 4 and just got back to work! We met with people and did some contacting. So yeah, that was my Thanksgiving.

We've been having some success, Artiom is doing great, he's come to church twice now and says he feels something while he's there. I am praying to be able to set a baptismal date with him this week before I leave, we'll see what happens.

I think the Lords trying to teach me patience or something but it's been a tough week. That doesn't suprise me that Sister Knudsen knows Elder Stuart.. And don't worry mom, yeah there is a lot of stuff that goes down here that I don't tell you guys, but just think :) it'll make for all the cooler stories when I get home!

I am leaving tomorrow for Finland for my third visa trip, which is super crazy to think I've been out this long but yeah, I got an email from Elder Winter today he was all excited about being out 10 months and I realized wow that was like a month ago for me. I am planning on going into Helsinki to send you guys a package of stuff. and then hitting up the Temple for as many sessions as I can! I am super excited. I defintely need a spiritual recharge before I start the next half of my mission.

So yeah! I love you guys! have a great week, and happy December! :)

liveSTRONG,
Ст Иборн!



Mom & Dad - So I need some boots... I found out this morning that my church shoes have not become aclimmatized to this weather, and that the stiching ripps when you're in subzero temperatures lol.Thanks for evertyhing :) You are the best parents I could have asked for...thanks for always being great examples to me and helping be the person I am :)

Pictures... one is us contacting in the cold... another of our zone in front of the Liahona... the third is my planner that a member in Tomsk made me for this transfer lol.

Tanner - Dude! Are you sure you aint got fins? ha love ya bro, keep being you!

Maddie - Hey B! thanks for the email :) You're way to funny. I love ya sis, give my puppy some loves k?

Grandma and Grandpa - Thanks for the continual emails :) I always love hearing from you guys, I will read those quotes from that guy on the plan ride to Finland I love you both so much! Thanks for everything!

Thanksgiving in Russia | 2010

It seems like you guy's are all having a little taste of what I am living in. It seems like the weather changed overnight here, no kidding. One day I was in my palto and shlapa and the next I had to wear my thermal underwear and big Siberia coat! Well either way I love the fact that it's getting cold. I hope you guy's are all being safe and driving very careful. There are no snow plows here in Russia, (bad idea huh?) and the roads turn in to giant sheets of ice after the first snow fall. It makes things interesting ha. and a little scary, a good thing these people know how to drive in this kind of weather. The bus drivers just gun it then slam on the brakes just in time to slide to stop at the bus stop. But yeah, it's been fun I am going need to buy me some winter boots here soon, one pair of shoes I've worn holes in the soles, and the other aren't big enough for me to wear my warm socks. So I will be proably buying boots before I go to Finland in a few weeks.

SO President Trejo gave me a call last Friday regarding my transfer... and I will be serving in Omck again.

BUT, due to the fact that we have an odd number of missionaries and no one can serve a mini mission, Elder Drasso and I will be with Elder Stuart. He's been here in Omsk with us the last transfer or so and now we are all companions, we moved into his apartment and we'll be working in both areas. So we're going to be very busy this next transfer. Monday we got all packed up and moved to his apartment and have been slowly been settling in. It's a small apartment for 2 missionaries and now that there is three of us.. well its pretty cramped but well get by...I sleep on the couch in the living room.  But it's all right, it's a good thing we only are in our apartment for a couple hours each day.

Yesterday was our first day together as a companionship, and we had to go and meet with some people lol. It was way funny, we got on a bus that we thought would take us to where we needed to go, then we realised that the bus wasn't going that way lol, but it didn't stop to let us off. so we had to ride it untill we stopped, and when we did, we were in the middle of no where ha. We had to walk almost an hour to get back to where we needed to be. It was fun, even if it was way cold ha adventures in Siberia right?

Artiom is doing awesome, we had a great meeting with him the other night before sports night. He had a question about a verse he read in the Book of Mormon, he's been reading when Christ appeared to the Nephites, and he read in 3 Nephi 11:39, where it talks says "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." he asked me, "what does it mean?" I turned to Helman 5:12 and read with him about where we need to build our foundations, Looking up at me with almost tearful eyes, he asked, " what do i need to do to strengthen my foundation? ".  Afte reading mom's email (her talk) today, she is so right! I've been thinking about it, all of us need to Strengthen our Foundations, and it's like mom said it's building our relationships with our Father in Heaven, through scripture study, daily prayer, and doing what we know is right, It's through our relationships with our family, our fellow men, and our relationship with ourselves. As much as I am here as a missionary serving the people of Russia, the mission is doing so much more for me.

I can see more clearly how important the concept of building our foundation upon the rock of our Savior Jesus Christ really does make the difference. Artiom, told me he knows the Book of Mormon is true and that the gospel is true, he just needs to take some time to decide for himself if this is the path he wants to walk. Keep in him you're prayers.

So it's Thanksgiving, tommorrow! Goodness I can't believe how fast time has been flying buy! Tomorrow we're going to have a big lunch deal at the Senior couples, they've been on the search for a Turkey since they got here but it ...doesn't look like that's going to happen ha we might have chicken.

It'll be fun like I said earlier President Trejo asked us to sacrifice for the holidays and he asked us to have a half lock down for Thanksgiving and Christmas so.... tommorrow we're going to be trying to find some people that need the gospel! I want to take a little time here at the end of this and express my gratitude to all of you who are supporting me here.

I couldn't do it with out you all. This is hard, but with you're love and support, and like Alma said when he returned from his mission with the strength of a loving Heavenly Father, I can do all things. Thank you all...I hope you have a wonderful turkey day! And...have an extra slice of pumpkin pie for me and have a great week!

liveSTRONG,
Ст Иборн

Mom & Dad - Sounds like the house is going  to look different when I get back.  Also, if you could make sure I have enough money for a pair of boots soon that would be a wonderful Christmas present. I'll need like 4000 rubles or so. Yeah. I love you guys, thanks for everything!

A Moment of Clarity in the Snow

Another week and I am still here, it's getting pretty cold here everyone'sstarting to dawn there big winter  coats and shapki! It's definetly not Utah cold. We had the first snow of the winter this week which was pretty cool. We woke up and could see all this white stuff in the air ha Elder Drasso let out a loud, "ah crap.." being from southern California was not to thrilled about the snow and the cold.

Elder Drasso & Elder Eborn Halloween 2010

Welcome to Siberia! It snows here a lot. This week has been good. We've been working hard.  It looks like you've all been having a sick time ha literally. So the pictures did make me pretty trunky, actually
I wasn't trunky until I saw my puppy... lol silly I know but I miss my brown friend. that's not good that you've all been sick, I am sorry I guess thats one plus to not being home I dont have to catch what you all got!

This week has been good, we met some new people and got some new investigators, that hopefully will start progressing. Artiom (Jon Bon Jovi) is doing awesome, keep him in you're prayers.

Elder Eborn and Artiom

We were asked by President Trejo this week to make some sacrifices for the end of the year, not meaning anything crazy or sectanty like, but he asked us to read through some stuff by the end of the year as well as to sacrifice some of the holidays. Meaning in place of having a "lock down" on Thanksgiving and Christmas for the whole day, well be having a lunch at the senior couples, and then we will return to do doing missionary work the rest of the day. I am actually very excited to see what this will bring.

It's going to be a wonderful holiday season. I can't wait! ha plus I will be getting a Christmas box soon! Seeing as how both of my old companions are serving in the office right now I got a phone call saying my Christmas package was there ha, it's not what ya know, but who! It was so nice of them to let me know.

I will attach some pictures to this email of some of the stuff I've been up to lately so sorry if this email is shorter it just takes a while to upload pics...

Dad always talks about those "moments of clarity" and honestly this city has been tough, it's been a transfer that has made me stretch and sometimes I think that everything I am doing is just "seed planting" but Sunday I had one of those "clarity moments".

Our branch time changed, we now start sacrament time at 3 in the afternoon and I was not excited about it. but as I sat there in the back of sacrament meeting and looked around me I felt the Spirit. I looked up at the sacrament table and I saw a young man there who had been very inactive, and honestly not very happy, and now he was standing in front of the congregation with a smile on his face, blessing the water. Then I noticed another young man who was getting ready to pass the sacrament, who we'd also been working with, and both of them had just these big grins on their faces as they looked back at me.

It being Fast and Testimony meeting, member's all got up and shared their testimonies of the truthfulness of the Church and the impact it's had on their lives. From the back, a man walked in. he also was very inactive, and had kind of gone off the deep end. he had some problems with drugs, alcohol, and other things. We'd met with him earlier in the week, and I really didn't think much of what we'd talked about. He didn't really say much during the meeting with us but I could tell he felt something. Sunday, he got up and walked to the front of the sacrament hall...stood with tears in his eyes, he told us. That he knew his Father in Heaven loved him, Because when he needed him the most he sent two missionaries to come and help him find his way back.

The Gospel is changing lives of the people in Russia, I know it. It may not be visible but Zion is being built, even here where it's really cold. I know it, and  I am gratetful that I can be here and do this work. The
Church is perfect. Even if we as member's aren't. Our Father in Heaven loves His Children, and I get to help people realize it.

We'll I love you all! I hope things are going good and that you all have a wonderful week!

liveSTRONG,
Elder Eborn

Mom & Dad - Hey folks! Dont worry mom :) I am doing fine, I am actually going to buy a dumbbell set today, seeing those pictures of Tanner made me realize that I need to get back in to shape ha. The pictures looked way sick! Halloween seemed like you had a blast! Let everyone know I love them and miss them. As for the sky miles deal you just have to register on the internet we fly via Aeroflot most of the time and Delta so their all partners and work together.  I am good... on the warm side,  the cold feels so good!

Tanner - Dude, WHAT? Who said you could go and get all big and buff? Oh well, I speak Russian! I love ya bro, keep being the stud you are!

Megan - What up lil sis?! I heard you made comp volleyball!? Way to go you're such a little studmuffin that's for sure. I am proud to be able to say you're my sister. Remember what it says in Jacob 2: 17-18. :) I love ya sis.

Maddie - Hey baby sister! love your guts! Keep being you and hug the brown one for me!