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!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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.
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!
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.
- 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".
- Reading from the Scriptures
- Attending Church Meetings.
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!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
"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.
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer
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?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Gift, Love Megan
Megan is 12, she learned this song as a gift for her missionary brother Elder Eborn.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas to JT ...
This weekend, we had our annual Eborn Family Christmas Party. Elder Eborn was missed, however, should be getting a great package in the mail next year, full of many love letters from little nieces, nephews, and others who love and miss him. We are proud of our Elder in Siberia.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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!
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 ;).
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!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Yep! It Is Cold in Siberia!
Elder Drasso, Elder Stuart, and Elder Eborn Contacting in the Siberian Weather
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 :)
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!
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