Elder Eborn, with Henry and Agaba the night of transfers. Celebration of Henry and Valentina's baptism. (Photo from Sister Maughan, Omsk Russia)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I'm Ready for Spring!
Dearest Family of mine!
Yet another week has past and what would you know! We had a baptism this weekend!! Violetta was able to be baptized on saturday and this next week she'll be recieving the gift of the holy ghost! We're Very Excited! (I dont know if I've told you this but there is no word for excited in Russian; interesting eh?)
We are looking forward to this upcoming weekend as well. We've got 3 baptisms set up for Sunday morning! Which is unreal!! President Trejo even told me that he has never seen that happen in the entire time he's been a mission president. As much as I'd like to take the credit, I really haven't done anything. I've taught the gospel, and the Lord has given them the witness that they've asked for. It's going to be a historic weekend for the city of Omck! But, it's not over until they're all in the font... so please keep them in your prayers. miracles are just around the corner but we've gotta finish doing our part for them to happen.
This week has also been quite an adventure, I'm actually conducting splits with one of the other Elders right now from the north area in Omck. We've been on splits for 2 days. It's just the only way it could work out for us. but we've had fun, and been learning a lot. As a Zone Leader I'm supposed to help teach the missionaries on exchanges how to be more effective and such. And we had about a half hour of down time and I realized that I was craving chocolate chip cookies way way bad. so we made them, it was actually a good thing though because on our way to our next meeting we met a man who told us that he was searching for another church because his church wasn't answering the questions that he had. We asked him what they were (the questions that is) and he asked about prophets and apostles. A Little alarm went off in my head, "Hey, Elder Eborn, thats part of the message you share..." and I jumped all over that! he's way excited to come to Church and to learn more about it. I guess sometimes you've just gotta take some time and make some cookies! We might not have met him if we hadn't stopped to make the cookies so it was a win/win.
It's been warming up quite a bit, but not enough, there is still snow everywhere and I'm not even kidding when I say my legs want to run. I've been running up and down the 12 story flight of stairs in our apartment builing almost every morning but it's not cutting it. I can't wait until summer and I'll be able to run a little bit.
I also did get your package :) I've had to put a limit on how many Reeses I eat each day. I even have a little counter on the fridge to keep track so I don't eat them all at once. (funny)
I had to explain to Elder Trunov what a Leprechaun was because of the hat and socks you sent. He still doesn't get it. Silly Ukrainian. We've also have transfer calls coming up this Friday and if this pattern continues I'll probably be in Omck another 6 weeks :) which honestly will be fine, this place is pretty much like home now, except without my family, and more crazy people lol I think its something in the water (jk). Any ways we'll see what happens maybe I'll be taking the longest transfer in the world! I'll let you know next week.
So yeah, that's pretty much my week :) I've just been workng hard and trying to smile while I'm at it. It's been a little bit rougher this week, I've been a little bit down but it's all good, I just need to get my endorphins going and we'll be just fine!
I love you all. Thank you for your letters of support and the love you give me.The Church is True, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, The Book of Mormon is True, and God loves us!
жив сильно!
Ст. Иборн
Mom & Dad - Well, diet wise its basically the same as back home, just with a lot less selection and a whole lot worse quality. I've been eating a lot of rice and veggies lately due to the fact that we don't have time to eat real food. but the selection of meats isn't very good so you basically stay with chicken that you have to skin and pull the breast bone out of. so yeah, it'll be nice to come back home and be able to eat like normal again. but I guess if you wanted to be a vegetarian in russia you could, but you won't be able to get away with it with the members, especially in winter.
Love you guys and if you do wanna send another package here soon send some food coloring!
Garrett, Gavin, & Libby - You guys Rock! Thank you for the awesome pictures :) lol I didn't even know we had Pirates in Russia but I'm glad I know now ;) It's good to know you guys are having fun in Nevada I'll have to come visit when I get home
Love you guys!
Yet another week has past and what would you know! We had a baptism this weekend!! Violetta was able to be baptized on saturday and this next week she'll be recieving the gift of the holy ghost! We're Very Excited! (I dont know if I've told you this but there is no word for excited in Russian; interesting eh?)
We are looking forward to this upcoming weekend as well. We've got 3 baptisms set up for Sunday morning! Which is unreal!! President Trejo even told me that he has never seen that happen in the entire time he's been a mission president. As much as I'd like to take the credit, I really haven't done anything. I've taught the gospel, and the Lord has given them the witness that they've asked for. It's going to be a historic weekend for the city of Omck! But, it's not over until they're all in the font... so please keep them in your prayers. miracles are just around the corner but we've gotta finish doing our part for them to happen.
This week has also been quite an adventure, I'm actually conducting splits with one of the other Elders right now from the north area in Omck. We've been on splits for 2 days. It's just the only way it could work out for us. but we've had fun, and been learning a lot. As a Zone Leader I'm supposed to help teach the missionaries on exchanges how to be more effective and such. And we had about a half hour of down time and I realized that I was craving chocolate chip cookies way way bad. so we made them, it was actually a good thing though because on our way to our next meeting we met a man who told us that he was searching for another church because his church wasn't answering the questions that he had. We asked him what they were (the questions that is) and he asked about prophets and apostles. A Little alarm went off in my head, "Hey, Elder Eborn, thats part of the message you share..." and I jumped all over that! he's way excited to come to Church and to learn more about it. I guess sometimes you've just gotta take some time and make some cookies! We might not have met him if we hadn't stopped to make the cookies so it was a win/win.
It's been warming up quite a bit, but not enough, there is still snow everywhere and I'm not even kidding when I say my legs want to run. I've been running up and down the 12 story flight of stairs in our apartment builing almost every morning but it's not cutting it. I can't wait until summer and I'll be able to run a little bit.
I also did get your package :) I've had to put a limit on how many Reeses I eat each day. I even have a little counter on the fridge to keep track so I don't eat them all at once. (funny)
I had to explain to Elder Trunov what a Leprechaun was because of the hat and socks you sent. He still doesn't get it. Silly Ukrainian. We've also have transfer calls coming up this Friday and if this pattern continues I'll probably be in Omck another 6 weeks :) which honestly will be fine, this place is pretty much like home now, except without my family, and more crazy people lol I think its something in the water (jk). Any ways we'll see what happens maybe I'll be taking the longest transfer in the world! I'll let you know next week.
So yeah, that's pretty much my week :) I've just been workng hard and trying to smile while I'm at it. It's been a little bit rougher this week, I've been a little bit down but it's all good, I just need to get my endorphins going and we'll be just fine!
I love you all. Thank you for your letters of support and the love you give me.The Church is True, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, The Book of Mormon is True, and God loves us!
жив сильно!
Ст. Иборн
Mom & Dad - Well, diet wise its basically the same as back home, just with a lot less selection and a whole lot worse quality. I've been eating a lot of rice and veggies lately due to the fact that we don't have time to eat real food. but the selection of meats isn't very good so you basically stay with chicken that you have to skin and pull the breast bone out of. so yeah, it'll be nice to come back home and be able to eat like normal again. but I guess if you wanted to be a vegetarian in russia you could, but you won't be able to get away with it with the members, especially in winter.
Love you guys and if you do wanna send another package here soon send some food coloring!
Garrett, Gavin, & Libby - You guys Rock! Thank you for the awesome pictures :) lol I didn't even know we had Pirates in Russia but I'm glad I know now ;) It's good to know you guys are having fun in Nevada I'll have to come visit when I get home
Love you guys!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Happy St. Patricks Day From Russia
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"
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
"Being a Dude" Day
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.!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
D & C 133:26
"....And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence."
Go and Bear with Patience
I am SO sorry you guys didn't get my email last week, I was using the computer in the office in Novo and it just must not have wanted to send. But I re-sent it so hopefully you all get it ha... looks like 2 emails this week for ya'll!
So last week we got back from Novo, horrible night sleep on a train, and just got back to work, we didn't have time for recuperation but just hit the road and started right where we left off when we left. We’ve been trying our hardest to find people to teach. That is the one thing that we are lacking here in Omsk is investigators, it's been the problem for the last 7 months here ha. And one of the things we do is we just talk to people. All the time we're trying to find those that have been prepared for our message.
Sometimes it seems hopeless. Getting shut down time and time again is kind of discouraging. Well… a lot discouraging but like the Lord said to Ammon and his brethren “Go and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give you success”. I’m not sure when it'll come but I know that the Lord loves me and that what I’m doing is His work.
Yesterday, for instance, we found 4 people who wanted to learn more about the message of the Restoration. It was a funny experience, we were standing on a bus stop and all of a sudden everything gets really quiet and everyone on the crowded bus stop is looking up the road, and down the sidewalk comes these two Africans. Here in Russia, it is very rare to see a black person at all and so I was standing there just like wow, "those are the first two black guys I’ve seen in almost a year". Then, I think to myself “I wonder if they even speak Russian?” So I yell out in English, “Hey! Do you guy's speak English?” They both turn around and look up at me with this big smiles and looks on their faces of just pure relief. “YES!” they yelled back and they ran back to me and we had a good conversation they are from Uganda, here studying for the year and have been met with a lot of hard times thus far, they don't speak any Russian, and Russians don't really like them. They were so relieved to see an American missionary it was so awesome. They asked if we would take them to church, We said “of course”. They called us later that night to make sure we weren't kidding and that they wanted us to meet their friend’s...it was great. Who know's? Maybe some of them will truly be interested… we could have an English speaking branch in Siberia! Man that'd be way amazing.
We've also been working with a family here and they are progressing! They read and pray as a family every night now. Their father is not as supportive (down right against) the missionaries coming over but the Mother said that she loves how she feels around us and that they're wanting to keep it up. We're hoping for them to get baptized the end of the month ...early March. So keep them in you're prayers!
Artiom, (aka Jon Bon Jovi) unfortunately has decided that our gospel is not for him and he has dropped the missionaries. He was trying to go to America, and when he couldn't it was a mess, but in short he's still looking for truth and wants to explore other options. I was saddened what happened and by what he said, and told him that the truth he's looking for is right here. It's like money on the table. We’ve laid it all out, and given him the option to take it, and he won’t. My investigator Roman, who was baptized almost 2 months ago, was able to receive the Holy Ghost and be confirmed a member of the church Sunday. It was a great feeling being able to stand in the circle around him and help confirm him. It was a great experience and you can read about it in my journal at the end of this year.
So yeah, that is pretty much my week. We've got Transfer calls coming this Friday. Being a ZL is definitely interesting. I get to talk with President Trejo ever week and report on things, and pass him information from the district presidency here. President T is awesome. What a great experience I have working with such good people!
Elder Maughn was telling me how much different our mission is from the rest of the world. This is the only mission I know, and it's crazy and mom figured out that the people aren't as nice as you'd like them to be but it's the mission,... my mission, where I’m suppose to be. I’ve learned a lot here, and I’m not even close to done. I’ve got a lot to do and I’m looking forward to doing it.
I love you all; I’ll let you know if I’m leaving Omsk or not next week. But all the same I’ll be giving it my all. Like Elder Mueller and I say, “You can sleep when you're dead!" Love you guys have a great week!
Mom & Dad - Hope you got my last week’s email finally the computer here says it was sent this time so idk hopefully it worked. But yeah mom I need you to send shirts... I’ve given them to members who need them and well washing machines here aren’t very good so if you could send me those I’d be very appreciative :) ha I checked out the pictures. Looks like you guys are having a blast :) I miss you a lot but it's alright May is coming up ;) love you guys!
Megan - Thanks for the Valentine’s Day Email Meggie Shake. It's always good to hear from my sisters. You look like you're kicking butt at volleyball ..keep it up. You rock!
Maddie - You're a goober LOL I love ya Maddie, your “smiley deals” always make me laugh lol because the Russian computers have a hard time reading them….but I know what you are saying....keep being you Maddie!
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!
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