Dearest Family/Friends/ and Whoever else reads my letters….
We'll I’m back in Novosibirsk for a few days, actually until tomorrow morning when I fly out of here and go to Helsinki again to pick up my new Visa. Kind of freaked out that this means I will only have 2 more after this... weird. Last week was rather interesting I should probably share.
To begin with I'll let you know that my mission, starting July 1st, will be a little different. They've changed the boundaries and actually decided to add the cities of Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude to the
Russia Vladivostok Mission, along with all the missionaries who are serving in those cities. President Lawrence from the Area Presidency, who is a member of the Quorum Of the 70, came to announce it to the branches, as well as Mission Presidents from both missions.
Elder Stewart and I, had the opportunity to translate for them, I announced to Irkutsk that we would be making the change and Elder Stewart did it in Ulan-Ude. President Lawrence speaks a little Russian, ( a little), and while I was translating for him he thought he'd tease the translator and made everyone laugh a little bit by poking fun at me in Russian ha. Then in the middle of his talk at the end He started using some really big words that for me were hard to understand in English. So finally when he said, "this is what we call Unanimous Consent" I started and then stopped turned to him and asked, “Do you know how to say that?” his eyes got all big, and exclaimed, "No...” I turned back to the congregation and explained what the term Unanimous Consent means in Russian so that it was understandable and then continued on (some things do not directly translate and they way he said it would have not been positive in Russian). After that, he didn't tease his translators ha. I need to repent for teasing a General Authority. It was a very good opportunity and it helped me to grow. I'm comfortable in my language skills but there is a lot of room for improvement and I want to be better so now I've got some things to work for...
It was very sad though, while I was standing up there with President Lawrence, I looked out into the Congregation and saw people who were just crying because of what was happening, it touched my heart. However, it was a great testimony builder to me that the gospel is true.
The Church is worldwide and is always evolving into what the Lord needs it to be, just like us, as people making changes to ourselves to become better people and to become worthy of living in the presence of our Heavenly Father. There is a word in Russian that I love совершенствоваться. It means "To Perfect Oneself". Christ taught us "What manner of men we should be” by saying” Verily I say unto even as I am"- 3 Nephi 27:27 We're here on this earth to learn to become like our Elder brother Jesus Christ. It's not easy, and it's not a quick process, it takes a lot of hard work, humility, repentance, and changing. But eventually we'll get there. Just like the changes to the boundaries of missions in order to help the work progress forward we all need to make the necessary changes to our self in order to become The Sons & Daughters of God that we really are.
Well, I'm actually planning on sending a package of things home to you from Finland this trip, SInce it was my last time probably ever being around Baikal and I purchased a few souvenirs for ya'll so I'll send them home for you this trip :) so yeah! There'll also be some stuff that I've accumulated throughout the last 17 months of my life that you might think are interesting and fun so I will send those home.
Tonight we've got the Kiev Temple President and his wife here in Novo for a Fireside and I think I'm translating so that will be fun. I'll let you know how it goes (ha no worries mom, I'll be reverent ;)
I love you guys! Thanks for everything you do for me! I couldn't do this without your support! Have a great week :)
жив СИЬЛНО
Ст. Иборн!!
Mom & Dad - Thanks for the info mom.
Grandma & Grandpa Eborn - Hey! I haven't seen the Allen’s since they left for Turkey a few weeks ago but I did talk to them on the phone the other day….they seem to be doing well. Whenever we talk they always talk about you both. Thanks for being awesome! I love you.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Saying Goodbye to Elder Trunov
Hey Ya'll,
I know I just got to talk to you all on Monday and all, but P-Day is P-Day and so you'll be getting emails from me this week whether you like it or not. It was so good to hear from you, I could tell that you've all gotten a little use to life without me and all, but I really loved getting to hear from you all :). So thank you for giving me a ring.
It was a good thing that we were all on lock down all day because, after, our call, I was so trunky all day. We got to go to Park of Victory and watched the celebration. Then we went to the mission home with the missionaries from Novosibirsk watched movies, played board games, and ate food. It was a lot of fun :) I got out voted and we watched Bridge to Terabithia instead of Follow me Boys. Which was a horrible idea, that show was way too sad. I mean you go into it all excited about some fantasy world, and are shot down by a cute little girl that ends up dying at the end and a little boy who thinks she went to hell. All of us missionaries were thinking to ourselves, "hmmm, we should teach these people about the Plan of Salvation..." I also found out that my scrabble skills have completely diminished (they were never really there to begin with, but I'm just saying) we ended up spelling Russian words with English letters, English words with Russian letters and just making things up as we went. All and all it was a pretty good time though :)
Yesterday, was Elder Trunov's last day as a missionary. He came from Omck and spent the day in the office with us as we all prepared for new missionary orientation today. It WAS way funny to see him in that t-shirt. It was a gift from Ira from Omck who just wanted him to remember the good times in Omck. I do miss that city, but will have the opportunity to go back this month.
Silly story, Last night Elder Trunov wanted to wrestle me one last time before he left for home, so we had a little bit of a match. He thought he'd learned a thing or two and I let him think he was doing well then I stuck him with a near-side craddle and put his head between his legs. I've got it all on video and will show you when I get home. I'll miss him he's definitely one of the best companions and a great friend. This morning we were up at 5 o'clock to go to the Airport to drop him off and to pick up the 3 new missionaries that have come to our mission. It was interesting saying goodbye to Elder Trunov, but exciting to meet these new Elders who will be spending the next 2 years in our mission and continue on what so many missionaries have started before us. We'll be doing a training thing with them tonight and tomorrow and then we'll send them off to their trainers and cities.
I have a new companion, Elder Stewart (not the Elder Stuart from Vegas) and I are getting along great, He's from Kaizer, Oregon, and also a runner. So I'm thinking this summer will be a good one. I've missed running like crazy and after Dad's little excerpt on running I've been craving a good run! So hopefully when we are in the city we'll be able to run. He (Elder Stewart) and I are actually "brothers" in the mission sense. Elder Lambson (our father/trainer) trained Elder Stewart, and then when I was born (started my mission) he trained me. So the "Son's of Lambson" have now become the AP's. We thought that was pretty funny. Elder Lambson was amazing!
This weekend we'll be flying to Irkutsk and Ulan Ude with President Trejo as well as, President Lawrence for a fireside as well as sacrament in Ulan Ude. Then next week I'll be going on my 5th Visa trip to Helsinki, then later in the month we'll be going to Omck for a training/zone conference. Yeah! so my life is pretty much like that for the next couple weeks :) So yeah!
Thank you guys for calling again, it was great to hear from all of you. I miss you like crazy, and am grateful that I've got such an amazing family to support me :) I love you!
жив СИЛЬНО
Cт. Иборн!
Mom & Dad - Mom, don't worry about getting me anything like clothes or stuff. I've got plenty of shirts to last me now and if I need anything like shoes or “whatever not” (I guess I miss Chase subconsciously...) if I need anything, just send me some money and if I need anything I can buy it here. If you want to send packages though I'd love some pictures of what you've been up too, Reese's, and different kinds of marinade. Since I am in Novo now I get them as soon as they get in ;)
Tanner - Happy Birthday Broski! I love ya and am proud of ya! I can't believe you're 18 now goodness. Soon you'll be in my shoes ;) Love you, Bro have a great birthday. Just remember, Be excellent, and PARTY ON!
I know I just got to talk to you all on Monday and all, but P-Day is P-Day and so you'll be getting emails from me this week whether you like it or not. It was so good to hear from you, I could tell that you've all gotten a little use to life without me and all, but I really loved getting to hear from you all :). So thank you for giving me a ring.
It was a good thing that we were all on lock down all day because, after, our call, I was so trunky all day. We got to go to Park of Victory and watched the celebration. Then we went to the mission home with the missionaries from Novosibirsk watched movies, played board games, and ate food. It was a lot of fun :) I got out voted and we watched Bridge to Terabithia instead of Follow me Boys. Which was a horrible idea, that show was way too sad. I mean you go into it all excited about some fantasy world, and are shot down by a cute little girl that ends up dying at the end and a little boy who thinks she went to hell. All of us missionaries were thinking to ourselves, "hmmm, we should teach these people about the Plan of Salvation..." I also found out that my scrabble skills have completely diminished (they were never really there to begin with, but I'm just saying) we ended up spelling Russian words with English letters, English words with Russian letters and just making things up as we went. All and all it was a pretty good time though :)
Yesterday, was Elder Trunov's last day as a missionary. He came from Omck and spent the day in the office with us as we all prepared for new missionary orientation today. It WAS way funny to see him in that t-shirt. It was a gift from Ira from Omck who just wanted him to remember the good times in Omck. I do miss that city, but will have the opportunity to go back this month.
Silly story, Last night Elder Trunov wanted to wrestle me one last time before he left for home, so we had a little bit of a match. He thought he'd learned a thing or two and I let him think he was doing well then I stuck him with a near-side craddle and put his head between his legs. I've got it all on video and will show you when I get home. I'll miss him he's definitely one of the best companions and a great friend. This morning we were up at 5 o'clock to go to the Airport to drop him off and to pick up the 3 new missionaries that have come to our mission. It was interesting saying goodbye to Elder Trunov, but exciting to meet these new Elders who will be spending the next 2 years in our mission and continue on what so many missionaries have started before us. We'll be doing a training thing with them tonight and tomorrow and then we'll send them off to their trainers and cities.
I have a new companion, Elder Stewart (not the Elder Stuart from Vegas) and I are getting along great, He's from Kaizer, Oregon, and also a runner. So I'm thinking this summer will be a good one. I've missed running like crazy and after Dad's little excerpt on running I've been craving a good run! So hopefully when we are in the city we'll be able to run. He (Elder Stewart) and I are actually "brothers" in the mission sense. Elder Lambson (our father/trainer) trained Elder Stewart, and then when I was born (started my mission) he trained me. So the "Son's of Lambson" have now become the AP's. We thought that was pretty funny. Elder Lambson was amazing!
This weekend we'll be flying to Irkutsk and Ulan Ude with President Trejo as well as, President Lawrence for a fireside as well as sacrament in Ulan Ude. Then next week I'll be going on my 5th Visa trip to Helsinki, then later in the month we'll be going to Omck for a training/zone conference. Yeah! so my life is pretty much like that for the next couple weeks :) So yeah!
Thank you guys for calling again, it was great to hear from all of you. I miss you like crazy, and am grateful that I've got such an amazing family to support me :) I love you!
жив СИЛЬНО
Cт. Иборн!
Mom & Dad - Mom, don't worry about getting me anything like clothes or stuff. I've got plenty of shirts to last me now and if I need anything like shoes or “whatever not” (I guess I miss Chase subconsciously...) if I need anything, just send me some money and if I need anything I can buy it here. If you want to send packages though I'd love some pictures of what you've been up too, Reese's, and different kinds of marinade. Since I am in Novo now I get them as soon as they get in ;)
Tanner - Happy Birthday Broski! I love ya and am proud of ya! I can't believe you're 18 now goodness. Soon you'll be in my shoes ;) Love you, Bro have a great birthday. Just remember, Be excellent, and PARTY ON!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I Want to be like Captain Moroni
Hey Fam!So I'll start off by getting the "most important stuff" out of the way to begin with. I don't think I explained the whole Mothers day thing out as well as I'd have liked. We will be having lock downs on Monday due to the fact that it's Victory Day and it's not very safe to be out on the streets for Americans that stick out like sore thumbs in their white shirts and ties. So, you can call me on Monday morning Novosibirsk time at 8 am. I think that works out to be like 9 pm Layton Utah time if my math serves me right.
Call me on my cell because I'm afraid that my home phone might cause radiation poisoning... Any ways I'm really looking forward to being able to talk to you all :) I've missed you like crazy and I'm so excited to actually be able to hear your voices. It gives a whole other dimension to the fact that I have a family! Elder Rupper and I have been talking about it and it feels like our entire lives have been on a mission. it's weird, ha I think back to things that happened before the mission and it's weird.. Anyway sorry, sometimes I feel I'm slipping slowly into insanity but that's what happens when you've got two languages fighting for control of your brain. it's been getting better though, I have to often talk with President Trejo in English so it makes things better or at least more understandable.
So last week when I wrote you we were in Irkutsk and it was snowing like, well like we're in Siberia как раз! It ended up snowing something like 40 cm and короче, We were unable to fly out of Irkutsk that day. So we Spent another night with the elders there, President and Sister Trejo stayed at a hotel. We had a grand time! Irkutsk is actually the only place in Siberia where a Papa John's Pizza is located. It was delicous! I still can't get over how good it was! Because of the delay, I was also able to learn more about Irkutsk and the culture that is around Baikal. It was very interesting to say the least, I bought some neat souvenirs that I'll probably send home next time I'm in Finland. It would be really neat to serve in the east, and with another 8 months left there it could happen...
Today we had our Zone Leaders Council. All the ZL's from all over the mission traveled here to be trained by us and by President Trejo. It was a really good council. Elder Rupper and I talked about helping our people make and keep commitments. It went over pretty well I think. President Trejo talked about leaders, and how we are the leaders of the mission. It really hit home with me because in the next two months, we'll be losing all of the "older missionaries", for most of my mission I've been one of the younger generation, as well as our mission President. It's going to be a make it or break it time for our mission, and a lot of the missionaries are going to be looking to us, for guidance and leadership. He talked about 2 people from the Book of Mormon. about King Benjamin, as well as Captain Moroni. It really struck me pretty hard, and has definitely given me a lot to think about ha. I hope I can be one of those Captain Moroni's not just here on the mission, but through out my life. I'm great full for the leaders that I've had in my life that have helped me become the man I'm becoming. Those people like Dr. Hill (thanks for letting me know about him), Troy Brown, Matt Larsen, Bishop Nielsen, and of course my Father. Those kinds of people are the one's who really have helped me become who I am. And I'm Very grateful for their examples in my life and for everything they've taught me.
Well, I guess I'd better get going. There's a lot to do and it never seems like there is ever enough time to do it. I love you all :) thank you for the support you give me. The Church is true, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, God loves us, and Jesus Christ is our Savior and you can know it too! The Book of Mormon is a wonderful way to find out ;) just check out the last two paragraphs in the introduction.
LiveStrong,
Elder Eborn
Call me on my cell because I'm afraid that my home phone might cause radiation poisoning... Any ways I'm really looking forward to being able to talk to you all :) I've missed you like crazy and I'm so excited to actually be able to hear your voices. It gives a whole other dimension to the fact that I have a family! Elder Rupper and I have been talking about it and it feels like our entire lives have been on a mission. it's weird, ha I think back to things that happened before the mission and it's weird.. Anyway sorry, sometimes I feel I'm slipping slowly into insanity but that's what happens when you've got two languages fighting for control of your brain. it's been getting better though, I have to often talk with President Trejo in English so it makes things better or at least more understandable.
So last week when I wrote you we were in Irkutsk and it was snowing like, well like we're in Siberia как раз! It ended up snowing something like 40 cm and короче, We were unable to fly out of Irkutsk that day. So we Spent another night with the elders there, President and Sister Trejo stayed at a hotel. We had a grand time! Irkutsk is actually the only place in Siberia where a Papa John's Pizza is located. It was delicous! I still can't get over how good it was! Because of the delay, I was also able to learn more about Irkutsk and the culture that is around Baikal. It was very interesting to say the least, I bought some neat souvenirs that I'll probably send home next time I'm in Finland. It would be really neat to serve in the east, and with another 8 months left there it could happen...
Today we had our Zone Leaders Council. All the ZL's from all over the mission traveled here to be trained by us and by President Trejo. It was a really good council. Elder Rupper and I talked about helping our people make and keep commitments. It went over pretty well I think. President Trejo talked about leaders, and how we are the leaders of the mission. It really hit home with me because in the next two months, we'll be losing all of the "older missionaries", for most of my mission I've been one of the younger generation, as well as our mission President. It's going to be a make it or break it time for our mission, and a lot of the missionaries are going to be looking to us, for guidance and leadership. He talked about 2 people from the Book of Mormon. about King Benjamin, as well as Captain Moroni. It really struck me pretty hard, and has definitely given me a lot to think about ha. I hope I can be one of those Captain Moroni's not just here on the mission, but through out my life. I'm great full for the leaders that I've had in my life that have helped me become the man I'm becoming. Those people like Dr. Hill (thanks for letting me know about him), Troy Brown, Matt Larsen, Bishop Nielsen, and of course my Father. Those kinds of people are the one's who really have helped me become who I am. And I'm Very grateful for their examples in my life and for everything they've taught me.
Well, I guess I'd better get going. There's a lot to do and it never seems like there is ever enough time to do it. I love you all :) thank you for the support you give me. The Church is true, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, God loves us, and Jesus Christ is our Savior and you can know it too! The Book of Mormon is a wonderful way to find out ;) just check out the last two paragraphs in the introduction.
LiveStrong,
Elder Eborn
Friday, April 29, 2011
With Fire and Hammer, Steel is Forged
Hey Family!
So this week has been quite an adventure! I'm actually on my way home from a zone conference we held in Ulan-Uday. It's the farthest east city in our mission and takes 2 days to get there by train We flew out of Novo on Tuesday morning and then caught a train to Ulan-Uday in Irkutsk which is about 45 minutes away from the world’s largest fresh water lake... Baikal.
We actually drove around it while we were on the train but didn't see a thing out the windows bummer... I'll have to come back someday I guess to get a better look. It was a lot of fun! Ulan-Ude, is very close to Mongolia and China, and has many people who are from those places.
I actually had the opportunity to teach a lesson with the Elders there to a young woman who is Chinese native. I got to say “Nee-How” to her---she then started speaking Chinese to me thinking I understood and I quickly explained in Russian that it is truly my dad who can speaks Chinese, that I only know a few Chinese phrases and only speak English and Russian.
As soon as China opens up for the gospel, I have no doubt the gospel will take like wild fire. They are very ready for the gospel. I got to see some Buddhist Datsan's which were way cool. I'll send you some pictures when I get back to Novo. I also bought some buriatian ties that are way sick. I want/hope someday serve in the East.
We have to catch our flight back to Novo in a couple hours, so we figured while we had time we'd stop by and write home. I love getting your emails. Just so you know, they always make my day. I often forget about the fact that I have the opportunity/blessing to communicate with you all via internet, but then when I finally have an hour, it really gets me way excited, in fact I can't wait until May 9th to talk to you all!
So an update on our investigator Sergey, he is having some doubts. He has a testimony of the gospel, of the Book of Mormon but he isn't sure if he's ready and willing to live by the gospel. which is way sad, His baptism was scheduled for tomorrow and we were hoping that we would be able to come home from our trip and that he'd be ready. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
He's needs some time to think about if this is really what he wants.
It's a question I've asked myself throughout my life, as well as my mission. Every time I personally think about it, the answer is yes, being willing to live the gospel is worth it. Our Heavenly Father has blessings for us that we can't even imagine, one of which is being able to be with those you love for ever.
Sometimes it may seem like the gospel restricts us, holds us back, and binds and blinds us of our freedom. In reality, being obedient and living according to the gospel is the ultimate expression of our freedom. It takes a lot of self humbling, patience, and a lot of time. I'm not perfect, and I make a lot of mistakes, but I know as we put ourselves in the hands of the Master, He will guide us into the beings that we were meant to be…. With Fire, and Hammer is steel forged, and so are we.
I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, we are his children. He sent our older brother Jesus Christ to show us the way, and to help us return back to him. He didn't send us here to fail.
Well I need to go catch my flight... I love you guys. Thank you for all your support, You'll be in my prayers.
LiveSTRONG
Elder Eborn!!
Mom & Dad - Those bottle rockets were sick! I really hope when I get home I get called into the Scouts (wink,wink Bishop Larsen..) I love you guys :) thanks for everything you do, if you have any questions about calls let me know, we've got a week to make it work. This will be my last phone call home... yikes... tomorrow starts the final third of my mission. I guess I'd better sprint to the finish of this race.
So this week has been quite an adventure! I'm actually on my way home from a zone conference we held in Ulan-Uday. It's the farthest east city in our mission and takes 2 days to get there by train We flew out of Novo on Tuesday morning and then caught a train to Ulan-Uday in Irkutsk which is about 45 minutes away from the world’s largest fresh water lake... Baikal.
We actually drove around it while we were on the train but didn't see a thing out the windows bummer... I'll have to come back someday I guess to get a better look. It was a lot of fun! Ulan-Ude, is very close to Mongolia and China, and has many people who are from those places.
I actually had the opportunity to teach a lesson with the Elders there to a young woman who is Chinese native. I got to say “Nee-How” to her---she then started speaking Chinese to me thinking I understood and I quickly explained in Russian that it is truly my dad who can speaks Chinese, that I only know a few Chinese phrases and only speak English and Russian.
As soon as China opens up for the gospel, I have no doubt the gospel will take like wild fire. They are very ready for the gospel. I got to see some Buddhist Datsan's which were way cool. I'll send you some pictures when I get back to Novo. I also bought some buriatian ties that are way sick. I want/hope someday serve in the East.
We have to catch our flight back to Novo in a couple hours, so we figured while we had time we'd stop by and write home. I love getting your emails. Just so you know, they always make my day. I often forget about the fact that I have the opportunity/blessing to communicate with you all via internet, but then when I finally have an hour, it really gets me way excited, in fact I can't wait until May 9th to talk to you all!
So an update on our investigator Sergey, he is having some doubts. He has a testimony of the gospel, of the Book of Mormon but he isn't sure if he's ready and willing to live by the gospel. which is way sad, His baptism was scheduled for tomorrow and we were hoping that we would be able to come home from our trip and that he'd be ready. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
He's needs some time to think about if this is really what he wants.
It's a question I've asked myself throughout my life, as well as my mission. Every time I personally think about it, the answer is yes, being willing to live the gospel is worth it. Our Heavenly Father has blessings for us that we can't even imagine, one of which is being able to be with those you love for ever.
Sometimes it may seem like the gospel restricts us, holds us back, and binds and blinds us of our freedom. In reality, being obedient and living according to the gospel is the ultimate expression of our freedom. It takes a lot of self humbling, patience, and a lot of time. I'm not perfect, and I make a lot of mistakes, but I know as we put ourselves in the hands of the Master, He will guide us into the beings that we were meant to be…. With Fire, and Hammer is steel forged, and so are we.
I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, we are his children. He sent our older brother Jesus Christ to show us the way, and to help us return back to him. He didn't send us here to fail.
Well I need to go catch my flight... I love you guys. Thank you for all your support, You'll be in my prayers.
LiveSTRONG
Elder Eborn!!
Mom & Dad - Those bottle rockets were sick! I really hope when I get home I get called into the Scouts (wink,wink Bishop Larsen..) I love you guys :) thanks for everything you do, if you have any questions about calls let me know, we've got a week to make it work. This will be my last phone call home... yikes... tomorrow starts the final third of my mission. I guess I'd better sprint to the finish of this race.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Cover of the Book
So I’m sorry this Wednesday was a rough day, we were running around trying to make sure everything was going alright, plus my comp left for a visa trip so I had to figure out what I was going to do with my week, who I was going to be with, what I needed to get done etc. So yeah! I finally have some time to write a legit letter, so I hope it won’t be super boring, I know I have a tendency to blab on about things that probably aren’t very entertaining to you all but eh, I’m a missionary! My life is centered on this work.
Last week, as I told you, we took a bus up to Tomck! Which was so cool, we got in to the city around 9. Took a bus to the elders apartment it was so weird driving though the city in which I started my mission lol. I saw all the old sites and was telling Elder Rupper about all the funny experiences I had had while serving there.
We spent the night with a set of Elders who are both native and lived in the same apartment that I lived once upon a time. We got to be with them on splits for the whole next day and try to help them to work a little bit better together they were having some “difficulties”. So, we got to work with them and to get a feel for the situation. They’re both awesome elders with strong testimonies. Hopefully they’ll be doing/feeling better. We haven’t gotten any phone calls yet so all seems to be going well… I got to go and visit some of the families/investigators that I taught while I served there and it was just amazing! I got to see, Alexey, he told me about how he gained a testimony and about how he received the priesthood and is now every Sunday blessing the sacrament. All that I’ve done for the last year and a half is so worth it, when he said, “спасибо тебе” I almost started crying. “If you bring one soul unto Christ how great will be your joy “.
We ended up missing our bus to Kemerovo by 2 minutes! I tried to run down the bus driver but he gave me a mad hand gesture and kept on going. So, we had to get another bus that was going to Kemer, and there was only one left for that day. They schedule was if we took that bus they told us there was a slim chance we would be there by 11 pm, or 3 am we were willing to take that chance. So we boarded the bus and set off on an adventure! The bus took a different route that stopped in some little town in the middle of Siberia. We ended up making the right turn and made it into Kemerovo by 11 pm and all worked out pretty well. The mid way bus stop was pretty interesting. Surrounded by communist flags, nuclear power plants and rockets, it was a very interesting bus stop to say the least. It was probably a good thing they weren’t requiring passports this night... or we might not have made it out LOL. We stayed the night at a nice hotel in Kemerovo and were able to meet the incoming elders at the bus station the next morning so it all worked out all right.
We got to watch General Conference in Russian (which rocked), and Elder Scott… said the exact same thing he told me to do when he was here last summer. “Elder, go home, find a girl, and get married. Make it your first priority.” Ha he told me that in person.
After our adventures of traveling it felt very good to back in Novo, to sleep in my own как бы bed. We got back to the grind of things, working on getting next transfer figured out with who’s going be serving with who and all that fun stuff, working on Workshops, Trainings, and trying to just do everything we can in order to help others come closer to Christ. Our investigator Sergey is getting closer to his baptismal date and he’s doing great. He’s a little nervous and needs your prayers to help him make the final step. So please keep him in your prayers. Other than that nothing exciting is happening. Oh, I should let you know now probably I probably won’t be emailing you until Friday or Saturday. Tuesday we fly to Irkutsk then take a train to Ulan-Ude where we’ll be having a Training/Zone Conference with the missionaries there so yeah, just a heads up.
So this weekend is Easter. And I think I’ve told you before, seeing as how this is my second Easter in Russia, but there is an awesome tradition that they have here. On the street you meet people and you say, “Иисус Воскрес” which is Jesus is Risen. And you answer back with, “во истину воскрес “or He really is. It an awesome way to start talking to people on the street; without seeming like a creeper. Especially about the Book of Mormon, this as we read on the title page was written to convince the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the whole meaning of what is written on the cover of the book that is “another Testament of Jesus Christ” and what that really means. So this morning I opened up my (Russian Version) scriptures to the 11 Chapter of 3 Nephi when the Savior appears to the people of the Americas. And reading that chapter I couldn’t help but to think about how it would be, to hear the prophecies that and then to see the signs of his death, and then to be sitting there in complete darkness, hearing a voice, and seeing the light. Realizing that the Person you are seeing is the Savior of the world and that through him you can be healed from sin, and ailment.
Then listening to his voice and being able to come up and to look him in the eye knowing that he really is the savior of the world. It’s over whelming for me to contemplate. I love my Savior and I know he lives, and that through him we can do anything.
This Easter Sunday I invite you to read from the Gospel of Matthew 28: 1-6 and 3 Nephi 11, and to take some time to think about Jesus Christ, and what it really means that he was resurrected.
I love you all...thank you for everything you do for me and for all the support. I couldn’t do this without you! Have a great week and a wonderful Easter!
liveSTRONG
Elder Eborn!
Mom & Dad – Hey sorry, I don’t mean to be always turning to you about the money stuff, but so you know I had to take some money out to pay for a hotel room because of some complications on our trip. I love you guys!
Last week, as I told you, we took a bus up to Tomck! Which was so cool, we got in to the city around 9. Took a bus to the elders apartment it was so weird driving though the city in which I started my mission lol. I saw all the old sites and was telling Elder Rupper about all the funny experiences I had had while serving there.
We spent the night with a set of Elders who are both native and lived in the same apartment that I lived once upon a time. We got to be with them on splits for the whole next day and try to help them to work a little bit better together they were having some “difficulties”. So, we got to work with them and to get a feel for the situation. They’re both awesome elders with strong testimonies. Hopefully they’ll be doing/feeling better. We haven’t gotten any phone calls yet so all seems to be going well… I got to go and visit some of the families/investigators that I taught while I served there and it was just amazing! I got to see, Alexey, he told me about how he gained a testimony and about how he received the priesthood and is now every Sunday blessing the sacrament. All that I’ve done for the last year and a half is so worth it, when he said, “спасибо тебе” I almost started crying. “If you bring one soul unto Christ how great will be your joy “.
We ended up missing our bus to Kemerovo by 2 minutes! I tried to run down the bus driver but he gave me a mad hand gesture and kept on going. So, we had to get another bus that was going to Kemer, and there was only one left for that day. They schedule was if we took that bus they told us there was a slim chance we would be there by 11 pm, or 3 am we were willing to take that chance. So we boarded the bus and set off on an adventure! The bus took a different route that stopped in some little town in the middle of Siberia. We ended up making the right turn and made it into Kemerovo by 11 pm and all worked out pretty well. The mid way bus stop was pretty interesting. Surrounded by communist flags, nuclear power plants and rockets, it was a very interesting bus stop to say the least. It was probably a good thing they weren’t requiring passports this night... or we might not have made it out LOL. We stayed the night at a nice hotel in Kemerovo and were able to meet the incoming elders at the bus station the next morning so it all worked out all right.
We got to watch General Conference in Russian (which rocked), and Elder Scott… said the exact same thing he told me to do when he was here last summer. “Elder, go home, find a girl, and get married. Make it your first priority.” Ha he told me that in person.
After our adventures of traveling it felt very good to back in Novo, to sleep in my own как бы bed. We got back to the grind of things, working on getting next transfer figured out with who’s going be serving with who and all that fun stuff, working on Workshops, Trainings, and trying to just do everything we can in order to help others come closer to Christ. Our investigator Sergey is getting closer to his baptismal date and he’s doing great. He’s a little nervous and needs your prayers to help him make the final step. So please keep him in your prayers. Other than that nothing exciting is happening. Oh, I should let you know now probably I probably won’t be emailing you until Friday or Saturday. Tuesday we fly to Irkutsk then take a train to Ulan-Ude where we’ll be having a Training/Zone Conference with the missionaries there so yeah, just a heads up.
So this weekend is Easter. And I think I’ve told you before, seeing as how this is my second Easter in Russia, but there is an awesome tradition that they have here. On the street you meet people and you say, “Иисус Воскрес” which is Jesus is Risen. And you answer back with, “во истину воскрес “or He really is. It an awesome way to start talking to people on the street; without seeming like a creeper. Especially about the Book of Mormon, this as we read on the title page was written to convince the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the whole meaning of what is written on the cover of the book that is “another Testament of Jesus Christ” and what that really means. So this morning I opened up my (Russian Version) scriptures to the 11 Chapter of 3 Nephi when the Savior appears to the people of the Americas. And reading that chapter I couldn’t help but to think about how it would be, to hear the prophecies that and then to see the signs of his death, and then to be sitting there in complete darkness, hearing a voice, and seeing the light. Realizing that the Person you are seeing is the Savior of the world and that through him you can be healed from sin, and ailment.
Then listening to his voice and being able to come up and to look him in the eye knowing that he really is the savior of the world. It’s over whelming for me to contemplate. I love my Savior and I know he lives, and that through him we can do anything.
This Easter Sunday I invite you to read from the Gospel of Matthew 28: 1-6 and 3 Nephi 11, and to take some time to think about Jesus Christ, and what it really means that he was resurrected.
I love you all...thank you for everything you do for me and for all the support. I couldn’t do this without you! Have a great week and a wonderful Easter!
liveSTRONG
Elder Eborn!
Mom & Dad – Hey sorry, I don’t mean to be always turning to you about the money stuff, but so you know I had to take some money out to pay for a hotel room because of some complications on our trip. I love you guys!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
I've Got The Best Family
Hey,
So sorry, I've been running around ..very busy today... unfortunately I'm not going to be able to write you today, but I'm hoping later in the week I'll have some time. I've printed off all your emails and will read them tonight :). I love you all. thank you for everything. I've got the best family in the world :)
жив СИЛЬНО
Старейшина Иборн!
Mom--- Love You Mommy :)
So sorry, I've been running around ..very busy today... unfortunately I'm not going to be able to write you today, but I'm hoping later in the week I'll have some time. I've printed off all your emails and will read them tonight :). I love you all. thank you for everything. I've got the best family in the world :)
жив СИЛЬНО
Старейшина Иборн!
Mom--- Love You Mommy :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Small Branches Are Special
Well another week is gone and it's been an interesting one that is for sure! Sounds like you all had a wonderful Spring break! By the pictures I saw (got me super duper way trunky….ha if you'd of had Amber there you'd of had all my favorite things ever in one place! Chinese food, Temples, Rock Climbing, My Family, Running, Swimming, and Playing on Rocks! So Yeah! I will be looking forward to next Spring break that is for sure. But don't you worry, I'm not getting distracted from what I'm doing here . This week was a very busy and it was full of traveling missionary work, trying to help our missionaries, and sleeping on trains. Llast week after we finished our ZLC we got all of the rest of our projects finished including designing and developing our trainings for our missionaries and all that stuff. We also got to meet with our investigator family from Armenia. They are wonderful, they read, they pray, the little girls always have questions about things that they've read. It's amazing to watch their faith/testimonies grow in the gospel. I've am so happy that I've had the opportunity to teach people about the Gospel of Christ and to help them to come closer to him. It' really is the best work in the world! Friday night we were suppose to get picked up by President Gushin and then pick up President and Sister Trejo, then get to the Train station to take a night train to a small city called Novokuznesk. Our meeting went a little long and we ended up being a tad bit late picking up the Trejo's but we made it on time! Elder Rupper and I ran quick and held the train for them and we took the overnight trip to Novokuzz (as we call it). I was always so excited about riding on trains across Siberia (the novelty has worn off ;) Not really loving trains. It was hot, a little gross and dark, and the window didn't open. Plus the fact that I woke up every time the train stopped. However, it was only an 8 hour ride so we got in around 5:30 and took a taxi to the Elders apartment where we rested and then got ready and went to our Zone Conference. Zone Conference there went very well actually. Elder Rupper and I focused on teaching how to use our studies more effectively, by using role play and practicing teaching lessons before you actually teach. As well as, about how to find the people the Lord has prepared for us. After we taught them a little bit about it we went out and practiced on the street for a half hour. Our big focus is on asking inspired questions, listening to people, and then teaching according to their needs. It's really interesting how it's been working out we had some experiences asking people about their families and we got some people who really were pretty interested in our message. Then on Sunday in Novokuzz we had 2 baptisms which was way nifty (I realize that I say awesome a lot so I'm going to try and switch things up a bit). One of which was a young single mother whose son will be getting baptized in the end of the month, and the other was a 73 year-old man named Yuri Ivanovich. It may not seem very old for us as Americans to be in our 70's but here in Russia if you are a man and you live to be over 60 it's a miracle (seriously). He's a great man, I had the opportunity to be on a meeting with him and to talk to him before his baptism. He was so excited that because he was getting married that he could be with his wife again. The gospel really is the best thing in the world. Because of our Savior Jesus Christ we have the opportunity to be together forever and to be with our families and those we love for eternity. I'm so glad I can be together with my family. The branch in Novokuzz is very small and as a matter of fact, the branch president is a missionary. We rent out an old salon (we call it the Salon of Salvation) and for baptisms we have to rent out a pool that we use as a font. Right before the baptisms we realized that the water was way too deep. Ha it was about up to your neck if you're short like me. So we tried to figure out how they could do it without just being under water the whole time and Yuri Ivanovich, who was standing on the ladder jumps into the pool, and starts swimming around the pool in his white suit! It was so funny, the Elder trying to baptize him was following him around trying to get him to stop. I was laughing way too hard. In the end he settled down and we had the baptisms. Later that night we left Novokuzz and went back to Novosibirsk. It was a great weekend. I really like those little branches, there's just a special Дух there. We'll thats about it for my week! This week we'll be going on a special assignment up to Tomsk for a few days ( I'm just a little excited to go to my mission "birth city" :) ) and then to Kemerovo to make sure that they can watch General Conference. So hopefully I'll get to watch general conference. I'm looking forward to hearing the words of the prophets! This'll be my second to last General Conference before I am watching them from the comfort of my own couch! So yeah! Have a great week! Keep being the amazing people you are! I love you. жив СИЛЬНО Старейшина Иборн Mom & Dad - Hey :) Thanks for the updates I'm super jealous that you all got to run a race together! When I get home and after I get back into shape we're all going to go on family running days. Way to go getting 3rd Dad and Tanner. I love you guys!
Friday, April 8, 2011
If You Want To Learn - Teach It
This was a great day for emails! I heard from all the people I have been thinking about this week and I'm so glad :) Thank you for all the letters of support and love. I really couldn't do this without you all.
So this last week was interesting ha I'm getting the hang of this whole AP deal. It's pretty interesting and I am learning so much. There's a lot of things to do for President, Sister Trejo feeds us . I have not eaten this well since I left the MTC! But no worries, I've found out that my Comp is as crazy as I am! -5 degrees outside at 6:30 in the morning and he's willing to go and run with me on the snowy, icy, frozen roads of Novo! It's felt so good, we haven't gone very far, maybe…2 miles and that’s it but we still ran. I'm way out of shape (and after Am's e-mail I'm pretty sure she's going be kicking me back into shape when I get home ;) or at least I am hoping so lol.)
This last weekend we had the opportunity to go to Kemerovo with President and Sister Trejo for a branch conference there. It's a small city, about the size of Tomck, the branch there however is the smallest in our mission. We had 3 members at sacrament meeting, one investigator, the branch President (who's a missionary) his companion, and the four of us. It was an amazing experience. Sitting there in a small room with those people translating for President and Sister Trejo (we have these way cool headset we use for translation (I am not going to lie, I love it! I feel like a secret agent using them LOL). I couldn't help but think about how on the other side of the world, the saints were gathered together to listen to the Prophet and Apostles. You all had an opportunity to raise your hand and support them as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. And in a small branch in the middle of Siberia, I had the amazing opportunity to translate for President Trejo as we did the Sustaining of the General Authority's as well.
It's a big world, yet small all at the same time. The spirit at that branch was amazing a great testimony builder of the fact that the Gospel is true. I know that. The branch in our mission will be watching conference this weekend, but I'll be going to Novokuznetsk for a training and zone conference. So, Elder Rupper and I are planning on locking ourselves in our office when we get back and watching conference all day. We probably watch it at the mission home with President when we get back.
Part of my assignment now is to help train other missionaries skills to become more effective teachers and such. Today, we had all of the Zone Leaders from all over the mission here in Novosibirsk for Zone Leaders Council. It was such a strange feeling. A few months ago I was the newest/youngest zone leader in our mission. Now I'm the one who is teaching. It was/is a humbling experience that’s for sure. We talked a bit about how we can better use role-playing as missionaries to help us better prepare for our lessons. Elder Rupper and I prepared a educational workshop on it, and things turned out pretty well. I guess putting together campfires, being in charge of assemblies in high school, and being around my parents has paid off a little. We're going to be focusing on teaching how to better use our studies and how to find those who are prepared at zone conferences this round about so it'll be fun. Hey, it is said if you want to really learn something you need to teach it! So I'm hoping I'll learn as I give presentations and teach.
I've also made it a goal not to just sit in the office and work on paper work and presentations all day. I am not sure I will be able to work in an office when I get home this last week has been hard to get us to sitting in the office for the time that I've been here. So, Elder Rupper and I are going to keep working as well. We're going to try and to carry as much as we can by being missionaries as well as APs. We don't have an area, or a branch in which we are really assigned to work, but all the same we're finding investigators and meeting with them.
Last week actually we were able to meet with our investigator who is actually from Omck как раз. I've actually met him before and we decided to start meeting with him here since he moved here and we actually set a baptismal date with him for the end of this month! :) He's read the Book of Mormon and is starting to live the principles and it's just amazing what the gospel can do for people. It really will change our lives for the better if we are willing to put aside our own pride, humble ourselves, and come unto our Savior who is waiting with open arms.
I love being where I am :) We also have a family we found. They are Armanian and are great! We have taught them about the plan of salvation earlier this week and they are great and I'm excited to learn and grow with them.
So yeah, Pretty much my week's been good, we're busy and working hard and I'm still loving every minute of it! :) Thanks for all you guys do for me, you really do strengthen my testimony. I love you guys! I'll catch ya next week!
жив сильно
Ст Иборн!!
Mom & Dad - Sounds like you guys are having a great spring break! I wish the weather was 80 degress here. I'm getting tired of the snow. If global warming were true, I wish it'd happen in Siberia! I'll be expecting pictures and a full report of spring break next week. I love you guys. Listen to some good music for me!
Jacob Kesler - Hey big guy :) Thanks for your email. Ha you have no idea how good it was to hear from you. Honestly that was probably the best email I've gotten my entire mission. You're an awesome man Jake, and I have no doubt that you're going to be a wonderful instrument in the hands of the Lord. :) It's the hard things in life that make us stronger and help us to learn. I love you brother! I hope you keep me updated with how things are going and what you're up too. It's been 15 months way to long.
So this last week was interesting ha I'm getting the hang of this whole AP deal. It's pretty interesting and I am learning so much. There's a lot of things to do for President, Sister Trejo feeds us . I have not eaten this well since I left the MTC! But no worries, I've found out that my Comp is as crazy as I am! -5 degrees outside at 6:30 in the morning and he's willing to go and run with me on the snowy, icy, frozen roads of Novo! It's felt so good, we haven't gone very far, maybe…2 miles and that’s it but we still ran. I'm way out of shape (and after Am's e-mail I'm pretty sure she's going be kicking me back into shape when I get home ;) or at least I am hoping so lol.)
This last weekend we had the opportunity to go to Kemerovo with President and Sister Trejo for a branch conference there. It's a small city, about the size of Tomck, the branch there however is the smallest in our mission. We had 3 members at sacrament meeting, one investigator, the branch President (who's a missionary) his companion, and the four of us. It was an amazing experience. Sitting there in a small room with those people translating for President and Sister Trejo (we have these way cool headset we use for translation (I am not going to lie, I love it! I feel like a secret agent using them LOL). I couldn't help but think about how on the other side of the world, the saints were gathered together to listen to the Prophet and Apostles. You all had an opportunity to raise your hand and support them as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. And in a small branch in the middle of Siberia, I had the amazing opportunity to translate for President Trejo as we did the Sustaining of the General Authority's as well.
It's a big world, yet small all at the same time. The spirit at that branch was amazing a great testimony builder of the fact that the Gospel is true. I know that. The branch in our mission will be watching conference this weekend, but I'll be going to Novokuznetsk for a training and zone conference. So, Elder Rupper and I are planning on locking ourselves in our office when we get back and watching conference all day. We probably watch it at the mission home with President when we get back.
Part of my assignment now is to help train other missionaries skills to become more effective teachers and such. Today, we had all of the Zone Leaders from all over the mission here in Novosibirsk for Zone Leaders Council. It was such a strange feeling. A few months ago I was the newest/youngest zone leader in our mission. Now I'm the one who is teaching. It was/is a humbling experience that’s for sure. We talked a bit about how we can better use role-playing as missionaries to help us better prepare for our lessons. Elder Rupper and I prepared a educational workshop on it, and things turned out pretty well. I guess putting together campfires, being in charge of assemblies in high school, and being around my parents has paid off a little. We're going to be focusing on teaching how to better use our studies and how to find those who are prepared at zone conferences this round about so it'll be fun. Hey, it is said if you want to really learn something you need to teach it! So I'm hoping I'll learn as I give presentations and teach.
I've also made it a goal not to just sit in the office and work on paper work and presentations all day. I am not sure I will be able to work in an office when I get home this last week has been hard to get us to sitting in the office for the time that I've been here. So, Elder Rupper and I are going to keep working as well. We're going to try and to carry as much as we can by being missionaries as well as APs. We don't have an area, or a branch in which we are really assigned to work, but all the same we're finding investigators and meeting with them.
Last week actually we were able to meet with our investigator who is actually from Omck как раз. I've actually met him before and we decided to start meeting with him here since he moved here and we actually set a baptismal date with him for the end of this month! :) He's read the Book of Mormon and is starting to live the principles and it's just amazing what the gospel can do for people. It really will change our lives for the better if we are willing to put aside our own pride, humble ourselves, and come unto our Savior who is waiting with open arms.
I love being where I am :) We also have a family we found. They are Armanian and are great! We have taught them about the plan of salvation earlier this week and they are great and I'm excited to learn and grow with them.
So yeah, Pretty much my week's been good, we're busy and working hard and I'm still loving every minute of it! :) Thanks for all you guys do for me, you really do strengthen my testimony. I love you guys! I'll catch ya next week!
жив сильно
Ст Иборн!!
Mom & Dad - Sounds like you guys are having a great spring break! I wish the weather was 80 degress here. I'm getting tired of the snow. If global warming were true, I wish it'd happen in Siberia! I'll be expecting pictures and a full report of spring break next week. I love you guys. Listen to some good music for me!
Jacob Kesler - Hey big guy :) Thanks for your email. Ha you have no idea how good it was to hear from you. Honestly that was probably the best email I've gotten my entire mission. You're an awesome man Jake, and I have no doubt that you're going to be a wonderful instrument in the hands of the Lord. :) It's the hard things in life that make us stronger and help us to learn. I love you brother! I hope you keep me updated with how things are going and what you're up too. It's been 15 months way to long.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Hard Things Make You Stronger
They are going to be awesome Priesthood holders here in the near future. It was amazing; they got baptized before church so that they could be confirmed the same day. I had the opportunity to confirm Sister Valentina a member of the church and to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost. What an experience, the two of them had a chance to bear their testimonies after their confirmations and it was amazing to hear their bright burning testimonies. Henry talked about how when he goes home to Uganda he wants to help his family, and all of his friends come to the church. We (Elder Maughan) sent a email to the mission president down in Uganda and are working on having missionaries go and start working with his family. I am so blessed to have been a part to be a part of this great work:) Elder Dearden's (Brock) Mom once said, "A missionary is one who leaves his family for two years to help others be with theirs forever". It really is such a wonderful thing to help people come unto Christ!
So yeah! I was sad to be leaving Omsk. 9 months in the same city, well you learn to love the people, but this will be a good change and a new chance to learn and to grow. Hard things make you stronger.
This next weekend I'll be going with President and Sister Trejo to Kemerovo for a branch conference, and the next weekend to Novokuznetsk for a Zone Conference. I've also got to prepare and get ready for Zone Leaders Council, and in the end of the month I'll be flying to Ulan-Ude (on the other side of Baikal) so this new calling will have some opportunity to meet people in many cities. Oh, and seeing as how I'm stationed in Novosibirsk, if you have any desire to send me letters, goody packages etc. they'll get to me a lot quicker! (hint) So yeah, that's basically my week in a nutshell. I'm trying to find my way around Novo, trying to learn my duties and do all I can. This morning we had 3 new missionaries come in. and we got to go and meet them at the airport and bring them back to the mission home for breakfast with the Trejo's. It brought back good memories of Elder Drasso, Capps, Septon, and I flying into Novo a year ago. We were dead tired, had no idea where we were, what people were saying and how the heck we were going to help people to learn about the gospel. But we learned… and they will too :) we get to go have orientation with them today around 4 so yeah. :)
Well family, I love ya. thanks for the awesome emails! I love hearing from you all please keep the letters coming! You've only got like 30 some odd weeks of letters so let’s keep em commin!
жив сильно Ст. Иборн!
Mom & Dad - Ha well... I am sorry you can't all go to Havasupai... but maybe next year we could try and go again :) I know I'd love to go... Sounds like you guys are going to have a way fun Spring break :) be safe and as dad always said to me,” don’t jump off anything".
Tanner - Dude, ok. you need to get me a pair of those shoes for when I get home. Alright? Those are way to cool! That's pretty sweet that you're girly friend will be going with you, I remember getting to have Amber come with us up to Jackson Hole for Lotoja. It's was a lot of fun --treat her good.
Megan - who said you could grow up and become a teenager already? eмоё! ёлки палки! если мне нада убить кого то я смогу! с днём рождения сестра моя!
Maddie- Love ya sis :) thanks for the email, take my puppy on a walk alright?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
How Many Check-in on JT
Listen to Mission Playlist
