Why Hello there one and all!
Once again writing you from the wonderful section of the world known as Siberia! Same mission just 13 hours away from where I wrote you last week.
I've got some fun stories to tell ya!
So I got on a bus last Wednesday and took of for Novo, I sat next to the old babushka, (thats Russian English for Grandma type lady) and she offered me some apples, these apples, I am pretty sure were from like last year, and I was like no thank you I am not very hungry. Then she said "young man, you will not last the winter if you don't eat this" So being a polite missionary, I took the apple, it was completely rotten, and she then told me to eat it. I said a quick prayer and snarffed it down. It was awful but I didn't get sick or anything, score for me!
She and I talked for about half the ride to Novo, but when we stopped for the halfway break she talked to another older lady and I heard the word "sektanti which is what people that are against the Church call us. My babuska friend didn't talk to me the rest of the way to Novo after that :( .... I kind of felt bad I am here to help.
On to my next part of the story, I got to Novo stayed the night there and the next morning was getting on a train to Omsk, the office Elder's helped me get everything taken care of and well, normally we get a train that has a little cabin type thing, but not this time. I was stuck in the commercial class car, which consisted of 4 bunkbeds in each hallway, and 2 bunkbeds on the side between the aisle, I sat down on my spot and had a bugger of a time finding a place for all my luggage, when you live out of 3 suitcases for 2 years, things get interesting. but I got all situated and Elder nelson who was coming from Irikutsk was there with me. There were 4 people that were across the aisle from us and they were pretty drunk. We started talking to them due to the fact that they wanted to talk to us, and they tried to convince us that we hadn't been in Russia untill we'd had Russian Vodka. We told him "no" about 5 or 6 times before he got upset and told us that we were the rudest americans he'd ever met. He then asked us why we didn't drink and we had a good little conversation with him, and about how if he wanted to he could change is life for the better. Score for missionary work! He ended up just rolling over and falling asleep after.... Elder Nelson and I played monopoly, ate at the dinning car, and wrote some letters for about 9 hours it was way cool.
We were met by the entire zone in Omsk and it was awesome! Getting to know the area will be rough, it is just such a huge area! There are 3 branches, one district, and 8 elders, 2 sisters, and a senior couple. There are alot people here, more than in Tomsk that's for sure.
We had some meetings getting me use to the area, and then Sunday came. I asked Elder Espinoza if I should prepare a talk, and he was all, "nah, don't sweat it they will give you a week or 2 before they ask you to speak. So I didn't sweat it. We got to church Sunday, and the Second Counselor comes right up to me, Elder Eborn, our speakers didn't show up, will you speak for like 15-20 minutes on what ever you want? lol
I was just like, "ahhh yeah, no problem" SO I did, I spoke about Enduring to the End. I gave the analogy of running a marathon and how I felt at the end. It was cool. I had a whole bunch of people come up to me after and try to convince me to run the marathon here in Omsk here in a few weeks. I would totally be down with it! Just gotta get some permission from President! ha jk I'd die!
Elder Espinoza is actually in the Army Reserves, and got a 2 year leave to serve his mission. He has to stay in shape. We've been running every other day, as well as, doing some hardcore Army work outs. Who know's maybe I will come home in better shape than I thought I would!
We were walking home one night and this guy was looking at us weird, so we stopped by to talk to him, and he asked us if we really believed that our message could better people's lives, I said "da". Elder Espinoza said, "HET", Russian for no, we don't believe it, We Know it will". The guy's total attitude changed, instead of trying to argue, he asked how can I know? He has invited us over to his house for dinner tommorrow and wants us to teach him and his family! The power of a Testimony is Great, I know it's the quickest way to invite the Spirit, and it is why I am here.
I have had many experiences that have brought me to this point in my life, but the real thing that got me here, is my testimony. I know God lives, and that he loves us, He gave us his Son to help us get back to him and through his Gospel, which has been restored through a Prophet in our day, we can do that.
I challenge you all to share your testimony! Tell someone what you know, and see what happens.
I love you all. Thanks for the support, pleae keep the letters coming! I'm at nearly 7 months!
liveSTRONG,
Elder Eborn
Mom- Hey mom :) Thanks for the emails, you are awesome! I couldn't do it with out your support.... and way to snatch Garrett off the road with a sat dish lol. You're a hero. That's way cool about what you said though, it's one thing I've noticed here, is how reading your scriptures really does help, we can get so much out of them if we just set some time a side and make it a priority. Love you! :)
Dad- Alright mister.... those pictures were super trunky. I wanna go do a tri SO bad! Way to beat Tanner ha, but you're looking good, looks like you're getting thinner and staying in shape. I can't wait to get home and to do those with my best buds again!! (thats You and Tanner).
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Omsk Russia
Elder Eborn is riding the Transiberian Railroad to his new area. Omsk Russia.
In imperial times, Omsk was the seat of the Governor General of Western Siberia, and later of the Governor General of the Steppes. For a brief period during the Russian Civil War in 1918–1920, it served as the capital of the anti-Bolshevik Russian State and held the imperial gold reserves.
Omsk is the administrative centre of Siberian Cossack Voisko, it also serves as the see of the bishop of Omsk and Tara, as well as the administrative seat of the Imam of Siberia.
Location
Omsk is situated on the banks of the north-flowing Irtysh, at its confluence with the smaller Om River. The city has an altitude of 87 metres (285 ft) above sea level.
Both branches of the Trans-Siberian railway pass through the city, which also serves as a major junction for the regional highway network. River port facilities handle both passengers and freight, giving the city access to the extensive navigable waterways of the Irtysh and Ob rivers. The waterways connect Omsk with the coal and mineral-mining towns in Kazakhstan, as well as with the oil, natural gas and lumber operations of northern Siberia. Omsk is served by the Tsentralny Airport, which offers access to domestic and international (primarily, German and Kazakh) destinations, making the city an important aviation hub for Siberia and the Russian Far East.
Omsk (Russian: Омск) is a Russian city located in southwestern Siberia and the administrative center of Omsk Oblast. It is Russia's second-largest city east of the Ural Mountains. The distance from Omsk to Moscow is 2,700 kilometres (1,700 mi).
In imperial times, Omsk was the seat of the Governor General of Western Siberia, and later of the Governor General of the Steppes. For a brief period during the Russian Civil War in 1918–1920, it served as the capital of the anti-Bolshevik Russian State and held the imperial gold reserves.
Omsk is the administrative centre of Siberian Cossack Voisko, it also serves as the see of the bishop of Omsk and Tara, as well as the administrative seat of the Imam of Siberia.
Location
Omsk is situated on the banks of the north-flowing Irtysh, at its confluence with the smaller Om River. The city has an altitude of 87 metres (285 ft) above sea level.
Both branches of the Trans-Siberian railway pass through the city, which also serves as a major junction for the regional highway network. River port facilities handle both passengers and freight, giving the city access to the extensive navigable waterways of the Irtysh and Ob rivers. The waterways connect Omsk with the coal and mineral-mining towns in Kazakhstan, as well as with the oil, natural gas and lumber operations of northern Siberia. Omsk is served by the Tsentralny Airport, which offers access to domestic and international (primarily, German and Kazakh) destinations, making the city an important aviation hub for Siberia and the Russian Far East.
Farewell Tomsk...
Hey Family,
I hope things are going well for you, it is so good to hear from you all you have no idea! The highlight of P-days is when I get to hear from my family and friends, so thank you all for your letters and the prayers.
I guess I should start by telling you the news, I recieved a phone call from President Trejo last Saturday, and I am leaving Tomsk, actually I am leaving today in about 6 hours.
Apparently, I have grown out of my greeny missionary stage, and am being transfered to Omsk, Russia.
I know, just lost a "T" at the begining of my city, silly Russia. I have mixed feelings about leaving, I am excited to get to meet new people, to see a new city, and all the traveling that goes along it. For instance, I get to ride on the Transiberian Railroad! Oh yeah!! I am super excited about that! But, I will miss Tomsk. I've grown to quite like it here, the people here are wonderful... I love them.
The Lord has need of me in Omsk right now, so I will take a 5 hour bus ride to Novo, then hop on a train for 8 hours to Omsk. I am holding out for the big one next time....our mission has the world's longest transfer ( comes with being the biggest mission) it is a 48 hour train ride from Omsk to Ulana Day. How sick would that be? Well see what happens.
This last week has been super hectic, last minute meetings with investigators, members, packing all my stuff. (Being able to live out of a backpack has sure come in handy when it comes to having to live out of 3 suitcases for 2 years! I can pack up everything I own and be ready to go in under an hour.)
Elder Hansen and I have been reflecting on our last 3 months together and all that we have helped accomplish here in Tomsk. I'm a little sad that I will not be here to see my Investigator get Baptized next week, but man he's ready! I have made sure of that before I left. He's a good guy, he's ready for the gospel and he wants to do what is right. We have a lot of investigators that have just started to open up to us and are making some great progress, But I guess I will have to leave that for Elder Hansen to finish up with.
After I receieved my call from President, we had a rough lesson with a contact that just well it was bad, all he wanted to do was argue. At the end of the meeting Iwas not the happiest camper, but we got on the bus and were heading up to the branch for English and a song came on the bus radio, which could not help but make me smile. It brought me back to nights with Danny, being with my family and having mom singing it with the whole family in the car, and just a whole bunch of good times. Gotta love " I gotta feeling " by the Black Eyed Peas LOL. Tender Mercies of the Lord, that is just another proof that he knows us, and he does want us to be happy. He even knows when a missionary in Siberia is having a rough day and needs a little pick me up.
Sounds like the family reunion was fun. I miss playing at the lake. Unfortunately, everyone here has told us that summer is now over and the weather is only going to get colder from here---thats Siberia. Some of the leaves on the trees have even started to change colors. It kind of stinks but oh well, what was I expecting when I got called to Siberia? Palm trees?
Well family I have to go, I've got a bus to catch! I'll see you again next week! Only in OMSK!
God Lives and loves us, I am so glad I have the opportunity to help people understand that a little better. I love you all.
Thanks for the support and the love.
I couldn't do it without you.
liveSTRONG
Dad - I've been thinking alot about the whole evolution thing too, and as I've been studying the scriptures, it all just makes sense that things would be the way that they are. It's funny to try and explain to people about the whole concept of it all in Russian. I'm still not where I want to be but I'm getting there with the language. I love ya dad.
Mom - I've actually gained weight out here and no worries!
I hope things are going well for you, it is so good to hear from you all you have no idea! The highlight of P-days is when I get to hear from my family and friends, so thank you all for your letters and the prayers.
I guess I should start by telling you the news, I recieved a phone call from President Trejo last Saturday, and I am leaving Tomsk, actually I am leaving today in about 6 hours.
Apparently, I have grown out of my greeny missionary stage, and am being transfered to Omsk, Russia.
I know, just lost a "T" at the begining of my city, silly Russia. I have mixed feelings about leaving, I am excited to get to meet new people, to see a new city, and all the traveling that goes along it. For instance, I get to ride on the Transiberian Railroad! Oh yeah!! I am super excited about that! But, I will miss Tomsk. I've grown to quite like it here, the people here are wonderful... I love them.
The Lord has need of me in Omsk right now, so I will take a 5 hour bus ride to Novo, then hop on a train for 8 hours to Omsk. I am holding out for the big one next time....our mission has the world's longest transfer ( comes with being the biggest mission) it is a 48 hour train ride from Omsk to Ulana Day. How sick would that be? Well see what happens.
This last week has been super hectic, last minute meetings with investigators, members, packing all my stuff. (Being able to live out of a backpack has sure come in handy when it comes to having to live out of 3 suitcases for 2 years! I can pack up everything I own and be ready to go in under an hour.)
Elder Hansen and I have been reflecting on our last 3 months together and all that we have helped accomplish here in Tomsk. I'm a little sad that I will not be here to see my Investigator get Baptized next week, but man he's ready! I have made sure of that before I left. He's a good guy, he's ready for the gospel and he wants to do what is right. We have a lot of investigators that have just started to open up to us and are making some great progress, But I guess I will have to leave that for Elder Hansen to finish up with.
Elder Eborn, Alexy, and Elder Hansen July 2010
After I receieved my call from President, we had a rough lesson with a contact that just well it was bad, all he wanted to do was argue. At the end of the meeting Iwas not the happiest camper, but we got on the bus and were heading up to the branch for English and a song came on the bus radio, which could not help but make me smile. It brought me back to nights with Danny, being with my family and having mom singing it with the whole family in the car, and just a whole bunch of good times. Gotta love " I gotta feeling " by the Black Eyed Peas LOL. Tender Mercies of the Lord, that is just another proof that he knows us, and he does want us to be happy. He even knows when a missionary in Siberia is having a rough day and needs a little pick me up.
Sounds like the family reunion was fun. I miss playing at the lake. Unfortunately, everyone here has told us that summer is now over and the weather is only going to get colder from here---thats Siberia. Some of the leaves on the trees have even started to change colors. It kind of stinks but oh well, what was I expecting when I got called to Siberia? Palm trees?
Well family I have to go, I've got a bus to catch! I'll see you again next week! Only in OMSK!
God Lives and loves us, I am so glad I have the opportunity to help people understand that a little better. I love you all.
Thanks for the support and the love.
I couldn't do it without you.
liveSTRONG
Dad - I've been thinking alot about the whole evolution thing too, and as I've been studying the scriptures, it all just makes sense that things would be the way that they are. It's funny to try and explain to people about the whole concept of it all in Russian. I'm still not where I want to be but I'm getting there with the language. I love ya dad.
Mom - I've actually gained weight out here and no worries!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Early Birthday Wish to My Dad
BADGER,
Happy birthday!
I know it's a little early but well, Wednesdays only come once a week.
Dad, I just wanted to say thanks for everything , you're my best friend, I've always known I could always count on you and that you'd always be there for me. I look up to you big time, and I know that I wouldn't be where I am without you're example. I love ya Dad.
Livestrong,
Elder Eborn in Russia
Happy birthday!
I know it's a little early but well, Wednesdays only come once a week.
Dad, I just wanted to say thanks for everything , you're my best friend, I've always known I could always count on you and that you'd always be there for me. I look up to you big time, and I know that I wouldn't be where I am without you're example. I love ya Dad.
Livestrong,
Elder Eborn in Russia
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
but I Believe
How are you all doing? I hope Maddie's arm is alright, that sounds like not to much fun getting--- burned. I am glad the cookies turned out pretty good though!. I will be looking forward to the package :) who know's maybe it will get here by Christmas! jk Elder Frolich and Whitchurch have gotten packages in a month at the quickest. However, Elder Hansen has been waiting for a package that was sent in January and still hasn't gotten here. Gotta love the fact that I'm on the other side of the world!!
Sounds like Dad and Tanner's high adventure will be fun. I told a story in English Club last night about how we went to the Bahamas and found a Tombstone. Made me want to go diving way bad!! Plus going wake boarding for a couple days would be just amazing. 18 months and we'll see what happens right?
Anyway, This week was way good! Elder Hansen and I have just been trying way hard to get the goals we set for this transfer, and we are almost there! We get Transfer calls this Friday so I might be emailing you from another city in Siberia next week..... we'll see what happens.
One of the goals we set was to have2 solid baptismal dates before the end of the transfer. Last Thursday, we had a meeting with one of our Investigator's who is progressing. We invited him to be baptized on the 31st of July! He sat there for a few minutes then looked at us and said, "да я хочу" it was so awesome!! We've met with him a few times since then and are getting him ready for his baptism. The only thing---is that I may not be here for it... depending on what happens Friday... I really want to be here one more transfer, but I know the Lord will put me where ever he knows I will do the most good.
Since then though, another investigator has been reading more and more of the Book of Mormon and it's been way good for him. He's been telling us how much he likes it more and more as he reads! Last night we had a meeting and we invited a member to help us out. She's is way solid...she loves having us over and feeds us! Anyway, we met with them both and started to talk about the questions for the baptisimal interview. She asked him if he knew that The Book of Mormon was the word of God, and if he knew Joseph Smith was a prophet. He looked at her and said, "I can't say that I know for sure but I believe what the Elder's have taught me is true. She then looked at me and said he's not ready for baptism. I looked down at the baptisimal interview questions and read them aloud. Every one of them asked not if they had a testimony, but if they believed. It made me think of my life and how things in my life have built my testimony into what it is today.
This individual has been investigating the Church for a total of about12 weeks, I've been a member of the church for 12 years, and my testimony is still growing. We told her that he was ready and that he needed to nourish the seed in order for it to grow, and this is one of the steps that he needs to take in order to do that. I am so greatful for my parents who helped me learn and grown into what I am today and that I have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. Everyone needs that opportunity and I am glad I can help them along the path.
I may have a lot to learn here in this life, but I am sure glad that i have the opporunity to do it.
Well gang, I love you all, the computer is flashing 5 minute warnings at me so I'd better get going.
I love you all!
I hope all is well and that you're having fun :
BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER
LiveSTRONG,
Elder Eborn!
Danny- No way that is so sick! ha We are going to have some awesome stories to tell each other when we get done with these 2 years! How's you're new area? Did you get a new comp too? What's it like over there man? Sorry lot's of questions. We'll catch up in a few years, Just remember to look out for the Chupacabra, I hear he's loose out there in Belgium! SHALOM MY FRIEND!
I love ya big guy!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I Feel Good When You Pray
I hope all is well back at home, another week here in Tomsk has flown by! I've been kind of sick (stuffy nose and some sinus stuff) but no worries (mom), nothing a good day of missionary work can't fix! SO I guess you got that email of me dancing and stuff ha, let's just say that I was a little excited to hear some music other than efy or motab lol.
Weather wise, this week has been good it's super humid and muggy due to the rain and the heat, it is Siberia and I love it! There are a ton of people on the street and it make's it way easy to contact and talk to people about our message. We've been getting al ot of new people at English which is good, as you saw lol yesterday for English we had a little 4th of July party! It was way fun ...we made apple pie, american pancakes (they were just easy to make in mass quantity) and of course ROOTBEER!! It was so fun to watch some peoples reactions. They don't have Rootbeer over here so we had to make it from scratch which was super delicous! When you send me a package anytime soon, buy me some rootbeer extract! :) ha but it was way fun. I dont know why or how, but i got talked into being the MC for the thing, and well it turned out pretty good, we played some COPE games to get to know people, and then we played quite a few other games that where just way fun!
Investigator wise, we've been working hard and trying to get people ready to make the commitment to be baptized! ..Well it's been rough, we've been working with a couple of people that have been slowly progressing, but they've been progressing. One individual is a man about 65 years old and he's a famous artist in Siberia that wants to find God and has taken a liking to our Church. He's come to Church for the last 5 sundays and meets with us about once a week. He's way cool and very patient with our limited Russian skills. Yesterday we had a meeting with him. and he told us that he will get baptized once he has decided for himself if our church is true or not. That may not sound like much but he loves our church and loves coming to sacrament and reading from the book of mormon! I have no doubt that he will receive his answer and find the truth he seeks.
Another individual, yesterday we had a miracle! At the end of every meeting, we ask him to pray and he always says no. but yesterday he asked us, "Elders, will you teach me how to pray like you do? I feel good when you pray and I want to be able to do it." We taught him how to pray and he gave a simple prayer to close our meeting. I was so happy after that meeting! :) It's amazing to me how prayer works, really. I never realised how important it is, communication with our Heavenly Father is such a great thing. we can feel his love and talk to him about anything, and we will know that he is always there to listen!
Well family, sounds like you're all having fun and doing well.
Keep me in you're prayers and you'll all be in mine!
Livestrong
Elder Eborn
Tanner - Sweet shoes big guy ...and way to google translate some stuff! It was almost all understandable too! some stuff just doesn't translate from Russian to English . It makes this language just that much harder..but yea love ya bro, keep me in your prayers.
The B! - I love your guts!! You big 10 year old! Happy Birthday! :)
Mega Shake - Hey sis i love ya :) Keep on being awesome.
Weather wise, this week has been good it's super humid and muggy due to the rain and the heat, it is Siberia and I love it! There are a ton of people on the street and it make's it way easy to contact and talk to people about our message. We've been getting al ot of new people at English which is good, as you saw lol yesterday for English we had a little 4th of July party! It was way fun ...we made apple pie, american pancakes (they were just easy to make in mass quantity) and of course ROOTBEER!! It was so fun to watch some peoples reactions. They don't have Rootbeer over here so we had to make it from scratch which was super delicous! When you send me a package anytime soon, buy me some rootbeer extract! :) ha but it was way fun. I dont know why or how, but i got talked into being the MC for the thing, and well it turned out pretty good, we played some COPE games to get to know people, and then we played quite a few other games that where just way fun!
Investigator wise, we've been working hard and trying to get people ready to make the commitment to be baptized! ..Well it's been rough, we've been working with a couple of people that have been slowly progressing, but they've been progressing. One individual is a man about 65 years old and he's a famous artist in Siberia that wants to find God and has taken a liking to our Church. He's come to Church for the last 5 sundays and meets with us about once a week. He's way cool and very patient with our limited Russian skills. Yesterday we had a meeting with him. and he told us that he will get baptized once he has decided for himself if our church is true or not. That may not sound like much but he loves our church and loves coming to sacrament and reading from the book of mormon! I have no doubt that he will receive his answer and find the truth he seeks.
Another individual, yesterday we had a miracle! At the end of every meeting, we ask him to pray and he always says no. but yesterday he asked us, "Elders, will you teach me how to pray like you do? I feel good when you pray and I want to be able to do it." We taught him how to pray and he gave a simple prayer to close our meeting. I was so happy after that meeting! :) It's amazing to me how prayer works, really. I never realised how important it is, communication with our Heavenly Father is such a great thing. we can feel his love and talk to him about anything, and we will know that he is always there to listen!
Well family, sounds like you're all having fun and doing well.
Keep me in you're prayers and you'll all be in mine!
Livestrong
Elder Eborn
Tanner - Sweet shoes big guy ...and way to google translate some stuff! It was almost all understandable too! some stuff just doesn't translate from Russian to English . It makes this language just that much harder..but yea love ya bro, keep me in your prayers.
The B! - I love your guts!! You big 10 year old! Happy Birthday! :)
Mega Shake - Hey sis i love ya :) Keep on being awesome.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A Tie Around My Neck
What is up Family?
How are things back home? Sounds like you're having alot of fun and keeping busy. That's always a good thing. That's how our days have been here, just super busy...Pday comes around and it's like ahhh 7 hours where I can hear from people, and relax a little bit, but by 6:00 I am wanting to get back to work! It's super weird to be in regular clothes, if i don't have a tie around my neck I kind of feel naked... oh well.
Today is one of the other Elder's birthdays here in Tomsk so Elder Hansen and I built him a cake or something....you'd be proud we did it all from scratch!! Even the frosting was home made! If I do say so myself it is a pretty yummy looking cake ( it is chocolate of course (dad!) any ways so we woke up this morning around 5, due to the fact that the sun was up already and like beaming threw the window.
So we got up dressed and decided it would be a good idea to break into the other Elder's apartment and wake up Elder Whitchurch with a good ole fashioned ninja birthday suprise!! It was way funny we were there before 6:30 and grabbed him out of his bed and it was way fun especially in our ninja(ish) clothes. It brought me back to my days with Dan-theMa kidnapping damsel's in distress and having to fight off disgruntled guys and a moms lol.
We are going to rent bikes today and go do some mountian biking around here. There are some sweet trails we found while doing service and I was just dying to try them out! So we're gunna :) expect... epic pics next week lol I hope or a phone call saying I died.
Elder Hansen and I were contacting Sunday night on our way home and there was no one on the street. So we just walked and talked like we do and all of a sudden there was someone like following us. So we turned and sure enough there was this girl, who was following us...she asked us in Russian, are you missionaries? "Yeah"? we replied "from Utah?" she asked. "I am" I replied...then she started jumping up and down and was smiling way big and called her friend to come over to us.
She explained that she had lived in Pleasant Groove, Utah for the last year with an LDS Family that she had just gotten back to Russia 3 days ago and was totally home sick for Utah. Crazy how small of a world it is we live in! She said she'd come to English---every time so she could talk to the missionairs and that she wants to meet with us. We'll see what happens. I told her my last name and I guess she found dad on facebook and stuff. She came to English yesterday and introduced me to one of her friends as Jason Taylor Eborn. Ha, for one, I haven't heard anyone call me anything but Elder for the last six months and for two she new like my whole name ha kind of freaked me out a bit---guess that is the blogs. It was cool too, we're going to try and meet with her family this week. миачы man!
Can you believe that I am 1/4 of the way done with my mission?! Goodness, and I still struggle speaking Russian, бли good thing I've still got another 18 months to figure it out. Well family, I love you! have a great 4th of July. I think we are going to have a 4th of July event at English class and try to make an apple pie... ha well see what happens.
liveSTRONG!
старейшина ИБОРН!!!
Mom - thanks for the financial update I will check. I'm needing a new watch due to the fact that I was wrestling a couple of people and my ironman timex one I brought broke... but I won the wrestling :) so I'll be buying just something that will do me until I can get a new one.. maybe a good christmas present. But yeah, I'll be getting winter gear probably next week or so....I love ya mommy :) thanks for always taking care of me even when I'm on the otherside of the world!!
P.S. Invite the Elders over for dinner and treat them good ha! Help them find people to teach. Everyone could benefit from what we have to share.
Tanner- Hey broha. whats cracking? Things here are good, just doing things we missionaries do and partying it up! Only like we missionaries do! How's life? Haven't heard from ya in a bit...but I guess when I get back you and I? Working at Camp one last hoorah huh? I'm down. You can be one of my high adventure rangers while I'm the High Adventure Director muahaha! Well hermano I love ya. Keep doing what's right.
Sisters---Love you, don't grow up too fast please.
Danny- Bro, we are like 1/4 of the way done and I don't feel like I've done anything :( I will keep working my tail off and things will happen! See ya in 18 months big guy! We got a lot of stuff to do!!
How are things back home? Sounds like you're having alot of fun and keeping busy. That's always a good thing. That's how our days have been here, just super busy...Pday comes around and it's like ahhh 7 hours where I can hear from people, and relax a little bit, but by 6:00 I am wanting to get back to work! It's super weird to be in regular clothes, if i don't have a tie around my neck I kind of feel naked... oh well.
Today is one of the other Elder's birthdays here in Tomsk so Elder Hansen and I built him a cake or something....you'd be proud we did it all from scratch!! Even the frosting was home made! If I do say so myself it is a pretty yummy looking cake ( it is chocolate of course (dad!) any ways so we woke up this morning around 5, due to the fact that the sun was up already and like beaming threw the window.
So we got up dressed and decided it would be a good idea to break into the other Elder's apartment and wake up Elder Whitchurch with a good ole fashioned ninja birthday suprise!! It was way funny we were there before 6:30 and grabbed him out of his bed and it was way fun especially in our ninja(ish) clothes. It brought me back to my days with Dan-theMa kidnapping damsel's in distress and having to fight off disgruntled guys and a moms lol.
We are going to rent bikes today and go do some mountian biking around here. There are some sweet trails we found while doing service and I was just dying to try them out! So we're gunna :) expect... epic pics next week lol I hope or a phone call saying I died.
Elder Hansen and I were contacting Sunday night on our way home and there was no one on the street. So we just walked and talked like we do and all of a sudden there was someone like following us. So we turned and sure enough there was this girl, who was following us...she asked us in Russian, are you missionaries? "Yeah"? we replied "from Utah?" she asked. "I am" I replied...then she started jumping up and down and was smiling way big and called her friend to come over to us.
She explained that she had lived in Pleasant Groove, Utah for the last year with an LDS Family that she had just gotten back to Russia 3 days ago and was totally home sick for Utah. Crazy how small of a world it is we live in! She said she'd come to English---every time so she could talk to the missionairs and that she wants to meet with us. We'll see what happens. I told her my last name and I guess she found dad on facebook and stuff. She came to English yesterday and introduced me to one of her friends as Jason Taylor Eborn. Ha, for one, I haven't heard anyone call me anything but Elder for the last six months and for two she new like my whole name ha kind of freaked me out a bit---guess that is the blogs. It was cool too, we're going to try and meet with her family this week. миачы man!
Can you believe that I am 1/4 of the way done with my mission?! Goodness, and I still struggle speaking Russian, бли good thing I've still got another 18 months to figure it out. Well family, I love you! have a great 4th of July. I think we are going to have a 4th of July event at English class and try to make an apple pie... ha well see what happens.
liveSTRONG!
старейшина ИБОРН!!!
Mom - thanks for the financial update I will check. I'm needing a new watch due to the fact that I was wrestling a couple of people and my ironman timex one I brought broke... but I won the wrestling :) so I'll be buying just something that will do me until I can get a new one.. maybe a good christmas present. But yeah, I'll be getting winter gear probably next week or so....I love ya mommy :) thanks for always taking care of me even when I'm on the otherside of the world!!
P.S. Invite the Elders over for dinner and treat them good ha! Help them find people to teach. Everyone could benefit from what we have to share.
Tanner- Hey broha. whats cracking? Things here are good, just doing things we missionaries do and partying it up! Only like we missionaries do! How's life? Haven't heard from ya in a bit...but I guess when I get back you and I? Working at Camp one last hoorah huh? I'm down. You can be one of my high adventure rangers while I'm the High Adventure Director muahaha! Well hermano I love ya. Keep doing what's right.
Sisters---Love you, don't grow up too fast please.
Danny- Bro, we are like 1/4 of the way done and I don't feel like I've done anything :( I will keep working my tail off and things will happen! See ya in 18 months big guy! We got a lot of stuff to do!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Through The Savior I Can Do Anything
Sorry the last few weeks have been a little weird with emailing and all, it has just been a hectic couple of weeks. We just got back from yet another trip to Novo for Zone Conference. Five hours on a bus really has starting to give me a crick in the neck I tell ya. It's all good though a couple hours on a bus gives me some time to catch up on some much neededzzz's. But as Danny and I always say, "We'll sleep when we're dead!!"
Zoneconference was great we heard some stuff that really will help me with my work here in Tomsk and also, gave me a bigger resolve to do better. It's funny sometimes you think you are giving all you have and then you get a little revival of energy and you realize that you want to give even more! We watched this slide show called Reflections of Christ, it was so powerful. You have the book Mom, but they did a new version called AnotherTestament and man, I cried like a baby lol.
I really am so grateful for my Savior, I know that he really did suffer for me personally and I know that through him I can do anything. He gives me strength that I didn't know I had, and I can really feel his help in the work that I am trying to do here. The people here in Russia, really need to know what he has done for them and that the Plan has been set and the Power to do the things he has asked us to do is again on the earth. We have a meeting with a contact tonight and I am very excited to give him the chance to find out for himself through the Book of Mormon.
As for Investigators and people that we've been working with we are just trying to help people feel the spirit and want to do better. We've been working with a individual who has been investigating the Church for nearly 16 years and knows the scriptures better than we do! However, has never accepted a baptismal commitment, we jokingly call him the most active nonmember in the world! He comes to everything but hasn't accepted our invitation to be baptized. Aftercoming home from the Temple and after this Zone Conference I have some new ideas about how to help him, and I am feeling really good about it.
We've also been working with a man, who is an older man probably 65-70 and he is an artist. Like a way good artist he is famous in Russia and it's really a great opportunity to teach him. Then comesAlexey. I think tonight we're going to talk to him about baptism so ha yeah, keep them in your prayers, they need some help (I mean look at the missionary they've got working with them ha they will deffinetly need some help!)
Well that's about it for my week. I guess, I will answer mom's (funny mom).
Ø The new couple from Eagle, are they the new business couple? Replacing theSimmons?yeah the Mckally's are the new business couple and they are way cool.
Ø Did you tell them that you Love Bishop Edwards? Did they know theMoorehouses?of course! we talk about it almost everytime im in Novo.
Ø The Trip to Finland: Did you have any issues?No issue's in Finland ha almost missed our flight but i ran and stopped theflight, i said wait!!! im a missionary and they waited lol jk. but all wasgood we made it alright
Ø Did the Finland missionaries pick you up? If so, did you see Elder Bryant(Uncle Stan’s Nephew) by chance?nope, we were compeltely on our own didn't see anyone or missionaries..maybe next timeØ Where did you stay in Finland?we stayed at the Temple Hostel it was legit
Ø Do you need to buy a new suit yet?I actually bought a new suit yesterday ha kak raz! . My otherones aren't doing so hot dang Mr Mac. So this one is a dark grey and looks really good I like it alot.
Ø Have you purchased your winter wear yet?not yet, but im going to next month while they are all on sale. so dont besupprised if there is not a lot of money on my account ha gotta buy me someboots, coat, shapka and gloves so itll be a little pricey... but better thancoming home with frost bite right :)
Ø Who cuts your hair? we go to the salon by our house. ha mullets are so in here (oigh)
Ø Where do you email us from?we use a net cafe in the center of the city to email home, it's like 100rubles for an hour so yeah.
Ø Did you get a new Comp?nope! still green and greener here in tomsk!
Ø Is your Comp nice/good?yeah lol he is awesome
Ø How is the new apartment?its good we have a pull up bar now!
Ø Do you know I love you? Yeah, Mommy I know and I love you :) thank you for everything you've taught me and how to become the man that I need to be while I'm here and throughout my life. I love you!
Ø Are you OK? Yep! all is well in Siberia
Ø Do you need anything? A package would be cool but you might just want to wait and send one for Christmas. Also my debit card will expire like next year and I will need a new one idk but well figure it out later- all the efy cd's ever made! ha and the jospeh tribute cd.
LiveSTRONG
Elder Eborn
Dad- Hey pops happy Fathers day!, thanks for being one of my best friends and for your example to me i love ya badger.
Maddie- thanks for the letter B :) how about you suprise me where we go inanother 18 months alright?
Elder Danny- Dude ha I got to go to the Temple and buy some Finish Chocolate it was legit. I have to go there every 3 months for a new Visa! How crazy ist hat. It was fun though. So your investigator with a B-day dropped you? Bummer man. I know how that feels the work has been pretty rough here some mornings it's hard just to get out of bed but we need to remember that Christ suffered for all that they could have the chance to besaved, and we've gotta make sure they get that chance. I love ya elderthema! keep up the good work! hope to hear from ya soon!Elder Jtizzle
Zoneconference was great we heard some stuff that really will help me with my work here in Tomsk and also, gave me a bigger resolve to do better. It's funny sometimes you think you are giving all you have and then you get a little revival of energy and you realize that you want to give even more! We watched this slide show called Reflections of Christ, it was so powerful. You have the book Mom, but they did a new version called AnotherTestament and man, I cried like a baby lol.
I really am so grateful for my Savior, I know that he really did suffer for me personally and I know that through him I can do anything. He gives me strength that I didn't know I had, and I can really feel his help in the work that I am trying to do here. The people here in Russia, really need to know what he has done for them and that the Plan has been set and the Power to do the things he has asked us to do is again on the earth. We have a meeting with a contact tonight and I am very excited to give him the chance to find out for himself through the Book of Mormon.
As for Investigators and people that we've been working with we are just trying to help people feel the spirit and want to do better. We've been working with a individual who has been investigating the Church for nearly 16 years and knows the scriptures better than we do! However, has never accepted a baptismal commitment, we jokingly call him the most active nonmember in the world! He comes to everything but hasn't accepted our invitation to be baptized. Aftercoming home from the Temple and after this Zone Conference I have some new ideas about how to help him, and I am feeling really good about it.
We've also been working with a man, who is an older man probably 65-70 and he is an artist. Like a way good artist he is famous in Russia and it's really a great opportunity to teach him. Then comesAlexey. I think tonight we're going to talk to him about baptism so ha yeah, keep them in your prayers, they need some help (I mean look at the missionary they've got working with them ha they will deffinetly need some help!)
Well that's about it for my week. I guess, I will answer mom's (funny mom).
Ø The new couple from Eagle, are they the new business couple? Replacing theSimmons?yeah the Mckally's are the new business couple and they are way cool.
Ø Did you tell them that you Love Bishop Edwards? Did they know theMoorehouses?of course! we talk about it almost everytime im in Novo.
Ø The Trip to Finland: Did you have any issues?No issue's in Finland ha almost missed our flight but i ran and stopped theflight, i said wait!!! im a missionary and they waited lol jk. but all wasgood we made it alright
Ø Did the Finland missionaries pick you up? If so, did you see Elder Bryant(Uncle Stan’s Nephew) by chance?nope, we were compeltely on our own didn't see anyone or missionaries..maybe next timeØ Where did you stay in Finland?we stayed at the Temple Hostel it was legit
Ø Do you need to buy a new suit yet?I actually bought a new suit yesterday ha kak raz! . My otherones aren't doing so hot dang Mr Mac. So this one is a dark grey and looks really good I like it alot.
Ø Have you purchased your winter wear yet?not yet, but im going to next month while they are all on sale. so dont besupprised if there is not a lot of money on my account ha gotta buy me someboots, coat, shapka and gloves so itll be a little pricey... but better thancoming home with frost bite right :)
Ø Who cuts your hair? we go to the salon by our house. ha mullets are so in here (oigh)
Ø Where do you email us from?we use a net cafe in the center of the city to email home, it's like 100rubles for an hour so yeah.
Ø Did you get a new Comp?nope! still green and greener here in tomsk!
Ø Is your Comp nice/good?yeah lol he is awesome
Ø How is the new apartment?its good we have a pull up bar now!
Ø Do you know I love you? Yeah, Mommy I know and I love you :) thank you for everything you've taught me and how to become the man that I need to be while I'm here and throughout my life. I love you!
Ø Are you OK? Yep! all is well in Siberia
Ø Do you need anything? A package would be cool but you might just want to wait and send one for Christmas. Also my debit card will expire like next year and I will need a new one idk but well figure it out later- all the efy cd's ever made! ha and the jospeh tribute cd.
LiveSTRONG
Elder Eborn
Dad- Hey pops happy Fathers day!, thanks for being one of my best friends and for your example to me i love ya badger.
Maddie- thanks for the letter B :) how about you suprise me where we go inanother 18 months alright?
Elder Danny- Dude ha I got to go to the Temple and buy some Finish Chocolate it was legit. I have to go there every 3 months for a new Visa! How crazy ist hat. It was fun though. So your investigator with a B-day dropped you? Bummer man. I know how that feels the work has been pretty rough here some mornings it's hard just to get out of bed but we need to remember that Christ suffered for all that they could have the chance to besaved, and we've gotta make sure they get that chance. I love ya elderthema! keep up the good work! hope to hear from ya soon!Elder Jtizzle
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Far Away But Not Forgotten
I have a lot to tell you all so I hope I have enough time to get it all in! I've had a super busy couple of weeks!
Last week as you know Elder Richard G. Scott came here (to Novo) and spoke one night to the members of our mission it was SO cool, we ended up renting out a movie theatre in Novo and have everyone come there and listen to what he had to say. Unfortunately, our investigator, from Tomsk, did not come.
Elder Scott gave this talk about the importance of the Temple and how everyone of us--- full time missionaries need to be looking forward togetting married when we get home, yeah that didn't make me super trunkyor miss a certain someone at all.... Anyway, he opened the floor for any questions and a investigator (we know well) stands up and asks, '' are you going to answer any question..." Right then, Elder Hansen and I look at each other and just go bright red---I was so worried about what was about to come out of his mouth--you have no idea! He asked if Elder Scott had ever heard of the Prophecies of 2012. Everyone kind of laughed and those of us who knew him were red faced. Elder Scott, stood there looked at this individual and said, "as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can tell you the World Will Not End in 2012" So looks like we've got some more time.
The next day we had a chance to meet with the just the missionaries, it was so cool. He started off by telling us that we are the farthest away mission from SLC, and that we are far away but not forgotten. He then asked for 2 volunteers from those of us wearing nametags ha, The night before he had talked about how when we put ourself on the line we allow the Holy Ghost to work through us. SO Elder Hansen and I both looked at each other as our hands shot into the air.
We ended up teaching a first lesson to the senior couple the McKally's who are from Eagle Idaho (...and yes know Bishop Edwards (ha small world huh). We taught them, with Elder Scott sitting right next to us listening to every word we said! I was terrified.
Then I remembered that, I do this like everyday and it shouldn't make a big deal who was sitting next to me. When w/he had finished he asked for some suggestions of how we could improved from the audience and what we did good. I know we have a lot to work I am not the perfect missionary, but when everyone had finished commenting he stood up and said, "these Elders did better than I ever could have imagined, They taught with the Spirit and I could feel it" I was awe. An Apostle of The Church told me that he could feel the Spirit through me. It was the coolest ever... Then later in the day, he talked to us about the importance of memorizing scriptures, he asked for some more volunteers to recite some scriptures suddenly I realized "hey is my hand in the air again?" and he said yes "Elder Eborn let's hear it....the next thing I knew I was reciting James 1:5 to Elder Scott but not in English in Russian!. I finished and was just like holy crap idk what has gotten into me today"!
The end of the meeting he made a joke about where we were serving and how hard it is. He said, "you Elders and Sisters are truly out here where the devil lost his Poncho..." it was such a cool experience I got to shake his handand look into his eyes just a way cool experience for me!
The next day I got to go to Finland!! Crazy to think I've already used an entire Visa and had to go get a new one. We got to stay the night with the senior couple and man, that was probably the best meal I've had since getting to Russia! We need a senior couple here in Tomsk! (wink wink Grandma and Grandpa Eborn)
I flew to Moscow, where I got to eat a Cheeseburger at the TGI Fridays (ah it was heavenly), Farshhamburgers just aren't the same lol. when we got in to Finland and it was so different (everything was clean, there were no cigarette buds on the ground and the air was fresh---it was like a mini vacation well sort of....) I got to take a hot shower :) take a nap, and go to theTemple.
The Temple in Finland is Beautiful! I can't describe how good it felt to be back in the Temple and to be able to feel that Spirit! It was so great, a recharge..after a day, I started miss the Motherland. (There was no one yelling at me :) jk) It was good to be there but, it is good to be back in Russia and to get back to work. Elder Hansen left on his Visa trip about an hour ago so I will be with a mini missionary named Sergei he's a member here who is actually from some little island off Japan that is still Russia.
I need your prayers!
Well I hope all is well with you all, I miss you all like crazy and I love you! Keep on keeping on!
LIVEstrong,
Elder Eborn
Mom & Dad - Sorry I didn't have time to read you're emails this week I printed them off so I can read them and write back next week, I hope all is good and that you had fun in Orlando! I love you thank you for all you do!
Tanner- Dude, you need to watch a couple of movies for me via proxy (like baptisms for the dead). You can say "I am watching Nacho Libre For and inbalf of Elder Eborn, who is on a mission". So watch for me Hot Rod, Bill and Ted, and just all those great movies for me and laugh on my behalf knowing I wish I was with you!
Elder M (Danny) Dude I was like a few hundred miles from your mission! Love ya big guy, Keep running we got souls out there! Remember we can sleep when we're dead!
Elder Carnahan (Chase!) You are almost/finally in the field huh? That is so sick! You are in a completely different realm of the world than I, and I can't wait to hear about your stories! I love ya man remember, Pray like everything depends on God, then Get up and work like everything depends on you. Thats how miracles happen!! Plus we can sleep when we're dead!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Letters From Elder Mueller
Elder Eborn has many friends that are out serving missions. Elder Mueller is one of them! They have been friends since they were little boys, when we lived in South Weber during his elementary days. He and Danny, have hung pretty close; even when Elder Eborn's parents moved him around the states a bit.
I have been sending Elder Mueller's letters to Russia.
I decided to start putting up his letter's here to keep track of him, since I am keeping this as a journal for Elder Eborn. I smile, when I read their letters because they often say the say things. You can tell they grew up together. Another thing to note, Maddie (Elder Eborn's little sister) has a special place for Danny.
At first, it was a love/hate relationship, but as Elder Mueller got older, I think he realized he had pretty good fan. Seriously, she use to charge him to pet Scout!
Hello Elder Eborn! (and family)
SO I keep seeing big Brown labs all over and want to pet them. Wow I miss Scout! (and you too Maddie!) The same goes for everyone. I´m glad you asked about the Dutch, because for this week; I can honestly say it is GREAT! I feel really confident with it lately! I give a talk this coming sunday as well. ha sweet..... I am going with Oma and Opa De Jonge to go and see the whole province of Groningen today so I must be fast. But Oma and Opa De Jonge ROCK! They had like 9 kids that now have all of THEIR own families which are all so strong in the church and make up most of the strength in this Stake and in most of Nederland. All from ONE couple conversion! It gives me hope! (we have a sweet new couple that will be new investigators this week) I´ll let you know how it goes!
Well bud, now is our time to work. Remember, you can sleep when you´re dead!
Elder Dan
06-14-2010
Jt, I miss you man.... Everytime we have a Joint Teach and I write "JT" in my planner, I miss you more!
This morning I picked up one of our Russian Book of Mormons..... I hope you are doing alright brother. That is NUTS! Russian....
What's even more nuts is how crazy Europeans get over their soccer! People are dressed, and painted in Orange, blowing air horns, painting their bikes, all because Nederland is playing today. The game is being projected here in the library. You need to see the streets here. Streams of orange flags span the streets, between the apartment buildings. All I see is young college guys hauling GIANT things of beer on the back of their bikes to the nearest party.... We'll tell them about the Word of Wisdom next week.... Hope you are having just as much fun!
Tot zo! Elder Dan
I have been sending Elder Mueller's letters to Russia.
I decided to start putting up his letter's here to keep track of him, since I am keeping this as a journal for Elder Eborn. I smile, when I read their letters because they often say the say things. You can tell they grew up together. Another thing to note, Maddie (Elder Eborn's little sister) has a special place for Danny.
At first, it was a love/hate relationship, but as Elder Mueller got older, I think he realized he had pretty good fan. Seriously, she use to charge him to pet Scout!
Hello Elder Eborn! (and family)
SO I keep seeing big Brown labs all over and want to pet them. Wow I miss Scout! (and you too Maddie!) The same goes for everyone. I´m glad you asked about the Dutch, because for this week; I can honestly say it is GREAT! I feel really confident with it lately! I give a talk this coming sunday as well. ha sweet..... I am going with Oma and Opa De Jonge to go and see the whole province of Groningen today so I must be fast. But Oma and Opa De Jonge ROCK! They had like 9 kids that now have all of THEIR own families which are all so strong in the church and make up most of the strength in this Stake and in most of Nederland. All from ONE couple conversion! It gives me hope! (we have a sweet new couple that will be new investigators this week) I´ll let you know how it goes!
Well bud, now is our time to work. Remember, you can sleep when you´re dead!
Elder Dan
06-14-2010
Jt, I miss you man.... Everytime we have a Joint Teach and I write "JT" in my planner, I miss you more!
This morning I picked up one of our Russian Book of Mormons..... I hope you are doing alright brother. That is NUTS! Russian....
What's even more nuts is how crazy Europeans get over their soccer! People are dressed, and painted in Orange, blowing air horns, painting their bikes, all because Nederland is playing today. The game is being projected here in the library. You need to see the streets here. Streams of orange flags span the streets, between the apartment buildings. All I see is young college guys hauling GIANT things of beer on the back of their bikes to the nearest party.... We'll tell them about the Word of Wisdom next week.... Hope you are having just as much fun!
Tot zo! Elder Dan
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