Week 75

Wow...

 

Haha I just got an email from my hero Kash.. Thats so weird. He's home! Haha! Dang.. Time has gone by so fast. LOVE HIM!

Well this week has been a sweet week! The town of Knoxville is a funny little town.. But there are a lot of people who are ready for the gospel thats for sure.. We've been focusing on Part-Member families, and thats seemed to really work out for us these last couple days! We've been able to teach about the power and security of an eternal family.. And how wonderful that  reality is.. It made me realize how lucky I am to have the family that I do! Born in the Gospel.. Under the covenant.. Man.. What more could someone ask for??

 

We also spent some time in a town called Pella Iowa.. Its a crazy little town thats for sure.. It was settled by the dutch, and they make the greatest pastries i've ever tasted in my life.. oh goodness.. I would fly all the way back to Pella Iowa just to eat one. Haha.. But its a very clean cut town (which is rare out here.. haha) The streets are very clean, the houses are all in good shape, the grass is green. Pretty cool. But the people are most definitely well off and don't want to do much to do with us. haha.. I can handle the rejections, and the stupid rumors about the church.. Those don't get to me.. But when a car full of people drive by us and point and laugh for some reason it just wells up inside... Grrr... Haha! I didn't say anything don't worry.. But I thought about it! Haha.. My mission is teaching me good things! Like how to be the bigger person! :)

 

Anyways.. We have been working with this Lady's who's husband has been innactive for the last 15 years..  Her name is Christina, and let me tell you, she can knit things like there is no tomorrow.. Its incredible.. I'll have to send some pictures to you guys next week! She seriously does the most amazing things with a ball of yarn. SO coool.. But anyways.. She has been a gem to teach.. So fun. She's got a Scottish English accent, and she grew up in the Northeast of England. She's had some rough experiences in life but the Gospel is bringing her happiness.. And she recognizes that..

When we first met her she said in her accent.. "Now boys.. I want in on your secret" And we asked what secret.. And she said.. "Why are you guys smilin all the time..? Do ya know somethin I don't?" Ha its really cool to see her change when she is learning these things that we know! Love it.

 

Well this last Sunday.. A person who has been investigating the church for 28 years was baptized.. SO cool. The spirit was strong.. The wife of this man, and her kids talked about how every single night they would pray for this day to happen.. Every night they would ask if it were possible to let their husband and their dad jooin the church.. And the prayers paid off.. So cool..

 

Anyways.. Thanks for the emails! They mean a lot. I'm glad things are going good at home.. Its crazy to think that another school year is starting. Wow.. Haha! Hard to believe!  But I look forward to hearing from you next week!

 

Love Elder Russell