Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Merry Christmas to all!

Haha, the Christmas season has officially started here in the Philippines! That is not a joke. It literally starts in September. Christmas is the 'ber' months - September, October, November, December. What a great 4 months it's gonna be hearing Christmas music everywhere we go. Right now I'm loving it....I'll keep you updated on that....I may not be loving it anymore by the time November hits, haha. 

What a week it has been! First off, we had my first MLC - Missionary Leadership Council. All the STLs and all the Zone Leaders in the mission drive to Tacloban and have a good 24 hours of time there where we receive training and devotionals and food:) from President and Sister Maurer. It was great! And next week we are required to give the same training to the zone in our Zone Training Meeting. 

We've been working like crazy this week, talking to anyone we possible can, going on exchanges with other sisters in the zone so that they can see their potential and apply various things into their own areas, etc etc. There is SO MUCH TO DO! There is not even close to enough time in the day to do it all. If I can figure out how to get all this down, I'm gonna be on fire when it comes to time management when I go home. 

Time Management is what I would like to share today. There is a sign in our apartment that goes a little something like this:

You are called to serve the Lord for 18 months of your life. 

Being that you sleep 8 areas each night, that leaves about 12 months of actual waking service. This is tolerable. 

If you were to waste an hour a day, that is equivalent to about 23 days of your mission wasted - or almost one month. 

Imagine the arithmetic if you were to waste 2 or 3 hours a day. 

Sisters, consider your ways. 

At one point in my life, I believe I read an article about a woman who would watch an hour or several of TV each day. She kind of had an epiphany one day and realized with that TV time each day, she had wasted about 9 years of her life!!!!!! 9 YEARS!!!!!! There are way too many opportunities and too much potential for us to be wasting it away being unproductive. So don't procrastinate. Learn the talent you've always wanted to learn. Develop the habit you've always desired. Lose the weight you've always wanted to lose. Whatever that thing is for you personally, do it!!! It's a choice! This life is about putting off the natural man and becoming perfected. 

Whatever it is, you can do it. You just need to choose it, then do it:) And relying on the Savior and our Heavenly Father throughout the process I promise will make it easier:)

Love you all so much. Thank you for the continuous prayers and support. Read your scriptures. Say your prayers every day. The Church is True. Joseph Smith is a true prophet and so is our President Thomas S. Monson. 

Love Sister Russon 

I'm Back! - 1st week in Catbalogan

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HELLO!! HELO!!!

I am back in my old zone! Catbalogan zone, except no longer in Calbayog. Now I'm right in the heart of everything. Sister Healey is my new companion and I LOVE her! I'm learning so much from her. I feel like my missionary spirit is just feeding off of her...haha weird I know, but it's true. 

This first week has been a bit rough. My comp's immune system seems to still be recovering from when she had Denge, so she's been getting all these random symptoms of whatever sickness has plagued her now. Poor thing. She's a hard worker though and we've worked as much as possible to keep the area up and progressing. We've worked hard and sweated a lot and it's great! Could'nt be happier. 

One of my favorite things so far has been seeing all these people that I actually have already met from when I was assigned in Calbayog and seeing their progression. Miracles have happened. One sister named Riza, is someone I found in April with Sister Prudencio when I was on exchanges with her here in Catbalogan. I remember that first lesson well because the spirit was strong and Riza just cried and felt it. Now, several months later, I come back and what happened?! She's an RC! A recent convert! She's a member! Woohoo!!! It's been so fun to see everyone. 

Earlier, their was even a district activity and I saw probably 20 youth and some of the leaders from my last branch in Calbayog!!! The joy:) 

One things that was a bit unexpected was that I have all of a sudden been opened up to a lot more drama than I realized their was in the mission because I am now an STL. So it's our job to know these things about the 5 companionships we are over. Haha, this calling I know is gonna teach me a lot. It's going to be WAY different than being an STL in the MTC. 

Anyways, I just want to leave off this little thought that miracles happen. They happen in our day. I'm sure there's a million I have yet to share in emails but they have happened in my mission. They happen at home, they happen all over the world. Not just in Christ's time. However, what comes first? Faith. And faith is more than just belief, it's action as well. If we are not spiritually prepared, if we aren't keeping all the commandments, or doing our part to be in tune with the spirit like praying daily and reading our scriptures, we will not receive the miracles or we'll miss them. 

Remember the purpose. As in, the eternal purpose. It's much more than just work or school. More than tv and hanging out with friends. We were all somebody before this life. There's a reason we were saved for this time and it's our job to make the most of it. 

Love you all so much!!!! As in, so much! Words cannot explain. Give eachother a hug for me;)\

Love Sister Russon

You Have to Fall Before You Fly

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HELLO FAMILY :)

What a wonderful week it has been! I can honestly say without a doubt that this is one of the hardest weeks I've worked in the mission. And because of it, I love the area more than ever. It's true that serving people makes you love them. Downtown Tacloban has been one of my favorite areas by far!!!! I have loved it so much! The time there just flew by!!

This morning I was shocked to find out I am transferring! I thought for sure I would stay. President called and asked if I would be an STL in Catbalogan. So I am returning to my old zone where I was in Calbayog!!! My companion is none other than the wonderful Sister Healey, the sister who we visited in the hospital because she had Denge Fever. 

I know the Lord wants me to learn a lot this next cycle. The missionaries in Catbalogan have done a wonderful job and it's the most progressing area in our mission right now. 

My wonderful, beloved, beautiful companion Sister Matautia will continue the work in our area. I'm so jealous because we have so many baptisms I am going to miss! It's okay though, Downtown Tacloban is in good hands. 

Maybelle is another girl I'm gonna miss like crazy! Our cute ward missionary who has been with us from day one will not be coming with me to Catbalogan of course:( She and my comp are my best friends in the mission right now. Goodbyes are hard but they have to happen. Good thing it's not forever!:) 

Anyways, love you all. Love the mission. Love being a missionary. If there is anyone reading this contemplating going on a mission, my answer for you is 100% yes. It'll push you and help you grow in ways nothing else can. 

Thank you for the endless support. I miss you all tons! 

Sending the love always, 

Sister Russon

The Closer We Get, The Deeper the Adversity 8.14.16

Family!! Well, this week we had Interviews with President, exhanges with our beloved STLs - Sister Lunar and Sister Folau, and what else??? Work work work work work. The usual:)

My companion and I have been really striving to focus on praying for a deeper love for the people here. The more you love the people, and the deeper your own personal conversion, the greater your desire to share the gospel. I'm pretty sure that's a proven fact. 

The only thing is, the more you love someone, the more vulnerable you are to other emotions associated. What exactly am I talking about? I'm referring to the feeling my companion and I felt this last week of complete depressed sadness when we had a progressing investigator who was ready for baptism next week flip a complete 180. 

The thing is, with everything in live, it seems the closer we get to God, the harder the adversity comes. I fully believe this can be overcome as we continue to live the gospel, but when it comes to major decisions, such as baptism, or even serving a mission, the adversity will try to pelt you to the ground. Why? Because more than a lot of people in this world, he of all people knows the blessings of the gospel. He knows what he's missing. What he chose to turn away from. And he wants us all to share in his misery. I read a talk this week about how the world has turned the idea of God and Satan into just that, an idea. The world makes it out to be as if they're ideas, figments of the imagination, to guide us in different directions during this life. 

However, they are the very opposite. They both are two very real people, with 2 very opposite very real desires. Our Father in Heaven knows us perfectly and wants more than anyone in this life for us to be the best that we can be. He is all knowing. All seeing. And it is our job to trust him. 

Typhoon season is picking up! And each of us missionaries is instructed to have a 72 hour kit. That'd be a good thing for all of us to have I think! If we are prepared, we have no need to fear. 

Love you all! Do a little extra for someone this week. Try to be a little better than the last week! This life is a life of learning and progressing. Don't forget it:)

The church is true. Joseph Smith was a true prophet and so is President Thomas S. Monson. And can I just tell you how excited I am for conference!!!! Still gotta make it through September first:)

Have a great week! Sending love always, 

Love Sister Russon

My Week With the Sick 8.7.16

Hello Hello! From rainy Tacloban!

Yes, it is starting to cool down (for the Philippines), and it is much appreciated. This week, I have been in and out of the hospital all week long. My companion, got sick, again. She has been constantly sick for the past 3 months I have been with her but this week was the worst. We hardly worked at all. There's another sister who was in the hospital in our area because she got Denge Fever. Please pray that no one else in our mission will get this mosquito disease. I have never seen anyone in such pain in my life. 

We stayed at the hospital with her for many hours this week and there were times I got the chance to finally do a little work in our area with her companion, Sister Prudencio - my batch:) 

Needless to say, it has been a trying week and I have had to learn a lot of patience when all I want to do is work. 

If you have time this week, or for a family home evening, read this talk at the bottom of my email about the Restoration. Not until my mission have I realized how real the gospel is. We get so lost in life that we forget. We all do it. We have to remember how short this life is compared to the next. We have to remember what our purpose is, and that we were lucky enough to be living on the Earth during this time in which the truth and fullness of the gospel have been restored. 

I think it was Elder Oaks who said - imagine that in front of you is a rope. This rope extends forever in each direction to your right and to your left. It is never ending. In front of you, you grab the rope and tie a piece of thread onto it. The rope to the left of the thread represents our Pre-mortal life. The rope to the right of the thread represents our eternal life after this one in which we are currently living. That means the thread...yes that's right, is symbolic of our life right now. That's how short it is in comparison. And yet, there's so much of our lives that we do that will influence the next one. 

Don't forget to do the little things - church once a week, read every day, pray several times a day. I promise you will feel a spiritual growth unlike before and with whatever you're going through, you will see things start to work out. They always will when we give our will to the Father. He made us. He made the world around us. He knows better than us all cause He can see the big picture. Trust Him. 

Have a great week. Love you all. 

Love Sister Russon

It Get's Better and Better

Hi Family!

Some great spiritual experiences this week!   I would like to share with you all about one of our investigators named Edward. He is the boyfriend of a less active recent convert. As we have taught them though, the less active has become active again. They are adorable when we teach! They lean in together each time we sing the hymn at the beginning of each lesson, and when any talk of the temple comes up, they give each other this 'knowing' look:) I've been a little worried about Edward because at times I've felt his girlfriend wants the gospel for him more than he wants it for himself, and it's so important that that is a personal decision. 

The other day, we were going over prayer and the process, how to make it sincere, etc etc. He says the closing prayer and stops in the middle because he can hardly get the words out without crying. The spirit was so strong! It was such a cool experience. After he finished, he was quiet the rest of the time we ate lunch and finally at the end, he explained that physically he felt something in his heart during that prayer, and it was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. 

Blessings blessings blessigns. He's getting baptized in a couple weeks along with 2 other people that my companion and I have found and taught. Heavenly Father is just leading us to these people who are so prepared! I can't figure out if it's just the people, or if it's us striving to be more obedient this cycle. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful. And I'm loving this area. 

Random updates: Typhoon season came early! We just had a stage 1 two days ago and the rain was just insane. Reminds me of my first area. So help me if I get hit by another stage 4. Haha, the adventures in the Philippines. 

Also, my favorite couple missionary - the Hansens went home today. They will be missed greatly. Love them so much. I just love the mission in general:)

Love YOU all too!!!! Thank you for the prayers and support! You are loved by more than you can physically see. Remember - happiness is a choice. So choose to be happy. And focus youre lives on the Savior. Everything will fall into balance. 

Sending hugs and loves, 

Sister Russon

The Wisdom of our God

Family!!!!

First things first, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!!! The most beautiful woman of my life. Here is a shout- out to you. You deserve more than that. I'm sending you a hug. Catch it if you can. I'll be able to give you a real one in 8 months:) If you want anything else, I'll bring you a souvenier;)

This week has been full of people that seem so prepared for this gospel!!! It's so exciting! Investigators are coming out of nowhere, usually referrals from members, that seem ready. They are wonderful and I just love them. 

One interesting experience we had this week was when a member invited us over for dinner. He said he had an investigator who used to be taught by the elders that would be there, and we could teach him. We had never met this member before, so when we arrived at the address he gave us, we were surprised that it was the Tacloban Highway Patrol Office. The member...was the head chief, or whatever it's called. Hahaha, we walk into this room of about 10 uniformed men sitting in this office with our member, who is their boss, and invited them all to hear a missionary discussion. They mostly spoke Tagalog, so Maybelle, our wonderful Ward Missionary, helped us along the way and we concluded that spiritual discussion with a bang of success. I was scared to death at first, but it was really fun actually! There was such a diversity of religious beliefs in the room, but there we were, talking to them all about the plan Heavenly Father has for them, and this church they don't even really know they are already apart of. For the very fact that they are God's children, they are a part of it, even if not members yet:)

I read this quote this week (below). It is an excerpt from that piece I talked about a couple weeks ago, "The Ricciardi Letter". If anyone is considering a mission, I highly recommend they read this. I believe it with all my heart and love my mission:) Read away!:

"The wisdom of our God is epitomized in the missionary program of our Church. The Church asks young people to have a goal to be worthy to 'serve a mission'. What the outside world sees as brain washing, the Lord sees as striving for something so important that one would shun the vices of the world to not lose the privilege of serving a mission. Think of your life in 10 year increments starting from when you are baptized at 8 years old, from 8 to 18, 18 to 28, 28 to 38, 38 to 48, and on and on. What 10 year segment contains the most life changing events? Answer: 18 to 28. So the Lord understood the value of kicking off that critical time of your life with a mission. What better commitment for such an important period than to forget yourself for 2 years, delay formal education, and focus on God, Jesus, and everyone else but yourself. It is the perfect example of the classic scriptural saying, 'to find yourself, you must lose yourself'. You gain 10 years worth of life experience from a mission. You leave at [18], [19] for sisters, and return with 10 years of life wisdom and experience crammed into 18 to 24 months. In that age segment of 18 to 28, not necessarily in this order, you serve a mission, get an education, marry, choose a profession/occupation, and have children. There is no other 10 year increment with so much hanging in the balance. Wow, what a wise Heavenly Father to place the mission experience as the springboard for such a critical decade of life." - Daniel Humphrey (RM who served in England). 

Love you all! Seding the love always and always. Don't forget the little things in your busy lives - family time, scripture time, prayer time. You can find time;)

Love Sister Russon