So, little did I know, but five weeks ago when I had my boy (Elder V. B.) I actually had twins!!!! That's right, I have two green missionaries! Elder F. was another missionary serving in my ward, and he was training a new missionary but he went home a week early so that he could get into this next semester of school. Because of that, I adopted his greenie, Elder B. That's right, I have two new missionaries! I will have them for a week until transfers (coming up on Tuesday the 5th)
I haven't had more fun on my mission than the time I am having right now. I love serving with Elder V. B. and Elder B., its a blast.
We are teaching like crazy and talking to so many people along the way. I don't speak spanish and Elder V. B. doesn't either, but elder B. sure does! It's neat to street contact because we will all go talk to different people and in just a few minutes we will talk to like 10 people. When we have sit down lessons, the three of us teach in almost perfect unity. It's truly amazing to see the Lord's blessing as he helps us to do his work. I haven't had more fun than I have these past few days.
Over the past few days, I have realized how quickly time can and does pass. I've already been out a year, and I've had the shortest, quickest transfer of my mission and I only have 49 more weeks left. That sounds like a ton, but I see how it disappears so quickly. Serving a mission is for sure the greatest and most wonderful thing I could do.
I'm interested to see what happens in these next few days. I love my companions and our situation, but I have beens serving in this ward for the past 4 1/2 months, and I haven't had a six month area yet. We shall see what happens, but how I hope it's the Lord's will that I serve with at least one of these two missionaries next transfer.
I also wanted to say thank you for all the Christmas presents. I really enjoyed my socks, ties, slacks, candy, and everything that was sent to me. I intend to send a thank you card to everyone, but if I miss someone please forgive me! I hope that you all also had a very merry Christmas and that you are looking forward to an amazing new year starting tomorrow!
Elder Hitchcock
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
More Christmas Fun
Sister's note: Here are a few more pictures we received in an email from a different family that hosted some Elders around Christmas. Again, we are very grateful to all who invited the missionaries into their homes during the holidays.
Pictures sent from a family that Russell spent Christmas with...
Sister's note: We received these pictures in an email a couple days after Christmas. The email subject was "Christmas at the Warburton's." We want to thank you for sharing your Christmas with our brother and appreciate your family's kindness towards these boys who aren't at their own homes or with their own families for Christmas. I know that for us, there is no place we would rather Russell be at this time.
Russell's Email 12-24-09
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for everything that everyone sent, it made me have a very merry Christmas!
This week has been another really fun week. I absolutly love talking to people on the streets, even to those I can't (spanish ppl). I also love being a missionary in this special Christmas season. Everyone is so much more open to hearing a message about Jesus Christ!
I think the greatest time this week is when we were teaching an investigator, Q. As we were teaching him (I was with one of the Zone Leaders) He looked at me after about 15 minutes and said, "Preacher, I ain't feelin' this today. I know about Adam and Eve, tell me something that's going to give me strength to get through today!" I was blown away and bummed, but we quickly adjusted our lesson and taught about faith from Ether 12 and then taught keeping the sabbath day holy, reading scriptures and praying daily. We talked a bit about Sabbath, and he said he wanted to fast, so we fasted with him. Yesterday, we had a lesson with him and then played basketball after the lesson with a bunch of people. Q. is 47, about 6'4" and about 230 lbs. He played ball for the Oregon Ducks back in his day. SOOOO FUN! Elder V. B. played college ball up in Canada, so I think that helped us become more real and normal to him. I think it was a great lesson.
I've tried to write back all the letters that have sent me, and I have returned all of them except for ones that I got on Tuesday. I know the mail is slow because of the season, but I wanted to say thanks for the support, and Merry Christmas.
I think I would be kind of lame if I didn't wrap this up with my testimony about the Savior. Something I have been pondering and seeking these past few days is a better relationship with him. Elder V. B. taught me something the other day, that no matter how strong our testimony is of the Savior, it can always be more. I have been seeking that and I have found it. This morning I read about where, in perfect humility and service, Christ washed the feet of his apostles. Peter, not understanding refused, and then realizing he didn't understand, pleaded for the Savior to also wash his hands and head. Christ taught him, but it was in pure love. He then taught the beautiful principle of service. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also aught to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you." The best way we could show our gratitude to the Savior is by serving others. Spreading the love in this Christmas season is the key. I know this is the best thanks that I could give my Savior.
Please remember this, without Easter, there would be no Christmas. As we focus on his birth, don't forget about his purpose here, that was to preform the ultimate act of service in the atonement.
I love you all, thanks again, and Merry Christmas!
Elder Hitchcock
Thanks for everything that everyone sent, it made me have a very merry Christmas!
This week has been another really fun week. I absolutly love talking to people on the streets, even to those I can't (spanish ppl). I also love being a missionary in this special Christmas season. Everyone is so much more open to hearing a message about Jesus Christ!
I think the greatest time this week is when we were teaching an investigator, Q. As we were teaching him (I was with one of the Zone Leaders) He looked at me after about 15 minutes and said, "Preacher, I ain't feelin' this today. I know about Adam and Eve, tell me something that's going to give me strength to get through today!" I was blown away and bummed, but we quickly adjusted our lesson and taught about faith from Ether 12 and then taught keeping the sabbath day holy, reading scriptures and praying daily. We talked a bit about Sabbath, and he said he wanted to fast, so we fasted with him. Yesterday, we had a lesson with him and then played basketball after the lesson with a bunch of people. Q. is 47, about 6'4" and about 230 lbs. He played ball for the Oregon Ducks back in his day. SOOOO FUN! Elder V. B. played college ball up in Canada, so I think that helped us become more real and normal to him. I think it was a great lesson.
I've tried to write back all the letters that have sent me, and I have returned all of them except for ones that I got on Tuesday. I know the mail is slow because of the season, but I wanted to say thanks for the support, and Merry Christmas.
I think I would be kind of lame if I didn't wrap this up with my testimony about the Savior. Something I have been pondering and seeking these past few days is a better relationship with him. Elder V. B. taught me something the other day, that no matter how strong our testimony is of the Savior, it can always be more. I have been seeking that and I have found it. This morning I read about where, in perfect humility and service, Christ washed the feet of his apostles. Peter, not understanding refused, and then realizing he didn't understand, pleaded for the Savior to also wash his hands and head. Christ taught him, but it was in pure love. He then taught the beautiful principle of service. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also aught to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you." The best way we could show our gratitude to the Savior is by serving others. Spreading the love in this Christmas season is the key. I know this is the best thanks that I could give my Savior.
Please remember this, without Easter, there would be no Christmas. As we focus on his birth, don't forget about his purpose here, that was to preform the ultimate act of service in the atonement.
I love you all, thanks again, and Merry Christmas!
Elder Hitchcock
Russell's Email 12-17-09
Blog-
This week has been pretty awesome. Elder V.B. and I have had a lot of enjoyment this week as we have served. Last Saturday M. was baptized and I confirmed her a member of the Church on Sunday. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity that I have to take part in helping others come unto Christ and to do this work. No doubt that baptisms are the biggest highlight of serving a mission.
This week I have again reflected on how far I have come and the success that I have had as a missionary in this Church and teaching this gospel. I am so thankful for all the wonderful blessings the Lord has poured out upon me.
I think about and feel like the sons of Mosiah and Alma when Ammon said, "Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us." Many of Elder V.B.'s studies this week have tied back to being made "an instrument in the hands of the Lord." I wonder if there is any more honorable and worthwhile opportunity than to be the Lord's instrument.
Christmas is also a difficult time to be a missionary. I'm thankful for the support and love from those who are a part of my mission. Again, I don't think anyone who has not served could understand the magnitude and importance to hear from those at home. I think the Psalmist said it best, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
I have another request for Christmas presents. I would love it if everyone who reads this blog would write their testimony of the Savior and the gospel and send it to me, that I might be able to give it to those I am teaching. Family, especially you.
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful week and a merry Christmas!
Elder Hitchcock
This week has been pretty awesome. Elder V.B. and I have had a lot of enjoyment this week as we have served. Last Saturday M. was baptized and I confirmed her a member of the Church on Sunday. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity that I have to take part in helping others come unto Christ and to do this work. No doubt that baptisms are the biggest highlight of serving a mission.
This week I have again reflected on how far I have come and the success that I have had as a missionary in this Church and teaching this gospel. I am so thankful for all the wonderful blessings the Lord has poured out upon me.
I think about and feel like the sons of Mosiah and Alma when Ammon said, "Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us." Many of Elder V.B.'s studies this week have tied back to being made "an instrument in the hands of the Lord." I wonder if there is any more honorable and worthwhile opportunity than to be the Lord's instrument.
Christmas is also a difficult time to be a missionary. I'm thankful for the support and love from those who are a part of my mission. Again, I don't think anyone who has not served could understand the magnitude and importance to hear from those at home. I think the Psalmist said it best, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
I have another request for Christmas presents. I would love it if everyone who reads this blog would write their testimony of the Savior and the gospel and send it to me, that I might be able to give it to those I am teaching. Family, especially you.
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful week and a merry Christmas!
Elder Hitchcock
Russell's Email 12-10-09
Hey!
I'm glad for everyones letters and emails! Thanks so much, I wish that I could explain how much those mean, but I think you have to be a missionary to really understand!
I had an amazing year mark, with lots of fun stuff and I just had a great time! The work here is going great and I feel so blessed in my time here in Las Vegas.
The other day I was thinking about it. In this mission, if a companionship puts forth their best effort, the Lord will give them success. I haven't had a baptism in 2 1/2 transfers now, but we will have one on Saturday. M. will make her covenant with Heavenly Father, and then around Christmas time, R. will also make that covenant. In addition to that, I Was thinking about my success and lack thereof here, and I quickly realized that I was having success. Someone once told me, "Success doesn't come from actually meeting your goal, but the growth that comes in striving for the goal." I've been a very blessed and successful missionary.
A lot of people have been asking what I want for Christmas. With a few material things that I need because of the weather and the wear from being out, I only want you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those of you reading this who are members, think of the joy of the temple. Think about how this gospel has blessed your life, and the life of your family. Think about how YOU love your children, or your parents, and think about how our Heavenly Father loves all of his children. The best gift that I could receive is a report on sharing the gospel with others.
I love being a missionary. I love that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. We had an investigator who couldn't make it to church for a long time, but one of the things Elder V. B. and I fasted for was for him. He got weekends off and now he can come to Church. I know the Lord is there.
So awesome story, it rained in Vegas. Know the saying, when it rains it pours? That's totally talking about Las Vegas. There was about 3-4 inches of water in the bike lanes, and it rained all night. I ate dinner in a lava lava while my clothes were in the dryer, and before we got home they were plastered to my skin again. It was so fun. I think that's the main high light of this week!
Next week I will send some pictures from M.'s baptism.
I gotta wrap this up, but I wanted to share my testimony of the gospel in this upcoming Christmas season.
I really do know that Jesus Christ lives and that He loves us. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve him and to do his work. The Gospel we share is very real, and it's completely true. I also know that the best way to show our Heavenly Father our gratitude is to share the gospel with others.
I love you all, and again I am thankful for everything!
Elder Hitchcock
I'm glad for everyones letters and emails! Thanks so much, I wish that I could explain how much those mean, but I think you have to be a missionary to really understand!
I had an amazing year mark, with lots of fun stuff and I just had a great time! The work here is going great and I feel so blessed in my time here in Las Vegas.
The other day I was thinking about it. In this mission, if a companionship puts forth their best effort, the Lord will give them success. I haven't had a baptism in 2 1/2 transfers now, but we will have one on Saturday. M. will make her covenant with Heavenly Father, and then around Christmas time, R. will also make that covenant. In addition to that, I Was thinking about my success and lack thereof here, and I quickly realized that I was having success. Someone once told me, "Success doesn't come from actually meeting your goal, but the growth that comes in striving for the goal." I've been a very blessed and successful missionary.
A lot of people have been asking what I want for Christmas. With a few material things that I need because of the weather and the wear from being out, I only want you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those of you reading this who are members, think of the joy of the temple. Think about how this gospel has blessed your life, and the life of your family. Think about how YOU love your children, or your parents, and think about how our Heavenly Father loves all of his children. The best gift that I could receive is a report on sharing the gospel with others.
I love being a missionary. I love that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. We had an investigator who couldn't make it to church for a long time, but one of the things Elder V. B. and I fasted for was for him. He got weekends off and now he can come to Church. I know the Lord is there.
So awesome story, it rained in Vegas. Know the saying, when it rains it pours? That's totally talking about Las Vegas. There was about 3-4 inches of water in the bike lanes, and it rained all night. I ate dinner in a lava lava while my clothes were in the dryer, and before we got home they were plastered to my skin again. It was so fun. I think that's the main high light of this week!
Next week I will send some pictures from M.'s baptism.
I gotta wrap this up, but I wanted to share my testimony of the gospel in this upcoming Christmas season.
I really do know that Jesus Christ lives and that He loves us. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve him and to do his work. The Gospel we share is very real, and it's completely true. I also know that the best way to show our Heavenly Father our gratitude is to share the gospel with others.
I love you all, and again I am thankful for everything!
Elder Hitchcock
Russell's Email 12-3-09
I hate it when computers loose your emails...
Well, the pictures were of missionaries and baptisms, my busted ankle from the turkey bowl, and also Elder V.B. and I.
Things that have been going on lately. We have two people set for baptism now, and I am so excited for them. These will be the third and forth people that I have taught who have made covenants with Heavenly Father since I have arrived here in this area to share the gospel.
I never cease to be amazed at how the Lord blesses me in this process of serving a mission. One of the missionaries I served with at the MTC, Elder F. said something that really impressed me. He said, "God doesn't need us to do his work. If he wanted to, he could do it himself, but he gives us the opportunity to have the blessings and growth from sharing his message." It's such an honor to be here and to be serving the Savior.
Things here in D-Sage couldn't be better! I've been working really hard at trying to set a good example for Elder V.B. and he has taught me so much. President told my trainer, "There's not many missionaries who can train in the middle of their mission. A lot train around 6 months, a lot around 18, but not many in between." My goal was to be a missionary who could train AT ANY TIME! Something I quickly learned is training is just as much of a learning experience as being trained. I love it though, Elder V.B. is awesome and I love him too. He's one of my best companions so far.
We are working with some new people and some old investigators too. I love getting to see people grow in the gospel and I love serving people. I think service is one of the best parts of being a missionary. I totally love it!
Time is short today (boy, that's not a unusual problem, lol) so I must go. I love you all, and thanks a ton!
Russ
(Sister note: These busted ankle pictures are gross...)
Well, the pictures were of missionaries and baptisms, my busted ankle from the turkey bowl, and also Elder V.B. and I.
Things that have been going on lately. We have two people set for baptism now, and I am so excited for them. These will be the third and forth people that I have taught who have made covenants with Heavenly Father since I have arrived here in this area to share the gospel.
I never cease to be amazed at how the Lord blesses me in this process of serving a mission. One of the missionaries I served with at the MTC, Elder F. said something that really impressed me. He said, "God doesn't need us to do his work. If he wanted to, he could do it himself, but he gives us the opportunity to have the blessings and growth from sharing his message." It's such an honor to be here and to be serving the Savior.
Things here in D-Sage couldn't be better! I've been working really hard at trying to set a good example for Elder V.B. and he has taught me so much. President told my trainer, "There's not many missionaries who can train in the middle of their mission. A lot train around 6 months, a lot around 18, but not many in between." My goal was to be a missionary who could train AT ANY TIME! Something I quickly learned is training is just as much of a learning experience as being trained. I love it though, Elder V.B. is awesome and I love him too. He's one of my best companions so far.
We are working with some new people and some old investigators too. I love getting to see people grow in the gospel and I love serving people. I think service is one of the best parts of being a missionary. I totally love it!
Time is short today (boy, that's not a unusual problem, lol) so I must go. I love you all, and thanks a ton!
Russ
(Sister note: These busted ankle pictures are gross...)
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