Russell's Email 11-11-10

Hola family!

this week has been good. We had a mission wide fast for baptisms and president asked us to all make a sacrifice for the blessings needed to get those baptisms.

The area is looking better. We are having some success, but working with members can be a slow process. They have lives, and often missionary work is pushed to the side with the other challenges that come daily. I have realized missionary opportunities are everywhere, we just have to be alert "because many people yearn for the truth." haha, if the missionaries give you a challenge, I challenge you to do it the next day.

We have found a few more people to teach and things are going well. I was having about 15-20 LTM's in my last area. This transfer we had 2, then four, and right now we have 3 with two planned for tonight. It's a change of pace in Mesquite, but the gospel goes forth anyway.

I am grateful for this experience. From it I have learned the necessity of support and love and prayer, all over again. What scares me is the stake president came to a lesson with us and he told us our missions were "boot camp" for the future. I will be happy being a young men's leader or in the scouting program, or even being a greeter (I actually really like doing that!)

Thanks for the love and support from home. It makes a great difference and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve a mission. I love you lots and I hope you have great weeks!

Russ

Russell's Email 11-4-10

this week has been good, but still a very big learning experience. Trying to figure out my area has really ended up being a challenge. I feel like I am serving in the NV/AZ equivalent to Spencer or Altamont covering the area of Warren County (or at least that's how it feels.)

It's been a good week so far with lots of opportunities to learn and grow. I've never had a problem working hard, or smart, but there seems to need a new level of dedication and working smart that I haven't before known. It's been a challenge to visit everyone possible and to find people to teach.

Things in the area are going pretty well. We are working a lot with the members and I feel like we have a lot of work just hanging out a week in the future. By next week we could have several investigators who could quickly start progressing, but it's hard because it's just in the future. The other side of Sunday could yield a lot of fruit, but we have to be patient. Actually, I studied about patience this week, and guess what? I didn't like what I learned because now I have to be more and more patient. I guess that's a trial of mortality.

We have gotten a lot done, but we have really accomplished nothing more than a dent of a work in progress. That's difficult for me to go through, but it's working out so far. We also helped this family split wood a few days ago with a log splitter, that's about how I felt with the work we have done. We spent an hour and a half and barely dented the pile of wood, but I know that it's line upon line and lesson by lesson. I'm just doing my best and hoping that the Lord will make up where I lack. I just really hope that is his will.

I gotta go because I need to do some DL bussiness and write my letter to President. I love ya lots and thanks for all your support. It means the world to me. Love ya'll!

Russ

Russell's Email 10-28-10

Hello! How's it going? Wow, exciting stuff... Let me tell ya all about it!

I decided on Sunday that I wanted to stay in Warm Springs for my last transfer. About 10 minutes after I decided that, ring ring ring ring "Hello Elder Hitchcock, this is Elder F.! Just wanted to let ya know, YOU'RE HAVING A BOY!!!" So I'm training again, which also means I am leaving Warm Springs... I swallowed hard and said okay.

Then Monday night, ring ring ring "Elder Hitchcock, this is President. I wanted to thank you for your great loving service as a zone leader. You will always stick out in my mind for the loving leadership you have given in this mission. (I should have recognized he was building me up.) The Lord has assigned you to be a district leader in your new area. Will you do that?" "President, training, double transfer, and district leader? (sigh) I'll do whatever you need me to do."

Then comes to the trainers meeting before transfer conference. President comes in and starts talking to us and he told us, "Some of you will have very different assignments. (looking right at me) Some of you will be training spanish speaking missionaries in english areas. Actually, let me correct that, some of you will be training Tongan missionaries in English areas." (still looking right at me) So then I got my new companion. Elder V. fresh off the boat (or airplane) from Tonga. He knew Elder P. Sweet yeah? We are having fun, but it's a unique assignment because he is still learning english.

So, now I'm in Mesquite. Opening a new area that was split from an existing area. Sam, remember the hotel we stayed at in Mesquite on the way to Las Vegas for the basketball tournament? Well, I live really close to there. My area is just east of the first Mesquite exit and I cover all the way to the Utah border under St. George. There's nothing past Littlefield (the towns immediately after the Gorge). We cover a neighborhood in NV but then the rest of our area (Scenic, Littlefield, Jone's Flat, etc.) all in AZ.

There isn't a ton of work going on, and we spent almost all day yesterday getting the area organized and trying to get some direction. Our area is pretty spread out. Littlefield ward (littlefield, beaver dam, Jone's flat, desert springs) is about 10 miles away and Scenic (part of Mesquite 2) is about 5 miles away) so we will really have to work smart and work hard. I wanted to start working really smart before I started working super hard. so we got that under control and now we are moving forward.

Well, this first week is going really well and we are ready to work really hard. We will have a good time and be able to accomplish a lot. The info that I received was that my two wards were kind of neglected because the missionaries before were covering 4 wards, and so I think we can give them a lot of attention. So, sorry I don't have much to report on right now because I don't have much knowledge about what's going on.... lol

So my place I live in is pretty cool. We live in a members basement. We have a pool table, ping pong, darts, a movie theatre (I want to get an investigator to have a lesson with the members we live with and watch a movie down there.) It's nice, we have granite counter tops and it's just sweet. We have a Chevy Colorado pick up. It's a pretty good deal we have going on. I'm loving it.

So that's about all I got! I hope that things are going well at home. I love ya'll lots and I hope that ya'll have a great week!

Russell's Email 10-21-10

everyone,
BAPTISMS!!!! We had two of them this past week for C. and A. It's kind of sad really, our mission is still really focused on getting LTM's (lessons taught to investigators with members present) and sometimes I get sad that we won't have as many LTM's anymore because of a baptism. lol
This week is also going really well. I had a really powerful experience in Sacrament meeting this week. As I thought about my mission during the sacrament, I thought, "Have I really changed that much?" I recall President Christensen telling me sometimes the spirit holds back our vision of progress to keep us humble. At the moment that question went through my mind, a lot of my previous mistakes and transgressions flashed through my mind. "I could never do that again." I thought in my mind. It was a great strength to me. Then we had the speakers. Before the meeting started, there was a girl sitting on the stand who was wearing a hat. Like a fitted baseball hat but one of those "cute" girl dress caps. I leaned over to Elder B., "Does that girl know she's wearing a hat on the stand in sacrament meeting?" "That's screaming, "Hey I need to be taken off because I'm in church!" Elder B. replied. Well, then they announced the program and I realized why she was wearing a hat. K. was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer 4 months ago and is going through chemo right now. She was wearing a wig and the hat to cover it. (Um, yep! I felt like a jerk) well, she started her talk off with a story about a guy who fell from a cliff and he caught hold of a branch. "Is there anyone there?! Help me!!!" He cried. "Let go of the branch and I'll catch you." He heard God say. "Um, is there anyone else?" everyone chuckled and then she talked about faith. She told us how her faith was tried when they told her she had cancer. She didn't know what that meant, only that she could die. She cried, "Why me? I'm 15. I go to church, I read my scriptures, I say my prayers. Why me?" but through the atonement, blessings, prayer, scriptures, and church attendance she has been able to strengthen her faith. I was blown away by this talk and her absolute faith. I thought, "If she can go through that, I can take on my challenges."
Then her mom got up. Stinkin' rip my heart out why don't you. She talked about how 13 years ago they lost K.'s little sister who was only 6 months old. Then when they told K. she had cancer she dropped to her knees and just cried. "Please Lord, you can't another one of my girls." I wanted to cry so bad! I thought, what else could happen to this family. As the talk went on, I realized how much the atonement is there to help and support us. I had a great experience and my faith was really strengthened by their talks.
I think those two events really were the highlight of my week. We also have had some really great lessons with some of our investigators. Everyone that we are teaching is doing really well and has such a strong desire to have the gospel, but I believe each person is experiencing opposition from someone in their family which is holding back at least some of their progress. I would be very thankful for some prayers in behalf as they want the gospel but are having a hard time.
It's just been a great week filled with teaching opportunities and great experiences. I love ya'll tons and I'm thankful for all that ya'll do for me. Love ya!!!!

Russell's Email 10-14-10

Well, this week has been exciting. Actually it's been pretty long and I'm really tired but that's okay. We were having dinner the other night at I gave the spiritual thought and my eyes started to itch really bad in the middle of it. Well, I knew I needed something so we ran to CVS and bought some eye drops (I have NEVER had to use them or put anything in my eyes...) and when I looked in a mirror my left eye was super swollen (almost shut) on the inside half. Since then my eyes have been really dry and they have this constant sting like cigarette smoke got in them. My eye lids are also super tender so it's been a hard few days. Elder B. also is getting sick with something, so I am trying to keep from catching whatever he has.
The week itself is going very well and we are getting a lot accomplished. Everything is looking good for C. and A. for their baptism this weekend. It's been a lot of work this transfer, but finally we are getting our baptism. They have really built my faith, especially as C. has worked so hard to overcome her smoking and is now just doing great.
H. is also doing really well and is really progressing. She's enjoying Church and keeping commitments and she's preparing for baptism at the end of the month. I really hope that she will make it, and I have faith that with enough prayer and effort, she will.
C. is also doing really well. He set himself for baptism for Dec 11, but he is totally ready for baptism today even. We might see if he can do it Thursday night on the 9th. That would be a sweet final day of my mission...
Ah sorry my emails lately have stunk, I've been a bit out of it lately and my memory isn't the best. I hope ya'll are enjoying what I am getting to send. Love ya'll!

Russell's Email 10-7-10

Sometimes I have a tough time seeing southwest planes land and take off. Right now, I still can't fathom the end of my mission, but President told me "December will catch up to you eventually." I don't want it to catch me before it has to.
Things in the area are going very well. We still have lots of people set and we are working towards having a successful end of the transfer. Please remember to include C. in your prayers so that she can overcome her struggles and make her baptism date. She's so ready and willing, but just struggling.
This week has been one of the more fun weeks. we had a lesson set up monday monring at 10. At 9:45 we got a call from her fellowshipper who said our investigator was sick and we wouldn't be able to have the lesson but we could come teach her non member son if we wanted to. So we went over there and used a skateboard we had taken apart (he's a very big skater) and then likened each part of the skateboard to the gospel (wheels=faith, bearings=repentance trucks=baptism deck=holy ghost and ette=go stake!) They have a half pipe in their back yard. Well, his mom said she wished he could do this one trick so he tried it and fell. He tried it again and fell and broke his hand. Thank goodness he blamed his mom and not us!
So there was that lesson and then we had a lesson with C. We smashed her ash tray. Well, she smashed it and when it shattered pieces almost hit us and one big chunk hit a car (but it didn't hurt the car!) I love the word of wisdom, it really creates a lot of fun for me!
We had a lesson with our investigator H. and taught her the word of wisdom. She said she would do everything except give up smoking right now. Well, after the lesson we left and walked to the car. Then, realizing we still had a few minutes, went to check up on someone else in the complex. Well, we walked by H.'s patio and she was smoking! RIGHT AFTER THE LESSON! we pitched a little kid fit for the fun of it and got some good laughs. I was just shocked though lol.
We also have a new investigator who is set for baptism! She has been taught for like two weeks by some other missionaries. We call it poaching. They were teaching her even though she lived in my area, but they handed her off finally. It's pretty sweet... Her name is J. She's golden too. she's going to seminary with her friends and stuff. I'm lovin' teaching!
Man, conference was incredible! President Christensen calls it a scheduled answer to prayers. Well, I didn't take it that serious at first, and then last conference I had questions, but this time I wrote them down and they were all answered. It was a great conference. I really loved Elder Holland's talk about gratitude. I really feel that was one of the major messages of conference, being grateful for the blessings we have. So I want to say thank you for everything everyone does for me! Thanks so much and please know that it has made a great difference in my life and mission. Love ya'll.

Russell's Email 9-30-10

This week has gone very well. The area is going great and we are teaching a ton. We have five people set for baptism this transfer. People are doing very well and I believe it's because of our fasting and hard work, but even more the prayers and fasting on behalf of you all at home. Thanks so much, that is making a difference for people not only here in time but in eternity. It's going awesome.
We are teaching some great people. C. and A. are doing well and there's so much improvement going on. C. is progressing and working with the bishop and just being an incredible investigator. S. is doing well, but she needs all the help and prayers she can get.
I have just been having a great time and great experiences. I love serving and this is the greatest thing I could do in my life, especially at this moment. it seems forever away that my mission will end. In the words of McDonald's, I'm lovin' it!

Have a great week and I love ya'll! Thanks so much for all the support.

Russ

Russell's Email 9-23-10

Hi everyone,
This week has been going well. Last week was pretty difficult with all the crazy stuff that happens with transfers but now things are starting to settle down and all is going well. Las Vegas is also starting to cool down which is very welcome. Yesterday it was about 95 and it's supposed to keep cooling down. I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures and nicer weather.
I really don't have a ton to report on this week. I'm doing the same thing and trying to get more work and do my best. Things in the area are getting better and we are teaching lessons and street contacting lots! I've been having a lot of fun serving with Elder B. and he's been a great companion. I look forward to the rest of the transfer and just the fun times we are having. I'm loving it!
Sorry I don't really have anything. Not a lot has changed. lol it's kind of funny how those weeks are, but that was one this week. I love ya'll lots and hope to talk to ya next week!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 9-16-10

hello everyone!
another transfer has come and gone away. As I begin this next one, I have an even brighter perspective and I feel more optimistic. Do ya'll remember Elder B. that was trained in my ward when I trained Elder V. B.? Well, now I am training him as a zone leader. He's really awesome and I am looking very forward to working with him for this next transfer. I know that after this, I only have one more transfer but that just seems so foreign. I still can't comprehend it. It's pretty funny though, my area ends right before the airport and I see southwest landing and taking off all the time. haha
This week has been exciting. We are working with some very great people who really want to progress, and we are working some other people who don't have as much desire. I have a hard time with those because now I see "...the great importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth." I wish so much that I could just spend all day teaching the gospel to those who want to know more about it. My understanding of the importance of sharing this gospel continues to grow more and more.
I wanted to share an experience I had yesterday. We were checking up on some folks for the ward and as we left their apartment we walked about the corner and I saw this man holding his little son. As I saw him, I wanted to share so bad with him the plan of salvation and about eternal families. Something I have noticed is that SOOOO many people believe their families can be together forever, but we are the only church who has that in their official doctrine. I'm so thankful for that. I tried to share that with him, and we will go see him and his wife next week. I look forward to that! As I told him about families, it seems that he really wanted to know how his family could be together always. I really am grateful for the experiences of living with Haley and Aaron and getting this glimpse of how important the gospel is for families.
I'm having a ton of fun and doing well. I am trying my hardest and working really hard. I could use prayers though, as I do my best to deal with the stresses of mission life. I know ya'll pray for me, and I am thankful for that. If it wasn't for those prayers I know I wouldn't be surviving.

Russell's Email 9-9-10

Everyone,
The most trunky thing is when you say "Don't be trunky." Again, I really cannot wrap my mind around my mission ending, and so I won't be trunky. lol just don't talk about it. Thanks :)
Things in the area are going super well. E. got baptized last week and A. is set for this weekend and C. and her daughter are set for Oct. 2 and we are working with another young man named C. towards baptism. The area is going very well, and I think that we are maintaining the work in a way that could last me for the rest of my mission if I end here. I'm really having a great time and this transfer is winding down to a close and I look forward to starting up another one.
I had a really great lesson this past week. Saturday I got a phone call and President Christensen was on the phone asking for details about my baptism Saturday night so that could be one of his backup plans. He told me, "Appointments are falling through. I've had 4 lessons I was supposed to go to and they have all fallen through." I said, "President, we have one in 10 minutes with a great investigator if you would like to go." He came to the lesson along with another recent convert priest age kid who is just awesome. The spirit was really strong and I felt so much desire to really involve the members and help them see the importance of member missionary work. It's been great.
This transfer is finally coming to a close. I often think about dad's statement, "It's been real, and it's been fun; but not real fun." Next Tuesday marks the close of the most difficult transfer of my mission. I have learned a lot and have improved a lot, including "putting off the natural man and becoming a saint through the atonement of Christ." I have developed a deeper conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This has come throughout the transfer as I have come to understand the doctrine of Christ, as I have learned to rely on the spirit since I don't have a zone leader companion to rely on. I've learned how to "fill my reservoir" during my personal study and I have learned to teach towards baptism because that's my calling . I have come to know the Savior better as I have walked with him down the streets of Vegas while he walked the streets of Jerusalem. More than anything, as I have come to understand the doctrine of Christ, I have learned what President Christensen stated. "Love is the foundation of the Doctrine of Christ." How I love being a missionary and love serving the people. I'm having a great time!
Oh my Goodness! I just got a tie and a letter from the C. family! we're going to visit them when ya'll (our parents) come to Las Vegas! I love these kinds of notes and letters because they help me fill that my purpose is being fulfilled.
Later folks! I love ya'll lots and hope that you have a fantastic week.

Russell's Email 9-2-10

Hello everyone,
This week has been another crazy week, but let me tell ya! I am exhausted. I recall Aaron telling me before my mission, "the best nights rest is when your head hits the pillow after you've done your best and you fall right asleep." I have had that every night the past few weeks. So ready for some more changes? After Elder K. and Elder V. went home, Elder H. and I are with Elder S. (Elder K.'s companion) and we were together. Well, Elder P. (another missionary in the zone) broke his foot and got emergency transferred into a different area with a car and so now Elder J. (Elder P.'s comp) and Elder S. are serving together and I am back in a regular companionship in a regular area. Fun stuff, very eventful and very crazy week...
Aside from that stuff, the work continues to move forward. We have baptisms scheduled for the next two weekends and then we have some really sweet new investigators and new progressing investigators. We have so much going on that it is really difficult to keep everything straight and avoid people falling through the cracks. I think that is the toughest part... But, all things aside, it is going wonderful.
I'm finally completely better and doing pretty well. I'm exhausted always, but it makes falling asleep at 10:30 very easy.
I'm not really sure what else to write about. Things are going very well, I'm happy, I'm tired, and I'm doing my best. I realized that I don't really get trunky. I'm absolutely loving serving my mission and I know that it is coming to a close in December but I honestly feel like it will never end. Kind of how we cannot comprehend eternity, our minds cannot grasp the concept. Same for my mind and my mission, I cannot understand finishing. I don't think it will happen.
Thanks for your support and your love and the help you have given. I love ya'll lots and I love hearing from ya'll as often as I get to.
If I can make a request, I want to invite you to include Christine in your fast on Sunday. I hope that ya'll can remember her. Thanks!

Russell's Email 8-26-10

Hey everyone!
This was a great week with lots of great experiences! We had a really great baptism on Saturday and lots of good stuff is happening in the area. I have had a really great time with lots of great stressful challenges. Elder V. is gone, as is the other missionary, and now we are still in a 3 missionary companionship and covering two areas. So far it has gone very well and things are just working out. We are working really hard to effectively use both areas. The other area just baptized all the ppl they were working with, so I hope we can get the ball rolling again before the end of the transfer so some missionary comes in with a very fruitful area.
We are working with those we are teaching and almost everyone is working towards baptism. I just love baptism dates and people progressing in the gospel. It's been a great miracle to see the blessings of heaven as we seek to follow the vision of the mission.
Things are just going really well. Working hard and trying my best to help other missionaries and to help others come unto Christ. I was in the temple this morning for new missionary temple and President said to think about what our missions have meant to us. as I thought, I pondered about how much I had learned the importance of obedience, of communication, and one thing I really thought about was how I want my future family to be a "go to" family for missionary work. I love the joy that comes from this work. I know the time is drawing to a close. I was working with the car the other day and I thought (as I was standing in line) "within a few months, everything that I have done, my job for the past two years, changes in an instant." I dread the time, but the thought keeps me thrusting in my sickle. I love being here and doing my best.
I will try to send pictures soon of baptisms, of companions, of everything that has been going on lately. I hope that ya'll have a great week and that all goes well for ya'll.

Russell's Email 7-29-10

So our truck doesn't smell to good. So we have scented wax (from a scentsy candle) that is in a baby food jar in our cupholder. Well, it never gets hard. Almost the whole day it's completely liquid and then the rest of the time it's soft like butter. I cannot wait for it to cool off, but at the same time I love it so much!

We had a baptism this week, for M. He was such a great person to teach, and so prepared to receive the gospel. He was baptized into the brand new ward, so they had a baptism before they even met together as a ward. That was pretty awesome.

I have also spent several days on exchanges with other missionaries. It amazes me how the Church works and how so many people of so many different intrests and from so many different places can come together and accomplish such a great and marvelous work.

Russell's Email 7-22-10

Hey everyone,

This week has been another week that has been super hot but gone really well. I'm enjoying my time here in Las Vegas despite the different challenges that come this way. I have seen a lot of stuff happen this week. One of the most exciting was my ward lost about 1/4 of its members with the same thing happening to 3 other wards and the creation of a new ward. In my position, it's fun because I kind of get to head up the work in this new ward for the next few weeks until transfers in August.

M. is doing well though, and he will be baptized on Saturday. We told him about Pioneer day and how he is a pioneer day in his family and then he will also be the first convert in the new Harmony Hills ward, which I personally find neat! The first Sunday in Harmony Hills will have a confirmation. I am pretty excited.

Aside from that, we are always striving to find more people to teach and work through the heat and work with the members to help them have meaningful missionary experiences. Things are still going well! Please keep praying for me though, I know I need it!

Russell's Email 7-1-10

I had some sweet experiences today. Do ya'll remember Elder B.? I served with him in a 3 pack for a week when I trained Elder V. B. Well, he is training and yesterday I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with Elder B.'s new companion Elder H. We had an awesome exchange that was filled with every aspect of missionary work. We spent the whole morning finding, and the rest of the day teaching. We set two people for baptism, had a lesson with someone who is currently set for baptism, and had a sweet lesson with some less active members. I think the less active members was my favorite lesson, I will tell you about it.

So we have this object lesson using cups and butter knives (I'll send a picture home) but you use the knives on top of the cups to hold your scriptures up off the floor or table. Well, we use the knives to represent scripture study, daily prayer, and sabbath day. so to start we made them figure out which commandments they were. A little nine year old says, "Go to church!"

and I said, "PERFECT! We have to keep the Sabbath day holy, part of that is going to church!"

"No it's not." Replied the less active member. "I don't need to go to church to pray, or to learn about God, or to read my scriptures."

"Right! But there is one thing you cannot do at home that makes church necessary! The Sacrament!" Elder H. replied.

"But the sabbath day is on Saturday, not Sunday. The pagans changed it because that's when they worshiped their Gods."

"Actually, after the death and resurrection of Christ, the followers of Jesus began to meet on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate the resurrection." -me!

It was a really fun lesson that really shocked me because a less active member challenged me. I dunno.

This week has been fun and I have really enjoyed it. It's been really hot though, it's hit 116 already, and I don't think it will cool down to much anytime soon. lol pray for me.

Love ya'll! Have a great week!

Russ

Russell's Email 6-24-10

okay, so some really neat stuff has happened this week. I am excited to share with you about it.

The first involves Elder P. who finished his mission this Tuesday. Multiple times he talked to me and told me, "I just can't wait to get home and go straight to my dad's grave. That's the one thing I really want to do." Well, the mission secretary confirmed flight plans with all the missionaries and told Elder P. his flight left Wednesday at 7:30 (but his flight plans he received a few weeks ago said he was flying out on Tuesday). Elder P. wrapped up his final interview with President at the mission home and then President asked him, "Elder, is there anything else I can do?" (note, this question was asked at 6:12 pm) Elder P. said, "Yes, can we check my flight plans real quick?" Turns out his flight left Tuesday night at 7:30. President asked, "Should we try it?" They tried. As they left the mission home "with haste" (president said) President asked, "Do you have your license?" "Nope, I don't have one of those." oh dear... "Do you have your passport?" "Nope, they took that when I came into the mission." So they booked it to the mission office. President said he is not very good at remembering sequential numbers, and they had just changed the code to the safe. With the blessings of heaven, President opened the safe without problem and handed Elder P. the box of passports on to find his. Then, running in a dead sprint into the airport, they got to the ticket booth and the lady said, "I'm sorry but this is an international flight and you have to be checked in at least an hour before hand." (the time is 6:50, 40 minutes till fly time) The next available flight was standby in 3 days. Elder P.'s mom was coming to Tonga from New Zealand to meet him. President and Elder P. stepped back and offered a prayer, at Amen they hear "ALOHA!" Elder P. responded "Aloha" and then the lady asked him a question in tongan, which he replied in tongan. She then went to work and in the process of her working, they found out she was a supervisor. The first ticket agent reminded her, "The flight is already closed." The lady replied, "This man works for God." and kept working. She told Elder P. to put his bags on the scale, and one of his bags made weight, the other was 76lbs. Elder P. started emptying his bag, including a 2.5lbs pair of jeans. He got it to 52 and she said that was good. "You're ready, but I can't help you through security." President said his heart sank as he recalled standing in the security line for well over an hour with so many missionaries. As they rounded the corner, there was not a single person beside the TSA agents. They went up to one and the agent commented on how he must have served faithfully. Elder P. made it safely home.

As President recounted this story at Zone Leader Council, I couldn't help but cry and feel such a great and deep gratitude to the Lord for helping Elder P. get home. "All I want is to see my dad's grave." The Lord provides. In his closing testimony he said, "I know it's late, but I want to wish all the fathers a happy Father's day." Few people know the the true sacrifice this missionary made, but the Lord knows and he carried an amazing spirit with him. I feel so lucky to be a part of his mission.

On another note, Elder D. went home, but my boy, Elder V. B. is training a new missionary. Included is a 4 generation picture of missionaries. Oldest from right to left.

I also have a new companion, Elder B.. There's a picture of us on here. He flies home with me, but I have been in the field a transfer longer because he is a Spanish missionary.

Also is my favorite picture I took at Nellis Air force base. It's the front of an F15 aggressor. The other is me standing with a F15 aggressor. sweet stuff, the base is awesome!

Dinner last night was also really exciting. We got there right before the NLVFD (fire department) got there. The brother feeding us was about to grill steaks and his propane take caught on fire. That was pretty exciting lol.

It was a really eventful week and lots has happened, but it's been fun. I look forward to another great transfer! Love ya'll, have a great week!

Russell's Email 6-10-10

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes! I received several from family and friends and from my friends in the mission. My first phone call was from Elder D. (my trainer) and the second one went like this. "Elder Hitchcock, I'm not playing these stupid numbers games anymore. As far as I am concerned, you can put me down at 0% for the morning schedule." (click) lol but that worked out. I love being a leader :) Maybe I can go be a jr companion next transfer lol.
Thanks also for all the emails. Love ya'll lots.

Russell's Email 6-3-10

Well, I have spent 3 of the past 7 days with my companion. The other 4 have been on exchanges with other missionaries. I have had many great experiences, and some trying ones too. It's pretty difficult to be a spanish speaking missionary twice for a full day when you don't speak hardly any spanish at all. But, the little spanish I do know I have become much more comfortable in speaking. Even though it was a trying day, I really enjoyed it and had a fun time.

We also had zone conference this past week. We had a great message about the law of the harvest, and "work hard, be happy." Elder V. and I (last transfer) rewrote the words to "Don't worry, be happy" for a special zone conference treat that we listened to. Here are the lyrics.

"in every mission we have trouble, but when you don't work you make it double.

work hard, be happy.

have no member for our lesson, stressed and fail apartment inspection.

work hard, be happy.

investigators say that they sick, not keeping their commitments,

work hard, be happy.

sent pictures home to your family, girlfriend said I'm fat and stop eating

work hard, be happy.

Ain't got no MSF (missionary support fund), no style,

ain't got no LTM's (lessons taught to investigators with a member present) to make you smile.

work hard, be happy

when you worry your face frown, and the work in your area will go down!

work hard, be happy

On your bike or on your feet, there is an end to the summer heat.

work hard, be happy!"

Fun song, but it taught true principles. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the zone conference and how it blessed my life.

Things are going well. They are crazy, sometimes difficult to figure everything out, but it works out in the end.

Thanks so much for your emails and your letters. I love ya'll and I hope that you have a great week. Remember, work hard, be happy!