Week 9: Patience

Hello Everyone!

Thank you for all your love, letters, pictures and support. I really appreciate it.

This week was slow but extremely fast! Elder Downey was captured by the bed monster again. Poor guy just can't catch a break. The work has been moving forward people still hate us and love to slam doors in our faces. It is quite funny when we walk down the street people will fake like they are busy doing something or run in fear. Really has been testing my patience. I devised a plan to focus on one Christlike attribute each transfer and this transfer has been patience. I have been praying for more patience and the result has been less patience. The little things I was able to deal with before are getting on my nerves. It is funny when we try to improve ourselves that is when we are tested more. I see that as I develop patience I will become more humble, diligent, hopeful and faithful.

There is this super cool talk I have been reading.This is the link to it.http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1966

I recommend reading it. Sorry for the short letter, do not have much time this week.

Love you all.

Keep Praying and reading. 

Do not give up hope. 

Please keep me updated.
Elder Rush

                                     Ukulele time!                                                 

Week 8: Do Not Forget to Pray

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are all doing well. Thank you for the emails/letters and pictures. Miss you all! And for the people of Idaho's sake I will change all their names because I heard a story of a man leaving the church because his missionary wrote home about him and posted it on the internet.

This week started off awesome. Monday, we taught four lessons in a matter of hours. We usually are unable to teach that many in a whole day. From that experience, I though the week was going to be awesome, that everything would be turning around. Nope I was wrong. Elder Downey has started this program called "Elder Downey Be quiet days" On those days he does not talk and I am in charge of all the decisions we make, lessons we teach and talking to people. Tuesday was one of those days and everything went wrong that could go wrong. All our appointments cancelled, people were slamming door after door and the people we talked to told us to go away. We worked our tails off to find someone or at least do some service for someone. Absolutely nothing! That was a downer of a day. That night, when I was getting ready for bed I did not want to go to sleep. My desire to go out and keep serving was too great to let me sleep, so that night I did not. Sadly once the sun goes down no one will open their doors even though it is only 6 or 7 o'clock.  Wednesday we met a woman named Angela. She called the bishop of one of our wards telling him she wanted to learn more about the Church. She is a super nice lady. She has had a rough past. Drug addiction,  abusive marriage, been to jail, not fun stuff. She has been searching for God and understanding and relief in her life. So we met with her at noon. ( Elder Downey was in bed all day Wednesday so we did emergency exchanges to be able to teach her.) We went through the restoration of the Gospel and the Joseph Smith Story. She absorbed everything. At the end she said the restoration made sense because she was being restored as well. She has been keeping her commitments. She is set to be baptized  on November 22 at 2:00. She was/is totally prepared by Heavenly Father, no doubt about it. It showed me that when we work hard having faith in the Lord that He will provide, He will. We may not always see the fruits of our labor but they are there. Other than that this week was spent in our house. WE left for a total of 77 minutes in 2 days. Elder Downey has been really sick. We have been praying to have the strength to go out and the little time we were, we did a lot! Saturday Elder Downey felt better but lost his voice. I taught lessons by myself. It was crazy! Great Learning experience. Sunday Elder Downey was back in bed home sick with Elder Blake that had the flu. So I went out with Elder Simmons. We had to give a talk in one of their wards. I prepared a 20 minute talk in an hour. Since I was helping the other missionaries it was a very long Sunday. We were at a church building at 8 am and ran from building to building until 4 pm. 8 hours of church takes a toll on you. For some reason I was very contentious for part of the remaining hours we were out. Everything was annoying me. We taught a less active family around 7:30. We discussed the atonement and everything that Christ has done for me in my life. It rejuvenated me and I felt the Spirit working through me. I was so comforted and happy after that. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. He suffered all our pains and sorrows to help me get through my struggles. I am so grateful for everything He has done for me. 

Hope you all have a great week! Do not forget to pray or study the scriptures!

I suggest you read Alma 31:26-38! It is AWESOME!

Elder Rush

Elder Rush is a little taller than his fridge!

Week 7: We Made Applesauce

Elder Rush and Elder Downey making applesauce! 

Good knowledge to have. 

Now they won't ever starve!

Hello everyone!

Hope you are all doing well! I am doing great, the weather is getting cold, and the leaves are starting to fall! So this week was fun. Monday last week we went bowling! It was pretty exciting and I got 5 strikes in a row. 

Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday were spent helping members with missionary work. We have been trying to get the people here excited to spread the Gospel but most spend their weekends hunting. Geez Priorities. We actually learned the order of salvation this last week. It goes chile, laundry, tv, and then eternal progression. It is pretty funny what we get blown off for. Each of those nights we talked with someone that was having a struggle with life and if we weren't there bad things might have happened, it was pretty cool! Tuesday night for dinner, we met with a family that has a daughter who became addicted to drugs and other things. She has been going through rehab but relapsing. We were sharing a spiritual thought before we left and this scripture just popped in my head! D&C 121:7-9 So I shared and she broke out in tears and said thank you. Sunday her mom bore her testimony about Christ helping us through our trials and shared that her daughter has been doing great and it made me feel good inside. It is important that we act upon the promptings of the Spirit even when we are afraid or unsure. It is heavenly direction that needs to be followed!

On Thursday we were planning this upcoming week and we realized we have no one to teach because no one will listen. It is sad but I still get to do the Lord's work everyday, which makes me really happy! We have been thinking of new ways to help our area so we had a blitz that covered all the people that have ever been taught in our area. It yielded very little results but the results are enough to get us going. We now have people to teach! That night we went to visit a less active family that just moved in. Elder Downey has been having quite days so I have to talk to everyone. The family we went to visit opened the door. I said hello and my mind went blank! I could not think of a single word to say, so I awkwardly stared. But we got in and they weren't interested haha. 

Sunday night we put on a musical fireside. We organized it all which people thought was pretty cool. We actually filled the entire chapel, overflow and part of the gym. It was amazing.

This week I invite you all to read the monthly Ensign! Monthly scripture from the prophet need to be read. I read a story a day and the insight from it is amazing! People do not realize that we have a PROPHET OF GOD on the earth it is a really really really big deal! Continue to read the Book of Mormon daily. It is the foundation to everything! 

Love you all, 

Elder Rush

My Elder Rush with Elder Downey, Sister Manymules and Sister Hill after the musical fireside they organized and put on.

The scripture Mitchell is referring to:  D&C 121  7-9

 7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

 9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

The "Little Mitchell" paper doll that will be going everywhere with us for the next two years. Until our Elder Rush returns home.

Week 6: The Weather was Bipolar!

Oct. 6, 2014

Hello Everyone!

How are you all doing? Hope everyone is doing well! Thank you for all being awesome and doing fabulous things. 

So once again there is not much to write about. I cannot believe that General Conference has already come and gone! It was so amazing and I hope you were able to see all the sessions. Every one of them had such important points to teach us.

The weather this week was bi polar it poured one day and the next it was a sauna. Monday we finally were able to make it to our first p-day activity. We played football on the ISU rugby field and let's just say it was not a field but more of a pool. We were slipping and sliding all over the field. My previously white shirt was no longer white. It was an excellent session of stress relief. 

 I had the opportunity to go on my 3rd and 4th exchange this week. My companion went to a different area and I stayed in my area with a different companion that had never been here before. Let's  just say it was a learning experience. On my 3rd exchange we had a zone fast in order to get the missionary work going in our zone. West Pocatello has three types of people: Members who are active or inactive due to hunting on the weekends, very very very anti mormons, and people who know about the church but are not interested. That makes it tough to find people. Anyway as we fasted, we talked to everyone, it was tough for me. I am still trying to get use to walking up to people and inviting them to come unto Christ. I know everyone needs to hear the Word of God and HE prepares people to be taught. So as we fasted our zone was able to set 6 baptismal dates! It was awesome. Elder Downey and I still do not have much success lots of closed doors or people fleeing in fear. I am happy to be here and learn so much everyday! I know that as we go forth with faith we will be given the strength and guidance needed to make it through our days. Continue to read from the Book of Mormon and ponder it in your heart and mind. Pray if it is true and you will be blessed with the answers you need.

"...peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." D&C 121:7-9

We saw Meet The Mormons on Tuesday! Make sure to go see it this weekend! It was awesome!

Thank you for the Letters too!

Mitchell has some entertaining eating expressions! Looks like he's enjoying those Idaho potatoes!

It looks like Elder Rush and Elder Downey can't wait for the snow to come, so they made their own!

                                                        Snowball Fight!

Watching General Conference at the Church. Such a spiritual feast!

General Conference is a semiannual gathering of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held every April and October at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our church leaders, men and women speak to us with uplifting spiritual messages.  It is broadcast thru out the world on TV, internet and radio. Their messages inspire me to be a better person.

Week 5: I am Going to Freeze

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are all doing well! This week’s weather has started to change! I am already starting to get cold! I am going to freeze when it snows! We were walking home last night around 8:45 and we could see our breath. It scared me because I am going to have to start bundling up everywhere I go. The weather has been bi-polar. Sunny one day and pouring rain the next. I definitely got soaked this last week. So this week we had exchanges. Elder Downey is the District Leader so he has to go on 5 exchanges instead of 2 like everyone else. That means I have to have 5 new companions in an area they do not know and I am still learning. It is really interesting having to take the lead all day. It is a very good learning and humbling experience. Since he is a District Leader I have been exposed to things that only he has the power to do. I have had to learn what I can and cannot do or what I have and won't have when my companion is not a leader of some sort. He is feeling better. His allergies are not bothering him as much but he still has trouble with migraines.  This week was very unsuccessful. No one absolutely no one kept their appointments other than those that are  members. People we teach keep dropping us for no reason. We have decided to change our approach and strengthen the wards before we do other work. President Brinkerhoff gave our stake an inspirational talk so hopefully it will give all the Bishops and Ward Mission Leaders a boost. We worked our bums off this week. I was exhausted and hit my bed with relief every night. We never stopped going but little success came from it. I know that as we continue to work we will be blessed. I am doing fine, it weighs down on me sometimes but I just brush it off and try to think of new ways to help. I think it is getting to Elder Downey but I try to keep things positive. So because of all this I do not have any pictures to document our adventures. It is crazy I am already on my 5th week. It has been slow but also fast. I enjoy each day and am learning a lot. Miss you all so much and love you to the moon and back! Have a great week keep reading a chapter a day from the Book of Mormon. If you do that three times I will be on my way home!

Love you and pray always,

Elder Rush 

Spiritual Experience

This week I do not have much time. Here is a thought! Build your hope. Believe that our Father in Heaven will help us because He will. As we Believe we build our faith. Without faith everything we do is impossible. Even if it is just faith that a light switch will give us light. We know that it will happen from experience. Continue to act on your beliefs and our faith will shine. Do the little things, read your scriptures, say your prayers, and be kind to all. Love you all!

Be good,

Elder Rush

Elder Rush at  mom's "Happiest Place on Earth" again!

Elder Rush wrote little letters to his nephews and niece. I just loved them so I had to share.

Jayce: 

How is soccer going? I heard you scored some goals! That is so awesome! Keep practicing hard and do not give up! You can do it, if you believe you can! Keep working hard. Make sure to always encourage your team and help them get up as they fall. As you help your teammates you willl become a better leader as well as player! Make sure to get your Eagle Scout Award so you need to start working on that now. And do your best in school, it will help you in all areas of your life. Also be nice to your family, make sure to help your brothers and sister grow up big and strong.  Love you Jayce!

Aurora:

Hi Rory! Did you break anyone's leg yet in your soccer games? How is Owly? I hope you are being a good girl and helping your family be good! Thank you for your pictures you drew!  Love you Aurora!

Weston: 

Hey you big SNACK! Make sure to help Robin be a good guy. As Batman you need to teach him to do what is right and love him. Oh and I have been eating all your candy!  Love you Batman!

Evan: 

Hello Joker Abomination! I like your Robin costume. you will make a good super hero one day but for now you need to be the best super side kick!  Love you Robin!

FYI: Evan (aka) Robin, tells everyone which Super Hero they are. Everyone is always a Super Hero except Mitchell. He has always been a villain, Joker or Abomination. Now that he is gone, he is Captain America. 

A letter from Mitchell. In his drawing he is sunning (he is my beach/sun boy) His companion, Elder Downey loves the rain. What I don't understand is why Elder Downey is in the mouth of a very stylish whale? Thank heavens he is smart and very athletic because he's not making it in a career of art! Love my boy!

Elder Downey is a convert of 3 years, and none of his family supports him very much out here. He is one of the most spiritual people I have ever met and pretty upbeat as well, as long as his head is not going to explode. (He gets horrible migraines)

Well last week we had one major successful day. Everyday is full of success, and I am grateful for it. I am not really a fan of keeping track of people as numbers but it has to be done to keep things organized. So in terms of number success Tuesday was awesome. Everyone of our appointments went well and everyone showed up. The best part was with an investigator who is divorced from a member of the church. He has two kids who have been baptized, but he is not really interested. That is what he tells us, but he really is. He sits outside his house every night, so we always walk up to him and visit. He usually keeps a gun on his lap because he was a police officer, so it is kind of intimidating walking up to him. We just talked trying to get to know him, finally he opened up. I knew it because he put his gun away! Before we left we shared a scripture with him about God always helping us through our trials, but He never really takes them away. After the scripture we told him to pray to know if it was true, and we did right then and there. His daughter came out of the door and drew away from the strong spirit we all felt. Elder Downey and I both knew he felt it and knew he wouldn't be able to sleep that night.

Take care pray always,

Love Elder Rush

An Oops Turned into a Tender Mercy

I ordered my Mitchell some warm clothes on the internet from Mr Mac in Utah. I gave them the address that Mitchell gave me for the mission office where all the mail goes. I received a call from Mr Mac saying the address I gave them was wrong. I told them I would double check and get back with them. I looked on line, and the old address was all I could find. So I decided to call the phone number that was listed on the web site for the Idaho Pocatello Mission Office. President Brinkerhoff answered the phone. I could have died! Of all people, I did not want to bother the Mission President. I told him I was trying to call the office to double check the address. Evidently the number I called was his personal office number. He asked who I was, which I truly did not want to tell him. Reluctantly, I did. His response was, "Your tall, handsome son was just in my office." He went on to tell me he was doing good and was all smiles. He told me Elder Rush and Elder Downey were a great companionship, and that they were doing great things. Of course I started to cry. He thanked us for raising such an amazing son, and chatted a bit with me before he said good bye.

I wanted to share this experience because, this sending my Mitchell away for 2 years is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done. Most days I struggle, and this particular day was one of them. My daughter Kristalyne and I were just talking about how Mitchell seemed down in his last letter and we hoped he was ok. A Tender Mercy, I got a confirmation first hand from Mitchell's Mission President letting me know he was ok, all smiles and loves what he is doing. Our Heavenly Father knows each of us personally, and knows what we need. I'm so grateful for my Heavenly Father's love for me and allowing this Tender Mercy.

First Taste of Idaho Rain

       

Mitchell's wearing his waterproof bag cover on his head, crazy Elder Rush! 

 FYI, he does not fit on his bed or in his shower!

Sorry this took so long Elder Downey was dying this morning. He got an allergy shot on Tuesday that is suppose to last for 3 months. When the weather gets all stormy, he gets really bad migraines. He has been dealing with it for 9 months now which really stinks. 

Elder Downey, Mitchell's companion has been very sick. Mitchell said he feels like a mom, doing all the cooking and cleaning. You go Elder Rush!

      

This week has been pretty slow. We did not have much success number wise, concerning total number of lessons and such. We had many appointments but many flaky people as well. Most the time we would be walking to the the person's house and they would drive past us. We'd wave and then it would be really funny to see the guilty faces they had. So no real success. But I am not discouraged nor stressed. I am grateful everyday for the opportunity to serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as well as the people here, it is kinda like getting paid to work. How can you be sad if that is happening? This week I got my first taste of Idaho rain. Elder Downey loves the rain so he likes to walk in it, meaning we got soaked. It was not too bad. It is a nice break from the sun burning down your back all day long.

I miss you all so much. I am not in love with Idaho or the people yet but I can feel it slowly working inside me.  I have met  people that I have already grown to love. They are awesome to be already to teach. The other day we were helping a less active member fix up his back yard and he was surprised I was from California. He told me everyone from there was evil. I thought it was pretty funny. Elder Downey told me that was how everyone in Idaho feels about California. We got to be witnesses for one of our investigator's wedding that was pretty cool.   I am enjoying my mission. Success or failure, I am here to serve and if I do my best with that everyday I am happy. Yes, I am faced with frustration at times but I let it go faster than it comes. I have been trying to pick a Christlike Attribute to develop, but once you start with one you want to become all the others. One thing that has been going well is the Ward Mission plan. And I challenge you all to follow it as well. They are doing 4 Family Home Evenings out of Preach My Gospel. So in chapter 3 there are 5 lessons. So pick one for each week for four weeks. I know as you do that you will be blessed. Do not give up on your reading and praying, as we do it, it becomes easier. 

I miss you all so much. Please keep me updated.

Love Elder Rush

Spiritual thought

So this week I have really found the importance of faith. Faith at times is hard to build. I know that I have at times, had struggles believing. When we build our faith in Jesus Christ the rest follows. When we truly believe He is there for us, we will want to become like Him. We will follow his example and do as He did. Also if we believe in Him we believe in everything else for instance the Book of Mormon. I think it is in 2 Nephi 33:9-12 that it sums that up. It is so important to look for the Heavenly help we are given everyday. We may not see the Foot prints in the sand but He is there helping us along. Make sure to pray always. It is kinda like my emails, Heavenly Father cannot wait to hear from you. 

Love Elder Rush

        

          

Their investigator's wedding.

 The Family History Library where Elder Rush emails on Mondays!

   The happiest place on earth for mom! 

       

The house where Elder Rush lives (Stairs by the trailer)

Where Elder Rush lives

 Some interesting facts: 

My dad was in 2 of the wards Mitchell covers 9th before his mission and 18th after. My dad grew up less than 1 mile away from where Mitchell lives. 

My mom grew up just south east of his area boundaries, about 1 mile away. 

My brothers 

and I went to Hawthorne Junior High right down the street from where Mitchell lives.

 (The building at the top left corner) my brothers 

attended seminary their 9th grade years at one of the church buildings Mitchell covers, just west of the Junior High. 

Our last house before we moved to South America is about 3 miles from where 

Mitchell lives. I love knowing where my boy is, and being able to picture it. 

Lots of fun memories!