Opening the Call!

Called to Serve Him!

Dear Elder Russell:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Nicaragua Managua Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, 13 May 2009. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language...

I want to testify of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the power of revelation. I know through the power of the Holy Ghost that this is the mission that God would have me serve. I know that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees and that we can know through the power of the Book of Mormon, that he was a Prophet of God. I look forward to serving my Master with great anticipation!

Mailbox Check!

I checked the mailbox 4 times today...I think I am becoming like an ornery old person who has nothing better do to than chew out the mailman for coming so late. If only I could find him to tell him I am inpatient...

Getting Anxious...And the Law of Opposites

So this week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. I haven't really had much to be sad about, but I think that the law of opposites holds true as always. I have had some really great days mostly relating to hearing my friends get their mission calls and yet I have felt quite down at other times. I realize that this just goes to prove that we are tested before or after our greatest spiritual experiences. As I watched two of my roommates open their calls and found out they were going to Cambodia and Thailand, I was filled with gratitude to be called to serve as well and I couldn't wait to join the ranks of missionaries around the world. It has been so exciting to hear of their calls and experience it with them. It makes me even more curious to hear where I will be going. But then right after I feel on top of the world, I feel the slight twangs of depression begin and I find myself having to make great efforts not fall into the trap of self despair. Now don't get worried. I am doing great. I just realize that Satan is trying to do anything he can to get me not to serve. But know this, I am going to serve a mission and I am going to serve with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength!

I am extremely excited to hear next week where I will be going. I think back on my childhood and all of the times in primary when I with vigor sang "I hope they call me on a mission." I smile and humbly thank my Heavenly Father for leading on a path to accomplish this goal. I still hope He will call me on a mission! I have never really thought of going to one place in particular because I know that the Lord will call me where I need to go. Yet, I know that I am meant for one mission and it is the one I will read in a few days. Thank you all for your support, examples, and prayers.

They're In!

Where in the world is Grant going? My mission papers were officially submitted today and now it is just a matter of time (hopefully a week and a half) before I find out!!! I am super excited!

Invitational Dance for Single Awareness Day!

Awkward Moments: The Story of My Life

So I was asked by Karissa (a girl in my ward) to the Invitational Valentine Dance last night and we had a lot of fun! We ate baked potatoes and chicken salad (mmmm...probably the best meal I have had in a while) and then we danced the night away and got a cartoon picture drawn of us. Oh, and we posed for this picture too. Yes, that is about as good as I get with the women folk. It was a fun night! Then we ended the night with tart things that were nothing but goodness :) Perfect ending!

Elder Russell <-Yeah!

Okay, so it is not official. But I am really close. I met with my Bishop today and he submitted my paperwork to the stake for review. I have an appointment this Sunday with the Stake President and then my papers will be in!!! So only a FEW MORE WEEKS!!! I have waited all my life for this to come and I am just getting so excited. I will keep everyone updated.