Dear Family,
It sounds like it could have been colder down there this week we wern't to cold this week we have gotten more snow its starting to get into the negatives a little bit but not to much. Thats cool that you got to drive in the snow abbey its not that much different unless you have an open parking lot to spin around in but don't try it you might wreck again lol! This last week was a good week we are getting alot of good referals from the ward which is always exciting this ward is a very missionary minded ward which helps alot. Bishop Fishback is an amazing man who helps us out alot and leads by example he and his wife are very fun to work with. We had a good meeting with one of our investigators Bob he was sick this week so we were able to get over there and do some great service for him which was nice and we also read with him alot from the book of mormon which is always fun and a good experience he is starting to ask alot of good questions he has already heard all of the lessons but has to wait till February because he is on parol. This next week we get to go back up to Talkeetna we should be able to teach alot of lessons while were up there the Branch has been setting lessons already for us and we are very excited if we get more people to teach up there we will get to go more than just 2 a month to about everyweek which will be fun there is this family who we are supposed to teach up there this week and the little girls want to be baptized so it should be a good visit.
Love Elder Rushton
Rushton Family
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Letter from David December 7, 2009
Dear Family
Things have been good here this week. It was pretty cool yesterday we went to church at the Talkeetna branch and spent the day up there it is a pretty cool little town and very spread out. There was 15 at church including us at that is the usual number for them but for fast and testimony meeting we all bore our testimonies then it was over there was a nice spirit that was there. We are probably going to be going out there more because there is alot of work we can do out there. Its pretty fun last night we went and visited this family in talkeetna and it was in the middle of nowhere. The road to the house was barely big enough to get a car through and it also wasn't in the best conditions and it was about 2 miles long it was pretty cool if you turned the lights off you could barely see your hand in front of your face or the stars but as we were driving it was pretty funny it kind of looked like something you would see in a movie it was pretty cool. We've also seen alot of moose this week which has been fun. The work here has been good this last week we have gotten alot of referrals from the members so this week we should be able to have more lessons the people that we are teaching right now are doing good the one gentlemen has to wait until after his parol is over to get baptized and the other lady is doing good she is about 85 but is pretty interested. THat is exciting that you are getting a real christmas tree i think we might get a real one for fun there alot of okay looking trees all over here and there are some good little ones and i don't think its illegal if you just cut it down at least i hope it isn't. Well have a good week my new address is
PO Box 8118
Wasilla AK, 99629
Love Elder Rusthon
Things have been good here this week. It was pretty cool yesterday we went to church at the Talkeetna branch and spent the day up there it is a pretty cool little town and very spread out. There was 15 at church including us at that is the usual number for them but for fast and testimony meeting we all bore our testimonies then it was over there was a nice spirit that was there. We are probably going to be going out there more because there is alot of work we can do out there. Its pretty fun last night we went and visited this family in talkeetna and it was in the middle of nowhere. The road to the house was barely big enough to get a car through and it also wasn't in the best conditions and it was about 2 miles long it was pretty cool if you turned the lights off you could barely see your hand in front of your face or the stars but as we were driving it was pretty funny it kind of looked like something you would see in a movie it was pretty cool. We've also seen alot of moose this week which has been fun. The work here has been good this last week we have gotten alot of referrals from the members so this week we should be able to have more lessons the people that we are teaching right now are doing good the one gentlemen has to wait until after his parol is over to get baptized and the other lady is doing good she is about 85 but is pretty interested. THat is exciting that you are getting a real christmas tree i think we might get a real one for fun there alot of okay looking trees all over here and there are some good little ones and i don't think its illegal if you just cut it down at least i hope it isn't. Well have a good week my new address is
PO Box 8118
Wasilla AK, 99629
Love Elder Rusthon
Monday, November 30, 2009
Letter from David November 30, 2009
Dear Family,
This week was a good week our area is huge. It is pretty fun though we cover about four little towns that are close together than we cover another one Talkeetna which is a little branch and not part of the ward but is a lot farther down the road. President gave us permission to go down more than once a month now which will be fun there are only about 15 active members and alot of work to do up there the only problem is it burns through our miles we only get 2200 miles a month which is actually hard to stay under just because things are spread out but it works. The chappel here is very nice its make of cedar and is in the middle of nowhere in willow which is pretty nice the building fits its surroundings and is very beautiful inside the ward is a little smaller also but the work is good here we are getting alot more teaching opportunities. Its crazy people who live here are either really well off or very poor living in one room cabins its always fun to see those people though its fun to hear there stories and to see that they are perfectly happy where they are at some of the most humble people i've met we teach and visit alot of people in these circumstances but they don't seem to mind living like this actually they love it. It shows that we don't need much to be truely happy. Sorry i spent alot of money this week the elder that was here before took alot of stuff with him so i had to buy alot of new stuff and food. I don't know our address yet but ill try to send a letter with our new address if not the mission home can still forward it if you send it through the post office still they can forward it for free. The family whose cabin we live in are way cool there son has just got his mission call and they are excited we had thanksgiving with them at the church there was over 50 people there they always invite everyone who has no place to go it was way fun. we had dinner with a family last night who we hope to start teaching again they have been active in going to church for the last year but still haven't been baptized for whatever reason but things are going good here thanks for everything glad to hear thanksgiving was good hope marissa gets better
Love Elder Rushton.
This week was a good week our area is huge. It is pretty fun though we cover about four little towns that are close together than we cover another one Talkeetna which is a little branch and not part of the ward but is a lot farther down the road. President gave us permission to go down more than once a month now which will be fun there are only about 15 active members and alot of work to do up there the only problem is it burns through our miles we only get 2200 miles a month which is actually hard to stay under just because things are spread out but it works. The chappel here is very nice its make of cedar and is in the middle of nowhere in willow which is pretty nice the building fits its surroundings and is very beautiful inside the ward is a little smaller also but the work is good here we are getting alot more teaching opportunities. Its crazy people who live here are either really well off or very poor living in one room cabins its always fun to see those people though its fun to hear there stories and to see that they are perfectly happy where they are at some of the most humble people i've met we teach and visit alot of people in these circumstances but they don't seem to mind living like this actually they love it. It shows that we don't need much to be truely happy. Sorry i spent alot of money this week the elder that was here before took alot of stuff with him so i had to buy alot of new stuff and food. I don't know our address yet but ill try to send a letter with our new address if not the mission home can still forward it if you send it through the post office still they can forward it for free. The family whose cabin we live in are way cool there son has just got his mission call and they are excited we had thanksgiving with them at the church there was over 50 people there they always invite everyone who has no place to go it was way fun. we had dinner with a family last night who we hope to start teaching again they have been active in going to church for the last year but still haven't been baptized for whatever reason but things are going good here thanks for everything glad to hear thanksgiving was good hope marissa gets better
Love Elder Rushton.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving
Grandpa Smith, The Hitchcocks, Cassie, Karie and their families all came for Thanksgiving. We had a good time. The kids enjoyed their "sleepover". All 7 of the unmarried kids slept in the family room. If there was a spot, there was a pillow, blanket and child.
Monday, November 23, 2009
David's letter November 23, 2009
Dear Family,
I am getting transfered again this week i was pretty bummed when they told me i thought i would at least be able to stay one more. I knew i wasnt going to be staying here for long because thats what president said he said one to two transfers because he wants my companion to stay for a while because he samoan. I am going to be serving in the Willow ward and I will also be covering the Talkeetna branch which will be fun my are is huge and its on the outskirts. I guess i cover from mile marker 40 on the highway to 140 and then its pretty wide to but it should be fun my new companion is Elder Harding from burley i've never met him before. I guess i get to live in a little cabin in the middle of nowhere that should be fun. It was pretty sad to say goodbye again when i'm pretty sure i probably wont be able to serve in the ward again. Mary is not on date yet but is still doing good they are starting to plan for the wedding so they should be married before christmas. And we also have two people on date for this saturday Leilani Rodrigez and Leilani Toatla. I might be able to come back for the baptism im not sure yet sometimes president will let you come back but i live like three to four hours away now. Thats good to here that your talk went good dad im sure you did a good job. Thanks for your letter mom i have had thoughts like that sometimes to and am so very thankful for where i came from and for your examples we get to see different people everyday some are getting the blessings of the gospel and some aren't and you can see how different there lives really are. Thats good to here that your college applications are in abbey tell me which one you choose alot of missionaries are trying to talk me into going to school in Utah but i have no idea what i will be doing yet.. And have fun playing frisbee Marissa with your friends and taking care of Kamery it sounds like she is starting to become quite the character. Have a wonderful thanksgiving i don't know what i am going to do yet if i would have stayed we already have three dinners set up here so they will have fun. Tell the Hitchcocks hi for me have a good thanksgiving Love you all.
Love Elder Rushton
I am getting transfered again this week i was pretty bummed when they told me i thought i would at least be able to stay one more. I knew i wasnt going to be staying here for long because thats what president said he said one to two transfers because he wants my companion to stay for a while because he samoan. I am going to be serving in the Willow ward and I will also be covering the Talkeetna branch which will be fun my are is huge and its on the outskirts. I guess i cover from mile marker 40 on the highway to 140 and then its pretty wide to but it should be fun my new companion is Elder Harding from burley i've never met him before. I guess i get to live in a little cabin in the middle of nowhere that should be fun. It was pretty sad to say goodbye again when i'm pretty sure i probably wont be able to serve in the ward again. Mary is not on date yet but is still doing good they are starting to plan for the wedding so they should be married before christmas. And we also have two people on date for this saturday Leilani Rodrigez and Leilani Toatla. I might be able to come back for the baptism im not sure yet sometimes president will let you come back but i live like three to four hours away now. Thats good to here that your talk went good dad im sure you did a good job. Thanks for your letter mom i have had thoughts like that sometimes to and am so very thankful for where i came from and for your examples we get to see different people everyday some are getting the blessings of the gospel and some aren't and you can see how different there lives really are. Thats good to here that your college applications are in abbey tell me which one you choose alot of missionaries are trying to talk me into going to school in Utah but i have no idea what i will be doing yet.. And have fun playing frisbee Marissa with your friends and taking care of Kamery it sounds like she is starting to become quite the character. Have a wonderful thanksgiving i don't know what i am going to do yet if i would have stayed we already have three dinners set up here so they will have fun. Tell the Hitchcocks hi for me have a good thanksgiving Love you all.
Love Elder Rushton
Monday, November 16, 2009
David's letter November 16, 2009
Dear Family,
Life has been good this week i got the package on Tuesday which was fun thanks for the pictures. It sounds like these last two weeks have been a good time. This week has been pretty fun we took Mary off date due to some circumstances. They are still living the law of chastity but because they are living in the same house still, because they really don't have anything or anywhere to go they are just living with his brother they are still living technically together even though they sleep in different rooms. We were really nervous about the lesson this week because we had to tell her we need to wait until after they are married president dance asked if we could change the date so before thursday when the lesson was we were praying and studying for help on how to help her change the date. So when we went to the lesson we were just planning to tell her right at the beginning we really didn't know quite how we were gonna tell her yet, but we were very blessed she was excited to get baptized but as she was studing that week she had the feeling she needed to wait and the scripture that matamua shared were the same scriptures she read it was pretty awesome the spirit was way strong the Lord always provides a way he took good care of Mary its just a testimony the Lords in charge we didn't quite now how to go about it other than we needed to do it we prepared a few things and the lord took care of the rest. I have a learned alot this week and throughout my mission the power of prayer is amazing as you take the time to talk to our hevenly Father, there have been many lessons where we have taught and the people ask questions that me or my companion don't really understand but then it comes and the words come out and scriptures come to your mind that you have been thinking about or studing in the last few days. I've learned that the lord really prepares everyone you teach but you can't be of any help to the lord or them if you don't prepare yourselves he can only use what you have so you need to try and prepare as much as possible or your not going to be of much help. The other thing i have learned alot about is you have to learn to love everyone you teach and its like Uchtdorf said in his conference talk the Lord doesn't need our love but o how we need to love the Lord and as you grow closer to our heavenly father and his son that love comes at first it seemed hard but now its easier. I love this work and am very grateful to be apart. I know that our Savior lives and that the Atonement is real i've learned so much about it a couple of months ago one of our investigators who got baptized asked some big questions about the atonement and what it really intails and as we went to the scriptures my eyes were opened and we were all blessed by the questions she asked and the answers we got. I am thankful for the opportunity of the Holy ghost i have learned more of how to recognize the promptings. Thanks for all that you guys have done for me and the example you have alll been in my life. transfers are this week we think were staying but president said he didn;t think my stay would be as long this time because elder matamua is going to be a senior companion soon he is an amazing teach full of the spirit when he teaches it is awesome. so we will see where i will be for thanksgiving and christmas. And i promise i won't spend as much money anymore i already but the new clothes i need and am set for winter but that book that i got was nice thanks for that now i have three i also have the quote book and the answer book they are fun to read those books are fun or if you find any more cools hats but i don't need much we are getting taken care of Thanks for everything hopefully some or this stuff helps for your talk dad if not you could always use some of the conference talks Elder Uchtdorfs is good i love the quote God doesn't need us to love him but oh how we need to love god that is a good key for missionary work because through that love all falls into place i think that was also uchtdorf or Dallin H oaks have fun in the lesson
Love Elder Rushton
Life has been good this week i got the package on Tuesday which was fun thanks for the pictures. It sounds like these last two weeks have been a good time. This week has been pretty fun we took Mary off date due to some circumstances. They are still living the law of chastity but because they are living in the same house still, because they really don't have anything or anywhere to go they are just living with his brother they are still living technically together even though they sleep in different rooms. We were really nervous about the lesson this week because we had to tell her we need to wait until after they are married president dance asked if we could change the date so before thursday when the lesson was we were praying and studying for help on how to help her change the date. So when we went to the lesson we were just planning to tell her right at the beginning we really didn't know quite how we were gonna tell her yet, but we were very blessed she was excited to get baptized but as she was studing that week she had the feeling she needed to wait and the scripture that matamua shared were the same scriptures she read it was pretty awesome the spirit was way strong the Lord always provides a way he took good care of Mary its just a testimony the Lords in charge we didn't quite now how to go about it other than we needed to do it we prepared a few things and the lord took care of the rest. I have a learned alot this week and throughout my mission the power of prayer is amazing as you take the time to talk to our hevenly Father, there have been many lessons where we have taught and the people ask questions that me or my companion don't really understand but then it comes and the words come out and scriptures come to your mind that you have been thinking about or studing in the last few days. I've learned that the lord really prepares everyone you teach but you can't be of any help to the lord or them if you don't prepare yourselves he can only use what you have so you need to try and prepare as much as possible or your not going to be of much help. The other thing i have learned alot about is you have to learn to love everyone you teach and its like Uchtdorf said in his conference talk the Lord doesn't need our love but o how we need to love the Lord and as you grow closer to our heavenly father and his son that love comes at first it seemed hard but now its easier. I love this work and am very grateful to be apart. I know that our Savior lives and that the Atonement is real i've learned so much about it a couple of months ago one of our investigators who got baptized asked some big questions about the atonement and what it really intails and as we went to the scriptures my eyes were opened and we were all blessed by the questions she asked and the answers we got. I am thankful for the opportunity of the Holy ghost i have learned more of how to recognize the promptings. Thanks for all that you guys have done for me and the example you have alll been in my life. transfers are this week we think were staying but president said he didn;t think my stay would be as long this time because elder matamua is going to be a senior companion soon he is an amazing teach full of the spirit when he teaches it is awesome. so we will see where i will be for thanksgiving and christmas. And i promise i won't spend as much money anymore i already but the new clothes i need and am set for winter but that book that i got was nice thanks for that now i have three i also have the quote book and the answer book they are fun to read those books are fun or if you find any more cools hats but i don't need much we are getting taken care of Thanks for everything hopefully some or this stuff helps for your talk dad if not you could always use some of the conference talks Elder Uchtdorfs is good i love the quote God doesn't need us to love him but oh how we need to love god that is a good key for missionary work because through that love all falls into place i think that was also uchtdorf or Dallin H oaks have fun in the lesson
Love Elder Rushton
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween
We finally got around to carving pumpkins.
This pumpkin was actually carved by a friend of Abbey's. She gave him a bunch of dum dum suckers and some smarties with her name on them and said on a note, Don't be a dum dum, be a smarty come to Harvest with me. He answered her back with this pumpkin that had tootsie pops sticking out all over. The note said I'd be a sucker if I said no.
Nicole, a friend of Marissa's, came and carved Boyd's pumpkin for him. Nice job Nicole!
Abbey's pumpkin is on its last leg. Growing a bit of hair. She carved it last weekend.
Marissa did this lovely one. She has titled it "puking pumpkin"
Abbey designed this and I cut it out for her. She was off to work. Sometimes having a job isn't fun. She likes to have a little money in her pocket so I guess she can sacrifice on occasion.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!!
This pumpkin was actually carved by a friend of Abbey's. She gave him a bunch of dum dum suckers and some smarties with her name on them and said on a note, Don't be a dum dum, be a smarty come to Harvest with me. He answered her back with this pumpkin that had tootsie pops sticking out all over. The note said I'd be a sucker if I said no.
Nicole, a friend of Marissa's, came and carved Boyd's pumpkin for him. Nice job Nicole!
Abbey's pumpkin is on its last leg. Growing a bit of hair. She carved it last weekend.
Marissa did this lovely one. She has titled it "puking pumpkin"
Abbey designed this and I cut it out for her. She was off to work. Sometimes having a job isn't fun. She likes to have a little money in her pocket so I guess she can sacrifice on occasion.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!!
David's letter October 26, 2009
Dear Family,
LIfe has been good this week were only teaching a few people right now which is still good we've had some interesting expieriences this week but good at the same time. Mary Falealo one of our investigators is doing real good she has a strong testiomny of the savior it is fun to learn from her and her fiance. Yesterday in church was the primary program it was way cool it reminded me alot of home and it was the same sweet spirit i love hearing the hymns in samoan yesterday the primary sang i have a family here on earth and it was in samoan but it was super strong and you could feel the spirit. Serving with Elder Matamua has been an awesome expierience so far he is a powerful teacher and loves to learn. Its also fun learning about Australia he has a sweet accent which makes it fun. I was wondering if you guys had an opportunity to send those pictures yet if not thats okay. Sounds like things are going good back home have a wonderful week.
Love Elder Rushton
LIfe has been good this week were only teaching a few people right now which is still good we've had some interesting expieriences this week but good at the same time. Mary Falealo one of our investigators is doing real good she has a strong testiomny of the savior it is fun to learn from her and her fiance. Yesterday in church was the primary program it was way cool it reminded me alot of home and it was the same sweet spirit i love hearing the hymns in samoan yesterday the primary sang i have a family here on earth and it was in samoan but it was super strong and you could feel the spirit. Serving with Elder Matamua has been an awesome expierience so far he is a powerful teacher and loves to learn. Its also fun learning about Australia he has a sweet accent which makes it fun. I was wondering if you guys had an opportunity to send those pictures yet if not thats okay. Sounds like things are going good back home have a wonderful week.
Love Elder Rushton
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Cassie and Kamery came to visit this weekend. We enjoyed them and were sad when they had to go home.
Only at Grandpa and Grandma's can you have a popsicle and dinner (in that order)
Yummy pears
And then it was off to the kitchen sink for a bath. Boyd will not let me post any bath pictures. She found the tomato's on the ledge and the pan scrubber. With one in each hand she was thrilled to be in the water.
Then we all had a nice foot spa.
We had a fun weekend. We miss them already. Can't wait for them to come and visit again!
Only at Grandpa and Grandma's can you have a popsicle and dinner (in that order)
Yummy pears
And then it was off to the kitchen sink for a bath. Boyd will not let me post any bath pictures. She found the tomato's on the ledge and the pan scrubber. With one in each hand she was thrilled to be in the water.
Then we all had a nice foot spa.
We had a fun weekend. We miss them already. Can't wait for them to come and visit again!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
David's letter October 21, 2009
Dear Family,
This week was a good week alot of things happened this week. We have temple today thats why im righting today but i am very excited to go we don't get to go that much any more. We also got to spend a few days with Elder Sooalo, one of my companions who went home last thursday, he had to wait a couple of days for his flight it was good to spend a few days with him. we had to drop him of at the mission home it was pretty sad we sat there and talked for a little bit then sister dance said we better get back to work and to say our goodbys it was pretty sad to see him go both me and my companion now spent 4 months with him and we were all crying its crazy to see how fast it goes and the people you learn to love he was my favorite companion so far. We also got to move appartements this week we lived in the down town area in a pretty big appartment building that was pretty nice. And now they moved us into the middle of the ghetto its pretty funny i think im the only white guy in our apartment complex now its pretty cool we've got a lot of samoan people that live in our complex so its also a good missionary opportunity for us to be there. this week was a good week getting to go see alot of friendly faces. Thanks for the letters good luck abbey on your college applications and marissa i hope it goes well on halloween for ya. tell uncle Kelly congrats have a good week.
Love Elder Rushton
This week was a good week alot of things happened this week. We have temple today thats why im righting today but i am very excited to go we don't get to go that much any more. We also got to spend a few days with Elder Sooalo, one of my companions who went home last thursday, he had to wait a couple of days for his flight it was good to spend a few days with him. we had to drop him of at the mission home it was pretty sad we sat there and talked for a little bit then sister dance said we better get back to work and to say our goodbys it was pretty sad to see him go both me and my companion now spent 4 months with him and we were all crying its crazy to see how fast it goes and the people you learn to love he was my favorite companion so far. We also got to move appartements this week we lived in the down town area in a pretty big appartment building that was pretty nice. And now they moved us into the middle of the ghetto its pretty funny i think im the only white guy in our apartment complex now its pretty cool we've got a lot of samoan people that live in our complex so its also a good missionary opportunity for us to be there. this week was a good week getting to go see alot of friendly faces. Thanks for the letters good luck abbey on your college applications and marissa i hope it goes well on halloween for ya. tell uncle Kelly congrats have a good week.
Love Elder Rushton
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
David's letter October 5, 2009
Dear Family,
this week was an awesome week full of great expierences. this weekends conference was amazing. we had an awesome expierience last night we had gone to our bishops who had asked us to stop by a family during the week their last name is crist. we've tried them before and have only been able to talk for about a min. they were never open so we were planning to see them sometime this week because we had other plans that night, but as we passed by there house i felt the urge to stop so we stopped there instead. sister crist let us in right away. its been a while since she has been to church but she watched conference and saw elder hollands talk on the book of mormon and was very moved. then she had a missionary opportunity where some one asked her about the holy ghost and the book of mormon. She was praying we would stop by to help her and talk to her. we are excited to work with her through out the next few weeks. I am glad to hear that you all enjoyed conference i loved it i can't wait to get the ensign i Enjoyed Elder Eyrings talks and also the priesthood session. Transfers are this week. Well Have a good week keep trying hard congratulations abbey and Marissa on your new callings and keep being good examples. I look now and am very greatful for the opportunities i have had to come closer to my savior. i know he lives
love Elder Rushton
this week was an awesome week full of great expierences. this weekends conference was amazing. we had an awesome expierience last night we had gone to our bishops who had asked us to stop by a family during the week their last name is crist. we've tried them before and have only been able to talk for about a min. they were never open so we were planning to see them sometime this week because we had other plans that night, but as we passed by there house i felt the urge to stop so we stopped there instead. sister crist let us in right away. its been a while since she has been to church but she watched conference and saw elder hollands talk on the book of mormon and was very moved. then she had a missionary opportunity where some one asked her about the holy ghost and the book of mormon. She was praying we would stop by to help her and talk to her. we are excited to work with her through out the next few weeks. I am glad to hear that you all enjoyed conference i loved it i can't wait to get the ensign i Enjoyed Elder Eyrings talks and also the priesthood session. Transfers are this week. Well Have a good week keep trying hard congratulations abbey and Marissa on your new callings and keep being good examples. I look now and am very greatful for the opportunities i have had to come closer to my savior. i know he lives
love Elder Rushton
Saturday, October 3, 2009
This quote was shared by a niece. I thought it was well worth passing along.
Elder Wirthlin said at this last General Conference, "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
Elder Wirthlin said at this last General Conference, "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Letter from David September 23, 2009
Dear Family,
Thats good to hear that everything went well with the new car don't let abbey drive it lol. This week was an awesome week yesterday we had zone conference and we had Elder Arnold from the seventy hear it was way cool we got rebuked on some things but it was good cause you could feel the spirit way strong it was pretty awesome and are mission president also spoke a little it was way sweet. Lately i've been reading the new testament and have found that every day i love the scriptures more. My knowledge of the saviour and his atonement has grown so much i find it hard to not feel joy as i go about the day. were doing the same thing you are mom but we do it just for our ward and its working out way good we are having alot more opportunities to teach and it continues to grow. Thats good to hear that Dad and Kamery had fun spending some good time together hey can you send me more pictures and can you send me my old picture card from the beginning of my mission with the pictures on it i need some of them. the new idea is to work with the ward more and so we teach at least 20 lessons a week which we will have to build to in this area but we will get there soon. We've been also doing alot of less active work and have seen alot of progress from some families and a part member family were working with. thanks for all of the love and support and the example you guys are to me. have a good week Love Elder Rushton
Thats good to hear that everything went well with the new car don't let abbey drive it lol. This week was an awesome week yesterday we had zone conference and we had Elder Arnold from the seventy hear it was way cool we got rebuked on some things but it was good cause you could feel the spirit way strong it was pretty awesome and are mission president also spoke a little it was way sweet. Lately i've been reading the new testament and have found that every day i love the scriptures more. My knowledge of the saviour and his atonement has grown so much i find it hard to not feel joy as i go about the day. were doing the same thing you are mom but we do it just for our ward and its working out way good we are having alot more opportunities to teach and it continues to grow. Thats good to hear that Dad and Kamery had fun spending some good time together hey can you send me more pictures and can you send me my old picture card from the beginning of my mission with the pictures on it i need some of them. the new idea is to work with the ward more and so we teach at least 20 lessons a week which we will have to build to in this area but we will get there soon. We've been also doing alot of less active work and have seen alot of progress from some families and a part member family were working with. thanks for all of the love and support and the example you guys are to me. have a good week Love Elder Rushton
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
We had our Smith family reunion the beginning of August. We stayed at Oakley Ranch. We had some pretty good rain, but had a wonderful time. We spent an afternoon at the City of Rocks.
Marissa and her cousin Kayla
Cassie and her cousin Brittney
Karie
The entire Rushton crew (minus David) 
Kamery and Marissa
Grandpa and Grandma Smith and Kamery
Andrea and baby McKenna
Grandma Collins was laughing at her and she did not appreciate it!
Great Grandma Smith and AbbeyMonday, August 3, 2009
Letter from David July 27, 2009
Dear Family,Everything is going well here ive learned that there is only two kingdoms the kingdom of Tonga and the Kingdom of Heaven Elder Fonua is a pretty funny guy. Not much has changed here unfortunatly it looks like winter is on its way its been in the 50s all week and raining so summers almost done here i think. We have a cool russian weve been teaching these last couple of weeks which has been fun its pretty funny the first couple of times we went over there he offered Vadka to us it was pretty funny at first fonua said yes then he realized what he said it was pretty funny so we just laughed and talked about the word of wisdom. thats really our only investigator right now were probably gonna have to drop the rest there not proggressing at all. we have been able to work with the members alot lately and are teaching alot of less active families which is fun. well have a good week.
LOve Elder Rushton
LOve Elder Rushton
Monday, July 27, 2009
A busy couple of weeks
We went to Rexburg to spend a couple of days with Jonny and Karie. We stopped by the beauty school and Karie cut Abbey and Marissa's hair. We enjoyed playing games with them. We found a new favorite, Boggle. We helped them paint their deck.
We also enjoyed a family reunion with the Rushton's. We stayed in some cabins out of Heber City. We had a wonderful time.
Cassie came to visit for a day and we took Kamery swimming. She loves the water. We had fun with her in the pool
We also enjoyed a family reunion with the Rushton's. We stayed in some cabins out of Heber City. We had a wonderful time.
After our family reunion, it was off to Jackson Hole Wyoming. We had tickets to a dinner show. We enjoyed the Bar J Wranglers and had fun walking around town checking out "stuff".
Marissa was a little nervous next to "Big Foot"
Marissa was a little nervous next to "Big Foot"
Cassie came to visit for a day and we took Kamery swimming. She loves the water. We had fun with her in the pool
Saturday, June 20, 2009
We traveled to Logandale Nevada last weekend to attend the funeral of our cousin and niece, Lysha Marshall. She was in a car accident on her way to girls camp. Lysha and one of her best friends Heather were both taken. We will miss her dearly. Here are a few pictures from our trip.
Marissa thought these were the coolest trees she had ever seen. We stopped to take a few pictures outside our motel room
Andrea, McKenna, Cassie and Kamery
We stopped in to see Boyds parents on our way home.
Grandma has been waiting for a 5 generation picture for several months. We finally had everyone together to make it happen.
A few cousins and grandma great
A few cousins and grandma great
Abbey and Kamery
Marissa thought these were the coolest trees she had ever seen. We stopped to take a few pictures outside our motel room
Andrea, McKenna, Cassie and Kamery
We stopped in to see Boyds parents on our way home.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
David's letter June 10, 2009
Dear Fam
Thanks for the email president called me last night but it took him a while to get a hold of me he left a message and by the sound of the message i knew something was wrong he said it was for me. President Dance is a great guy he said he knows stevens president too and gave him a call last night too so they can prepare for steven today. I know lysha is in a great place i know more than i ever have in my life about the plan of salvation and the truth of the message that we share it is still hard to see someone leave but the savior will comfort us and give us the strength we need through these trying times president said mom already left to go down there which is good my prays are with the marshalls and steven he will be an amazing missionary in the south i hope he is alright is he gonna go home or stay out i dont know how these things work. last night was an interesting night but president is a very spiritual man and i am greatful for your and his call. my companion is awesome to we had a good discussion last night and got to know eachother very well. you all are in my thoughts and prayers daily. tell the marshalls i love them and i know one day we will all be able to rejoice together our heavenly fathers plan is flawless and so is his love thanks for all of the love and support
Love Elder rushton
Thanks for the email president called me last night but it took him a while to get a hold of me he left a message and by the sound of the message i knew something was wrong he said it was for me. President Dance is a great guy he said he knows stevens president too and gave him a call last night too so they can prepare for steven today. I know lysha is in a great place i know more than i ever have in my life about the plan of salvation and the truth of the message that we share it is still hard to see someone leave but the savior will comfort us and give us the strength we need through these trying times president said mom already left to go down there which is good my prays are with the marshalls and steven he will be an amazing missionary in the south i hope he is alright is he gonna go home or stay out i dont know how these things work. last night was an interesting night but president is a very spiritual man and i am greatful for your and his call. my companion is awesome to we had a good discussion last night and got to know eachother very well. you all are in my thoughts and prayers daily. tell the marshalls i love them and i know one day we will all be able to rejoice together our heavenly fathers plan is flawless and so is his love thanks for all of the love and support
Love Elder rushton
Letter from David June 8, 2009
Dear Fam,
I'm getting transfered today my companion is training which is good hes gonna have fun it was pretty sad yesterday having to say goodby every body was saying goodby whiteboy which was pretty funny. I got up and bore my testtimony in samoan which was fun and a good expierience. Our ward mission leader said hes gonna request that i come and finish my mission here the bishop said the same thing so we'll see what the lord wants. Im getting transfered to south anchorage at first i wasnt very happy but then i quickly remembered its probably where i need to be my new companion will be Elder Fonua from Tonga i was pretty excited about that will have fun hes still learning english so it will be a good expierience. The works a little slower in south and my area is in the richer side of town but it will be good im more excited now then i was on saturday when i found out. its good to hear that everything is doing well at home thats cool that marissa gets to go babysit shell have lots of fun with that whats abbey upto is she running for cross country yet. well have a good week. thanks for all the love and support I know that i am priviledged to be here and thankful for the wonderful opportunities i have to grow closer to my savior its been an awesome expierence to serve in this ward i love it here and my testimony has grown so much about our savior but i know where im going will be good to
LOve elder rushton
I'm getting transfered today my companion is training which is good hes gonna have fun it was pretty sad yesterday having to say goodby every body was saying goodby whiteboy which was pretty funny. I got up and bore my testtimony in samoan which was fun and a good expierience. Our ward mission leader said hes gonna request that i come and finish my mission here the bishop said the same thing so we'll see what the lord wants. Im getting transfered to south anchorage at first i wasnt very happy but then i quickly remembered its probably where i need to be my new companion will be Elder Fonua from Tonga i was pretty excited about that will have fun hes still learning english so it will be a good expierience. The works a little slower in south and my area is in the richer side of town but it will be good im more excited now then i was on saturday when i found out. its good to hear that everything is doing well at home thats cool that marissa gets to go babysit shell have lots of fun with that whats abbey upto is she running for cross country yet. well have a good week. thanks for all the love and support I know that i am priviledged to be here and thankful for the wonderful opportunities i have to grow closer to my savior its been an awesome expierence to serve in this ward i love it here and my testimony has grown so much about our savior but i know where im going will be good to
LOve elder rushton
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
David's letter May 20, 2009
Dear fam,we had the temple this week thats why my letters are late. it was pretty awesome we have another baptism this week and hopefully three next week we might move two back because they might need a little more time. the one this weekend were really excited for her name is marien we started teaching her my first transfer i was here and then she kind of fell away for a while but she called us on mothers day at night and said she was ready and she is which is good because she needed to make a few changes before she was ready the lord prepares them for us its pretty good. we have had a good couple weeks its getting pretty warm here and the sun is up more than 2/3 of the day. were still trying to find more people now it seems like the work is kind of slowing down that just means we have to work a little harder. yesterday was zone conference im not quite sure im gonna stay any more its 50 50 whoever does will probably train but it doesnt matter to me to much because i know ill be where i need to be which is always the case. well have a good week thanks for the pics of camery i hope you guys had fun.
love Elder Rushton
love Elder Rushton
Sunday, May 17, 2009
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