JT's Mission Report

     As most of you know, our eldest grandson, Elder JT Eborn, returned from his mission in Russia this past week. It has been wonderful to see him again and to see how he has grown and matured in the gospel.  He has always had a big smile and a great attitude about life, not that he hasn't had his share of challenges.  He has learned to accept what comes along and to see opportunity for growth and service to others in all of life's circumstances.  This mission to Siberia, where the temperatures for months on end are below zero and where people have been taught for many decades that there is no God and that religion is the opiate of the people and where a state of near hopelessness is a common attitude for many people has been a grand experience for Elder Eborn.  JT never complained but accepted his assignment to the "nether most part" of the vineyard with a happy heart and with a strong will to share the gospel with all of the people in Russia, who were willing to listen and give heed.  He undoubtedly had a pronounced effect on many of the Russian people as well as others he met along the way, including his companions, fellow Church members, those who were assigned to be his leaders and those of us who stayed home and supported him through our prayers, our letters etc.

     Today he reported his mission.  He was humble and powerfully spiritual.  It was obvious that he had performed his duties as a missionary with courage, valor, and integrity, and that what was already a strong testimony of the gospel when he left had grown even more certain and powerful  As grandparents we were very happy be able to say: "He's our grandson!!"  We love all of our grandchildren very much, but somehow the first one has a special place in our hearts.   Maybe it's just because he's got the others by a few months or years.  We know he has set a great example for his cousins and for all of us and we are very grateful for his example and his love of the Lord and all of his people.

     This Sunday evening I'm getting a little out of my routine.  For the past two years, one hundred and four weeks, I have taken time to write to my favorite missionary.  The letters weren't long and perhaps they seemed rather repetitive and dull, but the underlying message was this. "JT, we love you, and you are always in our thoughts and prayers, and the gospel is true."  This will not change, in spite of the fact that he's now home and is beginning the the next big chapter of his life.  I have no doubt that he will do well at whatever he determines to do in life.  As we were talking, JT thanked me for all of those letters.  He said that only one other person had written him every week.  Amber, yes, she is still here and she still likes JT.  I think the feeling is mutual.  We'll see where all of this goes, but irregardless they have shown that they can both be loyal.  This a quality to be sought after by all of us, I think.

I'm not a betting man, but if I were .....................  Time will tell.