Raszu! Tweety!‏

My dear Family :)Your letters were beautiful today, thank you so much. Spence, thank you so much kid for those, honestly. It means the world to me. It felt like you were talking right to me, I sure do miss you brother. I'll be praying way hard for you that all goes perfect with the ACT. I know the Lord will help you. No doubt. Pop you sounded like you had one amazing time there Golfing your heart out, but the family is simply the best place to be. Mamma, thank you and I 'm sorry I forgot to tell you taht I did get my package, and it Rocked! So delicious. I made both boxes of brownies already- Ania and her family looove them ha. So funny. You sound like your doing so great too. Sarah, and annie, you sound brilliant and wonderful as ever. Fam, you simply were made just for me. Every word you write is always what I need to hear and yes. :)I love Katowice with all my heart and never ever want to leave as long as I live here in Poland. It is simply the greatest. It is dirty, and the Rynek is nothing more than a place where all the tramwaj tracks meet, but the people here are golden! The People! O how I love them lol. Ha. The members are spectacular, our investigators are so amazing, so powerful to work with and the people on the street are always open and willing to talk. And the members help us all the time with missionary work! ALL THE TIME! We had 8 member lessons last week, which is show stopping. All because these members were willing to help. Martyna and Natalia are always willing to help on lessons especially- I admire them and esteem them as some of the most amazing members I have ever met. Martyna especially- the girl has a really really tough family life, and has just been changed in every way by the Gospel. She used to be a hardcore punk rocker, black hair and makeup, nose, lip, eyebrow and innumerable ear piercings- and then she came to church one day and realized Kurczę, this is true. She changed, and you would never believe that she is the same person as that Punk rocker I described. She understands what it's all about. She understands how much it means to her and the she can't afford but to share and help us share it with others. She is wonderful and teaches me tons everyday. One of the most landmark experiences on my mission is attributed to her-The church is young here in Poland. Things like teaching good sunday school classes and getting people involved and making sure the auxilary activites are worth going to is hard enough with the limitless recources found in large branches. You can only imagine how it in our 40 people (at best) branch. Institute has been held here for the past couple of years, but recently Martyna was called to be the teacher, and now it is REALLY truly being held like never before. Elder Hughes and I sat in on her lesson last thursday and were just blown away. Her teaching, her questions, her involvement, her insights were pricelss. The lesson was so obviously well planned and everyone loved it. Institute is a must do every week now, and that is saying something- I will tell you :) Elder Hughes and I rejoiced at that. I had not intended to go off on that branch ha. Because an amazingly epic thing happened this last friday! Ania Cesarczyk was baptized. Her whole family was there- little 10 year old Sebastian dressed in his styling tuxedo, and Gosia in her sweet red Converse's . I had the privelege of performing the Ordinance and It was so powerful. In the swimming pool the Words "Otrzymawsze upoważniene od Jezusa Chrystusa" having recieved authority from Jesus Christ, meant something completely knew to me. Ania had such a wonderful smile on her face as she came out of the water. Her testimony was so beautiful. I sent you the Dobra Strona- it has a picture and her testimony written herself. We translated it last night- it is so sweet. The change since Firday, and Sunday when she was confirmed by a member, Marek (who had been with us at her house for Family HOme Evening once) is visible in her speech, in her actions, in general. She has really changed and knows what it means to be a member of this church. I've just recently realized what it really means to be converted, to really change for the Lord. Ania has done that and I am so proud of her.We had Family Home Evening last night and it was sooooo great. :) It went wonderfully- Gosia was stressed with homework, but Ania asked her kindly just to join us for the 10 minute spiritual part, and she did, happily. Little 4 year old Michał prayed for the first time, with the promptings of his mother whispered in his ear. It was one of the most touching things I have ever heard, truly tender. If you can't tell, I am very very happy. I still get to stay here in Katowice and work with Ania and Gosia and Sebastian and MIchał and hopefully see them get baptized before too long. They struggle with the lack of a Fatherly influence, but Ania truly is doing a miraculous job of raising them. It's unbelievable in all actuality. She herself just met her mother a month ago, she was raised by terrible foster parents, but turned out to be one flippin good mom! She says Martyna, Natalia, Hughes and I are her adopted children. So funny. :) She always calls me "Tweety" - she decided that was my character the first week I met her, because I always sang. Little Sebastian always yells when we play soccer, "Raszu!" Rush-oo! Ha love em so. We have some amaznig other investigators- Zosia, this woman who takes care of a 86 year old Babcia, now has a baptismal date for the 10th of October. She's still learning about the Gospel and still thinks that Praying to Mary is good, but we're working with her. The date is a goal, for these people to change, to convert. It's good :)We saw some powerful miracles this week overall- there is too much to tell and not enough time, but one that we really felt blessed about was this woman named Halina. She Is an older woman, and we tracked into her- the first door we knocked on...the only door I've knocked on with Elder Hughes all transfer. She opened up, let us in, and we taught her. She accepted it all as truth, is excited to read the Księgsa Mormona and meet with us again tomorrow. She was emotional, struggling with some life problems, but was so gratful that we met. O! Today we got Transfer news!! I'm staying in Katowice, and my companion, the all wonderful (in all seriousness, he is the bomb and one of my best friends out here) Elder Fenton Hughes will be an Assistant, along with my other favorite companion and best friend out here, Elder McRae. But there's 4 assistants this transfer! Crazy eh>? This next one is Elder Hughes' last transfer- he has taught me so much, I am sad to see him go. We'll be together til Saturday. My new companion is Elder Strobehn from Las Vegas. He is some 6 months older then me in the country (i really don't know If I will ever have a younger companion, ever ha) and everyone really likes the guy. So i am excited. There is so so so so sos os so ososososososo much good work to do here ni the durty durty south. I love you so much family. I love this Gospel and am trying my best out here to be the Lord needs me to be. I know you all trying to be the best the Lord needs you to be and I love you for that and for all you have ever done and continue to do in your own lives and for me. You are my kind of people ;) Have an amazing week and remember the Lord and your blessings. And pray for us here in Katowice. :)So much Love!Elder Rushton

Babcia Malina and Translating

Dearest Fam-This week was brilliant. Packed to the rim with...a lot of different activities, and I am sitting here happy to be writing you again.This morning I was in Kraków and the city is simply gorgeous. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Polish city that was not destroyed in World War II. Right in the middle of the city, there is the Rynek- filled with tourists from all over Europe and the rest of the world. Branching off is the Wawel castle- it's like it's own city inside. The whole thing was breath-taking. Probably the most amazing was the air-balloon we rode to about 180 meters off the ground. That was a horse of a different color. Sweet mercy I can't remember a more amazing sight. Fresh air filling your lungs, you just look out on the entire city of Kraków from a more peaceful, lest touristy side. I really loved that part of the day. We finished our day with Babcia Malina- Grandma Raspberry the famous resteraunt on the Rynek. Soooo delish!I've had a couple experiences this week- one in particular, that I don't think I'll ever forget. We had Zone Conference on Wednesday- and Elder Hughes and I had to organized the food, and our presentation, and just to ensure that our Zone was there and got out of there in time at the end. The conference was incredibly inspiring and uplifting for us all. Our mission is much smaller these days- there were only 23 of is all- including the assistants, President and his Wife- so only really 19 missionaries (there are only 3 zones now dad). We are only 2 and 4 man districts across the board- and every one is going to have to work with renewed focus and excitment and most importantly witht the Spirit, helping these branches grow and helping the members get involved with the Missionary work- with the incredibly strong culture wall- so many people do not get baptized simply because their family would disown them- the process is made 100 times more possible with members who lead their close friends to the church. We're trying to build the Kingdom of God here- and it is going to take a serious joint and unified effort. Solidarity is going to need to take on a whole new meaning. ANd we're working towards that.After the conference, Ania was there with her family. President had requested her presence for an interview. We as missionaries knew what it was about, but Ania didn't really- she had a hunch, and asked me if I would be the one to translate, and I was very glad to. The meeting had a sweet spirit to it- President Engbjerg is so loving and kind he helped Ania feel at ease.She had been so worried this past couple weeks that she would recieve a negative answer back from the higher (much higher) authority. SHe didn't know what she would do in such a case. We had the interview and at the end President pulled out a large envelope that had been express shipped from Salt Lake City, to Frankfurt to Warsaw. I explained this to Ania, and as I did, her eyes grew 5 sizes. President pulled out the smaller envelope within and explained who it was from, and explained that he had only seen a signature from the first presidency 2 other times in his life. He read the letter, Ania sitting on the edge of her seat. The letter was written in very very complicated English- I looked at it, and started to translate it and after about the third sentance I looked at her and said "Ania, you can get baptized." Tears filled her eyes, she hugged President and threatened to hug me, but shook my extended hand :) She was just so excited. She had been waiting for a few weeks now and was just so ready. She was sad because ELder Antczak was supposed to baptize her. SHe looked at me and with a smile said, "Well, Antczak was supposed to baptize me. But now it's gotta be you." I said I could do that. It'll be this Friday at 18:00 here a local nice pool facility where Natalia was baptized, the first week I was here. I am so excited for Ania. We're going over to her house tonight to teach a lesson and eat some birthday cake for ELder Hughes, who just turned 21 on Sunday. The Spirit was strong and I felt so blessed to be part of that experience and simply part of teacing Ania and her family. The woman has suffered a lot in life, and is suffering now for her choice to join her church- her boss fired her because of her choice, as a single mother she's struggling for work, but her faith and dedication is strong as anyone I've ever seen. Her neighbors have hit her, and when they went to court- Ania who had to defend herself against the intense lawyer highered by the wealthy neighbors, she was put to shame and made to look crazy. She was frustrated as could be- but never once has she taken it out on God. It's amazing to me and I'm so proud of her for her faith and dedication. She hasn't missed a sunday since her teaching became serious. This will be an amazing thing for her children, who we will continue to work with. I loved Jake's letter so darn much, because it sums up in far more susinct words what I feel. Seeing someone come to the Gospel is the joy of my life. Seeing someone find the true happiness that comes from following the examply of Christ and accepting baptism and living his Gospel is simply the best. I love being around such people. They are full of light and joy and the spirit is so often felt around them. When people reject the truth or reject the conviction or answer they have recieved that pain is just as bright and deep as the joy we feel from those sincere followers. I had a great phone conversation with Andrzej Pappelbaum this week. He will be getting baptized at the end of the month and he has a job and a place to sleep- he is working with his Friend, a baker, who is providing him with food and a place to sleep as he works at his Piekarnia (bakery). He seemed so peaceful and happy and it was like talking to an old friend, spekaing to him again. He told me to tell you all that he's"not leaving this road, ever" because it has given him the peace and joy he's been searching for his whole life. I'm so proud of him to and I know the Lord is and will be even more so as he is baptized. He said every blessing I ever promised him, he has received. It really was a different experience teaching Andrzej Pappelbaum- I feel like the Lord loosened my tounge with him more then any other investigator. I learn a little bit more about dedication and sacrifice every day I work among these members who are working and living in small branches that lack a lot (in terms of orginization) that is found in bigger ones, but who give everything they have to the branch. The church is so young here and there is so so so much work to be done, and these members need to be strong. They are the backbone of the church here and I am just amazed especially with some of the members who are ready to help in a heartbeat. They don't let the odds or the circumstances get them discouraged- they just soldier on with a smile on their face. They are my heroes and I love them so. There is one member here, Gosia, who is a prime human being- the salt of the earth. She could run her own company, and she is just amazing- she is so patient and loving in all she does in the branch and she just inspires me. I would hope I would be such an example sucha situation. There are several others like Gosia- she just sticks out in my mind. These people know that if it's true, nothing else really matters. They don't just say it- inf act they rarely do, but they show it on an everyday basis. Goodness, I am running out of time. I love this city of Katowice and I love serving here with Elder Hughes. The man is a rock and I respect him more than I can say. He has taught me so much and just inspired me everyday to be better missionary and always push myself to the next level. Again, it's like Jake said- life is a sprint, especially hte mission- i think I can sprint it out. :) Snap Jakey boy you write so well. Elder Hughes and I taught sunday school, which was a good experience. I get a tad nervous speaking in front of crowds in Polish, but it's starting to wear? away. It's kind of crazy how long I've been out here, and It scares me how fast it's going. I'm so glad for everyday I have to be out here, to be working hard, because once it's over, it's over and you can't rewind. Every day is worth something- there is some good to be done and I see that so much on my mission. Even if the plans are blank- there is good to be done. Just get out there and work and the Lord will show you what to do. I just can't stop thinking about how blessed I am to be working with the people I am here in Katowice. Especially Ania and Gosia and Sebastian and Michał. I've gotta send you all pictures soon. Martnya and Natalia are also just rays of light here. Martyna, who really turned her life around, said something so enlightening to me this week. FOr background, she is truly the most giving person I have ever met. She just gives and gives and gives and she is just the epitomy of the people we are serching for. She said " A year ago, I used to drink all the time and lay around. Now, I am living." I loved it so much. The Gospel does enable you to truly live, to make the most out of life and yes. I love you fam so much and you sound like Coldplay, Ingrid Michaelson and the Format combined- really really really good. I miss you and pray for you constantly. Please pray for us and our success here and especially that the members can develop the courage to invite their friends. We need them to. So much love.Elder Rushton p.s. Thank you little bro for the doubl;e e-mail. Made my day. :) YOu starting stud. ha. Love you.

Katowice are the Bee's Knees!

Hello Family!It has been an eternity since I last wrote you! It blows my mind that it was merely a week ago. So much has been going on, and I'm happy as can be down here. You all sound like your keeping busy as can be, which is always good. Elder Antczak had his very last day in Poland on Sunday and his Parents were there- I met them and then I talked with Antczak for a bit and asked him how it felt to see his parents. He said it was like they never ever said goodbye to eachother. Which is exactly what it'll be like when I see you all- I have no doubt in my mind. I hope school is going well and you all are happy as can be. Parents, you sound quite busy as well. I can't believe how hot it is over there! It's just starting to cool down over here. We did comp study this morning wrapped in our comforters ha. Comfy. Such a funny word. Comfy haha.Reading Grandpa's book makes me step back and think so much about my own experience here in Poland- it is so so very different- especially what Grandpa said about how much he missed the humility and lack of materialistic life-style when he returned to the states, I often feel like people here are drowing in exactly such pointless endeavours. The pure in heart are often those who have been humbled and are open to spiritual truths. My point though was, despite the fact that Grandpa's experience and mine are in diferent cultures in different times, the Gospel is being preached just the same and people are listening. There are the pure in heart, and they here His voice. Ania and her family are littles pieces of gold in this beat down town. We had the chance to do family home evning with them twice since the last time I wrote you. Małgosia, the 14 year old daughter, who was away on vacation, just came back the first day we had Family Home Evening. She is so pure in heart and really is searching for truth. Her little brothers completely adore her and she is an anchor for her family. Both experiences were amazing- the first one, the Sisters came with us because Ania's neighbors yelled at the E.Antczak and McRae when they last came, almost 3 months ago and even hit Ania. But Ania made it sound like she got beat up, which I am way confused about- cos when we saw these big bad neighbors they were all over the age of 80 for sure. I kind of chuckled lol. But, the idea was way foreign to the entire family, and there were definitly some tears and some screaming from little Michał, and resistence from Sebastian, but it was an overall amazing success. Doctrine was taught, hymns were sang, a game was played and Ice cream was eaten. And the family was happy :) Round 2 was last night, and Elder Hughes and I were the only ones to go over, and again, it was successful. We teach as simply as we can with best object lessons and we try to just keep it interesting. There were no tears, not as much resistence and the doctrine was taught, games were played, pierniki was eaten, and again, there was success. ha. Sebastian really likes me, cos I can spank him at soccer and be like his older brother- I really love him too- he is brilliant as can be and has so much light in him and his future. He needs the Gospel in his life= the ordinances and priesthood just as much as the organization at this point. He has the world going for him in terms of God-given ability and life, he just needs some good direction the Church would give him. Ania is doing so well. So much desire to be good and progress and be ready so when we here from the higher authority, she will be ready to get baptized. She loves to mess with us- yesterday when she came in, she says "O it's been such hard day, I need some coffee!" And she takes a glass and drinks something dark. I go over and smell it, and it smells like Coffee- but then she started laughing and Sebastian, always ready to explain for his mother and defend her brought the box- it's this fake coffee stuff that tons of members drink here cos it's without caffeene?. And yes. Ha. SHe's hilarious- but she's done a magnificent job of raising her kids - miraculous even. They all love eachother so much and are all there for eachother in a heartbeat. So good to see. They will be great members and such a presence in the Branch. As if I had to say it, I love working with them more then anything right now. Sebastian is still working towards liking the Church, Małgosia is meeting with the sisters and loves the Gospel and asked me about serving a mission lol. The newly converted members, Natalia and Martyna, are still doing amazingly well. Can't remember if I talked much about them last time, but yes, so good! Martyna has a testimony like an oak tree- it's just stuck in there, and keeps on growing deeper. She's made such an amazing drastic change and endures serious persectution from her old friends for not drinking or smoking any more and I respect her so darn much. She always helps on meetings and is just the bomb. Natalia is still learning but is equally amazing. She went on her first meeting with us this last week with an older man named Ryszard. She was way worried going into the meeting, but once there she did so well. Ryszard who is into Jewish studies, informed as at the end of the meeting that they always leave with a kiss- Natalia looked like she just got hit in the face with a pan haha. He kissed her on both cheeks with a smack, but didn't stop there. Elder Hughes was next ha! Both cheeks again, while elder hughes muttered his protests. I knew there was no avoiding it, so i just leaned in and took it like a man. It quite hilarious. Natalia still talks about it ha.AHHH I have to go soon but I forgot to talk abouit my exchagne with Elder Henrie! It was so amazing! It was like everything that was somewhat tougj about our companionship just melted away and we had an amazing exchange in the land of Wrocław. We worked hard, and really enjoyed ourselves together. He was proud of who I am as a missionary and said my Polish was just grand. I am reminded on a daily basis how much work it takes to really be amazing at Polish and am working on it constantly- but it was just a good day. Wrocław is by far the prettiest city I have yet seen. I could live there for a year easy. Just gorgeous. Look up some pictures- I need to send some more home lol. Tomorrow is Zone Conference and we're excited! It's my first Zone Conference I've ever had held int he same chapel I go to church at. It'll be nice to feel right at home. I'm stoked! It also marks the day I got into the Country, 1 year ago. Completely nuts. The time is flying far to fast! And there is so much to do, so many people to find. I haven't even talked about the neat people we've met on the street. In truth, we're spending lots of time teaching Ania and her family, and meeting with other investigators - none who are intensely progressing yet, but we're really trying hard and I feel good abotu the work we are doing here. One more tidbit about a member here- Kazimerz Szwed. He loves missionaries so darn much. He calls and then talks for at least 45 minutes- but the truth is he lost everything for the church, but yah. THe hard part is that he likes to have missionaries at his house for long periods of time on Sunday to feed them and chat about life. Like for 3 hours. Which is way too long!!! So we're trying to work out a peaceful balance with him too. He's a good man who knows the Gospel is true, and I like him. It's just a tough situation lol. Got to go family. Love you with all my heart and am so glad that I have the chance to serve her ein Poland. I love the work of the Lord and am eternally gratful for th Truths that i have grown up knowing. The work will go forth, especially through the members doing missionary work, so look for chances to share the Gospel, through example through inviting someone over for dinner or whatever. SOmething small can lead to something eternally lasting. I love you all with al lmy heart and thank you so much for the letters. Have a beautiful week. You are the best.z ogromną miłością,Elder Rushtonp.s. Some city names in Poland are just in plural, all the time. So people talkimg about Katowice always say things like, "Katowice are amazing! They have lots of good things to see." wAY FUNNY. Love you :)