Talked to my son in Russia for 2 1/2 hours

Merry Christmas!!! We called our son in Russia on his mission. We tried to talk to him on a calling card and we paid 30.00 only 19 minutes each. So we threw that money away after we found out about skype. We paid 10.00 and talked for 2 hours and 45 min. We only used 9.67 cents of it. Wow we had a fun time talking to him. He is doing so well. He sounds so grown up and he is a man.
All of his sisters and brother talked to him and they were so happy.
We joked around and asked him alot of questions about the food and the area and what his companion is like etc. He is so loving his mission. He was most excited about the investigator he had that committed to baptism in his last area!!
He is in -38 weather right now and says his face freezes as well as his eyelashes and eyebrows.
They have to check eachother for white spots. That means frost bite for sure.
We had such a wonderful Christmas. We sang alot and had family parties. Fun times.
The most fun I had was to sing with my friends the Yuletide Carolers to the Elderly and the children at Choc Hospital!!!!

New letter from my son in Russia!!!!

You got that crazy look in your eye! Yeah I know. He is always telling me about the work there. I'm so happy for him. So what we were thinking is that when we got back from our missions we would go to BYU and do that thing you were talking about. Getting us a place and living there with amber. I don't really want to go straight into school but if i have too that's ok, I guess. Then we could make a trip back to Russia on spring break. That would be really cool. Or a year later whatever. So you guys need to work on getting me into BYU and doing whatever I have you do to get in. If not I'll go back to Idaho and then transfer. So be thinking about that k. I know I have until Oct before I get home but that will come quick. So here are some pictures of my trip. everything went smoothly. I am in my area. I love my companion. He was in chiley with me. his name is Elder Olsen. He is very obedient and motivated. He is just what I need. We are in a small district of four and as of yesterday we all live in the same apartment until they find there own. The first day we found a family who was ready to hear the Gospel. They are a wonderful family, who was looking for something to strengthen there family. I'm very excited about them. Last night we had a meeting with another investigator who has a testimony in the church but is a Little scared to make the commitment of baptism. He has a twin who isn't that interested but hangs out with us when we come by. Sacrament meeting was awesome. It's the smallest branch I've been to so far. But we will take care of that with the lords help of course. I love the work and it will go forward. I am trying harder for this area. I love it and there is a lot of potential here. I love you all. Hey dee write me and tell me how everything is going. Amber and Jono. I haven't heard from you in a while. Remember I don't always have time to write but you sure do. You have all week. So write me something please. Oh tell jon I said hi and I hope he's doing good. That's a bummer you guys had to move back in but its great because its an empty house now. So its a good thing. Giving you lonely people some company. I love you all and I want you to know that I love the work and that I have a testimony that this is the true church. And my testimony grows every day. Pray for me and the work in Surgut and for my language study. I'm speaking good. There is always room for improvement of course. The Russian language is amazing and I love learning it and speaking it. Missions are great but you don't have to be full time to be a missionary. Help the work in cali. they need you. It is so much easier for the work if you just invite one of your friends. It is worth it. I wish I wouldn't of been afraid back home. Its easier for our friends to believe in our word than it is to teach a stranger. I love you family. Serve others and they will see your greatness and example. Elder Harper