All is well,
There are many, many holidays in Russia. It seems at least once a month we are told to watch out for drunks overly excited in celebration. They have fistfuls of military days, including the day that Russia pushed the German forces back into their own country. But to the Russian people there is no holiday called Thanksgiving, or anything like unto it. Which is a pitty. Because truly we have so much to be grateful for. And such a day helps us put everything into perspective and realize how much we truly have.
This Thanksgiving I was so blessed to be here in Yekaterinburg, where the President and Sister Allcott live. They had the zone over for the day, and we ate just like it was Thanksgiving at home. Turkey. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Stuffing. The standard works. It was truly a blessing. I almost felt bad because I knew that all over the rest of the world were missionaries who had only their daily bread.

Our Mission President and his wife do so much for us missionaries. Its become more and more obvious everyday working in the office. And being able to talk to the Assistants on a nightly bases, seeing all they do in conjunction with the President really just helps me to understand how lucky we are to have such a great leader. God has sent one of his prizest leaders to help us know how to help his children here in Russia.
It is such a blessing to be here in Russia where I am surrounded everyday by people who need to hear the Gospel. It’s a blessing to have the Gospel – such a great source of joy and power. It’s a blessing to know the truth – why we are here, where we are going, and what we need to do to get there. Its a blessing to represent such a Gospel. And it’s a blessing to be supported by such a great family while I am out here in service to God.
I am so greatful for you all. I am so grateful we have each other. Even if we are a thousand miles apart, I get to hear from you every week. And that it such a blessing. It is a blessing to be able to open up an email and see pictures of my little brothers birthday that happened only just that week. It is a blessing to have airplanes that can ship cookies from home at hundreds of miles an hour. All little things to help me know and remember the love you have for me at home.
There is truly so much to be grateful for. We have each other. We have our lives. Our agency. Our chance at eternal life with a perfectly loving Father in Heaven. We have a Savior who made it all possible – and is there to help us in our mortal lives every step of the way. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant comforter. We are so blessed.

I want to bear my testimony, that I know that this Church is true. The Gospel it teaches is true – for the Holy Ghost bears witness undeniable. I know that families can be together forever. Family relations do not end when one member goes to the other side of the world. And they do not end when a member crosses to the other side of the veil. It is something eternal. I know that we will be together forever if we do what is right and try to follow the instruction of our Father in Heaven. He loves us. And I know it.

He has given us so much to be thankful for. Is that not evidence enough?

Elder Wilson