By the numbers - prior to Moscow lift-off - July 26, 2011
8  - months between receiving our mission call and the time entering the MTC
2  - delays, 1st medical, 2nd office typo requiring 2nd visa application
25 - approximate number of Russian Tutoring Sessions with Tyson Ekersly
2  -  days in the MTC, ending with the outline of events of Sept. 13, 2011 - evening (below)
1 -  hearing aid lost, submitted claim for replacement to Costco
15 - number of pounds Russ wished he had lost before entering the MTC

Russ joined the 480 voice MTC choir after last training class. His friend/colleague Doug Brenchley, who has directed this choir for 24 years, introduced Russ to the choir as friend from CES Touring Committee, Director at Ricks/BYU Idaho, and his colleague at Heritage Festivals.  Russ reviewed his and Nancy's mission assignment to the Europe East Area Office setting up LDS Family Services and the Addiction Recovery Program.

Russ sat in the Tenor section next to 6 ft. 8 in. Elder from Orem going to LA Spanish speaking.  In front of him were 3 Elders going to Ukraine who sang all hymns in Russian. Rehearsed "Jesus Once of Humble Birth".  Then the speaker arrived (no one knows in advance who it will be until they arrive)
Elder Russell Ballard and his wife walked in and the audience of 2,500 missionaries stood.  Opening song, of course, was Called to Serve.  A wonderful message about how to be more effective teachers of the Gospel - a wonderful, spirit=-filled day and night.

Next - a report on the amazing Sunday (Sept. 11) prior to entering the MTC -