week 2 ladies and gents.

happy two weeks everyone!!

we did it! only 102 left :)

this week I was a lucky girl because guess what I have for you!!??

PICTURES!!

are you ready?

 if we are friends on fb, you have already seen these...sorry.

Elder King and Elder Flitton

Elders in his district "Studying"

being a great missionary

Christy was so prompt on sending the care package! Keaton was the first to receive one out of his district!

His District!

hasn't lost his funny bone.

who knows how that is supposed to say Elder, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!?

Made that Utah blanket for him 2 years ago :)

already best friends!!

You can only imagine the smile on my face as I flipped through these photos. He looks happy, doesn't he? Hasn't changed a bit....granted it has been two weeks.

His letter this week was pretty lengthy. LOVED it!

He talked about his conference experience and how much he loves Carl B.Cook's talk, "Look Up."

i HIGHLY recommend you watch this!
Keaton writes:
"I love how he said, 'we must look up and step up.' What I got out of it was if you just simply put your total trust in your Heavenly Father and have all the Faith you got, He will strengthen you, He will guide you and most of all comfort you."
He adds a scripture, Alma 36:3
 "And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."

Keaton is such an incredible missionary.
He knows how to pray in Russian and does so whenever possible.
Knowing he has such confidence and faith in himself makes everything else so much better.
He is truly relying on the Lord for help in all aspects of his life right now.
My own testimony of the Savior is strengthened every time I read his testimony.
I am grateful to have such a wonderful and Christ-like example in my life.

He is doing so well, and still asks how everyone at home is doing!
He would LOVE to hear from all of you and is extremely grateful for the endless love, support, and prayers!


"I believe there is nothing in all the world that can compare with the joy that a man feels when he realizes that he has been the instrument in the hands of the living God of reaching some honest heart, inspiring in it a love of God and the desire to serve Him."
-Heber J. Grant 

week one complete.

Elder Flitton has been serving for a whole week already!
I don't know about you guys, but this week actually went pretty quick.
Personally, I feel like he has just been away on a trip for the last week, and I am about ready to get a phone call or something from him...but we all know that isn't happening.

Wednesday's are his P Days, so his mom and grandma got emails from him!
He wrote to Christy, "We have an Elder from Germany, so it has been fun talking to him in German!"

Shouldn't you be talking to each other in Russian?? :)
He is the senior companion so he feels a special need to be a leader to his companion and help him a little extra with anything he needs. He also loves his district, saying they all have a great time together and everyone is always so willing to help one another.
He also wrote about an awesome teaching experience he had.
Him and Elder King, his companion, taught an investigator in Russian. He explained how they taught through the Spirit and said it was one of the most spiritual experiences he has ever had. He testified that families can be together forever through Christ and His Atonement. He loves teaching and spreading the word to those who need it.

It is incredible the growth I have noticed in him in only one week. What a great missionary!
It is so comforting for me to know that he is progressing at such an astounding rate. I am so proud of him and the work he is doing.

I received a postcard from him today and he has some pictures coming my way!!
Who is excited for that special treat?? I promise to share.

“There is a still small voice telling us what is right, and if we listen to that still small voice we shall grow and increase in strength and power, in testimony and in ability not only to live the gospel but to inspire others to do so.”
                         -Heber J. Grant

and the letters begin...

This weekend was a pretty great one. We got to hear the inspired words of our beloved Prophet and apostles. I can't wait to really sit down, read, and ponder each talk. The whole time, I was picturing Keaton as he sat in the MTC listening and feasting on each and every word. Jeff, Keaton's dad, commented that it sure seemed like they mentioned missionaries A LOT this weekend...then we realized it was probably because that was the only topic we were really listening for and our attention was completely on that.

When I went to visit the Flitton's on Sunday afternoon, Christy showed me with so much excitement two letters that they had received from Keaton -- one to the whole family, and a special one just for her.

It was the first time that I think we could all really just take a deep breath and feel at peace that Keaton is alright. The letters were great, they were so him.

I received my first letter, also!! Keaton wrote:

"Yesterday was crazy. I was literally thrown into class 20 minutes after I pulled up here. Russian sounds SO cool, but it is so hard to learn." The language classes he goes to are 3 hours long, and he is worried he will go insane with all of that Russian, but we are all pretty confident that he will catch on quickly.

His companion's name is Elder King from Idaho. Keaton said that they get along really well, and he loves sports which is a relief. He was so nervous about the whole companion situation...saying, I really hope all my companions at least like sports and talk.

Of course, he mentioned his gym time and how they get to play basketball and volleyball.

He is already doing role plays and teaching scenarios. He says he is learning so much and relies on the Lord for comfort and help.

He is doing so well, already. I could not be more proud of him!

He also would love to hear from all of you! :)

"Missionary: a person who leaves their family for a short time, so that others can be with their families for eternity."

week #1

Our favorite missionary, Elder Flitton, is officially a missionary!
I have decided to start this blog...mainly for my own thoughts and feelings, but also for family and friends who are interested in keeping up with the amazing things he will be doing for the next two years.

Elder Keaton Flitton has been called to serve the Lord in the Russia Yekaterinburg mission. He received his call on May 4, 2011 - probably one of the longest/suspenseful/nerve wracking/exciting/happy/spiritual days he has ever lived through.
You can see all about that marvelous day here!
He was set apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on September 27, 2011.
He entered the Provo Missionary Training Center the next day.

It is kind of strange to have him gone, but like his mom and I have talked about...it is one of the most peaceful feelings knowing that he is where the Lord needs him to be.
As he was being dropped off at the MTC, he introduced himself to another missionary arriving at the same time. As they started talking, Keaton asked where he was headed and that missionary replied, "Yekaterinburg, Russia". Christy said that as soon as he heard those words, he got a sort of spark in his eye and he was ready to go.

There is nothing more comforting knowing that he is enjoying and confident in the work he is doing. What a righteous and diligent young man he is to devote two full years of his life, at age 19, to our Savior and His gospel. Keaton is the type of person that, even when he returns, will never stop doing so.

I am so proud of Elder Flitton and hope that you enjoy hearing his stories and adventures in Russia just as much as I do!

For those of you who would like to write him, his MTC address is:
Elder Keaton Jeffrey Flitton
MTC Mailbox #173
RUS-YEK 1215
2005 N 900 E
Provo, Ut. 84604-1793

I am sure he would LOVE to hear from you!!

"Young men, prepare to serve as missionaries. Going on a mission teaches you to live the law of consecration. It may be the only time in your life when you can give to the Lord all your time, talents, and resources. In return, the Lord will bless you with His Spirit to be with you. He will be close to you and strengthen you."
-Elder Robert D. Hales