Family letter to J

Elder Jones,

It was great to hear from you through mom's email. It would be nice if you could tell us more about your daily routine, Elder Taylor's background, how learning Korean is going, etc. Do you know yet if you will be able to call us on Christmas? If you can't, just be aware that we will be thinking of you.

Tonight we have the next ward Family Home Evening at the Christensen's house. We should have some investigators there. The missionaries don't have too much going on in our ward right now. Joyce Lee's grandsons will be going to scouts and they could turn into investigators.

On Sunday the ward council was able to finalize the Ward Mission Plan. Since you will be working with wards/branches/districts, the ward mission plan is a short document that specifies how the ward/branch/district will help individuals "Come Unto Christ". Our mission plan starts with God's Mission (Moses 1:39). Then the four-fold mission of the Church (preach/perfect/redeem/care for poor/afflicted). Then the stake wants three goals (number of convert baptisms, % sacrament meeting attendance, and #/individuals that become temple worthy-temple recommend). We then asked each of the quorums/auxiliaries to have specific goals to help achieve the ward goals. Each group provided input and we will review each month in ward council and update each quarter.

As I was shoveling at Bree Townsend's house, Angel came out to thank me. She asked about you and I told her that you were already in the MTC. She said that she was sorry that they missed your talk but wished you well on your mission. Several members (Sego Lily and within the stake) have asked how you are doing and I tell them that you are well, you like your companion, and you are learning Korean. Unfortunately I don't have much else to tell them. Hopefully you are still writing in your journal so that you can refer back to it when you want.

Please let us know if you need anything. Mom sent you your bank statement so that you could see how much was in your account and if you wanted to change how much was in each area of your account.

Bonni, Chris, and family are still planning on visiting during Christmas. Last week Dallin Colgrove did something to his leg so that he couldn't bend his knee. We are praying that he recovers quickly. Elder Wellman from our ward still hasn't been able to leave his mission in the Philippines due to visa issues with the typhoon. He has finished his mission but can't leave until the government says he can. He doesn't have a mission president now and supposedly he is released but still has to follow the rules to be safe. His parents are frustrated but hopeful.

Do you remember where you put the bag/cover for the inflatable mattress so that I can put it away? No one has moved into your room (yet). There were several missionaries on the train today going to the airport but they didn't have any luggage. It may be that the MTC will now send all of the luggage to the airport by bus and send the missionaries by train/TRAX. You will be leaving on February 4th but don't know what time. Sarah and I will look for you that day on the train (leaves South Jordan at 7:30 am) but if we don't see you, we know that you are in God's hands.

We miss you but are happy that you are serving God. He will support you and help you in doing His will. He will help you in learning Korean and how to teach people. You are a great son and we love you very much.
Please continue to provide as much information as you can.

Love,
Dad, (Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah and everyone else who is praying for you.)