Thank you for the note. I am happy to hear that things are going well, but I am sorry to hear how difficult it feels. I hope you feel better about everything sooner than later.
You would do well with the SpEd department at the HS. They have great people there. You could do a lot of good there.
I miss music too. After some meals, the district goes and messes around on a piano until it's time to go to class, but everyone is always sad to leave. It's actually quite soothing to just relax and play music for a while.
I am less bored, but really all it is is me forcing myself to always be doing something. It's not always the most effective work, but it passes the time. Thank you for the advice for learning Korean. I have been doing that for a while and it has been a major help. I feel fairly comfortable teaching lessons now. It is just talking in other contexts which is really difficult. We have not studied very much non-gospel Korean. It will all work out though. I can talk to the Koreans that came on Tuesday for practice.
I'm glad you finally read the book. I am surprised you went straight for the one I said was the most depressing, but it is still good. Just remember to look at it from a different perspective. It is really a novel about how you see others and how you see yourself. That is the important part. I don't think I did anything mentioned in the book at all, but I think the book is a good read because there is something for everyone to identify with.
Have you been to the temple recently? We went last week and I apparently forgot to tell you there is another new presentation. In many ways I like it more than the old new one. Keep you eyes out for some familiar faces. Not only that, but the temple will help you while you struggle. Life isn't easy, but it's worth it.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I am working on my book of quotes for you. Once it is full, I will probably send it to you. Thank you and I pray for you. Much love.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Friday, January 24, 2014
From Jordan to Dad - Week 7
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: Week 7 - The wonders of the world
It's been a quiet week here too, where the Elders are strong, all the sisters are quite active, and the children are only visitors. I'm sorry to hear about the van, but at least it made it as long as it did. Tell Robert to have fun and to enjoy the heat!
Things are good. The language is progressing; we are finishing memorizing the first vision in Korean. The native missionaries who will go to Korea with us have arrived. Everything is going well. Everyone leaving the third is acting quite eager to leave, but I think that is pushing most of us to study harder. We all know the language is going to "kick our butts" when we arrive, but I think that is the only way we will learn any more of the language. Most of our classes have become culture classes and they are always really interesting and exciting. They are one of the biggest reasons everyone wants to go.
To answer your other questions: I have not memorized Preach My Gospel, and they gave us all the scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and most of the missionary pamphlets in Korean.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, they are definitely helping. I look forward to getting out and really helping people, but I think this MTC experience has been a great lesson in patience, perseverance, and putting off the natural man. I pray for all of you and I look forward every week to hearing from you. Thank you for everything.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: Week 7 - The wonders of the world
It's been a quiet week here too, where the Elders are strong, all the sisters are quite active, and the children are only visitors. I'm sorry to hear about the van, but at least it made it as long as it did. Tell Robert to have fun and to enjoy the heat!
Things are good. The language is progressing; we are finishing memorizing the first vision in Korean. The native missionaries who will go to Korea with us have arrived. Everything is going well. Everyone leaving the third is acting quite eager to leave, but I think that is pushing most of us to study harder. We all know the language is going to "kick our butts" when we arrive, but I think that is the only way we will learn any more of the language. Most of our classes have become culture classes and they are always really interesting and exciting. They are one of the biggest reasons everyone wants to go.
To answer your other questions: I have not memorized Preach My Gospel, and they gave us all the scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and most of the missionary pamphlets in Korean.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, they are definitely helping. I look forward to getting out and really helping people, but I think this MTC experience has been a great lesson in patience, perseverance, and putting off the natural man. I pray for all of you and I look forward every week to hearing from you. Thank you for everything.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Thursday, January 23, 2014
To Jordan (from mom)
I can't believe that another week has gone by already. Life here is crazy (as usual), but we're somehow making it through. I'm teaching my G4G classes again, and it's harder this time. I guess working a real job plus G4G is more than my poor brain is able to do well. I'm not happy to be stretching, but that is my reality.
I'm applying for a job at the HS. The SpEd folks are looking for aides. I don't know if it's more money, but it would be another step in my climb back to normality. I keep thinking that my head is going to burst and that the tears will come streaming any minute, but so far, so good. I only get teary when I write/read your letters. :)
I miss your music. I miss singing with you. I hope that you get to (at least) sing there. I still remember being so shocked when you sang at your (not-a-) farewell. You are so amazing. I'm so proud to have you as a son. Every time I hear the word, "FREEDOM" I think of you.
Please tell me that you're less bored. I worry about that alot. A thought/suggestion was given to me (for you) the other day: Think about more than the (Korean) words or the (Gospel) topics, but start to think about how to testify and teach in Korean. The language is one thing. The gospel is something different. Try to think about how you can study the language with the intention of using it to teach. I suppose it's called the "gift of tongues" for a reason. Be ready for the opportunities.
I finally read one of the John Green novels--Finding Alaska. It took me back to high school and all of the stupid, irresponsible things we did. I'm hoping that you weren't that reckless or foolish as I was, or as was portrayed in the book. Thanks for sharing, though. It reminded me that you had a life outside of the one you divulged to me. Your life and your experiences are yours. Please treasure surviving the close-calls and learn from the idiocy.
I love you, Jordan. Please always remember that. No matter what you do, or what happens, or what choices you make--I love you!
I'm applying for a job at the HS. The SpEd folks are looking for aides. I don't know if it's more money, but it would be another step in my climb back to normality. I keep thinking that my head is going to burst and that the tears will come streaming any minute, but so far, so good. I only get teary when I write/read your letters. :)
I miss your music. I miss singing with you. I hope that you get to (at least) sing there. I still remember being so shocked when you sang at your (not-a-) farewell. You are so amazing. I'm so proud to have you as a son. Every time I hear the word, "FREEDOM" I think of you.
Please tell me that you're less bored. I worry about that alot. A thought/suggestion was given to me (for you) the other day: Think about more than the (Korean) words or the (Gospel) topics, but start to think about how to testify and teach in Korean. The language is one thing. The gospel is something different. Try to think about how you can study the language with the intention of using it to teach. I suppose it's called the "gift of tongues" for a reason. Be ready for the opportunities.
I finally read one of the John Green novels--Finding Alaska. It took me back to high school and all of the stupid, irresponsible things we did. I'm hoping that you weren't that reckless or foolish as I was, or as was portrayed in the book. Thanks for sharing, though. It reminded me that you had a life outside of the one you divulged to me. Your life and your experiences are yours. Please treasure surviving the close-calls and learn from the idiocy.
I love you, Jordan. Please always remember that. No matter what you do, or what happens, or what choices you make--I love you!
Week 7 The wonders of the world (from dad)
Dear Elder Jones,
It's been a quiet week in Lake Wo... er, Sandy. On Monday we had the ward Family Home Evening and it went well. It was held at the Urton's house. The girls finished up their semester of school and mom is back at work. She is also teaching her class in the evening.
We are trying to get by with just the grey car because the van is having problems.
Robert will be flying to Disney World on Saturday. The girls (Rachel & Bekah) will be trying out for parts in the community play like you did for High School Musical. This year they're doing Beauty and the beast. Rachel will have her Jr. High play next week--a Pirates Life for Me. She didn't get a named role (which bummed her out), but she's been a trooper and is a strong member of the chorus.
Your picture is on the board at the stake center but it isn't up at our ward yet. But then again Maddie's isn't up either. We have your scripture but I haven't heard about a final picture yet. I know your companion's mom posted some last week but I haven't seen them yet.
Have the culture classes been fun? Are they saying about the same things as the books from the library? I remember that I learned some interesting facts from the returned missionaries teaching the class that helped me on my mission.
How is the language coming? Have you memorized Preach My Gospel yet? Did they provide any of the other books in Korean or just the scriptures?
We love you and pray for you. Each time I go to the temple I put your name on the prayer roll. We know that you are doing the Lord's work and are preparing yourself for some amazing experiences. If you haven't read it recently, read Helaman 3:35 because I know that just like the people were amazed at the great things that happened because they were ready, you will also be amazed if you are prepared.
You are a great servant of our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel
It's been a quiet week in Lake Wo... er, Sandy. On Monday we had the ward Family Home Evening and it went well. It was held at the Urton's house. The girls finished up their semester of school and mom is back at work. She is also teaching her class in the evening.
We are trying to get by with just the grey car because the van is having problems.
Robert will be flying to Disney World on Saturday. The girls (Rachel & Bekah) will be trying out for parts in the community play like you did for High School Musical. This year they're doing Beauty and the beast. Rachel will have her Jr. High play next week--a Pirates Life for Me. She didn't get a named role (which bummed her out), but she's been a trooper and is a strong member of the chorus.
Your picture is on the board at the stake center but it isn't up at our ward yet. But then again Maddie's isn't up either. We have your scripture but I haven't heard about a final picture yet. I know your companion's mom posted some last week but I haven't seen them yet.
Have the culture classes been fun? Are they saying about the same things as the books from the library? I remember that I learned some interesting facts from the returned missionaries teaching the class that helped me on my mission.
How is the language coming? Have you memorized Preach My Gospel yet? Did they provide any of the other books in Korean or just the scriptures?
We love you and pray for you. Each time I go to the temple I put your name on the prayer roll. We know that you are doing the Lord's work and are preparing yourself for some amazing experiences. If you haven't read it recently, read Helaman 3:35 because I know that just like the people were amazed at the great things that happened because they were ready, you will also be amazed if you are prepared.
You are a great servant of our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel
Friday, January 17, 2014
From Jordan in reply to mom's message
Thank you for the thoughts. All of you are though of on a
daily basis as well. Thank you for the photos. It looks like he's
having a great time :)
The first week here someone
made the connection between the MTC and a concentration camp. One elder
pointed out that here, though, we get food.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
From mom...
EVERYONE asks how you are doing: clients @UpZen, church, and
school. I tell them that you are bored, but surviving. David from UpZen
said that they used to call the MTC the "LDS Concentration Camp." Kind
of a funny double entendre, eh?
I think about you at the strangest times...when
I open a can of Vernors
the sacrament guys are released to sit with their families
its time for Hannah to leave for school
I see/hear anything Muppets
I have to drive the grey car
I see dad using your iPad
I read the comics in the paper
There are tons more. You are loved; you know that, right?
Be well, my love!
From Jordan: Week 6 reply
I did get to see Elder Rivera briefly yesterday. He was really excited to be here.
I am glad everyone is doing well! I hope the missionaries get
better quickly. Have mom give them some Dr. Shulze. That would get them
up.
Thank you for all the lessons you taught me, both verbally and by
example. They have helped a lot, though in some ways, they have replaced
what the MTC is trying to teach... I hope you have an active companion
who is willing to teach and learn. Let me know who it is and how all our
families are doing. Let them know I remember all of them.
The weather is cold, but we've got good clothes. I am doing well as far as that is concerned.
Thank you for all the compliments, but I didn't get here by myself.
You have been a great family and I look forward to hearing from you
every week and seeing you in twenty two and a half months. I don't have
much time now, but I will try to write a letter this week. By the way,
do US postage stamps work from outside the country? Also, what is
Robert's address? I have been meaning to send a letter to him and
others, but I don't have the address...
Thank you for all your prayers. You are all in mine. Have fun and remember that it is not that long.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
From Dad: Week 6 - The Return of the BlueSky (no more haze for now)
Dear Elder Jones,
You may have seen Elder Josep Rivera today. If not, you may run into him at lunch. Last night mom was on a parent panel at Spectrum Academy. She talked about Sarah and some of the challenges. On Monday, mom and most of the girls went to Jordan High School to see the play Falling. It is a story about a family with an autistic child. Mom and Hannah were moved.
Dallin arrived home safely and then flew with his family to Arizona for a family visit. Ben is interviewing several places including St. George, Texas, and Iowa.
Our missionaries have been fighting colds/flues etc so we haven't seen them very often. I am trying to get their help in going around to every house in the ward to update the ward directory and possibly help them get some investigators.
I will be getting a new home teaching companion this week. If I didn't tell you before, please let me tell you now. I appreciated you as my companion and knew that I could rely on you. I hope you enjoyed some/most of the visits and that you picked up ideas on how to visit with people. I know you will use yours skills in Korea. I miss your companionship and help.
We hope that you continue to progress in Korean and your teaching skills. I constantly have people ask me how you are doing. I tell them that you are doing well and are learning more Korean every day. With the cold weather that we had for the last few weeks, I was starting to get a little concerned for you once you are in Korea. Hopefully you will find all of the warm clothes you need.
As I drive Hannah and Ashley to early morning seminary, I think of how many times you drove them. Thank you.
We love you and pray for your success. We look forward to you letters/emails. Even if you don't feel like you have much to say, we appreciate the correspondence so that we can feel like you are part of our lives.
Continue pressing forward through the hard work, enjoy the moments of joy, and continue smiling because your family and your Heavenly Father love you. You are a great son.
Love,
Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, and Hannah
You may have seen Elder Josep Rivera today. If not, you may run into him at lunch. Last night mom was on a parent panel at Spectrum Academy. She talked about Sarah and some of the challenges. On Monday, mom and most of the girls went to Jordan High School to see the play Falling. It is a story about a family with an autistic child. Mom and Hannah were moved.
Dallin arrived home safely and then flew with his family to Arizona for a family visit. Ben is interviewing several places including St. George, Texas, and Iowa.
Our missionaries have been fighting colds/flues etc so we haven't seen them very often. I am trying to get their help in going around to every house in the ward to update the ward directory and possibly help them get some investigators.
I will be getting a new home teaching companion this week. If I didn't tell you before, please let me tell you now. I appreciated you as my companion and knew that I could rely on you. I hope you enjoyed some/most of the visits and that you picked up ideas on how to visit with people. I know you will use yours skills in Korea. I miss your companionship and help.
We hope that you continue to progress in Korean and your teaching skills. I constantly have people ask me how you are doing. I tell them that you are doing well and are learning more Korean every day. With the cold weather that we had for the last few weeks, I was starting to get a little concerned for you once you are in Korea. Hopefully you will find all of the warm clothes you need.
As I drive Hannah and Ashley to early morning seminary, I think of how many times you drove them. Thank you.
We love you and pray for your success. We look forward to you letters/emails. Even if you don't feel like you have much to say, we appreciate the correspondence so that we can feel like you are part of our lives.
Continue pressing forward through the hard work, enjoy the moments of joy, and continue smiling because your family and your Heavenly Father love you. You are a great son.
Love,
Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, and Hannah
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Our only hope...sends another one!
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2014 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: Week 5 - the World strikes back
Ok, I'm back. As I was saying, everything is going pretty well here. I wish we had more language study time and fewer meetings with the district and zone, but, other than that, things are pretty good. I look forward to the time I feel comfortable speaking Korean, but I think more and more that that won't happen until a long time after I am in Korea. Though, I do feel I am making progress, slowly but steadily.
The longer I am away, the more I realize I miss friends and family. I think it will be better in the field because I will get to work with the ward and investigators. Here, however, I only have my district. Although they are all great people, once you finish talking about the difficulties of a mission and friends back home, there remains little to discuss... I suppose it is good practice for when I can't understand anything anyone says in the field. I don't know. Everything will be different once I leave the MTC.
Thank you all for everything you are doing for me and for those around you. I miss you all, but I know we will see each other again. Have fun, be happy, and know God loves you.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
P.S. I just realized I never said happy new year... Happy New Year Everyone!
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2014 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: Week 5 - the World strikes back
Ok, I'm back. As I was saying, everything is going pretty well here. I wish we had more language study time and fewer meetings with the district and zone, but, other than that, things are pretty good. I look forward to the time I feel comfortable speaking Korean, but I think more and more that that won't happen until a long time after I am in Korea. Though, I do feel I am making progress, slowly but steadily.
The longer I am away, the more I realize I miss friends and family. I think it will be better in the field because I will get to work with the ward and investigators. Here, however, I only have my district. Although they are all great people, once you finish talking about the difficulties of a mission and friends back home, there remains little to discuss... I suppose it is good practice for when I can't understand anything anyone says in the field. I don't know. Everything will be different once I leave the MTC.
Thank you all for everything you are doing for me and for those around you. I miss you all, but I know we will see each other again. Have fun, be happy, and know God loves you.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
P.S. I just realized I never said happy new year... Happy New Year Everyone!
From Elder Jones -- our only hope!
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2014 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: Week 5 - the World strikes back
Thank you for the news, I'm sorry to hear about Dallin's situation, and I hope he heals quickly. I'll keep him in my prayers. The same goes for the missionaries in the ward.
I'll work on smiling more. I do smile, but it never seems to be when cameras are around. It may be that I don't have fun getting my pictures taken.
Whatever the case, I have had a fairly uneventful week this week, aside from one or two things. One, the new schedule. P-day is now on Thursdays. Classes are in the morning and afternoon and study time is at night. So far, this has had a slight negative impact on my study, but I think a net positive overall. We also got to go to the temple today for the first time. It was very instructional and I look forward to telling you more about my experiences when I come home. I also had an experience that really reminded me that God can speak through us. Once again, I can only do the story justice by telling you in person... Sorry...
All in all though, things are going well, life is good, the language is progressing, and the district is growing as a whole. I look forward to getting to the field, but I know my time here is important as well.
Thank you for everything you do, and I will try to write more later.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2014 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: Week 5 - the World strikes back
Thank you for the news, I'm sorry to hear about Dallin's situation, and I hope he heals quickly. I'll keep him in my prayers. The same goes for the missionaries in the ward.
I'll work on smiling more. I do smile, but it never seems to be when cameras are around. It may be that I don't have fun getting my pictures taken.
Whatever the case, I have had a fairly uneventful week this week, aside from one or two things. One, the new schedule. P-day is now on Thursdays. Classes are in the morning and afternoon and study time is at night. So far, this has had a slight negative impact on my study, but I think a net positive overall. We also got to go to the temple today for the first time. It was very instructional and I look forward to telling you more about my experiences when I come home. I also had an experience that really reminded me that God can speak through us. Once again, I can only do the story justice by telling you in person... Sorry...
All in all though, things are going well, life is good, the language is progressing, and the district is growing as a whole. I look forward to getting to the field, but I know my time here is important as well.
Thank you for everything you do, and I will try to write more later.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
The World Strikes Back (from dad)
Dear Elder Jones (or Jordan for
short),
Hope you are doing well. I sent
you the email about Dallin. By the time you read it he will be home. You have
already completed 5 weeks in the MTC and only 99 left. You are now in the
double digits instead of the triple digits, to give you some math language. We
are doing well. Mom said that she talked with Mrs. Mangelson and told her that
you were bored except for the Korean. She said that it is a good thing that you
are learning Korean instead of Chinese; otherwise you would be bored with that
too.
Mom read a bit of your email in
church on Sunday and mentioned the part about Bro. Hecker. He was surprised and
a bit embarrassed but thanked her afterward. The girls are back in school and
mom is back at work. We miss you taking Hannah to school in the mornings but it
is selfishness on our part. You are a great young man who helped with the
family and did what was right. In a way you are still helping the family and
doing what is right. Please keep up the good work. We saw some of the pictures
that your companion took. It would be great if you smiled more. You were the
only one not smiling. If you smile the world will look brighter and you will
influence others in a positive manner. Plus you have great smile, especially
when you are having fun.
I didn't understand why you
wanted me to read the paragraph in the handbook. I assume that you meant the
missionary handbook. You could have meant Handbook 2 but I need some guidance
for the section if that is what you meant.
The elders in the stake have been
sick for a little while and we haven't seen them much during the holidays. I
hope to use them in going around to all of the houses in the ward area to help
gather information for the ward directory. We use the online tool but we also
want to get the information on the non-members for emergency purposes. It may
also allow the missionaries to get some more contacts.
I know you have several emails to
read so I will end now.
Know that you are loved and that
Heavenly Father is smiling at you, so smile back every now and then.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, mom,
Sarah
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Letter to everyone
Well, this week has been fairly uneventful. Language study progressed. The district developed. I was tired.
The only truly eventful thing that happened this week only happened a few hours ago. I came to the realization that I was 1/24th of the way through my mission.
I know that doesn't seem like very much, and, in many ways, it is not. The fact remains, however, that time is passing at a surprisingly fast pace. If my whole mission goes by as quickly as this first month has, I feel I will be home in no time. In many ways that is comforting and invigorating, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that time is fleeting and that I need to use every moment to the fullest.
I thank everyone who has prayed for me and the missionaries. I am grateful for the mail I have received and I look forward to responding to everyone the first chance I get.
I wish I could say more, but time is short. Thank you to everyone who has helped and is helping me on this mission. You are all in my prayers.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
The only truly eventful thing that happened this week only happened a few hours ago. I came to the realization that I was 1/24th of the way through my mission.
I know that doesn't seem like very much, and, in many ways, it is not. The fact remains, however, that time is passing at a surprisingly fast pace. If my whole mission goes by as quickly as this first month has, I feel I will be home in no time. In many ways that is comforting and invigorating, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that time is fleeting and that I need to use every moment to the fullest.
I thank everyone who has prayed for me and the missionaries. I am grateful for the mail I have received and I look forward to responding to everyone the first chance I get.
I wish I could say more, but time is short. Thank you to everyone who has helped and is helping me on this mission. You are all in my prayers.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Friday, January 3, 2014
Noting that we were on the computer at the same time...
I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I miss you I love you! [From mom]
To mom
Thank you for the concern [about my boredom]. I think it will get better as time goes along. I just don't like that I am not learning anything other than the language and culture of Korea. I miss the lessons back in our ward about ideas and tangents that would stretch and challenge the mind. Here, it is all review or additional perspective. This is not bad, but I feel no challenge to grow. The only time I get to do that is during personal time which never seems to last long enough.
Despite their busy schedule, Grandma and Grandpa were able to write me. I will be writing them back this week. It was helpful and good to hear from them. I have been trying to follow your suggestion, but there are only so many sentences to make with words like baptism or priesthood. I will be working on everyone's suggestions though.
I had been making one of the letters to you or dad the "public" letter for the week, I thought... Nonetheless, I will be doing a public letter once in the field. The MTC does not inspire many letters. They would all be terribly similar. I will see what I can do, but, at least this week, there is literally nothing to write about. Tell dad to read the first paragraph about communicating with family in the Handbook.
I will tell Elder Taylor you like his letters. He likes writing letters, so don't feel bad if you write more.
Thank you for everything. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Despite their busy schedule, Grandma and Grandpa were able to write me. I will be writing them back this week. It was helpful and good to hear from them. I have been trying to follow your suggestion, but there are only so many sentences to make with words like baptism or priesthood. I will be working on everyone's suggestions though.
I had been making one of the letters to you or dad the "public" letter for the week, I thought... Nonetheless, I will be doing a public letter once in the field. The MTC does not inspire many letters. They would all be terribly similar. I will see what I can do, but, at least this week, there is literally nothing to write about. Tell dad to read the first paragraph about communicating with family in the Handbook.
I will tell Elder Taylor you like his letters. He likes writing letters, so don't feel bad if you write more.
Thank you for everything. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
MTC Week 4 - A New Year - The Beginning (from J)
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, January 3, 2014 12:34 PM
Subject: Re: MTC Week 4 - a new year - the beginning
Thank you for the messages! I'm glad Christmas was so much fun and that all the talks went well.
I am working on being more effective in study and more motivated in work, but it is somewhat monotonous here. That is not necessarily bad, but there is never much excitement. The closest we have come to being excited recently is our surprise that our schedules change next week. Nevertheless, I will be taking your advice and I will work on being more productive.
Thank you again for your love and prayers. I miss you all and I wish I could write more, but time is short today... I will write soon ;)
Much love, thank you.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, January 3, 2014 12:34 PM
Subject: Re: MTC Week 4 - a new year - the beginning
Thank you for the messages! I'm glad Christmas was so much fun and that all the talks went well.
I am working on being more effective in study and more motivated in work, but it is somewhat monotonous here. That is not necessarily bad, but there is never much excitement. The closest we have come to being excited recently is our surprise that our schedules change next week. Nevertheless, I will be taking your advice and I will work on being more productive.
Thank you again for your love and prayers. I miss you all and I wish I could write more, but time is short today... I will write soon ;)
Much love, thank you.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
To Paduwan Jordan: Week 4...A New Beginning
Elder Jones (Paduwan Jordan),
Thank you for your letters and email last week. It was great hearing your testimony. Christmas was good. Hannah now has your phone number and mom has your phone. She had an accident with hers and shattered the screen. Rachel also has a phone so now mom only has to wrestle with Sarah to get her phone back. I have been letting Sarah use my Nook during the vacation but I ask her to do chores in order for her to use it. It seems to be working for now. On Thursday we tended the kids so that Bonni and Chris could go to the temple. On Friday we went to Temple Square to see the lights. On Saturday we went swimming with the cousins. On Sunday we had our usual dinner at Robert's house. On Monday we had FHE and then went to Robert's for dinner. On Tuesday we went to Robert's and watched The Lone Ranger. You will be able to see it in two years if you want. It was okay and had some funny lines but wasn't exceptional. On Wednesday Bonni and Chris drove back to Colorado. As you say in your emails, not a lot of exciting things. However, on Friday we had a hot air balloon land in our yard. Mom uploaded the pictures but don't know if she will send them to you.
Josep Rivera did well on his talk. He enters the MTC on January 15th. Maddie gave a great talk on grace. She flew out New Year's morning at 1 am. Kevin Wellman did well but he had to cut it short because Maddie had taken over half the time.
We are thrilled to hear that the Korean is coming along. I thought it was interesting that you said that during the other part of the day that it was boring. Do I need to remind you of Brother Bytheway's talk about bricks and ants? This is a time for you to feel the Spirit and be guided by its influence. If you are studying about faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, think of some of the stories from the scriptures and then translate them to Korean. Then do it again with a different story from another book of scriptures. If you used the Book of Mormon the first time, use the D & C or New Testament the second time. Then be adventuresome and use the Old Testament.
If you have completed the exercises, write down in a notebook different ways to start conversations with others. You will find in your mission that you will talk with a lot of different people. However, just like Alma with the Zoramites, you will have more success with the temporally poor people. Listen to the Spirit to come up with ways to capture the attention of rich people, poor people, men, women, children...
I respect you for what you have accomplished already. My dad tried to help me be more outgoing but I resisted. On your mission you will always have people come up to you because of the Spirit. You will need to be able to keep their interested once you start speaking. As you know, a monotone voice will not do that.
Keep up the great work. We love you and are always praying for you. Sometimes I have to remind your sisters to include you in their prayers but they are getting better. Just remember that the time goes by quickly. Dallin Colgrove only has 6 months left. Kevin Wellman claims that he was the hardest working trunky missionary in his mission. He didn't want to think about how much time was left so he continually had his companion out the door working as fast as he could.
Please let us know how we can help you enjoy this experience more.
Love,
Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, and mom and everyone else
Thank you for your letters and email last week. It was great hearing your testimony. Christmas was good. Hannah now has your phone number and mom has your phone. She had an accident with hers and shattered the screen. Rachel also has a phone so now mom only has to wrestle with Sarah to get her phone back. I have been letting Sarah use my Nook during the vacation but I ask her to do chores in order for her to use it. It seems to be working for now. On Thursday we tended the kids so that Bonni and Chris could go to the temple. On Friday we went to Temple Square to see the lights. On Saturday we went swimming with the cousins. On Sunday we had our usual dinner at Robert's house. On Monday we had FHE and then went to Robert's for dinner. On Tuesday we went to Robert's and watched The Lone Ranger. You will be able to see it in two years if you want. It was okay and had some funny lines but wasn't exceptional. On Wednesday Bonni and Chris drove back to Colorado. As you say in your emails, not a lot of exciting things. However, on Friday we had a hot air balloon land in our yard. Mom uploaded the pictures but don't know if she will send them to you.
Josep Rivera did well on his talk. He enters the MTC on January 15th. Maddie gave a great talk on grace. She flew out New Year's morning at 1 am. Kevin Wellman did well but he had to cut it short because Maddie had taken over half the time.
We are thrilled to hear that the Korean is coming along. I thought it was interesting that you said that during the other part of the day that it was boring. Do I need to remind you of Brother Bytheway's talk about bricks and ants? This is a time for you to feel the Spirit and be guided by its influence. If you are studying about faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, think of some of the stories from the scriptures and then translate them to Korean. Then do it again with a different story from another book of scriptures. If you used the Book of Mormon the first time, use the D & C or New Testament the second time. Then be adventuresome and use the Old Testament.
If you have completed the exercises, write down in a notebook different ways to start conversations with others. You will find in your mission that you will talk with a lot of different people. However, just like Alma with the Zoramites, you will have more success with the temporally poor people. Listen to the Spirit to come up with ways to capture the attention of rich people, poor people, men, women, children...
I respect you for what you have accomplished already. My dad tried to help me be more outgoing but I resisted. On your mission you will always have people come up to you because of the Spirit. You will need to be able to keep their interested once you start speaking. As you know, a monotone voice will not do that.
Keep up the great work. We love you and are always praying for you. Sometimes I have to remind your sisters to include you in their prayers but they are getting better. Just remember that the time goes by quickly. Dallin Colgrove only has 6 months left. Kevin Wellman claims that he was the hardest working trunky missionary in his mission. He didn't want to think about how much time was left so he continually had his companion out the door working as fast as he could.
Please let us know how we can help you enjoy this experience more.
Love,
Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, and mom and everyone else
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