From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: March 16, 2014 at 9:24:29 PM MDT
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Week 14 - The fortnight week
Thank you for the news! I am glad to hear that people are getting better at last. It's not fun to be sick. I am excited to hear that Dallin is going back out! That will be great :)
I look forward to hearing how everything goes with Robert's exam, Ben's work search, and Grandma's visit. I know that there are many missionaries who are already praying for those in the military and I know that Chris will be taken care of. I look forward to seeing all of them when I get back and have a friendly game of St. Petersburg.
Things are good out here. We had a few lessons with Chinese investigators and more with Koreans. Things are going pretty well on that front, but a universal issue seems to be taking that "leap of faith", whether that be thinking their church may not have the whole truth, or thinking that there may be a God. It's tough, but those are the kinds of things we do every day. Everyone always makes decisions based on faith, but in things like this, and to a certain extent, in everything, there is a slight apprehension that is difficult to overcome. If anyone has advice on helping us care for that need, please let me know! That is a struggle in everyone's life in some way, and we want to help.
Thank you for sharing the story from Bruce. It is really good. We are doing a lot of that here, and we will do even more when our district leader, the only one who has been in Korea for more than six months, leaves. It's going to be interesting, and I'm sure you'll hear a lot more about that as this next transfer goes on.
I am glad to hear people are doing well. It's good to know that our prayers are helping in visible ways :)
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Week 14 - The fortnight week (from Dad)
Dear Jordan,
안녕하세요. We hope that you continue to be well. We continue to pray for you every day. I still pray that you will continue to learn the languages (Korean and Chinese) and to understand the people. Great job on setting the appointment over the phone! 훌륭한 일 (this is probably a bad Google translation of great job) It is one thing to be able to see the person's expressions as they are talking versus just listing and understanding the caller. When I was teaching English to the Galena Branch members, they were fine talking face to face but they were terrified of talking with someone on the phone.
We are healthier now. Bekah is over her strep. Mom is feeling better. Rachel had a cold but is getting over it. Elder Munton gets headaches in the mornings. On Saturday, I received a call from the missionaries to see if I could go on splits with them because Elder Munton needed to rest for a couple of hours. I went with Elder Alpin giving out invitations to a March Soup Madness get together for the Edgemont ward on the following Saturday. We also tried to set up an appointment for a discussion.
Grandma Jones is in Denver still with Bonni while Chris is deployed to Afghanistan. Ben is still looking for a career job rather than just a job. Robert is still prepping to take an exam for his work. Grandma and Grandpa Stamps will be visiting tomorrow for a few hours. Mom gave the girls permission to skip school to visit with them during the day. Hannah rejected the offer but Sarah asked, "Even me?" Sarah has Friday off already.
Yesterday, President Hanni gave me a ride home from TRAX and he asked about you. He read the part of your last letter where you were starting to understand the people. Both of us remembered when we started understanding the people and you are pretty much on track. He thought that you had said that you were feeling confident in the MTC with the language and I said that I didn't recall seeing that in any of your emails. I seem to remember that you were insecure in your ability to speak Korean. It doesn't really matter. What matters is how you feel about your ability to speak, write, understand Korean and the people (same for Chinese, my multi-lingual son). I am sure that you are using the Spirit to understand the people. Speaking of which, Bruce sent me a story that I think you might enjoy. I will include it at the end of the email.
I did a Google search (yes, you can stop chuckling now) on how to learn Korean and there was a result that said "how to learn Korean in 15 minutes". I looked through it and it was interesting. It was more about the alphabet and how it is the simplest/easiest in the world. It started out with the 9 consonants and 2 vowels.
Consonants Vowels
no ee
b oo
d
g
r
m
n
p
s
Each syllable is squished into one block and must have one consonant and one vowel. If you want you can add one more consonant on the bottom.
If you add a little notch to the letters, you can change the sound that they make.
G becomes K, D becomes T, Nothing becomes H, S becomes J. Add one more notch and you get CH.
If you add the notch to a vowel, it will sound like the place you put it.
EE becomes U like Up front or A like in fAr away or E like in bEfore or A like in After. OO becomes O like in Over or OO like in rOOt.
If you double up a consonant, just stress the sound. If you double up vowels, you just blend the two sounds. Usually it just sounds like you added a W. If you double up a notch, it just adds a Y sound.
There are 3 letters that make a different sound if you put them at the end of a syllable.
O makes an NG if you put it at the end
^ makes a T if you put it at the end
2 makes an L if you put it at the end.
Please let me know if this is basically correct. If you haven't see this but it is correct, I hope that this will help. (located at: http://nedhardy.com/2012/04/25/learn-korean-in-15-minutes-yep-its-that-easy/ but you don't need to open it)
Please let us know what is happening with you. Believe it or not, we want to hear about what you do each day, who you are teaching, what are your successes and failures, and what you are learning from the Spirit. We understand that you only have so much time each P-day (even President Hanni says so) to send emails but we would like as much as you want to share. I wonder if it is because the smoke smell that you have to deal with that you answer the questions but don't embellish. Please make sure that you are keeping track of everything in your journal so that you can refer back to it in the future. As you know, this will be the hardest but most joyful time for you until you get married.
We love you very much. We miss you. We support you. You are great!
Love,
dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah (and all of the unseen angels round about you)
P.S. - the actress who played Helga in Hogan's Heroes died this week. She was 76.
P.S.S. - here is the story from Bruce Mecham.
This is Brother Blaine M. Yorgason's "vantage Point" of an experience that he had a little more than a year ago.
POLICE IN THE TEMPLE
Blaine M. Yorgason
On the Saturday late shift, 15 December 2012, I was called to the front Recommend Desk where I saw two police officers. As the Assistant Recorder I asked how I could help them, and was told there had been an accident involving a young child. "We need you to find the mother," one of them said, "and bring her to us as quickly as possible."
With the help of the sisters at the Family File Desk we isolated the session she was on, and I went up, stopped the session, and asked the surprised officiator if a Sister Rita Paige was in the room. Looking worried, a woman rose to her feet and came toward me. I led her out into the foyer, told her there had been an accident involving one of her children, and informed her that the police were waiting downstairs to take her to the hospital’s emergency room.
Anxiously she followed me down to the sisters’ locker room and went in to change back into her street clothes. Feeling bad that I didn't know enough to tell her more, I asked a Sister Ordinance Worker to bring her to the front desk as soon as possible, and then I went there to wait with the police.
A little later I saw her coming, walked back to meet her, and returned with her to the two officers. As soon as they realized who she was, both of them turned toward me.
“Why didn’t you bring the father?” The officer who spoke seemed quite put out
.
“Because you asked for the mother,” I replied.
“No,” the other officer declared, “we asked for the parents! We need them both!”
“Whatever,” I thought to myself, for I was certain they had asked only for the mother. Nevertheless I retraced my steps, once again stopped the session (the only two times I have ever stopped a session) and this time asked for Brother Bob Paige. Looking bewildered he rose to his feet and followed me into the hall. While awaiting his wife the police had told me their nine year old son had drowned in a local motel pool, but passersby had been able to revive him sufficiently to restore minimal vital signs. What they hadn’t told me was that he was exhibiting no brain activity whatsoever!
I conveyed what little information I had to Brother Paige, was amazed at his calmness, and he even stopped with me while I put the name Christian Paige (their son’s name) on the Prayer Roll. When we reached the front desk the officers were gone with Sister Paige, but another officer was just coming through the front door, and he immediately escorted Brother Paige out to his police cruiser.
Perhaps ten minutes later another officer came through the door and asked if I would gather the family together as soon as they came through the veil, and privately tell them what I could, and that if they wished to see the child they would be escorted by the police to the hospital.
I did as instructed, but by the time the people had gathered at the front door we were all informed that the child had been airlifted to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, so they slowly dispersed and I returned to the Recorder’s Office to continue my more normal activities.
Several times over the next few days I asked about young Christian’s welfare , but no one I asked knew anything. As I began my Thursday afternoon shift I asked our head of Temple Security, Ray Anderson, if he had heard anything, and he replied that from what he’d been told, the boy had walked out of Primary Children's Medical Center the past Monday, feeling fine. I was both amazed and thrilled to hear this, and a little later when I could get a few minutes alone, I thanked Heavenly Father that the boy and his family had been so blessed.
Perhaps an hour or so later, President Jeppson of the Temple Presidency entered the Recorder’s Office. “Brother Yorgason,” he stated as I looked up from the computer, “I want you to know how pleased I was to hear about the life you saved last week.”
“I didn’t save anyone’s life,” I replied, certain he had me confused with someone else.
“That isn’t how I heard it,” he replied. “Weren’t you the one who assisted that family whose son drowned in a swimming pool while they were here on a Temple session with other family members?”
“Yes, but…”
“Well,” he interrupted me, “I just spoke with one of the police officers who was here that day in his official capacity, and he assured me it was you who saved the boy’s life.”
“But… I don’t understand…”
“According to him, they had requested of you that you go and find the boy’s parents as quickly as possible, and bring them to the front desk. Rather than hearing them ask for the parents, however, you heard them ask only for the mother, so it was just her you brought back with you.”
“Yes, President, I remember that.”
“Well, Blaine, that’s how you saved his life! You were listening to the Spirit. You see, even after the boy was taken to the Emergency Room with vital signs, the doctors were unable to discern any brain activity. Based upon that, they decided the boy had died and needed to be removed from life support – which also meant they needed the permission of both parents to take such action. Had you heard the word ‘parents’ they would have both arrived in time to give their permission, and their little son would have died.
“But because you heard the word 'mother' and so had to make a second trip up into the Temple to retrieve the boy’s father, thereby taking twice as long as it should have to get the parents together in the ER, you gave the Lord time to restore the child’s brain activity – his life. That is why, instead of Brother and Sister Paige giving heart-broken permission to let their child die, he was able to give his son a blessing before the child was air-lifted to PCMC in Salt Lake City, where he continued on to a quick and full recovery.”
“So what you’re saying, President, is that because I’m half deaf and move so slowly these days, the boy lived.”
President Jeppson chuckled. “No, Blaine. What I’m saying is that because you listened to the voice of the Spirit rather than the voice of men, you saved his life. Thank you, Brother, for being in tune.”
Well, since then I’ve thought much of this experience, and while I am more than grateful to have been a small part of it, I now realize that rather than moaning and groaning about the aches and pains and other vicissitudes of aging, which I honestly don’t like, it would be far more appropriate if I accepted them graciously as Divinely disguised gifts of the Spirit. After all, the Lord can turn all things to our good, which means, I suppose, that there are times when it isn’t all that bad being somewhat hard of hearing as well as maybe the slowest-moving old guy in the St. George Temple!
안녕하세요. We hope that you continue to be well. We continue to pray for you every day. I still pray that you will continue to learn the languages (Korean and Chinese) and to understand the people. Great job on setting the appointment over the phone! 훌륭한 일 (this is probably a bad Google translation of great job) It is one thing to be able to see the person's expressions as they are talking versus just listing and understanding the caller. When I was teaching English to the Galena Branch members, they were fine talking face to face but they were terrified of talking with someone on the phone.
We are healthier now. Bekah is over her strep. Mom is feeling better. Rachel had a cold but is getting over it. Elder Munton gets headaches in the mornings. On Saturday, I received a call from the missionaries to see if I could go on splits with them because Elder Munton needed to rest for a couple of hours. I went with Elder Alpin giving out invitations to a March Soup Madness get together for the Edgemont ward on the following Saturday. We also tried to set up an appointment for a discussion.
Grandma Jones is in Denver still with Bonni while Chris is deployed to Afghanistan. Ben is still looking for a career job rather than just a job. Robert is still prepping to take an exam for his work. Grandma and Grandpa Stamps will be visiting tomorrow for a few hours. Mom gave the girls permission to skip school to visit with them during the day. Hannah rejected the offer but Sarah asked, "Even me?" Sarah has Friday off already.
Yesterday, President Hanni gave me a ride home from TRAX and he asked about you. He read the part of your last letter where you were starting to understand the people. Both of us remembered when we started understanding the people and you are pretty much on track. He thought that you had said that you were feeling confident in the MTC with the language and I said that I didn't recall seeing that in any of your emails. I seem to remember that you were insecure in your ability to speak Korean. It doesn't really matter. What matters is how you feel about your ability to speak, write, understand Korean and the people (same for Chinese, my multi-lingual son). I am sure that you are using the Spirit to understand the people. Speaking of which, Bruce sent me a story that I think you might enjoy. I will include it at the end of the email.
I did a Google search (yes, you can stop chuckling now) on how to learn Korean and there was a result that said "how to learn Korean in 15 minutes". I looked through it and it was interesting. It was more about the alphabet and how it is the simplest/easiest in the world. It started out with the 9 consonants and 2 vowels.
Consonants Vowels
no ee
b oo
d
g
r
m
n
p
s
Each syllable is squished into one block and must have one consonant and one vowel. If you want you can add one more consonant on the bottom.
If you add a little notch to the letters, you can change the sound that they make.
G becomes K, D becomes T, Nothing becomes H, S becomes J. Add one more notch and you get CH.
If you add the notch to a vowel, it will sound like the place you put it.
EE becomes U like Up front or A like in fAr away or E like in bEfore or A like in After. OO becomes O like in Over or OO like in rOOt.
If you double up a consonant, just stress the sound. If you double up vowels, you just blend the two sounds. Usually it just sounds like you added a W. If you double up a notch, it just adds a Y sound.
There are 3 letters that make a different sound if you put them at the end of a syllable.
O makes an NG if you put it at the end
^ makes a T if you put it at the end
2 makes an L if you put it at the end.
Please let me know if this is basically correct. If you haven't see this but it is correct, I hope that this will help. (located at: http://nedhardy.com/2012/04/25/learn-korean-in-15-minutes-yep-its-that-easy/ but you don't need to open it)
Please let us know what is happening with you. Believe it or not, we want to hear about what you do each day, who you are teaching, what are your successes and failures, and what you are learning from the Spirit. We understand that you only have so much time each P-day (even President Hanni says so) to send emails but we would like as much as you want to share. I wonder if it is because the smoke smell that you have to deal with that you answer the questions but don't embellish. Please make sure that you are keeping track of everything in your journal so that you can refer back to it in the future. As you know, this will be the hardest but most joyful time for you until you get married.
We love you very much. We miss you. We support you. You are great!
Love,
dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah (and all of the unseen angels round about you)
P.S. - the actress who played Helga in Hogan's Heroes died this week. She was 76.
P.S.S. - here is the story from Bruce Mecham.
This is Brother Blaine M. Yorgason's "vantage Point" of an experience that he had a little more than a year ago.
POLICE IN THE TEMPLE
Blaine M. Yorgason
On the Saturday late shift, 15 December 2012, I was called to the front Recommend Desk where I saw two police officers. As the Assistant Recorder I asked how I could help them, and was told there had been an accident involving a young child. "We need you to find the mother," one of them said, "and bring her to us as quickly as possible."
With the help of the sisters at the Family File Desk we isolated the session she was on, and I went up, stopped the session, and asked the surprised officiator if a Sister Rita Paige was in the room. Looking worried, a woman rose to her feet and came toward me. I led her out into the foyer, told her there had been an accident involving one of her children, and informed her that the police were waiting downstairs to take her to the hospital’s emergency room.
Anxiously she followed me down to the sisters’ locker room and went in to change back into her street clothes. Feeling bad that I didn't know enough to tell her more, I asked a Sister Ordinance Worker to bring her to the front desk as soon as possible, and then I went there to wait with the police.
A little later I saw her coming, walked back to meet her, and returned with her to the two officers. As soon as they realized who she was, both of them turned toward me.
“Why didn’t you bring the father?” The officer who spoke seemed quite put out
.
“Because you asked for the mother,” I replied.
“No,” the other officer declared, “we asked for the parents! We need them both!”
“Whatever,” I thought to myself, for I was certain they had asked only for the mother. Nevertheless I retraced my steps, once again stopped the session (the only two times I have ever stopped a session) and this time asked for Brother Bob Paige. Looking bewildered he rose to his feet and followed me into the hall. While awaiting his wife the police had told me their nine year old son had drowned in a local motel pool, but passersby had been able to revive him sufficiently to restore minimal vital signs. What they hadn’t told me was that he was exhibiting no brain activity whatsoever!
I conveyed what little information I had to Brother Paige, was amazed at his calmness, and he even stopped with me while I put the name Christian Paige (their son’s name) on the Prayer Roll. When we reached the front desk the officers were gone with Sister Paige, but another officer was just coming through the front door, and he immediately escorted Brother Paige out to his police cruiser.
Perhaps ten minutes later another officer came through the door and asked if I would gather the family together as soon as they came through the veil, and privately tell them what I could, and that if they wished to see the child they would be escorted by the police to the hospital.
I did as instructed, but by the time the people had gathered at the front door we were all informed that the child had been airlifted to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, so they slowly dispersed and I returned to the Recorder’s Office to continue my more normal activities.
Several times over the next few days I asked about young Christian’s welfare , but no one I asked knew anything. As I began my Thursday afternoon shift I asked our head of Temple Security, Ray Anderson, if he had heard anything, and he replied that from what he’d been told, the boy had walked out of Primary Children's Medical Center the past Monday, feeling fine. I was both amazed and thrilled to hear this, and a little later when I could get a few minutes alone, I thanked Heavenly Father that the boy and his family had been so blessed.
Perhaps an hour or so later, President Jeppson of the Temple Presidency entered the Recorder’s Office. “Brother Yorgason,” he stated as I looked up from the computer, “I want you to know how pleased I was to hear about the life you saved last week.”
“I didn’t save anyone’s life,” I replied, certain he had me confused with someone else.
“That isn’t how I heard it,” he replied. “Weren’t you the one who assisted that family whose son drowned in a swimming pool while they were here on a Temple session with other family members?”
“Yes, but…”
“Well,” he interrupted me, “I just spoke with one of the police officers who was here that day in his official capacity, and he assured me it was you who saved the boy’s life.”
“But… I don’t understand…”
“According to him, they had requested of you that you go and find the boy’s parents as quickly as possible, and bring them to the front desk. Rather than hearing them ask for the parents, however, you heard them ask only for the mother, so it was just her you brought back with you.”
“Yes, President, I remember that.”
“Well, Blaine, that’s how you saved his life! You were listening to the Spirit. You see, even after the boy was taken to the Emergency Room with vital signs, the doctors were unable to discern any brain activity. Based upon that, they decided the boy had died and needed to be removed from life support – which also meant they needed the permission of both parents to take such action. Had you heard the word ‘parents’ they would have both arrived in time to give their permission, and their little son would have died.
“But because you heard the word 'mother' and so had to make a second trip up into the Temple to retrieve the boy’s father, thereby taking twice as long as it should have to get the parents together in the ER, you gave the Lord time to restore the child’s brain activity – his life. That is why, instead of Brother and Sister Paige giving heart-broken permission to let their child die, he was able to give his son a blessing before the child was air-lifted to PCMC in Salt Lake City, where he continued on to a quick and full recovery.”
“So what you’re saying, President, is that because I’m half deaf and move so slowly these days, the boy lived.”
President Jeppson chuckled. “No, Blaine. What I’m saying is that because you listened to the voice of the Spirit rather than the voice of men, you saved his life. Thank you, Brother, for being in tune.”
Well, since then I’ve thought much of this experience, and while I am more than grateful to have been a small part of it, I now realize that rather than moaning and groaning about the aches and pains and other vicissitudes of aging, which I honestly don’t like, it would be far more appropriate if I accepted them graciously as Divinely disguised gifts of the Spirit. After all, the Lord can turn all things to our good, which means, I suppose, that there are times when it isn’t all that bad being somewhat hard of hearing as well as maybe the slowest-moving old guy in the St. George Temple!
To mom (from Jordan)
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 9:10 PM
Subject: Re: I still love you!
To: Lisa Stamps <stamps.lisa@gmail.com>
Thank you for your letter. I am happy to hear things are going well in the ward and at Summit for the students. Thank you for congratulating the actors for me. I thought the play was in another couple weeks, so I forgot to ask you to do that for me... Thank you :)
I wish you the best luck on the SSI application and I hope it ends up working out, but even if it doesn't, things will work out in the end as long as everyone is doing everything they can. That's somethings I've learned really well out here. If we are doing everything we can, things will work out better than we could've imagined, but if we are even a little lazy or are doing things for the wrong reasons, we will not receive that help. It's tough, but it would be infinitely more so if we didn't receive that help. I'd say read in Mosiah about Alma and the church after they were "captured" by the Lamanites. It's a good insight into how God works sometimes.
Life was meant to be hard, but it doesn't need to be impossible. If we do everything we can and hold nothing back, nothing can stop us from doing what needs to be done. This isn't because of our efforts. This is because our efforts allow God to give us all the help we need and more. Living God's way is never easy, but it is always better.
Thank you for conveying all the news and salutations. I am really happy for Hannah and I wish Rachel all the best and I would give her the same advice as I just gave you above. I look forward to seeing everyone again, but in the meantime, please say hello for me to each of them, accompanied by a hug if possible :)
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
P.S. There are quite a few Chinese over here already, we'll see how many more come!
Date: Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 9:10 PM
Subject: Re: I still love you!
To: Lisa Stamps <stamps.lisa@gmail.com>
Thank you for your letter. I am happy to hear things are going well in the ward and at Summit for the students. Thank you for congratulating the actors for me. I thought the play was in another couple weeks, so I forgot to ask you to do that for me... Thank you :)
I wish you the best luck on the SSI application and I hope it ends up working out, but even if it doesn't, things will work out in the end as long as everyone is doing everything they can. That's somethings I've learned really well out here. If we are doing everything we can, things will work out better than we could've imagined, but if we are even a little lazy or are doing things for the wrong reasons, we will not receive that help. It's tough, but it would be infinitely more so if we didn't receive that help. I'd say read in Mosiah about Alma and the church after they were "captured" by the Lamanites. It's a good insight into how God works sometimes.
Life was meant to be hard, but it doesn't need to be impossible. If we do everything we can and hold nothing back, nothing can stop us from doing what needs to be done. This isn't because of our efforts. This is because our efforts allow God to give us all the help we need and more. Living God's way is never easy, but it is always better.
Thank you for conveying all the news and salutations. I am really happy for Hannah and I wish Rachel all the best and I would give her the same advice as I just gave you above. I look forward to seeing everyone again, but in the meantime, please say hello for me to each of them, accompanied by a hug if possible :)
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
P.S. There are quite a few Chinese over here already, we'll see how many more come!
To Jordan (from Mom)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lisa Stamps <stamps.lisa@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 8:47 AM
Subject: I still love you!
To: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
People continue to ask about you every day. On Saturday we went to see the SAHS production of "Anne Frank." They did really well. Mrs. Turnbow sought me out to give me a hug and to ask about your well-being. After the show, I approached each of the players I knew who knew you and gave them kudos plus a hug with a "this is from Jordan." I kept looking for you above the crowd of actors emerged from the side hall. It was hard to see you not there. You are desperately missed by that group of kids/teachers.
Church yesterday was surprising because we had ***** at church in a brand new white shirt. I invited him to sit with us. Before he had a chance to sit down, Chad had pounced on him to invite him to pass the sacrament. It was very touching. Apparently, he's living in the state mental hospital where he has been active and involved with young men's activities.
The newsletter got done...eventually! I finally figured out that I can do it best by myself rather than using a template.
I am applying for SSI (Social Security Supplemental Income) for Sarah. This week is the final (I hope) of the telephone interviews. All we really need is the medical coverage since the state declined her (because she's still a minor and dad makes too much money). There are worse situations. :)
My job at the school has been REALLY challenging for me. I sat through a training Thursday that taught: "Every grade has a team. Every team has a leader. You are not it." It's really hard to be reminded that I'm working far below my potential--at least my education level. My classmates are judges and CEOs and I'm a 5th grade TA who has never held a real job for more than a year.
Mental health has become more of a political issue and it breaks my heart to think how little I did for you guys. I'm so proud of you for rising to the occasion: with laundry, dishes, chauffeuring, helping your sisters, teaching yourself instruments and the like. When I see little people who have been taking ballet since they were 3, I am reminded of all you missed because of me. :(
*****'s mom just got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on top of her already suicidal tendency because of her bi-polar. ***** is in Europe somewhere (*****?) and it's got to be hard on him to know how much she's struggling. *****'s (Hannah's age) just is still recovering from cancer treatments herself.
Ugghh! Sorry for such bad news. I feel like such a downer.
Good news (?) ***** started at Summit today. Hannah's excited. I hope that it turns out to be a good fit for her. Speaking of Hannah, she's ranked #1 in her class. She's SO thrilled. Rachel and I just had her CCR where we talked about her future plans. She wants to be a singer/actress. It's hard not to be afraid of all the failure artists must endure. She is not well...again. I hope it's not her depression/anxiety rearing its ugly head.
I fear I missed you this week. So sorry. Please know that I love you and miss you--especially where I'm used to being around you: driving H/A to school, school plays, seeing kids who say, "Aren't you Jordan's mom?" and after the men pass the sacrament. There's still a little pause of silence when everyone walks by and you don't. I miss the tissue delivery desperately!
We've had so many new families move into the ward...you won't believe how few people you'll know when you get back. Joyce seems to be doing fine, the Clements ask about you every time I see them. The Urton's are always clamoring for a Jordan update--HT doesn't feel the same without you! The Lynch's are always inquiring after your well-being.
Oh, and btw, I asked H to ask the pretty girl from school if she still had a boyfriend; the dark hair, went to Taiwan with you, pictures of you two at school there...can't remember her name. Anyway, she doesn't! H told her that I wanted to know--not you!
At the dentist last week (I broke another tooth), I watched a program about how South Korea is pushing a major tourist campaign toward the Mainland. They are apparently succeeding, and they're seeing hundreds of thousands popping over for their leisure travel. Perhaps you'll meet even more! It was fun to see pictures of SK and visualize you among them. You're my pride and joy. Be well, my favorite son. I am proud of you, and wish for all the best as you serve so selflessly.
Much love, Mom
Saw this and thought of Jordan
"I live by this credo: Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough." Red Skelton, 1913-1997, Comedian
Monday, March 10, 2014
To Hannah!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: Sun, Mar 9, 2014 at 9:12 PM
Subject: Re: Hello
To: Hannah Jones <gallifreychick12@gmail.com>
Hey, just as treat because clothes are cheap here. If you send me a picture of the Doctors' outfits, I will try to copy as many of them as possible and send you pictures. Deal? Get Rachel and Bekah in on this, too. And Sarah, if she wants.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: Sun, Mar 9, 2014 at 9:12 PM
Subject: Re: Hello
To: Hannah Jones <gallifreychick12@gmail.com>
Hey, just as treat because clothes are cheap here. If you send me a picture of the Doctors' outfits, I will try to copy as many of them as possible and send you pictures. Deal? Get Rachel and Bekah in on this, too. And Sarah, if she wants.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Mom's note to Jordan (missed the deadline) :(
People continue to ask
about you every day. On Saturday we went to see the SAHS production of
"Anne Frank." They did really well. Mrs. Turnbow sought me out to give
me a hug and to ask about your well-being. After the show, I approached
each of the players I knew who knew you and gave them kudos plus a hug
with a "this is from Jordan." I kept looking for you above the crowd of
actors emerging from the side hall. It was hard to see you not there. You
are desperately missed by that group of kids/teachers.
Church yesterday was surprising because we had Zak (from the corner--Attena's son) at church in a brand new white shirt. I invited him to sit with us. Before he had a chance to sit down, Chad had pounced on him to invite him to pass the sacrament. It was very touching. Apparently, he's living in the state mental hospital where he has been active and involved with young men's activities.
The newsletter got done...eventually! I finally figured out that I can do it best by myself rather than using a template.
I am applying for SSI (Social Security Supplemental Income) for Sarah. This week is the final (I hope) of the telephone interviews. All we really need is the medical coverage since the state declined her (because she's still a minor and dad makes too much money). There are worse situations. ;)
Mental health has become more of a political issue and it breaks my heart to think how little I did for you guys. I'm so proud of you for rising to the occasion: with laundry, dishes, chauffeuring, helping your sisters, teaching yourself instruments and the like. When I see little people who have been taking ballet since they were 3, I am reminded of all you missed because of me and my challenges. :(
Steven xxxxx's mom just got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on top of her already suicidal tendency because of her bi-polar. Steven is in xxxxx somewhere (xxxxx?) and it's got to be hard on him to know how much she's struggling. Kid xxxxx's (Hannah's age) just is still recovering from cancer treatments herself.
Good news (?) Olivia xxxxx started at Summit today. Hannah's excited. I hope that it turns out to be a good fit for her. Speaking of Hannah, she's ranked #1 in her class. She's SO thrilled. Rachel and I just had her CCR where we talked about her future plans. She wants to be a singer/actress. It's hard not to be afraid of all the failure artists must endure. She is not well...again. I hope it's not her depression/anxiety rearing its ugly head.
I fear I missed you this week. So sorry. Please know that I love you and miss you--especially where I'm used to being around you: driving H/A to school, school plays, seeing kids who say, "Aren't you Jordan's mom?" and after the men pass the sacrament. There's still a little pause of silence when everyone walks by and you don't. I miss the tissue delivery desperately!
We've had so many new families move into the ward...you won't believe how few people you'll know when you get back. Joyce seems to be doing fine, the Clements ask about you every time I see them. The Urton's are always clamoring for a Jordan update--HT doesn't feel the same without you! The Lynch's are always inquiring after your well-being.
Oh, and btw, I asked R to ask the xxxxx girl from school if she still had a boyfriend; the dark hair, went to xxxxx with you, pictures of you two at school there...can't remember her name. Anyway, she doesn't! R told her that I wanted to know--not you!
At the dentist last week (I broke another tooth), I watched a program about how South Korea is pushing a major tourist campaign toward the Mainland. They are apparently succeeding, and they're seeing hundreds of thousands popping over for their leisure travel. Perhaps you'll meet even more! It was fun to see pictures of SK and visualize you among them. You're my pride and joy. Be well, my favorite son. I am proud of you, and wish for all the best as you serve so selflessly.
Much love, Mom
Week 13 Jordan reply
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: March 9, 2014 at 9:10:52 PM MDT
To: "Sajmba2002@yahoo.com" <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Week 13 - The smallest emirp (a prime that is a different prime when reversed) but fortunately not triskaidekaphobia (fear of 13)
I'm sorry people were sick! I hope everyone is better now. I was sick for a while too, but I'm better now and the area book needed some help anyway. I hope Sarah did well on the ACT! How does she feel about it?Tell Karen congratulations and that they'll have fun no matter where they go :) I hope everyone is doing well in Denver. Tell them all hello for me, especially Sam! I hope they are enjoying spring.The work is going well. I am finally beginning to understand words here and there. I finally set an appointment over the phone. It was rough, but it went through. I did receive the BoM and I am looking forward to using it for study. The week has been a bit crazy, so we haven't had Chinese language study since I got the book, but it will work out. The majority of our teaching goals rest on not scaring people away while still giving them things to work on. It is a little difficult because Koreans are all about no pressure, but commitments are necessary.
On Sundays, we go to three hours of Church and usually teach a couple appointments. On P-Day we do whatever is necessary for the next week, but today, we are doing soccer because the zone really wants to... Whatever the case, P-day is more of a day of rest than Sundays most of the time :S It's all good, though. We are always looking for new ways to teach and find people who are willing to learn.Thank you for the message. I always love hearing how you're doing. You are in my prayers and in my thoughts, right behind the people we teach. Thank you for everything and I look forward to seeing you in 21 months!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,Elder Jones
Week 13 - The smallest emirp (a prime that is a different prime when reversed) but fortunately not triskaidekaphobia (fear of 13) (from DAD)
Dear Jordan,
Thank you for your emails. This week has been a little different. Mom and Bekah were sick over the weekend. Bekah had strep so she didn't go to church or school on Monday or Tuesday. Sarah is taking the ACT this week. We took care of taxes on Saturday. We were able to take you as a deduction but probably can't the next two years.
We have been receiving rain off and on for the last few weeks. California is still in the third year of drought.
Karen called mom to say that they may be going to Brazil with Chem-Dry. Karen was really excited about it. Grandma is in Denver with Bonni and her kids for the month of March while Chris is in Afghanistan.
How is the work going? We would love to hear what is happening. Have you received your Chinese Book of Mormon yet? Are you starting to understand the people yet? What are some of your goals for teaching? What do you do on Sundays? How about you P-day? Have you gone on splits yet?
During ward mission leader training they mentioned you as an example again. I told them how you had the experience of teaching the discussions as a home teacher.
We love you. We pray for you. You are always in our thoughts. We look forward to seeing you after your mission. It is hard to believe that 3 months have already passed.
Please continue the great work of the Lord.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel
Thank you for your emails. This week has been a little different. Mom and Bekah were sick over the weekend. Bekah had strep so she didn't go to church or school on Monday or Tuesday. Sarah is taking the ACT this week. We took care of taxes on Saturday. We were able to take you as a deduction but probably can't the next two years.
We have been receiving rain off and on for the last few weeks. California is still in the third year of drought.
Karen called mom to say that they may be going to Brazil with Chem-Dry. Karen was really excited about it. Grandma is in Denver with Bonni and her kids for the month of March while Chris is in Afghanistan.
How is the work going? We would love to hear what is happening. Have you received your Chinese Book of Mormon yet? Are you starting to understand the people yet? What are some of your goals for teaching? What do you do on Sundays? How about you P-day? Have you gone on splits yet?
During ward mission leader training they mentioned you as an example again. I told them how you had the experience of teaching the discussions as a home teacher.
We love you. We pray for you. You are always in our thoughts. We look forward to seeing you after your mission. It is hard to believe that 3 months have already passed.
Please continue the great work of the Lord.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel
Monday, March 3, 2014
Week 12 response from Jordan (to Mom)
Thank you for the news! I'm glad my package made it back, but I'm sorry yours was so expensive... I was told it was significantly less than that... Thank you all the more! I gave the other missionary money for shipping so I think it was OK, but extra cost may have explained the delay. I think that group left today for Korea, so it may be that way.
I'm sorry to hear about Holly and hope everything goes well in her recovery. She will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please tell her that. I am really glad she got a good job, though. That has been a while coming.
It's great to hear Jason got in, and I heard Dallin was going back out, too! Tell them congratulations for me! Things are going well over there.
I'm glad Maddie is having a great time! I will try to get a picture, but, as yet, I still don't have a connection to transfer pictures from a camera...
I understood a bit of the French, but I am really glad Elder South was there. And he doesn't know how he got into Yale, so we'll see how much help that is...
I wish you the best luck with the Legal Shield stuff and you will be in my prayers. Just remember that the worst thing that can happen is that the people won't like you, and if that is the case, they probably wouldn't have liked you anyway. Always be yourself and be genuine about a desire to help. Know your stuff and market it, don't sell it. These are all basically things for proselyting, but the principles are the same. Have fun with it! If you rare not enjoying it, they will not want to talk to you. That's just the way people are sometimes.
Thank you for the email and I look forward to hearing from you again next week!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
I'm sorry to hear about Holly and hope everything goes well in her recovery. She will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please tell her that. I am really glad she got a good job, though. That has been a while coming.
It's great to hear Jason got in, and I heard Dallin was going back out, too! Tell them congratulations for me! Things are going well over there.
I'm glad Maddie is having a great time! I will try to get a picture, but, as yet, I still don't have a connection to transfer pictures from a camera...
I understood a bit of the French, but I am really glad Elder South was there. And he doesn't know how he got into Yale, so we'll see how much help that is...
I wish you the best luck with the Legal Shield stuff and you will be in my prayers. Just remember that the worst thing that can happen is that the people won't like you, and if that is the case, they probably wouldn't have liked you anyway. Always be yourself and be genuine about a desire to help. Know your stuff and market it, don't sell it. These are all basically things for proselyting, but the principles are the same. Have fun with it! If you rare not enjoying it, they will not want to talk to you. That's just the way people are sometimes.
Thank you for the email and I look forward to hearing from you again next week!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Week 12 (from Mom)
Dearest, darling Jordan,
What fun to be able to use your Francais! Est-ce-que vous comprendez plus que [understand]? What a treat. So your companion speaks French, Mandarin, and Korean? Yowee. Any chance he can help get you into Yale? :) Do you still get to interact with your MTC companion? Have you gotten the BoM yet? It was ~$70 to ship it, so next time I'm going to just go to Amazon... :)
Just yesterday we got the package with your boots, Dr. S., and bag. Missionary Mall called to see if these (more expensive) boots worked for you, or if we should just go in and switch them for the (cheaper) ones we bought. Did you try them on? I'll plan to keep them unless you let me know. FYI, the MM box was 15 lbs. Your BoM box was 3. Crazy! Did your "trustworthy" Elder have to pay the shipping? It looked like it came straight from the MTC, but if we owe the kid $$$ just let me know.
Your cousin Jason just got accepted to the Y, but is planning to defer during his mission.
Madi has been in Ecuador for almost 2 weeks. Neither her plaque nor yours are up on the wall yet. Have you had someone take a "head and shoulders" shot of you? Smiling would be great.
On the back of the front door, I have about 10 completely different pictures of you so I get to stop and grin every time I go out. It's been a fun way to keep you in my thoughts.
Holly's got Stage 2 slow-growing breast cancer in the lymph nodes. They will do surgery in a couple of weeks in hopes of getting it all out, but then they will do chemo to (try to) kill all of the pre-cancerous cells. It totally creeps me out. I've been taking her to the different appointments (mamo, ultrasound, MRI, genetics advising, surgical and oncologist) and have tried to stay upbeat. We try to watch funny movies, eat lots of popcorn, and laugh as much as possible. We're working on the Dr. S. strategy, but I'm worried that she hasn't bought into the system fully...so...we're working on the laughing at least! Her hubby had his heart attack 2 years ago, and his heart transplant 1 year ago. Serious struggles at their house. She did get a job she enjoys. She's a grant writer for UTA.
I'm going to try [no, not try--just do] to get into LegalShield and ID Protection sales again. In the last couple of months, Target, Nieman Marcus, IHC, and the U have all had their systems hacked...all kinds of personal information having been stolen. People need the coverage we have; I just need to get over my anxiety about calling, making appointments, and then following through. Please pray for me to have courage as I work to overcome my paralyzing anxiety!
Finally, keeping your letters on the blog has been very successful. You've had 1500+ views so far. :)
Thanks for being such a great kid. Try to give yourself a break and have some fun every now and again. Don't let your fabulous sense of humor get rusty, K?
I love your gutz,
Mom
What fun to be able to use your Francais! Est-ce-que vous comprendez plus que [understand]? What a treat. So your companion speaks French, Mandarin, and Korean? Yowee. Any chance he can help get you into Yale? :) Do you still get to interact with your MTC companion? Have you gotten the BoM yet? It was ~$70 to ship it, so next time I'm going to just go to Amazon... :)
Just yesterday we got the package with your boots, Dr. S., and bag. Missionary Mall called to see if these (more expensive) boots worked for you, or if we should just go in and switch them for the (cheaper) ones we bought. Did you try them on? I'll plan to keep them unless you let me know. FYI, the MM box was 15 lbs. Your BoM box was 3. Crazy! Did your "trustworthy" Elder have to pay the shipping? It looked like it came straight from the MTC, but if we owe the kid $$$ just let me know.
Your cousin Jason just got accepted to the Y, but is planning to defer during his mission.
Madi has been in Ecuador for almost 2 weeks. Neither her plaque nor yours are up on the wall yet. Have you had someone take a "head and shoulders" shot of you? Smiling would be great.
On the back of the front door, I have about 10 completely different pictures of you so I get to stop and grin every time I go out. It's been a fun way to keep you in my thoughts.
Holly's got Stage 2 slow-growing breast cancer in the lymph nodes. They will do surgery in a couple of weeks in hopes of getting it all out, but then they will do chemo to (try to) kill all of the pre-cancerous cells. It totally creeps me out. I've been taking her to the different appointments (mamo, ultrasound, MRI, genetics advising, surgical and oncologist) and have tried to stay upbeat. We try to watch funny movies, eat lots of popcorn, and laugh as much as possible. We're working on the Dr. S. strategy, but I'm worried that she hasn't bought into the system fully...so...we're working on the laughing at least! Her hubby had his heart attack 2 years ago, and his heart transplant 1 year ago. Serious struggles at their house. She did get a job she enjoys. She's a grant writer for UTA.
I'm going to try [no, not try--just do] to get into LegalShield and ID Protection sales again. In the last couple of months, Target, Nieman Marcus, IHC, and the U have all had their systems hacked...all kinds of personal information having been stolen. People need the coverage we have; I just need to get over my anxiety about calling, making appointments, and then following through. Please pray for me to have courage as I work to overcome my paralyzing anxiety!
Finally, keeping your letters on the blog has been very successful. You've had 1500+ views so far. :)
Thanks for being such a great kid. Try to give yourself a break and have some fun every now and again. Don't let your fabulous sense of humor get rusty, K?
I love your gutz,
Mom
Week 12 response from Jordan (to Dad)
Thank you for the advice and motivation. I wasn't expecting to read a Christmas carol parody in March. It was good, though!
I'm glad my emails are read; I hope they help someone sometime.
I am really glad I have been able to use all my languages, too! It really is true that we are called to missions for reasons. I doubt my meager language skills are the entire reason I'm here, but it is really great to be able to help in a way that others might not be able to do.
I believe there are about 200 missionaries, 6 zones, 6 missionaries in my district, 2 sisters, and we do have weekly district meetings. The discussions are going well. There are a lot of people who really want to learn about the gospel. The challenge is finding those who also want to change. The first couple weeks here, most of the time was spent teaching, but recently, we've been doing a lot of finding. This next week, we are planning on doing a mixture of both, with an emphasis on teaching. We have a few people who could be baptized really soon, but we need to help them make it to church and really understand the commitment baptism is. It's all really great, though, and I look forward to doing it for a while ;)
It sounds like you're doing a great job on missionary work back home! Keep up the good work, and tell them I look forward to meeting them in 21 months. Tell them that life really is better with the gospel than without it. There is nothing as sweet as the peace the gospel blesses us with. It is incredible to see the difference.
You have no idea how excited I was to see the sentence, "Amazing Race started again and it has returning teams including the cowboys." How old are they?!? If they do not win this one, I will be disappointed beyond belief. I hope they do. I would say I'll pray for them, but I feel that would be less than effective...
Tell Dallin congratulations on going back out and that he will not regret it. He knows that better than I do ;)
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. I pray for all of you and think of you daily. I love hearing how all of you are doing and look forward to hearing more as the weeks go along.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
I'm glad my emails are read; I hope they help someone sometime.
I am really glad I have been able to use all my languages, too! It really is true that we are called to missions for reasons. I doubt my meager language skills are the entire reason I'm here, but it is really great to be able to help in a way that others might not be able to do.
I believe there are about 200 missionaries, 6 zones, 6 missionaries in my district, 2 sisters, and we do have weekly district meetings. The discussions are going well. There are a lot of people who really want to learn about the gospel. The challenge is finding those who also want to change. The first couple weeks here, most of the time was spent teaching, but recently, we've been doing a lot of finding. This next week, we are planning on doing a mixture of both, with an emphasis on teaching. We have a few people who could be baptized really soon, but we need to help them make it to church and really understand the commitment baptism is. It's all really great, though, and I look forward to doing it for a while ;)
It sounds like you're doing a great job on missionary work back home! Keep up the good work, and tell them I look forward to meeting them in 21 months. Tell them that life really is better with the gospel than without it. There is nothing as sweet as the peace the gospel blesses us with. It is incredible to see the difference.
You have no idea how excited I was to see the sentence, "Amazing Race started again and it has returning teams including the cowboys." How old are they?!? If they do not win this one, I will be disappointed beyond belief. I hope they do. I would say I'll pray for them, but I feel that would be less than effective...
Tell Dallin congratulations on going back out and that he will not regret it. He knows that better than I do ;)
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. I pray for all of you and think of you daily. I love hearing how all of you are doing and look forward to hearing more as the weeks go along.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Week 12 - The twelve Yea's of Christ's Math (from Dad)
Dear Jordan,
Sorry the title is off this time. I was hoping something better would come to mind. So here it goes.
1 - Be one with the Spirit and no matter what happens you will be successful
2 - You have a companion for many reasons (e.g. Protection, guidance, etc) so that you can rely on him
3 - The Godhead is three distinct individuals but one in purpose. As you become one with the Spirit, you become more like God
4 - The first four principles of the gospel opens the Celestial kingdom to us
5 - The number of fingers and toes on our hands and feet that remind us that we are to be Heavenly Father's hands to serve others and to quickly go as the Spirit dictates
6 - The number of days/periods that it took to form the earth. If the world can come together and be so beautiful, think what is possible for each of our spiritual brothers and sisters
7 - The seventh day is a day of rest. Don't walk faster than you are able but remember that the Lord qualifies those that He calls. Ammon said that as to the strength of man he was week but knew that he could accomplish anything that God asked of him
8 - There are eight quorums of the Seventies. They, like you, have been called of God and carry the title of Elder. Your district, zone, and mission now is your quorum and as a quorum, you can accomplish anything
9 - Can't think of anything, so kimchi. Nine or nein or no!!!!
10 - Moroni 10: 3-5 Moroni's promise to know the truth is sure
11 - The number of witnesses to the Book of Mormon and the percent of time you have already been on your mission. The time is flying by quickly when you are in the service of the Lord
12 - The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ and you have the opportunity to testify of Him every day
We have enjoyed your emails. They show your enthusiasm for your mission. Thank you for sharing what you are experiencing. We haven't received your boots yet from the missionary. Have you received your Chinese Book of Mormon? Everyone keeps asking how you are doing and I respond that you are doing great, especially since you get to use all of the different languages that you have learned.
How many missionaries in your mission? How many zones? How many missionaries in you district? Do you have weekly district meetings? I did in Ecuador. Are there many sister missionaries or senior missionaries? How are the discussions going? Do you spend most of your time finding or teaching?
I heard on Sunday that Dallin Colgrove is planning on finishing the last six months of his mission. The cyst was removed and he is going through therapy. Also Jason Colgrove is planning on serving a mission this summer.
Last night I helped clean the temple so if my thoughts are a little scattered, that is why. On Monday we had a quick Family Home Evening so that Hannah could see "Fiddler on the roof" at Jordan High School. I then went with the missionaries to teach a family on Sego Lily. It is a mixed family as far as religion. The father is Hindu and the mother is protestant. It was interesting to hear about the Hindu teachings and how many of the philosophies align with ours. They are a great family. If they pray about the Book of Mormon I know they will learn that it is true.
Amazing Race started again and it has returning teams including the cowboys. They won the first leg of the race.
We are doing well. Thank you for your prayers. When you went through the temple, was it in Korean or English? I still get nervous at the end when it is in Spanish. I am fine in English though.
Keep up the great work. I put your name on the prayer roll in the temple.
We love you.
Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah
P.S. The attachment was in the news this week. It shows the lights on the Korean Peninsula. I bet you are near the Seoul lights. You can clearly see the DMZ.
Sorry the title is off this time. I was hoping something better would come to mind. So here it goes.
1 - Be one with the Spirit and no matter what happens you will be successful
2 - You have a companion for many reasons (e.g. Protection, guidance, etc) so that you can rely on him
3 - The Godhead is three distinct individuals but one in purpose. As you become one with the Spirit, you become more like God
4 - The first four principles of the gospel opens the Celestial kingdom to us
5 - The number of fingers and toes on our hands and feet that remind us that we are to be Heavenly Father's hands to serve others and to quickly go as the Spirit dictates
6 - The number of days/periods that it took to form the earth. If the world can come together and be so beautiful, think what is possible for each of our spiritual brothers and sisters
7 - The seventh day is a day of rest. Don't walk faster than you are able but remember that the Lord qualifies those that He calls. Ammon said that as to the strength of man he was week but knew that he could accomplish anything that God asked of him
8 - There are eight quorums of the Seventies. They, like you, have been called of God and carry the title of Elder. Your district, zone, and mission now is your quorum and as a quorum, you can accomplish anything
9 - Can't think of anything, so kimchi. Nine or nein or no!!!!
10 - Moroni 10: 3-5 Moroni's promise to know the truth is sure
11 - The number of witnesses to the Book of Mormon and the percent of time you have already been on your mission. The time is flying by quickly when you are in the service of the Lord
12 - The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ and you have the opportunity to testify of Him every day
We have enjoyed your emails. They show your enthusiasm for your mission. Thank you for sharing what you are experiencing. We haven't received your boots yet from the missionary. Have you received your Chinese Book of Mormon? Everyone keeps asking how you are doing and I respond that you are doing great, especially since you get to use all of the different languages that you have learned.
How many missionaries in your mission? How many zones? How many missionaries in you district? Do you have weekly district meetings? I did in Ecuador. Are there many sister missionaries or senior missionaries? How are the discussions going? Do you spend most of your time finding or teaching?
I heard on Sunday that Dallin Colgrove is planning on finishing the last six months of his mission. The cyst was removed and he is going through therapy. Also Jason Colgrove is planning on serving a mission this summer.
Last night I helped clean the temple so if my thoughts are a little scattered, that is why. On Monday we had a quick Family Home Evening so that Hannah could see "Fiddler on the roof" at Jordan High School. I then went with the missionaries to teach a family on Sego Lily. It is a mixed family as far as religion. The father is Hindu and the mother is protestant. It was interesting to hear about the Hindu teachings and how many of the philosophies align with ours. They are a great family. If they pray about the Book of Mormon I know they will learn that it is true.
Amazing Race started again and it has returning teams including the cowboys. They won the first leg of the race.
We are doing well. Thank you for your prayers. When you went through the temple, was it in Korean or English? I still get nervous at the end when it is in Spanish. I am fine in English though.
Keep up the great work. I put your name on the prayer roll in the temple.
We love you.
Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah
P.S. The attachment was in the news this week. It shows the lights on the Korean Peninsula. I bet you are near the Seoul lights. You can clearly see the DMZ.
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