Steve/Jordan "live" chat on 5/25/14

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:12 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
So is Elder Osbourne in your district, zone, etc.? I don't remember hearing about him before. The last that we heard is that you are still with you first companion and that you have two sister missionaries in your district.

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:16 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

Sorry, he's district with Elder Pons, the replacement for the old district leader, Elder Mumford. Elder Pons is, as of today, a 19 year old from Utah, whereas Elder Osbourne is an engaged, 23 year old form Texas. Still 2 sisters, but the American, Sister Pope, was replaced by Sister 구.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:16 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Sounds like you are still doing great. Glad to hear that your shirts are too big. I wish I had that problem. We will put up the flags tomorrow morning for Memorial Day. Brian did well on his talk today at church. Uncle Steve and his family (surprise) visited us (from Denver) today and then went to church with us.
Keep working hard and listening to the Spirit.
Love you,
Dad

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:19 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Thank you for the clarification. So do Pons and Osbourne get along okay or is that the dynamic that you mentioned?

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:20 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

Sounds like a great Sunday! The shirts are way too big... If you want to lose weight, I'd recommend eating Korean food like a Korean. Lots of vegetables, a fair bit of meat, not much fruit, some grains, a lot of beans, and eating throughout the day as opposed to meals. It's an interesting way to live.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:24 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

No message. Don't know why.

So Elder Osbourne is engaged, but on his mission? Wow. That is different. Any married missionaries as well? Just kidding.

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:27 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

They are getting along alright, but I see a definite wear on Elder Pons. I suppose 3 months of companionship studies devoted to Brigham Young, Sci-fi, and eternal marriage, would eventually drain some energy.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:29 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,

Sounds interesting. Please make sure you get the recipes for the non-meals so that you can share your favorites. We had steak, hash browns, salad, bread, and carrots at Robert's. No beans. I will try to do better.

Steven Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:32 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Yes it would. So always be prepared to give him a blessing when you see him. Smiley face.

Steven Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:39 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
At the temple do you do sessions? or other ordinances? Which language do you use in the temple?

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:47 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

We do what needs to be done at the time. Usually Endowments in English, but Initiatories in Korean. I've only done Endowments so far.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:49 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Thank you for sharing. I need to go to bed now. It was great chatting with you. You are great. We love you. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Dad

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:52 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

Thank you for all that you do. Good night! Much love.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 24: from Jordan!

It seems like things have gotten busy in the last week! Sounds good!

Some quick comments: Congrats to mom on giving Elder Alpin possibly the hardest time on his mission. Elder Osbourne (out for 6 weeks longer than I have and still in his greenie area, like me) thinks people don't answer the hard questions enough and that most Mormons don't even know the answers. He constantly comments on his hatred of "Utah Mormons" and our "ignorance." It's always a little funny to hear him. He's from Texas and thinks the South should've won the war... the Civil War... It's an interesting dynamic. Also, congratulations to Rachel on her performance, and I'm sure Hannah did a great job now that she's done, too.

I still haven't gotten short-sleeved shirts, but I am thinking of just getting half my shirts altered. They are all too large anyway. I haven't had any bad allergies except for a couple months ago. I took some of the allergy medicine you sent but didn't heed the "may cause significant drowsiness" warning. I was really out of it all day. Luckily, we were doing a lot of paperwork and meetings that day, so I didn't miss much. Since I'm in the city, there are fewer plants, but this is one of the greenest cities I've ever been in. It's incredible the urban planning they have done in the more modern areas of Seoul.

For P-days, we have been able to go to: 광화문, 인사동, 동대문,  and a couple of soccer activities. It's been fun, but we're making more of an effort to do cultural things the rest of this transfer and (it seems like) next transfer. We get to go to the temple (because we're in Seoul proper) once a transfer. This week is actually our temple week, so P-day is actually tomorrow. Don't worry, we are supposed to have email on Monday anyway. I don't think any of the other missionaries Skyped, but, according to a general authority who spoke before I got here, we should have iPads by next Christmas, and with free wifi everywhere, we should be able to Skype then. We'll see.

I look forward to hearing about all the missionaries going out in the near future! Tell them all to have fun with it for me! I know they'll do great things. Thank you for the hellos. Say hello back for me! I hope Sister Lee and Brother Hecker are doing well! Also Bishop Kimball! Tell him the advice he gave in the halls at church have been helpful!

As far as the most exciting story for this week, there are two categories. In my opinion, the most exciting thing was getting to actually meet with and teach someone I street contacted. He's a college student who was carrying an 아쟁(젱). The case looked like a 가야금 , so we had a fun conversation and I got his number. It seems like we will be able to meet with him for a while. He's accepting of a lot of the things we taught. The only thing he showed some hesitation about was my statement that members of our church don't drink--after  he implied he wanted to take us out for drinks. He calmed down when I said we'll explain later. Outside of my opinion, last Monday, we met Paul. He's a reporter from Wales who DJed in the age of the Beatles and has lived all over the world, but has a "special place in his heart for Utah" largely because he thinks LDS women are attractive. I don't know what he writes (wrote) for or where he currently lives, so it would be hard to look him up... sorry about that. It was interesting to meet him, though.

Thank you for the news and for the support. It is such a pleasure to see so many wonderful things happening in everyone's lives and to see everyone grow. Thank you for the email, and I look forward to hearing from you next week!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 24: (from Dad) 2 Timothy 2: 24-26 - And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Dear Jordan,

    Hope that all is well with you. Your last email detailing your experiences was wonderful to receive and read. Bekah is getting over her strep. Sarah came home early from school on Monday because her teachers thought she was sick. She was able to read her story to her class last Friday. Rachel made the decision that she wants to go to Denver after Girls Camp in June. Ben's birthday was the 6th, Debbi's birthday was the 13th, and Bonni's birthday was the 16th.

     On Saturday, the cabin cleaning went well and we were able to watch the cottonwood trees by the cabin be felled by an experienced logger. He took out the 5 trees by the walkway down to the bridge. He was able to lay out all five next to each other. It was amazing. We ate at Polar King and the burgers were delicious. Later, I went to the REI Anniversary sale and bought each of the girls a sleeping bag for Girls Camp. We then bought them mats at a less expensive store. They are putting their names on them so they won't confuse the items if the items get mixed together. They are all the same model and color.

    On Sunday the bishopric counselors were changed from Brothers Lynch and Richards to Brothers Halling and Knecht. After sacrament meeting, mom and I met with Elder Alpin for Gospel Essentials and we went over the first lesson. Mom also grilled him with some of the hard questions about the church. He did a pretty good job of answering. We haven't held the Gospel Essentials class because we haven't had any investigators for a while. Bishop Smith asked that we still hold the class so I am complying. You asked how long he has been bishop. He has been in for 3 years so far.

    On Monday, we had the Ward Family Home Evening at the Hill's house. McCoy gave the lesson and Sister Hill made the desserts (brownies and lemonies) which were scrumptious. Rachel had a choir concert last night and did very well. Hannah has her concert tonight.

    This Saturday, while Rachel is mowing the lawn, Ben and I will try to take out the rest of Grandma's cabinets. She has promised that she will have all of her stuff out of the kitchen so that we can just work on the cabinets. The weather has been very nice. Highs in the 70s during the day and 40s at night. We haven't had much rain lately but hope to still get some more before the long, hot summer. Were you able to get the short sleeved shirts for summer? Have you had any allergies? Are you mostly in the city so that you don't see much spring or do you get to see some of the new plant growth?

    Have you been able to visit many of the sites on your P-day? What about the temple? Have you been able to go again or is it only when you arrive and leave? Were any of the other missionaries able to Skype on Mother's Day? If so, we will see what we can do for Christmas and next year's Mother's Day.

    Jason Colgrove is getting ready to graduate from high school and then he will concentrate on getting ready for his mission. Riley Stamps is back in North Carolina and will leave from there. Brian Carlson is speaking in church this Sunday. He is going to the same mission that Bishop Smith served in several years ago (Lubbock, TX). The missionaries in our stake are teaching the family that lives across the street from Pete Jensen.

    Sister Lee said to say "hi" as well as Brother Hecker. If he hasn't written to you yet, don't worry. He keeps promising that he will. We received your letter in the red envelope and paper. Thank you. It was a little hard to read (red paper with black ink) but we were able to read it. I think mom will try to type it out to post it to the blog. Bishop Kimball from the Edgemont ward also keeps asking how you are doing. His son is doing well in California on his mission.

    We will try to take several pictures at the cabin this summer so that you can see how everyone is growing. We should have most siblings there with most of their families. There will be 3 (Dallin, Jordan, Jason) on missions and several with other obligations (Chris, Nicole, etc).

    Since Rachel will be in Denver, I have been trying to recruit Sarah and Hannah to take over the mowing while she is away. Hannah hasn't started studying for Drivers Ed yet but she probably will once school is out. Rachel says that she wants to study with her because Rachel is so excited about driving. Hannah, not so much. Sarah is still scared to death of it, which is probably a good thing.

    Well, I better let you get back to doing what you need to do on your P-day. I would say good luck with your investigators; however, it isn't luck or chance with them. It is a matter of them receiving the testimony of the Spirit. So, please continue strong in obeying the mission rules and commandments so that you can have the Spirit with you to convert your investigators. We continue to pray for you and your success in doing Heavenly Father's will. We are grateful for you and your service and sacrifices. We love you.

    

Love,

Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah

Week 23 (from Jordan)

Hey everyone! It seems like everyone is doing really well!

 

A special congratulations to Ben! Where will he be working? I think he'll enjoy it a lot. It seems like something he'd be good at. How has he liked it so far?

 

I'm excited to hear about the new bishopric, but I'm sorry to hear the Richards are leaving. Where are they moving in Draper? Any particular reason? I hope everyone has a good time in Moab! It seems like a great time. Is it a stake activity or a ward activity? That seems too far for the stake to do it.

 

Sorry Sarah couldn't make it to school. I bet her friends were sad they couldn't hear her story. It is an exciting plot! I hope she got to share later.

 

How was cleaning? Who went this time? I remember it always being a good time. I also remember that Polar King has the best burgers. I hope you enjoyed that! How is the rest of the family doing? Everyone's well? How did remodeling Grandma's kitchen go? Or are you still going? That would be a bit of an adventure. Is she thinking of renting again, or does she just want a new kitchen? Whatever the case, I look forward to seeing it when I get home!

 

Tell Rachel that I think she should go. It would be good for her and it would help Bonni a lot. I hope she gets to go.

 

In the way of news on this end, most of the most exciting things happened last week right after email. We were trying to go to 광화문 palace area to visit some museums, but we got lost in the historic Seoul area, finding a road of shops that only sold calligraphy instruments. When we finally arrived at the palace, we ran into a less-active from Sweden: Ana Stristbiana(sp?). She said over and over again Elder South should "come to Sweden. There are many beautiful women. You should marry them." It was really random. Robert doesn't know her by any chance, does he?

 

After that, we tried to go back to the historic area because the museum is closed Mondays... We ran into a recent convert from Hong Kong who only spoke in a thick, stereotypical English accent. His name is Somer and is a swordsman. He said Elder South's flamboyantly red and pick tie "gave him the impression that [Elder South] is a bit of an Anglophile" while my plain orange tie "reflects the electric K-pop atmosphere". We met him while wandering down a back alley. After we said hello to him in Korean, he stopped, turned slowly, and said, "Are you Mo-o-rmons?" You have to imaginne all these things with the thickest English accent ever. His parting words were "I will see you again. If not through prayer, then in the Terrestrial Kingdom." He might have a little bit more to learn from the missionaries in Hong Kong...

 

It's been a great week, though, and there are a lot of things I look forward to telling you when I get back... or next week if there is less to write, but I don't anticipate that. One last thing, though, We met an older woman on the top of a mountain a few weeks ago (we were lost again). She was with her grand-daughter and we told them to be careful on the rocks. She said we spoke Korean really well and invited us over some time. I accidentaly called her up this week (we're not supposed to call females) and set an appointment. We showed up and she shows us pictures of her daughters who have performed Korean music all over the world. They are called 가야랑 if you want to look it up. So their mom is giving us free music lessons because we're foreigners who like Korea and we're helping 이사랑 with her thesis in English. Yes, her name means "his love". That's a pretty crazy story. I'll keep you updated as things go along. The mom has some interest in our work, so we are hoping to get to teacher her some gospel soon.

 

Thnk you for everything you do. Your prayers help so much, and I pray for you evryday. Love you all and I hope you continue to do incredible things. :)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 23 (from Dad): Psalms 73:23 - Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand

Dear Jordan,

 

It was great to hear you on Sunday night (Mother's Day but your P-Day on Monday). Even though Sarah and Bekah didn't immediately get on the phone, they were excited to talk with you. All of us were in the front room and Bekah was on mom's lap. Grandma had just stopped by to drop off éclairs that she made for Mother's Day. We appreciate your hard work and service. We are thrilled that you are excited about being a missionary. We can't wait to hear you speak in Korean when you return, especially if we can find some Korean restaurant so that you can order the food for us.

 

On Friday, the missionaries hosted a viewing of "The Testaments" and they had popcorn and treats for those who came. There were about 50 people there but unfortunately there were no investigators. Also Ben sent out a family text letting us know that he was able to get a job as an engineer (yea!). He will be with a company that produces rubber items and he will be the engineer that designs the molds/designs/etc. He started on Friday. On Saturday, Rachel mowed the lawn and Ben and I started removing the kitchen cabinets for grandma. We were able to get about 1/4 of them out and the dishwasher. Grandma wants to put in a new kitchen including cabinets. Mom and Rachel were able to see "The Lego Movie" and they enjoyed it. On Sunday we let mom sleep in. We cleaned some of the kitchen and front room. Bekah made green pancakes since mom's favorite color is green. At church, McCoy gave his homecoming talk and did a great job. He talked about some of the things he learned on his mission and told about some of the people he met. His main subject was the blessing of obedience. President Hilton announced that next Sunday there would be a change in the bishopric, probably because the Richards are moving to Draper. We don't know who the new counselor will be but they had Bill Carlson and his wife bear their testimonies. Brian Carlson's farewell (talk) will be in two weeks. After church we went to Robert's house for dinner. He made some stuffed mushrooms that were incredible. Grandma enjoyed the dinner. We then watched "The Amazing Race." Last week the cowboys were eliminated because the Afghanimals U-Turned them. This week the Afghanimals were eliminated because they kept getting lost. We are down to the last three so the finale is next Sunday. Sarah and mom didn't come to Robert's house. Sarah was able to go to Judy Thomas' house. She took a pecan pie with her. Sarah made two pecan pies for Mother's Day and they were delicious.

 

Sarah didn't make it to school today. She was supposed to read a story that she wrote. It is a pretty good story and keeps your attention. I will include it at the end of this email. This Saturday is cleaning day at the cabin. We have the kitchen and porch to clean. After cleaning we will go to the Polar King for lunch. I will think of the good times with you while I am there.

 

I sent the emails from Dallin to you. It was interesting that he realized that his call on Sunday was the last time he would call home on his mission. You may only have two or three calls depending on if you extend or not (Christmas, Mother's Day, Christmas).

 

I tried to find the email from young lady that sent the email that I didn't recognize. I am pretty sure I didn't delete the email she sent with the words of the song, but I couldn't find it when I was looking for it. You may ask her to send it again (or I can from your email, if you want).

 

The Young Men and Young Women will be camping in June around the Moab area. They will also do a river run in the rubber rafts.

 

Bonni has asked if one of the girls could fly out to Denver to help with her kids. Hannah has said no, Sarah said yes but Bonni doesn't need another child to take care of, Rachel hasn't committed, and Bekah isn't quite old enough to help. So I will check with Rachel again.

 

Nothing else is standing out in my mind to write to you about our lives. We love you. We fully support you and are grateful for you service. We would love to hear about what is happening with you and the work you are doing. Also we would like to hear about your companion. He is with you most of the 24/7 so it would be interesting to hear how you two relate to each other. Do you finish each others sentences during discussions?

Keep up the wonderful work. Study well and keep a prayer in your heart and the languages will be there for you. Heavenly Father's work is progressing and hastening and He is preparing those who will accept and will provide opportunities for others to make the decision to accept. You will see miracles happen, if you haven't already. Thank you for being obedient to the commandments and your mission rules. You will be blessed. We continually pray for you and your success.

Love,

Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah

Sarah's Story

Once upon a dream, the day was fun and exciting. I didn't want the day to end, but the day had to end for a new day tomorrow. so by the time I had to go inside, I was having the greatest day of my life. I couldn't fall asleep til late, when I did fall asleep it was not like anything I did before. the dream I had was the weirdest dream I've ever had. In my dream there were people as tall as mountains. the one in the middle of them all started talking, "sarah jones you have been chosen to be the protector of the universe. tomorrow you will experience things no human has before." that shocked me more than anything has before. so I asked, "why me" they said, "because you have the strongest heart of any human on earth. you care for everyone’s needs before your own, you love your enemies, you show kindness to everyone you see. you are the one who can change the world for the better." I understood now why they chose me.

I woke startled at the dream I just had. It was still night. I stayed awake for the rest of the night. I couldn't stop thinking about the dream. when my parents woke. I told them about the dream I had. the day started out good, but by noon things were happening I knew what but I couldn't let my friends see. so, I went to my room. I spent the rest of the day in my room trying to relax. by the end of the day, I could control it, so the next day I tried to have a good day. It went badly. I asked my mom and dad if I could stay home from school, she said 'no' that was the wrong answer. but I went along.

I had a good day at school, but in the car on the way to the train the kids were bugging me. I accidentally flipped over the car. I stayed calm. we all got out of the car they started walking back to the school, so when they weren't looking I flipped the car back over. I ran to get them before they got back to the school, before I got to them I thought of something. I could wait for them to come back and make it look like some people came and helped me put the car back on it's wheels. so I did that.

We started again I asked for the kids to be quiet for the rest of the ride they just stared at me. so, we got to the train station with the whole car quiet, it surprised me, we all got out of the car. I stopped. I thought to myself "why were they so quiet." I just started walking again. I reached the platform. to my surprise everyone was waiting for me on the platform. they asked me "what in the world is going on." I had to tell them. I told them everything, and they believed me. they stopped looking at me in the surprised look, and started looking at me in great joy.

then something weird happened, the train came, so did something else. It was the police they came up to the platform, and asked for me. I asked why, they said "we mean you no harm nor to your friends, but we need your help" I went with them I asked miss. d to call my mom to tell her it's alright. then benitt stopped me and said "sarah don't go I don't want to lose you." I told him you won't, before we finished talking the train already left. I said my apologies. I left the kids on the platform to wait for the next train. I went with the police, they told me something was happening in the mountains, “and we need your help,” we heard of a prophecy of a girl that grew up in a small town named sandy. we looked every where we could then we found you. this weekend your were chosen right? yes, I said.

They told me that there have been a lot of people that have been going into the mountains and disappearing. They don’t know where the people have gone. They want my help to find them and that I am the only person who could do it. I agreed to go with them. We drove up to the mountains. We didn’t see anyone there. We called out but there was no answer. I said to the police that I wanted to walk by myself. They didn’t think it was a good idea. I said that I would be okay.

I walked up part of the mountain. I could see sandy and the clouds and the sky. I listened to the wind. I thought I heard my name. I looked around but didn’t see anybody. I said I wish I could see the people. I saw a big hole open in the mountain. The people walked out of the hole. They said thank you to me for helping them get out. The police helped all the people get home. They took me back to the train platform. The train was just getting there. The kids were on the train on their way home from school. I said Hi to them and they were surprised to see me. They asked what happened but I didn’t tell them. I just smiled and laughed. They asked me to tell them at school tomorrow. I was afraid but said okay. At school I told this story in my class.

Week 22 (from Jordan)

It was great hearing from all of you just now! Only another 7 months till we can do it again!

 

I'm very happy to hear everyone is doing better, though I hope you all get completely better soon. I would highly recommend some kimchi for that ;)

 

Well, you said you wanted some more information on how I'm doing, so here goes:

 

We have gotten a new investigator who got the Korean equivalent of the Medal of Valor, but we still don't know for what because he was speaking Korean... He was a sniper on the DMZ I found out yesterday and is having a fair bit of PTSD, but we're working with him, and he says he feels better when he's with us. He has cut back on drinking and smoking and we haven't done the WoW lesson yet.

 

It rained really hard yesterday, but we had wanted to visit some less-actives, so we put on our jackets and headed out. They live out in a crowded neighborhood where there is never anyone on the street. If it had been any other country on earth, I would have thought there would be a chance of something dangerous happening, but... Korea... and me in a trench coat. When we were coming back from the down pour, people literally jumped out of our way from fright because 1. 외국인s 2. Koreans seem to fear water, especially from the sky, and we were drenched, and 3. People just tend to jump a little bit when they see me...

 

We counted up baptisms in the area for the more than 6 months Elder South has been here, and 5 of 6 have been Chinese. Also, the mission president likes to come to baptisms. He has been to 1 in our area in that time. He went to the 1 solitary Korean baptism... I think he might be trying to send a message. Also, I feel bad for the branch because so many of the baptisms are Chinese, and the branch is all Korean. We're working with them to get closer to the converts, but that is another language barrier entirely...

 

Everything continues to go well. The weather is heating up a lot, and the rain is coming with increasing frequency, but things are good :)

 

Thank you for everything you do, and know that even though I didn't sound too excited on the phone, I really was happy to talk to you. Korea is getting to me. There is a grammar form to show surprise, a form for emotion, a form for annoyance... There is really no need for voice fluctuation in Korean... I think that may make it hard to come back... I really am glad to know things are all good, and I look forward to hearing how things continue to go with all of you :)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 22 - 2 Nephi 22:2 - Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation (from dad)

Dear Jordan,

Mom was so excited to email with you back and forth. She counted the emails and came up with 122. I guess she has me beat because I am only at 22. We look forward to your call on Mother's Day. The girls are also excited. Sarah checked out a tape to learn Korean so she may try to speak a little. Please be gentle with her feelings if it doesn't sound like you hear every day. She made friends with a man (on the train) who broke his ankle. He also works for the state of Utah. He went to Korea on his mission and then came back and studied Chinese at the university. He taught Sarah a couple of words today and she was excited to share them with you. Elder McCoy Hill should have returned home today. I haven't heard anything different so I assume he is home. He will be teaching the lesson for the ward family home evening in two weeks. I found out that Sister Hales is in one of the other Korean missions so unless the boundaries change, you won't meet her.

We are fairly healthy again although mom is a little hard of hearing with her stuffed up ears. Hannah has some new medications to help her with the pain and inflammation. Robert is mostly over his cold. Ben is back home from Denver and had his birthday yesterday. Bonni and Debbi will have their birthdays next week on the 13th and 16th. Rachel mowed the lawn by herself on Saturday. The YM/YW had a teacher appreciation dinner last night and the YW had their fund raising auction last Friday. This Friday the missionaries will be showing The Testaments at the stake center with free popcorn. They are trying hard to find people to teach. They asked me to invite the Dravids so tonight I dropped by their house and invited them. The parents weren't home but the oldest daughter was so I left the invitation with her. The Dravids moved into our ward about 5 months ago. They aren't members (yet). The father is Hindu. I think I told you a little about them several emails back. Mark Hanni got married yesterday and mom and I went to the reception. Mom posted your pictures and I think some of your marathon-with-mom emails.

We have received rain this week and the temperatures have been in the 50s and 60s. Mom was checking out the temperatures in the different areas and you had the highest at about 66. She has the locations plugged into her phone.

In the leadership meeting for stake conference, Elder Nash talked about D&C 84:106. For fellowshipping/home teaching/missionary work we should invite and take those who are weak with us to edify them and us and to make them strong (speaking as if I was part of the strong). He did the example of going into the audience and inviting a person to go up to the podium with him. He then asked him to go get someone addition so that the numbers doubled with each iteration. He didn't say it but I remember hearing that the gospel is an individual event. We may hear the gospel in a group but each individual has to have his own testimony, baptism, confirmation, endowment, etc. The only time it is joint is with a marriage but even that is individually accepting the other to then become one. Also we are to become one with Christ and Heavenly Father. It doesn't mean that we become selfish because they won't become like us. We have to give up everything bad in our life to become like them. They are always inviting us and never tire of it.
It is great to have such a loving Father and older brother.

We love you, Jordan, and continually pray for you. We look forward to hearing from you. You are special and are dear to us. Keep working hard and obey the mission rules. You are and will be blessed.

Love,
Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom

From Jordan (part 2) week 21

From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net> Date: May 4, 2014 at 10:02:30 PM MDT To: "Sajmba2002@yahoo.com" <sajmba2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Week 21 - Alma 32:21 Hope for things which are not seen, which are true Ok, a little bit of time opened up. I hope everything is going well for Bonni, Chris,  and family! I'm sure Ben is helping and having a great time, too :) I'm sad to hear  the van is going to make its final farewell while I'm gone, but I am having plenty  of time around Kia minivans now anyway. I hope everyone gets better and is able to do what they need to do. It is always a pleasure to hear from you :) Thank you all for everything and I look forward to hearing  some of you (hopefully all of you) next week! Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ. Best wishes, Elder Jones P.S. I almost forgot, CONGRATULATIONS TO KATHERINE AND MARK!!!  ...Didn't mean for that to sound like they were marrying each other, but there you go...

From Jordan Week 21

From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net> Date: May 4, 2014 at 8:48:34 PM MDT To: "Sajmba2002@yahoo.com" <sajmba2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Week 21 - Alma 32:21 Hope for things which are not seen, which are true Sorry to hear people have been sick! I'm glad people are getting better, though! Congrats to Jason! How enthused is he? It sounds like stake conference was really good! Was there anything that especially stuck out  to anyone? I'm glad they focused on the fundamentals, though. Everyone needs to do those things, and if we do those things we'll be able to handle everything else. The weather has been a bit out of whack over here, too. We had really hot weather last week, then a ton of rain this week, and now it is too warm for a jacket, but to cool for just a shirt.  It is a little goofy. Somehow, they still have not told me anything about calls home. I think I'll just do it next Monday (Korea) at about 12 (Korea), but if that changes, I will let you know.  Sorry about the lack of information. It is more than a little frustrating...  Oh well, it will work out in the end. Sorry about the short email, we had appointment pop up out of the blue, and I don't have much time... sorry :( Thank you for all the hellos and please tell everyone I think of them. I hope things are going well for everyone. I look forward to hearing from you next week, too. Thank you for everything. :) Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ. Much love, Elder Jones

Week 21 - Alma 32:21 Hope for things which are not seen, which are true (from Steve)

Dear Jordan,

 

Mom is getting over a bad ear infection and Robert is getting over a cold. On the brighter side, your cousin Jason Colgrove received his mission call. He is going to Saltillo, Mexico. It is below Texas in the mid part of Mexico.

 

Thank you for the pictures. Mom should post them on your blog and Facebook, if she hasn't already. Since they were sent to you and some other emails, I am guessing that those are the names of the other missionaries. Have you listed the names of the branch members in an email so that you can remember them when you come home?

 

We had stake conference on Saturday and Sunday and it was wonderful. Elder Marcus Nash of the Seventy was there and spoke to us. He said that he spoke in Korea a little while ago but I think it was before you got there. He emphasized that we need to continue to pray, fast, read the scriptures, and have regular family home evenings. You know, the basics that everyone needs to do and that you teach every day. The gospel is simple if you let it be.

 

Hannah and mom also got to see the play War Horse since Robert wasn't feeling well enough to go and I had the leadership meeting for stake conference. They enjoyed it and were amazed at the engineering of the horses. Actors made all of the movements.

 

Ben is in Colorado with Bonni. He is still looking for jobs and he is helping with the kids. Bonni is hoping that either Hannah or Rachel will go this summer to help. Chris still is scheduled to come home by the end of the year.

 

We will probably donate the van to one of the car donation places and get a tax write off. McCoy  Hill is scheduled to come home from his mission next week. Katherine Johnson is getting married in June. Mark Hanni gets married next week.

 

Please let us know if you can only call on Mother's Day or if you can Skype or group Skype. Uncle Steve did it when Reilly opened his mission call. Let us know and we will give you all of the information to do it.

 

Our weather has been crazy. Two weeks ago we were in the 80's, last week we almost had snow on the ground, and this week it is Spring with low 60's. We have had some good rain but we are still in a drought. There is snow in the mountains which is a good sign.

 

Keep up the great work. You look wonderful in the pictures. Keep learning the languages. Cal Smith said to tell you Hi and that he knew that you would do well with languages. Brother Hecker enjoyed the correspondence.

 

We love you. We continue to pray for you and the other missionaries. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Pun intended.

 

Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad

Photos from April 2014 branch baptism