Week 25 from Jordan

From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: June 1, 2014 at 9:51:50 PM MDT
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Week 25 - Mormon 9:25 And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

It sounds like everyone is doing really well this week, though the end of school seems to be taking its toll. I hope everyone enjoys their summer! What holiday was it? We never know what holiday it is until some member tells us and wonders why we aren't celebrating.

How was "Muppets Most Wanted"? I heard it was supposed to be even better than the first one. Who did they get to guest star in it? What were people's favorite lines? Also, has anyone been able to see Captain America or Son of God? Those movies have a lot of advertising over here. I'd love to know what all the fuss is about.

Things have been good out here, but finals are coming up soon, so people are less and less available for meeting, but we're making the most of it. I remember when I first got here we had about 16 progressing investigators. Then I helped the area revamp their definition of "progressing investigator" to give us a better idea of who was getting closer to baptism and we ended up with about 7. Then there were a lot of tests and people going back to their home countries and we hovered around 5 for a while. At last, though, we are back up to 8 and it looks like we will be here to stay. Tests seem to help people recognize their priorities more. Metaphorical and literal tests alike.

I printed out some pictures to send home to all of you and I will probably include them in my birthday letter to mom in the coming week(s). I will keep them in order to make sure you can see the progression of things. Mostly my weight loss. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Does mom want anything for her birthday? There's some cheap stuff here that I think she might like. I apologize to everyone whose birthdays I've forgotten. I have everyone's birthdays on my calendar now, so I will remember them next year...

The most exciting thing this week was probably our trip to the national museum. It has artifacts from prehistory all the way to now. We were a little rushed and only got to do one half of the first of three floors, but it has great exhibits on ancient, ancient people. It was great to see how people survived on this peninsula without any conveniences. We did get to stop by a calligraphy exhibit before we completely ran out of time. There were examples of seemingly every type of calligraphy. Many of the explanation plaques were devoted to the relative difficulty of reading each style. It's good to know it's not just me that thinks it's a bit difficult.

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. It is incredible to be out here. There are so many people who are being blessed by the gospel! ... despite my teaching ;) I pray for all of you and I hope you are all having a great time.

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones