Week 61 Response

Good to hear that everyone is doing well! I hope it stays that way! It should be easy with the warmth you're getting over there. ;) Yesterday was reported at -11. It was a bit cold. Still no snow, but we're hoping. I hope you get some winter over there, too!

 

I am still finding something to get dad for his birthday. I did make sure we were outside working hard on that day, but I couldn't make a cake or anything. Elder Bradshaw has some cake batter. I suppose we could make that. Send pictures. We'll see what I can do. Whatever the case, Happy Birthday!!! I hope that the dinner with Mom was good. I have no idea what HuHot is. It sounds like burgers, but I imagine you got something else for your birthday. ;)  

Yes! Transfers are coming up very soon! The next time I email it will be on a transfer day. Due to 설날 transfers were moved from Wednesday to Monday. Solnar is on Thursday, and so, to give the Korean missionaries going home enough time to arrive and acclimate, the normal pre-departure activities will happen in the early part of the week. We'll have transfer calls this Friday. It is possible for me to leave. It is possible for Elder Bradshaw to leave. It is possible for us to stay, but I don't think it is likely for both of us to leave. I hope not because we have a few very high-potential investigators. There are 2 and 2/2 zones outside of Seoul. The farthest away is 강원도. Whereas the other missionaries in our mission go to the temple every transfer, they can only go at conferences because it is so expansive to bring them into the city. They also go through all 4 Korean missions to get here by train. They actually have a fair bit of snow. One district is right up next to the border of our northerly neighbors. What I'm saying is that they are very far away. Elder Redd had been out there for a while before he was my companion. It is supposedly beautiful out there, but since there are so few people on the streets, especially in the winter, their time is spent doing door approaches. It is basically a different mission. It is said to be great out there in the summer, but during the winter, it's really rough.

The weather has been like a normal Utah winter. Really cold on some days and warm on others. Never as much snow as expected. It's been pretty good. It is really easy to see that temperatures are getting warmer everywhere. I guess Al Gore has a thing or two to say... again. We did get to teach a Chinese man in the hospital where he works 24/7. It was a bit rough, and his boss doesn't like us there for too long, but he wants me to visit if I ever go to China. I have his phone number... so I guess I know what I'll do if I go to live with the Manglesons for a while. :)

Thank you for the prayers and remembrance. I pray for all of you everyday. I hope you get to see the blessings. I am keeping a journal. I hope all of you are, too. The scriptures were really good today. You always find really great references. Love you all! Keep up the good work! 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 61 - Jacob 5:61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.

Dear Jordan,

 

How are you? We hope that you are doing well. This week we had highs in the 60s a couple of times with very little rain. They had to cancel a snowman making contest in Lehi because there is no snow on the ground. There were some people that did ice block riding down the grass at one of the parks in SLC. 

 

On Monday the girls went to school and mom and I stayed home. I worked from home all week. Fortunately I am able to telecommute. The Webster's brought dinner that night. We had Family Home Evening and mom taught the lesson. On Tuesday mom didn't wake up on time so I drove Sarah to the train. I did okay but it would have been difficult to drive into work. The YM/YW did a joint activity and went ice skating. Bekah and Sarah went and enjoyed it. On Wednesday the Eldredge's and Sister Lloyd brought dinner. Grandma Jones flew to Minnesota to attend Jemma's baptism. On Thursday was my birthday. I received a card from Grandma and Grandpa Stamps and from Bonni and her family. I talked with Lori, Nate, Jemma, and Grandma Jones. I missed a call from Juli and I received a text from Dan. Other than the interaction the day was pretty ordinary. On Friday mom went to work again. We will see if they will continue to keep her or if she will be let go. After work, mom and I went out to eat at the HuHot. I had to use Grandma's wheelchair. I really feel for those that have to use it regularly. The Carlson's and Foster's brought dinner for the family. On Saturday Hannah had ACT practice and mom went with her. Hannah has been driving quite a bit this week. Mom then went with Holly to a play. I didn't do too much except to keep my foot elevated. On Sunday I went to church so I had to get ready before church started. Sarah helped me get my clothes over my foot. We made it on time. Mom didn't go because her leg was hurting so almost everyone with whom I talked asked how mom was doing. After church they showed The Polar Express so I watched it  while writing this email so I could enjoy some snow on this blistery warm winter day (sarcasm). We then went to Robert's house for dinner. Hannah drove both ways. Grandma Jones will fly back tomorrow and Ben will pick her up. Dallin came to dinner.

 

How are things going with your companion? Are transfers coming up soon and is there a possibility that you could be transferred? Are there very many companionships outside of Seoul? Are you interested in going to one of those areas? I know you have been in the suburbs all your mission. Have you talked with any missionaries that have served in the other areas? Do they have many of the same issues finding people to teach or do they have other difficulties? How has the weather been for you? Spring is around the corner. Anything new this week for you? Please let us know.

 

We love you. You are doing great. Everyone still asks how you are doing once I let them know how mom is doing. Please keep working hard. Are you keeping track of everything in your journals from you mission? I know I wouldn't remember everything if I didn't write it down. Please let us know if you need anything. We continue to pray for you and put your name in the temples. Keep up the good or God work.

 

Love,

Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel

Here are some other scriptures for this week:

Doctrine and Covenants 61: 36 - 39
 36 And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;

 37 And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours.

 38 Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not.

 39 Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen.

1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

Doctrine and Covenants 63:61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—

Doctrine and Covenants 42:61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:61 For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you.

Week 60 response

Fun email! I am so glad to see the ward helping those in need. :) Sorry that things are more difficult, but I think it'll make regular life all the more pleasant when it's all over. :)

This week was a week of miracles, but I don't think I can include everything in an email. We'll just have to look at journals... in December. Thank you for all the reminders that I come home this year. Rachel also emailed and made mention twice. It's just a bit funny to see how quickly things have started happening now that I'm "over the hill". ;)

 

One of our contacts was a 25 year old who just enjoyed our conversation on the street and so met again later. It turns out that he attended church a couple times during mandatory military service and liked it. He asked if it would be okay to come to church before we could invite him ourselves. He than came despite working from 8 to 6 on weekend nights. It was hard to stay awake during one of the classes, but he put up a good fight. :) Another new investigator is basically a less-active from another church. He's got a never-ending stream of questions about everything from the plan of salvation, to how we do missionary work, to the latest pop culture in America. We're going to be having more focused lessons, but the first one was fun. 

The weather is comfortable in the day, but gets cold in the evening. We come back to the apartment for dinner, but in large part it is to get our winter gear on to go out again. No real precipitation to speak of. The language is fine. In a lesson setting or good contact, I can get everything, but when people go off on the particulars of how their company is building a particular apartment, it gets a bit rough at times. Gratefully, that's not too common. :) Still too tired at night to dream, so no Korean dreams, but conversation is easier in Korean than English. English is rough... 

I'd love to go to Shanghai. I'll need to get home and do some college applications first, but I'll then have quite a bit of time until college starts. It would be good to brush back up on Chinese. I also have the business card of a man from Oman who would love a visit later. Arab would be good to learn. :)

Elder Bradshaw is doing well. He is picking up the language at a great pace. He's quite the funny one once hes out of his shell. We've both been really tired this week, so there's not too much to write about the companionship. We go out, do missionary work, come back and sleep almost immediately once everything is done. We've been trying our best, and, though it's very tiring, it's been yielding good results. :)

Thank you for the email. I am glad to hear that everyone is healthy, though not always mobile. I hope you keep spirits high. I just had a thought, how do you get up and down stairs in the house? I hope you don't lean on that handrail... Stay safe and I look forward to hearing from you next week! :) Love you!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 60 - Doctrine and Covenants 60:13 Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known.

Dear Jordan,

 

Hope you are doing well. I asked mom about the new mission address and she said that she didn't receive it. Will you please send it in an email?

 

Well, this week has been quite the experience. On Monday I had the surgery on my left heel. They removed the bone spur but also had to reattach the Achilles tendon. All went well; however, it took a while for the anesthesia to wear off. They didn't have a boot for me at the hospital but they had crutches for me. Grandma and mom came to the hospital to pick me up. We just came home and I didn't do anything else the rest of the day. The girls went to the ward Family Home Evening at the bishop's house. Mom is doing well but her leg still hurts. She is able to get around with the boot and crutches. The Clements dropped me off for the surgery and they have been driving Sarah to the train station each morning. Melody Smith brought us some pizza and salad for dinner. On Tuesday the anesthesia finally wore off and my heel hurt a little. Kelly Christiansen came by to check on us and she cleaned the kitchen and some other chores. Also Grandma came by to drop off a wheelchair and help clean. I got bored so I started catching up on some of the emails from work. Charlene Clark brought a chicken pot pie and fruit for dinner. On Wednesday mom went to Rachel's dance assembly and then went out to lunch. I did some more emails until mom came home. Ruth Ann Herbert Voss brought some chicken soup and Joann Cooper brought some jello and doughnuts. Robert called that night to see if he could help. On Thursday Grandma came by to drop off mom's wallet and to see if there was anything else that needed to be done. Lynn Barney brought some cookies over during the day. Joe and Linda Clements brought over pizza and salad for dinner. Mom and Hannah ran some errands. They picked up the paperwork for a temporary parking pass. They then went to the library and then Smiths. Hannah is getting more and more time driving. Rachel worked for several hours at Comicon and then Hannah and mom picked her up from TRAX. On Friday mom had a follow up appointment for her leg and then she picked up a temporary disabled parking pass. The Urton's brought over dessert and Judy Christensen brought over lasagna. Holly also came over and brought some sheperd's pie. I also received a kneeling scooter that we ordered on Amazon. It really helps for moving around. I was using crutches or the wheelchair to go down the hall, both of which required some tricky maneuvering. On Saturday Rachel went to work at Comicon and stayed from 9 am until 7 pm. She was able to see part of the Studio C panel. Hannah went to the ACT test practice. Any suggestions for her? Mom went with Hannah and stayed until Hannah was finished. Mom, Sarah, and Hannah then went to Sarah's school dance. They had fun. They then picked up Rachel and came home. Hannah drove on the freeway for the first time. Mom said she did a great job. On Sunday Hannah and Bekah went to church but the rest of us stayed home. I thought about going but it would be very difficult to get ready in time. Everything takes longer to do. Mom bought me an electric razor for Christmas and I use it but I have to either sit down where I can't see the mirror for most of the shaving or stand on one leg in front of the mirror. It is also tiring. Today is the Super Bowl so we won't be going to Robert's house because he will be going to Pat and Kent's house.

 

Out weather has been warmer than normal and we received a little rain but not much. The air is cleaner today but it was a little dirty earlier in the week.

 

Anything new this week for you? Any interesting contacts or discussions? How are you doing with the weather now? How are you feeling with speaking and understanding Korean? Please let us know what is happening.

 

We love you very much. We can't wait to see you at the end of this year. When mom went to the dance assembly, Mrs. Mangelson was there. She said that they are living in the consulate in Shanghai. Mom asked if they had an extra room for you after your mission and she said absolutely. Just another option for you to consider. I know you want to focus on your mission right now, which is the right thing to do. Please keep working hard and keeping the mission rules. How are things with your companion? Did they fix the plumbing in your apartment? Can't wait to hear from you this evening.

 

Love,

Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah

 1 Kings 8:60 That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else.

Week 59 response

Sorry... but the image of both of you walking onto sacrament meeting on crutches is pretty funny. :) I guess it's good that we have that front row all but reserved! Sorry to hear that mom's no broken bone record is now over. I guess she'll just have to start counting again. I hope the girls are giving you plenty of help with things. Also, I hope you are eating healthier since exercise will be a bit difficult for a while. I was reading conference Liahona's and came across Elder Klebingat's talk about having confidence before God. The one about taking responsibility for our physical well being continues to stick out. I think I also heard a talk by Elder Ballard about that recently. Whatever the case, I hope you do well. It is easier to heal faster when you're healthy. ;)

This week has been good, though there has been a bit of a constant misty drizzle or a few days now. Like I said last year (that sounds weird), the Koreans don't like rain, so that has put people a bit on edge. It's alright, but it's a bit like trying to talk to Americans when the Super Bowl is going to start soon. We're just chugging along. :) It's all good. We had our interviews with the mission president this past week, and it was really fun to see the mission from his perspective. He's got a lot more logistics to deal with than I originally realized. On a similar note, the office elders are getting our kitchen fixed. Apparently one of our pipes rusted through, and so our downstairs neighbor is getting a leak into the walls... It's not very good. That's actually why we're emailing so early today. We will be doing studies in the afternoon so we can supervise the repair workers. We got to experience street contacting to those on the way to work... It is very obvious why we do studies in the morning. I knew why before, but I *know* why now. 

Thank you for the email and prayers. I hope that despite the problems with left legs (come to think of it, my left leg hurt for a few days...) are resolved quickly. I'm grateful we live in a day when those medical treatments are available. It is very comforting that you don't have to deal with amputations, or even surgery without anesthetics. The Koreans don't trust anesthetics, so all dentistry is done without it. It is not a pleasant thing to see. It makes a lot of sense in explaining why they brush their teeth after every meal. 

Thank you again for the news. It's always such a pleasure to hear from you. I'll pray for your speedy recoveries, and I know that as you do all you can, it'll workout very well. :) Thank you for your examples and hard work. Love you!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 59 - Doctrine and Covenants 59:21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

Dear Jordan,

How are you? We received your letter that you sent on 12/30/2014 or as shows on you envelope, 30.12.2014. Thank you. We also got a copy of the letter that you sent to the Urtons. They really enjoyed it but had trouble reading some of the writing. Mom was able to transcribe it for them. Also the Clements received their letter and really enjoyed it. We haven't seen a copy of it yet.

It has been quite the week here in Utah. On Monday it was Martin Luther King Day so the girls were out of school and neither mom nor I had work. I went to 24 Hr Fitness for a bit. We then met Robert and went to see "Night at the Museum 3." It was pretty good but it will be the last one. We then ate lunch and then Hannah and Rachel had dental appointments. Mom then had a crown fixed. I met with a podiatrist to see about a bone spur on my left heel. It will need to come off and the surgery will be on Monday. I also found out that I won the No Cavity Award for the month of December at the dentist. They took a picture of me and I received a gift card. I then worked on my mom's floor in Alpine for a bit because the doctor was in Highland. When I came home only mom and Hannah were still awake so we didn't have Family Home Evening. 

Mom was ready and wanted to teach a lesson on Martin Luther King. On Tuesday the Young Men finished the Game Design merit badge. On Wednesday, mom was at Holly's house and was leaving when she fell down the steps and twisted her left ankle. She went to the instacare and they took an X-Ray. She actually broke her fibula (the bone on the outside of the leg). She was feeling okay, but was in pain if anyone touched her leg. When I arrived home, I started running errands, such as picking up prescriptions, for mom. Also, I didn't know she broke her leg until I got home. When I heard that it was her left leg and that she was going to be on crutches, I started laughing. Not at her, but at the situation. Both of us will have braces on our left legs and will be using crutches at the same time for several weeks. 

On Thursday Sarah stayed home from school to help mom. She did a great job and set up an appointment with the doctor to put on a cast or brace. When I arrived at home I ate dinner and watched some TV until it was time to pick up Rachel from TRAX. She is a volunteer at Comic Con so she was at training. On Friday Sarah had the day off due to the end of the Quarter. I took a couple of hours off to drive mom and Sarah to the doctor for her brace. I had to leave before the brace was started due to work. On Saturday I exercised and then I drove Hannah to her ACT prep class and Rachel to her second training for Comic Con. I then went to the temple, since I won't be able to for a while. I then drove to Alpine because grandma is having problems with her garage door opener. She will need to have it replaced. We then had lunch with Robert, grandma, Ben, and Dallin for grandma's birthday (thanks to Dan and Jackie's generosity). I then did the shopping. 

On Sunday the Eastmont ward was dissolved and part of the ward was moved to our ward and the other parts to Sagecrest and Canyon Rim. I then did some home teaching. One of the families is the bishop. After home teaching we went to Robert's house for dinner.

Today (Sunday) is a gorgeous day in the mid 50s and lots of sunshine. Hannah has been driving a bit more since she will do the most driving over the next few weeks. I had her drive me around as I visited some of the home teaching families. Several people from church asked how you are doing. I let them know that you are well and that you have just over 10 months left. Jake should be home in about 3 months. Wow, is the time starting to fly. It is almost February as well. That means that about half of the winter season is over. We are glad that you are surviving it.

Please keep up the great hard work that you are doing. We hope that you aren't too frustrated with how hard it is to find and teach the people. Heavenly Father is working on the individuals so that they will be ready. Please stay ready so that you will be able to help them. I was reading Jacob 5 this week and I know that you are part of the few laborers that help with the pruning, nurturing, and grafting to get the people ready to bear good fruit.

We love you and pray for you. You are terrific!

 

Love,

Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah

Week 58 reply

This has been a good week. We have still been doing a lot of street contacting, but it has allowed us to find a family! We're going to be teaching them again tonight. :) This mission has always had a fair bit of street contacting, but I guess that's just something that makes this mission special. :)

The weather is getting cold again (we had snow again last night), but it's been fun to see the miracles that come when you forego pleasure for service! It's great to hear you're all working so hard! Keep it up! 

As it turns out, the Korean distribution center does not sell thermal garments. I thought they surely would, but I was wrong. It's okay, though, because Korea sells think pants that look exactly like suit pants. I've been able to capitalize on a pair an older missionary gave me a while ago. They're pretty comfy. :)

There isn't that much to share this week that I didn't share last week. Sorry... I guess I'll answer your questions, then. ;)

We don't have very many zone conferences. We have monthly zone trainings where all the missionaries in the zone are trained by the zone leaders and sister training leaders.

Elder Bradshaw is doing well despite his belief to the contrary. He's still having a bit of culture shock, but not in the way that you'd expect. He prefers things in the Japanese way more than the Korean! It's fun to see him use chopsticks like a Japanese person and eat traditional Korean food like it is Japanese. He's always so excited to get Japanese food. It's a bit funny since he lived in China, not Japan, and he's Amaerican. He's a fun one. :)

I'm feeling comfortable enough with Korean. I don't really have any problems unless someone is trying to be confusing or trying not to understand. As that is only ever old men, we're fine the vast majority of the time. :) 

Keep doing great things! I am always so happy to hear about the exciting things you're doing. :) Sorry if there are typos. We're using iPads. Don't get over excited. There's just a store with them on display for use. ;) Apparently the iPad Air 2 is pretty nice! Love you!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 58 - 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord

Dear Jordan,

How are you doing? We hope that you are doing well. This was a different week. We received some rain but no snow. We also had very nice temperatures on Saturday. The temperature was in the high 40s to low 50s. The sun was shining and there wasn't too much of an inversion.

On Monday, we did not have family home evening because when I got home everyone was asleep except Hannah who was doing her homework. On Tuesday the scouts did the game design merit badge. It was a lot of fun. I was able to teach them rules of games and how some of the games are set up. Next week we will finish up the merit badge and they have to come with a game of their own making. They get to teach others how to play their game. Mom started teaching her class at the Community Ed Center. She came home very tired. On Wednesday she basically was asleep by the time I got home. The girls were doing homework. On Thursday mom also taught her class and again the girls were doing homework. I went around to the scouts getting permission slips. 

On Friday I took the day off to get ready for the camp out. I went to lunch with mom and we ate at the Serving Time café. It was very good. The scouts went up to camp Tracy for this camp out and we stayed in the cabins up there. We had a lot of fun. We had noodles for dinner and then the boys were able to work on some merit badges. In the cabin it was a little cramped because we were with another troop. But all the boys got along well. One of the merit badges was space exploration and so they build rockets on Friday night. We finally got to the cabin and went to bed around 10:00 PM. Saturday morning the leaders of the other troop had to wake up everyone because we were all asleep still at 7:45 in the morning. We went and had breakfast and had French toast. We then finish some of the merit badges including firing off the Rockets on the frozen lake. The boys were able to go tubing down the mountain as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing. One of the boys even fired the rifle at the rifle range. For lunch we had tortillas they were very good. I am happy to say that everyone came back alive. However one of the boys fell into the frozen lake and then later burned his hand on the stove but he is doing well. It was fun using first aid skills again. After the camp out we drove the boys home and then I came home. 

Since it was such a beautiful day Rachel got her bow and arrows out and she was shooting them. She's getting pretty good at hitting the target. On Sunday we went to church and it was announced that the Eastmont ward would be dissolved and that it would be split among three other wards. Next Sunday will have a special meeting where all of the information about the rearranging of the wards will take place. We will let you know what all happens. 

After church Rachel drove me home in the Pilot. We then went to Roberts house for dinner and relaxation. Tomorrow is Martin Luther King day so the girls are out of school and I am off work. I will let you know what we do for fun on Monday.

How is the weather treating you now? Are you still healthy? How is your companion Elder Bradshaw? Are you still doing a lot of street contacting? Have you had very many zone meetings? Have you had very many visiting general authorities? I know it's not 18 months yet, but how comfortable do you feel in speaking and understanding Korean?

You are a wonderful son. We love you very much. We want what is best for you so please let us know how we can help you. Please keep up the wonderful work you were doing. Please keep the rules but enjoy yourself as well as time permits and as The Spirit guides you. We pray for you and you are constantly on our minds. We Love You!

Love,

Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom

Thinking of you!

It is the studying that you do after your school days that really counts. Otherwise, you know only that which everyone else knows.

- Henry Doherty - 1870-1939, Financier and Oilman

Jordan reply

Thanks for the email! That was a really fun one to read! Sorry about the inversion. Although it's colder here, all the public transportation is net zero emission, so the skies are clear. We haven't had a cloud in the sky for what seems like a few weeks. It's a bit weird, but it's nice to have clean air. That and it's not too stressful to just use the public transportation instead of trying to park a car. ;)

This has been a really good week! It's always good, but this week we actually got to see some results of our work. We have been able to find a few people who actually want to hear from us and about our message. That's actually the reason I'm late writing. A man called us (we didn't call him) to meet and so we had a lunch with him and his family and he referred his entire family to be taught English. They are also very willing to learn about the gospel. The daughter did an exchange program with SUU, so they have a special connection with Utah. That's not a tool common here in Korea. ;)

This week was also transfers. I am still with Elder Bradshaw. Elder South left and was replaced by an Elder Hobson from Idaho. Sister Boud (who apparently lives about a stake away from us?) was replaced by a Sister Holmes from Heber City. Elder Wycoff (the trainee who came when I got to 상계)  was replaced by 김태완 Kim Taewan. Nothing too surprising, but it is nice to have a Korean elder again. The members have been asking a lot less of the missionaries since Elder Ahn left. It was funny that one of the recent converts was coming to me for English help because "it seems like I have the best Korean." I hope there are people better at Korean than I am, but I'm glad studies are finally paying off. :)

I'm so glad you're all doing well. I hope you continue to work hard. I can empathize with being tired after a full day. It helps to exercise. :) It also helps to get to bed before 11. The most helpful thing is definitely having time with the scriptures and prayer, though. I hope you are still able to do family prayer and scripture study. It's hard to get up that early, but the spiritual boost is worth it. 

I can't quote it, but "though the flesh is weak, the spirit is willing." Something like that. It's really true. We shouldn't be physically capable of the things we do out here (walk for 9 hours, talk for 13 hours, teach in a foreign language) with what we're given (not time to make healthy food, no water during the day, only an hour to study the language). Despite that, because we want to do this, and moreover because it is the Lord's work, it all works out. I'm glad I get to see it. The miracles are abundant. I remind Elder Bradshaw almost everyday that it's a miracle anyone stops to talk to us in the first place. :) 

Thank you for the email and the news. I hope you keep doing great things. Love you all! Enjoy the warmer weather, but I will have to pray for some rain for all you. ;)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 57 - Doctrine and Covenants 10:57 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not

Dear Jordan,

Hope you continue to be well. There are several scriptures for this week so I will add them at the end of the email. We haven't had any rain or snow since about Christmas so our temperatures have been somewhat warm in the 40s but we haven't had snow or rain so we have an inversion. The snow has been melting and so I've been able to help Rachel. Rachel got a bow and arrow for her birthday and Christmas and she went out and shot some arrows at a target. She was shooting in the side yard and she lost two of the arrows because she missed the target. Since the snow has been melting I have been able to go out and I found both arrows that she lost. She is very happy that she has her arrows again. 

Mom looked on the Internet and it said that you had temperatures in the 20s but clear skies. Hopefully you are doing well with the weather still. Mom also saw that you were able to spend some money from your account. Hopefully it was for your shoes or other warm clothing.

On Monday we had family home evening however mom went to bed early because she was exhausted. On Tuesday we were going to have mutual but the joint activity was canceled because they weren't prepared to go to the family history Library in Riverton. On Wednesday and Thursday the inversion was pretty bad so we did not go out and do anything. I watched some shows with the girls that were awake. Rachel also has been exhausted this week from school. 

On Friday Lisa and the girls went to see the movie "The Book of Life." It is an animated movie that they saw in 3-D and they really enjoyed it. I stayed home with Sarah and we watched some shows until mom and the girls got back. On Saturday I went and worked out in the morning and then Sarah and I went with mutual to the Draper Temple to do baptisms for the dead. Sarah did very well. I was able to baptize her and the other youth. There was one youth that was afraid of the water so that was a new experience for me. It was difficult to get him under the water each time. After the temple Sarah wanted french toast from Burger King. I was able to find a Burger King to get it for her. We then went to the distribution center to buy some new white shirts for me. I then dropped off Sarah at home. 

I then met Robert and we carpooled down to Alpine. We went to the funeral for Chris Wanlass. That is Dave Wanlass' father. He died this week. Dave Wanlass was one of the speakers during the funeral and did a good job. It was interesting to learn all the things that Chris Wanlass did in his life. His children spoke and did a very good job of presenting the information. They also were very talented with music. After the funeral we came back and I went shopping for food. On Sunday we went to church. It was Ward conference and so we had the stake presidency and the stake leaders there. After church we went to Robert's house for dinner and a movie.

Mom is teaching in the primary as well as in Sunday school. After church she was set apart by the bishop. Afterwords we were talking and the bishop mentioned that Jake returns home in about 4 1/2 months. He can't believe how fast the two years has gone by. I mentioned that you will be home in December. Hopefully you are enjoying your time as much as it seems from your emails. I know it has been a great experience for you.

Dallin has started back at school this week. He came to Robert's house for dinner last Sunday. It was interesting to interact with him since it has been over two years since we really saw him last. He is doing well. I continue to forward on the emails from Jason so that you can get a feel for his mission as well.

The girls are back in school this week and seem to be doing well. Every now and then they seem exhausted and go to bed early but overall I think they are enjoying school. Sarah actually was excited to go back to school this week. She continues to help me do the shopping so that she can also get fruit snacks for her friends at school. Mom is doing well with her work at the elementary school. She will be teaching her adult classes again in the next couple of weeks. They redid the home teaching companionships and the Urtons are no longer our home teachers unfortunately. We really have enjoyed them as our home teachers. The Woods are our home teachers now and said that they will allow us to go to their house to be home taught.

Please continue working hard and doing your best. You are wonderful and we love you very much. You are a wonderful son and we are proud of all that you have been able to accomplish. Keep writing in your journal so that you'll be able to share all the fun experiences that you don't remember to put in your emails. We know that you are enjoying your time. We know that you are learning a lot every day. We know your Heavenly Father loves you and will continue to bless you for all of your efforts. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you. We continue to pray for you and you are always in our thoughts.

 

Love,

Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:57 That all the ends of the earth may know that we, thy servants, have heard thy voice, and that thou hast sent us;

Doctrine and Covenants 133:57 And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity—

Doctrine and Covenants 45:57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Doctrine and Covenants 138:57 I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—

Moses 6:57 Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.

Alma 5:57 And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be blotted out, that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of the righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;

Jordan reply

Thanks for the email! It took me a few minutes to figure out BBT. I couldn't figure out what on earth missionary movie it was... I just had to keep reading an then it made sense. :) I guess that's just how life is. We just keep going and it makes more sense as things goes along.

I hope you're not being too hard on yourself for things that happened a long time ago. :) We aren't perfect. I'm definitely far from it. We "beat on, boats against the current" but unlike Fitzgerald's conclusion, we don't need to be "borne back ceaselessly into the past." We can overcome the tide and make it to "the Old Ship Zion" because "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us." I hope that's enough quotes to satisfy the master English major. ;) I don't think it's quite up to snuff grammatically, but I know college will be easier after this. :) 

Please enjoy yourself and the good things in life. Our past should never prevent us from enjoying the now or expecting a bright future. :) 

Really, thanks for the email. It's always nice to hear from you. As far as the shopping mall. It is very realistic, but would be found farther South than I am right now. Haven't seen it yet. ;)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Thinking of you!

Holly and I are watching BBT. Ur in my thoughts, you smarty pants! I can't believe that you're half way home. It will be so cool to see what you choose to do with your life. Watching these scientists reminds me of you and your talents.

What's so cool is knowing that your skill set is being broadened. You will be so well prepared to do absolutely anything you want (or are asked to) do! Whether that's teaching or sciencing or something altogether beyond your imagination, it'll be awesome. You are an amazing young man. 

As Hannah prepares for her ACT, and I pay for her prep class, I realize how woefully unable I was to help you. I'm gratefully aware however, that you are who you are despite my challenges and failings. I like to think that you're stronger because of my weakness.

We're all put where and when we are as a part of a greater plan. One day I hope to understand...

I love you, darling! Be well. Do your best!

Much love,
Mom

Korean shopping?@?

The world's first virtual shopping center opened in Korea. All the products are just shown on LCD screens that allow you to order the items by touching the screen. When you get to the counter, your items are already bagged and ready to go.

Week 54 response

Merry Christmas!!! This is also my last email before the big day, so I'd better make it good. ;)

We have been working hard this week in preparation for the day of Christmas. We have continued to be blessed to find 200+ people every week willing to take gospel material. It is remarkable because as it is consistently negative degrees Celsius, people aren't out very much. We have been asked to use the "He is the Gift" video from the church. We got a new DVD player so we tried it out. That turned out to be the coldest day of the year so far, so it was difficult to find people willing to stay still for nearly 3 minutes. ;) 

Really, though, it's been a great week of showing our faith through our actions. We had a Christmas party with the ward on Saturday that we helped set up. We finished up a few minutes early, so we decided to go out and street contact for the little time we had. We didn't have time to put on coats, so we just went out in our suits. It was incredible to feel the Christmas spirit so strongly through going out and testifying of Christ instead of sitting, warm, with the members. It is really true that "when you do your best for love, it feels like Christmas." :)

This week also marked the first time I have been ice skating during proselyting time. Don't get the wrong idea. It was just so cold that there was a permanent layer of ice more than an inch thick on all the sidewalk for the majority of the week. It was safer to just skate across than try to walk. :)

We don't have any extraordinary plans for Christmas other than calling home. We had Christmas conference last week, so it is regular missionary work until our next conference... in February. It'll be good. It will be warmer by then. ;) Today we're going to go pick up warmer clothes in preparation for the remaining winter, so I think we'll be fine on that front. :) Thank you for your concern!

I hope you're getting to serve a lot this Christmas season. I'm glad the Sub-for-Santa went well, but I hope you get to do even more. Go out and shovel walks or something! :) Don't let dad do it. He's getting into the habit of hurting himself in the cold. I remember when he broke the shovel and cut his hand on the same day... I hope you guys try to beat him to the shovels. :)

Thank you so much for your prayers. They are very much felt. We pray for you many times every day. I hope you are seeing some more miracles in your lives. ;) I'm reminded of a quote from President Monson: "Miracles are everywhere to be seen when priesthood callings are magnified." Something like that. :) I know when we try our best, we can see things that we couldn't have imagined. I hope you are all living everyday such that you can see miracles. It's the way to live. ;)

Again, merry Christmas! Thank you for your emails. I always love hearing from you and about you! Enjoy this time we have to celebrate Christ's birth. We should always be in celebration of that fact, but it is even more special when we get to do it with the rest of the world at the same time. :) Love you all, and I hope you travel safely!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 54 - Doctrine and Covenants 20:54 And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking

Dear Jordan,

This will be the email that you read before Christmas, so "Merry Christmas!!!"

We look forward to you calling us (1-801-891-7489 Mom's cell). Please let us know which day and time will work for you and we will adjust and make sure we are available and that the phone is fully charged.

On Monday we went to the Carlson's house for the Ward Family Home Evening. It was enjoyable. On Tuesday I had the day off to go to the dentist and see a couple of doctors. In the evening, the YM/YW divided into two groups to deliver the Sub For Santa presents. I was in one group and Hannah and Rachel were in another. Unfortunately Sarah didn't want to go and Bekah had to work on her science fair project because it was due on Wednesday. 

The mother was very appreciative of the gifts and said that it made her year. On Wednesday I went home teaching with Mark Johnson and then I went to bed early. All this week I have been going into work early for training so I was tired. On Thursday I also went home teaching with Mark and then went to bed early again. On Friday we watched some shows and took it easy because today was the last day of school for the girls this year. 

On Saturday I went to 24 Hour Fitness and worked out for a bit. We then went to the church and cleaned it. Ben came to our house and I drove him to Alpine and we put in the flooring for grandma's kitchen. I then replaced our kitchen faucet and did the shopping. On Sunday we were home taught at the Urton's house and then went to church. After church we went to Robert's house for dinner.

We love you very much. You are doing a great job and we appreciate all that you do for us. We appreciate all your emails. We hope that you are doing well and want to help you as best we can. Is there anything that you would want us to do? We continue to pray for you. You are always in our thoughts. How are things going with your companion? How are you doing with the cold? We are finally getting some rain today. We hope that we get a lot of snow in the mountains. Have you been able to get new shoes? Have you been able to take any other interesting trips? Have you been able to talk with the other missionaries to see how they are going to contact their families? Are there any other clothing items that you need?

You are a wonderful son and we have been blessed to have you in our lives. We hope that you feel our love and prayers. We love you and appreciate you very much and hope that you will enjoy this time with the Korean people.

Love,

Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah

Jordan response

It's even funnier when you see what the Koreans actually wear and do. Very accurate. :)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

In the "new non-fiction" section of the library this week...

Merry Christmas!

Dear Jordan,
Just a quick email to wish you Merry Christmas. We look forward to talking with you later today.
We love you.
From dad and Family

Week 56 response

새해복 많이 받으세요! Receive many new year luck! Doesn't translate well, but that's the word for word translation. ;)

It sounds like you had a fun New Year's party! I still know nothing about either of those movies you watched! Maybe next year. :)

We didn't have any fireworks here. They may be saving them for Chinese New Year, 설날. That is supposedly a very big party. I barely missed it last year. I was a few days late... It is reportedly bigger than the American Christmas. We will see. They definitely have holiday spirit saved up from December. I look forward to it. I think it will be on the 19th of February. I don't know anything about our plans except that we clean apartments on that day because there is no one to talk to. The apartment needs it, so I am grateful. :)

The ward went to the top of a nearby mountain to say a prayer and watch the sunrise on New Year's day. I was sick and so stayed in bed the whole day, but I'm better now, so I think it was a good trade. Also everyone came back with sores and near hypothermia from the steep climb and windchill added to the negative temperatures (Fahrenheit) at the peak. No one said it was fun. Koreans really put a lot of emphasis on suffering together. I suppose there are a lot of reasons they survived the Korean War. I suppose technically still surviving... That's the message the Korean War Memorial here says. I haven't heard anything about the situation up north, but everyone still wants unification. It's just part of their subconscious and culture. I don't know, but it may be what the Germans felt about Berlin. That ended. 

Thank you for the reminder that I only have 11 months left. I have 8 transfers left. That is just not very long, and I am really focusing on not letting any moment get away from me. I will talk more about college as time goes along, but now I do not think is the time. ;) 

It's always a pleasure to hear from you, and I hope you keep doing well. I'm glad that we have something besides a Kia (all the Koreans will hate me now), and I'm glad Dallin has a car. Is it safe, though? ;) 

I hope you all made New Year's resolutions and look back at them regularly. There is really nothing of any consequence at New Year's except those goals. That was the focus of our Christmas conference... held in very early December. Make goals. Write them down. Figure out how to make them happen. Do it. I hope those goals motivate you. They sure motivate me. :)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 56 - Doctrine and Covenants 56:18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs. AND Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Dear Jordan,

 

Happy new year! We hope that you continue to do well. Please let us know if there is anything that we need to get for you. How is the weather treating you? Are you staying warm enough?

On Monday we got some more snow. We also had the Platt family party in the evening. It was enjoyable to see all the relatives that we hadn't seen for a while. They asked how you were doing and if we were able to talk with you at Christmas. We were able to say that you're doing well and that we enjoyed talking with you. 

On Tuesday we didn't have anything really happening because there was no YM/YW that night. But mom went out with grandma and grandpa to do different activities. Wednesday, Robert picked up the girls around noon and took them to his house. They watched some shows and ate fun food. After work I drove to Robert's house and we watched a show and continued to eat the fun food. We watched How to Train Your Dragon 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy. We then came home around 10:00 PM. Some people had already started setting off fireworks. 

On New Year's day we all slept in. I then worked on the computer to make sure it was working properly. We then went to Robert's house and ate lunch. We had homemade pizza and chips. We spent the rest of the evening at Robert's house watching shows and snacking. On Friday I had to go in to work. Dallin flew in from Minnesota and mom and Rachel picked him up in the van. He then dropped them off and went down to Provo. 

Mom and Rachel tried to get Rachel's learner's permit. In the evening mom and the girls went with grandma and grandpa to go watch a movie. I stayed home with Sarah and tried to find some documents. On Saturday I worked out and Robert brought the Pilot over so now we have the Pilot. I then did some shopping and also cleaning. I want to put the Pilot in the garage during the winter. On Sunday we started our new block schedule at 9:00 AM. After church, grandma and grandpa Stamps came by to visit with us. We went over to Robert's house early to start cooking. We then a dinner and watched a show. Grandma and Grandpa Stamps started their drive to Las Vegas and then to fly to Michigan.

What did you do for New Year's day? Did they have any special parties or traditions? Are you enjoying being senior companion now? How is training going? Since it is now 2015 you only have 11 months left in your mission and you will be coming home by the end of this year. Please try to make the most of all the time you have left. 

After your mission, do you want to try to start school immediately in January or do you want to take time and then start college in the fall? Please let us know so that we can try to help and support you as best we can.

We are thrilled that you are on your mission and you are an amazing son. We love you very much and care about you. We pray for you and want to help you anyway we can. You are doing a wonderful job. We love to read your emails.

 

Love,

dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah

Jordan reply

Hello! Great to hear from you in a medium that is more difficult to interrupt. ;)

Congratulations on the tablet! How many are floating around the house now? 3? It's funny that over here, there are more phones than tablets, but that the phones may as well be tablets for how big they are. I see people walking around straining to get a good grip on their phone with one hand. It's like the return of the original cell phone. The struggle this time being too big instead of too heavy. ;)

Sorry it has taken a year to get back to you. I guess we did just miss each other last week... At least email doesn't expire very easily!

I'm so glad you got to see your parents for the holidays. I guess it's getting pretty hard to get on their schedules nowadays. They're quite popular. ;) I can definitely see them as a mission president unit (I don't know how to say that...) They are really similar to our mission president in a lot of ways. :)

I hope you have a great week. I've got to write the family email, but I figured I should email you first this time. I hope it's nice. :) Love you!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

From Mom: It was so great speaking with you on the phone!

I'm writing to you using my new mini tablet. its 7.1 inches or something like that. anyway Verizon had a special. I could get it for 30 bucks and then have it for the $10 a month like any one of the regular phones. It pretty much can do anything and it seems to be working great. the coolest thing so far, is that the recording ability on it is incredible. I am dictating this letter with my eyes closed from exhaustion and it seems to be doing a pretty good job of picking out hurry (words... Kinda funny; that's the one it doesn't get!)

My parents came with us to Robert's house for dinner and we watched Frozen. I can't remember whether you were here for that or not. I'm thinking that you had already gone before we got to see it and it's definitely one that you want to see when you get home.

I am so proud of you. It's been such a pleasure to know that my favorite son is doing what he can serve the Lord and build the kingdom. So many people ask about you every Sunday. My primary class has been generally fun: six little ruffians... 3 boys 3 girls. Well, I did. Starting next week I will have the 4 turning 5 kids.

It will be interesting to see how a new class in the New Year will workout. My parents have been here for just over a week, and we get them for another week. It has been a very pleasant visit. They have done lots of fun stuff with me. We went shopping the day after Christmas or the day after the day after and we were able to get really good prices on Christmas movies and this new tablet.

Rachel was beyond surprised when she opened up her birthday gift this morning, space and found the archery set she had been begging and begging for. I was pleasantly surprised when L. L. Bean had a special deal for Christmas. I snagged it. It came with 3 arrows, but I ordered six additional arrows so she wouldn't have to go hunting quite as much. Well, today, she hit the target, but lost two of the arrows to the bushes or snow or something... So we will try to find them tomorrow.

Sarah went to the DI with her own money and she bought a beautiful dress for $25. Unfortunately, its a beautiful white wedding gown with gorgeous beading on it. She actually came to church today for a few minutes and looked very pretty.

I hope I haven't missed you tonight. I just want you to know how much I love you, and how much I think about you, and how excited we are that you are where you're supposed to be, and that you are doing good works.

Much love honey, mom