Week 1 MTC: The beginning

Thank you for the message, and I look forward to reading more next week! Everything is going pretty well here. The language is difficult, of course, but other than that and fatigue, everything is fairly easy. I miss the days when I got to go to bed early. I also miss my healthy food from home. Everything here is outrageously processed and the digestive system is not happy with it. My district is really great. There is just one person that rubs people the wrong way, but everyone is learning patience and charity, so it will be better for them in the long run. I have the best companion in the MTC for me. He's fun, but is also able to be serious when necessary. We have been teaching lessons in Korean for about a week now and they have been getting much better. 

I hope everyone is doing well back home and I look forward to more news! Thank you for all the prayers and I want you to know that nearly every prayer said here includes a blessing on our families.

Best wishes, Elder Jones

Mom's first letter to J in the MTC

I woke the girls to The Beatles' GOOD MORNING (quite loudly, of course!) and I thought of you. It's been so fun showing people the last picture I took of you as we dropped you at the MTC. I've attached it for your reference :)

This morning I used your story as a missionary opportunity. One of the Spectrum moms asked about you: "I heard he just shipped out to overseas somewhere...when will you see him again?" (in a strong NJ accent). It was shocking to her that you weren't "drafted," and that you've talked about doing it since you were a little boy, and that you're not paid to go.

A similar thing happened at the chiro last week. One of the other patients asked where you were, and I had the opportunity to share your story. You're such a good example!

Everyone asked about you (of course), yesterday, at church. Helen said to be sure to look for her granddaughter who also departed/arrived on Wednesday. Her name is Sister (Katie) King.

I love you like crazy, kiddo!  <3 Mom

Jordan's reply to his dad from the MTC

From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>

Thank you for the email. Tell the family I miss them too. Although I don't know what Rachel meant by "payback". I got your letters and package today and I am grateful for them. I can email on Fridays and I will do my best to send letters throughout the week. If I don't, don't worry, I will email you Friday.

The MTC is good, but it is definitely going to be a tough learning experience. We teach our first lesson in Korean tomorrow after, hopefully, learning sentence structure and non-greetings words this afternoon.

Keep me in your prayers, and I will keep you in mine. Thank you for everything and I look forward to seeing you when I return.

Love, Elder Jones

P.S. Mom, please send the email addresses as soon as you have time...

Dad's first letter to Jordan at the MTC

On Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 8:37 AM, Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com> wrote:

Jordan,

I was sad yesterday to send you off on your mission but also excited about all of the great experiences you will have. I hope you had a chance to write down what happened in your journal so that you can refer back to it when you want. It is a weird feeling when I think that you are not there for me to rely on. You have been a great support to me. Continue practicing the language and it will come. You might be surprised at how quickly some words come to mind. I can't wait until you are thinking in Korean and you have to translate to English. We love you and we will send other emails. Your pictures got a lot of Thumbs Up yesterday when mom posted them.

Please let us know what arrangements are possible for your Christmas call.

Love you always,

Dad (and family)

Jordan's MTC Address

There have been more than a few requests for Jordan's contact info:

MTC (Letters & Packages):
Elder Jordan Stamps Jones
FEB 04 KOR-SEO
2007 N 900 E #9
PROVO UT 84602

LETTERS ONCE HE GOES (~Feb 4th):
Elder Jordan Stamps Jones
KOREA SEOUL MISSION
Gwanghwamun PO BOX 210
Jongno-gu
Seoul-si
SOUTH KOREA 110-602

PACKAGES ONCE HE GOES (~Feb 4th):
Elder Jordan Stamps Jones
KOREA SEOUL MISSION
Samcheong-no 9 gil 45
Jongno-gu
Seoul-si
SOUTH KOREA 110-230
(some carriers require the local phone number: 82 2-734-3653)

Thinking of our very own just breaking into song!

'Twas the night before departure...and all through the house...Jordan and Mom were...

Starting a load of laundry
Counting ties
Stuffing shoes with socks
Picking out washcloths
Verifying that all the immunizations are complete
Realizing that we are missing a "recommended" book, but...
Recognizing that the packed copy of Jesus the Christ belonged to Great-Grandpa Wesley B. Nance
Counting pencils, pens, highlighters
Choosing "appropriate" tie pins and clips
Trying to find batteries that work
Attempting to take a "missionary" picture for the wall at the Stake Center
and
Getting a call from Grandma & Grandpa Stamps...