Thank you for the note. I am happy to hear that things are going well, but I am sorry to hear how difficult it feels. I hope you feel better about everything sooner than later.
You would do well with the SpEd department at the HS. They have great people there. You could do a lot of good there.
I miss music too. After some meals, the district goes and messes around on a piano until it's time to go to class, but everyone is always sad to leave. It's actually quite soothing to just relax and play music for a while.
I am less bored, but really all it is is me forcing myself to always be doing something. It's not always the most effective work, but it passes the time. Thank you for the advice for learning Korean. I have been doing that for a while and it has been a major help. I feel fairly comfortable teaching lessons now. It is just talking in other contexts which is really difficult. We have not studied very much non-gospel Korean. It will all work out though. I can talk to the Koreans that came on Tuesday for practice.
I'm glad you finally read the book. I am surprised you went straight for the one I said was the most depressing, but it is still good. Just remember to look at it from a different perspective. It is really a novel about how you see others and how you see yourself. That is the important part. I don't think I did anything mentioned in the book at all, but I think the book is a good read because there is something for everyone to identify with.
Have you been to the temple recently? We went last week and I apparently forgot to tell you there is another new presentation. In many ways I like it more than the old new one. Keep you eyes out for some familiar faces. Not only that, but the temple will help you while you struggle. Life isn't easy, but it's worth it.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I am working on my book of quotes for you. Once it is full, I will probably send it to you. Thank you and I pray for you. Much love.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Friday, January 24, 2014
From Jordan to Dad - Week 7
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: Week 7 - The wonders of the world
It's been a quiet week here too, where the Elders are strong, all the sisters are quite active, and the children are only visitors. I'm sorry to hear about the van, but at least it made it as long as it did. Tell Robert to have fun and to enjoy the heat!
Things are good. The language is progressing; we are finishing memorizing the first vision in Korean. The native missionaries who will go to Korea with us have arrived. Everything is going well. Everyone leaving the third is acting quite eager to leave, but I think that is pushing most of us to study harder. We all know the language is going to "kick our butts" when we arrive, but I think that is the only way we will learn any more of the language. Most of our classes have become culture classes and they are always really interesting and exciting. They are one of the biggest reasons everyone wants to go.
To answer your other questions: I have not memorized Preach My Gospel, and they gave us all the scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and most of the missionary pamphlets in Korean.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, they are definitely helping. I look forward to getting out and really helping people, but I think this MTC experience has been a great lesson in patience, perseverance, and putting off the natural man. I pray for all of you and I look forward every week to hearing from you. Thank you for everything.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: Week 7 - The wonders of the world
It's been a quiet week here too, where the Elders are strong, all the sisters are quite active, and the children are only visitors. I'm sorry to hear about the van, but at least it made it as long as it did. Tell Robert to have fun and to enjoy the heat!
Things are good. The language is progressing; we are finishing memorizing the first vision in Korean. The native missionaries who will go to Korea with us have arrived. Everything is going well. Everyone leaving the third is acting quite eager to leave, but I think that is pushing most of us to study harder. We all know the language is going to "kick our butts" when we arrive, but I think that is the only way we will learn any more of the language. Most of our classes have become culture classes and they are always really interesting and exciting. They are one of the biggest reasons everyone wants to go.
To answer your other questions: I have not memorized Preach My Gospel, and they gave us all the scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and most of the missionary pamphlets in Korean.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, they are definitely helping. I look forward to getting out and really helping people, but I think this MTC experience has been a great lesson in patience, perseverance, and putting off the natural man. I pray for all of you and I look forward every week to hearing from you. Thank you for everything.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Thursday, January 23, 2014
To Jordan (from mom)
I can't believe that another week has gone by already. Life here is crazy (as usual), but we're somehow making it through. I'm teaching my G4G classes again, and it's harder this time. I guess working a real job plus G4G is more than my poor brain is able to do well. I'm not happy to be stretching, but that is my reality.
I'm applying for a job at the HS. The SpEd folks are looking for aides. I don't know if it's more money, but it would be another step in my climb back to normality. I keep thinking that my head is going to burst and that the tears will come streaming any minute, but so far, so good. I only get teary when I write/read your letters. :)
I miss your music. I miss singing with you. I hope that you get to (at least) sing there. I still remember being so shocked when you sang at your (not-a-) farewell. You are so amazing. I'm so proud to have you as a son. Every time I hear the word, "FREEDOM" I think of you.
Please tell me that you're less bored. I worry about that alot. A thought/suggestion was given to me (for you) the other day: Think about more than the (Korean) words or the (Gospel) topics, but start to think about how to testify and teach in Korean. The language is one thing. The gospel is something different. Try to think about how you can study the language with the intention of using it to teach. I suppose it's called the "gift of tongues" for a reason. Be ready for the opportunities.
I finally read one of the John Green novels--Finding Alaska. It took me back to high school and all of the stupid, irresponsible things we did. I'm hoping that you weren't that reckless or foolish as I was, or as was portrayed in the book. Thanks for sharing, though. It reminded me that you had a life outside of the one you divulged to me. Your life and your experiences are yours. Please treasure surviving the close-calls and learn from the idiocy.
I love you, Jordan. Please always remember that. No matter what you do, or what happens, or what choices you make--I love you!
I'm applying for a job at the HS. The SpEd folks are looking for aides. I don't know if it's more money, but it would be another step in my climb back to normality. I keep thinking that my head is going to burst and that the tears will come streaming any minute, but so far, so good. I only get teary when I write/read your letters. :)
I miss your music. I miss singing with you. I hope that you get to (at least) sing there. I still remember being so shocked when you sang at your (not-a-) farewell. You are so amazing. I'm so proud to have you as a son. Every time I hear the word, "FREEDOM" I think of you.
Please tell me that you're less bored. I worry about that alot. A thought/suggestion was given to me (for you) the other day: Think about more than the (Korean) words or the (Gospel) topics, but start to think about how to testify and teach in Korean. The language is one thing. The gospel is something different. Try to think about how you can study the language with the intention of using it to teach. I suppose it's called the "gift of tongues" for a reason. Be ready for the opportunities.
I finally read one of the John Green novels--Finding Alaska. It took me back to high school and all of the stupid, irresponsible things we did. I'm hoping that you weren't that reckless or foolish as I was, or as was portrayed in the book. Thanks for sharing, though. It reminded me that you had a life outside of the one you divulged to me. Your life and your experiences are yours. Please treasure surviving the close-calls and learn from the idiocy.
I love you, Jordan. Please always remember that. No matter what you do, or what happens, or what choices you make--I love you!
Week 7 The wonders of the world (from dad)
Dear Elder Jones,
It's been a quiet week in Lake Wo... er, Sandy. On Monday we had the ward Family Home Evening and it went well. It was held at the Urton's house. The girls finished up their semester of school and mom is back at work. She is also teaching her class in the evening.
We are trying to get by with just the grey car because the van is having problems.
Robert will be flying to Disney World on Saturday. The girls (Rachel & Bekah) will be trying out for parts in the community play like you did for High School Musical. This year they're doing Beauty and the beast. Rachel will have her Jr. High play next week--a Pirates Life for Me. She didn't get a named role (which bummed her out), but she's been a trooper and is a strong member of the chorus.
Your picture is on the board at the stake center but it isn't up at our ward yet. But then again Maddie's isn't up either. We have your scripture but I haven't heard about a final picture yet. I know your companion's mom posted some last week but I haven't seen them yet.
Have the culture classes been fun? Are they saying about the same things as the books from the library? I remember that I learned some interesting facts from the returned missionaries teaching the class that helped me on my mission.
How is the language coming? Have you memorized Preach My Gospel yet? Did they provide any of the other books in Korean or just the scriptures?
We love you and pray for you. Each time I go to the temple I put your name on the prayer roll. We know that you are doing the Lord's work and are preparing yourself for some amazing experiences. If you haven't read it recently, read Helaman 3:35 because I know that just like the people were amazed at the great things that happened because they were ready, you will also be amazed if you are prepared.
You are a great servant of our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel
It's been a quiet week in Lake Wo... er, Sandy. On Monday we had the ward Family Home Evening and it went well. It was held at the Urton's house. The girls finished up their semester of school and mom is back at work. She is also teaching her class in the evening.
We are trying to get by with just the grey car because the van is having problems.
Robert will be flying to Disney World on Saturday. The girls (Rachel & Bekah) will be trying out for parts in the community play like you did for High School Musical. This year they're doing Beauty and the beast. Rachel will have her Jr. High play next week--a Pirates Life for Me. She didn't get a named role (which bummed her out), but she's been a trooper and is a strong member of the chorus.
Your picture is on the board at the stake center but it isn't up at our ward yet. But then again Maddie's isn't up either. We have your scripture but I haven't heard about a final picture yet. I know your companion's mom posted some last week but I haven't seen them yet.
Have the culture classes been fun? Are they saying about the same things as the books from the library? I remember that I learned some interesting facts from the returned missionaries teaching the class that helped me on my mission.
How is the language coming? Have you memorized Preach My Gospel yet? Did they provide any of the other books in Korean or just the scriptures?
We love you and pray for you. Each time I go to the temple I put your name on the prayer roll. We know that you are doing the Lord's work and are preparing yourself for some amazing experiences. If you haven't read it recently, read Helaman 3:35 because I know that just like the people were amazed at the great things that happened because they were ready, you will also be amazed if you are prepared.
You are a great servant of our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel
Friday, January 17, 2014
From Jordan in reply to mom's message
Thank you for the thoughts. All of you are though of on a
daily basis as well. Thank you for the photos. It looks like he's
having a great time :)
The first week here someone
made the connection between the MTC and a concentration camp. One elder
pointed out that here, though, we get food.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
From mom...
EVERYONE asks how you are doing: clients @UpZen, church, and
school. I tell them that you are bored, but surviving. David from UpZen
said that they used to call the MTC the "LDS Concentration Camp." Kind
of a funny double entendre, eh?
I think about you at the strangest times...when
I open a can of Vernors
the sacrament guys are released to sit with their families
its time for Hannah to leave for school
I see/hear anything Muppets
I have to drive the grey car
I see dad using your iPad
I read the comics in the paper
There are tons more. You are loved; you know that, right?
Be well, my love!
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