---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: Sun, Mar 9, 2014 at 9:12 PM
Subject: Re: Hello
To: Hannah Jones <gallifreychick12@gmail.com>
Hey, just as treat because clothes are cheap here. If you send me a picture of the Doctors' outfits, I will try to copy as many of them as possible and send you pictures. Deal? Get Rachel and Bekah in on this, too. And Sarah, if she wants.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Monday, March 10, 2014
Mom's note to Jordan (missed the deadline) :(
People continue to ask
about you every day. On Saturday we went to see the SAHS production of
"Anne Frank." They did really well. Mrs. Turnbow sought me out to give
me a hug and to ask about your well-being. After the show, I approached
each of the players I knew who knew you and gave them kudos plus a hug
with a "this is from Jordan." I kept looking for you above the crowd of
actors emerging from the side hall. It was hard to see you not there. You
are desperately missed by that group of kids/teachers.
Church yesterday was surprising because we had Zak (from the corner--Attena's son) at church in a brand new white shirt. I invited him to sit with us. Before he had a chance to sit down, Chad had pounced on him to invite him to pass the sacrament. It was very touching. Apparently, he's living in the state mental hospital where he has been active and involved with young men's activities.
The newsletter got done...eventually! I finally figured out that I can do it best by myself rather than using a template.
I am applying for SSI (Social Security Supplemental Income) for Sarah. This week is the final (I hope) of the telephone interviews. All we really need is the medical coverage since the state declined her (because she's still a minor and dad makes too much money). There are worse situations. ;)
Mental health has become more of a political issue and it breaks my heart to think how little I did for you guys. I'm so proud of you for rising to the occasion: with laundry, dishes, chauffeuring, helping your sisters, teaching yourself instruments and the like. When I see little people who have been taking ballet since they were 3, I am reminded of all you missed because of me and my challenges. :(
Steven xxxxx's mom just got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on top of her already suicidal tendency because of her bi-polar. Steven is in xxxxx somewhere (xxxxx?) and it's got to be hard on him to know how much she's struggling. Kid xxxxx's (Hannah's age) just is still recovering from cancer treatments herself.
Good news (?) Olivia xxxxx started at Summit today. Hannah's excited. I hope that it turns out to be a good fit for her. Speaking of Hannah, she's ranked #1 in her class. She's SO thrilled. Rachel and I just had her CCR where we talked about her future plans. She wants to be a singer/actress. It's hard not to be afraid of all the failure artists must endure. She is not well...again. I hope it's not her depression/anxiety rearing its ugly head.
I fear I missed you this week. So sorry. Please know that I love you and miss you--especially where I'm used to being around you: driving H/A to school, school plays, seeing kids who say, "Aren't you Jordan's mom?" and after the men pass the sacrament. There's still a little pause of silence when everyone walks by and you don't. I miss the tissue delivery desperately!
We've had so many new families move into the ward...you won't believe how few people you'll know when you get back. Joyce seems to be doing fine, the Clements ask about you every time I see them. The Urton's are always clamoring for a Jordan update--HT doesn't feel the same without you! The Lynch's are always inquiring after your well-being.
Oh, and btw, I asked R to ask the xxxxx girl from school if she still had a boyfriend; the dark hair, went to xxxxx with you, pictures of you two at school there...can't remember her name. Anyway, she doesn't! R told her that I wanted to know--not you!
At the dentist last week (I broke another tooth), I watched a program about how South Korea is pushing a major tourist campaign toward the Mainland. They are apparently succeeding, and they're seeing hundreds of thousands popping over for their leisure travel. Perhaps you'll meet even more! It was fun to see pictures of SK and visualize you among them. You're my pride and joy. Be well, my favorite son. I am proud of you, and wish for all the best as you serve so selflessly.
Much love, Mom
Week 13 Jordan reply
From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: March 9, 2014 at 9:10:52 PM MDT
To: "Sajmba2002@yahoo.com" <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Week 13 - The smallest emirp (a prime that is a different prime when reversed) but fortunately not triskaidekaphobia (fear of 13)
I'm sorry people were sick! I hope everyone is better now. I was sick for a while too, but I'm better now and the area book needed some help anyway. I hope Sarah did well on the ACT! How does she feel about it?Tell Karen congratulations and that they'll have fun no matter where they go :) I hope everyone is doing well in Denver. Tell them all hello for me, especially Sam! I hope they are enjoying spring.The work is going well. I am finally beginning to understand words here and there. I finally set an appointment over the phone. It was rough, but it went through. I did receive the BoM and I am looking forward to using it for study. The week has been a bit crazy, so we haven't had Chinese language study since I got the book, but it will work out. The majority of our teaching goals rest on not scaring people away while still giving them things to work on. It is a little difficult because Koreans are all about no pressure, but commitments are necessary.
On Sundays, we go to three hours of Church and usually teach a couple appointments. On P-Day we do whatever is necessary for the next week, but today, we are doing soccer because the zone really wants to... Whatever the case, P-day is more of a day of rest than Sundays most of the time :S It's all good, though. We are always looking for new ways to teach and find people who are willing to learn.Thank you for the message. I always love hearing how you're doing. You are in my prayers and in my thoughts, right behind the people we teach. Thank you for everything and I look forward to seeing you in 21 months!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,Elder Jones
Week 13 - The smallest emirp (a prime that is a different prime when reversed) but fortunately not triskaidekaphobia (fear of 13) (from DAD)
Dear Jordan,
Thank you for your emails. This week has been a little different. Mom and Bekah were sick over the weekend. Bekah had strep so she didn't go to church or school on Monday or Tuesday. Sarah is taking the ACT this week. We took care of taxes on Saturday. We were able to take you as a deduction but probably can't the next two years.
We have been receiving rain off and on for the last few weeks. California is still in the third year of drought.
Karen called mom to say that they may be going to Brazil with Chem-Dry. Karen was really excited about it. Grandma is in Denver with Bonni and her kids for the month of March while Chris is in Afghanistan.
How is the work going? We would love to hear what is happening. Have you received your Chinese Book of Mormon yet? Are you starting to understand the people yet? What are some of your goals for teaching? What do you do on Sundays? How about you P-day? Have you gone on splits yet?
During ward mission leader training they mentioned you as an example again. I told them how you had the experience of teaching the discussions as a home teacher.
We love you. We pray for you. You are always in our thoughts. We look forward to seeing you after your mission. It is hard to believe that 3 months have already passed.
Please continue the great work of the Lord.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel
Thank you for your emails. This week has been a little different. Mom and Bekah were sick over the weekend. Bekah had strep so she didn't go to church or school on Monday or Tuesday. Sarah is taking the ACT this week. We took care of taxes on Saturday. We were able to take you as a deduction but probably can't the next two years.
We have been receiving rain off and on for the last few weeks. California is still in the third year of drought.
Karen called mom to say that they may be going to Brazil with Chem-Dry. Karen was really excited about it. Grandma is in Denver with Bonni and her kids for the month of March while Chris is in Afghanistan.
How is the work going? We would love to hear what is happening. Have you received your Chinese Book of Mormon yet? Are you starting to understand the people yet? What are some of your goals for teaching? What do you do on Sundays? How about you P-day? Have you gone on splits yet?
During ward mission leader training they mentioned you as an example again. I told them how you had the experience of teaching the discussions as a home teacher.
We love you. We pray for you. You are always in our thoughts. We look forward to seeing you after your mission. It is hard to believe that 3 months have already passed.
Please continue the great work of the Lord.
Love,
Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel
Monday, March 3, 2014
Week 12 response from Jordan (to Mom)
Thank you for the news! I'm glad my package made it back, but I'm sorry yours was so expensive... I was told it was significantly less than that... Thank you all the more! I gave the other missionary money for shipping so I think it was OK, but extra cost may have explained the delay. I think that group left today for Korea, so it may be that way.
I'm sorry to hear about Holly and hope everything goes well in her recovery. She will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please tell her that. I am really glad she got a good job, though. That has been a while coming.
It's great to hear Jason got in, and I heard Dallin was going back out, too! Tell them congratulations for me! Things are going well over there.
I'm glad Maddie is having a great time! I will try to get a picture, but, as yet, I still don't have a connection to transfer pictures from a camera...
I understood a bit of the French, but I am really glad Elder South was there. And he doesn't know how he got into Yale, so we'll see how much help that is...
I wish you the best luck with the Legal Shield stuff and you will be in my prayers. Just remember that the worst thing that can happen is that the people won't like you, and if that is the case, they probably wouldn't have liked you anyway. Always be yourself and be genuine about a desire to help. Know your stuff and market it, don't sell it. These are all basically things for proselyting, but the principles are the same. Have fun with it! If you rare not enjoying it, they will not want to talk to you. That's just the way people are sometimes.
Thank you for the email and I look forward to hearing from you again next week!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
I'm sorry to hear about Holly and hope everything goes well in her recovery. She will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please tell her that. I am really glad she got a good job, though. That has been a while coming.
It's great to hear Jason got in, and I heard Dallin was going back out, too! Tell them congratulations for me! Things are going well over there.
I'm glad Maddie is having a great time! I will try to get a picture, but, as yet, I still don't have a connection to transfer pictures from a camera...
I understood a bit of the French, but I am really glad Elder South was there. And he doesn't know how he got into Yale, so we'll see how much help that is...
I wish you the best luck with the Legal Shield stuff and you will be in my prayers. Just remember that the worst thing that can happen is that the people won't like you, and if that is the case, they probably wouldn't have liked you anyway. Always be yourself and be genuine about a desire to help. Know your stuff and market it, don't sell it. These are all basically things for proselyting, but the principles are the same. Have fun with it! If you rare not enjoying it, they will not want to talk to you. That's just the way people are sometimes.
Thank you for the email and I look forward to hearing from you again next week!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Week 12 (from Mom)
Dearest, darling Jordan,
What fun to be able to use your Francais! Est-ce-que vous comprendez plus que [understand]? What a treat. So your companion speaks French, Mandarin, and Korean? Yowee. Any chance he can help get you into Yale? :) Do you still get to interact with your MTC companion? Have you gotten the BoM yet? It was ~$70 to ship it, so next time I'm going to just go to Amazon... :)
Just yesterday we got the package with your boots, Dr. S., and bag. Missionary Mall called to see if these (more expensive) boots worked for you, or if we should just go in and switch them for the (cheaper) ones we bought. Did you try them on? I'll plan to keep them unless you let me know. FYI, the MM box was 15 lbs. Your BoM box was 3. Crazy! Did your "trustworthy" Elder have to pay the shipping? It looked like it came straight from the MTC, but if we owe the kid $$$ just let me know.
Your cousin Jason just got accepted to the Y, but is planning to defer during his mission.
Madi has been in Ecuador for almost 2 weeks. Neither her plaque nor yours are up on the wall yet. Have you had someone take a "head and shoulders" shot of you? Smiling would be great.
On the back of the front door, I have about 10 completely different pictures of you so I get to stop and grin every time I go out. It's been a fun way to keep you in my thoughts.
Holly's got Stage 2 slow-growing breast cancer in the lymph nodes. They will do surgery in a couple of weeks in hopes of getting it all out, but then they will do chemo to (try to) kill all of the pre-cancerous cells. It totally creeps me out. I've been taking her to the different appointments (mamo, ultrasound, MRI, genetics advising, surgical and oncologist) and have tried to stay upbeat. We try to watch funny movies, eat lots of popcorn, and laugh as much as possible. We're working on the Dr. S. strategy, but I'm worried that she hasn't bought into the system fully...so...we're working on the laughing at least! Her hubby had his heart attack 2 years ago, and his heart transplant 1 year ago. Serious struggles at their house. She did get a job she enjoys. She's a grant writer for UTA.
I'm going to try [no, not try--just do] to get into LegalShield and ID Protection sales again. In the last couple of months, Target, Nieman Marcus, IHC, and the U have all had their systems hacked...all kinds of personal information having been stolen. People need the coverage we have; I just need to get over my anxiety about calling, making appointments, and then following through. Please pray for me to have courage as I work to overcome my paralyzing anxiety!
Finally, keeping your letters on the blog has been very successful. You've had 1500+ views so far. :)
Thanks for being such a great kid. Try to give yourself a break and have some fun every now and again. Don't let your fabulous sense of humor get rusty, K?
I love your gutz,
Mom
What fun to be able to use your Francais! Est-ce-que vous comprendez plus que [understand]? What a treat. So your companion speaks French, Mandarin, and Korean? Yowee. Any chance he can help get you into Yale? :) Do you still get to interact with your MTC companion? Have you gotten the BoM yet? It was ~$70 to ship it, so next time I'm going to just go to Amazon... :)
Just yesterday we got the package with your boots, Dr. S., and bag. Missionary Mall called to see if these (more expensive) boots worked for you, or if we should just go in and switch them for the (cheaper) ones we bought. Did you try them on? I'll plan to keep them unless you let me know. FYI, the MM box was 15 lbs. Your BoM box was 3. Crazy! Did your "trustworthy" Elder have to pay the shipping? It looked like it came straight from the MTC, but if we owe the kid $$$ just let me know.
Your cousin Jason just got accepted to the Y, but is planning to defer during his mission.
Madi has been in Ecuador for almost 2 weeks. Neither her plaque nor yours are up on the wall yet. Have you had someone take a "head and shoulders" shot of you? Smiling would be great.
On the back of the front door, I have about 10 completely different pictures of you so I get to stop and grin every time I go out. It's been a fun way to keep you in my thoughts.
Holly's got Stage 2 slow-growing breast cancer in the lymph nodes. They will do surgery in a couple of weeks in hopes of getting it all out, but then they will do chemo to (try to) kill all of the pre-cancerous cells. It totally creeps me out. I've been taking her to the different appointments (mamo, ultrasound, MRI, genetics advising, surgical and oncologist) and have tried to stay upbeat. We try to watch funny movies, eat lots of popcorn, and laugh as much as possible. We're working on the Dr. S. strategy, but I'm worried that she hasn't bought into the system fully...so...we're working on the laughing at least! Her hubby had his heart attack 2 years ago, and his heart transplant 1 year ago. Serious struggles at their house. She did get a job she enjoys. She's a grant writer for UTA.
I'm going to try [no, not try--just do] to get into LegalShield and ID Protection sales again. In the last couple of months, Target, Nieman Marcus, IHC, and the U have all had their systems hacked...all kinds of personal information having been stolen. People need the coverage we have; I just need to get over my anxiety about calling, making appointments, and then following through. Please pray for me to have courage as I work to overcome my paralyzing anxiety!
Finally, keeping your letters on the blog has been very successful. You've had 1500+ views so far. :)
Thanks for being such a great kid. Try to give yourself a break and have some fun every now and again. Don't let your fabulous sense of humor get rusty, K?
I love your gutz,
Mom
Week 12 response from Jordan (to Dad)
Thank you for the advice and motivation. I wasn't expecting to read a Christmas carol parody in March. It was good, though!
I'm glad my emails are read; I hope they help someone sometime.
I am really glad I have been able to use all my languages, too! It really is true that we are called to missions for reasons. I doubt my meager language skills are the entire reason I'm here, but it is really great to be able to help in a way that others might not be able to do.
I believe there are about 200 missionaries, 6 zones, 6 missionaries in my district, 2 sisters, and we do have weekly district meetings. The discussions are going well. There are a lot of people who really want to learn about the gospel. The challenge is finding those who also want to change. The first couple weeks here, most of the time was spent teaching, but recently, we've been doing a lot of finding. This next week, we are planning on doing a mixture of both, with an emphasis on teaching. We have a few people who could be baptized really soon, but we need to help them make it to church and really understand the commitment baptism is. It's all really great, though, and I look forward to doing it for a while ;)
It sounds like you're doing a great job on missionary work back home! Keep up the good work, and tell them I look forward to meeting them in 21 months. Tell them that life really is better with the gospel than without it. There is nothing as sweet as the peace the gospel blesses us with. It is incredible to see the difference.
You have no idea how excited I was to see the sentence, "Amazing Race started again and it has returning teams including the cowboys." How old are they?!? If they do not win this one, I will be disappointed beyond belief. I hope they do. I would say I'll pray for them, but I feel that would be less than effective...
Tell Dallin congratulations on going back out and that he will not regret it. He knows that better than I do ;)
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. I pray for all of you and think of you daily. I love hearing how all of you are doing and look forward to hearing more as the weeks go along.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
I'm glad my emails are read; I hope they help someone sometime.
I am really glad I have been able to use all my languages, too! It really is true that we are called to missions for reasons. I doubt my meager language skills are the entire reason I'm here, but it is really great to be able to help in a way that others might not be able to do.
I believe there are about 200 missionaries, 6 zones, 6 missionaries in my district, 2 sisters, and we do have weekly district meetings. The discussions are going well. There are a lot of people who really want to learn about the gospel. The challenge is finding those who also want to change. The first couple weeks here, most of the time was spent teaching, but recently, we've been doing a lot of finding. This next week, we are planning on doing a mixture of both, with an emphasis on teaching. We have a few people who could be baptized really soon, but we need to help them make it to church and really understand the commitment baptism is. It's all really great, though, and I look forward to doing it for a while ;)
It sounds like you're doing a great job on missionary work back home! Keep up the good work, and tell them I look forward to meeting them in 21 months. Tell them that life really is better with the gospel than without it. There is nothing as sweet as the peace the gospel blesses us with. It is incredible to see the difference.
You have no idea how excited I was to see the sentence, "Amazing Race started again and it has returning teams including the cowboys." How old are they?!? If they do not win this one, I will be disappointed beyond belief. I hope they do. I would say I'll pray for them, but I feel that would be less than effective...
Tell Dallin congratulations on going back out and that he will not regret it. He knows that better than I do ;)
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. I pray for all of you and think of you daily. I love hearing how all of you are doing and look forward to hearing more as the weeks go along.
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
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