To mom (from Jordan)

From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 9:10 PM
Subject: Re: I still love you!
To: Lisa Stamps <stamps.lisa@gmail.com>


Thank you for your letter. I am happy to hear things are going well in the ward and at Summit for the students. Thank you for congratulating the actors for me. I thought the play was in another couple weeks, so I forgot to ask you to do that for me... Thank you :)

I wish you the best luck on the SSI application and I hope it ends up working out, but even if it doesn't, things will work out in the end as long as everyone is doing everything they can. That's somethings I've learned really well out here. If we are doing everything we can, things will work out better than we could've imagined, but if we are even a little lazy or are doing things for the wrong reasons, we will not receive that help. It's tough, but it would be infinitely more so if we didn't receive that help. I'd say read in Mosiah about Alma and the church after they were "captured" by the Lamanites. It's a good insight into how God works sometimes.

Life was meant to be hard, but it doesn't need to be impossible. If we do everything we can and hold nothing back, nothing can stop us from doing what needs to be done. This isn't because of our efforts. This is because our efforts allow God to give us all the help we need and more. Living God's way is never easy, but it is always better.

Thank you for conveying all the news and salutations. I am really happy for Hannah and I wish Rachel all the best and I would give her the same advice as I just gave you above. I look forward to seeing everyone again, but in the meantime, please say hello for me to each of them, accompanied by a hug if possible :)
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,
Elder Jones

P.S. There are quite a few Chinese over here already, we'll see how many more come!

To Jordan (from Mom)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lisa Stamps <stamps.lisa@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 8:47 AM
Subject: I still love you!
To: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>


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 emerged 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 ***** 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. :)

My job at the school has been REALLY challenging for me. I sat through a training Thursday that taught: "Every grade has a team. Every team has a leader. You are not it." It's really hard to be reminded that I'm working far below my potential--at least my education level. My classmates are judges and CEOs and I'm a 5th grade TA who has never held a real job for more than a year.

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. :(

*****'s mom just got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on top of her already suicidal tendency because of her bi-polar. ***** is in Europe somewhere (*****?) and it's got to be hard on him to know how much she's struggling. *****'s (Hannah's age) just is still recovering from cancer treatments herself.

Ugghh! Sorry for such bad news. I feel like such a downer.

Good news (?) ***** 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 H to ask the pretty girl from school if she still had a boyfriend; the dark hair, went to Taiwan with you, pictures of you two at school there...can't remember her name. Anyway, she doesn't! H 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

Saw this and thought of Jordan

"I live by this credo: Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough." Red Skelton, 1913-1997, Comedian

To Hannah!

---------- 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

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. ;)

My job at the school has been REALLY challenging for me. I sat through a training Thursday that taught: "Every grade has a team. Every team has a leader. YOU ARE NOT IT." It's really hard to be reminded that I'm working far below my potential--at least my education level. My classmates are judges and CEOs and I'm a 5th grade TA who has never held a real job for more than a year.

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.

Ugghh! Sorry for such bad news. I feel like such a downer.

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