Friday, December 5, 2014
Week 47 from Jordan
Hello
everyone! Sounds like you all had a great Halloween. There was
literally nothing different for us from a different day (except for
monthly stats). It was a bit weird not seeing families out in costumes
getting candy, but I suppose that's one of the ways the Koreans stay in
such good shape. ;)
This week has been a good one. We
finally got back to a fairly regular schedule. We have been off for a
while due to DMZ trips, conferences, and the like, but it was nice to
have a good, regular week again. We have been able to meet some really
prepared people. One is a kid that we talked to briefly, had a street
lesson with, and now is progressing. His family doesn't know he is
meeting us, but we are trying to change that... Sweet kid. I don't know
when the next baptism will be, but we're excited and look forward to
seeing people progress.
A lot of the churches
around us have signs that say 이단 (heresy, cult) churches can't come and
proselyte there. I guess other church's missionaries try to contact in
churches...? The funny part is that the picture of people not allowed
into the church looks like our missionaries, and the church that is
specifically named is that of one of our investigators. It is
entertaining to walk in front of the church with our investigator and
see the sign. :)
Things really are good here.
The weather has gotten cold, but that's given the leaves permission to
change all at once, so that now when we look at the mountains, we get to
see red and (especially) orange patches all over the place. It's
really nice. :) The leaves are probably all gone back home by now. If
they aren't, I'll bet the snow will take care of them! Let me know when
the snow first comes. :)
Elder Ahn is
struggling with English, but then I remind him that it is the most
difficult language, and he is patient. He is progressing despite what he
thinks. Korean is okay. There is an endless supply of words to learn.
In English, if I remember, there are about 2 million words, but only
2500 of them are used often. In Korean it seems like there are the same
number of words, but they are all used. It's a fun challenge. We're
having a good time seeing which language has more arbitrary
redundancies. So far Korean has been winning, but Elder Ahn has switched
study books, so I think it will be more evenly matched now. :) The ward
is really great. They are doing a good job at welcoming those who are
baptized for the most part, but Korean culture is still very strong, and
that culture is very much a clique culture. It's funny to see high
school behavior in 80 year-olds at times, but the church has been a
great blessing to the members, and I am grateful. :)
Thank
you for the email and news. How was "How to Train Your Dragon 2"? Was
it only dad that liked it, or did other people like it, too? The posters
were fun... 5 months ago. It is always astounding to see how quickly
pop culture changes. I'm glad I don't need to worry about it. ;) Have a
great week, and I look forward to reading your email next week!
Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.
Best wishes,
Elder Jones
Week 47 - Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. AND Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
Dear Jordan,
We
hope you continue to be well. We haven't had snow in the valley yet but
we received some snow in the mountains yesterday and we might get some
more tonight. We have had beautiful weather this week but it will be
colder this next week. On Halloween the temperature was about 70 and it
was the best weather I have seen for Trick or Treating.
On
Monday we had Family Home Evening but Rachel didn't join with us because
she had a cold and went to bed after school. On Tuesday the YM and YW
held the Halloween carnival at the church. They started about the same
time I got home from work so I didn't go. Sarah only went for a short
time but the others stayed and had a good time. Mom taught her evening
class. On Wednesday Mom helped Holly and her mom and I helped Bekah with
her homework. On Thursday Mom taught her class and I helped Bekah with
homework for a while. She is almost caught up on all of her past due
homework.
On Friday (Halloween) Bekah went to a party and Mom took her
to it and then waited until was over. Sarah and Hannah went trick or
treating and seemed to have a great time. Rachel stayed home and handed
out candy. She sat in a big black folding chair on the driveway all
bundled up with a mask on. She scared several people. For some of the
people that came to the door, I directed them back to the chair. On
Saturday I finished up some of the outdoor yard work and did the
shopping. Mom, Bekah and I saw How to train your dragon 2 and I enjoyed
it. Saturday afternoon is when the temperature changed from the 70s to
the 40s and 50s. On Sunday we went to church and the Robert's house for
dinner. We also ended Daylight Savings Time. Most of us still woke up
early (regular time) so Mom has been working on the Relief Society
newsletter and Sarah has been watching The Princess Bride and Ella
Enchanted.
The Clements wanted to give you some extra money. I
believe that Mom will add the money to your account. Mom will send you a
letter this week. Everyone is doing well.
We love you. You are doing a great job. Please keep working hard.
How is Elder Ahn doing with English? How is your Korean? How is your ward working with you?
Please let us know if you need anything.
You
got a surprised sound out of both mom and I when you said that you had
gone to North Korea. We are glad you are safe and that it was a safe
environment for you to be there. What a great experience for you!
Keep
going strong, and wear out your shoes by walking! Hopefully you are
enjoying the food, and that you are healthy. We love you!
Love,
Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah
Mom: Thinking of you J
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts
- Winston Churchill 1874-1965, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
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