To mom

So, slight update on pictures. There are some in the mail to you as I type. Actual pictures. I am going to try some vlog things to fill the cards a bit faster, then send that.

 

Much Love!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 26 from Jordan

Sounds like quite the party back home! Congrats everyone on finishing another year of school; don't forget what you learned! The summer is a great time to study what you actually want to study and to actually do something with it in all the free time you have!

 

I am still working on the language. I have a long way to go. I was just at the post office a few minutes ago working on sending you a letter and some pictures... and nearly ended up spending $20 to get it there. I should probably study any of the words used in a post office before the next time I send a letter... Apparently it takes 2 Koreans (one a missionary) and a post office employee to get a 외국인 to be able to send a letter the right way.

 

Transfers are this week, and ELDER SOUTH IS LEAVING! He's been in the same area for 5 transfers and is now getting shipped out to the suburbs of Seoul to train the only Elder in the new batch of missionaries. He's a little apprehensive :) I'll be companions with someone one transfer older than him in the same area for my fourth transfer. Elder Osbourne, after this transfer, will have been here for five months as well. It seems like everyone who comes here stays for quite a while. It's a good area, so it's alright :)

 

Finals are this week, so the whole town is stressed. We'll probably be doing a lot of finding this week because all our investigators are good students who want to study. It'll be good... and hot. The weather is getting so hot out here that parasols are sprouting more than the trees. It is a little goofy to see a sea of thin umbrellas on a bright, clear day, but I am the one walking around sweating buckets, so I leave it up to you to decide who is the weirder one here.

 

It's still weird to think that I'm a quarter of the way done with my mission. It doesn't seem like that long. I'm considering trying to extend so that I have less time between getting home and going to school if I go anywhere besides BYU. Thoughts? Still not sure what university to attend, but that is another year and a half off. Of course, that's what I said midway through Junior year... It'll be interesting when I get back.

 

Anyway, thank you, all of you, for what you are doing. Your prayers are felt and your support is obvious. I am so grateful for everything you have done, are doing, and will do. Every little thing makes a difference. Also, since it's summer, something easy to do for service is baptisms for the dead. I'd recommend doing that as much as possible. There is nothing quite like temple work. :) Sorry about the lack of interesting stories this week, but transfers sort of threw things off, and tests are putting us in a position to have good experiences this week. One interesting thing that did happen, though, was the baptism of a 92 year-old. That was a bit nerve-wracking. She made it, so it's all good. The branch was happy to see a Korean baptized again :)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 26 - Bump Day (6 Months into your Mission) - Psalms 73:26 - My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever

Dear Jordan,

 

    We hope that you are doing well. Wow. Already 6 months or 25% into your mission. We hope that your are understanding the languages. We have had clear skies with highs during the day in the 80s and lows at night around 40 or 50. Hopefully we will receive some rain soon.

 

The girls are finished with school this year. Grades were pretty good for all of them. Hannah did a 4.0 again. Sarah received some awards for the work she did with the hospital and fund raisers. Rachel had a party at a friend's house after school yesterday. Bekah woke up early this morning and did a great job with scripture reading. Sarah applied for and had an interview for Burger King. Unfortunately she didn't get the job.

We implemented a new program at home. Each person has to do at least one chore without being asked. If you want to watch shows, use the computer, or go someplace you have to do additional chores. We want to maintain it for the summer and hopefully beyond.

 

Mom will be flying to MN to help Bonni. Rachel will fly to Denver when Bonni returns home. Sarah will mow grandma's lawn while Rachel is in Denver. It will be a crazy summer. In July the Galena scouts will go camping in the Uintahs. The girls will go to Moab for Girls Camp during the week that mom will be in MN. That is also the week for the ward Family Home Evening. I will have to carry on alone. I am on Frontrunner and watching all of the cars at a standstill on the freeway. Uta may be a hassle at times but I sure don't miss the traffic.

 

Jordan River Temple does a Korean session each month. I bet Provo does as well. Our ward is tracking the number of temple ordinances the we perform. For May we did 188. We will see for June. I will need to renew my recommend this month so I will get it done this next week.

 

We love you Jordan. We appreciate the hard work you are doing. We know that you have been and will continue to receive blessings for all that you do.

 

We know that Heavenly Father and Jesus live and love us. The gospel is true. The Book of Mormon and the scriptures are the words of God. We pray for you.

 

Love,

dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Bekah

Week 25 from Jordan

From: Jordan Stamps Jones <jsjones@myldsmail.net>
Date: June 1, 2014 at 9:51:50 PM MDT
To: Steven Jones <sajmba2002@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Week 25 - Mormon 9:25 And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

It sounds like everyone is doing really well this week, though the end of school seems to be taking its toll. I hope everyone enjoys their summer! What holiday was it? We never know what holiday it is until some member tells us and wonders why we aren't celebrating.

How was "Muppets Most Wanted"? I heard it was supposed to be even better than the first one. Who did they get to guest star in it? What were people's favorite lines? Also, has anyone been able to see Captain America or Son of God? Those movies have a lot of advertising over here. I'd love to know what all the fuss is about.

Things have been good out here, but finals are coming up soon, so people are less and less available for meeting, but we're making the most of it. I remember when I first got here we had about 16 progressing investigators. Then I helped the area revamp their definition of "progressing investigator" to give us a better idea of who was getting closer to baptism and we ended up with about 7. Then there were a lot of tests and people going back to their home countries and we hovered around 5 for a while. At last, though, we are back up to 8 and it looks like we will be here to stay. Tests seem to help people recognize their priorities more. Metaphorical and literal tests alike.

I printed out some pictures to send home to all of you and I will probably include them in my birthday letter to mom in the coming week(s). I will keep them in order to make sure you can see the progression of things. Mostly my weight loss. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Does mom want anything for her birthday? There's some cheap stuff here that I think she might like. I apologize to everyone whose birthdays I've forgotten. I have everyone's birthdays on my calendar now, so I will remember them next year...

The most exciting thing this week was probably our trip to the national museum. It has artifacts from prehistory all the way to now. We were a little rushed and only got to do one half of the first of three floors, but it has great exhibits on ancient, ancient people. It was great to see how people survived on this peninsula without any conveniences. We did get to stop by a calligraphy exhibit before we completely ran out of time. There were examples of seemingly every type of calligraphy. Many of the explanation plaques were devoted to the relative difficulty of reading each style. It's good to know it's not just me that thinks it's a bit difficult.

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. It is incredible to be out here. There are so many people who are being blessed by the gospel! ... despite my teaching ;) I pray for all of you and I hope you are all having a great time.

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

(From Dad) Week 25 - Mormon 9:25 And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

Dear Jordan,

    Sorry I am getting this to you later than normal.  You still won't read it until your P-day but I wasn't able to write on Wednesday. The girls are down to their last week of school and are getting excited about it. Sarah applied and had an interview with Burger King. We will hear on Monday if she will be offered the job. Mom will be flying to Denver to then help Bonni and her family fly to Minnesota for a week. Then Rachel will fly to MN and mom and Rachel will help Bonni fly back to Denver and then mom will fly home. Nothing has been finalized yet but that was the last we heard. Mom finished teaching her classes this week. Sarah will have special needs youth conference the Monday after school get out. School finishes on Thursday and Sarah may have her wisdom teeth taken out on Friday.

    Steven and his family drove from Denver on Sunday and visited with us before church. After church Rachel went down to Spanish Fork and slept overnight. On Monday Hannah and Bekah helped me put up the flags. We then went to Robert's house for lunch and we barbequed hotdogs. We then watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Bekah then helped me take down the flags. The whole Young Men's program is supposed to benefit this year but only a couple of scouts helped. John Hanni wasn't there because his grandfather died (President Hanni's father) and he was probably in Idaho at the funeral. John Hanni finally finished his Eagle. Since we only had the grey car it was a little different. I kept thinking of all of the help you provided in the past with the flags. Thank you.

    Mom is at a birthday party with Sarah in Farmington--at trampoline park. We just got back from watching "Muppets Most Wanted." Hannah is playing songs on your iPad. Rachel was playing earlier. Bekah is at a friend's house. She had a sleepover and we probably won't see her all day.

    Rachel says "Uhhhhh. Hi." Hannah just sits there and laughs. I asked them if they wanted to say anything to you. Rachel finally said, "I want a bow and arrow." We went to Scheels and walked around today.

    The missionaries have been teaching a few people in our ward. They may have a baptism in June. They asked if there were any young men in the ward to go teaching with them. I referred them to Brother Kenekt.

    Keep up the great work. We received your letter in the green envelope. Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you tomorrow. I hope that we aren't taking too much time out of the things you need to do on P-days. We pray for your safety and success. We love you.

Love,

Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel

Steve/Jordan "live" chat on 5/25/14

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:12 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
So is Elder Osbourne in your district, zone, etc.? I don't remember hearing about him before. The last that we heard is that you are still with you first companion and that you have two sister missionaries in your district.

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:16 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

Sorry, he's district with Elder Pons, the replacement for the old district leader, Elder Mumford. Elder Pons is, as of today, a 19 year old from Utah, whereas Elder Osbourne is an engaged, 23 year old form Texas. Still 2 sisters, but the American, Sister Pope, was replaced by Sister 구.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:16 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Sounds like you are still doing great. Glad to hear that your shirts are too big. I wish I had that problem. We will put up the flags tomorrow morning for Memorial Day. Brian did well on his talk today at church. Uncle Steve and his family (surprise) visited us (from Denver) today and then went to church with us.
Keep working hard and listening to the Spirit.
Love you,
Dad

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:19 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Thank you for the clarification. So do Pons and Osbourne get along okay or is that the dynamic that you mentioned?

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:20 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

Sounds like a great Sunday! The shirts are way too big... If you want to lose weight, I'd recommend eating Korean food like a Korean. Lots of vegetables, a fair bit of meat, not much fruit, some grains, a lot of beans, and eating throughout the day as opposed to meals. It's an interesting way to live.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:24 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

No message. Don't know why.

So Elder Osbourne is engaged, but on his mission? Wow. That is different. Any married missionaries as well? Just kidding.

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:27 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

They are getting along alright, but I see a definite wear on Elder Pons. I suppose 3 months of companionship studies devoted to Brigham Young, Sci-fi, and eternal marriage, would eventually drain some energy.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:29 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,

Sounds interesting. Please make sure you get the recipes for the non-meals so that you can share your favorites. We had steak, hash browns, salad, bread, and carrots at Robert's. No beans. I will try to do better.

Steven Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:32 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Yes it would. So always be prepared to give him a blessing when you see him. Smiley face.

Steven Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:39 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
At the temple do you do sessions? or other ordinances? Which language do you use in the temple?

Steven Jones

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:47 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

We do what needs to be done at the time. Usually Endowments in English, but Initiatories in Korean. I've only done Endowments so far.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

 

Sajmba2002@yahoo.com       May 25 at 10:49 PM

To        Jordan Stamps Jones

 

Dear Jordan,
Thank you for sharing. I need to go to bed now. It was great chatting with you. You are great. We love you. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Dad

 

Jordan Stamps Jones               May 25 at 10:52 PM

To        Sajmba2002@yahoo.com

 

Thank you for all that you do. Good night! Much love.

 

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

 

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 24: from Jordan!

It seems like things have gotten busy in the last week! Sounds good!

Some quick comments: Congrats to mom on giving Elder Alpin possibly the hardest time on his mission. Elder Osbourne (out for 6 weeks longer than I have and still in his greenie area, like me) thinks people don't answer the hard questions enough and that most Mormons don't even know the answers. He constantly comments on his hatred of "Utah Mormons" and our "ignorance." It's always a little funny to hear him. He's from Texas and thinks the South should've won the war... the Civil War... It's an interesting dynamic. Also, congratulations to Rachel on her performance, and I'm sure Hannah did a great job now that she's done, too.

I still haven't gotten short-sleeved shirts, but I am thinking of just getting half my shirts altered. They are all too large anyway. I haven't had any bad allergies except for a couple months ago. I took some of the allergy medicine you sent but didn't heed the "may cause significant drowsiness" warning. I was really out of it all day. Luckily, we were doing a lot of paperwork and meetings that day, so I didn't miss much. Since I'm in the city, there are fewer plants, but this is one of the greenest cities I've ever been in. It's incredible the urban planning they have done in the more modern areas of Seoul.

For P-days, we have been able to go to: 광화문, 인사동, 동대문,  and a couple of soccer activities. It's been fun, but we're making more of an effort to do cultural things the rest of this transfer and (it seems like) next transfer. We get to go to the temple (because we're in Seoul proper) once a transfer. This week is actually our temple week, so P-day is actually tomorrow. Don't worry, we are supposed to have email on Monday anyway. I don't think any of the other missionaries Skyped, but, according to a general authority who spoke before I got here, we should have iPads by next Christmas, and with free wifi everywhere, we should be able to Skype then. We'll see.

I look forward to hearing about all the missionaries going out in the near future! Tell them all to have fun with it for me! I know they'll do great things. Thank you for the hellos. Say hello back for me! I hope Sister Lee and Brother Hecker are doing well! Also Bishop Kimball! Tell him the advice he gave in the halls at church have been helpful!

As far as the most exciting story for this week, there are two categories. In my opinion, the most exciting thing was getting to actually meet with and teach someone I street contacted. He's a college student who was carrying an 아쟁(젱). The case looked like a 가야금 , so we had a fun conversation and I got his number. It seems like we will be able to meet with him for a while. He's accepting of a lot of the things we taught. The only thing he showed some hesitation about was my statement that members of our church don't drink--after  he implied he wanted to take us out for drinks. He calmed down when I said we'll explain later. Outside of my opinion, last Monday, we met Paul. He's a reporter from Wales who DJed in the age of the Beatles and has lived all over the world, but has a "special place in his heart for Utah" largely because he thinks LDS women are attractive. I don't know what he writes (wrote) for or where he currently lives, so it would be hard to look him up... sorry about that. It was interesting to meet him, though.

Thank you for the news and for the support. It is such a pleasure to see so many wonderful things happening in everyone's lives and to see everyone grow. Thank you for the email, and I look forward to hearing from you next week!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones