To mom: re: calculator

Hello. Time is short. My calculator should be in my room somewhere. Sorry I can't be more specific... Wish everybody good luck for me. Love you lots. You're great!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

From Mom: Where is your expensive calculator? Hannah needs it.

Hannah is going to borrow your calculator for her pre-calc class. Both she and Sarah need one this year. Can you believe it? Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel are all studying ASL this year. It should be interesting! I think about you every day. People ask about you all the time. The house still feels like something is missing...I guess it's the absence of extra testosterone. :)

We all love you like crazy. Be well, young padowan! <3

Week 37: From Jordan

Thanks for the email! Everyone is still having a good time it seems. I look forward to hearing about Mom's experiences teaching at the elementary school. She'll have fun. :)

This week has been a bit rougher, but it's all good. The hotter weather has made a couple people slightly more edgy, and the rain "storms" have sent most of the Koreans... all the Koreans... running, but we have been able to meet the people we were supposed to meet. We met one man who met missionaries more than 20 years ago in a basketball game. He didn't convert then, but he's willing to meet again. We met a devout atheist who really just wanted to push our buttons and see what would happen. It was fun to see him be completely caught off guard by Elder Pons's response that he could find his answer through prayer. He was making claims about scriptures and revelation, but all the anti-theological books he read didn't prepare him for a suggestion to pray. We didn't get to get his number, but we left him feeling a lot better than when we met him.

It was fun to see that every single "question" (arguing point) could be answered by the plan of salvation. Every "logical" argument he had could be refuted with a sliver of doctrine. We didn't argue. We barely even discussed. We simply heard him out and told him we got our answer through prayer, and he could, too. He was knocked off-balance. So often as members of the church we don't realize what we have. Just like that story of the Ph.D. in Germany you sent a while ago said, we have the answers to questions people have had since before history began. That is an incredible thought.

Not only that, it was fun to see that, though every argument he had could've been refuted through logic alone, it was the simple testimony that we have an answer, and that he too can obtain one that really made him think. Never forget the power of an invitation to act. We could've just said "we know," but that wouldn't have helped him. It was sharing the idea that he can do something besides rely on his fears, the words of others, or even logic that made him feel there is something more. I hope to hear from him someday, but it's all on him to take that invitation and act.

We had a music night as a finding/ward-building (branch-building) activity. It went well, and quite a few people came. The missionaries did a lot, but the members were grateful, and love getting to do things here and there. If the ward back home were to try something like that, I'd be all for it. It's a great time. It really all comes down to people inviting their friends, though. Missionaries are great and all, but it is the members that make things happen. ... Excluding miracle people who speak a different language than the ward... less of a problem in Utah. On that note, Zack is still doing super well and is working on finding a wife. We can't really do anything for him there... 

Things continue to be great out here. Thank you for all your support. I am always happy to hear from you and to hear about what you are learning. We should be learning something new every moment, but, if that seems too hard, every day is okay, too. :) I love you all and am blessed to have you in my life. Thank you.

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 37 - Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Dear Jordan,

 

We hope you are doing well. We have been telling people about what you are doing and they are very interested to find out that you have been teaching so many Muslims and that you have been able to reference the Koran. Please keep the stories coming of what you are doing, even if they don't sound very interesting to you.

 

On Monday we attended the Ward Family Home Evening. Unfortunately the Garnders (Ward Mission Leader now but you don't know because they moved in after you left for your mission) weren't able to attend. It was at the Websters house (backyard actually). So we had to come up with a lesson in the spur of the moment. We talked about cell phones and how we communicate with them. We then likened it to talking with Heavenly Father. We have to have the two-way communication and just like cell phones, we need to communicate many times a day.

 

On Tuesday we had three scouts but the Young Men wanted to play soccer. Ethan Futrell had his Eagle Board of Review and passed. Jacob Kreiter was able to get the signatures to start his Eagle Project (retiring flags). On Wednesday I didn't do too much because I was getting ready for a colonoscopy on Thursday. I had to clear my system so I was drinking lots of water and stuff to help clear the colon. Hence I wasn't very far from where I needed to be. 

 

On Thursday the girls started school and Mom started as a Teachers Assistant in front of students. For the last week she has been going to trainings to prepare. Grandma picked me up in the morning and took me to St Marks for the procedure. Everything turned out okay but I need to wait for the final results.  

 

On Friday I went to work and the girls went to school. It rained in the afternoon. We watched some shows at home. On Saturday Hannah and I mowed the lawn and then I did the shopping with Sarah. She doesn't want to have school lunch so she will bring her own. In the afternoon Mom and I saw "Maleficent." Mom didn't like it but I did. 

 

We took the car in to Burt Brothers because the low tire pressure light was on. It appears that the alignment was off and so we have to get new tires and struts. Aaaaargh! Well it is better that Mom can drive the car safely. Grandma flew to Minneapolis because she wanted to be there when Dan was sustained as the bishop in his ward. He actually told us at the cabin but I couldn't put it in you email until he was sustained today because your emails get put on the blog.

 

As you saw from the emails I forwarded, Dallin is finishing his mission on Wednesday and Lori is very excited. We are using Lori and Nathan's old van until Dallin comes out for school in January. They bought a new van when they came out for the cabin.

 

I am typing this during Sacrament meeting. Hannah gave the youth talk. I am trying to concentrate on your email but it is hard because Earl Webster is talking. The pulpit is shaking. Ha ha

 

We love you Jordan. We are so happy that you are enjoying the wonderful experiences. We are thrilled that you are using all of your languages. Please keep going strong and keep the Spirit with you. I went home teaching today at the Clements and Brother Johnson wasn't there so it was just me. I kept thinking of how great it was to have you as my companion. You are great.

 

Be obedient and stay busy.

Love,

Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel

 

P.S.

Thought you might like this:

Mormon missionaries use song, ukuleles to share the gospel (Deseret News Published: Sunday, Aug. 17 2014 8:11 a.m. MDT)

 

Whether during Sunday's church services or Monday's family home evening, performances of hymns and Primary songs are important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The preface to the church's hymn book states, "Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.

 

“Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end."

 

Often times, LDS missionaries use music to share their message. Recently, three LDS missionaries performed "When I am Baptized" (from the Children's Songbook) with a ukulele in a YouTube video posted by Laura Bohling on Aug. 10.

 

"These are great young men with a very simple message in song and ukulele. Enjoy," Bohling posted online.

Several years ago, two other missionaries found a way to encourage LDS members to share the gospel through their ukulele performance.

 

Elders Joseph Tanuvasa and John Berger were missionaries in the Illinois Peoria Mission in 2008 when they began performing the song "How Can I Be." A video was recorded and uploaded to YouTube and now has more than 175,000 views. The missionaries expressed their desire to use their talents to spread the gospel.

"I was told in the MTC from one of my cousins to use my tool of singing to the best of my abilities," Tanuvasa told the Deseret News.

 

"How Can I Be" was written by Elder Tanuvasa's relative, Nela Otuafi, who performed it before leaving on his own mission in 1996. Since then, the song has been How Can I Be.

Week 36: from Jordan

This week was a really fun one for everyone, it seems! How was the Xmen movie? And how is 드래건 길들이기 2? It has some fun posters!

This week we got to meet with a few good people. One is a missionary for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He really wants to know if what we're saying is true and he likes it, but he's not sure if he can make the commitment to join the church. He's currently signed on for life-time missionary service, so I understand the worry. Elder Pons also got to meet a 52 year-old man from Gambia. He is studying for a Master's degree so he can become minister of education in Gambia. He is loving the message and the only thing he doesn't like is that there are no missionaries in Gambia right now. He says he will personally translate the Book of Mormon in to Fillani because "the people of Gambia need this book!" He's doing really well, but since he is so old, and doing the entire master's program in one year, he is always really tired, and so sometimes sleeps through our appointments. I look forward to meeting him soon, though.

I didn't get to go to the lesson with Mr. Ba (Gambia) because of a conflicting appointment, but it worked out int he end it seems. In similar news, I was senior companion for a day because of exchanges with Elder Ashby. He's still struggling with the language and is noticing some gigantic differences between Korea and Utah, but he's working hard, and that's what matters. :) He said it was really weird to be with someone other than Elder Redd. That's fair. 

Other than that, we have had a pretty quiet week. We got to go visit the northern end of our district and walk by the river. People were much more willing to talk up there. Still not exactly leaping for baptism, but willing to hear us out. That was nice to experience in contrast with the always busy areas where we usually are. We should always be willing to give time to listen. We can learn a lot when we do. :) Not only that, it is through listening that we help others feel important. Granted, people need to want to talk first, but when they are, it is listening that helps them keep going. Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you say. People will forget what you do. But people will never forget how you made them feel." As missionaries, we are helping people come closer to Christ, and, in large part, that means helping them see their true worth. 

Sorry there's less to report this week. We have had a lot of time street contacting in new areas. It hasn't yielded as many stories, but it has given us the opportunity to meet some people that possible never would have been found otherwise. It's been good. :) Thank you for all you're doing. I am always happy to hear about your adventures back home. Keep up the fun times, but now that school has started, 시간이 많이 없다. Hope you have fun anyway. And that you use this lack of time as an opportunity to focus on what is most important. :) Have a great week!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 36 - Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? AND Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Dear Jordan,

Thank you for your amazing last email. Mom was able to post the emails and send them out to everyone for the last two weeks. People asked questions of me because they hadn't seen anything for a bit. Bruce asked if everything was okay. Liz Merrill didn't know there was a blog so she had just been thinking of how you were doing.

Since returning home from the cabin, things have been pretty quiet. On Saturday Robert took his Pilot and I took Lori/Nate's van to be serviced at the dealership. Fortunately, Hannah and Rachel had mowed the lawn yesterday because it was Alpine Days and Saturday would have been a mess to get through. Hannah and I also worked on the Stake Farm removing weeds. I did the regular shopping and then picked up the van. Mom and I then went to the High Priest party and then went with Rachel to see the last Xmen movie. Sunday was pretty usual but after church Hannah and Bekah had interviews with the bishop. Bekah also received a calling. We were both surprised. Mom went with us to Robert's house for dinner and then we watched "The Butler". I got it for Mom for our anniversary (23rd). Mom got us big pillows so we can sleep better. On Monday we had Family Home Evening and the lesson was on Happiness. We also talked a little about your last email.

On Tuesday for scouts we talked about camping and two of the boys had their board of review. They both became Stars. On Wednesday I went around the ward getting the permission slips for the camp out this Friday. We wanted to go to Albion Basin, but it was booked for Friday. We decided to go to Alpine instead. We had a good campout. On Thursday Mom and the girls were supposed to go to a musical but they stayed home instead (Holly wasn't feeling well enough to go). On Friday, I checked on several campsites up little cottonwood canyon, but they were all full due to the fact that it was the last weekend before school starts. Only two scouts showed for the campout, so I also took Sarah and Pete Jensen. Kyle Herd and his boys came down for a little bit as well. They were late because Kyle sold the van for us, and the buyer was late arriving and the car wouldn't start. (We got a whopping $500 for it. At least it's gone!) At the camp out, we got to watch  Despicable Me 2. We all slept in separate tents. We ate "pigs in a blanket." On Saturday, we ate a "mountain man" breakfast and then the scouts mowed grandma's lawn as a service project.

We forgot two of our chairs, so when mom and Hannah arrived to mow the lawn, they discovered that the lawn had been mowed already. It was a busy day, so mom was frustrated (!) that she lost the time. The good news was that Hannah got to drive home (reluctantly). The hardest part for her was getting to  the mountain. Once she was up, she did great. There were probably 2 dozen bikers strewn along the way, so she was nervous about hitting one. We decided to have her drive in the left lane with her hazards on so that she didn't have to worry about her blind-spot so much. We then went as a family to the annual Sahara Cares Autism fair. It was the 10th year, and there were more than 3,500 autistic kids and their families. Sarah again bewildered us with her excitement about holding the pythons, a tarantula, a boa, a scorpion, 2 turtles, and three lizards. Sarah had no fear! Eventually, even Hannah and Rachel tried the tarantula and the turtles.

Once we were home, we raced off to Little Caesar's to get pizza for the missionaries, a cake and soda for the girls' party and ice to keep everything cool. We had rented White Towers Swim club for their birthday. They each had 4 friends so it was run having the place to ourselves. Even mom squeezed into a suit and actually dove off the diving board several times. Sarah tried to coach her about how to dive, but her belly kept causing belly-flops no matter how hard she tried. The rest of the girls had a great time.

Just a curiousity. Have you tried any of the following:
Banana Milkis (milk)
Ojingeo Ttangkong (roasted squid and peanut balls)
Misubong (fish sausage)
Tteok (rice cake with red bean)
Samanco (vanilla ice with red bean)?

I got this list from a video called "Americans try Korean snacks." Some of them liked some of the snacks, especially the Samanco. They didn't like the Misubong.

We love you and care about your well-being. We just got your shoes, so feel free to buy new ones. You'll have $270 new shoes to wear when you get home. (Hannah was bummed that they were too big for her.) You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. G&G Stamps put your name on the temple roll every week. :) I can't remember if we told you that they got called to be in the temple presidency. They are exhausted. They are coming to visit this fall, so that will be fun.

Be well, my favorite son!

Love, Rachel, Bekah (now 12), dad, Mom, Sarah, Hannah (now 16)

Week 35: From Jordan

I'm glad to hear so many people got to go up to the cabin! I wish I could've been there, but I am very glad I am here. Congrats to Sarah for catching a fish! I hope everyone had a great time up there and enjoyed nature. Utah is blessed with a lot of nature very close to home. There is nature here, but it is a bit far, and... missionary work doesn't really allow for long trips. ;)

All in all, things are going well here in impossible 이문! We have continued to find really great people, but we have been having to drop a few who want to talk more than listen. We didn't plan this, but there was a streak of 3 days where we taught no one but Muslims. We won't be meeting with some of them because they want us to convert... They're hilarious at times (like when one was trying to disprove our view of God with the Koran. He struggled to find the section, so we nearly quoted it to him verbatim from hearing it so much already and told him where it was.), but some of them have literally no concept of religion outside of Islam. We've been studying for them a lot and we have gotten a lot of revelation on working with them. I look forward to talking about it when I get back. We also realized that there are really not very many missionaries who have much experience on working with Muslims. There are just not many people who serve around large groups of them.

Other than the Muslim crowd, we had a couple lessons, but there were a lot of meetings this week, so I have less to tell you about this week. Sorry about that... Either way, we have had a great week, and we look forward to many more. Lately we have been learning a lot about boldness, so we are going to try to be even more bold. It will probably cut into numbers of lessons, but I think it will help in the end. I look forward to the challenge.

A mission teaches many things, but one of the things I have learned the most is exactly how the spirit works with me. It is different with everyone, but there are few things- if any- that are more important than learning how the spirit works with you. I don't know when, but do something with the family about that. I suppose FHE would be the place, but follow your heart. ;) I am very glad to hear that everyone is doing well and enjoying the ending weeks of their summer. School is almost here again! School has started here, so students are back. I look forward to meeting new, excited students. 

Thank you for everything, and I look forward to continuing to hear from you. I am having the time of my life out here, and I will be sad to see it end. Thanks for the reminder that time is going so quickly... ;P Love you all, and I hope you notice the little things in life. Sometimes, they are actually the things that hold everything else together. :)

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones