Okay, so I am posting excerpts from Ryan's email and letters. The email was acting up so he only emailed me and then sent letters. Most of the email was answering my questions, so doesn't really pertain.
Hey Mom,
So the email has a bit of a temper today so this may be the only one I send. Tell the girls that I will send them letters.
So last week we had Elder Spencer Jones of the Seventy speak to us. It was a pretty good talk. He was recently called to be a mission president which he said was weird for a general authority, but he was excited. As he was bearing testimony, he realized that he would only be a special witness of Jesus Christ for a few more months and it made me recognize the significance of these two years I have, wearing the name of Christ next to mine on a name tag. It will be tough once these two years are up.
Tonight I am hoping for an Apostle. We haven't had one since our second devotional when Elder Perry came so I am really hoping. I heard from some of the old Elders in our zone that Elder Holland (who was here over Christmas) promised that he would return soon. That would be awesome.
Anyway, I don't have time, but I want you to know that everything is going well. I am becoming more and more comfortable with the language and more and more excited with the work that is ahead. I know this Church is true and that Thomas Monson is a prophet today. I know that God loves us all and knows us all and that through the atonement Christ can help us with anything. Always remember that He is there to turn to. I love you and the rest of the family very much.
Love
Elder Ryan Jones
Excerpt from his letter to the family.
Hey family,
How's it going? I am doing well and I am very excited to get ready to go to Ukraine. I may be receiving my flight plans as early as this Friday which would be pretty cool.
Anyway, I love you all and want you to know that I know, without a doubt, that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. I know that it was restored through Joseph Smith, who is a true prophet of God. I love this church and all it teaches because I know it is true and it is necessary for us to live forever. All we have to do is follow the commandments and we will be happier than we can imagine. Again, I love you all and I am grateful for your support. I know God is blessing you right now. I will write again soon.
Excerpt from a letter to his dad
I am now down to three weeks here and it is scary, but I am getting more comfortable with the language and soon I will get to use it even more. Ukraine is going to be so much fun. The history and the culture of the country is so amazing and I have heard that the people are incredibly nice. It is gonna be an amazing experience.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
February 16
So, another Tuesday has come, and now I only have four weeks left. I will probably be sitting on a plane at this time, four weeks from now. It is pretty scary to think of where we are going to be in just one month, but at the same time I am so excited to know that it is getting so close. We have learned so much Ukrainian since getting here, but at the same time I am afraid that I will not be ready for when we get there. Luckily we have four weeks left here to work as hard as we can and master a few more of the basics of the language.
So the new districts came in this week and it has been pretty exciting to see all of them. There were three new districts of 12 each that came into our branch and it more than doubled the size of our branch which was nice, but kinda weird at the same time. It will be fun to get to know them a little bit. I heard that a few of them are going to Kyiv so I may even be companions with some of them. Also, I heard from my teachers that there will be 8 new Ukrainian speakers coming the week after we leave so hopefully that is good news for us. Our district of 9 Ukrainian speakers is replacing 1/4 of the Ukrainian speakers in Kyiv. That is exciting, but at the same time, it means I might be training or be the senior companion within just a few transfers. Even though that is daunting, I am so excited for it.
So not much else has happened in this past week. I haven't gotten anything that you may have sent since Saturday so sorry if I didn't answer any questions. I want you all to know that I love you very much. I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord and to get to know and teach the wonderful people of Ukraine. I am thankful for this gospel and all that it teaches and promises us. I have no doubts that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. He did atone for us and I have felt His presence so often since I have been here. I am grateful for all of you and your support. Keep working hard with everything you do.
Love Ryan
P.S. Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day and whatever other holidays we have probably had.
So the new districts came in this week and it has been pretty exciting to see all of them. There were three new districts of 12 each that came into our branch and it more than doubled the size of our branch which was nice, but kinda weird at the same time. It will be fun to get to know them a little bit. I heard that a few of them are going to Kyiv so I may even be companions with some of them. Also, I heard from my teachers that there will be 8 new Ukrainian speakers coming the week after we leave so hopefully that is good news for us. Our district of 9 Ukrainian speakers is replacing 1/4 of the Ukrainian speakers in Kyiv. That is exciting, but at the same time, it means I might be training or be the senior companion within just a few transfers. Even though that is daunting, I am so excited for it.
So not much else has happened in this past week. I haven't gotten anything that you may have sent since Saturday so sorry if I didn't answer any questions. I want you all to know that I love you very much. I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord and to get to know and teach the wonderful people of Ukraine. I am thankful for this gospel and all that it teaches and promises us. I have no doubts that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. He did atone for us and I have felt His presence so often since I have been here. I am grateful for all of you and your support. Keep working hard with everything you do.
Love Ryan
P.S. Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day and whatever other holidays we have probably had.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
February 9, 2010 - Another Tuesday
Hey family,
So it is another p-day in the MTC. The days are absolutely flying, and in five short weeks we will all be on a plane headed towards Ukraine. It is scary to think that it is that close, but at the same time, I am so excited to get out there and do what I can to teach the people of Ukraine. Everything here is going just fine. The food is still BYU cafeteria food, which definitely messes with your bowels ;P. We did eat some Ukrainian food yesterday that Sister Georgiyeva wisely mailed to us (she is not allowed to bring food in, but she mailed it to the district leader and said don't open it until she said so). That was awesome and I can't wait to get to Ukraine and get more food. From everything I have heard, it is absolutely amazing and I really am looking forward to that. My companion, Elder Hinkson, is still as awesome as ever and it is a lot of fun to be with him. I am very grateful for him and for his example.
This week, tomorrow actually, we are getting 36 new Russian speaking elders in our Branch (only 12 left this past week) so we are going to have an awesome branch. The only thing I am not looking forward to is the fact that the showers are going to be packed. It should be a great experience though. As for your question mom, we are still the only Ukrainian speaking district. They only do one at a time which is tough, but it also means that we will be able to learn some Russian from our companions out in the field (and we will have a lot of companions taught by our amazing teachers).
The language is not getting easier, but that is because we are picking up the pace which we are learning at. It is not going to get easier for a few months, but I am ok with that because it just means we are learning more and more.
So I love you all very much and hope life at home is going well. I will write again next week. If anyone asks, tell them that I am doing great and that I am very excited to be here and to be preparing to teach our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and prepare them for a Temple and all of the blessings that it holds.
Much Love
Elder Ryan Jones
So it is another p-day in the MTC. The days are absolutely flying, and in five short weeks we will all be on a plane headed towards Ukraine. It is scary to think that it is that close, but at the same time, I am so excited to get out there and do what I can to teach the people of Ukraine. Everything here is going just fine. The food is still BYU cafeteria food, which definitely messes with your bowels ;P. We did eat some Ukrainian food yesterday that Sister Georgiyeva wisely mailed to us (she is not allowed to bring food in, but she mailed it to the district leader and said don't open it until she said so). That was awesome and I can't wait to get to Ukraine and get more food. From everything I have heard, it is absolutely amazing and I really am looking forward to that. My companion, Elder Hinkson, is still as awesome as ever and it is a lot of fun to be with him. I am very grateful for him and for his example.
This week, tomorrow actually, we are getting 36 new Russian speaking elders in our Branch (only 12 left this past week) so we are going to have an awesome branch. The only thing I am not looking forward to is the fact that the showers are going to be packed. It should be a great experience though. As for your question mom, we are still the only Ukrainian speaking district. They only do one at a time which is tough, but it also means that we will be able to learn some Russian from our companions out in the field (and we will have a lot of companions taught by our amazing teachers).
The language is not getting easier, but that is because we are picking up the pace which we are learning at. It is not going to get easier for a few months, but I am ok with that because it just means we are learning more and more.
So I love you all very much and hope life at home is going well. I will write again next week. If anyone asks, tell them that I am doing great and that I am very excited to be here and to be preparing to teach our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and prepare them for a Temple and all of the blessings that it holds.
Much Love
Elder Ryan Jones
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February 2, 2010
So you ask me every week so I might as well tell you. Know that I am eating plenty. I have had to start exercising harder because the food is unlimited and the exercise is quite limited, but I have stayed at 205 lbs so that is good. :)
So my teachers have been telling me about the food and the history of Ukraine and now I am so anxious to get there. (Ryan loves history.) All three of my teachers say that Ukrainian food is the best in the World. They have been telling us about the foods that we should buy and the names of those foods so we can buy them and each time they do, it becomes harder and harder. I can't really explain much other than potatoes, bread, port, and all of the best vegetables (their most important crop) in the world. Also, the country itself is so old that the history is going to be amazing. I am so looking forward to being able to learn more about it. One of the towns. . . Leviv (poorly transliterated) is about 1000 years old, and unlike Kyiv, it has never been destroyed. There are tons of churches, fortresses and old narrow cobblestone streets all over western Ukraine so I am excited.
Tell Caitlin good luck at state. It is so awesome that she is doing so well and hopefully it turns out the way she wants it.
Tell everyone that I love them and that I miss you all. I am so thankful for all that you have taught me mom. It has helped me so innumerably since I have gotten here. I am out of time, but I will write again next week. I love you!
So my teachers have been telling me about the food and the history of Ukraine and now I am so anxious to get there. (Ryan loves history.) All three of my teachers say that Ukrainian food is the best in the World. They have been telling us about the foods that we should buy and the names of those foods so we can buy them and each time they do, it becomes harder and harder. I can't really explain much other than potatoes, bread, port, and all of the best vegetables (their most important crop) in the world. Also, the country itself is so old that the history is going to be amazing. I am so looking forward to being able to learn more about it. One of the towns. . . Leviv (poorly transliterated) is about 1000 years old, and unlike Kyiv, it has never been destroyed. There are tons of churches, fortresses and old narrow cobblestone streets all over western Ukraine so I am excited.
Tell Caitlin good luck at state. It is so awesome that she is doing so well and hopefully it turns out the way she wants it.
Tell everyone that I love them and that I miss you all. I am so thankful for all that you have taught me mom. It has helped me so innumerably since I have gotten here. I am out of time, but I will write again next week. I love you!
February 2, 2010 - Happy Groundhog Day
So I hear we are getting another six weeks of winter . . . well at least you are. I might be getting a little more.
So things here are going wonderfully. We are learning so much each and every day and our teachers continue to be the best. Today we officially became the oldest district in our branch, along with two Russian districts. Yesterday, those going to Russia left and this morning, the Ukrainian elders, including Sean and Tarl, left. It is scary to think that tomorrow marks the beginning of week 6 for us and six weeks from today, we will be on a plane ourselves.
We have learned so much since getting here that I don't even know how to describe it. We have now taught a couple of lessons in Ukrainian and this week at the TRC (our weekly teaching assignment) we are teaching the first lesson in Ukrainian. The other elders and sister in the district are absolutely awesome. They continue to amaze me with the things they know and the testimonies they have. I am glad that I can learn how to be a better missionary from them. Also, I hear we have been doing great with the language. Elder Walton, our former zone leader who is now in Russia, told me that our teacher, Sister Georgiyeva, told our Branch President that this is the best district she has ever had, as far as the language is concerned. I know that the Spirit has been a huge part of that and I know that we will be great once we get to Ukraine, as long as we continue to work hard and keep the Spirit with us.
So tonight we have another devotional which I am excited for. I am hoping for an apostle tonight but if we don't get one, it will still be great. I have been singing with the choir each week and that has been so much fun and it has been really powerful. Also, last week we saw President Uchtdorf outside of our classroom. He was visiting the Elders and Sisters from Russia and Ukraine whose classroom is right next to ours. That was really neat to see him and to feel of the power he had when he walked in the building. Hopefully next time he will stop by and chat with us.
I am so grateful for the support that you all have given me and the love you have for me. Always remember that I am thankful for that, and that I love you too. Also, remember that this Church is true. There is no doubt about it. Our Heavenly Father has created His plan, a perfect plan, for us, and all we need to do is follow it to become like Him. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and our Advocate and He does run this church today through the Prophet, Thomas Monson. Thomas Monson is a true prophet of God and he has all the keys necessary to keep this church going at all times. I love this church and I love this gospel. Always remember to follow its teachings and you will be blessed. I love you all and I will write again soon.
Love,
Elder Ryan Jones
So things here are going wonderfully. We are learning so much each and every day and our teachers continue to be the best. Today we officially became the oldest district in our branch, along with two Russian districts. Yesterday, those going to Russia left and this morning, the Ukrainian elders, including Sean and Tarl, left. It is scary to think that tomorrow marks the beginning of week 6 for us and six weeks from today, we will be on a plane ourselves.
We have learned so much since getting here that I don't even know how to describe it. We have now taught a couple of lessons in Ukrainian and this week at the TRC (our weekly teaching assignment) we are teaching the first lesson in Ukrainian. The other elders and sister in the district are absolutely awesome. They continue to amaze me with the things they know and the testimonies they have. I am glad that I can learn how to be a better missionary from them. Also, I hear we have been doing great with the language. Elder Walton, our former zone leader who is now in Russia, told me that our teacher, Sister Georgiyeva, told our Branch President that this is the best district she has ever had, as far as the language is concerned. I know that the Spirit has been a huge part of that and I know that we will be great once we get to Ukraine, as long as we continue to work hard and keep the Spirit with us.
So tonight we have another devotional which I am excited for. I am hoping for an apostle tonight but if we don't get one, it will still be great. I have been singing with the choir each week and that has been so much fun and it has been really powerful. Also, last week we saw President Uchtdorf outside of our classroom. He was visiting the Elders and Sisters from Russia and Ukraine whose classroom is right next to ours. That was really neat to see him and to feel of the power he had when he walked in the building. Hopefully next time he will stop by and chat with us.
I am so grateful for the support that you all have given me and the love you have for me. Always remember that I am thankful for that, and that I love you too. Also, remember that this Church is true. There is no doubt about it. Our Heavenly Father has created His plan, a perfect plan, for us, and all we need to do is follow it to become like Him. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and our Advocate and He does run this church today through the Prophet, Thomas Monson. Thomas Monson is a true prophet of God and he has all the keys necessary to keep this church going at all times. I love this church and I love this gospel. Always remember to follow its teachings and you will be blessed. I love you all and I will write again soon.
Love,
Elder Ryan Jones
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