February 23

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.