April 26, 2010

Hey Mom,

So 9:05 PM (our time) will work out just fine. That will give us as much time as you want to talk, seeing as you will be paying for it ;) I will send you an email next week with our companionship's cell number. And btw, if you use a calling card, the prices will probably be a little higher than advertised because you will be calling a cell phone...just so you know. Also, transfers are this week, but we found out on Saturday (the Zone Leaders get a fax and then call everyone) that Elder Monson and I are staying together in Rivne for another transfer.

So, this past week was absolutely crazy. On Monday, I had my interview with President Steinagel which was cool. Then afterward, Elder Clemmens and Hofeling (who are serving in Lutsk) and I went around town and checked out some statues. I will send some pictures home. This week, we also set two new baptismal dates which is very rare. One of them was a total miracle; here's the story. On Thursday we met with an active member, and had a quick lesson on the importance of testimony and then challenged him to write his testimony in a new Book of Mormon and pray about someone to give it to. That night he gave it away and the next morning at 7am, he called and told us he found a new investigator and asked if we wanted to come and meet him. We met with him that day, a 15 year old kid named Zhenya, and then he ended up staying at the branch for 4 hours and he sat through institute. Then on Saturday, he came to the branch building 3 hours before a 20th anniversary of the Church in Ukraine activity which the branch held. Then yesterday, he sat through all three hours of church before meeting with us after. After a 20 minute lesson, we asked him to set a goal to be baptized and he said "Why not do it right now?" It was absolutely incredible and now on the 8th of May, Zhenya is getting baptized. Those are the types of miracles that we see everyday here in Rivne. It is truly the only way the work can progress so quickly because of all that we cannot do here. But, as we do our very best and trust in the Lord, and pray for miracle after miracle, the Lord's hand is literally evident in all that we do. It is absolutely incredible what is going on here.

Well, you heard about the Temple dedication date. We were so excited to hear about it. President Steinagel sent a text out to everyone. He is pushing us so hard to do our very best to prepare the people for the temple, whether it is the members or those we meet. It is truly such a miracle and a blessing for the people in this part of the world. I am so excited to help out and there is a rumor floating around that all the missionaries will be pulled into Kyiv to help with the open house and dedication. Also, There are going to be many General Authorities coming in and out of Ukraine for the next few months before the dedication. The temple is just one more miracle that the Lord has granted to all of us here in the Eastern part of the World.

So I am glad to hear that the family is all doing so well. It is good that everyone has been so busy, but you also have to be safe in the process ;) I know your ankle will heal soon enough.
Oh, I have a request for some items. First, have you heard anything about my ring? Whenever you get that and you are ready to send a package, could you also send me my Columbia Jacket. I don't really have any mid-weight jacket and even though I may not get it until it is too warm, it would be nice for the fall. The other option is that I spend $50 to buy one here. Also, the socks we got were pretty poor quality and many of them are suddenly getting holey. I think I will just buy some more here, but I just want you to know that I will be spending a little money sometime within the next month or so. Also, with the package, some peanut butter would be appreciated ;P And I don't know if I told you this, but from what everyone has said, a USPS flat rate box is the safest and easiest way to get a package here.

Well, I don't have time, but thanks for your support and love and for your testimony. I love you all and am grateful for your examples. Keep close to each other, follow the prophets, read your scriptures and pray often and all will be just fine.

Love, Elder Jones