June 14, 2010

Wow, well it sounds like you have had a crazy week in Utah. I didn't know that you were all going to Cedar City, but it sounds like you had a fun time. I know that later today, you are dropping Caitlin off at Bear Lake. It is crazy to think that it is already summer. I have definitely noticed it with the heat here. It has been in the 90's every day this past week and our apartment is literally like a sauna, especially with the ridiculous humidity that we have. To put it in perspective, President Steinagel said in his letter to us that yesterday was the hottest sacrament meeting he has EVER been to, and he served his mission in the Polynesian islands. It has been pretty miserable here, but it still doesn't feel like June. I started in December and I have already come this far. It is scary how fast the time is flying. You said Michael just got home...I was thinking last night that was so far away when you told me that and now it has already past. Where is the time?

Anyway, so the catastrophes all around the world hit home this past week, eh? (We had our own oil spill in Salt Lake, but only 21,000 gallons. It spilled from a broken pipeline into the Red Butte Creek which runs through our church grounds.) Were you ready for it? That is really crazy to think about, but that is why President Hinckley was always so firm in commanding us to prepare. He knew what was coming and now we are seeing it ourselves.

So, yes, I did get the package. (I sent him peanut butter and a few other things. You can't get peanut butter in Ukraine.) Thank you very much. Do you have any updates on the CTR ring because it has been a long time for that. And don't worry about sending more peanut butter or anything with the Shipp's. It would be too much of a hassle to try and get things figured out and it is not worth it, no matter how tasty peanut butter is. Don't worry, I am feeding myself just fine with pizza, fajitas, sweet and sour chicken and more (that is some of what Elder Parker and I made this week). We even made brownies, and are planning on making more for a member who's birthday is today. My allergies are doing ok too. They just hit me really hard and it was a little unexpected, but I have benadryl and Elder Smith gave me some claritin to use too so I will let you know if that works.

So to answer your next question, yes those pictures are taken in Rivne. They were taken from the 8th floor of that building and як раз (conveniently), the elevator wasn't working that day so we got to climb the stairs. That one picture of the hallway is taken from the balcony and I don't know what the boxes are for. Ukrainians are kinda silly ;P and I can never guess what they use things for.Anyway, So I am glad to hear that you enjoyed Stake Conference. Our Stake Presidency truly is a great one, full of inspired men who received revelation specifically for everyone who was there to listen. That is so great to remember as you listen and then follow their teachings. They have the priesthood, and the keys to run the Bonneville Stake, and you got to listen to their guidance specifically for your family, wow!

Well, so President Didyshok, our Branch President, asked Elder Parker and I to speak yesterday which was a little intimidating, but I did it and it was a great experience. I talked a little about all of you back home and how you helped me by teaching me the gospel. Afterward, President Didyshok spoke himself and he posed a question that I want to ask you. He said, "what can you do to be worthy to go to the Temple?" Then he said, "I know that you can all give me a good answer, but are you doing it?" So, ask yourself that question. What can I do, to be worthy to visit the Temple. I know that all of you know the answers to that question. Of course, I can read the scriptures. I can follow the prophets. I can think clean thoughts and say nice things. I can love other people. There are tons of answers to that question, all of which can help us to be worthy. But, the real question is are you doing that? Are you reading every day from the Book of Mormon? Are you showing your love for others by serving them? Are you preparing yourself each and every moment by doing what Christ would want you to do? I am sure that you are doing your best to try and do those things, but are you doing them? I know that sometimes it seems hard because we are all so busy and tired and people around us aren't nice, but are you doing all that you can, to be worthy to visit the temple. Take a minute and look back on your day. Ask yourself how you could do better, and then ask Heavenly Father and Jesus Chirst for help and go ahead and do it. I know that as we all try our best, we can be worthy to go to the temple. That is such a blessing and soon the people here in Ukraine will be able to take part in that blessing. Soon they will be able to to visit the Temple. In 11 weeks, it will be open! And then the work here will continue to expand. The Lord's Kingdom is growing each and everyday and soon, it will gain so much more power over the hearts of the people. But they have to prepare themselves. We all have to prepare ourselves for the work which is ahead. We are the only one's which the Lord has at this time who can do this work. So let's get out and do it. I know that This Church is true. It is the Kingdom of God, restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Thomas Monson is the Prophet of God today. Jesus Christ is leading this church through him. I know that this work can only move forward. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Jones