July 19, 2010

Hey Mom,

So as always, it is great to hear from you.  I am glad to know that everything is back to normal...You and Dad working all day every day, and Chels just bumming around ;)  Just kidding, I remember that I did that too during summers.  So the heat has hit you too, eh?  It has been miserable here for us, but hey, буває!  That is life, right?

I can't believe that it is already the middle of July.  Our transfer ends this week and in 4 days, my new companion will be coming out to Rivne to meet me.  I can't believe that my time with Elder Parker is already at an end.  He has taught me so much, and he is always positive which is great for those tough days.  I have definitely allowed myself to get a little frustrated (you know how impatient I am), which I am sure has made for some tough days for Elder Parker, but he is always there to support which is great.  He is truly an example of the Savior, and how He is always there to help us when trust in Him.

So, the work is still really slow here in Rivne, but we had a good week, especially working with members and try to help them to prepare for the temple.  King Benjamin's message to his people is a great one about preparing for the temple.  In Mosiah 2:6, it says that all the people turned their tents to the Temple and the Prophet of the Lord. That is our duty too, to make our homes centered around the temple and to always be ready to listen to the words of the Prophet.  King Benjamin was such an incredible leader and example of service and the people truly loved him.  We too, need to look to the wonderful example of President Monson and strive to follow him.  Many of the members here are so ready to do that and it is just incredible to see their examples.  We put on an activity here for them this week.  It was incredible to just feel of their love and desire to follow the Lord.

Well, I want you to know Mom that I am really thankful for all that you have done to help me get here.  I know that without your dedication to the Lord and your desire to raise us correctly, I would not have this opportunity to go out and share with others the joy that I have had in my life.  I know that your love has shaped me into the person I have become and your testimony certainly helped lay the foundation of mine. Thanks for all you do!  I know that The Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-Day Saints is true.  It is Christ's church, which has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet today, called to guide us through these times.  I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, and that He Lives now so that all of us can as well.  I know that the Plan of Happiness which God has laid forth for us is true and that as we strive to read the scriptures and learn of it, we are preparing ourselves to live with Him again.  I know that Temples are Houses of the Lord and that through them, we can be together as a family forever.

With much love,

Elder Jones

p.s. Enjoy the photos and ask dad where we got the gas mask.