July 27, 2010

Hey Mom,

This past week, it was 90's all week and miserably hot and then today, it is in the 60's and has been pouring rain for the past hour.  It is crazy, but a lot of fun to be here.  I really love this country and the people here and I am absolutely enjoying my time.

So this past week, I got a new companion, Elder Powell, who only has 5 months left on his mission.  He knows a lot and has been great to work with so far.  I have learned tons from him which is great and has helped make the work more fun.  I have also noticed that he is letting me do a lot of work by myself, because he is new to Rivne and doesn't know the people.  It has helped me realize how far I have come and what all I have learned since being here.  It is such a miracle to be here, speaking a language that I have never even heard 7 months ago.  It is such a blast.  Elder Powell and I have been working hard this week trying to find new people to teach, and though it is tough, it has been great to feel the influence of the Spirit as He guides me to talk with people.  Often times I have no clue what to say, and sometimes I use that as an excuse, but I have noticed that as I do my part and talk with the people, I figure out what to say and I am getting a lot better at it.  The Lord guides us to those who are ready, even when those who I talk to don't want anything, the next person may be that person, and often times I find them, only because I talked with the first person.

Yesterday, we had zone conference in Lviv.  It was great and we learned a lot.  We really focused on baptism and how it is only the first step we take.  Once we help someone to get baptized, our next step is to prepare them for the temple, one year down the road.  It is this way for all of us.  Once we are baptized, and we receive the Holy Ghost, we have entered into the gate.  But, the end of the path, the Celestial Kingdom, is only achievable (is that even a word?) through the temple covenants that we make and keep.  We must go to the temple, and often, in order to receive the fullness of the blessings in store for us.  We watched Elder Bednar's talk from April 2009 "Honorably Hold a Name and a Standing" together as well.  That is a wonderful talk and I recommend you read it.  He teaches us so well, the necessity of visiting the temple and the blessings we receive.  I really appreciated the scriptures in Alma 26, verses 5 and 6 that he reads.  I don't have time right now to explain it, but read his talk and you will understand.  Verse 6 tells us of the wonderful blessings that we receive from going to the temple.  I know that the temple is the house of God and there we do receive a special protection as we are endowed with power.

Well, I am out of time, but I will write next Monday.  Thanks for all you do and remember that I love you.  Have fun with all you do and strive to get to the temple as often as you can.  You will be so greatly blessed.  I am so excited for the temple here in Kyiv which is opening in one month.  I am looking forward to the day the members here can start taking part in those same blessings we have. 

Love,
Elder Jones