Wow you sent a massive letter. I was surprised as it kept going and going and going. Don't worry though, it was great to hear about all of your adventures and I especially loved the quotes and thoughts about temples. By the way, say hi to dad for me, I am too lazy to write him ;P
So I am glad that you had such a great week this past week and that you were able to spend time with the girls and then the girl and then just with dad. It is crazy that we are all growing up! I can remember when we were all so young and careless and running around in the yard. It feels like it was only a year ago, maybe because it was, but still, time is really flying and it is weird to look back on it. It is so important to do those things that are important because before we know it, we don't have the time or opportunities any more to learn and grow and spend time as a family. Yesterday in priesthood we talked about Elder Hales' talk from this past conference. He spoke about the duty of parents and leaders and gave some of his ideas on what that duty means. He continually shared stories of times that he spent with his family and it made me grateful of all the wonderful experiences that we have had together as a family, learning and growing and building our relationships. It is so important to know that we are a part of a family that loves us and that is a big part of the message that we as missionaries share. We know that we are all sons and daughters of God and for many people this is a huge comfort. There is a little stories in the August Liahona, or Ensign for you I guess about a woman who joined the church when she was 33. She told a story about how she returned to here school for a reunion where they celebrated athletes from many years earlier. She said that while she was there they misspelled here name on everything and then called her name out incorrectly. She said it wasn't anything big to here, but the next day in church, someone testified about how Jesus knows all of our names and that was so comforting to her. It is true that he does know all of our names. He loves all of us personally and that is how he was able to perform such a miraculous and perfect atonement for each and everyone of us. He knows us perfectly. Alma testified so well when he said in Alma 7:11-13 when he said;
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
Christ knows us all and he felt all of our sufferings and pains and is ready to help us if we turn to him.
Well, so for the temple this week, we will be going into Kyiv on Friday night by train and then we will have transfer meeting on Saturday and I will find out if I have a new companion and where I will be. And then we will have the cultural celebration before we get to go to the temple open house the next day. It is very exciting and I am looking forward to the Spiritual experience it will be. I know that I will learn a lot here and that the dedication of this temple will loosen this land from the powers of Satan and will help the work of the Lord go forward. I know that after the temple opens, the members will be so blessed as they strive to make covenants there. Through those covenants, they will be endowed with power that will protect them from the temptations of this world and it is going to be so great to see their spiritual strength grow. As for us missionaries, I don't know any details, but I know we will be able to do sessions every once and a while. Nothing is set yet though so I will tell you later. It will be a great blessing for all of us here though, regardless of how often we get to visit the temple.
Well I love you and I am so thankful for the way you have raised me. I know that you taught me well and that my desire to serve a mission started to grow from the seeds that you helped plant in me. I am grateful for your wonderful example. I know that this church is the true church of God. I am so excited for the opportunity to see the living prophet of the Lord, President Thomas Monson this week in Kyiv. I know that he has been called of God, and given the keys of the kingdom, the same keys that Christ gave to His apostles. This is the restored church of Jesus Christ, the one and only true Church of Christ. I love our Savior Jesus Christ. I know He is our Redeemer and through Him, we have life.
With Love,
Elder Jones
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