Mom,
Hey Mom, I can't believe it is already another week. I am glad that you received the birthday card and that you enjoyed my singing. (Ryan sent me a Russian hallmark card in the mail.) Plus is sounds like you had a wonderfully relaxing birthday which is awesome. My birthday probably won't be as quiet, but it will still be a good one I am sure. That is the day that Isaac is set to get interviewed for his baptism this Saturday, so that will be a great birthday present. And then, on top of that, after the baptism we are going to have a Halloween party at the branch which will be cool. It will basically be a normal birthday! Oh and thanks for the birthday song. Your voice was beautiful as always! (I figured I would be nice that time, did you like it???) Heehee, that reminds me, yesterday, we had dinner with the Park's, the senior couple that comes here to help run the branch. When we were sitting at the table, Sister Park said something and then I was able to pull an old joke on Elder Park and it reminded me of all the times I made fun of you. Luckily he understood when I explained that I just missed picking on you ;)
Anyway, so as I said, Isaac is doing wonderfully. We will meet with him tonight and then probably once more before his interview on Friday. Then this, Saturday, at 3, the service will be held. I am really excited and looking forward to the step that he is making. He understands it so well and because of that, he has no problem in making the decision to follow our Savior's commands. I am really excited to see the change in him and see how everything goes as he works forward. Also, this past Sunday, Daniel, who was baptized two weeks ago was ordained to be a Priest, and then the other two recent converts each received callings which will help them along. Yesterday, we actually had more English speaking Priesthood holders at priesthood than we did Ukrainian speakers. I am really interested to see how that affects the branch going forward. Vincent, one of the African converts even brought his roommate yesterday and we want to start teaching him this week too. They are so awesome and they do a great job of being missionaries. It makes life here really exciting. Apart from the Africans, there isn't a whole lot going on here. There are some wonderful members though and it is really exciting to continue building relationships with them. Elder Belashov and I are having a good time together too which always makes life more enjoyable.
It sounds that you had a wonderful Stake Conference this past weekend. Dad said he enjoyed it too which is really cool. Elder Evans is an awesome speaker. He came to the MTC while I was there and he shared stories about his mission and about the Book of Mormon which was awesome. The Book of Mormon is really cool by the way. I finished it the other day and started again yesterday. It is such a powerful book and I have witnessed that power on my mission. When investigators or members choose to read it, they feel the Spirit and that is what converts us. I am so glad that I have been able to more fully study the Book of Mormon since I have been out. I hope that you are continuing to study from it and allow your testimony of Jesus Christ to grow.
So I saw pictures on LDS.org of the Rome groundbreaking. That is going to be a beautiful building and that is really exciting to hear that the work is continuing to go forward so well. Oh and you asked if I have tracted. I have gone once, and I didn't really like it. It can be effective if there is nothing else to do, but I would much rather teach people before going out and knocking doors.
Well Mom, I love you so very much. I miss you, but I know that it will be so worth it, even if two years is a long time for you. I have already grown so much and I am going to be ready to go forward in this life. I am looking forward to be able to have those talks with you. I do miss those too (oh and I still pace a little). I will still be able to talk your ears off when I get home, so don't worry about that. I hope that all goes well this week and that you have a wonderful week in all you do. I love you Mom and I am thankful for all that you do.
All my Love,
Elder Jones
P.S. The money on my card will be plenty thanks. And thanks for the package that is coming my way. Also, tell people to write me please! I got a letter from one friend this week, but I haven't gotten many. Promise them that I will write and send pictures if they write, ok :) Thanks
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