Hey Mom,
(This first part is in response to my telling him we watched an one hour special on the Kyiv Temple between conferences Sunday and not seeing him in any of the shots. We did see two of his former companions though.) Wow, you are so silly. I am sorry I didn't flock to the camera like I should have. I was there though, so don't worry. They probably cut the parts I was in because I was taller than the Prophet or something ;) And you are even sillier for wanting to look up my address but here it is - Stepana Bandery 4 - Good luck you old crazy :P (Such respect for his poor mother!)
Oh and thanks a ton for looking for that information about that man. He left to America sometime around the first world war I think. It really isn't super important but thanks anyway. The alternate spellings I can think of are either Wandzharuk or Vandz(h)aruk. I really don't know though. The city he is from is a little tiny village near Ivano. And even though I might be able to get more info, I don't think it is necessary. If you can't find anything this week than don't worry beyond that. Thanks a ton for helping though.
Thanks for sending on my information to everyone by the way. I think the mission home address is a little quicker and easier (just my observations so far) by the way, just as long as people don't mind paying a little more, but both of them work so thanks for sending that to Elder Sudbury. And yes, the dolls I was talking about are matruska dolls. They have both Ukrainian and Russian versions here, but I was planning on just bringing those with me and not sending them through the mail. I just need to find some good ones somewhere and then you will have to wait a year and a half. There are tons of really cool cultural things such as that, but most things are really big and awkward and fragile too, so I don't know how many souvenirs I will be lugging around. If you want something though, just let me know. Oh and for the next package you send, whenever that may be (don't feel pressured to send one soon - hint hint) I would love a new set of insoles and of shoelaces. Those are things that I have struggled to find here for some reason. I am still fine for now though.
So I am sorry to hear that Chelsea got sick, but I hope that all is well now and that her birthday was a good one. She mentioned that she enjoyed seeing Caitlin, even if she was sick. I am sure she will be fine though.
So Daniel is a great guy. He is a student here from Ghana who barely speaks any Ukrainian, but he has come to church four times now and he is working to get baptized this Saturday. He is so humble and has shown it every step of the way as he has accepted the commitments given to him and he has done what the Lord wants. He just wants to find the truth and he knows he has found it which is so incredible. The other Elders have been so amazed at his preparedness as they have taught him. This Saturday will be a great day for him, and then hopefully he will be fine with waiting a week to get the Holy Ghost (we have conference this week so he will have to wait until the next week for Sacrament Meeting). Oh and on top of that, one more of their acquaintances (the African's I mean) came to church this past Sunday and Elder Belashov and I are planning to work with him. I will probably give him a call in an hour or so and then we can plan a time to meet. He is really looking forward to receiving the Book of Mormon and I think that he is about as ready as Daniel. There is really something about all these Africans who are studying here. They seem to be very ready to accept the Lord and that is such a wonderful thing to witness.
So you mentioned Elder Holland's talk which is funny because it is the only one I have seen so far. I absolutely loved it, and for that exact reason you mentioned, he spoke with an "attitude of gratitude." It is so impressive to me to recognize how humble all of the apostles are. They know what they know to be true, because they have humbled themselves and done the will of the Lord all their lives. That is one of the things that really stuck with me after Elder Scott spoke here. He mentioned that in all things, we must show our gratitude to the Lord. Gratitude really is a divine principle and we do need to always be thankful for our blessings, no matter how hard life is. As you said, it will always lighten our load, not to mention, make someone else happy as well.
Well Mom, I really am thankful to you and Dad for all you have done. You are both such wonderful examples of the Lord and great parents. You have done a good job of raising us in the gospel and teaching us the principles and you were always patient with us. Remember to continue and be an example for all around you and the Lord will bless you as you do. You are an awesome mother and I love you.
Love,
Elder Jones
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