December 6, 2010

Hey Mom,

So the inversion there probably isn't too much worse than the weather here!  We have had temperatures around 0 degrees during the day and the snow came in a huge dump, leaving the roads super icy and dangerous.  It has been tough, but luckily I am staying warm which is what matters.  Scarfs are a miraculous invention!

So things here in Lviv have been going really slowly this week.  The weather was the first obstacle, but that one wasn't too big.  The biggest one is that we were confined to the apartment because of the weather.  We didn't want Elder V to develop pneumonia so we spent the first four days of the week inside.  Then on Friday and Saturday we signed on an apartment and moved in which took up time as well.  It made for a tough week because we didn't get tons of work, but I can't complain.  We now are mostly healthy and moved in so we will be able to focus on our new area and the work.  Oh and yes, I am senior companion now, not that it really makes a difference.  I just know Ukrainian better because I have been here a lot longer which is the only real difference. Oh also, I am fine on toiletries.  They have good stuff here so I am not worried.  Some missionaries just love American stuff and their moms send it, but I don't need that kind of stuff.  Peanut butter has definitely been my favorite American item, but when I don't have it, I don't even notice the difference.

So Derrick is doing well from what I have heard. (An investigator Ryan had in Ivano.)  He is still preparing for baptism which is great.  The mission is having tons of success right now and this Christmas has been nicknamed "white Christmas" because we are planning on getting over 20 baptisms here on that day which is huge.  That is TONS for this area and the success is just really awesome right now

Nice work on the birthday card mom!  (Rob's birthday card named the seven dwarfs at 50 - Squinty, Itchy, Gassy Saggy, Cranky, Gimpy and Snoozy, which I told him all applied to him.)  I forgot to say happy birthday last week, just forgot.  What a horrible son!  Oh well I think he will forgive me, I hope ;)

Well I hope that you have a wonderful week.  Good luck at the Christmas party and have fun there.  Also, remember why we are celebrating (that is funny, you always tried to remind us, kids, that as we grew up so I probably don't need to remind you.)  Also, thanks a ton for the little ornament that you sent me.  (It was the nativity scene.)  It is awesome and I have it on my study desk.  I am so grateful to Christ for all that He has done for us and for me personally.  I wouldn't be here without Him.  He is truly our Savior and Redeemer and I know that He loves us all so much.  I am so thankful that we have this time here on earth to become more like Him and help those that we love become more like Him too.  Thanks for always teaching me of the importance of this season.  I love you a lot Mom, you are the best!

With Love,

Elder Jones