October 11, 2010

Hey Mom,

Well, I think that is kind of interesting that everyone was looking for me, but I can't blame them.  (I told him many people in the ward were looking for Ryan in the special KSL did on the Kyiv Temple.) Of course they would be searching out the most handsome missionary there.  It is too bad that he wasn't there...

Thanks again for looking for that man.  His name, in Ukrainian is: Михайло Маринович Ванджарук.  I don't know if that will make a difference.  Don't worry about it though.  I will just let the man know that you can't find him.

Daniel was baptized this past Saturday and next Sunday he will receive the Holy Ghost.  That is a really long wait, but we didn't have Sacrament meeting because we did the translations of conference here.  Daniel was so excited and even though it was only a small group of us there, he understood the importance and he is already looking for opportunities to be a missionary.  He has a testimony of the Book of Mormon because he read it and prayed.  It is so cool to see people actually applying what the Lord has asked them to do, and then being blessed so greatly for it.  Hopefully in the next two or three weeks, he will get the priesthood and start serving others using it.

Elder Clemmens baptizing Daniel

As far as Isaac, the acquaintance, we met with him and he is now investigating as well.  He was so excited to get his copy of the Book of Mormon and he has already read a good bit of it.  He has so many questions, all of which can be answered by the gospel and the Book of Mormon.  He is so ready to go forward and hopefully as he acts on the teachings, he will gain a testimony and decide to be baptized as well.  Sadly, he was sick this past weekend (really really sick) and wasn't able to come to conference, but we are hoping to continue teaching him within the next few days.  If you could pray for him to recognize the Spirit, that would help a lot.
Oh, and I don't know why there are so many Africans here in Ivano-Frankivsk.  There is a medical school here and it is better than the ones in Africa, and probably cheaper than the ones in western Europe.  There is a pretty high concentration of them in this city though.

So, to answer your question about the Ukrainian people.  (I asked whether the  people were similar to the Russians - lack of faith in God and bleak attitude.)  Many of them here in Western Ukraine were a little less entangled in the Soviet Union and because of that, there are many more devout Christians.  Still, a lot of people here consider themselves either Orthodox or Catholic but never worship.  The attitude of many people is really bleak - the older generations especially.  The country is really growing into the culture of the world though and my generation is pretty free of the Soviet Union. Tradition is a very important thing here though and honoring your elders especially and because of that, many people say they belong to a church, but they don't really believe in it.  It seems to me that almost everyone believes in God, but they don't understand who he is at all.

We did watch conference with the branch this past weekend.  I actually watched all of it in English (which was really nice) except for the first session.  We will watch the priesthood session next week.  I really enjoyed this conference and it was really interesting to me to see how firm the church is becoming in our beliefs versus the beliefs of the world.  President Packer's talk was one of my favorites I think.  He was so bold in stating that God's laws cannot change.  It doesn't matter what Satan does or how the world is changing, the laws of God have been set since before the world and they will not change.  I really liked the connection he made to a vote against gravity and how that wouldn't do any good.  It doesn't matter whether or not the world votes that homosexual marriages are ok, it is wrong!  He also said one thing that really stuck with me.  Satan does not have agency at this point, he gave it up and he doesn't have the power to create life like we do.  President Packer said "Satan is impotent."  It is really true that agency is one of our greatest gifts and we have used it to get to this point which is great.  Now we just need to use it to follow the prophets and we will be able to withstand the temptations of the world.  It is also that we do it along with our families which is important.  Elder Lawrence (he is the first counselor in the East European area presidency) spoke on parenting.  One of my favorite line from conference is from him.  He was doing five things to strengthen our families, daily family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, family dinner, and personal interviews.  He said "Try to imagine what the rising generation could become if these five righteous patterns were practiced consistently in every home. Our young people could be like Helaman’s army: invincible."  Invincible!  That is so incredible.  Even though it is really hard to find time to do all those things, it can make that big of a difference. I really liked that.

Well, I could probably say a lot more about conference, but I don't have time.  Feel free to go online though to the new lds.org and they already have all the talks there so you can review them.  That is how we saw it in English (there is a family history computer in our branch and so we downloaded it there).  And before you know it, the Ensign will be out too.  I know that the things taught at this conference are true. That is God's words, given to us through modern prophets.  Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God and he has the authority to guide this church.  The priesthood is the power of God.  This is the only church that has it.  Elder Oaks' talk was really good too and he talked about how inseparable the priesthood line of revelation and personal line of revelation are.  This is the only church where those lines exist.  I know that Christ lives and that He is our Savior.  I love Him.  I love you too Mom.  Thanks for your great sacrifices which have helped me get to this point.  Without you, it would be possible.

Love,

Elder Jones

October 5, 2010

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

September 27, 2010

Hey Mom,

As always it was wonderful to receive your letter and to hear that all is well.

To start off, I have a huge favor to ask of you. This past week, a man walked into the branch building and said that he had heard a little about our church. He then told us a story of his great Uncle who was born in Ukraine but then disappeared during the war. Apparently he went all through Europe and found himself in the US. Eventually he made it all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah and may or may not of been baptized into the LDS church. He died about 20 years ago and this man thinks he is buried in Salt Lake and wants to know for sure. That is the favor. I have some info and I am wondering if you can look for this guy if you have time. Of course you don't need to rush, but it would be great if you could do this. Here is what I know about the man you are looking for:

His name is Michael Wandzaruk and he was born on 15 Nov 1897 in Ukraine. He supposedly died and was buried in SLC in either 1993 or 1997. The man I talked to said he is buried in the main city cemetery (that is all he knows so I don't know if that is a specific one). His monument is the 4th to the right from the central alley of the cemetery - monument number 16-77 (or 16-97). That is what I have. If you could look for him, maybe even on myfamilysearch, or in the cemetery and take a photo of what you find, that would be so great. That is all I know, so if it isn't enough info to find him then just let me know. Thanks!

By the way, did you send that letter to Elder Sudbury? I am sure you did, thanks! I'll answer some of your questions to start, I don't really know what Ukraine has that is unique. (He had asked us what kinds of things he could send us in a package for Christmas.)  There are some things such as those dolls (can't remember what they are called) and other things that I am just planning on bringing home with me in my suitcase. I don't want to send fragile stuff through the mail which limits a lot. Ukraine, especially Carpathian mountains, has some wonderful wood working and beautiful ornament and whatnot. They also have some clothing and and jewelry that is unique to Ukraine. I will look into stuff. As far as my birthday, I don't think I really need anything so maybe just a little bit of money on my card or something would be nice. I could then look into buying Ukrainian ties/clothes and souvenirs for when I come home. Also, I probably need to remount (redo that is) the soles of my shoes soon and that costs a little. It would be easier than sending shoes or buying shoes and they do a great job of it. Everything here is really cheap though so I don't even need that much money. Really nice ties here cost at the most 5 dollars, and completely redo-ing the soles of my shoes would only be about 15 dollars! Wow that is cheap. I can't think of any thing I need right now, but I will let you know. A little money would probably be easier than a package though so let me know what you think.

Anyway, so the work here in Ivano. For some reason, it has been really hard here. Almost everyone here is either Greek Catholic or Eastern Orthodox and many people are stuck on the traditions of their families and don't open up to us. It is frustrating sometimes, but understandable at the same time. The temple is really far away from here too so it isn't making the same impact that it is in Kyiv (right now in Kyiv, the work has really exploded and there are tons of referrals in the temple area). Still, life is going well here and the restrictions are not nearly as bad as they are in Rivne. We can tract here and do other things like that (I still haven't tracted though, but I think we will soon) and the government is not as tense. We did have a miracle experience yesterday. One of our recent converts here (we have two of them who are students from Ghana) has a friend who he brought to church a month ago. Yesterday, our recent convert was sick, but his friend, Daniel, showed up by himself for sacrament meeting - which is incredible because they barely understand Ukrainian at all. After sacrament meeting, Elder Clemmens and I decided to cancel the Gospel Principles class (Daniel, would have been the only one) and Elder Clemmens and Kuczak had a lesson with Daniel. It was their first lesson, but Daniel is a really smart guy and understood everything really well and he is truly searching the truth so it went well. At the end, Elder Clemmens asked Daniel if he would read the Book of Mormon and pray and if he received an answer, get baptized and Daniel said yes. He is planning on getting baptized in two weeks. It was so cool to be there and to see Daniel as they walked into Priesthood. He is truly ready to make this step. It was a great experience.

So, you mentioned something about missing having babies around - that was silly to say. You realize that the grandkids may be popping out sometime in the next few years, right? Be careful for what you wish for Mom ;) I really like what you said about the premortal world and how we all have those different personalities. It is so interesting to think about the fact that Heavenly Father is truly our Father and He gave us different personalities, every one of us. What a miracle to think about that and to recognize that He must be real - there is no other way this could have all happened.

So I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the General Relief Society Conference. It is such a blessing to be able to hear the inspired words of the prophets. General Conference is going to be so great as we get to hear the words that Heavenly Father wants for all of us to hear. As we listen closely and prayerfully, we will receive the guidance that we need in our lives individually; what a blessing. It is incredible the way all of this works together, God's plan that is. Everything works together for our good as long and we strive to be obedient and accept the challenges that come at us. I know that God truly has a plan for us and that families are so central to it. It makes it possible with families to overcome all the challenges and trials and be happy in all of this. I know that God loves each of us so very much and I am grateful that you have been so great in raising us kids to understand that. Christ lives and loves us. I love Him and I love you.

With Love (interesting) as Always,

Elder Jones

September 20, 2010 - Photo Time

(Okay, Ryan sent me 5 emails containing 40 photos and a video, I will try not to overload you with pictures, but I think they're fun.  If you're not interested, just skip to the next post with his email.)

So this morning we went to a little town called Yaremsha - yes it was a p-day adventure.  I guess that there are plenty of them throughout the mission.  It is in the Carpathian mountains and it was pretty cool.  We went to a waterfallish thing and also to a market to look at Ukrainian goods...fun fun fun!!

So these first ones (photos) are of the town as we walked towards the river and then a view of the river from the bridge.  It rains here a lot, and today was especially wet as we got off to an early start.  It was very misty and foggy and pretty cold.  We got out at about 9ish.

 Hopefully this wasn't the foot bridge they were supposed to walk across :)

 

Here is a video.  Like I said, it has been raining a lot here.  The water was really moving.  Ask Dad how much he would like to raft those waters.  I will try to get you an even better angle of the water later.

Here are some more fun pictures.  Elder Belashov and I and then some more of the nature.  Fun Stuff.  One of these has my district too (without me of course)

It is too bad that the better video didn't work.  That water was really moving today.  Here are some of the market and the mountains.  Love you!

September 20, 2010

Hey Mom

So another week has gone by already.  It is incredible how fast time is going.  I have been in Ukraine for over six months now and in the next few weeks, we will have conference again, a whole bunch of birthdays and before you know it, it will be winter.  It kinda feels like Winter here already, well not quite, but almost.  It has been in the 50's and 60's pretty much my entire time here in Ivano.  It also rains every single day which is kind of tough, because it limits what we can do, but also nice, because it keeps it cool and more bearable to walk around.  I don't start sweating when I walk out of the shower anymore.

By the way, business section; is there anything you want, or that you can think of that the family might want, for Christmas/birthdays?  I spent a little bit of money recently (about 100 gryven which is really only about 14 dollars) but I have tons that I pulled out once for train tickets that was reimbursed.  I figure that I won't be in Ukraine forever and plus I want to send a package home soon so what do you think?  Business concluded ;)

Anyway, so you asked about lunch...again.  I thought you asked about that a week ago, but maybe not.  Usually, we eat out on p-day, just because we are out doing business anyway, and then we grab snacks and stuff on other days, but usually prepare lunch at home.  I usually don't prepare anything Ukrainian, because it takes time, but, this week for example, I will be eating a macaroni salad, mexican-ish beans and fried potatoes.  I usually just grab some foods and especially recently I have been using more veggies while they are still good, and put stuff together.  It usually works out well. 

I can't believe that Grandma and Grandpa have been married for that long.  (I told him that it was my parent's 63rd wedding anniversary on the 17th.  Sorry Mom and Dad, he is just teasing you about the age thing!)  They must be old or something to have already been married that long.  That is really cool that they have made it that long in this world where more and more people are having problems.  The divorce rates here in Ukraine are especially high from what I have seen which is really sad.  Many people seem to get married multiple times here, and those second and third marriages don't always work out either.  It is really sad, but Satan truly is fighting against the family.  I prepared a lesson yesterday for gospel principles (out of the new Gospel Principles manual the church released this year) on families.  It was really cool to read the basic principles behind what a family is supposed to be and how we can strengthen families.  Sadly no one was there for the lesson, but it was still great to study it myself.  Plus next week's lesson is on family responsibilities so I will get a chance to teach about families again.  I truly love to see families, especially the young member families, and the joy that comes to parents from their children.  It is really weird, but it makes me very excited for my own family, whenever that comes down the road.  It is so cool to me to see how the family truly is central to our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness.  Even though it is tough to raise three kids, especially when they don't always get along, but the blessings are so incredibly great and the eternal joy that comes from living those covenants is immeasurable.

I love you very much Mom and I am so grateful for all you did to help raise me correctly.  I know that this is the Lord's church and that He is guiding it today.  Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet of the Lord and soon we will be able to listen to his council.  What a wonderful blessing to hear what the Lord wants us to know.  Even though life may be hard, he gives us plenty of opportunities to figure out how we can get through our trials.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true.  I love to read it, each and every day and to find peace in its pages (You can find peace, even when reading about war...silly how that works).  I know that Jesus is the Christ and that he lived and died, 100% obedient to the will of His Father.  He is truly our perfect example and I know that through Him, we can live again.  He is our Savior and only through His atonement and His love and mercy can we truly be happy.

Love,

Elder Jones

September 13, 2010

Hey Mom,

So all here is going well.  As far as the potatoes are concerned, there are a lot of people here who live out in the celo (small villages).  (I asked him about the 2 pictures he sent last week where you can see the person plowing the field with horses and plow and you can see the horses and wagon.)  There most people have their plots of lands and their own personal gardens and out there, no one has money so all the work is done by hand.  I have seen tractors driving around in the cities, but most people don't have them.  Almost everyone here has a small garden though and then a plot of land for bigger stuff too.  It is pretty amazing to think about how people live here - really humbling at times.

So you asked about trips on p-days.  That is a pretty rare opportunity, because usually we are really busy, but there are a lot of members who live in towns outside of Ivano-Frankivsk so we visit them.  There are a lot of towns in the Carpathian mountains too which we are planning on visiting one of them.  Still, usually we don't have a lot of time, but they are great cultural experiences when we find the opportunity.

Anyway, so I am glad to hear that the Kyiv Temple is getting so much attention.  (I told him how the Church News has had articles about it for the last month.)  That is the way it should be because the temple is a place we all need to strive to be.  It is so important to make that time to get to the temple and now that there is a new one here, it is a good opportunity to remind everyone of those covenants they have made, or should be striving to achieve.  It is still a huge focus here among all the members too.  Yesterday, all three of our talks were about temples and temple work and it was really neat to hear the testimonies of those members who now have a great opportunity here.  Also, just something else I noticed, all three of the recent converts here (all three were baptized within the last year) were able to use the priesthood they hold to perform the sacrament ordinance.  There are not a lot of priesthood holders here, but it was neat to see how they are striving to work towards the Melchizedek priesthood by worthily using the preparatory priesthood they hold.

Sasha was progressing pretty well this last week, but on Saturday he went home to Russia where he lives.  Still, he said he knows where our church building is there and I know that he has learned a lot and his faith has grown while he was here.  It was a great opportunity to be able to get to know him and to try to help him grow in his faith of Christ.  I know that we have helped him a lot and even though now may not be the time, sometime in the future he will remember what we told him and decide to make a change.  Sister Dania, his mother, was very thankful for his willingness to meet and she said in her talk yesterday that he changed a lot in those few weeks and that he likes the church.  I know that we made a difference with him and that is great.

Well, I am going to wrap up, but I am grateful, as always, for your letter.  It is always so nice to get updates from home and to see the ways that the Lord is blessing all of you.  I know that He has blessed me so much already and I can tell that you are also receiving blessings.  It is so great that all of us are able to feel the love and comfort of our Savior and to have the knowledge that we have.  Don't be afraid to share that with others.  It is one of our duties as members and I know that God blesses us with opportunities.  Just pray for a chance and He will put someone in your path.  I know that you are already doing a great job because you have helped me to get to this point.  What a blessing it is to have a mother!  I love you mom.

With Love,

Elder Jones

(And here is a paragraph from his letter to Caitlin)

Anyway, so I am doing well here in Ivano.  Life is good and the weather is way nice - not cold but not hot.  It rains so much though.  Yesterday was really hot though, in my suit.  We ended up going to a small graveside memorial of one of the old members here.  He lived far away from the city and was really old, so I had never seen him, but Elder Belashov and I, along with about 7 members went out there where we had a little LDS ceremony.  His son was there too (he is a member in Kyiv), and he sealed the grave and then they dedicated it.  It was neat to be a part of it, and even though he had just died, we focused on how he was in the Spirit World and Resurrection and it was pretty neat.  It was a weird experience, but nice.

September 6, 2010

Hey Mom,

The city is near the mountains, but everything here is green and it rains almost everyday.  (I asked whether Ivano-Frankivsk was part of the Carpathian mountains or just the region.)  As far as food, we buy food every Monday and cook our own meals.  (I asked whether he eats at member homes much or cooks most his food.)  I have learned a lot of cooking skills which is good.  Yesterday I even helped Sister Park, one of the senior sisters make dinner for ten people.  It was fun.  Members do feed us every once and a while and usually we eat at a restaurant on p-day.  We don't do much on p-day. Email, shopping, and lunch with the district takes up most of our time.  (This was in response to what he does on p-day.)

Our district has 4 Elders, Elder Clemmens and Kuczak, and then Elder Belashov and I.  It is really fun with Elder Belashov.  He is from a town called Sumy in Eastern Ukraine, so Russian is easier for him, but almost all the youth in the country (and most of the people altogether who live in the west) speak both fluently.  They just have preferences.  It is really interesting with Elder Belashov, because he is the second counselor in the branch presidency and the president is a senior Elder (Sister Park's husband) who lives in Kyiv and doesn't speak Ukrainian, so he has a lot of responsibility to help the branch along.  The branch is pretty small, about 30 a week on sacrament meeting with 70 total members.  The members are truly great though and many of them are great missionaries.  A couple of the older sisters have served missons too which is cool.  It is a lot of fun here.

Our only investigator right now is a member's son, Sasha.  He is an interesting guy and used to be very against the church, but he saw the temple and now he is opening up a bit.  We have met with him a couple of times and he is a really neat guy, who just needs to act on the things we have taught him.  He seems to agree that the church is true, so now we just have to help him make the steps to acting upon that.  Action is so important in the gospel of Christ.  If we believe, but don't act, our faith goes nowhere, just as James taught (James 2).  He is progressing though which is great.  He prayed for the first time on one of our lessons the other day (prayer is an action).  Yesterday, he came to church with his mom too for the first time, another act!  We have a meeting with him tonight so hopefully we will be able to see more progress.

Other than that, we have a lot of inactive members to try and work with.  The branch is very small and many people live far away from the city which is a problem, but we are working hard and those who are ready will take those steps as we invite them.  I love to see people progress as we invite them to repent and make little changes in their lives.  It is also very difficult to see people reject the gospel and the love that Christ offers, but all we can do is show our love for them.  There is a wonderful article in the Liahona for August about how we are all different and we must accept and work with those differences.  What is important to remember is that God created us and to Him, we are perfect, even if we have some defects or weaknesses.  We are His children and He loves us and that is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can change and overcome our weaknesses.  It is so important to remember that as we look at others. 

Well, I need to wrap up, but I just want you to know mom, that I love you.  Thanks for all that you have done and the support you continue to give me.  Tell the girls I love them too.  And Dad, I guess.

With Love,

Elder Jones

p.s. could you forward the middle three paragraphs to Curtis. Just leave out the business items ;P
p.p.s. photos - # 1 is Pres. Monson, Ucthdorf, and Elder Nelson at the cultural event.

# 2 is the theater in Rivne

# 3 is Elder Powell, my old companion, when we were picking potatoes

# 4 is the group of us picking up potatoes at a members farm

# 5 is the cultural event

# 6 is the cultural event

# 7 at Sister Dania's for FHE.  My companion is in the middle - Elder Belashov

Thanks again!  Love you