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
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
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.
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!
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 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)
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
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
Monday, September 13, 2010
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
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.
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.
Monday, September 6, 2010
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
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.
Monday, August 30, 2010
August 30, 2010
Hey Mom,
So, the Temple is dedicated now! Everyone here is so excited about it and the members are now ready, and able to get in and do that extremely necessary work. It was truly a great experience. I was with my new companion (I will tell you more later) in the Chapel next to the temple where we saw the dedication broadcast. It was so great to be there and to witness all the members who had waited so patiently finally see this temple dedicated. There were three sessions and we were able to see two of them. The talks given were so incredible and the Spirit was so strong. The dedication prayer itself was full of great promises and gratitude for this event and the members. President Monson was so loving and showed it to all those people that were there. He is such an incredible man and he made it one of the most fun, but also Spiritual events ever. He knew when he could throw in a joke, but he also knew exactly how to listen and follow the Spirit and that really impressed me. I have no doubts that he is a prophet of God.
The Cultural Celebration was incredible too, the night before. The members did a wonderful job of putting it together and they showed how the land of Ukraine has been prepared by the Lord for this event which was really cool. They then had members from each of the different countries in the temple district perform cultural skits full of dance and song. It was truly one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. The culture here is so strong and it made my love for these people even stronger to see all their efforts. Oh and just so you know, I saw the Shipps (a family from Salt Lake we know who also had a son serve in Ukraine) and got a photo with them so go ahead and talk to them when they get back.
Anyway, so as I said, I did get transferred. They gave me a call and told me to bring all of my stuff into Kyiv and then on Saturday Morning, we had a big meeting of all the missionaries and President Steinagel named off everyone's locations. I am now serving in a city called Ivano-Frankivsk with Elder Belashov who is from Eastern Ukraine. I will also be with Elder Fesenko (also from Ukraine) for a week before he finishes his mission and goes home. It is going to be a crazy experience serving with a native, but I am really looking forward to it so it will be fun. They are so funny together and I know this will be a lot of fun with them. We actually just got into Ivano-Frankivsk this morning. It is a beautiful city in the Carpathian mountains. The Shipps will tell you about it I am sure. I am really excited to serve here and can't wait to be able to meet some of the members here. It is going to be great to be able to work with them and help them to get to the temple so they can do their own work, and then do work for all those who are waiting. (Here is where he is now located.)
Well I need to wrap up, but I just want you to know that I have no doubts that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. I have felt the Holy Ghost testify to me that this is true. I know that He guides His church through a living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. President Monson holds all the keys of the kingdom of God on this earth and through him, God is blessing us and giving us an opportunity to learn and grow. I know that temples are Houses of the Lord and that in them we fulfill all that need to be done to return to God. Only through temples is this possible. I know that there we learn about the Plan of Salvation and we enter those covenants that can bring us a fullness of joy. I am so thankful that I can be here at this time, and that the Lord has sent me to Ukraine to be a part of this wonderful part of history and of His work. Christ lives and loves us and He is the way to be happy in this life and forever. I know this is true and I am grateful for this knowledge.
With Love,
Elder Jones
So, the Temple is dedicated now! Everyone here is so excited about it and the members are now ready, and able to get in and do that extremely necessary work. It was truly a great experience. I was with my new companion (I will tell you more later) in the Chapel next to the temple where we saw the dedication broadcast. It was so great to be there and to witness all the members who had waited so patiently finally see this temple dedicated. There were three sessions and we were able to see two of them. The talks given were so incredible and the Spirit was so strong. The dedication prayer itself was full of great promises and gratitude for this event and the members. President Monson was so loving and showed it to all those people that were there. He is such an incredible man and he made it one of the most fun, but also Spiritual events ever. He knew when he could throw in a joke, but he also knew exactly how to listen and follow the Spirit and that really impressed me. I have no doubts that he is a prophet of God.
The Cultural Celebration was incredible too, the night before. The members did a wonderful job of putting it together and they showed how the land of Ukraine has been prepared by the Lord for this event which was really cool. They then had members from each of the different countries in the temple district perform cultural skits full of dance and song. It was truly one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. The culture here is so strong and it made my love for these people even stronger to see all their efforts. Oh and just so you know, I saw the Shipps (a family from Salt Lake we know who also had a son serve in Ukraine) and got a photo with them so go ahead and talk to them when they get back.
Anyway, so as I said, I did get transferred. They gave me a call and told me to bring all of my stuff into Kyiv and then on Saturday Morning, we had a big meeting of all the missionaries and President Steinagel named off everyone's locations. I am now serving in a city called Ivano-Frankivsk with Elder Belashov who is from Eastern Ukraine. I will also be with Elder Fesenko (also from Ukraine) for a week before he finishes his mission and goes home. It is going to be a crazy experience serving with a native, but I am really looking forward to it so it will be fun. They are so funny together and I know this will be a lot of fun with them. We actually just got into Ivano-Frankivsk this morning. It is a beautiful city in the Carpathian mountains. The Shipps will tell you about it I am sure. I am really excited to serve here and can't wait to be able to meet some of the members here. It is going to be great to be able to work with them and help them to get to the temple so they can do their own work, and then do work for all those who are waiting. (Here is where he is now located.)
With Love,
Elder Jones
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 23, 2010
Mom,
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.
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
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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