November 14, 2011

Thanks for those pictures :) I always like getting pictures!

Yeah we ate at the Ambrose Family.. They asked were I was from so I got on Google earth and told them what the lifestyle was like growing up there. I can’t wait to one day move back :) I heard about those missionaries. My heart dropped when I heard that. I could only imagine what those families felt like.... at least they passed in the service of their God right?!?

Lately I have been praying for an investigator who is prepared by the Lord. The other day we received a media referral so we decided to stop by his house. The media referrals we usually get don’t really want to get taught, they just want us to drop of a dvd or a pamphlet. Anyways as we knocked on his door he invited us in and we taught him the restoration. His mom was taught by the missionaries when she was young and she has always kept in contact with those 2 missionaries. After the lesson he asked so many questions and wanted to get taught the next day, he also told us how he wants to lead his family by example and eventually baptize his brother and mom.. He said I want to raise my family on a sure foundation, not raise them the way our dad raised us. Somehow we started talking about miracles and we shared a few.. The spirit was sooo strong!! I told him he was an answer to my prayer! His eyes watered up and so did mine.. This week has been wonderful. We set a date for the 10/ Dec! I’m soo excited he has made this decision. One thing he said that really stood out to me  was -- Mormon people lead by example, they didn’t push me into the church and they were always kind to me, which made me jealous in a way because they were always soo happy-- sometimes we don’t yet realize the impact we can make on someone just by kindness and doing the right thing.. :)

The family we are trying to teach is a hit and miss. The kids are always busy. Hopefully we can get them to mutual and then church. We are also going to see if we can get the mom into the Addiction Recovery Center. It makes me thank Heavenly Father to be raised in such a great family, community and people. The culture in England is horrible. Single moms who don’t care about their children. It’s sad to watch. Like I said awhile back, the church will be the last standing beckon of hope.

Thanks for sending me some packages :) This week we had Zone Conference and Elder Wright attended our meeting. He is the area 70 at the moment! I forgot to bring my little paper of notes so I will get them to you next week. So guess what :) I was going through some old ensigns we have at the flat and came across Pres. Whetten.. haha I was bragging that he was like my 2nd Dad ;) I also saw Benjamin De Hoyos in there.. I hope that is how you spell his name :/  anyways that is it for this week.. I will try to make me emails better and better each time.. I sent home my camera card so you will get all my pictures and funny videos soon!

Thanks for your prayers and keeping my name in the temple.!

I love you!

Bye…Elder Jones

**

I forgot to tell you that in England they wear a poopy flower in remembrance of those in battle.. the Sunday after the 11/11/2011 the whole united kingdom stops for 2 mins.. in church we all stood and stood there in silence.. I thought that was special.. people cried during those 2 minutes and that sacrament meeting was very special.. i forgot to tell you that.. and I also remembered that next year is 12/12/2012 we will never ever see the numbers match up ever agian.. so this next year you party hard woman!!

Halloween Picture

November 7, 2011

HELLO GUYS!! She sent you that picture :) she said she wanted to surprise you and tell you how my progress was going haha, I guess she really did.. I will def tell her what you told me to tell her. WOW that’s great that 2 more boys are leaving! I’m soo happy to hear that! Things are going alright. The family we are teaching is hit and miss kinda.. The mom is an alcoholic and her kids are golden. I wonder how they put up with it all sometimes. So they really have a rough time.  She makes these dolls! She has got a gift of making these dolls, they are crazy, you will just have to see later when you get the package :) yeah so just watch out for my account okay :) I can’t wait to get a postcard from Chicago! i love that place <3<3

It has been a sad week for me in a way. I hope the family feels the prayers that are going out for them and things work out alright. Please send my love to them. People can change! I know that because I have seen it and I’ve seen how people change.. I still have really high hopes for my buddy and I know everything will come out good in the end :) Man what a small world huh?? To know Andre is just walking into all these people! :) ha-ha it makes me laugh. Tell the family how much very I love them and how I feel all the prayers that are going out for me.. If it weren’t for them I probably wouldn’t be doing too well. Thanks everyone. The weeks are getting better but are slowing down.. I’m learning a lot from my scriptures and preach my gospel. I want to get to the point where I can answer everyone’s question with a scripture and also put in my feelings on things :)

I loved that talk about the priesthood! I hope I can purify my heart each day so that when the times come I can call upon the heavens so that I may speak with the tongues of angels.. When I asked you to pray about Wayne the guy that was in the bad accident and how I then told you nothing worked out. Well we helped them move there things into a storage unit the other day and I found myself alone with him.. It was kind of weird but I knew something was going to happen.. He said Jones I will read your Book of Mormon if you read these pamphlets... I gladly took them and set up another appointment with him.. Elder burton said that was odd that he would do that. I studied these pamphlets to know them and his beliefs. I know for a fact that the prayers are being answered in a way. We all need to work on patience.. Heavenly Father answers our prayers when they need to be answered.. So I guess I need to work on having more patience.. These next 2 months or the 4 weeks I’m with Elder Burton we decided to work our behinds off so that we may be able to have a baptism for Christmas.. that’s the goal! I know if we work for it and are faithful to our goals the lord will bless us! I’m hoping we can give that mom I was talking about a blessing so that she may get over her addiction to alcohol and be baptized!

Thank you guys for your prayers and comments!

Love Elder Jones

October 31, 2011

HEY :)
I’m glad to know you finally got that letter.. I thought you might have not received it. I sent a letter to the Primary Children so beware of that letter haha Lately I have been learning who I really am.. This week has been the longest week of my life for some reason but it’s all okay :) Everything is wonderful.. I’m glad you enjoyed my hand written letter! Pres. Shamo is a neat guy.. I’m soo happy to hear how people are concerned about my well being.. You asked if I’m taking my protandim? yess mom I am taking my protandim and all my other pills :) I do get the Ensign.. I am good on pills for now.. I will let you know when I’m getting low. I was wondering if you could send me some of those shoe insoles. The Dr. Shoals or whatever their called. those would be nice! I thought that was great how Dad found my flat! Is our neighborhood safe?? yes and no. I don’t mind. There are tons of what we call chavs ( counsel house and violence) kids.. They’re all talk, they wouldn’t even mess with Elder Burton and I.. Are people nice? not really.. once in awhile you’ll get a cool person but that’s often. We weren’t able to get through to Wayne.. he is so set on his ways and he does not want to even put his effort in to knowing what our religion is. So we dropped him. I heard lil big buddy got called to Bountiful.. that’s great :) For your info I do my own haircuts now! ;) lil big buddy can’t risk cutting a chunk out of that beautiful luscious hair haha jk jk thats def funny how she gave moma 2 a call :D that’s wonderful! hahahha i literally laughed out loud when i heard Logan dressing up as Nacho !! All Elder Burton and I quote is Nacho! lol  They don’t really celebrate Halloween all that much here.. they think it’s all devilish stuff.. I haven’t really used my Spanish here at all.. I’m losing it.. I really am! Hopefully I will get transferred into a Spanish speaking area :) id love that! WHAT??? I’M JEALOUS! I can’t believe you guys are going to Chicago again! All I talk about is Chicago ;) I heard Riley is taking over.. I’m glad he is learning the ways :) hey guess what, your article was on the stripling warriors and such.. this week I have been thinking about the stripling warriors a lot.. It’s a sign ;)


I have been doing my best about obedience with exactness.. like you said there is always a group of what we call the - homeboys-  I have always done my best about being obedient.. I have received a few calls about what they did or what they are planning to do about breaking the mission rules.. It’s sad to watch missionaries do such things.. It was a blessing to watch them be transferred out of this area to another.. Hopefully they will grow up and see the real meaning of things and how they are playing with fire..  I have been reading Jesus the Christ lately.. I suggest you read every time you get a chance.. I’m learning soo much! Hopefully this week we will commit a family to baptism. Mom just get on my email and print off the letters he sends out.. just do it every once in a while okay :) I’ll let you know how this week ends up going! Wish you the best.. I love you too! 

October 31, 2011

October 31, 2011

Dear Sister Jones
I just wanted to write to you to say thank you for sharing your wonderful son with us here in England. My family and I live in the Reading Ward where Elder Jones is serving with Elder Burton. He has visited our home several times now for meals and yesterday my husband brought he and Elder Burton back for breakfast after an early morning priesthood leadership meeting and we took this picture of them outside. I have a son on a mission too at the moment and know how comforting it is to hear from them and hear from others that are ok. I want you to know he has a strong testimony which is growing daily as he serves his mission . He bore his testimony in church recently and expressed his great love and appreciation for you and all you had done for him to support and encourage him to serve his mission. He said he knew he had not always made that easy. I know as a Mom we don't always get to hear those words so I wanted to share that with you . I cried for you!! He is a gentle missionary who is always friendly and welcoming with all he meets. He is excited to share the gospel . We love having the missionaries in our home they bring a special spirit. My husband Andy and I have 4 children and 1grand daughter - Meg 25 married to Luke who have baby Hollie they have just moved back to live with us, Jak 22 married to Sandy living also in Reading Ward, Ethan 20 serving in the England Birmingham Mission and Elliot 16 still studying. Elliot loves to have the elders round and we are grateful for the example they are to him. If there is anything you feel we could do for Elder Jones while he serves in our ward please do not hesitate to ask us.
Love Sue Blackwood and Family xxx

October 24, 2011

HEY FAMILY!!

Wow I really want to know how the meeting will go in San Antonio! That’s GREAT! I bet dad is soooo happy :)

My week has been fantastic! Even though we have been flogged, yelled at and plenty of more stuff but I’m still happy! Things like that don’t seem to bother me as they used too! I guess that is just one of many changes I’m seeing in myself.. The baptism went really well! After the baptism he stood up and said how happy he was to make this choice in his life! He asked me if i could go to the temple with him a year from now :) isn’t that great! I’m glad you are updating my facebook and such :) let them know I’m good I guess if they want to know haha.. My area is really good! This past week was rough because a few of our investigators decided they didn’t want to follow the church, I couldn’t do anything to convince them to come back.. Lately Pres. Shamo has asked us to start teaching and baptizing more families! We have been praying most earnestly to find families! Well 2 days ago we received a referral from another area! We decided to stop by and get to know them! We found out that her 2 youngest kids were living in Spain with their dad and they just randomly decided to move back with their mom! I honestly think they were the answer to my prayer! Sabrina is 15 and James is 14! They EVEN speak Spanish :) isn’t that great :) We are going to start teaching them, hopefully the mom will want to follow the path they are taking :)

Elder Burton and I are doing well! Everyone has their ups and downs but I’ve gotten through them easily by just smiling a lot and laughing! haha I feel like the smile makes everything better ;) That’s sad to see 2 missionaries have a hard time! I wouldn’t let a rough time affect the missionary work! :) The Weather is really good! Everyone in England is surprised on how warm it still is :) I probably brought some of the Mexican weather over here I suppose ;) jk. We don’t have bikes we have the double decker bus to haul us around!! yeyeahh!! ;) We walk a lot though! I think I will need new shoes in months :D

I might be transferred before Christmas! I’m not sure to be honest but I will be with Elder Burton for 6 more weeks! yes I am keeping the letters from my mission president! If you would like mom get on here and go to the folder that says - mission president letters- and print them of every other week so that they won’t get deleted :) Speaking of mail could you get Elder Rowe’s address for me? I think I will always consider him one of my good friends!

That is a really good quote by Elder Packer! I am purifying my heart daily! It’s easy to do on a mission! :) I sure do love serving the lord! I feel soo good all the time its weird haha! Sometimes I ask myself am i really a missionary? I never thought time would come this fast! I’m still trying to catch up! I’m doing really good though.

WOW, I’m glad the wedding went well :) That is awesome that Eagle project worked out! My eyes watered up as i read that too! That is sooo cool! Dad has been extra emotional since I have been gone :) Finally he’s turning into a big softy :) Wow if you’re serious about this marathon you’ll be looking younger than me by the time I get home mom haha! jk we’ll have to run a marathon someday wont we :) thanks for that sweet little quote mom! I have seen both sides of what you’re talking about.. it’s amazing to call upon the heavens and give them a blessing! You can literally feel energy that being send through you to the other person.. I have been reading Jesus the Christ!! I think it is my favorite book! I read that book as much as I can! I’ve never really loved reading until I’ve read the Book of Mormon and Jesus the Christ haha! You guys should def study Jesus the Christ!

Tell Mitchell I’m super happy for him and also that it’s about time the last dog left! haha see I told you Andre would be good.. I talked to him for a while! He is excited for his baptism that is coming along :)

Thanks for everything you do for me mom! I love you tons! I forgot to tell you that I bore my testimony the other day and told everyone how much I loved my mom and my dad and how you and I were best friends and how we did everything together! If it weren’t for my parents I wouldn’t be out here! But I always tell people how good of a relationship I have with you! I sure miss you mom!

love you

Questions From Home - Oct. 13, 2011

Here is another set of questions...just answer them in the same email and send it back;)Love you!

1.  Is is cold yet?  How cold....is your apartment warm? yes it is getting cold :) the apartment is pretty warm! i think you should send me an electric blanket if that’s okay :)

2.  Do you eat with members every day?

 most of the days we do.. once in a while we will throw some food together

3.  How do you do your laundry?

 laundry?? wash it in a washing machine and hang it up to dry!! guess what??? I’m super super good at ironing ;) put Uncle Matt to shame!

4.  Are you getting letters from friends?

 yes im getting letters :)

5.  What is your flat like?  Big...small?  clean...dirty???

 the flat is big sort of clean! i try to keep it clean but my companion freaks out! He is such a pig haha but I’ve dealt with it

6.  What have you learned about yourself since you have been in Reading?

 i have learned that things are a lot easier than they really look

7.  How do you spend your p-days?

 p-days we shop, we get things we need, go out to eat, hang out with other missionaries in other  areas and we take a nap if we can

8.  Where do you go to send emails?

9.  What is the best food you have eaten since you have been in Reading...and the worst food?

 the best.. um probably foo foo made by the Africans :) and the worst.. a nasty lasagna lookin stuff the English look.. no flavoring in it whatsoever

10.  Do you get to do anything fun on p-day?  Basketball?

 Yes, with other missionaries..love it!

11.  How far is the temple from you?

 the temple is an hour away! we don’t get to go :/

12.  What do you miss from home...that you can't get over there??

 i just miss my awesome family and my horses! if i do miss a certain thing il tell you :)
thank you for that wonderful package mom! it really did make my month.. i was having a sad day and i said a lil prayer that  i would get it and i got it and it all went up hill :)

***Muneca and Reina say hi!!!  They came for a visit yesterday..I gave them apples...Riley rode Muneca and brushed them

both really well.  Reina is in love with the gay horses....she cries when she isn't with them!;)

 stupid gay horses!!! haha i cannot believe that have brought her into the homo fold!! MESSEED UPPP!!!! lol

I love you Sonny!!!!

Elder Jones 1st Baptism!

October 17, 2011

HEY MOM!!

I finally received one package! You said you sent two! Hopefully this Tuesday I'll get the other one! WOW I cannot believe that MTC letter took that long to get there! NOT COOL!!

The baptism this Saturday was a success! He was soo happy to make that 1st step! We gave him a wonderful blessing in church and we also confirmed him there as well.. I will send you pics for sure :) I have been blessed to be in Reading.. I’m learning tons! I will hopefully have another investigator being baptized on the 12 of November! This guy we are teaching is named Francis! He is also African! That has been one of the most powerful teaches I have been in soo far! Strong Words were flying out of my mouth! I felt like Elder Holland for a sec haha ;) I won’t say everything I said in that teach but I can tell you that scriptures that I really didn’t even know of came out of my mouth.. The spirit was extremely strong and if all goes well this guy will take that 1st step to his salvation as well!

WOW I cannot believe Max broke his shoulder! Tell him I said to stop hitting people so hard haha ;) jk But I am happy to know and hear how wonderful things are right now! The scriptures you were telling me about were brilliant I mean great!!  :D I always like quotes or great scriptures because I have really applied them and I have seen the things that come from them! I’m thankful for the priesthood! I never really realized the power of it! People have talked of amazing experiences to me about the priesthood  and I never had it stick in my brain! But since I have really seen how it works and looked back on those experiences I have heard I will never ever doubt it!!

I know my letters are short but before I close I met this guy named Wayne. Wayne does not have legs, he is Scottish, his left arm is severely burned and as well as his face! He told me of an experience that made him the way he is! He said he went to a club with his wife and his 2 best friends! All 4 of the were jacked up on alcohol and ecstasy! Something happened at the club so they decided to leave! They were going extremely fast back home and they rolled their car and hit a huge tree. The car then caught on fire and everyone died except him! He said - I remember waking up while the car was upside down on fire and I could feel the wet grass on my left hand! 3 days later I woke up in  a hospital! The reason why I share this experience is because I feel strongly impressed that my close experience to death will hopefully relate to his in a way and I could get through him.. Missionaries have tried and he will not accept the things which they have taught him. Pray for me that I will be able to see his heart, his needs and answer his questions! til next week!

fLove you mom

October 10, 2011

HEYY !! or should I say hello to all my fellow chaps!!! jk soo when I 1st got here people would say- alright -to me and I would -say yeah im fine!!- but alright here means- hey how are you doing!- and instead of saying- thank you- i say- cheers mate- :D pretty cool huh! I wish I was super fast at typing so I can write my heart out!

That quote that Dan told you about was true in a way! All the missionaries here have had a life changing or have had life changing experiences who have made them who they really are! I had taken many experiences that I had gone through and that others have gone through to help others feel comfort, to let them know that the Lord and others are walking next to them.. Like you said you see me becoming a man of God! In a way I see it but I don’t quite catch the whole thing.. President Walker said.. you will see the true impact of your mission 20-30 years after it.. soo i guess I’ll see that -real- change in 20-30 years.. I see a great change in myself, doing things I never thought I could.. The other day I gave this guy a blessing.. He has paranoid schizophrenia or however you spell that last word, but he asked me for a blessing.. I was on exchange with another missionary and he asked me instead of the guy teaching him.. I still don’t remember what I said after that blessing but I just remember seeing his face as I walked out of his house.. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.. Even though I have been out a month I have seen the change in people’s lives! There are days when I break down in tears to thank the Lord for the opportunity to be here serving a mission..

Tell sis Bluth I said hi and I hope her arm gets feeling better! I know that feeling of having an arm in a cast! NOT FUN! lol I still haven’t gotten the 1st package you sent! I hope I get it soon! If you want to send a package of valuable stuff.. send it to the mission home.. I don’t want to worry about someone stealing it especially on Christmas.. I’ll def let you know if i get them and how long it took for them to get here.. Tell Mari Andre will be fine.. I gave him some things to do to better things and I’m almost positive it will all work out! :) Let me know if you want me to fast or pray for anyone in particular okay :)  I’m glad every one of my friends are going on missions! I hope those who don’t want to will think about going on one someday!

Sounds like everything is fun! I’m glad I’m not home to make 600 empanadas ;) if Bethany is freaking out tell her not to, she’s just getting married it’s not that big of a deal lol jk ITS A HUGE DEAL!!!!!  I can’t wait to see what our iron rod hands look like! Hey i really want to see what my missionary plaque looks like.. do you think you can take a pic of it and send it to me :) thanks! I think I’ll just send that letter you asked me about through the mail.. i don’t have tons of time so will just do that okay :) a hand written letter is always better than an email that’s for sure!

Dad was telling me about  that situation! I wished I was around to be in that meeting :) you asked about sending a blanket! HECK YEAH! I’ll let you know when I get the package 1st and then will see about sending it okay! Am I getting enough to eat?? Well African food is heavy stuff.. My body is working 3 times as hard to digest it so by trying to digest it I’m getting skinny! haha jk i have put on weight but I work it off or I take the anti fat pills the sister missionaries left behind lol

My baptism is this Saturday!  I cannot wait!!!!!! it’s going to be brilliant! I’ll take pictures :) think about me dunkin this huge African man that is twice my size on Monday alright :)

love you! love your prayers and letters!

LOVE ELDER JONES

October 3, 2011

Hey Dad! yes we do watch it all day clear up unto the late night! I’m jealous you guys get to eat all that Mexican food! :) food here isn’t that great but it’s not bad just really plain and simple.. I hope you know I’m doing really well! I’m loving my mission and I’m loving the things I learn each day! I have taught some great people and I’m learning to be more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost! It makes me happy to know how many people are coming to church.. I guess that is just one simple little blessing of having young men serve missions. Please update me on miracles or nice little experiences that you have! You are my hero Dad and you will always be it.. The things I love the most about my mission is watching people feel the joy I feel.. Watching them change and watching small and simple miracles. It sounds like you are happy with the business growing.. :) I am happy too! I hope all goes well for it all and what is left with the crops go well as well.. I gave my 1st healing blessing just yesterday. I love giving blessings because I love hearing what the Lord or what the Spirit puts in my mind to say! Your blessings and your experiences have strengthened my understanding of things! I have seen a lot of crazy things happen so far and I have only been out a month or so. I look forward to everyday of what the lord and life will put in my path!

sure do love you Dad!

October 3, 2011

Hey MOM! I have been sooo good lately! Everything is going really well! I did talk to Andre and he told me he was struggling with certain things.. I’m not exactly sure what they were.. he made me promise him that I would NOT go home and I made him the same promise! So moma numba 2.. lil big buddy will be all good I promise! This week has been good.. Although the people here in England are not as friendly as the Mexican culture I still find a way to love them and care for them.. You asked a little about general conference... as you know I’m 7 hours ahead of you so that means I was at church from 10 in the morning to about 11 at night.. we watched the whole thing live! It was GREAT! The whole time I was listening to every word, I thought to myself when I was home I would NOT have the energy to watch the whole thing.. many times I remind myself and I’m struck in amazement of how much energy missionaries have! I don’t know how the Lord does it. Before I came out here I received a blessing from President Walker for strength.. Since that blessing my hips and back have never failed me.. mom at times I feel like someone is walking for me, I don’t know how to explain it but I’m sure you know. This General Conference a few missionaries came together.. In our area we have 2 sister missionaries, one of them has anxiety REALLY bad and I guess she has been sick for awhile.. she came to me and asked for a blessing of healing.. this was my 1st blessing of healing.. I was nervous, I felt like my heart was going to bust out of my chest.. I told her she would be healed of her sicknesses and afflictions that held her back on her mission, that people were waiting for her and that God loved her! I said many more things that I don’t remember.. I was reminded of what I said and I told her through her faith is the only way this will come true..between the 4th and 5th Session of General Conference they showed a Mormon message on pioneers! MOM remember the people we saw in JosA Bank when we were buying my suits.. the older couple! WELL GUESS WHAT!?! I guess they were from this little town and they were on this video thing.. the older man was the 1st temple president of the Monticello Temple in San Juan Utah! Also they were the 1st small temple ever! I was so happy to see that video! I just had to tell you that! Another thing I was SO HAPPY to see ELDER ALONSO give that talk! I think I smiled through that whole talk! I love that guy! lol About my investigator.. I think I did tell you a little about him but here is an update. he is a bouncer for a club. his baptismal date is for the 15th of this month and apparently he got beat up! lol I felt bad for him.. he really wanted to come to conference but I guess he was - sore- haha I sure love this guy. The next guy will hopefully be baptized at the end of this month! He is also very curious about the gospel and really wants to be baptized!

Sounds like everything is going really well at home.. send my regards to everyone who asks and tell them I’m doing really well and I love being out here! You asked about me being homesick?? um I don’t really think about home cause I’m worried about the people I teach so therefore I’m not homesick! but I’m sure sometimes I will get a lil homesick.. A couple of new investigators dropped us but its fine.. I know that they felt the truthfulness of the message I share and they chose to deny it and follow the world.. it’s alright they could take that up with Jesus when they die lol.. it’s weird sometimes being a missionary because people trust you soooo much that they just open up and share everything.. most of the time I’m like uhh uhhh ohhh yeah umm okay I think that’s okay alright I don’t need to hear that lol :) I taught this guy in Spanish the other day.. his wife is from Honduras and he is from Spain.. she being a hardcore catholic didn’t want to listen to me, so I told her I received a few blessings from catholic ladies as well anyways long story short I got her to be on my side.. We were teaching her husband about the Mormon church! isn’t that funny! i think with time she will follow her husband and be baptized! Awesome huh!!

I’m still needing to buy a couple of things and then I will be set! So watch out for my debit card okay.. the money I brought with me over here I used to buy a heavy nice coat the other day.. I got a nice deal on it.. so just watch out for what I buy okay.. Give my number to Aunt Rachelle’s Dad.. we have our phone on us all the time so he is welcome to call and perhaps we could get a lunch going on.. Mom I won’t be able to deny it but I have felt people walking with me, I feel strongly about Colton and Grandpa Max being here with me.. I feel like since he didn’t let me hang out with him before he died he is doing his best to show me his love as well as Colton and Gracie! I’m thankful for all the prayers and nice comments people say about me and send through you to me! I’m very happy and I’m doing really well!

<3 Elder Jones

September 19, 2011 - Questions....

QUESTIONAIRE

1.  Are you cold?

cold? yeah its cold here but its not to bad.. it feels really good :)

2.  What is your companion like?  Do you like him?

elder pollard from the mtc was a wonderful guy,, knew a lot and was nice! we got a long REALLY well. ,my new companion is awesome. i love him. were still getting to know eachother. hes a spirtual guy and a hard worker his name is elder burton

3.  What food are you eating?  Anything new?

ive been eating a lot of everything.. in the mtc they fed us well! it was really good.. i gained 3 pounds fromt that mtc! but im slimming back down ;)

4.  How many times have you gone to the temple?

we had the oppurtunity to go twice! i wish you could have felt the spirit with 28 missionaries in a room.. my heart was going to pop out of my chest <3

5.  Did you get the package I sent?  Have you gotten regular mail?

i got the package! everythiing is really good.. i got the letters! they just took a while to get to me unfortunately.. but i got them :)

6.  What day do you go to your mission?

im here at my mission already

7.  Will we get to talk to you before you go?

and no they didnt let us call or anything. they just gave us 15 minutes to get on the computer to telll you we were going to be in our areas..

8.  What have you learned about yourself that you didn't know before?

that i could study the scriptures without falling asleep and that god forgives, to let go of the past and move on, ive learned how to relate and teach people, ive learned i love the scriptures, ive learned a lot.. but about myself? probably how much go loves me.. never realized it.. but ive had time,  blessing and a patriarchal blessing to think about! im ready to serve the lord :)

9.  What have been some of your responsibilities as District Leader?

my responsablitiles have been simple.. leading them, concoling them. anything you can think of basically.. wasnt to hard.. the 1st week was hard on me.. i should have been more responsible and focuseed and i let my group down.. i was dissapointed. but i wouldnt take anything back cause i have learned much from it

10.  What had been the best part of the MTC experience?

mtc expirience?? i dont really have one in general other than it went well and i learned a lot.. it was hard.. i couldnt relax and the blessing i was given and the expiriences shared and gone through were wonderful

11.  Are you keeping a detailed journal?

yes i am keeping a detailed journal.. still trying to get used to all of it :)

12.  Are you taking pictures?

yess im taking pictures :) i have taken about 200 and something soo il send you the pictures soon

13.  Do you love your Mom;)  hahaha!!

yesssss! she is my best friend and always has been my best friend. my eyes water up as i write this one sentence :) love you mom

September 19, 2011

Thank goodness you got them! I was wondering the whole time if you received them or not.. Dad told me about the hail storm that took place in Fernandez?!?! DANG!!! and it made me cry to know that miracles are taking place because of faithful missionaries! That made me happy! I’m doing really good! I’m very happy mom! I know the MTC was a little rough on the start but I’m feeling good. I have realized how hard on myself i really am, I’ve tried to do better and relax just a lil. Dad told me about that situation as well.. That is rough. I know of 2 missionaries that went home from the London South because of depression. But nothing big. Like I said Reading isn’t a huge area but there are a lot of different cultures in this area as well. I just happened to be in the ghetto kind of area.. It’s ROUGH.. There are shady people and tons of sketchy girls if you know what iImean! .  There are lots of people to teach! Everything is going really well.. I’m hoping, praying and crossing my fingers that we will have 2 or 3 baptisms this month or the next.  We are teaching some great people. My companion has been out for 1 year and 3 months.. he is a really good missionary.. His last companion wasn’t a good guy so he said I’ve finally gotten a missionary who wants to work hard. He is happy because we are picking the area up again and trying our best. About the pictures, i told Sis. Williams that you didn’t  get it. maybe you just had so many emails that you didn’t pay attention or something.. But it’s good you have it now. I’m glad you are printing my letters out! I want to see how I progressed and if i forget anything I’ll go back and read them.. Tell Pres. Whetten I said hi and I’m thankful for him and the great friend he has been to me and the advice he has given me! love that man!!  Money wise! Um i do need to get a jacket soon! It’s starting to get cold here! I can see the fog or vapor or whatever it is off my breath and it’s barely September soo yes I’m going to have to buy a few more things and i will be set! And i would LOVE to get a box! Just throw all kinds of stuff in it! It would make me happy! Throw one of those armor of God coins in for Elder Burton.. He said he lost his and he was quite bummed soo then if i give him one he will always remember me and he will be all happy and stuff!! 

That’s funny that Bethany’s wedding is going to be like that! I can only picture Colton standing there all awkwardly wondering what in the heck is going on lol.. Hh tell Bethany to tell Colton that one of my MTC teachers could have been his cousin or maybe brother.. They looked soo much like each other it was weird! hahaha! That Tenny Ranch reunion sounds like tons of fun!  I always like to hear when something happens! Because then you always have a story to tell  :) oops I didn’t know that it was Grandpa Maxs thing.. I wish I would have remembered.. After my talk Grandma walked up to me with tears in her eyes saying i know Grandpa is proud of you and he loves you! I am glad to know I have a brother a sister and a grandpa as my angels! I have felt many times comfort or guidance from them and the Holy Ghost.. Lately I have thought about all my close to death accidents and every time I feel like Gracie and Colton and maybe grandpa Max were the ones protecting me Mom! I won’t ever be able to explain what took place in side of that car because I hold it dear to my heart.. yes there have been times wereIi have looked back and been a little sad about things in my past but when I talked to my mission president about the things that i would bring me down he talked to me for a while and gave me a scripture.. I don’t think I have ever cried that much in my life.. I know I have a high tolerance for pain but when it comes to spiritual stuff i am SO WEAK!!!!! haha and all this mission stuff is making is much worse ;) lol but I don’t mind.. My testimony is growing like crazy <3 the ward here is one of the best from what I heard.. People are always so kind to jump in and feed us! People are always curious about my life and how it was living in Mexico and Elder Burton just sits there all quite.. I FEEL SO BAD haha soo i keep talk short. We are teaching about 6 people and they are working towards baptism! Its SWEET :) and Pres. Walker just gave blessings to people that asked for them or he felt people needed.. He gave me such a wonderful blessing.. I wish I could have recorded it! But I guess next time I’ll be sure to do my best to remember.. I sure do love being a missionary! Everything is going good! Still adjusting but once I really get into a week or 2 I’ll have some fun experiences to share!

<3 Elder Jones

More MTC Pictures.....

MTC Photos

First picture...Elder Jones...after arriving at the MTC.

Elder Jones travel group from the US.

Flags of each of the countries of the Elders currently in the MTC

Street contacting with Elder Pollard...companion in the MTC

Beautiful England

The River Ribble...where the first baptisms in the UK happened.

September 16, 2011

Hey mom soo I have finally gotten to my new area.. I’m in a place called Reading.. pronounced Reding :) My companion is named Elder Burton.. he is from West Jordan Utah.. he’s a nice guy. I met president Shamo and his wife. They sure are nice people.. Before Ileft the MTC President Walker gave me a wonderful blessing.. In the blessing he said that I would have a GREAT love for my mission president. We have clicked soo good.. We had a long talk about everything.. :) After that I met president  McClellin. He is a nuclear technician kind of thing.. He looks for nuclear fuels, sure is a nice guy.. I then met President Martin who was an area 70, stake president 2 times.. Anything you can think of he had already done it.. After that I met President Jones ;) when I 1st saw him i ran up and said - dad???-- haha he laughed.. He told me that Jones means the son of john.. you guys could do some research on that :) these guys are sure great. I’m blessed and lucky to have them leading the way for me.. After i met my companion we spent the night in the mission home. Next morning which was yesterday we drove to our area which is an hour drive, we got to our flat which means apartment and I set up. it’s a nice place :) I’m taking as many pictures as i can :) they’re good ones though ;) I’m learning a lot!! i think it’s already been a month and I can’t believe it! I wrote a bunch of letters home to the family.. I hope you have gotten them. Today we are buying groceries and settling in.. on Monday we are going to have a fresh start and baptize the Reading area ;)  the area I’m in is pretty but not gorgeous or anything.. there are lots of different people in this area.. I ate some Indian food yesterday ;) you can’t eat it with a fork or spoon; you have to eat with your hands. So yep I got tons of hand sanitizer :) before I left the MTC I gave Elder Pollard a really good blessing.. I was surprised what I said.. His dad has cancer and isn’t a member, he has been having kind of a rough time.. But what I said exactly in the blessing was awesome. Also it was my 1st blessing I have ever given.. Yeah I can say I was super nervous, but I’m amazed how god and the priesthood work. Oh I forgot my charger to my razor and my cord to my camera that  connects to the computer.. it would be wonderful if you could send those to me mom. <3 during one of the week’s I was in the MTC we had the opportunity to go tracting in a park.. Elder pollard and I ended up teaching 10 people and gave out 8 books of Mormon and every single one of them promised they would read and pray to know if the things were true. this all happened in between 2 hours.. we were blessed to have so much success in that short time.. I thought that was fun! But yeah in the letter I sent home I talked about my blessing soo let me know what you think. President  Shamo is such a great guy.. I love him and his wife.. yeah so if there is anything else let me know and I’ll do my best to write back k :) and mom I don’t miss Facebook or my phone soo BAM I never had an addiction ;) jk I was thinking if you can print out all my emails and stuff and keep them in a folder soo when I get home I can read them all :) 

Sure do love you! love Elder Jones

August 31, 2011

I love you dad!! I sent mom a big letter on how everything is! :D I wish I could write a big long letter about everything :) My MTC president likes all the same stuff I do :) He grew up on a ranch so I told him when he gets back will either go rope or go ride horses up the canyon:) I think once I get out to the field I will have a little more time and write you a lot of stuff :) I miss my dad that”s for sure... I know we rarely had time to really talk and those times were when I’d drive you around to chihuahua or around town!  I went to the temple today! loved it.. especially cause I understood a lot cause of all the tips and pointers you gave me.. you have helped me out.. I also want to thank you for that letter you gave me!! before I left I printed out the letter you wrote me a year ago or so! That helped me out.. my time on this is running out! I love you dad! Thanks for being my best friend

September 6, 2011

Hey dad! I hope you are doing well.. I sent a letter home.. I think I’ll send another before I leave telling you guys about my spiritual experiences I have had so far! I’ve been thinking a lot about you for some reason and I’m not exactly why? I’ve got this feeling where I should just ask how your doing? Is everything okay dad? I miss you and love you.. Know that I’m doing my absolute best.. it didn’t take much to adapt or anything.. I’m doing good :) I was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting the other day. I sent you a copy in the letter I sent.. ------ this is what I sent grandpa..
Hey grandpa and grandma!! I’m having a really good time.. I never thought you could learn this much, be this tired and feel the spirit as strong as it’s being felt.. being in this MTC is such a blessing. They take time to work with you one by one and teach you what you could strengthen on and work on! Thanks for those scriptures and thoughts.. I’ve printed it out to study it a little bit more! The other day I was assigned to give a talk in sacrament meeting.. I talked on obedience and then compared that subject to the pioneers and there obedience.. I told them that they all have a pioneer either being converted or having an actual pioneer cross the plains for them. I then compared to us as the express riders.. we are out here giving our life's up to save the people, to rescue them from the cold, from the world and basically just save them spiritually.. im learning so much everyday. I’m so grateful to be out here. I am going to be in the MTC for about 10 more days and then I’m off  to good ol LONDON :) I’m thankful for your examples and for the love you guys have given me.. also for the prayers!! I sure do love you grandma and grandpa! - Elder Jones-

DAD I just want to thank you for everything..I’ve thought about your example and the miracles I have seen happen through you.. I hope and dream that I can do something such as that! love you-- love bub

August 31, 2011

Soo..... Sis. Walker hooked me up and gave me 30 more mins haha!! sawwwweeet!! i miss everyone a lot..everyday we walk down stairs and just HOPE there are letters in those boxes! AHH now I know what missionaries go crazy for are those stupid letter lol if you get on the site of Preston MTC, I think there will be a lot of picture of us up on the thing... I'm not sure what but she has been talking a lot of pics and I have too.. also don't worry about me writing in the journal cause I'm def doing that! tell max im proud of him and I'll be thinking about him.. I love getting these long letters but sad I really can't write that much back haha! soorry :/ other than that tell Rooster I said I loved him and I'm sorry for always giving him such a hard time.. I just wanted him to succeed and never wanted him to fail.. and tell him to do his best in football if he plays and school! School most importantly! Tell Victoria to have more patience and not be soo quick to jump out on things.. Some missionaries are having a hard time but more than all of them are doing soooooo good! All these guys are seriously bomb! The guys that are going to my mission are all Scotish, Danish, German and thats it! There is one kid from Argentina and one kid from Nuevo Leon.. I was like whaaaatt???? he went to the Benemerito and knows Deseret! fuuny.. tell Dad I miss him and I know we got into a lot of arguments cause we both have diffrent opinions I still listened to everything he said.. crazy to think every one of my buddy's are all over the world.. haha but like for reals I didn't think it was possible to be this tired lol.. and like ANDRE said at the end of my days I feel like I'm on top of the world.. I can't explain it but its amazing!! Don't worry I've been taking a lot of pictures :) I'm amazed with the pics.. I was like is that me or is that the camera ;) later mom!! talk to you next week <3

August 31, 2011

Hey Family!!

I'm sooo tired mom it’s unreal! the plane ride was way fun cause the kid I sat next to was the kick boxing champion of all of England so we talked FOREVER :) since we had soo much in common and all ;) but anyways I  told him about our church and he thought it was awesome that I came on a mission! I wrote him a letter and all and told him too look into everything and gave him my email for more questions! pretty great huh.. yeah I know! other than that the MTC is way awesome.. Pres. and Sis. Walker who are our teachers or pres. of the mtc is such a neat guy.. he married Pres Hinckley's daughter :D Sis. Walker told me that Pres. Hinckley had a HUGE love for our town and was ALWAYS worried and concered towards us! It felt sooooo good to hear that mom, you have no idea... I'm one of the district leaders here and it a lot of work.. my companion is a guy from Draper named Elder Pollard.. great kid!! other than that the real reason Riley was in my bed was because its the most comfortbale bed ever!! haha also im sooooo tired you have no idea.. our days are from 6 to 9. I'll just give you an idea.. when people talk to you in classs your soo tired you just fall asleep WHEN they're talking to you lol or when your writing something out you fall asleep and you either have to scrible it out cause you dont know what you were writing hahaha! I think thats pretty funny!! yeah soo as soon as I fill up my camera card I'll be sure to send it to you soo you can post all my stuff up on facebook:) alright I look forward to every wednesday cause thats our p-day... oh and also we went to the temple today with all the missionaries... seriously one of the coolest things ever!!!

LOVE YOU!!! LOVE THE FAMILY TOO!!!

LOVE JORDAN

I mean ELDER JONES

Saying Good-Bye......For 2 Years!...........

On the morning of August 25, we packed the car with your things and headed for the airport

in El Paso.  Your flight left at around 1:15....stopped in Atlanta for you to meet up with

more missionaries and then on to England.  We left home....and about the time we were going through

Janos...Pres. Whetten called to give you some last words of advice.  You really enjoyed talking

to him.  He told you to work hard, and be obedient.  And then, about the time we were in

Ascencion, you announced that you had fogotten your wallet!  Thankfully I had

your passport in my purse...but in your wallet was your debit card, your money and most

importantly your temple recommend.  Oh well....I ended up sending it to you a week later.

We arrived at the airport...checked you in, and walked to the escelator where we knew we

had to tell you good-bye.

All the pictures we have of you are from behind.  You didn't want to take pictures...you didn't want

to smile.  You seemed pretty overwhelmed with the whole experience....and I

can't say that I blamed you. 

We stopped at the bottom of the stairs...we all hugged and through alot of tears, we

said our good-byes.  Your hugs seemed extra tight.  We all told you how much

we loved you and off you went.  We stayed and watched you until we couldn't see you

anymore.  It was one of the hardest things we have ever done...knowing we won't

see you for two years.  On the other hand...I have imagined how this day would be

for many years.  I have shed many tears just thinking about it...and I sure shed many

tears as I watched you walk away from us. 

You never turned back.  You just kept moving ahead.

I am sure we must have been quite a site...with all of our tears as we were leaving the

airport.  We walked back to the car.  No one said anything...just alot of crying.

We sat in the car for a few minutes...trying to gather ourselves.  We drove away

slowing..wondering what we should do and where we should go.  It was just so sad.
Dad really shed some tears!  The only place that would make him feel better was...you guessed it....
Harbor Freight!  haha  We did a little shopping....had some lunch....and then headed home.
Home was sad....we cried for days.  If anyone mentioned your name I burst into tears.
The next Sunday...after you left....Sis. Jewell Bluth told us that her great-neice was one of
the sister missionaries in your travel group.  She knew who you were...she said you took
charge of the travel group and made sure they were all accounted for and on the flight...
I thought that was great...given you are the youngest in your group.  She also said you were
a pretty spiritual guy!  Although hard to let you go....we are so proud of you for
taking 2 years from your life to serve Heavenly Father!

He Is Elder Jones....

On the evening of Aug. 24, the entire family gathered at our home...along with

Bishop Robinson and a few of Jordan's friends, for Jordan to be set apart at Elder Jones.

The Stake President...Dad...and also Pres. Magadan led the meeting.  We had an opening prayer,

and then everyone was asked to share a bit of advice or their testimony.

It was wonderful to hear the thought of those who love you Jordan....your Grandparents...your

Aunts and Uncles...your sweet cousins, who love you so very much and especially your brother

and sister...who cannot imagine life without you around.  Everyone expressed how grateful they

were for your example of service for the younger members of our extended family.  Lot and lots of

tears were shed.  You too gave a beautiful testimony.  Dad gave you a wonderful blessing,

he said it was one of the hardest things he has done, because he was so filled with emotion.

After the setting apart and all the hugs and tears....we invited everyone for cake, and to take

a minute to write a note to you on a pillow case that you took with you.  The pillow case was

filled with loving notes for a family who loves you very much!

When I told you that you could think of your family each night as you layed your head down to

sleep...you quickly said..."what if I drool???  I will wake up with lettering from the pillowcase

tatooed on my face!"  I thought that was sooo funny!!  You said you were going to hang

that pillow case in whatever area you live...like a flag...your Title of Liberty!

Cousin Loly....your sister Victoria and Cousin Niki...will miss you more than you can

understand.  They said..."who will look out for us know???"  with tears in their eyes.

You have been a great cousins....they love you very much!

I don't think I have seen more tears...than from those three girls, knowing you

will be gone for two years.

One thing I though was so sweet...was the moment you were set apart...you reached for your name

tag and places it carefully on your suit.  No one asked you to do that...you did it on your own.

I saw the mantle settle on you...you are now a missionary.

I caught a glimpse of you....I was glad my camera was close by....you were deep in thought,

the house had cleard out...and what I noticed most was the phrase above your head....

"There is no place like home!"

I know how much you love "home"...I also know that you are ready!  You are ready

for this experience that you have been planning and preparing for since the day you

were born!  This day came very fast, My Boy....but I am thrilled with your decision

to serve our Heavenly Father!