Lost in Translation, and a Thanksgiving...Chicken?

Week 14

SO this week was pretty cool.  We found 2 New investigators!!!!!!! (Yes that is a lot of investigators)  The First on was an Old dude named Meesha, the other was a less old, but still old guy named Vova.  Meesha, has a lot of health problems, and is actually getting Heart treatmetn done today, im hoping next time we see him we can offer him a priesthood blessing, and then he will feel the spirit, and then he will keep commitments, and then he will get baptized, and then he will go to the temple! but it all starts with the spirit.  Vova is totally new, so we ran into him on the street, and were talking about God(Because thats what we do) and he believed that he was perfectly happy, and that faith in God couldnt help him no way no how.  Well Elder Bunker turned to me and was like "Dude, share your fav verse with him"  I was thinking "Crap, hes gonna leave the minute I pull that book out" But I asked him if I could share a quick verse with him, and he said yeah.  So I pulled out the book, and then we explained to him"We always pray before reading the holy writings, may we say a quick prayer right now to ask for the spirit to be with us?", he didnt mind, so prayer, and then I opened up to Moroni 10:3-5, and I explained to him that verse 5 was my favorite, because it meant that the Holy Ghost could help us with everything.  We then talked a little bit and asked him if there was another time he could meet with us and he said On sunday(Yesterday), we then asked him if we could say another prayer with him to thank God for the holy writings, we did, he seemed really humbled by our message, and took the Book of Mormon.  Its so cool when you meet someone who has never encountered the spirit and thinks they are perfectly fine with out it, then you say a prayer, and share a scripture, and all the sudden they just like, "Shoot dang, that was cool, do you guys feel like this all the time?" They dont say that, but they sure do think it! So Valeree is the only other investigator to really say much about, he has been struggling with Understanding the Book of Mormon, and he said "Man I wish there was a childrens version of this book"  Elder Bunker was thinking after that "We have that! Why didnt I think of that!" so we got him a childrens book of mormon and he loved it so much.  We read it with him, and he was hooked, we were like, okay we want you to read the next story at home,(he didnt know we were gonna give him the book until then)  And he like freaked out and just started reading it as fast as he could.  I think that book will really help him feel of the truthfulness of the Book oF Mormon, and the Prophet Joseph smith.  

Cool story: Remember how I asked you all to pray for Elder Biesinger, and Elder Mccleary, well like basically the next week they found one, so like keep the prayers coming for us because the power of prayer is real.

​​Okay, are you ready to have all of your minds blown? I eat cereal, for breakfast, with milk!  Thats right, I broke the taste barrier, now I am confident I could eat anything In Ukraine, heck id even try the meat jello.  Elder bunker is really helping with my pickiness, he keeps on buying things I dont like, and then gives them to me, and if I dont eat them he calls me a baby, but then I grow to like them, so its cool.  He says hes going to get to the point where he could buy me a box of rusty nails, give them to me, and I would eat them, but we will see.

​Speaking of Food thanksgiving was pretty normal, we went to Elder Mcclearies and Biesingers apartment and they cooked for us(We always cook for them on sunday so it was their way of showing appreciation)  We had chick, over cooked potatoes(Elder Mccleary messed up), and crossants filled with jelly.​ It was good.

Well I think that is about it, there werent very many funny things that happened this week, but a few weeks ago we saw a guy that was so drunk that he just slowly fell to the ground, his face hit first, it was like watching a train wreck, but it was really funny.

Oh wait something funny did happen:  I had to translate Priesthood meeting for elder Schumway yesterday, and it sucked.  IT was hard to  hear the teacher in the first place, and I didnt even know the meaning of the topic, apparently it was dilligence.  I managed to translate maybe 40-60% of what was said, and the rest of the time me and Elder Schumway just stared blank faced at the teacher.  I love you all so much!

Dear Jax,

Did you know that 13% of your mission is completed?  and on December 3 you will have served 100 days!  That is awesome!  I am so proud of you!

I loved all the pictures last week!  Keep them coming!

We had Thanksgiving break this week.  It went really good.  We spent a lot of time at the cabin and dad and Dakkon came for thanksgiving dinner.  Dakkon spent the weekend with us so that was a lot of fun.  Everyone came for Thanksgiving dinner since grandma and grandpa will be in Fiji next year!  It snowed the day before so there was a winter wonderland. Plus, Jordy finished his year on no talking about girls so Adam is getting him and iPad air with a keyboard, so he is thrilled!  It was a good weekend.  Jen and Casey came up yesterday for the day.

I had a cool experience with my book progress this week.  I had told only a couple people (mom, mikey, lynds) that I finished the rough draft.  I wasn't sure what to do with it.  I got nervous about sending it in to the publisher and started to change my mind.  I was praying a ton about it, but really was talking myself out of it.  Monday night I was praying hard about it and talked with Dad about sending it in on tuesday, or maybe wait until next week...or just forget about it.  Well, tuesday morning I woke up to an email from the editor that I have been talking too.  It said "I heard through the grapevine that you finished your rough draft, how do you feel about it?  I would love to read it..."  I was in shock.  I knew it was a direct answer from Heavenly Father that I was supposed to send it in.  So I emailed her back and sent it in.  I spent all day trying to figure out how she would have found out.  It made no sense!  I hadn't told anyone!!!!  So then I remember that last week in church I saw Stacey Ralphs for like 10 seconds and told her that I had finished the rough draft.  I called her up and asked her about it.  She was like, "Oh, I was talking with my brother last night about how my parents are doing and then asked him about his job.  He works at Cedar Fort publishing and I remembered you told me that you were submitting to them.  So I told him about you and that you had finished your rough draft and he said he hadn't heard anything about it.  I told him a few things and then we went back to talking about my parents."  ------SOOO  he must have sent out a mass email to all the editors asking who was working on my book and said that I had finished.  It is just crazy that Heavenly Father knows us so well.  He knew that I would second guess sending it in and prompted me to tell the 1 person that would be able to get the message to the editor that I had finished on the exact day I was praying about sending it in, but was totally chickening out!  So that was really special for me, and I feel like Heavenly Father is guiding and directing this path.

OK....are you ready to have your mind blown???  Cassidy Kartchner is ENGAGED!  WHAT!?!  I know crazy right?  I am dying over it.  It totally blew dakkon's mind.  He was like, so she is getting married and I still eat go gurts..hmm   Funny.  I can't get over it:)

I think about you everyday and am always praying for you.  I love you so much and really miss you.  Your email last week totally made my whole week!  I am dying to know what the letter said that you needed to hear.  I want you to know that I did pray hard about those letters and my intent was that you would be lead to them when you needed them most.  So that made me so happy.  Plus, it was super validating for me as a mother and I loved that you called me "your darling mother"  so sweet...loved it.  Thanks for that!!!

So questions this week...

1-what was said in the letter that you needed to hear?

2-  How is your companionship going?  Do you like Elder Bunker? 

3-  Did you talk with Elder Biesinger about the fact me and his mom went to lunch?

4-  I need details about Christmas skypeing.  Time, place etc.

5-  Did you have Thanksgiving dinner or do anything at all?

6-  How is your spirits holding up, are you happy and enjoying your mission?  Any depression or homesickness at all?

7-Do the videos help or make you homesick?  Can you send us a quick video?

8-Have you received any mail yet???  I have been sending things straight to the mission home.  It hasn't been returned, so once you start getting letters they should start coming weekly.  It will just be a month late.  I sent the Christmas package so let me know when that comes!

9- Do you get to see Elder Ditty at all?  Do you have anybody that you really get along well with?

10-Will you find out about transfers this week?  Are you hoping to stay put with your comp and area or hoping for a change?

11-WHat do you do on P-day?  Do you get to go site seeing at all, or any fun activities?  

12-  Are you staying healthy, or have you gotten sick?

13- how is that language coming?  Do you feel like it has been harder for some of the other guys?

14- Have you felt Dad's presence at all?

Well,  I love you so much.  I can't believe how proud I am of you.  I still wonder how I am surviving with out you, but we are really doing well.  The kids miss you like crazy too.  Kaestli has been pretending you are a baby that she can rock and cuddle with.  So that is cute and sad;)  Thanks for working hard and being a great example.  I know this will be challenging and hard at times, but remember that is when we truly rely on the Lord and get to know our Heavenly Father.  You amaze me everyday and I am truly grateful to be your mom.  I love you so much.

I hope you have a great week!  

Mom

~The answer to the first question is confidential! Sorry mom, but its just gotta be between me the lord, and daddy Jake. YEah me and elder bunker have like zero problems.  Yeah me and elder biesinger were like well thats cool, and then we just continued on working, it wasnt like wierd or anything. I dont even have christmas details, we are going to the office today, so maybe I can tell you next week.  Sister Schumway told me I had a package, so that might be from you! Yeah I am happpy, I just recharge everyt pday.  I dont really have a way to watch the videos, so i have to figure out how to do that, I think I will buy a flash drive and down load them. Yeah actually elder ditty is standing behind me right now.  I get along well with every one.  And with elder knorpp, I see him every Pday and we are great friends, I think we just cant live with or without eachother.I find out on saturday for transfers, Elder bunker thinks I might Train my second transfer.  On pday we 1email, 2 business in center, 3 shop and second hand stores, 4 buy groceries, 5 occasionaly we will go bowling or, like in the warm weather play soccer.  I am the picture of health but something that is really funniy is our investigator valeree, everytime we see him, he says I look sick and unhealthy, and weak, he tells me I should wash my face with warm water and baking soda, and get a gym membership, but thats okay, because I know he is just fuill of crap.  The language is definitely harder for others than for me, the Lord has definitely blessed me with the gift of tounges.  Yeah I have felt dads presence.

~Are you still there?  You forgot to say I love you.

~Yes I am here and I love you too!

~You sound great!  I love your letters so much!  I really want you to tell me what the letter said. Any pictures this week?

~I have an Idea, so videos are to big to send, but if something is too big to send it will save it as a draft.  So what I will do is I will make a big video every transfer, and then you can go on to my email, and download it from my drafts, I sent the pictrure already.  Love you, we are almost out of time.

~Great idea!  I can do that. I found the coat picture as a draft when I added the bishop to your list. That will work. I love you so much. Have a great week!!

Gift of Tounges is a real thing

Week-13

So I have been a missionary for almost 3 months now, that is crazy! This week was really cool and I had a good time. As always I appreciated emailing you all on monday, and then I went and bought some cool gloves, my moms going to recive about 3 billion pictures as soon as they all upload.  The computers here are slower than cold tar(My dad used to always say that to me).  So with the title I bet your wondering what happened? Well you should be happy to know that God cares about each of us and knows our desires and he knowas how to help us and he is always looking for ways to make our day.  

So Back at the MTC we had a language study book called the new Penguin Russian Course.  I read it twice in the MTC, and thought I would not need it too much any more.  They also gave us a book called Modern Russian.  Which is basically just a grammar book.  ONe of the New elders in my zone hadnt recieved a Russian course book, and he was asking all of the people who were leaving if they were going to leave the book, becasue it is really so helpful and instrumental in the MTC.  So he asked me, and I hesitated and thought, IVe already read it twice, but could I really do without it in the field. I had been deciding that day whether not to bring it because of weight, I ended up deciding I wanted to take it with me.  But then This elder asked me about the book, so I gave it to him. I have since regretted that decision here in the field. That book is really so helpful for language study, it makes everything understandable and is really easy to review.  Well this week I went on exchanges with Elder Ondercek, and guess what? I had been really wanting a russian Course and So I asked him if he was going to leave his here when he went home.  To my disappointment he replied hed be taking it home with him(This is his last transfer)  But he then explained that he had 5 extra ones in the apartment and thast I could have one.  I was so grateful for that.  IT is really going to help me study!  

Second Language miracle:  On sunday, i was just sitting in Sacrament meeting as usual, but this time was different.  I took out my note pad, and tried to write down every word spoken that I didnt know.  The first gir who spoke, I understood nearly everything she said(We are probably on the same vocab level). And then Her mom spoke, O was writing down words like crazy.  But even then I was still able to understand most of what she said. After making that effor I took a break in sunday school because I was tired. In Priesthood, I just tried to listen and because of that I was able to understand the entirety of the topic, I knew waht was going on and what was being said.  Then he asked a question(the teacher I mean) and I answered it, and the man behing me was so happy with my response he kept mumbling, Da, mhm, Horrasho(good).  I was so happy, God really blessed me with the gift of tounges in that priesthood session, it was so cool. I believe it was because I made an effor to under stand in sacrament meeting that I was blessed with the ability to speak, and understand in priesthood.  I feel like I could even have translated for that meeting, it was just way cool. Alright now investiagors, we met with Valeree a few times, but he still wont pick a date, we think he has friends that are Proteev(Against) the church and he doesnt want to be seen walking with us.  Elder Bunker and I decided that we needed to find his friends, (they all hang out out side the branch) and slap some spirit into them.  We also decided we needed him to find a friend in the Branch so that we could have some support pulling on our side of the peer pressure spectrum.  So my darling mother left tons of letters hidden in my luggage, and I was saving them in the binder, and I was going to open them like individually and at certain times, but instead I opened and read them all at once. ANd I CRIED!!!  One of the letters told me exactly what Ive needed to here my entire mission, I will treasure those letters forever! I am so glad I have a thoughtful mom who thinks about me, and listens to the spirit because I know that God wanted her to write that for me.  Well that is it for this week except for that I need the recipe for real swedish pancakes, becasue these crepes I make and then try to turn into swedish are just not the same. IF you want pictures let my mom know!

I love you all so much!!

Hey buddy,

How are you doing?  I really hope everything is going good.  Cami went to the MTC this week.  Robin and Lane are struggling a bit I think.  I am living for your emails at this point!  We miss you like crazy, but are doing good and proud of you.  When Kaestli says her prayers every night...and for dinner she only prays for you.  It's super cute.

I had another meeting with Jordy's school including the district this time.  I am hoping things will start to get better.  Kaestli is super smart, reading and everything.  I'm starting to think about sending her to Kindergarten next year. But not sure yet.  Cam is doing pretty good.  He has been falling a lot lately so I'm watching him closely.  Josh is doing the play this week with the High school on Stage crew.  He has really liked it.  Jacob has stepped up around here and has really started helping.  The primary program was today.  It was super cute.  The kids were supposed to say their names before their part.  Kaestli got up there and said, "My name is Kaestli Jane Toone"...it was darling.  It was Jacob's last primary program...so that is weird.  Herriman beat Lone Peak on Friday for the State Championship so that was crazy.  Dad went to the game...ethan didn't play I don't think.

Dad has really made some awesome changes, that I feel like are due in part to you serving a mission.  He has been reading with Cam everynight and putting him to bed.  He helps him say his prayers.  Dad is just being a lot more engaging with all the kids and a lot more involved.  I have been able to ask him for help and rely on him.  It has been great and I am truly happy.  Our family is really seeing blessings from your service.

Sometimes I am amazed that I have been surviving without you.  I know I have told you a million times...but I don't think you will ever know how much you saved me this last 12 years.  I am so grateful you are my son, and so grateful you are who you are.  You were always so loving and supportive of me.  I hope that I was able to be to you even a little bit of what you were for me.  I tried so hard to be a good mom and give you everything I could, but I feel like you gave me more than I could have ever hoped for or expected.  Thank you for doing that for me and for Daddy Jake.  I know he is grateful that you were always there for me.  I love you so much.  I am so glad we have such a good relationship.  It is a blessing in my life.

I love seeing the growth in you through your emails!  It is awesome.  I'm super excited to skype with you.  Find out what time on Christmas that we will be able to Skype.  

Last week you promised a lot of pictures and didn't deliver...that is 2 weeks in a row....YOU OWE ME SOME PICS!!!  Send some today for sure!

I'm glad to hear your Russian is coming along.  So I went to lunch this week with Elder Biesingers mom Julie.  It was so fun!  She is great and we plan to go once a month.  It was fun to compare emails and pictures!  So while you go to lunch with Elder B.  I went with his mom...so it's almost like we went to lunch together;)

Questions this week-

How is the language going, how much are you understanding?

How is Alex, and your other investigators?  Anyone new?

Do you have everything you need?

Are you using the taco seasonings?  HAs that helped?  What are you cooking/eating?

Have you lost weight, or gained weight?

How is your companionship going?

Are you staying warm while you are out finding? 

Do you knock doors?  If not...Why not?

What is your favorite thing about your mission?

What have you learned about your life/family at home?

Well, I love you and miss you like crazy.  I pray for you constantly and have been sending mail so let me know when it finally starts to come.  I sent off your Christmas package last week...so hopefully it will arrive before Christmas!!

Love you tons!

Mom

THe language is going well I probably understand about 75% of conversations.  We havent met with alex again, he has  a funky work schedule.  No one new unfortunately, and all of our investigators have been flaking out on appointments, its really frustrating when you call some one 30 min. before an appointment, and they say they will be there and then they dodge.  I do have everything but brown sugar, which is okay.  I havent used the taco seasonings, becasue they got ditched at the mtc for weight.  We eat an assortment of food, most of it is bread based, we usually do like pastas or sandwiches, or stir fry, or for sunday we do a crockpot meal. I have not gotten sick yet from anything, in fact i am healthier here than in the MTC.  The grossest thing Ive eaten is a boiled apple, yesterday.  We had a pork roast becasue pork was cheaper than chicken for once, and we put in some apples, potatoes, onions and such into the slow cooker with it.  When the apples and potatoes came out you couldnt really tell which was which. so Elder bunker told me he got all the apples out. Then I started to eat after the prayer, and the first "potatoe" i put into my mouth was a boiled apple, it was disgusting. The fact that I was expecting a delicios ptotato did not help my mood.  Then I took another one and asked elder Bunker if it was a potatoe or ana pple, he told me it was definitely a potatoe, so I ate that assuming it was a potatoe, apple again, it was terrible, again, just thinking about it makes me wnat to barf, but I ate them anyways.  He knowingly lied to me, and now I have trust issues with him. I have lost 7 pounds since being in the MTC, and I gained 5 in the MTC.  I Eat so much here, but we walk so much that it just doesnt matter how much I eat becasue there is always more walking to do.  IF we made american children walk everywhere, there would be less problems of that sort in america.  Yes in fact some times it is too hot because this coat is just the best, I was sweating yesterday, but I couldnt take my coat off or anything, it was actually kind of uncomfortable being that warm.  I dont thinkk I have knocked on a single door for 5 weeks and that is becasue no one live in a house here.  THey are all apartments and you cant even get into the complex unless you have a key.  ANd on top of that apparently there is a danger of getting kicked down the stairs if you do manage to get into one.  SO yeah, mostly street finding, because everyone here that doesnt have a car walks or takes busses and such.  I really like being able to be 100% devoted to the lord. I dont know what that last question means, so... I guess I ll just end it right here and say bye, I love you a ton.

Go Time!

Week 12-

​We had some intense lessons happen this week.  IT was INSANE!!!!!!!!!! Okay, so i will start with Valeree, He has been an investigator for a month or two.  He wont strongly commit to a date.  We will be like we are holding a baptismal service on the 14 of November will you be baptized on that day.  And hell just like " Ummmm... I think so, maybe, I will try to make it, I cant promise anything" After this happened for about the third time, Elder bunker got lost in the spirit, slammed his fist on his knee, said "Valeree!​ This is important", (quoted faith without works is dead) and then handed him a baptismal calender and told him to tell us next time what day he would be baptized on.  It was intense.  Valeree just got quiet, and then he was like, Lets pray, I will think, and that was the end of the lesson. So basically now, hell get baptized or he wont.  He has sincere desires to do the right thing.  Alright next intense lesson: Alex.  THe ping pong buddy.  It was just the average thursday night, we were playing ping pong, and I was asking  him, " So Alex,  Now that we are friends, Maybe you can tell me alittle about what you believe in"  He responded with a no, I dont really feel comfortable discussing these things right now.  So I backed it off and we just chatted whilst playing, I won, we played some more games.  THen at the end of the Night, Elder Bunker and I practically drag him into a lesson with a member we have been reactivating.  The spirit was only slightly there, and elder bunker and I could tell that it was just not time to turn this stone over.  Once something happens in his life that really makes him think, I know he will call us. 

Next intense lesson: Serge.  We did exchanges again and like 5 min. out of the apartment me and elder mccleary find a man to talk to.  Said hed been reading the Bom and had seen missionaries before.  We proceeded to have a street lesson.  Oh boy was that tough. He refused to consider the existence of anything hecouldnt see or feel.  Claimed he could see and feel the sun, but not God.  Id been doing most of the talking(My Russian is like 2 times better now).  Eventually there came a point where the spirit just was not there, and Me and elder Mccleary were like its time to go, but this man still wanted to talk.  Eventually Elder Mccleary got taken in the spirit, and he was just like (Using the command form) "LISTEN, LISTEN, we know, what we know, and nothing you say will disuade us, we have seen and felt something, and you can too, but we are done talking" I gave him a restoration pamphlet and showed him the "How can i know" page and then we prayed with him and left.  Boy I love it when Elder McCleary and Elder Bunker get fired up in the spirit.

YOu might think that sometimes in these lessons we were too tough on them, or too impatient.  But the people here are thicker than america. ALso they are a little more child like, its really funny to see adults throw tantrums.  If you dont use the Command form, and if you are not directly straight forward, if you dont "Singe their eye brows" Like elder holland, you are not going to get anything through, what President sullivan calls "Their Filters".  At the same time, you have to know that when they open up to you, it is a serious thing. 

So that was about it this week, I got an awesome coat for 120 dollars, it is so warm.  We went to MCCdonalds this week for Elder Mccleary it was his birthday.  There is a lot of good stuff going on, but we are really struggling with finding people to teach.  If we could just get them to wait and talk and get their phone number, goodness wed be so much better off.  Ive calcuated that we walk about 30 Kilometers a day, assuming we walk for 7 hours.  I really hope that the church is going to replace my legs with new ones every transfer, Because these ones are getting a little worn out.  

OH here is something really funny, we have been learning about the law of chastity the last 2 weeks, which is really important here becasue thre is... inappropriate things, everywhere.  I am pretty used to where it is now so I can just look the other way, but it was funny in church yesterday be casue there was only one other member in the class with us, and then the teacher.  And then the member and the teacher just talked about all the times they  have seen innappropriate things, my trainer said it was wierd, and gross, but I didnt understand nearly a word.  

The branch here is just like a minature ward, the Kids are the best part of it though.  They like run up and get us hugs and like try to tackle us and we just stand there like, i am not aloud to pick you up sorry.  But they love us anyway. THe members here are amazing, we taught a family on Friday, their only son was with us he is 11, they were so cool, he gave us candy in cool packages that he made for us, it m ade it into the binder.  

NOt much more to say except I love being here, and that every week goes faster and faster, its crazy!  

Love you all!

Hey buddy,

How are you doing?  I hope this week has been good.

Last chance if there are any requests for a christmas gift???  I need to get the package in the mail asap.  Apparently we can't put anything too expensive, because you may have to pay customs to get it.  If you do have to pay to get it don't worry.  I can watch your account and add it to it.

We had tithing settlement today and declared you a full tithe payer and then the Bishop said that all missionaries are considers full tithe payers.  

I am still trying to get mail to you.  The last letter hasn't been sent back yet so I am thinking this week or next you should start getting mail.  I'll keep them coming obviously so once they start hopefully they will be fairly regular.  I loved sending letters everyday and it has been hard not to do that.  

Me and dad went for a weekend away to park city this weekend and it was a nice little break.  Whitney did one day and Mike and Keel did the other day.  The kids are doing good.  Jordy could still use prayers.  Him transitioning to Middle School has been a little rough.  Dakkon is going to come to Thanksgiving so that will be good.  Lone Peak won Bingham on Friday so Ethan was excited.  The championship is this week.  Kaestli can actually read...so that is crazy!  She is on her 5th book now...she keeps passing them off.  Josh, Jacob and Cam are all doing good.  

I finished the rough draft of my book this week!  So I am trying to debate what kind of book...LDS or not and if I should self publish or go with Cedar Fort publishing.

We set up the Christmas tree last week so that was fun! 

We miss you a lot.  Everyone prays for your safety and for your success.  You are always on our minds, but we are all proud of you.  I am glad all your younger brothers have such a great example.  

I am looking at the forecast for you this week and today is 100% rain...so bundle up and take your umbrella.  It also says the sunset is a 4:00 pm...that is crazy it gets dark so soon.

This week my questions are:

Tell us about Ukraine, and about the people.  I want to know more about your branch and how different and similar it is to go to church in a branch rather that a ward.

Did you get a coat?  Are you staying warm enough?  Do you need anything else?  Don't hesitate to go buy the things you need, more boots, gloves, scarfs, etc. or even bedding.

How is the language coming?

How is your ping pong buddy?

And as always...are you happy?  Are you doing good?

How is the food?  Are you too cold?

How can I help you?

I love you so much and I am grateful for the opportunity to have a missionary out.  I miss you like crazy though and will be so happy to have you home:)  Love you so much.

Mom

Yes mom I got a coat, get readty for a lot of pictures, I dont think I need anything, but we cant get peanut butter here because it is really expensive. I am not cold, I always h ave my umbrella when I need it, except one time but it was okay.  I am getting gloves and a new beany today, maybe ill get a shapka(the russian hats) but no one wears them, so Id look wierd.  Yes I am happy, me and Elder bunker always have the other elders over for dinner on sunday, becasue for whatever reason, they just dont do dinner on their own, so its alwyas fun.  The food is actually really good, Ive really felt grampas blessing working, I just press forward with faith.  Just keep sending me pictures, maybe have the boys all write me a letter to put into the package.  We got a new sim card reader so ill send a lot of pictures today! Love you so much mom, thanks for teaching me everything I need to know.

-Love you. Thanks for the emails. Did the video work?

-Yes I loved it! thanks so much!

-Are you still working on the pictures?

-My comp is using the reader right now just give me a minute:)

Week 2 on the Leftern Front (Like western front but left)...

Week 11-

So here on left bank it was a strange week filled with meetings.  We had a conference for all new missionaries, we had district meeting we had church meetings etc.  As a result of all these meetings we didnt have as much time to go finding(Contacting(AKA Walking until you find someone to talk to)).  So my legs are not as shot.  I am less tired this week, so that is good.  We are eating very well, because food is cheap.  (It is 25 Greeven to a dollar).  Our district is awesome,  We have Sister Bonsova, sister Rice, Elder mcleary(Who I went on exchanges with this week.), Elder Biesinger, And elder bunker and myself.  We all work very hard, but right now, we are just not getting new investigators.  We are going to continue to press forward in faith, and use all our resources and tactics.  That means we are going to walk around the city as many times as it takes for someone to take pitty on us and take some lessons. ME and elder bunker have a few potential investigators.  The hard thing here is showing people why they need the gospel in their life.  One of our potential investiagotors is named Alex.  He is about our age and loves soccer and speaks fairly good english.  The problem:his faith is a more "Inner" Faith.  He does not usually want to talk about the gospel, or Jesus christ, we dont even know what he believes. But he comes and plays pingpong with us on thursday nights, so one day he will come with a question, and that is when we can show him why he needs our message.​HE is really promising though.  That arabic dude I was talking about blew us off after we finally found an arabic book of mormon.  We went to give it to him, and he just never showed up. Elder Biesinger and Elder McCleary have it even tuffer than us.  They could really use some prayers.  That conference I was talking about was cool, I learned alot, and Sister Sullivan fed us so it was a very good experience, I will sit through any conference all day here if it means I am getting fed!

MOst spiritual/cool thing this week: So on Saturday we did this thing called a companion exchange, so Elder McCleary was my trainer from friday night to saturday night, I slept at their apartment, Biesinger was Elder Bunkers comp. for that same time.  So Elder mccleary and I Woke up on Saturday, got ready as usual, and then began studies.  They have no potential investigators, so we didnt have anyone to study for.  So we studied the role of the book of mormon in conversion and how to use it.  We practiced how we would give a book of mormon out several times.  After studies we went contacting.  We gave out 2 Books of mormon in 40 minutes(That is a good number of books to give out in like half a week here).  And then we were out of Books of mormon to give, as well as the 2 Restoration pamphelets we gave.  So we turned around and went back home to get more books.  Throughout the rest of the day we gave out 2 more books of mormon.  It was so cool to see how God guided our study to the book of mormon becasue he knew we would use it that day.  It was awesome. 4 Books of mormon in a day is awesome!  We also taught 2 street lessons with 2 of those books, but other than that it was a long day.  We ate really well, pictures are still stupid, so Ill send them to my mom and then she can send them out to you all if you want them!  That is it for this week. Elder Jorgensen

Jax,

First off, I am sooooo sorry about your card not working!!!!  It should work now.  If it doesn't then let me know asap and I'll go into the bank again.  Please tell me you at least have a jacket or have been able to borrow something.  Sister Sullivan told me that you haven't tried your card and bought a coat for "exact obedience"  She was very proud of you and said you will receive miracles and blessings.  I am proud too...but feel terrible that I made you freeze:(  Sorry!

So I have sent several letters this week and they are all slowly coming back:(  I'm so sorry!  I hate not getting mail to you everyday.  The missionary with the empty mailbox all sad poster keeps breaking my heart!  I am continuing to figure it out.  All the letters I have sent for the pouch are being returned.  The letter I sent to Sister Sullivan took 4 weeks to get to her.  So please know that I am trying.  I hid letters in places in your suit case and there are some secretly hidden in your binder as well.  I am hoping you are finding those.  

We are all doing ok.  It has been really strange for me to feel like I can't fix your problems for you.  It's an adjustment.  I have thought a lot about your last email talking about how Heavenly Father could love all his children and have things be so bad.  It reminded me a lot of a talk by Elder Renlund the new general authority.  

~~On Tuesday, September 29, Elder Renlund received a completely unexpected call from the Office of the First Presidency and was asked to come to the North Board Room in the Church Administration Building. “I didn’t know where the North Board Room was,” he laughed. He was welcomed there by President Thomas S. Monson and his two counselors. What followed was a very brief meeting in which President Monson said, “Brother Renlund, we extend to you the call to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.”

Elder Renlund immediately found himself without words. Says the former physician, “Wherever the sweet spot is between apoplectic and catatonic, that’s where I was.” He humbly accepted the assignment and, after a few minutes, found himself back in his office, where “I closed the door and fell to my knees.”

The reaction of his wife, Ruth Lybbert Renlund, who he married in 1977, was a source of great strength to him. “She was all in. When I called her, her life changed too.” In the hours that followed, they prayed together and received a witness that “God directed this course.”

This was not the first time that a calling had changed the direction of their lives. “When I was called as a general authority and asked to serve in the Africa Southeast Area presidency, she made the greater sacrifice.” Ruth Renlund left her place as the president of her law firm and positions on several prominent boards to serve with him in Africa. “We were sent there and tutored by the Saints about what really matters.”

Elder Renlund tells of a Sunday meeting in Central Congo when he asked the members repeatedly what challenges they were facing, as he wanted to offer help. After the third time “an old gentleman stood in the back of the room and said, ‘Elder Renlund, how can we have any challenges? We have the gospel of Jesus Christ.’” Elder Renlund’s deep love of the people is evident in his emotion as he tells this story. “When I grow up, I want to be like these Kananga Saints, who pray for food every day, are grateful every day for food, who are grateful for their families. They have nothing, but they have everything.”~~~

I know you are going to see things that are really hard, but keep your faith.  You are bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to these people and if they don't accept it, you are planting seeds for the future.  There is hope in life.  I watched a documentary on Ukraine of the revolution.  It really made me love the people of Ukraine.  They are so patriotic to Ukraine, and have so much hope for their futures.  It was awesome for me to see, and also a harsh reality of the government.  We have it so good here in America!  

We are all doing pretty good. We could use your prayers though.  I'm still working out the system for Jordy in school, but Jacob is doing better so that is good.  Coleman bought a 50 year old car...I can't remember what kind...some classic that he wants to rebuild.  Colette is just glad it's not a girlfriend.   I saw Sarah this week, she has the package but hasn't opened it.  Stacey got the message about the shirt.  Stacey got put in the RS presidency as the secretary and I am on the homemaking committee with Robin...so it will be more fun to be with them again.

I am almost finished with my book, so I am excited about that.  I am talking with Cedar Fort Publishing so that would be awesome if I actually get it published.  

I am really proud of you for serving your mission and for doing so well.  I will always support and love you no matter what, but you make that job really easy with your choices.  I love you and really miss you.  I miss having you around to talk with and hang out with.  I miss you being able to talk with Josh about his disrespecting me too.  It was a real help to me.  

 I am really worried about you.  I need to know you are doing ok and that you are happy.  I want you to be happy and like your comp.  Sister Sullivan is awesome with emailing pictures and updates and doing the blog.  I have really relied on her emails this week.  I was struggling on Monday worrying so much about you and then the next day I got an email from her that said you were happy overtime she sees you and that I should really be proud of you.  She said being a missionary looks really good on you.  It brought so much peace.

I know you can do this.  keep working hard and being obedient.  You amaze me and I'm proud to be your mom.  I love you so much.  

Questions-

1.  Are you happy?  What is your favorite thing about being a missionary?

2.  Let me know asap if you got a coat!!!

3.  How is the language coming?  Do you understand people?  Is it totally different than the MTC?

4.  What is the most spiritual experience you have had?

5.  Have you bonded with any of the new guys in those trainings?  Who?

6.  What does your average day look like?  How cold is it?  How much have you been outside?

7.  Do you have any investigators you are working with?

8.  How big is the branch you are in?  

Well, I love you.  I will continue to try to get mail delivered!!!!  This week it should work.  I continue to pray for you and the people of Ukraine.  I love you so much!

Mom

Yes I am happy, and my favorite part of being a missionary is not having to worry about anything that doesnt have to do with the gospel!  I have that coat we packed, I am fine, we are getting one today. The language is a lot harder than youd think, I understand enough to know whats going on, and elder bunker says that my grammer is perfect(Which is a miracle).  I just need to build vocab. There are no new guys that I didnt already know, but like there is only 40ish of us so we are all pals.  We wake up, eat breakfest, get dressed, study for 3 hours, eat lunch, and study for 1 more hour, and then we contact(walk) for 4 hours, eat dinner, then contact again for 3 hours, come home, daily planning, sleep.  That is the average day, sometimes we have a lesson instead of contacting.  We are out side for like 7-8 hours a day. We have 3-4, but we are struggling to find new ones, and our current ones are struggling with the baptismal commitment.  Our branch is pretty big, lots of kids, they always run up and give us hugs, its adorable. My most spiritual experience is hard to pin down but I will write about a miricale in The group email.  By mom Love you so much!

First Week on the Left Bank!!!

Week 10-

 I am so tired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is funny though, you are only tired when you do not have something to do.  I fall a sleep in like 2 seconds every night.  I am enjoyin life here, the food is actually amazing, its always just a new flavor.  THE BREAD IS THE BEST, oh ma gosh I could eat bread all day.  The people here are hillarious, weve only had one guy threaten us, but most of them say keep walking after you say hi to them.  But if you ask them how or what they are doing, then you get like an epistle about life. Many of the people are hard hearted, but we have 2 or 3 good investigators who will probs get baptized.  It is a lot of walkin, my legs tell me that I abused them everyday.  While finding the other day, we met a man from Jordan who spoke sweet sweet amazingly wonderful english.  He talked with us for like thirty minutes.  He says his inner soul wants to believe in Christ and God, but that he feels like there is something missing, I told him about the Book of Mormon, because that is obviously what is missing!  We are going to get him one in arabic on saturday, he seemed really interested and sincere in looking for the truth. The food here is not that bad, after service on Friday, the member made us these awesome sandwiches that tasted amazing(because bread).  Also they have these things here called Kontiki, they are like Chocolate covered oreos and they are the best thing ever, you bight a whole in both sides, and then use it as a straw to drink whatever, and the you eat the whole thing, and it is super soft and creamy, it is the best thing ever, and they only have them here.  One of the Children here told me I look like a Ukrainian so that was awesome!(I hadnt spoken to him yet so that changed as soon as I said hello).  My trainers name is Elder Bunker, and he is a swell dude from colorado.  He is a good cook and I am learning a lot.  Nothing here has made me sick yet, and Ive eaten everything except a pickle(It was optional).  Tea is popular here and members always make it for you, you can drink it if it was not made with tea leaves, so we mostly get like mint tea.  Its actually not bad if you put enough sugar in it.  

So spiritual experience:

The other day while doing service, I was really struggling with my testimony of how God could love all his children when there could be so many terrible things here.  After service the member, who was an old gramma prayed over the food.  Her prayer really helped me and the line that got me was "Lord, we thank the for every minut of every day, of every year"  Then I realized how foolish I was, we always have something to be thankful for.  She was so sincere and people like here will really build my faith.  Strangest thing Ive done: THere is an old member named Sasha who cannot shave himself because he is lame. He also built my faith because of the kind of person he is. He live in an apartment with 2 other speech impared people, one of them is a woman and when I told her my name in sign language she wanted to know how I learned it, I explained that my brother couldnt speak while he was a young boy and that we used sign to communicate with him.  She was extatic when I pulled out my picture book and it took forever to explain my family to her.  She loved it, I think Ill bring the big book next time for her to look at, she was so sweet and kind and sincere, even though it was really hard to understand what was going on.  The people here are really strong, and I love the members.  I will let you know next week how everything goes.  I love you all, thanks for everything!

-- 

Elder Jaxon Hunter JorgensenThank you for my personal letter!!!  I loved it!  I really needed it emotionally for some reason.  

How are you doing???  I seriously can't wait to hear from you!  Sister Sullivan texted when you arrived so that was really nice, and at the end of the day she sent out an email with pictures of you and your new comp.  He looks awesome!  Tell me all about him, and this new transition.  How long has he been out?  Is he training you well?  Are you doing the language lessons??  Do you get along?  Do you like him?  Where is he from?  What is his mom's name?  I want to hear everything!

In the group email tell about some of the spiritual moments  or lessons you have had as well.

I bore my testimony today about how much I love being a missionary mom and all the blessings we have received because of it.  

What is your apartment like?  Living conditions, food, what is your daily routine?  Is it hard? or are you loving it? or both?? What is your area like?  Is it really poor, or pretty normal?  Do you guys have anybody to teach?  Are you in a ward or a branch?  How many people.

You have been out for 3 fast Sundays now!!!! so awesome.

Will you be able to email around the same time each monday?  Where are you guys emailing from?

How is the language going?  Are you doing better than expected, or does it seem like a different language than what you learned in the MTC?  I posted your little Russian blip on Facebook and everyone is really impressed with your skills:)

I love you so much!  We all miss you too!  I am very proud of you, thank you for serving a mission!

Love MOM

It is okay that I dont like Halloween because here they do not really care about it. We will probably email around this time on mondays.  My comp is elder Bunker, and we get along pretty well.  We live alone and so it is just us everyday.  Sometimes we see other people.  He has been here seven months and speaks very well.  Russian is very hard to understand here, especially sense many people will speak in ukranian.  I am not sick yet, the food here is great, the people are funny.  Most of the time you will say hi, they will say keep walking I dont want to talk, and then you ask them how they are and you get an epistle out of them, I think they love it when people care about them.  I sent the package to logan.  Kerri Bunker is his moms name.  I like him, he is exactly the kind of comp I need.  We wake up on time, we eat,and then we work, my legs feel like they are going to fall off because we find so much.  

Elder Bunker is a great cook, and I am learning alot from him, Mom you would not like it here but it really is not that bad. Also, not everyone is drunk like we thought, maybe 5 percent of the time, and only at night.

Hey bud. I put an alert on my phone so it would wake me up. It's about 1:30. Cam has an appt tomorrow super early for a dr. So I can't stay up real long. But I love you and miss you. 

Are you ok?  Are you happy?

Remember to always finish with I love you. 

I love you so much.

I am happy and I do love you too!-Jax