Lots of sittin' around...

Week 75

THis last week consisted of quite a bit of sitting around, in meetings, conferences, on buses, in appointments, you name it. If there was a place to sit, and be an obedient missionary, it is there that we sat.  We had zone conference with the Sullivans and we were able to learn lots of good principles, and it was a good opprotunity to repent.  We also had "Jedi Council" where the leadership of our zone gets together to discuss the work, and set some goals.

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One appreciated gift this week was a new mop from sister sullivan, it works really good in comparison with our old one, and it is alot easier to use.

Vika has a new boyfriend who is kind of our investigator, he has been to church three times now, and so hopefully we can get him to do stuff for him, and not for Vika.

I bought lots of stuff to day for a package home, you would be surprized by how much Ukranian cultural clothes cost, but it is definitely worth it, and you will see what I mean when my adorable little sister is parading around in them.

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​That is really all I have for this week!​

​Love you all!​

Hey buddy!

Wow, what a week me and dad have had!  It has brought me so much more perspective and a greater appreciation for what you are going through!  I can't believe the living conditions here in Fiji for the Elders!  And the Elders live in luxury compared to most of the people here.  It is very humbling for sure!  It  has changed the way I view your mission as well.  I have this mindset that the church should make sure you have everything you "need".  What I have realized is that what my view of what you need and what you actually need are quite different!  I think my view is that you need to be taken care of and watched over constantly and living in apartments like I would find in Provo, Ut.  The Elders here live in tiny huts, often with no floors.  Their mattresses are full of Scabies mites and so all the elders are getting scabies.  It's a horrible bug that lives under your skin, creates terrible rashes and is very uncomfortable.  They lay eggs under your skin.   They all have fungal rashes and get huge boils from the dirty water.  A lot of them pick up intestinal worms and get very sick.  But here they are all working hard to serve the lord, mostly with a good attitude.  A few of them from the states get here and end up going home after a month or so.  It is so much harder than they think it will be.  I don't think I could handle being here.  Grandma and Grandpa are taking calls everyday, and there isn't much they can do, but say what cream to use or what medicine to take. Some missionaries are dealing with 4 or 5 different weird issues at the same time.  I have so much respect for all of them.  I have so much respect for you. 

    It was really nice to see Elder Forbush, and also it helped me change my thinking.  He has had a worm and has lost a lot of weight.  We went to lunch with him, and he was just beaming.  He loves it here so much!  He loves the people, and the work and doesn't want to leave.  His mom sent me a message about how worried she was because she thinks it looks like he has lost weight and she is worried that he has  a worm.  He hasn't told her how sick he is, because he doesn't want her to worry.  It was amazing for me to know exactly how she feels, but also see that even though he is really sick, he is doing amazing!  He is one of their best missionaries and is a huge asset to the mission.  It makes me realize that I don't need to worry about you as much.  I know the Lord will watch over you and protect you.  I know now that doesn't mean that everything is going to be easy for you.  I am sure things are just as hard there and you aren't telling me because you don't want me to worry.  I see now how it is possible to have things be terribly hard and completely amazing at the same time.  I am proud of you and so glad you are having this experience.  I am so glad I was able to come and see the realities of a mission while I have missionaries out.  You are my hero! 

       We had an amazing week including the missionary things we went to a private island for a few days that was completely dreamy.  We hiked to a waterfall in the rain forest.  We went on a boat and found several groups of dolphins.  We attended 3 different branches, delivered the Church News article to the people it was about who hadn't seen it.  We stayed in a few different resorts, went snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding and canoeing.  We saw all sorts of sea life including hundreds of Jelly fish all trough the week.  It has been unforgettable!  I can't wait to bring the kids back to show them everything.  Dad even tried to talk to Margaret about bringing the Tboys but they can't miss the school...spring break for them is the week before we go.

    We take a flight back tonight and will arrive in Salt Lake 3 hours before we take off because of the time change.  We leave tonight, Monday night at 9:00 and will arrive home Monday night at 6:00.

So my questions this week..

1-What do you think about my week, trip and perspective change?

2-Do you still want me to apply for the foreign language housing?

3-Where are you at on the AFROTC?

4-How has the new changes to the mission rules affected you guys?  The announcement said you should have more time on p-day including to communicate with family.  Do you have more time now...or even better can we chat back and forth?

5- Any predictions for transfers this week, or have you already gotten a change?

6-If EV has to go to Kiev this week for a new passport, who goes with him?  What will you be doing?

7-Do you have you BYU IDNet and info so you can log in there if you need too?

8-Any other new thoughts on college?

9-How are your investigators doing?

10-Are things any better between you and EV?  Do you think he wants to be sent home?  His mom is worried he wants to come home early I think.

11-When you get a package from me and they send it up to you in Sumy do they charge you?  How much?  If they do, let me know and I can reimburse you for it.

12-Are you staying positive and happy?  

13-What is your favorite thing about your mission right now.

14-Do you feel like you love the people and they will always have a place in your heart?

15-Is there anything I can do for you?

I love you and I am so proud of you!  Thanks for serving a mission, thanks for staying on your mission, thanks for working hard, and living in a way completely foreign to you!  Thanks for staying positive through something so difficult!!!  I am so proud of you!  Even more now than I ever have been!!!

You are the best!  I love you

Mom

I think it looked like a really good trip, and I am glad it helped you out. I it was really cool to see how warm it is there in contrast to how cold it is here. Yeah I think so, but with that dinner everynight it would be hard for me to get a job that could work with that. I am not entirely Sure about the AFROTC, it feels like a good idea, but I am not sure exactly what I can do with it, I am not sure about anything, but it feels good, I like how the majors(Engineering, either electrical or computer, and Russian) I am interested are in high demand by them right now, and I feel like it would be a very good way to serve my country. I would be very independent if I qualify for a scholarship. I wouldnt have to agree to anything solid until the start of my sophomore year in college, so if I dont like it I could pull out of it. Also it gurantees me a steady job after graduation, and after I serve, I can easily become a civilian with a completely normal life, or I could choose to make it my career.  The new changes in rules just make it easier to be obedient, and they help us focus better, on the more important things.  I think I will get transferred somewhere.   They didnt change very much with what we can do on P-day, they just said we dont have to do Comp and Language study anymore to give us more time to get everything done.  we are not sure what we will do when he goes to Kyiv I might go with him, I might stay here.  No i  do not remember My Byu stuff could you send it to me?  Just thinking of options that I have. I dont really have any new thoughts, I just fasted and prayed this week, and it felt like a yes to the AFROTC how I understand it.  Our investigators are not progressing too much, it is tough.  The EV situation is going okay, I dont think he wants to be sent home.  WHen I get a package, the office pays for it.  Yes I am happy and positive.  I love the branch here and the people that is probably my favorite thing. That and the personal growth.  Yes the people will always have a special place in my heart.  I am good, in the next package I would love protein mix though.  I love you so much and you are the best! I dont know if I am going to do any of the ROTC programs but I am happy that you are willing to support me if I do.  I am really excited to see all of you again! Miss you and love you.

I spent almost 2000 griven today on the package, and I dont have enough to send it home, can you please put more money on my card so I can get that home?

A visit from the Sullivan's.

Week 74

This week went pretty well, it started off with a Refferal on Monday night that we went and stopped by to, and they were quite pleased with the same day delivery of their Book of Mormon, take that Amazon!  Hopefully the other Elders will be able to work with them more extensively. Also this week I went on exchanges with Elder Jeffery which was quite fun and we were able to finish a comprehensive map of the members in our area, I cant wait to do the Lords work more percisely.

We had a lesson with Sasha this week, we taught the plan of salvation, he agreed with most of it and he knows the bible pretty well, we invited him to be baptized on a specific date and he declined and said later that he is more interested in just talking with us, so that he can do business with us. NO I DO NOT WANT TO BUY SCAMWAY.

But on an upward note we had a good restoration lesson with Vlad last night and if he keeps his commitment to find out if there is a God, then he should progress pretty quickly.

The sullivans were here Saturday and Sunday, and President gave a presendtation after English practice, lots of the Investigators stayed and really enjoyed it.  

President Max really was impressed by the number of people at english, and he wants to start having more and more members there, so that we can make the jump from English comer to investigator easier.

Love you all!

Hey Bud!

So as you are reading this I am in Fiji with G&G...as I am writing it though I am still in Bluffdale.  Dad and I leave tomorrow night.  We fly to LA and then to fiji...it will be 15 hours to fiji!!!  I hope we are able to sleep on the plane!  We are both so excited about it.  G&G are so excited too!  It should really be so fun!  I should be able to see Elder Forbush right away too.  I guess he is the airport missionary right now.  His mom is bringing me some things to take him.  I really think it will be a trip of a lifetime, and it will be awesome to do it twice in 2 months;).  

The kids are all doing well.  I am hoping everything goes smoothly while we are gone.  Jacob is still doing a ton of Basketball.  Jordy starts ward ball on Saturday and he hasn't stopped talking about it for a month.  Kaestli is doing great in school.  She is so smart!  She is reading and writing really well, and is good at math too.  It's so nice not to stress about her like I do some of the other kids.  Josh is all stoked for the inauguration.  He doesn't love Trump, but he does love the republican party so he is doing a happy dance for sure.  Cam got his infected salivary gland again, so that is too bad.  The puppy is growing and has doubled in size.  She is getting really big, and I'm a little nervous for when she is full grown!  She is fun though:)

President Sullivan sent me an email letting me know that he did your endorsement.  When I get back to Fiji I will get you applied for the FL housing.  He said he and Sister Sullivan are heading to Sumy this weekend...so tell me all about their visit in your email!  I hope you cleaned the apartment really good!!!

Also did EV ever find his passport?  What are they going to do about it?  EV told his mom that if he got stopped again that they would arrest him and put him in prison in Ukraine for 5 years?!?  Sister Jeffery told me that.  They were freaking out.  Elder Jeffery and you both said he would be deported...that seems much more likely.  I can't believe he would say that too his mom.  I'm not sure if he is trying to alarm her or what.  Who knows??  What do you think?

Everything else is good.  I miss you and really love you.  I am so proud of you.  I hope your week was better with everything, but you are on the down hill now and it should just be 2 more weeks with him!

So for questions this week-

1-Respond to my college email with all details.

2-Full details of P&S Sullivan's visit.

3-Full details of passport drama?

4-Any ideas for upcoming transfers?

5-pics/recordings

6-message for me.

So I sent off another package for you today.  It has everything you asked for and a few bonus surprises...no candy, pop tarts, or soda though.  It was super heavy!  33 lbs!  yikes.  I hope you love it and it should really give you some stores for the next couple months of your favorites.

Love you so much!!!

Mom

Sister and President Sullivans visit was really great, I always enjoy it. Some missionaries do not enjoy it as much as I do, but I love being around them. It was great having them here on Sunday, because I see president sullivan as a sort of father figure to me now.  I felt daddy jakes presence alot during the Sacrament meeting and in the morning during the studies, and I was able to talk about him during a Restoration lesson last night.  Elder VanBuskirk doesnt love that I talk about my family to people as much as I do, but it makes me more of a real peron to them, they see that my life was not a perfect little american dream, and it shows them how faith can apply to their life.

So he WILL NOT spend ANY TIME IN A UKRAINIAN PRISON!!!! NO. What will happen if they stop him again is they will inform him that he has 10 days to leave Ukraine and will be unallowed to return to Ukraine for 5 years, tell Sister VanBuskirk the worst that could happen is him getting sent straight back to a safe American area.  He will likely spend some time in Kyiv soon to get a new passport. 

We know that we are being change, president promised me that yesterday. And I am starting to think it will be him who leaves.

I love you so much and I am so happy that you are my mom! You are the best support ever and I am so happy that you care about me and do all of the college things that other missionaries have to take time out of the Lords schedule for.  You are the BEST!

Hey Buddy,

Ok...so I figured out the problem, why President couldn't do it.  I had to go on and do a few things in your name.  The main thing being agreeing to the Honor Code.  So I hope you agree to follow it, because I clicked yes;).  I then had to figure out how to pull up your leader.  It took a minute but I finally figured it out and it then sends the request to President Sullivan to fill it out.  So you should be good to go!

I am working on the Foreign language housing.  The class is just recommended..not required.  So once your endorsement is in I can go in and apply for it.  My only concern is that you have to do the dinner Mon-Thurs. from 6-7, it's a requirement, which might cause a problem with getting a job.

ROTC-  Here are my thoughts.  If you feel like you are called to it, or have personal revelation that you should do it then I will support you.  If it is just for the money, then I would rather you work and I will help you too.  I can also pay you with the DSPD if you come home on a Sat. or even Sunday or something.

If you do feel like you really should do it, then you need to do the Air Force, NOT Army.  Elder Besiegers dad said that the Air Force by far treats their guys way better than all other branches of the military.  So if you want me to agree it has to be Air Force:).  Pray about it!  That is a huge decision and shouldn't be made in haste.  Dad always dreamed of being a pilot:)  You have perfect eyesight so there is a bonus;)

Those are the main things.  We looked into financial aid and you are considered an independent to me and dad until you are 24 so you won't qualify for pel grants.  You can get student loans (which I don't love the idea of) and with a job and my help I think you will be ok.  Don't worry about the first semester at all.  You won't have anytime to work or save, so I will cover all those costs and then we can work out how much help you will need after that.  I do want you to have a job and cover as much as possible, but I will make up the difference, and if it's too much we will look into loans.  (Unless you do the Air Force)

I'm not sure if I will be able to email much this next 2 weeks because of being in Fiji.  I'm unsure of wifi/ability.  But I will at least get a short email out and pictures.  You still have to send me an extra email with info from the week and a message for me:)

Respond to this email and tell me what you are thinking about the ROTC at this point and any other thoughts on this stuff.  

Love you!!!!

You're the Best!!!

Mom

-So my thoughts are, if I dont do it and can make it through that would be the best. I am thinking about it mostly for the money that would come. Elder McCleary has a brother who is in it right now and he said his Brother has had one of the easiest college situations ever becasue of it. But I do remember the other side of it. They pay my college, I sign a paper saying I am willing to get shot at. And I do not love the idea of that.

The rest of it sounds good to me, I thought it was just a dinner 2 times a week though, is it really every day except the weekend?

-Yes it is mon-Thursday from 6-7. And it's required. Should I still apply for it?  President Sullivan said he did the endorsement and also that you can take the time you need to plan for college. Something's I guess you will have to do. But I can do most of it. 

As far as ROTC put it to prayer and fasting. You would actually be paid during college as well. You would be an officer and not on the front lines. I doubt you'll be shot at but you may have to move around.

Love Mom

-I looked at the benefits for the AFROTC and it looks pretty good, talk to Elder Biesingers Dad and see if he can expose any crappy things.  Due to the fact that I want to double major in RUssian and possibly computer Engineering or Programming, or Electrical Engineering, I am a high priority candidate to them.  The commitment I make to them would be 4-6 years active duty. If I am a piolot 10 years but after that I am a "free man" though as an officer the AirForce would have the right to pull me back into active duty if they required my skills.  My skills will be behind the lines skills though.

Hahaha, what is this?

Week 73

Yeah the subject is exactly what the police officer said when Elder VanBuskirk showed him his photo copy of his passport...

Twas a peaceful Friday morning on a Marshrutka home, Ukrainian music was playing and nothing seemed wrong. We had just had a lesson with Sister Valentina, which went well.  We make it home, get inside and I pour my self some Nesquick Coco puffs, and start munching down on some good old fashion cereal, the kind I didnt eat as a child.  Then the door bell rings. "Hmm, the neighbor probably wants to tell us something" thought elder Jorgensen.  I look through the peep hole and say "Who is it?"  the reply "Immigration police"  my following thoughts were "What in the world do they want?"  "Who in their right mind would illegally immigrate FROM America, TO Sumy, Ukraine?"  "Oh well, we are here legally we have nothing to fear"  Long story short, Elder VanBuskirk lost his Passport some time before they came, and he and Elder Jeffery had to take a trip to the police station.  

That was the biggest thing that happened, it is one of those things you will laugh at after your mission.  The officers were nice, probably because we were cooperative due to the fact that we knew we are legally documented, Elder VanBuskirk just had no passport to prove that he was. Spent the rest of the day tearing apart the apartment looking for it and no where to be found. So who knows what happens next. This week was also one of the only holidays where people come and knock on your door to sing to you, so after the police we had quite a few other visits from people, and we were terrified everytime the door bell rang.

We were unable to meet with Sasha this week due to the passport hunt, but he sounds like he is doing good over the phone.

Our English practice is getting really big, people call us almost everyday to find out more about it, the real trick is shifting their interest from talking to us about English, to talking to us about God.

Not much more to report this week, Love you all!

Hey buddy,

Man I miss you a lot lately.  It is getting harder and harder!  I am so worried about you and your companion situation!!!!!  I have been praying all week for a change soon (like today) I hope!

This week was pretty busy.  Dad had his work party up at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  It was really nice.  Peter Brienholt is a popular LDS singer and in Roger's (the CEO) ward, he was our entertainment.  He did a song that is about real love and dedicates it to reunions.  So they played video of military and missionary reunions through the entire song...so yeah, I was a mess and cried the entire time;).  At the party we met a girl who served in the Donesk mission.  She was there before the conflict and everything went crazy.  When I told her that missionaries had been sent in to Mariopul, she started to cry.  She gave me names of people in Kharkov and Marioupul for you to look up if you are ever in those areas.

Jordy and Josh had a choir concert together at the High School.  South Hills, Oquirrh and Riverton choirs all performed.  It was really good.  Jordy loves being in the choir and loves to perform.  He will be joining the concert choir next quarter and is very excited about that.  

Jacob and the scouts did their camp out this weekend.  It sounds like they had a great time.  Jacob came home and crashed for several hours, so I'm sure they stayed up late!

I am busy getting ready and packed for Fiji.  Me and dad leave on Friday night, so the next 2 emails may be short depending on whether or not I can get to a computer and wifi.

Tomorrow me and the kids will head down to Castle Dale to visit the cemetery for the anniversary.  It's next Sunday.  It will have been 13 years!  That is just crazy to me.  I miss him a lot.  Our lives are so different than they would have been!

The Sumy Branch added me to their Facebook page and I LOVE it!!!  Seriously love it.  Everytime they add photos of you it just makes my day!  I was able to go back and look through all the activities you had last summer and pull the pics off the page and add them to your blog.  

Well, I hope you had a better week!  I am really worried about you and really bugged that he is such a pain.  What is the plan with it?  Did he really not speak to you all week.  You are the best person, and so easy to get along with.  It blows my mind that he would say he can't stand you?!?  I'm sure when he gets another comp he is going to missing you like crazy, with the comparison!  Hopefully he will come and apologize in a few transfers or so;).  If you didn't get an emergency transfer this week, do you think one is coming?  I know you say you'll be fine to stay with him, but it has been nearly 5 months....you have done more than anyone else could have!  It's time for someone else to have a turn babysitting him.  A hard comp like that should be on a six week rotation and everyone takes a short turn.  I can't imagine dealing with it for so long.  I hope it ends soon for your sake!

I loved listening to your recordings last week!  I would love stories from all you comps.

Schooling-

It sounds like there are some requirements for the foreign language housing.  You will not need a meal plan for that.  But you are required to have 4 meals a week together.  Monday-Thursday from 6-7 PM.  It would be with all the Russian speaking rooms.  You also have to attend a Sunday school class in Russian.  There would be 1 native speaker in the room.  From what I understand the group would have 12 boys and 6 girls in the Russian Speaking housing.  I will forward on the email that Bailey Gibbons sent me.  It has some info you could print and take home to look over.  I will get you applied for it though and if you don't get in we will go with Heritage Halls so you have a kitchen and can save some money.  Does the President allow you guys to do any planning or College stuff during study time or anything like that?

So questions this week...

1-Details on the situation with EV.  ET or sticking it out for 3 more weeks?  Any better etc.

2-College stuff?

3-How are you doing?  Are you happy and positive?

4-Give me a fun/funny story with your district this week.

5-Do you hope to stay in Sumy or are you ready for a transfer from there too?

6-Does President Sullivan say much about the comp situation?  Does he know what a problem EV really is?  Has he said why he didn't transfer you guys?

7-Give me some suggestions for package stuff if you don't want candy.

8-How are your investigators doing?

9-So would you say EV has been the hardest comp by far?  I know you had a few struggles with Elder Bates, and Elder Knorpp...how do they compare?

10-If you got moved or a new comp I want full details of area and comp information.

11-recordings

12-pics

13-message for me:)

14-Is there anything you need from me, or anything I can do to help, besides praying constantly?

I miss you so much.  I am proud of you for everything you are doing.  I know missions are hard.  You can't and won't be perfect, but you are doing your best and that is all that is required.  I am grateful you are serving and look forward to your return!  You are the best.  Thanks for being my best friend and being such a huge support to me while you were growing up.  I did my best, but know that I wasn't perfect.  You always made me feel like I was the perfect mom though.  You always knew when I needed help or cheering up.  You knew when I was missing Daddy Jake, and you always found ways to serve me and serve your siblings.  That is a rare quality that you have!  I am forever grateful for you!

I love you so much!

Love 

Mom

So with that, we are for sure getting transferred in 3 weeks.  This week has been okay, it is great having Elder Rice and Jeffery with us, they are pretty good at letting off the burden from my shoulders.  Elder Rice told me about the rooming situation there, and it sounds like exactly what I would want, so yeah sign me up for that!  What is the deal with the Truck right now? IS it still needing repairs and stuff?  I am thinking about doing the ROTC to help pay for college.  Elder McCleary will for sure do it, but I dont know about it, it sounds good except for I would have to do Basic training and officer training things, and I would basically be US army property.  What do you think? I am happy and positive still. The funny story was definitly the passport situation, I cant believe he lost it, that is like the one thing you do not want to lose more than anything else out here. Dont spread this around, but he could be deported if immigration police find him again, they liked us so much that they said they wont come looking for him, but we need to fix the situation.  I do not know, I know I dont want to have everything exactly the same, but I wouldnt mind it if I stayed in SUmy and EV left.  Ideas for package: Protein powder, protein bars, Nature valley bars, Chewy Granola Bars, Carnation for sure(I used it wisely this time, and I used the last one today), a little tub of Vaseline, or bag balm, Maple syrup extract, a blender bottle(only if you send protein powder). Your packages are always great, and there isnt anything that I especially need right now,  I am getting another package to send home to you.  What kind of things will you want, this one is a bit of smaller box, do you want me to send home the stockings, they looked reallynice and I dont know if you want to keep them.

Elder Bates and Elder Knorpp are normal. This is weird.  I love elder Bates and Elder knorpp and even though there were a few rough times, they only existed because neither of us knew what we were doing (as missionaries, like how to do misionary work) and we were trying to figure it out.  Elder Bates is also a bit weird as agreed upon by all. Elder Knorpp and I would get along great anywhere but the MTC, but this is just a whole different ball game.  IT is like no matter what I do I did it wrong.  For example, EV plays his music very loud. A few weeks I asked him to turn it down and he got mad at me.  This week we talked and I told him he could play his music softer, and he said, well why dont you just ask me to turn it down when you think its too loud?  So last night I asked him to turn it off, because it was after 10:30 and I was trying to sleep, and he got mad at me again.  He just cannot handle when somone wants something different than what he wants.  President sullivan is aware of it all, and he will transfer us in 3 weeks.  

I love you so much you are the best and I cant wait to see you again! Thankyou for supporting me and helping me with college, and all of the packages and letters. You are the best!  I know it is getting harder for you, but for me the time just keeps going faster we only have one more transfer until spring, and then we will be on the home stretch!

Yes the truck needs a few repairs but shouldn't be too bad. 

Not sure how I feel about rotc...is McCleary going to byu?  I'll talk with dad about it. I'll be able to help a little with college and you can have a job. If you felt super strong about doing it I'd be ok. But if it's just money I'm not sure. 

Love you

Sasha and the Snow..

Week 72

This week was good, despite being sick for half of it we were able to find a new investigator: Sasha, he is a great guy, 26, works as a Taxi Driver, and is still going to driving school for some reason. BUt he has had 2 lessons and He accepted the Restoration, It was funny teaching him. He wsa trying to sell us Amway right, so he draws up Amways Pirimid thing and explains it and I say "wow thats interesting you know that this relates to the gospel this way right?" I flip hi pyramid over and its then a tree, with us as branches, Christ as the Vine. and we taught him the Restoration from that, explaing that Prophets are one way to keep us physically connected to the vine, and so on, he liked it and he understands why we preach, and he said hed get baptized if he recieves a confirmation, and we know he can and will if he is sincere. Hopefully it doesnt hurt our relation ship that I dont want to become a part of Amways chain of people.

That is about all.

Hey buddy,

You have served for 502 days now!  That is crazy!  In 2 days you will have served for 504 days and Dakkon will have 504 days left to serve on his mission...and you will have as many days left as Dakkon has served.  So that is crazy to think about!

First let's start with our week.

We went to the cabin last Sunday and came home Monday night.  We had a great time sledding, snowmobiling, and snow boarding down the driveway.  It was really great to be out of the house and enjoy the winter wonderland up there. The only problem was I didn't take my chains, or a man, or a truck...or any of the essential items a person would need if they were to get stuck in a snow storm. When we were leaving the cabin at 2:00 pm. we got stuck getting out of the parking area at the bottom of the driveway.  We dug it out, found some boards to use under the tire and got out...only to get stuck again, and again and again.  So we finally were able to pull away from the cabin at 5:30.  This was from the use of 100 branches that we broke off, salt pellets, wood planks, 2 snowmobiles with straps attached to the front of my car to pull and ultimately Daddy Jake lifting my car, spinning it 90 degrees and setting it back down right in line to leave...just before dark.  We then drove in a huge snow storm all the way home.  We stopped at Joe Morley's for dinner because we were all starving.  I will be in Fiji with Dad on the 22nd, so I wanted to go before then.  It was crazy, exhausting, and a testimony builder as well.  Glad we made it home safe.

The rest of the week has been pretty quiet.  The kids are back in school and we have mostly gotten over this nasty flu we have had.  I am busy getting things ready for Fiji. Grandma and Grandpa have given me a list of all the things we need to bring for them.  We can't send them packages because of how heavily they tax anything that is shipped.  So I am taking a ton of things for them.

Jacob had 2 basketball games yesterday.  They won 1 and lost 1.  He is doing really well and the team is good.  They barely lost the second game.  It was really close the entire game.  

The weather has been snow storms almost everyday and freezing temps.  It has been in the single digits all week.  Today it finally warmed up to 39 degrees and now all the snow is melting.  We have had over a foot probably.  

Ethan invited Josh to sleep over at Alpine and go to their youth stake conf. this morning.  Ethan was conducting the meeting.  Josh went and had a great time.  It was nice of Ethan to think of him.  

Ok, so on to things we need to discuss...

1- So you were really sick it sounds like!!  I am so glad you were able to email last week.  When Elder Jeffery wrote me saying you might not I was so worried...and disappointed!  Thanks for making it in to email even though you were feeling terrible.  Have you gotten better?  I have been praying for you all week.  It's funny you got really sick the same week we all got really sick.  So first question is are you feeling better?  How long were you down, etc.??

2-On Monday I woke up to your email and had to readjust my expectations for your return home date!!!  I was set on it being the beginning of August.  What happened???  Are you ok with it?  I have adjusted to it and have made peace with it:)

3-College...  Ok, so you will need to have President Sullivan write your Ecclesiastical endorsement for BYU and have it submitted before March.  

4-Housing-  You need to decide who you will room with (if anyone you know) or if you want to submit by yourself.  Also you need to decide where.  I talked with McKenna Gibbons and she said the students that do the meal plan on campus waste a ton of money.  The money each semester doesn't roll over to the next one.  So you end up paying for a lot of food you don't ever eat.  She recommends getting a room with a kitchen and then just using the cafeteria/byu restaurants for lunch.  I agree with this.  It will be a lot cheaper.  What are your thoughts?  Also there is Foreign language housing that is an interesting idea.  Elder Rice's brother currently lives in this, so ask him about it.  But if you live there you get extra school credits, and it is cheaper than the other on campus housing.  It is close to the MTC I guess.  In each room there are 6 guys.  They would all speak russian, and at least 1 guy would be a native Russian/Ukrainian.  It's an interesting idea.  So you need to decide on this in the next week or 2 so I can start getting your reservation made.

5-Elder Jeffery told his mom about a young widow that used to be the primary president but left the church after her husband died or something.  He said they passed her off to you.  Are you teaching her?  Have you shared your own experiences with her?  Also have you shared my experience.  Tell her that I wouldn't have survived without the gospel.  Remember I was the primary president when he died.  Anyway, tell me about her:)

6-Elder Jeffery sent his mom a copy of the puzzle you guys made for Sister Sullivan.  Do I get one?  I hope so!  Also a lot of the moms are getting ukrainian blouses.  Can you get me one of those? or a dress for sis?

7-How are things with EV?  I read his emails that his mom posts on his blog.  He mentioned the talk with President Sullivan and a renewed sense of doing better.  I hope you guys can end up having a good relationship.  I'm sure you will be a good example to him, even if he doesn't tell you.

8-Update on all your investigators...Anna, Roman, gloves guy etc.

9-Tell me about the weather, how much time do you spend on the street outside?  Are you staying warm?

10-What do you guys cook for dinner?  Do you eat with all 4 of you or separately?  Are the 4 of you on the same schedule? Elder Jeffery told his mom he loves being able to work out with you in the morning.  He makes it sound like you guys are the best and have so much fun together.  Do you feel the same way?

11-Still happy and positive?

12-Are you ready for another package soon?  Start thinking of some requests.  What are some things you need?

13-pics

14-recording

15-message for me:)

16-Do you think of Dad very often?  Have any experiences with him, or get sad about him?  Do you ever tell people about him?  

Well, I miss you like crazy!  I am glad I have this year planned out so well.  Jake Harper got back this week.  He is way skinny and seemed short to me.  He looks good though, and has a strong testimony.  I am so excited for you to get home.  I plan to come take you to lunch every week at least once.  I wish you had a couple weeks to live with us before you move to Provo, but I am glad Provo is so close to home.  

Lyndsee is pregnant!!!  It's a complete missionary blessing to from GandG serving.  They were able to be in a study for in vitro and so the whole thing was free.  Also the embryo they were originally going to put in the first day they couldn't do because she was sick and had too much fluid in her uterus.  So they tested all 3 of her embryos and the one they were going to use ended up having a chromosomal disorder, a 3rd copy of 22.  So she would have miscarried the baby.  So the other 2 survived and they did the testing on them so she knows that it is a baby girl already.  She found out on Christmas Eve that she was pregnant and she is due on her birthday...Sept. 2, so you should be home for the baby!!!!  Fun!

Love you!  I hope you are feeling much better and have a great week!  Work hard, study hard and go till the whistle blows!  You are the best!

Love, Mom

Yeah I am feeling better, I was out of the game for like 4 days, but I am doing a lot better now.  Yeah I have adjusted to it too, its alright though, I am glad that I get to serve an extra 3 days, it will turn out to be a blessing I am sure.  Yeah we are kind of working with her, it is very unlikely that she will return, but we are doing it mostly for her kids, hopefully we can get her 15 year old son ready for a mission.  I bought them and I could have one made for you, I just didnt love the picture we did for it, I want to send you one with a good picture.  Yeah so this week we had another phone call with president, he just naturally does not like me and that is it. It is so ridiculous.  HE is upset if I dont talk, hes upset if I do, he is just constantly upset about something or someone.  President may emergency tranfer us, I dont know, I dont need it, he does.  He literally cannot live with me for some reason. He says he doesnt want to talk to me and see if that helps.  He knows that he is the problem, he says he cant get along with me, I think he really just cant live with himself.  

Nothing new with them, but we found a new investiagator who shows good potential, he sounds like an awesome guy.  He is 26 and works for amway, I will write about it.

The weather is good, we spend different amounts of time on the street everyday.  

We all buy groceries separate, which makes my life easier, and we all cook different things, I mostly eat Oatmeal, and chocolate milk, and fresh fruits and frozen vegetables.  Same schedule.  Yeah It is great being with 4 Elders Elder Jeffery and I just really understand eachother and both of us have a reputation for being easy to get along with.  Yes I am happy and positive.  YEs I am ready for another package, NO candy at all, and NO soda extracts, I need more maple extract.  I am starting to get to the point where I will send more stuff home to you, that will start some time in April or march, as soon as I can shed my winter coat. It is wierd to think that most of my last winter is already over, all I have left is spring and summer.

I love you so much you are the best! I am trying to find more experiences with him.  I am not searching for it too hard, the strongest was when I was in a bus from Kharkov to Sumy, and I looked out over the fields and I knew that Dad was there with me, that was late summer, just before the Harvest.I am so excited for Lyndsee! I love you so much mom, and I cant wait to give you a big hug!

For rooming I want to do the Foreign language place. Do I need a meal plan with that? I will probably end up with some of these guys randomly anyway, but I will ask around. I decided I definitely want a Russian Major, and for other majors maybe Business, Economics, Computer Science, or something along those lines.  Love you!

Elder Jorgensen is sick.

Week 71

Elder Jorgensen is sick in bed and wanted me to let you know that he will do his best to make it to the branch for emailing today, but he wants you to be prepared in case he doesn't get any better. Yesterday he had a fever of 101. He seems better today though. 

Also, Elder Van Buskirk was wondering if you could let his mom know the same. Thank you!

Elder Jeffery

Oh man I hope he gets better soon!  I'll let EV mom know. Hopefully they will make it to email. We have all been sick too. I didn't know viruses could pass through a skype call;). Or maybe it's empathy fever...for him or us?!?  Please give him my love and a big hug for me!  

Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad he has you there. He speaks highly of you and I just adore your mom!  

Has he told Sister Sullivan?  Make sure he does. He should have a z-pack too if he needs an antibiotic. Hopefully he is better quickly!!

Thanks,

Julie

I'll be sure to give him a hug for you! Sister Sullivan likely knows. We had a 5 pm curfew last night so there wasn't much of a reason to let her know, especially if this passed over quickly. 

So I measured it out, and I still have 240 days to work for the Lord full time this next year.  That is sadly a really short amount of time, only 5 transfers.

​So what is going to happen in my mission during that relatively short amount of time? Miracles thats for sure. My return date is August 29, So that means the game is going into over time by 3 days! ​

​THis last week was good, we found another new investigator, Vitali, he is a nice guy who accepted the Book of Mormon, and we will meet with him sometime on Tuesday.  We also found a less active father, who was quite happy to see us at his door on The day after Christmas.  We planned to meet him today, but we will see if I am feeling up to it.  On Friday night, I started to feel under the weather, and on Saturday I was definitely under the weather.  Yesterday, I was so sick I thought "It wouldnt be so bad to die right now... But my mom would be so sad! I cant do that" But some Tylenol and starting a Z pack did the trick and after spending all of yesterday in bed, I am feeling a solid 55 percent today.  

Yeah it was really a miracle on Saturday, When I woke up I hated life and I thought, I cant go out today. But I got some Oatmeal and an Apple and some Instant breakfast in me, followed by some Ibueprofen and we went out to work.  The morning was hard, and I seriously doubted I could take another 5 hours of contacting after lunch. But The Lord supported me and I felt 90 percent the entire time we were contacting. HE supported me to be able to do everything we needed to do, including finding a new investigator. As soon as we returned home, I crashed pretty hard.  I know the Lord will help us to do his work especially when other peoples salvation is on the line​.

Love you all!

Hey Bud!

Wahoo!!!  You get home this year!  I remember thinking 2017 seemed forever away, but it's here and you will be back before we know it!  You really need to soak up every minute left of your mission!!!  Don't get distracted by dumb stuff.  This is such a special time in your life to give your all to the Lord.  You are learning the things the Lord needs you to learn to be the man that he sees in you.  This is a life changing opportunity and I'm so glad you chose to take it!  I am very proud of you!

So please don't feel like you can't vent to me anymore.  If you need to vent then that is the very least I can do for you.  Honestly your email last week made me feel 100% better about it.  It also really impressed me.  I think so highly of you, but reading your email made me even more proud of you.  You are just like Daddy Jake, honestly.  His personality was just like that.  It is a rare quality to be that Christ like, patient, and non-confrontational.  I was worried about you, but your answers to my questions have shown me that you are still doing great.  I thought it could be worse than you were letting on and that you were miserable all the time.  I am glad you are still being productive in the missionary work.  That was my other worry.  When Dad read the email he said, "those are the kind of missionaries that get punched in the face." So he is super proud of you too for being able to handle the situation.  I am also sure that is why the President has left you with him.  Keep up the good work, patience and endure to the end.  

Jake Harper comes home this week.  He has changed so much.  He sent out an email that I will forward on to you that was just awesome.  He has really grown.  Barb is so happy about it. Then in about a month Connor Hansen will get home.  Time is flying by.  

This week has been a pretty terrible week for us.  EVERYONE is sick.  Cam got really sick about 10 days ago.  I took him to the DR. last monday and he tested positive for 2 different viruses, RSV and parainfluenza 4 which is a cousin to the regular flu.  He was sick until this Sat. he still has a cough, but his fever is finally down.  He was at 104 for 7 days, then came down to 102 and is now just below 100.  Everyone else started getting sick on Tues-Friday and now me and dad are both down with it too.  We have been stuck in the house for so long.  The kids are doing better today so I think I will try and take them to the cabin for tonight and tomorrow.  We wanted to go all week but have been to sick and germy.  So I don't have any fun pictures or activities to report on this week.  We even canceled the NYE party.  

I love that all of your dreams end with us going to Lake Powell!  If you get home early August that should be able to be a dream come true!  We aren't sure when our Aug. week is.  I guess if you get home the week of our trip, we can just head down to Powell after we get you released:).  

I miss you a lot, but I am so glad you are serving a mission.  I know with out a doubt it is the best thing you could be doing.  So Elder Jeffery's mom was telling me that you guys have an evacuation plan...what is that about?  Do you feel like it is dangerous there?  I know the church will pull you out if needed, but what is the Evacuation plan for?  Why would it be needed?  Is it a new thing, or have you guys always had it?

So my questions this week,

1-How have things been going this week with EV?  Any better?  

2-Promise you will still vent or be honest with me?

3-Did Anna and Roman get back from vacation, and have you seen them?

4-Any crazy stories from NYE night?

5-Have you been staying healthy?

6-Are the brown shoes comfortable and do they fit right?

7-I sent the exercise clothes because you said you wanted to run in the winter.  Will EV exercise at all?  Do you get to exercise?

8-Is there anything I can do to better support you?

9-Are you happy and positive?

10-What is the best thing about your mission?

11-If you could change 1 thing about your mission what would that be?

12-How has your testimony been changed, strengthened from your mission?

13-How cold is it?  How much do you walk daily and how much are you outside?  Do you stay warm enough?

14-recordings?

15-pics

16-Message for me:)

You have been called to one of the hardest missions.  You being there shows how much Heavenly Father thinks of you, and how much he trusts you.  You can do hard things.  You proved that when you were 6 years old and have continued to prove that everyday since.  You are one of my biggest blessings and one of my main compensatory blessings from Heavenly Father.  You are my best friend and I am so glad we have such a great relationship and I am so glad we have each other's trust.  You mean the world to me.  Thank you for all the help, acceptance and unconditional love you have given me your whole life.  You are the best.  I love you so much.

Have a great week, keep being you!  Stay positive, work hard, pray harder, show kindness and love to all around you.  I know you can do this!

I love you,

Mom

P.S.   I need to know if you want to live in BYU housing.  Do you want to live in the housing where they have a meal plan, or where they have a kitchen and you make your own food?  Housing options open in a few weeks.  What are your thoughts on roommates?  Anyone from the mission heading to BYU that you could room with?

Really Big things happened.  He read that I said he only spoke like 30 understandably, and he got really mad, the whole day he was grumpy, he confronted me about it and said "You treat me like a kindergartener when you teach me" And I responded "Well if you cant do the Kindergarten principles that is how I have to teach you isnt it" He got really quite after that.  We had another confrontation as we were going out to work and the other Elders texted president sullivan. And I also texted President sullivan. Elder Vanbuskirk was like "You know I thought that the​ problem was me, but now I realize alot of it is you." and I asked him how I was part of the problem and he couldnt answer me. IT was really dumb.  WE went out and worked president called us that night,  and he talked to me for 5 minutes, all he did was ask me questions. THen he talked to EV for 40 minutes, and at the end of the call we could see that it was rough for EV.  After that he has been pretty good this week.  He still gets upset easy but its okay, he apologizes soon after.  HE was awesome while I was sick, he helped me out a ton and he cleaned the entire apartment, it was a whole different person.  That is about all for EV.

I will be honest with you. 

Yeah we saw Roman on Saturday, and we will probably  work with them on Wednesday.  

No crazy stories.

Yeah, until I got sick...

YEah I love the brown shoes, they fit good, and I am going to keep them really nice.

I have accepted the fact that I just have to exercise inside, because the other 3 are all whimps.  

NO you are doing great!

Yes I am happy and positive!

The best thing is how much it has helped me to strengthen my testimony and to learn and see what the world is like and how hard it is for people without the gospel.  

THe hardness of peoples hearts.

Just it is a lot more knowledge based now, and I have greater Faith in what the Lord can do.

I walk less here than in Left Bank, it is crazy how long I stay in the same place.  I am probably the Oldest missionary that is only on his Second Area.  

I love you mom you are so great and I dont know what I would do without you your Christmas presents were perfect!  

I am not sure about housing, if I house with Cayson, I know that he wanted to do off campus housing, but I dont know if thats still going to happen.  

There are tons in the Mission heading to BYU, so I will just figure that out, what are the space limits for on Campus?