Broadway is not always what its cracked up to be truth find here.

African Saints find hope in the gospel (and perform Book of Mormon productions of their own)

A truely uplifting story that holds real truth about what the

BOOK OF MORMON gives to the African people.
Click that link back there to read real info and here good things about the gospel.

Joseph Smith Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints and Gracia his Great Great Granddaughters story.

Today we can see a picture on the left side that is an daguerreotype photograph of Joseph Smith jr. In the middle is the one that is used by the RLDS Church. This middle picture is the oil painting Josephs face has been painted to look perfect with a nice straight nose and no scars to his face from the many blows that he received in his life while standing for the truth of the gospel that he spoke out about.

It is said by Joseph Smith that, "the artist made me to look like a Pretty Boy" "because he has no facial blemishes that are visible in it, Gracia told us".

In the last photo to the right it has been blown up and you can see the slight indention above his left eye that indicates a scar and his eye is slightly pushed in or slanted to the inside where a heavy blow was placed. There is a break in the hair lay of his brow showing that the lay of the skin has been cut and marred in his lifetime. His nose is not such a straight line in this one either.

Please go to Kim Marshall's blog site HERE to see her side of this amazing story with her 2nd generation contact print taken from a negative in about 1879.

Joseph Smith never backed down from speaking his truth of the Gospel (link to the gospel and what that means to LDS church) and the fact that he knew that the Lord met with him and asked him to do many things to bring the light of that truth to the world even in the face of many beatings that hurt his physical body he stood faithful.

This is me Brooke B. Jones  with Ivor Jones and Gracia N. Jones the great great granddaughter of Joseph Smith Jr. the first Prophet of this dispensation of the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She happens to be my cousin through the marriage of my husband and her husbands being first cousins.

If you would like to hear some of Gracia's story of how she came to know about the church that her grandfather helped to bring to restoration here on the earth please click on this link to read her conversion story Here. This is a link to the info of her fathers families history Here.

This is a photo showing Gracia Jones family photo link to Joseph Smith and Emma as a great great granddaughter. The top couple show Emma and Joseph Smith then the young man Alexander is their son. He had a daughter Coral who had a daughter Lorena and then Gracia. She is said to be the first ancestor of his to become a member of the Church. She says she is actually the third but the first to be actively pursuing and continuing to reach out to many others that are in Joseph Smiths family today. Here is another story of the conversion of one of their cousins to the Gospel Robert W. Smith just click on his name and it will take you there. Its an amazing story of how Emma Smith spoke to him so that he could go ahead and join the LDS Church.

Gracia's deep felt mission is to try and reach as many of her relatives as she can because as she said "we were not allowed to speak about him and or even know anything about Joseph". This seems to be the same thing that many say as they come to learn of there relative once Gracia has met with them. We can see this plea in this photos caption above the children's heads. Pray that they may come to know about their own ancestors.

 It can be realized that the great grief that Emma Smith suffered because of the brutal death of her husband and the very realization that her and her own children's lives could be in the same great danger instigated that there was no longer communication about their father that they loved so much along with the fact that they were very young children and taking time to talk about the past was just frivolous time spent when a living must be made. Emma was left with a great burden in many little children and the majority of the church members left to a safer land for them so the contact with the congregations of the church were now gone thus the children did not learn of the truths he translated for the Lord on the earth from the sources that he may have wanted them to know it from. Emma's very old Mother in law Lucy 

Mack Smith stayed with her after her sons deaths and she cared for her even feeding her by hand every meal because she could not raise her arms in her old age. Emma was a saint to those she cared and loved but she could no longer speak about her Joseph Smith after he passed away. Thus her children and grandchildren grew not knowing much about their father and grandfather. Only that there was great fear in talking about him was created.

This is a cast of the death mask of Joseph Smith that Gracia Jones shows as she speaks about her Great Great Grandfather Joseph Smith.

A board showing many photos of the history of her ancestors and the connections that make up Josephs historical life. Also photos of her family and the links that are so important and visible when viewed through a photo. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all view history by photos. 

Gracia spoke about the great prejudice that seemed to be between Emma Smith and Brigham Young and there has now been an official letter made stating that this should be set aside and not be recognized in our life times. I sat listening to this and of course was very surprised. My Great Great Great Uncle is Brigham Young and I never knew there was a rife in the friendship. Now I was curious and went searching here to find a link to the story of how an apology came to be asked for HERE. You will see after reading this article that I must be of that 4th generation and I would much rather see a friendship then separations of our families.  This is a wonderful scripture to read D&C 109:70,  and it confirms this action as quoted by Robert Smith in his story "that the  prejudices of Joseph’s posterity" “may be broken up and swept away as with a flood that they may be converted." This is a link site to the story of the man who asked for the apology as he could see that prejudices was a stumbling block for many of his loved ones and needed to be put to rest so to speak. Please read Michael A. Kennedy's story HERE or the more complete story from the Meridian Magazine HERE (which by the way to a person who is a member is quiet a funny renadition).

I really loved Gracia's words of advice "make a paper trail for your family to be able to see and find the links that make you connected".  My personal advice is write your stories so that your children can read them add the photos to the story so that they can see the fun that is in your family and yes include the struggles because those are what shape a family into the survivors and those who endured to the end, kind of people that we are if we but follow the Saviors plan here on the earth.

Elder Tyrell J. Jones at the "Top Of Africa" in Jo'burg!

Elder Tyrell Jones On "Top of Africa"

Elder Seastrand on "Top of Africa"

These are pictures of the city of Jo'burg, baptism yesterday, and a small amount of the great amount of food we have recently been given by many members due to the public announcement bishop made saying we were hungry (not provoked by us)

The Jones Family Questions:
Any way here is the section of questions that are not going to be numbered. so just answer as best you can.
As I was out stoking the fire I thought about how in the world you took care of that the year that we had Jer in the hospital. Did you use coal or just wood I don't remember buying coal and how did you squish that all in after wrestle practise and getting to work I wondered?
Coming up with money to get C wrestle trip food I started to wonder how you had food at wrestling while Jer was in the hospital I was never there to buy any so did you just go without?
Also hotel to go to wrestling tournaments, hotel fees did you just pay them what happened with that I wasn't there to get any to you to take with you, did Dad get some for you?
Ok we wonder if you have had any bloody noses while there in Africa or is the humidity such that this is not a problem for you?

The Elders Answers:
In answer to the un-numbered Q's I will say I think I've only had a bloody nose once. I can't really remember how I had food and all that stuff for wrestling but I think you guys helped me out. Hotels and stuff I cant really remember. Sorry if these are lame answers.

Sweet Baptisms

Well fed missionaries teach well because they think not about where the next meal will come from.

Ah a Drink from America, familiarity at hand.

Missionaries letter for the week:
Well this week has been a pretty packed full week of excitement! On Monday we did all of our needful P-day activities including cleaning the flat and the car and holding a district leader council with all the district leaders, then before we knew it, it was time to go proselyte. we had some good appointments with two awesome families, one being Clyde and Nicky. They're a great family. I haven't recently told much about them I think. They are a family that when we started, had almost no love in the home. they were always arguing and they didn't have any similar goals. We really started to spend alot of our time on them and you can see how the gospel has blessed their lives. The have daily family prayer and they study their scriptures together now. Both Nicky and Clyde have said they don't argue as much and they are laughing alot more together, it's really good to see the changes that the gospel can make. It's really hard to see what the gospel can do if your not trying to consecrate your life to following it. If i could give some advice once again to Jo and C, I would say, if you want to have peace and you want to feel happy all of the time, then develop the Christlike attributes of love! and service. Be nice to each other in school and stop picking on each other. It's not a contest of who's better. Your just brother and sister and you should make it look that way.(Mom you don't have to put that on the blog, but make sure they read it) (Side note: As you can see we are a family that works every day to be kind, this is a struggle that our two oldest at home are having at the moment and the big brother still gives out advice even when around the world. They said they didn't care if it was put out there on our blog.)
Tuesday, we had Zone Conference, and I've got to admit, it was a little stressful. We had to teach the zone on two principles,
1. was the Doctrine of Christ! 2. Was receiving Revelation through Church Attendance.
I was mostly stressed because I want the zone to have these things instilled in them, yet I'm not sure if I was able to teach well enough. I hope they all got it.(of course I did have help from my awesome comp Elder Seastrand)
Wednesday we were supposed to have exchanges with Sunnyside Elders, but they fell through. So we just had a normal day of appointments. It was kind of disappointing because we got ditched alot, but we felt successful because we had good backup plans and had meaningful things to do all day.
Thursday was great! I used to hate Thursdays, because we always had such long planning and it felt like it was going nowhere. But recently I've been loving Thursday, It feels like it is making things happen. we usually have a very effective planning and then later in the day we correlate with the Bishop and that's where magic happens! He gives us great ideas for fellowshippers and gives us permission to contact other auxiliary leaders for appointments for other ideas. This week it led us to some sweet plans to have members in lessons, and to get investigators to church. (see Saturday)
Friday we had District meeting with the Centurion district, unfortunately it was only us the district leader and his companion, because the other members of the district (Sunnyside) was scoping out a new flat to move in to. It was a great district meeting though I really enjoyed what we talked about. I actually used some of the ideas today in my personal study. Elder Stodtmeister is the DL there and he's great, he was in the MTC
Saturday was Awesome! Most of our appointments kept and we put alot of people on date for baptism. The first lesson was with an Afrikaans Family and because of the Bishop we had a Member Named Bro Klopper at the lesson. He was translating in Afrikaans for us. At the end of the lesson Bro Klopper offered to pick them up for church and they agreed. Elder Seastrand and I were totally Pumped! The rest of the day went well. We met with a long lost investigator named Victoria who had been on vacation or something and she still wants to be baptized. We finally met with another Afrikaans man named CJ that I haven't ever met and he has finished listening to the Book of Mormon on cd. He really likes it and says there should be a second volume. The only thing is we have to get him to church now and that's been like trying to make ants hold still.
Sunday we were waiting and waiting to see our awesome family come in and then we watched bro Klopper walk in alone with a very sad look on his face. He told us that they had called last minute and said there was a family emergency and they couldn't come. I've got to admit I was very disappointed, but I didn't feel unsuccessful because we really did everything we could and the rest was left to the Lord. I feel that the family will come along, we just have to keep inviting other members to meet them and help them feel comfortable. The wife really felt the spirit and wants the best for her family so I think we will really drive them to do lots of good.
I'm grateful to be serving here, it's such a great experience to serve a mission. I hope the family is really doing lots of missionary work and sharing everything you can with everyone. Remember you don't have to be best friends with someone to share the gospel or invite them to church.
Love you all lots and lots, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Elder Jones

The Family Letter
Poor Caleb got super sick Sunday last week flu and head cold all together and never even came out of his room on Mon. Finally Tue evening we saw him in the evening. It made him rather weak so this Fri he had to start the region wrestle off against his team mate A C that he had taught and got to wrestle this year for the first time. The region he had to go against was tougher and so he only placed 4th in the region after the whole week end was done. By the last match he was really tired from having been sick over the last weekend and a kid he has beat all season took him over by points. He was really frustrated. The whole team placed 3rd and both Argyle boys took first and J Levitt and C Dowel and C Quarels did 1st. D Peterson took 2nd having to go against C Quarels too. So next weekend we will have to go to Provo and sit forever waiting to see what happens to C, maybe he will get feeling better by Fri and have lots of fire in him. There were two other boys that were seniors that are from the Jones cousins side that were in higher weight limits that we took pictures of them from wrestling. Both those boys took 1st for their weights so wrestling is a really strong thing in the Jones blood too. One was Fawns son from Enterprise and another you used to wrestle when you were little at the bantam wrestles from Parawan. C was surprised when he learned that they were his cousins they had been talking together all year at meets and stuff.
Mc got to go sking with the Youth and had a blast of course he was a natural at it. J went with T's family snowmobiling and jackknifed a trailer carrying the snowmobiles up the mtn. She said it was still fun even though it took alot of untangling to get stuff up to where it needed to be and straitened out in the end.
Sat we went to Tracins baptism. He made the choice on his own. Chad said the dinner prayer and it was just sweet and peaceful.  Shane did the baptism and Papa the confirmation. Dad and I spent the rest of the day watching the boys wrestle. Dads feeling like a mac truck hit him and has been sick since Fri morning and by the middle of the night I was sick. So today Sunday we are all sick at this house except for K and Jo but we all just stayed home in bed. Mc was also sick last night, some have the flu and some have terrible head colds with running or stuffy noses and horrible headaches and coughs. Hopefully with all the vitamin C pumping into everyone we will be sorta better by Mon. I just hope that Jer can shake the cough because it is getting bad sounding. At least he still wants to eat chips so that means he isn't to bad yet.
We have been reading some amazing stories out of the Meridian magazine one about the fact that a missionary never thought he had done anything on his mission but yet had because of listening to the prompting of the Holy Ghost went to tract and find the only man he ever baptised and taught all the lessons to while on his mission. 40 years later he found that the man he had converted was the one who translated many Church books that he had given to him from his Dads mission collection to take on his mission with him, because he felt impressed to leave them with him when he was transferred. And the most amazing book to translate into Chinese THE BOOK OF MORMON (click back there to read for yourself the amazing story). The man was the first patriarch in China and was a very humble, not highly educated, man like unto Joseph Smith. So even in our day to day the Lord takes care of his precious gospel truths to not allow them to get altered in any way. The most important lesson in all this is that we never know what seed we plant when we come in contact with others or the influence that we will have on them but if it is positive and uplifting them it will be a good thing as long as we keep every contact with them that was for ever more.
We were able to have a sit down family home evening with almost everyone cooperating to make it work. Of course short and sweet before they all climbed the walls.
Well we can't wait to hear how your week went and the adventures that you filled it with we love you lots and are grateful to your example.
Love the Jones family who hopefully with feel better really soon.

What is Respect, views by a Missionary.

2. Do you use the rain coat we sent with you or do you use something else that's easier on a bike.

2.Well it's actually sitting at the mission office because it was to heavy for me to carry around, I usually just endure the rain. it's not so bad because I'm in a car area.

3. Name one unusual thing you saw this week.

3.Well we've seen some few interesting things, not sure if I should include them in the e-mail. For example, A really large man working shirtless in his yard, with an extremely Hairy back

4. While you have served have you seen lots of medical sadness's that if the people had good health care things might be different for them?

4.Yeah I mostly see people with facial deformities or leg deformities. I think that's due to not being well cared for when they are young.

6. Tell us what you ate for dinner this week, did you cook it?

6.Well this week we haven't been fed alot so it's mostly stuff we cooked yourself. I recently have been making pap because it's cheep. I don't eat it all the time though. Bishop made a public announcement to the ward that we need more food (we didn't tell him to) so we'll see what happens. People bring alot of frozen meals to church on Sunday so those will help us stay healthy

7. What is one thing that you wish you could bring back with you but your not sure you will try to because of space or cost.

7.I wish I could bring everything but there's not enough time to think about stuff like that

8. What was church like for you this Sunday without a calling?

8.Nice! I can focus on missionary work

9. If I sent protein shakes over would you drink them? Would it help you eat better?

9.Yeah it probably would but I don't know if that's to practical

10. How many times have you been sick while serving, I recall the one phone visit at Christmas the first time you sounded like you had a bad cold.

10.I haven't been sick too much, mostly just if I get a head cold. I'm recently recovering from that actually.

11. Have you had to use the meds, that we sent while you have been there?

11.Yup

12. Do you have heartburn ever anymore?

12.Sometimes, those previcid really help.

13. Do you wish that you had a water bottle that had filters or even maybe a hydro back pack that you took with you?

13.No I can get one of those at the mission office, but I don't really need it here

14. You are using your contacts up right, keeping your eyes healthy by not going over to many months of wearing them correct?

14.Yes I'm using them, I admit I have forgotten to change them a few times but it's all good

15. If you made a documentary film of South Africa that would affect many possible changes for their country what would be your focus? Lack of fathers, Medical issues, homelessness, orphanages,

15.I'll have to ponder that one

16. One thought about respect and what it means to you?

16.Well respect to me is like being patient with others even with all their weaknesses. It means treating them with kindness even if you don't feel like it.

Well this week has been pretty good, the best thing that happened is that we went to a hospital to teach sick people. that was pretty cool. We met a guy who had surgery on his leg and he was very intrigued about the Book of Mormon, unfortunately he was reluctant to give us his telephone number so we'll have to see if he calls us, It happens, so were waiting. We also went on exchanges twice this week which was really cool. I was with Elder Larson the first time and he's a super great missionary. He's been out about 7 months and while on exchanges, we taught for the first time on his mission, a white father led family.  He got really nervous and kind of forgot how to tactfully teach and started rambling on about alot of things and tried to answer every one of their questions all at once. I hardly got a word in. After talking with him about the situation he realized he needed to relax a little bit so the next time they met with the family, they were calm and collected and the family is now preparing for baptism. The next exchange was with Elder Nhlabatsi he is from Swaziland and he is way humble. he's doing great work, the only concern he had was that he is having trouble understanding Elder lechner. I gave him some good advice about communicating more with his companion and last we heard they are doing much better. Saturday was a little tough, most of our appointments fell through and it was getting us a little down. By the end of the day I feel like I learned a little lesson in gratitude though because when I wrote in my journal I realized that we did a lot of good. We actually met some very good prepared people and we taught our favorite family Clyde and Nicky, earlier that day we did service by helping someone move in to their new house. I guess it really just matters where your focus is. If your focus is on the positive you will feel positive, if you focus on the negative you will feel negative. Sunday was good, we had a small fireside and Bishop talked about missionary work, The ward is really excited now so we'll see what comes of it.

On Sun, Jan 30, 2011

So this week our family blog joined the Internet MTC, whats that you say well its a person who is willing to allow their site to be searched when a word or information is looked up that lists things that have to do with our church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Or links their blogs to sites that has to do with the sites that the church has. Also there is a site that hosts Meridian magazine that tells all kinds of inspirations stories that are Church affiliated and they ask that you link good things to your facebook, or twitter or your blog so that those who are looking for information find sites that carry our opinion's and positive statement's about the gospel helping to teach and give insight instead of negative or incorrect perspectives when google is used in a search to find an answer to words like God, Family Home Evening, Missionaries, Family, Jesus Christ etc. This will help those seeking answers to the Mormon belief ahead of the time that the proselyting Missionaries knock on their door if they have been looking to see what we believe. So I love that the first song on our blog is I hope they call me on a mission but I do have to update and change to some more primary songs that are more about family and the Gospel.

This week I feel more and more like we live at the high school wrestle room after school. Mc worked to be ready for State but he only won his second match and it was a double elimination so he ended up out. C won those two boys in Wayne county and they were 112 pounds instead of 103 he beat the first kid but the second kid they would one get 2 points ahead and then trade over to the other getting 2 points then trade back so C only beat by one point in the end. He told me that I needed to write that out more clearly for you. I think because he wrestled kids that were heavier is why. This weekend he went to Enterprise and took third place. All the kids were juniors or seniors so it was very tough for him but he felt good and the whole team came in 2nd. J has helped by keeping the little boys with her every time I have to take the older boys some place. I think really she would rather that then taking them anywhere. She got Jer to eat a ton of no bake cookies with peanutbutter along with chicken. He is so stressful because he seems to survive on nothing but pedisure and somehow we have got to get him to eat other things. Today they went horse riding and April was so hyper and poor Hobbles was sweating he is way to out of shape. Arab seemed just fine and just wanted to stay close to Hobbles as usual.

I made a goal to get 8 miles in of a run and I did it of course every inch of me hurt from Wed till Sat evening in varying degrees. J whimpered because her calves and shins and thighs hurt from biometrics and C and Mc ached from wrestling. C was so bruised after Enterprise and even has an eye that got a black spot so it kind of is half shut. But we are all excersized for the week thats for sure.

Just so you know the getting ready for Church this Sunday was much better then last Sunday and less of an argument. The speakers talked about being Forever Families and to put our feet in those shoes of others that had not attended the temple. The loss of how they must feel at not having a linked chain to those ancestors. I am so glad that my family is a forever family and that we have been sealed to each other. Even when there are days where we all struggling to be kinder, more respectful and learning to get along at least we are forever connected to each other because your Father cared enough to desire that his partner be sealed to him forever in the temple instead of just on the earth until we die. Anyway without a few struggles we never realize how much better peace can be.

Dad says "that he loves you and wishes you the very best in your endeavors". "Don't get discouraged and pray always". "You will never regret the work that you are doing." "I need to take the time to write a longer letter but it seems that time just moves to fast"

Dad is doing the taxes this week and passed up going skiing with the youth and Mc who will go for the first time without us. He is instead going to watch C at the Region wrestling at the SVC center.

Love all of us

Do you want to serve a mission too heres how!

I am all about helping tell the good story that makes my life more bearable and wonderful all at the same time. My oldest son serves the Lord teaching souls the good story and I would love to help him along the way or for that matter any other young man who is giving two years of his life to tell the world about the Lord and the truth that the Book of Mormon can bring to a persons life.

So with no further waiting may I announce our family is now going to become a part of the Internt MTC.

Say what? ya an INTERNT MTC. How? well people can search my site and hear my side of how I and my family live as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

We are cross referencing words and links that will lead those who need answers to questions that they have along with the things that we do to live a better life because we know who we are, where we are going, and were we will go once our lives on this amazing earth are done.

Come join me by being an Internet MTC to the world.

Click here.Links to how to do it, its easy.

Click here to get to the exact entry area.

When I need a lift I read from things like this click to read Just knowing that if we all do our part then the Lord will send the right people to get the work done. Even a Prince can realize the importance of the gospel and will come when the Lord whispers to him that its a more worthy cause then protecting idols. One of the Young Men that I used to Substitute teach in school here in America is serving a mission in the Princes country today. I hope that he will be able to teach members of the Princes family the truth of the Gospel and help his family become forever too just like mine. Read the story up there on that click to read link and enjoy.

Missionary asks about Family Prayer, Scripture reading, and Family Home Evening?

The Missionary's Questions to the Family.
1. How is family home evening going? 

2. How is family prayers going?

3. How is family scripture reading?

Family Answer: Honestly these are all always works in progress and refinement. There is an ebb and flow to them depending on the mood and strength of the family unit. So we are forever working to be better at each one and some days they are are done with greatness and some days we failed miserably and get up to the next day to work to do them again better the next time. We are not perfect but we are striving to gain that goal which will meet at some point if we try try try and keep always trying to reach that goal. 

1.I want to know what you mean about being obedient? Are you referring to the fact that sleeping is a favorite and hard for you even now that you are on a time zone that agrees with your biological internal clock or is it like Missionary Kathrine Howell says those who are native to the country often act as if the missionary rules do not apply to them?

1.Well I'm kind of confused about this Question, but I can say that I have been trying to develop alot more self control since I came on my mission and I started with making a resolution to be obedient all the time. Unfortunately you have to be with someone else all the time and they don't always want to be obedient and that causes contention. I don't like Contention and I don't like being disobedient so it's alot less stressful and alot more happy when your comp wants to be obedient too.

2.How do you practice listening to the spirit? 

2.We Do Real plays (Role plays) every day to try and discern the spirit, but mostly it just come in teaching and everyday life and decisions. You just have to search for it and you will find it. It's also easier when you don't watch TV and bother yourself with worldly stuff a majority of the time.

3.What are the Internet cafes like that you have to send letters to us from,are they hard to keep the spirit there about you because of the smoke or loud music?

3.The Internet cafes are ok. They are like public businesses so they don't allow smoking and what what inside. None of the Cafes I've been to are actually cafes. They are strictly for computer use.

4. What does it say on pg 15 of the 9:00pm schedule last sentence of the white handbook?

4.It says write in your journal. (I have been writing every night since the first day of January!)

5. Have you taken the time to see when your temple recommend expires? Make sure before you leave Africa that is is in affect with Pres. Poulsen so that you are able to attend here without having to take time to track down the people it will take to get it updated. 

5. I still have until July, then I will get it updated

6.What pictures would you like to see of our family do you have any choices that I could put on next week?

6.Any pictures I love pictures from home

7. Did you have lots of DA's this week? Has anyone asked you to do something that took practice that may have been lost from lack of practice? There is a sister that says she will make sure your fed if you have no DA's have you met her yet?

7.Not really, the ward is really good at giving us food though. We are not supposed to have DA's after 6:00 and that's when everyone wants to do it. The only way is if they have someone for us to teach.

Unfortunately I'm out of time but it's been a great week. I might have to write a letter. We'll see.

Love Elder Jones

 Dear Son and Brother

What a fun week we have had meeting your companions mother over the Missionaries Moms group.As soon as I saw the name I knew I had seen it on the group of the Moms from Africa. I am grateful for those who are willing to share and care about each other in this wonderful world that we live in. And we got see you little flat that sits sorta behind the green roofed house. The boys wonder if the car you have is still blue, that was the color of the one in the google maps address photo that Sister Seastrand sent for us to look at this week. 

This is my take on Listening to the spirit it takes practice every single day coupled with prayer so getting enough sleep helps turn on your ears to hear him loudly at times that you will need his quiet shouting like the time when the car was coming towards me on the freeway and I heard his shout to get in a different lane. 

The alumni wrestle happened this week and the team wiped out Gunnison C did not pin but he had 9 to 4 points on his opponent. I am not sure if you knew that Mike retired yet but can still whip Caleb Young on the mat. The two Willes brothers went against each other and tied up. It was fun to see some of the old guys on the mat. They honored Mike with a legend trophy that they want to start from now on. Thursday was crazy Mc went to the planetarium and then to a region wrestling. The buses made it back from SLC with barley enough time for them to hop in another car and head over to Millard county. He took 4th and was pretty pleased with himself. Of course we had to tell him earlier in the week that he had to finish out the season and go all the way to the end as he is starting to get tired of the practices every night after school. C that same night wrestled in Wayne county and pinned both of the kids he had to wrestle. Every kid on the varsity high school team has qualified to go to state this year. Jer goes around whistling all day now and asks me if I can whistle also. He even whistles in school and when he wants my attention.  Reminds me of someone else that's far away. I did another 6 mile run this week. My friend did an 8 mile run and so I guess this week I better get a move on if I am going to keep up with her.She already has ran a half marathon and she wants me to come run with her. I am a bit scared of it though because I have to talk myself into doing it everyday. Also running outside is way different then inside since there seems to be hills that pop up out of no where when you run outside, which of course makes you breath really hard at times and gets you into a discouraged state for a moment and then all of a sudden there is a flattening and if you kept going then you know that you can go more but if you quit on the hill then there is the talking yourself back into doing it more. This analogy reminds me of maybe how taking time to read the Book of Mormon when your at home and not having to do it can be just like preparing to run in a day but on your mission the time is set aside to do the reading its a part of the assignment. So I guess the bottom line is I just need to set the goal pay the fee and get running so that I am ready to run with her when the date arrives because when its all done I will feel so great. J even went with me on one of my walk/runs around the valley Sat. It only took us an hour and a half where last year it took me about two and a half hours to get around the valley. We couldn't run the whole time because she would get to tired and she had bad shoes on but it was fun to finally get her to go with me.  Tonight Z will be going to a get ready to be baptized class let me tell you he is so very thrilled to be able to go do this.

Please tell us all the new things that this week has brought to you in teaching the truth of all things that really matter most in this world.

Love the family who loves you here.

Hey cousins write to the Missionary!

1. Do people there get to go to the temple very often or does it seem very far for them to travel to Johannesburg?
1.Well from here it is way to far to travel, and most people don't have their own cars, so if they want to go to the temple, then they have to wait until there is a branch temple trip.

2. Tell us about the orphanage there and what more you see with the humanitarian kits that you gave out. One of the Howell girls sewed many of them that got sent from our stake.
2.Well we actually haven't been to that place in a while now because they haven't had anything for us to do. It's not really an orphanage, it's just a place that provides meals for the kids coming from school and for some of the orphaned kids around. It's a nice place, but I'm not really sure how it all works.

4. Has the fruit gotten ripe and what are you eating now days?
4. Well The Mango's are getting big, but their not quite ready yet. Everyone says they will be ready early December, and there is a large possibility that i could leave before that, i really hope that i don't, but you never know. Litchis are starting to grow and we even saw a guava tree the other day(the fruit was still tiny though) I'm not really eating that healthy I think.

Well this week has been AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our district is still doing very well and all of the new missionaries are getting along well. It's nice to have them all around, because you don't have to put up with missionaries that don't want to be obedient.-Elder Lechner is my favorite missionary. You should definitely send him a package. (typed by Elder Lechner)- I got to tell you mission is awesome. This week Elder Rasi and i have focused most of our time on preparing and trying to discern if Brother and Sister Mpofu are ready and we feel that they are. It's been tuff for them due to brother mpofu's work, His boss is a Muslim and doesn't really respect their belief. he says he will relive them on Sundays, and then he never shows up. It kinda sucks, but Bro Mpofu says he's not going to put up with it much anymore and so he might quit or something. they are and awesome family and if they make it to baptism this Sunday and tinashe as well, we will have made our overall goal for the trimester (Sept-Dec) it will give us a chance to really work hard and bring more to eternal life in December. We are doing very well, and the work is great.

1. Just a question about how Justin Rhett and my other cousins and friends are doing through out the world (Devin, Sam...)
2. How is Aunt Jadie, Amber.......

I love you all family and I hope to hear from you all
Elder Jones

Family letter to the missionary.

Mon Nov 1

Well I guess you will get two letters today. This time I made sure to get the letter written early so that didn't end up having kids keep me from sending a note to you. I even checked the time and it should have gotten to you before you were sending to us. I love you too lots young man you make me very happy that you are setting a great example to your brothers. I hope you can understand the end of C letter that he mailed in the Christmas box it shows how you are an example to them by his signature.

Tell all those Greenie Elders that they are amazing to be serving and know that they will settle down soon just hopefully they will keep that fire in them that they need to reach all those who want a better life.
Today is Thur as I add some to the note I realize that I accidentally put your other address on the letter that I sent last week. I am so sorry I sure couldn't understand why you would not have gotten my letter as I knew I had sent it before you were looking at email. I hope that you have gotten several different photos over the last two weeks because I have sent some like J and the dance and the boys the fire and Halloween pumpkin gathering with the whole Bingham side of the family. Tonight Dad and I went to dinner with all his bros and sis to celebrate their birthdays. Twila said that Sam is now a Zone Leader and his trainer who is from that area is done serving but he gets to see Sam often. Sam says he really has enjoyed that and the Young man said that his Portuguese is just like everyone on the Island where he is, this is a compliment to him.
Dallas said that there are a few people who have said things like "oh your Tyrells cousin" while he has been up at Snow College.
Well it's Saturday and we have now gotten through the race that I wrote to you about last week in the letter I sent to Timbuktu. Mc and K did the mile race and K took second and Mc took 3rd they both realized that they needed to train more, a little girl beat K by a long shot and her Mom is also the one who won in the age group younger then mine. I came in second and Dad stayed right by me speeding up and down along the race. We were not last but almost so no one got a turkey for our thanksgiving dinner. It was fun and I will be trying to send a pic so you can see the running results of all of us. Brother and sister Shaw raced in the race also. J stayed with the little boys and took the pictures for us. C went to Mountain Pleasant instead of racing to watch the Football team all of a sudden after losing almost the whole season they won enough to make them be in a position to play in the finals. They beat the two top ranked teams and then today they got beat out . He said he had fun but he is never going to go on a rooter bus again. His number this year was 11 and that pic is yes him at his last game. Lins Grocery store is closing and so lots of sales have been going on. Lots of people out of work also. It seems a bit crazy to close the store with the best parking lot and bigger freezers. We had just picked up an application to see if J could work there but oh well. I have been permanently hired on with the Sevier School District and it is now official. So nothing going on with anyone that I can see on your facebook like wedding invites so you must have boring friends. We are very ready to hear what happening on that side of the world with your goals and baptism and new companion and whatever else you can tell us of the special work that your are doing.

Start looking for a package its in the mail for over a week now and there is Christmas for you and one other person and maybe even a few other fun combinations of things. Sunday, Dad's turn to stay home with a sick kids Z this time. Dad was sustained today as the new secretary in the Young men's group so now he can keep C under control maybe. Hopefully work will not get in the way of him being able to go to the activities. It was very interesting to walk into sacrament, There was the young women who I help on the bus with her wheel chair ramp. Then one of the very rowdy little boys and his sister that I have to keep sitting down on the bus. Again towards the back was a little tiny boy who always wants to sit by the N B boy and draw pictures with him. And then another little girl that I always have to tell her to sit down. It was very overwhelming they are not members or inactive families I was really not sure which and then at the end of the fast and testimony meeting I felt more and more strongly about bearing my testimony to the love and knowledge that the Lord knows how to help us if we but listen and ask him for help. I bore my testimony about feeling grateful that Iwas able to get this job and that I cared deeply for these children that were his and I hoped that no one like the Mothers would be offended if I bossed them around and made them sit down and even reminded them that they should not act that way because that is how Heavenly Father and Jesus would want them to act. I felt very overwhelmed and seeing a bit of my patriarchal blessing coming to light in my life as it says that I will be a mother to the children of the neighborhood and they even call me bus Moma sometimes or Teacher Jones. Mc passed the sacrament for the first time today and did very well. Then he did the fast offerings. C went with him a couple of times and I even saw him helping him to make his tie a bit straighter at M's M house. Later J did her project for the values of young women hood. She demonstrated that she could make and find out how to make the Jalapeno Poppers. She gave a sample to everyone. On the way home we talked about a new goal to make and she is now going to try reading the Book of Mormon before you come home, me and T are going to read with her and I got her a special book marker to mark as she goes she is also giving one to T. I think I sent one like it to you it was yellow. Then C I found out has to read also to get his duty to God for being a teacher and Mc made a goal to just read more for school so they got a book mark and C read out loud to Mc and they started the first chapter. I read to Z but K had already fallen asleep. At least this Sunday was a bit more peaceful then the last month ones. Most of all I hope that J and C by reading can somehow become a bit better friends. The first of this week was rough with them having some struggles with each other and then poor J and T had a struggle with tec crew. Well with two letters I am not sure you are going to have time to answer all the questions nor read everything nor look at everything so I except whatever comes back ok and just know that we love you lots and lots.

Love you have a super great week Love all your family

Why, where, when about tithing and other stuff. Stated by the Missionary.

So lots of questions today.
1. Being a ward clerk can you tell us where the tithing monies are used and how? This is because I am hoping to answer a loved ones question about how and where and why the use for this monies. They think that is pays for the salary of the Church authorities.
1. Well the most I ever see is that the tithing is collected, then we enter it into the computer and it is deposited in the bank every Monday. (I myself does that) the accountant. The tithing is then accounted for by the designated area Presidency then, a council put together by the first presidency quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Bishopric. The council reviews the affairs of the church and makes the decision on how it should be distributed. It then gets distributed between the different areas as needed. Examples of use are building of Churches and Temples, Printing copies of the Book of Mormon and other church materials like Missionary pamphlets and DVDs. Also it helps the missionaries who have none to be able to serve missions. All of those things are now paid for so they can be distributed freely to those who do not have the gospel.

Humanitarian to South Africa by our church.

Zimbabwe

Swaziland

Lesotho

2. Have you heard of using baking soda around the windows seals and doorways to let the cock roaches walk through and then lick off their legs and blow their insides up because of the acidic content of their insides.
2.We just had our Flat sprayed for roaches on Thursday so we aren't having much problem now.
3. Do you need me to send you some baking soda?
3.No I can get that here
4. What one thing do you think you will miss the most about Tazneens area come time for a transfer?
4. Well Right now I'm thinking I won't miss the heat. It's about 112 Fahrenheit right now. But I will miss all of the beautiful scenery. And the People. I probably won't be transferred though for another month and a half or three months so we'll just have to see. We find out on Saturday.
5. Who all is writing to you besides us anyone?
5.Usually I get e-mails from President Poulsen. But usually just you. I get a letter occasionally from the Stake Presidency. and if I send to Emily I usually get one from her.
6. Does your companion know about the perpetual education fund for schooling that the Church can provide?
6.Yeah he does, he is planning on signing up for it when he gets home.
7. In what ways would he need help after his mission I am wondering.? After reading about the history of his country and the deaths of just 2009 from Cholera it makes me sad to know yet I do realize that the Lord has an amazing plan to help change his country for the better if he can try upon his return with the Lords help.
7. I'ts hard to say how he might need help. He's led a rough life, but things aren't super bad off for him. He had a small business when he was home and that usually took care of things.
8. So I suppose he has never celebrated Christmas to much and I am wondering if we got him socks, gum, a toy, shoe polish kit, and sewing kit or does he have those kinds of things. They are kind of like what you have too. If you have a suggestion please tell us as we are going to wrap them with companion written on the outside so you will be able to tell whose it is. So if its wrapped then you have to wait to open it ok.
8.No he's celebrated Christmas just like anyone. and about getting some things for him would be nice, but he might leave next week. That's not for sure, but it's the most likely. If you sent the package to me, it would be hard for me to get it to him, But if you addressed it to Tapiwa Makosa then it would go to him. Things he would need.... I think maybe the best gift might be something unique to America. Practical things like socks and shirts might be good, but shoe polish is way easy to get around here. (speaking of which, I could use some extra money in the account for some shirts, but if not it's ok)
9.And there are how many in your apartment? Are there others that are in your apartment with you especially native to Johannesburg or a neighboring Country like Zimbabwe?
9. We have two companionship's in the flat, and one more companionship in the district, staying at another flat making a total of 6. Currently we have two Americans, one Englishman. And three Zimbabweans. But that will most likely change next week.
10. What is Doom?
10.It's Cockroach spray.
11. Is there anything that will make you feel more like Christmas being so far away? Besides hot chocolate and maybe pop tarts?
11.That's a tough question for me to answer now, but I would say the things that Santa usually would bring me for Christmas at home.
12. Do you need floss?
12.no
13. Do you need toothpaste?
13.no
14. Do you crave Chocolate or brown sugar or chocolate chips?
14.Chocolate chips, the Carmel ones
15. Any Christmas idea would be great ok for you and a companion too. please.
15. It's hard to think of Christmas now when it's 112 degrees. I know I'll regret not being able to think of much, because other Elders will probably get that stuff, but I'm going to have to trust your judgement and my companions would like anything you can think of... as long as it comes from the heart.

Well this week has also flown by like a bullet. We've had some ups and downs and we are really struggling to keep our select few on date for October, to focus. I think it will be up to our constant reminders, and their agency if they make it. I realized just after sending that e-mail asking you to fast for us that we are not supposed to ask you to fast for local causes, but your prayers will be appreciated and we will see the blessings come of it. Our District totals are great, I just did 5 interviews on Friday for The Modjadji Elders, and that will bring our district to 10 baptisms this month and if we, Elder Makosa and I, reach our goal of three, then our zone should be on track for bringing 70 souls to Eternal life. We' are trying our best to be diligent and work hard, and we are seeing the blessings come from it. We had a great p-day today, we got to see some of the beautiful views from around here. I'll try to send pics next week, but today there isn't enough time. I can't tell you how bad the heat is killing me right now.... Actually, I could use some sunblock in a package. Sunblock is expensive here. I sure hope I don't develop cancer while I'm here, that would be super lame. So it sounds like you've been talking to some people I know from mission. Is there anyone in particular that you know. Anyway, I'll catch you later. Times up

Elder T. Jones

The Family Note for the Week.
So Dad and I were talking after reading your letter about the letter of the law and the law referring to helping to help missionary's. Dad said it is hard to follow rules and there is the fine line of the law and the letter of the law. Of course maybe it would be a good thing for many ward members to know what should or should not be asked of a missionary. Could be a good young men young women activity some night. C wondered if they were trying to help activate R Wood but Dad said that that should not be their place as a missionary because he is already a baptized member. Even though his family is not members. Today in sacrament meeting the one missionary bore his testimony and he told us that they can do nothing without the members bringing them someone to teach. That they would ask us to please pray to know who we could invite of our friends or inactivates that we could help them to come and teach the gospel too. Brock is slowly getting better but he is so antsy. It has made it so that Jathan was hired to work in Brocks company because the boss was in a very hard spot and needed someone he could trust. The company had landed several big jobs that made it so he had to have someone. The Lord can work in some ways we do not understand from death to illness to war to peace. We are only required to stay faithful and prayerful and excepting and enduring to the end no matter how hard it might be. This makes me think of your companion and the hardness he must face without parents. He has been called to have to return some day to very challenging circumstances but I know that he was called to make changes for him and others that will change the lives of those who come maybe many years after him. I am sure you are learning so much about the lives of people who face so many illnesses hunger and desolation. I think about the dream I had and the telling you of how that land had so many hard illnesses and sadness's to face. You are softly changing those hardness's just because of the light of the Gospel that will lift and inspire amazing changes many years down the road. Your Dad is often amazed that there is now a temple in the land he served a mission in. Not only there but now in Indianapolis which is so close to his mission area. The Lord makes amazing peace come after many storms sometimes. It will be crazy when you are close to 50 and look back to what might be happening in the areas you served. Maybe there will be temples dotting that land too.
This week just went somewhere not sure where but wow over fast that's all I can say. Dad got rid of the couch and Sat. we found another one that was not to much money. It really works there by the TV to not take up to much room and also to lay into a bed so that was kinda nice. We are going to get bean bags also so that we can put them down stairs when its done. I dove the bus on Fri. Wow not sure it will be so easy when the kids are all on talking loud. There is alot to pay attention to especially when making a big turn. It rained everyday this week and snowed in the tops of the mountains so now the fire is out yeehaw because that was so yucky smelling. I ran into Joseph your brother on Martins Pioneer trek at Christensen's and we had a very fun talk. I didn't dare ask him if he had tried to date Jarell again. I can't believe its been a whole 2 years for him. He said to stay strong and wow that you were a district leader and most of all HI from him. Amy Grant is getting married to one of Travis's cousins named Dustin I think. But as to other of your friends I am not sure there are no comments or invites on facebook. There are lots of return missionary friends that would like you to be your friend those are the only ones I think that would be getting married but I don't know because they are not your friends on facebook. Is there anyone in particular that you are thinking about that I can pay attention to for you? Well J is on a date for Homecoming dance with broken legged Travis and both her and C have worked at the ice house. Bullies did higher J on, but only for one day a week until she is trained and I just hope she will do a god job. The ice house once it is full for the winter they shut down until April so I hope she realizes and works hard at Bullies so she can keep the job. C will for sure be picked for the ice house next year V told me because then they can bounce around with all the sports boys schedules. I guess we will have to see what happens come next year though. Today Me J C and Mc fasted that you would be able to meet your goals for the baptisms that are needed within your district. The boys even had to haul hay without having anything to eat and did a great job waiting the eating out. It had soaked the hay bales in the field so we had to wait till they dried out to stack them. The boys said they still felt like 110 pounds instead of the usual 90 pounders. K didn't have the ability to fast yet but he is pretty young. Well I hope you answer all my questions Aunt Jamie and I are waiting to see what we can send in a Christmas Package and so answer as best you can please. Papa sent some ties and Brock also so you will have many to share with others. Also the Mission home will have some come about the 20th because a young man leaving from Arizona is taking them in his luggage to the Mission home. I wish we could do white shirts also but it is really expensive to send stuff that's for dang sure. And never fear we have a big bag of cereal coming to you from this side of America since we found that you do not get that sugar ladened corn ground flavored corn syrup covered stuff over there in that land. Love you keep smiling and working hard the time is flying by super fast and in about three months we will be talking again. J says Hi as she is heading to the shower. Have a great week Missionary. We all love you lots and lots.

Missionary tells how to find why baptism is important.

The Mom Says:

I did ask a question last time I just didn't number it so this time I will number them so you know they are questions.

1.So how are you getting on with your companion?

1. I'm getting along well, with my companion.

2.What is he like?

2. Well this is kind of a broad question, but I will answer to my best. He's my first companion who is shorter than me.(by almost less then half an inch though) He smiles all the time. And he can speak Shona. He loves the work and he is a good missionary.

3.How do you handle all the differences that I am sure you are finding with working with many different young men.

3. Well sometimes you just have to swallow your pride and leave it at that for the unimportant stuff, but if there are things where a missionary is out of line then you have to address it.

4.Is there anything that your companion would need that you have and he goes without?

4. Well probably not right now, because we all get the same allotment and stuff. He would probably need help when he gets home though.

5.Are you still learning a language?

5. I'm trying but I haven't been focusing to much on it lately. It's difficult, because there are so many different languages and everyone has a different idea of how to use them. For example you could ask someone how to say hello in Sotho, and then someone else down the road will say you are wrong and try to correct you. It's tough.

6.So do you see cock roaches there and are they in your apartment?

6. We have tons of Cock Roaches. as a matter of fact we just bought some more DOOM today.

7. Have you eaten the other fruits that you mentioned that were not ripe when you arrived there at first?

7.No their not quite ripe yet. We are getting alot of Mulberries around here, but those are at home too. The Mangos are just now starting to grow, but there about the size of a plum and still super green.

8. Max did the baptism go forward?

8. Max isn't scheduled for baptism until the 31st, he is doing great and his wife said if she sees a big change in him, then she will follow but right now she is sticking to her church. It's good, because we are already seeing a great change.

9. Did his family come with him in baptism?

9.answered

10.Have you ever had to pay for extra luggage that you had with you?

10.Nope

11. How much has the branch grown since you have been there?

11.Well we so far have baptized 7 people. and alot of less active members have been coming to church now.

The missionaries return to our letter:

Yo! that's scary, is she doing ok? it sounds like alot of people are getting sick or what what. I hope Brock gets well. Did you know that most of the world doesn't understand what it means to be baptized, but you can find out from the scriptures. Mosiah 18 is a good chapter for that.

I'll tell you, every time I get an e-mail from home it seems like time is just flying by... WOOSH!!. Hearing about Rhett and Justin and my brothers and sisters in high school doing sports and what what. It's crazy!! and I didn't know Cody was old enough to graduate yet. Time just goes to fast, Especially when every second is measured. I've never had to measure time more in my life then on my mission. From the whole two years, to every month, then to the weeks and then to the days, to each appointment and every second. When you are given only so much time to use, you have to use every second of it WISELY.

Well this week was another really great week for our district and for the area. We had four Baptisms in the district and four Confirmations, Unfortunately one who was supposed to be confirmed didn't come to Church so she now has to wait another week, which can get scary. I was told that our District is carrying the zone so we could use lots and lots of prayers from home and maybe even fasting that we can reach our Goals for the coming months(goals of bringing 70 Souls to eternal life). The zone is at 23 and our District is at 12. The trimester ends in Dec and then we start again in January.

Just to give some advice to the members of the stake. It can be pretty difficult for missionaries to follow the rules if the members don't help them. That is something that we are battling with here in Tzaneen sometimes. The members don't really know what is expected of missionaries so they keep asking us to do things that we aren't supposed to do. So help the missionaries out and learn what is expected of them so you can help them live up to that expectation.

Well I love to hear from everyone so keep sending those e-mails

Love Elder T. Jones

P.S. have you heard if any of my friends or people I know have gotten married?

Our letter to the Missionary

Aunt Twila ended up having an appendectomy she was who was in the hospital when Dad got there on the Sat ( he didnt say that I found out from Aunt Terry). We saw the missionaries that week that you asked and C said they came to seminary and then played night games with him and B and Kes over in Monroe, but he was a bit bugged that all they seemed to do was play and not take their curfew hour serious. I have heard of no one from here coming over there to serve. Many of the new Missionary Moms are having their sons go to Durban and Botswana area.This week has settled into a quiet roll of going to school and me riding the bus, doing chores. Mc's team won the soccer championship again and they got cool dog tag awards with a Pepsi hat. So that's two years in a row for him now. C did a really good job playing football the other night and Kevin Anderson said he just loves to watch him play. It reminds him of when you would play and he was the coach way back forever ago. Hopefully today the fire has been put out because it is raining cats and dogs here. There is a lot of controversy over this fire because they could have put it out and it wasn't done. This spring run of is going to put a lot of mud into the ditches and the pipes which is not going to be very fun to keep cleaned out. The mountains are going to have nothing to hold the dirt together with and so who know what its going to be like this spring. Conference was nice to listen to but hard with these noisy boys who do not want to sit still. When you are praying please pray for Uncle Brock. Uncle Brock is pretty laid up because he bumped his leg and got a huge infection and it has made his leg very very swollen. It has Dad worried it is so bad. Papa gave him a blessing that Nana said was very tender and that someday he would look back on this and understand why it had happened. There are loved ones who do not understand why we do baptism in our Church. Rhett is over in Hawaii now and Justin is almost done with prelaw he has two classes left to go. Cody is down at SUU now to. J will be going to homecoming with T which should be interesting since he has a great big cast on his foot and it still hurts a lot. Well the Cabins are done for the year and so I am so grateful that the Lord provided another employment to help us out. Uncle Jathan has been learning to weld so that he could go to work with Brock but it has turned strange from all that is happening to Brock. He has still been going to work with Brocks Boss which has really been very nice to help them a little bit. We had a huge diesel wreck that was carrying Stoffers frozen meals. It crashed up the Marysvale canyon and it filled everyones freezers up. We took lots up to Jathan and Julie and to Aunt Ambers also. We are also praying for that families loss of their father. We begged Papa to please be very careful when he drives also. Well I think that is all the news for this week. I love you very much and hope that your week was amazing and very filled with the Lords work. Oh ya do not worry about what you need to be doing here because it can wait till you get back. The Lord is taking care of that by teaching and tempering you now while you are serving and learning what he wants you to know now.

Those pics you sent remind me of the little boys all working together to carry buckets of water to the horse and now here you are showing us that the skill we taught here is a very usable skill when serving a mission. HEEhee.

Love you with all our hearts love the Mom