So traslados were today, and I´m in a fivesome or whatever you want to call it! Yo, Hermana Allen, Hermana Rivera, Hma Mora, y Hna Moreno. haha Es loco because we only have 3 beds. I think we´re going to put all the mattresses on the floor tonight. No se! Divertido! It´s like a slumber party! I love Hna Allen. She goes home tomorrow and Hna Mora leaves on Friday. Then it will be just the three of us until who knows when.
Here´s the problem, one of us, Hna Rivera, Hna Moreno or I are going to have to go to end of the earth... TIERRA DEL FUEGO!! haha They didn´t have any flights going there this week, so we´re a trio until then. President hasn´t told us who is going so.. idk! We´re guessing it´s Hna Moreno, but we´ll see.
Mom, I loved your email. That book sounds really interesting. I love reading about all the prophecies and things! And it was so good to hear all of your voices on Christmas!! :) I love you all sssssssoooo much!! I don´t have much time to write, but I hope you all have a wonderful week and MOM AND DERK HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Que les cumplen feliz!! :) and I´ll talk to you Monday!
Love,
Jess
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- Dec. 27, 2010
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Derek and Mom! Happy birthday to you two!
It was so good to be able to talk to you and Jessica the other day. I feel re-energized, rejuvenated, re-excited, re-dedicated, and whatever other "re-___" you wanna add. If I sounded sad, I wasn't. Honest. I was just tired because we traveled a bit, and I always get tired when we drive for longer than a minute. Which is almost every time we drive. But I'm happy as can be, and life couldn't be better!
Jessica sounded amazing! She's doing so good and blessing millions of lives.
We did find Raul!.... after church. He was with his mom for the Christmas weekend. I guess it doesn't sound like he wants to be baptized. He seems to be hiding from us. But, this week we're giving him the "charla franca" to ask him if he's really interested, or if we should just move on. But either way, we won't be wasting too much time with him. We have a few other people we're working with, trying to get some things straightened out.
Party after party after party! They never seem to stop at home! Here in Mexico there seems to be a big celebration a few times a week for some reason or another. But that's my favorite time of the year. Spending time with both families, Dad taking a week off of work... that's the way to do it. Have fun, win some games for me, and be safe.
That sushi place sounds good. I had some at a buffet in Colorado a couple times, but here in Mexico all I've found is Mexican food and pizza. In fact, I just had pizza today. But it's different. It was with al pastor, another with avocado tomato and tuna, and another with pieces of steak, avocado and tomato as well, all with valentina sauce. It was really good. Yesterday I had the most delicious enchiladas! Made with six flour tortillas smothered with verde. I don't know exactly what was in it, I think chicken or something. When my companion was talking to his family on Saturday night, I was talking with Hna. Mary Pasteles about food. She asked how you do turkey? I didn't really know. What is it marinated with? She asked for a recipe so she can try it out. As we were talking, she brought out another delicacy, chapulines. I didn't eat any yet because she hadn't put on the chile yet, but sometime I'll try one. If you don't know what they are, you can try and figure out what it is in the photo.
I've mentioned this many many times, but I love studying. I can't wait to read someday all the books the Church has ever put out! Lately I've been reading very deeply the Book of Mormon, and the Ensign from the past conference. I read about a page and a half in my hour study yesterday, and I loved every minute of it. The Lord definitely knows each one of us, and He knows how we can be happy. We just have to trust Him. The moment we don't trust Him, we immediately feel sadness. Having faith in our Savior is the key to success.
Well, have a good week. I know I will. Lots of Love,
Elder Jordan Keele
P.S.S. Happy new year! Think of me asleep as we first get to the new year ha ha
It was so good to be able to talk to you and Jessica the other day. I feel re-energized, rejuvenated, re-excited, re-dedicated, and whatever other "re-___" you wanna add. If I sounded sad, I wasn't. Honest. I was just tired because we traveled a bit, and I always get tired when we drive for longer than a minute. Which is almost every time we drive. But I'm happy as can be, and life couldn't be better!
Jessica sounded amazing! She's doing so good and blessing millions of lives.
We did find Raul!.... after church. He was with his mom for the Christmas weekend. I guess it doesn't sound like he wants to be baptized. He seems to be hiding from us. But, this week we're giving him the "charla franca" to ask him if he's really interested, or if we should just move on. But either way, we won't be wasting too much time with him. We have a few other people we're working with, trying to get some things straightened out.
Party after party after party! They never seem to stop at home! Here in Mexico there seems to be a big celebration a few times a week for some reason or another. But that's my favorite time of the year. Spending time with both families, Dad taking a week off of work... that's the way to do it. Have fun, win some games for me, and be safe.
That sushi place sounds good. I had some at a buffet in Colorado a couple times, but here in Mexico all I've found is Mexican food and pizza. In fact, I just had pizza today. But it's different. It was with al pastor, another with avocado tomato and tuna, and another with pieces of steak, avocado and tomato as well, all with valentina sauce. It was really good. Yesterday I had the most delicious enchiladas! Made with six flour tortillas smothered with verde. I don't know exactly what was in it, I think chicken or something. When my companion was talking to his family on Saturday night, I was talking with Hna. Mary Pasteles about food. She asked how you do turkey? I didn't really know. What is it marinated with? She asked for a recipe so she can try it out. As we were talking, she brought out another delicacy, chapulines. I didn't eat any yet because she hadn't put on the chile yet, but sometime I'll try one. If you don't know what they are, you can try and figure out what it is in the photo.
I've mentioned this many many times, but I love studying. I can't wait to read someday all the books the Church has ever put out! Lately I've been reading very deeply the Book of Mormon, and the Ensign from the past conference. I read about a page and a half in my hour study yesterday, and I loved every minute of it. The Lord definitely knows each one of us, and He knows how we can be happy. We just have to trust Him. The moment we don't trust Him, we immediately feel sadness. Having faith in our Savior is the key to success.
Well, have a good week. I know I will. Lots of Love,
Elder Jordan Keele
P.S.S. Happy new year! Think of me asleep as we first get to the new year ha ha
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- Dec. 21, 2010
Yesterday we had a wonderful conference at the mission home, and I got your package. Thank you for your package!! I love the calendar :) Hna. Gulbrandsen told me how she saw four men outside her house. She called president and said they were saying they have something to drop off. He told her to just have them leave it there and go away. haha Then she heard them say thank you, and it was an American thank you. Then she went out to go talk to them: haha funny!!
Today we went everywhere! haha Hermana Rivera and I went to La Boca or caminito where all of the colorful buildings are. It's super pretty! And as we were taking pictures we ran in to President and his wife and two of their sons who just came yesterday. One just returned from his mission in Singapore and the other is going to enter the MTC here on the 30th. He is going to Uruguay. Crazy! haha Then we went to the Casa Rosada and the Obilisque. I forgot the cord for my camera, oops ha, but I´ll send some pictures next week. Crazy, in two days I´ll have six months on my mission and traslados are next week! Es loco!!
Love you.
Jessica
Today we went everywhere! haha Hermana Rivera and I went to La Boca or caminito where all of the colorful buildings are. It's super pretty! And as we were taking pictures we ran in to President and his wife and two of their sons who just came yesterday. One just returned from his mission in Singapore and the other is going to enter the MTC here on the 30th. He is going to Uruguay. Crazy! haha Then we went to the Casa Rosada and the Obilisque. I forgot the cord for my camera, oops ha, but I´ll send some pictures next week. Crazy, in two days I´ll have six months on my mission and traslados are next week! Es loco!!
Love you.
Jessica
Elder Jordan Keele- Dec. 20, 2010
Wow, this past week has probably been the busiest week in my life. We've probably only had a total of 8 hours of actual working in the entire week. Ward parties, Stake parties, Zone Conference, Exchanges, and Zone activity practices. It's been crazy, but a lot of fun. I can't wait for tomorrow. We get to go to the temple in the morning! Then of course, on Saturday I get to talk to all of you! No puedo esperar!
My new companion is Elder Rodriguez from Monterrey Mexico. He's very easy to get along with, and we're going to have a lot of success together. I pray as well that we work hard and effectively.
Wow, 30 minutes is a loong time to speak. That's longer than a conference talk! The talks in my ward here are usually about 5-10 minutes long each. Youth or adult. There are normally 4-5 speakers every week.
Tomorrow as a zone we're singing Hark the Herald and Away in a Manger. I'm going to accompany them on the piano. I had to come up with a little transition between the two songs, but the Lord helped me out with that. Simple, short, and it's kind of fun to play. I just hope I remember it ;) But it'll be good. I'm excited.
Nathan, this paragraph is dedicated to you. Go to choir. Just do it. You have no idea (and I'm not trying to be mean, it's just a fact) how many missionaries don't know how to sing. And the voice of just one person that knows even just a little bit helps immensely. So, learn to sing, and go to choir!
It's amazing how this gospel works, isn't it? Just the act of one simple kindness not only blesses the receiver, but the giver, and also those who know the receiver of the gift. We are so blessed not only to be a part of this wonderful gospel, but this incredibly amazing family we have on both sides. Thank you ALL, friends and family alike, for your support to me and my family in particular. When we use what we have to bless others, the Lord blesses us more and more. If we use what we have to help or satisfy our personal desires and wants, the blessing that could be flowing, don't. ''When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are ONLY in the service of your God''.
This past Wednesday we had a multi-zone conference. I was asked to play the piano, prelude, postlude, and the hymns. Fortunately, I had taken a bit of time the night before to prepare the order of the prelude. At that point, and even during, I had no idea who the special guest was. It wasn't until I got home and looked at the Ensign to see that Elder Tenorio was from the first quorum of the seventy. It was very cool. They got there early, and I was to play 20 minutes worth of prelude music. It was a lot of fun for me, I loved every second of it. He talked to us about praying more specifically. Telling the Lord what you want, how you're going to do it, and what you're willing to give up for it. The Lord works with covenants, and as we make specific covenants with Him, he's going to bless us. I've noticed it makes everything in the work more efficient.
Raul didn't get baptized last week. We had an appointment with him Thursday morning, but he wasn't there. We called and called, but no answer. We continued to visit and call him from Thursday through Sunday. We finally found him at home on Sunday afternoon around 4:00. Turns out he had to work in the DF, (central Mexico City) from 7:00 in the morning until around 10:00 at night Thursday through Saturday for extra training. He's still excited for his baptism, and we've rescheduled it for this upcoming Sunday.
Speaking of Elder Fuentes... I saw him at the exchanges meeting, zone conference, and I'll see him again tomorrow. I had no idea he was a redhead! Funny thing is his new companion also has red hair. Both of them are very light skinned, and look like Americans. But one is from Argentina and doesn't speak English, the other is from Tijuana and doesn't speak English either ha ha. But I took a picture with him, but I forgot my cord so I'll have to send it next week.
That is very sad to hear about the Provo Tabernacle. If they can't rebuild it, I wonder where we'll have stake conferences in the future?
Ok, I can't wait to talk to you all on Saturday. I'll be ready to hear the phone call at 9:30 A.M. my time, just in case.
Gracias, thank you, gracias! Les amo muchisimo!
Elder Jordan Keele
My new companion is Elder Rodriguez from Monterrey Mexico. He's very easy to get along with, and we're going to have a lot of success together. I pray as well that we work hard and effectively.
Wow, 30 minutes is a loong time to speak. That's longer than a conference talk! The talks in my ward here are usually about 5-10 minutes long each. Youth or adult. There are normally 4-5 speakers every week.
Tomorrow as a zone we're singing Hark the Herald and Away in a Manger. I'm going to accompany them on the piano. I had to come up with a little transition between the two songs, but the Lord helped me out with that. Simple, short, and it's kind of fun to play. I just hope I remember it ;) But it'll be good. I'm excited.
Nathan, this paragraph is dedicated to you. Go to choir. Just do it. You have no idea (and I'm not trying to be mean, it's just a fact) how many missionaries don't know how to sing. And the voice of just one person that knows even just a little bit helps immensely. So, learn to sing, and go to choir!
It's amazing how this gospel works, isn't it? Just the act of one simple kindness not only blesses the receiver, but the giver, and also those who know the receiver of the gift. We are so blessed not only to be a part of this wonderful gospel, but this incredibly amazing family we have on both sides. Thank you ALL, friends and family alike, for your support to me and my family in particular. When we use what we have to bless others, the Lord blesses us more and more. If we use what we have to help or satisfy our personal desires and wants, the blessing that could be flowing, don't. ''When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are ONLY in the service of your God''.
This past Wednesday we had a multi-zone conference. I was asked to play the piano, prelude, postlude, and the hymns. Fortunately, I had taken a bit of time the night before to prepare the order of the prelude. At that point, and even during, I had no idea who the special guest was. It wasn't until I got home and looked at the Ensign to see that Elder Tenorio was from the first quorum of the seventy. It was very cool. They got there early, and I was to play 20 minutes worth of prelude music. It was a lot of fun for me, I loved every second of it. He talked to us about praying more specifically. Telling the Lord what you want, how you're going to do it, and what you're willing to give up for it. The Lord works with covenants, and as we make specific covenants with Him, he's going to bless us. I've noticed it makes everything in the work more efficient.
Raul didn't get baptized last week. We had an appointment with him Thursday morning, but he wasn't there. We called and called, but no answer. We continued to visit and call him from Thursday through Sunday. We finally found him at home on Sunday afternoon around 4:00. Turns out he had to work in the DF, (central Mexico City) from 7:00 in the morning until around 10:00 at night Thursday through Saturday for extra training. He's still excited for his baptism, and we've rescheduled it for this upcoming Sunday.
Speaking of Elder Fuentes... I saw him at the exchanges meeting, zone conference, and I'll see him again tomorrow. I had no idea he was a redhead! Funny thing is his new companion also has red hair. Both of them are very light skinned, and look like Americans. But one is from Argentina and doesn't speak English, the other is from Tijuana and doesn't speak English either ha ha. But I took a picture with him, but I forgot my cord so I'll have to send it next week.
That is very sad to hear about the Provo Tabernacle. If they can't rebuild it, I wonder where we'll have stake conferences in the future?
Ok, I can't wait to talk to you all on Saturday. I'll be ready to hear the phone call at 9:30 A.M. my time, just in case.
Gracias, thank you, gracias! Les amo muchisimo!
Elder Jordan Keele
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- Dec. 13, 2010
Dads experience sounds awesome. The apostles, and the seventy are amazing men.
I didn't know Laura had twins! That's awesome.
No, still no sign of Elder Fuentes. I've met missionaries who have been his companion, and they've only said good things about him. I know he's somewhere, but I'm sure we'll be companions someday!
Way to go the Jamster! You did it! And you're going to the singles ward. Good for you. You know it is! ha ha
I feel so horrible about not writing anyone since I've been in Mexico. It's just the Pouch system takes years, and I've only had one chance to receive mail, like 4 weeks ago. All is well. The nearest US mail station is like 40 minutes away, so that's kind of out of the question for me in this area. I'll write some letters and send them through pouch, even though it's really slow. Better than nothing I guess.
![]()
I didn't know Laura had twins! That's awesome.
No, still no sign of Elder Fuentes. I've met missionaries who have been his companion, and they've only said good things about him. I know he's somewhere, but I'm sure we'll be companions someday!
Way to go the Jamster! You did it! And you're going to the singles ward. Good for you. You know it is! ha ha
I feel so horrible about not writing anyone since I've been in Mexico. It's just the Pouch system takes years, and I've only had one chance to receive mail, like 4 weeks ago. All is well. The nearest US mail station is like 40 minutes away, so that's kind of out of the question for me in this area. I'll write some letters and send them through pouch, even though it's really slow. Better than nothing I guess.
We have one investigator who has a baptismal date this upcoming Sunday. His name is Raul. I think I told you about him last week who was pushing his car. He's going to be baptized on Sunday.
From your missionary who is learning a whole bunch,
Elder Jordan F. Keele
P.S. Tell Linda thank you so much for her e-mails, I love reading them, and I'm sorry for not replying more to her...
P.S. Tell Linda thank you so much for her e-mails, I love reading them, and I'm sorry for not replying more to her...
Hna. Jessica Keele- Dec. 13, 2010
Hola!
Wahoo!!! I hope I can pick up the package soon! [I was able to send a Christmas package to Jessica with a friend who went to Buenos Aires on Friday. He delivered it to the mission president's wife, and they had a long visit in English!!!] Yup, I´m in Almagro still! I really love it, but I do miss Campana too, and Hna Allen. But Hna Rivera is great too! Yes, Hna Gulbrandsen hurts for English conversations. haha She´s so awesome! hmm I'm not sure how long I´ll be here. Now I´m confused because I was thinking I would be here for the rest of the transfer from the way President talked to me because if not, he said he would have to close an area. So I´ll probably be here for Christmas. We´re going to try and find out where we will be calling from and the number so you can call. I think Hna Allen told me it sounds clearer when you guys call than when we call you. Something I need to know next week though is at what time? It´s a 3 hour difference right? Don´t forget to answer that, okay? Hna Rivera was thinking at 12 or 1 which I think would be 9 or 10 your time, right? I don´t want to call when you are tired, haha but hopefully Jordan can call around then too. Let me know next week, por favor! :)
Oh and yes, Hna Rivera´s companion made it home safely haha So crazy! She´s from Catamarca, Argentina.
Laura had twins!? I didn´t know! How exciting!! Aww, and that´s so cool about the conference Dad had with Elder Ballard!! How blessed we are to be living with prophets and apostles! They help us unfold the mysteries of God and let us know what it is that we need to know. Ooh and a verse I read today that I love is Jacob 2 vs 8. The word of God healeth the wounded soul! :) Nothing else can help more than hearing the word of God and to hear directly from a prophet or apostel is so powerful, especially when we already had those questions in mind!
One of my favorite scriptures right now is Ether 12 vs 4. Where it says if you believe in God you can with surety hope for a better world!! The past two Sundays we talked about the millennium! The first week I got here the bishop was out of town (he normally teaches the Sunday School class for investigators and recent converts) and the mission leader skipped ahead to the millennium and then the bishop yesterday started in the second coming but wanted to talk more about the millennium haha But it´s so interesting. I could talk about it every Sunday! I look so forward to the millennium, obvio! ha But it´s true, even with all the terrible things that happen in the world today, if you truly believe in God you can still have peace through it all and hope for a better world. One of the hardest things for me as a missionary is hearing so many people complain about their Heavenly Father so much. They complain about all their sufferings. But they just don´t understand!! The plan of salvation is Amazing!! They could have so much more happiness if they would try to understand rather than close their hearts toward anything that has to do with God. But not only that, it´s that they owe it to Him! No matter how much we suffer in this life we are always in debt to him because he blesses us so much! Someday we´ll understand it ALL but for now we can know enough if we try!
Well, I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the snow! Sometimes I forget it´s almost Christmas.. It's sooo different being in the heat at Christmas! I´m sending you a picture of our Christmas tree. Our star is a sticky note. haha Almost everyone has a tree here but they´re all the same size - cute little ones! haha
Also the cell phone with the text... Well I think I told you that we got our cell phone stolen last Sunday, and so we have the Assistance phone and that was a text Hna Rivera found on it. It is now her fave picture of her mission. haha "Hna. S. trapped Hna Rivera?"
Our apartment is on the 10th floor and it´s so pretty to look out at night! But my camera can´t capture how pretty it is. But the day time is pretty too!
I love you all! Talk to you soon :D
Con amor,
Jess
Monday, December 6, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- Dec. 6, 2010
It's almost Christmas, and people are getting very festive around these parts. Almost everyone has Christmas lights and decorations. It's cool.
The other day we were on our way home, and as we got off the combi, (essentially a hippi-van that's like a taxi/bus. That's probably why they call it combi, short for combination) Anyway, there was a man pushing his car and trying to steer it at the same time. We offered to help him push his car, and he gratefully accepted. We didn't know how far he had to go, but we pushed probably for about 40 minutes. To make a long story short, he accepted the invitation to come to church. We've taught him a lesson already too. It went really well. At church he saw one of his friends from work who is a member. It was an easy decision to choose who to have fellowship him. He liked it a lot, and I hope he continues to progress.
This past week we had what's called 'divisiones'. On Thursday, my district leader came to my area to work with me for a day, while my companion went with the other elder. Elder Zuñiga is a great worker, and a terrific missionary. He currently holds the record for consecutive weeks baptizing, at 20. He's only been out 10 months. I learned a ton from him, and it really changed the rest of my mission. When we work hard, and work effectively, the Lord blesses us immensely. I know the Lord knows my heart, and that's what I have to count on. I hope to continue to work hard and be the best I can be.
I love you all. Not too much longer until I get to talk to you on the phone! Boo yah!
If there's anything I can do for ya, let me know. (The key word there is 'can').
Gracias! Have a good time enjoying the snow!
Con amor como siempre, Elder Jordan Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Dec. 6, 2010
Crazy, crazy week! Well I´m not in Campana anymore. I´m in Almagro for right now. It's WAY diferente then Campana! haha I feel like I´m in New York. Because there are so many people, taxis, subways, honking, ambulances, police sirens, huge buildings, and people selling things on the street! haha En serio... New York! Yesterday we got our cell phone stolen too! New York! haha It´s fun!
President said that I´m here at least until Tuesday (tomorrow) and then it´s 50 percent chance that I´ll stay here or go back to Campana. I´ll go wherever the Lord calls me, but I´m so grateful for this opportunity to be here for at least this week because it makes me feel so much better about the work I´ve been doing.
OH and the ward is HUGE here! It´s just like home. It even has a nursery, so the investigators can actually hear the class! haha It has more active members then less! Imagine that! It has callings for everything!! They even have a calling for someone to plan a missionary lunch calendar. haha I love it!
I don´t want you to think that I´ll be sad if I do end up going back to Campana haha Nah, I´m just trying to say that I feel recharged or something. haha I love missionary work. The first two weeks of the trio were just very difficult because we were inside ALL DAY! Sometimes for good reasons, but other times no. And I couldn´t control it. So anyway, if I do go back to Campana, that´s okay because I love it there too, and we have baptisms planned that I´m very excited about. Two of them are the sons of Maria y Luis :) I love that family! So anyway that was my week in 2 minutes. haha
I love you all! Hna Rivera is amazing! If I leave tomorrow, I hope that I´ll be able to be companions with her again sometime because she´s hilarious and a very good hardworking missionary! Well I guess you´ll find out next week! haha Love you and take care! Do your best to be obedient! Always! Count your blessings always! Muy importante!
Chau! :)
Hna Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 29, 2010
Hola,
Oh no! I just wrote an email then went to check something (without
saving it in drafts first) and it got deleted :( haha oops! But now
it´s about time to go so I´ll just have to give you the shortened
version of my week. So here goes..
Well, the trio is definitely taking the most work to build unity so
far, but I think that´s to be expected. And yes, it does test my
patience!! haha But it´s do-able! :) and I´m so grateful for this
transfer because I´m learning tons!! I´m learning a lot about the person
that I am now and the kind of person that I want to become! I´m
finding that the people that the Lord puts in our path sometimes knock
us down so that he can pick us up and put us on firmer ground.
Sometimes they break us so that he can make us stronger! It´s
interesting how that works out. He puts us around certain people to
mold us into the people we need to become. We can learn from anyone
and everyone that comes into our lives! I love both of my companions
and they are examples to me in many different ways!
It´s been a rough week but worth it! It´s so sad to see people that
know the gospel is true one minute, but as soon as it´s not convenient
for them they seem to "forget". They even forget all the signs the
Lord has given them to know it´s true and turn them into
coincidences.... No entiendo. It´s also been a tough week because Hna.
Allen´s been sick, and one day we couldn´t go out at all. But I got a
lot of study time in :) haha Also we went up to the roof (Hna Allen just
rested) and Hna. Gillum and I took pictures of the sunset!
BEAUTIFUL!! :) :)
Thank you all for your wonderful examples to me! :) I love you all so
much and hope that you always REMEMBER the Lord and his tender
mercies! Some days they are harder to find than others, but they´re there!
:) I love you all very very much! Take care.
Love,
Jess
Oh no! I just wrote an email then went to check something (without
saving it in drafts first) and it got deleted :( haha oops! But now
it´s about time to go so I´ll just have to give you the shortened
version of my week. So here goes..
Well, the trio is definitely taking the most work to build unity so
far, but I think that´s to be expected. And yes, it does test my
patience!! haha But it´s do-able! :) and I´m so grateful for this
transfer because I´m learning tons!! I´m learning a lot about the person
that I am now and the kind of person that I want to become! I´m
finding that the people that the Lord puts in our path sometimes knock
us down so that he can pick us up and put us on firmer ground.
Sometimes they break us so that he can make us stronger! It´s
interesting how that works out. He puts us around certain people to
mold us into the people we need to become. We can learn from anyone
and everyone that comes into our lives! I love both of my companions
and they are examples to me in many different ways!
It´s been a rough week but worth it! It´s so sad to see people that
know the gospel is true one minute, but as soon as it´s not convenient
for them they seem to "forget". They even forget all the signs the
Lord has given them to know it´s true and turn them into
coincidences.... No entiendo. It´s also been a tough week because Hna.
Allen´s been sick, and one day we couldn´t go out at all. But I got a
lot of study time in :) haha Also we went up to the roof (Hna Allen just
rested) and Hna. Gillum and I took pictures of the sunset!
BEAUTIFUL!! :) :)
Thank you all for your wonderful examples to me! :) I love you all so
much and hope that you always REMEMBER the Lord and his tender
mercies! Some days they are harder to find than others, but they´re there!
:) I love you all very very much! Take care.
Love,
Jess
Elder Keele- Nov. 29, 2010
I e-mailed Elder Glass last week, and this morning he sent me a good e-mail. He's just as happy and energized as ever, and he knows it's the Lords will for him. He's a great example for me.
Dang! That's what you call the TURKEY bowl! Ha ha, single digits, huh? I would've played :)
It's definitely true. As missionaries, we are representing Christ. Actually, as members we're representing Christ. This past week we taught a lesson to a family of 5. They were way excited and loved it all. They didn't know we were 'Mormons' because we said we were from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two days later we came back for our scheduled appointment. Somehow they had found out that our nickname is Mormon. Well, turns out one of her neighbors is a member of the church, but isn't very friendly. Long story short, the family dropped us because they didn't want their children to act like the member neighbors. I'm not blaming the neighbors, but we must always act our best. We may never know just how many people we affect when we don't act like Christ.
Last week we went to a place called the Funcenter for a zone activity. It was a lot of fun. Bowling, Ice Skating, Mini Golf, and a ride that made me want to throw up all for $5. Waaay cheap. Well we kind of got lost, so thats why we were late. But we made it and all is well.
If you could please tell Linda sometime that I'll write to her soon. I still haven't figured out how to send mail, but that's this weeks project. So I haven't written anyone since I've been here, and I apologize.
Also, what's Derek's e-mail?
Well, not much for today. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break, but now back to work and back to school!
Thanks so much for all your support. I love you!
Elder Jordan Keele
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- Nov. 22, 2010
Sunday wasn't really busy. We had 3 investigators of a hoped for 15 that came to church with us this week. That's one of the most disappointing things as a missionary. Because they HAVE to come to church multiple times for them to qualify for baptism. So one week missed at church is another week without the Holy Ghost, and another week that the devil has to work against them. We're working really hard, but haven't seen many 'fruits' yet. I know they're coming. We just have to be patient and keep up the diligence.
I did play the piano again on Sunday, and let me tell ya, it makes a huge difference. For all you future missionaries, learn the hymns! So many people told me after sacrament meeting how much of a difference it makes. It really brings the Spirit so much more. Especially because most of the people haven't sung the hymns before, and without a piano, you have 500 different notes being sung at the same time. It's not their fault, they just don't know how it goes. For example: For Priesthood we sang without a piano, and it was an absolute train-wreck. The good thing is the people sing with all the energy they have. THAT's what brings the Spirit. But it does help with the piano.
There are no plans for Thanksgiving for us this week other than regular missionary-work. :) But that's all right, it's better that way.
Well, as Winnie-the-Pooh would say, "I best be going now". And so I shall.
Ha ha, I hope you enjoyed it this week, because I sure did!
Have a happy Thanksgiving, eat lots of food, and maybe even some extra turkey for me. And no broken bones during turkey bowl!
I love you all, and keep living life the way the Lord wants you to
Elder Jordan Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 22, 2010
Hola familia! :)
My week has been good and tough. The trio´s different but fun! The Lord is testing my patience, haha but that´s good so I can make it a strength. Also I had a good experience the other day on the bus. We had a meeting an hour or two away and on the way back, we went by bus. Well, it was way crowded at first so we (about 8 of us missionaries) had to stand for the first while, and then the people I was standing next to got off and I sat down next to this lady. I had the opportunity to have my first lesson alone! haha Scary! My companions were back further and so I talked to her. It turns out her husband had taken the lessons before and she´d gone to church a couple times about a year ago. She had a lot of questions! I told her about the plan of salvation. Then she asked about what it means to be sealed as a family because she has friends that are members who just recently got sealed and she didn´t understand but respected the fact that she couldn´t go in the temple. She asked me about what family home evening is and if she should go because her friends invited her. ha I said yes! She asked why I go to church and why we take the sacrament every Sunday. I told her about the importance of prayer and how we can use it to help us. haha I´m so grateful to the Lord for giving me that opportunity, and I´m so grateful for you guys for teaching by example so that I can have a testimony in all those things. Because our family is strong and sealed in the temple, we have family home evening, go to church and say family prayers. Thank you for teaching me the importance of it all! I love you all!
OH I realized I´m not sure if Thanksgiving was even last week. haha For some reason I thought it was but now I´m thinking it's this week, right? So again, Happy Thanksgiving in case it is this week!! :)
Also just something to think about. I was reading in the scriptures the other day. haha I love Alma chapter 5 because it has a lot of questions that we should always remember to think about. Alma 5 :14 & 15 He is asking the members of the church if WE have been born spiritually of God? If we have received his image in our countenances? If we have experienced a change of heart? If we exercise our faith in the redemption that we believe in? And if we look forward with faith to God to be judged of our works. Then in verse 16 I love the question. Can you just imagine hearing the voice of the Lord saying to you, Come here, Blessed. Because your works have been good works on earth...? :) Me encanta! I wrote next to that scripture, That's the goal! :) Then if you continue to read, he asks questions to those who should be scared for that day. But how much better will it be to be able to stand in the Lord´s presence in confidence? A bit of on obvious question, but sometimes we forget. That´s why there is repentance. We have to remember! We have to live in a way so that we will be able to look forward to that day! Anyway, I love this chapter! :)
Mi nueva compañera me dijo que hay mucho nieve. Pero solo es noviembre! haha [My new companion told me that you have a lot of snow. But, it is only November!]
Mi nueva compañera me dijo que hay mucho nieve. Pero solo es noviembre! haha [My new companion told me that you have a lot of snow. But, it is only November!]
I´m doing good! I love my mission, and I´m surviving the heat so far. But it´s not summer yet so I´m getting a little scared. haha I love you all and hope you're all doing well!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- November 15, 2010
Well, first comes sacrifice, then come the blessings. This past week, a member had signed up to feed us from Tuesday to Friday. Well, as you know, we walk everywhere. And I wasn't used to that ha ha. Last week I told you it takes about 25 minutes to walk from the furthest place of the area to home. Well, that wasn't quite true. On Tuesday, we were hungry, thirsty, and had no idea where this family lived. To make a long story short, it took a long, long time to find it. My feet were sore, I was sweating, and I was just tired all around. But, we didn't know that they owned a restaurant. This past week I've eaten the best Mexican food I've ever had in my life! It was delicious, and they treated us really well and sent us home with some extra drinks and food. They were very nice. My favorite thing I've eaten since I've been here is the Huarache. That's the first picture. It was huge and delicious. So, again, after much sacrifice comes many blessings :)
Yesterday was stake conference, and we were privileged to hear from Pres. Eyring and Elder Bednar via broadcast from Salt Lake. It was really cool. Fortunately for me, each of them had a translator standing next to them, translating sentence by sentence. ha ha They both gave wonderful talks. It was funny because Elder Bednar and his translator worked perfectly with each other. It was very well done. Next, when Pres. Eyring spoke, he and his translator weren't quite always on the same page. It was funny ha ha. They kept cutting each other off and messing each other up. I guess that just shows that he's human :) But it was a great talk nonetheless. And I was blessed to hear it in my native language.
Things are going well here. I was a little sick for one day, I think just so my body could get used to the transition. But other than that I've been just fine. We eat a small breakfast at home, usually lunch between 2 and 4, and that's it. Interestingly enough I don't eat very much, but I never go hungry. I've only eaten one thing that I didn't like. In fact it was disgusting. It was 'pata', or pigs feet. It was nasty! The taste, texture... everything. Fortunately it was at the restaurant and it wasn't very much. Other than that, I love Mexican food!
This morning the Bishops family, and some other members of the ward, invited us to play basketball and 'futbol rapido', (essentially indoor soccer outside...) with them. It was a lot of fun! I'm amazed at the teeny kids that dominate me.
The Lord has blessed me so much. I know that as I try and improve, He willingly and happily helps me out. I've learned so much since I've been here. My companion is very patient with me, and that's very helpful. We get along fine and work hard. This past week we received a referral from the temple visitors' center. Her name is Maria de Jesus, and she's a bit elderly. Her husband passed away about 4 months ago. She lives with her son, and her daughter lives in our area too. All of them are interested in the gospel, especially the plan of salvation. They came with us to stake conference yesterday, and they liked it a lot. They know this is what they want, and we hope to baptize them all together on the 28th of this month. Sometimes the Lord blesses us with trials, such as the passing of their father, so that we have a new perspective on things. So we can learn in a different way. So we might be more receptive to things. So essentially we can be happy. Here on my mission I've learned to love my trials. That's how we grow the fastest, and again, that's how we're happy.
That's what this gospel is all about, learning. Why else did we come here if not to progress?
Well, I'm grateful to be serving a mission. I know this is the best thing I could be doing at this time in my life.
I hope you're all doing well, and I wish you good luck for whatever you do this week!
Until next time, Love,
Elder Jordan Keele
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele Nov. 16, 2010
Hola! :)
I´m so happy for Jordan! His area sounds awesome. He´s going to love the Spanish. haha Well transfers were yesterday. I´m still in my same area and still with Hna. Allen, BUT we are a trio now! woot woot! Our new compañera is from Utah (imaginen, 3 misioneras walking around together from the same place. People didn´t want to let that go when it was just the two of us. haha Oh well. But she just got here today, and it´s her first time out of the country so everything is extra... exciting to her!! haha I´m excited to see her find her first cockroach ;P Se llama Hna. Gillum and she also knows the Garcia family. D´s brother Guss. What a small world!
I got a letter from Grandma today :) Thank you so much! Also, I got Julie's package today! Wohoo! I love the penguin, haha and thank you so much for the kneehighs :) and all your sweet letters!! I love you all!
I´m having a hard time remembering what´s happened and when. Honest, I can´t even remember what was last week. ha But I´m doing good. I love my mission, and I´m so excited for Jen and William to be out serving in their areas!! Also, that´s so awesome that Danielle Smith is going! And did Leslie get her call yet? haha Where is she going?
I´m sending pictures of our "halloween". haha Hna. Allen and me! Also Hna. Peña is training again so I got to see her today in the mission home! (and meet my "stepsister" ha)
I want to remind you all that I´m so grateful for your support, love and examples! I love you all!! Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week!!
Con amor,
Jess
Monday, November 8, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- November 8, 2010
¿Que honda?
I'm in Mexico! The keyboard is weird, so I might type lots of weird things.
I absolutely love it here! It's beautiful. My area is called Tecamac. I have no clue where that is. We're going to the store in a bit, and I'll buy a map there. There's a Wal-mart less than a block away from my house. The ward I'm serving in is Bosques de los Heroes. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from one end of my area to the other. There are only like 2 types of houses. They're very small, more like apartments, but there are tons and tons of people here. Their driving is nuts. People go where they want and there are no rules. Most people sell something on their front porch/driveway. From food to clothes, pirated movies to paper supplies. People do anything to make money, and I don't blame them. There's a lady in the ward that makes and sells cakes and pies. She's very nice, and every time we pass she stops us and offers us a piece. It's delicious! And so is all the rest of the food. I haven't eaten anything yet that I don't like. My companion, and now all the ward, knows that I'm not a big fan of spicy food. They're very respectful and understanding. It makes everything a whole lot easier. I feel very safe in my area. I honestly could live here. It's not really that ghetto, at least compared to other places nearby like where our chapel is.
We've been told by our area president that there are thousands of ''elect'' (people that are ready to accept the gospel) in every area of Mexico City missions. I believe that for sure. We got in this area with my new companion, Elder Solis (from Tijuana, Mexico), on Thursday night. On Saturday we had the entire day full of teaching appointments. Although only 4 investigators came to church, it was a great weekend. Nobody knows how to play the piano in the ward, so I had and will have lots of opportunity to play.
Our first day we went to the mission home. It's way, way nice. And so is my mission president, Pres. Hicken and his wife. The temple, a stake center, and the MTC are all right next to each other. They call it temple square. We only get to go once a year to the temple, around Christmas time, but time flies anyways.
The mission office address where all mail and any packages should be sent is address is:
Elder Jordan Keele
Mision Mexico Ciudad de Mexico Este
Calle Fuente de Piramides #1 Piso 1
Col. Lomas de Tecamachalco
Naucalpan de Juarez, Edo. de Mexico
There it is. I get mail every two weeks, so it'll probably take some time for me to send stuff. I do need stamps, but I'm sure I can find some here. If not, I'll let you know next week.
Ha ha tell Sis. Brown hello as well, and I'm doing great! Here's something for the ''Good News Minute''--This morning we played soccer for a few hours. The first game we went to 2. Our team lost, but guess what... I scored the first and only goal! They separated the gringos and Mexicans. So we got wasted every time, but it was a lot of fun. I love soccer already :)
Before I forget, could you find out the exchange rate? I've heard 8-1 and 13-1.
I had no idea that Mexico would be this cold. All the buildings are built with concrete, and immediately when the sun goes down the temperature goes down right with it. It's not quite freezing, but I'm guessing it's no more than 40 degrees at night. During the day it's nice, probably the hottest it's been is 85. From noon-6 it's hot. From 6pm to noon the next day it's freezing. But I have what I need, so no worries.
We usually eat lunch around 2 with members. Other than that we're on our own. I love Mexican food. Our second day, the mission pres. took us to a local restaurant for tacos al pastor. One of the most famous and delicious meals here. It was really good. I don't know what kind of meat it is, other than 'pastor', but it was muy delicioso. I bought some Marias, the little cookie crackers that you got me before I left, and I'm sorry to say, but I think they're better here :)
Our apartment is nice. The previous elders left it pretty dirty, but we're cleaning it today. Our water heater doesn't work, but Elder Solis has a little heater thing. You plug it into the wall, get a bucket of water and put the little thing it, and it heats it. So we shower using a cup and the bucket. Little things like that are a bit uncomfortable, especially from what I'm used to, but it's no big deal. I've gotten used to it. We have an electric washer/dryer thing. I don't know how to use it, but we'll figure it out.
My companion doesn't really speak English. He knows some words, but he struggles putting sentences together. The Lord has blessed me so much. I wouldn't say that I'm fluent, but I do understand most things people say. I usually can say what I'm trying to, although it may not be exactly right, and it may take a little while to get it out, but the people are very nice and appreciate it when I try.
Yesterday Bishop Juarez said in his testimony a quote that I really like. It's basically this: ''Don't tell your God that you have a great problem, but tell your problem that you have a great God''. How true that is. God loves us and wants to help us learn how to get through our problems. Ask for his help and he'll give it to you. That's the message for the week.
I think that's about it. I love you, I hope you're all doing well. Serving a mission is one of the greatest experiences you can ever have. So go serve one!
Adios, les amo muchisisimo,
Elder Jordan Keele
P.S. As for all the e-mails I've received, I printed them off and I'll read them and reply as soon as I can. But it may not arrive for about a month. Idk... gracias!
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 8, 2010
Hola, Hola!
It´s been a really good week! :)
First of all, we have many dogs! haha We lose them, and then they find
us again days later. The first we named Che. Later came Pastañas, Then
Viejo, Pastañas dos, Nacho, and now Buster. The lady that works here
at the internet place is trying to kick him out right now. "Afuera,
afuera!" haha but he won't leave. :) haha He found us yesterday,
followed us from about 4 o´clock in the afternoon until 9 pm. He
waited outside all of the houses we visited. Then to the church but
sneaked in the fence. haha When we visited Maria y Luis last, they
drove us home :( So he got lost. Then today we were walking in el Centro
and he found us again! He was so excited, and now he won't leave us!!
We´re not allowed to have pets, but it's hard when they won't leave you
eh? haha Ah well, que se puede hacer? :)
Bueno, now I want to share my testimony on fasting with faith. Last
week we decided to fast for our investigators who committed to come to
church yesterday. And even more, it was a stake conference so they have
to travel farther than usual. It´s about Orem to American Fork, but no
one has a car so that makes it even more difficult.
Well, we´ve been visiting a very poor family, Rocio, the mom, Maria, the
g-ma, and then 2 kids, Antonio and Mariela, 6 (Mi favorita!!). We saw
them Saturday night. Maria said she didn´t want to go anymore because
her shoes are really worn out but we told her not to worry because we had
some extras in the apartment and we would bring them for her! Antonio and
Mariela really wanted to go!! Rocio, the mom, has been promising them
that they will go but it hasn´t happened yet and Antonio about started crying
because she wasn´t sure. She eventually said yes but we could tell she was
just saying it to make him happy for the moment. We figured it had
something to do with the money because remises (Taxis) are expensive even
for us and the collectivo [bus] with 4 people adds up too! Plus the stop is
a bit far away for the grandma to walk to.
We told them we would meet them at their house at 8:45 if we were
going by bus. Otherwise, 9:30 if we could find a car. So we went home, and
called members who have a car but no one could help us. So we went to
bed, and then we got a text from Rocio. -Sorry misioneras, but I got in
a fight with my boyfriend and we´re not going to be able to go
tomorrow...- My companion and I decided we weren´t going to worry
about it because whether Rocio goes or not, Maria and her grandchildren are
going to go! Haha So we went to sleep.
We woke up in the morning and still weren´t sure how we were going to
get them all there. But we decided the bus was the only way to go. About
5 minutes before we were about to leave, our Mssion President calls.
“Hey Hermanas! Hermana Gulbrandson and I are headed for your stake
conference, but it looks like we´re going to get their about an hour early.
Do you have investigators coming? Do you want a ride?” -Bueno, Sure!-
haha
So we pulled up to their house. Antonio answered the door all ready in
his buttton up shirt but had been crying because his mom said they weren´t
going to go. “No, but we have a car!! Go get your grandma!” He had a huge smile
and ran to go get Maria. Rocio was still sleeping. We gave
Maria the shoes and she found a skirt to put on. Rocio still didn´t
come. She had a really rough night, but mira [look]! we had a priesthood
holder there! President gave her a blessing, and we´re expecting her to come
next week.
I was worried that the kids were going to get bored because there was no
Primary, just 2 hours of adult talk. Antonio loved it and Mariela
loved it. They were the most well behaved kids there! (In fact my
companion got bit by another little boy. haha) But a 6 year old and a 9 year old
loved it and cried because their mom doesn´t want to come! Imagine
that!! A bit reverse, eh? Haha But really, they are an amazing family!!
And Antonio is the most excited for his baptism then I´ve seen anyone
be!
I love this gospel, and I love being a missionary! :) I love you all
and I´m so grateful for your support! :)
Con amor,
Hna Keele
It´s been a really good week! :)
First of all, we have many dogs! haha We lose them, and then they find
us again days later. The first we named Che. Later came Pastañas, Then
Viejo, Pastañas dos, Nacho, and now Buster. The lady that works here
at the internet place is trying to kick him out right now. "Afuera,
afuera!" haha but he won't leave. :) haha He found us yesterday,
followed us from about 4 o´clock in the afternoon until 9 pm. He
waited outside all of the houses we visited. Then to the church but
sneaked in the fence. haha When we visited Maria y Luis last, they
drove us home :( So he got lost. Then today we were walking in el Centro
and he found us again! He was so excited, and now he won't leave us!!
We´re not allowed to have pets, but it's hard when they won't leave you
eh? haha Ah well, que se puede hacer? :)
Bueno, now I want to share my testimony on fasting with faith. Last
week we decided to fast for our investigators who committed to come to
church yesterday. And even more, it was a stake conference so they have
to travel farther than usual. It´s about Orem to American Fork, but no
Well, we´ve been visiting a very poor family, Rocio, the mom, Maria, the
g-ma, and then 2 kids, Antonio and Mariela, 6 (Mi favorita!!). We saw
them Saturday night. Maria said she didn´t want to go anymore because
some extras in the apartment and we would bring them for her! Antonio and
Mariela really wanted to go!! Rocio, the mom, has been promising them
because she wasn´t sure. She eventually said yes but we could tell she was
just saying it to make him happy for the moment. We figured it had
for us and the collectivo [bus] with 4 people adds up too! Plus the stop is
a bit far away for the grandma to walk to.
going by bus. Otherwise, 9:30 if we could find a car. So we went home, and
called members who have a car but no one could help us. So we went to
bed, and then we got a text from Rocio. -Sorry misioneras, but I got in
tomorrow...- My companion and I decided we weren´t going to worry
going to go! Haha So we went to sleep.
We woke up in the morning and still weren´t sure how we were going to
5 minutes before we were about to leave, our Mssion President calls.
“Hey Hermanas! Hermana Gulbrandson and I are headed for your stake
conference, but it looks like we´re going to get their about an hour early.
Do you have investigators coming? Do you want a ride?” -Bueno, Sure!-
haha
So we pulled up to their house. Antonio answered the door all ready in
going to go. “No, but we have a car!! Go get your grandma!” He had a huge smile
and ran to go get Maria. Rocio was still sleeping. We gave
come. She had a really rough night, but mira [look]! we had a priesthood
holder there! President gave her a blessing, and we´re expecting her to come
next week.
I was worried that the kids were going to get bored because there was no
Primary, just 2 hours of adult talk. Antonio loved it and Mariela
companion got bit by another little boy. haha) But a 6 year old and a 9 year old
loved it and cried because their mom doesn´t want to come! Imagine
that!! A bit reverse, eh? Haha But really, they are an amazing family!!
And Antonio is the most excited for his baptism then I´ve seen anyone
be!
I love this gospel, and I love being a missionary! :) I love you all
Con amor,
Hna Keele
Monday, November 1, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 1, 2010
Hola!
Wow, time goes by fast! I can´t believe this transfer is almost over!
ha Halloween was a joke!! haha There were a couple stores that put out
Halloween stuff a few weeks ago, but yesterday I saw only one group of
kids with masks or capes. But no candy bucket! haha Which is weird to
me because they really find any excuse to have a holiday, but not
yesterday! Then on "Dia de los niños" all the stores are closed haha
Diferente! Christmas is going to be different too! No snow or Christmas
lights, I´m excited for the asado [Argentine barbeque] though!! :) How was your Halloween?
Things are going well here! We had a really good district meeting last
Tuesday that helped me throughout the week. My zone leader and
district leader are companions, interesante! But they’re really
powerful missionaries and I’m learning a lot from them!
Our mission president has been encouraging us to visit with menos
activos [less actives] to get referrals. I’ve been noticing that with some it
only takes ONE visit to help them come back to church. But what´s
impresionante is that the ones who have a harder time coming back were once the most active before. One family we visited, haven’t been to church
in about 6 years. The dad was a counselor in the bishopric and the mom
a SECRETARY to the primary presidency. I can’t even imagine this ward
having a secretary for anything let alone the primary!! haha But she
brought out pictures and talked about the activities they use to have
and, it was interesting to find out that this was once a fully
functioning ward! Right now there are about 30 active people (about 15
of them being under 20). Es impresionante!! I just assumed it was
always like this but no. It´s a lot like the Nephites. There can be so
many good and righteous people at one time and then fast forward a
few years and the Lamanites are more righteous then they. Sometimes it
doesn´t even take years. No entiendo. The importance of always
REMEMBERING our Savior right? I want to count how many times the word remember is in the book of Mormon. It´s not that they didn´t
"know" It’s just that they forgot or didn´t always "remember" him.
Sometimes I want to be more like Elder Holland, Re-bold [Really bold] haha "Che! Usted sabe lo que necesita hacer. Hagalo!"[You know what you need to do, Do It!] o "Vos Hacélo!¨" haha I love Elder Holland´s talks. My companion gave me a quote from him this morning (except in Spanish and now back to English, espero que es lo mismo [I hope it is the same]) referring to missionaries, "The rules are given to help us have the Spirit. If you want to make up your own rules make up your own Church! But don’t you use the missionary plaque!" I love his talks because he´s bold when we need it! Anyway, my companion and I are trying to think of ways to help strengthen the ward. The investigators need their support! I’m not saying there isn’t anyone to help, because there are and I really love this ward!! But the list of members is about 6 times longer than what we see at church. and that needs to change.
Well time to go, I love you all! Hope you had a wonderful week! Keep
staying strong, pray and read everyday! :) Love ya,
Hna Keele
Wow, time goes by fast! I can´t believe this transfer is almost over!
ha Halloween was a joke!! haha There were a couple stores that put out
Halloween stuff a few weeks ago, but yesterday I saw only one group of
kids with masks or capes. But no candy bucket! haha Which is weird to
me because they really find any excuse to have a holiday, but not
yesterday! Then on "Dia de los niños" all the stores are closed haha
Diferente! Christmas is going to be different too! No snow or Christmas
lights, I´m excited for the asado [Argentine barbeque] though!! :) How was your Halloween?
Things are going well here! We had a really good district meeting last
Tuesday that helped me throughout the week. My zone leader and
district leader are companions, interesante! But they’re really
powerful missionaries and I’m learning a lot from them!
Our mission president has been encouraging us to visit with menos
activos [less actives] to get referrals. I’ve been noticing that with some it
only takes ONE visit to help them come back to church. But what´s
impresionante is that the ones who have a harder time coming back were once the most active before. One family we visited, haven’t been to church
in about 6 years. The dad was a counselor in the bishopric and the mom
a SECRETARY to the primary presidency. I can’t even imagine this ward
having a secretary for anything let alone the primary!! haha But she
brought out pictures and talked about the activities they use to have
and, it was interesting to find out that this was once a fully
functioning ward! Right now there are about 30 active people (about 15
of them being under 20). Es impresionante!! I just assumed it was
always like this but no. It´s a lot like the Nephites. There can be so
many good and righteous people at one time and then fast forward a
few years and the Lamanites are more righteous then they. Sometimes it
doesn´t even take years. No entiendo. The importance of always
REMEMBERING our Savior right? I want to count how many times the word remember is in the book of Mormon. It´s not that they didn´t
"know" It’s just that they forgot or didn´t always "remember" him.
Sometimes I want to be more like Elder Holland, Re-bold [Really bold] haha "Che! Usted sabe lo que necesita hacer. Hagalo!"[You know what you need to do, Do It!] o "Vos Hacélo!¨" haha I love Elder Holland´s talks. My companion gave me a quote from him this morning (except in Spanish and now back to English, espero que es lo mismo [I hope it is the same]) referring to missionaries, "The rules are given to help us have the Spirit. If you want to make up your own rules make up your own Church! But don’t you use the missionary plaque!" I love his talks because he´s bold when we need it! Anyway, my companion and I are trying to think of ways to help strengthen the ward. The investigators need their support! I’m not saying there isn’t anyone to help, because there are and I really love this ward!! But the list of members is about 6 times longer than what we see at church. and that needs to change.
Well time to go, I love you all! Hope you had a wonderful week! Keep
staying strong, pray and read everyday! :) Love ya,
Hna Keele
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- Oct. 25, 2010
Hola familia!
It´s good to hear that you´re all doing well! :) Me too! :) I just want
to say that my testimony is being strengthened in the scripture that
says after much trials and tribulations come the blessings. (in D&C 50
I think, ha) But really, there are days when we walk all day and nobody
wants to listen, or talk all day and nobody wants to change or make
commitments, or call to follow up on commitments and they haven´t kept
them (Trials and tribulations). And then last week, full of blessings!
And days when people found US, invited us in and so they can listen to
the message of their Savior, to ask when they can be baptized and how,
to call US and tell us they want to make commitments. Makes me
remember I´m not the one doing anything! haha But this is true for
everyone! No matter what trial we´re going through we can look at it
with excitement in knowing that we´re going to receive blessings that
follow! Anyway, that´s my spill for the week :)
I got a haircut today! woot woot! I´ve been wanting one but for some
reason every salon here is closed on Mondays and from hours 1-5, and
random holidays which they happen to have every week or whatever day
they feel like. haha Pero bueno, Mi compañera es peluquera entonces yo
he tenido un corto de pelo. It´s the shortest I´ve had in a long time, but it will save
time fo sho! Pero me siento un poco raro, ah well haha [rough translation- My companion is a hair stylist so I had a hair cut. I feel a little strange.]
Ok pienso que yo voy a escribir un poco en español cada semana para
practicar. Por que mi vocabulario es grande pero mi gramatica...
re-mal haha When I write en español it makes me think. Y mira yo tengo
> familia que habla español, entonces.. por que no, eh?
[I think I am going to write a little in Spanish every week to practice. Because my vocabulary is big but my grammar is really bad. When I write in Spanish, it makes me think. And look, I have a family that speaks Spanish, so why not?
Muchas gracias por las recetas. Estoy animada para usarlos! Y diga
gracias a Julie porfavor :) Por que sÃ, no es necesario para tenerlos
más pero con mis zapatos es mejor para tener algo cuando estamos
caminando todo el tiempo con calor y humidad. eh? haha por eso no
quiero los largas pero knee highs si, lo quiero! :) y tambien los
largas va a estar bien por que en mà misión yo puedo estar con nieve
en cualquier momento. If I go to sur. Entonces por eso tambien.
[Thank you for the recipes. I am excited to use them! And tell Julie thank you, please. It is not necessary to wear nylons anymore but with my shoes it's better to have something when we are walking all the time with heat and humidity. For that reason I don't want long nylons but knee highs. And also the long ones will be good because in my mission I can be in a place with snow at any time.
I really like that quote from Elder Nelson about contemplate and
temples!! muy bueno! I can´t wait to go to the temple again. En serio
I never want to live far from a temple. haha A member was asking me
the other day how many temples are in Utah, ha I didn´t know. (There´s
like 14 right?) but he was shocked when I said I don´t know. But
really, we´re so blessed to live so close to many temples!
Muchas gracias mama por todo tu ayuda! Y gracias a todos! Les amo!!
Con amor,
Jess
It´s good to hear that you´re all doing well! :) Me too! :) I just want
to say that my testimony is being strengthened in the scripture that
says after much trials and tribulations come the blessings. (in D&C 50
I think, ha) But really, there are days when we walk all day and nobody
wants to listen, or talk all day and nobody wants to change or make
commitments, or call to follow up on commitments and they haven´t kept
them (Trials and tribulations). And then last week, full of blessings!
And days when people found US, invited us in and so they can listen to
the message of their Savior, to ask when they can be baptized and how,
to call US and tell us they want to make commitments. Makes me
remember I´m not the one doing anything! haha But this is true for
everyone! No matter what trial we´re going through we can look at it
with excitement in knowing that we´re going to receive blessings that
follow! Anyway, that´s my spill for the week :)
I got a haircut today! woot woot! I´ve been wanting one but for some
reason every salon here is closed on Mondays and from hours 1-5, and
random holidays which they happen to have every week or whatever day
they feel like. haha Pero bueno, Mi compañera es peluquera entonces yo
he tenido un corto de pelo. It´s the shortest I´ve had in a long time, but it will save
time fo sho! Pero me siento un poco raro, ah well haha [rough translation- My companion is a hair stylist so I had a hair cut. I feel a little strange.]
Ok pienso que yo voy a escribir un poco en español cada semana para
practicar. Por que mi vocabulario es grande pero mi gramatica...
re-mal haha When I write en español it makes me think. Y mira yo tengo
> familia que habla español, entonces.. por que no, eh?
[I think I am going to write a little in Spanish every week to practice. Because my vocabulary is big but my grammar is really bad. When I write in Spanish, it makes me think. And look, I have a family that speaks Spanish, so why not?
Muchas gracias por las recetas. Estoy animada para usarlos! Y diga
gracias a Julie porfavor :) Por que sÃ, no es necesario para tenerlos
más pero con mis zapatos es mejor para tener algo cuando estamos
caminando todo el tiempo con calor y humidad. eh? haha por eso no
quiero los largas pero knee highs si, lo quiero! :) y tambien los
largas va a estar bien por que en mà misión yo puedo estar con nieve
en cualquier momento. If I go to sur. Entonces por eso tambien.
[Thank you for the recipes. I am excited to use them! And tell Julie thank you, please. It is not necessary to wear nylons anymore but with my shoes it's better to have something when we are walking all the time with heat and humidity. For that reason I don't want long nylons but knee highs. And also the long ones will be good because in my mission I can be in a place with snow at any time.
I really like that quote from Elder Nelson about contemplate and
temples!! muy bueno! I can´t wait to go to the temple again. En serio
I never want to live far from a temple. haha A member was asking me
the other day how many temples are in Utah, ha I didn´t know. (There´s
like 14 right?) but he was shocked when I said I don´t know. But
really, we´re so blessed to live so close to many temples!
Muchas gracias mama por todo tu ayuda! Y gracias a todos! Les amo!!
Con amor,
Jess
Elder Jordan Keele- Oct. 25, 2010 Last email from Colorado!!!
Hello my wonderful familia,
That's some good insight about marriage. And I guess for relationships in general. I love to hear the words of the prophets. Speaking of Elder Nelson, he's coming here on November 7th to speak to the Fountain Stake (of which I am a part of at the moment) for a stake conference, and to all the missionaries in the Colorado Springs mission. That's one more thing to look forward to if I'm here. But if not, then I'm going to Mexico, so either way it'll be a good weekend! On the scripture you shared, I feel the same applies to missionary work. As far as investigators go, not all the people in the world are beautiful and rich. It's important for me to not look on the outside, but to see them as God sees them wth the potential they have and everything that goes along with that. It makes this work so much more enjoyable anyways.
33-0?! [Mt. View vs. Orem] That's awesome! Against our rival parents' high school! Or rather, our parents' high school rival... meaning the schools are rivals against the schools, not the parents rivals against the kids... you know what I mean. I can see Derek now running to you with a huge smile and trying to hide it ha ha That's a nice image :) There are no better friends than the ones you have at home. I am grateful for the relationship that Derek and I have developed over the past couple years or so. Minus the last few months that is. But I wish I would've been closer to the other ones. Fortunately there's still time for that.
Crazy story time: On Tuesday a member who had signed up to feed us for dinner that night wasn't able to be home. So instead, she gave us money to go out to eat. Well, we went to a local seafood restaurant called Captain D's. I was looking at the decorations on the walls as I walked toward the cash register. Then all I heard was, "Jordan? No way!". I looked up and saw a friend from high school, Gabriel Despain! He and I worked together with the girls basketball team, and he was in a few other classes with me. I knew him pretty well. But I had no idea that he was living here now. It was cool to see him. He was really close to Santino Johnson, the son of Mountain View Football Coach Tiko Johnson. He told me the news, of which I had no idea. I don't know if Coach Johnson was coaching at MV this year or if he had moved already, but I know Derek knows him. I was in his health class in high school with Santino. Gabe told me that Coach Johnson passed away. Have you heard of this?
I would love to go on a Book of Mormon tour someday. You're right, we can't base our testimony off of physical evidence. But it is really interesting and frankly awesome to learn about that kind of thing. It will be a great experience to live in the land of those people. I can't wait to see it for myself!
That sounds like a fun week. Lot's of things to do, that's the way it should be :) I'm sure the Japanese student will have fun and it'll be well worth the trip. An experience he'll remember for the rest of his life. Our ward has a trunk-or-treat thing on Saturday too. I doubt we'll go, but then again it would be a fun thing for some younger investigators :) On Sunday night we have to be in our apartments by 6:00, because it's too dangerous to be out in the dark on Halloween night. I'm sure we'll get some good extra studying, and maybe even hit the sack early!
That will be cool to see the primary program in espanol. In our ward here, the program is next week. I guess the church has everyone do it at about the same time. I can't wait to have everything in Spanish though. One of my new roommates is from la Republica Dominicana. We have language study together, and it's so cool to have a Latin (almost)-companion. I've learned a lot from him already. Enough of this bad gringo Spanish! Ha ha.
HAPPINESS! I like that word. I especially like to BE it. Only through living the gospel is how that is achieved.
I read an amazing talk by Elder David A. Bednar that he gave at the Marriott Center when he was President of BYU-Idaho. I forgot the title of the talk, and the year that it was given. But he talked about the enabling power of the atonement. It really opened my eyes, and the atonement just keeps getting more and more incredible. I don't know how you would find it, but if you could that's one of my favorite talks I've ever heard. I have the link on the paper at home, so I'll try and remember to bring it next time. But it goes right along with the word prayer in the bible dictionary. In it, it mentions that when we pray, we don't say "please change thy will to fit me" but rather "please change me to fit thy will". Essentially. When we use the enabling power of the atonement, it's asking the Lord to give you the strength needed to overcome a trial. Not asking the Lord to remove our trials, or make it so we don't have to do anything. I'm probably not making sense, but it's because I'm so excited to be talking about this. This talk alone has changed dramatically the way I pray, and the way I go throughout my day. It's amazing.
I love you all como siempre,
Elder Jordan F. Keele
That's some good insight about marriage. And I guess for relationships in general. I love to hear the words of the prophets. Speaking of Elder Nelson, he's coming here on November 7th to speak to the Fountain Stake (of which I am a part of at the moment) for a stake conference, and to all the missionaries in the Colorado Springs mission. That's one more thing to look forward to if I'm here. But if not, then I'm going to Mexico, so either way it'll be a good weekend! On the scripture you shared, I feel the same applies to missionary work. As far as investigators go, not all the people in the world are beautiful and rich. It's important for me to not look on the outside, but to see them as God sees them wth the potential they have and everything that goes along with that. It makes this work so much more enjoyable anyways.
33-0?! [Mt. View vs. Orem] That's awesome! Against our rival parents' high school! Or rather, our parents' high school rival... meaning the schools are rivals against the schools, not the parents rivals against the kids... you know what I mean. I can see Derek now running to you with a huge smile and trying to hide it ha ha That's a nice image :) There are no better friends than the ones you have at home. I am grateful for the relationship that Derek and I have developed over the past couple years or so. Minus the last few months that is. But I wish I would've been closer to the other ones. Fortunately there's still time for that.
Crazy story time: On Tuesday a member who had signed up to feed us for dinner that night wasn't able to be home. So instead, she gave us money to go out to eat. Well, we went to a local seafood restaurant called Captain D's. I was looking at the decorations on the walls as I walked toward the cash register. Then all I heard was, "Jordan? No way!". I looked up and saw a friend from high school, Gabriel Despain! He and I worked together with the girls basketball team, and he was in a few other classes with me. I knew him pretty well. But I had no idea that he was living here now. It was cool to see him. He was really close to Santino Johnson, the son of Mountain View Football Coach Tiko Johnson. He told me the news, of which I had no idea. I don't know if Coach Johnson was coaching at MV this year or if he had moved already, but I know Derek knows him. I was in his health class in high school with Santino. Gabe told me that Coach Johnson passed away. Have you heard of this?
I would love to go on a Book of Mormon tour someday. You're right, we can't base our testimony off of physical evidence. But it is really interesting and frankly awesome to learn about that kind of thing. It will be a great experience to live in the land of those people. I can't wait to see it for myself!
That sounds like a fun week. Lot's of things to do, that's the way it should be :) I'm sure the Japanese student will have fun and it'll be well worth the trip. An experience he'll remember for the rest of his life. Our ward has a trunk-or-treat thing on Saturday too. I doubt we'll go, but then again it would be a fun thing for some younger investigators :) On Sunday night we have to be in our apartments by 6:00, because it's too dangerous to be out in the dark on Halloween night. I'm sure we'll get some good extra studying, and maybe even hit the sack early!
That will be cool to see the primary program in espanol. In our ward here, the program is next week. I guess the church has everyone do it at about the same time. I can't wait to have everything in Spanish though. One of my new roommates is from la Republica Dominicana. We have language study together, and it's so cool to have a Latin (almost)-companion. I've learned a lot from him already. Enough of this bad gringo Spanish! Ha ha.
HAPPINESS! I like that word. I especially like to BE it. Only through living the gospel is how that is achieved.
I read an amazing talk by Elder David A. Bednar that he gave at the Marriott Center when he was President of BYU-Idaho. I forgot the title of the talk, and the year that it was given. But he talked about the enabling power of the atonement. It really opened my eyes, and the atonement just keeps getting more and more incredible. I don't know how you would find it, but if you could that's one of my favorite talks I've ever heard. I have the link on the paper at home, so I'll try and remember to bring it next time. But it goes right along with the word prayer in the bible dictionary. In it, it mentions that when we pray, we don't say "please change thy will to fit me" but rather "please change me to fit thy will". Essentially. When we use the enabling power of the atonement, it's asking the Lord to give you the strength needed to overcome a trial. Not asking the Lord to remove our trials, or make it so we don't have to do anything. I'm probably not making sense, but it's because I'm so excited to be talking about this. This talk alone has changed dramatically the way I pray, and the way I go throughout my day. It's amazing.
I love you all como siempre,
Elder Jordan F. Keele
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele-Oct. 18, 2010
What's up my family?
Guess what.... transfers are tomorrow! BUT, I'm staying :) I don't know why, but every other "visa waiter" is getting put with another "visa waiter", except me. I'm not complaining, because the Lord is just giving me more time to figure this 'problem' out. This past week I've been able to do a lot better, and it's been good. I'm learning A TON. Apparently we didn't get everything done that we needed to, so there's still work for me to do here with Elder Cribbs. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I live with two other elders that go to the same ward. One is a "visa waiter" like me (Elder Hopkins). We've gone through many similar struggles and he's been a blessing to me. Some one to talk to and help me out. I'm sad to see him go, but his new companion (Elder Glass) was one of my best friends from the MTC, and they are gonna rock the town! We'll have two new roommates tomorrow, so that will change things up a bit. Plus, I'm behind on letter-writing, so today I can focus on that rather than pack. Ah, the tender mercies of the Lord :)
The Boise trip sounds like it was fun and it went well. That's music to my ears :) ha ha 27 people in one house sounds like nuts, but I'm sure it was fun just to be with family.
Jennifer has always been such a supportive and uplifting cousin. I continue to wonder why me, of all people, have I been blessed with such an incredible family on both sides!
So I was reading in the Book of Mormon, as most missionaries and members of the church do, and I came across something that I'd like to share. In Mosiah 5, King Benjamin is just getting done with 'General Conference'. In verse 2, the people all cry out with one voice, and they say "Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us...the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent [has] wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually". Later, in verse 5, we see that they have all made covenants through baptism "to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days". Each of us need to read and re-read, hear and re-hear, watch and re-watch, etc. the words of the prophets EVERYDAY. Why? A: Because we've been asked to, and B: Because that's the only way we can light and re-light that fire that I'm sure each of us have had, at some point in our life, to "have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually". That's all I have to say today.
I know my e-mail is fairly short, and I apologize. But we have things to get done, and I'm hungry because I ran out of milk and cereal this morning. Thankfully, we're headed to the store :)
As always, I love you all. I do. Have a great week, because I know I will.
Con Amor, Gratitud, y otras cosas buenas,
Elder Jordan Keele
Guess what.... transfers are tomorrow! BUT, I'm staying :) I don't know why, but every other "visa waiter" is getting put with another "visa waiter", except me. I'm not complaining, because the Lord is just giving me more time to figure this 'problem' out. This past week I've been able to do a lot better, and it's been good. I'm learning A TON. Apparently we didn't get everything done that we needed to, so there's still work for me to do here with Elder Cribbs. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I live with two other elders that go to the same ward. One is a "visa waiter" like me (Elder Hopkins). We've gone through many similar struggles and he's been a blessing to me. Some one to talk to and help me out. I'm sad to see him go, but his new companion (Elder Glass) was one of my best friends from the MTC, and they are gonna rock the town! We'll have two new roommates tomorrow, so that will change things up a bit. Plus, I'm behind on letter-writing, so today I can focus on that rather than pack. Ah, the tender mercies of the Lord :)
The Boise trip sounds like it was fun and it went well. That's music to my ears :) ha ha 27 people in one house sounds like nuts, but I'm sure it was fun just to be with family.
Jennifer has always been such a supportive and uplifting cousin. I continue to wonder why me, of all people, have I been blessed with such an incredible family on both sides!
So I was reading in the Book of Mormon, as most missionaries and members of the church do, and I came across something that I'd like to share. In Mosiah 5, King Benjamin is just getting done with 'General Conference'. In verse 2, the people all cry out with one voice, and they say "Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us...the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent [has] wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually". Later, in verse 5, we see that they have all made covenants through baptism "to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days". Each of us need to read and re-read, hear and re-hear, watch and re-watch, etc. the words of the prophets EVERYDAY. Why? A: Because we've been asked to, and B: Because that's the only way we can light and re-light that fire that I'm sure each of us have had, at some point in our life, to "have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually". That's all I have to say today.
I know my e-mail is fairly short, and I apologize. But we have things to get done, and I'm hungry because I ran out of milk and cereal this morning. Thankfully, we're headed to the store :)
As always, I love you all. I do. Have a great week, because I know I will.
Con Amor, Gratitud, y otras cosas buenas,
Elder Jordan Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Oct. 18, 2010
Hola familia!! :)
First of all just wanted to say that I love you all very, very
much!! I´m grateful for all your prayers and support!. Boise sounded
like fun :) I hope Jamie´s feeling better though! Paulo´s ankle too!
I´m sooo happy for Jen and William :) I loved the MTC and
it's especially fun with a sibling ha :) Everything´s good here. I don´t
have much time today, but keep studying the scriptures, Ensigns,
Conference talks y todo!!
Yeah, the money is stretching miraculously! Inserio, I don´t even know
how because I use up all the money I get from the bank every week and
I still have a couple hundred pesos that I exchanged in the airport.
But no, I haven´t needed to use anything from my bank account yet. Ah
one thing though, Almost all of my nylons have been destroyed haha and
I bought a couple here and they´re way cheap, lasted me one day each.
haha But I´ve asked just about every missionary I´ve seen here who is
from the States and no one so far has had a problem with receiving
packages. So if you want to send any feel free :) haha ;) Nylons would
be well accepted! If there is a cheap box of thigh highs and knee
highs that would be great because it's about to get hot!!
I love you all!! Take care,
Love,
Jess
Hna Keele
First of all just wanted to say that I love you all very, very
much!! I´m grateful for all your prayers and support!. Boise sounded
like fun :) I hope Jamie´s feeling better though! Paulo´s ankle too!
I´m sooo happy for Jen and William :) I loved the MTC and
it's especially fun with a sibling ha :) Everything´s good here. I don´t
have much time today, but keep studying the scriptures, Ensigns,
Conference talks y todo!!
Yeah, the money is stretching miraculously! Inserio, I don´t even know
how because I use up all the money I get from the bank every week and
I still have a couple hundred pesos that I exchanged in the airport.
But no, I haven´t needed to use anything from my bank account yet. Ah
one thing though, Almost all of my nylons have been destroyed haha and
I bought a couple here and they´re way cheap, lasted me one day each.
haha But I´ve asked just about every missionary I´ve seen here who is
from the States and no one so far has had a problem with receiving
packages. So if you want to send any feel free :) haha ;) Nylons would
be well accepted! If there is a cheap box of thigh highs and knee
highs that would be great because it's about to get hot!!
I love you all!! Take care,
Love,
Jess
Hna Keele
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- Oct. 12, 2010
Hola Papa! (Dad) :)
I´m doing well! Yesterday we had a conferencia with President Mervyn Arnold, Question! Do all of the 70´s have mission areas to work with? Because apparently he lives here in Buenos Aires and is assigned to cover all the missions in Argentina, Uruguay, and I think Paraguay, maybe more. But is that the role of the 70´s? I had no idea! I guess I just thought they spoke at Conference. haha I never really thought about what else they do before. But anyway, the reunion [meeting] was really good! He is very powerful in the spirit.[Is this a little Spanish grammar coming out in her?] To be honest, he is pretty intimidating too. haha A week ago our leaders told us that when we go to the conferencia with him, we were to immediately sit in our seats and not saludar a nadie [greet anyone] and the same when it was over. Just go and get back to work. Then in the meeting, he wouldn´t call on anyone by name or ask for hands raised or anything. He just looked at you and wanted an answer. At the end he looked at me and said. "Come here" haha I thought uhh.. Yo? haha He just asked me to say the prayer. But it was crazy. At first I just felt, Idk, I forget how to say some things in English. But the emotion of being in front of everyone was not exactly embarrassing but it was similar. haha But as soon as I said Padre Celestial, I felt a rush of... love. Like warmth and peace, very strong!! The spirit was so strong!! and I learned a ton in the meeting!
Well I have to go now, but I hope you have fun in Boise! :) Tell Jen I love her and am so excited for her to serve the Lord! I love you all!
Love, Hna Keele
Elder Jordan Keele- Oct. 12, 2010
Hi!
Congratulations to Daniela on getting baptized! I wish I could've been there to see it. And Dad, Derek and Nathan- good job on doing the tables and cleaning up. Take advantage of every opportunity to serve, because that is HAPPINESS!
Halloween sounds fun! Just don't freak out the Japanese kid! ha ha. I don't know really what our plan is, but I think if I'm here, we're supposed to be in by 5:00. Extra study time I guess.
I was actually thinking of Sis. Alder, Sis. Harris, Sis. Adams, and the Allens when Pres. Monson spoke about remembering the elderly. I didn't have time last P-day to write much, and I doubt I'll have much time today. But I'll try and write all of them as soon as possible. Sis. Alder is a warrior!
The Lord has blessed me immensely with patience. But, I am learning a ton, even though it's not exactly in the way I would've expected it. This area has a lot of potential. Meaning people that say they're interested, or we may even teach them a first lesson, but it's so hard to get a hold of them again, and to help them keep commitments like going to church and reading the Book of Mormon. Right now we don't really have anyone solid. I know that we're in a companionship together because that's the way the Lord works. And if we're both not on the same page, then we can't and won't accomplish anything. I have a lot of changing to do, and a lot of progression to make.
Next week are transfers. We find out Monday what's going on. The Pres. told us that he would try and get us in a Spanish speaking area. But maybe not. If yes, great! If not, great!
I want you to know that even though I didn't reply to everything today, I did read it all. I think it's so awesome that so many people are deciding to serve the Lord. Because He needs you! Thanks for the e-mail on the visa situation. That's some good info :) Even if I don't get transferred, it shouldn't be too much longer.
Have you heard from William? I thought of him the day he went it. I can't wait to see him. I forgot what day Jen goes in. I could search my letters and find the day, but I'm too lazy. It's in November, right? Because maybe I could even see her too!
It's been a lot colder here the last few days. I wore my coat from the missionary mall, and it's sweet! I wore it on Sunday night, and this morning. It's down probably to 50's? Maybe 40's when it's dark? But either way, it's jacket weather. I love it. I've missed the cold, and I don't know exactly how cold it'll get in Mexico, but I doubt I'll see snow. It's supposed to snow here this week, so that would be cool to see.
Well, until next week
Elder Jordan Keele
Pictures:
2278- I should've gotten it with my face in it, but oh well.
I realize I don't really have any other good pictures. I'll try and get some this week. Love you all!
Congratulations to Daniela on getting baptized! I wish I could've been there to see it. And Dad, Derek and Nathan- good job on doing the tables and cleaning up. Take advantage of every opportunity to serve, because that is HAPPINESS!
Halloween sounds fun! Just don't freak out the Japanese kid! ha ha. I don't know really what our plan is, but I think if I'm here, we're supposed to be in by 5:00. Extra study time I guess.
I was actually thinking of Sis. Alder, Sis. Harris, Sis. Adams, and the Allens when Pres. Monson spoke about remembering the elderly. I didn't have time last P-day to write much, and I doubt I'll have much time today. But I'll try and write all of them as soon as possible. Sis. Alder is a warrior!
The Lord has blessed me immensely with patience. But, I am learning a ton, even though it's not exactly in the way I would've expected it. This area has a lot of potential. Meaning people that say they're interested, or we may even teach them a first lesson, but it's so hard to get a hold of them again, and to help them keep commitments like going to church and reading the Book of Mormon. Right now we don't really have anyone solid. I know that we're in a companionship together because that's the way the Lord works. And if we're both not on the same page, then we can't and won't accomplish anything. I have a lot of changing to do, and a lot of progression to make.
Next week are transfers. We find out Monday what's going on. The Pres. told us that he would try and get us in a Spanish speaking area. But maybe not. If yes, great! If not, great!
I want you to know that even though I didn't reply to everything today, I did read it all. I think it's so awesome that so many people are deciding to serve the Lord. Because He needs you! Thanks for the e-mail on the visa situation. That's some good info :) Even if I don't get transferred, it shouldn't be too much longer.
Have you heard from William? I thought of him the day he went it. I can't wait to see him. I forgot what day Jen goes in. I could search my letters and find the day, but I'm too lazy. It's in November, right? Because maybe I could even see her too!
It's been a lot colder here the last few days. I wore my coat from the missionary mall, and it's sweet! I wore it on Sunday night, and this morning. It's down probably to 50's? Maybe 40's when it's dark? But either way, it's jacket weather. I love it. I've missed the cold, and I don't know exactly how cold it'll get in Mexico, but I doubt I'll see snow. It's supposed to snow here this week, so that would be cool to see.
Well, until next week
Elder Jordan Keele
Pictures:
2278- I should've gotten it with my face in it, but oh well.
I realize I don't really have any other good pictures. I'll try and get some this week. Love you all!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- Oct. 5, 2010
Hola! Yes, Conference was amazing!! Here we got to watch it live at the stake center. The first sessions were 1 to 3 then 5 to 7 (Priesthood 9 to 11 so the elders didn´t get to watch it, ha sad). For the first session on Saturday we couldn´t find the cord for the t.v. so that 3 of us could watch it in English. I was so depressed haha because I´d been looking forward to it for so long. But I know everything happens for a reason and the Lord wouldn´t want me to not get anything out of it so I paid attention!! haha And surprisingly I took almost as many notes as the other sessions (we later found the cable). But, it's crazy how much they mentioned how important it is and how blessed we are to have living prophets, eh? Like Jordan, I took it that I need to study more of the Ensigns as well as the Book of Mormon every day. I love this gospel and love living in these last days with modern prophets! I´m excited for the Ensign to come!
Tell Jen I´m sorry about her fish! She does have a problem with keeping them alive haha nah. I would like to support my brother, Elder Keele, in saying that I, too, know that her fish has gone to a better place, free of pain and sorrow, in a place of peace and rest. So, not to worry :)
Okay yes, we had transfers today so that´s why I wasn´t able to write yesterday. Hermana Peña se fue al Capital and my new compañera es Hna. Allen. She is from Highland AND she is the girlfriend of Hna Garcia´s brother (Jamie's last companion, who you had over for dinner the other night). He's on a mission in Brazil. Crazy eh!? But yeah, I´m here to stay in Campana for another while and Hna Peña has moved on to her second area. haha Crazy eh? This was her first area, 9 months! But this area is really nice! I love the people here! Members and all! And I just want to let you know that I am very well taken care of here! I love my mission! Maria y Luis say that Hna Peña y yo are like daughters to them. (They only have sons. haha 4) Last night they invited us to dinner and cooked my favorite, milanesa! Hna Peña told them that we had to hurry home because we were waiting for a call. I don´t know how, but they figured one of us was leaving. At 10:30 this morning, Hna Peña y yo brought her suitcases outside to wait for the elders in the minibús haha Well, they were late and about 10:50 Maria y Luis were driving by and saw us and had presents for us! Ah it was crazy because I was just asking my companion, Do you want me to say anything to Maria y Luis for you? and then "Oh! Never mind they're right there!" I don´t know why, but that´s happened soo many times with them. We always see them driving, and then they offer us rides. They´re so sweet!!
That´s awesome about Mike Mallory! Korea, that´s crazy!! I hope Leslie gets her call soon! Pero bueno, it´s all about the Lord´s timing and He has a plan for her! Let me know when and where! I love you all and hope you are all doing well and being good, in school and home and with friends!! Always remember that the Lord has a plan for you! And He knows it well! But it´s a mystery to you, so have fun in finding out what it is!! I love you all tonz! Take care!
Les Amo
Hna keele
Monday, October 4, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele- Oct. 4, 2010
Conference was incredible! I was so fortunate to watch all the sessions live at member's houses (except for Priesthood at the church). It was so powerful, so inspiring, and I really want to be better. There were so many fabulous talks that I want to study deeply over the next six months. As was mentioned twice, the living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works. If we're told to read the scriptures everyday, and the words of Pres. Monson and the others are more vital to us than those, doesn't that imply that we ought to study the words of the prophet everyday as well? That's what I got out of it, and that has become my goal.
I have felt the prayers of many for the past week especially. Your prayers do count, and it makes a very huge difference. This past week has by far been the best week on my mission. It wasn't perfect, we still have a lot of work to do and progression to make, but I can see lot's of potential for us. For example: in weeks past we've had as many as 40-60 ITL's (Invite to learn: meaning talking to people on the street while on our way to appointments, or any time we talk to someone new other than tracting, teaching a lesson, etc.) a week. Our goal, set by the mission president, has always been 120 a week. Well, I'm happy to announce that this past week we had 166 ITL's. I wish I could take the credit :) But combined with the efforts of my companion, your prayers, and the hand of the Lord, we were able to make that happen. We also made a new personal record of teaching 14 lessons, when our other highest was 8. So, it's not so bad here :)
We, I mean, I need to be more patient with my trials. To focus on having an 'Attitude of Gratitude' (Pres. Monson), 'to show trust in my Savior by listening, repenting, and doing' (Pres. Eyring), by 'being thankful to God for letting me struggle for a long time so that I can learn' (Elder Scott), and to be more humble by 'not thinking less of myself, but less about myself' (Pres. Uchtdorf). These are the words of modern day prophets, and they were intended for me, as they were intended for all of us. It's been a fabulous week!
During the Priesthood session, when Elder Nelson had all the missionaries stand up wherever they were, I felt especially the love from Dad, Derek, and Nathan. I'm grateful to not be alone in this work, and I know that you two (Derek and Nathan) are following close behind. My heart is full of gratitude, and it truly makes me instantly happier. Thank you.
Well, life is good. Right? I look forward to the struggles that lie ahead. I wish luck especially to William this week as he enters the MTC. Just remember, ''it's easier to be 100% obedient than it is to be 98% obedient'' (Pres. Monson), and it's so much more worth it! Happiness is truly found in being exactly obedient, no matter how happy you may think you are while you willingly disobey.
I just finished writing to the President, and shared this experience with him. I figured you'd like to hear it as well :)
Tuesday night Elder Cribbs and I had run out of plans, because our others had fallen through. It was 8:40, and we knew it was too early to go inside. The night before we had set goals during our planning session to teach 5 lessons and have 4 new investigators. At that time on Tuesday night, we had taught 4 lessons and had 3 new investigators. Obviously there was one more person we needed to find and teach that night. We pulled over on the sidewalk to say a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to lead us to the soul he had prepared for us. After saying the prayer, I felt a very subtle impression to head a certain direction, and we soon would find him/her. It was only about 1 minute away, and there we found Josh. He's a 17 year old kid who just moved here from Florida with his mom and grandma. He mentioned to us that his younger brother just recently passed away. He's had no religious background in his life. We were able to teach him a quick second lesson right there on the bridge by our apartment. We're meeting with him tonight to go further. I know the Lord blesses us as we strive to fulfill his work.
Have a wonderful week, I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
I have felt the prayers of many for the past week especially. Your prayers do count, and it makes a very huge difference. This past week has by far been the best week on my mission. It wasn't perfect, we still have a lot of work to do and progression to make, but I can see lot's of potential for us. For example: in weeks past we've had as many as 40-60 ITL's (Invite to learn: meaning talking to people on the street while on our way to appointments, or any time we talk to someone new other than tracting, teaching a lesson, etc.) a week. Our goal, set by the mission president, has always been 120 a week. Well, I'm happy to announce that this past week we had 166 ITL's. I wish I could take the credit :) But combined with the efforts of my companion, your prayers, and the hand of the Lord, we were able to make that happen. We also made a new personal record of teaching 14 lessons, when our other highest was 8. So, it's not so bad here :)
We, I mean, I need to be more patient with my trials. To focus on having an 'Attitude of Gratitude' (Pres. Monson), 'to show trust in my Savior by listening, repenting, and doing' (Pres. Eyring), by 'being thankful to God for letting me struggle for a long time so that I can learn' (Elder Scott), and to be more humble by 'not thinking less of myself, but less about myself' (Pres. Uchtdorf). These are the words of modern day prophets, and they were intended for me, as they were intended for all of us. It's been a fabulous week!
During the Priesthood session, when Elder Nelson had all the missionaries stand up wherever they were, I felt especially the love from Dad, Derek, and Nathan. I'm grateful to not be alone in this work, and I know that you two (Derek and Nathan) are following close behind. My heart is full of gratitude, and it truly makes me instantly happier. Thank you.
Well, life is good. Right? I look forward to the struggles that lie ahead. I wish luck especially to William this week as he enters the MTC. Just remember, ''it's easier to be 100% obedient than it is to be 98% obedient'' (Pres. Monson), and it's so much more worth it! Happiness is truly found in being exactly obedient, no matter how happy you may think you are while you willingly disobey.
I just finished writing to the President, and shared this experience with him. I figured you'd like to hear it as well :)
Tuesday night Elder Cribbs and I had run out of plans, because our others had fallen through. It was 8:40, and we knew it was too early to go inside. The night before we had set goals during our planning session to teach 5 lessons and have 4 new investigators. At that time on Tuesday night, we had taught 4 lessons and had 3 new investigators. Obviously there was one more person we needed to find and teach that night. We pulled over on the sidewalk to say a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to lead us to the soul he had prepared for us. After saying the prayer, I felt a very subtle impression to head a certain direction, and we soon would find him/her. It was only about 1 minute away, and there we found Josh. He's a 17 year old kid who just moved here from Florida with his mom and grandma. He mentioned to us that his younger brother just recently passed away. He's had no religious background in his life. We were able to teach him a quick second lesson right there on the bridge by our apartment. We're meeting with him tonight to go further. I know the Lord blesses us as we strive to fulfill his work.
Have a wonderful week, I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
Monday, September 27, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- September 27, 2010
Sick!!! I haven´t woken up to a cucuracha crawling on my face and I hope not to!! Mom, did that really happen? haha Sick!! Anyways, Hola familia! How are you all? How´s school for everyone? It's weird to think that you´re all in school again!
Okay, so I don´t think I told you about Maria and Luis yet so this is going be a long story. I'll try and make it short. Maria´s sister, Claudia Hein, is a member in our ward and has been a member for 14 years. Obviously she wants the rest of her family to baptized as well. My first lesson here was with Maria and Luis(my second day here). Hna Peña y yo went to teach them. They are super sweet and pretty much were Mormons w/o knowing it except for the Word of Wisdom, tattoes, and piercings. But Luis is very traditional. His family is all Catholic and he doesn´t like to change that. Maria has had many signs confirming that the Church is true and especially about the Book of Mormon but really just wants the support of her husband and children. Three Saturdays ago, she had a baptismal date set but postponed it for one more week. The night before, my companion and I went to visit them and they weren´t there. We decided to wait a while and see if they would come. While we were waiting, I got a strong feeling that the following day was not the day she should be baptized. I had been feeling that earlier that day too so I decided I should tell my companion. Well, she really wanted it to be that day. So we said a prayer to find out if it was the Lord's will to have the baptism that day or if it was just us wanting to have a baptism. After the prayer we both agreed that we needed to wait one more week, but we didn´t know why. Because that´s scary to be the one to ask or tell your investigator to postpone their baptism. As we started to walk away, they pulled up so we went in and Luis still didn´t want to change religions. Maria asked to postpone her baptism one more week. (In serio, no worries! haha I´m not going to get in the habit of allowing that, but really we felt like it was the right thing to do.) So I told her we were feeling that also and set a date for the next Saturday. Wednesday we weren't able to visit them, but as we were waiting for the Collectivo they pulled up and offered us a ride home. She and my companion were talking but I wasn´t sure about what. (In lessons I can understand almost everything but on the street and times like that I don't understand much. (haha el espiritu) When we got in the apartment my companion told me that Maria had told her she got her answer and thought that the Church is not what she expected. Oi!! I felt way bad and scared. Had I said the wrong thing about waiting one more week?! But I knew the feeling that I had and my companion had too! So I decided to stop doubting the feeling and trust in the Lord. We had an appointment to meet with them the next day, and we gave Maria a picture of the Savior helping the little girl out of the river onto a rock. We wrote on it "No Temáis" and on the back wrote the scriptures Alma 7:11-12 y 15. Luis read the sciptures and after reading verse 15, I started to talk, but Luis read aloud verse 15 again. No temáis! We asked Maria again if she would be baptized and she said yes. My companion also told her to prepare clothes for Luis because he´s going to be baptized too. They just laughed. At the end of the lesson we asked Luis to say the prayer (Maria has only heard him pray twice). In his prayer he asked the Lord to give him strength to be baptized. I know that the Lord answers prayers and according to our faith all things are possible! But we have to have faith. Trust in His will and His timing! They were BOTH baptized Friday and Luis said that if Maria had been baptized before him he would not have been baptized. I believe it. Plus now, Maria has the support of her husband. :) Long story, haha, but I´m so happy for them, and I´m so happy being here serving the Lord! I love you all and hope you're doing well :) Les amo,
Hna Jessica Keele
Elder Jordan Keele- September 27, 2010
Hola,
I write my e-mails 2 blocks from home at the local library.
Wow, I'm sure many prayers were answered in behalf of those homes that weren't burned. That's crazy that only 3 out of a projected 100 burned. The Lord watches out for His people :)
It is exciting to study everyday. It's one of the times everyday that I look forward to most. I know it's kind of expected of missionaries to study so much, but I hope when I get back I'll be able to keep it up. There really is so much to learn about the gospel, and we can never know enough. The more I read, the more I want to read more :)
I remember that ward camp out. Has it really been that long ago? Amazing how fast time flies.
Wow, Jared and Meghan are already having a baby? Congrats to them! I never have been to the new La Carreta, but I remember going there in elementary school. I think we went there again in 7th grade. I don't remember specifically how the food was, but I'm sure it was good.
I heard a little bit about the Relief Society Meeting yesterday in fast and testimony meeting. Sounds like it was really good, and I'm sure it just made you even more excited about next weekend. I don't know where I'll be, I could be here, I could be at the MTC, or I could even be in Mexico for conference. But wherever I'll be, I know it'll be the Lord speaking. One of the missionaries in his testimony said that conference is like Christmas for a missionary. That's so true! :) By the way, I think that whenever my VISA comes, I'll leave like the next day. So I'll ask the Mission Office if they could give you a call to let you know what time our flight is so I can call you before I leave.
I agree. Jesus Christ leads and guides this church the way He wants it done. It's a great thing to be a part of. I've been thinking a lot of how true the Hymn "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" is. He does live, and He is here to direct us. A member shared a story with us the other day about when she served a mission. I won't go into too much detail, but they were in a lot of trouble. They then were saved by 'somebody', that scared the bad men away that were trying to hurt them. She said she didn't look up to see who it was, but her companion later told her that there was no doubt in her mind that it was Jesus himself, because she saw his face. How cool of an experience that would be! I know that He lives, and He does watch out for those that are trying to do His will.
The more I learn and read about Jesus Christ, the happier I am, the better missionary and person I am, the more I want to share it with others. It's just the best feeling in the world. I hope we all can take the time to learn more about the Savior each day.
Well, I love being a missionary. The Lord is always with me, and there's nothing to be scared of. I love you all, and I hope all is well.
Love, Elder Jordan Keele
P.S. I attached some pictures.
2272- Me, E. Cribbs, and Jonathan Shaffer -->He was just baptized on Saturday the 25th, and I had the privilege of baptizing him.
2231- Left: E. Howell (Blackfoot, ID) and his companion E. Hopkins (Logan, UT), then me and E. Cribbs (Houston, TX) --> P-day, driving to the church to go play some basketball :)
2218- That pretty much sums up Colorado Springs :) jk
2205- Left: Me, Patrick Taylor, E. Slade, E. Cribbs --> Patrick was baptized two weeks ago. He had met with missionaries before, but was dropped. We picked him up and he was ready to be baptized this time. E. Slade taught him like a year ago.
I think that's good for now. I hope it all works!
I write my e-mails 2 blocks from home at the local library.
Wow, I'm sure many prayers were answered in behalf of those homes that weren't burned. That's crazy that only 3 out of a projected 100 burned. The Lord watches out for His people :)
It is exciting to study everyday. It's one of the times everyday that I look forward to most. I know it's kind of expected of missionaries to study so much, but I hope when I get back I'll be able to keep it up. There really is so much to learn about the gospel, and we can never know enough. The more I read, the more I want to read more :)
I remember that ward camp out. Has it really been that long ago? Amazing how fast time flies.
Wow, Jared and Meghan are already having a baby? Congrats to them! I never have been to the new La Carreta, but I remember going there in elementary school. I think we went there again in 7th grade. I don't remember specifically how the food was, but I'm sure it was good.
I heard a little bit about the Relief Society Meeting yesterday in fast and testimony meeting. Sounds like it was really good, and I'm sure it just made you even more excited about next weekend. I don't know where I'll be, I could be here, I could be at the MTC, or I could even be in Mexico for conference. But wherever I'll be, I know it'll be the Lord speaking. One of the missionaries in his testimony said that conference is like Christmas for a missionary. That's so true! :) By the way, I think that whenever my VISA comes, I'll leave like the next day. So I'll ask the Mission Office if they could give you a call to let you know what time our flight is so I can call you before I leave.
I agree. Jesus Christ leads and guides this church the way He wants it done. It's a great thing to be a part of. I've been thinking a lot of how true the Hymn "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" is. He does live, and He is here to direct us. A member shared a story with us the other day about when she served a mission. I won't go into too much detail, but they were in a lot of trouble. They then were saved by 'somebody', that scared the bad men away that were trying to hurt them. She said she didn't look up to see who it was, but her companion later told her that there was no doubt in her mind that it was Jesus himself, because she saw his face. How cool of an experience that would be! I know that He lives, and He does watch out for those that are trying to do His will.
The more I learn and read about Jesus Christ, the happier I am, the better missionary and person I am, the more I want to share it with others. It's just the best feeling in the world. I hope we all can take the time to learn more about the Savior each day.
Well, I love being a missionary. The Lord is always with me, and there's nothing to be scared of. I love you all, and I hope all is well.
Love, Elder Jordan Keele
P.S. I attached some pictures.
2272- Me, E. Cribbs, and Jonathan Shaffer -->He was just baptized on Saturday the 25th, and I had the privilege of baptizing him.
2231- Left: E. Howell (Blackfoot, ID) and his companion E. Hopkins (Logan, UT), then me and E. Cribbs (Houston, TX) --> P-day, driving to the church to go play some basketball :)
2218- That pretty much sums up Colorado Springs :) jk
2205- Left: Me, Patrick Taylor, E. Slade, E. Cribbs --> Patrick was baptized two weeks ago. He had met with missionaries before, but was dropped. We picked him up and he was ready to be baptized this time. E. Slade taught him like a year ago.
I think that's good for now. I hope it all works!
Elder Jordan Keele- Sept 20, 2010
Hi there, it's me again :)
I got your letter on Tuesday last week. I loved it! I forgot to bring it with me because you asked some questions and stuff and I wanted to comment on some things, but I don't remember. So I'll write a letter and send it today. I think the Seton Place address is actually the mission home. The mission office is 3 blocks from where I live, that's the Center Park Drive address. That's the better one to write to. By the way, thanks for dealing with my letters for others that I send home. I forgot to get the addresses when they sent me mail or packages. I'll try and keep their addresses written down. So thanks.
Wow, Joe is going already? I guess Josh is a little late, and they're only a year apart, but that's awesome! If you ever see them tell him congrats, and he's going to love going stateside! Lots of little perks and benefits :)
I wish I could listen to stuff like that from the mormon channel. They do bring the Spirit, and it helps solidify your foundation. I'm looking forward to when I can do that someday again.
Just this morning I read a talk from I think Ezra Taft Benson titled 'Beware of Pride'. That's an incredible talk. It really opens your mind to how big of a problem it is, and in what ways it disguises itself. I chose one specific thing to work on, and I've made it a goal for this week. Mom, thank you for that reminder, that's exactly what I needed. The thing I chose to focus on is instead of thinking "What will (men) think of me?" think "What will God think of me?". Basically the same idea. It's so important to always "re-light your fire" because its amazing at how quickly we can forget and lose sight of what we thought we'd always remember so clearly. I will work harder at that, and I know your prayers help. Thank you all!
I'm so glad Shannon got the letter. I wasn't sure if her house was sold yet or whatever the deal is there. She is an amazing woman who is going through a lot, and yes, with the help of the Lord she will get through anything.
I'm excited to get those talks. I've really come to love reading the words of our modern-day leaders.
What about Stephanie? Did she not go to Boise?
2:00 AM?!? That's crazy talk! :) I miss those long nights of playing games ha ha It's good to see that some things haven't changed. I bet William did well. I can't wait to see what changes the mission will have on him, because if he allows it to, it will change and bless his life forever.
We haven't had a big fire in a while, at least I don't remember one. I hope everyone is all right, especially our family. Wasn't it Todd that just got called as bishop? And didn't they just two weeks ago do the emergency preparedness thing too? I bet all that took that seriously can see the blessing from that already. And all that didn't, I'm sure took a real slap to the face, (spiritually speaking), and had a nice wake-up call.
Yesterday we had a regional stake conference as well, I think that's what it's called. But it was broadcast from Salt Lake, and all (I think all) of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming tuned in. Probably the equivalent of Utah county, Midway and Heber in attendance ;) It was really good. Elders Donald L. Hallstrom, and L. Tom Perry, and Sister Mary N. Cook and Pres. Uchtdorf spoke. It was really good. They talked about how our covenants are the iron rod, to do the basic praying and reading everyday, to follow the spirit even if you think you know better, and to always have a temple recommend and go as often as possible.
Well, I hope you're all doing very well back at home. You're always in my prayers. Always look for missionary opportunities. There are so many blessings that come from doing that. Try it, and you'll see :)
I love you!
Elder Jordan Keele
I got your letter on Tuesday last week. I loved it! I forgot to bring it with me because you asked some questions and stuff and I wanted to comment on some things, but I don't remember. So I'll write a letter and send it today. I think the Seton Place address is actually the mission home. The mission office is 3 blocks from where I live, that's the Center Park Drive address. That's the better one to write to. By the way, thanks for dealing with my letters for others that I send home. I forgot to get the addresses when they sent me mail or packages. I'll try and keep their addresses written down. So thanks.
Wow, Joe is going already? I guess Josh is a little late, and they're only a year apart, but that's awesome! If you ever see them tell him congrats, and he's going to love going stateside! Lots of little perks and benefits :)
I wish I could listen to stuff like that from the mormon channel. They do bring the Spirit, and it helps solidify your foundation. I'm looking forward to when I can do that someday again.
Just this morning I read a talk from I think Ezra Taft Benson titled 'Beware of Pride'. That's an incredible talk. It really opens your mind to how big of a problem it is, and in what ways it disguises itself. I chose one specific thing to work on, and I've made it a goal for this week. Mom, thank you for that reminder, that's exactly what I needed. The thing I chose to focus on is instead of thinking "What will (men) think of me?" think "What will God think of me?". Basically the same idea. It's so important to always "re-light your fire" because its amazing at how quickly we can forget and lose sight of what we thought we'd always remember so clearly. I will work harder at that, and I know your prayers help. Thank you all!
I'm so glad Shannon got the letter. I wasn't sure if her house was sold yet or whatever the deal is there. She is an amazing woman who is going through a lot, and yes, with the help of the Lord she will get through anything.
I'm excited to get those talks. I've really come to love reading the words of our modern-day leaders.
What about Stephanie? Did she not go to Boise?
2:00 AM?!? That's crazy talk! :) I miss those long nights of playing games ha ha It's good to see that some things haven't changed. I bet William did well. I can't wait to see what changes the mission will have on him, because if he allows it to, it will change and bless his life forever.
We haven't had a big fire in a while, at least I don't remember one. I hope everyone is all right, especially our family. Wasn't it Todd that just got called as bishop? And didn't they just two weeks ago do the emergency preparedness thing too? I bet all that took that seriously can see the blessing from that already. And all that didn't, I'm sure took a real slap to the face, (spiritually speaking), and had a nice wake-up call.
Yesterday we had a regional stake conference as well, I think that's what it's called. But it was broadcast from Salt Lake, and all (I think all) of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming tuned in. Probably the equivalent of Utah county, Midway and Heber in attendance ;) It was really good. Elders Donald L. Hallstrom, and L. Tom Perry, and Sister Mary N. Cook and Pres. Uchtdorf spoke. It was really good. They talked about how our covenants are the iron rod, to do the basic praying and reading everyday, to follow the spirit even if you think you know better, and to always have a temple recommend and go as often as possible.
Well, I hope you're all doing very well back at home. You're always in my prayers. Always look for missionary opportunities. There are so many blessings that come from doing that. Try it, and you'll see :)
I love you!
Elder Jordan Keele
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
.JPG)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Elder Jordan Keele-Sept. 13, 2010
Hola everybody!
I actually didn't get your letter yet. But I'm sure it'll arrive either today or tomorrow. It has to go to the mission office first, then it'll come to me so it takes a couple extra days.
I love reading the Ensign, reading the talks and things from the General Authorities and others. I can't wait for General Conference! I'm more anxious for that than I am for Mexico :)
That's so cool that you had a regional conference. Those are probably some of the coolest talks. That's so true that we can never be satisfied with our performance. The better we are, the happier we can become. It's as simple as that.
Productive week? Funny you should mention that. Hmmm.... not exactly. It's been a struggle for me. I love my companion, and he's a good missionary. But it's difficult at times because we're no where near as diligent as we need to be. In fact we're far from it. I'm in a difficult position because I'm not in a position of authority, and I feel out of place when I try and suggest things. For example, yesterday we taught 0 lessons, met with 0 less actives, tracted for 0 hours, talked to 0 people in passing, and have 0 new investigators. That's basically how this week has been. We did have a baptism yesterday, and that went really well. This morning our zone leaders made a surprise visit during companionship study. They said they "felt like they needed to come by and help us make the changes that will help us be better missionaries". I know that the Lord answers prayers. I can't wait for the end of this week to see the difference it will make. It all starts with the little things, getting up on time, having a clean home, and focusing on the right things. I know the Lord blesses us as we try and do our best. This week is going to be awesome!
I hope I never sound negative or unappreciative because I'm not. I'm grateful for all the blessings I receive, I just may not be able to express things correctly.
I have heard of missionaries moving in with members. On my first day they told us that they were trying to get all of us in with members. As of right now, I think in the mission it's maybe a quarter of missionaries living with members, maybe even less. It would save a ton of money, and it's a great opportunity for the members to serve. I doubt we'll be moving out any time soon, but I'm sure that within a couple years most missionaries in the U.S. will be living with members. I think it's a great idea.
You and Jessica both took the words right out of my mouth. We had 7 people planning on coming to church yesterday, only one came. It's definitely not an easy thing for us. But Mom, you said it perfectly. We have to look at it as Heavenly Father sees it. We aren't a lot of times doing the things that He knows will bless our lives immensely. It's easy for us to find the faults in others, but by doing that we only bring ourselves down. We must focus on our lives, and only the ones we have authority over.
The Boise trip will be a lot of fun. I'm sure all of you will have a great time. Tell William that I'm proud of him, and that he's going to have the time of his life!
That's too bad about Marcos. I know some missionaries from the MTC that had problems with visas for Spain as well. But it's not our desires that matter, it's the Lords.
We live in difficult times. It's not an easy thing to share the gospel, for whatever reason. But as Lehi's vision of the tree of life clearly depicts, it is our job as members of the Church to share this beautiful fruit with all those that are willing to listen. I know that if we pray for the gift of discernment that we can find the ones that are among God's 'elect'. There is no greater joy than sharing something you love with someone you love. Seek for opportunities to help build the Kingdom of God. We are so blessed to have this knowledge. I hope I never lose the fire that is with me when I focus my day on Christ. By learning more about him, and by thinking more about him I instantly have the Spirit more in my life, and it makes a huge difference in everything I do.
I look forward to the day where I meet my Savior, and can thank Him for allowing me this opportunity to grow. This life, no matter how long it may seem, is next to nothing when it comes to eternity. May we all stay close to the Lord and never lose sight of what really matters.
I love you all, and thank you for the support I receive everyday. There are times throughout the day that I just feel the prayers and love of those back home for me. Every prayer counts, and I thank you for them.
Have a safe trip up to Boise! I love you!
Elder Jordan Keele
I actually didn't get your letter yet. But I'm sure it'll arrive either today or tomorrow. It has to go to the mission office first, then it'll come to me so it takes a couple extra days.
I love reading the Ensign, reading the talks and things from the General Authorities and others. I can't wait for General Conference! I'm more anxious for that than I am for Mexico :)
That's so cool that you had a regional conference. Those are probably some of the coolest talks. That's so true that we can never be satisfied with our performance. The better we are, the happier we can become. It's as simple as that.
Productive week? Funny you should mention that. Hmmm.... not exactly. It's been a struggle for me. I love my companion, and he's a good missionary. But it's difficult at times because we're no where near as diligent as we need to be. In fact we're far from it. I'm in a difficult position because I'm not in a position of authority, and I feel out of place when I try and suggest things. For example, yesterday we taught 0 lessons, met with 0 less actives, tracted for 0 hours, talked to 0 people in passing, and have 0 new investigators. That's basically how this week has been. We did have a baptism yesterday, and that went really well. This morning our zone leaders made a surprise visit during companionship study. They said they "felt like they needed to come by and help us make the changes that will help us be better missionaries". I know that the Lord answers prayers. I can't wait for the end of this week to see the difference it will make. It all starts with the little things, getting up on time, having a clean home, and focusing on the right things. I know the Lord blesses us as we try and do our best. This week is going to be awesome!
I hope I never sound negative or unappreciative because I'm not. I'm grateful for all the blessings I receive, I just may not be able to express things correctly.
I have heard of missionaries moving in with members. On my first day they told us that they were trying to get all of us in with members. As of right now, I think in the mission it's maybe a quarter of missionaries living with members, maybe even less. It would save a ton of money, and it's a great opportunity for the members to serve. I doubt we'll be moving out any time soon, but I'm sure that within a couple years most missionaries in the U.S. will be living with members. I think it's a great idea.
You and Jessica both took the words right out of my mouth. We had 7 people planning on coming to church yesterday, only one came. It's definitely not an easy thing for us. But Mom, you said it perfectly. We have to look at it as Heavenly Father sees it. We aren't a lot of times doing the things that He knows will bless our lives immensely. It's easy for us to find the faults in others, but by doing that we only bring ourselves down. We must focus on our lives, and only the ones we have authority over.
The Boise trip will be a lot of fun. I'm sure all of you will have a great time. Tell William that I'm proud of him, and that he's going to have the time of his life!
That's too bad about Marcos. I know some missionaries from the MTC that had problems with visas for Spain as well. But it's not our desires that matter, it's the Lords.
We live in difficult times. It's not an easy thing to share the gospel, for whatever reason. But as Lehi's vision of the tree of life clearly depicts, it is our job as members of the Church to share this beautiful fruit with all those that are willing to listen. I know that if we pray for the gift of discernment that we can find the ones that are among God's 'elect'. There is no greater joy than sharing something you love with someone you love. Seek for opportunities to help build the Kingdom of God. We are so blessed to have this knowledge. I hope I never lose the fire that is with me when I focus my day on Christ. By learning more about him, and by thinking more about him I instantly have the Spirit more in my life, and it makes a huge difference in everything I do.
I look forward to the day where I meet my Savior, and can thank Him for allowing me this opportunity to grow. This life, no matter how long it may seem, is next to nothing when it comes to eternity. May we all stay close to the Lord and never lose sight of what really matters.
I love you all, and thank you for the support I receive everyday. There are times throughout the day that I just feel the prayers and love of those back home for me. Every prayer counts, and I thank you for them.
Have a safe trip up to Boise! I love you!
Elder Jordan Keele
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)