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
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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
Hna. Jessica Keele-Sept. 13, 2010
Yay, you finally get to go to Boise eh? haha That will be fun!! I´m confused, we have a map in our room of Argentina and it says that Rosario is between Campana and Buenos Aires.. Is that right? haha Because that´s weird if I am above my mission into another one. Yes, I live on Avenida Mitre and right next to a freeway. My companion can hear cars all night long becasue she can´t sleep, haha. If you look, it's the first building on Mitre after Ruta 12 and across from us is a soccer field. No, I haven´t heard of missionaries living with members. Do you think saving money that way is another sign about being prepared for emergencies and stuff? Not sure, but here our president started allowing us to take a little more money cada semana.
No worries, I´m eating enough milanesa for us both!! haha OH, guess what? An Elder in my district knows the Krasnoselskys. Last week we were eating lunch with a member, Brenda Patzer, and she asked Elder Caon (because he is from San Fernando, Argentina) if he knows anyone from Rosario. Then he started naming a few people and apparently said Krasnoselskys, but he said it weird and I wasn´t sure. Then Brenda said, "oh yeah, they´re mission presidents now, right?.." So then I knew! Cool eh? And yeah, I hope I get to see Vero sometime while I´m here. That would be awesome! Is Magui still coming back too?
Eliazar! Amazing!! We only got to see him I think once last week. Appointments are not like I thought they would be. Basically there are none! We don´t have his phone number if he has a phone, so we have to walk to his house and hope that they are both there so that we can teach. We weren´t able to last week. We stopped by his house many times but he either wasn´t there or his wife wasnt there. But one time we stopped by his house and his wife answered. She said no he´s not here and I don't know when he´ll be home. We left and started walking to another house and then about 30 minutes later ran into him on the street!! And he was already in Alma! Crazy! That was days ago. I can´t wait to find out where he is now. He told us that ever since he met us we´ve brought good luck to his home :) I cant wait to teach him again. He said he had lots of questions. I don´t think I´ve told you about his grandson that lives with them. He´s probably about mid or late 20s and VERY "Catolico Apostolico Romano" and when we taught the one lesson in their house, he was walking back and forth in the room with music blasting from his phone and smoking. It was hard to have the Spirit. But anyways... last night we went to knock on Eliazar's door and no one was home, lights were out and everything. No biggie. So we turned around and the grandson was there with a cigarette in his hand (it scared me haha). So we said hello and just said we were looking for Eliazar. He says "I´ll go check.." Comes back out a minute later and says, "they said they´re not home" haha!!! Maybe the wife would say that but I don´t think she even would. She´s super nice too and definitely if Eliazar was there he would have come out. So I just pretended I didn´t understand and said, They´re not home? Ah, okay we´ll come back later. haha Psh!!! Little kids say that a lot too. That happened twice yesterday too. "Dice mi mamá que no está."[My mom says she isn't home] haha but no, not Eliazar.
Jamie moved out?! Donde!? Tell her to write me!! :) And tell RJay congrats!! That´s crazy about no MTC though! All right, got to go write el Presidente. Love you all!!! Take Care,
Hna. Jessica Keele
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hna. Jessica Keele- September 6, 2010
Hola Familia! haha funny.... I was planning on complaining about the language and then right there in your email, first paragraph, you say how surprised and well you think I´m doing.. Oh well, I´m going to complain anyway. haha Because seriously, it is frustrating!! But yes, I am very blessed. People keep telling me they are surprised with how much I understand right now. But they also tell me it took them 3 or 4 months to feel confident with speaking. I really hope it doesn´t take that long though. I want so badly to talk and help people with their problems because I can understand them, but I can´t get it all out. And then apparently with what I can get out, they don´t understand haha.
por ejemplo... Because they know I´m learning Spanish they just kind of sit there, saying.. Si si Claro, si si and then later tell my companion they can´t understand me! haha UGH!! But I don´t believe them because they do that to my companion too and she is a native speaker! Si si claro si. It´s an excuse!
OH my goodness, people make up so many excuses not go to church, not to read the Book of Mormon, not to pray about what we taught, not to do anything! Holy cow! It´s opened my eyes to see how blessed I am and all the education I have had. And I LOVE to learn about the gospel, (I´m refraining for now, but I'm way excited to study deep doctrine when I get home. I blame that on my MTC teacher. haha) But, I don´t know how to transfer my desire to them because of the whole albedrío [free agency] thing.
I want to thank you for the wonderful examples you are to me! All that you´ve taught me and helped me learn and understand starting from when I was little. I know that's a key point in life and it´s repeated many times in the Book of Mormon, including the very first verse! There is a mother here who knows the Church is true! She´s told us that. But she doesn´t go to Church because she is embarrassed to go and see members that know about some things in her past. I don´t feel it necessary to say what happened exactly, but yes I would be embarrassed too, but by not going she teaches her children to not go. Three of them that are still living with her are over 8 years old and not baptized because they know very little about the Church. YET their mom knows it's true!! It's sad! It might be embarrassing at first, but her life would be so much better and easier if she would just go and teach her children.
Then there is Eliazar. Super sweet old man!! We first found his wife outside her apartment and started teaching her the first lesson. Toward the end her husband, Eliazar, came out with mate [Argentine hot drink] haha, and honestly, I thought he was going to be the stubborn one. He´s really big and tough looking. But nope! We gave them a Book of Mormon, asked if they would read a certain chapter and then the next time we went to visit they both had read the chapter AND Eliazar had started from the beginning! Including the introduction and everything. He´s amazing! And it turns out his wife is the one who is stubborn. She´s now had the first lesson twice because we wanted Eliazar to hear it all and she says all she needs is faith. Nothing else! Which doesn´t make any sense to me because if you have faith in the Savior and what he did, doesn´t that mean that you also trust him? And when you trust someone, don´t you have a desire to hear what they have to say? And once you´ve listened to what they say, don´t you follow their advice? It´s just another excuse. There´s no way faith is lazy! Faith is an action! If you're not doing something about your belief it's not faith. If you think you don´t have to do anything that the Savior taught then you don't have faith in the Savior. That´s my opinion! I try asking her stuff like that but she just dodges questions. Every time my companion or I asked something, she wouldn´t answer with a response to the question. She just dodges it. But Eliazar is really excited and interested and full of questions! I love it!
Well, I´m pretty happy with how much I´ve written this time. Long eh? Or maybe it´s because this computer screen is smaller than the last so I have a lot of scroll bar. haha idk. But I don´t have time to write more or respond much to your email because my companion is waiting, and I still have to write to the president. So, sorry. I love you all!!! Muchisimo!!!! Thank you for all your support and wonderful examples to me! I love you.
Hna Jessica Keele
Elder Jordan Keele- September 4, 2010
I just finished reading Hna. Keele's e-mail. I'm so happy for her! She's an amazing missionary already, and it's only been two weeks in the field. She's gonna help those people so much. It's good to hear from her.
I've learned so much out here in Colorado Springs from my companion and from all the other missionaries that I work with. I think it's been really helpful for me to start my mission in English. Because this way I have the opportunity to focus on being a missionary and a good teacher without really focusing too much on Spanish. I know it'll be very helpful when I go to Mexico.The Lord blesses us as we give an honest full effort. We have a baptism scheduled for tomorrow night, and 3 for next weekend. The days are just zooming by, and I know it'll be hard to leave this area when the time comes.
This past week I've had the privilege of watching "Finding Faith in Christ" twice. I would strongly encourage you all to find a time to watch that. That video brings a huge spirit into my heart, and it really makes me want to be a better person. When I focus my thoughts on the Savior, it changes everything I do. I love listening to hymns and trying to always have one playing in my head. It helps me in every detail. If you don't have a copy of it, just call 1-800-443-9911 and they'll send you one for free. :)
I'm guessing the last event at the Shell is on Monday night, right? I bet everyone there is excited. Tell the crew (Linda, Tommy, Sunset, Melissa, and whoever else) that I say hello!
Where do the Sowards live? I wonder if they're in my area.
I guess Rjay goes in on Monday? Is that right? Man that's exciting! He's gonna love it. I can't wait to hear from him :)
Transfers are happening on Tuesday, but I'm staying here with my companion. I'm happy with that.
Well, I think I've run out of things to say. So, have a wonderful week! I'll let you know as soon as I can about whatever, if anything, happens.
Keep doing good stuff. I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
I've learned so much out here in Colorado Springs from my companion and from all the other missionaries that I work with. I think it's been really helpful for me to start my mission in English. Because this way I have the opportunity to focus on being a missionary and a good teacher without really focusing too much on Spanish. I know it'll be very helpful when I go to Mexico.The Lord blesses us as we give an honest full effort. We have a baptism scheduled for tomorrow night, and 3 for next weekend. The days are just zooming by, and I know it'll be hard to leave this area when the time comes.
This past week I've had the privilege of watching "Finding Faith in Christ" twice. I would strongly encourage you all to find a time to watch that. That video brings a huge spirit into my heart, and it really makes me want to be a better person. When I focus my thoughts on the Savior, it changes everything I do. I love listening to hymns and trying to always have one playing in my head. It helps me in every detail. If you don't have a copy of it, just call 1-800-443-9911 and they'll send you one for free. :)
I'm guessing the last event at the Shell is on Monday night, right? I bet everyone there is excited. Tell the crew (Linda, Tommy, Sunset, Melissa, and whoever else) that I say hello!
Where do the Sowards live? I wonder if they're in my area.
I guess Rjay goes in on Monday? Is that right? Man that's exciting! He's gonna love it. I can't wait to hear from him :)
Transfers are happening on Tuesday, but I'm staying here with my companion. I'm happy with that.
Well, I think I've run out of things to say. So, have a wonderful week! I'll let you know as soon as I can about whatever, if anything, happens.
Keep doing good stuff. I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
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