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 sí, 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 mí 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
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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
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