Hola mi querido familia,
Is it just me, or do I mention how fast time flies every single week?
It's been a busy, busy week, with many unexpected things happen. Mom, I wanted to be obedient to you and go for tacos for Thanksgiving but, due to the circumstances, was unable to make the time for it. Maybe this week I'll go in memory of your suggestion. Thursday morning Marìa (mother of a member Manuel, the mom's not a member) passed away. She was born and died Catholic, and we never had the chance to even see her although she lived next door to Manuel, whom we visit and eat lunch with every Wednesday. Well, here in Molango there's not really a funeral service place, just one lady named Rocìo, who happens to be a member, and who teaches Sunday School. She sells some caskets and she kind of prepares the bodies. I think there's a law, or if it's not a law, it's just customary to bury the dead within 24 hours. (I feel like I'm writing very confusingly, but I hope you're following). Long story short, the members and my companion and I gave them support and went over to Manuel's house to watch the casket. In Mexico its customary to watch it all night long, but of course, most of us couldn't stay for too long. We did bring over the little keyboard and sang hymns for about an hour. Then Friday morning at about 11:00 we went over and had the funeral service. We loaded the casket in Manuel's little old pick-up truck and slowly drove over to the cemetery. Manuel is the only child of his mom. Anyway, last minute I was asked to dedicate the grave, and it's a good thing I went prepared with the order of the words in mind. It was a good experience, but I left with just a strong feeling of gratitude for the knowledge that we have of the resurrection and the kingdoms of glory.
Other than that, we went to Pachuca yesterday and just got back this morning. Yesterday at church the lights went out and the fuse box blew up because we tried to use 4 heaters that are huge electricity hogs. We went to the temple on Saturday as a branch... oh, I almost forgot. We had helped Ana, (the 19 year-old that was baptized recently) prepare the names of her 3 cousins that she was so close to that died in the lake 3 years ago. She was able to be baptized for her girl cousin, and for the two boy cousins was baptized Cesar, a deacon in the branch. Ana, Mari, Doricela and Lucio also received their patriarchal blessings that morning. Mari also did baptisms for the first time. President Hicken had a birthday on Saturday. Elder Pintor and I bought him a 6 pack of snickers because we knew we were going see him at the chapel by the temple because some members had some interviews with him. If you weren't confused in the first paragraph, I'm sure you were in the second ha ha sorry.
If you somehow made it through, and wish to continue... this week we're going to Pachuca for a multi-zone conference on Wednesday with elder De Hoyos, I was going to go on Thursday with a different zone because they didn't have a piano player, but somehow it was figured out and I'm going Wednesday unless they call and switch things up on me again. We have to stay until Thursday to rehearse for the mission talent show and somehow they want to do a musical/skit thing with me playing the piano in the background. I have no clue how that'll turn out, but we'll see how things go. Elder Falslev, my best friend from the MTC distric,t was recently made companions with his cousin Elder Chambers, who came to the MTC 6 weeks later. They're zone leaders in Tulancingo. That's about all the information I've got right now. Hope you enjoyed it.
We've been struggling lately in bringing investigators to church. It's been a while since they've come. We hope to be able to find some people who are interested in living a perfectly happy life for all of eternity this week.
As usual, it seems that you've had quite a busy week as well, but a very satisfying one to say the least. I just saw a picture of Derek at Jamie's wedding that he's hugging her and looking straight at the camera... aside from the fact that he looks like a model in that picture, he looks so pure, so innocent, and so ready for the work the Lord has in store for him. He's going to love it so much!
Nathan, I hope you feel better! Dad, good luck with your YW talk! I wish the rest of you success as you go about your day at work, school, or at play. Until next time on the weekly report.
Con mucho cariño,
Elder Jordan Keele
Monday, November 28, 2011
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 28, 2011
Hola Familia!!
Guess what! I talked in church with Derk yesterday! haha Pretty funny. It was the first time in my whole mission to give a talk in sacrament meeting!! I know Jordan does it a lot! I was really excited though and then I remembered it was Derk's farewell talk too! Crazy, same day, different countries, one about to start, one about to finish! Crazy!
I can´t believe how fast time is going!! :( Today was transfers again, and I´m going to be ending here in Caballito!! :D Wahoo! I didn´t want to leave, but sometimes president gets revelation to make some pretty interesting changes, but I´m staying and so is Hna Smith as well! haha I´m very happy about this transfer!
Well this Sunday the little Gambarte girls will be getting baptized! Our church is out of water again so we´re going to have to go to another church, but at least now we can plan on that! haha
Ariel still has not given up smoking yet, but we were able to go see a baptism with him on Saturday. Hopefully that helps him with his own desire to be baptized. But okay, I've just got to tell you some of the stories my companion and I are having with him or even more, when his girlfriend is there. I think I told you that his girlfriend is a member but just from another ward. Well, we think she is awesome! She can be super dramatic, but we just think it´s so funny!
They´ve only been dating two months but I guess you could say she´s starting to get a "little" impatient with Ariel and how he hasn´t given up smoking yet. So we had just sat down to start the lesson, and we asked them how they had been. Ariel starts saying how Maria del Carmen (his girlfriend) had had a really rough week. So we asked, why? Maria de Carmen loves animals and she has a ton. So he starts to tell us about her pet "rat" that escaped and ran away from her, and as he´s telling us she looks up and stops him and says (in a VERY angry dramatic tone)....
-My... rat? My rat, Ariel? My HAMSTER is white and pure! He has had a hard life because all his family left him but at least my HAMSTER doesn´t destroy his future family by smoking!
.... haha um... Anyway so we calmed them down a bit, started reading in the scriptures, the Spirit came back and then we asked Ariel what he wants most in life?
So he starts to explain with a huge smile on his face,
-"The only thing that I want is to make Maria del Carmen happy for what´s left of her life."
- "What´s left of my life?! What´s that suppose to mean? When am I going to die Ariel? At least I´M not the one smoking purposefully trying to destroy my own life!!"
I know this is not one of my spiritually uplifting experiences on my mission, but it was ridiculously funny so I wanted to share it with you all anyway!! haha She kept finding any excuse to make some sort of "example" about the need for him to quit smoking. But it was impossible to teach because there was so much tension between them. Then we remembered that there was a baptism that night so we invited them. Ariel first said no, which of course, Maria de Carmen didn´t like that answer, y bueno. We all ended up going. My companion and I felt the spirit there and Maria del Carmen felt the spirit and later apologized to Ariel for her impatience. Ariel said he didn´t feel anything strong but he said he liked the baptism anyway. At the end when they dropped us off they told us that they just love us so much and consider us like children. :) We feel the same way -- we consider them like children too haha nah jk. They´re just funny!!
Well I hope you all keep having another wonderful week!! Love you Mucho!!!
Love,
Jess
Guess what! I talked in church with Derk yesterday! haha Pretty funny. It was the first time in my whole mission to give a talk in sacrament meeting!! I know Jordan does it a lot! I was really excited though and then I remembered it was Derk's farewell talk too! Crazy, same day, different countries, one about to start, one about to finish! Crazy!
I can´t believe how fast time is going!! :( Today was transfers again, and I´m going to be ending here in Caballito!! :D Wahoo! I didn´t want to leave, but sometimes president gets revelation to make some pretty interesting changes, but I´m staying and so is Hna Smith as well! haha I´m very happy about this transfer!
Well this Sunday the little Gambarte girls will be getting baptized! Our church is out of water again so we´re going to have to go to another church, but at least now we can plan on that! haha
Ariel still has not given up smoking yet, but we were able to go see a baptism with him on Saturday. Hopefully that helps him with his own desire to be baptized. But okay, I've just got to tell you some of the stories my companion and I are having with him or even more, when his girlfriend is there. I think I told you that his girlfriend is a member but just from another ward. Well, we think she is awesome! She can be super dramatic, but we just think it´s so funny!
They´ve only been dating two months but I guess you could say she´s starting to get a "little" impatient with Ariel and how he hasn´t given up smoking yet. So we had just sat down to start the lesson, and we asked them how they had been. Ariel starts saying how Maria del Carmen (his girlfriend) had had a really rough week. So we asked, why? Maria de Carmen loves animals and she has a ton. So he starts to tell us about her pet "rat" that escaped and ran away from her, and as he´s telling us she looks up and stops him and says (in a VERY angry dramatic tone)....
-My... rat? My rat, Ariel? My HAMSTER is white and pure! He has had a hard life because all his family left him but at least my HAMSTER doesn´t destroy his future family by smoking!
.... haha um... Anyway so we calmed them down a bit, started reading in the scriptures, the Spirit came back and then we asked Ariel what he wants most in life?
So he starts to explain with a huge smile on his face,
-"The only thing that I want is to make Maria del Carmen happy for what´s left of her life."
- "What´s left of my life?! What´s that suppose to mean? When am I going to die Ariel? At least I´M not the one smoking purposefully trying to destroy my own life!!"
I know this is not one of my spiritually uplifting experiences on my mission, but it was ridiculously funny so I wanted to share it with you all anyway!! haha She kept finding any excuse to make some sort of "example" about the need for him to quit smoking. But it was impossible to teach because there was so much tension between them. Then we remembered that there was a baptism that night so we invited them. Ariel first said no, which of course, Maria de Carmen didn´t like that answer, y bueno. We all ended up going. My companion and I felt the spirit there and Maria del Carmen felt the spirit and later apologized to Ariel for her impatience. Ariel said he didn´t feel anything strong but he said he liked the baptism anyway. At the end when they dropped us off they told us that they just love us so much and consider us like children. :) We feel the same way -- we consider them like children too haha nah jk. They´re just funny!!
Well I hope you all keep having another wonderful week!! Love you Mucho!!!
Love,
Jess
Elder Jordan Keele- Nov. 21, 2011
Dear sweet family,
I think it was just last week where I said that time is flying fast, but I just feel the same. I can't seem to find a way to slow time down, so I think I'll stop trying. I gave another talk yesterday in Sacrament meeting, then the gospel principles class followed by the priesthood class ha ha. The brother that teaches priesthood called me yesterday morning and said he wouldn't be able to make it. Anyways, it all went really well, and I'm sure I learn 10x more than any of the ones listening, so I love to teach and talk. I just love studying the gospel. Sometimes I wish we had more time to study, because 1 hour a day just isn't enough! However, like Alma said, I do sin in my wish, for I should be content with the time the Lord has given me.
Rosa Emilia has been doing better emotionally. She and her husband broke up and he took the kids... it's a long confusing story, but it's been very hard on her. We've been helping her a lot this past week. In fact, I got bit by another wasp while we were sweeping in one of the rooms upstairs. My thumb grew 3 sizes that day [Jordan always loved the Grinch movie] ha ha but all is back to normal now.
I think I do remember her... I think her name is Kelly? Maybe I'm wrong. I really wasn't too social in high school, I kinda just stuck to my own thing. But the mission has surely changed the way I look at things. I remember a talk by Pres. Eyring where he told of an experience where he helped a man shovel some mud out of his house from a flood in Idaho like 35 years ago.... he said that if they were both to have worked alone, they both would have lost a spiritual blessing. I think sometimes we need to ask others to help us not cause we need it necessarily, but because they might. I don't know what that has to do with being shy in high school, but whatever...
I think this Thursday won't be any different from last Thursday :) But I'll be sure and eat something rico to celebrate at least a little bit. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time together.
Mom I love reading of your experiences in the TRC and in your life. I don't remember much of The Living Christ, because I really haven't reviewed it much here in Mexico. I may try to memorize it in Spanish, but we'll see. Good luck continuing with it. I know you can do it!
Derek, good luck on your talk this Sunday! I know it'll be great. If you could send me a copy I would love to read it next week :)
I don't foresee any problems in skyping on the 25th. Here in Mexico the bigger celebrations are on the 24th night. The 25th is usually a nice relaxing day. I'm sure it'll be fine.
Con muchisìsimo amor,
Elder Jordan Keele
I think it was just last week where I said that time is flying fast, but I just feel the same. I can't seem to find a way to slow time down, so I think I'll stop trying. I gave another talk yesterday in Sacrament meeting, then the gospel principles class followed by the priesthood class ha ha. The brother that teaches priesthood called me yesterday morning and said he wouldn't be able to make it. Anyways, it all went really well, and I'm sure I learn 10x more than any of the ones listening, so I love to teach and talk. I just love studying the gospel. Sometimes I wish we had more time to study, because 1 hour a day just isn't enough! However, like Alma said, I do sin in my wish, for I should be content with the time the Lord has given me.
Rosa Emilia has been doing better emotionally. She and her husband broke up and he took the kids... it's a long confusing story, but it's been very hard on her. We've been helping her a lot this past week. In fact, I got bit by another wasp while we were sweeping in one of the rooms upstairs. My thumb grew 3 sizes that day [Jordan always loved the Grinch movie] ha ha but all is back to normal now.
I think I do remember her... I think her name is Kelly? Maybe I'm wrong. I really wasn't too social in high school, I kinda just stuck to my own thing. But the mission has surely changed the way I look at things. I remember a talk by Pres. Eyring where he told of an experience where he helped a man shovel some mud out of his house from a flood in Idaho like 35 years ago.... he said that if they were both to have worked alone, they both would have lost a spiritual blessing. I think sometimes we need to ask others to help us not cause we need it necessarily, but because they might. I don't know what that has to do with being shy in high school, but whatever...
I think this Thursday won't be any different from last Thursday :) But I'll be sure and eat something rico to celebrate at least a little bit. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time together.
Mom I love reading of your experiences in the TRC and in your life. I don't remember much of The Living Christ, because I really haven't reviewed it much here in Mexico. I may try to memorize it in Spanish, but we'll see. Good luck continuing with it. I know you can do it!
Derek, good luck on your talk this Sunday! I know it'll be great. If you could send me a copy I would love to read it next week :)
I don't foresee any problems in skyping on the 25th. Here in Mexico the bigger celebrations are on the 24th night. The 25th is usually a nice relaxing day. I'm sure it'll be fine.
Con muchisìsimo amor,
Elder Jordan Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 21, 2011
Hola Familia!!
Well it´s been another week full of surprises.... haha
The Gambarte family is progressing. (Well part of them anyway.) We read Ether 12 with them Tuesday, and by Thursday Andrea (the mom) said that they were still talking about what a beautiful lesson we had had Tuesday. (I love Ether 12!!) The two little 10 and 12 year old girls are the cutest things ever!!! They are such examples of why we should try our best to become like a child! She said that they are always waiting for her with their Book of Mormon to read right when she gets home from work. haha They had a million questions during the week. My favorite was this "So let's say there is someone who only went to church once... how long would it take for them to get baptized?" hahah
So cute!!!! So we asked "Do you two want to follow the example of the Savior and be baptized?" and with THE biggest smiles on their faces they looked at their mom "Mamá, Can we?" hahah I love them so much!! Andrea said it was up to them and they both accepted. :) We set a date for the 3rd of December. Sad thing is they lost the baptismal date because they didn´t come to church yesterday. Here´s why...
So I think I told you that the parents are separated but still living in the same house right just because the dad doesn´t have any other place to go. Every time we´re there the dad seems fine. We can tell he´s got an angry personality but nothing ever happens and he actually seems interested in the message. Well, apparently he is abusive. Saturday night we got a call from one of the older daughters saying that her mom told her to call and let us know not to go looking for them in the morning before church because they won´t be there. They went to sleep over at a friend's house. We tried to understand more, but she wouldn´t give us anymore information than that. Sunday night we had an appointment with a less actives at the park. So we went but we couldn´t find him. The park was crowded so we decided to walk around, and if we couldn´t find him we´d just do contacts. Well for some reason we had to meet at the park even though we never found the less active we were trying to meet up with. All of a sudden one of the little Gambarte girls ran up to hug us. :) She looked so shocked "What are you two doing here?" So she took us to where her mom and uncle were sitting and she introduced us to her brother and explained what had happened. Apparently the dad went a little crazy Saturday and they left to get away from him. One of the little boys got hurt but nothing serious because he was off playing soccer at the park.
Hna Smith and I were soo happy to have found them! We were worried about them all Saturday night and Sunday. and the Lord helped us find them! :D Que Bendición!!
Well, about saving me turkey, haha yeah that would be fun!! :D
Wow, I feel like I JUST found out where Derek is going, I can´t believe it´s already time for his farewell talk. And YES!! I would love to see Derk in the TRC. haha That would be fun!
I think memorizing the Living Christ is a wonderful Idea, just like Elder Scott said how when we memorize a scripture it can be a friend for us in a time of need. I love my Savior. That reminds me, right now we´re working with a less active who no longer believes in deity. She started taking some philosophy courses at the university, stopped reading her scriptures, stopped going to church. Her husband still comes every week with his little boy but asked us to start seeing her. Although it strengthens my own love and testimony of Jesus Christ, it makes me so sad when people don´t believe in their own Savior! Hopefully we can help her trust in what she already feels. Her thing is she´s just scared about believing in something that isn´t real even though she´s had experiences to prove that it is true. We talked about the story with Moses and the serpent on the staff. JUST LOOK In the end, she committed to read the whole Book of Mormon again and we promised she´d receive a firm answer before she finishes.
Well, I gottta go now but I love you all!!
Talk to ya next week,
Love,
Jess
Well it´s been another week full of surprises.... haha
The Gambarte family is progressing. (Well part of them anyway.) We read Ether 12 with them Tuesday, and by Thursday Andrea (the mom) said that they were still talking about what a beautiful lesson we had had Tuesday. (I love Ether 12!!) The two little 10 and 12 year old girls are the cutest things ever!!! They are such examples of why we should try our best to become like a child! She said that they are always waiting for her with their Book of Mormon to read right when she gets home from work. haha They had a million questions during the week. My favorite was this "So let's say there is someone who only went to church once... how long would it take for them to get baptized?" hahah
So cute!!!! So we asked "Do you two want to follow the example of the Savior and be baptized?" and with THE biggest smiles on their faces they looked at their mom "Mamá, Can we?" hahah I love them so much!! Andrea said it was up to them and they both accepted. :) We set a date for the 3rd of December. Sad thing is they lost the baptismal date because they didn´t come to church yesterday. Here´s why...
So I think I told you that the parents are separated but still living in the same house right just because the dad doesn´t have any other place to go. Every time we´re there the dad seems fine. We can tell he´s got an angry personality but nothing ever happens and he actually seems interested in the message. Well, apparently he is abusive. Saturday night we got a call from one of the older daughters saying that her mom told her to call and let us know not to go looking for them in the morning before church because they won´t be there. They went to sleep over at a friend's house. We tried to understand more, but she wouldn´t give us anymore information than that. Sunday night we had an appointment with a less actives at the park. So we went but we couldn´t find him. The park was crowded so we decided to walk around, and if we couldn´t find him we´d just do contacts. Well for some reason we had to meet at the park even though we never found the less active we were trying to meet up with. All of a sudden one of the little Gambarte girls ran up to hug us. :) She looked so shocked "What are you two doing here?" So she took us to where her mom and uncle were sitting and she introduced us to her brother and explained what had happened. Apparently the dad went a little crazy Saturday and they left to get away from him. One of the little boys got hurt but nothing serious because he was off playing soccer at the park.
Hna Smith and I were soo happy to have found them! We were worried about them all Saturday night and Sunday. and the Lord helped us find them! :D Que Bendición!!
Well, about saving me turkey, haha yeah that would be fun!! :D
Wow, I feel like I JUST found out where Derek is going, I can´t believe it´s already time for his farewell talk. And YES!! I would love to see Derk in the TRC. haha That would be fun!
I think memorizing the Living Christ is a wonderful Idea, just like Elder Scott said how when we memorize a scripture it can be a friend for us in a time of need. I love my Savior. That reminds me, right now we´re working with a less active who no longer believes in deity. She started taking some philosophy courses at the university, stopped reading her scriptures, stopped going to church. Her husband still comes every week with his little boy but asked us to start seeing her. Although it strengthens my own love and testimony of Jesus Christ, it makes me so sad when people don´t believe in their own Savior! Hopefully we can help her trust in what she already feels. Her thing is she´s just scared about believing in something that isn´t real even though she´s had experiences to prove that it is true. We talked about the story with Moses and the serpent on the staff. JUST LOOK In the end, she committed to read the whole Book of Mormon again and we promised she´d receive a firm answer before she finishes.
Well, I gottta go now but I love you all!!
Talk to ya next week,
Love,
Jess
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Elder Jordan Keele- Nov. 14, 2011
Buenas tardes everyone,
Mom, you're absolutely right, time passes by very quickly. There have been lots of changes in the mission lately, but that's pretty much always how it is. However, things have been pretty calm here in Molango. For most of us that is. I would kindly ask for your prayers in behalf of a member named Rosa Emilia. She's going through some enormously difficult family situations right now. More difficult than I feel comfortable sharing at this point. But I would ask that you may keep her in mind. She's a wonderful woman that's been through a lot, and she just needs to feel peace right now.
I'm so glad you had the opportunity to watch the talk (Jordan is referring to a talk given by Elder Holland in the MTC last January where he says that a missionary should never return home the same as he left). I really wanted Derek to see it before he goes. Maybe he can even take it with him and I can send another copy home for Christmas. Let me know if that's what you want me to do. And that's so true, Jessica, you can't go back! Mom, I don't think I'm ever coming home. It won't be the same anymore. My mission marks the point in my life where I've completely changed. Nothing will ever be the same. That's how it was intended to be, and that's how it needs to be. We're in this to the end, and while it starts at baptism, the mission really is the point where we realize all that we have learned is true. Derek, when you say goodbye on the 14th, make sure it's forever!
I'm glad G'ma Judy got my letter. Even though I don't really know her too well from before, it's nice of her to do what she does. It's fun to respond to her letters.
I loved the Salt Lake Temple experience! It was unforgettable! I know Derek will love it! What a good goal. I'm so proud of all that's been happening lately over there!
Wahoo Steph! I'm so proud of you! You'll be a part of the Lady Bruins! Ha ha the memories!! I remember that Mika Pinner played for MV when she was in 9th grade, and it did really help a lot. I know it might be difficult, but Steph is really going to make a big impact on the team. I can't wait to go to her games in support of her! Have a great season, Steph!
I remember Megan Goodman really well. She was a great player, but most of all she was a team player. Steph, if you see her, tell her how happy I am to hear that she's going on a mission. I never thought I'd write home about her ha ha. Anyways, tell her hello for me and wish her a good mission!
I look forward to hearing from Jamie and Travis. I hope all is going well with them. You mentioned last week that now that they've settled in you don't hear from them very much. Also, I was thinking (I know it's a bit far away, but so you can be planning it out), for the Christmas call in this mission we can do it on the 24th or the 25th at pretty much anytime. I'm sure for you, and probably for us too Sunday may be a really busy day. Especially for you with church, presents, family, and 3 missionary calls. (actually idk if Derek will call on Christmas... but anyway). If you want, we could maybe do it Saturday morning or afternoon. Whenever is best for you. There are a few members here that have skype capability, and I would love to do that again for Christmas. Something to think about.
Love, Elder Jordan Keele
P.S. I'm glad too that you didn't open all the files yet :) Don't worry Mom, Christmas is coming soon!
Mom, you're absolutely right, time passes by very quickly. There have been lots of changes in the mission lately, but that's pretty much always how it is. However, things have been pretty calm here in Molango. For most of us that is. I would kindly ask for your prayers in behalf of a member named Rosa Emilia. She's going through some enormously difficult family situations right now. More difficult than I feel comfortable sharing at this point. But I would ask that you may keep her in mind. She's a wonderful woman that's been through a lot, and she just needs to feel peace right now.
I'm so glad you had the opportunity to watch the talk (Jordan is referring to a talk given by Elder Holland in the MTC last January where he says that a missionary should never return home the same as he left). I really wanted Derek to see it before he goes. Maybe he can even take it with him and I can send another copy home for Christmas. Let me know if that's what you want me to do. And that's so true, Jessica, you can't go back! Mom, I don't think I'm ever coming home. It won't be the same anymore. My mission marks the point in my life where I've completely changed. Nothing will ever be the same. That's how it was intended to be, and that's how it needs to be. We're in this to the end, and while it starts at baptism, the mission really is the point where we realize all that we have learned is true. Derek, when you say goodbye on the 14th, make sure it's forever!
I'm glad G'ma Judy got my letter. Even though I don't really know her too well from before, it's nice of her to do what she does. It's fun to respond to her letters.
I loved the Salt Lake Temple experience! It was unforgettable! I know Derek will love it! What a good goal. I'm so proud of all that's been happening lately over there!
Wahoo Steph! I'm so proud of you! You'll be a part of the Lady Bruins! Ha ha the memories!! I remember that Mika Pinner played for MV when she was in 9th grade, and it did really help a lot. I know it might be difficult, but Steph is really going to make a big impact on the team. I can't wait to go to her games in support of her! Have a great season, Steph!
I remember Megan Goodman really well. She was a great player, but most of all she was a team player. Steph, if you see her, tell her how happy I am to hear that she's going on a mission. I never thought I'd write home about her ha ha. Anyways, tell her hello for me and wish her a good mission!
I look forward to hearing from Jamie and Travis. I hope all is going well with them. You mentioned last week that now that they've settled in you don't hear from them very much. Also, I was thinking (I know it's a bit far away, but so you can be planning it out), for the Christmas call in this mission we can do it on the 24th or the 25th at pretty much anytime. I'm sure for you, and probably for us too Sunday may be a really busy day. Especially for you with church, presents, family, and 3 missionary calls. (actually idk if Derek will call on Christmas... but anyway). If you want, we could maybe do it Saturday morning or afternoon. Whenever is best for you. There are a few members here that have skype capability, and I would love to do that again for Christmas. Something to think about.
Love, Elder Jordan Keele
P.S. I'm glad too that you didn't open all the files yet :) Don't worry Mom, Christmas is coming soon!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 14, 2011
Hola!!
Nuts!!! If only you knew how long and hard I´ve worked to get a copy of Elder Holland's talk!! The beginning of this year president showed it to us all the time. I LOVE IT!! I´ve seen it many, many times and I´ve been trying to get a copy, but I was either turned down or I´d get transferred when I found someone willing to make me a copy. Then randomly at district meeting JUST last week an Elder brought it and gave a copy to my companion and me. I was SO excited to watch it with all of you! And now you already have it, easy as that! hahhaha I´ll just leave this one for my companion then. It makes things easier :D hahahha
Anyway, today we got tramites (visa paperwork) done for my companion so I got to see the Obelisco again! AND I was able to get the Christmas package you sent me! Thank you very much! No worries, it got here in time and no, I´m not waiting to open it :D just in case you're wondering. But thank you very, very much for your notes and the sour candies and pictures!! Love it!
Let´s see, this week was a busy but good, good week. We are working a lot with a part member family called la familia Gambarte! Just to explain a little bit of their situation, the parents are separated but they are living together just because he´s got no where else to go. They´ve had 8 kids together but one just recently passed away in June from a bad pregnancy. She was 16 and had twins, but they survived. When I first met the mom, Andrea, about a month ago she was very angry with God. We invited her to church and she just said NO straight up even though her 10 year old daughter wanted to go. She didn´t want to believe what we said when we talked about God's love for her.
But now it´s a lot different. We passed by a couple weeks ago and she´s in more of a mourning/sad mode. Her "husband" started getting really interested when we talked about being able to do baptisms for the dead. Then this past week we were able to talk more in depth about the temples, being sealed as a family and doing baptisms for the dead. None of her children have been baptized. After that lesson when she walked us out, she said "There´s something you guys don´t know, we´re not together. He´s just here because he´s got no where else to go. But he´s not good for the children".
Anyway, so they´re not together but they´re together. But it was good that he showed some interest because it opened the way for us to talk more about how she can see her daughter again and the steps she needs to take to be able to be baptized on her behalf. She´s still a little bit sad and angry, but she´s got some sort of spark of faith or hope because she came with us to church yesterday along with her amazing 10 and 12 year old daughters, Ariana and Eliana. She´s going through a lot right now, but Ariana just sits and hugs her every time she cries. The three of them came to Church yesterday!! :) We were able to have a member give her a beautiful priesthood blessing of comfort. She committed to come to church and pray day and night for 4 weeks to see if it helps. :D We know it will!! It´s sooo important to NEVER stop reading the scriptures, saying your prayers, and going to church! Those seminary answers are key to a happy life now and hope for a better life in the world to come!
Steph!! Congratulations on making the basketball team! :D Wahoo!! And thanks again for the Christmas package and your love and support! :) I love you all
Love,
Jess
Nuts!!! If only you knew how long and hard I´ve worked to get a copy of Elder Holland's talk!! The beginning of this year president showed it to us all the time. I LOVE IT!! I´ve seen it many, many times and I´ve been trying to get a copy, but I was either turned down or I´d get transferred when I found someone willing to make me a copy. Then randomly at district meeting JUST last week an Elder brought it and gave a copy to my companion and me. I was SO excited to watch it with all of you! And now you already have it, easy as that! hahhaha I´ll just leave this one for my companion then. It makes things easier :D hahahha
Anyway, today we got tramites (visa paperwork) done for my companion so I got to see the Obelisco again! AND I was able to get the Christmas package you sent me! Thank you very much! No worries, it got here in time and no, I´m not waiting to open it :D just in case you're wondering. But thank you very, very much for your notes and the sour candies and pictures!! Love it!
Let´s see, this week was a busy but good, good week. We are working a lot with a part member family called la familia Gambarte! Just to explain a little bit of their situation, the parents are separated but they are living together just because he´s got no where else to go. They´ve had 8 kids together but one just recently passed away in June from a bad pregnancy. She was 16 and had twins, but they survived. When I first met the mom, Andrea, about a month ago she was very angry with God. We invited her to church and she just said NO straight up even though her 10 year old daughter wanted to go. She didn´t want to believe what we said when we talked about God's love for her.
But now it´s a lot different. We passed by a couple weeks ago and she´s in more of a mourning/sad mode. Her "husband" started getting really interested when we talked about being able to do baptisms for the dead. Then this past week we were able to talk more in depth about the temples, being sealed as a family and doing baptisms for the dead. None of her children have been baptized. After that lesson when she walked us out, she said "There´s something you guys don´t know, we´re not together. He´s just here because he´s got no where else to go. But he´s not good for the children".
Anyway, so they´re not together but they´re together. But it was good that he showed some interest because it opened the way for us to talk more about how she can see her daughter again and the steps she needs to take to be able to be baptized on her behalf. She´s still a little bit sad and angry, but she´s got some sort of spark of faith or hope because she came with us to church yesterday along with her amazing 10 and 12 year old daughters, Ariana and Eliana. She´s going through a lot right now, but Ariana just sits and hugs her every time she cries. The three of them came to Church yesterday!! :) We were able to have a member give her a beautiful priesthood blessing of comfort. She committed to come to church and pray day and night for 4 weeks to see if it helps. :D We know it will!! It´s sooo important to NEVER stop reading the scriptures, saying your prayers, and going to church! Those seminary answers are key to a happy life now and hope for a better life in the world to come!
Steph!! Congratulations on making the basketball team! :D Wahoo!! And thanks again for the Christmas package and your love and support! :) I love you all
Love,
Jess
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Elder Jordan Keele- Nov. 7, 2011
Dear family,
We had our interviews on Thursday. We left at 7:00 am, arrived at 10:00, finished at 10:45, went to McDonalds (I was craving a big mac), then headed straight back to Molango. We didn't really waste much time. It was re-affirmed to me that I'll be here at least until December 27th. But I'm happy to hear that. This past week Dia de Muertos was celebrated. Lots of orange flowers, alters, fireworks, and other commotion. But all has finally settled down a little bit, at least for a few more days.
We're working on ordaining a member that's been a priest since he was baptized like 7 years ago. That'll help us with a lot of responsibilities and even out the load. One thing that is a little burdensome is that each home teaching companionship is assigned to at least 6 families because of so many less active and part member families that are on church records. I hope our landlord decides to be baptized soon so he can help out and receive these blessings.
I was thinking of Bro. Allen this last week because I noticed on my calendar that he had a birthday. I'll write him a card, but if you see him, please congratulate him for me! He's such a good man.
Ha ha Mexican transportation is kind of different. From Pachuca there are buses that leave every few hours, but because the road is sooo windy, usually rainy and wet and only 1 lane, the buses take about 4-5 hours. Plus they cost about twelve bucks (American bucks). Taxis leave whenever they get filled up. They use a Tsurus. It's about the same size as the Prizm, if not smaller. In back fits 3 people and in front 3 as well. Right behind the stick shift they put a little cushion for the middle person, and the feet go in with the passengers seats feet. Taxis usually make it in 2 and a half hours, because they drive insanely fast, pass everyone, and it gets pretty scary sometimes. E. Castillo and E. Pintor get sick every time, in bus or in taxi. I've been fortunate and don't feel too dizzy. Taxis also cost like $8 too, so we save a little bit of cash.
Good luck Steph! Maybe you can be the first Keele to make the basketball team :) At least out of us kids.
Life continues to move on. Investigators seem to come and go faster than normal, but we're doing our best to sift out the elect. All three families that have been baptized since I've been here, (Mary, Doricela and Lucio, and Ana) continue to make a strong contribution to the branch. It's been a blessing to be strengthened by them. We have lots of work to do though before they can be completely self-sufficient. I know the Lord guides us as we strive to be worthy of His divine assistance.
I love you all,
Elder Jordan Keele
We had our interviews on Thursday. We left at 7:00 am, arrived at 10:00, finished at 10:45, went to McDonalds (I was craving a big mac), then headed straight back to Molango. We didn't really waste much time. It was re-affirmed to me that I'll be here at least until December 27th. But I'm happy to hear that. This past week Dia de Muertos was celebrated. Lots of orange flowers, alters, fireworks, and other commotion. But all has finally settled down a little bit, at least for a few more days.
We're working on ordaining a member that's been a priest since he was baptized like 7 years ago. That'll help us with a lot of responsibilities and even out the load. One thing that is a little burdensome is that each home teaching companionship is assigned to at least 6 families because of so many less active and part member families that are on church records. I hope our landlord decides to be baptized soon so he can help out and receive these blessings.
I was thinking of Bro. Allen this last week because I noticed on my calendar that he had a birthday. I'll write him a card, but if you see him, please congratulate him for me! He's such a good man.
Ha ha Mexican transportation is kind of different. From Pachuca there are buses that leave every few hours, but because the road is sooo windy, usually rainy and wet and only 1 lane, the buses take about 4-5 hours. Plus they cost about twelve bucks (American bucks). Taxis leave whenever they get filled up. They use a Tsurus. It's about the same size as the Prizm, if not smaller. In back fits 3 people and in front 3 as well. Right behind the stick shift they put a little cushion for the middle person, and the feet go in with the passengers seats feet. Taxis usually make it in 2 and a half hours, because they drive insanely fast, pass everyone, and it gets pretty scary sometimes. E. Castillo and E. Pintor get sick every time, in bus or in taxi. I've been fortunate and don't feel too dizzy. Taxis also cost like $8 too, so we save a little bit of cash.
Good luck Steph! Maybe you can be the first Keele to make the basketball team :) At least out of us kids.
Life continues to move on. Investigators seem to come and go faster than normal, but we're doing our best to sift out the elect. All three families that have been baptized since I've been here, (Mary, Doricela and Lucio, and Ana) continue to make a strong contribution to the branch. It's been a blessing to be strengthened by them. We have lots of work to do though before they can be completely self-sufficient. I know the Lord guides us as we strive to be worthy of His divine assistance.
I love you all,
Elder Jordan Keele
Monday, November 7, 2011
Hna. Jessica Keele- Nov. 7, 2011
Hola!!
Nope... Gilbert did not get baptized. He knows the Book of Mormon is true, but he´s not clicking with the whole faith = action thing. He didn´t even come to church yesterday... :( My companion and I had a very "fun" pressure filled weekend haha Ugh!! Anyway, we´ll see what more we can do for him.
Today we met up with our district at this restaurant that reminded me a lot of Tucanos because they keep bringing you more meat. It was so good!!!! The appetizers were empanadas. I first got a chicken milanesa napolitana, then pork with a sweet barbecue sauce, next some awesome steak and fries, and last their creamy delicious chocolate ice cream!! Oh, and instead of a chicken heart, the fear factor food for this place was a blood sausage. Google "morcilla" if you want more details on that. It spreads like Jam. =)
Are you getting excited for the trek? Oh mom, that reminds me about the time you asked me if I thought Jordan would feel left out when you all are gone for that trip. I can´t remember if I answered you or not... So now I am going to :) I am very excited to bond with Tammie, Dallin and Jordan on our weekend together!! I even had a dream about that last night! haha It was funny, but yeah I´m pretty sure he´ll understand. Fulfilling callings are important and we´ll make it fun! :D So no worries!
Right now we´re working a lot with a member in the ward whose name is Samantha who just recently got reactivated! She´s awesome!! She actually ran away from home when she was 16, fell away from the church, later got disowned by her family and started living with another family who was really active. In June or July she just moved into Caballito. (She´s 26 now btw) She´s awesome!!! She doesn´t have a job right now and she just signed up to feed us lunch every single Tuesday and Thursday in November!! haha She will be very blessed! We´re teaching her best friend, Conrado, as well. Every time after they read the chapters we leave them in the Book of Mormon, she looks up the cartoon videos of the Book of Mormon stories (the ones we always watch on Sundays) so that her friend can understand it even better. She´s an awesome missionary!!
Ariel still smokes like a chimney, but he´s progressing. We ate lunch with him and his girlfriend yesterday. (Oh, sad fact, I lost my camera cord the last time I promised you I´d send pictures and it didn´t work. Well I´m pretty sure I left my camera cord plugged into the computer and I haven't seen it since :( so not that you´ve seen a ton but you won't be able to see any more pictures during my mission...) Anyway, instead of a pack a day he got to 1/2 a pack over Saturday and Sunday!! PROGRESS!! :)
We´ve got our interviews this week, and I think President is coming to our apartment! I heard about that meeting of Sergio and Florencia in Peru. They met Pablo´s (hijo of the Vezenye family) mission president. He just got his call last week to Cali, Colombia. I´m not sure if President Gulbrandsen goes to another country for meetings. I think they actually do a lot here because President Arnold lives in our mission. Also, Elder Christofferson is here right now. I don´t know if we´ll get to see him but hopefully!! :)
And that´s about it! I love you all. Keep being good!! :) haha
Love,
Jess
Nope... Gilbert did not get baptized. He knows the Book of Mormon is true, but he´s not clicking with the whole faith = action thing. He didn´t even come to church yesterday... :( My companion and I had a very "fun" pressure filled weekend haha Ugh!! Anyway, we´ll see what more we can do for him.
Today we met up with our district at this restaurant that reminded me a lot of Tucanos because they keep bringing you more meat. It was so good!!!! The appetizers were empanadas. I first got a chicken milanesa napolitana, then pork with a sweet barbecue sauce, next some awesome steak and fries, and last their creamy delicious chocolate ice cream!! Oh, and instead of a chicken heart, the fear factor food for this place was a blood sausage. Google "morcilla" if you want more details on that. It spreads like Jam. =)
Are you getting excited for the trek? Oh mom, that reminds me about the time you asked me if I thought Jordan would feel left out when you all are gone for that trip. I can´t remember if I answered you or not... So now I am going to :) I am very excited to bond with Tammie, Dallin and Jordan on our weekend together!! I even had a dream about that last night! haha It was funny, but yeah I´m pretty sure he´ll understand. Fulfilling callings are important and we´ll make it fun! :D So no worries!
Right now we´re working a lot with a member in the ward whose name is Samantha who just recently got reactivated! She´s awesome!! She actually ran away from home when she was 16, fell away from the church, later got disowned by her family and started living with another family who was really active. In June or July she just moved into Caballito. (She´s 26 now btw) She´s awesome!!! She doesn´t have a job right now and she just signed up to feed us lunch every single Tuesday and Thursday in November!! haha She will be very blessed! We´re teaching her best friend, Conrado, as well. Every time after they read the chapters we leave them in the Book of Mormon, she looks up the cartoon videos of the Book of Mormon stories (the ones we always watch on Sundays) so that her friend can understand it even better. She´s an awesome missionary!!
Ariel still smokes like a chimney, but he´s progressing. We ate lunch with him and his girlfriend yesterday. (Oh, sad fact, I lost my camera cord the last time I promised you I´d send pictures and it didn´t work. Well I´m pretty sure I left my camera cord plugged into the computer and I haven't seen it since :( so not that you´ve seen a ton but you won't be able to see any more pictures during my mission...) Anyway, instead of a pack a day he got to 1/2 a pack over Saturday and Sunday!! PROGRESS!! :)
We´ve got our interviews this week, and I think President is coming to our apartment! I heard about that meeting of Sergio and Florencia in Peru. They met Pablo´s (hijo of the Vezenye family) mission president. He just got his call last week to Cali, Colombia. I´m not sure if President Gulbrandsen goes to another country for meetings. I think they actually do a lot here because President Arnold lives in our mission. Also, Elder Christofferson is here right now. I don´t know if we´ll get to see him but hopefully!! :)
And that´s about it! I love you all. Keep being good!! :) haha
Love,
Jess
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Elder Jordan Keele- Oct 31, 2011
Dear family,
I don't have much time today... really. I'm in Pachuca and our taxi to Molango leaves in a few minutes. Anyway, we had a wonderful week. Ana was finally able to get baptized! It was such a blessing. She wanted to do it in the "Cascada", or waterfall of the lake. I think 1) because it's pretty ;) and 2) because she didn't want to do it in the lake because of her two cousins that drowned there. I apologize for not bringing the cable for my camera, but I didn't think we'd be in Pachuca this long. We came on Saturday for the financial meeting which was fantastic! I just love how the Church is in every aspect. We went back to Molango after the meeting. Then after church yesterday we headed straight back. Our travels aren't through yet because we have interviews with Pres. Hicken this Thursday here in Pachuca. I don't like little spaces :) but it is what it is, and we just have to make the most of it.
E. Pintor ended up coming with us because ALL of the other priesthood brethren of the branch were out of town. C´mon, there's only 5 of them.
At night it's been getting pretty cold. I have no idea what temperature though.... But in Molango we've literally lived in clouds for the last few days. We've got a couple cool pictures of some thick fog.
Oh man... I just read your amazing stories and comments on dad's class. Mom, thank you so much for sharing all of that with me.
Saturday night before heading back to Molango the sister that was supposed to talk on Sunday called us and said she wouldn't be able to go. Since we were right there with Pres. Mercado, he asked E. Pintor and me if we'd step in. I've now given four talks here in Molango, but I think this was my favorite one. On the way home Saturday night I pondered if I were to leave Molango, what would be the one thing that I would want the members to remember. The most important thing. As my thoughts wandered through a variety of important gospel topics, I kept thinking about "Clinging to the Iron Rod". That's what it was about. I didn't cry, but I can't describe the feelings I had as I closed my personal conversion story about the Book of Mormon, and about how much I love the members here. I don't know how to explain it, but I felt invincible for those few moments. I know this gospel is true. I told the members that I chose this topic and thought it to be the most important because if we constantly cling to the Iron Rod, there's no way we won't see each other in the Celestial Kingdom.
I love you all, and it's time for 3 hours of extreme discomfort. Have a wonderful week. The Book of Mormon is true, and it's one of the greatest treasures we can obtain in this life.
Elder Jordan Keele
I don't have much time today... really. I'm in Pachuca and our taxi to Molango leaves in a few minutes. Anyway, we had a wonderful week. Ana was finally able to get baptized! It was such a blessing. She wanted to do it in the "Cascada", or waterfall of the lake. I think 1) because it's pretty ;) and 2) because she didn't want to do it in the lake because of her two cousins that drowned there. I apologize for not bringing the cable for my camera, but I didn't think we'd be in Pachuca this long. We came on Saturday for the financial meeting which was fantastic! I just love how the Church is in every aspect. We went back to Molango after the meeting. Then after church yesterday we headed straight back. Our travels aren't through yet because we have interviews with Pres. Hicken this Thursday here in Pachuca. I don't like little spaces :) but it is what it is, and we just have to make the most of it.
E. Pintor ended up coming with us because ALL of the other priesthood brethren of the branch were out of town. C´mon, there's only 5 of them.
At night it's been getting pretty cold. I have no idea what temperature though.... But in Molango we've literally lived in clouds for the last few days. We've got a couple cool pictures of some thick fog.
Oh man... I just read your amazing stories and comments on dad's class. Mom, thank you so much for sharing all of that with me.
Saturday night before heading back to Molango the sister that was supposed to talk on Sunday called us and said she wouldn't be able to go. Since we were right there with Pres. Mercado, he asked E. Pintor and me if we'd step in. I've now given four talks here in Molango, but I think this was my favorite one. On the way home Saturday night I pondered if I were to leave Molango, what would be the one thing that I would want the members to remember. The most important thing. As my thoughts wandered through a variety of important gospel topics, I kept thinking about "Clinging to the Iron Rod". That's what it was about. I didn't cry, but I can't describe the feelings I had as I closed my personal conversion story about the Book of Mormon, and about how much I love the members here. I don't know how to explain it, but I felt invincible for those few moments. I know this gospel is true. I told the members that I chose this topic and thought it to be the most important because if we constantly cling to the Iron Rod, there's no way we won't see each other in the Celestial Kingdom.
I love you all, and it's time for 3 hours of extreme discomfort. Have a wonderful week. The Book of Mormon is true, and it's one of the greatest treasures we can obtain in this life.
Elder Jordan Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Oct. 31, 2011
Hola Familia,
I completely forgot it´s Halloween, but happy Halloween to you too!! =)
What a week!!! haha It was really very crazy, but I've got to try to make this short. Gilbert didn´t get baptized. =( That´s a story I´ll have to give you more information on in the future.... But as it turns out there was no water in the church... again!! Remember how that happened with Esteban and then the sacrament meeting when we had soda instead of water? Well, that seems to be a more and more frequent problem here in Caballito.
Anyway, Gilbert had already had his interview. He even brought his clothes to church because we were going to go to another building to have it. Then right before it was to happen... he chose not to. It seems he took the whole, "not having water thing" as a sign that he should not get baptized.... AHhh!!! Satanás es poderoso pero no tanto como Dios. We told him it was Satan trying to stop him because he was about to do something that God wanted him to do. But he said "Really, because in my other church that didn´t happen when I got baptized"
....Exactly!! haha What can be so obvious to us can be so confusing to others. Satan tried to stop Joseph Smith only when he was about to receive a true answer from God not when he started going to one religion or the other looking for answers that aren´t true. If Joseph had taken that as a sign that he should just go back to one of the other religions, we would not have had the restored gospel!
In the end, Gilbert accepted to pray about another baptismal date for this Saturday. We would´ve and should´ve done it last night, but he had a hip hop thing he wasn´t willing to miss.) Please pray for him. Pray that over the week he can learn and grow rather than fall further and that he can understand why Satan is trying to stop him from getting baptized. He´s such a good kid. I know it was Satan trying to stop him because he´s a 19 year-old kid away from home, looking for answers from his loving Heavenly Father. He´s a future worthy priesthood holder, full-time missionary, and father to lead his family to eternal life!!
Bueno, I hope you all had a great week!! Dallin good job on your talk!!!! :D Love you all,
Love,
Jess
I completely forgot it´s Halloween, but happy Halloween to you too!! =)
What a week!!! haha It was really very crazy, but I've got to try to make this short. Gilbert didn´t get baptized. =( That´s a story I´ll have to give you more information on in the future.... But as it turns out there was no water in the church... again!! Remember how that happened with Esteban and then the sacrament meeting when we had soda instead of water? Well, that seems to be a more and more frequent problem here in Caballito.
Anyway, Gilbert had already had his interview. He even brought his clothes to church because we were going to go to another building to have it. Then right before it was to happen... he chose not to. It seems he took the whole, "not having water thing" as a sign that he should not get baptized.... AHhh!!! Satanás es poderoso pero no tanto como Dios. We told him it was Satan trying to stop him because he was about to do something that God wanted him to do. But he said "Really, because in my other church that didn´t happen when I got baptized"
....Exactly!! haha What can be so obvious to us can be so confusing to others. Satan tried to stop Joseph Smith only when he was about to receive a true answer from God not when he started going to one religion or the other looking for answers that aren´t true. If Joseph had taken that as a sign that he should just go back to one of the other religions, we would not have had the restored gospel!
In the end, Gilbert accepted to pray about another baptismal date for this Saturday. We would´ve and should´ve done it last night, but he had a hip hop thing he wasn´t willing to miss.) Please pray for him. Pray that over the week he can learn and grow rather than fall further and that he can understand why Satan is trying to stop him from getting baptized. He´s such a good kid. I know it was Satan trying to stop him because he´s a 19 year-old kid away from home, looking for answers from his loving Heavenly Father. He´s a future worthy priesthood holder, full-time missionary, and father to lead his family to eternal life!!
Bueno, I hope you all had a great week!! Dallin good job on your talk!!!! :D Love you all,
Love,
Jess
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