Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Elder Jordan Keele, Mar. 26, 2012
Dear family,
My former companion, E. Terry, is Peruano and he had visa issues, so he came as soon as his visa got in. He went to stake Aragon, only like 20 minutes away from me, but it's a different zone.
I have a new companion. His name is Elder Hoover. Fortunately I got to stay in my area. I really love it here and there are always so many people and families around that are willing to listen. I've already learned a lot from E. Hoover. He's a convert from Los Angeles of 3 years. He's the only member of all his family, and they weren't very happy of his decision to go on a mission... but at least I am :) We've had a great week, and I'm sure we'll continue to be happy and have success as we put the Lord in charge of all we do.
Ha ha. Those early morning piano lessons were definitely worth it. In fact, yesterday Elder Hoover and I did a special musical number in Sacrament meeting. He's a great singer, and I played the piano for him. It was really good. The members seemed to really feel the spirit. Incluso el patriarca que se levantó para discursar justo después y casi no pudo hablar... tuvo dificultades controlando las lágrimas. Estuvo bueno.
As I wrote you earlier, I did feel the earthquake. Because of some last minute packing, we didn't get to the traditional "Burger King breakfast right before changes meeting" this time, but it's ok. That wasn't very important. I was in a taxi and definitely felt the earthquake, but it really didn't effect me. I guess you could say it was kind of cool :)
Nathan, I really don't know what to tell ya :) Maybe we'll talk some after I return ha ha.
Jessica, I really don't know what to tell you either :) I'm sure we'll do some talking after the mission.
I'm stoked for conference. We'll be going to the stake center chapel in Ward Campestre Aragon in our stake Vergel. It's only about a 25 peso taxi ride there, but I'm sure we'll hitch a ride with some members or hopefully investigators. I'm sure it'll be a great weekend.
We're off to get a new mattress for my companion... he's not a big fan of having the springs spear through his back as he's trying to sleep :) weird...jk. I love you all and pray that you continue to stay safe and be good... at least until I get home :) ha ha
Love,
Elder Jordan Keele
My former companion, E. Terry, is Peruano and he had visa issues, so he came as soon as his visa got in. He went to stake Aragon, only like 20 minutes away from me, but it's a different zone.
I have a new companion. His name is Elder Hoover. Fortunately I got to stay in my area. I really love it here and there are always so many people and families around that are willing to listen. I've already learned a lot from E. Hoover. He's a convert from Los Angeles of 3 years. He's the only member of all his family, and they weren't very happy of his decision to go on a mission... but at least I am :) We've had a great week, and I'm sure we'll continue to be happy and have success as we put the Lord in charge of all we do.
Ha ha. Those early morning piano lessons were definitely worth it. In fact, yesterday Elder Hoover and I did a special musical number in Sacrament meeting. He's a great singer, and I played the piano for him. It was really good. The members seemed to really feel the spirit. Incluso el patriarca que se levantó para discursar justo después y casi no pudo hablar... tuvo dificultades controlando las lágrimas. Estuvo bueno.
As I wrote you earlier, I did feel the earthquake. Because of some last minute packing, we didn't get to the traditional "Burger King breakfast right before changes meeting" this time, but it's ok. That wasn't very important. I was in a taxi and definitely felt the earthquake, but it really didn't effect me. I guess you could say it was kind of cool :)
Nathan, I really don't know what to tell ya :) Maybe we'll talk some after I return ha ha.
Jessica, I really don't know what to tell you either :) I'm sure we'll do some talking after the mission.
I'm stoked for conference. We'll be going to the stake center chapel in Ward Campestre Aragon in our stake Vergel. It's only about a 25 peso taxi ride there, but I'm sure we'll hitch a ride with some members or hopefully investigators. I'm sure it'll be a great weekend.
We're off to get a new mattress for my companion... he's not a big fan of having the springs spear through his back as he's trying to sleep :) weird...jk. I love you all and pray that you continue to stay safe and be good... at least until I get home :) ha ha
Love,
Elder Jordan Keele
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Elder Jordan Keele, Mar 19, 2012
Ah, how ya'll doin? It's been a crazy day, and a pretty crazy week too.
To start things off, my current companion Elder Terry (from el Callao, Peru) has changes tomorrow. We've been busy cleaning and packing and goodbying today. We'll find out what kind of things the Lord has in store for me tomorrow.
Last Thursday was Zone Conference. It was really good. Sis. Hicken said that "If you're sleeping in in the mornings, you're telling the Lord you love sleep more than Him (Juan 14:15)". Wow, what a statement. It was a good and inspiring day. I got your sweet valentines package last Thursday. I was told I got a couple other letters but my naughty zone leaders left before giving them to me. I hope tomorrow I can find what once was lost. Also, Pres. Hicken asked me to thank you, Mom, for making me learn piano. He said it's been a blessing to all the mission and to many other members. It was a nice thing of him to say, and it's all for you :)
Nathan, happy birthday to you on Sunday! Also to Mark. Are they really 17 and 18? I'll have to see it to believe it.
Saturday we were able to get Jorge and Rosa married, interviewed and baptized all in the same day. It was a busy day, but a very beneficial one. They're such sweet people, and I would say the most prepared converts I've baptized on my entire mission. They were confirmed on Sunday during Sacrament meeting.
Hna. Rosa made us delicious green enchiladas with steak today (my favorite!) as a goodbye gift to Elder Terry. He's been a great companion and I've learned a lot from him. I know it was the Lord's will to have him as my companion this last cycle.
Zuleima's mom, Azucena, had to celebrate her birthday yesterday and couldn't come to church. Too many birthdays lately. I think it's time for a break. But they seem to be progressing. We told her that the Virgin Mary is just a myth and that it's not from God. She accepted that teaching very well. If she can get over that tradition so easily, she should have no problem getting over all the rest.
Well I've been to the temple, but we're not allowed to do a session except for Christmas and as a goodbye present. It was a blessing to go with the Molanga Branch so frequently. Also, I've checked the museum and it says they're closed on Mondays. (How convenient of them). I'll try and figure out a way to go there sometime. If not, it'll have to wait until after.
Elder Terry says the food is way different, and he hates Mexican food. He makes me look like a pig because he never wants to eat anything ha ha. But I still love it! He's from Lima, a town called El Callao. Supposedly it's a dangerous area.
Ha ha poor Japanese girls! Fortunately we've had zero pest problems since the "Rosita the rat" incident. It's getting warmer here lately too, but I hope that doesn't mean more bugs.
Wow, it is a small world! You seem to always have amazing little connections with people everywhere you go! I bet that's always neat.
Sorry to not have much time today, but I'll send pictures next week. I love you all and hope you have another great week of March.
Elder Jordan Keele
To start things off, my current companion Elder Terry (from el Callao, Peru) has changes tomorrow. We've been busy cleaning and packing and goodbying today. We'll find out what kind of things the Lord has in store for me tomorrow.
Last Thursday was Zone Conference. It was really good. Sis. Hicken said that "If you're sleeping in in the mornings, you're telling the Lord you love sleep more than Him (Juan 14:15)". Wow, what a statement. It was a good and inspiring day. I got your sweet valentines package last Thursday. I was told I got a couple other letters but my naughty zone leaders left before giving them to me. I hope tomorrow I can find what once was lost. Also, Pres. Hicken asked me to thank you, Mom, for making me learn piano. He said it's been a blessing to all the mission and to many other members. It was a nice thing of him to say, and it's all for you :)
Nathan, happy birthday to you on Sunday! Also to Mark. Are they really 17 and 18? I'll have to see it to believe it.
Saturday we were able to get Jorge and Rosa married, interviewed and baptized all in the same day. It was a busy day, but a very beneficial one. They're such sweet people, and I would say the most prepared converts I've baptized on my entire mission. They were confirmed on Sunday during Sacrament meeting.
Hna. Rosa made us delicious green enchiladas with steak today (my favorite!) as a goodbye gift to Elder Terry. He's been a great companion and I've learned a lot from him. I know it was the Lord's will to have him as my companion this last cycle.
Zuleima's mom, Azucena, had to celebrate her birthday yesterday and couldn't come to church. Too many birthdays lately. I think it's time for a break. But they seem to be progressing. We told her that the Virgin Mary is just a myth and that it's not from God. She accepted that teaching very well. If she can get over that tradition so easily, she should have no problem getting over all the rest.
Well I've been to the temple, but we're not allowed to do a session except for Christmas and as a goodbye present. It was a blessing to go with the Molanga Branch so frequently. Also, I've checked the museum and it says they're closed on Mondays. (How convenient of them). I'll try and figure out a way to go there sometime. If not, it'll have to wait until after.
Elder Terry says the food is way different, and he hates Mexican food. He makes me look like a pig because he never wants to eat anything ha ha. But I still love it! He's from Lima, a town called El Callao. Supposedly it's a dangerous area.
Ha ha poor Japanese girls! Fortunately we've had zero pest problems since the "Rosita the rat" incident. It's getting warmer here lately too, but I hope that doesn't mean more bugs.
Wow, it is a small world! You seem to always have amazing little connections with people everywhere you go! I bet that's always neat.
Sorry to not have much time today, but I'll send pictures next week. I love you all and hope you have another great week of March.
Elder Jordan Keele
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Elder Jordan Keele, Mar. 12, 2012
Blessed family,
I'm still a missionary, and I'm still doing missionary work everyday. I hope that's not a surprise to anyone. I can't say that we've had an "average" week, because frankly that doesn't exist in the mission field. Jorge and Rosa had to go out of town for a job offer, so they still haven't been able to join the rest of the family. But I trust them and know that they'll do it as soon as they can.
Meanwhile, we were privileged to find another family that is interested in hearing us. The two parents and the two kids were all planning to come to church yesterday, but because of some last-minute complications only the oldest daughter, (Zuleima) was able to go. She's a 19 year old single mother, but she really seemed interested in what we have to teach. She enjoyed church, and during the gospel principles class I enjoyed distracting and playing with her little 1 year-old Luciano so his mother could stay focused and learn about modern day prophets.
I'm sad that Uncle Wendell passed on, but I know that death is only a portal to life. I hope Aunt Arlene continues to hold up and do well. I'd like to see her after I return.
There's nothing like a spiritual impression that confirms a correct decision. Thanks for sharing that experience. I always love reading about your stories. People may think that daily spiritual experiences are only for missionaries, but you're living proof that that's just a myth! They're there for everyone who wants them. All it takes is righteous living.
Ha ha Jess that's kind of a funny story. Just be sure and keep me updated on these things. And if you do get engaged before Mother's day, don't wait until then to let me know :) [Jessica really isn't getting engaged]
We have a Zone Conference this Thursday, followed by an interview with Pres. Hicken to renew my temple recommend before it expires. We'll receive any letters that have arrived on Thursday. Thanks for your support.
Thanks for everything, and I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
I'm still a missionary, and I'm still doing missionary work everyday. I hope that's not a surprise to anyone. I can't say that we've had an "average" week, because frankly that doesn't exist in the mission field. Jorge and Rosa had to go out of town for a job offer, so they still haven't been able to join the rest of the family. But I trust them and know that they'll do it as soon as they can.
Meanwhile, we were privileged to find another family that is interested in hearing us. The two parents and the two kids were all planning to come to church yesterday, but because of some last-minute complications only the oldest daughter, (Zuleima) was able to go. She's a 19 year old single mother, but she really seemed interested in what we have to teach. She enjoyed church, and during the gospel principles class I enjoyed distracting and playing with her little 1 year-old Luciano so his mother could stay focused and learn about modern day prophets.
I'm sad that Uncle Wendell passed on, but I know that death is only a portal to life. I hope Aunt Arlene continues to hold up and do well. I'd like to see her after I return.
There's nothing like a spiritual impression that confirms a correct decision. Thanks for sharing that experience. I always love reading about your stories. People may think that daily spiritual experiences are only for missionaries, but you're living proof that that's just a myth! They're there for everyone who wants them. All it takes is righteous living.
Ha ha Jess that's kind of a funny story. Just be sure and keep me updated on these things. And if you do get engaged before Mother's day, don't wait until then to let me know :) [Jessica really isn't getting engaged]
We have a Zone Conference this Thursday, followed by an interview with Pres. Hicken to renew my temple recommend before it expires. We'll receive any letters that have arrived on Thursday. Thanks for your support.
Thanks for everything, and I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Elder Jordan Keele, Mar. 5, 2012
Dear Family,
Elder Terry and I have had a good week. We've really been blessed by the Lord for our efforts, and I know that He'll continue to do so as we simply do our part. Wednesday afternoon as we were at the church filling up the font. We suddenly heard water spraying as if somebody was using a hose. We were in the chapel studying, and as soon as we heard the noise we went to go find out what it was. As I turned the corner and looked down the hallway I saw a waterfall coming from the ceiling and spilling onto the floor in a great sum. We had no idea how that was happening, so we didn't know how we could stop it.
We soon realized the the water pump, (which was supposed to be automatic) had a piece newly broken which caused the sensor not to read the water level of the giant barrel things of water hiding up in the ceiling. We finally managed to turn it off, but the church floor was a disaster! We called in some recruits (the Elders from Barrio Jordan), and they came to help us clean up the flood. Water had run all the way down the hall and into each of the classrooms, (except for the nursery room where there was carpet...that was a miracle). However, we were able to clean it all up before anyone got there for the baptism. We threw some floor cleaner as we swept the water out because we decided to take advantage and clean the tile really nice while we were at it.
The baptism was very special, although Jorge and Rosa María were unable to participate that day. They decided it would be best not to have the others wait for them. Jorge and Rosa are planning to join the rest of the family this weekend. It was a good night.
Sounds like things continue to be busy, as usual, back at home. I hope everyone continues to do well and that we all can make right choices. I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
Elder Terry and I have had a good week. We've really been blessed by the Lord for our efforts, and I know that He'll continue to do so as we simply do our part. Wednesday afternoon as we were at the church filling up the font. We suddenly heard water spraying as if somebody was using a hose. We were in the chapel studying, and as soon as we heard the noise we went to go find out what it was. As I turned the corner and looked down the hallway I saw a waterfall coming from the ceiling and spilling onto the floor in a great sum. We had no idea how that was happening, so we didn't know how we could stop it.
We soon realized the the water pump, (which was supposed to be automatic) had a piece newly broken which caused the sensor not to read the water level of the giant barrel things of water hiding up in the ceiling. We finally managed to turn it off, but the church floor was a disaster! We called in some recruits (the Elders from Barrio Jordan), and they came to help us clean up the flood. Water had run all the way down the hall and into each of the classrooms, (except for the nursery room where there was carpet...that was a miracle). However, we were able to clean it all up before anyone got there for the baptism. We threw some floor cleaner as we swept the water out because we decided to take advantage and clean the tile really nice while we were at it.
The baptism was very special, although Jorge and Rosa María were unable to participate that day. They decided it would be best not to have the others wait for them. Jorge and Rosa are planning to join the rest of the family this weekend. It was a good night.
Sounds like things continue to be busy, as usual, back at home. I hope everyone continues to do well and that we all can make right choices. I love you all!
Elder Jordan Keele
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