Hola familia y amigitos,
This week has been... interesting. We were called on Wednesday morning and told we had to go to Pachuca for a Leadership Training with President Hicken. That kind of changed our plans a little bit. We had to hurry and get things together, move things around, and we left at 5:00 PM to go to Pachuca. The bus had a bunch of problems and turned our normally 3 1/2 hour trip into a 5 hour trip. But, we made it safe and sound at the ZL´s house around 10:00. Then, Thursday morning as Pres. Hicken arrived at the church, he pulled E. Castillo and me aside for a 'Molango Meeting', something normal that happens about every time we see Pres. Hicken. As we closed the door, Pres. Hicken said "Elder Castillo, you're moving. Elder Keele, you'll be staying in Molango, and you'll be training." We're still not sure if I'm training a greeny, or if that just means I'll be training another missionary on how to be a missionary in Molango. But, we'll have changes and find out a week from tomorrow. E. Castillo has been here since December 30th, so it was about time he had a change.
Just briefly, we're working with that one family: Lucio, the husband and he's a member, and his wife Dorisela, and their two kids that are going to get baptized hopefully this next week. However, we just found out last night that they are not married yet, and we're still hoping to get it all taken care of in the next couple days so they're all set for Sunday. We're really hoping that they get baptized next Sunday so Elder Castillo can go out with a bang, but it's all in the hands of the Lord.
Wow, sounds like a really eventful day! And not much money was spent... I know that's how you like it, Mom, and those are usually the best memories anyway. I've never been excited to go to cemeteries, but it actually sounds like a lot of fun. And Hyde Park too. Now that I know a little bit more about William Hyde I feel that connection. It was fun to hear about all your little adventures, and I'm so glad everyone is safe. My companion E. Castillo went to Utah State and said that he knows Hyde Park pretty well, and that he loved it. Cool info.
It's got to be hard for Derek, because I know out of all of us so far, he's probably the one that is most wanting a job to prepare for his mission. But like you said mom, something good will come out of this trial and it'll all work out. One of my favorite quotes that was quoted by Pres. Monson is "Do your duty, that is best, leave unto the Lord the rest". I've found that to be so true on my mission. In the hard times where we aren't seeing much success, I know that as I just work as hard as I know how to and truly do my best, the Lord fills in the gaps every time. However, the hard part is not losing the faith, because then it doesn't work out so well. Just trust in Him and you'll be overwhelmed by the huge blessings that he's hoping you'll earn.
I love you all and am happy for all of you. Jamie, good luck this week in your final preparations. Take care!
Elder Jordan Keele
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Elder Jordan Keele-Aug. 8, 2011
Hola familia,
Things are starting to pick back up again here in Molango. On Sunday, our family of 5 FINALLY came to church like they said they would. Lucio, the dad, who we found two months ago is already a member but had never been to church here in Mexico because he was baptized in Tennessee.... long story. Needless to say, they finally took their first step together towards eternal life, and we're looking forward to going down to the lake again probably in two weeks. It's been too long since I've been there!
Jamie and 'Trav', your wedding invitation looks wonderful! My weird feelings about it all are finally starting to wear off. I'm so excited for you both!
It seems like school just finished, and it's already starting soon... what's up with that? ha ha. I think one area that I've grown the most from my mission is my desire to learn. Of course about gospel stuff, but also about Math, English, History... It all seems fascinating to me now. I look forward to going back to school in the future.
Elder Castillo and I got word, (still not super official yet, but almost pretty sure) that we'll be together for at least another cycle after this one is up. Which means Molango will be my home until about the end of October-ish. I can't believe we're already talking about the end of the year. We should have some years with like 30 months sometimes, because 12 just isn't enough.
Mom and Dad, thank you so much for your testimonies. It brings so much comfort to know that all that I'm going through and learning are things that you've already gone through and learned but that are important for me to gain that same conviction. The mission has truly changed my life, and I'm forever grateful for it. It's changed me so much. Your words are becoming so much more meaningful to me and precious as I grow in my knowledge of my Divine Redeemer. He blessed me so much for having put me here on earth as your son.
Thanks for all being so supportive, loving, kind, generous, productive, motivational, strong, consistent, good, helpful, and other stuff. It's a blessing to be a part of this family.
Have a great week! I love you all, and take care!
Elder Keele
Things are starting to pick back up again here in Molango. On Sunday, our family of 5 FINALLY came to church like they said they would. Lucio, the dad, who we found two months ago is already a member but had never been to church here in Mexico because he was baptized in Tennessee.... long story. Needless to say, they finally took their first step together towards eternal life, and we're looking forward to going down to the lake again probably in two weeks. It's been too long since I've been there!
Jamie and 'Trav', your wedding invitation looks wonderful! My weird feelings about it all are finally starting to wear off. I'm so excited for you both!
It seems like school just finished, and it's already starting soon... what's up with that? ha ha. I think one area that I've grown the most from my mission is my desire to learn. Of course about gospel stuff, but also about Math, English, History... It all seems fascinating to me now. I look forward to going back to school in the future.
Elder Castillo and I got word, (still not super official yet, but almost pretty sure) that we'll be together for at least another cycle after this one is up. Which means Molango will be my home until about the end of October-ish. I can't believe we're already talking about the end of the year. We should have some years with like 30 months sometimes, because 12 just isn't enough.
Mom and Dad, thank you so much for your testimonies. It brings so much comfort to know that all that I'm going through and learning are things that you've already gone through and learned but that are important for me to gain that same conviction. The mission has truly changed my life, and I'm forever grateful for it. It's changed me so much. Your words are becoming so much more meaningful to me and precious as I grow in my knowledge of my Divine Redeemer. He blessed me so much for having put me here on earth as your son.
Thanks for all being so supportive, loving, kind, generous, productive, motivational, strong, consistent, good, helpful, and other stuff. It's a blessing to be a part of this family.
Have a great week! I love you all, and take care!
Elder Keele
Hna. Jessica Keele- Aug 8, 2011
Bueno! Hola familia :D
Sounds like everything at home is busy but coming along! That's great! :)
I wanted to share a thought of one of the attributes I´m trying to work on... Patience!! I was reading in Jesus the Christ and Elder James E. Talmage was talking about the man, Jairus, whose daughter was dying. He went in faith to find the Savior so that He could come and heal her. The Savior followed the man to his house but while they were on their way, the woman who was sick touched the robe of the Savior to be healed. The Savior took the time to stop and find the woman who touched Him.
When I thought about the man's situation, he was in a complete crisis, no? It made me realize how impatient I can get especially during times of crisis. While on their way to save his daughter's life the Savior stopped. What Elder Talmage points out is that Jairus never showed impatience. Instead he was patient and waited for the Savior to continue in His own time. In Preach my Gospel under patience it says something like... Patience is the capacity to hold up delay without anger, frustration or anxiety. It is the ability to wait with faith for the Lord's timing.
That´s an attribute I´m trying to develop because there are so many things missionaries can lose patience over! So many unnecessary delays to our eyes that can´t see the future, but I've just got to remember that this is His work! He is in control. If He´s got the time to stop for another, I´ve got to learn to have the time to wait with patience. He is the one that is going to win in the end, and I'm on his team. Que Bendición!!
But then when I thought more about it it´s not just my missionary life that is going to be full of delays because before my mission there were delays in my life of plans that I thought mattered most. And there ALWAYS will be delays or inconveniences on plans that matter most to us. There was a quote in the same page of Preach my Gospel by Thomas S. Monson that I can´t remember now, but it was about that too. While we are in the moment of crisis or delay, we sometimes feel like it´s just happening to us for inconvenience! But the Lord is still in control of whatever that happens in our lives. He loves us and wants what´s best for us, so if I follow through with patience and wait for His timing, I can have confidence that He will always pull through!! :)
I´m so glad that Elder Talmage mentioned that because I would have never noticed a lesson on patience in that story. But it´s so true, the man never showed disbelief or impatience while the Savior stopped to find the woman who touched His robe during his crisis. I just have to be patient like Jairus in keeping my faith and waiting for the Lords timing in all things.
So, one other thing. I want to ask for your prayers. Andrés, who got baptized a few months ago, hasn´t come to church in a while and on top of it we haven´t had any contact with him for 2 weeks. :( So if you would please pray that he can have the desire to come back, we would greatly appreciate it!!! Other than that, everything's going well! We´re going to have interviews with President this Friday!
I love you all so much and thank you for the examples that you are to me!! :D
Love,
Jess
Sounds like everything at home is busy but coming along! That's great! :)
I wanted to share a thought of one of the attributes I´m trying to work on... Patience!! I was reading in Jesus the Christ and Elder James E. Talmage was talking about the man, Jairus, whose daughter was dying. He went in faith to find the Savior so that He could come and heal her. The Savior followed the man to his house but while they were on their way, the woman who was sick touched the robe of the Savior to be healed. The Savior took the time to stop and find the woman who touched Him.
When I thought about the man's situation, he was in a complete crisis, no? It made me realize how impatient I can get especially during times of crisis. While on their way to save his daughter's life the Savior stopped. What Elder Talmage points out is that Jairus never showed impatience. Instead he was patient and waited for the Savior to continue in His own time. In Preach my Gospel under patience it says something like... Patience is the capacity to hold up delay without anger, frustration or anxiety. It is the ability to wait with faith for the Lord's timing.
That´s an attribute I´m trying to develop because there are so many things missionaries can lose patience over! So many unnecessary delays to our eyes that can´t see the future, but I've just got to remember that this is His work! He is in control. If He´s got the time to stop for another, I´ve got to learn to have the time to wait with patience. He is the one that is going to win in the end, and I'm on his team. Que Bendición!!
But then when I thought more about it it´s not just my missionary life that is going to be full of delays because before my mission there were delays in my life of plans that I thought mattered most. And there ALWAYS will be delays or inconveniences on plans that matter most to us. There was a quote in the same page of Preach my Gospel by Thomas S. Monson that I can´t remember now, but it was about that too. While we are in the moment of crisis or delay, we sometimes feel like it´s just happening to us for inconvenience! But the Lord is still in control of whatever that happens in our lives. He loves us and wants what´s best for us, so if I follow through with patience and wait for His timing, I can have confidence that He will always pull through!! :)
I´m so glad that Elder Talmage mentioned that because I would have never noticed a lesson on patience in that story. But it´s so true, the man never showed disbelief or impatience while the Savior stopped to find the woman who touched His robe during his crisis. I just have to be patient like Jairus in keeping my faith and waiting for the Lords timing in all things.
So, one other thing. I want to ask for your prayers. Andrés, who got baptized a few months ago, hasn´t come to church in a while and on top of it we haven´t had any contact with him for 2 weeks. :( So if you would please pray that he can have the desire to come back, we would greatly appreciate it!!! Other than that, everything's going well! We´re going to have interviews with President this Friday!
I love you all so much and thank you for the examples that you are to me!! :D
Love,
Jess
Elder Jordan Keele-Aug. 2, 2011
Good afternoon,
Elder Castillo and I had the opportunity to go to Pachuca Thursday night and work for a day and a half alongside our zone leaders. I've always loved doing exchanges, and this was the first time we went since I've been here in Molango. I learned a lot, and as always came out very motivated to work harder and harder. We're starting to hand out pamphlets like crazy to invite everyone to come to church on Sunday. We hope to see many people benefit from that effort.
Maria, the wonderful, faithful, diligent lady that we baptized a couple months ago brought her sister to church. It's so funny, because they're exactly the same ha ha. We had actually knocked on her door a few days before and I said to myself, wow, she looks a lot like Maria... sure enough, she was her sister. They are just two really shy and quiet old ladies, but they're among the elect, and it's a blessing to work with them. We hope to help Eugenia progress to the waters of baptism just like her sister did.
Elder Castillo and I finished reading Jesus the Christ on Thursday morning. What an accomplishment! It's by far the biggest book I've ever read, and it feels great. I learned so much from that book and am excited to start reading it again sometime.
I forgot Marie and Rachelle are both getting married too. Wow, everyone's going to get married before I get home! But that's a good thing. Congratulations Nicole and ..... what's the guys name again?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this world that we live in. Here in Molango, when it's not cloudy, we see tons and tons of stars. I love star gazing! It truly does make you think about the privileges we receive. We probably need to be better at appreciating things. Well, I do anyway.
I'm happy to hear about Stephanie's progress. Tell her I love her so much! It's raining hardcore right now, just thought I'd let you know.
Later today I'll send some pics, but this computer always messes up my camera and memory card, so I'm not even going to try it here. But they have cheap and fast printing, so it has its pros and cons. I love all of you! And thank you so much!
Elder Jordan Keele
Elder Castillo and I had the opportunity to go to Pachuca Thursday night and work for a day and a half alongside our zone leaders. I've always loved doing exchanges, and this was the first time we went since I've been here in Molango. I learned a lot, and as always came out very motivated to work harder and harder. We're starting to hand out pamphlets like crazy to invite everyone to come to church on Sunday. We hope to see many people benefit from that effort.
Maria, the wonderful, faithful, diligent lady that we baptized a couple months ago brought her sister to church. It's so funny, because they're exactly the same ha ha. We had actually knocked on her door a few days before and I said to myself, wow, she looks a lot like Maria... sure enough, she was her sister. They are just two really shy and quiet old ladies, but they're among the elect, and it's a blessing to work with them. We hope to help Eugenia progress to the waters of baptism just like her sister did.
Elder Castillo and I finished reading Jesus the Christ on Thursday morning. What an accomplishment! It's by far the biggest book I've ever read, and it feels great. I learned so much from that book and am excited to start reading it again sometime.
I forgot Marie and Rachelle are both getting married too. Wow, everyone's going to get married before I get home! But that's a good thing. Congratulations Nicole and ..... what's the guys name again?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this world that we live in. Here in Molango, when it's not cloudy, we see tons and tons of stars. I love star gazing! It truly does make you think about the privileges we receive. We probably need to be better at appreciating things. Well, I do anyway.
I'm happy to hear about Stephanie's progress. Tell her I love her so much! It's raining hardcore right now, just thought I'd let you know.
Later today I'll send some pics, but this computer always messes up my camera and memory card, so I'm not even going to try it here. But they have cheap and fast printing, so it has its pros and cons. I love all of you! And thank you so much!
Elder Jordan Keele
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