Second Email From Maren on April 7, 2010

Maren sent a second email just for me (Ty).  I liked it and want to share it with everyone.  The first part is my original message.  The second is her reply.  With this message goes a request for you to start sending Maren tokens of your affection.  It doesn't have to be much.  Just being remembered is the important part.

Hi Maren.  This weeks letter is going to be very short, as I'm currently working on passing a kidney stone.  The doctors have me on a lot of pain killers.  Your mom says I'm the ultimate space case and thoroughly dopey.

I just wanted to write and tell you that I love you. I'm proud of you.  I pray for your success.

Your mom says she will write with the news of the family.

Is there some type of goody you'd like for us to send to you?  I made bread the other day and I thought of you.  Not sure what condition a loaf of bread would reach you in, but if there is something you want, please let me know.

Work hard.  Study hard. Keep the rules.  Try to love your companion.  Love all you meet and teach.  Even killer bunnies.  Remember your prayers and make them meaningful.

Love,

Dad

Yep, you're dopey.

I'm sorry about the kidney stone. I've been having a hard time drinking enough water, too. I carry a bottle with me, but I hardy ever drink. I don't drink in appointments (because we have to be careful of the whole food-pride thing) and I drive so I don't in-between either.

As for goodies, bread would be wonderful, maybe you could plastic-wrap some rolls, and them send them packed in a paper-lined box?

To tell the truth, out in the field, what you get doesn't matter so much as getting something. For example, elder Trujillo got a purple and pink stuffed snake. he loves it, and it's always in his car. He doesn't like snakes, or stuffed animals, and he hates pink, but someone went to the trouble to get it for him, so he loves it. As missionaries, we're hardly ever wanting, so it really is "the thought that counts."

I hope you get well soon. Drink lots. I miss you, and pray for you.

Sincerely,

Maren

Email Received April 7, 2010

General conference was awesome. I liked Saturday best, end evidently, the priesthood session was "one of the best," according to President Monson. However, something kept bugging me, and I didn’t really figure it out until Sunday. I realized, as I listened to all the familiar voices, and felt the special spirit, that I wasn't used to being in a church building for general conference.

I was used to being at home.

I'd be sitting on the couch, drawing or something, and someone would be sitting on or near me, while someone else played quietly on the computer. Someone else would be in the kitchen, making sandwiches for themselves and Tegryd, maybe for everyone.

I started crying. Luckily, the room was dark, so I don't think anyone saw. Still, I really just wanted to be home, for a little bit.

This has been an up and down week. We've dropped a lot of people, So we don't have deep back-up plans. still, the next should be better. a lot of people who went back to Mexico for Semana Santa (Holy Week, including Pascual for Easter) should be coming back.

Today, we have plans to take the English young women tracting. Since these girls are seriously considering serving, this should be fun.

We've nailed down an alcoholics anon. for one of our investigators. The problem: it's in St. Catherine's catholic church. Wish us luck.

Love you all and hope that you're being good missionaries, too!

La Hermana Jones

Email March 31, 2010

Still on the finding side of our cycle, we were knocking door the other day, when a little white rabbit hops by us.

Huh?

The rabbit hides behind a tree, watching us carefully, but not fearfully. We continue knocking doors, the rabbit preceding us by one or two houses for most of the street. He's obviously not a wild bunny, but neither will he allow us to get close to him. I make a fool of myself by calling "here bunny bunny," quietly. Did not work, obviously.

Finally we knock this one door. The rabbit is hiding under the car, about three feet away. After they politely decline our offer, we ask if they know anyone in the area who may have lost a rabbit. They explain that the rabbit is theirs, and that they let him roam free. Evidently, he always comes home again.

At this point, the rabbit hops away, back the direction we had come.

Later that same evening, we talk with a catholic lady. She is well educated in her religion, and surprisingly in other religions as well, although she has never been to an LDS service. She Geniealy gives us catholic 101 (which I actually needed). After that we ask if we can leave with a prayer to bless her house. After fixing some confusion (she was ready to do the lord's prayer) I offer the prayer. She then asks if she can pray over us. She puts a hand on each of our heads, and begins to pray, asking the lord to bless our work, and provide us with the revelation we need to teach. She asks him to help us find people to teach, and to bless us with health and strength, and ended in the name of Christ. Even though she wasn't a member, I could feel the spirit was with her. It was a strong reminder to me that our prayers are answered based on our faith in Jesus Christ, and that God answers ALL prayers according to our faith, not according to whether or not we're baptized members of his church.

That's all for now. I've gone way over time.

Sincerely,

Hermana Jones

Email March 24, 2010

As I'm sure father laughingly reported, we got more snow this week, and on the first day of spring, no less. It SHOULD be the last of this winter. We all blame Pres. Doll because he said he hoped it would snow one more time.

I freely admit I've been very negligent with my camera. I won't be able to print you pictures this week, but next week I should be able to. Regrettably, I have no means to e-mail pictures: the computers here at the library do not have SD card readers, and are frozen, so that I cannot install drivers for my camera.

I am sorry for not giving you more heads up for the Video. We never know what is going on the blog.

Everyone has a cage of birds outside the house. They croak at us whenever we pass by. While we've seen several parrots, none of them talk, which is sad. I want to talk to a parrot in Spanish.

Hope springs eternal. We’ve got to find someone eventually, right?

Hermana Padilla has been in for some hard knocks this week. I'm very blessed to have a hearty appetite - generally; I can eat like an elder. Hermana Padilla cannot. We’ve been having some interesting dinner appointments as a result.

Not much else to report. We've really not done that much this week.

By the by, several elders have a copy of what is named the "Nashville Tribute" CD. The songs are amazing, and focus on the story of the early church... but they are NOT motab, by any stretch of the imagination. My favorites are "Say Uncle," an instrumental that is dedicated to the Smith brothers and their legendary place as stick pullers, and "Sleep," which is dedicated to all the pioneers who died crossing the plains.

Also popular are soundtracks to Braveheart and Mulan. The mission is just plain odd, sometimes.

Scripture Power Video

At zone conferences, the mission office took videos of the missionaries singing "Scripture Power".  They have posted the video here.  Maren appears at about 2:30 into the video.  We loved seeing her smiling face!

I'm embedding the video below in case you don't want to read and see the full post.

Also, I'm adding a slide show (to the right) of pictures from Maren's baptisms.

Scripture Power - Illinois Chicago North Mission from Sherman Doll on Vimeo.

Email Received March 17, 2010

No.More.Snow.

It is quite pleasant over here. Nights are still chill enough to need a sweater, but winter had become spring in the matter of a week.

We're still doing a lot of finding, but we're getting some methods down, and with the nice weather, we're able to talk to more people.

One of my favorite methods to get people engaged:


"Excuse me, do you know if Rosa (Juan, Maria, or other common Hispanic name) lives around here? No? Well we're missionaries...(etc)"  

We can usually get at least a three minute conversation out of that one.

That said we had invitation Sunday this week. Can you say "bust?" no one came, not even a larger chunk of members than usual. Other branches had much more success (Brown Lake had 70 odd people attend theirs,) so I guess our frustration boils down to the same thing as always, which is that we can't seem to help our members overcome their old habits as "creentes," or "believers."

We've added a new commitment to that which we frequently give out. It's "Turn off television, computers and personal devices for one hour a day while the family is home." frequently we suggest this is done over dinner. this is a harder commitment than any other, but we've seen some amazing progress where it's been done. I hope we can keep that in our minds as members as well, that it's better a lot of times to just turn those things off, and be at home with the family.

It sounds like things are getting busy over there. I hope that everyone is well.

Weekly Email, March 10, 2010

Still recuperating from my cold, i feel like I've done alot since sunday. We've made a lot of phone calls, and are trying to find a more people to teach, which since the ward here is lazy boils down to one thing.

Knocking.

Now, I don't mind knocking in and of itslef, but this week was just plain funny.

Ok, we've all done the thing where we knock on the door and they run and turn out all the lights, turn off the music that's shaking the roof, hush everyone, and pretend theur not home. that's par. We've all gotten the "I'm busy this week/how's next week/ well I'm just busy/take a card" scenario, but his week I've goten some doozies.

(knock knock)
No I will not give you money or go to your church. I'm catholic. Have a nice day.
(slam)

(knock knock)
(excellent english) "How can I help you?"
"Hi, we're missionaries (ect)"
(deliberately bad accent)"O, Soory, we don't espeak english."
"Esta bien. Habalmos espanol tambien." (ect.)
"Uhh... pues, estoy limpaindo la casa ahorita.." (I'm cleaning the house right now.)
(ect)

(knock knock)
"Is Angel here?"
"no, he's out."
"Oh. I'm sorry, what's your name?"
(mutter, something that starts with an M and has five sylables)
"Sorry?"
"Jose."
(his name, in this case, is obviously not Jose, and there is no way this kid could play poker. They like to give common hispanic names to gringas like me because they think It confuses me. I know the game, though.)

Alls well that end well though, and with a baptism this past saturday, I'm more than happy enough. Gina's a sweetheart, and we hope to use her for lots of memeber presents.

Sincerely

La Harmana Jones

Weekly Email, Received March 3, 2010

This is going to be short, mostly because I too am very sick, and would like to get some bed rest before the evening begins.

Hermana Secrist is out. I cried a lot, which was awful because I’m so stuffed up. She’s gone to Skokie (I think that's how it's spelled,) and I have received Hermana Pedilla as a new companion. I'm afraid what with my sniffing and coughing and losing my voice (and brain) I have made a poor impression. Still, I hope she will be able to help me and that I'll be able to help her. I don't think I'll have another friend like Hna. Secrist, but that's life. We can't all be best friends.

We had a conference between the two missions this Thursday, with elder L Tom Perry as the featured creature. I got to shake his hand, and just about got lost in there. He is a wonderful, kind man, and a powerful speaker. I learned a lot about myself through what he said.

This week we've done a lot of running around. Everyone sick, so we've gone several times to backups three and four deep. I only hope we can get more lessons in this week.

Hope you all get better. Tell Caedy that if Rhawnie beats her, she'll never live it down. Then tell Teg to ask his sisters to read to him from the books.

 ^_^.

Lots of love and hope,

La Hermana Jones.

Email Received February 24, 2010

This week has been long. really long.

We have gotten a baptismal date for an investigator that we've been teaching since Hermana Secrist was green. We're excited, and since it's just the other side of transfers, we'll be able to come back and see.

Speaking of transfers, I'm almost positive that Hermana Secrist is leaving. She's been her whole mish (11 months) in Carpentersville. She's looking forward to seeing some other part of Illinois

No I did not send the letter to the branch. I read it, and decided to revise it. I hope to get it out today.

I have to freely admit that I never had the opportunity to see the jazz play. All I know is that everyone loved Myrddun. I think, if the High school ever gets their act together, he should be in a high school play.

As for Myr not knowing what events he wants, that's not surprising. He's never really run before. I think he would like either hurdle jumps or a high jump. no throwing for him. his aim, while not as bad as mine, is a little off.

We had a few days last week where it was quite nice. Of course, The weather quickly turned to snow. While I'm not in the city, the wind and snow are unpleasant. Still, I wonder what I will do in the summer when I no longer have my coat. I'll be pocketless.

Those pictures of Teg are darling. I'll have to get a thumb drive or something to put them on, so I can print them. Also, that Picture of ShuKurimu was taken at the hands of a certain blond little girl, I know; no one else would do that.

In the end, all is well with me. We haven't had to buy real food in longest than either one of us wants to think. we live on crackers, string cheese, and yogurt between meals given us by members. yesterday, we were obliged to eat 4 LARGE meals(those plates they give you in Mexican restaurants are only a slight exaggeration), and essentially had another 2 given to us to save for later. I don't think any amount of working out is going to counteract the sheer volume of food we're expected to eat. It's causing some issues for both of us; even when we're not being fed, the idea of eating is disgusting for several days after a day like that. We're also having issues getting enough water. when the person asks you if you want soda or water to drink, it doesn't matter what you say, you're getting soda. Luckily, when I went in for my doctor's appointment, she told me firmly (in Spanish) that I have to let them know that I am not allowed to drink soda. So I have an out for something that I'm almost sure adds up to 600 extra calories every day.

I find I'm missing little things from home, with an Oxford (NOT Webster) dictionary being at the top of the list. If I ever find a good bookstore around here, I may indulge; you know how I like my words.

I love and miss you all, and pray for your health.

con todo mis sentimientos,

La Hermana Jones.

No candy accepted

Email Received February 17, 2010

Myr says there are many pictures awaiting me. I can't wait.

Harvey car of DOOM will be fixed today. I'm glad you got a chuckle out of that.

Recently, the branch has taken to singing "An angel from on high," or whatever it's called in English. the one that goes "an an-gel from on height/the long, long silence broke." The problem is, these people barely mange to get "I am a child of god" in tune. this one changes meter and rhythm halfway though. oh yeah, and there's no one who can play the piano. the results are amusing, to say the least. still, I commend them for their effort.


Running out of time here; the new e-mail is treating me oddly.

What does one do when the investigator gives you one of the "questions of the soul" when you have 5 minutes left? we're running late from all our appointments.

sorry this is so short.

love you all very much.

Email Received February 10, 2010

Ok, I hope you all are ready for this. Please make sure the following announcement ends up in the blog and is sufficiently talked about.

At Zone conference this past month, we got a special surprise.

President Doll got up in front of the group, and, after saying something about changes, endurance, and faith, announced that the Illinois, Chicago, North mission would cease to exist as of this July.

(Insert panicked silence here)

Instead, we will have the Illinois Chicago Mission, Which will include most of the state of Illinois and a bit of the areas roundabout. Basically, the North and South missions are combining. (Which also means that yes, as of July, Oprah Winfrey is in my mission area.)

As we're all looking around at each other to see reactions, my companion gets up the guts to ask if President Doll will still be our mission president. He is, of course, as he's new to this mission.

That said, my potential to go to the city just got a lot smaller (I'm not exactly unhappy about that,) and the number of potential companions I have just doubled. It will be interesting to see what happens for those first few transfers, that's for sure.

As I alluded to last week, I had my first baptism. Esteban has worked hard to grab on to what little understand of the gospel he could, and despite half the program not showing up, the baptismal service was beautiful and inspiring.
Now we just have to get the poor boy integrated in the branch.

We've got a couple of baptismal commitments in the works. One is way off in the future (Which is better than before; we've been trying to get her a date since I got here) and another is next transfer. We have another that is hanging in the air, and a whole pile of testimonies we need to build.

I have to admit, driving in the snow is not fun... especially when you receive a notice that your car has a recall on it and is now no longer named Harvey, but Harvey, Car of DOOM, and could suddenly accelerate out of control at any moment.

^_^

That said, we've also learned that it is physically impossible to get as many citas in when the snow is this bad. It takes hours to get anywhere, and there are accidents all over.

Side note, way late, Happy Birthday, Daddy; hope you like the picture I sent you.

Love you all, and miss you. Myr, you punk WRITE ME!

And to Teg:

___@__@___
==========

"I always I feel like, somebody's watching me!"

(It’s supposed to be the geico money stack.)

Have a great week.

La Hermana Jones

Mission Boundary Changes

Maren wanted everyone to note the changes.  She mentions in her following letter that this would effect her.

Church News

Ten new missions announced in seven areas; 14 missions consolidated

Published: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010




To better align resources and adjust to the ever changing needs of the Church, 10 new missions will be organized in July, while 14 other missions will be combined with neighboring missions. The resulting number of missions will be 340.




Pacific Area

Combine the Australia Sydney North Mission with the Australia Sydney South Mission. The resulting mission will be named the Australia Sydney Mission.




Combine the Australia Melbourne West Mission with the Australia Melbourne East Mission. The resulting mission will be named the Australia Melbourne Mission.




Africa Southeast Area

Create the Democratic Republic of Congo Lubumbashi Mission from a division of the Democratic Republic of Congo Kinshasa Mission.




Europe Area

Combine the Germany Hamburg Mission with the Germany Berlin Mission, with headquarters in Berlin.




Combine the Switzerland Zurich Mission with the Germany Munich/Austria Mission, and portions of the Germany Frankfurt Mission. The resulting mission will be named the Alpine German-Speaking Mission, with headquarters in Munich.




Combine the Ireland Dublin Mission with the Scotland Edinburgh Mission. The resulting mission will be named the Scotland/Ireland Mission with headquarters in Edinburgh.




Combine the Italy Catania Mission with the Italy Rome and the Italy Milan missions.




Combine the Spain Bilbao Mission with the Spain Barcelona, Spain Madrid and Spain Malaga missions.




Central America Area

Create the Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission from a division of the Guatemala Quetzaltenango and Guatemala Guatemala City Central missions.




Create the Nicaragua Managua North Mission from a division of the Nicaragua Managua Mission. The name of the Nicaragua Managua Mission will be changed to the Nicaragua Managua South Mission.




Caribbean Area

Combine the Puerto Rico San Juan East Mission with the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission, Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission, and the West Indies Mission. The name of the Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission will be changed to the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission.




North America Central Area

Combine the Illinois Peoria Mission with the Iowa Des Moines, Missouri St. Louis and Nebraska Omaha missions.




Combine the Illinois Chicago South Mission with the Illinois Chicago North Mission. The resulting mission will be named the Illinois Chicago Mission.




Asia North Area

Combine the Korea Seoul West Mission with the Korea Seoul Mission.




Combine the Japan Hiroshima Mission with the Japan Fukuoka and Japan Kobe missions.




Mexico Area

Create the Mexico Mexico City Northwest Mission from a division of the Mexico Mexico City North and Mexico Mexico City West missions.




Create the Mexico Villahermosa Mission from a division of the Mexico Tampico, Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez and Mexico Veracruz missions.




North America Northeast Area

Combine the New Jersey Cherry Hill Mission with the New Jersey Morristown and Pennsylvania Philadelphia missions.




Combine the Ohio Cincinnati Mission with the Ohio Columbus and West Virginia Charleston missions.




North America Southwest Area

Create the New Mexico Farmington Mission from a realignment of the Arizona Mesa, Arizona Phoenix, Arizona Tucson and New Mexico Albuquerque missions in the North America Southwest Area, and the Utah Provo Mission in the Utah South Area.




Philippines Area

Create the Philippines Iloilo Mission from a division of the Philippines Bacolod Mission.




South America Northwest Area

Create the Peru Cusco and Peru Lima West missions from a realignment of the Peru Arequipa, Peru Lima Central, Peru Lima East, Peru Lima North and Peru Lima South missions.




Utah South Area

Create the Utah St. George Mission from a division of the Utah Provo Mission.

Email Received February 3, 2010

SO. Things go on, and I'm not sure what to do.

We have our first baptism this Saturday at 1:00. We're praying and hoping nothing goes wrong...

Our tribe is distinctly lukewarm right now. We're going to try and plan to get them a little more fired up.

We have a baptismal commitment right now, one guy who we're never sure is he's serious or not. He has a couple of word of wisdom issues, so we haven't given him a date... slow but steady.

I've not been sleeping well. I wake up frequently, wondering if I'm up to the task. This is irrational and totally not important (the lord qualifies whom he calls), but damaging all the same. I'm a basket case right now, which is bad all around.

I love the members very much, despite all the frustration in my last letter. I just feel like I'm trying to reach across a gap without falling in. of course anyone who know about my natural grace (or rather the complete lack thereof) knows how much of a struggle that is for me. That said, I do not scold, and I'm not condescending (not intentionally, at least.) just frustrated.

We're trying to cut down of visits to members... but it doesn't really change anything since all our investigators feed us too. We even get fed when out knocking. We're supposed to work out for 30 minutes every morning... at 6:30 am. While I appreciate the necessity, I'm a complete zombie at that hour. Hermana has told me that I often spend 15 minutes staring at the wall, doing nothing. I believe it. I'm trying to improve, but I'm just not THERE at that hour. (No, I don't want to shower first thing. showers put me to sleep, as you well know.)

Hermana Maren M Jones

Email Sent January 27, 2010

What does one do with a branch that's been a branch for 30+ years?

While it is exciting to be trying to help the branch try to become a ward, the fact is that I'm not sure how to help. The main part of the branch consists of easily offended "creentes," or "believers" who don't do more than come to sacrament. Teachers are stuck in the read-from-the-book rut, and the youth are bored out of their minds. And because everyone has sensitive egos, (See the food-fat complex described below) we cannot be the least bit blunt in suggesting they try to do better. There are a few people who have managed to become strong in the gospel through their own efforts... and struggle to understand why everyone else doesn't do the same. The end result is that there is no visiting or home teaching, and poor excuses for mutual and primary activates. We've also learned that there is a distinct lack of testimony. Many of the members believe, a little, or want to believe, but lack the surety about the most basic principles of the gospel that all members need.

It's a real pickle.

Members generally like us, but we're in constant strife. The Relief society signs up to feed us on a calendar. However, there is a strong cultural tradition of offering food to ALL guests at ALL times, and as a guest, it is an insult to the host not to accept the food and then eat ALL of it. Because of this, we are many times obliged to eat several "dinners" every evening. Hermana Secrist, just before I came, had four full meals in as many hours; I've managed to escape with no more than three, thus far.

Not accepting the food has disastrous consequences. Hermana Secrist once related how one member forced several servings on her and her companion. When unable to finish, they were asked point blank why they weren’t eating. They said that the food was very good, and they were no longer hungry. The hostess proceeded to insist they have more, but they simply were not able to, and said as much. The hostess then said "Are you saying I'm fat because I eat this much?!?" and proceeded to kick them out of the house.

While this is an extreme cenario, It's a good example of how delicately we are being forced to choose our words and actions; I simply do not understand the culture well enough to cope. I do not know whether this is a failing on my part, or what.

All suggestions and help (NOT in the form of food) are more than welcome.

Sorry for the negative note; I'll hand write some better news later.

Yours Truly,
Maren Jones

Email Dated January 20, 2010

I don't have much time to write, but I want yo let you know that this has been my best/worst week so far.

The good stuff:
Tribe Lupercio, consisting of about 15 people, came to church this week, for a grand total of 11 investigators at church. (several of the kids are not baptismal age, and we saw a few new people as well). The Elders are jealous, and determined to beat us.

The branch has a goal to become a ward, and attendance has been high enough to validate that goal. (Although we're short 30 members and 4 Melechezedek priesthood holders). We did a lot of knocking, end every time someone would open to us. I've learned a whole lot about the catholic church. (Not the Roman Catholic church. evidently there’s more than one brand. shoulda known.)  President Doll is not transferring any of us Spanish speakers, and has pronounced us a "team" with the project to make this branch a ward.

We have one set baptismal date, two more wavering, and one catholic woman who has all the pieces, but needs to make the decision to change religions. (As of now, she's been "just learning.")  I have successfully escaped several run in with j-dubs. (All you have to do is offer them a card, and they run away screaming. ^_^)

The not so good:
We’ve had a lot of citas fall through. Thus, we've been doing a lot of knocking. We've been encountering a lot of resistance from parents. One little girl, who was able to assert powerfully that she knew the church was true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet, is having doubts about getting baptized because her mom is reluctant to do anything.  A lot of less-active families are having issues, and we've been dragged in as marriage counselors. (Distinctly against the rules!)

We think one of our investigators is autistic, and have had to drastically alter our teaching methods.

One young man, who was going to get married, has been counseled not to by his lawyer because, "Her mom just wants your money." Oh yeah, I'm livid.  Everyone, from Presidiente Urrrutia (branch president) on down is struggling with either work, health, or family. We're both sick.

No more time. Love and miss you all. Hope you are well.

Maren.

Letter Postmarked 12 Nov 2009

Dear All,
    Did you know that despite the fact that I go up and down at least 30 flights of stairs a day, (my classroom is on the 5th floor,) I am somehow uninjured?  I have not fallen once!  While this seems silly to most people here, for me, this is no less than a minor miracle, as you well know, and one I am quite thankful for.
    The days pass so fast that I hardly recall what happened yesterday, or even a few hours ago.  The majority of the last month is a distant blur.
    Yesterday, Hna. Perez received a package from her sister (we DO eat things besides cookies, you know,), which contained, among the baked goods, a card … for me.  Inside was a note of respect and love, terminated with “If you need help coping with Becky, just ask.”  I was amused and touched.
    I have frequently thought of home this week, with a certain wistfulness, but I remain un-saddened.  I often reflect, in a frustrated moment of two, that I would very much like to pick up a controller and kill a few pixels, but it’s a silly, wistful thought, not a longing.
    I’ve become fairly close to elders Nielson and Condie, as has Hna.  Elder Nielson is one of these people who is constantly making strange faces for no apparent reason, and Elder Condie is quiet and reserved (kind of like father is) until he pulls out this small comment that just makes it hilarious.  Elder Nielson is also an artsy, kinda touch-feely guy, and he seem to appreciate the fact that neither Hna. nor I (neither one of us is very effeminate) are “Boys.”  (Nor are we “Girls.”  The boy is a hopeless flirt.)
    Hna. found out about my knife, which she proceeded to relate to the whole district, calling it a “small sword.”  The Elders desperately wanted to see it, and I wanted to de-tooth the rumor.  However, when I showed the little dagger to them, they all expressed varying levels of awe and wonderment, and several said that it made them happy.  I’m not sure why.
    This week, we have received a little slip of paper that reads “If you could ask an apostle one question, what would it be?”  Aside from being baffling (what DOES one ask an apostle?)  it reeks of foreshadowing.  In an awesome screaming fan girl kind of way.
    Elder Condie received a letter from a friend in Japan.  The contents of which were not nearly as fascinating as the engrish that plastered the paper and the envelope.  “I am cool bone guy.  All girls are gutlessnesses in me,” was the most understandable.
    Speaking of Japanese, there is a zone of Japan bound missionaries down the hall from us.  They frequently bid me “Oyasuminasai” in the evenings, which I find touching, but requires me to change gears very quickly.  I find my desire to learn Japanese drastically increased, which no one seems to understand.  I think I just love the language.  However, until I learn Spanish, that’s just a dream.  So I buckle down and work harder.  (On a side note, I did bring both of my Japanese dictionaries.  The Lord blessed the prepared.)
    Oh!  That Jim Butcher story that father had me read just before I left!  It’s actually been a real moment here.  The line that the angel Gabriel says, “The battle was fought while you weren’t looking,” has become very well known to our zone, as has the story, in an abbreviated sort of way.  I used it as an example to show that even though we will not likely see much of the fruits of our labors, it does not mean it is not worthwhile.  Everyone loved it so much, and I was very glad of it.  I find other examples in fiction frequently coming to my mind to help me explain ideas, and my mission president assures me that I will need, at least once, to use that talent in the field.
    In addition to the Christmas list I sent in the e-mail, there is one other things I want.  It is a picture of the young Christ sitting on a purple cloth, teaching at the temple.  I like it very much because it uses Asian posing structures to describe what’s happening.  They do not have prints here, and the image in a PMG (a cropped version) does not have credits.
    I love you all, and hope you are doing well.  Don’t have too much fun without me.
Sincerely,
Hermana Maren M. Jones

PS: I’ve enclosed a separate letter just for Myr.  Also, I have enclosed some doodles.  Enjoy.  The dragon is for Caedy.  I based the personality on Tsuki.

Email Received 6 January 2010

    So, We met back with the investigator who set the date. She says that she's not ready to be baptized, but that her daughter is. It was kind of an "oookaaay" moment. She won't tell us exactly why she's not ready, but she's increased her reading. I think she's looking for something, but I'm not sure what, and neither is my companion. We’re going to do all we can to continue to prepare her, with hope that she'll change her mind.

    That said, another investigator has his baptismal date as well. We’ve been teaching him for a long time. He might have a second-grade education... maybe. However, we've seen miracles with him. In the short time I've been here, his reading has improved drastically, and the other day, he called us, saying, "I have a really important question I need to ask you." Of course, he wouldn't tell us what it was. So, we made a appointment for the next day after our zone meeting. Well, in zone meeting, President and Sister Doll did a role-play about using the scriptures to teach.  They used 3rd Nephi 27 to show who Christ was, and what we should do to follow him. It was amazing and inspiring. So when we got to the appointment, It was fresh in our minds. So, our investigators question was this: "Who are they who will not return to live in the kingdom of the Father?" (It's not nearly that elegant sounding in Spanish.) Well, we used the exact same chapter, and before we knew it, he was asking to be baptized, and we set the date for January 24. However, since he works weekends, we have to baptize him Sunday, since it's his only day off. We're going to talk with the branch president to see if we can do it that morning. Otherwise, the confirmation will have to be held outside of sacrament meeting.

    The soup sounds fantastic, and remarkably like something that one of the hermanos in the branch made for us. I think it would be a great tradition. I’m curious how Caedy did for Risk, since she so soundly schooled us last time. I'm also glad the kids got to make a snowman. I would have been sad if I had sent that kit and Teg never got the chance to use it.

    It's been very cold this past week. Sunday was -11 in the morning, and it has been hovering around 4 for the few days past. Today, however, is a balmy 24 degrees. Still too cold to wash the windows of the car... the cleaner freezes to them.

    The other day, we had to park our cars in another spot so they could plow our lot. We were greeted the following morning by a thick layer of frost... on the INSIDE of the windshield. Unsure what to do, we just sat in the car and let the defroster run. As a result, we were late to our meeting. No importa.

    By the way, I now have plenty of tights and nylons... I think I might be ok until say... Christmas next year. J It’s all good.

    I've written a letter to the ward. I'ts a little bit harsh, but I think they'll apreciate it just the same.

    I also got a letter from Bother Welch. Hermana and I laughed realy hard.

    Tell my little punk brother that if he doesn't send me his e-mail adress, I'm going to do something drastic... (not like there is anything I can do, realy...)

    Love you all. Best of luck to you in this new year.

Sincerely,

Hermana Maren Jones.

Email Received December 30, 2009

    Guess what?

    Gueeeees whaaaa-aaat!?!

    We've got two investigators with baptismal dates!!!
    Not even the ones we were expecting, either. This woman had been taught the lessons before, but had copped out just before baptism, saying she felt the missioneros had been putting too much pressure on her. We had taught her daughter (age 10) once before... I forget what. Anyway, the two of them were both at home for the holiday on Monday. We were planning on teaching about prayer, and the relationship between God and man. Instead, we ended up discussing a pamphlet I had left with them on a "whim". We essentially ended up teaching lesson 2 (plan of salvation) and explaining how the first principles and ordinances of the gospel fit into this. Towards the end, I was having an overwhelming feeling like I should ask them to be baptized. Of course, if it weren't for the visual aids Hermana was using, I wouldn't be able to follow the conversation. So as I begin looking for an opening, and trying to figure out how to parse the commitment, Hermana asks (pointing to the list of principles and ordinances) "How many of these have you done?"
    The daughter looks at the list, and struggling with her limited ability to read Spanish, acknowledges that she has faith and has repented. She then points to the third step, looks at her mom and says (in English) "Well, Mom, we haven't been baptized yet.”
    I had to keep myself from jumping up and down. We then very quietly handed them a calendar (even though we both could have exploded) and asked them when might be best for that. They were initially thinking end of February, but then (with no prompting from us at all) moved it back to the end of January!
    We ended the lesson, and got outside. Hermana looks at me briefly, and says, "What Just happened in there?" We restrained further comments till we got to the car, and just laughed and laughed.
    Hermana says we've been seeing miracles since I've come. Passive members are all of a sudden being active; we're teaching large groups of extended family, including children. We've knocked into two more likely investigators (and you know how profitable knocking usually is)  and have made major headway with others.
    Um, everything else has been shoved out the back of my head because of this awesomeness.
    Oh, we went to downtown Gilberts the other day. I think there was a grand total of 25 houses (Ignoring the large townhouse community that we couldn't even park in.) and I think we got them all. No Hispanics, but a couple referrals for the Elders.
    Got the gift card from David.
    Ah... I would ask that you refrain from sending chocolate until say, July. We have too much as it is.
    I hope y'all are working on your family mission plans. I know we're not exactly social butterflies, but every little reference helps.

Viendo milagros en este dia, por medio del Espiritu Santo: su hija,
Hermana Maren M Jones.

2nd letter postmarked 6 Nov 2009

Dear All,
    It is abundantly evident to me that I am an absolutely horrible letter writer, because last week’s letter is sitting on my shelf, addressed and stamped, but has not yet been sent.
    I would once again emphasize that Dearelder is the best service to contact me, and that I welcome letters from everyone, and would be pleased if you could inform friends and family as to its existence.
    All three strains of flu (A, B, Swine) are present on campus.  In fact, I just had a roommate come back from quarantine.  I myself have been ill a few times, (stomach flu, a cold and a cough,) but have not been judged ill enough to be quarantined.
    Because of the vindictiveness of the flu this year, all physical contact has been prohibited for the season.  No hugging, shaking hands, or even a friendly pat on the back.  The result is that we often end up waving our hands vaguely in the air in a combination of a wave and a handshake.
    My two teachers, Hno. Palmer and Hno. Millet, both have been working very hard on getting us to HIS (Habla su idioma; Speak your language.)  We are trying hard, but while I have a decent vocabulary, I am having difficulty keeping my conjugations straight.  The preterit and imperfect I find particularly challenging…not to their contents, but rather as to which is which.  I have a yellow cheat sheet, which Hermana loathes, but which I find useful to remind me which irregulars conjugate irregularly in which cases, and in which cases.  I would love to spend more time with the computer program they have for us (called TALL) but the labs tend to be full and noisy.  Hermana needs quiet to study, and does not like TALL anyway.
    Fast Sunday was excellent.  All of the speakers were inspiring and fun to listen to.  Choir, however, was cancelled, to my disappointment.
    Today I go to the temple.  The temple here is quite different from the Columbia River Temple, being much plainer in architecture and decoration, and lacking windows in the rooms.  The Spirit is, or course, the same.
    I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss having animals around.  The thought is constantly in the back of my mind that I would love to have a cold nose in my lap or have someone look at me with a “What ARE you doing” sort of look.
    While I have limited my drawing P-day and Sunday, doodles frequently escape. Pumpkins are particularly prominent this week.  Please enlighten me as to what Halloween festivities were engaged in this year.  What did ustedes wear?  What did you eat? Etc.  Many elders switched nametags for the occasion, and proceeded to act like their companion, inducing much amusement.
    The other day in gym, I was talking to Elder Nielson, (who is the other person who frequents choir) about what TV shows we watched as children.  After covering the young shows, we moved to other shows.  This led to me confessing my love of Sailor Moon.  Expecting him to either rebuff or ignore this, I took me almost 20 seconds to realize what he had actually said:” Yeah.  Sailor Saturn was my favorite.”  I was so flabbergasted it took me 10 more seconds to respond coherently.  He then told me that I must never speak of it in the MTC, which I promptly agreed to.
    On a side note one of the speakers on Fast Sunday said this of Isaiah: “I understand about half.  The rest I just love.”  I hope I can have that kind of faith and hope.

Please do:

• Tell Myr to put my lava lamp back.  Again
• Post this & all other correspondence to the blog.
• Ask Myr to post this on BMoG, as well as all other correspondence.

   
All my love,

Hermana Maren M. Jones

Alma 60:6.  Not really.

Videos

Just some links to silly little things the mission did for christmas. I'm not in any, but Myr at least should find them amusing. post them on the blog, too.

Mission Slide Show 

Video Christmas Card 1 

Video Christmas Card 2