Mail I've received this week:
Elder and Sister Morgan
Elder Ward
I really haven't received much snail mail lately. Yesterday was Labor Day and in talking to the Bishop of one of my wards and I said "Yeah, today’s Memorial Day and everyone is closed which is not good for our investigators looking for jobs." He says, "Elder, it’s Labor Day today not Memorial Day." So I said, "Hey, all I know is that the mail doesn't come today!" So please by all means send me whatever you like. It might take a while for it to get to me if you send it through the Mission Home.
Speaking of homes, the Harris's (the members we are staying with) are kicking us out soon. So we are going to be homeless.... just kidding. The Stake is looking for a new place as we.... type. So don't send me anything to (I removed the address, Mission Home address on the right) anymore 'cause chances are I won’t get it.
Well, James I hope you know what you're getting into here. Mallory is a very... um... smart... girl who knows what she wants... I think...right? Good luck James and I can't wait to beat you... I mean MEET...meet you. :-) (James is Mallory's current boyfriend)
Ah... yes. Labor Day at Comstock Park listening to the symphony... Good times. What was on the program this year, 18 something overture? Star Wars Theme?
You know, I don't expect anything from you for my birthday... except maybe some cookies, cards, pictures, drawing paper, maybe my light board, um... oh yeah, and quite possibly a battery operated turtle neck sweater. Other than that I don't expect you to waste any money on postage. Thanks. (Jacob's irthday is 30 Oct)
But seriously, the work is great. We had a guy named Tim whom we've been working with for a while come up to us at church yesterday and say, "I have some news for you... I want to be baptized." This is a guy who called himself an atheist just because he thought all other churches were con artists. His family was raised as gypsies in Europe and he didn't believe in any of it because the spells they would cast wouldn't do anything. Sounds good to me! He's set for the 10th of October. We haven't taught him the Word of Wisdom yet and he has a heavy smoking problem so we'll see how it goes. But Woooo Hoooo!
Lisa is still working on finding a job and moving and we're still working with her.
Last week I didn't mean for it to sound like Elder T and I didn’t get along. We do. We actually get along very well. And I have learned a lot from him in the past 2 weeks. He is a great missionary and I look forward to seeing this transfer through with him.
Thanks for your prayers. Sometimes I feel like I'll fall of my bike with the weight of all the prayers. Sorry I can't respond to all of you but I enjoy hearing from you all. Onverd, Men! Onverd!
Elder Jacob Frank Morgan
10 September 2009
02 September 2009
02 Sept 09
Here is Jacob's letter for the week and then after I added a response from Mike.
"Elder T is a great missionary. He goes home in December and wants to see if he can extend his mission longer. But I don't think he will. His girlfriend back home was baptized while he was on his mission and if basically reserving the temple for them when he gets home. And he has no problem with letting everyone he meets know about it.
As far as him performing as a companion to Elder Morgan...he's definitely not Elder Hoopes. Don't get me wrong he is a great missionary and it's not that I didn't see this coming when I get new companions, but I have had a few struggles this week with Elder T, and it's not him it's me. He is lots more experienced with this missionary thing then I am and is basically by the book. I've learned a lot from him this week and in turn he has also learned a lot from me. But...there are some things that I feel, as a missionary, he does that I don't agree with. (Now I'm not talking bad about my companion, I'm asking for help on how to deal with this) For instance, Elder Hoopes and I added a step in our planning guideline and has been very effective in our planning sessions. Elder T protests against it and turns to the original planning guide lines in Preach My Gospel saying "I know this is ordained of God." Well, aren't we as missionaries ordained of God to work and preside over the area that is given to us? Don't we have the authority to adapt and improve, as long as it is wisdom in God, to the circumstances to produce a better outcome in His work? Like I said he is a fantastic missionary and I have enjoyed serving with him but there are plenty more things that I don't have time to get into now that have troubled my mind as it relates to our callings as missionaries, that he does.
Anyway, sorry, I've been studying and pondering and praying to the Lord on asking him what is to be done and I feel I need a little council from My father and Mission President. I know it's not much and it's a little thing, but I understood what Elder Hoopes was telling me what’s right and what’s wrong and I accepted his council on becoming a Missionary of God and vice versa. But Elder T seems to shun my feedback on him just because I've only been out 5 months and he's been out 20. Any advice?
Talk to you next week
Jacob"
Mike's response:
"It sounds to me like your already taking the right steps by pondering and praying about how best to proceed, but I am glad to give you my thoughts and advice. Even though all missionaries can be productive and strong servants of the Lord, we all have different strengths, talents and abilities. Elder Hoopes was likely selected to be a trainer because he had strong "people" skills, empathy, patience and what is needed for helping new missionaries. These and other qualities are necessary in 1st companions for the new guys coming out of the MTC, so they'll be able to get off to a good start and not hate it and want to go home. We are all individuals and the Lord has given us different gifts and knows what we need to go through to best shape and prepare us for use in His work. Remember what the Lord told the Prophet Joseph while in the Liberty jail, "...know though, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (D&C 122:7). It's the big picture that's important to keep in mind, and how in the long run this will be valuable time spent even though it may be difficult now. If you haven't already done so, read through that document Pruning Season that I sent yesterday, it may not be coincidence that I felt I should send that to you at this particular time.
Even though you feel you may have worked better within Elder Hoopes style and framework, see if you can identify Elder T's strong points, and positive attributes and learn from these as well. This will be a short companionship and can be excellent experience for you, if you can keep things in the proper perspective and not let contention creep in because you feel you need to be right. Speak your mind, but respect his experience and opinion. Reality is that he is senior and that you are still just getting started. He's at the end of his mission and is likely pretty set in his ways in how he'll finish. You are fresh and still developing the kind of missionary that you will be. You'll have your chance to be senior and lead your companionships how you feel is best. What kind of senior companion, trainer, district and zone leader will you be? This is what you can work on during this time with Elder T, so you'll be prepared for whatever the Lord has next for you.
My best advice is to refer you to what your mom's advice has been, to "serve your companion". That's easy to do when you get along and are close friends, but now is the time you really need to follow this advice. When it's not easy to do and you still do it, you and your companionship will really be blessed and you will learn how to develop humility and charity, which is something we all need a refresher course on from time to time, and you'll need in great abundance throughout the rest of your life.
You're constantly in my thoughts and prayers,
Dad"
I think the newness has worn off and as companions change, there are new challenges and struggles. He will find his way and come out on top. I have learned that also recently, even though I have struggled and cried over certain situations, I have grown from the struggle and having to pour my heart out to the Lord for understanding. It is a great blessing to have problems, because it's how you handle it and learn from them that you recieve the greatest. Thanks for reading, Love, Jenn =)
"Elder T is a great missionary. He goes home in December and wants to see if he can extend his mission longer. But I don't think he will. His girlfriend back home was baptized while he was on his mission and if basically reserving the temple for them when he gets home. And he has no problem with letting everyone he meets know about it.
As far as him performing as a companion to Elder Morgan...he's definitely not Elder Hoopes. Don't get me wrong he is a great missionary and it's not that I didn't see this coming when I get new companions, but I have had a few struggles this week with Elder T, and it's not him it's me. He is lots more experienced with this missionary thing then I am and is basically by the book. I've learned a lot from him this week and in turn he has also learned a lot from me. But...there are some things that I feel, as a missionary, he does that I don't agree with. (Now I'm not talking bad about my companion, I'm asking for help on how to deal with this) For instance, Elder Hoopes and I added a step in our planning guideline and has been very effective in our planning sessions. Elder T protests against it and turns to the original planning guide lines in Preach My Gospel saying "I know this is ordained of God." Well, aren't we as missionaries ordained of God to work and preside over the area that is given to us? Don't we have the authority to adapt and improve, as long as it is wisdom in God, to the circumstances to produce a better outcome in His work? Like I said he is a fantastic missionary and I have enjoyed serving with him but there are plenty more things that I don't have time to get into now that have troubled my mind as it relates to our callings as missionaries, that he does.
Anyway, sorry, I've been studying and pondering and praying to the Lord on asking him what is to be done and I feel I need a little council from My father and Mission President. I know it's not much and it's a little thing, but I understood what Elder Hoopes was telling me what’s right and what’s wrong and I accepted his council on becoming a Missionary of God and vice versa. But Elder T seems to shun my feedback on him just because I've only been out 5 months and he's been out 20. Any advice?
Talk to you next week
Jacob"
Mike's response:
"It sounds to me like your already taking the right steps by pondering and praying about how best to proceed, but I am glad to give you my thoughts and advice. Even though all missionaries can be productive and strong servants of the Lord, we all have different strengths, talents and abilities. Elder Hoopes was likely selected to be a trainer because he had strong "people" skills, empathy, patience and what is needed for helping new missionaries. These and other qualities are necessary in 1st companions for the new guys coming out of the MTC, so they'll be able to get off to a good start and not hate it and want to go home. We are all individuals and the Lord has given us different gifts and knows what we need to go through to best shape and prepare us for use in His work. Remember what the Lord told the Prophet Joseph while in the Liberty jail, "...know though, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (D&C 122:7). It's the big picture that's important to keep in mind, and how in the long run this will be valuable time spent even though it may be difficult now. If you haven't already done so, read through that document Pruning Season that I sent yesterday, it may not be coincidence that I felt I should send that to you at this particular time.
Even though you feel you may have worked better within Elder Hoopes style and framework, see if you can identify Elder T's strong points, and positive attributes and learn from these as well. This will be a short companionship and can be excellent experience for you, if you can keep things in the proper perspective and not let contention creep in because you feel you need to be right. Speak your mind, but respect his experience and opinion. Reality is that he is senior and that you are still just getting started. He's at the end of his mission and is likely pretty set in his ways in how he'll finish. You are fresh and still developing the kind of missionary that you will be. You'll have your chance to be senior and lead your companionships how you feel is best. What kind of senior companion, trainer, district and zone leader will you be? This is what you can work on during this time with Elder T, so you'll be prepared for whatever the Lord has next for you.
My best advice is to refer you to what your mom's advice has been, to "serve your companion". That's easy to do when you get along and are close friends, but now is the time you really need to follow this advice. When it's not easy to do and you still do it, you and your companionship will really be blessed and you will learn how to develop humility and charity, which is something we all need a refresher course on from time to time, and you'll need in great abundance throughout the rest of your life.
You're constantly in my thoughts and prayers,
Dad"
I think the newness has worn off and as companions change, there are new challenges and struggles. He will find his way and come out on top. I have learned that also recently, even though I have struggled and cried over certain situations, I have grown from the struggle and having to pour my heart out to the Lord for understanding. It is a great blessing to have problems, because it's how you handle it and learn from them that you recieve the greatest. Thanks for reading, Love, Jenn =)
26 August 2009
25 Aug 09
Well, Jacob is short winded this week. I suspect he has others to email back, besides his parents. Richy even got an email from him. He was quite excited.
"Well transfer news came and Elder Hoopes got the boot and is now up in Snowflake. So he'll get the worst of both seasons. My new companions name is Elder Tackett. He's from Yorktown Virginia and is going home in 4 months. You know Elder Gilbert my MTC companion? He's training this transfer, crazy huh? But yeah Elder Tackett is great.
So Mallory is whipping into shape the U-high kids huh? They need it. Her and Brandon are the best for the job. I'm so glad Richy is loving band but what's this about him wanting to play contra? Sorry but all I can see in my head is the tuba and Richy flat as a pancake underneath. What are the shows like?
It was sad to see Elder Hoopes go, but it's nice to see a change of scenery and get to know a new companion. I love this gospel and can't wait for the Avichucos to be baptized. They are such an amazing family. I'm so glad I've been here this long to see them grow and learn in the gospel.
Talk to you next week.
Jacob"
This is the first letter he signed Jacob, instead of Elder Jacob Frank Morgan. He's quite the guy. We have been so blessed by his service. Thanks for reading, Love, Jenn =)
"Well transfer news came and Elder Hoopes got the boot and is now up in Snowflake. So he'll get the worst of both seasons. My new companions name is Elder Tackett. He's from Yorktown Virginia and is going home in 4 months. You know Elder Gilbert my MTC companion? He's training this transfer, crazy huh? But yeah Elder Tackett is great.
So Mallory is whipping into shape the U-high kids huh? They need it. Her and Brandon are the best for the job. I'm so glad Richy is loving band but what's this about him wanting to play contra? Sorry but all I can see in my head is the tuba and Richy flat as a pancake underneath. What are the shows like?
It was sad to see Elder Hoopes go, but it's nice to see a change of scenery and get to know a new companion. I love this gospel and can't wait for the Avichucos to be baptized. They are such an amazing family. I'm so glad I've been here this long to see them grow and learn in the gospel.
Talk to you next week.
Jacob"
This is the first letter he signed Jacob, instead of Elder Jacob Frank Morgan. He's quite the guy. We have been so blessed by his service. Thanks for reading, Love, Jenn =)
18 August 2009
Letter 18 Aug 09
"Greetings from Arizona a.k.a. H E double hockey sticks (I hope this is because it is so hot in AZ these days!)
...Transfers are coming up again and it’s very possible that I or Elder Hoopes could get the boot from this area, or both of us. I don't want to go. I want to see Lisa and a few others get baptized before I skidattel. If I do go I hope I get on a reservation or something where I have a car and not living with members.
I haven't gotten a conversion story from mom yet, did I forget to ask last week? (Shame on me....things have been crazy here, getting everyone ready for school, piano, but I did get cookies sent!) Oh... the last batch of cookies didn't make it in one piece. They were very "crummy" but still good, we ate them all. By the way on page 42 of the Missionary Handbook or "Blessing book" I like to call it, says not to chew gum in public so I just don't chew gum at all. Just a heads up for the next package, but thanks anyway. But if you do send some, make it Stride instead of Orbit. ;-)
I'm glad to hear that your getting 90 degree weather again. I was riding one night down a street at about 8 o’clock and I was cold! Guess what temp it was.......... 93 degrees! My goodness!
Anywho, ttfn (ta ta for now), says Bro. Waters a British guy who drives us around all the time on P day. Oh, and “Mind the Gap”. (I looked it up on Wikipedia, lol)
Elder Morgan"
...Transfers are coming up again and it’s very possible that I or Elder Hoopes could get the boot from this area, or both of us. I don't want to go. I want to see Lisa and a few others get baptized before I skidattel. If I do go I hope I get on a reservation or something where I have a car and not living with members.
I haven't gotten a conversion story from mom yet, did I forget to ask last week? (Shame on me....things have been crazy here, getting everyone ready for school, piano, but I did get cookies sent!) Oh... the last batch of cookies didn't make it in one piece. They were very "crummy" but still good, we ate them all. By the way on page 42 of the Missionary Handbook or "Blessing book" I like to call it, says not to chew gum in public so I just don't chew gum at all. Just a heads up for the next package, but thanks anyway. But if you do send some, make it Stride instead of Orbit. ;-)
I'm glad to hear that your getting 90 degree weather again. I was riding one night down a street at about 8 o’clock and I was cold! Guess what temp it was.......... 93 degrees! My goodness!
Anywho, ttfn (ta ta for now), says Bro. Waters a British guy who drives us around all the time on P day. Oh, and “Mind the Gap”. (I looked it up on Wikipedia, lol)
Elder Morgan"
11 August 2009
Today's Letter 08-11-09
Yes, I am posting on the day we got the letter. I am trying to be better and get my world organized for the coming year. That means piano, band, and blogs! Once again this is a tender, sweet letter from Jacob. I am amazed every week by him......I'm definately making more treats for him!
"Hey we have a zone activity today so we're doing emails early today. I got a flat tire Sunday night so I went and bought a no flats tube for my tire yesterday. That was the 20$ purchase just to let you know. Our Zone Activity is a slip and slide at a member’s house who has a huge tarp and is feeding us lunch as well. And we wanted to go to the temple today too so we woke up at 4:45 this morning to make the 5:30 session. I was surprised at how many people were there. I love going to the temple it give me a chance to re-evaluate myself on how I'm doing. There’s still a lot of things I need to work on and a lot of things I need to let go.
Lisa update: She got back from the hospital Sunday night we stopped by Tuesday and set up an appointment with the Bishop. We were there with her as she talked to the bishop and scheduled to have her baptism Interview the next night. We had the bishop pick her up and bring her to the interview. Before the interview we watched a video called Together Forever. It's my favorite Church video that we missionaries give out. It talked about families and how Christ made it possible for us to be together forever. When it was done the spirit was so strong I was shaking. Lisa was crying when she went into the interview. She passed and is getting baptized this Saturday at 8pm. The bishop is baptizing her and I'm confirming her on Sunday. It will be the first confirmation that I've done. I'm honored to give Lisa the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Another investigator named Amber had her interview Saturday as well. We had her date set for this Saturday, but she feels it’s too soon, which is kinda weird to have an investigator in limbo. She understands that this is an important decision she's making in her life that will affect her 2 and 1 year old kids. It’s good that she realizes that but she's thinking about setting the date for November. We don't want her to become another Miles but... We're still working with her. No word on Miles. He met with the bishop on Sunday and we haven't heard anything yet.
Mom I forgot to ask you last week but what’s your conversion story? I can't remember it. I gave a talk in district meeting last week on personal conversion and I was thinking about you. You don't have to do a biography on it but as a missionary I want to know.
That’s all the exciting stuff, let you know next week what’s going on.
Elder Jacob Frank Morgan
"Hey we have a zone activity today so we're doing emails early today. I got a flat tire Sunday night so I went and bought a no flats tube for my tire yesterday. That was the 20$ purchase just to let you know. Our Zone Activity is a slip and slide at a member’s house who has a huge tarp and is feeding us lunch as well. And we wanted to go to the temple today too so we woke up at 4:45 this morning to make the 5:30 session. I was surprised at how many people were there. I love going to the temple it give me a chance to re-evaluate myself on how I'm doing. There’s still a lot of things I need to work on and a lot of things I need to let go.
Lisa update: She got back from the hospital Sunday night we stopped by Tuesday and set up an appointment with the Bishop. We were there with her as she talked to the bishop and scheduled to have her baptism Interview the next night. We had the bishop pick her up and bring her to the interview. Before the interview we watched a video called Together Forever. It's my favorite Church video that we missionaries give out. It talked about families and how Christ made it possible for us to be together forever. When it was done the spirit was so strong I was shaking. Lisa was crying when she went into the interview. She passed and is getting baptized this Saturday at 8pm. The bishop is baptizing her and I'm confirming her on Sunday. It will be the first confirmation that I've done. I'm honored to give Lisa the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Another investigator named Amber had her interview Saturday as well. We had her date set for this Saturday, but she feels it’s too soon, which is kinda weird to have an investigator in limbo. She understands that this is an important decision she's making in her life that will affect her 2 and 1 year old kids. It’s good that she realizes that but she's thinking about setting the date for November. We don't want her to become another Miles but... We're still working with her. No word on Miles. He met with the bishop on Sunday and we haven't heard anything yet.
Mom I forgot to ask you last week but what’s your conversion story? I can't remember it. I gave a talk in district meeting last week on personal conversion and I was thinking about you. You don't have to do a biography on it but as a missionary I want to know.
That’s all the exciting stuff, let you know next week what’s going on.
Elder Jacob Frank Morgan
05 August 2009
04 Aug 09
We sent a package of Mallory's Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, a package of gum, and a hand-written letter from me today. Yes, I have sent an email or two, but I do like to write, I'm better at that. My typing gets dyslexic and frustrates me when I do a lot. This is total cut and paste! I like to write him letters and send little stuff in there. I'm hoping to get the camera card soon, so we can post some new ones.
"I'm getting a new camel back tomorrow from a guy who gives discounts to missionaries. The nozzle on the camel back I have leaks and they don't sell any replaceable ones for the one I have. I'm saving $15 by getting one through this guy.
Lisa update: She made it safely through her depression last week and we set the Baptismal Interview for last Saturday. We stopped by an hour before to see if she was still good for that interview (in the apartment where she lives anything can happen) She said yes and that she was having a really bad day, and she really was.........Thank you for thinking of her. She needs all the power she can get to endure to the end.....................Onward, ever onward and Harrah for Israel (line from the Elder Groberg movie “The Other Side of Heaven”/Mike comment. And I have written that in letters to him/Jenn's comment).
The scriptures D&C 117:8 and Abraham 3:16-19 have been on my mind lately about what matters most for people. In the case of 2 souls, one soul being higher and more intelligent than the other, do we compare ourselves to them? We should not look to be closer to the souls that are higher and more intelligent than us. Look to be closer to God who is the highest most intelligent of them all. I've decided I want eternal life (go ahead and read that again…I did/Mike comment again). We are told to be selfless. Then we are told to get ourselves to the Celestial kingdom first, then get our families there, then everyone else. We are told to be selfless so we can receive blessings. All Lisa wants is to go to church with her kids and be happy with them.
That is selfless.
I love and pray for you all and your future blessings.
Elder Jacob Frank Morgan"
Who talks like this but Missionaries???? He is just fine. Thanks for keeping up, Love, Jenn =)
"I'm getting a new camel back tomorrow from a guy who gives discounts to missionaries. The nozzle on the camel back I have leaks and they don't sell any replaceable ones for the one I have. I'm saving $15 by getting one through this guy.
Lisa update: She made it safely through her depression last week and we set the Baptismal Interview for last Saturday. We stopped by an hour before to see if she was still good for that interview (in the apartment where she lives anything can happen) She said yes and that she was having a really bad day, and she really was.........Thank you for thinking of her. She needs all the power she can get to endure to the end.....................Onward, ever onward and Harrah for Israel (line from the Elder Groberg movie “The Other Side of Heaven”/Mike comment. And I have written that in letters to him/Jenn's comment).
The scriptures D&C 117:8 and Abraham 3:16-19 have been on my mind lately about what matters most for people. In the case of 2 souls, one soul being higher and more intelligent than the other, do we compare ourselves to them? We should not look to be closer to the souls that are higher and more intelligent than us. Look to be closer to God who is the highest most intelligent of them all. I've decided I want eternal life (go ahead and read that again…I did/Mike comment again). We are told to be selfless. Then we are told to get ourselves to the Celestial kingdom first, then get our families there, then everyone else. We are told to be selfless so we can receive blessings. All Lisa wants is to go to church with her kids and be happy with them.
That is selfless.
I love and pray for you all and your future blessings.
Elder Jacob Frank Morgan"
Who talks like this but Missionaries???? He is just fine. Thanks for keeping up, Love, Jenn =)
01 August 2009
Mike: This is a bonus email for this week that we received late Thursday night, from a member in the Ward where Jacob is currently serving. I know that President Benson said "...there's no such thing as righteous pride...", but I don't think this is what he meant, because I'm definately feeling righteously proud of my boy after getting a report like this...it was addressed to the families of Elders Hoopes and Morgan:
------------------------------------------------
Hello Families -
My name is Betsey Lee and my husband is Ammon Lee. We have really enjoyed getting to know your boys. We love the spirit they bring into our home. Our two little girls (5 and 2) thinks it's so cool to have the Elders over. I can remember how my mom felt getting a letter or note from families in the mission so I didn't want to pass up this opportunity. Ammon just said to me, "I just love having them over and teaching with them." I want my kids to know and remember us always having the missionaries in our home.
They are both (from what I can tell) doing amazing. You can tell that they want to be here. So positive and upbeat. I love the visuals they provide and have such a way with making you want to listen. Please let us know if there is anything special we can do for them, from you. Whether it be cook their favorite meal or whatever. You should be very proud of them.
Hoping to be worthy to be a mother of a Missionary one day,
Betsey Lee
We area trying to get brownies/Mal's cookies out to him, and we are thinking of a new fingerprint cartoon to send him. I am so greatful to families in Mesa that look out for and take extra care of the boys. I try to feed our missionaries more often because I know someone is taking care of mine! Thanks for reading! Love, Jenn
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