Letter 6 May 09

Well, I'm starting to get caught up. Hopefully now that school is out I can post portions of his letters every day until I am... We got a nice call today from the Mission President telling Mike what a great missionary Jacob is and that Mike did a great job preparing Jacob. It was the highlight of Mike's Father's Day. When I get there in the messages I will post it. We were not home from church yet, so it is on our answering machine. It's a keeper!

"Sorry about not emailing you on Monday. We had what was called Training Blitz Monday and Tuesday. That's where all the missionaries in the area get together in the Stake Center in the morning and the President and the Assistants teach us about how to improve our teaching. On top of that we have a missionary join our companionship for 2 days and coach us on our teaching. You want to know the best part? We get a car!! Even better the 3 of use got the assistants van!

Our Coach was Elder Gomez who's been out for 11 months and is from South Jordon UT. He was great. While he was with us we revisited a new investigator named Lisa. She was avoiding us for a while now but since she lost her job and feels lost altogether she gave us a call. We taught her the Restoration and committed her to read the Book of Mormon, come to church, pray about Joseph Smith, and to be Baptised! The Spirit was soo strong it was fantastic!

Thanks for sending my cards, (we sent him his YuGiOh/Pokemon cards) haven't gotten them yet. hopefully I'll get them today. Arturo was feeling really down the other day, almost to the point were he told us not to come back. He was saying that he didn't believe any more. But after we left he called us and told us he was sorry and didn't mean it. He's bi-polar and goes through depression a lot. He's studying to be a nurse and has trouble with the tests. We encourage him to read his scriptures before he studies and last night he did! He was very proud of himself for doing that. He gets lonely and calls us a lot. It feels good to go and teach him and play Pokemon with him. He really appreciates it. Some of the games get pretty intense and heated. But it's fun to be with him.

I'll be calling around 6 on Sunday. I'll get about an hour to talk to you so have everyone home."

He is talking about calling home on Mother's Day. It was great! Melany and Logan were here for most of the call. We talked for almost the full hour on speaker so all could listen and share. It was so good to hear his voice and hear his excitement and maturity. He told of a story in the MTC with his companions where one of them pretended to be blind for the new guys and some of the jokes and fun they had in the MTC. He sent his camera card home last week and I down loaded them and sent it right back. I have a few here to show you.

Jacob and his MTC companion, Elder Gilbert from Idaho Falls, ID.

Schedule

Spring in Provo. (Dad, he has some spactacular pictures, I will get my favs posted as I get there)

Love to all, Jenn =)

Letter to Mallory

I'm getting caught up now that school is out in 2 days. Finally! Getting caught up on the home blog too.

The next letter we received was to Mallory, here is a funny story he shared with her:

"The hardest thing especially her in 90 degree weather is not to look at girls. Elder Hoopes and I were trying to meet our goal for street contacts last night, and were riding our bikes home in the dark and see a person walking down the street towards us. I say, "OK, I got this one, Elder Hoopes." So, I vear closer and say hello and the person responds in a very feminine voice. It's dark so I take a close look and spot the hourglass shape and other common female characteristics in a very tight jogging outfit. I let off the brake and peddle faster.

Elder Hoopes yells, "What happened?"

"Did you not see that girl?"

"Oh, it was a girl?"

"Well, it definitely wasn't a guy!"

It's kinda weird for 2 missionaries to come up to a girl our age at might and ask if we could come and visit them at their home some time."

Good Missionary! Love, Jenn =)

From a Stake President

This is the 3rd post of the day, Tues, so make sure you get to all of them!

We received this email today, I'm so grateful to this Stake President and his wife to think of the families. I inserted the pictures in places where the text supported the picture, this just made me smile!

"Dear Parents of the elder serving in the Maricopa North Stake,

This past Sat. Kathy and I had your sons over for breakfast so that we could get to know the elders serving in our stake. When the other members in the stake presidency heard what we were doing they all wanted to come also. So my good councilors, clerk, and exc. sec. were all there.


We had such a good time visiting and hearing about the missionary work in the stake. I need you to know that I felt like we were on holy ground when 9 elders were all in our house. Knowing that they are giving 2 years to the Lord makes one humble when you are around them. The same day I was able to go to a baptism with Elder Phillips and Guileman. Then a baptism with elder Brumwell, Davenport and Craig. Later that night I was with them at a reception. I know that elder Hoopes and Morgan had a baptism on Thursday that I was not able to attend. I met will all the elders on Sunday morning where they reported all the work they are doing in the stake. I want you to know that they are all great elders, working hard, they look good and act like one that represents the Lord. I love to work with them. Thanks for supporting them and sending them to us. You all have great sons.
President Palmer Maricopa North Stake.

Dear Parents, I just needed to let you know that President Palmer and I had your wonderful sons in our home for breakfast last Sat. morning. What a joy they all are. They are working hard, obeying the rules, and have a wonderful spirit with them. It is fun to see their personalities come out when they are together. We have a son on a mission and it is so fun to hear from members that see them and have him come and eat. Thank you for your wonderful support for your sons. They feel your love and prayers and that helps the work progress. Thank you again for your sacrifice and your sons sacrifice.

Love, Sister Palmer"

I loved the part where Sis. Palmer talked about their personalities and then I added their silly picture! Love, Jenn =)

ps - I got this picture from the Stake Clerk about 15 minutes after I posted so I quick added it. We love that look on Jacob's face and had just talked about it tonight at the dinner table. hehe

Monday's E-mail

We got a great email from Jacob on Monday. Here is most of the letter:

"So I'm here in Arizona, it reminds me of Hawaii a lot because of the smell of sunscreen and all the palm trees. They definitely don't have cactus in Hawaii, it's still pretty cool. Cool as in awesome, not cold. My new companion is Elder Hoopes from Boise. He's been out for 7 1/2 months. He's awesome.

We are staying with a couple named the Hareses. Nicest people in the world! They have a 3 legged dog, she's little and cute. Her hopping around makes her even more cute. I'll try to get a video of her but she's afraid of cameras. I'm using Sister Hareses bike to ride around and on my second day was chased by my first dog! I was so excited! But anyway, P day's are now Monday's. Today we went to Walmart and spent a lot of time there. We looked at bikes and found one thats about $120. But Elder Hoopes called a Bishop that owns a bike shop to see if we can't get me a cheaper one.

I had my first Baptism this week. Debbie Dean. She's a wonderful lady and has a very funny redneck husband. We've made visits to a guy named David who is very strong in the church and wants to set up a baptismal date. There's a guy named Arturo who is very lonely and calls us alot just to talk but he really likes having us over. He likes to play Pokemon cards alot and Elder Hoopes had his mom send us his cards. So if it's not too much trouble do you think you could send me my Pokemon and Yu gi oh cards so we could visit him more and teach him. I'll send them right back once I get transferred.

No life changing experiences yet but I'm keeping my ears open for the Spirit. Thank you for all your love. Looking forward to hearing about your job hunting, dad. I know the Lord will bless you. He blessed me with parents who love the Lord and taught me well in proper worship. Love you all!

Elder Jacob Frank Morgan

Great to see him happy and excited! I think getting chased a dog is hilarious! Love, Jenn =)

Arrival Letter

We received our arrival letter from President Bassett on Saturday, I think I have my scanning problem fixed. It was post marked on the 22nd (Wed) and we received it on the 25th (Sat). That is a good idea how long the mail takes, 4 days. The address we are encouraged to use is the Mission Office address. They will forward the mail, they always know where the missionaries are and an address we may receive on his letters can get out of date and then are delayed longer. This is for packages, too. They can forward packages using USPS, not FedEX or UPS (they have to wait until someone is going to that area for a conference or meeting and could take weeks to deliver). So, if you decide to send him something, use the regular mail.


Here is part of President Bassett's letter:


"Enclosed is a picture of your son on the day of his arrival. We hope that you can see that he will be surrounded by those who will love him.

The Arizona Mesa Mission is a wonderful place to serve as a missionary. We are among strong and supportive members, we have two temples, a visitor's center ad many opportunities to teach the gospel. As you missionary serves diligently the Lord has promised, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (D&C 84:88)

May the Lord bless you and your family for Elder Morgan's faithful service to the Lord."


He is there officially a week! He is always in our prayers. I noticed he has a new haircut and tie, that must have been one of the MTC purchases. Love, Jenn =)

On to Arizona!

We have had quite a few days. It started yesterday with a letter from Jacob. Parentheses are my additions for explanation.

"So guess who is one of the teachers here, remember Elder Shelton? yep. He's teaching here! Today I went into his class and shared my testimony of having a member present during lessons since I went out with him a lot. I'm going to try and get a picture with him and me. (which he did)

Another one of the teachers is rumored to be one of the 3 Nephites. I know it sounds crazy, but you start to be amazed when he talks. He's really young and got off his mission about 4 years ago. But we set up teaching appointments with him and walk away with our mouths agape. (lol, I had to chuckle and smile...it's a joke)

P-days (Preparation Day - for laundry, cleaning, service, letter writing, personal stuff) are our days to go to the temple. On Sunday, Elder Caywood and I took a whole bunch of pictures of the temple. I'll send copies to you, some of them are pretty awesome."

It was a long letter, and he shared how a member of his branch Presidency met his wife. I have shortened it. They knew each other and couldn't remember where they had met before. They dated a few days before he went out on a submarine for 6 months, then they were married. At the time of their marriage they were told that they knew each other before they came to earth and covenanted that they would be "married for time and all eternity" Jacob says, "Through this story we can all learn a lesson about our eternal purposes and why we are here......Isn't that an awesome story? Anyway, thought you'd like that. Love you!" The story took about 2 1/2 pages to write and the details are cool.



On another note, he was able to get the 4-cousin picture. I hope to see that soon. We are going to get him another memory card for his camera. Then he will mail it to us, and send the cards back and forth.

We also got a call last night from the MTC Referral Center. It was a Sister Missionary going to the Independence Visitor's Center. She was calling for Jacob, as he had given a referral for one of his friends who we have talked with about the church, who has asked some very good questions, talked with Missionaries in our home, etc. So, I gave her the number and we had a nice conversation.

Jacob called us from the airport this morning, bright and early! 6:30, he had been up since 3:30am. It was so good to hear his voice and hear the joy and excitement. We put him on speaker phone and every one got to talk with him and listen. He talked about little tid bits, here and there, not much new stuff. It was just nice to hear his voice. There have been a few snafu's with his bank account, but we hope to get that taken care of and back on track.

Well, now to get his bike taken care of. Another week to get new letters in the right direction. Now, that we are getting him settled with money, we can focus on Mallory graduating and Mike getting a job. Thanks for checking in and being curious. Love, Jenn =)

Unexpected Guest

We got a great email from Jacob this week. Becca got one too and there were some fun things in her letter like the pet-update, info about his companions, one auditioned for American Idol, one is a new convert, the other companionship breaks into song all the time. His favorite time of the day is gym! And he wants her to draw him a picture. Mal is still patiently waiting for her letter.

Hey,
So it's my last week in the MTC. Elder Gilbert and I have been amazed at how fast time flies here. Sunday was Easter and we had our first sacrament meeting on account of General Conference the week before, and it was fantastic. The district that left Tuesday sang the Praise to the Man Song that I love that has the Army Helamen tune in it. I don't have that song on my zune. Do you think you could send it to me on a cd?
On Tuesday, we had our devotional and I was reading moms DearElder letter she sent me. (thanks for using that by the way) We started singing the prelude hymns and in between the first and second hymn the conductor said "Need I remind you that if an Apostle of the Lord walks into a room its appropriate for all to stand." There were whispers of speculation as we sung the last hymn and during the last verse the doors opened and everyone stood as Jeffrey R. Holland walked into the auditorium. He was amazing! His talk was my favorite talk in conference and now he's speaking to me in person! The 2nd counselor in our branch presidency served his mission with him and told stories about him. So this took special meaning to me. I'll send a copy of my notes of his talk to us later.
Running out of time. Love you all. Please stop sending me food. I've gained 10 lbs. while I've been here. I'm still grateful that you think of me...
....56 sec left. Bye
Elder Jacob Frank Morgan

Isn't that awesome! Jeffery R. Holland! He is one of our favorite speakers, too. He was the President of BYU when Mike and I met and got married. Well, he is off to Arizona on Tuesday and we hope all goes well (and Mal gets a letter!) Love, Jenn =)