Dear Family,
How are you? Is the weather gettin crazy yet? Out here all it does is rain more in the winter, but only really ever need a light jacket.
Well, we've been busy! Been averaging 10-13 appointments a week (however, our goal is 28; 4 a day). It's been sweet though! We have some new people we are going to start teaching this week, so pray for them that they will be open and willing to learn. Prayer is a constant tool out here. I pray on average about 10-15 times a day! It's wonderful. One thing I love, is that we were told that during our nightly personal prayer, to give an accounting of our day. It really helps to notice things that Heavenly Father helped with that you may not have noticed before, as well as reminding you of what you need to work on.
I also love study. There is so much more you can get out of study when you pray before and ask for personal revelation, and revelation to help others. I realized that studying every morning is NEEDED to survive as a missionary. You cannot miss a day, or else you will miss out on something vital to helping someone as well as yourself.
2 Nephi 25:23
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our bretheren, to believe in
Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."
2 Nephi 25:25
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
DO ALL YOU CAN TO INCREASE YOUR FAITH, AND HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME. "We are saved, after all we can do." That means not just studying and reading all we can, but PRAYING TO GOD TO RECIEVE THAT INSPIRATION, REVELATION, GUIDANCE, so that we can "Write according to our prophecies" and "persuade our children, and also our bretheren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God."
_________________
The ward is great, although like I said, there are some strange ones, but I still love them all just the same. They are always ready to help out and do what they can. Especially Brother Falepapalangi, the Ward Mission Leader. He is always seeking opportunities to do missionary work. When he goes out to promote his business, he takes copies of the Book of Mormon and pass along cards to hand out as well. He is a great inspiration, and I love working with him.
Elder Skousen is a Spiritual Beast! He is always giving me scriptures, words of advice, and sharing his knowledge with me to help me become a better missionary. He brings a strong Spirit with him and I am honored to be his companion.
_________________
If there is any advice I can give at this point, it is the importance of unifying family. Family Prayer, F.H.E., even regular everyday conversations is SO important! I've seen families who don't talk to their kids, or their kids want nothing to do with them, and it makes me sad. It is so much harder to go through this life alone. For those who may not have family, it takes themself, God, and Jesus to make a family. Also remember that we are all brothers and sisters, so seek out those true friends, and keep them close. THEY ARE FAMILY! As we come closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, we will not feel alone, and we will recieve that comfort and peace that we need.
On the topic of our Heavenly Father, He IS our Father. He is there and wants to help us, we just need to ask. It is so great to know that if I ever feel alone, or feel like there is no one to talk to, I can spill my heart out to God, and know that He is there fore me, and He will not judge me, because that is in the end; this life is for the bettering and perfecting of ourselves to be like Christ, so we must always seek that help and guidance to know what we need to do in all aspects of our lives.
_________________
I love you all and hope you are doing excellent. I hope something in this helps you, I felt I should do something a little more spiritual this time. Good luck and talk to you next week!!!
I am still working on the letters, I have sent a few out, but am trying to find time to do them. I apologize!
Love and things, goood and wonderful,
Elder Joshua B. Jorgensen
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Letter #8 -- Bush/Broccoli Monster
Dear Home-on-the-range-slices-of-living-granditude,
Sup?
This week has been a little less productive, because we've been sick again. But since we had to stay home, we cleaned, reorganized, and moved everything! Our apartment looks Bad-Apples now. There have been some cool thing though, for example, four of our investigators came to church yesterday! It was sweet, because they stayed for the classes, too. Pretty soon I'm going to ask them to be baptized, so we'll see how that goes. We've had quite a few appointments set up with new people, and quite a bit cancel. But that's okay, it just means they aren't those who have been "prepared for us" yet. There is one lady I'm really excited to work with though, I met her out tracting. She hardly speaks English, but she speaks French, Africaans, and some Russian. But within the first 3 minutes of talking with her, she said she wanted to come to church next week, and meet with us during the week. Hopefully it all works out! But yea, all is going pretty well, just doing what we can, and pressing forward.
It's weird to think that I've already been gone almost two months. It's gone by crazy fast. Some days feel long, and then when I try to get something done, it's the next week already. For example, the letters home. I'm almost done with them, just haven't had much time because of studies, appointments, etc. But SOON!!! I will try to get them done and put in the mail today.
OH!!! We carved pumpkins with one of the member families yesterday, so I'm going to ask her for pictures so I can send them to you.
Not sure if I have time to write a whole other willey week letter, so if not, let everyone know I loved the letters. If I didn't tell you already, the letter with the bush/broccoli monster on it, after I read it, went to Voodoo Donuts and that same thing was cut out of bushes in the parking lot.
Thought that was pretty funny.
Well, Hope all is going awesome, anything new and exciting?
Love ya very much, and thanks for all the help, support, and all that jazz.
Elder Jorgen-shmorgesborg-ensen
Sup?
This week has been a little less productive, because we've been sick again. But since we had to stay home, we cleaned, reorganized, and moved everything! Our apartment looks Bad-Apples now. There have been some cool thing though, for example, four of our investigators came to church yesterday! It was sweet, because they stayed for the classes, too. Pretty soon I'm going to ask them to be baptized, so we'll see how that goes. We've had quite a few appointments set up with new people, and quite a bit cancel. But that's okay, it just means they aren't those who have been "prepared for us" yet. There is one lady I'm really excited to work with though, I met her out tracting. She hardly speaks English, but she speaks French, Africaans, and some Russian. But within the first 3 minutes of talking with her, she said she wanted to come to church next week, and meet with us during the week. Hopefully it all works out! But yea, all is going pretty well, just doing what we can, and pressing forward.
It's weird to think that I've already been gone almost two months. It's gone by crazy fast. Some days feel long, and then when I try to get something done, it's the next week already. For example, the letters home. I'm almost done with them, just haven't had much time because of studies, appointments, etc. But SOON!!! I will try to get them done and put in the mail today.
OH!!! We carved pumpkins with one of the member families yesterday, so I'm going to ask her for pictures so I can send them to you.
Not sure if I have time to write a whole other willey week letter, so if not, let everyone know I loved the letters. If I didn't tell you already, the letter with the bush/broccoli monster on it, after I read it, went to Voodoo Donuts and that same thing was cut out of bushes in the parking lot.
Thought that was pretty funny.
Well, Hope all is going awesome, anything new and exciting?
Love ya very much, and thanks for all the help, support, and all that jazz.
Elder Jorgen-shmorgesborg-ensen
Letter to Mission President/Family too
Hey I'll respond to your emails P-Day, but figured I'd send this to you while I'm on, it's my letter to President Morby, but figured it works for y'all as well (obviously changed some words). (P-Day is apparently either Monday or Tuesday)
Family,
This past week has helped me to grow a lot. I have become much more comfortable speaking with people, and sharing what I know; and that's just it. Sharing what I know to be true, in a way that relates and teaches them. That is why I came on a mission, to share what I know, and help them onto the path so they can know as well. I've been doing a lot of studies, but I know I need to do more. When I read from the Book of Mormon each morning, I get something out of it for myself, that I end up sharing in a lesson because it seems to apply to them as well. I think study is very important, the more you study with your heart opened to learning for others, the more you will recieve to help those people. I think the investigators we have are doing well, and we are helping them to understand. It is very apparent how important it is to teach people, not lessons, especially having to break down lessons as simplistic and personal as possible. Ridiculously simplistic. But I love it! I have been having a great time, and I always remeber to thank Heavenly Father for the trials he puts into my life, because I know that they are here for us to grow, and that He will give us the help and strenght we need to make it through. I am so grateful for this gospel, and am excited to help others be excited in it too. Oh! I gave my first anointing blessing to a less-active member, and it was wonderful. Well, that's about all for now.
I am grateful for you and all you do!
LOVE YA!
Elder Jorgensen
Family,
This past week has helped me to grow a lot. I have become much more comfortable speaking with people, and sharing what I know; and that's just it. Sharing what I know to be true, in a way that relates and teaches them. That is why I came on a mission, to share what I know, and help them onto the path so they can know as well. I've been doing a lot of studies, but I know I need to do more. When I read from the Book of Mormon each morning, I get something out of it for myself, that I end up sharing in a lesson because it seems to apply to them as well. I think study is very important, the more you study with your heart opened to learning for others, the more you will recieve to help those people. I think the investigators we have are doing well, and we are helping them to understand. It is very apparent how important it is to teach people, not lessons, especially having to break down lessons as simplistic and personal as possible. Ridiculously simplistic. But I love it! I have been having a great time, and I always remeber to thank Heavenly Father for the trials he puts into my life, because I know that they are here for us to grow, and that He will give us the help and strenght we need to make it through. I am so grateful for this gospel, and am excited to help others be excited in it too. Oh! I gave my first anointing blessing to a less-active member, and it was wonderful. Well, that's about all for now.
I am grateful for you and all you do!
LOVE YA!
Elder Jorgensen
Letter #7 -- Voodoo Donuts
Wingapo, Home Units!
So this past week we've met with some more people, and have baptismal dates set for at least 3 so far. One is 14, and was supposed to be baptized last weekend but the previous missionaries didn't give him all the lessons, so November 2nd is the date. A guy we are trying to help stop smoking, is schedule for October 29th, but may need to be moved to November 5th.
So mostly just lots of teaching and door knocking. I don't know why people waste their time giving us anti-material, we just burn/melt it anyways.
Elder Skousen and I have been sick for a couple of days, but it's starting to clear up (just colds I think).
I think the best part of my week was dinner at the Smith's. They are a really awesome family. After dinner, we went to Voodoo Donuts, which is pretty sweet. Then their daughter Rebekah (7) and I sang hymns all the way back to the house. She drew me a sweet picture of all my favorite animals haha.
But everything is going well: it's hard work, but worth it.
___________
I have been getting the letters you're sending, the last one I got was from Willey Week. I'm going to send you're letters out this week, to answer all the questions.
But I will say that I haven't bought any ramen or macaroni. I eat french toast, eggs, and pastrami sandwiches and then members feed us dinner. Just lots of looking for deals :D.
___________
But yeah, You'll hopefully get my letters soon, not sure how long its been taking to recieve them.
I love you all very much, and study your scriptures!!!!!
Elder Jorgensen
So this past week we've met with some more people, and have baptismal dates set for at least 3 so far. One is 14, and was supposed to be baptized last weekend but the previous missionaries didn't give him all the lessons, so November 2nd is the date. A guy we are trying to help stop smoking, is schedule for October 29th, but may need to be moved to November 5th.
So mostly just lots of teaching and door knocking. I don't know why people waste their time giving us anti-material, we just burn/melt it anyways.
Elder Skousen and I have been sick for a couple of days, but it's starting to clear up (just colds I think).
I think the best part of my week was dinner at the Smith's. They are a really awesome family. After dinner, we went to Voodoo Donuts, which is pretty sweet. Then their daughter Rebekah (7) and I sang hymns all the way back to the house. She drew me a sweet picture of all my favorite animals haha.
But everything is going well: it's hard work, but worth it.
___________
I have been getting the letters you're sending, the last one I got was from Willey Week. I'm going to send you're letters out this week, to answer all the questions.
But I will say that I haven't bought any ramen or macaroni. I eat french toast, eggs, and pastrami sandwiches and then members feed us dinner. Just lots of looking for deals :D.
___________
But yeah, You'll hopefully get my letters soon, not sure how long its been taking to recieve them.
I love you all very much, and study your scriptures!!!!!
Elder Jorgensen
Letter #6 -- First week completed!
HHHOLA!
So just completed my first week in the field! CRAZY! It went by really quick.
Saturday:
Went on my first Blitz. A blitz is where two companionships trade companions and go tracting, doubling the amount of tracting per companionship (so if I go tracting in one area, and he goes to another, and we each go for an hour, we actually get two). Pretty sweetness. I got 3 appointment set up but two changed their minds... the other guy I'm excited to teach, hopefully it works out. After that, we went to find the investigators that the previous missionaries were teaching, so we could introduce ourselves and get teaching appointments set up. Went to a baptism for one of my companions previous investigators, and it was way sweet, I'm excited for when I have the chance to baptize someone.
Sunday:
Stake Conference at church, way good, took some notes. Elder C. Scott Grow (funny name) of the Seventy spoke! After that we went tracting again, then went to dinner at Brother Fallapapalangi's. Tongan's eat like beasts, so all this food I assumed was for everyone, was actually just for Elder Skousen and I. It was insanely good, but I hurt afterwards. Visited more members, and then went home to sleepy sleep.
Monday:
Got up early to go to Mission Conference. Elder C. Scott Grow spoke again, and it was amazing. One thing I really likes was his Spiritual strength. Before he was baptized at 8, he knew for sure that Joseph Smith truly was a Prophet of God, and from then on he made choices that, although seemingly small, would never have led to him to becoming a Seventy had he chosen differently. I forgot my Study Journal, else I'd share a really cool scripture. Anyways, we went and found one of the investigators, and scheduled him to be baptized in a couple weeks, which I'm pretty excited about! Bakes some cookies for the Bishop, burned them a lil' bit, but we gave them to him anyway.
Alrighty, so that's how the weekend was! I've been doing a lot of scripture study, and loving every minute of being out here. Today we are going to OMSI, which I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I know it will be fun (something to do with the Omnimax theatre).
WHAT'S NEW????
Oooo here's a good one Alma 37:36
LOVE YA ALL and do good things and such!
Elder Jorgensen
What sort of things do you want to hear about? Not sure what to talk about.
So just completed my first week in the field! CRAZY! It went by really quick.
Saturday:
Went on my first Blitz. A blitz is where two companionships trade companions and go tracting, doubling the amount of tracting per companionship (so if I go tracting in one area, and he goes to another, and we each go for an hour, we actually get two). Pretty sweetness. I got 3 appointment set up but two changed their minds... the other guy I'm excited to teach, hopefully it works out. After that, we went to find the investigators that the previous missionaries were teaching, so we could introduce ourselves and get teaching appointments set up. Went to a baptism for one of my companions previous investigators, and it was way sweet, I'm excited for when I have the chance to baptize someone.
Sunday:
Stake Conference at church, way good, took some notes. Elder C. Scott Grow (funny name) of the Seventy spoke! After that we went tracting again, then went to dinner at Brother Fallapapalangi's. Tongan's eat like beasts, so all this food I assumed was for everyone, was actually just for Elder Skousen and I. It was insanely good, but I hurt afterwards. Visited more members, and then went home to sleepy sleep.
Monday:
Got up early to go to Mission Conference. Elder C. Scott Grow spoke again, and it was amazing. One thing I really likes was his Spiritual strength. Before he was baptized at 8, he knew for sure that Joseph Smith truly was a Prophet of God, and from then on he made choices that, although seemingly small, would never have led to him to becoming a Seventy had he chosen differently. I forgot my Study Journal, else I'd share a really cool scripture. Anyways, we went and found one of the investigators, and scheduled him to be baptized in a couple weeks, which I'm pretty excited about! Bakes some cookies for the Bishop, burned them a lil' bit, but we gave them to him anyway.
Alrighty, so that's how the weekend was! I've been doing a lot of scripture study, and loving every minute of being out here. Today we are going to OMSI, which I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I know it will be fun (something to do with the Omnimax theatre).
WHAT'S NEW????
Oooo here's a good one Alma 37:36
LOVE YA ALL and do good things and such!
Elder Jorgensen
What sort of things do you want to hear about? Not sure what to talk about.
Letter #5 -- First Week of Oregon
Monday Oct. 3rd, 2011
Day 1 in field!So today I've been in a daze not knowing what to do, just following people. Went and took pictures in front of the temple (which is insanely amazing!), ate real food, and then met my companion/trainer, Elder Skousen. Super nice guy, he's 17 months in. I also saw my friends from high school who left earlier this year.
After getting settled in to the nastily great apartment (nah, it's not that bad), we had dinner at the Hogan's house (STEAK!!)
TOMORROW IS P-DAY!
Tuesday, Oct. 4th, 2011
My bike did make it, they just got it later than expected.
So now I sit, waiting for the office elders to bring my bike and packages.
I love you all vey much!
Went trading in the pouring rain! Only a few possible investigators, but that's okay, better than none. When we got back, office elders were waiting with my bike :). It's a lovely piece of joy, however they said I should put duct tape on it so it doesn't look brand new.
I'm still pretty nervous, but the people here are welcoming.
Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2011
Sorry I haven't sent this yet, but figured I'd keep adding to it till I do. So today, went and taught Floyde and Wanda, who are amazing. Floyde is so ready to learn. He speaks of the Spirit in best friend sort of way, and he loves feeling it. He said after his stroke he wanted to get on the right path, and so he flagged down the missionaries. He says the Spirit keeps telling him to continue learning from us. I love them! Wanda is quiet, but willing to learn.
Elder Skousen says he's going to turn me into a Spiritual Beast. I've promised I'll do everything asked of me, so I hope I can become the missionary I'm meant to be. I love my companion.
We rode our bikes to our meeting with the ward mission leader, Brother Fallapapalangi. He is self-concious about his little english, but he is amazing, I love him, too.
Thursday, Oct. 6th, 2011
Forgot to write, but went looking for our investigators, and the Dover's took us to Sharl's (food place of goodness). It's funny, only the people look like they are from Oregon. Everyone else is either black, mexican, or asian.
Friday, Oct. 7th, 2011
More finding. Met the ward peeps! Super weird people, but wonderful. Elder Skousen and I talk about good books a lot. Father, apparently we need to read "The Wheel of Time". Huge series and each book is really thick, but he says they are amazing.
Well, I am sending this off today so I will end! Love you all very much, keep doing good things and remember to pray! I know it helped me a ton when I do. Hope all is wonderful.
Like always: Ask Meh Questions!
and what's been happening lately?!
Oh, and mormon.org is awesome. Pretty much the closest thing to TV we get.
Peace and blessins,
Peace and blessins,
Elder Joshua Blaine Jorgensen
(my hands are shaking from working out)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Some Pictures of Josh in the MTC!!!
Standard of Truth: Elder Jorgensen and Elder Morgan
No Hugging Girls!!
They've Chosen the Right!
Elder Jorgensen
Elder Harold Jenkins (Josh's Other Personality)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Letter #4 - In the mission field!!
Hola Family!
I am so sorry I didn't call yesterday, As soon as we got off the plane President Morby was standing there and had us grab our things and go.
So my new companion is Elder Skousen. He's super cool. The apartment is meh, but I don't mind, It's better than the MTC dorms. All I've been doing since I got here is unpack, shop for food, and go meeting people in the ward. The Hogan's fed us steak for dinner last night, sooooo good!!
The area I'm in is Powell Butte, and if you want to send packages the address is:
Oregon - Portland Mission Office
C/O Elder Joshua B Jorgensen
1400 NW Compton Drive, Suite # 250
Beaverton, OR 97006
For Letters you can send them directly to me, get with someone in my Family and they will get you the Address to my Apartment
The area I'm in was white washed, meaning they took all the elders out and put two brand new ones in, who have no idea what is going on!! Haha but there are a bunch of investigators we have to teach apparently , which will be interesting seeing as how we don't know them.
Anyways, this one will be short (and again, sorry I know I said I'd send a letter, just haven't had time yet).
Mom, can you send me that letter you wrote me when I went on trek? It has the thankful for stuff written on it, on the back filing cabinet. And also my grey suit possibly?
Well thanks for all the support and help you all have given me , and sorry I keep asking to send stuff.
LOVE YA!!!!
I'mma go eat a sandwich.
Elder Jorgensen
P.S. ANY QUESTIONS FOR MEH? It helps me know what to write about.
I am so sorry I didn't call yesterday, As soon as we got off the plane President Morby was standing there and had us grab our things and go.
So my new companion is Elder Skousen. He's super cool. The apartment is meh, but I don't mind, It's better than the MTC dorms. All I've been doing since I got here is unpack, shop for food, and go meeting people in the ward. The Hogan's fed us steak for dinner last night, sooooo good!!
The area I'm in is Powell Butte, and if you want to send packages the address is:
Oregon - Portland Mission Office
C/O Elder Joshua B Jorgensen
1400 NW Compton Drive, Suite # 250
Beaverton, OR 97006
For Letters you can send them directly to me, get with someone in my Family and they will get you the Address to my Apartment
The area I'm in was white washed, meaning they took all the elders out and put two brand new ones in, who have no idea what is going on!! Haha but there are a bunch of investigators we have to teach apparently , which will be interesting seeing as how we don't know them.
Anyways, this one will be short (and again, sorry I know I said I'd send a letter, just haven't had time yet).
Mom, can you send me that letter you wrote me when I went on trek? It has the thankful for stuff written on it, on the back filing cabinet. And also my grey suit possibly?
Well thanks for all the support and help you all have given me , and sorry I keep asking to send stuff.
LOVE YA!!!!
I'mma go eat a sandwich.
Elder Jorgensen
P.S. ANY QUESTIONS FOR MEH? It helps me know what to write about.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Letter #3 Looking Forward to Real Food!
Hey!!
So just in case my letter doesn't make it to you in time I figured I would come email you and let you know. I leave tomorrow morning at 4ish, and my flight is at 8am. I will arrive in Portland around 9:40 am. I can't talk for very long at all, but I will see if I can call before and after I leave, so maybe conference call or something?
Okay so Conference was awesome! Probably the first time in my life I was actually able to stay awake, and I took 9 pages of notes. Crazyness! Our room is pretty much packed away, we said goodbye to our teachers, and it's kind of weird. Friday was In Field Orientation, which is pretty much a weeks worth of classes crammed into one day, and it was so fun! Lots of learning to interact with people and not be creepy.
It doesn't feel like we've been here long enough to leave yet. But I'm excited, I'm going to try to give away some pass along cards at the airport. Not sure how well it will go, but practice is practice. However, there are 17 of us going to Portland, so I think we could Mormonize the whole dang plane.
How's life at home? Anything new and exciting?
On the plane I'm going to try to write individual letters, but not sure how many I'll actually get done. I did send my memory card home. The pictures at the end are the MTC ones. I hoped I would have the time so I could get them printed and write who is who on the back, but if you send me the pics in a nice lil Envelope (Pronounced en-veh-lup) I'll write on them and such.
I am excited for real food! Well, as real as cheap food can get. But still! Elder Morgan and I are going to get taco bell if we can find it, because he is obsessed. I wish there was a Jimmy Johns tho, that would be grand. Get me 3 Gargantuans haha.
But yea, still loving it, lots of Spiritual stuff, always feeling inspired, and excited (and nervous) to work.
Any questions for meh????
Love you all!! Gonna go get some cereal before conference.
Talk to ya soonly!
Elder Joshua Blaine McJorgensen
So just in case my letter doesn't make it to you in time I figured I would come email you and let you know. I leave tomorrow morning at 4ish, and my flight is at 8am. I will arrive in Portland around 9:40 am. I can't talk for very long at all, but I will see if I can call before and after I leave, so maybe conference call or something?
Okay so Conference was awesome! Probably the first time in my life I was actually able to stay awake, and I took 9 pages of notes. Crazyness! Our room is pretty much packed away, we said goodbye to our teachers, and it's kind of weird. Friday was In Field Orientation, which is pretty much a weeks worth of classes crammed into one day, and it was so fun! Lots of learning to interact with people and not be creepy.
It doesn't feel like we've been here long enough to leave yet. But I'm excited, I'm going to try to give away some pass along cards at the airport. Not sure how well it will go, but practice is practice. However, there are 17 of us going to Portland, so I think we could Mormonize the whole dang plane.
How's life at home? Anything new and exciting?
On the plane I'm going to try to write individual letters, but not sure how many I'll actually get done. I did send my memory card home. The pictures at the end are the MTC ones. I hoped I would have the time so I could get them printed and write who is who on the back, but if you send me the pics in a nice lil Envelope (Pronounced en-veh-lup) I'll write on them and such.
I am excited for real food! Well, as real as cheap food can get. But still! Elder Morgan and I are going to get taco bell if we can find it, because he is obsessed. I wish there was a Jimmy Johns tho, that would be grand. Get me 3 Gargantuans haha.
But yea, still loving it, lots of Spiritual stuff, always feeling inspired, and excited (and nervous) to work.
Any questions for meh????
Love you all!! Gonna go get some cereal before conference.
Talk to ya soonly!
Elder Joshua Blaine McJorgensen
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Letter 2.... He needs people to send him letters... in Oregon!!!!
Hola!
Okay so I've gotten all the packages you all have sent I believe. Thanks a bunch!!!!
I'm not sure too much on what to talk about except that I got my travel plans last week, so I leave this coming Monday (October 3rd) to Portland!!! It went by so slow and yet so fast here! Luckily the people that I hang out with most are all going to Portland, and I got info for the other people I've gotten to know.
Last Tuesday, Elder Russell M. Nelson came and spoke to us! He is so funny, and I learned a lot. Just been doing lots of studying, practicing, and singing with Elder Morgan. ha ha. The "Progressing Investigator" I told you about said yes to baptism, although he isn't a real investigator, but still!!! When we had him pray it was sooo Spiritual, except at first. I'll explain:
So when I was teaching him how to pray, I told him to think of it as a letter (Address God, say what your thankful for, etc.)
Well it started like so: "Dear God..... Comma."
I tried so hard not to laugh, but then the rest of it was cool to listen to, he was great at being an investigator, and it felt so real.
Tomorrow we are hosting!! We get to welcome new missionaries at the curb, but Elder Morgan and I get the dancing traffic duty. WEEE!
But yea I'm out of time, sorry I didn't have too much to talk about. Love you all and hope everyone is doin lovely! Thanks again for all the stuff!!
Off to the temple!
Elder (not Elmer) Jorgensen
Okay so I've gotten all the packages you all have sent I believe. Thanks a bunch!!!!
I'm not sure too much on what to talk about except that I got my travel plans last week, so I leave this coming Monday (October 3rd) to Portland!!! It went by so slow and yet so fast here! Luckily the people that I hang out with most are all going to Portland, and I got info for the other people I've gotten to know.
Last Tuesday, Elder Russell M. Nelson came and spoke to us! He is so funny, and I learned a lot. Just been doing lots of studying, practicing, and singing with Elder Morgan. ha ha. The "Progressing Investigator" I told you about said yes to baptism, although he isn't a real investigator, but still!!! When we had him pray it was sooo Spiritual, except at first. I'll explain:
So when I was teaching him how to pray, I told him to think of it as a letter (Address God, say what your thankful for, etc.)
Well it started like so: "Dear God..... Comma."
I tried so hard not to laugh, but then the rest of it was cool to listen to, he was great at being an investigator, and it felt so real.
Tomorrow we are hosting!! We get to welcome new missionaries at the curb, but Elder Morgan and I get the dancing traffic duty. WEEE!
But yea I'm out of time, sorry I didn't have too much to talk about. Love you all and hope everyone is doin lovely! Thanks again for all the stuff!!
Off to the temple!
Elder (not Elmer) Jorgensen
First LETTER (not emai) from the MTC... I guess it came before the email...
Family,
Just wanted to let you know to not worry. Today was soooooo good! As soon as I got in, we went and put my bags in my room, and then went straight to class. My MTC companion's name is Elder Morgan. He is from Virgina/Washington DC. We get along so well, and it's kind of weird that when we sit by each other we make the same movements at the same time. He's a music Major and sings like a beast (that means Awesomly).
Classes were a really big eye opener at how much the MTC is going into the field. BYU acting teachers (at least that is what Elder Irving said) were being investigators, and as simple as the situation seemed, the longer it went and more in depth it got. There were crazy hard questions.
STUDY TIME!!!
But seriously it is amazing here. Did I mention everyone in my room is going to Portland? Crazy. Well, I hope you all are doing okay. Keep doing what you need to do and it'll go by quickly.
I love you so much and wish you the best!
Know that I'm doing great and that I am where I need to be.
Do good and things (keep the commandments, follow promptings, pray together, etc.)
I love you! May the Spirit be with you....always.
Elder Jorgensen
Just wanted to let you know to not worry. Today was soooooo good! As soon as I got in, we went and put my bags in my room, and then went straight to class. My MTC companion's name is Elder Morgan. He is from Virgina/Washington DC. We get along so well, and it's kind of weird that when we sit by each other we make the same movements at the same time. He's a music Major and sings like a beast (that means Awesomly).
Classes were a really big eye opener at how much the MTC is going into the field. BYU acting teachers (at least that is what Elder Irving said) were being investigators, and as simple as the situation seemed, the longer it went and more in depth it got. There were crazy hard questions.
STUDY TIME!!!
But seriously it is amazing here. Did I mention everyone in my room is going to Portland? Crazy. Well, I hope you all are doing okay. Keep doing what you need to do and it'll go by quickly.
I love you so much and wish you the best!
Know that I'm doing great and that I am where I need to be.
Do good and things (keep the commandments, follow promptings, pray together, etc.)
I love you! May the Spirit be with you....always.
Elder Jorgensen
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
First email home from the MTC!
Hello Family!
Okay so first day:
Arrived, got shown my room, took me to my class, and I met my companion, Elder Trevor Morgan. He is great! We like a lot of the same things and get along really well. We started learning rules and such, then just went to lunch (by the way the food here tastes okay, but makes my stomach hurt sooooo bad). So I just started to eat sandwiches. Anyways, pretty much just orientation and study.
Day two:
Get up at 5:45 (My comp and I chose this for early morning study, because we are that awesomely dedicated), shower, study, breakfast, classes (the teachers are awesome, and are also pretending to be the investigators we teach), lunch, study, comp study, study, class, get ready for bed, sleep.
So pretty much that's how days are.
Our first time teaching our teachers, was a beast, but not in a good way. It was a kick in the face of how much MORE studying and prep we need. Or so we thought. After a ton of prayer (we usually pray at least 8 times a day), study, and asking questions, we realized while study is good, we need to focus more on helping the investigator with our lesson, rather than teaching them the planned lesson.
On Monday, we had our first TRC Progressing Investigator (volunteers, some LDS som non-members, who come in and our taught by us). He is so wonderful! He first off said that he loved my handshake because it reminded him of his childhood friend, who got bitten by a rattle snake and had his fingers amputated. I was surprised that something as random as my hand helped us to gain his trust so that we were able to talk to him. As our first lesson, we spent most of them time getting to know him. He is from Italy and is a very loving, and caring person. He even took our picture! I am so excited to go back and teach him!
Today, Tuesday, me and Elder Morgan went to the temple. Grandtasterful!! It was lovely, although Salt Lake is still my favorite. Laundry is cool, because they have a Hot Pocket vending machine in there :D
Well I have no more time left (there is literally a timer at the top of the email that closes you out when the time is done.)
Hope you are all having so much fun, and working hard, and being loving, and all that good stuff!
Stay LDS!!
Elder Joshua Blaine Jorgensen
Okay so first day:
Arrived, got shown my room, took me to my class, and I met my companion, Elder Trevor Morgan. He is great! We like a lot of the same things and get along really well. We started learning rules and such, then just went to lunch (by the way the food here tastes okay, but makes my stomach hurt sooooo bad). So I just started to eat sandwiches. Anyways, pretty much just orientation and study.
Day two:
Get up at 5:45 (My comp and I chose this for early morning study, because we are that awesomely dedicated), shower, study, breakfast, classes (the teachers are awesome, and are also pretending to be the investigators we teach), lunch, study, comp study, study, class, get ready for bed, sleep.
So pretty much that's how days are.
Our first time teaching our teachers, was a beast, but not in a good way. It was a kick in the face of how much MORE studying and prep we need. Or so we thought. After a ton of prayer (we usually pray at least 8 times a day), study, and asking questions, we realized while study is good, we need to focus more on helping the investigator with our lesson, rather than teaching them the planned lesson.
On Monday, we had our first TRC Progressing Investigator (volunteers, some LDS som non-members, who come in and our taught by us). He is so wonderful! He first off said that he loved my handshake because it reminded him of his childhood friend, who got bitten by a rattle snake and had his fingers amputated. I was surprised that something as random as my hand helped us to gain his trust so that we were able to talk to him. As our first lesson, we spent most of them time getting to know him. He is from Italy and is a very loving, and caring person. He even took our picture! I am so excited to go back and teach him!
Today, Tuesday, me and Elder Morgan went to the temple. Grandtasterful!! It was lovely, although Salt Lake is still my favorite. Laundry is cool, because they have a Hot Pocket vending machine in there :D
Well I have no more time left (there is literally a timer at the top of the email that closes you out when the time is done.)
Hope you are all having so much fun, and working hard, and being loving, and all that good stuff!
Stay LDS!!
Elder Joshua Blaine Jorgensen
Sunday, September 18, 2011
I'm in the MTC!!
Hey everyone!! This is Kiera... I just wanted to let you all know that Josh is now in the MTC, as of September 14, 2011! We walked around the temple and then dropped him off! We all cried and Josh didn't. Nice.... No just kidding! He was just ready to go!
We have not recieved a letter from him as of yet but we will try to keep up on it! Please write him... He's in the Provo MTC at the moment and if you use dearelder.com, it is free to send letters to the MTC!! So write him soon because he'll only be there for 3 weeks! Then he's going to Oregon. His address in the MTC is:
When He gets to Oregon I'll post his Oregon Address!! :)
...Kiera...
We have not recieved a letter from him as of yet but we will try to keep up on it! Please write him... He's in the Provo MTC at the moment and if you use dearelder.com, it is free to send letters to the MTC!! So write him soon because he'll only be there for 3 weeks! Then he's going to Oregon. His address in the MTC is:
Elder Joshua B. Jorgensen
MTC Mailbox #169
OR-POR 1003
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793
When He gets to Oregon I'll post his Oregon Address!! :)
...Kiera...
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Dear Joshua, Fare Thee Well
It's close!! Can you believe it! My farewell is on Sunday, September 11, 2011 (moment of silence). I'm having a little family dinner on Saturday, September 10, 2011 to bid me adeu. Then, on September 14th.... Provo, Utah here I come! (Thought I was going to say Portland, right?) Then maybe a few weeks after that... Portland, Oregon here I come! (There it is!) I will be missed and I will miss many... But there is one thing I would like to explain...
..." I have made the choice to seal my witness with my word"...
My amazing sister that I lovest so dearly, because she is great, exceptionally beautiful, and oh so fantastic (she wrote that) will be updating this blog with my weekly letters. So follow my blog and stay posted!
Peace OUT!! and Rock on-on (It's an echo!)
Elder Jorgensen
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