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
Friday, October 28, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)