Trying Week!--
Week 85- 83 Weeks in Phoenix mission-- 35 weeks in Glendale
Dear friends and family,
I hope all had a happy Easter. The Easter season is always a great
reminder of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This week has been a tough
one for me. This letter might make a lot of people realize that
missionary work isn't always just miracles and happiness! Sometimes
everything goes wrong and everything seems to get on your nerves. This
was one of those weeks! But have no fear—The Lord never gives us
challenges or trials we can't handle. Boy am I thankful for that
knowledge!
I'll try my best to highlight some of the good things that happened:
Lichelle & Devin
We are teaching a new couple, Lichelle and Devin. They have struggles
with the word of wisdom and are kind of beat down by that. We went
over there this week and shared a message on the Atonement of Jesus
Christ and how It can apply to healing addictions. Lichelle had a hope
in her eyes that was undeniable. She felt the Spirit, and has a strong
resolve to change. It's a great sight to see.
Church
It was a great Easter service. Probably the best part, though, was the
first speaker. Raphaël, the first French convert in the area,
delivered a powerful talk on the Atonement. Sister Haymond translated
the whole talk as he delivered it in French from the podium. The
Atonement has changed that family's life. They are living examples of
the word "convert".
Trials
This week was full of trials. Almost all of our lessons cancelled this
week, and I have felt pretty homesick the past couple of weeks and
honestly, I am getting super burnt out in this area. It's a great
place to serve, but I feel like I'm getting cabin fever in this little
chunk of the city. I've been here for nearly 9 months. I'm definitely
praying for change, but I will always accept God's will over mine.
Like I said earlier, the Lord never gives us too much to handle. We
just have to find a way to handle it.
Exchange
Probably the highlight of the week was getting to go on an exchange
with Elders Plourde and Bryan in their (Spanish) area! Plus I got to
drive a little bit, which is a rare occurrence... It's
interesting—every time I go on exchanges in a Spanish area I seem to
pick up more of what is being said. This time I even prayed in Spanish
at the end of a lesson. I guess that's what happens when you're
surrounded by Spanish 24/7.
Easter dinner
We had dinner with the Bleyl family. Sister Bleyl is Tongan, and a lot
of their family was there! Needless to say there was a ton of food.
Sometimes I think that "Tongan food" is just "a lot of food." That's
what I've gathered so far.
Weather
Too hot for March. Enough said.
That's about all that happened this week. Please pray for me to be
able to finish my mission strong. I don't want to coast, but it will
be so easy to do so. Have a great week everyone!! I love you!
#PrayForFlagstaff!
Much love,
Elder Jones
Black Canyon Ward
Arizona Phoenix Mission
I hope all had a happy Easter. The Easter season is always a great
reminder of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This week has been a tough
one for me. This letter might make a lot of people realize that
missionary work isn't always just miracles and happiness! Sometimes
everything goes wrong and everything seems to get on your nerves. This
was one of those weeks! But have no fear—The Lord never gives us
challenges or trials we can't handle. Boy am I thankful for that
knowledge!
I'll try my best to highlight some of the good things that happened:
Lichelle & Devin
We are teaching a new couple, Lichelle and Devin. They have struggles
with the word of wisdom and are kind of beat down by that. We went
over there this week and shared a message on the Atonement of Jesus
Christ and how It can apply to healing addictions. Lichelle had a hope
in her eyes that was undeniable. She felt the Spirit, and has a strong
resolve to change. It's a great sight to see.
Church
It was a great Easter service. Probably the best part, though, was the
first speaker. Raphaël, the first French convert in the area,
delivered a powerful talk on the Atonement. Sister Haymond translated
the whole talk as he delivered it in French from the podium. The
Atonement has changed that family's life. They are living examples of
the word "convert".
Trials
This week was full of trials. Almost all of our lessons cancelled this
week, and I have felt pretty homesick the past couple of weeks and
honestly, I am getting super burnt out in this area. It's a great
place to serve, but I feel like I'm getting cabin fever in this little
chunk of the city. I've been here for nearly 9 months. I'm definitely
praying for change, but I will always accept God's will over mine.
Like I said earlier, the Lord never gives us too much to handle. We
just have to find a way to handle it.
Exchange
Probably the highlight of the week was getting to go on an exchange
with Elders Plourde and Bryan in their (Spanish) area! Plus I got to
drive a little bit, which is a rare occurrence... It's
interesting—every time I go on exchanges in a Spanish area I seem to
pick up more of what is being said. This time I even prayed in Spanish
at the end of a lesson. I guess that's what happens when you're
surrounded by Spanish 24/7.
Easter dinner
We had dinner with the Bleyl family. Sister Bleyl is Tongan, and a lot
of their family was there! Needless to say there was a ton of food.
Sometimes I think that "Tongan food" is just "a lot of food." That's
what I've gathered so far.
Weather
Too hot for March. Enough said.
That's about all that happened this week. Please pray for me to be
able to finish my mission strong. I don't want to coast, but it will
be so easy to do so. Have a great week everyone!! I love you!
#PrayForFlagstaff!
Much love,
Elder Jones
Black Canyon Ward
Arizona Phoenix Mission
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| Easter dinner with Tongan family |
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| Elder Bryan with palm tree leaves...don't ask |
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| Rare photo of Elder Jones driving! |
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| Happy Easter!! :) |
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| weekly selfie |