Сестра Кэлси Сэлэст Джонз

April 20

2011-05-01T00:35:00.001-07:00

Всем привет!! Hey to everyone! I'm out of time for email!!!!

Oh my gosh. So much to say. This week was a miracle week! All I can say is fasting works. See my letter to Pres:

The Lord is definitely blessing us. We had kind of a miracle fast last week. We had many reasons to fast and lots of investigators we were hoping for, so we fasted on Tuesday. That morning we committed an old investigator to baptism--our first time meeting her besides when she had started attending church the week before. She is so prepared by the Lord. She moved to Moscow and had searched for the true church her entire life. She met Jehovah's Witnesses but never felt totally right there...and then one day saw a woman reading the Bible on a bus and Gulya, our investigator, sat down next to her to ask her where she was reading. They got to talking and she discovered she was a Mormon. They exchanged numbers and she attended church the next week. She investigated and wanted to be baptized, but then worried that she wasn't ready, it wasn't her time, etc. Fast forward several months and we appear and teach her about covenants and why they are important--including baptism--because she already knows everything about the church according to her record. Thus, she realized she was ready and made the decision to be baptized. Just amazing.
Our other investigators are doing well. We have a newer investigator, Ira, who after we taught her the Word of Wisdom, said that she had already started praying a few days ago for help to quit smoking. We didn't even know she smoked, but the Lord was preparing her long ago for this time to get re-acquainted with the Gospel that she's always known. It is a privilege to teach such a prepared investigator.
Mom and Dad: don't wear tennis shoes or everyone will know you're American right away ahahhahaha. I have much to say but no time...I love you all! I am SO HAPPY!!!!!
Sis. Jones

April 6

2011-05-01T00:34:00.001-07:00

Hello, all!

Well, I now have a new baby girl! Sis. Frolova! She is awesome. Strange...when I saw the list of pictures of the new sisters coming in, I immediately saw hers and knew I'd be training her. I recognized her somehow (now I know it is because we knew we were serving together in the pre-existence, silly me) but dismissed it. Then president surprised me with a Russian speaking companion again! She speaks Russian (with a Baltic accent a tiny bit), Latvian, and English really well (phew!) She is the only member of her family and she's been a member for 6 years now. She studied Theology for 6 years and is wayyy smart. She is 24 and strong and knows karate and loves shopping and worked at Zara (my favorite store ever) and she loves the Gospel so much. She is a very good missionary already and we are already seeing miracles. We taught the Restoration to a new investigator on Saturday and she was able to see how to use the "How to begin teaching" method and how to teach the first lesson (with my visual aids) and it was an amazing lesson with Ira. She showed up to church last week as a friend of a member in our branch. Awesome. She is so ready to learn...she has Joseph Smith questions...as in "which church is true and how do I know?" A missionary's specialty. Pretty amazing, as well, was how during the lesson I was impressed to talk about how the Gospel blesses families more than I usually do when teaching the first lesson...especially to a young women around 20. Afterward, her friend who introduced us, Lera, told me that Ira had been interested because they had met at school and saw something different about Lera and immediately wanted to know her religion because she had been searching for so long...and she had family problems and wanted to find somewhere where family was important and safe...kinda like our church. When I talked about it, it was an answer to her questions. Little did I know. It's like the Spirit works through missionaries or something, huh? We are also so excited because Nastya, my long-time investigator who has Mormon friends at BYU, is asking questions about how to know if you're ready for baptism, etc. She is totally ready and we are hoping to set a date soon. Eleanora is awesome, too. She is reading and willing to learn and we're hoping she'll progress quickly because she is thirsty for knowledge. We have conference this weekend so we're trying to get EVERYONE there with their personal questions on their minds. Even our knew investigator, Alla, to whom we gave a BOM and she is just starting to read, is hoping to come Sunday...should be fun. I CAN'T WAIT FOR CONFERENCE!!
I love you all. I am amazingly happy. The weather is getting warmer and the snow is almost melted. We have good investigators and lots of work and I have a willing, happy, fun companion. I miss you all but wouldn't give this experience up for the world. I love Moscow and I love this work. I am so happy that I have a pure knowledge that this Church is true and that I know my Savior and He knows me perfectly and loves me no matter what...and He's making a masterpiece out of the little things I do. DC 123:16-17.
Love you all sooooo much it is really quite ridiculous.
Sis. Jones

March 30

2011-04-30T23:57:00.001-07:00

Well, this is BY FAR the most exciting internet session I've yet had on my mission. My sister and my best friend are getting married. I need to make ASAP decisions about school and getting picked up in Moscow or traveling in Europe later. AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My head is spinning!
Okay, Mom, first things first. That schedule looks fantastic--seriously. My only concern is that that was the second half of New Testamant and I haven't taken the first half. Maybe that's not a big deal. If possible, I'd love to do it in order, but if not, no biggie. Uhhhh concerning Europe (so weird talking about this, sorry). Honestly, this is SOOOO hard. I would love for you to come pick me up...but then, our full trip to Europe in end of July would be incredible and I'd love to see Dad's mission and other places. If it's too hard with Ash's wedding and all that, I am totally down with you picking me up--ABSOLUTELY--but I admit, my first preference would be the Europe trip in July. What do you think? Really, I am too laid-back for my own good. You guys can make the call and I will be happy just to be with you. I will say, though, that I'd rather not put it off until next year--Moscow will have forgotten about me by then :) No, I'd just like to do it sooner than later. OH, ps, will you update Elder Lex? We talked about visiting his family in Austria and they'd let us stay at their place and take us around, but they wanted to know when and he wanted to know if you could bring to gospel books that he can't get in Austria...one being The Infinite Atonement :) He will be emailing you today I think.

Well...I have a little bit of news for you as well! Not as exciting as making eternal covenants in the temple with the one you love or anything, but I can officially tell you that I will be training! Originally I was going to get a sister from America, but President talked it over with me and the decision was made for me to train the sister coming in from Latvia, Sister Frolova. I was a bit surprised that I was getting the Latvian, but I am THRILLED! All I know about her from President is that she is older, has a masters in Theology and...that's it. I don't know what language she speaks. She could speak Russian, Latvian, and/or English. Who knows? Well, I will on Friday. Please keep me in your prayers because it is going to be quite an exciting ride! I thought I was going to be sent to a new area for my last transfer and train, but instead I will be staying in my same area...can you believe it?! I've had TWO AREAS my entire mission! 1/2 in Kahkovski, 1/2 in Rechnoy. Booyah. I have had the opportunity to build deep relationships in both areas and really let the Lord work through me in these areas. How grateful I am that I was given the opportunity to serve a mission, family. I have no words to describe my gratitude!
So, I need your prayers. We've unearthed some golden investigators and I'm so excited about them. I told you about Eleanora...we taught her the Restoration on Sunday and nearly got a baptismal date out of her...she loves it all. She is so ready for the Gospel, but she just doesn't realize it yet. I am so looking forward to teaching her everything because she's never had religion in her life except for lighting a candle in the Russian cathedral twice a year. Ya, that helps. We also have Nastya!! Oh my word, she's amazing. She has mormon friends in Kazan, where she's from, and a friend who currently goes to BYU. She is considering going to BYU herself for industrial design (she's amazing--she's drawing me a picture of St. Basil's now) and she is reading the BOM and praying every day, saying that she feels "fire" every time she does. She's SO busy with school and work, though, so she can only attend sacrament meeting and it's difficult to meet with her...and also to get her to commit to baptism. She's so so close and she's going to be a rock solid member when she's baptism and a strength to the church wherever she is. I also met Irina in the metro just talking to her and she wants to know more, Ira came to church with a friend in our branch and she is meeting with us Saturday, and of course my dear Olya Mironova who went inactive because she had a baby about a year ago and is too scared to come back to church...but we call her with verses from the BOM, visit her, and she is coming to General Conference next week I think....PLEASE pray for her! Pray for all of them...it's going to be impossible to help these people without His help.
Funny story: at culture night last week we went to this adorable Soviet cafe on Red Square where they had this old soviet soda that is only available at this cafe now. You just put 10 rubles into the machine and it pours you a glass. We were getting some and a man was getting some in front of us. He put the coin in the machine...waits. Nothing. He hits it. Nothing. He starts to walk away with a sardonic smirk and laughs, "It's just like the Soviet Union!" I couldn't stop laughing after that.
Things here are just amazing, family. This is the hardest, funnest, craziest, most faith-building thing I've done in my life and I'm learning better and better every day how to rely on my Savior to do His will and serve His children. I read a verse in Alma that reminded me again how important family is and thought of all of you...Alma 35:16. Things are getting bad again and Alma realizes it...so what does he do? He gathers the fam together and has the all-time best PPIs ever to be recorded with his sons. Family sure is important in this life, isn't it?
PS. Beej and Trev...I thought of you when I read Alma 39:10. We'll be chattin later!
Love you all.
Sis. Jones

March 23

2011-04-30T23:56:00.001-07:00

Whelp, another great week has come and gone. I can't believe how fast time is going. It sounds like you are all doing fabulously. Thanks for the letters and emails. Trev, loved the update. Aubree, everyone knows about your life here. Ami--update me, girl! I need pictures! Ash--where's the love? Thanks for the update on my friend getting married. Happy!

Zone Conference was just awesome. The second conference went even more smoothly and I really enjoyed teaching. Dad, I forgot to tell you that I TOTALLY used the determination poem...we translated it into Russian and made copies for everyone in Russian and English and read it at the end of our training. Pretty powerful for all of them to hear. Our training was basically along the lines of hwo to step up our personal sanctification in order to have a greater portion of the Spirit with us in order to know what to do/where to go to reach our goal of baptisms. We used part of Elder Bednar's talk from last conference, too. So good. PS. You guys got to see conference, didn't you?! JEALOUS. I can't WAIT!!

We had yet another miracle that I'm pumped about. Her name is Alla. She was a contact given from the office...she wanted a BOM. So I called her up and she wanted one and we coordinated to meet at her work place. The next day we meet her...come to find out she is the head of a university and we met in her ginormous office. She is rich...I kind of got that feeling. She is the boss...I got that as we walked to her office and all the workers stared at her with us. Sweet. She sat us down and began asking questions, explaining that she had been interested in religious literature lately and heard about this book but she'd not been able to find it but she heard a bit of where it had come from and was interested. I then told her the WHOLE story of where the book came from and taught her the first lesson. She was just grinning the whole time and at first I thought that she was laughing at us and was about the kick us out (I'm used to that by now) but then she just shook her head and asked more questions in amazement. I was blown away. She is this well-known, well to-do person who is searching for true happiness and...what do you know? She just found it. She is looking forward to reading the entire book and we will be meeting again soon. I just absolutely loved testifying of the church and the BOM and it was just another witness to me, family, that this is so true. This work is real! This work is the most important in the universe and I get to be a part of it! The Lord can do all this by Himself, but He allows ME to be a part of His work...to become in a figurative sense partners with the Lord in saving His children. How blessed I feel to share this light and happiness that I have in my life...because as I share it, it just gets brighter. King Benjamin says it best when you realize how we will ALWAYS be in His debt...always unprofitable servants. But I will be a dedicated unprofitable servant nonetheless...and not just on my mission, but this is a lifetime thing I'm thinking. I want to keep this going. I love this Gospel too much to let this be the high point of spirituality in my life. This is the spring board for the rest of my life. I look forward to years of study to come. Who's with me?!

Our sisters in the mission are doing really well, including the companionships that we had to split with because they were having a hard time getting along. We are getting 4 new sisters next week with our new transfer (3 elders as well) and we are all really excited for the changes acoming. Yay! This next transfer is going to be fun....hehehehe. President has already discussed the changes with Sis. Barash and me and I am pretty much pumped.

We had a fantastic culture night Monday night. Oh don't worry, I just got to see Swan Lake at the Kremlin. No big deal. AMAZING. Have I ever mentioned that at performances in Russia when they clap at the end, if they really really like someone they begin clapping in unison. Maybe that's a European thing, but I love it. We also ate at this little cafe on Red Square in the mall and it is classic Russian food and I just loved it all. I'm taking you all to that cafe for sure. After the whole thing we were deciding which metro route to take and some little kids heard us speaking English and begin giggling and saying the few words they know in English, teasing us like we don't know Russian. I finally turned to them and answered them in English and they didn't understand, and then switched to Russian and they stood there dumbfounded. Oh, you speak Russian? Hm. We made some new friends that night!

So I absolutely loved my mail last week...a package of letters from my fan club Primary class!! I still have all the letters and I want to write back. I read some really sweet/hilarious notes and I so appreciated it. You can tell them that yes, it is cold and snowy here but it's getting better every day! And yes, talking to strangers about the Gospel can sometimes be scary, but after a while you get used to it and it's fun.

So I saw Jarret on the metro the other day. Seriously. This cute little boy reminded me so much of Jarret I wanted to cry. He was so cute and had these big brown eyes that just stared up at his mother and I just wanted to grab him and hug him. Soon enough I will do it to the real thing (Jarret).

So I was chatting with a member the other day and learned something entertaining. Muskovites can be compared to New Yorkers of America who are always working and complaining about the city and what is wrong with it but are efficient and knowledgeable while St. Petersburgians can be compared to Californians who are prideful of their beautiful city and know all about the history of every building and take their time going around the city. This whole conversation was just hilarious.

We were buying tickets to this ballet last week and I was talking to some missionaries on the phone letting them know about it (in English) and the worker heard me and turned to Sis. Barash and said, "She sounds like the American woman's voice on 20% of video games." What do you say to that?

So we were walking through the metro station on a rather slow day this week and Sis. Barash was pretty tired and not in the mood to work. She finally turns to me in a gruff voice and says, "Sister Jones?" I say "Yes?" a little nervous with what she is about to say to me. "Why are you never trunky?"

Music to my ears.

Love you all!!

Sis. Jones

March 16

2011-04-30T23:55:00.001-07:00

1-I was on an exchange this week in an outer city called Zelenograd!!!! I LOVED IT! So quiet and peaceful and beautiful. Me in the the forest of Russia. Yessss.
2-Johnson, this is for you, girl. I MET HER!! This is just the cutest baboushka in all of Russia, found in Z-grad. I read to her, sang Carry On for her and she punched her fist everytime I sang Carry On in Russian..."Prodolzhai, prodolzhai, prodolzhai!!!!!"
3-Me with the first member in Russia! Her name is Galina. Remember hearing about her at the distribution center, Mom?

Hey fam!

First off:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JORDAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful, fun, awesome day and know that a gift is waiting for you.

Well, I'm gonna be honest and say that I am POOPED! We had a crazy day yesterday...the most spiritual zone conference I've ever attended...but that can be quite draining. A lot of crying, too. We have 8 missionaries headed home this transfer including my mama trainer, Sis. E! It's kind of killing me, but she is so ready to go home and start her next phase of life and it will be so exciting for her. Our training was awesome, family! Thank you for your prayers...they were truly felt. I helped with the Packard's presentation on teaching with visual aids and showed something that I did to the mission and then later on Sis. Barash and I did a training on gaining a greater portion of the spirit in order to know where to go and what to do to get our baptism a transfer goal. P. 97 of PMG has a sentence that gives us the key: live worthily, pray fervently, and courageously follow the Spirit. So we talked about those things and gave them some committments and it was fabulous. We even had an arm wrestle to display how we are going to do it...with the help of the Spirit, we can accomplish anything, just like a sister can beat the strongest elder in the zone with the help of three other elders representing obedience, fervent prayer, and following the spirit. Fun! We have our other zone conference tomorrow, so keep praying for us. It should be an amazing experience. Pres. Sorenson gave a mind blowing presentation on the Atonement (you know that that subject is my passion) and I can't wait to sit through it again and soak it all in. How grateful I am for my mission and the opportunities to learn about every principle of the Gospel more deeply so that I can continue to share it with others (ie my children) for the rest of my life...well, and eternity. I feel like I'm just in training in this life to figure out how to become that goddess...I'm learning how to learn right now. Pretty sweet, huh?
We had quite a miracle on Sunday. Our area has sure been tough lately and it's been quite a challenge for us, but we have been learning so much about ourselves and learning the art of faith. Yes, it is an art. You didn't know? Well, ya. We were in church and I kept looking at a woman I didn't recognize but hadn't had the chance to talk to her. After the meeting, her friend, a cute lady in our branch that we love, came up and introduced us. Apparently she's been attending English club a bit and this is her first time at church. Her name is Eleanor (but Russian version). Eleanor stayed with me thru all the meetings and I learned from her that she doesn't drink, smoke, doesn't even drink tea (what the?!) and knows a bit about our temples and she wants to know everything because she loves our church already and enjoyed the meetings so much. Well, thanks, Heavenly Father! She's pretty much a baptism in our lap and I was overwhelmed with gratitude to Him. I am amazed by how faith really does work if we'll just USE it, for goodness sake!
Mama, thanks for the package, for pete's sake! I can't get over how amazing every package is that you send. I have used those Reese's to bring much happiness to the lives of missionaries and Russians around me. hehe THANKS! (I LOVE the clothes!!!!)
Ash, you wrote an article about supporting sister missionaries! Pres. Lawrence, our area authority, or rather his wife, read that and passed it to Sis. Sorenson and she passed it to Pres. who then passed it to me! Thanks for supporting me!!!!!!!
Things are fabulous here. I love my mission, I love that it's getting WARMER, I love the people, I love the language. Thank you for your support and prayers and love. Please be happy, every one of you. Life is so much easier that way, eh?

From Russia with love,
Из России с любовью,

Sister Jones

March 9

2011-04-30T23:54:00.002-07:00

Hello all!

Hope you are all happy and well! SO relieved that Wendy is almost recovered. That sure was a scare. How grateful I am that I know the Lord is taking care of my family while I am gone. Mama, THANK you for the package that I received a few weeks ago. I forgot to thank you for it and I was absolutely tickled pink (and red, it was a Valentine's package, after all) to get it. I am so grateful for your constant support.

We've had a great week with lots of eventful little happenings. We celebrated (well, Russia did) two holidays: Maslonitsa and Women's Day, two big holidays! It was so fun to see their traditions come out. Maslonitsa is actually more of a pagan tradition for them than a Orthodox holiday (like Halloween for us) and they just make blini all week! That is, Russian pancakes!! They represent the sun and it is their way of celebrating the coming of spring (they also apparently burn a dummy that represents winter, but I didn't get to witness that one, thankfully). Then, Women's Day! A tradition that was started by a famous woman here years ago who was Jewish and wanted to commemorate how Esther saved her people and how women all over the world make such a difference. I got a flower. I felt appreciated :) We also had some excitement concerning some of the sisters in the mission. One sister called me up and said that she can't handle her comp anymore, this isn't why she went on a mission, etc. etc. and that she wants to go home. Second time already (I went on a split with her two weeks ago to solve the same problem). President asked us to try to figure this out because we are sisters and can help them. This time, a split wasn't the answer...we had a lesson, just the four of us together. A very long lesson. It was pretty intense to say nothing else, and I must say...I am grateful for the companionships I've had. They are like heaven compared to theirs. They couldn't even look at each other! Hopefully they will be able to let the Lord heal their relationship and they can be friends and forget themselves to do His work. We are praying hard because we don't want that sister to go home. NOT ONE BIT.

Dad, you asked about Sis. Barash. She loves the BOM, Twilight, and Avril Lavigne. Really, that describes her. She and I have lots of fun joking around and having fun (when appropriate) and I love teaching with her because we work together with the Spirit and that ALWAYS feels great. I am learning a lot serving with her. Her parents just recently divorced and her family is now inactive (big switch from when she left on a mission), so please keep that in your prayers as well.

I mentioned that I had a great experience at the temple last week. I also noticed something different about John. Am I crazy? Was it someone else?

Well, we've got some interesting investigators interested in baptism. Our investigator, Natalya, wants to be baptized so badly and is awesome...but is homeless and that is a difficult situation as she searches for a place to live and earns money for it. Another we met at English club and taught her a few times after English club, etc., and she already wants to be baptized before we could pass her to the correct area. That's always a pleasant surprise for a companionship to receive! We are happy, but feel bad to have taken that teaching experience from those other sisters! And do you remember Anya Detkina? (Ash, please remove this part from the post on the blog cuz she reads it!) I have taught her and worked with her for a year now. She wants to be baptized! It's a whole long miracle of how it came about, but I'll tell you that later.

Ash: have you contacted Laura Clayton at all by chance? We talked about living together but I haven't the foggiest idea of how she is or if she graduated. Let me know if you get the chance.

I could really use your prayers this week for me to receive inspiration and revelation with Sis. Barash. President asked us to do a training at zone conference on working through adversity and reaching our goal of one baptism per companionship per transfer. I love teaching, but I'm a little nervous because I really want to say exactly what the Lord wants expressed. We'll be training on Tuesday and Thursday of next week, so it should be fun! If you have any thoughts, I could add them to at least Thursday's training, so send them my way. I also am helping the Packards with their specialized training on using visuals as you teach and will present something that I have used to help me teach the Restoration. I am way pumped for that!! Ash, marry Dallas Packard for pete's sake just so that we can be related to them, will ya? Okay, fine, date Todd :)

Ash and Mom...if you have all the paperwork, I would love for you to sign up for my classes for me. I'd prefer not to do it and think too much about home, quite honestly. I for sure want to take my Russian classes and my major and minor classes...whatever you can get for me is great. My declared major is still humanities with a minor in English and I don't want that...I want a major in English only. I am not sure how to switch that, but I'm sure it's complicated :) hahaha just kidding. Let me know if I can help but I would SO appreciate you doing that instead of me doing it here!!

Mom...of COURSE I have a Russian Christmas ornament! I have two, actually. :)

Did I mention that our mission of sisters is officially half Russian speakers, half Americans? Go Russians!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was reading Mosiah 18:30 and was thinking about why he kept repeating Mormon: the waters of Mormon, valley of Mormon, etc. I personally came to the conclusion that even places can become holy to us through the Savior and His Atonement. We know that it was through their conversion that they could find that happiness...and it all happened in that place and it became precious to them. That's how I feel about Moscow. I have gained a deep love for this place and people because of the spiritual experiences and miracles I have witnessed here. How grateful I am for that opportunity! I am loving every day here.

Thank you for your support and love. Mni. 8:3

Love love love,

Sis. Jones

March 2

2011-04-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

1-This is us walking to the Kiev temple for an endowment session! Yep, our last visa trip. We spent an HOUR in the Celestial room. Shastye. Happiness. Every person I love has their name on that temple prayer roll. I also loved reading Mosiah 5:12 again in the temple!

2-Our visa trip group! Best group ever!

3-Me on the main street of Kiev holding birds. That's what I do best. We went sight-seeing for a while and then bounced to a cafe to have some yummy Ukrainian pizza.

4-Ukrainian pizza is suspiciously similar to American pizza except there is less cheese and bread and more meat...welcome to Eastern Europe.

Well, as suggested in the subject of this email, spring is peeking around the corner of winter and shyly making tiptoe steps toward Eastern Europe. The last few weeks have been SO cold...we got down to -25 during the day and -30 at night. Now that's a party! The past two days, though, puddles have appeared everywhere and all you can hear is dripping instead of workers chipping at layers of ice on the ground.

Other news: rumor has it in Ukraine that this next conference there will be a particularly exciting announcement at conference...of a certain stake being announced that would mean something to us hear in Moscow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if that is for sure, but I am hoping and praying.

I plan to include Wendy in my fast this week...totally blew me away to hear about all the trials our family has experienced the past little bit. You guys really are growing through trials!

Please fast for Lilia, Katya, Anya, Nastya, Natalya, and Iryena.

Joseph Smith defined his family as "kindred according to the flesh whoa re entwined around our hearts." I read that this week and thought of all of you.

2011-02-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Sister Jones' version of the three singing sisters from Saturday Night Live - not sure where she got that hand.

They found an old Russian village one freezing day... gorgeous picture.

Red Square

If you've seen Val Kilmer in "The Saint," you should recognize this river.

Wearing bunny ears at an investigators apartment.

Sister Barash has a thing for Edward and begged Sister Jones to let her put up the poster for one week... Sister Jones just doesn't understand it.

"Me trying holodyets for the first time...a Russian dish that is...well, meat jello. As in meat fat jelly with bits of meat in it. It's the famous dish missionaries avoid but that I was pumped to try to say I've weathered it! It's not bad on Lyuba's homemade bread."

Feb 23

2011-02-23T09:38:00.001-08:00

Fam! Hey!

Things are awesome. Seriously. The work is going so well. We attended Zone Leader Conference yesterday and had quite a revelatory experience together. I loved it. We made some cool decisions for the mission and are really trying to go forward with this idea of sacrifice for the mission...everyone can give something up in order to more sanctify ourselves and have a greater portion of the Spirit with us in order to be sensitive to His promptings in what to do and where to go to FIND our next baptism. We have gained some amazing new investigators that I think are really promising...one through English club, one through a member, one showed up to church and said that she was almost baptized years ago but it didn't happen and now she wants to go through the lessons again and be baptized, etc. We haven't set a date with her, yet, because she's HOMELESS and we're trying to figure out those complications of what that means for her. Her name is Natalia and she is a sweetheart with two sons. In addition, I must say that it has been an amazing experience to contact everywhere on every form of transportation...it is pretty unusual and Russians don't usually communicate on transportation in general, but it sure is fun getting them talking.

Oh hey, by the way:

-You are enxiously engaged in a good cause...busy busy busy! Yay!

- I've realized how I've kind of grown on the mission. I'm learning to be happy even when things don't go the way I want them and it sure is more pleasant to live! When something disappointing happens, oh well. Shake it off and step up...and remember that the Lord understands it all and went through a lot worse so why not just be happy?

- I know you all love me crazy a lot and I never ever doubt that. I'm pretty sure I am the most loved missionary ever.

Spiritual Stuff:

Romans 12:21--this is what I'm working on with myself right now. I'm trying to rid myself of bad habits, but in order to be successful, I have to fill the bad things with good things. Just like when Dad tells people that in order to quit drinking their 10 Cokes a day, find another healthy alternative to drink or else it will be impossible. Fill our lives with GOOD so that we don't have room for the bad!!

1 Pet. 3:15--Love this. I love explaining to Russians why I'm so happy. I love seeing Russian members of the Church versus average, solemn Russians. The Gospel makes us happy. I love v. 16-17 too.

Dad, was it Aristotle who said something like "The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know anything." Ring a bell?

Also, I never heard an answer from anyone. What are your thoughts...is there sin in the spirit world? I read 1 Pet. 3:19 hinting of it because in spirit prison they were disobedient when the Savior preached to them. But in paradise? Will we be tempted (cuz our goal is paradise!!!) How much of the veil will be removed for those learning the Gospel in the next life?

We had the patriarch here this weekend to give patriarchal blessings to all. He is from America but speaks fantastic Russian and he was so inspiring. Did I ever mention that in Moscow we have every tribe of Israel present?? Is that not fulfillment of prophecy?! Sooo cool to talk to members and hear from what lineage they come.

I can't believe how many people are getting married! Didi and Kasey are official!!! Alex Skousen! Landon Taylor! So happy. Cat, thanks for your letter! I love you all. Ash, keep dating and keep me updated hehehehe can't wait to read your emails.

Fam, please know that you are in my prayers, especially Wendy. I can't imagine that spunky thing to be anything less than feeling the best and it kills me to think of her in pain, especially the pain she's been in. I am praying like crazy for her and will fast for her this week.

From Russia with love,

Из России с любовью,

Sis. Jones

Feb 16

2011-02-23T09:35:00.001-08:00

Oh hey, fam!

Boy, did I have a week. So many stories, so little time. To begin, however, I wanted to wish Trevor a

HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope your day will be fantastic!!

Brandon, I hope yours was awesome! My prayers are with Wendy...I'll send some hugs and extra blessings her way, deal? Air, that goes for your sick family, too. What's with the sickies lately? We just got through a big bout of the flu in Moscow, too. I seemed to evade it pretty well...got a little bit sick, but no flu or anything bad. BLESSING.

Basically, I have some gifts awaiting the boys of the family :) Sorry that I've never sent birthday presents...I'm just too nervous to send stuff from here. I've heard too many horror stories and figured I'll give you stuff in person, deal? You too, Jordan!

Look up DC 123:17 and then read this quotation of the week:

If I only think of my own performance, my sadness deepens. But when I remember that the Lord promised that His power would go with me, I begin to look for evidence of what He has done in the lives of the people I am to serve. I pray to see with spiritual eyes the effects of His power. -Eyring

This quotation helped me sooo much this past week. I stand all amazed at the fact that the Lord needs ME and my strengths and weaknesses in the calling He gave me in Moscow. I'm never going to be perfect, but I can be enough. I can be an instrument in His hands to do HIS miracles here! I just thought about you, family, with all of your responsibilities and callings and I have so much faith that the Lord is working through us to do some amazing things to further His work on the earth to prepare for that great day. Keep it up!

We had zone conference this week and I pretty much got the boost I need to finish out the mission on a high. I am soooo excited. Basically, President Lawrence of the district presidency came and spoke--but first his wife threw down on some deep doctrine about the House of Israel and I have a exploding passion now for the 13 tribes of Israel (yes, thirteen! Joseph got two helpings of his estate--Manasseh AND Ephraim. NOW you tell me.) I loved it. We even talked about the traits of the different tribes and where the symbols of the tribes are found in the Bible and I have so enjoyed studying it. I found a new passion! Sweet. Then President Lawrence explained to us exactly what we need to do to reach our very high baptism goal this year. The key is sacrifice. So...we are going on a 40 day fast. We are giving up something (or doing something extra) for 40 days to bring forth the miracles we need. I decided to make the goal of talking to someone on EVERY mode of transportation I ride--and for anyone who has lived in Moscow, that's quite a challenge. I am so pumped. Unfortunately, Satan is not so pumped, and I've been amazed by the challenges we've faced, even the second day of it. The evening comes and we are going to an investigator's house...on the metro, a creepy man was taking advantage of the very crowded metro and was more than a bit inappropriate to me so we luckily got off for a transfer to another train and ran away. We sit down after several minutes of running around to a few different trains and...who sits down next to me, smiling? Creep. We immediately ran and left him on the train, but I was pretty shaken up. Thank you for your prayers...amazing how the Lord keeps us safe. Your prayers helped us evade that man! We got to the investigator's house and were surprised when our drinks tasted a bit off. They weren't familiar with the Word of Wisdom and...when it's cold outside in Russia, the natural thing is to drink alcohol to warm you up. SO GROSS. That was a long day and Satan was working hard to deter us from our goal. Thankfully, we have the Lord on our side...the winning side!

Mom, Elder Lex's family is planning on us the first week of July. Is that about accurate? They can show us around, etc. if we want. They are excited. I got your letter of the talk! I haven't read the full talk yet, but am hoping to read it tonight. THANK YOU! I absolutely DIED over my package. Holy cow. Soooo awesome. I just poured over every announcement and Christmas card and I couldn't believe how everyone has changed. Strange how people grow, huh? Thank you for the shirt. Perfect for Valentine's Day! Sis. Barash made her famous homemade cake for me and we were each others' Valentines. Awwww, cute/cheesy. Hope you all celebrated! Russians don't get much of a kick out of Valentines Day...I didn't see many bouquets, but I did see one guy with one on the metro and I told him he was a good jobber: Молодец! That made him smile bashfully and I got a kick out of it. I just love Russians. My favorite is to get a stranger talking about the weather here...they love that topic and then tell me I should be wearing a hat. I can usually use the excuse that I'm from America and don't know better and then can explain WHY I'm here...hehehe sneaky Sis. Jones.

Man, things are just SO good. Really. I'm so happy right now. I love my mission. I love that I understand Russian and I that I am working hard and Sis. Barash and I found out we'll be together for another transfer (yay!) and stay as training sisters (yay!). After my bout as a training sister for half of my mission and the other half that was spent in Kahovski, I will have one transfer left to train a new greenie...but where? That will be the mystery for next transfer! It's pretty crazy that I am still in my second area. I'm not complaining, that's for sure. I love both of the branches in which I've served.

K, this week is scripture week. So much I've learned. Get ready.

1 Nephi 4:13 Ummm am I just an airhead and I never understood the symbolism of this verse? It is better for one Man to perish than for an entire nation to dwindle and perish. We're not just talking about Laban here, are we?

1 Ne. 7 can't remember the verse but where Nephi asks for power to break the bands but the next verse the Lord just loosens them for him. Why? Nephi was ready to look awesome and break the bands, but the Lord had a simpler way in mind. Sometimes the Lord answers us in different, humbler ways than we expect. But, cool that Nephi was ready to act and do his part. Good job, Nephi.

Matt. 6:22 If you want a thing bad enough, you'll get it (Dad, reference to determination poem!)

Alma 17:2-3 I love that word waxed. I think of Dad dipping candles, one dip at a time, the way we slowly grow. SO COOL.

Missionaries teach 3 things: doctrine (what is it), application (how to do it), and the principle (why we need it). Sometimes we forget the principle!!

LOVE YOU ALL, FAMILY! Pray for you many times a day.

I love Russia and I love the Savior!

From Russia with love,

Из России с любовью,

Sis. Jones

Feb 2

2011-02-23T09:34:00.001-08:00

Well, family, it's me yet again! Things are going--can you guess--great! Sis. Barash is doing a lot better this week. Her parents just finalized their divorce and her dad and brother have been inactive for a while and she recently received word that her mom decided to stop going to church at the new year (great resolution, eh?) We saw her mom in the temple at our last visa trip. Amazing how Satan can work on you and weaken your testimony so much in a short time. Sis. Barash is doing well with it, though, and it's moving from me pulling her along in the work to us walking side by side. That's always nice. She doesn't eat vegetables or spicy food so that is the place we don't agree :) We get comments all the time of how I'm Russian and she's American because I don't like sugar in my tea; she has to have it. She doesn't like garlic or beets or cabbage or kefir or kvass; I love it. Russians think it's hilarious. She is really helping my Russian, too. I can dream in Russian now and I can get mistaken for a Russian every once in a while when I strike up a conversation--so that's HAPPY. One of our new sisters in the mission, Sis. Carlson, is really having a hard time with the language. I was on an exchange with her and we had a really long language study and I retaught the basics to her that you learn in the MTC. She said that she had learned more in the past 10 minutes than in the past 3 months in the MTC. Sis. Elistratova is definitely getting her English practice training her! Sis. Carlson is a fabulous missionary--we some great lessons and she immediately brought the Spirit so strongly the moment she began to testify in her broken Russian. Amazing how the Lord simply uses us as tools--we are weak and imperfect and yet he works miracles through the weak things! I see that every day as the Lord works through my innumerable weaknesses to do good things. We had a few sweet miracles this week--a member from my old branch in Kakhovski randomly called me Saturday morning and said that she has a friend who is not a member an who wants to know more and is going to the central meeting house today. She wanted me to teach her and be friends with her. Ummmm OKAY! It was a great meeting. Her mom is a Jehovah's Witness but she never liked it herself and she hasn't been into religion like her mom ever since. We taught her about God and the Restoration and she was fascinated...we'll see where that goes. She left town that night but will be back in a week and wants to come to some youth activities. Another miracle happened with an inactive member named Alyona. She was baptized a year ago and immediately went inactive...we have been visiting her for a while and she is now coming to church and institute and activities without me having to call her. I definitely count that a miracle. Her countenance has changed from always being sad and quiet to smiling and laughing and talking to people (Aubree, you know what a miracle this is!). I can't tell you how happy it is to see things like this, family. I also had a fun miracle--Alina, the baptism several months ago? She went to school in Florida and is now back!! She is doing great. It was pretty hard for a new member to move to a party school in Florida, but she never drank or got crazy with boys. SO PROUD OF HER. We have some strenghthening to do with her testimony, but that's something I'm happy to do.

Well, I got my death papers (papers to get ready to go home). May 12 is my release date and I'll fly home the next morning I guess. Blech. I have a whole lot to do before we get to that point! It's kind of annoying to see the entire mission getting trunky. Within the next few months, about 60% of the mission will be going home and have new missionaries. We need to train these new missionaries well so that the work doesn't slow in our preparation for a stake and temple. In preparation, actually, our entire Moscow district of members and missionaries are starting a NEW BOM challenge. Starting yesterday, 5 pages a day, finish by the end of May (my goal is to finish before the end of my mission) and we have to questions (at least the missionaries do) How does the Atonement affect/help me now in my life and situation today? and 2nd is our choice of a Christlike attribute I'd like to develop or challenge I want to overcome. Mine is charity and love. Join me if you want!!

I love you all. Hope all is well. You are in my prayers!!

Sis. jones

Kelsey's Homecoming

2011-02-23T09:33:00.001-08:00

It's official! Sister Jones' homecoming date (in church) is May 22 in Draper, UT.

Jan 26

2011-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello, loved ones!

This week has been a good one. Definitely learning a lot. Sis. Barash is helping my Russian so much and I'm pulling her along as we work really hard. I am pretty sure she is exhausted, but that's good. The work has been kind of mucking along slowly and I don't like that, so we need to pick things up and THAT, my dear ones, is exhilarating. Some miracles have happened this week which I recorded in my email to President:

Hey, President!

Hope you are doing well. We are working away in Rechnoy, little by little. We are working on strengthening our new converts and trying to get them callings so that they have a purpose in the branch, and we are having fun weeding out the good investigators from the so-so ones who meet with us because they like English or think we're cool. We fasted about our baptism this transfer and are confident that it is possible to find that one who is ready or prepare for some next transfer. We have spent a lot of time working through the area book and organizing so that it will be more effective to work in later. We have had a few little miracles this week. Leonid, a member in our branch, brought his non-member daughter and inactive wife to an activity last week and his daughter plays the piano very well...and we just happen to be in need of a good pianist for the spiritual thought next week when I sing and Elder Hansen plays the violin. Everyone needs to be needed, right? We're hoping that might make her feel accepted and welcome...and lead to good things. We also had an amazing miracle with a member in the branch named Galina. Her family has been protiv against the church for forever and she's never had missionaries over, but a few transfers ago, she asked Sis. Johnson and I to come over to teach some English to her non-member granddaughter. We did and later realized that it is not allowed, so we stopped but offered our recent convert, Lera, to teach her granddaughter. They are meeting twice a week--and Lera also went with me to their house as a mini-missionary. The granddaughter, Katya, loves us and Lera and was more interested. Our last meeting she sat in and listened a bit and added a few comments. We later talked to Galina and she expressed excitement that she thinks that Katya is opening up to the Gospel and slowly might be willing to take the lessons if we work through Lera. We are thrilled--and so is Galina and other women in the Relief Society who know her family. Interesting how a few little steps are enough for the Lord to work His mighty miracles--it is inspiring to have Him work through us.

We had another great exchange, this time with the Sokolniki sisters. I was able to serve with Sis. Visitiv and I had an awesome time with her. She is a very strong sister and was absolutely impressed by her pure love, obedience, and hard work. She has some small issues that await her at home concerning marriage and things, but she is able to keep going and focus on her mission, and really love it. She seems to be doing great with training, as well. Sis. Mordwinow is a hard worker and Sis. Barash loved her because she said she had a Russian attitude--she didn't fake anything. If she was tired or sad, she wasn't going to fake like she wasn't and Sis. Barash loved her. I got a kick out of that. Sis. Mordwinow is like the energizer bunny who just got released, so she's ready to go. SO great for our mission--and she is great with Sis. Visitiv. I have no worries about their area and work--those two sisters are working hard. The same can be said about Sis. Kmelinina and Martyanova. They are really working hard and trying to do everything they can. I was on an exchange with Sis. K and I sat down with her and organized the entire area book and discussed each investigator and member that I knew and helped her understand their needs. She was so grateful and excited to get calling them. I found the record of a former investigator with whom I had worked for nearly my entire time in Kahovski, and I decided to just give her a call. She answered (miracle) and was excited to hear from me (miracle) and said that she had just had a dream about me last night (miracle) and wanted to call me to see how I was (miracle) but that I had called her first (miracle). She asked if we could meet that evening (miracle) and we met with her and she said that she was doing well and wants to start coming to church on Sunday (miracle). Needless to say, I was astounded. I think that Sis. K was very excited as well. I was definitely supposed to go on a split with them that day. A tender mercy!

I look forward to our interview on Friday. It will be very helpful to talk to you about the sisters as well as get an idea about transfers and give you any help we can provide. Thank you for your support and love.

We love you!

Let us know how we can help.

Oh, also, I am SO THRILLED with the new topics for the BOM challenge! Thank you for such an opportunity.

Sis. Jones
You may have noticed that BOM challenge comment at the end. YES! We're doing it again!! Join in on it, family!!! We're starting with another new BOM and different pencil colors. Our two questions/themes as we read this time for a green and yellow pencil to highlight are 1. How does the Savior's Atonement affect me? 2. How can the Book of Mormon help me with a challenge I need to overcome or a Christlike attribute I need to develop?

Whoever is down, join in. Feb. 1 to May 31, 5 pages a day--but, my goal is to finish before I go home. Who's down?!

ASH! I got your cute package!! YAY!! I'm wearing the new belt and earrings right now. You will keep me stylin' forever. Thanks for the letter and the cute stuff. I was so excited!

So, Sis. Visitiv and I were on an exchange and she has read sooo much literature, especially Russian. I am soooo excited to read Russian literature when I get home! I also heard the Packards are reading The Silence of God or whatever that Russian book is called. Sweet!

Hope dinner is good with my companions!!

Love you all!!

Sis. Jones

Jan 11

2011-01-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hello all. It's me, Sis. Jones.

Breaking news from Moscow! President Nuenschuander (sp?) is serving as a regular missionary couple in Moscow! They are sending some amazing missionaries to this mission right now, seniors included, because we ALL know that there is a stake and then a TEMPLE headed this way!!!! I have the hardest time imagining going home because I feel like I need to be here to get this place ready for a temple...but I guess I'll just do all that I can now, eh?

Other news: we picked up the new missionaries today and, as tradition, took them to Red Square. Bad idea...the APs and I kind of laughed as we realized that today was not the day...we were met by several SWAT team cars and cop cars for an organized protest tonight. Yahoo!

Other news: Ash. You posted a New Years church video thing on your blog...the Packards loved it...they were helping us with a lesson with an inactive girl and we based our lesson on that video and it was AWESOME! Today is the first day of the rest of your life: Russian translation, Sevonya pyervi dyen ostodka tvoye zhizni! It was exactly what this girl needed...she had had a baby out of wedlock and felt ashamed to come back to church...but she just needs to stop looking back and look forward at this new year! Thanks for being inspired to share that one, because it effected Moscow :) PS. Keep in touch with Dallas...he's interested and although he just moved, things could still happen hehehe

Well, we sent Sis. Abram off to America and she is officially home! You HAVE to connect with her and Sis. Johnson for sure. YOU WILL LOVE THEM!! Will you make sure to add Sis. Johnson to the email list by the way? Ash, you may have to get her email through Facebook.

Well, I officially sing ALL the time here. They consider me talented and ask me all the time in church and stuff to sing. We did Savior Redeemer of my soul (an elder on the piano, the violin, and me singing) in sacrament meeting and surprise surprise...President Schweitzer and Lawrence showed up! They thanked me afterward and it was so neat to talk to them. They speak great Russian! I am also singing O Holy Night at a ward thing this Saturday which should be fun. But we'll see. :)

Ash, did you know an Elder Rudd in your mission? His little brother is my district leader right now. He knew you!

K, some business. We have three days for Russia in general, right? If that's it, then I would like to stay in Moscow the whole time just because...it's so quick! I know that St. Petersburg is beautiful, but it would just be awesome to have you all meet the wonderful people here and see the sights. Oh, and do we know the particular date yet? Elder Lex's family is planning on hosting us in Austria but they wanted to know the particular dates so they could plan on it. Can you believe that?! They speak English, but it will be fun for you guys to speak some GERMAN with them!

Well, I love you all. The missionary work is just awesome. I fasted this last week for some things and I can't believe the blessings we received. It was like the Lord just poured blessings down. Three new investigators this week...completely random, one through an inactive that we recently "activated." He loves His children, family. If I've learned anything on my mission, I've learned that He loves us.

You're in my prayers.

Sis. Jones

Jan 5

2011-01-18T10:04:00.001-08:00

Hey fam!

Okay, I've not a lot of time to write you, but you can know that I am doing sooo great. It's been a heck of a challenge working without a companion, but it's been pretty neat learning to depend on my most important companion, the Spirit. It's been a wonderful Christmas season that is still continuing (Christmas is the 7th) and we had a wonderful zone conference where we shared what we'd learned from the BOM. We finished! Did anyone else in the fam take that challenge with me? I know Mom, you did! I was reading a few days ago in Ether and found a new treasure that might be old news to some but for me was astounding. I was reading in the second chapter and noticed as always that the Lord gave the brother of Jared the instructions of how to build the ship, how to have air, etc. BUT, as we all know, he purposely had him figure out the light situation. I sat back in my chair and thought about WHY the Lord wanted him to think about where the source of light would come from. The Lord wanted Him to recognize that the source of light was HIM. I am still in the formulating stages and studying it more, but I just love the BOM.

Love you all!

Header picture

2011-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

And FYI on the blog header picture... the one with the man's arm around Sister Jones, this is Sister Jones' explanation of the picture:

"We went souvenir shopping this morning and this man put a hat on my head and offered to get a picture with me...and slipped his arm around me....not allowed..."

As much as it isn't allowed for the guy to have his arm around her, it sure is a great picture!! :)

Christmas Presents

2011-01-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

Sister Jones sent some Christmas presents home for the family... we opened them up and took some pictures to send her. She LOVED the pictures and we LOVED the presents!! We sure miss our Sister Jones! It was amazing getting to talk to her on Christmas day - we actually got to Skype with her! She looks GREAT. She has received her official release date: May 12. Only four and a half months away!! YAY!!! That's the best Christmas present we could have asked for.

Gifts from Sister Jones:
Amazing Russian aprons
Nativity set
Fairytale book
Funny Russian t-shirts

12-31-10

2011-01-01T09:28:00.001-08:00

Happy NEW YEAR everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you all made fabulous New Year's resolutions! We talked about new years traditions as we ate as sisters at President's last night and listened to Russian traditions, Ukranian, and American traditions. I mentioned how we usually have to have some sort of chocolate or ice cream for someone who hasn't been eating it all year long because of their LAST year's resolution and they all looked at me bug-eyed. Our family is very disciplined, apparently. hahahaha. Sis. Abram is getting ready to go home...and that will bring us down to I think 4 American sisters here in the mission. Pretty fun! The holidays here have been absolutely fantastic. My tongue is constantly burned from always drinking tea that is wayyy too hot but that's all that Russians drink here and it's wonderful...how will I live without it when I'm home? I'm convinced Russians have leather tongues and can drink their boiling tea with ease. I'm almost to that point. I'm also a little shaken up by the fact that NO ONE is out on the streets today. New Years is truly THE holiday in Russia. The fireworks were blowing off last night and everyone today is home--everything is closed. People are working out their hangovers now....hhehehe. Love you, Russia. Things have been a bit challenging working without a companion...I must admit. It's been really good for me to just take the bull by the horns and be totally in charge of my branch, but it is a bit tiring. I will be happy to have a naparnitsa (sister companion) again. There was a murder in the apartment building next door to us that we just found out about...we will be especially careful walking home hahaha. I love the crazy stories I am collecting. We still can't wear our nametags yet because of the protesting but we're hoping soon...it sure makes getting new investigators difficult!
SO GLAD you got my gifts!!!! I might have shed a tear seeing the picture of you with the gifts. I was JUST holding those!! I picked those all out for the girls (again, apologies for not sending anything to the guys!!!! I didn't know what to get!!!) Ash, you're welcome to some t-shirts...I will keep my eye out for Christmas stuff, mom, because it won't be there in July.
How long is our trip going to be??
Gotta go! No time!

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sis. Jones

Recent pictures

2011-01-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Sister Jones' birthday with the other missionaries in her area...

Celebrating with cake on P-Day

Sister Johnson's farewell dinner at President's home.

Sister Johnson and Jones with members.

Thanksgiving dinner with Elder and Sister Packard

Sister Jones with her mini-companion to see The Nutcracker!

Sister Jones and her district went to Ukraine for their Visa trip... and they got to do a session at the Kiev Temple!

Water definitely freezes over there.

"This is Anton. I love Anton. I cooked with his mother and we had a deep Gospel conversation with her while he sat watching us with that face. HAAHAHAHA I love Russians! How can I express that more clearly?!"

Sis. Johnson got boots, hat, and gloves gifted to her from a baboushka. Hilarious. Check out my coat!

The girl in the black hat and light jeans is Tanya... a new baptism. Yay!

12-22-10

2011-01-01T09:00:00.003-08:00

1-We went souvenir shopping this morning (we'll talk on my phonecall about what you all want!!) and this man put a hat on my head and offered to get a picture with me...and slipped his arm around me....not allowed...

2-WE WENT TO THE NUTCRACKER AT THE KREMLIN FOR CULTURE NIGHT!!!!!!! MY DREAM CAME TRUE!!!! Remember how almost exactly one year ago on my birthday we saw it and I promised myself I'd see the real Russian Nutcracker? I was so happy I teared up when it started. Pretty good birthday present.

3-a snapshot of the action

4-This is me with Lera...my mini missionary who got baptized about 2 months ago, remember? She's awesome.

5-Tanya's BAPTISM!!!! Can you believe it?! She is just awesome. It worked out perfectly and Sis. Johnson's mom got to attend! They came right before it started in time. When she received the Holy Ghost and then came to Relief Society third hour, they asked her how she felt when she received it and (to my surprise because she's really quiet) she said that she immediately felt warm and like she wanted to only do good things and never sin again. I am pretty sure I couldn't ask for more on my birthday. She is amazing. Coolest part? The mission made a goal last year of 60 baptisms for the following year. According to our faith, we made it...and guess who's baptism was the official 60th baptism? :) Miracle. We had two more that same day so we exceeded our goal...when only in August we had about 20. The Lord is working through this mission.

6-Sis. Elistratova and Barash at Sis. Johnson's farewell dinner at President's house. She's gone! It's official. I miss her so much but the work must go on! LOVE YOU SIS JOHNSON

MERRY CHRISTMAS FAMILY!!

Today is my birthday! Sweet. We went to the souvenir rinok this morning and I bought some great stuff for all of you! Now we're headed to the Packards because they invited me and some other missionaries over to celebrate my birthday together. SO SWEET. I am so excited to talk to you! Plan for calling you is to just call Christmas night...so for you Christmas morning. Deal? President said to keep it to a reasonable amount of time...like not 4 hours or anything crazy. I think we can do that. I will call the home number and then I would love to call the other family members not home after that if possible. I don't have their numbers but can get them then. Hope all is well and that you're enjoying the Christmas season. We sure are here. We had an awesome Christmas concert last weekend for all who wanted to come...English clubbers, members, investigators...and it was fantastic and so filled with the Christmas Spirit. I loved watching the First Presidency Christmas Devo...I felt that true Christmas spirit. Plus, seeing Nutcracker was pretty much the coolest thing ever and I will never forget it...especially at the Kremlin on Red Square! Cool thing was it was only 350 rubles or about 15 American dollars. Not bad.

Things are going with the whole no-companion thing. It's pretty frustrating going from a mini to being in a threesome with Sis. Barash and Elistratova and not getting to focus on investigators like I'd like, but OH well...I'm doing the best I can! It's Christmas, so I can't complain. Christmas Eve we will be having a day-long party as a mission and then Christmas day will be a work day...which I supported when we decided that at Zone Leader Conference because...c'mon...how better can you spread the Christmas spirit than by giving the best give there is to offer--the Gospel? I am excited. We have not been able to wear our nametags because of some riots in Moscow because of soccer fans who killed some people. We're keeping safe, don't worry :)

The work is going well. I am just loving this time here. I can't wait for all of you to fall in love with Russia and the people the way I have. It sounds like you are all doing fantastically--your pictures are like they came from a magazine. Who is this gorgeous family?! Love you all. Merry Christmas and talk to you on Christmas!

From Russia with love,
От России с любовью,

Sis. Jones

12-15-10

2011-01-01T09:00:00.001-08:00

Deck the bows with bells of holly, fa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra!

I forgot my camera today...sorrrrrry!!!!! Next week!

Happy Holidays, dear ones!

Well, although the Russian Christmas isn't until January, we are still celebrating in many ways! We have a Christmas concert this Saturday for anyone who wants to attend...members, investigators, English clubbers, etc. and it is going to be AWESOME! I am in a special choir and we have several songs we're singing and it will be fantastic. The weather is great...they had such a dreadful winter last year and it's cheaper to keep the snow from falling than deal with it on the roads, so they actually fly planes in the air over the actual city of Moscow and put chemicals in the air to keep it from getting too cold and to slow the snowfall. So...no complaints here! It got cold for a while, but right now it's manageable. I don't know how long they'll be able to hold off the real cold, but right now it's not too bad. Who knew you could stop snow? It's sooo fun when it snows, though, family. We call the snyeg (snow) here "Skazka snyeg" "Fairytale snow" because it's nothing like Utah clumps of white. They are tiny tiny gorgeous little seperate snowflakes that fall and look so beautiful--like real snowflakes! It is so gorgeous. Wish you could enjoy a Russian winter with me, but I am SO glad you all enjoyed Dad's birthday together in the temple. Ah! I'll bet it was amazing. All of your names are on the temple prayer roll in Kiev again, so you're good for two weeks :) Buckle up for some major blessings. I'm still with Sis. Johnson and tomorrow is her last day officially. She is having her goodbye dinner tomorrow and then she'll meet up with her mom and brother and I'll meet up with Lera, the girl we baptized at the beginning of our transfer together and she'll be my companion for a few days and then I'll meet up with Sis. Elistratova and Sis. Barash. They are awesome and I look forward to the good times ahead. We had an absolutely AMAZING time at Sisters' Conference, family. I'm serious. It was fabulous. Everything went according to plan and the Spirit was just like wildfire it was burning so strong. We definitely felt the "vibrating feelings of the Spirit" as Elder Busche calls it. We had Sis. Sorenson open by introducing our theme, Sisters of Covenant, and talk about us preparing not just to be wonderful sister missionaries, but strong women in the church. President then made some great remarks about why sisters are needed in the mission field...what we bring to the table that is special and our special roles as women. It was very powerful. I shared some coments from various elders in the mission about their opinions on why sisters are needed and what they do and also shared an Elder Holland power quotation about sister missionaries. Woo! Then Sis. Johnson and I did our first training on unity, starting out by singing "Baby It's Cold Outside" but singing the parts at the same time so that it sounded awful. The sisters and senior sisters got a kick out of it and we talked about what happened afterward. What went wrong?? Ohhhh we weren't working together! Even though we both have great parts that sound good, if we don't work together it will never sound good, will it? We then sang the second verse correctly and they loved it, then we 1 Ne. 19:23ed it and applied it to our lives. We had three main points: unity in companionships, unity in working with elders, and unity in the mission. We split into groups and gave them different situations to handle that are REAL situations...if your comp is driving you crazy or isn't keeping the rules but you don't want to mess up your friendship or you are exhausted and you aren't adding anything to the companionship or you are doing everything, etc. Really good problem solving together and it was great and effective. Then...working with elders. We split again and gave other situations...working with families or women and how to split up investigators among us...we have new rules in the mission now so it can be crystal clear who is whose. We also talked specifically about FLIRTING. Because of the close areas we have in the mission, we have had some problems among the missionaries flirting (pretty much just the Russian missionaries unfortunately) and we gave specific situations and what to do about them. We had to lay down the law a bit and mention the seriousness of such a situation and that it can lead to missionaries going home. NOT good. But we are hoping they got the point and there will be some changes made. Then we talked about unity in the mission...no talking about other companionships...no comparing...no gossiping. I taught them the TKU principle, is it kind, true, and useful? THEN you can say it. They liked that.

Then we had brunch, Sis. Sorenson introduced the new dress standards (HALLELUJAH!!!!) of wearing cute flats, backpacks aren't allowed for sisters anymore, but cute purses, stylish clothes, COLORS are good, and jewelry. So nice. So...if you go shopping, grab me anything you find! Cute/colorful skirts and shirts :) Then we had asked two of the senior sisters, Sis. Packard and Overly, to do a training on transferring from being a sister missionary to life after the mission and then one on being a strong women in the church throughout your life, respectively. They were phenominal and exactly what sisters needed. Then we presented our second training on the root of Christian doctrine...the Atonement. We started by handing out Oreos (special treat in Russia!!) to everyone and they were thrilled...until they saw that the cream filling had been removed. They complained that it wasn't an Oreo without the filling...that it was missing the most important part. We stressed the everyone loves chocolate, who needs the filling?! Then...we applied it again. Awesome. What's the creme filling? The SAVIOR AND HIS ATONEMENT. We shared some awesome quotations and scriptures to illustrate how it's the center of everything...and gave them a challenge to apply every lesson to the Atonement until the end of the transfer and we'll talk about it at the end. We want these sisters to strengthen not only the investigators, but to understand how important the Savior is and that it's through HIM that we can become women of covenant and it's through HIM that none of us will ever lose the faith and we'll see each other in the Celestial Kingdom again. It was awesome. We ate together and then went back to work!

I contacted an amazing girl last week at English club...one of those "Oh, well I'm Buddhist, just so you know." I delved deeper about her beliefs and she admitted that she didn't totally know about it and believe it. Her brother is Russian Orthodox but doesn't live it either, and then I asked her about life after this life and what was before. She admitted she had no idea and I offered to meet sometime about it. It was one of those moments when I just felt like such a MISSIONARY and felt such power in the message I had to share with her. I cannot wait to meet with her!!

Tanya is AWESOME. Don't even worry, she still attends FHE and institute and all the activities and church and her baptism is this Saturday and she just can't wait. We are thrilled. She is quiet, but is making friends steadily every activity. We are sooo happy to have found her...or that she found us :)

Family, I hope you are soooo joyful this holiday season. I love you. I am so grateful for your support and love. It makes all the difference. You are in my prayers! Keep praying that we'll find another elect person and that everything will work out with my crazy companionships coming up!

From Russia with love,
От России с любовью,

Sis. Jones

12-8-10

2011-01-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

Sister Jones' new jacket!

12-8-10

2011-01-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well, hey fam!

It's me, your fave missionary. I have soooo many stories and so little time. Quickly, Tanya is doing swimmingly. She goes to FHE Monday, Insitute Tuesday, English Wednesday, meets with us Thursday and Friday (or tries to usually) and goes to the baptisms and sports day with us Saturday and church on Sunday. She...loves it. She is loving the Church and the happiness it brings her. She is completely different than when she first met us. She smiles and laughs and is hugging and loving everyone. Amazing what the Gospel does, eh?

On the way out for the day, we were walking through a park to get to the metro. A drunk man staggered to us and started talking to us (this happens nearly once a day so no big). He says drunkenly and loudly, "I've been drunk for a straight month, and the whole time I've asked myself, 'Кто ты такой?' Who are you?" Sis. Johnson can't help it and starts answering the questions about the Gospel helping him find out. Teaching drunks is not effective...something you learn quickly here. He surprises us by asking if we're Mormons (smart drunk!) and I explain a little bit and try to move along. He sees me smile and says, looking at my teeth, "Свои?" "Are those your own teeth?" I tapped them with my finger and assured him they were mine, trying not to laugh. He then says, "I had a woman once who had teeth like yours. You're not allowed to have teeth like that. You should have teeth like these!" and he proceeds to bare his teeth at me. Remember in Aladdin that part when Jafar is the old man and he bares his teeth to Aladdin? Yep. Like that, except worse because, family, this man had been drunk for a month. I assure you he hadn't brushed in that time as well. His teeth can't even be called yellow. They were brown. And jaggedy. He tried to kiss us and asked for at least a hug and we left...so happy to have yet another entertaining story to tell our grandchildren (if that story is even allowed to tell children?). There you go.

We had a day of miracles yesterday. We left early to meet with a recent baptism, Nadyezhda. When we came in, we found her with Emergency Care wiping up blood and getting her out the door. She begged us to get the elders to her to give her a blessing and we went to work to get everyone in the know. She has high blood pressure and began bleeding from the nose that morning and it didn't stop all day. Three days before, a member from Ekaterineburg had moved in to her place and she was so happy to see us. She told us to share spiritual thought pleaseee because she needed it. She told us to not ask us about her past...but later showed us a picture of her two sons still in Ekat. ?? We sang for her and then I pulled out the Russian BOM and shared a thought on the Atonement I'd found a bit ago that I thought might help her in Alma 61:9(Beej, it was along the lines of what you said about Pahoran!! I had just studied that when I got your letter and noticed the Atonement in there!! Thanks so much for your thoughts.) She just wept and said that was what she needed. We then taught a family after that...who began asking us about reincarnation and "energies and auras." Twilight zone stuff, I call it. The mother said she just wanted to know more about the little Gospel concepts that we don't know much about. I was fed up with their comments and smacked DOWN, family. I have to admit, I may have lost patience a tiny bit and just said it. I prayed inside to know what to say and I shared a translation I had made of two quotations of the Atonement (Packer and Joseph Smith from the Griffith talk!) and then shared Jacob 4:12 and 14. I told them about the wonderful fruit we may find on the tree, but that if we don't feed the ROOT or understand the Atonement and build our relationship with the Savior, then the tree will die. They were missing the mark. We finished reading that scripture and the mom was nodding her head, getting it. Phew. Dealt with that. Later that night we went to visit the sick one in the hospital. Remind me to tell you about Russian healthcare sometime. Umm...ya.

MOM! Packages!! AMAZING!! Just got the conference talks today. Love the honey stix (yes, Ash, remember smoking them!), my favorite pens, all the Christmas letters I'm still opening gradually, and the clothes. You are the best. Thank you so so so much. I can't express it! We ate chips and salsa for dinner last night. Yep.

Sisters Conference is tomorrow!!!!!! I will tell you how it went next week, but our schedule is amazing. Sis. Johnson and I will be teaching some very needed trainings and we'll talk about new standards, companionships, unity, how to deal with after the mission and being good women in the church, etc. AWESOME.

Mom and Dad and Ashley--keep in contact with the Packards!!!!!! They will tell you anything you want to know! Just so you know.

I love you all. Things are great and I'm busy and loving it.

From Russia with love,

От России с любовью,

Sis. Jones

12-1-10

2011-01-01T08:55:00.001-08:00

Hello dear loved ones. It's me!

Alright, first of all, you know when you jump into a cold pool on a hot day and it's kind of breathtaking/shocking/horrible/exhilarating/necessary? That can be applied to Russia's weather right now. We had a mild November and then BOOM we just dove into the negatives. This morning was -25 C so like a few negative in F or something I think. All I know is that it is quite chilllly! It's been pretty fun discovering that your nosehairs freeze everytime you breathe in and if you breathe into your scarf and the breath goes in your face, your eyelashes get frosted. SWEET. I'll take a picture sometime to show you all. Mom, don't worry, I bought a sweeeet poofy coat with fur and it's bright and happy...and I have hand warmers...and boots...I'm still plenty cold, but hey, it's Moscow, not Maui, right?

And colorful long sleeve warm anything? We just got notified from Moscow district that they are changing rules and sisters are to wear colors and dress nicely...as in not like Russian Orthodox blacks and browns all the time anymore. Mission rules are changing, hallelujah! Hope all is well with you. Things are hopping here in Rechnoy--we are working hard. We had yet another miracle. Two, actually. Elena's baptism was Saturday and met with Tanya afterward and committed her to baptism. She is just a miracle. She is the one who saw me on the metro and asked me what my tag was, I invited her to English club, she came, I taught her with Sis. Champenois when we were on an exchange, she came to church, I taught her again on another exchange with a strong member, and then Sis. Johnson and I were able to meet with her a few more times after church and then Saturday when we met with the Packards (our branch senior couple). There we invited her to baptism and she accepted. Just one of God's elect who is so ready. We are curious to see if her family is interested as well...we'll work on that. For now, though, we are looking forward to the 18th of December. So happy that she can be changing her life and coming to Christ. Strangely, when I met her on the metro I was sure I knew her from somewhere...she looked familiar. Now I realize that it was just from the preexistence! A great experience for me. Thank you for your prayers. They are so felt here! Keep praying for Elena and Sasha, mom and daughter, who are receiving the lessons from and and Sasha wants to be baptized we think but Elena is a little slower and careful (she is a good mom). Please keep Tanya in your prayers, too, as she prepares for baptism!!

Sis. Johnson is continuing to prepare for her departure but staying as focused as possible. We work hard together. We look forward to Zone Leader Conference tomorrow (Sis. Sorenson feeds us well!) I absolutely LOVE being around President. He is just the President I imagined a mission president to be. When he talks about the scriptures, I just write furiously and learn so much. He is sooo kind and non-judgmental. He loves sister missionaries SO much--so appreciated. His daughter was a training sister in her mission, too, in the states and it inspired him to do the same. Sweet.

Some great happenings this week:

I taught a chicken recipe I created to a member and then we had a deep Gospel discussion afterward...about whether spirits are tempted in the spirit world. It was fascinating and Dad, it felt like our Gospel convos...except in Russian. SWEET. What do you know about that question, by the way?

Ever notice Alma 32:28? Swell, enlargen, enlighten, delicious...SEED. Accident? No.

Tanya said she loves our church and knows it is true because other churches are always fighting back and forth about doctrine, but here we back everything up with scripture and it's simple. I read Alma 34:7 and agreed with her.

Ash. You are a missionary model. I laughed for an hour.

How is Makenna's leg? We are still praying for her here.

I was on the metro the other day (big surprise) and heard music from someone's headphones. Kenny G christmas music. I was so happy. That was a tender mercy for me...a little bit of Christmas at home. Ah. Thought of all of you.

Parable of the net like I promised! In Luke 5:5 we see Peter kind of doubt a bit at first and ask the Lord questions. The net breaks because of so many fish--that was the method of man. After learning with the Savior and applying His teachings, we read John 21:11. Peter knew better this time around and did what he was told. The net didn't break. With faith in Christ, His method, fishing for men can work successfully...and He teaches right afterward to feed His sheep...only possible thru Him. Without Christ, there can be no real success in life.

President quoted Shakespeare's Henry V at conference and I just loved it (surprise English major). "We few--we happy few--we band of brothers and sisters." That's us, isn't it family? We are so happy being banded together.

Mom, thanks for your spiritual thoughts last week. I have always loved the thought that we never forget our sins--HE does, but we can't!! How will we keep from repeating them? I just studied that in Alma 36:19 and was reminded of its importance.

Dad, I found an addition to your "marvelous" find in JSH v. 16. Check out Alma 51:11 and tell me what you find. PS. What in the world?! You are going to bait me with war chapter information and not send it??? Send it PRETTY PLEASE!

Okay, this was a whole lot of random information. I apologize. I wanted to write before I forgot everything I need to tell you. Love you all soooo much. Keep writing DearElders!

Sis. Jones

11-25-10

2010-11-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hey fam. Things are great! Oh gosh. I just ate a whole lot of turkey. TURKEY! And we had cranberry sauce! There aren't really yams here, so I am going to have to have double dose of yams and apples next Thanksgiving to make up for it, but other than that it was awesome. Yesterday was spent picking up the NEW SISTER! Sis. Martyanova from St. Petersburg. She is going to a power sister! She was so worried about being obedient (hallelujah) because she hasn't been in the MTC! Russians are beginning to never get visas so they can't go to America for the MTC, but luckily we have mini missionaries in Russia that really prepare them--a young member serves for a few weeks and gets the feel for missionary work. Awesome opportunity for Russians. I was going to get a mini-missionary for the second half of this next transfer because Sis. Johnson will only be here for three more weeks, but now it's looking like I will just be a threesome with Sis. Elistratova and Sis. Barash (Sis. Barash is probably going to be the next training sister if she gets working hard!! She is from Ukraine and speaks Ukrainian/Russian/English). We discussed transfers with president concerning the sisters and it was amazing to figure it all out. So many particulars to consider and it's a blast.

Ash, two things. Our baptism, Valeria, Facebooked you about a sponsor for BYU. She wants to go to BYU soooo badly and is trying to figure out money issues. I mentioned that you are awesome with having connection and she got all excited and wanted to add you on Facebook. If you just want to address her question, see if you have any ideas for her, but don't get super involved with it of course because it's not either of our places. Also, when Sis. Johnson gets home from her mission in a few weeks, she needs to come visit for Sunday dinner and you have to figure out how to copy a tape (she has a tape of a Russian baboushka singing to an out of tune guitar a bunch of Russian hymns and folk songs and I HAVE to have it!) and also copy a cd she has of Russian indie music a member wanted to give us. Deal? :)

Okay, I don't have much time today (sorry!) but I'm outta here. I have more particulars to write you next week! Love you sooooooo much and I'm so ridiculously happy here. I wish I could get you all over here and have you laugh along with me about the wonders of Russia.

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sis. Jones

1-Sis. Johnson and I were fed the other day by a member and her non-member granddaughter...and I just had to take a picture. Beets, cabbage, sausiski (I don't know how to explain that one...like a meat patty? Wendy, help me out...) and potatoes. So RUSSIAN.

2-Me with a statue of a famous Russian writer. Sup.

3-I went on an exchange with Sis. Fairbanks and we went to Sokolniki area. We drove the train getting to places all day--not the metro, the electrishka--the legit Russian train. We had the snow and the cold and I was in Russian countryside and it was awesome. SO COOL. Can you guys even wait to come to Russia?!

4-Another one...didn't this turn out cool? Me with Russia. Bomb.

5-Sasha and Elena--a mom and daughter who are progressing so quickly. We are soooo excited about them. Please pray for them because they are coming to church and reading and praying and it's awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6-Sis. Johnson, Sis. Packard and I made Thanksgiving dinner today! It was a blast and now we have played games and we have a meeting tonight. SUCH an awesome day. The elders played Turkey Bowl and then came over to eat all together. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

11-17-10

2010-11-28T13:03:00.001-08:00

Okay, not much time, so this will be scattered! Sorry...

This week was the last of the CHALLENGE. We finished it--I was on an exchange and we had to knock a dome (contact an entire apartment building) for one of the challenges on the list. I was on a split with the quietest sister in our mission (of course) so I basically knocked a Moscow dome by myself. First time ever knocking a door on my mission! It's usually kind of not allowed because it's pretty dangerous in Moscow, but we were fine and just got a lot of slammed doors and laughs. Two agreed to come to English club--that's something! I had a blast just actually doing it. Now I can say that I knocked doors on my mission like other normal missionaries. I think I'm the only sister in the mission who has--HOLLA!
We also had a goal to get 10 phone numbers in a day from contacting. We had a great time street singing--don't worry, another elder companionship got a baptismal date ON THE STREET--someone who had formerly investigated the church--and we got a contact who, when we called her a few days later, thanked us profusely for the BOM and said it was the best book she'd ever read and she can't wait to meet with us and talk about it and give it to all of her friends because she knows it's true. Uhhh...miracle, anyone?
Then, we're on the metro going home with two young members with us. We are chatting and a girl sitting next to me taps my shoulder and asks me about my tag. Long story short, she took a BOM, came to English club having already started the book, loved the first lesson, and came to church and enjoyed the whole thing (including a Sunday school lesson on chastity--phew!) Her name is Tanya. Please pray for her. She is amazing. When I saw her for the first time, I felt like I recognized her from somewhere...I am beginning to wonder if it was just from the life before when I promised her I would teach her the Gospel, you know? She's amazing.
Lastly, Sis. Johnson and I won the challenge and did all but one item on the list (we never did find an entire to family to teach--yet). We got the prize at zone conference--hooray! Speaking of zone conference. AWESOME. Don't worry, we talked about teaching and the zone leaders, Elders Morgan (Mom, don't you know his mom?? He is SUCH a great elder and he's in my district.) and Owen, froze a ketchup popsicle and had an elder try to get another elder dressed in baptismal clothing to eat the popsicle ("that man could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in a white dress!") Great visual--and the elder succeeded. After the conference, we met with Sis. Sorenson to begin planning the Sisters' Conference. We are now assigning different women in the scriptures to different companionships to study. I'm also throwing out a challenge at conference: never teach a lesson without connecting it back to Christ and His Atonement. If anything will strengthen the sisters and their investigators, it's that. We're so excited.
Ash--are you friends with two Russian guys, Timor and Aidar? They have big fat crushes on you and talk about you to me. Please marry Timor. He is the Timor that was shown on conference. He was AP in our mission and is solid gold. :)
Family, read the parable of the net in Luke 5 and John 21. Why does the net break the first time but not the second time? Send me your thoughts because I had a wicked awesome study on it and now love my Savior even more.

No Christ--no joy. Know Christ--know joy.
Love you all!
Sis. Jones

11-3-10

2010-11-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Why, hello family!

First off, the go home date. After reading responses, praying, and thinking a lot, I presented my decision to the Lord and discussed with president that I will be going home in May. It kind of shocked me, but it feels right. I was on a split with Sis. E and I explained some of my thoughts and she was an answer to prayer. I expressed that I worried that I could be leaving people who need me, baptisms that could happen, I could know the scriptures better, I could speak the language better, all these things if I stayed. She pointed out that I can still study the scriptures and study Russian after the mission...and I can have a push to work my very hardest right now and find those people who are waiting for me. I realized that going home in May would only push me to work harder and do everything I can right now--study hard, search for those people--and then I can go home feeling like I accomplished just as much as if I'd returned in August. An explanation as to why not June: visa. Visa trips mess up everyone's go home dates, not just mine. Either you go home a transfer early or one late. Because they need sisters and I will be one of the only old American sisters all summer, he got the go ahead to extend me. Sidenote: did I ever mention that our mission of sisters is unusually OLD? I am the youngest sister here by far! Crazy, huh? No wonder I'm the most immature one here. Fsyo yasno tepir. Everything is clear now!

Hey, I got mistaken for a Ukrainian the other day. This Russian kid was so confused by my American name and later told another elder how strange Jones was for a Ukrainian name...then the elder cleared him up and let me know that I was American. Why not just let him think that? I'm okay with it.

We had the primary program on Sunday...about 6 kids standing up there singing the new primary song, "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." AHHHHHHHHH. I couldn't help imagining Anj up there organizing the program and seeing all of my nieces and nephews singing their hearts out (a little too much) and waving to moms and dads in the crowd. Mom, how happy are you with your calling?! You get to serve those little tikes!

Speaking of which--Sis. Stevens from the Primary General Presidency! I am sure I'll be able to meet her Sat. I can't think of anything she could bring really...shampoo and conditioner? I don't know! I can't wait to hug her! I heard that the Relief Society Presidency will be here in about a month and Sis. Johnson and I were notified that we are translating for the Presidency. Wha?! Sweet, but PRESSURE! We'll see how that works out. We have some amazing translators here in our branch, so I may try to pawn the job off on someone much more suited :) But how cool to translate for them! Maybe I'll translate for Sis. Stevens? I don't know what the plan is for her.

Mom and Dad, Elder and Sister Packard are adding you on Facebook, by the way. Then they can send you pictures and updates! They are the senior couple in my branch who have us over to their house every Friday for district meeting and Sis. Packard makes a pir (feast) for us and it feels like home every time. They are AWESOME.
K, Msh. 18:19-22. I discovered the recipe for becoming the children of God and inheriting all He has. Check it out.

Sorry this email is a bit rushed. I haven't had time to write in my journal for three weeks now because we are just constantly GOING! Good, but a lot. I am so happy--I can't say that enough. I love this work and I am so grateful to have such an amazing Best Friend always beside me, leading me along. I love Him more than anything and see Him through serving His children. Love you all!

Sis. Jones

PS. For your fast, just add to your fast that we'll have an additional baptism this transfer! We just got a woman passed to us who is getting baptized in a few weeks and we just had Lera's baptism, but we want to get another baptism from the amazing investigators we have right now. Keep it in your prayers!

1-Me heaving an accordian that a new member gave to Sis. Elistratova when I was on an exchange with her. Sis. E can play the ACCORDIAN. I am so happy.

2-Yulia and me at her baptism!!! The most amazing feeling. She was a miracle baptism. She asked her friend through Facebook about Mormons who lives in France. He told her about a Mormon friend he has in Moscow. That friend contacted her to us. Two weeks later we committed her to baptism. Her son is almost the age of baptism and will grow up in the church and serve a mission. Amazing.

4-Sis. Johnson gave me a blue candy on the metro. I ate it.

5-I was on an exchange with Sis. Gale and was back in Kakhovski and we visited one of my favorite families. This is Angelika and Vika, mom and daughter. She served a mission in Belgium and has a black father in Canada, so she speaks Russian and French and she is AWESOME. It was fun to see her.

Pics from the past two weeks

2010-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sis. Johnson and I getting home. Notice the background. Way new buildings sandwiching this gorgeous, old cathedral. I love Moscow.

This is me with a homemade corona--crown. Young women's project we were helping a member create when we taught her the other night.

Me eating some really gross asian ice cream at culture night.

check out our view from the window. We live on the top floor and watch the sun rise each morning while we have study. It's amazing!

Me at the biggest McDonalds in the world. Yep, it's in Moscow, everyone. Not sure if that's something of which to be ashamed or proud...that place is NASTY

10-27-10

2010-10-27T09:02:00.003-07:00

Privyet, fsyem!! Kak fsyo?! Hey to all! How's everything?!

TREV AND ANJ thank you for the amazing package! You guys are killing me. I will exercise some intense patience waiting to open the little packages! The brownie mix, however, will be used shortly :) My favorite part? The pictures. Now I can brag some more about my amazing family members! Ash, totally got your letter. ahhhhhh. What can I say? Mom, I got the missionary updates again.

Man. I'm loving this. Sis. Johnson and I are absolutely working our tails off and come home exhausted every night. We have been working with sisters going on visa trips and tomorrow we'll start exchanges for training. I'll be training about how to begin teaching....one of my favorites. LOVE IT. Here is a little excerpt from my letter to President Amazing-Sorenson:

Sis. Johnson and I are working until we are just exhausted every night--it's awesome. After receiving the zone challenge, I felt a surge of excitement and we have just been going for it. We are going to do absolutely everything we can and I can feel the Lord behind us, working through us. I have no doubt that our goals are exactly what the Lord wants for us. 1 baptism per transfer is the goal and I have no doubt that this mission is absolutely able to reach it. Thank you for being in tune and leading this mission fearlessly (and also for not saying the actual number of baptisms we have to reach next year. 1 baptism a transfer sounds much better!). Hope all is well, President. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you besides pray for you. We love you!

So, ya, that's another update. They upped the goals to be 1 baptism per transfer, 3 new investigators a week, and 20 meetings with 4 member presence. SO EASY. hahaha ok not really but possible if you are working hard. Those who are white all ready to harvest are right under our noses....just need to find them, right?

Sorry for a sincere lack of pictures. I finally filled up my first camera card...and switched to the new one without thinking that all my pictures from this week are on there hahaha. Next week I will send pictures of our BAPTISM this week! Her name is Valeri Kushchanova and she is an absolute rock. We sang Love is Spoken Here in Russian as a district and it was powerful. Lyera is 17 and I'm helping her apply to BYU right now. She is the best member missionary and is throwing investigators at us. I met her months ago and began working with her and then passed her to her area--Rechnoy :) I kept seeing her all the time at Sport days and English club and talking to her about her progress. Amazing the changes she's made--no more drinking, no more earring, no more anything like that. She's awesome. We are all in awe of her strength. She is going to be a powerful leader in the church here in Russia. KOROCHYE (in short), I'll send more pics next week, mmk? Ash, add her on Facebook!

We are a lot more active as missionaries in the branch. Sis. Johnson and I taught Gospel Principles this last Sunday (of course President and Sis. Sorenson were there ahhh! but we were teaching on eternal families so we got them up there to share their thoughts and translated for them, so it turned out really awesome). While walking home one night (we have a looong walk home from the metro) we saw quite the fight in the alley. We ripped our nametags off to be safe and it was fine, but it shook me up...a bunch of young men absolutely beating up a few older men with a bunch of people standing there watching and their girlfriends crying and trying to explain what happened. You feel pretty helpless seeing those things knowing there is nothing you can do, even if you were to call the police. The police here are jokes...kids who don't know what they are doing. On a lighter note, I was buying something to eat from a stand close to the central building and the man tried to kiss me! He said he couldn't hear me so got in close to hear and then I realized what he was doing as he started to pucker and I back up and Sis. Johnson starts saying "Whoa whoa whoa whoa there!" Laughed for about an hour after that, especially after he offerred a marriage proposal right there. Almost flattering! So one of the parts of the 34-part CHALLENGE for our zone was to fast for our baptism for this transfer. So, yes, Lera was already our baptism for this transfer, but we'd prefer a few more :) After a long day of fasting and having to meet with an electrician to help us get the power back on in our flat (don't ask), the next evening we received a call from Nastya. Now, Nastya was a contact that I made through Marina, her mother. She was the one attending our church for 10 years already. So, her daughter was investigating and had to stop because she was sooo busy with housing problems. She called to say that everything was solved and she really wants to meet with us again and can't wait. Hm. Does fasting work? Let's see....1...+1...=YES. I love how this Gospel works!

Some scriptural treasures: Msh. 3:17--why is it IN and THRU the Atonement of Christ, family? I had quite the spiritual experience thinking about that. I imagined if it said only IN and then only THRU. Different meanings. In? Of course...it's His Church and all things should be done in His name. Thru...everything works because of the Atonement...it has to go through the Atonement first to work. I had so many different thoughts and ideas about it and some other sisters shared theirs...please share your thoughts as well! Love that verse.

What about this...Msh 12:20-25 when the wicked priests ask Abinidi the answer to their question and Abinidi is just astounded by their ignorance as PRIESTS, then went on to answer their question. But when does he actually refer to their specific question? Not until Msh 15:15-17ish. Well, what in the world was he saying in between?! THE ATONEMENT. He knew they wouldn't understand or appreciate the answer to that question without understanding the Atonement first...just like we as missionaries can't teach the Restoration effectively without having our investigators understand the NEED for a Restoration...aka we must first get them to understand the Apostasy...or the NEED for an Atonement...aka teach about the Fall. Of course, he knew that the thing that would give it the most meaning is the thing that gives light and life to everything: the Atonement. Abinidi was a great teacher and example for us as missionaries...and it's so interesting to me how that formula is already there for us in Preach My Gospel. The Brethren long ago noticed that pattern and put it in Preach My Gospel. Now, here I am, teaching from PMG and just now recognizing the original pattern in the BOM. I'm a little slow, okay?!

Well, dear ones, I have lots to do and no time to do it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn how to deal with stress on the mission...I remember, Dad, that "worry is another form of atheism" because we aren't putting our faith in Him. I'm sure doing all that I can to put my trust in Him, and it's amazing to see what He does with it. Hebrews 10:31, family. It takes guts, but it sure is worth it!

It looks like I'm going to have to turn to the Lord concerning my going home date. If it is not looking good for us being able to take a trip to Russia after all, that may just lean me toward August because we don't have to worry about the time that will take in August. I will read through all your thoughts and make a decision and bring it to the Lord (D&C 9:7-9 in action, right?!). It will all work out without a hitch, I have no doubt. In the mean time, I hope you all do the same and don't over-STRESSSSS. It's so exhausting and it accomplishes absolutely nothing! Right?! You are in my prayers. I love you all sooo much.

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sestra Jones

10-20-10

2010-10-27T09:02:00.001-07:00

Hello daragaya simya!! Hello dear family!

Oh my GOODNESS what a week! I finished up serving in Kahkovsky and hopped on up to Rechnoy, just up the green metro line for a long time. We now live in this mansion where a senior couple used to live because sisters will be staying with us during visa trip issues and stuff, so it's weird to have a nice place. Sis. Johnson tried to give me the big bed...ya, no. I've slept on a matress on the floor for 6 months. Ya oozhay privikla...I"m already used to it! We had some amazing miracles at the end of my time in Kahkovsky--remember Tamara? She came to church and read Gospel Principles and started the BOM and wanted to come again with her husband? We didn't hear from her again but I was sure it wasn't because she'd lost interest. I was right--she came back in town last week and wants to come to church!! Amazing. Masha is getting baptized, Yulia is getting baptized the week after, and miracles do not cease. They have spilled over into Rechnoy. We got some new investigators given to us by members of the ward and we taught them at their house...I think I'm gonna like it here! Dad, I saw that you asked about the training sister thing. The awesome thing is that nothing changes with our work except that we will be going on exchanges about once a week and organizing other events and stuff. Other than that, we are expected the same numbers and we'll get to do all the teaching we can. YAY! We had an amazing zone conference (now called specialized training) that pretty much changed my mission. We have 30 mind boggling challenges to do. Basically our zone leaders handed us a list of challenges as missionaries that will perfect us...out the door no later than 11 every day...cleaning apt. for 10 minutes every night...finding 3 new contacts every week...all sorts of things. Sis. Johnson and I will be checking every one of those off...we are determined to work with the Lord. Miracles are pouring out onto this mission and I have never felt the Savior so powerfully in my life. I will never forget having a big challenge and really needing comfort. I was standing in the metro with Sis. Abram and I just opened my BOM for help. I needed to feel the Savior's arms around me. Boom, Alma 7:12. Could the book have opened to a better place?

Study has been powerful lately as we have been reading the BOM as a mission. Mom, are you really reading the BOM along with me????? I saw your note on those missionary emails (I pretty much just read your little note when you send those, I have to admit. I care a lot more about your words!) saying you're loving the BOM. I couldn't help tearing up. You are the best, Mom. Jacob 4:12 is basically my theme right now. Why NOT speak of the Atonement?! Because when we don't, we are usually doing what it says in v. 14...looking beyond the mark. Like we already know...the Atonement is the root of Christian doctrine. All other parts are just branches and if they aren't connected to the root then they have no light, nor life, nor substance. We are simply focusing on the branches and looking beyond the mark.

Another verse that sings to me right now on a mission, especially at this point of jumping into a new experience: Hebrews 10:31. It definitely is a fearful thing, but if we know it is right, we can't throw our confidence away (v. 35) an we have to stick to what we knew (DC 6:22-23, right??) because then we obtain the prize (36). What's the prize?! EXALTATION. Boo ya.

Hey, guess what! I'm writing a story to be published in the Ensign! They heard about this story from the senior couple in my new district, the Packards, and they want it written and sent to them. I'm translating the story of a man from our branch and from Sis. Elistratova when she lost her nametag and he found it, answering the prayers of him to know whether he should be baptized and her to know that there exists someone in Moscow good who would restore her nametag. Awesome story...I'm excited to combine their two stories after it is translated and make it Ensign worthy!

So, family, President is asking about my going home date. He wants me to extend to August 2nd. The other option is May 15. What say ye? Can we get everything done in August? I admittedly want to stay until August...but I know I need to consider the plans you have made. Just let me know!

I adore you allllll.

Tseluyou i obnimayou!!!

Sis. Jones

A few pics!

2010-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

10-13-10 - Transfers and Sister AP

2010-10-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

Hello, dear ones!

Hate to sound like a broken record, but things are still AMAZING here in Moscow. I'm so happy. Our investigators are just miracles. Masha is completely different. She came to General Conference without her nose ring and in modest clothes and afterward was talking about all the conference talks and applying them like she had been a member for 10 years. She is an inspiration to me! Yulia attended every session including RS and she has been our investigator for almost two weeks now. She is nearly halfway through the BOM already. She knows she is going to be baptized but she still doesn't know when. Marina is in the process of moving with her daughter, so we haven't been able to meet and decide a baptismal date with her. We got 4 new investigators last week that are so promising! It is so hard to leave the work here now that it is booming and awesome, but like I said last week, I wouldn't want to leave an area any other way! I can't believe I've been in this area for so long--it seems so short. I've loved every moment of it. Tranfers are tomorrow, but President interviewed me and let me know where I was going. He asked me to serve as an AP sister with Sis. Johnson in the Rechnoy branch. I will be serving there with Sis. Johnson until she goes home in December and continue on there until the new missionary trainings are finished. Whaaa?! I was pretty humbled when he asked me. Truly I am a fulfillment of Alma 37:6 because I feel way small and simple for this calling! I have faith that the Lord will work through me, though. Sis. Johnson and I will go on splits with each companionship of sisters and teach them the new trainings, observe their area, work with President, etc. I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to learn from all of the sisters and build my relationships with them. There are some amazing people here and I am pumped to learn from them (Every man I meet is my superior in some way; in that I learn from him!!!! Go Emerson!). President wants us to organize a sister conference this December...should be pretty sweet. We'll talk about practical things...how to be a good companion, how to fulfill our calling as SISTER missionaries, etc. Sis. Johnson has served in the army and it double majoring in Spanish at BYU. She studied Russian at BYU for two years before her mission, so she's a ninja at speaking. (My Russian is so going to improve! And Dad...yes, my Russian is better. I can express what I want, and that's great for me!! I understand enough to converse with everyone now. Yayyyyy) I'm so pumped to serve with her...although it's hard to split with Sis. Abram. Dad, you asked if I was closer to Abram or Dayberry or Elistratova....ahhh. Impossible to choose. They are sooo different and so amazing in different ways. I loved them all. Don't ask me to choose!!! :)

So did you get to watch the in between of conference???? I knew every person in that!!!! The karate instructor? My new branch president. Galina? The first member in Russia and is in my new branch (remember, mom, the one the lady talked about before my mission when we were at the Distribution Center?) And Timor...he served in our mission! I served with him. He moved to Moscow and is in my new branch. Such good people. I love them all.

Conference was just amazing. I feel like I'm watching conference for the first time because I think about what my investigators are thinking...seeing the prophet for the first time, hearing him speak. Of course, I am pretty sure every talk was about prophets because Marina said she just wasn't sure about a living prophet yet...and so that was my concern. Anyone notice besides me how TWICE in talks they listed what it means to be a prophet or whatever? That's because Marina needed to know. Simple as that. I loved Mom! Sis. Sorensen knows Sis. Wixom! They grew up together and were on the Pep team or something hahaha. She mentioned that to me and I had to mention to her your new calling after that. She's says to tell Sis. Wixom hi from her! :) I can't believe how conference talks are just them quoting scripture after scripture. I realize it more now than ever as I come to know the scriptures better. Elder Gong said a line combining some of my favorite Atonement scriptures and it just sang to my soul...he went from DC 122:8 to Isaiah 53:5ish to Alma 7:12. So good.

I love you all. Things are amazing/busy/wonderful. You're in my prayers.

Sis. Jones

PS- Mom, nope, I am too scared to get a haircut here, still. I have heard horror stories! Hahahha. Some sisters know how to do it, though, so I might do that instead. :)

10-4-10

2010-10-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

HELLO FAM!

Things are so great. Sis. Abram and I are best friends--like seriously, we have wayyy too much fun together. We take turns making each other laugh hysterically. It is hard to leave Kahkovski, but I have things to do, people to serve!

First off, SEND ME THE CONFERENCE REPORTS AS SOON AS YOU GET THEM PRETTY PLEASE! I am so excited. We get the conference broadcast one week later, so I'm waiting in suspense. Mom, don't worry, we did the math and I sustained you with my right hand around the time the Sunday morning session started. Sis. Abram, too. I am soooo excited for your new calling on the Primary General Board. How many people are on the board? What are you doing? Are you best friends with all of the General Authorities now? Tell Pres. Monson I say hi. And who is coming to Moscow this December??? I am sooo excited to get a hug from you through her! I am praying for you that your neck will heal quickly and that you are enjoying your new calling. Keep me updated!

I don't have a ton of time, so here is my update to President Sorensen/you:

President,

Hello from Kahkovsky! Things are just rolling here. We are having so much fun. I can't believe the blessings the Lord is pouring out on us right now in this area. We got three baptismal commitments on Saturday...and one of the commitments has her entire family interested in the Gospel! She and her sister and two brothers want to attend church this Sunday. We are just thrilled. As we taught her, Anush, the first lesson, it was as if she was already a member. She knew the answer to every question--she already knew it was all true. She is reading the Book of Mormon right now and getting her family interested. Marina, a woman we've been teaching for a week now, has been attending the Church in Khazan for 10 years and she FINALLY now understands the need for her to be baptized in our church even though she was baptized in the Orthodox church. I showed her a picture of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood from Peter, James, and John, and explained priesthood authority that was taken but then restored and she exclaimed, "This changes everything! Now I see! I need to be baptized!" I will never, ever throw that picture away. I am amazed by how true this Church is. It just makes sense. Our other commitment, Julia, is amazing. I identified the feeling we were feeling in our lesson as the Holy Ghost and she said she'd felt it before and never knew it was the Holy Ghost...and she wants to have it always. She attended church and loved it. We are just thrilled. We want to continue teaching them a bit so they understand everything before we set a date for baptism, but we are so grateful to the Lord for using us as His tools to share the Gospel and do His work. It is absolutely thrilling!

We bought a new apartment on Kolomenskaya and it is so close to the metro and in a great spot for our church buildings/area. It's taken a few days to move everything so it will affect our numbers next week, but we'll work hard to make up for it! Thank you for all you do. We love you!

Sis. Jones

Can you believe it, family?? The Lord is working through us! It is so exhilarating! I am sad to leave while things are going so well...but then again, I would much rather leave an area with lots of work going, right?

Things are great. I love you all. Behave!

Sis. Jones

PICTURES:

ME EATING INDIAN FOOD ON HUMP DAY. So good. Sidenote--we were moving the next day and we needed to eat all the food in our fridge...I brought Russia and India together by eating pelmini (Russian food) in Indian sauce. AKA I, on Hump Day, created a little bit of world peace.

Sonya, our baptism last week! Everything went perfectly--yay!!

Sis. Abram took one bajillion pictures of me this week because she said I don't have enough. You can see them after my mission. haha

Me with my hump day camel. Thanks, Mom!!

8-So, Sis. A and I bought thick, warm, bob socks (short for baboushka socks--old grandmas sell them on the street and they are ridiculous patterns. Mine have little birds on them. Pretty sure the entire mission is jealous.)

The RS of Kahkovski branch!! I LOVE THESE WOMEN.

9-22-10

2010-09-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

Hey fam!

Alright, things are great. I know, what else is new, huh? Moscow is just awesome. Our investigators are just doing sooo well and my health is great (don't worry, Mom) and I just got TWO packages in the mail and my family loves me. No complaints here! I was a little shocked to receive a Hump Day package--WEIRD. Also a Halloween package, too! So much fun. Everyone will LOVE the Reeses and stuff. Ash, I just sent you the best letter ever. Mom and Dad, did you ever get my letter to you?? I sent you three postcards and a letter. Did you get them?

Well, it's been quite a week! Last Sunday we had district conference for the church in Moscow. They asked a few elders and sisters to sing a special musical number, so I enjoyed singing there. So much fun. We had a few baptisms on Saturday and every baboushka there charged up to me with the program and pointed to it and said, "Why aren't you singing?!" They did the same to Sis. Abram and we just laughed and said next time perhaps...we weren't asked to sing this week! They are sooo cute. We also had a mini training (they are making some changes...zone conference is every other transfer and instead we have a mini-training the other transfer) and were instructed to be careful...some elders got beaten up last week. Elder Lex! My Elder Lex from Austria! He told me about it laughing the other day and it was pretty funny...but kind of not. Yesterday a group of elders chalk drawing got taken by the cops and taken to jail. Of course, it all worked out and things were fine, but it was like in the movies they said...a beautiful woman came and tried to get them so sign things and admit things they didn't do, etc. HILARIOUS. Sis. Abram and I were walking out of the metro last week and saw a man covered in blood by the door. All of his teeth had been knocked out and his eyes were swollen shut. The metro police (aka 16 year old boys with official hats on) were trying to help him up and figure out what to do with him...it looked like the mafia hadn't been happy with him. I got a little grossed out, I'll admit it. Blood. Gross. That happens every once in a while in the city I guess! It's been amazing to see what a difference there is between the Russian men here and priesthood holders in the church. I mean, it's ridiculous. If I were a Russian girl, I think that I'd probably gain a testimony just by seeing the difference the church makes in men. Usually men are just drunk or leering at you...but members of the church are leaders, respectful, helpful. It's so awesome to see. I love how the Gospel changes people, family.

So, with this new training we are receiving, we also received instructions from President that we will be given a new BOM and we will commence reading it, marking two things: how to strengthen faith in Christ and how to become better missionaries. We will finish by the end of the year and have a big meeting sharing what we found. SO COOL. Who wants to join the cause and read the BOM before the end of the year? You could just mark how to be a better person instead of missionary :) I just wanted to let you know about that.

So, we made history again this week. The first man from Kurgistan (sp?) was baptized this Saturday...and he happens to be a big lawyer from their country and he will be a huge tool in getting the Church officially registered in that country. There are about 5 women members and now there is a priesthood holder!!!!!!!! He has a ton of friends who are now wanting to be baptized (he flew home the day of his baptism/confirmation and now my district leader and his companion are teaching them via Skype. Hooray for technology!)

More news....MASHA! She finalized her baptismal date for Oct. 16. She disappeared for a while because of work and we were so worried, but she just didn't answer her phone because she felt bad for being so busy. But we've met with her a few times this week, we've introduced her to a strong member her age named Nastya and now they hang out and are going to church and activities together and Masha is sooo excited to learn about all the commandments. She loves loves loves learning about the Savior and how she can repent. She is so great. I just adore her and we are so excited! Elena, another investigator, is really busy but when she meets she has sincere questions and is amazing. They are both going to be such strong members of the church!! We haven't heard from Tamara for a bit so we're hoping she's just busy as well and can't answer her phone. Time will tell! Patience in all things. I'm really getting good at being patient thanks to my mission :)

Again, thank you for the amazing packages. I feel absolutely spoiled every time you send one. The cute clothes, the snacks, THE INDIAN FOOOOOD FOR MY HUMP DAY THAT YOU KNOW I'M GOING TO DEVOUR, the cute little cards and notes and everything. Mom, you come up with the cutest things and I am just in shock at what you do.

Mom, by the way, I skimmed through your email and saw something about your arm in pain, MRI, etc. What the? Is everything okay? I'll be praying for you. Remember your name is in the Ukraine temple :) Thanks for your sweet letter about your experience of thinking about me. Quit making me cry, sheesh.

Ash.......I just love you. Keep dating up a storm. Pick a way cute picture for my Facebook profile. We received the okay to confirm Russian friends on Facebook really fast so I was on Facebook for like 2 minutes today and that was WEIRD. ahhh. Blech. Home is weird! You're hot in every picture I see of you, sis. What the heck?

Dad. You are awesome. I love the pump up scriptures and stories you send. I reread an email you sent months ago that made me tear up...I'll always remember hiking over the lava rocks with you, Dad! Soon I'll take you hiking through the Moscow metro with me and that will be another adventure. Deal?

I love you all, family! I think about each of you individually...how you are doing. Hope you are all well. I am soooo happy here and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord 24/7. Things are tough but amazing! Mosiah 24:15...the Lord doesn't take the trials away...He strengthens us to help us through them!!! Love Him!

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sis. Jones

9-15-10

2010-09-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Zdarova, fam! (Exact translation is...health to ya, family...but it is kind of slang for SUP FAM)

I can't remember if I told you last week or not, but all of your names are on the prayer roll in the Kiev temple! Extra blessings coming from Eastern Europe--hold on to your hats!

Air. The salsa. So good. We cook make-shift quesadillas with this lavash stuff (Russia's version of tortillas) and cheese and now we have SALSA!!! And smetana (sour cream that is SOOOO MUCH BETTER in Russia). I have been using the bars and films and everything you sent...Mom, the clothes, the food, the notes and letters...everything! Amazing! Makenna, I still have the bracelet you sent me. Love it.

Things are chugging along in Kahkovsky as always. We are working hard and trying to follow the Lord's direction. We let go of one of our long-time investigators because she wasn't progressing. We're hoping that she'll recognize how the church helped her and finally make a move...time will tell. For now, we are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our faith that the Lord will provide someone else for us to teach who is ready for the Gospel. Pretty excited to see what happens! We are excited about our new investigator, Tamara, who attended church and has fully read the Gospel Principles manual and is now reading the Book of Mormon and is attending church this Sunday with her husband. We hadn't heard from her last week after she came to church with us and we were nervous that she wasn't interested...then she came to English club and sat us down afterward. We were prepared for the worst...and she said, "Sisters...I wanted to let you know...that I will be attending church this Sunday with my husband. My sons aren't ready yet, but I want my husband to come with me." What a great example of someone prepared by the Lord! I am continually amazed by the opportunity I have to be a representative of the Lord and share His Gospel. It's a miracle. SO COOL. We taught the first lesson to Elena, a new investigator we found who is AWESOME. We opened our lesson with the "how to begin teaching" methods and said how we knew the gospel would bless her life. She finally just said, "Well, teach me already!!" jkal;fsdjlhahahahaha I was so okay with that.

So I was contacting/chalk drawing last week and we found a group of girls so interested in English club...and about why we were here. We were explaining when a creepy girl from the side walks up to me while she was smoking...gets all up in my face...and says in Russian, "You...have ICE in your eyes. ICE. Evil eyes. You!" I was kind of standing there in shock...slash trying not to laugh because this young lady was CARAZY and I just said, "Why do you say that?" She just shrugs her shoulders and backs away saying, "Prosto tak." which means..."That's just how it is." Wendy, can you hear her saying it? Haahaahahaha. I don't know how to translate that totally. Anyway, I turn back to our original conversation and a girl had heard the whole interchange and we looked at each other and she just shrugged her shoulders and said, "Bwivayet." "It happens." HAAHAHAHA RUSSIA I LOVE YOU!!! Now Sis. Abram refers to the ice in my eyes frequently....

Olga, our long time investigator of two years, is now living the Word of Wisdom!! She couldn't let go of her green tea or red wine, but we found her a replacement for her green tea (mate! way good). So exciting. She's improving VERRRRY slowly, but she's improving.

We taught a FHE lesson to a family in our branch, the Shemenoks, and after the lesson, the mom, Nina, complimented us and said we had a strong companionship. She said we teach in unity and teach with the Spirit. Such a compliment from her because she's served a mission. In fact, she converted her husband! Awesome family. Her husband used to be a Russian Orthodox priest. Holla.

So...we have this bob (baboushka--remember that the emphasis is on the first syllable PLEASE) that we visit, Elena Bogdonava. She feeds us something else everytime...she is old, can't see, and has a cat. Thus, the food WITHOUT FAIL has cat hair in/on it and every once in a while has her hair in it, like last time when I got a bunch of old grapes with her hair intertwined in the vine. How did she do that? I couldn't help wondering. Also during the summer, she always fed us ice cream (soooo yummy) but she'd scoop it up herself...and lick her fingers and the spool between each scoop. Ahhhh. Vkoosna (tasty).

SO I'm almost not the youngest American sister any longer! We're getting a new sister this next transfer! We have one newer Russian sister who is great (she's in the pictures of me at the temple--Sis. Trunova) but it will be nice to have some new fresh American blood in here...and not be the youngest American sister :) Everyone still teases me and calls me the young one...even though I'm not young any longer...although I feel like it :)

Well, this email is random, but I wanted to share a few little insights into my Russian life. I want to remind you all of Alma 43:1 and how Alma just couldn't REST. Check out footnote a and notice all the other prophets that just couldn't let the Gospel alone and had to share it. That is SO my goal. I want to be constantly looking for opportunities to share this wonderful news I have. The prophets are amazing. And dad...touche. I forgot about Mosiah 4:10...right?? 4:10?? hahaha it's King Benjamin, that I know. If we know these things, we gotta DO THEM!!

I love you, family. This mission thing is AWESOME. It's pretty tough, but I received a blessing this week (I was a bit sick) and was reminded of the blessings awaiting me because of my service. I was also told that I am serving with all of my heart...I have such a testimony of the priesthood. Those blessings are straight from Him. Sis. Abram received a blessing as well and hers was exactly for her (to keep working and know that there are still people waiting for her in Moscow)...and mine was exactly for me, calming me down and letting me know that I am, in fact, working hard and to quit being hard on myself :) Please feel my prayers for you all. Keep sending DearElders, letters, emails, whatever. I appreciate them all. Catherine Taggart and Lisa Weiler, WRITE ME. I need updates from you! High school friends...I've given up on EVER hearing from them haahahahaha. I'll slug them when I get home. Family...you are the most supportive, loving family ever. Pretty sure every other missionary should be jealous of me (but then again that's not Christlike so it's good that they aren't jealous). Keep using up the blessings my mission is sending you!!

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sis. Jones

9-8-10

2010-09-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Ummm...so you're reading the words of a member of the FIRST GROUP OF MISSIONARIES TO GO THROUGH THE KYIV UKRAINE TEMPLE AFTER BEING DEDICATED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WENT TO THE TEMPLE, FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had time this visa trip!!!!!! I asked the office if it was possible and they said yes and I couldn't help but shed some tears of joy that I would get to go to the temple and have my cup filled again...to have a reminder of the glorious blessings I am promised if I obey...and to realize all the blessings that I am offering to my investigators. I can't even express my feelings right now, so I'll send some pictures.

1-Sis. Abram, Alina, and me right before she left for school in Florida. MISS HER SO MUCH. We're praying for her every day.

2-My district last transfer! We spent last P-day before transfers making cheeseburgers together :) The one in the black hat and white jacket, Elder Kasallis, is now the AP but was zone leader with Elder Breedlove, the one grabbing his own black hat. Our district was AWESOME! Who wants hats like these? Let me know!

3-Me freaking out over the TWO packages I received!!! Thanks Mom and Air!!! I seriously flipped when I saw all of those Russians church films. I've already used them! And the clothes and food :) jfdklas;djflasd THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!

4-Another of the district

5-This is us with Eldridge right after his baptism. SUCH good friends with him...he's from Africa and is now a member of our ginormous international branch. Did I ever mention that? We have sooo many people from all over the world. I just sent a lady I contacted there who is from Spain. Strangely when I contacted her and she said Hola, como estan ustedes? I understood it and but then was so confused...it wasn't Russian or English and I had to think for a second. ha.

6-ME AT THE TEMPLEEEEEEE

Okay, so let me tell you all about the temple. First off, it was gorgeous. We navigated from the plane to the shuttle sort of thing to the Ukrainian metro to the bus and then walked to the spire afar off. It was amazing because it just stuck out like a sore thumb!! Right in the city where landscaping isn't really done...to the temple grounds where it is the most beautiful landscaping you've ever seen! It was crazy just to be in Kyiv because it is so much smaller and quieter than Moscow. I forgot what that was like, I think. Anyway, we get there and assume we won't have time to do anything because we only had an hour and a half...but we wanted to use our temple recommends! Then they herded the six of us in and sent us to do initiatories. I have now done initiatories in Russian! I was the only American sister in our visa group, so I read what they were saying in English and listened intently to them in Russian. I loved saying all the Russian names! The temple matron was so sweet to us, plus a worker who was a mission pres. in Bilbao, Spain (shout out to Robbie Frank!) and then opened the Novosibirsk mission and has served several other missions, including his first mission as a youth in none other than Dusseldorf, Germany, gave us a tour of the entire place. The celestial room was absolutely magnificent. We couldn't go in but we looked in. I noticed the theme for this one, Mom and Dad, in the glass, corners of the ceilings, etc. It's a stalk of wheat! Soooo pretty. After dragging ourselves out and leaving to catch our flight, we stopped in the stake center right by and who do I see in one of the rooms? Oh, just my companion from the MTC, Sis. Robinson! We FLIPPED out and chatted and then find that her companion is none other than Lauren Schmidt, a friend of mine from high school. Didn't even know she was serving a mission!! We were so happy to see each other.

Then we ran to the store, bought the famous Ukrainian chocolate bar and their delicious flavored water, Zhiyvchik, and hurried back to catch our flight. On the way, I heard a hilarious phrase: Shto ti koorish?! Translation: What are you smoking?! Ukrainians are funny, too.

Long story short? I love the temple.

We contacted a miracle last Wednesday, Tamara, who came to church and stayed for all three hours, asking all sorts of questions about the priesthood, what age do we baptize, what is the BOM, etc. We grabbed a rock solid member her age, Lyudmila, to be with us and befriend her. We are so excited to see what happens with her!!

Gavin Tanner, shout out! Thanks for the letter...write you soon. Loved the scripture Jer. 20:9!

Hey, so to add to Acts 5:41, Dad, I found a gem. Eph. 3:13-19 where it says that tribulation is our glory!! I could not stop thinking about that. So many different facets of what that means. Plus the meaning of the breadth, depth, length, and height of his love: to whom, how strongly, how long, and how gloriously He loves us. So interesting. Also Col. 2:7

8-25-10

2010-08-25T08:56:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Russians performing their dance for the Kiev temple dedication!

Hey all!

What the NO MAIL this week! Thanks, Mom, for being my true blue writer! I can always depend on you :)

Well, it's been a pretty good week. Our hot water turned on and the weather outside cooled off...as in rain every day now! Yahoo! We heard a statistic about this summer: because of the heat, women have dressed very immodestly (like crazy bad) and the porn sales this summer have gone down considerably in Moscow. It's all around them! Why buy it? Isn't that exactly what Elder Oaks said? Women become pornography when they dress immodestly! Wow. Powerful. So on Monday, we went on a split with the AP sisters and I was with Sis. Johnson...we get along sooo well. She is hoping that we will serve together before she goes home in December--we'll see! It was a great time together and a great pick me up in the work. I also went with Sis. Johnson to Goom...the most expensive mall in the world...right on Red Square. Whoaaa. Expensive.

PS. Keep your eyes peeled for Moscow between conference sessions this fall! They're doing a special on Moscow and I think the Kiev temple and stuff. Woo hoo!

I've got to say that my study this week has taken me all over the place. Alma 25:16 was a find that I loved and used to help Alina this past week. All I saw in that verse was that commandments don't save us--it's the faith that comes from keeping them that does! It's not the fact that I wear one pair of earrings that will get me into the Celestial Kingdom...it's the faith that made me do it that will get me there. Something so important for investigators to know that hit me really hard. Then I found a treasure that I will always love in DC 7:5. This makes the difference between the good and the best of the followers of Christ. The Lord says to Peter that his was a "good desire," but John the Beloved desired to do more...to do a greater work than he'd before done. That is my desire every day. To do a greater work (through the Lord) than what I've before done...not just settle for good desires. That's why we stretch ourselves...that's why we keep commandments.

Such an interesting experience yesterday. We found a lady named Zoya who loves English and loves the Bible and was so interested in us. We visited her and she welcomed us into her tiny home. She gave us all the food she had to offer and asked us to take our nametags off: if her husband came home and saw, he would beat her. She has to read the Bible in hiding or else he beats her. She is from Armenia and she lives the life of a Muslim family, although she obviously isn't a practicing Muslim. Sis. Abram and I kind of sat in shock to hear her explain her life. How would it be? I felt so heavy leaving her house knowing that she'll probably never get to have the light of the Gospel in her life in THIS life...but I know that she is going to eat it up in the next life. She has her BOM to read in hiding and she has the prayers of two sisters going out to her...and of course the Savior to love her. The people I meet, the situations I see--it's incredible and very humbling, even in Moscow, the third most expensive city in the world. How blessed we are to have the Gospel, family! We have so much happiness--more happiness than most of the world has because of the blessings of the Gospel. I am overwhelmed by it!

My best missionary experience so far? I don't know! I think one of the most recent that stuck out was last night. We have had a hard time knowing what to do with Olga and I had really studied and prayed to know how to help her. Our companionship study consisted of role plays and discussions and scriptures all having to do with her. I felt the Spirit really guiding us as we prepared. As we took the lift to her apartment, we prayed again to know how to help her. She fed us and then we felt like we should sing for her. Sis. Abram played the piano and we sang together and Olga was touched. That quickly brought the Spirit in for our lesson. Then she pulled our her BOM and began asking questions...particularly about Nephi slaying Laban. She didn't understand how that could be justified. I was praying so fervently in my heart to really know what to say, and I kept thinking about how asking questions has been really emphasized in our training. This new training for missionaries that we've just been learning is making a huge difference. A video we watched showed two sisters role playing for their mission president and as they came to a tough point, the mission president said, "Ask a question from heaven, Sister." She sat and thought. The Spirit came. She asked a sincere, thought-provoking question and they received an answer in how to help their investigator. Pres. Sorensen recalled in their training for Mission Presidents, they were told to use role plays. One woman raised her hands and expressed concern in how it seemed artificial...the investigator isn't there, so how can you really feel what you should say, etc.? Well, Elder Richard G. Scott was sitting right behind Pres. Sorensen and President felt a tug on the back of his chair as Elder Scott stood. The room went quiet and Elder Scott said, "This is not your role play. It is the Lord's role play." Pretty sure that woman won't ask another question in her life. :) But seriously, I feel strength in that direct practice of what to do with investigators and I saw it work with Olga. She asked a question for which I was not prepared, but because I had studied and done everything I could to prepare, the Spirit took over and I answered her question with an answer I had never before heard and I learned something about the Gospel that came out of my mouth. The Spirit taught that while Nephi knew murder was wrong, he was given other instruction. Perhaps Adam and Eve felt similar in the Garden of Eden when they were given two conflicting commandments: don't partake of the fruit and multiply and replenish the earth. So, they made a choice. Nephi, as a prophet, made the choice to follow the Spirit. Of course, we are not prophets and we know we will never receive inspiration against the commandments, but Nephi did and he made a decision, just like Adam and Eve did as they sinned and fell...but fell forward, bringing about the next step in the Plan of Salvation. We had a very good talk and Olga was very appreciative. Long story short? I have seen several times recently the power of the teachings of the Brethren through Preach My Gospel. As I apply their teachings, I see results. Masha's baptismal date, Olga's answer, and many more little miracles. The Lord knows how to teach, and He's giving us His best tips in PMG!

Well, things are GREAT. A little slow, but we are patient with the Lord's timing. We are trying to find those the Lord has prepared for us to teach! Sis. Abram and I have such a fun time doing it, too. We are very close and have such a blast. I hope you are all doing SO well. You're in my prayers. Until next week!

Potseluyou i obnimayou!

Sis. Jones

Aug 18, 2010

2010-08-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Two sisters in our branch who are a breath of fresh air for us. They have strong testimonies, they love our lessons, and they love to feed us a healthy meal. The one in the chair has cancer and has an inactive son and we're working with him. Love them.

Next: My district singing at a baptism. Sis. Abram and I sing alllll the time. At baptisms, in meetings, in church--I love it.

Next: Lots of memories from this picture. Totally exhausted, walking all around Youzhnaya trying to find some inactives...and I sat for a second on this colorful truck before heading home.
OH FAMILY. HOW CAN I EVEN DESCRIBE THIS WEEK? Remember how last week was kind of horrible and my hardest week ever so far? Well. I can testify that blessings come after the trial of your faith. We have found a golden investigator named Masha and SHE IS GETTING BAPTIZED in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that????? We'll have two baptisms next transfer! More good news? Check out this letter from President:

Dear Sister Jones -- I'm so glad you're better and glad for all of us that the weather has cleared. If it were to work out, how would you feel about staying in Kakhovski for one more transfer? If you have thoughts one way or the other, please let me know. Congratulations on a great week -- top number of lessons in the mission, new investigator, great member use, and a baptismal date. Great work.

Please give Sister Abram my best. We love you both.

Pres. Sorenson
I GET TO STAY IN KAKHOVSKY ANOTHER TRANSFER MOST LIKELY!!
I would absolutely LOVE to stay in Kakhovsky another transfer. I have been feeling very strongly that I should stay there, and his email was a confirmation to my feelings. I feel like Sis. Abram and I have lots of work to do with our investigators returning from dacha soon, and of course work to do with Masha. I had received her number from a member with whom I have worked because she worked with her and heard she wants to learn English. I have been calling her for the past 4 transfers trying to get in touch with her because I felt such promise with her. She didn't show up to several meetings we scheduled but she came to English club once and we gave her a BOM and she began reading it. Finally about two weeks ago we finally met and we taught her the first lesson. As we talked about Joseph Smith, she said that she felt like him, wondering which church was true. We asked her to continue to read and pray about it. We taught her the second lesson last week and she accepted the Plan of Salvation. We had just received a training in District meeting (some of the new training I mentioned for missionaries!!) on inviting to baptism early on if it felt right...and it felt right. Sis. Abram asked her if she knew the church was true. She said yes, she had been praying two weeks ago for help to know where to find the truth...she asked God to send her help. Then we called. So she knew this was true. I asked her if she wanted to be baptized on Sept. 4 and she began clapping and smiling and said "Yes, yes!" I think we were sitting in shock for a second. She attended church and made comments and took the Gospel Principles book with her home and is now reading it through. She is our golden investigator. We are so happy and excited! Especially because I will be able to continue working with her in Kakhovsky!!
Dad: Acts 5:41 is the one you asked for. All of that chapter is sweet...plus 1 Cor. 4:12. Dad, you are my hero. I can't believe about your mission companion you contacted. Keep me updated on his progress. Get him to the temple! We are working on getting a lady who lives by us to the temple...she just needs a kick in the pants to GO. We'll work together on our projects! PS. Romans 1:11-12 melted my heart.

Wendy: THANK YOU FOR THE PACKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just melted and read everything. Loved reading your Russian. I love understanding it. Your words you sent were not new to me, but interestingly enough I had never seen most of them written down. I just knew them from hearing it all the time :)

Air: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought about you all day. We sang in church on your birthday and I was singing for you. Hope you heard us. PS. best YW pres. ever. I am in shock. Loved those pictures. I'll look for your package!!

Anj: I hear you are rocking the Primary Program in your ward! Can't wait to hear how it goes. You are in my prayers!

ASHLEY OF COURSE YOU GOT THE JOBBBBBBBBB BECAUSE WE WILL PLAY IN UTAH WHEN I RETURN!!! Soooo happy. No surprise, though. Who wouldn't want you to work for them?
Mom and Dad, Elder Dunn was my district leader my first transfer and I mentioned his dad was a big shot. Glad you made that connection! He's great. I know Sis. Gale VERY well and Elder Morgan VERY well. Basically, this mission is very unique...one of a kind...because we are around each other 24/7. We see each other nearly every day because our areas get mixed up when we meet at the central building, etc. It's a lot of fun.
Dad...question that has been bugging me. Are you sure about Ether 12 27? I have studied that some more and I read Jacob 4:7 and then I read DC 66:37. DC gives the impression that the Lord showed him his weaknesses to help him grow. Thoughts?

This week has been slow, but so good nonetheless. I have been showing Sis. Abram where all our members and investigators live and have visited them. Masha Miracle can only meet on the weekends, so we wait (im)patiently for Saturday. I have been inappropriately groped in the rear three times this week by Russian men. One was drunk...the other two were just dopes. I must admit that that is something I will not miss. Very degrading! No worries, I am still safe and smiling :)

Sorry for the scattered email today. So much to say! The weather is better, not horribly hot for the most part, and not as smoky. No complaints! I am happy. Sis. Abram and I get along well and have fun...and laugh when things are ridiculously hard. Did I mention that she is engaged? Her boyfriend is on a mission in Mexico and they will get married in June or May. She loves to tell me about him and I enjoy listening. Sounds like you have another wedding to attend, Mom and Dad! :) She goes home in January and she can't wait to meet you.

Love you all. Adore you, even. Russia is awesome. Love my mission.
Tseluyou i obnimayou,
Sis. Jones

MOM: You asked about Christmas. If you could find any of my friends from BYU or from high school and get them to write me....I would flip. I haven't heard from anyone except basically Catherine Taggart. Love to hear from them! LOVE YOU, MOMMY. You know that.

8-11-10

2010-08-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hey fam!

1. Sis. Abram displaying the Russian tap water in our apartment currently. Jealous?

2. Us sporting masks like the rest of Moscow in order to breathe. I am determined to NOT have a cough for the rest of my life from this weird stint :)

3. Ash, this is Charles, the man you gave me. We both decided his name was Charles and then told each other...didn't plan it before. Now we hide him around and it makes us laugh. Thanks for the bonding idea :)

4. Plan of Salvation in chalk form.

I am still alive!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't worry. It has been absolutely insane here, but it's a lot better. The only bummer is that it has really slowed the work because everyone has left Moscow to get away...including our members and investigators. Combine that with the food poisoning I was getting over and that they turned off our hot water in our apartment (they do that in sections in Russia to save...our lucky two weeks is right now!) thus we have some frigid cold showers in the morning that are quite a shock after sweating in our beds all night without air conditioning hahahaha. Things may sound awful here, but Sis. Abram and I are really having a great time just laughing at our situation. The much more difficult thing has been watching two of our long-time investigators go absolutely downhill...women I've taught since I've been here. I don't care what anyone says...the hardest thing on a mission is seeing people reject the Gospel...their salvation and their happiness. It has honestly been the toughest week on my mission yet with investigators and trials, but then again, the Lord never said this would be easy...He only said it would be worth it, right? I'm learning a lot right now, stretching. What a blessing it is to have the BOM. I found so much comfort reading about Aaron and his brethren today in Alma 22 I believe. Heck, they got rejected, too! They got imprisoned and were naked and sore and bummed out. Then they went to teach others...and got rejected. But then...they met Lamoni's dad and converted his whole people. I just have to be patient until I find Lamoni's dad here. Well, a mom would be more convenient.

We've found some blessings, for sure. Anna is doing so well! Maria (Masha for short) is someone I've been trying to teach for months and we finally taught her a powerhouse first lesson and she just accepted everything. (we had some Russian RMs show up and they helped us by surprise. So good. Dad, thanks for the booklet scripture memorization. THey'd ask me where something was and I'd tell them where. Such a blessing to know the scriptures!!) She can only meet once a week because of work, so I'm learning patieeeeence. We are so excited to get with her again and feed her thirst for knowledge about our church. Sis. Abram and I are having a blast joking about the ridiculousness of Moscow always being in the news for some horrible thing...and yet the miracles still come. The temple in Kiev is still getting dedicated. We listen to the Rocky theme song to wake us up as an alarm in the morning and laugh hysterically. An inactive answered the door the other day in her bra...and this is a legit Russian woman with not a little frame. I........am getting good practice at keeping a straight face. Things are just great. You have to laugh and keep praying and looking for those miracles, or else you'll only find the leftover garbage to analyze. Elizabeth Barrett Browning said it best:

Earth's crammed with heaven,

and every common bush afire with God;

But only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit 'round and pluck blackberries."

Also see Alma 57:27.

One more thing. Moses 4:12, the pattern of deception by Satan:

1. "Saw"....see, be around the sin

2. "Became pleasant".....accepted

3. "Desired"......Became intensified

4. "she took"......participated

5. "gave".......invite other to

6. "he did eat"......others follow

Interesting, huh?

I don't have much time today, but I love you all. Hope things are potrasayoushey (fabulous) for all of you. I miss you all. Your prayers are felt and much needed right now. Things aren't easy, but they are worth it!

Love you all.

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sis. Jones

8-4-10

2010-08-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

(Picture) Sis. Elistratova and I enjoying our split together after district meeting :) We must get along or something. Sis. Abram was on her visa trip and so was Sis. Johnson, Sis. E's companion, so we got to be together for a whole day and it was so much fun. Unfortunately, we got some not so good food apparently and I got food poisoning, so I've been down the past two days in bed. But DON'T WORRY. We went on a split so our meetings were all made! And Mom...don't stress. I'm already almost better. I'll be fine! It was actually a blessing because I got some great Russian study in and I wrote some letters! Laura Clayton, I want to write you but I don't have your address. Write me so I have it!! Anyway, the split was a blast and I found out that Sis. E has almost 100 percent decided to come to BYU and study English and then law after her mission. Of course, she'll have to earn money to get over there first, so she'll be coming right around the time I get home...how convenient...I cordially invited her to live with me for forever. We'll see what happens!

Well! Hello, family! It's me. Things are great in Moscow. Still breaking heat records...hottest summer in the past 130 years. Boo yah. Fortunately it hasn't really bugged me. Maybe it was all those summers in Arizona? Don't know. I'm doing fine. Yesterday was a Russian quasi-holiday where all the Russian troops had free reign to do whatever they wanted, so the missionaries went without nametags for safety. Like I said, I was sick at home, so I was perfectly safe, but I heard some demonstrations and chants outside our flat. They lit a BMW on fire and a few other things...wouldn't you if you had free reign to do anything in your own country?

Well, miracles have been happening in our branch...as always. Remember Anna? Ash, you're friends with her on Facebook. She's doing really well!

Alina is doing well as a newly baptized member of the church. Still only dressing modestly because we make her and not because she wants to follow the Lord, but her testimony of it will come eventually. She is having fun charming all the boys in our branch and other branches....she is so pretty and they all know it! :) I will be so sad to see her leave in a few weeks to study in Florida, but we'll stay connected, I have no doubt. Olga, the one who has been investigating for two years, is reading the BOM every day and getting a little closer to baptism every day. She wants her daughter to meet with us...and she's trying to keep her daughter from moving in with her boyfriend. She's trying so hard to keep her family together but she doesn't realize that the Gospel will help her do that, not hinder. Keep praying for both Alina and Olga.

I just have to say that this week has been one of realization of the power of prayer and faith. Really original, I know, but it's the basic principles of the Gospel that hold the greatest power. I have been studying prayer and am just amazed with what the power of a prayer with faith can do. I really expended my faith on Anna this week. Then Anna showed up to church without us reminding her, telling us that she had been really looking forward to church. Prayer WORKS. 2 Ne. 32:9, DC 42:14, Mni 7:48--man, it is so true...you have to pray with ALL THE ENERGY OF HEART. Then it works. It says it so clearly in the Bible dictionary how we need to pray to bring our will in accordance with the will of the Father to know for what to pray (John 15:7). It's not easy! But man, it is worth it.

I was also studying my purpose as a missionary in PMG and did the study on how the Lord is the vine and we are the branches. Why is that? What does that have to do with missionary work? John 15:5-16 is so interesting. It makes perfect sense that He is the vine...that it is only if we are connected to Him will we have fruit. Only if we are connected to Him will we be nourished and have life...as in exaltation. He IS the vine. He is our everything. Phil. 4:13...it's all through Him.

Thank you for your letters and packages! You are so wonderful. Amelia and Cat, I adored your letters and reread them a few times because I was amazed...I really haven't been forgotten in P-town! You are all doing so well! Meals, I'm betting you're next for marriage. I'm still laughing that Kyra Moon married a Moon and now is Kyra Moon Moon. Ouch. Some people from my branch in Moscow went to Italy and they of course ran into Elder Matt Reschke there and he asked them if they knew me...and he gave them a note from me. I just got a letter from him, too, and he's headed home in less than a month! Mom, I just got your little letter and I even shed a tear reading it. It was so...home. You just chopped your hair the way I like?! So proud! You asked about the topography here in Moscow. NO MOUNTAINS. Seriously, it's flat as a pancake here. I find myself missing the mountains every once in a while. We just have tall buildings and metros instead. Also good... I didn't get to see the topography in Kiev because I was only in the Kiev airport for like 7 hours...jfkals;dfjkal;sd...but, next trip I get to see the Kiev TEMPLE!! And the time after that, I'll get to do a session in the temple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I can't wait. It will be like water for a dry parched soul. Speaking of the temple, I found an interesting verse in Moses 4:12. A senior couple showed this to me..the deception pattern of Satan in verse 12. I'll share it with you next time if you're interested. Check it out and see what you find. (I think it's Moses 4:12...that's just coming from my memory. It's when Eve is tempted and partakes.)

Anyway, things are so great. And hot. I am practically better from this food poisoning and Sis. Abram and I will hit the ground running. Dad, you asked about why I was senior by the way. I am not sure...I was senior with Sis. Dayberry and with Sis. Abram now, so I assume it's because I am training them on the area in Kahkovsky? I dunno. Sis. Johnson keeps telling me I'm headed to her next transfer to be the sister AP with her in Rechnoy. Ahh NOOO! I have enough to handle just trying to keep our investigators behaving. I don't want the responsibility of the sisters, too! They just instigated the AP sisters only because they are insitigating a totally new training for missionaries. They will be introducing it in the MTC next year, but they are training us missionaries on it now so that we will be well-versed in it when our new missionaries come. We have one Russian sister coming in October and then 3 in January...and all the sisters except for one American sister and I plus 4 Russian sisters will be going home either this November or in February. It will be so exciting/scary to have such a small amount of sisters again in this mission...and only us two American sisters! I'll for sure have some more Russian companions I hope. Well, time is running out. I'm happy and almost healthy again...go eat a big Chipotle burrito for me! Love you all!

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sis. Jones

7-28-10

2010-07-28T09:50:00.001-07:00

Hello all! It's me, from Moscow. Things are great. My new companion is Sis. Abram and we are soooo going to have an awesome transfer together. I absolutely love her. We get along so well and work well together. She's great at balancing being the junior companion (aka being teachable with the area) but still being a hard working companion and contributing to lessons and helping with planning, which makes things wonderful and fun. The whole junior/senior thing is a hoax anyway...the Spirit is the senior, right?! She's almost hit her year mark on the mission and she is the 9th child of 11 kids. Ya. She has 24 nieces and nephews. Whoooaaaa. She is from Provo and she is a music and theater major at a theater school in Wyoming. She is a doll. She's done several shows at Hale Theater in Salt Lake. She's way talented and is a cute pie. She's already really connected well with our investigators, which makes me so happy. I have been taking her around to our different areas and showing her everything and it's been awesome having her meet the branch and our investigators. We work hard together...and she loves to exercise so we have great workouts in the morning. We sometimes get a little too busy and forget to eat during the day, so that's our downfall that we're working on. But it's GOOD because we work hard! The baptism was absolutely perfect. Alina was a little bit nervous, but I stuck with her and kept a hold of her hand and we had a great talk and some sisters and I sang "When I Was Baptized" in Russian for her. So pretty with the alto part and Alina loved it. Then it was time for the ordinance. Vladimir in the branch presidency led her into the water and baptized her, getting her all the way down. When she came up, a little kid named Danille said, "Preevyet!" really loud to her right in front and she laughed and said hello back and everyone laughed. We ran around and got some great big wet hugs. She was so happy. They watched a short film on missionary work while we heled her get ready and we had the members write their testimonies down for her. Everything went perfectly. Thank you for your prayers. Her confirmation was just as awesome...and such a relief to see the following day in church--to know that now she has the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help her.

We had a WAY cool lesson yesterday! We met with the first sister missionary from Russia yesterday. We taught her a lesson, looked at her pictures from her mission, talked about her experiences, and ate ice cream and her homemade compote juice that was so refreshingly ice cold in this heat. Did you know that this is the hottest summer seen in Moscow for 70 years? We're setting records like crazy here. The Lord is really blessing me, though, because I somehow am doing just fine in the heat. Sis. Abram has some nice summer skirts and we kind of are the same size, so that's helped a lot.

Remember Olga? The middle-aged woman who believed allreligions have some truth and she's been meeting with the sisters for two years now? Ya...she's doing really well. We're starting to see a little bit of actual progress with her. I was straight up with her and asked her if she is meeting with us for English practice or if she wants to join our church because as missionaries, we prepare people for baptism ultimately. I think she was surprised, but she was honest and said that she thinks baptism is a big step and she is a careful person, so although she is slow going, she thinks she's getting closer and closer to baptism. That totally threw me. I thought we were going to have to end our meetings with her!

So ps, this transfer had some cool changes. They just made Sis. Elistratova and Sis. Johnson sister APs! Kind of. You know, to train the sisters. I'm excited for the opportunity to learn from two of my favorite and closest sisters in the mission!

I'm going to try to send pictures. I love you allllll and I am soooo happy! Glad the fam reunion was such a success! Love you!!!!

Tseluyou i obnimayou,

Sister Jones

7-21-10

2010-07-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello fam!

First off: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought about you all day yesterday. Hope it was a wonderful day. It rained when we were chalkdrawing for the first time in forever and it made me happy.

Sounds like the family reunion was a SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have 4 minutes to write you, so very quickly...we're just preparing for our baptism on Saturday, keeping busy. Alina is awesome. The other baptism will be on Sept. 11 instead because they've been out of town. I'm soooo happy. Sis. Dayberry goes home in two days...Mom, she has your number and will coordinate with you to visit with the Russians. I'm getting my new comp tomorrow! Who knows who I'll be training in Kakhovsky! Woo hoo. I'm excited. Ash, Anna told me that you two are friends on Facebook... She's a sweetheart.

Mom: Thank you for the package!! So happy. Cooler skirts would be amazing. Sis. Sorenson just authorized not wearing nylons anymore because it's so hot.

Okay, so Mom, I remember you mentioning the story about Solomon from Peru last week. Yes, I know him. I taught he and his family a lesson last week! They are a dear family. I actually taught his daughter her first piano lesson last week. Their story of conversion and him returning to Peru to baptize his already-member family is a miracle. They are so sweet!

The work here has been pretty tough, family! It's so good for me. This is where I'm going to grow. Every week I'm famous for getting a ton of contacts at chalk drawing, but then the people flake out and my hopes are crushed. We've discovered that several of our great investigators aren't in my area anymore so I have to pass them off to other sisters, which is difficult but necessary, and thus we've been doing some intense finding. All I can say is the these two scriptures have helped me this week: we all know Ether 12:27, but I have never really understood the first part--He will show us our weaknesses. Ouch! If we come to Him, He shows us our weaknesses so that we can start improving. I'm in that process right now, and it's good....just not always fun, huh? Also, I always find comfort in Alma 8:9-15. This story of Alma working hard but just finding discouragement is one that seems to connect with missionaries...but what makes him successful? He was obedient to the commandments. That's the key. We're working our hardest here and doing all we can. It's all good!

Pres. Uchtdorf said it right: "Patience is a process of perfection. In patience, you win mastery of your soul."

Pray for Alina. We warned her that in preparing for baptism, Satan will do all he can to distract her, and she has indeed had crazy things come up and she's told us we were right. She'll be fine though. We're so excited.

PS. We went street singing contacting a few weeks ago and the APs now have a baptismal date from it!! Awesome!!

K, time's up. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was at the baptism for another branch last week. Sis. Dayberry and I with Sis. Champenois from Denmark/Provo (with the crazy long hair) and her mini missionary, Anya, who joined the church a few months ago and is helping with the missionary work while we are short one sister.

This is our English class! We teach them every Wednesday after P-day and they are a hoot. Every week we have a theme, and last week was cooking. We asked them to teach us...in English...how to make pilmini (Russian dumplings). We had a blast writing down the recipe and we promised to make it together and tell them how it went.

7-14-10

2010-07-14T07:13:00.001-07:00

OH MY GOSH SO MANY MIRACLES TO TELL YOU!!

First off, I hope you are all doing SO well. Ash, I'm praying for you in your job interview with Deseret Book...you're gonna rock it like always, so I'm not even worried. Get the job so we can party in Utah when I get home, k? Hope the fam reunion is AWESOME. I expect you all to have at least one dance party in my honor so that I can be there in spirit. I'm so excited for you all to finally get to take a break from your crazy lives and be together. *cough* and write me letters *cough*. Speaking of letters, can someone find all of my friends and beat them up for never writing me?! I can always trust Cat Tag and Lisa to write, but I don't think I've received another letter than from them. Love you two! Cat, don't get married yet to Doug...wait for me. hehe. A big thanks to Bro. McArthur for his awesome letters and to Ryan Barney for trying to write in Russian through DearElder although none of the Russian came through. Tijs, your letter made me SO happy--glad that you are loving my old job!! :)

ANYWAY, family, that will be so fun to have Beej and Wa in Utah for the 24th. Hope you light off some good fireworks and eat shish-kebobs and go swimming. I'm so so excited for you! That will be a special day for me, too--we will be having TWO baptisms that day. Seriously! Alina has decided to be baptized! She's the one that randomly showed up at church a month or two ago and who lived in California for 6 years and is moving to Florida in a month for college and she has a best friend/potential boyfriend who just returned from a mission in the Baltics. She is simply a miracle. I don't even know how to describe it all. We have been teaching her frequently because she's usually free after her work ends at 6. We taught her all the lessons and she slowly began to accept the fact that she can be happier with a life free from partying like she does. She initially accepted all the commandments except for dressing modestly and cleaning up her language...but then she realized that she wants to be baptized, so those changes were necessary. She is finally dressing modestly...we even set her up on a modest clothing shopping date this Friday with a cute member in our branch who is leaving on a mission to Temple Square in a while. When we taught Alina about modesty, we also mentioned one pair of earrings. She took out her belly ring on the spot. I...didn't expect that and it threw me off but almost made me cry at the same time. I gave her two of my own Shade undershirts so that she could be modest at her chest and stomach and she's wearing them all the time now. She is really trying hard to break her swearing habit and it is hilarious to listen to her throw out the silly fill-in words like darn it. She is amazing. We were giving a lesson last week when she kind of stopped us and awkwardly said that she thinks she wants to be baptized. I think that Sis. Dayberry and I probably resembled deer in the headlights more than anything...we were stunned and then SO EXCITED. We are getting everything ready for the baptism now and preparing her for her baptismal interview...and then we want to start looking into the nearest singles ward to her in Florida :) Prosta chuda. Simply a miracle. Please keep her in your prayers so that she'll be totally ready to make that covenant of baptism and that her relationship with Christ and her testimony of His Atonement will strengthen.

Do you remember Batman, Charlie, and Anya? The three kids I contacted at a chalk drawing? They are the three we gave a tour of our church building and they asked if they could have a BOM, etc. They told us they wanted to meet with us when they've finished reading the BOM. We've called since then to invite them to activities and they have been out of town but they assured us that they are reading the BOM right now. Now THAT'S a miracle. They are studying the book, wanting to know more about this church. I can't wait for them to be ready to start receiving the lessons!

Remember Olga? The woman we have taught for forever who said she believes that all churches have truth, etc.? Well, we finally met with her last night and asked her why she was meeting us...if it is just for English practice, etc. or if she truly wants to find out more about our church and prepare for baptism. She honestly surprised me. I was expecting to probably not teach her anymore...but then she whips out how she needs to keep meeting with us because the way she feels with us helps her in her life. She said that she's never forgotten something that I told her. Dad, credit goes out to you. We were doing a lesson on 2 Nephi 2 and why bad things happen to good people because she had a lot of questions about that. I shared with her how I had written home to you saying how much I loved my companion, Sis. E., and that you were very happy about that but that you hoped that I would have a really difficult companion because THAT is when I can really grow. She totally agreed at the time and last night, she said that she's never forgotten that example from my dad and that she's told other people about it...and she's remembered it when she's had trials in her life the past few months. She also informed us that she thinks baptism is a big step and she feels as if she is growing closer to it every day but that it is a slow process. I.......was shocked and I am excited to really make some big changes with her. Once she stops going out of town on the weekends then she can finally start going to church and begin building her testimony further. Miracles.

I haven't had any more 2 Ne. 29:6 experiences at the Galchuk house (I'm teaching Anna's mom)

Okay, Mom and Dad. BIG NEWS. So, Sis. Dayberry is home soon, right? She will be driving through Utah to go to her niece's and nephew's baptism or something, and I told her that she needs to stop and take a rest in Draper...at my house!! We have two young members from our branch in Utah working right now, Artyom and Zardees, and Sis. Dayberry wants to stop and pick them up and have all three of them come meet you in Draper!! You could meet two Russians in my branch and my most recent companion!! They would be coming the 19th, 20th, or 21st of August is all I know. Would you be in town? I'm not sure what their plans are, but could they stay in the basement for a night or something if it was needed? I would just be so pumped to have them meet you. Let me know!

Brandon. My zone leader, Elder Kacallis, has your same laugh when you laugh really hard and start laughing all high-pitched. When he laughs really hard he goes up high and it makes me bust up every time because I feel like I'm with you laughing way hard. Just wanted you to know that I have a good laugh with you without you even knowing it every once in a while! I still think of you and Talmage brushing teeth and Tal telling you about the little men in his head. Hil-arious.

Ashley Tanner and Jake Nackos are married?! What!???? I got the announcement from Linda Miller for Jon's wedding. I'll bet it was a fun wedding. Cutest couple ever. Oh, Mom, that Brad Robinson you met at the temple? Yes, his cousin was my roommate during summer at BYU! Cute little Brooke with the blonde hair. Brad and I used to volunteer at the special needs home together on Sundays. Ring a bell at all? If you see him again, tell him HI! He is the best kid ever.

Air--thanks always for your emails. I get such a kick out of your updates, funny stories, and loving support for me. I am glad you love it when I send pictures...I'll keep them coming just for you. Give the little ones big hugs and kisses from me. And ps...how do you know for sure that I'm not picking up any strange Russian habits like yelling at people for not wearing hats or drinking vodka at 8 in the morning?!

That reminds me...funny experience at the metro. Okay, way too general...I have a funny experience every day there, but yesterday was especially funny. The doors open to the metro and you stand on the side and let people get off and then you load on. The people waiting to get on in front of us were a man and woman. He kind of shoved a little to get in first...then she shoved back harder...then he literally shoved her so hard and yelled...and then she screamed and hip-bomped him, nearly toppling him over. Everyone just stood back and waited for the brawl to finish, then loaded on as normal and went on. Sis. Dayberry and I were just astounded. Rudeness is totally acceptable! Even when we were waiting in line at the internet cafe, a man in front of us was having a lady make copies for him. He asked her to make sure and do it front to back or something and the worker just turns to him and said with an ice glare and sassy tone, "Ya delayou fsyo narmalna." "I'm doing everything normally." WHooo! If someone sassed like that in America, they'd like lose their job or get chased down by the Better Business Bureau. I think it's hilarious. People just say what they want and forget it the second later. Oh, later yesterday a lady saw our tags and started crossing herself, as if she was protecting herself from the Boogie Man. I really really really had to work hard to keep a straight face.

So you want to know more about Sis. Dayberry, huh? She's awesome. She has had every P-day planned out for our entire transfer so she can see the things she wants to see and everything. We work well together and get things done. I love her and have learned a lot from her, whether it be about working with different personalities or just learning more about myself.

Thanks for the update of where Molly served! She served in the Moscow West areas, so no common ground, but so cool that I know where she served now. She was out there in the boonies! Tough work.

Well, dear family, you're in my prayers. I'm so happy and so hot and tired and it's so nice to know that I'm hot and tired for Him. This work is the best and most important work, so I feel pretty good about my life right now. This is my Russian summer being a disciple of the Savior. I'm gonna make the most of it.

TselUyou i obnimAHyou,

I kiss and I hug,

SestRA Jones

June 30, 2010

2010-06-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, well HEY family! Guess what? Sis. Dayberry, like I mentioned, is in her last transfer...so she has much to figure out on the Internet for classes, etc. and Pres. Cranney gave her permission for extra internet time...thus her companion is authorized for longer writing time. Hopefully I won't be so jumbled this time!

First, your favorite part of the email....PICTURES!

The first pic: The plan of salvation...in chalk! This was so cool because we could just pass plan of salvation pamphlets out to explain what it was...and get their numbers of course...hehehe

Next: Elder White trying to contact a Russian Orthodox priest. HILARIOUS

Next: Dinner before our culture night...MEXICAN FOOD!!!!! I ate fajitas with more gusto than ever in my life. It was actually really good. Who'd've thunk I'd find a restaurant called Sombrero's in downtown Moscow?

Next: Sis. Dayberry and I being way cool imitating the lady on this poster. This was our culture night--SO COOL! I saw more Kossack dancing (the traditional Russian dancing where the men kick out their legs with their arms folded and stuff) than I thought possible and I watched, through dance, the history of Russia! Sooo cool. The place even had air conditioning.

Next: How appealing does this meat stand look?! Those dogs underneath are so getting a good lunch.

Next: Sometimes we ride marshrootkas to get places...just a van. At the front of the van is the price...25 roubles...and then here are some classic Russian things you see. Naturally...a dead butterfly, a Russian Orthodox icon, a character from Russia's version of Winnie the Pooh, etc. Randommm

Next: This is on a juice box. It says apple flavor...and then "100% quality." I turned to my district at this party where we were drinking this juice and I said, "100% quality. What does that even mean?" In Russia...absolutely nothing. We got a great laugh out of that. Probably not funny to you...but hey.

Did you know that this week has had temperatures in the 100s here in lovely Moscow? Did you know that you can actually get a tan through nylons and get funky tan lines with Mary Jane missionary shoes? Did you know that street contacting by singing hymns or chalkdrawing is muuuch more effective and SO much fun? Did you know that polka dots and peas are the same word in Russia? Did you know I'm getting a new mission president tomorrow? Or that Russians end their phone calls by saying, "Tseluyou!" I kiss you!

I do.

This mission is so awesome. Things are great. We've done a bit of contacting this week because we've gotten figged on a few meetings (appointments didn't show up) and I have gotten 12 new contacts who are interested in the Gospel! I am pretty sure contacting is the FUNNEST thing ever. The different reactions are classic...some are fascinated with our singing or with the chalk art...others are interested in our message...others in the fact that we teach English and are from America...others realize we're Mormons and quickly tiptoe away, calling us a crazy sect. It's a blast to see how each person reacts. It's just really hot.

The investigators are doing GREAT. Paulina is now living the Word of Wisdom and we're challenging her for the Law of Chastity tonight before she leaves for the summer to Siberia for vacation. Anya is always talking about how she wants to serve a mission in America (not sure if she's wanting to serve for the right reasons quite yet, but hey) and she knows pretty much every principle of the Gospel and attends church every week. Natasha has dropped off the face of the planet because she's on vacations constantly, so we're worried about her. Alina has agreed to live the law of chastity and word of wisdom, except that she won't wear modest clothing...yet and she can't seem to clean up her language...yet. She said that she knows she will be baptized a Mormon, but in a year (like Anya) because she's going to college in Florida and "probably won't have time to be a good, devoted Mormon there." Hahaha nice effort, Alina. We're working on strengthening all of their testimonies, but at this point it's up to them...they need to study the scriptures and sincerely ask to know if what we've told them is true...and act on it. Anya is having a hard time acting on her answer...Alina is having a hard time sincerely asking. Paulina is just chugging along and trying to build that faith to really ask with sincerity. It's amazing to see how the Gospel changes their lives, though. They understand the concepts and they want to live them.

We've been finding new investigators! We taught the first lesson to Alla, a contact I made at English club after our lesson. During our lesson, she asked more questions and queried about more issues than I've ever been asked, and I was astounded by the verses and ideas and experiences that came to mind as we taught her. She asked why we don't use the cross to symbolize our belief, and I remembered that story when Pres. Hinckley was asked the same question and he said that our symbol of faith is our service to others instead a cross around our neck. I expressed this to Alla and...I think she was surprised by the satisfactory answer! By the end of the lesson she was looking forward to reading the BOM and learning more. I can testify that if we study and treasure up His words, all things really DO come to our remembrance in that moment of need. Even words in Russian popped into my mind when I needed them. I so love this work...this opportunity to serve 24/7 and focus on others...and focus on the Savior and His work.

We have already met with some of our new contacts from the street and it is so fun to watch their various reactions as they learn about the Gospel, the knowledge that we have, and what they do with it. I will never forget watching an 18-year-old kid, "Batman" he told me his name was (actually Sergei), ask if he could have a Book of Mormon after having given him a tour of our church building and then see him pore over the introduction, trying to understand exactly what this sacred book was. This kid had long hair and sunglasses and a girlfriend hanging on his side, but he was completely lost in his own world as he read the words of the most correct of any book on the earth. SO COOL! They are so excited to read the book and receive the lessons. Just some punk kids! Love it. The field is so flippin' white and ready to harvest!

Some aren't so ready, though. We are teaching the mother of Anya Galchuk, a young single mother in our branch. Her mother has finally accepted us to teach her and she's moving along slowly, no help to her creep second husband. Right before we started our lesson with her, her husband comes in with his shirt completely unbuttoned and vodka belly hanging out and he asks us what we think we're doing, do we believe in the Bible, the Bible says that there should be no scripture after the Bible so the Book of Mormon is garbage, etc. He yelled and yelled and Sis. Dayberry was getting soooo mad and she asked me if I had any verses to prove that the BOM was prophesied because I'm usually the scripture person in our companionship. The Spirit had left the room a while ago, but He was still in my heart enough to let me know to not turn to the verses I had in mind and to not engage in Bible bashing with him. Casting pearls before swine is not my intention on the mission, so we waited until his ranting had finished, he left, and we could pray together and invite the Spirit back. Immediately it returned and we had a wondeful meeting, testifying of the BOM and its truthfulness. If anyone's testimony was strengthened from that experience, it was mine. I enjoyed a great study session the next day about how the Bible and BOM testify of each other...prophesy of each other...help each other. Both testify of Christ. That's what matters. If anything for that angry man, I hope that he knows that Mormon missionaries are loving, patient, Christ-like people. One of our investigators wrote on her online forum about conference with Elder L. Tom Perry and her thoughts. Her nearly empty forum became the number busiest forum on the site because of all the people writing in with their opinions on Mormons. Some were good...most were bad, saying we try to take people's money and that Mormon missionaries are the last thing a person needs to survive in Russia. I think that goes to show you that...our church is the true one. Since when has the Gospel ever been easy or not persecuted? Ummm since never.

Mom, you asked why Russians drink so much. Ha. Honestly, for one, it's just the culture. I contacted a man from Germany on the plane to Kiev (I think I mentioned him to you?) and we talked to whole way. He has lived in CHicago, Brussels, Germany, and now Moscow and speaks all of those languages and more fluently. He expressed the feeling that Americans and Russians are similar in that they don't have the luxury of traveling to all sorts of different countries and learning to assimilate to different customs because we just stay in our country for the most part. Russians are used to drinking starting at 8 in the morning and they don't know what customer service is. That's normal. Americans don't realize that laughing like horses and talking loud enough for an entire metro station to hear is inappropriate. That's just how it is. Of course, Russians drink, too, because living a life in Russia is hard. Like you guessed, Mom, they have a lot of worries. Work is scarce, and if you do find it, it is an all-day, everyday thing to survive. Religion isn't a comfort to them here, either, because in Russia, religion is more a Russian tradition than a religion or belief. If you join another church, you are turning your back on Russia, its cultures, and its customs. That's one reason why Anya is having a hard time committing to baptism now...she wants her family to ease into the idea. One lady, Zoya, I met on the street. I'm astounded by her life. She is from Kazakhstan and lives with her husband, two children, and in-laws. She loves English and loves the Bible--I've talked about her a bit already I think. She dreams of coming to English club to meet us and learn English and talk about religion, but her husband hates the Bible and English. Even so, she goes on the computer and listens to the Bible in English so that he doesn't understand and can't get mad at her. What a way of life! She calls me every night to practice English and talk to me and be my friend. What lives people lead here in Russia!

Dad...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY LAAAATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry that I didn't even say anything. I kind of forget about holidays here in general, so please know that it is not because I love you any less. For some reason, though, I don't think you were ever doubting that. :) I forgot my study journal and my notes about the 4 things in which we should have faith. AGAIN. From memory, I know I thought one was the Savior and His Atonement and His ability to save us...but that's the only one I solidly remember. D'oh. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on it....and ps. I'm slowly becoming a scriptorian like you and Mom! I'll never reach you two, but I have my little booklet of scriptures right next to my little booklet of Russian vocabulary to memorize and my time on the metro is spent memorizing both. What a blessing it is to help my companions by supporting what they say with a verse right after. 2 Cor. 13:1--by the mouth of two or three witnesses, baby! Me, my companion, and the scriptures! Thank you for setting such an example for me of love for the scriptures. Oh, kstati--by the way--what were the things that girls do that bug guys and vice versa in your dating and marriage EFY talk? Sis. Dayberry wants to know hahaha! Hey, she needs to know...she's 24 and unmarried--practically a crime in Mormon years.

Mom...THANKS FOR THE PACKAGE! I got the face wash, the snacks, all the happiness and love in your package. So wonderful. So happy. I'm doing well on stuff I think. Herbs, everything. I forgot to tell you that a while back my wallet got stolen...first transfer here in Moscow...but the Spirit had told me to pretty much empty it out the day before for some reason, so all I lost was my driver's license and temple recommend. Very important, still, but my cards weren't there, or money. Blessing. But I just realized that a driver's license might be good sometime. What do you think? Also, when you see the Cranney's at their farewell, will you be sure to give them my blog address so that they have the option of keeping updated with the mission? Sis. Cranney may like that. I noticed a bit of your email to me about you coming here. It's up to you what you want. Honestly, I would love to have you come pick me up. Most missionaries in this mission have ended up doing that and it is not at all a problem. Sis. Dayberry's family is coming so I'll get to meet them now and see how she worked it out. Cool thing? The family always gets to come to the last transfer meeting to see how it works :) Kind of fun. Of course, I'm down with either way. You know I won't throw a hissy fit about either route...I'll just be happy to see my family :)

Well, things are wonderful. I am happy, working hard, learning to lead, trying to convince my companion to speak Russian with me, trying to convince investigators to get baptized, learning Russian, learning the scriptures, learning the people here--it's all good. You're in my prayers. Thank you for your support and love. I love hearing from you. Oh, Mom, you asked if DearElder works--yes! Just not when you write in Russian Cyrillic. Write in English and I'll get the letter from you post-haste. :) Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tseluyou, obnimayou, lyoublyou,

(I kiss, I hug, I love,)

Sis. Jones

This baboushka was feeding the pidgeons and was getting such a kick out of it as we waited at the embassy to fix my passport. She kept laughing and smiling at me and I of course was getting a kick out of her more than the dirty pidgeons...good memory

That truck says milk on it. That is a Russian milk truck. Hello, milk truck. This was on our rainy trek to Gzhel to see the dish-making place...oh preparation days.

Here I am! June 23, 2010

2010-06-23T19:30:00.001-07:00

Hello, fam!

Okay, sorry that every email lately has been a jumbled mess. We have not had a lot of time to email because we're bussssy...which is SUCH a good thing!

The investigators are just great. We're still at a standstill with Anya...she knows she'll be baptized, but she's still thinking she needs a year to change her life...although she already lives all the standards. Hmmm. Not sure what to do right now...besides pray! Paulina is so great. We are teaching her the 3rd lesson tonight before she comes to our class at English club. I love teaching English club! She is a doll and she PRAYED for us for the first time last meeting. She closed in the name of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (Russian Orthodox thing) and she wasn't sure for what she should pray, but OH the faith she expended in doing it! I was so proud. She has pretty much no concept of God or religion in her life, but she wants it. She's amazing. She even went to a young adult activity without us...with a member that always comes with us. Mom, you asked about Marina. Marina is a foreverish investigator who loves English and loves different religions. She is a sweetheart and a great contact because she has Bible club and English club in her house once a week...other investigators for us! We went to one and got 3 great contacts...one was just on the street on the way, Zoya. Zoya is from Georgia (the country) and she ADORES English and the Bible. Her husband hates both and doesn't allow her to read the Bible...so she listens to it online in English so that he doesn't know. Awkward...but she is coming to English club now and she calls me every night for 10 minutes to practice speaking English with me hahaha. Alina is amazing...she's the one who showed up to church one day and we started teaching her the lessons to prepare her for when her boyfriend from California comes home from his mission in the Baltic states. I think she wants to marry him but knows he wants a member wife...so she then got curious about it. She has been progressing and she already lives the standards for the most part, except when we taught the law of chastity this week, she is not cool with dressing modestly or cleaning up her language...at least she's morally clean! We just need to keep working. Natasha is doing so-so. She is always out of town and although she agrees to live the commandments we teach her, I feel like she does it for practical reasons instead of doing it because she loves the Savior and wants to keep His commandments. Just need to keep strengthening her testimony. Both Natasha and Paulina are reading the BOM but are having a hard time understanding it. I just keep telling them that it takes forever to fully understand them--but when we pray along with our study, the Lord will reveal the things to us that we need to know right now in our lives. We will know enough. I then found an awesome section in the D&C that I think will help them this week:Sec. 11:12-14, 16-20. These verses were written to help Joseph keep on translating the BOM...and they helped me when I was frustrated with the Russian language. I think it also perfectly applies to them in trying to understand the BOM...just keep trying and being obedient and it will be FINE!

Ash, I also loved the scripture you shared with me, Ex. 14:13-14. I love the phrase, "Stand still." To me that means, "CHILL and let the Lord work through you." I found that same phrase in DC 123:17. I think that's applicable for you, especially, Ash, because you are making some big decisions right now in your life, but just don't worry. Keep being obedient and the Lord will guide you. I KNOW you will be fine.

I LOVE YOU ALL!! MY TIME IS UP BUT THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sister Jones with her new companion

Sister Jones at her first baptism... with all of the sisters who taught Anya. Her husband, Sasha, baptized her!

Sisters E and J with an investigator...

June 16, 2010

2010-06-16T23:40:00.001-07:00

Hello loved ones!

I hope you are all doing well. Today was a fun misty almost rain and I thought of Mom and Dad partying it up with Ash in LA...but I wasn't even jealous because I got to enjoy Alya's AMAZING baptism on Saturday!!!!! Oh, family, it was amazing. AMAZING. I'm sorry, no other word. I don't get emotional that often on the mission because you're just too busy (haha) but I will never--NEVER--forget the feeling as I watched Sasha lift Alya out of the water, her smiling face, their embrace, their relief. They will be a forever family. We had 4 baptisms that day...plus one in Zaleningrad far away...and all six sisters who taught Alya had the opportunity to sing Come Thou Fount in Russian. We sang in parts...even the tenor and bass part an octave higher. I sang the alto and it seriously turned out so awesome. The Spirit was like punching us all in the stomach it was so strong. I loved getting to sing right to Alya and watch her tears. Sis. Cranney wants to record us singing it because it just turned out perfectly and it is such a gorgeous song. It was a beautiful service and everything was perfect...except Sasha couldn't get Alya's elbow in the water twice, so she was quasi-baptized three times. Ha.

Well--what else? I have a new companion! Woo hoo! Sis. Dayberry is in her last transfer. She's from Seattle, Washington and is half German, half Native-American. She talks about 100000 words per minute...and so I can just sit and listen to her go. She speaks pretty good Russian, but she doesn't speak any Russian when it's just us two, so I am not getting the practice like I used to. We work well together. Things are great.

Conference with Elder Perry. Oh, amazing. He led our mission conference and we had 3 70s and Elder Perry speak to us. He talked about the dispensations from the beginning of time up until today. It was a simple but powerful message--one that we teach frequently. I love when he testifies...he gets this deep, gravelly voice and says, "I TESTIFY..." He took time to shake all of our hands before conference and meet us one at a time--Elder Rasband, too. I introduced myself, "Elder Perry, I'm Sis. Jones!" "Well, nice to meet you, Sis. Jones. Where are you from?" "Draper, Utah!" "Well, that's great!" Then as conference started, Pres. Cranney explained the remainder of our meeting and announced at the end that I would be praying. Uhhhh...what?! I stressed over whether I should pray in Russian or English...so I figured Russian was safer and prayed at the end of the meeting. I already told you that after the prayer, Elder Perry turned to Pres. and asked, "How long has she been here?" and Pres. said, "Three months!" and he turned to me and said, "Beautiful prayer, young lady." Ooooh!

Conference was amazing, too. Anya and Natasha came and Natasha even shook Elder Perry's hand. Anya felt the Spirit and...well, she's just awesome. All of our investigators are awesome. Alina is moving along like crazy. We love her. Ahhh sorry, I have to go. I have a ton of pictures to send...of our strange trip to Kiev...I'll explain later...but I have to go teach English club now, so I'll talk to you next week. Let my Ashten know I'll write her soon...as in next week. Love you ALL. Things are amazing. I'm so happy. Sofia is the next baptism...and then we're getting Anya into the water next! Keep praying--your prayers WORK.

Dad...I have my theory about the 4 things in which we must have faith...but I'll write them next week when I have time.

LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Sis. Jones

June 9 Letter

2010-06-10T10:54:00.001-07:00

HELLO FAMILICHKA!!

It's me, Sis. Jones.

So...lots of news.

But first...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY ELIZABETH JONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SNYOM ROZHDENYA TEBYA! SNYOM ROZHDENYA TEBYA! SNYOM ROZHDENYA DEAR ASHLEY, SNYOM ROZHDENYA TEBYA!!!! (to the happy birthday song)

As is Russian tradition, I wish you: good health, happiness, a husband (but not before I am home), a wonderful job, and a really good sun tan on the LA beaches.

Hope it was a good one, my dear best friend. Love you like crazy. Thanks for your crazy letter that I got yesterday. Sounds like you love FHE in LA :) PS. Bre is engaged? To WHOM?

Now, the news:
1. I will be there for Alya's baptism!! My visa trip got shimmied around and I am going to Ukraine on Sunday morning. This weekend is going to be buuusy but wonderful. Alya is getting back in town soon and we're making sure the baptismal clothes fit and everything--Sasha is baptizing her! He is such a wonderful husband to her and we are excited for when he can baptize their daughter, Dasha, and also Alya's mother. Her mother went back home to Khazakstan, but not before we taught her the first lesson and instructed her to read and pray about the BOM. We know that when she comes back in August, she'll be ready to start preparing for baptism. She is eager to learn everything. YAY!!!!!!!!!!
2. Sofia is getting baptized!! Can you believe that?! Yulia, her mother, is the less-active news reporter who is beautiful and awesome and has been a member for a long time and wants to be active but has to work on Sundays sometimes. Her husband is Russian Orthodox and we were really worried (as was Yulia) that he wouldn't allow the baptism. We prayed so hard about is as we waited a week to visit again and find out his answer. Come to find out that he said he thinks it would be a really good thing for her to be baptized and he is allowing it!!!!!!!! We were surprised, but not as surprised as Yulia, his wife! I think she doubted a bit that he would allow it, but the Lord has a way of softening people's hearts--I can testify of that 10 times over. Seen it work too many times to count already here in Moscow--and it's a miracle.
3. Sis. E is getting transferred to Podolsk--a very far away place. Podolsk is usually two elders and a tiny branch and that's it...and now they are replacing elders with sisters there! Interesting! I'm so excited to see the progress that she gets going there. We spent the last week traveling back and forth, training her on the area and meeting her investigators and members. They have one member, Anya, who is a star. She helps with every meeting and was just baptized. She is a sweetheart and she kept calling me a miracle because my Russian is too good to have only been here 3 months. I think she's exaggerating quite a lot, but it sure makes me feel good to know I don't sound like a dufus. Hehe.
4. Because Sis. E is leaving, I am leading the Kahovsky area. AHHHH. I don't even know what I'm DOING but if the Lord thinks I can do it, I know I can with His help. We have one new Ukrainian sister coming in this transfer and President hinted around about me training her and everyone keeps saying I will train her, but I am pretty sure I will have an American companion this transfer. I'll teach her the area and then probably be transferred next transfer. I find out tomorrow...pray for me! Who knows who my new companion will be? I tried to pry it out of the APs, but they just said that they talked about me moving in with them and having a sister as an AP. Clever sidetrack. (Have I mentioned that although elders are wonderful when they teach...they usually act around 12 years old on average? Sadly I'm so not even exaggerating. Gotta love lessons on patience.)
What else? So many miracles. We have a member, Rahisa, who had a son die about a year ago and we weren't sure how to help her. She is a strong member but kind of sad. We've taught her a few lessons, but she knows that basics. Sis. and I talked about what to teach, and Sis. E said, "Maybe talk about using patriarchal blessings?" I later said, "How about talking about prayer and how to really use it to bless her life?" We decided to just go and listen to her and see what we could do and teach about prayer. We got there, let her talk, and what two things did she talk about and have questions about? Ya. Miracles. The Lord works through His missionaries, family.
I forgot to tell you about the SWEET Russian funeral we attended. It was insane. Our investigator, Marina, loves English and wanted us to come sing some English hymns for her mother's funeral, so we met her at the Russian Orthodox temple, waiting in the rain with a senior couple and other companionship. In comes a 1940s school bus, similar to those used in A League of Their Own for the baseball team, and they unload an ELECTRIC PURPLE casket with black frilly trimming. It was absolutely horrific and hilarious. Don't even worry, they unload it out the back and then just peel the top of the casket off right there outside and then haul her poor body into the temple uncovered. We just kind of stood in shock...I just saw a dead person in an electric purple casket. Whaa? We strolled into the temple and covered our heads with scarves for respect. The temple was beautiful...icons absolutely everywhere of the Virgin and child, the crucific, saints being martyred, etc. There was dried grass spread all over the floor. Don't know why... and then the priest began his droning scripture-reading song and walking around, swinging his little case of burning spices. There was another little 3-man choir behind a seperater and they would pop in every once in a while to sing a verse...and we all held candles. What a relief that we know what really goes on after death...because I would so not be pleased with this if I were searching for the truth. But it was definitely beautiful, fascinating, and the incense smelled delicious. It is interesting to me how we had to cover our heads for this procession...and Muslims cover their heads. To me, that means that at one time, they had the truth, you know?

A few Russian treasures. I had my first loaf of fresh, hot, Russian bread. Hooooly cowwww....keep that stuff away from me or I will gain 20 pounds just from eating that goodness all day. Bread is soo good here.
Russian don't carry big bags because they are on the metro all day...they need good small bags to carry things they buy, etc. So they have packets...like thick plastic bags. Everyone has them. I have them. You put everything in there and walk around with them. You hang them up on coat racks in people's houses and then put on the house slippers (tapachky).
The other day in the metro, I walked past a man with a white rat just chillin on his shoulder. Then I remembered that I was in Russia. Okayyy...
Bathrooms in Russia are my one complaint, okay? There are NO BATHROOMS HERE. None. Unless you want to pay an exorbitant amount for a nasty port-o-potty, which I do not. Why in the world do we need to pay to go to the bathroom? Hhahahaha even Sis. E sees the logic in that. We had to ride the train back and forth to Podolsk for Sis. E's training, and I checked out the bathroom on the train. BAD idea. It has obviously never been cleaned--you could tell by the smell...and it is pretty simple...just a hole in the bottom of the train so you can see the train tracks fly by. That is the toilet. Oh Russia.
We have an amazing new investigator, Alina! She just showed up to church...she lived in California for a few years and she fell in love with a man there who is now serving a mission in the Baltics and she wants to know about the church before he comes home this summer. WE CAN DO THAT.
CONFERENCE WAS AMAZING. I shook Elder Perry's hand twice...once because he thanked me for my beautiful prayer in Russian after mission conference! He asked Pres. Cranney how long I'd been here and Pres. Cranney told him and he came and thanked me. I will tell you more about that next week...but I'm out of time now. I'll let you know about my new comp, conference, my investigators more in depth, etc., but for now know that I LOVE YOU! Please write...I always know I can trust Cat Tag and Lisa Weiler for mail every few weeks...but that is it! What is this, Russia?

Hehe. Love you all.
Sis. Jones

June 2, 2010

2010-06-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

Hello, dear familichka. Hope all is well at home!! I don't have much time today so I am going to spill all of my information quickly, mmk?

First--Alya's baptism got postponed AGAIN. Can you believe that? Satan sure is mad about her baptism! She got great tickets to visit her sister and it would have postponed her confirmation, so we are waiting. It will be on the 12th...which, of course, is when my visa trip is. Naturally I would miss my first baptism! Oh, well, as long as it is a good experience for her, that is the important part. Continue to pray for her and her continued progress. We just love her!
So--we challenged Anya to baptism and she gave a GREAT answer: she wants to pray and fast about it...and wait for an answer at conference with Elder Perry this Sunday! Is she not ready or what? I can't believe her faith. We promised her she would receive an answer, and I feel comfortable making a promise like that because the Lord always comes through! We are just praying that she'll recognize the answer. Please keep her in your prayers. We also challenged Sofia to baptism--the 8-year-old who needs permission from her father. Her mother is a less-active member but she really wants Sofia to become a member. She has been attending church more and we are excited with her progress. She is a British news anchor, so she's very busy with work. Please pray to soften Sofia's father's heart so that he will allow her to be baptized.
So...Natasha is praying and reading regularly and is excited to learn about the other commandments. She finally is starting to understand everything and not ask crazy questions...and she agreed to begin coming to church REGULARLY. She is really coming along. The best part? We found a FRIEND for her at church. We are always trying to think of members to come on meetings with us that could be promising friends for them. We definitely found one for Natasha! His name is Maxim. Enough said...hehehe
Lyuda? Just a miracle. We cooked food with her and Natasha and some members and elders last week, but not until we'd sat down and watched the First Vision film with Lyuda and testified of the BOM and asked her to begin reading it. She took it so well and said she would. As we began cooking, she started making plans for when we'll meet again...she wants to go to a park. She turned to me and said, "I don't know why I'm growing so attached to you. I've never had friends who have encouraged me to go to church before. I like it." I couldn't help chuckling and saying, "Oh, we'll encourage you to go to church!" We continued to talk, but I was so struck by the fact that--wow--she loves being with us because she feels the Spirit with us. She feels good and she wants to feel better. We are so excited that she is willing to start learning about the Gospel.
Speaking of starting to learn about the Gospel, we had a new face at church named Alina. Not a member, we naturally got her number and invited her to family home evening the next night. She said she might come--and she did! We got the scoop with her that night--she lived in California for 6 years with her mom and learned perfect English and also met a Mormon guy there. They dated and now he's on a mission in the Baltics. He is coming home this summer and she is starting to think that maybe she should investigate the church....enter Sister Jones and Elistratova! Hooray! We are excited to start teaching. She is a little leery of the whole thing, but we'll change her mind soon.
So we had interviews yesterday and we have transfers next week. We have no idea what is going to happen. It is likely that Sis. E will be transferred and I'll be here in Kahovsky still. I love it here, but it will be really hard to split from Sis. E. Oh well, you don't grow until you're challenged! On interviews yesterday, we had a little surprise--language test! A native sat down with each of us individually and talked to us about a topic from Preach My Gospel. What topic did she talk about with me? My very favorite, of course--the Atonement. *Blessing* It was a spiritual conversation and the language barrier melted. It was so cool. I just gave her a big hug at the end and she was a little surprised, I think. She came across as a mean Russian who was going to be tough, but after talking for two minutes, I realized she was just...Russian. Gruff at first, then the sweetest person deep inside. She asked me how long I'd been there and she was very impressed after hearing I'd been there three months. She complimented my language ability, particularly my accent. She could have been being nice--we'll see when we get our scores back. Hope I didn't FAILLLL. Ahhhh. But we went to a new family's house who are the cutest little member family. They fed us food and we taught them a simple lesson, and the mom was flipping out like I had a gift for speaking Russian. Not sure that that is true at all, but it was definitely a confidence booster for me to speak more Russian and not worry so much. Phew.
Well, Russians are great. Lisa Weiler, I got your AMAZING dearelder that made me laugh aloud and miss you like crazy. I'm writing you a letter because I am astounded by how many people are GETTING MARRIED. You also asked to keep sending little facts and quirks about Russians. One thing I love? On the metro, you can shove your way in and out, every which way, be crowded, smell bad--but if a young man or woman is sitting down and there is a baboushka standing, they ALWAYS give up their seat for them no matter what. I love the respect they show for their elders here...in general. Of course, bums and crazy people don't have respect for anyone, but hey, they are bums and crazy people.
I love you all. Things are BUSY and wonderful. We are so crazy excited to have Elder Perry here this week. Everyone is buzzing about it...the energy is crazy. We want to work and show what can happen in Moscow! Elder Perry will teach us missionaries and Sis. Perry will the young adults. We love teaching. We love helping people. Our investigators are just miracles. I love Moscow and I am convinced I'm in the best mission in the world. Hope all is well. Can't wait to read all of your emails via camera! :)

Love love love love,
Sestrichka Kelsichka Jones

This week...

2010-05-26T16:05:00.001-07:00

Did President tell you that we have reactivated 850 members in the past year? President Schwitzer announced that in conference. Amazing. Can you believe our statistics, family? 436 lessons that past week! We beat our record from the week before by over 100!!!!!!!!!! The mission is on fire!!! Every companionship insists on teaching lessons with members...we are looking for new investigators constantly...it's amazing. We are all just so happy when we do it, too. It's amazing how He helps you. You just have to give your best effort and then He carries you the rest of the way. I admit...we are very tired...but it's a good tired!

Oh! Before I forget. Brittany Bushnell, dear friend, I am serving with a kid who lived across the street from you--Mike O'Brient!! He's a hoot. He also served in the MTC with Mike Cutler and was good friends with him. He absolutely loves Mike and I filled him in on what I knew was going on with Mike--that he's training now and stuff. Love connections! He says hi to both Mike Cutler and Brittany Bushnell!

Petey!! Thanks for your DearElder, but BAD NEWS!! Russian doesn't work through DearElder and just shows up as gibberish, so I didn't get to read your letter!!!! I was so mad! Just so everyone knows, Russian does not work through DearElder :)

MOM!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the package!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It came so fast! Sis. E and the elders LOVED the cookies and I LOVED the clothes!! You are basically the best. I already read the John Bytheway (Yoann Kstatee--that's a joke for all Russian speakers) book and loved it. Very profound to read as a missionary.

Okay, so I have a Russian word for all of you to learn. When someone asks you how you are doing in Russian, you have so many options--my personal favorite? prepyevayooshye. It means that things are going "hummingly." Like you are so happy that you're humming all the time, kind of. Isn't that awesome? I'm humming all the time, anyway, so it fits. Also, my other favorite, is "Dyela kak v skazki." Things are like in a fairytale. For all of the B-12 girls, you know how accurate that is, since my life is basically a Disney channel original series.

Hope all is going well, family. You are always in my prayers. I hope things are happy but hard, just like me, because, hey! What makes a great story? OPPOSITION! Compare how long 4th Nephi is in the BOM to the war chapters in Alma! 4th Nephi is short because everything was great--and there isn't much to say. Opposition is where we grow! Opposition is how we learn to become like the Savior! Opposition is how we can become gods and goddesses someday! This life is the childhood of eternity. Children fall...they mess up...and then they get back up and learn from their mistakes. What a blessing it is that the Lord allows us the chance to make our own mistakes and have our agency so that we can progress.

3 Ne. 5:13--I think every missionary should read that every day and they'll never forget what they should be doing. We are called of God. We have a purpose, a mission. This doesn't apply just to missionaries, though. We all have a calling in life. A reason that we are all individual with our unique gifts to share with the world. I continue to study how, through the Atonement, we become more unique, more individual, more confident--and not all the same person. We should develop the Christlike attributes every day because we'll develop every facet of our individual personality the best way that is possible. SO COOL.

Okay, I've talked enough. I love you all SO MUCH and this work is AWESOME. Go make mint tea for yourself and say a prayer for my investigators and remember that I love you!

Aaawesome!

2010-05-20T08:38:00.001-07:00

FAMILY MY MISSION IS AWESOME!!

Sorry. I'm just pumped.

Things are so great. We had mission conference yesterday and our entire mission pretty much just got pumped up to reach our goal that began officially two days ago of 20 meetings, 4 with members, and 2 new investigators each week. We have never had so many new investigators, family. Miracles are TOTALLY happening. They announced yesterday that last week (our prep week for our accomplishing our goal) we had more meetings than ever recorded in this mission--345!!!! Of course, numbers aren't what counts, but I think that is simply an indicator of the fire that is burning in our missionaries right now. We are all so excited. Alya is getting baptized next week--we taught her mother this week and she had already begun reading the BOM since we gave it to her Saturday night during our dinner at the Cranneys in Alya's honor.
Anya?? Don't even worry--we taught her the Word of Wisdom and she was ALREADY LIVING IT. Umm, this is Russia, people. Young adults drink like it was their job--but she doesn't even drink tea. She has totally been prepared by the Lord. We are teaching her tithing and fasting tonight with a member. Keep praying that she'll accept that...as well as the Law of Chastity. We heard good news concerning that...her boyfriend that she was going to move in with? THEY BROKE UP. She even mentioned that she wants to live with Sis. E and I after our missions. Hahaha. Move to Utah and it's a deal, Anya!
Natasha is doing so-so. We're still trying to get her to really pray. She asks all sorts of crazy questions about who did 9/11 and American politics and about the Koran. She asked if the BOM is true, the same principles are taught in the Koran...so why not read that, too? She was going off on this and I'd had it. I stopped her and said, "Natasha, look at this book." I pointed to the cover where it says Another testament of Jesus Christ. I asked, "Does the Koran testify of Jesus Christ?" She squirmed a little bit and said no. I said, "Natasha, the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His Gospel. The Koran does not. That is why these books are true and the Koran is not. K?" I was feeling bold, so I asked her straight up if she will just pray, read, and attend church perfectly for one week to see if her life is different. She wouldn't answer for like 15 minutes but finally agreed. I am hoping she followed through!
We have a new investigator named Greta. She works with an American mormon girl here in Moscow and she admired her example and how family is so important to our church. We taught her the first lesson with the member and she is reading the BOM this week and now we're teaching her again tonight. She is soooo ready to do anything we ask so that she will have the happiness and strong family bonds as we have in the church (I of course showed her my family pics! Speaking of which--Trev and Anj, I still don't have a family picture of you to show in my album!! Send one when you get the chance!!) We are sooo excited about her.
Contacted a gem of a girl on the metro the other day. I look to the girl on my right and what do you know? She's reading a book..in English. I began talking to her and...long story short, when her life is a bit less busy in three weeks, she is coming to English club and some other activities and is really interested in what we do as missionaries. Hmmmm. Her name is Maria and she teaches English to little children!
Remember Lyuda, the girl we met street contacting for English club? She's come to nearly every activity and she wants us to meet her parents this Friday. She is fascinated with what we do and is just an all-around awesome girl...very driven. We are really hoping to teach her the first lesson...and her parents!! We hope, we hope. She said that her mother found comfort in the baptist church for a time, but doesn't go anymore. Honestly, that is great news! They are looking!!
We also have a new possible investigator through English club who came to FHE and listened to a talk and thanked us profusely for inviting her and she is very interested in what we teach. Lesson this week--we've got to! Her name is Paulina and she is sooo sweet and so ready.
In mission conf. yesterday, our ZLs trained us on prayer. It was sooo good. They basically taught from THE mission prayer in Alma 31 as well as from PMG. Here's what we were told in 5 points:
1. Meditate, contemplate, and think about what you're praying for...like that one guy, Joseph Smith. His prayer was answered!
2. Give serious thought to your attitude and language...with real intent like Mni. 10. What is real intent? BELIEVING that you'll receive it, of course. But it's more...it's as if we are agreeing to become partners with God in bringing to pass that for what you ask (that is such Russian English, sorry) We agree to act on it!
3. Pray by name. Why? How much more likely are we to get revelation for Anya or Paulina when we say their name and ask for specific things instead of asking Him to "bless our investigators..." or for non-missionaries, anything in general. Our thoughts will be tuned to hear answers because we're really thinking about it.
4. Rely on the Spirit to know what to pray for (sorry for all of the prepositions at the ends of sentences--love me anyway, I'm under a time limit :)) I would suggest simply reading the Bible dictionary about prayer for this one. Why do we pray in the name of Jesus Christ? In fact, we are affirming that we are submitting these words of the prayer as HIS...that our will is His, and we are willing to submit to His will.
5. Simply believe that He will answer....and LISTEN after the prayer. Sis. E and I have many times not known what to teach and we simply prayed together in our study and then continued to kneel and listen. We have received answers. And, how effective is it to tell your investigator about that experience that was for them?
Now, look for these examples in Alma 31 in his prayer...like v. 26 on. Great example.
Okay, I need to send pictures pronto...I have a bajillion! Love you all. Life is great. Behave.

Love love love love,
Sis. Jones

Was the President here and I didn't know?

Sister Jones and her companion, Sister "E," took a few investigators and new members to the Mission President's home for dinner.

One of Kelsey's investigators...

Silly Cectra Jones...

Mother's Day Chat

2010-05-12T08:52:00.001-07:00

Oh, hey fam!

It sure was fun chatting away the other day! Mom, I'm sorry to say in the rush of talking and getting all the information out, I forgot to wish you HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Hope is was great. According to Arian's pictures she sent me, it was quite a success. Looks like you all had a blast! Well, a moderate blast, because without Sis. Jones there it can't quite be a blast, right? RIGHT?! Haha shoochoo, just kidding.

K, family, remember how I told you about this goal for the mission: 20 meetings, 4 with members, and 2 new investigators? We have just been working our tooshes off doing all that we can so that the Lord will help us find those two new investigators a week. What do you know, faith and hard work actually works! A girl named Lyuda who we met on the street English signboarding several weeks ago finally showed up after we invited her for the millionth time and she absolutely LOVED FHE. She came the next day and we talked some more...she speaks great English and wants to move to America someday. She is fascinated with what we do and her friend wants to meet us, too, but we told her that because we are missionaries, we preach the Gospel only, so she wants us to come and teach her and her friend the first lesson. She is a very driven, smart girl and...honestly, she would look great with a nametag...for now, we're going to start teaching her the lessons. So exciting.

I got your package, Mom!!!! THANK YOU!! We were so giddy to open up and find yummy snacks. Sis. E gets so pumped about it and it's hilarious. Wendy, I got your sweet Easter letter...and understood everything in Russian!! I love that I can understand it all! It was so fun getting to talk to you in Russian over the phone. Yes, Dad, I know I said a lot of ums as always. I'll keep working on that...I felt a little awkward speaking Russian to Wendy knowing you were all listening to my Russian very carefully...ahhh! Thank goodness you don't know what I'm saying :)

Oh, ps, Dad, where is the scripture, "But God is faithful and will not try you above that ye are able to bear" or something? I cannot find that verse and it's driving me crazy. I love that verse because it reminds me that when the Lord commands us to be perfect even as He is, WE CAN! He doesn't command us to do impossible things! Thank goodness He provided a way for us to become perfect as he is through the Atonement. I was studying in Mosiah yesterday and read in 18. Ooh, that is a good chapter. I love verse 21-22: basically a guide for how my companionships (not just on the mission) should be. And then in v. 22 we read "thus we become children of God" and the footnote 21b in Matthew says that "thus our whole body shall be full of light." That is quite a promise. Definitely a goal for me in my companionships on the mission, my marriage someday, and virtually every person with whom I associate. Interesting.

Cat Tag! I got your DearElder! What the, Matthew home in a week and a half, and now you're dating Doug? Woooo hooooo you keepin' it real. Good luck with that situation. It'll all work out for sure. Just make sure you tell me how it works out in detail via DearElder. Oh, and I will for sure try to take Isaiah from Bro. Ball at BYU after the mish--that sounds amazing!! I'm glad you are learning grammar at school, too--and I'm even more glad that you think of me when you do it. I'm so proud. Sis. E always lectures me that I can't be such a perfectionist with my language-- "Seester, you studied grammar before your mission so you think you have to speak perfect grammar in Russian...it's okay to mess up..." blah blah. Yes, Sis. Jones the perfectionist. Dad, thus the ummms. Cat, you asked about what I think a successful missionary entails. That is such an interesting question to me, because I agree, it's not the numbers that make a good missionary. I've thought about this topic and watched the "good missionaries." I remember a talk in the MTC we heard that I never forgot. He said something to the effect that we have to put our WHOLE SELVES in the mission. We can't leave one foot home and one foot in our mission through our thoughts, through our pride in our clothes, writing a significant other, anything. My MTC teacher also talked about how we need to act the way we feel about our mission. Why did I go on a mission? Some missionaries act as though they served a mission just to get letters from home. They think about it, talk about it, everything. Others served a mission to get cool pictures, others to flirt with other missionaries, others just to learn a new language--and that's it. They don't act like they served a mission because they love the Lord and want to share His true Gospel with His children. I have thought about that as I've watched the missionaries here. There are missionaries here that literally have both feet firmly planted in their missions; they have forgotten their old selves, become a missionary, and they act as though the one thing driving them is this glorious work and His love for them. A successful missionary does all he/she can to help further the work in any way, whether it is through a smile, a kind act, an amazing lesson, or a baptism. I'm doing all I can do be that successful missionary, too. I sure love it here in Moscow. No other mission would fit me so well...not that I fit in here at all (Lyuda asked me the other day "Why are you always in such a good mood? I don't understand." hahaha UMMM hey Lyuda it's the Gospel) but I feel needed here and love getting to help others with the qualities I have, and I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen those qualities a little bit day by day.

So, Russian moment. Anyone know what Kvass is? It's kind of like bread soda...non-alcoholic beer or something. It's huge over here and of course, all of the Russian missionaries love it and the American missionaries HATE it...except, once again, Sis. Jones. Mom, remember how you'd always give me spoonfuls of rice bran syrup and I loved the taste of it? Kvass is like a soda version of that flavor and I think it tastes great. Thanks for preparing me for Russian food by feeding me kefir and rice bran syrup, because now I fit right in with the Russian missionaries :)

Brad Robinson, THANK YOU for the Valentine!! I could not stop laughing at the Napoleon Dynamite talking card. Classic. I'm glad that although you can't text me movie quotes any longer, you can still send them via mail. Phew, thank goodness.

Okay, I've said a lot and now I need to try sending some pictures. I love you all and pray for you daily. Moscow is the best mission ever--sorry to those who didn't serve there--and I love this amazing work I get to do every day for the Lord. Behave without me!

Sis. Jones

(Pictures to come...)

President's House

2010-05-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

Alright, loved ones, this one is going to be quick. I'm at President Cranney's house...busted...

Hahaha don't worry, we're at the Cranney's because they invited us to play and hang out here for Preparation Day. Way fun. They rent out tennis courts and feed us and yes, yes, I know, we're spoiled.

Unfortunately, that means that we email from their computer and don't have much time.

So quickly, first off, MOM. Plan on me calling Sunday morning my time, around 7:30 or 8, so like Saturday night for you I think. I will actually call Saturday night maybe to ensure that that will work...and we'll keep that short. Thus, I don't even need to send this email because I'm talking to you soon--so no worries! Mom, I will for sure pray over the phone. I at least have praying down...we pray at least like 15 times a day. I may not be able to talk to strangers well, but I can talk to my Father in Heaven :)

Okay, quick run down of this week...we did our last chalk drawing with that certain Elder before he went home and I totally contacted some Jehovah's Witnesses without knowing and they were trying to mildly Bible bash with me. He was asking how it is possible to have revelation today and I simply asked him if he believed that God was the same yesterday, today, and forever. He said of course. Then I said, "If God gave revelation and scriptures through prophets years ago, why wouldn't he do it today?" He sat there and blinked a few times and kind of looked at me and smiled a little bit. Then he said, "Horoshi voprose." Good question. Yes, sir, our church is true so don't even TRY.

We changed the date of Alya's baptism just because of building availability so it will be the following week...but it is still happening. So excited for her. Her husband, the member, is so funny and he calls Sis. E "Ellie" for short and me "Joness." We love them!

Don't worry about it--I can definitely make as many goals as the elders and Russian members/investigators in Gator ball :)

I think you'll be getting a video of me from Elder Warren's mom. They came to pick him up and I talked for a long time to his mom and she got out her camera and said to say something. It was really awkward more than anything because I didn't know what to say and all the missionaries were watching, but at least you can see me and see Sis. E. Hahaha.

We have spent the past week visiting all the inactives, some members, and the investigators of the new branch with whom we joined. One mom and daughter we visited Saturday night fed us seriously a five course meal or something. I was going to EXPLODE. They just kept saying "Kooshai, kooshai!" Eat, eat! I was about to pop. We ate borsh, these little scone things stuffed with meat and rice, cabbage, or potatoes, a block of bacon fat covered in black pepper, tea, candy, bread, AHHHH! So much. We rolled out of that flat and onto the metro that night.

Fun fact: the word bistro comes from the Russian word, buihstra, which is the equivalent of andale andale in Spanish. A bistro is a quick little restaurant, and so it fits!

The work is going well. Anya and Natasha aren't doing so hot...Anya didn't like the whole Law of Chastity thing, so we're trying to strengthen her testimony a bit, and Natasha doesn't seem to have time to go to church or do anything. Hmm. We thought we found a golden investigator and taught her the first lesson last week and it was amazing, but we haven't been able to contact her since and she didn't show up to our next meeting. Strange. Keep her in your prayers...Dasha. Anyway, this was a way crazy email but I really need to go. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! You're in my prayers!!!

Sis. Jones

BAPTISM and gypsies

2010-04-28T20:33:00.001-07:00

Yes. You read the subject line correctly. BAPTISM!!!!! Alya is getting BAPTIZED!!!!! Remember how we had a baptism at the beginning of the transfer, Sasha? His wife is finally getting baptized! She invited us over to dinner after church on Sunday and Sis. E and I discussed what we should teach on the metro. I finally just turned to her and said, "Sister, she knows everything. We've taught her everything. Let's just tell her that and tell her how ready she is for baptism...talk about baptism...and challenge her." So...after eating a great meal of pelmyenni, we did. We taught a lesson, read from 2 Nephi about baptism and everyone started giggling because it was so obvious what we were trying to express to her, and we asked her to be baptized on May 15. She asked why that date, because she had prayed about when and that seemed to be the date she was thinking about. Sounds like it's right!! PLUS her mother can come on that day...the one we are beginning to teach...and after the baptism we will have dinner at the Cranney's house and have her mother come. She's so getting baptized, too. All of the 4 sisters involved in teaching Alya (me included) will be singing Come Thou Fount in Russian at her baptism. It's going to be a memorable day...plus, it will be Sis. E's birthday!!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, FAMILY?!?! Your prayers are HELPING!!!!

Okay, some other HUGE news on the agenda: I am staying with Sis. E another transfer!!!! We are actually supposed to find out tomorrow, but Pres. Cranney called us on Sunday to tell us because our companionship is a different situation. Our branch, Taganski, was combined with the Kahovski branch on Sunday, with completely new presidency and everything. It is HUGE now! Almost like a ward! President Cranney has decided to take out the other companionship of sisters that was in Kahovsky and have only one sister companionship to take on the two areas--US. kjalismfvckdfl;ackdsl; WHOA we are excited but a little overwhelmed. I went on a split with one of the sisters who has been serving in Kahovski and met a few of the investigators. The area is beautiful. Some of our investigators can only be reached by train, too, so that should be fun to ride the train for the first time instead of being on the metro for 50% of our day! Can you believe all these changes?? We are just so excited, and SO happy that we're together still.

Stace GOMEZ--I TOTALLY CALLED A GIRL!!! Okay, honestly I thought it was a boy but everyone did so I said a girl so really I was right by default, but STILL! I am SO excited for you!! Thank you for being an awesome letter-writer through DearElder! It's so great to hear from you. Keep me updated on all the gossip at work :)

KENDRA my darling. You made me laugh so hard when I read the word, "CUPS!" Scariest word ever. Such good memories. I am sooo excited for you and your trip to Africa. Holy cow, you are going to rock their world with your beautiful smile. Thank you for your insight on Alma 62:41--I about fell off my chair when, Dad, I read YOUR email last week and you had almost the exact same insight on that scripture!! The very same verses! Apparently the Lord needs me to learn something about my reaction to tribulations...and react like the second group of people, hm? THANK YOU to both of you!

I will never forget a scripture study session made out of desperation more than anything before my first time contacting. Honestly, I was a little bit nervous because of the horror stories I'd heard: Orthodox priests screaming and spitting, Jehovah's Witnesses having Bible-bashing sessions, and the police with their guns threatening to arrest you. Woo hoo...can't wait. I turned to the scriptures to prepare, and began reading Jacob 7:5. I loved how Jacob's faith couldn't be shaken. I read on to v. 8...the Spirit was in his soul. Then in verse 12, he bears a firm testimony. Then, in 25, he says that if he trusts in the Lord, he'll come off conquerer. Hmm. Could I have read a better set of scriptures to prepare me to bear a firm testimony to the Russian people? I think not. Although we don't contact a ton, I have a love for it because I have an opportunity to share my testimony with everyone. It is wonderful!!

I read DC 93:13 the other day...I thought about how the Lord grew grace for grace. I know that I am doing the same thing right now, learning the language, studying the scriptures, loving the people, growing slowly, adding layers of that lustrous veneer to the pearl like in Matt.13:45-46. We're the pearl of great price! We only become that over years of irritation and growth, though :)

Lastly, I read John 13:35 a while ago and love the word "this." By "this" shall all men know ye are my disciples--because you LOVE me. Pres. Hinckley was once asked what the Mormon's symbol was...Catholics have the crucifix, so what is our symbol? He simply said it was our service. And how much more does that say about us...that we remember Christ by acting like Him...not just wearing a cross. We LOVE Him...that's how we are recognized as His disciples.

Lastly, 2 Tim. 2:10...we endure all things for the elect. I love this. I have a paper by my bed that is a quote from Pres. McKay..."Only the strenuous struggler receives the richest rewards." I am looking for rich rewards for my investigators...in fact, miracles, so I have to expect some struggles...in fact, glory in them and know that this is for Him...and for my investigators...and that it through struggling that we can ever grow and progress. So let's endure it WELL!!

OHHHHHHHH GUESSSS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT A PACKAGE OF WONDER AND MARVEL!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sis. E was seriously flipping out over the recipe book, game, and candy. Thank you so much for sending that. All of the sisters in the mission want that book! I got the package yesterday and we've been listening to the music, I'm wearing my TOMS right now, and it's wonderful. I was told by Elder Larsen (he gets a package nearly every week) that it takes a month for anything to get here. That's the average and what I should plan on.

DAD!!! Can you believe about Unga??????????!!!!!! The Packards, a young senior couple here, have two sons who play for BYU and they told us about what happened. Too bad. Good for him for being honest, though. Shnikees.

Want to hear a cool story? Mom, don't freak out--this is awesome. I caught some gypsies trying to pick-pocket me! HA!! We were on the mile-long escalator and Sis. E was right in front of me. I was standing behind her when I got the impression to check my bag. I reached down and felt my bag open and rather empty. I spun around to find three gypsy women standing with suspiciously large scarves covering their hands and arms. Uhhh...can I have my stuff back, please? Sis. E realized what was going on and acted before I did because she knows gypsies and what they do. I will never forget the image of Sis. E ripping the scarves out of their hands, looking for my stuff. Finally she finds my bag in the hands of the third woman, hands it to me, and chews her out. The gypsy woman said in Russian, "You should say thank you! I found your bag!" AH. Wow, spasibo bolshoy! Hahahahahhaa sweet story to tell the other missionaries. Don't worry, I am beyond careful with my bag...and even more so now.

Okay, Mom, before I forget, concerning the Mom Day call: I will simply buy a calling card (Sis. E knows which to buy) and then call from our cell phone. I will call on May 8th at 9pm my time, which should be like 11 am your time-ish. Tell me which number to call and I'll call and set up the time for sure sometime soon. We'll just chat it up! Woo hoo!

Hahahha Mom thanks for the sidenote on Elder Fraser. Way awkward. He was the one who took those pictures of me that I sent home. He is a bit of an older missionary and I think he has a hard time not flirting with the sisters sometimes...kind of uncomfortable. Nice guy, though! I LOVE that Mikey is training him! What a blast.

ASHLEY IS GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe you are in LA, my love! You'll fit right in. Don't worry, I'm totally working on my tan here, too, just like you.

Air--you are just the best. I absolutely LOVE your updates. Your life is so happy and busy and full of life. Hope your YW are thriving, as are their families. Ironically, I echo what you said about the families struggling. It's amazing how raising a family is...well, difficult. We find ourselves helping member families a lot...sometimes they open up to us too much, telling us their problems when it should maybe go to the bishop. Again, I guess that's how we grow, and it's how we endure that makes the difference from the strong and the strongest! Give those Hatchlings kisses from Aunt Kelsey in Mongolia...I mean, Moscow :)

T-REV! THANKS for the pictures! LOVED them. So fun to see how the kids are changing...seriously. They already look different. Sounds like you are all doing well...and keeping busy! I always appreciate reading your journal entries...it's so good to hear the thoughts of another missionary...and how sometimes, Satan discourages us in the same ways. We all have those hard times, but the Lord knows EXACTLY how to help us. I was studying the Christlike attributes the other day and realized something. I think sometimes we assume that we are all trying to become the same...all become like Christ, all perfect, all the same. BUT...if we think about the Atonement, we realized how PERSONAL and INDIVIDUAL the Atonement is. The Atonement means something different to every person. As we develop our Christlike attributes through studying Him and His Atonement, we become our most unique, individual self. Every facet of our personality is developed and magnified, and we become more creative, more unique, more beautiful in Him. Amazing how that works.

Okay, I didn't have time to send many pictures...some are of Sis. E and I making cookies from a recipe one of our investigators, Anton, gave to us. He's the one we found at the old folks home where we did service...the cook in the kitchen. He came to church this Sunday!!! Anya came, too!!!! They were both great in Sunday school, asking questions, etc. I was quivering with excitement. Anyway, We were making these cookies for some other investigators and had too much fun. Then the other pictures are from our last district meeting. Breedlove, Warren, White, Dunn, Sis. E and I, and Elder Overly...Sis. Overly took the picture. Great district!

K, love you all sooooo much. Hope all is well and please know I love each other you like crazy. Write me!!

Sis. Jones

Sister Jones!

2010-04-22T10:15:00.001-07:00

Oh HEY family!!

Are you all behaving?? I hope so. I can't come home and whip you all back into shape, so you'd probably better just be good. THINGS ARE GAAAREAT here. Seriosna. Apparently Sis. Cranney told you about the chalk drawing contacting we did. The elder who does the drawing--Elder Warren--is my ZL and is going home after this transfer! He's a great elder. We all had the most AMAZING time contacting while he chalk drew! We gave away 23 BOMs and Sis. E and I gained 11 solid contacts. We made a new record of BOMs given at a chalk drawing in the mission--holla. It was so much fun. I couldn't always understand them, but it sure was fun to try! That's the nice thing about thinking up ways for people to come to YOU during contacting: they can't get mad at you because they came to you! Of course, we had a few Orthodox preachers or crazy bag ladies screaming and spitting but they always go away after a while. One time a crazy old man in the metro hit me with his cane because I was in his way and I couldn't hold back my laughter. I love the crazy people here, because they are LEGIT crazy. It was so fun contacting because that is the only time I feel like it's perfectly fine to smile and smile and no one thinks you're strange--it helps to draw attention. Everywhere else it is strange for people to see you smile, so I have to hold it back, which is kind of annoying sometimes haha. I'll admit, my straight teeth do seem to draw attention, and they usually give away that I'm American, I think. It's a good thing, though, because it gets their attention for me!

So, I sent a picture of my sweet flat. Our balcony is just above my head in the picture, and the front entrance is behind me. I have come to find out that we live in the ghetto of Moscow...which is awesome. Pretty intense. Maybe that explains why EVERYONE in our area has no problem with blowing their nose right onto the street in front of you. Seriously, family, Russians don't use tissues! You just see gobs of nasty dotting the road. Blech. My one complaint...sorry, had to say it.

Papa--THANK YOU for the blast to the past of hiking the lava rock to the Holy Grail of snorkeling, The Fishbowl of Maui! That seems sooo long ago, doesn't it? It was SO fun to read our memories. I loved it. Totally remember those poor girls wearing the high-heeled flip flops as well, and we laughed our heads off at them. Yaa....good luck with that. The word for happiness here, shastye, always reminds me of the word Shasta, and I think of Lake Shasta with the houseboats and swimming and jet skis and good times! Definitely a fitting word to mean happiness.

Mama--thanks for the recipes!! I cannot WAIT to make some stuff here! My investigators are gonna loooove me......

Well, Sis. E and I pretty much love each other. Pres. Cranney called us a "power companionship." I like the sound of that! I think it's only that way because we just love each other to bits. She admitted that this was the best companionship she'd ever had!! She said the other day in broken English that she likes my sense of humor. Phew! I think we were all a little worried that my (aka Dad's) sense of humor would scare all of Russia away. Apparently that's not the case. Thank goodness. Our investigators have pretty much blown me out of the water--they are awesome. Keep up the prayers, everyone! They are working!! Natasha agreed to continue praying and studying the scriptures but EVERY DAY and to begin attending church. Anya attended a baptism on Saturday after we taught her a lesson and she's doing so great, too. We're challenging her to attend church tomorrow. She's coming, whether she likes it or not. I was a little nervous at the baptism, though, because the opening prayer was given by an old baboushka...after the first five minutes of her prayer, I cracked my eyes open and saw that a few of the missionaries were looking around, trying not to laugh, and awkwardly not knowing what to do. After 10 minutes, most of us were holding back some serious laughter and finally someone went up to the baboushka who had her arms up in the air as she prayed with fiery fervor and told her, "Fsyo." "That's all." SO FUNNY. I asked Anya and Sis. E what she was saying, and Sis. E said she just preached the whole freakin' Gospel. I love my life.

Keep praying for Alya and Sasha. Sasha is the one who was baptized recently and he just received the priesthood--they are awesome, but Alya is hesitant about baptism now because Sasha has been studying the BOM and reading everything, but not acting on it and not being a good example of a priesthood holder. Laaaame. We're having the ward mission leader teach him today about priesthood responsibilities in the home and then we'll teach Alya. Hopefully we'll get her to make a baptism date this week. Pray HARD!! We're also having a senior couple teach Olga, the woman who said every church was true, because she's so content to just feed us and speak English and we need her to know we only teach the GOSPEL. The Packards are a young senior couple who will tell it to her straight and she'll love them for it because they're awesome. Their sons play football for BYU--and my AP also plays football for BYU, Elder Morgan! He's awesome. My other AP, Elder Nikolayachev, is in the photo with Sis. E and I. I think there is another pic of Natasha and Sis. E and I right after our power lesson with her and she agreed to go to church. I was so happy. She is also making tacos with us again this week and going to a musical put on by our branch. Fun! The other pic is of the chalk drawing of the Tree of Life. Pretty legit, huh? Ya, the Russians thought so, too.

We did service twice at the intense old folks' home and got an awesome contact, Anton. He is a cook in the kitchen there and believes in God and he wants to start coming to our activities. Cha CHING. He's awesome.

Other than all this, I have been trying to behave. We have fun on P-days playing Gator ball--a mix between soccer and...kind of football? It is a blast. Sis. E and I played with a bunch of elders last week and awoke the next day very sore. Niiice. I also am proud to say that I am one of the best ping pong players and fooseball players here and I take pleasure in making the elders angry when I beat them. Hehe.

Okay, time to go. I love you all like CARAZY and I love the Russians here like CARAZY. My Russian is horrible but I can tell them that I love them and that their Father in Heaven loves them, and I think that's the most important. Keep praying for my investigators...I tell them that you're praying for them, and I don't want to be a liar :) Love you all!!!!!!!

Sis. JONESSSSSSSS

(PS. the elders here call me Elder Jones because I can play Gator ball well and because I attended Priesthood two weeks ago. Haha punks. I love 'em all. We really have such good elders here. Sometimes they act their age, but sometimes they surprise me. One of the main elders that calls me Elder Jones was good friends with Mike Cutler in the MTC--Elder O'Brient. He says hi to Elder Cutler, and so do I!!)

PPS. I was a tiny bit sick this week, so will you keep my health in your prayers also? I despise being sick!! Don't worry, Mom, it wasn't a big deal at all and I am pretty much better!!

A few pics of Sister Jones

2010-04-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sister Jones's mission president's wife sent these pictures of Sister Jones:

Hellooo dear ones!

2010-04-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello dear ones!!

Guess what! I'm still alive! Things are great here. The weather has been absolutely beautiful, we're challenging three people to baptism this week (well, we challenged Elena already and she said that she knows the Church is true but will never be baptized because she has already been baptized in the Orthodox church. Hahahha ummmm. We'll see about that, Elena!!!! She's the one who made my beautiful matryoshka doll with the fairytales on it!), and I'm healthy and well. Plus, my ZL informed me yesterday that I have mail! I don't know what has arrived, but I'm pumped. Thanks for the love, family!! I got a DearElder from Bro. McArthur last week and it made me so so happy. Thanks, Bro. M!! You are the best. It totally lifted me. And yes, you need to travel to Moscow sometime...it's definitely worth it.

First off, CONFERENCE WAS AMAZZZZZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I swear, it was like two minutes long. I was so thirsty for more! I even attended priesthood session...I don't know if that's allowed, but it was either Young Women conference in Russian or priesthood session, and you had mentioned that Elder Rasband's talk was amazing and about missionary work...so I couldn't help myself. Ironically, I received a lot of answers in that session. Powerful stuff. Did you know that Elder Rasband and Elder Perry are coming here in two months for the new mission president?? Yay! One little miracle in conference was when Elder Anderson talked on the stories of Jesus and said that it would be good for all the members to read John again. Check! We had to do that for Zone conference, and I heartily agree with him. What a powerful book. Ironically, Elder Schwitzer (sp?) talked about judging and how we have all judged Martha to be the one toiling. Only a day or two before I spent most of my study reading of Mary and Martha. They are my heroes. I began thinking that only Mary was my hero because of her humility to wash the Savior's feet with ointment and her own hair (just think how nasty her hair would be after doing that! She didn't care--she knew her Savior!), but then I realized how Martha was the one who beckoned Jesus and showed such faith saying that even though Lazarus was dead, He could raise him. What faith! I love them both! I was astounded that Elder Schwitzer talked about that in conference. So good.

I am now the sister who introduced Hawaiian Haystacks to Moscow. I made the cream of chicken soup recipe you sent, Mom, and have no idea where to find onion powder so I improvised and let an onion skin simmer in the milk for a while and it worked great. We feasted on Hawaiian Haystacks and now the elders want the recipe :) Boo ya. We also are famous for our tacos...they aren't really legit tacos...they are Russian-ey, but the plov seasoning they have here tastes like taco seasoning and we make tortillas and meat and veggies and it tastes just as good! It is a blast to make with investigators...they get a kick out of it. We made them with Natasha and Anya and they raved over them. Anya is doing great...our last lesson we taught her, she cried. Her dad passed away not too long ago and I felt very strongly that I should say that he wants her to be receiving these lessons and become a member so that she can help him...but they were speaking fast Russian and I couldn't get in the chance in our lesson, but then I felt okay that it didn't get in and I didn't push it. After the lesson I mentioned it to Sis. E and she smiled and said that she had told Anya that exact thing. Ahhh. We must be companions. It was amazing. Although I didn't catch her saying that in the lesson, I think that my Russian is getting better...at least at understanding it. I can understand most of what Sis. E says and can usually understand what is going on...just not every word :) It's still frustrating, but patience is a Christ-like attribute that I am exercising every day.

Things are great. I am soooo happy here. I love you all so much! I hope you are doing well! You sound great whever I hear from you. Air, I see that you sent an email...can't WAIT to read it on my camera :) Love you all.

Out on the streets

Eating japanese food on p-day. Her comp didn't know what to do with the chopsticks!

Sister Jones, Sister E and two investigators.

Out in the middle of Red Square

Sister Jones with a member who comes to teach with them a lot

Being goofy

Being goofy 2

Awkwardly standing in front of Lenin's tomb! ;)

Sister Jones got to go visit an art museum and saw the artists named in the picture. Can't understand Russian? Thanks to my sis-in-law, Wendy, who also served in Russia for the translation of the names:
Manet

Degas

Monet

Renoir

Van Gogh

Gogan

Cezanne

Picasso

Matisse

Leshay (I’m not sure of this one)

Kandinsky

Shegal

Hello, Famichky!

2010-04-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Hello, famichky!!

Well...I'm still alive!! Good news, huh? Even better news...I am loving life. Things are GREAT. Our investigators really are making progress. We had interviews last week and it was awesome. We have General Conference this weekend and we have some investigators coming. It's just great. Plus, the weather is BEAUTIFUL! It's warm with a little coolness in the air still, so it's perfect for contacting :) We went contacting for the first time in a lonnnng time because we weren't allowed after the bombings. We definitely made up for lost time yesterday, though. We simply advertised for English club and people were coming like crazy and asking why in the world it was free. Great intro for saying why we are here/our message. We only had one baboushka walk away in disgust that we weren't the Russian Orthodox church :)
Before I go into all of that, I first want to share a little tidbit I found while studying John. We are studying John as a zone and underlining everything the Savior did that we can do as missionaries. Ummm things are popping out like crazy and I know I won't finish before zone conference because I'm too slow going through it! There's too much--but that's good. John 8:29 is my transfer scripture and I found it the other day--these are my words! He sent me on a mission...He is with me...I want to do exactly what pleases Him. Powerful words. I love personal study. I have been wanting to get to Jesus the Christ, at least just to study the time of the Savior's death and resurrection because we just celebrated Easter! We had a great time...Sis. E boiled eggs in water with onion peels and it dyed the shells deep red...Easter eggs! We then said the customary: Hreestos voskress! And in reply, Eestino voskress! (Christ was resurrected! Truly He resurrected!...or something like that) and then we hit our eggs together to crack them :) Sis. E is just awesome. She studied criminal law before her mission and is a smart cookie. She says she has quite a time trying to learn English, though, although I think she sounds great. She loves to cook (my big booty is proof) and she can't wait to be a wife and a mother. That's all that she wants. She joined the church as a teen because a missionary testified during English club that God lived and she knew then and there that it was true. She has intense faith and she follows the Spirit so attentively. I love it. We get along so well. She has a hard time waking up in the morning, but because I've been awakening on time, she simply asked me to wake her up and now we both get up on time--and the blessings from our obedience are apparent in our investigators. At interviews, I was helping Sis. Cranney make scones for the missionaries and she was asking how I was doing and she mentioned that it's very uncommon to put a non-English speaking native with a new American missionary, but Pres. Cranney felt very strongly about it. I know she and I are supposed to be together...if only because it is to whip my Russian into shape because I'm horrible!
Our investigators. Ohhh they're awesome. Remember Sasha, our baptism a few weeks ago? We are still teaching his wife, Alya, and now her mother who has been VERY accepting. Our goal was to get her to church next week, but guess who came last week? Yup. She is great. Sasha and Alya also want their daughter, Dasha, to be baptized, but she's six so she's still got a while :) Alya is so close to baptism I can smell the chlorine. She just needs to recognize her testimony. Sasha received the priesthood last week...what an example he'll set when he can baptize Alya!!
Alya heard about the church because of a girl in our branch, Anya. She is an adorable member and her husband is Muslim. We are teaching him and we finally got him to say that he does believe the First Vision occurred and he agreed to start praying to God and not Allah. WOO HOO!
Elena, an old, grumpy baboushka, is going to General Conference with us and she's not the grumpy baboushka she was. She makes metroushka dolls and she made one for me with all the Russian fairytales painted on it. It's beautiful! She wants to start coming to church but has a hurt knee...so we might pick her up by taxi to get her there.
We are teaching two young women...both studying at the university. They are both AWESOME. Anya is quiet and she totally has a testimony I think but is bashful about it. She really wants friends and so we are spending time with her. We are making tacos with her this Friday night before our branch puts on a musical which she'll be attending. She is praying finally about our lessons and is reading the BOM. She's on her way. Natasha, the other one, is the best. She loves being with us and loves learning...whether it be English, the Gospel, or just more about us, why we don't drink, etc. She's great. I'm working on getting her to care about knowing whether this is true or not...same with Anya. We'll get them there.
During planning the other day, we strangely prayed that we'll teach those He wants us to teach. Random. Then, when we were trying to set up an appt. with Olga, the one last week who said "I believe in your church and a lot of other churches, too. They are all true!", we called the wrong number in the phone and I set up an appt. with a member, Olga. That wasn't an accident, though, when we showed up and had a great lesson with her and her inactive SON...who wants to meet with us next week! We even talked about missions and how it has blessed out lives and he showed interest. We'll get him back to church.
Ooh, I saw the Russian mafia the other day! They were arguing in the street. They were all holding briefcases. Woo hoo. I also saw some young kids...like 11...transfer drugs in a drug deal. I wouldn't have noticed had it not been for their obviously sneaky faces. So sad that they are so young and doing that!
I'm making Sis. E some American food this week! They don't have a lot of ingredients here that I need, but I'm pretty sure they have everything for Hawaiian Haystacks, so that's what I'm making! I'll make my own cream of chicken soup and we'll have some fun. Wish me luck!
A few little Russian quirks you'll enjoy:
I'm still getting used to having hot/cold on opposite sides of the shower and sink. Youch!
People wear wedding rings on the right hand, not the left. When people look at pictures of our family, they always ask me why you aren't wearing wedding rings. Ha.
When people count on their hand, they don't extend their fingers one at a time: they curl them in one at a time. Does that make sense? Hahaha it's just a little thing that I noticed and loved. Such a small thing but everyone does it!
When people raise their hand in church or something, they don't have their palm facing the front of the class when it is raised. They raise it so their palm faces themself. I chuckled at that. Random!
Oh, Mom, Emily Sorensen sent me a letter through pouch mail and I got it! She wants me to send my emails to her, but I forgot to bring her email. I'll send it next week, okay? Pouch mail seems to work great!
Send your emails to whatever this email is. I don't know what the other email is, nor do I know what email I'm currently using :) I think it is kelsey.jones@myldsmail.net
Okay, I am trying to send some pictures. Love you all and hope you are well! Behave!!

Sis. Jones

Latest from Sister Jones

2010-03-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, wonderful family!

I'M ALIVE!! I am so glad Sis. Cranney let you all know I was okay. We can go out of our apartments now, but we still can't wear our nametags yet. It was pretty intense when we got the call to stay inside our apartments for the day--we were just about to leave when we heard. Freaky! Honestly, I wasn't frightened at all because I know that as missionaries we are safe in His hands, but it has been very difficult thinking of the families of those killed. It's horrible. The day after the disaster I nearly got emotional because we were riding on the metro and we saw person after person with two or four flowers. In Russia, if you have an even amount of flowers, it represents a death. All of these people were people affected by this tragedy. I wanted to run up to each of them and tell them about the Plan of Salvation right then and there and let them know that they will see their loved ones again! My Russian is still a bit weak for preaching to entire metro stations, but I am doing my best.

We had another small scare at church! We were listening to a missionary couple from Idaho talk about humanitarian work and having someone translate when we heard some yelling outside. There was a protest right outside our church. I'm still not sure what they were protesting, but I know that a man with a gas mask and gun peered through the window and watched our meeting for a bit. Ahhh! We called the cops and they left, but it was quite the experience. I never felt in danger or scared, so don't any of you worry. I love having these fun stories to tell!

After this occurrence, Sis. E and I discussed how unhappy Satan is with the work that is happening here in Moscow. Some apostle are coming in June to assess the strength here and to see if we can make a stake....thus, a temple could become a reality. He doesn't like that, so he is working SO hard--distracting us in church and placing fear in people's hearts, and now the bombings at the metro that everyone uses every day. Unfortunately for him, our investigators havent been shaken; they have been forced to think seriously about the fragility of life and what they really want out of it...and we have answers for them. One baboushka we are teaching was really thinking about what we said for the first time instead of just talking our ears off. One Muslim husband of one of the cute sister members in our branch really stopped to think about why Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father would appear to a boy...and what it means for us today. These people have been reminded of what is important--humbled, perhaps, just as the people in the BOM. That's when their hearts are ready, and Sis. E and I are ready to reap the rewards of it.

Sorry, I may not answer all of your questions because I haven't read your emails for today, yet. We actually can't print out our letters...so the missionaries just take pictures of the computer screen with their emails up!! I read your emails on the metro on my camera :)

Sis. Elistratova (Mom, it is pronounced Yelistratova but apparently the Cranney's spell it Elistratova so I will, too!) is great. We get along so well--it's a blast making Russian food and, every once in a while, some American brownies for our investigators (the recipe I made up seemed to turn out alright...) We have created a system for both of us to learn: Sis. E speaks in English to me to practice and then I translate what she says into Russian. Usually. Usually she slips back into Russian, but it is good for me to hear it, too, so I don't complain. I'm understanding Russian better and better every day. I don't speak very well, but I think it's because I just need to speak more and not be chicken.

So...a few Russian gems. Sis. E freaked out when I stepped on a pothole. She said to never step on those because in Russia, you can fall through. I was a little skeptical and she just shook her head and said, "Zat eez Russia." I am still not sure if it is true...but I'll avoid them just to be safe :) Oh, and we are lucky enough over here to enjoy two-plied crepe paper for our toilet paper. No, seriously. I started laughing when I saw it. What are Russians thinking?! Hahahhaa I absolutely love it. Shto yesho? What else? Oh! People are being serious when they say they cram people in the metro...there is always room for more apparently. It's true...sometimes you are jammed so tight that you can lift your feet and stay up :) It smells great at those times. The drunk people are kind of the entertainment here...is that horrible to say? My second day in Russian, we're going to my flat for the first time with my luggage and we pass by a man who is weaving all over the sidewalk. An elder turned to me and said, "Vot..(behold)...your first Russian drunk!" That vodka did him good. Or bad. Whatever.

I had such a tender mercy that I forgot to mention. I sent a picture last week (I think) of me with a baboushka with flaming red hair. Sound familiar? Her name is Nina and she absolutely loves me. It's comical. I showed her pictures of my family because she was dying to hear about me and she kissed the pictures of all of you and adored them (seriously, Russians freak over pictures. They absolutely freak. They love seeing my family and how many people are in my family. That reminds me...Trev and Anj?? I need a family picture from you! I only have one of the kids! Next time you mail to Russia, throw in a pic of you! ttttanks) She wanted a picture with me and then she showed me all of her family pictures. The best part of all of this? She smelled exactly the way Grandma did. Seriously. I don't know what it is, but it is Grandma smell and I knew that she and Grandma were best friends before this life and Nina promised Grandma to love me when I got to Russia. I still have Grandma's locket and think of her protecting me whenever I wear it.

We had two amazing miracles this week and one big challenge. One: our appointment got cancelled the other day, so we just studied our respective languages at the branch house for a while, which is not usual, but for some reason we did. We hadn't eaten, so we went to McDonald's (sacrifice on my part) and lo and behold, a girl came and sat with us and asked us who we were, what we were doing, why I was here (am I that obvious as an American?) She is Muslim, but she is coming to English club and is interested in hearing more about our religion. Hmmmm. Two: My first contact ever, Edgar? Totally coming to English club and his words when he called us were: "I believe in God but don't have a religion. Will you tell me more about yours?" Uhhhh....
Three: Olga, an investigator, pulled the Errand of Angels line, "I believe in your church, yes! But I believe all religions are true that follow the Bible..." We'll work with her :)

Sorry, I forgot my camera cord this week!! I have a ton of pictures to send! You will love them. I won't forget next week. Whoops!

LOVES!!

Moscow Bombings

2010-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

There were some bombings in the metro in Moscow. We received these e-mails from Sister Cranney early this morning. Sister Jones is fine!

Dear Parents,

You may have heard of the attacks in the metros here in Moscow. The explosions occurred during rush hour, which is during our missionary's morning study time in their apartments. We are double checking to make sure all of the missionaries are accounted for. We did have two sister missionaries at the airport but have contacted them and are having a driver pick them up and get them back to their apartment. I will e-mail you again as soon as the assistants call with a final report.

Salt Lake has also asked for a report on all of our members.

The missionaries are being told to stay in their apartments until further notice. I will keep you updated as more information comes in.

I know you will continue to keep us in your prayers. Thank you.

-President and Sister Cranney

A few hours later...

Dear Families,
We have finally heard back from all of the missionaries. They are all safe in their apartments. There was a couple of hours when the lines were so busy we had a difficult time contacting the last companionship.There will be no metro travel or name tags worn until we get further instructions.

Thank you for your patience, concern and prayers.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you need anything.

Love,
Sister Cranney

In Moscow!!

2010-03-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, hello, family!

So, I'm in Moscow... and it's AWESOME!! Seriously!! The flight over here was actually quite eventful, in a good way. I didn't sleep because I was teaching a man named Maxim, and his brother, Sergei. They were really excited to get the BOM in Russian, but then I came to find out that they are Russian Orthodox and they were a bit more interested in Bible-bashing than anything. He was convinced that Jesus said that there is no other scripture besides the bible and that I should be studying out other religions to really know what is true. Oh, well, I taught and testified and gave him the most correct book on the earth. What more can I do? I got the number of a girl at the airport who speaks English but is coming home to Moscow with her husband. She wants to know more about what we do. Hmm.

From the airport, you know what happened...met Pres. and Sis. Cranney, contacted at Red Square, and the next day met my trainer. You are correct, I have a native trainer: Sister Lyena Yelistratova. She is from the Novosibirsk mission and is a sweetheart. In my first interview, Pres. Cranney asked all about me and then at the end asked if I thought I could emotionally handle having a trainer who speaks very little English. I kind of gulped and smiled and said I would love it...and I truly do. I'm learning SO much. On P-days we speak English...well, sort of...so that she can get practice. Her English is a little bit better vocabulary-wise than my Russian...which isn't saying much hahahaha. We have a blast teaching each other phrases and laughing at our horrible grammar. She is a wonderful cook and I'm already learning to cook a lot of Russian food. We have tea at every meal...the tea is amazing. Soooo good. Breakfast is comparable to dinner in America...it's HUGE! Then a medium lunch and an itty bitty dinner, unless an investigator feeds us and then we have to eat everything and I'm stuffed by the end of the day :) Usually, though, we are on the run hitting the metro and we don't have as much time to eat. Don't worry, Mom, I'm eating enough to stay alive and well. We eat this salad thing all the time...just tomatoes, cucumbers, tons of parsley, green onions, and mayonnaise. They put mayonnaise on everything...and they eat parsley like the Jones family eats cilantro...like it's lettuce. We eat lots of pelmyenni...kind of like meat wrapped in dough. Wendy, I think that's what you and I made that one time. Sooooo good. Now, most importantly, the work!!

Family, I am teaching LOTS of lessons and we have LOTS of investigators!! My third day here we had a baptism in my branch, the Taganski branch!! His name is Sasha and we visited him last night to celebrate and give him a cake...and also to teach his wife, Alya, hehe. I think she will be our next baptism. She's ready, she just doesn't know it. Sasha was our third baptism in three weeks in our mission. The work is really moving. Things are changing...we have the first generation of members born into the church, and much of the leadership is now returned missionaries, which is giving a new strength and energy to the church. I am so pumped it's not even funny. We are also teaching Natasha, a 23 year old who speaks English fairly well, so I teach a half hour English lesson and then we teach a Gospel lesson. She and I made a real connection at FHE and she is really interested in learning more. She also said that she has friends who want to know about it. Cha-ching. Pray for her to recognize the Spirit as she prays and for Alya to recognize her testimony. We've taught some baboushkas...well, Sis. Y did...I pretty much don't understand a thing and just sit there and smile encouragingly. (PS...really hard to not smile at people walking by here or else the men think they can make a move on you and the women are weirded out by you...and you don't wave if a car stops for you or else they think you're trying to command them to stop. Men treat you like meat here...had a few weird experiences but don't worry, I've never felt in danger ever. Just weird things to get used to!)

We contacted at the metro (PS. the metro is AWESOME. So pretty, and also, the escalators to get to the metros are seriously SOOOOO long!! You can't see the top from the bottom--it's crazy!) and I contacted one guy who has been trying to study English and got really excited about English club. Then we invited him to church and he said he thinks his past girlfriend was a member and would love to know more. Ummmmm OKAY. Definitely has been prepared by the Lord. Hopefully he'll be at English club tonight! It's cold here, but it comparable to deep winter in Utah, so it's nothing I can't handle--Mom, don't worry :)

Well, I think it's about time to go. Sorry for the lack of paragraphs...this DearElder set up doesn't allow it so I feel like I'm constantly writing in stream of consciousness form. Hope it all makes sense! I love you all and pray for you in my broken Russian every day. I am happy and loving it here and the Lord is carrying me along as I try to learn this language and adjust to Russian missionary life. I'm doing His work, so I'm confident that He will help me every step of the way. Love you!! ------Sister Jones

Letter from President Cranney

2010-03-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Brother and Sister Jones,

It has been wonderful for us to meet your daughter and get to know her and feel of her great spirit. We are confident that she will make a significant contribution to the Lord's work in Russia.

Initially, Sister Jones will be serving with Sister Elistratova. Your daughter will learn a great deal from her. They will be serving in the Taganski area inside of Moscow.

As I am sure you know, uplifting and encouraging letters from home are as important as food and shelter for a missionary. Sharing with her your faith, your spiritual experiences, and your love will bless her tremendously. For mailing letters, the Church pouch is the fastest and most reliable method. LDS bishops have instructions for using this system. To reach the USA, letters from Moscow generally take at least two weeks, but can require more time. Preparation day is now Wednesday. You can expect to receive an e-mail from her each week. Here is the address for any correspondence you would like to send in the pouch:

Russia Moscow Mission

PO Box 30150

Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150

If you wish to send packages, address them to the following:

101000 Moskva

Glavpochtampt a/ai 257

RUSSIA

Packages generally require at least three weeks for delivery. USPS or DHL works best for mailing packages.

We send this letter to you with our pledge to do all that we can to help your daughter be safe, well and enthusiastic in this thrilling missionary adventure. Thank you for entrusting her to us for this important time of her life.

Cordially,

President and Sister Cranney

P.S. Every month our mission puts out a monthly newsletter called the Moscow Messenger. It usually includes our new missionaries, those we've had to say good-bye to, birthdays, excerpts from some of the missionaries' weekly e-mails, and other similar items. Anyway, we thought that some of the parents might like to be receiving it as well. It might give you some more "insight" into what life is like for your daughter as you read it. If you'd like us to e-mail it to you each month, please just respond to this e-mail and we will see it gets to your home.

The latest picture

2010-03-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

Got a picture from Sister Jones... a missionary in her district was taking pictures of them and she was able to send this home to us.

Doesn't she look amazing!? Miss you Sister Jones!

She's in Russia!

2010-03-17T08:40:00.001-07:00

Just got a quick e-mail from Sister Jones this morning:

"Hello, family! It's official--I am in Moscow, Russia and I'm already in love with this place. Just the drive to President Cranney's house was fascinating...the people really do dress like the people in the movie, The Saint...the women in heavy coats and mini skirts and tall boots...the baboushkas completely covered in scarves and everything. It is chilly outside, but it is a sunny, beautiful day and it's wonderful. We just ate lunch at the president's house and the sister's sleep here tonight. We will soon be going to Red Square to contact today (and take some pictures konyeshna) and then we'll return to eat dinner and everything. The Cranney's are amazing. I love them. I know...not enough Russian. This is gonna be fun :) Much to do. Room for improvement! I am so excited, family. I meet my trainer tomorrow...I must go but I love you all!!! I love Russia!!!!!!!!!!!"

Phone call with Mama Jones

2010-03-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some notes from the conversation that my mom had with Sister Jones:

Wow, quite the morning. Kelsey called and said she had a 300 minute phone card (all the missionaries bought the same one at the MTC). We talked a little and then suggested that she call Ash before Ash left for class. Kels called her and they only got to talk 4 1/2 minutes before the card ran out! It happened to all the missionaries. (Do you think the MTC plans it that way??) She tried calling us with 2 quarters, and she said we only had 1 minute to talk and that her phone card ran out. We talked for at least half an hour and she only quit because she had to board her plane! Miracle of miracles! She sounded so happy. She got 4 hours of sleep, couldn't eat this morning because it was too early to have an appetite, and her handle on her big suitcase broke as she was leaving. She took it all in stride, and just wanted to introduce herself in Russian and give us a lesson in Russian! She sounds terrific. She said she knows she still has lots to learn. She can't wait to meet her Mission Pres. and trainer. She's in NY right now and said she'd call each of you if she could get another phone card somehow. I have a feeling she's spending the brief layover eating her last nice big American meal before hitting the streets of Moscow! (yes, probably Mexican if she could find it!) She sent her love to all of you in case she couldn't call. She said she definitely feels your love and your prayers and SO appreciates them. She also said that all the family can email her in Russia!! Isn't that great???? She thinks her P-day is the day she gets there which will be tomorrow morning--so probably Wed. Hopefully that means we'll hear of her safe arrival quickly after she gets to the mission home.

Kelsey said they were instructed on things to do before they meet their Mission Pres.--brush their teeth and polish off their shoes! It's going to be very cold when she gets there. She said she had on tights and boots and her coat and she was dying of heat hauling all her bags at the airport! Remember those days, all you missionaries???? She loved her MTC experience. She has learned much. She said she understands now what she's supposed to know and can continue working on it. She said she made it through 11 weeks of MTC food and got tired of it the 12th week! Her two Baltic comps. flew out last night. She said goodbye this morning to Sis. Robinson as they flew out on different planes. She is flying with some elders and one native Russian sister, all going to Moscow. They weren't in the same district because that sister was in a native district, but Kelsey said they are so much alike and she hopes they can be comps at some point.

I asked Kelsey if it felt strange to be out of the MTC. She said it was very strange. She felt like she should be talking to everyone she sees. She had a handful of pass along cards she planned to give out before she gets to Moscow. It was funny listening to Kelsey because as we talked she'd throw in a Russian word and then English and back to Russian. We could tell she is thinking more Russian than English now. She had 3 teachers and loved them all. That's all I can remember for now. I'll write more if Dad or I think of other things. The main thing is that she sounded happy, peaceful, and mildly distracted! We could tell lots was going on and her sights were set on Russia, which is as it should be!!

The Lord certainly answers prayers in personal and sweet ways. So grateful... Can't wait to hear she is safely in Moscow!!!!!

Flying to Moscow

2010-03-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hey guys - this is Ashley. I spoke with Sister Jones this morning at about 8:00! We only had a few minutes to talk but she sounded so great. So great! She spoke with my parents for quite a while and they said the same thing. Her companion left for The Baltic States yesterday and her other companion left for Ukraine today... just an hour before Sister Jones.

She is flying to New York and fill have a couple-hour layover in JFK Airport and then she will fly straight to Moscow. AH!

She is finally heading to Russia!

Last week in the MTC

2010-03-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Why, hello family! Hope all is well! Can you believe it?! I'm going to be in Russia in a week! Mom, I really hope you're not worrying. I'm not worried, so you shouldn't be at all! We are all so excited to go. I am excited to eat some different food, I admit, and so excited to just go out and get beaten up by the Russian language until I learn to conquer it.

I officially have my flight plans! I got them last Thursday. We were basically all freaking out. I am flying on Delta and we depart this Tuesday, the 16th, 8:35 am. That means that I'll be leaving the MTC around 5 am and I'll be calling you around....oh, 7? I don't really know for sure when I'll be able to call you. I will buy a calling card at the airport and then I can call you from SLC or when I get to my connection at the JFK airport. Holla! I get to visit NY! It's about time. So ya, I'll arrive in NY around 3:14 pm and so I may call you then, but I doubt it. Then it'll be a straight from NY to Moscow!! That will be Delta as well. I will arrive at 10:10 am...I'm not sure when that is your time. All I know is that I will be in the air for like 15 hours or something. They'd better have some bomb airplane food. Anyway, can you plan on me calling you around 7 that morning?? I am sorry that that is so early. I know you'll be nice and alert when I call :)

THANK YOU FOR THE PACKAGE, MOM!! I am wearing my ring now. I would just like to give a ginormous shout out to the BEST missionary mom EVER. I still can't believe I got Chipotle last week. Best day ever. I got Brady Petersen's letter--so crazy! It was so good to hear from him. Oh, and Ash, thanks for the family newsletter again. Pretty sure my companions are obsessed with our family and look forward to those newsletters, too :) Air, THANK YOU for your letter. Holy cow, that was such a lift to hear from you. It sounded exactly like you and I felt like you were right there! I will write you back...from Russia :) Cat...I just love your letters so much I can't even say. I don't know about this "Sis. Jones Shrine" but it definitely made me happy to know that I wasn't forgotten :) Bre, THANKS for your note! I love your face and will write you (and Addie!) soon.

Well, family, I had an interesting experience today. Mom, it was definitely my miracle for the day. I went to the temple for the last time for who knows how long and I had admitted to my companions that this was the hardest part of leaving the MTC...I don't get the temple once a week. Then, when we get there, Sis. Robinson realized that she had left her wallet with her recommend with one of her elders and he was already in the temple. We tried to get him and we waited and waited and we kind of knew were weren't getting in. I was trying so hard to be cheerful about it and not cry because I knew that Sis. Robinson already felt bad and I didn't want her to feel worse. Sis. Wrigley offered to stay with Sis. Robinson because she knew how much I loved the temple, but I knew I needed to stick with my companion and support her, so they went to the session. A while later, a familiar-looking man with white hair walked up and said, "Let's take care of this so you can get in the temple." It was President Merrill J. Bateman, the temple president :) He chatted with us as he filled out a day recommend for her. His eyes widened when I told him where I was serving. He knew someone from Carmel where Sis. Robinson is from. He was so sweet and loving. It was such a tender mercy that not only did we get to go to the temple, but because I waited with Sis. Robinson I got to meet Pres. Bateman and have that experience. I really, really love the Lord and am overwhelmed by what He does for me. I repeatedly feel undeserving of the blessings He gives me, but I will never complain when he does.

On Sunday we had our last testimony meeting and during the Sacrament, I of course had the D&C open so that I could read the English version of the Russian blessing they were giving. For the first time, I noticed a particular word in the second prayer that was said in Russian. In English, we say, "...His blood, which was shed for them..." Now, in Russian, there are two different "for" words. Actually, I'm sure there are more but I have only learned two meanings. There is za and dlya: za is for when it is said in exchange for something. In our prayers, we thank Him for our day: we are giving Him thanks in exchange for our day, etc. The other is the general "for" that we think of. For the first time, I noticed that the prayer uses the word "za", not "dlya." Christ shed His blood in exchange for us. He paid for us. It was such an amazing reminder and a testimony builder, once again, for me of the Atonement and of His love for us.

Well, family, I will try to write you today...we'll see what happens. I have some packing to do! I will be sending a package home of things that are making my bag too heavy. Gotta love the weight restrictions!! I'm SO SO SO happy and SO excited. Your names are on the prayer roll so that you will not worry about me and that you will be doing well. DON'T worry about me. I am going to be perfectly fine. I am excited and just cramming as much Russian as I can. I heard we have an apostle coming tonight, so I'll write you with the results soon. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

I'M GOING TO RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cectra Jones

Pah roosky- from Cectra Jones

2010-03-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

UMMMMMMMM CHIPOTLE?!!!!!?????????!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY, FAMILY?!!?! I HAVE THE BEST FAMILY EVERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! I totally thought it was just a joke when I read Chipotle on that letter. I never would have dreamed of having that wonderful burrito in my mouth. Soooo good!!!!!!! Thank you soooo much, Mom!!!!!!! I love you! I loved the entire package. One of the new sisters' birthday was the day I got that so we ate chips and salsa together to celebrate. Thank you! And thanks for the clothes--so much fun. I just have needed some color in my wardrobe! Dad, THANK YOU for your package that you sent last week. Sorry I didn't mention it before. I SO appreciate you sending that for me. That is going to be with me for the rest of my mission. And thank you for the talk as well...it really helped my lesson. So, how's the temperature been in Moscow lately? I'm curious since I'll be there so soon! Let me know...you're my weather man. I received a letter from Aunt Kathy the other day and just about laughed my head right off. She is hilarious. I love her. I want to write her back before I leave, but we'll see how the time goes :) Let her know how happy it made me!!

Well, family, truly the days are like weeks and the weeks are like days here at the MTC. The days aren't as long as they were at the beginning, but the weeks seem to be flying. I get my flight plans this week! I will let you know when I have them and we will want to set a time to talk when I'm at the airport...if you want to chat or something...

Well, things are quite exciting here. Yesterday we went to the SYL meeting and promised to speak only Russian for the next two weeks. I feel guilty thinking and typing in English right now!! I'm definitely thinking in Russian...ie: I want so that I accepted a shower today! Ummm....shto?! What?! It's awesome. I absolutely love Russian. I do not speak well at all, but I'm working hard and He'll help me. This week, as I was memorizing some new vocab, I learned two new words that made me fall in love with Russian even more. Russian words really have to be felt in order to be understood. I love it. You don't love very much or ever try to measure a feeling...you love someone very hard or strongly...seelna. Or take the verb "to progress." It is said sovyershenstovovatcya, the root of the word being from the word sovershennee which means perfect. The "cya" at the end of the verb progress means it is reflexive to it is a verb that is being done to yourself...so the word really means to be perfecting yourself. LOVE IT. Also, the word eezpeetanyeh, meaning a trial kind of, with the root being eezpeet, meaning experience. So instead of focusing on the trial, Russian focus on the experience you gain from it. Isn't that neat?? I'm sorry, I'm sure I'm boring you. We have a new email so I'm working through sort of Gmail I think...but I can't do paragraph seperations...so that's why this is all jumbled, sorry. This last week was great! The TA was great...we taught an investigator that is a little famous for being tough both in language and that he doesn't crack a smile, but I honestly think we got him to open up. We taught the second lesson with little cards explaining the plan of salvation and we talked about health related topics for our language tasks. I can now tell anyone that I have a headache or nosebleed pah roosky...or play head shoulders knees and toes. This week we are teaching the first lesson again...then the second...and then we are out of here! Today was my second to last time at the temple for a long time. Sad, but I'm SO excited to go.

Mom, I can't BELIEVE AJ and Brady are about home!! If you see Brady tell him he's awesome and to write me so I can hear how he's doing! And I can't believe you and Dad thought that I actually ATE the microwave popcorn that was sent to me. I don't even like that, let alone would I forget how bad it is for me! Don't worry. Oh, and I still receive letters on Saturday, but I just get them on Monday instead, so I have been receiving all your letters, don't worry. Brandon and Trevor, thank you SO much for your letters. I LOVE hearing from my big bros so much it makes me cry (embarrassing). Hope your birthdays were awesome and that you know how much I look up to you. I will be writing you soon! Herb Hosman, THANK YOU for your letter. I can't even tell you how hard I laughed to see purple pants on my name. Glad to hear you are doing well!!!!! I want to write you soon, too!

Okay, family, I hope you know how much I loooove you. Things are so great here...I'm really trying to stay perfectly dedicated and really get down the language as much as I can here. We had Jay E Jensen speak to us the other day and it was awesome. He spoke about the BOM and I grew an even stronger love for that book. I cannot wait to share it with others. You are in my prayers in Russian and I love you all so hard!!!!! Love, Cectra Jones

Privyet!

2010-02-23T11:20:00.001-08:00

Hello! Hope you are all doing well. It sounds like everyone is great in your letters. Sounds like there were some good times in AZ while Mom and Ash were there! I'll bet it was niiice and warm, too! Mary and Brady Wilde: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SWEET LITTLE GIRL!! I can't believe you are parents! So so so excited for you. Please send pictures!! I want to write you soon!
Gomez, you sound awesome. Glad things are going well and that you are feeling well. I want a picture of your belly pronto. I am going to try to write you soon!
Ev Jollley, thanks for the note! So good to hear from you. Glad things are going well in Provost. Keep behaving and writing me, okay?
Mekayla Buck! I have no idea if you've had your baby or not! Pictures? Letter? Something!!
Cat and Wein--did you get my letter and pictures? I hope so!
Air and Mom: THANK YOU for the cookies and the sweet note. That was so fun to think of you making those cookies together and talking about me. I was probably memorizing the body parts in Russian while you were making those :) That is our next task this week. I can officially sing Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes pa roosky. Yes.
Ash: thanks for your letters! If you do end up sending me a package, I would not complain if you sent me chips and salsa. I find true happiness in them. Anything else would probably make me giddy, too. No microwave popcorn--we have that coming out of our ears for some reason. My companions moms send it all the time hahaha.
Brandon and Wendy: I still can't believe the mess that you endured. I am so sorry that you had to experience that. Apparently there was something you had to learn so He blessed you with that opportunity for growth! Gotta love enticements. You are in my prayers! Glad you are doing so well in spite of the challenge. Thank you again for your letter, Wendy. That meant soooo much! Brandon, I think it is your turn to write me.... :)
Trev: CONGRATULATIONS on the promotion, Bro!!!! That's my T-REV. What a GREAT birthday present. You are awesome. Thanks again for the cute Valentine from the kids :)
Sorry to everyone for being a horrible writer. I'm not very good at keeping up with everyone! Lots to do and not enough time to do it. Please know how much I love you all and really do appreciate every word I hear from you!
Well, I'm pretty much floating right now. I just returned from an ochen(very) early temple morning so that we could have one of the Ukrainian teachers who works in the temple take us through for initiatories for her Ukrainian family names. It was SO COOL. I loved getting to say the names and know how to say them! The poor workers had no idea how to pronounce them--it was a blast. Then we got to go to breakfast at the temple! I ate quiche, family! Not MTC FOOD!! I honestly have no problem with the food here at the MTC, but I think eating at the temple reminded me of how good food can be. Ha.
This week has been great; busy, but good. I taught district meeting and it went so so well. I was amazed at the guidance that I received as I prepared. Our district needed to learn about recognizing the Spirit because I felt very much like an instrument in His hands teaching. It was a wonderful opportunity and I learned a lot.
We invited Masha to church and she agreed to go! Because of this, Bro. Stratford, my teacher, insists that we are going to have a mock sacrament meeting for her in our classroom tomorrow. Guess who is speaking? Yup. I'm talking about why we need to pray. Brandon, I'm going to be mentioning the importuning woman! Of course, this will all be in Russian in front of my class, teacher, and a native Russian, so it's not intimidating at all...oh wait, yes it is. Hehe. No, seriously, I'm excited for the opportunity. It's SUCH good practice for me. I love doing it. This language just gets better and better. I have no complaints.
This week in my personal study I stopped in my reading at 1 Ne. 22:10. What in the world does it mean "He shall make bare His arm"? I began searching around in some footnotes and reading up on it. When we think about an arm, what comes to mind? I immediately thought of three things: the comforting, protecting arms of a hug, the help of an outreached arm, and the power and strength of an arm. The verse says we can't be blessed until He makes bare His arm. What is His arm? What is His help, His comfort, and His power manifested? Is it not His Gospel restored once again on the earth? Would he not want to show it to us so that we may have access to the blessings of the Gospel and draw closer to Him so as to gain exaltation the the principles and ordinances of the Gospel? I now LOVE arms and I notice them MUCH more in the scriptures...and the possible meaning behind them as we read. So good!
Word of the week? You thought I forgot, huh? Nope. This week is nyelovkah. That, my friends, means awkward. You'd be surprised how much that word can be used as a missionary. LOVE IT.

Love you all!
Sis. J!

Another week!

2010-02-17T09:34:00.001-08:00

Hello, family! Hope all is well with you! Because yesterday was a holiday, we have not gotten mail and the mail was closed over the weekend because of too much mail, so I haven't read any of your mail for a few days...sorry if my info isn't really up to date!
Shoochoo mns "just kidding!" pa roosky...I use it entirely too often (surprise). Put the emphasis on the shoo and you've got it. We also sang What Child is This pa roosky the other day and I, sadly, could not stop laughing because the direct translation of the title of that song is "What's with the Kid?" Okay, hilarious. Also, we learned that if you flick your neck and point to someone, that means that person is drunk. Good to know in Moscow...
UMMMMMM SNYOME ROJJDENEEYA, BRANDON!!!! I'm so so so sorry I didn't wish you a happy birthday last week--please know that I was aware of it and I just am a ditz and forgot to wish you a happy birthday!Trevor, you are getting older, too, so SNYOME ROJJDENEEYA!!!! (translation: With your day of birth! All congratulations and merry christmas and everything is said with the new year! with Christmas! because the congratulations is already assumed. Clever.) I love both of my brothers--you are the BEST!
Shout out to WENDY--ummmm that letter that you sent with the mission experience? I could TOTALLY read everything you wrote in Russian! I'll admit, it is much easier reading it in Cyrillic than in american phonetic letters! I so appreciated your words and will write you soon. So excited to hear about the mission experience!
Air, that reminds me, how is that lady in your spin class with church and stuff? Has she improved at all?
HOW WAS THE TEST??
Mom and Ash...hope you're loving AZ. So glad you get to be with the family!!
THANK YOU FOR THE VALENTINE'S PACKAGE!! Best day EVER. I received a package from the Cutlers as well with a letter from Ashten and cookies and toys and that was so happy, too! I will write them a thank you, but let them know that that meant so much, and also the Finnerty's sent me the sweetest V-day card. So happy.
My district is pretty much obsessed with you for giving them Valentine's. They love you all. Ash, Ct. Gudmundson is writing you today--he loved your letter. Thank you for the goodies, cookies (pechenya!), and the brush and perfume and everything. Soooooo happy!
Trev and Anj, you'd better give those kids of yours ginormous hugs for the sweet Valentine I received from them! Pretty sure everyone was jealous of my legit Valentine. I love those kids!
Well, the new missionaries are here--and there are a lot of them! We don't even know what to do. Our class has 7, right? Ya, the other classes now have AT LEAST 12 per classroom. It smells like elder everywhere. Blech. Hahahaha but they are great.
So...I gave a talk on faith in church this last Sunday...IN RUSSIAN!! Boo ya!! It was the scariest thing ever to hear them announce that I would be speaking....SURPRISE! Luckily I had prepared a talk on faith and it went well. I love testifying pa roosky. It was a powerful meeting. I kept it pretty simple in my talk, but I think that the new missionaries were able to get some of it which is good.
Sounds like Petey told you I saw him last week. It was nice seeing him for a split second! I spoke to him in Russian, like how are you or something, but he didn't respond because my whole district was standing there and Cectra Coblai was...standing there watching and she's a native so she's kind of scary if you don't know her :)
Guess what! I have the First Vision memorized pa roosky and I just finished memorizing My Purpose pa roosky! So much fun to say. I said the first vision very slowly to Kristina, Ash, and she was so proud of me hahaha. I spent yesterday, literally about 6 hours, memorizing the vocabulary of the second lesson. Owwww my head hurt, but it is so fun knowing how to talk about the Plan of Salvation now! My vocabulary is horrible, but it's coming. I spent all of Saturday night studying faith, hope, and charity (ironically, it was by accident that I studied those three. I think the Spirit just guided me to study those because I needed it!) I spend some time in the Bible dictionary and really reading the scriptures and I was fascinated at the relationship between them. Faith (in Jesus Christ) is the first principle of the Gospel. It is a principle of action--a verb, in effect (that's how I started my talk!) and it moves us to act. Hope is an abiding trust based on past experiences, so it helps you to continue to move forward. Charity, the most important, is really the result of these. The BD specifically says that charity isn't alms or anything, but it is the LOVE. It is our ability to see others as Christ sees them and to treat them as such. So what is the connection? They all lead to Christ. They all push us to be like Him. They all strengthen our relationship with Him. I always knew these principles were important, family, but now they are MY principles. I love them!
This week we taught Masha again...and not only did she pray again for us, but she had read our assignment and she agreed to go to church with us and read again!! I can testify that Pres. Monson was inspired when he said, "Love is a catalyst of change." That is the only way I will ever be able to reach the people of Russia and get them to feel the Spirit testify to them. I can't wait! One month and I'm there!!
The CES couple, the Packards, left for Moscow yesterday!! They are the cutest couple and I'm looking forward to working with the single adults with them!!
Also, important request....could Mom or Ash send me that talk from Elder Busche on feeling the Spirit?? I'm teaching district meeting this Sunday on recognizing the Spirit and found a talk called "Missing the Mark" by him on lds.org but am not sure if that is the same one! THANK YOU!!
Okay, I gotta go. I LOVE YOU so much, everyone! Thanks for all your letters and everything. I'm trying to write, but I'm busy, so sorry if I fail to write again this week!!!!

Sister Jones

"I spy a Sister Jones"

2010-02-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent me a message yesterday. Sounds like he was volunteering in the Russian TRC at the MTC. He said the following:

"So, I pleasantly but surprisingly ran into your lovely sister tonight at the MTC! I didn't say anything cause I couldn't stop smiling and laughing- like seeing a celebrity! By the time I gained my composure, her native russian teacher gave me the infamous "russian death stare" which conveys a simple yet effective message- 'Leave, or I'll kill you!' I chose life, and left... But I did sneak outside the room she (Sister Jones) was teaching in to eaves drop on her lesson, and she speaks AMAZING russian for 6 weeks in the MTC. Better let the people of Moscow know to pack an extra pair of socks, cause I'm pretty sure SISTA JONES is gonna rock their socks off!"

Thanks Eric!

Week 6 from Sister Jones in the MTC

2010-02-09T10:10:00.001-08:00

Preevyet, loved ones!

Word of the week: voht! Literally translated it means behold, but Russians use the word all the time--voht steehhhk=behold the verse, or voht!= I see! etc. The elders use it too much, I think, but it's pretty funny every time.
First off, I have to thank everyone for loving me!! Mom, THANK YOU for the package! The salsa was gone in moments and we're still workin on the chips. Don't ever be afraid to send chips and salsa in a package...we were giddy. Thanks for the music, too! We are hoping to sing it together sometime here.
Air, thanks SO much for the rice krispies!! How you and Mom succeed in sending me packages is beyond me--you sound so busy!! Glad you have your priorities straight--me THEN everything else :) Your name is on the prayer roll as of this morning and I'm praying for you constantly as you prepare for your test. Mom, your name is on the roll, too, and I am praying for you as you decide about going back to school. I am SO SO excited for you. I say do it...but then again, who am I to say? Ha. Air, thanks for your tender mercy experience--those stories were always ones that helped me as a young woman--your young women will so appreciate that.
Stace Gonzalez--THANKS FOR THE NOTE and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!! I will write you for sure.
Cat--I love your letters. I have a half-written letter for you...I'm finishing it today.
Wein--I'm replying to you today hopefully as well. I can't believe Jon Miller and Steph met at my farewell!! True love.
Ash--You know I love you. Try and behave? I'm sending you a letter hopefully and I printed a BAJILLION pictures to send the family. I'll probably send them through you to disseminate to the others. Deal? You da bomb.com.
Well, I want to share a few scripture treasures that I've found this week. I can't believe my life. It is so awesome here. This week was amazing. Teaching the first lesson pa roosky was an incredible experience, family. We taught and actually did pretty well--they understood and we answered their questions...we had one native man who was in there and we had a harder time understanding him obviously, but we got it. Then, I began to testify of the truthfulness of our message and the power of the Spirit was so strong as I spoke those words that I teared up (embarrassing) and then the young native man also teared up, as well as my companions. It was incredible. The Gospel is true in Russian, too!
Remember how I asked you to consider Moroni 10:4 and why it says to ask if these things are NOT true? Well, I have always wondered why it says that, and it kind of bothered me. Then in devo last week, the speaker said that somtimes we might learn truths as we speak--that it is not us speaking, but the Spirit speaking through us and we learn. I had this experience as I raised my hand in class to ask about this part of the verse we were reading and then I said, "Perhaps it means that we must ASSUME that these things are true first and then ask if they are NOT true--that takes more faith." What the?! The Spirit totally answered my question...through me. Amazing.
Then the Spirit taught me something else as I was reading D&C 67:10. I had been studying humility that day and came upon this scripture because it is specific to elders...aka missionaries...aka ME. This verse promises us that if we strip ourselves of jealousies, fears, and pride, we shall see Him and know that He is God. The Spirit bore strong witness to me that we as missionaries see God through the people that we serve on our missions. One of the greatest things we can learn as missionaries is to see EVERYONE as children of God--to see that divine potential--that spark of divine--in every soul. That is charity--and THAT is how we see God...IF we strip ourselves of pride, fears, and jealousies. Ehtok, (thus), I am working on doing just that so that I can see God in the Russian people I serve.
Remember when I mentioned our teaching Masha, the notoriously difficult progressing investigator that no missionaries could get to pray? Well, we taught her in Russian for the first time this week, and after several weeks of no success in talking about prayer and how it helps, I finally realized that our message is THE ATONEMENT, and the only way we have access to the Atonement and all the other privileges of this Gospel is through the Restoration of this Gospel through Joseph Smith. That is our message--so we taught it again and asked her to pray so she can always feel how she feels when she is with us. And...she said the closing prayer. And I cried again. Ha. But seriously, the Spirit is so powerful when we share the message of the Restoration. I love it. I am so happy here.
So, apparently I had a secret talent of volleyball I never discovered until now. I'm pretty good! Except I'm not great at spiking and serving overhand. Stace Gomez, you're teaching me when I get home!
Not sure if I ever mentioned that hugs and handshakes are not allowed at the MTC now. So basically I have not had human contact for 6 weeks. I didn't realize how much that means to me! My companions finally just hugged the other day once...I broke a rule, I know...but it was the most therapeutic thing EVER! I can feel your hugs and prayers all the time though, so I get through it.
I love you all. I'm so happy. You're in my prayers (in Russian!) and I hope you're well.
Sending pictures sooooon!
Sister Jones

PS. Make sure that you send DearElders to 103, not 130. My letters get set back a day if it's wrong, and it happens a lot!
WE HAVE 36 NEW MISSIONARIES COMING INTO OUR BRANCH THIS WEEK!!!!!!!! LIKE A BAJILLION NEW RUSSIANS!!! AND TWO NEW SISTERS IN OUR ROOM! TELL YOU ABOUT IT SOOON!
AND WE MET A COUPLE GOING TO MOSCOW!!! THEY ARE GREAT!!

Week 5!

2010-02-02T09:50:00.001-08:00

So, my subject is an attempt to spell out the word popcorn in Russian--that's kind of what it looks like--and you pronounce it by saying "popcorn" with a Russian accent. Thought you'd appreciate that, Mom! This week for our TA we will begin by having "dinner" with our investigator and then talk with them about food and then share a scripture and our testimony in Russian...then the next part? WE'LL TEACH THE FIRST LESSON PAH ROOSKY!!! IN RUSSIAN!! So so excited. It is pretty intimidating and I still get a bit nervous, but it's just so amazing to feel the Spirit work through you as you speak a different language--I love it. My accent is still really good, but my vocabulary is definitely trying to catch up...and I'm still memorizing the case chart. That takes time! It is fun learning it, though. I must admit, with so much instruction on being perfect in obedience and never having regrets and the like, I began to beat down on myself (or maybe it was ol' Scratch) and convince myself that I wasn't working hard enough or doing enough as a missionary. It wasn't until I received my letters last Tuesday night--right before devotional--and I read a DearElder from Dad. Dad, thank you for saying that I won't be perfect and to not get discouraged, because that's exactly how Satan gets to me I've realized. I don't go out and disobey the mission rules...but I do get discouraged with myself and am too hard on myself. Ever since reading that advice, I have made my focus this week on hope--an attribute of Christ. Hope really is that abiding trust based upon past experience and going forward with confidence. I'm learning that and leaning a lot on my hope in Christ right now. It sure does make life a lot easier!! I just love it here. My personal study just gets better and better. I can testify of the "vibrating" feeling of the Spirit Elder Busche mentions. I am recognizing it more and more and yearning for it more and more. So happy.
Guess what I learned in church? The four leading countries in suicide rates are: 1- Latvia 2-Russia 3-Lithuania 4-Estonia. Ukraine is 11th...and America is 30th. Wow. After hearing that, I felt a strong responsibility with my companions going to those other countries that we need to always maintain a positive attitude and bright disposition--we are giving the happiness of the Gospel to those sad, downhearted people--we are giving them the Atonement! We are giving them the opportunity to become new creatures in Christ!! So far, I have not heard many positive things about Moscow--it's going to be hard, I'll be honest. Oh well!
Quotation of the week: "The heighth of a man's success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment." --President Kimball
I'm definitely working on my self-mastery so that the Lord can have success through me in Russia!
So, last devotional, I sang in the choir again and we sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." It was a beautiful rendition. They project us on the big screens as we sing, like at conference, and guess who they did a close-up of? hehehe ME! I didn't know they did, but the elders were flipping out afterward--hilarious.
Well, we are officially the oldest Russian missionaries now. The natives and the older missionaries flew out yesterday--so sad. It was hard to say goodbye! They are all such GOOD missionaries. I will at least see Sis. Knudson and Elders Grover and Page in Moscow--they are great. Elder Bybee is going to Moscow West--Mom, you mentioned his mom--we all play volleyball together every day and it's a blast. Now it's just a few of us left right now for a week until the new missionaries come in! The old missionaries were getting our addresses and emails and stuff and we learned each others' first names--then the elders told me that they'd all agreed that I look just like Hercules' mom, Hera, the goddess, in the Disney movie Hercules. I wasn't sure how to react to that so I told them to get back to work :)
We sang in church this Sunday as the 4 sisters to kind of say goodbye to the departing elders. Where Can I Turn For Peace pah roosky!! So pretty. I love Russian.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!

PS. Pres. Uchtdorf came to visit the Russian natives before they left--we saw him!!

BYE!!!

Week 4 Letter from Sister Jones

2010-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

Privyet, loved ones!!

Hope all is well! Thank you for your sweet notes and letters and packages. It means SO much to me to get anything and it brightens my day. Don't ever be afraid that you're sending too much--we made a goal as a district that in order to learn the language, we must sacrifice in order to draw from the powers of heaven...thus, we can't open any packages or mail until after planning in the evening as we're going to bed. Thus, don't worry if you're distracting me!
Addie and Bre--thanks for your hilarious notes. Made me so happy. Especially that you missed my Smeagle impression. Klassna.
Bro. McArthur--THANK you for your sweet letter. So good to hear from you and know that your bishopric is doing well. It was much appreciated.
Ash--thank you for all the letters--especially for the quotation that I sent you when you were in the MTC. Boom, that is good. So happy. Going in my spiritual journal. Did I mention that I'm trying to get Brother Despain to ask you out? hehehehehe also thanks for the Language Study Plan! Oh my so helpful. We are all using it. Also, tell Cameron Clifford (he's the one you work with?) that I got his message...very clever writing it in Russian...but I actually understood it and I'm giving no guarantees but it made me laugh!
Air--THANKS for the muffins! So happy!! I shared them with my district and told them that my nephew thinks I'm going to Mongolia. hehe
Trev--loved the info on the hardest languages of the world. It mentioned the Slavic languages and the "aspect" of whether something is done or not and how you say it--imperfective or perfective. We learned that this week. Ah!! Confusing but so much fun.
Russian is so awesome. I don't care what anyone says--it's the most beautiful language. I'm having quite a time trying to learn and speak it, but He is helping me a lot. I taught the first lesson in Russian for the first time yesterday--and the Spirit was there. It is amazing to feel the Spirit when you feel it through the means of another language. Wow.
So, as we've been teaching the second lesson the Plan of Salvation, I can't believe how Moses 1:39 just popped out to me. What the! How have I had that scripture memorized all these years and not realized the power in it? I love asking investigators to read the verse (vote steech--behold the verse!) and then ask them what they think work means. Usually they say what you spend your time doing, etc. Then I ask what glory means to them, usually getting a response like "What makes you happy" or "why you do something." Then I explain that eternal life is the opportunity for us to live in God's presence forever and to have all the blessings He has. So basically, all that God spends His time doing and everything that makes Him happy is for us to make it back to Him and have all that He has. He must really love us, huh? And because He loves us, He has created a perfect plan for us to return to Him. It's beautiful! It's amazing! Love it.
Sis. Matsumori taught our RS lesson this Sunday--Mom, I thought of you. She taught us a new primary song called I Know My Savior Loves Me. It brought tears to my eyes thinking of my nieces and nephews learning this song and learning the basic truths that I will be teaching to Russians. I will definitely miss the hugs from those kids until I return!
I was in the temple this morning, sitting in the Celestial room, and all of the sudden I could so clearly see all you family members from the times we've attended together and I maybe shed a tear thinking of that sweet memory.
Okay, enough sad stuff. Sis. Robinson's mom sent her this organic salsa with amazing organic chips and we sat in our room one night and ate the entire bottle while talking about Sis. Robinson's uncle...good ol' Uncle Mitt Romney :) Did I ever mention that? Anyway, we had mexican food the other day in the cafeteria and it was SOOOO good and I realized how much I love it :) THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for that package! It helped a ton. My entire district caught a little something like I mentioned last week...but I recovered within a day or two while Sis. Wrigley was in her bad the past two days with a severe sinus infection. Yuck. I know that it was your prayers keeping me healthy, so THANK YOU!!

K I'm sending this to make sure it sends...then I'll send more hahaha LOVES

E-mail #2:
Sorry for the random messages....I'm just worried that it will shut me out and you won't get any of the message! Hope it all makes sense. I love you all and pray for you daily. I am so happy here and know I'm doing exactly what the Lord would have me do. Love you!!
Cectpa Jones