We received a note from Jonathan again this afternoon:
Sorry my letters have been so short. I don't have a lot of time to do this. That trek from Georgetown to New Amsterdam I have now made 3 times. It is a cool country. I mean that figuratively and not literally!
Our baptisms didn't end up happening and they won't. : (The marriage isn't going to happen either.) We are having one on Thursday for sure though. They are a great family. (Michael & Michelle) I'm in an area of about 80% hindu and muslim people. It's tough because nobody likes us.
The pictures weren't too hard to send but I had to do it at the senior couples house. I'll try to send some more next week. That picture of me was in front of the apartment. My stuff took about a week to dry! (I had asked if the picture he sent last week with the basketball was in front of his apartment).
We are eating a lot of pasta and PB&J's. We have to make all of our own food because in Guyana we aren't allowed to eat by people.
(That means to eat at people's houses).
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sweat, Sand-flees, and Storms
We received a really brief message from Jonathan this afternoon with these 3 pictures. He only said: "Hope this works. I will write again soon." I'm glad to know that he can send pictures so easily. He sent a couple more short messages describing the pictures. I have inserted his description below each picture.
"That river is in a place called New Forest. It's about 25 miles south of Rose Hall if you get onto Google Earth. You won't find New Forest but Rose Hall is there along the coast. Remember that we are East of New Amsterdam!"
Shane asked him if he liked cocunt milk, he said, "The coconut milk was great, some guy named Jerry taught us how to cut them open."
"In the picture with me and the ball, I am soaking wet. We played in the rain for about 3 hours. It was worth it!" In his next e-mail he said that this picture was taken at their apartment.
Then we received a little bit longer message a while later. Some of you got a copy of it as well, but for those who didn't here are a couple of quotes:
"To all of you that told me the West Indies would be sun, sand and surf... i hate you right now! All we have here is sweat, sand-flees and storms. Oh well. I am sure i will get to see some water when i get out of Guyana."
"Well, we are teaching a bunch of people. I think we are having 3 baptisms this weekend. One might get held back if we can't get him married. I hate somethings we do, like wedding counsellor. It's fun planning but when people are at each other's throats... it really bites. Just like those sand-flees. They attach to your ankles and just suck the blood right out. I hate them! Anyway, that's all of the general stuff for this week."
Jonathan also sent a belated Happy Father's Day.
It sounds like the rain and bugs are unpleaseant. But judging from his smile in the pictures, he looks like he is well and enjoying himself.
"That river is in a place called New Forest. It's about 25 miles south of Rose Hall if you get onto Google Earth. You won't find New Forest but Rose Hall is there along the coast. Remember that we are East of New Amsterdam!"
Shane asked him if he liked cocunt milk, he said, "The coconut milk was great, some guy named Jerry taught us how to cut them open."
"In the picture with me and the ball, I am soaking wet. We played in the rain for about 3 hours. It was worth it!" In his next e-mail he said that this picture was taken at their apartment.
Then we received a little bit longer message a while later. Some of you got a copy of it as well, but for those who didn't here are a couple of quotes:
"To all of you that told me the West Indies would be sun, sand and surf... i hate you right now! All we have here is sweat, sand-flees and storms. Oh well. I am sure i will get to see some water when i get out of Guyana."
"Well, we are teaching a bunch of people. I think we are having 3 baptisms this weekend. One might get held back if we can't get him married. I hate somethings we do, like wedding counsellor. It's fun planning but when people are at each other's throats... it really bites. Just like those sand-flees. They attach to your ankles and just suck the blood right out. I hate them! Anyway, that's all of the general stuff for this week."
Jonathan also sent a belated Happy Father's Day.
It sounds like the rain and bugs are unpleaseant. But judging from his smile in the pictures, he looks like he is well and enjoying himself.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Jon's First Assignment
As mentioned in Monday's blog we were able to speak with Jonathan on the telephone. (It was the worst phone connection we have ever had!) We were going to call him, but because the cost per minute was 1/50th of what we would have paid calling him from the US, and the difficulty in reaching him, he called us from Guyana.
Jonathan did not tell us where he was calling from, but it sounded like he was either at a member's home or with the senior couple, the Larsens.
We told him that President Robison said he had a very fine trainer. Jonathan said that Elder Hamilton was sitting across the room on the couch and he thought "he heard that"! We saw a picture of Elder Hamilton with his last companion taken with the Larsens. He looks like a fine young man. We hope he teaches Jon how to be a great missionary!
We asked about Jon's 1st assignment and he told us the name of the "district" but we can't seem to find it on any maps of the area. Unfortunately, we still have no mailing address for him either. However, we feel like we have a pretty good idea of about where he is working. He gave us a description of the area and told us that it was about 15 miles or so east of New Amsterdam. You can click on the link below to see a Google Satellite Map of the general area:
Map of Jon's 1st Area!
To get to this first area, Jon said they took a bus from Georgetown to the Berbice river, then ferried across and took a private car about 30 minutes East of New Amsterdam. We didn't ask about his apartment but we're sure we will get a picture of it at some point. Like most missionary apartments, it is probably a hole!
Jonathan said that all of the people he has met have been so nice. He is also "teaching lots". This was not a surprise since we have been informed that this is one of the fastest growing areas in his mission. What a great way to start a mission: full speed ahead!
"And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work." (Alma 26:3)
Jonathan did not tell us where he was calling from, but it sounded like he was either at a member's home or with the senior couple, the Larsens.
We told him that President Robison said he had a very fine trainer. Jonathan said that Elder Hamilton was sitting across the room on the couch and he thought "he heard that"! We saw a picture of Elder Hamilton with his last companion taken with the Larsens. He looks like a fine young man. We hope he teaches Jon how to be a great missionary!
We asked about Jon's 1st assignment and he told us the name of the "district" but we can't seem to find it on any maps of the area. Unfortunately, we still have no mailing address for him either. However, we feel like we have a pretty good idea of about where he is working. He gave us a description of the area and told us that it was about 15 miles or so east of New Amsterdam. You can click on the link below to see a Google Satellite Map of the general area:
Map of Jon's 1st Area!
To get to this first area, Jon said they took a bus from Georgetown to the Berbice river, then ferried across and took a private car about 30 minutes East of New Amsterdam. We didn't ask about his apartment but we're sure we will get a picture of it at some point. Like most missionary apartments, it is probably a hole!
Jonathan said that all of the people he has met have been so nice. He is also "teaching lots". This was not a surprise since we have been informed that this is one of the fastest growing areas in his mission. What a great way to start a mission: full speed ahead!
"And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work." (Alma 26:3)
Monday, June 16, 2008
A Sad Day
Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
This past 24 hours has been tough for Jonathan. Normally, the opportunity for a missionary to call home is a joyful day, but today was not one of those days. Unfortunately, today was the day we had to speak to him about the imminent passing of one of his close friends, David Heiner, the son of our dear friends Mark & Vickie.
The story begins on Friday, June 13th in Elkin, North Carolina. David took his younger brothers to the pool on a beautiful, warm summer day. David is very good swimmer and has joined our family at Lake Powell in the past. This day, however, while attempting to swim the length of the pool and back on a single breath, he began to flounder and then sank to the bottom. His brothers bravely attempted to rescue him. It wasn't until the lifeguards intervened that they were able to get him poolside. A successful and skillful resuscitation followed, however, David's condition remained critical. He was transported by air ambulance to Charlotte, North Carolina where over the past few days his family has expectantly waited for some indication that he would recover. When it started to become apparent that this hope was in vain, we obtained the help of Jon's Uncle Scott and Don Gerszewski, who are both airline pilots, and barely caught the next flight to Charlotte. During our dash to the airport we sought the advice of President and Sister Robison on how to break the news to Jonathan. During our flight, Jonathan was located by Elder & Sister Larsen, the couple assigned to his area, and given the tragic news. We hoped that breaking the news in this way would give him an understanding, grandparently shoulder to cry on! Finally, today, after a few attempts to hook up by e-mail and phone calling, we were able to speak with Jonathan.
Jonathan is such a strong young man but we know that this will be a difficult time for him. We anticipated that during our call we would be telling him of David's passing, but turning off the life-support has been delayed until Wednesday. We know that Jonathan's knowledge of what will transpire is going to make this week agonizing for him. We do not doubt that Jonathan will weather the storm and put on a brave face; he is hurting more than those around him will ever see.
We pray that he will be comforted as he wholeheartedly thrusts in his sickle and reaps with all his might in the Lord's harvest! He told us he is already having wonderful experiences in Guyana and loves being a missionary!
"Brothers forever DMH. Love ya man."
This past 24 hours has been tough for Jonathan. Normally, the opportunity for a missionary to call home is a joyful day, but today was not one of those days. Unfortunately, today was the day we had to speak to him about the imminent passing of one of his close friends, David Heiner, the son of our dear friends Mark & Vickie.
The story begins on Friday, June 13th in Elkin, North Carolina. David took his younger brothers to the pool on a beautiful, warm summer day. David is very good swimmer and has joined our family at Lake Powell in the past. This day, however, while attempting to swim the length of the pool and back on a single breath, he began to flounder and then sank to the bottom. His brothers bravely attempted to rescue him. It wasn't until the lifeguards intervened that they were able to get him poolside. A successful and skillful resuscitation followed, however, David's condition remained critical. He was transported by air ambulance to Charlotte, North Carolina where over the past few days his family has expectantly waited for some indication that he would recover. When it started to become apparent that this hope was in vain, we obtained the help of Jon's Uncle Scott and Don Gerszewski, who are both airline pilots, and barely caught the next flight to Charlotte. During our dash to the airport we sought the advice of President and Sister Robison on how to break the news to Jonathan. During our flight, Jonathan was located by Elder & Sister Larsen, the couple assigned to his area, and given the tragic news. We hoped that breaking the news in this way would give him an understanding, grandparently shoulder to cry on! Finally, today, after a few attempts to hook up by e-mail and phone calling, we were able to speak with Jonathan.
Jonathan is such a strong young man but we know that this will be a difficult time for him. We anticipated that during our call we would be telling him of David's passing, but turning off the life-support has been delayed until Wednesday. We know that Jonathan's knowledge of what will transpire is going to make this week agonizing for him. We do not doubt that Jonathan will weather the storm and put on a brave face; he is hurting more than those around him will ever see.
We pray that he will be comforted as he wholeheartedly thrusts in his sickle and reaps with all his might in the Lord's harvest! He told us he is already having wonderful experiences in Guyana and loves being a missionary!
"Brothers forever DMH. Love ya man."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Guyana Facts
We thought you might enjoy some information on Guyana.
Guyana is about the size of Idaho and is situated on the northern coast of South America east of Venezuela, west of Suriname, and north of Brazil. It is the only country in South America where English is the official language. Guyana has immense waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests (covering more than 80% of the country) and grasslands teeming with wildlife. "Guyana" is an Amerindian word meaning "Land of many waters". They are known as the country of Six People - Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, East Indians, Europeans and Portugese.
Full Name - "Co-operative Republic of Guyana"
Capital City - Georgetown
Population - 769,095
Currency - Guyana Dollar
Code: GYD
Symbol: G$
Weights & Measures - Metric
Weather - Guyana's climate is tropical and it is generally hot and humid, though moderated by northeast trade winds along the coast. The local climate hardly changes from 75-85°F. There are two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. August through October are the hottest months. (Sounds like Jonathan is getting there just in time!)
Geography - Guyana can be divided into four natural regions: a narrow and fertile marshy plain along the Atlantic coast (low coastal plain) where most of the population lives; a white sand belt more inland (hilly sand and clay region) containing most of Guyana's mineral deposits; the dense rainforests (Forested Highland Region) across the middle of the country; and the grassy flat savannah in the south including the larger interior highlands (interior savannah) consisting mostly of mountains that gradually rise to the Brazilian border.
Pre-20th-Century History - The aboriginal inhabitants of the Guyanese coast were Carib Indians. European settlement didn't occur until 1615, when the Dutch West Indian Company erected a fort and depot. The Dutch traded with the Indian peoples of the interior, and established plantations worked by African slaves. Sugar quickly became the dominant crop.
While the coast remained under Dutch control, the English were also establishing sugar and tobacco plantations. Conflict between the two countries meant parts of the region changed hands a number of times, but by 1796 Britain had become the major power. In 1834, slavery was abolished, forcing many plantations to close or look for another source of labor. The British solved the problem by shipping indentured workers from India. From 1846 to 1917, almost 250,000 laborers entered Guyana, dramatically transforming the country's demographic balance.
Modern History - Guyana achieved independence in 1966 and four years later became a cooperative republic within the Commonwealth. The sugar industry was nationalized and the country's economic base was diversified through the production of rice and bauxite. Guyana's economy was in almost permanent recession until 1990 as it slid out of mainstream engagement with the rest of the world and experienced the exodus of much of its educated class. Its domestic economy was not helped by border disputes with neighboring Venezuela and Suriname. In 1992, elections installed the US-educated dentist Dr Cheddi Jagan, an aging Marxist, as president. Dr Jagan's wife Janet became president of Guyana in 1997, amid protests. In the summer of 1999, Jagan retired and named Bharrat Jagdeo as her successor.
Guyana is about the size of Idaho and is situated on the northern coast of South America east of Venezuela, west of Suriname, and north of Brazil. It is the only country in South America where English is the official language. Guyana has immense waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests (covering more than 80% of the country) and grasslands teeming with wildlife. "Guyana" is an Amerindian word meaning "Land of many waters". They are known as the country of Six People - Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, East Indians, Europeans and Portugese.
Full Name - "Co-operative Republic of Guyana"
Capital City - Georgetown
Population - 769,095
Currency - Guyana Dollar
Code: GYD
Symbol: G$
Weights & Measures - Metric
Weather - Guyana's climate is tropical and it is generally hot and humid, though moderated by northeast trade winds along the coast. The local climate hardly changes from 75-85°F. There are two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. August through October are the hottest months. (Sounds like Jonathan is getting there just in time!)
Geography - Guyana can be divided into four natural regions: a narrow and fertile marshy plain along the Atlantic coast (low coastal plain) where most of the population lives; a white sand belt more inland (hilly sand and clay region) containing most of Guyana's mineral deposits; the dense rainforests (Forested Highland Region) across the middle of the country; and the grassy flat savannah in the south including the larger interior highlands (interior savannah) consisting mostly of mountains that gradually rise to the Brazilian border.
Pre-20th-Century History - The aboriginal inhabitants of the Guyanese coast were Carib Indians. European settlement didn't occur until 1615, when the Dutch West Indian Company erected a fort and depot. The Dutch traded with the Indian peoples of the interior, and established plantations worked by African slaves. Sugar quickly became the dominant crop.
While the coast remained under Dutch control, the English were also establishing sugar and tobacco plantations. Conflict between the two countries meant parts of the region changed hands a number of times, but by 1796 Britain had become the major power. In 1834, slavery was abolished, forcing many plantations to close or look for another source of labor. The British solved the problem by shipping indentured workers from India. From 1846 to 1917, almost 250,000 laborers entered Guyana, dramatically transforming the country's demographic balance.
Modern History - Guyana achieved independence in 1966 and four years later became a cooperative republic within the Commonwealth. The sugar industry was nationalized and the country's economic base was diversified through the production of rice and bauxite. Guyana's economy was in almost permanent recession until 1990 as it slid out of mainstream engagement with the rest of the world and experienced the exodus of much of its educated class. Its domestic economy was not helped by border disputes with neighboring Venezuela and Suriname. In 1992, elections installed the US-educated dentist Dr Cheddi Jagan, an aging Marxist, as president. Dr Jagan's wife Janet became president of Guyana in 1997, amid protests. In the summer of 1999, Jagan retired and named Bharrat Jagdeo as her successor.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Canje, Guyana!
Sister Robison just sent this e-mail.
"My husband is now home and I checked with him. Your son is definitely serving in Canje with Elder Hamilton. The Evan's are a new couple and might have gotten confused."
We are guessing that some of the confusion may have come from the fact that all of the new elders going to Guyana flew into Georgetown. From there they were sent out to their areas.
We will post his mailing address as soon as we hear from Elder & Sister Larsen.
"My husband is now home and I checked with him. Your son is definitely serving in Canje with Elder Hamilton. The Evan's are a new couple and might have gotten confused."
We are guessing that some of the confusion may have come from the fact that all of the new elders going to Guyana flew into Georgetown. From there they were sent out to their areas.
We will post his mailing address as soon as we hear from Elder & Sister Larsen.
Where's Jonathan?
Well, we are a bit confused!
Last night we received a very nice e-mail message from Sister Evans in Georgetown, Guyana. It said:
"We have just had transfers, and wanted to let you know that your son is here in Guyana, and we are so exited to have him." It went on to give us mailing information for the missionaries in the Georgetown area.
This morning we recieved an e-mail from Sister Robison, the mission president's wife, and it said:
"Dear Family of Elder Larson,
We had the pleasure of meeting with your son this week. He arrived safely in Trinidad. We fed him a nice dinner and saw that he had a couple of good nights sleep. I have attached a few pictures so you can see how he looks as one of our mighty West Indies missionaries. He is now serving in the Canje area of Guyana. It is one of the more humble areas but also a place where we are seeing the greatest success in missionary work. His companion, Elder Hamilton, is wonderful missionary. Your son will have a great start serving with him. Guyana is a fascinating place and many people there are coming into the church."
It went on to say that the senior couple who looks after the elders in the Canje area is the Larsens.
Hopefully we will know soon where Jonathan is really serving!
Last night we received a very nice e-mail message from Sister Evans in Georgetown, Guyana. It said:
"We have just had transfers, and wanted to let you know that your son is here in Guyana, and we are so exited to have him." It went on to give us mailing information for the missionaries in the Georgetown area.
This morning we recieved an e-mail from Sister Robison, the mission president's wife, and it said:
"Dear Family of Elder Larson,
We had the pleasure of meeting with your son this week. He arrived safely in Trinidad. We fed him a nice dinner and saw that he had a couple of good nights sleep. I have attached a few pictures so you can see how he looks as one of our mighty West Indies missionaries. He is now serving in the Canje area of Guyana. It is one of the more humble areas but also a place where we are seeing the greatest success in missionary work. His companion, Elder Hamilton, is wonderful missionary. Your son will have a great start serving with him. Guyana is a fascinating place and many people there are coming into the church."
It went on to say that the senior couple who looks after the elders in the Canje area is the Larsens.
Hopefully we will know soon where Jonathan is really serving!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Arrival in Georgetown, Guyana
I have been watching flight tracker again this morning and Jonathan's flight has arrived in Guyana.
He was scheduled to be on Caribbean Air flight 461. They left Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago this morning at 7:26 and landed 13 minutes early, at 8:27 AM, in Georgetown, Guyana.
He was scheduled to be on Caribbean Air flight 461. They left Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago this morning at 7:26 and landed 13 minutes early, at 8:27 AM, in Georgetown, Guyana.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
First Day Schedule
This afternoon Sister Robison posted this on the WIM blog:
"Here are the 14 newest West Indies missionaries
They are wonderful!
We even have a mango juggler (Elder Larson)!
They arrived last night, tired and happy. Before lunch they had orientation at the office, interviews with President Robison, and a group study session with me. This afternoon and evening they are out working in Trinidad. They will be teaching with great missionaries and members here and I can't wait to hear their stories. On more than one occasion new missionaries have found great families who later joined the church.
This evening we will have a devotional and tomorrow they travel to their assigned areas."
I'm glad to see they are going right to work. I'm sure Jonathan will have had several new experiences to tell us about when we hear from him on Monday. Can't wait!
"Here are the 14 newest West Indies missionaries
They are wonderful!
We even have a mango juggler (Elder Larson)!
They arrived last night, tired and happy. Before lunch they had orientation at the office, interviews with President Robison, and a group study session with me. This afternoon and evening they are out working in Trinidad. They will be teaching with great missionaries and members here and I can't wait to hear their stories. On more than one occasion new missionaries have found great families who later joined the church.
This evening we will have a devotional and tomorrow they travel to their assigned areas."
I'm glad to see they are going right to work. I'm sure Jonathan will have had several new experiences to tell us about when we hear from him on Monday. Can't wait!
Safe Arrival in Trinidad!
"Hello from the Mission Office" began this morning's e-mail from Jon. After a very long day of travel yesterday, he and the other 4 elders finally made it to the mission office in Valsayn (suburb of Port of Spain), Trinidad. He had his first interview with President Robison. Jon says: "He is a nice guy but it kind of creeped me out when he gave me a hug instead of shaking my hand after our interview this morning. Apparently that's how things work around here." Jon says that "Sister Robison was impressed by my knowledge of South American plants this morning. She didn't even know how to pronounce Heliconia (granted i can't spell it!) and yet she has one sitting on the kitchen table."
About Trinidad, all he had to report was that "It is really warm down here. Everyone started sweating about 8:30 AM. I think it feels really good though."
Tomorrow will be another travel day for Jonathan. He says: "there are four of us new Elders flying to Guyana in the morning. President Robison said that missionaries who don't get at least 50 baptisms during their 6 or 7 months there have something wrong with them. Obviously he was kidding but that has become one of his expectations. So you'll probably be hearing of some from me in a couple weeks."
From Jonathan's phone call yesterday, we have his flight information for tomorrow morning. He is on Caribbean Air flight 461 leaving Trinidad at 7:30AM and arriving in Georgetown, Guyana at 8:40AM. Exactly where he is going to be stationed in the country of Guyana remains a mystery. We know there are multiple wards and branches throughout the country and there are couple missionaries in two different cities. We understand that there are between 50-60 Elders in Guyana at a time. I guess we will have to wait for the next e-mail to see where he ends up.
Jon has informed us that his preparation day (p-day) is on Monday. We know that he will have about 1 hour per week to send e-mails so we hope to hear lots of great and exciting news. Until then we refer everyone back to the official WIM website where there are many postings about the work in Guyana. Also make sure you check out the WIM news blog to see today's photos of the newly arrived missionaries at the mission home. Who taught him to juggle mangos?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Flight to Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
This morning, at about 6 AM, Jonathan called us for a few minutes from the Salt Lake airport. He was all checked in and waiting for his flight. He said he is getting ready to go "far away from home"! He was feeling like he needed more time at the MTC studying! I can hardly believe that he is wishing for more long study days. I think he is feeling the huge responsibility he has and isn't sure he's ready. But he is excited to get to the mission field. He was able to talk with Shane, Amanda, and Michael as well. We updated him about a couple of his friends mission calls (Jeff Job is going to Paraguay and Cade Wallentine is going to Chili). He sure has a lot of friends who will be speaking Spanish! He also told us that Elder Hatch is going to be fine, they didn't find any additional problems and he will only be delayed leaving for Fort Worth for a couple of weeks.
About 15 minutes later Jonathan called us back to quickly let us know where his first area will be. He finally had time to open the packet they gave him at the MTC and found out that he will be going to the South American country of Guyana. He was very excited about that and just had to tell us before boarding the airplane. He will fly to Georgetown, Guyana on Wednesday morning. In Guyana the missionaries have been having a lot of success. We have been told that it is where most of them want to be able to serve because the people are so humble and ready to accept the Gospel. It is one of the harder areas as far as living conditions go, but he won't have a problem with that. I check the weather for this week in Georgetown and they are predicting highs near 83 and lows near 75, with rain every day! I hope he can get an umbrella and rubber boots soon!
I thought that for the I would include Jonathan's flight information:
Delta # 1724, Salt Lake City to Atlanta: departed @ 7:02 AM and arrived @ 12:38 PM.
Delta # 387, Atlanta to Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago: departed @ 2:58 PM and arrived @ 7:47 PM. Now on to the Mission Home!
About 15 minutes later Jonathan called us back to quickly let us know where his first area will be. He finally had time to open the packet they gave him at the MTC and found out that he will be going to the South American country of Guyana. He was very excited about that and just had to tell us before boarding the airplane. He will fly to Georgetown, Guyana on Wednesday morning. In Guyana the missionaries have been having a lot of success. We have been told that it is where most of them want to be able to serve because the people are so humble and ready to accept the Gospel. It is one of the harder areas as far as living conditions go, but he won't have a problem with that. I check the weather for this week in Georgetown and they are predicting highs near 83 and lows near 75, with rain every day! I hope he can get an umbrella and rubber boots soon!
I thought that for the I would include Jonathan's flight information:
Delta # 1724, Salt Lake City to Atlanta: departed @ 7:02 AM and arrived @ 12:38 PM.
Delta # 387, Atlanta to Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago: departed @ 2:58 PM and arrived @ 7:47 PM. Now on to the Mission Home!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Jon's letter to his cousin, Jonah, about the MTC
Matt and Carolynn gave us a copy of a letter that Jonathan sent to Jonah last week. We thought you might enjoy reading some of it:
Dear Jonah,
How's it going buddy? It's your cousin Jon. You will never guess what I've been going through since I saw you a couple of weeks ago. If you remember, I'm on a mission right now. I am still in the MTC which is where they teach us how to be missionaries for Jesus. It's a lot like primary to tell you the truth. Everyone is dressed up, tired, always wants treats and loves to sing songs from the Children's Song Book!
The great thing about being here is getting to learn about Jesus and his prophets everyday. It is a little sad to be away from home but I get over it when I kneel down and pray. (My knees always hurt) The bad parts are the long hours and the fact that people don't always get along. Being the Zone Leader has let me help people be friends though. You can ask your parents what a zone leader is if you want. It basically means that I am in charge of 24 other Elders. They give me a headache!
Anyway, I hope you are being good. Make sure you are nice to your little brother and to your sister.
Talk to you later!
Elder Jonathan Larson
Dear Jonah,
How's it going buddy? It's your cousin Jon. You will never guess what I've been going through since I saw you a couple of weeks ago. If you remember, I'm on a mission right now. I am still in the MTC which is where they teach us how to be missionaries for Jesus. It's a lot like primary to tell you the truth. Everyone is dressed up, tired, always wants treats and loves to sing songs from the Children's Song Book!
The great thing about being here is getting to learn about Jesus and his prophets everyday. It is a little sad to be away from home but I get over it when I kneel down and pray. (My knees always hurt) The bad parts are the long hours and the fact that people don't always get along. Being the Zone Leader has let me help people be friends though. You can ask your parents what a zone leader is if you want. It basically means that I am in charge of 24 other Elders. They give me a headache!
Anyway, I hope you are being good. Make sure you are nice to your little brother and to your sister.
Talk to you later!
Elder Jonathan Larson
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Surprise E-mail!
Today we had a great surprise. Jonathan sent us an e-mail! It is the first e-mail we have received from him since he entered the MTC:
"Hi dad. It's just your missionary. I find myself in a curious location this morning... I am sitting in a hospital with Elder Hatch. He broke his foot and we fear that there might be some damage to his plantar facia, so he is about to get an MRI. There is obviously a computer here in the office so I figured I could drop you a line. I hope you are all well and not missing me too much. Tell Mom I have put on about 4 pounds. That should make her happy. If you respond to this quickly, I may be able to write back. If not, I guess I'll hear from you later. Love ya. ~Jonathan~"
As zone leader, it was Jonathan's responsibility to take Elder Hatch (Fort Worth, Texas Mission) to have the MRI of his foot. Unfortunately, it looks like he will be delayed in leaving the MTC for a few weeks. (Poor Elder Hatch)
We were so excited to be able to message back and forth with Jon for a few minutes. I am hoping that we will be able to "talk" with him like this while he is in the West Indies.
We were able to arrange his call home from the airport on Monday morning, June 9th. He leaves for Port of Spain, Trinidad bright and early that morning (7:05 AM). We are all glad that he leaves early enough to be able to talk to Shane before work, Michael before marching band practice, and Amanda before school.
He said, "One of the new Elders was on the freshman basketball team at USU. It's fun playing against him. He can pretty much run around everyone but me. I even blocked one of his shots yesterday. He's 6' 7'' and I blocked it! I was king of the court until he knocked me off."
He has been able to attend the Provo Temple and says he will have one more chance to go on Friday.
Jonathan seems to be in good spirits and enjoying his time at the MTC and is looking forward to leaving for the mission field.
"Hi dad. It's just your missionary. I find myself in a curious location this morning... I am sitting in a hospital with Elder Hatch. He broke his foot and we fear that there might be some damage to his plantar facia, so he is about to get an MRI. There is obviously a computer here in the office so I figured I could drop you a line. I hope you are all well and not missing me too much. Tell Mom I have put on about 4 pounds. That should make her happy. If you respond to this quickly, I may be able to write back. If not, I guess I'll hear from you later. Love ya. ~Jonathan~"
As zone leader, it was Jonathan's responsibility to take Elder Hatch (Fort Worth, Texas Mission) to have the MRI of his foot. Unfortunately, it looks like he will be delayed in leaving the MTC for a few weeks. (Poor Elder Hatch)
We were so excited to be able to message back and forth with Jon for a few minutes. I am hoping that we will be able to "talk" with him like this while he is in the West Indies.
We were able to arrange his call home from the airport on Monday morning, June 9th. He leaves for Port of Spain, Trinidad bright and early that morning (7:05 AM). We are all glad that he leaves early enough to be able to talk to Shane before work, Michael before marching band practice, and Amanda before school.
He said, "One of the new Elders was on the freshman basketball team at USU. It's fun playing against him. He can pretty much run around everyone but me. I even blocked one of his shots yesterday. He's 6' 7'' and I blocked it! I was king of the court until he knocked me off."
He has been able to attend the Provo Temple and says he will have one more chance to go on Friday.
Jonathan seems to be in good spirits and enjoying his time at the MTC and is looking forward to leaving for the mission field.
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