jon speaks...

since i feel like my writings may not be all that they should, i decided to include a letter that jon wrote to our children. just a little documentation of how he feels about what he is doing.

"It has been a very eventful week, but then again, I think every week is not the same as the one before. 2 elders, one who had been out nearly a year and another who had been out nearly 15 months, had to go home early because of pre-mission transgressions. While it was a difficult experience for me and them, I was grateful and proud that they came forward and had trust and confidence in the atonement and that they were more concerned with their eternal standing than anything else. One of the 2 called me from home to check in and told me that he is now engaged and will be married on August 20th. I hope to hear from the other one tomorrow as I have asked them both to keep writing me weekly.

We also have had quite a bit of mental/emotional illness in our mission, along with physical illnesses and I have spent many hours in talking and also praying with them wondering and seeking ways that I might know how to help them. I just can't adequately describe to you how busy and how emotionally and physically draining this has been so far but despite all of that, I feel such a gratitude to be here and to be trying to do something, no matter how small or little, to make a positive contribution in the lives of the missionaries, and the converts.

This morning we got up early and drove to Clearlake to witness the confirmation of a man I interviewed for baptism a few weeks ago. Then we drove back home and I had the opportunity to interview a man and his wife, (in spanish with an assist from one of the elders), also for baptism, and then we participated in the baptismal service for Cheryl Winn, who was a woman that mom taught with the sister missionaries when we first arrived here. To be around these humble missionaries and to meet and feel the love the converts have for the gospel is by far the best part. They inspire me and I look up to them, both the missionaries and the converts. So many have come so far and overcome such trials to not only be on a mission, but to also be serving with such passion and effort that I am lifted and energized by their example.

I feel badly for my missionaries a lot because I know I don't live up to the standards or methods of other mission presidents that I know are more successful, more organized, and better able to inspire and teach their missionaries in ways that I don't. I just vow to keep working as hard as I can and to give all that I can and trust that the Lord will make up the difference, despite my many limitations and frailties. My companion however is the absolute best and I love her; in that regard I have been blessed tremendously!

I love you all and I thank each of you for loving and praying for me and mother. We are doing well and are grateful and humbled to be your parents. The Lord has blessed our family greatly and my desire is to serve Him the best that I know how to."