FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!
Hawaii was a good time, huh? I'm glad my absence allows for such vacations. I'm happy for Dad. Skydiving is for men. So is swimming with dolphins. I have to say though I wouldn't be so much afraid of them eating me as I would be of them poking me with their noses. That seems terrifying. There is a river somewhere in our mission that has little pink dolphins apparently.
I will not be going there this transfer, but I will indeed be transferred. I'm going to a city called Cabeceiras, which means head trees. I guess it's a really small town and everyone has problems with the law of chastity and drinking. Even the members of the Church. Valentine has been there while I've been in Planaltina. My new companion will be Elder Saldanha, a Brazilian.
I'll still be somewhat close to the DF, which is good because President Monson is coming to Brasilia on June 2 and the missionaries nearby can all go. The poor missionaries up in the jungle who are 13 hours away cannot. It will be next Monday that we'll go see him speak. A President of the Church has never come to Brasilia. It's so exciting. And it's on p day. What could be better?
I'll let you guys know how all this transfer business works out next week. I'm glad everyone had a fun vacation. I miss you and I love you more than ever.
Jordan
May 19, 2008
I've learned that there is something really special about President Cardon. (Sorry, I can't call him Brother Cardon). His missionaries were a special group, and he's done a lot of good for the Church. Apparently it was him who designed the plan that became the Perpetual Education Fund which the Church bought from him. President Aidukaitis tells us that in his mission, while Cardon was the Mission President, there were missionaries who had the "ministry of angels". They baptized a LOT of people. I've heard stories of entire congregations of other churches being baptized in their mission. Something like seven of the Mission Presidents in Brazil right now were missionaries of President Cardon's. As well as other Bishops, Stake Presidents, Patriarchs, Area Seventies. Plus this Jet Blue guy. President Pizzirani (soon to be my new Mission President) was a bishop in Sao Paulo during President Cardon's era. I don't know if this is true but apparently they, that mission, were responsible for compiling much of what is now Preach My Gospel. He's friends with a lot of the Apostles. And I just remember him walking down the halls of our ward building when I was younger, thinking he had kind of a funny face. Nothing more. Having no idea what he'd done for the Kingdom of God, and having no idea that one of his Brazilian missionaries would someday be a man who would help me so much!
I spent this week in a different city on a trade with Elder Macdonald again. Did I mention him before? He's from Washington. He's been to Bowen Island. We spent some time in a place called Vale do Amanhecer where there is a community of people who have their own religion. It's amazing. All the men wear capes and the women wear long dresses and there is a big lake with a floating pyramid in the middle of it. They have a temple and everything. There is a gigantic "GOD SAVES" written on a mountainside in the city. In their temple they have a gigantic painting of their prophetess and her eyes are rolled into the back of her head and they give you a little Buddha statue if you go through the whole temple. I'd like to take you guys back there. What do you think?
Alright, I'm out of time and the barbecue place across the steet is looking really good. I love you guys. I'm praying for Gpa D. And I'll be sure to take every opportunty I have when the big 100 watt light bulb goes off over my head, Dad. You do too! Keep everyone up on that.
Love,
Jordan
I spent this week in a different city on a trade with Elder Macdonald again. Did I mention him before? He's from Washington. He's been to Bowen Island. We spent some time in a place called Vale do Amanhecer where there is a community of people who have their own religion. It's amazing. All the men wear capes and the women wear long dresses and there is a big lake with a floating pyramid in the middle of it. They have a temple and everything. There is a gigantic "GOD SAVES" written on a mountainside in the city. In their temple they have a gigantic painting of their prophetess and her eyes are rolled into the back of her head and they give you a little Buddha statue if you go through the whole temple. I'd like to take you guys back there. What do you think?
Alright, I'm out of time and the barbecue place across the steet is looking really good. I love you guys. I'm praying for Gpa D. And I'll be sure to take every opportunty I have when the big 100 watt light bulb goes off over my head, Dad. You do too! Keep everyone up on that.
Love,
Jordan
May 12, 2008
Well, once again, I wrote you guys a nice little e-mail and then my time promptly ran out on the computer and it shut down and I lost it all. But I didn't have much to say anyways, considering I said most of what's been in my head yesterday. More than anything I just wanted to say that it was so great talking to you guys. It's like we've never been apart. That is a great blessing!!
I'm so glad Gpa Hoon liked my letter. I meant what I wrote. Also, tell Grandma D that I love her and that she is in my prayers.
AND!!!!! HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY EVER TO DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD. 51 and only a few gray hairs. Everyone should celebrate. Send me pictures soon from the California festivities.
I've included a picture from the baptism last night. It was so great. I love you guys and I still feel closer to you than ever. Have a wonderful week.
Jordan
ps: in your face Avery Johnson!!!
I'm so glad Gpa Hoon liked my letter. I meant what I wrote. Also, tell Grandma D that I love her and that she is in my prayers.
AND!!!!! HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY EVER TO DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD. 51 and only a few gray hairs. Everyone should celebrate. Send me pictures soon from the California festivities.
I've included a picture from the baptism last night. It was so great. I love you guys and I still feel closer to you than ever. Have a wonderful week.
Jordan
ps: in your face Avery Johnson!!!
May 5, 2008
Wait a minute now, did I have any kind of accent when I talked to you guys on Christmas? I don't think I did. I don't think I will this time either. I think the whole accent thing is a lie. At least for missionaries in Brazil. Maybe if you go to Mexico it's not. But here, every American I know speaks like an American from what I can tell. Missionaries who claim to have accents are just trying to be cool. There were people at the CTM saying they were getting an accent. It's a joke.
Last night was pretty funny. I was sitting in a hammock talking to Turner and then the cell phone rings and it's Dad! I knew you guys would call, haha. I'm glad everything is all worked out. It will be 2p our time. I'm excited. Apparently you guys will be in California? I guess I"ll find all this out on the phone call this Sunday.
I hear it's all over for the Sun's. Goodness gracious. We get Shaq for the purpose of taking down Tim Duncan and then they go and destroy us in the first round. I guess I'm not that sad about it. After all, I didn't watch any of the games this season. I really don't know what's up. They need this time to work out the kinks because next season I'll be home for the Finals, and we're going all the way. Keep me updated on what keeps happening in the playoffs.
Alright that's all. I'll save the rest for the phone call! Here's pictures. Have a great week family, I love you. Jordan
Last night was pretty funny. I was sitting in a hammock talking to Turner and then the cell phone rings and it's Dad! I knew you guys would call, haha. I'm glad everything is all worked out. It will be 2p our time. I'm excited. Apparently you guys will be in California? I guess I"ll find all this out on the phone call this Sunday.
I hear it's all over for the Sun's. Goodness gracious. We get Shaq for the purpose of taking down Tim Duncan and then they go and destroy us in the first round. I guess I'm not that sad about it. After all, I didn't watch any of the games this season. I really don't know what's up. They need this time to work out the kinks because next season I'll be home for the Finals, and we're going all the way. Keep me updated on what keeps happening in the playoffs.
Alright that's all. I'll save the rest for the phone call! Here's pictures. Have a great week family, I love you. Jordan
April 28, 2008
Earlier in the mission I was told of a letter slump that would come at about the year mark. Apparently it's happened to everyone, but I never believed it. Now I know it is the truth. I'm in it!
However, it's no fault of yours, family. I got Dad's letter this week, it was great. I loved reading about your travels, Dad. And that 2009 Husky schedule made the finish line to this whole mission thing seem so much closer for some reason. I haven't picked a game yet. I'll have to see how next season turns out. But either was I'm excited. I loved the story about the history professor at the UW and his garden. You now, I've met a lot of missionaries whose Dads never write them. I realize I am blessed.
About this letter drought business... it's my friends! I haven't gotten a letter from a friend for quite some time now. Especially Arizona friends. I wrote Jonny maybe three months ago and I still haven't gotten so much as a postcard or an envelope with dirt in it in return. Next time he comes over and spends time in my bathroom, give him a pen and paper first. Chelsea is a slacker too. Tim is taking his time. JJ never wrote me back. Jenna said she wrote me a month ago but I haven't gotten anything. My Russian friend Yana wrote me about a month and a half ago and since then I've gotten only one letter, from Eli. It's all slowing down. Way way down. I have entered the letter drought!
Included in this is the package famine, I have yet to receive the package Dad sent me, or any other that might have been sent. I'm not sure why. I hope it's not lost. I assumed I would get something at transfer day, and then I didn't. So then I was certain I would get something at zone conference, and then I didn't! Nothing. It was then that I realized that I was now passing through what my trainer and so many others had.
As lonely as it is to not get letters from your friends who you love, the upside of all this is that for some reason in some way there is this strange comfort that comes in knowing that you are being forgotten, but at the same time I tell myself, well okay. It gives me vision of a beard in the future and moving to Europe and being alone. ALONE! The mission has made me truly appreciate having moments alone. It's like how Bjork says in Unison (which everyone should go listen to right now because I can't): I thrive best hermit style, with a beard and a pipe and a parrot on each side. I love to hear news from friends, but at the same time it's good to be shipwrecked and bearded in someplace where most would just as soon assume you to be dead. I don't know.
I'm sure this drought will probably end so I'll let you know when I'm out of it. Until then: I LIVE IN BRAZIL.
My feet are fine I think. The little sore bump doesn't hurt anymore really. The only thing that has remained constant since I've been in the field is the tendonitis in my right foot. Only the right foot. But it is not a big deal so there is no need to worry about it. For now I'm riding my bike and getting around town just fine.
Alright now let me just say that God new my mission would be a sacrifice. Had I gone at 19 I really don't think I would have missed much. Now, in the first year of my mission a new Radiohead album has ome out along with apparently tons of other great music, a P.T. Anderson movie has come out, a Wes Anderson movie has come out, the iPhone has come out, Shaq has been traded to the Suns, Zach got baptized and I didn't get to see it, and now (the cherry on top) a plane crashes in the backyard. And I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting. God is funny. But in some strange way it strengthens my testimony. President Aidukaitis told me in my first interview with him "the rain is going to fall, Elder Hoon". Yes, yes indeed.
Well ok I go now. I love you guys. I miss you and can't wait to talk to you on Mother's day. Turner says if you have any doubts about the phone number or anything you can call him. That would be funny.
LOTS OF LOVE!
Jordan
However, it's no fault of yours, family. I got Dad's letter this week, it was great. I loved reading about your travels, Dad. And that 2009 Husky schedule made the finish line to this whole mission thing seem so much closer for some reason. I haven't picked a game yet. I'll have to see how next season turns out. But either was I'm excited. I loved the story about the history professor at the UW and his garden. You now, I've met a lot of missionaries whose Dads never write them. I realize I am blessed.
About this letter drought business... it's my friends! I haven't gotten a letter from a friend for quite some time now. Especially Arizona friends. I wrote Jonny maybe three months ago and I still haven't gotten so much as a postcard or an envelope with dirt in it in return. Next time he comes over and spends time in my bathroom, give him a pen and paper first. Chelsea is a slacker too. Tim is taking his time. JJ never wrote me back. Jenna said she wrote me a month ago but I haven't gotten anything. My Russian friend Yana wrote me about a month and a half ago and since then I've gotten only one letter, from Eli. It's all slowing down. Way way down. I have entered the letter drought!
Included in this is the package famine, I have yet to receive the package Dad sent me, or any other that might have been sent. I'm not sure why. I hope it's not lost. I assumed I would get something at transfer day, and then I didn't. So then I was certain I would get something at zone conference, and then I didn't! Nothing. It was then that I realized that I was now passing through what my trainer and so many others had.
As lonely as it is to not get letters from your friends who you love, the upside of all this is that for some reason in some way there is this strange comfort that comes in knowing that you are being forgotten, but at the same time I tell myself, well okay. It gives me vision of a beard in the future and moving to Europe and being alone. ALONE! The mission has made me truly appreciate having moments alone. It's like how Bjork says in Unison (which everyone should go listen to right now because I can't): I thrive best hermit style, with a beard and a pipe and a parrot on each side. I love to hear news from friends, but at the same time it's good to be shipwrecked and bearded in someplace where most would just as soon assume you to be dead. I don't know.
I'm sure this drought will probably end so I'll let you know when I'm out of it. Until then: I LIVE IN BRAZIL.
My feet are fine I think. The little sore bump doesn't hurt anymore really. The only thing that has remained constant since I've been in the field is the tendonitis in my right foot. Only the right foot. But it is not a big deal so there is no need to worry about it. For now I'm riding my bike and getting around town just fine.
Alright now let me just say that God new my mission would be a sacrifice. Had I gone at 19 I really don't think I would have missed much. Now, in the first year of my mission a new Radiohead album has ome out along with apparently tons of other great music, a P.T. Anderson movie has come out, a Wes Anderson movie has come out, the iPhone has come out, Shaq has been traded to the Suns, Zach got baptized and I didn't get to see it, and now (the cherry on top) a plane crashes in the backyard. And I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting. God is funny. But in some strange way it strengthens my testimony. President Aidukaitis told me in my first interview with him "the rain is going to fall, Elder Hoon". Yes, yes indeed.
Well ok I go now. I love you guys. I miss you and can't wait to talk to you on Mother's day. Turner says if you have any doubts about the phone number or anything you can call him. That would be funny.
LOTS OF LOVE!
Jordan
April 21, 2008
I really wanted to get a haircut today but the Salon is closed because it's another one of those every-other-week holidays in Brazil where everything is shut down. It's almost always a holiday here. Some months have two or three holidays per week. It makes going to the post office and getting haircuts difficult but oh well. I'm pretty sure Brazil will never change. The constant manifestations of laziness by this country are so conspicuous I almost kind of respect it now. I didn't at all before. I mean, yes, we have our Presidents Days and Veterans Days, but the holidays that Brazil shuts down would be the US equivalent of Arbor Day or something like that. They're all taken very seriously. It's so lazy it's amazing. The day I watched a man walk out of his house with a bag of garbage and walk it across the street to a field and light it all on fire and then walk back to his house and go inside, I've had a deep respect for the Brazilian people.
I've enjoyed my first wek with Elder Turner. He is a nice guy. He is from the same group as Elder Maughan, and he is a lot like him. They have the same EFY CDs, they say the same little Mormon swear words, they are both kind of nerdy. It's a nice momento of Maughan. It's nice to be with an American again. I was a little nervous, I've been used to Brazilians. I actually prefer Brazilan companions because I can improve my Portuguese but whatever. A new companionship showed up here so we have six now. The new Elders live in a different house. We had to divide what was my area (the north an west of the city) and give them the north because that's where they live and they don't have bikes, so it's more practical. The problem is that's where almost all our investigators were before. So this week has been all about finding new people to teach and we haven't done a very good job of doing that.
Turner is all bummed this week because the people we've taught haven't been very receptive and we didn't bring hardly anyone to church. I don't understand why Missionaries are so negative. They get upset over the smallest things, and it's all about numbers. It makes me sad because I'm often being made to feel like I'm wasting my time if I'm not bringing good numbers every week. I always try to stay positive though. It's been one of my goals in the Mission to follow President Hinckleys council and not be a pickle sucker, as he said. Meaning people who love to suck sour pickles and they say sour things and think sour thoughts and depress you. This Mission is full of pickle suckers. So I keep a happy face and tell my companion everyday (literally it's been every single day since he's gotten here) not to worry, everything will work out.
Anyways, the good news is that I get to talk toyou guys soon! Three weeks now right? May 11th I think. We might just have you guys call our ell phone so we can stay a home. Tha will be fun. It'll be Sunday, so let me know what hou works for everyone. Will you be in California for Gpa's Birthday? I think thats what you said. Oh man, I'm excited.
I bought a box that I want to fill with candy and chocolate and send you guys but I was thinking that maybe I shouldn't because of Dad's diabetes stuff. What do you think, Pop? Is it worth it? I understand if it's not. I'd prefer to not be responsible for killing you with candy. Let me know.
I was on the edge of my seat just reading about that Suns game! Sounds like it was incredible. Don't get down about the loss. Even if we never ever win a championship we'll at least go down as the team that gave the world the most exciting basketball ever. Although a trophy would still be nice. Keep me updated on games 2 and 3 and 4 if it happens before next Monday. Momma I will be praying for your low blood pressure during this week with the elevator going in. Michelle, I'm not sure why I didn't mention this first but the bacon flavored chocolate sounds AMAZING!!!SEND IT IMMEDIATELY. Speaking of haunted houses, there is a haunted house in the mission that my old companion Elder Redd is living in right now. I want to go there. There is a big heart-shaped bathtub in it. Lex, WRITE ME BACK!!!!
I don' have my camera with me today, but I do have some pictures on it. I'll send them next week. I love you guys so much. I miss you. If you want to, pray for my happiness. I need it. I wouldn't usually ask, but I'm feeing like I should. I'm keeping a happy face, I really am. You can help, I promise. Have a great day and week! Jordan
PS: I've been hearing from some Brazilians that Obama is winning these days? Is that true? Ohhhhhhh man.
I've enjoyed my first wek with Elder Turner. He is a nice guy. He is from the same group as Elder Maughan, and he is a lot like him. They have the same EFY CDs, they say the same little Mormon swear words, they are both kind of nerdy. It's a nice momento of Maughan. It's nice to be with an American again. I was a little nervous, I've been used to Brazilians. I actually prefer Brazilan companions because I can improve my Portuguese but whatever. A new companionship showed up here so we have six now. The new Elders live in a different house. We had to divide what was my area (the north an west of the city) and give them the north because that's where they live and they don't have bikes, so it's more practical. The problem is that's where almost all our investigators were before. So this week has been all about finding new people to teach and we haven't done a very good job of doing that.
Turner is all bummed this week because the people we've taught haven't been very receptive and we didn't bring hardly anyone to church. I don't understand why Missionaries are so negative. They get upset over the smallest things, and it's all about numbers. It makes me sad because I'm often being made to feel like I'm wasting my time if I'm not bringing good numbers every week. I always try to stay positive though. It's been one of my goals in the Mission to follow President Hinckleys council and not be a pickle sucker, as he said. Meaning people who love to suck sour pickles and they say sour things and think sour thoughts and depress you. This Mission is full of pickle suckers. So I keep a happy face and tell my companion everyday (literally it's been every single day since he's gotten here) not to worry, everything will work out.
Anyways, the good news is that I get to talk toyou guys soon! Three weeks now right? May 11th I think. We might just have you guys call our ell phone so we can stay a home. Tha will be fun. It'll be Sunday, so let me know what hou works for everyone. Will you be in California for Gpa's Birthday? I think thats what you said. Oh man, I'm excited.
I bought a box that I want to fill with candy and chocolate and send you guys but I was thinking that maybe I shouldn't because of Dad's diabetes stuff. What do you think, Pop? Is it worth it? I understand if it's not. I'd prefer to not be responsible for killing you with candy. Let me know.
I was on the edge of my seat just reading about that Suns game! Sounds like it was incredible. Don't get down about the loss. Even if we never ever win a championship we'll at least go down as the team that gave the world the most exciting basketball ever. Although a trophy would still be nice. Keep me updated on games 2 and 3 and 4 if it happens before next Monday. Momma I will be praying for your low blood pressure during this week with the elevator going in. Michelle, I'm not sure why I didn't mention this first but the bacon flavored chocolate sounds AMAZING!!!SEND IT IMMEDIATELY. Speaking of haunted houses, there is a haunted house in the mission that my old companion Elder Redd is living in right now. I want to go there. There is a big heart-shaped bathtub in it. Lex, WRITE ME BACK!!!!
I don' have my camera with me today, but I do have some pictures on it. I'll send them next week. I love you guys so much. I miss you. If you want to, pray for my happiness. I need it. I wouldn't usually ask, but I'm feeing like I should. I'm keeping a happy face, I really am. You can help, I promise. Have a great day and week! Jordan
PS: I've been hearing from some Brazilians that Obama is winning these days? Is that true? Ohhhhhhh man.
April 15, 2008
I think as long as we're in the playoffs, I'm happy. It doesn't matter where we're ranked. If we don't make it then I'll be sad, of course. To be honest, I'm much more concerned about next season. I don't mean to be selfish but I will be home for the Finals of next season, so...yeah. I want us to win it all this year as well of course. As soon as there can be (at least) a two-peat. Thanks for the info, Dad. Keep me updated.
I'm not being transferred today but Elder C Nunes and Elder Santos are. Elder C Nunes has been complaining a lot lately that he's getting fat and now he's going to the jungle where it is never below 100 degrees with thick humidity, so he's pretty happy. Santos, who is also getting fat, is going to an area where there is a McDonald's near his house, so I don't think he has a chance. I've been getting fatter myself. There's no avoiding it here. I got skinny in Aguas Lindas. I weigh 80 kilos now. Almost what I weighed when I left the CTM, which was two months of eating candy all day. I and Elder McAllister will stay here and my new companion will be Elder Turner, an American. I prefer Brazilian companions but I hear Turner is a good guy. McAllister's new companion will be this really black Brazilian guy named Elder Santana. There will also be one more dupla added to our area, making six missionaries overall. The new dupla will take half of what was my area. So I have a much smaller area now. That will be good. We need to grow quickly here.
Our Branch is lacking 4 full tithe-paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders to become a Ward. That's all. Our Stake is lacking 1 ward to be divided into a new district, which would quickly become another stake because there would already be enough members. The Temple district is lacking 1 Stake to qualify for a Temple. So you can see how much potentially lies in our small branch here. Unfortunately worthy men who stay strong in the Church and pay their tithing aren't easy to come by. We have an abundance of women but Satan is attacking the necessities.
I'm excited for transfer day! It's fun if you're not being transferred. I'l get to go to the bus station and pick up packages and letters and see Valentine and Day and Maughan and everyone. Always a good time. PLUS, Turner is coming into Brasilia from Palmas which is 13 hours away so I'll most likely once again be staying in Asa Norte for the night waiting for him to arrive, and that means I get to eat at McDonald's )!)!)!)!YEAH!! I'm pretty excited.
OK time's running out on the computer. I must go. I hope all's well at home. I'm so happy Zach is back home now. I'll be sure to send him a letter right away. I didn't know where to send one before. He would be riding Bulls, that _______. I'm glad you guys got to see Christian as well. I'd like to hear from him. And it's always a good time seeing Tim. I miss everyone, they say the Mission blesses the lives of your loved ones.
Lots of Love. Have a great week!
Jordan
I'm not being transferred today but Elder C Nunes and Elder Santos are. Elder C Nunes has been complaining a lot lately that he's getting fat and now he's going to the jungle where it is never below 100 degrees with thick humidity, so he's pretty happy. Santos, who is also getting fat, is going to an area where there is a McDonald's near his house, so I don't think he has a chance. I've been getting fatter myself. There's no avoiding it here. I got skinny in Aguas Lindas. I weigh 80 kilos now. Almost what I weighed when I left the CTM, which was two months of eating candy all day. I and Elder McAllister will stay here and my new companion will be Elder Turner, an American. I prefer Brazilian companions but I hear Turner is a good guy. McAllister's new companion will be this really black Brazilian guy named Elder Santana. There will also be one more dupla added to our area, making six missionaries overall. The new dupla will take half of what was my area. So I have a much smaller area now. That will be good. We need to grow quickly here.
Our Branch is lacking 4 full tithe-paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders to become a Ward. That's all. Our Stake is lacking 1 ward to be divided into a new district, which would quickly become another stake because there would already be enough members. The Temple district is lacking 1 Stake to qualify for a Temple. So you can see how much potentially lies in our small branch here. Unfortunately worthy men who stay strong in the Church and pay their tithing aren't easy to come by. We have an abundance of women but Satan is attacking the necessities.
I'm excited for transfer day! It's fun if you're not being transferred. I'l get to go to the bus station and pick up packages and letters and see Valentine and Day and Maughan and everyone. Always a good time. PLUS, Turner is coming into Brasilia from Palmas which is 13 hours away so I'll most likely once again be staying in Asa Norte for the night waiting for him to arrive, and that means I get to eat at McDonald's )!)!)!)!YEAH!! I'm pretty excited.
OK time's running out on the computer. I must go. I hope all's well at home. I'm so happy Zach is back home now. I'll be sure to send him a letter right away. I didn't know where to send one before. He would be riding Bulls, that _______. I'm glad you guys got to see Christian as well. I'd like to hear from him. And it's always a good time seeing Tim. I miss everyone, they say the Mission blesses the lives of your loved ones.
Lots of Love. Have a great week!
Jordan
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