Week 68

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!! Sounds like things are going great there. 

Lauren, nice job with the BYU thing (BYU contacted Lauren about playing volleyball there after high school).  Sounds like you are destroying there!!! 

Jaron, para bems (congrats) on the new job! What will you be doing exactly? (Jaron got a job in his career field at Axis Steel Detailing doing steel engineering.)

Brigham, I loved the photos; they were sweet, especially to see that Jess has a lil baby belly. I am suuuuuuuuuuuper excited for that-you have no idea! 

Hayden, we must talk more about this girl. I need to know things!

So, just a few quick notes:

1. My release date-by the latest I will be home July 19, but due to the fact that there is a 5 week transfer and I will have to leave early due to my visa, I cannot give a definite date. But, like I said, July 19 is the latest I will be home, so you can count on me being there after that. This is also the most preferable date due to the fact that I have some things I want to take care of.
2. My Christmas package-I should be getting it this week because I have interviews on Wednesday, so if it is there, I will get it at the office.
3. My Thanksgiving-I have no idea what will happen; we might just buy a pizza or something.

My week was a bit slow. We weren't able to teach anyone new and we were only able to get in contact with Patricia, Rosangola, Bianca, and Mariana on Saturday night, but they came to church and they enjoyed it so we will pass by there tonight. We will see how that goes. 

We had divisions this Wednesday and I was able to do three baptismal interviews, so that was fun. I will have an interview with my president this Wednesday so maybe I can get a bit more information about when I will be going home, but no promises.

Personally, I am fine. Last I checked, I am almost 6'8" (so tell Uncle Preston to get ready to pay up; Jaron knows what I am talking about) and about 68 - 70 kilos-it varies. Please pray for me to have energy. I find myself at times getting tired of almost everything (the stress and responsibility of a zone leader is much bigger that a district leader) but don't worry; I am still working hard and doing what I can.

Thanks for everything. Have a great Thanksgiving and good luck with everything.

Love you all sooooooo much!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine

Elder Jardine and his companion

Week 67

Well, this week was great for us. Allow me to show some highlights:

•  I got to speak English at a class at the church Thursday night and now we have a bunch of references to go and teach!  woohooo
• Friday morning we had zone conference and I learned a lot; it was great to know where I can improve.
• This Friday afternoon, we went to go talk English and eat milkshakes with some students of a school where the teacher is a member (same one who teaches at the church). While there, we gave a pamphlet to a young woman member to give to a friend. 1 hour later, we received a message saying "I want to learn more about Mormon doctrine." We passed by there 30 minutes later. Lo and behold, it was the friend of the member. We taught her and her family and one of her aunts in the closing prayer admitted to being critical at the beginning, but was immensely grateful for the great joy that our message brought. Spirit for the win!!!! The entire family was receptive and enjoyed the message. Unfortunately, they weren't able to come to church this past Sunday because they were in another city, but we will go by there more. I think that they will be our five baptisms this transfer, super excited.

• On Saturday, we went and helped clean a balcony of a member. It was great to be able to go and help out.
• Sunday was Stake Conference which was fun, especially since we got to have lunch in a member's house who make cinnamon rolls!!! They weren't as good as moms, but it helped to kill the missing you guys, so... worth it.

So that is what is happening. I am getting used to my new designation (Right now, Elder Jardine is serving as a zone leader; he's responsible to lead a group of 10-15 missionaries.) and am enjoying being able to help the mission on a greater level. I am healthy and am excited to receive your package! As for weight, I am about 70 kilos so see what that is in pounds (about 154 pounds) and I think I am also growing so you can let Uncle Preston know to get ready to pay up (Jaron knows what I mean) (My younger brother bet Nathan he wouldn't reach 6'10". It's already too hard to find him pants that fit now, so I'm hoping he doesn't get much taller...)

I love you all so much and I am soooooooo excited to see you at Christmas!

Love you,

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine

Week 66

Well, transfers happened. I learned in the bus station that I was now a zone leader which is exiting. I am now in an area called Ouro Verge (green gold) which has much promise. My companion is Elder De Almeida who is ending his mission this transfer and is a great guy. I think all will be well together. I am excited to see what happens in my last 6 transfers of the mission.  That's a scary thought.

Sorry, I didn't take many photos this week, so I will send them next week.

I am so excited to see how things are progressing for you guys there and can't wait to see how things improve.

Love you all soooooooooooooooo much and hope that the Lord will continue to bless you.

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine

Week 65

Well, my week was pretty normal. We worked a lot and found a few new people to teach which is exciting; it only sucks that two of them who are also the most excited live in another city! So, we can't really teach and baptize them here, so... bummer. But this past Sunday we had a lady in our ward who I had previously thought was a member ask to be baptized!!! So that was super exciting. It only sucks that transfers are tomorrow and I will probably be leaving (still waiting for the phone call ). We also had divisions with the zone leaders which brings me to the title of the email because, in the morning, we saw monkeys!!!! And after our appointment fell through, we went and bought two bananas and gave them to the monkeys. Best 60 cents I have ever spent. Videos and pictures are attached. They are so funny, especially when the first saw the banana. They were like Tucker with a hot dog, thinking " is that yellow thing food?" and "is it for me?" and when I went to take what was left of the banana out of the skin, one kept looking at me and "talking" as if asking "what the heck are you doing with my banana?!" It was great!!!!!!!

Well, I am all good here; ready to know where I will be going so be ready next week for the great reveal .

Well, you guys keep having a great week! 

Love you all and miss you all!!! Have a great week!!!!!

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine