Wet Weather in GKLM

Hey friends and family! 

I am so excited to report the week that my companion and I have had! We started out the week with an exchange in Mt. Vernon Indiana(I honestly don't know where its at) and I was with a Sister Sperry! She taught be very valuable things and I definitely have changed a tremendous amount in my teaching and confidence!

   Last week I mentioned a woman named Carolyn and she is so sweet! She unfortunately picked up the cigarette again after two weeks of cold turkey-we were disappointed but we realized she is so ready for baptism and the addiction to smoking is the ONLY thing standing in her way. WE love her so so much and we know she will be baptized this month!

   Its raining here! We went from snow to rain in the short blink of an eye! Its so crazy! Last night we went to visit people we have been teaching and did a little bit of contacting and here there are huge tall trees and beautiful Victorian houses and the sky is gray and when it rains here, its silent. There isn't any lightning here and even though it rains like crazy and then floods a bit - its like a purifying night....Anyway before I get too mushy! We have been led to so many people by the spirit this week! We felt prompted to visit this one home of Angie and Robby-we asked to be guided to those in our path and we ended up meeting a woman named Marsha. Marsha is around 53 and she was walking her two dogs and we talked to her about her life and she has MS and takes care of her husband and son and it an amazing Christian lady. She told us she could feel the love coming from us and said for us to keep going and talk to everyone that is in our paths. Even though she didn't except us to come back she was a huge example of what it means to be lead to those and plant a seed. I encourage everyone to just TALK WITH PEOPLE. we have a light of Christ in us and others need that. whether we believe it or not we must act on what we believe . Its so vital!

   We went over for one of our thanksgiving dinners this last Saturday-Fonda Sasakado made us a feast! It was so wonderful and her husband who was one of the highest Japanese commanders told us some interesting stories! They are so awesome!

We got Shania's package on Saturday! it was the wonderful P-day package! She clearly meant to make a point that everything starts with 'P' in the package, but Shania and my family knows that I don't get things that quick and it wasn't until I read her letter that I realized that there was: purple nail polish, pink slippers, pop tarts, pancake mix, peppermints, and other P-stuff! thanks Shania!;)

   This last week I got a letter from someone I am not sure that I know-The letter talked about their family and friends and what they had done this last few months and I didn't recognize any of the names but finally at the end of the letter there was a spiritual experience and it was directed towards me. I need a picture of this person because I have absolutely no idea who it is! Oh well its great to get letter from everyone! It is the highlight of my week!

I love you all and keep believing and praying to Heavenly Father, He wants the best for you all and only asks that you confide and turn to Him!

Love Always,

Sister Jones!

Here and some picture and of less active members and investigators and other fun and silly pictures! :)

***Some Questions for Sister Jones***

Are you using your plaid coat?  Sister Hawes said you could use a better coat.  We haven't seen that one in any of your pictures, are you warm enough?

-Not yet. The snow all melted away and the worst of any winter here wont happen until January, February and march so I am going to hold onto it for a while. I have been using a coat that was left behind but I probably not going to use it anymore because it takes in sooo many smells and the inner lining is unraveling, But I am making do with it all.

Did you buy a new hair dryer, or do I need to get one for you?

NOpe I got on! Whoo! It is such a huge difference!

Are you doing more door to door, knocking, to meet investigators?  Or is it by appointment etc.

It is called contacting-so we may meet people throughout the week and then set appointments with them and with less-active members and members. However-we had zone conference this last week and president Brough came and told us its not called "contacting" anymore its called "talking to people"; it makes sense when he has explained the difference but its weird when we say "Oh lets go do more talking to people today!" haha kinda silly!

Did you get tons of snow this last week?  How is the weather?

No. Its all melted and now its miserable and rainy. But we got to walk around in thick rain last night before heading in for curferw and it is so pretty around here whne it rains!

Do you have other callings in the branch at church besides being just a missionary?  I imagine you guys probably get called on and used quite a bit for helping in all kinds of things.

NOPE! we are so small that basically we go to class with investigators that decide to come to church every single Sunday! Its awesome! and because they are so small here The members are used for practically everything and we use them for member-present lessons more than they have used us. WE are definitely serving this branch!

Are there any elders serving in the area?

No. It is just us and two weeks ago when we were at zone meeting they pointed sister clark and I out for being the only missionaries in our area and how vital it is for us to do it right and how we are all alone.. WE got the jist of it and felt the pressure but I am personally okay with it. I just wish the branch was bigger.

How was your 2 day cross training in Indiana?  Did you learn a lot from a different companion?

It was great! I REALLY needed it! It changed my perspective of my mission and my companion! My trainer for the exchange is a total sweetheart!

Are you always home for dinner at a specific time?  Since your not eating in peoples homes, do you have to eat your dinner at home at 5 pm?

We are eating at all random times at night and we are being fed by members at a fair amount. It all really just depends.

Do you know your neighbors right next to you?  I hope they are watching out for two very pretty sweet girls.

No we don't. they are weird and creepy-just about like everyone around here. You get used to it after a while.

How many bedrooms does your house have?  It looks about the same size as our house, haha.

it has 2! We share one for our beds and then sister Clark willingly gave me the other room-I was grateful because I have so much crap-ha-ha I am surer dad will be happy to hear that! ;)

farewell pics (a bit of a delay :)

On a Cold & 'Breezy' October Sunday, we held Katelyn's farewell.

 Hence the tables and chairs all over the house - it just wasn't going to happen outside.

 Kentucky State map.  Now being kept for Sister Jones on the wall as a reminder.

 Mini cupcakes and a beautiful cake Sydney decorated for us.

 Each topper said 'Goodbye' in various languages - so much fun!

 Created and proudly posted - our Kizzer and the Book of Mormon.

 Sounds a little strange, but a Baked Potato Bar is an awesome party feast.

 Notes for Sister Jones' to open when times get lonely and tough.

 We made real Kentucky Mint Juleps (minus the alcohol of course)

 I can't believe all these tables fit in our living room.  Crowded and cozy.

 Just before the farewell, a last Jones family pic with cousins and all.  We love Kizzer!

It must casual Pday

 Sister Jones sent a copy of the local paper - they made the news!

Hello family and friends!!

This week went by too quick! it honestly has been a harder week because people have cancelled on us left and right! and I was feeling so discouraged because other peoples' agency was bugging my agency! ;) ha-ha so I have kept a few prayers in my heart and forgot myself and got to work!

    So Sister Clark and I decided Saturday to knock on a door and we asked the woman who answered the door if she would pray with us and if we could pray on her behalf for anything she was going through. She had a few drunk friends in the house and left door open while we were praying. One person inside cusses super loud while Sister Clark was praying and the woman (Her name is Angie) says "I'm so sorry" in the middle of the prayer. Sister Clark said "It's alright" and kept praying ha-ha. We set a time to come back and meet her and walked away awkwardly! Well we went back last night to meet her again. We knocked on the door and Sister Clark steps on something and shrieks! I look and see a Possum laying on its side breathing weakly right by my feet! I turned around and saw sister Clark already off the porch and in the yard! HAHA I jumped right off too once the possum twitched! Angie opens the door and we just point at it telling her its there and to be careful. Her boyfriend comes out too and scares it away. The first thing he says to us it "Do I know you?" ironically to me he looked familiar and when we got closer he looks exactly like my best friend TANNER! It was freaking but they invited us in. We all talked and her boyfriend asked us what we believe. we introduced the Book Of Mormon and he said "Is there a copy I can have" We freaked and he said "well you go get it out of your car, I want to read it" !   we kept talking with them and they agreed to read to Book Of Mormon and call us to come back when they have questions!

After we saw them we visited this amazing woman named Renee Sherer-who is a recent convert and hasn't smoked in the last year of her conversion (after fourty years of smoking!). Anyway we were talking to her and just visiting with her and I started playing with my Liahona necklace. And right then and there I felt the prompting to have to give it to her. In my head I said "Wait... NO! Why would I do that?" and for the entire hour I barely listened to them talk as I wrestled with myself and finally I felt the desire to want to give it to her and that she would need it more than I would. I gave it to her and she said "Oh my goodness!-Yunno I was looking at crosses this last week wanting something to show my faith but they didn't feel right and now this?" She hugged me profusely and then kissed me on the cheek when I explained that it was the Liahona! Haha I walked away from that realizing that no matter what the prompting is "JUST DO IT" That it will have sucha great effect on someone even though you will never know the reason for that prompting or how it will help someone.

    We went one Thursday to a referral from one of our investigators. WE asked this woman that answered the door if we could say a prayer with her-she agreed. we asked her what we could pray for and she said a lot of family members have died recently. I prayed for comfort t ofr her and for a peace and safety to be in her home and for her to know that her family is still here and they are watching over her. Once we were done praying she hugged both us with tears streaming down her face. We never truly know who we impact if we are following the spirit!

       Lastly we have been teaching this guy Stephan. and we met him my first night her in Olney. and he doesn't do anything at all with his life, but he has us come over to teach him. Every time we ask him a question his answer is always "I don't know"; and it has been frustrating! Then We felt prompted during our companionship study to talk about prayer with him-this because he will do everything we ask him to do except PRAY(which is so important). The feeling in the room changed when we asked him about his hardest experience and encouraged him to pray. He didn't commit to it or anything but we know that he is making progress. I learned that through this I need to remember that everyone learns at a separate pace and that Stephan and everyone else are still God's children. WE can't give up even when we feel things are not going the way we want them to. I love Olney. It truly has become a home away from home.

   I love you all! Be Safe and stay warm!

 I got doused with mud when backing the car! Sister Clark felt so bad!

What I wear when I am cold and its a lazy P-day!

***We asked Katelyn some Very Important questions, which we were dying to know the answers to:

Do you Have a meal every Sunday, or every week night with the members of the church?

--Not really but they have thing here called "Linger Longer"? because there is a far distance between members and many of them travel so far to come to church every Sunday we have this linger longer and everyone brings food and we had a FEAST yesterday! It was great because there were some foods and casseroles I have NEVER heard of before! also every Thursday a branch mission leader has a dinner for all members and investigators/Less active members at their home! :)

Are you fixing your own lunch?

sometimes! It depends on what we are doing and most of the time lunch is the only consistant one we fix. So we just eat simple things!

Do you feel like your in a safe area of town?

yes. and a little bit no. There are parts of this town that I wouldn'y walk in. But luckily we have a car. My companion is never far away. ever! We enter homes of smokers and drinkers and most of them are just sad soles. There has only been two homes I had concerns entering but the Lord will alert us when something isn't right! :)

How did you hear about needing a bike for your mission?  How soon, with winter coming on, we are thinking you shouldn't need this until after this season.  (I think we will have you get one locally - like from walmart - they will build it etc- rather than send mine.  Let us know.)

Not until after this winter season which may not happen until the end of march(if I don't get transferred by then) and yes there is a place where I can buy a bike and everyone tells us NOT to buy any from walmart because they don't hold up. It will be a waiting game with that because my companion may just sell me hers since she leaves in less than four months to go home.

Are you going to be somewhere specific for Thanksgiving dinner?

yes. I don't want to go to their house but I just have to be positive - they are not a clean home.....we love them though!

Are you staying warm? Do you have enough warm underthings?

yes I am. Maybe for Christmas when it gets worse I may want the long arm and leg garments! just for another layer of warmth!

Do you have enough stamps etc?

I would like more. but they have them here at the post office.

Is the Wal-Mart close enough to you?  Would it help to send a Wal-Mart gift card for purchases?  Or do you go to CVS or Walgreens?  I want to help if I know what to do or what to tell people when they ask.

We have CVS, Wal-Mart, KFC, McDonalds, Taco Bell, and other small town establishments. Haha any gift cards for their would be great!! ;)

Sister Indiana Jones

This week went by so fast!

Where to begin?....we have had tons of cool things happen this week and a lot of silly moments. Every Sunday the Elders from Vinnesence (they are in our district) call us and they sing us a song after getting our numbers for the week. Haha and their mom shipped out a Ukulele and she sends lyrics and notes from new songs like "Sweater Weather" etc.... I don't think they are supposed to be playing them but any it was funny because they sang "rude" and went in their shower to sing it over the phone. Sister Clark immediately got her camera out and video taped it! I was laughing so hard! and then they were like "Sister Jones its your turn!" and I rolled my eyes and said do I have to sing in the shower and they replied with a "YES" ha-ha I sang until I forgot the words and then embarrassingly hung up. Haha our district is so funny!

On Saturday we went over to Fonda and Toshii Sasakado's home for dinner and a lesson and they are the funniest little couple!@ Fonda is a white, American female (she is a Recent Convert) and Toshii is Japanese! They are in their late fifties but are the funniest couple ever! Every time we enter Toshii's home he asks us respectfully to remove our shoes and walk in. He also can't remember names very well so uses terms or famous names to call us until he remembers them-he calls me Indiana Jones :) I was kind of excited about that!-And then he calls my companion Lewis and Clark. and He tells us every time we see him that Jones and Clark are boy names and it doesn't make any sense because we are girls!

We received a referral last week from a new convert mother in our branch and the woman she referred us to is a black woman named Tamika. Well she has such a crazy work and school schedule that we haven't been able to see her. However, we have been meeting with her younger sister named Tara and she is one of the most humbled and hard-working woman I have ever met. She has a lot of sass and takes care of her two sisters' kids while the others are going to school and working. And she had an extremely hard life: She grew up in Chicago and her family has been homeless quite a few times. Her older sister Tamika had Christian and Travis when she was 16 and since Tara was thirteen she has been kind enough to literally take care of Christian and Travis while Tamika has been working and getting an education. We taught her the first lesson while kids were playing with toys and she was so receptive and kind that she liked us to come back and teach her more.

Last night we met with the Hubble family. and Sister Clark and the Sister before me had been teaching them before I got there and we taught them this time with their mom about the Plan of Salvation. The little boy named Mitch who is only seven really wants to be baptized went and whispered to his mom a question. She turned to us and said "He wants to know if my grandpa is in the spirit world right now?" His oldest sister started crying profusely and so did Mitch and we answered them honestly and said "yes". They cried for the knowledge that he is still alive in spirit and that they will see him again. I teared up real bad but felt the spirit so strong because of how they were joyful to know where we go after we die. Their mom said they would like to go to church and be baptized and unfortunately Mitch has to wait until February because be turns 8 then. However, I know that this gospel will give so many people the answers they have been looking for. I know Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us so much that He created a perfect plan to live with Him again. :) Well I could write more to you all but these are the things that matter! I love you all and keep on truckin'!-Love, Sister (Indiana) Jones

Finally in Kentucky (Illinois)

Hey family and friends!!!

My first area is Olney, Illinois! It is a small po-dunk town in the south eastern corner of Illinois! It was kind of a bummer to leave Kentucky because it is so beautiful there! It was exactly like the pictures! However here in Olney ( which is pronounced 'All-knee') it is filled with a lot of cat people, chain smokers, five billion different churches, evil spiders that bite you(but you never run into them), only taco bell and McDonalds, we are lucky enough to have a Wal-Mart, and White Squirrels! and they are like prized possessions and are under protection here!

Anyway we flew into Kentucky and stayed the night at the mission home and had a great chance to interview with the mission president and he decided from that interview who I would be companions with and where I will go! President Brough (Bruff) said I would be with Sister Clark from New Hampshire and I would be here in Illinois! After transfer meeting we all drove to our first area and we drove for three hours to get to where we could be at! Right when we got into a small town that is in our branch named Grayville we visited a man and a woman named Phillip and Carol. He is letting her stay with him (he is super kind) and she has some sort of mental disability (we are not sure which one and we are thinking its schizophrenia!) and we asked them to read to Book Of Mormon! Sister Clark sure knows how to just plop me right into missionary work right off that bat!

Then when we got to our home (not apartment! :D) we put my stuff down and went back outside to go visit more people. Just as we were about to head home around 8 pm we prayed to know which direction we should go in and we were confirmed to go talk to people but then Sister Clark felt that we needed to knock on a certain door and so we did they immediately let us in! And it was one of the coolest experiences ever because they have been prepared so much to hear from us and now (MOM that is who you received the picture from ) and agreed after the first lesson to be baptized on December 20th! WE still have a long ways to go but we were able to get the daughter, Kyla, to come to church and another girl, Sam, to come and a man named Charlie that came too. But there is only one young woman in the entire branch (Only about 45 people in this branch -not a ward) and for them to see two 13 year old girls was such a blessing for this branch and Kyla ended up seeing one of her cousins that go to this branch so she had connections! Plus Kyla and Sam know each other! YAY! :)

I haven't eaten anything weird yet but I am wondering when squirrel will be on the menu because there are some deep-rooted hillbillies in this town!

Anyway the most important thing is that I know I am meant to be here. I can easily visualize the people that can spark a chain reaction for this branch. I love this branch and practically everyone one in it is a convert of about 50 years or less. There two men ages 19 & 22 who as Sister Clark would say " are on their convert honeymoon" because they are so on fire and are so excited about being converted and believe with all of their hearts that they know this Gospel is so true! I want to bring so many people into the gospel and proclaim the truth but Sister Clark is so good at holding the reins and helping me step back and looking at the whole picture. Unfortunately people have their agency so we have a lot of people say to us that they already have a religion. We know that we just want them to listen to what we have to say and we will be on our merry way. Its SO HARD. BUT SO REWARDING! I can't explain it without getting too excited about it! We met a guy while contacting yesterday and he is apart of this weird named church and is a well groomed and straight forward father and is preparing to be a preacher while their main preacher becomes a missionary for their church and the spirit told me all day to bear my testimony-I just didn't know who for and at that moment I knew. I bore my testimony that the Book Of Mormon was true and we explained the purpose and meaning behind it and as we talked you could tell he felt the spirit and he accepted the BOM and we walked away. just like that! I knew right then and there that it would be a changing experience for him and his family and I knew at that moment that someday they would be apart of the Church! :')

Last story I promise!!: Sister Clark and the Sister before me taught this guy named Jeff who is an attorney here in Olney. They made a promise before to trick me into thinking he was Scottish! :/ It worked. He showed up trick-or-treating to our house with a clown-nose on (super awkward-yet really funny) and portraying the best Scottish accent I have ever hear and I knew he was Scottish. Well... we went to a lesson with Brother and Sister Vastbinder and he said to Sister Clark in his Scottish accent "I think we better tell her" She nodded and he talked in a regular voice, to me his story and I turned bright-red and started laughing! He is probably one of the funniest guys I have ever met! and he is studying the B.O.M so hard that he almost is like that scripture in Alma that talks about taking in too much knowledge of the world that it makes you look like a fool-or that your foolish. I am paraphrasing super badly but he is normally a Methodist preacher and so he really fights us to know why the Book Of Mormon says something.

Anyway that's all for now! I love you all and hope that you all are doing well!

Here are some pictures: Of our mission presidents, my new home, a sign from another church across from our house that I totally agree with!, us on the plane, the first KFC restaurant in Kentucky that we saw and a picture of the freeway! and also Sister Clark and I with some cat head bands that her friend sent us for Halloween! :) 

My Mailing Address is:

Sister Jones

804 E. Elm St.

Olney, IL 62450