I wanted to post some of what Jed sent to his brothers and sisters ... but they are still enjoying them. I do however have some items from what he sent Marcie and I. In one of my emails to him I asked what I phrased as a very important question. I wanted him to figure out how I can get some photos to share. He said: "Hello Father. I just need to bring my camera and hook it up to the computer. Believe it or not, I actually haven't taken a ton of pictures, but the ones that I have taken are pretty cool, I think. Sadly, I didn't bring my camera today, but I'll have it next week for sure. Then I'll send you some. I've taken a couple of our flat, and the Preston temple, and that's about it. And the MTC. But I'll send some to yous soon. It's pretty busy out here, sorry. haha :)"
I also posed the question to Jed, "I am looking forward to you sharing what folks who live in London and are from Ghana eat". He told me, "Ghaneans eat Fufu. And Jello fries. They aren't jello, but that's what it sounds like when they pronounce it". That must have got him thinking about the new and fun languages he is hearing (between the Missionary Training Center in Preston and now in London) and he added this tidbit: "Also, I can now say hello (and other assorted statements) in 11 different languages. Cool huh?". I do think that is cool. I think it is really cool that he is serving the Lord Jesus Christ as a full-time missionary and is able to have these awesome experiences.
I can see myself in many of the things Jed experiences. I have had many times where I really felt I was able to provide what someone truly needed to be closer to their Father in Heaven and they didn't accept it. Jed told his mom in an email "We had just gotten back from street contacting/tracting/talking to everybody, and it wasn't awful, but I felt like I could have done more. There was one guy that we talked to that I KNEW that the Gospel would help him, and as he was talking, I KNEW that I could help him, but it just didn't work out..." and proceeded to tell her that that was a very hard thing. This is one of the reasons I pray for him (and as a family) each night, so he can remain up-beat and continue to serve in a valiant way.
Since we just celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday, Marcie asked him about his experience. Jed said, "HELLO! Speaking of turkey, today for P-Day, we went to a little buffet-shop thing, and I ate a couple of pieces of turkey, and it wasn't too bad! I still don't really fancy lamb though, so I'll have to work up to that. Anyway, my week has been really good (a severe understatement, but sometimes you just can't describe things with words)! It was really quite hard for me actually, we did celebrate Thanksgiving, but it was my first one not at home, and let me tell you right now, it wasn't as good as the Murri Thanksgivings. It was still ok though." I hurt for his longing, but I am comforted by his statement further into the email to his Mom, "... I know that prayer works. I know that a man can become more powerful than any king or ruler because he knows to whom he belongs. He knows who he is; and like Nephi, he ''[knows] in whom [he has] trusted''. That ... [gives] me the strength to keep going, and to be happy, and to know that I'm doing the right thing, because I am. I know it. And I know that the Lord is watching over me..."
What an exciting time. I do look forward to Monday's now.
I also posed the question to Jed, "I am looking forward to you sharing what folks who live in London and are from Ghana eat". He told me, "Ghaneans eat Fufu. And Jello fries. They aren't jello, but that's what it sounds like when they pronounce it". That must have got him thinking about the new and fun languages he is hearing (between the Missionary Training Center in Preston and now in London) and he added this tidbit: "Also, I can now say hello (and other assorted statements) in 11 different languages. Cool huh?". I do think that is cool. I think it is really cool that he is serving the Lord Jesus Christ as a full-time missionary and is able to have these awesome experiences.
I can see myself in many of the things Jed experiences. I have had many times where I really felt I was able to provide what someone truly needed to be closer to their Father in Heaven and they didn't accept it. Jed told his mom in an email "We had just gotten back from street contacting/tracting/talking to everybody, and it wasn't awful, but I felt like I could have done more. There was one guy that we talked to that I KNEW that the Gospel would help him, and as he was talking, I KNEW that I could help him, but it just didn't work out..." and proceeded to tell her that that was a very hard thing. This is one of the reasons I pray for him (and as a family) each night, so he can remain up-beat and continue to serve in a valiant way.
Since we just celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday, Marcie asked him about his experience. Jed said, "HELLO! Speaking of turkey, today for P-Day, we went to a little buffet-shop thing, and I ate a couple of pieces of turkey, and it wasn't too bad! I still don't really fancy lamb though, so I'll have to work up to that. Anyway, my week has been really good (a severe understatement, but sometimes you just can't describe things with words)! It was really quite hard for me actually, we did celebrate Thanksgiving, but it was my first one not at home, and let me tell you right now, it wasn't as good as the Murri Thanksgivings. It was still ok though." I hurt for his longing, but I am comforted by his statement further into the email to his Mom, "... I know that prayer works. I know that a man can become more powerful than any king or ruler because he knows to whom he belongs. He knows who he is; and like Nephi, he ''[knows] in whom [he has] trusted''. That ... [gives] me the strength to keep going, and to be happy, and to know that I'm doing the right thing, because I am. I know it. And I know that the Lord is watching over me..."
What an exciting time. I do look forward to Monday's now.