Christmas gifts...

Christmas dinner

waiting for Santa...

Hello my family,
It was great talking to you all, and I hope that you all had a good Christmas.

We baptized the two kids that I told you about and it was great. The little girl went right under without a problem. The first picture is in front of the Temple, the second in front of the manger. More on the way,

the first picture is of me and my

companion getting ready to paint a house,

the next is me after we had talked

Christmas tears...


Your handsome son
and the last is of a tree with some cool flowers
like I was telling you Mom

He told us on the phone he would be sending more pictures today, but writing less because we talked on Friday. He did not title this email, so I did. So many Christmas gifts this year, we got to talk to him for an hour and 13 minutes:), he got to baptize the day after Christmas, and I think it was at the Temple, on Christmas day they painted a blind ladies home, the manger, and the Christmas spirit that is always present there, that amazing smile and tired eyes, and the flowers he sent us for Christmas, (the picture of course:))

I will blog our phone conversation some time this week, emotions still very close to the surface:)

Christmas Calling!

Okay, the plans for calling you guys will be on Friday at 6:00 here so 5:00 there at home,
Mexico a U.S.A. 00+1+telephone number
U.S.A. a Mexico 011+52 +telephone number
I am going to call from a members house,
you never told me about my pin number and I still don't understand if there is a problem with the card or no. I am thinking about buying a new camera.
I am really excited to talk to you guys,
This week we are hoping to have a baptism, it's a ten year old girl named Brenda, the only problem we have is that she is afraid of water.
Above I have the numbers you need to call to Mexico, I will call first so that you guys can have the number, then when you get it you can call me.
I don't have much to write this week, probably because I am going to talk to you all soon. I don't have any pictures to send this week either sorry,
Today we went and played basketball at the church, it was a lot of fun.
I have been doing good this week, and all of you, whats up in life? Is there a ton of snow at home? What is the matter today, I don't have anything to write you guys and I have been here for 40 minutes writing the little bit that's on the page.
I am really excited to talk to you and I have nothing to write because I will be talking to you soon.
Sure do love you all and hope all is well.
Call ya Friday at 5:00 for you guys.
Love you.
Elder Weaver

Here is the number that I will be calling you guys from...

I think he is just as excited as we are to talk to each other,
AT THE END OF THE WEEK ;)

This year for Christmas...

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Clause,
my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,
two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year for Christmas I'm giving my son.
I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread Novembers Ensign,
and my testimonys been stirred.
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year for Christmas I'm giving my son.
I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence,
I'll miss that smile a ton,
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.
I stare at his face when he's not looking.
I memorized his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him,
that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard
His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand,
This year, I'm giving Him my son.
Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think I finally understand,
Christ's birth should be celebrated
by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make,
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

thanks to the Missionary Mom website for this poem,
I can't help but think of Mary, and her knowledge that her son was to be a gift and a sacrifice for all of us, the least I can do is show my love and gratitued to my Savior by sharing my son with the people of Veracruz...my heart is so full...we are so blessed to have Jordan in our family, and the example he is to each one of us-
We love you Jordan,
God bless you and Merriest of Christmases!

Warm Winter Wishes

Hello my cold family,
I am still doing good, losing weight and getting darker everyday. I still don't know what will be happening next week but I will let you know on Monday when we figure out a place were we can call our families.
Zone conference was a lot of fun, we were given ties with the mission logo on it, and also I received THREE packages. Two from you and one from, Sewells. It was really exciting.
One problem with the card is that I have forgotten the pin number, but I do have it and might buy a new camera, smaller and better so I will be sending some stuff home for you guys when I get the chance.
If was fun going through the temple, it's the same just like in Utah, only in Spanish. I wish I could go more often, because the spirit there really charges the batteries.

Yes I am getting the pictures from Dad's phone, but they come up blurry, but I really like them.

Thanks Sewells for the package,

and to all those that have put

Christmas money in my account!

Jace, Justin, and Jax, how are you three doing? I hope that you are all helping Mom and Dad this year. And also doing your best in school and also doing your best in your church duties. Remember your prayers and your scripture study. Every night I try to say my prayers at 10:30, if you guys want, get permission from Mom and Dad to have family prayer at home at 9:30 so that we can all pray together. I sure do love you guys and am surprised by how big your getting. I am going to be the smallest of you three when I get back. Be good, and be examples to your friends, and help one another.
The first picture is of me with my three packages, the second is for Dad. It's publicity for construction workers, hope you still have our pail and shovel. The third is of me and my Christmas stocking.
If you can let me know how much I have on my card, and the pin number, I would appreciate it.
Sure do love and miss you guys,
Elder Weaver, Jordan Ross

"Construction workers, hope you still have your pail and shovel!"
(Ross and I are seriously looking into moving to Mexico,

it's warm and looks like they need construction workers-perfect!)

Thanks Sis. Hoopes for my Christmas stocking, I love it!

Mom's note...Just wanted to say thanks for all of your love and support, and for keeping in touch with Jordan, you know who you are!

Can't wait to talk to him next week, he sure looks good, skinny, but good:)

Have faith not fear! For with God nothing is impossible!

Lighthouse

Hola mi familia,
Como estan? Estoy bien come siempre, trabajando como es mi proposito. Este viernes vamos a entrar en el tiempo para Navidad.
(Hello my family, How are you? I am fine, as always working as it is my purpose. This Friday we will enter the Temple for Christmas)
The first picture is of the baptisms we had last week. One brother from the ward helped us baptize left to right, Bro Salas, Neila, me, Valentin, two youngsters and my comp. I baptized the short guy, my comp baptized the kids and Bro. Salas baptized the lady.

The next picture is of the Temple, and the last picture is of a lighthouse that we have out in our area, just only half a mile out at sea... I haven't been taking my camera around because it's to big for my backpack that I have, and I don't want to be robbed for looking like a tourist.
We eat eggs for breakfast, whatever the members give us for lunch, tacos with pigs intestine, turtle and fish, then dinner is a sandwich.
The unique thing about this area is that people live in real houses, not houses made of boxes or bottles like my other area. I am also near the city.
I haven't heard if my package has arrived yet, but I will find out Friday at zone conference.
I don't see Pres. and Sis. Hansen any more than what I used to, can you guys get me Landon's email account, I asked Pres. Hansen if I could email him and he said yes.
I am still getting used to having to have someone with me twenty-four-seven, sometimes it works other times you just want to return home and to your old way of life, Mom he is 21, he is not younger than me.
I am going to tell you the truth, this gets harder every day as we get closer to Christmas. I want to cry, I want to come home and I just want to live a normal life, but who wants to be normal, it's not fun.
Today we went as a zone to the stake center because our zone will be singing Joy to the World this Friday for Zone Conference, and yesterday we had the chance of going to the Christmas devotional. It was in Spanish so I didn't get to enjoy it as much, but I love getting with the other North Americans, and talking in English, it's so much funner.
Well I sure love you guys, talk to you next week.
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver
Extra photos
Your son after a hard day's work (I think this is posed, he used to have the same look on Christmas morning, trying to fake asleep...)

Our chaple in Costa Verde

The World Trade Center in Veracruz
Elders Ladausqet, Decker and Weaver, all of the same generation

Buenos Tardes,

Hola mi familia,
Estoy mucho mejor con mi salud. Pero como estan ustedes? How es cambios per Elder Hernandez y yo, ningun de los se van.
Jace, Que pasa tu, porque tienes una D en tu clase? Tienes que ser mejor que yo en todo aspecto de tu vida. Y se que tu puedes ser mejor. Te amo mucho mi hermano. Suerte
Justin, Como estas en escuela? Tambien con tu responsabilidad de ser una lider. Te amo y espero que estas tratando a tus hermanos muy bien.
Jax, mi hermano menor, Como estas? Como estas en escuela? Estoy bien y espero que tu puedos ser un ejempio para todos. Te amo.
Mis tres hermanos. Recuerdan que tienen que ser obedientes de Mama y Papa, espero que estan estudiando mucho para prepara sus futuros vidas.
(Hello my family, I am much better with my health. But how are you? Today it is changes but Elder Hernandes and I, no two are.
Jace D, in your class? You have to be better than I in any aspect of your life, and I know that you can be better. I love you very much brother, Luck.
Justin, How are you at school? Also with your responsibility to be a leader. I love you and I hope that you are treating your brothers and sisters very well.
Jax, my brother, as these? Like these in school? I am well and hope that you can be an example to all. I love you.
My three brothers, Remember to be obedient to Mom and Dad, I hope that you are studying much to prepare for your future lives.)
The Christmas decorations are the same here, just like home, only thing missing is the snow and coldness. My comp get cold when it's a little windy, and I am sitting here sweating a little, I sweat a ton when it's really sunny.
I have a new cousin, that's great! I am going to need a photo of her too. Sorry but I don't have any photos for you guys today, I haven't been taking my camera around, but I need to.
The work is going good we have three investigators who are references of their English teacher. We practice their English with them and then talk about the church afterwards. We don't have a tree, but it's funny seeing people in tree lots at big stores just like at home.
The Spanish is coming and sometimes goes. I don't have the patience with myself lately. I am going to have 9 months in the mision and I am still struggling.
I do my own laundry and cook my own food for breakfast and dinner. There aren't any weird pets here, but the circus is in town so it's cool seeing an elephant and remembering riding one in Hogle Zoo, but this one is small, or I am just tall.
Has Dad been doing any work in the basement or is the house the same as when I left?
Tell Grandma Pat thanks for the money
Well that is it for this week, hope you are all doing good.
Con Amor, Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Christmas emotions!

Emotions have been running high lately...the other day I put 6 dinner plates out, I haven't done that in a very long time...a little under nine months:)
I have been trying to put together a package for Jordan for Christmas and trying to think of things he might enjoy from home. I have tried to put all of our traditional things in for his stocking and of course we got him the few things that he requested. I had no idea how difficult this was going to be...I know that anything we send him cannot compare with the experiences he is having serving his Heavenly Father and strengthening his testimony. We certainly miss him around our house! One of the items he asked for for Christmas was a family picture, it was very different doing this because we are not all here to take a family photo, anyways no one at our house gets very excited about taking pictures except for Jax! Needless to say, we got a picture taken, just before the wind picked up and the dog had had enough...notice there is no snow-Yea!

Thanks to my very wonderful visiting teacher, Carol Hoopes, for this very appropriate Christmas stocking-she knew I was getting his package ready and within a matter of a few days she brought this over! I know Jordan will love it!

Can't wait to talk to him next month-have a very Happy Holidays!

Can't believe I'm missing snow!

"they that be with us are more than they that be with them"

2 Kings 6:16

He sure looks thin in the face...and his hair looks lighter

Hola mi familia,
How is everyone doing? I am doing good, a little sick with diarrhea, I hurt and just don't want to leave the house today, but we have to wash our clothes and just do stuff that we need to do.
My comp is doing better, we didn't go to the Dr. because they were busy. He is staying here. So all is good.
I can't believe I am missing the snow, it must be great to have that wintery home looking back, are there alot of Christmas lights up or are people lazy this year? No I haven't gotten a letter from Landon yet, but I will be sure to send him one thanks for his address.
I am resending the poster photo and also a new photo because I got my haircut. It was fun, but it's a lot better when you cut my hair mom.
Jax, Justin and Jace, I hope that you are all being good for Mom and Dad and doing your best in school. I sure do love and miss you guys. What have you guys asked for for Christmas. And we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Mexico.
We had a baptism on Saturday but it's because her name isn't in the records from years before. So we baptized her Saturday. We took a picture in front of the temple, because the whole zone was going to be baptizing. My first photo in front of the temple and I didn't have my camera with me, I was really upset.
A young man got his call this week and he leaves for the MTC on the 23 of December, two days before Christmas, I felt really bad for him.
Today a bunch of students blocked a busy street because the bus tickets for them went up from 4 to 6 pesos so they blocked off a street as a protest of the buses. It was interesting but boring because they blocked off the biggest and most busy street, which caused traffic 5 blocks away near our house.
Mom I am going to ask you to hold off with the packages for a while until I need something okay. I have everything I need as a missionary, and I don't have much room to keep all the stuff that you all send me. (don't think I have gone crazy with packages, I have sent his Christmas and a birthday, silly boy)
I love you all and hope that the Lord will always protect you in his hands,
Con mucho amor, tu hijo y hermano
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Dad did you ever really investigate the church to know if these things are true or were you blessed with your testimony because you grew up in the church?
Tu hijo Jordan
Love you Dad

"they that be with us are more then they that be with them" 2Kings6:16

winnings from scripture chase!

(I can't believe how tall Jordan looks compared to his companion)

Hola mi familia,
Como estan? Estoy bien, mis hermanos, Como estan en escuela? Papa, como estas con la trabajo? Mama, Como estas con los jovenes mujeres? Estoy bien con mi obra, mi companero esta muy enfermo desde martes. Tal vez manana vamos a ver un Dr. para que pasa con mi companero.
Hello my family, how are you? I am fine, how are my brothers in school? Dad how are the jobs? Mama, how are the young women? I'm fine with my work, my companion is very sick since Tuesday. Maybe tomorrow we'll see a Dr. to see what happens with my companion?
Yes, I have been getting Dad's phone emails. And I am sorry about Grandpa Hillyard. Can you guys send me some baby clams and oysters for my birthday I am near the sea but haven't been eating much seafood. I will let you know when I get the card and tell Grandma and Grandpa thanks for the $100.
The first picture is of a poster I have, it's the second coming picture and the 2000 stripling warriors Picture put together to make one cool poster. There is a scripture at the bottom found in 2 Kings 6 verse 16. "They that be with us are more then they that be with them."
Yes, I have a Spanish hymnbook because we buy them in the MTC. I am doing good with all the things I have so I don't really need anything for my birthday..
Tuesday I had an interesting experience because my companion passed out and had some convulsions. They last five seconds then he look up at me because he was falling off the arm of a chair when I caught him from behind. He is still sick with a bad headache so someday this week we are going to see a head Dr.
Yes I do have my back up memory card.
Things here are good, it's hot in the day and cold at night. I haven't used my umbrella since we have gotten here. The preaching is going good and no we are not in the same area as the temple, we are 15 minutes away, but President Hansen lives in our area, we haven't seen his house yet so we aren't sure exactly where he lives.
The church sessions are the same here as over there, only that sacrament is first, then combined activity, and then the different classes.
Mom and Dad can you guys write me your conversion stories, like how you know that this is the true church and when you found these things out?
I sure do love all of you guys and really miss you the closer we get to Christmas, six more weeks and I get to talk with you all. love you
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver


Note from Mom,
The poster he speaks about must not have come through from the computer, I will ask him about it next week, sounds like a great picture.
Grandpa Hillyard died Sunday night, it was a blessing, he had stage 4 lung cancer and has been ill with other various things, he was 89, and so ready to go. Jordan is the oldest great-grandchild and probably one of the few that knew him very well. We will miss him, but are so grateful for the plan of salvation and know that he is with other loved ones and that we will see him again.

Weather report via Presidente Hansen

Another "borrowed" section from the Hansen's Blog, isn't the tree amazing! Just a pretty flowering tree near Piedras Negras. The rain starts in June. Floods start in September and October, and end in November. Hurricane session starts in October and runs through January. Snow? Not a snow shovel to be found. That's the weather.
Thanks again President Hansen, the tree is beautiful!

Thanks Hansens!

The following are pictures "borrowed" from Presidente y Hermana Hansen's mission blog...I am sure they will not mind me using the extra shots of Jordan-Thanks Hansen's for being such wonderful mission Mom and Dad to all of our kids...God bless you!

Jordan is about in the middle...

I miss singing with him during sacrament meeting...

At a multi-zone conference in Minatitlan we are doing the traditional pesquize, inquiry, which is a scripture chase. The clue giver provides some obscure few words from the Book of Mormon and then when he say "Vamonos!" the missionaries hurry to find the scripture. The winner wins a food prize. Chocolate always goes first. In that conference, the Los Tuxtlas Zone provided a special number. Elder Lopez is playing the piano, Elder Perez the violin, and Elder Taylor is directing. I don't remember what they did, but it was great!

Missionaries staged for a photo on the front steps of the temple.

Can you find Jordan?

I think I have, but Ross thinks it's a Mexican...

While at the Campos home with Elders Gil and Weaver, they offered us a taste of baina which translates, "baina." You peel off and eat the soft, spongy, styrofoamy covering of the large bean which is about to sprout a little, baby tree. Pretty tasty if you like sweet, soft, spongy, styrofoamy tree seeds. Click on the foto and you can see the sproutling.

Elder Weaver arrived from North Ogden, via the MTC, on Monday, 12 May 2009, as planned. On Tuesday he was in his area. Wednesday, Elder Gil called. He had a family scheduled for baptism but the man still smoked one a day. He asked what to do. I told him to give the man a blessing. He did that. Ten minutes later he called back said that after the blessing the man exclaimed, "I am done! I have no desire to smoke. It is gone!" On Friday, we went to Lerdo where this happened and I interviewed the man the wife for baptism. They passed with flying colors. They are pictured in front of their home. On Saturday Elder Weaver and Elder Gil baptized this family along with three other people. Nice start for Elder Weaver, no?
Our Mexican missionaries come in at 11:00 on Monday mornings. The Americans come in at 5:50 Monday afternoon, if there are not delays with the airlines. In the morning we begin training with the Mexicans. In the afternoon we take them back to the airport, along with the office Elders, to greet the gringos. It is really a joyful and exciting time--lots of new missionary energy. Then we return to the offices and walk together to a parilla, a grill, where the Americans eat food they have never heard of: tacos al pastor, arrachera, etc. It is all meat, not particularly healthy, and they love it. We try to arrange seating so that the Americans are flanked by Mexicans. The next day we continue training. The trainers come in and sit in the final session of training with their new charges. The fotos are of the restaurant and the chapel across of the offices where we host the training if the group is large.


Four missionaries were replaced later the same day by 18 new missionaries. They are Elders DeGroff, Deal, Kraft, Hna. Frausto, Gardner, Decker, Hna. Lopez, Elders Weaver, Brown, Hna. Pech, Tyron, Zarate, Goodworth, Gates, LeDosquet, Sereno, Santamaria, and Lopez. Click on it for bigger view.


Thanks for the extra fotos!

Hi

Hellow my familia
I am doing good, and I am glad that everyone is okay over there. Is there any snow yet or is it just cold?
Here are the answers to your questions...
(Are you getting the emails Dad sends from his phone?)
Yes I have been receiving your dad's emails.
(Do you tract door to door?)
So far all of our investigators we have are from references so we haven't knocked on any doors yet. So far no experiences that you guys are looking for. Okay there is one, Thursday we went to eat with a member family and there is a 15 year old girl who is going to go to school after lunch, well, custom here in Mexico is to greet somebody and say goodbye to somebody with a kiss on the cheek, and she almost got me but I flinched when I realized what she was doing. She apologized and left. My companion was dieing of laughter and the aunt of the girl said she never knew that gringos were red.
(Do you have FHE?)
We teach in the house of the investigators, sometimes in the chapel of the church. Tonight I am giving the family home evening class on the family, with a family of 30 people.
The church is strong but there is the inactive because they were insulted or just don't want to come anymore.
(What do you do between curfew and lights out?)
I write in my journal and my companion practices the piano, we have a chess board but he doesn't want to learn to play, but that's okay we always have stuff to do.
We only speak or give classes on Sunday when people would like us to.
(What is your favorite part of the mission?)
My favorite part of the mission is baptizing people.
Every Friday night we have and English class from 7-9:00 we have 6 investigators in this class so it's a lot of fun
Well I sure love you guys and hope that all is well with you and will stay that way
tu hermano y hijo
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

150 succors

Hola mi familia,
Estoy bien como siempre, con la ayda de Dios podemos bautizar este sabado, dos personas, un mama y su hijo, tenemos un grande area, y vamos a trabajar bien duros para tener exito en este lugar.
Mi vida es bien por que es en los manos de Dios, la semana fue bien y no, no estamos celebrating El dia de los Muertos para dias de preperacion, primero limpiamos la casa, y despues nosostros somos las personas quien lavar nuestro ropa. Tenemos una lavadora (washing machine). Despues vamos a comer y comprar cosas que nesecitamos.
(Hello family, I'm fine as always, with God ayda can name this Saturday, two people, a mother and son, we have a large area, and we will work hard to succeed right here. My life is good because it's in God's hands, the week went well and no, we are not celebrating the day of the Dead. Days of preparation-first clean the house, and afterwards us're the people who wash our clothes. We have a washing machine. After we eat and buy things that nesacitamos.)
Yes I did get my package and everything was in it, Thank you for the comics and for the sweets. I didn't know how bad I missed airheads or laffy taffys. The conference was a lot of fun. I won a can of 150 succors. What we do is that the assistants of President Hansen get up in front of everyone and they read a scripture from the Book of Mormon, and if you can find it, be the first one to stand up and say the reference, you can go pick a prize. My comp won a big box of Oreos and Chips Ahoy.
My Spanish is coming and I am waiting on learning the piano because we have a book here but it's in Spanish. They sell it in the temple and I don't know the name but if you guys find a book to help me learn the piano I would like that for Christmas, also two boxes of Life Cereal, a bag of pistachios, a family photo and that's all I need.
The food here is the same as every where else and there is not that much fruit to pick because almost all of the trees are palm trees and they have lots of coconuts, which are huge and you need a machete to open them up.
We do our own laundry, the landlady has a washing machine so we wash them then hang up our clothes to dry.
The people here are normal, whether they want to accept or not its all up to them.
I have found a place where I can get my shoes resoled I just don't know how much it will cost, I used my card again in the temple store to buy a new Spanish Bible and some church hymns, so I am not sure how much I have on the card so can you let me know next week. I am sorry, I hate having to ask so much of you guys.
The program doesn't let me send more then three or four pictures at a time and we are always in a cafe, because we aren't supposed to use the members computers
We get 1,000 pesos a month for food and yes it does last so don't worry. We go to Costco or a place called Soriana.
Well Jace I am really excited for you, be sure to enjoy this and take lots of notes in your journal, and also remember to focus on your schooling and take someone to homecoming...
(side note from Mom, Jace is a sophomore on special teams for Bonneville High's Varsity football team, they are going to Dixie this weekend for the quarterfinals, we hope they win, it means he would play is first football game at the "U" on the "turf", so go Lakers!)
Justin be good, have fun, enjoy being a leader in school and an example to Jax.
Jax hug Mom and Dad and be careful with the girls, I don't want to come home and find that you have twenty girlfriends.
All three of you, do your best in school, learn Spanish, enjoy being young and learn how to manage your money and get along with people, because trust me it's not easy:)
Mom and Dad I will always have you in my prayers and I am sorry that there aren't any photos this week, it's because I can't find the port on the computer, but I love you all so
Dios te bendigas, con amor tu hijo y hermano
(God bless you, with love your son and brother)
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

I love that he starts in Spanish, it makes me happy that the language is still coming, I had to smile that he typed washing machine in English in the middle of the Spanish, but did not translate all of it. I looked it up on the translate Spanish to English website, yes I cheated a little!
Can't wait to talk to him next month:)
I asked lots of questions and got lots of answers, if there is anything you want me to ask him, please email me at RosWv@msn.com this way if you have a question you won't have to wait 5 weeks for hime to get it and 3 weeks for an answer:)
God bless and keep you safe Jordan!
Keep up the good work and always have faith!

Lots of work

Hola mi familia
The new area is good, we have two wards and a Branch, my companion is new to this area to, we are replacing the sister missionaries who were here before. My companion has 16 months in the misión and is 21 years old.
we are 5 hours away from my last area, and i will get the package this Friday at conference.
i forgot my address but we are on the street in front of the church. we don't get to go to the temple unless some of our converts go to get married in the temple. i still don't have a place to put my hammock, but i am going to ask the landlady if we can put some hooks in the wall.
The first photo is of the family we baptized on last Sunday,. The dad is a member and we baptized the mom and the youngest girl. The second photo is of me practicing the piano, we live above some members and their son is teaching me and my companion how to play the piano.
i haven't had any seafood yet, its all the same, but Saturday we did eat meatballs with the bishop of Costa Verde. there is a lot of fruit and vegetables
Church was good yesterday we went to sacrament at 9 in the morning and introduced ourselves then we went to another sacrament meeting half an hour away on foot to introduce our selves there. i am going to loose a lot of weight here, our area is huge and i sleep like a rock because i am so tired we can take a 15 minute bus ride to the mission offices,
other then all these things everything is still the same, just that i am learning how to play the piano.
my Spanish is coming along, and my companion told me that when they change one of us that i will be moved up to a mayor companion.
the day of the dead is the 2 of November, so next week, i tried one of the sugar skeleton heads that they sell here, thinking it might be some hard candy, ITS ALL SUGAR, PURE SUGAR in a skull form.
we are having a family home evening tonight in the chapel where some members will be playing instruments.
i sure do love you guys and will keep you all in my prayers.

Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Family we baptized Sunday, Dad is a member,

baptized Mom and youngest daughter

Learning piano!

Transfers

Hey weaver family!
first answers to questions, i am doing good, we had three baptisms, i baptized one of them and we don't do the confirmations unless we need to.
i am getting transferred, to Veracruz South, Costa Verde. my new companion is Elder Hernandez D. i am a little sad because this was a great area, and i was looking forward to spending some more time here, but o-well. i have been told that i will be close to the temple so we will have to see.
i forgot my camera so no pictures today.
i feel fine mom don't worry about my weight, you know that i am bad with math.
no sites in this area, and no Book of Mormon history that i know of its been raining a lot, and since i am leaving tomorrow i don't know how its going to be. they are going to replace us with sister missionaries.
i have been told to simply wash my stuff with a wet rag and i tiny tiny bit of Clorox. to be honest i don't really need anything for Christmas, i am doing good with the stuff i have, all i need is a bag for my suit, i haven't been craving anything because the spicy food has taken away the desire for sweet foods, i haven't gotten the other package yet, i might get it this week in my new area.
i will be sure to keep the park city situation in my prayers,
i am glad that grandma Pats house is going well and that Logan will be helping out for a time.
to day we washed our garments shirts and a bedsheets that were dirty so that we will have them nice and clean for the transfers. and later tonight we will have one last family home evening with some members, converts and investigators.
i am glad that Alex is still progressing and that the three boys are still doing good.
i love you all and will keep you in my prayers,
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver.

Answers to Questions...

Hola mi familai,
first answers to the questions.
i do get the Liahona in English but that's only when we have a zone conference but that's okay, i don't spend much time reading them, because the scriptures and Spanish practice takes most of the time that i have that is free.
i have not attended the temple and wont be able to until the end of my mission, and/or if one of the families that i have baptized goes to get sealed in the temple, we can go with them when that happens.
we have a cd player,
everyday i still don't have any thing i need for Christmas, you are all safe so i´m good.
Transfers will be in a week, and we have no idea if we are going to be changed or not. my clothing is fine, its all still working out.
okay for Christmas i need a bag for my suit coat and pants, because in this humid climate i have to watch out for mold growing on my things. i week ago i found some growing on my English scriptures.
i sleep with two fans blowing on me without a cover, i stay pretty warm at night.
no more spiders or alligators oh ya the house is doing good, and we haven't crossed a river for awhile .
the only thing of Halloween that i have seen is all the costumes and stuff in the stores, so i am still not sure how they do it.
i don't know what kind of experiences you would like to here about, the lord has been blessing us in our work, we have a baptism tomorrow and four more Sunday. also this week i went on divisions with my district leader. he kindly told me that i still have Spanish to learn.
i am doing good, if my math is right i think i weigh 175 pounds, and when i left the MTC i weighed 215. ya i have lost weight.
Jace, Justin, and Jax. i sure do love you guys and am really proud of all three of you. i hope that you are all still reading your scriptures and having your prayers in the morning and at night, be obedient to mom and dad, do good in school and have fun in football. keep your rooms clean and help mom and dad all that you can. start preparing for you mission by getting up everyday at 6:30 and going to bed by the time mom and dad tell you to. be responsible and examples unto your friends and always show love one to another.
mom and dad i love you both and want you to know that i am still safe and that i always will be. i don't have any photos this week because a sister wanted some photos of an activity, she is just going to copy them onto her computer.
i love you all and will always have you in my prayers.
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

After Conference

Sis. Leonor
She is the grandma of the missionaries in my area,
she feeds us sometimes washes our clothes
and if we don’t know something she is the first person we ask.
(I love how Jordan is kneeling beside her,
what a great lady,
and what a beautiful presence she
must have to cater to all those Elders
and answer all of their questions! :)
I love her dress!
"Plastic bottle house"

The four gringos who watched the priesthood session in English.
Elder Goodworth and I are of the same generation, (the one behind me)
The other two Elders Ficuir and Perkins both
have five months left in the mission.

Katie is getting baptized on Saturday, why wasn't i told that she was listening to the discussions, i need to know important stuff like this so i can put them in my prayers. i really love you guys but your all killing me with the counting of the months and telling me that you miss me, it makes me think of how long i have till i get to see you again and how much i miss you all.

the photo is of my grandpa, the dad of elder Gil who is my dad in the mission. (This is an answer to the photo in the previous blog, of Jordan and Elder Norcross)

yes i was able to watch all five sessions, before the priesthood session 7 of us went over to Dairy Queen and bought blizzards.

today was a fun day we played kick ball and soccer. kickball was fun because the Mexicans don't know the rules we tried explaining it to them like it was baseball and they finally understood.

The first photo is Sister Leonor. She is the grandma of the missionaries in my area, she feeds us sometimes washes our clothes and if we don’t know something she is the first person we ask.

The second photo is of the four gringos who watched the priesthood session in English. Elder Good worth and I are of the same generation, (the one behind me. The other two Elders Ficuir and Perkins both have five months left in the mission.

The third and final photo is of a house that is being built with plastic bottles, then they put concrete around them for support. this week has been a good week, and this upcoming week is going to be good to because we are working for the lord. our converts are doing good w are know teaching their children who want t be baptized but we need them to get married first, so we have a bit

i love you all and have you in my prayers,

Con amor

Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Okay, so I didn't get all of the pictures posted in the right order, you will figure it out I am sure.

I must tell you though, his brothers do miss him like mad and I had them email him last night and each one of them reminded him how much they miss him and puctuated it with a lot of !!!!! It makes my heart so happy to know that our sons really do love and miss each other when one of them is gone for a period of time, sure they have their arguements and disagreements but, sometimes these make them stronger and the old saying is true that "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" ! Yes Ross and I miss him too, we just try not to tell him as often in emails....

As for Katie, we did not know she was taking the discussions and found out from Grandpa Steve about two weeks ago that Katie was getting baptized! We are very happy and excited for her! We always try to keep Jordan up on all of the current family and friend news!

For those that stumble across this blog, I appreciate you leaving comments, and your kind words to Jordan, I know that when he gets home and reads the many kind things that have been left he will be so grateful...I am not sure if he ever sees this blog in Minatitlan, I know that he saw it a few times in Lerdo...however, he is aware that I am posting his emails for all to see...so thanks for reading and commenting, supporting and praying, remember the Church is true, have faith and not fear!

Keep up the good work and that keep that smile on your face, Jordan!

Be safe, love you always, Mom

P.S. 81 more days until Christmas phone call! (but who's counting) don't tell Jord:)

Baptisms!

Elder Norcross (the dada of my Dad?)

Golden Couple

Hola mi familia,

how are you all doing, i am doing good,

yesterday we had two baptisms it was a married couple who are golden, we are going to start talking with their kids today because they are interested in the message also. And the other photo is me and my grandpa, the dada of my dad his name is Elder Norcross

First and foremost answers to your questions,

we are renting the house and the landowner doesnt want holes in the wlls so i am not able to put up my hammock untill later, propablt the next Today we played soccer with another 8 missioanrys it was alot of fun, we went ho,me and cleaned the house and then we go get things that we need, like today i amd going to buy some shampoo, becuase the bottle i started my mission with is running out, and i have used it every day.

i have to giv ethe turtle away because we cant have pets, and i am learnig to cook some real mexican food, its really good, and i am starting to get used to the spicy stuff, kills my stomach later but my mouth loves it.

on a tracting day we get up at 6:30 in the morning excercise for half an hour and then we have a hour to shower shave change and eat breakfast, 8-9 we have personal study. 9-10 companioship study, 10-10:30 langauge study. then we laeve to work, we eat lunch at two and are at home by 9 or 9:30, thats a normal day.

i ahvent been thinking waht i wnt for christmasits starting to feel like howlaween bescae of decorastinst ann stuff that i am seeing.

we go to get our investigators at 9 and are at the churchj before ten, its a somewhat active ward but we are starting to pick up some speed. they do it differently here in mexico, some are 18 when they leave then the return at 20 to begin school and looking for theirs wives to begin the second mision of a family. he is near the border, its called Tierra negras.

i am sorry that budge died he was a fun coach.

i got a letter from sister Jorgesen dn her primary class, a folder of sisters and elders missionarys with the names of the kids ijh her class, it was really cool.

How are things going with the missionat¡rys over ther with you guys,

well i love you all and hope that this week is going to be good,

be safe and know that the Lord is with you.

con amor

Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

2009-2011

mision Veracruz Mexico.

I have decided to leave this in Jordan's typing (spelling and all) It's fun to translate the English/ Spanish typing on a Spanish keyboard. Good luck with the translations:)

So glad that he has had some baptisms, prayers have been answered and hearts softened!