Beach!!! :(

Hola mi familia. How are you all doing? I am doing good, this morning we went to the beach with a brother from the ward and did some crab fishing. What we did was walk along the beach and look for where the crabs live then we dug them up, we got quite a few and it was really fun except for when they pinched you.
I don't think trying to chat online will work, I looked at when you sent me an e-mail and it was three hours after I had gotten off the computer.
We have 5 baptisms lined up for next week and we are both really excited. It's really difficult not getting frustrated when you don't understand what anyone is saying. Sometimes I just want to quit and come home because I feel like I am not getting anywhere. Then I try to think about how I am helping others and bringing unto Christ. I really miss being able to give you guys hugs and talking to you. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and I know that it's not going to get any easier any time soon.
If you can send me a cable for my camera then I can send you pictures over the e-mail.
I am eating really good and have lost weight, I am not sure how much but my pants are fitting loose around the waist and I had to tighten my belt.
Thursday we were doing door contacts and we found one lady who was really accepting of the message, when we asked her to read a pamphlet for homework she told us that she didn't know how to read. This broke my heart. We met her again to invite her to church on Saturday night but we haven't seen her since. It's funny because some of the members and investigators like trying to talk to me in English, they ask what words in Spanish are in English. I shared by testimony yesterday in sacrament. I wish I could call you and talk to you because I need help. I pray to the Lord for strength everyday but there are still the times where I feel alone. I love you all and pray that all is well.
Your son, and brother, Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

I just got all your questions, not exactly sure when you sent them but here it goes really fast...
The food is good, I love the fish
I baptized in font, I did not confirm
I gave Elder Page a hug from his Mom like I was supposed to
Breakfast is fruit and lunch and dinner are at members houses
It's really warm at night so I have a fan constantly blowing on me.
It's really hot
The apartment is clean
We study until 11 in the morning then we go out and teach or make contacts depending on the day
Love you, thanks for Jeff's address
I have not received any pouch mail yet and I don't know what kind of cord I need for my camera, but I will find out and let you know next week...Love you.

we were in the office when Jordan's e-mail came up so we hurried and got on-line to try and catch him, and give him words of encouragement after his e-mail-it worked, we caught him :) how great to have modern technology...

Are you there?

Jordan, Hang in there hon, and keep your chin up, we love you and you are never alone. Be faithful and be strong. So proud of you, be happy and safe...Love Mom and Dad

R U still there?

Thanks Mom and Dad I love you and am still here, so how's life?

Hey my friend it will get better I promise 'cause it can't get worse..ha, ha, lol Read your patriarchal blessing, we will wait for 20 minutes to see if U respond 12:33 here.

Thanks I really love you guys, I try to read my patriarchal blessing once a day but I feel like I'm not getting much peace or joy from it at times, I sometimes feel like I am just reading a piece of paper. Love you.

Sounds like you are having a pretty bad day, try to say your prayers and think of how much happiness you are bringing those brothers and sisters in Veracruz, it may be a piece of paper but is full of lots of blessings...put a smile on and keep that chin up, what a great life lesson you are learning-things get better with time! We promise! What is the weather like today? Have you had ice cream today?

The weather is really sunny and warm and no I have not had any ice cream today, I will try to find a vendor who sells it, I have to get going but I love you, and will pray for help, talk to you next week. Jordan

Love you and be safe, have a better day, be spectacular! Love and hugs, Mom and Dad

I have to get going love you, miss you a lot, your oldest son, Jordan.

Wow-we knew there would be days like this, but how helpless can we feel, so grateful to know that he is in the Lord's hands and that he has His spirit to be with him, chin up:)
I am sharing these things because someday we will print this for Jordan to keep as a journal, and I want his children to one day be able to read and learn from their father's experiences when he was a young man and having trials and struggles...we can see that he has grown so much already, he has born his testimony in zone conference and in his own church meeting, he needs to give himself credit and be patient with himself, he has only been in Veracruz two weeks! We are so proud of him and excited for him and the experiences he is having, even through all of the tears, mine and his...Love you son!

Great Testimony!

We just spent a lovely day with Elder Weaver in a multi-zone conference and I want to report to you that he looks great and is wearing a big smile! He bore his testimony in Spanish as part of the program and I understood every word :)
Con carino
Hna Hansen

We love getting the extra e-mails about Jordan, what a great way to start the morning...it sure makes it feel like he is not so far away....still miss that smile!
Thanks Hermana Hansen for taking the time, you are an awesome "Mission Mom"!

I love it here in Mexico

Yes I am here in Mexico, the city I am in is Lerdo, and I have baptized four people in my first week, two young girls and then two young men. I love it here in Mexico, the food is great and the members treat me very kindly. My companion is Elder Gil, he is a native but knows some English so we are able to communicate most of the time. It's been a little tough not getting frustrated with myself because I want to know the language now, but I just need to be more patient with my abilities and continue to trust in the Lord. President and Sister Hansen are great, they are really sweet people, and President Hansen says Hi for Grandpa, okay.
The food here is really good, especially the fruits, and they have some great homemade icecream.
We have another baptism for this week and are really excited for it.
Can you guys check to see how much money is on my debit card, I was told not to do it here because the machine takes a big fee from it.
I'm not a big fan of flying, I had a headache and felt nauseous most of the time, but it helped when I was able to sleep on flights.
My Spanish gets better a little bit each day, I understand better than I speak, but my companion helps me a lot.
I need a cord for my camera in order to send you pictures, so it might be a while before you get any pictures.
Ohh, guess what we say the other day...there was an alligator in someones yard with a bunch of turtles, Elder Gil told me it was someones pet, and also there is a yard with a bunch of peacocks in it. One member family who feeds us and does our laundry has four perritos (puppies) they are really cute, but don't have a mother so we help them feed them from a baby bottle. I saw a burro the other day and also some people ride horses around the city.
Our house has three rooms, the bedroom is also the kitchen, we have a bathroom, and then another room where we keep our stuff. I don't know what else to tell you so e-mail me any questions you have, I get an hour on the computer here in Mexico so don't worry about them being long.
I love you all and wish that I could have talked to you. I pray for you all the time and hope that you are all doing well.
Love you, your son,
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver
p.s. I have another 1/2 hour so e-mail me now and we can talk a little...
p.s.s. I will write you all a letter once a month okay, love you

Oh, I do like this missionary!

Dear Sister Weaver,

Oh, I do like this missionary!

I knew over a month ago where I was going to send him. His smiling picture kind of spoke to me. He is in one of the very most important areas of the mission with a companion who does not walk but kind of runs. He will sweat a lot, but after a couple of weeks he will be used to being soaked through after 15 minutes out of the not air-conditioned missionary house. And he will baptize.

Wow. Elder Weaver is in the fast lane, right where he is supposed to be.

Much love to you and your family,
Pres. Hansen


Mom's note...We are feeling kinda spoiled to have so much personal information about Jordan being sent so quickly...it certainly makes our day:) What great people the Hansen's are! We love knowing that Jordan is in such wonderful hands and we know he is right where he is supposed to be!

Elder Weaver wants me to tell you...

Elder Weaver wants me to tell you that he taught part of the first lesson today! Elder Gil says his Spanish is coming so fast and that he is very animo! He also wants you to know that tonight he is anointing a man for a priesthood blessing to help him have the strength to overcome his tobacco addiction...yes, in Spanish! He gets to baptize on Friday and Saturday and a family of five is ready just as soon as the dad licks that tobacco.
So good news from Elder Weaver in Veracruz and he's only been on the job for 24 hours...
Con carino,
Hna Hansen

Note from Mom, again...can you believe how personal she is, what a great Mission Mom!

Address in Mexico

To write Jordan a letter and send it on your own, or to send a package, this is the address to send it to...

Mision Mexico Veracruz
Elder Jordan Weaver
AP 103
Veracruz, Ver. C.P. 91700
Mexico

I have a new friend, Anne, who's son is also serving in Veracruz. Tyler is on the last leg of his mission and has had amazing experiences that she shares on her blog. She has answered a lot of questions and helped me out a lot-so thanks Anne-it's great to have a friend like you!

Remember you can still use DearElder.com and send it through the pouch and it's free:) Just be sure to send it to the Veracruz Mission, and they will take care of the rest.

I'M HERE

Hola mi familia, mi new companion is Elder Gil, I am in Tuxtlas, Veracruz, we had some real Mexicano food last night and it was delicious. Here is my new email, for only you....
Love you all and continually pray for you,
Elder Weaver

Note from Mom.... I was relieved to get this email, I missed his phone call from Dallas by 10 minutes, but he was in the airport for at least 2 hours and did not try back. Despite me trying to call the pay phone back no one answered :), He did leave me a message, sounded very somber, weird though-the number never rang on my phone-anyway, he did not call from the other 3 airports, have not found out why yet, but he is there and on to bigger and better things, we should hear from him again next Monday! Hopefully with lots of information:)

You have to love Hermana Hansen for sending the following email-she knows that we worry!

If you want to write to Jordan the best way is to go to DearElder.com and register, it's free-you need to use the pouch service and make sure you pick Veracruz Mexico, he should get these every week, I will continue to post his emails, thanks again for all of your love and support-Tam

It was with great joy that we greeted your son,

It was with great joy that we greeted your son and his companions at the airport last night. I'm sure that he has filled you in on the details in his email this morning, but I want you to know how excited we are to have him here with us in Veracruz! He is healthy, he is happy, he is confident and he is humble. He has been placed with Elder Gil who is a baptizing "machine"...he will definitely be running to keep up with him! He is excited for the challenge. Elder Gil talks a million miles an hour and none of it is in English, so Elder Weaver is really going to learn the language well and quickly! He is being blessed to be serving in Lerdo, which is part of the mission district "Los Tuxtlas" over which Pdte presides. We really feel like this is sacred ground and are grateful every day for the opportunity to serve in the land of the Book of Mormon. He will be serving with and will be tutored by some of the best leaders and missionaries in the mission and even more importantly he will be attended to constantly by the Spirit and by our Veracruz angels!
We gave each of the nuevos the same picture that you received in your Mother's Day card to help them remember to be the missionary that their moms expect them to be. I told them that yours would probably be hanging on the refrigerator because that is what Moms do! I look forward to seeing Elder Weaver again very soon at Zone Conference. It is always fun to see how quickly our norteamericanos adapt to the mission.
I know you have a million questions, but please don't worry about him, he is in good hands! The BEST hands...Thanks again for sharing him with us for these 2 years!
Con Amor,
Hna Hansen
P.S. Pdte just got off of the phone with him. He is in his cement apartment and I'm sure he is feeling a lot like Dorothy in the WIZARD of OZ. He is definitely not in Utah anymore! But he is excited to finally be in his area and get to work. Con fe!

The following is an excerpt from my new friend Anne's blog...tells a little about Jordan's first hours...
Tyler had a good and very busy week this week. He said Monday all the missionaries that were leaving left at 10:00 AM and the native missionaries arrived at the VERY same time! So they shuffled them to their areas, only to be back at the airport at 7:00 PM to pick up the American missionaries! They brought them back to the office, had dinner and they were there until 12:30 AM with training meetings. I just felt bad for the new missionaries who left the MTC at 3 AM the morning before, getting in to this unfamiliar place and EXHAUSTED! Bless their hearts, they went in full force!
He was able to spend a few minutes with Elder Jordan Weaver, who his mother and I have become email buddies because of this mission, and I have been so excited for their family! They seem to be an awesome family from Utah, and Tyler said in his letter that "Elder Weaver is going to be a great missionary". Tyler was to give Elder Weaver a big hello from his mother when he arrived. I hope it was comforting, and it did not make him homesick!

Feliz Dia de las Madres!

I wanted to share this Mother's Day card we received today from Jordan's "Mission Mom". It sure hits home with Jordan in the air on his way to Veracruz...I am so grateful already to Hermana Hansen, she sounds so wonderful and I can't wait for Jordan to get to know them both. I have never seen the picture before and wanted to share it, isn't it great! So inspired...I so feel like this Mom-did I do enough?

This image was inspired by my wife and son when he was leaving on his mission. We were at the airport saying our good-byes, and I watched him as he hugged my wife. She was hanging on, having a very hard time letting him go, and he was hugging her, but he was looking beyond her-toward the airplane. He was obviously ready to go. The expression on her face was one of trepidation. It was as if she were asking herself, "Have I prepared him for this? Have I done all I could?" While his expression was one of eager determination. He had preparing for so long for this and he was ready to get started.
That moment made me think of the story of the Stripling Warriors. Those two thousand young men had never fought before. They had no idea what they were up against, or what to expect going into battle against the Lamanites, but that didn't matter to them. They were prepared in spirit and in faith. They knew that the things their mothers had taught them were true, and they were willing to march into the unknown, with their strength and courage coming from their faith. I think about those young men and their resolve to defend their families and their homes. They went forth with bravery and they succeeded. Then I think about their mothers. I know how worried and afraid they must have been. That's what moms do. They worry and they wonder if they have prepared their sons. That is really the feeling I wanted to portray in this painting. -Del Parson

We are as the Army of Helaman,

we have been taught in our youth,

we are the the Lord's missionaries,

we bring the world his truth...

One this Mother's Day, we are grateful for angelic mothers who have prepared their sons and daughters to serve the Lord in la Mision Mexico Veracruz!
I'm excited to meet your son-Thanks for letting him serve with us!
Con Amor,
Hermana Hansen

Alma 56:48

Ross read me this card through his tears, he is home today, we are waiting for calls from airport payphones. He said this is something you should definitely share on his blog and cried some more...-such a proud Dad:)

"Momma's Boys"

Jordan sent each of the boys t-shirts from the MTC,

and signed the card-your Stripling Warrior
Mother's Day 2009

What could make a mother more proud:)

three of our stripling warriors...

I hope they will always be "Momma's boys"!

Happy Mother's Day Mom

There is only one you, Mother.

That's for sure.

No one else could ever fill your shoes.

Even now that I'm grown,

there are certain times when only a mother will do.

I've discovered over the years

that no matter how independent I am,

I'll never outgrow my need

for your smile, your hug,

and your warmhearted ways.

I will always need you,

always love you,

and always be grateful

for the wonderful woman you are-

My Mother

Happy Mother's Day
Love you Mom,
Look forward to seeing you again in 22 months.
Have the little boys hug you for me,
Love,
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Leaving for Mexico...Monday, May 11, 2009

Veracruz Temple, I hope he gets to go often...

Love You!

Well, the time is here where I will be leaving for Mexico. I'm so excited and a little nervous but it's going to be a lot of fun.
Any word on Elder Staggs address...
Dad,
How are you doing? I am really excited that you got into LOTOJA, I hope that it will be a good team this year. I'm glad that you are staying busy with work. Thanks for being an awesome father and example to me, I miss working with you, and also operating the big machinery. Love you Dad and hope and pray that things will continue to work out.
Mom,
Happy Mother's Day!!! Hope you like the card I got you. Make sure that the little boys all give you a hug for me. Thanks for being an awesome Mother and for always taking care of me when I needed it. Love you and hope that you have a good Mother's Day.
Jace,
Are Mom and Dad still making fun of your driving? If so it's okay, you will find something to make fun of them someday. I'm glad that you are doing good and getting excited for football, you will be great. Love you!
Justin,
How is the arm healing? I am so excited that you are in office, you have to tell me what it's like. Just remember to keep on going through the tough times and focus on getting good grades still, okay...Love you!
Jax,
Hi buddy, how are you doing? I'm sorry that you lost your first baseball game, but I'm glad that you are having fun. Keep watching out for the other two, and be sure to have fun, okay. Smile. Love you!
Here is my flight plans.
I leave SLC at 6:00 a.m. and arrive in Dallas at 9:45, then I leave at 12:05, I then arrive in Mexico City at 2:40 then leave at 4:55 and arrive at Veracruz at 5:50 where President and Sister Hansen will meet us and take us out for real Mexican food.
I will try to call whenever there is a lay over, love you,
Love you all and hope that you will all be good, see you in 20 months,
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver
P.S. I won't be sending individual letters this week sorry, I still love you.

I'm leavin on a jet plane...

Last night we are at a neighbors house and my phone rings, on the other end there is "Hi Mom", I replied "where are you?" (I thought it was Jace, and did not recognize the number.) Again "Hi Mom" "Oh my gosh, this is Jordan!" "Hi Mom, I'm leavin on Monday, we got our papers and we are going to Veracruz. There will be 11 missionaries going all together, all to Veracruz. We will get up at 3:00 a.m. and our flight leaves at 6:00. I can call from the airports. I have been to the wellness clinic today because I felt nauseated, but I am fine. My last week in the MTC we learned the 3rd lesson in Spanish, I have enjoyed it, but I am ready to go, no I don't need anything, I have a different backpack and think I'll be okay without Dramamine. How is work? I love you Mom...
(he talked with Ross for a few minutes and a timer came on saying you have one minute left. it was so good to hear his voice and so unexpected.)
He is going yea...all our prayers have been answered, my heart is so happy for him.
Waiting for his e-mail today....

Signed Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Hi Dad
How are you? I'm good. All the letters are short this week because I need to practice for my T.A. tonight.
I want you to know that I do love you and always pray for you, Mom, and the little boys.
Be safe and pray to the Lord for strength and help when you need it.
Love you,
signed Elder Jordan Ross Weaver
P.S. I've sent Mom a Mother's Day card, can you make sure she does not read it until Mother's Day.

Dear Jace,
Are you liking being the oldest brother. I know it's tough, but just keep going on with your head held high and be sure to put your trust in the Lord.
Love ya,
signed Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Hey Justin,
How's it going being in student body office? How is your arm? The MTC is good, I'm not nervous about the field, because I know the the Lord is with me.
Love ya buddy,
signed Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Hey Jax,
Congrats on making Tyler's team. I'm excited for you, you will be a great pitcher or 3rd baseman.
Love you,
signed Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

HOGS AND KISSES-SWINE FLU

Thanks to Shaun for sharing this picture, it's adorable and hopefully is not why Jordan is delayed... :)

From Sis. Hansen (Mission Mom)

Sister Weaver,
I don't usually read our missionary's blogs, but stumbled across this one while looking for something else. We are so excited for Elder Weaver to get here! Just so you know, our mission has never been healthier. Just a couple of not very nice rashes. Hopefully this flu scare is abating and the church will allow them to travel. We are fasting and praying today that that will happen soon. We need our missionaries!
If you have time to send back his backpack, it would be a good idea. We aren't sure where the one strap backpack instruction is coming from,probably the MTC, but the regular backpacks are great for travel and for overnight exchanges. If it isn't possible, he can buy another one here. We also sell the one straps in the office.
Feel free to email me with any questions at the mission office 2018802@ldschurch.org I'll even respond!
Con amor,Hermana Hansen
May 3, 2009 10:52 AM
What an answer to our prayers...she sounds like such a wonderful, loving and caring Mom. I am so anxious for Jordan to get to know her and Pres. Hansen. We are praying that he will be able to get there soon...he is very anxious to teach his brothers and sisters in Veracruz.

Delayed

Hola mi familia.
Como estan? Estoy bien. I have been delayed until the 12th and then, The Mission Committee will see if it's safe for us to go down to Mexico, if not then they might send us somewhere else until it is safe to go.
O-well, what can I do but learn how to teach better and practice my language a little more.
Nothing has really happened this week, it's just been normal except that no one shakes hands anymore until we are told we can again.
I'm being released as the zone leader, because we were supposed to leave on Monday.
I still haven't received a letter from Logan with everyones addresses in it. Can you have him read Alma 60:6, and then tell him I'm joking.
I received a letter from President Hansen telling me that he has already chosen my trainer, who happens to be a native.
I got another hair cut today it looks pretty good for Mom not being the one who did it.
Since I have time I am writing Lauren another letter, so if I don't get a reply before I leave then I won't worry about it.
Have you heard anything from Jeff's parents? He left I think it was three weeks ago, and I haven't heard anything from him, of course the mail is slow when coming from Mexico, takes about a month to get anything.
Any word about Austin, I wrote him and haven't received a letter back yet...
I will talk to you more in my weekly letters.
Love you all and will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Note from Mom... I was sending Jordan a DearElder today and got a knock at the door-it was a package with the stuff he sent home. His backpack, I-pod, white hanky from the Temple dedication, 3 t-shirts, one for each of the brothers, (I will post their pictures in their shirts, they make me cry) and A LOT of the letters from family, DearElders, letters from friends and neighbors-I am overwhelmed at the love and support he is getting! Thank you so much for keeping him in mind and sending him good thoughts and words of encouragement, it means a lot that so many people love him.
We know that wherever he ends up during the next couple of weeks it will be for a good reason. We have no doubt that our Father in Heaven is watching over each and every missionary that is serving. We are anxious for him to get to Mexico, he is just as anxious, and hopes that it is sooner than later.
Thanks again for all of your love and prayers, Tam and Ross

D&C sections 4 and 14