30 November, 2015 - Thanksgiving Week

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been interesting being a Holiday and all that. Holidays on the mission are way different than at home.

Tuesday we had our weekly D.D.M meeting and we were able to pick up 2 new investigators. One is a 15 year old named Shamir and a guy in his 50's? named William. They both seemed interested and have potential. We also had our weekly meeting with the Smith's to ponderize the scriptures. This week is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Wednesday we had our interviews with President Mullen. It was good. He really helped me to get the members more involved in the work and how to get more referrals from the members. We also picked up a 14 year old named Jose. He might need to be more enthusiastic, but seems solid.

Thursday was Thanksgiving!!! We played flag football with the Samoan ward. Nobody died, just a twisted ankle. There was also a pie fight with the Merrill's (Members) and Dinner with the Nunley's (RC) who had Jewish parents so not much religion was really discussed. After we had a zone activity. It was mostly soccer.

Friday we had our weekly Book of Mormon Study. We read 2 Ne 28. We also got do our weekly planning since Thursday was Thanksgiving so not much was done. We were able to take one of the Priests with us on a team up and It reminded me of when I went with the Elders that one time. Fun times.

Saturday was a sick day no nothing was done. Elder Battaglia (one of the other missionaries) and I got sick (food poisoning maybe?) and we stayed in all day. It was rather boring. There was one missionary in each companionship that was healthy so work was done in both areas of the ward. Not much luck I heard.

Sunday was church and we prepped so that the other elders could move in. The other Elders of our ward were getting kicked out so that one of the Senior Couple Missionaries can move in and work in Moreno Valley and our apartment is a 2-bedroom which in missionary terms is a "4-man". Luckily, we live in the same complex so it shouldn't be too bad to move. It will be interesting how it will turn out. Supposedly, the housing coordinators said that they would be at our place 2 weeks max. Or it might be longer. Who knows.

Today the other Elders officially moved in. The Office Elders came to help us move the heavy stuff since we had to gut out their apartment. Others came later to finish up. It took us about an hour and a half. Then we got Emailing, lunch, finish E-mailing (we got interrupted half way through), shopping, all that fun stuff.

Well, I guess I can't get a normal transfer. Oh well, that makes it more exciting right? Next week I'll let you all know what it is like to live in a 4-man with the Zone Leaders. Love you all.

Elder Jewkes

Answers:
 Yes I survived the football game. They are Samoan, apparently they don't like getting mixed up with Tongans. Don't ask why I wouldn't know. After the game, we had a "Pie Fight" with the Merrill's (Members) then official Thanksgiving Dinner with the Nunley's (Recent Converts). It was interesting. Their parents are Jewish converts so there wasn't really much talk about religion and It was kinda awkward when we first got there because we showed up the same time they did. Then we had a Zone activity with all the missionaries in the Stake. We mostly played soccer. I'm sorry you didn't feel well. Honestly, I was sick on Saturday with one of the other Elders so our companions tried to do work in both areas. The other sick Elder was worse than I was. We think it was a pie we had at a member's from Thanksgiving, but we don't know for sure yet. Christmas time is always fun! I enjoy listening to Voice Male. It reminds me of home. Also, something you would really like and be jealous about is that this stake has an annual Christmas festival this week where it includes music from different schools and churches and a rather large display of Nativities. I'll have to take pictures for you so that you can see them all. It's a 3 day event and I am not sure which day I am assigned to go. We'll see. We have investigators, but they don't come to church so we got to teach them all about the Sabbath this week so that they will come. Our Temple day is December 10th which is next week. That is always fun to go to. It is smaller than the Logan Temple but the spirit is the same.

 

23 November, 2015 - Another Week

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been another week in the mission. Got through the first week of a new transfer being the senior missionary of the ward. Elders Battaglia and Foy were doubled in and my new companion is Elder Moss. Elder Moss is from Riverton, Utah and we were in the same MTC room so it was kinda fun to be with him again.

Tuesday we did some service with the Salvation Army and were able to meet with some people and we helped the youth assemble meals for needy families in the ward and delivered them. There was pizza afterward so FREE DINNER! It was a fun day for the both of us. However, Battaglia and Foy were sick so that wasn't good.

Wednesday we did our weekly planning since we had DDM on Thursday since our DL was in Riverside waiting to get his trainee. It was a day that could have gone better since we got no lessons in, but those days happen and you just need to keep going. We had dinner with the Nunley's, who we will be with for Thanksgiving. That family is always fun to be with.

Thursday was our DDM meeting which was really good. We were able to get some lessons as well as a Weekly Book of Mormon study with some Less-actives and Recent-converts. We read 2 Nephi 27 which was about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon which was really cool. Elders Foy and Battaglia were feeling better so they were able to get some work done. We had dinner with the Tatums who loves the missionaries since they have a son on a mission right now.

Friday was good. We started to work on our Part Member Family list and our Prospective Elder's list and found a few people to teach with those valuable resources. Just the usual work. We had dinner with the Hunter's with a single mom and 5? kids. It was crazy and fun.

Saturday we had came into a family that had a nonmember husband and an inactive wife and they were really nice. They asked us to come back since they rarely get visitors. So that is our next goal: reactivate the wife and baptize the husband. We basically spent the whole day contacting families in the PMF list. We had dinner with the Hanson's who has a son leaving in a few weeks to serve a mission in Argentina. Exciting!

Sunday was great. The 3 new Elders were able to meet some of the amazing members of the Lasselle Ward and had some good talks. After church, we had steaks with the Sadler's, an old couple with some grandchildren. It was fun. After, we were able to meet with some of our investigators who didn't come to church and found out why so hopefully they will come next week.

Today we were in Riverside for Cross-fit, getting stuff from Elder Battaglia's old apartment, meeting Elder and Sister Reed who will be leaving in December, E-mailing, and soon shopping before going to work.

It has been an interesting week and sounds like an interesting transfer, but I guess all transfers had been interesting so far. I have learned that all you need to do to have a strengthened desire to serve is to look in a different perspective. Elder Moss has taught me how to have a more optimistic attitude (since I already have a good attitude). That is all for this week and I'll write you next time.

Elder Jewkes

23 November, 2015 - Angel email:]

Hello families,

We had the pleasure of having your missionary's in our home this last Saturday. They are good young men who definitely bring a sweet spirit with them. I wanted to share a picture with you because I have one daughter serving and one son leaving next week to serve and I know I LOVE receive pictures. Have a wonderful week and a very happy Thanksgiving. 

Janell Hanson

22 November, 2015 - Angel Text:]

16 November, 2015 - A New Transfer

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been interesting. It was the last week of the transfer as well as my first Mission Birthday!

Tuesday we had our monthly ZDM meeting and it was really good. It had inspired us all to work harder and to have a strong desire to serve. It had been really helpful for me. The highlight of the day was to go make little stockings for the primary kids with the Young Women. It was really fun. Along with working as usual, that was a normal day.

Wednesday was my Birthday and we so happened to have a multi-zone conference talking about the new Christmas video that the Church will release on the 29th of November. Look for it. It's really good. The birthday package was delivered by the Mission President and his wife at the end of the meeting...in front of 55 missionaries. It was interesting. I also had a new investigator for my B-day. Yay!!! Afterward, we went to a member's soccer game in the evening and it was really fun.

Thursday was our weekly planning and weekly Book of Mormon Study. We also picked up a new investigator today as well. Things are starting to pick up in the area and I hope that this next transfer will bring many blessings for hard work.

Friday was kind of a slow day. Our Zone Leaders were on exchanges and the missionary that was with the Zone Leader was sick so we helped him out so they can get work done in the area. Which took time from our area. We were able to get some done, but not as much. Too many people are getting sick around here. I best be careful. Also, an appointment fell through so it wasn't as good of a day, but those days happen.

Saturday was like Friday, except we had more time and worked harder to teach. It's just that no one was home or able. It was also the Adult Session of Stake Conference and President Mullen was present and speaking. Afterwards, we convinced him to tell us the transfers instead of waiting for the call from the AP's. So, both the Zone Leaders are leaving. One is going home and the other is going Chinese. A new district is being formed in the zone, there are 2 trainers that were called, a Spanish sister and an English Elder. I am getting a new companion, who happened to be one of my roommates in the MTC and the only missionary staying in our ward... out of the 4 of us. This next transfer will be interesting.

Sunday was Stake Conference which was really good. After, I went with Elder Warren to say his goodbyes before he goes to China-Land while Elder Catchatoorian took Elder Dunn to say goodbye to members in the Valley View ward. I can't believe that out of the 4 missionaries in our ward, 3 of them are leaving. I got some shoes to fill in.

Today we need to get Elder Dunn moved to the Home Share in Valley View, Email, get a new camera and move the new Elders into the Lasselle Ward. It's going to be interesting.

I have been reflecting lately about my mission and all the new companions that I had so far. I am learning so much from each one and I am blessed to know all these great people. I hope to learn a ton from Elder Moss and I'll write next week about him.

Elder Jewkes

Answers to mom:

 Yep, the Early Cake came from the Tatums. We call Sister Tatum "Mom" because she takes us in like her own sons. There are 4 missionaries in the Lasselle Ward and it is really big. My area is 2 Blocks by 10 Blocks and the rest of the ward goes way down. The drive from the top to the bottom takes about 15 minutes or so. The teaching pool is starting to pick up since I got here and we have gone by so many people. Elder Moss was actually one of my roommates in the MTC so that'll be fun. I will be staying in the Lasselle Ward in MoVal. The other companionship is being doubled-in which means that both the Elders in the area are leaving. Elder Catchatoorian is going home and Elder Warren is going Chinese (with the Chinese he learned in high school so you can pray for him in specific) which means I am the Veteran Missionary in the ward...by a good 6 weeks. Yay. Yeah I got the invite for the Court of Honor. I hope it was fun. Is there a stuffed animal representing me like the tiger represented Trevor? Just curious.  I have been getting the letters and yes I am at the same address. I haven't gone to buy a camera yet but we plan on doing it today before our new companions move in since I'll be going back on bike. Easy come Easy go for the cars I guess. For Christmas... some dress pants would be nice. I also enjoyed the presents in the package and that Enos Action Figure thingy was really cool. I kinda want to collect them all so if I can get a collection going throughout the mission that would be fun. My shoe size is 11.

11 November, 2015 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEN!!!

9 November, 2015 - Office Christmas info

9 November 2015

Dear Brother and Sister Jewkes,

It is our great opportunity to serve with your son, Elder Benjamin Coy Jewkes. We are grateful for your willingness to loan him to the Lord and thankful that we may work alongside him. This is a wonderful time to be a missionary. Many people are looking for guidance in their lives. Parents are seeking a safe path for their children. The light of Elder Jewkes shines brightly in a darkening world.

Thank you for supporting Elder Jewkes through email and letters. Thank you for your prayers in his behalf.  Your love and support mean so much to him. We will write about Christmas phone calls in the next letter, but perhaps it is time to give some thoughts on Christmas gifts.

Important:  Mark non-Christmas packages DO NOT HOLD. All other packages will be held at the office between now and Christmas so that we can deliver them at our Christmas conferences.

Please remember that a mission is a time of consecration for missionaries. Gifts that do not take their focus off the work are best:  clothing, side-bags to replace backpacks, restaurant gift cards, pens, personal grooming items, appropriate music or art (that which draws their thoughts to the Savior), family pictures. Please do not send:  books not in the approved missionary library, dart boards, bow and arrow sets, etc. (think apartment damage), knives, games that take more than a half hour to play (they can only use them on preparation day), things that will disturb other apartment dwellers (think noise).

Please mail Christmas packages to arrive at the mission office by December 10.** Mail or ship to the California Riverside Mission Office, 5900 Grand Avenue, Riverside CA 92504. Packages will be held in the office and delivered on either December 22 or 23.

 * This prevents packages from being stolen from beneath apartment mailboxes.

 * It prevents anxious missionaries from succumbing to the temptation to open their gifts and eat their treats ten days before Christmas! :-)

 * It prevents packages from getting lost when missionaries must move.

We understand that missions are expensive and that a family's circumstances can change quickly. Every year people offer to help with gifts for missionaries. It would be our joy to help Elder Jewkes receive Christmas gifts if you are unable to send them. Let Sister Just know by calling 951-788-9690.

With love,

President John Mullen and Sister Jana Mullen



** If you choose to mail your missionary's Christmas gifts to their apartment, please call the office (951-788-9690) and let us know. We will carefully track missionaries who have not received packages by December 10th and purchase gifts for them.

Also, please share this information with other family members who may be sending packages.

9 November, 2015 - Hey Guys!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

This week has been a good week. There were some ups and downs, but it was overall great.

Tuesday I was on exchanges with our District Leader, Elder Olsen. He has been out as long as I have and he is already a district leader. That is so crazy! He is a really good guy and really inspires us to work harder like a leader should. So we did the usual missionary stuff, except it was kinda cold. It started to rain a little, luckily I was inside for dinner when it did. We had a lot of fun together while we got some work done today. It was also National Sandwich Day so we got 2 foot longs for the price of 1!

Wednesday one of our zone leaders was sick so us and the DL companionship took turns babysitting the sick one so the other one can do their appointments and contacting. It was good to do. The sick one took me out while Elder Turner was stuck inside week 2 of the transfer so I was simply returning the favor. The funny thing is that the sick Elder didn't believe he was sick but you can hear it. We still got lessons and stuff in for our area while helping the Zone Leaders get their stuff done.

Thursday was alright. We had our weekly planning and stuff. Nothing extraordinary really happened. Missionary work is extraordinary of coarse, but nothing out of the usual, I guess.

Friday was interesting. We had good stuff planned, but Elder Dunn had to go to Urgent Care because he has a rash thing in his elbow-pits and it flames up on and off so we spent an hour at the doctors, an hour for lunch and an hour waiting to pick up the creme. It was a lot of waiting! Other than that, the day was good. We were able to pick up a new investigator!

Saturday we helped some kids by tutoring at some learning center thing and it was fun. It has been a while since I studied that kind of stuff, but once I got into the swing of things, it was fun. We had to drop an investigator, Kato since he wasn't really putting in the effort to learn. I guess you get one you lose one. Agency, I guess. Jacob, another investigator seems solid though. He is a really cool guy trying to get his life started and his little brother is a member and he wanted to learn more.

Sunday was mixed emotions. Jacob didn't come to church...again...after saying he would for sure.I guess we need to talk with him soon. Church was good. The YM presidency talked about service, Elder Warren taught Sunday School about the spirit world, and we had a blast with the primary. Love the little kids! After Church, I got a ride with a member to go to a baptism in Hemet and I got to catch up with some good friends in my first area. It was a ton of fun! After the baptism, we went to a stake fireside where Peter Vitmar spoke. Vitmar is an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics from the 1984 Olympics. He talked about preparing now so you can stand up to the pressure later.

Today I think we are going to clean up, grocery shopping, laundry, usual P-Day stuff after e-mailing so nothing exciting.

So the lesson of the week for me is that everyone has their agency and you can't make them do anything so you just got to love them. With Kato and Jacob, you just got to be there and be an example so that they can find out for themselves the truth.

It was a good week. I love you all! I'll let you know what happens next week. Till next time.

Elder Jewkes


Answers to my email

It is going good. We had to drop one guy because he isn't showing any interest and not doing anything to progress. We have another one that is getting close to that. We picked up a new guy. Hard to tell where he'll go at this point. I am not sure what the handbook change is. The members are great. They take great care of us. Some give referrals more than others. Training is good. Sister Palmer is really nice! I met her once to see Elder Turner before he went home. It is starting to cool off here. It was raining in certain parts on Tuesday. I didn't really get any though. I think Kyall's got here Friday, I don't think I got Charlee's or Grandma's but I haven't checked the mail today so we'll see. We are still in car. As long as I am with Elder Dunn, we get a car but we really don't really need it because the area is small so we don't have a lot of miles. We'll see what happens next week in the the new transfer.:

2 November, 2015 - Bonus stuff!

Part of the email I sent Ben followed by his answers:

Service. Seems like you have some "fun" opportunities. Tell me, do you see lots of lizards there? Any strange bugs?

Spanish. Maybe you will learn some more whilst you are out. Seems like lots of opportunities!

Primary. Of course Primary Program after party is the best! How was the actual program?

Food. Appears you are eating well. Do you have dinner appointments every night?

Training. What the what? You just barely got out of training! How is it going? I bet you are doing great!

Companion. Elder Dunn. We know some Dunns. Where is he from? Good thing you are easy to get along with considering how many companions you've had. Maybe you will set the mission record!

Rain gear. What did you inherit? Let me know what else you may need.

The "1B4 your birthday". Any birthday requests? It is coming up so fast!!!!!

Facebook page. Yep, been stalking that for a while. I actually saw pictures of you arriving in the airport the same day you got there! Love Elder Puskas and Sister Palmer. They keep us updated. I LOVE seeing your face. It always has the biggest smile! It looks like you are healthy and happy. They post a lot of updates from missionaries around the mission, which is fun to see.

Letters. Kyall was SOOOOO excited to get mail! She loved your letter:] As did all of us.

Apartment. Keeping it clean? Make sure to take pictures! Speaking of....

Pictures. Keep em coming!


Answers:

Service- At least 4 different lizards and just cockroaches. We even watched a lizard eat a cockroach.

Spanish-For sure. The Halloween party with the Spanish ward was a shock when I didn't know what they were saying.

Primary- the actual program was amazing! There is always those few kids that makes everyone laugh.

Food- yep we are set for the next week or two.

Training- it doesn't even feel like training because we are constantly learning from one another. Dunn is really good with people and I am good at adsorbing info.

Companion-I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Plus I 'll have to compete with Elder Warren (hehe)

Rain Gear- I got a basic rain jacket with a hood so I think I'll be good. I could use something to keep my shoes dry.

Birthday- If I could get a better camera that would be great. This one has no flash and since it gets dark earlier, less time for pictures. Money or Camera will be good. Kieth gave me a $20 gift card to Target so maybe I can buy it there. Which ever is easier for you. 

Apartment- we got some work to do but it isn't a total disaster. Part of it is Elder Dunn's stuff all over. 

Did you guys really open California Adventure again? Aren't we lucky. Everyone's costume was great. I just pulled off a "Elder Rambo" look with my tie on my head. Elder Catchatoorian made a convincing and creepy Joker and Elders Mayo and Reeve were good savages. The red-head Sis. Cramer was Merida from Brave. Elders Dunn and Dall had those rubber Giraffe and Deer heads. Everyone enjoyed the cake FYI. I loved the package!

2 November, 2015 - Another week in Mo-Val

Dear family and friends,

How was Halloween? It was pretty good for me in California. This week has been interesting, but I managed to stick to it.

Monday my new companion moved in. His name is Elder Dunn. He is from (probably spelled it wrong) Mckamon, Idaho (By Pocatello). He has been out for 10 weeks and I get the opportunity to finish training him. Yay. I just got done with that and now I am on the other side of it all. It's weird.

Tuesday was our weekly DDM meeting, which is always good. Our new district leader has been out as long as I have been. Our transfer group is doing some amazing things. Elder Young is currently training another missionary so I am not alone. We had dinner with our Ward Mission Leader so that was a good first dinner for Elder Dunn to meet him.

Wednesday we had the opportunity to help a member move out to San Jacinto, by Hemet. It was cool to talk with them about it. Our Ward Mission Leader used to live in Hemet as well. Small world. The only bad thing was that I was moving some 5-gallon water jugs that everyone and their dog has in California and one slipped out of my hand...and that one happened to be made out of glass. I felt so bad! They said I can pay it off with 1 baptism so I got some work to do. We had dinner with the Nunley's and they are a really awesome family. 

Thursday was weekly planning, weekly Book of Mormon study and we picked up a new investigator named Jacob. He seems to be a golden investigator because he really wants to meet with us and to teach him about the "Mormons". He asked us to come back the next day! Crazy! 

Friday was really fun. We saw Jacob again and we brought a member that was about his age. Turns out they were the exact same age! They were in the same Graduating class! How convinent! Also, the member, Cameron, went to the same mission as some of Elder Dunn's friends. It has been a small world this week. After, we had the ward Chili cook-off/trunk-or-treat, It was a lot of fun. Our ward and the Spanish ward was there and there was a good clash of cultures. The YM decided to try to win hottest chili...let's just say that 2 of them threw up as they were tasting it. I didn't dare try it. Elder Dunn and Elder Catchatoorian (Elder Warren's companion) went to their old ward's party because they were previously chosen to be chili judges. 

Saturday was a blast! A home share host named Ken took us out to breakfast. He is a really cool guy and everyone loves him. We managed to get a lesson with a less active before we had to turn in early. Our choices was to stay in from 6 on or have a zone activity at the stake center from 6-9pm. Guess what we did? The activity was so much fun, we played chair soccer, soccer, and basketball. There were some interesting events like Sister Bjork and I crashed into each other during soccer. I forgot that I am big and need more time and distance to stop. We are both fine, thank goodness. I felt so bad!

Sunday was marvelous! It was daylight savings so we got an extra hour of sleep. SCORE! Church was good, as usual. After the church we had a break-the-fast event with the Merrils...and the Tatums and the Nunleys and the Andersons and their friends. It was really cool! We should try that at home and make it a tradition! We ran into a less active in the evening by accident because we were looking for someone else and she happened to be there. I felt we were in the right place at the right time.

Today we are E-mailing a little early and plan to go bowling (2 games for $5, why not), clean up the apartment a bit, and meet a potential investigator. As well as getting haircuts. It is getting so long.

The lesson of the week is that we may get some unplanned and unwanted changes in our lives but we need to be positive about it because the Lord brought these changes to our lives for a reason and a purpose. I don't know why I need to finish Dunn's training or I need to take over the area 3 weeks earlier than expected, but "I will go and do the things the Lord commands" for I know that there is a purpose and a way to accomplish the things the Lord has asked of us. My district leader and I are learning this lesson together as we are faced with major responsibilities and as we faithfully strive to do our best, the Lord will take care of the rest.

Love you all and I can't wait to hear from ya next week.

Elder Jewkes