Dear Elder Morain Fan Club,
How has everybody been? I hope your all good. I've had a fantastic couple days since I last emailed. First of all my new companion is Elder Larsen! He is from Preston Idaho...Home of the masterpiece...Napoleon Dynamite! He has been out as long as my trainer. I am excited to serve with him here in Iowa City this transfer!
On Saturday we had the opportunity of going to a service project at the Mormon Handcart Park here in Iowa City. This church history site is where the Handcart trek all began! 3 years ago President Hinckley came to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Pioneers leaving Iowa City. So we pulled these weeds called garlic mustard weeds cuz apparently they make it so no other plants can grow around them. So it was cool to see the park and everything. It really is special to have these church history sites in my mission. I know members all over the world travel to see places like Nauvoo and its such a blessing to be so close to them.
On Sunday I got to be in the Easter program. You may think, why are they celebrating easter 2 weeks later haha? It is because we had Stake Conference(that broadcast i told you about) and last sunday was the Homecoming talks for 3 missionaries who came home to the ward. It was actually a sister missionary and her parents who served a 18 month mission the same exact time as their daughter. But anyways it was cool to be in the ward choir because it was really well done. And it brought back those sweet memories of back in the day when I was in Zions Choir.
Well I hope everyone has a splendid week and the next time I email ya it will be May!
Until then,
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I'm stayin in Iowa City for 6 more weeks!
Dear Elder Morain Fan Club,
I am so happy today. This morning a miracle happened. The reason why is since I white washed(all missionaries come in at the same time) into Iowa City in a 3-some, the chances of me staying next transfer were slim. But Elder Monsen was ET'ed last week and this morning I got a call from the APs telling me that I will be staying in Iowa City next transfer! Elder Merkley my companion is getting transferred though so I am the lucky one of the 3 some who gets to stay in Iowa City! I love this area so much, and I have grown to love people and I am excited to continue to work with them these next 6 weeks.
Well, since I last emailed you a week and a half ago lots has happened. On Tuesday Elder Merkley went to Nauvoo since hes going home next transfer. Elder Monsen got ET'ed on tuesday so I spent the day with Elder Rice! Elder Rice goes home this friday! I am going to miss him, he was in Sioux City when I was being trained and now hes goin home. Crazy how time flies eh? Saturday we had our ward talent show! I got to be in it, I sang with the ward choir to this south african hymn haha it was fun.
Sunday I hit my 13 month mark in the mission! I had a great time at church and getting to see the members for the 1st time in 3 weeks since we had General Conference and Stake Conference in a row.
Monday night we were tracting right by our apartment. The last door we knocked on this woman came out and started talkin to us. Then her daughter, who was in crutches struggled to come out to talk to us as well. The daughter had been in a serious car accident. The car rolled over many time and her foot was "de-gloved" meaning all the skin ripped off her foot. The doctors told her she would loose her foot entirely but she went through many surgeries to put the skin back on and they put her toes back on. She doesn't know if she gets to keep all the toes yet. The amazing thing about this to me is, both of them were optimistic about it. Shes grateful that she wasn't hurt any more than she did. Also they wanted us to come back and they were interested in hearing about our church. I'm excited to go back and teach them, their optimism in spite of a painful accident is inspiring to me.
I am so grateful to be a missionary and to meet so many amazing people. I look forward to this new transfer and serving in Iowa City. I find out who my new companion is tomorrow when I meet him. I'll let ya know how he is and everything next monday when I email ya.
Until then,
Keep it Real
LO
VE Elder Morain
I am so happy today. This morning a miracle happened. The reason why is since I white washed(all missionaries come in at the same time) into Iowa City in a 3-some, the chances of me staying next transfer were slim. But Elder Monsen was ET'ed last week and this morning I got a call from the APs telling me that I will be staying in Iowa City next transfer! Elder Merkley my companion is getting transferred though so I am the lucky one of the 3 some who gets to stay in Iowa City! I love this area so much, and I have grown to love people and I am excited to continue to work with them these next 6 weeks.
Well, since I last emailed you a week and a half ago lots has happened. On Tuesday Elder Merkley went to Nauvoo since hes going home next transfer. Elder Monsen got ET'ed on tuesday so I spent the day with Elder Rice! Elder Rice goes home this friday! I am going to miss him, he was in Sioux City when I was being trained and now hes goin home. Crazy how time flies eh? Saturday we had our ward talent show! I got to be in it, I sang with the ward choir to this south african hymn haha it was fun.
Sunday I hit my 13 month mark in the mission! I had a great time at church and getting to see the members for the 1st time in 3 weeks since we had General Conference and Stake Conference in a row.
Monday night we were tracting right by our apartment. The last door we knocked on this woman came out and started talkin to us. Then her daughter, who was in crutches struggled to come out to talk to us as well. The daughter had been in a serious car accident. The car rolled over many time and her foot was "de-gloved" meaning all the skin ripped off her foot. The doctors told her she would loose her foot entirely but she went through many surgeries to put the skin back on and they put her toes back on. She doesn't know if she gets to keep all the toes yet. The amazing thing about this to me is, both of them were optimistic about it. Shes grateful that she wasn't hurt any more than she did. Also they wanted us to come back and they were interested in hearing about our church. I'm excited to go back and teach them, their optimism in spite of a painful accident is inspiring to me.
I am so grateful to be a missionary and to meet so many amazing people. I look forward to this new transfer and serving in Iowa City. I find out who my new companion is tomorrow when I meet him. I'll let ya know how he is and everything next monday when I email ya.
Until then,
Keep it Real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Emergency Transfer!
Dear Elder Morain Fan Club,
Hows everybody been? I hope everyone had a happy Easter cuz I sure did! We had our Stake Conference and it was not your ordinary stake conference. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake City being shown to 61 stakes in 8 states of the Midwest! We had Elder Steven E. Snow from the Presidency of the 70 speak first. Then Sister Margaret Lifferth 1st counselor in the Primary General Presidency spoke next. Her talk hit home to me because she talked about how she used to live in Ames Iowa and mentioned a lady(Sister Sharp) that I knew pretty well while I served in her ward in Ames! "Its a Small World After All" as the disney song says. Then Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke! This also was personal for me because he spoke in my Stake Conference 1 year ago when I was in Sioux City! He mentioned he visited Iowa and he said some of the exact same things he said 1 year ago when I was with him in Sioux City. Then to our surprise
President Thomas s. Monson spoke! It was an amazing talk full of inspirational stories as he always has. So Stake Conference was a great experience and made my Easter very special to hear from Jesus Christ's mouthpieces on the day we celebrate his Resurrection.
Last night we got a phone call from our Mission President. He told my companion Elder Monsen that he is being Emergency transfered Tomorrow morning. He didn't tell us why it was happening or where he is being transfered to. But for the rest of this transfer (week and a half) I will be with Elder Merkley and it will just be the 2 of us instead of the 3 some. And then next Wednesday morning we will find out if I am staying next transfer or if I am leaving. Next time I email you I'll let ya know.
Yesterday we had our investigator Keith come to Stake Conference! We invited him saturday night and he really came so I am glad he is progressing. We have also got a ride to a less active member to stake conference and general conference the week before. Its the first hes came to church in a long time and its great to see him have the desire to come back.
I love being a missionary and helping others change their lives and see the happiness it brings them. I hope to hear from you and hear how your life has been goin for ya.
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Hows everybody been? I hope everyone had a happy Easter cuz I sure did! We had our Stake Conference and it was not your ordinary stake conference. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake City being shown to 61 stakes in 8 states of the Midwest! We had Elder Steven E. Snow from the Presidency of the 70 speak first. Then Sister Margaret Lifferth 1st counselor in the Primary General Presidency spoke next. Her talk hit home to me because she talked about how she used to live in Ames Iowa and mentioned a lady(Sister Sharp) that I knew pretty well while I served in her ward in Ames! "Its a Small World After All" as the disney song says. Then Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke! This also was personal for me because he spoke in my Stake Conference 1 year ago when I was in Sioux City! He mentioned he visited Iowa and he said some of the exact same things he said 1 year ago when I was with him in Sioux City. Then to our surprise
President Thomas s. Monson spoke! It was an amazing talk full of inspirational stories as he always has. So Stake Conference was a great experience and made my Easter very special to hear from Jesus Christ's mouthpieces on the day we celebrate his Resurrection.
Last night we got a phone call from our Mission President. He told my companion Elder Monsen that he is being Emergency transfered Tomorrow morning. He didn't tell us why it was happening or where he is being transfered to. But for the rest of this transfer (week and a half) I will be with Elder Merkley and it will just be the 2 of us instead of the 3 some. And then next Wednesday morning we will find out if I am staying next transfer or if I am leaving. Next time I email you I'll let ya know.
Yesterday we had our investigator Keith come to Stake Conference! We invited him saturday night and he really came so I am glad he is progressing. We have also got a ride to a less active member to stake conference and general conference the week before. Its the first hes came to church in a long time and its great to see him have the desire to come back.
I love being a missionary and helping others change their lives and see the happiness it brings them. I hope to hear from you and hear how your life has been goin for ya.
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Monday, April 6, 2009
 |
| From Jeff's Mission |
IOWA CITY ZONE
March 26, 2009
Back Row: Elder Roberts – Elder Rushton – Elder Merkley
Elder Trotter – Elder B. Jackson – Elder Lynn
Elder Blanchard – Elder Rice – Elder Monsen – Elder Jergensen
Elder Larsen – Elder Jordan – Elder Morain
Middle Row: Elder Budge – Elder Raso – Elder O’Driscoll
Elder Porter – President & Sister Talbot – Brother Gelder
Elder Erickson – Elder Alexander – Elder Folkman
Front Row: Elder Ware – Elder Finnerty – Elder Palomeque
 |
| From Jeff's Mission |
Happy Birthday Jesus
Dear Elder Morain Fan Club,
Hows everybody been? I have never been more spiritually fed thats fo sho. I really enjoyed watching General Conference this weekend. Saturday we went to the church and just had a feel good frenzy haha. I got to see the World Report which was pretty exciting to hear whats going down with the church worldwide. I have some bad news to report about Iowa though. I just found out that the state of Iowa has legalized Same Sex Marriage. I really hope we can do a prop 8 kind of thing here in Iowa.
My favorite session of Conference had to be Sunday Morning session. Pretty much from Elder Hollands amazing talk on Jesus Christ on was brilliant. I loved President Monsons talk so much. Those stories he told were powerful and I can't wait to get my hands on that talk so I can read them again. The spirit was so strong during General Conference and I will never forget the feelings I felt and inspiration I received.
Today is the true Birthday of Jesus Christ. Today marks the 179th year since our church has been organized. It is a historical day no doubt. This Sunday will be my 2nd and last Easter on the mission! Our stake and many throughout the midwest our having stake conference this sunday. It is a broadcast from Salt Lake so I'm excited for what that will bring. I wish you all a Happy Easter this sunday! Time has gone by so fast. I liked President Uchtodorfs talk in Priesthood session on focusing on what is most important in life. I love you all and I thank you for the support you show me in my call as a missionary. Its a great time on the earth to be a missionary. I will give it my all this last year of my mission.
Until next week,
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Hows everybody been? I have never been more spiritually fed thats fo sho. I really enjoyed watching General Conference this weekend. Saturday we went to the church and just had a feel good frenzy haha. I got to see the World Report which was pretty exciting to hear whats going down with the church worldwide. I have some bad news to report about Iowa though. I just found out that the state of Iowa has legalized Same Sex Marriage. I really hope we can do a prop 8 kind of thing here in Iowa.
My favorite session of Conference had to be Sunday Morning session. Pretty much from Elder Hollands amazing talk on Jesus Christ on was brilliant. I loved President Monsons talk so much. Those stories he told were powerful and I can't wait to get my hands on that talk so I can read them again. The spirit was so strong during General Conference and I will never forget the feelings I felt and inspiration I received.
Today is the true Birthday of Jesus Christ. Today marks the 179th year since our church has been organized. It is a historical day no doubt. This Sunday will be my 2nd and last Easter on the mission! Our stake and many throughout the midwest our having stake conference this sunday. It is a broadcast from Salt Lake so I'm excited for what that will bring. I wish you all a Happy Easter this sunday! Time has gone by so fast. I liked President Uchtodorfs talk in Priesthood session on focusing on what is most important in life. I love you all and I thank you for the support you show me in my call as a missionary. Its a great time on the earth to be a missionary. I will give it my all this last year of my mission.
Until next week,
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Monday, March 30, 2009
Happy early April Fool's Day
Dear Elder Morain Fan Club,
How's everybody been? I've had quite the week. On tuesday we did service at the Veteran Hospital and it was a blast! The hospital is the biggest building in Iowa City and Iowa City is known for the best hospitals in the mission. We escort patients all around the hospital and they even hook us up with a free lunch there! We were asked to visit a member who was in the hospital from davenport. She asked for a blessing and that was a great spiritual experience.
On Wednesday I had my interview with my Mission President and it went well. He doesn't know what's going to happen to our 3-some for next transfer yet but I just hope that I get to stay in Iowa City. I really love this area and I feel I was meant to come here. I learned that originally I was supposed to go to Ottumwa Iowa this transfer with Elder Merkley who is my companion. But since the missionary in Iowa City broke his leg, they sent him home and transfered his companion. So the 3 of us were "white-washed" into Iowa City. I'm not saying I'm glad the missionary broke his leg or anything but I am so grateful to be here in Iowa City.
On Thursday we had our Zone Conference and it was a blast. My trainer, Elder Folkman is the new AP now so I got to see him for the 1st time since he trained me, which was almost a year a go!
On friday night we had a great lesson with a 13 year old kid, his mom is less active and he wants to get baptized! They all came to church yesterday and I'm so excited for them.
Well, I hope everyone enjoys General Conference this weekend! I am more excited for it than you can even imagine haha.
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
How's everybody been? I've had quite the week. On tuesday we did service at the Veteran Hospital and it was a blast! The hospital is the biggest building in Iowa City and Iowa City is known for the best hospitals in the mission. We escort patients all around the hospital and they even hook us up with a free lunch there! We were asked to visit a member who was in the hospital from davenport. She asked for a blessing and that was a great spiritual experience.
On Wednesday I had my interview with my Mission President and it went well. He doesn't know what's going to happen to our 3-some for next transfer yet but I just hope that I get to stay in Iowa City. I really love this area and I feel I was meant to come here. I learned that originally I was supposed to go to Ottumwa Iowa this transfer with Elder Merkley who is my companion. But since the missionary in Iowa City broke his leg, they sent him home and transfered his companion. So the 3 of us were "white-washed" into Iowa City. I'm not saying I'm glad the missionary broke his leg or anything but I am so grateful to be here in Iowa City.
On Thursday we had our Zone Conference and it was a blast. My trainer, Elder Folkman is the new AP now so I got to see him for the 1st time since he trained me, which was almost a year a go!
On friday night we had a great lesson with a 13 year old kid, his mom is less active and he wants to get baptized! They all came to church yesterday and I'm so excited for them.
Well, I hope everyone enjoys General Conference this weekend! I am more excited for it than you can even imagine haha.
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
Monday, March 23, 2009
I've hit my 1 year mark!
Dear Elder Morain Fan Club,
How has everybody been? I've been livin the dream here in Iowa City! I hope everyone had a fun St. Patricks Day because I sure did. We got to do service at this retirement home and we helped old people on a St. Patricks Day scavenger hunt. It really got me into the holiday spirit of St. Patricks day haha.
Well on Thursday March 19th I hit my 1 year mark of reporting to the MTC! It happened to be on the day we have district meeting, so the 11 elders in my district got together and celebrated after the meeting. I burned one of my shirts because its tradition to do that on our 1 year mark. We then went out to eat at Olive Garden and we all got the soup salad and bread sticks dealio. It was a fun time. I can't believe that I now have less than a year to go on my mission. Time has never gone by so fast in my life. It really hits me and makes me want to enjoy every second I have left this last year.
On saturday we got to attend a baptism our ward had. The spirit was so strong at the baptism and it just hits me how it truly is a miracle to see a baptism open the doors to the celestial kingdom. I love being a missionary and am able to devote all my time and efforts to helping Heavenly Father's children receive the greatest of all gifts.
Until next week,
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
How has everybody been? I've been livin the dream here in Iowa City! I hope everyone had a fun St. Patricks Day because I sure did. We got to do service at this retirement home and we helped old people on a St. Patricks Day scavenger hunt. It really got me into the holiday spirit of St. Patricks day haha.
Well on Thursday March 19th I hit my 1 year mark of reporting to the MTC! It happened to be on the day we have district meeting, so the 11 elders in my district got together and celebrated after the meeting. I burned one of my shirts because its tradition to do that on our 1 year mark. We then went out to eat at Olive Garden and we all got the soup salad and bread sticks dealio. It was a fun time. I can't believe that I now have less than a year to go on my mission. Time has never gone by so fast in my life. It really hits me and makes me want to enjoy every second I have left this last year.
On saturday we got to attend a baptism our ward had. The spirit was so strong at the baptism and it just hits me how it truly is a miracle to see a baptism open the doors to the celestial kingdom. I love being a missionary and am able to devote all my time and efforts to helping Heavenly Father's children receive the greatest of all gifts.
Until next week,
Keep it real
LO
VE Elder Morain
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