Merry Christmas!

So, as a mother, one of the things that I thought might be hard sending a missionary out
would be missing holidays with them, and wondering if they would be
 okay missing those holidays with us.

I don't know how Jaden will feel today as he misses
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions,

but reading his letter this week, I'm glad to know he is
experiencing what Christmas is all about.

I usually don't share his letters, but I thought it was appropriate
 to share part of his letter from this week.

	Dec 22 (2 days ago)
This week was once again pretty swell. We have two more Elders serving in my area now!.. Its great to have them here. (Just because they were new this week I got out of speaking in Sacrament meeting this week!) As for missionary work, its kind of been the same old same old. We had a great lesson with (name has been removed to protect the innocent!) this week though. We had him read a part of Alma 12, about the Fall of Adam. He understood it so perfectly, and even said "This is just my thought, but I don't think Adam was being punished by being kicked out of Eden. I think it was a blessing." Elder Suman and I knew exactly where to turn, and had him read 2 Nephi 2:22-25. (He) just laughed and said "Its my thought!" We will continue teaching him, even though right now he still isn't sure God exists. He did get us some earmuffs as a Christmas gift, which just made me so happy for his kind act. This week seemed to be full of them. One day (my companion) and I were walking to the Church, and had about 10 minutes before we would get there. A man who comes to our free English class passed by and pulled over and offered us a ride. Once again, I was just happy and felt so much love. Another night, while we were tracting an apartment building, and kind woman opened her door, saw us, and said "Just a moment." She disappeared from view, and when she came back she had a bag of dok, or rice bread. (Its really chewy and normally you have it in soup or a saucy dish). She then talked to us for about forty minutes and just told us how grateful she was to us because every person needs to hear about God. In Korea, giving gifts is huge. We asked her if in return for giving us the dok we could give her a Book of Mormon, and I think we almost brought her to tears. Once again, I felt so much love. Last night, us, the new Elders, and the Sisters, went to a train station and carroled. The Sisters made a big sign that said "Merry Christmas" and we just sang and sang for an hour or so. Some people just stopped to listen, others just smiled as they passed by. One kind lady passed by, and a few minutes later came back with loaves of bread and cookies for us. I loved the spirit of love I felt as I sang hymns in a foriegn language to people I don't know. So this week was quite good. I hope you all can have an excellent week in finding ways to show love for others. Have a Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Roskelley
 

 I feel so grateful that others are taking care of and watching out for

Jaden as he serves the Lord.  The acts of kindness were simple,

but they obviously made a huge impact on Jaden this week.

Last week, Jaden sent a couple of pictures out showing how he was

getting into the Christmas spirit by decorating his apartment 

and building a snowman.

I think the snowman looks like a Sumo Wrestler!

  Jaden said in a letter to his brother that he might have an opportunity to play Santa at

their ward party.  Last night when I got home from a family party,

I checked my e-mail and found that the ward mission leader had

sent an e-mail with some pictures of Jaden playing Santa!

He said he was the best Caucasian he knew who could fill the role!

 (The sister and little girl are the ward mission leader's family.)

 

 

I'm sure Jaden enjoyed it!

 Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

It looks like it's been a good one for Elder Roskelley!
P.S.--I can't wait to talk to him tomorrow night!!!!

Nice Surprise!

So, I woke up to a nice surprise this morning!

A young man from Korea had e-mailed me these pictures of

Jaden and his companion shoveling snow!

And, of course, Jaden is doing it WITHOUT his coat!

Some things never change.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share.

It was fun to hear from someone who Jaden is probably serving in some way.

First Baptism

 Yesterday, I had the opportunity to give a report on Jaden's mission in Sacrament meeting.

One of the speakers had a family emergency, so they filled in with the parents of those serving from our ward.  I reported that I thought Jaden was a little discouraged because a couple of baptisms that had been scheduled fell through.
What I didn't know was that just the day before

(Sunday in Korea, Saturday in the USA) Jaden had the opportunity to baptize

a 72 year old gentleman that the sister missionaries have been teaching.

Jaden's companion is the District Leader, so when he was interviewing this brother,

the man told Jaden's companion that he wanted the "big, tall one" to baptize him!

Jaden was shocked because he can barely talk to him, but of course, he was willing

and was grateful for the experience.  Jaden said this man is a very kind person.

The group picture is a bit blurry, but it's all of the ward minus a family of seven 

that was out of town that day. I think they're going to be a great support to this new member.

 The last picture is the city Jaden is serving in.

 He said the city is probably about five times bigger than what is shown here.

Other than the baptism, Jaden and his companion are teaching two brothers right now.

They taught a lesson to the younger brother on Monday night, and when

they got home, the mother called to see if they could come back the next night.

Of course they said yes, and when they went back on Tuesday night, 

the older brother also was taught.  Jaden seems to think it's promising.

His letter sounded very positive and upbeat this week.

I think being able to see the change in the lives of those he's serving 

is making a change in his own life.

Makes me happy!

It's a Small World After All

A couple of weeks ago, the Korea Seoul and the Korea Seoul South missions

got to meet together for a Mission Conference.

Jaden said they met in the largest meetinghouse in Seoul,

and the chapel and overflow were filled with Korean speaking missionaries!

Elder Evans of the Seventy spoke to them.

One of the highlights for Jaden was seeing his friend, Elder Miller,

from Syracuse.  Elder Evans asked several questions,

and Elder Miller raised his hand to answer one of those questions.

When he stood, Elder Evans asked him where he was from.

When Elder Miller said Syracuse, Elder Evans mentioned that he had been

there a few weeks earlier setting apart a new Stake Presidency.

Can you guess who Elder Evans set apart as a new Stake President in Syracuse?

It was Jaden's Uncle Curtis!  Yep, it's a small world!

Jaden didn't get a chance to talk to Elder Evans, but I think it was an

exciting moment for him.  Those little connections to home make a difference, I think!

Jaden has sent a several pictures over the last couple of weeks.

I'll post a few of them for you.

Okay, I thought I was bad with the clippers!

I guess another Elder thought Jaden's hair was too long, so he pulled out a razor

and gave Jaden a haircut!  Hope it grows fast!

Some of the Elders from Jaden's Zone went to a meat buffet on their p-day.

$10 for all you can eat, and they cooked the meat at their table.

He said he wasn't hungry for the rest of the day!

It used to drive me crazy when Jaden would sleep on the floor rather than in his bed.

He did it often, but now I'm thinking he was just getting prepared for 

his mission to Korea!  Below is a picture of the "Yo" mat he sleeps on.

He says they're alright.  He at least doesn't have to worry about falling out of bed!

This is a picture with his new companion who is from St. George, 

and is also the District Leader.  (Jaden's last companion was also the District leader.)

Jaden really likes him.  They've probably been companions for about three weeks now and this

past Tuesday got to go again to the Temple.  Jaden really enjoys their Temple Tuesdays!

He said the Seoul Temple is small.  The temple and grounds could all

fit in the parking lot of the Bountiful Temple in Jaden's estimation.

He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving in his letter home yesterday.

He said he'll miss my coconut cream pie, but he gets to go

to the home of an American Family for Thanksgiving,

so he's sure he'll get a slice of pumpkin pie!

I add my wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving as well!

I am so grateful for each of you and your continued love and support!

First Baptismal Commitments

It's been an exciting week for Elder Roskelley!

He and his companion were able to commit two investigators to baptism.

He said it was really cool to hear them accept the challenge!

Such good news!

On Wednesday night, they had a Halloween party with their English class.

They played Hangman and carved pumpkins.

Then on Thursday, he attended a training meeting for all of the "greenies."

He heard from his mission president and his wife, along with the AP's.

Sister Christensen (his mission mom) made them Taco Soup for lunch.

We always have soup on Halloween, so Jaden almost felt like he was home for Halloween!

Unfortunately, he forgot his camera the night of the party, so no pics.

Last week, Jaden had the opportunity to go to the temple. 

This is something he'll be able to do each time there are transfers, 

so about every six weeks.  I'm so grateful he has that opportunity!

Here is a picture of he and his companion when they went:

He also got this shot while he was there:

 Afterward, his zone went to Kripsy Kreme for a doughnut!

Jaden said not to worry.  He only had one!

Who knew that there was Krispy Kreme in Korea?!

Maybe I can go there after all!

Then Jaden and his companion went shopping at a mall...Jaden for winter gear,

and his companion for ties.  Well, Jaden ended up buying a tie and no winter gear!

The tie was only $3.00, so I guess it's okay.

He got a picture of the tie, but he wasn't in it! 

I keep reminding him that I want pictures of him and others!

I guess he was just excited to see a Krispy Kreme sign in Korea,

and excited that he was actually able to find a tie for $3.00!

 

 

 

 It's been a great couple of weeks for Jaden.  I think he's going to be just fine!

Getting Used to Korea

It has been three weeks since Jaden arrived in Korea.

He admitted he has been a little homesick, but when he's busy with

missionary work, that feeling goes away.

He's in an area called Cheunchon, and his companion is the District Leader.

They've had an opportunity to teach English classes on Saturday,

and then have been teaching a 15 year old boy who is a progressing investigator.

Jaden was excited about the fact that he could understand him when he spoke to him.

Jaden hasn't said a lot about the language, but I think it's coming along.

Anyway, after talking to the young man about Moroni's promise for a bit,

Jaden and his companion asked this young man if he'd prayed 

about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. 

 He said he had and that he felt it was true!  Exciting!

Below is a picture of the area he is serving in.

This week he moved apartments, and I think he's happy about it!

His first apartment was rather small. In fact, Jaden used the term tiny.

He said he could lay on the kitchen floor and touch all four sides.

Here is a picture of that kitchen:

 

 Compare that to the size of his new study:

 

Yeah, I'd say he's probably happy about the change!

He also thought the door to his new apartment was pretty cool!

 I think so, too!

Now, if we can just get Jaden to take some pictures of himself and others!

Last Week in MTC, First Week In Korea

 Well, Jaden's time at the MTC came to an end last Monday morning.

He's grateful for the experiences he had while there,

and learned a lot about the gospel and Korea.

He grabbed a few shots last Sunday night.

The missionaries were able to walk around the Provo Temple grounds each Sunday,

so he took the picture above last week.

They had a fireside last Sunday evening, and he saw his friend, 

Elder Hansen, one last time before leaving.

It's been such a comfort to know that he had such a good friend at 

the MTC for almost the entire time he was there.

Elder Hansen flies out this morning for Japan.

They also took a picture with another friend from school,

but I don't know him.

And of course, he needed to get a shot with his MTC district!

 

He sent this picture to inform me that Korean isn't the only thing he learned in the MTC.....

Let's just hope he doesn't decide to use this skill too much while on his mission!

He woke up at 2:00a.m. last Monday morning to get ready for his flight.

He told us he would call at 6:00a.m. from the airport!

It was like Christmas morning at the Roskelley house!

The call finally came around 6:35a.m.

Talk about a long 35 minutes!

He had about 12 minutes before he needed to board the plane,

so we each took a minute or so with him.

It was good to hear his voice!

This was his first commercial flight, and he was excited to get the seat he wanted!
He flew out with about 40 other missionaries.
30 were going to the Seoul Mission, and the others to the Seoul South Mission.

Here's the shot he got leaving Salt Lake!

Around 11:45a.m., I received another call!

Jaden had some minutes left on his calling card, and a three hour layover in Detroit,

so we talked again for about 30 minutes or so.

It was fun to have him all to myself for a little while!

And then the waiting began....

I was hoping to hear from the mission president by the time I woke up on Tuesday morning,

but no e-mail.  I checked all day long.

I hadn't heard of any plane crashes, so I assumed he'd arrived safely,

but I was sure anxious to hear!

Then on Wednesday, we finally received an e-mail from the Korea Seoul Mission.

He looks so happy standing next to his mission president and mission mom!

He spent the first two nights at a dorm on the grounds of the Seoul Temple,

and then was assigned to an area two hours east of Seoul.

He and his companion (who happens to be the district leader),

and another set of sisters are the only missionaries in the area.

They have one investigator, but mostly have been doing a lot of street contacting.

He's hoping to get more investigators this week.

 Below is a picture he took of Seoul.  He would have arrived around 6:30p.m. Korean time,

so I assume that's when he took it.

His first meal was ramen noodles and some "fruity pebble like" milk.

He said it was delicious!

He said the food so far hasn't been too different except for the kimchee, 

and he hasn't had enough of that to get sick,

but he has the Pepto nearby just in case!

He seems to be doing well.  The first few days were a little bit hard,

but he's starting to adjust.  Hopefully, he'll get busy and go to work,

and time will fly for him!

I'm just glad he made it through the long flight,

and arrived safe and sound in the Korea Seoul Mission!

Last P-Day in MTC

It's been a few weeks since we've posted anything.

Today is Jaden's last P-Day in the MTC!

I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since we've dropped him off.

He flies out Monday morning for Korea.
In his e-mail today he said he's learned a lot in the MTC,
but now he's just excited to get to Korea!

The top picture is one that Jaden tried to take of the Provo Temple.

He didn't mean for it to turn out the way it did, but thought it was cool.

He grabbed a picture of another district that headed out a couple of weeks before him.

He'll probably see many of them again in the mission field.

This is the name tag that he'll be wearing once he gets to Korea.

Looks much different than I thought!

Can anyone read Korean?

We were so excited when Jaden got to be in the MTC

at the same time his cousin was there.

She's the one standing next to him.

They saw each other several times in the 3 weeks she was there.

He looks like he's gained some weight!

We're anxious for a phone call from the airport on Monday morning.

It will be wonderful to hear his voice!

  We're also looking forward to hearing about the
 experiences he'll have on his mission.

Korea is getting a great person in just a few days!

Halfway Time at the MTC!

On Sunday, August 18th, Jaden was called to serve as a District Leader,

a position that he will hold for three weeks, which means he should be released

this coming Sunday.  I think it's been a little discouraging at times.

His letters are usually positive, but in his last letter he indicated

how frustrating it was when some of the Elders didn't want to listen to him,

and were having a hard time staying focused.

Welcome to leadership!

Overall, I think he's doing well.  He has had the opportunity to see one of his

closest friends from high school quite a bit, and his cousin, Sara.

Here is a picture with Jaden and his friend, Jarom.

He also sent a few miscellaneous pictures this week.

I thought this was kind of funny.

The caption said:

"I'm preparing to enter the homes of the Koreans.  Maybe someday they'll make a door

tall enough for me."  I think Jaden might have to shrink a little!

Thanks so much for all of your love, support, and prayers!

Keep them coming!

Hair!

Whoa!  Jaden looks like a Marine with his first MTC haircut!

I don't think it's ever been this short!

I'm guessing he's thinking this will last him until he's ready to go to Korea!

He mentioned in his letter that he's been playing a lot of 4-square.

I loved 4-square as a child.  It was one of my favorite recess activities!

The language is coming slowly but surely.

He was sick for a few days his first week,

but his companion let him sleep on p-day which helped a lot.

Elder Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke to the missionaries last week,

and Jaden said it was a very edifying address on prayer and revelation.

He's enjoying getting to know others in his District and Zone.

Some have been there longer than Jaden, and he says

they are helping the new missionaries with Korean grammar.

So happy he's enjoying his time in the MTC!

   New Haircut!

 He's just liking his new haircut at the MTC!

The First Week

This is the first time seeing Jaden with his missionary tag!  It's kind of weird!

His e-mail this week consisted of several pictures and a few comments about them.

I didn't share them all, but thought these might be interesting.

Jaden is getting along great with his companion.

They are both planning on going into aerospace engineering at Utah State,

and have very similar interests according to Jaden.

Jaden has run into a couple of people he knows from school,

including his Madrigal partner and good friend, Rachel Call.

She left the MTC this past Monday to serve in Japan.

Jaden is gradually getting the language.  He said Sacrament meeting was all

done in Korean, so he really didn't understand it, but it was good.

Here are his Korean Scriptures.

He apologized to me and Aubree because he got to hear Jenny Oaks Baker

and some of her children perform this week.

Yes, we are HUGE fans! (me especially!)

Just one of the perks of being a missionary, I guess.

Jaden is doing great!  He's happy and he's excited about the things he is learning in the MTC!