Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Nov. 10th 2008
Wow, that is so weird. You wrote Hi McKay, and I didn’t know who you were talking to for a minute. How are all ya doin in Utah? Chile is super bueno, the temperature keeps rising and rising. I love it, it stays nice and cool by my house because I am by the ocean, speaking of the waves have been huge. Chile has a surfing competition every year, they are some of the best waves I guess. Oh and the cruise lines have been coming in like crazy, I saw a Carnival Cruise line and it made me miss my cruise. It was some serious fun, I have got to do it again. I don’t have any families right now, but I do have 3 persons with baptismal dates. Their names are, Jonathan Avalos(22 Nov), Narcisa Avilez(13 Dic) and Jackaline Mir(13 Dic). They are so amazing, Narcisa has so much faith, her whole family is Catholic and always have been Catholic and so she is putting of all her ways that she has ever known after hearing two lessons with us, she is also from Ecuador. Jackaline Mir is also super catholic and always has been, she loves attending churches and studying. The best is Jonathan Avalos, he is a soldier in Chile and a huge guy with huge muscles. But it’s amazing, the spirit can even reach the hearts of the big bad soldiers and make them cry. He was living with a women that is LDS and w= e told him he needs to get married. They just made the decision to split = off, but he still wants to be baptized and to be taught. We taught them about temples and they are wanting to go through next September and be married. It is so amazing what these people will do for the gospel, after all it is everlasting life and happiness with your families :)
This week was kinda crazy, I have had better weeks I’m not going to lie. I have been deathly ill, for reallo. Last monday is when it started at night. I started to get a high fever and vomiting and other stuff to the max :) that I don’t want to talk about. All I can say is this is by far the best weight loss diet I have ever been on, even better than Jenny Craig, how bout that. Tuesday my fever was extremely high, 103 reaching 104 and so my companion was freaking out and Sister Urra was on the phone with him and told him to get me to the Hospital. So I went and they hooked me on tubes and IV’s and gave me shots and all kinds of stuff. They said it was because some food, but they don’t know what. So this whole week I was on and off being sick, like today I am sick again with a little fever. But I think I am getting better so you don’t need to worry about me, the Lord will watch over his servants in the vineyard. Oh you should definitely read Jacob 5:20, it is amazing, it is the reason I am out on a mission. That story about Daniel Stephens is way cool, it’s so true, the Priesthood is amazing. Elder Cortez gave me a blessing and later on in the week he got a cold and so I gave him a blessing. If we have faith, the power of the Priesthood and Prayer can do anything, Enos 1:20 Oh and about the shavers, you don’t need to send them, the mission just brought in a new rule of no shaving, it will make us look more manly and then the people will listen to us because we look older....... Ok it was a joke, but whatever shavers will work just fine, I have been using something like Mach 3 or 5 turbo. Whatever your heart desires. Also if you could send a few more ties of whatever color (Tiffany is good at choosing ties), it is the only thing that changes }your outfit every day. Also, my church c.d.s I should have listened to you but I am needing some music, Cambios are soon and Elder Cortez will probably be transfered with his c.d.s. I think they are in my drawer, just pick out the ones that aren’t church if you could. Thank you so much, I appreciate all your help mother.
Oh and tell Josh if the Jazz keep doing good, he might need to record some games, especially the championship. I have been missing them. The Shed looks great, nice job Dad. Oh and all I hear in Chile is Obama won Obama won and how do you feel about that? They follow everything with the U.S. they are pretty much the 51st state. Tell Tiff good luck with her blessing and tell her to read it often. It is amazing, I read it a lot, and everything that could have happened has happened in my blessing. The Lord knows all.
Well family, I love you so much. Please pray for me and my health. Don’t worry to much mother, everything will be just fine. Have a great week and keep praying and reading scriptures together as a family, it is the best way to be unified, it was also my favorite memories, like the peanutbutter and Jam 15 years ago. Wow, good times. Anywho, check ya later and peace out my homies. Con Questo.
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson The First
This week was kinda crazy, I have had better weeks I’m not going to lie. I have been deathly ill, for reallo. Last monday is when it started at night. I started to get a high fever and vomiting and other stuff to the max :) that I don’t want to talk about. All I can say is this is by far the best weight loss diet I have ever been on, even better than Jenny Craig, how bout that. Tuesday my fever was extremely high, 103 reaching 104 and so my companion was freaking out and Sister Urra was on the phone with him and told him to get me to the Hospital. So I went and they hooked me on tubes and IV’s and gave me shots and all kinds of stuff. They said it was because some food, but they don’t know what. So this whole week I was on and off being sick, like today I am sick again with a little fever. But I think I am getting better so you don’t need to worry about me, the Lord will watch over his servants in the vineyard. Oh you should definitely read Jacob 5:20, it is amazing, it is the reason I am out on a mission. That story about Daniel Stephens is way cool, it’s so true, the Priesthood is amazing. Elder Cortez gave me a blessing and later on in the week he got a cold and so I gave him a blessing. If we have faith, the power of the Priesthood and Prayer can do anything, Enos 1:20 Oh and about the shavers, you don’t need to send them, the mission just brought in a new rule of no shaving, it will make us look more manly and then the people will listen to us because we look older....... Ok it was a joke, but whatever shavers will work just fine, I have been using something like Mach 3 or 5 turbo. Whatever your heart desires. Also if you could send a few more ties of whatever color (Tiffany is good at choosing ties), it is the only thing that changes }your outfit every day. Also, my church c.d.s I should have listened to you but I am needing some music, Cambios are soon and Elder Cortez will probably be transfered with his c.d.s. I think they are in my drawer, just pick out the ones that aren’t church if you could. Thank you so much, I appreciate all your help mother.
Oh and tell Josh if the Jazz keep doing good, he might need to record some games, especially the championship. I have been missing them. The Shed looks great, nice job Dad. Oh and all I hear in Chile is Obama won Obama won and how do you feel about that? They follow everything with the U.S. they are pretty much the 51st state. Tell Tiff good luck with her blessing and tell her to read it often. It is amazing, I read it a lot, and everything that could have happened has happened in my blessing. The Lord knows all.
Well family, I love you so much. Please pray for me and my health. Don’t worry to much mother, everything will be just fine. Have a great week and keep praying and reading scriptures together as a family, it is the best way to be unified, it was also my favorite memories, like the peanutbutter and Jam 15 years ago. Wow, good times. Anywho, check ya later and peace out my homies. Con Questo.
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson The First
Monday, November 3, 2008
November 1st 2008
Hola Familia Jackson,
Comos Estan? Gracias por los fotos, son super bueno y bacan. I can´t believe how big the chicaditos are. Everyone is growing up and I have only been out, what.... 4 months. But I am glad everything is going well. Haloween sounds like ya´ll had fun. What is the deal with only 20 kids showing up though, sounds like Chile. The people in Chile don´t really like Haloween because they say it is the official holiday of the devil, so the others that do trick or treat score some serious dulce. Some little girls that we dont even know gave us some of theirs at the end of the night, I love the people here. That is definately one thing that is better here, are the people. They will give you the shirt off their back, feed you, and give you shelter if you asked. Oh and mom, you can definately use my fat lady any time, my fat lady is your fat lady, mi casa es tu casa. Oh and another great thing is the 1st day of Noviembre, is the day of the dead. So everyone goes to the cemetary which is weird and spooky like in the movies of shakespear or something and they have big fiestas and people are selling candy and all kinds of stuff. It is like a carnaval like the day of 4th of July. But the Pastor preaches and sings to the people while right next to him was another booth for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The members and us(the missionaries) passed out folletos of the Plan of Salvacion and taught them about life after death and Gods love for us. There were so many people that were interested. It makes me really happy to know where I am going and that we have a plan, it gives the people hope. I have pictures but no camera today so next time I will send some pictures.
Also we had our Zone Conference this week for this transfer on Tuesday. It was amazing, we had Elder Lawrence Corbridge of the 70 for Chile come and talk to us all day. He is from Idaho and spoke spanish all day to us and taught us. He gave us a better way to teach, it shows the people the importance of our message. It is amazing. Ever since, we have 4 people that have accepted our invitation of baptism, they just need to be taught more and they should be ready. Oh and I don´t know if I told you but the whold missions goal is 4 baptisms by the end of the year starting last month and we have none so far. We are getting closer though. I didn´t get to teach that family because the dad doesn´t want us, one day though.
Oh I would love to see pictures of the shed, I think you already tried sending it but I never got pictures of that. But nice job dad, what´s next the house?
So there are a few things that I would really appreciate in the package, if you can´t that is fine, but I am needing CHAPSTICK, Blistex preferable, tiene sun screen, I haven´t seen any out here and I am almost out. Also, another JOURNAL, I am writing novels everyday of miracles so I am almost done with this Journal. SHAVERS, they are a little expensive here, if you can´t because they are blades that is totally fine. A few more PHOTOS of whatever, family maybe, like Josh and Tacy, the kids, ya´ll, Utah just whatever. I just need some more pictures to look at, including the Salt Lake Temple if you can, and a picture or two of my sky diving the people want to see it. I can´t think of anything really more. I am doing great with what I have.
Oh and the weather is amazing, it is like the 4th of July weather every day, I love it.
Well I have to go, but everything is going great. I love you all, thanks for everything. Everyone of ya´ll are in my prayers and my companions every night. Keep studying the scriptures and praying and have a great week. Love ya
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson
The First
Comos Estan? Gracias por los fotos, son super bueno y bacan. I can´t believe how big the chicaditos are. Everyone is growing up and I have only been out, what.... 4 months. But I am glad everything is going well. Haloween sounds like ya´ll had fun. What is the deal with only 20 kids showing up though, sounds like Chile. The people in Chile don´t really like Haloween because they say it is the official holiday of the devil, so the others that do trick or treat score some serious dulce. Some little girls that we dont even know gave us some of theirs at the end of the night, I love the people here. That is definately one thing that is better here, are the people. They will give you the shirt off their back, feed you, and give you shelter if you asked. Oh and mom, you can definately use my fat lady any time, my fat lady is your fat lady, mi casa es tu casa. Oh and another great thing is the 1st day of Noviembre, is the day of the dead. So everyone goes to the cemetary which is weird and spooky like in the movies of shakespear or something and they have big fiestas and people are selling candy and all kinds of stuff. It is like a carnaval like the day of 4th of July. But the Pastor preaches and sings to the people while right next to him was another booth for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The members and us(the missionaries) passed out folletos of the Plan of Salvacion and taught them about life after death and Gods love for us. There were so many people that were interested. It makes me really happy to know where I am going and that we have a plan, it gives the people hope. I have pictures but no camera today so next time I will send some pictures.
Also we had our Zone Conference this week for this transfer on Tuesday. It was amazing, we had Elder Lawrence Corbridge of the 70 for Chile come and talk to us all day. He is from Idaho and spoke spanish all day to us and taught us. He gave us a better way to teach, it shows the people the importance of our message. It is amazing. Ever since, we have 4 people that have accepted our invitation of baptism, they just need to be taught more and they should be ready. Oh and I don´t know if I told you but the whold missions goal is 4 baptisms by the end of the year starting last month and we have none so far. We are getting closer though. I didn´t get to teach that family because the dad doesn´t want us, one day though.
Oh I would love to see pictures of the shed, I think you already tried sending it but I never got pictures of that. But nice job dad, what´s next the house?
So there are a few things that I would really appreciate in the package, if you can´t that is fine, but I am needing CHAPSTICK, Blistex preferable, tiene sun screen, I haven´t seen any out here and I am almost out. Also, another JOURNAL, I am writing novels everyday of miracles so I am almost done with this Journal. SHAVERS, they are a little expensive here, if you can´t because they are blades that is totally fine. A few more PHOTOS of whatever, family maybe, like Josh and Tacy, the kids, ya´ll, Utah just whatever. I just need some more pictures to look at, including the Salt Lake Temple if you can, and a picture or two of my sky diving the people want to see it. I can´t think of anything really more. I am doing great with what I have.
Oh and the weather is amazing, it is like the 4th of July weather every day, I love it.
Well I have to go, but everything is going great. I love you all, thanks for everything. Everyone of ya´ll are in my prayers and my companions every night. Keep studying the scriptures and praying and have a great week. Love ya
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson
The First
Monday, October 6, 2008
Letter received on October 6th 2008
S-U-P-D-A-W-G Sup dawgs Sup Dawgs. So what´s going on family? O.k. so I had no idea about Dad´s new truck, just some needed info: what is the make, model, the year and the color. Oh and how many miles does it have? Anywho, I´m glad you liked the pictures, I would send them through mail, but I want to save money, I will send a bunch at my year mark probably. I have more today, so I hope you like them. Cambios are soon so Elder Calquin will probably be with me just a couple more days, so today we went running close to Morro de Arica, you need to see it, it´s amazing. There was a cruise line docking in and the waves were huge, there were also two dead pelicans on our run(just for your imformation, I thought you would like) But it is a dream running on the beach, it feels so good and it calms you down so much. There are play grounds everywhere so I got a picture of that also. Oh and Elder Calquin used to be a diver when he was ten and we got pictures at the place where he had a meet.
Anywho, I did get to watch conference. I took 30 pages worth of notes in my journal, so I have to buy a new one soon. It was amazing. There were 5 of us gringos in a room at the Stake Center watching it in English. I absolutley loved it but it killed me to think how close that is to home. But I got over it quickly because that night I got 5 investigatores to come with us to conference which is amazing. But I absolutely loved the talks, oh and I new you would be crying especially in the one about missionaries. I put in my journal, (mom is probably crying right now) but they were all so great, and to hear the announcement of 5 new temples was amazing. We were hoping for Chile so bad but hey they have to pay tithing first. Also what struck me for the family is being unified by studying(not just reading) scriptures and praying together as a family EVERY DAY!!!!!! Please Please make sure you do it, I know it will bless us so much more than we are already being blessed everyday. That is another thing, make sure you all remember who is blessing us and where the blessings are coming from. Give thanks every day for everything, I never realized how much I loved the little things until I got out here. Like being able to walk bare foot on the carpet, grass, drinking water from the tap, warm showers, a conversation in English, or just a hug or saying I love you to your mom or family.
Enough of my preaching, it just meant a lot to me to hear conference. But this weekend Saturday is the baptism of Miguel, Andrea(maybe and hopefully), and Katia. Hopefully everything keeps working out well for them to be baptized. We also might be able to baptize Jesus Patricio, I guess we will see. It´s amazing the things you hope and wish for when you are on a mission. It´s all about them, this mission isn´t about me. I´m glad I learned that early.
That is good Tiffany had a good 16th birthday, oh and how was homecoming, did Fremont win? But Tiff is lucky she got to spend it with the family, the family is where it is at.
Oh and that is extremely loco loco that I have been out that long. Last week was my month in Chile(not Chili, he he) and then this week my 100 day mark. It is flying by. We are getting some 12 new gringos this cambio so I won´t be the nuevo anymore. Since it is cambios soon, we had our 6 week interview with President Urra. I was lucky because it wasn´t one on one, there were 3 other Nativo, Older Elders with me. President Urra just kept complementing me and saying in Spanish can you believe that this is Elder Jacksons first cambio. He is much more experienced then 6 weeks. So it made me feel really good. It is sad to not have much more time with Elder Calquin though. He helped me out so much. But hey, the Lord will bless me with another great companion.
Well I love you all and thank you for your love and prayers. Have a great week and make sure and have fun and make the best of TODAY and dont worry about what could have been.
(There are no tomorrows to remember, if we don´t do something today.)-President Thomas S. Monson.
I love you all. Check ya lata.
Con amor siempre
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson
The First
S-U-P-D-A-W-G Sup dawgs Sup Dawgs. So what´s going on family? O.k. so I had no idea about Dad´s new truck, just some needed info: what is the make, model, the year and the color. Oh and how many miles does it have? Anywho, I´m glad you liked the pictures, I would send them through mail, but I want to save money, I will send a bunch at my year mark probably. I have more today, so I hope you like them. Cambios are soon so Elder Calquin will probably be with me just a couple more days, so today we went running close to Morro de Arica, you need to see it, it´s amazing. There was a cruise line docking in and the waves were huge, there were also two dead pelicans on our run(just for your imformation, I thought you would like) But it is a dream running on the beach, it feels so good and it calms you down so much. There are play grounds everywhere so I got a picture of that also. Oh and Elder Calquin used to be a diver when he was ten and we got pictures at the place where he had a meet.
Anywho, I did get to watch conference. I took 30 pages worth of notes in my journal, so I have to buy a new one soon. It was amazing. There were 5 of us gringos in a room at the Stake Center watching it in English. I absolutley loved it but it killed me to think how close that is to home. But I got over it quickly because that night I got 5 investigatores to come with us to conference which is amazing. But I absolutely loved the talks, oh and I new you would be crying especially in the one about missionaries. I put in my journal, (mom is probably crying right now) but they were all so great, and to hear the announcement of 5 new temples was amazing. We were hoping for Chile so bad but hey they have to pay tithing first. Also what struck me for the family is being unified by studying(not just reading) scriptures and praying together as a family EVERY DAY!!!!!! Please Please make sure you do it, I know it will bless us so much more than we are already being blessed everyday. That is another thing, make sure you all remember who is blessing us and where the blessings are coming from. Give thanks every day for everything, I never realized how much I loved the little things until I got out here. Like being able to walk bare foot on the carpet, grass, drinking water from the tap, warm showers, a conversation in English, or just a hug or saying I love you to your mom or family.
Enough of my preaching, it just meant a lot to me to hear conference. But this weekend Saturday is the baptism of Miguel, Andrea(maybe and hopefully), and Katia. Hopefully everything keeps working out well for them to be baptized. We also might be able to baptize Jesus Patricio, I guess we will see. It´s amazing the things you hope and wish for when you are on a mission. It´s all about them, this mission isn´t about me. I´m glad I learned that early.
That is good Tiffany had a good 16th birthday, oh and how was homecoming, did Fremont win? But Tiff is lucky she got to spend it with the family, the family is where it is at.
Oh and that is extremely loco loco that I have been out that long. Last week was my month in Chile(not Chili, he he) and then this week my 100 day mark. It is flying by. We are getting some 12 new gringos this cambio so I won´t be the nuevo anymore. Since it is cambios soon, we had our 6 week interview with President Urra. I was lucky because it wasn´t one on one, there were 3 other Nativo, Older Elders with me. President Urra just kept complementing me and saying in Spanish can you believe that this is Elder Jacksons first cambio. He is much more experienced then 6 weeks. So it made me feel really good. It is sad to not have much more time with Elder Calquin though. He helped me out so much. But hey, the Lord will bless me with another great companion.
Well I love you all and thank you for your love and prayers. Have a great week and make sure and have fun and make the best of TODAY and dont worry about what could have been.
(There are no tomorrows to remember, if we don´t do something today.)-President Thomas S. Monson.
I love you all. Check ya lata.
Con amor siempre
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson
The First
Monday, September 15, 2008
HOLA FAMILIA!
Hello familia. I am absolutlely loving Arica. It is a little difficult because I can´t Express all my feelings when I talk to people, but it´s all good. I have only been here for two weeks so I cant get upset with myself. This week was my first Sunday and the first time I was able to take the sacrament in Chile so that was exciting. It was also fase and testimony meeting so I went up there and bore my testimony in Spanish first and then in English. Everone in the congregation was amazed and had such a big smile on ther face but the great thing was they didn´t even understand me. It felt good to be the one that understood everything and everyone else didn´t. The funny thing is that when I did bare my testimony in english it was hard to remember english words, I don´t know if that is a good sign or not. Also, we had an investigador that came to church all by himself and then we taught him the first lesson. But the work is going absolutely fantastic. The people are really receptive and so it makes life a lot easier. Miguel and his family are doing great. Andrea, the wife, is the only one I am a little worried about because she says she just needs time to know 100 percent sure. But Either way I think she will pull through and be baptized, I am praying for it. The baptsm will be on the 27th. So I am way excited. All the members and everyone are helping me out a lot with spanish and they know that I am trying so they are fine with it all. They all want me to teach them english and so it´s fun teaching them. I really am loving it out here, spanish is my only downfall. Since I can´t talk great in Spanish I can´t really talk to anybody so it gets really lonely, so then I get homesick. But that is when I just work harder and the Lord always helps pull me through. This week is going to be really exciting in Chile. Septiembre 18th is Chile´s Nacional Independence day and it actually lasts all week. I was in Arica Centro today, the Heart of Arica and they had all the soldiers and all kinds of stuff going on. My area is Pukarani which is just 10 minutes or so away from the Centro. The Centro is where we do all of our shopping and our Prep day activities. Like today, the Zone placed futbol, instead of basketball courts, they have street caged futbol courts. There are 3 gringos(Americans) in our Zone and the rest are all Natives. I am the yougest and the most gringo so its tough when they all talk to each other and I can´t talk back. But it´s all good because while we were playing futbol, your son scored 3 goals. This isn´t just a simple game of soccer Esther, it is intense, well actually it´s in a cage J but they are nativo good. So a gringo scoring 3 is dang good and it felt dang good. Also, Chile´s Nacional team has been played two games so far. The last game they kicked Columbias butt 4-0, and Columbia is good. When they are playing, everyone is incide watching the game. So when they store, you can hear the whole country screaming for ever. It´s amazing to hear. It is tough to teach during those times because you can´t teach anyone, so we just go to a members house and watch the game with them. But I absoluetly love the Culture down here. It is a little hard getting used to, like the Money, and everything but it is only my second week so…. Elder Calquin is amazing. He is a great trainer and it is fun teaching him english. He is a way cool guy, I just hope he keeps his patience with me because I have a little hard time with everything. Oh yeah, I ate at a members house on Sunday. We had everything I don´t like, fish, tomatoes, beets and atrichoke. But you would be proud because I ate it all, it was tough, but I did it. Thanks for the pictures, Jaime has quite the tummy and I am so excited for her. I already know what it is and I am so excited. Dad looks great in his Picture too, although he doesn´t look as pregnant as Jamie. Souds like evereything is kinda crazy right now at home. I will keep you all in my prayers. I love you all and wish I could write you all seperate but it is tough with my Schedule. Tell everyone hi from Chile for me. Have a great week. Talk to ya later and good luck with everything.
Love your son and brother,
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson
The first
P.S. My dream came true. I always wanted live close to the beach so I could run. We run on the beach every morning for exercise. It is so amazing and peaceful. It is the best way to start off the day. Love ya all.
Love your son and brother,
Elder McKay Bryan Jackson
The first
P.S. My dream came true. I always wanted live close to the beach so I could run. We run on the beach every morning for exercise. It is so amazing and peaceful. It is the best way to start off the day. Love ya all.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
August 22 2008
Hey family, so I am going to be writing you a letter later on today, but I just wanted to tell Dad happy 50th Birthday. You are an old fart, ya know. Just think Dad, you are already half way through your life. :) Anywho, I hope that your birthday goes wonderful and that all your wildest dreams come true. I know mine are right now.
Today I will be getting my flight plans so in my letter I will let you know when and what time I am leaving. I am so excited. I have a week from Monday and so Chile is all that I am thinking about right now. I actually started taking calls in spanish yesterday and I got the missionaries and a Book of Mormon to everyone that I talked to. They were so excited and so it made me excited. So then I thought ya know my spanish may not be perfect right now but when I am out in the field in a week I will have the spirit as my spanish prompter as long as I am worthy of it. Nothing can beat the spirit. So I guess I do feel ready now.
Also, this past Tuesday we had the opportunity of listening to Dallin H. Oaks and his lovely new companion Sister Oaks at the fireside. I was really close to them and they did a really great job of speaking to me. They both talked about living right to have the Holy Ghost as a guide in our lives. This is really important because I as a missionary am focused on the spirit all the time. On a mission that is all you do, eat, drink and sleep the spirit and ways to keep that spirit with you all the time. He told us that the only way we can live worthily of the spirit is if we partake of the Santa Cenna each week worthily and righeously. While we are partaking of it, we need to think to ourselves that this will help me to be worthy of that spirit for the rest of the week. The Sacrament is not just something we do just because, it is and extremely important event that we should take a lot more serious and think about it a lot more then we normally do.
It really was such an amazing talk, he ended 20 minutes early but he said everything he needed to say. Thats how it should be, we need to say what we need to say and not worry if you are taking up all the time that is meant for you. It was also a really simple talk. He used a lot of scriptures and let them bare testimony of the truthfullness, he added his testimony to that to be the secondary testimony and then he put questions in our head to make us think and want to do better. That is exactly how we are trained to teach here in the mission and the spirit is so strong when you do it correctly.
I think school has started already for ya'll, so if it has, good luck and remember to have fun. Education is one of my most favorite things and it will help all of those who make an effort and do his/her best. Always be striving to learn more and more everyday and turn to the Lord when you are stressed out about something. The Lord knows every subject and is a schollar in all of them. In fact he invented education and all that implies so he knows all the answers. Thats for everything. Prayer is amazing and so I hope that all of you are praying everyday about everything that you engage in. The Lord already knows what you have done but you have to go to him in sincere prayer and ask him to bestow blessings upon your head. (Moroni 10: 3-5) Also, make sure that you are still praying every night as a family. That will be the biggest strength for you all and Satan cannot break the bands of a strong family.
We did get the new district this week and they are great. We recieved 8 Elders and 4 Hermanas. I actaully know one of the Hermanas. She is my friend Lauren White's older sister so it is good to k now someone. They have only been here for 2 days so they are really worn out but I see a lot of good out of them all. I see a lot of good coming from the whole zone. I have 5 districts in my zone. District A has 9 Elders, District B(new district) has 8 Elders and 4 Hermanas, District C has 6 Elders, District D has 10 Elders and then my district, District F has 4 Elders.
Well I love you and will send a small letter. Have a great week. LOve ya.
Today I will be getting my flight plans so in my letter I will let you know when and what time I am leaving. I am so excited. I have a week from Monday and so Chile is all that I am thinking about right now. I actually started taking calls in spanish yesterday and I got the missionaries and a Book of Mormon to everyone that I talked to. They were so excited and so it made me excited. So then I thought ya know my spanish may not be perfect right now but when I am out in the field in a week I will have the spirit as my spanish prompter as long as I am worthy of it. Nothing can beat the spirit. So I guess I do feel ready now.
Also, this past Tuesday we had the opportunity of listening to Dallin H. Oaks and his lovely new companion Sister Oaks at the fireside. I was really close to them and they did a really great job of speaking to me. They both talked about living right to have the Holy Ghost as a guide in our lives. This is really important because I as a missionary am focused on the spirit all the time. On a mission that is all you do, eat, drink and sleep the spirit and ways to keep that spirit with you all the time. He told us that the only way we can live worthily of the spirit is if we partake of the Santa Cenna each week worthily and righeously. While we are partaking of it, we need to think to ourselves that this will help me to be worthy of that spirit for the rest of the week. The Sacrament is not just something we do just because, it is and extremely important event that we should take a lot more serious and think about it a lot more then we normally do.
It really was such an amazing talk, he ended 20 minutes early but he said everything he needed to say. Thats how it should be, we need to say what we need to say and not worry if you are taking up all the time that is meant for you. It was also a really simple talk. He used a lot of scriptures and let them bare testimony of the truthfullness, he added his testimony to that to be the secondary testimony and then he put questions in our head to make us think and want to do better. That is exactly how we are trained to teach here in the mission and the spirit is so strong when you do it correctly.
I think school has started already for ya'll, so if it has, good luck and remember to have fun. Education is one of my most favorite things and it will help all of those who make an effort and do his/her best. Always be striving to learn more and more everyday and turn to the Lord when you are stressed out about something. The Lord knows every subject and is a schollar in all of them. In fact he invented education and all that implies so he knows all the answers. Thats for everything. Prayer is amazing and so I hope that all of you are praying everyday about everything that you engage in. The Lord already knows what you have done but you have to go to him in sincere prayer and ask him to bestow blessings upon your head. (Moroni 10: 3-5) Also, make sure that you are still praying every night as a family. That will be the biggest strength for you all and Satan cannot break the bands of a strong family.
We did get the new district this week and they are great. We recieved 8 Elders and 4 Hermanas. I actaully know one of the Hermanas. She is my friend Lauren White's older sister so it is good to k now someone. They have only been here for 2 days so they are really worn out but I see a lot of good out of them all. I see a lot of good coming from the whole zone. I have 5 districts in my zone. District A has 9 Elders, District B(new district) has 8 Elders and 4 Hermanas, District C has 6 Elders, District D has 10 Elders and then my district, District F has 4 Elders.
Well I love you and will send a small letter. Have a great week. LOve ya.
Friday, July 11, 2008
McKay's First Letter
Hey so I really hope you all get this and start reading your emails because this
is how I will be writing ya for a while. My P Day is Friday so that is when i
will be writing ustd. How in the world are ya guys anyway? How did the baby
blessing go? Also mother, happy late birthday. I already wrote two letters to ya
so I hope you have received them all so far. Also, how was the 4th of july? Ours
was awesome. We watched the stadium of fire fire works but I wasn't able to
convert Hanna Montana or what ever her name is. I tried my hardest. :)
It's so cool to think that I have already been gone for a week and almost two
weeks. After I hit sunday everything started going crazy fast and so life is
going great now. The first few days were way tough just because they felt so
long and the days wouldn't end, but it's all good now.
Today I went to the Mt. Timpanogeous temple and did a session there and it
was amazing. The Provo temple is closed for cleaning for the next month so thats
pretty darn sad, I'm not gonna lie. I just love the temple though, spirtually uplifting to the max.
Also, there are 10 Elders in my district, 6 of which are going to Spain. This
means that they only have a week and a half left here at the Provo MTC and that
means our district will be cut in half, actually more than half. It's going to
be tough because I have become very close to them. Most of them live in Utah so
I should be fine. Also, there is a district in my zone that has been here for 3
months and they are all going to Mexico. So they have been delayed a whole
month. They just got reasigned to Salt Lake Spanish speaking until they get
their Visas. So Elder Thompson is going to be delayed longer too. I feel bad.
I have two other roomates. Their names are Elder Perucca and Elder Harper.
They are so different in so many ways so it's fun to be around them. Elder
Perucca is actually ranked #1 in the world in the Poke-Mon trading card game so
that makes everything that much better. Every night we have a big Journal
writing party in my room and Elders all around the Zone come and we all laugh and talk
about life. It's real fun.
The food is amazing here, I don't know how anyone could be sick of it because
I am being fed like a king for every meal and it's not cheep food either. I am
trying to gain some pounds but I just weighed myself during GYM yesterday and I
am the exact same, I'm so mad. I just want to be fat, I don't think that is to
much to ask. :) I'm funny, I know.
Oh and I met someone just yesterday that is going to my mission, so I will be
seeing him in about 6 weeks maybe.
The Elders here are so nice, I love it. I have guys come in my room every
night and ask me if I need anything and they are all sincere so it's sweet here.
I have never met such nice people in my enitre life, they would do anything for
ya. I bore my testimony to them on sunday and told them all thanks and told my
companion how amazing he was. I really am so lucky to have such a great
companion that teaches me so much every day. He said he looks up to me but it's the opposite. He thinks I am going to be the next district
leader, but I don't know if I could handle it. I would need some serious help
from the spirit.
But I hope you all are doing good. I will be sending some pictures and a tape
home soon so I hope you all like it. Tell Heidi thanks for the money and it
helped a ton. I love you all so much and you are all in my prayers every night.
The church is so true. Have fun. Talk to ya later.
is how I will be writing ya for a while. My P Day is Friday so that is when i
will be writing ustd. How in the world are ya guys anyway? How did the baby
blessing go? Also mother, happy late birthday. I already wrote two letters to ya
so I hope you have received them all so far. Also, how was the 4th of july? Ours
was awesome. We watched the stadium of fire fire works but I wasn't able to
convert Hanna Montana or what ever her name is. I tried my hardest. :)
It's so cool to think that I have already been gone for a week and almost two
weeks. After I hit sunday everything started going crazy fast and so life is
going great now. The first few days were way tough just because they felt so
long and the days wouldn't end, but it's all good now.
Today I went to the Mt. Timpanogeous temple and did a session there and it
was amazing. The Provo temple is closed for cleaning for the next month so thats
pretty darn sad, I'm not gonna lie. I just love the temple though, spirtually uplifting to the max.
Also, there are 10 Elders in my district, 6 of which are going to Spain. This
means that they only have a week and a half left here at the Provo MTC and that
means our district will be cut in half, actually more than half. It's going to
be tough because I have become very close to them. Most of them live in Utah so
I should be fine. Also, there is a district in my zone that has been here for 3
months and they are all going to Mexico. So they have been delayed a whole
month. They just got reasigned to Salt Lake Spanish speaking until they get
their Visas. So Elder Thompson is going to be delayed longer too. I feel bad.
I have two other roomates. Their names are Elder Perucca and Elder Harper.
They are so different in so many ways so it's fun to be around them. Elder
Perucca is actually ranked #1 in the world in the Poke-Mon trading card game so
that makes everything that much better. Every night we have a big Journal
writing party in my room and Elders all around the Zone come and we all laugh and talk
about life. It's real fun.
The food is amazing here, I don't know how anyone could be sick of it because
I am being fed like a king for every meal and it's not cheep food either. I am
trying to gain some pounds but I just weighed myself during GYM yesterday and I
am the exact same, I'm so mad. I just want to be fat, I don't think that is to
much to ask. :) I'm funny, I know.
Oh and I met someone just yesterday that is going to my mission, so I will be
seeing him in about 6 weeks maybe.
The Elders here are so nice, I love it. I have guys come in my room every
night and ask me if I need anything and they are all sincere so it's sweet here.
I have never met such nice people in my enitre life, they would do anything for
ya. I bore my testimony to them on sunday and told them all thanks and told my
companion how amazing he was. I really am so lucky to have such a great
companion that teaches me so much every day. He said he looks up to me but it's the opposite. He thinks I am going to be the next district
leader, but I don't know if I could handle it. I would need some serious help
from the spirit.
But I hope you all are doing good. I will be sending some pictures and a tape
home soon so I hope you all like it. Tell Heidi thanks for the money and it
helped a ton. I love you all so much and you are all in my prayers every night.
The church is so true. Have fun. Talk to ya later.
Monday, July 7, 2008
MY ADDRESS
HEY EVERYONE MCKAY'S NEW COMMPANION IS ELDER MILLER FROM MESA ARIZONA!!!! HIS ADDRESS IS
ELDER MCKAY BRYAN JACKSON
MTC Mailbox # 206
CHI-ANT 0901
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
SEND HIM A LETTER!! HE WILL ENJOY IT!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Mission Call BABY!!
I received my mission call on March 12, 2008
I am going to Antofagasta Chile
on July 2nd Yeah!
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