Happy New Year!

Hellos Family and Friends,

I dont' really know what to say because I pretty much told everyone what has happend this week. Some people didn't listen to some of my stories though, but that's ok. On Sunday we had President Poulsen come speak to our tri-ward Sacrament meeting. I was the one who got to call him to give him the assignment too. It was great! He spoke for about 5 minutes and had his cousin tell her conversion story, and boy was it long! It was a good story just way too long for me. I got to give the lesson in the investigators class and I did it on the Atonement. It was a good lesson, even though we didn't have much time. We watched the Mediator from the BOM video and then we read some from the Gospel Principles book. I also did the thing where I have someone do pushups so everyone can have a piece of candy. It went well. There was an old lady in the front of the class and while her missionary was doing pushups and struggling, she just kept saying "shame." When I asked who wants a piece of candy next, she was first to raise her hand and she even counted for him to do his pushups. I even got compliments on the hyphen/lesson.

I got myself a little Christmas gift with Camille's money and a little bit from the home card. I bought a suit. It's a grayish color and it's got stripes. I did take pictures of it but only with Barnhursts camera and he doesn't have a way of hooking the camera to the computer. I am taking the suit back today, though because the jacket is a little tight and if I want it to last me till I get home then I better get something a little bit bigger, especially if I'm going to meet my "goal". I saw a three piece suit that was all black with real subtle stripes for cheaper so we're going to go try it on today and I'll send some pictures of that too. My suits that I have now, the ones I brought, are starting to get worn out. Especially the pants since I wear them tracting and what not. The new suit is going to be just a sunday suit and I'll be able to wear a nice suit for when I come home and give my homecoming talk.

Oh yeah, I never told you about Andy B's watch. When I got to the MTC, about 5 days in, it just stopped working for no reason. I put it somewhere and thought I lost it for a while, until one day I found it and last week I put a new battery in it and its running like a charm. I still dont know what all the dials are and everything, but I know what time it is and thats all that matters! Thanks Andy B!

It sure was great talking to all of you! Well, most of you! It really is a lifter hearing everyone's voice and hearing words of encouragment from my family! I'm sorry this is so short, I really can't think of anything else to write. I'll do better next week! I love you all! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Langston

christmas time again

Dear Family and Friends,

Gold Reef is going good. We had a ward Christmas party and that was good stuff. We did different activities where the different....uh...groups got together, like the Elders Quorum and the YM/YW and so on, and had to do a different skit. They got all the ideas from "Who's Line is it Anyway" and it was fun. They had baking where the person couldn't use their own arms and that was funny stuff. Elders Quorum did the party one where people are acting different and the host has to guess who we are. I was a wise man that couldn't find the star. The Bishoprics was the best. They did the one where one person had to be standing, one sitting, and the other one laying down. I'll try to send the video of it and I hope it works. It's quite funny stuff. The guy in the white shirt is Bishop Pineaar. There were a lot of less actives that came and it was really fun. Santa came and gave the children presents. Angel and Brighton were there. They are the ones in the photo, the only black kids there.

We did the movie but no one showed up. The picture of the empty hall is attached.

I still haven't gotten any packages yet, but maybe its there today. We are going to check it soon. I'm excited to see what Grandma and Grandpa Travis got me. They are such great grandparents. Ha- they are great grandparents. Ba dun cha! I think I've gotten funnier over the period of time being here in South Africa, or maybe I'm just more easily amused. You can be the judge of that on Christmas day! I aslo got a story about the watch Andy B. gave to me. It's a sad story with a great ending! Remind me on Christmas. I'm sure he's dying to know how his Swiss Military watch is doing.

I love you all so much! I can't wait to talk to you on Christmas! Enjoy the snow and stay safe! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

"Tis the Season to be Jolly"

Dearest Fam and Friends,

It's Christmas time again! I sure love this season! I sure miss being home for this season too, especially since there is no snow here, no one puts up lights on their houses, and everyone says father Christmas instead of Santa Clause. I don't understand these people sometimes.

So my area, Gold Reef, is just the name of the area which covers a lot of little town names. Whats crazy here is that there really isn't much of a break between cities or whatever they call it here. Everything just kinda is smashed together and they'll be a sign on the road that divides the "cities" saying where you are now entering. So Windsor is a little "city" in our area where its just flats(apartments) and only black people live there, well, mostly blacks. We have made little invitations for the movie and have been handing them out in Windsor. Yeah, I don't know if I told you already but we are showing a movie, free of charge, to everyone in the area. We have rented out a recreation center in the heart of Windsor and are inviting everyone to come and feel the Christmas Spirit. I think we'll show Joy to the World and have a song or two that we'll sing together. Hopefully we'll get some people to teach from it. If it works out then we are going to do it again and start to teach more things and sometimes just not show a movie and instead teach people. The plan is to one day have a branch in Windsor. Bishop Pineaar has been working with us and he's so excited every time we talk about it. He even spoke in Sacrament Meeting and told the ward that this is our new years goal is to do missionary work and focus on Windsor. I get excited when he talks about it too! It's fun just walking around and talking with the black folks again because the whiteys stay in their huge houses behind their big walls and they don't want to hear anything about Jesus Christ. If only they knew.

Yesterday as we were passing out invitations, we saw a group of kids and I stopped just to chat with them, because that's how I like to do it. They said they were playing marbles and I told the kid that I could beat him. (at marbles) So he took the challenge. Now the way they play marbles here is they got two bricks set next to each other with a gap barely big enough for the marble to go through and you stand behind a line and shoot the marble trying to make it in. If you don't succeed the first time then the closest one gets to hit the marble from where it landed and try to shoot it through. So the game went on with me and this little black kid. He shot and missed, I went and hit the corner of the brick on the inside of the gap and it bounced out, making it a straight shot through the gap. I hit it with a technique I learned in the township and I totally smoked the kid. We played again and my beginners luck wore off and I lost. We then invited the kids and their families to the movie. We'll see if they show up.

We got transfer news on Saturday and they are splitting the Jozi Central mission so we are going to have two more missionaries in our flat, a total of 6, until we find a new flat. So that is what we get to do today is find a new flat to stay in and the Jozi Central missionaries are moving closer to their area.

I have not recieved the package yet, but hopefully it'll come soon.

Well, Family and Friends! I love you all so much! I'm so very grateful for all that you do for me. I love you Grandma and Grandpa Travis. I'm sorry for not writing you back but I will soon. I just am pinchin pennies right now and I paid for email in 20 cent coins and barely had enough to buy time. But I love you and pray for you all! Take care and CTR!!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

Feeling Good in the Neighborhood

I am feeling much better today than I was the past few days. Thank you Mom and Dad for your words of encouragement. We were invited to PEC Sunday morning, at 6:30, and we talked about the missionary work in our area and our bishop is so excited about Windsor that he got me excited for it as well and I can't wait to start going to hard work there. We've been doing a little bit here and there but we haven't really dove in like I want to this week. I'll let you know how it all goes.

Sunday was an interesting day. We had some awkward times and some awesome times and DAs! At church I kinda did a far away greeting to President Wrench, the father of the kid who ran away for a few hours, and he gave me a little knod back. The mother got up and bore testimony and it was pretty much centered around the whole incident. The whole time at church whenever I'd walk by her, I'd greet her but it was just weird how she greeted me back. After church we went to some temple misisonaries house to have lunch and they invited her daughter who kept talking about Karl and Kay. I had no idea what she was talking about. I finally asked who was this Karl she's talking about and she said Karl Malone. She was a nanny for him about 17 years ago and she's got some clothes from him and basketball cards signed by him that she use to just give to missionaries. It was pretty cool hearing about his family and all the cool things she got to do with his fam. Great conversation.

After that food, we went to the baptism of a lady that Elder Barnhurst was teaching but she moved to another area but we got to see her be baptized and it was awesome! I could really feel the Spirit while I was there and it was what I needed! Afterwards, we had refreshments and they were nice! Right after the baptism, we went to another temple missionaries house for more dinner. They are from Texas and they made us some homemade burgers and pumpkin pie! Oh it was nice nice! So that is how our Sunday went . This week hasn't really been the best week.

I purchased something that was pretty cheap and I wanted it to cheer me up. There is a picture of it there. Also, after seeing so many huge Afrikaaners I've decided I'll work out lots to get big and so that is the goal that I drew up. I hope these recent photos of me will do you well. Im trying to get more pictures of me to send home, but I really dont have anything to take pictures of. I'll work on that. Thanks again for your encouraging words! I love you all so much and I pray for you! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

December Greetings!

This is Albert. He is the Ward Missionary that Jordan was companions with for a while so that his companion, Elder Barnhurst could recover from knee surgery. This was taken at a bird park.

Greetings to you on this wonderful cloudy day in December! I'm glad to hear that your thanksgiving was a success and everyone had a good time. My thanksgiving wasn't too bad, and it wasn't too good. Funny story though, I was told by Tyler Smith that Thanksgiving was on the 20th and so on the 20th we had a nice dinner with some rich people and we told them it was Thanksgiving today. They we excited and I told lots of stories about Thanksgiving and what happens the day after. The following Sunday some of the temple missionaries from the states spoke and mentioned that Thanksgiving was coming on the next Thursday. Boy, did I feel stupid. We just had a regular meal at our flat on Thanksgiving night, but we did put up tinsle and lights in our flat after re-arranging it.

We really dont' have anyone that we are constantly teaching because here people have jobs where they can't get time off too often. We got one girl on date for baptism but I haven't even seen her the whole time I've been here. We met with bishop yesterday after church and we are working on reactivation and one area in particular called Windsor. That is where a lot of the black people live and he says he knows there will be a branch there in about a year. We are starting to look for rec centers that we can rent out and do a "cottage meeting" there and just have everyone come whoever wants to. There are always people walking around there and so if we put up signs for a movie about Jesus or something, people will come and we'll be able to start teaching more people that way. I hate tracting so I try to do other stuff that is more useful than just nonsense tracting on doors where people dont even come out to the gate to talk to us. I hope these ideas I got will work! I'll have to let you know how they go.

Our area is probably about the size of half of Spanish Fork? I dont know. Its really big and spread out. We are in a car and ....yeah. I dont know what else to tell you about the area. The ward we are in is really small and a chunk of the members are temple misisonaries that live in our area. There are only two of us that actually work the area though. We are getting along ok, Barnhurst and I. Oh yeah, he's from Fillmore Utah.

This just in, a midget, black I might add, just walked in the email shop. I waved to him. I have made a lot of friends with the members here. I even met some members in Pretoria and they invited me and my zone leader over for New Years and they said they'll spoil me since I helped them move into their enormous house. Now I've got plans for Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years. I'm excited for that!

Here are some goods for you to view and enjoy. That was my ward missionary companion, Alfred, at the bird park. Listen to what the white bird said to me. This bird was saying it to everyone as it just walked around freely. Sorry I dont have any recent ones of me. I dotn really like asking people to take pictures of me. I'll try to get some random ones of me and send them next week.

Thank you so much for all that you do for me! I love mission so much and I feel the blessings as I do whats right out here! With the school stuff, I managed to register for UVU and I got accepted and I put my major as Construction Management. One day I'll sign up for my classes so I'll be ready when I come home. President says he'll hook it up where I can use Skype on his computer to talk to an advisor and make sure they still have my info for military aide so we dont' have to go through all the paper work again so I can just get home and go right to school instead of coming home early. I love you all so much! I hope all is going well for you all. I'm happy to hear that Dad got the job in Orem! Good job Dad. Oh yeah, I spoke in Ssacrament meeting yesterday for five minutes on Jesus Christ. It was a choppy talk but I told everyone that I dont sing so they wont ask me anymore. Everyone, of course, came up to me after and said, you really do need to sing. You have a wonderful voice. It was great! Well, we're outta here! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

Oh How Lovely Was the Morning

Dear Family and Friends!!

Good morning from South Africa, on this beautiful, hot summer morn! It sure is starting to heat up a bit and its making me have to change my white shirt every day instead of being able to pull off a few days with one shirt. Shame. Other than that, things are going great here! I got Elder Barnhurst back and he's doing ok. He still walks with a limp but thats about it. He doesn't use crutches or anything but we have to limit our tracting time so he doesn't get in too much pain and ruin the knee again.
Something great that is happening here that hasn't happend all my mission is that we are getting fed every day from the members!! I've made some great friends with the members and already we are getting a few referrals. Some of the members, since they have more money, have domestic workers that live with them and they'll bring them to church. One lady that came yesterday, Thandi, loved church but wants us to wait before we come to teach her stuff. She really seemed to enjoy church, though!

Say that reminds me, has anyone seen my friends who have come home from mission yet? And if possible, will you find their email addresses so I can write them? People like Brad Clark and Bryce Christensen. Thanks again!

There aren't a whole lot of investigators here so we do some tracting and trying to re-activate some of the less actives. The members here always offer us juice or food of some sort as we go visit them. I love it! I do miss the black people though and try to keep in contact the best that I can with some of my black brothers and sisters in previous areas. It is weird talking to white people too. They're hard to tract into. Yesterday we got told to "#*&#-OFF in a very angry way. I get so frustrated because these people don't understand what they are missing out on. I just wish they would listen for just a second and understand what it is that we have for them instead of telling us to leave once they hear "Jesus Christ."

Well, thanks again for everything. Yes, I did get my patriarchal blessing and I've used some of the stuff from the envelope in District Meeting. Thank you so much for all of that Dad! Its nice stuff! I love you all so much and thanks a bunch for getting those tickets for Eric. He appreciates it so much! He even fed us last night, so thanks a million! I wish the very best for all of you and I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordy Boy Langston

Gold Reef

Thank you for your love, Mom and Dad.
This week has been an interesting one. I was put with a ward missionary because I wanted to get working in my own area, so I left Jozi Central and have been in Gold Reef. There isn't a lot of people to teach, just tracting, so we are doing better things. I've been chatting with the bishop and him and I are friends now and he's excited for the things that I have in mind. I told him that we should teach a Missionary Prep class but he said to just go to less active youth and teach them at their house. They have about 30 less active youth, YSA, and he's excited to get them coming back to church. We are also going to try to get activities set up for them so they will want to come back to church. Its a pretty small ward here. Only about 100 at church, but it'll get bigger! I'm excited to get to work with my real companion so I can start getting things done. Its hard being with a guy who doesn't know the area because we are living with a map and the area book. Thats all we gots.

The bird thing was fun! We went to Monte Casino and they got a bird park ther with parrots roaming free and little cage things that we can go in to touch the birds. I caught one and put it on Alfred's shoulder, my companion, and he was a little nervous. There was one bird that would walk around and say "hello". I hope the video works so you can hear it. I got so sun burnt there because the lady who took us wanted us to sit in the sun at the bird show because she thought a raptor was going to fly to the post we were near. Guess what, it never came. She was bummed when it was over, and so was I. They then took us to some cafe and bought us a burger and then as we were leaving, I spotted a USA store that sold Root Beer, so, of course, I bought one and drank it. I liked it...A LOT!!

Well, I sure love you all and am grateful for your prayers and love that is coming my way. Thanks for everything! Take care, and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

Dear Family and Friends!!!

Greetings to you all from the heart of Johannesburg. Thats right, I'm in Jozi Central for at least another week because the guy I was suppose to go to just had knee surgery, the same as me, and he's hanging out with the president and so I'm in a threesome with some Elders in Jozi central. I'm in a car and will be in a car in Gold Reef as well. In Jozi, we don't really tract because its just a bunch of apartments and so we work with referrals, which come in abundance.

Well, church was nice. It was a historical stake conference because we had a live broadcast that was for all the African stakes and it was by Elder Holland, Pres. Uchtdorf, Bro. Merril and Bro Pace. It was pretty cool! They said for everyone to get a temple recommend and to be worthy for it because there will be more temples here soon. That was cool. Pres. Uchtdorf came up with a new meaning for CTR. He said it means Current Temple Recommend. That was fun.

Well, not much has really happend this week, just transfers, Jozi central, teaching people that are black. Oh yeah, I did get to go to my area to teach one guy that they had previously tracted in to and he's a nice white guy. He's got a nice house too! Its got a pool and everything!

For Christmas, I don't really need much. I would like to have another CD and some pictures to enjoy for sure. Lots of pictures to keep me busy because I have to stay in the flat for Christmas. We can't even go to members houses to eat and do all that good stuff! So yeah, that stuff and maybe some food. I'll try to find out how and when we can call home for Christmas. Oh yeah, I'm in a rich area that has a reputation of giving things to the elders on Christmas. One misssionary even got an i-pod nano. I'm in for a treat.

I sent a package and the picture of the guy and me is the guy that sent the goods in that package. The other picture is me burning the tie that Ali gave me.

Well, I sure do love you all and I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well. I hope the Thanksgiving goes well for you, Mom. I'm glad to hear the shed is going well. I wish you all the best and happy Thanksgiving. When is it? Take care and CTR!

Love
Elder Jordan Langston

What A Great Time to be a Missionary!

Ward members dressed for Halloween.

What a great time to be a missionary! I love it out here! I'll first tell you of the fun stuff we've done than I'll give you a taste of the spiritual awesomeness!

Monday, we ended up not going bowling because we got ther a little late so the zone leaders decided that we aren't going. We did have a great time at the halloween party though! The pinata was a big hit and I got lots of video of it so I'll send that home sometime soon. The kids came up with their own costumes and they are pretty awesome. I got a picture of the girls' costumes with the phone. The girl that dosen't look happy on the end is Mokgadi. I dont know what her problem was.

Thats about it for the fun stuff we did. We saw Richard and he was pretty disappointed that no came to pick him up and even tell him that they aren't coming but he was there yesterday and he loved it so much! I sat next to him in gospel principles class and he was loving reading from the manual and all that jazz. Nosisa was also there at church so that was cool! She's feeling a little better and so she forced herself to go to church. She's powerful!

We are still teaching Janine, a lady we tracted into, and she's cool. She's got some crazy sickness that is hereditary and she seems to always be sick. She's read to chapter ten than her eyes have been acting up so she hasn't read after that. She went out of town this weekend otherwise she would've been at church. After church I was talking with Moya and she met a new friend, actually a couple new friends that the other missionaries are teaching and we aer going to a buffet tonight with all of them and us four to celebrate me and elder Anderson leaving. I'm going to a town called Gold Reef. Apparently its a rich place and its a ward so thats good! I'm district leader again and I'm with Elder Barnhurst. I'm going there on Wednesday.
I'm' gonna answer all questions now, in order: Richard wants his whole family to get baptized. Mokgadi is ok. She didn't come to church though, so I dont know. She is about 18 and living with family still. She should get baptized on Dec 14. Thabo is going to be baptized 22 Feb or something because he's a youngster so he's got to come to church for 6 months before baptism. Richard lives far from the church. Like a 10 minute drive through the township and not a lot of people own cars. They all ride taxis in all townships, and they are little vans, like Dave's old Toyota that he had.
The shed is looking nice. I'm jealous that I dont get to help build it, but I think it'll turn out ok still.

Well, we are going to do some foot skating at a skate park we found near the computer place we go to. I'll send some video of the sweet tricks I do. Take care everyone and know that I love you all and am very thankful for all that you do. Tell Jeanette that she's awesome! She's so powerful and I wish I could be like her, spiritually speaking. Keep it up, Hermana Langston! I love you all so much!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

Halloween Time!

Pumpkin Carving Activity

Thabo's little brother (Thabo is on baptism date)
Great Halloween Costumes

Dear Family and Friends!!

How the heck are ya'll? I'm doing super here in South Africa! The work is going great and I'm having a good time.
I'll start off with the bad news first. Richard didn't come to church because some members failed him. They were suppose to pick him up to go to church because he had no money for taxi last time, but the members didn't bring him and instead brought some neighbor girl that we aren't even teaching. Richard is going to be upset! He's doing well though. He's still praying and he's noticing blessings coming already and a change in his heart.

Pumpkin carving went great! We had a good time and got them all carved, but Moya doesn't know how to put them on her step and light them! We finally put them out there but they're already going bad.(see picture) She was going to light them that night but it rained real good. She invited us over later in the week also for a braai with her and her neighbor who we are teaching. It would've gone good, if there had been a braai stand and charcoal there when we got there. We brought everything else, except the meat, and she just had to get a few things but didn't. We got the stuff from the store, using her money, and it turned out alright. So we got to have a nice braai for lunch. Oh yeah, I just realized you might not know what that is. Braai is a BBQ. Now it makes sense, neh? Nosisa is doing good. She was telling us about the whole surgery and everything and I ended up covering my ears. Its a good thing she can't see me. I just waited for her mouth to stop moving and I said, "that doesn't sound good. Ok, who's going to pray so we can start?" She was laying on her stomach on the couch though and she said its really painful still. She's getting better though so that's good.

On Thursday night, we taught the girl that is on baptism date, Mokgadi, and waited there to get picked up by the other guys (we were on bikes). We got bored of waiting in her house so we went outside and I had my bandanna and mustache with me so I put that on and just waited on the street corner at night in the township. A lot of people eyed the bikes as they walked by, but looked at me after and just walked off. It was funny stuff. Some lady asked us what we are doing and I told her what we do as missionaries and halfway through my shpill I remembered that I'm dressed like an idiot. She just said cool and walked off.

We only had 2 people come to church on Sunday. I dont know why.
Today is going to be a good day. We are going bowling as a zone After that we are going to play American Football at the chapel and tonight is the halloween party! We made some odd shaped pinata last night and I hope it works. We are having a braai and then we'll just tell scary stories around the fire. I can't think of anything else to do that'll be cheap so thats the best I came up with.

Well, my lovely family and friends, I've got to bail now. The guys are getting uneasy and wanting to go bowling on time. I dont know why, but they do. I love you all so very much and am thankful for all you do for me. Grandma Travis, I'm sorry I'm no good at writing you back personally but I want to thank you for your emails! They boost my spirits and help me to want to work hard! I love you. Thanks for sending my patriarchal blessing, Mom. I'm excited to read it all again and again! Take care and CTR!

Love
Elder Jordan Langston

"I'm Glad They Called Me on a Mission"

Dear Family and Friends!

The work is going well! The people here are doing awesome!! I am still healthy and enjoying the guidance of the Spirit.

First off, Richard is doing great! We saw him and he's been praying and reading. We taught him the plan of salvation and he asked, "when are you going to baptize me?" So he sees how important it is to be baptized, so thats good. The only thing that was disappointing is that he didn't come to church like he promised. We just need to get him there and then he'll be hooked, I just know it.

About baptizing boys, no, I haven't baptized any in this area but in Thaba Nchu, we baptized 2 guys. You dont really understand how hard it is to get guys that are sober to teach. The beer flows like....some massive river or something. There's a lot of beer here. In fact, every weekend everyone is drunk and it's hard to tract. I almost hit two drunk guys while going 120 on the freeway. Thats 120 km/h!

I can't really think about what else happend this week that was totally awesome. We did some yard work for some less actives and that was nice to do. We've been doing a lot of tracting to build up our teaching pool with people who are really serious about the gospel. So far, we haven't found too many, but we aren't giving up!

Today we are going to Moya's to carve pumpkins with her and her friend that we are teaching. It'll be good fun! We helped the Thulo family get started on making masks and they are so cool! I'll have to send some pictures when we do it. We are doing it next Monday night!

Moya's sister's baby is doing better now. Susan is doing better and she told us how blessed she is to have people explain what the scriptures say. She said she can tell its the true church because we help people understand things instead of just telling them whats up. She'll be a good member!

Well family, I'm glad to hear that you had a great time with Dan and Nicole. I'm glad to hear that Bryce is coming home and Ali is getting married. Thanks for all the support you give to me! I sure do love you all! I hear its been snowing a bit down there! That is neat. We got the first rain of the season the other day and it was nice and wet. We gave Nosisa a blessing in her shack while the rain was pelting the tin roof so hard. I was pretty much yelling the blessing. She had some surgery because of hemorrhoids gone bad. Sounds painful. Keep her in your prayers, please. I love you all so very much! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder J. Langston

Happy Columbus Day

Good morning family and friends, and happy Columbus Day!!

This week has been an interesting week. On Monday, we went to the hospital to visit Moya's sister because her 3 week old baby's heart isn't beating correctly or something like that so we went to visit and it was so crazy. Usually at hospitals they have the people in their own seperate room and all that jazz. Well, this place, all the babies were in a hot room, almost laying shoulder to shoulder in a room that had scary paintings on the wall and cobwebs everywhere. It was like a run down hospital that someone decided tyo open back up but they didn't clean anything before they started stackin the babies in. We were going to give a blessing but it was too crazy and a million people, well not really a million, but a lot of people were in there with their crying babies. I gave Moya's sister some socks, the ones that you sent a while ago, and then we left. I heard that the baby is out now and is doing better.

We also went to the Thulo's house for FHE that night. Usually when we go we take some candles or flashlight or something because their house is dark because for some reason the lights don't work, only the outlets. So we bought some lamps to take there, some real cheap ones that put off enough light to light their house and they loved it so much!! I told them that it was a holiday that we celbrate in America called "Present giving day" and they liked that holiday. It was nice to see how grateful they were for just a little bit of light that we took to their house.

We were tracting one day and found this guy who let us come in instantly. We sat down and started talking. Turns out, he has a Book of Mormon but doesn't really understand it and was looking for the people who use it so they can explain to him what it means. It's so cool being a part of someones answer to their prayers! He was really excited that he found us and we are starting to teach him now. His name is Richard and I'll let you know how things go with him.

We did some service in the other guys area at a members house and being there made me want to adopt a little black girl even more. There was this little girl, cute as ever, and she was so funny! She would play with us and tell jokes in her language and she was just awesome! The best part was that when her mom or older sister told her to go do something or to get something, she'd do it. I wanna git me one a those.

We got another girl on baptism date for December. She's doing well, but we just want to make sure her testimony is strong. Now we have 5 people on date.

Well, my fam, it sure is good hearing from you. I'm glad to hear that the food storage is going great! And that Jacob's hair is short. Ps, those babies are getting huge!! I dont even know them! A lady told me that white people are so much bigger than blacks because the white parents take their kids out in the sun when they are young. I think she's thinking we are like plants or something. Ok, enough of my random stories. I'm going to end this. Thanks again for all your prayers! I'm feeling them! I got to go to the temple on Friday and it was so nice! I didn't even sleep! BOO WOO! I sure do love you all! Take care and CTR!
Sharp!

Love,
Elder J. Langston

Conference Report

This is a picture of Jordan and Elder MacDonald, one of the other 3 missionaries in the flat.

Dear Family and Friends,

Conference was totally awesome!! In the words of my sister and fellow teammate in the gospel, "oh my holy yum-yums!" It was so delicious to receive living scripture from prophets and apostles. I enjoyed every minute of it and yes, I was able to stay awake for it all! We didn't get to watch the Sunday afternoon because it didn't start till 10p.m. and the Saturday afternoon was all choppy for us because the satelite was weird. Moya didn't go to the women's broadcast so I didn't get to hear how it was from her. I told her to take notes for me because you said it was good but her sisters baby is in the hospital so she was there all day. She did come to the Sat. afternoon and Sun. morning session and she brought goodies and sat with us and ate them! It was nice! Afterwards we were chatting and she told me she wants to come visit the family in America because she loves you, Mom. I gave her my Gladys Knight cd and told her it was from you and she called me up that night to verbally tell me how much she loves it. So she's starting to make plans to come visit after I get home some time, so I hope thats cool with everyone.

We did some tracting this week and found a family with two girls. As we were teaching them, both Teerlink and I felt the Spirit so strong and I'm sure the family did too. The girls were totally zoned in as we were discussing the Apostasy and Restoration. They understood everything and even asked some questions. We left that house feeling like we were on top of the world. We had an appointment to see them Friday but the girl called to let us know she wouldn't be there, which was cool because most people wait till we get there to find out that they wont be there, but we are seeing them tomorrow and I'm sure it'll be awesome possum!

Well, I'm sure glad that you got the package safely! Was the spidey suit still there? Does Jacob wear it all over the place? The pictures of the kids that you put up were some kids in Thaba Nchu that I got to say "I love you" with their hands. The girls were our neighbors and they'd always come over to our flat asking for sweets and debekos. I'm glad that you both (Camille and Mom) enjoy the skirts. They were made by Sister Mohokare in Thaba Nchu and all I had to do was buy the fabric which was about R200 each, or $30. She's the same lady who made the spidey suit for me. She's way cool! Oh yeah, she's the same lady who made the birthday cake for me!! She made good food for us too! If you wanna write her a letter and send pics of you wearing the skirts, I'll send them to her and I'm sure she'll love that! Moya said she has a letter that she's going to send to you and I still have a package for Mom and Dad. Oh yeah, I thought of you, Dad, when President Monson talked about "Music Man" and our good friend Professor Harold Hill.

Thank you for your email, Camille! I really do enjoy getting encouraging letters from my loving family! I'm sorry that I'm such a slacker as well because I dont even think I've sent you something, like a letter just to you. I hope the skirt with the ladies smoking makes up for it. I sure do love you Camille! I love you too Candice and Jill and Jeanette! When they spoke about giving respect to girls in Priesthood session, they said to tell family members that you love them. So, I'm just letting you all know I love you! And I didn't' forget you Rachael and Nicole! I sure do appreciate having you in the family and taking care of my brothers. I love you all so much and I grow to love you even more as I learn about the gospel and have an eternal perspective on things because I get to be with you all forever! I love you Mom and Dad! Take care and CTR!

Love your African boy,
Elder Jordan Langston

I Love You!

There's something special about pictures of sweet children. I love to see them!

Videos from Jordan - Wedding Celebration

Jordan sent a CD with pictures and videos. I'll post 3 of the videos here. Turn off the music on the site so you can hear what's going on. This is a wedding party celebration.

Hail and More Hail!

What great weather in South Africa!

More video

Not sure what to make of this but it's fun to watch. Don't know if I should be more impressed with the baton twirling or the skills of the "videographer".

A Week in the Life of Elder Langston

Since Jordan sent this picture today, I decided to post it. Always fun to have a recent pic. This was taken last Sunday before the baptism. I don't think he was ready to have this picture taken.

Well, this week was a good one. I've got some good stories from this week as well.

On Tuesday we went to Nosisa's place to talk about baptisms for the dead because we are trying to get all of our recent converts ready to go to the temple soon. But we were over there watching a talk and, like always, I fell asleep. When the talk was over, Elder Teerlink talked about what we learned and all that good stuff and even turned on a hymn to listen to. I only know this because I was told later for I was asleep this whole time. The song got over and Nosisa was asked to choose someone to pray. I was chosen and Teerlink woke me up to tell me to pray. I had no idea what was going on, all I remember is Nosisa asking if I was asleep and really quickly I replied, "no." I was still confused so Teerlink prayed. After the prayer, Nosisa asked, "are you awake, Langston?" "I am now," I replied and she let out a little laughter. She said she's going to tell everyone that I sleep and I started to kinda do some role play of how she'll do that saying she'll go bear her testimony and I was saying what she would say and there would be laughter and everyone would look back at the missionaries and see us asleep on the back row and all that jazz. We were kinda chuckling and having a good time about me being a funny guy, then, very seriously, I asked her, "so, who's going to pray?" Wowzers, she let out a hoot of laughter, unable to control herself! We left her place on a good note. I learned from George Costanza. (note from Connie) Ever since Jordan was a small boy, if he fell asleep before it was time to go to bed, he would do very strange things as we woke him up. We would all get a chuckle over his antics. Just so you remember, Nosisa is blind. She must not have known that he was asleep-that's probably why she asked him to pray.
Wednesday, we went to the chapel to help out again with videorizing, as Ma Majija says it. The youth were doing a movie for some weekend convention thingy that weekend. They like to procrastinate and wait till a few days before to do it. It turned out real dumb and I dont even know if they used the video or not but we got fed so it was all worth it. There was also a combined Elders and RS activity and Nosisa came and when she heard my voice, she started laughing and everyone was wondering why. I told her to not tell anyone, and so she didn't.

Thursday was a long day because we forgot that we were on bikes so we made appointments where we had to ride so very far. Probably about 3 miles to each appointment. We're dumb. Friday, we had District Meeting and I did it all about obedience because Pres Poulsen sent out a memo for everyone telling us that we need to be obedient to the rules so that was the lesson and it was nice. Everyone walked out of the meeting with their heads down in shame so it was quite effective.
Sunday was a good day because Moya got confirmed and recieved the Holy Ghost, or as I tell people, the Ghost of Holies. I'm an idiot. She's cool and lovin the gospel even more as the days go by. After church we went to visit Susan who did not come to church because her back was acting up and making it so she can't do much, you know what thats like Mom. We talked about Jesus Christ and watched a talked called "The Master Healer" by Russell M. Nelson. It was a good one and afterwards as we were testifying of Christ and His Atonement, I felt the Spirit so strongly. It was so awesome and made me think about the Atonement even more. Do you ever do that? Just sit and imagine what it might have been like to be there and see Christ suffer all the things He did because of love? It's amazing! You should try it sometime when you're in the zone. Susan testified afterwards to us how much she loves the gospel and she's even trying to tell her friends. She said her friends always ask for proof but we told her to just testify and that'll be the proof, when they feel the Spirit telling them that what you are saying is true. She was so happy! I love this gospel so much! I love the sacrifices that all the saints have gone through to teach the gospel and keep it alive and going strong. Most of all I love our Savior and Brother, Jesus Christ who made it possible for all of us to return and live with our loving Father in Heaven.

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well and that Jacob has hair like Mom. It really is cool! I'm going to print that pic so I can look at it even more! I sure do love you all! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Langston

Wedding

Saturday we had a wedding to attend all day. I was assigned to be the camera man, so I figured I need a pass to go wherever I wanna go, so I made a VIP pass to wear as I was the camera fella. Halfway through the wedding, I noticed some competition shootin some film. He almost looked legit. He had a tripod a hat that matched his shirt and even a mustache, but he was missing a pass. I figured I can't grow a mustache on mission so I let him finish recording. We just helped out with a lot of the preparations and stuff while the couple was athte temple getting sealed.


This is a Ramatla boy that I put my glasses on.

Oh Happy Day

"Oh happy day!" Those are the first words Moya said after she was baptized. It was an amazing experience for me because I got to teach her from the beginning and I also got to baptize her. She was so nervous but she did it. This was a great weekend for me because I got to spend more time with her during the wedding. After church, we were picking out a dress for Moya and she kept saying how ugly the things were. She asked if there was a sewing machine so she can make the gown fit more like a dress. She's pretty funny. Before we went into the font, she knew it was cold, so when we entered the font, she had a little chuckle under her breath till she felt the water, then her breath was gone. She turned to the door and said she'll do it later and everyone laughed but she finally went in and I baptized her. Luckily she only had to go under once becuase she was done after that one time.
When she bore her testimony, it was just so cool to hear how powerful she is and how great of a member she will be. She even mentioned my name! Thats always cool, to get mentioned in someones testimony! Wooo!

Early this week I decided to get up in the mornings to do some jogging to start working out my knee so its not always sore. I purchased some cheap nikes that wont jack up my legs from a big tongan wearing them previously like my other shoes. It feels so nice to go running in the mornings! I got Teerlink to wake up on time to come with me too. I am starting to notice a difference in my health, even though I still have a gut.

We did some tracting this week around some of our other investigators house and we found a little family of girls. We taught them but I dont know if anything will come out of it because the mom is a sangoma, or a witch doctor. We'll keep trying though.

I've also noticed a big difference in my spirituality as I do whats right. I dont want to sound like a BYU return missionary but I really do feel better when I obey the rules. We were teaching a lady named Susan, who's going to be on date soon, and her husband about scripture study. I usually have a set scripture I use and pretty much talk about the same thing with everyone, but when I let the spirit take over, I personalized it a little more to them and their family by saying that if they read together they will grow together. The Spirit was strong there and the husband actually paid attention. That was his first time sitting in with us and during the closing prayere, he actually closed his eyes and folded his arms, when on the opening prayer he just sat in the couch, still upset that we turned off the tv. It was cool! What was even cooler was relating stories of how doing things together in our family has really helped us grow stronger in the family and Satan has little power over us when we do whats right together.

On Friday we had District Meeting, and yes, we have it every week unless there is another meeting in that week. We talked about Christlike attributes and I had each of the misisonaries give a little "talk" about an attribute that I assigned. It was a nice meeting because we all learned a lot. It was a bit of a self inflicted chastisment for all of us but we need that.

Lately we've been teaching some families and whenever I share personal experience with them and tell them how much I love my family, it almost brings me to tears because I realize just how much you all do for me and how much you mean to me! Don't ever change!
Take care and CTR!

E mail from Jordan, Monday, September 15

Hello Family

Well, I'll start off telling you about my week.
Moya is doing good. She failed her first interview because of question 4 but President will come interview her sometime this week. She'll pass and be able to be baptized soon. We also talked to her boyfriend, Colin, and he said that he knows the church is true now. He was pretty much bearing his testimony to us one night so I just put him on date for 12 OCT so we'll see if he makes it.
Thanks, Dad, for the Bear Tracks. I made up a story and some scriptures to go with that and made it into a lesson for less actives about temptation. I even printed pictures of some tracks and big bears to freak the people out. The first time I did it, the family said, "I hope I dont ever see any bears!" I dont think they understood the whole lesson.
District meeting went well. I did it on the Restoration and hit some key points that we need to focus on and then we did a little exercise that was pretty fun. I found random things in our flat to put in a sack and had the Elders pull something out and turn it into a Restoration lesson. It was great giggles, I'll tell you what!
A lady we've been teaching for a bit named Susan is really starting to get answers. We are going to put her on date next time we see her. We taught her the Plan of Salvation and she loved it! I enjoy seeing people understand and love what I teach them.
We did service at the Thulos' house again and we made them a sweet garden. We were there for like 4 hours just tilling up a little bit of their yard with a short handled pitch fork. We planted some veggies for them so they can have something to do together as a family and enjoy reaping the harvest. I also gave two interviews after the service. It went well and there will be two new members baptized on the 21 from the other guys area.
We were driving on the main road in Katlehong when the car in front of us pulled up next to another car and started yelling. The both cars stopped real abruptly and the car in front of us had two guys wearing jeans and beanies jump out real quick while cocking a round in the chamber of their hand guns. They had them pointing at the other car while yelling in zulu. I dont know what was going on but we were this close to seeing a guy get his brains blown out, but luckily nothing happend. We found out later what was going on. A well known gangster was shot by his friend earlier and the funeral was Saturday so many gangsters were there and the cops were out doing whatever. I guess the guys in the jeans and guns were cops, horrible cops.
On Sunday, we had 6 investigators at church and we got news that there is enough of the higher priesthood to split the ward to make it a stake so that might happen soon.
Thanks for all you do family, and for loving me enough to let me know whats going on. I am still striving to do what is right. I love you all so much! Take care and CTR!
Love,
Elder Langston
whenever my day is getting dark, I remember something that President Hinckley once said: "Look for the sunlight through the clouds."

This is the Vesse Family. He's the ward mission leader. This is celebrating Jordan's 1 year. (Hump Day)


Jordan made this chocolate cake to share with the Vesse Family.


Camp out on the balcony. Elder Langston and Elder Teerlink.


Dearest Family and Friends,

Greetings to you all from the windy country of South Africa. This whole week has been nothing but dust storms in the township and I thank my lucky stars I'm not on bicycles.
Ok, on with the missionary work now. The week went well. Zone conference was nice, but hectic . It was a nice topic President Poulsen talked about though. It was about goals. I need to set more goals in my life so I got something to work towards, so now me and Teerlink are setting more goals and it feels great!

Moya is still dominating! We really have been blessed with her! Something I hate about bringing cute investigators to church is that old guys that can't get married because they are too weird always flirt with the investigators. It drives me nuts!!! At the baptism yesterday(the other missionaries are baptizing like crazy) we sat behind her before the wierdo came and I told her that I'm going to keep an eye on her. She just laughed and asked why. Just as she asked, the guy came in to sit by her, and I said, "that's why!" Man, I'm so funny! :)

We are seeing some new people as well. In fact, one of them is a referral from a less-active girl, Kenilwe Thulo, and the referral is pretty cool! She's come to church twice already! We saw the girl on Friday in the middle of the day and we just watched the Restoration DVD. About 5 minutes into the movie, guess what I did. I fell asleep! as did my companion! We were both out cold. The movie got over and Teerlink said he just heard silence while he was asleep so he woke up real quick and looked at me, hoping I was teaching, but I wasn't. I was still dreaming. The rest of the time there was kinda awkward because I think she saw us and I think I was snoring. oh well, she's here for the gospel, not us! It's the Spirit that'll testify the truth to her, not us! I'm just trying to justify my narcoleptic disorder.

These pictures that I'm dishing out to you are some newer ones. The one with the family is the Vesse family. He is our new ward mission leader. I made some chocolate cake for my "hump day" and took it there to their house. We had a campout on our balcony last Sunday night and were going to do it last night, but it was freezing! Thats me and Teerlink on the beds.
Well, I'll try to answer the questions I remember from the letter. No, my cough is gone. Yes, me and Teerlink are getting along. I'll get the package tonight!! Thanks again! Yes, we do have some more people on baptism date, with more on their way!

Also, before I forget, does anyone have any good ideas that they've seen from their misisons, for a District Meeting? This weekly meeting stuff isn't too good for me. I can't come up with new things to talk about. Last one we talked about testimonies and that we need to bear them often. Thats all I can think of. If you do have more ideas, please hit me up!

How is Camille doing? and everyone else? I hope I got another CD with people saying "hey" in the package! If not, thats cool too. I'm gonna go now.
I love you all so much and pray for you every night! I hope everyone is doing well and being happy! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordy Boy Langston

Monday Morning News

Hey Family!

This week was a good week. The numbers weren't too good because I spent all day Tuesday at meetings for leaders. I got a lot of stuff on my shoulders now but I think I'll live.

We got to see a lot of people and spend some quality time tracting. We also rode the bikes pretty far and Teerlink is teaching me how to jump far. He's good on bikes and finds anything that looks like a jump to jump. Elder Teerlink and I are getting along great! Even Elder McDonald is awesome! We have a great flat!
Moya is awesome! We really have been blessed to be able to teach someone like her. Wanna hear something crazy that I think is illegal or something? Moya was asked to give the opening prayer in sacrament meeting yesterday. Is she allowed to do that? I think I already told you but her baptism date is now the 21 of September. She's totally ready! And tonight we are going to have FHE at the Ramatla's house and we are bringing Moya and her daughter with us. She is so excited for it as well!
A guy in the ward has put together a package for me to send to you, Mom and Dad. I was dying to know what it was so I opened it and read the letter. He's a cool guy! I think you'll like the package! He totally talks me up too! Wooo!

Happy Birthday Jill! Did you do anything fun for the party? Any pinatas? I wanted to make one for my one year mark but I didn't. No, I didn't burn anything either. All I did was make a cake and took it to the warm mission leaders house and ate it with him and his family. That's how I celebrate, but of course there were party hats to be worn so it was a real party.

I hope everyone is doing well! Tomorrow we have Zone Conference and I'll be able to get the package if its here now. I love you all so much! Thank you all for what you do. I really am so lucky to have a great family like you! I see all the families here that are falling apart because of drugs or what what and I really am blessed to have a loving family that gets along so well! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordan Langston

"In this world, it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us rich."

African Scripture Cover

Hello Family!

The week has gone well. Elder Smith has said his goodbyes A lot of people were sad that he was leaving. Transfers were on Wednesday and Elder Teerlink and Elder McDonald came to our flat. Teerlink is from Mesquite and McDonald is from California some where. They are cool guys! Teerlink is a cowboy, kinda, and my accent is starting to come back.

We saw Moya and challenged her to pick a baptism date. Teerlink also said to make a list of things she needs to change to become baptized and she said she's already made a list and she's been doing good with the things she needs to change. She's so cool! She really seems a lot happier since the first time we met her. She also came up to us at the end of church to show us a scripture. It's in Alma 34 about not procrastinating the day of your repentance and she told us she's picked a day to be baptized. She said the first weeks in October! We are going to see her tomorrow to make a certain day and put it down to work towards.

So, yeah...District Leader. I have no idea what I'm doing. The other day, I had to do my first interviews for baptism. I was so nervous but when it was time to sit down with the candidates, I felt so calm and things seemed to just come out so smoothly! It's wonderful how the Spirit works! I interviewed three people! It was exciting! Also, the other guys like to make me do everything since i am the new DL and so yesterday we went to a funeral thingy with a member in the ward to a lady that I didn't even know exsisted and I had to share a scripture and the member only brought he BOM so I did one out of there and talked about it to this family from a different church. I got my scriptures covered and that is whats in the picture. I'm not going to use these until I get home. Oh yeah, Moya's boyfriend makes things out of fabric and he's going to make me a scripture bag out of some cool african fabric for my new scriptures.

Well, that's about all from me. Thanks for keeping me informed on whats going on at home. I have to go to a meeting tomorrow morning so I'll be able to check on the package! I hope I got it! I love you all so much and thankful for all your blessings you send my way. Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Jordy


Elder Baird said this before he left to go home. "When God created the Earth, He called it good. When He talks about the Restoration, He calls it a 'Marvelous Work and a Wonder'. We need to declare the good news as God does."
I'm thankful that Jeanette and I get to do that!

Monday email Aug 11, 2008

Hey Family!
This week has been not very eventful but we did see a lot of cool things that dont pertain to missionary work. I will proceed to tell you of the stories.
Friday evening we went to the members house who lost the Father and we saw them carry the casket in to the house for a viewing or something. When the body arrived, as tradition, they began to slaughter some sheep. The way that they began the slaughter was first, they cut off the testicles so that it wont die like a man, then they continue with slitting its throat with a knife sharpened on the nearest stone. They killed three sheep and I watched the whole thing. You'll have to keep an eye on Elder Smiths blog page because he'll post some videos of the excitment. Saturday we were at the funeral almost all day and it was a good service but when we went to the grave site and did a little service there, people were freakin! Almost all of the daughters fainted! They are about 30 years old and after they went to pay their last respects, they were walking back to their seats and just freaked out and fainted. The wife to the guy kept her cool. She's a great lady! Her name is Mama Ramatla and she is my favorite!

We also got some news on Saturday. Elder Smith is leaving me and I'm the new District Leader for the Katlehong District. I dont know why they keep giving me responsibility but I'll take it and try my hardest to do what I need to do. My new companion is Elder Teerlink.

So I'm just going to tell you about Moya this week because she is the coolest investigator I've had thus far on mission! The other day we taught her and her boyfriend the 10 commandments and the question came up from her boyfriend, "why was Christ baptized?" Elder Smith began to answer the question the best he can without scriptures. When he was done talking, Moya said, "there's a scripture about that in 2Nephi 31." Holy Cow! She loves reading the Book of Mormon! We gave her some cake on her birthday, Wednesday, and it made her day! I decorated it and it looked so nice! Also, there was some workshop at the church twice this week for some self employment thing and she went to it. On Sunday, in Sacrament meeting, they handed out certificates from that workshop and everyone was a member, except Moya. She brought her daughter to church because her daughter said she loves it so much! She even stayed after church to watch a baptism and after the baptism, she went up to the lady that got baptized and congratulated her. They didn't really even know each other! Moya is so cool! We got some scriptures for her too and a case that we're going to give to her before Smith leaves. She is the most awesome investigator ever!!

The week really has been slow. Speaking of slow, I finally sent the package but to airmail it it'd cost R600 so I just put it on a boat so you'll get it for Christmas or something! Sorry this isn't the best letter. Nothing great has happened and the email sucks so I haven't even read your email yet so sorry if I dont answer any questions for you. I do love you all though! I hope everyone is doing well because I am doing well here. I am still sick though with just some coughs that i wish would just leave but I still get things done! Take care and I'll let you know when I get your package! Thanks for the package! Take care and, as always, CTR!

Love,
Jordy Boy The Elder

Tabasco Sauce

Jordan teaches some children about "American" food! That boy was so trusting. Those mean old missionaries!

Children and Elder Langston

Dear Family,
I'm writing a rough draft of my letter so I can remember all I want to say when Monday comes around.

Tuesday was a busy day for us. We busted out 7 lessons and almost everyone we saw was a progressing investigator. We are teaching some awesome people. The Lord has really blessed us in our diligence with some of these people.

We are still teaching Moya and her boyfriend and on Friday we taught about prophets. We watched "Ask in Faith" by Elder Bednar and Moya was taking notes and she loved every second of that talk. She is so far in the Book of Mormon, too. She's so cool!

I gave a blessing to a guy who's family is a member but he's not. He was having some bad bleeding problems and has had those problems since the 80's or something. He told me, "when you talk to God, tell him to either stop the bleeding or take my life." I proceeded with the blessing with inspiration to bless him with health, then it turned more towards family. Enjoy the time with your family, enjoy life: that was the stuff I was impressed to say. He told us to fast for him, so we did. We got word he was admitted to ICU the next day. He got surgery and was doing better. Our ZL gave him a blessing while he was recovering and a couple days later, he died. It's sad seeing the family real sad. Next saturday is the funeral so we won't be doing much that day except eating and comforting people.

Sunday was a good day. We got some good giggles from the testimonies there and from a baby blessing. To get the kid to stop crying they gave her the mic. That was a big mistake. The kid made so many noises in there to cause people to laugh and we couldn't really even hear the blessing. Moya and Jabulile came to church and it was nice! They loved it so much! I love seeing people happy after church! We went to a nice house after church for lunch and I got some sweet ideas for a kitchen! They had the sink for cleaning dishes and stuff in the back of the kitchen, kinda away from the preparing area. It was so cool!

Jacob, everyone in my flat loves you. We listen to the cd that I got a while ago with everyone on there singing and stuff and we always quote some of the stuff Jacob says. Also, when Corban is singing "twinkle twinkle little star" he says some jibberish stuff, but turns out it's really Sesotho. We took it to a members house and they listened to that and sure enough, Corban knows sotho. So, send him on down here and he can be my translator for me. Thanks! I love the picture of Jacob. Good stuff! I heard about Jeanette's pizza. That makes me jealous that I'm not in America to get cool things from my family. I'll get over it though.

I love you all so much! Sorry this is so short, but I'll write more later. I love you all so much!

Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder "Jordy Boy" Langston

Here is a quote, I don't know from who, but its nice. He says: "If you're not doing anything wrong, ask yourself, are you doing anything right? If you're not doing anything right, then you're doing something wrong." Do what's right!!

Pictures of Katlehong and email 7-28-08

Greetings Family and Friends!

First off, if you want to view pictures of me, you can see them from Elder Smiths blog page because he got a nicer computer than me and he has better pictures as well. (These pictures are from Elder Smith's blog)

This week has been an amazing week! We are teaching this one girl named Moya who is a referral from a member. We gave her a Book of Mormon and we went back about 4 days later and she finished 1 Nephi and she is praying and everything! We also taught her boyfriend yesterday and got him caught up to where she is (Plan of Salvation) and he asked about being married in the celestial kingdom. We told him about temple marriage and he was excited! He seems like a good guy for Moya and the sweet part is is that they dont live together!! That makes our life a little easier and theirs too!

On Wednesday we spent a good chunk of the day just painting a roof. We were doing it for a member family and one of the guys that married into that family served with Brett back in the day. His name is J. Mutanbarika. He's from Zimbabwe. Ask Brett if he knows him so that way I'm not much of a faliure for finding people from his mission.

We tracted in a new section of our area and we met a lot of cool people there. We are teaching a lady and her daughter. She said that she hasn't gone to church for a while because she doesn't know which church is a good church. She liked what we told her.

On Sunday we didn't have the same people come to church but they told us ahead of time their reasoning. Instead, we had a new one come. One that says she is our new family. We've been working with her ever since we came to this area and she was loving church! She told us that definately she'll come next week. Even when church was over, she asked if there was any more. We told her its all over and she can go home. She was a little sad, I think. Also, we saw Nosisa and she told us the cooles thing EVER! She said that when her daughter came to visit her, she was reading the BOM and was loving it but sadly she left it behind when she went back home to Durban. Nosisa called her a while ago and her daughter said she left the BOM behind but it doesn't matter because there was one at her house. Actually there was two at the house and they never knew it before. Its cool becuase Nosisa's cousin also enjoyed the BOM so she has one of her own now. The Lord truly has a hand in this! I love this gospel! I love teaching people and seeing them receive blessings! I love you all so much and thank you for all that you do. Tell the ward thanks for all that they do and did for me as well, but dont' read this on fast and testimony meeting.
I'll answer some questions now. The DVDs and book I got from the office. They purchase some stuff from the distribution center in Joburg and I just buy it from the office. They dont have much of a selection but they gots the essentials. I love you all! Take care and CTR!

Love,
Elder Langston

Birthday with Tshidi Family

"I just had to send some pictures while the other elders are trying to do some stuff here in town. These are some pictures of some fun with members. There are some pictures of the hawaiian haystack birthday party and the braai we had with the Tshidi family. They did some human sacrifices and pushup contests. It was quite fun stuff. The girl with the cone hat on is the birthday girl. I hope you enjoy some of these pictures".

I'm not sure about this picture. This must be the human sacrifice game. I think you'd have to be strong to play this game and very hungry.

I looked up Braii on the internet. This is what I found: On the surface, the braai (it rhymes with "eye") is similar to a barbecue, but they should not be confused. The braai tradition is intimately intertwined with our laid-back, outdoor lifestyle. It has everything to do with the year-round sunny skies and temperate climate. It's a ritual practiced in homes, restaurants, and camps, at game parks, on the beach, in the bush ... pretty much wherever you find one or more of us South Africans.

I never thought of having push-up contests at a birthday party. Looks like they're having fun. I don't see Elder Langston down there. He needs to stay in shape!

Jordan - Before he was Elder Langston

Here are a few pictures of Jordan to show that he really does have the "Right One, Baby". Who would have thought this cute little boy would grow up to be serving half way around the world in South Africa at the age of 19!


Look at those eyes, those freckles and that smile. Can you tell we didn't get new pictures from Elder Langston and that I'm reminiscing today?

Email 7-21-08

Dear Family

So this week was a good one. I'll start from the beginning. Tuesday we went to see a lady we tracted in once we got here. She had lots of questions. She didn't like that "the church is run by white Americans." I told her whats up then I bore my testimony to her. It was awesome because she came to church for the first time yesterday.

Wednesday we had Zone Conference and I got to chat with President and he said that he got to meet you at his farewell. We later went to a members house for a girls 18th birthday party and she was bummed when we first got there. I dont even know why but she wasn't too happy. We made Hawaiian haystacks for them and they LOVED them! That made her a little more happy and she also got a cake from one of her boyfriends. She set the cake out on the table and went to get a knife. While she was gone, I secretly switched it with a cake I made that was personalized for her and she loved it even more. The cake turned out good and she didn't even want the other cake her boy gave her. It was cool! She was smiling when we left.

I went to the doctors again on Thursday and he took a picture of my lungs and told me that I dont have TB so thats good but he sent it the specialist to check it out and I haven't heard back from him yet.

We saw Prudence and showed her some General Conference talks from the last one. I bought the DVD because, c'mon, they were some good talks! Especially Faith of our Fathers because everyone believes in anscestors. If you wanna send me any other DVDs that would be great! Even a mini DVD player would be lekker!

I bought a Book of Mormon Stories book for a recent convert who is 10 years old and he likes it. His father likes it even more, I think. We walked in his shack and caught the father reading from the book and he tried to hide it real quick when he saw us. It was like he was doing something bad or something, but I saw that it was the actual book he was reading.

Yesterday we had 4 investigators at church and it was great! I was asked to talk in Relief Society about missionary work and referrals. I am an idiot and I said, "knocking doors is good, but member referrals are gooder." I quickly explained that thats a word that we use where I come from but its not a real word. I felt like a real dummy.

The work is going well here, though. I really am loving the power of the Spirit as I testify. I'm starting to do that a lot more now because I see the power. I love this gospel so much! I love the people here lots! I wish the very best for you all back home!

I love you all so much and am so thankful for the support you give me and for the support from the ward that I'm getting as well while I'm serving the Lord through my fellow men here in South Africa! I love you! Take care and CTR!

Love, Elder Langston

Bedfordview Zone

Jordan is serving in the Katlehong area. President and Sister Bowden were released from the South African, Johannesburg mission on June 30, 2008 They went to each zone and had a picture taken with the missionaries before they left. Jordan is the top row 4th from the left.

Nosisa's Baptism

This is a picture of Nosisa and her friend who introduced her to the church. Elder Smith baptized her, Jordan conducted the service. Nosisa had to get dunked twice but it was ok. The water was freezing because the power went out during church and the water heater didn't work. After the baptism Jordan helped her to the microphone to bare her testimony and she asked if there was a time limit. He told her take as long as she wants, and thats exactly what she did. She told stories and stuff for about 20 minutes. It was good though!

Fun with Balloons!

Jordan has decided not to hand out sweets to kids because they already have bad teeth so he makes balloons for them to play with. Its more healthy.

The New Butchers!

One of the recent converts was having some party for her dead grandpa on Sunday and invited us to come. We went there on Saturday to see if they needed any help. They had us take parts of the cow that they just slaughtered and we had to cut off meat for a stew. It was kinda fun because everyone was watching us and making fun of the white guys doing a black mans job. They even got video of us and i'm going to try to get a copy to send home. It was fun! I think I want to buy a cow when I get home and cut it up and eat it. We got so much meat off of one leg.