Sain Uu!

Daraagiin neg dex udur bid Skype-eer yarix yum baina! Yansiin goe shuu! Setgel xutluj baina uu ger bul mini ee? It's been an incredible fast week here.... it hasn't registered with me yet that Christmas is already here?? So I'll make sure I get on that on before Sunday! I love missionary work because of the constant focus that we have to be closer to the Lord and His spirit. That really is something that every man needs to have in his life, not just in a Christmas season or a short two year period. I want to share with you a line from this weeks Pass Down that really impressed me while reading/translating it:

"Certainly the greatest discovery ever made is when man discovers his Redeemer."

This week I've seen that principle over and over a few times and this sentence sums up a lot of this week's thoughts and impressions. We take upon ourselves His name through baptism so that we can discover His joy and receive peace and eternal life. We discover more about Christ as we read the scriptures with an attitude that allows His Gospel principles to be revealed to us (without love, charity, and a desire to draw closer to Christ the scriptures will not be opened unto us). I am and need to continue working harder to discover my Redeemer.

So here's a little look into what's been going on here:

On Monday I got a haircut, that's about all we got to, we had a busy preparation day. Elder Neuberger and I did try to make hash browns and had a wonderful failure- so were going back to the drawing board on that one! I'm constantly grateful for having Elder Neuberger as a companion- he's great! Elder Wilson had me help him in a little translation service project for a member that finished the day off, we keep saying we're going to get the deels made, but it hasn't been happening... that's why I haven't drawn out the money yet, but we'll get it done before Tsagaan Sar baix aa.... I'm excited to show you all!

Tuesday after district meeting we had lunch with the Fords and some of the best enchiladas/the only enchiladas I've had in the last couple years! I'm really excited for all the food exchange that will be had upon our meeting up again- I'll make you guys delish Mongolian food! You guys are probably, out of "respect," saving that aaruult that I sent you and I want you to know I'm grateful that you guys are being so patient before enjoying. Tuesday night was mostly spent teaching English at New West, which is going really good! We have a lot of involved and interested students which makes the teaching rewarding on both sides. Then we got one more lesson in before heading home with our couple that are getting baptized this next week, Bro. Purev and Sister Nyamsuren. They are what we would call an "Uvuu" and "Emee" (Grandpa and Grandma), a couple of their kids are members of the Church and we've been working towards their baptism day for over a month now. I love them! They meticulously record every principle that we teach in the lessons (to not forget) and we can't leave until they've been given a commitment along with a reading assignment (sometimes they will ask before we have the chance to give it) and are working very hard to be ready for baptism. Elder Neuberger taught me an important lesson this night, that while we don't track and knock doors to find that "golden investigator," in our work through teaching English and then getting out and teaching we are being led in a similar manner to those who are prepared to receive the Gospel. It changed my perspective on English teaching and made me more grateful for that opportunity. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were also a lot of teaching for Elder Neuberger and I with lessons squeezed in between and on the way home.

Saturday, a full day of study and work! We met with Ganbold and his family and also our investigator Batsaikhan. Have I told you about Batsaikhan? If I haven't I'm sorry! I'll summarize: When Elder Tuvshinbayar and I were companions, Elder Tuvshinbayar was very insistent about getting his haircut at this certain place (the "Best Salon" gedeg), and so I'd follow him along and then just bring something to read. The last time we went as a companionship I brought along a copy of the Book of Mormon and read while I waited. Next to me a college student sat down and started flipping through a magazine, but glancing over at this American reading a book in Mongolian. First a few glances, and by this time I notice that he is watching, (say a quick prayer that I will be able to have the Spirit) and wait patiently for the right moment. Within a few minutes the magazine is down and he is reading with me! As he starts looking around for the name of this book I take the opportunity to introduce the Book and share my testimony about it. He very happily accepted the copy that I was carrying with a few marked passages and I gave him my number, told him that we would like to explain to him more about this book. After reading some he called and we began meeting with Batsaikhan. Fast forward and Batsaikhan is now preparing for baptism. He has been praying for an answer, but remarked in the last few weeks how he hasn't been able to recognize an answer. Then on Saturday as we taught him about the Plan of Salvation, he closed by telling me his version of the same story I just shared. While attending college he began to search out religion because he felt like he wanted to belong to something and wanted the faith and the path to lead him to a better life. His parent's religion didn't satisfy and he determined to find out more about Christians, investigating a few different churches. The day we met he was discouraged at the lack of success his search had shown and took a few minutes to sit down and think. He then asked that God would help him, and then went to get a haircut. He said to me that he then realized that God had been answering his prayers and guiding him. It was a great lesson and his faith has increased immensely as we have been meeting with him this week.

This is not a unique story to missionary work. But I was grateful again for the confirmation that the Lord is leading us, and leading others to us to receive this the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that this is a great work that we are all involved in, and I pray will not be a hinderance to this cause but with the Spirit can continue to invite and help. One of the highlights of my week!

Then Sunday. I have been doing some branch-hopping lately and yesterday went to Baganuur with the Clarks, the Gledhills, and Elder Myagmardorj. We left at 9 to make the noon sacrament meeting and then after attending the block ( I had the opportunity to translate), we took the 2+ hour drive back, met up with our companions and went to meet with Ganbold and his family again. Brother Ganbold is the best! Not a big talker but is incredibly kind. He found out that I really dig aarts (it's like the aaruult but in a hot drink- by far my favorite Mongolian treat!) so he made us some buuz and aarts before we met as a family. Too good! I know that I'm going to miss Mongolian food so bad and so I'm soaking it all up as much as I can know. Elder Neuberger.... ha ha hasn't really caught the fire yet, took about 2 sips of the aarts and then threw in the towel (he really wants to like it so it was kind of a bummer for him, but he'll have it after a few more attempts). And so I got double portions, everybody wins!

Merry Christmas to all of you that read this email. I hope that we can all remember Him who loves us, and to put aside all the desires, bad feelings, and habits that keep us from being closer to Him. The second we do that we will have peace and surety in our lives. That is the goal of Christmas and a main purpose in our lives. To my family, I'll tell you all Merry Christmas in person on Sunday!

Love, Elder Ryan Jolley

P.S. Most of the pictures are very obvious. But you may wonder why Elder Neuberger and I are touching buses.... We had some choice traffic this week that was so dense that there was little clearance between us and the other cars on all sides. So in the standstill we decided to each touch a bus.

Hey Family,

Yu baitsgaanaa ve? This has been one of the quickest weeks here, I don't know where all the time's flown by... things are settling down from transfers and now we're getting ready for Christmas! We're skyping in 2 weeks! Mom and Dad are both begging for more "juicy" stories in their emails- and it's funny because that's what Elder Neuberger's parents are saying to him too. I do feel strange because I feel like I'm trying to pick the best of hundreds of incredible moments, events, spiritual experiences that happen each week and fit them on one page- and though I've got months of practice in I still feel like a greenie!

Yesterday we attended sacrament in Zuun Kharaa, and this time Elder Neuberger came with! President and Sister Clark, Elder Neuberger and I left at 8 in the morning to make some 10:30 interviews with some of the priesthood brethren up there. Saturday night and Sunday had a thick fog/smog that covered the city (incredibly thick! We couldn't see the buildings next to our apartment out the windows), and it made the trip really slow. But we got out of the city, and up above the clouds- and caught a beautiful sunrise. This was Elder Neuberger's first time into the countryside and between the ride and the company it was a great trip. The opportunity to spend so much time with President and Sister Clark is an amazing! President made the comment that we really don't comprehend the blessing that it is to be here, and it will take a long time for us to realize the impact that this experience has had on our lives. It's incredible to be apart of the Lords work, and though I can't see the Lord's design in all this I know that it is true and that as we are worthy He can work through us.

"And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord ^cknoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he ^dworketh in me to do according to his ^ewill." (WofM 1:7)

Today I ended up with no time and a computer that has typing problems.... I'm sorry this is so short but if I get back to the office in time I'll send some pictures out.

Love Elder Jolley

Air in the city

Air out of the city

Elder Neuberger and Elder Jolley

Love this picture!

Sain Uu,

Yes, it's already December... yachvaa. This last week has flown by so quick! We had new missionaries come from the MTC as well as Zone Leader Council and Transfers. So a lot of time was spent planning and carrying all that out this week. I'm going to try and do a day by day overview of the week:

Monday- The best preparation day ever!! We went out and got a district picture taken, but it wasn't very eventful until we got home. Elder Neuberger forgot (time #2) to turn off the water on the washing machine and we had water all over our bathroom! Before I had been good about keeping the washing machine in the bathtub, but forgot to tell that to Elder Neuberger. Anyways the water was a good inch in the bathroom and then it seeped into the wood floor of our entry way. So great! This all happened about 30 minutes before we were supposed to head out to a family home evening with Elder Myagmardorj and Boyd, visiting Bro. Ganzorig, Bro. Ganbold and their families. So we called, explained that we'd be a little late, and went to town! We got all the water cleaned up and had a great time doing it, and the apartment below us hasn't come up yet so all's well that ends well. I have a great video that I will show you when I get back. Then we had a great family home evening with our new members and have given them the charge to continue to conduct these each week.

Elder Neuberger and Elder Boyd (in back)
Elder Jolley Bro. Ganbold and his wife and Elder Myagmardorj (in front)

Tuesday- Usually we attend a district meeting with President Clark every Tuesday, and this week we attended the Bayanzurkh District meeting (our home district)- for our district leaders last meeting (he's off to the countryside). Each of the missionaries, including myself, gave a five minute talk on one of the Christlike attributes found in chapter 6 of PMG. Elder Neuberger and Boyd especially did a great job, I can't believe that they've already been here for a month?? With this last transfer down that means Elder Neubergers' time with me is already half over. Then we did a few reports before I taught English.

Wednesday- Elder Neuberger has been teaching English now every Wednesday/Thursday/Friday at the Jonon University. The people there love him and he has a really positive attitude about that opportunity to serve. So we went on companion splits which allowed him to teach and me to get a few things done around the office. Having 2 assistants, but being split up has changed up everything a little bit and so coordinating with Elder Myagmardorj has been difficult this past month.

Thursday- Zone Leader Council! We had a great meeting with the zone leaders in the mission from 11 to 3 (all this time Elder Neuberger was teaching English), and then it was off to meet with Bishop Enkhbold. We have the best bishop and we met with him and his family to discuss Christmas in Sansar. We had a great evening and keep an eye out, they may be sending you a email this week. I included a picture of our evening in this email.

Friday- New missionaries! We spent the day training the trainers, picking up the new missionaries and taking them to Zaisan. It's fun to be apart of a missionaries first few moments on a mission and it's one of the many blessings of being an assistant. We fought the traffic like crazy that night. The traffic is terrible in the city right now. It took us almost 2 hours to make the trip from Zaisan to the BZ bulding (less than 10 km). Then when we got the new missionaries all set up in the dorms, Elder Neuberger and I headed back to the airport to begin the transfer festivities! So we got back home late and then quickly got to bed as we had to run missionaries to the airport/bus stop early the next morning. Transfer time is marked as a time with little food and free time for a 30 hour period, the mission office gets flooded with missionaries! But I love seeing all of our planning come into play and it's satisfying to see the successful finish. To be continued 6 weeks later. Working with this assignment is teaching me love and service in yet another aspect in my life and I continue to be grateful to be able to lift wherever I stand. Having the Gospel light in our countenances truly does make all the difference. I've found that while we're up to our neck in requests and "to-do's" it's still important to not get caught up in all the chaos but to continue to love and sincerely try to help these missionaries.

Saturday- Transfer Day! We spent much of the day moving transfers around, coordinating travel funds (another huge blessing and opportunity to learn) of the missionaries. The mission received a new vehicle and Elder Neuberger and I had a nice break from the mission van (I felt like a soccer mom) and took that around. Driving has always been a stress-reliever for me. I love the way Mongolians drive! To some it seems chaotic and without any rules.... but Mongolians are incredibly attentive drivers and as long as you understand how they drive it's really exciting. Then between all this we introduced the new missionaries to their trainers and now they're off. This transfer we had 6 missionaries leave and 5 missionaries coming in. This seems to be the pattern of sorts and our mission is staying the same in number with around 45 companionships.

Sunday- We said goodbye to Elders Neuberger and Boyd, and Elder Myagmardorj and I attended Sukhbaatar Branch's meetings with President and Sister Clark. I love all the translating opportunities- it's a blessing for my Mongolian. Lately the Mongolian way of saying things has been leaking into my English and so bless President Clark for being patient. I like translating what he says into Mongolian better than I like translating what I hear into English. I feel like there's so many feelings/emotions that can't be translated with the same beauty as the Mongolian speakers. Mongolian at first seems like a more basic, simple language, but it has really opened up to me in this last year and I love speaking it! After attending Church we then prepared for the departing missionaries dinner at the mission home followed by a fireside for all the incoming/departing Elders and Sisters. I translated at the dinner for the President and Sister Clark as well as the Hunts (they had me give them your email address so keep your eye out for that), and we had a great evening with the 5 Sisters and 1 Elder who finished their missions. Scary. Time is flying by much too fast and I know how fast these last few months will go. Then we had the fireside, a quick meeting with an investigator afterwards and that was the week!

I love being a missionary, and how I love being in Mongolia! I will start thinking about some of the unique things that I love about Mongolia and I'll try to include them from next weeks email. There's so many things that I wish would be back home.... this place has truly been prepared for the Gospel and is being blessed by our Heavenly Father. "Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another time. I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend,"

Love, Elder Jolley

P.S. D&C 128:22-25

Hey Family!

Wow. What a week for some of us (nuguu Elder Jolley jr)! I haven't been able to get an email out to him so I need to drop him a line this week, and I smile because I know that the first transfer is where the Lord shapes His missionaries! So bring on the character building experiences! To start off this email I'll give you a rundown of the pictures:

This first picture you'll have to share with the Neubergers.... a classic missionary moment. Elder Neuberger was not used to the "fill-it-yourself" washing machines and last preparation day the water filled up and over! We got it before anything serious happened and I snapped a sweet shot for his family back at home.

The second picture... Thanksgiving dinner. Elder Neuberger and I had two rounds of English teaching on Thursday and between that and office work we had little to no time for food- so we did our Thanksgiving in the morning. We had apple crisp with ice cream, and then "steakon" and eggs with chocolate milk. Delish.

The third picture, the highlight of my week, was Brother Ganbold's baptism. His family was there (who are also preparing to be baptized), along with Brother Ganzorig and his family- Brother Ganbold's friend and new member. I was really impressed how Brother Ganbold viewed his baptism with the respect that a baptism deserves. He was in his white shirt, early, very reverent and thoughtful about the whole event. This symbolizes a lot of changes in his life that have taken place in only a few short months and it was an incredible night! We're going to have a family home evening with them tonight where we're going to be talking about The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

The fourth picture is with Elder Neuberger, Brother Jiguur and I burning the midnight oil in the office. President Clark spent the weekend in Darkhan reorganizing the district presidency and on Friday night after the baptism we prepared some training materials for the District Conference on Sunday. So after a great baptism the three of us ordered some Mr. Pizza (hadn't eaten all day), turned on some Mormon Tabernacle Choir and got to work. Brother Jiguur is our mission office secretary and served a mission in Hawaii- he's great to have in the office!

Also, talked to the Fords today about Skype- we're on. What if I were to call you guys on Christmas Day in the evening like we did last year? That would be Monday morning for us, and the Fords said that would work out fine. I know we're working two missionaries this Christmas so I'll take whatever time- just let me know what works best! I had a ton more that I wanted to write... but as per normal the preparation day has slipped away from us, so here's a little from what I shared with the President Clark (we just made an unexpected stop in at a wedding with President and Sister Clark!).

It's been a great week for the work in Sansar! I feel like we've really been able to gain the Bishop's trust this last week and show him that we're not just office Elders, but we love the ward and want to serve them! We've had the opportunity to speak in sacrament and work with the ward leaders a lot and I see them taking an initiative to improve the ward- and we are more than happy to be helping them in any way we can! What can I say about Elder Neuberger? He's great! Because of English teaching and such we've fallen a little behind on our companionship study program and are working to find a way for our companionship to be the most effective with the situations we are placed in! We all know about those who "teach exceptions" and I'm trying to not have any in our companionship.

The investigators we have now are truly amazing! Almost all have connections to the Church through family and close friends and we are working toward their lasting conversion as we strive to teach with the Spirit! The referrals and contacts keep pouring in and I feel overwhelmed but happy with all the prepared people there are here! I wish that I could meet with all of them, and I worry that some prepared people are not receiving the Gospel only because their missionaries. But, I know as we work our hardest the Lord will guide us to be doing what He would have us do. "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"

I love being apart of this work, I love being a missionary, and I'm grateful for the incredible opportunities that the Lord has given us through His gospel. I testify that it is true. Love you all!

Elder Jolley

Hey!

Ger bul n sain biz dee? Ajil undur baina uu? You'll probably get to listen to me ramble in Mongolian after my mission so I'll start throwing in bits and pieces. It's going to be a sad day when I'm not surrounded by Mongolian speakers! This week I've had a real love and appreciation for the people, the language, and the culture this week. Being in Mongolia and serving the Lord here feels so natural that I don't think I'll hit my mission "culture shock" until I get back. It's been a great week and things continue to be on the rise! Elder Neuberger and I are now approaching the 1 month-as-companions mark and it's incredible to see his progress in such a short time. The new 12 week training program is incredible, as a trainer it just is what I need and for a new missionary there's nothing else to help them get off to a better start. Huguu Elder Jolley (it means the other) should be using this too and so I'm excited to hear what he thinks about it. I can't believe he's in country!? As I've been thinking about the time I've been blessed with I believe that missions are supposed to pass by quickly so that we can learn to effectively use the precious opportunities that the Lord gives to us.

This week has been as close to a "normal week" that I've had with my companion in a long time! We were able to attend services in the Sansar ward and I spoke in sacrament! We were asked by Bishop Enkhbold to discuss missionary work and preparing ourselves for it. Nervousness in giving talks in a universal principle- I have no fears teaching, contacting, or approaching people, but still get that with talks! But none of those fears were from the language and it was a great experience for me. We did have, on Thursday and Friday, the Bayanzurkh and Songino zone conferences here in the Bayanzurkh building and so I take back what I said about having a normal week! Our theme was the Plan of Salvation and we were able to cover the plan of happiness in greater detail and depth during the conference. By the third conference we had all the behind-the-scenes work down to an art, and with each conference I was able to gain something new that has strengthened my testimony in our Heavenly Fathers plan.

As far as Thanksgiving goes, things will be really casual from our end. We've got that stuffing that you sent and we'll go from there, there's so far no plans as far as with other missionaries, but we teach a ton of English on Thursday so it will be in between that. Elder Neuberger's teaching English now! On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday he teaches at the Jonon University for a total of 9 hours on top of my 4. But this is the first week we'll be doing that so I'll let you know how that goes next week. It's another way to help out our brothers and sisters in Mongolia and Elder Neuberger's excited for it. Make sure you tell all the Jolleys "sain uu" for me! My Thanksgiving festivities are going to be Friday. Our investigator Ganbold is being baptized!! He's incredible. The last 2 months he has completely changed his life around. Now his baptism will be just another stepping stone on that path. I've been really slacking on pictures lately, but I'll have some of that baptism this next week!

I love you and hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Elder Jolley

Sain uu Ger Bul ba Naiz Nuxud,

Sometimes I wish I could write you guys in Mongolian! How is everyone? From what I hear things sound good and only getting better! I hope that I can continue to say that to you all in the future like I am this week. Things are good and they are getting better! I'm going to try to send a really detail packed letter (Mom's loving prods/jokes are doing they're job), it's hard for me because I feel like you all are here with me and so you just automatically know what's going on. Not to mention the time! See if we can get Brayden to transfer a few "months" from his mission time over to mine because mine are going too fast!

Elder Myagmardorj and I just got back from Darkhan.... yes, Elder Neuberger wasn't able to come along. They will be participating in this week's Bayanzurkh Zone Conference on Thursday, so he and Elder Myagmardorj's companion, Elder Boyd, held down the fort in smokey UB. Darkhan was a lot colder than the capitol, but the air was crisp and clean and we visited an incredible branch. Every time I go to a new branch I have this thought of how cool it would be to stay there, to serve and love and work with the people in that area- and I again felt that in Darkhan, it's an awesome place. The Lord's work tends to give us those feelings and desires and Mongolia isn't short on incredible places to serve!

This week we had an incredible meeting with our investigator Brother Ganbold and his family. Ever since we have been meeting with him he has been 100% committed to the change and repentance part of this Gospel. He has seen the change of his friend Bro. Ganzorig and now wants that change in his life. Mongolians have powerful faith as a people! Brother Ganbold met with us on Thursday and we taught him the word of wisdom, he knew from Bro. Ganzorig that members don't drink or smoke and so as we read D&C Section 89 together he said, "Oh I've already stopped. I haven't drank in 2 months," or "I've already stopped smoking and I won't pick it up again." He is now living according to the word of wisdom in preparation for his own baptism on the 25th. I hope that we as followers of Christ, are willing to "let us lay aside every weight, and the ^asin which doth so easily ^bbeset us (Hebrews 12:1)" as Bro. Ganbold is in his life! Change, the expectation and belief in this principle is a defining characteristic of Latter Day Saints and the true follower of Christ and it is one of the miracles of this Gospel.

With Zone Conference on Saturday we left Friday afternoon to Darkhan and arrived Friday night before Old Darkhan Branch's baptismal service. Saturday was a complete rush. We were going from 7 in the morning until 10 at night running leadership training, zone conference, missionary interviews, meals, and then the missionaries travel back to their areas. Sometimes zone conference feels like a battlefield and I get in the grind of things and forget to be that loving representative of Christ that I need to be. I noticed this and spent the rest of the trip trying to be more loving and patient with all the missionaries I get to serve. The opportunity to help others is godly service in the very sense of the word and so I have made a commitment to make sure that I show that in all that I do. I have been given so many blessings by the Lord and the fact that I have this opportunity to try to repay Him is a blessing in and of itself! It was a good humbling experience that I needed and probably should have more often.

By the way, I got your package last week. Bayarlaa!!! Between the scotcharoos, cookies, and candycorn I was having an overload of good old memories from back home. And I have to say the highlight may very well be the pictures (I'm easy to please), everyone looks good, and caucasian. In Mongolia all the people are more similar and so to see all you caucasan folks after my mission will take some getting used to.

Now we're off to another week! Our new member Munkh-Orchlon called and now has a calling- she now will be serving as a ward missionary and we couldn't be more excited for that. Usually new members don't receive that calling so quick, but the bishop was impressed with her testimony and knowledge of the Gospel. Elder Myagmardorj and I also got a call from Bishop Enkhbold and we're speaking in sacrament meeting next week! So I'll let you know how that goes.

With Christmas..... right now all my Christmas wishes are summed up in 2 words, skype and deel. Since you all already spoil me beyond belief, what if we just skipped the package and used to money to get a deel made? I'm just throwing this out there because I know it's kind of a crazy request. Let me know what you all think.

Khuu ni ta nart khairtai shuu!

Elder Jolley

Family!

Hey everyone! So feel a little out of the loop after writing such a short email last week. So many things happen and I've been in the "busy" mode- so I've decided that I need to get out of that mindset. I love hearing from you all each week and loved the Halloween pictures (Andraya???)..... Ah good times! I have to tell you that last Halloween at home (recall the Jeep) has left a "bad taste in my mouth" regarding the whole thing and I'm excited to get a good Halloween memory to replace it. By the way.... where did October go? I have felt really torn inside as I come to the final 4th of my mission. And since time will fly by no matter what I do Elder Neuberger and I are working as hard as we can in the area with the time we've been given. Elder Neuberger! I did not get a chance to write much about him last week- but I love this Elder! He's been a blessing in our companionship and in our work, and our work has been great this week! I see a lot of the just-came-from-the-MTC Elder Jolley in him, and it has made me grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been given in Mongolia and now for the opportunity to work with Elder Neuberger in his first 12 weeks. There is definitely a change that comes in each of our lives as we learn to be "givers" rather than "receivers" of things. So Elder Neuberger also has a blog... you'll be able to link in and get some more info about him from there. It's enough for me to say right now that he is having a unique first transfer! Being paired up with an assistant to the president is unique and it requires an overwhelming desire to work through the office work and get out and teach- and that is one thing I have really admired about Elder Neuberger and we have been blessed as we have done that in the last couple of weeks!

First off, maybe I should share a little more about last weeks baptism. Munkh-Orchlon was originally meeting with the sister missionaries in Sansar and so we began meeting with her in August. I have been impressed by her faith, and even with some setbacks before baptism, her consistency and patience. Those are qualities that we all must have in the work and I felt that were blessed to share the Gospel with her.

In other news we set a baptismal date for our investigator Brother Ganbold! He is incredible! His friend is our new member, and after seeing his friend Ganzorig change so much through accepting the Gospel and wants that change in his and his family's life. So we have taught him the first 2 lessons this last week and has a baptism date set for November the 25th! He's 150+ pages into the Book of Mormon and it's amazing to see the Gospel coming into his life! We have been incredibly blessed this last week! With Elder Neuberger is too easy work with, our work is doing great and getting better, I feel like we are being too blessed by the Lord and I am so grateful for Him. It makes me think of this scripture:

21 I say unto you that if ye should ^aserve him who has created you from the beginning, and is ^bpreserving you from day to day, by lending you ^cbreath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own ^dwill, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your ^ewhole souls yet ye would be ^funprofitable servants.

22 And behold, all that he ^arequires of you is to ^bkeep his commandments; and he has ^cpromised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth ^dvary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do ^ekeep his ^fcommandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

Just to let you know, the package hasn't come yet, but I expect it to be here this week. Will you remind me again next week about the Christmas thing? I know you'll want to hear asap but I want to think about it a bit..... other than a Skype call I don't need much! Oh and you don't need to worry about the blog! More than anything I was just glad that my letters are benefiting other people as they try to learn about Mongolia and the work here because I know how nice that was for all of us before I left. So keep on keeping on!

Other than that we're having Zone Conference this weekend! It will be held in Darkhan for the Darkhan/Erdenet Districts. I'll have more to write about next week. This Gospel is true and I am grateful for this opportunity to be in Mongolia!

Love, Elder Jolley

Sain uu!

Hey family! And hello to anyone else who reads this letter! I have found out this week that these letters get to a bigger audience than I thought. We've just gotten through transfer weekend here and what a week it's been! I'm now a trainer! It's been a great few days with my new companion and I couldn't have asked for a better missionary to work with. Elder Travis Neuberger arrived on Friday and probably has the strangest responsibility as a new Elder. But how grateful I am to be working with him! I say strange because he will be viewing a side of the work that most new missionaries never see. Because of the need for trainers, all zone leaders in the mission as well as the assistants have received new missionaries this transfer. Elder Tuvshinbayar has also taken on a new trainee and has been transferred to Chingeltei to be the district leader there. Elder Myagmardorj has been called as a presidents assistant (we served together in Chingeltei, he was my district leader), and so we each have taken responsibility over 2 of the zones of the mission.

Elder Neuberger swims, is from St. Louis, and is doing great with the language! We became companions on Friday- and we finished our first day together with a baptism (which pictures I'll have to send later because they're on another camera)! I have more than anything been feeling the joy of being a missionary lately! I'm not going to lie these last few weeks have been going by incredibly fast! We've been busy from the time we wake up until we hit the pillow at night- but we're still able to do missionary work on top of our other responsibilities and that makes me incredibly happy. I want to show the Lord my gratitude by working with all my heart, might, mind, and strength during this precious time! I have to apologize for the shortness of this letter, and I will make sure that I get plenty of information out next week. I love you all, you are in my prayers and I want you to know how much I love this opportunity to be a missionary! Uragshaa!

Lots of love,

Elder Jolley

Elder Jolley and Elder Tuvshinbayar with the new American Elders
Wow! Eight new Elders. Awesome!

The new apartment

Hey Jolleys

How's it going? I'm riding the email high after all the great emails and pictures this week! Especially from nuguu Elder Jolley (means the other). Whoohoo! I didn't know Brayden was such a fly Spanish speaker and I'm super excited for him. He will pretty much unpack, and then his plane ticket comes and he's off to Buenos Aires. That's how it felt to me and my district watching all the 3 week missionaries at the MTC... you'd get to know them and then they're gone! But now I'm looking forward to hearing about his time in Argentina even sooner. It's been a nice full week here in UB- and we attended the Asia Area Conference in our home ward (Sansar), which felt great! Elder Tuvshinbayar and I right now are the only two Elders in that ward and so I'm pretty sure over the last 6 weeks, with all the traveling we've been doing that our ward thought the missionaries were transferred! But even with all the traveling we've been doing I have been grateful to see the work progressing on multiple fronts, and a little in our own area. This week, right before Transfer Saturday we have a baptism! Our investigator Munkh-Orchlon has been meeting with us since August, but previously met with the Sansar sister missionaries. She has a solid testimony, attends church as well as institute and other ward activities and is more than ready to be baptized- just one of those investigators that you have no doubts about and has truly been prepared to receive the Gospel.

So this week is transfers. That means lots of stuff to do, people to send off and pick up, and it's going to be a great week where a lot of good gets done. It's been very interesting to see the "behind-the-scenes" of these last two transfers working with President Clark. There's nothing secret about it, but I have especially gained a testimony this last week that the Lord knows where He wants His missionaries. This process is led by revelation through prayer! As the three of us have sat in President's office, discussing the needs and location of each missionary, that voice that "comes more as a feeling" has spoken to each of us; sometimes things just wouldn't feel right, so we'd go back to the drawing board. And when things were right a feeling of peace, that that missionary was in the right place. Then we'd move on to the next missionary. But before we sent out the transfer call we knew that everyone was were the Lord would have them be. It was a very simple, powerful experience for me and I am grateful that the Lord helps us line upon line as we go forward in His work. And there are some big changes occurring in our mission this transfer, it's exciting to see our mission be shaped to what it needs to become! I will be staying here in Sansar (sweet) but moving to a new apartment. I will still be an assistant to President Clark but taking on a interesting assignment. With the 8 new Elders coming from the MTC this week, they all need trainers and all need to be in UB. So, I'm going to be a trainer! We are splitting up; there will still be two assistants, but each will take a new missionary for at least the next 3 months. Elder Tuvshinbayar is on his way to Chingeltei (as a new trainer), and my old Chingeltei district leader, Elder Myagmardorj, will be stepping in as the 2nd assistant. This makes this next transfer very interesting- I feel the pressure of a lot of responsibilities and the need to very, very carefully organize my priorities. More important than my duties as assistant is my charge to train this new Elder to be a faith of power missionary, to help him be someone who will bring others unto Christ- and I want him to have the best first 3 months in Mongolia. Having said that, I've got to be honest and say I have no idea how I'm going to do that! But, I do know what I have been called to do. More importantly, I know Who the call has come from and so I'm calm about it. I shared this scripture with you before but I keep thinking about it again and again: Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." That is a basic testimony that must be present (to some degree) in the heart of every saint. I know that we all have doubts, insecurities, and weaknesses, and I know that there is a Savior that will strengthen us as we come to Him.

I will make sure to let you know a few more details about my companion in the next weeks email. It wouldn't be the Mongolian mission if there wasn't an element of suspense involved with visa's. Like that, we don't know how many Elder will be here this week yet- some have their visas, and some are still waiting. But I realize that the uncertainty was good for me then and I'm glad these new missionaries have it now. It's just another sign of the amazing opportunity it is to serve here in Mongolia.

Oh and before I forget, I got my drivers license last week! So on Friday, I drove for the first time since leaving on my mission. This will be a big help when it comes to transfers and shuffling missionaries in and out of the city. Thanks you guys for the package ( I know you haven't even sent it yet, but I get spoiled by such a great family)!

No new pictures this week, but I'll send a few that I got from the Ford's during our youth conference trips. I love you guys!

Elder Jolley

Elder Jolley and a little friend

Elder Jolley and President Gankhoyag (the new branch president in Khovd)

Sain uu,

It's been an incredible week here- so much's been going on in the last week on top of swallowing the fact that Brayden will be in the MTC this week! When we talked about the time that Brayd and I would both be on missions, but I'm still don't understand the magnitude of that yet. But wow I'm excited for you Brayden, the MTC is the best (next to the mission field), take this time to have a spiritual feast for the next couple of months. And first thing, go find the Mongolian Elders for me and tell them hi (they've been delayed a week or so but it'll be sweet for you to run into them. And also tell the MTC teachers "sain uu" for me/try to get them as your TRC investigators). By the way- I was just kidding about the weekly email switch off! Bad joke Mum, sorry :) I look forward to now hearing about the other Elder Jolley's experiences and we're going to have to work it out so we get one anothers emails.

It feels really good being back in UB! We just flew in about 2 hours ago and all the weeks events are now weighing on our eyelids. We started our trip last Wednesday at 6 and drove all that day until 11:30 and stayed in a place called Tosontsengel for the night. The countryside was everything from beautiful fall colors to deep snow in the mountain passes, a total of 1500 kilometers with the larger portion being dirt roads. So we had our trusty mission GPS and map along for the ride- it was an exciting way to travel. Thursday we woke up early and finished our trip, arriving in Khovd about 8:30 that night. Khovd, in a missionaries perspective, is as far out in Outer Mongolia as it gets- if you Google Earth it you'll see it's near Kazakistan and by far my favorite city in the countryside (I've included a picture in this email) in a lot of ways. The branch, the people, and the land are incredible. We then led out the branch's first youth conference in the same style as Murun; activities all Friday and Saturday with a closing testimony meeting Sunday morning followed by branch conference. We had about 35 youth attend and we had an incredible couple of days of strengthening testimonies and the youth in general. I admire these youth, who are literally pioneering all of these programs in Mongolia and the biggest thing that is needed right now is the tools and training to go forward. Khovd is a branch in the mission district and so the Mission Presidency re-organized the branch leadership during the week so there was much to do!

Elder Tuvshinbayar and I had the opportunity to stay with the Khovd Elders and had a great time working and being with them. I also had my first tarvaga, or marmot. In Mongolia it's a special dish and the former branch president worked it out so we could have it Sunday night. We were fed way way way too much food thanks to the generosity of the people of Khovd ( I think we ate 4 or 5 full meals on Sunday) and I think Elder Tuvshinbayar and I will be fine not eating for awhile. By the way, he's still walking around in crutches or a big stabilizer boot until the first week of December, it's now been a month since he messed his foot up. Transfers will be coming up the week the new Elders arrive (probably the last week of October) and we've got a lot of changes coming- I'm excited to see the growth! I'm grateful now for the opportunity to be with Elder Tuvshinbayar and love serving with him. Anyways, we got up this morning early, packed up, got a few things done and then headed off to the Khovd Airport. The mission financial clerk/translator Battsetseg and her husband Munkhdorj flew to Khovd with the Fords and Clarks, but then decided to drive back and we took their place! It was strange to see a 2 day trip being cut down into 2 and a half hours and it felt really good to be on a plane again- I was having deja vu of coming to Mongolia and loved that re-boost! How it's already been over a year in Mongolia I have no idea, I feel like I've been caught up in a dream mission and will be incredibly sad when it's all over. With only 8 months left that means I have a little over 2 full transfers and I look forward to all that will be done in this time- and I want to finish sprinting. Sometimes we get so used to being missionaries that we begin to overlook the miracle that is the Lord's work! I don't want to be that way and am trying to be more grateful and goal oriented than ever before. I love you guys and I hope you continue to see the miracle of the Lord's hand in your lives. To borrow the analogy given by Elder Bednar in last Aprils conference- the blessings of the Lord and the changes that He brings into our lives is like the rays of the morning sun. Look back on how different we were when I left- how the Lord has been pouring out His blessings upon us as we will put our trust in Him and go forward with faith! It is as night to day. I am grateful for the sanctifying effect that comes into our lives through the Savior and I hope all of you will continue to realize the Lord's hand around you- it is awe inspiring and unmistakable.

Make sure to let me know about all that goes on this next week, thoughts, impressions, and such- and let me know when Brayden's preparation day is, I look forward to hearing all about Elder Jolley's first week!

Love, Elder Jolley

P.S. A little explanation of the pictures being sent:

The first picture attached is Elder Tuvshinbayar and I along the way to Khovd (Wednesday afternoon). Right after this we spent about an hour in a snowy canyon wondering if we would get stuck or not! I was glad we chose jeans because we ended up helping dig a stuck car out of the snow bank.

The next picture is countryside. Pretty.

The next picture is the Youth Conference group picture taken at the end of Saturdays events. There's Elder Tuvshinbayar and I as well as the 4 Khovd missionaries, and the young mens/womens presidents.

The next is a landmark shot of Khovd. It's surrounded by mountains, the biggest and most recognizable being Yamaa Uul, or Goat Mountain. Cool eh? Khovd has a real Gobi feel to it.

The last shot is of Elder Tuvshinbayar and I getting on the plane in Khovd. In missionary work you get Spiritual rushe,s but not many adrenaline rushes and so to be honest, it was nice to be in something with a motor and feel a bit of "the rush." Elder Tuvshinbayar always cracks jokes that all of the things I did before my mission are written in the missionary handbook as things we're not allowed to do. It was a fun flight. Za amjilt!

Sain uu,

Hey guys! I hope the farewell party has died down a little bit and it's been a good day all around. How was Brayden's farewell? Let me know how it was Brayd (Hint... hint)! This has been a nice week in that we've been in the city for a week, not to mention the Conference weekend on top of it. Earlier this week we had a few reports and things to get done in the office and then spent the weekend watching conference reports and teaching lessons in between. We found a golden new family! That was the crowning point of the week! Last night we met with Brother Ganbold, his wife and son; they are friends of our new member and we taught them about the restoration.

This week more than anything I've been grateful for missionary work. We found a copy of the world report and watched a few of the Mongolian highlights and for the thousandth time I stand in awe that I am assigned to be apart of this great work here in Mongolia! With only 8 months left I'm not prepared for the thought of returning. This place feels like home. Traveling lately has helped me realize that, every time we get back into UB's city limits it feels like driving back into Utah County did before my mission. I've had the unique opportunity to have worked in Ulaanbaatar my entire mission, in different areas as to see the different sides of this city. I hope that we can all come back to UB at some later date so you can see it for yourselves. By the way, I included some flashback pictures from Elder Verdusco's camera, I was able to get them from him today. They're all of my time in Khailaast: the first one you'll see is Elder Verdusco in I in red metal box. That is a broken down car we stayed in during one of those big rainstorms that Khailaast had.


The second is Elder Batsaikhan and I after he spent 5 minutes chucking barbs at my back (he was super pleased with himself), at a family home evening with Brother Mugii and Sister Battsetseg (our mission office financial clerk).


The next 2 pictures were taken on a district activity we had on preparation day going to the Zaisan monument (The Elder I'm with is my old Zone Leader Elder Mungunsukh).

So we're off to Khovd! This Wednesday morning we leave early with President Batbold, Brother Batzorigt (the Sukhbaatar Branch President) and will arrive in Khovd Thursday night. The first 500 km is paved road and the next 1000 is all countryside roads, so we'll sleep at a hotel or on the road Wednesday night and should make it in Thursday late. I know I didn't write a ton about the Murun conference, but these outlying countryside branches are part of the mission district and so we are conducting these conferences as a way to train the branch leaders how to strengthen their young men/women programs. It's an all day conference so we spend most of our day at the church translating, running activities, and everything in between! It will be a great opportunity and it will continue to bless the incredible youth in these branches. Then after that we will be welcoming 8 new foreign Elders to the mission (for us, foreign is your domestic!) right on transfer weekends. Some big changes are coming up as they all will need trainers and they, like my MTC group, are coming in with English sponsors and must stay in UB. This all should be happening in the end of October and I'll be keeping you in touch. Let me know what ends up happening with the family trip this weekend, word on the street is it's kind of a surprise ya? Man I loved getting the family pictures! Especially Kendyl, Andraya, and Mom look beautiful! The boys.... yax uu dee? I love you guys!

Elder Jolley

P.S. My email next week may not come at the normal time.... I'll try my best to get it out on Monday.Sain uu,

Hey Family!

Sorry this is late and short, we were on the road all of Monday, but I was able to check your emails really quick and loved reading about all your adventures this week! Murun was incredible and we had a lot of great experiences hosting their first branch youth conference! We left last Thursday at 6 a.m., Elder Tuvshinbayar and I along with President Batbold headed off to Murun in one of the two mission Land Cruisers. Murun is about 12 hours away by car, 6 hours on paved roads and 6 hours of off road- we spent 2 hours in Erdenet while Pres. Batbold looked for new missionary apartments and got into Murun about 10:00 that evening. I've sent a couple of pictures of what we saw "on the road," everything from snow covered valleys to sand dunes along the way.

En route to Murun

The conference was all Friday and Saturday and then a closing testimony meeting Sunday morning before Branch Conference. We had a total of 23 youth who participated, 5 or 6 were first time investigators and that was a really cool introduction for them into the Church! A quick explanation of a couple of the pictures: Elder Tuvshinbayar and I did a skit with Elder Ford and President Clark on Saturday- we stood behind the black plastic and did the missionaries "morning routine" on Elder Ford and President Clark- I was President Clark's "arms" and proceeded with caution! In one of the pictures a 8 year old investigator, Elbegdorj is standing with Elder Zorigtbaatar and I; and I think the rest are pictures that I snapped on the way.

Skit with President Clark and Elder Ford
(Elder Tuvshinbayar and Elder Jolley back behind)

Elder Zorigtbaatar, Elbegdorj and Elder Jolley

I love you guys! Excited for General Conference this weekend and to share remarks with you guys. Also, go look up a place called Khovd on the far west side of Mongolia (next to Kazakistan), we're heading there next Tuesday for another youth conference. I love the work and this great opportunity to be apart of this the Lord's work.

Elder Jolley

Hey Family,

Za sain uu? Xuu n uuchlaarai, uchigdur zakhia bichsengui.... I loved hearing about your week and I'm excited to tell you about this last week here in Mongolia. Somehow the 6 month date is upon us? I've been loving my time in Sansar and this week has been a rush! With October around the corner we have a lot of big things in the works! This week I've been learning to be more grateful for the work that I have the opportunity to do. Throughout my mission I've seen two different types of assistants- one begins to be worn out by work in the office, the coordination work, and the other day-to-day tasks that involve this assignment; and the other missionary is able to continue with seeming unweariness the tasks that come with the assignment. Sometimes missionaries feel like they have lost touch with the spirit of missionary work and so they begin to feel discouraged or get "trunky" to get out of the office and back out in the field. But even if the Lord has given a missionary a certain assignment- his calling as a missionary remains the same! I have been working to keep a missionary perspective on all that I do and to accept each assignment and task with gratitude and it's helped me to see that I can be the Lord's servant and a representative of Christ no matter what assignment I'm given. And then after all that we teach our investigators and it's icing on the cake! Not to mention the blessing of being able to work so close with my mission president- it's a blessing and a privilege that I'm grateful for every day. The scripture I really liked this week and want to share with you is Philippians 4:11-13.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be ^acontent.

12 I know both how to be ^aabased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through ^aChrist which ^bstrengtheneth me.

President Clark shared this in a meeting this last week. As I've been thinking about it's meaning- this is a characteristic of a true disciple of Christ and something that I have had the opportunity to learn throughout my mission. Regardless of what situation we are placed in- if we can remember that this is a God-given opportunity for our benefit, and then press forward (have faith), then we can do all things.

I can't believe we're getting so close to Brayden leaving. Since I'm a missionary right now I can't comprehend that all the way right now- I feel like he's coming rather then leaving. So come on Brayd! It's really a cool blessing to be able to soon be serving in the Lord's vineyard with him and to hear his experiences. These last few weeks have been a rush, but we've been able to keep meeting steadily with 2 investigators who have their baptisms set for the 7th of October! We have been blessed (as is Sansar) with so many prepared people to meet with and these to are incredible! One is a 22 year old young man named Bilguun and the other is one of the old Sansar Sister's investigator, a 19 year old Munkh-Orchlon. Both attend church faithfully and have gotten to know the ward, attend institute and one sings in the Stake Choir! So their baptisms will be on the weekend of General Conference in Mongolia- so they will have a great opportunity as new members to attend General Conference. I mentioned this to Andraya (I think?), but we're off to Murun this week! Murun is a small town in North Mongolia right next to the huge Lake Khuvskhult. We will be going there to host a Youth Conference that will train youth leaders to be able to do their own branch youth conferences in the future! So we leave this Thursday and return next Monday late. So my email may be a bit late next week, but I will include lots of pictures of the conference- it's going to be a great weekend! Lots of times I hear the family wanting to hear more about how I'm "doing" (I guess I'm not the best at that), but it's mostly because my mission is nothing but a blessing. I'm grateful for my time here and my time to serve the Lord.

Love,

Elder Jolley