Monday, April 6, 2026

Alaska breakup szn is crazy - Jack's email from Alaska

Hello everyone! The end of the first week of the transfer is done! This week was pretty mid actually not gonna lie. We didn't really get to do a ton of finding due to service a lot during the week. We did have 1 lesson with one of our new friends on the porch so that was pretty cool. But yeah I hope everyone is doing well let's get into the week.

 Highlights:

-one of the services was just tearing down a whole building

- we helped a lady make like a billion cookie almost, I've never been more proud of baking in my life

-we had general conference and got to watch it at the mission president's house

-our friends were able to watch it too

 -got my new comp Elder Mcguire 

 

Low lights:

-said bye to elder Beaty that was so sad 

 - not a Ton of success this week

 Welp that's pretty much all I got for this week, I know its pretty lame but yeah.

 Spiritual thought:

Sister Emily Bell Freeman talked about going through worst days and best days. 1 day is one and another day can be the other. But no matter what it's for our good and we can learn everyday as long as we pay attention to the things God has in store for us.

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/XYpK2vg96PYBvME89

 Send me an email!! 





Getting good at Legos 




Sunday, April 5, 2026

Spring Break Trip to See Abi and Brody

Michelle and I went to visit Abi and Brody in Arizona.  We got up at 4:00 am to be at the airport by 6:30 am.  

I was surprised how crowded it was this early 



We had a third person on our row, so Michelle moved over to the middle seat so we could talk of course.  
We flew Allegent out of Provo.  It is super slick.  There are 3 gates only.  Marti dropped us off, but Mark says he drives and it is only 12.00 a day to park.  
TSA took us about 10 minutes only because I got flagged with a square on my inner thigh so I had to be frisked.  Not sure that is a word, but had to get a pat down.  

We rented a car at the airport and headed to cat around Phoenix.  First trip is the Quick Trip.  Abi and Brody like the Quick Trip.  


We decided to go to the Mesa Pageant at the Mesa Temple.  Abi was super excited to go with us.

She wore her Alaska Shirt in honor of Jack serving there on his mission and Brody got at a Thrift Store.


We sat on the temple grounds and watched a pageant about the Easter Story and Jesus Christ.  It was pretty good.  The Opening Prayer was from a Pastor from a different church.  It was very nice to have a prayer from a different faith.


The beauty of the Pageant is it wasn't hot like Phoenix has been the last week. It was about 90.  We got there, around 5:30, parked and walked over to the food trucks and got a Mac and Cheese.  It was ok.  Our biggest mistake is we didn't stop for another Drink at the Quick Trip.  

Brody decided he didn't want to go to the Pageant and stayed home to play video games with his BFF.
The next morning, we headed to Abi's work to visit.  

She works at the Bariatric Clinic for Banner Health.  

Here she is on the wall in the waiting room.  She's very important :)

She gave us a grand tour of the hospital and I bought a glitter Lanyard for work.  Everyone is going to b so jealous.

Michelle and I headed to the Zoo after we left Abi.


Tons of flamingos


Zoos have beauttiful flowers

Penguins - The exhibit was not even close to Brooke's Penguins.  They didn't even have one that looked like Gossamer with Fatty Liver Disease.

Michelle decided to feed the giraffes.  I didn't because I have already fed Giraffes at the Hogle Zoo with Ty.  



We also took a ride on the Safari Tram.  It was cool to ride around.  I did fall asleep since I was soo tired.  We decided to ride twice because it was so fun.

We met Abi and Brody and went to Blanco for dinner.  It was about 20 minutes away and was in the parking lot of the Stadium where Spring training for the MLB is held.  
It was such great food and great company.   We got to ride in Abi's new car.  Very fancy.

The next day we went to the Japanese Peace Garden.  We saw this cute duck family.

Cool Lily flowers in the water

Not sure why it was called japanese but it was absolutely beautiful and peaceful.  

Abi met us after lunch to go to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens. 
They were absolutely beatiful also  First thing we saw this lizard hiding under the plants.

Love the flowers on the Cactus

Explaining Plant reproduction...


Love these red flowers that look like paint brushes.


Went in the butterfly house 

We had to head to the airport but first we had lunch at Cava.  It was a bowl place that was fantastic.  Can't wait to go back and have the Pita chips agian.  
The best part about flying out of the Mesa Airport is it is smaller also , but you get to walk outside to get on your flight.  

We had plenty of snacks for the fight home.We had NO one sitting in the middle seat.  We had tons of space.  Every other row was full


We returned to SLC and it was about 32 degrees.  Super cold.  

We had such a great trip.  It was super fun to see Abi and Brody and where they live and work.  I miss them so much.  I want to go back and see them again.  I hope God keeps them safe until I see them again.

Friday, April 3, 2026

District Leader for Jack

Jack was made a District Leader this past week. This is the email he received from the Mission Leader.  They also sent it to me.  

Dear Elder Jack Michael Clemons,

You have been called to serve as a District Leader. You will have the sacred responsibility to inspire, love and serve missionaries laboring in your district. It is important to lead by love and example. You should have a model area for others to see when you do exchanges in your area. You should be obedient in following the standards as your district looks to you. Our mission can only be as great as the example you set for your district.

It is important that you live your life and conduct yourself in such a way that the spirit of the Lord will always be with you. Be enthusiastic, humble, and sincere, live all the mission standards, and be an example to the missionaries in your district. As a District Leader you will focus on the following responsibilities:

  • Lead the district in mission matters as directed by the ZLs, APs, Mission President and his companion.
  • Use PMG 2.0 and the scriptures in all you teach in your district.
  • Set an example and be obedient by following all of the standards.
  • Carry a full proselyting load in your assigned area and work with faith and diligence to accomplish your purpose.
  • Supervise, teach and inspire the missionaries in your district. You serve them the same way you strive to serve your friends; by strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ and inviting them to repent and keep their commitments so that they will enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
  • Plan and conduct weekly district council meeting using PMG 2.0 The purpose is to teach the doctrine of the kingdom (Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ).
  • Help teach how to accomplish the work through goals and plans (PMG 2.0 chapter 8).
  • Conduct companion exchanges with the missionaries in your district; (unless distance is an issue-see Missionary Standards, 2.3.1).
  • Practice how to teach and find.
  • Discuss the progress and needs of people.
  • Discuss and address challenges in the district.
  • Share experiences and testimonies of missionary work.
  • Interview baptismal candidates including those who have been taught by your zone leaders.
  • Look after the well-being of the elders in your district. Make sure relationships between elders and sisters are in harmony with gospel teachings and missionary standards.
  • Report concerns to the zone leaders unless these concerns are confidential or urgent; then report them directly to me.

It is important that you understand mission standards outlined in Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine and principles found in Preach My Gospel 2.0. Be the example of how to set goals and priorities, plan for success as defined in PMG 2.0 chapter 1, believe in yourself, be worthy of the spirit to guide your work. As you have questions, work with your zone leaders. I love you and look forward to serving with you.


With Love and Gratitude,


James B. Ledesma - Mission President

Alaska Anchorage Mission

Transfers - Jack's email from Alaska

Hello everybody! Hope everyone is doing well. This week was transfers so it was kind of a chaotic week. But pretty much we got told last pday that we were hosting these 2 elders til transfers were over. One of them cut there foot open with an axe (shoutout nick) and the other one just got put as his companion. Pretty much it was a fun week being in a quad and lots of skull king for sure. But let's get into the highlights 

Highlights
- we had stake conference this week so that was fire 

- went on an exchange this week with a pretty funny elder

-got transfer news and found out I'm staying and I am now a district leader 

-it's supposed to be 40 degrees this week 🙏🙏🙏

Low lights 
- pretty much all our friends are cancelling on us 

- I haven't slept worse in my life then this week 

Anyways my spiritual thought is the power of prophets and how wonderful of a gift they are. We have the amazing opportunity to hear from the prophets and apostles this coming weekend. Everyone make sure to watch conference it's so amazing! 

Anyways send me an email and here's the photos!









Monday, March 30, 2026

Spring Golf Trip

Headed to Southern Utah for our Spring Golf Trip.  We left Wednesday after school and stopped in Cedar City at Sweet Thai Basil for dinner of Volcano chicken and Drunken noodles.  Great food.  Then to St. George to stay at our friend Ted's Air B and B.  It is a great place.  It is actually his Nephew or someone like that.  

Thursday was SunBrook Golf Club.  It is a Golf Club not a golf Course.  

This is the only pic I got.  This is my new shirt I got at the PGA superstore and a new light blue skirt, also from the PGA store. Didn't get a pic of the skirt.  Not sure I am a fan of a white shirt, but it was cute.  I got that hat in the Proshop.  It has Cactus on it.  




Kim's Pic from Sunbrook










This is my outfit for Friday golf.  It is a new shirt from Yadda golf and the skirt from the PGA store.  Yesterday at Sunbrook the first guy I see in the parking lot, has on the same shirt as this one with the flamingos.  Seriously, I'm glad I didn't wear it to Sunbrook.  


Mesquite on Friday at Falcon Ridge.  



 
That is the green down there.


My friend Kim.  We carted together today

Gotta go up there to the green

Sandra

Green is up there somewhere

Sandra, Kent, Carey

Kenny, Ted, Kent, Robert

Over that water to the green

Kent


Kent, Kenny

Kim, Sandra, Me

Kim's pic from Facebook









Falcon Ridge is such a great course.  It is too hard for me really, but it is super fun and Sandra's favorite place to play.  We take one for the team for her and play.  

Saturday we played Green Springs in St. George.  I wore an old shirt I got at Gladstan.  But I did have a new skirt on. 




Kent and Me  

Green Springs is in the middle of St. George and I never knew it was there.  
Ted, Robert, Kenny

Kent


Kim


This is one of my favorite courses to play.  You would never know when you start out, it is flat, and you turn around the corner and it is over canyons and gullys.  

These are the only pics I got.  I was busy in the moment enjoying the beautiful course, good company and great golf.  Fun day and trip.

My friend Kim took these pics.  They are such great pics.  Her camera phone is so much better than mine.