Updates from Elder Jerdon

Caleb has been loving his mission. He spent quite a bit of time in the dodgy parts of Hartford, Connecticut, as well as the more affluent parts of southwest Connecticut. He made it over to Natick, Massachusetts by the mission office and was in Boston for the famous marathon. He has walked many of the streets which have gone down in Revolutionary War history, and spent time by the Boston temple. He has serves as a "moving elder" in the mission president's ward, not only doing the work of finding people to teach as they have reopened that area, but serving with a truck to help move furniture in and out of missionary housing all over the mission area. DOUBLE DUTY! He is currently serving in the Belmont area, near Harvard and MIT. It was there that he marked one year on the mission and celebrated his 20th birthday. His companion, Elder Dutson, is an awesome senior companion, and Caleb is learning a lot from him as they serve as zone leaders together. Dutson's mom was so thoughtful, and ordered a birthday cake for Caleb's birthday! Now, I know something I can do in the future! We did send him a birthday box with some goodies and some new running shoes. 

In other news, he has had the opportunity to go on splits with the APs as well as with the Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese elders. He is learning a little Spanish, Portuguese, AND Mandarin, in addition to self-teaching himself Hebrew. This kid blows my mind. He has such a love for the gospel and for the Savior. The icing on the cake is to see him doing it with so much joy. He is a light to those around him. I spoke with a senior missionary in the mission office a few months back over some clerical items, and she couldn't say enough about what a fabulous example and missionary Caleb is. He is confident in his abilities and has been a solid leader to the other missionaries and his comps. He has also been a great budgeter, meal planner and cook! Those cooking lessons have really paid off. We are so happy for all you are becoming Elder Jerdon. Keep loving and serving with your whole heart!

with a friend who was going to be baptized

splits with the Chinese elders by the Boston Temple

20 years old!

showing Elder Dutson how loco moco is done

a random pic texted to me by a kind person who fed these sweet elders

with one of his best friends, Elder Tyler Hunter, before Hunter heads home with honor

 P-Day touring around with the district