In this annual father-daughter conversation, Jethro D. Jones sits down with his daughter Cali to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to an exciting 2025. Cali shares her spiritual growth, her unique senior year with only three classes, her decision to serve a mission, and her travels to Germany.
Key Topics Discussed:
Spiritual Growth & Scripture Study
- Cali's deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants study
- Reading the Book of Mormon for the 9th time
- Weekly temple attendance as a personal commitment
- Making Jesus Christ a priority, not just a goal
Senior Year & Time Management
- Taking only 3 classes (English, Art, and Calculus)
- Learning Parkinson's Law firsthand
- Using free time for temple visits, walks with mom, and work
- Earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
Mission Decision
- Announcement of serving a mission starting August 2025
- How the age change for sister missionaries influenced her decision
- Feeling spiritually prepared and at peace with the choice
- Hopes to serve internationally and learn a new language
Germany Trip Highlights
- Traveling with dad and staying with his mission friend's family
- Running 14 miles through a former coal mine
- Visiting Berlin, the Berlin Wall, and Prague
- Experiencing authentic German culture (including pasta with watered-down ketchup)
Looking Ahead
- Monthly challenges leading up to the mission (No Spend January, meditation in February)
- Track season and the steeplechase
- Running Katya's fundraiser for Shriners Hospital
- Graduating high school and trip to Scotland with mom
- Forest Frank concert with sister Eloise
Memorable Quotes:
- "Last year I wanted to make Him a priority, but this year He is a priority."
- "I'm the most ready person out there—I'm not gonna be shy about that."
- "Being sad about it isn't really gonna change anything."
Resources Mentioned:
- A Decade Never to Be Forgotten journaling app: adecadenevertobeforgotten.com
- Come Follow Me study program
- Shriners Hospital fundraiser
