March 7, 2016

Querida Famlia,

I got your birthday package and loved it! Thanks so much, I'll have candy for weeks now. The cadbury eggs really made my day. I'm also really excited to have that music to play for musical numbers and prelude. Please thank sister Honey for me, I don't have her e-mail. Catania Holman also sent me a package, so that was super nice of her. She left a very sweet letter, a bunch of candy and a tie. My companion was jealous because it was his favorite brand and favorite color, but I'm keeping it for myself! I also got very nice letters from Grandma and Grandpa, Savy, the Browns, and the Gonzo family. I've been very chiflado by all the support I'm getting but I'm happy. It really helps me to keep pushing on through the hard times.

Monica Zendejas got baptized this week! We have had a heck of a process with it all but considering everything, the baptism went pretty smoothly. I'm really happy for her and for her family. She is a great mom and has some of the most loving kids of all time. I am going to miss them a lot when I leave this area. I have absolutely loved it here. I haven't written much specifically about this area, but so far it has been my favorite of the mission. This last week especially was really fun. We have kind of a crazy housing setup that makes it so we get to go see the other elders in the district practically every day. We have gotten along really well and none of us want to leave. We still haven't gotten our transfer calls, but I hope we all get to stay in our areas. It feels like home working with the guys here. Well, literally just got the news in the middle of emailing, Elder Madsen and I are staying together here! We're going to have a great next transfer, I'm really excited!

Something I've been learning this week is the importance and power of gratitude. I'd noticed that my prayers weren't as sincere as I'd like them to be and I wasn't feeling very happy. I studied about prayer in Preach My Gospel and realized I was overlooking being grateful to my Father in my prayers and throughout the day. I took some time to just think of 30 things I was grateful for and my attitude changed almost immediately. I've been happy and now realize how much the Lord blesses us with. We just tend to forget sometimes. So if you're feeling down or frusturated, just take some time think of 30 or 50 or 100 things you're grateful for. The more time you spend thinking of those things, the happier you'll be. A grateful heart is a happy heart :)

D&C 123:17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

I love you guys and hope you have an amazing week! Don't forget to thank the Lord for what you have and give to others so they can enjoy it too!

Con mucho amor, El Elder Jenson