Querida familia,
I am learning so much here. I am starting to really feel guided by God, and I realize that the people I am meeting are placed there specifically for the benefit of both parties. I am coming to know that God knows us all as individuals and has a very perfect and marvelous plan for each of us. My companion has taught me so much through studies, but mostly through his example. He is courageous and loves God a lot more than he fears man in every situation. He reminds me greatly of the character of Nephi and his pure desire to follow the Lord in all circumstances.
This thanksgiving was one of the best I've ever had, and also one of the best days of my mission. On Thanksgiving, we were invited to join the Salmond Family for turkey Mole dinner. Brother Salmond is the 2nd councilor in the stake presidency; absolutely and amazing man! He has a great Hispanic wife and two beautiful young daughters.
We Began eating and making usual dinner conversation. I learned that his wife's family was from Mexico City, and that she was a convert to the church. She converted at 18 yrs old, learned English, and was living in SLC when she met Bro. Salmond. Brother Salmond was from Logan up in northern Utah. He met his wife through a relative's referral from work, and they were married 6 months later. They told me they were fairly new to the area and had only been living here for about 2 years. Nothing was significant really, it was just a regular dinner conversation. Then we got to talking about his occupation. He told me that he worked for CES as an institute teacher. I responded immediately," Hey, my dad works for CES too, he's a seminary teacher." He then explained that he worked for the college, and was actually the CES coordinator for all of southern Texas.
That's when the bells went off. Now, where had I heard that term before? CES coordinator for southern Texas. I remembered dad's job opportunity from nearly 2 years ago to be the CES coordinator for southern Texas. It seemed like a pretty sure thing (having talked to Gary Montuya) but another family was unexpectedly selected to be transferred in our place. Something about southern Texas being the midpoint between his family somewhere by Idaho and her family in Mexico City.
I looked over at the wife--check. She fit the description. I looked at the husband--check. Logan is near Idaho. At that point I began to get very excited. I stopped the conversation and asked some more clarifying questions. They were definitely the family I had heard about. I related my thoughts to them and told them the story of our family from nearly two years ago; all the excitement over the job transfer and the disappointment we felt when another family was chosen instead.
We were all very excited to talk about and see all those coincidental occurrences. Their house probably would've been ours had we been selected instead. While I didn't get to spend thanksgiving with my family, I practically spent it in my house! Would-be house anyway.
As we were talking sister Salmond was very excited about it all and even began to get a little emotional. She started to tell us more about her family's side of the story. For them, the job transfer was unexpected and she was very hesitant to move. She was worried about the area and was unsure of whether or not this was the place she wanted her family to be. The church leaders told them that they had a spiritual confirmation that this was the area their family needed to move to. They said that, but she didn't fully accept it for what it was. Me coming over and sharing our side of the story, she told us, was an answer to her prayers and that she knew now that this was really the Lord's hand guiding her family.
I know too that He is guiding all of us in our paths. "My name is Jehovah. I know the end from the beginning; therefore, my hand shall be over thee." Abraham 2:8. He is watching out for me and for you in everything we do. He knew us before we were born, and loves us like no other. I love Him too and I love this marvelous work. I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Con amor,
El Elder Jenson
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