Nov. 9, 2015

Querida Familia,

Thanks for the pictures that you sent me, I can't believe it's cold already over there! We're still out in regular short sleeves. It is actually starting to cool down to a nice temperature between 75-85 degrees most days now. Way to go on the lost tooth Jordan! Just knock out one more and you can ask for your two front teeth for Christmas this year! I love you guys and I get so excited when I see your pictures. I can't wait to see you guys again at Christmas, but I'm absolutely loving the work here.

Drumroll please...

Presidente Maluenda, the mission president, surprised us this last week in a few ways. I knew that Elder Robinson was probably going to leave the Flour bluff, but come to find out last Monday night, I was being transferred too. The Bluff was whitewashed again, but I firmly believe it's the will of the Lord. Monday night we packed until one in the morning, then got up at 3 AM to drive down to McAllen in the mission HQ. I was also asked to accompany a musical number for all the transferring missionaries and president's family the night before of a song I had never played. It was alright, but I only had 15 minutes to look at it before we shared it with the congregation. It was kind of fun to have such a crazy day!

I have been transferred to the area of Colegio Sur in the Mission Zone! It's down right next to McAllen, and I'm loving it here! My Companion is Elder Kevin Angles. Already in just these few days being together I can see it's going to be a good transfer. We communicate pretty well and both of us are striving to be very obedient. He shared with me that he plans on becoming a police officer after his mission, and it totally fits his personality. I have never met someone so obedient and quick to hearken to the will of the Lord. The very smallest of details in the mission he follows with perfect exactness and even goes beyond the mark. He also has shown me what it really means to "feast on the words of Christ". He has been waking up super early the past few years, sometimes even at 2 or 3 in the morning, just to have a few more hours to study the gospel. He focuses every detail of his life on the future he'll have with his family and they are going to be so blessed for his preparation. Last transfer I prayed at the end that I would get a companion that could help me learn and develop more diligence and obedience. It has been such an answer to my prayers.

As we have been striving to work together and be exactly obedient, the Lord has blessed us with much success. We fulfilled almost all of our goals and had a lot of people show interest in learning of the gospel. The people here are primarily Hispanic, Caucasian is definitely not the majority at all. I've had the chance to speak a lot more Spanish, and it's been great! I'm serving in an English ward right now, but I get to talk with people in Spanish every day. The people here have been very humble and kind to us for the most part. Many of them have their center focus on the family, so they are much more receptive to our message.

We're working with a man named Louis right now and I think he may be one of the best people I've ever met in my life. He's 69 years old and has the spirit and excitement of a child. He is super loving and gives so much to us despite his humble circumstances. He studies the gospel ferociously every night. Each time we go over there he's got detailed notes on chapters he's studying and many questions for us to discuss. I see through him that inasmuch as we will seek we shall find; knock and it shall be opened; and ask and we'll receive. He is progressing so quickly through his great study efforts and the change in him is a miracle to watch.

I have so much more to write about, but I just don't have time. I wish I could just send you a constant live stream video of my life here. It has been absolutely amazing. I love y'all and can't wait for you all to serve missions of your own! Start preparing now!! Have a great week and study the scriptures mucho!

Con mucho amor, El Elder Jenso