Querida familia,
Hola familia! I'm super excited to hear the kid's recital, hope they do great! My advice is to practice hard; That's all I got ;). How are your lessons coming mom? Are you performing in the recital as well? Also for some reason Connor Hille's name has been coming to me a few times this week. Is he on a mission right now? Que lastima Cristian busted the green bean! Oh well, I guess everything has it's time to go. Hey, if you were planning to send a package for Christmas, please include various office supplies like those nice markers from stampin up and some cardstock and things. I'm trying to get more organized, but I don't have a lot to spend on that kind of stuff. If you weren't planning on sending a Christmas package, that's okay, just mail me some nice cardstock paper please!! :) Tambien, thanks for the letters Jacob Jaxon and Jordan! Y'all are awesome artists!
My Address now is:
4105 North 24th Lane apt #9
McAllen,TX
78504
This week was probably one of the best on my mission so far. I got to go for a 3-day exchange over in an area called plantation and met some really cool elders. I've been studying a lot lately and learning especially about the gospel. I learn much from Elder Angles's example and right now we are working on a theory about note-taking. I hope Elder Angles becomes a scientist when he grows up. The world needs his brain! We have been making a lot of changes to stay organized, and we're gonna make this area rock.
I've also been studying music a little bit on the piano we have and that's going well. I'm teaching myself to play improve a little bit and I've noticed how much more productive I am when I control my schedule rather than just play for fun. Planning is very important.
I feel very blessed and even a little chiflado to have the people and investigators that we have. They are such good examples to me and Love them a lot. We are teaching a girl named Vanessa right now. She is an 18 yr old girl and is living the gospel very faithfully. We found her just walking outside of her house, and she has taken to the discussions very well. Everything we've taught her she has faithfully accepted, and she has completed every commitment that we leave with her. She is a courageous example for those around her in her life. She lives in very hard circumstances and has a lot of struggle with family and friends, but still she pushes on with her faith in God. She reminds me of King Lamoni from Alma who, when taught by the missionaries, prays immediately and is willing to give up all his sins to know God. There are very few people who have as great faith as she does. I love going over to visit her and her family. We hope to help her to get baptized near the end of next month; maybe even sooner.
We are also visiting with Louis. He is an amazing old man. He's 69 and has a heart of pure gold. He is fairly poor and lives in humble circumstances, but of what he does have, he gives freely. He is hosting a homeless family right now that is consuming almost all his money, living space, and time. He pretty much gave them his whole house and now lives entirely in a closet spaced room so that they can have more room for their kids. He instantly loves everyone he meets and I feel respected like a king whenever I go over there. I imagine that is how it would feel to have been with Christ when he was on the earth. I love him like my adopted grandpa. He also pursues gospel knowledge voraciously. He has read the bible many times and is finding so much new light and truth through the Book of Mormon. What an amazing book we are blessed to have and so readily accessible. I love reading the Book and I feel so close to Christ as I do. I know that it's true.
I have so many other experiences that I could share but the most prominent in my mind is the ever-present ambiance of love I feel on my mission. I feel love for God, I feel His love for me, I feel love for the other missionaries, I feel love for the ward members, I love our investigators, and I love Christ. I feel so happy knowing that He's forgiven me and continues to forgive me as I repent and come unto Him with full purpose of heart. There is nothing so great as helping someone else feel that forgiveness and abide in the love of the Savior. What an amazing gospel He has given us to share.
Thank you for being the amazing family that you are! I can't wait to see you next month! Happy Thanksgiving!
Con amor,
El Elder Jenson
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Nov. 16, 2015
Querida Familia,
This week was super awesome, I am having a blast in this area. Our district is getting closer and more friendly, so that is fun, and my dad (elder Robinson) also got transferred down to this area so I get to see him every now and again. Elder Angles is a pretty cool man. He's very business minded, organized, and focused. He's not really the type of guy that expresses his emotions very much, but we have a pretty good relationship. He really has one of the most unique minds I've ever seen before. He has a very interesting perspective on the world and I learn a lot when we talk. It reminds me of talking with Jacob, he's a very intellectual man.
We had a rougher time with our investigators this week, but I felt like we still had great effort. A few of them dropped the lessons with us and we only had one that came to church, but hopefully this next week will go a little bit better. Some days I wish I could just make people's choices for them, but I've got to be patient and let free agency have it's turn. Serving and helping here opens my eyes to a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father feels when we make choices for ourselves. I worry a lot about how the people are progressing and if they'll continue strongly in the gospel after we're gone. I can't imagine what it will be like to have kids to worry about... All of this makes me very grateful for the patience that God has had and still continues to have with me. If only we could all just make the right choices all of the time!
The recent news with the church actually hasn't affected us at all. Nor has the world news. We haven't had to deal with any people who are particularly interested in that stuff so it's been pretty calm. However, I imagine it will only progress to get worse. I don't really worry about that stuff too much, we already know all the bad stuff is going to happen, so best enjoy the good times while we have them and just trust in the Lord! And then enjoy the bad times too! :)
Spanish is coming a little bit better. I can follow conversations pretty well, but I still feel like a child in my comprehension and when I speak. I just try to be patient with myself and not get down when I don't understand anything. Most of the time I just smile and try to show the people that I love them through my actions.
So something super cool--the Blasdell family actually moved into my ward the same time I transferred down here. I met them yesterday! Jill Blasdell and Greg Glazier, but I didn't meet her husband. Bishop asked me to bear a brief testimony during sacrament meeting and I mentioned I was from southern Utah. They approached me after the meeting and asked me specifically where. Turns out they know you guys, they know our house, they know the Townsend family and all about Kanab! We should be going over to have dinner with them sometime this week and we'll take some pictures then.
All I can say is that life is good in the service of God. I don't have to worry about too much and I can just enjoy learning about the gospel and helping other people. Couldn't ask for much more except to bring my family with me. Can't wait to see y'all at Christmas! Have a good week and enjoy the snow-Love you all tons!
Con mucho amor,
El Elder Jenson
P.S. -Go out with the missionaries sometime this week if you can. One of our members came with us and absolutely changed the heart of one of our investigators. You all have something unique that the investigators need to see and hear, so make sure that you take the opportunities that come!! Love you!
This week was super awesome, I am having a blast in this area. Our district is getting closer and more friendly, so that is fun, and my dad (elder Robinson) also got transferred down to this area so I get to see him every now and again. Elder Angles is a pretty cool man. He's very business minded, organized, and focused. He's not really the type of guy that expresses his emotions very much, but we have a pretty good relationship. He really has one of the most unique minds I've ever seen before. He has a very interesting perspective on the world and I learn a lot when we talk. It reminds me of talking with Jacob, he's a very intellectual man.
We had a rougher time with our investigators this week, but I felt like we still had great effort. A few of them dropped the lessons with us and we only had one that came to church, but hopefully this next week will go a little bit better. Some days I wish I could just make people's choices for them, but I've got to be patient and let free agency have it's turn. Serving and helping here opens my eyes to a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father feels when we make choices for ourselves. I worry a lot about how the people are progressing and if they'll continue strongly in the gospel after we're gone. I can't imagine what it will be like to have kids to worry about... All of this makes me very grateful for the patience that God has had and still continues to have with me. If only we could all just make the right choices all of the time!
The recent news with the church actually hasn't affected us at all. Nor has the world news. We haven't had to deal with any people who are particularly interested in that stuff so it's been pretty calm. However, I imagine it will only progress to get worse. I don't really worry about that stuff too much, we already know all the bad stuff is going to happen, so best enjoy the good times while we have them and just trust in the Lord! And then enjoy the bad times too! :)
Spanish is coming a little bit better. I can follow conversations pretty well, but I still feel like a child in my comprehension and when I speak. I just try to be patient with myself and not get down when I don't understand anything. Most of the time I just smile and try to show the people that I love them through my actions.
So something super cool--the Blasdell family actually moved into my ward the same time I transferred down here. I met them yesterday! Jill Blasdell and Greg Glazier, but I didn't meet her husband. Bishop asked me to bear a brief testimony during sacrament meeting and I mentioned I was from southern Utah. They approached me after the meeting and asked me specifically where. Turns out they know you guys, they know our house, they know the Townsend family and all about Kanab! We should be going over to have dinner with them sometime this week and we'll take some pictures then.
All I can say is that life is good in the service of God. I don't have to worry about too much and I can just enjoy learning about the gospel and helping other people. Couldn't ask for much more except to bring my family with me. Can't wait to see y'all at Christmas! Have a good week and enjoy the snow-Love you all tons!
Con mucho amor,
El Elder Jenson
P.S. -Go out with the missionaries sometime this week if you can. One of our members came with us and absolutely changed the heart of one of our investigators. You all have something unique that the investigators need to see and hear, so make sure that you take the opportunities that come!! Love you!
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
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
Nov. 1, 2015
Querida Familia,
This week was absolutely great! We had so many meetings and extra activities, but they were all worth it. This week we had our first set of interviews with the President. I didn't really know what to expect for it, but it was amazing! We had great trainings by the President's Assistants, and the interview went really well. He was very friendly and listened very well. I shared with him some problems I had and things I was worried about, and he gave me great council and some things to study. I can't wait to apply those things in this next transfer. Speaking of this next transfer, Elder Robinson is going to be a District Leader! We're not sure where yet until tonight, but he got sent down to McAllen to receive a training. I'm super excited for him and I hope he does well. There is a chance he'll stay on the Bluff, but I don't think it's very likely. He'll probably move more in central Corpus. I'll be holdin down the fort on the Bluff and I can't wait to meet my new companion tomorrow!
We got the organ in our house, but it's a lot bigger and heavier than I was expecting. I will definitely not be taking it around the mission with me. Instead I will search for a small keyboard I can practice on and use that. The organ is great and works, but is just a little out of tune. It was perfect for Halloween night! Lots of scary music at our house the last few days. It was a really good and fun week with Elder Robinson. I'm gonna miss him.
We were kind of slow on investigator work this week because we had a lot of extra meetings, but we are starting to get the work going better here. We got a new ward mission leader, and he is going to be great! He's a very faithful man and he's not afraid to do his very best which is awesome. We're making family mission plans with some of our members this week, and I think working with the members diligently right now will bring a lot more fruit for the missionaries who come in the next few months. I'm learning that missionary work is really supposed to be lead by the members. We viewed a statistic for the church this week that showed percentages on baptisms around the world. Of the people found and fellowshipped by members, 66% of all of them were baptized, but of the people found and taught by missionaries alone, only 2% of people accepted baptism. That is huge. I can't wait till the ward here is lead by member work. It will be amazing.
My Ponderize Scripture for this week is in Helaman 3:35
"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."
I feel like this scripture is a good example of what's supposed to take place as we progress and endure to the end after Baptism and Confirmation. The more steps we make in Christ's direction, the more humble, faithful, and happy we will be. I love the concept of eternal progression, and I'm grateful for Jesus Christ who makes is all possible. This week I've really felt the love of God for me and for all of His children. The more we understand how important people are to Him, the greater desire we will have to change ourselves and share the gospel. It's just great!
My preference on moving is wherever the Lord wants. I would rather you guys stayed in Utah so that I could visit you while I'm in college and stuff, but if you feel the Corpus beach calling, I won't stop you! In Utah my places would be Salt Lake or Kanab. I love Kanab, but Salt Lake will be a lot closer to college. That's my 2 cents, so take it for what it's worth and pray about it! I'm excited for you guys if the move does end up happening. Have a great week and keep being the awesome family you are. I show people all the time and they love seeing pictures of you guys. I love you so much!
Con mucho amor,
El Elder Jenson
This week was absolutely great! We had so many meetings and extra activities, but they were all worth it. This week we had our first set of interviews with the President. I didn't really know what to expect for it, but it was amazing! We had great trainings by the President's Assistants, and the interview went really well. He was very friendly and listened very well. I shared with him some problems I had and things I was worried about, and he gave me great council and some things to study. I can't wait to apply those things in this next transfer. Speaking of this next transfer, Elder Robinson is going to be a District Leader! We're not sure where yet until tonight, but he got sent down to McAllen to receive a training. I'm super excited for him and I hope he does well. There is a chance he'll stay on the Bluff, but I don't think it's very likely. He'll probably move more in central Corpus. I'll be holdin down the fort on the Bluff and I can't wait to meet my new companion tomorrow!
We got the organ in our house, but it's a lot bigger and heavier than I was expecting. I will definitely not be taking it around the mission with me. Instead I will search for a small keyboard I can practice on and use that. The organ is great and works, but is just a little out of tune. It was perfect for Halloween night! Lots of scary music at our house the last few days. It was a really good and fun week with Elder Robinson. I'm gonna miss him.
We were kind of slow on investigator work this week because we had a lot of extra meetings, but we are starting to get the work going better here. We got a new ward mission leader, and he is going to be great! He's a very faithful man and he's not afraid to do his very best which is awesome. We're making family mission plans with some of our members this week, and I think working with the members diligently right now will bring a lot more fruit for the missionaries who come in the next few months. I'm learning that missionary work is really supposed to be lead by the members. We viewed a statistic for the church this week that showed percentages on baptisms around the world. Of the people found and fellowshipped by members, 66% of all of them were baptized, but of the people found and taught by missionaries alone, only 2% of people accepted baptism. That is huge. I can't wait till the ward here is lead by member work. It will be amazing.
My Ponderize Scripture for this week is in Helaman 3:35
"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."
I feel like this scripture is a good example of what's supposed to take place as we progress and endure to the end after Baptism and Confirmation. The more steps we make in Christ's direction, the more humble, faithful, and happy we will be. I love the concept of eternal progression, and I'm grateful for Jesus Christ who makes is all possible. This week I've really felt the love of God for me and for all of His children. The more we understand how important people are to Him, the greater desire we will have to change ourselves and share the gospel. It's just great!
My preference on moving is wherever the Lord wants. I would rather you guys stayed in Utah so that I could visit you while I'm in college and stuff, but if you feel the Corpus beach calling, I won't stop you! In Utah my places would be Salt Lake or Kanab. I love Kanab, but Salt Lake will be a lot closer to college. That's my 2 cents, so take it for what it's worth and pray about it! I'm excited for you guys if the move does end up happening. Have a great week and keep being the awesome family you are. I show people all the time and they love seeing pictures of you guys. I love you so much!
Con mucho amor,
El Elder Jenson
Oct. 26, 2015
Querida familia,
This week was absolutely awesome. And a little bit Crazy, but overall lot's of fun. It's really hard to find people on our own efforts here. People just don't want to talk to us when they see us. We are really trying now to work with the members, but it's a slower process than we had hoped for. Good opportunity to learn more patience.
We had a small tropical storm blowover this weekend, so all of our meetings got cancelled. It didn't end up being to bad, but it was still pretty crazy. It was a blast riding out in the rain! While we were out riding we got a tornado warning message on the flour bluff and it turns out we were riding right towards it. I don't think it stayed very long or did any damage, but it was still a little bit cool and freaky... About five minutes before the warning came, we set a baptismal date with a new investigator so that was great!
We had the mission tour this Friday from Elder Dupe, and African man 70, and it was amazing! I learned so much about the mission and how to improve, but most importantly I felt the fire of the gospel again and I felt the Holy Ghost very strongly. I love learning about and reading the doctrine of Christ through the scriptures. If we really know our scriptures and focus our studies on those, then we need not fear teaching in any circumstances. The song also went great! I didn't have a ton of time to practice the piece and I haven't really played for a while, but I just had faith that the Lord would help me and He did. It was great and really helped bring the spirit. Didn't even mess up ;).
I'm actually going to finish my first reading goal of the mission today! I set a goal this last transfer to finish the whole book of Mormon, and I will finish this afternoon. I have only ten pages left. I want to tell you that I know it's true. I do not have a perfect testimony of all things, but I cannot deny that of the book of Mormon. I also know from what I've been reading and learning that God really does keep his promises. Always. That book is the greatest source of truth and light that I've ever read and I love it. Using the Book of Mormon with the bible, we can stay safe from the winds of the world and return safely to live with our Heavenly Father.
I watch the people here struggle in their unique circumstances and I just can't help but feel the love God has for them. He knows us all as individuals and whatever difficulties we're facing-he's always reaching to us with arms wide open. It just makes me sad to see how easy it is to come unto him and be happy yet so many people choose not to grab hold of the rope. They just don't understand what their missing! This gospel is the greatest thing on the planet but because of Satan's strengthening grip on the world, men esteem it as a thing of naught. It is as easy for us to look and live as it was for Nephi's family to follow the liahona through the wilderness. Alma gives his son Helaman a neat perspective on this in the end of alma 37 if you want to read about it. We have the books and the prophets there at the ready whenever we want, but so few exercise faith and search the scriptures. It's a seemingly small thing, but of course it is by small and simple means that great things are brought to pass.
I love you guys so much and hope you have a great week. The family is looking great, and I'm super glad Jacob is fulfilling his football dreams! I'm also stoked for your piano lessons mom, you're gonna be great! We'll jam when I get home; just don't quit. I'm grateful for my beautiful family and I hope y'all stay safe!
Con Amor,
El Elder Jenson
This week was absolutely awesome. And a little bit Crazy, but overall lot's of fun. It's really hard to find people on our own efforts here. People just don't want to talk to us when they see us. We are really trying now to work with the members, but it's a slower process than we had hoped for. Good opportunity to learn more patience.
We had a small tropical storm blowover this weekend, so all of our meetings got cancelled. It didn't end up being to bad, but it was still pretty crazy. It was a blast riding out in the rain! While we were out riding we got a tornado warning message on the flour bluff and it turns out we were riding right towards it. I don't think it stayed very long or did any damage, but it was still a little bit cool and freaky... About five minutes before the warning came, we set a baptismal date with a new investigator so that was great!
We had the mission tour this Friday from Elder Dupe, and African man 70, and it was amazing! I learned so much about the mission and how to improve, but most importantly I felt the fire of the gospel again and I felt the Holy Ghost very strongly. I love learning about and reading the doctrine of Christ through the scriptures. If we really know our scriptures and focus our studies on those, then we need not fear teaching in any circumstances. The song also went great! I didn't have a ton of time to practice the piece and I haven't really played for a while, but I just had faith that the Lord would help me and He did. It was great and really helped bring the spirit. Didn't even mess up ;).
I'm actually going to finish my first reading goal of the mission today! I set a goal this last transfer to finish the whole book of Mormon, and I will finish this afternoon. I have only ten pages left. I want to tell you that I know it's true. I do not have a perfect testimony of all things, but I cannot deny that of the book of Mormon. I also know from what I've been reading and learning that God really does keep his promises. Always. That book is the greatest source of truth and light that I've ever read and I love it. Using the Book of Mormon with the bible, we can stay safe from the winds of the world and return safely to live with our Heavenly Father.
I watch the people here struggle in their unique circumstances and I just can't help but feel the love God has for them. He knows us all as individuals and whatever difficulties we're facing-he's always reaching to us with arms wide open. It just makes me sad to see how easy it is to come unto him and be happy yet so many people choose not to grab hold of the rope. They just don't understand what their missing! This gospel is the greatest thing on the planet but because of Satan's strengthening grip on the world, men esteem it as a thing of naught. It is as easy for us to look and live as it was for Nephi's family to follow the liahona through the wilderness. Alma gives his son Helaman a neat perspective on this in the end of alma 37 if you want to read about it. We have the books and the prophets there at the ready whenever we want, but so few exercise faith and search the scriptures. It's a seemingly small thing, but of course it is by small and simple means that great things are brought to pass.
I love you guys so much and hope you have a great week. The family is looking great, and I'm super glad Jacob is fulfilling his football dreams! I'm also stoked for your piano lessons mom, you're gonna be great! We'll jam when I get home; just don't quit. I'm grateful for my beautiful family and I hope y'all stay safe!
Con Amor,
El Elder Jenson
Oct. 19, 2015
Querida familia,
Thanks for everything you guys do for me, sorry I forget a lot! Sometimes there is so much on my brain that I can't write everything I want to in the time that I have. I'll try to take more pictures this week. I recently started wearing my camera on my belt, so I'll do my best to remember it. I'm super excited for Savanah to be in school, she's such an awesome girl! Her letters make my day when I read them. I can't believe Jacob is 12 already and passing the sacrament! I wish I could be there to see it! Good luck with finding a place Brandon, I hope it goes well for you. I used to think that St. George was too hot of a place for me to live, but now I know better... I haven't heard anything as far as female friends go from Brandon and Cristian. Any updates??
I am writing several people right now. Today I just found out that Anthony got ordained a priest and is going to the temple this week to do baptisms! I'm so excited for him. He is making a lot of good choices and has a lot of good friends. I hope he'll decide to serve a mission soon!! I'm also writing Karissa Schmid from GHA. She is absolutely amazing and just put her papers in this last weekend! She'll get her call soon and it'll be neat to see where she goes. Jennie Bowman also keeps up on writing me, and it sounds like school is going great for her. Catania Holman writes me pretty often and is such a good girl. She is planning on serving a mission later on, but she is a super good member in her ward and is already doing missionary activities and prepping herself. I've got a few others that write me on and off, but those ones are pretty regular now. I love hearing from them and it makes me happy to see all the good choices they're making! I can't wait for them all to get on missions.
Yeah me and my companion are getting along pretty well. We have some hard days, but most of the time it's awesome! I'm really trying hard to communicate well and fix problems rather than just hide how I feel. I wish I would've done that more before my mission. It's really debilitating when you don't communicate well, but I never tried to because it made me feel uncomfortable. This last week we've been getting along great. The work is slow, but we're trying to work together with what we've got.
We're working with Marion again; the tall black man we met my very first day of the mission. He told us not to stop by anymore several weeks ago, so we stopped teaching him. We decided the other day to go and see how he was doing, and he just broke down. He really want's a change in his life, and we're really the only friends he has right now. I hope we can do better this second round of teaching. He's an awesome guy but has lot's of hard things he's going to have to overcome to get baptized. I know we can do it, it'll just take a lot of work.
This week we are having a surprise mission tour from a general authority on Thursday, so that is going to be super cool! The zone leaders asked if I would get something to play for a musical number when he comes, so I'm gonna try to work on the cool How Great Thou Art piece we bought before the mission. It'll be interesting, but we'll see how it goes. It's hard not to be able to practice very much, but it's okay. Also, James, our new convert, has a practice organ that his mom is giving away. I'm gonna talk to them this week and see if I could have it! If I get it I'm gonna haul that thing around the mission with me, because I really want to be able to play the organ in church instead of the piano. It will also be nice to have an instrument in the house to play on Halloween!
I was wondering if you could buy that Josh Wright piece -Rachmaninoff piano concerto 2 mixed with Abide with me tis Eventide- and mail or email it to me. I really love that piece and want to learn it. Also if you have any good recipes with flour and basic cooking ingredients I could tryout that would be great. I bought a lot of cooking supplies for making cookies and there is a lot left over, so I want to put it to good use. Maybe bread, pancakes, and French toast; stuff like that.There was something else I needed to ask you, but I've forgotten. I'll try to remember and write it down this next week. Tell me if you think of it...
I love you guys a lot and hope life goes great this week! Keep your clay centered on the gospel and your pot will be beautiful!
Con Amor,
El Elder Jenson
P.S. My Ponderize Scripture is: 1 Corinthians 10:13!
Thanks for everything you guys do for me, sorry I forget a lot! Sometimes there is so much on my brain that I can't write everything I want to in the time that I have. I'll try to take more pictures this week. I recently started wearing my camera on my belt, so I'll do my best to remember it. I'm super excited for Savanah to be in school, she's such an awesome girl! Her letters make my day when I read them. I can't believe Jacob is 12 already and passing the sacrament! I wish I could be there to see it! Good luck with finding a place Brandon, I hope it goes well for you. I used to think that St. George was too hot of a place for me to live, but now I know better... I haven't heard anything as far as female friends go from Brandon and Cristian. Any updates??
I am writing several people right now. Today I just found out that Anthony got ordained a priest and is going to the temple this week to do baptisms! I'm so excited for him. He is making a lot of good choices and has a lot of good friends. I hope he'll decide to serve a mission soon!! I'm also writing Karissa Schmid from GHA. She is absolutely amazing and just put her papers in this last weekend! She'll get her call soon and it'll be neat to see where she goes. Jennie Bowman also keeps up on writing me, and it sounds like school is going great for her. Catania Holman writes me pretty often and is such a good girl. She is planning on serving a mission later on, but she is a super good member in her ward and is already doing missionary activities and prepping herself. I've got a few others that write me on and off, but those ones are pretty regular now. I love hearing from them and it makes me happy to see all the good choices they're making! I can't wait for them all to get on missions.
Yeah me and my companion are getting along pretty well. We have some hard days, but most of the time it's awesome! I'm really trying hard to communicate well and fix problems rather than just hide how I feel. I wish I would've done that more before my mission. It's really debilitating when you don't communicate well, but I never tried to because it made me feel uncomfortable. This last week we've been getting along great. The work is slow, but we're trying to work together with what we've got.
We're working with Marion again; the tall black man we met my very first day of the mission. He told us not to stop by anymore several weeks ago, so we stopped teaching him. We decided the other day to go and see how he was doing, and he just broke down. He really want's a change in his life, and we're really the only friends he has right now. I hope we can do better this second round of teaching. He's an awesome guy but has lot's of hard things he's going to have to overcome to get baptized. I know we can do it, it'll just take a lot of work.
This week we are having a surprise mission tour from a general authority on Thursday, so that is going to be super cool! The zone leaders asked if I would get something to play for a musical number when he comes, so I'm gonna try to work on the cool How Great Thou Art piece we bought before the mission. It'll be interesting, but we'll see how it goes. It's hard not to be able to practice very much, but it's okay. Also, James, our new convert, has a practice organ that his mom is giving away. I'm gonna talk to them this week and see if I could have it! If I get it I'm gonna haul that thing around the mission with me, because I really want to be able to play the organ in church instead of the piano. It will also be nice to have an instrument in the house to play on Halloween!
I was wondering if you could buy that Josh Wright piece -Rachmaninoff piano concerto 2 mixed with Abide with me tis Eventide- and mail or email it to me. I really love that piece and want to learn it. Also if you have any good recipes with flour and basic cooking ingredients I could tryout that would be great. I bought a lot of cooking supplies for making cookies and there is a lot left over, so I want to put it to good use. Maybe bread, pancakes, and French toast; stuff like that.There was something else I needed to ask you, but I've forgotten. I'll try to remember and write it down this next week. Tell me if you think of it...
I love you guys a lot and hope life goes great this week! Keep your clay centered on the gospel and your pot will be beautiful!
Con Amor,
El Elder Jenson
P.S. My Ponderize Scripture is: 1 Corinthians 10:13!
October 12, 2015
Querida Familia,
Thank you for the advice mom and dad, I did fall into that attitude a little bit this week and had some hard times. It frustrates me terribly sometimes when I'm not perfect, but that's okay for now. We have good leaders here in the mission, and that's exactly what we talked about in district meeting today. I am going to focus on what I can do and not what is bothering me. So I will keep on going and just try my best to improve.
I absolutely loved seeing and hearing from you all this week! I did get the letters from the boys the other day, they made me so happy! Jordan's spelling is on point! I think this is the first time since I've left that I've really felt like I missed you guys and being home. Not in a debilitating way, I'm not homesick or anything, I just want to go have dinner with you guys or something, then come back. I love looking at the pictures you sent with me. The work here has been slower these past few weeks, and we haven't had really anyone to teach. We are really trying to work with the members to get the work going. Aside from that, things are going great!
This week we got to go to the USS Lexington historic WWII museum. It's a giant aircraft carrier that had all sorts of military planes, weapons, and guns on it. I'll send some pictures. I was thinking of Jacob the whole time! He would have loved to go there. We probably wouldn't have been able to get him off the ship. I'll have to take him sometime after my mission.
Mom, thank you for teaching us to make cookies. We made almost 100 cookies this last week. They were delicious. We're trying to help James get some fellowship from the ward, so we made cookies and took them around introducing him to some members on the Bluff. It was a lot of fun, I just hope the ward will pick him up and love him as much as we do when we're gone. He's like our adopted grandpa. He is so funny; whenever we visit I make sure to have a pen and paper to write down some of the things he says.
I LOVE seeing the kids on the piano. Sounds like their teacher is doing a good job! I hope Savanah does well in Salt Lake. The change will be good but I don't know how I feel about her being so close to all those crazy Mormons... I love you guys all so much and hope you have a great week! Oh also, Holy Cow. You guys had a tornado. I have to say the pictures were super cool. I kind of hope we have one over here just so that I can watch it...
Con mucho Amor, El Elder Jenson
Thank you for the advice mom and dad, I did fall into that attitude a little bit this week and had some hard times. It frustrates me terribly sometimes when I'm not perfect, but that's okay for now. We have good leaders here in the mission, and that's exactly what we talked about in district meeting today. I am going to focus on what I can do and not what is bothering me. So I will keep on going and just try my best to improve.
I absolutely loved seeing and hearing from you all this week! I did get the letters from the boys the other day, they made me so happy! Jordan's spelling is on point! I think this is the first time since I've left that I've really felt like I missed you guys and being home. Not in a debilitating way, I'm not homesick or anything, I just want to go have dinner with you guys or something, then come back. I love looking at the pictures you sent with me. The work here has been slower these past few weeks, and we haven't had really anyone to teach. We are really trying to work with the members to get the work going. Aside from that, things are going great!
This week we got to go to the USS Lexington historic WWII museum. It's a giant aircraft carrier that had all sorts of military planes, weapons, and guns on it. I'll send some pictures. I was thinking of Jacob the whole time! He would have loved to go there. We probably wouldn't have been able to get him off the ship. I'll have to take him sometime after my mission.
Mom, thank you for teaching us to make cookies. We made almost 100 cookies this last week. They were delicious. We're trying to help James get some fellowship from the ward, so we made cookies and took them around introducing him to some members on the Bluff. It was a lot of fun, I just hope the ward will pick him up and love him as much as we do when we're gone. He's like our adopted grandpa. He is so funny; whenever we visit I make sure to have a pen and paper to write down some of the things he says.
I LOVE seeing the kids on the piano. Sounds like their teacher is doing a good job! I hope Savanah does well in Salt Lake. The change will be good but I don't know how I feel about her being so close to all those crazy Mormons... I love you guys all so much and hope you have a great week! Oh also, Holy Cow. You guys had a tornado. I have to say the pictures were super cool. I kind of hope we have one over here just so that I can watch it...
Con mucho Amor, El Elder Jenson
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