I Love My Life

Beej, Care Bear, Kelwey, Cowey, Brookie, Jenny (aka Elder Jensen), and O.... WHAT´S UP!?!?!?!?! Oh man this week was literally a rollercoaster... I feel like I went on 3.. I wish!! hahaha but nonetheless it was a good week. I love my life. Do you love my life?? hahaha well..... here goes nothin--->

Monday night we had family night with a really humble sister and her kids in the ward, less actives. They were so happy we were there and they even gave us some tamales. The lady has 5 kids and she is single, it makes me hurt inside, but they are very blessed to have the true gospel in their lives. Well this lady has twin boys names Marcos Julian and Marcos Ivan aka "los Marcos" Well they gave us each 6 marbles and I have been walking around with them in my jacket pocket since that day. It made me so happy! I love the people here, so simple, so loving, and so incredible. I realized just by entering peoples houses and being with them for a little bit can bless their lives. They can feel the Spirit and they are blessed so much. I love being able to bring happiness in the lives of people. I understood more my role of being a missionary. It´s all about LOVE.

Tuesday we went to Seminary!!! aaahh we woke up at 4:45 in the morning to go share experiences with the youngins. It was a really good class and we liked it, but were totally wiped out the whole day…so tired. Then in the afternoon we were walking in the street and we found an old investigator...remember Veronica?? (we were teaching her and her brother with Elder Villatoro) well we found her in the street and taught her and her friend about baptism. It was a good lesson in the street actually and they really understood everything. Then she told us that the other missionaries in the ward were visiting here but she felt more comfortable with me…so we set up an appointment and yeah.

Wednesday the only thing I remember is the appointment with Veronica. We went there and the other 2 missionaries showed up too. We had a good lesson about baptism and how she could get her answer. Then we all kneeled down and she said the prayer. She asked if she should get baptized and just waited. The most special feeling in the whole world entered the room. After she was done I asked her how she felt, she said before the prayer she was confused and felt bad, but then during and after the prayer she felt lighter, peace, and just a lot better. We explained to her that is how the Spirit works. She was so happy and said she would get baptized this Saturday!!!!

Thursday we went to Malacatan aka Pres Maravilla is a saying goodbyes and we were going to have a multi zone conference. We got there and got all the Elders sitting down reading their scriptures and waiting... and waiting... and waiting. Finally President and Sister Maravilla showed up. Eyes red, and super tired. President then told us that the night before we had lost a missionary, and as you have heard, his name was Elder Taufa. I didn’t personally meet him, but I knew who he was. So instead of the conference we held a devotional and everyone was sad, but with more desires to be obedient and better. Everyone has something to learn from this situation, and I think the missionaries here are learning more than anyone. Then after the devotional we ate lunch and took zone pictures with Pres and Sis Maravilla then ADIOS!!! Well the good news is that the zonies have a meeting with them tomorrow or Wed, so that will be the final adios. At the end of this week they will be in Nicaragua and my mission president will be Pres. Ruiz, cool huh?

After all that we came back to San Marcitos and did the baptism interview of Veronica. She was so happy and ready. She called her parents to tell them what she was going to do and they said no no no no no. So, she started crying cause she was sad and stuff, but we told her to pray, and she said she was still going to do it!! What a rebel!! hahaha but it was great.

Friday... I don’t remember.... All I know is that we had Noche de Hermanamiento... aka members meet in the church and someone shares a lesson and then we eat something small. We had lots of investigators there between the two companionships so everyone was all stoked and stuff.

Saturday… BAPTISM!!!! We had it in the morning and it was great... here are pictures. I loved it so much. Here in this ward we don’t have to worry about anything, the bishop is incredible and our ward mission leader is good too. They always plan some good baptism services. I love it. Then Saturday night there was a dinner for all the dads in the ward and they played soccer and stuff... and of course we were invited!!! haha. We ate some carne asada, beans, green onions, rice, and horchata... with hot tortillas duh. I love the food here. I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday I did something I have never done before... I spoke in church hahahaa. I spoke last, so when I stood up I said, "I wasn’t nervous until I realized they put the most powerful speakers last." HAHAHA oh man everyone lost it. oops... Then all day everyone was making fun of me!! haha but the talk went well. I talked about baptism and the atonement and the way to live with God again. Elder Salas talked about the responsibility that the members have to share the gospel, and our buddy Boris spoke about prayer. It was a good meeting, and Sundays are always good. I love this ward so much. Then in the afternoon we went to visit with the 1st counselor and the ward clerk. Roca y Dario. Man they are hilarious, and it was good to be driven around in a car to visit less actives and stuff. That’s the new Sunday tradition, visit the people that didn’t get to church that day. It works!! PS every Sunday night we eat with a family in the ward, and I made the most perfect tortilla that I had ever made. We made a business plan for my Guatemalan restaurant (who knows?). It will be called Comida Chapina and I will also sell tortillas on the side called Tortilljensen. hahah that’s what they were calling me all night. Man I love this place, and I love the members. I love my life!!!

Well... I hope I didn’t bore you with this mammoth letter. Just know that I’m safe, protected, taken care of, and loved. I know for a fact this church is true. I felt the Spirit reassuring it to me many times this week, and even right now in this Internet cafe. It’s true ladies and gentlemen, and I know it. I know that God lives. He sent His Son to die for us. He also lives. I love this work, it’s the life of the church. I love bringing the Spirit into houses that need it. I love being a messenger and defender of the truth, and I love Guatemala. (Even though I feel alone now that Chad isn’t here) I love it.

I love you so much; I hope you have the best week of your life. Be good, and CTR always. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

ps there is a little girl that is 2 in the ward that calls us "los Eveles" it´s so cute!! haha - Evel Jensen (but you have to say it with an accent or it doesn´t really work out...

Elder Jensen

Helllllllooo!!! 

How are you!?!?! Here I am, in San Marcitos. still.... but a crazy thing just happened... the mission secretary decided it was time to buy my plane ticket home. He just sent me my release plan... I had to fill it out with all kinds of information and I tole him I live in SLC and that I´m going home the 16th of Oct..... It´s official. See you then. Be there or be square.

Well this week was interesting.... My companion Elder Nájera had changes.. a surprise for all of us.. but now my companion is called..... ELDER SALAS. He is from Acapulco, Mexico (3rd Mexican companion....) and he is just a little baby in the mission... just 8 little months. I met him when I was in La Nueva Concepcion. Like they say here, "Elder Salas en un amor de gente." hahaha He is a good kid. Elder Villatoro and Elder Nájera talked a whole ton, and I talk a lot too right, so I´m used to that... but Elder Salas doesn´t talk too much so I´m just yakin his ear off and he doesn´t say much. hahaha

This week I have been showing him the members and the area, and yesterday we left with our bishop to visit less actives. It was a good day. We are getting ready for ward conference the 30th... I´m quite stoked.

For two weeks straight Elder Nájera was making fun of me and telling me I was going to go the San Pedro (The zone right next door)... guess where he is?? San Pedro. It´s all good cause we can see eachother and stuff. I love that kid too. One of my favorite companions.

Here in the ward the primary teachers have a poster that they put up on the wall every week with little hearts that have the names of the kids that were reverent in class.. well I´ve been PLEADING them to put my name on the poster, (cause I´m always reverent) and they did!!! hahhahaha what an achievement. Can I just tell you how blessed we are here, and how amazing are the members. We never ever go to bed hungry and they are so willing to leave and visit with us. We are finally hearing experiences from the members about how they share the gospel.. witch (the only way I can think to spell it haha..) witch is a difference from when we got here. They were literally sleeping and stuff, but now they are excited to work with us. I love this ward.

 

An elder just called us and needs our help, I might get on later to finish writing, I´m not sure.. Just know that I love you with my whole heart. I pray for you, and everyone. I know what I´m doing is the work of the Lord. It´s His. He guides and directs it. I´ve learned so much here, but one of the biggest things is to cherish the Sacrament. Think about it, an opportunity to be clean each week... I love it. God loves us and wants us to be happy. Many times there are challenges and dificulties, but through fervent prayer we can recieve many answers and help. Jesus Christ lives and loves us, He knows what we are passing through and only wants to help.

I love you so much. Happy Fathers Day, Happy Summer, and Happy New Year... oh wait...

Elder Jensen

Hello!

Hello, hello, hello, hello. (primary hello song). 

 

HOW ARE YOU!?!?!?! Im doing oh so fine. This week was a good one. But the truth is, I dont remember much about it to tell you the truth. I remember that I taught some people, went to church, ate lunch... speaking of lunch, I LOVE OUR COOK.

 

When we got here to San Marcos there was a calendar of lunches, each day a different family, I loved it. But the Stake President said we couldnt do that anymore, so in May we didnt have a cook or anything, we just... well Im not sure how we are still alive but we are. Then this month we found a cook. Her name is Margoth and her goal is to get us fat. She loves us so much, and always tells us that. We actually call her, "La mujer mas amable en todo el mundo" and its not even a joke. She fills the table with two kinds of juice, two kinds of salad, fruit, and the plato fuerte. (strong plate... like the meat haha) I love her to death and I think Im going to leave San Marcos fat.

 

This week are changes, and I dont think I have changes... But who knows.

 

On Tuesday we had Leadership Council with Pres... he basically told us to erase his name from our minds, and that he had officially said goodbye to us. They are getting everything ready to go, and they are pretty sad. I love Pres. and Sis. Maravilla so so much. Im sad they are going, but they have other things to in the Kingdom of God here on earth. Next week they are going to each zone for conferences and stuff to take pictures and all that jazz... I think I will cry. hahaha. The Leader Conference was really good though. They talked a lot about obedience and stuff, they dont want the new guy to show up and send tons of missionaries home... but it always happens so we will see. Its also official too, we are losing a zone of the mission. My zone aka Tiquisate aka when I was in La Nueva Concepcion is now going to the Guatemala City Central Mission. Mision Reu is just a little smaller now!

 

The members here in our ward are incredible. My mom here had a really neat experience. She prayed for the opportunity to share the gospel, and the next day a lady (that she had had in mind) showed up to her doorstep.. She said she didnt really know why she was there but she just had a feeling. Tonight we have a family night planned to go and teach her and hopefully her husband comes along!! I love amazing members. I love the church. Its true ya know. God works according to our faith and dilligence and sometimes we have to be patient and sometimes not. I have learned a lot of patience here in San Marcos because the work is so different. It requires a lot of patience and a lot of prayers!!!! A little tougher than the coast I would say. But miracles are real!!

 

I love this gospel so so much. I have such a strong testimony of all of it. I know for a fact its true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet of God. Through him, the true church of Christ is here on earth in the dipensation of the fullness of times. We are bearers of the Holy Priesthood of God, power and authority to work in His name to bless the lives of others. I love it so much.

 

I hope you have an excellent week. I truly dont remember more about the week so Im sorry its a short letter but... enjoy! haha also here is a picture of the zone in front of the temple!!

 

I love you so so so much. Never forget it!!!

Temple

Hey you!! It's me again! Elder Jensen, ya know, the Guatemalan. 

Anywho, I hope you liked the pictures I sent. This week was amazing. I will forever remember it. 

It has been super rainy and cold here in San Marcos.  Like, super cold. My companion. Was sick with a cold last week, and like the nice companion he is, he gave it to me. I've never have a cold like this before. It was bad. Since Friday I have been talking all funny. I think my voice took a vacation or something because I just can't find it. If you find it let me know!!

The good news is- on Saturday we went to the temple!! We got up early and hopped on a bus and drove. The second we got off the bus I saw two kids from San Luis. Remember that place?? It turns out that the youth from my first stake were there. I saw my old cooks son and the Relief Society pres's son. It was fun to see them. 

Then I walked into the distribution center and saw my moms from San Antonio. Remember that place?? I saw about 6 sisters and the ward first counselor. It was fun to see everyone and catch up. Then we were about to enter the temple when the doors opened and out walked one of my converts from San Luis (picture) and her sister that an elder in the zone baptized after I had left San Luis. Remember Sandra?? She is the one on the right and Vilma is on the left. The girl in the middle was inactive when I was there. Sandra literally couldn't control herself and started crying, so did Vilma. This family is incredible. I made so many memories in that house teaching and sharing. I love them so much. They told me that their mom, who isn't a member, still talks about me, and remembers the old times haha. (If you can't remember these people look me up on my blog. They got baptized the last week of May last year.)  so we snapped a picture and say hi and bye, then walked in the temple. As I was standing in line to get my clothes there were a bunch of youth doing baptisms and exactly at the right moment appears out of nowhere Sandra's cousin that I baptized, Josué. He was in white and just smiling so so big. I was so blessed to be able to see people I love in the temple that day. People from two of my areas. I loved the temple so much. I was so sad when it was time to leave. I think it will be like that in heaven, surrounded by people you love and just happy all day. 

I know the temple is a sacred place. Where families can be formed into eternal families. I know the church is true. The power of God is on this earth. It's called the priesthood. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on earth. I don't have a single doubt. It where we can find true happiness here on earth. And who doesn't want to be happy?? I've never once doubted being a missionary. I love it.

I love this land of Guatemala. It is so so special. I love the people with my whole entire heart. They are incredible. I love you so much. I hope you have an excellent week and you are always reading your scriptures, praying, and going to church. 

With a bunch of love from Guatebuena, 

Elder Jensen