I Can Feel Your Prayers

Hi... Did you know I can literally FEEL your prayers? Well if you didn’t know, now you do... I can feel your prayers. Isn´t that neat?? Keep em comin!!

This week went by EXTREMELY fast. I don’t know where it went. I think into the past... but I’m not sure. haha Time just keeps marching on.

We had some special experiences this week... on Tuesday we went to teach Mauro and Florencia, well.. I think it was Tuesday. But anyway we went there with a member that helps us a lot. Mauro started asking us about marriage and about how he and his wife were married but he didn’t like it so he wanted to get married again, then he started telling us about a dream that he had. He said he and his wife were young, and were in a big beautiful building. Everything was just amazing. They were running to get married. While he was telling his dream he grabbed his wife’s hand and started getting all teary eyed. In that moment we started explaining to him about the temple and about how families can be forever. We talked about how much God loves us and a little bit about the plan of Salvation. They told us that they had never heard anything like that before, and that they want to get baptized the 28th of Sept....... THIS SATURDAY!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! I’m so stoked. 

Plus their son is a member and we visited him on Friday cause we want him to baptize his parents. He started talking about the experience that we had and was so shocked. He told us that his dad was the type of man that had his beer bottle right next to his pistol and that he had never ever seen him cry; that he was so hard and tough and a fighter. The Spirit can break through whatever wall. 

I love Mauro and Florencia. They are so special and they love us too... On Saturday we passed by to say hi and buy some tamales from them and they were installing a light right above their couch so when we come we will have light to see. Isn’t that the cutest thing ever? We also gave them a big huge bible and triple and they made us sit down and write a little note in them with our names too so they can pray for us!!! Oh my heart is going to burst with so much love for these people. The small and simple things are just too much for my heart to handle. 

BUT we need a miracle. Florencia couldn’t go to church yesterday because she had a fever and her body hurt. She had symptoms of dengue, and that’s bad. But she wants to get baptized with her hubby. Please pray for them that everything will go well for the baptism and they can be strong to handle everything... did I mention Mauro is 78 and Florencia is 74. I love them so much.

Last night I woke up at around 2:30 with a sore throat and I went downstairs to take a pill... There are 3 pills - Tabcin night, tabcin day, and tabcin cough. I wanted to take tabcin day but I couldn’t find it, so I took tabcin night. Oh man I’m walking around like a dead man. hahahaha it´s so fun. I was just singing all morning EFY songs in a deep voice.... I don’t really know what´s happening to me, but I’m ok. hahaha

I have been in such a good mood since we have progressing people. I always say that everyday is the best day of my life, and now my companion started saying it too. I think I have the best companion in the entire world. I love the guy... oh ps finally we aren’t in a trio (what’s that in English...) We are just 2 not 3 now. Elder Avelar begged President to send him to another area... I don’t really know why. but oh well. Now we are alone in our huge 2 story house. We cleaned it really really good too and moved around some furniture. I love it.

I have so many thoughts in my head right now. Everything is so bittersweet. But I’m loving my time here. I try not to think about home, and what I’m going to be doing in just a few short weeks. And I know you are praying for me so I’m focused.... I´m so thankful for that. In these last few days we have seen miracles and seen the ward change and get excited and I love it.

Remember when I told you about an inactive family that we activated?? Well in Priesthood they were talking about home teaching and after the class the guy we activated took us up front with the member that helped us and told everyone the experience we had, then he told everyone to do their visits and help one another.... (I think I told you about them right??) I dunno...... But he was just so thankful for everything and he told everyone that they were there for good and they we so happy.... (they started using their garments too and in 3 months they can go to the temple again......) I think that’s GREAT!!!!! I´m so happy. 

There is nothing more important and more rewarding than following God and being obedient. He loves us so much. I know families can be forever. I know it I know it I know it. I don’t have a doubt. I know that La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días is God´s true church here on earth. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. oh oh another experience. We were explaining to Mauro and Florencia about the leadership of the church and we showed them the pictures (the ones that come in the Ensign with all the faces and names) well they loved it. They realized that the church is established the same exact way that the church of Christ was established 2000 years ago. The church is true. Never forget it.

I love you all so so so incredibly much. I hope you have the best of weeks, and that today and tomorrow and the next day can be the best days of your lives. 

ps enjoy the pics. Us with Mauro and Florencia, then with some beans and Hna. Carmen (The mom of the mission.. she cleans presidents house and makes us banana bread whenever there are conferences.. and we eat dinner with her every Sunday night)

I love you

Elder Jensen

We Made Chocolate!

Hi. 

Good news - today we made chocolate.............. Did you know that chocolate came from trees!?!?!?!?! I´m so stoked about it!! hahahahahaha alright, alright well there are a million cacao trees here. And there is a sister that got a bunch of seeds and we toasted them and took off the shell then we toasted cinnamon and put vanilla and a whole bunch of sugar, then we took it to "el molino" (the grinder??) so it could be all powdery and yummy and chocolatey. Tonight we are going back to drink some hot chocolate and bread!!!!! I´m in heaven and my hands have smelled like chocolate all day... Elder Quiroz and I keep saying that there is a waterfall in our mouths... get it.. cause they are all watery. (It´s a little saying I came up with and I think it´s the funniest thing ever.. then we pretend our mouth is just full of water and we can´t control ourselves. hahahahahahahaha) So we were basically at the members house all day, and for part of the day there wasn´t light so we had to go the molino twice and it was just a blast.... pictures are included... 

My week was also a blast!!!! We are teaching 2 teenagers named Manuel and Andrea. They are really super positive and have been to church once. They really like what we teach. We just need to soften the heart of their step dad. We also have some oldies we are teaching. Mauro and Florencia Calderon. Their son is a member, and they both went to church on Sunday and they loved it!!!! (I taught Gospel Principles by the way... I like it). We always have really good lessons with them and they understand a lot. They just want to feel sure about their decision... pray for them so they can feel sure!! That they know they have to get baptized!! I love them. Florencia always gives us juice and a sandwich when we go. I love it.

Funny story - we were teaching Mauro and Florencia and an older lady (84 years old) walks in. Elder Avelar (My other companion... we´re still in a trio)... Elder Avelar turned to her super happy and asked her how she was and she said, "No tan bien como usted Pollonazo." ("No as good as you big chicken"). and she hugged him and planted a big wet one on his cheek. We were dying of laughter..... When she left, Mauro said, Well I guess she liked you.!!! hahaha and we have been saying pollonazo to him all week. I love Guatemalans.

On Tuesday we had leader´s conference with Pres. Ruiz. It was really good. 2 weeks ago he changed assistants and put a missionary named Elder Banegas. He is a deacon-sized missionary, with the heart of a bear. Man I love his guts. He gave a really good message about finding people and faith, obedience, and repentance that I really liked. Sister Ruiz talked a lot about obedience, and basically everyone. It´s a real problem in the mission. Satan is working hard!!!!!!!

On Thursday we had our zone meeting and I shared a little about Mosiah 18. I love that chapter. Especially verses 8 and 9 where it talks about how we need to help others, and be witnesses of the truth in all times, all places, and all things. (sorry but it´s better in Spanish....) I love it though. Ever since we were baptized we made those promises. I love it. A little bit later in the chapter it talks about the unity and about preaching the gospel. The zone really liked it. Then I shared my testimony - 

I told them that I only have one month left in the mission, and nobody knows what´s going on in my mind. There are so many thoughts and it´s so tough to focus on just one little thing. But that they have to work hard, treasure the time they have, and be messengers and defenders of the truth. I know the Spirit talked more than me, the feeling in the room was so strong and undeniable. For the first time it hit me that I´m going to be home in just a short month. That I won´t be here speaking Spanish and loving the people and eating beans and tortillas. I´m going to miss it SO much!!!!! I love this place, and the people are incredible.

We had an experience the other day that strengthened all our testimonies. Right after our study time we were getting ready to go and we heard the doorbell. We left and there were 2 women... Jehovah’s Witnesses. They shared a little bit with us about preaching the gospel and who knows what else, (She was literally peeing herself I think). But then we started talking a little bit about our message, and she was so closed off that she didn´t want to hear anything. It was nuts. She wouldn´t accept our pamphlet either cause it "wasn´t based on the Bible," Then we showed her that it was... and she still didn´t want it haha.

I´m so glad and blessed with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I´m a missionary, a representative of Jesus Christ. A messenger and defender of the truth. I´m Elder Jensen. I only have 1 more month to be able to say that. I´m not going to lie, I´m so super super excited to see you. But it´s bittersweet. I can feel that you are praying for me. I know it. THANK YOU. I´m forever grateful for your support, love, and prayers.

Elder Quiroz and I read a talk today from Elder Holland that explained something like this - When a missionary goes home and the family is in the airport waiting for him, I imagine it´s a moment as special as the moment when Jesus Christ had finished His mission here on earth; the proud family, and the tears, and the gratitude for service and time given. 

I know the church is true, without a doubt. Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer.

I love you all so so so much. Be faithful, happy, and always remember who you are and what you stand for!

Elder Jensen

Well hello.

This week was insane. We literally worked in our area like 2 half days this week... This week the mission had changes. Before there were 4 elders in our ward, but now it´s just us and 2 sisters... We have been getting their house ready, doing baptismal interviews. Baptizing the people we interview haha, and changes (Which are crazy), buying flowers, and a bunch of stuff!! My companion from San Antonio, Elder Juarez went home. Bummer. I love that guy to death. (in the picture)

For the change meeting on Wednesday they used our chapel.. mostly used chapel in the world I think. They always use it. But we had to clean up a little, run to the market to buy flowers, and open up the church then wait till everyone left to close it and take the sisters in our ward to their house and other new elders in the zone to their house cause they took out the others and put two news in.... nutso. But it´s fun that way. Ever since the changes we have had another companion. Elder Avelar. He is waiting for them to reasign his mission and this week he´s gone... I hope.. It´s rough with 3... plus he talks a ton!!!!! I´m used to my quiet companion. Oh man I love my companion!!!

Now that there are sisters in our ward they are where we were and we are where the other elders were because it´s a little more far/dangerous. We are getting to know the members better and visiting them and serving them. I´m super excited to work in this area. I love this ward, the people are so so special. We have seen the attitude of the ward change a ton. They are stoked that there are sisters here... me too. They just bring another spirit and a little bit more love to the work. It´s great and the ward needs it.

This week I baptized a little girl from a less active family in another ward. (picture) I did the interview and baptized her. She was so smart and happy to be baptized. She asked me if saying bad words meant she wasn´t faithful to God. Such a cute question. She was so worried too when she asked me it. I love the people here. They are incredible.

The other day there was an earthquake. Everyone was crazy scared, but luckily nothing happened. I wasn´t scared though, I´m really brave.

I feel like I don´t have everything that happened this week, actually I know I don´t have it all... We just have to go to the office... Who knows why.

I just want you to know that I know that the church is true. Jesus Christ lives. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He saw the Father and the Son one day in 1820. I know it. I have a very strong testimony of it, I know it´s true. I know God has a plan for us. He wants us to return to live with Him one day because He loves us. All we have to do is be obedient.

I hope you have the best week of your life. I love you so so so so much!!!! 

ps tell my girlfriend hi for me.

Elder Jensen

WHAT´S UP!?!?!?!?!

This week was a crazy one. I feel like I wasn’t in my area working at all... but I was. Weird. This week we were searching for a house in our area for some sister missionaries that they are going to put in our ward, and we switch to the other half of our area. The two elders that we live with are being taken out and so just me and my companion are living in a 2 story huge house..... alone. hahaha it’s fun. President wants it to be like that to use our house as a hotel too.. When missionaries have to stay over and stuff like that. We live so close to the office, it’s a good idea I think. The ward we are in really REALLY needs some help, and we are thinking that sister missionaries is just the thing. We’re stoked! 

On Tuesday and Thursday we did divisions. Tuesday I stayed in the area with Elder Saunders from Morgan, Utah. He is the biggest more gigantic person in the world I think... haha HE´S HUGE! It was really fun being with him. He is just now finishing his training, so I wasn’t used to being with someone that was learning Spanish, but we had a good time and FOUND A FAMILY!!! They have names too... Ober and Vilma. They are super humble, and I love them. They just absorb everything we say and they want to have a better life. So we are going to help them. Also a member in our ward took us to visit one of her friends named Diana. and she also rules. We had a really good day. Elder Saunders was a little down, and divisions was the perfect medicine.

Thursday we did divisions with the other elders in the ward to get to know the area (ps they still don’t know what’s going on). But it was good. They have some good investigators and so we aren’t starting completely from 0. Plus we are going to keep teaching Ober and Vilma cause they basically live in the other area... and it’s the same ward too... so big whoop. The rest of the investigators that we have we are giving to the sisters.

This week we also helped with 2 baptisms that we had in the zone, one on Friday and the other was a wedding/baptism on Saturday. They were really good and the 2 families were so happy and so prepared. It was good to see the changes in the lives of others; I love baptisms!!! I shared a message in the 2 baptisms, and it turned out great. In both of them I did it on the fly, cause the person that was supposed to do it didn’t show up. It’s a good thing I’m a missionary, and I was prepared. hahaha

Wanna know what I love??? Teaching people about the scriptures. I just love studying and teaching and sharing my testimony. Because I learn a lot, and I feel the Spirit and I can help other people. 

Yesterday was a good Sunday. In this ward the fast and testimony meetings always are so long cause basically EVERYONE shares their testimony, and on Saturday a family was sealed in the temple so everyone was talking about the temple and the Priesthood and temple sealing. Isn’t it great to know that we will be together forever if we are faithful!?!?! I love to know that.

This is literally the Church of Jesus Christ. It bears His name. I know for a fact it’s the only true church on the face of the earth, and the only true church with the fullness of the gospel. I am a bearer of the Priesthood of God. It’s real. I know it. It’s the authority to be able to act in God’s name and to be able to bless the lives of others, to help them to be able to reach the salvation and live with God once more. Forever.

Forever. Think about that. Do we really want to have regrets forever or peace and happiness and joy and an eternal family?

God lives. I know it. He loves us so much that He sent us to this earth to grow and become perfect to be able to become like He is.

I love you all so so much!!! I will send pictures in another email! Have a GREAT week!

Elder Jensen

Here goes nothin!!!

Please family, enjoy these pictures haha. 

1. A member of the ward that left this week on his mission. Kevin. He was the secretary of the ward, his family is not member, and they are angry that he is a missionary. But he rocks.

2. The most famous street in Reu. La Calzada Las Palmas.... hmmm.. I wonder why it´s called Las Palmas aka the palm trees... It´s lined in palm trees!!!! for like a mile or two.... It´s neat, and it´s part of my area!

3. Well.. my companion and I share a camera because he doesn´t like his. So sometimes he just takes random pictures. haha We were waiting for a member to come meet us. He´s funny.

4. WASHING THE DISHES! It´s what I do every Sunday night in our dinner with the office some sisters. It´s just a great time. (I don´t really remember when my companion took this... but I´m not angry at all.)

Well.. goodbye. I love you!!! Until next week..... or maybe later today, we have to send the dats, but we don´t have them all yet!!!!!!!! BYE