Last Mission Letter... I Want to be Guatemalan Forever!

Well... I guess the time has come.. am I right? Feels funny and I´m depressey. I have been thinking a lot lately about... just everything!!!! My head is just so so full of spaghetti. hahaha I literally don´t know what to say right now..

This week was an extremely good week!!! First off... Mauro and Florencia got BAPTIZED!!!!!! Oh man it was so awesome. And the sisters of our ward baptized another family. Just like a sister said here, I finished my mission with a golden broach. It was just a special baptism. A ton of people showed up and we even sang a special number. I sang... weird... But it was really good and Mauro and Florencia invited a ton of their family members. It was just really special and we saw how the ward supports and loves us. They bought cakes, they helped set up tables, and they shared messages, they basically did everything, and that´s a rare thing in baptisms! It was just a super special day. I loved it! 

We also had interviews this week. We were in the church from 8:30 in the morning till 5:00 in the afternoon and my interview was literally a minute long. He basically just said that we would not have an interview since I have an interview on Wednesday before I go!

We are just so happy with the way the ward has changed and all the blessings and miracles we have seen and recieved. I´m so happy because now Pedregal is a better place than when I came. It´s stronger, there is a stronger spirit, the people trust and love the missionaries more, and it´s just an all around better place. I love it.

Yesterday in church was testimony meeting. I shared a little testimony, but during the whole meeting I basically just sat there and cried. Remember Cesar that had 9 years to not go to church and we reactivated him?? Well he blessed his granddaughter AND he was called as the ward mission leader of the ward AND his daughter got 2 callings AND his son blessed the sacrament AND that same son started his mission papers. They are so happy to be back, and tonight they invited us to eat dinner with them. We are going to get fat!

I honestly don´t know much else to write. I just feel kinda weird. I haven´t been sleeping that great, I haven´t been eating that great, and I dunno.. I just feel funny.

I´ve been thinking of all the things I´ve learned and I´m so grateful for the opportunity that I had to be a part of God´s Army. I have been a representative of Jesus Christ for 2 years. I´ve seen many things, learned many things, and lived many experiences. 2 years ago I didn´t know a lick of Spanish, I didn´t know how Guatemala would be. I wasn´t sure what to expect of this great land. But I have learned to love it. I love Guatemala. I love the culture. I love the people. It is an incredible, wonderful, amazing, beautiful place. People ask me if I´m sad, and I just tell them that there is no one on this entire planet that loves Guatemala more than me. I´m sad. It is the Promised Land. 

2 years ago I had a baby testimony of the truth. Now it´s a giant. It literally burns in my chest. I get all giddy when I think about the church. I know it´s true without a doubt. I know that Jesus Christ leads and guides the church through a prophet. Right now it´s a man named Thomas S. Monson. I know he is a prophet, seer, and revelator. A man chosen of God to be the prophet in these latter-days.

2 years ago I wasn´t sure if Joseph Smith really was a prophet. Now I know that one day in the Spring of 1820 he went and prayed. He knelt down and asked God a question. Which of all the many churches is the true church? God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ answered that young boy. They showed the world that They love us, They are the same yesterday, today, and forever. They gave us the opportunity to know the truth.

2 years ago I read the Book of Mormon. Now I feast from it´s pages. I apply it to my life, I learn so much. The Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. I love it.

2 years ago I knew God was our Heavenly Father. Now I know that He lives. He loves us greatly. He wants us to be happy and He wants us to return to live with Him. I have felt His love, I know He listens to my prayers and He created a perfect plan so that we can be happy here on earth, and return with Him for eternity as families.

2 years ago I knew that Jesus Christ was important, that He suffered. Now I know that He is the Son of the Living God, Jesus is the Christ, the Great Jehovah, the Messiah, He is our Savior, and Redeemer. He took upon Himself all the bad we have ever

done and will do. He paid the price the justice demanded. He just asks that we be obedient and we will have mercy. Jesus Christ lives. And someday we will be resurrected and judged according to our acts. If we don´t repent, we have to suffer even as Christ suffered.

I know the church is true. I don´t doubt it. I feel it within me everytime I think about it. I love it. There are so many blessings waiting for us! Families are forever!

I love you all so so much. Thank you for the endless emails, letters, packages, love, and prayers. Thank you for all the sacrifices, and for the memories that will last forever. I love you more than you can imagine.

I´ll see you on Thursday!

Elder Jensen

This was our lunch yesterday. Meet Mommy Rosi, Axel, Michel, and Milton. Every Sunday we eat lunch there, but yesterday was just so special. I love them so so much!!! Plus cool pitchas with my companion... we were just so emotional when we saw that cake. hahahahaah I´m going to miss them SO much!

Here´s a picture with Cesar and his son! and the other on is with the dinner group. We eat dinner with them every Sunday! There´s Carmen, Susi, Amanda, Grandma Luz and Byron Josue.

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

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

A Recent Convert Baptizes His Brother

Well hello there.

Another week down and I can hardly believe it. But it sure was a good one.

When I started the mission everyone told me that when you start having a lot of time in the mission you are just always tired and your body is just worn out.... I didn’t believe them, but now I do. Oh man I’m just a tired boy. Plus it had been raining SO much we have been soaked all week... its actually pouring right now too. Its makes it cooler here, but its just all wet.... I don’t know why haha.

We had a super good week. Working hard to try and find people. We found a super SUPER Catholic lady that asked us why we wanted to be missionaries, and basically we just shared our testimonies and she said we would be excellent Catholic priests.... haha it was actually a cool experience.

This week we did divisions. I went to San Sebastian with Elder Jones. I was his first district leader, then I was his Zone Leader in San Marcos, and here we are together again. Kinda weird but its all good. It was fun. We found a super awesome accepting family. There are always miracles on divisions. Then we got back to my house to end divisions and we walked in the house and there was President Ruiz just waiting patiently. He was ready to go work with us. I don’t remember if I told you but during the leadership meeting he had a slip of paper with all the zones on it and he took ours out of the stack! It was a good day. We basically contacted a lot cause we have been trying to find people. I learned a ton of stuff. Here in Guatemala we have the same conversation all day long. If I ask the people a question, I know exactly what they were going to say. EXACTLY! They say the same thing no joke, but President was so interested in everything and everyone, and that reminded me about an Elder Jensen about 2 years ago. I want to be like that again. He looked at everyone like a child of God. We had some good contacts and a good lesson with an old guy that didn’t even want to talk with us at first but he completely changed!!! Amazing how the Spirit works.

 

We are having problems with Manuel and Damaris. We don’t know it we should drop them or no. It’s a major rollercoaster!! 

I need lots of prayers over here. We need people to teach and I need to stop thinking in the house so much. It’s tough; I only have a little left and I wanna finish strong. I cant believe its almost time, but there is still time to work!!

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's Kingdom on earth. I don't have a doubt about it. I know it's true. We are only on this earth for a little bitsy of time, and it's our responsibility to do everything we can to get better and choose the right, then we have an eternity to think about everything we did. My wish is that every single person I know would be faithful in the church, read the scriptures, pray always, and choose the right. There is NOTHING more important than following God the Father, and Jesus Christ the Son. I know They live. They love us, and want us to return with Them someday. 

 

I love you so much. Enjoy the pictures. Us with Pres. Ruiz, tired Elder Quiroz and me in the weekly planning session, and the super rain!!! By the way, I'm completely soaked in that picture.

I love you!!!!!!!

Elder Salas just sent me this, its Adolfo (my convert) baptizing his brother!!!

This was the Saturday right after changes.... true joy!!!

Crazy Week

Well hello there.    

I sure did have a crazy week I don’t believe it's Monday once again. I'm just kinda shocked about what's going on and everything in my life.... holy cow my mission has gone by so fast. All right so...

Tuesday - we had our leadership meeting. It was really really good. I love Pte. Ruiz. He has so so much energy and tons of plans for the mission. I hope you enjoyed the picture he sent you and the letter. I hope you understood it. haha but He did that with all the leaders. He is an amazing man and I love his wifey too. 

Then Tuesday at night we had our meeting with the Stake Pres. and Pres. Ruiz and us. Those are always great. Just so the Stake and the mission are working hand in hand. Pres. Ruiz was very impressed with our Stake President, and so was I. He is an amazing person and so willing and ready to work. The Stake has a lot of challenges, but he is the one to pull it out of the mud that it's in. 

Wednesday - We helped clean a lady's yard; we did it pretty fast since we are pretty good at chopping weeds with a machete. Then we started divisions. I stayed in the area with Elder Tenney from Arizona, on of the district leaders here. We had a good day and a good lesson with Manuel and Damaris, (I think I told you about them right?) Anywho, it was a good day.

Thursday - We had our zone meeting and our stake president showed us with bags of Taco Bell for the companionships that baptized 2 families last month. Then we played a game. He tied a ring of keys to six strings and then 65 missionaries were facing outward holding the strings and there was someone directing them to get the keys in a cup. It was really fun. At one point he made my companion and me direct the game, I had my back to the group and my companion was whispering in my ear what to say. He was the only one that could see the cup. It ruled!!! Everyone loved it.

Friday - A lady in the ward called us to help her load a bunch of stuff in a truck cause she was moving, it was fun, but we couldn't be there for very long cause we had to go help some sisters in our ward with an investigator that they have. The sisters trust us so much; they always ask us for help and stuff. They are humble, and that's why they have success. It's awesome having sisters in the zone; especially the 10 we have (so many sisters!!!!!)

Then we helped the same sisters make a million cupcakes for their activity that they had on Saturday, It was pretty fun plus they were tasty!!!

Saturday - We went to help some other sisters that their investigator was building a step to get into his house. We dug a little hole, put blocks in there, dirt, and some concrete. It turned out good but I got a bit sunburned. Then we helped the sisters with their activity, it was an activity of 2 wards and it was about the plan of salvation, they had rooms decorated as the kingdoms of glory and games and a bunch of stuff!! Really cool!

Sunday - church.... it was wayyy good. Damaris went to church and loved it!!!!! It was a REALLY good sacrament meeting, so quiet and a little odd cause I'm used to loud!! but it was so good, I leaned tons.

We were so tired after this long week, I'm sure I forgot some good stuff, but there's the basics. I love serving, and I love being a missionary. It's so so SO hard not to think about you guys every second of every single day. I can't believe I'm almost done with my mission, and I'm just a little shocked about my travel itinerary. I dunno if I'm ready for this... but I can't wait to see you and get to know Oakley.

This week I studied a lot about the plan of salvation. I want, with my whole heart and every fiber of my being, to get to the Celestial Kingdom with every single one of you. It's time to do your part so we can be there together. There is nothing more important than going to church every week, reading the scriptures, and praying always. Do the changes you need to do to be able to receive the blessings that God has waiting for you.

My companions dad sent him a story about eagles that he read to me - Eagles live to be about 70 years old. But when they reach 40 years old their beaks, claws, and feathers are all worn out. They can either sit there and die, or go to a nest close to a rock wall. What they do is beat their beak against the wall till it falls off, then when a new one grows back they pull off their claws one by one, then they pull of their feathers when their claws have grown back. After 5 months they are a new eagle, and can live up to 30 years more. It's never too late to change, to eliminate the things from our lives that hold us back, and we can always receive forgiveness of our sins. God lives and He loves us. He also wants us to return to live with him. Do what you need to do today to live with Him once again.

I love you so so much, and that's why I want to live together forever. Enjoy these pictures of my life, and I hope you have an amazing week!! I love you!

Que onda muchachos?

Que onda muchachos?

Oh yeah... It´s English time. How are you????? I´m doing super good. We have had a super busy week and I actually forgot today was Monday... Monday´s aren´t as special as they used to be.. Me and my companion always joke with the zone that we are not going to internet to write, and I feel alright about it.... But I know you wouldn´t be alright about it. 

This week we got wet 3 days straight, but the good news is that the sun in the morning during the time of our study is strong enough to dry my boots. All of my shirts are basically transparent, and my pants are all dirty and I love my life. 

On Tuesday we studied the Testimony of Joseph Smith, and I want to share what we learned. We had already learned that Moroni told Joseph Smith 4 times everything about the plates, but what we didn´t realize is that the 4th time, Moroni told Joseph Smith to tell his dad. We applied that to our teaching. Sometimes we have to teach someone something 3-4 times and then they will take an accion. We are seeing that with a family we are teaching. Fam Sologaistoa. We have challenged them to baptism like 4 times, but the last time we did it the husband said, "now you´ve hit the nail on the head." They are super close, the only thing is they haven´t gone to church yet because they owe money to a member... we don´t know who!!!!!

We also learned that when Moroni showed up, Joseph Smith was scared, but then realized he was a messenger from God. With my companion we are trying to help the people realize we are sent from God by helping them feel the Spirit in the first little bit, or at least being their friends.

We contacted a lot this week, and has great experiences and lots of fun. Tonight we have an appointment with the equivalant of the Elder´s Quorum Pres. from another church in his "family home evening". (copy cats) hahaha we are stoked about that. He is really nice and so is his wife. We´ll see how it goes.

Today we went to play mini golf as a zone, and then the senior couple invited me and my companion and 2 sisters in the zone to eat BLTs and learn how to paint, (she is an art teacher)... I didn´t paint, I just sat and talked. They are the best though. Elder and Sister Hodgman. They have 4 months in the mission and they still have a hard time with their Spanish. Pray for them!!!! I want them to speak Spanish. So I helped them a little bit too. They are amazing. plus they gave us a dessert... cookies.... WHAT!?!?! I started crying! I love cookies!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so so fun!

I don´t really remember much else... just little things - The other missionaries in our ward had a baptism, every Sunday night we eat dinner with the office elders, some sisters, and the senior couple, in the mission cooks house. umm... Did I mention I love my companion. umm... There were some white guys here from Las Vegas that their nephew is in the office right now, they are in Guate working for some dental thing... umm... I met a friend duck and I named him Lunch aka Almuerzo. We made a box to put in front of every meeting in the ward that´s a box to collect references, we are starting english classes this Saturday, ummmmm our house is like a hotel,Tuesday night 2 elders slept there and at 5 in the morning one woke us up telling us his companion got stung by a scorpian. (He is alright). He brought it with him from his area cause we aint never seen one here. Saturday morning we cleaned a guys yard with machetes, and my hand was all blistery. That´s a summary of my week. I love my area, the ward, and my companion. I´m happy healthy, and blessed. Here are some pictures of my week too!!!

I know God lives, and so does His Son Jesus Christ. They love us and we are children of God. We have a living prophet here on earth who guides us. I know that families can be forever. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet call of God in these latter days to bring about the restoration of the fullness of times. I love it. 

I love you so much, I hope you have an excellent excellent week!!!

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!!!

Hey que onda my family. 

What's new?? Seems like everything is going good.. Extra good!! We are receiving many many blessing from God. Or as my companion says, "un buen de bendiciones." Every country talks differently, it's pretty funny. I like to learn everything about Spanish. Did I mention I love that stuff?? 

This week was a good one. We worked hard, traveled, did divisions, solved problems, and saw miracles. Starting with Tuesday, Elder Najera went to an area called Federación, and I stayed here in our area with an elder named Elder Cardona. They have been having problems in their companionship so we went to help. It was fun and I always like divisions. It's a nice change. Then on Thursday I went to an area called Soche with Elder Alvarez from Mexico. It was fun. He is a crazy guy. Soche is just a bunch of hills and stuff. I got pretty tired. I'm not very used to that. Here in downtown saint mark its pretty flat. 

On Saturday we went to Palo Gordo for a baptism of 6. It was a really good day and the family loved that we went. (They were the ones we interviewed and the just gave us hot water with sugar and bread..... I think I told you that story right??) I sure love being a zone leader because I get to know the whole stake. Everyone here is incredible. 

Yesterday was stake conference. Usually president Maravilla comes, but since he is a 70 now he couldn't preside. It's against church rules. So his 1st counselor was there and the 1st counselor of the temple was there, (which happens to be his dad). It was really good. They talked a ton about the family and the temple and all that kinds of good stuff. We were blessed to have 8 investigators there. Now that's what I call a miracle. The members here are amazing. They all brought them. I was so happy yesterday and I love miracles. 

Here in the zone we are seeing miracles. San Marcos is a zone that doesn't baptize very much. But this month we have been guided and blessed and we have found the chosen ones to receive the gospel. I love it. And everyone is super stoked. Interviews are this Wednesday and we are going to bargain with president cause we want to go the temple!!! I have t been since April last year. 

I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. He guides and directs it. It all started when a boy, that was 14 years old, decided to pray and ask God. This message is what decides between eternal life or eternal condemnation. If you don't know that it's true with your whole heart like I do, you better get on your knees immediately. Ask God right now if its the true church, if its the road to salvation. He will tell you. I know it. And if He doesn't tell you right now, believe on my words and keep trying.

-- 

Elder Jensen

Deja Vu

Hello hello. There is a lot of fog outside and I want to send you pictures... but this computer isn't working. I think I might have to borrow my companions computer to send them.. He probably won't let me though. He is real mean. Just trickin. I love the guy. He is just so Guatemalan and SO ready to go home. hahaha he is leaving the 1st of May... but he isn't really that bad. I'm actually impressed. All he wants to do is work harder and harder. I'm alright with that. Well.... lemme tell you a little bit about my life. It's amazing.

 

I don't know if I've ever told you this or not but, I have a ton of deja vus. Like... a TON. At least 3 a month. Seems like a ton I think. They are the most vivid weird things. I love them. I had one today riding in the car of our bishop. It was so weird/dejavuy. I think I'm supposed to be here on the mission. haha

 

This week we had a conference with President. They weren't planning on doing it, but he wants the whole mission to know about his new calling and if we had questions and stuff, then he taught us some good stuff. He was in SLC Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, and Sun of the week of conference. he got back here to Guatemala Monday night. No one knew he left, and they actually configured his phone so he could call us and send messages and stuff. He was totally texting us last Tuesday. He said he ate lunch in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and recieved training in the the church office building. HAHA You guys were super close to him all week, lucky ducks. He told us a little bit about his experiences being trained by the 12 aposltes and the first presidency. amazing huh??? A sister that was here in the mission was taking pictures up in the JSM building of her wedding and saw him. He freaked out cause NO ONE is supposed to know he was there. Then later in the night he got a phone call from old elders that showed up to his hotel... then later in the week they had a mini mission reunion with about 60 missionaries. hahaha. he told us all about it and I loved the story. Sorry my version isn't that good. I asked Hna. Maravilla if she saw my plaque, but she told me she didnt even enter in the JSM building. She was doing other stuff. I forgot to ask pres... I'm sure he wouldve told me if he wouldve seen it. I love that man.

 

I love Barrio Maya.... That's my ward here. The members are so so amazing. I feel like they are trying to make up for the lost time with the bad missionaries that were here before. They feed us SO much. They are the most amazing people in the entire planet. My heart is just so full of love. I never knew it was even possible to love people so much. I can't even imagine how much our Heavenly Father loves us.

 

On Saturday we went to help the 2nd counselor of the ward clean out his flower beds. his Grandma is coming from the states and she always gets mad at them if they arent clean hahaa. Then they invited us to lunch. I was so full of food all day Saturday. Then yesterday another family invited us to eat lunch. We had a BBQ. One of the funniest/most amazing families ever. People love us.... and why shouldn't they??? hehe

 

Elder Villatoro and I came up with a plan to visit every mermber in the ward and show them a video called "La Expiacion y la Obra Misional" It's super powerful and I love it. We have had lots of good lessons and we are starting to get people pumped. We are also in the process of planning a piece of paper that the people can tape to the back of their door so when they leave the house they can be reminded to always share the gospel. ps look up the video. It's in english with spanish subtitles so you will be able to understand it... or just look for it in english.

 

Last night we had a good experience. We went to go visit a family where the dad isn't a member.... and is never home. But he was home last night. We tryed popping in the movie but it wasn't working, then we felt like there was a reason it wasn't working. HE WAS HOME AND WE HAD TO aprovechar..... (what does that mean in english... I totally forgot). But we taught him about eternal families and the daughters were crying and the Spirit was there and he started getting teary eyed. He is totally prepared. They have been married for some 22 -23 years. The mom has been a member for a long time and they have a some on a mission. We are going to help Marvin get baptized this month and help this family become an eternal family. PRAY FOR MARVIN PLEASE.

 

I know for a fact that God loves us. He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and He lives. In the year 1820 there was a boy named Joseph Smith. He had a question and wanted to know how he could be saved, and which church was true. He did something very simple. He studied the scriptures and prayed. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to this Joseph Smith as an answer to his humble prayer. He was called as a prophet in this dispensation and this I know as a FACT. I do not have a shadow of a doubt. I know he was a prophet. Through him, Jesus Christ established His kingdom here on earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on the face of the earth. The only place where the familias pueden ser eternas. I love it. I'm so greatful for this time I have to be a missionary, a representative of Jesus Christ and defender of the truth. Not one day in 17 months have I regretted to be a missionary.

 

I love you all so much. I hope this letter helps someone out there gain a testimony of the truth. That's my goal, that the whole world knows about the truth.

 

Remember: Read the scriptures, pray always, and go to church, and everything will be ok. I love you so so much.

1) All the fog today... this is in my area. We walk on streets like this all day long. I love it.

2) We were trying to start up the charcol yesterday for the BBQ... I wasn´t helping much

3) Her name is Dulce and she is the cutest thing ever. The 6 year old daughter of the amazing family where we ate yesterday

4) And finally the food with el hermano Boris. (The boss) this guy is sooooo rad.

I love you. Remember who you are and what you stand for.

Never Thought It Would End

Hello.... we have a problem.. this key board doesnt work very good. The space bar isnt that great, it doesnt allow me to do exclamation marks or ANYTHING... This will be a sad letter then....

WELL HI. hows it flowin in the snow+++ Im also not allowed to do question marks or parenthesis. sorry.

This week was a crazy crazy one. Remember how I told you we were going to change houses and we would be moving a little bit.... well that happened.. We now live in a good little apartment. I love it. We live with members.. kinda. Just upstairs ya know. Its cool... But Im so thankful mom and dad for allowing me to develop my talents of moving furniture.... 

On Wednesday a member called us to give some service. It wasnt just any type of service... the owner of where she lived lost the property.. so she had to go. This lady doesnt just have a house there, but a restaurant too....... oh and she lives on the 3rd floor. HAHAHA. So we started wrapping up plates and dishes and stuff waiting for the moving truck to show up, then once it got there we started moving. I got all thinking about home cause it wasnt normal moving, it was Jensen moving. So she lives on the third floor right, there wasa stairway to the 2nd floor and it lead out to a deck.. the truck was an open backed one and they parked right under the deck...... you can only imagine what we did. We lowered everything to the second floor through some skinny  stairs and lowered it down off the deck. it was intense... Some stuff was heavy and scary... a big king size heavy mattress, closet dealios, 2 washing machines, a dryer, dressers, and all kinds of stuff. I never thought itd end. Im so blessed with long legs, super strong arms, a great brain, and Im dang good at tetris. It was actually really fun, there was a family there helping us and we became super good friends. We are going to teach  them later this week. We are exited about them..

This Saturday we also had an awesome activity planned... We were going to do a bonfire behind the church and watch a movie about the book of mormon.. We bought 100 donuts and the relief society pres made hot chocolate.... good stuff. But just about everything went bad. First the guy who was going to let us borrow the projector wasnt home, then it was really cold, then rainy, then absolutly 2 people showed up to the activity, Mario and Veronica, investegators. cool huh. So we cancelled the activity, now we are going to do it the 23rd. Luckily there was a baptism for another ward and institute so we had someone to share the food with... Then our ward mission leader really wanted to light the fire... so we did. Just Elder Villatoro, our Bishop, Pitu, our ward mission leader, and I enjoyed the fire and donuts and chocolate... I ate 3 1/2 of the greatest donuts ever. I will try to send a picture if this computer quits acting up...

Other than these 2 experiences our week was pretty normal. We are sleeping good in a new house, our zone is improving each week, the the Lords work is  moving on. I know its His work. He leads it. Im doing the most important thing I could possibly to doing right now. I love it. I know my Savior lives. He loves me, and I love Him. Im going to try a little harder this week to be like Him. 

Be good this week, I love you all so so so much..

Happy New Year

--

Elder Jensen

hi hi hi..

How are you?? I´m doing good here. Dad, Corey, and Brooke, lucky you guyses (haha) that you got to move furniture... me too. And I will be doing more moving this week.... Right now the mission is preparing for the 40+ missionaries that are coming in about 3 weeks. They are buying furniture, getting houses ready, and all kinds of stuff.... Did I mention that they are sending us a senior couple too?!?!? cool huh?... This week the office sent us enough furniture for 10 missionaries that we had to unload it from the truck and shove it in a house. 10 beds, 10 box springs, 10 closets, 10 desks, 10 bookshelves. It was fun though.... Then this week Elder Villatoro and I are changing houses FINALLY!!! The house we live in is horrible. The new one is nice... I will send you some pitchas next week.

Not much happened this week. We are having a hard time finding all of our investigators. No one is ever EVER home... everyone wants to meet with us at 7 o clock at night... so we ALWAYS have something to do at 7... sometimes we have 2 or 3 things to do at 7. It´s not fun sometimes. We can’t really visit all the members and less actives and investigators as often as we would like cause we are just 2... Something has to change.

The good news about my area, the members LOVE us. The missionaries that were here before only visited one or two families. When we visit people they always give us something to eat, and we are never hungry!!! It’s great! They always give us food or morcaf or atol or something.

I don’t really have much to write. I wish I had a story or something... Yesterday I spoke in church. Our bishop called me and asked me to do it 2 hours before church started... It went well... I love speaking in church.... I was actually nervous at first because this ward is a lot bigger than my other wards, and it’s a real sacrament room... BIG! haha I was just used to a little one! But it went well. I love the members here. I think every area I have, I love the members even more!!

I found this big ol orange book last night about Christ and His Apostles in my house… I love it. It basically goes through everything in Matthew Mark Luke and John. I’ve just been skimming it because it’s way too big, but I love it. I started it last night and I’m already on chapter 16... skimming it of course. I love reading these days. I love learning about Jesus Christ. I know He is my Savior and Redeemer. 

I was also reading a Liahona or something and I got the revelation to write why I’m here, why I’m a missionary.. here it goes. 

I’m a missionary because God loves me, He has given me so much. I’m a missionary because I have a testimony of the true church on earth. One day in the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith said a prayer, a prayer that the enemy himself tried to stop. I’m a missionary because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, they talked, and through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His true church here on the earth. I’m a missionary because Christ suffered for my sins. Every single one of them. I’m a missionary because I love my Savior, and I know He lives. I love being a missionary; I love Guatemala, and the people here. I know the Book of Mormon and the Bible are the words of God. That’s why I’m a missionary, and I love it.

I love you all so much. I hope you have a fabulous week.

I sent some pictures that we took. After playing Elbol last week we took the picture with all of us and the ball because some missionaries had changes and we were sad. Then today we took pictures by El Palacio Maya... It’s just a building for cultural celebrations or something, I’m not really sure, but it’s cool..

Be good. With tons and tons of love from Guatemala,

ONE YEAR MARK!

What´s cookin....

Well, sounds like you sure have had quite the week and will have one heck of a week starting at about 5 today. 

This week was also a good one for me. Here it goes - 

Starting with Wednesday, cause I don´t remember Tuesday

W - We went far far away to this one place called Las Trochas. The lady that I mentioned last week that we had lined up for this week to get baptized lives there. So we went, some members gave us lunch, we played a little soccer with the kids, I rolled my ankle, and it´s still swolen, and we taught this lady named Mildred. We challenged her, she said yes, we set up a time for the baptism, and did the interview right then and there. It was super fast, and super awesome. She had been to church 8 times and been listening to the missionaries on and off for about a year. That´s why it was so easy.

Th - We went to Mazate (my old zone) for a meeting with president. It was rockin. The first thing that he said to us, "Stand up if you have a character like Christ." He talked a lot about how we always have to follow Christ and be like him and we will have success and always have the spirit. I loved it. We were there till about 1 or 2 then got back to our area and went out to work. 

F - My one year mark!! crazy huh?? We served a family, chopped some grass with a machete (super hard), and cool story time ---- We were paying our laundry lady, and a kid rode by on his bike and asked our laundry lady´s husband if he wanted to buy an iguana for 20 Quetzales. He said yes then invited us over for dinner that same night to eat iguana. IT WAS SO SO YUMMY!!!!!! Tasted a lot like chicken but a little more peppery... yum.

S - We had the baptism of Mildred and her kids, it sure was one to remember. First of all, she has a daughter that is 8 years old, but looks like she is 5. She almost drowned in the water so I had her stand on my foot as it was inclined up. haha then after that she was just floating there, so I just pulled her over to the stairs... everyone laughed. haha. then we baptized the other two kids and then Elder Barnes baptized the mom..... but she wouldn´t go completely under. We lost count, but I think he had to do it 6 times. Then I got in there and did it twice. Finally I just pushed her down. It was intense... but she got baptized. Then we went to another area in the zone where there was a multi branch talent night. It was super rad and me and another Elder in the district did an act. We also ate cow stomach for lunch!

Su - not much happened, we helped a drunk guy fix the chain on his bike then we took him home and found out that his daughter had been to church once with other missionaries (God works in mysterious ways)

I wish I could send pictures, but the computer won´t let me.

Just know that I love you, I love being a missionary, and I love the gospel. I know it is the truth and will help us reach exaltation. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God to restore the true church here on earth. I have absolutely no doubt of that.

Pray super hard for Miguel Angel and Rosemary, the most awesome and positive family I have ever taught on my mission. I love them so much!!!!!

I love you and miss you.

Elder Jensen