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.

Bittersweet Count Down

Well... It´s really getting down to the wire isn´t it...... I feel funny. Can I tell you a secret?? I´m going to bawl my eyes out in just a little bit of time. I can already feel it coming. Last night I only slept 4 hours. I was up just looking at every single picture of my mission and just thinking about the incredible people I have met and just thinking about all the experiences and EVERYTHING... long story short, I´m sad..... But happy at the same time. So bittersweet. I don´t even think words exist to describe my mission.. I´m so eternaly grateful. Forever and ever grateful. 

This week was a little crazy!!! We did divisions on Tuesday and I went to La Verde with Elder Saunders so the district leader could do the baptism interview of Mauro and Florencia.... well... we had some problems so we have to wait till the week after conference to baptize them. aka my last week, last opportunity of a baptism. I´m stoked for them. We have some other people that are progressing too, they are so close.. they just need some bravery I guess. We are hoping the conference helps everyone!!! (PS I´m so stoked for conference). PPS The picture where I´m soaking wet is in La Verde...... That´s my life. being wet all day. It's fabulous!

The whole week I had a super mean cold. I lost my voice for like 3 days and still have a little cough... But I´m ok. Don´t you go a worryin about me!!!

Mommy you asked me if I want to speak in the ward in SLC... I don´t care. I´m up to whatever. I love to speak in church. I think it´s my new favorite pastime. I´m going to have to speak my last sunday here... they already told me. I´m pretty stoked for that cause I only know how to teach the gospel in Spanish... But whatevs...

Today we went to an investigator´s house that the sisters in our ward are teaching. His name is Maco, and literally every piece of furniture in this guys house, he made. Everything was made of beautiful wood and he had some awesome boats that he had made and he is all into Guatemalan culture and the Mayans. He showed us a bunch of cool stuff and it made me love Guatemala even more. It´s the most special place on this entire planet. I love it!!! Then he taught us how to do wood burnings aka art. We each did a little scene of Guatemala... He helped us a lot, but it was really fun.

Last night we made Mac N Cheese with peas..... first time in 23 months. Is that nuts or what?! Me and my companion were sitting in the store thinking of what to eat and he said jokingly that we would eat mac n cheese... and I told him it´s what I was going to buy and eat. It was fabulous.

This week we went to go visit Mauro and Florencia and they had bought 2 new chairs for us to sit in. They are these special chairs here with metal frames and elastic string wrapped around them so it´s comfy and not too hot to sit in. We just love to go there so much. They are so cute and they just love to see us. They get so happy. They have made so many changes in their lives to be able to follow Christ more.

I have come up with a saying in the last few weeks, "There is NOTHING more important than following Christ." I say it to everyone. I love it. I know for a fact it´s true. A lot of people int he world find other things to do rather than going to church or rather than paying their tithing or whatever. But there is absolutely nothing more important than following Christ. I have learned so much about the Plan of Salvation. It´s literally the plan that our loving Heavenly Father made for us. It´s perfect, and all we have to do is obey. If we obey, we will recieve all that our Father in Heaven has. There is nothing more important than following Christ.

Well.... just know that I love you so so so much. I can´t wait to see you in just a few short days...... like 2 weeks. It feels so strange. But hasn´t completely hit me yet. I´m scared and happy and SAD. But I think I can take it on. If I can live in a foreign country speaking Spanish for 2 years I think I can do anything.

I hope you have the best week of your life. Just remember. No hay nada mas importante que seguir a Cristo.

I love you

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

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!!!

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

The Day After Mother's Day

Here in this internet there is a little kid that is telling me all about his video games… Right now he is playing Mario Galaxy #1. He has already beat Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, and all the other games he has... hahahaha he keeps leaving to go play and then he comes back. I love him. He is so funny....

Well we talked yesterday on Skype… and I told you everything you ever wanted to know........ I don’t think you realize how special it was for me to pray in Spanish and bless the food and bless you all... It was so special and incredible. I always pray for you, but I was REALLY praying with my whole heart. I know you might not have understood, just dad maybe. I can’t really explain how it was, but I felt like an angel on the other side praying for you. I think they pray for us. Just the camera quality is better...

I know this church is true. God loves us and He sent His Son, who gave His life. I was sitting in Sacrament meeting yesterday during the sacrament, I read DyC 19 (just the verses about the atonement) Then I looked down at my hand, I saw all the little pores and thought about how much Christ suffered, I thought about the blood being squeezed and all because we are sinners. I don’t comprehend it at all. The moral of the story is don’t sin!!!! But if you do, you can always repent. You can always change. I know it. We are children of the Most High God. We are royalty. Do you think Queen Elizabeth gets drunk on the weekends?? No... she understands that she is royalty. We should understand it, and act like it too.

 I can’t think of anything to write you except, I LOVE YOU! I’m so blessed to be a missionary... 2 years is nothing. It goes by so fast, and I’m so sad to leave this place... but I have 5 months left to work hard and baptize the whole world. Be good this week, and enjoy the pics.

Love from the promised land, Guatemala.

1) Elder Villatoro and his family... and me and some other missionaries and our bus driver (far left) hahaha

2) Elder Nájera and I... he was sleepy

3) Craft making class - The 4 missionaries from Barrio Maya. Making our mothers (ward mothers...) some flowers. 

4) The finished product

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.

San Marcos-Zonie

Hello family...

 

Can I just tell you a little about my week?? Cause it was crazy.

 

Lets start with Monday.... alright we will. skip to Tuesday cause Im too excited. So Tuesday in the morning we had a great district meeting with the district.. cool... then Elder Barnes and I go back to our area, eat lunch, then go back to the house. When we got back to the house the phone rings... who is on the phone??? His name is Elder Flores and he is President's assistant.. He kindly infomed me that I had emergency changes and I had to pack up everything and at 8:30 in the night they would pick me up and take me away. WHAT!? crazy huh?? So I spent most of the day packing and running around picking up clothes and saying goodbye quickly. Suddenly I get another call fom Elder Flores telling me to call Pres Maravilla. So I called him and he gave me the assignation as Zone Leader... WHAT!?!?! He also told me I would be going to San Marcos with Elder Villatoro (my current zone leader).

 

So Im basically freaking out by this point, just waiting to go. Finally the assistants pick us up and we go to Tiquisate to pick up Elder Villatoro and drop off Elder Barnes to stay there. We drove all the way to Reu and slept there for the night. Then in the morning they picked us up bright and early and dropped us off at the bus station and said adios. We got on the bus and it took us to Quetzaltenango (where the new temple is, its not even in our mission, but you have to go there to get to San Marcos). There we found the other missionaries, ones heading to Tiquisate and the other two to take us home. So we got to San Marcos. Super tired from being traveling for 7-8 hours, super hungry from not eating, and super COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just so happens we traveled from the most southern point of the mission (the hottest part of the mission) to the most northern part of the mission (the coldest part of Guatemala (I think)). Good thing I packed a sweater!!

 

So we are here in San Marcos. Our zone is super awesome. It feels like Utah here. Big mountains, dry skin, cold air, wind. Its crazy. We basically live in a freezer. I will send pictures of the house in another email. The other zone leaders left us with a ton of people to teach... like... zero. Thanks. But our bishop is the best man on this planet. It is such a powerful ward and we have had ton of help from them. They even give our programs each week!! cool huh?? We shared our testimonies on Sunday, and we have this guy that has helped us so much named Alex. I love the guy!! I love everything about this place. Its really cold, but the everything about it just warms my soul hahahahahahaha..

 

Elder Villatoro is from Huehuetenango, Guatemala!! FINALLY A GUATEMALAN COMPANION!! I love the guy. We had tons of fun together in Tiquisate and now we have even more fun. When we have to walk up hills, whoever is a little behind grabs on to the other guys backpack and pulls and its like a slingshot. It is hillarious. I also love speaking spanish all day long.

 

I hope you enjoy the pictures. One is with my cocinera from La Nueva and her fam, the others are just my life here. We decided we want to take a lot of pictures because E Villatoro has 20 months and I have 15... so we have to soak it up. We figure we will be together until May when E Villatoro goes home. I would love it. But we never know whats going to happen, there are always surprises.

 

When they told me I had changes, the first thing I did was ask God if it was what He wanted for me. He told me clearly that it was exactly where He wants me. I have a reason to be feezing my nose off. Prayer is incredible. I love it. I love the gospel, I know the church is true. I love studying and learing and sharing the gospel with everyone. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I love it. I know my Savior lives. He loves me so much. He is my Redeemer. I know it without a doubt.

 

I love you all so much. Pray for me to find families and to get used to this cold. A sudden change of climate is a little tough. But Im halfway used to it haha.. Have a fabulous week. I love you more than you know!!
-- 

Elder Jensen

Alive!

Whats happenin my fam.

How are we?? Alive??.... yeah me too.

Well I sure had a good week, it was full of walking, teaching, preaching, and a ton of hard work. Man I´m super tired and my body hurts. But it´s all good, I´m so glad I´m here... it´s super hot, and the rainy season FINALLY ended. I´m lovin it. 

I don´t remember everything about the week, but I will try to tell you a little bit about it all. 

We are finally finding new people, people that are progressing, and I´m learning how to be more persistent. I´m loving this area. There aren´t many paved roads, but It´s fun to have dirty shoes all day. There is a hole in the side of my shoe, so sometimes dirt gets in, but it´s better than water! That´s next on my to do list, new shoes. (dont send me any, too expensive) I just have to be diligent in my search.

This week we were able to go to another area in our district called La Noria. We went there to serve a little bit. Man, was it hard work. On Wednesday we went and started building a kitchen, we put two big bamboo sticks in the ground, then we went out to a place where there are a bunch of palm trees called a palmera. We took a ton of machetes and we cut all the palm leaves off and used the stick in the middle of the palm leaves... we are talking BIG palm leaves, taller than me. (once again, the email system wont let me send pictures, I don´t know why!) Each one of us got about 7 and then tied them together and carried them on our backs to the house.... 7 is really really heavy. There are to be used as a wall, you just tie them together.. we didn´t help with that, i dont know why.. but we didn´t. But when we were in the palmera was when there was THE EARTHQUAKE!!!!!! I was the first one to feel it, we were all standing around trying to cross a river, and the ground SHOOK! craziness. I took a picture right after it happened of my surprised face. It was intense. But here in La Nueva we are too far south, nothing fell down or anything. But us north is all shaky.... plus yesterday there was another earthquake, we were in the middle of a lesson, and once again I was the first one to feel it. We just sat there, the one yesterday wasn´t as bad, but there are just some crazy times!!!! Just know that I´m ok and alive and everything!!

Other great story - Last Sunday we didn´t have any appointments, we were just contacting, but I was a little bored.. I saw a drunk guy talking to himself on the side of the road and trying to fix his bike chain, se we went to go talk to him. We fixed his bike chain and I told Elder Barnes we were going to baptize him. Well... I wasn´t kidding, he went to church yesterday and we are going to help him stop drinking. He really liked church and understood a lot, when we went to visit him yesterday he told me all about it, I was stoked. 

I also spoke in church yesterday, it was good. I love speaking and teaching in church, I guess you could say it´s my talent (and all this time I thought I didn´t have talents!). But after I spoke, our branch president pulled me over and asked me to teach Sunday School cause the teacher didn´t show up. Of course I said yes... I love that stuff. I feel like when I don´t prepare, I learn more and enjoy more. 

I love being a representative of Jesus Christ. The work really is speeding up, signs of the times. I know the only way we can live with God again is through our obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith, repentance, baptism, recieving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end (aka the sacrament, and obedience) ((that was all REALLY hard to write in English)). I know that we have a living prophet on earth, and anyone that doesn´t believe it, doesn´t believe that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is. He loves us. Even in the hardest times He helps us more than we realize.

I love you so much, Dad, Mom, Kelsey, Corey, Brookie, Elder Jensen 2.0, and Oakley. I miss you all so much, Be good this week, and don´t worry about me.

ps this week some member gave us Tacuasin... it´s like a rat, but the size of a small dog... and I ate it. yum

-- 

Elder Jensen

Earthquake in Retalhuleu 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

Hola familia mia

Hola familia mia,

How´s it going??

Oh boy do I sure have a lot of news for you. My name is Elder Jensen, and I now live in an area called La Nueva Concepción, zona Tiquisate. That also means that I have another companion.... and guess who is training again?? ME! HAhaha his name is Elder Barnes and he is from Texas. I actually didn´t know I was going to train again, until I got on the bus with the rest of the zone to go to the change meeting, they told me right before we all jumped on. 

That all means that we are both new to the area, and we don´t know the people. But it´s really fun to start fresh everything. The other missionaries left some people, but they are not even a little bit positive, so we are starting over. Extra prayers sent my way sure would help. 

Our area is just a ton of houses and it is SO flat. In the area there are just a bunch on blocks, like 24. Everything is really organized and everyone has a number to their lot, it´s pretty easy to find people. I´m really REALLY excited about this area, but send some prayers on the way for Elder Barnes too. He really misses his family, and he doesn´t really like to work or anything.. he is 100% completely opposite than Elder Rucker. But I have other things to learn from him. But he is getting excited because we already have a baptism lined up and we found a REALLY positive family yesterday.

I will take you through my week

Monday - We celebrated my birthday and I thought of all of you, I ate cake in your honor.

Tuesday - My cocinera made some lasagna and we chilled there for a little while and ate some lunch, and said our goodbyes. They gave me a cool card and here in Guatemala they used to have bills of 50 cents, if that makes sense, so they gave me one. I have a money collection going.

Wednesday - was the day of changes, I was sad but excited at the same time, then like I said, as we were getting on the bus they told me I would train again. Yikes! So we got to our area at about 6 pm, dropped our stuff out at the house, and the other missionaries in our branch took us around and showed us a few members, where we eat and who washes the clothes, then to the chapel. Then it decided to rain... and of course I didn´t have any sort of protection. I sure got wet. It was fun though. Our house is nice, it´s another pink house (I´ve already had 2 pink houses in my mission). I´ll snag some pics. Also the crazy part about my mission is, in the whole year, I have had 2 companions that didn´t speak english, 6 weeks each one. I have just been with a million gringos. It´s kinda tough, but if it´s what God says, then I´ll do it.

Thursday - We worked. We just got to know the members and people the other missionaries left. Nothing too exciting.

Friday - Same thing as Thursday

Saturday - basically the same thing, BUT we had a branch activity, talent night. It was really fun. There were crazy missionaries, clowns, dances, and songs. It was awesome. I didn´t get any pics... bummer. There was also a lady there that told us that she wanted to get baptized...... and she has 3 kids, I think. So we are going to get that lined us for this week or next week. Her sister is a member and brought her to the activity and she has gone to church a lot I guess.. cool.

Sunday - We had branch conference. I liked it. It´s just a little branch, and we just cook like hot dogs in the church.. It´s really REALLY hot here. Elder Barnes was feeling sick, and after church we went to our cocinera to eat lunch and he didn´t want to eat all his lunch, but I made him cause we didn´t want to offend her. Then we leave the house and leave her front gate, and he hurls!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I died of laughter.... then we found out that our fridge doesn´t really work that good and he drank sour milk. HAHAHAHAHA. It ruled. (am I bad for laughing at him??). Then last night we were contacting and we found a positive couple, they ruled.

Well... my week was good. I hope you all have a good week this week. Be positive, keep your heads up, always looking up and ahead, not behind. I know the church is the true church on earth. God lives. He loves us so much. Just look around, it´s proof that he exists. We are literally his children. I know the church is the true church and God´s kingdom here on earth. I´m so happy for this past year, and cannot wait to serve another year. I love you all so much. Be good, happy birthday to everyone. I miss you so much. But who cares right? I´m a missionary!!

Elder Jensen

¿Que tal?

¿Que tal?

How are you??

I´m doing so so good. This week was a crazy one. I was thinking about my work for the past week this week and I relized I was only in my area for 2 full days of work. Let me tell you why..

Monday - P-day, I hope you got last weeks letter. Sorry, I was too ambitious trying to send 8 pictures and I´m only allowed to send 5 or 6 I think..

Tuesday - I worked in my area.... But I dont really remember what we did... but we worked.

Wednesday - I went to Reu for a District Leader meeting, man I just love hearing from President. I love that man. He is called of God to teach us and guide us. He was in a super good mood, joking the whole time and just being funny. He even interrupted one of the assistants that was talking just to say there were three types of pressure - divine pressure, pressure that isn´t divine, and pressure inside the stomach. Oh man it was good. But we really learned tons and everytime I listen to him my testimony and love for the gospel is strengthened. He showed us pictures of his branch where he was baptized. When he got baptized there were 5 in the branch, and three months later he was branch president. Then he showed us a picture of 8-9 months after his baptism of a branch of 40-50 people. Then another picture of the two stakes that are there in his town where he was baptized. The church is true, and growing. Then another picture of the day when he and Hermana Maravilla were sealed... they were skinny.

Thursday - I went to Samayac, an area in my district. I did an interview and we found a whole bunch of new people. I loved that day cause we worked hard, it didn´t rain, and I was just happy. I like Samayac.

Friday - The second full day of work in my area. We got a reference from a member for a little family, so we went with them to teach them, and it was GREAT! They live right by the cemetary and one of the members we were with has the biggest fear of cemetaries.... oh man it was SO funny. She almost started crying, but was laughing at the same time. We couldn´t help but make fun of her a little bit. (weird fear, am I right)?

Saturday and Sunday - CONFERENCE!!!!!!!! We got our own seperate english room, and just watched some conference all day. I loved the talk from M. Russell Ballard about the bees and honey. I have made it a goal to make the world more sweet, even though I´m just one person. I basically loved every single talk.. and I forgot to look over my notes to pick out my other favorites. There was another one that I loved by some 70 on Sunday... I don´t remember his name. Of course all of them were good, but I tried picking out stuff so I could be a better missionary.

Personal experience - I used to think it was weird when people used to say that they cherish their testimony or something like that. But these past few weeks I have learned so much, gained so much faith, and grown so much that I can finally say, "I CHERISH MY TESTIMONY." I never pass up the opportunity to share it these days. I know for a fact that God loves me, and you. We are His patojos, (kids). I know that His kingdom is here on earth, after being restored once again through Joseph Smith. I love the church, I love my Savior, Redeemer, Teacher, and I know that He lives. I have started whistling or humming hymns, it makes me feel happy.. and my favorite ones to sing or hum are, "If the Savior stood beside me," and, "Teach me to walk in the Light." I love those two. I´m so grateful for my mission. I love Guatemalans so much. 

Im so lucky, cause anytime I want fried chicken, there is always a little place to buy some!!! HAHA everyone just eats a ton of fried chicken. Well that´s it for another week... I love you all so so much. I hope everyone has a good week. 

Make the world a little sweeter, even if it´s just 1/12th of a teaspoon, just do it. God will bless you. Be good, and share the gospel with everyone. I love you so much!!!!!!!

-- 

Elder Jensen