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!

Hello!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Temple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With a bunch of love from Guatebuena, 

Elder Jensen

Hey Hey Hey!!!!!!!!!!

What's happenin??? I'm so so good. I had an excellent week. I love my life.

On Tuesday a lady in our ward called us and asked if we could move 700 concrete blocks up the road a bit so another lady could have her house built... Luckily she called on Tuesday cause that's when we have district meetings. So after the meetings all the 20 missionaries in the zone went and just started moving all those dang blocks. It was fun, but everyone was tired and a few newbies walked away with bloody hands. pobrecitos. I didn't snap any pictures, but some other missionaries did, I'll see what I can do to get them.

Thursday we had interviews with President. Did you know I love that man. He is incredible. Also his wifey. I went with Hna. Maravilla and one of the office elders to check all the houses in the zone..... Ours was the cleanest!!! Hna. Maravilla spent more time looking at all the ties than the house, and we ended the day with a whole bunch of ugly ones. It was really fun to get to know her more... she is hilarious by the way. Just like President. In the middle of the interviews President called us all in a room and taught us... more like a machete about obedience. It was excellent. It hurt, but it was good. I love the way he teaches, he is so powerful. Did I mention he is a Seventy? President Elder Maravilla hahaa. Every April he has to be in Salt Lake for the conference... I will get to see him at least once a year. I'm fine with that.

Friday we woke up at 4:30 in the morning and traveled to a little town called Flores then to a village called Villa Hermosa. (If you wanna look on the map Flores is by Genova Costa Cuca, kinda by Reu and Coatepeque and Colomba). Why did we go there?? Well here is the story -

Once upon a time there was a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala. His name was Elder Jensen. His companions name was Elder Reed. They were in a little village called San Luis. It was hot, rained a lot, and lots of mosquitos. But this Elder Jensen didn't mind. He like being a missionary and learning spanish. One day these two missionaries were contacting and they met a young teen named Lucita. Lucita like everything that we taught her, but Lucita couldn't go to church because her mommy didn't want her to go. Lucita was very positive, and Elder Jensen and Elder Reed were sad when they had to stop teaching here. The End.

Cool story huh?? haha... other story -

Once upon a time there was a girl named Lucita. She had learned about the Mormons and always wanted to go to church, but her mommy didn't want her too. One day she met a boy from Flores Costa Cuca. A land far away and she got married to that boy. Turns out that boy was a mormon and the missionaries found them and started teaching them. Lucita was baptized... but the elders were lazy and she never got confirmed... Time passed and Lucita had a baby girl. (how sweet). Then the missionaries in Flores found Lucita. They challenged her, and then explained to her that she had to get baptized again because she hadn't recieved the Holy Ghost. Lucita didn't understand why, and didn't really want to. Then Elder Lezcano heard an impression from the Spirit that said, "The first missionaries." Elder Lezcano then asked Lucita if she wanted Elder Jensen to baptize her, she said YES! Elder Jensen and Elder Nájera traveled lots of hours to this baptism, and Lucita wanted to be baptized in a river... so they did it. It was amazing. The End.

IS THAT A CRAZY GREAT STORY OR WHAT?!?!?! (The whole time I was writing that I was thinking about a storybook and a ladys voice was in my head telling the story haha) It was such a cool baptism. So special, peaceful, and happy. It is amazing how the people are prepared through different ways to come to the truth. Now her husband is active and they are happy.

I know this is the work of Jesus Christ. No one else. He is my Savior and Redeemer. I can repent and recieve remission of my sins through the atonement. I love this gospel. I know it's true. I don't have a single doubt. There is power in prayer. In the interviews with Pres. he taught me how he prays. He kneels down alone with a pen and paper, thanks God for everything, and then he says, "I have a problem with so and so. What can I do to help?" and he waits for his answer and writes it down. He told me and my companion to start doing it with the missionaries in the zone.

Did I mention we are going to the temple this week!?!?!?!?! I'm so happy and stoked. I can finally buy things I need too hahaha.

I love you so much. I'm never coming home. I don't really miss you. hehe. I have been so blessed by being a missionary. We are so blessed. You better be thankful for everything!! I love you!!

Elder Jensen

General Conference

Hello,

How on earth is everyone?!?!?!

I´m doin fantastic. In case you didn´t know, we heard from prophets and apostles this weekend. It was amazing. I was blessed to watch it in english. Me and 5 other Elders and a sister that speaks English crammed into the Family History Library and shared one computer. I loved it. I love the saints in Guatemala. They are amazing. 770 of them crammed into the stake center.... and it isn´t the size of our stake center... it´s little. So they had to go to the kitchen and baptismal font rooms too.

I literally soaked up every talk. They spoke a TON about missionary work. A TON about sharing the gospel with everyone. They also talked a lot about the Priesthood. We are so blessed to have the power of God here on earth. Something I loved, I don´t even remember who said it, "God only has imperfect men to work with, I´d imagine that´s frustrating." (Something like that) We are all imperfect, God trusts us with so SO much. He trusts me to be a representative of His Son Jesus Christ. I´m so SO not perfect. No where close. But He loves us and trusts us, why can´t we love and trust others? Everyone is a child of God. He loves us all. He wants us all to be happy and return to live with Him. He wants to say to everyone, "Well done, thou good and faithful^aservant: thou hast been ^bfaithful over a few things, I will make thee ^cruler over many things: enter thou into the ^djoy of thy lord." I heard that scripture quoted at least twice. I love it so so much. Plus it´s quoted in my patriachal blessing. I want to tell you everything I learned in conference, but that´s all I remember. I don´t have my notes here soo.. sorry. I love this church, It´s true. I know it. I know that Jesus is the Christ. My Savior and Redeemer. I´m His representative here in San Marcos. I love the people here SO SO much. They are amazing. I feel so happy whenever I´m with any of the members here. They are such a special and loving people. 

Something else cool from conference?? My mission pres, Pres. Jose E Maravilla was sustained to be an area authority. I love that man with all my heart. He is so amazing. I wish with my whole heart that you could meet him. One day.

I don´t actually even remember the rest of the week..... Here are some cool pictures. 

"Book Club" -all night reading of the New Testament during shut-in Holy Week

1) A member here has this giant singing Christmas dog, I had to snap a pic!!

2) Our book club.. hahaha the zone reading the New Testament.

3) Cristian.... The first councilor in the wards little son. I love him to death, and he loves us. We call him "Gordo" well... cause he is fat. But he does the funniest stuff. I was taking pictures of him and he kept hiding behind the egg carton. I only got one good one. 

4) I was walking around this place called "Piedra Grande." It´s part of our ward and It just has roads like this and steep hills and fog. It´s so beautiful. I love this world.

I love you so so much. With me whole entire heart. Be good this week. Be safe. and always say your prayers, study the scriptures, and go to church. The basiczzzz

--

Elder Jensen

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

This Missionary Loves His Mission!!!!

Hi family......

Well this week was a fabulous one.... or did I just write you yesterday?? Cause that´s exactly how I feel. This week went by SO fast!! Wouldn´t you like to know what we did??..........

Monday - We sacrificed an hour of our p-day and went to teach a jovencita (I really wish I knew that word in English)... oh boy the sacrifice was worth it. She accepted a baptismal date for Saturday... it was awesome. Her mom was baptized about 2 months ago, maybe more. But she hadn´t ever been taught, but we taught her... YEAH!! What did I learn today? Sacrifice brings blessings

Tuesday - We did divisions with the Zone Leaders so they could do th interviews. I went to Mazate with Elder Jennings. A super super good missionary. We contacted the whole day, and found a few positive people, one of which already has a fecha. What did I learn today? Be diligent (cause we contacted literally all day)

Wednesday - divisions again. Elder Juarez went and did an interview and I stayed in the hood with Elder Cruz. oh... and it rained.......... With Elder Cruz we taught a super excellent lesson about the Restoration. Elder Cruz only has 4 months and he doesn´t like to study. So I just trusted in the Spirit and taught the best I could, and it turned out excellent. That is my absolute favorite lesson to teach. What did I learn today? Trust in the Spirit

Thursday - We went to Reu for a conference with President and two other zones. Man I love President and his wife with my whole heart. I hope you get to meet him one day.... maybe after this life. First he taught about Faith. Something that I have learned a lot in San Antonio. Everytime we talk to someone, I take all of the doubts out of my head, and put faith in my head. I can feel the Spirit stronger, I can teach better, the persons faith will grow, and they will get baptized, and hopefully one day will be sealed in the temple. Wowsie. Then we had a snack (banana bread.. always). Then president talked about the Atonement. My absolute favorite thing in the world. He talked about what really happened in the Garden, why it was necessary to have a Savior, and a whole lots of stuff. What did I learn today? Christ loves us. (I already knew it but...)

Friday - What a great day. San Antonio is huge, with tons of Fincas and Aldeas and people. But we mostly work in two places, centro y Aldea Margaritas. We went to Margaritas on Friday and set up a screen with a projector and invited everyone to come learn about the church. We put on the Joseph Smith movie. It was great. Tons of people came. This Saturday we are going to do the same thing here in San Antonio in an old cinema.... awesome. What did I learn today? Think outside the box

Saturday - BAPTISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We baptized a complete family, Lorenzo y Victoria with their three daughters. Then we baptized a man named Jenaro. Then the young woman named Vilma. Fotos included.... It was great. I loved it. I was honored to be able to baptize Lorenzo and Jenaro. Elder Juarez baptized all the girls... he is more handsome. haha. What did I learn today? The color white = miracles.

Sunday - not much happened... 7 people were confirmed members, and there wasn´t very much time for the testimonies. oops.... What did I learn? I love hardworking bishops. (My bishop here kinda reminds me of President Bangerter mixed with Bishop Donaldson... he is just the bishopy type of guy, and I love him haha)

Super spiritual moment this week - During the Joseph Smith movie, I was sitting outside the house, cause the house was full. I couldn´t really see the screen, and Elder Juarez was telling jokes and hitting me or something, I don´t really know. But during the First Vision I felt the Spirit so strong. I hadn´t ever felt it so strong. I have always known Joseph Smith was a prophet, that´s why I love teaching about him, but I just started bawling and just felt so strong the Spirit. I know with every fiber of my heart that the church is true. It is the Kingdom of God here on earth. Joseph Smith was called as an instrument in God´s hands to establish the true church here on earth again. I know it for a fact. I love you all, I hope you have a great week. Send me letter, pictures, hugs, and prayers. I love you I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps in the picture that I look angry, I´m not angry. The members were making fun of me cause I was smiling bigger than everyone else and I had my mouth open. Also there is a picture with Elder Lechtenberg. My homeboy from St Geezy. I don´t remember what others ones I sent... ENJOY!

I love you

-- 

Elder Jensen

Moral of the Day

HI

What´s up??

Well... I´m just a missionary here in Guatemala. Still here. Working working working. A little stressed, a little tired, but I sure love the people, and I sure love the message, and that´s all that counts! Right??

I studied a little bit about the Atonement this week. Wowser that stuf is great. If you are reading this letter, go grab your scriptures right now..................................................... open to Mosiah 15:9............................. read it.......................................... wow. There are two things important here - justice, and mercy. My super favorite part, "standing betwixt them and justice." Jesus Chirst suffered so much for each one of us, so He can stand betwixt us and justice. Those words are perfect. I love love love love love this scripture. It is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something else I learned this week. To come into this world, we are born with 3 basic things - water, blood, and spirit. To return to the presence of God, and recieve life eternal, we need 3 basic things - water, spirit, blood. ---> Baptism, confirmation, and the Sacrament every week. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is such a powerful thing, that I never really studied or understood, and still don´t understand everything. All I know, is through His blood, we can repent and as He stands betwixt us and justice, we can recieve life eternal. Of course we can´t just sit in the house and do nothing, and we recieve eternal life, we have to have actions. Because faith without actions is dead. Today is the day, act now, so in the judgement we have out Lawyer, our Brother standing betwixt us and justice. We sure are lucky and blessed!

This week was a super super good one. Lots of work, some laughs, and some frustraions. All packed into one week, and I sure am tired.

Tuesday - where did we go????? THE TEMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We drove to Xela as a zone and boy was it a great day. I felt like I was in Provo, because it is the EXACT same climate. weird huh?? It was just a dream all day. I loved every second of it. We were able to relax, outside of this world! After the temple, we ate pizza. yummy. The coolest part, was President Maravilla and his wife were there too. Man I love them. They are just super gross lovebirds though. They always kiss. After every talk, after everything! EW! But I´m pretty sure I have the best mission president in the world. Moral of the day - go to the temple always

Wednesday - it super super rained. It was super super great. I love the rain, even when it is a lot. I´m crazy. Moral of the day - pack a rain coat.

Thursday - We worked pretty hard. I think the weather is super bipolar, cause Thursday - today is hot hot and no rain. Our best friends in San Luis are the drunks. They ALWAYS talk to us. We invited one to church and he was so happy, he grabbed my arm and kissed me. luckily he missed my arm and got my watch... wow. Also in the night time we were walking, and I felt something weird hit my shoulder. like a tiny rock or something, i dont know. but I was all confused and we kept walking. I felt a super big impression to turn around and walk back, so we did. We contacted a house AND.... nothing happened. Moral of the day - we should always always act on the promptings we get. I think the Spirit is just building trust. We are going to go back to that house though, we´ll see what happens. We never know the impact of our little actions.

Friday - Our investigators are progressing. We aren´t teaching many families, but we are searching. Right now we have three teenagers. We visited one of them Friday and she recieved an answer to her prayers, she loves reading the Book of Mormon, and it gives her the desire to go to church. She already has tons of friends in the church. So we are planning the baptism for the 6th or the 12th. not sure yet. I´m thinking the 6th. So is she. If I change areas, I will leave the 9th and she wants me to be there. So we will see how that goes. Moral of the day - there is power in the simple things - prayer, scripture study, going to church. I love it

Saturday - In the morning we served with our ward, we super cleaned the grounds to the chapel. It was fun. I sure love the ward here. They always make fun of the gringo, but I love it. Also, since Elder Cieza is District Leader, we had to go to the area of the sisters in our district, Muluá. They had a baptism and he had to do the interview. We stayed for the baptism too. Cutting it close, interview right before the baptism, but this week we have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off. Super busy, lots of work. It´s all good. Moral of the day - breathe

Sunday - We were sitting in Sacrament meeting, and our chapel is super small you can hear and see when someone walks in. A drunk guy (different one than the kisser) walked in. Elder Cieza and I went to take him out, like security. All he wanted was money. We told him we didn´t have any, so he said bad words and ran away. Good thing I don´t know the bad words yet. (some of them haha). We saw some miracle in sacrament meeting. We started with about 30 people, and ended with 85. People came to church that haven´t been in a really long time. 20 less actives. THAT IS A MIRACLE. Guess what?? We are starting to see fruits of our labors, even though there aren´t baptisms, people are returning. I love it. Moral of the day - go to church, even if you are late!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I´m super glad to be here as a missionary. I have been blessed so much.

The only bad part about it is no one in the mission has money right now, until tomorrow, because the finance secretary forgot to put money in. So we can´t go shopping. rough times. Also I have spent a ton of money from my account because this month was a long one, we had to pay our cocinera 3 times. (we pay every two weeks). So can you check to make super I have enough.

Thank you all for your prayers, love, letters, support. I love you so so much.

Elder Jensen

PS. I love you

Seasons Greetings!

HELLLLLLOOOOOOOO FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and everyone else!

Well... another week down, and it was a good one. Of course... Here is a summary of the week - it rained, I walked, I spoke Spanish, we did divisions, I studied, I slept. (the life of a missionary.. I think)

Good things happened this week. We are finding people to teach, teaching them, and they progress. It is fabulous!!!!

Tuesday - We had a conference with Elder Gavarret of the Seventy. He isn´t in our area presidency or anything, just passing by. It was super good. I sure do like conferences. Then we ate Dominos. Another great part of conferences.

I actually don´t really remember what he talked to us about, but I know it was awesome. His wife was awesome too. As always President Maravilla and his wife were awesome. Elder Gavarret told us that we are pretty lucky to have one of the best mission presidents he knows. He´s a good one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday - We had the baptism of Javier. My little friend in the ward. At first we couldn´t find clothes for him. The ward has clothes, but there weren´t any for him. So we spent some time looking for that... Then had a super short baptisimal service. It ruled. I felt pretty lucky to be there.

Thursday - We did divisions, I sure love divisions. I went to San Felipe, the Zone Leaders area, with Elder Taufu'i. Fun stuff.

Friday - We did divisions, I sure love divisions. I stayed in San Luis, my area, with Elder Apaza. Fun stuff.

Saturday - We taught a super awesome lesson about the Book of Mormon, and sat back and watched the Spirit do the work. At the first part of the lesson, the lady said she wasn´t going to change churches or anything. By the end of the lesson, she said she just needed some time. So we left her with the Book of Mormon, so she could read it!!!! Cause guess what?? The Book of Mormon is true, it is the evidence of everything, and I love that book.

Sunday - We brought a lot of people to church. We had 15 less actives in church. Two families that haven´t gone for a while and others. 10 minutes before Sacrament meeting, the first councilor asked us if we would speak... and so we did. My first time speaking in church on my mission. It went quite well. I spoke on prayer...... I got up to start my talk, and the first thing I said, "¡Buenas noches!" Such a lame joke, but the people sure loved it... dumb gringo. But my talk went great. I don´t remember having to think about the words or what I was going to say, it just came out. I sure was blessed with the help of the Spirit.

This week when I was on divisions in San Felipe, something just clicked with my spanish. I don´t have to think about the words as much. I can listen better, I can aswer questions. Oh my I have been blessed with the Gift of Tongues a lot this week. It´s the real deal. I feel way way more confident with my Spanish, it makes me excited. It really is a miracle to have 6 months of learning a language, and being fluent. I CAN SPEAK TWO LANGUAGES. I dunno, it still makes me all giddy inside.

We are working hard to get baptisms this month. With one week left we are visiting all our possibilities everyday. Tomorrow we are making brownies with a family. I love being a missionary.

I love you all so much. All I want you to know is that I know this church is true. We don´t have to worry about much if we are on the right track, if we are choosing the right. Stay on the path, the straight and narrow. It is such a better way to live!!!! One example we like to use when we are teaching about the Sabbath Day is, each week we sin (so we put books on someones hand) and need the Sacrament to help us (take the books away). But if we skip a week, two weeks, a month, (more books, more books, more books), we have tons of weight on us. This is a commandment from our Heavenly Father, GO TO CHURCH EVERY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! I love this church so super much. It is the only true church on the face of the earth. The only church with a living prophet, seer, and revelator. (take 30 seconds to think about those words).........................................................................
.......................................................                                                       ......................................................................................................................................Pretty cool huh? We are so blessed!!!!! I love you all, more than you can imagine.

With love from Guatemala, the motherland,

Elder Jensen

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

Hello family of mine,

Whats happenin?? I'm here, in Guatemala. The greatest land on earth.

It just so happens that the rainy season has started a little bit early here, and it also happens that my zone is one of the worst ones to be in for the rain. Proabably my area is one of the worst areas to be in too..... who knows. But I love the rain! It makes me super happy. Maybe I won't love it in a few months, but I love it now!

Right now we dont have many people to teach. We have 2 jovenes that we are teaching, that the ward has basically done all the work. We are hoping for baptisms of them this month. We just have to get the dang permisson.

Tuesday I don't really remember what happened. It was a good day, I know it. (everyday is a good day right?)

Wednesday was pretty good. We went to the are of the sisters in our district to help them out in one lesson. It was a pretty good lesson. Then when we left it was raining, and it was late... no busses. So we start walking, having faith something good will happen.... it did. A guy picked us up, and he was acting all weird. We started talking to him and he was like, oh you guys are the church that worship Joseph Smith, and you all think that he is going to become God... he just started telling us a whole bunch of stuff. Then We just bore our testimonies, and I started talking about eternal families. Right at the same time we were about to get out of the car, he was like, "Elders, im in the fight too. Im sealed with my wife." and we are thinking... catholics cant do that??????? He was like, "Im Elders Quorum President in such and such Ward." HAHAHA Totally fooled us.

Then we went and taught some people, and it was pouring pouring, and we had to walk home... 2.5 kilometers up a river basically. Good thing we borrowed some umbrellas, cause we didnt have anything.

Thursday was good too.... I dont exactly remember it.... sometimes the days just mush together. If nothing super special or funny happens, I dont remember the day.

Friday, we had to go take a survey on lds.org, to prepare for a conference that we are having with Elder Gavarette... I think that is his name. But we went to the sisters area again, cause aint no internet in San Luis. So we got done and it was raining once again.... POURING. We didnt have umbrellas once again, and the internet place was on a different street than the main street. So we had to run to the main street and find cover to wait for the bus. So we were running and running... in front of a ton of people hiding under tiendas and places like that. four missionaries, soaking wet, just running. HAHAHA super super funny. Everyone was laughing. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.

Then we did divisions. I stayed in my area with another elder called Elder Apaza. He has 3 weeks in the mission, so it was pretty fun. We taught like a bunch of missionaries. Cool huh??

Saturday........ once again... dont remember. We visited a lot of people that had questions about baptisms for the dead... We are lucky we have the chance to help our family out on the other side huh?? Whenever we talk about temples or baptisms for the dead, I always think of my mommy, and all the people she has helped. Mom... you are cool.

Sunday, our family that we are teaching, who promised would come to church, didn't show up. So we are proabably going to drop them. Super sad cause I have seen a mountain of changes in their lives. Just be listening to us. Our other family, the husband works, so we cant visit him until next week when he has vacations. and the other family just lives far away and arent super interested. We just need to teach them a few more times, and we will see what happens.

I was in the office today, talking to one of the secretaries and he said most gringos stay in their first area for 6 months........... Im ready to go..... My time has come and gone in San Luis, I sorta hope.

This Wednesday Im the chosen one to baptise our cocineras grandson. His dad cant baptize him, so I was picked. This litte guy is super awesome. I will be sure to send pictures. (if I can resize them, Dad judged me. I dont know how to do that).

Anywho, this week was a good one. My english is suffering, and the church is the truest stuff on earth. We are so blessed with this knowledge. I have been thinking this week that we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ. His church. Why dont we share the truth? Dear everyone, SHARE THE TRUTH!

I love you so so so much. Never ever be inactive, or someone that just goes with the flow. If you dont have a testimony, get one. The church is true, and I know it with my whole heart.

I love you I love you I love you!!! Thanks for my package.

Elder Jensen

PS I finally got sick... last night. I was up a few times on the toilet. Now I am super tired. I go nigh nigh until 6. lucky me. I dont know what made me sick, but I drank a cocnut last night, and it was gross, so I'm blaming that. I dont like being sick. Its dumb.

PS again. Never forget how blessed we are to live in a safe, clean place. We don't have very many worries. Some people here worry about their next meal. We are so blessed. Help others. I love you so much!

I love you!!!!

I Love to See the Temple

Hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi. So it is Tuesday.... lame huh????

haha since I last wrote you I have studied lots, learned lots, and loved lots. Sunday was great!! We were able to watch the temple dedication, which was amazing, and Saturday night we were able to watch the temple culture celebration! I think Elder Hansen is sick of hearing me say how much I love Guatemala, holy cow I love it!! Also, funny side note, Have you realized how similar Hansen and Jensen are? now say them in Spanish............. the latinos love that. They just say Hansen Jensen Hansen Jensen Hansen Jensen, and just laugh and laugh.

Oh and I GOT MY PACKAGE!!!! thanks you so dang much!!! If possible can you send me pictures of my dogs and other pictures of the family, I am already sick of looking at the same ones... maybe of ones when we are little and cute!? I got way excited when I saw that Living Christ thing cause I thought it was a photo book, but I still got excited looking at that. It is pretty awesome! Plus please don´t send me any more gum. Missionaries dont chew gum, its ugly. I will chew it in my dorm and stuff just not out and about, so thanks for the mints!!!!!! Plus thanks for the Emergen-c. I had a whole box of it already.... hahaa I'm never getting sick!! Seriously though, thanks for everything!

Now you are probably wondering why I am writing to you today huh? Well... the latinos stay here for 3 weeks, and tomorrow is the three week mark, so everyone is gone except our zone (20 people). They kicked us out of the CCM to clean it all and everything, so we went on a tour to a huge relief map of Guatemala, talked about the Book of Mormon and how it really was here in Guatemala, we went to some huge underground market with cute little Guatemalans running around selling the cutest things ever. (I didnt even buy one thing and i had 200 Quetzals burning a hole in my pocket).... (like $25). Then we went to a mall and ate some McDonalds..mmm Big Mac for $5, Biggie sized too.... I felt like I was in America cause we were getting fat in one of the nicest malls I have ever been in!! So today is our P-day, different than usual, we still get to go to the temple tomorrow, and welcome the new nortes and latinos.

These past three weeks flew by and the next will go faster. Our district is only speaking Spanish from here on out, so I will be able to learn more! Plus I got some great news yesterday! ----

WE GET TO CALL HOME ON CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!

I will just email yall a number and a time to call and you will call and we will cry and mind-hug and it will be so fun! (mind-hug... hug.... in our minds.... get it?)

How are yall this week? I feel like you dont love me cause I havent gotten and email from yall, but then i remembered its a day early.. youre off the hook (pardon my terrible grammar/spelling)

Tomorrow Elder Hansen and I get to teach Horacio... am I stoked? YOU BETCHA!!!!

Isn't it the greatest thing ever what I am doing here? I dont want to be anywhere else... well maybe I wanna go to my mission, in three weeks, when I know spanish!! Everyone in my zone proabably also hates how I get so stoked to be here and so stoked to go to Retalhuleu. I just wanna give my mission president the hugest hug ever.

I hope yall know how much I love you, Faja, Maja, Kelwey, Cooey, Brookie, Jenny, Max, Duke, Maggie, Libby, and Fishy. Isnt it cool that I wear a name tag with our last name on it? I am so prideful about our name (good pride),

Plus guess what? The church is true!! How cool is the restoration!??? I love the story of the first vision more than any. I have it memorized in Spanish and I just always want to say it in lessons, cause I love it. I love this gospel. When President Uchtdorf showed up at the culture celebration on the screen I literally started crying. Its amazing to know we are guided by a prophet on this earth today. Im in love with Guatemala (In case you couldnt tell) I cant wait to go teach in the middle of nowhere not even knowing how to speak. God listens to our prayers, He loves us so so much!!

Dad, brush up on your spanish, maybe we can tell secrets about everyone else on Christmas!!

I love you all so stinkin much!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Elder Jensen

Quetzaltenango-Guatemala Temple

Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple Dedication