Helllllllooo!!! 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Elder Jensen

Hello!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Temple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With a bunch of love from Guatebuena, 

Elder Jensen

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

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

New Companion

Hello my children. What´s up?!?!

I´m just here in internet, sitting next to some kid from Mexico, his name is Elder Najera... and I think he is my new companion. Elder Villatoro hasn´t been around much these days, he was telling me something about how he was going home, we took lots of pictures and I even met his parents... I dont know where he is, but I´m sure he will turn up in a couple days. I just hope president doesnt find out!

So Elder Najera is his name, and being nice is his game. He is from Toluca, Mexico. But right now his parents live in Oaxaca. (That´s where Elder Juarez is from... remember him?? My other mexican friend)

So this week was fun. We have been getting to know everyone, and Elder Najera is an extrememly good missionary. He speaks a little bit of english too and sometimes says really funny stuff.... We haven´t even taken a picture together yet. I´m actually scared to plug anything in this computer cause I dont want it to get a virus. So sorry... no pictures this week!!

There isn´t much that happened this week... except now I have another new friend... Oh plus Elder Najera was my zone leader, companion of Elder Villatoro when I was in the Nueva Concepcion. 

In other news, tomorrow we are going to Reu for the new Leaders Council. Now there are sister missionaries that are leaders. They aren´t district or zone leaders, just sister leaders, literally leaders in charge of sisters. They will be in the meeting tomorrow, it will be weird. Now it´s not calle Zone Leader council, but Mission leadership council. President made it very clear that this came from above, and that he didn´t make it up haha... go figure, it´s not even his church.

The other day after lunch I layed down on my bed, but I had to stand up to get the phone, my foot got stuck in my blanket and I fell into the bookshelf that we have in between our bed. I have a nice chunk of skin missing right below my thumb.... I actually saw it hanging there on the bookshelf too and almost glued it back on but..... I didn´t. I keep telling Elder Najera that I´m going to die and that we need to find me a new thumb. It´s pretty hilarious. 

Sometimes I love being a missionary. I love doing missiony stuff and reading and explaining the scriptures. Sure it´s hard, even if I have to find a new thumb. But Christ suffered much more than I have suffered my whole life. He suffered the sins of everyone that ever lived and will live. He is my Savior and Redeemer. The church is true youngins. I know it for a fact. I love you with my whole entire heart. Be good and always love everyone. 

ps: Sunday. 5:00. Skype. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

Elder Jensen