We actually received a hard copy letter in the mail this last week from Sister Jensen. Here are a few of the best parts:
Oh, wow, I miss American toilets! Yes, laugh, it is the truth. At the temple they actually have instructions how to use the CR because they are American toilets.
We were tour guides last Saturday for temple tours, we got the movie station. I loved it! Air conditioning, welcoming people, thanking then for coming and then being able to watch the short movie and Elder Holland's "And None Were With Him" [Special Witnesses of Christ DVD] message over and over and then testify about the church and Christ. I was happy doing that, sometimes I think going to a visitor's center would have been fun.
Ashley, I might actually be able to deliver a cockrat! [A "cockrat" is made-up species of vermin that is a cross between a cockroach and a rat. This is a family joke since before Emily's mission. Spain failed to deliver on the cockrat front.] I have seen many of both - I just need to get them together...usually I try not to look at them... yup, bugs are still not my thing.
Alma 26:12-16
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will bnot boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
13 Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?
14 Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is the Most High God, and has loosed our brethren from the chains of hell.
15 Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work.
16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Another Transfer
Dear Family,
The internet here is really unreliable, sorry I couldn't write until now. I'm not sure if this is going to work, so I will keep it short.
We got transfer notices today and I will be staying with Sis Miras for another Transfer in Morong. The Zone leader played a dirty trick, he called the 2 sets of sisters and 3 sets of elders up and said one from each of these is being transferred. I was a excited that there was going to be a change. Then we sat down. He got up and wrote 3 Elders' names and said this is really who is being transferred. I am going to have to try and work with [Sis M] for another transfer.
I have been thinking of hymn #266 a lot this week.
Trek sounds great, I am glad that you were all safe and only minor medical emergencies occurred. You all sounds so hopeful and happy, I am really jealous.
I opened the package you sent last week, mid laundry while it soaked and just bawled through it. Yes I know I am a big wimp here on the mission, but knowing that someone cares about me so much to know what I would need then take the time to send it. I have read mom's note daily and have the book of Gil [the Moose] sitting by my pillow.
On Sunday I was so tired, and we were fasting and Saturday we had temple tour so a lot of traffic so again even more tired, and after coordination we went to a apt of one of the branch missionaries and I just sat in a chair and used my scriptures as a pillow while they were drawing maps of the area. Sometime during that someone brought me a pillow and I woke up with a fan on me. I just looked up and was so grateful for them, they work with us so much then to allow me to get some rest while they were yet again working to help us with the area, my heart swelled with great gratitude. We do have a good branch, they are really supportive of missionary work and I know that is why we are able to have so many come to church and to progress.
Well that is about all I can think of today. I love you all.
Keep up the good work.
Love ya
Sis Jensen
The internet here is really unreliable, sorry I couldn't write until now. I'm not sure if this is going to work, so I will keep it short.
We got transfer notices today and I will be staying with Sis Miras for another Transfer in Morong. The Zone leader played a dirty trick, he called the 2 sets of sisters and 3 sets of elders up and said one from each of these is being transferred. I was a excited that there was going to be a change. Then we sat down. He got up and wrote 3 Elders' names and said this is really who is being transferred. I am going to have to try and work with [Sis M] for another transfer.
I have been thinking of hymn #266 a lot this week.
Trek sounds great, I am glad that you were all safe and only minor medical emergencies occurred. You all sounds so hopeful and happy, I am really jealous.
I opened the package you sent last week, mid laundry while it soaked and just bawled through it. Yes I know I am a big wimp here on the mission, but knowing that someone cares about me so much to know what I would need then take the time to send it. I have read mom's note daily and have the book of Gil [the Moose] sitting by my pillow.
On Sunday I was so tired, and we were fasting and Saturday we had temple tour so a lot of traffic so again even more tired, and after coordination we went to a apt of one of the branch missionaries and I just sat in a chair and used my scriptures as a pillow while they were drawing maps of the area. Sometime during that someone brought me a pillow and I woke up with a fan on me. I just looked up and was so grateful for them, they work with us so much then to allow me to get some rest while they were yet again working to help us with the area, my heart swelled with great gratitude. We do have a good branch, they are really supportive of missionary work and I know that is why we are able to have so many come to church and to progress.
Well that is about all I can think of today. I love you all.
Keep up the good work.
Love ya
Sis Jensen
Monday, July 26, 2010
Feeling Much Happier
Hello Family,
Well I am still sick, it sounds like I have been trying to cough up both lungs for the past 2 weeks. I finally found my soggy cough drops and have been using those, they don't seem to be helping much. Today I woke up with sinus drainage and everything is muffled in my right ear. Life is really fun, I am going on 2 solid weeks of cough tomorrow I am so tired.
I had an emotional break down on Friday...don't freak out, the traveling sisters came to help us work on our companionship and played an EFY song that I used to listen to on the way to the temple sometimes, and I just bawled. Then they talked about accountability and forgetting yourself and I just asked them what they thought I did. I explained my feelings and frustrations, how I am trying really I am, I was sobbing so hard every inch of me was shaking, then I would cough for a while then sob again. Completely ugly I am sure and afterwards I was dead tired but we had weekly planning then work. I worked with Sister Quilacio. Amazing even though I was dead tired we went out, not only did we go out we went out and tracted and taught and OYM [Open Your Mouth, i.e. street contacting] and with the Spirit. It was amazing, in my exhaustion I just had to rely on the spirit and wow. At the end of the day I was surprisingly happy. Then for evaluation instead of the usual you did this wrong, and this and this. She told me that I was good, that I was teaching people not lessons, that my desire is in the right place I just need patience it will come. Having that affirmation that these feeling are the Spirit, that made my heart sing, it felt like a 1000 ton weight was lifted off of my shoulders. So even though I am still coughing and feel sick I am happier now than I have ever been. I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father for knowing that I needed to hear that He knows I am trying.
We had a family that we have been working with for a month come to church on Sunday...Yay! I gave the closing prayer and I swear I said it really loud into the microphone but I guess not I said amen and went to sit down and everyone was still bowing their heads. In response I just coughed and then shrugged then walked off to greet our investigators who walked in late. Kind of funny though.
What else... we did a service project in Tanay on Saturday, we tore down a house that was tilted by the storm. I have never seen so many bugs, and spiders as big as my hand and cockroaches... but I know that I have the spirit with me because I was able to stay completely calm and do the worked that needed to be done. Amazing what can be done when we have the help of the Lord. 1 Nephi 7:12. I think.
[Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.]
Well I got your package this week, I had to pay the AP's 40 pesos [about 87 cents] to pick it up but so worth it, I only opened it and grabbed your letter before we had to come e-mail. Thank you so so so so much. I also got Megan's letter, one from Elder Plaizier and Sister Garrett (2 from Brazil, how cool am I!) Just kidding. I got some laughs at district meeting because I was smiling so big.
The work is still hard but I am feeling much happier, thank you for your help and support. I love you all. I still live on your prayers, and miss you all like there is no tomorrow. We had an American sister sent home for health reasons this past Friday, there are so few of us already it makes me sad to see her go. I am trying to get better I really am.
I love you.
Sister Rebecca Jensen
Well I am still sick, it sounds like I have been trying to cough up both lungs for the past 2 weeks. I finally found my soggy cough drops and have been using those, they don't seem to be helping much. Today I woke up with sinus drainage and everything is muffled in my right ear. Life is really fun, I am going on 2 solid weeks of cough tomorrow I am so tired.
I had an emotional break down on Friday...don't freak out, the traveling sisters came to help us work on our companionship and played an EFY song that I used to listen to on the way to the temple sometimes, and I just bawled. Then they talked about accountability and forgetting yourself and I just asked them what they thought I did. I explained my feelings and frustrations, how I am trying really I am, I was sobbing so hard every inch of me was shaking, then I would cough for a while then sob again. Completely ugly I am sure and afterwards I was dead tired but we had weekly planning then work. I worked with Sister Quilacio. Amazing even though I was dead tired we went out, not only did we go out we went out and tracted and taught and OYM [Open Your Mouth, i.e. street contacting] and with the Spirit. It was amazing, in my exhaustion I just had to rely on the spirit and wow. At the end of the day I was surprisingly happy. Then for evaluation instead of the usual you did this wrong, and this and this. She told me that I was good, that I was teaching people not lessons, that my desire is in the right place I just need patience it will come. Having that affirmation that these feeling are the Spirit, that made my heart sing, it felt like a 1000 ton weight was lifted off of my shoulders. So even though I am still coughing and feel sick I am happier now than I have ever been. I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father for knowing that I needed to hear that He knows I am trying.
We had a family that we have been working with for a month come to church on Sunday...Yay! I gave the closing prayer and I swear I said it really loud into the microphone but I guess not I said amen and went to sit down and everyone was still bowing their heads. In response I just coughed and then shrugged then walked off to greet our investigators who walked in late. Kind of funny though.
What else... we did a service project in Tanay on Saturday, we tore down a house that was tilted by the storm. I have never seen so many bugs, and spiders as big as my hand and cockroaches... but I know that I have the spirit with me because I was able to stay completely calm and do the worked that needed to be done. Amazing what can be done when we have the help of the Lord. 1 Nephi 7:12. I think.
[Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.]
Well I got your package this week, I had to pay the AP's 40 pesos [about 87 cents] to pick it up but so worth it, I only opened it and grabbed your letter before we had to come e-mail. Thank you so so so so much. I also got Megan's letter, one from Elder Plaizier and Sister Garrett (2 from Brazil, how cool am I!) Just kidding. I got some laughs at district meeting because I was smiling so big.
The work is still hard but I am feeling much happier, thank you for your help and support. I love you all. I still live on your prayers, and miss you all like there is no tomorrow. We had an American sister sent home for health reasons this past Friday, there are so few of us already it makes me sad to see her go. I am trying to get better I really am.
I love you.
Sister Rebecca Jensen
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
One more week done
Hello Family,
After a super long and hard week I am writing again. So I got sick last week...sore throat no voice....still have no voice and a great cough a week later...don't sleep much because I am coughing, pero [but] life is still good. We are still doing the work and people are still listening to my raspy cough ridden tagalog. Yes we were hit with the Typhoon, it was a scale 2 (whatever that means) and we went out to work, thank heavens for crocks because there was a lot a lot of rain and water. Then at night it was upped to a scale 3 and Sis M just said it was a little rain, so we didn't shut our windows or anything...bad idea. She sleeps on the floor by the door my bed is right under 3 windows...ya scariest night of my life. Wind, rain, tree limbs hitting the house, lightening. I don't think I have ever prayed harder for my investigators in their little huts or my ears to stop hearing the tremendous noise. Wednesday was interesting no one wanted to listen to us because there was so much to clean up. We didn't have water for 2 1/2 days and power until Saturday. That was fun, we planned by candlelight.
We went to the temple this morning, we got up in the wee hours of the morning to take a jeepni to White planes before 6 for the first session. We got there and the session was full of other missionaries, only 33 people per session, so we waited. Even though the clothes there don't really fit and everything is short, it is still the House of the Lord and it made me miss home more than ever. Yes I am still struggling with the homesickness thing. Well after that we went bowling in Tanay, which is like a 2 1/2 hour jeep ride, they pack us like sardines and it is hot and sometimes you just cant help but laugh. There is a joke, I don't remember if I told you it already. How many people can you fit on a jeepni? Isa pa (one more) always isa pa. There are times when there are so many people jammed in there that when they take corners everyone has to sway because one person does. Awesome. I don't think I will ever complain about riding in a car again, still feel queezy after almost every ride, some of the elders say that they still feel sick even after 2 years of riding them...so I am not too worried,
As for the work, I can understand a lot more this week. I keep surprising myself by answering questions that they have asked, sometimes Sis M will translate and I will be like, wasn't that in English. I am still not convinced that it wasn't English. Who knows either way Tagalog is coming. 16 Days until Transfer Sis M reminds me of the days until transfer every day. Who knows what will happen. I assume I will stay in the area and she will leave, she says that most greenies stay in their first area for 6 month. 6 months...that seems like so long. Tomorrow is my 3 month make. Yeash.
Trek...I love trek, I am so excited that it is only a few days away. I remember it being hard but so fun, there are days when I am here hiking up a mountain trail in the rain, sliding down the hill as I try to get up it, getting covered in mud and sweat and I remember women's pull or that last day we had to circle around when I didn't know if I could take another step I was so tired and thirsty...but then it was over, and I was in a bus home with a paces popsicle. Well it helps me put another foot down and continue onward... I did it then I can endure now.
Our investigators didn't want to come to church this week, with the storm they just don't want to listen. Slightly frustrating, but I am hoping that this week they will remember what they felt while listening to our message and realize that they want the gospel in their lives.
I love you all.
Have a wonderful 24th of July, set some fireworks off for me.
Love,
Sis Jensen
Note: For those of you who are concerned, the cough/sore throat combination indicates a typical cold/flu situation and NOT tuberculosis or some other pernicious tropical disease. - Emily
After a super long and hard week I am writing again. So I got sick last week...sore throat no voice....still have no voice and a great cough a week later...don't sleep much because I am coughing, pero [but] life is still good. We are still doing the work and people are still listening to my raspy cough ridden tagalog. Yes we were hit with the Typhoon, it was a scale 2 (whatever that means) and we went out to work, thank heavens for crocks because there was a lot a lot of rain and water. Then at night it was upped to a scale 3 and Sis M just said it was a little rain, so we didn't shut our windows or anything...bad idea. She sleeps on the floor by the door my bed is right under 3 windows...ya scariest night of my life. Wind, rain, tree limbs hitting the house, lightening. I don't think I have ever prayed harder for my investigators in their little huts or my ears to stop hearing the tremendous noise. Wednesday was interesting no one wanted to listen to us because there was so much to clean up. We didn't have water for 2 1/2 days and power until Saturday. That was fun, we planned by candlelight.
We went to the temple this morning, we got up in the wee hours of the morning to take a jeepni to White planes before 6 for the first session. We got there and the session was full of other missionaries, only 33 people per session, so we waited. Even though the clothes there don't really fit and everything is short, it is still the House of the Lord and it made me miss home more than ever. Yes I am still struggling with the homesickness thing. Well after that we went bowling in Tanay, which is like a 2 1/2 hour jeep ride, they pack us like sardines and it is hot and sometimes you just cant help but laugh. There is a joke, I don't remember if I told you it already. How many people can you fit on a jeepni? Isa pa (one more) always isa pa. There are times when there are so many people jammed in there that when they take corners everyone has to sway because one person does. Awesome. I don't think I will ever complain about riding in a car again, still feel queezy after almost every ride, some of the elders say that they still feel sick even after 2 years of riding them...so I am not too worried,
As for the work, I can understand a lot more this week. I keep surprising myself by answering questions that they have asked, sometimes Sis M will translate and I will be like, wasn't that in English. I am still not convinced that it wasn't English. Who knows either way Tagalog is coming. 16 Days until Transfer Sis M reminds me of the days until transfer every day. Who knows what will happen. I assume I will stay in the area and she will leave, she says that most greenies stay in their first area for 6 month. 6 months...that seems like so long. Tomorrow is my 3 month make. Yeash.
Trek...I love trek, I am so excited that it is only a few days away. I remember it being hard but so fun, there are days when I am here hiking up a mountain trail in the rain, sliding down the hill as I try to get up it, getting covered in mud and sweat and I remember women's pull or that last day we had to circle around when I didn't know if I could take another step I was so tired and thirsty...but then it was over, and I was in a bus home with a paces popsicle. Well it helps me put another foot down and continue onward... I did it then I can endure now.
Our investigators didn't want to come to church this week, with the storm they just don't want to listen. Slightly frustrating, but I am hoping that this week they will remember what they felt while listening to our message and realize that they want the gospel in their lives.
I love you all.
Have a wonderful 24th of July, set some fireworks off for me.
Love,
Sis Jensen
Note: For those of you who are concerned, the cough/sore throat combination indicates a typical cold/flu situation and NOT tuberculosis or some other pernicious tropical disease. - Emily
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sorry LDS mail was not working yesterday
Sorry about not being able to write yesterday we did try, but the mail system would not let us on, so we got permission to write this morning.
Family,
What a week, a lot of firsts for me. I started to teach tracts, and parts of lessons, and I had my first splits with the sisters trainers, I got my first sunburn...its been a long week.
Well life is still hard and hot. I am trying to keep the faith and continue onward, trying to learn patience. Trying... For all of you who are wondering the heat is like you are in a sauna just after someone has poured a lot of water on the coals, all of your pores open and you sweat a lot, a lot. Pero [But] since it is rainy season the nights have cooled down and the mornings are nice, but if there are not clouds the afternoons really heat up. The Food is delicious for all you who have asked, nothing at all like what I ate in the states, they eat a lot of meat, and everything is fried. I have yet to try something I really don't like...well I didn't really like sardine soup, that was not my favorite. We do eat a lot of fish. And Rice is a must. They think I am weird for always eating tinapay bread! I miss my lead bread, wheat bread here is practically non-existent. The fruit is amazing though, I had a pineapple smoothie yesterday and the lady took the pineapple from the display washed it and chopped it up and put in the blender...amazing. The mangoes are huge and they eat them with salt, which I don't really like the salt part, but they are so sweet.
Well we had a lot of investigators come to church 10 of them, I was really excited. But there could always be so many more, we invite everyone we contact to come and everyone we teach. It is so sad when they are progressing and so we confirm a baptismal date with them, excited yes awesome, please continue coming to church, then they don't show up. The next week please come, please please come it is so important...then they again do not show up. This work is hard, it is asking people to change who they are and what they are used to. That is why the Spirit is the vital to this work.
We had a water fight for P-day yesterday with a combined district activity. It was fun but after we played basketball and I got sunburned. Not too bad I did put on sunscreen earlier that day but enough to be red last night, this morning I am just brown. Still feel super white, I have a feeling I am going to feel super white until I go home and look tan next to all of you, except for Clark, you tan child you.
Well that is about it for this week, not much new just still going. We have interviews with Pres. DeLeMare this Thursday so we need to get a lot of work done in the next few days to be able to meet our goals.
I love you all, thank you so much for all of your support.
Love,
Sister Rebecca Jensen
Family,
What a week, a lot of firsts for me. I started to teach tracts, and parts of lessons, and I had my first splits with the sisters trainers, I got my first sunburn...its been a long week.
Well life is still hard and hot. I am trying to keep the faith and continue onward, trying to learn patience. Trying... For all of you who are wondering the heat is like you are in a sauna just after someone has poured a lot of water on the coals, all of your pores open and you sweat a lot, a lot. Pero [But] since it is rainy season the nights have cooled down and the mornings are nice, but if there are not clouds the afternoons really heat up. The Food is delicious for all you who have asked, nothing at all like what I ate in the states, they eat a lot of meat, and everything is fried. I have yet to try something I really don't like...well I didn't really like sardine soup, that was not my favorite. We do eat a lot of fish. And Rice is a must. They think I am weird for always eating tinapay bread! I miss my lead bread, wheat bread here is practically non-existent. The fruit is amazing though, I had a pineapple smoothie yesterday and the lady took the pineapple from the display washed it and chopped it up and put in the blender...amazing. The mangoes are huge and they eat them with salt, which I don't really like the salt part, but they are so sweet.
Well we had a lot of investigators come to church 10 of them, I was really excited. But there could always be so many more, we invite everyone we contact to come and everyone we teach. It is so sad when they are progressing and so we confirm a baptismal date with them, excited yes awesome, please continue coming to church, then they don't show up. The next week please come, please please come it is so important...then they again do not show up. This work is hard, it is asking people to change who they are and what they are used to. That is why the Spirit is the vital to this work.
We had a water fight for P-day yesterday with a combined district activity. It was fun but after we played basketball and I got sunburned. Not too bad I did put on sunscreen earlier that day but enough to be red last night, this morning I am just brown. Still feel super white, I have a feeling I am going to feel super white until I go home and look tan next to all of you, except for Clark, you tan child you.
Well that is about it for this week, not much new just still going. We have interviews with Pres. DeLeMare this Thursday so we need to get a lot of work done in the next few days to be able to meet our goals.
I love you all, thank you so much for all of your support.
Love,
Sister Rebecca Jensen
Friday, July 9, 2010
A few Photos from the MTC
Hera are a few of the photos Rebecca sent us from the MTC. We haven't seen any photos from the Philippines yet, but I'll put 'em up when they come!
Most missionaries pose with the MTC sign. This is classic.
Becky said that "This was the part of our zone that showed up for pictures.
Elder Northrup is indeed on the ground. Yep."
"Filipino Happy Birthday to Sis. McCormack."
The Sisters Jensen:
Sister Jensen, Sister Jensen, Sister Jensen, and Sister Jensen.
"These are really our heights, we were all tall, blondish, and blue-eyed!"
"Piesta! Party the night before the sisters left for the field.
Yes, lights were all out by 10:30 and quiet time was observed."
"Coordinating sisters!"
Sister Elwood was Rebecca's coordinating sister before Rebecca was the coordinating sister.
"She was the best coordinating sister I could have ever asked for."
"[Philippino] sentence structure review I wrote for Sister McCormack."
She was in District 2C. Can you tell?
Most missionaries pose with the MTC sign. This is classic.
Becky said that "This was the part of our zone that showed up for pictures.
Elder Northrup is indeed on the ground. Yep."
"Filipino Happy Birthday to Sis. McCormack."
The Sisters Jensen:
Sister Jensen, Sister Jensen, Sister Jensen, and Sister Jensen.
"These are really our heights, we were all tall, blondish, and blue-eyed!"
"Piesta! Party the night before the sisters left for the field.
Yes, lights were all out by 10:30 and quiet time was observed."
"Coordinating sisters!"
Sister Elwood was Rebecca's coordinating sister before Rebecca was the coordinating sister.
"She was the best coordinating sister I could have ever asked for."
"[Philippino] sentence structure review I wrote for Sister McCormack."
She was in District 2C. Can you tell?
Monday, July 5, 2010
Week 2 and Not So Blue
Hello Family,
I am going to start this off by telling you all how much I love each and every one of you. This week has been hard but good. I have been reading a lot of the talks that I printed off at the MTC and Jesus the Christ about the atonement, and that along with all of your prayers I am able to say that I ended this week with a smile. Life is still hard, yes, uncomfortable at times but the Lord has called me here and like 1 Nephi 3:7 the Lord will provide a way.
Baptisms are amazing!! We had 4 on Saturday, they were Sister Daniel's and Sister Miras's so I was exceedingly blessed to be able to take Sister Daniel's position and help prepare them for their baptism. Oh what a happy day!! There is a power and a peace that comes from watching people take such a leap of faith, the Spirit gently reminded me that I need to take my own leap of faith and trust that I am supposed to be here, and be here with this companion.
What else, we finally got me food for the apartment, I am pretty sure we don't keep food in the apt because of the bugs, but I keep everything in the fridge so it is good. I have found just like with my MTC companion if we sincerely look for ways to get along we will, we are both working for the Lord so even if we don't understand each other when doing the work we are both pulling in the same direction and sometimes we need to humble ourselves and just ask.
If you can't tell I am in a much better mood. Our District meeting this morning was inspired, it was about how to strengthen and unify your companionship and I am just so filled with hope about mine, I know this week if we both work hard we can both meet our goals and really learn to love each other.
Our investigators are doing well, having a hard time progressing, I pray so hard each time we are in a lesson so I can help them in any way, sometimes I will be able to say things in Tagalog that amaze me, and other times I just trip and stumble with the language but I know that I try to do it with the spirit, because honestly nothing I say really matters unless the spirit is there to drive it home. We tried to take 2 of them on the Temple Walk this Saturday but one was out drinking on Friday and we only took one. It was still wonderful to go to the temple, not in it, but still around the grounds and explain its importance. I love the temple!!! I miss going weekly. The Manilla Temple is gorgeous, I will have to send home pictures. A lot of the Filipino investigators there asked to have a picture taken with me, I am still so uncomfortable with all of this attention, but it makes them so happy. Still amused by that.
Well this week we have a lot of lessons and some high goals, I really want to work hard, honestly I do but sometimes I just get to caught up in not knowing the language and not understanding my companion and sick on the jeeps and well like I said earlier life is still hard, but this week we are going to take 1 day at a time and work work work. Also we are going to try it with a smile, I get so many comments about not being happy just because I am so tired all the time, sometimes it is all I can do in lessons to stay awake, but I know that if I really work at it, I will be able to stay awake enough to show them how happy the gospel really has and does make me.
I know this Church is true, if I didn't there is no way any of us would be down here, but it is TRUE and Christ lives. I love how many opportunities I have to testify about the Savior, even if that is all I can do in a lesson or a tract I love it. Christ did everything because He loves us, and so if we truly find that love or as close to that love in this life then we too will be motivated to help others, to lift them with they fall to help them smile and feel appreciated. I am working on it, charity is a life long quest and I do believe I have just really begun mine.
I love you all, have a wonderful week. Thank you so much again for all of your prayers, I really am so thankful.
Take care.
Sister Rebecca Jensen
I am going to start this off by telling you all how much I love each and every one of you. This week has been hard but good. I have been reading a lot of the talks that I printed off at the MTC and Jesus the Christ about the atonement, and that along with all of your prayers I am able to say that I ended this week with a smile. Life is still hard, yes, uncomfortable at times but the Lord has called me here and like 1 Nephi 3:7 the Lord will provide a way.
Baptisms are amazing!! We had 4 on Saturday, they were Sister Daniel's and Sister Miras's so I was exceedingly blessed to be able to take Sister Daniel's position and help prepare them for their baptism. Oh what a happy day!! There is a power and a peace that comes from watching people take such a leap of faith, the Spirit gently reminded me that I need to take my own leap of faith and trust that I am supposed to be here, and be here with this companion.
What else, we finally got me food for the apartment, I am pretty sure we don't keep food in the apt because of the bugs, but I keep everything in the fridge so it is good. I have found just like with my MTC companion if we sincerely look for ways to get along we will, we are both working for the Lord so even if we don't understand each other when doing the work we are both pulling in the same direction and sometimes we need to humble ourselves and just ask.
If you can't tell I am in a much better mood. Our District meeting this morning was inspired, it was about how to strengthen and unify your companionship and I am just so filled with hope about mine, I know this week if we both work hard we can both meet our goals and really learn to love each other.
Our investigators are doing well, having a hard time progressing, I pray so hard each time we are in a lesson so I can help them in any way, sometimes I will be able to say things in Tagalog that amaze me, and other times I just trip and stumble with the language but I know that I try to do it with the spirit, because honestly nothing I say really matters unless the spirit is there to drive it home. We tried to take 2 of them on the Temple Walk this Saturday but one was out drinking on Friday and we only took one. It was still wonderful to go to the temple, not in it, but still around the grounds and explain its importance. I love the temple!!! I miss going weekly. The Manilla Temple is gorgeous, I will have to send home pictures. A lot of the Filipino investigators there asked to have a picture taken with me, I am still so uncomfortable with all of this attention, but it makes them so happy. Still amused by that.
Well this week we have a lot of lessons and some high goals, I really want to work hard, honestly I do but sometimes I just get to caught up in not knowing the language and not understanding my companion and sick on the jeeps and well like I said earlier life is still hard, but this week we are going to take 1 day at a time and work work work. Also we are going to try it with a smile, I get so many comments about not being happy just because I am so tired all the time, sometimes it is all I can do in lessons to stay awake, but I know that if I really work at it, I will be able to stay awake enough to show them how happy the gospel really has and does make me.
I know this Church is true, if I didn't there is no way any of us would be down here, but it is TRUE and Christ lives. I love how many opportunities I have to testify about the Savior, even if that is all I can do in a lesson or a tract I love it. Christ did everything because He loves us, and so if we truly find that love or as close to that love in this life then we too will be motivated to help others, to lift them with they fall to help them smile and feel appreciated. I am working on it, charity is a life long quest and I do believe I have just really begun mine.
I love you all, have a wonderful week. Thank you so much again for all of your prayers, I really am so thankful.
Take care.
Sister Rebecca Jensen
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