Hello Family,
Well, surprise I am being transfered tomorrow. Actually Sister Reyes and I are being pulled out of the area. I have felt a transfer coming for the past few days and have been denying it. Good thing I got up this morning and washed my sheets, I couldn't sleep. I have been having some pretty weird dreams lately, maybe this is a start of their fruition. We shall see. What else.
We saw another miracle this week, Wenard the boy that was sick last week and we were told that we could not continue his baptism, well we asked his cousins and sister to pray for him and he was given a blessing and he made a fast recovery. It was so humbling to watch his cousins kneel at the end of our lessons and pray for him to be able to be baptized with them. Happily we were able to watch all 5 of them baptized and confirmed and bear their testimony. Wenard's testimony came with so much power it surprised both Sister Reyes and I. Astig. [Astig means "Cool." - Emily]
I am going to really miss this area, it is where I have really begun to feel at home, I know the area and where I am going. I, like you Dad, do not like to be lost or have no idea where I am going.
I have not heard from St Luke's [Hospital] yet, and we have not had time to go back anyway. There really is no time on a mission to be sick. My advice just don't get sick, don't drink the water, juice is your enemy, ayaw ko siya [I don't like it]! Yes we are still working!
Christmas is just around the corner and a new area, grabe ["worried"], it is going to be stressful and challenging but the Lord must have some plan for me.
We had Zone Conference this past week. It was amazing we talked about using the Book of Mormon and the Spirit's role in conversion. Powerful. Zone Conference really energizes us to work harder to go out in the field and use what we have just practiced, to gain those skills that others have and use them in our work. It really is effective to learn then practice then review then practice again. It is also a lot more fun now that I understand more of the language and have investigators that have real concerns that I want to help resolve.
I think I am being transfered close to the Hospital in Quezon City Zone. At least that is what the weekly report said. We will see if they updated it too early, and if that is actually where I am going tomorrow morning. Good thing I have already done most of my laundry.
Well I think that is about it for the week. The church is true, so true, never doubt that. When times get hard that just means that there is something that we need to learn. Scary though. That is where Faith comes in. Amazing how this gospel really makes perfect sense, doubt not, fear not. Have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, follow it until the end. It is amazing to see others grasp this plan and see it in their eyes. That right there is the joy of serving a mission.
I love you all. Please stay safe and warm with all of the snow.
Love,
Sister Jensen
Friday, December 10, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
I Love You
Dear Family,
What a week it has been. We has mission tour on Tuesday, and it was really awesome and cold with the air conditioning. I turned all white and got purple lips. Fun. Anyway we learned a lot about working better together with out companions and our most important companion, the Spirit. After the meeting he chose a few from the whole group and did interviews, he chose to interview me. That was exciting. He asked about our family, my health, then asked me if I had any questions. I asked about RC [recent convert] retention and LA [less active] reactivation, our really big problem here. He gave some good insights that made me really open my eyes to this ward and the cracks that are there that hopefully we can help heal.
Piano is going well, right now I am just being the confidence booster and question answerer, 2 of the YW played yesterday in Sacrament meeting. I was really proud of them.
We have 4 baptisms this coming Saturday, we were supposed to have one more but he caught Denge and can't get wet until next Monday now. So his will be on the 18th. It is an exciting time to see them prepared for this next step in their lives. The Spirit is always so strong during discussions and they are so happy at church.
I am glad to hear that everyone had a good time at Thanksgiving. A blizzard, wow. Snow. Dad you can say you would trade for this weather but I am not sure you would want the humidity, dry heat is so different. Yes, next year I am going to bake my heart away, I haven't actually seen an oven in a house since a member in Morong, and I never actually saw it being used. I miss food. Sometimes I dream about food, those nights are fun, actually not really because I wake up craving food I can't eat. I am glad that you had a good time though.
As for the Christmas tree, I thought about you decorating, some of my favorite memories are those first days decorating for Christmas, the fresh snow, Thanksgiving leftovers, the smell of pine, sigh. The Church is True, which is why I am here. Please enjoy the snow, even if it takes you 3 hours to drive home, stay safe, but then pause to look at the white pure flakes and the peace and quiet of the storm. That is what I miss. Standing in the complete silence and purity of the fresh now, and knowing that inside it is warm and happy with family.
Well if you can't tell the holiday's are a little hard. I am really missing home. Really REally REally. The Church is true. I can do this. I think that the Lord knew that I could only handle one of these seasons on my mission.
Well until next week. Stay Safe.
Megan enjoy your Bridal Shower, I wish I could be there to give you a hug and help. Know I am excited for you and can't wait to hear more. I was endowed on December 26, so almost paraho kami. masaya ako na!
Love you all.
ingat lagi,
Sister Jensen
What a week it has been. We has mission tour on Tuesday, and it was really awesome and cold with the air conditioning. I turned all white and got purple lips. Fun. Anyway we learned a lot about working better together with out companions and our most important companion, the Spirit. After the meeting he chose a few from the whole group and did interviews, he chose to interview me. That was exciting. He asked about our family, my health, then asked me if I had any questions. I asked about RC [recent convert] retention and LA [less active] reactivation, our really big problem here. He gave some good insights that made me really open my eyes to this ward and the cracks that are there that hopefully we can help heal.
Piano is going well, right now I am just being the confidence booster and question answerer, 2 of the YW played yesterday in Sacrament meeting. I was really proud of them.
We have 4 baptisms this coming Saturday, we were supposed to have one more but he caught Denge and can't get wet until next Monday now. So his will be on the 18th. It is an exciting time to see them prepared for this next step in their lives. The Spirit is always so strong during discussions and they are so happy at church.
I am glad to hear that everyone had a good time at Thanksgiving. A blizzard, wow. Snow. Dad you can say you would trade for this weather but I am not sure you would want the humidity, dry heat is so different. Yes, next year I am going to bake my heart away, I haven't actually seen an oven in a house since a member in Morong, and I never actually saw it being used. I miss food. Sometimes I dream about food, those nights are fun, actually not really because I wake up craving food I can't eat. I am glad that you had a good time though.
As for the Christmas tree, I thought about you decorating, some of my favorite memories are those first days decorating for Christmas, the fresh snow, Thanksgiving leftovers, the smell of pine, sigh. The Church is True, which is why I am here. Please enjoy the snow, even if it takes you 3 hours to drive home, stay safe, but then pause to look at the white pure flakes and the peace and quiet of the storm. That is what I miss. Standing in the complete silence and purity of the fresh now, and knowing that inside it is warm and happy with family.
Well if you can't tell the holiday's are a little hard. I am really missing home. Really REally REally. The Church is true. I can do this. I think that the Lord knew that I could only handle one of these seasons on my mission.
Well until next week. Stay Safe.
Megan enjoy your Bridal Shower, I wish I could be there to give you a hug and help. Know I am excited for you and can't wait to hear more. I was endowed on December 26, so almost paraho kami. masaya ako na!
Love you all.
ingat lagi,
Sister Jensen
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Holidays
Happy Thanksgiving!!
What a week, we have met 3 new sisters and they are so hungry for the gospel, they about cried when we gave them the Book of Mormon, they came to church on their own yesterday and they gladly accepted baptismal dates. Amazing how the Lord is really preparing people for us to teach. Then others close their hearts. I got my first "Please don't come back anymore" note, that kind of hurt since we have spent so much time with them and teaching them.
Another miracle this week, we have been teaching the children of part member families in Tumana, and there are 4 families, we gave them December 4 baptismal dates almost a month ago and their children gladly accepted. But one of the mothers was very opposed. I have been praying that her heart would be softened and that before their interviews she would consent. Well our prayers were answered this week, she listened to us teaching the 10 commandments, with all the hand signals and interaction and spirit we could bring, and after wards she told us that she would tell us her answer on Friday. We came on Friday a little nervous, but after our lesson, she told us that she was in favor of her daughters being baptized and that she would like to come to watch the baptism. She is next, I know it!
Snow. Jealous. We have a lot of pollution so it looks white like it is going to snow, but then it can't because it is still really really hot. We have had a lot of rain lately and it is slightly cooler, people are wearing jackets, and I am still sweating. What an adventure.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, there is so much that I am thankful for this year, mostly you as my family. I miss you all so much. I hope that this holiday season is wonderful for you, even though I have been gone 7 months now I am still grateful for the letters, prayers and support.
I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well.
We have mission tour this week so we deep cleaned our apartment. I found out that like in Harry Potter if you follow the little spiders and little ants you find GIANT spiders. Ick. It honestly doesn't look any cleaner after 5 hours of scrubbing, but lo and behold we did indeed follow the counsel of our President and it is as clean as we could get it. Sigh. The Church is True.
Well I miss you a lot today, especially since the holidays really start this week, at least I only have to do this once. YAY.
Pick a good looking Christmas tree for me. If it has mice, ayos lang [all right], they are actually kind of cute compared to cockroaches, especially the tiny mice that we always see in houses. Yup I am super weird. I think I will end here this week.
Ingat.
with love,
Sister Jensen
What a week, we have met 3 new sisters and they are so hungry for the gospel, they about cried when we gave them the Book of Mormon, they came to church on their own yesterday and they gladly accepted baptismal dates. Amazing how the Lord is really preparing people for us to teach. Then others close their hearts. I got my first "Please don't come back anymore" note, that kind of hurt since we have spent so much time with them and teaching them.
Another miracle this week, we have been teaching the children of part member families in Tumana, and there are 4 families, we gave them December 4 baptismal dates almost a month ago and their children gladly accepted. But one of the mothers was very opposed. I have been praying that her heart would be softened and that before their interviews she would consent. Well our prayers were answered this week, she listened to us teaching the 10 commandments, with all the hand signals and interaction and spirit we could bring, and after wards she told us that she would tell us her answer on Friday. We came on Friday a little nervous, but after our lesson, she told us that she was in favor of her daughters being baptized and that she would like to come to watch the baptism. She is next, I know it!
Snow. Jealous. We have a lot of pollution so it looks white like it is going to snow, but then it can't because it is still really really hot. We have had a lot of rain lately and it is slightly cooler, people are wearing jackets, and I am still sweating. What an adventure.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, there is so much that I am thankful for this year, mostly you as my family. I miss you all so much. I hope that this holiday season is wonderful for you, even though I have been gone 7 months now I am still grateful for the letters, prayers and support.
I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well.
We have mission tour this week so we deep cleaned our apartment. I found out that like in Harry Potter if you follow the little spiders and little ants you find GIANT spiders. Ick. It honestly doesn't look any cleaner after 5 hours of scrubbing, but lo and behold we did indeed follow the counsel of our President and it is as clean as we could get it. Sigh. The Church is True.
Well I miss you a lot today, especially since the holidays really start this week, at least I only have to do this once. YAY.
Pick a good looking Christmas tree for me. If it has mice, ayos lang [all right], they are actually kind of cute compared to cockroaches, especially the tiny mice that we always see in houses. Yup I am super weird. I think I will end here this week.
Ingat.
with love,
Sister Jensen
Friday, November 19, 2010
Happy November
Happy November lahat,
Salamat para sa lahat [Thanks everyone for the] emails and prayers on my behalf this past week. I really have felt them and appreciate them.
This last week has been wonderful, we have really decided to push our investigators. Well more like drop those eternal investigators that just like chatting with us. Surprisingly enough those we pushed, responded and have started to keep their commitments again, maybe they just needed a little change. Hopefully they will continue to progress.
We had 3 baptisms on Saturday, wonderful. There really is nothing better than the feeling that is there at a baptism. Masarap! What else, a lot of walking, a lot a lot of walking. We have been covering 2 areas in one day so that we can really focus on those that we have extended baptismal dates to. That has been good to see them more often and help them make and keep their commitments. It has also meant a lot of travel and walking, but I feel good about helping those that are really progressing or that have potential.
On Sunday we went to go pick up 6 people for church, after a lot of walking, only 2 came. We got to the church in time for me to sit down and play the opening hymn, it didn't go well. I was thinking about too many things and I couldn't read the notes anymore. Scary. Luckily I recovered enough to play the top hand only. I was embarrassed, but after the block a few members thanked me for playing. I guess top hand only is better than no piano at all. I bought the skills and teaching book for piano today at the distribution center. Hopefully that will help with lessons.
The Temple was beautiful this morning. We got up at 3:30 so the other sisters would have time to get ready. As it turns out they changed their minds and were going to the 7am session not 6am so we were ready really early. Oh well. I feel at peace right now, just happy to have made it through half of November, before I know it I get to talk to you!! Excited ako na! [It's my turn to do it!] We also went to CTR corner, a kind of missionary gift shop, Sis Reyes accidentally hit a wood carved tiger and it broke, she was out of money, so I bought it. Pangit siya pero mas mabuti na tulungan kasama ko kasya nakikita siya maging malunkot. [I'm not sure, but I think this means something along the lines of "He's ugly, but he will look better when I fix him.") So I now have my first real souvenir from the field. Fun.
We have a mission tour next week, we don't have district meeting we were told to deep clean our apartments. I am excited for that, deep cleaning...I wonder what our apartment will look like?
What else. The Church is True, the Book of Mormon really does have all the answers. The Temple is amazing, no matter where we are in the world the inside of the temple always feels like home. Sigh.
Dad I hope you took a picture of your big fish because it sounds amazing. Clark Congrats on the grades, that is awesome!!
Please enjoy the cold for me, I am really missing it. :)
Until next week.
I love you all.
Sister Jensen
Salamat para sa lahat [Thanks everyone for the] emails and prayers on my behalf this past week. I really have felt them and appreciate them.
This last week has been wonderful, we have really decided to push our investigators. Well more like drop those eternal investigators that just like chatting with us. Surprisingly enough those we pushed, responded and have started to keep their commitments again, maybe they just needed a little change. Hopefully they will continue to progress.
We had 3 baptisms on Saturday, wonderful. There really is nothing better than the feeling that is there at a baptism. Masarap! What else, a lot of walking, a lot a lot of walking. We have been covering 2 areas in one day so that we can really focus on those that we have extended baptismal dates to. That has been good to see them more often and help them make and keep their commitments. It has also meant a lot of travel and walking, but I feel good about helping those that are really progressing or that have potential.
On Sunday we went to go pick up 6 people for church, after a lot of walking, only 2 came. We got to the church in time for me to sit down and play the opening hymn, it didn't go well. I was thinking about too many things and I couldn't read the notes anymore. Scary. Luckily I recovered enough to play the top hand only. I was embarrassed, but after the block a few members thanked me for playing. I guess top hand only is better than no piano at all. I bought the skills and teaching book for piano today at the distribution center. Hopefully that will help with lessons.
The Temple was beautiful this morning. We got up at 3:30 so the other sisters would have time to get ready. As it turns out they changed their minds and were going to the 7am session not 6am so we were ready really early. Oh well. I feel at peace right now, just happy to have made it through half of November, before I know it I get to talk to you!! Excited ako na! [It's my turn to do it!] We also went to CTR corner, a kind of missionary gift shop, Sis Reyes accidentally hit a wood carved tiger and it broke, she was out of money, so I bought it. Pangit siya pero mas mabuti na tulungan kasama ko kasya nakikita siya maging malunkot. [I'm not sure, but I think this means something along the lines of "He's ugly, but he will look better when I fix him.") So I now have my first real souvenir from the field. Fun.
We have a mission tour next week, we don't have district meeting we were told to deep clean our apartments. I am excited for that, deep cleaning...I wonder what our apartment will look like?
What else. The Church is True, the Book of Mormon really does have all the answers. The Temple is amazing, no matter where we are in the world the inside of the temple always feels like home. Sigh.
Dad I hope you took a picture of your big fish because it sounds amazing. Clark Congrats on the grades, that is awesome!!
Please enjoy the cold for me, I am really missing it. :)
Until next week.
I love you all.
Sister Jensen
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I made it to November!
Dear Family,
Well this week must not have been very interesting because I didn't get much info.
Happy Halloween, it is still October 31 here. Me, I am loving November. It is All Souls or Saints Day so most of the streets are closed down and people are buying flowers and visiting cemeteries. Go figure, I have been living right next to a cemetery this past transfer and I just figured that out. Crazy.
My new companion is strict but good, she is a native and her native language is pure Tagalog. She was Sister Sargent's (MTC batch) companion. Leading the area has really stressed me out, these past few weeks I have been trying to lead the way but Sis Santos was always there to help, now it is just me. So yesterday we walked from one end of our area to the other without realizing it, well our aching feet told me maybe we were going really far, I was just trying to find a member so we could ask the address of her referral. I didn't realize that she lived so far away. Yes we did find her finally. Good grief, sometimes I feel like Sister Reyes is a little frustrated that I don't know how to do more. I am trying to learn from this and stay calm and grow from the experience and not freak out at the new challenges this Transfer has brought.
What else. I am now the only pianist in the Marikina 3rd ward. Yesterday was my first time in my life to accompany sacrament meeting. To tell you the truth I felt like I was going to go take AP Calculus test again. It was the 5th Sunday so rest hymn as well. I guess I passed their approval because the Bishop and some of the ward asked if I would continue teaching the piano lessons that the old pianist started. Gulp. Me teach piano, I can only play simplified hymns. Sigh. The Lord must really want me to grow a lot because, wow, I am completely outside of my comfort zone. But I am happy that I have the opportunity to play such a role in the ward now and really earn their trust. That is good, also the language has been getting easier. I find that sometimes I find myself just chattering away when I am nervous. that is usually when the members or investigators ask if it is hard for me to learn or speak Tagalog, then I think about it and it turns hard again. Weird.
This Church is true. Even if everything else is Different or strange or uncomfortable the Gospel of Jesus Christ is still warm and safe and peaceful and wonderful. What a blessing to be able to be here sharing it. No matter the challenges I am glad to be here serving.
Enjoy the cold for me. Because I really miss it.
I love you all.
Take care.
Sister Jensen
Well this week must not have been very interesting because I didn't get much info.
Happy Halloween, it is still October 31 here. Me, I am loving November. It is All Souls or Saints Day so most of the streets are closed down and people are buying flowers and visiting cemeteries. Go figure, I have been living right next to a cemetery this past transfer and I just figured that out. Crazy.
My new companion is strict but good, she is a native and her native language is pure Tagalog. She was Sister Sargent's (MTC batch) companion. Leading the area has really stressed me out, these past few weeks I have been trying to lead the way but Sis Santos was always there to help, now it is just me. So yesterday we walked from one end of our area to the other without realizing it, well our aching feet told me maybe we were going really far, I was just trying to find a member so we could ask the address of her referral. I didn't realize that she lived so far away. Yes we did find her finally. Good grief, sometimes I feel like Sister Reyes is a little frustrated that I don't know how to do more. I am trying to learn from this and stay calm and grow from the experience and not freak out at the new challenges this Transfer has brought.
What else. I am now the only pianist in the Marikina 3rd ward. Yesterday was my first time in my life to accompany sacrament meeting. To tell you the truth I felt like I was going to go take AP Calculus test again. It was the 5th Sunday so rest hymn as well. I guess I passed their approval because the Bishop and some of the ward asked if I would continue teaching the piano lessons that the old pianist started. Gulp. Me teach piano, I can only play simplified hymns. Sigh. The Lord must really want me to grow a lot because, wow, I am completely outside of my comfort zone. But I am happy that I have the opportunity to play such a role in the ward now and really earn their trust. That is good, also the language has been getting easier. I find that sometimes I find myself just chattering away when I am nervous. that is usually when the members or investigators ask if it is hard for me to learn or speak Tagalog, then I think about it and it turns hard again. Weird.
This Church is true. Even if everything else is Different or strange or uncomfortable the Gospel of Jesus Christ is still warm and safe and peaceful and wonderful. What a blessing to be able to be here sharing it. No matter the challenges I am glad to be here serving.
Enjoy the cold for me. Because I really miss it.
I love you all.
Take care.
Sister Jensen
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
One Down
Dear Family,
What a week it has been. All of the sisters in my apartment are transferring and I am staying. Needless to say I sat and cried last night when I thought about all of that responsibility and not only that but they completely are whitewashing the Marikina 2nd ward, so all new housemates. I am nervous but then again we would never grow if we never reached out of our comfort zone. There is slow progression when you are comfortable, when we are put in these situations it's like getting a cavity filled...miserable but oh so necessary. Sigh. which means that tomorrow bright and early we will be going to the transfer meeting and finding out who my new companion is, then hopefully manage to lead the area. Gulp.
What else. So a sister in the ward gave me the biggest chocolate bar (dark chocolate 74% cocoa) last week with hazelnuts, from Sweden. Yum. Except for the stomach pain it caused. Chocolate is again on the bawal [forbidden, illegal, or prohibited] list. I am still living on skyflakes [crackers like unto saltines] and oatmeal, sigh. Thinking about living on it for the next year makes me not too happy, but again when I feel brave and try and eat even the simplest Filipino food I am left suffering. Joy of joys.
Our investigators are doing great, we extended 5 baptismal invitations and all accepted this week! Actually bonus they are children of less active members, we got a referral for one of them then they said oh my neighbor is a member too and their kids are always over, go teach them too, we house hopped like that for hours. Now they are thriving and their kids are learning the gospel. While listening to their stories and watching their children, I realized that they didn't know that it was their responsibility to teach their children the gospel, when they started having children they fell away. We teach them that families are central to the plan and this church but I know that they still don't understand that because families are central the whole family is invited to church. That is something I am going to try and help them understand this next transfer.
What else. Oh we had MTC exchanges, my first 2 daughters in the mission. I didn't die either, I was scared out of my mind yes but luckily the Spirit and a legion of Angels were there helping me and we taught lessons, tracted, OYM'd and they listened with excitement at my stories. Odd, I never thought I would have stories to tell about the mission but yes I do now.
We had a Family History Fireside last week as well. Amazing. I am so glad that we have such amazing members of our family who have really caught the spirit and done a lot of work. These families here don't have many records, many storms destroy all records, many parents move far away from their birth homes and don't tell stories about their grandparents so a lot of knowledge is lost.
What else, I am just trying to do as Pres. Uchtdorf said last last conference, Patience is not just enduring, it is enduring well. I am trying. Wow. Hard.
As for the weather we have had a lot of rain and wind, I lost my really good umbrella and the wind destroyed my cheap one in a matter of days, so I need to buy a new good one today. Other than a lot of rain, and cooler weather for a bit, not much is new. Everything is still green and feels like July. Dad I am going to hold you to Yellowstone when I get home, I can't wait for the culture shock. Just one year left!!! Thank Heavens. I love the mission, I love the people, but wow I am going to be grateful if this next year goes as quickly as the last transfer did.
I love you all!
Sister Jensen
What a week it has been. All of the sisters in my apartment are transferring and I am staying. Needless to say I sat and cried last night when I thought about all of that responsibility and not only that but they completely are whitewashing the Marikina 2nd ward, so all new housemates. I am nervous but then again we would never grow if we never reached out of our comfort zone. There is slow progression when you are comfortable, when we are put in these situations it's like getting a cavity filled...miserable but oh so necessary. Sigh. which means that tomorrow bright and early we will be going to the transfer meeting and finding out who my new companion is, then hopefully manage to lead the area. Gulp.
What else. So a sister in the ward gave me the biggest chocolate bar (dark chocolate 74% cocoa) last week with hazelnuts, from Sweden. Yum. Except for the stomach pain it caused. Chocolate is again on the bawal [forbidden, illegal, or prohibited] list. I am still living on skyflakes [crackers like unto saltines] and oatmeal, sigh. Thinking about living on it for the next year makes me not too happy, but again when I feel brave and try and eat even the simplest Filipino food I am left suffering. Joy of joys.
Our investigators are doing great, we extended 5 baptismal invitations and all accepted this week! Actually bonus they are children of less active members, we got a referral for one of them then they said oh my neighbor is a member too and their kids are always over, go teach them too, we house hopped like that for hours. Now they are thriving and their kids are learning the gospel. While listening to their stories and watching their children, I realized that they didn't know that it was their responsibility to teach their children the gospel, when they started having children they fell away. We teach them that families are central to the plan and this church but I know that they still don't understand that because families are central the whole family is invited to church. That is something I am going to try and help them understand this next transfer.
What else. Oh we had MTC exchanges, my first 2 daughters in the mission. I didn't die either, I was scared out of my mind yes but luckily the Spirit and a legion of Angels were there helping me and we taught lessons, tracted, OYM'd and they listened with excitement at my stories. Odd, I never thought I would have stories to tell about the mission but yes I do now.
We had a Family History Fireside last week as well. Amazing. I am so glad that we have such amazing members of our family who have really caught the spirit and done a lot of work. These families here don't have many records, many storms destroy all records, many parents move far away from their birth homes and don't tell stories about their grandparents so a lot of knowledge is lost.
What else, I am just trying to do as Pres. Uchtdorf said last last conference, Patience is not just enduring, it is enduring well. I am trying. Wow. Hard.
As for the weather we have had a lot of rain and wind, I lost my really good umbrella and the wind destroyed my cheap one in a matter of days, so I need to buy a new good one today. Other than a lot of rain, and cooler weather for a bit, not much is new. Everything is still green and feels like July. Dad I am going to hold you to Yellowstone when I get home, I can't wait for the culture shock. Just one year left!!! Thank Heavens. I love the mission, I love the people, but wow I am going to be grateful if this next year goes as quickly as the last transfer did.
I love you all!
Sister Jensen
Monday, October 18, 2010
Family
Dear Family,
How are you all? I am doing better, I have found that if I simply don't give in and eat with the natives my digestive system and I are a lot happier. I have gained a new ward full of mothers who are all concerned for my digestive system and all of them telling my what foods I should eat. So far I am doing okay. Thank you for the prayers. Also for all who wonder I have now finished my 5 lb. of Peanut Butter on the Mission. Yup.
Dad, yes I ate Balut once and I am pretty sure I am done for life. It helps that I was in a weird mood when I ate it, thinking back makes me a little queezy.
We had a miracle last week. Last Saturday we were told by 4 investigators that their parents would absolutely not sign the BR since they were having a viewing at their house. Well actually they keep the dead in their house for over a week before the actual burial, then they have a party nightly with gambling, and smoking and drinking. So we didn't want to go near the house, especially since that area is pretty hard for me with out added alcohol. But Thursday after a week of Sis Santos and I praying and pleading for help and safety we went to the area at night when the parents got off work. They gave us a bench in front of the house looking in at the patay ["Patay" is Tagalog for "the dead". - Emily] and to our left was the tent of sin (gambling, drinking, smoking ect...) to our right there were people making dinner over a fire, so smoke as well, and us in the center. We asked to speak with the parents. They came out, and we started. It was not going well, the mother was not willing to listen, the father seemed pretty willing to let his daughters be baptized but the mom had the final say. Sister Santos looked and me and we both took a pause, prayed silently and continued. We bore a simple testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel. As Sis Santos testified I prayed for her and the parents to open their hearts, for the Spirit to please come. It did come, and powerfully. All distractions were muted and it was just us, the parents, and their 3 daughters who wanted to be baptized. The Spirit touched their hearts and they asked their children do you want to be baptized, their children said yes. The parents paused, then to our surprise testified that they knew that this gospel was helping their children and they would be happy to sign their BR's. Sister Santos and I just about flew home and praying thank you the entire way. What a miracle to watch them be baptized this past Saturday and be confirmed new members on Sunday and hear them thank us for not giving up on them and for helping them. That was a tender mercy. Attached is their picture.
This Gospel is true. Yes the work is hard and harder with the health woes but the work goes on. The Spirit is such a powerful tool in this work, I cannot imagine having to work without it.
Transfers are next week, this past transfer has gone a lot faster, at this rate I might actually make it to Christmas without realizing it. I get my first 2 "children" this week. We go on MTC transfers for a day, I am a little nervous to go out on my own with new missionaries but all the other missionaries say that I should have little trouble, so I am just going to rely on the Spirit and have fun.
Yellowstone in the fall!! Jealous ako! Oh well. The Lord has shown me this week that He is aware of me and there have been a lot of tender mercies this week.
Also yes Mom, there is a storm here, they have told us to get a 72 hours supply of food and water ready. There has been a lot of rain and we have gotten really wet and had to walk through ankle deep water. So far nothing terrible though. Up north I guess they are evacuating. Scary day. But I know that we will be protected what ever happens.
Thank you for all of your prayers.
I love you all,
Sister Jensen
Thank you for the wedding invitation Bryson and Destiny and good luck to the Bachman's and Love side of the family involved in that.
How are you all? I am doing better, I have found that if I simply don't give in and eat with the natives my digestive system and I are a lot happier. I have gained a new ward full of mothers who are all concerned for my digestive system and all of them telling my what foods I should eat. So far I am doing okay. Thank you for the prayers. Also for all who wonder I have now finished my 5 lb. of Peanut Butter on the Mission. Yup.
Dad, yes I ate Balut once and I am pretty sure I am done for life. It helps that I was in a weird mood when I ate it, thinking back makes me a little queezy.
We had a miracle last week. Last Saturday we were told by 4 investigators that their parents would absolutely not sign the BR since they were having a viewing at their house. Well actually they keep the dead in their house for over a week before the actual burial, then they have a party nightly with gambling, and smoking and drinking. So we didn't want to go near the house, especially since that area is pretty hard for me with out added alcohol. But Thursday after a week of Sis Santos and I praying and pleading for help and safety we went to the area at night when the parents got off work. They gave us a bench in front of the house looking in at the patay ["Patay" is Tagalog for "the dead". - Emily] and to our left was the tent of sin (gambling, drinking, smoking ect...) to our right there were people making dinner over a fire, so smoke as well, and us in the center. We asked to speak with the parents. They came out, and we started. It was not going well, the mother was not willing to listen, the father seemed pretty willing to let his daughters be baptized but the mom had the final say. Sister Santos looked and me and we both took a pause, prayed silently and continued. We bore a simple testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel. As Sis Santos testified I prayed for her and the parents to open their hearts, for the Spirit to please come. It did come, and powerfully. All distractions were muted and it was just us, the parents, and their 3 daughters who wanted to be baptized. The Spirit touched their hearts and they asked their children do you want to be baptized, their children said yes. The parents paused, then to our surprise testified that they knew that this gospel was helping their children and they would be happy to sign their BR's. Sister Santos and I just about flew home and praying thank you the entire way. What a miracle to watch them be baptized this past Saturday and be confirmed new members on Sunday and hear them thank us for not giving up on them and for helping them. That was a tender mercy. Attached is their picture.
This Gospel is true. Yes the work is hard and harder with the health woes but the work goes on. The Spirit is such a powerful tool in this work, I cannot imagine having to work without it.
Transfers are next week, this past transfer has gone a lot faster, at this rate I might actually make it to Christmas without realizing it. I get my first 2 "children" this week. We go on MTC transfers for a day, I am a little nervous to go out on my own with new missionaries but all the other missionaries say that I should have little trouble, so I am just going to rely on the Spirit and have fun.
Yellowstone in the fall!! Jealous ako! Oh well. The Lord has shown me this week that He is aware of me and there have been a lot of tender mercies this week.
Also yes Mom, there is a storm here, they have told us to get a 72 hours supply of food and water ready. There has been a lot of rain and we have gotten really wet and had to walk through ankle deep water. So far nothing terrible though. Up north I guess they are evacuating. Scary day. But I know that we will be protected what ever happens.
Thank you for all of your prayers.
I love you all,
Sister Jensen
Thank you for the wedding invitation Bryson and Destiny and good luck to the Bachman's and Love side of the family involved in that.
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