Week 52 - Back on Track to Becoming a Mormon

Yo yo yo!
Lemme give you the run down.Monday, Tuesday, and half of Wednesday I was in a tripan with some other sisters.  It was pretty fun! Tracting in a tripan is always kinda weird.  I still feel like it looks like we are caroling on peoples porches...We did yard work on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.  Its been super duper hot.  I heard tomorrow is suppose to be 108! Thank goodness for Air Conditioning Sister Tenney got here on Wednesday and she is so fun! We've been reminiscing on our days in the MTC together haha.  Such good times.  Seriously, I have been SO lucky in the companion department.  All of my companions have been BOMB! I love all of the new friends I'm making.
Kimberly texted us last week and asked if we could come meet with her! She bought us pizza and we talked for a little while about the Book of Mormon and how we come to know that it was true.  We haven't seen her in a while due to some doubts she had about being "good enough".  But she said she wants to get "back on track to becoming a Mormon".  She is so cool!!! And a couple hours ago, she texted us to see if we could see her tonight so she could choose a day to get baptized! Like, What?? That doesn't happen to us very often haha! I am so excited for her!!! She is so freaking awesome.  
That has probably been the most exciting part of the week other than trying to figure out where all of the one way streets are.  I hate driving in Wenatchee.  One-ways are so dumb... but its okay.  I'm figuring it out haha! Oh also our friend Natalie invited us over to pick blackberries from her backyard and we have SO many!! We've been sharing with other missionaries. I'll send a pic! 
I was reading in 3 Nephi the other day and chapter 2:1 stuck out to me.  Nephi had prophesied to the people about the coming of Christ and the signs of his birth.  After the people saw the signs that he had said would come, a lot of them were converted and had super strong faith.  But after a while, a lot of them fell away. Verse 1 says, "and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all wich they had heard and seen".It made me think about the spiritual experiences I've had in my life and how important it is to remember those experiences.  Sometimes we may go through a time where we don't receive immediate answers or maybe feel like God isn't as near.  But thats when its important to rely upon the experiences that we HAVE had.  And remember the times that the Holy Ghost has spoken to us.  Don't become less astonished with the wonders from heaven.  Always REMEMBER :)
Thats about it.  I have some pictures that I forgot to send last week that I'm gonna send today.  LOVE YA!

-Sister Jensen

More pics from the hike last week and a pic from Sister Baggetts "funeral". Lol.  I don't have pics with Sis. Tenney yet but there will be some next week! Heres a vid of us picking her up though haha.  Oh and a squad pic after morning workouts.  

Week 51 - Coming Soon: Sister Tenney

Heyyyy! 
I found out who my new companion is going to be!.... Sister Tenney! Sister Tenney and I were in the MTC together and shared a room so I already know her pretty well.  I think her and I will get along really great! Shes super super kind.  Shes from Arizona, but I don't remember where.  She'll be coming here from Goldendale on Wednesday.  Sister Baggett leaves today to go to the mission home, so I'll be in a tri-pan with the other sisters in the zone until Wednesday.  
This week was super full of service.   And it was blazing hot outside which made it memorable.  We probably helped about 3 different people move.  One thing I know for sure, if I ever move in the future, I'm calling missionaries.  Free professional moving service, ya know? Well not professional.. but pretty close.  ;) 
Lol one lady we helped wasn't a member and afterwards she wanted to take us out to lunch.  She was hilarious! I think she liked us too because after lunch she said, "if you ever need someone to visit, my door is always open!" but then she added..."You'll never make me a mormon. But I like to visit with ya." I kinda laughed and said, "yeah we get that a lot".  But you never know what can happen! You better believe we're gonna go visit her again.  
I learned some quality life skills this week while doing service.  We helped a lady change the oil in her car.  Well, I guess we didn't really help but we watched an Elder do it and he taught us how.  The same lady also has honey bees and showed us how it works and all that cool jazz.  I think I want to get some Honey Bees when I get home!
The YSA activity on Saturday was CRAZY!! We played twister but there was colored shaving cream on the twister mat.  It ended up being a shaving cream fight and I think I can still feel shaving cream in my hair, even after washing it... I was hoping it would be a good moisturizing treatment, but guess not.  There was a girl there named Monse that the spanish sisters are teaching and they'll be passing her off to us soon so we get to start teaching her! she was super sweet.  Her parents were baptized not too long ago, but she decided not to be because she wasn't sure how she felt about it. But she has decided to figure it out for herself and take the lessons.  
Remember Kimberly? Shes another girl in YSA that we were teaching but we haven't been able to see her in a really long time.  She showed up at church yesterday! Miracles!
Saying goodbye to sister Bagget was so sad!! We've become best friends.  I'm excited for her though.  
Thats about all for this week.  I've gotta go clean my apartment for Sister Tenney! Love you all!! Have a good week :)

Love, Sister Jensen 

Pics from our hike last p-day and Leavenworth.  Saying goodbye to Sister Baggett and E. Palacios.  And a pic from the shaving cream fight. 

  

Week 50 - Goathead Warriors

Dear Fam bam, 

We did some pretty fun service this week! On Tuesday we helped a family move. So we were packing boxes and furniture onto a truck and then unloading them at a storage shed. They bought us pizza after which was pretty bomb diggity. Then on Wednesday half of our zone helped with a community project called "Goathead Warriors". There's this man named Doug and he is VERY passionate about making Wenatchee a Goathead free city. He even started crying as he was telling us about why he does this. He hates that people can't ride their bikes down the sidewalks without getting a flat tire. His goal is to have zero goathead plants in Wenatchee in the next 5 years. Sooo what we did was we all took a few streets in South Wenatchee and took some shovels and garbage bags and we walked around looking for goathead plants. Lol it was probably the most unique service I have done on my mission. But the people that saw us doing it came up and talked to us and told us how grateful they were! Speaking of unique service, did I ever tell y'all about the time this lady we didn't know randomly called us and asked us to come do her laundry? Haha it was so funny. We went and did her laundry for her though! There are always ways to serve people :) 

There is a couple in our area that are not members, but they have a son out on a mission right now.  They invited us over for dinner and we got to know them super well.  They are so awesome!! Sweetest people EVER.  They came to church on Sunday too! We're praying that they'll let us come back to teach them haha.

There was a ward party on Saturday.  It was a Pioneer Picnic.  We had invited these two older ladies named Kay and Velma and they ended up coming!  We've met with them twice but both times its mostly just sharing our testimonies with each other.  They are very religious women and to be honest I think they're trying to convert us to their faith... so we just keep sharing Book of Mormon verses with them.  Its really cool because we'll share a Book of Mormon verse with them and then Kay will say, "oh that reminds me of a verse in the bible!" I don't think she even realizes it, but shes putting it together that the Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand in hand.  

Oh yeah I learned how to make buck-eye balls this week! An investigator taught me how.  Its basically just a ball of sugar and peanut butter dipped in chocolate... so its incredible.

Transfer calls are this Saturday! So i'll let yall know whats going down next week.  I gotta go, we're going to go hiking down in Leavenworth! Bye for now!

Love, Sister Jensen

Unloading the truck, eating some ice-cream, and the Goathead Warrior Crew

Week 49 - Catfished

I can't believe it's already Monday! Weeks go by soo fast.
Our week started with exchanges with the STL's on Tuesday. I got to be with Hermana Falla and stay in my area. We had a lot of fun together! Not a lot of people opened their doors for us sadly.. But we got to go do some service for sister Donaghy in the ward. They were moving so we helped clean the house. I cleaned all the carpets! So that was fun haha.
We had zone conference on Thursday. The theme was about our missionary purpose and how we can focus more on it. I'm sure some of you saw the pics on the mission Facebook page. Hahah I look really bored in a lot of them, but I promise she just took the pictures at the wrong time! My buddy next to me though, Elder Spitzer, he was falling asleep like the whole time. I really wish she would've taken a picture of that haha.
My favorite part of the week was meeting with a lady named Terri. She is a less-active that came to church on Sunday. She got baptized when she was 15 but hasn't come to church since. It's been 40 years since then! Her daughter is a member and also got baptized at 15 after meeting missionaries. Terri has had a lot of experiences that have led her to come back to church. Her daughter has been a good influence on her, and God has softened her heart over the years. When we met with her on Friday morning she told us all about why she's coming to church and wanting to learn about this. It was just amazing to see her sincere desire to embrace the gospel! I felt like Heavenly Father was jumping up and down with joy and excitement that one of his children was coming back :)
She doesn't remember all of the doctrine so we're going to go through all of the lessons with her like we would with an investigator. Terri is a prime example of why we never give up on people. It took 40 years for her to come back, but she did!
Also, one of our recent converts was engaged to somebody that she had met online.  Well, Sister Baggett and I were suspicious of it so we looked up the person on Facebook.  We found out that it was fake and she was being scammed.  She had never met the person face-to-face, and hadn't even talked to them on the phone.  We talked to the Bishop about it because we had reasons to think that she was sending money to the person.  Well, they wanted us to go over and tell her and show her the evidence.  She was heartbroken.  The worse part, she had the persons name tattooed on her arm! So now she has to figure out how to cover that up.. I guess moral of the story, don't be stupid online.  This is the second person I've taught that has been scammed on Facebook.  I knew it was a real thing, but didn't know it was so common.  So sad.  Be careful everyone haha! And don't get strangers names tattooed on you lol.
Only two weeks until Sister Baggett goes home.  Its weird because sometimes I'm a little jealous like, dang seeing my family would be great right now.  But other times I'm like, "sucker!!! You don't get to stay and be a missionary any more!!"  I'm sure shes having some weird feelings about it haha. 
Well gotta go! Have a good week! Heres some pics.  We toured the Rocky Reach Dam last week and the Salmon were passing through! That was pretty neat. 
Sister Baggett and I got some matching P-day shirts.  And look how huge this dog is!! Its an Irish Wolf Hound.  I look really happy but it was actually kind of scary haha.

Love, Sister Jensen

Week 48 - 11 MONTHS

I hope everybody had a good 4th of July!! We weren't allowed to do our regular proselyting on the that day.  We were only allowed to go and see people that we already knew and had relationships with.  So Sister Baggett and I made some cookies with a couple other missionaries and delivered them to members and investigators.  Then that night we watched some church movies in our apartment and I cleaned haha.  Fun, eh?

But we did get to do some pretty fun service this week! Wenatchee does a big celebration down at Walla Walla park and so on Tuesday night we went and helped set up some stuff.  And by set up stuff I mean, we got the privilege of putting garbage and recycling cans all over the park.  Then on Thursday morning we were a part of clean up duty and helped take down the fencing and the stage.  It looked like it was a party! too bad we couldn't go.  But we did get to hear the symphony practicing on Tuesday night so that was a bonus!
A member in our ward invited us over for dinner on Friday and she taught us how to cook Beliezan food! Her name is Sister Cassiano but all of the missionaries call her mama Cassiano.  We made rice and beans (with coconut milk so it was super good), and empenadas.  I don't know how to spell that.... anyways! I'm a pro chef now.  Of one meal. 
We had a neat experience the other day in McDonalds drive-thru.  The car in front of us broke down right before the man was able to order.  The cars behind us were a little irritated but sister Baggett and I got out and helped him push the car to a parking spot.  He needed a ride home so we were able to call someone from the ward to come get him.  Haha while he waited for the ride he went inside to get his food and when we told him that someone from our church was there to pick him up he said, "they're not going to try and save me right?"  Lol I don't think he understood that we were missionaries.  But now the Elders are going to go by and meet him! Maybe his heart has been softened and he'll listen to them :')
I got to speak in Church yesterday in the YSA branch! I spoke on the joy that I have felt as I've shared the Gospel.  I still don't really like speaking in church haha but I guess I don't get as nervous anymore! I loved preparing my talk though.  One of the scriptures that I shared was D&C 16:4 & 6.  4- "For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you."...6-"And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you many bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen."
Living the gospel and sharing it with others will be of the most worth to us.  :)  It brings the kind of joy that nothing else can offer. 

Love you all! Oh by the way... today is my 11 month mark!
Love, Sister Jensen


I found Utah! Goodness I miss Utah.  Heres a pic from service of Sister Baggett and a shirtless man hahah.  And some pics of me cooking with mama Cassiano :)

Week 47 - Happy JULY!

Happy July!!!
Its crazy how fast time goes by.  For the 4th of July, all of us missionaries have to be in our apartments by 6.  We can't tract that day either.  Luckily, Sister Baggett and I have a little balcony that has a pretty good view to watch fireworks from.  We're gonna have our own little party! Maybe even have a movie night and watch The Testaments haha.  #TurnUp
We FINALLY got to meet President and Sister Jackman on Saturday! We've all been so anxious for them to get here.  Its been a long time coming.  To introduce themselves to us they had their children, in-laws, and grandchildren put together a video telling us about them.  It was so cute! President Jackman is a short man and he doesn't talk too much.  but he seems very loving.  Sister Jackman is super spunky and loves talking.  They are the sweetest couple! They finished each others sentences like the whole meeting.  Goals, am I right? Melted my heart. 
We had District Meeting on Thursday and afterwards we did service for a Veterans Warehouse that was being closed down.  We were helping them pack all of the books up.  I guess they were just going to throw all of the books away because they weren't allowed to do anything else with them.  They told us if there were any books we wanted, we could just take them.  I'm not much of a reader but I sure like a good Nicholas Sparks book... I got 9 of them! Too bad I can't read them on my mission so I gotta ship em home haha.  But I also found a 1950 Book of Mormon! I was pretty excited about it.  Its all cute and old looking :')
We had a lesson with a couple that has been coming to our church for months now.  Right now, we are trying to figure out if they would be accountable for baptism.  Its an interesting experience.  We taught them about Prophets and Joseph Smith.  This week we'll go back and see if they remember what we talked about.  At church yesterday they came up and started asking us about it so I think thats a good sign! :)
Yesterday in church I kept thinking about the special opportunity we have each week to take the Sacrament.  I am always amazed at how loving our Heavenly Father is.  He allows us to renew our covenants each week, and keep trying to become better.  Its such an incredible privilege and opportunity and I think often times I take it for granted and seem to just go through the motions of it.  But in Sacrament meeting as the bread was being past, the little boy in front of me looked up and when he saw the tray coming he shouted, "Yay!" I had a thought that maybe thats how we should all feel about the Sacrament each week.  so excited that we want to shout yay! But I wouldn't recommend actually shouting that in Sacrament meeting... it's only cute as a 3 year old haha.
Well I hope you all have a great 4th of July! Merica.  Stay safe fam.  LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Sister Jensen

Heres some pics from Service on Thursday and from meeting the President on Saturday.  I got to see Sister Shuldberg!
Thats my cool 1950 Book of Mormon and I just thought that bottle was funny hahah.

Week 46 - The Greatest Plan EVER

Sorry, this is probably going to be short haha. We met a new investigator this week named Dave! We sat down and started talking with him and his question was, "What is Gods plan for me?" so of course we taught him the greatest plan EVER- The Plan of Salvation! He loved it! He's an older man and wanted to know why it took so long for this information to finally get to him.  He is excited to learn more.  The best part of the lesson was his closing prayer.  One of the most sacred things on my mission is when I get to be a part of someones first vocal prayer.  Their first time communicating with their father in heaven.  Its incredible! He was so sincere, and you could feel his desire to change.  I have been especially grateful this week for the Plan of Salvation.  Hearing about my grandma passing away was really hard with being away from my family.  While my heart was hurting, the thought came to me, "if it hurts this bad even having the knowledge that I'll see her again, I wonder what it's like for the people that don't have that knowledge".  I can't even imagine not knowing that I will see her again.  I am sooo grateful for the peace that this wonderful gospel brings.  My grandma was an AMAZING lady! And I know that we'll all be able to see her again. :)  Thank you for everybody's prayers in behalf of my family! I know that its made a difference, and I've definitely been able to feel the love We get to meet our new mission President this week! On Saturdaywe're all meeting in Quincy to meet the Jackmans.  How exciting, right? I hope everybody has a good week! I can't believe June is already almost over... time goes by so fast.

Love, Sister Jensen

Lol I didn't take many pics this week...
Here's me cleaning out Brad's pool.  And a selfie when we washed our hands for dinner at a members house.  And the other pic was last night before bed hahah.