Well, prayers are answered. Last week the reason that I didn't have any time was because we ended up having to walk to a different internet place than normal, but this week, the mission president decided that we can have 1.5 hrs to write from now on! so YAY. haha. I almost don't know how to not rush. Many negatives there, perdón [Sorry].
I decided that I want to start off and answer a few questions so that you all can know what its like a little better.
How far are you from the coast and the temple?
My mission extends hasta el mar [to the ocean]. Yup. The ocean is in my mission. We don't see it very much though, and it is going to be hard to describe why... all the houses are connected. One side of the wall is a wall of one house and the other side of the wall is the wall of the next house over. and there are tons of houses. you cant see the ocean through the gap between houses, because that doesn't exist. you have to be on the beach to see the ocean. But I have gotten a few little glimpses. Cerca [Close to] the temple, you can see it better. the temple is like a 10 min taxi ride south. The temple is in Mocambo. I am in Costa Verde. now go google map that! (haha)
What is the temperature during the day and at night?
I don't really know. It feels like the cold around here is 70, and goes up after that. The humidity confuses me, but in all honesty, I can really see how being closer to the sun makes a difference. The sun even looks bigger. I am always sweaty, but not totally miserable. I am adapting. And sometimes it is not bad.
So I want you all to know that I really do love it here. I love the people, and love the work. It is not all unicorns and butterflies all the time though. There are very very hard times. But I try not to write about those much, because they are not important for you, just necessary for me to grow.
We have been teaching the most adorable family, The Familia Medel. It is a couple, I would guess in their 30's and their 2 boys, one is 15 and one is 6. I love them! They are so excited about all of this, especially the dad, Fermin, which is really amazing, he wants the best for his family! They came to the ward talent show this week (which I will talk about in a sec) and they also came to church! It was ward conference! I swear it was perfect for that family. They talked about why we are all missionaries and the purpose of missionaries and then in gospel principles they talked about tithing and then in sociedad socorro [Relief Society] the lesson was "friends and family for eternity". I love when things flow! Especially when I can see the flow regardless of how hard I have to concentrate to translate. It was amazing!
I want to take a sec and encourage all of you that are reading this to help the missionaries. Before this, I did not realize how much the missionaries need the members! We cant do this by ourselves! when the missionaries ask you for references, think hard. I know you all could think of someone who at least could use some peace. Help them, They need you. remember
"27 Verily I say, men should be aanxiously engaged in a good cause,and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are aagents untothemselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowiselose their breward."
We have this amazing message, SHARE IT. Always be thinking of how you could help those around you. Look for those who God has prepared to recieve your message. It is a circle, We learn the gosple, we build up our testimony, and then we SHARE IT so that we can keep learning. Don't get stuck on one of those points. The Lord promises that if you are brave enough to rely on the spirit and take the first step, you will know what to say. What is the first step? open your mouth. (D&C 33:10) I challenge you all to try it. Dont get caught up thinking what to say. Pray for missionary expierences, they are awesome :)
The talent show- Let me just tell you right now, it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. NO ONE SANG EXCEPT US! Everyone danced and did stand up comedy and skits and mre dances and stuff I didn't understand. It was so crazy and awesome. The enthusiasm of the people here is fantastic! They want everyone to know how happy we are. The little 8 yr old's did a dance... they were the best 8 year old dancers I have ever seen. At like a competition level. All genders, all different sizes. It was to a mash up of a bunch of songs. I was laughing because it was so amazing- I have no idea how they remembered the whole thing. They are all just so dedicated here. I love it!
We sang, my companion and I. A jenny Phillips song. It was ok because I sang in English and I already knew the song, but I didn't know we were doing it tell that day. It was an interesting experience. You get used to just doing what you gotta do out here.
Well I love you all so much! I send pictures to my sister and she puts them on the blog, but if you want them sent to your email, let me know. [There are no pictures this week]
Love you!
Hermana Jensen
p.s. everyone gives us fruit all the time, and it tastes so good. Way better than back home. I didn't know I was eating an orange until someone told me I was.
We had 3 baptisms this week! One was a young lady named Korayma, she is 12. She is the little sister to the ward mission leader here. She is very sweet and very shy. She has been waiting a long time to get baptized, because her parents wouldnt give her permission. But after a few years; she got it! I am very excited for here.
