This week was another crazy one, filled with the most up of ups and the most down downs and everywhere in between. It was a week for growth and strengthening of testimony and refinement into what God wants me to be. But with each and every event, there's something to take away and apply for the better.
Let me first start out by saying that every single set lesson that we had this week cancelled or bailed on us. Every one. We had impromptu drop in lessons and talked with lots of people, but only had maybe 2-3 actual sit down discussions. I've found when you're not teaching, missionary work doesn't feel as fun.
Because we didn't have any lessons, we spent a lot of time trying to find people to teach through tracting, potential lists, and other means. No one was interested, but we sure as sure planted a lot of seeds in the hearts of people.
Like I said before, a lot of our week was really up and down. We went to have a lesson with Fawn and the kids only to find a note on the doorframe saying that they needed to "talk as a family and see if our visits were necessary." We thought we got dropped; dropped like it was hot. After being somewhat devastated for a few days, we went back over to their house to see what the big deal was. Turns out that Fawn is still interested, but gets stressed out when we're over because she doesn't think her kids are listening. We told her that it wasn't a problem and that we could have separate lessons with her and the kids so she didn't feel so stressed. Problem solved and crisis averted!
We also had a specialized training with President Russell and the assistants this week. It was a great spiritually uplifting meeting full of good teachings and the spirit. Even better than that though was our zone testimony meeting we had on Friday. Everyone in the zone was able to share something, even those who we didn't think would and the spirit was SUPER strong! I feel like it brought everyone together and made us more united. Then, in true Murphy's law form, we shattered the screen on our phone, rendering it almost unusable. As the Zone Leaders, we kiiiinnnndddaaa need to have a phone, and we went without one for FOUR DAYS. It was the worst thing. 0/10. Would not recommend.
But then, my saving grace came: General Conference. This was probably the best conference that I've had the chance to listen to in my entire life. I loved all the messages that were shared and the council that was given. The spirit that was felt really gave me a much needed boost and helped keep me positive and focused. Some of my favorite talks that were given include the addresses of President Uchtdorf, Elder Rendlund, Elder Holland, President Nelson, and our wonderful prophet, President Monson. I loved the central themes of family and support for those around us, temples, and the priesthood. From President Eyring starting off the conference with a great promise of the spirit to Elder Holland driving home a powerful testimony of love and support, this conference felt complete. Every address flowed well into the next and brought comfort and peace to me and my soul. Some favorite moments also included the guy in the choir that was crying during "Come Thou Fount", Elder Ballard saying "Snapchat" and President Uchtdorf talking about the Chewbacca costume. Also, I really want to have a British apostle now.
After being on such a spiritual high, we were super pumped and ready to have the baptismal interview for Ray. We had it all set up and were waiting for him to show up when ten minutes go by, then twenty, then thirty. Amidst all the calls and texts we sent to him, we decided to run over to his house and investigate. When we got there, we felt trouble in the air. We walked in and discovered that Ray had relapsed into old Ray habits. Badly. We had a full lesson with him using the things we talked about in conference telling him that he IS worth something in the eyes of God and he can be forgiven of his sins. He finished the lesson in tears and a sweet prayer. We're working with him to get baptized on the 30th of April!
The craziness of this week was capped off with our mad dash around the state of Oregon yesterday. We have an elder that has been struggling and it was suggested by his doctors that it's time for him to go home. What started off as us just taking him up to the mission home turned into us literally driving as fast as missionarily possible straight to the airport. We were FLYING. White knuckles. Constant calls from President Russell. No stopping. It was intense. But, he made it there safe and sound! It was a bummer to see him go, but we know that home is where he needs to be right now. So that's where the majority of our PDay went yesterday, on the road.
Although our week was crazy, it's definitely been for my benefit. These past few weeks have been full of more growth and learning than any other time in my life. It hasn't been easy, but it's sure as heck been an adventure. I feel like President Monson's words at conference really sum it up well. We know where we want to go, so we must make the choices that will get us there. If we choose Christ, we will always choose the correct path for us, even when times are hard. No, especially when times are hard.
Here's looking toward the last week of the transfer! I love you all and hope that everyone has a lovely day/night/morning/evening!
Oh, and I also got my eyebrows waxed this week. It wasn't pleasant.
Love,
Elder Jensen
jensen.chase@myldsmail.net
There is a family in the ward named the Webster's. Guess where they're from?
(I'll give you a hint, it's written on the book) ((I'll give you another hint, it's Kaysville))
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| Traditional post-Priesthood ice cream |
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| Our cute lil temple |
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