Banished to Wyoming...

Mi familia!!

Yes. I am here, and I am in WYOMING.

SO. On Tuesday we shipped out! It didn't seem like too long of a bus ride to Pocatello, I honestly didn't pay attention to the time. I was either catching up in my journal, talking, or staring out the window as we came into Idaho. We got to the mission office and they had us pack an overnight bag, then shuffled us upstairs to do some newbie orientation. They had us watch a few videos, meet with President, take a picture, and call home, which was weird for both me and my parents, because it definitely isn't Christmas or Mothers day.

After that I met with President Hancock and his wife, and fun fact, I have family out here in the area I'm covering. No, during my interview I did not specifically mention I had family in Afton, because I didn't think it would be an issue. I honestly never thought I'd get called to Star Valley... President even said something about "one of you will be off to star valley.." and I was like "hah so definitely not me, hope they have boots". Oops.

We had dinner at the mission home, after which the AP's gave another mission presentation and then we found out who our companions would be and what area we would all be heading too. I was towards the end of the sisters and opened my envelope to read "Sister Thomas....been out for 2 months....serving in Thayne 1 WY" Just like with my mission call I immediately laughed because I just knew I had to be nearby Emily&Adam's ward. (I found out later that I actually cover their ward) I ended up with the youngest trainer, she's actually only been out 5 weeks, more like 6 now, but she's awesome. We haven't had any problems and have been on the same page since our first day together so it's been great! Anyways, so we stayed the night at the mission home and then took the transfer train to our various locations.

President and his wife drove us to Star Valley and along the way I finally asked if I was supposed to mention where I am in the mission, or just leave it out because I have family somewhere in Afton. I didn't know what ward to tell him, but he didn't seem concerned. I mean, I guess he couldn't do much because we were on the way to Wyoming at the time. He said to say where i'm serving still because they'll find out, and then go read page 37 of the white handbook. (they found out the day I got there I'm pretty sure) So I mean he knows, and to be fair, Sister Tanner also has family in the mission as do a few other missionaries, so I'm sure I'm not the first case he's had. But yes, we are scheduled to have dinner with the Isaacson's this week so that'l be funx)

We had a training meeting back in Pocatello on Saturday so it felt odd to be going back so soon, but Sister Thomas and I did the 2.5 hour trek back for a 2 hr meeting. It was a good meeting, but it was kinda funny that we were driving longer than we were learning. While in Pocatello President gave us permission, in fact told us to go out to the stores while we can and get what we need before going back to WY. So, I bought boots and a jacket because I was not prepared to go straight into nowhere with a side of cold and a possibility of snow. So it'll be an adventure!

It honestly was an adventure from the get go though, we got to the place we're staying and Sister Thomas goes, "so we kinda got a cricket problem." It wasn't awful, but bad enough that the night before we went to Pocatello we set off bug bombs. Which seemed to fix the problem. Too bad that wasn't all though! Hah, so Sister Thomas showed me a leak in the ceiling of the bathroom that was lookin kinda pretty bad... We're living with members, and our apartment is basically their ground floor. So we called the members again to tell them about it, (they were on vacation in Laramy that weekend) and they sent over some friends to check it out...who told us we gotta turn off the water. So until the Reinharts got back (sunday night) Sister Thomas and I were hopping between their house for our food/clothing, and the Docksteader's for bathroom/showers. It was a fun time.

We've already been out talking to people a bit, we don't have a lot of investigators, we'll be working mostly with less actives. I am kinda thrown for a loop with this, as you don't get a whole lot of training on LAs in the MTC, and how do you talk to someone about the gospel when they've "tried it already"? Thinking about it, it's hard because unless they're looking for a change, we might just come off as rude and like we're out here calling people to repentance.. which I guess we are, but it's just a different approach. It's especially hard because of some of the members! Sister Thomas and I were talking about what to do to find investigators and both agreed we needed the help of the members to really get anywhere. So we made a goal to ask for referrals at each dinner (we get fed a lot!) and even after each lesson or contact we make. Well the second member dinner we go too, we finish the meal and give a spiritual thought...which leads into missionary work...then pull out a Book of Mormon and challenge them to take it and place it. I swear they would have told us no if not for a granddaughter that had served a mission and was there. HOLY COW. It was almost so awkward. But really, some of the members here just aren't really willing to help us out...so that's been interesting.

It's been a good time though, banished to Wyoming, cricket filled apartment, leaky ceiling, foreboding clouds that seem to promise snow soon.... it's been interestingx) No really, I do love it in Star Valley though, it's a beautiful place, the members are really welcoming, and Sister Thomas is seriously awesome(:

I love you all, and I miss you!!

Love,
Sister Jensen