Hello hello all!!
Holy cow the weeks are beginning to wind down for Sister Miller, which means the countdown is beginning for me. I am so not ready for it. Sister Miller is incredibly excited to see her family again and get home haha. She actually tried putting a countdown on my phone for when I hit home, which I promptly deleted. Not ready for that yet.
This week felt pretty productive, we're playing catch-up still from the weeks I was sick, which is unfortunate, but can't do much about that.
Monday we got a referral online from a less active lady requesting a bible to be brought to her. Holy cow she was hard to catch. I had been told she was older with health issues, so you'd think she'd be home, but nope. We were finally able to catch her at home this week to deliver a bible, and actually brought her 2 options, the huge one with big print, or the normal one. (again, I had been told she was older so I thought she might want it) Well she answered her door and looked more like late 50's, not 70's like the ward made it sound, and suddenly I was super worried I would offend her with the big print bible. But I mean it was already in my hands and sorta hard to miss. She appreciated it though and chose the big print over the normal one- safe to say I didn't offend her. (she does have a lot of health issues, bad eyesight being one of them so it worked out) She invited us in to hear her whole life story, which was super interesting. It felt like I was listening to a movie, there were so many plot twists! I definitely learned about the consequences for not keeping the commandments though, that was sadly seen a lot in her grandchildren's lives. She invited us back to read with her though and that will be fun!
Later that evening we joined the 3rd ward youth for a big game of dodgeball, and I think I did alright. But holy cow some of those kids can throw! Literally there were stick skinny beehives throwing harder than me, but I mean we all have our own weaknesses and strengths I guess... They were excited when we were on their team so I take that as a good sign.
Wednesday we had a lesson with William and Colton, the two boys in foster care. Sadly William doesn't have permission to be baptized, which is really sad because of the two, he is definitely more excited and invested. Colton thinks he was already baptized so we gotta check on that one, but regardless, we'll continue to teach them! They are loving the lessons, and it was so cute- when we began this time, William has been going through the youth theme music on gospel library, and asked if we could start with a song. I thought he meant a hymn, but instead he played his favorite song from the album and we talked about what it meant to him. It was pretty sweet and it's amazing to see how sensitive they both are to the spirit.
Thursday we had a great lesson with a Sister who is recently more active in the church. She and her husband had been inactive the past few years, but have come back. She never really learned a lot of the basic principles, so we're meeting with them. They also have a 5 year old son who is non verbal and has autism. He's pretty funny. He likes to give people hugs just to search for their phones. He's super smart though, he knows how to spell and put words together like xylophone... I had to use auto correct for that and he's 5! So he's a pretty smart one. Anyway, it was just Ashley and her son, and it was a great lesson. It felt like we got to know her better and she said they're hoping to be sealed in February!! So exciting! She's already doing missionary work too, she's been inviting a friend to church, fhe, and our lessons. She has yet to come, but Ashley isn't deterred! She said invitations made it easier for her to come back, so she'll keep inviting.
Friday we finally made contact again with Taleysa!! And we have a lesson scheduled for tonight... Fingers crossed it goes through!
On Saturday we did all the filming for the mission's February video. It'll be good...hopefully lol. I think it'll turn out, they always do. We got some good footage so I'm excited (:
Saturday was also exciting because Elder Jeppesen got his mission call!! 😄 Elder Jeppesen is a dwarf that has been out the last two transfers, and because of all his medical issues, he came out as a trial missionary. He was cleared to serve the full 2 years though, and he got his call! For trial missionaries they could be called back to wherever they served their trial mission, or they could be called elsewhere. Elder Jeppesen will be returning to the Idaho Pocatello Mission!!! I think I would have cried if he was called anywhere else, this dude is awesome. The mission would have missed him for sure.
Sunday we were super busy with lots of meetings. We had appointments too, but I think missionaries are usually more booked out by meetings than teaching appointments on Sundays. We are at least. We had a "teaching appointment" with a recent convert, Jaren. We're trying ti get him to go to the YSA (all his friends just left on missions) so we had the YSA Elders join us for what was supposed to be a game and a spiritual thought. Well we talked a bit at the beginning, played a few rounds of this card game, and boom, it was 5pm and we had to head to our dinner appointment. So not much of a spiritual thought... But the goal was to get him comfortable with the elders and I think that happened, so I'd say it was productive.
I hope you all had a great week and enjoyed the highlights of mine. I love and miss you all, and I know the Lord is aware of each of you. Parts of the last few transfers have been tough, but I have seen the Lord strengthen and help me. I hope this week is great, have a good one!
Love,
Sister Jensen
Monday, January 21, 2019
Monday, January 14, 2019
Patience in God's Timing
This was a week! Many ups and downs for sure. I am feeling much better physically, no longer a flu infested little sister missionary. I dropped back down to the weight I was before I left! So much for 6 months to sexy, try 2 weeks lol. I'll probably gain some of it back quick haha, but oh well, it feels good to say I dropped weight, no matter how unhealthy it was!
Sorry, this one will be short, I have a highlight I want to mention, other than that, I have honestly no time today. Drum-roll please.....I got to see Gabriel baptized!!!!! I taught him for 6 months in the YSA and after a year and 9 missionaries he finally got baptized!!!!! It was such a blessing to get to see and I loved getting to talk with him again. I almost teared up a bit when he went under the water, Gabriel is probably one of my most favorite people I've taught. (idk if that sentence really made sense.) Anyway though, it was wonderful to see and it just testified to me of God's timing. Gabriel took a while to decide to finally be baptized, but in his own time, he did it.
Sometimes we really need to take a step back and have patience. I've definitely learned this lesson over the past few transfers, and I know it's an important one. We can't control everything. People have their agency, you can really only control yours. So do what you can, make the good choices you can, do your best with what you've got, and God will step in to fill the rest. I have loved being out here on a mission, even though it has been incredibly trying sometimes. I know God has been there with me every step of the way and I love him so much for it. I love this gospel and I love my Savior. I miss you all, but I will be back soon! I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Love,
Sister Jensen
Sorry, this one will be short, I have a highlight I want to mention, other than that, I have honestly no time today. Drum-roll please.....I got to see Gabriel baptized!!!!! I taught him for 6 months in the YSA and after a year and 9 missionaries he finally got baptized!!!!! It was such a blessing to get to see and I loved getting to talk with him again. I almost teared up a bit when he went under the water, Gabriel is probably one of my most favorite people I've taught. (idk if that sentence really made sense.) Anyway though, it was wonderful to see and it just testified to me of God's timing. Gabriel took a while to decide to finally be baptized, but in his own time, he did it.
Sometimes we really need to take a step back and have patience. I've definitely learned this lesson over the past few transfers, and I know it's an important one. We can't control everything. People have their agency, you can really only control yours. So do what you can, make the good choices you can, do your best with what you've got, and God will step in to fill the rest. I have loved being out here on a mission, even though it has been incredibly trying sometimes. I know God has been there with me every step of the way and I love him so much for it. I love this gospel and I love my Savior. I miss you all, but I will be back soon! I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Love,
Sister Jensen
Monday, January 7, 2019
Round 2
"Round 2" as in:
Another round of the flu for us all, and maybe a virus too,
take one down, pass it around,
another round of the flu!
Yeah so it came back.
On New Years I was feeling pretty good, and it looked like I was about to be rid of whatever I've had. We had a lesson that night with Cort. (his last before his baptism!!) They asked us to combine the last 2 lessons, so we kind of hit him with a lot of information, but he took it all well. He really is ready and excited.
Wednesday we took it slow in the morning, but even went to our dinner appointment in the evening! (we've been having to cancel because I haven't been feeling good or up to eating whatever they may serve) We had a lesson with the two McCabe boys, and they were so excited. We walked in and Colton was like "where will we be reading today?" They're sweet boys, definitely want to be baptized, but we'll have to see what permissions they need as they are in the foster system.
Thursday we had a special Zone Conference, during which President announced that the mission boundaries will change as of July 1st. We'll be absorbing part of the Nampa mission, and taking in Twin Falls. Sadly, this won't affect me, because it would have been cool to serve in another aunts ward haha, but I'll be home by then. After we got home from the conference I wasn't feeling good again and from there round 2 of the flu/virus started. I wasn't throwing up, just in general wasn't feeling good, eating a lot, having terrible headaches, and feeling lightheaded when I stood up.
By Saturday the mission doctor wanted me to go back to urgent care to figure out why things were continuing on so long. He was worried I might have a Kidney Infection, which freaked me out. But when I went in they basically said what had hit before just flared up again. They didn't have many answers for me, but it sounds like they think it's some sort of virus...they still didn't say.
I did make it to Cort's baptism though! I also felt like I was going to pass out during most of it, but it was very sweet to see him baptized. And on Sunday his mom even got up and bore her testimony! Which was something I really would not have expected from her. It was a very simple but powerful testimony and I could feel the spirit strongly.
I think i'm on the mend now, today I made it out of the house to go email and everything, hopefully this is the last bout of whatever virus I have because I am real sick of the basement we live in. I know there has been a reason for this sickness, maybe to teach me patience, I'm not sure. Sister Branson, (the member we live with) has a quote on her wall that says "Trusting God means trusting his timing" which I know to be very true. Our ways are not the Lord's ways. He has a plan and a way for it to happen, we just need to trust him.
Love you all, hope you have a great start to the New Year(:
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
Another round of the flu for us all, and maybe a virus too,
take one down, pass it around,
another round of the flu!
Yeah so it came back.
On New Years I was feeling pretty good, and it looked like I was about to be rid of whatever I've had. We had a lesson that night with Cort. (his last before his baptism!!) They asked us to combine the last 2 lessons, so we kind of hit him with a lot of information, but he took it all well. He really is ready and excited.
Wednesday we took it slow in the morning, but even went to our dinner appointment in the evening! (we've been having to cancel because I haven't been feeling good or up to eating whatever they may serve) We had a lesson with the two McCabe boys, and they were so excited. We walked in and Colton was like "where will we be reading today?" They're sweet boys, definitely want to be baptized, but we'll have to see what permissions they need as they are in the foster system.
Thursday we had a special Zone Conference, during which President announced that the mission boundaries will change as of July 1st. We'll be absorbing part of the Nampa mission, and taking in Twin Falls. Sadly, this won't affect me, because it would have been cool to serve in another aunts ward haha, but I'll be home by then. After we got home from the conference I wasn't feeling good again and from there round 2 of the flu/virus started. I wasn't throwing up, just in general wasn't feeling good, eating a lot, having terrible headaches, and feeling lightheaded when I stood up.
By Saturday the mission doctor wanted me to go back to urgent care to figure out why things were continuing on so long. He was worried I might have a Kidney Infection, which freaked me out. But when I went in they basically said what had hit before just flared up again. They didn't have many answers for me, but it sounds like they think it's some sort of virus...they still didn't say.
I did make it to Cort's baptism though! I also felt like I was going to pass out during most of it, but it was very sweet to see him baptized. And on Sunday his mom even got up and bore her testimony! Which was something I really would not have expected from her. It was a very simple but powerful testimony and I could feel the spirit strongly.
I think i'm on the mend now, today I made it out of the house to go email and everything, hopefully this is the last bout of whatever virus I have because I am real sick of the basement we live in. I know there has been a reason for this sickness, maybe to teach me patience, I'm not sure. Sister Branson, (the member we live with) has a quote on her wall that says "Trusting God means trusting his timing" which I know to be very true. Our ways are not the Lord's ways. He has a plan and a way for it to happen, we just need to trust him.
Love you all, hope you have a great start to the New Year(:
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
Monday, December 24, 2018
A Christmas Carol
Hello hello!!!
Merry Christmas Eve!! I hope y'all are doing well and have some fun holiday plans!! It's been a while since I've done a more detailed weekly update and a lot happened this week so we're gonna give it a shot again!
On Monday we played a super fun game for pday activity(: Instead of normal spoons, we played "ultimate spoons". Use caution, if you plan to try this at home clear any breakable furniture and have band aids on hand. Ultimate spoons is much like regular spoons where you sit in a circle and pass around cards till you get a set of four. Instead of setting spoons in the middle of the table though, you hide the spoons in another room and you have to race to get to the room and find them. It was pretty intense. I get to claim bragging rights and say I won!! (woot woot!!) One of the Elders got a little beat up, band aids truly are necessary.
Tuesday we had a video meeting and basically replanned the idea for the video. Im not really sure how this one will end up, transfers also threw a wrench in things a bit, our camera elder got transferred out to Montpelier. We'll see how it turns out!! We ended up filming most of Zone Conference to use, which I will get too later.
We had some we had some awesome lessons this week! We met with a guy named Mike, and he seems promising. We met him at a baptism, his friend's sons were baptized. That was a few weeks ago, and we finally got to have a lesson with him. We talked about Heavenly Father and how we are literally his children. I think it touched him to hear how connected we actually are to God. It was a very sweet lesson and we'll be meeting with him again(:
We also met with the Vaughan family, their son Cort is on date for baptism January 4th! It was a good lesson, they are so supportive! We had invited them to read the first lesson as a family to prepare themselves and they actually did it! It was so cool!! I'm excited for them!
Thursday was Transfer day/Zone Conference, which was awesome. Zone Conference was a special Christmas conference for us(: we started out listening to some songs preformed by some women in President Southward's ward in Highland. It was all very well exectuted and their messages went along with what we were talking about first, which was the prophet Joseph Smith. President followed their performaces with a presentation about the prophet, which was also very inspiring. It always touches my heart to think about what Joseph Smith edured for the sake of the gospel. The amount of suffering he endured, along with the pain caused to his family has always confirmed to me the truth of his words. No good man would go through such torment and see not only his family, but his friends put through so much persecution as well, for something false. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and that we have true prophets called of God on the earth today.
Later during the Zone Conference we helped with a service project and assembled bikes. It was pretty sweet, later families came to pick them up for their children for christmas. After the service project we went back to the Palace Playhouse, (a theater in town) to have a nice dinner and watch the show, "A Christmas Carol". It really stood out to me to see how blind Scrooge was to his own actions. I think we are so blind sometimes to our own actions and the feelings they can hurt. It made me pause and think a little more about how our actions really do speak volumes. I also loved seeing Scrooge go back to "Christmas past" and seeing both the good and bad actions of his past. It was a poignant reminder of the history of our actions and how important it is to be proud of our actions and to do what we can to make things right when we make a mistake. Lots of good messages to be reminded of. And it was also pretty sweet to get to watch a musical on my mission(:
We got to see the McCabe boys this week, and they are so excited about the Gospel! We stopped by on Saturday and they were so ready to have a lesson! They had their scriptures out and everything. They are such sweet kids and hopefully we can see them baptized. There may be some legal permission to wait on, but they'll get there someday.
Lastly, on Sunday it was super fun to go to all the Christmas programs. We were at 3 of the 4. And we sang in all of them. I actually sang a solo bit for the last one which was fun. Later that night we caroled as well so it was a day of song haha. Made for a good night(:
Anyway, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and enjoy some time with your family and friends. This is a special time of year to remember Christ and the love he has for us.
I love you all!
Love, Sister Jensen
Merry Christmas Eve!! I hope y'all are doing well and have some fun holiday plans!! It's been a while since I've done a more detailed weekly update and a lot happened this week so we're gonna give it a shot again!
On Monday we played a super fun game for pday activity(: Instead of normal spoons, we played "ultimate spoons". Use caution, if you plan to try this at home clear any breakable furniture and have band aids on hand. Ultimate spoons is much like regular spoons where you sit in a circle and pass around cards till you get a set of four. Instead of setting spoons in the middle of the table though, you hide the spoons in another room and you have to race to get to the room and find them. It was pretty intense. I get to claim bragging rights and say I won!! (woot woot!!) One of the Elders got a little beat up, band aids truly are necessary.
Tuesday we had a video meeting and basically replanned the idea for the video. Im not really sure how this one will end up, transfers also threw a wrench in things a bit, our camera elder got transferred out to Montpelier. We'll see how it turns out!! We ended up filming most of Zone Conference to use, which I will get too later.
We had some we had some awesome lessons this week! We met with a guy named Mike, and he seems promising. We met him at a baptism, his friend's sons were baptized. That was a few weeks ago, and we finally got to have a lesson with him. We talked about Heavenly Father and how we are literally his children. I think it touched him to hear how connected we actually are to God. It was a very sweet lesson and we'll be meeting with him again(:
We also met with the Vaughan family, their son Cort is on date for baptism January 4th! It was a good lesson, they are so supportive! We had invited them to read the first lesson as a family to prepare themselves and they actually did it! It was so cool!! I'm excited for them!
Thursday was Transfer day/Zone Conference, which was awesome. Zone Conference was a special Christmas conference for us(: we started out listening to some songs preformed by some women in President Southward's ward in Highland. It was all very well exectuted and their messages went along with what we were talking about first, which was the prophet Joseph Smith. President followed their performaces with a presentation about the prophet, which was also very inspiring. It always touches my heart to think about what Joseph Smith edured for the sake of the gospel. The amount of suffering he endured, along with the pain caused to his family has always confirmed to me the truth of his words. No good man would go through such torment and see not only his family, but his friends put through so much persecution as well, for something false. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and that we have true prophets called of God on the earth today.
Later during the Zone Conference we helped with a service project and assembled bikes. It was pretty sweet, later families came to pick them up for their children for christmas. After the service project we went back to the Palace Playhouse, (a theater in town) to have a nice dinner and watch the show, "A Christmas Carol". It really stood out to me to see how blind Scrooge was to his own actions. I think we are so blind sometimes to our own actions and the feelings they can hurt. It made me pause and think a little more about how our actions really do speak volumes. I also loved seeing Scrooge go back to "Christmas past" and seeing both the good and bad actions of his past. It was a poignant reminder of the history of our actions and how important it is to be proud of our actions and to do what we can to make things right when we make a mistake. Lots of good messages to be reminded of. And it was also pretty sweet to get to watch a musical on my mission(:
We got to see the McCabe boys this week, and they are so excited about the Gospel! We stopped by on Saturday and they were so ready to have a lesson! They had their scriptures out and everything. They are such sweet kids and hopefully we can see them baptized. There may be some legal permission to wait on, but they'll get there someday.
Lastly, on Sunday it was super fun to go to all the Christmas programs. We were at 3 of the 4. And we sang in all of them. I actually sang a solo bit for the last one which was fun. Later that night we caroled as well so it was a day of song haha. Made for a good night(:
Anyway, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and enjoy some time with your family and friends. This is a special time of year to remember Christ and the love he has for us.
I love you all!
Love, Sister Jensen
Monday, December 17, 2018
Caroling in Chubbuck
Hello Hello! So sorry for the confusion over the last few emails! If you didn't get one from me over the last few weeks and missed it, let me know!
Transfers are coming up this Thursday and I will be staying in Chubbuck with Sister Miller. This will be her last transfer and then she'll be home to Arizona! It's crazy how fast the mission seems to end. I'll be honest, it has been a rough past few transfers, but It will be good to stay in the area. I also apologize for those I haven't emailed back yet, pdays are probably more stressful than relaxing at this point. I will get to you all soon.
This week we were able to go to the temple in Idaho Falls with a member and do a session. It was quite relaxing and peaceful to be back in the temple. When in doubt, go to the temple. I didn't really have any questions, I mostly just needed to feel peace, which I did. The temple is truly the Lord's house, a place of joy and comfort.
This week we had a few exciting activities, we were able to go caroling a few times as a district in the Mall, and I brought my Ukulele as accompaniment! Haha, it was quite fun and I enjoyed it. This sweet little boy even came up and joined us at one point. (he wasn't even a member!) On Saturday we spent the day doing service project after service project. It was a blast! There is joy found in serving others(:
Also, we for sure have a baptismal date for Cort, a 9 year old boy we are teaching... he is set to be baptized on his birthday, January 4th! I'm so excited!!!
I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season(: I love you all and hope you have a merry Christmas!!
Love you all!
Sister Jensen
Transfers are coming up this Thursday and I will be staying in Chubbuck with Sister Miller. This will be her last transfer and then she'll be home to Arizona! It's crazy how fast the mission seems to end. I'll be honest, it has been a rough past few transfers, but It will be good to stay in the area. I also apologize for those I haven't emailed back yet, pdays are probably more stressful than relaxing at this point. I will get to you all soon.
This week we were able to go to the temple in Idaho Falls with a member and do a session. It was quite relaxing and peaceful to be back in the temple. When in doubt, go to the temple. I didn't really have any questions, I mostly just needed to feel peace, which I did. The temple is truly the Lord's house, a place of joy and comfort.
This week we had a few exciting activities, we were able to go caroling a few times as a district in the Mall, and I brought my Ukulele as accompaniment! Haha, it was quite fun and I enjoyed it. This sweet little boy even came up and joined us at one point. (he wasn't even a member!) On Saturday we spent the day doing service project after service project. It was a blast! There is joy found in serving others(:
Also, we for sure have a baptismal date for Cort, a 9 year old boy we are teaching... he is set to be baptized on his birthday, January 4th! I'm so excited!!!
I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season(: I love you all and hope you have a merry Christmas!!
Love you all!
Sister Jensen
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Blitzes And Baptisms!
Hello all!
Things are happening in Chubbuck!!! We have found quite a few new people to teach, and even have a youth that wants to be baptized come January!!! I'll actually get to plan a baptism! And stay here for it!! I don't know if y'all are getting how much of a miracle this is too me, but it is.
This week we did a district blitz in our are, and another later that week in the sisters area. A blitz is when multiple sets of missionaries go out in one area and spend a few hours helping the missionaries covering that area by knocking doors for them and getting to know the area. We came back with lots of good contacts, and saw the same miracle happen for the sisters.
The most exciting part of my week was actually yesterday. To clear up the confusion, we had our pday switched because the leadership of the mission had a council meeting yesterday. Sorry I didn't clarify sooner. Anyway, back up to Sunday though. On Sunday, our bishop from. The 11th ward came up to us and said a family in the ward was recently coming back to activity and wants their son baptized! We talked to the mom that day and set an appointment for Monday evening. We went, had an awesome lesson and really got to know the family. The son, Court, is awesome!! When the family was less active, Court would be the one to bug them about going back to church and about getting him baptized.
When we talked to the family, the parents were very open about recently being back into activity ty and they could recognize the change the gospel brings into their lives.
We discussed baptism dates with the family and we still don't have an exact date, we have to discuss things with their bishop, but they're thinking around the first week of January.
The area is looking up. Things are getting better and we're definitely finding people to teach. Miracles happen if you continue to put your trust in God. This past week has been a testimony of that. I love you all and I hope your weeks are fantastic.
Love,
Sister Jensen
Things are happening in Chubbuck!!! We have found quite a few new people to teach, and even have a youth that wants to be baptized come January!!! I'll actually get to plan a baptism! And stay here for it!! I don't know if y'all are getting how much of a miracle this is too me, but it is.
This week we did a district blitz in our are, and another later that week in the sisters area. A blitz is when multiple sets of missionaries go out in one area and spend a few hours helping the missionaries covering that area by knocking doors for them and getting to know the area. We came back with lots of good contacts, and saw the same miracle happen for the sisters.
The most exciting part of my week was actually yesterday. To clear up the confusion, we had our pday switched because the leadership of the mission had a council meeting yesterday. Sorry I didn't clarify sooner. Anyway, back up to Sunday though. On Sunday, our bishop from. The 11th ward came up to us and said a family in the ward was recently coming back to activity and wants their son baptized! We talked to the mom that day and set an appointment for Monday evening. We went, had an awesome lesson and really got to know the family. The son, Court, is awesome!! When the family was less active, Court would be the one to bug them about going back to church and about getting him baptized.
When we talked to the family, the parents were very open about recently being back into activity ty and they could recognize the change the gospel brings into their lives.
We discussed baptism dates with the family and we still don't have an exact date, we have to discuss things with their bishop, but they're thinking around the first week of January.
The area is looking up. Things are getting better and we're definitely finding people to teach. Miracles happen if you continue to put your trust in God. This past week has been a testimony of that. I love you all and I hope your weeks are fantastic.
Love,
Sister Jensen
Monday, November 26, 2018
Happy Turkey Day!
Hello hello everyone!!
Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend it with friends and/or family(:
This week I had a pretty neat experience. On Wednesday I drove out to Star Valley with 5 other missionaries to begin shooting for the next mission video. We got to Star Valley, had dinner with the folks I stayed with while I served there, and then headed off to a member's home to shoot the interview portion of the video. I typed that all in a very calm way, but throughout the whole trip I was so incredibly stressed. We left Pocatello way later than planned, had to head to dinner before setting up for the interviews, and only had about 20 minutes of partial setup before people started to arrive for interviews. I just remember looking at my watch over and over and while I was enjoying the company I was in, a mental schedule was rolling in my mind and we were behind. Somehow, it also felt like everyone in the group was looking to me to make decisions, so I was feeling quite stressed. Interviews all worked out, the house we shot in was beautiful and the people that came were patient with us as we finished our setup. That night we crashed pretty hard, we were all exhausted.
In the morning, (Thursday) we were again running late getting out to the Paris Tabernacle to shoot the music portion of the video. Two more sets of missionaries were joining us at the tabernacle, so they could play instruments for the music we had planned. Once we all finally arrived we took much longer than anticipated to figure out the sound system of the tabernacle, find the shots we wanted, and hash the music out. (We literally threw the "mini orchestra" together and they hammered out something that ended up sounding good in about 3 or 4 hours. So mad props to them.)
Again, it felt like I was placed in charge and I knew the missionaries that met us there had schedules and we were running so late... stress was like through the tabernacle roof. (It was all super fun though, I did have a good time I promise.)
During the whole trip, Star Valley & Paris combined, I was just praying those involved were looking at me with charity. There were many things we didn't think to plan for, schedules that ran ridiculously late, and unexpected setbacks that we really didn't have control over. Feeling like I was making a lot of decisions, and not feeling adequate to do so, I found myself hoping that those around me saw I wasn't perfect and were looking at me with charity and understanding. Throughout my mission, I've prayed for charity, and I've prayed to understand those we work with. But until that trip, I hadn't really recognized how much I needed everyone to have charity towards me because of the stress I was under. It was very humbling and eye opening to see just how important it is to have charity towards those around you. We never know everything someone is balancing or going through. There is much more going on in a person's life than what we see.
With the holidays approaching, I invite all of you to pray for charity. Pray to have charity to those around you, and pray to receive charity from others. The holidays can be some of the most wonderful times for families, and also some of the most stressful. Have understanding for those around you and look to serve and provide relief however you can, just as Christ would.
I love you all,
Sister Jensen
Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend it with friends and/or family(:
This week I had a pretty neat experience. On Wednesday I drove out to Star Valley with 5 other missionaries to begin shooting for the next mission video. We got to Star Valley, had dinner with the folks I stayed with while I served there, and then headed off to a member's home to shoot the interview portion of the video. I typed that all in a very calm way, but throughout the whole trip I was so incredibly stressed. We left Pocatello way later than planned, had to head to dinner before setting up for the interviews, and only had about 20 minutes of partial setup before people started to arrive for interviews. I just remember looking at my watch over and over and while I was enjoying the company I was in, a mental schedule was rolling in my mind and we were behind. Somehow, it also felt like everyone in the group was looking to me to make decisions, so I was feeling quite stressed. Interviews all worked out, the house we shot in was beautiful and the people that came were patient with us as we finished our setup. That night we crashed pretty hard, we were all exhausted.
In the morning, (Thursday) we were again running late getting out to the Paris Tabernacle to shoot the music portion of the video. Two more sets of missionaries were joining us at the tabernacle, so they could play instruments for the music we had planned. Once we all finally arrived we took much longer than anticipated to figure out the sound system of the tabernacle, find the shots we wanted, and hash the music out. (We literally threw the "mini orchestra" together and they hammered out something that ended up sounding good in about 3 or 4 hours. So mad props to them.)
Again, it felt like I was placed in charge and I knew the missionaries that met us there had schedules and we were running so late... stress was like through the tabernacle roof. (It was all super fun though, I did have a good time I promise.)
During the whole trip, Star Valley & Paris combined, I was just praying those involved were looking at me with charity. There were many things we didn't think to plan for, schedules that ran ridiculously late, and unexpected setbacks that we really didn't have control over. Feeling like I was making a lot of decisions, and not feeling adequate to do so, I found myself hoping that those around me saw I wasn't perfect and were looking at me with charity and understanding. Throughout my mission, I've prayed for charity, and I've prayed to understand those we work with. But until that trip, I hadn't really recognized how much I needed everyone to have charity towards me because of the stress I was under. It was very humbling and eye opening to see just how important it is to have charity towards those around you. We never know everything someone is balancing or going through. There is much more going on in a person's life than what we see.
With the holidays approaching, I invite all of you to pray for charity. Pray to have charity to those around you, and pray to receive charity from others. The holidays can be some of the most wonderful times for families, and also some of the most stressful. Have understanding for those around you and look to serve and provide relief however you can, just as Christ would.
I love you all,
Sister Jensen
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