COVID and ... Jamaica????

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It has been a great week! Hard, exhausting, but great. Basically this whole week was a lot of contacting. Elder Henrie and I, this whole transfer so far, had been working up our goal of how many people we would be finding. The week before this last, we got 2 new people to teach and this week we planned on finding 3. We spent a lot of time at the college in colder and warmer weather throughout the week and finished the week with 6 new people to teach! Then 2 of our friends from last week came to church!! It was a very rewarding week. 

One of the people we taught was named Ottis. He is an awesome dude! He loves sports and Jesus Christ and visits the campus all the time. We walked up to him and didn't walk away 'til 45 minutes later! He loves to be in what he calls "the spiritual zone"! So he wants to meet with us more!

Funny story though: when you talk to everyone, you talk to a lot of different people. We were in this neighborhood knocking on a door of someone who used to be taught.  They didn't answer, but this poor old grumpy man walked by and started yelling and cussing at us. I just felt sorry for him and for whatever reason he doesn't like missionaries. It was a little frustrating when he started to threaten to call the cops so we figured we should leave that situation haha. 

Now while we were having an awesome week, the other Elder's last couple of days of the week were rough for them. It's hard when we have really good days to have a dud follow. We stopped by their apartment at the end of the day to hype them up, but they really did have a rough day. Every person they talked to was practically a door slam and one of their investigators they were teaching passed away! However, I know and told them that we are given trials and hard times to help consecrate our lives. In our struggles if we can humble ourselves and turn to our savior we can be comforted, strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I have heard that covid has been picking up at home... well the same thing is happening here in Kansas. For the 2 weeks up to transfers we have a lot more restrictions so that those leaving home or going to their original assignments can go on their flights. No one in my district is going anywhere besides possibly me.... Yessir! There is a chance, not for sure yet, that I'm going to Jamaica on the 18th of this month!! I didn't think I would have mixed feelings about going but honestly part of me is sad. I have definitely grown to love my area and the people in Kansas! But it is Jamaica, so I am so excited :) My mission president told me that nothing is for sure until I get my flight itinerary, which I haven't gotten yet. He said that I can get it anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 days before. I am hoping sooner than later but it's not my timing haha. 

Whether in the heat or cold, wet or dry, I am very humbled to be out here. One thing my companion always brings up randomly is "DUDE! WE ARE ON OUR MISSIONS! How cool is that?!" 😂 It's funny but at the same time true! It is so amazing and I hope everyone can feel this way even if you are not serving a full time mission! 

Strive to be in your spiritual zone and don't forget to smile :) 

-Elder Jensen

Hanging with my companion at the church


In front of the campus water tower



Funny statues on campus



GOT SOME EASTER CANDY!



I've also been practicing my sketching skillz (not too shabby)



Listening to Elder Henrie's guitar sesh 



Loved seeing my little cousin

Comments

  1. Connie WebbJanuary 12, 2022 at 1:08 PM

    Awesome to hear from you Elder Jensen! Your living in the moment, "DUDE! WE ARE ON OUR MISSIONS! How cool is that?!" reminded me of what our son said after living out of the country several years and then coming home, "I am here with my Dad!" they were just doing normal yardwork, but so happy to be together. Similarly, when Gary was being a caregiver for his 91 year old dad last month, he thought, I am here with me Dad!" doing a much different project together, but thrilled to be with him.
    Sending my love and prayers for your mission,
    Sister Connie Webb

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