Countdown Chart Update

274 days down---274 more to go!

HUMP DAY POEM FOR STACEY
(mom's modified version)

So you have hit the HUMP,

and are half-way through

Isn't it great
How the Lord protects you.
We are proud of your work,

Of your baptisms and claps,
We’re glad you’ve worked hard,
And have worn out your maps!
Remember all you’ve learned

During these past months and days
And sail right through the end in a victorious blaze.
The Lord has blessed you to be where you are now,
And knows you won’t slack,

That you don’t even know how!
For you He’s worked miracles inside and out,
You are valiant and strong and amazingly stout.
So strengthen others in this downhill road,
And you will be a great missionary

when the story is told.

~~~~~~~~

Where does the time go...doesn't it go by in a blink! Our little Wace, Staca, Hermana Jensen has reached the half-way point of her mission! She wrote in a recent letter;

Queridos Padres,

I don't know where to begin. It seems I have told you every story I have and yet none at the same time. Some, well most require so much background explanation and/or a drawing to explain them that I cannot tell them in a letter. But here is one that I can tell you:

Your little girl has never been so close to her Savior. She begins and ends every day by falling to her knees in prayer. She gives all that she has and is determined to not only complete the mission, but to live and love it. To enjoy every minute, grow from every trial, learn from every experience and allow herself to be shaped, molded and refined. When she returns you will see her as much more than the girl she was when she left with tears in her eyes on May 7th, 2008. She is growing, changing, improving and learning. She knows what it means to suffer, to sacrifice, to work, to really pray... and to rejoice.

As for all the details--I'll fill you in when we meet again.

I'll see you in a while!

Hermana Jensen

Too all of you out there near and far, Dave and I are so grateful for each of you and for your constant love and support. And if you recently wrote Stacey THANK YOU--you know who you are and it made her week!

The Camel is the Symbol of a Seasoned Missionary

by Cheryl K. Carpenter

As you come to the half way mark of your mission, I am sending you a camel to remind you how far you have come, and where you are going. There are many similar characteristics of a great missionary and a camel. The first is the "hump." Yes, you have crossed the mark and now are over the hump of the first nine months. But remember the hump of a camel is used to store food for the long journey. Camels can go for long periods of time without food, but he must store his food in his hump. A missionary has learned from so many experiences, but a wise missionary will store the knowledge she has gained, and put it to greater use the second half of her mission. Another important symbol is what the camel does to be prepared to carry his load for his Master. A camel sometimes protests load, but then submits and patiently carries all his Master asks. As a missionary sometimes the load seems too heavy and difficult to carry, but when you drop to your knees and succumb to the Master's will, he will carefully lead you and you will be able to bear the load patiently, and do your Father in Heaven's work as he would have you do. This is why the camel's knees are heavily padded. As a missionary, your knees are calloused from the many hours of kneeling in prayer.
The camel has high set eyes that enable him to see long distances. A missionary has her eyes set on higher things, she follows the Spirit which enables her to see the Children of God, those who are seeking answers, and she teaches them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The camel has broad, two-toed feet that keep him from sinking into the desert sand. A missionary has a broad knowledge and a firm testimony of the Gospel. This enables her to teach with boldness and stand firm in her testimony. These people do not yet have the blessings of such a sure-foot, but as they are taught with love and the Spirit you will help them gain their own testimony that will help them walk on firmer ground, one that will lead them back to their Father in Heaven.
So you see, a missionary has a lot in common with a camel. Put this camel where you can see it often. Dedicate yourself to do as the camel does. Serve your Master well and patiently over the long journey. You have traveled a long way and there is still much more ground to cover. Continue to move forward serving with love until your mission is complete and your Father in Heaven will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”