… On the boats and on the planes, we´re comin´to America!
Can you even believe it? I can´t.
Don´t worry about writing anymore. Next week after transfer meeting there is special stuff planned for us “pastores” until we head to the airport that night.
Put whatever your clever mind comes up with on my facebook status. Thanks so much for keeping it alive, a bunch of the Elders are worried sick that their facebook accounts closed automatically from not having enough use, but I don´t have to worry about that!
So unfortunately my allergies took an insane turn for the worse. I have been popping Allegra D like tic-tacs and combining it with whatever allergy drug I bought in the pharmacy here, I´m sure it´s not the best thing for my kidneys, but when you see the pictures of my swollen eyes, you will justify all of my mad pharmacist actions. I suffer so much that I have even stopped working… for like a half hour to wash my face in cold water and try to recover and then we go back out to work. Imagine how bad it must be if it takes me out of the street.
Yeah! I was pretty sad about my laptop. I did think that it was mine that had the virus and I spent those first 2 days saying “my laptop?” to my companion every half hour or so. She felt bad for me. But now there are no worries.
Mom – that is so cool that you got to meet Hilary Weeks. Isn´t she just the most? Remember when I thought that you listened to her CDs too much? How dumb was I? She is the best!
I´m taking Nata´s advice and leaving many things, but my long winter coat… I´m bringing home because I know that I will still use it. I´m leaving the rain coat to my companion and another coat I inherited in LA to someone, and most of my clothes to my companion. Towels, sheets, and sleeping bag are all up for grabs in the mission and I will give as much as I can to the people here.
That much said, packing is still stressing me out. Not so much because of getting it all in, because I´m quite confident that that won´t be a problem, but for the actual time to pack. In case you were wondering they don´t just say “oh, and take a few hours out of proselyting time to calmly gather all your stuff and get packed up.” NOPE. And p-day today was eaten up by zone activity and Internet and trains and a last minute shopping trip to Merlo. I bought the coolest stuff today! The Lord blessed me to find everything I wanted to find! It was super fun.
Scripture to read and remember (I hope I didn´t already send this one home.) Acts 5:41. It is so true!
I really hope to fly with Elder Bednar… we´ll see if I do, and if I get up the courage to say something to them. We´re all really excited for the conference. It´s going to be pretty powerful!
So Pabla Torres got baptized on Saturday and it went quite well other than the fact that she and her husband were an hour and a half late for it...but hey, it went well.
We had the first of the two baptisms and this Saturday we will have one more that we are pulling out of nowhere
. Marcos sat down in the lesson last Tuesday and asked me when I was leaving. He said “I want to be baptized, so arrange the date, and I´ll be baptized.” But what are the odds of that because he would only hit 11 days without smoking when the mission rule is 14. Well, the zone leader had a pre-interview with him and said it was ok if President Benton was ok with it. President Benton said he is okay with it, if the Branch President, is ok with it and he is, so Marcos will be baptized on Saturday… as long as he arrives without smoking a single cigarette. Keep him in your prayers. PLEASE! He is such a cute old man now that he´s not aggressive with withdrawal. I didn´t like it when he yelled at me, but now he just wants me to be in his baptism and make a covenant with Heavenly Father. He really came a long way. The best part is that Osvaldo is going to baptize him. He is Miguez's dad who was baptized on the 24th of October... it´s going to make me cry...I´m quite sure!
Being that this is my last email, it should be a little more spiritual eh? So I have compiled a list of blessings of serving a mission. Ready?
1. I have learned how to cook something with almost nothing in the pantry… wait until you try my tortas fritas!
2. I have learned a bit of simple plumbing – fixing toilets
3. You have a bajillion awesome experiences to tell
4. I have learned how to sing in front of large groups with next to no practice and no accompaniment
5. I can now navigate myself through Buenos Aires. In trains and buses – something I beforehand could never have done.
6. I learned how to plan every 15 minutes of your day
7. I am 100% dedicated to one sole purpose
8. I got to know all kinds of people
9. I gained a deep appreciation for the United States
10. I received my endowment beforehand
11. I learned to really understand the atonement
12. I see the importance and value of forever families
13. I have sincere desires to study the scriptures
14. I have gained a testimony of rules and obedience
15. I have been wisely counseled by great leaders
16. I have been protected and blessed by the power of the Priesthood
17. I learned how to be a great member missionary
18. I developed patience with everything and especially with meetings
19. I had the privilege of seeing miracles
20. I was given the words in the moment I needed them
21. I was befriended and supported by many great members
22. I saw changes in people and the birth of a testimony
23. I realized what things I want and don´t want in a future companion
24. I learned how to work together as a team in a companionship
25. I value and respect a faithful witness
26. I learned how to make do with a really dead pair of shoes
27. I learned how to make your money last until more comes.
28. I developed the valiance and courage to talk to everybody
29. I learned how to wash clothes by hand
30. I received my mission call from the Lord´s prophet
31. I value being an efficient worker
32. I see the value of time and want to use it wisely
33. I learned Castellano
34. I learned how much my parents taught me
35. I have been protected
36. I learned that great blessings come from living a higher law
37. I learned to forgive and be humble even when I was not in the wrong
38. I have gained knowledge and understanding of gospel principles
39. I learned how to make plans for the future
40. I learned the power of fasting and fervent prayer
41. I see the importance of being trusted by others
42. I developed charity
43. I learned how to sacrifice for others
44. I really didn´t miss my family so much that it made me sad
45. I got to see another world
46. I learned the importance of being a good example
47. I saw firsthand why you should always wear a helmet
48. I learned how much better things go when you are unified with your companion
49. There are loving members that fed me!
50. I grew spiritually more than I could ever explain
51. I learned that you can survive many a cold shower
52. I learned how to enjoy being soaked in an all of the sudden rainstorm
53. I was guided by the Spirit
54. I got over fear and anxiety
55. I learned how to recycle things that still serve for something
56. I learned how to share even the most precious commodities
57. I learned something from each companion
58. I learned how to teach things very simply
59. I learned the importance of being respectful in every moment
60. I have an unfailing conviction that I will never go inactive
61. I was given millions of tender mercies
62. I learned how to forget myself and go to work
63. I learned that you should live such a way that you leave without regrets
64. I learned that completing families is as beautiful as finding and baptizing complete families
65. I learned that rules protect you
66. I learned that baby powder has many uses
67. I learned that 4 little pizzas can feed many people if you bless them before you start eating
68. I learned that miracles are around the corner of the biggest trials
69. I learned that addictions are very powerful, but can be beaten
70. I learned that you just have to take a leap of faith
71. I learned that there are great people all over the world who do the right thing even when nobody is watching.
And now for a top ten list. These are 10 things that I WILL miss:
1. Getting caught in an Argentine rain storm without an umbrella
2. Being offered cake and juice when you´re fasting
3. Washing your garments by hand in your kitchen sink
4. Pesos – everything seems so dirt cheap!
5. Being whistled at a lot-- but back home, I´m plain Jane again.
6. The wicked tan line on my neck, arms, and feet
7. Being able to dedicate an hour to personal study
8. Having 150 Elders that know it´s their job to protect you and be a literal shield around you in the train and give you their seat when you walk in.
9. Sisters Conferences – those are the best!
10. Waking up each day and not knowing what´s going to happen, who you are going to meet, or how the Lord plans to use you, but knowing that He will.
I want to bear my testimony as a full-time Sister missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: I testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored and that there is a living prophet on the earth today. I know that the priesthood is real and that it is the power of God. I know that obedience always brings blessings and that disobedience always brings sadness. I testify that Jesus Christ lives and that He is our Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the most true book and that it was translated by the power of God by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was called of God and restored the fullness of the gospel. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, that He sent His Son and that we can return to live with Him again. He is waiting for us, inviting us and calling us home. I know that we can obey all the commandments and endure to the end. I know that these things are true. I have seen miracles. I have been protected; I have felt my Father in Heaven at my side. I know that the Church is true. I will testify all my days. Jesus Christ lives. He leads this Church. In His name I testify. Amen.
Until we meet again… in the Salt Lake airport. Don´t worry about me. I pray for you. Stress over nothing… we don´t want to be wrinkly young. I will see you soon. I love you more than a million peanut butter M&Ms. I love you. I love you!
Wubba,
Hermana Stacey Lynn Jensen
Argentina, Buenos Aires West Mission
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October 26, 2009
Mommy and Daddy,
Here it is...your last real snail mail letter from your sister missionary daughter serving in Argentina. Enjoy it!
I already told you all the funny stuff in today's email, so I'll just do what missionaries do best: Testify I know that Jesus Christ lives. He atoned for our sins and paid the price making it possible for us to return home again. I know what it is like to do nothing but love, serve, help and try to save, and be rejected and mocked and hated. I know what it feels like to do only good and be treated with bitterness. I have begun to understand His grief and pain. He came to love, heal and save and they rejected Him. But I have learned as a result how to overcome literally any trial. I know He knows me. I know He loves me. I know He called the Prophet Joseph Smith to restore the fulness of His Gospel. The keys of the priesthood have been restored and He will come again. He will return for His own and we must be ready. The way is perfect. If we follow Him - nothing can stop us.
The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on the face of the earth and teaches pure truth. It has the answers to every problem. We are led by a prophet. Thomas S. Monson is a Seer and a Revelator. I love the mission. I love His work. There is nothing better than this. I would not trade one day for anything. Every lesson and experience has shaped and refined me. You won't even recognize me when you see me again. I am a different person. A better person. I will never stray. I will never give up. I will never deny the truth. Come what may, I will be true all my days. I love my Savior. I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. We can return home and be a forever family.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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3 COMMENTS:
Shaun Zimmerman said...
Absolutely beautiful! I am so going to miss reading Stacey's missionary experiences. Job extremely well done! I stand in awe of a true hero and the magnificent family that supported her through it all!
NOVEMBER 16, 2009 8:31 PM
Happy Gilmores said...
You have a wonderful daughter missionary! I know you are very proud of her. Enjoy the reunion! It's been fun keeping tabs on her experiences. I can't believe how fast it went. Happy Thanksgiving!
(Elder Gilmore's Dad)
NOVEMBER 16, 2009 9:57 PM
Karen Jensen - Stacey's Mom said...
Thanks for the great comments!
Through this blog I have been blessed with a great and much needed source of comfort and deeper connection. I have been grateful many times over that Stacey asked/and or "assigned" me the seemingly overwhelming task before she left. It was a tender mercy in disguise and made her absence much more bearable.
The last 18 months really have gone by fast, (I can say that now) and have been filled with immeasurable opportunities for personal stretching, learning and growth. We are beyond excited for her return and express great thanks to all of you who have supported our little Hermana as she fulfilled her mission.
Take Care,
Onward and Upward!
Dave & Karen Jensen
NOVEMBER 17, 2009 8:46 AM
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