Hey everyone!

So my first week in Mississippi has been amazing! I love it here and there are soo many things that remind me of home it's not even funny. For example...I walked outside and could smell a bonfire (someone was burning weeds or something) and I was loving life!! I threw my hands in the air and said oh my gosh I feel like I'm at home..."I want to go camping..." but I love the people. The southern accent is very strong here haha it makes me laugh. It's going to be wierd coming home to fast talking people. They either talk slow or they say things I don't understand. Story--I we went to go visit one of our investigators Lorie and her boyfriend (that we haven't met) answers the door. I start talking and he says...Mam...I'm like yeah haha... then sister Mapu whispers, "that means he doesn't know what you said." I felt so dumb because I just kept talking! He meant Mam as a question. Yep..it's great--all the members are determined to get me to start saying ya'll by next week. I love the members--we eat at a different members house everynight--some food is very interesting. But nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that I haven't had before. Nicole your letter cracked me up!! I love you...it was the shortest letter and the only letter I've recieved for a week and a half so I was pretty happy. The people here are so welcoming and nice.

Sometimes honestly on days that I wonder, "why am I here?" We go out and meet someone new that I can talk to so extremely well and then I realize that's why your here there is someone I will be able to connect with. I feel the lords hand everyday and I feel so blessed. Oh and guess what Utah haha it snowed only three inches here 2 weeks ago and that's all some people can talk about!! It's so funny everyone stays indoors and school is cancled with that much snow and nobody drives. I just laugh. There are so many different extremes here--Poor-rich and it's only a drive away. It makes me sad and I just want to share the gospel with everyone. I feel so much love to those we have taught and helped. My second day we went to go visit an old widow named sister Ferrish--she lives in an apartment all alone and it makes me so sad. Dorathy is her housekeeper and apparently she's been over there a lot but no one has talked to her about the gospel!! We started talking about temples and I pulled out my picture of my family and the temple and she looks at me and says you are the fifth missionary that I have met. Then I said, "I'm your lucky number five." She said, "i know, I just need to have religion in my life and I am here in Mississippi to find that but you are being sent to me to help me find it." So we'll see how it goes--we invited her to church next week and she's picking up sister Ferrish:) I love her though she's the sasiest black lady ever!! I love her---then 9 doors down from her we knocked and the blinds lifted and a lady said who is it? "The missionaries" she said hold on....we waited 2 min and she opened her door and told us to come in. We started talking and she said she has never met with the missionaries but she needs a religion to be a part of. Then we started telling her that god loves her and that we are always here for her. After a pause she started crying saying thank you. The spirit was so strong and we are meeting with her tomorrow. I love the gospel!!
There's a lady that I love to visit...she talks so much but I love her! Sister Barlow is 75 years of age and she is currently taking care of her 100 year old mother Sister Cronan. It amazes me at how much love for her mother this woman has. Right when we walked into her house the first time I met her she goes, "Hey ya'll! Oh my you look just like my grandaughter Rebecca!" I looked at Rebecca's picture and i was okay with looking like her well just say that. But anyways I love singing to her mom Sister Cronan. I love that family so much and I love listening to all the storiesSister Barlow has to share. Everyone here gives hugs! I love it haha well okay correction everyone in the ward gives hugs. But that's okay because I love it.
Soo tracking crackes me up sometimes. I thought i would be super sad if I ever got the door slammed in my face but I really just laugh! The best one was we started tracking this apartment complex and right when we started knocking all of a sudden everyone started coming out of their apartments and driving away! By the time we were done withknocking the parking lot was nearly empty:) Yep I'm a missionary you better run from me I'm on a mission to bring you to salvation! Some people...another lady yelled she was in the shower...from her living room. I was confused. Sowe said, "k well come back." We started walking and she ran out to her car and drove away! Haha I just laugh--the people that run must not be the "elect" is what Sister Mapu always says.
Oh and here's what else I find funny...my mission is the Mississippi Jackson Mission, but sisters aren't allowed to serve in Jackson. It's too dangerous! The Clinton Sisters (Sister Mapu and I) have a piece of Jackson and we are only allowed to be there until five p.m. The area of Jackson we have is very...ghetto. We drive by and all I keep telling myself is interesting oh and I'm like the only white girl when we drive into Jackson. But apparently Jackson is really dangerous. I didn't know this. But hey that's okay because Clinton is amazing! Everyone is religious though--there are soo many churches! No wonder Joseph Smith was so confused. My bishops family reminds me the most of dinners at my home with the Jenkins family. We ate at the "Boone Dinner" yesterday, there were so many children! But I felt like I was at home because it had that same feeling, Heavenly Keeps blessing me with all of these people and with all of these amazing experiences.
Anyways, Mississippi is the south I am definately in the heart of it! There are some extremely good Christian people out here--Everyone keeps saying that the South is a Sleeping Giant and it's soon going to wake up! I hope I get to experience that and see that here while I'm out here. I love you all and everyone is in my prayers always. Therestored gospel is our Savior Jesus Christs church and I will never ever deny it!! I know I am here for a divine purpose. I love the lord and I know his hand is in all things. "Ya'll have a good week now;)" haha just kidding I don't sound like that yet. But Sister Black says I need to stop saying "You guys" it's ya'll. I love the Yes mam and no sir thing!! it's soo polite! Surrender your life into the hands of the lord, be obedient, and have faith. Never forget how much he loves you! I love you:) I'll write next week!

With Love Sister Jenkins

Soo three nights ago our elders in our area (zone leaders) Elder Green and Elder Milligan--pulled out this orange vest and said, Elder Miles (Fleet cooridator) said that it's a new rule for all "greenies" to wear this when backing out the car...I looked at them both and said,"i refuse to look that stupid...there is no way I am wearing that vest." They both said, "well it's a rule now...only new missionaries have to." I said, "um...if I have to you should." Elder Green says, "um we don't have to because we have white shirts and we don't need it." I thought it was a bunch of bolony and was soo mad! But since they said it was a "rule" I being a good missionary wore the stupid thing. I was so upset and refused to wear it....so I would put it in my hand and back the car out with the orange vest in my hand. Yesterday we went to visit sister sample and on the way out...I started backing out the car and these two elders yelled wear the vest!! I looked at them ticked off...and put it on. They took a picture!! Apparently the whole thing was a joke come to find out we called the fleet coordinator and I told him I was mad at the new rule. He said, "what are you talking about? we don't have to do that." Um... yeah the whole thing was a scam!! I threw the vest at them this morning and said nice joke elders....they both laughed and said they were going to tell me wed. at the district meeting!! They were laughing soo hard! but here are the pictures....yep I look ridiculous. 

                                     

 

My Favorite House!

Love her!!  We had a sticker war:)

Love this little girl!

This sweet lady is 100 years old and went on a mission to Mississippi. That is her name tag on her pillow.

A sad house that we saw. "Tommy" lives there.

So this picture cracks me up!!! this was my first day in the field and we were playing soccer with the ward. Remember how I said Elder Green and I went to high school together? Well it's our personal joke now haha but whenever anyone in the ward asks if we went to the same school we always say "yes...we dated." hahaha the looks on everyone's faces are hilarious!! But this picture...he kicked the soccer ball super hard..and I was talking with a sister Cronan on the stage in the gym. While I'm talking to her the ball smacks me in the face extremely hard!! I was sooo mad all i could do was laugh though.

With my Mission President and his Wife!

I Found My Way SOUTH!

We ARRIVED!

First Day In MS

Hi everyone!!

Here is what is going on--I made it to Mississippi, my trainer is Sister Mapu and I love her already. My first area is the area that my mission home is in Clinton I am so excited!! Sister Meek and I stayed in the Bishops home last night "Bishop Boone" He will be the bishop of my new ward. I love it here--from the moment the plane landed I have felt at home. Elder Green is my zone leader which is great because I went to High school with him! It was the most comforting feeling in the world to walk off the plane to see President Mcdonough and Sister Mcdonough smiling and waiting for us. I know I am suppose to be here!! It's beautful here and the weather is amazing! 60 deegres is the best and it the winter feels like spring time. I was sooo tired yesterday--but it was great to here from you on the phone. I don't know what is going to happen today but Mom, I love love love my bike!! It's adorable.

President took a picture of us this morning and I've never felt so...."not pretty" haha wow what a picture..But last night President had an interview with all of us and in mine he asked if there was any specific person I had in mind to be my trainer. Honestly I did...her picture wouldn't leave my mind but I couldn't remember her name. Well this morning when I met her, Sister Mapu is the picture that wouldn't leave my mind!! I think that is so amazing how the lord works and I know she is supposed to train me.

I'm really nervous to get started but the hospitality that our Bishop gave to us last night was more then perfect. It's not as humid as I thought it was going to be....but I know that's because it's "winter" here. Haha yeah this is not winter this is spring and I love it. I feel soo at peace. I remember praying to heavenly father asking him to send me somewhere where I could still play the piano. First thing that President Mcdonough says to me is--Sister Jenkins, you play the piano? Good! We desperatley need one! I was so happy! I love the piano and I didn't want those skills to go down the tube out here:) I played a little in the MTC but not a ton. It was so hard to say bye to our Elders!! Oh my gosh I didn't tell you what I did yesterday.

I handed out my First Book of Mormon! I sat down next to a guy (in the airport) and he started asking me questions and why I was wearing a nametag. Then he started asking questions about the church and he was honestly interested and the sweetest guy ever. I talked a little bit about the Book Of Mormon and he said shoot I want to read it where can I get one. Well...I had one:) It was perfect!! This happned in the Atlanta Georgia Airport.

But I just want everyone to know I am safe and loving life. I really believe I'm going to love it here. I can't wait to go out!

Love you all so much

Sister Jenkins

p.s. My pday's will be on Mondays:)

Giving Kyler the most AWKWARD hug ever!  He refused to hug me! (rules)

My new companion!

Saying Goodbye to Sister Meek:(

Telling Kyler Goodbye!

Elder Hill and me!

Last Week At MTC

Hello Everyone I love so much!

This week at the MTC has been so amazing!! Seriously the best week I've had here.  I have learned so much spiritually and I know more and more each and everyday at the truthfulness of this gospel.  On Tuesday we had the best opportunity to hear from the amazing Elder Holland!  It felt like Christmas all over again except better because I wasn't scared about coming here:)  Can you imagine it 3000+ missionaries + and apostale of the Lord?  Who just happens to e everyone's favorite speaker?!  Right when he walked in there were smiles all over the room and I couldn't help but just stare at him.  His spiritual prescence was incredible and not only am I on a spiritual high right now, but that night the feeling of the spirit was even more so.   It was amazing...he is truly an apostal of God and I love him so much.  He told us that we are the generation that "Will NOT fail!"  I know we won't either--the testimonies of the missionaries here are incredible.  Honestly though...there are some missionaries that I look act and think why are you here?  Are you here just because your joining the band wagon or are you here becasue you want to serve god and BE a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I know why I am here...and I can't wait to get to Mississippi on Monday morning and start my life there inviting others to Come unto Christ.  That's what we are all about and I pray that I work until the day I come home--the Lords time is so precious and I don't want to waste a moment of it. 

 My heart is so full all the time and it was especially at this devotional.  I know I am suppose to be here I feel it everyday.    He loved his mission more then anyone and he inspired me to be the best missionary I can possibly be.  It's so exciting to be part of the mission field right now because so much is changing and the lord will hasten his work and harvest all the fields using every single missionary he can until the work is done. 

Then I told my family about the amazing blessing I was able to recieve from an Elder who's like my brother and reminds me of Andy.  It was the neatest experience.  I had all of my dear sweet Elder there for me and they all joined in on the circle (which normally doesn't happen) all the blessing for the sisters that I have been able to be a part of have only had two elders and me.  It was amazing to feel the Power and the Authority of god go throughout my body and soul.  Those men (elders) hold the preisthood so worthily and Kayla or Carissa you can date any of them when they get home:)  They all told me they loved me after and I was crying but I tell you I know God has a way of speaking to us each individually.  He will always speak to you in the same loving way even if it is through the mouth of someone else and not my dear father.  This Elder smiled at me after and said, "love you sis."  The next morning all of them kept telling me thank you for letting us be apart of that.  The blessing wasn't for anything major but I know these men need the practice and I was having a hard time with a cold and I needed comfort I was sooo grateful for them.  Heavenly Father brought me a little piece of home in that moment and I have never felt more loved. 

I love my Sisters!! I go to each Sisters room everynight to check on them and make sure they are doing well.  Granted girls are dramatic and I feel as if I am a counseler half the time.  But you know what--the thing that always solves every problem is telling these Sisters, "You are here as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  You wear his name and you should love everyone as he would.  Since he is not here, that means you are taking is place, so sit here say a prayer and then talk to each other as Christ would.  Their problems and struggles always work out once they do that!!  I love them all so much and even better I told all the Sisters about my blessing because I felt as if I should and one Sister said, "thank you for that, I want you to know this morning I got one because of your testimoney on the power of the priesthood.  I want you to know I feel so much better and I can do this."   I love it here!! I can't wait to be with more sisters in Mississippi!

Now....I seriously leave in like a day.....wow.  It seems I was just here yesterday and now I am already leaving!  It's such a scary and amazing thought!  haha I already have a Book of Mormon to give away at the airport.  I just want to share this happiness with everyone!  I know the world is ready to hear the truth and be invited to baptism into the restored gospel otherwise...the lord wouldn't have changed the age!  I was thinking about it....remember that story about the three 18 year olds who helped each person cross that freezing river.  The young people of the church have so much potential and such amazing testimonies and I know that's why God is trusting us to gather his sheep. 

I am really tired of the food here....My extended Jenkins family...I want you all to know I run the entire 50 min each time we have gym:) be proud I will still work out--it was a little wierd running to no music at the beginning--but I have turned into my mother and I just talk the entire time haha. 

I was talking with an Elder today who is from Florida and he was talking about how everyone in the south is all about manners when eating food!  I said, "okay deal."  I had a tiny grape in my mouth when I said that and he said....Do not talk with your mouth full!  Then he gave me a lesson on proper edicate.  Haha apparently you turn your fork down when you are done eating, you always say yes mam and sir, you never ever put your elbows on the table, if you talk with food in your mouth you are in trouble, if the ladies get a mouth full of food that's impoliet.  Man...I'm nevous!! You have all seen my eating habits!! I spill everytime I eat and guess what the two "Souther boys" were the only ones to point out food I had slighly spilled on my sleeve today!  Ahhhhh I fail at being a lady--I seriously am the biggest cluts sometimes and I talk with my mouth full occasionaly.  But guess what I'll come back a proper lady--so that's good right?  Okay just kidding I'll probably revert back to my ways and spill everywhere as usual.  But I'm hoping I become more "proper:)"  Gosh I can't wait to go and hear from my incredible family!!  Monica I can't believe Brekin is turning one!! I love love love that picture--will you all send me actual pictures?  I need address from The Jenkins, douglass's, Lindsey's and well everyone.  I need to write you all I might not have time to ...but it's the pure thought that counts!  You all are such an amazing support to me!

Oh and guess what...I found Kyler!!  Yep creeped enough and pulled him out of class:)  He was SO awkward and first and refused to hug me.  Until finally I said, "your dumb we are family and I hugged him super quick!"  Then we took these pictures right...haha I made him put his arm around me.  Then we looked at the pictures and they were awful whoever took them made them blurry.  So I went back right before he went to dinner (I creeped on his schedule) You all know what a creep I can be sometimes!  We took another picture and I made him put his arm around me again and he said, "I"m going to get xcommunicated from the church!"  I started laughing sooo hard.  I'll have you know...hugging your 1st cousins is not in the White Handbook, and missionaries live out of the "White Bible"  so it was perfectly fine:)  I love him!  I went through all the scriptures in the class to find his with his name on them while he wasn't there.  Yep something I would do none of you are suprised. 

Anyways I g2g but the next email I send I will be in Mississippi!! Love you all Good luck this week.

XOXO

Sister Jenkins

The Church is true!!

All Sisters at the Temple

My Favorite Teacher at the MTC

Treats!

Love My District!

I FOUND KYLER!!! He didn't want to hug me:) It's not in the "White Bible."  

MY COUSIN KYLER..Found at last!

Stripling Warriors Sign

Yes--I found Case Haws from Newton!

Hey Everyone!!

This week has been so amazing:) The life of a missionary never stops and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love it here...I have successfully made though the 1st two weeks and I leave for Mississippi in only 5 days, I am estatic and I couldn't be more excited to serve my heavenly father. 

So this week on Monday my companion and I had to teach a progressing investigator.  Now since we don't have real investigators this lady was a member but she's acting like one.  She has no other family, she works full time, she doens't want to have a family, and she refuses to believe in God unless she can see him.  My comp and I were completely stuck...all I could do was pray thinking that maybe we could help her faith grow by letting her feel how much we love her!  But nope....we bore our testimony's and this tiny lady started to yell at us!  I couldn't believe it and what she was saying was making me sooo mad.  But the weird thing is, the moment I got mad I instantly felt the spirit leave (note I wasn't mad vocally...I kept quiet and bit my tounge).  It was the worst feeling ever...so I prayed for it to come back as quick as possible and it did! It helped me stay calm while she yelled and I looked at her and loved her as she was yelling!  My breath was taken away after and when we left, we left on a very calm note.  But I was devistated that she refused to even believe in God and she kept asking "what did Jesus do for me?  He's not here....he did nothing!"  We gave her the week before an entire lesson on the atonement and she was saying all of this now.  I started to cry when she was saying this stuff.  I wanted nothing more then for her to accept but she had no desire to at all. 

When we left the room we told her we loved her and we walked out and I immidiately started crying...I have never felt the spirit leave and come back so fast.  It was hard but after so a ton of prayer I felt love for her again.  Well then on Thursday night the Lord knew I needed what I was about to experience. 

We had two new districts come in and my Zone leaders and I all had to give an hour presentation.  We had met the new districts on Wednesday night so it was no big deal.  I had personally written a letter to each of the nine new sisters that came in and I prayed that helped them.  Anyways...We had a half hour before we were on and I had the opportunity to listen to the testimonies of each of these beautiful sisters.  I know I needed to hear those testimonies.  Each of these sisters aren't out here for any other reason but the Lord.  They had such passion when they bore their testimonies and it gave me even more of a reason as to why I am here.  I felt the spirit so strong and I love all of the sisters in my zone so much!!  There are 22 total:)  The Lord needed his women out here...can you imagine if it was a duty? Wow...that's a lot of sisters!  I loved Thursday night so much.  Each sister has this amazing glow in their eyes!  Well the zone leaders presented 1st and then for the last half hour it was my turn!!  I loved it!! I felt at home because I even had a chalk board:)   It was amazing!   I looked out everyone was engaged, giving me comments, and taking notes.  I even mixed things up and threw a song in there (of course).  Then after we all had to give a tour of the MTC I smiled and pretended I knew everything....when I didn't but that's okay.  After the tour a sister came up to me and said she needed a blessing and if I wouldn't have written her a letter she probably wouldnt have made it through her first night.  She was extremely homesick!  So I found my escorts and we all went into a room to have a blessing.  This sister is adorable and I know she needed that blessing because she has been on fire ever since.  It's kind of weird sometimes because all the sisters will ask me questions and some of them have drama and will just need a listening ear so they come to my room and ask to talk.  Haha I have barely written in my journal this week because I've been helping the sisters every night!

Best experience happened on Friday!  We got to teach a real investigator!  It was meant to be and the Lord knew we needed this night to help us realize that we are our truely out here for a purpose! Here's the story.  Right when we walked into the building there was this old lady wandering around and she was carrying a Book of Mormon.  I went up to her and asked if we could help her.  She said yes I have this book and I need to give it back to the person that gave it to me because his name is in it.  So we went on ever level and found an english BOM!  We gave it to her and that was that.  Well then when they assigned us to the rooms we went to our room said a prayer and heard this voice that said come in!...we walked in and it was that old lady that we gave the BOM too!!  She is Lutheran and a widow.  We loved her so much.  We had an amazing lesson and discussion and she said she knew what we were saying was true.  We said we couldnt be here with her throughout her process...but then she asked for our address.  We got hers and told her we would write.  She told us she loved us and was so happy we were there and we told her she blessed us more then she'll ever realize.  We hugged and wrote her a letter that night!!  The work is amazing and the lord has blessed me so much!  I cant wait to go to Mississippi!!  I love you all and I get to go to the temple today yay!! 

Please keep writing me! Extended Family and friends...I''m sorry I havent had a lot of time to send you letters yet but just be patient and send me letters!  This gospel is true I know it with all of my heart and soul and I will never deny that. 

Stay Strong, Surrender to the Lord, and I love you!

Sisiter Jenkins 

Couldn't stop laughing!

LOVE MY COMPANION!

YES!!  Best Package Ever!

We had to switch classrooms:)

The only hand I can hold:)

With my companion, Sister Meek.

HEY!

We are in class:)

We had a fire alarm at 4:00 a.m.

With the Zone Leaders!

With my companion, Sister Meek.

Fire alarm--I grabbed my pictures.