What a Wonderful Ride it hasBeen

Well, it's been a ride hasn't it?

I can't believe I have reached the final week of my mission.  In honor of this final week I just want to bear my testimony for this last email.  

I know that Jesus Christ lives.  He is the Savior of the world sent here to do the Fathers will, to save our souls.  I can't express fully the way I feel or how this mission has changed my eternity.  When it all comes down to it, I have learned that nothing during this life matters then preparing our souls to meet God.  Jesus will come again, we will see him and know he is the Christ.  We will one day stand face to face before him to be judged of our works.  This will happen I know it.  I am thankful that because of him, all my sins can be made free. 

"Because of Him guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, despair becomes hope, because of him we have second chances, clean slates, new beginnings, there is no such thing as the end because of him."

This is true.  I have felt the atonement work in my life on my mission and I know that I can be clean. I know that this is the true church on earth.  This is literally Jesus Christs own church established by him since everything began.  Doing Jesus Christs will, making our desires his desires, is the single most important thing we can do.  Nothing else matters.  The goal is to live in the Celestial Kingdom, to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and to be with our families for eternity.  

I know that the Book of Mormon is true.  It is not a replacement of the Bible in anyway.  It is simply "Another Testament of Jesus Christ".  It declares Christs gospel in it's perfect simple form. I know through prayer all of us will get the answer that this Book is truth.  Because The Book of Mormon is true, the message of Joseph Smith is true.   I know without a doubt Joseph Smith is a prophet.  He was a vessel on earth for the Lord.  He translated the Book of Mormon and restored all the Priesthood keys (the authority to act in the name of God) through Jesus Christ. Now we have a prophet to day on earth. I sustain and know that President Monson is a prophet.  He is truly a Moses in our day.  This message of the Restoration is our privilege as members of his church to share to the world preparatory to his second coming.

I know that anyone can change and everyone has good in them even if it seems impossible to find.  This message of Jesus Christs gospel isn't news to any of us.  We just have to help our brother and sisters who have never heard the mesage be reminded of it.  

All the turmoil on earth doesn't matter, all the rebellion doesn't matter.  What matters is receiving the gospel (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End) living it, and never denying it.  Sometimes enduring is the hardest part.  But, we can do it.  Enduring is possible and I know it's worth it.   I know that Jesus Christ loves all of us.  If we could only see us the way he sees us.  He see's our potential when we do not.  He is our cheerleader when we have no one.  He is our forgiver when we are hard to forgive others or ourselves.  

I am sincerely asking all of those who have not yet taken the time to pray for themselves to find out if the Book is true to please pray now.  If you feel you have gone off the path a little it is never to late to come back.  Christs arms are always open.  Our own salvation is more important then anything I can express.  I know we have a Prophet, I know temple work is a real thing where we can be sealed for time an all eternity to our families (Matt 16:19),  I know the Lord is Hastening his work, I know the second coming will soon come, and I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints is the true church on earth there is not a doubt in my mind.  Please pray and ask God what it is you need to do to progress further spiritually.  He truly hears every word, you are his precious child.  

 If there are two things I know for coming home

#1 Heavenly Father loves me

#2 Jesus Christ lives

I am so thankful that I am part of today's "Army of Helaman." All the Elders and Sisters serving throughout the world are fighting for truth to be made known.  We are fighting for the souls of our brothers and sisters that we love.  We are fighting to bring souls unto Christ. Together members, leaders, and missionaries will win the fight.  It has been an honor to wear his name below mine for a year and a half.  I am grateful that for the rest of my life I will be part of this army. May us all be diligent, faithful, and obedient in the things our hearts knows are right.  

2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, is ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

D&C 14:7 "If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God."

I know all these things to be true.  

John 12:25 "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

Living eternally with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families is the most important thing.  Because of Jesus Christ it is all possible.  Nothing else matters. I know all these things are true.  In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

These pictures are by Mark Mabry I couldn't help but post a few.

  

Playing Catch Outside the Kitchen Window

Here's the story for the week y'all! We had an awesome experience that happened last night.  Sister Brown and I were determined to get all of our tracting in for the week right?  Well, that required us tracting at a late hour of the day.  But we were determined.  While we were walking, Sister Brown walked past this couple.  She looked at me and said, "do you feel we need to go talk to them?"  I looked over and thought, "Yes."  But, she decided we would talk to them on the way back only if they were there.  We said a prayer in our heart and continued on.  Along the journey, we saw a group of black kids playing some street ball. 

 

Now here's the thing, earlier yesterday we were with a person who hasn't been to church in a long time.  We helped her make some necklaces. However, I was getting sooo frustrated.  I don't know why, but being crafty makes me super stressed!!  We started to tract after we made the necklace, and Sister Brown said, "You were stressed out while making that huh?"  Yes I was!! I don't know why.  Like, most women think that stuff is super relaxing.  But the only thing I can think while being crafty is all the stuff I need to do after I get done.  So then I stress to get it done faster, which stresses me out even more.  Then Sister Brown says, "We just need to find some kids you can play some sports with. That's what's relaxing to you huh?"  I got thinking, all of a sudden I realzied how right she is!!  Everytime we are at a member house and the children are playing catch with a baseball, football, or passing a soccer ball I am always playing with them while Sister Brown talks.  Being active is relaxing to me!! I don't feel stressed when I play a game of catch, frisbee, tennis, soccer, basketball.  Especailly with children, I could play all day. 

 

I've always had this dream. Here's the dream:

One day I will be doing the dishes in the kitchen look out my window and see my future spouse playing catch with a football or baseball in the yard.  That was a dream, all I can picture.  Kind of cheesy but true!!

As of lately, I've realized, why am I dreaming that I will be in the kitchen?  That's not who I am.  Granted I can clean like you wouldn't believe.  But, shoot the dishes can be put on hold!  I will be out their playing catch with my husband and child.  Why would I stay inside...when I can be active with the ones I love outside.  Nothing is more relaxing and less stressful to me then that. 

 Anyways back to the story...bunch of black kids playing some street ball.  Well, I'm not going to say this was my first time playing street ball.  Hey I might not be very good, but it's so fun to play with the kids.  So we did.  Haha I bet they thought we were crazy...especailly cause were two white girls in skirts.  But, I don't care I loved them and playing with them. 

 

Now, on the way back, we walked past the house where the couple was, and guess what?  They both were there!!  We of course stopped.  We taught the entire restoration and they said they believed it all without a doubt.  It was amazing!!  Sister Browns eyes got super teary:)  I love her.  We have such a great companionship and we teach very well together.  But, we've been invited to come back this week.  So we'll let y'all know how that was:)  I have a strong testimony on everyone is in our life for a reason.  If we are always striving to have the spirit with us, we will always be in the right place at the right time.  No one is placed in our path by accident.  I love this gospel!! We are ready for a week of work as I continue to sprint to the finish.

Love y'all always.

Love Sister Jenkins

 

 

 

 

Lovable Poodle!

 

 So this one time I made a pancake for Sister Brown

 

and she loved it

 

Do I looked stressed?

 

 

All I wanted was to teach an Asian

We were on bikes all week this week and it was good.  At least I'm getting a little bit of tan right?

Instead of writing a huge email about what we did everyday this week I'm more in the mood to just share stories as of lately.  

Basically what happened this week, was Sister Brown and I decided to get online to Mormon.org for a minuet.  While we were I saw this video of Elder Holland going to Asia.  The work there apparently is just exploding.  As I was watching I saw the Elders and Sisters serving there.  I couldn't help (I didn't mean to) but ask the question, "Why didn't I get sent to Asia?"  Like was I not worthy enough to go teach Asians? I was slightly upset while we were riding bikes home.  Then I started saying a heart prayer to Heavenly Father just letting him know all the feelings I was having.  We almost got to our apartment and I hear Sister Brown talking to someone who pulled up next to us on the side of the road. "How you ride bike?"  Sister Brown replies, "We'll teach you?!"  I looked behind me and see it's an Asian lady talking to her!!  I freaked out in happiness and asked this cute Asian lady to pull over into our apartment complex and we would talk to her (she was holding up traffic).  We talked to her for min, and we got her contact information.  We will hopefully see her this week!  

I feel as if that was the Lord saying, "You wanted an Asian, you got an Asian."  At that moment I realized I would've been fine in Asia.  But the Lord needed me here.  People that I have met and love dearly needed me to be here.  I especially needed to be in the MJM.  Funny huh?  That's my story for the week.  I love y'all!

Have a good one. 

Love Sister Jenkins

Best Companionship ever

Love my girls Zemp and Brown!!  

Here's the video link to what started my Asian dilemma

Shout out to Dad

Shout out to Dad

I will do a shout out to my cute Dad for fathers day!! I love him so much and I am so thankful that I have been blessed with a Dad who honors and respects his priesthood. He's truly been an amazing example and hero for me in my life. I reflect all the memories he was able to give me as a child. I'll never forget being on the Farm with my cute Dad.

Story Time: When I was small, there was anight that Dad and I had to move pipe just us on this huge field. I was so tired and didn't think I could pick up anymore pipe. I remember looking at my Dad, gentle and strong with the pipe and with me. As he walked I remember following directly behind him because it was always easier to follow in his footseps through the mud. It was also eaiser to follow because as he would walk the grain would brush down....if I stayed close enough I could get through the grain easier.

I remember my Mother years back sharing a similar story about my sweet Grandpa right before he passed away. I have this in common with her. I understand that through the mud of the water when moving pipe it's easier to follow in Dad's footseps.

My Grandpa will forever be my mothers hero like my Dad will be mine. After all Dad's are always a daughters first love. I love my Grandpa, and my mind reflects to his gentle and firmness as a grandfather growing up. He had such a strong testimony of the gospel and he was brilliant with things regarding life, I miss him and am grateful for the example he set in my life. In fact there is a song he would always sing with my mother growing up. It's called, "You are My Sunshine."



In loving memory of
My Grandpa Reed Jensen

The other night my comp and I were singing that to go to sleep (because we have bats outside our apartment that live in the roofing and they kept hitting our window so we couldn't sleep). The next day a member told us that "You are My Sunshine" is Louisiana's state song! My Grandfathers mission was in Texas. I know it covered some of Louisiana, but I'm not 100 percent sure on that. But it meant so much to me.

My Dad has such a strong testimony of this church. I know his spirit is strong, I will always be grateful for the eternal influence he has on my life. I love him. I will always cherish the memories we have. He's just a giant teddy bear as my mother would say. I know he is!! He gives the best hugs ever! Dad, thank you for everything you do. Following "In your footsteps" is the best path to take yet. Thank you for honoring your calling as a father, I know there was always one that would protect and love me that's you. I love you dearly.

Anways y'all. That was the week and those are my thoughts!

Love you all.

Love Sister J

 

Will Work for Chicken Nuggets

"Will work for Chicken Nuggets" seems to fit an experience that happened this week perfectly. Sister Brown and I were tracting. We didn't have a dinner appointment and it was slightly late in the evening but we were determined to find at least one person to teach. Door after door no one answered.  We knocked on this one of course a miracle happened. She seemed stressed, she had a lot of clothing and things in her carport. You see, we always ask people if they need help with anything and they always say no. However, this lady after we asked said,

"Yes I do. I have a garage sale I'm in charge of in the morning because we need the extra money and it's super overwhelming. I just don't see how I'll be able to handle all of this." Immediatly we were put to work. In the middle of organizing her carport. She gets on her knees crying thanking Heavenly Father for sending two angles that represent Jesus Christ to come help her. It was precious. We were happy to be there.

 

We worked for about an hour and then she offered us dinner. She said it wasn't much, but she was cooking some chicken nuggets! We of course jumped at the offer.  We were able to have a gospel discussion and eat chicken nuggets together. So we ended up getting Dinner! They wanted us to come back this week, we will see how it goes. Personally I am looking forward to it. I have hope that things are going to work out.

 

This week was good, it's weird that I only have a month left. All I could think this week was how much I truly love the south. I love these people so much. But, you know I don't think my email needs to be huge this week.
Love Sista J

 

A cute cafe in Stonewall!

 

 

We saved a turtle crossing the road

 

 

Dad's favorite team:)

 

 

 

 

Because of Him

Just a reminder to always remember him:)

Be an Instrument

Hey y'all:) 

Well, here was the week.  

Monday: It was the day of service.  So we painted the Glass families house all day--it was a solid day.  We also were able to teach Daniel at a resturant he's coming along really well.  He's the first investigator that has ever read the BofM as far as he has.  He's read to 2 Nephi 12!  It was pretty cool.  He was talking about all the stories that he had read I was pretty impressed! That doesn't happen to often.  We were so happy.

Tuesday was pday because it was transfer day.  But,  y'all already knew that so.. there goes Tuesday.  

Bah, this email is boring.  I'm not really in the mood to type up a huge email y'all.  We've had some great investigator lessons this week though.  Like, most of our investigators will be progressing soon.  Emily is amazing!! We visit her house at least a couple times a week and discuss the gospel.  She had us over for dinner with her brother and husband.  We had shrimp and had to peel it ourselves.  We watched the restoration DVD and the spirit was super strong.  Her brother was so excited to come to church Sunday that he went and bought a new tie for it.  

I just have such a strong testimony of the spirit and what it can do.  This week I am physically and spiritually exhausted.  It's really how missionary work should be.  I am so thankful that near the end of my mission we're still working as hard as ever.  It's been a super emotional week I think a lot of you understand.  I love it here so much.  I love the south I really do.  I love the spirit I am able to feel every single day.  We met this week with one of President McD's counselors, "President Houston".  I am so thankful that we met with him.  He gave me great coming home advice and told me that I am doing a wonderful job at my missionary work.  There was also a lot said that was an answer to all of my prayers. 

 Basically I'm more motivated to become the person the Lord wants me to be.  This mission has truly saved my salvation.  Without it, I don't even know where I would be or what my outlook on life would be like.  I have a long ways to go.  But, I can at least have the hope and faith that as long as God is number one in my life everything will work out.  Kind of trying to keep all the emotions together.  It might also be possible that I am crying as I write this.  5 weeks is not a lot of time, but I know that I'm going to keep working my hardest.  I love these people so much, every person does have good in them if you look at their hearts.  I'm not saying my goodbyes (even though it sounds like it) I'm just full of thanks!  It's like my need for people to receive this message of the gospel is greater then ever.  

I truly feel as if I am clay in the makers hands.  At church yesterday President Houston talked about how the organ in our building is the happiest organ in all of Stonewall.  Why?  Because it gets to be played every week.  It's an instrument that is constantly being used.  In Alma 29:9 (my mission scripture) it talks about being an instrument in the hands of the Lord, "and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul unto repentance."  

Now I know why we are always so happy at the end of the day when we do missionary work.  It's because the master is using us.  We are literally his instrument and I am the happiest I've ever been because I am in his total and complete control.  Trusting that he's going to make me sound beautiful the way I make the piano sound, gives me hope.  Sometimes it's difficult, but I want to be the best instrument I can be.  I want to be out of my case and being used for him.  Anyways it's a cool analogy I felt that I appreciated the calling I have as a missionary a whole lot more. 

Okay there we go, I feel a lot better about this email.  Sometimes just going through each day is...a drag to write.  But, y'all there's to much in my heart at the moment to really express the way I feel.  I hope y'all have a fantastic week.  As the classic song goes, "It's Alright, have a good time cause it's alright."  Everything is all right.

Love Always Sister Jenkins

We gave puppies a bath!

Don't get clouds like this in Utah.

Hey Mom!.....are you attempting to cook again?

Cookie fail....thought they needed more butter after my batch.

Moments That Matter Most

I was thinking about all the moments we have in life.  Remeber the moments that matter most! Find joy in the little things.  This life is precious and each day comes once in a lifetime.

Last the best of all the game

Alright, I can't believe its the start of my last transfer of my mission.  The feeling is weird.  It doesn't seem real. But here's the scoop on this week for you.

Currently right now it's transfers. It's crazy to me. Some of my favorite missionaries are going home and I am one transfer behind them, but I got to see other favorite missionaries today! I don't like to think about it, it makes me sad! But, at the same time I know change will have to happen. I can't be on this wonderful mission for forever, there are other things I need to do. That doesn't mean I can't always be a member missionary though! I'll just be a lot smarter. I won't load every detail about the gospel to people that have never heard that. I tried that one time on a date....a couple years ago. Didn't go so well. I even invited the guy to church. Maybe I was a little to pushy? But, he never came. It's fine though cause I tired. But, now I can come home and try "smarter".

Well, Monday was my last Zone Conference. Weird!! I was able to bear my testimony and it really didn't feel real. I remember when I first got to the mission field, thinking I would never get to that point. I looked at the older missionaries thinking, "Wow, you did it, you made it! Will I ever get there?" Yep, I sure did, it honestly was hard to do. I love missionaries so much. I have been influenced greatly by people I have had the privileged to serve around throughout my mission. Sister Brown and I played a piano duet to "I am a Child of God." super pretty duet. Our mission President said, "I don't think that piano has ever been played that way in a long time."

 

Tuesday was pday.   Wednesday, that was a good day. You see, Tuesday we did this thing called "Camp Gladiator" with Sister Glass for our morning work out. Then that night we got signed up for the whole thing and went to the first class Wednesday morning at 5 a.m. Oh my gosh, can I just say, Sister Brown and I looked like penguins walking around all day!! It hurt, but I love it when it hurts because that just means good things are about to happen. It was kind of hilarious to watch the two of us go up and down stairs. We've, been doing this class consistently so our bodies are used to it now. Which is really good, this week we are on bikes all week. We went out with Bailey and taught Sister Thomas again!! I love that woman so much. She is very intrigued and interested in temples, they catch her attention. We asked her if she would like to go inside of a temple someday and she responded, "Well, I do but I'm not going to be Mormon. I haven't taken all the lessons. I don't know enough." Perfect response because we are the ones that teaches her all she needs to know. She shared the most precious love story ever and it just made me cry!! I got to the car and all I could do was cry. I know someday she'll be with that man again someday. We had another official Book of Mormon class again! One person came...but, it went really well. One person is so much better then zero! I've got faith though. I know this class can grow.

Thursday was legit. Bailey invited us to go to this homeless, Baptist dinner thing. We like host the tables. Tonight, they didn't have a "devotional speaker". So of course I thought it was the perfect opportunity to volunteer. Want to know why? I've secretly had this need, want to teach in front of a bunch of Christians of all different faiths. I mean mostly this dream had to do with preaching to a congregation of Baptists, that'd be awesome. This dream was about to come true. Because they totally let us do the devotional!! Sister Brown and I (not to brag) did a pretty decent job. We talked about faith and on the spot sang. People were singing with us and we were getting a lot of amens along with that. I felt legit, afterwards people would say things like, "I didn't know Mormons could preach like that!" "We were drawn to everything y'all were saying." etc. I felt like saying well...you can be that way too! Just ask and ye shall recieve because we will teach. I loved it one of the highlight points of the misison for sure.

Friday, our car had some major car problems so we had to take the time to solve that. But we got some pretty solid lessons in.

Saturday was a refresher day. We worked all day non-stop. We tracted a lot and ran into a couple of people who wanted to "bash" with us. But we couldn't. Even though I attempted, I was surprised at how much more confident I was! I actually could answer most of her questions. The mission is a success!

That honestly was the majority of the week. I mean Sunday was great too. I just don't have a lot to say. Miracles and experiences happen all day everyday out here. Every Sunday the Sisters in Relief Society have a missionay moment. I love it cause this week they asked, "Sisters do y'all have a missionary moment." I said, "Yes we do! If we didn't have a missionary moment y'all should be worried." I made myself laugh. But its true!

Good week though eh? I loved it. I can't believe this is the last transfer of my misison! But, don't worry we're working out hardest! I love the work. I love this gospel. I know the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church on earth!

Love always,

Sister Jenkins

                                                             Sister Brown and I

                                                    The lesson I cried afterwards

                             Love this guy!! Served with him in Hattiesburg. 

The church in Coushatta!

       

Look Closer at Their Hearts

Hey everyone!
So this week..well, it was a really good week.  A lot happened.  But, I honestly don't really know where to start or what to say.  I feel like this email is going to take a lot okay you gotta let the peeps know whats going on.  Sooo now that I just talked myself into it, here goes the email.

Monday...by the way I get super made fun of by the Elders that I type basically Monday through Sunday but I don't care.  My family and friends gotta know what's going on. 
Soo lets start with Monday:  PDAY!!  I love pday--if people ever ask me what my favorite part about missionary work is I'll say all the spiritual stuff.  But, not going to lie sometimes, okay a lot of times Pday goes through my mind.  So we played tennis with Bailee today and made a pretty legit lunch.  But, we had an awesome lesson with a Glady's Knight referral.  We scheduled to be back this upcoming week so we'll see how this goes.  The Storr family fed us tonight and their little boy gave the cutest answer to, "What does the Holy Ghost feel like to you?"  He replied, "Baptized!"  It was adorable and he is right.  The Holy Ghost helps us feel clean and forgiven when we repent.  It's soo true--way to answer. 

Tuesday we went out with Mattie and ran into a couple of less actives that are totally willing to let us come back. It was cold this day!! Like..what the heck cold in the South at this time of year?  My feet were supper cold.  We walked into a memebers home in the middle of visiting all these people.  Sister Saunders had some peanuts and ovaltine.  It looked suuper good and all I wanted to do was drink some ovaltine and eat peanuts but I knew we couldn't.  We had to be off and working, which is exactly what we did. 
We tracted this trailer park today and we knew there was a reason to be there we just weren't sure what that reason was.  So with faith, we kept going and door after door no one was answering or no one was willing to talk to us.  But, we saw these people sitting outside smoking and we felt prompted to walk over and talk to them.  At first we were suppper hesitant but, we decided to get up our courage and go over to talk to them.  When we went over, they let us teach them the restoration.  Then the woman said that she was pregnant and really wanted to stop smoking.  We offer a stop smoking workshop!! So it was perfect.  It literally is a miracle that we ran into her and started to talk to her.  She's really worried about her baby mostly because it's a miracle she's able to have one.  Right before her stop smoking workshop on Friday we knew that someone needed to be with us as we taught her.  But, no one was coming to our minds.  We had to go to Wally World to get the stuff for her workshop.  Well, I lost an item of significant importance.   So we had to rush back to the apartment to find it.  45 min later we found it, which I don't understand why because I looked where we found it underneath the chair in our car about 5 times.  But at this moment we found it.  So, we go back to Wally World and Sister Saunders is parked right across from us.  Was this a sign??  So, we asked her what she was doing at one and she said, "nothing."  Then she told us she would love to come help with the workshop!  Can you say prayer answered or what?

I really don't want to go through the rest of the days, but I did learn from a member the importance of fellow shipping in this church.  Seriously y'all we need each other for support and love.  Like, lets be honest if all of us didn't have at least one friend, going to church would be really hard.  We met a wonderful lady who all she wants is someone to love her for her mistakes.  Yes, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love her for who she is.

 Aren't we as members supposed to act as Christ word and stand as his witness at all times and in all things and in all places? Mosiah 18:9-10.  If we are to stand as witness's of him then we should be friends with those that need a friend.  Let us all open our eyes to those people who seem so independent that they don't need anyone.  I think too often that we always remember those who "seem" to not have any friends.  But, do we become friends with those that we are jealous of?  Are we friends with those that we are intimidated by? Despite what a person looks like or what they seem to have, look closer at their hearts.  I know a lot of woman especially that seem to have the world.  They "seem" to have everything and more.  Yet do they receive love from others? Don't over look these wonderful people who have struggles just like everyone else.  "Don't judge me because I sin differently then you."  It isn't right to judge.  I get that we all have these feelings of insecurity and like we aren't good enough to be someones friend.  But, you are!  You just have to try and if they don't accept it that's their choice.  So...that's what I have to say about that.  Just love people gosh dang it! No matter how they look, no matter how rich or how poor they are, no matter what we should love one another as Jesus loved us.  Besides...the 2nd coming is on it's way.  So why do we let our stupid insecurities, emotional weaknesses, pride, and all the natural man feelings that we feel get in the way?  You are a child of God gosh dang it!! You are loved beyond comprehension.  Your plan is not someone else's plan so get over yourself and love.  But, in the end we all want to go to the same place and live with the same God.  I think we are all a little to easily offended sometimes.  Offense, contention...doesn't matter!  The only thing that matters is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Understand?  Good. I don't really know who this rant was to..maybe it was to myself I don't know.  I just know how much happier we'd all be if there was more love then envy and jealousy.

This visit seriously made me feel all these things I just stated.  I guess I just had to let it out. 
The Elders pulled a ridiculous prank on us this week.  They told us that one of the Elders (Elder Loftin) was apostate.  Which didn't make sense because he is a great missionary.  So Sister Brown and I freaked out because they were making Elder Loftin sound like this awful missionary!  NO correction...Elder Loftin even made himself seem that way.  But, he's not I can't believe we believed them.  Like, I was literally trying to see in my mind when he's been an apostate missionary but their was nothing.  But, then my mind like made myself believe that their were signs of his disobedience....but there was none!!  We believed them though.  Like Elder Jones would tell us he has movies and swims etc.  It made Sister Brown cry!! Then Elder Loftin claimed he had movies!! I started to almost cry..but I was too mad to cry.  I was ready to blow up and get mad, I kind of did.  That just isn't acceptable. 
We then realized it was all a prank, a pretty mean prank.  So for the record the Elders are obedient missionaries!  They were just freaking us out Elder Jones is a funny guy that makes jokes, and Loftin is just a tall guy that loves cats I mean earlier that night we saw a cat take a nap on his shoes.  Soooo how could they even be bad?  They aren't!!  There's that humors joke for the week.

So, I hope y'all had as good of a week as I did.  The Glass girls graduated!! We went to their house for lunch and I felt like this was Heavenly Fathers way of letting me see my little Sister Graduate.  Bailee reminds me a lot of Kayla...so Kayla I know it's not the day of graduation yet.  But, I am SOOO proud of you babe!!! 
I love y'all.
Have a fantastic week.
Love always Sister Jenkins

A Poem to Mom

There is a Woman I Love and Know

There is a woman I love and know

Who gave me all and watched me grow.

She tickled my arm and sang me to sleep most nights.

And magically healed my mosquito bites.

She watched me on my three wheel trike

Then pushed me on my two wheel bike.

This woman was always there.

Every dance, soccer, piano, and tennis practice she took me to with care.

Not a game missed, nor a recital unseen.

My silent hero got everything on screen.

This woman taught me the gospel is true.

 My Savior is someone she always knew

From the time I was young to the time I am now, 

Mom was my example and always showed me how.

Precious prayers were always said,

On our knees, right by a bed.

Walking quietly out of the room after saying goodnight,

and making sure we were just right.

Softly saying while shutting the door,

"I love you Mom." "I love you more."

Now here I am away from the woman I love and know.

Bringing others unto Christ and watching them grow.

Because of her love and example I am here today.

Thank you Mom for always showing me the way.

-Sister Celeste Jenkins

Mississsippi Jackson Mission

My Mother is beautiful!

My parents together are my hero's but this is a mothers day post:)

Life Lines

So, I had this dream that I saw my family yesterday.  Oh wait!  I did:)  It was the best, I could talk to them all day.  This week went by really fast and I'm surprised.  It's like when you don't want time to go by fast it continues to go by fast.  Then when you want time to speed up, it goes slower?  How does that work?  Oh well whatever the case time won't be an issue in Heaven so I'm just going to enjoy every moment I have left in the field. 

Monday we had some members of the ward take us to Wally World and help us find things to put into our house.  These people are saints.  Literally I love them and couldn't thank them enough on the car ride home.  I seriously made the world to me! There are so many wonderful examples in the mission field especially members that take care of their missionaries.  I remember when we first got to Hattiesburg the Bishops wife helped us out so much.  I will always be thankful for these Christ-like people who give their time and money to helping the Lord.  As my trainer always said, "The members are our life lines."  I completely agree.  They are 100 percent our life lines regarding everything.  I really hope that one day I can be able to help out the missionaries as much as I have been helped out on my mission.

Tuesday was good-it's just been non-stop busy and I love it.  Literally this is such an amazing area.  It's literally been such a blessing to be able to open this area for sisters.  It's been our biking week, so obviously we've been on bikes all week.  Remember that time I told the Elders in Hattiesburg we could just car share?  Well, it totally helped prepare me for this area.  Biking wasn't that bad!  I mean the first day we didn't know where we were at half the time.  Which is totally typical so we just went with the flow.  Which I don't know if that was a good thing or not.  Everyone that we planned to see wasn't home.  So there was some I guess confusion as to where we were.  We had back up plans to everything and we ended up biking into the Elders area.  Not a bad thing though because we ended up finding them a potential investigator...go sisters.  But, Brother Adams saw us biking, "Hey you two Mormons! aren't you in the wrong area?" Oh hey haha umm yes we are...we just thought we'd bike at least 15 in the hot sun and humidity.  All to end up getting the Elders some investigators oh and to get lost like three times and have to bike back and forth back and forth.   He was so nice haha he saw that we were totally lost and let us use his GPS!!  It was a blessing to run into him.  Oh haha funny story so there was this one time we were driving last week and Sister Brown said at a major intersection, "haha can you imagine Elders biking across this highway?  I bet people laugh at them."  Well, guess who happened to cross that same intersection this day?  Oh two "Mormon Chick" missionaries in skirts with bright red faces.  Needless to say, we saw some awesome returning members.  So all of it was worth it.  We even got some sweet tan lines.  I personally love the watch and tom tan lines.  Icy Hot was well used at the end of today:)

Wednesday! District meeting.  Hmmm well, not going to lie it was one of the more awkward district meetings.  Thank Heavens I didn't have to drive to Shreveport this week.  Last week still kinda scared me.  But, it was just awkward! Like I can't explain it.  But, I totally became a Sister Missionary officially today ya'll. Because Sister Brown and I decided to make lunch for our little district.  Sister Brown made this pasta (it was all healthy cause the elders are health nuts) it was really good.  Then I made this spinach, strawberry, madrian oranges, cranberry, and the best part...homemade honey roasted pecans! Yeah, I didn't even use a recipe y'all I just made them. The Elders all thought they we're good...like they were eating these pecans like they were candy. One of them wants me to make him a whole bag of these so that he can snack on them.  Of course I will!! I actually made something that Elders will just eat.  I didn't buy it...(cause that's what I'd normally do if I was making lunch) but I made it.:)  I even forgot dressing and they said the salad was so good it didn't need a dressing.  Psh I felt awesome.  So it was a pretty legit lunch, all homemade which makes me an official Sister Missionary.  Thank Heavens I passed that test before I came home. Today Bailey came out with us:)  It was a good time.  Sister Brown had a "potential investigator" call and ask to date her.  Most awkward conversation, apparently it wasn't the gospel that got his attention.  My comp is beautiful y'all but she was very polite and mature in the way she turned him down.  We had an awesome lesson with Blake again and he committed to baptism!! Bailey is going to be a solid missionary someday--seriously she was pulling out scriptures I didn't even know before my mission.  But, the spirit was super strong during the lesson.  We also saw the Nelsons:)  Their and active family and I just love them.

Wow, I'm writing a novel today.  But, hey keep reading:) Thursday lets see, Sister Brown and I had to bike to the library to write our talks for Sunday.  Then we got caught in a rainstorm.  It was awesome!  I freakin love the rain, especially the rain in the south.  The rain in Utah just...isn't the same.   But, we had a legit lesson at the Saunders home!! Seriously this ward is the best.  They do so much missionary work on their own and make sure that the missionaries are in their homes teaching these people they are talking with.  We taught two people in their home.  It was kinda a jumbled lesson.  Sister Brown and I lead the lesson, and the Elders got our backs.  Even with the four of our teaching it was still great.  

Friday we did a lot of service, painting dressers and helping the ward with their "garage sale" at the stake center. We weekly planned today and we had legit stuff to plan for!! So we basically did that for about four hours.  

Saturday we went on exchanges.  I was on bikes and Sister Brown was riding with Sister Giddins.  Sister Cottrell and I saw a lot of people.  We tracted for a couple of hours and tried a few returning members.  Even though we didn't get a lot of lessons in, it was still a successful day because we were non-stop working.  I mean it was tiny moments that we kept finding opportunities to teach or serve.  For example, a man was looking for something down the street.  I said, "What you looking for sir?"  He replied that his dog was missing and she ran down the road.  I asked what kind of dog and immediately took off.  I didn't mean to like bike as fast as I was haha but I was determined to find this dog this old man needed help.  Well, at the end of the street we found her.  Then I chased her back home on my bike, because she wouldn't come to me.  But, since the south doesn't have sidewalks...I was bookin it on my bike across everyone's lawns chasing this dog.  Point is...the dog made it safely home:)  The man was extremely grateful.  

Sunday I was speaking in church.  I chose to speak on the conference talk "Oh how we need each other" By Bonnie Oscarson who is the young woman's general president. I wanted to make my talk a mix of this talk and mothers day.  So I wrote a poem for my mother Saturday night. The poem will be in a different post.  But, basically I talked to my family!!  It was a great great day.  I love them soo much.  The Glass family is awesome for letting us always come over.  They help the missionaries out so much.  

Anyways y'all it was such a great week.  Like, I am so happy. I haven't felt this happy for such a long time on my mission.  I mean I've always been happy, but I'm so much more.  I think the better I become as a missionary the happier I am.  Granted it means my heart hurts for everyone that I come to love that doesn't accept the gospel even more.  But, that's just part of the deal.  I pray for these wonderful people with all my heart every night/morning.  Nothing is more important then our brothers and sisters.  We all need each other.  We can't do it alone.  "Love one another as I have loved you."  John 13:34  This is literally the most important time on earth.  What a blessing it is to be able to be a member of the one true church on earth.  Christ lives and he WILL come again.  I know it.  Lets all continue to love and prepare each other for it.

I love you always.  

Love Sister Jenkins

Opening of Stonewall

Hey y'all!!
Oh what a week.  Opening is well crazy.  I feel so much more prepared opening this area then I ever did Hattiesburg.  Maybe that's because I know somewhat more of what I am doing.  Even though moving into our apartment hasn't been a very smooth transition, we've been able to get a lot of work done based on the circumstances. The Glass family let us live with them for a week and a half while we waited to hear back from the apartments. Well, Thursday we got the news that we would officially be moving in on Friday.  Wahoo!
Lets start with major events yeah?  Well, Monday we went tracting.  I have such a strong testimony of tracting on pday.  It's almost like every time we do go tracting on Monday we always find new investigators and people to teach.  This area is a whole lot different then Bogalusa is.  Wow, like people I think the over passes on the highways are pretty.  The Elders, when they split the area gave us the "richer"area.  Which is totally different the Hattiesburg!! We got the poorer area, which was great.  I loved our area there...the area now is more hmmm intimidating?  I get nervous knocking on the doors!  But, we've tracted enough this week that I'm more used to the houses now.  Anyways 1st day in a rich area, okay I stretched a little, took a deep breath, said a huge prayer that someone would accept our message, and knocked.  It seemed we weren't having any success, I just know though that no effort is wasted.  Well, we knocked on this door and a guy answered.  Apparently it wasn't his house, but he told us to come back the next day.  We walked away and as we were near the end of the street, this guy (we'll call him Fred) came running down the street saying, "Sisters, I know the Mormon missionaries and I feel bad for not inviting you in.  I should ha've even though it's not my house.  But, the guy that owns it needs Jesus."  We walked back with him and they fed us dinner and we talked.  It was very...very...interesting haha wow.  I have no words to even explain all that happened.  Just know I felt like I was in a hotel in vegas??  Haha I don't even know how to explain it!! I mean the woman of the house was telling us about her children and everything.  We asked where her children were and she said, "Oh they're out back swimming with their tutor!  She's tanning." Oh yeah...welcome to my life people.  But, on the bright side we did get to teach them a legit lesson.  Then the man of the house said, "Y'all can come back anytime.  I will feed you and you can teach us."  So there you have it.  We gave him a Book of Mormon, he said he'd read it and we were welcome back.
We did service this week for a man who owns a cat sanctuary.  Literally he has soooo many cats!!!  He calls the cat place "Fort Catamo" y'all it's online...look him up!  But, all the cats slightly hmm made me never want to have a cat?  But, hey I respect all that the guy did.  It reminded me of being a little girl and walking all around our land meowing and trying to save the cats I found (sorry Mom). Wednesday we went out to meet some people and boy did we. That's all I have to say about that one.
Thursday was Gladys Knight!  Wahoo!! I got to see her twice during my mission.  The one here in Shreveport was jam packed!  But, it was still just as great.  That woman has a way to reach all of these people's hearts.  I just love how sincere and powerful her choir is when they sing.  Seriously people, and then when she gets up to bear her testimony the spirit is super strong and you just know what she is saying is true.  After Gladys we went out to eat with Gwen and Sister Saunders.  I know that the Lord truly does put us in the right place at the right time.  We were able to help our server out that night.  Apparently she is a member but needed to know that the Lord loves her and is looking out for her. 
Friday we basically spent the entire day moving ourselves into our new apartment.  Woohooo.  It was actually really good.  The deans took us out for pizza after.  But, I am so thankful for all the members here.  They seriously are taking such good care of us.  They are the ones who are making our apartment ready for the missionaries.  Honestly it's such a blessing to be apart of this church.  The relief society is truly the greatest women's organization in the world.  Thanks to a lot of help our apartment has the things it needs.   All I have is a thankful heart and a willing hand to go out and work. 
Saturday was a good day.  We had to wake up early because we were apart of a service project called "Paint Your Heart Out" It was a lot of fun honestly.  We painted this house (our ward) and it took from 7-12p.m. Then, we had interviews at 2:30 so we all had to race home and get the paint out of our hair and head to interviews.  I love interviews!! Seriously I love being able to visit with President McDonough.  He helps me look at missionary work in a better way each time.  Then after interviews we were off again. Lets just say I was freakin out.  Like, I had to drive all through Shreveport (the main part) and the traffic was bad, I was panicking.  Plus it didn't help that Elder Jones (since we car share and are allowed to drive to interview and district meetings together only) was telling me what a horrible driver I was in the back.  I told them both it was a bad idea to let me drive.  But, no one listened to me.  So I was stuck as the driver freakin out.  Those who know me know I slightly have a hard time driving in a ton of traffic.  But, we all lived thankfully.  We went to dinner for the Paint your Heart Out event.  There was a ton of people and loads of Crawfish.  Welcome to the south y'all.
Sunday...May 4th...I just have to say this cause it's really funny, "May the forth be with you." hahahaha oh my when I heard that I went around all day saying that. 
Anyways y'all, it was a good week as usual!! I love the mission.  My companion Sister Brown is awesome and we are working really hard together.  Please remember how much the Lord loves you.  Never forget that who you are IS enough.  He loves us more then we could ever comprehend.  I am thankful I am here.  I will continue to work hard and remain focused.  The church is without a doubt the true church on earth.  It's Jesus Christ's Church restored let us all continue to endure and remain faithful to the truths we know in our hearts. 
Know I love y'all!
Love always Sister Jenkins