Hellllooooo everyone that I love in Utah.

Sooo this week kinda crazy--1st off I know y'all were worried but we survived the not even centimeter of snow that was on the ground. I mean, it shut down practically every buisness around but hey we survived. I mean we even managed to drive around and still make our appointments. The south makes me laugh I love these people so much--Utah and here are two completely different worlds. We had two baptisms! Wahoo!! But before we go into the details of that, we'll start with Monday.

Monday was an awesome pday. We went to picayune to be with our district. Last district pday was nearly 2 months ago and not gonna lie it was kind of lame. But this one was great. We went to Bro. Gills property played Frisbee, volleyball, and had a huge bon fire!! I even got to play an organ Bro. Gill revived and it was an amazing experience. In fact the organ hadn't been played since his mother passed away in 02'. He asked me to play "God be with You Till We Meet Again" when I started to play he was just crying. He even called up his Sister so she could listen to me play. It was an interesting and antique organ. It actually was one of those pump organs that you have to continually move the foot pedals in order for it to make sound. But I was thankful for the opportunity. After I got finished playing he came up to me and shook my hand over and over saying thank you. "That organ has never been played that well in all it's years and it's been all over this state. Thank you it's been a blessing to listen to you play." I felt honored and grateful that I was able to do that. So thanks Mom for teaching me how to play! That night we seriously had a huge bon fire. Probably the biggest bon fire I've ever seen. I thought in Utah we had big bon fires, nope clearly, I mean clearly I was wrong. People down south know what's up!

Well Tuesday (now y'all better not freak out) but my companions and I kind of got into a car crash ( I wasn't the one driving surprisingly enough) but it was scary. However, it was a small accident, it was just a little fender bender. But man, when we crashed you would have thought it was bigger then it really was!--The Mayor of Bogalusa was the first one on the scene, then an ambulance showed up (which wasn't needed at all), then two cop cars, and everyone was so nice by pulling over asking if we needed help. But basically there went our day. We called Elder Edwards and he called President. We were expecting not to have a car for the rest of the week and all of a sudden Elder Edwards called saying, "Okay Sisters, President knows y'all can't really get by without a car so I'm bringing you a new one in the morning." I mean of course that was perfect!! But I couldn't help but think, "Too bad real life isn't like this." Oh hey yeah I just got in a car crash....OH you did!! No worries we'll bring you a brand new car in the morning. Hahahah yeah right. You know Gods hand is in all things in his work and nothing especially a fender bender will stop the work from progressing! We spent most of the time with Pam and getting Stella prepared for her baptism that happened on Saturday.

Wednesday morning....sure enough the door bell rang I walked out to the carport and there was a car sitting there. I was like bah!! Why can't this be like life at home hahaha it just cracks me up cause that will never ever happen to me again!! But I enjoyed the sight while I could. But (don't panic), I am now the current driver. Ya! I need lots of prayers here people you know my driving past. But the Lord will protect as long as I'm good!! I mean I was a good driver in Hattiesburg so lets hope and pray for the best here. Wednesday night a miracle happened!! Our ward had it's first ward counsel in nearly 3 years. I was in awe!! Watching it take place under the direction of the stake presidency was a sight to see. My heart was so full of thanks that I couldn't help but have watery eyes. President Silas was there (my Hattiesburg Bishop) and I went up to him thanking him from the bottom of my heart for coming. The Branch is truly coming along and the work is seriously hastening. We actually had a really cool lesson on Sunday about the Hastening of the work. In the World Wide Training that happened back in May or June something like that, Elder Nielson said that the "Hastening to the Work" is as big as 1. The first Vision 2. The restoration of the gospel 3. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Oh my heck...I never have really thought about it until the Sunday school lesson given by our stake president. What an honor it is to be here!! We are a part of one of the greatest events of our churches history. The Lord has saved and chosen us to come down and help him gather all the ends of the earth. It's truly an honor.

Thursday was great--we went and saw a lot of people but it was just a normal working day. We went and taught an investigator who is actually sincerely interested in the gospel. He is returned from the army and he is trying to find something more for his life. He feels like God wants him to do more with his life he's just not sure what that is. We told him that as long as he listens to us and keeps his commitments he'll discover what it is the Lord wants him to do. We also saw Miss Jannett. Oh my goodness this woman is the sassiest woman alive! I love it, I consider her my true southern experience. I always feel like I'm in a movie when we talk to her. That night we went to the Freemans for dinner. We talked a lot about rescuing those that are lost and finding those that need to be found. Then Sister Mygrant shared a scripture Alma 17:11 that fit perfectly with being an example to bring them into the fold. Then all of a sudden Brittney says, "Oh my gosh, that was the exact same scripture I wanted to share with y'all!!" This experience increased my testimony of listening to the spirit always it'll always lead you regarding what to say.

Friday was transfer calls--Sister Mygrant is heading to Minden, Louisiana. Sister Baker is heading to El Durado, Arkansas. I am staying here and getting Sister Bailey. I'm excited for the change but I really will miss these two amazing missionaries. They have touched my life in more ways then one and I couldn't be more thankful for their positive attitudes and loving hearts. It's sad to see them go but, such is life and missionary work must go on. Everyone looks at change as a bad thing...but I look at it as a good thing!! When change happens we are progressing and listening to the Lord. Change can be scary and breaking traditions can seem like a bad thing. But leaving our comfort zone is when we learn and grow the most. That I have a sure testimony of.

Saturday was the baptisms of Stella and Cindy. They both went really well and it's such a blessing to be able to witness the first step to salvation. It's funny because sometimes we tend to think that after baptism our job as missionaries but I am learning more and more that it's not the end at all!!! Baptism is only the beginning of an eternal commitment! Baptism is when we are born of Christ and we commit to follow him all our lives, representing him at all times, and doing all we can to follow his example. The ward was all there and it was a beautiful sight to see--from the time I got to this area to now it's amazing to see all that has happened and is going to continue to happen.

Sunday was branch conference. I made a macaroni salad (the one Mom makes) a little dry but whatever I'm trying here people. My future family would be so proud. But there was so many people the chapel was nearly full!! The last time that happened was the primary program, but the primary program happened to get those baptisms and activate a lot of these children's parents. Christian is continuing to pass the sacrament and I am so happy for him every time he does. What a young leader in this church. Keith and Alex will hopefully be receiving the priesthood here soon enough.

But wow what a week! I am excited to meet my new companion so that we can really work together with this branch. Anyways--y'all be good now ya here?! Keep the faith and try all you can to accomplish the mission the Lord has for each and everyone of us.

I love you lots.

Love Sister Jenkins

Hey everyone!

I hope y'alls week is going good. This week was interesting for us. But we'll start from the beginning.

Monday was usual missionary work after pday. We went to Christians home and had a mini family home evening for the children. It was fun we talked all about temples and how important they are. Christian made a promise and was already on board for going to the temple with his Nanna to do baptisms for the dead. We were surprised he was already to go. I mean, he's only 13 years old and the testimony he is developing is already amazing. But it was a fun night. We love being with the members in our ward.

Tuesday was good a couple of hilarious experiences happened. But we went tracting by the apartments that are next to our house. We ran into a couple of really sweet people. The first one being Owen who had just lost his wife and is experiencing a lot of grief and depression. Which was perfect because that morning I had read an article in the Ensign about grief and how it's a normal part of life. Also how grief can help us grow closer to the Savior. It was good we left a prayer with him and a return appointment. As we marched on our merry way to the apartment doors we knocked on this one. Ohmy gosh this was hilarious!! We knocked...waited, and nothing. Then we knocked again (just the usual process of knocking) and waited then all of a sudden bang bang bang! Someone from the inside knocked back!--and it scared us so bad but I bet they were dying of laughter from the inside because they had a peep hole and could clearly see our scared reaction. honestly it was so funny to me cause no one has ever done that before, but we got it. It made us hesitant to knock on any other doors from that point on. But on the way to the next house this lady was walking out and we complimented her outfit. But as she drove away she turned her car around and waved us down! "Before I left, I had to give y'all my card because I really do want to hear what y'all are about and I do want to grow nearer to God." I was kind of amazed because well, no one ever does that here....usually they are running away from us. I mean literally we usually enter an apartment complex and people look out their windows to see who it is knocking on all the doors. Then, one by one we see car after car leave the parking lot. Well fine don't hear what we have to say drive away...go...leave you'll receive the message one day.

The next door we knocked on a Latino lady answered and didn't speak a lick of English. Soo...I attempted to speak Spanish. It kind of worked!!! I was soo surprised. Basically serving around Spanish Elders has helped because we managed to get her contact information and a return appointment. I was in shock!! Haha as we were walking away, Sister Baker looked at me and said, "Sooo you wait 12 weeks to show me or tell us that you speak Spanish! What the Sister Jenkins I had no idea!" Um...yeah I don't speak Spanish I was only using simple words that I knew but it totally worked! The gift of tounges people its a real thing.

This day we were super busy--we also checked up on Patrick a potential investigator and he is a giant sweet heart. We shared a love for music with each other. As the three of us sang for him he started to cry, " I really needed you three angles in my life today." I felt great after we left him and we helped him draw closer to Christ through a common love of music.

Wednesday was good we did "Honk for Jesus" again. We get the best responses from people doing that. Basically we are in the South--all these good Christian people honking for Jesus. That night we went to the church for the branches 1st youth activity!!! Miracles are really happening folks. We had seven youth there boys and girls combined! We played ping pong and ate some pizza but it was nice to have almost all our youth there including the recent youth who have just gotten baptized. Bogalusa has never had a youth activity before and this was the first. What a miracle to witness, the pizza was a little weird looking not going to lie. The girls didn't want to eat it and I had the hardest time cutting it. But, I didn't pick the pizza or buy it, plus the young men ate it all. I was thankful that the ward pitched in and did their jobs to get these precious youth involved.

Thursday Sister Baker was sick most of the day but thankfully we were able to go out that night. The Taylors took us to their place and we had fun being with them eating Gumbo and talking about the work.

Friday not a ton happened, it was just a usual day out in the field--we went and taught Cindy and she is defiantly ready to get baptized. That woman has changed so much through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seriously she is a completely different person. I felt honored because she asked me to speak at her baptism which is new for me because I am always the one on the piano. But I felt honored because honestly I don't feel I have been here for all that she's been through (because I haven't been) such is life. But I have been able to witness the Cindy before the change in her truly happened and that has been such a blessing in my life. The Atonement is a real thing and when you think about it, everything in this life always goes back to it. Change...that's what it's all about. The Salvation of our souls is saved because of the sacrifice Jesus Christ was willing to make. Now, we can change, repented, and be perfected through him. Being able to witness that in another person increases my testimony beyond measure. I love my Savior and I know he loves all of us equally.

Saturday we went and saw the Lux's and I love them so much. President Lux is the best branch president I could ask to serve around. He loves and cares for the branch and Sister missionaries so much. He gives such great advice--and is really helping the work here progress.

Sunday we had David, Cindy and DJ at church. I love it seeing investigators at church! They listen to everything that's going on. Hmmm that can either be a good thing or a bad thing though. Sometimes I bite my tounges and pray all the right words, principles, and doctrines are taught. Not going to lie sometimes it all goes completely wrong but other times really well and it was as if the entire day was made specifically for that investigator. Today, hmmm well I was nervous most of the time praying over and over in my mind that everything would go right. Thankfully everything went well. Not great but well....think positive...I must think positive. On the bright side, Cindy is getting baptized this weekend along with Estella, and DJ wants to get baptized wahoo! That night we went to the police station to eat with the officers. These men have the sassiest personalities. They showed us all their guns as we ate with them and they ask really good questions about what the "Mormon Religion" is all about. It's comforting to know that in this town we got the police officers looking out for us. Sometimes we see them driving around (especially Roy) and we have to talk to them. "Hey Mormon Chicks! How are y'all doing?!" Seriously people I am living in a movie.

That was the week at it's finest. It was a great week, great people, and great work being done. Bogalusa has hope and things are changing. It's all in the hands of the Lord which is the best place to be. It's only going to be through our faith and obedience that it will continue to thrive. I love you all so much. Thank you for you testimonies, prayers, and strength. Hold firm to the faith and never for get to on your knees. Plead with the Father in all you do I know that as you do you will feel more love and peace in your life. Anything you go through you can get through with his help. He loves you beyond measure.

I love you.

Love Sister Jenkins 

 

 

Hello hello Everyone. Happy pday!

Soo this week was crazy---but such a good one. It was non-stop with lessons which is what we want obviously.

Tuesday we were on exchanges with Sister Johnson and Cotrell. It was really effective and we got a lot of work done. Sister Johnson and I had some solid lessons and they nearly brought me to tears. Basically we taught Jake and he is a retruning member that is making his way back to church. His heart was on his sleeve because of his family and all he wants is the best for them. Well, the spirit was so strong in this lesson and he came to Book of Mormon class as well as chruch this Sunday and he looked better. The atonement, the gospel, Jesus Christ are going to get him through any trial he faces. Then we went to Beth's house. Unfortunatly she wasn't even there because she was in the hospital. Well, we went to go see her in the hospital, the sight of her nearly broke my heart! She needed us there. We sang to her and told her she will get though this hard time. I know she'll be fine at first I didn't think so but after we prayed with her I knew that the Lord was going to spare her a little longer. We went to teach Stella and "role-played" with her to ask her mom to help her get a ride to church. Sure enough she was at church on Sunday and we are still working on getting a baptismal date for her.

Wednesday we went to teach Cindy who was (at this point) for sure getting baptized on the 8th. She is ready. We went and taught Ms. Fae and wow I have such a strong testimony of sharing the first vision. The spirit was so strong as we shared the first vision in this lesson. In fact at the end of quoting the vision there were tears in her eyes and she said, " I know it's true." The converting power of the spirit and how it teaches truth. It was an amazing lesson and I know that the first vision is such a powerful tool in inviting the spirit right away.

Later that night we had to go into wal-mart because Sister Mygrant was feeling sick. Well, while we could see Sister Mygrant getting her medicine, Baker and I decided to go over to the cards. We just so happened to find a singing one that we loved and well we may or may not have started dancing a little bit in the isle. This lady smiled as she picked her birthday gift bag and then we started talking. By the end of the conversation, she wanted us to come to her house to teach her what we have to say. Sooo this is proof that being yourself will get investigators even if it's in the most random way.

Thrusday was the non-stop lesson after lesson it was awesome. The begining of the day we went out with Bro. Corkren and Nanna. We went and saw a less active member who is working on coming back to church in fact he's come back quite a few times in the last month soo that's good. Then we went out to eat at the Reins. They are fun--I told Bro. Rein that the old men in the Senior Center keep asking me to play "Boogie Woogie" on the piano. So I know that man has got of New Orleans style music so he gave me a lot and come this Tuesday I will be playing the Boogie Woogie...nothing like serenading old men in a senior center by playing the Boogie Woogie haha.

Then we saw our boys Keith and Alex wahoo!! The holidays have been a struggle when it came to seeing our boys. But it was good to be back in their home teaching them. We also saw Christian!! I love Krystal's family...they are the funnest and we have a great time with all those children everytime we go over. Christian tired teaching me how to play this game..."Yu-Gio?" I think that's how you spell it eh...but I am not good at it at all. I had know idea what I was doing so of course I acted like I did the entire time he knew better.

We also saw Lakeitha today. Oh my gosh her little Brother is amazing. He's nine years old and kept chiming in on the lesson. I looked at him and asked if he wanted to join. Then I asked if he went to church cause we never see him at church with his sister. Apparently he walks to a church every Sunday that's two blocks away because no one will take him to church. So he goes by himself every Sunday and he's nine....what a devoted child of God. We told him he needs to start coming with Lakeithia and then he asked, "When can I get baptized?" His testimony is stronger then most adults. He started to feel slightly guilty for sins he has done in the past....then we asked, "do you feel Christ has forgiven you?" With tears in his eyes he said, "I don't know, what does that feel like?" Then we explained it to him--then explained how baptism would feel. We looked over at Lakethia and she was crying. She said, "I've never seen him like this before." It was yet another solid lesson and he will be coming with Lakeithia from now on. Lakeithia looked at us and said, "Perfect, one member of my family is coming back to chruch with me and I have 5 to go:)." Man, the youth now days, are such a chosen generation.

Saturday we went and taught an investigator that we tracted into on tuesday. Kristi is amazing and knows the Book of Mormon is true. She's already read 12 chapters and can't put it down. She calls us her three angles that the Lord sent to her as a sign to change her life. We did a lot more Saturday but I don't feel the need to go into detail:)

Sunday was church (no way really?) haha but we had three investigators there and then we went to eat out at the Tally's. What a couple!...oh man. Haha she's got these two horses and cows and she is a fiesty southern country woman. I love her and she now teases me cause she didn't believe me when I said I was raised in the country on a farm. She kept calling me city girl the entire time and honestly I was like...no. So I proved my point to her that I really was raised in the country and now she goes alright Sister Country I believe you. Haha she loves me....but man was I going to prove to her that I was raised on a farm and I did:) Stupid thing to prove but come on I am proud of where I came from--I love where I was raised and who I was raised to be.

Then we ran into this adorable Latino woman Kathy. We stopped when tracting and talked to her for a min. She calles herself the Latino version of Betty Crocker. She actually gave us a great recipie for a face mask.

Here it is:

Oatmeal: but in blender or magic bullet until it's powderized.

Baking Soda: a pinch

Lemon Juice: 3 drops

Milk: enough to make a paste.

haha she said just let it sit on your face till it's dry and you will feel beautiful after you wash it off. It might feel like it's pulling your skin but just enjoy it cause it's cleaning those toxins. Haha she was adorable!! We are def going back to visit her.

Anyways it was a great week y'all. So much is happening and the branch is slowly but surley growing. It's a miracle to witness and it's all because of the Lord. "I do not glory in myself but I glory in that which the Lord has commanded me." Alma 29:9--funny how our new mission quote involves my mission scripture coinsedence? I think not.

Love y'all!

Love Sister Jenkins

 

 

Sooo this week was pretty great. I don't know how to write this email other then to write it day by day. Well, lets start with Monday.

Monday was good--it was pday of course but we spent most of the day having a nerf gun war with our neighbors who are members (yes members actually live by us). After that we went over to Krystals home and had some fried fish, fries, and hushpuppies. I love hushpuppies for some reason, I think they are soo good! Anyways we had a lot of laughs and it was a really good night I love going over to that household. The children weren't there sooo that was kinda a bummer but it was nice because we were able to just really talk one on one with Krystal and her future husband.

Tuesday was well, New Years Eve. New Years Eve has always been kinda rough for me. I reflected on what I was doing during New Years Eve last year and a couple years before and not being home was honestly hard. New Years Eve has just been rough for our family. I even reflected on Grandpa a lot, and quite frankly I really missed him. But we did work--and worked. We had to come inside at sundown so it wasn't a full day of work but the people we were able to meet and talk with was a blessing. We got some pretty good po-boys from Glenn's. They were supposed to be these awesome sandwiches right? Well, no wrong my was soggy by the time we got home and all I wanted to do was drink the Mormon version of alcohol and that's the sparkling cider. I'm pretty sure I drank a full one by myself, we even have a spare in the fridge at the moment in case of an emergency.

That night I really couldn't go to sleep. I sat up all night just thinking. Granted our bedtime is 10:30 but I couldn't control myself not sleeping when my mind wouldn't let me. It was a neat experience though. There were fireworks and all sorts of celebration going on outside and there was us three inside trying to sleep. I couldn't take it anymore so I crept out of my bed to go into the living room. I was tired of sulking about New Years Eve and how I could've made it better in the past. But I decided it was time to stop the pity party and simply get on my knees until midnight happened. So...the first person I was able to wish a Happy New Year too was my sweet Heavenly Father who heard my pleadings that night. It all in all was a good night. Baker, Mygrant and me played games and then the mile log was all wrong. So, I took over (thinking I could figure it out) said a prayer and well and hour later I was amazed!! I figured it all out!--Math does pay off after all eh? Bleh....I mean I did it and it defiantly gave me the motivation to conquer it when I get home.

New Years Day happened and we saw a lot of people. We went to see the family we've been teaching and it was a great lesson they really listened to what we have to say even though at first I had a weird feeling. I got my answer to that weird feeling two days later sooo just keep reading and you'll find out. We went to visit this lady we tracted into a while back and she was playing some current music when we got to the door haha--she is this little old thing listening to this pop current music. Forgive me and judge me if you will but I don't really care. I was dancing outside that door before she got there to open it, yep glad to see some things never ever change. That night all 3 of us had this depressing ore all around us. But it was def brightened when after a priesthood blessing a knock at the door came. I went to open it and started just bawling when I saw that it was Mamma Barlow and Jenni!! It was like a little sunshine to the entire day. My heart was sooo full all I could do was cry. They came in and visited for a minuet I was soo grateful to see them it was a moment that helped me get through the rest of the week.

Thursday was my 1 year mark baby!!! wahoo! I honestly can't believe I've been on my mission an entire year. That literally just blows my mind. We went and visited Pam which is wear I finally got to burn a skirt:)....we kinda burned it in a plastic bucket, yep you guessed it the bucket melted. Haha but after that she asked us to come back in two hours. I knew we had to go tracting so we kinda told her we couldn't come back because we had a lot to do today. In the midst of tracting apparently I lost my nametag (that was fun), then Pam called saying Sister Baker left her camera home. So we went back after we tracted, Sister Baker gets out of the car and says, "We are actually hear for you so get out of the car." Then Pam opened the door with flowers!! Dear Mom and Dad you are the best I love those flowers soo much!--during this is when I realized that I lost my nametag. So we went back to "Duffy Street" and I walked the entire road looking for my nametag (oh what a missionary will do to have her nametag back). Well, I found it yay no worries there. Overall it was a really good way to celebrate my year mark and I realized that my heart just about stops when I don't have my nametag with me.

Friday we met a LOT of people. I'm not going to go into detail about every person. But I will tell you that our main investigators that I mentioned earlier were in the process of moving! Apparently it was a quick move and we walked in right in the middle of it. So there was my weird feeling answered I knew I wasn't crazy. I was happy that they let us in still but very very sad that they were moving and could no longer get baptized in Bogie town. Soo thank you other missionaries but they are going to be teaching this cute family in the city where they moved to.

Saturday we met once again a LOT of people we are really trying hard to find and teach and we taught a lot this day. Hopefully we have some progressing investigators because of it. We already have one with a baptismal date but we'll see how it goes.

Sunday Cindy came to church and she's getting baptized in February for sure. It's neat to see at how much the gospel has changed her life. Literally the lady I know now is completely different then the lady I first met when I got here. Christian received the priesthood and will be passing the sacrament next week!! I really wanted to cry when I witnessed him receiving that. This whole deal with these three boys has been an amazing experience. I know I am witnessing might miracles in this town. The other two were at home sick:( But they will be here next week and we even got a new Young Mens President!! This will be really good---the branch is changing and several members bore testimony of that yesterday. I mean you can feel the excitement of the gospel throughout the entire branch and it's a really good feeling. Yesterday we also tracted and taught an investigator we ran into on Saturday.

Overall what a good week yeah? Full of the lowest of lows and up-est of ups. But every day there really are miracles to be noticed. The Lords hand is mighty and he has been so good to us. May this next year bring us all happiness and I know we can find hope even in the darkest moments of discouragement and despair. Jesus Christ will never leave us alone. John 14:18, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." We've got this year y'all keep the faith and endure it well. Just as Joseph Smith made it through all of his trials the Lord will get us through ours. If the Lords eye is on the tiniest of creature, you know his eye is on you. I know he loves us all so much and his compassion for us is there every day. "When I'm on my knees, that's when I feel close to home. I can finally feel the peace that the world will never bring, nothing is taller then me, when I'm on my knees." Don't forget to pray. I love y'all so much!

Happy New Year!

Love Sister Jenkins