Chapter 2

Mis queridos misioneros!

It is so strange to be home! It is fun, new, and different, but also totally strange. However, the Lord continues to bless His returned missionaries. 

I was reading in Alma chapter 15 verses 16 and 18 the first full day back, and it really helped me!

"16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred;

18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthenedhim in the Lord."

I love this! We are giving up everything, money, college, friends, family, all our precious things for the word of God. And the Lord doesn't leave us alone. He sends people to us, like Alma, to take us in and strengthen us. I know he will continually strengthen you as you continue to serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength!

I was also reading on Friday in Alma 17 verses 2-5, 9-10 

"1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.

2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

4 And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him.

5 Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit.

9 And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.

10 And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted."

I loved these verses because they comfort us in knowing that Alma and his brethren didn't have it easy either, that for them it was hard. They suffered much, but that they were comforted in their times of need. The Lord was there for them, and he will be and is there for each of us. I know that as you give yourselves to much fasting and prayer, you will be made instruments in the hands of the Lord in bringing about His work. Keep working hard!

Updates on home life:

I made it safely home after a short delay when our captain didn't show up! A different pilot hopped aboard and we took off. It was a long flight, so I got to talk to the men sitting next to me all about the last 18 months of my life. No Book of Mormon given, but a lot of interest peaked. I think he will remember that plane ride and I hope he will remember the things I told him. 

These two were probably the most excited to see me!

Aubrilyn will be heading out for her mission in Pocatello Idaho on September 27, 2017. I am so grateful to be passing the baton off to her!

Just some adventures from the week:

Temple Trip!

On Thursday I went to the Temple with some friends and with my Sister! It was phenomonal and definitely the best place to be that day. I was able to go through in Spanish and it brought me so much comfort and peace. 

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​Church on Sunday!

It was definitely weird being in an English congregation again, but I was able to attend church in Spanish as well and actually spoke in the Spanish Congregation! 

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​Ivy's Baptism!!!

By far the best day of the week! Ivy was baptized and confirmed! :D I got to listen in on her baptism by telephone and it was such a blessing! It was a bit choppy and I couldn't understand everything that was happening, but it was so good to hear the familiar voices of the members and even the missionaries as they took part in this special day with Ivy. 

The miracles don't stop when the tag comes off! Have a wonderful miracle filled week!!

Love,

Hermana Breanna Jensen

Sour, Sweet, Gone

Missionary Name:  Hermana Breanna Michele Jensen

Date:  3 of February 2017 - 22 of August 2017

100 things that you learned on your mission.  

1. ....TAMPA....Hispanic refers to anyone that speaks Spanish, not just people from Mexico. La palabra Hispana, refiere a cualquier persona que habla español, no solamente a los que son de Mexico.
2. The Lord provides a way for His children to accomplish any and all things that He has asked them to do. El señor provee un via para hacer cualquier cosa que se ha pedido de sus niños.
3. Faith without works is dead, without acting upon the goals we set, we will achieve nothing. La fe sin obra es muerte, sin actuar en las metas que fijamos, lograremos nada.
4. On windy days, it is best to wear a heavy skirt. En días cuando hay viento, es mejor llevar una falda pesada.
5. Sometimes the spirit tells you to speak improperly, not to embarrass you, but because the Lord has a plan that doesn't involve you being perfect. A veces, el Espíritu le dice hablar en una forma equivocada, no para darle pena, pero porque el Plan del Selor no depende en ser nosotros perfectos.
6. Going to church should feel like being at a family reunion, but not because you haven't seen anyone for 7 days. Church relationships should extend beyond the building walls. Al ir a la iglesia, uno debe sentir que está en una reunión de familia, pero no porque le falta ver a todos por una semana. Las relaciones entre los miembros De la Iglesia se deben extender afuera del edificio.
7. If it is a rainy week, it is best to bring your umbrella when you take a long walk away from your car. Es mejor traer su paraguas al caminar lejos del carro cuando hay mucha lluvia.
8. On hot days, you can put your skirt on top of the AC to cool off during lunch in the car. En días que hace mucho calor, puede poner su falsa arriba del aire condicionado para hacerse más frío.
9. It is impossible to convince anyone the church is true, but it is possible to love anyone into the church. The key is to have charity for them, so that they may be convinced of the truthfulness of the church, and be converted to the Gospel. Es imposible convencer a uno que la iglesia es verdadera, pero es posible amar a alguien en unirse con la iglesia. La clave es para tener caridad, para que puedan ser convencidos de la veracidad De la Iglesia y ser convertidos al Evangelio.
10. Hispanics are racist too, if you are white, they will try speaking to you in English until you start speaking to them in Spanish. Todos somos racistas, si parece no hablar español, le van a hablar en inglés hasta que demuestra que puede hablar español.
11. Callings are not extended as a life preserver line, or meant to serve as the only tie a person has to the church; they are to be extended with inspiration and allow people to see their full potential. The life preservers of the church are the Home and Visiting Teachers. Los llamamientos De la Iglesia no se deben extender como modo de rescatar a uno, ni para ser la única conexión que uno tiene con la iglesia; se deben extender con inspiración y dejar a la gente ver su potencial divina. Los modos de salvar son los maestras visitantes y orientadores de hogar.
12. If you don't know how to drive a car, riding a bike is a lot harder too. Si no sabe manejar un carro, es más difícil andar en bicicleta.
13. Some people take longer than others to find the courage necessary to act on the knowledge they have gained, but as soon as the knowledge is gained, they have a greater desire to change. Algunas personas toman más tiempo para encontrar el valor de actuar de acuerdo con el conocimiento que han recibido, pero después de obtener el conocimiento, tiene mayor deseo de cambiar.
14. Member involvement during the teaching process makes retention increase after baptism. La participación de los miembros durante el proceso de enseñar ayuda a los conversos recientes mantenerse activos después del bautismo.
15. Silence in the car brings silence in the lesson. Silencio en el carro causa silencio durante la lección. 
16. Singing with your companion increases unity and makes the work more fun. El cantar con su compañera desarrolla la unidad y se hace que la obra es más divertida.
17. In front of every Hispanic door is a mop or a broom, behind the door, a child of God.
18. Keeping the focus on the font brings frustration.
19. Comparison between missionaries breeds discord.
20. Praying for charity works.
21. The encouragement of a leader can make the difference between progression and regression. 
22. Being humble enough to ask for Priesthood blessings can be hard, but it is always work it in the end.
23. Gods works and plan cannot be foiled, so don't worry so much about what you lack, focus on what God has given you and how he has prepared you to accomplish this work.
24. Puerto Rican's make the best fried plantains, but honduranians make the best pollo con arroz. (Chicken and Rice)
25. Hispanic families like it when Americans like spicy food.
26. ....LAKELAND....My story is something to be shared, not hid under a bushel.
27. Sometimes it is hard to get along with other people, but patience and charity allow us to love them and see them as Christ loves and sees them.
28. Trios are the best.
29. When you are skinny, hispanics worry you aren't eating enough.
30. Biking is for talking to people, not losing weight.
31. Running makes me feel energized throughout the day.
32. Miles are precious and should be spent wisely.
33. When you focus on the 1, miracles happen.
34. Missionaries need support and encouragement as much as our investigators need support and encouragement.
35. It's okay to take time to slow down.
36. You can't run faster than you have strength.
37. Mosquitos are literally Heavenly Fathers worst idea. But, even so, He provided a way to avoid them, bug spray and pants!
38. Proselyting in pants makes us look more like business women than Omish or Jehovahs Witness.
39. Sometimes it's best to keep my mouth shut, especially when I am angry or frustrated.
40. Keeping contact with Recent Converts is definitely one of the most important things a Returned Missionary can do with their time.
41. How to make Rosca, a special celebratory Bread they make in Mexico.
42. How to be best friends with the Ward Mission Leader and his family.
43. Small branches are fragile, but have the potential to be strong as they work together.
44. Simplicity is best when it comes to activities.
45. Quality time is the hardest love language to please as a missionary.
46. Bananas and peanut butter is one of the most delicious things on the planet, but it isn't the healthiest thing to eat every day.... and, bananas get expensive after awhile.
47. How to take care of plants.
48. Washing the car by hand is so much more fun than taking it through the car wash.
49. Families that eat together, stick together.
50. New move ins need to be friend-shipped fast, otherwise they will go to a different Ward.
51. ....CLEARWATER....The gift of Tongues is real, for all members, not just missionaries.
52. A level 3 ward starts with a Consecrated Bishop and a Consecrated Ward Council. 
53. U-turns are not only legal in florida, but strongly encouraged. U-turns in life are often necessary.
54. God is preparing hearts, even through the adversary's best efforts to keep us from knowing our true potential.
55. God has a perfect plan, but it doesn't depend on us being perfect.
56. I prefer to wake up at 5:30 and get a good work out in.
57. Running in the cold is better than running at the gym, I really do hate treadmills.
58. "We prepared ourselves to come to earth, and we have to prepare ourselves to return to God."
59. It's fun to share a closet!
60. The Youth have so much faith!
61. Trio exchanges are almost as fun as being in trios!
62. It's possible to smile all day as a missionary.
63. Nashville tribute band is definitely my favorite pump up band to listen to before going out to share the gospel.
64. There is nothing that beats a Florida sunset. Especially when it's along the beach.
65. The importance of sacred teaching moments.
66. The Spirit can be a tangible presence.
67. Philippino food is like Hispanic food, but more pineappley. 
68. As a missionary, it is perfectly acceptable to stand up in the middle of Relief Society and ask people to feed you. Pretty fun time in life.
69. I should seek a job as a chauffeur someday.
70. There is no such thing as a lost cause when the Gospel is involved.
71. Talking to people in English is harder than talking to people in Spanish.
72. Sometimes, you need someone to talk with you, other times you need someone to listen to you.
73. Favorite colors and favorite animals say a lot about a person.
74. Long hair in Florida is asking for a bad hair day.
75. It doesn't take much to spark the Missionary fire.
76. ....CORTEZ....salvation isn't cheap, and neither is the preparation necessary to be baptized.
77. You never know who God is preparing to come Home.
78. Contention and pride halt the blessing of Heaven.
79. Missionary work is the most fun when you are talking with everyone.
80. New cars are not nearly as fun as I had imagined they would be.
81. There are few things that shouldn't be asked in this life, 1) how old a woman is 2) how long a missionary has left of their mission. Asking questions like that is asking for trouble.
82. Recent Converts miss their missionaries, even after 20 years of being baptized.
83. The Book of Mormon is the key to this religion, it should be used at every opportunity.
84. It's possible to be adopted into any culture! 🤙 🇲🇽 🇭🇳 
85. Food is to be enjoyed and eaten with your hands!
86. I want my home to be a welcoming environment. 
87. It's hard to be the only member in a home. 
88. I am happier while I am serving others.
89. Unity within a District or a Zone goes a long ways.
90. Marriage shouldn't be postponed, but it also shouldn't be rushed.
91. We can't expect ourselves to be perfect, we should always expect to have to change.
92. People everywhere have questions about God and about life in general.
93. Faith as a missionary is believing that others can change by accessing the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
94. Activities are more fun when you bring your friends.
95. I may never have a journal that has consistent entries everyday, but I love writing in my journal and it helps me to relieve stress.
96. Dedication and diligence are just as important as faith and hope.
97. Being fluent in Spanish and speaking Spanish perfectly does not mean the same thing.
98. Social Media Missionary Work is exciting and fun!
99. We need to "recognize our fears, but not be immobilized by them."
100. Christ makes the impossible, possible.

I decided today to send this, its not complete, but it's 100 things  I have learned! 

Decidí enviar esto hoy, no es completa, pero ¡son 100 cosas que he aprendido!

See you all soon! 

¡Nos vemos pronto!

I will be speaking in the Takena Ward Sacrament Meeting this Sunday, as well as the Periwinkle Spanish Branch! Let me know if you want an address or start time! 

Voy a hablar en la reunión sacramental este domingo en El Barrio de Takena y la rama Hispana de Periwinkle. ¡Déjenme saber si quieren la dirección o la hora de empieza!

Hermanita Jensen (: <3

No time, but Natalie got baptized!

¡Hola mis amigos!

Hi friends!

Perdón que la semana pasada solo escribí en español. Mi mente ha estado bien loca. Pues, vamos al Templo este fin de semana, así que tenemos menos tiempo para escribir hoy. 

Sorry I only wrote in Spanish last week. My mind has been pretty crazy. Also, we are going to the temple this weekend, so we have no time to write today.

Entonces, ¡Natalie se bautizó!

So, Natalie got baptized! 

¡Estoy bien, estoy animada para continuar de servir aquí y seguir adelante!

I'm doing good, I'm excited to continue to serve here and press forward!

¡No tengo tiempo! 

Out of time!

Hermanita Jensen (: <3

¡Traer el Evangelio a todo el Mundo!

¡Queridos amigos míos!

Una semana loca, por eso, ¡voy a escribir rápido! 

El domingo, empezamos de planear una actividad se llama "Noche de Hispanidad" y fue bien interesante porque dijeron cuantos países son representadas en nuestra congregación.

Honduras 🇭🇳 

México 🇲🇽 

Costa Rica 🇨🇷 

Nicaragua 🇳🇮 

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 

Argentina 🇦🇷 

El Salvador 🇸🇻 

Panamá 🇵🇦 

Cuba 🇨🇺 

Brazil 🇧🇷 

Estados Unidos 🇺🇸 

Ecuador 🇪🇨 

Guatemala 🇬🇹 

Ma hace pensar en la escritura que dice 

"4 he aquí, nuestros padres han profetizado que deben ser conservadas y entregadas de una generación a otra, y que deben ser guardadas y preservadas por la mano del Señor hasta que vayan a toda nación, tribu, lengua y pueblo, a fin de que lleguen a saber de los misterios que contienen.

10 ¿Y quién sabe si no serán el medio para traer a muchos miles de ellos al conocimiento de su Redentor, sí, y también a muchos miles de nuestros obstinados hermanos nefitas que hoy endurecen sus corazones en el pecado y las iniquidades? (Alma 37)"

Sé que aún no fui llamado para servir bien lejos en un lugar exótico, he sido llamado para traer este evangelio restaurado a todo el mundo. Sé que por el Libro de Mormón, todos conocerán que Jesucristo es El Salvador y Redentor del mundo y que por el, podemos ser salvos.

¡Que gozó me da, el poder compartir este evangelio!

Fotos de la semana:

Hermanita Jensen (: <3