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.
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!
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