Next Stop: PROVO MTC

Hey y’all!

What a week! Hope you all had a happy Halloween! I love being a missionary.  My district and I joke that it’s giving us a sliver of what being a new parent is like.  You go to bed tired, you wake up tired, all day you’re tired. But it’s okay, because you love it!! 

-My family made it to Italy! They love it! Must be quite the adventure having no car, no house, and having a loaf of bread cost nearly $10… 

-I have spent over 50 hours on the computer between classes, lessons, and zoom meetings with my district and my companion. 

-I taught my first lesson! It’s starting to feel so real and I’m loving every minute of it. 

-Had the ward trunk or treat… I love halloween so of course I had to dress up…

-Had chicken and rice for dinner! I’m telling you, any type of chicken is a food that makes me proud to be an American. 

-Probably drank half of my body weight of lemonade and chocolate milk… don’t worry mom. Nama and Bampa are taking good care of me!

-Gave Nama a shirt. Just so all you cousins know, I’m the favorite now(; ...kisses!

-I don’t think I’m a night owl anymore… I get tired around 9 and have had no issue going to bed at 10:30. A little sad, and I feel a lot older than 19. But I guess that’s just how it’s going to be. 

-Nama made me a mickey mouse pancake (and attempted to make a horse, did better than any of you could), also makes me proud to be an American

Spiritual Thoughts:

Yesterday Grandma and I went to decorate all of our relative’s graves for fall. We put a little scarecrow by five of our family member’s headstones. Even though this was a simple gesture, it gave me some peace for going into my mission.  When I got set apart, I was told that angels from on high would be helping me as I served.  Angels who knew me and loved me. 

This has reminded me that even though our loved ones may be on the other side of the veil, they are still a part of our everyday lives. They find small ways to comfort us when we are sad, protect us from potential dangers, and help us in every way possible. That’s part of their job up in Heaven! 

If you’re missing someone this week, I invite you to look for the small ways that those individuals comfort you. Write it in your journal! Share with your family members.  I would love to hear about those experiences as well if you’re comfortable sharing<3

In my afternoon class, my teacher told us to think of something we were worried about- the mission, our families, whatever it may be. She then took us to 3 Nephi 11, when Christ came to visit the people in the Americas after His death and resurrection. We read one verse at a time, and between each verse, if the Spirit put a thought in your head you had to say it. It was one of the most spiritual experiences for me so far as a Missionary.  An Elder addressed my worry, and I knew that Jesus Christ was looking out for me. A Sister reached out to me and told me that my words were exactly what she needed to hear that day. 

Because of this experience, I was reminded of just how aware Jesus was of my life and my struggles. He atoned for my sins, for my sadness, anger, everything that I will go through and feel in this world. 

The same is for all of you. He knows your pain, your happiness, likes and dislikes. He knows you better than you know yourself. And He loves you more than you know. 

Find time this week to read 3 Nephi 11.  It’s my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon, and those words will change your life. 

Everyone have the best week! Let me know if any of y’all need some extra prayers! Next time you hear from me I’ll be in the Provo MTC! Remember that Jesus loves you and so do I!

(P.S. feel free to listen to some country music for me since I can’t… George Strait is a great place to start for you city slickers haha)

(P.P.S. If you've been to the Provo Mtc, tell me your favorite part! I would love to hear from you!)

Sister Jenni<3