Week 105! The End of a Roller Coaster

Area: Gallatin, MO
Companion: Elder Wolfley & Elder Henrie

 

Monday was just cold... but we met with some ward leaders and got new names of people in the ward to get to know.

Tuesday was a busy day. We drove all over our area, which from south to north is about a 50 minute drive. But that is basically what we did. We had an appointment with a less active member who wants to come back. Then we drove all the way out to McFall again. We stopped to see the man we saw last week. He was there but had forgotten about our appointment. It all worked out though because he let us in and he had his younger cousin staying with him for a few days. We answered questions about who Mormons are and challenged them to read the Book of Mormon. We were also able to stop in Adam-Ondi-Ahmen... because you know, its in our area and it is actually a kinda short cut to get from place to place. 

Wednesday we got a call from a random lady neither of us knew (because we white washed in) asking if “we could help fold at the Jameson Gem”. We had no idea what that meant but we went anyway. Turns out that the Jameson Gem is a little newsletter for a town in our area. So we went to Jameson (which has about 100 people) and the service turned out to be us and 5 older ladies folding the newspaper and putting stamps on it, getting it ready to send in the mail. So we got to listen to old lady drama for 2 ish hours. It was probably one of the best things that has ever happened.

Thursday we had district meeting and then we visited people throughout the day and made some good contacts. Then at the end of the night we met up with the assistants and the Yellow Creek Elders. Elder Duerksen had extended his mission but could only extend for 30 days, so it was his time to return home. His companion, Elder Henrie came to stay with us for the rest of the transfer. Elder Henrie makes my 17th companion! I did it!! (There are only 17 transfers in a mission) E. Henrie actually started his mission in Gallatin and served here for 6 months, so he knows the area and the people better than either of us do.

Friday we had a solid day of contacting people and setting up appointments. We visited a few members who live in a rest home. We had dinner with the Baldwins and taught them spiritual CPR - Church, Prayer, and Reading the Scriptures. I like that acronym because when you feel like you need saving or are starting to spiritually die, just remember to always hold on to CPR.  We ended the night by video conference teaching some of E Henrie's investigators from Yellow Creek. Elder Duerksen, even though he is not a set apart missionary and is in California was still able to join in and it was really cool. We also learned that E Henrie is going to be training a new missionary this next transfer!

Saturday, E Henrie had to go to a meeting for trainers so we all drove down to Kearney and E Wolfley and I stayed and proselyted with E Barlow. I got to see the area where Zion’s camp camped and where the 105 section of the D&C was received. After E Henrie got back we drove up to Adam-Ondi-Ahman (AOA) and had lunch with one of the missionary couples. Then Elder Wheatfill drove us all around AOA, even the restricted parts and showed us a bunch of cool stuff. This definitely is a special place we have been called to serve in.

 

 

Sunday we had church, then did our studies. We tried contacting some people and had another video conference lesson. 

Overall it was a great week. This week is transfers and I will be ending my service as a full time missionary. This has been the best experience and adventure of my life. I would never trade the things I have learned. I have come to know my Savior more and I have solidified my testimony in the restored gospel. I still have much to learn and do and grow into, but I am glad that the Lord helped me start off on the right foot. I can’t wait for my next ride.

I have made many friends out here and my heart goes to all of them, thank you so much for your influence and helping me become who I am today. 

Thank you to all back home who have supported me along the way. I could have never done it without you.

I still want to keep in contact with you, my home email address is kennethjensen10@gmail.com. 

Or just Facebook stalk me. 

Thank you!

Elder Jensen