Exchanges!!!!!

After years of being called a vampire, Katherine proves she can tan in the California sun.

Hello, all! This week, we had exchanges, and it was really great to be able to learn from more experienced missionaries. We had some amazing lessons, and felt the Spirit so powerfully. :)

We also had zone conference, and it was so great! I learned a lot from President and Sister Henrie; they're amazing. :) I think the biggest thing I took away from the meeting is that God is helping us with this work. We need to do all that we can, and go forward with faith, and trust in Him. But if we do all of that, He will guide us, and strengthen us, and help us to know what to do, where to go, and what to say. He is so aware of all of His children. :) He loves us. :)

Studying at Zone Conference

We also got to do a service project with Operation Gratitude! It's an incredible program, and I encourage you all to check it out. :) (see pictures below)

I know that God loves each one of you, and He is aware of you. :) I love you all, and I'll talk with you more next week! :)

Katherine's new apartment came with little potted plants.

The Holy Spirit

Note from Katherine's Mom: Katherine had a great 4th of July. She and her companion celebrated with tacos and ice cream. She says that's about as crazy as missionaries get. She also helped the local women's organization make tamales! She says she will teach me how so I don't have to buy them from little kids selling them out of a wagon anymore. :)

food from her favorite taco place

We haven't heard much about her day to day life but this week she had a pretty intense situation. She had someone call the missionaries because they were hurting and contemplating suicide. Here's an excerpt from a letter she wrote me:

We give our number to potential investigators, so they can call us if they want to learn more. But a couple nights ago, we got a call from someone who had talked with missionaries before, and had severe depression, and was contemplating suicide. He told us that he wanted to end his life, and we didn't really know what to do, but we talked with him, and called President Henrie (the mission President), and sent him the number of a suicide hotline. It was very intense. But hopefully it will all be okay. I feel good about how we handled it, though. :) 

*If you are struggling, please reach out to someone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Here is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (en espanol: 1-888-628-9454).

I'm so grateful that Katherine is taking this time to serve and share God's love with others. It's great to hear how much she cares for the people in her area. Thank you to everyone who has helped her so far with this journey. She really feels your support.

Here is this week's letter:

Hello, all! This week has been crazy, and I don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to testify to you that God is in the details of this work. He leads us and guides us through His Holy Spirit, and helps us to find the people He has prepared to learn more.

Every night, we take time to plan for the next day. We say a prayer on our knees, and then get up and do our best to plan activities that will help the people in our area to come closer to Jesus Christ. And as we do our best to listen to the Spirit, God tells us where we need to go, who we need to contact, and what we need to do. I have seen so many miracles, so many times that we stopped by someone's house just at the right time, and so many people who are ready and seeking the truth of God.

He loves them so much. He guides us to them so that they can be happier, which is what He wants for all of us. I testify that happiness is found by relying on Jesus Christ and coming unto Him. And I promise that, as you do so, God will lead you to where you need to be. :) I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Hermana Katherine Jensen

New Area, Adventures, and Temple Trip #2

Hello again!

It's been a great week here! I love my new companion, and she works super hard, and we've been able to do so much this week! We're in the same ward that I used to be in, which is perfect, because I love the members here so much. :)

This week has been full of adventures, and miracles of finding people and helping people who are ready to hear the gospel. But are you ready for the most incredible one?

Yesterday, one of our investigators came to church with 3 of her kids. We went to the youth class with her daughter, so she sat with a member during Relief Society (When the women of the ward meet together). When we asked her about the class afterwards, she said she loved it! They had talked about temples, and what an amazing blessing they are, and she was so excited that she asked them for the address of the temple.

And then-- as crazy as it sounds-- she invited us to go visit the temple visitor center that afternoon! We found a ride, and got permission, and drove outside of the mission to the temple!!!

The Spirit is so strong at the temple. :) The missionaries there were amazing! We did a tour, and everyone was really touched by the spirit and by the message of God's love for us. He truly has given us temples so that we can be with our families forever. :) It was amazing to see them come to understand that, and have that desire to be sealed as a family, to be together for always. :)

I testify that God loves each of you, and He knows each of you individually. He loves you perfectly, and, just like our parents here on Earth, He wants so much for you to be happy. :) And that's why I'm here, sharing this message of happiness, love, and hope. :) I hope and pray that I can help some of His children to come unto Him. :)

I love you all! I hope you all have a great week! :)

Love,
Hermana Jensen :)

Katherine is growing out her hair again so she can pull it back in the heat. It got up to 120 degrees!

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