December 26, 2016

The e-mail was a little later today and after I read the first one I realized why.

Cameron:I am getting transferred.  I am so sad, I have cried all day.

Mom: Oh Cam! I'm so sorry... Remember we are going to visit them all.  Don't say the word 
(good-bye). Remember to just say, "see or talk to you later".

Cameron: Yeah, I just finally felt comfortable and now I have to start all over again.

Mom: Unfortunatly, It wouldn't be any easier six weeks from now.  I am praying so hard for you... I loved our family prayer yesterday.  No gift in the whole world would beat my son, the missionary... skyping us!  You have touched their lives Bubba and they have touched yours. There are others who need you somewhere.  Take that smile and that personality and go win some hearts.  They need the gospel Cam.  I've went without it and it is the worst.  A person needs it in their life.  What about Neves?  Look what you've accomplished...  This is nothing. Where are you going?

Cameron: I am transferred to the ward of Tabuliero.  It is close so you can send stuff with Sister Borges and I will go get it.  I prayed today asking for help and bawled the whole time. Then I took a shower and bawled.

Mom:  Crying is ok Cam.  Who is your new companion?  What about Neves?

Cam: He is leaving too.  There will only be two in this ward again.

Mom:  Cam prayers are real and they are answered.  It may not be the answer we seek or when we want it.  It ALWAYS works out if we have faith.  I remember losing 2 babies and struggling to get pregnant.  I thought Heavenly Father was punishing me for my previous choices in life.  Now I have you three kiddos!  What a blessing!  Other hearts need you.  Let yourself be open to them!  I am so proud of you and it is ok to be sad.  We wouldn't experience joy without the sorrow!  You've got this! Remember we are going to see  them.  I need to meet these cute people but there are more out there to add to the list.  Are you going to be ok?

Cam:  I don't know. I am so sad right now.

Mom:  Just think, you left us and were ok.  Change is always hard.  I hurt every time you do BUT, I experieince joy when you accomplish things.  Cry and then decide what some steps are that you can take to go forward.  It is Heavenly Father's will!

Cam:: ok, I will.  Thanks

Mom: Remember, I can do things that are hard, YES I can!

Cam: I can do hard things...  Love you

Mom:  I am excited for you to meet your new companion and tell us all about him.  Is Neves ok with the move?

Cam: Yeah me too.  Neves is fine.  He has done it a lot so he is used to it.

Mom: Remember how sad Remfrey was?  He was so sad an now he is fine!  TIME!  Neves is ok because he has done it a lot and is used to it.  So, remember you will get to that point. Plus you have something he doesn't have and that is a family waiting for you.

Cam: yeah, I know...

Mom:  Do you leave first thing tomorrow?  Who comes to get you? I'll be praying for you. We LOVE the videos you sent!  Seeing their faces made the package we sent more worth it. They were so happy to get those things and it was so fun to give to those people you love and to prepare your package.  It was my favorite part of gift giving/receiving.

Mom:  Is there something else I can do for them?

Cam: They are ok mom.

Mom: Do those people that are not LDS honor Christ and his birth during Christmas and the season?

Cam:  No, they just cook, eat, and hang out drinking.  It was nice to talk to you and see you yesterday.

Mom:  So the people that become church members or become more involved are giving up a lot of habits? We were so lucky to finally get you through Face Time. I hope! I hope it didn't make it harder for you! Halle is so proud of you to her little friends. Annie is also pretty boisterous about you. She shared in the joint young women's how you asked for things and we thought they were for you and you gave them away. Pretty touching. 

Mom: Do those people that are not LDS honor Christ and his birth during Christmas and the season?

Cam:  No, they just cook, eat, and hang out drinking.

Mom: Do your friends and the members of the ward know you are being transferred?

Cam: No, I will go visit after I am done e-mailing.

Mom:I am excited to hear from you next week. You'll be ok and it is ok to be sad. I know Heavenly Father will bless you and all those you touch! You have blessed us here! 

Cam: Can you pray for me mom?  I am really struggling right now.

Mom: I know, I'm your mom! I'll pray every second I can and don't you forget to. Also, remember to do your part! Shad and Tyson were right when you leave there it will be like leaving your home. Your heart and love makes that and right now you'll be in the right place for that. You are my special missionary that I love more than you know

Cam: Talk to you soon!  I love you!

Mom:  I love you Cam, talk to you soon...

Cam: I love you so much mom, you have no idea.

Mom: I love you Cam! We got this!  You've got this!

Cam: I love you!

Mom: and I love you...

That was the end of the e-mails. Cameron could've told me he loved me a million more times and I would have never got sick of it. 

We sent a package to Cameron and his Companion Elder Neves.  Cameron asked for a bunch of things and as I was preparing he said something to  me to make me come to the realization that these things weren't for him.  He was asking for things to give to Karla and her children, her brothers, and her mom & dad.  It made me so proud and I am so thankful we had an opportunity to help him make their Christmas so happy.  Cameron is a Utes fan.  Halle found this little t-shirt in Seagull book for $3ish dollars.  We sent it for Kaua the baby.  Karla communicated with me through FaceBook to say thank you.  What a beautiful little boy and what joy it gave me to feel a part of something Cameron was doing for others!  True meaning of Christmas!!!

CHRISTMAS 12/25/2016

Well, this was a very different Christmas...  It hurt my heart not to have Cameron home but it also made it feel so full of pride and happiness.  I don't know that I can explain it.   If you are or have been a mother of a missionary you understand.  I was more focused on Christ and Cameron devoting two years of his life to help others this year. These factors made the traditional Christmas a little different. We woke up and usually the grandparents come out to watch the kids open Santa gifts.  This year we decided since it was a Sunday we would have them come to our ward since it was earlier.  After church we went home and changed and started getting the computer set up.  I looked at my phone and Cameron had sent me an e-mail saying he was ready whenever.  I was beside myself with excitement. We tried and tried to get skype to work and Cameron could hear us but we couldn't see or hear him. He was on a pretty old computer and just said we would have to hang tight until he could use another one.  Then, a nice guy from the other ward let him use his I-pad.  We ended up doing it through Facebook and Cameron had to call Annie's phone that had its number linked to a smaller I-pad.  So, here sat the computer hooked up to the big t.v. and instead we all huddled around a little I-pad.  It didn't even matter.  It was Cameron's face and his voice.  It was so fun to talk to him and see him.  I wanted to jump through the screen and just squeeze him.  A member of the other ward bishopric came and had Cameron translate what he said to us.  He told us how wonderful Cameron was and how thankful he was that we would share him with the people of Maceio.  He told us how he was preparing his own son to serve a mission in a few years.  He laughed and teased a little too. Cameron was forgetting English words as he was translating.  He said that when Cameron gets home he will have forgotten English and that if we want to talk to him we will need to learn Portuguese. He told us that Cameron wouldn't go hungry in Maceio.  They like their rice, beans, and meat!  Cameron said they eat a lot of pasta too.  His face looked fuller to us but his clothes fit the same.  He told us how he got robbed.  He had previously told his dad but not me.  Jason debated whether to tell me but did tell me.  I asked Cam why he didn't tell me and as he told about the robbery and I gasped etc. he explained that was why he had kept it from me.  It made me so sick to my stomach when he told me they had a gun and had actually cocked it.  They took their phone (which was a very old  and outdated phone for us Americans) but they never asked for wallets or anything else.  I know that Heavenly Father is watching over Cameron.  This made me feel so worried and as prayed I knew that it could have been so much worse and that Cam was going to be ok. We had the grandparents come out at the first along with Cam's friend Nicole.  They left after a bit and then it was just our little family.  We talked and laughed etc.  We had some gift exchanges to do with him that we had waited to do while face timing. We asked him about the package we sent and he told us how much he enjoyed sharing his package with others.  We got a video of Karla's family getting some of the items.  It was as if they had won a million dollars.  They immediately started throwing the football with Cam and hugging him.  They were jumping around shooting the nerf gun at everyone and everything. Grandma Marge had sent some watches because they had asked for one from the U.S.  Karla's mom had the bag with them in it and she was jumping around and kissing the bag.  It was so rewarding to see things we take for granted mean so very much to someone.  I am so glad I could get that to Cameron so he could gift them before he was transferred.  He has sure grown to love the people of Colina Ward.  As the I-pad started to die Cameron got up and stared to walk.  He tried to tell us the computer was dying and began to cry.  I think this SEE YOU LATER was harder than the airport or maybe this is just fresher on my mind and heart.  We all cried and said our I LOVE YOUs.  Jason told Cameron he wanted to pray so we all bowed our head as Jason prayed for Cameron and our family.  It was so nice to have a family prayer all together again.  I am so thankful to be Cameron's mom and to be able to witness him be a mature young man.  We all said one last See you Later... and Cam shut down the facebook. WOW!  I think I could've cried an ocean.  This is the hardest thing I have ever done and then I think if it's hard for me, it has to really be hard for him.  So, I need to be strong and supportive to help Cameron be successful.  As we were getting ready to go to Grammy's house for Christmas Jason noticed a new e-mail on my phone.  It had just came through from Cameron just minutes after saying SEE YOU LATER.

It read:So this is for the family...  I love you all.  It was great talking with you today.  Thinking of it, it didn't seem long since the last time we talked in August.  It will go by fast.  Love you all.  Thank you for the support.  Merry Christmas! Love you all.

I replied:  We love you Bubba! We can do this...

Monday, December 19th

Hello everyone, this week was good. Nothing special happened. We had our ward Christmas party Saturday night and it was awesome to get together with the ward. Sunday was the primary program and it was great! The kids were hilarious.  One little kid had a lot of parts and when she got up another little boy said, "Ugh, not again". Everyone laughed. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and all stay safe and keep warm. 

Love,

Elder Jensen 

photos:

I had a bat under our patio cover type of deal and I was elected to get it out. So... this was me preparing. It left on its own so that was nice. 

My companion and I bought us soda for 7.0 that is imported from the U.S..  I had Dr. Pepper which was greatly missed. Then it was this girl in our wards birthday and we had cake with them yesterday. 

Then it was this girl (Ana) in our wards birthday and we had cake with them yesterday. 

Cameron and I discussed skyping which is in 6 days! I set up his account and mine and made sure it worked by skyping Latisha!  We both learned a little and hopefully can put this into action for our boys this Sunday! We planned for us to go to church  from 11:30 to 12:30 and then skype at 1:30. Cameron wanted to know if I was still doing the Christmas Eve Party and when the Gundersons were going to Maddox for their traditional Christmas Dinner. It made my heart hurt to think he was thinking about what he was missing.  I told him that the best part of Christmas would be talking to him and the other celebrations wouldn't be the same. Cameron told me not to worry about him and to have a good time.  I explained that I would enjoy the family and the time but that he is my son and I will always care and worry about him.

I told Cam that Tyson and Shad came out Sunday.  They were in their church clothes and visited for a while.  It was nice to have them.  They both said that they weren't dating serious...  They were both headed to the BYU game in San Diego tomorrow.  Not together though.  Tyson was going with his brother and his grandparents.  Shad was just going with friends.  They said Nicole was moving to Logan but they didn't know about work or school really yet.

I told him the ward party was on Tuesday and it was the usual crazy dinner with kids running all over the place.  Fun though. 

I told Cam that Michelle said she sure misses Logan and hopes that it gets better and she asked me if it got better.  I said yes but no.  It is the hardest thing ever but worth it.  I am sure that she missed her other boys too but where Logan has basically been the only child for them for a long time and to have such a quiet home now.  UGH!

I reminded Cameron how it was Chance's b-day the 16th and cute Isabelle still misses and is in love with the boy.  They were hoping to finish Shad and Chloe's house by the beginning of December.  They are still working on it but the wedding is the 29th and they will be done by then.  So exciting.  I told him how Latisha and I were going to try to skype each other so we are pros at it.  HA!  Old ladies trying out technology...

I ended with: I LOVE YOU.  I will e-mail more but I want to practice skyping so I can for sure see you in 7 days!!!

Love you, MOM

The ward gave the missionaries a gift for Christmas... They all look very happy!  Cameron told us they call him galego which is cracker in Portuguese. By looking at this picture I'm thinking I may know how they came up with this! Ha!

December 12, 2016

Cameron's group e-mail:

Hello everyone this week was good! We had a meeting for the trainees and trainers. One thing I liked from this training is what the assistant talked about. He compared a mission to growing up. When we are babies or little we start crawling but by the time we have fully grown we are able to run.  So, we will be running.  He explained how at first it is hard but we will learn and soon will be walking and then start running!!! This week was good. However, we didn't find anyone new to teach.  My English class was fun, hoping this week is even better. We had a baptism! Mateus who is 13 and his Uncle Allison in our ward baptized him. It was a great experience to bring another person to Christ and the gospel!!

my zone

English Class

 my zone

 coconut milk with Elder Vicente

 my zone

 my zone

 my zone

Cam:  Hello, I am here...

Cam: mom?

Mom: Hey Bubba, how are you?

Cam:  A member in the ward sent a video to Annie of Neves and me.

Mom:  When?  Annie hasn't said anything.

Cam:  It was like Wednesday.  Oh dang, maybe it didn't go through... Hey mom, if I give you my information can you make sure that our Skype accounts are ready to go?

Mom:  Of course. I am on this computer now.  How are you?  Did Mateus get baptized yesterday?  When do you go to the mission home again? I am thinking your package will be there!  I can't wait...  Have you got anything else?

Cam: Yeah we had his baptism!  Allison his uncle baptized him and it was awesome!!! We have a Christmas conference with the whole mission the 20th, so I'll get any mail or packages then. No, I haven't got anything else.

Mom: Is Allison the one in the bishopric?  Send some pictures.  What do you do at the Christmas Conference? You will get your package this week for sure!!!  Well, it will get to the mission home.  How was teaching English? Did you do it 2 days?  How many people showed up?

Elder Jensen, Mateus, Brother Allisson

Elder Neves, Elder Jensen, Mateus, Brother Allison

Cameron: So, the Christmas conference will be a spiritual devotional of some sorts and then we will have lunch. After that we will just hangout and have a talent show. Ha!  So the package should be there when I go to this conference next Tuesday. The English class was good but I hope more people come this week. 

Mom: You sound good this week.  I am so proud and happy to be a missionary mom.  I can't wait to Skype! Do know where you are going to Skype from? Did Nat get mugged?

Cam: I am about the same but it was a good week.  I don't know where I will Skype from.  What do you think about the grandparents coming at the first and then just finishing off with just our family?

Mom: Whatever you want is fine with us but that sounds great to me. Who else are you e-mailing?

Cam: you, dad, Annie, Halle, and Bayleigh right now. How are Bayleigh and Cameron with being your interns?

Mom: They are good.  Mandy is training them tomorrow to do some reading we do with the kiddos.  Then, hopefully it will add a little more excitement.  It will to me because I can use help finding the time or manpower to do this...  HUGE thing for me!

Cam:  I am sure they are both good. I love talking to Bayleigh. She is so awesome!!!  She's also sooo pretty! In Brazil they have tiny Christmas trees. I don't know about presents or any of that. We will see what Christmas is like in Brazil.  Can you send pictures of the dogs? A member in the ward wants to see them and she was mad I only had pictures of Charlie. Oh, and will you send pics of my baptism?

Mom: Yes, I will send you those pictures. Did you read my letter and  read about the $ the neighbors wanted to make sure you got?  Also, Brother and Sister Hunt.  They are so cute about you and she made the stocking herself.  She said what a kind boy you always were and that you are the only one she got a "Thank you", from out of all the boys she helped to prepare for a mission. These are just a few of the people that I know of that you touched this week.  I can see by the pictures that the people in Brazil love them Elder Jensen?!

Cam: My time is up. I got to go, love you, talk to you (soon) next week...Love you!

Mom: I LOVE you!  You're my favorite son and in my prayers... Talk to you son!

This week I told Cameron that he sounded better than last week.  I asked him to be honest and tell me how he felt.  He said he was about the same.  I am not saying he isn't as homesick but he seemed to really be having a better week.  He was very happy about Mateus getting baptized by his uncle Brother Alison (12-10-16).  He likes teaching English and hopes to get more people to teach. He told Jason some of the members that he really likes and is close to are Ana 17, Giovana 13, Marcos 11, Allison the 1st counselor in the bishopric, Bishop Davi, Carla and her family. Sister Borges an older lady he likes is in American Fork right now because her daughter is having a baby.  He got her cell phone number for us and we are going to meet up with her to talk with her and send some things back for Cameron. His first baptism was Valquiria.  Annie asked Cameron what food he missed the most and he said just mom's cooking.  I am not a bad cook but I am not a fix a huge wonderful meal every night either. Sometimes we have things like grilled cheeses and tunas.  It just made me so happy to know that he appreciates some of those things that were done for him.  I LOVE my son very much and there isn't much I wouldn't do for him.  I miss him like crazy but I would never want him anywhere else.  Cameron is meant to be in Maceio right now and I have faith the blessings he/we will receive will be worth the tears he, Jason, I and the rest of the family have suffered... The GOSPEL is true!  I am thankful I have always had a TESTIMONY!

Cameron's Group E-mail:

This week was good. I had a split with the zone leaders for the last time for my training. Only 3 more weeks of being a trainee. Everything here is going good. I am hoping that we will have a baptism next Sunday. His name is Mateus and is 12 years old. Starting tomorrow I will be teaching English in the church. I will do this Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is my hope to get non-members into the church. Everyone is interested in English. Carla a recent convert is helping a lot and telling people about it so hopefully it is a good turn out and we can contact people and be able to teach them. If you look at these pictures they are when we ran out of drinking water Saturday and it was to late to call and get more. We couldn't buy it on Sunday. So we bought 5 Cokes and a Guarana to make it until Monday. Then we had to buy pizza too. The other picture is an investigator. It was her 15th birthday so we went to her party for a minute to wish her a Happy Birthday!! I hope that you all have a good safe week.

Elder Jensen

Cam: Hello mom, I'm here. How was your week?

Mom: It was an usual week.  Pretty rough... How was your week and that kid you met at the church activity that wanted to possibly get baptized? Have you seen or read anything about "Light of the World" the church is promoting for December? We are going to Ogden to see the Christmas lights on Wednesday for YM and YW.  I took Halle and Ashtyn up to Powder Mountain Saturday.  It was a pain to drive up at 3:00 and help them get passes, leave, and then turn around a go get them at 8:30 but I want her to have it so she can just be able to go when the bus starts.  It seems as though I can never get things accomplished but my family is the greatest accomplishment and sometimes I forget that...  I'm working on that. 

Cam: Good!  Hopefully we will baptize him this Sunday. I am starting to teach an English class Tuesday and Thursday to get non-members to get excited to come to the church to learn English and then hopefully they will want to learn about the church. It's also for whatever members want to come too. I am pretty excited about this. Carla has helped a lot in telling people about it. I am really excited.  I haven't seen the "Light of the World" yet.  It sounds awesome.  That will be fun for the yw and ym.  That is also fun Halle went snowboarding. I am sure she was glad you took her to do that. 

Mom; What a great opportunity to teach them.  You will do awesome! It's dang cold here, like too cold.  If there was snow on the ground it would be ok but only the mountains have snow.  Griswald (AKA dad)put up the Christmas lights.  Grandpa John made his rocking horse and wants to send you a picture.

Cam: Ha! Oh Griswald....  That's so good that Grandpa does that.  I would like to see a picture of it. I got a bunch of letters this week. 

Mom:  How are you doing this week Cam? I am glad you got a bunch of mail!

Cam: I am doing ok.  I am still struggling mom and I am trying really hard not to.

Mom: It isn't going to be easy and I hate that you are struggling.  Remember everyone you talked to said they struggled too and it really took about six months.  You wouldn't be happy here Cam.  Even talking to others that have come home. They say it's like they were lost!  You need to let the thought of home and what you are missing go.  I know that's a lot harder than it sounds.  You can do this! Turn to Heavenly Father and give all of yourself to him.  Set small milestones, like talking at Christmas and then set another thing to look forward to after that and so on. Those people love you and need  you too much.  I LOVE you and I have faith

Cam: o.k.

Mom: You don't need to just say ok.  I am your mom and you can talk to me.  I do know you well enough to know you want to be there and not here and you want this accomplishment in life.  You will get to a point that you will not want to come home.  You are normal and tons of people feel this way.  You are tough and you are my son and I love you more than you will every possibly know. Your sisters have asked about your email so if you haven't yet they are missing you.

Cam:  Thanks.  President Gomes wants to talk on the  phone to me about Elder Neves coming to live with you guys.  I don't know why but I hope it is good. I don't think he will be working in the offices.

Mom: I hope we can help him too. I can't imagine not having family or anywhere to go.  I'll keep him and you in my prayers. I LOVE you and thank you for being the kind boy you are. 

Cam: I love you too.

Mom: Cam, hang in there and pray a lot.  I will too!

Cam;  I gotta go.  I will talk to you soon.  I love you!

Mom:  Talk to you soon.  Remember your mother loves you!

*Before Cam left Tyson told us not to say goodbye but to say, "talk to you soon".  Cameron and I have kept that going in our e-mails.

Also, today was so good to e-mail Cam but it brings fears and worries to this mom.  I was feeling a little down and out.  I drove in the driveway and a cute non-member neighbor was walking and flagged me down.  She handed me something real quick like and then backed away from the car.  I looked down to find a large amount of money in my hands.  She said I want you to make sure your son gets this to help him out.  We have watched him grow into such a fine young man and we are proud of what he is doing (they had given him $ before he left also).  I couldn't even talk.  I got all choked up and tried to tell her thank you and Merry Christmas.  I think she too felt my emotion.  It wasn't the money... It was a non-member friend is supporting my son on his mission because of the boy he is and the women she is. What a wonderful lady. How Christ like she is to overlook what religion he is but that he is out serving the lord.   Wow!  This had such a positive impact on me and I hope that one day I can be better at overlooking minute things and see more of the good in people.  Examples are great! 

Pray for Cameron this week and all those that he will come in contact with.  The gospel is true...  I testify if you have a testimony and faith that there will still be trials and struggles but our savior is there to lighten our burdens.  This week has been a humbling week for me. My husband mentioned that it was emotionally draining.  That it was, but the blessings surrounding us were so evident to me this week.  I am thankful for my family and all that I have.  

November 28, 2016

Cam,

So dad went to the mortuary in Ogden to do Honor Guard watch over Eric.  Dad's crew had from 12-6 today.  There are 2 guys in with him.  One by his head and one at the foot of his bed.  Dad called and said every half hour they trade off.  The new officers going in salute Eric and then the two officers that had been doing it and then they salute Eric before they leave.  I guess they trade off because standing so still for longer that a half hour you probably pass out.  I took Jeanette and went yesterday to tie blue ribbons on the path that they will take to get to cemetery.  So the funeral is at  Weber State Dee Events Center because it will be so huge.  The viewing is Tuesday night in Ogden at the Willard Stake Center.  Then the family will have a private one for the family Wednesday morning. Janica his wife is the lady that taught me how to coupon if you remember.  There has been patrol cars sitting in front of Janica's house and will until the funeral is over.  The boys are Bennet 8, Ian 5, and Oliver 2.  The two oldest came out and fed cows with dad and rode 4-wheelers with dad.  Bennett is friends with Maddix and Rigdon.  I sent you a picture of dad in his honor guard uniform. I also sent you a picture of the boys on the four-wheeler.

Jaxson talked in sacrament today.  He did an awesome job!  He just talked and said he loved the D&C and how straight forward it is with the word of wisdom.  The new missionaries have been to there house a lot and I guess Jaxon has really been effected in a positive way.  He got his permit and Macie got her license!!!  I was so happy for them.

If you can at a members house watch the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional-Light the World.  In young women's we have printed a calendar that the church provided.  Everyday it gives you an example of something Christ did to be so giving.  We are going to do it each day and write in our journals.  The girls get to use as a 10 hour project for their Young Womenhood Award.  I am going to get involved and do with the girls.

Cameron life is so much better with the gospel.  I am so happy you are sharing that with so many people that love you so!  I love you so and I know that this mission is going to make a huge impact on your life!  This is such a huge part of the road your life will take.  You really aren't missing anything besides us of course.  But, as far as everyday life.  Be glad you have the opportunity to serve the lord and meet wonderful, beautiful people whom seem to love you so much. We love the little videos.  Especially when we hear your voice or see your cute face.

I love you.  When you do get your package save some for Christmas Day if you can.  Put the things up and send pictures and tell me what you think. Bonnie Hunt called me and I need to go get a little something she made you.  Then, I will get it in the mail.

I miss you Cameron but please focus on what you should/need to be doing there. For your own sanity do what is right and live the gospel for 1 year and 21 months.  This will bring you joy and happiness and to so many others also.

I LOVE YOU and I can't describe how much a mom loves her children but it is a wonderful blessing.  I LOVE YOU

Talk to you tomorrow!  Hooray for me!

Cameron's letter to all,

This week was good. We have 2 new investigators Fabiana and Mateus. Elder Neves and I were in the chapel waiting for a ward activity and we were studying our scriptures while we waited.  Then,we went to the activity and one of the bishopric members asked his son's friend, "do you want to be baptized"? He said, "yes".  The member of the bishopric looked at us and said well these Elders can help you. After talking with him, Elder Neves told me that he had prayed in the chapel that we could find someone to be baptized... I know that the power of prayer is true and if it is the will of god our prayers will be answered. But, prayers aren't always answered how we want them to be. I love this gospel and know it is the only true gospel. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach the people in Brazil about this gospel. I hope that you all had a good Thanksgiving. Have a good safe week!

Love,
Elder Jensen

The pictures are of my Thanksgiving lunch and then the pizza I bought us for dinner.

Mom: Happy Thanksgiving!  I am missing you...  love your, mom, momma, mommy, mom, mom, mommy

Cameron: I miss you. It was so hard this week and it was so long... I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. I am not going to lie, I cry a lot but I know this will all be worth it. 

Mom: I LOVE you Bubba. Just think one Birthday and Thanksgiving down! It's ok to cry.  I cry!  Then, I think of how different things could be and how glad I am that you are there.  i hope you feel my love Cam!   You are one amazing kiddo!How is Elder Heaton? His dad posted a cool picture of him on the beach. What is new there?  Do you call barbecues churrascos? my class is doing a close read on Christmas in Brazil this week.  Send some pictures of decorations etc. when you get a chance. How old is Ana? She is nice to take pictures for me. How old is the brother you had a picture with? 100 days down!!!

Cameron: I know it is going pretty fast. Yeah, the bar-b-ques are called churrascos. Elder Heaton went home Friday.  He only had 9 months left but said he had, had enough. I feel bad and really liked him.  I understand some of his frustrations. Ana is 17 years old and her brother is 11. I love that kid so much.I like their whole family.  We go there quite a bit and it's fun. They love Christmas here.  They start decorating even before you. I know that's crazy, huh?! ( :

Mom: Cameron the kids love you and I know you are making a difference in their lives.  At least it wasn't a wonderful, crazy, cruise, Thanksgiving you missed.  Claire and his hot tub was pretty funny.  

It's been a hard week with Eric and etc.  Brigham City is decked out in blue ribbons and it's just crazy.  We went and talked with the girl who hit him and told her to live her life and forgive herself.  Eric's brother came too.  Forgiveness and the gospel are such a powerful things.All the UHP wives got this Alex and Ani bracelet that symbolizes unity, love, and etc. We gave Eric's wife Janica one and the girl that hit him and we all got one.  The girl is from Tremonton. The aunts and grandma seemed very supportive.  I talked to her about normal life and tried to get the mood to relax a little.  She was very kind and nice.

I think it would be a good idea to write your friend we discussed.  I worry so much for him.  He is a good boy and just did a dumb thing.  I just hope he doesn't to anything to hurt his opportunity to go on a mission.  But, hopefully it will be a mistake he learns from and he can move forward.  I am so very thankful for my son.  You are such an honest, good boy...  I don't care how old you are.  You are my little boy and I will do whatever and whenever to help you.

Have you got any packages or letters yet? I am so excited to stinkin talk to you Cam!!!  Nicole text me when she got home
Cam: I do think I will write him. How was the girl that hit him and where is she from? I bet it is so hard for her. What did Nicole say? How is she doing and what has she been doing? You should invite her to dinner again sometime.

Mom: It seemed as if the girl was still in shock but people and kids being hard on her.  There is nothing she could have done. We told her we loved her and I took her some bath bombs. Brian was very good with her and reassured her there was nothing she could've done and that she needed to live her life and Eric would want that. Nicole is ok.  She went to Seattle to see her sister with her family.  She is just getting home so I will text her right now.

Cameron:Text Nicole please, I want to e-mail her right now. Neves and I  bought diapers for Carla because her boss quit paying here so she isn't working.

Mom: Thank you Cameron for doing that.  Where did she work?  Is there help she can get anywhere? UGH! I sent Briar the information I had for Daniel.  He has asked around and thought maybe he had a lead but it was a dead end.  It's funny I have like my own personal detective. I just want to know that he is ok and safe.

Cam:I don't know if there is help or not. She lives with her mom and dad and they don't work.  I honestly have no idea how they make it. That's nice of Briar.  He is so cool!

Mom: Alan's mom is writing a newsletter and we submit a little something each month and she puts it together and e-mails it to all the parents and sends an actual copy in the mail to you guys.  What do you what me to say?

Cam: Hi Alan!

Nicole: Ugh!  Cameron...  Tell me about your days etc.

Cameron:I get up poop, say my morning prayers, shower, eat breakfast, study and read my scriptures.

Nicole:There's my Cameron...

Cameron: You can share with them that we went to a church activity and while we were waiting for it to start we went in the chapel to read our scriptures.  

We went to the activity and  we along with a member of the bishopric were talking to his son and his son's friend.  The member of the bishopric asked the friend if he wanted to be baptized. He said yes without hesitation. Later Neves told me when we were in the chapel that he prayed we could find someone to baptize. I know that the power of prayer is true and if it is the will of god our prayers will be answered. But, prayers aren't always answered how we want them to be. I love this gospel and know it is the only true gospel. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach the people in Brazil about this gospel.

Mom: Before you go this time, I want you to know I am very proud of you!  I am so glad that I am your mother.  Your dad and sisters love you very much too and our family is missing you and will not be complete until you return.  However, you are helping us all to grow so much and we wouldn't change any of it.  Time will fly and this will be the two years that will impact your life so deeply!  They already are mine and I LOVE you for that!  I love you so much Bubba.

Love,

mom, momma, mommeeeeeee

Cameron: I love you. I am going to go, love you, have a great week!!! love you

November 21, 2016
The end of my e-mail 11-20-16
I LOVE you and I hope you liked the pictures I sent.  You are an amazing missionary and your ability to befriend people is a wonderful gift. I think about you everyday and I am thankful that you chose me to be your mom.  Remember to be obedient and focus on others and the Lord will bless you!

You make me sooo PROUD!!!

Love,
Mom, momma, mommy, momma, mom

Cameron: Thanks for that mom.

Mom:  Your welcome.  Tell me what you have been doing this past week.

Cameron: This week we had a bar-b-que at the church. There was a holiday like the 4th of July, it was a lot of fun. BUT, the next day Neves and I  were sick and Carla's whole family came and they were all sick too. haha kinda funny!

Mom: What kind of sick were you?

Cam: I was stomach sick in the bathroom a lot...

Mom: Well, I guess you've been pretty lucky that you haven't had any stomach problems until now. What was the holiday called?  How are you doing this week Cam?

Cam: I can't remember the name of the holiday.  I am doing ok.

Mom:
1.Do you have anyone specific that you are teaching?
2.Do they celebrate Thanksgiving?
3.Do you read the cards I packed you?
4.They are departing with my package on December 1st and they said you would get it two weeks after that.  That should be December 15th.  The package weighed 25 pounds!!!
5.Have you got any letters or mail?
6.What's the Pizzeria you are eating at?  What do you like there?

Cameron:
1. No, I don't have anyone specific we are teaching.
2. No, Thanksgiving here so eat a lot for me.
3. Yeah I have read some of them.
4. Geez, that is a big package! I hope that you didn't spend to much because I don't need anything.
5. I haven't got any packages or letters from you. Maybe there are some at the office. We are going Wednesday so maybe I will get some when I go there.
6. Pizza is just easier than cooking.

Mom: I didn't spend a lot on what is in the package but let's just say to get it there wasn't cheap. Your package is full of LOVE not expense and not just from me, so it's ok.  So, is the next holiday Christmas that they celebrate? What are the traditions that they have or do for Christmas?

Cam: Yeah,  but I don't want you to spend a lot to get it to me. I don't need it. Christmas is the next holiday. I don't know what they do but I guess I will find out.

Mom: The other packages I sent were small and still cost a lot and you didn't even get them.  If I can send one package and know for a fact you will get it then that's worth all the other little ones.  Plus, Grammy and Marge helped because they wanted you to have a Christmas too.  It's not the gifts...  It's the time and thought that went into things.  You will feel so much LOVE and it was fun for everyone. We were able to put thought into a gift and that's how it should always be!  You will see LOVE and THOUGHT from many loved ones.

Logan is going to Oregon for a little trip before he goes.

So, tell me if I am I right . Will you call us after our church?  We only go to sacrament 10:30-11:30. So, you are four hours ahead which would be 3:30 your time.  It doesn't matter.  We can be ready whenever.  Make sure you have it set up with some members or whoever. Do we just face time or what?  Do we need passwords or anything from you?

Cam: Ok!  You guys need to make a Skype account then I need to too and we add  each other and yes after your church.

Mom: Ok, I will make one.  Do you know how excited I am to see you and hear your voice?  Are you being obedient and following guidelines? Is there someone that wants to get  baptized? Is there anyone that's close?  What is the girl/lady like that I have messaged on Instagram.  She said the girls in the ward love you!  Ha. It looks like the kids do too.

Cam: Yes, I am being obedient! There isn't anyone progressing right now but hopefully this week will be better.

Mom: If you do the work and are diligent those that need it will be open.  Hang in there and you're doing one of the most important things.  Being kind and friendly!!!  I knew you'd be great at that.  Did you get all the pictures I sent you?  I need you to tell me more of what you did this week.  I think everyday what you are doing and where you're at and if you're eating etc. etc.  Yep, I'm still crazy. Did you read that I went with Amber?  Send me some pictures.

Cam: We eat a lot at members' homes and Carla's.  A new kid came to church with Karol (a girl that we are teaching) so that was good!

Mom: Tell me about Karol.  Who lives at Carla's house?  Where does she work?

Cam: I think we can baptize Karol soon, she is 15. Carla cuts hair. She lives with her mom and dad 3 brothers and her 2 sons.

Mom: What is Karol's family like?  Will they listen and are they ok with her getting baptized?

Cam: Karol's mom likes us a lot and her parents are divorced. Her dad doesn't want her to but I think she will anyway.  I don't think her younger brother Fernando will because his dad doesn't want him to. He still comes to church though.

Mom: That's hard because what a good boy for obeying his dad bu great that he still comes because he must obviously feel something there.  What about the mom?  Will she listen to any lessons for anything?

Cam: We have taught her. She was good about it but she is a member of another church, she works every Sunday so doesn't come to church.

Mom: We are so spoiled when it comes to church and living in that states, especially Utah.  Did I tell you Val was 50 today?  So, dad said a Sister Borges is coming to American Fork?  Tell me about her.  I'd love to meet up with her.

Cam: Sister Borges is an older woman in the ward she is pretty awesome and leaves for Utah today. She is taking her granddaughter and staying until January.

Mom: Dad told you about Eric?  It is so heartbreaking.  Dad was so upset when Brian called and I had to wake him and tell him...  It made me sick.  But, he seems to be doing better even though he's sad.  He is just worried about Ellsworth passing away but also if he lives and his brain injury doesn't allow the real Eric back.  It's nice they have the gospel...

Cam: Yeah it is so sad I love Ellsworth and feel bad for his little boys...

Mom: I know.  I hate even thinking about it. What about the guy in the bishopric, do you still like him?  Do you have new companions that live with you.

Cam: Yeah I like him a lot. I have new companions living with me that I like a lot. Neves is leaving in December...

Mom: What are the new ones names? Where are they from?  Will Neves be there for Christmas?

Cam: The new elders are Vincente and Leite and they are both from Sao Paulo. Neves and I talked and he said, "I am not like every other missionary. I have no one, I have no house, no money, nothing. The way I have lived is playing volleyball because they provided a house, food, and money. So I can't have my knew hurting like this.  I need my knee to live." It was so sad to hear.  Both of his parents died and his brother lives in Sao Paulo. He planning to live with a friend.

Mom: What can we do to help him?  How did his parents die?  He can come live in the states.  Is it hard for them to do that?

Cam: I don't know how they died or when. There isn't really anything we can do to help. It is hard for them to get a visa. and he is mad that Trump won because he doesn't know how it will be to get there now!

Mom:  That breaks my heart.  Well, if we can do anything and he can get here, our home is open.  You know how I feel about things like this.  I hope he likes his Christmas.  I saw cuter beanie hats after we sent your package but I guess if he doesn't have much he will like what I sent.  We  pretty much sent him everything your getting!

I sent dad the email about Neves and he said he could live with us too.  We would help him however we could.

Thank you son for changing my life son !

I LOVE YOU sooooo much!

Cameron: yeah I know it is sad. We stayed up till like 1:00 am that night talking. I felt so bad for him. I told him that he could live with us...

Mom: Dad said he is writing Neves an e-mail.  I love that! Grammy said she stayed up the other night and emailed you and then wrote a two page letter and mailed it.  They love this experience so much. We all miss you like crazy but it's crazy how awesome it is at the same time!

Why haven't you told me you love me?  Have I done something? I know I can be overbearing and I'm trying really hard but still struggle a tad bit...

Cam: No mom you haven't done anything. I love you mom and am so grateful for you!

Mom: I know you are Bubba, it's just so nice to hear when you are so far away and I worry like I do.  I wish I could make everything perfect for you and I can't.

Cam: I know! But just know that I love you!

Mom: Thanks Cameron!  I Love you and want you to always remember that and chances are if you are struggling, I'm praying at that exact moment for you.  I put your name in the temple along with all the other missionary friends.  I'm going to set a goal to go at least twice a month.  Weekly would be even better.  Dee Hardy and all the Hardy's were at Logan's farewell.  He ended by saying now I'd like to bare my testimony in Spanish.  Then, he said just kidding maybe when I get back.... Ha!

Cameron: haha! Logan. How is Dee doing? So he is able to  come to church now?

Mom: What does Neves think he is going to do when his mission is over?  So, when is he going home?  When would be his official day to really go home?  How are your district leaders and when do you have meetings?

Cam: I feel bad for Dee missing Edna. Neves is going home in December. If he stayed it would be July. Neves is our district leader. We meet once a week.

Giovanna the sister of Ana that messaged you bought this for us... haha!

Cameron's group e-mail:
​

​Hello everyone!! This week was a little better still hot hot hot hot. We got 2 more missionaries in the Colina Ward. They are both Brazilians from Sao Paulo. I am the only American at home. It helps with my Portuguese though to talk with them. There was a bar-b-q at the church Tuesday for a holiday. The food was good at the time but later made me, my companion, and 2 other families that I know about sick. So that wasn't the best. We had a 2 young men come to church that we haven't taught so that is awesome! Hopefully we will be able to teach them this week and hope that everything works out great. I hope that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and be safe!! The two videos are from the ward activity with
karaoke. Everyone wanted me to sing in English. There is a picture of the horses that just roam everywhere. There are quite a few. The other photos are with investigators who love to take pictures on my camera and with me!!​ The kid in the stripes is Elizeu, Carlas brother.  The kid in the orange I don't know, he is their friend.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1VEhDiDwayhRFh2VU5jOWsxR0E/edit

Ok, I LOVE this! I am crying... I know it doesn't take a lot, but still.  It makes my heart sooo happy to see how these people love you.  It's just crazy that my son lives in Brazil and teaches the gospel everyday.  I am such a proud mama! It is the BEST!  But missing you is the WORST!!!  Even those sisters miss you.

Do you have a dryer there or do you just hang the clothes out to dry.  I didn't wrap all the Christmas.  You can keep what you want give what you want.  I didn't put any names on because you know the people and can decide. I sent some extra things just like Christmas PEZ candy dispensers etc.  I wish I could be there so bad.  The best Christmas gift ever will be to talk to you!  Did you see how I put your picture in the center of our tree?

Ya!  I did. Well, I have got to go... thank you for all that you have done! I love you so much! Have a good Thanksgiving I will be thinking of you!! love you!!


I will be thinking of you!  I LOVE you and hope things just keep getting better and better.  I LOVE my son sooo much! I'm proud to be your mom