January 30, 2016


Cam:  Hi mom, I am here.



Mom:  Hi Cam, How are you?
Cam:  I am doing ok.
Mom:  What is new this week?
Cam: Luis and Christina are back together.  They really want to be baptized and are doing great.
Mom: I am so glad.  My heart was so sad for Luis.  Why did she leave?
Cam: No, they are all separate. Fernando is 8 and Gostavo is his friend that lives by him. Claudiana's daughter is a member and referred her.  Algosto was a contact.  Rone's mom is also a member.
Me, Lucas, and his dad Fernando





Cam:  I don't know but they are both way into reading the Book of Mormon. Christina read the chapter we left her twice before the next day when we came. They came to church then went to lunch with us at a member's home. It was good. They got a house and this month we are paying for them to fix it up because they don't have any money. Then, the ward is getting some food together for them.
Mom: WOW!  That must feel good to help people like that.  I live for Mondays and hearing from you.  I wish I was home and not at the school.  This is the first time since Christmas that I haven't been home since snow days etc.  Cameron Earnest started his mission papers!

Cam: I heard that.  I am excited for him, that is so awesome!

Mom: I guess Logan is pretty homesick from what Michelle said.  You should send him an e-mail and give him some encouragement.  I don't know how you can prepare anyone to do what you missionaries go through.  I think you're all awesome though.  Especially my son! Did you hear about Annie's cheer and her date?

Cam: I did hear.  I will e-mail him but I don't know if I am the one that can help him very much since I am still homesick.

Mom: You have made it bud and you are doing good things! What strategies have you learned? Choose to be positive and happy!  Focus on the good!  I believe in you! I am just trying to help you and words and prayers is what I can offer.  It is hard for me too.  If you only knew and one day when you're a parent you'll understand.  I know it is hard but it is going to bless your life if you let it. You are just getting to your sixth month.  Most people say it took six months to even feel o.k. with things.  You are accomplishing that!  We can do this a week at a time.  You are my Elder Cameron L Jensen and you can do hard things!  

What are some other cool things this week?

Carla sent me a picture saying she missed you!  Think if you wouldn't have met them.  Look at the impact they made in your life and you in theirs!  There are people like her and Luis and Christina that need what you have. You are planting seeds and may even get to watch some grow!

Believe me it isn't the same here.  Ask those that are here.  Things are different.  Everyone but a few have gone their own ways.  It is hard.  I hate changes but it is good for us.  We would get discouraged and bored if we didn't have changes and growth to challenge us.

Do you know how much I love you and pray for you?

Cam: Yes, I know mom and thank you for all you do to support me. Since you love me can you put beef jerky, Sour Patch Kids, pistachios, Flamming Hot Cheetos, and Reeses Fast Break candy bars in a package for me, oh and that stain removal thing in the picture last week?

Mom: Yes, except beef jerky won't make it through customs. I think that is why your other packages didn't make it... Brody Wells has asked his mom how you were in his last couple e-mails.  Aimee told him you had homesickness and he said he prays for you.   Latisha put your name in the temple.  There are so many people praying and thinking of you.  You are truly an example to all of us and we love you more for the sacrifice you're making.  I know it isn't easy!  He said there is a lot of witch craft and voodoo in the Philippines. He said people get possessed and it is scary.  Apparently his apartment is haunted.  Eggs will break, they hear footsteps at night, lights will randomly turn off and on.  He thinks it is funny.  His companion is scared out of his mind.  He is going to buy a witch cutout figure and put it in the bathroom in the night. Ha! Aimee is just dying.  

Cam: Dang it!  I really wanted beef jerky but just send a lot of candy or what you can.  Oh Brody... Ha! He is so funny!

Mom: Ok!  I will get it ready tomorrow and send it. I will make the box and purchase the stuff today so I can mail tomorrow.  Ok? When are the next transfers?

Cam: Thanks mom! Transfers are next week, so pray for a new companion!!!

Mom: ok!  But remember prayers aren't always answered in the way we want.  We have to be open to him and trust him.  He doesn't want to see us hurt but he does want to see us grow.   Please tell me about your week and all the good that has happened.  I sure love my CAM! How is cute Lucas?  Does he love you as much as Carla's kids?

Cam: I know Lucas likes me but he just bites me...

Mom: I can't wait to come to Brazil.  It is what keeps me going besides your e-mails. Who else are you teaching?  

Cam: We are teaching Fernando, Claudiana, Algosto, and Rone.


Mom:  Tell me about them.  Are they all one family?  How did you get them as investigators?

Cam: I love you have a good week. Love You!

Mom: I love you so very much and will pray every second for you. Keep your chin up and give yourself credit for what you are doing!

GROUP E-MAIL:

Hello everyone, this week was good.  Our 2 investigators Luis and Christina are progressing and want to be baptized. We will have some work to do with them like getting them married but they are reading the Book of Mormon and going to church so that is good. Not much else happened this week. We did a split with some of the young men in the ward which was fun. 

Lucas with my name tag