March 13, 2017

GROUP E-MAIL:

Hello everyone.  Sorry I forgot to send a group email last week.  So this week we had a great opportunity to hear from Elder D. Todd Christoffersen from the quorum of the 12 and some others from the 70.  Elder Robins from the 70 talked about faith and how when we have faith it leads to actions and how our actions brings knowledge to us. Elder Christoffersen talked about how we are the instruments of the lords work.  He does the work and we are the instruments that bring the work to the people.  He also talked about how repentance isn't for everyone to be perfect but to put on the armor of god.  This was one of the best experiences that I have had to hear from some of gods apostles.  I know that they are chosen from God. Here in a few weeks we have an opportunity to hear from them in conference. We all need to prepare and listen to them.  One thing that I find helpful that I'd suggest you do is to write some questions that you have in your life and listen to these prophets with those questions  in your mind and I  know that they will be answered.  I love this gospel and the happiness and knowledge that it brings to my life. I love all of you guys for your support. 

sorry these are the only pictures I have. I will do better this week and take more. Have a great week!

photos:

This my district I am the only American, there is one from Cape Verde, Africa one from El Salvador then the rest from Brazil.  

E-MAILS:

Mom:  Ok, telll lme about Elder Christoffersen.  What did he talk about?  Was his wife with him? How was staying in Maceio?  Where did you stay?  How many nights?

Cam:  We staying in Colina so I visited some people.  The devotional was awesome.  There was 3 from the 70 plus Elder Christofferesen.  They also had their wives.

Mom:  Who were the 3?

Cam:  Elder Robins from the presidency of the 70, Elder Bassett who is in the presidency of area of Brazil, and Elder Atunes.

Mom:  What day was it?  How many nights did you stay?

Cam:  It was Saturday and we just stayed there Friday night.

Mom:  How was your jacket?  Did you see Zack and Neves?

Cam:  It's good to have my jacket.  I saw Zack and Neves both.  This week Neves was sad.  President told him he can't get his visa in his mission.  He will need to go home first to get it.  Neves said/asked, "Where is home"?   He doesn't have a home mom.

Mom:  Oh but he does.  Why can't he come straight here.  Is there something we can do?  That breaks my heart.

Cam:  I don't know why President said no.  But, it is supposed to be easier in Rio De Janiero to get one so maybe this is a blessing.

Mom:  So, is that where he is going?

Cam:  It is close to his state and their are only certain states that give visas.

Mom:  You're right about it being a blessing!  It will work out.  We will stay in touch with him.

The Gunderson reunion is officially off.   Grandpa John arranged Smith Trout Farm and sent out information for family to respond to.  He didn't get any responses so it's cancelled unless someone else spear heads it.

Mark's dad has Hospice coming in and isn't doing well at all.

Cam:  That is sad for Mark but better for his dad.

Mom;  Ya, he knows that but it is still very hard.

Cameron met with the Stake Presidency and they talked about what needed to be done for him to be ready and he will finish up and go next week.

How are your investigators?

Cam:  It is sad but better,  None of our investigators are very promising... That is good for Cam!

Mom:  He is a good boy!  Totally doing things to prepare himself for this step.  I can't wait for them to get their calls.  Almost a year since you got yours.  Darius is going to hit the year mark.

Cam:  Yeah I know, it's so crazy...

Mom:  Did you have a good week?

Cam:  Yeah it was better!

Mom:  I am proud of you!  You will be so happy you've served your mission!  I miss you.

Cam:  I hope so.  I miss  you too!

Mom:  I know so.  Tell me what appointments you have or are going to make to teach teach some people.

Cam;  We will plan tomorrow.

Mom: How is your companion, Perez?

Cam:  He is really good.  I like him a lot.

Mom;  When do you get your new mission president?  Have you heard anything about him?

Cam:  I think it could be in May?  I have heard a good things about him.

Mom:  Are you excited? Grandma Marge is struggling from surgery.  I hope this surgery pays off for her. Holly will have her baby in like a month!  How is your ward?

Cam:  Yeah I know.  I know that is crazy.  The branch is fine.

Mom:  Are you still playing soccer with the branch?

Cam:  Not as much as I was.

Mom:  Make sure to send a group e-mail and pictures.  So many people were sad and miss you.

Cam:  Yeah.  I don't know why I forgot last week.

Mom:  I  hope this week you tell me more about the people.  I like to make connections and be able to pray for you.  I talked with Remfrey over text.  The new missionaries text the other night too.  The Tongan is so cute and funny.  Grandpa John is going to send you some cruise pictures.  Gordon has been limping again.  I will send pictures of the new Loves gas station and the water bottle company by grandpas pasture.  Chris Reeder asked about you yesterday.  He said he will sure miss you.  Cheer is over and tryouts are next week.  Crazy...  you just graduated and now these kids will be going to college and on missions.  Halle will try out for Freshman volleyball in August.  I just worry so much about dad at work, you in Brazil, and these girls growing up with crazy choices to make...

Cam:  Dang time has past! They are both good girls mom and you don't need to worry. Dad will be safe too.

Mom: Thanks Cameron!  Both those sisters love and miss you more than I think they thought they would.  BTW Reese misses you too. ( :   I am lucky to be a mom to such awesome kiddos!  I am thankful for the gospel Cameron and I don't know where I'd be in life without it.  Even when I wasn't active my relationship with Heavenly Father helped me through a lot.  I worry about you kids because of some of the choices I made and just want to make life easier for you all.  I know how great you are and I am extremely proud.  Now share that smile and strong beliefs with those people and let them feel it from you.  Dad always said your personality would do so much out in the field and he was/is right! 

Cam:  Thanks mom! I love you.  I appreciate all you do for us.  I hope you have a great week!  I love you.  Talk to you soon...

March 6, 2017

Cam:  Hi mom, it looks like you had fun with the missionaries.

Mom:  The Tongan elder was hilarious!  The Elder from Arizona was nice too.  We had a few days of spring weather and now there's snow this morning.  I love you!

Cam: Utah Weather. I love and miss you!

Mom: What went on this week?

Cam:  Not very much.  We played soccer twice this week with the branch.

Mom: Oh, good!  How was that? Are you still liking the branch?

Cam:  Yeah it's good.  We have some investigators that aren't the firmest.

Mom:  I guess you just offer opportunities or times when they could feel the spirit.  Like yesterday I felt it in almost all of sacrament meeting. Everyone mentioned missionaries or missionary work and that is how the spirit touches me right now in my life.  Of course I cried... You didn't write your newsletter to give to Becky. I typed it for you (I just went through e-mails and letters to highlight certain content) and e-mailed to her. You should just write a little each week and take a picture of it.  

Cam:  Ya, I will write one for this month.  When is it due?

Nicole:  The end of March.  How is your belly situation?

Cam:  It is a little better. 

Mom:  When is Brother Christofferson coming?

Cam:  He comes on Saturday.

Mom; So, when will you go there?  Will you spend the night?  Do you know if you got your suit coat?

Cam: Yes, they said it came but I have to pay like $100 to get it!

Mom:  Wow!  Just do it.  I wish dad and I would've known to not put clothes on the claim.  Pay it though.  It cost to buy, send, and now it's there so finish off the journey.  Plus you need it.

Cam: O.K. 

Mom:  So, do you get to go early and spend the night in Maceio?

Cam:  Yes I do.  Oh, I forgot to tell you but I talked last Sunday in church.

Mom:  What did you talk about?  Who asked you?

Cam:  The president of the branch asked me and I talked on family history.

Mom:  Were you nervous?  How is the language?

Cam:  I was a little nervous but I'm doing pretty good with the language.

Mom: Good!  Charlie stole Grandpa Leon's shoes last Sunday.  Marge had surgery and is a little down.  Grandpa John and Grammy got home last night.

Cam:  Ha! Ha!  Charlie!!!  I hope grandma is feeling better and the surgery is successful. I hope Grandpa and Grammy's cruise was awesome...

Mom: We get to skype with you really soon!!!  I can't believe it. It is so nice to have these things to look forward to.  I want some names and information on the people.  It helps me feel like I know what is going on with you and I can pray for those people too. 

Cam:  hahaha! We have a gay guy stalking us...

Mom: What? How is he stalking you?

Cam: Well, he was following us the other night and wants us to come have dinner with him.  I am just going to play it safe and group an army of young men to go with us.

Mom:  How do you know he isn't interested in the church?  Be kind but just let him know you're not gay.  It's hard with all this in the world now but at the same time they need love and kindness too. Maybe your message is what he needs in his life.

Cam:  I knew you would say that... O.K.

Mom:  I love that you are staying close to heavenly father and praying about all these people.  You're making a difference even when you don't baptize people.  You are an example to everyone here and there.  Most importantly you are shaping yourself as a hubby and father. Now, that's so weird to think...  Although I'll be the best grandma ever!!! Now tell me at least five good things about this transfer.

Cam: 1) I like the area and the people 2) It's a farm area  3) There is a grocery store really close 4) I finally have a clean house 5) I like my companion, Elder Perez

Mom: Are you still excited for us to come and get you? We are excited to see all of these amazing people.

Cam:  Very excited. I have got to go,  love you, have a good week, love you...

Mom:  I LOVE you son!!!

Monday, February 27, 2017

Cam: Love you

Mom: Hey there, I love you!

Cam: Annie's cake looks good.

Mom:  Coco gets baptized on March 4th.  Do you remember Austin Taylor?  Well, he was in a car accident and passed away.  He has two kids and a baby on the way.  It breaks my heart...  Tracy lost her husband and now a son.  Thankful they will see each other again.

Cam:  That is so sad.  Dad and I talked to him for a long time when we rode up to Willard Peak with Brad.  

Mom:  It's very sad.  So, tell me about some members or non-members that you've got to know.

Cam:  I am good friends with Jefferson and Junior.  I also like Fabio and his family a lot.

Mom:  Which one is preparing for a mission? Tell me about the rest of them. 

Cam:  Junior is preparing for a mission.  He goes with us a lot.  Jefferson is 21 and doesn't want to go on a mission.  He has a girlfriend and wants to get married. Fabio is married to Luciene and the have 3 kids.  The kids are Junior 14, Vitoria 13, and Kayce that is 10.

Mom:  I can't wait to meet them.  Did Annie tell you about the other accident that happened?

Cam:  Yes, Annie told me.  I am glad they are o.k.  I can't believe that.

Mom: Annie got her young womanhood award yesterday and Halle isn't too far behind her.

Cam:  That's good.  

Mom:  Is it still way hot there?  When is Carnival?

Cam:  It is so hot.  Carnival is going on right now. I am going to go. I love you have a good week. Love you!

Mom:  I love you!  Have a good week!

Hello Everyone,

This week was good. To start things off on Tuesday we had lunch with a great family. We had a district meeting Wednesday in Maceio. It was good. We had a great training and talked about things we needed too. We got back and just worked like normal. Carnival started Saturday and there have been many parades around town for the last couple of days. An experience we had this week was a member was having some doubts from lies that people told her about the church. We helped her realize the truth. However, one thing I learned is that people are always going to attack the church. Therefore, we need to work every day to strengthen our testimony about the true church. Then when they attack the church, we will be unshakeable. I hope you all have a great week!

The Elder laying down goes home in 3 weeks so we did a picture since he is dying in the mission

burning my tie for 6 months 

I am in the River Paraíba and this is all that is last of the river. It is all dried up!

 Me and Fabiano Junior that is preparing to serve a mission and goes with us.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Elder Jensen,

I am writing this on Sunday before you e-mail.  Tyson and Shad are coming out in an hour.  I went to church, had a Valentine steak dinner for dad and the girls (I've tried all week and everyone's life is always too busy to sit down altogether), took a nap, and then worked on your blog.

Yesterday Halle, Ashtyn, and I left at 7:45 for a volleyball tournament in SLC and we got home at 7:45.  That was one long day.  Halle did great but the outcome for her team wasn't the best. That's o.k. maybe next time.  Nicole was there and we chatted a lot.  She is a good friend and you can count on her to give good advice.  The girls and I plan to go see her new place and see her apartment sometime. 

I am so proud of you and from the knowledge I have your mission will help you lead a family and help you to have GOD be #1.  I love you Cam and I hope you know the confidence and faith I have in you.  I love hearing about the relationships you make and those that want the gospel in their lives.  My challenge to you is to include more of your testimony, relationships, or spiritual experiences in what you share.  If you actually put those things in words you will feel it more and others will get the opportunity to grow from you. 

Cameron finished his papers, went to the doctor, dentist, and today was meeting with his bishop.  Then, there will be the stake president.  He has deleted all social media off his phone, reads his scriptures all the time, and put his availability for May 30th!  I think graduation is the 24th... Cam said he will be in school mode still and won't be just hanging out with the buds and girls.  He also saw how hard the holidays etc. were for you and he wants to try and be a little more into it before they hit.  I love watching these boys make these choices.  I am really proud you have been an example to them.

I text dad a few days ago and said something along the line of everything is crazy in life except my hubby, son, and girls.  Dad responded by asking, what else is there? Besides my faith there isn't a whole lot.  You guys are my everything.  I have tried to be the best mom and do everything I could for you kiddos but I hope you know how much you mean to me. Out of everything in life being a wife and a mother has been my greatest feat.  It is hard, I'm not going to lie.  So prepare yourself with all the preparation you can to have a family.  It is the best Cam.  You are the best and I love you.

It's been 6 months!  YAY! 1/4 of the way done...  I can't wait to see your cute face again on Mother's Day and we talk  at home about coming to Brazil just like it was a cruise except better!  We get to hug you!

I love you.  Let me know when you're ready to e-mail...

Cam:  Hi mom, I'm here.

Mom:  Hey son.  How are you doing this week?

Cam:  I am doing o.k.  It was a pretty busy week for us. 

Mom: What happened this week that kept you so busy?

Cam:  We marked 3 baptisms this week.  I hope they all happen though.

Mom:  Tell me their names, ages, and more about them.

Cam:  There is Reijune and Ariele that are a mom and daughter.  The dad of Reijuni will be baptized but he has to get married but can't do that until May.  He will marry with a member.  Daniel is like 15 but he just doesn't really care.  He already passed the interview and stuff with the old missionaries but never got baptized.  

Mom: It sounds like he really needs to have a spiritual experience.  I think you should pray for guidance on what to do.  Which I'm sure you've done.  Maybe you've done more than you think too.

Cam: We have prayed but it won't hurt to do it more.

Mom:  Shad and Tyson came out last night.  It was so good to see them.  I got caught up on life with them.  They filled me in on Preston too.  I gave Kassie, Tyson's number so he could give her advice on apartments and she text him.  He worked that day but maybe one day they can meet.  Do you think they would get along?

Cam:  Oh Kassie...  I don't know, probably. Ha!

Mom: I sent you pictures of all the water and floods.  It is so crazy.  They had let Cutler Dam go and it was bad already before that.  We finally have the crawl space under control but the homes out in Tremonton are in big trouble.  Oh, Jaxie is going to start his papers soon.

Cam:  That is sad about the water. I am so proud of Jaxon!  He will be an awesome missionary.

Mom:  I only have two more weeks left with Cameron, Bayleigh, and Josiah.  I will sure miss them.  So did you get grammy's, Marge's, your shirt and hat, and Valentine's packages?

Cam:  Yes, I got all those packages and thank you.  I didn't get the package with my suit coat in it yet.

Mom:  Dad didn't send that package with the 5 day shipping so I figured you hadn't.  It will be there the next time.  I hope...

Cam:  Let me know when you are sending the letter for my friend letters to Becky.  I want to write something specific for it.

Mom:  Ok, write it this week and take a picture of it to send to me next Monday. Luke keeps checking his mailbox since he wrote you a letter, so if you get some time.  It was fun to get together with the missionary moms.  Kort has a Huntsman kid in the fraternity he is in.  He is a return missionary.  Kort really likes him and says it's his favorite return missionary.  

Cam:  That's good he has a friend like that.  Natan thinks you hate him because you didn't return his e-mail.

Mom: I never got his e-mail.  You should know me better than that. I wouldn't ignore him.

Cam:  I told him you probably didn't get it.

Mom: What is his e-mail address and I'll get right on it.  Cam in your pictures your so happy. Don't forget us but for a short time let us go.  I promise you we will be here praying for you! Let the spirit and the joy take over!!! I can't believe how dry it is there.  I wish we could send some buckets to you.  How did the homemade cookies Annie made survive?

Cam:  I love you mom and thank you.  The cookies were good. Natan's e-mail is vitor.santos@myldsmail.net  it's Vitor Felipe Neves Santos

Mom: Dad told me you told him you were having belly problems.  If you are only eating rice, beans, pasta etc. that will bind you up.  Drink 100+ ounces of water a day, especially with that heat.  Add a lot more fruits and veggies!  Also, there are some over the counter medicines.  We may have sent some with you.  Please don't not tell me things.  I worry regardless.  Let me help you if I can. Annie will be driving a day after we e-mail next.  I am excited for her to be in Laurels with me. Sister Hindberg called to get pictures from you. She can't pull them up.  I will get them to her.  She looks forward to your e-mails and is very proud of you. 

Cam: It's crazy Annie will be driving.  I sure like the Hindbergs and miss them too.  

Mom: Oh Cam, I'm so happy you have the gospel and that it's #1 in your life.  In my prayers I tell Heavenly Father that I know I've not been perfect at things but to please help me make sure my kids have the gospel for their future and eternity and my daughter/son-in-laws and grandchildren.

Cam:  Thank you. I love you. I have to go now.  I hope you have a good week.  I love you!

Mom:  I love you!  You are the best and I am proud of you!



GROUP E-MAIL

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you are all good!  This week was good.  We had a conference and due to my area being far away we left the night before and stayed at another mission house.  It was in my old area in Colina. So, I got to see a few people for a minute and it was great!  The conference was good.  We learned a lot of things that we can do to help people receive the true gospel.  It was also great to see all the other missionaries!  Working wise this week was good. We marked 3 people for baptisms for this Saturday.  We have Reijune and Ariele which is a mom and a daughter.  Then, Daniel who is 15.  He has problems with his desire. The old missionaries almost baptized him but he didn't end up being baptized so hopefully we can baptize him.  It rained today so that is great.  There is a big lack of water.  This city here hasn't had water in 2 months.  People have to get water from trucks or wells and carry it back to their homes by buckets.  So, that is a big struggle here.  So, it is great when we get rain! I hope you guys all have a good week and are safe.


Playing Dominoes with Karla and her mom in Colina Ward

After lunch we went to this area that has a bunch of fruit trees.  It's super dry though...

We are playing soccer with the branch again.

Monday, February 13, 2017

Mom: This Saturday and the past week have been filled with worry! We have been pumping water out of the crawl space and the sump pump broke... then we had about an inch + in the basement! The LDS Ward and other churches met to do sand bags. Dad's just went to help Tauni. Her front lawn is a pond! All that snow was sooo great but then it rained and they had to let Cutler Dam go. They said the release would fill bear lake, Willard Bay, whatever reservoirs and Lake Powell in one day😳! Holy stink we have water!

Cam: Holy cow this is crazy!

Mom: Good morning! Ya, the pump is still pumping... it's a nightmare. How's the new place?

Cam: It is o.k. My companion is good, he is funny. Then, there is a young man, Junior who will leave on his mission this year and is just waiting on his call. He goes with us almost everyday. There are a group of  4 girls and they say they love the church. But, their parents won't let them be baptized. I also think that they just like elders.

Mom: I think your probably right. But, I guess if you can bring the gospel to them that works. They had a farewell yesterday in Colina Ward. 

Cam: No,  a lady died that I knew. It was in her sleep. I think that is what it was.

Mom: Was she old or young? I'm sorry. What was wrong with her?

Cam: She was like 40-50 and it was in her sleep. They think  it was something with her heart.

Mom: I thought it said something about Elder Sanchez. I'm going to the Jazz game with dad tonight. 

Cam: Oh, I don't know it could be. Where did you see it?

Mom: I saw it on Instagram.  

Cam: Ha! Ha!  That kid is hilarious...  

Mom: He looks hilarious.  What members have had you to dinner?  Briar e-mailed us last week.

Cam: We don't have very many members have us to lunch here.  There aren't many members.  Some people do it several times per month.  There is one guy who he and  his wife are returning members and they have invited us to dinner about 3 times already.  They are about 25.  He is pretty crazy but they are good!

Mom:  He is coming back to the church? What's his and his wives names? So, what do you eat?

Cam: Their names are Quietero and Samara.  They have two kids.  They are 1 and about 4. There is a thing here called Couscous.  

Mom:  What is Couscous?  

Cam:  It is a food.  You need to look it up on the internet.  They only have it in the North part of Brazil.  It isn't the best.  It is really sorta plain.

Mom: Do they eat it a lot?  What is your house like? Rank it out of all 3 places you have had.

Cam: It is ok.  I have a video of it.  I will send it to you.  It is in the middle.  Yes, they eat Couscous a lot.

https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1VEhDiDwayhVHNxTWNZTXhFblk/view?usp=sharing

Mom: I love you!  Did you get packages or is that tomorrow?

Cam: I will see Wednesday when I go to the offices. 

Mom: What do you like most about Perez?

Cam: He is just really cool and we get along good. 

Mom: Who is your favorite family to visit?

Cam:  I like to visit Junior.

Mom:  Do you have a washer and dryer?

Cam: We have a washer but no one in Brazil has a dryer, we use a clothes line.

Mom:  What day does Brother Christoffersen come?

Cam:  He comes on March 11th.  I have to go mom.  Have a good week.  I love you!

Mom:  I love you son!




 you see it.

Hello Everyone,

I am here in an area called Viçosa.  It is a smaller town, that has some farm land and little hills not mountains like Utah. It is a little less then 2 hours from the big city Maceió. My companion is Elder Perez from El Salvador. He is good. He has 1 month more than me in the mission. We get along good. We have some investigators but all 4 of the their moms won't let them be baptized. So, we have some work to do there.  Then, we have another investigator that will get married in May then he will baptized.  We have 2 weeks until the big holiday here. It is called carnival which is crazy like Mardi Gras in Louisiana. We play soccer every Monday with our branch and I am getting better. Today I straight dominated them. I told them to start calling me Neymar. I was scoring all over them Brazilians. 

photos 

This is the trail we take to get to a members house. 

These pictures are in front of our house.

 I woke up to rain at 2 in the morning and a horse in front of our house. 

SNAIL MAIL  1/22/17

Dear Mom,

Hi mom, how are you doing?  I am o.k.  Today is 5 months of the mission.  Which is crazy!  Nothing really special happened.  We just went to church then taught a little.  None of  our investigators went to church so that sucks.  Luis's girlfriend/wife left and hasn't come back for 4 days.  She was way drunk when she left so he has been worried about that!  Tomorrow is p-day and we are going to a river with a bunch of young men so that should be fun.  I like them a lot so that'll be fun!  It will be cool to see.  It is  forest valley to the river so it will be pretty!  I am excited to talk to you guys tomorrow!  How is school and your students?  How is the River Ward?  What has happened in the ward?  How are the missionaries there? This week was fine! We just worked and taught.  Our house here is nice.  The bishop of the other ward lives next to us.  Then, another member lives above us. There are 4 missionaries in our house.  Me, another American (he is from St. George and is nerdy), and then 2 more Brazilians.  Our house is in another area so we have to walk to get to our area which kind of sucks and gets old.  I love and miss you!!

Elder Jensen