September 18, 2017

Cameron's E-mail

Good morning everyone!! This week was really good. We worked hard and a lot. Friday we had conferences with the mission president that went really well. The spirit was so strong and great. We talked about how we can help the people here receive the light of Christ and follow his example. I learned a lot and love this gospel!

Dear Elder Jensen,

I guess you probably already know but NEVES got a visa!!!  You need to pat yourself on the back because you asked me to please help him SO I messaged him and asked him what needed to be done.  He was just waiting for money to go to the embassy. I just figured he’d ask.  That just shows you that he is a humble kid.  I told him we would pay.  I wanted to know how to get the money to him safely and securely.  He told me to fill out the application for him and make the payment.  Let’s just say I worked by rear off filling out papers on this cute boy that I didn’t even know his birthday.  Now I know it is October 4, 1995.  Anyways, about 8-10 hours of work got us the application filled out and it never asked for a payment.  So, then he/we thought it is because I still needed to make an appointment.  So, I made him an appointment and still didn’t ask for a payment.  I text him and showed him pictures of the screens, I googled for hours…  He tells me what his friend that did it had to do.  I finally out of just looking around find a place to pay.  WELL…  Dad’s or my debit card wouldn’t go through. UGH!  It was after bank hours so I told Vitor and he said he felt bad and didn’t want to be a problem and it had to be paid so many days before his appointment.  I told him I would call the bank the next day.  I got a hold of the bank and they said the transactions weren’t even hitting the bank.  I asked if an actual credit card would be better.  They said oh no, they’re all the same.  But, couldn’t tell me what to do except get a hold of them.  I had tried to call them too.  I called dad from school and just got the credit card just for giggles and it declined but it was different and as soon as I did it I got a fraud e-mail.  So, I knew it was hitting the bank.  I called again and they looked and said it was because of the international lock.  They took it off and BINGO it went through… I have never been so relieved.  I asked everyone to pray and to keep Neves in their thoughts.  He was going to Recife for volleyball with his team and wasn’t going to have to pay travel and that’s why he really needed it then.  I was so nervous they would say no again.  I don’t know if we could keep paying if nothing was going to change.  So, Friday I sent him a message asking if everything was o.k.  because his appointment was at 7am and another at 9am.  He left me a voice recording telling me they said YES!  He was crying and said thank you, thank you, I love you!  I knew then why you felt so strongly about this.  Thank you Cameron for reminding me what is important in life and that serving and helping others brings more joy than anything materialistic or $$$.  This boy’s life is going to be forever changed by meeting you.  I am so thankful to be your mom and be able to do something for Vitor.  I am not sure when he is coming but I think it will be soon.  Chad said he could come milk cows. It may be a little tricky with his visa and language but…  I will work with him and his English.  I will research and educate myself on how to help him.  I guess my master’s degree in English Language Learning will be put to use…  I think there are classes in the community he can attend too.  That would be good for him.  I will have him go to church with us for a bit and after the culture shock and/or homesickness is gone I will get him to the single’s ward.  I will ask someone to take him that we know.  Maybe Tyson would come home a weekend and do that for me.  Do you think I should have him stay in your room or make him a little place upstairs? I hope this makes you happy and I will do what I can to help him become successful and able to attend college.  Hopefully finding a way for him to stay in Utah.

 It was Homecoming week.  We got slaughtered.  We played Bountiful. Annie got true bee’d but I will let her tell you about it.  I don’t know about all that but I guess she is a good and old enough girl to make these choices.  We took the Ellsworth boys to watch her powderpuff.  She had a good catch and some good plays.  She went to the dance with Ronnie Smith.  They went hiking to the “Wind Caves” for their day date.  Then, they went to pictures, Maddox, and the dance at city hall.  She looked beautiful!

I hope you send BUG an e-mail today.  She is feeling very sad that you hadn't e-mailed her.  She had two volleyball games this week.  She lost to Bear River but it was sooo stickin close!  They beat Ridgeline!!!  She went to the State Fair with FFA and had a lot of fun. I had her volleyball team over Monday for a pasta party.  They are all such cute girlies and it was a lot of fun!

Grammy had surgery Friday on Grandpa John’s birthday.  She has struggled with allergies and breathing and dry mouth.  I guess she had polyps on her sinuses they took off through her nose.  She said it hurt when they took the packing out but today she looked darn good.

We went to Val’s and cooked hamburgers for grandpa John’s birthday.  I made a yummy peach dessert that everyone loved.  It was just us, Val, Mark, Luke, Cody, Krystal, and Luke besides grandpa and grandma.  It was fun.  Dad came in uniform because he was working. 

Dad got called to a hit elk out west today.  It was Jeff Adams out there that called it in.  They were happy dad took the call.  He told Jeff they could have the meat.  Jenny said, “your husband is in trouble.  The day I get my son to come to church, Jeff calls and tells him to get out there for this elk”. HA! I think Jeff and Justin were very happy.  Jenny? Not so much…

Janica Ellsworth is engaged to her brother-in-law Mike Ellsworth.  It sounds weird but it is actually a beautiful love story.  They had a hard time even accepting their feelings but Eric was up there with his hand in this pushing them together.  Who else would be better to raise your kids than your brother.  My thought is that in heaven there isn’t jealousy.  It is about love and we all know he would want his wife and children to be taken care of and loved while here on earth.  Mike struggles because he never has married and set his goal for the temple.  Everyone has told him that Heavenly Father would never punish a man for marrying a widow and loving and caring for her and her family.  It will work out somehow.  It is hard to wrap our worldly brains around but I have faith!  The boys will probably stay here and we will get them to school for a few days and then it is UEA.  I may take them hunting/camping but I don’t know yet.  I told Janica and she was all for it but she needs to make sure that’s what the boys want plus she has a lot of family that may want to help also.

I love you Cameron and I am so proud of you! Tell me about your week and investigators etc.  I want to see some pictures of your house when you get a chance.

Love you to the moon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MOM

Cameron:  Good morning.

Mom: Did you talk to Neves?!

Cameron: Yes I did! I am so happy!!! I am so happy for Neves when will he come?

Mom: I don't know when he will come.  He has been in Recife for volleyball and I haven't talked with him again.  He cried and said thank you soooo much and I love you!  It made me cry and smile!  I will have to see what we can find him for employment.  I probably could get him on as a reading aide in Spanish. Ha!  We will find something...  I don't know if he has to wait for school to end or what but whenever he is ready we will get a ticket.  Where should I have him sleep to be most comfortable? Upstairs or in your room?

Cameron: Just ask him.  He speaks good English. With him hearing it all the time and having to speak he will learn quickly.

Mom: Ya, he does pretty good.  He was excited to tell you the news and I told him to get a hold of you.  He said, "you want me to hold him?" ha! Have you had baptisms or have any scheduled?

Cam: We are working on some baptisms!

Mom: It is so nice to hear you happy and not homesick.  Don't get me wrong, I want you to miss us... HA!  BUT, live a missionary life while you can.  The worldly life is just that.  ENJOY living and thinking about good things!

September 11, 2017

Cameron,

This week was of course crazy just like all the other ones.  It was Peach Days this week.  So, you know Brigham was crazy and there were crazy people everywhere.  We went to the pageant Thursday night and there were only seven dollars girls running. Markee Brooks won the queen and a ton of other awards.  She won the best interview, she won an essay contest, and some other one.  Anyways she was awarded like three awards before she got crowned queen.  An Ellie Brailsford took 1st attendant.  She was darling.  The next attendant was a Hart girl that had also won the talent award.  It was fun!  Just so small but still fun to watch the talent and beauty in Brigham.

Friday night we went to the Box Elder vs. Pocatello game.  We beat them, thank goodness!  The cheerleaders have asked Hansen Chev to support them.  They said they would give $1000 if the girls would sponsor the half-time by Hansen and advertise for them. Annie had to cheer on a mat since the track wasn't done. It was fun having them have a mat to do more things than usual on.  

Saturday Halle had to be at the high school at 8am.  She had a volleyball tournament that B.E. sponsored.  I have no idea why they would schedule this on Peach Days.  Annie had to be at her parade spot at 8:30.  She was number 34 in the parade.  Dad was going to meet me there since he was working.  He got called to an accident so he didn't come.  I went up to Peach City and sat for a little bit with Grammy, Grandpa John, Mark, Val, and Luke.  I ordered some onion rings and a peach shake and watched Annie.  She was on the road again doing stunts.  She stopped right in front of us and did a stunt that looked awesome!  After I saw her I drove down by Grandma Balls house and waited for her and then gave her a ride to her car.  Then I went straight to Halle's tournament and watched all day until 6pm.  Then dad and I went to Justin Adam's wedding and up to Peach Days for a bit.  I had a Peach pastry treat and dad had a slushy drink.  We talked with people and gawked at all the weirdos and came home to bed...

Wednesday after school I ran over to Sky View to watch Halle play volleyball.  It was my turn to take the lunch.  I bought subs in Logan because the girls have been having that and really like it…  Adrianne Nessen helped me and she did chips, drinks, fruit, and a drink.  I think they enjoyed it.  They played 5 matches to this team .That night I had a cheer meeting for Homecoming Week, which is this next coming up week.  Monday night they bash a car and then there is dinner at the Hardy Party Barn.  They will be having Costa Vida.  Tuesday night is a movie on the field, Wednesday is beef cake volleyball, Thursday is powder puff, Friday the game, and Saturday the dance. 

Monday I finished squirting the back of the house off and finishing school work.  Very eventful…

Tuesday Halle had a team dinner at Elena Olsen’s house and an ortho apt after volleyball practice.  Clark Anderson got hit on his bike again.  He is in a neck brace and lucky to be alive. 

Friday was a good day.  We had a football game here.  We played Pocatello.  Plus it was Peach Days.  I can’t believe Box Elder scheduled a volleyball tournament. Dad and I went to the game.  It wasn’t the most outstanding game but it is just fun to go and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Hayley and Britton talked in sacrament today.  They did a good job.  Chance and Kyra came over.  Chance really is ready to go back out.  I think the last week of September or first week of October.  They just went to Navoo and Latisha got a kidney stone while they were there and she had to go to a scary ER but it turned out ok and she was better to tour all around the next day.

I love you so much and want to hear more about things there.  I want to get to know some of the people through you.  Fill me in.  So, many people ask about you and care.  I got a text from a new missionary out there’s parents.  His name is Elder  Flake.  The mom and dad were really nice and asked lot of questions. 

I helped Neves fill out his Visa application and paid for it.  Now he makes an appointment and will go when he is in Recife for volleyball with his team this week.  Then, he doesn’t have to pay for travel because he will already been there.  Pray so hard Cam!  It took us many hours to get this all done.  I am thankful we have that “Whatsapp” so we can communicate.  I get good vibes from Neves and I hope we can make this work. 

I love you son and I am so proud of you!  Be a good boy!  Choose the right          

Love you,

Mommmmmm, mommaaaa, mommyyy, MOM

Cameron: Thank you for helping him.  It sounds like a great week.

Mom: How was your week? Dad said you had 5 set for baptisms?

Cameron: Yeah we do for the 23. The kid that is going to Ogden, his mom calls me here american son.  They are going to come visit me and bring me stuff in November.

Mom:That is so nice.  Tell me all of their names again.  She is probably the one that comments on all your pictures and says she loves you!

Cameron: Her name is Gardenia the kids are Gennison, Genilson, Gariela, and Gabriel. Her husband is Genivaldo.

Mom:  I am excited to meet them sometime.  How are you Cam?

Cameron:  I am good!

Mom:  I am so glad to hear this!  Who are the five set to be baptized?

Cameron: There is a family; Josefina Bruno 17, Edgar 15, Italo 11, Irnaina 8 that we are going to baptize, and a woman Cidalia who is married to an inactive has accepted to be baptized.

CAMERON'S GROUP E-MAIL
Hello everyone!!! This week was great so September 7 is Brazil Independence Day. So we had a bar-b-q with the branch that was really good. This week we worked really hard looking for new investigators since we are new here in the area. It was a really a successful week. We saw a lot of results. It was so great. We found a lot of people really interested in the gospel. We will work more with them. Last week we played basketball with some branch members and man it was great to play some ball. 

This is a family we did FHE with

August 28, 2017

Hello everyone!!! This week was good. Tuesday was transfers. I am now training a missionary. He is from Ponta Grossa, Paraná. We are in the state of Sergipe in the city Estancia. It is a branch but the branch is really strong. It is a great area. This week we got to know the area and have been looking for investigators to teach. In our area we have 4 missionaries; me, Elder Nascimento (my comp), Elder Davis (my companion from the mtc), and Elder Ayala from Urugauy. It is way fun. Wednesday we had a long bus ride to our area. It was 7 hours. It was a great experience, that is for sure. ha!ha!ha! I showed the comp açai and acaraje!!! So yeah, pretty cool. ha!ha!ha! 

My son

We are making a ghetto gym so we are taking this support and carrying it home

The trainers and their sons

açai with some young men 

Cam: Good Morning.  So, I am in Sergipe. It is another state of the mission in the city of Estancia. It is a smaller town. My son is good. He is from Parana, Brasil. He is opening up more and more. We get along pretty good. I like Elder Ayala a lot and he is also in our house.  Elder Davis is in the house too, remember he is my comp from the mtc..... So far I like being a district leader but it hasn't been too long. ha! It sounds like you had a good week. Neves told me life is hard for him.  He doesn't have work and he misses his mom. He said she could always help him and life is sucking without her. 


Mom: He sent me a message the other day. Dad and I will see about getting him some money to go to try again for a visa now that he has a college acceptance letter.  Will that help?  

Cam: Yeah, I think it will.  He said how he loves us and how we have helped him so much.  

Mom: Are you out in the country or what? Are you on the coast?

Cam:  It is a small city. It is a little better income though. There are a few more cars here than Vicosa. There is a beach about 30 minutes away.

Mom:  What is your companions name.  Who else is in your house?

Cam: His name is Elder Nascimento. Elder Ayala from Uruguay and Elder Davis are also in the house.  Elder Davis is my comp from the MTC...

Mom:  Are you doing o.k. with Davis?

Cam:  Yeah, I am.

Mom: Will you go to Maceio a lot now since you are the district leader?

Cam: No, because I am 7 hours away.

Mom:  yikes! Did you get there by bus?  Have you gotten my package?

Cam:  Yes, it was a long ride.  They called and said my package was in Maceio.  I will get it next week.  Thanks for sending that mom.

Mom:  I am so glad it is there!!!  I would be sad if that got taken. Let me know as you think of what you want for your birthday package.I will give it to Phillip to mail when he comes to Brazil in October. Was Ralmir so sad that you left?  How were/are you Bubba?

Cam:  He didn't understand.  I cried and it was hard but I am doing good.  I really don't need anything for my birthday. I gotta go mom. Love you! 

Mom: I love you too.  Have a good week Bubba!

Cam: Can you ask President Ferry about me being released as a missionary here and you guys picking me up?  There was a kid in Sao Paulo that is from Maceio and they face timed to the stake president and was released so he could swim and go in normal clothes to sight see.

Mom:  Really?  O.K.!!!  Have a great week and kick butt as a dad and district leader...  I love you to the moon!

Cam:  I love you too.

August 21, 2017

Hello Everyone,

This week was great we had a great conference.  President Taylor and his wife talked about Christ like attributes.  I personally loved it.  I learned how Christ loved every single one of us no matter who we are.  Elder Costa talked about conversion and how we can help people convert to the gospel of Christ.  This gospel is perfect and I am thankful for it and the part it plays in my life.

So this week is transfers, I will be transferred to the other to the state of Sergipe.  I will be a dad!!!  In the mission we say when you are training someone you are their dad.  So, I will be training and I am so excited for the opportunities I will have!

 My friends from my old ward

My Brazil Parents

My companion Elder Medeiras burning his pants for 18 months on the mission.  Me burning a shirt for one year on the mission!!!

A bat got in our house and I got the broom and cracked a home run and I killed the guy... ha! ha!

mom and Cam e-mails"

Cam,

Soooo?  Where are you going and who is the new companion?  You will do great wherever you go and any companion is lucky to get you.  It will be hard once again to those you've grown to love, "see you soon" but imagine how every transfer has touched you and those people.  Heavenly  Father knows where he needs you!

Today is the first day of school.  If I don't e-mail back and forth you'll know why.  That doesn't mean you are not on my mind.  I rarely make it a week without a few crocodile tears from missing and worrying about you.  I am very happy you are doing what you are though.  I want so much for your future and family to be the best it can and you are already making sacrifices for them.  

Church was great yesterday.  Jenny had all the young women meet together and she gave us a speech about making this school year great.  She reminded us that kindness matters and to put a smile on our face.  Katie got her young womanhood today.  They let the other girls do her projects.  I seriously have never seen Katie glowing like this.  She smiled and laughed.  After Jenny talked to us we went to the tabernacle to get pictures with the temple in the background for Katie.  She was darling.  When I walked out of the yw room she said, "Nicole I like you and want to go with you."  Of course I let her and then when we got in the car after the temple she looked at me with the most sincere smile and said, "Oh Nicole I Love you, you're my favorite"!  I leaned over and hugged her and cried.  She will be leaving yw now and boy that girl has taught me a lot.  I love her and I am thankful for the opportunity I had to server her.

Dad gave us all blessings today.  We thought about last year before your mission, how you gave us a blessing.  I of course cried but felt this surge of energy because you're over half way now!!!

The fair was fun.  Hot, busy, and crazy people.  Annie, Cooper, and Tristan's pig didn't make it.  UGH!  Just Halle and Bennett Ellsworth.  Bennett got $950 and Halle got $900.  Can you believe it???  This was the highest year yet.  Premium meat bought Bennetts and Shane Holmgren bought Halle's.  Bennett loved his blue ribbon and his $6.  He would've been happy after the show on Thursday to be done.  Dad let them stay over in the trailer two nights.  Even Oliver the 3 year old.  The girls helped but still pretty brave.  I had them from 1:00-11:00 yesterday too.  Janica rode out to the show with me Wednesday and told me a lot of people offer to help but us just coming and taking the kids has been a great blessing and help.  It made me feel so happy to hear know we have helped somehow.  I told her the boys were a blessing to us too and I couldn't wait for them to meet you.  We tell them about  you all the time and Ollie will say things about Cameron.  You will love that kid!

I was at school and the fair all week and I am exhausted.  I think it will be easier for school to start. ha! I am excited for my new spanish teacher BreAnne Driesel.   Then, Alison Montgomery that is BreAnne's same age and they go to the singles ward together and she was there the last 2 years. Aimee Wells is the other 2nd grade teacher and that makes me so happy!!!  

It was the Bear River game Friday night.  We LOST!  The first time in 7 years.  It was so bad Cam... Dad and I sat by the Earnests and Dicksons.  Jackson wrecked on his bike!  Cameron has been in a car wreck his companion driving.  Dad just laughed and shook his head.  Travis is doing great and told his dad that he has never smiled so much! 

Grandpa John, Marge, and Leon came to the show Wednesday.  Grandpa john helped luke with his Eagle project. Brenda and Claire came up.  Dad and I took the boys and went out and had a bite to eat with them last night at the fair.  Annie came with us but then we left her and Seth gave her a ride home.  Halle went to the rodeo and when dad went to get the truck and the trailer he picked them up.   I am glad she started volleyball because she is expanding those wings.  

Sara got a new car...  I am not sure if she can drive it yet or not.  Idaho is a little weird.  I don't talk to them hardly ever (totally my fault too) but I try to text to remind them I love them.

Cara Dailey has been ill but will go to work tomorrow.  I am not sure what but something with medicines.

We have new missionaries but we haven't met them yet.  We saw Remfrey with his companion.  It was so good to see him.  Him and Mergens are both in Tremonton but have different companions. We told Remfrey we would take him and his companion to dinner before he went home in November. We saw Mergens at the fair with his companion.  He asked to extend his mission by three months and he got a month and a half. It was good to see him.

I am starting to read the Book of Mormon again tonight.  Jenny told us to make a spiritual, educational, and social goal.  I am going to read the book of mormon 5 out of 7 nights a week at least.  I am going to set a goal to pick two students that can progress and show progress by November.  My social goal is to worry about myself and making the right choices and not others who don't and to just be kind.  I thought if i share them with you they will become more concrete.

Next Monday is Labor Day so I will be home to e-mail you, if I don't get to today.  I am like 3 weeks behind on your blog and people have asked me.  Monday night I actually think I can have an hour or two to catch it up.

Did you get your package?  I found a guy in SLC on the missionary mom page that goes to Brazil a lot cheaper than the lady I had bring your package at Christmas!  So, i will send one for your birthday and Christmas.  If you don't get this other one i will need to send that stuff again but hopefully you do!!!  Make a note of what else you or others need.  You can always e-mail me too.

Don't forget a letter for Becky Bown.

I LOVE you and I don't think you have any idea how a mom loves her children but it is 100 times more than you could ever imagine.  I love you and would do anything for you.  I am always thinking and praying for you.  Smile and do the work.  There are people waiting to hear from you!

If your sad about leaving that is normal and o.k.  Just remember you were sad to leave Carla and the boys and look what the transfers have brought you.  You got this!  We will be talking again in just a few months and i can't wait.

LOVE YOU BUBBA,

MOM

Cam: So, I am going to Sergipe another state. The area is Estancia. It is a branch. I will train a new missionary. I will see who it is tomorrow. I will be district leader.  I am glad it was a good week and fair for you.

Mom: Wow! That is awesome Cam...  I am so proud of you.  I wish you could feel how much.  District leader is an honor and you are a leader.  Let me know who your new greenie is and how it goes.  I will pray for you. Summer is over and I am teaching in a few minutes.  I am sorry that I can't continue e-mailing.  I love you! Good luck tomorrow and I am thinking of you.  I love you son!

Cam:  Thank you.  Have fun!  I will talk to next week. Oh and look at Sister Taylor's Facebook page.  Her name is Patty Taylor and the Mission President if Mark Taylor.  Also, can  you send the branch president a 2XL Utah Jazz shirt and some jerky with Phillip?

Mom:  I will for sure look.  Do you like them?  I will send that stuff with Phillip or a guy I found in SLC that is a better price than the lady I used last year at Christmas.

Cam:  Thanks mom for all you do!  I do like them a lot... Love you.

Mom:  I love you Cam! 

August 14, 2017

Elder Jensen's group e-mail:

Hello everyone!!! The last couple weeks have been pretty good.  I have just been working. We have a lot of investigators progressing that we are looking to baptize soon. So this week we are having a conference with Elder Joaquin Costa he talked in the last conference about how he was dating a girl and she said she would only marry in the temple so he started receiving the missionary visits. It is a great talk, look it up. He is the second counselor of the Brazil area authorities. It will be great to have a visit from him and be spiritually fed!!!! Yesterday we had 10 investigators at church which was so great. We are looking at a baptism this week if everything goes as planned. Today we went and visited a waterfall which was awesome! There are some photos below.  One year tomorrow!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve and spread the happiness that this gospel brings. I am happy for the year I had and excited for one more!! 

Mom:  Oh my Happy HUMP Day!  I love that tomorrow is they day.  I hope you like the pictures we did.  Shad and Tyson stopped by and visited last night.  It was so fun to chat with them.  I just text Devin to see if he had your release date and he said August 7th of next year but it may change.

Cam:  I already know it is different because of a 5 week transfer. It should be July 31st but we will see.  I  checked Utah State and next year and it starts August 27th. Can you get what needs to be done taken care of?

Mom:  That just made my day/month/year!!!  I will take you as early as I can get you.  There is a total eclipse today.  It can be seen at like 95% here.  Places in Idaho it is close to 100%. The traffic is horrible and people act like it is the end of the world.  It is cool but oh my....

Cam:  I hope I can work for a little bit to get some money before school starts.  That is cool.  Is it going to get completely dark? I haven't heard anything about it here. 

Mom:  I know Chris misses you and would love to have you. Especially since Tristan will probably be gone on his mission.  I will try to take some pictures of the eclipse and send to you.

Cam:  I want to come back for Valmir and Edivana's sealing but I don't know if it will work with school and work.  I hope.

Mom:  I didn't know they had this as a goal.  I would love for you to be there.  Your knock on their door changed their lives. So, tell me are you glad you chose to serve a mission. What is the most important thing you have learned on your mission this far?

Cam: I am glad I chose to serve and the most important thing is family! I have liked seeing how it has changed Edivana and Valmir's family.

Mom: That is so very awesome...  Their marriage, conversion, temple  makes your whole mission!  Amazing. Is Karla still active or how are things there? Neves got a letter from a college in Illinois to  take to the consulate that offers him a scholarship etc.

Cam: No, she has stopped going.  I hope Neves comes.  He will be like the brother I never had but always wanted.

Mom:  He loves you too and acts like he has been in the family forever. I love you and I hope you have a great week.  Thanks for opening up and talking with me.  It helps my momma heart.  Be careful and know I love and miss you.  

Cam: Your welcome!  I love you and have a good week.

August 7, 2017

I hope that you all had a great week. This week was great. I spent it just working and having fun. We had district meeting Wednesday in Maceio which was great.  We talked about how we can close our people that we have to baptism. It was a great meeting. After me and my comp had the great opportunity to watch Jose Wanderson (junior) get set a part as a missionary. The mission president asked me to to share a few words with him. In our house we have a poster that says lose your self in the work and put your hand out and help those that are tired and need help, from president Gordon B. Hinckley. So I shared this with him to lose himself in the work and help those that are needing the help. After we got to have interviews with the mission president which was great he is a great man and example to me. The rest of the week was just work. 

3 nephi 14:7

7 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

I was reading this in my personal study this week and read this scripture. So today I wanted to share it with you all. This is talking about prayer and telling us that if we ask it will be given to us. This is a great thing for us to remember. Our father in heaven is always there for us and wants to hear from us. We are his children. This doesn't mean that we will always receive answers the way we want but he helps us in they way we need.  This is something we need to remember. He we will always do what is best for us.

This Picture was Posted on FaceBook 7/2/2017

What a blessing it is you knocked on this door.  You helped them to get married and then to baptize them.  This family is so thankful for you!

July 31, 2017

mom: What a week!  The trek was great and testimonies grew. Dad really enjoyed it, in fact they asked him to speak.  He did amazing.  I sent you my journal entry so you could read about it.  I love you.  My school life is starting to begin... meetings etc. Marti, Tracy, Sara, and JD are in Cooperstown for baseball.  Mal was in an accident last night but she is o.k. Andrew stayed here while we were gone. The first day Charlie wouldn't get out because she didn't know him.  Bott said she relaxed the next few days.  Reese stayed at Grammy's house.  I sure love and miss you!  Thinking of you got me through 25-30 miles of trekking.

Cam:  I am glad it was a good experience. It sounds like a lot of fun!  Where did the little Burts stay?

mom: They had a girl come stay at their house.  We laughed so hard over the few days we were there.  Dancing was a blast... You should've seen dad in his red flowered pirate looking shirt.  It was the best experience ever!  Everyone felt that way too...

Cam:  I love my new president.  It was nice to go to Maceio.  I went and saw Carla.  The little boy recognized me and I thought he would have forgotten me.  He kept tapping on his mom and then pointing at me and smiling!  

mom: aw!  That makes me cry.  I am glad you get to go back there a lot.  What about the baptisms you were working on?

Cam:  They have their answer and admit they do but say they want more time.

Mom: That's o.k., they'll come around. Don't pressure them but allow them experiences to feel the spirit confirm the church is true to them.

Cam: Yeah, I know and the zone leaders piss me off.  They just want numbers and want us to make them be baptized.  So,  I just told them off and told them I wasn't going to force the church on someone because if I do they will end up falling away.

Mom: Good for you!  The numbers are great but only if they stay. It is a competitive world and it's everywhere.  You have integrity and that's more important!

Cam:  Can you send me a pen drive in my package too?  Thanks mom for all you do for me.  I love you a lot and hope you have a good week.  Talk to you soon.

Mom:  Goodbye Bubba.  I Love you!!!

ELDER JENSEN'S group e-mail

Hello everyone, hope all is good. The last couple of weeks have been great. We got to play basketball with the zone and have a bar-b-que last p-day, it was awesome. I have a new companion, Elder Medeiros, from Curitiba, Brazil. We have been working and having a good time. he is a good fun companion. We have some investigators that we are working with.

spiritual thought 

In my personal study I was reading in the Book of Mormon in the book of Helaman and I read in Helamen 5:12 that says:
 12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the ^arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your ^bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

    It says that we need to build or foundation in Christ. In our homes the foundation is the strongest part that keeps the house standing and our foundation in Christ is the same. Our foundation is what keeps us standing and going everyday. Satan will send things into our life to try and knock us down but if we have a strong foundation in Christ it will not shake us. So how can we have a strong foundation? We can have a strong foundation by doing basic things; reading the scriptures, praying and going to church. Doing these things will make a strong foundation for us and when the devil sends his winds we will be unshakeable.

    If you haven't read the Book of Mormon read it!!!! I know that it will bless your life how it has blessed mine.

 

Have a good week, 

Cameron

The "Suit Squad" at church

A family from the branch

 The Zone

The area I serve in

Me and the new companion 

 hair cut by the comp and açai with a cheeseburger 

açai with a young man leaving on his mission this week 

The area I serve in