Final Days!!

Hello! Here are the last few days that weren’t included in my last weekly: Monday we went to a waterfall for a hike, and then ended up watching a church movie with our district and some YSA. It was a very nice and relaxing P-day!

Tuesday we had lots of lessons, so most of it was going back and forth between places! They were good and a good opportunity to let people know that I was going home. Wednesday we ate Chidaobao Kaorou as a district, or in other words, all you can eat Korean BBQ! It was really good! Another funny thing is that Korean BBQ was the first thing I ate when I got to my first area in Taiwan. So it was fitting! Our only lesson cancelled, and that night we had ECG and talked about farm animals and sang “Old Macdonald Had a Farm.” Some of our members also brought us pizza and cake! That night we went and dropped my bike off at the train station, which ended up taking way longer than expected so we were home late. After that I packed and prepared for transfer day!

Thursday was transfers! We transferred and I just took lots of pictures, said goodbye, and hung around a little! Afterward the other sisters who are also going home (Li Shi Lin Jiemei, Li Xin Jie Jiemei, Weng Jiemei [the other Elders were Lin Zhanglao, Elder Bowden, and Elder Topol]) and I went to lunch and then we all went to the temple. It was really special to be able to do an endowment session and I think I was able to have a lot of comforting thoughts and new insights to prepare to return home! Afterward we went to the mission dedicatory prayer site (we had come when we first arrived in Taiwan) and we were able to do a little “report prayer” in the same spot that we had prayed in when we first arrived. It was a special experience! Afterward we went back and just had pretty much free time and went to dinner with some sisters who had gone home the previous transfer!

Friday morning, we played frisbee with central Taipei missionaries, which was so much fun! Most of us had served in Central before and had played frisbee often, so it was a nice “last hurrah.” Afterward we ate breakfast at President’s house and had our departing interviews. President gave me two pieces of advice: Don’t stop the things you have learned to do (prayer, planning, studying, going to bed on time, exercising, etc) and stay in contact with my companions and the people I taught or met here. It was a good interview! Afterward we went to Taipei 101 with the other departing missionaries! It was beautiful and cool to be there. Afterward we rushed to catch the MRT and got back right in time for us to leave to go to another Chidaobao (all you can eat) dinner! I swear all Taiwanese restaurants are either super sketchy or super fancy. This one was the latter. We ate our fill and more and then afterward went back to President’s house and had a testimony meeting. It was really good! The spirit was present! Afterward we went back to the house that we were staying at and that was about it!

Saturday morning, I woke up early and we met at the mission office at 6:30 AM. I was pleasantly surprised that the other sisters not only woke up with me, but somehow convinced President to let them come with me to the airport to say goodbye! So that was super nice! We went to the airport, got everything checked in, took a few pictures, and said our goodbyes, and then they stayed until I was up to security and out of sight. I had been worried about flying alone but Heavenly Father put many nice people in my path who helped me get where I needed to go, especially once I got to San Francisco! The flights weren’t all that exciting, I was able to talk with some people and tried to sleep. I flew into San Francisco, then to Phoenix, Arizona, and then to St. George! I found it funny that the closer I got to home the more people commented about me returning as a missionary.

Upon my arrival, I was able to walk in and see my family! It was so good to hug them again, and I did the traditional “finish line run.” Driving through the desert of St. George, Utah felt so surreal and like a dream. I was able to teach my family, have some crockpot chicken for dinner, and then we headed over to President Nadauld’s house to be released. He asked me about my goals, had me share my testimony, and I began to cry as I could tell he was coming up to it. Then he officially released me as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he said those words, I didn’t know what to do. My tag was still on, but it felt out of place, and I knew I needed to take off. But I still waited until he told me to take off my tag. It hurt to see the missionary tag, the one that distinguished me as an authorized servant of Christ, in my hands instead of on my chest. After going home and crying it out a bit, I went to bed around 7 pm and slept for about 12 hours, which was very helpful for my emotional stability haha.

Well, here we are! How does time seem to pass without my notice? I’m sad my mission is over, but in reality, life has just begun. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to serve as an authorized representative of Jesus Christ. I know this is His work, and know that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No man cometh unto the Father but by Him, which is why this, the work of salvation, is the most rewarding work imaginable.

-Sister Janelle Jensen

Taiwan Taipei Temple

Airport! 

Getting ready to board the plane!! 

"...and...our [missions] passed away like as it were unto us a dream..."

 大家好！ How is life for all of you? Yes. I am fully aware that is my last weekly. I will address that later!

Last Monday we had a lesson with our new friend 林弟兄! Tuesday we had 4 lessons, they were all pretty good. One of our friends is struggling with making the necessary changes to keep the sabbath day holy, so please pray for her! It was a busy day! 

Wednesday morning we got a call from the Elders asking if we could join for a blessing that they were going to give to a member, so we joined and ended up doing a Book of Mormon read with her as well which was good! Right after that we met with a member for lunch, and then did a service and practiced English with a potential! Later we finally had some personal study time haha, and then we had English Group and had a cute little family come. We haven't had people come in a long time so that was a blessing! 

Thursday we had our mission president's wife, 楊姐妹, join us for the day! She goes on exchanges with all of the departing missionaries! We were able to have lunch with Yao Jiemei, my last companion, and we also had another member lesson that day. It was fun! She is super sweet and I'm glad she got to join us for the day and share lots of insights. 

Friday we had exchanges with the Songshan Sisters! I was with Li jiemei for the day. We had lots of lessons that were good but very long haha. It was fun though! Most of the day was just lots of biking to and from lessons!

Saturday we finished up our exchange, practiced some musical numbers, did some other stuff, and then had a ward activity that was out by a lake with tons of fireflies! It was super pretty, and we were able to catch lots of them! I was in heaven haha. Then we got transfer boards! It didn't really affect me haha because I'm not on them...but Sister Kirton is going to be coming to Hualian with Wang Jiemei! It'll be a blast for them :) 

Sunday was super busy; we were in meetings from 8:30 am-5 pm haha. It was special to me that I was able to perform in both wards and share a departing testimony in both wards. Also, MIRACLE ALERT this transfer we have been struggling in getting sacrament attendances, and guess how many people came to church on Sunday? 7!!! And it wasn't even because of us, but peopel just like brought people to church and it was a miracle! Afterward we went to the bishop's house for dinner, which was a lot of fun, he was trying to set me up with his son haha.  

Today we were able to go hiking to a waterfall and watch a church movie with our district and some YSA which was fun! It was a great last p-day!! 

Okay.....now I need to face the fact that this is my last email to you all. I don't know what you expect me to say. My mission went by so fast and slow, and I can't believe that this time that I seemed to prepare for and invest in for so long is nearing an end. But I am forever grateful that I served. All of my places and areas and companions and friends will forever hold a piece of my heart. If you are wondering whether or not to serve a mission, DO IT! It will change you. Give yourself to the Lord, for He has given everything for you. 

I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ changes people. I know that this is our purpose of being here on earth, is to change through Him and learn how to become like Him. We aren't perfect, but that's why Jesus Christ atoned for us. That's why He gave us the gift of repentance and the opportunities to make promises with Him, that allow us to grow to our full potential. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the restored Church that is led by Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon testifies of Him and leads us to Him. It is the perfect road map of how to live with Him again. I know these things because I have taught them, preached them countless times, and lived them. Through Him I have changed. My service was imperfect, but the Lord has greatly blessed me for my imperfect service. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

I would like to close out this email with a portion of a scripture found in Jacob 7:27:

"And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu." 

-Sister Janelle Jensen (江柔安姐妹）

General Conference 💪

Haluo everyone! Hope you all had an outstanding week :) mine was good!! 

Last Monday I went on a pretty walk with my comp and there were these random giant hulahoops at the top! I discovered I still have the skills then afterward we had a lesson with our friend 丸子！ Please pray for her, the lessons are fine, and she said she believes us but isn't willing to keep any commitments. 

Tuesday we did some weekly planning from last week and then that night we had a miracle! While we were eating dinner a guy came up and started talking with us and we were able to set him up again! Blessings!! Then we went to a far place and visited some of our friends that we don't really have contact with. So that was fun! 

Wednesday morning, we had mini-MLC and District Council right after, and I gave the training which was pretty good, nothing really worth mentioning happened the rest of the day. 

Thursday we were doing weekly planning and ended up going to do some service for an older less active in the ward. It was fine, but she kept talking about a devil in her home, but my comp and I didn't feel anything wrong, so we just reminded her to pray and gave her some other options! Please pray for her!  That night we were doing more weekly planning and another lady came up and started talking with us and we found out she had met with missionaries in the past! We were able to make her a new friend, miracles! I guess Heavenly Father just doesn't want us to do weekly planning haha. 

Friday we were going to have a long service activity, but they told us last minute that they had enough people, which was a shame cause we kind of rearranged everything around it. But we finally finished our weekly planning! Wang jm and I came up with a fun new finding method, but we only had 10 minutes, and didn't have any success. But on the way to our dinner apt Wang jm added a line while biking! We were there for a reason :) then we had a member meal and went to a ward activity for like 30 seconds and practiced some music for a baptism on Saturday!! 

Saturday morning, we played frisbee with some YSA, and then we went to a baptism for the Elders! I sang at it. Afterward we watched general conference, cause it was this weekend for Taiwan. It was so good! I still haven't had time to watch all of the sessions yet, but it was great :) afterward we did some more service for the LA above, and then that night we met with 丸子 again and taught the last half of the plan of Salvation. We still have far to go with her but she's got this :) 

Sunday we had General Conference yayay!!!! And then we went to our bishop's house for dinner and their family home evening, it was a lot of fun! Brought back memories, it was set up with a song and activity and treat like when I was little:) 

Today we went to Taroko gorge and hiked, and it was so pretty!! I love Taiwan and Heavenly Father's creations.   

Other funny things: 

-I almost accidentally poured alcohol on my dumplings because I thought it was vinegar

-At one of our lessons my companion was talking about church (or so I thought). She said, "We will sing, pray, hear different talks and testimonies...." I added in, "we also partake of the sacrament" and she said, "Oh no Sister Jensen, we're talking about FUNERALS." 

-crepes that we didn't have eggs or milk for, so we used Chia seeds and yogurt. It was an adventure.  

Spiritual thought for the week: This week we had a lesson and taught the plan of Salvation, and our friend asked us how we know the Plan of Salvation is true. It kind of surprised me a little, and I have been thinking about it. How do I know the Plan of Salvation is true? I know because of the Book of Mormon, which I know is true. I know because of little experiences I've had with it throughout my life. I most of all know because I learned it by the Spirit, line upon line, precept upon precept. It makes sense logically and spiritually, in a way that can only be divine. But that's just me. How do you know the plan of Salvation is true??  

Happy Easter!!! 🐰🐣🥚

This week has been so good and flew by but has been so crazy we haven't had time for weekly planning yet haha. Wish us luck. Last Monday was good, we had a plan to go visit some of our friends but then we got a call from the ZL's who were like "Hey are you coming to that dinner in 10 minutes?" And we were like "aahhhh" cause we had forgotten to put it in the area book! But we went and it was fun!! 

Tuesday we had district council and afterward did finding with our district by letting people flip to a random page in the Book of Mormon and highlighting something they liked! We didn't have too much success, but it was fun! Afterward we met with our friend 文娟 for dinner and a lesson which was good :) Wednesday we went to a park for our language study, which was fun, but it was on the hotter side, and I almost fell asleep like 12 times haha. Afterward we did some calling and facebook to invite people to an Easter activity this weekend! Then we met with our friend 小木 and taught her about repentance! Still not quite sure how much she understands it, but our joint teacher was awesome and so it was good! Nobody came to our ECG again, but it gave us some much-needed messaging time because we haven't really had time to message our friends haha. 

Thursday we had exchanges! Funny story, beforehand I had been trying to get the sim card out of my phone with a staple, and the staple broke in my phone...and I couldn't get the sim card out. So, upon realizing this when we started exchanges, Wang JM and I hurried and went to a shop to try to fix it and they couldn't, so we ended up just switching phones. And then the other sisters' wifi had problems too so they also just switched phones, so we all had the wrong phones, and it was an adventure haha. Not to mention it was pouring outside so I got totally soaked haha. It was fun! I was with Sister Boseman, and we had a good time! We were able to call gray dots, go tracting, and I showed her how to do facebook work! 

Friday was good! We were able to do lots of studies and finish out our exchange and everything and that was good! Also, we had a lady give us free food which was super nice! Right after the exchange we had a lesson with a potential, 程DX, and he is so solid! You can tell he really wants this in his life, and we are super pumped to help him continue learning. Afterward we had to go practice a song for stake conference and then we had Ward Council and then we did a bunch of stuff to prepare for our Easter Egg hunt activity. It was a busy busy day. 

Saturday was even crazier than Friday haha, because of the Easter activity. The missionaries were put in charge of it, and I don't know why cause we don't have time or MSF, but it was fun! We spent all morning preparing scriptures to go in the eggs, wrapping copies of the Book of Mormon, preparing a kahoot, and the works. Then we had the activity! Luckily everything went smoothly, thanks to my companion haha. Afterward we spent a long time cleaning up and had like a 15 min. personal study and then we met with our friend 丸子！We were able to teach the Godhead using the Bible and it was good! Saturday was a fun but busy busy day. 

Sunday was also crazy haha but was good! That morning we had church which was shortened because of easter, then we had a music practice thing, then we went home and ate lunch, went back to church for our second ward (Xu jiemei came yay!!!), had a 7 minute personal study and 7 minute comp study, met with a less active, afterward prepared another lesson and met with another less active, and then afterward went to a dinner with some members. Typically not your average Easter but it was fun and good to hear their testimonies! Afterward we came home and updated areabook cause we were so behind and are still nowhere near done haha.  This week honestly flew by, and I have more than 300 unread messages haha! We're just vibin! It has honestly been really fun though! 

Spirtual thought for the week: This week was Easter, the perfect time to ponder what Jesus Christ has given you! What has Jesus Christ given you? What are you willing to give Him back? This week it really hit me that Jesus Christ gives me so much hope. That because of Him, I am not lost. He gives me purpose. So, this Easter, what has He given you? And what can you give back?

 

Sprint to the finish 🏃‍♀️🏁

Hello everyone! Hope you had a great week :) before I get too far into this, just wanted to mention that I will be returning home on April 29 and my homecoming will be on the 30th! If you would like the info, ask my mom because I don't know haha. Also, Taiwan doesn't get General Conference for another 2 weeks so DON'T SPOIL IT!!

Monday was good! We went to a pretty lake and saw lilacs and saw lots of Monkeys! Tuesday was busy, we did some service for a friend we are teaching, then went and did an English service for a lady who wants to teach English, and then later that night we biked the long way to our friend 文娟's house! She had to leave but we taught her quickly and she was able to set a baptismal date!!! YAY 文娟！ Afterward we taught another family, the 戴 family, and they are just the cutest! They have a little 6-year-old who gives the most inspired answers! After that we had to stop at a park on the way home because we had our coordination call, and then we had a DLC call and then we had a sister call. Busy night. 

Wednesday was kind of crazy too, we had a lunch with a less active member who made us cute little leather elephants! Afterward we biked the long hilly way to a friend's house named Wu Xiansheng. We had a pass of lesson with the Elders there. Afterward we were knocking some doors there and had an encounter with a lady who wanted us to call the police for her because of something her son did or something, I did not understand the majority of the conversation haha. But it was a fun experience. Afterward we went back and taught our friend 小木！ It was good! She had read the Book of Mormon and had lots of questions about it. After that we had ECG! We weren't expecting anyone because we hadn't had people come for the last like four weeks in a row, but then a mom and her daughter ended up coming (45 min late haha) which was fun!! That was about it for the day :) 

Thursday we had zone conference! Also, a little rule change, I can actually use messenger to contact friends from home now on P-days. It doesn't really change much for most of you I don't think, but let it be known that if you want to shoot me a message, I can now respond. I was able to sing at zone conference and shared my departing testimony which was sad. Afterward we had left and then we got a call from the Elders asking if we just wanted to do our interviews then. So, we did! President told me to sprint to the finish! So let it be written, so let it be done, or whatever the phrase is, haha. Then we went to dinner with President! After that we did some paper gray dot calling for a bit! That's about it! 

Friday was good! That morning we had a lesson with a family and so they will be new friends as soon as we set up another time!! And they totally got us coffee which was kind of nice of them/awkward haha. Other than that, the day was mostly planning and messaging! Saturday was also pretty much planning, messaging, and organizing things so not much happened worth mentioning! 

Sunday we had like 8 hours’ worth of meetings. That's about it. Sundays in this area absolutely destroy me. Chinese is so dangerously easy to tune out. But on the plus side, we have a new program we want to try to get more referrals so I will let you know how it goes in the coming weeks :) 

Today was good, we went shopping and I bought clothes for after I'm home, and then I cried cause I'm sad, and that's all! Oh, we also had a member visit!

Spiritual thought for the week: This week I feel like I've encountered several people who are just holding anger in their hearts. I find it so sad, because they tell us the things going on in their lives and from the outside perspective of a missionary I can see that the Savior can free them if they allow Him too. These things that happen are not their faults, and I think forgiveness isn't just saying "It's okay" and moving on. Forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring the problem. Forgiveness is depending on the Savior and His perfect judgment. Forgiveness is trusting that Jesus Christ's Atonement is enough to someday replace your lack with substance and your pain with joy. Forgiveness is letting Him carry your pain, because He already has. You don't need to hold that anymore. Recently I learned that the meaning of the word "Hosanna" is "Save Us." How fitting that is.