Fires and Fireworks and Firesides

Dearest friends and family, 

We had a great week! We had lots of interesting experiences, and talked to lots of people. We started teaching someone named Isacc (yep, it's spelled like that) who is really awesome! AND he has three other brothers who are all YSA aged, which super cool (and that almost never happens, so we're excited). Last night we were in charge of a fireside at someone in the branch's house, and we had lots of YSA come, and 2 people who are learning more about the church! We taught about the character of Christ, and how choosing to turn outward instead of inwards brings us joy and heals our souls (we watched a message by the church called "Lift" if you want to watch it)! It went well, and as we testified of Christ there was a very special spirit there. There was also homemade ice cream there, which made it extra sweet.  

We met our new mission president and his wife! They are awesome, and have come with a lot of energy, fire, and excitement about the work. They have a love for the mission already, and it is wonderful. I still don't really know what I'm doing as far as training, but we just work hard the best way we know how, and so it's been good. 

Some interesting things that happened this week:
-we saw three or maybe four fires this week! Two of them were just on the side of the highway, but luckily there were firetrucks already there. 
-we had to be in by 6pm on the 4th of July, but we were able to see a few fireworks from our window! We made corn on the cob, BBQ chicken, and potatoes for dinner, and it was delicious. 

I almost forgot the coolest story of the week!!

We were out working and felt prompted to talk to a guy sitting in a park. It quickly became clear that he spoke zero English, and so after some very bad attempts at communicating and some hand signals, we ran to our car for some Espanol proselyting supplies. We gave him a Book of Mormon and pointed to Moroni's promise so he would read it. He did, but since we couldn't say much else so we said adios and went on our way. Now, MIRACLE- we drove a few blocks and passed the Spanish elders out walking! We quickly pulled over and sent them over to the park to talk to our friend. We just found out from the elders that they were able to speak with him, and he came to CHURCH yesterday!!! I am so grateful we were able to follow the promptings we felt and that we could be part of that miracle, even though we don't speak Spanish.:)

This area is 80% Hispanic and Spanish speaking people, so it's time to crack down and learn some Spanish so I can communicate with the people here. I think every single door we've knocked this past week was a native-spanish speaker. Luckily some speak English, but not most. It has been fun!

Have an incredible week! S. Carver and I are planning a home evening activity for the branch centered around missionary work, so if you have any ideas of how to get the branch excited about the work, let me know! 

Love,
S. Jensen