Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Week 1 - MTC


Hallo Alle!

I have so much to tell you all and so little time.
First, I want to thank those that sent emails and letters!! They are just the best thing here!
Being in the MTC for a week feels like a year.. haha.

I will be honest the first couple of days were so hard. Some of the hardest days I have ever experienced, but I made it to Sunday and now I love it here! :) I lost my 1st companion on the second day. She went home for anxiety and depression. I tried to keep her here, but I know everything happens for a reason.

Now I am in a threesome companionship with Sister Horner (from Heber, UT) going to Norway and Sister Mandla (from Australia) going to Denmark. I LOVE my companions! They are so sweet and strong! We are in a district with two other sisters.. Sister Randall and Sister Leland (both going to Norway). I love them too. We all share a room. No Elders in our fab 5 District.

I love my Norsk teachers! They are so helpful, understanding, and kind. Learning Norwegian is hard. I have had a few break downs because of the language barrier, but on Sunday we heard from Sister Neil F Marriott and it brought peace and comfort to my soul. She said even if you don't know the language very well or hardly at all.. Just say all you can and do your best. The Lord will do the rest. The people you teach will see that you were willing to look foolish to testify of the Savior. LOVE that! I felt so much better after hearing that. It all made more sense to me. Even though the language is a barrier, my goal in the lessons is to bring the Spirit and say all I know in Norsk and say it with all my heart.

We began teaching an "investigator" on the third day and it is very difficult.. all I want to do is teach in English and pour my heart out to him, but I love the challenge. I am here to learn. I also need to remember to be patient. I want the gift of tongues now! I want! I want! I am learning that I need to wait on the Lord's timing and not be selfish. This mission is not about me. It's about the Lord and the people I find and teach.

I love being here. It gives me purpose and I carry this joy in my heart to be a representative of Jesus Christ. This is my life now and I am excited for the adventures ahead. I have a lot of work to do and A TON of Norwegian to learn, but little by little it will come. I am so blessed to be with such an awesome group of Sisters. The spirit is so strong here. I have never experienced something like this before.

I am so full of Life! I haven't felt like this in such a long time.

Thank you all again for your support and love! 
Love you!!!




Mom (and family),
Thank you for your email. I love hearing about everything and all the details. All the sisters here are 19 yrs. old, but very mature and fun. The food is alright... please send me snacks from home!! Anything! You know what I like. Can you send my bigger curling iron and some skirt hangers? Oh! I would also like some pictures of you guys! I want to see pictures. Will you send the picture of me, Alissa, and Amelia that was taken at my farewell? Takk! Dry shampoo would be awesome as well! My schedule is jam packed with stuff. We got to hear from Elder Dallin H. Oaks yesterday and I think on Thanksgiving we get to hear from the prophet.. but I am  not totally sure. I see Geoff Canaan a lot because he works in the cafeteria. haha It is way funny. I haven't seen Jordan yet. I want to see your calendar! how cool. I want to see pictures of Emilie's wedding as wel.. Ashley is so sweet! She sent donuts on the 2nd day here. Really I would love anything anyone sent me. I  LOVE YOU ALL FAMILY!!!! Have a great Thanksgiving! Has Tanner or Sam taken my room yet? rude..
Love,
Sister Allen

Sunday, November 16, 2014

The Farewell


Note from Jenn:
What an amazing day! So many friends and family supported Jessica and our family today. I am amazed at the goodness in this world. To my friends who came and gave me a much needed hug, this mom is very grateful it meant a lot to me that you took the time, thank you. To my family who stayed all day to help in the kitchen, I couldn't have done it without you. To the generous neighbors who brought food, you are so kind I appreciate your help so much. To those who were so generous in your donations to Jessica's mission I am so very humbled. I am very blessed. Prayers this week as I send my beautiful girl on her mission. So very proud of Jessica today and everyday

Friday, November 7, 2014

Mission Portraits

Click HERE to visit Emilie Ann Photography to see Jessica's Pictures 
or click on the photo below.