Sunshiny Texas

Hallo Alle!

I am still snakke pa Norsk.. 

I only have my Norwegian Name tag in Texas so people always ask me, "what is that?!" haha I love it. 

This week was full of miracles! It's amazing to be a missionary.. you have front row seats to the best change of a person's life!

Sister Hornton & Jess 

Jess & Sister Mulivai

On Wednesday we went contacting and found a women that wanted missionaries to come to her house! Amazing! We seriously did nothing! She said she grew up baptist, but she doesn't think it is for her and her grandparents were LDS at one time. She felt like she needed to look into this religion. So amazing.. Then.. she referred us to a neighbor down the way. We found this woman outside looking very upset. Sister Thornton asked her if we could sing her a song. We sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and she let us into her house. She wants us to come back and see her.

On Thursday we taught a family that was referred by their cousin. We taught the Restoration and Sister Mulivai in the lesson said, "Sister Allen will now tell you that experience that Joseph Smith had.." I was able to say the 1st vision word for word in that moment. I hadn't practiced it since mission prep at home. I had it memorized in Norsk, but not in English. It was truly the spirit working through me.

On Friday, I was feeling kind of down and inadequate from the days before because I felt like I wasn't connecting with some of the people. I prayed that I would connect with someone that day..

We visited a less active teen and I was able to share my heart with her. It was the first time I felt like I had something to give and offer. Because of what I had gone through I was able to help her. I prayed to my Heavenly Father in gratitude for the tender mercy. The rest of the day I was on fire. 

Every morning we state our purpose and say: 3 Nephi 5:13. 

"Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ the Son of God, 

I have been called of Him to declare His word 

among His people 

that they might have ever-lasting life."

We are representing Jesus Christ and our Loyalty should be to Him.

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have come to know Him because I had a DESIRE to know Him. He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIGHT. He is the LIGHT. Have you ever thought of that? Everything on earth that is light and good is Christ. He is EVERYTHING. People can CHANGE through Him and His Atonement. The Book of Mormon is either true or false. Ask if it is good? Then do something about it. Have Faith, Have Hope, and Have Charity. This is the best way to live. It is more fulfilling and satisfying. God is REAL and He LIVES. MIRACLES happen everyday. Now go shine your light on others!

Love, 

Sister Allen

Answers to your questions:

-We drive a car, walk, and when we get our bike fixed.. we will ride bikes.

-Houston is warm and sunny. I don't have the right clothes for here.

-We get $70 a transfer

-We eat lunch at home.

-We have a computer lab at the office of our apartments. Soo nice.

-I have a washer and dryer in my apartment. I am spoiled.

exchanges with cute Sister Casas.

Humble Texas

My address:

8455 Will Clayton Pkwy

Apt. 107

Humble, TX 77338

They call us the Humble Sisters. :) So cute.

Love,
Sister Allen

---

Hello!!!!!!

So I love Texas! I am in a place called Humble and I have two companions because I am a visa waiter.  My companions names are Sister Thornton (from Alaska and leaves in March) and Sister Mulivai (from Hawaii got here three months ago). I love them! We all get along well. 

Sister Mulivai, SIster Thornton, & Jess

So I have soo much to say, but soo little time. I get an hour a day for language study, so that is good. Sister Horner is in my district, so I get to see her at least twice a week and have language study with her. 

The church in Texas is amazing and soo missionary minded. The members are so involved with the missionaries and the work. We have a member feed us every night for dinner. 

Funny Story: So Sister Thornton is a Sister Training leader, so I got to go with her to Spanish land Friday-Saturday. So guess what? I taught two lessons in spanish and gave a Spanish book of mormon out..hahaha then that night we went to a spanish baby shower. The spanish culture is soo nice. We got there and the lady having a baby came up to me and kissed me on the check. The cutest. 

Missionary work is fun! If I would have known this before I came out.. I would have come out a lot sooner. Missionary work is very busy, but it's good to be busy and it's good to be doing GOOD busy things. haha People love the missionaries out here. Most people here are religious and believe in Jesus Christ. We already have so much in common. Not gonna lie, contacting freaks me out, but my companion said that I think contacting is awkward for a reason.. they will diffidently remember us. 

I never realized how often miracles happen every day! People are so prepared. God put them in our paths for a reason. Ah the church is true. 

My birthday was so great yesterday! All the missionaries in the district wished me happy birthday via text and left messages. I said the closing prayer in Sacrament meeting in Norsk. It was pretty cool. We have this AWESOME family in the ward that put on a birthday dinner for me and made me a cake. It was such a great birthday. 

Thought for the day:

Today I was studying on how to find people and the word "minister" came to mind. Any time I hear that word I think of Jesus Christ and the life he lived when he was on the earth. Part of our baptismal covenant with God is to take upon Jesus Christ's name and mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. Anytime we talk to someone it should be with charity and with Christlike love. I am so grateful for the Savior and the Life that he lived. It makes me want to be a better person.

Hope you are all doing well! 

Love you all!

Love,

Soster Allen

MTC Farewells

Saying Goodbye to Bro. Bartholomew & Bro. Williams

Saying Goodbye to Bro. Smith -Norsk Teacher

Our final Temple Trip

last day of class... this picture came TINY

Sis. Randall

Our Zone

Leaving the MTC at FOUR AM!!!

Ran into Jill & Todd Williams at the Houston airport

Off to Texas

Monday, January 5, 2015

Jessica left the MTC at 4 am and drove to the SLC airport.  Once she checked in her bags and got through security she called home around 5:45 am.  She only had an hour before she had to start boarding her plane to Houston.  It was so good to talk to her.  She sounded really excited and happy.  She was really talkative and outgoing for being so early in the morning.  That has certainly changed since being in the MTC, she never really loved mornings.

I talked to her first.  She said she had an emotional Saturday.  She had received her letter from the Church's travel office about her visa and her new assignment in Houston for the next 6 weeks.

She was pretty bummed about it.  That night they were saying good bye to their instructors and it was emotional.  They were taking some pictures and one of the sisters was taking a picture with Jessica's new camera and dropped it.  It broke and Jessica said she just lost it.  She had a major break down.  An Elder tried to take her new camera and fix it back in his room.  It just made it worse and he felt terrible and offered to give her $200 for a new camera.  Jessica felt horrible about taking his money, so she refused to take it and she felt bad that the sister who broke it felt so bad.  So, she found the sister and gave her a big hug and told her it was ok.  It was just a camera.  So, maybe it is good she is going to Houston.  She can find a new camera and it will probably be cheaper in Houston than in Norway.

She received a blessing from a young 18 year old elder last night.  She said the power of that blessing was incredible.  He blessed her with specific things that she was struggling with and she hadn't even told him about them.  The spirit was so strong as she shared this experience with me, it made me cry.  So great!!!!

She has absolutely loved the MTC, her teachers, and especially the 4 girls in her district.  One sister has already gone on to Denmark.  Two left for Norway today and Jess and her companion are waiting for Visas in Houston.  It was very hard for her to say good bye to these gals.  They will be friends for life!!!  I could really feel the love she has for these girls.

She is a lot more positive about going to Houston.  In fact, this morning she was actually really excited about it.  Someone told her not to worry about the language, just teach the gospel and the Lord would make up for it when she finally got to Norway.  So, she is taking their advice and is excited for this adventure.  This will all be part of her mission experience.

It was so great to hear her voice and feel her energy and excitement.  I can't wait to hear from her once she gets settled in Houston. Hopefully she will get a new camera soon so we can see pictures too. I will let you know her new address when she sends it, but you can always send her an email anytime.  Once again, thanks to all of you for the support and prayers.  She says she has really felt them.

Love,
Jenn

Visa Delay

January 02, 2015

Missionary Department 

50 E North Temple ST 3WW 

Salt Lake City, UT 84150-5400

Sister Jessica Ann Allen 

2815 W Lake Houston Pkwy #109

Kingwood TX 77339-5220 

United States

Dear Sister Allen:

Visa Status

By now you are aware that your visa to Norway has not yet been approved. While this is undoubtedly a disappointment, please know that we are doing everything possible to secure your visa. We will notify you immediately when it is received. We ask that you and your family members not do anything, such as call or e-mail the consulate, to try to secure your visa more quickly. Such actions may actually slow down the visa process already in place.

While you are waiting, your mission experience in the United States will prove to be a great blessing in your preparation to serve in Norway. We encourage you to work hard, remain focused, and be involved in all aspects of missionary work. As you serve the people in the Texas Houston East Mission, your testimony and ability to teach will increase, you will set the pattern of study and hard work for the rest of your mission, and you will come to love the people.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you dedicate yourself to preaching the gospel to those who are seeking and ready to accept your invitation to come unto Christ.

Sincerely,

Eduardo Gavarret Assistant Executive Director

Week 6 - MTC (A Little Setback)

Hallo! Happy New Year!

Christmas at the MTC was so great! We woke up to a white Christmas. 

We prayed for it and it happened. Soo magical! 

We heard from an apostle- Russell M. Nelson and it was such a privilege. He talked about the Doctrine of Christ. Such an "increasingly rewarding pattern of living." 

We quoted Christmas movies all day and opened presents in the morning. I cried because I was so grateful. 

Me and Sister Leland made a gingerbread house on Christmas

I got to call home for 30 minutes. It was so nice to talk with family and hear their voices. Best Christmas present. We all got so much candy and treats from home.. I think we all have diabetes now. haha 

Sunday night, we got to hear David Archuleta and Richard Elliott (organist for Mo Tab.). It was amazing!!! I cried! David sang "Come Come Ye Saints" and it was so powerful! It was more meaningful because of the story he told. When his grandma was investigating the church.. one sunday morning she heard Angels singing that song. She went to church that day and that song was played during sacrament meeting. She said that Angels sang this song to me this morning. So powerful. 

The rest of the week was dead. We didn't have  Norsk Teachers for three days. We all felt really stressed out for not hearing the language for that long. haha  

We said goodbye to Sister Mandla.. We miss her! She is in Denmark and is going to kill it out there! She is an exceptional missionary and person. 

Last week I finally memorized the 1st vision in Norsk. Our Norsk Teachers finally came back Monday night. It was sooo great to have them again. Brother Williams cracked his head from skiing on Saturday and then showed up on Tuesday to teach us. What a guy! haha 

I saw Kash Johnson the other day. He teaches in my building. I thought it was pretty cool.

Tonight for New Years Eve.. we aren't really doing anything. We have Izzy Water to drink at midnight. haha so that will will fun. 

I am just preparing to leave the MTC. My experience here is coming to an end. I am really nervous to leave, but I know it's time and time to put my learning into action! Anyone out in the world can CHANGE and through the grace of God it is possible. I love being a missionary. It is the best "job" in the world. It brings me so much happiness and fulfillment. Be happy! Be Bold! Testify of the Christ! and Work! Repentance = Change. It shouldn't be a negative thing! Repentance means turning to God. What a glorious thing. Satan wants us to feel hopeless. Christ always provides hope. I know that this message is true and is the only way to ETERNAL happiness. 

Pray and read the Scriptures. There is soo much power when acting upon those gifts from God. To feel the power of the Holy Ghost in your life is so comforting and motivating. 

I hope you all have a Happy New Year! 2015 is going to be awesome!

Love you all!

Love,

Sister Allen

He is part of the leadership in the presidency for our zone.  He served in Denmark

Last Sunday with Sister Mandla and the Icelandics.  Our whole zone.

Us and the Icelandics

We all got Norge shirts

Note from Jenn:

Hello everyone!  

Some bad news.  Jessica emailed me in a panic on Monday to let me know they didn't have her or her companion's visa for Norway.  She asked Scott and I to join her in fasting and prayer that she would receive a miracle.  If she could get her visa by Wed. (today) she could go to Norway, if not they would reassign her to Houston, Texas for 6 weeks.  She asked us to keep it quiet until she knew for sure.  Well, she knows now for sure, she is going to Houston, Texas for 6 weeks to wait for her visa.  She is not happy!!!  She is trying to stay positive, but she is worried about losing the language that she has worked so hard over these last 6 weeks to learn.  But, there must be a reason she needs to go to Houston.  

She flies out early Monday morning, Jan. 5 at 7:00 am.  I will talk to her that morning on the phone so I will keep you posted.  Once again, please keep her in your prayers.  They will be separating her and her companion, but she is hoping to be able to call her everyday for language study.  It's a bummer, but part of life.  Obviously her Heavenly Father needs her there for 6 weeks.  The positives, much warmer than Norway right now.  She can have an experience of teaching in English.  Her letters will get to her quicker.  She will get to call again in 6 weeks when she is on her way to Norway.  She really appreciates your support, love, and prayers and so do I.  She sent some really cute pictures today.  We will get them up on the blog later on.

Love,

Jenn

Week 5 - MTC Christmas Eve

Hallo!! God Jul!

So I have set time that I get to call you. 3:15pm to 3:45pm, so be ready! I have 30 minutes to talk with you all. I am excited! You asked me what I love about the MTC.. well it hard to explain, but I guess I love it because the only focus is the gospel and learning a language. Everyone is here for one purpose and you feel that support from everyone. I LOVE my district. They have become my family here. I will be soo sad to leave them in two weeks. I LEAVE IN TWO WEEKS, PEOPLE! It is really happening... I am so excited and nervous! It's like I got my mission call all over again. It is feeling more real.
How's home and your Christmas Eve? Thanks for the cookies. I still haven't opened the first triscuits you sent me.. I don't need anymore food. I will probably have to give it away before I go. Thank you though! Geoff said he will take my stuff that I want to send home and bring it to your guys. I don't need anything. We packed good, Mom! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and I will tell you about it on the phone tomorrow. I am happy to hear that you got my package!
Funny things that happened this week..
Søster Horner slept talked in norsk the other night. SOO morsom! haha
Søster Leland accidentally hugged an Elder during gym. They told her she couldn't be on that elder's team anymore. ha!

So since it is Christmas tomorrow I want to share my testimony of the Savior and how it has grown since I have been here.
I read a talk about Grace yesterday and was so moved by the Love our Savior has for us. Grace is there for us right now! It is the enabling power and love of God. We cannot get through life  without it. Instead of focusing on Christ's birth during this time of year, we should focus on His life and what He did for us. If we are not taking advantage of Christ's Atonement than he did it in vain. Think about that... He suffered for all. He suffered for you and me. Christ knows you better than anyone else. We can be made whole through Christ. Yesterday, we had a devotional and I sang in the choir "While Shepard Lately Knelt" and I was so moved by it. I cried when singing these lyrics: (highlighted red is my favorite part)
"Where shepherds lately knelt
and kept the angel's word,
I come in half belief,
a pilgrim strangely stirred,
but there is room and welcome there for me,
but there is room and welcome there for me.
 In that unlikely place
I find him as they said:
sweet newborn babe, how frail!
and in a manger bed,
a still, small voice to cry one day for me,
a still, small voice to cry one day for me.
 How should I not have known
Isaiah would be there,
his prophecies fulfilled?
With pounding heart I stare:
a child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me,
a child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me.
Can I, will I forget
how love was born, and burned
its way into my heart
unasked, unforced, unearned,
to die, to live, and not alone for me,
to die, to live, and not alone for me?

How beautiful is that! A Child! He came to earth as a child and did everything for me! Jesus Christ lives! He is our Redeemer and Savior!
Please take advantage of His Atonement.
Merry Christmas!
I love you all!
Love,
Søster Allen

Taken December 23rd!

Christmas tree with their gifts

Christmas Card Door.

Jess - Sis. Leland & Sis. Randall

Sister Leland & Jess

Teacher.... with Norway Distric

Bro. Smith and Bro. Bartholomew... Teachers

Jess - Teacher  - Sister Horner

Investigator - Leah

Sister Leland wearing my new Norsk coat for the first time.