Mission Log: 1 April 2013

I realized far too late in the game that today is April Fool’s day and I have no good jokes planned, shameful!

In other news, I was bit by a dog this week. I’m officially a “real” missionary. I was on an exchange with too English sisters and we had no set appointments so we started knocking doors. While we were knocking this random dog runs by with a leash and no owner. So we decided that there was probably someone somewhere looking for this dog. So we continued knocking doors and asking everyone if the dog was theirs and if it wasn’t their dog if they perchance would be interested in learning more about Jesus Christ. It was just a really strange day. Anyway at one point Dexter, the dog, decided that he was fed up with us he bit me, then he bit Sister Dorneles, and they he tried to escape through a fence. But, alas, we were victorious over the dog. Not only that, but after about an hour or so we finally met the owner. It was a Kenyan family and they know Mormons and are just fine with the idea of learning more about our message. All in a day’s work.

Spring is finally showing up. I love Spring. It’s interesting to me how much I appreciate the warm weather when the memory of cold, dark days is fresh in my mind. When we were walking the other day I ended up stopping right in my tracks and for just a little bit stood in the road with my head to the sky and my arms outstretched just soaking up the sun. It felt good.

To make a little analogy, I wonder if we thought about the gospel the way we think about Spring if we would talk about it more and share it more. Does that make sense. Imagine a world where all your friends live in constant winter. Cold and dark all day every day while you live in springtime. Wouldn’t you tell them about how wonderful the sunshine is, how beautiful the flowers are, and how great it is to live in constant spring? Wouldn’t you invite them to come visit and see and feel for themselves how great spring in? I would! If we would be so quick to share things that bring happiness in every other facet of our lives, why wouldn’t we share the gospel. The knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, that He lives, and that his atonement is sufficient to save us from death and despair. Just something to think about.

General Conference is coming up this weekend. I’m so excited to hear from a living prophet of God! Have a wonderful day, I love you a lot! 

Mission Log: 25 March 2013

Sorry Guys, I have been a bad blog keeper upper. A reminder that this blog is not being kept by Jari her self while she is serving a LDS mission. -Annalee

chickens! in a living room. Jersey is crazy. 

Zelia, MY Brazilian

curled sister petersen's hair

Yesterday my sweet friend got baptized, the Brazilian woman I have been talking about the past couple weeks. I love her with my whole heart, I'm pretty sure that she and I are kindred spirits. She was so excited for her baptism. We have three different meetings at church (each one is an hour long) and after each meeting she would ask me "is it time for my baptism now?" "how about now?" "is it my turn now?" She was SO excited, and I was excited for her. After the last meeting she grabbed my hand and started singing and dancing down the hallway. She just made up her own song and sang random sentences about everything that was going on around us. "This is my girl from Alagoas." "Today I'm going to get baptized." "Elder Larson is my new godfather" (Elder Larson is one of the missionaries that taught her). "My husband, my boyfriend, the love of my life came to church today." She was EVERYTHING happy. I couldn't help but giggle the entire time. Once she was all dressed in white we went to go take more pictures and she loved that. So we took a lot of pictures. 7 different missionaries with cameras all oggling over her, it was great. 

(This is a side story just to showcase how it doesn't really matter where I am or what I'm doing and am still, always and forever, Jari. During all the picture taking I sat down on a couch...and it turns out that I sat on a spot where a little girl just had a bit of an accident. When I stood up I thought, "oh man, my bum feels really wet." Well that would be because my super absorbent skirt soaked up the whole mess, awesome.) 

I gave a short talk at the baptismal service about the gift of the Holy Ghost. A man who was baptized last week was in attendance so I had him share his testimony about the gift of the Holy Ghost, it was short and powerful. Really having the gift of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is so special. It changes our lives to have a constant friend to help us go through life. I am so grateful. As I talked to her about it I mentioned how we can do things that help us to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and one of those things is to sing hymns (keep in mind that this woman LOVES to sing hymns). Earlier that morning I had found a hymn book in Portuguese and I gave it to her as a gift. She just hugged the book close to her and her eyes got really big as if she could hardly believe that it was actually for her. It was like Christmas. It was one of the greatest days of my life. In reality I've spent a grand total of 4 days with this woman, but I love her like family. She is so dear to me. I love how to gospel brings people together. I love learning to love the way that Christ did. 

My live a very charmed life, and I owe it completely to the influence of the gospel in my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ means everything to me and I love sharing it with everyone else. Such simple things: faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. So simple, so powerful, so life changing. I love it. 

Mission Log: 18 March 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. My companions and I all wore green to church and were looking very festive. Apparently the only other people who got the memo were the grandmothers in the congregation...which worked out well for us. They were all so excited to see that we dressed up that we got extra hugs. I love hugs!

Also, my favorite Brazilian woman, Zelia, is home from  her trip to Florida (lucky lady!). She came dancing down the hall and grabbed me in a huge hug. She started introducing me to an elder that was teaching her previously and told him all about how I'm her favorite. It made me laugh, I love how cute she is. I'm pretty sure she and I are best friends. When I grabbed one of her hands she shook a little because they were really cold. She told me, "sweetheart, I knew you had a warm heart...but if your hands are that cold your heart must be on fire!! Well, actually, that makes sense." I started laughing so hard. I just want to shrink her down and carry her around in my pocket, I love her. 

Mostly, I just want anyone who reads this to know that I really love the gospel of Jesus Christ. My life is full of joy because of the gospel. It is my greatest treasure. I love my Savior. I am so grateful to Him for his sacrifice so that I can receive forgiveness for my sins, but also so that I can receive help and guidance in trials, so that I can feel the love and comfort that He has to offer. I know that my Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers, I know He does the same for each one of you. Isn't that wonderful? I am so glad to know it, I am so honored to share that precious knowledge. Life is a joy. 

Mission Log: 11 March 2013

I went back to my first area in Jersey City on an exchange this week. It was cool to see all the different ways that I have changed and grown. Sometimes it’s easy to assume that I’m not growing, so I am grateful for little moments that remind me how far I have come.

The truth is that we’re always growing. Our choices determine if that growth bring us closer to or father away from God. One of my favorite hymns is “Nearer My God to Thee.” All I really want to do is just come nearer and nearer to God.

Mission Log: 04 March 2013

I love New Jersey. It's crazy, and there's a lot of road rage, and they have these things called jug-handles that destroy my already terrible sense of direction, but I love this state!

I love the people. I love the food. I love the trees. I love the buildings. I love how sassy everyone is. I love the absurd number of Florida license plates. I love that I get to learn things about the entire world without leaving a single apartment complex. I love the people that I have met and continue to meet each day. 

I think I've given a piece of my heart to this crazy little place. I'm pretty sure Jersey is mine forever. 

Training a new missionary is an incredible experience. I feel like I'm being stretched in a million different directions, but someone I'm made equal to the task. 

Before I came of my mission I thought I knew a lot about love. I thought I knew how to love others. I thought it was a talent of mine even. Being a missionary has taught me more about love than I thought was possible to learn. I have learned about heartbreak, I've learned about true rejoicing, I've learned how to listen, I've learned how to trust, and I'm just going to keep on learning and keep giving my whole heart to everyone I meet. And the strange thing is that there will always be enough of my heart to give. There is no end to love. 

Mission Log: 25 Feb 2013

Everything crazy. My life is everything crazy. I am still with Sister Petersen and now I'm training and we've added Sister Garn to the mix. Sister Garn is one of the first of the younger missionaries, she just turned 19 in September, and she is a rockstar. Being in a trio is interesting and comes with it's own blessings and challenges as does everything in life. In the few days we have been together it has been incredible to see how well we work together and how our personalities complement one another when we are all focused on our purpose: to help others come unto Christ. 

It also feels like we run into more ridiculous than ever before. The other day we met a random Portuguese woman who fed us take our chinese food and told us all about how top ramen is the duct tape of food. It was hilarious. 

I also find it really interesting how Heavenly Father chooses when and how to bless us with little tender mercies. I may only be half Brazilian and I may not speak Portuguese very well but I LOVE everything about Brazilians and Brazilian culture. This week we ended up teaching a sweet little Brazilian woman. I barely had both feet in her door when she had already kissed both my cheeks and was still just holding me in a tight hug. It reminded me so much of my dad that I almost burst into tears right then and there. Then she made room for us in her small house and had me sit right next to her on her bed. She held my hand as she told stories and went on about how Portuguese is the greatest language and everyone should learn it. She asked us to sing a hymn for her and she cried through the whole thing. There was so much emotion bursting from this small woman that I couldn't help but be in awe of her. I am a woman of passion. I love that I can feel a range of emotions. And I love this woman for trusting me instantly and for letting me be a complete part of her world for the 45 minutes that we sat in her home. She and I are friends for life. 

I know that Heavenly Father is perfect aware of each of his children. He knew that I needed to be reminded that it is okay to be a little bit crazy, really loud, and everyone on the spectrum of emotions. I am so grateful that he would grant me such a wonderful opportunity. 

I hope you're having a great day. 

Love,

Jari

Mission Log: 20 Feb 2013

My life is a giant mess of crazy. I'm training again. Back in October a prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson, changed the world. He said that all worthy young men will have the opportunity to serve a mission at 18 years old and all worthy young women are able to serve at 19 years old. And 4 months later my life got crazy. My new companion, Sister Garn, is 19. She, Sister Petersen and I are in a trio. I am learning a lot about communication and patience and simplicity and obedience...I'm basically just learning a lot about everything. I think it's funny that any time I get to a point in my life where I even dare think "Okay, I think I know what I'm doing. I think I got a hang of this." Heavenly Father decides it's time for a new type of experience that completely throws me for a loop. 

I have to remind myself that God never gives me a challenge that I am not capable of overcoming. He always supports and qualifies me for all He asks me to do. I'm grateful for how much trust He has in me. I always want to live in a way where I will be worthy of the guidance of His Spirit. I am so dependent on that heavenly aid. I know that God lives. I know he will give me every experience and opportunity necessary to refine me. I look forward to learning and growing more than I ever have before. 

I am making dear friends on my mission. Friendship has grown to mean something different to me over the last month or so. I am supremely grateful for the people in my life who encourage me to be my best. I am grateful for the people who make good choices and seek after truth. I am grateful for prayer and the opportunity I have to develop a real relationship with my Heavenly Father. He's there. He listens. He fills any void in your soul, whether or not you even know that it's there. I am so grateful that God knows me well enough to have sent me dear friends throughout my life. People who have helped me to grow and learn; people who help me to feel and recognize the Spirit. I will seek to always be such a friend. 

Love you,

Jari

Mission Log: 12 Feb 2013

My friend Guillermo got baptized on Sunday. It was one of the most incredible services of my life. It is something special to watch a man who loves God make a promise that will forever put his life on a new path that will bring him greater happiness than he has ever known. It was a wonderful day. I don't really have words for it actually. It's something that you know how to feel more than you know how to talk about.

I don't have much more time to say what I would like to. 

I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know there is power in faith and obedience. 

Have a wonderful week.  

 

Mission Log: 4 February 2013

What happened with that groundhog? I'm really interested to know how much more winter I've got on my plate. I don't much like being cold, but I decided that I can put up with it because it helps me better appreciate all the glory of hot, humid summer days! 

Things in Jersey are going well. Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting so members from the congregation were all sharing their testimonies and feelings about the gospel. It was a powerful meeting. At one point a nine year old boy stood up and said he would like to share a story about how his knowledge of the gospel has helped him. He said that he was at school earlier in the week and all his friends were talking about the end of the world. One of his friends asked him if he is afraid of the end of the world and his response was "No, I know it is all part of God's plan and that if I do the things he asks of me that I will be safe." 

I LOVE the purity of children and how much confidence they have in the Lord. I want to have as much trust in God as that young boy, he's my hero of the week. 

I hope you are each having a wonderful week. 

All my love,

Jari

Mission Log: 28 January 2013

This past week was the coldest week that New Jersey has had for the past two years (at least, that's what they tell me. let's be real I don't get to check the news so I'm just assuming that this is correct information, and you know what they say about assuming). Anyway, it was stinking cold! On Tuesday we had a couple appointments fall through and we were in a part of our area that we haven't really worked before. So, we started knocking doors. In 19 degree weather, and it was windy to boot. I actually thought I might die out there. I seriously don't think I've ever been so cold, ever. I mean I lived in Rexburg, but I think this is worse. Did I mention that it was cold? IT WAS SO COLD! So we're knocking doors and my companion was laughing at me because my door approach was getting more and more pathetic with every door we knocked. So I tried to be more enthusiastic at the next door. What ended up happening was the woman opened the door just slightly wide enough for me to fit through, and the next thing I knew I had ran right into her living room without even introducing myself...probably not the best idea I've ever had...but I don't even remember thinking it through, so I'm not going to feel guilty about it. She ended up being a really nice woman who let us teach her about the restoration of the gospel and then she asked us she could have a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon for herself. We said "OF COURSE!" and now we're teaching her, and hopefully her husband soon. 

So in case anyone was curious, yes I still am just as ridiculous as I have always been. It works for me.

In other news, I love the Book of Mormon. I started reading it again at the beginning of the year. I am reading with a theme of miracles, how to recognize them and how to invite them into my life. Miracles are everywhere! I love what it says in the Bible Dictionary about miracles: "...they are powers or mighty works, because they are the acts of One who is almighty; they are simply works, or the natural results of the Messiah’s presence among men; they are wonders, marvels, because of the effect produced on those who saw them." 

For real, miracles are happening in your life every day. If you ever doubt it, take some time to think about your day before you go to bed. Pay attention to how you have seen the hand of the Lord in your life. I promise that if you look for miracles in your life, you will find them! 

All my love,

Jari

Mission Log: 21 January 2013

This week I have learned that I can, in fact, eat at a Chinese buffet for both lunch and dinner and not fall over dead at the end of the day. Though, I did feel like dying.

I've grown to really appreciate those few months I spent at home before going to South Africa. It was a time of my life when I needed answers to questions that weighed heavy on my heart. I needed to know that there really is a God, that He really does love me, and that He does in fact have a plan for me. When I was living at home for those few months I chose to really read the Book of Mormon for the first time, and suddenly the words on those pages spoke to my heart, they haven't stopped since. I chose to pray to find out if God really is there, and if Christ really is my Savior. I chose to ask if the atonement really was sufficient to save me. And God did hear my prayers. I know that trusting God is pivotal. I know that reading the scriptures helps us to understand God's will and our own purpose in this life. I know that reading the scriptures provides guidance, direction, and answers to prayer. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that the sacrifice he made will fulfill the demands of justice and offer each of us perfect mercy if we will only choose to follow Him. And how is it that we choose to follow him? We exercise faith unto repentance, we are baptized and renew those baptismal covenants often. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and live worthy of it. Simple things, life changing things. 

I'm grateful for the gift of agency. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to let me choose, to let me mess up, to let me learn. I love that He provided a Savior so that I may overcome all weaknesses and mistakes. I look forward to all the blessings that God has promised. 

I don't know what else to say other than I'm happy. Life is good. Miracles happen every day, God is in the details of our lives. 

Have a great day!

Love,
Jari

Mission Log: 14 Jan 2013

Just another week in the Garden State teaching people about God and when we follow His plan for us we are so HAPPY! 

More than anything this week I learned that God does hear and answer prayers. This week I've been focusing on having more purpose when I pray. Throughout my life I've always been really selfish in my prayers and I didn't really realize it. For the past little while I've really been seeking for ways to serve those around me and for inspiration and ideas on how to better align my life with what Heavenly Father wants for me. 

I've had some incredible experiences. If you weren't already aware, know this: if you are in a constant state of prayer it is nearly impossible to feel negative or doubtful. Praying continually, especially praying for others, adds value and purpose to your life. As we seek the Holy Ghost in our lives we find guidance, inspiration, and love from our Heavenly Father. 

I like what the Bibile Dictionary says about prayer: As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

I hope you're having a wonderful week!

All my love,

Jari

Mission Log: 07 January 2013

Here's my new address:

10 Commercial Ave Apt. ULC
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

So, send me mail... :) 

Hello all. I hope each of you are breaking in the new year in exciting ways. I started my new year by being transferred to a new area with a new companion. What fun, right? It has been an exciting week getting to know the area and trying to remember how to speak Spanish (the my previous area we mostly worked in English). I am always amazing by how diverse New Jersey is. It's not a very big state but the whole world is crammed into this little place. Everywhere I go is vastly different then the place I had just been. New Brunswick is a little bit suburbia, but it's fun. The people are really nice and just the right about of Jersey crazy. I knocked on a door the other day and the woman who answered says "Giiiirl, what are you doing out there with no clothes on?" I told her that I was wearing lots of clothes. I had on at least 4 layers. But she wasn't having it. "No girl, no, you is out there practically naked, gonna freeze to death, what's the matter with you." I had to laugh and she appreciated a good smile. She told me to go sit in my car with the heat on and not come out, and I went ahead knocking more doors.

Then I knocked another door and a man answered wearing nothing but his underwear...He immediately recognized who we were and was so embarrassed that he slammed the door right in our faces and started yelling "Sorry! So Sorry! Wait! SORRY!" he went and got dressed and we had a nice little lesson in his home. People make me laugh.

I like learning about new cultures and appreciating different people. In that way New Jersey works really well for me. Everyone I meet has a different life story. In Subway the other day our sandwich extraordinaire was from Egypt. He was such a sweet man. The second he started helping us he said "You are very happy girls!" So we told him a little bit more about who were are and that we share a message about Jesus Christ, and then his face lit up. "I LOVE Jesus Christ." He told us all about how much he loves Christ and that his life completely changed when he found him. We gave him a card with a picture of Christ on it and he just hugged the card and kept telling us about how happy he was that he met us. Such simple encounters, but they are full to the brim with happiness.

How about a different tangent now?

President Harold B. Lee has a quote that I like a lot. He says, "Missionary work is but home teaching to those who are not now members of the Church, and home teaching is nothing more or less than missionary work to Church members." When we report on the progress of our recent converts and less active members we are almost always begging that they have home and visiting teachers assigned to them, and that they actually receive these monthly messages. I know that I haven't always been the best about my visiting teaching, but I hope to change that when I go home. It is so crucial. There are lonely hearts that desire company. There are dampened spirits that need lifting. The calling to serve as a home or visiting teacher is a sacred trust given to us that allows us to bless the lives of our brothers and sisters. Love is the why of the gospel, and home and visiting teaching is just another way to show and develop greater love. Do yours this week!