Sister Jensen's mission: Opening the Call. . .

First off, I am not a writer. So bear with me (:

I thought it would be fun to post stories, experiences, my emails that I send home weekly, photos, and all the fun stuff that I will experience on my mission on a blog. What a easy way to share my testimony and gospel with my friends and family?! (Starting April 27th, my wonderful Momma will be posting!)

Deciding to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was probably the easiest decision I could make. But it came as a surprise as I was not preparing or planning to do so! I was at school, attending Brigham Young University in Idaho. I was having a BLAST! Then, it dawned on me that all these hardships that I was going through wasn't a punishment, it was a blessing... a sign. I felt prompted by my Father in heaven that I needed to serve a mission. All of these negative feelings would be lightened by his love if I served him in the most powerful way. Put a skirt on, clip that black missionary tag on and walk those streets telling his children about the blessing it is to have Him in their life.

So I jumped on it! I couldn't say no, although I wanted to say no till the day I died. I called my parents. I called my bishop. I started filling those missionary papers out. The process was long and draining. I was getting discouraged and was thinking twice about this decision I made. I mean, if something went wrong, it would be really difficult to go back to the way things were. All these trails with filling the papers out brought me closer to Heavenly Father. I learned to turn everything over to him and let him take care of it (:

Fast forward to just a few nights ago. March 14th, I opened the mailbox, saw that envelope with Sister Anna Jensen written on it, and I screamed for joy. I really did. The school kids walking home from school stared with concern.

I was so happy. I had the biggest smile on my face. My cheeks started to hurt. I texted my family. Arranging Skype with everyone in different states is quite complicated, people! haha Technology does not always help to your benefit in important situations.

The moment was finally there for me to open that envelope and find out where He wants me for the next 18 months.

Dear Sister Jensen:

You are hearby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the California Redlands Mission.

Reporting April 27th, 2016.

I am so excited for this new journey I am taking. I know that it was I need to be doing at this time. I have faith in my Father in Heaven that he will bless me and my family. Serving the Lord is a true blessing. I am thankful for the gospel in my life.

Yours truly,

Sister Jensen