Missionary Moment - Puerto Rico San Juan & Dominican Republic Santo Domingo West

 

Buenas! Saludos a todo! Espero que todo estén bien allá! La semana pasada fue muy divertido y la obra missional es bueno como siempre! 

 

The true is that this week was a little different with all of its ups and downs, working hard to do things that had some "leaks" to it and now doing our best to do the same with many more other things like working with Dominican members which, at times, can be very difficult. But no worries, it'll take time and the work moves forward. 

 

One thing this week that was pretty funny is that I talked off Elder Knights ears explaining so many stories of movies because he has never seen any major movie (but don't worry, I'm here to save him from eternal depression) and before when other people would give him Movie reviews he wouldn't like them too much, but he loves mine so we're popping off with story time! 

 

This week I have come to yet another realization of how much growth I'm in need of making, it's not just the Spanish nor all the small little changes that make us all imperfect, but a matter of being willing to be better and having the hard softened just enough to the point where it hurts of the spirit of change.  

 

I've noticed this as continue to grow as a missionary and with Elder Knight as he comes to the end of his mission and me just getting started and getting the ball rolling everyday I can hear the spirit telling me that I can be better and that I'm getting there just little by little. And my goodness I have a long way to go. 

 

So just to wrap up this a bit I just everyone to know of how very hot it is here in the hottest month on top of the humidity and it's not too awesome, wanna know what it feels like? You know when you go into an indoor swimming pool in the middle of winter? Yeah, do that in the middle of summer and you've got the Dominican Republic! It's hot here 

 

Finally, congratulations to my favorite graduates my Brother Colton! And Sammi Knect! 

 

Also it was mother's day here on the island yesterday so shout out my killer momma whose birthday is this next month on the 11th (I didn't forget) 

 

Les extraño muchísimo! Les amo mucho más! 

 

Elder Jorgensen 

 

Celebrating Colton!!

He did it.

He really really did it.

And this mama has successfully graduated four boys!

Colton didn't want to walk at graduation.

It was a lot of anxiety for him.

He advocated for himself and did it his way!

I'm so proud of him.

He still attended graduation, though, and supported his best friends:

Riley, Brexten, and Brayden (Riley's twin).

These boys have been the greatest friends to Colton and such a blessing since Kaydon left.

We all celebrated Colton at Sushi Monster and then let Kehlani play on the playground and in the fountains.

She is spoiled rotten and we wouldn't have it any other way!!

Missing Kaydon so much!!

I am so, so proud of my boys.

They are the greatest men and I am honored that they call me, "Ma."

 

Colton is Graduating

This guy, though.

Colton is the epitomy of battling challenges and trials, finding his strength in weaknesses, living in his true self, and living life on his terms!

He was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, pediatric anxiety, and learning disabilities when he was eight years old.

This legal diagnosis came after numerous misdiagnosis.

Elementary School was a nightmare.

Those were dark days.

In the beginning, Colton took 32 pills a day.

32.

His weight fluxuated drastically.

His sleep schedule was all over the place.

His eating habits would swing like a pedulum from one side to the other.

It was exhausting for me, for his brothers, for his teachers, but especially for him.

Yet, Colton was always the sweetest.

The kindest.

The most innocent soul.

I was told for most of his life that it was highly unlikely, if not impossible, that he would live an independent life, graduate from high school, work a job, drive a car...

He was declared legally disabled a decade ago.

That declaration allowed resources for him, and for us, that were helpful in ensuring that Colton had everything he needed to succeed - whatever succeeding meant for him.

Today, Colton takes zero pills.

None.

Today, he works out daily.

And, this kid is a beast in the gym.

Today, he works two jobs.

And, he is a hard worker.

Tomorrow, he graduates.

With a high school diploma.

From high school.

He has come so far.

I credit his four brothers.

I credit teachers and aides and administrators who took the time and effort to see my child.

To work WITH his strengths.

To listen.

To tweak things for him so that he could succeed.

I credit neighbors, friends, and family members (blood and otherwise) who love him unconditionally.

I credit God with creating the most amazing young man and for giving me the honor of raising him and calling him mine.

Colton,

The places you've gone and will continue to go!!!!

I could not be more proud of every single thing you do every single day.

You are pure joy!!

I love you so big.

 

Missionary Moment - Puerto Rico San Juan & Dominican Republic Santiago West

Buenas tardes! Espero que ustedes pudieran tener una semana buenísimo! Les extraño muchísimo pero les amo más! 

 

This week was just good, nothing terrible or terribly amazing, it was just good. It's one of those weeks where you realize your living a completely different life and this different life is something amazing and teaches you things that you hope to learn and use for the rest of your life, even eternal life. 

 

This week I found myself in many lessons focusing on strengthening families, whether it had been getting them to come or return to church or prepare then to be married to eventually be baptized and enter in the temples to receive many many blessings.

 

This time was a bit different though with many of these visits beginning with fights and arguing and ending very sure with the spirit and tears of growth and progress. 

 

Everytime we had one of these visits there was nothing more we were opted to do other than invite them to do 3 things together as a family. 

 

1. Read the Book of Mormon together as s family

2. Pray as a family

3. Come to Church each week as a family

 

Three simple things that when applied the only that is sacrificed is time. But blessings come in multitudes and power as they bless us individually and as a Family.

 

The issue is when others opt out of doing these things. How come? Why not? What's holding you back and what's more important than bettering yourselves to strengthening your families upon the unmovable, unbreakable rock of Jesus Christ? 

 

I invite each of you all to find time and the willingness to do these things EVERYDAY! 

 

I promise in the name of Jesus Christ that you will be able to command each mountain before you to depart with ease. You will be happier, stronger, focused, prepared.  You will be clear disciple of Jesus Christ and others will have desires to follow your example.  

 

It's a glorious day! Vamos a empezar hoy! Ahora mismo! 

 

I love you all. I miss and pray for you as always! 

 

At you again / Elder Jorgensen 

 

PS I'm super sorry for no pictures, I'm just not good at getting to many, mostly because your at a risk of getting your phone stolen when you pull it out soooo...

 

Gigi Day!! & A Mustang

Gigi Days are my favorite days!

This little bit of magic is SO much fun!

She is JOY.

This is the face she made in the grocery store every time someone came over the intercom.

I could just eat her up!

She LOVES to play outside in the yard with the dogs.

She ran and ran and Kaya chased her while she screeched and giggled.

Then she played in the dirt!

She sat at her little table while I got ready for the day.

After she played in the dirt, she dumped the dog's water dish all down herself.

So, sink bath it was!

PS..

She LOVES Uncle Colton!!

After Gigi Day, it was date night.

He told me earlier that day that he was driving something different home for date night.

I asked him what it was and he said it was a surprise.

Electric Mustang!!!

It was SOOOO fancy!

 

Kehlani

Baby Girl got to have a pool day with her amazing mama this week.

It's the pose for me every time!

Isis is just the very best mama.

She is attentive.

She is a good teacher.

She is an amazing nurturer.

She is always aware of Lani's needs.

She is just the best!

I get to have a Gigi day tomorrow.

I kind of can't wait!!!!!

 

My Colton

Yesterday I took Colton for an interview. 

He's wanting to work two jobs this summer.

He is already at a snow cone shack.

Now, he will be doing freight at The Home Depot.

He gets nervous before interviews. 

EVERYone gets nervous before interviews!

So, we said a prayer together in the car and he marched right in!

He got the job.

Also, I LOVE text messages with my boy.

This one had me rolling!

 

Another One Down

It was that day yesterday.

The day that I stress out about for weeks.

The day I get everything together, ordered, scheduled, ready to go for about 220 people to eat really yummy food and play some softball.

I was trying to sit with my feelings and understand them better.

Yes, I get stressed out.

Yes, I worry about everything being just right.

But, there always seems to be something more that eats at me.

I realized that I miss P extra on these days.

I always feel him close to me, but on these days I really just want him to get permission to come visit from Heaven for a couple of hours.

I want to see him and talk to him and laugh with him and watch him play ball with his guys.

He loved it.

They loved it.

I loved it.

So, yesterday morning I said a prayer.

I asked that P be allowed to come be with us for a couple of hours.

And, he was.

He even rained on us for 30 seconds.

I was like, "Really?!?!"

Then it stopped and the guys played ball.

 

Missionary Moment - Puerto Rico San Juan & Dominican Republic Santo Domingo West

 

Good morning! Based on the title of this email and based on if any of you understand Spanish or Dominican Slang you already know this one is gonna be nuts! I'll start by just letting everyone know this week want in the list of ones I want to remember. 

It for sure was a toughy, being called to be responsible for souls in the area I'm called in while maintaining a good healthy relationship with someone new has been hard. And it is hard. Onward and forward however with my eyes single to the Glory of God is always a positive attitude to keep when things get down. Thank goodness I don't really have anything else to worry about out here other than the work and my missionary.  

This did start off super hot with tension between my companion and I, but after talking things out and a prayer we fired off on the area much different than how I'm used to doing things. 

As the week continued and neared its end we have been getting this place into a new position that I can now be reaped and prepared for the next stages of baptism and being numbered among the church of Jesus Christ.

However on Friday we ran into an unfortunate event of thievery. 

Basically we'd been walking to an inactive members home and had just entered into a very small alley way that cuts directly to the road we needed to be on when a Motor (motorcycle smaller than most on the states but somehow fit upwards of 6-7 people) passed, almost hit us and hit a puddle that almost got all over us. After this encounter I let out a very brief, "ay Muchacho!". The motor with, in fact, two muchachos had stopped for a moment about 10 feet from us then when their way. So we just kept going and right as we turned out onto the street we needed to be on the same motor came at us with one of the muchachos getting off (The Movie Courageous style) and with absolutely no idea that it was a robbery I just kept walking for like 2 seconds, I then realized my companion wasn't directly behind me, so turning around and throwing my head around the corner I just see the guy getting back on the motor and them driving away. 

In the sweet words of my companion, he said that the guy simple reached into his pocket and got the phone, subconsciously he grabbed the phone back and the kid then said, "quieres un tiro", and Elder Knight who is like 3 Feet taller than him just smacked the phone in His hand and the kid proceeded to ask what was in the bag and all Elder Knight said was that it was the bible. 

 

And that's where I come in to scare them off! Funny stories huh? 

 

I then apologized to awesome Elder Knight for the next 20 minutes. 

 

All in all we spent the next couple days writting everything down on paper having to record everything we did, and it sucked, but no one was hurt, if you still haven't found out what the translation is you'll have to wait to I get home so my mother doesn't kill me! 

 

Good week to get this place back on track! Even had fun date with my best friend Eleisi!  

 

Love you all so so much!! 

 

Elder Jorgensen

 

 

Weekend Loving

My weekend was pretty great.

Only thing that would have made it better: Braxton, Mia and Kaydon!

Colt and I went to B-Dubs after we worked out with B and three of the boys.

I love working out with this one.

He motivates me!

He has become quite the gym-goer.

He is super intelligent with his workouts and works SO hard!

Last night, Jackson and Isis brought this bit of magic over.

You guys!!!

She is everything!!!