tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24943931833118257602024-03-05T16:49:48.892-07:00just a day in the lifeFrom Cincy to Provo, Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego, T. Jensen is loving life and ready to share fun and or epic storiesTaylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-10445955883134055792011-05-31T11:33:00.002-06:002011-05-31T11:51:54.708-06:00Best Weekend EverSorry, no pictures, but...<div><br /></div><div>this was a good weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Originally i wanted to get out of provo and go somewhere (portland, idaho, vegas, southern utah), but everything seemed to fall through. I was asked to teach on sunday, so i gave up and decided to stay in provo. We had a blast. Here is a day-by-day:</div><div><br /></div><div>FRIDAY</div><div>we had tried to get a camping trip together, but everything kept falling through and it was cold and rainy. Bummer. Hayley and I swung by the Liberty Square office on our way back from class because its hot dog friday every friday. We got there about 45 minutes after it ended and we asked if there were leftovers or anything. The lady hands us a bag of 60 cooked hotdogs and a huge bag of buns. Holy smokes! Needless to say, i've eaten a lot of hot dogs this weekend. (i ate hot dogs 1-3)</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up playing ultimate frisbee with a light-up frisbee for like 3 hours that night. It was a BLAST! We decided to have a campout despite the weather, so we went to a spot that we knew would be warm and dry: mitch's apartment. We set up a blanket fort and all fell asleep super quick because of the aforementioned ultimate game. Solid. </div><div><br /></div><div>SATURDAY</div><div>We woke up late-ish. We ate hot dogs (4&5) for lunch and watched the Manchester United vs. Barcelona game (its for the UEFA cup) ((its soccer)). It was a really good game, so that was fun. After that, hayley and I went on a hike/picnic, but of course it started raining. we got back and went to the RB to play soccer in the dark with a group of people. We had been playing for a while and were having a blast, and then we saw a man walking across the field with a flashlight. Busted! it was a security guard who gave us a verbal warning and had us leave. As we were leaving, 2 police officers show up to give us a second verbal warning. They were hilarious! they were cracking jokes and just having a really fun time with us. My favorite line: we are going to take your names down for 2 reasons. 1- so that we can vouch for you and say you guys didnt do any damage here, and 2- so that it looks like we're doing our job. Win-Win, right? the best part of the whole thing is that we are going to make the famed BYU police beat this wednesday!!!! hooray!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards, we went and ate hotdogs and watched some comedy. (hot dogs 6-9)</div><div><br /></div><div>SUNDAY:</div><div>Church, day of rest, no hotdogs, but i did make skyline chili. YUM.</div><div><br /></div><div>MONDAY:</div><div>woke up and we went and played kickball (sport #1 of the day) over at the Marriott center like we did when we camped there. we also had a wiffle ball bat and a tennis ball (sport #2) Of course, it started raining on us. bummer. we also lost the ball and poor mitch went crawling through some thorny bushes looking for it. (un)fortunately, we found it in this other place that wasnt the thorny bushes we were crawling through. We then had J-DAWGs which are delicious. (hot dogs 10&11) </div><div><br /></div><div>We decided, since it was raining, to play Puerto Rico (my favorite board game). Of course, it gets sunny right when we start playing the game. We finished and decided we needed to barbque. Hayley and i threw a baseball for a bit (sport #3), then we all went to the park to have our Barbque. I didnt want anything, but felt the need to barbque something, so hayley and i brought corn on the cob. ha. We threw a frisbee (#4) kicked a soccer ball (#5) threw a football (#6). The park was kinda full, so we decided to come back and play ultimate in the dark again (#7). It was tons of fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>And thus concluded the weekend. different sports played: 7. Total sporting activities: 11. Total hot dogs eaten: 11. Sports and hot dogs balance each other out pretty well. </div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-23215526841481171562011-05-31T11:08:00.003-06:002011-05-31T11:28:35.845-06:00Night at the Arcade<div>Hay and I went to the Nickel City arcade and WORKED IT! We won a ton of tickets, and picked up some sweet prizes: A green inflated ball, a beach ball with soccer ball print, and some candy. It was well worth it-- now I have something i can kick around in the apartment that isnt a real soccer ball that can break things!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG78VHITvhH086rxnxOIWbXtWFDjA_3E2bPifaJ0uQ6x-R-Iupe3TFc97pTds_LJ6qsEgcFlKL2GIRtN9geBPnZygNsaEArLWYWjY2MIzIiUTkJUdjGeezMrc226E748DYlh4gcUKke0-D/s1600/DSC08168-3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG78VHITvhH086rxnxOIWbXtWFDjA_3E2bPifaJ0uQ6x-R-Iupe3TFc97pTds_LJ6qsEgcFlKL2GIRtN9geBPnZygNsaEArLWYWjY2MIzIiUTkJUdjGeezMrc226E748DYlh4gcUKke0-D/s320/DSC08168-3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612930641138901234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvQ8X3f27jdEYfnpXap6Y-0cEXSE4qdyociY8qTT16qWdDsm2nJxLE0v8KcMHFOye2QU4IamzR72AFZY1O-JdRa_mqoU0mLoBpc3cXEq0X2NCW5qEzxJvGYrzmupKxMPfDuYalzzYtUm8/s1600/DSC08166-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvQ8X3f27jdEYfnpXap6Y-0cEXSE4qdyociY8qTT16qWdDsm2nJxLE0v8KcMHFOye2QU4IamzR72AFZY1O-JdRa_mqoU0mLoBpc3cXEq0X2NCW5qEzxJvGYrzmupKxMPfDuYalzzYtUm8/s320/DSC08166-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612930636073819746" /></a>Highlight of the night was when i walked up to this machine and put the first ball in the 250 hole. Hayley didnt believe me at first, so i was sure to announce that I PUT IT IN THE 250! several times to drive the point home.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1uteGsUvIrlQJ5tewmkcTRcGtvOlK5rw4OxHHT_sHuKQzICDiV10IdVjrBwLNjjKZyctB2OeSGMV8_UVuDA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-91531105204755188852011-05-05T12:02:00.002-06:002011-05-05T12:07:33.436-06:00Whoops...<div style="text-align: left;">Last saturday, Eric and I went skiing at Snowbird. It was an INCREDIBLE day. It snowed a good 8 inches on top of the powder that was already up there. Most of the time, we were up to our knees, and in some spots, it was up to our waist. Who would have thought that a spring skiing day would have been so nice? We skied well and pushed ourselves a lot. At the end of the day, we were exhausted and had a lot of good memories. Mother nature decided to help us out with the memories a bit...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...with a a massive sunburn!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieKSjSAQx3DMj9Ua0kSRGTEP1a5ot6bsJsLFvrmVcyPsdZcNtYBS3fWizZ3kDXR-VYs5VfwszjrYsOvHv7GuN5-g9kJWbEAfO9LZX7PG-ek1xiCvW34UZOXyZWnqkzuqROKqaZhSMELjF/s320/Photo+on+2011-05-01+at+17.52+%25233.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603294162501517650" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUftSKpq8GFEHDFqPWfNoTnVHVp_Q35Fee1wTgQgo-r3cKIx2E9Kv58iINOx-1cnApRkOmr0JQclnpG27eO_UIEZyGdmnzeNOHwPKhDt-YWMcS_9q32i9J_p0OPxFtZgkGYpees_qE_SWC/s320/Photo+on+2011-05-02+at+14.19.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603294166476065218" /><div style="text-align: left;">It blistered up and is peeling and stuff. Oh, and I look like a dork with the burn line. Some people ask me if I went skiing this weekend, and I respond: "How'd you know?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lesson Learned: Wear sunscreen in the mountains, even when it is cloudy and snowing. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lesson Re-Learned: I love skiing. </div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-71829697964017349072011-05-02T14:34:00.006-06:002011-05-02T17:58:15.802-06:00A tribute to Dr. Vean<div>This post is a tribute to Dr. Vean.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Mr. Vean," you ask? "Who is Dr. Vean?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Sit down a moment and I'll tell you.</div><div><br /></div><div>On our way down to Zion, I was talking on the phone to my 5-year-old nephew, Jacob. We were talking about our camping trip and what we were going to be doing. He then asked 'Know what you should name your tent?' "What?" The words that fell out of his mouth changed my life. </div><div><br /></div><div><mumble mumble=""></mumble></div><div>What?</div><div><mumble vean=""></mumble></div><div>Vean?</div><div>yeah! <mumble vean=""></mumble></div><div><br /></div><div>I then announced to the car that our tent's name for the trip would be "Vean." Putzer liked that, but decided that if we called it Vean, it'd have to be Doctor Vean. It was also decided by the car that not only would the tent be called Dr. Vean, but every single thing we had would be referred to as "Dr. Vean"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Hey! Jared! Can you pass me that Dr. Vean?"</div><div>"Which one?"</div><div>"That one--next to the Dr. Vean"</div><div>"Oh gotcha"</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a picture of Putzer hitting a Doctor Vean with a Doctor Vean:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEc1LXVjUuVcL-4GGw0z_SnJ7nkGUKrJdtNB-m2BUoYbBcAh1GS-Qq4oH4MMrncNbVcSkJBoakPTH7gGGv0Riv1B_ZznCUPr-6lRqeaJtPdEEnJM9dUwpz9ZS9Lwu1DQuyYfXLZJPpHtf/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEc1LXVjUuVcL-4GGw0z_SnJ7nkGUKrJdtNB-m2BUoYbBcAh1GS-Qq4oH4MMrncNbVcSkJBoakPTH7gGGv0Riv1B_ZznCUPr-6lRqeaJtPdEEnJM9dUwpz9ZS9Lwu1DQuyYfXLZJPpHtf/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602222038432019698" /></a>And here are the Jensen boys with their Doctor Vean's on their backs<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhPSVjDPW6VGr2sFZHB0mPwpSp_l-tCU1VGn7gS28i6kNhGxXCtunCAv_WN1WxDTc4YVb5JF8nnVvoXtdfR7zHHYtam5JYQCr2cnQp612QIDgtFD3pc74i0MmEP_3n_0c2kS3C7ueHjOE/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhPSVjDPW6VGr2sFZHB0mPwpSp_l-tCU1VGn7gS28i6kNhGxXCtunCAv_WN1WxDTc4YVb5JF8nnVvoXtdfR7zHHYtam5JYQCr2cnQp612QIDgtFD3pc74i0MmEP_3n_0c2kS3C7ueHjOE/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602222037636656834" /></a>We didn't limit ourselves to just doctor vean. We referred to our mother as "Queen Vean," Dani as "Mrs. Vean," and Putzer and I's girlfriends as "Miss Vean." We also had Commander vean, Master Vean, the Vean Family, Count Vean, Sir Vean, and so on. We also had a surprise vean, as pictured below:<div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYILAhQIcQhxOqKYquXTjyS2kUpBniol1cCoPFzbw0Lq-rbFXir3Vng1DgRbLifRx3w7ZYsw2nvgSOf5PHLYN-YvdeUAb8kgYv62exjC9VSoRO-bXSjd5JMB2ReyB_7EHHBUqFC2ry2HWD/s1600/P1140465.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYILAhQIcQhxOqKYquXTjyS2kUpBniol1cCoPFzbw0Lq-rbFXir3Vng1DgRbLifRx3w7ZYsw2nvgSOf5PHLYN-YvdeUAb8kgYv62exjC9VSoRO-bXSjd5JMB2ReyB_7EHHBUqFC2ry2HWD/s320/P1140465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602222029066825250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>DARTH VEAN!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >This bird was terrifyingly large. It wasnt afraid of us at all. It sat their, veaning it up, and waiting for some food. Another car pulled up while we were at the scenic overlook and they were too afraid to get out of the car! ha. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Anyways, here is a video of Putzer taking on Darth Vean:</span></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6BnqADDOHJA61foN2yMc93DUZWv8e1-YmeNx3zrk1mSUcQjyV4LwaufOZ0O6nFk5q4jnynnFYd3fKp9s8Bg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-73276318579670186222011-05-01T14:58:00.003-06:002011-05-01T15:52:06.954-06:00Putt Putt and Scraggles (and Dad, Jared, Mr. Vean) go to Zion<div>Last weekend, the Jensen Men took a trip to Zion to go backpacking. We headed out friday morning and to got Zions National Park early that afternoon. We hiked on in through some awesome canyons and forests. We saw some pretty amazing cliffs and waterfalls. We set up camp near a spring about 5 miles in. We got the tents up just before the sun set, so we were good to go! After a scrumptious dinner of Chicken a la King and Chicken and Noodles, we got in the tents and played some rook. It was pretty cozy cramming the 4 of us in a 2 man tent to play rook before bed. All in all, a good day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday we got up and threw a baseball around for a bit after breakfast. We then started a hike to Cable Mountain, a 3 mile hike from our site. As we got the the trail from our campsite, we found a guy standing there wanting to talk to us. His name was shaun, and he was in the area working and decided to hike through the park that day. He didn't want to be all alone, so we invited him to come along with us. He was a funny guy and chattered with us the whole time. The hike wasn't bad, and the view was breathtaking. We were standing on a 2000 foot cliff! It was spectacular. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBXNH5ZcVkL8RwOHPUzTqSwiQD6MaYljtKLKgVnyoIdQVjwgAbPliFM1jFeBtvaGTl_XAyefRC2H-Rs-lXnfRGrqF1t5-3Z3yYdoDNQbdM1B4-xDvYxnU5C5Qwte2a-ssUH1vfS6UT_4F/s320/P1140348.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601856090853905906" /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvRQNMPJ0FXK9Ylcl2uAnJctJfCZ-v5zcjWUGnix-bBBgm24OdDeD8q1GmXq82LKym8uMwxeOjtr-qAuZYzpJJgjqCMOIa1sVosptc0yv0kD7KDlb5SQYO4wJdcKtBbKeEPN0VlDd0j5E/s320/P1140382.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601856083712412530" /></div><div>That afternoon we got back to the campsite and threw a baseball again (I think we are the first people ever to take baseball gloves backpacking). We also dug a pretty sweet latrine using big rocks for a seat and even a stick as a toilet paper holder! Cool stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We had a nice dinner that consisted of mashed potatoes, sweet and sour pork, and teriyaki chicken. Yum! We played some more rook, then went to bed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Easter morning we had to stay in our tents for while because it was raining. Bummer. The rain and terrain didn't hinder the easter bunny from showing up, though. He came in all his glory, delivering easter treats to us and easter eggs around our campsite that we had to go and find. Go Easter Bunny! </div><div><br /></div><div>After breakfast, we had a little morning devotional. It was really good. Dad had hidden some hymns in the topographical maps he gave to each of us at the beginning of the trip, so we sang songs and talked about the importance that the Savior has had in our lives. It was a great way to spend easter morning: a dad and three brothers in a gorgeous part of the country.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We decided to roll out and pack up camp. It had rained both nights and the thought of getting up at 7 in the cold rain to pack up our stuff monday morning to hike out did not seem appealing at all. We packed up and left and drove over to bryce canyon. That place is way cool! We drove and saw some of the scenery on sunday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Monday morning Dad, Jared, and I woke up and went on a short hike through Queen's Gate (putzer decided to sleep in). It was really cool do go down through the little "pillasters" (as dad called them) and walk through the canyon. Its pretty spectacular. After that, we made the drive back up to Provo. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great weekend, and we made a ton of fun memories. Dad proved he still has his knack for the outdoors! Even at 60, the man still can get it done. Happy Birthday, Pops!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150168235536012.299268.501281011&l=035839afe8">TO SEE MORE PICTURES click here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN4NaLaWpVNB7ltFqojmRaesvpz-gzfCj85wWOpkTkDesiFPmdpgtLW-7DzQAOzoWxFsGAPSsLZK6To2sw49Zmw3DcMF7LB0ChpMDc0JraeTQXuvm2QDxVqS8UelznbhzoVHyMQj_qDz7/s1600/P1140400.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN4NaLaWpVNB7ltFqojmRaesvpz-gzfCj85wWOpkTkDesiFPmdpgtLW-7DzQAOzoWxFsGAPSsLZK6To2sw49Zmw3DcMF7LB0ChpMDc0JraeTQXuvm2QDxVqS8UelznbhzoVHyMQj_qDz7/s320/P1140400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601856073756966962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS84EmkcWAXvoHSIFT-87ut2WSCng19CwnxyWszjokJbh6jXQY5syp_4b_4qtIX9-_gRQSA8ZmKOTuCpFgKnhl69iJe0iWSxPRBZOXnm75iBvWkw_jt4QeQHurMu4myRt1k0nHJTl5ayJZ/s1600/P1140373.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS84EmkcWAXvoHSIFT-87ut2WSCng19CwnxyWszjokJbh6jXQY5syp_4b_4qtIX9-_gRQSA8ZmKOTuCpFgKnhl69iJe0iWSxPRBZOXnm75iBvWkw_jt4QeQHurMu4myRt1k0nHJTl5ayJZ/s320/P1140373.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601856068417268114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaDcfLUoPyRGEsBT1e8gxeP-bmrJpaL1IZHammLRyk42plPGXJixNHArIvY4QyYbQ56DoFcStUtAaRqD2Vu_qx_Lj5vuD5EyipUkQ4JwwiIuCjXSQSgnoXHrrMaBU8HY4774xjmL_LNar/s1600/P1140346.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaDcfLUoPyRGEsBT1e8gxeP-bmrJpaL1IZHammLRyk42plPGXJixNHArIvY4QyYbQ56DoFcStUtAaRqD2Vu_qx_Lj5vuD5EyipUkQ4JwwiIuCjXSQSgnoXHrrMaBU8HY4774xjmL_LNar/s320/P1140346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601856064509185106" /></a><br /><div>For anyone who missed it, a couple of months ago we put together this video to announce the man-cation. We had to do a lot of electronic stuff to get it together with the three brothers being in different places. But here is the announcement:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyRjwVDAk4p0iYKbmB6QWJTmrE8Yj7WVw-hUaBoJavAVmquCUTu1Bb03e7uKgStBFsRuzO41emjW0qWoJHLDQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-57615640266945145202011-04-16T15:42:00.001-06:002011-04-16T15:42:21.223-06:00Intramurals<div style="text-align: center; ">Another semester, another set of adventures in intramurals!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">This semester, I played intertube waterpolo with the Christiansen Family team. We did well-- we were in the upper division and made it pretty deep in the upper tournament.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I also played coed soccer. Our team was made up of 1/3 of the guys from my guys intramural team from last fall and some girls that the other guys knew. We lost our first game 2-1 (against a team that had 1/3 of the guys from our fall team), then won our next two, then lost our last regular season game. They left us in the upper division for the tournament because the games we lost were pretty hard fought games (i assume).</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">anyways, we won our first game. Then our second. Then I had the car crash and wasnt able to play in our third game. It was the semifinals, and i was devastated. That was the same day i went to the hospital for them to tell me i had a concussion and that i needed to lay low. It was a very good thing i didnt play-- i had been feeling lightheaded and any small bonk on the head would have been very bad. I brought an extra jersey and gloves and one of the guys on our team suited up. He played really well and had 5 saves. We ended up winning 3-1. I was dying on the sideline. I was pacing and yelling encouragement and all the things i normally would from the goalbox. It was more stressful being on the sideline than on the field!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">So we advanced to the finals. I decided to play and wore a headband for protection. The final score? I'll let the picture tell:</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01c_jiCJ9pPo6_qZrvq8_4tui3hUQ0Qkt01qpsSVDvwcKq_2jOWX-w6wub93F8duz6uBg_PEE_H8wDbsKPwdIZJ2qnfs2r-gX7QH0sdz-eszqJ4QxoD4nkyEX0d00wNjUVBr7V4YC4ah-/s1600/216758_10150538184730174_666125173_18115506_6560628_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01c_jiCJ9pPo6_qZrvq8_4tui3hUQ0Qkt01qpsSVDvwcKq_2jOWX-w6wub93F8duz6uBg_PEE_H8wDbsKPwdIZJ2qnfs2r-gX7QH0sdz-eszqJ4QxoD4nkyEX0d00wNjUVBr7V4YC4ah-/s320/216758_10150538184730174_666125173_18115506_6560628_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596297531597278178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">1. my favorite number is 8. 2. shutouts are my favorite, and 3. i didnt bonk my head a single time during the game. Perfect!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; ">By winning an intramural championship, we won the much-heralded intramural championship t-shirt:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmMVYC8LDt2k2DpVaRS49Kbkh0Towt_ndo_paDiHigIRQYL7FKcvvHgGmNBfZnB2lBfu-LCv-hmW3JPQfSc3CNvqQV-KLvzqO6EgBvdjZCY5jK75Q3XJN_Hn4zpeTcy135dEZ9RmDMYzQ/s320/215060_10150538181395174_666125173_18115488_1521042_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596297520637858834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">It already looks good on me</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPLZSGFoR42picN1MAVzjXUXPI5s5ElXhureWAPuPs7DqYDZ8WD1Ls67elygPVS7eUBdTONtfisaXzbXXgH-z9ZOsPZjhdGoLoa9Ia9GGhke95IaslOLPoh7SNVGgn5A9gDrxqDNWqzs8/s1600/216575_10150538181545174_666125173_18115491_4791061_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPLZSGFoR42picN1MAVzjXUXPI5s5ElXhureWAPuPs7DqYDZ8WD1Ls67elygPVS7eUBdTONtfisaXzbXXgH-z9ZOsPZjhdGoLoa9Ia9GGhke95IaslOLPoh7SNVGgn5A9gDrxqDNWqzs8/s320/216575_10150538181545174_666125173_18115491_4791061_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596297532485012866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Team 156 (they didnt like the other two names we tried)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wFj6JfL26Goioxk9kXjiyXn9YlMNF05ed8e460BEG3M8HDd-EBbIWVKW-WZvE2R0Q-NMq4KNg274zoIq-O4KM6dRe82bHU72A3J722jJFogpD2CRUS53RpNBKKVtoGQ8XOlMlRpmJn30/s1600/215980_10150538179875174_666125173_18115474_370379_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wFj6JfL26Goioxk9kXjiyXn9YlMNF05ed8e460BEG3M8HDd-EBbIWVKW-WZvE2R0Q-NMq4KNg274zoIq-O4KM6dRe82bHU72A3J722jJFogpD2CRUS53RpNBKKVtoGQ8XOlMlRpmJn30/s320/215980_10150538179875174_666125173_18115474_370379_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596297524422527234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; ">THE CHAMPS</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTEk0LAfrNV9iZRekFlfq5u2f6K9aWqniVKgzyXoRfgjPjlNkU1njCn6xCGNeUYPLJmAgylRR1RKF1vXC6BocfOGjeIHdwbq0DAMEFwj-5Ng7AflqqzG6axZAkMDvRAHzs0nM0dVacfzL/s1600/205740_10150538210145174_666125173_18115825_303260_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTEk0LAfrNV9iZRekFlfq5u2f6K9aWqniVKgzyXoRfgjPjlNkU1njCn6xCGNeUYPLJmAgylRR1RKF1vXC6BocfOGjeIHdwbq0DAMEFwj-5Ng7AflqqzG6axZAkMDvRAHzs0nM0dVacfzL/s320/205740_10150538210145174_666125173_18115825_303260_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596297517264623426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px; " /></a><br /></div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-84899502383483393412011-04-09T16:18:00.004-06:002011-04-09T16:35:18.859-06:00My Brain Hurts<div style="text-align: center;">Right about.... THERE! is where it hurts.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wH9hRr6VOawsuc32U6NJef09RJa1JhOXCPpwuXSTFhF3iPoQiDj4jRN7X99km1eb_uiYiTMkTGxer-bF26sf6TVKm3kOfGRB7xIWVMWsTfhghF_DT1qUs_u6g5nFK2d0JJ6-gw8JjcnT/s1600/Photo+on+2011-04-09+at+16.17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wH9hRr6VOawsuc32U6NJef09RJa1JhOXCPpwuXSTFhF3iPoQiDj4jRN7X99km1eb_uiYiTMkTGxer-bF26sf6TVKm3kOfGRB7xIWVMWsTfhghF_DT1qUs_u6g5nFK2d0JJ6-gw8JjcnT/s320/Photo+on+2011-04-09+at+16.17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593711762095345314" /></a>I went to the doctor on Thursday and had a ct scan to make sure my brain wasn't bleeding. They told me I had a concussion and that i had to rest and take pain killers. That explains my lack of focus, the lightheadedness, the dull headaches, the upset stomach, the drowsiness, and the reason why I havent gotten nearly enough done this week.<div><br /></div><div>PS. this blog post was made because i cant focus on studying....</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully I get better by finals week!</div><div><br /></div><div>pps. after i published this, colton came in and i told him how i'd worked successfully for 15 minutes while he was in the shower. we then spent the next 8 minutes trying to play a jimmy eat world song at the same exact time on our two computers.</div><div><br /></div><div>We got it now. Back to studying!</div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-78338585709746275172011-04-07T11:02:00.000-06:002011-04-07T11:03:08.451-06:00Candle Light Vigil<div><div>Last night, we held the candle light vigil for ESPN. It was an emotional experience. Putzer gave us a riveting speech that highlighted the best ESPN had to give us.</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBvmkWNOJ2SlGm_laVY977Vx8bpA111oyIFlfaGVRt1f7_CMG3Cg_iPr5lxJrO9aHRmGlkf8LDtBKdSaAFpw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also have a urn with the ashes of a picture of ESPN.</div><div>Thanks to everyone who came!</div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3Q2J2mJTs_9ZRooGdSgzcmsq6TzZ62uTNTjA8T4tbnzOf9fb4svl5YD6NjRAZxhvdWavVzgMNd0durjLZF9qwnaC8dzJO2ycdw1QBOzmOEptGH2gtzirZzHIDxjPhC7Vj4Pqz3yr8-XN/s1600/P1140285.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3Q2J2mJTs_9ZRooGdSgzcmsq6TzZ62uTNTjA8T4tbnzOf9fb4svl5YD6NjRAZxhvdWavVzgMNd0durjLZF9qwnaC8dzJO2ycdw1QBOzmOEptGH2gtzirZzHIDxjPhC7Vj4Pqz3yr8-XN/s320/P1140285.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592886283196813858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><br /></div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-35708718718647590442011-04-03T13:55:00.017-06:002011-04-06T10:54:16.379-06:00Putt Putt and Scraggles try to go to conference...<div>Here is the story for everyone who didn't get the full scoop:</div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>So Sunday morning, we had tickets to go to General Conference up in Salt Lake. We woke up to 4 inches of snow down in Provo (crazy because i've been wearing shorts all week!). We jump on the highway and start on our trek up to Conference. I was driving, Hayley was sitting shotgun, Putzer was back left, and Elizabeth was back right.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We were passing Lehi on I-15 in the lefthand lane at about 8:15. It was rainy and so there was spray coming up onto the windshield. I saw infront of us that the car was slowing and stopping, and that the cars in front of him were swerving into the righthand lane. I started slowing down and came to a prompt stop at least 10 feet behind the tan car in front of me. There had been a small fender bender or accident in front of the tan car, and there was an asian guy outside his car waving his hands for traffic to slow down. 1. Why didnt they get into the lefthand emergency lane? and 2. Why are you outside your car waving your hands? Scary.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We didnt skid or screech or anything<span><span></span></span>, it was just a hard stop. When we stopped, we all kind of gave a sigh of relief and said 'phew.' I look in my rear view mirror and saw a big white pickup coming hard right behind us. it was able to slow and swerve into the emergency lane between us and the barrier to our left. I am looking out my left window saying 'good thing he didnt hit us.' Then all of a sudden i thought 'OH NO! WE'RE GOING TO GET HIT!' (these thoughts happen in about a fourth of a second.)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Suddenly there was a BOOM! We were thrown forward, my face into the exploded airbags. We rocked forward into the tan car infront of us. As the car was bouncing back, we were hit again. The car came to a stop, and we were all stunned. There was smoke in the car, presumably from the airbags. Needless to say, we were pretty stunned. We sat there for a couple of seconds and didn't say anything, then when I thought it was safe-ish and we weren't about to take another hit, I opened up my door and got out. Hayley climbed over from her side out my door, and then Putzer and Elizabeth from the back. We walked out between our car and the barrier and just kinda looked at the car and what happened. There were about 9 cars in the pile-up.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>The driver in the tan car infront came back and was talking to us and told me to turn off my car. He was an older man and wasn't injured at all. We didnt talk to anyone else until the firemen and police came.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>A police officer came over and identified me as the driver and handed me something to fill out. A fireman came a minute later to talk to each of us and see if we were okay. He talked to hayley and she had a little debate about how old she was. She told him, and then he was worried about me because of my forehead, but I told him i was okay. I then took some pictures of the car and began filling out the report. Putzer and Elizabeth went and sat in someone's car who had stopped because Elizabeth was a bit shaken up and in pain.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>George Benson had driven through the crashed cars and stopped to come and check on us. Sam and my friends Bryan and Matt were with him. They came over and were talking with us and looking at the car and stuff. A bit later a couple came over and had Hayley and me go get in there car. They had their heat blasting and people sitting in there getting looked at by paramedics. Hayley sat in there and I had to go talk to a police officer and get some papers out of my car. When I came back, she was crying a bit and shaking pretty hard and said her neck hurt a bit, so I went and grabbed a paramedic to talk to her. He was helping her calm down her breathing, and the owner of the car was giving her tissues and helping out a lot.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Elizabeth and Putzer left in an ambulance to head down to the Provo hospital about a half hour after the crash. Hayley and I left about an hour and twenty minutes after. We left just as they were scooping ESPN (my beloved friend and car) up onto the tow truck. I jumped into the front seat of the ambulance and we were off. I talked to Hayley's sister, and then to her parents. Sitting in the front seat of an ambulance with their daughter on a stretcher and neck brace in the back was not the ideal way to talk to her parents for the first time... Luckily Hayley was doing well. In fact, she was asking the paramedic in the back if she had all of her teeth and if she was still cute!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We got to the hospital and we were in a room near putzer and elizabeth. Elizabeth had had x-rays done do see if she had any broken ribs, and they took Hayley for a ct scan on her head and neck. we were there for a long long time, and all turned out well. Elizabeth was fine, and Hayley had a mild concussion and strained neck muscles. Putz and Elizabeth left about 45 minutes before us. Hayley's aunt and uncle made the drive down from north of Salt Lake to come and check on us and make sure she was alright. They were really nice and helpful in getting the medications and taking us back to our apartments.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Today we are all pretty sore and tired. But we'd all rather be sore and tired than have anything worse have happened to us.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We are really grateful for the protection that the Lord gave us yesterday. We consider ourselves extremely blessed to have been able to walk out of the car with minor injuries. We know that He is mindful of his children wherever they are, and that he truly watches over us. The prayers for protection that our parents offer every day were answered.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-multicar-accident-closes-nb-i15-through-lehi-this-morning-20110403,0,1793178.story">Here is an article on fox news</a>. You can see (from left to right) Sam, Hayley, Bryan/George, Matt, Me, and ESPN.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Hayley throwing the dueces with her aunt and uncle</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCZvaplEapD4x1m5lCFAc8oY1MBT11eBbUBvQ728HSDgugAjUIbKLrMwaMBaToxRs8EUtg7Pqo37JwEET1wdgCz1ugCrx_fqhKvncXfFjIzNmEQkxy9k2BM9_0b_gZGDiLgOzpKO2cZkk/s1600/P1140272.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCZvaplEapD4x1m5lCFAc8oY1MBT11eBbUBvQ728HSDgugAjUIbKLrMwaMBaToxRs8EUtg7Pqo37JwEET1wdgCz1ugCrx_fqhKvncXfFjIzNmEQkxy9k2BM9_0b_gZGDiLgOzpKO2cZkk/s320/P1140272.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591455685994058818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">They put this thing between hayley and the backboard. Its pretty cool.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqTXuu4wJbVRNOLf4CGuetRNrc_Y8sUq9VcS3TFL6wUlywDVMqXvTZzjYnY_fxEBbBbAXu5KAF-N1PYWaS6_zG6KzRPvQt_MpG_oVLrC2UfHAg6IZsGw1Xce8wXPkWpEkQY2zYsJi2Otd/s1600/P1140271.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqTXuu4wJbVRNOLf4CGuetRNrc_Y8sUq9VcS3TFL6wUlywDVMqXvTZzjYnY_fxEBbBbAXu5KAF-N1PYWaS6_zG6KzRPvQt_MpG_oVLrC2UfHAg6IZsGw1Xce8wXPkWpEkQY2zYsJi2Otd/s320/P1140271.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591452669476877970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Ready to leave!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3oXi2lHw86IGHeq2hJji5-YIOlP7vDdYuuAvLQlGNOQyKSwxnxCznwMrY2n-_JNQdJpcs2xbJ_ckVJo99KJhOwoq1nF7XYQnvg46U6R51FfkdY6HZm5L3HLM2WEQLplcdCnYilOWsQNv/s1600/P1140270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3oXi2lHw86IGHeq2hJji5-YIOlP7vDdYuuAvLQlGNOQyKSwxnxCznwMrY2n-_JNQdJpcs2xbJ_ckVJo99KJhOwoq1nF7XYQnvg46U6R51FfkdY6HZm5L3HLM2WEQLplcdCnYilOWsQNv/s320/P1140270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591452657146295026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">I promise she is smiling and not in pain!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxxFyLfxs8DUiGEH7-dY58m_V76YQ2NHEYRHYXNQdbJcf7NQFBVHDyo44xEgng2t17Y2SAk1mW3JRnCTYksKt4dmimcS9BB_4LAK9UMOu9UwulcCiTwHp1DtvCA4lXlCmoEqafIcgMdPw/s1600/P1140269.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxxFyLfxs8DUiGEH7-dY58m_V76YQ2NHEYRHYXNQdbJcf7NQFBVHDyo44xEgng2t17Y2SAk1mW3JRnCTYksKt4dmimcS9BB_4LAK9UMOu9UwulcCiTwHp1DtvCA4lXlCmoEqafIcgMdPw/s320/P1140269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591452651300034978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Again, smiling, not in pain.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVM-WBkHG9fZtOo_J9mXRNiubaOu8J_OPKGikd59pauo7BJG0Vk5rS2b4eiK1aTtTNEVQzhTZ3DVhTYusl00mKBGhuBHpAp5x1f5O-GJ5xqhBDecqi_X1Lfl8VT9FkzzVbrww-NGafoQb/s1600/P1140268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVM-WBkHG9fZtOo_J9mXRNiubaOu8J_OPKGikd59pauo7BJG0Vk5rS2b4eiK1aTtTNEVQzhTZ3DVhTYusl00mKBGhuBHpAp5x1f5O-GJ5xqhBDecqi_X1Lfl8VT9FkzzVbrww-NGafoQb/s320/P1140268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591452640387869730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_74trBrw7IiC8ehV2BOI54HBT0WTS-b8UagP7x8ssQvwPk-r_qzGcWAt91LNlrwOHxflNUO4buz3keXhanHl_JecD5WU7VUs2N1d9RFlhNYIhY71L4qkKzvmL6wgjT8bnOkRtyVon6oB0/s320/P1140267.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591452631383602658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">ESPN, my beloved car, went out like a champ. He was a hero. He sacrificed himself to save us. He was a great little soldier in the prime of his youth: 6 years, 40,700 miles. He had just gotten a tire rotation/oil change and new brakes (which probably helped us out a bunch). We had some great moments, but he never stood stronger than yesterday when he saved all four of us in the car. I'm gonna miss ya, bud.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The pictures of ESPN:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpOKYUJE1fb0xr1cnbFt-4GHJhlljbhfAAPEcOzfhYOml8nB96SnCCZ02UC3KZw2Ale19RJMvyb55a9X78ABxu9cEUfVNyHlhHgDU17n7BxP602fxV7T_7KQQ3ERGDAPSJ8X7GlaoEH87/s1600/P1140266.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpOKYUJE1fb0xr1cnbFt-4GHJhlljbhfAAPEcOzfhYOml8nB96SnCCZ02UC3KZw2Ale19RJMvyb55a9X78ABxu9cEUfVNyHlhHgDU17n7BxP602fxV7T_7KQQ3ERGDAPSJ8X7GlaoEH87/s1600/P1140266.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpOKYUJE1fb0xr1cnbFt-4GHJhlljbhfAAPEcOzfhYOml8nB96SnCCZ02UC3KZw2Ale19RJMvyb55a9X78ABxu9cEUfVNyHlhHgDU17n7BxP602fxV7T_7KQQ3ERGDAPSJ8X7GlaoEH87/s320/P1140266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591451080806855634" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YSFD2JtZ7F0qNXYrwPNq-rCqzCnYeYsJFi2W9aAv6uPd3dCWeGnG5bHM1KmcIO59tujkiI5ikWNvqSlFFMNUAdw33q86ol3jUqaBa576CB9zLh_cXv2KlxewRGqM8c4-Vjt-5nXo0HKr/s1600/P1140265.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YSFD2JtZ7F0qNXYrwPNq-rCqzCnYeYsJFi2W9aAv6uPd3dCWeGnG5bHM1KmcIO59tujkiI5ikWNvqSlFFMNUAdw33q86ol3jUqaBa576CB9zLh_cXv2KlxewRGqM8c4-Vjt-5nXo0HKr/s320/P1140265.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591451072516006946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlRZX-iDoTttCm55qmrZbL_LXF7tsSutVmg6x0iPCZv-u8wUDRfg6fNDlrWthb3OGbkWqI9oC80vbqSEeBOzTtCtU1pWeE3t3vjpVEn3k4ZIwfMthCoRwaOoIeAypXXCLxKZFjlXJAbY8/s1600/P1140264.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlRZX-iDoTttCm55qmrZbL_LXF7tsSutVmg6x0iPCZv-u8wUDRfg6fNDlrWthb3OGbkWqI9oC80vbqSEeBOzTtCtU1pWeE3t3vjpVEn3k4ZIwfMthCoRwaOoIeAypXXCLxKZFjlXJAbY8/s320/P1140264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591451064131891650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Its incredible how much damage was done to the front and back and how intact the cab stayed. That saved us.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym4EBWyDLApNBkmil_jvInjnNq8mRmhJXcL6CahlBkDLnegi03XxO7mJrxXy1RLUDdvGKpLsgKZuTlNVwNNZ-3qI_bHeGeq_YTiscEj2Z-f2v3j7bO-QLqEe4lXTfJSKWeMHce_1rc62R/s1600/P1140263.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym4EBWyDLApNBkmil_jvInjnNq8mRmhJXcL6CahlBkDLnegi03XxO7mJrxXy1RLUDdvGKpLsgKZuTlNVwNNZ-3qI_bHeGeq_YTiscEj2Z-f2v3j7bO-QLqEe4lXTfJSKWeMHce_1rc62R/s320/P1140263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591451054936168626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">This one is my favorite... it almost looks like a transformer in mid-transformation</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSgIef6PJ43fcm_B0wwhDjrgN_otRwYEVv-gDu0YQC0cgDUvaC8lwPZtrOxMSdLW169Yrk9fbc_eQJv5e7x2r7gZgsbyjnLd0aS2r0kTgOq8IcMG9fcKf07aCK4jHdlac8nlQNpkCMyZo/s1600/P1140262.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSgIef6PJ43fcm_B0wwhDjrgN_otRwYEVv-gDu0YQC0cgDUvaC8lwPZtrOxMSdLW169Yrk9fbc_eQJv5e7x2r7gZgsbyjnLd0aS2r0kTgOq8IcMG9fcKf07aCK4jHdlac8nlQNpkCMyZo/s320/P1140262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591451049400437730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">That white car in the background hit us second (i'm pretty sure). the blue excursion is where we went and sat for a while. They were such a nice couple to stop and help everyone out.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy2B5esH5dIfBkSU8tt2dPYYHW7UaPu3l-c6kgbQRmPKgNwtnkAQL6qe-Bi5RFGfoM0PRcnadZu5TIo_BGhlv0VUYHtgcz6x8tuaZQRC0BvdBG29SuJ6tMM1yJtJ82AfLFB6f151YV4uy/s1600/P1140261.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy2B5esH5dIfBkSU8tt2dPYYHW7UaPu3l-c6kgbQRmPKgNwtnkAQL6qe-Bi5RFGfoM0PRcnadZu5TIo_BGhlv0VUYHtgcz6x8tuaZQRC0BvdBG29SuJ6tMM1yJtJ82AfLFB6f151YV4uy/s320/P1140261.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591449621226611874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">My boy got hit hard</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbFQhdZOtCp-GzfkytgQz5UhIoTm7IH967zpFUMW-CvJ4Y7fpYIO7ZwiEec4lDCInX11zwu2w40C3P-Z3aHmvWY6F2JR_7MX8bK32pvqz7kNY7UgLErEx9pnLiDvCl9r8jrX1BTJcSdja/s1600/P1140260.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbFQhdZOtCp-GzfkytgQz5UhIoTm7IH967zpFUMW-CvJ4Y7fpYIO7ZwiEec4lDCInX11zwu2w40C3P-Z3aHmvWY6F2JR_7MX8bK32pvqz7kNY7UgLErEx9pnLiDvCl9r8jrX1BTJcSdja/s320/P1140260.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591449618751201554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm pretty sure that the red car hit us first. We were stopped back where he is, and then between getting hit by him and the white car we got pushed up 10-12 feet into the tan car.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9qGyeJloH0ndJWiQ9_CZOiF5VFccM5pMcbWR9FoBzSmRQjEyWvryEzdeJ4F-KQvRPUYyccLirZmDlpTlckUiWtL-cIJCv8tsTVH5VPQnAgFDRz9XPdCYK7KhNGQCSBc3KkDnpwBUH6z0/s1600/P1140259.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9qGyeJloH0ndJWiQ9_CZOiF5VFccM5pMcbWR9FoBzSmRQjEyWvryEzdeJ4F-KQvRPUYyccLirZmDlpTlckUiWtL-cIJCv8tsTVH5VPQnAgFDRz9XPdCYK7KhNGQCSBc3KkDnpwBUH6z0/s320/P1140259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591449608532824322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; ">the spoiler popped right off! i should have kept it.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_yNCQSBVY33tr3dzE1poQeNoK-nm4ZLBvwZRmZB_XcKRe0kPuEKS5G1p04R2ER0lee6mPmUuVydMb1H57UeaKfgm2-7FK5khxs6C4nwlTRTZG4pAfjCahSZcrjihjA7hwgaMvO_JtQ28/s1600/P1140258.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_yNCQSBVY33tr3dzE1poQeNoK-nm4ZLBvwZRmZB_XcKRe0kPuEKS5G1p04R2ER0lee6mPmUuVydMb1H57UeaKfgm2-7FK5khxs6C4nwlTRTZG4pAfjCahSZcrjihjA7hwgaMvO_JtQ28/s320/P1140258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591449600528903538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS-cAfgggEnMq6IvHMULTh0u61d02vH6kHPStemhh2RQdolMvl9SQgHutZ8Sv0ib4DQETocaMWflZVmKqEx8C5RgqUU83rBP1U0IY2bxPxK7Ytv7CP23R_my7pPSBNO4dScwb6Sf1cNNl/s1600/P1140257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS-cAfgggEnMq6IvHMULTh0u61d02vH6kHPStemhh2RQdolMvl9SQgHutZ8Sv0ib4DQETocaMWflZVmKqEx8C5RgqUU83rBP1U0IY2bxPxK7Ytv7CP23R_my7pPSBNO4dScwb6Sf1cNNl/s320/P1140257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591449592202199602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; ">those are the curtain airbags in the window. They saved us big time.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWrrmEc1cvxtu7GcdbjAyVYfUmw_lO50ti-3qjzMAMBaImnT99XYY28KtIttCC2Ee9lto4-3TblpBz-N2f1PucMoTCALsMGYK4rukyPh3xqIedBR-j-SYCq72P5Bra9-B0hc0IgwD1ZRF/s1600/P1140256.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWrrmEc1cvxtu7GcdbjAyVYfUmw_lO50ti-3qjzMAMBaImnT99XYY28KtIttCC2Ee9lto4-3TblpBz-N2f1PucMoTCALsMGYK4rukyPh3xqIedBR-j-SYCq72P5Bra9-B0hc0IgwD1ZRF/s320/P1140256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591448934814794194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBbNTiaZJmSbJodWO6raz6FrPxpQF8pXKraZGU9_FQ2A2g_m9XdWjp5rKhCpEaA7mBlDPWXolnnYJw5cHctOm0XNsYfJmCbPlm2o21dJdkBMWUMpIqUVr_-oOGsvfOE6z8nvASeU8I3-5/s1600/P1140255.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBbNTiaZJmSbJodWO6raz6FrPxpQF8pXKraZGU9_FQ2A2g_m9XdWjp5rKhCpEaA7mBlDPWXolnnYJw5cHctOm0XNsYfJmCbPlm2o21dJdkBMWUMpIqUVr_-oOGsvfOE6z8nvASeU8I3-5/s320/P1140255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591448925669615730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rIHtWQy8mZ07K3l-7OmFXTNgPvhDPUT5k4CaeMhHeWkK52ZtG3janLSfprApGgzflC392NNtLRDNxVLYUtGblS-IwWHL_lN7CiErihEhgM-DXXQJ0TfzJ88IqmYi1YUmIWVUauIEI5HS/s1600/P1140254.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rIHtWQy8mZ07K3l-7OmFXTNgPvhDPUT5k4CaeMhHeWkK52ZtG3janLSfprApGgzflC392NNtLRDNxVLYUtGblS-IwWHL_lN7CiErihEhgM-DXXQJ0TfzJ88IqmYi1YUmIWVUauIEI5HS/s320/P1140254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591448917225565826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbECJ4R1dVJB13Cmq90akvKB9FR1trtNERah55C_jt2f3saPwuaOZhqqC9pA040_9ldws154TVR4qg73zCI185mvxsxQvOWOzteqLMPGhrk21Jx0tWxI9PJXA8p701nTbrAnExn4JzT4SR/s1600/P1140253.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbECJ4R1dVJB13Cmq90akvKB9FR1trtNERah55C_jt2f3saPwuaOZhqqC9pA040_9ldws154TVR4qg73zCI185mvxsxQvOWOzteqLMPGhrk21Jx0tWxI9PJXA8p701nTbrAnExn4JzT4SR/s320/P1140253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591448910462143346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJLYGwL5G46L_UFTXz85jp3_FDOcXS95F0n9apet5OwIBkvsHUn-sbzo62QcXqvTxHRtiU8ED3su7hYePpdPDpAC57GIovWDdQyL2Li-2Vec82h9kuZsFS_eoQGSqU0ADvGisYsev_-kj/s1600/P1140252.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJLYGwL5G46L_UFTXz85jp3_FDOcXS95F0n9apet5OwIBkvsHUn-sbzo62QcXqvTxHRtiU8ED3su7hYePpdPDpAC57GIovWDdQyL2Li-2Vec82h9kuZsFS_eoQGSqU0ADvGisYsev_-kj/s320/P1140252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591448902872014274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div></div>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-58374901439563903052010-11-03T12:38:00.004-06:002011-04-04T14:27:42.452-06:00Listen Responsibly: a rebuttal to my sister's blogWhile i respect the opinions of my sister's students, i disagree.<br /><br />In their analysis, 'Think Responsibility,' they argue that we listen to too much music and that that drains our opinions and personality out. I have prepared the following counter-arguments.<br /><br />1. listening to music while doing the mundane things in life makes you feel like you are starring in your own movie. Who hasnt thought that as they play their favorite song as a backdrop to a boring chore or walk? Personally, i enjoy throwing on my ipod to listen to a song every now and then on my walk back from class. Or better yet... 'we are the champions' after doing well on a test. Point: music spices up the mundane in life, and boosts self esteem by making one think they are starring in their own movie. (note: i kicking piles of dry leaves or giving a cheesy jump down the stairs ads to self-movie delight.)<br /><br />2. I am a superstitious kinda guy. On the way to every soccer game i play, i listen to the same songs to get me fired up. If i was left to my own on these drives, i would be having the following think-conversation:<br />'you're going to win, T.'<br /> 'yes i am.'<br />'you're going to make some sick saves, T'<br /> 'sounds good to me.'<br />'you're going to throw it on the line tonight, T.'<br /> 'can i turn on the radio?'<br />Point: Listening to music can get you in the mood for anything (athletics, dates, homework, etc.)<br /><br />3. Music relieves stress. This one is a fact. Here comes the example: This weekend, we discovered the 'Hide yo kids, hide yo wife' song, and have been singing it and quoting it always. On Monday, I had a tough spanish test to take, dealing with prepositions. That is not a something that rivets my soul, so my studying before the test was half-hearted. At one point, i got up off the couch and just said 'Well, its go time. I'm just going to go take this thing.' And I was off. I sat down in the ominous testing center and began. It was hard. Blast. I am about 14 questions in, 86 to go. Then, out of nowhere, enters the following: 'Hide yo kid, hide yo wife... We gonna find you, we gonna find you!' I literally put down my pencil and thought how ridiculous and hysterical it was that that song was stuck in my brain. Then i realized that it was perfect for the test! for the next 86 questions, i would read the statement and then, as i was examining the multiple guess responses, i would sing 'Im gonna find you! im gonna find you!' Turns out i found enough of the right answers, scoring a 93 on that test that i didnt really prepare too well for. Point: The humor and stress relief of music saved me on that test.<br /><br />4. I am listening to music right now as i write this blog. currently playing: Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas. It gives me swagger to do what i do.<br /><br />Maybe i am just avoiding awkward conversations with my subconscious. I just had 2 years of music-free life to get to know the insides of my brain. For now, i think i'll stick with the soundtrack currently playing in the background of my life.Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-30654205692376971652010-11-03T12:22:00.002-06:002010-11-03T12:32:49.842-06:00Intramural Sporting News:Its been a while since i've posted. i am happy to say that i am still doing cool things with my life... its just that i never have my camera to take pictures! note to self: take your camera out of your trunk. Anywho, this post is dedicated to my intramural sports and the injuries they have produced!<br /><br />#1. the Ankle. This happened in my first and only ultimate frisbee game about a month ago. I went up for a sick grab in the end zone, and in an effort to keep my foot inbounds, landed bad on it. A trip the next day to the ER showed i hadnt broken anything, but we are pretty sure i messed up the ligaments a bit. Note: it still hurts when i try and turn left or right off it, and is still swollen on the front part.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwhAks4ASdgvt6dsblA7AQEjVy_hZj5aLzMn1UsHj19Ye_PTsxO0Ei-hMAftkl5KZFxoKi2JR4f0Aq_7b8hp9ZxSFJhs-xREJvccb-GV3WS6eDxpuIXvQsEboc9XVt1WJfaP0_qe7ek1Y/s1600/P1140068.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwhAks4ASdgvt6dsblA7AQEjVy_hZj5aLzMn1UsHj19Ye_PTsxO0Ei-hMAftkl5KZFxoKi2JR4f0Aq_7b8hp9ZxSFJhs-xREJvccb-GV3WS6eDxpuIXvQsEboc9XVt1WJfaP0_qe7ek1Y/s320/P1140068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535391022840829906" border="0" /></a>#2. No photo available. The Knee. In a soccer game, i landed bad on my knee and it swelled up really big afterwards. I iced it and everything, and the next day it was pretty bad. Luckily, though, it got better within two or three days. it was scary though! i couldnt bend it!<br /><br />#3. Last saturday in our soccer game, i got a nice turf burn (all my soccer games are on turf.... its a blessing and a curse worthy of another blog post.) anyways, it scabbed up a bit. then last night in my game i opened it up again and it bled a lot! it was pretty intimidating i guess. After then game i took my sock off and it was still bleeding, so i let it run down to my ankle. showering fresh turf burns hurt!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJoCWBqWukE_wjYMV8U5QqZm6gI-FqtLckX-e4ifoKRO55uF0F8wV0Zcr0RO6Exmgs0qvQXreUcalOacI2xfFTPqnJovV7kjpQLWsnAHOULGnGpVlOZzBnOvkNssLBJ1fcidAi9XNBV-Y/s1600/Photo+on+2010-11-02+at+21.07.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJoCWBqWukE_wjYMV8U5QqZm6gI-FqtLckX-e4ifoKRO55uF0F8wV0Zcr0RO6Exmgs0qvQXreUcalOacI2xfFTPqnJovV7kjpQLWsnAHOULGnGpVlOZzBnOvkNssLBJ1fcidAi9XNBV-Y/s320/Photo+on+2010-11-02+at+21.07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535391016066063314" border="0" /></a><br />But, the good news is that our soccer team is currently 6-0. we have scored 36 goals and allowed 2. Thats not too shabby! we are in the tournament now, and played our first game last night ( a 6-0 victory.) apparently we are playing the #1 ranked team in our next game. (rankings are so arbitrary...we'll see how good they really are!)<br /><br />Moral of the story: Life is meant to be lived in a hardcore fashion.Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-10606858717069206322010-10-21T16:23:00.007-06:002010-10-21T17:11:28.009-06:00Finally... the ART EXTRAVAGANZASo here it is. The Art Extravaganza. We had some fine cheeses (Danish Blue, Bourson, Mozzarella, and Cheddar.) we had 4 different flavors of Martinellis, we had grape juice, apple cider, and sprite. We had brownies and souffles and candles. it was great. We had great turn out-- about 50 people total over the night. we finger painted and had classy conversation, with some chic jazz music in the background. Overall, i'd call it a great success.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNvjm17JRkzXmYdARUfivdI_-A8bBLf_6YVCNLWsIc4nJPbpsf0tRUUGUCcPGms4UwHkuqGXs_QGKcZih8Kq3xmoRsczV5FX7GmnNOqG_LiOl5Dzih2NZYv51bnw0VJmS22Ushwne8G6R/s1600/DSC00738.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNvjm17JRkzXmYdARUfivdI_-A8bBLf_6YVCNLWsIc4nJPbpsf0tRUUGUCcPGms4UwHkuqGXs_QGKcZih8Kq3xmoRsczV5FX7GmnNOqG_LiOl5Dzih2NZYv51bnw0VJmS22Ushwne8G6R/s320/DSC00738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530633624935562338" border="0" /></a>We even put the crackers on plates and had herbal teas and everything.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ_D2Z7ZdiSxlKbJR9ffSSgvajpysE_yBv8vYDXTsX9IxEkX87gEhbykx1p3btLBqKwlZcuJOnPU8D2GQfJzjOq-sDZ_U2IRmw8h7ljttl6GFaXyQwl9WGpmGwaDJPeorKLAkOevmdD8e/s1600/DSC00737.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ_D2Z7ZdiSxlKbJR9ffSSgvajpysE_yBv8vYDXTsX9IxEkX87gEhbykx1p3btLBqKwlZcuJOnPU8D2GQfJzjOq-sDZ_U2IRmw8h7ljttl6GFaXyQwl9WGpmGwaDJPeorKLAkOevmdD8e/s320/DSC00737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530633615835787602" border="0" /></a>Colton, Andrew, Me, and Gibbs. Classy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI-cy_TqVazlAeS4-95VJ8BqdLuGajEIdbTNd0JUxlEsC6Nh1oB15dltIzM-FB36AiYUj5Y-r3rx9WyYmEsdT9gXpZAL122n-QzhyHAmOdkRZgDYw59ls6lhiSTkUHL6ak1v4BsiIXFlu/s1600/DSC00747.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI-cy_TqVazlAeS4-95VJ8BqdLuGajEIdbTNd0JUxlEsC6Nh1oB15dltIzM-FB36AiYUj5Y-r3rx9WyYmEsdT9gXpZAL122n-QzhyHAmOdkRZgDYw59ls6lhiSTkUHL6ak1v4BsiIXFlu/s320/DSC00747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530632243251116386" border="0" /></a>Some of the girls from our ward. they got the 'dress up' memo. nice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDzpu0HOCS9d6gxPbNbzG2jp7xGpeRsBfrv7loIEP2i-oqrhN1e0p_NjEcnfevI3cRI6F8-crA3F_p6f2zyaHR1NDOVQ5LOq6Kkfv_XMkAAnUvSfWXK8y8k1sAtofQTEs2bvWIz60gcaX/s1600/P1140077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDzpu0HOCS9d6gxPbNbzG2jp7xGpeRsBfrv7loIEP2i-oqrhN1e0p_NjEcnfevI3cRI6F8-crA3F_p6f2zyaHR1NDOVQ5LOq6Kkfv_XMkAAnUvSfWXK8y8k1sAtofQTEs2bvWIz60gcaX/s320/P1140077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530636238845915250" border="0" /></a>This is a nice one me and nicole picked up at DI. we opened it up and repainted the little duck. we decided he needed to be Hawaiian. He looks good. Turns out, its actually a hallmark card, and on the inside it says 'Friends...winter, spring, summer, or fowl." (ha.). and on the lower part it says 'always behave like a duck. keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath." A good catch-phrase for life, i guess.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GUtBLCmVULCPGmyTiTWmt2zk_1RyvDjWBuTafJOYIlVFpvHLfzJDTbs3bu5RfilK_14l45FhUsV3TkkawTwxNrvXILSTnYdhhHoWHxxDGp7S4zKpbQWKrnvJEsJe5Ued8l1D_1Qr1sOh/s1600/P1140075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GUtBLCmVULCPGmyTiTWmt2zk_1RyvDjWBuTafJOYIlVFpvHLfzJDTbs3bu5RfilK_14l45FhUsV3TkkawTwxNrvXILSTnYdhhHoWHxxDGp7S4zKpbQWKrnvJEsJe5Ued8l1D_1Qr1sOh/s320/P1140075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530636226486263538" border="0" /></a>This is the second one. Another DI purchase. We 'argentine-d' this one, making it a kiosko with a yellow brick road lined by empty 2 liter bottles (an argentine classic) with shrine to 'gauchito gil' (another classic) and the 'falkland islands are really argentine' banner. (also, classic.)Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-83944490869639558182010-10-15T19:03:00.002-06:002010-10-15T19:29:15.507-06:00Food Storage.in the past, i have always tried to have a nice little food storage in case of any emergencies. Freshman year, i had a nice supply of canned goods and other things. <a href="http://taylorjensen.blogspot.com/2007/11/room-decor.html">(see here) </a><br /><br />This year is no different. A couple weeks ago, I went out to the grocery store Macey's to get some icecream with laura moster. When we walked in, they had huge pallets of cereal for $.98 each!!! are you kidding me? i love cereal. So we investigated a little and found out you needed a coupon to buy them for that cheap. Disappointed that i didnt have said coupon, we went and got our icecream. (it was delicious). As we were walking out, i said 'we have to at least <span style="font-style: italic;">ask </span>if they have the coupons.' So we did. And they did-- you had to buy 5 and it dropped the price down to .98 each. WOW. I bought 20 boxes on the spot. STEAL!<br /><br />I got home and unloaded my goods. I then paused and decided i need more. So i rounded up my roommate, Putzer, and his roommate landon and we raced back to maceys to get some more. A dollar a box? who wouldnt?<br /><br />The final count: 35 boxes of an assortment of cap'n crunch, peanut butter cap'n crunch, honey bunches of oats, and maple brown sugar life. In addition to that, i have 10 boxes of Chewey Granola Bars (also a dollar a piece).<br /><br />I am now set for the millennium. I just hope i dont get tired of this cereal!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2caDc3RrNneH1SXedsHuvH0iEUwB1cFpMzknkYTvMtz4TGlTmkb5P_K362XmtsPbJe4Te6j1dkMs-mJQzmr_X6Zf2CoeCtMbKgKxZ_b0Sj07dG4ia5e7N92KnAyXv3msCoWHdfUI0Fog9/s1600/P1140098.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2caDc3RrNneH1SXedsHuvH0iEUwB1cFpMzknkYTvMtz4TGlTmkb5P_K362XmtsPbJe4Te6j1dkMs-mJQzmr_X6Zf2CoeCtMbKgKxZ_b0Sj07dG4ia5e7N92KnAyXv3msCoWHdfUI0Fog9/s320/P1140098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528446028576403842" border="0" /></a>I also had to get some soy milk to go with it--- 24 little boxes of it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61ecYQibAIvR-D-QOUE_WFnvJuj4qYaO4xYu2ZhcEFdpL1Pc2pIaJOZwCYf004CdbvCm5e_l9fk0WJ1507EABLa6FigIrMns1sJt7WRBNRrscBCzEnyerzrqJEPAAEVKwl8Q3l9TGsqB6/s1600/P1140099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61ecYQibAIvR-D-QOUE_WFnvJuj4qYaO4xYu2ZhcEFdpL1Pc2pIaJOZwCYf004CdbvCm5e_l9fk0WJ1507EABLa6FigIrMns1sJt7WRBNRrscBCzEnyerzrqJEPAAEVKwl8Q3l9TGsqB6/s320/P1140099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528446024140211506" border="0" /></a>YUM!Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-65555248907101017772010-09-29T16:49:00.004-06:002010-09-29T17:03:00.636-06:00Well, its been a while.Well, its been a while since ive posted. Ive successfully finished the first month being back from the mission! its been weird. But im still alive! Some quick hits on stuff ive done:<br /><br />CLIMBING!!! ive been like 12 times now. i can still do it! wahoo!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpTi-UkdN_lwXMTkV3161WI9ySOIhM4XcYVMOjDzWDN384W7uA7wJXNn9uS-mquncpa5kGaZbCVvEMIlUPKVSgOhMnIL5dUjOSoylj7ky6l6m19771UuK6HjJvLB1oZ2H9qfL3Hl5D2PX/s1600/P1140034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpTi-UkdN_lwXMTkV3161WI9ySOIhM4XcYVMOjDzWDN384W7uA7wJXNn9uS-mquncpa5kGaZbCVvEMIlUPKVSgOhMnIL5dUjOSoylj7ky6l6m19771UuK6HjJvLB1oZ2H9qfL3Hl5D2PX/s320/P1140034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522472891316790050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNdrBKOaHZPKPefDECE6BIxfCRXdbxiXm2ZitoBAYFaNzLC4HiLWaqBNHZ9d6FfStUhWkaHp15x0Hp-KkhIXD-48aNhJu1PYBsAQVWvs2Pn60ePW54_9GFR8SWWrn08mZRb4C1LxIZ8EH/s1600/P1140055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNdrBKOaHZPKPefDECE6BIxfCRXdbxiXm2ZitoBAYFaNzLC4HiLWaqBNHZ9d6FfStUhWkaHp15x0Hp-KkhIXD-48aNhJu1PYBsAQVWvs2Pn60ePW54_9GFR8SWWrn08mZRb4C1LxIZ8EH/s320/P1140055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522472887314338706" border="0" /></a>Movies-- Avatar, Batman (i had already seen it, but i love that one), Kung Fu Panda, Iron Man.<br />Music- i dont like the new music yet...<br />Classes-- im taking accounting, new testament, living prophets, spanish, communications, and humanities<br />Sports: Ulitmate Frisbee, Soccer, and Football. I sprained my ankle really bad playing ultimate. X-Rays showed it wasnt broken or too too bad, so with the help of my new trusty ankle brace, i was playing soccer 3 days later. (8-0 shutout. yeah baby.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-Rx5s3kX1DaBlTpLMfwcNezhYIP4CKX9Jn9K2IFj1aXDst3XpsOq7WaPJ2WvBbk47Jdk72nIgSm2n7ctZ3x-JhQ_LQJj0vRpFqME37_Kcxof9sC39a_mVJepmjt6vb3e_b0u1eUsa2KZ/s1600/P1140064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-Rx5s3kX1DaBlTpLMfwcNezhYIP4CKX9Jn9K2IFj1aXDst3XpsOq7WaPJ2WvBbk47Jdk72nIgSm2n7ctZ3x-JhQ_LQJj0vRpFqME37_Kcxof9sC39a_mVJepmjt6vb3e_b0u1eUsa2KZ/s320/P1140064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522474010273767298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E6FFqzn5WWuyT3ktZ4KydhdIhQkk-doG5u2eW8lkS6eNARwTWeNNvejiBs9TfIxbxfWbcJ_Vvm5X6SsfzH9NQLiLQ_dKCRRSO0b18QW9Vk1sQTDiNpsSbQ9hCld6jmOLgGo_9SAb-HOi/s1600/P1140068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E6FFqzn5WWuyT3ktZ4KydhdIhQkk-doG5u2eW8lkS6eNARwTWeNNvejiBs9TfIxbxfWbcJ_Vvm5X6SsfzH9NQLiLQ_dKCRRSO0b18QW9Vk1sQTDiNpsSbQ9hCld6jmOLgGo_9SAb-HOi/s320/P1140068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522474003515027714" border="0" /></a>thats about it on me for the past month. I dont have any crazy stories... yet.<br />just give that some time. I'll be back to it soon.<br /><br />ps. i love mate.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTgY6ohFmtYnpI8SAr4dSB8G_PLaRiH242vgU3bJglUeHlo5pIkY6FEoGZ5JBFfOTyGv4YXju0izQtqXDwCvtIX1hQiO8qHQTi-bA14pC4Jzk0yQS6b0yJAWnEoTQC44dZj5fTeCMJtwu/s1600/P1140028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTgY6ohFmtYnpI8SAr4dSB8G_PLaRiH242vgU3bJglUeHlo5pIkY6FEoGZ5JBFfOTyGv4YXju0izQtqXDwCvtIX1hQiO8qHQTi-bA14pC4Jzk0yQS6b0yJAWnEoTQC44dZj5fTeCMJtwu/s320/P1140028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522472893138599282" border="0" /></a>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-49709644157642022692010-08-17T19:59:00.001-06:002010-08-17T19:59:34.592-06:00Taylor's last letter from Argentina<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>August 16, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Every new beginning comes from some others beginning's end---</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Dear Family-<BR><BR>This past week has been great. We did 331 contacts this week-- I haven't shut up yet! And we were able to find 8 people and teach 12 lessons. Not bad for our area. The best though is that we put two fechas!! One is with a lady named <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on">Lys</st1:place> who we have been teaching for about 2 months. She was the one who went to Disneyworld for 3 weeks (well she actually couldn't get a visa so she went to Rio de janero in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>). She came back and came to church last week, and last Tuesday we put a fecha with here. She is really funny because she is super firm. She has such a strong personality and when she makes decisions, she is really strong in them. So when we challenged her, at first she didn't want to, but putting in practice what we learned last week in Neuquen we were able to bring the spirit and have her accept a fecha. It was a really spiritual experience. We were teaching her in the house of Rosa and Luciana- our converts. They have become friends and really help each other. Lys is funny-- one time she told us `I don't understand why Rosa cries all the time when she talks about how the church changed her life. to me that seems really pathetic and weak!` haha. We told her she'll understand. And it's just a way for them to express themselves. But she is incredible-- we left her a reading calendar on Saturday with some questions of the soul and a chapter to read each day. We passed by Sunday night and she had already read 10 days. She says `I was bored and didn't have anything to do, and i like reading. ` It's been a great experience for us, watching her develop a testimony. I think she fits the word `investigator' better than any other convert I've had. She is really analytical and really wants to know for herself.<BR><BR>Her fecha (baptism) is for the 18th of September. The day after we put the fecha, her sister came up from Bolson and she invited her sister to the baptism and it turns out the sister was baptized a couple of years ago in Bolson! What a small world. <st1:place w:st="on">Lys</st1:place> smokes a lot, but last night we challenged her to quit. She loves challenges and I have no doubt she'll quit smoking really fast. It's fun to see the spirit work in people. I know that in the process of teaching her, I have been prompted to say and ask things that I wouldn't normally ask or say. Things really bold. And it works! It's exactly what she needs to hear. I am excited for her, and we've already set it up that I'm going to call her on the 18th- the day of her baptism<BR><BR>It'ss been a tough week with my companion. He has a really tough personality-- we were talking about it yesterday. He treats people really bad and this week was like a black hole sucking out all of our animo. We talked about it and he just kinda laughed and said yep that's how I am I like to do things to make others suffer or get mad. He' nuts. But I've really felt like I've had the backpack this week. I expressed that to him after church on Sunday and he said `I know I've been doing it on purpose.` but this week he promised to work hard so we finish really well together. <BR><BR>So with that in mind, I've learned a lot this week. On Thursday, I was really frustrated because we hadn't been teaching or finding this week, and my friend acted as if he couldn't care less. I studied really hard Preach My Gospel chapter 9-- how to find. I was struck by the amount of times it talks about having the faith to find. It reminded me of what Pres. Cook taught-- contacts show work, new people shows faith. I went to bed Thursday night decided to find people the next day, and to have the faith that I'd be able to. Friday morning we get up and go. And you know what? We get into the first house we knock. We taught a really good lesson to a couple of guys from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Buenos Aires</st1:place></st1:City> and it was a really good lesson. I was so happy. Friday we had a fantastic day-- we ended up teaching 6 lessons, finding 5 and doing a bunch of contacts. I realized the importance in having faith to find. It was something that for me has bee wavering a bit this transfer. But now I've realized the importance of having it and being determined to get into a house. It requires confidence. It requires animo. It requires faith. I love it. <BR><BR>The other thing I learned this week is prayer. I have finally begun to understand the importance of prayer. These past 4 nights, I have knelt and prayed for literally 5 or 6 minutes. And it makes a HUGE difference. I feel great doing it, and I know its what I am supposed to be doing. I am really hoping I can make this a part of my regular life. I know that it is through these prayers that I have received revelation personal about the things I should do in my area, do in my companionship, and do in my life to be a better representative of Christ. Its through prayer that we receive personal revelation, and it's about time I started learning that, huh?<BR><BR>On Sunday we were knocking in a neighborhood that doesn't have a single member. We were talking about that and at one point we said `well, its time to get members in coihues!` The next house we knocked, we got in and taught a lesson. After 11 minutes in the lesson, the investigator had a fecha. And after 20 we prayed and left. It was awesome. It was exactly what we learned to do in NQN last week. We were really excited, and this area is coming back to life. <BR><BR>We are excited for this week. We are going to Esquel today and tomorrow for their district meeting, and we are going to work with some elders that are struggling down there. Then Wednesday we'll be back here for a district meeting with those in Barilo. then we're going to work our hardest and get 300+ contacts and teach and put some more fechas. Last week I was really preoccupied with how I was finishingI'm devastated I'm not baptizing this last transfer-- and I've been worried that we haven't been finding or teaching as much as I wanted to. But these past 3 days I have felt the confirmation of the spirit that I am finishing well. That I am working hard. Elder Argueta talked to me about that-- that no missionaries do 300 contacts their last weeks, that no one has so much desires to teach and work as I have, and no one avoids being trunky like I have. It felt really good to get that confirmation that what I am doing is acceptable for the Lord. <BR><BR>It's snowing a bit today-- and it couldn't be more gorgeous.<BR><BR>It is with great emotion and tenderness that I write this letter today. It is funny how in the MTC one waits with so much anxiety to receive their flight plans, whereas here at the end of my mission I have been dreading that envelope with flight plans. I have about 100 different emotions right now as I enjoy my last p-day here in Bariloche. I've felt a lot of anxiousness, wanting to get out and talk to as many people as I can this last week. I feel a lot of nervousness, thinking about the transition back to life without a plaque. I feel stress thinking about packing my life of 2 years into 2 suitcases!! I feel really awkward already!! It's hard to put into words what these two years have meant for me, the things I've learned, and the person I've become. I am excited to be able to see you all next week, and I'll try to sleep as much as I can on the plane so I can spend time with you all! I have a lot of mixed feelings-- on one hand, I never want to stop my service here in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and on the other I am ready to see my family again. (and sleep past 630! ha!) <BR><BR>Dad-- thank you for your advice. I think I feel very much the same-- I firmly believe that being a missionary is the absolute best calling in the church, and the best thing that could happen to me. I'm going to miss it dearly. But I'll just have to adjust and to the things I've learned here in a different style of life. I am preparing my talk-- sorry i forgot to tell you that I'll do it. i am also preparing to spend as much time as possible with the famI'm excited to see my friends, but I'd really like to spend most of my time with you all. <BR><BR>I want to share my testimony one more time through email that i know God loves us and that we are His children. I know that the families can be eternal, and I know that we must have faith in Jesus Christ to make that possible. He died for us. He took every error that I have made upon his shoulders so that I can come back to His presence to be judged and if I do my part I'll go to that judgment without spot or sin. I am eternally grateful for His sacrifice for sin and cannot wait for the day in which I can look Him in the eyes, feel for myself the marks in his hands and wet his feet with my tears. He is my Savior, and has redeemed me from my errors. I love this gospel. I love life. I love knowing that God loves us and that we will live with him again. There is nothing that brings more peace to my life than this. And the Spirit I have felt and learned to love here in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region> will be something that I treasure for the rest of my life. I can feel such a difference in the moments that I have the spirit and in those that I don't. I have a new resolution to live my life in such a way that I will always have His spirit with me, so that I can live this life in the best way possible, so that I can be happy and help lift the burdens of others. I testify that these things are true, and leave these 2 years as evidence that I know they are true. <BR><BR>I love you all, and thanks for the letters today from Camie Jared and Putzer. You are all awesome. See you next Wednesday at 9 AM<BR><BR>Elder Taylor Alan Jensen</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; COLOR: #666666"><BR><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"></SPAN></P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-17821989989976465062010-08-15T20:52:00.001-06:002010-08-15T20:52:48.960-06:00Forgot to send this last week!<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>August 9, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>A GREAT week! As you know, we were up in NQN for 3 days for the training and the zone leader consejo. We were in meetings from about 8:30 till 5 or 6 every day. It was a lot. But i LOVED it! All of my best friends in the mission were there-- my buds from the office who are now zone leaders, elder <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:City>, the office that is still in the office. It was just a blast. And luckily I was so excited to see them-- if it wasn't for that excitement, I'd have been toast. Monday night I couldn't sleep-- i got 4 hours of sleep. Then on the all nighter bus ride Tuesday night, I slept an hour and a half. But I had more energy those three days in Neuquen than I've had in a long long time. It was so fun!</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>The training was really good. I was really intrigued because nothing was new--- everything we read and practiced came straight out of the scriptures or predicad mi evangelio. There were 8 sessions-- (lets see if i can name them all...) 1. Doctrine of Christ. Revelation through Prayer. Revelation through the book of Mormon. Revelation through attending church. How to begin teaching. asking inspired questions. Oh no... I am forgetting two. Oh well. But it was really good-- there was a big push in not falling into a routine when teaching. We talked a lot about questions and asking inspired questions, and in leaving silence while teaching. I loved it because those things were things I had already started to work on as a teacher. It was a blast, and we all participated a lot. I was struck as I looked around the room.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>thought in my mind `wow. How many times am I going to sit down for hours with 20 of my best friends and talk about the scriptures and how to teach like this? It's incredible that 20 20 year olds would gladly do that. I know I don't have much time to put it in practice, but I'm working hard on doing the things we learned. The mission is going to be a lot better, and we are going to be such powerful teachers if we can get this going. It's at times like these when I say `aw man why couldn't I have learned that two years ago??? But everything has there time. </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>On Wednesday, we went and saw the Sepulvedas. Matias showed me his `mission carpeta (folder) where he has all his papers that he is filling out. He's planning to leave next year. It's incredible to think he's going to go on a mission. I am so happy for him, and he is excited. He's preparing himself very well, and is teaching with the missionaries a lot. He is actively teaching and working with his brother who still hasn't been baptized yet. I love that family so much. And they basically run the ward now. hno Sepulveda is the young men's president. Hermana is the relief society president. Jackie is the primary president. Fernando is the ward mission leader and gospel doctrine teacher. they run the ward. It's incredible how solid they are. </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Thursday we went and visited Ezequiel. He's doing great-- he has a suit and tie and his mom bought him a bunch of church DVD`s and scriptures. He is a good kid. </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Friday, me elder Taylor, Argueta and Henrie went to Allen. We saw Luis and his wife (who got married that morning. They ended up getting baptized on Saturday). We saw the oñate, Gladys, Edgardo Millequeo, and the Etchegaray with Gonzalo Marquez, and Octavio Moreno (the WML.) it was awesome. I have a lot of friends there, and we helped a lot of people there too. It was great to go and see all of them one more time.</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Love you!</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:City></P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-76182391669179251352010-08-02T20:48:00.001-06:002010-08-02T20:48:54.059-06:00Elder Jensen will arrive back in Cincinnati on August 25th<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>August 2, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Hi all--<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>It was a tough week. We had some challenges health wise between me and my companion. We took turns waking up sick. We are back to normal now, but its tough to work when you're sick!! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>We have been really struggling to find and teach these past 2 weeks. We really haven</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>t taught much or found many new people. We are still working hard-- we did 321 contacts week 1, 305 week 2, and 317 this week. That was one of my goals-- get lots of contacts. But I almost don't want to count them because in doing almost 1000 contacts, we've found about 15 people this transfer. That's probably the lowest ratio I've had in my whole mission! But we are still trying hard. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Teaching Alberto was pretty rough this week. We went out there several times, but couldn't really teach him. On Tuesday, we went out there to teach Alberto and Malvina. We knocked the door of the house where he was staying, and he came outside and talked to us for a while. He told us he had gone to the doctor's for some problems he was having, and they did a whole bunch of exams for free. Turns out he isn't sick at all! He doesn't have any blood in his liver or anything! He was just crying as he told us this. He was so happy. And we were too. Then out comes the guy that owns the house where he was staying and the first thing the guy says to us is `i believe in a living Christ. ` and we say ... we do too... and then he just goes on a tirade just killing us and saying whatever thing about us and how its not good that we are outside at 8 o'clock working and that we knock doors at 2 in the afternoon and how Joseph Smith isn't the savior of the world and just all this trash. We kept our cool and just said `okay. Great! Yep. Good for you.` just taking all these blows. It was incredible. He told us several times how he was very bothered that we were talking to Alberto, and how he was trying to heal Alberto and didn't want any `turbulence` in the process. It was awful. Absolutely a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing. Then when he was done running his mouth he went back inside, and we arranged to meet Alberto in the house of some menos activos to teach him and his daughter. Alberto is looking for a new place to live because he doesn't want to be with those crazies either. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>So the next day we went back and gosh it is so hard to find those two. The situation is so hard. Finally we got the two of them together and went over to the MA house and taught for just a quick little time because it was already late. We agreed to meet again on Friday to do the same, but when we got there Friday, neither of them were able to do it. We went to pick them up on Sunday, but neither was there again. All in all, we probably won't be going out to KM 23 very much more just because its expensive and is a lot of time, and the situation just is not stable enough to teach the gospel for now. It just broke our hearts. We probably are going to go out and see if we can find them one more time, but it just really is stretching us way too far and the situation just is not good for now. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>In other news, we are going to NQN Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for a special training with all the changes. I'm excited to learn some new stuff that will help me this last little bit, and I'm also excited to see my Neuquen converts and also go to Allen to see Luis's baptism. That's going to be so great!!! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Me and my companion are getting along so well. We are just such good friends-- we've finally come to the stage where we just get along no matter what. And the best-- he said `please` for the first time the other day! haha. And he told me he was going to cry when I left! aw man... we're just good friends. We've already got a deal or two worked outI'm going to send him beef jerky and he's going to send me alfajores. We <EM>finally</EM> started learning English together too. We had a long chat the other day about his future. He just doesn't have one in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">El Salvador</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and so he wants to go the states. I told him he had to learn English to have a chance to get in and he got really excited about doing it. Its fun-- I like talking to latins in English. It's fun. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Have a great week!!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Elder Jensen<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-44414607080009113742010-07-28T20:35:00.000-06:002010-07-28T20:36:20.176-06:00Long update from down south<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>July 26, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Here come some miracle stories... maybe the best of my mission....<BR><BR>So, I told you all last week how we found Alberto, the guy who was looking for his kids and such here and found them and then we found him and had an incredible chat with him and put a fecha. See last week's email if you don't remember. So, we had a cita with him for Wednesday. We went out to km 13 to meet with him in his sister's house again, and we got there at 7, the time of the cita. We knocked and he wasn't there... no one was there. So we sat on a little trash bucket outside his house and waited. We were absolutely devastated to be honest. Wednesday, we had no citas and had been knocking literally all day with less fruits than an apple tree in winter. So we sat. And hoped he was just getting there a touch late. And we kept waiting, and kept hoping. Then, we saw him walking down the street. We were so happy. But he came to see if we were there and to see if he could shower at his sister's house. He has now moved to a tiny little place in km 23 (we live in 4.2, and the church is in 4,7. We take lots of busses) So he couldn't let us in and didn't really have time that night. So we said okay-- we set up a time to go out to 23 to teach him. He had read <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alma</st1:place></st1:City> 36 (i love that chapter for people who are trying to overcome bad decisions in the past) and had liked it. So we set ourselves a cita for Friday at 8. He had done a test on Wednesday for his cirrhosis and would have the results on Friday. So then comes Friday.....<BR><BR>I was on divisions with my bud Elder Skousen in Centro, so this is the story that my companion called to tell me Friday night. They were getting killed again-- another day of straight bitter contacts. so they decided to go to 23 to work. We haven't ever worked out there because of distance and time and such, but they went out to knock a bit before the cita. So they go and they get in a bunch of houses- like 4 houses. They ended up finding 10 news-- incredible. They were just teaching and getting in left and right. Then it came time to meet with Alberto, so they go down to the bus stop to wait for him. they waited. and waited. and then came 2 busses. He got off of the second bus and started walking up the path to the top of the hill where this neighborhood is. My companion chases him and calls his name 3 times. He doesn't respond. They caught up to him and took him a touch by surprise, and he was just so down in the dumps. They asked about his test, and he says it didn't come out well. Oh no. He didn't tell us how bad it was, but its bad. So my companion starts walking with him and talking and trying to animate him a little bit. Alberto says `I'm going to take you to my daughter's house so you can visit them when I'm gone. So they went over and met his 15 year old daughter, Malina. They start talking and its going well. my companion had contacted her earlier in the day and she was begging her mom to let them in, but the mom didn't want to. But now we figured out why-- she had taken the charlas in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Buenos Aires</st1:place></st1:City> and was about to get baptized, but then her parents got separated and she came down here and lost touch with the church. My companion goes-- you know what? We are going to have a baptism on the 14th of August. you know who is getting baptized? She goes... who? My comp says `ask your dad.` she looks at him. He goes errr..... me. And she looks at him with such awe and happiness and just goes no!!! really!?! And my companion told me when she said this, <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alberta</st1:place></st1:State> just kinda perked up, content that his daughter was happy with him. My companion then says `and Malina-- you know what- you can get baptized with your dad on the 14th as well. She goes `of course!` They then finished talking and arranged transportation to go to church on Sunday. My companion was at the point of tears when he called me, and me listening got there too. It was such a spiritual moment for all of us. I felt so strongly the love of God and how He created that situation to help Alberto in his great moment of need. Really, Alberto was planning on going back to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Buenos Aires</st1:place></st1:City> to die because he doesn't want his kids to see him die. his kids don't even know he is sick. But now, with this, we think he is going to stay here, just so he can be with his daughter and get baptized with her. If there was ever a man who needs the church in his life, it's Alberto. He is so down right now, and this is what he needs. <BR><BR>So then on Saturday, we were getting everything worked out for rides and such. we were going to go out there with a member in his car because the busses don't run as often on Sundays. We were preparing for 5 people in the church-- Alfredo (we taught him with the bishop on Thursday and it was great-- he is so analytical and really is learning. but he starts teaching school again and is going to be really busy.) Damian and Jessica who said they'd come but they are painting and remodeling their house, and Alberto con Malina. We were so excited, and had everything worked out how they were going to get there, and who was going to be their friend and everything. So we start rolling with the plan on Sunday. we leave super early to go out to 23 with a member. we were knocking on Malina`s door and no one answered! blast!!! we then went to Alberto's and found him leaving his door, so it was perfect. we jumped in the car with him and then went back to Malina`s. After knocking again, we decided to just go to church. So we went. We got there about 10 or 15 minutes early, and Alberto was really hesitant to go in. but I said `come on!` and he came in. We were sitting in the sacrament room together and chatting and we found out he had taken the lessons in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Buenos Aires</st1:place></st1:City> and had gone to church some times too. Awesome! we are about 5 minutes before the meeting he leans over and says `I'll be right backI'm going to run and buy some hard candy to get me through the meeting. I say okay... and he left. And he never came back!!!!!!! I was shocked! I have never even heard of that- having someone 5 minutes before the meeting and then they ran away! BLAST!!! We think he just felt uncomfortable because of all the stuff that's going on and just got overwhelmed. We are going to teach him again on Tuesday-- we went over to 23 and talked to some menos activos to set it up so that we teach Alberto and his daughter in their house because Alberto and his daughter both have really small uncomfortable house. We've got all sorts of stuff worked out for them, to teach them and bring to them to church and everything. I've never done this much work with 2 investigators before, but they are both incredible people, so it is well worth it. <BR><BR>I put some goals for the end of my mission my last transfer in Neuquen and I'm doing pretty well with them-- I wanted to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish my last 2 transfers, and I'm more than halfway now, so I've got about 12 pages per day and I'm there. I've also hit 300 + contacts most of the weeks and am going to do it for sure these next 4 weeks. I also want to baptize again before I go, so we are planning a whole lot for Alberto and his daughter. <BR><BR>Oh!! Big news. Next week we are going to Neuquen for 3 day training on the new stuff they are doing with missions. Luis Tagle was going to get baptized this Saturday, the 31st, but Elder Taylor is working with the hermanas there to get him baptized next week, like the 5th or 6th, so that me, Elder Taylor, Elder Henrie, and Elder Argueta can go back to Allen to see his baptism. I'M SO EXCITED!!!<BR><BR>Other news is that Elder Taylor got some of my old investigators to church this week. We talk a lot and he asked me how I baptized there and who he can baptize there, and I gave him some names and such and he is doing so well. He is an incredible missionary. Whenever we talk, we always joke about how the tables have turned and such. It's great. <BR><BR>Hope you have a great week, family!!!<BR><BR>Elder Jensen</P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-16457678089000844542010-07-19T20:38:00.001-06:002010-07-19T20:38:58.021-06:00Hello from Taylor<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">July 19, 2010</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Hi family! </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">It was a fun week of transfers and getting everything set up for this transfer. I am really excited because the majority of my district from Allen are back in the zone, and we are going to play soccer today like we did back in the day in Allen. It's going to be great!</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Things are going alright here. We didn't have much time to work today because we had to be in the terminal basically all day on Monday and Tuesday ushering people in and out, and Friday we had a zone meeting and then drove with president down to Esquel to have a zone meeting there on Saturday. We got back to our area at about 5 on Saturday, so we had a couple things that ate a lot of our time this week. But--- we had some miracles happen. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">My companion and I are getting along better. In my interview with president, I talked with him about it, and I was talking it became obvious why I am still with him-- he respects me a lot and I realized that we, despite our differences, have a very special bond. I get through to him when I talk, and he's gotten a lot better these two transfers. And he knows me really well and is the one who is going to help me finish my mission well. I really got a testimony in that interview that it's the Lord's will we are still together. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Another miracle we had happened last night. We both during the week felt a bit prompted to go and start working in km. 13. So on Sunday (when we finally had time) we went and got going. We were knocking and not having any real success. We finished this one set of blocks and decided to go to another. In the way, there was a string of 5 houses, so i say lets knock those on the way over. We start and we get to one house that lets us in. (finally!!). we got in and saw a articles of faith card stuck on the mirror in their entry way and we both raised our eyebrows and said ´hmm...´ We started talking with Alberto and he is a pretty incredible man. For the past year and a half, he's been looking for his 7 kids. His wife went crazy one day and ditched him and took his 7 kids, and he has been searching and searching all over the country. He got wind a month ago that they may be here in Bariloche, so he came and has been living with his sister. He didn't have money to make it through his journey, so sometimes he stopped and worked small jobs to get money to eat and to travel, and so now he is here. On Thursday, he found his kids and ex wife. He was just overjoyed. He openly expressed his gratitude to God and got pretty emotional. He said he knows it was God that led him here. He then said ´I'm looking for a churchthat's why I let you in.´ So we started. We taught about families, about God's love, about the atonement of Christ and how that can erase all sins. We asked him if he believed that, and he said ´no.. I don't think so.´ We then read parts of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Alma</st1:City></st1:place> 7 and bore strong testimony about how we've been washed clean, and told him he could experience the same. It clicked with him, and the spirit bore powerful testimony that it's true. We then read 14 and 15 in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alma</st1:place></st1:City> 7 and challenged him to take the steps to repent and be baptized for the 14th of August. He accepted. We then verified it and asked him why he wants to and he said ´I just really want to be clean, to be pure, to get rid of all the bad that i have.´ we asked again if he wants to be baptized and he responds ´´ absolutely.´´ It was a pretty incredible lesson. This man has cirrhosis-- I don't know what it is in English, but its when you drink a lot and it kills your liver. He's quit drinking and the doctors told him a bit ago he has 6 months left. He says ´I've got more than that. I've got to be here for my kids. I'm going to be here for my kids.´ He's a strong guy. A really powerful guy. and we are really excited for him. Hopefully we can stay in contact with him and that he doesn't slip away!</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">We've got Alfredo as wellhe's the 55 year old guy we found last week. We taught him twice this week and both times he was waiting for us with a Fanta and cookies and a notebook to write down the things he learns. We tried to put a fecha with him on Tuesday, but he declined saying he wants to learn more. I don't blame him. I'd say the same thing. But he is reading and loves the book of Mormon. I'm almost certain he is going to be coming to church this Sunday. We've got another young couple named Damien and Jessica who also are planning on coming. This Sunday we didn't have anyone, but next Sunday we are looking at having at least 3 or 4 people there. It's going to be great. We've got a bishop and a ward that really supports and helps new members stay and feel welcomed.</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Remember in about January one time I was on divisions here in Bariloche and we found the guy who waved us back to his house and let us in and he had gone to church in Roca, and then 3 months later I was here on divisions again and we taught him and eliminated his doubt about stuff he had read on the internet about the church?? They finally got baptized in a week ago. I love hearing things like that, and it makes me want to work harder because we never know when we are going to find the next familia Guzman (this couple) or Alberto or anyone. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">I love this work. I love this life. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Elder Jensen </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P></FONT></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-73489750136487381162010-07-09T19:47:00.000-06:002010-07-09T19:48:02.436-06:00Update from Argentina<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">July 5, 2010</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Sorry that my letter didn't go through last week! You'll just have double for today.</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">This week has been so so. We didn't get much forward, and I kinda feel like if you're not moving forwards, you're moving backwards. We have had a lot of challenges this week that made it hard to buckle down and get it done in our area. Monday and Tuesday we were in Esquel and Trevelin working with some missionaries there. They were tough divisions down south-- some elders really struggle because they choose to not like the situation they are in and as a result shut down as a missionary.</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Wednesday we were back here and working. This week I think I've had some of the best studies in my entire mission. About a week and a half ago, I put the goal to read the whole book of Mormon in Spanish before I go home. I still haven't done that yet-- and i need to read about 10 pages everyday. I've been doing it, and I'm actually ahead of schedule. And I have learned more this time through the book of Mormon than any other time I have read it in my entire life. It's been really incredible for me because I've really had to pay more attention as I read in Spanish and I am finding a lot of little things-- words that have a bit different translation or connotation in Spanish that just bring the scriptures alive. Then in our companionship studies, we just sit and talk about what we learned for an hour and we debate some stuff and try to figure stuff out. It's easily the best studies I've ever had in my whole mission. Even on the bus ride back from Esquel I pulled out my triple to read-- I love it!</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">We had a fun Saturday here. <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on">Argentina</st1:country-region> got crushed by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the mundial. We were instructed to either stay in the house and study or go to the chapel to do something productive. We went to the chapel in Centro to be with the other missionaries. This weekend (the 10th) we are having a `white baptism.` we've got a baptism in our ward, and three others in the other wards in Bariloche, so we are all getting together the next weekend and baptizing the 4 in 1 ceremony. It's going to be really good. Everyone already has passed their interviews and is all ready to go. So we were in the church Saturday morning preparing a musical number for the baptism. Then we realized the hermanas weren't filling the font for their baptism that day, so we rushed over to the font to start filling it. It was filthy, so I took off my shoes and socks and got in there and gave it a good <st1:place w:st="on">Nan</st1:place> Jensen scrubbing! Luckily we got it going-- the poor hermanas don't get any support from their ward. We missed our lunch doing that, and then ran over to our chapel to have our fecha interviewed, then ran back to Centro because the baptism of the hermanas asked me to baptize her. After that baptism, we went over to another chapel in Bariloche to attend another baptism and do an interview for the district leader there. It was a crazy crazy day. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">The rest of the days this week have been filled with snow and rain. It gets really cold here! It's gorgeous as it snows, freezing cold as it rains, and terrible when its windy. But this is the best looking area in the entire mission-- I have zero complaints. I'm willing to get a little chilly and wet if it means working here in this area!</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Today we are going up a mountain-- its going to be gorgeous. Get ready for some incredible photos. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Stomach update of the weekI'm going to get my parasite test done next Thursday or Friday when im in Neuquen. The transfer ends this week, so next week I'll be up there for zone leader conference. I've been having pain these past few days, but i think it has something to do with what I've eaten-- pasta with sauce that has tomatoes. The doctor told me to avoid that, but it's a touch difficult to avoid when you're with members. I've also gone completely off milk-- I am back on my soy milk with cereal. A member gave us a big glass of milk last Wednesday, and Thursday morning I about died, so I'm going to wait a bit to try milk again. Like 2 or 3 months ish :) one elder told me if I have a parasite I've got to get a bowl of milk and put my head close by it with my mouth open and the parasite will come crawling out. Gross. I think i might try it just for fun! Elder Crandell wrote me a note in my journal the other week and he put a sticker of a worm and said `thanks for all that milk you drink-- its great down here in your gall bladder!` ha. My parasite is the zone's mascot. </FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Anyways, this week we are going to teach 20 lessons. We are going to just go out and get it done. Our zone has really dipped these last 2 weeks and I feel a bit responsible because we haven't been as constant in animating the zone as we have been in past weeks. But we've put some good goals for the zone and we are going to work really hard to help them have a good week 6 so that we start next transfer out well. As a zone we've had 5 baptisms so far and we are looking forward to 5 in total this weekend. Our meta was 15 but we'll get 10. I'm nervous for next transfer because we only have 3 fechas for next transfer. It's kinda like we're just fading out and dying. President got some new instruction on preach my gospel from the general authorities this week, so I really hope that is going to spark us to know what to do to have more success. Onwards and upwards!</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Elder Jensen</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P></FONT></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-19252944013030308772010-06-22T09:57:00.000-06:002010-06-22T10:35:23.613-06:00Through snow and cold........<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>June 22, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>This email is going to be about a 180 degree turn around from last weeks. <BR><BR>It was an incredible, miraculous week. In our area, pioneros, where the work is hard and the people are mean and it gets dark early, we mustered 16 total lessons (7 with members present!) and found a whopping 25 new investigators!!!!! What? That's ridiculous. It was a week of many events, and trials, and challenges. Here we go:<BR><BR>Tuesday- district meeting in Esquel-- it went very well. We presented our zone plans. We talk a lot about desires and use D&C 11 to do it. I felt really prompted to base our plans in that, so with the help of elder Argueta we put together a nice presentation talk type of thing. Then, afterwards, we did interviews with the missionaries there. It was really good-- we weren't planning on doing them, but when I woke up I had a big push that I needed to do them today. I did one in particular with a missionary who is just melting down. He just told me he's depressed, doesn't like his area, members, companion, nothing. It was a tough one, but I gave him some stuff to read that had helped me in my `meltdowns` He's doing okay-- he had a transfer to start week 3 and has had 1 week with his new companion. And in that week they completely changed their dead area into one that is thumping. They put a fecha their first day together. They are great. So i was really glad for that prompting to do interviews because if we hadn't have done them, we wouldn't have known about his problems. It also was a confidence gainerhe's called us several times to talk and to complain and it's been good because we have his confidence. <BR><BR>We then jumped on our 5 hour bus back to Barilo and got here about 5. We got to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place> and Luciana's about 20 minutes early. my companion was kinda walking slow up the hill to their street and saying `what are we going to do these 20 minutes?` Get in a house! I say. We started knocking and got in a house and found a family of 6! Awesome. They were having a birthday party and invited us in for a piece of cake. We gave them a DVD finding faith in Christ. It was good-- we haven't been able to get back into their house because they haven't been there the times we've tried, but they were really nice. <BR><BR>Wednesday was the first day we had worked together that we didn't get in a new house here in Bariloche. But, we did 123 contacts, so it's not like we weren't trying! We talked to some people who were really good and who we ended up getting into their house later in the week<BR><BR>Thursday- we woke up and it was freezing cold and snowing. But that didn't matter. In the morning we were knocking in a richer part and got into 2 houses in the morning!!!! Wow. It was great-- they both were really good and we've taught one of them 3 times now. It was a blast-- we started that day so good. Then in the afternoon, we taught 3 with member and 1 other. We ended that day with 3 with member, 3 others, 6 news and 51 contacts. That's as many lessons as they were teaching in an entire week here for the past couple of months. I keep telling my companion we can change this area in 1 week. He is hesitant about that, but these past 3 weeks have absolutely proved that. We have a good new family that we are going to try and put a fecha with this week. I'm so excited!!<BR><BR>Friday-- Friday was probably one of the hardest days in my life! On Thursday, the police killed a 15 year old kid here. His friends and gang and family revolted and started throwing rocks at the police station and that kind of stuff, and the police came out and by the end of the day 3 teens were killed. That got all the teens in Bariloche fired up and it just started a little war between the police and the `pibes` (guys). That shut down our city to missionary work for a couple of days because it was dangerous to work because we didn't know what was going to happen or where the disturbances would be. So, the other 8 missionaries had to stay in on Friday. Our area is so tranquilo that we could keep working. The hermanas had a member who died earlier this week in their ward, so they asked if they could go to the funeral. We let them. We then get a call about an hour later that they were walking back from the chapel and everyone started running and screaming, so everyone ducked into the mall there. Then some pibes went running through and the police were chasing them and yelling `everybody down! ` So the hermanas ducked into a store where they turned off the lights and hid with a group of other people. They were terrified and called us and were just telling us how there was a shoot out going on in the mall and stuff like that (the police are shooting a lot of rubber bullets) so we were frozen-- we were 15 kilometers away and the bus wasn't going to come for another 30 minutes. We called a taxi and went flying in to Centro to `rescue` the hermanas. We were scared too-- we had no idea if it was a real shoot out or rubber bullets or anything. But, turns out, it really wasn't a big big deal what happened in the mall. We got to Centro and the hermanas were able to get out and go back to the church. We met with them there, and they were absolutely fine. It wasn't too too much danger, but they were scared. We were terrified- it was absolutely our fault they were out. So we dodged a big bullet there (pun intended :) ) Things are more or less calm now, so the missionaries were able to get out on Sunday and work. But that was a big scare. I also went to the doctor on Friday to do the test-- I am going to pick up the results today at 6, so I'll be letting you know next week what's going on. I hope i have parasites-- my stomach is really achy. I haven't had the runs all week though, so thats a huge blessing. But at this point I want it to be parasites so I can take some medications to kill them. It's turned into the zone joke-- my parasites are now the zone's pets and everyone is making sure I feed them and stuff. Pretty funny. So we'll find out today. <BR><BR>Saturday was an interesting day. We woke up and had a big conversation about changes we need to make as a companionship. Friday about killed the both of us. We talked a lot about consecrating ourselves to the work and really dedicating ourselves. Doing what we should. I was pretty frustrated with a lot of things my companion was and wasn't doing, so I just put it all on the table. He was pretty down and we just had to make some changes to be the missionaries and leaders we need to be. So he said `if the 2 fechas pass their interviews, I'll be 100% obedient and do what I'm supposed to for the rest of my mission.` The interviews passed, and my companion took seriously his promise. He is a new man, and I am so excited because he is putting aside his stubbornness and pride and really growing as a leader. We are working really hard, and had some big miracles this weekend. The fechas are great-- they are getting baptized on Saturday. We have 2 members of our ward who go with us to almost every visit and just are so supportive. This is by far my best ward on the mission-- we have the whole stake presidency, Pres. Petersons 2nd councilor, and 2 or 3 other returned missionaries. Solid, solid group who do great welcoming people in. <BR><BR>The assistants were in for the weekend. I worked with elder Crandell-- I miss that guy! He's so good. I also worked with the new assistant. He is so polished and bright and good. He's a 27 year old Chilean who has already graduated as a doctor, so I talk to him about my stomach a lot. He is a really humble spiritual guy. He is a solid solid assistant. <BR><BR>Yesterday we had zone conference. It was incredible. Hermana Peterson talked about sacrifice. President talked about faith in a very powerful way. It was exactly the chat I had with elder Argueta and just cemented the changes we've made. We are doing a mundial (soccer tournament) of Bariloche and we gave out some fun prizes to all the companionships. We recognized something great each companionship has done, and the most incredible part is that our weekly key indicators have gone up in every single category in all three of the weeks!!!!! The zone is on fire right now-- we found 111 as a zone last week. That's INCREDIBLE. <BR><BR>Today we have zone p-day and got permission to watch the mundial. I'm pumped! It's going to be a blast. It's been a crazy week and I've learned and grown a whole lot. Elder Rasband said the apostles saw where we were going to end our mission. Here I amI've been prepared my whole mission to come here and end here. We're changing this area-- we're changing lives.<BR><BR>I love this area. I love this work.<BR><BR>Elder Jensen</P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-66200636892213202612010-06-19T21:37:00.001-06:002010-06-19T21:37:11.205-06:00Belated weekly letter from Elder Jensen<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>June 14, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>hi family! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>I'm back on my feet-- on Friday I was finally able to get out and work. On a day of pouring rain-- I was a bit of a zombie, but I think that getting out and working was the only thing that was going to make me better! I felt so dead and out of energy on Thursday that elder Argueta told me he was thinking about not even letting me out on Friday. He said `if you were my brother, I'd have you here in the doghouse another 3 days! ` But it felt good to get out and work-- i missed it! We were so bored. Between long naps and study sessions, we found a chess board and so between those three things, we kept our sanity. But the bronchitis and laryngitis and sinus-itis and all the other itis`s are out. I'm still on the anti-biotic for a couple more days. This week we'll have another fun medical week i thinkI'm going to go have a parasite test. I've had the runs for 5 straight weeks and the AP that replaced me has already graduated in Chile as a doctor and said I should go get that test--it costs 100 dollarsI've still got some money left over from buying my robbed stuff back, so I'll just use that. I'll let you know how it goes next week!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>So far, Elder Argueta and I have entered in a new house every day we've worked. Its only been 6, but here in this area that is quite the run. We've got 3 fechas that are really solid for this transfer, so that is helping us keep going. 2 of them are getting baptized on the 26th and the other on July 10th. They all have come to church the past 3 weeks, so they are doing very well. The 2 that are getting baptized in 2 weeks are really interesting. its a mom and her 22 year old daughter. Supposedly, the mom has been on the verge of getting baptized 3 times already. She's the one me and elder Argueta found a month ago. They have been overcoming a lot of problems, and it's been really fun to watch them and how the gospel has helped them find peace and calmness as things around them crumble a bit. That's the magic of the message we are sharing!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>This area is easily my hardest that I've had so far. I came in with the mentality that it's going to change and become an area where we are teaching a lot. I need to keep that in mind and just have patience with the area-- we have a lot of really really big houses in our area and those houses are not the nicest to be knocking! We have 2 `normal` neighborhoods of normal argentine houses and the rest are huge houses and mansions and cabins and touristy stuff. Those 2 neighborhoods have been knocked for years by missionaries, and they aren't too big. Last night we went out to one of the other `bigger house` neighborhoods to knock. In 2 hours, 11 people opened the door. Of those 11, I think about 3 actually listened to what we said. It was very frustrating- the people don't even listen to us. at one point I threw my arms up in the air and said `what are we doing here if no one is even going to listen to a thing we say!` I felt like we were just wasting time-- just walking and knocking without a chance. I am trying to have faith in this area. Like I said, we've entered in a house each day we've worked, so that's really good. I just want to be able to teach in this area. We taught 10 lessons this past week--elder Argueta went out on divisions on Wednesday for 3 of those-- so 7 in 3 days is not bad historically in this area. But that's the thing-- I don't want to just keep going along with the norm here in pioneros. I don't like hearing that it's a tough area, or that we just don't teach as much here. I know I'm going to be frustrated for a bit, but we'll just keep working hard and get through it. I've asked myself what's more cold-- the weather or the people. Hopefully the weather because its about to get really cold here!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>The mundial began. In the states, that's no big deal. But here, its insane. I love it. But we can't watch any of the games, so that makes it interesting to figure out what to do, especially while <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region> or big name countries are playing. Luckily, the games are at 830, 11, or 330, so it doesn't interfere with `prime time` work in the evening. It's so much fun seeing how this country (and every other country) absolutely lives for soccer. I wish it were like that in the states! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Today we are in Esquel-- we are here to do divisions and p-day. It'll be fun. It's hard being a zone leader. It's a fun experience trying to motivate elders with all different kind of levels of commitment and excitement. Some jump right on whatever you say, and others you have to really push. We're trying to figure out how to jumpstart the zone-- we've got 12 fechas as a zone right now. We really need to baptize at least 10 this transfer as a zone, and so we are really trying to get the missionaries to put fechas and accomplish their goals. We are having our own little `mundial` here in Bariloche. Its fun----it's animating the missionaries to achieve their daily goals and get as much done as they can. We'll see how many fechas we can put as a zone this week!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Next Monday we have zone conference. I'm excited to see elder Crandell again. I miss those office elders a lot-- luckily I can call them up and we have to work with them a bit as zone leaders. But it will be good to get the zone together and talk about what we need to do specifically here in Bariloche to have success.<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>*trunky moment of the week* elder Argueta and I were falling asleep and he slaps his forehead and says `I've got only six months left!` then he paused and said `maybe I shouldn't have said that... you have 10 weeks left!` it took a little while to fall asleep after that! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Have a great week, family! I'm excited for a week of finding and going back to the basics. It's super fun with elder Argueta because this area is super hard, so having a friend already really helps. We have a good time together.<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p></P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-69373997131704786842010-06-08T19:59:00.001-06:002010-06-08T19:59:46.692-06:00Recovering this week.....<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>June 8, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Hi family! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>I know, it's weird that I'm emailing on a Tuesday afternoon. I'll explain shortly. We just finished a district meeting with the district here and we put the challenge with them to baptize 5 between the 3 companionships. They have been struggling and not baptizing, so that's a big challenge for them. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Week 1 in Bariloche was everything I hoped it to be. Tuesday we went out and got in a house and taught. Wednesday, the same. Thursday, the same. When I got there, I asked for what their goals were for the week-- 3 with member, 4 others, 4 new investigators, and 335 contacts. I (I already knew this was going to happen way before I asked) said `nope. Not acceptable. We're better than that. Next week, we're putting higher goals. `` And with that, we left and worked. Between Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, we taught 3 with member, 4 others, found 6, and put 3 new fechas. We saw some miracles, and we are changing this area. My goal is to teach 20 lessons in a week here in Pioneros. That's probably never been done before. I'm really excited-- I know we are going to change this area. It's interesting being with elder Argueta again. It's tough. He's got a lot of bad habits that we are going to change. He became really negative with his last companion and they fought all the time and that vibe killed the zone. Now we've got to change that. And he's changed already. In the calls he makes, he is more focused. But we still have some ground to cover. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Our very first new investigator came Tuesday morning. It went about like this <clap clap clap> (a guy comes out side and yells come in) we look at each other saying ¿really? He says `come in` again. So in we go. As we go up the walkway, he says `I fed a Mormon to my dogs for breakfast this morning. Right this way.., ` we entered into his home and he was just a nice old man who told us in the nicest way how big of sinners and liars we were. It was so nice though! He had a library of everything the Jehovah's Witnesses had ever written in Spanish, English, and German. He'd read everything. He then told us they are the biggest liars, even bigger than us. He, at one point yelled at my companion for not respecting the Sabbath, then turned to me with his finger still pointed at my comp and said `should i hit him now or later?` `later` I said with a smile. He pulled his finger back and said `okay. I'll save it for later.` needless to say, it was a crazy first investigator to find, but he was fun! We went back on Thursday and he took our jackets and gave us juice and was just such an interesting guy. He reads the bible literally 10 hours a day. Crazy. You can visit his site-- <A href="http://www.hermegedon.com/">www.hermegedon.com</A> or something like that :)<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>We had a good experience on Wednesday night. We were walking and it was 7:55. We were knocking a street, and it was cold and rainy and we had a cita at 8. There was one house left, and elder Argueta and I look at each other like `well, that one is far from the street, should we just go to the cita? elder Argueta feet were soaked and freezing. But then something kicked me so that we walked over. We knocked, and they let us in. we taught Claudio and Maria a bit of lesson one and put 2 fechas right there on the spot. Interesting. Wasn't Pioneros a tough area where you couldn't teach and find and baptize? <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>think NOT! We had a cita to go visit them again Saturday but couldn't leave so we are going to have to go verify that fecha this week. We now have 5 fechas in our area. 2 are Claudio and Maria-- they aren't too firm of fechas but we have 3 that are strong strong. They went to church and everything, so they are going to get baptized for sure. But I'm excited just to change this area and make it what every other of my areas has been-- a baptizing one!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Thursday night we went up to Neuquen for a conference with all the leaders of zona. It was great-- it was really interesting and relaxing to be there without the AP mantle.--- it was so much more fun and tranquilo. And I love elder <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor--</st1:place></st1:City> he is incredible. haha. Every time I see him I am just so happy. The meta is 100 again for the mission. I feel good about our plans-- I read a lot about desires in D&C 11 and am teaching that to my zone. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think that's been the difference in my mission. It was fun presenting our plans because I got sick and had no voice at all, so they made fun of me and such, but it was fun. Afterwards, we went out and cooked tacos with the Sepulveda's and saw some people. Its fun having worked in the office because I get to go back every now and then!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Now, we got back early early Saturday morning. Like at 5:30am. And it's a bit tough to sleep on these busses. But I told elder Argueta we were going to get up and work anyways. But when it was time to do it, we just couldn't. We slept in. when it was time to leave, I felt like I was going to die with my throat and cough and headache, so we called hna Peterson and stayed in house. At about 5 we went to the doctors, where we found out I had severe bronchitis, laryngitis, a sinus infection, and a 103 degree fever. She told us to get some drugs and I had to rest rest rest rest and rest. So we did. I was like unconscious at this point-- we had waited about an hour and a half in the doctors and I was just toast. So we rested. Saturday, Sunday, yesterday. Today we left because we had a cita with the doctor and a district meeting. I'm doing a WHOLE LOT BETTER. I'm doing fine. But she is making me rest through Thursday from the missionary work because she says I was at the point of picking up pneumonia. So, I'm going back to the house to rest some more. I've slept so much these past days, and I feel exhausted right now. So it's probably a good thing that I don't die here in the mission. I feel bad because I wanted to come in and just jumpstart this area and zone, but looks like we're going to have a couple trials of our faith. Elder Argueta lost his wallet and some money so he's already passed his. But we're going to make it through and baptize. I'm taking more than 4000 mg of drugs per day! haha. It's crazy. My companion wakes me up to give me pills and stuff. He's taking such good care of me. The poor guy is bored out of his mind. Our pension is super clean though-- he has had too much time and not enough to do!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>On Sunday, the stake president came to see us, the stake mission leader and his wife (who also went to the hospital with us), and some converts from this area that take care of us. They all brought food and it was SO nice to have people come and visit it made a big difference. Don't worry too much about me-- I've already passed the worst. Just keep praying, and hopefully Friday I'll be out working again!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>I have 2 favors on my companion's part. His family doesn't write him much. Like once every 5 weeks or so. We have some Spanish speakers in the family and I think it would be good for him to know that someone is interested in him. jesus.argueta.man@myldsmail.net is his email-- maybe could someone send him a note or something? There is another elder in the mission who has been writing one of his comps families for the past year because his family doesn't write him. Elder Argueta also loves beef jerky...<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>I love you family. Thanks for supporting me. I'm trying to sprint to the finish--- even if this body of mine doesn't want to cooperate; we're going to get it done.<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>love you!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Elder Jensen</P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-36836547666863887822010-06-02T17:27:00.000-06:002010-06-02T17:29:21.940-06:00Writing from a new city in Argentina<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>NOTE FROM LAST WEEK THAT COULDN"T BE SENT UNTIL THIS WEEK:<BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><EM>Transfers are going to happen this weekend. I won't say much today (because I don't know anything yet) other than that I'm going to Bariloche as a zone leader and I'm going to be with elder Argueta again! Wow. What a surprise. Bariloche hit the fan these past two transfers and completely fell apart. Elder Argueta basically shut down because he didn't like his comp. He loves me, and when we were out there he told me he was praying I'd come out there and we could run the streets again. Well, my friend, I guess God answers prayers! This is going to be a bit of a bear for me. After the first time I did divisions in that area in Bariloche, I said ´I think that is the one area in the mission I wouldn't like to be in.´´ the area is 27 kilometers long and just the rich rich richest part of all of the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>. I'll be sending some pics in the coming months. It is incredible how much money people have out there. And they teach about 6 lessons per week. For the past year, they've been teaching just 6 a week. That's awful, and not how I'm going to finish my mission. It's time to go and turn that area around, and turn the zone around. The zone can be very good... and I think that's why I'm going out there--to turn it around. Cool story-- when on divisions, me and elder Argueta found a lady who had been taught before. That lady has been progressing, and they were planning on putting a fecha with her for next transfer. Is that poetic or what? I'm excited to be with elder Argueta-- he is a champ, and I feel like we really had a special bond. I think we learned a ton from each other, and I know I can be a good influence for him to turn him back to how he should be working.</EM></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>May 31, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Well, here I am, sitting next to my El Salvadorian friend, typing. It's been a strange turn of events these last couple of days. Yesterday I officially ended as AP. it was strange. Handing over the phone and keys and binder were kinda tough-- I had really grown attached to the calling and have loved serving in that capacity. But, it's definitely time to move on and to go do something else. Bariloche has really struggled the past 2 transfers and so we had a lot of changes in this zone. Almost every companionship changed. This place has the potential to baptize a ton of people-- we just need to prepare ourselves to do it. There have been big problems with disobedience and lack of focus in this zone, and now I think I've been sent here to help get this zone back together. Elder Argueta is a good guyhe's a lot different from round 1. He's not as full of faith as he once was-- he really struggled with his last companion and that has left him not as strong as he'd like to be. He couldn't be happier I'm in as his companion-- he says he's just been waiting for a companion he gets along with to get things going again. Today i got in around 4-- we spent from 4 until 745 cleaning the pension. We literally took all the furniture out and cleaned the place out. We said we were taking out all the bad and negativity-- we cleaned it so well. We then changed all the location of all the beds and desks and it looks way different. The place was a mess, but now it's pretty nice. It's a small pension, and its got a couple of mold problems in the bathroom, but oh well, we'll get through it. <BR><BR>I've got a lot of mixed feelings-- I already miss the office. There I lived with 5 other elders who were just so much fun. I also could call anyone in the mission, and I knew everything that was happening. Now, separating yourself from that is a bit strange. I'll get used to it. Elder Argueta and I found a lady and her daughter 3 weeks ago when I was here on divisions, and the 2 of them both have fechas already. We have another little girl who is going to get baptized as well this transfer, so we are looking pretty good. I really want this zone to turn around and become the force it needs to be. If we are going to get to 100 baptisms as a mission, we have to baptize at least 15 or 20 here in Bariloche. There are 10 companionships. you'll have to MapQuest this-- we have 2 elders in Trevelin, 2 elders and 2 hermanas in Esquel, 2 elders in el Bolson, 2 in villa la Angostura and then 4 hermanas and 6 elders here in Bariloche. It's a very big zone, so we'll be doing a decent amount of traveling to go on divisions and to district meetings and such. <BR><BR>I feel like I've got a big challenge right now. The zone knows why I'm here. But baptizing is what I do and that's what we've got to do here in the zone. As a mission, we only baptized 49. I am happy that Elder Crandell and I got our goal of 3-- Samuel ended up getting baptized yesterday. He was great. He was really excited--- he's come a long way from that shy scared of water little boy I first met. He asked me to baptize him, and I tried to talk him into letting a member do it but he refused, so I gladly did it. I realized that in each of my 4 areas, we've baptized the last weekend I was there. I hope that continues!<BR><BR>The goodbyes weren't too bad. I didn't really have a strong connection with this ward like I did in Allen or Trelew. We only had 2 of the families that lived on our side, and with our limited time we didn't pass by the members too much. With he converts it also wasn't bad at all because on Friday I go back to Neuquen for the zone leader council. The council ends at 5 ish and then we can go and visit people if we've worked there before, so I'm going to go visit Ezequiel and then go make tacos with the Sepulveda's. the goodbyes were really just `see you on Friday!` and then it will be `see you in 6 weeks!` and then it will be `see you in six more weeks!` so it really wasn't too bad. <BR><BR>I've got to spill the beans on something too-- this past month I've been pretty sick. I have had the runs every day for about 4 weeks now. They convinced me to go to the doctor and I did 2 weeks ago. He gave me some pills that were supposed to regulate me and help out my guts a bit. They didn't do anything. So I went back in the last Friday. He was shocked they didn't do anything, so then he gave me some antibiotics and decided it was an infection or something. The next day i couldn't even leave. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>went to the bathroom more that day than some missionaries do contacts in a week! I was nervous about traveling like that, but it's settled down a lot and I'm doing a little better. Its not back to normal yet though so I think next Friday when I'm in Neuquen I'm going to go back to the doctor. It actually turns out the first pills he gave me were pills for anxiety problems---he says a lot of problems like the ones I've been having are caused by anxiety and stress. I say `hmm that's funny. Why would that happen the last couple of weeks of my 5th transfer as AP? It's got to be something else. But they relax you a whole ton, so I've slept real well this week! And I've had some pretty crazy dreams too! Haha. But just thought I'd give you the heads up so you can throw a little health line or two in your prayers so I can sprint to the finish and not to the toilet!<BR><BR>I'm down a little bit right now, just for the circumstances in which I've found myself. But, like I said last email, I've done this before in Allen. In Junin. In the office. So, now it's just time to write the chapter `Bariloche`<BR><BR>I love you all. Take care. <BR>I love snow ;)<BR>Elder Jensen</P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494393183311825760.post-13832264297448394202010-05-25T19:48:00.000-06:002010-05-25T19:49:04.494-06:00Latest Elder Jensen update<DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>May 25, 2010</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Wow! Sounds like quite the adventure you two had moving all of that stuff out! I'm glad you were at least able to find a couple of treasures to take home. Sounds like contacting to me-- sift through all the stuff and every now and then you get something great! <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Ezequiel got confirmed this Sunday and was doing just great. Yesterday we had an activity in the church and he showed up way early and just grabbed some ping pong stuff and started playing with whoever was there. He was a terribly shy kid at first, and now he is just really calm and has no problem in coming to activities and interacting with the other people. The family Sepulveda have been instrumental in helping him feel welcome and comfortable. I think my love for the familia Sepulveda has grown each passing week. This week, we had an investigator come to church for the first time and I grabbed Jackie and said ´hey there is someone here for the first time more or less your age... could you go meet her and ask her to sit with you? Jackie about ran over to do it, and I looked over about 5 minutes later and they were just deep in conversation. After church, Jackie comes over and says ´yeah she's great. I'm going over to visit her on Wednesday at 5!´ That family is incredible. They may be one of the best member missionary families I have ever seen. I think they've given away more than 10 books of Mormon in the past 2 months. Fernando (the son in law) has a brother who came to the wedding and is a good guy. I then made a street contact with him about 2 months later (about 2 weeks ago) and invited ourselves over. Unfortunately he doesn't live in our area, but he lives in the area of 2 elders that live with us. They passed by and started teaching and he is progressing a ton! He came to our ward's activity yesterday and is just a really special guy. I know he's going to get baptized next transfer for sure. And I am also sure that he isn't the end of baptisms that stem from the familia Sepulveda. They have 2 cousins or sister in laws or something that we are going to teach this next week who are thinking about starting coming to church even before we've taught them. Fernando´s mom and other sister also are going to start receiving missionaries soon. It's incredible to think of the difference that was made that one afternoon when elder Camacho and I went out knocking. It was about 3 in the afternoon when we met them. a lot of missionaries think that is a dead hour, the siesta. But I have looked at my baptisms and i think about 75% have been found in that ´dead´ hour. Incredible.<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Samuel didn't get baptized this past Sunday. We've got a cita with them in about an hour, so we are going to put everything in line so that he gets baptized this Sunday for sure! We saw him one day in the street and he say ´and when am I getting baptized!?´ We'll take care of that pretty quick. I also received news this week that one of my investigators from Trelew is getting baptized next week-- I tried so hard to get this guy to progress, but it wasn't his time. Now he's getting in the water! It's so exciting. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Allen was great. I got to see the Onate's, Marquez, Eechegaray, Luis Tagle, and Tamara. They are doing okay--- hna Marquez just started crying when she saw us and said ´oh elders I've needed you so bad.´ it absolutely broke my heart. They had fallen and were having a ton of problems with her son who is losing his vision and is becoming suicidal. It was a really tough hour we spent there, but in the end, we read 1 Nephi 8 and drew the vision of the tree of life (something we had done before) and we reviewed it. I had them all label themselves, where they were. Some were in the river, some in the midst of darkness. I then labeled myself as Lehi (in the sense that as missionaries we call people to the tree) and then read some of the passages of that chapter in which Lehi is scared for some of his children and exhorts them with all the feeling of a tender father. I read those, and put in there the words missionary or brother. It was a touching moment for all of us, and i hope they can realize and understand that the iron rod wasn't us. It was and still is the book of Mormon, going to church, and praying. I think sometimes the rod gets confused. But I love that family so much and really hope they can overcome these mists of darkness that are surrounding them. The Echegaray´s were doing well. The boys were really happy to see us. Elder Henrie had a really special connection with Christian, and he was pretty emotional to see elder Henrie again. They had all kinds of food for us and it was awesome! They also have been reading the blog-- they have a translating program or something, so they were up to date about how we got robbed and all that. How fun! Luis Tagle announced he was getting married in July and baptized the next day. He's incredible. He knows a ton of church doctrine and is just waiting for the moment to get baptized. They had had a baby since I'd been gone! I didn't realize I was gone for so long! haha. I'm excited for him-- he is going to be a good leader in the church.<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>It's time to sprint to the finish. I'll be doing it through the snow! Mama- don't worry-- I'll grab boots here. I think they have extras, so I'll be good on that. <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>I love you family! Happy anniversary mom and dad!<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>T</P></DIV>Taylor Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835996234189865967noreply@blogger.com0