12.9.2013

Hey Everyone! 

Well the first week of the transfer was crazy, as always! My companion and I helped the Zone Leaders prepare new pensions for a set of new sister missionaries who are opening an area here. We worked hard last week trying to find new investigators. Our area has streets that are numbered 2  through 46 and one day we worked all the way from 4 to 42 and had no luck. It was a bit disheartening. However, we pray every day that we will find someone to teach. We sat down in Sacrament meeting next to someone we had never seen before. She turned to us and asked "¿Ustedes son los misioneros?" which is Are you all the missionaries? To which of course we replied yes! She told us that she had a friend in the ward who had invited her to church and that she lives in our area and that we should come teach her sometime!! I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father heard our prayers and that this was an answer to our prayers. I know that if you ever need anything, pray to Heavenly Father and if it is right, He will grant it unto us. I am so grateful for prayer in my life and especially as a servant of the Lord. It is such a powerful tool that we should always use, not just when we´re in desperate need of something. I know that many of you pray for me and I feel the strength of those prayers every day. Thank you all for what you do and have a good week!! 

Elder Jeppson

His zone:

 His pension:

 Someone brought them a steak and egg sandwich for lunch...

12.2.2013.

Hello everyone!! 

Well not much to report here in Argentina. This week starts a new transfer here. I can´t believe I´ve been in Argentina six weeks already! Elder Fleitas and I are staying here in San Benito this transfer. The work is still really slow but that´s okay, we´re working hard! This past week we had a conference with Elder Zeballos, a General Authority who is assigned over the South America South Area. It was a great meeting and the Spirit was so strong in the Chapel. Not much else to report this week, just want to encourage everyone to share the Gospel with everyone that they can! It´s such an amazing message that we have, never be afraid to share it with someone! It changes lives! Thank you everyone for your prayers. Stay safe! 

-Elder Jeppson


The chicken they made for Thanksgiving!

Work.

Hello everyone!! Hope everyone has had a good week. It sure was an interesting week in San Benito! My area is pretty barren and desolate but our pension is right next to some really tall transmission power lines. These power lines can be seen from just about anywhere in our area. One day the wind was particulary rough, about 40 miles an hour. We had worked our way through our area and had ended up quite a ways from our house. After a long day of walking against the wind my body was so tired. As we prepared to leave the family´s house that we had been visiting, I knew we had a long way ahead of us back to our house. As we started out, fighting against the wind, in the distance I could see the power lines and knew that was where I wanted to end up. After I looked at the power lines, I looked down at my feet and watched my legs and my feet fight against the wind, step by step. As I focused on watching and working to move my feet, step by step, I didn´t realize how much closer I had gotten to the power lines and to my house by just taking it step by step and working. 

Eventually, step by step, I got home that night. As I thought about this I thought about how it relates to life. In life, we pick many goals but never reach them. Why? I believe it´s because we stare at the power lines and not our working feet. We should pick our goals, set our focus and then look at your feet and go to work. Step by step, no matter how hard the wind is pushing against you. if you keep going, eventually you´ll reach your goal. If I had just focused on the power lines that night, I would have never have gotten home. I had to work for it! The same applies in our life. Goals are great but they require action. As Henry David Thoreau once said, "In the long run, people hit only what they are aiming at. Therefore... they had better aim at something high." We should set our goals high and then WORK for them. President Thomas S. Monson has a saying "Work Will Win When Wishy-Washy Wishing Won´t". No matter how hard I wished I was just back at my house that night, to get there I had to work. The same goes for our goals. We can wish all we want but only work will get us there.  Alma 29:15 says, "Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!" Alma and his brothers didn´t get this succcess by wishing something would happen, they worked for it! I hope that we can all find success in this life by finding what is our transmission line and then look at our feet and work.

 I have come to love the work as a missionary. Now this doesn´t mean there isn´t times when Elder Jeppson isn´t tired of constantly being rejected at every house or discouraged because the work is slow in my area. But the feeling at the end of the day to know that I gave the Lord my all that day is priceless. "Even so Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" James 2:17. Going to church, holding a calling, serving a mission, these are all putting works with our faith. I wish I had cool stories to share with you all about some amazing conversion story or teaching someone but the work is extremely slow in my area. This doesn´t stop us from working though! Maybe next week I´ll have a cool story like that. But that will only happen if I work!

 I want to bear my testimony to all of those who read this that I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true chruch on the earth today.  It posseses the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ visited a humble farm boy name Joseph Smith and called him as a Prophet. Just as I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true and living Prophet today. I could not imagine what my life would be like without this Gospel. I am so humbled by all of the great people that I have been blessed with in my life. Thank you to everyone who prays for me and supports me while I try my best to be a humble servant of the Lord. 

I close with one of my favorite scriptures, Alma 29:9, "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." 

-Elder Jeppson

Lovely San Benito

His favorite treat "like a moon pie but so much better!"

11/11/13 Letter

Well another week down in Argentina! Sorry I wasn´t able to write last week, never enough time! This week it has turned off cold. We were walking down the road to go visit some families this past week and all the sudden a huge hail storm started. Thank goodness I had on a big coat because it was so cold but the hail pelting me in the face wasn´t too fun.. Luckily it only lasted for about 10 minutes and then just stopped. The weather here is crazy! The wind is constantly 20 miles an hour or more. I guess that´s just how it is down here in the end of the world! 

There are dogs EVERYWHERE here and most are pretty chill but every now and then some are crazy. This week we were walking to an appointment and all the sudden this huge pit bull tore out at full speed at me. My hands were in my pocket and by mere luck I had my hand on my dog dazzer so I pulled it out real quick and pressed the button and it stopped him in his tracks, my heart was racing though haha it´s always an adventure! 

The work has been a bit slow here. Satan works in many small ways to keep people from listening to our message. At times it can be quite frustrating a missionary but one of the greatest gifts Heavenly has given us is the gift of agency and we are able to use it however we like. There´s a talk called the The Fourth Missionary and it talks about how our will is the object in this world that Heavenly Father does not have and whenever we give Him our will, the blessings will be endless. 

I testify that this is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and at times it is difficult, at times it is not convenient and some Sunday´s sure it would be more fun to just stay home than to go to Church but when we make those sacrifices, we will be rewarded. I am so grateful for the Gospel and all that it has given me in my life. I am so grateful to be able to serve a mission. Let me tell you all, a mission is tough! I knew it would be hard but nothing like this, it is so tough! But I have the greatest help that I could ever have, Heavenly Father. When times are tough, if we turn to Him, it will all be okay! Thank you everyone so much for all of the prayers and support that you all give to me. I am so humbled at the great people that Heavenly Father has placed in my life. Have a good week everyone! 

His pensión.

Waiting for the bus

Delicious pastries

First Post in Argentina!!!

Hello Everyone!

Well it has been a crazy few past days. We got into Buenos Aires and waited around for our flight to Comodoro Rivadavia. Once We got to Comodoro it was late at night and we just went to sleep. The next day we had training all day with the APs, the Office Elder and then President and Hermana Rogers. The next day we met our trainers and departed for our areas. My trainer is Elder Fleitas from Paraguay. He´s a really great Elder. We are in a little town called San Benito right outside of Rio Gallegos. It´s a new area so the work is kinda of slow. Yesterday we had Zone Conference in El Calafeta, a beautiful town on Lake Argentina that is home to Perito Moreno, the worlds largest and only growing glacier I believe, not sure exactly! It was beautiful to go there and spend some time at the glacier. Since the area I´m in is new, we´re just trying to reactive less active families and find more people to teach. Argentina is an interesting place. Way down at the end of the world where I am there is tons of wind, all the time. Luckily it´s not too hot or cold right now! I have learned and grown so much this past week and realized the importance we all should have on Heavenly Father. If we ever find ourselves in difficult places or moments, all we have to do is pray and He will comfort us. He loves and never wants to watch us suffer. There is always hope. Heavenly Father knows us and knows our limit and will never give us something that we can´t handle. With Him, we can handle anything that is set before us. I love you all so much and thank you all for your prayers and the support.The power of the prayers and love you all offer help get me through each and every day. Until next week! 

After arriving in Buenos Aires.

On the flight to Comodoro Rivadavia.

The Mission Home.

Another shot of the Mission Home.

Elder Jeppson with his new companion and trainer, Elder Fleitas, who is from Paraguay.

On the train.

The next six photos are of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Elder Jeppson and Elder Brooks at Zone Conference.

Thanks for the love and prayers!! Keep 'em coming!

Last Post from the MTC!

Well the last week at the MTC sure was an eventful one! Every Tuesday we have a devotional and this week it was from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the 12. To make a long story short, we ended up in the front row about 5 feet away from him and it was amazing! It was truly amazing to be in the presence of one of the Lord's chosen servants. This week we have all been working hard and just preparing as much as we can for Argentina. We are all so excited to go even though we all know we are sure to face difficulties. This week in my studies I came across a comforting scripture that I want to share with everyone. John 14:8 says "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you". No matter what happens in our lives, we can always turn to Christ and we will be comforted. I testify of this because time and time again I see this in my life and know it can be the same for all of you. Thank you so much for everyone who has sent me letters and emails of encouragement. They uplift me every week. Until next week! Viva Argentina! 

-Elder Jeppson

He also asked that I include this video.  It's a good one.  I hope you watch it.

Flight to Argentina is BOOKED!!!

Another week down at the MTC! 

This next week is my last full week at the MTC! Such a good feeling. I found out yesterday that I will be leaving for Argentina on the 23rd! I'm so excited to finally get to Argentina and to begin serving and teaching the people there. This past week during General Conference, it was amazing to hear all the talks about missionary work. As a missionary, it's a great feeling to know that I'm fully dedicated to that person, to share this wonderful Gospel with others, a gospel that brings hope and happiness to everyone who takes part in it. Although my Spanish isn't great, I'm ready to serve the people of Argentina. Thank you to everyone who supports me and thank you for all the prayers. Until next week! 

-Elder Jeppson

Message from Elder Jeppson + Video!

Hello Everyone!

Another long week at the MTC done. Not much to report from this week. Just preparing for the field and trying to learn as much Spanish as I can. This week I have really focused my studies on the Gospel and how important it is. The Gospel is a place of hope and strength that we can turn to in hard times. We will all face times and often people wonder "Why can't God just take this from me?". Heavenly Father may or may not take the problems from us but we will ALWAYS be able to turn to him for strength. I testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can strengthen everyone who comes unto it. This video below does a beautiful job of explaining this. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Until next week! 

-Elder Jeppson D&C 11:9 

He wanted this video shared, too!

Week 3 at the MTC + Pictures!

Hola! 

Well another week at the MTC down. It has been a long week. We started teaching two new "investigators" this week. Teaching in Spanish is so draining mentally because I have to use every bit of brain power I have to translate everything I am saying. I start week 4 this week and I can tell I have grown a lot in my spanish so far but I have a long way to go! My favorite part of the MTC is studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The scriptures are such an amazing gift in our lives that we all should use every day. My testimony has grown so much in the past few weeks as I have learned to trust in The Lord. Every day Heavenly Father blesses us all so much and in times of trails, He is always there for us if we do our part. I know without a doubt that through the prophet Joseph Smith, Heavenly Father restored His Gospel here on this earth and that the Book of Mormon is proof of this restoration. If you read the Book of Mormon and pray to Heavenly Father, you will come to this light and knowledge also. The Gospel has brought me so much happiness in my life and I am called to share this light and happiness with the world. Thank you so much to everyone who prays for me, writes me and encourages me. I love you all. 

-Elder Jeppson D&C 31:3

Hayden's Missionary Tags

Sunset at Provo WEST MTC...normally known as Wyview Park where I (Holly) lived my freshman year of college.  He's even living in the building across from where I lived.

Elder Jeppson and Elder Knight on a rainy night.

Majestic Mt. Timpanogos with her first frosting of snow for the season.

Elder Jeppson with his district in front of the MTC.

There is a Contact Info tab on the blog here for anyone who wants to write Elder Jeppson (he LOVES letters).  He asked me to remind anyone who uses Dear Elder to make sure you select *Provo WEST Mtc*  If you select Provo MTC or his mission he won't get your letter :(

Thanks everyone for the support!

PICTURES!!

 Elder Jeppson sent us a few pictures! 

The missionary badge looks good on him, right?!

Traditional "map" picture!  Comodoro Rivadavia...he's coming for you!

Elder Jeppson ran into a friend from Germany at the MTC. Sister Burt is going to the Philippines!

Hayden and his companion, Elder Tyler, who is from California.

Elder Jeppson with Elder Ranger.  They have become great friends at the MTC.

They are standing in front of the Provo Temple

(If you are wondering what the heck a temple is or what we do inside of them click here :) )

Hello from the MTC!

Hola de la CCM! 

The MTC has been a crazy experience so far! Although I have only been here a week and a few days, I have learned so much! My spanish isn't great but it is a lot better than when I started! It's crazy how small of a world it is and how many friends I have run into here at the MTC. The second day at the MTC we started teaching our first "investigator" Josue. The first lesson was pretty bad.. Lots of long awkward pauses as my companion and I were flipping through dictionaries trying to find words. Every day we learned so much and by the final lesson this past week, I was able to teach by the Spirit and although my spanish is nowhere near perfect, I used all I could to teach about the importance of Baptism. As I stumbled around in Spanish and bore my testimony in Spanish, I extended the invitation to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the proper authority and HE ACCEPTED! Now I realize it was just a mock situation and he probably said yes to everyone no matter what but knowing that I had successfully invited someone to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ was such an amazing feeling. I can only imagine what it will be like to have that happen in real life! The MTC is a very busy place. I am at MTC West in a Pilot program for the MTC. We are trying out a new way to learn Spanish. The teachers here are amazing. They always have the greatest messages for us. Yesterday we watch a documentary on Argentina and I am so excited to go to Argentina! I have already fallen in love with the country and I haven't even left Utah yet! I appreciate everyone who has written me e-mails and letters and for all the words of support and encouragement. Your prayers help strengthen me every day as I work my hardest to the will of the Lord and share this Gospel that has blessed my lives with others. I love you all 

-Elder Jeppson 3 Nephi 5:13 

**Just so everyone know, Elder Jeppson will be sending these blog posts to me (his sister) to post for him.  He's not actually getting on here :)