One Incredible Year

One year ago today I entered the MTC for the most amazing journey and blessing of my life. 
I remember all the emotions that ran through me when I said goodbye to my family and left to go preach the gospel across the world in a different language. Fear definitely comes to mind! 
January 21 happened to be my grandmas birthday and I took comfort in feeling like she would be with me every step of the way. Through out my mission I wore her B and a pearl around my neck to remind me of so many things that I treasured: my family, my niece, the priesthood, my grandma and Gordon B. Hinkley's B's. 

1. Be grateful. 
   Be smart. 
   Be clean. 
   Be true. 
   Be humble. 
   Be prayerful.
2. My mission changed and transformed me! It opened my eyes to true happiness and the  love that our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. It motivated me to be more grateful, smart, clean, true, humble and prayerful. It helped to strive to forget myself and focus on uplifting those that might be in need. It gave me more compassion for those suffering and searching. It allowed me to come to know Him better and trust in Him. It taught me to choose Him and to continue choosing Him each and every day. I know that my mission refined me... it wasn't easy. There were times of heartache and pain and there are days where I ache to go back and be with the amazing people in the land that I love. But I have learned that "Doors close regularly in our lives, and some of those closings cause genuine pain and heartache. But I do believe that where one such door closes, another opens (and perhaps more than one), with hope and blessings in other areas of our lives that we might not have discovered otherwise." -President Kimball
3. Im amazed at this past year... it is full of love and amazing children of our Heavenly Father. Im confident that this next year will be too.

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2. 
   

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May we come to know Him

"He therefore knows our struggles our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering.... And because of this, His atonement empowers Him to succor us- to give us strength to bear it all."
 - Elder Dallen H. Oaks

Lately I've been amazed at the depth of this gospel for those who choose to receive Him. As many of you know I came home from my mission on medical release in August with Pertussis or Whooping cough after recovering I returned November 9th in hopes to once again labor in His vineyard and finish what I had started. The day after my return I once more started coughing and within a week it was as if the cough had never truly gone away. Feelings of despair, discouragement and loneliness entered my soul as I realized two weeks into my return I would once again be returning home on medical release for good from Urdaneta Mission. I must say that never in my mission have I felt such heartbreak and hopelessness. One particular morning I was convinced there was really no point in leaving my bed, for I would just be leaving soon anyways and in many ways I felt as though I was being swallowed up by my despair. However I'm convinced due to a strength that was not of my own I got up and we made the journey to our District Meeting where I received a copy of our mission news letter. There were many articles that seemed to be written for me in a time of great need. One in particular focused on Hope it reads,
"We must show our hope, it can be reflected in our countenance by 'confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance' (PMG 117) We must not be moved away from the hope of the gospel but bring others there, Choose the light. Rescue those who are stranded in darkness. As we gain hope throughout our lives, one day we will be with our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, and that is the peace and hope the gospel brings."
 I found a new sense of hope through those words even though much of the week was spent in doors I was given a strength that truly was not of my own both temporal and spiritual. That strength comes through His atonement. Who better to turn to than He who has suffered all. I have felt circled about in the arms of His love. We are never alone. I testify that He lives and is all around us we must only ask. I returned from my mission yesterday on medical release and it has not been easy but as I read 2 Nephi 9:3-4
"lift up your heads forever, because of the blessing which the Lord God shall bestow... I know that ye have searched much, many of you, to know of things to come; wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste away...nevertheless in our bodies we shall see God."
I realized that don't know why I became ill twice on my mission and I might never truly understand but I know and take comfort that He knows all and His time is the right time. I know that He has a divine plan for each of His children that is far better that we could have ever imagined. Im forever grateful for my mission and to have been able to return for 3 weeks. They were some of the most soul stretching and refining moments of my life. Each day was a blessing and a piece of my heart will always remain in Urdaneta. This life is the time to prepare to meet Him. Let us all strive to come to know Him, and then shall we see Him.

Our mortal journey....

This week I feel like I have learned so much! 

 

My scripture is simple this week, but powerful. 

 

 I can do ALL things through

Christ

which strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:13

 

This week I have really been focusing on this scripture. 

 Our week did not go exactly as planned,

 but that often happens in our mortal journey. 

Heartbreak, loss and discouragement are at

our door each day.

Even though things do not go OUR way,

I have been realizing that maybe my way was not

His way at all.

 

We can find such infinite strength

through the Atonement.

All things really are quite possible

when we have

CHRIST

as or main focus each day!

 

Our Area has been progressing

and

we are looking forward to a

"White Christmas"....

 

Sister Liligi is amazing.

I learn so much from her each and every day!

 

I love you!

Sister Jenkins

I am forever grateful to serve in this heavenly place.

Exchanges with my friend, MTC companion.
I love Sister Smith! 

He shall direct thy paths...

Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

I am forever grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that allowed me to come back to my mission.  He is so good!  This week has been nothing short of a miracle.  But then again, I think that is how every day is!  Sometimes we just fail to look at things with our spiritual eyes.  So, our goal this week was to FOLLOW IN FAITH!  We made plans each day to find, teach, rescue and not all that we had planned for took place.  BUT what did was way better than we could have imagined.  With serious help from above we were able to find so many amazing new investigators.  Tears were shed as we shared His message and they felt the peace and love that comes from the restored gospel.  It is an amazing feeling to sit across from a son or daughter of God and feel just a glimpse of the love He has for them.  It is indescribable.  We will NEVER look into the eyes of someone that Christ didn't love enough to die for.

I am loving my mission and making every day count!

I couldn't resist this "FROZEN" balloon...

We love this girl...she is from Guam and is here getting treatment for her cancer.

He shall lift you up....

I MADE IT!!! 

 

And, boy is it good to be back in the Philippines!

My companion is Sister Liligi and she is from Samoa!  She is by far the funniest companion I have ever had.  I love her so much!  We have tons of fun together while doing the Lord's work.  We are opening an "Elders Area" in Calasaio Zone which is next to Dagupan.  We may be the first sisters here ever which is kind of cool!  The Ward is so great, we have had someone working with us each day!  Saturday we made pizzas at the Branch President's house it was way fun!  Sobrang masarap!  Our investigators are good too.  We are able to feel the love that Heavenly Father has for them so hopefully they will continue progressing.

In General Conference this past October, there was a challenge given to ponder and share your favorite scripture each week.  So, I ACCEPT and here it is....

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up."

- James 4:10

I challenge you to do the same.  The promised blessings given for doing so in Devin G. Durrant's talk is great and we can all use a little more spirituality and deeper understanding in our lives.

Sweet family!

Home Sweet Home...

President & Sister Deyro - Urdaneta Mission

She has RETURNED to her beloved Philippines....

Note from Sister Jenkins' Mom from November 9th...It's November, the month of thanksgiving and prayer to acknowledge with grateful hearts the many favors of the Almighty God. I give sincere and humble thanks for His many favors upon our family, for His care, His unwavering love and His watchful eye over our daughter and His missionary, Kylee.  He has made her whole again, healthy to serve and anxious to reunite with the good people of the Philippines whom she loves. Words can't describe the overflowing gratitude in my heart for our dear friends and wonderful family who helped us travel the rough seas of Sister Jenkins' past 100 day cough. While extremely difficult to say "good-bye" for Part 2 of Kylee's Philippines Mission, there is peace knowing how much He loves her and His work is waiting for her return.  Kylee's Mission President sent her a message today before she boarded the plane bound for the Philippines...he said, "Sister Jenkins, there are like 100 people waiting to greet you!" What a comfort that message is...our girl is loved and touches lives wherever she goes. Godspeed, Sister Jenkins! May your boat sink with blessings and nets break with goodness. God be with you til we meet again

Daddy-Daughter hug

Love our Missionary!

Quick trip to St. Louis to say "good-bye" to Kylee's favorite niece, favorite sister and brother-in law!

Nothing better than a good-bye hug from this guy!

PURE LOVE!

 

.

How Grateful I Am

Hello all!
I just wanted to take a minute to try to express the gratitude that I have felt this past weeks. This week has been one of the hardest that i have yet faced. I have been overwhelmed by the love and support I have felt from my family and friends in this difficult time. I have been comforted in knowing that He is so mindful and watchful. Always close never far. I have faith in His plan and I know that me getting sick is not a surprise to Him its a surprise to me. One of my favorite scriptures throughout my mission has been D&C 84:88 "and whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for i will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angel round about you, to bear you up." It was always a great comfort to read those words and know that no matter where I was in the Philippines and what kind of a day He was never far from me. I have witnessed this as I've been sick and have come home.  I have been overwhelmed by the love and support He has given me through His Heavenly messengers. I know that He puts people in our lives for a reason. We were not put on this earth to walk alone. We are surrounded by His love. One of my favorite quotes by Thomas S. Monson goes like this...
"“Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments.There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us. My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”
I know this to be true. I am so gratefully for our loving Heavenly Father and the opportunity to serve Him in the Philippines. It has brought more joy and happiness than I could have ever imagined. I don't know what my future holds but I do know that His hand is guiding the way. Let us all move forward in faith and trust in His plan. Thank you again for all of your love, support and prayers!

Medical Update: I am getting a CT scan tomorrow of my lungs and am meeting with a Pulmonologist Monday. We are eager to receive some answers and get me healthy once more!

I am recommending a medical release....

Dear Friends and Family of Sister Jenkins...

Thank you for your many prayers on Sister Jenkins' behalf, putting her name on the prayer roll at Temples throughout the world and sending your love & good wishes for a speedy recovery from a month long illness that has racked her respiratory system.  We are blessed and grateful for all the love and care Kylee has received in the Urdaneta Mission and the Manila Missionary Recover Center (MRC). While the medical staff at the MRC have been wonderful, Elder/Dr. Arner has as a last resort made the difficult decision to return Sister Jenkins' home for advanced pulmonary care and healing.

In his letter to us this morning, he said....

"If Sister Jenkins were my daughter or granddaughter

I would absolutely want her to

return home at this point. 

I am hoping that this will be easily correctable

and that she will likewise recover quickly. 

In that case, she will be

WELCOME

to return to the Urdaneta mission....

Sister Jenkins is indeed saddened by this decision....

She has done every single thing

she has been asked to do

and we have pretty well

exhausted our resources in the field. 

I want to tell you what a

wonderful missionary she is. 

She is absolutely great. 

If everyone serving had her faith,

testimony and determination,

the work would go forward

with greater speed and success. 

She had done everything she can. 

She has never once asked to go home. 

That decision was entirely mine. 

Now she needs to get better, and then,

if it is her desire to do so,

 she may return again. 

She has blessed the lives of many people

here in the Philippines."

 

We spoke to Sister Jenkins' tonight as she said good-bye to her beloved Urdaneta mission, President & Sister Deyro and her brothers & sisters in the Philippines.  Hearing her voice and witnessing her chronic cough testified to us that Heavenly Father knows and loves her.  Elder Arner's difficult decision is right.  It is clear after hearing her tonight, she needs advanced pulmonary care and further testing in America.  We will pick her up at the Boise airport Wednesday, August 19th, at 2:30 pm...my head is spinning trying to think of all her favorite comforts to surround her with... #1 pumpkin cookies...#2 Uncle Guy's sure all remedy (OJ & Sprite)... #3 Kristie Dorsey's chicken noodle soup...and, #4 Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas (when she's up to that one).

 

Sister Jenkins' loves being a missionary.

She loves the Philippines.

She loves the Filipino people.

She loves her Urdaneta mission.

She loves her companions.

She loves the culture, the food and Tagalog.

Please pray for her quick recovery!!!

 

I leave you with a thought from one of Sister Jenkins' favorite books,

"The Peter Potential"...

 

"Thou Art The Christ,

The Son of the Living God."

- Matthew 16:16

 

"There will be a point in this journey

where you will have to leave neutral ground. 

That moment will require you to

GIVE HIM YOUR HEART...ALL OF IT.

 

He is the Christ.

Let Him guide your life.

Counsel with Him.

Ask for His input.

Allow Him to change you.

Trust that He will make

you something more."

 

Our hearts are heavy and eyes flowing with tears.

Sister Jenkins' is leaving "neutral ground"

and she is letting Him guide her life

and allowing Him to change her.

We know He lives and He dearly loves all His children.

There is peace & comfort with Dr. Arner's decision.

She is our spiritual giant.

And, she trusts in the Lord and His plan.

 

BLESS YOU ALL.

 

Godspeed, Sister Jenkins!

 

 

 

 

 





Angels are around me always....

Sister Jenkins and her MRC companion Sister Wilde...
life long friends!!!

 

I love this...
"ENTER TO HEAL GO FORTH TO SERVE"

 

NOTE FROM MOM: 

Last Wednesday, August 12th, we received word from Elder Arner, an Area Medical Adviser in the Philippines that Sister Jenkins' had been transferred from her Urdaneta Mission to the Manila Missionary Recovery Center (MRC).  About three weeks ago, she developed an upper respiratory infection which resulted in a chronic cough that is not responding to any form of treatment. 

 

PLEASE pray for Sister Jenkins

that she will heal soon.

Include the physicians and medical staff

in your prayers that

they will find the cause

of her health challenges. 

 

There is great comfort knowing Sister Jenkins' is in the Missionary Recover Center as it is the only one in the Church (worldwide).  It is a very pleasant residential facility across the street from the Manila Temple and on the same campus as the MTC.  It is not a hospital, but rather a place where missionaries can be evaluated and obtain more advanced assessments.  The MRC is supervised by two excellent experienced nurses and the Area Medical Adviser/Doctor who have access to St. Luke's Medical Center about 5 km from the MRC which is the premier hospital and health care center in the country. 

 

Elder Arner reported that Sister Jenkins is in "wonderful spirits, smiling and happy and truly a delight to be around.  She will brighten everyone's day here.  Sister Jenkins' radiates the joy of her work and loves being involved in teaching the Gospel here." 

 

In Sister Jenkins' words....

"I know the only person this sickness is a surprise to is ME. 

Heavenly Father has known and does know. 

He is so mindful.

 I know He cares just as much about the instrument

as He does about the work. 

I know angels are around me always! 

I trust Him." 

 

We love our Sister Jenkins!

She is strong, trusting and in His hands.

She is a spiritual giant.

XO

 



Come unto Jesus from ev'ry nation...."Come to me"

This week flew by!

It feels like it was just P-day yesterday!

This week we had a ton of fun doing the Lord's work.  Tuesday we had FHE (family home evening)/Happy Birthday at the 1st counselor's house.  It was way fun and one of our investigators came too.  Wednesday one of our investigators was making dinner when we came over so we asked what she was cooking, and....it was crickets & frogs!  Masarap!  Haha jokelang!  We worked with a recent convert that is preparing for a mission and it was so great to hear her testimony.  She is awesome!  Sunday was AMAZING!

We really tried to extend a lot of invitations this week to less active members and investigators too.  It is hard for one to act on their faith without the invitation to do so.  This Sunday it was great to see new and old faces at church.  The first Sunday we had 43 people attend church and yesterday there was 73.  It really helped strengthen my testimony about extending the invitation and acting on our faith.  I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and His beautiful plan he has for each of His children.  I am grateful that it is never too late for us to come unto Him.  His arms are always extended.  His love is always there.

I've been reminded and comforted this week

by the hymn,

 

 

"Come Unto Jesus"

Come unto Jesus, ye heavy laden,
Careworn and fainting, by sin oppressed.
He'll safely guide you unto that haven
Where all who trust him may rest.

 

Come unto Jesus; He'll ever heed you,
Though in the darkness you've gone astray.
His love will find you and gently lead you
From darkest night into day.

 

Come unto Jesus; He'll surely hear you,
If you in meekness plead for his love.
Oh, know you not that angels are near you
From brightest mansions above?

 

Come unto Jesus from ev'ry nation,
From ev'ry land and isle of the sea.
Unto the high and lowly in station,
Ever he calls, "Come to me."

 

Matthew 11:28-30

28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

2 Nephi 26:33

33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

 

Love you!

Sister Jenkins

 

My heart is about to burst...
LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweet little girl
and our sister missionaries!

This was dinner for a Filipino family...crickets & frogs!

 

Kind of a hilarious yet morbid picture of me. 
A less active member we were visiting owns a
funeral home and she was so nice and insisted
we take this photo.  FILIPINO HUMOR!!!

 

 

"Be not afraid...only BELIEVE"....

Hellooooo!

This week was good!  I LOVE sister Montenegro and our super cool Kabahi's Sister Miller & Sister Bonediano.  Monday we had FHE (family home evening) with some members and investigators.  After we tried balut ....not going to lie, probably the grossest thing I have ever eaten, but it was pretty hilarious!  Tuesday, we had a great district meeting!  And learned about how to better recognize the Holy Ghost in our lives. Which is so important for us to recognize the promptings Father gives us through the spirit.  We went to our far area with our branch president and his beautiful wife on Wednesday.  It's about an hour from Baguio, it is beautiful.  Friday we went to new missionary training and it was great.  We learned about KFC..."Keep Father's Commandments"...and, we also feasted on KFC so it was pretty great.  Towards the end of the week, I lost my voice but I was so proud and impressed with Sister Montenegro for opening her mouth and teaching (sa tagalog) when I could not.  My favorite quote of the week comes from "The Mortal Christ" talk given by Jack R. Christianson (look it up)....

"Be not afraid...only Believe.

To those whom God calls, He qualifies...."

 

"The Mortal Christ"

Popular speaker Jack R. Christianson is back

with his warm stories, personal experiences,

and inspiring insights that will bring you closer to the Savior.

Drawing on examples and teachings of Christ's

mortal ministry, brother Christianson explains

the importance of getting to know Him.

He teaches that we, like Christ,

should seek to please the Father,

help others live, and follow

the promptings of the still, small voice.

The Mortal Christ will motivate and inspire you

to strengthen your relationship with Deity,

and help you to enjoy the blessings of the gospel more fully.

 

I LOVE YOU!

Sister Jenkins

 

 

A Filipino delicacy, balut, is a culinary fascination a

round the world.  18-day-old fertilized duck egg!