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| Elder Ben Jennings and Hermana Kristen West at the MTC in Provo |
Well, I'm not really sure how to start. When my mission president told me the news about Ben I was definitely shocked. He was able to tell me in person because he was already on the way to a baptism in one of the English wards here. He called me and asked if he could meet us at the church at 7:30 (It was about 6:45). I immediately had this feeling of worry. When we got there he pulled me into a room and told me the news; that the cousin who was in the MTC with me and serving in Chile had died earlier that day and they don't know why. I was shocked and confused. My thoughts then immediately went to the Jennings family and how hard this must be for them. Afterwards we stayed for the baptism and I was trying to wrap my brain around what happened. It was going back and forth from memories, to his family, to everyone else, to wondering what happened, but one thing that I realized then was that I really have no doubts about where he is right now and the plan of salvation. That he will probably just keep on doing missionary work like he was doing before just in a different place. After the baptism, which was really nice, we went back to the apartment. While I was talking to my companion about everything it clicked what day it was and that it was the anniversary of Stewart's death (I'm still not sure what to make of that). I didn't really sleep well that night. On sunday I was pretty distracted, though at the same time happy that 9 people that we're teaching/ about to teach came to church. I knew that I wanted to keep going strong in the missionary work here. It was a little bit hard being so far away from everyone and feeling a little bit in the dark about whats going on/how everyones doing. On Monday I decided it would probably be a good time to get a blessing so I asked the Elders at District meeting. They were acting pretty awkward about it like they didn't know what to say to me and didn't really ask questions about it but I think it really helped. Hermana Frandsen has also been really supportive and helpful.
Overall I think I'm still a bit shocked but comforted by the spirit and the knowledge that we have about God's plan for us. I feel privileged to have been able to known Ben as a missionary at least a little bit during our time at the MTC. If there was no other reason for me entering my mission earlier that would be enough. I could really sense his dedication and excitement for the work even just in the few moments I had to talk with him. I have always been impressed with what a genuinely good person he was. My heart aches for the Jennings family - wish I could be there to give them all a big hug or something. They've been in my prayers.
Yesterday we had a lesson with the Familia Lara where we talked about baptism. We went in with the mindset to set them for the 11 of June. During the lesson the spirit was really strong and when Hermana Frandsen gave them the baptismal invitation the 2 teenage daughters, (Daisy and Stella) who have been coming to church, were both nodding in agreement with sweet little smiles on their faces. Maria, their mom, is feeling some doubts for herself but she said she would pray about it. We asked them if they would prepare for June 11 and they said yes! We then added "with the permission of your parents of course". Both girls then turned to their mother in unison with the biggest puppy dog eyes. She said its fine. They are both really excited and we're excited for them too. We're going to keep praying for and working with the rest of the family as well.
I know that the Gospel is true! Christ really did suffer for us so that we can be clean and so he could make God's plan of happiness possible for us. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God as well as the Bible, and that this church is God's restored church in these days. I hope that everyones doing well back there
Love,
Hermana West
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