Mon. 12-1-08 The one with Yay Pepe! Seth is a funny kid.

Hello family!!
What is going on in the good old USA? Well first off Thanksgiving was OK in Honduran style. Chicken and tortillas woo-hoo. No it was fun hanging out with the gringos and to speak English with them. I love P. day because its a time to prepare and talk English with the other elders. The word in the mission is their not going to send any more Americans to Honduras. So I'll probably have a native comp my whole mission. Which I'm kind of disappointed but oh well all will work out. Dad who baptized John the Baptist?

Lets see what else... oh its political season here and its very interesting. We were contacting and my comp just walks in this house and there's like 100 plus people who are waving flags and having a rally for their preference of President whose name is Pepe. So I walk in this big room and it goes silent because they're like what the crap is a gringo doing here? So I look around like oh crap. So I see a Pepe poster I'm like OK they like this guy. So I raise my fist and say yeaaaahhhhhhh Pepe! And got them fired up again, kind of encouraged them then snuck out! It was a split second decision. It was really funny I was laughing so hard when I got down the street.
Lets see, we have this investigator named Diana and she will get baptized on the 20 of this month. And Roverto and Fidelina hopefully. But its a part of the mission the joy frustration sadness everything. But what else. Oh the other day our bishop was just giving us crap saying all this random stuff. He's the biggest hypocrite and does not do a thing. Or the relief society Pres. But its all good one more month and I'll be in a different area. But yeah things are going good I'm alive and working and studying always. The other day this member wanted me to dedicate their home. But she was like I want you to do it in English. I said OK sounds good, but man it was really hard to pray in English! Spanish words kept coming out and so I guess that's a good sign.
How are the sisters? I love them so much. Did Rory quit his job? What happened? Well tell the whole fam and friends I love them.
Elder Jenkins

Pictures with MTC amigos 12-1-08 Pecachu

Sons of Helaman field trip to the statue Pecachu, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The statue of Picachu is a landmark in Tegus and a great point of reference as you can see it from just about anywhere in the city. It's a giant statue of Christ overlooking the city. (Added by Jamey)
Group shot with Seth's mission President. The short gentleman in the middle back row, and buds from the MTC.

Mon. November 17th Service Project

Well hello family whats up?
Well things are going great and this week was a better week. Mom happy early birthday because I wont get to write on your birthday. I hope you have an awesome birthday. Dad whats up how are you doing? I miss hunting and sports so much. Slaughter the quail for me.

Well this week we have been teaching this girl named Cindy she's a golden contact just is perfect in doing what we say and she reads what we give her its awesome. She will probably be baptized soon. Well mom how is school going I hope its going great. That stinks the tortilla holder broke I sent you. Mom and Dad keep putting money in my account please so I can send some cool stuff. And also eat. The mission does not give enough money like 150 a month. Well does our new President make everyone pledge allegiance to Allah?

Oh it was cool we did a big service project in loading a whole bunch of food from the church into big army trucks. But I doubt it goes to the members and the hungry. It's probably going to the Honduras military. But I hope it gets to the people who need it. Lets see oh for today I'm going to this thing they call the sons of Helaman its an activity for all of the new missionaries who have been in Honduras for 2 months. So I'm going to Picachu the big Jesus statue so I'll get some good pics. How is Brenna doing is she feeling better? Jamey whats up? Sari can't wait to swim in your pool. The other day I went on splits with Elder Oscal, it was cool we taught alot and for some reason my spanish was a lot better with him when I taught. But I've ran into other gringos and will talk to them in english but spanish keeps coming out when I try to talk in English. But I guess that's a good sign. I'm really trying on the language. Oh mom I could barely handle this mountain. So I don't know its a lot of hiking in jungle. I still haven't seen a monkey or jaguar so I'm kinda mad. hopefully I will see one if they send me to the south. Well I love you family mom and dad thank you for raising me right. I will get to talk to you during Christmas time.
Take care and I will write soon. I love you all tell Layne the twins, Justin ,Mike and everyone whats up and I'm praying for em.
Elder Seth William Jenkins

Monday Nov. 24th 2008

Hey family, what is up?
Well things are going good here in Honduras we have 3 baptisms for December 6 so that's cool. First off tell Layne I'm praying for him. I know California is hard. Yeah that's one thing people don't tell you is a mission is hard. But you just have to keep going.

Well my visit to Pecacho was cool. (aka big Jesus statue.) I forgot my camera but I'll return later sometime today and find a computer to send you the pictures. How was your birthday mom did you have fun? I hope you had a good birthday. Political season here is way interesting I don't know what will go down. But the church is good at protecting the missionaries. But when the USA plays Honduras in soccer and beats em, in the future I doubt the church will let us out of our apartments. They love soccer down here and would probably kill people over a game of soccer. I hope Jesus comes soon and fixes all the problems both here and in the USA.

Roverto y Fidelina should get baptized the 6th so that is cool. I'm happy that the worm people we just have been trying to get their marriage papers. It is a big problem down here. I went on splits with Elder Foster and it was sweet. We got into allot of houses because the people were like "2 gringos oh come in." So we taught allot. And it was nice to talk in English with him. I'm ready for a different area but I know I have one more change in la Honduras. That's the neighborhood name. Its on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa. I'm starting to get used to the mission routine. So I'm thankful for that.
We cant hitch hike anymore so that stinks. Its allot quicker to hitch hike than take the bus. And they said no coke. But I'm a rebel I drink one once in awhile to kill the worms.

That was sad news the Y lost to the U. and Texas Tech as well. So I guess I call the cabin for Christmas? Tell the twins, Layne and Justin I love them I'm thankful for their example and their service. I'm always studying Spanish as much as I can I want to be really fluent. I'm always reading Spanish books and listen to talks on my ipod in Espanol.

I love you all and I'm thankful for your love and prayers. Tell everyone hi. Oh is Brenna feeling better? Tell sari I love her. And Jamey also. I have some beautiful sisters.
Keep the faith everyone we live in the last days.
Elder Seth William Jenkins

Email from Monday November 10 2008

Well how are things back in the United States?
I heard we have a terrorist Muslim in the white house. He won't last long hopefully he'll get impeached.
Well lets see stories... OK I'm in the bathroom at church taking a pee when all of a sudden a sister just walks behind me and says "hey elder" and just walks out. I have no idea why she was using the guys bathroom but it was definitely a shock. But that was kind of funny.

This week we have been contacting allot since we baptised our investigators so that's all we've basically been doing this week. Really I have no idea what I'm doing 90 percent of the time but I know it's right and I have to keep going forward even when its hard. The language is moving along day by day and I'm thankful I'm starting to understand the full conversations but still have problems when they bust out in the really fast mode. So it will probably take me 5 months to really be comfortable.

How are things in Carlsbad? I hope all is well. Well I got in my first really good bible bash with a JW it was awesome! I read a scripture to him that said God and Christ are separate individuals and it was awesome man JW's are weird.
Lets see you know that mountain I keep telling you all about that I climb? Well we climbed to the very top and contacted and placed Book of Mormons there it was a really good work out. Its amazing how they live on cliffs. Oh and its funny little kids will come up and just touch me and run away because they have never seen a white person before. Its kind of like truth or dare for the little kids to go touch the gringo.
P day is my favorite day of the week, because we get to eat American food. I did not have the runs that much this week which I'm so thankful. Mom supposedly they have a Distribution Center here so if I need g's I can go there. Tell Brenna I love here and I hope she gets better. Man it sucks being sick.

Well I'm still in la Honduras and the work is moving along. The members really don't show up until after sacrament, and its kind of like what's the point of church? And the bishop shows up late every Sunday to open up the church. Oh the life of the mission. Well I love you Jamey and Sari and hope all is well with y'all. I need Sari's new address. Well I love you all so much thank you for your prayers they help me. Keep sending dear elders. Tell the twins Layne, Justin whats up for me. Oh I wonder how Tommy is doing. Tell him that I think Peru people are weird because my comp does weird Peru stuff like claps with his feet when he laughs really hard and eats not cooked meat.

Love you all checke nos vemos.
Elder Seth William Jenkins

Monday, November 3, 2008

Hey mom and dad and the family,
How are things in the united states? I'm not going to lie I'm scared for our country but we just have to keep living righteous lives and god will help us. Well things are going good here in Honduras. We baptised the familia Gonzales and it was awesome there names are Jennifer Stephanie and Kevin. It was a really spiritual experience. That was definitely the highlight of the week. Lets see transfers are the 4 th of this week but I believe I'll still be with elder Celino. We found a new cleaning lady and cook and she does a good job so I'm happy about that. Sari i saw the pics of your house and its masizo. Also I did receive a Halloween package it takes like 20 days for mail to get here. I sent you a pottery tortilla holder its sweet. Hand painted mom and dad. Brenna whats up sis hows your fam doing? Jamey how's your family doing?

It was also a good week because I pooped solid I was so happy! And also I met this girl and we are going to move to Belize. So it will be cool. Just kidding family I wouldn't do that. But the language is coming along and I learned this week that its critical to always have the spirit to speak and understand the language.
What's going on back home? Mom don't send pillow cases they don't use pillows for some reason here in my area anyways. Maybe soap or something would be better. It is hard on a mission but you just have to learn and deal with it and carry on fighting for the righteous. I learned its God's message they are rejecting and not me I feel allot better knowing that. Things are different here. Political stuff is going on here also and the word is they are not going to send in as many gringos as they used too. That's the word of the elders. Only one is gringo is coming in this change.
How are the elders from Carlsbad doing? I hope all is well. Well I hope the temple gets built I miss the temple so much. And it makes me mad when people do not want to take advantage of it here. When even the church pays for them to go to Guatemala. Well the work is moving forward and the Spanish is moving along well. Its just critical to have the spirit. How are the businesses doing back home? I hope they are doing well. Tell aunt Sissy I got her family's letter and thank you. Tell Ben to keep doing his best in his sport. Tell Megan and Johnny hope all is well with the adoption. Tell Rory and Harm I love them and can't wait to see his dog when I get back. I can't wait to ride in his cop car.

Mom and dad I love you so much. I love my family so much you are all my example. Thank you for raising me right in the gospel. You see things different when you are on a mission. I pray for you all and my family and friends all the time. Can't wait to show you around Honduras when you come mom and dad. Its cool but a big culture shock.
Love you.
Elder Seth William Jenkins

Pictures Oct. 27, 2008

First attempt at being robbed...October 27, 2008

Well things are going great in Honduras. But this week was a tough week. What makes it tough is the climate and the mountain. But its all worth it because we have 5 baptisms lined up for November first. So it was worth all the hard work.

Lets see we visited Valley of Angels and it was cool. I'll have to take you there when you pick me up despues me mission. It was cool on the way back. Rain washed out the road it was sweet I'm sending pictures. It made a cave under the road. So we had to get out of the bus and hike and the bus had to take a different direction to pick us up. So that was cool.

Oh and I had my first experience of some one trying to rob me and my comp. It was funny. This guy was like "hey come here," so me and my comp go to talk to him. Then I start talking with him and he's like, "give me your money." This guy was pretty wasted and I said no. Then I just kept talking to him. Then he takes out this knife but the funny part was it was a knife with a curved end and not even a real knife. Then my comp and I just joke around with him and just left. I really wanted to hit him for just being a stupid idiot. But its all good. That was an interesting experience.

Lets see I think we are going to play soccer today. They really like soccer down here. Mom send more shirts please, and socks. Gracias. But let's see what else went on... oh its sad there were 12 people in church when it was supposed to start at 8. It's embarrassing when you have investigators and there's not very many people. But the rest of the 100 and something show up like 20 minutes late. That's a good day. I think the temple is being postponed because of this until the members get on the ball. The blessings that come from the temple are awesome and I want them to experience it but they must act first.

There's this Elder named Elder Foster. He and I get along really well and he's a good athlete so its good to have some competition. Oh this week I had bad diarrhea really bad. We were walking and I told Elder Celino I need a bathroom in Spanish. And we were way the heck out in a different part of our area. I was like I need a taxi to get to the apartment. I cant walk. He said, its your money. I said I'll spend the 1 dollar for a stupid taxi. So we found one and I was able to take care of business.

We did service at some old guy's building a garage so we helped dig out a bunch of dirt. Well I love you all so much. Thank you for your prayers tell the twins, Layne, Justin I love em and the family. Is Joseph working on his papeles?
I'm still fighting for the good.
Your son,
Elder Seth William Jenkins

October 20th Letter Home

Hey family mom and dad.
Well I'm still alive and Spanish is coming along. I just have to puzzle it together sometime to figure out what they are saying. Well i had my first baptism on Saturday it was freaking cool. His name is Daniel hes 11 and is always excited to go to church and hear the gospel. The difficult thing in the baptism is remembering the name because they have like 10 names down here but the rest is cake. So that was a cool experience.

It was cool last night we were teaching this family whose all members but the dad is inactive. And I don't know how i did it but i just started talking and it just flowed from my mouth. And i got across fluently what i wanted to say. It was cool I know Heavenly Father helped me because afterwards I was like wow how the heck did i do that? So that was a really neat experience. Oh mom and dad if you want to google earth my area its la Honduras in Tegucigalpa. Or my stake center is Kennedy. So you can look at that.
Today our whole district is going to this place called valley of angels. It’s like this tourist spot some where on a mountain. Well my area that I’m in is OK. It has a mountain so that sucks climbing it everyday in the rain. Dad send a good umbrella my other one is worn out. like a Columbia or something of good quality. Lets see I'm still kinda pooping runny but its getting better. Its nice we eat Wendy's or Popeye's chicken every p day. So that's cool. How are the twins and Layne and Justin doing? I hope all is well with them.
Its crazy as a missionary you see things alot differently than i ever have before in my life. Some days just plain suck and are hard but when you find someone who is willing to listen and who’s interested it’s all worth it. The mission is hard. you don't hear about that when people are telling stories or in the MTC. But I guess I'm being molded into what God wants me to be. How is Megan M. doing? I hope the adoption is going smooth for them. Brenna Jamey Sari I love you hope all is well with your families and life. Dad and mom feel free to edit whatever you think is appropriate in this letter. Did dad vote for McCain for me? I hope Obama does not win. Then definitely our country will crumble.

I love you all so much. This parting will be only for a short time.
Your son and brother and friend.
Elder Seth William Jenkins.

Pictures sent home October 20th, 2008

Email sent Monday October 13, 2008

Well I'm still alive! No Honduras isn't that bad mom! And yes I do carry pure water with me everywhere. I have more pictures but I forgot to bring the cable to connect to the computer.
Well our baptisms for that date did fall through, so that is frustrating but we do baptize this kid named Daniel on the 18. I hope it goes through. He is such a cool kid he’s 11 and is just really interested. Then we have the family Gonzales that we are going to baptize soon and Worm man and woman are going to get baptized the 1 of November because we are waiting for their marriage certificate. This is a big problem to get people married down here. But it's all good. We had 6 investigators at church yesterday it was so cool. I'm glad they came. I felt so happy that they came and found out that fasting really does help. It is really hard to fast in this place because its so HOT and humid but it was worth it.

Mom you thought the steps of hell at BYU were bad, come to Tegucigalpa! It's like outer darkness. Probably worse. But it's good I definitely get a leg workout every day. Oh and my district goes to the gym every morning except Monday and Sunday. It's pretty nice I only had to pay about 3 dollars and 50 cents for a month. I have a lady that cooks for us 1 meal a day. Her family is cool. And a lady does our laundry. But I'd rather have a washing machine.

Well lets see at the beginning of the week we went to this investigators house and it seems like he was interested he is 83 then we were like we’ll come back another day and teach some more. He said OK. So we go back and he's yelling at me "I hate gringos and blah blah" it was funny I just laughed and said "have a good day" and went and found more people. Then there was this little girl who came up to me and pinched me and told me the same thing! I'll let that slide with little kids but when an adult ever does that to me, Its not going to be pretty. But there are some of the coolest people here. They are really nice and accepting to listen. But it’s the same in all of the world there are good and bad people everywhere.

I just got a haircut and just buzzed it cause its so hot. the mission Pres. does not mind. He’s so cool. Pres Chaverri is such a good hard worker. My comp is a good hard worker and we do work our tails off every day. It’s nice to come back to the apartment and take a nice cold bucket shower. The family Gonzales is going to get baptized the 25 hopefully.
Oh when people ask me where I'm from I say Texas because no one knows where New Mexico is. So I just say Texas. ( Aunt Judy you were right about that.) How are things back in America? I hope things get better. I hope we get a good pres. Dad vote for McCain for me. Gracias. Sari your house you are looking at sounds maciszo. (Cool in Honduras.) Brenna how is your fam? Is daisy moving yet? Jamey how the heck are you doing? That's cool you get a temple.
Mom and Dad keep sending the money. I'm really conservative with it. The women in Honduras are crazy even in the church. Like weird. We are going to play soccer today for p day. Against another district. I even scored a couple goals. Which is hard cuz they are really good at soccer down here. And when the National team plays it's hard to work because no one will answer the door. So you just plan or read or something. And when Honduras scores you hear the whole country go goalllllllll!!! It's freaking sweet!

Tell Megan and Johnny I'm praying for them with this adoption process. And mom and everyone I don't know my house address so keep emailing and dear eldering. Tell Jordan Boswell he better go on a mission. I hope his season in b ball goes good. Is Joseph working on his papers? Please tell me what's up. Its so good to hear from my country and home. Well I love all of you so much! Thank you for your prayers for me they give me strength. Mom and Dad I love you. Thanks for raising me right.
Well I'll write soon.
Elder Seth William Jenkins

Letter/Email sent on Monday October 6, 2008

Well this was an interesting week. I'm continually learning about this weird culture. For example instead of pointing like we do in the states, they make like a kissing thing with their lips to point to what ever they are looking at. They also always just do weird stuff.

But anyways, my companion has been out for about 10 months. He's pretty cool he's from Lima Peru. So I'm forced to learn even more Spanish. So I figure that is good. Well the worm members that fed me worms in a drink are going to get baptized this month sometime. We had 3 more lined up for baptism but they did not show up to church so we have to postpone. Well lets see... It's crazy here in Honduras for example, I'll be in like a twig hut and somehow they manage to have a TV. It's crazy at least everyone has a TV.

Oh mom and dad find out about some contract that Honduras made with Cuba and Venezuela. Apparently it's for gas or something. But the president of Honduras is best friends with Mr Chavez of Cuba. The temple is still being postponed but when I talked to President he said they are working to get it built. How are things going back home? I have to sleep under a mosquito net. And sometimes there are lizards in our house that climb the wall. But we have a pretty nice little apartment. I hate cold showers with a bucket. So I'm going to go and buy one of those water wormers they sell here. Dad please keep putting money in my account. I calculated it out and were only getting like 150 dollars with the mission card. But my other card does work so that's good.

Oh they have Wendy's and Burger King I've already eaten there. Thank goodness for American food. I'm kinda starting to get over the diarrhea and all that so that's good. Its crazy like people will just stare at me cause they have never seen a gringo before its funny. Lets see what else my ward is OK like everyone shows up after sacrament. Hondurans kinda talk a lot and are always late. But I just have to deal with the Honduran weirdness.

It was cool for General Conference porque my other gringos in my district got our own room, so that was sweet to have all of the English Elders together. I think we are all going bowling today for P day. So that will be fun. Whats going on in America? Has Joseph started his papers yet? Are Derick and Devin still alive in Russia? I think Layne is doing good. Tell them I love them. How are all of the nieces and nephews doing? Are they getting bigger? Tell them I love them. It's funny here all of the buses are decked out or pimped out, they have rims and stuff.

Well I love you all. I'm still alive and doing fine. Thank you for your prayers. I love you mom and dad, and sisters, and the whole family. Thank you for your example for me.
Later Elder Jenkins

First letter and pictures sent home from Honduras

Well I'm in Honduras and first of I'm thankful that I'm an American. Honduras is an interesting place. my area that I'm in is call la Honduras its kinda in the outside of Tegucigalpa. my companions name is elder celino. he is a native and does not speak much English. But I'm teaching him English while he teaches me Spanish. Well I'm going to tell you one of my first experiences. i was teaching or trying to this one family who lives on a mountain. lets just say they live in sticks. The shed in the back yard is a mansion compared to what they live in. But anyways they ask me if i want lemonade and i say sure so they give it to me and it has a worm swimming around in it. i know gross yuck. so i was like let us pray then i took the worm out while we were praying and through it out and yes i drank the nastiest thing I've ever drunk in my life. But it was interesting. I have a pretty nice apartment it is clean and has tile. The people down here talk so fast its ridiculous how fast they talk. I do still get dear elders so if you want send them. my president is soo cool. He doesn't speak English but you can tell hes a really good person. Mom you though the steps of hell where bad in Utah. Come To Tegucigalpa this place is worse than outer darkness with so many stairs. Everywhere there is stairs. How are things going back in the states. I'm kinda home sick but oh well these 2 years will fly by. i anointed in a couple blessing already that was cool. Oh and i found a doughnut shop so that's good. its really hot and humid here. it really is crazy and this is the rainy season and when it rains you get wet. We invited a lot of people to church and they said they would come but none did. The bishop got mad but he can just shut the heck up. We need help from the members as well. Lets see my p day is on Monday. So at 7.50 am ill be on the computer so we can chat back and forth. its crazy some people are so poor you see them digging in the trash. The dogs are the nastiest looking things. and there is allot of drunk people that lay down in the street. Well what else i think we have 2 baptisms the 10 of October but we have to get them to church. my Spanish is growing but my head hurts everyday because they talk so fast its like they don't even breathe. it is very jungley here and i have to sleep under a mosquito net. and you shower with a bucket. so be thankful that you live in America. The people here are the craziest drivers i feel like I'm going to die when i get in a taxi. Well i love you all. Thanks for your prayers for me they do help me. i love you all Elder Seth William Jenkins.

9-17-08 Letter to Jamey & Matt

Hey, how's my family? I'm ready to go and learn and have a sweet time in Honduras. Tell the boys that when you go on a mission you have a mantle (light saber) that protects and guides you to teach people about Christ.

So Jamey, what's up my sista? How are you doing? Is Ridge talking more yet? I love you & look up to you. Matt I love you too even though I think you're crazy sometimes messing with snakes. :) Thank you for your example. Tell the boys I love them & want them to do their best at everything they can. I've had that John Denver song stuck in my head. (Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again)

Oh, I'm so PUMPED!!! I'm also nervous. That's expected it's all a part of the adventure. I can't wait to walk & track around instead of sitting for 12 hours. I'm working hard don't worry.

Anyways, love ya'll.
Amor y paz,
Tu' hermano
Elder Seth William Jenkins

Pictures sent home September 13th 2008

"May the true force be with our son!!"- Quote from Dad and Mom

Seth with Elder Johnston

Seth with Elder Neilson

Pictures sent home September 4th 2008

Don't worry all you ladies out there! This is our cute cousin Guin who works in the MTC, how neat is that?!!!!

Dad sent Seth some big boxes full of his necessities, Dr. Pepper and candy, he told me he was going to start selling his goodies, hes got that Jenkins entrepreneur blood running through those veins of his!:)

Seth departs for Honduras Sept 22nd, he can hardly wait! He said in his letter " I am so ready to head to Honduras! I want to find those people I promised to take the gospel!" Oh how we love that boy! What an amazing man he has turned into!

Pictures sent home Aug 16th 2008

Seth sent his memory card to us, and here are the latest.. An original Book of Mormon, his new companion Elder Finch, his district of 12 missionaries, Elders going to Honduras..

Letters to Seth

Dear Uncle Seth,
I love you and I hope you have a great time on your mission and I'm glad you are on your mission. Uncle Seth I hope you have a GREAT GREAT time on your mission and are safe.
I am starting Kindergarten next week. I am excited. I get to meet my teacher this week. I hope I have a great time at Kindergarten. Where do you brush your teeth? Where do you sleep? I love you SO much.
Dear Uncle Seth,
From,
Jay

Dear Uncle Seth,
Hi this is Asher. I am trying to go potty in the toilet. I am doing good most of the time. I want to show you my little treasure map. I love you.
I said a prayer for you last night.
Love,
Asher

Some pictures from Jamey's camera

A few family shots from the farewell

Notice the post-it notes on the microwave. Seth put these all over the house with the spanish name on it. Among those that made Seth's list of importance were the door, toilet, toilet paper, microwave, fridge and STEAK!

Enjoying a Dr. Pepper (I'm not condoning it, just sayin')

Seth, Jayden, & Joseph Jenkins

The original party starters: