Spontaneous Russia

Spontaneous \Spon*ta"ne*ous\,
a. [L. spontaneus, fr. sponte of free will, voluntarily.]
1. Proceding from natural feeling, temperament, or disposition, without constraint;
2. Proceeding from, or acting by, internal impulse, energy, without external force; as, spontaneous motion;


I have decided to be spontaneous. I purchased a ticket last night and if my VISA comes in time I will be heading to Russia on December 26. I will visit Moscow and St. Petersburg for 2 weeks. I told an old Bishop from my mission that I was going on a spontaneous trip and wouldn't be in UT when they came to visit. He asked where I was going and I said, "Russia." He said, "Russia!? ... A trip to Russia is not spontaneous. You want spontaneous go to Le Baeu's. That is spontaneous." LOL. We love Bishop Stewart and I am sad I will miss him and his family. However, I hear now is a good time to go because the Russians hate for American's is supposedly supposed to get worse. (I am going to try and look Russian.)

Anyways, just wanted to let everyone in on the excitement - let's hope my VISA comes by Tues. or Wednesday at the latest because Friday morning I am boarding a plane to Moscow!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




A little bit of what I am going to see in Moscow & Saint Petersburg:

The Kremlin and Red Square (1156 - 1850) Moscow, RussiaBuilt as a residence for Ivan I, the Kremlin was the official residence of the Czars until the 1917 Russian Revolution. Today, it still houses the President’s office. In front of the Kremlin is Red Square – an impressive and exuberant plaza which, for many people, is associated with the infamous May Day demonstrations. Rising from the square is St Basil's Cathedral, built in the 1550s to commemorate Ivan the Terrible's capture of the Mongol stronghold of Kazan.

The Christmas Spirit - Truly lasts all year long

I absolute love everyone in my life! They amaze me and teach me every day. Here are some examples:

I came home from Africa and when people would ask about the trip, I would tell them all about it! I love those kids and I love talking about them. People would ask if it was a shock to see their living circumstances and I would without a moment of hesitation say, "yes!" I gave examples of what I saw being there and shared my feelings with them. They typically would nod and say, "yes. you have learned alot. we are truly so blessed." and then they walk away. BUT THEN there is that one person who doesn't stop thinking about what I have told them. That one person who can't get the kids off their minds. And they decide that they want to help. For me that one person has come as a few.

First of all, my aunt Christie. She asked about my trip and I told her about the place, the children, and the stories. One story I told her was about how while holding a little boy he fell asleep in my arms and soon enough wet his pants. I mentioned that they don't have underwear there and so it quickly went from his bum to my legs. I recieved a phone call from her shortly after telling her this story and she had decided that she wanted to do something to help. She asked me to come speak to her RS at an Enrichment activity and give a presentation on humanitarian work and my experience in Africa. In return all the women in her ward would bring one package of underwear for the children at the orphanage. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I gave the presentation and was touched that nearly all the women were crying. Their ward donated almost 300 pairs of underwear for the orphanage. Knowing that there were more than that my mom and Grandma decided they needed to step in. My Grandma made the decision to not buy so many gifts for each other this year and donate all money to underwear for Africa. Her and my mom raised another 300 pairs of underwear and earlier this month the underwear was presented to the children at the orphanage. Each child now has ONE PAIR of underwear... and are so thankful for that. Imagine if we had only one pair?

I have since recived letters from workers in Uganda who are so thankful for the underwear. Their joy makes me so happy and I can't wait to let those who partipated know the impact their contribution made. The one pair of underwear each child recieved is going to improve sanitation at the orpahange by leaps and bounds... imagine! It's so exciting!

NEXT... My neighbors are amazing people. After telling them of my experience they called me and said, "We want to do something." They told me their idea and read me a poem. I couldn't help but cry because I thought of the truth of it as I heard it and the children't faces and small bodies. This is the poem written by Craig Adams:

"Hyde Park is such a special place to live and be a part,

Each person we have known here holds a place within our heart.

All our children go to school, we have enough to eat,

We have a home in which to live, our lives are so complete.

As we thought of how rich we're blessed, there grew a great desire,

To do something for someone else whose circumstance is more dire.

Jenny Jarrett spent time in Africa and is going there again.

Her stories and pictures touched us deep; with poverty we're not akin.

The stories of kids who have no clothes or even underwear,

We can't see all we now have and pretend not to care.

There are those who don't have the funds to simply go to school,

We hope that maybe just for one, our excess could be a tool.

So for our neighbor gift this year, we hope you'll understand,

We're giving what we'd spend on you to lend a helping hand.

Know that we sure love you and appreciate all you do.

We send a Merry Christmas from our families to you!

And as you read this silly poem, we hope it warms your heart,

Because in our small contribution, you too have been a part."

This is a Christmas story that I know will touch the children in Africa and will make a difference in their lives. I know my life has been blessed by the people I am surrounded by and by the things they do to teach me each day. I am grateful that we are blessed to have the spirit of Christ in our lives all througout the year!

Once the children are done with 6th grade they are done with school at the orphanage. Many are then out on the street. Secondary school (what we know as high school) is $300 a semester and raising that much money is almost impossible for many there. I do hope that small contributions of many will bless the lives of these children. If they go to secondary schools their lives can change so much and more opportunities will suddenly become available to them. They are some of the most loving, precious, eager children you could ever meet. I love them and miss them and can't wait to see them again. I just wanted to share with you my love for everyone and how grateful I am for those who love unconditionally and without question want to help those they have never met!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

Lubbock, Texas

On November 19, 2006...

I gave my homecoming speech in church. I was officially home from my mission as of November 17 and that means I have been home from my mission for 2 years!!! Ack! Can you believe it!? It's gone by fast but I still look back every single day and wish that I could be a missionary again! Life is good and I do love it. It is good to be home around family & friends and have the opportunity to date and go to school and work and have new experiences but there is just something special about missions and I miss it SO MUCH! I miss teaching the gospel and focusing on others all day ever day and I miss the AMAZING people that I got to meet and spend time with. I try my hardest to still be a missionary every day and I do have a few amazing stories to tell with that, but this post isn't about me... This post is about my younger sister Allison...

On November 19, 2008...

Alli got her mission call!!!! She got called to the Lubbock, TX mission and she leaves January 21, 2009!!! I am so excited for her to go and I know that she will be a great missionary and that it will be an amazing experience for her. But at the same time last night I was hanging out with my friends and I said, "I can't wait for two years to pass..." they asked why and I said, "because that means my little sister will be home from her mission!" They laughed and were like, "Oh geez Jen she hasn't even left yet..." but it's gonna be hard to be the one left at home this time! I love Alli and I hope her all the best!!!!!! She is gonna be an awesome missionary and I can hardly wait to hear her stories!!! CONGRATS SISTAH!!!!!She was SO EXCITED! She was like, "Oh! Oh my gosh! YAY!!!!" (I think she would have been

like that with where ever she got called. lol)

Grinning Away!
Alisha, Allison, Annika, and myself. Me and Annika don't have make-up on... but I still thought it was a cute pic! ;)

Presidential Campaign 2008

I got this sticker Thursday after I early voted!!! Woot Woot!!! I actually kinda enjoy elections because I enjoy learning what the different candidate's stand for and being able to take part in voting for the things I believe in. Either way I hope that whatever happens is best for America. I have heard "the lesser of two evils" a lot during this campaign and I know that neither candidate is probably anyone's ideal candidate, but I hope that everyone is willing to try to make a difference... just get on out there and vote! Whoop Whoop!

Oh and don't forget if you don't vote, you can't complain! :)

I'm an Intern!!!!!

Things have fallen into place and I have been so blessed to be able to get an internship position with a travel magazine!!! I am so excited. My friend Nolan and I were sitting in class going through his e-mail (making good use of our time) and he had gotten e-mails regarding internships for the journalism major. He asked if I wanted any and I was like, "Nah.." because most of them were out of Logan and I still have to finish up one more semester. Well we saw one needing an editor for a travel magazine here in Logan, UT!!! I was like, "Why don't you send me that one?!" I forgot about it and a couple weeks later (last week) e-mailed the guy and asked if the position was still available. He said he asked me to send him some a cover letter, resume, and two articles I had written. Then he responded asking me if I was available for an interview on Saturday. (You betcha!) So I was the first interview of the day, and very nervous. I went after the homecoming parade and that morning had woken up with a migraine coming on that reached it's high point during the interview. But, I did think that the interview went really good; however, he did act concerned that A) I wasn't a journalism major and he didn't know how this would benefit me and B) that I was graduating in one semester and didn't know where I would be. Well editing and designing layout fits perfectly into the technical writing major (let's be honest, like everything fits into our major if it has to do with words) and so he contacted me yesterday asked me to look into getting credits for the internship and today told me I got the position. So soon my name will appear in a magazine under the words, "Editor"!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!! I am so excited. I feel like it is such a blessing and that everything worked out so perfectly. Yay! I am so happy!

There was a wedding!!!!

Since I told Virginia folk that I would post some pics of Sister Karren's wedding... here they are! It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect!! They did some fun stuff that I didn't really ever think of before but her diamond is a circle set in square shaped white gold. The circle inside the square I learned symbolizes eternity. I thought that was neat. He has the same symbol engraven upon his ring. :) Here are some pics!

Mission buddies for life! Sister Alison Lord (my MTC companion and Sister Karren's old companion), Sister Karren, and me... Sister Jarrett :)

My little niece who came to visit me, awe... love her!

USU HoMeCoMiNg PaRaDe 2008

My senior year and I was FINALLY in the USU homecoming parade! Whoop Whoop! I bought a road bike last December because I decided I wanted to start cycling. My friend Gwen purchased one also but shortly after sold it to go to nail school. (blah!) So I have had to ride by myself. I met this kid though who is on the USU cycling team and he called me to help out with the float and ride in the parade. I was like, "For sure!" I got to meet other cyclists so now that I actually know other people, I want to get more involved in this. Whoop Whoop!These are my wonderful friends who after getting no sleep the night before (throwing the HiP HoPpIN HalLoWeen BaSH) came to support me in me spandex. lol, perfect.

HiP HoPpIN HaLLoWeEn BaSh

Kjersten, Amanda, and I decided to throw a Halloween party this year and it was INCREDIBLY amazing! We had a nice turn out and people said that it was the most fun they have had in a long time. They even told people how much fun it was after they had left. LOL. Whoop Whoop. We should be professional party throwers. ;)

In this picture we switched roles and acted like each other. Kj decided to pretend to be me and pray, I am trying to be seductive like she is, and Linds & Mand are just being each other as dumb blonde's. Haha. Nice to know what we really think of each other right!?

Biking Again

Last week I started biking again. Well I had been on one really short ride prior to this one but I almost wrecked on my bad leg so I stayed away for a while deciding I'd heal a little longer. This ride was fun though, my friend Bethany and I tried to follow the Latoja trail and biked out to Newton and back. Still not very long but my ankle was getting shocks sent through it every time I would push down on the petal. After a while of not riding like this I decided we should turn around although I did not want to. I felt fine, it was just the ankle. Shoot. This is where stationary bikes come in handy because I said, "I will ride as far as I can until it hurts," but then it starts to hurt, I go a mile farther hoping it will get better, it doesn't and then I have to bike the rest of the way with it paining me. LOL. No bueno. Oh well, it was so fun and so nice to get out and be doing things again!
Apparently my ankle is still "unusually swollen" (I am told) so the Doctor and my physical therapist gave me a pair of socks that are supposed to help the swelling go down. This is how hott my legs looked on the ride with my special sock on. LOL.

Annika, Jen, & Dusty

I began baby-sitting my niece Annika when she was around 3 months old. I figured there was no time to waste and I began teaching her how to say, "Jen." Repeating it over and over. For some reason, she didn't catch on. However, when she would come to visit at Grandma & Grandpa's house she sure caught on and learned how to say, "Dusty's" name. Dusty is our family dog. What is harder, "Jen" for which I even told her she could say, "En" or "Dusty." Whatever. =^) Annika loves loves loves Dusty. When they pull up to our house she begins saying his name and when she looks at books with dogs, she says his name.

We went to Lagoon a couple weeks ago and I went on the Merry-Go-Round with Annika & Alisha. Annika rode a dog like Dusty (he is a yellow lab). I think that she had lots of fun. She was trying to take it all in more than she was just enjoying it. But she did smile and show that she was liking it. At one point though she grabbed onto Alisha's hair all scared like. I thought that she was going to jump off the dog. lol. Lots of fun. Good times, good times.

the Wind Caves

Thursday night at like 2 AM my mission roommate flew in from Seattle, Washington and came to Logan to visit me. I was SO HAPPY that I had gotten my boot off on Tuesday and thought we should try to do something that I hadn't been able to do in a long time. So on my 4th day without the boot we went on a hike. To the Wind Caves. It is actually a really nice hike and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I loved all the changing colors of leaves. I felt like I could go up the hill forever and ever, it was so great. My ankle hurt a bit but not bad enough to stop. HOWEVER, the way down, that was another story. Man, it was like stinging. I did want to stop for a minute, I wouldn't have but I thought about it. Then I was like, "If I stop I will just be stuck on the mountain. I have to get down at some point!" LOL oh well. I was out and about and doing and there is no greater feeling in the world. It made me so grateful for all the things that we have to do in Logan. All the hiking trails, the mountains, places to fish & boat, bike & run & snow shoe and ski. Yeah. This is why I love Cache Valley. You really don't get that in many places. =^) Anyways Carly & I had lots of fun and afterwards we went to the hot tub and just lived it up! Next day.... SHOPPING!!!!
Oh ya... and this was dumb. We didn't think about taking water. We had gotten Jamba Juice's for lunch and it was supposed to quench the thirst on the hike... yea-right. Next time. I will remember. I've just been out of it for a while. ;^)

Bye Bye Boot!

Yee-ha!!! So monday I went to the doctor and guess what he said!? I am so good to go without my boot. The appointment was at 8 am and I didn't get home until the evening so I more or less started going without the boot Tuesday. I feel so good about myself. I feel almost normal. I can do nearly regular stuff now! ;^) At first it hurt A TON and I wanted my boot back, but I figured no pain, no gain. So I kept at it and now I am walking like a star. I only remember the limp when people mention it. Whoop whoop. So as a tribute to my boot - I am gonna miss it, but really, not that much! :)

Life - Nothin to it!

Well I really have no updates, but I have been instructed to update via Becky. =^) So here is the latest on my life...

I am now crutch-free!!! Whoop-whoop! The doctor told me to walk with 50% of my weight for basically a week and then to let go of my crutches and walk without them, full-weight bearing. Wow!!! I started walking without crutches a week ago today, school was in session and I have this thing with crossing the quad... I have to do it to get to classes... I have some good friends in my classes and they walked with me and they were like, "Jen! You look like you are in so much pain!... WOW! That looks so awkward... Ya, you look really stupid... At least you have the boot so people know why you are walking like that." LOL. Good times. It really did hurt so the rest of the day I used my crutches. In the mornings it would be really tender but bit by bit I have been able to walk on it more without problems. YAY!!!!

I am measuring my time like I'm pregnant... when I go back to the doctor to see if I can get my boot off it will have been 16 weeks! Whoa huh!? Nearly enough to be half-pregnant! Haha.

Oh so these first couple weeks of school have been MADNESS!!! I haven't been able to do anything fun! I would wake up at 6:00, go to school at 6:30, have class straight through until 1:30 or 2:30, 2 days a week have physical therapy, come home straight after and start during research for a company in Boston. I finished the research today and I am SO HAPPY!!! It was really tough! I was researching conferencing services in Latin America and since I don't speak spanish, there were quite a few barriers and the research often hit a dead end. It was a good learning experience. I learned that I will stick to editing and writing. (Or researching in English might be good... I just didn't feel like it ended up as good as I wanted it to...)

I am moving out this Wed. and I am so excited! Not because I don't like living with my family but because it is all about being social! I am switching ward boundaries and a couple weeks ago the Bishop asked me to stay in as Relief Society president for the year. I said that I would do whatever he felt like I needed to do. I was really worried about this because I was going to be living out of the ward boundaries and I have always gone to the ward that I live in the boundaries of. I didn't know what to tell the bishop and although I don't often get stressed... I was worried! It was such a simple thing too I probably didn't need to worry, but I did. So I prayed and prayed and asked my dad for a blessing and just tried to figure out what to do. On sunday morning the Bishop called me to come in and meet with him. My initial thought was, "Oh, I hope he has felt the spirit prompt him that I shouldn't be president anymore..." but I started getting together all the other information he would be asking for. Well I went into the meeting and he sat back in his chair and just sat in silence. I was like, "Is this good!?" He said, "It depends on what you think is good..." I was like, "Well... Let's hear it." He said, "We have fasted and prayed and have felt that we need to call a new RS President this year." I was like, (all smiles) "Really!? Well that actually works out perfect because I am moving and was going to be going to a different ward..." and I just started talking about a mile a minute. I am so so so thankful that Heavenly Father knows us and knows our hearts desires. I was completely willing to continue serving but I wanted to go to the ward that I lived in so as I left I couldn't help but think, "What a testimony builder that Heavenly Father answers our prayers." Like exactly what I wanted & had been praying for - for the spirit to tell the Bishop to call someone new! Haha! I know it doesn't always happen like that but it must've been a righteous desire! I have loved the calling though, I loved all the girls that I got to serve and I am going to miss it for sure. But I feel like moving on is what I need to be doing in my life. I really am thankful that Heavenly Father trusted me to serve and I know I needed it more than I was needed but now that chapter is closed I suppose. I will let you know how the new ward goes...The first presidency I served with: Brianna Harris, Danielle Cutler, Jenni Bingham, and me!

The second presidency I served with: Me, Abby Moser, Mandy Bowman, and Wendi Rock

Update on my favorite foot

Well it has been about 11 weeks since I broke my foot. For 77 days now I have been unable to put any pressure or weight on it. I look at it and I think it looks nearly better. I am ready to walk. The doctor's say otherwise. It is still pretty much permanant purple/blue. At times it looks like it is a dead person's foot... this is when Alli flips out. Nobody really likes looking at it, except me of course. I am enjoying seeing it improve. And I thought I'd post my progress. :) Because i am still bed ridden and have nothing else to report on... this is it. Enjoy!

Which leg is the broken leg!? Haha.

If I were African... For my friends in Uganda

These pictures are for all my friends in Uganda who wanted me to try my dress on for them there... I finally put it on!

If I were African, this is what I would look like... Except maybe I would be a little darker. ;^) I was trying to get the outfit NOT the crutches in the picture. Did it work!?

This is what I do when I am supposed to be on bed rest. LOL. I was asked to do a fireside when I was in Africa and I had to push it back after I broke my leg and found out I had bed rest and then when bed rest got extended even longer we couldn't push it back any further. So I did a fireside with my foot up the entire time, NOT MOVING! Lame. Oh well. I think it went pretty well. I decided to dress up in my outfit from Uganda because if I was getting off the couch/bed I was making it worthwhile! ;^)

Jordan was three feet away ready to catch me if I fell. This is what I would really look like! Fun right!?

Help... Hair Color

I have been trying to decide if I should go brown... So I wondered if you would vote and tell me what you think!

These were the only pictures I could find so I hope they give a good idea of what I would look like with either!

THANKS!