Week 25: Sing Out Loud

This week was kind of weird...Hermana Diamond and I get along really well but we are kind of worried about our ward and area. We have a lot of work to do!! This Sunday we gave talks. When I was playing the opening hymn, there was probably 60 people there and I couldnt hear anyone singing. So when I was wrapping up my talk, I pulled out my hymn book and read to them the introduccion that talks about how music is a part of our worship. I encouraged them to sing and right after my talk, the second councilor was like "thank you Hermana Christensen, now we are going to sing "The Spirit of God" on our feet" I think everyone was a little surprised that I burned them but I am glad I said something because the spirit was really strong during the intermediate hymn. We have a lot of plans to improve the ward and sometimes it feels a little overwhelming to be living in South America by myself, to only be 19 and have to be an example of leadership, to have doors shut in my face and have drunk men try to marry me. But then I remember that with Heavenly Father, I can do pretty much anything. And I remember that we are all children of God and that he wants all of his children to have joy. I am grateful that having joy is one of our purposes on this earth. And that with Jesus Christ, we can have joy because he already experienced everything kind of crappy that we experience. And that he knows how it feels. I love Christmas time and even though cacti with lights is a little different, I know I am so happy to be here. I love you all and I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! :)

pictures: I bought a cool Peruvian bedspread, there is a strange crack in the wall that I decided to try and fit into and Hermana Diamond and I have a lot of fun on the streets of Tacna haha

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Photos from Arequipa

some pictures for the blog that rachel sent me. A week after this picture, Rachel and Angel got engaged!!! yay!!!

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 24: World Day of Service

This week was fun as I got some letters from the family reunion (In September?) and the package from my family. Shout out to Cares LeBaron for making me a sweet keychain and also to Aunt Mary and Nanny and Krista for the letters. Probably than reading about Atomic Sit ups (if you don´t know what this is, you can ask someone from my mom´s family if you really want to know)  was me trying to explain it to my companion in a mixture of sign language and Spanish and her not thinking it was funny. I guess the LeBaron sense of humor is a little different hahaha. 

This week was the world day of service. All the missionaries in our zone went to a cemetary to sweep (since it never rains and we live in a desert, sweeping is the eternal chore) it was really pretty and I love service projects and it was a nice change of pace. Also this week we had transfers. Hermana Baez se fue a Arequipa and Hermana Diamond is going to be my companion. President Johnson moved a ton of people around and no one was expecting such drastic changes but President is super awesome and inspired by the Lord. 

We have been working with a lady named Graciela. The other week she just showed up at church and we had a lesson with her and she came again this Sunday (and fasted) and is overall so golden. She has a baptismal date and I am super excited to keep learning from and working with her. The coolest part is that she has received so many little answers and promptings that have her prepared her. It is super awesome to know that God loves all of his children and wants all of them to return to live with him. And that Heavenly Father works through other people to touch our hearts sometimes. For this, we should always have charity and serve others. Because we might be the answer to someone´s prayers. I love you all and I hope you are having a happy holiday season. 

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 23: Thanksgiving 2016

Thanksgiving was 100% uneventful for me. For "Thanksgiving dinner" we ate salchicha with fried egg (its like hot dog but mushier). Our pensionista makes it a lot because my companion really likes it. It is pretty yummy. I think everyone forgot it was Thanksgiving. I celebrated by making a list of things I am grateful for in my journal and we tried to find apple pie but there was none. It made me super grateful for family and for the chance we have to reunite with our families and give thanks. 

This week we probably walked a million miles because we contacted a lot. Contacting is pretty much trying to let people know who we are and we try to share a little bit of what we believe in (usually by knocking on doors or going to parks or stopping people on the street) Hermana Baez and I had a goal to contact 20 people every day. The elders made fun of us because I guess they think its a lofty goal. But I am happy to say that we met our goal every single day this week. It makes me happy to meet new people and share with them a little bit of my testimony of Jesus Christ and the light that we have. We almost had a Bible Bash with a Jehovahs witness, a man told us that Moroni is reincarnated and living in India and also that he has direct contact with extraterrestials, and several people closed the door in our face. But it was fun. 

I read a scripture this morning in Alma 20:4 that says "I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things" I am glad that I have Heavenly Father on my "team" and that my parents and friends and family are all rooting for me. I can feel your love even though I am far away. Have a great week!

photos: mis amigas Janet and I forgot the name of her cousin, my hat that makes me look like a Jehovahs witness and also my thanksgiving dinner

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 22: My First Prayer

Today, I have 5 months in the misión. I am really excited to be here and to be working. This week we had a lesson with Yaritza. She is the life long friend of Briggitte, the daughter of our pensionista. Briggitte has always been a really good example to Yartitza and answered her questions about our Church. Yartitza finally made the decision to receive the lessons from us. It was kind of a lot of pressure to teach Yari the first lesson because I didnt want to mess anything up. We were planning on teaching the Plan of Salvation but as we were getting to know her more and asking her some questions, I felt we needed to teach the Restoration. As we taught, I could tell we were answering some of her questions. It wasnt the most spectacular lesson ever. But right as we were going to say the closing prayer, Mama Hilda walked in and shared a little testimony of the power of a faithful and sincere prayer. Yaritza said the prayer and it was the most sincere prayer I have ever Heard. As she finished, we all said "Amen" and she had tears streaming down her face and then we all started crying haha. The Spirit was so strong. She said "wow, my first prayer, I will never forget this moment" It was so amazing. Even though we arent perfect and we are for sure not perfect teachers, it was cool to see how the Holy Ghost testifies to people. As thanksgiving is this week, I am grateful for many things.

-my family. I miss you guys every day but I know that I am where I am supposed to be. I am grateful for the example of my parents and for the love of my sisters.

-Prayer. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to converse with our Father in Heaven. How lucky are we.

-The opportunity that I have to be in Peru and learn from these humble and hardworking people.

-All of the really nice emails that I get from everyone. They make my week always.

photos- Hermana Rufina is so awesome and always accompanies us. She kind of looks really grumpy in this picture haha. Hermana Baez and I eat a ton of watermelon. It is so delicious.

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 21: Cuadra

Hey kids, hope all is well on the block. If you want to give directions here, you have to know the word "Cuadra" which is block. "dos cuadras arriba". The people are experts in giving unspecific directions haha. This week was pretty uneventful except for the fact that we found three new investigators to teach and a lot of the less actives we visited came to church on Sunday (yaaaaayyyyy). I am happy to see that my feet arent falling off for nothing.

Sometimes, I am kind of a wimp because a lot of the people here (including my companions) are converts and have really interesting stories and experiences. For example, my companion and her family walked 15km every Sunday to and from church for 5 years. Now they have a capilla more close but how cool? Anyways, I was feeling kind of lame when all of a sudden Heavenly Father gave me some comfort through my favorite book, the Book of Mormon. "Behold, I say unto you they are made know unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true, for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the Spirit of revelation which is in me" Alma 5:46 SO GOOD. Basically, when we were sharing what we studied, I shared this with my companion and totally started crying because I just felt that it was written just for me. That I may not have a really cool story but thanks to my amazing parents and family, I have had the opportunity to strengthen my testimony over the years by doing the small things a lot of times. Reading scriptures, saying prayers, attending church and church activities and keeping the commandments with the help and example of all of the wonderful people that surround me. I have "fasted and prayed" many times and each time, my testimony of the Gospel and its principles is strengthened. I am grateful that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost. To guide us, protect us and to testify to us of the truths that consist the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen amen amen!!!! 

Also this week, I taught Tamara and Fiorella (sisters 12 and 17) a piano class. We are learning how to play "I am a child of God" I started with the rhythm of the notes and taught them how to read music. They can each play the first measure by memory. I am really excited to keep working with them. I was such a snot about taking piano for so many years and yes, this is a public apology to my parents for complaining so much. I am now a little bit less dense and can testify of the power that we have in opportunity. I h

ere is pretty much no one here that knows anything about music. It is really sad but I am excited to work with the youth in the ward to help them learn to read music, so when I go, they can play the hymns in church. 

Also, I included a picture of Jesus. He is 94 and after 30 years of investigating the church, he got baptized with the companion before of Hermana Baez. He is super funny and always falls asleep when there is a pause in the conversation. It is crazy how close babies and old people are to heaven. I love you all and I hope that you have a great week :)

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 20: Back to the Drawing Board in Tacna

I dont have time to write much because I had so many sweet and encouraging notes to read this week! Thank you all. You have no idea how amazing you all are. Our only investigator moved to Chile this week haha. We are working a lot with the less actives and recent converts. If you guys know anyone that lives in Tacna and wants to hear the Gospel, shoot me an email haha :). My companion is really great.  Her name is Hermana Baez and we are getting along really well. A lot of the people here dont believe that I only have 4 months in the mission. They are all really impressed that this is only my second area. Hermana Baez thinks that my spanish is super good.  I dont know about that but I am happy that God is blessing me with the gift of tongues. I dont know why I am having such an easy go of it with the language. I am really grateful though. 

This picture is from an activity that we did with the youth. I was on divisions with Hermana Thornton. This is Flor and she is going to get her mission call any day now! 

They dont really celebrate Halloween here but they do celebrate day of the dead. Not like with parties but every one and their dog goes to the cemetery. We went and contacted with Plan of Salvation folletos. It was neat. I love you all. To answer your questions: I never see other white people except other missionaries, we send our dirty clothes to be cleaned by a lady in the ward, we eat all our meals with our pensionista, I am teaching English class again, the food is still the same here, my favorite food is a fruit that has the consistency of boogers but tastes heavenly. Also, watermelon here is really top notch. 

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 19: Like Dragons did they fight | Grandma broke her coccyx riding dirtbikes in the dunes of Tacna

Hey everyone. I am doing well here in Tacna. Also, ratchet keyboard of the day doesnt feel like doing uppercase so sorry for all the errores. If you google map tacna you will see that it kind of looks like a star wars planet. I miss the mountains in Arequipa but oh well!! the sandunes always remind me of napolean Dynamite. 

Also, Happy Halloween!! the daughter of our pensionista always tries to scare us so we borrowed a really creepy mask and we are plotting to get her after dinner tonight. I will let you know how it goes. 

this week has been really long. We dont have a ton of people to teach so we have been walking a lot a lot alot and have been knocking on doors and contacting in the street and using the area book. My companion is very hardworking and obedient which I am thankful for. We dont have a ton of support from the ward but we are hopeful that we can work with them and improve things. My spiritual experience of the week comes from my book of Mormon reading. I really liked Mosiah 20:11 "and it came to pass that the people of Limhi began to drive the Lamanites before them; yet they were not half so numerous as the Lamanites. but they fought for their lives, and for their wives, and for their children; therefore they exerted themselves and like dragons did they fight"

Sometimes I look like a dragon at the end of the day and I feel I have exerted myself but every morning I wake up and say prayers and thank Heavenly Father for the opportunity I have to start fresh and work hard again. things are a little slow right now but I know if we work hard and are obedient and do everything we can, we will "win". Love you all. 

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 18: Transfer to Tacna

This week I am writing from Tacna. It is the furthest city in the mission. I had a 7 hour bus ride this morning through pure desert. As one of the elders said "every time I look around, it reminds me of a planet from star wars" like one of the planets that has no trees; only sand and rocks. It is another world. The good thing is, it is more humid here. I cried my eyes out when I found out that I had to leave Hermana Albornoz but I know that President Johnson receives inspiration. So I should just get over myself and go to work pretty much. I am excited to be here and I will most likely spend Christmas here so that is fun.

Not much happened this week. Only that we went to the birthday party of Hermana Maria. She turned 84. She is the mom of the lady we live with. Very Catholic and very amazing. The party was kind of awkward at first but then her blind friend, Rosita started playing the guitar and singing traditional Arepiqueña songs. I totally almost started crying (Eloise, dolphin show vibes) it is crazy how strong the Spirit is sometimes. A guy asked her how she can play so beautifully and if she could teach him some of her sweet skills (paraphrasing here haha) She said something that I thought was very profound "Todo el mundo canta" or. "the whole world sings" It was a good reminder that we all are children of Heavenly Father and we all have the capacity to be amazing. I love Peru. I love the Gospel of Jesus  Christ. 

pictures- last picture with Hermana Albornoz and one with Hermana Juana. She is a less active who is just so cute.

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 17: Working Hard, or hardly working?

There is some construction going on in Paucarpata (the neighborhood I live in) and they have all these signs that are like "Please forgive us, we are working. I tried to explain the phrase "Working hard, or hardly working" to my companion but it just doesn't have the same punch in Spanish hahaha. Anyways, I thought you would all enjoy the awkward eyes-half-open picture of me with the sign.

Really, I am so grateful to be working here in Peru. The week before last was frustrating as we were not able to work with our full abilities. This past week was super awesome, however. We had interviews with President and it was super awesome to get to know him better. The next day we had a zone conference. One of the district leaders was like " This zone has more lessons taught each week than any other zone but not any more baptisms" we concluded that sometimes we go to visit people that dont really need a visit just so we can meet our goals of lessons. We decided to make an effort to contact more people and find new people to teach. It was really scary at first because we get comfortable with where we are a lot but in the end, we found 7 new people to teach this week. One of them is Anna Claudia. We knocked on her door and ended up teaching all of lesson 1. It is so amazing to see the tender mercies. We are told that the people in Peru are ready to hear the Gospel. It is true. I am glad for my leaders that give us motivation to work harder and differently than before so that we can become better missionaries. I am sorry for the email, it is getting harder and harder to write and talk in English. Love you all. 

p.s. picture of me and my glasses club at English class. I love 12-year-oldgirls. Probably because I still am one haha.

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 16: The Intestinal Devil

Good Morning,

This week was kind of funny and sad as Hermana Albornoz and I have been hit in the gut by the devil of diarrhea himself. I think we ate something but it has been a rough week haha. It has made me really appreciate the days when we feel good and when we can work. We are feeling a little bit better but today we are going to rest. Hermana Albornoz´s birthday was on Saturday and I woke up early to blow up balloons and decorate her door. I like that tradition in our family. 

She basically had the worst birthday ever because we were super sick all day and in the afternoon we got a call that Jimmy, the brother of Angelito, had passed away. He has three daughters and he got hit by a car after driving back to town after baptizing his oldest daughter. I think the older I get, the more I realize how short life is. There are many miracles and one of them is waking up every morning. Hermana Albornoz and I have been praying for Angelito and his famil

y. I am so grateful for the plan of salvation; for the chance that we have to live with our families again. I also remembered the talk from conference. That even though we keep the commandments and live righteously, we will still have trials. And just because we are righteous, we won't suffer less. A trial is still a trial. But that we can have "Godly Purpose" in our suffering.

Also, read the Book of Mormon. Every day, no matter what. I love you all and would love to hear from you. 

p.s. my district loved the Zotz and Valentina really enjoyed the peach rings. She is such a cutie. 

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 15: Goals and Volcanoes

To whom it may concern:

We did not get our second baptism for the month of September. We literally tried everything. We taught a lesson with the mission president and his wife, brought in a member that was training to be a Catholic priest before his conversion and we fasted three times in the month of September. Sometimes, no matter how much faith you have, the Lord has a different plan. I have also learned to appreciate and detest "albedrìo" (free agency). It was kind of frustrating but I truly know what it means to work your tail off to try and invite someone to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The beautiful thing about this world and this gospel is that not everyone is going to be a member. Not everyone is going to listen to me or feel the Spirit. But that is ok. I know that Heavenly Father has perfect timing and perfect perspective.

I was able to watch conference in English with two other gringa sisters. We almost died because a little kid turned the gas stove on and left it. Fun. But really, general conference was so amazing. Every day that I read the scriptures and teach, it becomes more and more apparent to me that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is truly the Church that Jesus Christ established on the earth but restored in these latter days. How amazing is it that we can listen to men to directly communicate with Heavenly Father. I loved the emphasis on missionary work and on repentance. We can always be better, we can always try harder and one day we will make it back to live with our Heavenly Father. 

Not much to report here. It is slowly creeping into summer time. Also, Hermana Diamond gave us some clothes (spot the sweet zoo-keeper skirt. I know, total win). I am continually swept away by the beauty here. Misti is the giant volcano that you can see from pretty much anywhere in the city. The sunsets are breathtaking. I miss the trees (there are pretty much only bushes and cacti here) but I also love the mountains. I love my Savior and I am so glad to be here. Only three months until Christmas!

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Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 14: Estoy Gorda y estoy feliz ( I am fat and happy)

The people in Peru pride themselves on being super direct. As a result, at least two people have told me that I am getting fat. I guess my diet of homemade french fries, white rice, potatoes, and ZERO salad is working. The other day one of the girls in the ward (she is 26) told me that I am getting fat and I told her "I am fat and I am happy" (but in Spanish of course) It was super funny. 

I truly am so happy. Yesterday, Church was just the bomb. Juana, is 18 and hasn't come to church in over 4 years. Seeing her walk into the chapel and take the Sacrament made my heart feel some kind of way. Giovanni (20) also came to church for the first time in a while. Also, Diana Sotomayor bore her testimony. She kind of looks like Sarah Jane but a lot shorter (because...Peru). She told us how she has felt the Saviors love and her parents love for her so much. My companion told me that a while back she was pretty rebellious and didnt have a ton of interest in coming to church. It was so sweet to see her moved by the Spirit. Truly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. I cried like a baby of course. 

Also....I had my first baptism on Saturday. Seeing Luis Angel (12) enter the waters of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost made me so happy. Not one member of his family was present. Only the Sister that introduced us to him. It was kind of sad but the members showed up and were very welcoming. Luis Angel is really smart and bore his testimony after the baptism. I will include it here:

"Yo sé que la Igelsia es verdadera. Yo sé que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios que restauró la Iglesia y que Thomas S. Monson es el profeta de hoy. Y les quiero decir que voy a seguir en este senda, predicando el Evangelio de JesuCristo"

---Luis Angel Chancahuaña Ccachuco (12)

Hermana Albornoz and I did a special musical number after the baptism and I was smiling so hard that I messed up (also, I am out of practice). Also, Hermana Albornoz and I have a cold so it was a voice-cracking party. 

It is so easy to see the investigators, less actives and recent converts that we teach as future missionaries, husbands and wives in the temple and members of righteous families. I hope that we can all picture each other in white clothing with our families because that is our goal; in this life and the next. I love this Gospel, I love my family, I love Jesus Christ. 

P.S. The picture of me is with this little kid called Raymir. He is the little brother of Juana and super hilarious. He has these huge teeth. He is only 7 but always wants to have lessons with us. He always serves us pretend drinks and food and sometimes we bring him candy.

Week 13: It still hasnt rained

Hello Everyone! 

This week was a little frustrating but still great. The daughter of our breakfast pensionista got married this week and we were invited to the wedding. Super fun. One of the assistants in the office is the "son" (was trained by) the groom so they went too. We just went to the ceremony. They told us it started at "diez en punto" but really it started at like 10:40. Needless to say, people are not punctual whatsoever here. 

 

 

 I have been teaching English classes with my companion on Fridays to try and find some new people to teach. It is way fun and also kind of embarrassing when I forget the alphabet in English.

Yesterday was kind of discouraging because it was the last day in the week and we realized that the week had been kind of lame. But Angelito read us a scripture and gave us a little pep talk. He reminded us that the work of the Lord is a perfect work and that if we give everything we have, we will see miracles. Even though we didn't really meet our goals this week, we decided that this next week is going to be bomb-tastic (really good). I am grateful for new days where we can try harder and work harder. 

 

I know that Missionary Work is not just for missionaries. And that sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so important. I wish I could have been at the family reunion but I am so old that none of the little cousins remember me anyways haha. Love you all! 

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 12: Perro Peruano

Hey YALL. 

This week was super awesome. Hermana Albornoz and I tried to make Rice Kripsy treats and it was a complete disaster. I now have ZERO confidence in my cooking abilities. Basically, a microwave and American marshmallows are essential in the recipe. I have now learned my lesson. Also, Spanish error of the week; I accidentally told an investigator that I have 3 daughters instead of 3 sisters. It was super funny/embarrassing because I know the word for "sister" but whatever. I also gave a talk in church yesterday. It was only mildly nervewracking so I guess thats good. 

As a companionship we studied prayer earlier this week. And how important it is to say earnest and heartfelt `prayers. That morning before we left the apartment, we said a really solid prayer. This week we found 8 new people to teach and set 2 baptismal dates for the end of September. We also met our goal of 35 lessons. My testimony of prayer has once again been strengthened. God is listening. We believe that God is a God of miracles and I can truly testify to that. We only have to be worthy and willing to ask for those blessings that he already has prepared for us.

I have attatched some pictures of "Perro Peruanos" There are tons of hideous dogs here. Apparently, the Incas had dogs without fur. But I guess over the years, they have mixed with regular dogs to produce patchy and sketchy looking dogs. Enjoy. I love the outfits too hahaha. 

Love you all so much. 

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen