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

Week 11: Salchipapas

Arequipa is so dry that if you leave a bag of cereal out, it will get crunchier. Arequipa is so dry that your feet will be crustier than a fossil. Arequipa is so dry that I still have not seen a cloudy day or any sort of rain. Seriously. But it is so pretty!! Every night, the sunsets are insanely breathtaking. The few plants that are here are vividly colored and strong. It has been really cold this week. (hot in the afternoon and freezing in the night)

Nothing super interesting happened this week but the church is still true. Mamita Jessi (we eat breakfast at her house every day) has been super happy all week because her son got home from his mission on Friday. She has been trying to marry him off to my companion, Hermana Albornoz but I have been reaping the benefits as well since we are companions. I feel sort of bad for Hermana Albornoz but it is mostly funny and I got free perfume and a dinner invitation out of it so I am not complaining. Also tried "Salchipapas" for the first time this week which is basically french fries with fried hot dog on top.  It was super yummy. Oh Peru.

One memorable lesson was on Sunday. We went to visit our investigator, Raquel, but her son (in law?) was there with his 2 little girls. Super sad story but basically his wife left him 2 months ago and now is with someone else. Not sure. We decided to teach Lesson 1 (the Restoration) and the Spirit was so strong. I got to teach about Joseph Smith and say the first vision and everything and I was getting all choked up. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that he really saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is truly the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love Heavenly Father and I know he answers our prayers. Love you all! 

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen