Week 76: Final Interview

Ok, well. I have 20 minutes  left but like a lifetime of information to transmit to yall. Basically, things I have learned this week. 

1. I LOVE Christmas time. 

2. #iluminaelmundo (#lighttheworld)

3. The Book of Mormon is true. Obviously. 

4. I LOVE PERU. 

5. if you fight with someone you have to talk to them. talk it out, cry it out and after, HUG. 

This week I had my final interview with President Johnson. I kept it together until he told me how much they are going to miss me and how much I am going to miss being a missionary in Peru. I totally started crying because I guess I hadnt realized how little time I had left. He gave me a talk that has 10 ways we can bring the "missionary spirit" home with us. He told me to keep praying frequently in the day. He even told me to pray to know how to approach cute guys at college. Hahaha so weird. It feels like Im having all these strange "end of mission" experiences randomly throughout the week but the rest of the days its just work work work. Susanna and Jose and their mom, Victoria are preparing for their baptism on the 16th. The ward is awesome. I am trying to bring the American culture of always having food at the activities here to Congata. Last night was the Christmas devotional and I was like "hermana Brenda, it would be so cute to have hot chocolate at the Christmas devotional" and she was like "yesss, good idea!" and called a bunch of people and it was a success. I think the attendance was tripled because they announced that there would be food. So, that was exciting. The members here are so cute and awesome. They always call me "hermana Christell" So funny. Also, some lady wants us to marry her son who is 44 and an investigator. I said "no, he is too old and we are basically nuns right now". I hope she got the point. 

Also, seriously. you Should all look up #LightTheWorld. I am trying to do all of the days with my companion and I hope that you guys can do it too. ON day 2, we carried water up a giant mountain of sand to a lady that doesnt have water. On day 1, we brought a muffin to a lady in the ward that helped us out. She almost cried. It was a "warm-fuzzy" moment. My companion and I high-fived like crazy people we were so happy. I LOVE christmas and I LOve it even more when we can serve others. So, get crackin, friends and family!!! LOVE YOU all and I dont know if I will be able to write next week. But, if I cant, I will be home before you know it. Love you and I hope this is good enough, mom ;) haha. 

Hermana Christensen

Week 75: Odaliz

Nov 27, 2017

hey kids! This week was crazy and good. Nataly and her daughter Odaliz got baptized on Saturday. Sunday was ward conference and tons of people came!! It was so fun. We have a family (a mom, her son and her daughter) that have a goal to get baptized in December. The daughter and the son always come to church but the mom has a store in her house and always always always works. We were super worried that she wasnt going to get to church so during one of the talks, my companion was like "lets run to her store to go get her" and I was like "uhhh I have to play the hymn in like 5 minutes" and she was like "please! lets go" so, we ran out of the room and when we left the building, who did we see walking in the front door?? Hermana Victoria. Happiest moment of my life. She was kind of sad but then the relief society president gave her one of the HUUUGE boquets of flowers from the conference. So cute. Also, this week was obviously thanksgiving. A family of members had invited us over to make pizza and all week I was super stoked but then thursday morning they canceled on us haha. So, I was kinda bummed and I was joking with Presidente Molero (husband of our pensionista) and I was like "at least a turkey haha" and Hermana Brenda overheard and we came up for lunch (the kitchen is above our room) She had made chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables and she made apple pie!!! yes, I almost cried. I love these people. They are such gems. Honestly. 

Also, my companion was sick one morning so I read like infiinity chapters in my Book of Mormon! So good. I love the part in Helaman when Nefi is like a gypsy fortune teller and is like "you wanna know who killed the judge? I know. Go and look" SO GOOD. haha I have gained a testimony that God has a sense of humor. This week was a little rocky companionship-wise. I think its hard because I am so close to coming home and my companion still has so much left of her mission. I think we must have been stressed and tired because we got into a little fight one day and let me tell ya, silence is colder than snow. Luckily, we both realized that Spirit runs away faster than an olympian when there is contention. it was a good learning opportunity to talk things out with her. Being a grown up is hard sometimes. 

I am so so grateful that our Heavenly Father trusts in punk young adults to carry out this great work of salvation. I have learned so much and I still have so much to learn but I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that helps us become better every day. I hope you all had a happy thanksgiving and that you remember to be grateful for your whole life!! all day, every day. Love and hugs!!

hermana Christensen

Week 74: Thanksgiving

hey hey hey!! 

I am sooo sorry that I havent written. I know, Im the worst. But, this week is thanksgiving so. be happy!! I already promised to write a really long letter this next week so hold your horses!!! this is just like a really lame preview email.  I am happy, I am safe and I am still eating rice, chicken and potatoe like a champ. Love you all ❤

hermana Christensen

Week 72: Talent Show

SO, this week we organized a talent show in the ward. It started 2 hours late and the ward mission leader told us that food wasnt necessary....(after we told the whole world that there would be free food) haha, so we were a little stressed and annoyed because he didnt buy anything and then a lady was like "I brought something" and she handed us a plastic bag and we went into the kitchen to see what it was. A glass bowl filled with little boiled potatoes and a tupperware of super strong and salty black olives (aceituna). It was a miracle!!!! I dont know how, but somehow everyone ate and there were even leftovers. God is good, yall! 

Also, love. It is so important to think about the emotions of other people. It was the birthday of our ward mission leader on Friday. Even though he is one of the most stubborn people I know and sometimes things are rough, we decided to buy him a slice of pound cake and stick a birthday candle in it and sing him "felz cumplaños". I am so glad that we went. I dont think anyone except his family had gone to visit him for his birthday (here is it is super offensive if you dont go to visit someone on their birthday...I dont know) He was happy and on Sunday, his wife told us that Hermano Martin (our mission leader) loves sweets and they hadnt been able to buy a cake this year. Also, all thats good comes around( I forget the phrase in english...but basically karma) They invited us to eat lunch on Sunday. I LOVE PERU. I love you guys so much and so awesome that Grandpa Neil met up with Angel and Rachel!!! some of my favorite people together!!! 

scriptures I liked this week:

Alma26: 22

Alma 28:14 

James1:17 

"Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day"-General conference April 2017

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 71: Grandma Baker

I was hoping that Grandma could hold out until I got home but I am glad that she is going to be with grandpa. I regret not having more time to get to know her. But I am so so glad for all the moments that I had to share with her. One thing I love about grandma Baker (and grandma idaho) is their grace and discipline. I love that Grandma baker always taught music and loves music. It is something that I appreciate a lot. I also love how kind and gracious she is. She always sent me a birthday card. Which means a lot considering how many grandchildren and great grandchildren she has. When I think of "the refiners fire", Grandma Baker is someone that has been purified and refined to almost perfection. She reflects all of the Christ-like attributes in her character and attitudes about life. I love grandma baker. 

On Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 10:24 PM, Robert Christensen <rkchristensen@gmail.com> wrote:

Dearest Hermana Christensen,

This last Thursday Grandma Baker passed away.  I was a missionary when Grandpa Baker passed away.  So while we’ve been blessed by her for all of these years, she’s been without Grandpa for a long, long time.  I can only imagine what happiness and joy are occurring in heaven as they reunite.   She’s been an important and constant part of my life ever since I was a little kid.  Aren’t we blessed to know that God’s plan is not a plan of termination, but that it is a plan of exaltation and eternal life?

I wonder if you’d take a minute and share a sentence or two of your favorite memory or (more importantly) ways/observations of how Grandma lived the Gospel and/or inspired Christlike living?

  

The happy news is, of course, that you are actively honoring Grandma’s legacy as you strive to be an obedient full time representative of Christ.  Thank you for that.  Her funeral will be Nov 11.  I’ve been asked to speak for the grandchildren.  Pray for me that I’ll be able to share what needs to be communicated.  I’ve been feeling that the most important things are to simply testify that families are eternal and that consistent Gospel living beautifully leads to conversion.  A converted Latter day Saint, like Grandma, serves as an inspiration and buoy to all those around her.   Through Christ, you can be that inspiration and buoy to those around you.  You can help those in Peru become better converted and then they buoy those around them. What a magnificent chain reaction.  It is one of the ways that we participate in Moses 1:39 — God’s great plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  Christ is the engine but we are often asked to be the vehicles to help and lift.  In short, keep up the good work.  This is the work that matters.

Week 70: hot water

10.23.2017

Hey kids. 

I have like 4 minutes left but I just want to tell you that I love you, that the church of Jesus Christ is restored here on the earth, that Peru is such a cute country, that I love my companion and the people in this area, that I cannot believe how fast the time is going, and that the Book of Mormon is true. 

This week I have been studying about agency and it is sooo interesting. Who ever knew I could get so much revelation from Genesis 3. Seriously, enlightening. I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father lets us make our own choices. And every time we make a right choice, we become more like Jesus Christ. Honestly, I feel a little overwhelmed with how many blessings I have. I just love this place so much!! I love it when these little kids run up to hug me or a grandma offers me fresh juice, Or I get to contact a family in the park, or I get to give someone their very own copy of a Book of Mormon. I just feel so happy! Also, I probably want to be a clown when I grow up. One of the cool members in the ward is a clown and I feel inspired, I love making the pensionista laugh. She has a great "evil witch" laugh that she does to scare her kids. Classic. I love you all and I will try to write more the next week. love peace and gospel songs sent your way. 

Hermana Christensen

Week 69: Weaknesses, thrown in the face

Oct 16, 2017

Ok lovely citizens!! This last week, my wonderful and amazing mother sent me a bunch of scriptures in D&C. Little do you know, mom. All of the scriptures you sent me were answers to my prayers. Heavenly Father is so smart. He answers us in ways that are so unexpected but at the same time so personal and beautiful. This week all of the missionaries were going to talk in Sacrament Meeting but it was actually the primary program so I will just share with you guys what I was going to share.One of the coolest themes that I have found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is how Heavenly Father takes small or weak things and makes them strong and great. Some scriptures.:

1 nephi 16:28

1 Nephi16:29

D&C 64:33-34(so good)

Ether 12:27 

This week it seems like my weaknesses have been thrown in my face. Sad, but necessary. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that polishes us right up and helps us be shinier. Also, quick story. This Saturday my companion and I fasted. We went out right after lunch and saw a family. Hermana Cabezas was like "lets contact them?" and I was like "for sure!" So we walked right over and started talking to them. We asked when we could visit and she said "tomorrow (sunday) at 9am". We looked at each other and then invited her and her two kids to church. And they came! and stayed all three hours! Such a miracle. Church attendance is something that worries me in this area but I know the Lord knows exactly where all of His children are. And He knows who is ready...NOW. I love this work and I am so grateful for Hermana Cabezas. She is a great missionary I love you all and I am grateful that you are all in my life. Hugs and loves!!! 

Hermana Christensen

Week 68: I've decided to become Peruvian

Oct 9, 2017

well shoot dang. I almost had a heart attack reading dads email this week. BYU accepted me! hot dog. I am honestly really surprised. Blessingz. Also, FLIGHT PLANS??!?!? who is playing jokes on me? dont they know I have decided to become a peruvian? 

This week was a little but challeging. Not a lot of people recieved us. And I mean that. But all in all, my companion and I have decided to focus on a couple of key things. Diligence and faith. Maybe we are not going to be readily accepted here (in this time) but we can strengthen our faith. A LOT. The other day I was studying D&C 50 and wow. Great section. Instead of being a complainer and feeling sad, I am trying to think "ok, Sister Christensen, what do you need to learn? What attributes do you need to develop and how you can you turn that frown upside down?" Any suggestions, prayers, care packages and letters are welcome ;) 

I love you all and I pray for you always. 

"When we pray asking for a blessing or virtue we should work for that blessing and  cultivate the virtue" 

Week 67: Omni

10/2/2017

Hey cute people. There are a million and one spiritual gems floating around in my mind these last few days. General Conference was spectacular (as usual). Overall, my thoughts and feelings are summarized by verse 13 in the book of Omni in the Book of Mormon. Omni, who knew?? In this situation, there is a king named Mosiah who lives in a land called Nephi. The Lord tells him to get out of town and so he and any righteous people who want to follow him pack up and head out. So they were obedient (1st important thing) and "did according as the Lord had commanded" the people that went with King Mosiah were the people that would "hearken unto the voice of the Lord". Now the good part. "and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God" So....general conference. A time full of preachings and prophesyings. I mean, how lucky are we to hear from 12 apostles of the Lord and the prophet?? So great. Pure revelation. And when we listen to the prophet and strictly obey his counsel, we are " led by the power of HIs arm, through the wilderness" I know that as we follow the counsel of the prohpets and apostles, we WILL BE and ARE led through the wilderness of this mortal life by the arm of our God. I savored general conference like the last morsel of beef jerkey on a camping trip. In Sunday, I watched it in Spanish but it was still SO good. (but it all just feels a little more true in english haha) My new companion/daughter is awesome. She is happy and cute and uses more sunscreen than me hahaha. We have been able to teach the Restoration several times this week and each time we do so, I know in my heart and mind that Joseph Smith talked to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that the power of the preisthood is restored. How awesome!!!! I love you all and I pray for you always. 

Hermana Christensen

Week 66: The Scriptures have everything

Sept 25, 2017

I am currently writing from the computer of President Johnson and I love you all so so so much. The Plan of Salvation is so important and God loves us so much. This week I read a few great conference talks, a few amazing chapters in the Book of Mormon, several chapters in the Bible and I know that our Heavenly Father speaks to us through the words of His prophets. The scriptures have everything!!! Any time that we need to feel a relief or we need a little bit more strength to press forward, we just need to read the scriptures. I am so excited for conference. I love you all. I am sorry for not writing you more but I am always thinking about you and I love you all. I am going to train for the last two transfers. I meet my daughter. I love you all. take care fam. 

hermana Christensen

Week 64: Climbing Hills

Sep 11, 2017

I love you all and I hope you are safe and happy and praying for those who are not.

 This week consisted in climbing up giant hills to teach a woman named Carmen who is just as shiny as a brand new penny. She doesnt have running water, her husband is an alcoholic and she recently lost a baby. In the few precious minutes that we were able to spend with her, it was so clear to me how the gospel of Jesus Christ fixes all kinds of problems and lifts all kinds of people. We also taught Jose Miguel who is 21 and hasnt prayed since he was 13. He doesnt know if God exists or not but he said the closing prayer when we taught him on a park bench!! Ofelia. She is a retired teacher and very catholic. So cute. She recited poetry for us and sent me home with 3 little oranges. Also, the Ponce family. They have a three year old son and while my companion beautifully explained the Book of Mormon to them, Anderson (age 3) climbed on top of my head, tried to rip my earring out and almost kicked me. I love being a missionary. The days go by so so fast. Our cell phone died a painful death and we have been cell-phone less lately. The cool thing about Perú is that there are tons of public telephones so we have been using those lately. Not super effective but pretty hilarious when people are like "Ill call you back!" hahaha. Also, a dog peed on my foot while we were teaching an investigator in the doorway. It was actually a blessing because then Hermana Sandra invited us in (I think because she felt bad) And she opened up a lot to us. This week I have been reading in 2 Nephi. SO GOOD and I read this verse 25:23

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. I really like this verse because it reminds me of all the emails, letters and journal entries that I write. Hopefully someday, the people that I love the most will be able to read this things and know that my testimony is firmer than buns of steel!! haha. I love this gospel that brings us so much joy and peace. But we have to give it our all. Even if dogs pee on our feet. Sending my love your way and wishing the best to all my friends who are drowning in homework haha! ✌

Hermana Christensen

Week 63: Fasting Works

Sep 4, 2017

Well Pretty People! This week was another great one. Let me just say. Fasting works. If you ever want to see a miracle (or a bunch of miracles) just fast. Because seriously, fasting is a powerful force.

 Another thing that I have been studying/thinking a lot about this past week is joy. 2 Nephi 5:27

27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

I love this. Nephi and his people worked hard to keep the commandments and because of that, they were happy! Also, Elder Russell M Nelson has a great talk called " Joy and Spiritual Survival" there was a quote that I really liked. "the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives" " He is the source" 

I know that it is true. Nephi left his country, his friends, his worldly posessions, and his brothers wanted to kill him, he had to kill Laban, they lived in a tent, traveled for a looong time to get to the promised land and he was just as happy as a clam! I have a thousand mosquito bites, I walk until my feet bleed, people tell me they dont want to listen to me at least several times a day, I am far from everyone I know and love and I dont even speak this language 100% but I am so so so happy. We get to the room every night and are so exhausted. Spiritually, emotionally and physically. But I have never been so happy. I high-five people like its going out of style. Seriously. SO HAPPY. Even though its really hard sometimes, it doesnt really affect this solid state of joy that I feel. I love that every night in my journal I have so many miracles and blessings to write down. The hand of God in our life is so obvious when we take like 10 seconds to think about our day and how blessed we really are. Dont forget to read the Book of Mormon every day. And you better be praying individually and with your families! So important. Love yall!!!

Hermana Christensen

Week 62: Hermana Teresa

 Hello Lovely people!!! 

On Saturday, Hermana Teresa got baptized. She is just the sweetest thing ever. I am so so so happy for her. I am grateful for the worthy priesthood holders that were able to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost. The biggest blessing for me is to see the joy and peace that fills up recent converts. Right up into their warm brown eyes. We were talking to her after the baptism and she was like "It was divine. It was so beautiful. The water didnt even feel cold to me. It was like the Savior Himself was baptizing me" Can I just put on repeat an eternal shout-out for the love I feel for this work, these people and this gospel!?!?! Amen. I read an infinite number of golden conference talks and verses in the Book of Mormon this week that have been LIFE-CHANGING but sadly, my chubby little fingers cant type everything fast enough!! basically, I have been thinking a lot about kindness. Being Kind to others, to ourselves and just trying to be good and loving to all those around us. There is so much light and happiness in the world and there is also so much darkness and confusion. We just need to love everyone because we never really know what they are going through. " Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christ like person  treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions. At work, at school, at church, and especially in our home" - Thomas S. Monson

I love you all and I am sorry for all the times I wasnt kind to any one of you. I hope that this week we can all feel the love that the Savior has for all of us. Peace!!! 

ps. we also met up with my ward mission leader from my first area and his bride-to-be. we went out to lunch with them and it was so so so fun to see them after almost a year!! 

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Week 61: Naaman, dont be dumb.

Hey family and friends!

Dad, thanks for the pictures. Bea is so big!!

 I am so so sad to hear about Bishop Loyd. But I know the Plan of Salvation is true. I miss Georgia so much sometimes. 

In other news, this week was a great one in Congata. I feel like I am in paradise. The views are breathtaking, the members are so warm and helpful. Hermana Torres and I are trying hard to work the members as much as we can. Really, they are the key to everything. This week I am loving my scripture study. I wish we had personal study for 4 hours. But ya know, gotta make do with 1 hour. so this week I was reading in 1 Nephi and also in 2 Kings. There is an awesome story in chapter 5 of 2 Kings about a guy called Naaman. He was "wroth" (great word) because the prohphet told him to wash himself 7 times in the river if he wanted to heal his leprosy. He was all indignant and then his servants were like "dude...chill" and gave him some wise advice found in verse 13. 

"And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some greatthing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"

and Naaman realized they were right and washed himself. This story is cool because it relates to Nephis gold nugget of wisdom 1 Nephi 16:29

" And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." I think that sometimes we expect God to do something super huge to teach us, to heal us or to answer our prayers. We think that in order to be a disciple of Jesus Christ we have to be the best of the best or outshine the rest. Humility. Simplicity and diligence is the example that we have from the Savior. Instead of trying to be the most shiny, we should be constant and faithful. Small things really do bring about great things. But we have to do the small things with a lot of sincerity. Read your scriptures but really read them!! Say your prayers, but really talk to your Heavenly Father! go to church, but pay attention! soak it all in. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the sweetest fruit we will ever taste and the most priceless treasure we will ever have. I love you all so so so much and I pray for you. Keep it real, fam!

Hermana Christensen

Week 59: lots of little miracles

This week was filled with lots of little miracles. Being in the right place at the right time and taking that opportunity to invite others to come unto Christ. This week we`ve been contacting a lot and we knocked on one door in particular. An older man with a snappy sweater and thick glasses politely but firmly told us that he has always worked in the mines and for him the only things that he believes in are the things that he can see and touch. He told us that we are really young and that its nice and good that we are eager and preaching about God. But then he looked at us and said " But we live, we die. the end." He didnt give us too much of a chance to talk but my testimony was strengthened. The Spirit (which testifies of the truth of ALL things 

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. moroni 10:5 told me that what Eduardo was saying was simply not true. And I felt sad that such a nice and intelligent man cant feel the love of his Heavenly Father and of the Savior. I know that God exists. I feel His love when I sing "I am a child of God" with a bunch of little kids. I feel His love when I talk about or see pictures of my family. I feel His love when I think about how hard it must have been to send His son Jesus Christ to the earth. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" john 3:16 he sent Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. I feel His love when I read the Book of Mormon. God loves us so much. Take like 10 seconds and you`ll come up with a million reasons why. Reasons that you can and see and feel. I love you all and I pray for you every day. GO TEAM!!!

Hermana Christensen

Week 56: The Book of Mormon is True

Well, not much happened this week except that it was kind of raining yesterday (first time in my whole entire mission) and a guy charged us way too much for a taxi. And, I love the stray dogs here. 

This week I was reading in... you guessed it! The Book of Mormon. I am reading in Spanish so sorry if my thought translation is a little off. In Helaman chapter 8, there is a great story about Nephi (son of Helaman, the captain of the 2000 stripling warriors) In this story, Nephi was praying in a garden. He was so so sad because the people in his town were super bad. Some nosy neighbors overheard and by the end of his prayer, there was a good sized group of people outside. They were super annoyed because he was blatantly calling them to repentance. But he was firm in his teachings. I love verse 9. 9 Yea, and behold, if he had not been a prophet he could not have testified concerning those things.

The prophets have so much power. Also, why is it that sometimes we pay more attention to what the prophets of the Bible say than to what the living prohpet says? I know for a fact that if Moses showed up at church one day we would all be taking notes and be super obedient. But yet when we hear General conference sometimes we dont take things as seriously.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. And I know that the Book of Mormon has power. God loves us and wants us to become like him. I love you all and dont forget to pray like you mean it. 

Hermana Christensen

Week 55: Diligence

Hey cuties!! I hope you guys all had a really patriotic fourth of July. I didn`t know I loved America so much, ya know? I celebrated by drawing a flag in my journal and by wearing red, white and blue and in English class for district meeting, we practiced the Star-Spangled Banner. Who really knows how to translate that word for word in Spanish? not me. But it brought a proud tear to my eye and even though I am definitely not qualified to sing the star-spangled banner in the super bowl, I was happy to at least squeak it out on Tuesday to represent and honor the USA. 

Anyways. This week was....a tad bit discouraging but overall beautiful. Favorite moment of the week. We went to talk to Hermana Elva who has been investigating for years but maybe doesnt fully understand how amazing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is and takes it for granted. We left her house feeling down in the dumps and arrived at Angelica y Jorge`s house. Hermana Angelica started talking about Nephi (a prophet in the Book of Mormon) and we must have looked surprised because she was like "ah-ha! You didnt know I was reading in 2 Nephi, did you?" It made me heart sooo happy to know that she loves the Book of Mormon and is searching out her answers the right way! This week my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown faster than Jacks beanstalk! 

This week I have been studying diligence. diligently. SO GOOD. If you ever need a little motivation, just read the war chapters in Alma. Those guys never give up! The Book of Mormon really is written for our day and time. The stories have come alive to me as I have been reading and I am so grateful for that. I love telling people about Ammon and his arm-chopping skills (my hero :´)) and the stripling warriors and their wise mothers (mother knows best!) One investigator Raul (age 20) was like "they should make a movie!" and he forbid us to use scriptures past 1 nephi chapter 1 because he doesnt want any spoilers hahaha. I love you all so much and I love being a missionary. Keep it fresh even though I think its hot over there. 

Hermana Christensen

Week 54: Commitment to strengthen our spiritual foundations

Well. It is official. The companionship of Hermana Ahumada and Hermana Christensen is officially over. Hermana Ahumada got transfered to Cesar Vallejo (my first area!) today. She is going to be companions with Hermana Vallejos (her first latina companion!!) I am here with Hermana Casahuaman. She is cute as a button and a convert of 2 years!! I am happy to stay here in Camanà for a little season longer because there are amazing things coming, let me tell ya!! 

this week in my studies I am reading in Alma in the Book of Mormon. In the chapters in the 50s or so, there is a lot of talk about wars. I love these chapters because the battle strategies are genius and they relate so well to our testimonies. I love how Moroni is always strengthening his forts and cities. It reminded me of a quote from a conference talk "lest thou forget" (ronald. a. rasband)

"Recall..when you felt the spirit and your testimony was strong; remember the spiritual foundations you have built; avoiding things that do not build and strengthen your testimony"

Let us all start the month of July with the commitment to strengthen our spiritual foundations! I love you all lots and I love America lots. Happy fourth of july tomorrow!! 🎆🎆🎆❤

Hermana Christensen

Week 53: Jesus the Christ

Hey foxy friends! 

This week was smashing. We traveled to Arequipa on Wednesday and returned Thursday in the night (3rd time this month) for leadership council and it was divine to take a hot shower in the mission home and be with a bunch of great missionaries and President and Sister Johnson for a whole day of learning and brainstorming on how we can improve as a mission.

This week I also finished "Jesus the Christ" It is a looooong book and I started it in the MTC and just this Saturday, I finished it. I am so happy that I took the challenge from a friend to read it. It has helped me deepen my knowledge and tesimony of our Savior. That He lives, that He wants us to become like Him and that He has so so so much love for every single soul that has ever lived and will ever live. Conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. Very powerful. One quote that I liked was "Love shall be the dominant power of control"( talking about the millenium) Both my mom and dad wrote me this week about love and I thought it was cool that I just studied about it. I am working on having more love for those around me because I know that Jesus Christ is the supreme example of love and I am here representing Him.

This week in district meeting, we read a scripture in D&C 19:37 

"37 And speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying—Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!"

It was a good reminder for me to preach the good word. Maybe it sounds silly because that is what I am doing here in Peru for 18 months. But it was nice to read this little pep talk. To not be ashamed of what I am doing. To not be embarrassed to open up my mouth and invite everyone I see to come unto Christ. In my mind, I was thinking "Its like if there were a Michael Jackson concert for free and I didnt tell my best friends about" But, the gospel of Jesus Christ is waaaaaaay better than a michael jackson concert. 

I completed one year in the mission this past week and holy cow the time goes by so fast. I feel so blessed to be here. I have learned so many big and small lessons that I know are vital for my personal growth and conversion. I love you all so much and shout out to grandma and grandpa Idaho for finishing their mission!! What a great example :) 

Love,

Hermana Christensen

pic: A misterious picture of me eating a RAW onion. For lunch I ate fried octopus. today I have diarrhea hahaha. 

[photos from the conference??]

Week 52: Time

Fellow Civilians. 

This past week was...and now this week is!! and isnt that the great thing about time? that it always keeps moving. Sometimes its like a lazy river on a hot summer day but sometimes the time is like white water rapids and everything careens by in the blink of an eye. Hot dog. 

My companion, Hermana Ahumada, is 24 and let me tell you how much of a difference 4 years and a totally different culture can make in the maturity of a person. She is a nice calming rock for me. We have been going through some frustrating things and both of us have the weakness of being quick to anger. We have been working on this as a companionship. She said something along the lines of " Part of maturing is learning to take in the ugly situations and emit something beautiful" I thought it was poetic and so true. One of my greatest triumphs of the week was when a fellow sister missionary was annoyed with us and I held my tongue in responding to her and tried to do so with more love than I was maybe feeling at the moment. 

Some of my favorite moments from the week were when I was sitting on the curb in the shade without a jacket and it was mildly chilly outside. A cute little old lady walked past, then turned around and said " You arent cold?" I said " no" and she patted my arm and my companions cheek and said "Oh" You ARE cold" and then laughed and walked away. It was such a sweet and strange moment. I also took a picture with Gregoria (investigator)  and her bunny. She informed us that she is going to eat the bunny when it is bigger. I am convinced that we played bingo together in the life before this one. She is a hoot and a holler. More favorite moments included a hostile son of an investigator that ended up giving us a huge bag of bananas and a drunk man that yelled "gringa!" with wonder and awe at me. SO funny. I love you all and I miss you all. Keep it upppp!!!!

Hermana Christensen

Week 50: Are you a pig?

Well this week flew by faster than a John Denver Jetplane! Last night our ward mission leader went with us to visit some investigatores. He got baptized in December and is going through some really trying situations right now. My companion and I were laughing and talking with him and he was like "Hermanas, why are you so happy? tell me your secret." This week has been a great one. I think I feel a little /lot like Alma in Alma 29:9-10 when he says "9. I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.10. And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord hasdone for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea,then do I remember his merciful arm which he extendedtowards me."

This week three moms that are investigating came to church. I know how busy they are, I know how crazy their little kids are and I know that they took a step of faith to spend their Sunday morning at church. It is so exhilarating to see these friends of mine progress spiritually. Noelia, who always argued with us, finally told us that she believes Jospeh Smith is a prophet of God. Wilbert, who has to get divorced before he can marry his current wife, fasted to find a solution to his problem. Angelica, who is struggling finacially, didnt go to work so that she could come to church with her two sons. SO EXCITING. Plus, there were some other great highlights this week.

A visit from Craig C. Christensen *President of the Quorum of the Seventy...!!!!

He and his wife speak spanish so it was cool to hear from them. A couple of pounts that I liked from him. 

• the mission is a mini/life. We start out as kids and we dont know anything but we know that we dont know anything and so we always ask questions to try and learn a lot. Then we become teenagers; we still dont know anything but we think that we know everything (classic). Finally, towards the end of the mission, we become adults. People who know a little bit but more importantly, they know where to look for the answers. Our Father in Heaven, He has all the answers. I thought it was a cool and super true analogy

He also mentioned a million other super important and spiritual things but I will just have to tell yall about it another day!. 

The most adventerous part of my week was when we were teaching wilbert on his bus that he drives back and forth from Pucchún to Camaná and we started up a conversation with this lady and she was like "get off the bus and come to my house!" So we did and it was glorious. She has pigs, turkeys, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats and guinea pigs (they eat them). I finally got a picture up close with a pig and now I only need one with a cow. We taught her about Prayer and she is just the cutest thing. Overall, it was a magnificent week and I am walking on clouds!! (of dust haha) I love you all. Peace. 

Hermana Christensen

Week 49: A Rap

ok...my sisters are sassing me and my parents are hassling me. My letters are few and its something I knew but the time is so short, so what can I do? This week was real crazy and the details are hazy but Ill give it a try and not be so lazy. To Arequipa, we went; Wednesday and Thursday we spent in leadership training, so much knowledge was lent. 

Ok, enough rhyming because my brain keeps trying to use spanish words and that is just silly. This week was fun but really short because we did some traveling. On friday we went to Mollendo (sooo pretty) for another meeting with the zone leaders there. This week I learned that when we do what Heavenly Fathers wants, we are blessed. When we are obedient, we are blessed. When we are humble, we are blessed. "And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilersç" Doctrine and Covenants 19:30. Sometimes, we just have to DO IT. We have so many goals to complete in this life and goals that will help us and that are necessary for our life after this. If we give it our all (even though we are tired) we will see so many miracles and blessings. I am grateful for how much I have learned here. I feel like silly-putty in the hands of Heavenly Father. Sometimes I am stubborn and I dont listen but when I do, the art is so much more beautiful. I love you all dearly and I am sorry for the short letter and lack of pictures....I will do better next week!

Hermana Christensen

Week 48: Pleasant greetings

A pleasant greeting to my fellow citizens. 

HOly cow! Where dId the time go? May is already a blast from the past and June is approaching faster than a cockroach on a summer night.

 First off, CONGRATULATIONS to Eloise, my sister. Graduating highschool is a breath of fresh air from the scent of cooped up young adults in a room full of textbooks and lost homework assigments. You have been given the anecdote to Senioritis. 

This week was a little crazy because we did divisions twice and somehow we now have 6 mattresses in our match box bedroom. I dont know.

This week we got a new branch president and I know that he will be great. He always accompanies the missionaries and he is one of the most humble men that I have met. Also, his wife and daughter are darling. 

As far as the missionary work. this week was a little discouraging and my companion was really sick one day. We have been trying to get the papers for a marriage for some investigatores for a looooong time and we got a message that they truck that had their papers had broken down and my companion said " whew, satan must be super tired. Hes working really hard" haha so true! It seems like there is opposition in 99% of the things we do some days. But then I think about how many miracles we see. 

Like when we are out knocking doors and a young mom lets us in and we help her do laundry and she invites us over for lunch and she has three adorable kids and a nice husband and she listens to us. Or when a member in the ward stops by the house of an investigator and brings fruit. Or when the stars are extra sparkly in the crispy night time. Or when there are so many people at Stake conference that it is standing room only. I love being a missionary. I still have a lot to learn. But I love these people. Every day I understand them more and more.

Sunday in the night time we knocked on a door and a lady comes out. We start talking and we have the opportunity to share our testimonies with her. I know that we have a prophet who talks with God and who recieves revelation for us. I know that the church that Jesus Christ established is here on the earth today. I know that God loves us. 

Hermana Christensen

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8GZhGQuiaztcGttN3dlTC04SVU

Week 46: Mother's Day

This one is to Flori Christensen, Ruth Ann LeBaron, Cecile Christensen, Gloria Baker, all the lovely ladies from the Athens 2nd ward and everyone else in my life that is a woman. Happy Mothers day!!! You are all examples to me in your beauty, light, character and testimony. Thank you for all that you do. 

"motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels"

-First Presidency

"I know what it is to love a daughter of Father in Heaven who with grace and devotion lived the full feminine splendor of her righteous womanhood"

-Richard G.Scott.

I hope you all feel special and loved this week and every week of the year ❤

Week 45

Hey hey cute people!

This week was a blur. All I remember is that I ate a weird soy burger for dinner last night (thank you pensionista) and we forced our investigator, Fernanado, to speedwalk like 2 miles to an appointment with us. It was hilarious. 

About the companion. Hermana Ahumada is super cool. Probably the coolest person I know. She is a convert of 2 years and before the mission, taught physical education and liked to hitch hike/backpack the south of Chile in her spare time. She is the only member in her family but her mom and older sister are currently taking lessons from two sister missionaries (!!!!) She is pretty serious sometimes and so I think she is mad at me but really thats just how her face is and she likes to think a lot. We get along well and she is suuuper obedient which helps me be obedient. We have plans to visit Alaska together some day. 

About the area: Our area is the whole city of Camaná and also a village called La Pampa and a town called San José. But we havent ever gone there because it is super far and super tiny. I think we will go soon though. It is a mix of small town and rice fields. It is really flat because it is close to the beach. Everyone rides these really old bikes around and its cute. We changed rooms this past week and it has a water heater thing. You turn the shower on and a fire starts in a small box and it heats the water to a thousand degrees. Once the heater is on, there is no adjusting.  I cant decide which one I like more. Iceberg juice or scalding steam of volcano. Both are fun. 

About the branch: I love them!! I am kind of salty because everyone always talks about the sisters that were here before me but I have been trying to be extra friendly and ask everyone their names (which I usually dont understand but I smile and nod anyways) and this morning we went to help paint the chapel so that was fun. 

I eat sooo much rice here and I love it. I love walking. I love getting sunburned ( I have so many new freckles, hope they arent cancerous haha!) and I love preaching the gospel. I love my family and I love all of my friends!! Hugs!!!

Hermana  Christensen

-----  An answer to one of my (Rob's questions). Hermana Christensen, could you each share a brief experience that confirmed in your mind/heart your call to the work and assigned place of labor?

For me, I knew I was supposed to be in Peru, Arequipa because 1. I have always had a fascination with Spanish. I have always liked it and it has always come easily to me. I pretty much knew I was going to go spanish speaking. 2. Piper, my catholic roommate. I think that Perú is one of the most catholic countries in the world and especially the south of Perú. It was for something that I was roomies with Piper. 3. I just felt like I was supposed to go there. Its like this place vibes the essence of my soul!! I love my mission and I love these people

Week 43: Getting to know Camanà

Hey ya´ll! Camanà is sooo beautiful. This week we worked super hard and walked a ton. One thing that I love about the mission is how many interesting people I get to meet. We met Rolando who is 100 years old and for his work traveled around Perù taking the sap out of trees to sell to big companies. We met Ismael who is 70 years old but super ripped and who is an extremely quotable person. We taught Estela who has dirt floors but her house is the cleanest I´ve seen here. She can`t read but she feels the Holy Ghost. We met Alduvina who rented rooms to the missionaries for years. She is now a widow and lives alone. 

 But the best person is the one that we talk about every day. I meet all of these people because I am talking to them about one person. Jesus Christ. Because of Him, I am in the wonderful country of Perù. Because of Him I have the opportunity to repent and constantly improve. Because of Him I can live with my family forever. Beacause of Him, I don´t need to feel alone or misunderstood. Because of Him, I feel an indescrieable peace and love in my heart. 

photos- a cheesy pic of me hugging the sky ( I have to wear my hair up all the time because lice is super common here), my companion Hermana Ahumada and the beautiful scenery

Week 42: Camanà-bound

Well, I got transfered. I am now on the coast of Perù in a town called "Camanà". It was a very teary goodbye to the people and places that I know so well in Tacna. I had almost 6 months there! One of my favorite memories from Sunday night was when I said goodbye to Edwarth. (He got baptized while I was there with Hermana Diamond) He was my only baptism in Grau, Tacna. He is 23 and kind of a punk but with a big heart.  We all sat down on a park bench and he started crying and told me how grateful he was for all that I taught him. He is planning on going on a mission next year. Of course, it totally made me start crying but in a nice way. Then he said a prayer and we shook hands and he walked away and Hermama Gould and I walked away. I will probably never see him again but I told him he has to keep the commandments so that we can hang out in heaven haha. I have made so many unlikely friends in my mission so far and I am excited to meet even more here in Camanà. My new companion is Hermana Ahumada. She is from Chile and we got to the mission at the same time. She was also in Tacna for a while. I will send more pictures of her next week 

pic- these are adorable kids that I took a pic of when we went on divisions with the hermanas from conosur, and Jackeline!!! My bff/investigator

love, Hermana Christensen

Week 41: Conference

April 2 2017 (Sunday Night) 

******I just re-read my patriarchal blessing. I feel so full of joy and gratitude. It seems that the words of conference this weekend echoed in my mind as I read through my blessing. I feel a strong desire to go to the temple. I think before my mission, I didn't fully understand the beauty and sacredness of making covenants. The beautiful repetition that comprise temple ordinances. I feel a yearning to work on family history and help my family and many others recieve the ordinances they need. I don't know why I feel this so strongly but I feel like I should write it down so that I don't forget it. After the mission I want to go to the temple at least once a week. ...

*(one of my questions from general conference) "How can I better serve those around me?"

(from my patriarchal blesssing) "follow His (Jesus') example in your service to others." 

so, I should follow His example in charity, love and gentleness as I serve those around me. 

Also, I miss singing hymns in English. I want to praise my Heavenly Father with music and singing and prayer. My heart it so full! .*****

All of the text in stars is straight from my journal entry last night. I love that you both wrote to me about conference and temples. I wrote to my mission President today almost exactly what dad wrote me. That we are preparing others to make covenants in the temple. I LOVED the talk from Yoon Hwan Choi. I felt the Spirit so strongly the whole time he was talking. I think our family has been blessed to be very close to people within the asian culture. I also think that Eloise is going to serve somewhere in Asia. Don't know why I got that prompting. Also, From Joy D. Jones. "Give them something great to imitate" I want to express how full my heart is of gratitude because mom and dad, you have given me something great to imitate. Although my imitation skills aren't always 100%, I am learning. Thank you for being unfailing and stalwart examples of goodness, obedience and sacrifice for me. I love you. I love how eternal our family is and I can't wait to model my own future family after ours. CHRISTENSEN POWER!!! I love you both. 

-- 

Hermana Maddie Ruth

Photos:

chocolate cake!! I promise I will send a group email next week!!! 

It is a dog named "gringa" (white girl) and me eating a ratchet peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a grahm cracker. SO GOOD. 

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 40: Guacamole

holy guacamole!!! My pensionista thinks it's so funny everytime I ask if there's guacamole because they don't have it here...funny and sad. So much happened this week and my brain is short-circuiting just trying to think of everything. Sorry if it's a little frazzled.  

1. there was a HUGE parade on Saturday. The starting point was at the park right outside of our door so we had a lot of fun listening to all the drunk people and band music. It started at 2 in the afternoon and there was still people in line to march in the parade at 9 at night. Isn't that insane!!! such long parades. But it was super cool to see some cultural dances and costumes from Peru. I love this country. 

2. We put a baptismal date with Jackeline!!! For the 25 of march (Happy Birthday mom!!!) I don't know how we did it, it was all the Spirit. 

3. Marcia moved to Chile for 2 months to work...sad. 

4. I got sick a few times this week. I don't know what's happening but whatever

5. Peru is in a state of emergency or was....there is a lot of crazy weather and flooding going on. The President of Peru sent everyone a text message. But, the only place not affected by the weather is Tacna. How lucky. I know Heavenly Father is protecting the missionaries and watching over me and everyone else. Don't worry mom and dad!!

6. I am still working on the Book of Mormon. I don't think I am going to finish is by the end of March but I really want to. There is just not enough time in the day!!

Overally, it was another week of miracles and I am super grateful for Heavenly Father. He really has everything figured out; we just have to be obedient and diligent and have faith. I love you guys so much and I miss you all!!! 

Photos: the MOST sister missionary outfit ever haha, lots of drunk neighbors, 

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 39: Goals and Sabbath Day

Wow! One hour of emailing goes by SOOOO fast. Anyways, it was a great week. I finally finished the Book of Mormon for the first time in Spanish. I was at the very end and the zone leaders texted us (on wednesday?) and asked the whole zone to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover by the end of March. So, I hurried and finished and then started over the next day. I am going to have to read more than 30 pages everyday to finish it by the end of March but what a fun challenge! The Book of Mormon is super true, just in case you didn't know. There are so many answers and like Luci (a recent convert said) "This book is magic" So I would invite all of you to read it, every day. And not just read it but ponder it and apply to your lives. So good. 

The goal for the mission is three baptisms for the month of March( and everyone needs to attend church 3 times and there are only three sundays left in march) We are teaching Marcia and her mom, Teofila. They sell juice in the mercadillo. On Friday, we taught them. My companion invited them to church and they said "no. we have to work to pay the bank." I felt so strongly to share my testimony of the importance of the Sabbath day and of going to church. I also knew, that if they went to church, they would be blessed so much and be able to make it work on the financial end of things. I promised them that they would be blessed and we extended the invitation again. They ended up not coming to church but I am grateful for what I learned. My own testimony of church attendance was strengthened by the Holy Ghost. 

We have been working with our investigators all week to try and get them to church and on Saturday we were really stressed; trying to make sure everyone knew and stopping by to invite everyone we could think of. We ran into Luci and she invited us over. We were kind of hesitant because we were feeling really rushed and we had a lot of people to visit. But we went in to her house to talk with her for a while. She recently moved here from Arequipa and as we talked to her a little bit, she opened up and poured out a lot of heavy things that are going on in her life. She said "is it true that after baptism we still have a lot of trials?" I told her "yes" It was so painful for me to see her, a faithful recent convert, struggling with so many things and feeling so broken inside.It made me cry. We shared D&C 18:10 "remember that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God"with her. None of our investigators came to church on Sunday but it's ok. I think that Jesus wouldn't have been worried about numbers for the week; he would have talked to Luci and tried to comfort her. I love Luci and I love our investigators that sell juice and I love everyone. I have been here so long that I have a bunch of friends 'around the neighborhood" The local drunk guys walked past the other day and he was like "hey sister! you should convert my friend!" and I was like "haha ok!" so funny. I love you all and thanks for the prayers and emails. 

Love, 

Hermana Christensen

Photos: us being sassy,  a giant plate of chicken, rice and a "salad" made out of potatotes haha, the sunset after rain (IT RAINED FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! that I have seen on my mission)