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!

-- 

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

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

Week 10: Emergency Brake

Hello all,

This week was super fun and awesome. I feel like the time is flying by!!! I already have two months away from the USA and my family. There is a lot of exciting stuff happening. First, there was another earthquake (a baby one, I think its called a replica) at 5 in the morning and Juan Gabriel passed away. I didn't know who he was but know I do because everyone and their mom has been playing Juan Gabriel as loud as they can. And because the houses aren't totally enclosed, you can hear everything. SUPER FUN. 

I have seen (you can guess it) lots of miracles this week. One experience that I want to share happened on Sunday night. We had gone back to the room to grab something really quick. I always have my camera with me and Hermana Albornoz told me to leave it and my wallet. She left her valuables too. I thought it was because there were a bunch of drunks out that night (some celebration) but she just had a feeling. We left and went to see Adriana. We were talking to Adriana (our investigator who has a baptismal date for the 24th) at her window. We were super absorbed in the conversation when all of a sudden, Hermana Albornoz grabbed my arm and yanked me away. 2 seconds later, a car crashed into Adriana´s house. I think the owner forgot to put the break on and it had rolled backwards from up the hill. Basically, the Lord protects us and the Holy Ghost is super real. I am so grateful that Hermana Albornoz had the prompting to look over her shoulder when she did. She literally saved my life. It was pretty scary but I am all good. And my testimony is stronger than ever.

Exciting things

1. ON Saturday, there was a Stake activity. All of the wards presented a typical dance of Arequipa. I pretty much teared up because I just feel such a strong love for the people here and I am so grateful the Lord sent me here. (Also, Dolphin Show vibes-Eloise)

2. On Wednesday, we are going to help Fiorella (friend of Adriana 13yrs old) paint her bedroom!!! I am super excited. I love doing service and I am weirdly happy to be able to paint a room. 

3. Today I am making Alfajores with Hermana Albornoz. Don´t be jealous. 

4. I love this place. I love this Gospel. I am beyond happy to wake up every morning and work. 

PICTURES 

Maria Perez, who is getting married soon, Angelito, our ward mission leader who got released on Sunday (TEARS) he is the best ever.

Also, I forgot to send the pictures of Eudiz and Domingo last week. Aren't they adorable?

-- 

Sister Madeline Christensen

Week 9: Miracles and Lessons

Well, I just typed out my whole email and accidentally deleted it. Cool. I promise the first draft was way cooler

Miracles I have seen and truths I have learned this week :

1. the week before this last week, we only had 14 lessons. Our district leader challenged us to have 30 this past week and we did. It is amazing to see how much the Lord blesses us when we give our all

2. Eudiz and Domingo are an older couple that were less active for a while but are now preparing to attend the temple in September. Hermano Domingo is super deaf and a huge flirt and in our last lesson he stood up and sang us some old songs. HIs wife, Hermana Eudiz is always talks over Domingo and gives us fresh fruit after each lesson. They are so old and grumpy and in love. I am so happy that I get to know them. I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple and for the chance that we have to live with our families again if we are faithful. 

3. An apostle of the Lord came to talk to all the missionaries on Saturday. Elder Renlund is a great speaker and when he walked into the room, we all stood up and the spirit was so strong. He talked a lot about faith (which is something I have been studying a lot in my personal study). I have like 6 pages of notes but I cant replicate the Spirit that I felt there in my email. 

4. My companion got some sad news on Sunday about the death of her cousin (who is her same age). It was really hard to see "mi mama" get such sad news. But her testimony is so strong. She cried it out, sat down, and wrote a letter to the family of her cousin ( who are not members) and shared her testimony about the plan of salvation. Then, we went out and taught 6 lessons. The plan of salvation is real. Families are forever and Heavenly Father knows and loves all of his children. 

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together"- African proverb shared by Sister Renlund. 

I am grateful for my family, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.