Week 21

I don't really know what to say this week. Going to the hospital and being on morphine was definitely a highlight. Hermana Mortensen and Freeman had a baptism on Saturday but Ismael (I talked about how we met him) never showed up. So hopefully that will take place THIS week haha. Elder Holland is coming January 11 to talk to us, and the Gilbert and Mesa missions.

The weather wasn't as cold this week, you'd think it was a nice brisk morning in September if this was Utah!

I read a talk from conference this morning that I absolutely loved. "Wilt thou be Made Whole?"

It helped me realize how I can't do anything without relying on the Savior. It is our own decision whether to be happier or not. Agency is my new favorite topic. I am memorizing 2 Nefi 2:23 this week. If we want to live forever and be exalted, let us choose to do so! I want to desire to be more like the Savior. I am glad life is hard. I am happy we have commandments. So we can CHOOSE to receive a fullness of joy. I know it is completely our choice whether or not we are happy. I know only through Jesus Christ can we be happy and receive a remission of our sins again and again. This life is the time to prepare to meet God! 2 Nefi 2 just gets me every time. Meditate the scriptures. They are gold.

 

Hermana Christensen

 

Happy Birthday to me in 6 days :)

I will talk to you via FaceTime in 9 days for 40 minutes. If that's alright.

I got to choose all the dinners this week... I may gain 12 pounds.

Pura vida.

At the E.R.

Elder Andersen and Elder Black brought us everything we needed while sick.  Tons of Powerade, Jamba Juice, silly putty, saltines, flushable wipes... you name it!

Sister Wheelwright and I at the Mesa temple on Friday!

Week 20

I bought Tamales from a lady selling them out of a rolling cooler in Little Mexico this week. Then had them for breakfast the next morning with some sweet baby rays BBQ sauce. Call me an Americanized Mexican.

 

Also, I love how close I can be to the spirit as a missionary.  The other day I was standing in the kitchen saying a little prayer over my lunch and just started bawling. I felt so much gratitude for where I am and what I am doing and my calling as a representative of Jesus Christ! I just know there isn't anywhere else the Lord wants me right now :)

There are so many little tender mercies of the Lord I notice too. Just little things that most of the times are considered coincidences- they aren't. Heavenly Father is ALWAYS looking for ways to bless us.

 

It is COLD here. There were maybe only 2 days this week we were absolutely miserable on our bikes in the cold. We started calling members to take us everywhere. I feel bad but they are always really happy to help. It probably isn't THAT cold but at night on the bikes it feels really cold. I just wasn't prepared for this kind of weather! Haha but I got pretty good at bundling up and wearing my one pair of tights everyday. I might buy more today ok?

 

So random Maria who came to church last week is so awesome. She is going to get baptized this month. We taught her three times last week and she came to church again. She was late and missed the sacrament though so we have to push back her date. Her husband just left her and she has an 8 year old 5 year old and a baby. She has to find a job pronto and probably a cheaper house. Hermana Leon (Relief Society President) is working with us now to help her. But Maria is so solid and receptive to the gospel. She already knows it's true. I LOVE helping her learn.

 

Yesterday we went to the Mesa Temple lights with Anna and Evenlyn. New investigators. We went with Elder Black and Quiros and their little investigator. Hermana Inez drove us sisters all out. there were so many people and it was probably more fun than the Salt Lake Temple lights!

 

Love you and thanks for the birthday presents! Can't wait to receive them!

 

Hermana Christensen

Week 19

We have a very large pool of potential investigators. Our focus is inviting these all to progress towards baptism this week. At times I think that I am such a bad missionary because none of our investigators are progressing, I get so down on myself. And then I realize that it is Satan tearing me down. As long as we continue to lovingly invite our brothers and sisters to accept the gospel and live it, eventually some WILL follow and FEEL what we are trying to help them feel. I know I am an imperfect teacher- I am accepting that fact everyday haha. But I also know that what we are teaching IS PERFECT. I know as I do MY BEST He WILL make up the rest to help the conversion process occur. I know the Holy Ghost bears the truth of all things. I know it really isn't me or my companion who are teaching, but the Holy Spirit bears the truth of what we say in their hearts. I know this is true. I love knowing that my testimony wasn't forced upon me. But I actually had to inquire of myself and accept, listen, love and live according to the answers I received from my Heavenly Father through the comforter. The gospel is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the same church with the fullness of the gospel that Jesus Christ himself established. I realized something this morning in my personal study. How crucial the second part of the 3rd article of faith is. "we believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." We can believe all we want that we will be saved by Christ and his atonement, but without obeying the commandments and living the laws of the gospel- this means nothing. We are judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts. I desire to live in the Celestial Kingdom for all eternity. This is possible only because of Jesus Christ, and as I continue practicing faith in Him and His atonement, repent, renew my baptismal covenants every week at church, act on promptings I receive from the Holy ghost, and endure this process for the rest of my life while helping everyone around me to do so as well. Wow I have so much work to do! We all do.

This week was the first time anyone has every really bashed us. And it happened twice the same day. I have never felt so sad. You can tell once the investigator puts up that wall where they refuse to listen and only accuse and question. It's really hard to keep quiet. It makes me sad because we only want to help them understand all of their questions but they insist on trying to prove us wrong when WE KNOW WE ARE RIGHT. We don't get angry and fight back though. All they have to do is pray and read the Book of Mormon and they too can know- not from us as missionaries but from God that it's all true. This is what I've learned. It's sad, but their time will come, their heart will be softened to only listen.

The Book of Mormon prophet nefi prophecies of a restoration in 2 Nefi 25:17-18

"And the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a marvelous work and wonder among the children of men. Wherefore he shall bring forth his words unto them, which words shall judge them at the last day, for they shall be given them for the purpose of convincing them of the true Messiah."

The New Testament uses the word Atonement once in the whole book. Zero times in the Spanish version. The Book of Mormon uses atonement in its tenses 55 times. The Book of Mormon truly is Another Testament of Jesus Christ and His infinite atonement. I feel extremely blessed to live in this dispensation with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week I realized I know a lot more Spanish than I was giving myself credit for. Hermana Wheelwright didn't speak much Spanish up in Eager as we do down here in Scottsdale. I know how to speak Spanish holy cow. It is SO FUN! I can talk to everybody! I know Heavenly Father is helping me out. It's so cool. I will just open my mouth and start talking and somehow I can carry on a whole conversation and UNDERSTAND what people are saying to us.

Also when we go to Mexico I made some friends who have a big house about 1.5 hours north of D.F. They want us to stay with them. Haha.

Aurelio came to a baptism we had on Saturday finally. He loved it. But had a dream about two months ago that he got baptized with a wife and kids with him... So he just is waiting. We still keep in contact with him. He texts us a lot but we aren't teaching him anymore. He'll want to be baptized one day.

Happy December! It's so cold here now. Not as cold as it is there, no way. But its chilly on the bicycle!

Thanks for your prayers and support :) Keep sharing the gospel.

Hermana Christensen

Thanksgiving breakfast at Inez'

Thanksgiving lunch at President Clyde's

Thanksgiving dinner at the Ramos

With Jalisco (my bike) and her bike

On our porch

Week 18

The day finally came, Hermana Pew and I were separated.

Last week Hermana Pew and I got to give a training during District meeting on how to have fun while being a missionary. HAHA- it was really fun. Over our course together we came up with lots of little games and things and shared them with our district.

Last week Hermana Pew and I also spent a lot of time recording the Christmas CD with some of our Zone. She is REALLY good at singing- has a beautiful voice- I am still learning. But it was really fun. Maybe you'll get to hear our CD one day. :)

They also let me do a solo whistle part. I am glad I was able to put my REAL talent to use!! Thanks for all the practice you did with me dad! and Trev!

My new companion is Hermana Wheelwright she is from Pleasant View Utah and she was in the MTC with me! So we came out at the same time. I have played soccer against her too! She was on McKenna Elliot's team. We will have fun playing soccer here! Her trainer was Sister Pew's trainer. Which makes her my aunt. I stayed in my area here in Scottsdale and am now senior companion just cause this is my area and I know everyone. I am really excited for this next transfer. Hermana Wheelwright is so willing and ready to work.

Sister Pew went up 4 hours north to Show Low zone. We got to go shop on Saturday for her snow gear. She has an English companion now and is a sister training leader.

We spent the last few days together trying not to sulk. The last two nights we pushed our beds together so they were about an inch apart (not to break missionary rules).

We will be eachother's bridesmaids one day.

Thanksgiving we have 3 dinner appointments. We have a soccer turkey bowl tomorrow at the park right by our apartment (yay for Mexican football)!

Last Friday we met Dixie and Juan. We were waiting in their house for their dad to come home. They are newlyweds. We invited them to the baptism the next day and they asked what it was. We explained how it was an essential ordinance needed to help them live with their Father in Heaven again and be free from feelings of guilt and shame. Dixie then sincerely asked, "can I be baptized tomorrow too?"

We told her no but that we could help her prepare to be!

We have a lot of potential investigators. Helping them progress is the hard part. Patience and diligence is what we are practicing!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for being the best family ever. I really am very thankful that I can live with you forever and ever and ever. You are all so wonderful.  LOVE YOU!! We'll be face to face through a screen in one month!

Hermana Christensen

It was pouring rain

Hermana Leon took us out to Olive Garden

Sister pew, Sister Mortensen and Sister Freeman- on the way home from zone sports

Sister Pew and I at transfer Meeting

The bike cut me. I was leaving a trail of blood all night.

Week 17

I got sick this week. I threw up at the top of McDowell. Then was given "miracle water" by the members we were with right after to help heal me. Also, have I mentioned that I drink Apple Cider Vinegar on a regular basis? Hermana Pew and I have almost finished a whole bottle. Supposedly it's the cure-all and eliminates obesity too.

 

Yesterday in church I was so astonished, because I realized how much Spanish I really can understand now! I can understand every word. I can't quite speak fluently yet, but I think back to my first week and how lost I felt at church trying SO HARD to follow along. Now it takes a lot less effort to understand. I am making progress!

 

Teaching is so fun. Lessons are always such a spiritual experience. We are teaching Artemia and her family. We had our first real lesson with her this week and she got all of her kids to come and sit down and listen. And her kids friends. We have seen her around little Mexico for forever and finally she is interested in our message. So during our lesson she says, "I have a question, how are you baptized? Cause in the catholic church we are baptized as babies and not like Jesus was. He was baptized when he was older and in a river. It doesn't make sense."

WOW ARTEMIA why don't you come to church and learn of the true Doctrine of Christ!?

We opened up to a scripture and had them read then we explained how Christ was baptized and invited all of them to be baptized. They all want to learn more before saying yes. They are all so awesome. Artemia will be such a great member. Every person we meet we can't help but picture them in their future church calling.

 

We are recording a Christmas CD with a few other missionaries in our Zone to hand out to people. I actually am not as bad of a singer as I thought I was my whole life, mom!

 

Next week is transfers so P-day will be next Wednesday. Love you and talk to you then! Have fun in Hawaii Mom and Dad! Sounds so fun! Why didn't Kass, Coco, and Drew go?

 

Hermana Christensen

Week 16

Howard W Hunter said, "A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others. For this reason the Lord gave an obligation to every member of the church to be a missionary."

Doctrine and Covenants 84: 61

For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you.

 

As members of his church, we are held under obligation to be missionaries. How strong of a desire we have to share the gospel can help us measure how converted we are and if we can "feel so now". All of us have felt the healing power of Jesus Christ's atonement. Bear witness of the spirit in helping you feel clean again. Continually convert yourself.

 

I have recently realized how prideful I am. "Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. It is a damning sin in the true sense of the word." The downfall of the people in The Book of Mormon always falls back to their pride. It's so hard at times to recognize pride in myself, but seriously EVERYTHING I do that is un-christlike is due to my pride. I know I can choose to be humble or compelled to be humble. I like to think that I can choose to be humble. When my desires aren't follwed by actions I always fail. No matter how hard I pray to change, I will never change without acting. I read "Pride" by Ezra Taft Benson probably once a week. It helps me align my will more to the will of God's. Because "unity is impossible for a proud people".

 

This week Hermana Pew and I improved and met a bunch of our goals. We struggled a little last week, just everyday missionary frustrations. We love eachother so much and are so happy, but Satan always helps us look for the negative about life, right? We asked our District Leader and his companion to give us priesthood blessings one night after dinner in a member's home. Mine was given in Spanish and even though I didn't know every word used, I felt the spirit. I felt love from my Father in Heaven. I felt impressions from the spirit that didn't have to be told to me through words. I love the power we feel from the Holy Ghost.

 

We obtained a referral from a woman we contacted on the street and are planning to teach. But our appointments keep falling through. Her name is Maria. Anyways, one time when we went to reschedule with Maria she says she can't because she will be with her neighbor Christina in the hospital. We asked if we could visit her Christina in the hospital and the rest is history :).

We visited Christina for un ratito and set another appoinment. For the second appoinment (last night) we brought Hermana Medina. We said our prayer outside the hospital entrance and Hermana Medina after said  "hmm I wonder if it's a Chirstina I know." Turns out that they have been friends for a LONG time. They were neighbors for years and years. Christina's appendix almost exploded and has been in the hospital for almost 2 weeks now. According to Hermana Medina she is NOW prepared to hear. In years previous Christina was always to busy. Chrisitna accepted to be baptized December 14th if she is out of the hospital and feels everything is true! Let me tell you- the hospital is SUCH a great atmostphere to teach in! We are visiting Christina again tonight and we are so excited to help her learn about the plan our Father in Heaven has for her. She is a sweetheart. We are also going to teach her how to text tonight haha. I showed her a picture of our family. She says you are all beautiful.

 

I love this work. It's so neat to notice the Lord's perfect timing and little tender mercies. I got another flat tire this week. Luckily it was a day when ALL of our appointments and even dinner were in Little Mexico so we could walk everywhere. What a blessing. We locked our bikes up to a pole all day. And at the end of the night they were still there. Only covered in bird turd. :)

 

Christ's atonement is real, powerful and availiable. Seek and find.

Hermana Christensen

Sister Pew's mom sent us matching scarves and earrings.  Also, a Smash Burger is now our new next door neighbor.  We love Smash Burger

Week 15

A miracle happened this week in our district. We had our big stake fall festival on Saturday. Wow it was so fun. I absolutely love how wholesome Latter Day Saints are! As we were waiting in the dinner line with a few other missionaries they told us this...

1 and a half weeks ago--A missionary in Phoenix (maybe the Mesa or Tempe mission) was on facebook and randomly found a man and messaged him. The missionary told the man that he had a message for him from God. They messaged back and forth a few times and the man was complaining about a few things going wrong in his life. The man agreed to have missionaries visit him the next day (in our Zone). First lesson he accepted baptismal date from English elders. They felt this man needed to be taught by the Spanish elders (our District Leader and companion). That week Luis and his wife came to the activity and sat next to Hermana Pew and I at Dinner. He  told us his story and said "the Lord sometimes speaks to us in strange ways". He is so excited about his baptism on November 30th! He and his wife came to church yesterday and on track for this day. WOW what a miracle.

We met a woman last week in little Mexico. We were walking to a lesson and heard someone yell out at us "look out its the Mormons!" We kind of just ignored it. But somehow ended up talking with Angie. She asked us a few questions then softened up as we listened to her talk about her life. She ended up sharing practically her whole life with us and crying about how hard she works as a stay at home mom. The spirit truly opens people's hearts to us. By the end Angie told us to please come visit her once a week (haha we didn't even ask). She just said "I would love it if you would come visit me every week"... Ah it went from her yelling a warning to the world about us to ASKING us to come to her home once a week. She is so hilarious. AND SPEAKS SPANISH.

The other day we were on our way to a lesson in Tempe and stopped to talk to a young man. We talked for a minute or two. He was cautious at first. Then we asked a few inspired questions as directed by the spirit and we all sat there in silence as he took a full minute to cry about how he knew God lives. The spirit was SO STRONG in this short contact on the street.

Little things like this happen everyday. We are constantly walking out of lessons saying WOW, or crying cause of how incredible these people are! And how strongly the spirit can manifest the truth. This is the work of salvation.

Last week I had my first real fall on my bike... Hahah. So we were riding back to our apartment in the middle of the day and the sprinklers were on. So the little pathways were really wet and I need to mention curvy. Hermana Pew was in front of me, I was going a little too fast for the wet surfaces I guess. I turned slightly and the bike flew out from under me one direction and I did a good smack and penguin slide on my stomach for a few feet. HAHA. I just sat there and looked around to see if anyone saw.. Hermana Pew was running towards me and then in the near distance I saw a head above the bushes bobbing up and down as it ran towards me. The other two Hermanas who live with us happened to be leaving at that exact second and saw the whole thing. Hahah it was a big fall. And after analyzing that I was alright everyone started busting up laughing. It was pretty good haha. Not even a bruise to show for it.

We are working hard, and learning how to improve each day. We are learning to become our best selves and stop comparing our selves to other people. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I study pray everyday to better understand his love.

Have a great week I love you!

Hermana Christensen

We run past Samara every morning

Pumpkin carving!

At my desk

Santiago gave me a coconut and Hermana Pew a pomegranate. haha we get random fruit ALWAYS.

 I broke the coco and drank it with a straw :)

At the stake festival