Week 25

This week Hermana Wheelwright and I had a companionship goal to recognize tender mercies.

I often use the line... "what a blessing that is" said in a slow, choked up voice.

So, last week was tranfers right? Elder Andersen, the other District leader in our zone got a new companion this week who he is training. We were told before Zone conference through text that this new elder has Asperger's. I was instantly ecstatic. Needless to say, Elder Orme and I hit it off. I love talking to him so much. He is a genius. The Elders are not especially nice to him. In front of him too. It makes me really sad. So Elder Andersen is having a hard time and went to the mission office for a while with Elder Black. Elder Orme came to dinner with Elder Tellez and us hermanas. He knows Spanish and he kept us entertained with his Spainsh jokes all through dinner at Hermana Guillen's. Anyways, we had been told Elder Orme served a 4 month mission in Salt Lake to make sure he could handle a 2 year mission. During dinner it clicked.... I remembered an email Dad sent to me while I was in the MTC I think. About an elder serving in our stake that you were working with. A flood of emotions fled through my body and I felt SO MUCH LOVE FOR ELDER ORME. I knew he was the elder dad mentioned to me! So after dinner I asked elder Orme where he served in his Salt Lake mission. He said Bountiful and  Ogden. I just smiled trying to choke back tears and asked if he served in the Val Verda Stake. He responded yes. I told him he worked with my dad! And I don't think he realized how exciting it was entirely. But he said "yeah I knew I recognized the name Christensen" so maybe he remembers you dad!

Anyways I took a picture with him and then tears streamed down my face as we biked back up Mcdowell. I know Heavenly Father assigned him to Scottsdale mission, to Scottsdale zone, not by chance. That right there was such a tender mercy that God arranged. To know that my parents had prayed for this Elder specifically in Bountiful, and now I get to work with him just a few months later!

Last night we went to contact a referral we received who lives in the very far end of our area with Hermana Medina. It was dark and took us a minute to find the house. But we found Minerva inside with 2 of her kids and 2 of her grandkids. She proceeded to tell us how elders always visited her neighbor and waved at her. One day they talked to Minerva and gave her a Book of Mormon which she is now reading... WHAT!? She was really excited to tell us how much she liked reading it. She is adorable and looks likes she is 20 but has 2 grandkids. She attends Catholic church every week and works at Burger king right by our house with our friend Cesi! We are excited to teach Minerva :)

Funny story... We met a Maria last week as we were wandering around trying to find a bathroom. She told us to meet her at the same spot, same time in 2 days. So we went back in 2 days at the same spot at the same time. We noticed a woman across the street waiting for the bus. So we figured she maybe didn't recognize us. We walked over and I said, "Maria?" she said "si.....?" And we were excited it was her so proceeded to ask how her day was at work and such. Anyways after about 10 minutes we figured out this wasn't the same Maria! But this new Maria is coming to church! We had a really good visit with her. Haha EVERYBODY is Maria.

We had a really neat experience this week testifying to a new investigator on his doorstep. Something prompted us to testify of Thomas S. Monson and it was the perfect thing to say that caught his interest. We know that the Spirit guided us to the things we were saying, it was really neat.

I love sharing the gospel :)

I am learning so much!

Have a good week I love you family!

Hermana Christensen

We cool.  Completely candid.

Hermana Wheelwright and I at the temple a few weeks ago!

Sister Freeman and I on exchanges

Christmas day at the Clyde's

With some of our zone at Buffalo Wild Wings on New Years Day.

Bathroom pic at Buffalo Wild Wings on New Years day <3

Mission Conference

Elder Orme and I

Guess what mom!? Hermana Wheelwright and I filled in for Hermana Clyde and got to be in charge of singing time in primary this week! Without a pianist! YAY I love the little kiddies!  Singing Time in Primary!

Week 24

Okay a few weeks ago we were on our bikes waiting to  cross the street at about 1 PM in little mexico. A cop car pulled up to us and rolled down his window and said, " you know this isn't the safest neighborhood right?" I quickly responded, "yeah!!".... then re- thought what he said and responded again, "wait what do you mean?"

He waited a long few seconds and said, "oh nothing just be careful you two."

So that was heart warming!!

Then last week we were told by a man that there had been 36 gun shots in that neighborhood since thanksgiving, and a drive by shooting that he witnessed last week, and three weeks ago there was a body stabbed on the neighboring street. And then last week Thomas (one of the main roads) had every cop car ever and helicopters and things looking for a man who tried to hold up a CVS. Did they ever find him? I find myself still looking for him haha.

We have gotten A LOT of advice recently to stay away from little mexico at night time. We have never felt a little frightened until now. But I trust the spirit to help guide us in where to go and when! All is well.

The other night I was having a dream about teaching Froylan haha.

 I remember it was in Spanish and Hermana Wheelwright was helping me teach. All of a sudden I woke up the her saying, "tenemos que recordarle a leer y orar!"

Still half asleep I muttered back to her "mande?"

She, now awake and embarassed said "Nothing!"

I was so confused cause what she said went right along with what I was dreaming! I had been talking in my sleep!

We had been teaching a lesson in our sleep in Spanish haha. 

I was sick again last week. So were a few others. It was the flu. We didn't get to teach a lot last week but we were blessed with 5 investigators that came to church. Wow so blessed.

 Our lesson last night with Cheli and Jenny was one of the best ever. We finally watched the other Joseph Smith movie with them. I tried to feel every doubt and concern they might have while watching. I put myself in their shoes. When it said that the same John the Baptist who baptized Jesus conferred the priesthood keys to Joseph Smith they both looked at each other with wide eyes. I thought, do I really believe that to be true? Immediately I had the spirit confirm to me that it was true! This happened several times during the film. Cheli and Jenny were so happy too when it talked about families being able to be sealed together forever. 

They told us they want to do everything they can to turn their lives over to the Lord. I love them so much and am SO GRATEFUL I am still in this area to help them change!

I poured out my heart in gratitude last night. I feel so extremely blessed right now. Especially to be able to see Cheli and Jenny so happily accept and live the gospel. I pray with all my heart that we can help them change their lives to LIVE the commandments for the rest of their lives.

I love the scriptures, I love seeing how real they are. I love when I read something and go, "WOAH this is talking to me!"

They do that for every person in the whole world. How crazy is that? 

I love being a missionary. It is weird I am 1/3 of the way done... Time is flying by.

Love you, keep reading the scriptures everyday!!

LIVE the gospel. It's what makes us truly happy. That will always be true! 

Hermana Christensen

The only picture this week.... sickly Shelby.  The Elders brought me this humidifier... I was In LOVE with it. It changed colors too.

Week 23 (Christmas)

Definitely had an interesting week!

I really do love to sing now. I have NEVER like to, haha now I just can't get enough of it. The other day I was singing in my low manly voice and sister Mortensen opened the front door thinking the elders were caroling to us again (and they have good voices!) So if I don't make it into a female choir one day- a men's choir is looking promising!

Over FaceTime you asked me about my most spititual moment- I couldn't think of one sorry, there have been way too many! And then Drew asked if I have seen someone's heart change... I said no. BUT I thought a lot more about those 2 questions. And the same person came to my mind for both. Cheli. Cheli has such a strong testimony of prayer now and over the past few weeks we have seen a gradual softening of her heart. Her and Jenny have faith in the Jesus Christ, it is leading them to keep commitments, come to church and learn more. They thank us again and again for helping them. Cheli keeps opeing up more and more to us and she will soon accept a baptismal date I know it!

This week the saddest thing ever happened...

Clemencia (one of our branch missionaries) and her 17 year old daughter Julie were baptized in the summer. They live in Little Mexico and we ALWAYS bring investigators to her home for lessons. Clemencia however recently got a boyfriend who is not very nice. I talked about a few weeks ago how we got bashed- it was by him. She promised us that he was changing and she was helping him change his life for the better. Well two days ago we went to Clemencia's and he answered the door super drunk. He was extremely disrespectful to us to we left. We ran into Julie a few minutes later and told her what happened. She apologized and said she hated how he treats us. Then she told us that Clemencia doesn't want to see us anymore and wants to stop going to church.... :(

My heart instantly broke..... Julie said she still wants to come. She told us she wants Clemencia to tell us herself what is going on.. So we will talk to Clemencia this week... That was the first time I REALLY cried about someone's soul.

We are teaching Flora again! And help her kids with their homework!

We met a sweetheart named Froylan this week. HE IS INCREDIBLY ADORABLE. We met him Thursday. He came to the temple lights Friday. And church on Sunday. He tried to sing every hymn, he LOVED church. He moved here from Mexico 3 months ago, lives with his niece here in little Mexico. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. He works at the local car wash :)

Lupe Aguilar came to church this week too. He and our ward mission leader have a good friendship which is AWESOME. So Hermano Monge comes to all of his lessons with us.

Hermana Medina is finally back from Mexico!!!!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!

I love you all!! Please just ADMIRE the picture of Froylan I am about to send. HE LOVED the temple lights!

Hermana Christensen

Pictures from Christmas morning

Froylan

Mission Temple trip

Zoey Clyde and our tree

Froyaln

Christmas morning

Participating in the Christmas morning tradition of walking up the stairs

Week 22 (20th Birthday!)

I am so happy. We went on companion exchanges this week. I learned so much from Sister Mortensen (who we live with). She helped point out all the things I am doing right. I feel so much happier now, I am really good at trying to be perfect and focusing on all the things I do wrong. Spanish is really fun to speak. I love love love talking to new people and building friendships with our investigators and members.

Best birthday I have ever had. Missionaries are so selfless!! I have never felt more loved in my entire life. From the minute I woke up to the minute I went to bed, literally. I don't have much time to write sorry but I will talk to you in two days! Have questions ready! I love you all so much.

Our companionship is growing and growing. I love companion study so much. We get to share our testimonies with each other for a whole hour. The spirit is always so strong.  We pray fervently and sincerely for each other. There is nothing that warms my heart more than a sincere prayer. Wow I love feeling the spirit! I am so happy.

Cheli and Jenny are progressing. We gave them the little Joseph Smith movie to watch last week. When they came to church they brought it and handed it over saying how they didn't want to give it back. They watched it twice cause they loved it so much and said it was too short. Good thing there is a longer one! :)

I love all of our investigators so much.

Wow I love being a missionary.

Wow miracles happen everyday.

Wow I am so glad families can live together forever. Be faithful all of you!!

 

Merry Christmas and Happy birthday to me. I am now 20.

See you in EXACTLY two days!

 

Hermana Christensen

Me and Favritzio (Jenny's son)

Birthday pie at Clyde's

Old picture with Hermana Pew and Hna Medina

Blurry picture of Chili and Jenny at the Christmas dinner

New shoes & Birthday balloons

Love her

Opening my birthday box from the Elders

Flowers from Milton

birthday cake from Hermana anna guillen

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