Week 2 at the MTC

Hi family!

First off..... I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! There is nothing like it in the entire world. Dad, I loved the story about ol' Chief. Go figure that he'd get into trouble with that pizza thing. That totally made my day. Tell that kid to write me! I hope that you finished the beets and everything went good without everything breaking apart on the tractor and the dammer dyker. Thanks a million for doing my taxes Dad. I owe you big time; maybe I'll make you a lovely pie when I get back. Mom, I’m glad that you're feeling a little better. I know it is super hard and everything, but that old leg of yours won't slow YOU down. Way to go! I’m sad that your kindergarten kids are still naughty, but I’m afraid that you just might have to stick it out. ONLY 14 MORE DAYS?! Wow, I wish I was in kindergarten for school. That would be rad. Terry, fantastic job at your track meet. That is just so cool that you are really awesome at that. You're still a freshman! That's incredible; I can't wait to see how you do next year. I'm sad to hear about Mrs. White's house. I bet Matt and Kat are pretty bummed about that. Kat did you learn what your baby is going to be yet? I'm still betting on Girl, but I'd like to know anyway. Oh, and congrats on graduating! SCOMPS. I wish I was there for the celebration and everything. Tell everyone at Seminis that I send my love. Oh and has Kym had baby marshmallow yet?

 

I am so happy to be here at the MTC. I have made so many friends and have been so blessed to be here in Provo. I was super bummed at first, but now I couldn't have imagined it being any other way. My companions are the sweetest most wonderful Hermanas. I was lucky to have been with them. It was a little tricky getting used to the threesome, but I just love it now. Hermana Grow is so similar to me that it blows my mind. She is just the sweetest, happiest person I think I’ve ever met. Hermana Ivie always knows what to say during a lesson. She is so sincere and thoughtful, and yet says the funniest things. I am so lucky to have these sisters going with me to Peru (that is if we ever get there. But I have finally come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter, because I am on the Lord's time and I am doing His work here. I will serve wherever I may be and I will love it.).

 

Spanish is...... well, okay, I really love Spanish. But I get a little annoyed that I can't ask questions the way that I want to, or that my investigator can’t understand my thoughts. But there is nothing in the world as rewarding as a) being able to recall something that I'd memorized earlier for something and b) when I don't know what to say/how to say it, the words slip into my mouth. I know both of those are blessings from the Spirit and that the gift of tongues is totally real. We had a real treat this Tuesday for devotional. Elder Richard G Scott came and spoke to us. It was one of the coolest things that I had ever seen. He spoke about prayer and what to pray for and how to pray. I was so overwhelmed by the impact of that talk. At the end of the talk he gave us an apostolic blessing that the people who were learning a language here at the MTC would be blessed beyond measure to learn the language. Not only to learn the language, but to master the language. It has been the greatest blessing to me as I have been struggling to come up with words to talk about. I was so grateful to have heard those words. It really brought me peace along with excitement to learn about the language. My district got really excited to hear this and we had a great time discussing the things that we needed to do better to be able to master the language. It was such a special tender mercy.

 

So Elder Scott finished his talk and we sang the closing hymn and the sister who was saying the prayer got up to say the prayer when he stopped her. He got up to the pulpit and said some more. He promised us ho we were called of God and that we are servants of the Lord and will be blessed as we show our diligence. It was a real testimony to me about how when you receive a prompting, to say it. Even if it might seem like the time might be a little awkward. I just love him. And yes mom, he did mention his wife Jeanen (I think that's how it's supposed to be spelled?). I love my teachers. They are just so awesome, and they really are helping me understand the gospel.

I saw Aimee the other day. She's still here learning Korean. I impressed her with my tiny bit of Korean that I do know. She's supposed to be here for about 3 more weeks. I also chat with any other Koreans that I see and people going on a mission (thanks to Dale for teaching me how to tell Korean writing.) I also saw Janessa P. and a whole bunch of friends from BYUI. It has been a real blast seeing so many friends here. My companions think that I am one of the "social elite" which I just think is super funny because I never would have suspected that about myself. During one class my teacher said "well you live and you learn" and I literally laughed out loud it was so funny. Thanks to Fog for the real important things in life. I just love my hermanas and am so excited to be a missionary.

Love you all,

Hermana Christensen

 

PS we get to go to the temple today!

PPSS I didn't get any packages, but I did get a lovely letter from Claire. I am going to send a letter for her to the house and if you ever get her address, could you forward it on? Love ya bunches!