The best part of Christmas was being able to talk to many members of my family (I feel sad that I wasn`t able to talk with David, Jenn, Lily, Julian, Emerson, Lisa and Matt, and Bequis) and to find out how they are doing. On the 24th, we had a nice Christmas turkey dinner with the Balbodilla family. We noticed several dolls here in Peru, with some rather entertaining names...(“Intelligent Baby” or “Baby Thirsty” are some of my favorites).
This weekend was special as our friends Truario and Consuelo were baptized. This couple has faithfully attended church and paid their tithing for 6 months, but were waiting for their papers to arrive in order to get married. We stopped by before Christmas to see how they were doing and they told us that the papers had arrived and they had eloped! They didn`t even tell their children! Since nothing was stopping them, they decided to be baptized the day after Christmas. They are already preparing for the temple, in one year from now. If I am in the area, and if I am invited, I will be able to attend their sealing in 2010. There was such a special spirit in the room when they were baptized and confirmed. They join their children, who were already baptized. So special.
The only words I can use to describe this Sunday is “The Muppet Show.” It was a happy Sunday, and many of our investigators attended church. Here are some highlights:
1. Since church is between 11-2, we suggested to Ursula and her children (the little terrors) that they could bring some snacks to eat in between meetings. We wanted to burst out laughing when we saw the little year old boy, Amado, struggling to carry a bulging sack (a full out dinner with rice, eggs, bananas, and drinks) of their food. They arrived early to church and were in the main hallway, eating their picnic and drinking their manzanilla.
2. Our investigator Pablo came to church again. He arrived before we did, and was afraid, because he didn`t know anyone there. He ran away in tears. Some gracious members from the other ward ran after him and plead with him to come back. He came back and wanted to share his testimony (we told him to wait one week). I didn`t know that Pablo was a little tipsy until some more experienced missionaries told me. He was so excited to come, that even if I had known, I probably would have allowed him to come, too. I now know to do the “breath test.”
3. At the Ward Christmas party, Hna. Flores and I have to leave before the program is over, because we have to be back in our apartments before 9. Sis. Rojas ushers us into the kitchen to eat some paneton (fruitcake) and hot chocolate before we leave and leaves the room. We are in the kitchen, eating quickly (stuffing our faces), when a little girl, Daisy, opens the door and shouts, “Hermanas!!! Las chape!” (Hermanas! I caught you!). We stop and look at her, paralyzed (deer in the headlights). We had to chase after her and explain that we had asked for permission. We recommended to the Bishop that she have a calling as the Serenazgo (security) for the next ward function.
That's all for this week! Just be obedient. It makes life so much simpler for everyone. :)
Hna. Christensen
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Pre-Christmas Thoughts and Experiences
Merry Christmas this week!
We have been teaching a lot of teenage girls the gospel. I know that it blesses families. Hna. Flores and I have 2 favorite commandments, the Law of Chastity (sexual purity before marriage and total fidelity after) and the Word of Wisdom (don’t consume alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances). We have observed SO MANY families here that would be immensely blessed if they lived these 2 commandments, regardless of their religious beliefs. I realized that it is so important for those pre-teen and teenaged girls to have the love of their parents, especially of their fathers. If they don`t get the attention from home, they look for the attention in other areas, on the street. I wish people would just live the commandments. It makes life so much simpler.
We had a humbling and beautiful moment when we met two war veterans, Pepe and Mario, sitting on a park bench. One man had lost his hand in the war, and the other had lost his leg. We were talking with them, and Pepe insisted on buying us a gaseosa (7 up) and some cake. He said, “You give all your time to help families and I want to thank you.” I told him, “No, we want to thank YOU for your sacrifice that you made to bless and protect the people of this country.¨ Their act of kindness was so humbling, Hna. Flores and I wanted to cry. Here we needed to thank them, and yet they were thanking us. I felt, this is the smallest part I will feel when I meet my Savior and thank Him for His sacrifice for me. I hope we can remember the Savior this Christmas time and always, so we will always have His Spirit with us.
Love,
Hna. Christensen
We have been teaching a lot of teenage girls the gospel. I know that it blesses families. Hna. Flores and I have 2 favorite commandments, the Law of Chastity (sexual purity before marriage and total fidelity after) and the Word of Wisdom (don’t consume alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances). We have observed SO MANY families here that would be immensely blessed if they lived these 2 commandments, regardless of their religious beliefs. I realized that it is so important for those pre-teen and teenaged girls to have the love of their parents, especially of their fathers. If they don`t get the attention from home, they look for the attention in other areas, on the street. I wish people would just live the commandments. It makes life so much simpler.
We had a humbling and beautiful moment when we met two war veterans, Pepe and Mario, sitting on a park bench. One man had lost his hand in the war, and the other had lost his leg. We were talking with them, and Pepe insisted on buying us a gaseosa (7 up) and some cake. He said, “You give all your time to help families and I want to thank you.” I told him, “No, we want to thank YOU for your sacrifice that you made to bless and protect the people of this country.¨ Their act of kindness was so humbling, Hna. Flores and I wanted to cry. Here we needed to thank them, and yet they were thanking us. I felt, this is the smallest part I will feel when I meet my Savior and thank Him for His sacrifice for me. I hope we can remember the Savior this Christmas time and always, so we will always have His Spirit with us.
Love,
Hna. Christensen
Monday, December 14, 2009
Shout outs--and Life in Lima
I want to give a quick “shout out” to my brother, David, whose birthday is the 16th of December. Feliz cumpleanos, David! I love you! Also, happy wedding this month to my friends Raj and Suruchi. Congratulations! My college friends who are preparing for finals, or who have finals this week, good luck and study hard!
While most people recognize me as American, others think I am British, or German. One man, Pablo, started speaking German to me. I responded with the few phrases I learned from my sister Bequis and my friend Kari. “No espreka zi deutsch. Mein gleibte schvreste, Bequis, espreka zi deutsch. Ich liebe meine muter. Vilkommen en Peru.” (Translation: I don´t speak German. My lovely sister, Bequis, speaks German. I love my mother. Welcome to Peru). Yes, I actually said all of that. Turns out he lived in Germany for 11 years. He surprised (and delighted us) us by coming to church last week. He was embarrassed, because he wasn’t dressed in church clothes (he didn’t have any). I was so happy when our friend, John Carlos, befriended him and made him feel comfortable. We missionaries need members to look out for the new people at church and help them feel welcome. It’s a responsibility we all have. People don’t come back and won’t receive those blessings, if they don’t feel welcome.
I thought I would describe a little bit of Lima for you. It is a big city (8 million) with paved roads and public transportation (lots of big buses and smaller minivan style ones). There are lots of parks, too (we met the workers who maintain the parks. They are paid 16 soles a day, or less than 6 dollars, to maintain the parks. They walk an hour to work both ways under the hot sun, to save money. A bottle of water costs 1 sol, transportation costs 50 cents, etc). People love their music. We hear reggaeton, merengue, bachata, salsa, and Michael Jackson (yes, everyone here is addicted to Michael Jackson). It is common to see groups of children practicing their group dances. Both the boys and girls dance, the girls in their big, brightly colored skirts and their braids, and the boys in their pants and shirts. They all know the traditional folkloric dances, too. Every time I see them, I just stop and stare with delight. The USA is missing out on a lot of culture.
The kids all wear uniforms, except for those in university. It is not uncommon to see groups of people playing soccer (futbol) and volleyball. They just put up a big net in the street and start playing. Every once in a while we will see a procession of the Catholic church in the street. I loved hearing the faith of a Catholic woman we met who explained that the procession is a way to remind the people that they need to always remember the Savior and what He`s done for us. It’s not an advertisement, but a reminder to the community.
Many people here have cell phones, but there are pay phones on every block. Many people have their own shops out of their homes, where they sell snacks, phone cards, toilet paper, office supplies, and Inca Kola (the national soft drink). The difference is that everything is behind a big gate that is locked. You stand outside and tap on the gate, shouting, “SeÑora!” in a slightly whiny voice (I don’t exaggerate). We eat chicken and rice with potatoes almost every lunch time. I’ve never eaten so much meat in my life! There are street vendors everywhere, but we are not allowed to eat from them (this is a good rule...most people here have not taken a class on microbiology. I try to forget everything I learned in that class about sanitation and food being left out. I just pray fervently when I bless the food that the microbes have not reached a dangerous level).
Life is good. Prayer is essential. Be kind to others.
Love, Hna. Christensen
While most people recognize me as American, others think I am British, or German. One man, Pablo, started speaking German to me. I responded with the few phrases I learned from my sister Bequis and my friend Kari. “No espreka zi deutsch. Mein gleibte schvreste, Bequis, espreka zi deutsch. Ich liebe meine muter. Vilkommen en Peru.” (Translation: I don´t speak German. My lovely sister, Bequis, speaks German. I love my mother. Welcome to Peru). Yes, I actually said all of that. Turns out he lived in Germany for 11 years. He surprised (and delighted us) us by coming to church last week. He was embarrassed, because he wasn’t dressed in church clothes (he didn’t have any). I was so happy when our friend, John Carlos, befriended him and made him feel comfortable. We missionaries need members to look out for the new people at church and help them feel welcome. It’s a responsibility we all have. People don’t come back and won’t receive those blessings, if they don’t feel welcome.
I thought I would describe a little bit of Lima for you. It is a big city (8 million) with paved roads and public transportation (lots of big buses and smaller minivan style ones). There are lots of parks, too (we met the workers who maintain the parks. They are paid 16 soles a day, or less than 6 dollars, to maintain the parks. They walk an hour to work both ways under the hot sun, to save money. A bottle of water costs 1 sol, transportation costs 50 cents, etc). People love their music. We hear reggaeton, merengue, bachata, salsa, and Michael Jackson (yes, everyone here is addicted to Michael Jackson). It is common to see groups of children practicing their group dances. Both the boys and girls dance, the girls in their big, brightly colored skirts and their braids, and the boys in their pants and shirts. They all know the traditional folkloric dances, too. Every time I see them, I just stop and stare with delight. The USA is missing out on a lot of culture.
The kids all wear uniforms, except for those in university. It is not uncommon to see groups of people playing soccer (futbol) and volleyball. They just put up a big net in the street and start playing. Every once in a while we will see a procession of the Catholic church in the street. I loved hearing the faith of a Catholic woman we met who explained that the procession is a way to remind the people that they need to always remember the Savior and what He`s done for us. It’s not an advertisement, but a reminder to the community.
Many people here have cell phones, but there are pay phones on every block. Many people have their own shops out of their homes, where they sell snacks, phone cards, toilet paper, office supplies, and Inca Kola (the national soft drink). The difference is that everything is behind a big gate that is locked. You stand outside and tap on the gate, shouting, “SeÑora!” in a slightly whiny voice (I don’t exaggerate). We eat chicken and rice with potatoes almost every lunch time. I’ve never eaten so much meat in my life! There are street vendors everywhere, but we are not allowed to eat from them (this is a good rule...most people here have not taken a class on microbiology. I try to forget everything I learned in that class about sanitation and food being left out. I just pray fervently when I bless the food that the microbes have not reached a dangerous level).
Life is good. Prayer is essential. Be kind to others.
Love, Hna. Christensen
Monday, December 7, 2009
Thanks and Thoughts on Faith, Hope, & Charity
I just wanted to send a quick thank you note for those who have written me. Even though it takes a while to receive and send letters, I just got letters from Crystal Baysa, Kezia Carter, Sonia Valdez, Jenay Weekly, Carmen Bowman, Kari Stolzenburg, Karen (my sister) and my Grandpa. Thank you ! I feel blessed to be able to be inspired by your letters and to feel your love, as well as to stay connected to you.
I’m grateful for the examples of faith here in Peru (as well as those back home in the States). I have noticed how the people here live their testimonies every day. For example, Hno. Castillos is a man in his seventies who only has one leg. He wakes up early to walk to church, slowly and with his crutches, I don´t know how far, every Sunday. He travels two hours (each way) every week to faithfully serve in the temple. There are families here that have barely enough to get by from day to day, from meal to meal, and yet they are so willing to give everything they have and to share with others what they have. And, that love or charity is a natural byproduct of faith and hope. It’s the feeling that you have when you walk down the street and you just want to hug everyone, or when someone says something that hurts your feelings but you forgive them and love them anyway. So, let us learn to love! If we don't have that love, we can pray for that love.
Love, Hna. Christensen
I’m grateful for the examples of faith here in Peru (as well as those back home in the States). I have noticed how the people here live their testimonies every day. For example, Hno. Castillos is a man in his seventies who only has one leg. He wakes up early to walk to church, slowly and with his crutches, I don´t know how far, every Sunday. He travels two hours (each way) every week to faithfully serve in the temple. There are families here that have barely enough to get by from day to day, from meal to meal, and yet they are so willing to give everything they have and to share with others what they have. And, that love or charity is a natural byproduct of faith and hope. It’s the feeling that you have when you walk down the street and you just want to hug everyone, or when someone says something that hurts your feelings but you forgive them and love them anyway. So, let us learn to love! If we don't have that love, we can pray for that love.
Love, Hna. Christensen
Monday, November 30, 2009
Special & Entertaining Moments
This weekend was filled with some special and entertaining moments:
"Wade in the water"
Our investigators Guadalupe and Angie were baptized on Saturday night. It was a little crazy getting everyone to the church, and their little brother and sister (5 and 7 years old) were a little too excited (euphemism for little rascals), as they ran around the church, climbing on top of everything. Guadalupe confides in me and tells me, “My brother is terrified of water.” She takes control of the situation and grabs her little brother, lifts him up to see the baptismal font filled with water, and hisses, “If you don’t behave, I’m going to throw you in there!” Needless to say, he calmed down for a while. This poor kid is probably traumatized and will probably never be baptized, ever.
This same little boy his father has been urging us to baptize. We try to explain that he is not accountable yet and does not need baptism yet, that he is “alive in Christ” (See Moroni 8). The mom and dad just looked at us incredulously and said, pointing to the little boy, “HE is alive in Christ? I don’t think so.”
"It´s a miracle!"
In the morning, before church, we were delivering a wheelchair to our friend, Ursula, who had foot surgery recently. Hna. Flores was walking slower than I desired, and, being a kind and thoughtful companion, I offered her a ride in the wheelchair. Did I mention that we were running late? Actually, I was the one running and pushing the wheelchair. After 10 minutes, I had her get out and walk (though I taught her the English word, “powerwalk”). We joked about the miraculous “healing” that had just taken place, and how now we will have throngs of people interested in attending church and in listening to our message.
"Open mouth, insert foot"
Sunday afternoon, we talked with a group of people who are cleaning up after a wild party. I asked them, in a jocular manner, “Por que no nos invitaron?” (why didn’t you invite us?). In that moment, I looked and beheld the cases filled with empty beer bottles, and the ground strewn with bottle caps. Immediately, I felt awkward. (for my sisters’ benefit, it was the awkward kissing llama stage. That is actually quite appropriate for Peru, as we have a variety of llamas and alpacas here). I felt prompted to teach them the Word of Wisdom in that very moment…….. (I’m just kidding!)
There really is a powerful spirit that accompanies baptisms. I was reminded of the quote by Joseph Smith that "In the ordinances, the power of God is made manifest." It's true. It's really true.
Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.
Love, Hna. Christensen
"Wade in the water"
Our investigators Guadalupe and Angie were baptized on Saturday night. It was a little crazy getting everyone to the church, and their little brother and sister (5 and 7 years old) were a little too excited (euphemism for little rascals), as they ran around the church, climbing on top of everything. Guadalupe confides in me and tells me, “My brother is terrified of water.” She takes control of the situation and grabs her little brother, lifts him up to see the baptismal font filled with water, and hisses, “If you don’t behave, I’m going to throw you in there!” Needless to say, he calmed down for a while. This poor kid is probably traumatized and will probably never be baptized, ever.
This same little boy his father has been urging us to baptize. We try to explain that he is not accountable yet and does not need baptism yet, that he is “alive in Christ” (See Moroni 8). The mom and dad just looked at us incredulously and said, pointing to the little boy, “HE is alive in Christ? I don’t think so.”
"It´s a miracle!"
In the morning, before church, we were delivering a wheelchair to our friend, Ursula, who had foot surgery recently. Hna. Flores was walking slower than I desired, and, being a kind and thoughtful companion, I offered her a ride in the wheelchair. Did I mention that we were running late? Actually, I was the one running and pushing the wheelchair. After 10 minutes, I had her get out and walk (though I taught her the English word, “powerwalk”). We joked about the miraculous “healing” that had just taken place, and how now we will have throngs of people interested in attending church and in listening to our message.
"Open mouth, insert foot"
Sunday afternoon, we talked with a group of people who are cleaning up after a wild party. I asked them, in a jocular manner, “Por que no nos invitaron?” (why didn’t you invite us?). In that moment, I looked and beheld the cases filled with empty beer bottles, and the ground strewn with bottle caps. Immediately, I felt awkward. (for my sisters’ benefit, it was the awkward kissing llama stage. That is actually quite appropriate for Peru, as we have a variety of llamas and alpacas here). I felt prompted to teach them the Word of Wisdom in that very moment…….. (I’m just kidding!)
There really is a powerful spirit that accompanies baptisms. I was reminded of the quote by Joseph Smith that "In the ordinances, the power of God is made manifest." It's true. It's really true.
Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.
Love, Hna. Christensen
Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts--23 Nov 2009
I´m thankful for a number of things, including hot showers and water you can drink from the tap. I´m thankful for the good people of all faiths in Peru and in the world. There are so many good people leading excellent lives and making important contributions that we all benefit from. I´m thankful for parents who taught me by their example to respect, love and serve all people, because we are all children of the same Heavenly Father.
I´m thankful for the Restored gospel, and how it provides the answers to questions that I have, and it provides peace and hope. I´m also thankful for the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon and the New Testament, and for prayer, because I have been able to get the direction I need in my personal life from pondering those words.
I´m also thankful for General Conference, and for the guidance we get from the Holy Spirit and from living prophets. Many times, I have had words from various talks come thundering into my mind, inspiring me to repent and to be humble and to change. To live the gospel is to know it´s goodness (John 7:17), and when we know it (Alma 32), we are intrinsically motivated to live it. I`m thankful for you, my family and friends, and I love you so much. I want each of you to be happy!
Love,
Hna. Christensen
I´m thankful for the Restored gospel, and how it provides the answers to questions that I have, and it provides peace and hope. I´m also thankful for the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon and the New Testament, and for prayer, because I have been able to get the direction I need in my personal life from pondering those words.
I´m also thankful for General Conference, and for the guidance we get from the Holy Spirit and from living prophets. Many times, I have had words from various talks come thundering into my mind, inspiring me to repent and to be humble and to change. To live the gospel is to know it´s goodness (John 7:17), and when we know it (Alma 32), we are intrinsically motivated to live it. I`m thankful for you, my family and friends, and I love you so much. I want each of you to be happy!
Love,
Hna. Christensen
Monday, November 16, 2009
All Dogs Go to Heaven (and Church!)
Shout outs and happy birthday to my sister, Jennifer! Also, I hope that my family is feeling better. Make sure you take time to sleep and to wash your hands!
The adventure of the week:
On Saturday I stopped a man on the street who was walking his dog and asked about his puppy. He proudly told me “His name is Funky.” I told him, “Well, you are invited to our church services on Sunday, but unfortunately, Funky is not.” You will appreciate this vignette as you read the next story.
On Sunday we went to accompany our friends, the Zabaleta family and our investigators Lupe and Angie to church (there was a gaggle of 10 of us). Apparently, their pet dog wanted to come to church too, as it (not to my knowledge) climbed into the bus, too. Imagine that you are sitting in the chapel in sacrament meeting, and 35 minutes into the meeting, groups of 3-5 kids come in, looking for a place to sit. And, the dog comes running into the chapel, too. Fortunately, there wasn´t enough space in the chapel for Hna. Flores and I to sit, so we stayed outside the rest of the meeting. We didn´t have to claim affiliation or responsibility for the dog by showing our faces. I was as red in the face as the shirt I was wearing!
We met an amazing couple, Sara and Juan. Usually missionaries stop people on the street to talk with them, but this time, the couple stopped us to talk with us. They asked us if we were espanola (from Spain) and struck up a conversation. Apparently, Juan is from Spain and his wife is from Lima. She teaches flamenco dancing (yes, I have to learn one Preparation day). Now, we are teaching them the gospel and they are attending church. They have so many questions and really want to learn. Juan always pounds his fist and says things like, “Soy rebelde!” or “Soy cabezon” (translated: “I’m a rebel!” “I’m a thinker”). The funny thing is that he is not a rebel, but I don’t have the heart to tell him that as that would dampen his spirit. I just want to tell him, “You rebel, you!”
Something I stress is to be a cabezon, or a thinker. You cannot just accept everything that is told to you. You have to ask questions and study things out in your mind, study the scriptures and pray and meditate. However, being a thinker isn´t the same as being a doubter. Doubters ask questions but don’t seek out the answers because they don´t know how to find them or think that there are no answers to the questions they have. That is not faith. There are answers to the questions we have. I remember something my dad always said, “Too many people say that they know the gospel is true, but they don´t know the gospel.” (And, I would add, the real challenge is to live more of what we know to be true). The scriptures have the answers to the questions that we all have. Let´s read them!
Love, Hna. Christensen
The adventure of the week:
On Saturday I stopped a man on the street who was walking his dog and asked about his puppy. He proudly told me “His name is Funky.” I told him, “Well, you are invited to our church services on Sunday, but unfortunately, Funky is not.” You will appreciate this vignette as you read the next story.
On Sunday we went to accompany our friends, the Zabaleta family and our investigators Lupe and Angie to church (there was a gaggle of 10 of us). Apparently, their pet dog wanted to come to church too, as it (not to my knowledge) climbed into the bus, too. Imagine that you are sitting in the chapel in sacrament meeting, and 35 minutes into the meeting, groups of 3-5 kids come in, looking for a place to sit. And, the dog comes running into the chapel, too. Fortunately, there wasn´t enough space in the chapel for Hna. Flores and I to sit, so we stayed outside the rest of the meeting. We didn´t have to claim affiliation or responsibility for the dog by showing our faces. I was as red in the face as the shirt I was wearing!
We met an amazing couple, Sara and Juan. Usually missionaries stop people on the street to talk with them, but this time, the couple stopped us to talk with us. They asked us if we were espanola (from Spain) and struck up a conversation. Apparently, Juan is from Spain and his wife is from Lima. She teaches flamenco dancing (yes, I have to learn one Preparation day). Now, we are teaching them the gospel and they are attending church. They have so many questions and really want to learn. Juan always pounds his fist and says things like, “Soy rebelde!” or “Soy cabezon” (translated: “I’m a rebel!” “I’m a thinker”). The funny thing is that he is not a rebel, but I don’t have the heart to tell him that as that would dampen his spirit. I just want to tell him, “You rebel, you!”
Something I stress is to be a cabezon, or a thinker. You cannot just accept everything that is told to you. You have to ask questions and study things out in your mind, study the scriptures and pray and meditate. However, being a thinker isn´t the same as being a doubter. Doubters ask questions but don’t seek out the answers because they don´t know how to find them or think that there are no answers to the questions they have. That is not faith. There are answers to the questions we have. I remember something my dad always said, “Too many people say that they know the gospel is true, but they don´t know the gospel.” (And, I would add, the real challenge is to live more of what we know to be true). The scriptures have the answers to the questions that we all have. Let´s read them!
Love, Hna. Christensen
Monday, November 9, 2009
Teaching, Learning, Loving the People--& Breaking Fashion Rules!
We are teaching an amazing family, the Zabaleta family. There are 11 kids in their family, and they are so humble, hard-working, and sincere. I can’t even describe how radiant and pure they are. They make me want to be a better person because I know them. They love the palabra, or the Word of God and want to learn more. I´ve had to really step up my scripture study in order to keep up with all of their questions. I have an even greater appreciation of the scriptures. There are so many answers to the questions we have that we think are unanswerable. Often times, we just haven´t done our homework and really studied and searched to find the answers we seek. But, the promise is “Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find.” That is true.
I´ve really come to appreciate the nature of God, and how He is kind and forgiving of His children. Often, I feel like we are the ones who are not willing to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made. The whole purpose of the Atonement of Christ is so that we can learn and progress in spite of (or because of) our mistakes. Many people seem to have this idea that God is angry and unforgiving, but that mistaken idea is corrected with the Restoration of the Gospel.
I´ve been trying to translate some of my favorite English phrases into Spanish, with some luck. Sometimes people try to take advantage of me because I am a gringa, by not giving me correct change on the bus, for example. I say quietly to my companion, Mi mama no me crio tonta, or, my momma didn´t raise no fool (Rachel, hope you appreciate that one). Hna. Flores will use words like {awesome}, {awkward}, and {cute} in her sentences, which makes me happy. We made a goal to learn 10 new words a day in Spanish (for me) and English (for her).
Older people have always been my favorites, and here in Peru is no exception. We talked with this abuelita, an older woman, who was serving food on the street. We invited her to church and she gave us Jello (which we didn’t eat because we didn´t know how it was prepared if it was safe, etc). Hna. Flores and I have taught a couple of abuelitos, little old men, who are so cute (but no one can compare with MY grandpa!). One was all wrapped up in his scarf and sitting on the porch, another one fixes shoes all day, another is a carpenter, etc. They are so cute, you just want to hug them, but you can´t. They agree with everything you say, but probably because they are harder of hearing. Then, suddenly they realize that they are Catholic and they politely shoo you out the door.
Karen warned me before I left about the missionary fashion sense (or often, lack of sense). Well, she´s right. Much to my utter dismay, I´ve started combining colors and outfits that should never go together. Maybe I can get away with it and maybe people will start imitating it because I´m from the USA. Or, maybe not. I know Karen and other family members are shaking their heads and shouting at their computer monitors, {Don´t do it, Susan! It´s not worth it! You can be better than that!}
Choose the right!
Love, Hna. Christensen
I´ve really come to appreciate the nature of God, and how He is kind and forgiving of His children. Often, I feel like we are the ones who are not willing to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made. The whole purpose of the Atonement of Christ is so that we can learn and progress in spite of (or because of) our mistakes. Many people seem to have this idea that God is angry and unforgiving, but that mistaken idea is corrected with the Restoration of the Gospel.
I´ve been trying to translate some of my favorite English phrases into Spanish, with some luck. Sometimes people try to take advantage of me because I am a gringa, by not giving me correct change on the bus, for example. I say quietly to my companion, Mi mama no me crio tonta, or, my momma didn´t raise no fool (Rachel, hope you appreciate that one). Hna. Flores will use words like {awesome}, {awkward}, and {cute} in her sentences, which makes me happy. We made a goal to learn 10 new words a day in Spanish (for me) and English (for her).
Older people have always been my favorites, and here in Peru is no exception. We talked with this abuelita, an older woman, who was serving food on the street. We invited her to church and she gave us Jello (which we didn’t eat because we didn´t know how it was prepared if it was safe, etc). Hna. Flores and I have taught a couple of abuelitos, little old men, who are so cute (but no one can compare with MY grandpa!). One was all wrapped up in his scarf and sitting on the porch, another one fixes shoes all day, another is a carpenter, etc. They are so cute, you just want to hug them, but you can´t. They agree with everything you say, but probably because they are harder of hearing. Then, suddenly they realize that they are Catholic and they politely shoo you out the door.
Karen warned me before I left about the missionary fashion sense (or often, lack of sense). Well, she´s right. Much to my utter dismay, I´ve started combining colors and outfits that should never go together. Maybe I can get away with it and maybe people will start imitating it because I´m from the USA. Or, maybe not. I know Karen and other family members are shaking their heads and shouting at their computer monitors, {Don´t do it, Susan! It´s not worth it! You can be better than that!}
Choose the right!
Love, Hna. Christensen
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
News and Thoughts from Peru--November 2, 2009
This is short. My computer lost the first email I wrote and now there is little time. :(
They celebrate Halloween here. My companion, Hna. Flores, and I dressed up as.......missionaries. The kids dress up and go to the stores chanting, "Halloween." and the store owners give them candy. We decided to go proselyting and give out pass-along cards. Those weren´t as popular as candy. Maybe if we had a chocolate cupcake to give them too....did any of the Christensens catch that reference?
Problems with the lengua. I called Pedro, "perro" (that means dog. A good way to make a good first impression, no?) and complimented the pensionista on her jabon sandwich (soap sandwich, instead of ham sandwich). I´ve got to work on that. :)
Ironic. We were teaching Eyleen about the Word of Wisdom, and how important it is to take care of bodies so they are healthy and strong. Right in the midde of it, her mom comes and serves us homemade doughnuts and unpasteurized milk (I shouldn´t consume either for safety and health reasons but ate both. Don´t want to be offensive). I laughed inwardly at the irony of it all and then read later in the scriptures about how Jesus Christ chastised hypocrites.
We had a Family Home Evening where we watched "Finding Faith in Christ." I´ve seen that before, but this time I felt different. Even though it´s easy to dismiss things we don´t understand (physics is an example for me) or can´t see, it´s difficult to dismiss the feelings we feel; assurances of peace and love, or the tender mercies (milagritos, or little miracles) that we experience every day but may not recognize. For this reason, I think that gratitude is the most important attribute I can develop, as it leads to humility, faith, and love. Let´s count our blessings!
Love,
Hna. Christensen
They celebrate Halloween here. My companion, Hna. Flores, and I dressed up as.......missionaries. The kids dress up and go to the stores chanting, "Halloween." and the store owners give them candy. We decided to go proselyting and give out pass-along cards. Those weren´t as popular as candy. Maybe if we had a chocolate cupcake to give them too....did any of the Christensens catch that reference?
Problems with the lengua. I called Pedro, "perro" (that means dog. A good way to make a good first impression, no?) and complimented the pensionista on her jabon sandwich (soap sandwich, instead of ham sandwich). I´ve got to work on that. :)
Ironic. We were teaching Eyleen about the Word of Wisdom, and how important it is to take care of bodies so they are healthy and strong. Right in the midde of it, her mom comes and serves us homemade doughnuts and unpasteurized milk (I shouldn´t consume either for safety and health reasons but ate both. Don´t want to be offensive). I laughed inwardly at the irony of it all and then read later in the scriptures about how Jesus Christ chastised hypocrites.
We had a Family Home Evening where we watched "Finding Faith in Christ." I´ve seen that before, but this time I felt different. Even though it´s easy to dismiss things we don´t understand (physics is an example for me) or can´t see, it´s difficult to dismiss the feelings we feel; assurances of peace and love, or the tender mercies (milagritos, or little miracles) that we experience every day but may not recognize. For this reason, I think that gratitude is the most important attribute I can develop, as it leads to humility, faith, and love. Let´s count our blessings!
Love,
Hna. Christensen
Monday, October 26, 2009
My First Week as a "Real Missionary"!
I have had quite a few humbling moments this week, my first week as a real missionary.
I never thought I was very tall, until I came to Peru. Even in my flattest shoes, I am a whole head taller than my cute companion, Hna. Flores, who is from Bolivia. I was in the shower and my head kept on hitting the spigot. This ordinarily would not be a problem, except I got an electric shock every time I did. It took me 3 electric shocks before I realized what was going on! I think I must have burned quite a few brain cells from the shocks.
I understand pretty much of what's going on with the language, and was pretty confident in my language abilities....until I was talking with a member at church. He told me that his girlfriend had talked with me and said that I did not speak very well! He then offered to help with my Spanish. I was grateful someone said something, because it's too easy to get complacent and lazy and not actively work to improve my language skillz. Yes, the z in skillz was intentional.
I have discovered that Post its, not diamonds, are a missionary's best friend. It's amazing how people's eyes light up when I pull out a Post it. I give them one to write down questions they have as they read the Book of Mormon, or to leave little thank you notes. It is pretty cute to see.
I love the weather. It is about 60 to 65 degrees, but my poor companion is used to hotter weather. She says that the cold penetrates her bones. I am walking around without a jacket and am just terrified of what summer will bring. This weather is perfect.
The members of the church here rock. They are so supportive. We felt awkward (I was trying to teach my companion important English words, including awkward, but there are no real equivalents) because the Relief Society president passed around the calendar for meal sign ups (to feed the missionaries) and then announced (of her own initiative) a huge list of things that we could not eat, because it would make us fat, things like soda pop and mayonnaise! Now, all of the members ask us what we WOULD like to eat. I don't know how to say, I'm not picky, so I just try to explain that I can't eat raw vegetables, lettuce, or strawberries, or unpasteurized milk, because my body is not used to it.
Until next week!
Love, Hna. Christensen
I never thought I was very tall, until I came to Peru. Even in my flattest shoes, I am a whole head taller than my cute companion, Hna. Flores, who is from Bolivia. I was in the shower and my head kept on hitting the spigot. This ordinarily would not be a problem, except I got an electric shock every time I did. It took me 3 electric shocks before I realized what was going on! I think I must have burned quite a few brain cells from the shocks.
I understand pretty much of what's going on with the language, and was pretty confident in my language abilities....until I was talking with a member at church. He told me that his girlfriend had talked with me and said that I did not speak very well! He then offered to help with my Spanish. I was grateful someone said something, because it's too easy to get complacent and lazy and not actively work to improve my language skillz. Yes, the z in skillz was intentional.
I have discovered that Post its, not diamonds, are a missionary's best friend. It's amazing how people's eyes light up when I pull out a Post it. I give them one to write down questions they have as they read the Book of Mormon, or to leave little thank you notes. It is pretty cute to see.
I love the weather. It is about 60 to 65 degrees, but my poor companion is used to hotter weather. She says that the cold penetrates her bones. I am walking around without a jacket and am just terrified of what summer will bring. This weather is perfect.
The members of the church here rock. They are so supportive. We felt awkward (I was trying to teach my companion important English words, including awkward, but there are no real equivalents) because the Relief Society president passed around the calendar for meal sign ups (to feed the missionaries) and then announced (of her own initiative) a huge list of things that we could not eat, because it would make us fat, things like soda pop and mayonnaise! Now, all of the members ask us what we WOULD like to eat. I don't know how to say, I'm not picky, so I just try to explain that I can't eat raw vegetables, lettuce, or strawberries, or unpasteurized milk, because my body is not used to it.
Until next week!
Love, Hna. Christensen
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ready, set, go (to Peru)!
I have officially 4 minutes to type this, so please excuse any sentence fragments:
* I'm having companion withdrawal. My good friend, Hna. Karina Hernandez left this morning for Arizona. We've shared many a good time together, including cleaning the showers (Imagine goofy goggles and powerhoses...it's as fun as it sounds! :), keeping the elders in our district in line, and making and keeping goals together.
*I learned that it's important to be obedient. Selective obedience is not obedience. Obedience brings the Spirit.
*I beatboxed with my companion...the album will come forth shortly (will send audio clips when in Peru).
*I leave tomorrow (long plane ride) for Peru! No MTC, just straight to the campo.
Ok, love you, BYE!
Hna. C
* I'm having companion withdrawal. My good friend, Hna. Karina Hernandez left this morning for Arizona. We've shared many a good time together, including cleaning the showers (Imagine goofy goggles and powerhoses...it's as fun as it sounds! :), keeping the elders in our district in line, and making and keeping goals together.
*I learned that it's important to be obedient. Selective obedience is not obedience. Obedience brings the Spirit.
*I beatboxed with my companion...the album will come forth shortly (will send audio clips when in Peru).
*I leave tomorrow (long plane ride) for Peru! No MTC, just straight to the campo.
Ok, love you, BYE!
Hna. C
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
More from the MTC--October 13, 2009
Funny Story: My companion, Hna. Hernandez, has a sensitive nose and can smell odors a mile away. She asked me, "What smells so bad?" And then she went around the room with a big bottle of air freshener, spraying everything in the room, including me! I immediately added to my big "to do list" (so she could see) the following items:
1. Forgive Hna. H for her disparaging attitude towards me
2. Pray for Hna. H to have more patience with me
We have so many good times together. She cracks me up, but keeps me in line. Love her.
Highlights: I saw Laura Christensen (from the Lawrence ward) 30 minutes before she was going to hop on a plane and go to Armenia. My comp and I were able to help her clean up her room a little and say goodbye to her before she left. What a tender mercy from God! We just happened to be vaccuuming on the 3rd floor that day (we live on the 4th).
Spiritual Thought: I did Spanish outbound calls at the MTC and talked with a man from Puerto Rico, Adalberto. I ended up talking with him about 47 minutes and shared with him about how faith is a choice. You have to choose to have faith. I told him about my process I've gone through (I think we are all going through this for the rest of our lives) about learning to develop faith. I encouraged him to pray every day, even if it's a prayer like, "I don't know if anyone's out there, but if there is, please let me know." I told him he can know God loves him by looking back at his life and seeing the times he has had mini-miracles in his life. Those don't just happen by accident.
Song: I like to write songs when I have spare moments. Those interested in more contemporary music will appreciate these lyrics I adapted (to the tune of Beyonce's "To the Left"):
"Choose the Right"
Choose the right, choose the right
(Repeat)
When you have a choice trust your inner light,
We all know that life can be so hard,
So seek some guidance from the living God..
Chorus:
The Lord must know 'bout me,
I know He must know me.
When I have a problem He will always bear it,
My heavy load with Him I'll share it.
Amen.......
"Read the Book" (Same tune as the last one, referring to the Book of Mormon)
Read the book, read the book (repeat)
We want to invite you to take a look.
It sounds so crazy, but it is for real,
We invite you to read it,
Then ask God as you kneel....
Chorus:
You must find out if it's true,
We are not bluffing you.
It will surely change your life if you do it,
Open your heart and let the Spirit through it.
Amen.............
I love you all! Choose the right!
1. Forgive Hna. H for her disparaging attitude towards me
2. Pray for Hna. H to have more patience with me
We have so many good times together. She cracks me up, but keeps me in line. Love her.
Highlights: I saw Laura Christensen (from the Lawrence ward) 30 minutes before she was going to hop on a plane and go to Armenia. My comp and I were able to help her clean up her room a little and say goodbye to her before she left. What a tender mercy from God! We just happened to be vaccuuming on the 3rd floor that day (we live on the 4th).
Spiritual Thought: I did Spanish outbound calls at the MTC and talked with a man from Puerto Rico, Adalberto. I ended up talking with him about 47 minutes and shared with him about how faith is a choice. You have to choose to have faith. I told him about my process I've gone through (I think we are all going through this for the rest of our lives) about learning to develop faith. I encouraged him to pray every day, even if it's a prayer like, "I don't know if anyone's out there, but if there is, please let me know." I told him he can know God loves him by looking back at his life and seeing the times he has had mini-miracles in his life. Those don't just happen by accident.
Song: I like to write songs when I have spare moments. Those interested in more contemporary music will appreciate these lyrics I adapted (to the tune of Beyonce's "To the Left"):
"Choose the Right"
Choose the right, choose the right
(Repeat)
When you have a choice trust your inner light,
We all know that life can be so hard,
So seek some guidance from the living God..
Chorus:
The Lord must know 'bout me,
I know He must know me.
When I have a problem He will always bear it,
My heavy load with Him I'll share it.
Amen.......
"Read the Book" (Same tune as the last one, referring to the Book of Mormon)
Read the book, read the book (repeat)
We want to invite you to take a look.
It sounds so crazy, but it is for real,
We invite you to read it,
Then ask God as you kneel....
Chorus:
You must find out if it's true,
We are not bluffing you.
It will surely change your life if you do it,
Open your heart and let the Spirit through it.
Amen.............
I love you all! Choose the right!
Bienvenidos! (October 6, 2009)
I am sitting in the laundry room of the MTC, hurriedly typing this email, before I run out of time (a countdown clock is on the corner of my screen).
Brief update:
I love my companion. Her name is Karina Hernandez and she is from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I knew we would be instant friends after a couple of instances; one, when I confessed that I loved cottage cheese, two, that I often get Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC songs stuck in my head, and three, after I wrote my own Gospel song based off of Alma 26 (just to clarify, when I say Gospel, I mean that Gladys Knight's choir could sing my song). I even made up a brief song to her to the tune of Copacabana (The chorus goes like this: "Es mi compa, mi companera, tambien se llama hermana, es mi compa, mi companera, es muy bonita y yo la Susita, es mi compa.........nera.) Please forgive my lack of correct accent marks in this email.
I'm not going to lie. This first week was hard. It was hard to get used to so many rules and to so much structure. For example, no music in the dorms (it's distracting to the neighbors), no flip flops outside of the dorms,etc. I felt like I was Maria, from The Sound of Music, who would rather run around and sing in the mountains (the line, "She's always late for everything, except for every meal" comes to mind) than sit in meetings all day. But, I'm adjusting. And, I know that while in Peru I will probably long for the days when I was at the MTC.......
My companion and I were super optimistic about getting up at 5:30 every day to go exercise and read our scriptures. That lasted one day, before we came to our senses and realized that we needed to get as much sleep as we could while we can!
I was surprised at how quickly I am learning Spanish！It is coming along pretty quickly, now, and my mind feels like a sponge, quickly picking up different words and phrases. Mi companera and I help keep each other in line with different goals that we've set, including on arriving early to class, exercise, language learning, lesson preparation, etc. I honestly couldn't ask for a better companion. She and I have helped our district (a class of 8 elders and she and I) to make district goals. We even made a chart to keep track of the progress we are making of things we need to memorize and we declared a "Spanish only" policy in the classroom, which everyone agreed to. We recognize that the MTC isn't just about helping ourselves to become more prepared missionaries, but about helping the young men become better prepared, as well.
General Conference was amazing and we have a devotional every Sunday and Tuesday. I am planning on joining the MTC choir. We'll see if that lasts longer than the 5:30 am exercise plan. :) I am studying the Book of Mormon and the New Testament and rejoicing in them (escudrinandoles), as they help me increase my faith in Jesus Christ and teach me how to become more like Him.
Brief update:
I love my companion. Her name is Karina Hernandez and she is from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I knew we would be instant friends after a couple of instances; one, when I confessed that I loved cottage cheese, two, that I often get Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC songs stuck in my head, and three, after I wrote my own Gospel song based off of Alma 26 (just to clarify, when I say Gospel, I mean that Gladys Knight's choir could sing my song). I even made up a brief song to her to the tune of Copacabana (The chorus goes like this: "Es mi compa, mi companera, tambien se llama hermana, es mi compa, mi companera, es muy bonita y yo la Susita, es mi compa.........nera.) Please forgive my lack of correct accent marks in this email.
I'm not going to lie. This first week was hard. It was hard to get used to so many rules and to so much structure. For example, no music in the dorms (it's distracting to the neighbors), no flip flops outside of the dorms,etc. I felt like I was Maria, from The Sound of Music, who would rather run around and sing in the mountains (the line, "She's always late for everything, except for every meal" comes to mind) than sit in meetings all day. But, I'm adjusting. And, I know that while in Peru I will probably long for the days when I was at the MTC.......
My companion and I were super optimistic about getting up at 5:30 every day to go exercise and read our scriptures. That lasted one day, before we came to our senses and realized that we needed to get as much sleep as we could while we can!
I was surprised at how quickly I am learning Spanish！It is coming along pretty quickly, now, and my mind feels like a sponge, quickly picking up different words and phrases. Mi companera and I help keep each other in line with different goals that we've set, including on arriving early to class, exercise, language learning, lesson preparation, etc. I honestly couldn't ask for a better companion. She and I have helped our district (a class of 8 elders and she and I) to make district goals. We even made a chart to keep track of the progress we are making of things we need to memorize and we declared a "Spanish only" policy in the classroom, which everyone agreed to. We recognize that the MTC isn't just about helping ourselves to become more prepared missionaries, but about helping the young men become better prepared, as well.
General Conference was amazing and we have a devotional every Sunday and Tuesday. I am planning on joining the MTC choir. We'll see if that lasts longer than the 5:30 am exercise plan. :) I am studying the Book of Mormon and the New Testament and rejoicing in them (escudrinandoles), as they help me increase my faith in Jesus Christ and teach me how to become more like Him.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hasta 2011!
I've been an official missionary for 54 hours, and it's been a great 54 hours! Tomorrow I enter the Provo MTC. I recognize that I have seen so many blessings in my life as I have prepared for my full-time mission. Thanks for being my friend and for supporting me! I've really felt a lot of love as I have prepared. I didn't know life could be this good!
You might have thought (especially if you helped out with my fundraiser earlier this summer) that I would stop asking you to do stuff. Well, you are wrong. I have only begun. (it's the teacher in me) Here's what I would like to have you consider and do this week:
General Conference is THIS weekend. Bring a date, bring a notebook, and bring your questions because you can learn so much and receive guidance about what you should be doing and how to have the best life ever! Don't let the little things stop you from receiving great blessings. See lds.org for info regarding times and broadcast options.
Housekeeping:
From now on, my mom will be posting my updates on this blog. If you would like to receive the weekly update in your email inbox instead, you can send her an email at carolc1610@gmail.com . You can also email her if you would like to get my mission addresses (it's a guarantee that I will write you back if you write me!).
I love you lots! Let the good times roll!
You might have thought (especially if you helped out with my fundraiser earlier this summer) that I would stop asking you to do stuff. Well, you are wrong. I have only begun. (it's the teacher in me) Here's what I would like to have you consider and do this week:
General Conference is THIS weekend. Bring a date, bring a notebook, and bring your questions because you can learn so much and receive guidance about what you should be doing and how to have the best life ever! Don't let the little things stop you from receiving great blessings. See lds.org for info regarding times and broadcast options.
Housekeeping:
From now on, my mom will be posting my updates on this blog. If you would like to receive the weekly update in your email inbox instead, you can send her an email at carolc1610@gmail.com . You can also email her if you would like to get my mission addresses (it's a guarantee that I will write you back if you write me!).
I love you lots! Let the good times roll!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
I'm feeling the love
I just wanted to thank everyone for supporting me as I prepare for my mission. Thanks for friends who donated items to the silent auction, who donated their time selling tickets or working at the dinner, and for those who bought tickets and came to my dinner! I will upload pictures of the event, just as soon as I get back from Manti.
Muchas gracias!
Muchas gracias!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Farewell and Fundraiser Information
Please come to my mission farewell and fundraiser on Friday, July 31 from 6-9 pm (silent auction closes at 8:30; must be present to win). The Bombay House, an award-winning local Indian restaurant, has generously agreed to cater the dinner for the event. For only $10, you can enjoy an incredible dinner (see menu below).
You can choose to stay and eat there in the park (the brick pavilion in Kiwanis Park, 820 North 1100 East, Provo), or you can pick up your dinner and enjoy it at a location of your choice.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please email me at SusieQinPeru@gmail.com, preferably by Wednesday, July 29. All tickets must be purchased before the event, to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.
(If I know you) please stop by, whether you are interested in the dinner or not. I'd love to see you before I leave.
Thank you for your support!
You can choose to stay and eat there in the park (the brick pavilion in Kiwanis Park, 820 North 1100 East, Provo), or you can pick up your dinner and enjoy it at a location of your choice.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please email me at SusieQinPeru@gmail.com, preferably by Wednesday, July 29. All tickets must be purchased before the event, to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.
(If I know you) please stop by, whether you are interested in the dinner or not. I'd love to see you before I leave.
Thank you for your support!
What's for Dinner?
Check out www.bombayhouse.com
Chicken Tikka Masala
- boneless chicken barbecued in tandoor oven, then cooked with bell pepper, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, cream and spices
Vegetable Coconut Kurma
- mixed vegetables cooked with onions, tomatoes, cashew nuts, golden raisins, coconut milk, and spices
Basmati Rice
- special aromatic long grain rice imported from India
Naan
- teardrop-shaped flat bread baked in tandoor (clay oven)
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! Here you can stay updated on my mission adventures in the beautiful country of Peru. I am scheduled to enter the Provo Missionary Training Center on September 30 and will head down to Lima a few weeks later. I will serve for 18 months and will be back in April/May 2011. I believe that I will only be able to email family once a week, but you are able to send me letters! Send me an email at SusieQinPeru@gmail.com if you are interested in receiving those addresses. I would love to hear from you and I promise to write back!
~Hma (short for "Hermana") Christensen
~Hma (short for "Hermana") Christensen
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