[Note from Carol Christensen, Susan's mom: Though Susan usually sends updates on Mondays, this week she sent it on a Wednesday instead!]
Wow! What a week! The best news is that I found out I am an aunt again. Welcome, Everett Mann Buhler! He is cute, just like his parents.
We finally found and changed houses and are much more comfortable. We were sharing a house with a monkey and a chicken coop in the back for 4 months and we are so much happier with our new house. (The chicken coop isn’t the real reason for the move. The family we shared the house with needed their space and they have 4 sons over the age of 18 which is not allowed.) The zone leaders assured us they would find a truck. To our surprise, at 7 am the day of the move they still hadn’t found one but were still confident that they could find one. We talked with our pensionista and in 5 minutes found a neighbor that had a truck they rented us. At 8:30 am, all the elders came and helped us load up our stuff. Everything happened so fast that I was surprised and grateful that Heavenly Father answered our prayer and helped us find the truck that we needed. Wow! And, I was grateful that all the elders came and helped us move.
Today the mission is officially divided into the Lima West and the Lima North mission. Hna. Reyes and I stay together in the same mission and in the same area. This is my 5th transfer here and I am happy to be here still. (It’s helpful to know the people, to know the area, and makes missionary work much less stressful.) We have our new mission president, from Ohio, and we will meet him at our interviews next week. We are sad for President and Sister Perez to leave because we love them so much, but we are going to welcome the new presidents. We are flexible and recognizing that a lot of things will change. It’s like entering a new mission for the first time. You just adjust to things.
Every June people here have their regional festival to celebrate the patron saint, San Juan. People make juanes, which is rice, chicken, and a hardboiled egg wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf. I asked about the origin of the dish, and they explained in the New Testament how the daughter of the king asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, for her mom’s revenge. The story is gruesome, but the food is delicious. I was served and ate 4 juanes in 24 hours (one for dinner, breakfast, lunch and dinner). Needless to say, I am thankful the festival is just once a year (and the families gave us even more, which we gave away to a family that had nothing to eat).
We were so impressed and happy with our recent convert, Victoria. She is continuing to read the Book of Mormon and already knew that Alma is the longest book. We explained about how the book is like a cake that you divide into sections (books, chapters, verses) and smaller sections. And, you enjoy the cake and share it with others. You don’t put it in a box under your bed and forget about it. She is so smart and is on fire. She will be a great missionary in 11 years. J All of her family is attending church, too, and they want to be baptized, but they have to get married first. I love this family.
Hermana Reyes is so cute and creative. She rapidly makes these thank you cards for the families that we eat lunch with out of cute mini photos. She and I are patas (that means best friends). It is so fun to work with her because we both are helping each other to improve, to work hard, and to bless many people’s lives. She is truly a blessing to me. Heavenly Father knows who needs to be my companion and at what point of my mission I am ready for each companion. We are focusing on remembering the tender mercies that God gives us every day. (Thanks for the suggestion, Mom. It makes a big difference.)
Have a great week!
Hna. Christensen
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Forgiving Others
Hello family and friends!
Every day is different on the mission and every day we meet some interesting people and have interesting experiences.
Yesterday at church we gave our talks. I found it ironically appropriate to talk on the need for forgiveness on Father’s Day (Peru doesn’t really celebrate it. They explained to me that few peopIe here have fathers or want to honor their fathers. So sad, and I am even more grateful for the example of my dad and other dads who love their wives and their families). I spoke on the importance of forgiving within the family, the church, and forgiving oneself. Briefly:
1. Every person is in their own process of developing and learning and makes mistakes as part of the process (like a baby learning to walk). Rather than criticizing or begrudging someone, we need to look for their strengths and help them when they are down.
2. In marriage, be the first one to apologize. At church, welcome and love people. Don’t let anyone keep you from renewing your baptismal covenants, even if they really did say offensive things. Usually we offend without realizing it. It is not usually our intention.
3. Forgiving a spouse does not mean tolerating the cycle of abuse. Someone that really loves you will change. Abuse is not tolerable. (I was sad that I had to emphasize that point, but we meet so many women that are in bad situations, with a partner that is no good. I reread Jacob 2 and am sad that this chapter has so much meaning for so many people here).
4. Pray for the ability to forgive, it is a spiritual gift. Pray that God will take away the anger and hurt and replace it with love. God heals the broken heart.
5. We all need to forgive because we all need to be forgiven. When we receive the mercy from Christ and His atonement, it is easier for us to forgive others for their mistakes.
As always, we invited several specific families to church, and Hna. Reyes and I especially wrote these talks for them. As often happens, the people that really need to hear the message didn’t attend. I realized the importance of Visiting and Home teaching, to deliver the message to people that miss the message at church. We are going to share the message with them in their homes.
I am grateful for the gospel, that teaches the importance of respecting and honoring fathers, mothers, and children. It is the path of happiness in this life.
Love,
Hermana Christensen
Every day is different on the mission and every day we meet some interesting people and have interesting experiences.
Yesterday at church we gave our talks. I found it ironically appropriate to talk on the need for forgiveness on Father’s Day (Peru doesn’t really celebrate it. They explained to me that few peopIe here have fathers or want to honor their fathers. So sad, and I am even more grateful for the example of my dad and other dads who love their wives and their families). I spoke on the importance of forgiving within the family, the church, and forgiving oneself. Briefly:
1. Every person is in their own process of developing and learning and makes mistakes as part of the process (like a baby learning to walk). Rather than criticizing or begrudging someone, we need to look for their strengths and help them when they are down.
2. In marriage, be the first one to apologize. At church, welcome and love people. Don’t let anyone keep you from renewing your baptismal covenants, even if they really did say offensive things. Usually we offend without realizing it. It is not usually our intention.
3. Forgiving a spouse does not mean tolerating the cycle of abuse. Someone that really loves you will change. Abuse is not tolerable. (I was sad that I had to emphasize that point, but we meet so many women that are in bad situations, with a partner that is no good. I reread Jacob 2 and am sad that this chapter has so much meaning for so many people here).
4. Pray for the ability to forgive, it is a spiritual gift. Pray that God will take away the anger and hurt and replace it with love. God heals the broken heart.
5. We all need to forgive because we all need to be forgiven. When we receive the mercy from Christ and His atonement, it is easier for us to forgive others for their mistakes.
As always, we invited several specific families to church, and Hna. Reyes and I especially wrote these talks for them. As often happens, the people that really need to hear the message didn’t attend. I realized the importance of Visiting and Home teaching, to deliver the message to people that miss the message at church. We are going to share the message with them in their homes.
I am grateful for the gospel, that teaches the importance of respecting and honoring fathers, mothers, and children. It is the path of happiness in this life.
Love,
Hermana Christensen
Monday, June 14, 2010
Growth in People and in the Ward
The Panaifo family was baptized on Saturday. During the part of testimonies, it was so sweet to hear the testimonies of little 8 year old Fred and his brother, Luigi, 14. Luigi said that he felt a desire to be better, a change in his desires. Fred thanked the missionaries because his family was more united. I love this family. They have so little, yet they are willing to share what they have. I love the ward for arriving early to help clean the chapel and prep everything for the baptism. Not all wards are the same! We are working with this family so they can go to the temple in Lima and be sealed (it is a week’s travel in boat). What a great family.
The Stake is helping our little ward progress. They mandated that we have ward correlation weekly (something that will help the work improve a ton here) and we are asking for trainings for all of the organizations. I love this ward. Sometimes they get frustrated because things don’t work right, but things don’t work right if we don’t do them correctly! But, I understand them because I am learning a ton, too, from my own mistakes! I’m thankful for repentance. My companion said, reflecting is repentance. So true.
Have a great week!
Hna. Christensen
The Stake is helping our little ward progress. They mandated that we have ward correlation weekly (something that will help the work improve a ton here) and we are asking for trainings for all of the organizations. I love this ward. Sometimes they get frustrated because things don’t work right, but things don’t work right if we don’t do them correctly! But, I understand them because I am learning a ton, too, from my own mistakes! I’m thankful for repentance. My companion said, reflecting is repentance. So true.
Have a great week!
Hna. Christensen
Monday, June 7, 2010
Enjoying the Work, the People, and the Rain!
Highlights:
We met this woman, Patty, who is interested in receiving the discussions. We met her baby and asked what his name was. Much to our surprise, she responded with, “Jose Smith.” Hna. Reyes and I turn to each other with excitement in our eyes. With a name like Jose Smith, this has got to be a sign!
We are teaching Percy (25) and Carlos (20). Carlos recently didn’t want to be baptized, as his friends from university were telling lies about the church (that we worship Joseph Smith, we don’t believe in God---there are so many misconceptions and lies about “the Mormons” that if people don’t investigate further it keeps them from receiving further truth, light and blessings). We invited them to a Family Home Evening in the house of some YSAs. The YSAs taught a lesson, we taught them some games, and we left. We got a report from the missionary leader that they stayed there until 10:00 pm, playing, and then asked questions from the members. The members were able to clear up their doubts and give them advice. Now, Carlos not only wants to change his baptism so it is one week earlier, but he wants to serve a full-time mission! Wow! What a turn-around!
The bishop has his 10th anniversary as bishop in our ward, and so we are helping organize a surprise party in his honor, with all the organizations giving a simple gift or thank you card. We are also helping the YSA get organized and function, and helping to train our ward missionaries. The laborers are few in this part of the vineyard, and they have about 4 callings a piece, so we try to do everything we can to encourage them and serve them. So many people are trying hard just to work all day to feed their families, it can be hard to add in a church calling.
Saturday night it began to rain. No, it began to pour. And we enjoyed every minute of it. The motocarristas would stop us and offer us a ride and we just kept on walking and delighting in the rain. We stopped at a store to ask for bags to protect our scriptures, and the lady offered us bread bags to put on our heads (mini poncho). We thanked her, put the bags on our heads and after we were out of sight, we took off the bags and walked in the rain some more.
I am grateful for my companion. She is teaching me and helping me so much. I love her!
God bless!
Hermana Christensen
We met this woman, Patty, who is interested in receiving the discussions. We met her baby and asked what his name was. Much to our surprise, she responded with, “Jose Smith.” Hna. Reyes and I turn to each other with excitement in our eyes. With a name like Jose Smith, this has got to be a sign!
We are teaching Percy (25) and Carlos (20). Carlos recently didn’t want to be baptized, as his friends from university were telling lies about the church (that we worship Joseph Smith, we don’t believe in God---there are so many misconceptions and lies about “the Mormons” that if people don’t investigate further it keeps them from receiving further truth, light and blessings). We invited them to a Family Home Evening in the house of some YSAs. The YSAs taught a lesson, we taught them some games, and we left. We got a report from the missionary leader that they stayed there until 10:00 pm, playing, and then asked questions from the members. The members were able to clear up their doubts and give them advice. Now, Carlos not only wants to change his baptism so it is one week earlier, but he wants to serve a full-time mission! Wow! What a turn-around!
The bishop has his 10th anniversary as bishop in our ward, and so we are helping organize a surprise party in his honor, with all the organizations giving a simple gift or thank you card. We are also helping the YSA get organized and function, and helping to train our ward missionaries. The laborers are few in this part of the vineyard, and they have about 4 callings a piece, so we try to do everything we can to encourage them and serve them. So many people are trying hard just to work all day to feed their families, it can be hard to add in a church calling.
Saturday night it began to rain. No, it began to pour. And we enjoyed every minute of it. The motocarristas would stop us and offer us a ride and we just kept on walking and delighting in the rain. We stopped at a store to ask for bags to protect our scriptures, and the lady offered us bread bags to put on our heads (mini poncho). We thanked her, put the bags on our heads and after we were out of sight, we took off the bags and walked in the rain some more.
I am grateful for my companion. She is teaching me and helping me so much. I love her!
God bless!
Hermana Christensen
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wonderful People, Miracles, & Lessons!
My new companion, Hermana Reyes, is so cool. She has 1 year and 4 months as a convert and has so much life experience and wisdom. She is so enthusiastic for the work and is eager to testify and to make sacrifices for the people. I love her. She is always encouraging me and saying positive things to help me feel motivated, and she also isn’t afraid to correct me (as my mission president says, Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that is how you learn…and, wow, have I learned a lot lately). She has left so much behind in order to be here on the mission, including a job offer as a director of a school (she is 23 years old but already has her Master’s degree in Educational Administration) back home in Guatemala. She was very catholic and even prepared to become a nun when she discovered the Church. She told the elders, “Changing religion isn’t just like changing your shoes. It’s serious business.” After 4 sets of missionaries she gained her testimony (the trick is to not just pray, but to pray with faith, is what she told me) and made her decision to join the Church. She is a real go-getter, a Latin version of Karen (my sister). She is such a powerful example for me.
We’ve seen miracles in the bishop. When I arrived here 4 months ago he was tired or “trunky” because he has health problems and has been bishop for 9 years (but there is no one else that could replace him), but some kind members took him to the hospital and paid for his treatment (side note: These members don’t have much money. They have to wait a few months to finish adding onto their house because they paid for the Bishop’s medical treatment. What an example of charity!). He is much healthier and he is very motivated to get involved with the work. I think he was discouraged because he knew there are problems with retention but didn’t know what the solutions are. He received some training (see examples of ward mission plans at missionaryleaders.org) and is highly motivated now (It helps that these sister missionaries are here to motivate and encourage him, too!).
Sunday he accompanied us to visit the Lopez (part-member) family. After the bishop taught them, without us saying anything, Carlos (20) told us that he wants to be baptized, too. This is a miracle, because just talking with him yesterday he didn’t want to be baptized. He and his brother have plans to be baptized on June 5. It’s amazing the Spirit people feel when the leaders visit them in their homes. They also feel really important when people take the time to visit with them individually(another reason why people should take their visiting and home teaching seriously, because people really ARE important and need to feel that way).
I am learning to discern the Spirit more. It was raining and I left my umbrella outside by the door of our appointment. I knew that if I left it outside there was no guarantee it would be there when we finished the appointment and I was correct. Right before our eyes this little girl took my umbrella. I saw her the next day and she was still playing with it. I told her, “Oh great! You found my umbrella!” and reached out for her to hand it to me. She dashed away with my umbrella in hand. My umbrella was a little broken and old and dirty, but, now I am missing it! Lesson learned. Most times we don’t recognize the impact our small decisions make in our lives, until we are roasting under the hot Amazonian sun for a time. If the Spirit prompts you to do something, do it and quickly!
I am learning so much every day. Wow! There is so much to learn and to become and the time flies by. Heavenly Father knows His children and knows the people that they need to be companions with (for example) and the lessons that we each need to learn. I don’t know how He does it, but He does!
Love,
Hermana Christensen
We’ve seen miracles in the bishop. When I arrived here 4 months ago he was tired or “trunky” because he has health problems and has been bishop for 9 years (but there is no one else that could replace him), but some kind members took him to the hospital and paid for his treatment (side note: These members don’t have much money. They have to wait a few months to finish adding onto their house because they paid for the Bishop’s medical treatment. What an example of charity!). He is much healthier and he is very motivated to get involved with the work. I think he was discouraged because he knew there are problems with retention but didn’t know what the solutions are. He received some training (see examples of ward mission plans at missionaryleaders.org) and is highly motivated now (It helps that these sister missionaries are here to motivate and encourage him, too!).
Sunday he accompanied us to visit the Lopez (part-member) family. After the bishop taught them, without us saying anything, Carlos (20) told us that he wants to be baptized, too. This is a miracle, because just talking with him yesterday he didn’t want to be baptized. He and his brother have plans to be baptized on June 5. It’s amazing the Spirit people feel when the leaders visit them in their homes. They also feel really important when people take the time to visit with them individually(another reason why people should take their visiting and home teaching seriously, because people really ARE important and need to feel that way).
I am learning to discern the Spirit more. It was raining and I left my umbrella outside by the door of our appointment. I knew that if I left it outside there was no guarantee it would be there when we finished the appointment and I was correct. Right before our eyes this little girl took my umbrella. I saw her the next day and she was still playing with it. I told her, “Oh great! You found my umbrella!” and reached out for her to hand it to me. She dashed away with my umbrella in hand. My umbrella was a little broken and old and dirty, but, now I am missing it! Lesson learned. Most times we don’t recognize the impact our small decisions make in our lives, until we are roasting under the hot Amazonian sun for a time. If the Spirit prompts you to do something, do it and quickly!
I am learning so much every day. Wow! There is so much to learn and to become and the time flies by. Heavenly Father knows His children and knows the people that they need to be companions with (for example) and the lessons that we each need to learn. I don’t know how He does it, but He does!
Love,
Hermana Christensen
Monday, May 17, 2010
Good, Sad, and Funny News from the Jungle
So, we just found out what the new transfers are, and I stay here in the jungle! I am sad because I love my companion Hna. Duarte (Guatemala). She is so cool and we have learned so much together during this time, but change is part of the mission and she is moving to Lima. Even though I stay in the same area, it is different because we are teaching different people and I will have a new companion, Hna. Reyes.
I have a testimony of updating the Area Book and the records every day, because if not, wow! It means staying up really late to get it all done. We are trying to help our Peruvian friends read the Book of Mormon and find out how it relates to them and blesses their life.
We have started teaching Jacqueline. For some time her husband had seen the missionaries and had called out to them to come and visit him and his family, but they simply smiled and passed on their way (they probably thought he was just kidding, or more interested in the messengers than in the message). However, we contacted her and she attended church on Sunday. She has accepted a tentative baptismal date for June 5. She and her family are ready to receive the gospel.
I love Marta Luz, a former Catholic and present Evangelical, who listened to us as we taught her and tried to understand what we believed, rather than just combat or Bible bash with us. She even attended church on Sunday (the Relief Society lesson was on the Scriptural Canon. The expression on her face to see that we accept not just the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God was indescribable).
We were walking and I saw these 4 cute puppies playing. I reached out to pet them and startled them. They started crying with fear and the neighbors and Hna. Duarte turned to see what I had done. I felt slightly embarrassed (I have an embarrassing moment at least every day). Later, we knocked on the door to see if Marlene was home. This little boy answered the door, took one look at me, and immediately fled inside the house. We just laugh at these things.
Love, Hermana Christensen
I have a testimony of updating the Area Book and the records every day, because if not, wow! It means staying up really late to get it all done. We are trying to help our Peruvian friends read the Book of Mormon and find out how it relates to them and blesses their life.
We have started teaching Jacqueline. For some time her husband had seen the missionaries and had called out to them to come and visit him and his family, but they simply smiled and passed on their way (they probably thought he was just kidding, or more interested in the messengers than in the message). However, we contacted her and she attended church on Sunday. She has accepted a tentative baptismal date for June 5. She and her family are ready to receive the gospel.
I love Marta Luz, a former Catholic and present Evangelical, who listened to us as we taught her and tried to understand what we believed, rather than just combat or Bible bash with us. She even attended church on Sunday (the Relief Society lesson was on the Scriptural Canon. The expression on her face to see that we accept not just the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God was indescribable).
We were walking and I saw these 4 cute puppies playing. I reached out to pet them and startled them. They started crying with fear and the neighbors and Hna. Duarte turned to see what I had done. I felt slightly embarrassed (I have an embarrassing moment at least every day). Later, we knocked on the door to see if Marlene was home. This little boy answered the door, took one look at me, and immediately fled inside the house. We just laugh at these things.
Love, Hermana Christensen
Monday, May 10, 2010
Happy Belated Mother's Day!
Hello family and friends,
I am grateful I was able to talk with some of you yesterday for Mother’s Day, and was sorry I couldn’t hear much of what was said because of all the noise, so I will record what I wanted to tell you. Thanks for praying so that way I could hear! Every block in Peru had their music blasting to celebrate Mother’s Day, so it was difficult to hear.
Yesterday was such a good Sunday. I was so happy and impressed with the ward yesterday. The Relief Society teacher taught a lesson on prophets that wasn’t based upon her personal opinions but on real doctrine! The youth gave the talks in sacrament meeting on chastity, modesty in dress and language (“I`m not telling you this because I want you to feel bad. I am telling you this because we can be better”), and on the Sabbath Day. It was impressive to have the youth teach everyone these lessons.
My favorite part of the sacrament meeting was when the Bishop had all the men come to the front and sing the intermediate hymn, “Oh ye that have the Priesthood” (not your traditional Mother’s Day tribute, but impressive, nonetheless). The best part was that EVERY MAN, including our investigators, came up to the front and participated in the hymn. The priesthood members were able to share the hymnals and show them how to read the music, and fellowship them. It was “buenisimo” as Hna. Duarte called it.
It was so great to see the deacons fellowshipping our recent convert, Mauro. He is going to receive the priesthood this week. And, our ward mission leader is so on top of things and is helping the young men get their papers ready to serve their missions, fellowshipping the investigators, visiting the families that need help, etc. We are so grateful for him. The other members are really getting involved with the work. We just need their help to find more people to teach (there are tons of people that are willing to listen to the lessons, but they don’t want to keep their commitments and can’t progress).
Happy Mother’s Day (belated)!
Love, Hermana Christensen
I am grateful I was able to talk with some of you yesterday for Mother’s Day, and was sorry I couldn’t hear much of what was said because of all the noise, so I will record what I wanted to tell you. Thanks for praying so that way I could hear! Every block in Peru had their music blasting to celebrate Mother’s Day, so it was difficult to hear.
Yesterday was such a good Sunday. I was so happy and impressed with the ward yesterday. The Relief Society teacher taught a lesson on prophets that wasn’t based upon her personal opinions but on real doctrine! The youth gave the talks in sacrament meeting on chastity, modesty in dress and language (“I`m not telling you this because I want you to feel bad. I am telling you this because we can be better”), and on the Sabbath Day. It was impressive to have the youth teach everyone these lessons.
My favorite part of the sacrament meeting was when the Bishop had all the men come to the front and sing the intermediate hymn, “Oh ye that have the Priesthood” (not your traditional Mother’s Day tribute, but impressive, nonetheless). The best part was that EVERY MAN, including our investigators, came up to the front and participated in the hymn. The priesthood members were able to share the hymnals and show them how to read the music, and fellowship them. It was “buenisimo” as Hna. Duarte called it.
It was so great to see the deacons fellowshipping our recent convert, Mauro. He is going to receive the priesthood this week. And, our ward mission leader is so on top of things and is helping the young men get their papers ready to serve their missions, fellowshipping the investigators, visiting the families that need help, etc. We are so grateful for him. The other members are really getting involved with the work. We just need their help to find more people to teach (there are tons of people that are willing to listen to the lessons, but they don’t want to keep their commitments and can’t progress).
Happy Mother’s Day (belated)!
Love, Hermana Christensen
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