Week 4: Texas Baby!

Hey ya'll!

 

 

I'm finally in Texas! It was super hard saying goodbye to my friends and family but I'm alive and well here in San Antonio. It's insanely humid and the mosquitos have given me no mercy, but I seriously do love this place.

 

 

I flew in last Wednesday with about 22 other missionaries and I met Elder Harper in person which is cool! When we all got off the plane we went straight to the Alamo and then they sent us out to talk to people around the city. The first guy Elder Harper and I talked to was having a really hard time so we prayed with him and gave him a pass along card. We talked to a few other people and when we were heading back this guy said something to us so I walked over and tried talking to him. He immediately threw his hands up and yelled, "IT'S BLASPHEMY FOR ME TO SPEAK TO YOU!" And then he continued to yell at us so I wished him well and we started to walk away... but apparently that didn't help cause he followed us for 4 blocks and yelled at us haha. It was a little scary but it was definitely an exciting first day! 

 

 

The next day I met my companion/trainer, Elder Iverson, and we headed straight to our area. We get along really well and we're actually both part Japanese so that's cool! He's teaching me a lot. It's a bit overwhelming but I'm starting to get the hang of it. We also live with two other Elders and I love them! They're super funny so there's never a dull moment in our apartment haha.

 

 

On Saturday Elder Iverson and I taught a guy named Dominik about the restoration of the gospel. He's from the Czech Republic so he has a super cool accent. He also loves to play pool so we played a few games before we taught him the lesson which was fun. During the lesson the spirit was so strong and he was super interested in what we were sharing. He actually came to church too and we're gonna teach him and his girlfriend another lesson on Saturday!! 

 

 

We met a guy that was making a cross with a dirt bike chain on it while heading to an appointment and he was super intense. All I remember is he said something about trembling before God and a bunch of weird metaphors that made no sense. We asked for his name and he said, "Daniel 626". We think he must have been quoting a Bible verse or something. He said he'd meet with us though so I'll let you know how that goes!

 

 

I had the pleasure of meeting a new convert named Lola this last week too! She's this super spunky elderly Filipino lady and I already love her with my whole heart. We stop by occasionally to talk or read scriptures and this morning we went on a walk to Dunkin' Donuts with her. Whenever we leave, she makes a heart with her hands and says, "Mahal kita!" (which means "I love you" in Filipino) and we say it back. It makes my day.

 

 

If I'm being honest, the first few days I was here were really hard. I wanted to just give up and say I can't do it, but every time I thought of giving up I thought of something my best friend, Caroline, quoted the day before I left. She said, "A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a short time so others may be with their families for eternity". My mission may very well be the hardest thing I have done in my life so far, but it's a small sacrifice I can make so that that people can experience the joys and blessings that my family and I cherish so much. I have had to truly rely on Christ and I swear I've said more prayers this past week than I ever have in my entire life. By doing this I have felt an abundance of love and support from my Father in Heaven and I can't help but think that my brother, Hunter, is helping me along the way as well.

 

 

The scripture of the week is one we've been focusing on in the mission.

Alma 37:37 – "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

This scripture has brought me a lot of comfort knowing that God is watching over me and I can find peace in Him when I involve Him in my life. I know that you can feel this peace as well when you "counsel with the Lord in all why doings".

 

 

Mahal kita!! 

 

 

Elder Christensen

 

 

1. Elder Iverson and I braving the Texas rain

2. I had to document my first cockroach encounter on the mish 

3. A little friend we found in the rain (disregard my helmet hair haha)

4. Me with my mission president and his wife!

5. Elder Iverson and I heading out to go bike!!

6. The view from the temple

7. Saying goodbye to my parents

8. Some very happy Elders with our full fridge thanks to my wonderful mama