Dogs, Halloween, and 7 Kids at Church

We were each other for Halloween

 

 

Querida familia

We had a week full of dog encounters. I have a theory that they know I don´t like them so they always choose to bother me. On three separate occasions, I had a dog following me and bothering me. Luckily, people helped me and chase away the dogs.

The dog encounters culminated Saturday. We were searching for a woman´s house. The set-up here is there is a house in front and then usually a dozen little houses in back, it´s called parte atras. Anyways, we were searching for her house when we heard dog barking. At first a little dog came out from behind the corner but then a BIG ferocious dog comes around the corner about 40 feet away. Usually, when we have dog problems, I say “stay calm” to Hermana Thomas so I guess that´s what she expected. She claims that I didn´t give her any warning that I was going to make a run for it and when she turned around I was half way to the gate. However, I feel as though my yelp of fear was a sufficient warning. 

I hurt my hand trying to get open the gate and somehow her umbrella broke in half. The dog was right on her tail and she barely made it through. After we got through the gate and caught our breath we had a good laugh. She continues to say, ¨I can´t believe you left me!¨ I tell her that I stick to the pirate´s code: those who fall behind, get left behind. 

We had a good Sunday yesterday. We helped an investigator haul seven of her ten children to church. I can honestly say I didn´t hear one word that was said during testimony meeting. Entertaining kids is hard! I tried to remember all the things mom used to do with us to keep us quite. Mom, thank you for your patience! This investigator is pretty interested in the church. She comes from humble circumstances. They have a little kitchen and one room for eleven people. I don´t know how they do it. I am not sure how much she understands the things we teach but she said she felt good in church. 

We had one appointment that lasted 2.5 hours. He is a Haitian man and took notes- wanting to know every detail. I feel like we did a pretty good job of answering all his questions, with the exception of how you spell Susquehanna. 

We are still doing exchanges every week. I enjoy exchanges because I enjoy seeing how other missionaries teach. Examples are the best way to teach and I have accumulated some really good examples from other missionaries. This past week the Hermana I was with was teaching about the Book of Mormon and that God communicates with his children no matter where they live. She said, “for example, if you have a child in Puerto Rico and The United States, which one are you going to talk to?” She was hoping she would say with both of them. However, the lady said she would talk with the one in Puerto Rico... that ruined that example. I think I am going to send a list of the examples I use to all the cousins serving and ask for the things that help them in their teaching. 

 

You asked about the investigator we started teaching 2 weeks ago. Sadly, we haven´t been able to teach her this past week. Every time we passed by, she wasn´t there. And she didn’t go to church again.  

I love Carlisle´s essay you sent me. As we´re walking, I have lots of time to think about different theories and I really like his ideas. 

Hermana Thomas likes to read all the cousins blogs and then keeps me up to date on what is going on.

You people don´t stay put! I love all your updates and pictures. I am always glad to see that Cate is making sure my wardrobe doesn´t gather cobwebs. :) She can wear whatever she wants. As the weather has cooled down, the mosquitoes are eating me alive. I may use my mosquito net for the first time. I am happy and doing well. Soo good to hear from you

Hermana Christensen

There is a story behind this - that Meg forgot to tell us

Up On the Roof

 

Saludos! We had a good week. We typically get about thirty lessons per week but we focused on planning more efficiently and we were able to get forty this past week. I also stopped carrying my bible this past week. It was hurting my back too much to have all that weight. Everyone has a bible in their house so I can just use theirs when I need to use a verse in the bible.

Yesterday was the primary program. Kids are the same wherever you go; there are some that know all the words and belt them out and others who are in their own little world. There was a cute little boy who was using the sacrament cup for his pirate eye and was pretty focused on that the whole program. Also they had quite a bit of parent participation. The closing number was a boy and a dad singing together. I was wondering if Dad would be down on singing a duet - that made me laugh.

Yesterday a cute couple from Canada came to all three meetings of church; they've been vacationing here for their honeymoon. We translated for them and it was fun! It’s so funny because whenever there is someone white all the members tell me she looks like me. Also, when they are flipping through the ensign they will say: "this girl looks just like you."

To answer your questions:

I pretty much just eat what I did at home. Toast, wraps, beans and rice, pasta, pancakes. We don't really get the culture experience as far as the food goes because we don't eat with Dominicans for health reasons. Lunch is a really big deal here. Contacting from eleven to one can be challenging because everyone is cooking. The most common dish is La Bandera which is beans rice and meat.

 
Everyone tries to feed us. They are very generous people and everyone offers us food. They do get slightly offended when we turn them down, more than I expected. We also have to be careful not to compliment too much because then they try and give you their stuff.

I actually have never seen anyone filter water here. Everyone just has those big blue jugs and once it’s empty you take the empty bottle to a place to exchange it for a full one. It used to be hard for me to carry it but I think I'm getting stronger:)

Sad to hear the good ol Altima was dying. That was a good car. I am proud of you Cate for playing so well on the soccer field and that's so awesome you are going to go out with the sisters! We are so grateful for all the members that go out with us, it really helps.

 
The annual Webster Halloween bash looked like a hit. That's awesome Sara is going to England.

Dad, I love the quote you gave me and mom I am so happy you are now working with a Dominican. Dominicans are the best.

There is a boy in my ward that is going to Torreon Mexico. He leaves in February and he wants Spence's email address. I will let him know that Spence suggests missionaries wear lots of deodorant.

One of my favorite things to do is when we are contacting apartment buildings and when we get to the top, I love to look out at the view. It is so peaceful. It looks so different from the top - so green and the ocean always is closer than I realize. Even though we have contacted the majority of our area, sometimes from the rooftop we can see new places that we haven't touched. I love the idea of perspective. There are moments in life when it’s difficult to see the big picture but I will try and apply the "rooftop perspective" more in my life.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here and meet so many wonderful people. Love you so, so much

 

Meg

 

 

Still Here

Another transfer has come and gone and... drum roll... nothing happened. Hermana Thomas and I are still together. There is nothing like Sunday night when you are sitting waiting for your call telling you where you will move to on Tuesday morning. I had already started packing my stuff and was telling Hermana Thomas how much I'd miss her. The joke was on me. We did see an investigator as we were walking to the internet cafe and he said, "You are staying! God heard my prayers!" That makes it all worth it. It’s the investigator that is sitting in the chair in one of the photos. 

You asked about my Spanish. It has definitely improved and my thick Gringa accent is getting better. I can follow most conversations. Even if I don't know every word that is said I know enough to figure it out. I can’t always say exactly what I want so sometimes I take a round-about way to describe stuff. But I have really come to love the Spanish language! Something that makes me laugh is sometimes when I go on intercambios with some of the Latinas, they will be like, "what did the investigator just say?" “I dont know! It’s your language!” But the Dominican accent is really thick so sometimes other latinos don’t understand.  

 

We are still working with the woman we found last week. She is awesome. I really have connected with her and appreciate all her thoughtful questions and that she longs for truth in her life. She has had some really painful, terrible things happen to her. She doesn't open up completely about these things but we have an idea based on her reaction to certain subjects and some of her questions. What she has said to us is that this is the closest she has ever come to talking about the things that happened to her. She has never had anyone to confide in or anyone to defend or fight for her. On top of the challenges from her childhood, she got in a really bad accident a couple months ago and hasn’t been able to work since but she has two kids to feed. 

She asked again why God sent us here and why wouldn't he relieve his children from their suffering and why he would cause trials. She said she just can't quite make sense of it in her mind but she is trying. I don’t know where this came from but I compared it to the mission. Right now we're away from home and have limited communication with our parents. However, they still give us advice and want the best for us. It’s their love and support that helps us during the difficult times. Our parents don’t cause the challenges we face in the mission nor do they want us to suffer. However, they know we will grow from this experience and they want the best for us. And we'll see them after the mission. Life is like one big mission. It’s not a perfect analogy but she liked it! So thank you for all your love, support and help- it gives me analogies for investigators. But, I love this woman and hope that she can find more peace. She said she was going to cancel our appointment with her but when she saw us walk up to her door it felt like her best friends were visiting her and she thanked us for the peace we have brought to her life. She hasn't been able to go to church yet but is reading the Book of Mormon. 

In this area, it is quite difficult to get people to go to church. The church is far from the areas we work in. We hear all kinds of wonderful reasons explaining why people can’t go to church. My favorite one has to be "If I go there no one will be here to watch the house." I want to assure them their house is not going to grow legs and run away while they are gone.

Dominicans do love to be visited. It is pretty easy to get into houses. Some people on the street will ask when we are going to visit them; some clarify it is to visit them and not to preach to them.  

You asked about D. Oh my, it makes me so sad. After we explained to the bishopric why he probably shouldn’t be confirmed on the Sunday after his baptism, I think one of the bishopric members talked to him and he hasn’t wanted to come back to church since. We still visit him. He reads the Book of Mormon really thoroughly and writes us a summary of the things he has read. It is a reminder that we need to be gentle with people's weaknesses and the way we talk to them.

Good job Cate - killing it on the soccer field. O. is getting so tall and his hair is so long- I miss that little guy. I am glad Mikey's birthday celebrations went well. I can’t believe it’s been a year since he made the Facebook group for his birthday and invited everyone. Tell him hi for me. Meish goes home in exactly two months!!!!!!!!!! Wow, and Andrew is more than a year into his mission. Thank you for all the updates and stories. I am doing well and I am a happy missionary. I love you to the moon and back. 

Peace and blessings, 

hermana Christensen

 

The Rain

 

 

 

We had a really good week this week. One week until transfers. I've never heard of a companionship being together for more than four transfers so we'll see if Hermana Thomas and I can break some records. Whenever we go on exchanges I miss her. Everyone says when they separate us we will cry; it’s probably true.

 Finally, the temperature seems to have gone down! It’s been raining quite a bit. I can tell it’s less hot because I use my sweat rag less often. Have I mentioned how much I sweat here? Wow, with the humidity we just sweat and sweat. I feel bad because the women here have a tradition that you always embrace with a kiss on the right cheek. And we are always dripping with sweat.

We worked really hard this week on finding new investigators and we found one lady that I'm really excited about. She is a young single mother of two. In our first lesson, she expressed something that really bothered her. She said she has asked her pastor but says people make her feel bad for questioning things. She had always heard that God is loving; but she didn’t understand why our loving father would place bad things in our path and move us around like chips in a game. I’m not sure what Church Doctrine is on that one but I was able to express that every bad thing that happens to us is not a punishment from God. We live in a world that isn’t perfect and the rain falls on those who are good and bad. The gospel enables us to overcome the challenges of life; it doesn't omit them. Every lesson we have with her has been really long because she has so many questions; thoughtful questions that really stretch us. I would say she is the first "golden investigator" that we have had. We have seen the atonement start to work in her life.

Yesterday we participated in the stake mission prep class. First off, it was a struggle to get there. We were asking everyone for directions and they ended up directing us to the Jehovah's Witnesses chapel; everyone always thinks we are J.W.s. But the class was really fun and went well. We did a mock lesson and then answered questions the youth had. I was somehow more nervous for the mock lesson then for real lessons. This stake has four youth that have just received their mission calls; all going to Mexico. None of them will be in Spence's mission.

A man yesterday bore his testimony about keeping promises. He said he had been thinking about Christ and contemplated; what if Jesus came and decided he wasn't fit to be the Christ and didn't fufill his purpose? This thought has stuck with me. It reminds me of the talk Meish sent me Finishers Wanted.  I am so grateful that Christ had the courage to fulfill his purpose.

Thank you so much for the pictures, updates, and motivating messages. As Mom says, I'm a bit of a skimmer and sometimes it’s hard to answer your questions or comment on all the things you write. However, I always print out your letters and read them over and over. Sometimes I even have conversations with you in my head about the interesting things you write.

Love you ever so much,

Hermana Christensen

 

One Year Ago. . . .

Isha

Family

I can’t believe it has been a year since President Monson made the announcement of the age change. I will never forget that day. I was watching conference with Hannah Jenkins at her cabin and we were freaking out. I specifically remember mowing the lawn later that day and wondering where in the world I'd be a year from then. I never would have imagined the D.R. To be honest, I didn’t even know where the D.R. was. 

Conference Breakfast

Conference was wonderful and edifying. In order to go to the Saturday session of Conference, we had to have investigators attend. So we have been inviting everyone and their dog to the Saturday sessions. I was laughing because one of the elders was saying he felt bad because he's been telling all his investigators Saturday is the most important day for them to go. We were able to go to all four sessions! I loved the messages from President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland on Saturday and President Eyring and Elder Oaks on Sunday. Some points that I really enjoyed are:

·         The lord blesses us in significant but subtle ways. You may ask for some trial to pass only to find that you are blessed with resilience. (He pointed out that too often we - -pay our tithing and expect a check in the mail but the blessings are more subtle) 

·         The acorn of inquiry grows into an oak of understanding. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. 

·         Afflictions are a reality of life. We live and chose to live in a fallen world. If the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and hope for better days ahead but don't harden your heart.

·         Stamina is necessary to be in physical and spiritual shape. With spiritual stamina we will have the inner strength and peace to confront challenges

·         The most important thing we should be doing right now is recognizing and using the atonement in our lives. 

·         God sees weakness different than rebellion. He looks at weakness with mercy. 

·         You should teach the gospel and teach the things the gospel has taught you. Don't just be an echo but seek revelation. 

·         Trials can result in growth, understanding and empathy. Rather than solve our problems - the Lord wants us to develop faith and trust. 

 

For me, the over-arching theme was trust in God. It is definitely a message I feel like I needed to hear. 

We had a good week. A highlight for me was we did an awesome FHE and played the game where one person writes a sentence and the next person has to draw it and the next person has to describe it with a sentence etc.. It was really fun and the little kid wanted to keep playing it, even though he was cheating and peaking haha. We also have been visiting this lady who told us she is moving. She got emotional telling us how much we have helped her in her life. I get so attached to people - regardless of whether they progress in the gospel or not. There is so many moments where I just think: “how in the world am I giving life advice to this person who has way more life experience than me??” It’s crazy. 

In other news, my companion has lost over 40lbs since being in the mission field! She looks great. Also, people keep asking me if it’s starting to get cooler. Nope. I most definitely haven't noticed a change yet. Other exciting news is that next transfer our mission will be approaching the limit of 250 missionaries. Also, you have asked about some of the responsibilities I have. We go to the mission leadership meetings and then work with the Hermana’s in our area on the objectives we set at the meetings. We also go on exchanges which is really fun because I get to go back to my old area in Villa Verde.

Thank you for the package! I wore the skirt two days in a row and already went through one pack of gum

Love you all so much,

Meg

 Reunited with my MTC Pals

 

Temple Trip

Another week! Time generally goes by quite fast. Actually, Monday thru Friday goes fast and then Saturday and Sunday are the more stressfull days and it feels like they move in slow motion. But we had a good week! Last night there was a crazy thunder and lightning storm; every strike of lightning lit up the whole room. Looks like you guys had a great time in Lake Powell!!!! Heaven on earth. And Cate is miss Homecoming queen! I’m not surprised one bit; she´s a babe. 

 

We got to go to the temple this week! It was so wonderful. As I mentioned, we are only able to go every six months so we definitely have to savor the time we get there. There is a tradition after the Temple session where all the missionaries go to a Wendy´s that is nearby. I ordered a frosty and they gave me something that resembled vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of Nesquick. But it was such a fun day and I love hanging out with other missionaries!

 

I have included a picture with the Gimmeniz family. It’s in their little one room apartment. The woman is the grandma and she is an incredibly strong member and has raised her three grandkids. They walk so far to go to church every Sunday. We have been working with the one on the right because he is preparing for baptism and would technically be a convert because his parents aren’t members. He is autistic and it has been so fun to see his progress and he loves us to quiz him on the different commandments and topics. I´ve gotten really close to them but yesterday they told us the sad news that they are moving today. The grandma gave me her bracelet and she gave Hermana Thomas the cover for her temple recommend. It was what she had with her and they really wanted to give us something to remember them. I thought it was so sweet! We surprised them early this morning with a going-away cake and some presents. You would have thought it was Christmas. They are so darling. 

You Can't Take D.C. out of the Girl! 

I have been thinking a lot lately about the sacrifices our investigators are willing to make. Of course the grand majority do not. Most don’t read the things we leave them, Many don’t want to walk to church because it is far, and changing habits and lifestyle is difficult. But then there are the few that are willing to make the sacrifices. They are willing to change their life. There is one man I think I’ve mentioned before. He had heard of the church about twenty years ago and said he could never forget the things he heard regarding Joseph smith and gold plates. Well, this man has continued to progress. The problem is that he does not want to become a member until he finds a new job. He owns a mini bar next to his house. It’s a pretty comfortable set-up. He only has to work in the night time and he makes pretty good money. However he is willing give it up. He has been searching for a new job and it looks like there is a pretty promising opportunity for him in November. It’s far away and the hours will be more demanding. It would be in Casa de Campo. I am so impressed with his willingness to change. 

 

Have I mentioned Casa de Campo before? It’s a town right next to us that is pretty much a city of gold. It is full of mansions and we are told the most expensive resorts in the Caribbean are there. Supposedly, many different celebrities, politicians, and actors have homes there. It is technically in our area but we aren´t allowed to enter. I guess we won’t be converting any celebrities. It does provide a lot of work for people here in La Romana so that´s good. 

 

Also, I learned a very interesting history lesson this week. Columbus first came to the D.R. and the Spaniards killed all the natives that lived here. They then brought in African slaves to work the land that is why most of the people here are from African rather than Latin; a sad history.

 

Love you all so so much! 

Hermana Christensen

 Sugar Cane

Light

 A Typical D.R. Street

Hello familia! I´ve missed everyone lots this week. Hannah´s wedding looks like it was so beautiful! 

My companion has been really sick for the past few days. We´ve tried going out but she feels so weak and has a lot of body aches so we spent about three days in the house this past week. My body was exhausted and needed a break but I was quite bored. I read and studied. I organized all my stuff and wrote in my journal including important events before the mission. I was able to finally record a detailed account of our adventures in Italy. Haha much of it consisted of “And then we wandered in big circles and people tried to point us in the right direction. Then we received bad directions.” I didn´t realize at the time what good mission prep that trip was. 

My Friend, Hermana Romero

 

One thing that was really fun was that I went back and read all the letters and emails I´ve received. I love reading about home. One thing that has stuck with me is something Gram and mom both wrote about light. They both wrote that we are here to collect light. I love this concept and visualizing it. As we do good things we collect light. As we work to accumulate wisdom, truth, and knowledge, we gain or collect more light. But we can also lose light. 

We had good teaching sessions for the days we were able to go out. Quite a few investigators’ went to church yesterday. Church is the moment of truth to tell us who is really progressing. 

There is a Haitian family that we´ve been teaching for a while now. They are quite poor and the mom hardly speaks any Spanish. They go to church every Sunday. Every Sunday! But last week they weren´t there so we stopped by there house after church to ask what happened. The son explained for his mom that she had found a job cleaning a house but she had to work on Sundays. So she quit her job that day to be able to go to church. Sure enough, she was at church yesterday. I don´t know how much she understands, but she loves being there. 

A common problem we encounter is that you have to be married in order to join the church.  Marriage here is a really big challenge. Hardly anyone is married. It´s a little expensive and all the documents and paperwork are a pain. Because hardly anyone is married, there is an attitude that it’s too big of a commitment. Dominicans are hard enough to get married. Haitains are ten times harder. Most of them don’t have legitimate passports and often have even less money. But hopefully with time this family will be able to overcome these challenges.  

We are also teaching this one family that was a referral from the Stake President (eek lots of pressure). The Stake President is always there as well so I get nervous for these appointments. But the family is progressing and they go to church. I really like them. 

In other exciting news we get to go to the Temple on Wednesday - yay so excited! We can only go twice a year. So, it’s been six months since I was there last. Happy Birthday to the lovely MEISHionary! I sure miss her. 

Until next week, 

Meg 

Sister T - Sick in Bed