*PHEW*
Finally got ahold of you! So I lied. My address is actually:
9311 Pocahontas Trl Apt 8H
Providence Forge, VA 23140
We live in a tiny little cottage haha. It's so funny you would laugh. It has a little living room, a tiny kitchen that you can't pass one another in, and a bedroom that is about as big as the living room and a tiny bathroom. The shower is so tiny that you can hardly turn around in it! haha. But it's awesome!
New Kent branch doesn't meet in a building either. They are in the process of getting a building built, but right now we meet in the forestry center (like a meeting hall and the classrooms are hotel bedrooms! hahaha)
But Elder Server is the district leader in this district, and the district consists of 4 groups of Sister missionaries and us. haha. So it's kind of a different experience :P. It's cool though, 'cause there is so much history nearby. In our district are the williamsburg sisters, the gloucster sisters, the jamestown sisters, and the kilmarnock sisters. So we have both colonial jamestown and williamsburg in our district! haha. If you can't find new kent county on the map, it's on the middle penninsula on the coast.
Yeah but the weather is fine here. We were expecting snow a few days ago, but it didn't happen and we aren't expecting any more any time soon. So yeah. But it's still cold. I found a sweet fleece! haha it was a missionaries that went home. So I have a fleece for when it's not cold enough to wear my big coat! :)
I'm feeling pretty good now. I can finally breath through my nose again! haha but yeah I only stayed in that one day. But after that I still felt like garbage. But I'm doing alot better now. The only problem is that Elder Server has some kind of really bad sickness that has kept us from going out alot lately. He's actually been talking to President about it lately, so we'll see what happens there. He's fine, but the stress makes it worse, so who knows. I'm actually driving temporarily because of it, because even the stress of driving makes things worse. So yeah. Not to much going on lately because of it, but I know the Lord understands because it isn't like Elder Server is doing it on purpose, and he can't control it. I pray for him all the time, because he does seem like he's in serious pain ALOT. So we'll see where that all goes.
Yeah he's the man I love him. It was so nice to be able to come to the area with a companion I already know. Skips the whole awkward stage of wondering if you are going to get along with this person. haha.
That's way cool you got to go to Grandma's and Grandpa's. I really miss them all alot. Tell them all I love them and I'll write them soon! You should've sent me one of those giant camp 18 cinnamon rolls! haha that would taste so good right now :P
wow so you sent me a camera? Where did you send it to? I'll call the assistants today to see if I can call my old area to see if they received it? I never got it so hopefully I can find it! Was dad trying to pull one of those "I'll secretely send him this and he won't even expect it!" kind of thigns again? haha oh well I'll get it eventually! THANK YOU SO MUCH. It really helps me out :)
That's pretty hilarious about Joseph! I wasn't sure if he was still in the mtc or not! Cause I hadn't heard from him in a while. So I will write him today!
Yeah it's pretty funny to see how similiar the experiences are of the mtc. It's really not THAT different! haha. It's weird to think I've been out 6 1/2 months now. Elder Server and I were just talking about that. Things move by so fast. AUGH.
Yeah each mission is different I guess. I hear from wylie periodically but I got transferred so I haven't got any mail in a while. So I'll hopefully hear from him soon. Apparently our new mission president (who will start serving in july) has already been called, but not revealed yet. So that's intense. I'll basically be spending one year with one mission president and one year with another.
That's crazy about david! I wrote him recently so I hope I hear from him soon! It's crazy. David is out over his year mark. He'll be home next febuary! WHATTTT. haha.
But I guess a little about the area now!
We cover most of New Kent county, all of Charles City county and a tiny piece of James City county. Charles city county is the birthplace of two presidents I believe! John tyler, and Zachary Taylor! And Martha Washington was born in charles city county! It's pretty awesome! But like I said this area has SO much potential. I'm kind of a lame duck right now, cause I don't know the area very well, and Elder Server is so sick all the time, we can't go out alot, and so I've had alot of time to reflect and look at what I need to do to be a better missionary. It's been nice. It's helped me realize that when things are out of our control that I shouldn't stress about it. Like here, I can't do anything to make elder server feel better. I wish I could, I really do because of the pain he is in, but I am human and can't so I just have to know that this must be what the Lord want's and not to worry about it. So that's helped. I've also been looking at tiny things that will help me refine myself. It's been a great experience. haha it's pretty funny Elder Server always tells me sorry for having to stay in and I'm like, uh why are you sorry? you have no control over it. He feels like he has to apologize! I'm like, no you don't! ahah.
Anyways.
Also, so something funny I've been thinking about lately. You are probably going to laugh when I come home and talk haha. I don't have an accent or anything, but I say some words differently now, just because of the culture around me haha. The missionaries in this mission have a saying, it goes like this: There are 3 languages spoken in the Virginia Richmond Mission: Southern, Ebonics, and Muttered grunts & cuss words. haha! it's so ridiculously true too...oh gosh. And apparently in this part of virginia there are people called "guinea men" who are a totally different culture all their own. I haven't run into those people yet though, so I have no idea haha.
Yeah so that's my story right now. If you have any questions let me knowwww. And if there is anyhting I can do for you mom and dad let me know :) Thank you for being there for me always and teaching me the right things in life. It's helped me alot lately. I love you all so much and miss you a ton! I'll talk to you next wednesday :O
Love you son,
Hunter
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Transfer number 3!
Holy cow! I almost didn't get to email you today! The library is closed on account of the snow. Bah! So we went to the university and used their library. So yeah. But Hey! I'm getting transferred again :(
New address:
9311 Pocahontas Trail
Providence Forge, VA 23140
Also, you should just tell everyone from now on to write me at this address:
9327 Midlothian Tpke STE 1-B
Richmond, VA 23235
The richmond address is my mission office, and that way, no matter what, I will get it. So just post the richmond one for people to send packages to, and the pocahontas one as where they can write LETTERS to.
Hopefully that makes sense!
But yeah the snow has been crazy. We have been stuck inside forever! And Yeah, I did get sick. I had to stay in one day cause of it and I still have it somewhat. But I'm recovering. And I got the package last wednesday! Thank you SO much for it! I love the hat! and I was so happy to see a scarf. I lost franks address! I want to write him and thank him, so please email that to me! The pictures were perfect thank you. I really liked all that, thank you SO much!
That's cool about your new calling! I bet it'll tire you out real quick with all those kids. haha. But guess whats awesome about transfers? I am going to be companions with one of my friends from the mtc! Elder Server! We are serving together in an area called New Kent county! So another country area. He is the district leader haha. Our whole district is just him and I and the rest are all sisters! haha.
Yeah like I said I got real sick. First it was just a little coughing and then it got worse. Mostly the coughing is gone now but my nose is fluctuating between running and stuffed up. So yeah, not fun, but we've still been out working with it.
Yeah the teaching is going alright. I guess now it's outta my hands since I'm getting transferred. But I'm going to really miss this area...I loved it alot! "Bob" is really sad I'm leaving and it's going to be really hard for him to say goodbye to me. But yeah, I hate snow now. Especially getting stuck inside :(
We drive outside, but the roads are pretty clear. The car accident wasn't our fault anyways so yeah. But we are being safe that's for sure.
I'm glad ryan is still doing good in basketball! it'll help him stay fit I guess! Tell him just to try the football camp all the way through and then if he doesn't like it he doesn't have to do it! Tell him it's worth it though even if it's hard! He sounds like me not being very aggressive haha.
I liked the blog comments haha let everyone know I say hi! And that they should write me so I know they want to hear from me! Cause I figure if someone actually wants to hear from me, they'll write me a letter :P
But yeah things have been going really good. I'm excited to serve with my friend Elder Server, but I'm sad I have to leave here. But it'll be fun I'm sure! I'm glad I got to go to west virginia when I did...ha!
But yeah, I had a rough day yesterday with Elder Hiltbrand leaving. Not specifically him leaving, but that coupled with how sick I was and other stuff it just wasn't a good day. But I'm doing better. yes.
I'm sorry the email is so short. But there isn't much else to tell ya! Let the cox's know I'll be getting the package they sent to me tommorow at transfers!
Well I'm sorry the email is short! but things are good and I'll send the card home soon so you can see it all! Love you! Be safe and I'll talk to you next wednesday hopefully!
Love
Your son!
New address:
9311 Pocahontas Trail
Providence Forge, VA 23140
Also, you should just tell everyone from now on to write me at this address:
9327 Midlothian Tpke STE 1-B
Richmond, VA 23235
The richmond address is my mission office, and that way, no matter what, I will get it. So just post the richmond one for people to send packages to, and the pocahontas one as where they can write LETTERS to.
Hopefully that makes sense!
But yeah the snow has been crazy. We have been stuck inside forever! And Yeah, I did get sick. I had to stay in one day cause of it and I still have it somewhat. But I'm recovering. And I got the package last wednesday! Thank you SO much for it! I love the hat! and I was so happy to see a scarf. I lost franks address! I want to write him and thank him, so please email that to me! The pictures were perfect thank you. I really liked all that, thank you SO much!
That's cool about your new calling! I bet it'll tire you out real quick with all those kids. haha. But guess whats awesome about transfers? I am going to be companions with one of my friends from the mtc! Elder Server! We are serving together in an area called New Kent county! So another country area. He is the district leader haha. Our whole district is just him and I and the rest are all sisters! haha.
Yeah like I said I got real sick. First it was just a little coughing and then it got worse. Mostly the coughing is gone now but my nose is fluctuating between running and stuffed up. So yeah, not fun, but we've still been out working with it.
Yeah the teaching is going alright. I guess now it's outta my hands since I'm getting transferred. But I'm going to really miss this area...I loved it alot! "Bob" is really sad I'm leaving and it's going to be really hard for him to say goodbye to me. But yeah, I hate snow now. Especially getting stuck inside :(
We drive outside, but the roads are pretty clear. The car accident wasn't our fault anyways so yeah. But we are being safe that's for sure.
I'm glad ryan is still doing good in basketball! it'll help him stay fit I guess! Tell him just to try the football camp all the way through and then if he doesn't like it he doesn't have to do it! Tell him it's worth it though even if it's hard! He sounds like me not being very aggressive haha.
I liked the blog comments haha let everyone know I say hi! And that they should write me so I know they want to hear from me! Cause I figure if someone actually wants to hear from me, they'll write me a letter :P
But yeah things have been going really good. I'm excited to serve with my friend Elder Server, but I'm sad I have to leave here. But it'll be fun I'm sure! I'm glad I got to go to west virginia when I did...ha!
But yeah, I had a rough day yesterday with Elder Hiltbrand leaving. Not specifically him leaving, but that coupled with how sick I was and other stuff it just wasn't a good day. But I'm doing better. yes.
I'm sorry the email is so short. But there isn't much else to tell ya! Let the cox's know I'll be getting the package they sent to me tommorow at transfers!
Well I'm sorry the email is short! but things are good and I'll send the card home soon so you can see it all! Love you! Be safe and I'll talk to you next wednesday hopefully!
Love
Your son!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Brrrrrrrr its a Freezing here in Virginni!
Hey Hey it's your favorite missionary again.
not!
ha
anyways.
I still haven't gotten the package! It's 12:09 pm here and we haven't checked the mail yet so it may be there today. I Hope so! But get this! We have been snowed in twice this week haha. Somewhat at least. And this friday/saturday we are supposed to have a HUGE snow storm. like 40+ inches in two days AHHHH! we are gonna be stuck inside FOREVER :'(. But Virginia actually had a big ol' snow storm last week and the whole state got covered. But we are getting another one that's going to destroy us! haha.
Yeah West Virginia was way fun! I've hopefully attached some pictures for you to check out. When we went to west virginia we actually found a grave site of a famous hessian mercenary (dad will know what those are) from the revolutionary war that founded that area. It's really awesome. I love the history here! woodrow wilson was born just a few cities south of us! and thomas jeffersons house (monticello) is in charlottesville which is about an hour away! Crazy stuff.
That emergency preparedness thing sounds pretty cool. A little extreme but cool. Yeah you should definitely be prepared though. I know out here since we've been having these crazy snows that people just absolutely lose their minds when they forcast snow. It's not even like oregon. All they have to do is FORCAST snow and school is cancelled. RIDICULOUS. But then you go to the store a day before it's supposed to snow and people just horde all the bread milk and eggs they can get. It's cleared out. That's virginia for you I guess.
Yeah my companion is getting sick too. I might get it eventually. I hope not, we have been having a junk week this week. And this would just make it worse.
I'm glad dad thought the indian dancer story was funny. haha it was a weird thought that just popped up into my mind. I hadn't remember that in forever.
I'm doing alright. Still worried because all of our investigators have dropped off the face of the map. We are teaching NO ONE. It's frustrating. We had a baptism on sunday, and that was amazing, but it seems like after that everything just dissapeared.
Oh but I have a story for you. And I don't want you to freak out when I tell you what happened, because we are all fine and we're not hurt and the Lord protected us.
Me and Elder Lowry had to get a baptismal record signed on monday. In order to do this we had to drive about 30-45 minutes down to waynesboro where our district leader lives. Because our bike rack is such a pain in the butt to put on these '08 malibu's, we left ours on without the bikes on, but the rack still sticking out on the back.
So we drove down to waynesboro on the free way, all fine and dandy. We got to where our district leader was, got our things signed and walked out to go. Then Elder Lowry said, "I think we should put our bike rack down, (like folding it down, it's on one those foldable ones) because it might be messing up our gas mileage or something." So we folded it down. And we get going on our way. as we are driving home on the free way, we come up on a ramp, where this lady in a van is starting to merge onto the free way, but we think we were in her blind spot, and she starts forcing us over into the other lane. Elder Lowry had very little time to react, and as a result didn't notice the semi-truck that was coming up on the left lane behind us. So we were forced over into the left lane, and the truck is going faster than us. So we get rear ended and bumped forward by this semi and because of it, we get knocked forward. We got pushed far enough forward that we could get in front of the lady in the van, so we pulled over to check out the damage. Expecting the truck to stop, we didn't bother to get the liscense plate of the truck, and he just keeps on going. Doesn't even stop. So we pull over and look at the trunk and there's some minor damage, but the bike rack took the brunt of it. But here's the part I am grateful for: If it hadn't been for elder lowry's prompting to put down the bike rack, I don't really know what would've happened. For all we know, the prongs on the rack could've gotten stuck in the grill of the truck and caused some bad things to happen. Not only that, but if we had been hit in any other way we probably would've been caused to spin and get hit by another car. The Lord really does take care of his missionaries, mom.
I hope I haven't totally freaked you out by now. But I'm safe, and the car is going to be fixed eventually and we are all good haha. But just goes to show you how much a prompting of the spirit can mean.
But I love you all so much and I hope you are safe. And by this time next week I'll find out if I'm here for another transfer or not! So I'll let you know then! And we should have a ton of snow as well! ha.
BYE!
LOVE ELDER CHRISTENSEN
not!
ha
anyways.
I still haven't gotten the package! It's 12:09 pm here and we haven't checked the mail yet so it may be there today. I Hope so! But get this! We have been snowed in twice this week haha. Somewhat at least. And this friday/saturday we are supposed to have a HUGE snow storm. like 40+ inches in two days AHHHH! we are gonna be stuck inside FOREVER :'(. But Virginia actually had a big ol' snow storm last week and the whole state got covered. But we are getting another one that's going to destroy us! haha.
Yeah West Virginia was way fun! I've hopefully attached some pictures for you to check out. When we went to west virginia we actually found a grave site of a famous hessian mercenary (dad will know what those are) from the revolutionary war that founded that area. It's really awesome. I love the history here! woodrow wilson was born just a few cities south of us! and thomas jeffersons house (monticello) is in charlottesville which is about an hour away! Crazy stuff.
That emergency preparedness thing sounds pretty cool. A little extreme but cool. Yeah you should definitely be prepared though. I know out here since we've been having these crazy snows that people just absolutely lose their minds when they forcast snow. It's not even like oregon. All they have to do is FORCAST snow and school is cancelled. RIDICULOUS. But then you go to the store a day before it's supposed to snow and people just horde all the bread milk and eggs they can get. It's cleared out. That's virginia for you I guess.
Yeah my companion is getting sick too. I might get it eventually. I hope not, we have been having a junk week this week. And this would just make it worse.
I'm glad dad thought the indian dancer story was funny. haha it was a weird thought that just popped up into my mind. I hadn't remember that in forever.
I'm doing alright. Still worried because all of our investigators have dropped off the face of the map. We are teaching NO ONE. It's frustrating. We had a baptism on sunday, and that was amazing, but it seems like after that everything just dissapeared.
Oh but I have a story for you. And I don't want you to freak out when I tell you what happened, because we are all fine and we're not hurt and the Lord protected us.
Me and Elder Lowry had to get a baptismal record signed on monday. In order to do this we had to drive about 30-45 minutes down to waynesboro where our district leader lives. Because our bike rack is such a pain in the butt to put on these '08 malibu's, we left ours on without the bikes on, but the rack still sticking out on the back.
So we drove down to waynesboro on the free way, all fine and dandy. We got to where our district leader was, got our things signed and walked out to go. Then Elder Lowry said, "I think we should put our bike rack down, (like folding it down, it's on one those foldable ones) because it might be messing up our gas mileage or something." So we folded it down. And we get going on our way. as we are driving home on the free way, we come up on a ramp, where this lady in a van is starting to merge onto the free way, but we think we were in her blind spot, and she starts forcing us over into the other lane. Elder Lowry had very little time to react, and as a result didn't notice the semi-truck that was coming up on the left lane behind us. So we were forced over into the left lane, and the truck is going faster than us. So we get rear ended and bumped forward by this semi and because of it, we get knocked forward. We got pushed far enough forward that we could get in front of the lady in the van, so we pulled over to check out the damage. Expecting the truck to stop, we didn't bother to get the liscense plate of the truck, and he just keeps on going. Doesn't even stop. So we pull over and look at the trunk and there's some minor damage, but the bike rack took the brunt of it. But here's the part I am grateful for: If it hadn't been for elder lowry's prompting to put down the bike rack, I don't really know what would've happened. For all we know, the prongs on the rack could've gotten stuck in the grill of the truck and caused some bad things to happen. Not only that, but if we had been hit in any other way we probably would've been caused to spin and get hit by another car. The Lord really does take care of his missionaries, mom.
I hope I haven't totally freaked you out by now. But I'm safe, and the car is going to be fixed eventually and we are all good haha. But just goes to show you how much a prompting of the spirit can mean.
But I love you all so much and I hope you are safe. And by this time next week I'll find out if I'm here for another transfer or not! So I'll let you know then! And we should have a ton of snow as well! ha.
BYE!
LOVE ELDER CHRISTENSEN
Saturday, January 30, 2010
january 27,2010
Hey Heyyy
Sorry the email is late today! We went to west virginia for p-day! haha we have a member who is originally from that area and since we technically cover that area anyways, we went over there and the member showed us around. it's way country, but awesome. I got some great pictures!
We've been warmer here lately, but it's been raining. But we are expecting more snow here soon. But they don't think it's gonna stick but we'll see. haha. It's starting to get cold again so yeah.
ok so funny story today. I was riding with bro. ruddle (the member who took us to WV) and he started to spray his windshield with the wiper fluid and the first thing I thought of was when dad would always do that and tell us that it was a little indian dancing on our car calling down rain. hahahaha. I don't know why I thought that was so hilarious but it was.
Oh yeah! You remember Junior? the one who called you on christmas? Him and his wife are getting baptised this weekend! :D It's going to be great. They are wonderful. They are being baptised by the person who first brought them to the church, but I am confirming diane. So that'll be awesome.
I've been having somewhat of a rough time lately, just because we have been super limited on miles and we can't go very far, so I feel like we get nothing done. I unfortunately, still feel like I'm being way to pressured by numbers and stressed out by them as well. Numbers aren't important! I just don't understand why I can't get that through my head...oh well.
But I'll be ok. It's part of missionary work. We have ups and downs.
I miss you all and hope to hear from you again soon! talk to you next wednesday!
Sorry the email is late today! We went to west virginia for p-day! haha we have a member who is originally from that area and since we technically cover that area anyways, we went over there and the member showed us around. it's way country, but awesome. I got some great pictures!
We've been warmer here lately, but it's been raining. But we are expecting more snow here soon. But they don't think it's gonna stick but we'll see. haha. It's starting to get cold again so yeah.
ok so funny story today. I was riding with bro. ruddle (the member who took us to WV) and he started to spray his windshield with the wiper fluid and the first thing I thought of was when dad would always do that and tell us that it was a little indian dancing on our car calling down rain. hahahaha. I don't know why I thought that was so hilarious but it was.
Oh yeah! You remember Junior? the one who called you on christmas? Him and his wife are getting baptised this weekend! :D It's going to be great. They are wonderful. They are being baptised by the person who first brought them to the church, but I am confirming diane. So that'll be awesome.
I've been having somewhat of a rough time lately, just because we have been super limited on miles and we can't go very far, so I feel like we get nothing done. I unfortunately, still feel like I'm being way to pressured by numbers and stressed out by them as well. Numbers aren't important! I just don't understand why I can't get that through my head...oh well.
But I'll be ok. It's part of missionary work. We have ups and downs.
I miss you all and hope to hear from you again soon! talk to you next wednesday!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 13, 2010
I am loving harrisonburg! We should be setting another man here soon for baptism! And junior and diane are gonna get baptised soon! I also attached a picture of junior. He's the bigger one who is kinda bald.
But yeah overall we are doing great here. I love it!
I did get my bike back! The beginning of this transfer. We don't ride it but yeah. I'm pretty sure the assistants loaned out my bike while they had it, cause I got it back all dirty and whatnot. But the pieces are all there. and it's still in good condition, just dirty.
I think the reason elder terry was so controlling in the lessons, was because he was here for so long, that he felt like he knew everything about these people and he thought he was the only one who could do it right. I guess? I don't know. Elder Lowry is the man though. He helps me alot and we have lots of fun doing the work!
So we have these members in our ward. Who at first when elder terry was here wouldnt meet with us. Were pretty sure he offended them somehow earlier on. They are active in the church, but just didn't like missionaries. So we called them after transfers and we set up a time and they let us come over! So we are teaching them and we are having a great spiritual lesson, and their son is there. Now their son isn't very strong in the church and isn't very excited about it. He's like 16-17. But as we were finishing up I see him pull out two cd cases that he got for christmas. And I recognize the backs of them and I ask him "are those death cab for cutie cds?" And he's like "yeah!" So instant bond made. And we started talking about it all and he just gets really excited. So later on that week on sunday we are driving around and we get a call from his mom. And she invites us over to dinner and tells us that they are actually starting to see some progression from him! And he actually was the one who wanted us over. he's really starting to come along. And his mom couldn't be happier. I think like elder larson and the hawaiian elder (haha can't remember his name) were some of the motiavtors for me to be stronger in the church, I think we are sort of starting to be that motivator for him. I hope we can continue to help him!
But yeah, that's all I've got today! I love you all and I'm so thankful for the things you do for me and the prayers you are doing and for the love you've shown me!
Oh! One last thing. I found a blackberry on the side of the road yesterday. It was all smashed up. We think someone set it on the top of their car and drove away and it fell down and got crushed by a car. But I picked it up and took it because it was of 0 value. But I messed around with it for a while (it obviously doesn't turn on :P) and popped the back off and found an 8 giga-bit sd card! nothing on it, just empty folders! woo.
anyways. wanted to tell you that.
love you all! I hope your week is great! love you and stay safe!
But yeah overall we are doing great here. I love it!
I did get my bike back! The beginning of this transfer. We don't ride it but yeah. I'm pretty sure the assistants loaned out my bike while they had it, cause I got it back all dirty and whatnot. But the pieces are all there. and it's still in good condition, just dirty.
I think the reason elder terry was so controlling in the lessons, was because he was here for so long, that he felt like he knew everything about these people and he thought he was the only one who could do it right. I guess? I don't know. Elder Lowry is the man though. He helps me alot and we have lots of fun doing the work!
So we have these members in our ward. Who at first when elder terry was here wouldnt meet with us. Were pretty sure he offended them somehow earlier on. They are active in the church, but just didn't like missionaries. So we called them after transfers and we set up a time and they let us come over! So we are teaching them and we are having a great spiritual lesson, and their son is there. Now their son isn't very strong in the church and isn't very excited about it. He's like 16-17. But as we were finishing up I see him pull out two cd cases that he got for christmas. And I recognize the backs of them and I ask him "are those death cab for cutie cds?" And he's like "yeah!" So instant bond made. And we started talking about it all and he just gets really excited. So later on that week on sunday we are driving around and we get a call from his mom. And she invites us over to dinner and tells us that they are actually starting to see some progression from him! And he actually was the one who wanted us over. he's really starting to come along. And his mom couldn't be happier. I think like elder larson and the hawaiian elder (haha can't remember his name) were some of the motiavtors for me to be stronger in the church, I think we are sort of starting to be that motivator for him. I hope we can continue to help him!
But yeah, that's all I've got today! I love you all and I'm so thankful for the things you do for me and the prayers you are doing and for the love you've shown me!
Oh! One last thing. I found a blackberry on the side of the road yesterday. It was all smashed up. We think someone set it on the top of their car and drove away and it fell down and got crushed by a car. But I picked it up and took it because it was of 0 value. But I messed around with it for a while (it obviously doesn't turn on :P) and popped the back off and found an 8 giga-bit sd card! nothing on it, just empty folders! woo.
anyways. wanted to tell you that.
love you all! I hope your week is great! love you and stay safe!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
haha yeah you missed me by just a few minutes probably. oh well
let grandma and grandpa christensen and sorenson know that I love them and thanks so much for the money it's helping me alot with what I need!
Yeah we took our tree down a few days ago. New years eve was uneventful except for the fact that we were dealing with "Bob" finding out that Elder Terry was leaving finally. He was devestated of course and we are still working with him through that. But "Bob" is doing MUCH better even if he doesn't say he is. We went and saw him yesterday. But he's doing fine.
The weather is good here, just a bit freezing. Me and Elder Lowry walked around two days ago and didn't realize how cold it was going to be. We were freezing our butts off. But we went back and got our hats and gloves and big coats. Then we were nice and warm ^-^. Yeah those garments would be way appreciated whenever you can send them :P It's very cold and it's supposed to stay this way for a while.
Elder Lowry is the man! Not even kidding. Things are going way better with him than with Elder Terry. What I really loved about him showing up is the fact that I have to really step it up and be more responsible with everything since He doesn't knwo the area. It's really helped me grow alot and fast since he showed up. It's actually
noticable and I'm glad. But Elder Lowry is from Draper, Utah! He was in Virginia beach before this and was a zone leader. So that was a little intimidating but now I'm way glad we are companions. Because the lessons we have been teaching are WAY better than with Elder Terry because we equally talk instead of Elder Terry being the only one allowed to talk. But by the way...Elder Lowry LOVES hot chocolate, so if you find anything that you want to get for him like that, feel free to send it with my stuff :P I know he would be very surprised!
Yeah I'm not too worried about the position stuff anymore. I am seeing teh growth I am experiencing just as a junior so it doesn't even matter.
I am feeling so much less stressed and am loving every minute of the work. I feel even better and mroe confident because I am able to actually do things now instead of elder terry feeling like he needed to be the big bad man in charge. It's really helping me become a better missionary!
Yeah I love "Bob". You'll see a picture of him with me and Elder Terry next time I send the card home. He's got his problems, but he is slowly getting better and he will be a great help to someone someday. It was kind of funny yesterday, we went to see "Bob", and he completely opened up to Elder Lowry and told him ALL of his problems, and I mean all of them. So needless to say Elder Lowry is in on it now haha. All I want to do for "Bob" is help him as best as I can. In sacrament meeting on sunday he was having a really hard time knowing the Elder Terry wasn't there, and when Elder Lowry went up to bare his testimony he unknowingly said Elder Terry's name and "Bob" just couldn't handle it. he had to get up and walk out. I waited a minute for Elder Lowry to finish, then I went out there and sat down with "Bob" on the couch in foyer. He was sobbing and I didn't know what to do for him. So I just sat and talked to him for a few minutes. Told him that the Lord loved him and that he could make it through this. He told me he couldn't let Elder Terry go and I said he didn't have to. He's not dead, and he'll write him periodically. So we said a prayer together and I told him a story and asked him how I could help him. So after all that things are doing much better. It's still somewhat stressful, but we are handling it.
Thank you so much for the prayers mom. You don't know what it means to me to hear that people are praying for us back home. Sometimes the mission field is very lonely, and that really helps.
I miss you all so much too, and am so grateful to have loving parents like you two who support and uplift me. Please tell me if there is anything I can do to help you out or to make it easier for you all because I will do whatever I can to help.
I love you all so much and I am doing great. Missionary life is a great way to live. It was pretty funny when we saw "Bob" the other day he said he was worried about what others think of him, and I said "Bob", try being a missionary. It'll cure you of that fear really quick." hahaha.
But anyways, I love you all so much and I love hearing from you. THank you for all you do and all you sacrifice for me. Here's a scripture to help you through the week!
2 Nephi 31: 15-16, 18-20:
"And I heard a voice from the Father Saying, Yea the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
"And now, my beloved bretheren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the Living God, He cannot be saved.
"And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son unto the fullfilling of the promise which He hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
"And now, my beloved bretheren after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold I say unto you Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly up the merits of him who is mighty to save.
"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
Hope that helps your week :) Love you all!
Hunter
Yeah we took our tree down a few days ago. New years eve was uneventful except for the fact that we were dealing with "Bob" finding out that Elder Terry was leaving finally. He was devestated of course and we are still working with him through that. But "Bob" is doing MUCH better even if he doesn't say he is. We went and saw him yesterday. But he's doing fine.
The weather is good here, just a bit freezing. Me and Elder Lowry walked around two days ago and didn't realize how cold it was going to be. We were freezing our butts off. But we went back and got our hats and gloves and big coats. Then we were nice and warm ^-^. Yeah those garments would be way appreciated whenever you can send them :P It's very cold and it's supposed to stay this way for a while.
Elder Lowry is the man! Not even kidding. Things are going way better with him than with Elder Terry. What I really loved about him showing up is the fact that I have to really step it up and be more responsible with everything since He doesn't knwo the area. It's really helped me grow alot and fast since he showed up. It's actually
noticable and I'm glad. But Elder Lowry is from Draper, Utah! He was in Virginia beach before this and was a zone leader. So that was a little intimidating but now I'm way glad we are companions. Because the lessons we have been teaching are WAY better than with Elder Terry because we equally talk instead of Elder Terry being the only one allowed to talk. But by the way...Elder Lowry LOVES hot chocolate, so if you find anything that you want to get for him like that, feel free to send it with my stuff :P I know he would be very surprised!
Yeah I'm not too worried about the position stuff anymore. I am seeing teh growth I am experiencing just as a junior so it doesn't even matter.
I am feeling so much less stressed and am loving every minute of the work. I feel even better and mroe confident because I am able to actually do things now instead of elder terry feeling like he needed to be the big bad man in charge. It's really helping me become a better missionary!
Yeah I love "Bob". You'll see a picture of him with me and Elder Terry next time I send the card home. He's got his problems, but he is slowly getting better and he will be a great help to someone someday. It was kind of funny yesterday, we went to see "Bob", and he completely opened up to Elder Lowry and told him ALL of his problems, and I mean all of them. So needless to say Elder Lowry is in on it now haha. All I want to do for "Bob" is help him as best as I can. In sacrament meeting on sunday he was having a really hard time knowing the Elder Terry wasn't there, and when Elder Lowry went up to bare his testimony he unknowingly said Elder Terry's name and "Bob" just couldn't handle it. he had to get up and walk out. I waited a minute for Elder Lowry to finish, then I went out there and sat down with "Bob" on the couch in foyer. He was sobbing and I didn't know what to do for him. So I just sat and talked to him for a few minutes. Told him that the Lord loved him and that he could make it through this. He told me he couldn't let Elder Terry go and I said he didn't have to. He's not dead, and he'll write him periodically. So we said a prayer together and I told him a story and asked him how I could help him. So after all that things are doing much better. It's still somewhat stressful, but we are handling it.
Thank you so much for the prayers mom. You don't know what it means to me to hear that people are praying for us back home. Sometimes the mission field is very lonely, and that really helps.
I miss you all so much too, and am so grateful to have loving parents like you two who support and uplift me. Please tell me if there is anything I can do to help you out or to make it easier for you all because I will do whatever I can to help.
I love you all so much and I am doing great. Missionary life is a great way to live. It was pretty funny when we saw "Bob" the other day he said he was worried about what others think of him, and I said "Bob", try being a missionary. It'll cure you of that fear really quick." hahaha.
But anyways, I love you all so much and I love hearing from you. THank you for all you do and all you sacrifice for me. Here's a scripture to help you through the week!
2 Nephi 31: 15-16, 18-20:
"And I heard a voice from the Father Saying, Yea the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
"And now, my beloved bretheren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the Living God, He cannot be saved.
"And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son unto the fullfilling of the promise which He hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
"And now, my beloved bretheren after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold I say unto you Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly up the merits of him who is mighty to save.
"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
Hope that helps your week :) Love you all!
Hunter
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
So yes. I am still alive! AND NO EMAIL FROM YOUUUUUU
Oh well.
So yeah. Transfers came last night and I am staying here. My companion is leaving to be a district leader in an area in my old zone. So yes. I am getting a new companion named Elder Lowry. I'm a little nervous because he is a former Zone Leader who is stepping down so we'll see how that goes.
But besides that, I'm in Harrisonburg at least another 6 weeks! I can't say I'm not relieved, but I'll still miss Elder Terry even though he has stressed me out to the max.
Things are good though. I'm still junior companion, but we'll see what happens. I guess it doesn't matter what I am especially since it doesn't even matter.
But yeah. I loved talking with you all on Christmas, and Dad I don't think I could thank you enough for helping me keep my commitment of 40 minutes. I wanted to talk more but I know that you knew I would have a hard time saying goodbye, so you cut it off. I'm glad! I didn't cry nearly as much as I was thinking I was going to.
I feel an unbelievable amount of stress now that Elder Terry is leaving. He's been here 7 months. I've been here 1 1/2. O_o
Everyone trusts him and knows him and they barely know me and I'm going to be the one that knows the area ugh. I'm especially worried about "Bob"...have I told you about "Bob"? I don't think I have. Let me just relate a little bit of what has happened over the last 6 weeks with that.
"BOb" is a 49 year old man who lives in a small town, called mount crawford. Elder Terry and his companion found"Bob" walking down the street and talked with him. Turns out "Bob"s mom had just died and that was all he lived for. He took care of his mom and had never left her home. He's never really had a serious job, and has worked menial labor his whole life. He was extremely depressed. He was also homosexual, and was dealing with that as well. Elder Terry taught this man the gospel. "Bob" attempted to kill himself by hanging himself. All he says he remembers is kicking out the chair from underneath him, and then all of a sudden he was on the floor and the rope had been cleanly cut. He doesn't know what happened, but we know it is because the Lord has some marvelous work in store for "Bob".
Now let's jump to when I came in. "Bob" has become a member of the church. Although he still has those desires of being homosexual, he is celebate, and does not act on those desires, fulfilling the requirements to be exactly obediant to the commandments of the Lord. He has been going through an extremely rough time lately, because he has started having flashbacks of his childhood, where he's learned that his father abused him. Whether these flashbacks are real or not, he's feeling the burden of them.
Now the only problem I have, is that through ALL of that, Elder Terry has been there. He knows "Bob" inside and out. I don't. I know he trusts me, but not as much as Elder Terry. Therein lies my problem. When he finds out today that his best friend (Elder Terry) is leaving, he's going to be devastated. And Since Elder Terry is leaving, I'm going to be dealing with the after math of that. UGH. I love him, don't get me wrong, but "Bob" is going to take this very hard. The Lord has some seriously amazing work for "Bob" to do, simply because of the trials he has gone through to be refined to this state. "Bob" is one of my inspirations. I know that if "bob" can go through what he is going through, I can take on ANYTHING and make it through it. I want to help him the best I can but I don't know what to do. He calls us constantly (5-6 times a day) and we are not supposed to be doing any counciling so I am just unsure of what to do.
But yeah...if you have any advice, I'd gladly recieve it.
Don't forget the facebook pictures by the way!!!! Along with Joseph's mission home address and Aunt Lorna's address.
Yeah it was kinda funny, Elder Terry and I swapped ties today, and he gave me one and wrote on it "you are a fine missionary" and I was like oh. So I'm only a fine missionary? not a good or great one? Just fine? hahaha. I know what he meant, but it was funny to me. Maybe I'm too casual, because I just wrote on it "stay sweet" xD
Gosh I feel like such a horrible missionary at times. I feel like I'm not even close to the level I should be. I see so many things I do wrong and I feel incredibely inadequate to be in the Lord's service. I know I'm not supposed to compare myself to other missionaries...but one of the Elders in my mtc district is already senior companion :( I am a failure! I guess leadership doesn't matter but when everyone else around you is moving up, I feel like a junky missionary. Oh well, I don't really know what I need to do but I will strive to find out what I need to improve.
But yeah. Things are going alright. I love harrisonburg and we should have three baptisms here in january and I'm excited. But we'll see how the new companion is.
Oh by the way, I know I told you this, but the spanish elders have been living with us for a little while and will be until the 1st. So yeah haha. Lots of spanish being spoken (or attempted to be spoken) in our apartment lately.
But yeah. I think that's all I wanted to say this week. I love you all so much and am SO grateful for your prayers and love. I know what I'm doing is what I'm supposed to be. I'm here for a reason. I have already seen my attitude on things change just in the short time I've been away from home. It's weird how much you change on a mission. I can't imagine what I'll be like when I get home. But I love this Gospel with all of my heart. And even though I get yelled at almost every day, I continue because I KNOW what I am doing and I know my purpose in this life. Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him I have purpose. Because of Him I have that drive to work hard. I know that we are all able to come unto him and repent no matter what we have done. I know that the young boy Joseph Smith did see Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. His testimony is not one of fallacy or imagination. The Lord restored His gospel through Joseph Smith, and brought the Gospel back to this earth. The Authority to do such was restored as well, and it resides in this Church forever and ever more. The Book of Mormon is a fruit of that young Prophet. Through that ancient record, we can decide for OURSELVES whether Joseph Smith was a Prophet or not. Because, simply, this Church Solely rests on the idea that the Book of Mormon is true. If it's false, it is the greatest lie ever recorded by man. If it is, we have a prophet today on this earth. We have the fulness of the gospel restored to us by a loving and living God in Heaven. Because of this gospel, we will live with our families again into the eternities. I know this gospel is true. Life doesn't make sense without it. There are too many questions that humanity leaves unanswered. The Gospel of Jesus Christ answers every single one of those questions. I am never left comfortless when I am lost.
I love being a missionary. I wouldn't give it up for the world. I would rather die than give up my testimony of this church. And I will never forgot the miracles and experiences I have had out here.
I'm sorry for the rant, felt like I needed to do it. Love you all so much and I hope you are doing good in the new year. Please stay safe. I miss you so much. I will talk to you next week!
LOVE
Hunter
Oh well.
So yeah. Transfers came last night and I am staying here. My companion is leaving to be a district leader in an area in my old zone. So yes. I am getting a new companion named Elder Lowry. I'm a little nervous because he is a former Zone Leader who is stepping down so we'll see how that goes.
But besides that, I'm in Harrisonburg at least another 6 weeks! I can't say I'm not relieved, but I'll still miss Elder Terry even though he has stressed me out to the max.
Things are good though. I'm still junior companion, but we'll see what happens. I guess it doesn't matter what I am especially since it doesn't even matter.
But yeah. I loved talking with you all on Christmas, and Dad I don't think I could thank you enough for helping me keep my commitment of 40 minutes. I wanted to talk more but I know that you knew I would have a hard time saying goodbye, so you cut it off. I'm glad! I didn't cry nearly as much as I was thinking I was going to.
I feel an unbelievable amount of stress now that Elder Terry is leaving. He's been here 7 months. I've been here 1 1/2. O_o
Everyone trusts him and knows him and they barely know me and I'm going to be the one that knows the area ugh. I'm especially worried about "Bob"...have I told you about "Bob"? I don't think I have. Let me just relate a little bit of what has happened over the last 6 weeks with that.
"BOb" is a 49 year old man who lives in a small town, called mount crawford. Elder Terry and his companion found"Bob" walking down the street and talked with him. Turns out "Bob"s mom had just died and that was all he lived for. He took care of his mom and had never left her home. He's never really had a serious job, and has worked menial labor his whole life. He was extremely depressed. He was also homosexual, and was dealing with that as well. Elder Terry taught this man the gospel. "Bob" attempted to kill himself by hanging himself. All he says he remembers is kicking out the chair from underneath him, and then all of a sudden he was on the floor and the rope had been cleanly cut. He doesn't know what happened, but we know it is because the Lord has some marvelous work in store for "Bob".
Now let's jump to when I came in. "Bob" has become a member of the church. Although he still has those desires of being homosexual, he is celebate, and does not act on those desires, fulfilling the requirements to be exactly obediant to the commandments of the Lord. He has been going through an extremely rough time lately, because he has started having flashbacks of his childhood, where he's learned that his father abused him. Whether these flashbacks are real or not, he's feeling the burden of them.
Now the only problem I have, is that through ALL of that, Elder Terry has been there. He knows "Bob" inside and out. I don't. I know he trusts me, but not as much as Elder Terry. Therein lies my problem. When he finds out today that his best friend (Elder Terry) is leaving, he's going to be devastated. And Since Elder Terry is leaving, I'm going to be dealing with the after math of that. UGH. I love him, don't get me wrong, but "Bob" is going to take this very hard. The Lord has some seriously amazing work for "Bob" to do, simply because of the trials he has gone through to be refined to this state. "Bob" is one of my inspirations. I know that if "bob" can go through what he is going through, I can take on ANYTHING and make it through it. I want to help him the best I can but I don't know what to do. He calls us constantly (5-6 times a day) and we are not supposed to be doing any counciling so I am just unsure of what to do.
But yeah...if you have any advice, I'd gladly recieve it.
Don't forget the facebook pictures by the way!!!! Along with Joseph's mission home address and Aunt Lorna's address.
Yeah it was kinda funny, Elder Terry and I swapped ties today, and he gave me one and wrote on it "you are a fine missionary" and I was like oh. So I'm only a fine missionary? not a good or great one? Just fine? hahaha. I know what he meant, but it was funny to me. Maybe I'm too casual, because I just wrote on it "stay sweet" xD
Gosh I feel like such a horrible missionary at times. I feel like I'm not even close to the level I should be. I see so many things I do wrong and I feel incredibely inadequate to be in the Lord's service. I know I'm not supposed to compare myself to other missionaries...but one of the Elders in my mtc district is already senior companion :( I am a failure! I guess leadership doesn't matter but when everyone else around you is moving up, I feel like a junky missionary. Oh well, I don't really know what I need to do but I will strive to find out what I need to improve.
But yeah. Things are going alright. I love harrisonburg and we should have three baptisms here in january and I'm excited. But we'll see how the new companion is.
Oh by the way, I know I told you this, but the spanish elders have been living with us for a little while and will be until the 1st. So yeah haha. Lots of spanish being spoken (or attempted to be spoken) in our apartment lately.
But yeah. I think that's all I wanted to say this week. I love you all so much and am SO grateful for your prayers and love. I know what I'm doing is what I'm supposed to be. I'm here for a reason. I have already seen my attitude on things change just in the short time I've been away from home. It's weird how much you change on a mission. I can't imagine what I'll be like when I get home. But I love this Gospel with all of my heart. And even though I get yelled at almost every day, I continue because I KNOW what I am doing and I know my purpose in this life. Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him I have purpose. Because of Him I have that drive to work hard. I know that we are all able to come unto him and repent no matter what we have done. I know that the young boy Joseph Smith did see Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. His testimony is not one of fallacy or imagination. The Lord restored His gospel through Joseph Smith, and brought the Gospel back to this earth. The Authority to do such was restored as well, and it resides in this Church forever and ever more. The Book of Mormon is a fruit of that young Prophet. Through that ancient record, we can decide for OURSELVES whether Joseph Smith was a Prophet or not. Because, simply, this Church Solely rests on the idea that the Book of Mormon is true. If it's false, it is the greatest lie ever recorded by man. If it is, we have a prophet today on this earth. We have the fulness of the gospel restored to us by a loving and living God in Heaven. Because of this gospel, we will live with our families again into the eternities. I know this gospel is true. Life doesn't make sense without it. There are too many questions that humanity leaves unanswered. The Gospel of Jesus Christ answers every single one of those questions. I am never left comfortless when I am lost.
I love being a missionary. I wouldn't give it up for the world. I would rather die than give up my testimony of this church. And I will never forgot the miracles and experiences I have had out here.
I'm sorry for the rant, felt like I needed to do it. Love you all so much and I hope you are doing good in the new year. Please stay safe. I miss you so much. I will talk to you next week!
LOVE
Hunter
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