Well, where to start? This last week has really flown by. I
can't believe that it is only 2 weeks until Christmas!! Time is a
strange thing in the mission.
So, we have been really trying hard with the family of 4 to
help them progress, but this is the third week that we have
invited them to come to church, but they just don't come. I don't
know what the deal is. The dad can be kinda weird at times. For
example, on Saturday we had an appointment with them at 7, so we
went over and it was just the dad. He said that his wife sends her
apologies that she wont be able to come because of something that
came up. So, he was kinda pushy to get us out, I don't know why,
but I knew I had to at least invite them to church. I started
talking about the church, and he just cut me off right in the
middle of my sentence. We all left after that, pretty upsetting.
So, I guess we'll see if they end up accepting commitments and
progressing.
We had something interesting happen just this week. We were
told that our old investigator that moved to Puerto Maldonado
would be moving back to Cusco because her husband is basically a
piece of crap. So, even though she has a little 1 year old, and is
pregnant, she is leaving him. So, we are going to visit her this
week, seeing that she gets here tomorrow! She told us that she
really wanted to get baptized, so that will be another on the
24th! We have 2 for sure baptisms programmed for the 24th, and a
few possibles. So, we'll have a "white" Christmas this year! Were
all real excited! Were trying to get a couple married, but I don't
know if it will happen. He works up at Machu Picchu for months at
a time, and when he comes home (like he will tomorrow) he comes
home for only a week. Then he leaves again. So, we'll see if they
decide to get married. If they do, the wife really wants to get
baptized. She told us that yesterday at church. She is so awesome!
Her and her 7 year old kid were waiting outside of their house
yesterday morning to go to church at 8 with us. She is making a
lot of friends in the church and she whispered a couple weeks ago
during the sacrament, "I feel so peaceful." It was really special.
Her boyfriend (whom we have taught many times before) told her
once that he would belong to the church. He didn't say when, just
that he would. So, before you know it, they will be a complete
family! Such a great feeling.
So that's what's going on in the work for now! Thank you guys for
getting after the boys to write me. It was good to hear from them.
And thank you dad for helping with Machu Picchu! I am meeting with
a guy today from another ward that is a tour guide to talk about
all the details for our trip next Monday! We are all really stoked
to go. We will be waking up at around 2am to take a bus from Cusco
to a place called Ollanta to get on the train that will take us to
Machu Picchu Pueblo. There is a little town at the bottom of the
mountain that actually used to have missionaries there, but it was
closed. So from the pueblo we will get on another bus that will
take us up to the actual mountain. We will be there for the
sunrise, and most of the day just exploring the ruins and taking
pictures. It's gonna be so fun!!!
And yes, Skype this year! It's gonna be so strange to see
all of you! I will have all the details ready by next week. I know
that the President wants all of us office elders to spend
Christmas at the mission home, and I'm way stoked for that. Last
year they said that they spent Christmas eve there, watched Disney
movies, and just slept over until Christmas. I am so lucky to be
in the office for Christmas! It should be a lot of fun! So we'll
see when and where we will be skyping, and I will let you know
next week! Mom, I'm sure they will love the present you got! It
sounds perfect. Really, it does. I can see him putting it in his
office or the house somewhere. But, no. I have not gotten the
package yet... Still waiting. You might want to call Vanessa and
see whats up. But I'm excited for the package! Thanks so much for
that. What am I NOT supposed to open till Christmas? I will wait,
I just need to know! Also, yes dad, I will be here until the 27th,
That's when we will have the change meeting here in Cusco. I don't
know where I will go yet, and I don't know if president will let
me pick either. But you'll know when I know! Keep your fingers
crossed for jungle! ;)
So funny story. Yesterday we got to Sister Carrascos house for
lunch, when we hear from behind us, "The Mormons from America!" We
spun around to see kind of a scraggly looking guy with long hair.
I said, "Yup, that would be us. Where are you from?" He answered,
"I'm from Norway. (pause) I like Joe Smith. I like what he
found... the... the... the script! I listened to the missionaries
in 1970." So then we asked him where he was from or if he was
visiting. He started to walk away, then turned around and put his
hand on the side of his mouth like he was whispering and said in a
voice that I cant really explain, just that it was hilarious, "I'm
looking for something!" Hahahaha, we walked in the door and
bursted out laughing. Oh man, you should have heard it. He was a
crazy. For sure. So, training is going well, Elder Buckner is
learning quickly how to do everything.
Anyway, I don't think there is anything left to say, just that I
love you all! Be sure to tell Stu and Lori thanks for me! I will
be sending them something special in the mail for sure. I'll just
send it to the house, and you guys can take it over to them. They
are so great. I miss them! Tell Stu that I'm still taking my
vitamins! And I got an email from Stewbabe, so tell him thank you
very much for that. I also got an email from Uncle Mike, he sent
me an electronic copy of his season card he does every year. It's
so great to hear how everyone is doing. Especially this time of
year! You're all missed dearly, and I can't wait to see you
Christmas day! Take care everyone!
P.S. Were listening to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas right
now, and were lovin it. I love Christmas! Sure miss the snow!
--
ELDER CHRISTENSEN
Secretario Financiero
Misión Perú Cuzco
(51) 984-503-861
(51) 084-242-521
RPM #623574
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