October 15, 2012 (Perth Amboy, NJ)

Alright cool. Here I am in the Perth Amboy Public Library. Surrounded by Mexicans and Dominicans. I love every last one of them.

So I got transferred to Perth Amboy, farther south and right on the coast. It's super cool, but way different than my last area. We are a WALKING mission, which is awesome. That's honestly all I wanted on my whole mission was to be in a walking area.

COMPANION: Elder Giglio (Gee-lee-Oh). He's half Spanish (Spain) and half Italian but he was born and raised in Mexico. He speaks a little less english than I speak Spanish. But he's super cool. We get along SO WELL. The other day we were walking on the pier and I pointed to my butt and said "What's this?" (assuming he understood that I was asking what was the spanish word for it). He looked at me and said "Hmm.. ass?.. NO. BUTT!" in english. and I started busting up laughing. He apologized and felt bad but I told him it was alright and that it was actually hilarious. Some good influence I am.

We work REALLY well together. Our comp uinity is great and we teach with the spirit. It's rad. I love Elder Giglio and we help each other so much with the language. I ALWAYS speak to him in spanish, and he usually speaks to me in english. There's deifinitely a language barrier, but it doesn't seem to bother us at all.

Tons of our conversations begin with something like "What's THIS in spanish" or "What's does THIS mean in English". I seriously already, after 5 days, have a boatload of hilarious conversations with Elder Giglio.

This transfer is honestly going to be such a dream. I wanted a native companion and to be in a walking area and I got both.

Story #1: Really short but awesome: We had just finished teaching our investigator named Ysrael, from Peru, and as we started to leave, I saw a road bike sitting in his hallway. I said "HEY! Who's is that?" in spanish of course. He said it was his and we walked up to it and started checking it out. OK! Dad and Finn. 1978 Peugeot Road Bike with all original parts, nicely tuned and cleaned up by Ysrael. About 15 seconds later of talking, he let me go outside and try it out. It was awesome and super smooth. MAN. I was in heaven. AND THEN GUESS WHAT HAPPENED.... He was like "Do you want to borrow it?" I almost started crying. He said that his wife was pregnant at the moment and he didn't have time right now, so he said I could have it, until I leave the area. That's the thing about Perth Amboy. Everyone is so filled with the Love of God. They're all so prepared for the gospel. We have like 10 investigators that are progressing and we had 6 investigators at church yesterday, which is the highest I've had.

So yep, I've got a road bike now and Elder Giglio has his bike and we bike around town feeling SO AWESOME in the autumn breeze.

The area is nuts and really fast paced. We have a bunch of investigators that are so close to being baptized, they just need something to push them over the edge. I learn so much from Elder Giglio, who has taught me that you don't have to be super stressed, when people bail on you and everything goes wrong. When he speaks english it's wonderful and humble.  

Sorry if I confused anyone about talking in tongues of angels or something. I'm still speaking Spanish, I was just feeling super stoked and filled with love when I wrote that email, as I was leaving the area and I got an incredible email from Lydia.

My new address is:

186 Patterson St. #4

Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

So you all can write me, BUT if you have packages, send them to the mission office.

The other night we went and visited a Mexican family in the ward. The Chico family. They're AWESOME. Hermana Chico made us pasta soup with spicy avocado sauce, salted beef, fresh tortillas and apple soda. It was unreal. The food here is great, as usual. AND Elder Giglio makes Mexican and Italian food, which is awesome. He's already taught me to cook a little bit.

I feel so great right now. I think we're going to head home after this, write a few letters, cut each other's hair, go for a bike ride and maybe sit on the beach in the cool autumn weather. It's overcast 70% of the time here, which is awesome. It's cool being in a port town.

FAMILY: I'm jealous of your cool experiences in West Yellowstone. It looked absolutely beautiful in the fall colors, up there in the mountains. Thanks for the photos, Dad. I got your letter but it got sent to my old apartment, so I'll get it in a few days. And thanks for the little update, mother. You're both incredible parents, who have raised splendid children.. except for Lars. Still a nerd (JOKES).

Finn: How's school going? WRite me a little letter.

Lars: Good to hear about your project. I loved the Egyptian day. It was rad. Have you made a bunch of new friends... EXCITED TO get the Priesthood? I am. You're gonig to be such little spiritual powerhouse. Remember to read your scriptures and pray. Finn and Lars: I can promise you right now that it will make you happier than you know.

Kai: write me, brother. I want to hear how your life is. I heard you wrote a little something to Natalie. Let me know how you're doing.

Kent: Got your other letter, but not actually. It got sent to my old address, so I'm going to go pick it up this week. THanks man, you're the best.

Bayley: Got your letter too. I'm sorry I've been the worst at writing back. Writing back soon.

Everyone else: thanks for everything.

Sending my memory card home today. Hope you like it.

LOVE GOD.

EC

October 9, 2012

I have NO time. I am leaving Harrison/Kearny Spanish. We're driving up to transfer conference in just a few hours. The time I've had here has been absolutely beautiful and powerful, but I am ready for a change. I am ready for the chance I will have to serve different people, to speak in another tongue of God. I feel like my mind and spirit have been changed due to a few things that happened this week and today. I am ready to give everything I have to the Lord. Thank you all for your wonderful support and never changing love.

We baptized J.P and John (cousins) on Sunday. Baptizing is an incredible feeling. I'll send pics soon.

I'm sorry, I can't think of very much to say. I am filled right now with the joy of God. I feel as if a change has come over me and I know that this is the LORD'S WORK.

General Conference was incredible. Just amazing. It's going to be crazy to see how many people serve missions now, especially sisters.

Love God, serve Him. We need his help.

EC

ps - FAMILY: An Indian man named Jackson is coming over to your house next week. He is bringing some old letters that I want you to put away and a NEW letter for you guys. He wants to talk cooking with you, Dad. He's amazing. Please talk with him, feed him, and share with him your testimonies.

October 1, 2012 (Kearney)

The subject line is what's written on the back of garbage trucks around here. And it's hilarious ok?

HOW IS EVERYBODY?
I am doing great. We had an incredibly week this week. Here's what I wrote in my weekly letter to President Jeppson (slightly revised):
Dear President Jeppson,

"This past week as been very rewarding, full of miracles and hard work. We started off on Monday evening, of course, visiting a less active guy named Christian. When we got there, his girlfriend was there (whom he has a son with) and he wanted us to teach her. She was so ready and willing to change, a little stubborn, but very understanding and wanting the best for her family.
I love seeing the people that the Lord truly prepares to receive this Gospel and enter into the waters of baptism. We don't have a date with her yet, as they need to repent and get married, but she said that she would be baptized. The only problem is, we're not going to see them for a little while. But I have FAITH that she will continue to progress and they will see the powerful change overtake their family.

We got 5 new investigators this week, 2 of which are 16 year old cousins who have already been baptized, however their old ward in Florida lost their baptismal papers. They both have really strong testimonies and have both come out on Team-Ups with us, but now they need to wait to come out with us again, as they're considered "investigators". It's cool that they get this opportunity though, to enter into this covenant again with God, especially after having a really sound understanding for their age. Elder Magleby and I have been teaching them the lessons again, which has brought a lot of joy to my heart. Especially the simple fact of being able to start from lesson 1 and move through them. These two kids are golden. Obviously.

I learned two really valuble lessons this week. One was a very humbling listening experience. After teaching a lesson to a returning family (because the 9 year old daughter was baptized) we chatted just for a few minutes afterwards. The husband of this family is not a member, and he loves to argue with us, however, we are pretty good at staving him off and not giving him things to feed on. Anyway, he went upstairs after the lesson and Elder Magleby began helping the 9 year old girl with some homework. I was chatting with the Hermana and she began talking with me about all these hardships and trials concerning her husband and her daughter and with the church and how she was feeling. I stood there in the kitchen and listened. And instead of trying to speak back and give her counsel, I simply listened as she broke down into tears and continued to pour out her heart and soul to me. I couldn't help but smile after I responded simply and powerful, according to the spirit. Being a member of the church is difficult, but it's so incredibly worth it.
The second lesson I learned is that as a missionary, I have become rather hard-hearted when it comes to hearing what other people believe. We had a street lesson with a black guy named Melvin. He obviously wasn't spanish but we felt like we needed to talk to him. As we did, he simply brought up the fact that he felt like he was already so blessed and that God had given him everything. He was very humble and willing to listen and even shared some of this insights on religion. It was fascinating and I feel like everything he said was a part of the gospel of Christ. I can learn so much from the people I teach, it's amazing.

Elder Magleby and I are continuing to do well. We have realized that we are NOTHING alike. However, it does not stop me from loving him and trying my hardest to help and serve him. I love the strange unity we have. We celebrate our differences and work well off the things that we're both good at.

Missionary work is glorious."

Another awesome thing I learned this week is how wonderful the church is. Everything about it is perfect. But I feel like I have grown so much simply by being a member. There were so many incredible lessons I learned just by going to church and doing the things I was supposed to be doing, (even if I didn't do all those things for a while). But those things have jumped out at me and have helped me to realize how incredible it is be a member of the church. I will NEVER go inactive. That would probably be the most hypocritical thing I could do in my life.
I have learned to incorporate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the my life and I have a hard time believing that it will ever leave.

My stomach is making the most gnarly noises right now. Sorry this letter isn't that funny.
Kent: Writing you back today. Thanks so much for your letter.
Hayley: Write ME.
Bayley: I'm writing you NEXT week for sure. Sorry I'm the lamest.

Family: I love alll of you. Thanks for your words, support, wisdom and excellence. It has been great to have you on my side.

"It's gonna be glorious day." -Radiohead

Elder Christensen

PS - I finally got around to posting some photos. Sorry for taking forever. I'm not sure about which one is which but here are some easily identifiable captions:
-Delicious muscles from dinner at Bro. Jackson's house
-Dark clouds on Ferry Street in Newark
-Elder Magleby and I on Wilson Ave, in Kearney
-Shopping receipt at ShopRite.
-HUGE slices of pizza at Gina's Pizza

September 24, 2012

Friends, family, and all you other goons:

HEY. How is everybody? It's wonderful to be here, typing this letter to you from the Princeton Public Library. We drove here at about 7:30 this morning, but we hit some bad rush-hour traffic and didn't get here till about 9. Normally the drive is about an hour long. But as we drove into this area (farther south than Newark), greenery and fall colors took the place of high rise buildings and garbage litering the streets. I always forget how dirty Newark is. I still love it though. But little trips like this out to the country make me LONG for something with more beauty. But this is the Garden State and every time I leave Newark I am reminded of that.

So when we got here, we went to the Princeton Stadium and played some good old American Football. It was pretty rad. Elder Key (from Samoa), Elder Hafoka (from Tonga), and Elder Kakeva (from Hawaii), are the only three Polynesians in the mission, so naturally they took the lead in leading the game. I'm pretty sure we won.

But at the end, I caught a short pass and turned to run the ball, and Elder Brimley (who I came out with) was right there. So we clocked heads, probably harder than I ever have in my entire life and now we both have MASSIVE goose eggs on our foreheads. And headaches... Then afterward, we drove to the library. It was weird to drive through an area that is not my own, especially because it was ALL people my age. Weird. I saw a bunch of people with cool shoes and jackets and I wanted them. College campuses are awesome and beautiful. I realized that I don't even know what school is like, though. Man I'm going to be such a nerd.

This week was SLOW. We only found 1 new investigator, and only had 1 investigator at church. On Friday, we had no lessons, no investigators, NOTHING. Straight zeros. The only funny thing was, I was on an exchange with Elder Key. And we had an INCREDIBLE day in the english area. We set 2 baptismal dates, found 3 new inv., did some awesome lesson teaching, and commited a new inv to baptism. It was unreal, and it helped to renew my faith that God is always there and he always has people prepared for us, even when we are down and not searching as hard as we can. However, we know that when we work as hard as we can, he will reward us in more potent, but perhaps, more subtle ways. All I know is, the blessings will be greater. And I've defnitely seen them. Man. Working with Elder Key is so fun. We sometimes will talk about life when we were in the same ward, and how crazy it is that we're now serving in the same mission. Rad. I love him. Every time I work with Elder Key, I learn SO MUCH about listening to the spirit and being humble. Elder Key will never take a compliment though, and it's super annoying.

Our investigators are progressing REALLY slow. Man I get so fed up with them. I tell Elder Magleby that I just want to "punch them right in the face." Not really, but that's how I feel sometimes. Let's be real, when someone tells you to read your scriptures for 3 and a half weeks straight, every other day, and they don't do it, it's pretty obnoxious. But I still love all the people we serve. The other night, I was almost in tears telling Elder Magleby how much I love a long time investigator in the ward and his member family. Like I've probably told you a thousand times, I feel like that was the easiest thing for me: loving people. And everybody said once you love them, all you do is think about them and want to serve them: TRUE. It's crazy how many dreams I've had with less-actives/investigators. I just want to help them all the time and it's hard to find the EXACT way to do that. Because they all have different needs and challenges. I'm rambling.

I think this is the first week I didn't get very many letters. Which is alright, because hopefully I'll have time to write back some people today. Sorry everybody that hasn't gotten letters for a while. You're all on my list. ("You should've known by now, you were on my list".)

In all honesty, this week has been hard. It's been a week to help me realize that I don't depend on God enough, even if I feel like I do.

I just want to bear a simple testimony relating to a quick story.

We were teaching an inactive lady, and we were trying to weed out her doubts about coming back to church. She didn't really have the desire to still be a part of the gospel, so we asked her some leading questions. She said that it bothered her that everybody talked about Joseph Smith so much. She felt like everybody put him before Jesus Christ and she felt that was lame. I told her I agreed. But she didn't understand the reason why people felt so strongly about Joseph Smith and I knew that was where her testimony faltered. So I bore her my testimony of these things.

I basically said the following.

I know that this gospel is true and has been restored on the earth today. The reason why so many people seem to "praise" and "love" Joseph Smith, is because of what he did. Without Joseph Smith, I wouldn't be here. The gospel of JESUS CHRIST would not have been restored and we would not have any of these ordinances and powers that we have today.

I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore the happiness of the Gospel of Christ to the earth once more. I know that he was a prophet of the Lord.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know that only through his Atonement, I am free from death and sin. This is His church. We are his disciples. Don't forget that.

Elder Niels Christensen

PS - I heard from my investigator Israel that the XX came out with a new album?? Why did nobody tell me?? Unless it's a lie.

September 17, 2012

Ok. Not much time. Email can be stressful.

Updates:

-It is September. It's cooling down and it's awesome. I don't notice the humidity anymore.

-I never thought this would happen, BUT I started picking up a little New Jersey mannerism in my speech. The only one I can think of right now is the fact that I say "How you doin"? to everybody but I sound a little like an East Coast person. Embarrassing. Parents, remember how I told you if I come back with an accent or anything, you can beat me? That still stands. So I've been consciously thinking about how I talk now.

-Spanish is improving. Still struggling with being able to understand everything that people say. I know that that will just come time. TIME: greatest gift from God. Time to live, time to be.

-Had an UNREAL french dinner last night at Jackson's house (Indian guy in the english ward). Dad you would have loved it. Listen up: Appetizer: mussels with tomato, fennel, garlic and onions, with fresh bread and pesto.

Pork shoulder with potatoes, rosemary, salt, pepper and an apple cider sauce, with sauteed apples on the side.

A macaroni gratin with grated Gruyere on top

Cooked baby carrots with creme fraiche, butter, salt and thyme.

Dessert was just some fresh seasonal fruit with homemade french sour cream on top.

Goodness, it reminded me of home.

We had an AWESOME lesson with him too. We talked about forsaking the world, through the Atonement of Christ and how we can better understand the Atonement. I seriously want to be just like Jackson when I get home.

-Investigator Israel made me a "WWJD" bracelet. It's awesome.

-Visited a converted Jew in the english ward, (because we had a lesson with his spanish speaking mother) named Moshe. He's 23, preparing to serve a mission and is an amazing person. He got the Melchizidek Priesthood last week.

-With that lesson with Maria (Moshe's mother), it went pretty well. But it was weird because it was like she was interviewing us for her thesis statement on Christian religions. BUT, while we were teaching, Moshe's brother in law came home and sat and listened and then started arguing with us. And literally, the second that that happened, the spirit got up and left. So we just sat there as this guy yelled at us about the Bible and how we don't need prophets because of the Holy Spirit. it was ridiculous. Finally Elder Magelby just cut him off and told him that we needed to go.

-We've been doing TONS of finding this week, as our investigator pool is running thin. Lots of hard work with little success. it's alrigth though.

-KENT - Got your letter. I about died when i saw that you wrote me. Writing you back SOOON.

-Tanner thanks for the photos.

Love you all. Thanks for your undying love and support. Let me know if you need anything from me.

-Elder Niels Christensen

ps - Jackson is coming to Utah to check out BYU and he said he'd take stuff to you guys for me. He's awesome and unreal. Family, you need to meet this guy, he's one of the most amazing indiviudals I've ever met. So I'll let you know soon.

September 10, 2012

I couldn't think of a subject line. And WELCH is based off of this short, hilarious experience:

Elder Magleby and I went into Burger King on a depressing night of finding people all night. But we didn't really find anybody, so after a good 2 hours of work in North Newark we went to drown our sorrows in bacon hamburgers and fries. So we order and as we're waiting for our food, there's this old black guy wearing jeans and a baseball cap that walks in, walks over to the soda fountain and starts willing up an old bottle of Welches grape jelly wrapped in a plastic bag. It was HUGE too probbaly like a 32 ounce bottle. Anyway, he fills it up, mumbles something under his breath, and walks out without another word. Newark is awesome.

So we had training this week on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 am to 4 pm. It was really great. Towards the end, President Jeppson (who is a patriarch as well, (it's one of those positions that stays with you forever, like a bishop)) basically gave us all a blessing as he bore his testimony. It's incredible to hear him speak and then hear a literal change in his speech as he pronounces blessings on the heads of us missionaries. Mission Presidents have so much divine power, it's amazing.

I used to hate role plays but NOW after doing literally 500 over those two days, I can appreciate them more. They're really good opportunites to work out kinks in your lessons and receive revelation too. I got some sweet ideas from various missionaries that I worked with. ALSO, I got to hang out with Elder Romrell, one of my MTC companions (he got put with me and Elder Waite when his companion went home).

It's weird because Elder Romrell, Elder Waite and I are the only New Jersey missionaries left from our MTC district. Everybody else has gone home due to depression/health problems. Super sad. Hopefully they'll be coming back out soon but it's still gives me heavy boots.

This week we only taught 17 lessons. Boo! But that was partly because Tuesday and Wednesday got destroyed due to training.

But we found two new investigators this week. One guy named Tony, a peruvian that we met on the streets. He was great because we just talked about the churches and if there was one true church and whatnot. So he basically set up the return appt himself, which hardly ever happens because people usually aren't interested. The other person was Vanessa, from Uruguay. She has two sons and 3 step children. She's probaly only like 35 or so too. She was super great and listened to our message and her son Lucas who's like 9, has long beautiful brown hair. I'm jealous. When I got home, you all better believe that I'm growing my hair out again. And a lush beard as well.... moving on.

Going back to the training really quick: the biggest things I learned are the following:

1. Be quiet.

2. Slow down.

3. Listen to the spirit.

YOU ALL KNOW ME. I love to talk and communicate with people and just be their friend. But the problem is, is I talk TOO much and don't the spirit room to come and and speak for us. Elder Magldby is cool, collective and reserved. I'm trying to be like that, and it's incredibly how much I've calmed down these past weeks, JUST FROM listening to eh spirit more. I love it. They say every companionship is a trio: You, companion, Holy Ghost. It's a wonderful feeling when you know that and when you use the Holy Ghost as the tool that God has given us.

My spanish is coming along. Elder Magleby has good spanish, but he speaks like a total gringo. So I've already noticed my accent is going a little downhill. OH. COOL thing: I've been told that I look Puerto Rican and Italian so far. We'll see what else comes next.

I'm going to the ZOO today in South Orange, (WHERE GARDEN STATE WAS FILMED). I'm stoked.

For everybody that wrote me, I probbaly won't have time today. But I'll try to post some photos so Matthew can post them on my blog.

Tanner: got your letter,. IT WAS AWESOME.

Chris: wrote you back.

Hayley" WRITE ME.

Bayley: I'm sorry I'm the worst at writing you. I'll try to get you next week.

FAMILY: I'll try really hard to write you all next week.

ELDER Niels Christensen

ps - Indian Bro. Jackson, from the english ward is cooking a rich french meal for me and Elder Magleby this Sunday. I'll send pics. Also, he's awesome and printed off lyrics for me for "On the Floor (brandon Flowers) and "I'll Fly Away" (Allison Krauss and Gillian Welch). SO I'm going to sing them for other missionaries and it will be grand.

September 4, 2012

Because it was Labor Day yesterday, none of the libraries were open (duh) so we didn't get to email. And we have an appt with a Dominican guy named Lloyd in about 10 minutes. So I gotta fly.

Quick updates:

-Baptismal date with Maria Paez. She's like 80 years old and is awesome and tells her children to go to hell.

-Peruvian BBQ yesterday with Hermano Vallejo (high priest group leader). Incredible. Grilled steak, chorizo-like-sausage with sliced peppers, grilled corn, fresh bread, rice, INCA KOLA (the BEST) and other stuff. It was amazing. (PS another favorite drink is a purple corn drink called Chicha Morado. It's out of this world.

-ELDER Magleby: follow up trainer, from American Fork, 6'3, used to be a male cheerleader, really hard worker, good missionary, we get along pretty well.

-I'll send some photos soon. DAD - The SD card that you sent me doesn't work. Don't know why. I'll send it back though.

-Beach volleyball yesterday (beach court in a members apartment complex). Brother Jackson, from India is incredible. MATTHEW, her wears some incredible shoes. Like 400 dollar chucka style leather dress shoes. Wow. I'll send pics. He's ALSO an amazing chef. Sending pics and whatnot SOON.

-Got some more letters. Still backed up on writing letters. Trying to respond to everybody.

-Miracles in Newark. OUt of gas. Found a new investigator. TONS of street contacting. Elder Magleby is pretty good at it.

Love you all. HOpefully I can write a wee bit more in a couple of days.

Elder Niels Christensen