Music at the MTC!

Whoa...we're halfway there! Whoa! Living on a prayer!
3 weeks down, 3 weeks left at the MTC! Hermana Terry and I are going crazy with excitement, nerves and as always, Spanish! Sometimes I still can't believe I'm a missionary! But here I am, learning lots and growing so much!
Our 4th of July was pretty good here at the MTC; we had classes and study time like normal all day, but in the evening-we partied...well...for missionaries. That means a devotional for those of you wondering how missionaries party. We had a devotional on freedom and then we watched 17 Miracles-a movie about the miracles that happened to some of the pioneers as the crossed the plains to go to Utah-while we waited for the fireworks! We got ice cream and a firework show from BYU's Stadium of Fire! It was fun! I love the 4th of July. We are so blessed to have our freedoms, both in this country and the freedom from God to make decisions.

On Sunday, we had a "Mission Conference" where we heard about some changes in the roles of missionaries! Now, we get to remain in contact with our converts after we leave the area and are supposed to remain in contact with them for at least a year! Not only do we teach people and bring them to Christ, we help them stay close to Him. Each new member needs a 1) Friend  2) Responsibility/Calling in the church and 3) Nourishment in the gospel.

Our Sunday Devotional speaker was Josh Wright-a pianist! We were treated to some very beautiful piano music: Chopin Ballade Number 1, La Campanella (I'm not sure if I got that word right...I wrote what I thought I heard him say...), his own arrangement of Clair de Lune and How Great Thou Art (BEAUTIFUL!), and All Creatures of Our God and King. It was such a blessing to hear that music. I miss music so much! I'm surprised my companion hasn't gotten tired of my constant humming and singing :) She claims to like it actually!

Tuesday's Devotional and devotional review with our district were an answer to mine and Hma T's prayers! We've been having a hard time being with 5 18 and 19 year old boys all day. They are quite literally like brothers. And they don't have any problem being annoying :) but all of them stayed awake during the devotional (a first) and then after, during our brief discussion, the Spirit was so present. Each one of us bore testimony of how we felt the Holy Ghost testify to us earlier in the evening and each of us was touched by each other's words. As I bore my testimony, I felt the Spirit stronger than ever before in my life and I know it was because it was testifying the truthfulness of what I was saying. I know the Holy Ghost is a comforter and testifier of truths. The speaker in the devotional was Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve and he spoke on the Holy Ghost. His wife made a comment in her testimony that REALLY stuck out to me. She said "Sometimes I sit and think about the blessing of the Holy Ghost, and I think how wonderful it is that we have the gift to have a member of the Godhead with us at all times." She said that and I was struck, I had never thought of it that way. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism, we literally have the gift and ability TO HAVE A MEMBER OF THE GODHEAD BE WITH US, ALWAYS. I had to say that in all caps because that is how it came to me. With such strength and power in that thought. I love this gospel and the blessings it brings me.

Funny story: last P-day, Hma Terry and I were back at our apartment; she was writing letters and I was laying in bed chatting with her. I started to doze off and as I did the weirdest thing happened. My brain decided to write a joke. As it finished the punch line, it woke me up and I literally sat up and looked at Hma Terry and said, "I just wrote a joke." And we both just busted up laughing because it was so random, she thought I was asleep and then out of nowhere I had a joke! After I told it to her, we laughed and laughed and laughed! But when we stopped neither of us could decide if it was actually funny or just the whole situation was what made it funny...So here it is:
Farmer Brown's vet was out at the farm doing his yearly check up of all the animals. After assuring Farmer Brown that they were all healthy and doing well, he began to leave. Before he could, Farmer Brown stopped him and said, "Wait, would ya look at my cat, she keeps getting pregnant and I'm tired of having lots of little kittens running all over the place."
The vet thought for a moment and then asked, "Why don't you just get her fixed Farmer Brown?"
And Farmer Brown said "Because! Before you begin fixing others, you must first fix yourself!"

Yes, that was it. And yes, we've come to the conclusion that really what was funny was the situation. Everyone in our zone might have helped us realize that when none of them laughed...
We were sad to see our oldest district go this week. They're all in Mexico now!! We get 10 new elders today though!

I know God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know He wants us to be happy, and I know that we can be happy through His plan for us. I know that plan includes this life on earth, and although it is very difficult at times "It will all be worth it in the end" (17 Miracles) when we have endured it well. I know the Book of Mormon is true and is another testament of Christ. I know that we can get "nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith). I read it every day and every time I do, I receive a confirmation that Christ died for me and atoned for my sins. I love my Savior and am forever indebted to Him. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to help others come unto Christ.

I love you all!
Hermana Hannah Christensen

argentinamish.blogspot.com

Hermana Hannah Noel Christensen
JUL28 ARG-NEU
2023 N 900 E Unit 800
Provo, UT 84602