Friday, January 6, 2012

First E-mail of 2012!

Hey Everyone!

Wow what a week! I apologize for not e-mailing home last week but we didn't have anyone close by that had a computer so I was sort of bummed about that. Some news was this week was that we had a baptism on Saturday and that was so cool! Our truck was out of gas money so we walked everywhere which also made it difficult, but we are good to go now!

I was really happy to talk to all of you and so happy your doing great! My companion is still having troubles and it was really hard to get him out to walk and see people. Lately my thoughts haven't been on our investigators or the Savior as much as I want. Instead I have been trying to find ways to get my comp out to do something and to find ways to help him be more obedient to the mission rules, and to help him get excited about the work! It is really distracting sometimes and has been affecting me a little. I have been praying hard and asking my Heavenly Father for help and comfort and to stay determined and he has really been helping me and giving me comfort.

Yup so that's the depressing news this week!

Oh, also since we cover two areas we are going to talk to the guy in the mission office to see if he can turn on all of the utilities at the trailer in Indian Wells. We figured out that we can be more effective if we spend a week in Indian Wells and a week in Greasewood. Indian Wells is about 35 miles south of Greasewood and that should give you some idea of how big our area is!!!

Well that's all I have this week. Sorry my e-mails are so short and especially this week because we didn't get out very much.

Hagone! (goodbye)

Elder Christensen

Christmas Phone Call!

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to give you all the latest on Devon. We were able to talk with him on Christmas Day which was so great! He sounds awesome, up beat and just like the Devon that we all know and love. He said that Greasewood, Arizona is really remote and that they have to travel about 30 minutes to get to the nearest town which is Indian Wells, Arizona. Then from there it is another 40 minutes to Holbrook Arizona for civilization and groceries. They live in a trailer and the area that they are in has not had tracting missionaries for along time so they have a huge area to cover and lots of people to get to know. They also have been getting more familiar with authentic Navajo culture, food and learning the language. He said that the people in this area are so nice and friendly so that helps to get to know people. They only thing that they have to be careful of right now are the packs of wild dogs that roam the area. You know as his mother, I really think that I do not want to know these things. Then again, I know that the Lord is watching over him and protecting him from all of those wild beasts that are out there.

Devon also said that there is alot of exciting things happening in this mission. In the next 6 months they will be getting over 30 new missionaries and opening up more areas for proselyting. There is a real focus developing on helping and teaching the Indians in this area and he is so excited to be a part of it.

He was so grateful for the letters and packages and he did get them all before Christmas! Because of the remoteness of the area it takes about 4-5 days for letters to reach him and about 7-14 days for packages. The letters and packages are forwarded from the mission home to the nearest Post Office but then the Post Office waits for enough letters and packages to warrant a trip to Greasewood, so it can take a few extra days.

I want to thank all of you as well for the support and love that you give to Devon and our family!! We have been so blessed and are so grateful for the kindness and prayers sent in Devon's behalf. We are looking forward to a great 2012 and more great and inspiring letters from Elder Christensen!

Love,
Shana