Michael will be a trainer....

Michael reunited with his MTC roommates

Dear everyone,
So perhaps you were surprised to see an email from me today. Yes, normally transfer week Pday is on Tuesday and then we transfer on Wednesday but the Bullochs have a Mission President Conference or something like that they are flying to tomorrow so Pday is today and Transfer day is tomorrow. But holy cow, let me just say I have been reading such great and detailed emails that if my email isn't as long as I would prefer I apologize. It sounds like everyone is doing well and had a great week, that's wonderful! It's seriously so great to hear from you all, I say it every week but I mean it. That's awesome about the temple visit/coordination with Arizona and Utah relatives. I'm definitely jealous and wishing I could go to the temple, but I suppose I can wait. Nana, unfortunately I've been told from other missionaries we aren't allowed to wear hats, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness though. Also, thanks about the boots but we'll see how mine do I haven't had to break them in yet but I anticipate them being good. And way to go "Mormon" golfers for the Championship of the World! haha. It seemed like DC was a great time for Ben and Paige, that's awesome. I can think back and remember when we went there as a family like it just happened; wow how time flies and lives change. (it's actually really funny too because thinking back on that: a lot of people will talk about going to or seeing the Washington DC temple and how awesome it is. And I always say how I've seen it but not been there. Remember getting lost trying to find it through all the trees? haha). It's great to hear Jackson is doing well, hopefully he gets over his little sickness quick. Ha, that's classic sub-seminary taught. I'm learning about the whole early morning thing out here with all the youth doing it. haha, so grateful for release time. I generally get letters from Mom on Friday or Saturday. This week I got it Friday (as it seemed like you sent it off Tuesday?). But it, as always, was wonderful and I appreciate it a lot. You would have crazy ideas for Christmas already, ha. I have some things I've thought of that would be great to have that perhaps I can put on my "Christmas wish list." ha :). That's absolutely crazy about Nick Ferrin; so sad. I was never close with him at all, perhaps never even talked to him, but some of my friends were pretty close with him. To be honest I had no idea he was serving a mission, good for him; but wow about that. Sad. I'm so glad that Ben and Paige were able to meet/talk with the Bullochs! Are they not the most loving people in the world? How sweet, I love them so much! So so cool stuff like that can happen with you guys in Ithaca, still blows my mind.

So this week has been great, truly. In short (because I know everyone is more curious about transfers), we found 4 awesome new investigators this week. First is a guy that we talked to outside his house when we were around there trying to contact a Headquarter Referral that didn't exist a couple weeks prior. He is from Texas and has really close friends who are members and who served missions. We taught him the Restoration and it was really neat. He seems sincere to learn and try it out; Catholic background. Next was a woman that we ran into two completely different times and places just on the street. She, too, had had experiences with missionaries or knowing what we do in the past. Awesome first lesson with her as well; she is a little bit older and going through a tough time in her life right now, willing to experiment upon it. Third, last night we picked up a wife of a quasi less-active member. Oh how I love part-member families. Basically they are millionaires: literally as the term suggests and figuratively in the sense of ready to truly convert to the gospel. He is looking to become an Elder. And she has read the Book of Mormon before, is reading it again, and knows without a doubt it is true. We made the connections of what that truly means and she, herself, said she has the desire to be baptized. So legit. I'm hoping this can happen before they go down to FLORIDA for the winter starting around January; and it's likely because she really wants it low key. And then, finally, the son of Dawn. He is 13 and at first wasn't interested at all but he met with us this week and it went alright. I didn't think he seemed too intrigued from it, until we got a message the next morning saying how he told his mom it's something he would want to become a part of to help him make good choices in his life, etc. Awesome. We're hoping this week to set him with the same baptismal date of 12/4 that his mom and sister have. Anyway, the work is seriously going great. Our teaching pool is not only growing but being filled with people who I really feel are searching for the truth.

So transfers. Elder Daniels-Brown is heading off (ha, actually to Malone where E. Miller is leaving and becoming a ZL). And I'll be staying here training a new missionary. To be honest it's pretty ridiculous and crazy. I feel like I haven't been out here hardly at all (in the grand scheme of things), and for me to have a greenie who is looking to me to show him how to do all aspects of the work is unreal. I'm humbled. To fill you in more fully, though, let me back up. Two Mondays ago in my interview with President he brought it up that it was likely I would be called to train this transfer. (I was sworn to secrecy though, as you could understand. But, I was dying last email not saying anything when you were all supposing this or that). So for the past 2 weeks I've basically had this pressing on my mind. All the things that need to happen before then, how I need to improve, etc., etc. I'm grateful for the time, I guess, I had to somewhat prepare myself mentally and in every other aspect. So, if I don't seem as surprised as you may have guessed it's because this has since 2 Mondays ago been registered in my mind. Only being here 1 transfer and training will be intense. There are a lot of people in the ward I don't even know yet, let alone less-active members, etc. I feel like we have their support, though, which makes all the difference in the world. And it being a walk area, something new, as well as memorizing all the bus routes and times and stops is a lot. Ha, it's certainly going to be a big endeavor but I'm up for it. Especially with the Lord's help, we know that all is possible - he will make up all our inadequacies as we trust in Him and do ALL we can. Elder Daniels-Brown and I, to be honest, have had a good time together. We certainly are very different people in a lot of different ways, but I truly feel we were able to put those aside and become unified in allowing the work of the Lord to go forth unhindered. I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned with him and growth I've experienced. I really feel looking back, and already now, that the time I spent with him here will find a special place in my heart. I greatly look forward to the future for what is in store and the adventures that lie ahead. I've realized that as a missionary you definitely are subject to a lot of changes. I've found this with all of the different companions I've had as well as changing areas quickly. What I'm learning, though, through all of it is great. Simply, the only person you will always be with here is yourself. It's important to know who you truly are, or who you want to become. And with that, I am growing a personal relationship with my Father in Heaven and with my Savior that beforehand I never, or very slightly, had. It's something that I heard would happen or would be good to experience but it's something difficult to describe and something you truly do just need to go through to know. As you personally rely and trust in the Savior and our Heavenly Father's plan, it's miraculous what happens.

Well, I love you all and hope you have a great week! My heart is full at this time, and I can't really write the way I feel. It's awesome though, it's the Spirit of the Lord. Please continue to stay in touch.

Love,

Elder Christensen

Michael reunited with MTC friends at All Mission Conference

Michael and Elder Miller practicing the no teeth smile

The Badgers

Michael and Elder DB

These things are true because they work

Dear everyone,

Hey there. I hope everyone is doing well and things are swell wherever you are. Things are good here in Saratoga Springs; as a whole this week was pretty good. Some awesome days, some longer days. AND this week was made better because of the awesome mail I received. Papa and Nana thank you so much for the incredibly thoughtful box, that was so nice and everything in it is fantastic! Sheffield's too! Thank you so much Kim Kelly Drue & Sarah, the goodies and nice letters are really appreciated and mean a lot! Ste thanks for the letter bro! Don't be thinking you're some ladies man now, though. haha silent reading tag, ay yi yi funny. And as faithful as always, I got Mom's letter! I truly do appreciate your letters and the things you write each week, thank you. So skunk miracle is complete. My suit pants were dry cleaned for a whopping total of $1.35 because of the member owned place in Albany, I just need to get them back when I see the Zone Leaders next. Speaking of which, it's likely I'll see them because yes transfers are already next week and therefore transfer calls this Saturday. Elder DB has been here 3 transfers now, and no I'm not his first Jr. Companion. It sounds like Lake Powell was a blast! Way cool, that's awesome. And Ste balled it up at the Suns game, nice. I hope that Tyler had a great birthday and that Nana will have a great birthday! Oh yeah, and I appreciate the offer but I wouldn't have a need for those bookmarks, Nana; we have quite a bit of different supplies out here, but thank you! Stake Conference two weeks ago was awesome. Great seeing E. Lyman and the Dutchers. I guess I failed to mention the Stake President out here is actually really close with the Dutchers and hooked them up with a private interview with Elder Grow right before Stake Conference. I talked to them afterward and they really enjoyed it. I believe Sister Dutcher is scheduled to be baptized this Saturday! Hopefully she has fully committed like she says she will and needs to and does it! We'll wait and see I suppose. We get copies of the Ensign but thanks, I appreciate it. I got the contacts rebate in the mail. Yeah, the Badgers are so legit. Such a blessing and help to us. They picked up Chipotle for dinner for us this week..haa. And we're actually teaching them and I think it's really beneficial to prepare them to be temple married. They have 2 daughters and one on the way. Perhaps I should get a picture soon and you can know who I'm talking about all the time. Can someone find Jordan Richardson's mission home address? As well as Jake Terry's? Terry's should be on his facebook if you look it up from mine.

But like I said before this week overall was pretty good. There were some better days than others but nothing bad at all. So last Monday evening we had interviews with President. I love him so much. Elder Grow when he was here made the point how not only were we called to serve here in New York for specific people here but we were called to serve (and to go even deeper: foreordained before this world even was) specifically with President Bulloch. I couldn't agree more and appreciate this knowledge. He is so positive and loving; not intimidating like I had perhaps thought it may be. Anyway, it was a great interview and he gave me some wonderful insights with regards to knowing my current situation and things I'm going through. Tuesday we had District Meeting and President trained us there, it was way good; he's such a captivating teacher, hence that's what he does/did. We went on exchange afterward and I came back to Toga with E. Waldron. President and Sister Bulloch gave us a ride and because we had to cancel our dinner appointment for him to interview other people after District Meeting they took us out to eat. ha, Where did they take us? Panera Bread, aww yea. I was cracking up. Sidenote: Ithaca residents, at Stake Conference be SURE to go and talk to President and Sister Bulloch. They're speaking and want to meet you guys.

So the 'miracle' Griffins who moved from Vegas. I wouldn't exactly spell out that they are G-O-L-D-E-N, but nonetheless promising. She wants to be baptized, but has some things we are going to try and help her overcome. Her fiance, not husband, wasn't too interested when we went over there but was busy leaving some where so we haven't really spoken with him. We're going to see her tomorrow and she said she was going to talk with him, and we'll map out what needs to happen for her, and hopefully them, to be baptized, and more importantly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most exciting thing this week was teaching a woman named Dawn and her 11 year old daughter Sophia. They are a referral and friend of a family in the ward. We set these two with a baptismal date of 12/4. They were very excited and looking for a change in their life. Talking to her member friend Dawn asked does being baptized mean specifically that I become a member of your church? She said yes. Dawn said, oh alright, cool. Ha, she's very promising; and even better yet we are teaching them tonight but also she said her 14 year old son will be there and we plan on getting him in on it all. Happy. So I guess other new things here on the mission front is teaching another friend of this member family, Karie. She's been taught before but truly felt the Spirit when we first taught her and she recognized it. We plan on teaching her this week. The Phelan family is doing alright; their daughter is still going through a stressful time figuring out what is up with her heart but we were able to sit down with the parents alone and read Alma 32 with them. They really enjoyed it, but we're trying to get them to act more on these things. Other than that basically things are the same around here. I realize pretty often that my knowledge of the Gospel is pretty shallow but thanks to my testimony, the Spiritual - and very real - witness that I have that these things are true keeps me going. And that's all we need to start. I know that these things are true because they work. I know that they work because they are true. I love this Gospel and desire to learn all that I can about it; more importantly I feel, though, we need to live it. Have the courage and faith to do what you know is right. If you're not sure whether something is from God or right, go ahead and try it. Act upon it and see for yourself; for you receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. My best wishes and prayers are with you all and I hope you have a great week.

I love you and appreciate everything you do in my behalf.

Love,

Elder Christensen

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Faith precedes miracles

Greetings,

Hey there how's it going? It's good to hear from you all and it sounds like things are going great in your respective situations. I can't believe that about the storms and the tree branch at the church! Thank goodness nothing too bad happened to the car, I suppose! Way to go scoring 2 goals Ste. So to answer some questions Elder Daniels-Brown is 6'7 or possibly '8 he says. And I got a pair of slacks at TJ Maxx. I snagged an old CTR clothing pair too, similar to mine from Pomeroy's, from the Schoharie apartment that I wear when it's a way rainy day, etc. When I was sprayed I was wearing a blue tie (the one in my shrine pictures; sprayed directly and salvaged), long sleeve shirt (salvaged), black suit pants (those rather than slacks because we had District Meeting earlier that day when we have to wear suits; at the dry cleaners in Albany (ZL's took them for me) because a member owns one there so it'll be way cheap; salvaged). Everything is good with that and not one thing I was wearing during or after was lost. It will be all finalized when I get those suit pants back soon. Oh yeah, I ate (literally) my words from my last email when I had sushi this week with this nasty seaweed salad thing. bleh. Anyway, thanks so much Paige and Ben for the hand-delivered goods! I appreciate that; and definitely told them all to thank you so if they didn't don't think I didn't tell them to..ha. But oh yeah I didn't mean "no treats" when I said that last week but just know I'm getting fed really well (ie. even the Badgers from Mesa right below us always make something new everyday, literally. salsa, guac, cookies, etc etc etc and we typically have some; reminds me of mom). But I love getting anything and everything from you guys!!! I appreciate it all so much, it truly means a lot.

This week certainly has been a less stressful week than last although it certainly wasn't a "typical" week either. We taught more this week. "My" bike got a punctured tube. A member family set up a sweet appointment with us and two of the Mom's friends that went really well. One called after she went home and we left that she felt all light and tingly when we were teaching, etc. but not after. Yesss; best thing to hear. All Mission Conference was sweet with Elder C. Scott Grow there (yes, his name is a sentence; ha). --- Side note: Elder DB was one of like 7 who Elder Grow interviewed afterward. I guess President and the Zone Leaders "randomly" selected some people to have that opportunity. I'm convinced it wasn't "random." But it was a really good experience for him that helped him out quite a bit I think. --- In short, from the Conference I learned I need to have more faith (sweet story about that to follow) and that every aspect of the work can and should improve. There was a lot of information and pretty overwhelming how much things could improve and how much I can personally improve. To be completely honest, I walked away from it glad we were able to do it but completely unsure as how to apply the things that were taught. So I looked back over my notes the next morning in study and pondered on how I could have or exercise more faith in the work, etc. Then, of course, inspiration came. In the past in daily (and weekly) planning sessions I would open with a prayer, then plan, then set goals, then work those plans. The inspiration came to try this: open with a prayer asking to be inspired in regards to goals for the next day, then set goals, then plan according to these goals established, then work these plans with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to accomplish them. It sounds pretty intuitive and perhaps how it should have been done all along but I'm so grateful. Yesterday, Sunday, was the first day of incorporating this entire process and I had a very powerful experience. After Stake Conference we got a ride home with the Dennis family (the prior bishop, dentist (going to hook us up), sweet guy) to their neighborhood to eat and work. In short, we worked a few hours there (according to the plans we established the day before with the goals we set) but didn't see the success or things play out as we hoped (people not being home, not willing to let us sit down and teach, etc). But we worked hard, doing all we could do. A little later we got a ride back to the apartment and I was a little disappointed things didn't go as they could have ideally gone (This was a reason why having a lot of faith in the work is hard for me right now I guess just needing to be realistic, as well as optimistic, in what can happen). Elder DB was going to the bathroom, not feeling great, and all this happened when he was in there and I was quasi alone. I knelt down and simply told Heavenly Father my thoughts and how we're trying our best in working the plans we had, in being faithful, in everything. It went well. I got up, grabbed a drink, and began to sit down and relax for a minute while E. DB was still in there when I saw the cell phone sitting across the room. I had the feeling come to mind: go grab it and bring it over here because someone is going to call with some great news. I don't know why I thought that but I simply decided to go grab the phone and set it next to me so when they call I'll be prepared (and won't have to get up from a comfy chair to get it, ha). A couple minutes went by still thinking it was going to happen (I was actually just mending a pair a pants) and what happened? The phone, in reality, rang. A member of the bishopric called and told me a young family just moved from Vegas who called him trying to get in touch with us. They were being taught over there and want to continue here. He gave us the information and hung up. ARE YOU KIDDING? I'm still blown away by it. It's hard to describe everything well enough without going in to detail but it simply was a miracle that was wrought by simple faith. Faith precedes miracles. I know that God is THERE. It's so real; so, believe it or not, tangible. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before; it still blows my mind. I know that the Lord is in the fine details of all of our lives. And through us exercising (meaning action) our faith, miracles are produced and we can see that hand of the Lord in our lives more so than ever before. Thanks Ste for praying for me to have "great experiences" because I truly am.

Nana: Baptism. There is so much on that I could go off on it, but possible suggestions include.

1) All need to be baptized. John 3:5. Baptism has been taught since the beginning of time. Adam, the first man on earth, was baptized. Christ, the perfect son of God, was baptized.

2) Our covenant of baptism. We promise: to take the Lord's name upon us,

remember Him always, and keep His commandments. And we are promised: to have our sins forgiven of us and to have the Spirit to be with us.

3) How to baptize, why it's important it's done with right authority and in the proper manner.

See 3 Nephi 11 when Christ himself instructs on these things.

4) Baptism is the gate by which we enter to allow us to get on the straight and narrow path we

must all walk to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. Our first covenant.

5) The relationship of Baptism by water and Baptism by fire. How they need the other to be

complete, etc.

I love you all so much and truly am excited to exercise more faith. Please continue to send your love and support, it means the world. Thanks so much for always being there for me.

Love always,

Elder Christensen

Michael enjoying Saratoga Springs on P day

Just doing a little tracting

A stinky week

Dear Family, Friends, People,

There are so many thoughts and feelings running through my mind and heart at this time I simply don't know where or how to start. I'm so grateful for the wonderful family and friends and support that I have out here. It makes all the difference in the world and has made all the difference in my life growing up. Thank you. I appreciated all of your words this week. I can't believe the first quarter for Ste is coming up! That's ridiculous; and Lake Powell? That'll be sweet. Ste looks grown up in those pictures, awesome. I'm glad Rachel was able to have a great birthday! Hope the travels have been fun and safe. Brother Badger (the "blog-guy") doesn't read Rachel's blog just said it was linked to him - from a friend he graduated with who he says knows all about everyone, almost creeper stat - but yeah! ha. That's funny Ithaca went apple picking, we thought about doing that today but I don't think Elder Daniels-Brown and I are going to. haha. It has certainly dropped in temperature and fall is in the air! The cookies you sent were way fresh, surprisingly ha, thanks. But no goodies for me please - people just stuff our faces with food all the time. I feel bad not eating; and I eat whatever people have - SALAD, fish. HA. I've been the least picky of my companions I've had, so take that! All the grief I took. :) just kidding, but seriously. ha. Anyway, our apartment isn't too awful it's been cleaned up quite a bit and is in great shape at this point. Thanks for the letter Rachel, that was way nice. And Mom, as always, your letters are greatly appreciated and I love them so much, thank you.
So, perhaps, I have some things to relay to you all that may be out of the ordinary for a change. To introduce it all simply, this week has been an eventful one: full of learning, growing, stretching, refining, up's and down's, high's and low's, stress, success, hard work, and - of course - a PUTRID odor. I'll walk you through my week, I suppose to give you maybe the slightest taste of what this week has been like for me. Monday was a great day. Elder DB and I went to the mall and checked out some stores. They have TJ-Maxx here which rokked my world. Found Panera bread it's way close (the Badgers have been and love it, also say it's way better than Paradise so I'm stoked for them to take us, ha). The end of the day when we worked was good; and, to be honest, I was finally able to feel a sense of resolve and comfort (The Holy Ghost) here in Saratoga with all of the surrounding factors involved. The Spirit was in our companionship and I was excited for a great week of work. Tuesday, to make it short, after District Meeting I went on exchange with the Elders in Greenwich. I went there and was serving with an Elder, Elder Slagle, who, to put it appropriately, isn't all there. Greenwich is a tough area without anything going on right now so all we got to do was knock doors. Finally when the night was over and we were walking home, the unthinkable happened. We were walking on the sidewalk (mind you it is pitch dark, and the curb isn't right next to the street like it is back home) and I heard rustling in some bushes next to the sidewalk a few feet ahead. Startled, I stopped and listened and heard it again. Suddenly, a flash of black and white darted out of the bushes; right then when I realized what it was, it was absolutely too late. I GOT SPRAYED IN THE FACE - IN. THE. FACE. - BY A SKUNK. Yup. You read it right. It's official. You can check that one off of my bucket list. If I could express to you how bad it smelled I would. It hit me primarily on the right side of my face in between my nose and mouth, on my shirt, on my tie, on my backpack, and on my suit pants (wearing suit pants because we wear suits to District Meeting). Such a joke. Everything smelled. Oh yeah, and Elder Slagle didn't get hit at all. HAHA, how wonderfully perfect. It was, quite frankly, hilarious. I was laughing, surprisingly, so hard (at the whole situation). We got back to their apartment and I called Sister Bulloch to see what to do. I heard about tomato juice stuff, etc. Long story short we ran to the store and came back and I took a tomato juice bath (or actually rinse, in the shower). Seemed to work alright (my hair still smells if I really search for it, and yes, even after I cut it when I got back to Toga). In my mind all my clothes were goners; I had already accepted that they would have to be thrown away because there was no hope. Regardless I soaked them overnight, as directed from Sis Bulloch just out of a guess not quite sure (OBVIOUSLY because I'm the first elder to have this happen) in water baking soda and vinegar. To my amazement and shock, when I woke up and smelled everything it didn't smell. Miracle. Anyway, it was ultra stressful and tough to focus with that going on. Wednesday, I knock doors all day with Elder Slagle then I get back to Saratoga in the evening. I can honestly say it felt homey getting back there; I didn't realize how much I would appreciate it. (Getting sprayed by a skunk on exchange is the worst thing too, with no extra clothes, etc, I got a new shirt Elder Slagle had unopened that didn't fit anymore that was my size - tender mercy - among other such tender mercies). Anyway, it was great to be back and in the great situation with Elder DB we were in when I left. Thursday it rained all day. Elder DB forgot to hold on to my bus pass from the Elder that exchanged here so we were without bus riding abilities, and couldn't go forward with the plans we made for the day, and it'd be idiotic to bike in that rain. So we got to walk to the bus depot to get passes, in the rain. About an hour walk, one way. Tender mercy involved - it was September 30, the bus pass he didn't have for me expired the next day in Oct. and we would have needed new ones anyway for the month of October, ha! Blessing in disguise but certainly tough. Friday, we were blitzed by the Zone Leaders. Long story short, I learned a lot from them. How to consecrate our efforts to the Lord: our thoughts, words, and actions. Awesome, long tough day though. Saturday and Sunday were amazing. Conference put the cap on this crazy week! We watched in our church building, weren't able to get any investigators there, but that's alright. I'm so grateful for Conference, and the Spirit of Conference. My heart is so exceedingly filled at this time. I am so grateful for the guidance, direction, and counsel we are able to receive from modern day prophets and apostles. We are blessed to be the beneficiaries of the direct words of wisdom, learning, and divinity given from these men. I truly had prayers answered and concerns addressed through both the messages from the speakers as well as the Holy Ghost. I hope you all did as well. Conference, I am so grateful for it. I could say so much about it all but won't. It did, though, certainly make me feel connected to all of you. So much, it was really neat; and actually emotional just as Conference was starting Saturday morning session, thinking about that. How cool, too, to see Mark and Jean! haha, that was so cool!
More-so, quickly, on the work aspect of the week we hardly were able to see our investigators this past week. We knocked a lot and talked to over 100 people, more than I have since I've been out. This upcoming week, though, we have more solidified plans with people and look forward to that. I know, as Dad reminded me, that there are people here prepared and waiting to hear this joyous message. Such a good reminder, thank you. It's promised several times in scripture, perhaps the most profound in DC 4, that the field is white and ready to harvest. They certainly are out there; after I thrust in the sickle with all my heart, might, mind and strength, I know the Lord will uphold his end of the promise - otherwise he would cease to be God - and allow us to find them. How comforting.
I love you all so much and appreciate your kind words. This past week I have learned a lot. A lot about the Gospel, a lot about missionary work, a lot about myself. I'm grateful. I'm grateful for the experiences I am having here. And we should all be grateful for the experiences we have each day, good or bad, tough or easy. It builds us to who we are, need to be, and can ultimately become. Please continue faithful and the example that you are to me and the entire world. I love you so much.
Love always,

Elder Christensen

PS. Attached are some pictures hopefully you will enjoy. See, I'm happy and loving it all amidst all of the craziness! Elder DB and me. Prior to my tomato rinse. The clothes in baking soda/vinegar. My package!
I love this work, it is, in reality, divine.