The Night Walk Home

Yesterday was really neat.

Besides baptizing Hermana Rosa, Elder Kupu, President Jeran and I blessed eleven children.  They ranged in age from just born to 7-years-old.  It was really neat because we could really feel the spirit.  It made me think about that someday when I would be doing the same with a little child of my own.

I felt really good yesterday.  I even didn't mind having chunyo and rabbit (guinea pig) for dinner.

We went over to Ibanez after dinner.  We were supposed to have a Family Home Evening with the branch but nobody showed up.  They are really nice and super humble.

I really enjoy walking home at night from Huayropata.  That mile or so of trail gives me time to think.  I usually look at the lights of Colquiri then gradually get into my mind.  I think of me as a missionary and how the Lord has blessed me with so many things.  I think of the people here, my companion and how neat he is.  I think of my family, my girl and someday of raising a family of my own.  What a great responsibility!

That high mountain air really revives me and I usually get any bad feelings out by the time we get to the room.  Then I sleep like a log.

Today was a learning experience.  It's P-Day but we decided to work anyway.  We had several "citas" set up but not one of them was home.  That is just the way it is in Bolivia.

"I think that I am beginning to realize that baptizing is where it is at."

I baptized Hermana Rosa Fernandez Buendia today.  I think that I am beginning to realize that baptizing is where it is at.

A Shouted Prayer & A Dog Bite

We are pretty down today.

We knocked on doors this morning.  We got into this one guy's house.  He asked us to bless his wife.  She had a bad pain in the stomach.  Just before we were about to bless her he asked if he could open with a prayer.  That was the weirdest prayer I ever heard.  He started real soft then louder till he was shouting then he started to cry then shout then soft then stop.  We proceeded to bless her but I really didn't feel the spirit and I was too scared.  We have a cita for him tomorrow but I don't know if it will do any good.

We were knocking on more doors after this and Kupu got bit by a dog.  It broke the skin through his pants, warm ups and pajamas.  We were walking along when another dog started sniffing his leg.  I don't think that it would have bitten him but Kupu gave it a kick in the head.  Then a bunch of chalitas started yelling at us for kicking dogs.  Whew!

We have just spent about two hours waiting for the Florta Station to open so we could find out if the ZLs are coming out tomorrow.  It still isn't open.

Poor Kupu has had a bad pain in his throat for a week now and it isn't getting any better.  This, plus the fact that we aren't finding any families to teach isn't helping his disposition at all and when he is down I get down.  I hope we can really get to working soon.  With all the waiting for families and delays, the days really seem long.

Baptizing In Six-Month-Old Green Water

I don't know exactly how but it seems as though I have been able to keep this journal up to date.  It's P-Day today and we have been kind of cleaning up.  Two elders are out visiting from Oruro.  One of them is another Tongan.

Yesterday was really neat.  The Mamanis were baptized and I got to do it.  The Church is an ex-mosque and I don't know what it was that we baptized in but it held enough water.  The water was about 6 months old and a weird shade of green.  It was harder trying to remember their names than it was the prayer.  That night after Sacrament we watched movies again.  When we watched The First Vision I felt the spirit really strong.

I guess I have been chosen to lead the music.  It is just like singing a solo.  We don't have anyone who can play the piano and a lot of the songs the people don't know, but it is fine.

Last night I about froze to death.  I was wearing my garments, long underwear, shirt, tie, sweatshirt, socks, and scarf and I still froze.  It was really cold this morning.  The wind was really blowing and we froze.

I have really enjoyed today.  I just feel good.

The 1st Sunday In Bolivia: "Missionary work is really different than what I expected."

It's Sunday.  My first Sunday here and I am going to baptize.  Even thought I haven't taught this particular couple at all, I still will feel good.  The Mamanis will be real strong I think.

Missionary work is really different than what I expected.  I really don't know where to begin.  For one thing it is not all teach, preach and baptize.  We have spent a lot of time as fix it men.  We have repaired water heaters for the baptismal font, made an awkward reel for a movie projector.

We have done a lot of walking up here.  The town is at about 15,000 feet and more or less divided into two halves.  Since Elder Kupu and I are the only missionaries here we have to cover both parts.  To avoid going down 500 feet or more and then up again, we skirt around the side of the mountain on sheep trails.  It is about a mile and a half.  It is not too bad during the day, but it can be pretty treacherous at night.

The people here are poor, real poor.  We find families of 5 and 6 or more living in a room about 12 feet by 12 feet.  They are usually kind and friendly, especially the members.

It is pretty cold up here.  The wind was blowing yesterday and we really froze.  There is not a paved road within 150 kilometers and the dust really gets bad.  Speaking of yesterday, I was really depressed but I feel better today.

One thing that I don't think I will ever get tired of is the little kids and babies.  Those big eyes and cheeks so red can just hold me spellbound.  They are great examples of the innocence of children.  Another thing that I don't think I will ever get tired of is the stars at night.  They seem so close and innumerable and clear.

The week has really been a long one.  Last Sunday at the temple with the Azul District seems years ago.  I think that I am adjusting to life here, the food, the lack of showers and everything else so that I think this next week will go faster.

"If ever there was a place where it is easy to get depressed it is in Bolivia, especially Colquiri."

Man, what a day.

If ever there was a place where it is easy to get depressed it is in Bolivia, especially Colquiri.

I finally got my suitcase today, minus my electric razor.  I hope whoever has it uses it in the bathtub and electocutes himself!

I'm surprised I still have a head attached to my body.  I have hit it on roofs, doors, and bars and almost had it severed millions of times by clotheslines.

It is time to go to bed.  Maybe I will write some more of these exciting things tomorrow.  Elder Kupu and I have been fasting for the Mamanis family, we are going to baptize them tomorrow wow!

A Terrible Time In Oruro

We left La Paz at 12:00 yesterday.  The country between La Paz and Oruro is a lot like Northern Utah.  We had a terrible time in Oruro.  Mostly cause I was sick.  I was so busy trying to hold things in on both ends that I didn't feel much like running around, which is what we were doing.  We finally got a taxi to bring us out, $25!

First Impressions Of The Bolivia La Paz Mission

So much has transpired in the last few days that I don't know where to begin.  Elder Kupu (a native Tongan) and I have been assigned to work in Colquiri.  He is really a super elder.  Colquiri is the location of the highest branch in the world (about 15,000 feet).  I still haven't received my other suitcase, it is still in the Airport I think.

The Mission President met us at the Airpot and took all us to his home.  Hotel, sleep, breakfast, orientation, assignments and we were off.

The city of La Paz is really incredible.  So many colors, varieties, sounds and twists and turns, ups and downs.  We went to mail a latter and buy some warm stuff for Colquiri.  We went to the black market and it was neat.

Right now I am kind of sick.  I really got off to a running start.  The food is taking a while to get used to but so far I have been able to get everything down and keep it down.  Although sometimes I can feel it trying to come up.

From what I hear about Colquiri it is going to be tough.  Elder Kupu and I will be the only missionaries there.  It is a mining town and the people are cold sometimes.  I think that it will be a good way to start.  If I can eat the food and work hard there, then I think that I will be able to work hard everywhere.

I wish I had the gift to be able to express my feelings and thoughts more clearly but alas, I have yet to develop the ability.  Even though this journal may be too boring to re-read or for someone else to read, at least I am keeping with the admonition of President Kimball to maintain a journal.

One of the hardest things for me to keep down is the hot milk.  I have had two glasses now and both times it was a life and death struggle to get it down.  I can feel it right now in my stomach and it doesn't feel good.

In just two days here I have met so many good, kind and humble people.  I really hope that I can learn to love Bolivia and the people.

To change the subject so that I don't lose it from thinking about the milk...  I guess I am only the second (third) new missionary to start in Colquiri.  Elder Hales was first and apprently it has done him good.  He is now one of the Assistants to the President.  I guess President Hill must have a lot of confidence in me.  When Elder Hale was there when there were four missionaries, we will be the only ones.  I hope that I don't let the President, my companero, or any of the others who are supporting me down.  I know that if I can be humble and have the Lord with me all the time then I can't help but do good.

A Letter From Elder Brown

Elder Christensen,

Let me say first of all that I'm proud of you.  I'm pleased and feel grateful to have been your companion at the MTC.  I'm thankful for the example you've set for me.  You've kept me relatively close to the rules, much closer than I would have been otherwise.  I really think it took a lot of guts to give C-1 on the plan to Miami tonight.  I really admire that quality.  I'd like to bear you my testimony.  I know without any hesitation or doubt that we are doing the Lord's work here on earth.  I know the Lord helps us to do our jobs if we are trying our best and asking for His help.  I know that the Church is true.  I really felt the spirit at the temple during our last testimony meeting.  I could not possibly feel such a love for people I've only known for 8 weeks unless we were doing the work of the Lord.  I've felt the spirit many times at the MTC - perhaps more than ever before in my life.  I have gained a greater testimony of Joseph Smith also at the MTC.  I really now fully realize the greatness of that man.  I know that Spencer W. Kimball is a prophet of God today.  I have no doubt.  I know that if we follow his guidance we'll be prepared for The Second Coming.  I have a testimony of missionary work now like never before.  I know we can be as saviors for thousands if we only do the work.  The Lord is preparing the world for the end by sending us to all parts of the globe.  Let's do it!  I'm thankful for your advice and counsel.  I'm working on those weaknesses as of now.  Thanks for everything you've done for me.  I really appreciate it.

Tu companero,

Elder Ed Brown

Bolivia Bound: Thoughts From The Miami Airport

We are sitting in the Miami Airport.  I think these lines are the same ones that I wrote two years ago in the same place while waiting to go to Argentina.  Some eternal experiences have transpired in the last two days.

Sunday.  Many compliments were paid to the Azul District.  We averaged 80% on DMT, 9 out of 10 memorized all 8 discussions, and many commented on the love and examples that we have shown each other.  That night we had a great culture class.  Elder Harris and Elder Merrill really got us excited to go.  Then, we went up to the temple and had a testimony meeting.  I cannot describe the spirit that was there so I won't try.  After the meeting we all gave each other abrazos.  Everyone was crying, those abrazos were so neat.  I just won't forget District Azul.  It rained on the run back from the temple.

I felt like I was in a dream world on the bus to Salt Lake.  The reality of 2 months has not sunk in.  These two months in the MTC have been the fastest in my life.  If I have had thoughts of being unprepared they are gone.  Now is my time and I am ready.

Seeing Mom and Dad and Linda at the Airport really was a dream.  It was so fast.  Dad and Mom were fairly easy to comprehend but I haven't seen Linda for five months and I was just shocked at how good she looked to me.  I just bumbled with my words.  I don't think that I got one clear thing across, and that handshake with Linda just seemed insufficient.  I guess one day I'll gain my reward haha.  I talked with them a little about my experiences in the MTC and what they were doing.  The time went just too fast.  On the way up to the Airport I wrote my testimony in The Book of Mormon that I bought for Dad.  The road was real bumpy and the handwriting was shaky but it was my testimony.  I also was able to bear my testimony to all three in Spanish, it was neat for me and I think that they felt my spirit.

Well, on the plane to Denver I handed out my first pamphlet to a man who had his family with him.  I was nervous as all get out.  Elder Cowley who is in my traveling companion told me that I did a good job, that helped.  Speaking of Elder Cowley, his grandfather's brother was Matthew Cowley.  He is a real good missionary.

My second contact in the plane was real great.  We were flying between Denver and Dallas.  I sat next to a lady named Laura Wallace.  We got a real good conversation going about Colorado, Trumbles in Boulder, sheep, Aspen, and many other things.  We became fast friends when I gave her some of my Mom's toffee that she made for me.  She raved and raved about it.  Well the spirit was helping out and I got some inspiration.  I told her that if she gave me her address I would have my Mom send her the recipe.  That was the first address that I have received for a referral and I think that it was pretty smooth.  We then got on the subject of families.  I gave her Elder Cowley's tract on Family Home Evenings since I had given mine to the first family.  She mentioned that she had the missionaries over before.  I asked her what she thought of the Church.  She told me that she thought the Church was a real good one and that she was extremely impressed with the youth.  However she told me that she couldn't accept the Joseph Smith Story.  I told her my feelings about Joseph Smith, bore my testimony of him and gave her the pamphlet on him.  I aske her to read it again and pray.  I told her also that I would send some missionaries again.

I felt so good doing all of this.  She truly was a good lady.  By this time the plan had landed.  I took a big piece of the toffee and wrapped it in a napkin for her.  I really think she was touched.  We said our goodbyes and parted.

My third contact was probably the strangest.  A lady who was from Cuba and returning on a vacation to Miami.  She didn't speak very good English which gave me a chance to practice my Spanish.  We introduced ourselves and I talked with her a little about Bolivia.  She then kind of drifted off to sleep.  We ate dinner and then she slept a little again.  I had decided that she didn't want to hear about the Church.  I think it was just that I didn't want to talk because the spirit was really working.  It seems as if out of nowhere she just asked me what our Church believed.  Well, I guess I realized that it wasn't me that should decide who to teach and who not to.  I girded up my guts and got going.  I presented the C-1 concept and C-2 to her in Spanish.  I was really nervous.  I hope that I didn't get her too confused.  I told her that if she gave me her address, then some missionaries would be sent to tell her more.  She did so gladly.  She was really surprised with the story of Joseph Smith.  Apparently she had never heard of him.  I felt so insufficient with my ability to communicate.

It's 1:20 am and we just heard that our flight will be delayed until 4:00 this morning.  That is going to be a while.

The variety of people here in this Airport is absolutely incredible.  All races, colors and creeds are represented.  Spanish is as commonly heard as English.  There also is a diversity of morals and standards of attire.  Some with sufficient, others insufficient.  Well it is time to attempt some sleep.  Before I do that, I will write just about my feelings right now.

I can just feel those precious missionary days just slipping through my fingers.  Talking with the people is really a great experience.  Every person is so different and so full of stories of their own life.  I always hope that I can have this desire and love for the people.  I think the love that I have felt for these people has come as part of my call.  The last lady that I taught was a negro.  The funny things was that distinction wasn't made until I saw her later in the airport.  While I was teaching she was just another child of God to whom I should share my message.

"I think I need a mini P-Week!"

The days are going faster than I can write them down.  It's Saturday.  We have a mini P-Day to wash our clothes and pack.  To do all the things that I need to do I think that I need a mini P-Week!  I have worked harder than I have in my whole life, prayed harder, and tried harder.  I have read The Book of Mormon, Jesus The Christ, half of a Marvelous Work and a Wonder and half of the New Testament.  I have grown incredibly, mentally and spiritually, and I know that the Lord has blessed me to.  Then why do I feel so unprepared?!

A Letter From Elder Nelson

Elder John,

Well Elder, this is it.  The 8 weeks are over and we are finally on our way.  It has been really neat developing a great friendship with you.  We have studied together and worked together and really grown close.  You and your companion have really brought life to our room and made my days a true pleasure to live.  Thanks for our great "runs" during gym.  I really got to know you a lot better because of them.

Elder, you are going to have a great mission.  You have a neat, loveable spirit and a strong testimony of the Gospel.  The people of Bolivia are in for a treat when you arrive and start spreading the Gospel.  Do your best, as I know you will, and you will be successful.

The Church is true and the greatest thing in our life.  Be a great, enthusiastic missionary and remember your old buddy from the MTC and the great things we went through here.  I love you Elder, and expect to see you sometime in the future.

Go with God, my brother and have a great, enjoyable, fruitful mission.  Thanks again for your wonderful friendship.

Que Dios Te Bendiga,

Elder Gerald S. Nelson (Jerry)

A Letter From Elder Ostler

Elder Christensen,

What can I say to such a great missionary and friend.  I can honestly say that I have developed a love for you that is going to last a lifetime.  I have really felt and partaken from your spirit.  Your testimony is strong  and shows.  But not just that because I know without a doubt that as you continue on this same missionary path that you've portrayed, you are going to not just be a good missionary, but you're going to be a great missionary.  I want you to know that I have grown spiritually because of your great spirit.

Know also that I love this great work with all my heart and I am going to work with all my heart.

If, for some reason, we never meet again in this life, there is no doubt but that we'll see each other again in the Celestial room of our Father's mansions.

Con gran amor,

Elder Dale Anthony Ostler
Argentina Buenos Aires Mission

Finishing The Last Spanish Concept

I finished the last concept today - 8 charlas!  Elder Nelson and I took pictures with our signature sheets.  I also finished the last of my interviews with the Naromas District.

The Last P-Day: "I have no idea what is ahead of me in Bolivia."

I had been harboring some pretty bad feelings towards Elder Laycock.  So I went and talked to him about it.  If I were any other place where I could get away for just one day, I think that I could work them off or forget about them.  But here when you are with a district every hour of the day, little things can work up to be big things and about the only way to get them off your chest is to talk about them.  Well, it worked.  I felt really good about everybody today.

As our last P-Day, we went to the temple together and went to Heaps for pizza.  It was fun.  We walked back from Heaps and I could feel those old pains in my back starting to creep in.  I had better start watching my posture and take it a little easier playing volleyball.

I received a letter last week from Linda that said she could see me off at the airport.  I suspect some type of hanky panky has been going on between her and my parents.  In her letter it says that she and her family are going on vacation to bring Denise down to school.  In my Mom's letter however it says that they are going to meet her at the airport Sunday night!  It also said that Mom was helping Linda with her airfare.  If I find out that Linda is flying out from Oregon just to see me off, I am going to be pretty mad (I think).

Just like when I had no idea of what was really awaiting me in the MTC, I have no idea what is ahead of me in Bolivia.  The culture classes have helped a little bit but they just can't show you what you are going to feel.

Shaking Hands With Elder L. Tom Perry

I shook the hand of an apostle of the Lord tonight.  Elder L. Tom Perry spoke at our devotional.  When I shook his hand, I did feel power come out and into my body.  Not physical power but spiritual power.  I know that he is an apostle.

His speech was a needed rest.  I have really felt like I have been sinking under the load of this final week.  I am trying to do everything and I am not doing anything well.  Re-passing, learning new concepts, my relations with others are really sagging and I haven't felt too good about my attitude.

I FEEL BETTER!  I've done some talking with Elder Laycock but it is late and I will write about it tomorrow.

"If ever I was psyched out by a shot, this was the time."

Boy what a day!  We had a pretty wild and crazy time changing rooms this morning.  We were all supposed to move at 9:00 am sharp.  Some elders started moving at about 8:45 and that started the stampede!  It was raining and that added to the scene.  2,000 missionaries mean a lot of suitcases and clothes.  Poor Elder Laycock got his white shirts stepped on two times within 5 minutes.  He wasn't exactly happy about that.

To add to my problems, I got a gamma globulin injection just before.  If ever I was psyched out by a shot, this was the time.  It was the first time that I can remember receiving a shot in the rear end.  I walked in to the room and there was this huge shot just sitting there and glinting at me.  The shot actually wasn't too bad.  I did dream last night (it is now the 14th) that the nurse left the shot in and forgot to take it out.

To get back on the subject, we are now located on the fourth floor of SM.  The room seems to be smaller but I just can't complain knowing about some of the conditions that lie ahead in the next two years.

I have started writing smaller in order to conserve paper.  There is no way that this will last me two years.

I received a 1.25 rating in my FSI exam last night.  Last time I got a 1.5!  The funny thing is I felt a whole lot better talking than I did the previous time.  Elder Brown received a 2.5 which is really good.

I met my cousin's cousin yesterday.  He is right next door.  I was talking with this elder that I knew was from Denver.  I told him that I was from Colorado too.  I told him that my home was Grand Junction.  He seemed excited when I said this and asked me if I knew Bettie Jo Christensen.  I told him that she was my cousin.  He then told me that he was her cousin.  It was exciting.

"Talk about feeling overwhelmed!"

Talk about feeling overwhelmed!  It seems as though I am about to go down the third time without air.  There are so many things that I have to do to get ready.  I think, in fact I know that something is going to be forgotten.  I would write them all down but I don't have enough paper!

It just started raining pretty good which has lifted my spirits considerably.  I do wish I had time to write more in here, but later.

We just got back from a testimony meeting with the new District.  They are really a super bunch.  Their testimonies were so sweet and full of love.  It really lifted my spirits.  It reminded me of the real reason why we are here.  It makes all those other things seem a lot less significant.

Afterwards I told them about "abrazos", and they readily accepted the idea and I got a big abrazo from each.  I really have benefitted from each one of them.

The Lord is so good in answering my prayers, as insufficient as they might be.  We received some lessons on faith and prayer today and they were really good.

We are going to effect one massive move tomorrow.  The whole MTC is rearranging rooms so that all the missionaries of any particular branch will be on the same floor.  So we have to pack everything up.  Plus Elder Brown and I are getting gamma globulin shots tomorrow.  It will be interesting to say the least.

Scriptures For Dad, Being The Acting District Leader & Chasing Away Bad Thoughts

Lots of "cosas" to write about.

I bought Dad a pair of scriptures.  I sure hope that he likes them.  It took up a lot of guts to buy them but I am a missionary and this is my job.

The Naronas District got in yesterday.  I was pretty nervous when I was telling them all the information, but Elder Brown said that I did a good job.

I got a long letter from Linda yesterday along with some great brownies.  I don't believe it but I don't think she really caught the drift of my "cooling down" letter.  It was a lot better but there were still some pretty subtle hints.  On the back of the last page she wrote Linda Christine Christensen!!  She did tell me not to take it seriously, but still!

I passed off F-6 which was the last one in F so now there are 7 down and one to go!

Today was really rough.  I just couldn't concentrate on the concept.  It took me close to 4 hours to learn it.  I don't know why, but I just kept thinking of bad thoughts and things that should be out of my mind.  I prayed a lot and tonight I did a lot better.

Well that's all for tonight!

Flight Plans To Bolivia & Saying Goodbye To Elder Klaich

Well, 1 down and 3 to go!

Elder Klaich took off this morning for Italy.  Last night the four of us, Elders Klaich, Chavey, Smith and Christensen got together and took some pictures.  Then we had a prayer.  It was really neat.  We all knelt down in a circle with arms around shoulders and Elder Smith gave the prayer.  Afterward we all had some "abrazos" (hugs) and that's the last I've seen of Mitch Klaich, for two years anyway.

Due to this late night gathering, I got to bed pretty late.  It was the first time that I missed getting to bed at 10:30 but considering the circumstances I think that it was justified.

We also got our flight plans yesterday.  I wrote home and told Dad and Mom that we were leaving on a Monday.  Two days before Jan gets back from Europe!!  I am not sure what is going to happen.  I know that Mom will want to drive over and see us off.  Dad however may have something going on.  I'll just wait and see.

We are going to have quite a few hours in Miami.  I wonder if I can contact anyone.  It will be my only chance to be a missionary in my own land.  I better make it good!

We sure got a long P-Day in front of us tomorrow.  There are a ton of things to buy to get ready.  I hope I have some time to write letters, but I just don't know.  I hope nobody gets mad if I don't.