Elder Christensen's First Day In The MTC

Wow, what a day.  Today was my first day in the MTC.  This missionary life is going to be different.  I feel as though I better start humbling myself and repent so that I can receptive to His spirit.  I will truly need His help if I plan to make it.

I held together all week long until I said goodbye to my family this morning.  Perhaps I could have made it if I would have said goodbye to each member at different times.  All together it was too much and the tears came.

I met my companion Elder Brown.  He is from Ohio.  He seems to know a lot of Spanish.  I hope he can help me.

I saw quite a few people.  Jeff Smith, Eric Dahle, Jep Hunter, Mitch Klaich, Bruce Johnson and others that I can't remember.

I am tired and I am going to bed.  I will read scriptures first.

JC's Mission Farwell & Being Set Apart

Today was one of the choicest days of my life.  Today was Father's Day and the day of my farewell.

I think the best thing about today is the special feelings that I have had for my father.  I don't think that I have ever seen him better.  He showed real joy and appreciation for the gifts which he received.
The most special part of the day for me was Sacrament meeting.  The bishop spoke.  He even remembered a talk that I gave when I was 14.  Then Kerri in her meek but beautiful way, got up and told me that she loved me.  I get nervous every time she stands before a crowd.  Not because I'm worried about her speech difficulties but because her words always bring out my strongest emotions.  I often find myself choking on tears when she stands.  Jan followed Kerri with a "Dear John".  She reflected back on some of the moments that we have shared.  The long talks (which haven't been long enough) and shared confidences were mentioned in the talk.  Next came Kris.  She reflected some experiences that she has had with me.  Saving me from choking on a jack.

From time to time throughout the service, I struggled vainly with my emotions and tears.

Sister Marion Pond sang a song entitled "My Little Boy".  The song was composed by her.  It was very stirring.

Mother spoke of the missionary mold and the qualities that this particular "model" has.

I believe that the highlight of the day was when my beloved father spoke.  He fairly quickly wandered off of his notes.  His manner of speaking is so beautiful that no one would have guessed.  He expressed his appreciation to those people in the ward who had made contributions in my life (there are many).  He then went on to thank my friends.  It is hard for me to remember exactly what he said.  I was too busy fighting tear drops.  I do know that I don't believe that I have ever felt closer to him in my entire life.  His words came from his heart and I could feel his love for me as never before.  He closed his talk with some Spanish phrases which really hit me.  He said "John, 'Noja con Dios', 'Bueno suerte'" and one other that I can not recall.

The Lord helped me get through my talk somehow.  I wouldn't be surprised if no one heard anything.  They were probably pondering and savoring the preceding excellent talks.  I talked about missionary work.  I read a letter to my grandma that was written while my grandfather was in the mission field in 1912.  I closed by bearing my testimony and reading from Alma, his parting words with Shiblon who was going on a mission.

Brother Ken Lowell finished by singing "Ye Who Are Called To Labor".  Mike Chovey offered the benediction.

After Sacrament we had an open house.  It was enjoyable talking to those people whom I love so much and have helped me so dearly.  While at the open house, Bishop Christensen walked up to Jeff and I and informed us that we were both going to be set apart tonight.  Jeff and I both headed for the phones.  He to call his girlfriend and I to talk with my dearest Linda.  She must feel terribly left out.  Linda sounded kind of down.  I did my best to cheer her up but I am not too sure of my success.  It was hard saying goodbye.  I later found out that it would be OK to call her even after I was set apart.  I doubt that I will call her again however because I think that it will be easier for her not to hear my voice again.

After Sacrament the Bishop handed me a check.  It was for the sum of one-hundred dollars.  Even though it was written on a Church check, I would not be surprised if the money came out of his pocket.  Sister Klaich gave me a book by Carol Lynn Pearson and twenty dollars.  This good woman has two sons on missions and she does not have a lot of money.  I know the Lord will bless her.

At 8:00 pm we went to the Stake President's office.  He interviewed me then Jeff Smith, I then had the opportunity to stand in while Jeff was set apart.  Then Jeff and his Dad, my Dad, the Bishop stood in while the Stake President set me apart.  President Cleghorn said some marvelous things.  I hope and pray that I will be able to live up to the blessings that are in store for my family and myself.

We came home and listened to tapes of conversations and my birthday party.

We are going to head up to Aspen in the morning.

I took Debbie out last night and she gave me a pen to match my pencil.  I was touched.

Friday night we (the young adults) went to Birline Lake to water ski and swim out.  Afterwards we went to Pizza Hut to munch down.  On Wednesday night I took Julie Waldrop out.  I had to get my two year quota filled.  It was fun.  I enjoyed talking to her.

I AM A MISSIONARY!!!!!  I can't believe it.

Thinking About The Mission Farewell Talk Coming Up Soon

Well just one week and two days before I go into the MTC.

I got a surprise tape from Linda that was really neat.  I will have to return the favor.

Jeff Smith and his parents spoke at his farewell.  All of the speakers had some good thoughts.  Jeff's talk was short and simple.  Not like the big production that no doubt is in my mother's head.

I better get on the ball and plan my talk.  I hope it will be OK.

I just got a great idea.  I am going to gather my belongings and then will them to my family.

Right now I am waiting for a guy who wants to look at my car.  I hope he shows up soon.

Kris is arriving tomorrow afternoon.  Can't Wait.

Receiving The Temple Endowment & Other Pre-Mission Events

As Jan, Mother and I were traveling home from Manti yesterday, Jan started reading passages out of her journal.  I hope that some of the words that I will enter in this journal may serve to do some uplifting to some poor soul, meaning me.

I have to do some catching up on past events and I will do my best to bring it up to date.

I have been convalescing to an extent from a bad back.  This problem has been bothering me for the past few months.  I definitely believe that I am on the mend.

Since this is a missionary journal I will primarily contend with those things pertaining to my mission.  I must however add those happenings and events that are meaningful to me.

I guess I'll start with the shots.  My typhoid shot was a killer.  My arm ached for days and it made me sick.  I get the second dose two days before I go into the MTC!  Polio was OK, it was an oral vaccine.  I guess I will get the majority of my shots while I am in the MTC and then I will get some gamma-globulin shots every three months while in Bolivia.

I have had some really good talks with my Bishop and Stake President.  Bishop Christensen is a real good man as is President Cleghorn.  They have provided me with loving and wise counsel during these last weeks.

This weekend has really been a big event for me.  Thursday morning Jeff Smith and I drove over to Provo.  We barged in on Boyd Hill but as usual he offered us his floor and the rest of his house.

On Friday we met Mother and Jan at Mr. Mac's in Salt Lake.  Jeff and I got just about everything we needed right there in one store.  We got close to 50% off on all of our purchases.

Then we went over to purchase our first pairs of garments.  A lady sent us into dressing rooms to try them on.  That was really strange.

Jeff and I were fasting that day and it seems as if Mom and Jan were trying to tempt us.  Every time we turned around they were eating or drinking something!

Saturday was a real big event.  As I pondered and thought about going through the temple I realized to a small extent the responsibility that I would have to accept.  I just pray to the Lord that I will always be able to handle these responsibilities.

The temple ceremony was really neat.  There were a lot of things that I couldn't comprehend.  Fortunately I will be able to go through several more times before I leave for Bolivia.

The temple was so beautiful I just forgot about everything except for the endowment ceremony.  We were blessed to have in our company:  Mother, my Aunt La Rue, Wilford Moses, Gary Hall, Bishop Christensen, Lynn Shumway, and of course Jeff, Mitch, and myself.  I wish that my beloved sister Jan Leslie could have gone with but I know that her time will come and she will settle for no less.

After we went through the temple Aunt June prepared a marvelous feast of baked ham, salads and various other delectable foods.  It was grand!

The trip home was OK.  I am afraid that I will miss the scenic beauty of Utah and Colorado.