Faith and the Fourth

Smile - it's summer!

 Hi everyone!!! Life is good out here. It's been another great couple of weeks! Today I'm starting my fifth transfer here in Federal Way. I couldn't be happier to be in this area. I know I have lots more work to do!

The weather here is amazing!!! After the heat wave left we have had the best Seattle summer. We are soaking up all the sunshine and the farmer's tan is coming in real nice haha!! Mt. Rainier is super clear every day and we always plan our drive home so we can enjoy the sunset over the Puget Sound at night. No complaints here!

So much has happened the past two weeks!! We've had so many funny experiences and amazing miracles given to us straight from heaven. We spent the 4th of July being super patriotic and enjoying a Mexican barbecue, eating nothing American haha!! Some of our friends even told us their stories of coming to the United States (legally or illegally haha). We definitely had a few laughs but I ended the day feeling so grateful to live in this country where I get to meet such amazing people from all over the world. 

We were leaving a lesson the other day and as we walked out of the door one of the family members that was outside stopped us to say goodbye. When I went to shake his hand he shook it and then went in for the traditional Latino kiss on the cheek goodbye….I haven't moved my head that fast in a long time hahaha!! Poor guy was a little embarrassed and we found out later that he has been in the states only for a week! It was so funny. My comp and I laughed so hard the entire night!! The life of an hermana. 

Some amazing things have happened in the work here!! After a few weeks of friends dropping and challenges with church attendance, it feels like some of our efforts are paying off! We had 8 people at church yesterday. Absolute miracle! We also got back in contact with Bolivia and Joana, the cousins of our recent convert. They had been pretty flakey before and left on a long trip to Mexico. However, thanks to some divine spiritual promptings, we have been meeting with them again and they are doing awesome. It seems like they are in a ton better place than earlier and Heavenly Father has been preparing them to better receive the gospel. They are now getting ready to be baptized at the end of the month! I feel so grateful to be an instrument in God's hands and help people like Bolivia and Joana change their lives. They are an answer to our prayers! And yes you must all be completely shocked….the Dumas Bay hermanas are actually baptizing girls!!!! It's about time. 

My favorite quote lately has been from President Nelson, 

"Faith will always propel us forward." 

I have found this to be true as I've served my mission. I have a testimony that no matter what trials we might be facing, faith will take us forward. 

I'm grateful and happy to be serving a mission right now. The satisfaction of a hard day's work trying to help others feel the love of Christ is always worth it… even if it means missing Lake Powell and Colter Bay :') (summer 2022 will be epic). Have an awesome week! I love you guys!! 

Sending love always from sunny Seattle!

Difícil es bueno. 

Xoxoxoxo Hermana Christensen 

Sunset on the Sound

We'll baptize girls soon.....they're coming!