Hey Ya'll! 7/16/2012

I'm living above the garage of a member. There are no bugs, but there is a lizard chillin' like a villian in our bathroom. He's particularly fond of underneath the tub. Sister ---- says he has been named Fred. The people are really nice I like them. I've had a lot of interesting experiences.

I met Pres. ----, but he is leaving tomorrow morning and Pres. ---- is coming in today with his family. We'll be in a meeting on Wednesday.

As you can see my Prep-day is on Monday here.

I will tell my stories and then after that, if it starts with your name it's for you!

Okay, so flying gives me a headache, but I didn't die. I went through security so early no body else was there, and the people around were very patient with me.

My last night at the MTC - July 12, 2012
I finally got the clearance to leave and serve in TX, so, my comp. Sister ---- wrote on the board & I had to take a picture by it!
You can't really see it - but the highlighted mark at the time is making sure I realize I'm leaving at 3:00 AM Friday the 13th! :)

I had a lay over in Dallas. We boarded, got everything ready.....and we got off the plane due to bad weather in Houston. We didn't get back on the plane until a while later. After that we boarded, got everything ready, went through the "what to do if something bad happens" part before you leave, and we were on the runway....and we back to the boarding station. They didn't make us get off the plane but we sat there for quite a while longer. There was something wrong with the plane - a light or something, a long with the bad weather in Houston so we needed more gas to take an alternate route and come in from the south. After all of that was taken care of... we went through everything a again sat on the runway.......and kept sitting on the runway....and we finally got flying! I started on 3:00 in the morning here and got to Houston like twelve hours later. Plus, can I just say I had to go through stupid day light savings again! My body was not happy with like no sleep.

After getting to Texas I met my companion, met the Pres. and went to meet ----....

Eventually we went out and started walking around the area. We talked to a handful of people. It was pretty cool. We met this one man named ----, and we got talking to him. We set up an appointment to go back and have lesson the next day. However, he wasn't there when we went. So we left a Restoration pamphlet, and a note saying we'd been there.

Later that night, [he] texted us and said he had read the pamphlet and started reading the Book of Mormon! I was super excited. My companion and I preceded to have a mini lesson via text message about the power of prayer. We asked him to read Moroni 10:3-5, and he agreed. Also decided he needed to read the whole chapter too! I'm sitting here preaching the gospel through a cell phone, and praying that the Spirit is touching this young man's heart! Coolest thing. Technology is here to help the Lord's work move forward. FACT! So use it, to do it.

Now, on Sunday we go to church. We cover two wards. Because I didn't go to a singles ward before my mission the Lord thought it would be funny to have me serve in one so I have to go every Sunday! :) I'm glad we can joke with one another....the other ward we cover is a family ward. So in total we have six hours of church, besides other meetings and needing to do contacting, and other things on Sunday. Sundays are busy, but they are great!

In our family ward we received a referral for a man named ---- who is going through a divorce. Apparently some of his family (his sisters) are LDS, and so he is interested in the church. We invited him to go to an investigator devotional that we have once a month. (---- couldn't make it, but wanted to come.) ---- came, and before the night was over I was calling him Brother ----. He took a Book of Mormon home with him and we are planning on seeing him soon. It was amazing to watch the Spirit touch his heart at that devotional. He was in awe by the time he left. I was really grateful for the experience. He said that one thing he really appreciated about it was all the happy faces.

It's true, the joy the gospel brings to your face. It lights you up, and it lifts others! The smiles and the testmonies, mixed with the power of the Spirit really touched this man's heart. It's beautiful. I want to testify that the Lord's hand is in all our lives and he knows when, and how to help us receive Him in our lives. He has prepared these people...I have done nothing, but talk with them and share my testimony. This is the Lord's work and I am so grateful He has allowed me the privilage of being a small part of it. I'm so grateful that He answered my prayers, and the prayers of others, that were asking that I would be well enough to get to Texas.

I want to thank you for those prayers, and for keeping me in your thoughts. I love you!...

...Times up! got to go! Love you more than anything!

Stay true, and read the Book of Mormon EVERY day!

Forever,

Sis. Chris.

Congrats! 7/10/2012

Hello my sweet Bascom family!

How are you doing? I hope all is well with ----'s grand appearance as Beanie put it. I want to thank you for your letters. They really strengthened me today. I will do my best to write you soon. I am sorry I haven't been doing better. I went to the cardiologist today. He kind of, sort of cleared me to go to Texas. But others are not so certain. I suppose Bishop ---- was slightly prophetic when he said I was ready for Texas, but he wasn't sure if Texas was ready for me.

Deep in my heart I know there is a purpose for all that is happening to me right now, but there is a fear that creaps into my heart every once in a while taunting me that I will not be able to serve my Lord with all my heart, might, mind , and strength. I hope and pray otherwise, my sincerest desire is to help other recieve the restored gospel and come unto Christ. How blessed we to know the things we know! I can't tell you how much I know this chruch is true! I cannot imagine my life without it, and in reality, I wouldn't want to. The gospel has blessed my life in every way, and much more than I turly deserve. I know that to be true.

...We just have to wait out the storm, and dance in the rain while it's happening. You have received many precious blessings from your family and your trust in the Lord. Be of good cheer. The Lord is with us, I know it! I have felt Him lift me up as best He can and still let me learn what I need to learn.

...I want you to know that I truly do miss you very much, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. You are all a gift from God to me....

I love you all with all my heart, broken or not! :)

Forever,

Sis. Chris.

My Bascom Family!! 6/26/2012

Hello!

I'm sorry you haven't really heard from me in a while. It's been kind of crazy here with everything that's going on. I met my new Mission President. He is really amazing! He is a great guy, and his wife his going to have a baby this week or next their seventh child and their sixth boy.

I am going to see a cardiologist on Friday if you haven't heard. My departure date has been pushed back until July tenth. Maybe post that on the blog.

Everyone in my district left this morning at 5:00. I wish I had gone with them. It's frustrating because I have no idea what's going on with my heart, and now I'm alone floating until they figure out what to do with me. I'm being put into a new district and another tripanionship. I'll just chill there until I'm cleared to leave. I hope that day comes soon.

I would really love to here from you, and tell the boys happy birthday from me. I was going to send them cards, but I don't have much time here. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Please write back and let me know how things are going.

A random story for the blog:

The other day while I was on the temple walk with my district I got punched in the face by an Elder on accident. It was really funny, I'm not hurt but I had to bend my glasses back into place so they would fit on my face right.

I teased him until he left today. It was great.

Another story, maybe not for the blog but I think it's funny. [I'm putting it in, anyway.]

We were sitting in the classroom doing personal study, and one of my elders said, "Dang it, worst words ever!"

I responded, "What are the worst words ever?"

He said reading from the scriptures: "And now, I Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah..."

I thought it was hilarious!!!

Oh, and L. Tom Perry is speaking today at the devotional. I'm kind of stoked for it. I've also seen a handful of the Apostles walking around because of the new mission president seminar. It has been kind of fun trying to spot them.

One last time: I love you all! Have a most wonderful day my family! I miss you lots!

Forever,

Sister Christopherson

[I'm not sure when this picture was taken, but this e-mail talks about Elders, so I decided to throw it in.]
So, one day my companions & I (1st District) decided we were going to post-it note our classroom w/ things we loved about our Elders. I forgot to print pictures off, but it was fun... :)
A few days later when we came into the room Elder ---- had left us a note with some goodies to fill in the blank.
It was a good moment so we took a picture. :)
Loved it!

Hey. 6/19/2012

Hey,

Just wanted to let you know I'm alive. I have three minutes on the computer so this is about as much as an e-mail as you're going to get. I love you very much! You're in my prayers. Let me know how things are going! I really would love to hear from you, and maybe get a few pictures of the family. Keep me posted on ----....I didn't spell that right, forgive me. Lots of love again! Keep smiling and maybe go dancing in the rain! ;)

Forever,

Sister Christopherson

6/12/12 Pt. B

Hello my dear family,

I don't have a whole lot of time so it's going to be a short e-mail, and everybody gets the same one. Sorry!

I want you to know that I love you very much! I think about you often, and pray for you as well. Know that I am so grateful you are my family, and you have blessed my life!

I am in a threesome companionship with Sister ---- and Sister ----. Sister ---- is from ----, AZ and Sister ---- is from --[Where Sis. Chris went to school]--! We had a bonding moment over that! :) Everyone in my district is going to Texas Houston South except Sister ----. So on June 26th I'll be heading out there with eight peopel including myself. Six of them being the best Elders you could ever meet! I love my district and I am so thankful the Lord know me by name! He put with the peopel I needed most here at the MTC! I testify that the Lord knows each of us, and is intricately involved in our lives! He loves us with the purest love possible! I'm so happy here! I am surrounded by missionaries, and we all serve as called representatives of the Lord! How special is that!

The Lord is helping me to become the best missionary I can be, that's for sure! I have had so many experiences that I can't even find the words to express how special and sacred they were! My testimony has grown so much in just my first week of service! It's amazing how well the Lord knows exactly what you need, and how to get it to you!

I want you to know that you are special, and you have a great potential! Do not fear the future, but look forward to it as you strive to walk with Christ on the pathway home! Please, please, please remember how lucky you are to know the things we know about the gospel. We are blessed by His love and tender mercies everyday! You will see them if you will take the time to look!

I'll talk to you in a week (next Tuesday)!...

Forever,

Sister Christopherson

6/12/2012

My Dear Bascom Family!

...I want you to know that I'm loving the time I'm spending here. It feels like I've been here FOREVER! Time seems to slow down like never before, and you learn so much! It's incredible what the Lord can do to you in a week! 

...Until yesterday I was in a companionship with Sister ----, She is a peach! I love her! She is from ----, AZ and full of energy and love. She has a really kind heart, and a perfect smile to show it off! Now I'm in a threesome with Sister ---- and Sister ----. The dynamic is something you have to get used to, but the Lord is helping us out. I love Sister ---- too! She is amazing, she is funny and outgoing. She has a great spirit and is very humble. So far I have been very blessed by the Lord and the Spirit!

My district is AMAZING! I love them all very much! There is four companionships. Our threesome and three sets of Elders. They are the best! I can't even tell you how much I love them. They are like little brothers, and the best part is that we are all going to Texas Houston South!!!! Everyone except Sister ----, she is going to CA. Which is sad, but I'll write her!

My experience here has been a unique one. You can't even begin to expect it. We were teaching the first night here, and have been teaching "progessive investigators" ever since. It's an excellent learning experience and how the Lord helps prepare his missionaries.

If you can find it read the talk: "The Character of Christ" by Elder Bednar. He said it at the MTC a while ago around Christmas time; but if you can get a hold of it READ IT!!! It's life changing!

I went to the temple today and thought of you. Just remember that I love you very much, and I do miss you a lot! I enjoyed your e-mail, and would love to hear from you again! I hope you have a most wonderful day!

Forever,

Sister Christopherson

From the Beginning: 6/7/2012

Hello, Everybody. This is Katrina. I'd first like to apologize for not keeping this blog up to date. I was thinking, yesterday, I think I can post an e-mail a day, and get this blog back to running, soon! Wish me luck! And, enjoy!

Please note: I will be making minor edits to these e-mails. I will be changing names and deleting some things that don't need to be added to a blog. Please bear with me. Thanks!

My first day at the MTC - June 6, 2012
-> The orange dot means that I'm new & everyone is supposed to welcome me to the MTC or help me when I look lost. :)

6/7/2012:

Hello my dear family!

I just wanted to let you know that I'm doing great and simply LOVING the MTC!!! I've had so many awesome experiences here! ...Hoping all is well with you! You'll hear from me again on Tuesday. That's my P-Day....Also! I'm going to be coming home Christmas of 2013. Just something to count down to I guess! I'm also getting a new mission president so I'll keep you posted on that! He'll be coming out with his family including a newborn around a month after I get out there. I'm excited to serve my mission, and hope that I have your love and support! Please write me and send me some pictures through the mail please.

Graydon please post that I am having a wonderful experience here!

Love,

Sister Christopherson

Me at the map...
I'm going to Texas! :)

As a side, Sister Christopherson will be coming home on the 17th of December, I think! We are so excited, at this house!