Today I have a fun guest post from my great aunt. She is going to tell you about what she is doing right now. Hope you enjoy!
My name is Carolyn Johnson Christensen, wife of Von Christensen, from Sandy, Utah. I have four children and 12 grandchildren.
A word about the picture. I am wearing a scarf sent to me by a sister. It says, "A missionary leaves their family for a short time so that those they teach can be with their families forever." I love that thought.
Colby has asked me to do a guest blog. Since I am not sure what that is, I'll wing it. I am Colby's GREAT Aunt. He grandpa and my husband are brothers. I have loved reading Colby's Blog because it is so positive and upbeat. It reminds me of how upbeat and positive the young missionaries are with whom we serve.
We are on a mission to the Illinois Chicago Mission. Our mission is only a year and a half old. If anyone wanted to serve a foreign mission and stay in the United States, this is the mission. It is extremely and beautifully diverse. At this time we have about 180 young missionaries with about one fourth of them being beautiful young women. Right now, there are about 10 couples or Senior Sisters serving as MLS Missionaries, Preservationists, Employment Specialists, Military Specialists, and Office People.
I AM surprised that living in Chicago (actually Glenview - about 30 miles north of Chicago) is not much different than living at home. We have a nice neighborhood, a great ward FULL of children. (We are sunbeam teachers in our ward.) And I can occasionally see my grandchildren - on skype.
We have been out about 7 weeks and so love the work here. What a difference it has made in my life. We love the people. Surprise? Not really. We have tremendous missionaries. No surprise there either. I think what has been a surprise is the things I am learning. Among many things, I am learning to appreciate the basics of Christ's Gospel. I am realizing how important it is to understand the Apostasy and Restoration. I am learning that the Holy Ghost and Book of Mormon do the converting. I'm learning that God's plan brings happiness. I am loving this time with my husband. I see miracles every day, small and large. My mission is teaching me that I can be a missionary when I go home - AND that I was a missionary when I was at home. We areall helping each other come unto Christ.
A missionary's purpose is to help people come to Christ. That doesn't just include converting people to our faith. It means helping to provide happiness and positive experiences for those we see each day. A needed smile can bring people closer to Christ.
My niece on a mission said, "God doesn't give me more miracles because I am a missionary, I just see them better." I couldn't describe a mission any better than this statement.
Colby, thank you for letting me tell people about my wonderful experience. My testimony of this gospel is strong, and I want everyone to know.
Always have hope,
Always have hope,
Colby
1 comments
I love that statement from her niece that is a missionary! SO true. Being a missionary helps you see God's hand so much more clearly every single day. :)
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