June 25, 2012

Hej! Godt dag! I'm proudly announcing that I am alive and in Denmark right
now! I haven't talked in almost 2 weeks, so lot to say! Here we go!

The plane ride here was a tough one. Or at least the one from JFK, New York
to Denmark was. Yea, sure they say you can sleep on the plane, but from
what I saw, that's not really sleep. Its like a dozing period. Not true
sleep. Kinda like... a feeble attempt to sleep that only makes you groggy
and tired, and less rested then before. The plane ride was a 10 hour
flight. I can do the 3-4 hours easy, but after 10 hours, it starts grinding
my nerves. And your not supposed to watch the on plane movie... so... I was
quite glad I had my scriptures. 10 hour study session? Works for me!

A few random things that I noticed and loved on the plane. Mostly out the
window of the plane. I looked out, over the endless blue, and for a brief
moment, I thought that I could see the curve of the earth. It made me think
of how the prophets of old would go up to high mountain tops. When on high
places, you can see far more then you could below. As such, it put it in
perspective of me of just how much there is out there. I thought of all the
people out on the earth and how many little details are there. Then I
thought how God sees all of them, and it was an intersting moment to
vaguely perceive just how much He sees and understands. Just how infinite
he is, and how infinite his wisdom is. And how infinite his love is for us.

The clouds were cute too. They looked like a ice cream slushy. And as we
flew into Denmark, they looked like cottenballs. So thick and dense!
Intersting to see clouds when you look DOWN at them. ;) And then you
realize just how high up you are off the ground. 3 or 4 times as high as
those clouds. WHOA.

As we got off the plane and into the airport, as we waited in line to get
passed... passport security, it struck me how quite it was. Kinda scary at
first, but once we got past that with no problems at all, we opened up into
a normal airport. We saw our wonderful mission president and his 2 AP´s and
off we went. President Anderson is an incredible man, in just the short
time I´ve known him. My first impression of Denmark was that it seemed like
anywhere else. Little colder, little cloudier, and the license plates are
completely different. We hopped in the white brick of a van the APs
(Aassistants to the Presidents) drove, and away we went. I noticed several
things about the landscape, in the short time I´ve been here.

Its green. Insanely green. So green and lush it almost hurts! The trees and
foliage are so thick that it scarce me. These trees make WALLS of
themselves, they are so thick. Very cool! Everyone here has hedges. Very
few fences. I guess that hedges are just... the thing here. All very
trimmed as well. All the houses are brick. Or at least 90% of them. Love
them. Brick lasts way longer I think, and doesn't rot so they last FOREVER.
Makes EVERYTHING here old! BUT! at the same time the architechre is
BEAUTIFUL. Oh my goodness the buildings are so beautiful! Massive
cathedrals and buildings with details through the nose! Simply incredible!
I want my future home to have many of the features they have here! Yes! The
flat landscape... Yep I'll miss mountains eventually, but for now, I can
enjoy these endless rolling hills. They are so unique and hygglie in their
own way! Cute almost! Beautiful doesn't quite fit.

OK! so enough about the landscape. You can see it all on google earth. We
got picked up and headed to the mission office. In the sea of
unfamiliarity, it felt good to see some familiar things. Namely a clean
office with church related things on the walls. Like the church logo. When
you see that out here, there is a sense of comfort in it. We had our
interviews with the President Anderson and we went off to place our first
Book of Mormon, and to see some of the sights of Copenhagen itself. As we
contacted people on the steets, having no immediate success, we went to the
VorFrue chapel, to see the Chrisus statue, like the one in temple square.
Remember how I said the buildings here were beautiful? The chapels in
particular are incredibly beautiful. The statue of christ and the twelve
apostels? Amazing. The men who make those have incredible talents from God.
No other word for it. Way to say it. Whatever.

After gaining strength from those statues, we set out again. I did place a
Book of Mormon, happy to say, to a man who seemed intersted in Family
History. I wonder where it will lead him... After tracting for a hour
longer, finding no success, we returned to the office to head out to see
Denmark and some other notable locations. First stop, a Kebab shop. Its a
food that we apparently dont have on the west coast. Its like a torriia
wrap with meat, lettuce and other such things, but WAY better. Super
delicious. Can't even describe it.

Anyway, we went to Fredricksburg castle. First real castle i've seen. And
oh my, it absolutely blew me away. There is NOTHING i've seen that is like
it. the closest things I can think of is the Salt lake, manti, and st
george temples, and even then they dont quite compare in the same ways. Its
massive. It has history through the nose. The chapel had so much detail on
EVERYTHING it made my eyes hurt. The Carl Bloch paintings were beautiful.
There is a dance hall that I fell in love with. Detail and beauty in
everything. Statues everywhere and beautiful, but oddly naked. We don't
look to closely at them. The castle grounds were massive, and beautiful.
The garden one of a kind. Everything sharp and neat, exactly like out of a
storybook. There were many paths and trails in the forest right next the
the castle and as I walked though them, I could suddenly understand how
these people could believe in fairys and magical things. It literally felt
like I was stepping into those fairytale storys I'd read as a child. It was
incredible. And since President Anderson is a native to Denmark, he knew
all the history behind everything, so he was a incredible tour guide. I
learned a tone about the royal history here.

Ok! After the tour of the Castle, we went to the seashore and looked out
across the bay, to where we could see Sweden. It felt like it was a stones
throw away. Kinda cool. Then it was to mission presidents home, for dinner
and rest. At this point, all 3 of us were running low on energy. You look
at it like this, we had not slept decently in almost 32 hours at that
point. We still had more to go! The dinner was delicious and soon we were
off to a much needed rest.

Day 2 was less eventful I guess. We woke up and went to the Coppenhagen
chapel, which is beautiful. (does it ever get boring I say that so much?)
And it was there we met our new companions and the areas which we would
serve. I was assigned to Ældste Arts, who is one of the only non-US
missionarys here. He's from Holland, so he knows a lot about the Europe
Culture. Good for me! After that, it was a hop on the train and off to my
new area, called Skive. I.E., middle of nowhere. Compared to Coppenhage,
its the countryside. It took us 4-5 hours of travel to reach it by train,
another hour by bus, and a 15 mintue walk from there. Saw a lot of the
countryside, and have decided it is quite unique in its own regard. Loving
it!

Got to the very cozy aparment we now reside in, and that was day 2.

One of the first things I realized about this area I've been assigned in it
that its going to be tough. Way tough. Hard in the sense of reaching any
success. We keep losing members, in the sense they keep dying off. They are
old, and most of the people in this area are old. Very stubborn people, so
we need to get working if we are to breath life into this area. Travel can
be a pain at times, because of the distances. The farther you travel, the
less time you have to preach, so you've got to use what time you have to
the maximum efficiency.

A few curious things I've seen. I havn't seen the dark of night in a week.
The daylight hours in the summer span from before 6 to after 11. Im not
sure the exact time because im usually asleep between those hours. As a
result, I literally haven't seen night in a week. That will change in
winter, where it gets light at 11 am and dark a 4. Wee! Go crazy time
frames!

I've stopped thinking how much things are here in American money. It only
makes you sick if you do the math. Things are literally 3-4 times more
expensive here. Don't think about it when you pay 2-3 dollars for a can of
soda. Just don't.

The food is extremely fresh here. Like, way more then American food. As a
result it is better. It just is. Sorry. They don't have any of the usual
brands here, so its a little tricky figuring out what is the best brand.
Trial and error I suppose.

There is something extremely humbling about going to church, when there are
only 11-16 members in the chapel. It shows its not just tradition around
here. Its something truly special. And it really makes you self-conscious
when you think you are chewing bread too loud because its so darn quiet.
You thought MTC was quiet? Doesn´t hold a candle to this kind of quite. But
the chapel is very neat, and clean and the Holy Ghost is there. You can
feel it as you walk in. There is a huge comfort there, to know that the
Holy Ghost is always with you, wherever you go.

I had to introduce myself to the ward, and bear my testimony. My Danish is
quite terrible I've come to find out, and my companion has trouble
understanding what I try and say at times. Pronunciation is critical here.
I'll learn it eventually. Anyway, as I did, I do believe that they
understood me, and a lady after mentioned that she felt the spirt as I
talked.
The Holy Ghost is the great translator, and people will understand what you
say, even if they don't understand you. Make sense? It even works in a
language you speak fluently. There are things that can be understood that
otherwise would have not been. Its why you can learn so much more when you
study the scriptures BY THE SPIRT. Look it up sometime, its an interesting
topic.

So, I think that's all for now. I've wrote a ton, and didn't get it all to
my liking. I'll try and condense it in the weeks to come, so you don't have
to spend and hour reading it. Thanks for all the support at home!

Oh, by the way, send letters to me through the mission office address, and
they can send it to me wherever I am. Its at...

Ældste Tyler Christensen (make sure my first name is on the letter, because
there are 2 different 'Christensens' in the mission.)
Borups Alle 128 1tv
Frederiksberg, DK- 2000 Denmark

I belive this is what it is, and if it changes, or is wrong, I'll let you
know.
 Oh! and for those who want to email me because its quicker, my email is at
tchristensen317@myldsmail.net. Sorry I'm a lier to those I sent letter to.

Mom, thanks so much for your emails! I love you so much and will give you
more details later! Got to go buy food now, or we'll starve!
Love to the famliy as well! You all rock!

Love Ældste Christensen

He made it!

We received an email letting us know that Elder Christensen arrived in Denmark safe and sound.  Big sigh of relief.  He will be serving in Skive, Denmark with Elder Art.

I am so excited to hear about his first week.  Our prayers go with him and with those who are prepared to receive the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ that he is prepared to share.

Hej der dyr offering! Trust me, it's a term of endearment. ;) It's getting exciting here at the MTC for us, because we've literally hit the 3-4 day mark till we are out of here. It's really taken long enough, and my heart goes out to those missionaries who are stuck here for 12 weeks, instead of 9, like us. I know Russian is a 12 week language, but I think I could spend 12 weeks learning that. Sounds fun. I think I'd just love to learn ANY language at this point, they are all so cool! I'm totally loving Danish! Long way to go though! So, we got our travel schedules, and we're pretty fortunate I think. We leave salt lake, and go to JFK, in new York, followed by a 2-3 hour layover, then on to Denmark. Total: a lot of hours on the plane. The Dutch Elders next to us have a one way flight to the Netherlands. 14 hours, give or take. I'm glad we have that layover at least. Though I am more than ready to get out of the MTC, as I reflect, in a weird sort of way, I think I'm going to miss it. A sort of, nostalgic kind of feeling. Kind of like my job last summer. It was hard, and not always fun, but looking back, it was a unique experience for me, and I cherish the memory. I think I'll miss Gym some of the most because of all the good times I had talking to the other elders I ran with. I got to be fairly good friends with them. Once again, nostalgic kinda thing. The MTC is a wonderful place. MAIL TIME. So, I'm getting out of here pretty quick and its crazy fun, but a little stressful wrapping up. Speaking of mail, I wouldn't send me anymore at this point, (except mom, you can go ahead and send those SD cards.) and the reason behind this is I might not be here, and your mail will end up getting sent back. Until I can give you my address in Copenhagen, just hold onto those letters. You can e-mail me instead til then. Thanks! Yesterday, I sewed my shirt pocket. Sewing is a very valuable skill in the mission field, and even if you THINK you know how to do it, make sure you've MASTERED it by the time you leave. Get good practice at maintain shirts and stuff. They really are very important skills, and I'd recommend doing it to the point you feel confident in it. I fixed mine up pretty good, and I think it'll hold, but it was kinda a rough job. Oh well. Random mini thoughts. Missionaries can go a little nuts here. So in the evenings we sometimes play little games. It's hilarious how into those small little games of, "pass the ball around", we get. I've got pen fever. It's a little known thing around here. Missionaries get into pens. We sometimes talk about what kinds of pens we have, what tips they are, how small, or what kind of ink they have. We talk about PENS. When you've got one in your hand for a good majority of the day, I guess that happens. I actually got a callous on my finger right were my pen rests. Thats a lot of writing. The usual protesters that we see on our usual Sunday temple walks weren't there this week. I wonder why? Maybe they've given up? That would sure be nice. I'm getting very close to finishing Jesus the Christ. That book is nothing short of DIVINE. I have never understood MY Savior as well as I do now, at least in his physical ministry. Well, you look at it, it's always much more than just 'physical', so.... Last thing.  My thoughts are this. Don't any of you do ANYTHING that you will end up regretting. I'm seeing far too many missionaries with issues like that. It scares me bad. I absolutely testify that wickedness NEVER was happiness. You will be far far far more happy if you follow God's commandment the FIRST time. The guilt and anguish they go through it heartbreaking, and the joy is so full when they repent. I understand the incredible joyfulness of the story of the prodigal son. They have returned! It is a wonderful feeling! Anyway, that all for this week. I'm out of time. I love you all! Jag elske dig! Next time I write, it'll be in the mission field! I'll let you know everything! P.S. Happy Fathers Day Dad! I'll send you a letter!

June 7, 2012

Hej Du! Vordan har du det? Jeg elske dig!

How is everyone doing out there? I've been busy out my ears, but at the
same time right now am gunning for more. I'll give you the update. During
one of our lessons the other day, I was having the hardest time with the
language. I could barely say a thing, and what I was trying to say was
coming out totally butchered. I can get what I want to say in order in my
head, but somewhere along the lines of going from my brain to my mouth,
everything gets scrambled. Also, as we learned new grammar principals, it
was just not working for me. After you have days like that, you are
inclined to be a little depressed for a while after the lesson. But weird
thing. I wasn't at all depressed. Yes, I said to myself I needed to
improve, but I wasn't at all depressed like you would normally be. Why is
that? I contribute it to my studies of the people of Alma, in Mosiah
chapter 23 - 24. They were cheerful in their trials. I believe that in all
our trials, we should be cheerful, which at times can be a very hard thing
to do. However, it is totally worth it when you are. I challenge you guys to
go and study it in more depth. It's a very interesting chapter. Look closely
at 24:13-14. I REALLY love those verses.

Ok, so another study topic. With all the studying we've been doing, that
seems to be a chunk of my experiences here. It is very VERY interesting to
study 1st Nephi. It is very interesting how deep it can get, even though
we've all read it a hundred times. Here's another challenge that will
SIGNIFICANTLY help with scripture study. Go in with a question, or specific
topic you want to study. Have it in your mind as you read. You will get
crazy awesome things out of it. I studied how to receive revelation with the
1st chapter of 1st Nephi. It was way cool! Try it!

We "babtized" one of our mock investigators the other day. It was a notable
accomplishment for us. It was infesting and awesome to see the light in her
eyes. Even though it was all fake... You know... I really think there is a
lot of truth in those lessons. Very incredible thing to see. Can't wait to
see it in the field!

Learned a new word the other day. It's one of those crazy awesome words that
have no English translation! Here it is! Hyggelig. Pronounced
"hoo-goo-lie''. It can only be described at this. "You are sitting in front
of your fire, under a blanket on the couch, with a hot cup of coco in
hand, snowing outside, with all your family." THAT is hyggelig. "You are
hanging out with your friends, all chilling out, playing a game, being way
cool." THAT is hyggelig. It's like a cozy, homely atmosphere. Very cool
word.

So explanation on the subject title. A mini wizard war has appeared here
at the MTC, or at least on the bottom floor of the 8M building. Let me
explain. For some reason that is still sort of beyond me, many Elder's and
Sisters are very into Harry Potter STILL. Completely understandable. Grew
up with it. Memorable thing. All that. But they just keep talking about it.
My one companion, Elder Elsbury, can QUOTE almost all of it, or at least a
good chunk. So as a result of all this wizardness, a 'game' has appeared.
Your pen is your wand. The other wizards you are out to get are on the
other hallway. If you are not careful, you'll find someone across the way
will nail you with a spell, blasting you. It's like this. We'll go on
little raids with 3 or 4 missionaries, burst into their room (When there is
no teacher of course. We're still in the MTC, and should not drive away the
sprit.) and zap them. The catch is half the time, they are ready for us,
and counter. Just a weird, fun, harmless game at this point. If it gets out
of hand, it has to stop, but at this point, it's ok.

Ok, some random short facts. There is a wonderful member we teach here as
part of the training. She not only speaks Danish, but also 5 other
languages! Crazy! My doodling in free time has attracted attention. My
companions keep asking me to draw them a picture. I'm working on it, but am
super busy, so I can't promise anything! I'm learning to love my companions
and everything I'm doing. It's a very curious change in me. I am different
then before. Still need work, but different. Better. I completed my journal
finally. Bought a new one. Took me two years to fill up last one. Pretty
awesome. If there is one thing I encourage, it is good journal entrees. You
will always want to remember these experiences. It's awesome!

Hmm... Well, I believe that all worth reporting this week.

Mom, Dad, Family, I love you all so much! Thank you for your prays, I can
feel them helping me. It's incredible!

P.S. I honestly don't believe I've got less than two weeks left. I think
that only an illusion.