Before I address that, We didn't get to speak to Kate right on Christmas day because the missionaries in the MTC do not get to call their families (something my mom was really sad to find out). However, we DID get to talk to Kate just a few short days later before she flew out of the Salt Lake Airport. We happened to be in Utah and were tempted a bit to just "happen" to show up at the airport; we decided that no one would buy that. Katelyn did actually run into a couple from our ward and was able to talk with them and introduce her companion. Great reports were given when we talked to her. She said she missed listening to Christmas music but had a good time either way. The sisters hung out and talked about family traditions. Kate was unbelievably excited when L. Tom Perry visited the missionaries on Christmas...a great Christmas overall.
In Kate's first letter she said that she loves Texas. Everything is flat and she feels wierd without her Utah mountains. When she arrived, the mission president took them to the Mission Office for dinner and it appears that Katelyn isnt a big fan of "Real Texas BBQ" :) I guess she'll have to get used to it. She does admit that everything IS bigger there and "cant they see that she's under five feet tall" and doesn't need a sandwich "as big as her head"??
Kate said- " After we ate, we went out with a campanionship for a couple of hours. The hermanas I went with took me to a ward party. It was SO fun! One thing about those Latino People - THEY SURE CAN THROW A PARTY! They are adorable. I always knew that I would love the people here, but I never imagined that it would happen so very fast! The moment I walked in they were hugging me and kissing me - which was REALLY strange after coming out of my MTC bubble, but SO nice."
Katelyn missed her sisters from the MTC right off the bat. Spending 24-7 together and then being separated wasn't easy. Kate said that they are the only two people in the world who understand what its like for her right now and shes glad that she'll be able to see them around.
Lastly, Katelyn said that she LOVES her trainer! Her name is Hermana Lillywhite. She is from Murray and speaks spanish amazingly! What more could Kate ask for? She had an "Amy Dot" pillow case, designed by Kate's aunt. Hermana Lillywhite couldnt believe that her aunt drew the fabric design. They are getting along great and had a chance to go to the Houston Temple. Kate says its unique and really pretty; definitely one of her favorites.
Randomly, KATE RAN INTO A FAMILY FREIND AT CHURCH! A great girl who Katelyn has known for a while and recognized Kate within seconds. The ward that Kate is serving in shares the building with her ward. It was great for Kate to talk to her and her parents and even discuss when they visited little Royal City. :) Prayers were answered when the girl's mom called our house after church. My mom talked to her for quite a while and enjoyed hearing that Katelyn looked happy as ever.
That's all I got. Katelyn would like me to tell you all thank you for the amount of support you have given her. She is so thankful and could not feel more loved. She sent home her letters and we were shocked at how many there were! Thank you so much.
Her new mailing address is:
HERMANA KATELYN CHRISTENSEN
TEXAS HOUSTON MISSION
16623 HAFER ROAD
HOUSTON TX 77090-4401
I'll keep you posted!
-Lindsey <3
