January 22nd

Well this week has been a super rough week to say the least haha. Like
> man. I just cant really get a break. Happy Aniversary by the way.
> Thats super crazy.
>
> I really dont feel like I have a lot to write about today. So one
> thing that happened.... I got an infection in my eye. Ive been having
> to go home every 4 hours to do like a 20 minute treatment and its
> really just been a pain. Like I just want to do the work but there are
> always just little things that makes it that much harder. So today has
> been the first day I could open my eye. Its been sealed shut since
> friday or so. Its been really hard biking with only one eye, but the
> work goes on. I just feel awkward too when I go into a houe or
> something and they just ask about my eye and stuff, but oh well I
> guess. But I have picture to show you how it was for the first little
> while.
>
> I got to go on an exchange with Elder Warner this week so that was
> really fun. It was weird to be working Okolona again with him. It felt
> like the good old days. You better plan on going to his farewell haha
> Itll be in June. He only has 3 more transfers after this one which is
> pretty crazy!! Like its going to go by so fast!! We are actaully all
> going to the Muhammad Ali museum today with the Zone Leaders so that
> should be fun. Its closed on Mondays and so were taking advantage of
> the Pday on Tuesday.
>
> There was one thing that was really cool that happened to me this
> week. So we were in this area where there are a pretty good amount of
> Spanish and weve tracted most of it. We were just standing there
> deciding what to do. I asked Elder Baker if he had ever knocked this
> one door. He said for some reason they never did when they tracted
> over there. So I told him we needed to knock on it and so we went and
> knocked on it and gave our little door approach and the guy wasnt very
> interested, but then there was a woman that was inside that told us to
> come in. We were taken by surprise so we walked in. We sit down and
> start telling her were missionaries and that the reason she has never
> heard about us is because the church isnt formed in Cuba yet. She
> asked where our church was and said she had been searching for a
> church ever since she has got here but hasnt found one, she said she
> was going to try and make it this week, but she couldnt. But we gave
> her a pamphlet (wow my spelling is awful cause of spanish) and she
> like asked if we had any more material to read cause she likes to read
> and wanted to read it. It was super cool because I know that I was
> listening to the spirit to knock on that door and it was the perfect
> time to go, cause she works a lot and if she wasnt home we wouldnt
> have been able to get in.
>
> It has gotten really cold that last little bit and super windy which
> is the worst on bikes. I think it was last night or maybe tonight I
> dont remember, but its supposed to get below 0 with wind chill. Like
> just riding to get our groceries today was miserable haha. My face
> just loses all feeling and it just stings. But the work goes on and
> there are a lot of missionaries on bikes so I really shouldnt be
> complaining.
>
> You should tell that sister in our ward to write me :) Haha When does
> she leave for Austrailia?
>
> I cant believe Lindsay finds out what shes having today. And I cant
> believe Chris is thinking about moving. Man they just barely bought
> that house haha. Where are they thinking about moving?? It better be
> close!!
>
> Haha funniest line ever yesterday. So we went to subway and Elder
> Baker asked the guy if the Chicken Chipotle sandwhich was good and the
> guy was like "Ill be honest, I dont really like chicken unless its
> fried." Haha only in Kentucky would you get someone to say that!!
>
> Pretty much we are in finding mode right now. Just knocking a lot of
> doors because we dont have a lot of names to go see right now. Vicente
> pretty much has dropped us and wont return our phone calls. We just
> dropped Ronal yesterday cause he wont read the Book of Mormon. Hes so
> ready, but he just doesnt know it. Like he has never been religious
> and he told us hes gotten a lot closer to God since weve come by and
> he feels the spirit when he reads the bible. But he just has never
> seen the confusion with the Bible and so he doesnt understand what the
> Book of Mormon offers. Like its just really frustrating when you cant
> help someone understand something.
>
> But really thats pretty much all I got this week. I hope you all are
> doing well. Love yall
>
> Elder Knudsen

January 14th

Well this week has actually been really warm until today. Yesterday it
> rained all day, but like it was in the high 50's for like 2 or 3 days.
> Now its supposed to be in the low 30's to 20's but with wind chill and
> humidity its a lot colder!! But it was a really hectic week to say the
> least.
>
> So last week I told you I could possibly be having a baptism this
> week. We had fasted with her last weekend and I really felt like it
> was going to work. We were in a lesson with her last week and I had an
> idea pop into my head that that weekend was fast sunday and so I
> brought up fasting and she shouldnt make a decision until we fasted
> with her. So all weekend I really felt like it was going to happen. I
> just kept telling Elder Baker that all was going to work out. Saturday
> night and Sunday morning I pleaded that the people who bore there
> testimonies would say something that impacted Micaela. Then when I was
> sitting there in Sacrament I felt like every single testimony was
> directed at her. We then asked how she felt after Sacrament and she
> just said it was good and that she was ready to go to Gospel
> Principles. So that kinda broke my spirits cause it didnt seem like
> she had really felt anything or had recieved anything from the
> meeting. So then we had Family Home Evening at the apartment of the
> Branch Mission Leader and we asked Darely and Amiley to pick up
> Micaela. Anyways.... they were like 30 min late and missed the lesson
> and Micaela was kinda upset so I really didnt think her baptism was
> going to work out. Cause she also told us we couldnt come over on
> Monday to talk to her. But we set up an appointment with her for
> Tuesday. We went over there with a man named David Sapon (who I found
> out today lived in T-ville and im pretty sure he was in our stake
> cause he has always looked so familiar but he couldnt really remember
> the name cause it had been 5 years) But anyway, so we sit down and
> start talking. We say a prayer and the first question we ask her was
> how was the fast and she just said it was fine. Then we asked if she
> recieved any answers. She then started to say "Well I havent had any
> dreams like I thought I was going to have, but I know I need to be
> baptized on the 12!" AHHHH It was sooo crazy!! Like I didnt even know
> what to think. Elder Baker and I had to ask her just to make sure we
> didnt hear wrong haha cause we thought it was going to take a lot more
> to help her understand her answer. Then the member looks over at us
> when Micaela went in the other room for a second and was like "Do you
> need any more help" Haha it was so funny but such an amazing
> experience.
>
> So then like Elder Baker and I were just on cloud nine, but we came
> back to reality real fast when we thought of how much preparation we
> had to do to get this baptism to go through. We still hadnt taught her
> everything at this point cause she doesnt really like visiting with us
> more than once a week. So then we set up an apt with her Wednesday to
> finish the lessons. Then Thursday we were going to go over the bap
> interview questions with her and then Friday have her interview and
> then Saturday her baptism and then Sunday her confirmation. But just
> like everything else in missionary work... it doesnt always work out
> how you expect it to. She called us Wednesday and said she wouldnt be
> able to meet with us that day. So then Elder Baker and I went into
> panic mode and he wanted to move her baptism back a week but I told
> him, we shouldnt really wait if she can be baptized cause we never
> know whats going to change in a week. So we ended up finishing the
> teaching on Thursday and set up her interview on Friday. Her interview
> scared me to death cause hispanics dont really grasp everything too
> well and dont retain a lot. But she did great and passed. So then
> Friday we called a few people to give talks and prayers for the
> service Saturday night. We then had to make the program Saturday
> morning and it was just super hectic. But it all worked out in the
> end. Then on Sunday the person who usually gives her a ride had to be
> at church early so she didnt have a ride and so we were freaking out
> and had to call so many people to try and make other arrangements.
>
> We had Joel, our branch missionary leader baptize her cause he really
> helped in the teachings. She didnt have a preferrance on who she
> wanted to baptize her. We thought it would be a really cool thing for
> Joel to do it because we found out he might be getting deported soon.
> Like Elder Baker was thinking I should baptize her cause like I was
> there from the start with Elder Warner and just saw her progression,
> but we both in the end decided it would be good for Joel to do it. We
> had a really good turn out from the branch too so it was really
> exciting.
>
> So pretty much that was my whole week. Just preparing a baptism and it
> was so great. We had a fireside last night in President Woodburys home
> with all the investigators and members and missionaries that live
> close. Well like all spanish at least. We do that every month and its
> always really fun to see all the other missionaries you know. Cause
> like every spanish elder is there except 2 areas, Lexington and
> Versailles just cause there really far away. But it was fun. David
> Sapon gave the talk. The one that confirmed Micaela and also the one
> that was in our stake in the 10th branch I think. Hes such a stud. Hes
> from Guatemala and just like amazing. Hes the Elders Quorum president
> in the branch right now. But ya it was good times.
>
> I havent been getting any letters!!! So thats kinda lame. No I havent
> got Grandpas package yet. Its probably sitting at the mission office
> cause they dont forward out packages because we are there every week
> and because we live in a pretty sketch area.
>
> Oh ya.... I heard a bunch of gunshots this week. Haha it was super
> sketch. So Elder Baker and I decided to go to these apartments that
> weve never been before. So we ride in and we see some cops there and
> so were like hmmm... this kinda doesnt look very good. Then we hear
> like 3 shots pop off and the cops just start like running into this
> place and so needless to say Elder Baker and I decided to.... KNOCK
> THE APARTMENTS haha jk we just left. I dont think we will really go
> back to those apartments haha.
>
> We also went to Churhill downs again last monday with the Zone Leaders
> and then also an English Companionship. It was pretty fun, but like I
> had already been before so I didnt really have anything too exciting
> happen. I decided Im so coming back for the Kentucky Derby though.
> Elder Baker Elder Warner and whoever else that wants to join us is
> going to come back next May for the Kentucky Derby and do the infield.
> Like I guess its super crazy... but a lot cheaper that seats. They are
> only like 50 bucks, but usually there are like 50,000 that do the
> infield so it takes like 2 hours to just get into the infield... itll
> be an adventure to say the least. I also decided Elder Baker and I are
> going to be real close friends haha. He wants me to come to Arizona
> and room with him soooo bad. Like he was like what will it take to get
> you to come down and I was like when you go to El Salvador you have to
> take me and pay for me and he was like DONE haha it was super funny.
>
> Ya I took the watch back and got a really cool watch at Target. Like
> its super classy. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. Its
> mossimo I think or somethink I dont really know. But its super nice.
> So I didnt get a belt but ya.
>
> I think thats pretty much all on my part. I hope all is going well with yall
> Love
> Elder Knudsen

January 7th

> So this week... everything that could go wrong.... went wrong....
> Like I honestly dont even know where to start haha. So Ill start with
> Micaela. Shes an investigator that Elder Warner and I found and shes
> been progressing really well. Shes been to church 10 times and just
> loves it and her baptism was supposed to be this Saturday, but she
> doesnt really feel ready. We fasted with her this weekend to try and
> make her recieve an answer. Its just cause she doesnt think she has
> enough knowledge of the Bible yet and thinigs like that so that was
> really frustrating so today were going over and we will find out if we
> are having a baptism this week. Elder Baker was impressed by that
> lesson. Like I guess what I shared was really powerful, but ya. It was
> a good lesson we had with her last time like when we decided we were
> going to fast with her. I really think she will be ready by Saturday,
> but we will just have to wait and see.
>
> So the most awkward thing ever happened in my mission!!!! So a few
> weeks ago I contacted into a way cool Cuban lady when I was on an
> exchange with Elder Duran and she really wanted us to come over, so we
> went over a couple times and there is no man that lives with her so we
> cant go in, so we just talked to her like the first 3 times. Then we
> were supposed to have a lesson with her Thursday, but then couldnt
> because her roommate was watching TV and so she wanted to go to
> another location with the member we brought to have a lesson, but we
> werent really prepared for that so we changed it for Saturday. So she
> wanted to have it somewhere besides her house. So we called this old
> Cuban man that lives with his Granddaughter and asked if we could go
> over there. He told us there wasnt a problem and that we could. So we
> go with the member to pick her up to take her to this house. When we
> get to the house the old man is standing outside in full winter
> gear.... I guess he thought that Elder Baker told him that we just
> wanted him to come to a meeting and so then we were going to go try
> Jose Emilios (another old Cuban) But then the investigator felt really
> uncomfortable cause it was her with 4 guys and we were going to
> another guys house so she just started like having a panic attack and
> so then we had to take her home and she was just like really upset so
> we dont think we will ever be able to have a lesson with her again....
> Elder Baker feels like its his fault because he is the one that called
> Alberto, but it could have happened to anyone. It was really
> awkward!!!
>
> Then Thursday was just the worst day ever. It was frigid cold and
> there was absolutely no one home and all of our plans fell through.
> Like it was the lowest I have felt in my mission. So I said a prayer
> in my heart and asked Elder Baker to call a potential that we had met
> a long time ago that wasnt really interested at the time. He calls her
> and she says she would love if we came over. So we took a member with
> us that night and saw her!!! It was probably one of the coolest
> lessons ever. She said the last week she had been praying to find
> happiness in her life and to find God and to find her purpose in life.
> She wanted to know what God expected of her, and just all these
> amazing questions that we just love as missionaries!!! So we had a
> super powerful lesson about the Book of Mormon and how it really can
> answer all of the questions of the soul. Then I had one of the coolest
> things in my mission happen, like usually I feel like I go by the
> spirit, but this sentance popped in my head and I said it and
> immediately the spirit confirmed to me that that was what I was
> supposed to say at that moment. Like it really impacted her and was
> close to tears. I said "This Gospel will bring you a joy that man cant
> take away" And she had been having I guess trust issues with men and
> just lots of other stuff and it really hit her.
>
> So then we set up another appointment to go see her Saturday night!!!
> But this time..... HER KID WAS CRAZY!!!! Like im way excited to have
> kids, but man.... this made me not excited at all. Hispanics dont know
> how to discipline there kids so we was just going crazy throughout the
> whole lesson. He is like 4 years old. He was throwing things, hitting
> things, and it was just so distracting and the spirit couldnt be there
> and finally she just asked if we could come by another day cause he
> wouldnt calm down. It was devastating. Like Saturday was the worst day
> ever. That was the same day when the whole thing with the Cuban lady
> happened and then Micaela cancelled on us so we couldnt go start the
> fast with her at her home and we had to do it over the phone. It was
> just the worst thing ever!!!
>
> Like we had a pretty successful week number wise, but I really just
> felt like everything fell apart and that nothing was going our way.
> OHHH And we were going to teach this Cuban man named Martin that was a
> friend of a member and he came to church last week and liked it and
> Elder Baker and I just knew he was going to get baptized, we show up
> on Wednesday I think it was, and he dropped us. His family anti-ed him
> and so he said he wouldnt be able to meet with us anymore and tried to
> give the Book of Mormon back to us, but we let him keep it. It was
> just a super hard week and it was freeeeeezing cold!!!
>
> Bike+Winter=Miserable!!! Like really we walk outside and within 5
> minutues our face is numb and it just stings and like its the worst!!
> Its so stinking cold!!
>
> But I think thats about all that happened this week!!! Oh and thanks
> for the Calendar!!! I LOVE IT!!! Best gift ever. Have you heard about
> anyone else going on missions. I dont think I told you but Marissa is
> going on one. Her papers are in so thats pretty cool.
>
> I love you all
>
> Elder Knudsen
> 

PS WE GOT IN CONTACT WITH VICENTE LAST NIGHT!!!! I was like a little kid
> at Christmas. I couldnt stop smiling. So we went with a member to
> knock on his door just out of hope, and he wasnt home, I was
> devastated cause I have knocked on that door 20 times since I have
> been back. So then we went and saw Ronal, one of his friends that is
> investigating a little bit and he lives pretty close to him. We asked
> Ronal about Vicente and he told us he changed his job and that
> weekends he has off. We were excited to hear that and then right when
> we were about to leave.... IN WALKS VICENTE!!!! I was soooo happy. He
> was happy to see us too. He told us to come over Saturday cause during
> the week he works really hard hours. Hes working at a slaughterhouse
> and so its a really hard job and he works a lot of house but said we
> could come saturday and that he really wants us too and said he will
> come to church this week!!!! Like you have no idea about this man.
> Like when Elder Simms first met him the first words that came out of
> his mouth was... "Branch President" Like he has been prepared and will
> make a huge change. And I know I knew him long before this life.... He
> looks sooooo familiar. Well that was it.
>
> Elder Knudsen

December 31st

Well this
> week was really cold to say the least. We got some snow and then it
> snowed a little bit more and then it was just really cold. It got
> below the 30's most of the days. My face is like numb by the end of
> the day ususally. We definately have mastered the bus system.
>
> Christmas was great to see you all. It was a really fun day. After we
> talked to you we went to a Cubans house and had a Cuban dinner with
> some Cubans and were there for about an hour and then we went home and
> did laundry at like 730 cause we didnt have time the day before. So
> that was pretty much how i finished my Christmas. So not too exciting,
> but its still real good. Mothers day is going to come real fast. Its
> only in like 3 transfers. And yes I should be able to skype you. I
> dont really know why I wouldnt be able to. Like I know we are for sure
> allowed to do it, it just depends on where I am and if I have the
> capabilities.
>
> So Elder Baker and I are staying in Okolona. So ill be here at least
> until the middle of February. So pretty much either Ill get transfered
> out then, or ill be here a really long time. Cause Elder Baker will be
> going Zone Leader in March and so then I would have to stay here at
> least another transfer to show someone the area, and we are also
> getting a new Elder in March, so if I trained I would be here for 2
> more transfers. Hes actually from Peru, so it would really help my
> Spanish cause he doesnt really know English haha. So we will see what
> happens there. Elder Warner and Elder Duran are still in Zone Leader
> so thats good, and then Sister Dunlop goes home tomorrow which is
> crazy. She gave a talk in church yesterday and it was soooo good! I
> cant even imagine what its going to be like when its my last sunday.
> Im going to be a wreck to say the least. Like its going to be super
> hard. I think the hardest part of my mission will be taking off the
> tag.
>
> So this week was pretty rough number wise. We didnt get in a lot of
> doors just cause everyone said they were busy with the holidays and
> things like that so that kinda was lame. I actually contacted into a
> way cool Cuban last week though. Shes super cool. We have high hopes
> for her. It was when I was on an exchange with Elder Duran. But shes
> only been in the states like 3 months and those are the best so they
> dont get antied and they dont have jobs yet so they are open to talk
> to you whenever :) and then we also got a referral from an old Cuban.
> He actually brought him to church yesterday and wants us to teach him.
> I am pretty sure he will be baptized real fast too. I think we could
> have a good amount of baptisms this month. We have 3 dates right now,
> Im pretty confident about 2 of them. And then I think there are
> another few potentials that just havent accepted dates yet. So it
> should be an exciting transfer to say the least.
>
> Today is a non prosiliting day, so were just staying in cause no one
> invited us over and were poor and its cold haha. We were going to do
> something with Elder Warner and them, but they dont have any miles
> since its the end of the month. So I wish we could, but there isnt
> really anything we can do about it.
>
> I dont really have too much to say this week haha. There wasnt really
> anything too overly exciting, No I havent gotten your package yet
> because we told the mission office not to forward our packages just
> cause they have gotten stolen in the past and were at the mission
> office at least once a week, so Ill be getting in on Wednesday. I also
> am going to take back the watch today haha. Bout time right??
>
> We finally got in contact with Vicente this week!!!! He works like 12
> hours a day 7 days a week and so its been impossible to see him. We
> had an apt with him on Wednesday, but he had a new job interview so he
> wasnt home, but we talked to him like friday and he said he really
> wants to meet with us and asked if we would call today so we could set
> something up. He said my spanish has really improved haha so that was
> exciting. Like he is sooo legit. When Elder Simms met him he was like
> "Future Branch President for sure" Like I really hope we can get
> something rolling with him again cause he told us he knew it was true,
> but then he got his permission to work like 5 months early and got a
> job a week before his baptism, definatly a trial of his faith. So we
> are going to do all that we can to help him!
>
> I think thats about all I have this week.
>
> Love
> Elder Knudsen

December 17th

Well today has just been same old same old. I really dont remember
> anything that has happened. I think there really wasnt anything that
> happened. The work is really progressing along and I really cant wait
> for this week, its going to be way super fun. So today, the sisters in
> my district has a wedding for 2 investigators so they can get married
> so were going to Indiana today so thats kinda exciting. Its my 2nd
> wedding on my mission haha. And then Tuesday I think were going to
> have a family home evening and then we also have a blitz with the zone
> leaders so I think I get to work with Elder Warner for a day!! Haha
> that should be fun. He said he was going to write you last week, but
> then just ran out of time. And then Saturday is the Branch Christmas
> Party which should be super fun, and then Sunday is pretty much just
> going to be a normal day, and then Monday we have a Mission Christmas
> Party/Conference. ITS GOING TO BE EPIC!!!! President Woodbury has
> never seen all of his missionaries at once. I really hope its just a
> blast, actually I know it will be. All hispanics actually celebrate
> the 24 and so thats when all the partying is going to be. We are going
> to Pablo and Fabiolas house that night. They are buying a whole
> pig!!!! Were having Carnitas!!!!! I LOVE TACOS HAHAH. Tacos are my
> favorite food now, they have to be authentic though. Like we were
> riding home this week from Holiday Park and there was a Taco Truck and
> so we stopped and had some.... MAN THEY WERE SOOOO GOOOOOOD!!!! Like
> they were delicious. I had one that was Chorizo (EAST CANYON) And then
> one that was Al Pastor!! Man there is just nothing better then corn
> tortillas with some meat and onions and cilantro.
>
> We had a pretty successful week though. Like Okolona hasnt had any bap
> dates since I left and everyone got baptized, but this week Elder
> Baker and I set 2, and we have plans to set 3 more this week. So we
> are really making progression. We are just really starting to get
> focused on the work to say the least. Because I feel like some
> missionaries are just too complacent on setting bap dates and like if
> they say no they just drop it, but this week we just really pushed the
> issue with some people and they accepted them. They are both for Jan
> 12, one is from Guatemala, I actually taught her the first time I was
> here and she has seen miracles since shes met us. Like she found us 3
> days before she was supposed to get deported and then we pulled some
> strings and got her to stay and then her son is Guatelmala has just
> had a lot of things happen. She comes to church every week but she was
> baptized earlier in the year at a different church and she thinks its
> not good to be baptized 2, but we just had a really good lesson with
> her and she accepted one. The other one is a man named Jaime, and we
> will see what happens with him.
>
> Did Sarabeth ever get in contact with you, cause I might have to call
> her and really get mad at her. Cause your hoodie is in Utah, but just
> at Wilsons house and so I dont know whats going on. But me and Elder
> Baker are getting along so great. He reminds me so much of my cousin
> Colton its not even funny. He is convinced I have to move down and go
> to University of Arizona with him, but we will see what happens haha
> he said Im going to be one of his groomsmen at his wedding haha. We
> are real close and have a lot of fun. Its kinda harder on the bike
> cause we dont get to talk as much, but we still have a lot of fun.
> Like we just make every situation fun. Its pretty cold on a bike to
> say the least. Like im not wearing my big coat yet, but it has rained
> a bit and it just gets real chilly at night cause it gets dark at like
> 6 now and so were riding for 3 hours in the dark and its cold.
>
> I hope everyone likes there gifts. I was thinking you could maybe wrap
> them all, but its up to you. One box has something for my bro and his
> wife. Then in the other it has things for Dad, Lindsay and her
> husband, and then yours is at Elder Wilsons. So maybe just get on FB
> and get real mad at him and he will bring it over. I sent 2 things
> with them, so hopefully you get both.
>
> I have been really tired lately. The bike is just wareing me out again
> haha. My body has to get used to it again.
>
> I made Christmas cards today. Ill send one to you today. Thats why I
> asked for the Westbrook 7th ward roster so that I can send some to
> people there. I also need Landons and Caydes address. I dont have it I
> dont think. I wanted to send them to my international friends too, but
> its just too expensive and I didnt make too many cards. Its pretty
> great though :) I think youll like it. There was a companionship in my
> zone that made the funniest one ever!!!! Like it cracked me up. So
> they are just wearing these ugly sweaters and there are like a
> personal one of each on each side of the card and they are in front of
> a Christmas tree just with a funny look on there face, and then in the
> middle there is a picture of them jumping in the middle of the street
> with there arms and legs flailing everywhere, wearing the ugly
> sweaters. Its real good haha.
>
> I got a letter from the bishop of the ward. It was actually kinda a
> christmas present. There was a Christmas card of him and his family
> and then a card with a picture of the whole bishop bric. They are
> really young!!! But then they also sent me candy and a few pictures
> and stuff so it was really nice. Tell them thanks for me cause I wont
> be able to get a thank you card written in time. I could really use a
> new belt by the way. It would be real nice.
>
> You sent me an email with my own address.... what was up with that.
> And I think you should tell everyone to just send it to the mission
> office, cause if they send a package I dont want it to get stolen.
> Like the mission office doesnt send them to us just cause were there
> a lot and then we dont run the risk of getting them stolen. Just FYI.
> I cant believe Carli is going to Cali too. Man everyone is going there
> it feels like. And if you could get Moses address too that would be
> great. I need to write that kid.
>
> Its so weird this is the last time I will write you until I talk to
> you on the phone. I have no idea what the plann is for Christmas. I am
> still trying to find somewhere where I could skype. I think I might be
> able to do it at Pablo and Fabiolas, but they invited us over the 24
> so I dont know if they will want us over for the 25. Im going to ask
> them though. I could also ask Darelys kids. There laptops have it
> built in, but we will see. They said they were just going to stay home
> on Christmas. And it would be super great if you could send something
> real fast for Elder Baker. Just something real small. Cause I guess
> his parents are going to send me something. Then if you wanted to do
> something for my district, but you dont have to. But were going to
> open presents with all our district. So my district is Me, Elder
> Baker, Elder Warner, Elder Duran, Sister Oakey, and Sister Dunlop. If
> not its totally cool. And you could also send something for Pablo and
> Fabiola and there kids. They have a girl thats 10 named Marcela, a boy
> thats 5 named Mariano, and a baby boy named Mauricio that is 1. If not
> you dont have to but just if you wanted to do something you could. I
> also got a letter from Fords mom today so that was real nice so you
> should send cards to some of my friends. I think they would really
> like it.
>
> I think thats about it for me. But Im going to try and call later in
> the afternoon here. Maybe like 3 or 4 so it would be like 1 there. If
> im going to do skype ill probably call before hand and tell you just
> so you can set up for it or something. I dont know what your plan is.
> And just so you know I wont be able to make any more than 1 phone call
> that lasts 40 min, so if anyone wants to come, they have to be where
> you are. It would be cool if Chris could set up a webcam so I could
> see like the whole room or something, but I dont know how he would do
> it. Im not sure. But ya.
>
> Love you all and Merry Christmas
> Elder Knudsen
>
> P.s I wont be writing next week.

December 10th

Haha man my mission has just been to crazy to say the least. But my
> prayers came true!! Saturday President called and decided he was going
> to leave me in Okolona because he feels that Elder Baker and I are
> going to be doing great things. So thats super exciting. That means
> Elder Ferguson will be going back to Versailles with a Visa Waiter and
> he doesnt really know the area. He was only there for 1 week and so
> hes really nervous. Its pretty much like they are white washing the
> area. Ya our apartment is 508. My bad. But ill be going back onto a
> bike tomorrow so im not really excited about that in all honesty. Its
> going to be a really cold winter haha. We have had a car this week
> just because there were no missionaries in Versailles, but now that
> Ferguson is going back we have to go back to bikes. This week has
> rained every day and so its going to be really cold if it keeps
> raining. Like raining all day. But I am really excited to be back here
> serving with Baker and around Warner and Duran. I guess in the Zone
> Leader conference with President, Warner and Duran talked to President
> about me staying so that makes me feel good that they wanted me to
> stay!!
>
> This week was a really hard week though. Just all of our plans fell
> through like every day and it was really frustrating. We were planning
> on having at least 6 to church for sure, and then we only ended up
> having 2. I guess thats better that nothing. 2 is what President
> expects from us so at least we met the standard. Something that really
> scared me that happened this week, we were going to Versailles with
> the AP's to pack up the rest of my stuff and they were talking to
> Baker about how he has felt being a District Leader and then when we
> were leaving they said they want us to be "Co District Leaders" And so
> I think Elder Baker will be going Zone Leader after this transfer and
> then I will be going District Leader.... SCARY!!! I feel like im not
> really ready for it. Like I am excited, but nervous for sure. Like
> there are a lot of Elders that areant District Leaders until theyve
> been out like 16 months. Ive only been out 8. And they also said Ill
> be training soon and If Elder Baker goes to Zone Leader we will be
> short missionaries and I think ill have to train a Visa Waiter. Its
> kinda nerve racking to say the least. Like im willing to do it, but I
> just didnt think it would be happening soooo fast.
>
> Before I forget, please send me a Westbrook 7th ward roster cause I
> think im going to put together kinda a Christmas letter and so I
> wanted to send some to people there.
>
> So my watch.... no offense... I probably wont wear it so Im going to
> send it in the Christmas package home. You can just take it back. I
> would just rather not have a watch to be honest. Like we carry a phone
> but ya. Maybe ill look at TJ Maxx and see If I can find anything. But
> thanks for the package. It was really nice. The OREOS are great and
> Elder Baker is loving the TimTams haha. He had never had them before.
>
> Im not really sure where we will be skyping..... honestly I dont know
> who has skyping capability in my area. Like Frankfot I could have
> found anyone, but there areant a lot of members in my area, and most
> of them dont have a lot of fancy stuff. Pablo and Fabiola might. And
> we might be able to go where the zone leaders go. But Im not positive
> if I will be able to skype just so you know. Ill try all that I can to
> be able to find a way to do it, but ya.
>
> So i have wrote a lot about Pablo and Fabiola through out my emails.
> They were inactive when I first came into this area ya know?? This
> week, Pablo gave the lesson in Elders Quorum and it was sooo amazing!!
> Like he has come such a long way. I feel like it was just as rewarding
> as baptizing someone. It was so great to sit there and just see him
> teach and share his experience about being inactive for so many years
> and how the gospel has just changed his life.
>
> Ill be honest Im kinda sad to not be able to go back to Frankfort and
> say goodbye to everyone. Cause President told me I was going back so I
> didnt really tell bye to anyone, and then he told me I was staying to
> I just had to call them and a lot of them were really sad. But I am
> happy to be back. Its going to be an adventure in the rain to say the
> least. Its been raining every day this week!!!! Like I really hope it
> stops raining now that were going back to bikes.
>
> I dont really have too much else to add this week. There wasnt really
> anything that just was ridiculous or anything. Just kinda a same old
> same old. i feel like i repeat myself every week but thats ok.
>
> Love
> Elder Knudsen

December 3rd

 So pretty much your never going to believe what really happened to me
> this week. Like you saw I got sent back to Versailles with Elder
> Ferguson-Villegas. Hes from Riverside California and has been out like
> 15 months. Hes a pretty good Elder. But really I was pretty much the
> Sr Companion this week and it was really hard. We are pretty much
> opening up a new area cause we have nothing to work with. So needless
> to say we tracted a lot and did a lot of planning and looking at the
> area book and things. But I really feel like I did pretty good. We got
> 2 people to church and we probably could have set a couple of bap
> dates, but it just didnt happen. It was a really exhausting week to
> say the least. Also our appartment is infested with bed bugs so its
> really gross. Like my matress and box spring is all bloody from
> killing bed bugs everywhere.
>
> But ya I havent got your package yet and I probably wont get it for
> another week at least. I got a call Friday night from President and
> the Visa Waiters had gotten their Visa. Usually they make them stay
> the whole transfer, but Peru is really in need of missionaries. So I
> got sent back to Okolona and just got here 2 hours ago. Im working
> with Elder Baker again and im really excited. Its kinda hard to leave
> an area right after you did so much work in one week and had so much
> progression. Thats pretty much why we didnt set bap dates cause we
> dont know exactly when we are going back and I guess President was
> talking to Baker and said he might just send the Visa Waiter to
> Versailles with Elder Ferguson and then I stay here with Elder
> Baker!!! I really hope that happens. And then I think he would leave
> to go Zone Leader in the next transfer or so and then I would probably
> be District Leader... AHHHH haha. I dont really know if I could do it
> just yet cause really I still feel really young in the mission. Even
> though tomorrow ill be 1/3 of the way done. (dont know if you realized
> that one)
>
> But ya we had a lot of cool stories. We had a lesson with a man named
> Adan yesterday and he like wants to come to church and wants us to
> come back so much and we gave him a Book of Mormon and told him we
> would be back in a week or so and he was like I think ill probably
> read the whole thing by the time you get back. So that was really
> cool. He works on a horse farm. And then Dalia is a person I met one
> time with Elder Granados and I taught her 2 with the English Elders
> and shes really cool. She had a baptismal date, but it got dropped
> cause she wasnt going to church and she needs to get married. We had a
> lesson with her Saturday? And it was a really spiritual lesson. She
> allowed us to write a note on her Refridgerator to say she cant eat
> until she reads the BOM. And then we committed her to come to church
> and she came even though she was baby sitting. She showed up with 5
> kids haha. It was super great and she really loved it. Then the man
> named Marvin that I found a few weeks ago on a split with the Zone
> Leaders, he came to church. He really enjoyed it and had a really
> great time. Like Sacrament was probably the best Sacrament I have had
> in my mission. So Im in an english ward like I told you, but Sunday
> like everyone bore there testimony in Spanish for the investigators I
> brought. Like we had Brother Gonzalez, Sister Gonazalez, Yunior,
> Sister Sherrat, Brother Swain and his new wife from Peru. Just like
> everyone and the investigators were just really feeling the spirit for
> sure.
>
> But ya I got a call from the Doctor and he said all the tests came
> back ok. He thinks I have irratable bowl syndrome and so he gave me
> some pills and wants to see me back in a couple weeks. We will see if
> that helps or not.
>
> It kinda sucks my p-day is pretty much over. Like I had to pack and
> finish laundry this morning and then we had to drive for over an hour
> to get here and so really I just havent had any time to rest. And the
> mission office didnt know I was getting sent here so Ill have a lot of
> mail in Versailles and our mailbox doesnt have a lock so Im going to
> call a member and ask him to go get my package and stuff on Wednesday
> or something. Like there is a package box thats locked, but they put
> the key in our mailbox that doesnt have a lock and so I just dont
> really want anything to get stolen. But ill be at 503 Markwell Crt
> this week so if you need to send anything here.
>
> There isnt really too much thats going on down here. Same old same
> old. Im excited to be back in Okolona but I bet the members are going
> to be so confused. President is letting us keep the car so thats good.
>
> President is so funny haha when he called he was like "Elder Knudsen,
> you might want to sit down for this one" and then just told me all the
> stuff and then today he was like Elder Knudsen... maybe your next area
> Ill just leave you there for 6 transfers to make up for moving you all
> the time!! Man 6 transfers is so much!! That would be 9 months in one
> area. I hope he doesnt do that Ill be honest haha thats just too much
> time in one area.
>
> Well I love you all
>
> Elder Knudsen