February 26, 2009

February 25, 2009 - Ryan has arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Dear parents of Elders Wilson, Moes, Christensen and Linderman,

Your missionary arrived at Kaohsiung International Airport last night at
10:30 p.m. after a delay in San Francisco International Airport. To
compensate the lost, they were flown to Korea via Singapore Airlines, one of the best airlines with great food and business class from Korea to Kaohsiung. Due to the change of airlines, when they came out, their luggage were not with them, just their own overnight stuff that they were carrying with them.

Sister Hsu and I were at the airport to greet them. We got them to the Mission Home and they were fed again before they went to bed. It's been a long and eventful day. These missionaries were in great spirits. This morning they had their first local Taiwanese breakfast, they ate it all and they were then given a tour to the Mission Office, had their Foreign Residency Card done, and had a local Taiwanese lunch. Again, they ate it all plus lots of fruits and fruits.

I had my interviews with each one of them separately. The spirit was very
strong and we had one more orientation on some of the mission requirements and rules at our home. Their trainers/companions came and there were hugs and great enthusiasm. They then took off to their areas of proselyting.

Sister Hsu and I are working with the airlines to identify their luggage,
and have them sent to their respective residencies. There is no worry. We will again inform you to let you know that the luggage is safely arrived to
their apartment. Their companions will take care of their needs in the mean time.

We thank you for your love and support to each one of these missionaries. They may or may not be able to write to you this week but for now you know that they have landed in the mission safely and are on their way to service the Lord and the people of Kaohsiung. We'll keep you informed on the luggage situation.

Warmest regards

President William Hsu

February 23, 2009 - Call from the SLC Airport

Ryan called from the SLC airport tonight! We all had been waiting in anticipation all day!! When I answered the phone he said, "hello, this is Elder Christensen!" He sounded so wonderful and happy. He was so excited to be leaving to the Mission field and will not miss the MTC food! He is the Travel Leader and is traveling with 8 other Elders. Three of his roommates and the others were going to Singapore but all flying together to San Francisco.
His flight was delayed in leaving Salt Lake City because of high winds. This made them miss their connecting flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong. Once they arrived in San Francisco Ryan called the Travel Office and they made other flight plans for the next day. This time flying into Seoul, Korea. They had to take taxi's to the La Quenta Inn of which was a mile away and the cab driver's chose to take them on a scienic drive! Ryan was able to call on Tuesday from the Airport to tell us of his "Amazing Race" adventure and to let us know of his new flight plans. Here is Ryan bearing his Testimony to us in Chinese and talking to Aunt Pammie and Grandma Maridee.

February 23, 2009 - Last Day in the MTC

The Classroom, #349

Ryan and his companion, Elder Linderman

Entrance to the Mail Room

Here is his mailbox #177

MTC Book Store

Residence Hall where Ryan lived for nearly three months - Room #213 Ryan's Olive Green Luggage along the left wall

Ryan's closet

Ryan's Dresser

Ryan's clean desk?!!

Ryan's bottom bunk

Elder Wilson, Moes, Linderman and Ryan

Loading onto the bus to head to the Salt Lake City Airport

Good bye MTC, it was a great experience and now onto the next phase of my life!

February 22, 2009 - Saying More Goodbye's

Elder Roessler

Elder Moes

Elder Goddard

Elder Hymer

Elder Thorup

Elder Mix

Elder Weinberger

Elder Shreeve

Elder Green

Elder Daniel's

Elder Decrescenzo and Elder Accorda

Sister Ackerson

Sister Bruno

Elder Owen's

Sister Tedjamulia

February 15th and 16th and 17th 2009 - MTC

Ryan e-mailed exciting news this morning!

He is leaving to Taiwan one week earlier than expected. He will be flying out on Monday February 23rd. He will be leaving from the SLC city airport at 9:05 p.m. and arriving in San Francisco at 10:16 p.m. It is a two hour and 11 min. flight, covering 599 miles and costing $193.60

He will have a two hour layover before leaving at 12:05 a.m. enroute to Hong Kong. He will arrive in Hong Kong at 6:55 a.m. on Wednesday the 25th. It is a 14 hour and 50 min. flight, covering 6,915 miles and costing $586.00.

At 9:00 a.m. he will fly from Hong Kong, China to Kaohsiung, Taiwan arriving at 10:25 a.m. It is a one hour and 25 min. flight, covering 416 miles and costing $284.30.

In total he will have flown: 7,930 miles

Be in the air: 18 Hours 26 minutes

Total layover time: Just 6 hours

Total Cost: $1,063.90Elder Gunderson

Here are my Chinese teachers that I had at the MTC. Brother Holdaway (Hou Lao Shi) and Brother Patterson (Peng Lao Shi).

Elder Kevin South