March 18, 2013

This has been a pretty quick week and have already grown so much. We are constantly tracting or teaching or going around to less active members, trying to build them up. I've had some great experiences this week teaching investigators who are well on their way to baptism. I love going around the town and teaching the gospel lessons specifically to people. Extending invitations, and seeing them actually do it is an awesome thing. Makes me feel like a "proud parent".. imagine how heavenly father feels!? We had 3 investigators actually come to church today as well as a less active family. Some people are just so awesome and you love them just that much more when they're doing what they (as well as you) know whats right. This week we received a referral from a someone who met the missionaries way back in 1969! she was baptised, but for some reason we lost track of her. I met her while on exchanges with some elders quorum member and she was a sweet Native American lady and she was so happy to see us. She remembers the awesome relationships she had with elders and I promised the same relationship with her 3 sons I met that night. We're teaching them on Friday so hopefully all goes well. The cool thing about the gospel is that it applies to everyone. We all have our challenges and trials and weaknesses and questions that can be answered through Jesus Christ and his gospel. Some people are more willing to accept this than others. But, I know the Heavenly Father has done his part, so now its my turn to find those who are waiting to hear the truth, and deliver with the spirit.

Im getting along great with all the Elders here. They're all awesome. My companion this week is Elder Wasden and he totally reminds me of Kurt Thomas. He's an awesome elder and its fun to work hard with him. The ward is sweet and I already know so many more in just a short week. It was tough last Sunday because I knew no one. But it was infinitely better yesterday because of the friends I've made. BE grateful to have such an awesome home ward and reach out to Everyone new! Its always tough to be new. 

I'm happy here but I can't wait to get to Norway. Hopefully my visa comes soon! Its hard to keep up with the language when there's no way to speak it or hear it. I'm trying my best to read and memorize but I'm praying that Heavenly Father lets me go soon. I've definitely grown so much as far as the Mission routine and how to talk to people. I guess it comes with practice, Opening my mouth and trusting my mouth will be filled with the exact words i need to say. 

Keep up the good work and Hopefully I'll call you about my Visa soon. I keep hearing about how awesome Norway is from Elder Holden. But for now im doing all I can to learn and grow as a missionary and I have faith that everything will work out. 

Vi snakkes,

Eldste Skinner