May 19, 2014

I'm sunburnt and exhausted from that sweet birthday party we had for norway on Saturday. The weather was absolutley perfect. best weather this year so far and and its staying really nice. So on saturday we spent norways bicentennial in its capital city (Oslo). Its was insane. I am super bless to experience it again in oslo. this time was even crazier than last time. Way more people and way more flags. I had a way fun time because I like people watching and being out in the sun so it was sweet. I got to chill right outside of the kings palace but I spent most of my time roaming the streets of oslo with Elder Weaver and Holden. It was pretty sad because it was my second and last syttende mai on the mission. trying to figure out how I can still keep coming back... 

After the parades and partying we tooked the packed trolly to the mission home. We had to zones there so there was about 30 or so missionaries barbequeing and playing games at the mission home. We ate some hotdogs and sloppy joes and potatoe salad and all that classic stuff. We started a game of dodgeball between the east and telemark zones and of course our telemark zone dominated. It was a lot of fun and president chilled on the patio and watched us basically destroy his backyard. I'm sure he was pretty amazed to see us in a non missionary environment. Elder Holden and I had a lot of fun playing around with other missionaries. It was a way cool way to build up friendships and get to know eachother a little better. Everyone here on the mission is awesome and its fun to do normal things with them.  

So that was fun to be able to have that whole day to do things besides just missionary work. By the end of the day we were missing the work and ready to get back at it. Although it was fun to run around in the sun and destroy other elders with a dodgeball, it didn't compare to the joys we've been experiencing with the work here in drammen.

We had another great week with finding some prepared people and we're having plenty of things to do. We're being smart with our time and really trying to not waste any of it. We've been seeing some great blessings and that have come according to our faith and works. I know that Heavenly father is pleased with us and blessing us with the energy we need to stay pumped. We're being dedicated to finding families and those who have been prepared for us. I love weach morning when I can wake up and dive into the book of mormon for a part of my studies and just get a huge energy boost from the spirit. I like the promise that the lord gave to oliver cowdery in doctrine and covenants section 24. "And at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men." I know that the spirit has been keeping me pumped. I heard in the last conference that if we need energy we can plug into the spiritual power of prayer and scripture study. Sounds like Patrik could tell you which talk that was haha but its something that I've learned is true. 

its been a great week and i'm grateful that you guys are still writing me even though melissa's more new and probably more exciting. Have an awesome week! ha det godt :)

Love,

Eldste Skinner