Saturday, January 3, 2015

December 1, 2014

Its been another great week despite the stresses that have absolutely nothing to do with missionary work. Life is creeping up on me but I'm pumped and ready to take it on. I've learned a lot here in Norway and I'm just trying to do my best to truly do all that I can before they force me to leave. I'm praying that I can be blessed with more and more people to serve and reach out to. Elder Childs is a solid missionary and we of course get along really well. I'm trying to teach him the ways here in the office but I haven't been here all that long and he's a smart dude so we're basically at the same level. It's fun serving with him because he's down to speak a lot of norwegian and he shares the same frustrations as I do. We carrying on the momentum and making things happen here in Sandvika in an organized, efficient manner.

Everthing with moves this week went fairly smoothly and we were able to make quick adjustments when they weren't. The most exciting part about the week was obviously teaching the gospel though. We had an amazing teach with one of our investigators who's been taking lessons for a while now. We started out by helping him around the yard. It was cold and quickly getting dark (around3pm) and we were doing some sketchy ladder climbing mixed with leaf reaking. He seemed to really appreciate it even though I didn't feel like we did all that much. When we went into to teach him, there was an unreal strong spirit present as his som was bearing testimony and asking him good questions. His son is 15 and a member but hasn't been helping out too much on the lessons as of lately. This time was different though and there were several points when I knew that both the baptize son and our investigator were feeling the spirit. We invited him of course to be baptized but he's still unsure. It's an interesting situation because he's basically already a member who comes to church and lives all the commandments. I just know that him making that first covenant will be a huge step for him for the better so we're trying our best to love and serve him. I pray that he'll someday choose for himself to be baptized. 

We also had this interesting teach with that huge family this week. They've expressed how they've been praying to God that He would send someone to help them. How awesome it is to know that we could be on the Lord's errand that day! I totally feel like they could join the church here in Sandvika but I'm a little worried about their motives behind meeting with us. Elder Holland reminded us of how Christ teaches to "do what we can" for the poor, but I think this family needs a lot of economic help. its sad. Its also frustrating to know that we really are there to help them but not neccessarily in the way that they were asking for. Its interesting how God answers prayers sometimes. Sandvika's now more fun to serve in with all the things we've worked for and been blessed with. 

Drammen's still moving forth as well. I'll be visiting it again this week after Mission Leadership Council on wednesday. There is this Chilean dude Elder Halvorsen and I found together one day while we were out contacting people in the streets. I'm pretty sure we just invited him to come to church and he gave us his number... nothing special. It turns out that he's getting baptized in Drammen this week! He's been super prepared and I'm stoked to hear that some of the "planted seeds" in drammen really are growing! The fruits of labor are the best ever.

Sounds like you all had a great thanksgiving. It would've been cool to be with uncle derek and daniel and all the cousins! I had an awesome Thanksgiving week here in Norway. We're about to head to Oslo for our second american thanksgiving dinner! The first one was hosted by the missionary couple here in sandvika for the whole ward and this one will be hosted by another missionary couple in Oslo. I'm grateful for you guys being so faithful and patient with me. I feel the love.. thank you so much! I can't believe its already December. Still no real snow here in Norway and the norwegians don't know what to do with themselves. I hope you guys have a great week!


Love,
Eldste Skinner

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