December 15, 2014

God Jul!!

It's another mild winter here in Norway so it wierd to think it's christmas soon, but then again when have I ever had a white christmas? I keep having all these weird dreams about being home even though I'm trying not to think about it too much. I've learned a lot about the importance of planning ahead as a missionary so maybe that's why its tough. It sure does sound like you've had a pretty fun week mixed with some rain and interesting food. I've had an awesome week and I feel like I was taught a lot. 

Our trip to Trondheim was absolutely amazing. It was special because I felt like I was sent up there for a special purpose. I was with Elder Shanklin and we were reliving the glory days of us serving in that same city pretty much exactly a year ago. So on tuesday morning we hit the streets after some great studies. I remember studying chapter 4 in Preach My Gospel which focuses on recognizing and following the spirit. You guys should totally read it. Anyways, so we're out in the streets of Trondheim getting shut down pretty hard like usual but obviously that doesn't shake us. Trying to keep our thoughts positive and in tune with the spirit, we keep going. I then felt like it would be a good idea to start heading towards Solsiden. I wouldn't say it was a super strong prompting, but looking back it was for sure the Holy Ghost telling me something Heavenly father needed me to do. As we were on our way to Solsiden, this kid around the same age as Elder Shanklin and I crossed the street with the perfect timing that allowed us to stop him. Long story short, he was a little bit frustrated with God at the moment because of all the bad days he's had ever since coming up to school in Trondheim. He was pretty humbled and his heart was softened to the point where he agreed to meet with us in the church a couple hours later. In the church, we taught him about the role of Christ and the power of His atonement. He asked us good questions and we were able to give him answers. He definitely felt the spirit which witnessed unto him that what we were teaching about Christ really was the path to peace. He quickly accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. He even said he'd be baptized in January if he found out it was true. It was an epic experience of being guided to somebody that the Lord had prepared. He found out when we were on our way to eat a kebab with him that I liked to surf, skate, and  snowboard which helped us become even better friends. I left trondheim feeling pretty accomplished knowing that I loved that city and did my best there. I also learned that there is a difference between talking with people and not to people. 

On thursday, Elder Childs and I got to cruise around with Elder Clarke on his last day in Norway. We went hard in oslo and got to see all sorts of cool things including Holmenkollen (The huge ski jump in Oslo), Vigeland Park, and The Viking Ship Museum. It was nice to relax a little and get our tourist fanny packs and visors on. We ended the day on a more serious note, giving a priesthood blessing to a man who was about to die of prostate cancer. We found out on Sunday that he passed away and the member who is now widowed was grateful that we were there for her. It amazing to be a missionary because we can be guided consantly to people who Heavenly Father needs us to love and serve. Anyone who has a desire to serve God is called to the work.

Thanks for all the love and prayers! I'm happy to hear of how we're being blessed. Hope you have a nice week and I'm looking forward to hearing from you again:)

Eldste Skinner