December 29, 2014

'twas a splendid week here in Norway. I've never been more cold in my life though.. its been double digit negatives with plenty of moisture in the air. Christmas was incredible and I felt so loved by the members here in Sandvika. We of course had plenty of food celebrating the norwegian christmas traditions. Its basically still christmas over here so its fun to see how it just keeps dragging out all the way until the new year. Today is the 5th day of Christmas. Christmas eve was the most exciting day for us and the norwegians. Our ward mission leader and his wife invited us over for their very first christmas together. We get to eat classic norwegian ribbe, potetoes, christmas sausages, meat cakes, brussel sprouts, etc. After feasting we moved the tree to the middle of the living room, formed a Whoville circle around the christmas tree, and sang and danced around the christmas tree. Its pretty fun. We then opened up some presents. The ward bought us all sorts of random food and candy so that was really nice. We ended the night playing some card games with the office couple and their family who was visiting. On christmas morning, we went over to the President Evans' home for some of Sister Evans' delicious breakfast. It was all six missionaries in the Sandvika ward plus the senior couples in the area. We shared some stories and got to sing some christmas songs. After breakfast we went sledding. No one got too hurt, besides elder allen who cut up his lip on a frozen tree. Surprisingly it wasn't our jump that hurt him. After sledding we went over to the Silva's for dinner. Brother Silva is brazilian and his wife is norwegian. The dinner was great and then they let us use their computers to skype you guys. It was awesome to see and talk to you guys and it always feels like i'm right at home with you. You all look happy and in shape. On the 26th, we had a fun 2 zone christmas party in Oslo. We went out to some old folks homes to sing christmas carols. It was spiritually intense because there was about 20 of us inside of this hospital type place. I could tell that they old norwegians were loving it, but I honestly think I was loving it more. After caroling, we had a testimony meeting for all of the departing missionaries. I bore my testimony about a lot of different things really but I'd say it was most focused on the power of real intent and the magnitude of the work that we are blessed to be a part of. We then shifted gears and did a white elephant gift exchange. One of my all time favorite things to do. I brought an old weight loss shake mix that some member gave to us and went home with yet another chocolate bar. We also had a talent show which I was dreading because I always think they're awkward. Luckily everyone was in a light mood and nobody was doing anything that was all that serious. Although I was a little hesitant at first, Elder childs, Holden, Allen, and I did this epic rudolph the red nose reindeer performance. Elder Childs brought the talent with the guitar and the singing while the rest of us were on stage singing like a boy band and dancing around. It was pretty funny but it would have been way embarrassing if the missionaries weren't in the right mood. Since then, we've  been spending time delivering some picture and popcorn treats to our members here. The other night we went to give this inactive lady a blessing and there was an unbelievable spirit in her house. I got the strongest prompting that her mother who had her 7th death day when we were there still needed her temple work done. I didn't get the chance to say much about that prompting yet so I need to go back and make sure that gets going. Anyways, time to get back to work. I'm excited to see what else can happen in our area this coming week besides all the new years celebrations. We'll be working hard and on wednesday night we'll hopefully be sipping on some gløgg, eating, listening to the king's speech, and staying up if we can find a member to be with. I remember last year was incredible with all the fireworks. I'm soaking it all in.  

Happy New Year! Godt nytt år!!

Eldste Skinner