Nik in Narvik! - August 28, 2013

So these past couple of days were way awesome down in trondheim for a North and West Zone conference with Elder Patrick Kearon. He's the one with the mormon message about the sting of the scorpion. He is an amazing teacher and the spirit was feeding me all sorts of revelation on how I can improve and how this mission can thrive. it was also fun to see and meet about half of the missionaries in Norway. We fit 29 elders into the trondheim elders apartment monday night. Epic. But now im back in the great north! I flew in a couple of hours ago and feel so cool saying that. Narvik is no big city but its still way cool. Surrounded by trees, tall mountains, and crystal clear water. I literally feel like im living in a national park. If this was america, it would be. It still is big enough for missionary work, we have like 2 investigators from the past missionaries and all sorts of potentials. The area has been completely knocked. Its really been a humbling experience to be up here but im grateful that its at least bigger than colstrip montana. There is still an H&M and plenty of grocery stores. I'm prayerfully trying to grasp what this area needs most and what Elder Gunther and I can do to bring about the Lord's work here. Its a tough process dealing with change and getting a good routine going again but I will adjust to the area and give it my best. By the way, Elder Gunther is way awesome. I'd describe him as Michael moffitt with some brooks bingham in there as well. I literally feel like im with my cousins again. Its nice to have a fresh beginning and im really just focusing on being more in tune with the spirit. I've also adapted a nike just do it attitude as well. Lived by that motto more so than before as of lately. I don't have a whole lot of time to write about the area. I wish I could just tell you everything on my mind. This area will be an area I'll look back on and will be a place of some serious growth. There is a ski resort here as well.. i think 2 so I have snowboarding in common with a lot of the people here. its cold and weathery. Always wearing my rain jacket. President did call me right when he got the email about Tori. Still cant believe it, first time someone I know pretty close has died, but I am doing ok. She was an awesome friend. Thank you so much for keeping me in touch. that was so nice.

 Just to answer some of your questions:

New Address?

Dronningensgate 51

8514 Narvik, Norge

its a way nice euroapartment above a foot clinic and furniture store.

The branch?

Tiny. about 8 last week. We meet for only 2 hours in a red cross building. the spirit is still the same and I feel very loved by the members. I've met them all already hahah! kinda...

President Nyman is finnish! So he and I are tight already. He apparently knows the Fristrom name through Pamela:)

Other missionaries?

Closest ones are about 250 km away. One of the toughest parts about this area. I feel so isolated. District meetings are on skype. Totally feel separated from not only the world, but the mission as well. Elder Holden is the norther most missionary in the world right now. Im not sure what I am, All I know is that im well above the A.C.

Car? 

I wish. Our area is Huge in terms of land mass. We'll have to figure out busses to surrounding smaller cities scattered about and hope that if we find anyone, that they can come to church haha!

I'm cooking good food but would like some recipes to simple stuff you make like lasagna, chicken and broccoli, enchiladas, taco soup, etc. I am able to survive and I refuse to eat the same unhealthy crap day after day. Don't worry! Some missionaries just eat hot dogs and chocolate milk. Straight up!

Companion?

My greeny is a stud and im really taking my responsibility to make him awesome seriously. I know its hard for any greeny. I remember when I was one (still feel like I am). Its a huge shock to come to the north right away as well. I love him and we're going to work hard and have a great time. He know's im here just to help him.

Jacket?

Jacket was 1800 crowns originally 3200.  Helly Hansen Rigging jacket. Navy blue. Tell grandpa thank you so much and I'll write him a letter on monday. 

I gotta go to bed. I'm exhausted. Sorry for the wierd email. Too much going on. Happy Birthday to dad! I emailed him already. haha patrik! Hope he loves H20polo. tell him to email me. Goodnight. Have a nice week:) love you all.

Eldste Skinner

 (...man its cold up here)

Greetings from Narvik- August 25, 2013

I 'll email you guys on wednesday. Narvik is legendary. surrounded by beauty. its already cold though. I did end up buying a jacket that I absolutely love (helly hansen rigging jacket) so if you could put that money back on the card asap so i can pay back the church. I'm flying down to Trondheim tomorrow for P-day and then a conference with Elder Kearon on tuesday. I love you all. I was informed by president about Tori. She was so awesome and I'll definitely miss her. First time someone close to me has died and its so weird to actually grasp it. So weird, so sad. I've come to appreciate the plan of salvation even more this week, and I hope you all will do the same. Take care, I'll talk to you wednesday. 

Transfers!- August 19, 2013

Im headed to THE NORTH mannn.. THE NORTH. On wednesday I'll be flying up with my "son" to our new area called Narvik. Its going to be the single most epic adventure of my life for many reasons. What I know about Narvik is that its above the arctic circle, super pretty, and has a branch in the single digits. Man oh man, am I going to have to get good super fast. I'm really excited to get there because I know it will most likely be super tough. It will be a perfect opportunity for me to grow as I give all sorts of talks and lessons on sunday. It'll be even tougher because my companion will be fresh out of the MTC. Im definately the youngest trainer on the mission and Elder Gunther from American Fork is probably the first to greeny in tiny Narvik. Epic combination but we are going to tear it up up there and work hard. I'm going in with a positive attitude. I know how important it is to leave a lasting impact on this new missionary, i help set the pace for him for the rest of his mission. I want to set the perfect example for him by working hard, being obedient, and still making it fun. I'll let you guys know how it really is next week! 

Thank you so much for sending that recorder! im using it for pronunciation practice, listening to talks and recording just about anything in Norwegian. I really want to be a good speaker by mimicing the Norwegians. Too bad im leaving the east and going to hear a different dialect in Narvik. So that will take some getting used to. This past week has flown by with not too many open days for solid missionary work. We still taught some great lessons and are looking forward to seeing more people come uto christ. Its kinda tough leaving this place because I have to leave the people I've gotten to know from teaching and visiting. I no longer have a language class to teach either but maybe I'll try one up in Narvik. Im going to miss all the awesome kids and families. I'm going to miss being a part of a ward, but the branch will be a  family as well. Its almost like going back into the early days of the church. Before we had 14 million member and temples and church buildings. I'll get a nice taste of history in a way. 

I did find nice gray rain jacket on sale so that came in handy this week.  I don't know when it will get cold exactly but it should work with layers for the time being. I'm definately not looking forward to packing and trying to keep everything under weight. Luckily i've become a minimalist (easy to do as a missionary). I also want to let you know that we got an ikea magazine this week and was trapped inside of it because of the colors and all the norwegian words I was learning. Totally reminded me of you staying up all night completely zombified. 

Anyways, Its been a great week and things are changing like crazy. This mission is growing adn therefore super young. 67% of the missionaries have been in Norway less than 6 months. Imagine how powerful this mission will be in year or so from today. The church is true and there's no stopping it. So awesome to be a part of this army of god 75,000 strong. Love you all and hope you have an awesome week!

Eldste Niklas Skinner

August 12, 2013

Hei hei, 

I cant believe your in Paris! Thats insane.

I'm training and moving next transfer! Im excited and feel like timing is perfect. I know it will be rough, especially if I move to a tiny area but it will be an adventure. I'm definitely going to need a lot of help from Heavenly Father though, thats for sure; so I'll keep being obedient. Moves are on the 22nd. 

 This week we had a pretty cool teach with this guy from the Ukraine who is working here in Norway so that he can save up enough money to build a house by christmas. He's an awesome dude with classic russian sounding english. We got in contact with him through a member who callled us and told us to come over and help this guy. We had a nice and chill chat and the spirit was guiding it. He told us how he's been pretty empty and depressed lately and he says he's missing something in his life. He was repeatedly thinking out loud in amazement about how we can be so happy. "no offence, but you guys have nothing. No money and you're not going to school or working for 2 years of your life. I have way more money than you guys and you're still happier," he would repeatedly say in a amazement. It was pretty clear that he was missing the gospel. He is an honest seeker of truth and a great dude. We got a picture with him. He's hungry to learn more and we referred him to the elders in Oslo where he lives. It was a cool experience and reminded me of how blessed we are to have the gospel restored in its fullness. It truly is the only way to happiness in this life and in the life to come. There are people all over looking everywhere for happiness and peace from money and things they read and watch on TV. The beautiful thing is that we have the answer. The even more beautiful thing is that I have been called full time to share it with thee people here in this amazing country. 

Im happy that you got to go back home and enjoy Finland and France. Europe is awesome isn't it? I really hope Annika had a great Birthday. I was thinking about her all day on saturday and I got a letter from her:). I miss you guys so much, but not too much so its perfect. Enjoy your time whererever you are:) Thanks for being so great. 

Love, 

Eldste Niklas Skinner

August 5, 2013

Welcome to the promised land! (not exactly) but the North. its a great place:) Its so weird to think you are just right on the other side of Sweden. We're still having a great summer here in Norway so you must be loving Finland right now. The sun is starting to go down at nights now though..but im sure its still weird to you and melissa how long it hangs around for and how quickly it comes back. I hope you enjoy it and aren't too jetlagged.

Thank you so much for ordering that voice recorder! im really excited for it to come. Its wierd being around different companions but we all get along great. I feel like I've grown a lot this week because im being forced to speak more norwegian. I got stuck teaching the language class but I try to make it a fun learning environment. We keep getting new people which is awesome. Especially because they get aqcainted with us and the church. It feels like I have more responsibility, which I like. I gave my first blessing in norwegian yesterday. I loved that. The hardest thing about missionary work right now, is working hard and still having a personality. I catch myself just getting into my grind modes with absolutely no personality, which isnt benefitial for anyone. I'm working on that balance and I think it will come after some time of getting used to the responsibilities.

 My week has been full of service. all those years of helping move furniture didnt end with the mission thats for sure. We randomly walked by these people who were moving from one house to a condo two doors down (you would have died at how nice and european ikea'd out it was.) Whatever style of interior it is you like, it was it. So we offered to help them and were suprised when they actually said yes. So we spent about an hour and a half helping them and they say we're always welcome back and that they'd love to feed us dinner. Might have to do  that one of these days. They half jokingly believed that god sent us to them. Which was very true because we usually dont walk down that street. So that was a pretty cool opportunity to minister. Way tiring, but worth it. We helped a less active unload a seatrain full of boxes and furniture the next day. the fridge was fun. They were nice to us but its too bad they only call us when they need something. I want everyone to take the time and just say hi or something friendly to the person you usually dont talk to unless you need something. Just do it. That is my commitment to the world. 

We got to golf again this morning. Im am so lucky to be in this ward! We were also fed an amazing breakfast. So blessed. Today I also totally was blessed to find a suit on sale for 500 kroner in my size, it was destined for me. Its a nice european suit black/charcoal with very fine and close together pin stipes. Im usually not a fan of pinstripes but this one will be a nice replacement for my black wool onee that ripped at the crouch and isn't fixable. 

Nothing too new or crazy is happening, i'll try to send a couple of pictures. I just have so many and it takes forever. 

Thanks for being awesome. Love you!

Eldste Niklas Skinner

July 29, 2013

Another great week in Norway and it sounds like you all had fun with the Schramms. Its been another really warm week although it did rain for a day with thunder and lightning storms. It was so epic. I lost my good old trainer today.. Elder Weaver is moving to be a Zone Leader in Drammen. Im gonna miss my "father". He was a great example and we will shredd together after the mission. So now I've got fredrikstad in my hands. Pretty crazy. For the next 3 weeks i'll be in a trio and we got Halden back as part of our area. I should be training in 3 weeks, probably still in Fredrikstad. So I'll be in the same situation as those 2 elders in ramona, except i'll try to make it look like I know what im doing. So much pressure but im ready for the growth.

 So these two elders... One is from Suprise, AZ and he is your typical, textbook greenie who's into show choir. He's been in norway for 2 months now and he keeps me totally entertained. hahaha he's legit. My other comp we just picked up from the train station. He's been out for about 21 months now and he's from rexburg! I dont know too much about him but he seems pretty cool. 

During the week we've had some great teaches with our investigator from Congo and the Polish dude with a prothetic leg. We've also had some other teaches but those our most positive right now. The poor polish guy has been stressing out looking for a place to rent, so we taught him about prayer the other day and now he's calling us all happy and excited. Apparently God has answered his prayer. BOOM!

We put together a way fun ward activity this week at a local beach park place. We had a huge water fight with water balloons, squirt guns, and buckets. There was also volleyball. We grilled hot dogs, steaks, and all sorts of good stuff. It was so much fun and we all got drenched. All the kids loved it. Great success. 

Today I spent most of my morning cleaning up the apartment and organizing all my stuff. So, don't worry. you're not the only one who has to clean up everyonce in a while :) Laundry and washing dishes can be kind of relaxing if you do it right. But then again, we dont have all the fun, entertaining, and distracting things to be doing instead. 

Thats cool that you guys got rid of cox. I hope that all works out and Patrik can still game it up. Annika is crazy and I hope she doesn't crack her head open on the concrete. Trampolines are the thing over here in norway. Kids love them. I've might have already said that. The poor driveway has officially gone white trash though but i understand there was no where else to put it. :) Kinda random, but I found out from a norwegian firsthand that you can work 14 days out of a month at a gas station and make the equivelent of 3000 dollars!!! Working part time at a gas station.

 Anyways, Im so excited for you to travel to Finland! You're gonna love it. I'm assuming the weather's the same for the most part right now. I cant believe max and Zack are back. " years goes by soooo fast its crazy. As for right now I fel like I still have a long ways to go though. But its totally all right, Im taking everyday as it comes and trying to make the best of it through relationships, hard work and learning. Its a great life! I love you all! Kos dere videre!

Eldste Niklas Skinner

6 months!

yo yo yo alle sammen,

Its been a really great week of missionary work. We've been teaching that lady from the congo, and we've also picked up some way positive investigators. We were knocking on some doors and were totally led to the bulgarians from the language class. The same dude who is looking for a job and played us the bag pipes is now officially my homie. I love that guy and especially now that I found out that he was a professional snowboarder for a couple of years. He said he's not Xgames good but he still can definately shred. WHich is why he lived in Switzerland and is now here in Norway. He's the man, I gotta convert him so we can shred after the mission. His name is Ivan and he's about 28. Another bulgarian who lives in the same complex is really interested in having us teach her. She talked with missionaries in bulgaria some 18 years ago. She LOVES us and told us basically how she feels the spirit whenever we're around. She's a sweet lady named Veronika. We just gave the Book of mormon last night and we're going back on wednesday to teach the Restoration.

While walking home pretty late one night and came to find that the bridge to get to our house was up for the night, and we couldn't cross it. So we had to take a little detour past all the bars and restaurants at about 9:50 on a still bright saturday night. Some dude from Poland waved us over and totally wanted to hear what we're all about. He was most likely drunk and I was tired and we were late getting home, so usually I'd just ignore him and keep walking. But we stopped and set up a time to meet with him the next day, half expecting that he wouldn't remember. He turns out to actuallt be way positive. So we met him on Friday, gave him a Book of Mormon on Saturday and he said he wanted to come to church with us on Sunday. SO yesterday we took him to church adn taught him the restoration and asked him how he feels about baptism. He told us he'll be baptised wehen he finds out the Book of Mormon is true. perfect! He's such a cool jittery dude, who lost his leg in a car acccident. So know he has a prosthetic leg and works in that work industry.

We've been blessed with some awesome people this week and I am so grateful to help them out, and share what I know is true with them. We have a ton of other potentials as well who we're working on meeting with and getting them to feel the spirit!

We had the asssistants come this week for contacting splits. We basically went around the city and learned what to do and what not to do while finding people. It was pretty helpful to get some insights from more experienced missionaries. They were impressed with my language skills and I really have been trying to step up my studies in order to become a legendary speaker. The more work I put in to improving my skills the more the gift of tongues will help me. One Idea that I have is to get a digital voice recorder so that I can record norwegians speaking and put general conference talks on as well. I think it will help. So maybe you can find one of those cheap online on ebay or craigslist and send it to me when you are in Finland.

I am happy to hear that you guys are all doing good and that the Schramms are coming to visit. Its been pretty warm here lately and yess everyone's on their summer vacation. I've been sweating all week and its only 28. You poor people. Thank you for taking care of that Xbox live thing.. its been autorenewing and stuff like that so hopefully you guys called them or something. Im glad to hear Patrik is wearing my clothes and I really hope he gets that hair cut. Everyone has that hair cut here. Super Euro. I think its sick. Just flow it on the top and chop it on the back and sides. He she get it.  I dont know about bleached though. I am being good and having fun. You all do the same. Remember CPR: Church, Pray, Read.

Love you all!

Eldste Niklas Skinner