September 9, 2013

You ended that email perfectly. I truly always want to be perfect and its so frustrating, Lately its just been really tough to grasp the fact that im not a perfect missionary. I'm not as good at the language as I want to be, not as good as a teacher as I want to be, the list can go on and on. I also am fully aware and constantly reminded by the spirit that I never give myself enough credit either. This week has been another humbling week, but I had an amazing experience. We had a lesson with this norwegian dude who some missionaries contacted on the bus several months back. I randomly decided to call this dude and told him we wanted to meet up with him.. half expecting him to say no. He agreed to meet with us last thursday but I don't think he was necessarily too excited. So we went over there and he had some chip and candy out for us and was offering us drinks and stuff. Totally nice dude. We started talking, did our whole getto know him, explain our purpose thing and then went on with teaching the Restoration. It definitely wasn't flawless but he seemed to be sort of understanding it. When we got to the book of mormon, I felt prompted to have him read the last 2 paragraphs of the intro out loud. I also for one reason or the other (i guess i could say I was prompted) I afterwards paused and then asked what Hit him. It was a question I've never really asked or phrased before in Norwegian. It was no coincidence that I asked that question. He was totally describing the spirit and was taken back on the feelings that were "hitting" him. He was feeling the spirit so strongly. Something he never felt before especially from just reading a couple of sentences. The Spirit was so strong that I  felt like it was quite literally right there with us. It was a way cool experience for Elder Gunther and I because it really brought this work into reality. I know that the spirit has our back up here in Narvik, especially when we're doing our best to find, teach and baptise. Although we didn't give the most smooth or perfect lesson, by any means, it didn't matter because the spirit was right there with us. I'm grateful that we're not alone.

So that was pretty much the highlight of the week, especially because we fasted to find a new investigator that week who would be baptised by the end of the year. We spent wednesday in trondheim and that was an adventure. Long story short, our connecting flight's plane hit a bird as it landed so we ended up being stranded in the airport for 2 hours as they did a safety inspection. So we ended up being way late to our short meeting in trondheim but we got a service check to blow like the equivalent of 50 bucks in food at the airport haha. once we finally made it from te airport to the church, it was time to catch the bus back to the airport to go back home.So we were literally in our meeting in trondheim for maybe 30 minutes! It was so frustrating. Especially with blue skies and the big city teasing me. 

     I really hope you aren't suffering in too much pain and that everything will end up all right with your health. Don't get too broken by the time I get back. I 'm excited for all the siblings and all the new things happening. Know that I love you all. Have a great week. Thanks for all the love and support. 

Eldste Skinner

September 2, 2013

Hello Family and everyone else!

Its been another great week here in Narvik although its only been a couple of days since I've emailed you. Narvik is a tough area but I'm not complaining. I signed up to work hard and Heavenly Father has been helping us out. We've been walking like crazy. I don't know how much exactly but definitely more than I ever have in my life. And the whole city is filled with hills! So i'm getting those skinny euro legs and sleeping like a rock at night. Its tough work right now, but it doesn't really make sense to use the buses around here and I have't even figured out the schedule yet. We've had some opportunities to teach though which is good. We're focusing on trying back the people who the past missionaries knocked into and were told to come back. Some of them are way positive and we've gotten some new investigators already. No one super duper golden and positive yet but who knows what the spirit can do. Its nice that our message of the gospel is true and don't have to be "selling" something not all that important. I love how I can just refer back to the Book of Mormon in ever situation and have them get their own personal answer that the church is true. The Church is so true! I had an awesome experience on Sunday at church. Just us and 4 others. The testimony meeting was so awesome and  the spirit was so powerful. Just because we aren't the most popular church in town doesn't mean that its not true. The spirit confirms how real the restoration is. 

We've had some amazing weather these past days and have met some pretty cool people. We now have a homie from Nepal and another asian dude who studied at UCSD. So stereotypical!  It was nice to talk about home with him. I'm not thinking he's too interested in religion but we're meeting with him anyway. I've been surprising myself with how bold and persistent I've been with people on the streets. I try to do it in a loving manner of course but I don't take the first couple of no's for an answer. So thats something that has changed with me lately as far as missionary grind mode goes. I'm sooo happy and blessed that we have our own personal computer. It is so nice to listen to conference talks during lunch and dinner. I'm learning a lot from the general authorities but mostly Holland, Eyring, Uchtdorf, and Bednar. I love them and I come across new favorites constantly. Can't wait for October conference. 

Thanks for keeping me posted on the happenings at home. It really makes me appreciate the weather up here now. I still hate the heat with a passion. I'm so stoked that patrik is getting jacked and scoring goals. I hope he is loving it. 

Things are definitely tough up here. My companion is pretty homesick (totally normal). Missionary work is mentally tough. But i'm doing my best to do the work cheerfully and help him out. Its not my fault that he's homesick though... ithink. We're not miserable though, and heavenly father is answering our prayers. We fasted on Sunday to find a new investigator who will be baptised by the end of year. I have faith that this will happen. So exciting. I love Norway. I am so lucky to be here to serve the Lord. It feels good to say that I really am trying my best and working to make my best better everyday. Love you all. I'm going to send you some pictures of this gnarly hike we did today.

Eldste Niklas Anton Skinner

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