MIRACLES!

Hello All,

 

Oh the miracles of having a new companion! We've had four lessons this week (which is really good) and a new investigator! I don't have much time to write today, but I'll get in what I can.

Our new investigator is our first one from our "DC South Mission Rebuild", where we go out looking for "AR"s (refer to previous e-mails). Therefore, we found her tracting awhile ago (when I was with Sister Evans), but she never let us in until just this past Monday! MIRACLE. Byrd is an OLD woman. Haha really though, she's old. We think she may have minor dimentia (sp?) because she kept asking the same questions over and over during our lesson. But I'll never forget that when we started talking about having a prophet on the earth today, I told her "Why would God only allow those people on the earth during Biblical times to have prophets? He doesn't love them more than us, right? We know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and so He has given us another prophet today!" Byrd looked at me and said "Yes, I could definitely see that!" She looked so happy! I asked her what it would mean to her to know if there was a prophet on the earth today, and she said "That would be really comforting. Really, really comforting." So even though her memory was terrible, the Spirit was STRONG in the lesson. We left her the pamphlet to read and pray about it then scheduled another appointment for three days later. But she cancelled :( So we'll have to go by sometime soon to see how she's doing! Her husband is ill and both Sister Udall and I considered asking her if he would like a priesthood blessing. We still haven't been able to ask yet, but as SOON as we see her, we will :) Pray that she'll accept!

As for Glen, we had a lesson with him and President Riggs on Wednesday! It will really well. President Riggs taught a great deal haha I don't think he planned to... it just kind of happened. But the Spirit, again, was incredibly strong. We realize now that we have to work much slower with Glen. We're trying to get him to read everyday to discover his answer, but because the answer isn't immediate, he struggles with the commitment. So we're going to get him to try and read with his wife each night! That way, they can read together and discuss what they read, then pray about it! I just hope Sister Angert is on board. Because she has been less-active for so long, I worry about her true desire to help Glen come to know if the gospel is true for himself. Please keep praying for them BOTH. This is definitely a combined effort to convert the both of them now. Because if we can't get her to see the gospel is important, then he'll never see it. So we'll keep working hard on receiving revelation for them as a couple!

And Linda... we wanted to see her at church so bad, but she never showed :( We had a great lesson with her on Thursday. She hadn't been reading or praying daily, so we had to read from the Book of Mormon with her, starting in 1 Nephi 1. She seemed to understand what was going on, so that was great! And we brought a member, Sister Hartt, who has a teenage daughter the same age as Linda's. She bore wonderful testimony about how she talks to God through prayer, but that God talks to her back through scriptures. Linda felt that to be very powerful! So we're excited to see her progression too, but hope that we get her to see how important it is to put God first!

We had a lesson with Mulu too - our second one so far! Hahaha she's been to church every week for over a month, but we haven't been able to find a time to teach her. Because she lives in Alexandria, we're working on slowly passing her onto whatever ward is there. But again, it will be a slow process. I'm excited to see her transformation though! I see each Sunday how the Spirit affects her and her beliefs. She's changing right before our eyes! I can't wait for the day when she accepts this as the true gospel.

Well, I must go now! Time just flies here on the mission. I'm so grateful to be a missionary and to learn the things I'm learning. I found a WONDERFUL scripture in 1 John 4, about how fear and love can't exist together.

18 There is no ^afear in ^blove; but perfect ^clove casteth out fear: because fear hath ^dtorment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We ^alove him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and ^ahateth his ^bbrother, he is a ^cliar: for he that loveth not his ^dbrother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not ^eseen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who ^aloveth God love his brother also.

If we REALLY love our friends or our neighbors, sharing the gospel shouldn't be fearful! It's just natural that we would want to share SOMETHING we love (like the gospel) with SOMEONE we love (like our friends or neighbors). BOOM. I know... easier said then done. But when we take it to God in prayer, we'll know exactly what to share and how to share it. I know that to be true.

Thank you ALL for EVERYTHING! Especially the love and support and the PRAYERS. They mean the world to me.

LOVES,

Sister Hansen

TRAINING TIME!

HELLO ALL!

So as I may have said in my last e-mail, I'm officially TRAINING. Crazy to think I'm at that point only three months out, but it feels right. Transfer meeting was an emotional roller coaster, to say the least. I've been given permission to announce (in case you didn't know already) that Fredericksburg and Woodbridge stakes in the DC South Mission will be moved to the Richmond, VA Mission starting July 1st. Not only do we lose the stakes... but every missionary in them :( SO HARD. I've only been here for such a short time, but I know MANY people that will be leaving because of the split. And it hurts to know that I won't see them again, but I know President Riggs receives revelation on who should be where at what time. And I know they do too. So you're probably wondering if I'm still in the same mission - YES OF COURSE. Thanks heavens :) DC South Mission is where my heart is, and President Riggs clearly knew that :) I'm still in Great Falls Ward! Going on my third transfer here, which is widely unheard of. If I'm here next transfer as well, I'll be shocked. President Riggs doesn't like anyone getting too comfortable. But I'm here for another 6 weeks, and it feels good. This ward is my home away from home and I love knowing everybody! It's exciting to think that I can come back here in a couple years and still know that I'll be welcomed and embraced. So blessed.

Sister Evans left for Fredericksburg :( She's serving in the Aquiaah (sp?) Singles Ward and is finishing training a sister that came out last transfer. Cool thing though - she served in this ward about 6 months ago and only for four weeks! So she will already know some people and get to finish where she left off! So I was happy for her! Can't believe I won't see her again though (at least on the mission). But she'll do great things, I know it. We also lost one of our APs (Assistant to the President), Elder Litchfield. He was amazing. Can't believe he's two years younger than me haha BUT President Riggs KNEW the new Richmond president would need an incredibly capable missionary to help him establish his two new stakes into the mission. So they're sending Elder Litchfield off with only five months left in his mission. I can't imagine how hard that is for him. But the missionaries here are STRONG. I'm proud to be around such inspiring leaders in this mission. No place like it!

SOOOOO you're probably wondering who I'm training. WELL... her name is Sister Rachel Udall, and she is from the lovely Burbank, California! WOO - hope Great Falls enjoys having two Californians head up their ward :) She is 20 years old and was BYU for the past three years studying Communication Disorders. She turns 21 in three weeks, so we'll have to celebrate somehow. But she is a VERY nice girl. So nice. And is constantly apologizing for her actions. Haha even when she does nothing wrong! It's cute, but I told her to stop. Because she's not a sorry person! And technically, missionaries aren't really supposed to apologize all that often - only to each other, when it really matters :)

Anywho, we have been tracting a lot more! And are finding some very interesting people to check back on it the future. I know Sister Udall is definitely nervous about door approaches, but she's learning so fast. I'm like a proud mama! And she teaches me a lot about doing better too. So I love being a trainer! We each learn from each other and grow in different ways. Luckily, we got to teach a lesson on Sister Udall's first night here! It was with Linda (remember her?). We didn't think she'd be up for a lesson when we stopped by, but she let us right in - MIRACLE. I didn't prepare Sister Udall enough though, so she didn't know to be the one to extend the baptismal invitiation (tradition for newbies). Oh well... she'll get the opportunity next time.

We have many lessons scheduled for this week that I'm excited about. Specifically one with Glen and our mission president, President Riggs -YES. So PLEASE pray that that doesn't fall through and that it goes well. Glen came to church again this Sunday... so I know that something is working inside of Him (AKA the Spirit). We just need to get him progressing and than all is golden! Please keep him and our other investigators in your prayers. I feel like we're on the brink of something big, but we need lots of thoughts directed our way. Thanks.

So an investigator is progressing when they read from the Book of Mormon EVERYDAY. Alma 33:23 says how it should REALLY be done.

And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.

PLANT that word in your heart by reading EVERYDAY and know that as you do, you're causing that seed to swell because of your faith. And BOOM! It turns into a tree of everlasting life. But THEN (and ONLY then) will you find your burdens to be lighter and your joy more full. And it ALL starts if you have the "will" or desire to do it.

I know this all to be true. I'm so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord and my brothers and sisters. I haven't learned so much about myself and others since... EVER. And it's a great and wonderful blessing. I know that the Lord is in charge and that I'm His servant and friend. May we all be.

LOVE YOU ALL,

Sister Hansen

PICTURE:

 Sister Udall and I in the coordinating outfits we had the day we were put together (by coincidence). The minute we were called out as a new companionship, everyone saw our matching colors and said "It's meant to be." Haha She's 5'2" - what a peach.

MAY SHOWERS

 

It's been raining A LOT here. And it's putting a "damp"er on my mood. Not really, but I miss the SUN! Hopefully "the sun will come out tomorrow". Haha oh, how I miss musicals!

Nonetheless, the work is GREAT. We've had the most lessons this week than we've had the entire two transfers I've been here! So let me tell you about them:

 

1) Barbara and Randy Walls - They were former investigators who were a referral from a member (who has since moved out of the ward). They have two teenage sons and they both work for the FBI! She is actually in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Department. CRAZY. Anyways, we've had a few conversations with them in the past, but never an actual lesson - until last Wednesday! The husband LOVES to talk, and yet isn't quite ready to find out for himself if the gospel is true. Barbara, on the other hand, is definitely prepared. She believes that there HAS to be a reason for why all the Mormons she's met in her life are all happy and successful! Haha so we're excited to keep teaching them. Pray that the lessons will continue and that Randy will open up!

 

2) Linda - Linda is from China, but moved to America 20 years ago. She's also a former investigator that we picked up. She has two daughters, one is 8 years old and the other is 17. She's very curious about what makes the LDS church different from other Christian religions. We had a lesson on Saturday morning, but she is a BUSY woman. And didn't schedule another appointment until NEXT Saturday. Ugh. We invited her to pray and read to come to know if the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Pray for her too! Her husband may be the one holding her back, so we hope that he will open up as well.

 

3) Ravi Kiran - Oh man, what a cool guy! He is in his 20's and is from INDIA! Yes. He moved to America 7 years ago for schooling. He got his Master's in Computer Science two years ago and has lived in DC ever since, working for MicroStratgies. He had MANY questions about the Book of Mormon. But we answered all of them THROUGH the Book of Mormon. Love when that happens. He converted to Christianity when he came to America - he was formally Hindu (along with all of his family)! So it's amazing that he has found Christ and knows Him to be the Savior of the world. He is ALSO a busy man, but we hope to meet with him soon and that he continues to read the Book of Mormon!

What an amazing blessing that we got to teach this many lessons this week! Our mission is currently having a "re-build" of the mission - in that we are being more bold than EVER with our teaching and committing. I can see the blessings already! Another cool experience that we had was going to the Temple Visitor Center with Glen and Jessica! YES! I was SERIOUSLY stoked because I had never set foot on the temple grounds yet. BEAUTIFUL. The night we went (Friday) couldn't have been more clear or had better weather. Anyways, we watched "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" in this GIANT theatre that they have in the Center. They felt the Spirit. Jessica (a less-active) came out with tears in her eyes. She has such a testimony of prophets and Glen actually had a lot of great questions. SADLY, they didn't come to church yesterday. Jessica is just not a fan and we can't figure out why! It makes me sad to know that she's so freely giving of her testimony, but doesn't like coming to church. We hope to invite President Riggs, our mission president, to our next lesson and find out what the root of her issue is. Should be powerful! I'm excited for Glen though - slowly, but surely he is growing to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ!

A scripture I found today: 1 Corinthians 10:13

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

It's so amazing to know that God will NOT tempt us beyond what we can handle. Remember - He is a LOVING God. He's not looking to push your buttons, but to help you grow. I'm so grateful for my Heavenly Father and that he knows me better than I will EVER know myself. I've definitely come to gain a stronger testimony of that while out here on my mission.

LOVE YOU ALL! And thank you for all your prayers on my and my investigators behalf. It means the WORLD to me and I KNOW without a doubt that they work. So thank you :)

Loves,

Sister Hansen

OPEN THY MOUTH!

HELLO ALL!

This week has been full of ups and downs and changes and AHHH. So much. It's gone by far too quickly. Sadly, each of our investigators canceled our return appointments due to illness, business, or all of the above. Though we have faith in knowing that we WILL see them again in the very near future! All is well in Great Falls :)

We've been given a challenge as a mission called: 52 Days to Rebuild the DC South Mission! It comes as revelation from President Riggs and his wife from Nehemiah chapters 1-4 and 6 about how we need to be doing EVERYTHING we can to "rebuild our wall". This involves talking BOLDLY to EVERYONE we see! And thus, President Riggs created "AR"s. An "AR" is an "accept" or "reject", meaning we've taught a principle of the Restoration to someone and they have the choice to either "accept" or "reject". And we are responsible for getting 70 ARs each and EVERY week for the next 52 days. The catch? You can only count someone as an AR IF you actually TAUGHT a principle or doctrine. If you get the door slammed or if someone walks/runs away too fast and you can't get the message in? Doesn't count. So therefore... Sister Evans and I have talked to A LOT of people. And we've done most of this through tracting because our area is so huge. YAY! Tracting! Haha I'm getting used to it now, so it really isn't as bad. We've been able to meet a lot of really great people and plan to check back on a few of them very soon. I'm grateful to know that even taking this time to find these potentials is a MIRACLE because we truly are "planting the seeds". These people may not actually let missionaries in for YEARS, but at least they're being EXPOSED to and REMINDED of the message of the restored gospel! This goes a loooooooooong way, and I know that to be true.

But because we've done a lot of tracting, we've had some pretty funny experiences. The first happened on Wednesday. We knocked on the door of a woman named Olivia, who actually told us that she was a former member of the Church! We got so excited and she let us in ('cause it was HOT and HUMID outside, bleh). Of course, we thought we were about to reactivate this long, lost member but oooooohhhhhh boy... we were in for a treat. She proceeded to tell us that she was a member for 10 years but then left the church in pursuit for something better for her lifestyle (hmmm). And she found Sikhism, which is a form of Hinduism and Islam. Olivia then talked about being carried away into visions and talking to God in the wee hours of the morning - and then blatantly calling us "lemmings" for following a prophet of God. It was ridiculous. We spent WAY too much time in her house and by the end of it, I was just hoping we had served as a reminder of what the truth REALLY is - the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Then on Saturday, we met Mr. Rick Saunders while tracting. This guy I could have SWORN was a minister. He talked to us about how he was raised Jewish but then had a vision of Christ and became converted to Christianity. He then told us about he DEEP DEEP study of the Bible for 35 years, meanwhile quizzing us on our Biblical knowledge. However, this man was quite polite. And actually, he was REALLY funny. Like... I could TOTALLY picture him being a religion professor at BYU-Idaho. So while he was talking AT us (we never got a word in for over an hour), I just imagined him working there and how many kids would sign up for his class. Hahaha he was seriously entertaining!!! I couldn't help but be nice to him by the very end because at least he bashed our religion in a nice, roundabout way. Turns out he wasn't a minister, but in fact owned his own real estate business (Google Lord & Saunders Realty). He then proceeded to give me his card. Hahaha we plan to go back and just leave a pamphlet on his doorstep for the sake of time (because we know he wouldn't let us talk).

Anywho, life is great here in Virginia! And though I get to meet crazy people that reject Christ's church, I count my blessings every single day. The work is hard, but gratifying to every single, tiny degree. I can't believe how much I've been able to see the potential in people as I've gotten to know them and their stories. I'm truly seeing them as God's children, each and everyone loved by Him! It's amazing. I'm so thankful for this Gospel and that it all just makes so much sense to me! Through faith in the Lord and repentance, we can return to live with our Father in Heaven again. How beautifully simple is that?

LOVE YOU ALL! And thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts. They mean everything to me!

LOVES,

Sister Hansen

This week the water works CAME

So I haven't written in my journal in four days - SO BEHIND. Writing in my journal helps keep events and things fresh in my mind so now... my mind isn't so fresh. But there were a couple of times this week where the water works CAME. I'll take the time to talk about those :)

First, we saw Sister Grange again on Thursday! FINALLY! (Reminder - she's a less-active we saw a couple weeks back at her house, where she was having a Girl's Night with her friends).We knocked on her door and heard a voice trying to shut up the barking dog... but no one came. We tried once more. Then we started walking away until she showed up in the window and then opened the door! She had been NAPPING. ooooops. But like I said last time, she's such a chipper, funny woman. She didn't seem to mind at all!

So we walked in and sat down and started to get to know her! She's currently looking for work through the CIA or some other cool governmental agency. She asked some questions about us. Then we shared a message that we try to share with ALL less-actives - the Bible Dictionary definition of Grace. It encourages all to "access the Atonement" in their lives... AKA partake of the sacrament. So when we concluded, Sister Evans asked the harsh and scary words: "So Sister Grange, why haven't you been coming to church?" She looked at us and said very frankly, "I actually don't consider myself a Mormon anymore. It's a decision that's taken me about five years to make. It's a long story, but that's what I came to." Sister Evans and I were taken aback, needless to say. So Sister Evans asked, "What made you come to that decision?" And Sister Grange explained, "Long story short, it's been my career to go to these countries around the world and learn about their cultures and religions and the doctrine of the Mormon church just doesn't fit in many them. It just doesn't work." And that was that. There was nothing we could do because we knew she was closed off. What KILLS me is the sake of calling it the Mormon church, when all I really wanted her to say was "Christ's church". This IS Christ's true church - that HE established on the earth 2,000 years ago. Mormon is just a name! I hope all who read this realize that truth.

Well... Sister Evans told her that we wanted to keep coming by, at least to be friends with her! I couldn't have agreed more, but as I finally took that turn to speak... I just started to cry. My eyes welled up and I couldn't talk right. Sister Grange looked so confused like "Why is this chick crying?" But she was sweet and asked "Are you okay?" I told her yes and played it off like I normally don't cry. I looked at her and just told her that I KNEW God loved her and recognized her and situation. Then I said that we would really still love to come back because I know I feel the Spirit when I'm with her. She still has it! I hope that made her think. BUT MAN. I did NOT expect to cry that day! But seeing someone fall away due to such reasons just really broke my heart. I'm pretty sure, despite contacting many less-actives thus far, that THAT was the first time my heart truly broke for someone out here. It hurts - but like I told her... God is aware of her and will eventually help her find the way back to Him.

The picture attached is of the Bazzarone family. The husband is in our bishophric and his son is the one that had that AMAZING farewell, with Bryce Harper in attendance! Sister Bazzarone asked Sister Evans and I to come by and share a message with their son before he left on his mission. Turns out we were to come over the DAY before he was leaving to the MTC! We used Elder Bednar's talk "Converted Unto the Lord" from October 2012 conference, which explained the difference between having a testimony and being converted. We assumed that the people he'd be serving in Cape Verde, Africa would be humble souls who have testimonies of God and Christ - but may have a hard time being TRULY converted. It was a great lesson! Sister Evans had Brother and Sister Bazzarone bear their testimonies to their son and I just BAWLED. Because they BOTH did! It was a very spiritual moment that I will never forget. Brother Bazzarone is a convert and Sister Bazzarone has never had a missionary go out on her side of the family - so this was a HUGE moment for them. A lot of anxiety for their son. But they're both such wonderful people and have powerful testimonies! I'm grateful to have such great examples in my ward!

I'd like to leave the scripture Alma 13:24, which says:

"For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory."

There are angels ALL around us. They are preparing those people that I need to find and teach! And these angels aren't necessarily on the other side of the veil, but in fact, they are people like the Bazzarones who helped friends not of our faith know that there is more out there. And THAT is how we prepare souls. So be an angel! And assist those you know in finding out more about the gospel so that THEY can be a prepared soul for some missionary out there... just like me :)

Thank you all for your love and support. And your PRAYERS! I feel them everyday. Continue to be great examples to those around you!

LOVES,

Sister Hansen

HAPPY BELATED CINCO DE MAYO‏

Unfortunately, I did not have a mexican fiesta for dinner last night. But all is well!

 

UPDATES:

1) Sister Supath (not Supaph, like I said last week) Bradshaw

We met with Sister Bradshaw AGAIN on Wednesday! And guess what? Her sweet, 86-year old Thai mother was there too! She's a faithful member of the Oakton ward, so she had no problem that we were there visiting her daughter! We talked to Supath about church attendance and why it's so important. Sister Evans mentioned to her that it was not a coincidence that we were there - but that this is the opportunity for her to come closer to Christ and return to His fold. Again, she cried. The Spirit touches her so easily... reminds me of Mom! I love it. She agreed to come to church with us this Sunday, so we all carpooled together (her mother included). It was so great! She enjoyed the meetings and even met with Bishop afterwards. He was able to give her some counsel and was very loving towards her and her situation. Sister Bradshaw has committed to us that she will come again next Sunday and that she'll throw out those things in her life that are holding her back. We're so excited for her and can really see how happy this makes her! She told us after that if we hadn't come to her house that day, she wouldn't be here. She also said that 8 pairs of missionaries had met with her in the last 10 years, but none of them tugged at her heartstrings like we did! It made me feel really good inside to know that the Lord wanted US to be the ones to return her to activity. What a blessing!

2) Glen has yet to meet with us again :( He and his wife are seriously gone every weekend so it's hard to catch them. We hope to have another lesson this week and commit him to baptism (with a date)!

 

NEW:

1) Brendi Figueroa

Remember David? Well, we've been teaching his mother this past week! David is still living at his girlfriend's house in Reston (out of our area) so that's a bummer. But his mother has been going through some SERIOUS trials. Her license expired not too long ago and a cop pulled her over and gave her a ridiculous amount of tickets. Somehow, she got sent to court and eventually to jail for 10 days. When she got out, she had no job anymore and still needed to pay her bond off. She ALSO needed to get a new job and her license renewed all before she had to go back to court in a week. A WEEK! Or else she would be sent to SIX MONTHS in jail. We caught her at just the right time and were able to contact many members in our ward and in the Spanish ward to help her out with job possibilities and such. Meanwhile, we shared with her some comforting messages and prayed for her A LOT. We even were able to teach her about the Restoration of the gospel! She was VERY humble and teachable, and quite receptive to all that we taught her. A couple days later, we found out that her court date was extended for a month because her awful judge was sick and couldn't make it to court. BLESSINGS! So now she has month to get a job and a new license. We are now having the Spanish Sisters work with her and hopefully she'll continue to grow in the knowledge of the gospel.

 

So these were huge blessings to us this week. For the lack of investigators and lessons we teach, we're still able to see many miracles in our area. We are picking up potential investigators as we go along street contacting or tracting, and I know that these could potentially be those people that are ready to hear the gospel - maybe not now, but sometime in the future! You never know. President Riggs said that we, as missionaries, usually contact a person SEVEN times before they agree to a discussion. So he advised us not to worry if we're not the seventh and final contact - just be ONE. It will all work out as it should in the end.

 

To describe the picture attached - this is the Payne Family! We had dinner with them on Thursday. Because the wife is allergic to wheat, we had grilled chicken salad for dinner. Just salad. That was it. And if you know me, you know I don't care too much for salad. Well guess what? I ate nearly the WHOLE thing. And I felt really funny after. Like, I was full... but a weird kind of full. A fibrous full. It was so interesting. ANYWHO, Sister Evans found out that an old investigator of her's was getting baptized this Saturday and she was asked to speak! So we desperately needed to find a ride because it was 30 miles away in Mt. Vernon. We called a WHOLE bunch of members but no one could do it. So we called Sister Payne, who picked up and before we could ask, said hurriedly "Can I call you back? My son just fell off the bed." We knew then that if she calls back, we should just say that we got it figured out because we KNEW her hands were too full with those boys. She called back, and we told our lie. But then she said "Oh, I could have taken you to a baptism." Sister Evans and I looked at each other and immediately admitted that we lied to her and that we still need a ride. She said "Missionaries lie? You sneaky missionaries!" Hahaha she is HILARIOUS by the way. So we showed up at their house on Saturday, not knowing if it was going to be just her taking us or what... but it was her WHOLE adorable family! They all were dressed up and ready to go with us. (By the way, we only gave them a DAY'S notice). It was such a cool experience to go with them. I feel so blessed to have them in the ward where I serve! Such a great act of kindness to us that I will NEVER forget.

 

I'm so grateful for this church and for the people in it. Learning about Christ and how He served and loved others really does REFLECT in the members. I hope to grow more Christ-like throughout my life - and be that hand that someone needs! I know that this is HIS gospel and that as long as we look to HIM, we're going the right way. Every time.

 

LOVE YOU ALL! And thank you for everything.

 

Loves,

Sister Hansen

 

BUSY WEEK!!

Hi All,

 

This week is so chalk-full of stuff that I don't even know where to begin! So I think I will break it up into sections in order to remain sane. I will do it by subject - hope it all makes sense!

LESS-ACTIVE VISITS:

1) Sister Elisha Grange

This woman is AMAZING. We caught her on a Thursday night when she was having a G.N.O (Girl's Night Out) with two of her married Mormon friends. She let us right in and is literally the sweetest person EVER. She was cooking Afghan Pudding and handed us big bowls. I didn't care for it, but I ate it ALL. Sister Grange said that she first had this dish when she was on assignment in Afghanistan. She was at a dinner in the home of a Second Commander of the Taliban (YES, REAL TALK). He HATED her apparently, mainly for the fact that women in that country should never be at the same table as the men (or something like that). But she didn't care what he thought - she just ate her pudding! Haha I can't wait to find out more about her job. She didn't come to church on Sunday like she said she would :( But we plan to meet with her again REAL soon.

 

2) Sister Supaph Bradshaw

This woman's records aren't even IN our directory. But she let us right in! A member had mentioned that she lived down her street and that she HAD been baptized (where are her records, I don't know!) Anyways, Supaph is originally from Thailand, but was baptized in America in 1990. Her husband is in the Navy and travels ALL the time, so she basically has been a single mom all her life and found it hard to come to church. Her conversion story is cool though: Missionaries met with her and her mom, after her first husband took her kids away from her. After learning what she was supposed to do (relating to the gospel), she promised God she would go to church EVERY Sunday if He would bring her kids back to her. She got baptized and... He DID! But then she stopped going and guess what? Husband took them away AGAIN. She eventually got them back but has always felt embarrassed to come back into chapel because of the promise she broke all those many years ago. She was crying and everything :( But we promised HER that God is always there - ready to welcome her back! We plan to visit her again and see her at church this Sunday!

LESSONS:

1) Mulu

A lady in our ward, Sister Hubner, has an Ethiopian friend named Mulu who she invited over for dinner and a lesson with us! The lesson went really well and was so spiritual! Mulu came to church on Sunday and stayed for ALL THREE HOURS. We hope to visit with her this week - but haven't made an appointment. So keep her in your prayers!

 

2) Glen

Had a lesson with Glen and the Bishop! The Bishop helped teach Glen about what the Atonement REALLY means and it went really well. Glen is making slow but steady progress, but we haven't committed him to a date for baptism. I think he sees how important it is, but he doesn't want to be rushed. No rushing here! Just inviting :) But we definitely foresee some major changes in his life!

Well... I have to cut it short. But we had an AMAZING sacrament meeting yesterday. Bryce Harper from the Washington Nationals was even in attendance! (YES, REALLY). A member of the Bishophric, Brother Bazzarone, has a son who is leaving for Cape Verde on a mission, so it was his farewell. AT LEAST 40 non-member friends and family showed up at Sacrament. Truly incredible. He gave a wonderful talk. Everyone cried. What a meeting!

I found a scripture this week that made me emotional. I found it out of context though - Matthew 25:21. Yes, it's normally read with the Parable of the Talents. But try reading it alone!

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful ^aservant: thou hast been ^bfaithful over a few things, I will make thee ^cruler over many things: enter thou into the ^djoy of thy lord."

I love the words "few" and "many". We, being mortal, mess up SO MUCH each and everyday and when it comes down to our last days - we really will have only been faithful over a FEW things. But you know what? God knew that. Christ knew that. And yet, They're still willing to give us rule over MANY things. Because They love us and know of our potential. As long as we live up to our best and use that Atonement - that's all They could ever ask for.

I love this gospel and I love my mission! I am being educated EACH and EVERY day. Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. I couldn't be happier or more blessed.

LOVES,

Sister Hansen