Well, it's been a long and good week. A lot of crazy things have happened that I'm excited to tell you about...
First of all, last night we got transfer calls to see where we were going. Hermana Norton and I have been together in Tempe for 3 transfers now, which is a little unusual. But last week when we had interviews with our mission president, President Howes, he told both of us that he didn't think that it's time for either of us to leave yet. So we've been expecting not to move, and last night we found out for sure that we will both still be here at least for one more transfer. It's actually a huge blessing for us. I love this area to pieces and also I love the ward. I love, love, love Hermana Norton and I know I still have things to learn from her. Also, we have a lot of complicated things going on with this area and we need to help the people we are teaching with their situations. So, it's all very inspired that I am staying here. I love being in Tempe, close to the mission office and mission president and to be able to be here in more of a city atmosphere.
This week we both were feeling a little under the weather. On tuesday night I started to have a headache and we both were starting to have tummy-aches. The next morning we both woke up not feeling good enough to go out, so we stayed in our apartment all day. I slept a lot of it because I was more sick and Hermana Norton was able to have like a 5 hour personal study, which if you've ever been a missionary, it's like a dream come true! She got to study whatever she wanted in the scriptures all day! I know it sounds super silly, but I am not ashamed to say that I have gained a great love for the scriptures and a huge hunger to study them more. There's just never enough time. Anyway, we were sick that day and a little the next few days, but we're all better now. What was interesting was that it was super hard not to be able to go out and work. I missed it so much and I felt like I just wasted the day away. I'm so grateful to be healthy again. :)
This week we encountered setbacks with almost every single one of our investigators. One is working in Flagstaff most of the time, so we can't teach him much; one is on probation and needs to work through that before he can be baptized, and we are teaching his son, who is progressing, but it will be hard for him to watch his son progressing faster while he still has to wait; a recent convert was hurt by some youth in the ward; another person might also be moving because of work, etc. It's so hard because they all want to be able to learn more, but they have things holding them back, but we know that the Lord truly loves each one of them and has a plan for their lives that is better than what we could hope for.
On saturday night, one of our investigators that we love to death, Luis, told us that he has a girlfriend here in the United States and he wants to marry her, but he's still married to his wife in Mexico. He's just in this horrible situation with his wife that lives in Mexico and because of this situation he's having a lot of setbacks. It makes it so hard when the world is teaching that these things are okay... He was getting ready for baptism and he still wants to be baptized, but now we've realized that he has a few holdbacks. But he is one of the most sincere men I have ever met and I have a lot of faith in Him. I know that I was supposed to meet him and help him on this journey to figuring out who He is and what God's plan is for him. It's crazy that so much crazy things can happen in one week, but I know that the Lord will help us through them. The cool thing about being a missionary is that the work is God's and if He has a plan, there's nothing that will keep these people from that plan. Sometimes I think I've been sent on a mission not necessarily because I have a lot to offer these people, but so the Lord can bless me to be able to see miracles in these peoples' lives. As a missionary, I don't make the difference, God does. And I'm just here to help them recognize that.
Oh, life is good. Things are going well and we know that even though there are setbacks with some people, as we trust in the Lord and continue to follow Him, He will work miracles. I love seeing people progress. We taught one guy this week that before we met with him didn't believe in God. This week, he teared up and told us that He believes that Jesus is the Christ. Awesome! Being a missionary is worth it. I hope all at home is going well. Love you all terribly and can't wait to hear what's going on in your lives.
Con Amor,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Lord Heals...
This has been a good week. Many, many good things came of this week. This last week for P-day the sisters in our area went to a sweet members house (Sister Clark) and learned how to make pies. It was so fun! I felt the whole time like I was in Grandma and Grandpa Livingston's house because it is decorated very similarly. So, I felt very at home. We had a great time laughing and enjoying the yummy-ness that we made.
This week was had an awesome lesson with a neighbor of one of our investigators. Her name is Elizabeth. She is about 14 years old, so about Kimberly's age, and she is a very sincere girl. During the lesson the Spirit was so strong and whispered so many times to us the love that the Lord has for this girl. There were a few times when I couldn't hold back the tears. She very sincerely wants to learn about God and loves praying to Him. What a special experience that was! I can't wait to teach her again.
This week we had a training with President Howes. In the end he talked with us about things that might be holding us back from doing our best. We wrote down a lot of things that might do that and then he drew a little trialer around it. He told us in order to let go of these burdens, we need to "unhitch our trailers'. Hermana Norton and I decided that we have a lot of little worries that are holding us back, so we decided to 'unhitch our trailers' by burning little things that remind us of them. We burned just little things, like an X-small tag that reminds me that I'm little, and we did it in our apartment complex one night before bed. It was so freeing and fun! I know that part of the reason that I'm on a mission is to get over a lot of my worries, so this is one step in the right direction. :)
We also had a really good lesson with one of our favorite people, Luis. We've been super worried about Luis because he has been having a hard time coming to church. He's planning on getting baptized in about 2 weeks, but he hasn't been feeling up to come to church for the past little bit. He has had a super hard life and sometimes wakes up feeling really depressed and because of that He doesn't want to go anywhere. We wanted Luis to see that the church is where you can go to be healed from all your hurt because that is where you come to know Jesus Christ and his power to heal us. We felt prompted to ask a sweet older lady in the ward to come to the lesson, Hermana Cordoza. She came to the lesson and bore a sweet, powerful testimony of the Lord's ability to save us. She compared the church to a "hospital of souls" where we all come with our own spiritual sicknesses to get the help of the Lord. The Spirit was just beaming off of her face and Luis surely felt it. His countanence changed so much during the lesson and yesterday he showed up to church and stayed the whole time. I don't think I've ever seen him so happy!
On Saturday we had a baptism of Juanito, the 9 year old we've been teaching. It was such a special occasion for that family, because his little brother also was baptized. The whole family and extended family lives in our ward and they all came to the baptism and it was a huge turnout! The spirit was there strongly. I love being a missionary and feeling the spirit like that so often. Their mother is not a member, but she actually has met with the missionaries before and helped us teach Juan a bunch. She knows a lot about the church and we are excited to see if she might be interested in talking to us agian.
Even though so much good has happened, I'll admit that it's been hard this week to not think of home and to be so excited for Kara's wedding and also miss everyone a ton. But the Lord has helped me a lot. Hermana Norton has showered me with hugs and with little notes to remind me that she cares that I'm here. Also, randomly on saturday (the day of the wedding) we recieved a text from our zone leaders that said this: "Good morning sisters. Last night I felt prompted to thank both of you for deciding to serve a mission. So thank you." I know that the Lord knew this week how hard it might be, but He truly blessed me with so many things to help me remember how wonderful it is that I'm on a mission. During the week it was hard, but then on Saturday, I felt completely fine. I felt very happy and a lot of peace. I know the Lord strengthened me this week a lot. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven that knows of our little worries and cares about them too. I'm so happy for Kara and Justin and I loved the pictures that I was able to see of the wedding. I hope all is going well at home.
love you all,
Hermana Hansen
This week was had an awesome lesson with a neighbor of one of our investigators. Her name is Elizabeth. She is about 14 years old, so about Kimberly's age, and she is a very sincere girl. During the lesson the Spirit was so strong and whispered so many times to us the love that the Lord has for this girl. There were a few times when I couldn't hold back the tears. She very sincerely wants to learn about God and loves praying to Him. What a special experience that was! I can't wait to teach her again.
This week we had a training with President Howes. In the end he talked with us about things that might be holding us back from doing our best. We wrote down a lot of things that might do that and then he drew a little trialer around it. He told us in order to let go of these burdens, we need to "unhitch our trailers'. Hermana Norton and I decided that we have a lot of little worries that are holding us back, so we decided to 'unhitch our trailers' by burning little things that remind us of them. We burned just little things, like an X-small tag that reminds me that I'm little, and we did it in our apartment complex one night before bed. It was so freeing and fun! I know that part of the reason that I'm on a mission is to get over a lot of my worries, so this is one step in the right direction. :)
We also had a really good lesson with one of our favorite people, Luis. We've been super worried about Luis because he has been having a hard time coming to church. He's planning on getting baptized in about 2 weeks, but he hasn't been feeling up to come to church for the past little bit. He has had a super hard life and sometimes wakes up feeling really depressed and because of that He doesn't want to go anywhere. We wanted Luis to see that the church is where you can go to be healed from all your hurt because that is where you come to know Jesus Christ and his power to heal us. We felt prompted to ask a sweet older lady in the ward to come to the lesson, Hermana Cordoza. She came to the lesson and bore a sweet, powerful testimony of the Lord's ability to save us. She compared the church to a "hospital of souls" where we all come with our own spiritual sicknesses to get the help of the Lord. The Spirit was just beaming off of her face and Luis surely felt it. His countanence changed so much during the lesson and yesterday he showed up to church and stayed the whole time. I don't think I've ever seen him so happy!
On Saturday we had a baptism of Juanito, the 9 year old we've been teaching. It was such a special occasion for that family, because his little brother also was baptized. The whole family and extended family lives in our ward and they all came to the baptism and it was a huge turnout! The spirit was there strongly. I love being a missionary and feeling the spirit like that so often. Their mother is not a member, but she actually has met with the missionaries before and helped us teach Juan a bunch. She knows a lot about the church and we are excited to see if she might be interested in talking to us agian.
Even though so much good has happened, I'll admit that it's been hard this week to not think of home and to be so excited for Kara's wedding and also miss everyone a ton. But the Lord has helped me a lot. Hermana Norton has showered me with hugs and with little notes to remind me that she cares that I'm here. Also, randomly on saturday (the day of the wedding) we recieved a text from our zone leaders that said this: "Good morning sisters. Last night I felt prompted to thank both of you for deciding to serve a mission. So thank you." I know that the Lord knew this week how hard it might be, but He truly blessed me with so many things to help me remember how wonderful it is that I'm on a mission. During the week it was hard, but then on Saturday, I felt completely fine. I felt very happy and a lot of peace. I know the Lord strengthened me this week a lot. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven that knows of our little worries and cares about them too. I'm so happy for Kara and Justin and I loved the pictures that I was able to see of the wedding. I hope all is going well at home.
love you all,
Hermana Hansen
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
reaching forth unto those things which are before...
This week I realized that one thing about being here on a mission is to have the attitude of come what may and love it. Of course we need to do our best to be the servants of the Lord that He needs us to be, but at the end of the day, if everything doesn't turn out just like you planned, just accept it and love it. There's a scripture in Phil. 4:14 that talks about being content where we are placed. I am happy and I am content and I am determined to put my all into this work and love it. I know this is a sacred privelege and I don't want to let any moment pass by without loving it.
Well, this week has been probably the longest week of my mission so far. As I say that, I don't mean to say that it's been horrible. There were many good things, but I've just been completely exhausted. We biked all week this week. I love biking and really am coming to see it as something that is fun, but it's just really exhausting in 110 degree weather everyday. This week we were outside a lot because a lot of our appointments fell through. But we are getting more and more people to teach. It's a slow process, but it's really great. Also, I'm am realizing that the Lord has things for me to work on through this. One of the things that I learned is that I need to just enjoy the time that I have here. I found a scripture this morning about that. It comes from Phil. 3:13 and says "This one thing I do, forgetting those things wich are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Paul really is one of my heros and knowing how to enjoy life. This week I've been longing for things I had before and dwelling on those things that I don't have, but I know that this life is to be enjoyed and it's especially important that I enjoy these precious moments that I get here on my mission. I also need to embrace this culture and language more. I know that I as we put our whole "heart, might, mind, and strength" into serving the Lord, in whatever capacity that is, we will find the blessings and the work the Lord meant for us (D&C 4). I love being a missionary and I know that this time is short, so I am here to enjoy it (thanks for the advice, Aunt Linda).
This week I got a big ol' stack of letters from my family from the recent Livingston Family reunion. I just wanted to thank you all for that. It truly meant a lot to me to see of your support and direction. It sounds like it was a great time and if I could have been in two places at once, that's where I would have been. Grandpa, thank you for the prayer that you offered in my behalf. I heard about it and I appreciate so much your concern and love. I love you all so much, each and every one! I know that family is part of what Lehi meant when he said "men are that they might have joy". We are given this life and our families to have joy!
Well, let's see, what else happened this week? We were able to teach a lot of new people, so that was a huge blessing. We had some really good lessons, but we will have to see this week how much people are interested in our message. It's always hard to tell until the second or third lesson. But I have faith that the Lord is leading us to the people that are ready for this message. One family that we taught this week met with missionaries before and then moved and lost contact with them. They seem very sincerely looking for something in their lives and we're excited to teach them. We've also been able to teach a young boy who has a very Buddist background and has a sincere desire to really understand what the truth really is and if there really is a God.
I've been really blessed to learn from the members here in our ward. There are a lot of young Hispanic couples and they are such a good support to Hermana Norton and I. They are our instant friends and they are so willing to help us out with missionary work. Also, there are a lot of amazing members that are just wonderful examples. They are so willing to do anything and to try so hard to follow God and not worry about what others think of them. They serve so selflessly and often sacrifice so much for others. I love this ward with all my heart and am so grateful to have the opportunity to know them.
Before my mission I wish I would have known how easy and fun missionary work is. I love it so much! And the most important part of missionary work, besides the spirit, it the members. If the members get involved with a person that is interested in learning more, just by being a friend to them and being willing to testify and be there for them, these people have the support they need when they begin to feel the spirit and don't know what to do. As missionaries, we can only do so much and we won't be there forever, so the people really need friends in the ward that they can rely on. I would encourage you all to consider how easy it is and to know from me that it's so gratifying, so fun, so uplifting, so worth your time to help Heavenly Father's precious children to find the truth.
Well, I know the summer is going by fast. I hope all of you enjoy the last little bit that you have. Love you lots!
Con Amor,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
Well, this week has been probably the longest week of my mission so far. As I say that, I don't mean to say that it's been horrible. There were many good things, but I've just been completely exhausted. We biked all week this week. I love biking and really am coming to see it as something that is fun, but it's just really exhausting in 110 degree weather everyday. This week we were outside a lot because a lot of our appointments fell through. But we are getting more and more people to teach. It's a slow process, but it's really great. Also, I'm am realizing that the Lord has things for me to work on through this. One of the things that I learned is that I need to just enjoy the time that I have here. I found a scripture this morning about that. It comes from Phil. 3:13 and says "This one thing I do, forgetting those things wich are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Paul really is one of my heros and knowing how to enjoy life. This week I've been longing for things I had before and dwelling on those things that I don't have, but I know that this life is to be enjoyed and it's especially important that I enjoy these precious moments that I get here on my mission. I also need to embrace this culture and language more. I know that I as we put our whole "heart, might, mind, and strength" into serving the Lord, in whatever capacity that is, we will find the blessings and the work the Lord meant for us (D&C 4). I love being a missionary and I know that this time is short, so I am here to enjoy it (thanks for the advice, Aunt Linda).
This week I got a big ol' stack of letters from my family from the recent Livingston Family reunion. I just wanted to thank you all for that. It truly meant a lot to me to see of your support and direction. It sounds like it was a great time and if I could have been in two places at once, that's where I would have been. Grandpa, thank you for the prayer that you offered in my behalf. I heard about it and I appreciate so much your concern and love. I love you all so much, each and every one! I know that family is part of what Lehi meant when he said "men are that they might have joy". We are given this life and our families to have joy!
Well, let's see, what else happened this week? We were able to teach a lot of new people, so that was a huge blessing. We had some really good lessons, but we will have to see this week how much people are interested in our message. It's always hard to tell until the second or third lesson. But I have faith that the Lord is leading us to the people that are ready for this message. One family that we taught this week met with missionaries before and then moved and lost contact with them. They seem very sincerely looking for something in their lives and we're excited to teach them. We've also been able to teach a young boy who has a very Buddist background and has a sincere desire to really understand what the truth really is and if there really is a God.
I've been really blessed to learn from the members here in our ward. There are a lot of young Hispanic couples and they are such a good support to Hermana Norton and I. They are our instant friends and they are so willing to help us out with missionary work. Also, there are a lot of amazing members that are just wonderful examples. They are so willing to do anything and to try so hard to follow God and not worry about what others think of them. They serve so selflessly and often sacrifice so much for others. I love this ward with all my heart and am so grateful to have the opportunity to know them.
Before my mission I wish I would have known how easy and fun missionary work is. I love it so much! And the most important part of missionary work, besides the spirit, it the members. If the members get involved with a person that is interested in learning more, just by being a friend to them and being willing to testify and be there for them, these people have the support they need when they begin to feel the spirit and don't know what to do. As missionaries, we can only do so much and we won't be there forever, so the people really need friends in the ward that they can rely on. I would encourage you all to consider how easy it is and to know from me that it's so gratifying, so fun, so uplifting, so worth your time to help Heavenly Father's precious children to find the truth.
Well, I know the summer is going by fast. I hope all of you enjoy the last little bit that you have. Love you lots!
Con Amor,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Life is a Dream
Well, what a crazy and unexpected week. There were so many good things about this last week. So many miracles, trials, blessings, and surprises. First of all, let me wish McKay Hansen and Rachel Burr, two of my very best friends happy birthdays this week. I am so blessed to have you two in my life and to be able to love you. Happy Birthday!
This week was the beginning of what they call the "Monsoon" season down here. The funny thing is that because it's so dry here, it's really should be called the "dust storm" season because there hardly ever is rain. Ever day there are beautiful clouds and the skies give you every sign that it's going to rain, but yet there is still intense heat and no rain. Instead there are crazy winds that blow dirt around like crazy. This week on tuesday we had a crazy dust storm/monsoon/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. It was a big cloud of wind and dirt the size of the whole valley (about 60 miles long). It was super fast and did quite a bit of damage to a lot of trees around here. That night, luckily, Hermana Norton and I were in a lesson, so we didn't get caught by it. But we talked to some elders that were trying to ride their bikes it it and they told us that their bikes were falling over as they tried to ride them. As far as I've heard, it's the biggest storm that they've had here in over 20 years. Every night since then there has been beautiful clouds and the sunsets that Arizona is famous for. I promise to send pictures soon! It is beautiful and kind of a tender mercy to me, because of the beauty that I get to see and also because the clouds cover the heat of the sun just a bit.
This week was kind of a slow week for our area. Just trying to find people that are ready for the gospel. Luckily, because we're spanish, we have a huge area that we share with many english elders. And they have given us a lot of referrals, especially this week, that have turned out to be such tender mercies. We've met and taught many people that have been prepared to hear about God's great love for them and we're excited for that. The week still had it's fair share of disappointments too and some days it was hard to be excited, but I am so grateful for those days this week. Because of them I was able to more fully turn to the Lord and learn to rely on Him. And I felt His love this week maybe more than I have the whole time I've been here in Arizona. God truly brings blessings out of our sorrows.
This week we also had two HUGE blessings in our ward. On thursday the Elders in our ward had a wedding/baptism and on saturday, we had the baptism of Marcos and Stephanie. They were both amazing experiences and the Spirit was so strong. I can't believe how much the Lord has blessed us in this ward lately! These people were truly, truly prepared and ready for this blessing in their lives. The Spirit was there so strong and the ward was so supportive of these people. What a special step it was for them and what love they were able to feel from not only the ward, but from their Father in Heaven. What a beautiful blessing and end of the transfer.
Today is the last day of my second transfer here in Arizona and specifically in Tempe. I have learned so much this transfer about being loving and about being bold. I know the Lord is helping me to grow in my missionary abilities and in my Spanish. I count my blessings every day that I am here in this mission with these people. I also am happy to know that this next transfer I will still be here in Tempe and still be with Hermana Norton. Yeah for that! I love this area and am not ready to leave. The elders that have been in our ward have also been travelling APs. Because of that, they know the plans for transfers and they gave us some hints that Hermana Norton and I would be together again. We are so, so happy! I love Hermana Norton and she is fast becoming one of my dearest friends. After our missions we plan to go to Mexico together and we already have plenty of people from our ward that have offered to let us stay with them.
Basically, the life a missionary is a dream. I love it and am so blessed to be here on a mission.
love,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
This week was the beginning of what they call the "Monsoon" season down here. The funny thing is that because it's so dry here, it's really should be called the "dust storm" season because there hardly ever is rain. Ever day there are beautiful clouds and the skies give you every sign that it's going to rain, but yet there is still intense heat and no rain. Instead there are crazy winds that blow dirt around like crazy. This week on tuesday we had a crazy dust storm/monsoon/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. It was a big cloud of wind and dirt the size of the whole valley (about 60 miles long). It was super fast and did quite a bit of damage to a lot of trees around here. That night, luckily, Hermana Norton and I were in a lesson, so we didn't get caught by it. But we talked to some elders that were trying to ride their bikes it it and they told us that their bikes were falling over as they tried to ride them. As far as I've heard, it's the biggest storm that they've had here in over 20 years. Every night since then there has been beautiful clouds and the sunsets that Arizona is famous for. I promise to send pictures soon! It is beautiful and kind of a tender mercy to me, because of the beauty that I get to see and also because the clouds cover the heat of the sun just a bit.
This week was kind of a slow week for our area. Just trying to find people that are ready for the gospel. Luckily, because we're spanish, we have a huge area that we share with many english elders. And they have given us a lot of referrals, especially this week, that have turned out to be such tender mercies. We've met and taught many people that have been prepared to hear about God's great love for them and we're excited for that. The week still had it's fair share of disappointments too and some days it was hard to be excited, but I am so grateful for those days this week. Because of them I was able to more fully turn to the Lord and learn to rely on Him. And I felt His love this week maybe more than I have the whole time I've been here in Arizona. God truly brings blessings out of our sorrows.
This week we also had two HUGE blessings in our ward. On thursday the Elders in our ward had a wedding/baptism and on saturday, we had the baptism of Marcos and Stephanie. They were both amazing experiences and the Spirit was so strong. I can't believe how much the Lord has blessed us in this ward lately! These people were truly, truly prepared and ready for this blessing in their lives. The Spirit was there so strong and the ward was so supportive of these people. What a special step it was for them and what love they were able to feel from not only the ward, but from their Father in Heaven. What a beautiful blessing and end of the transfer.
Today is the last day of my second transfer here in Arizona and specifically in Tempe. I have learned so much this transfer about being loving and about being bold. I know the Lord is helping me to grow in my missionary abilities and in my Spanish. I count my blessings every day that I am here in this mission with these people. I also am happy to know that this next transfer I will still be here in Tempe and still be with Hermana Norton. Yeah for that! I love this area and am not ready to leave. The elders that have been in our ward have also been travelling APs. Because of that, they know the plans for transfers and they gave us some hints that Hermana Norton and I would be together again. We are so, so happy! I love Hermana Norton and she is fast becoming one of my dearest friends. After our missions we plan to go to Mexico together and we already have plenty of people from our ward that have offered to let us stay with them.
Basically, the life a missionary is a dream. I love it and am so blessed to be here on a mission.
love,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
Monday, July 4, 2011
Time Brings Change and Change Takes Time...
This has been a week of change. There have been so many crazy things happen with our investigators and our area and it all just feels so different. I am realizing that I'm not as good with change as I thought I was. This week Hermana Norton and I had a realization that a lot of our investigators that we have are not progressing like they should and we aren't sure they are as interested as we thought. So, through out our whole week we've been pondering and praying about each one of our investigators and what we should do for them. We love them all and would love to keep teaching them, but we want to do what's right- to teach the people the Lord really has prepared for us. This week we had to stop teaching one lady and it just about broke my heart. She loves the church, but can't come to church or get married to her boyfriend right now and because of those things, she isn't super motivated right now. But she knows that she has seen many changes and miracles in her life since she learned about the gospel. One day she'll be ready to make this step, but for now, we have felt that it is best to give her some time. That will probably be one of the hardest things for me on the mission-to let go of people that you care about. But God has a plan, I know it! And I know He has a plan for our investigators and He knows best what they need. It reminds me of the scripture D&C 100:16 "Let your hearts be comforted... for all flesh is in my hands. Be still and know that I am God." God knows what He's doing and I trust in Him.
This week I have also learned through many experiences that I need to be a more bold missionary. Boldness has never been something I liked, but slowly I am seeing that it can be a good thing and I'm trying to put it into practice. Because of the Hispanic culture, these people aren't going to read and pray unless we really spell it out for them. And they can't know for themselves that these things are true if they don't study and pray. So, we know that it's important to be BOLD with them about doing their part, so that we can truly help them, as representatives of Jesus Christ, come to Christ. Being bold does not mean that we have to be mean or that we have to force them to do it. There is a huge difference between being "bold" and being "overbearing". My new goal is to learn to be lovingly bold. I think as we show these people that we truly care for them-that we are here to help them and serve them, (like Ammon or-- better yet-- Jesus)- then we can be a little bit more direct with them because they know that we care about them and just have their best interest in mind. Anyway, I'm still trying to figure out how to do all of this and how to work up the courage to be more bold, but I know that I'll get there. Pray for me!
This week has been a very good week. We had the last of our trainings from President Howes and it was so inspiring. There is just something amazing about having a group of powerful missionaries together in the same room sharing stories and insights with each other. I love the spirit that comes with being a missionary. I love learning about how I can be more like Jesus Christ. This morning Hermana Norton and I were talking about service and we realized that all that we do everyday is service. We're truly here to serve others and to give our time to other people. I need to be more selfless and to be more focused on the work so that I can help these people more. This week we had a training specifically focused on Spanish work and we realized how important it is to speak spanish as much as possible. Hermana Norton and I need to work on that. Right now, Spanish just seems like the language I teach in. It's not my language yet, so I need to make it mine more, by speaking it more. I know the Lord will bless me with that too. I'm so grateful to be a missionary and so grateful to be able to serve among these people. This week in church I just felt so at home. The sisters in the ward have really opened up to us and they trust us a lot now. That feels so good! Now if I can just get them to forget that I can sing! At every little meeting I go to, they seem to ask me to sing. I don't like it at all because I just get so nervous, but it's probably good for me...
This week we also had a "sister's training". But it wasn't really a training. It was more like a girls night where we just ate dinner, got to know each other, and talked about being sister missionaries. I loved getting to know the other sisters more and just being with them. I love Sister Howes so much! She is such a sweetheart and such an inspiration to us as sisters.
Anyway, what crazy email this has all been. I hope you all at home are doing well and loving the summer. It's super hot here and it's getting to be monsoon season, so it's getting pretty humid too. I'm trying to love it and enjoy it while I have it, because I know that before I know it, I'll be in the snow again...
Well, have a great 4th of July everyone!
Love,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
This week I have also learned through many experiences that I need to be a more bold missionary. Boldness has never been something I liked, but slowly I am seeing that it can be a good thing and I'm trying to put it into practice. Because of the Hispanic culture, these people aren't going to read and pray unless we really spell it out for them. And they can't know for themselves that these things are true if they don't study and pray. So, we know that it's important to be BOLD with them about doing their part, so that we can truly help them, as representatives of Jesus Christ, come to Christ. Being bold does not mean that we have to be mean or that we have to force them to do it. There is a huge difference between being "bold" and being "overbearing". My new goal is to learn to be lovingly bold. I think as we show these people that we truly care for them-that we are here to help them and serve them, (like Ammon or-- better yet-- Jesus)- then we can be a little bit more direct with them because they know that we care about them and just have their best interest in mind. Anyway, I'm still trying to figure out how to do all of this and how to work up the courage to be more bold, but I know that I'll get there. Pray for me!
This week has been a very good week. We had the last of our trainings from President Howes and it was so inspiring. There is just something amazing about having a group of powerful missionaries together in the same room sharing stories and insights with each other. I love the spirit that comes with being a missionary. I love learning about how I can be more like Jesus Christ. This morning Hermana Norton and I were talking about service and we realized that all that we do everyday is service. We're truly here to serve others and to give our time to other people. I need to be more selfless and to be more focused on the work so that I can help these people more. This week we had a training specifically focused on Spanish work and we realized how important it is to speak spanish as much as possible. Hermana Norton and I need to work on that. Right now, Spanish just seems like the language I teach in. It's not my language yet, so I need to make it mine more, by speaking it more. I know the Lord will bless me with that too. I'm so grateful to be a missionary and so grateful to be able to serve among these people. This week in church I just felt so at home. The sisters in the ward have really opened up to us and they trust us a lot now. That feels so good! Now if I can just get them to forget that I can sing! At every little meeting I go to, they seem to ask me to sing. I don't like it at all because I just get so nervous, but it's probably good for me...
This week we also had a "sister's training". But it wasn't really a training. It was more like a girls night where we just ate dinner, got to know each other, and talked about being sister missionaries. I loved getting to know the other sisters more and just being with them. I love Sister Howes so much! She is such a sweetheart and such an inspiration to us as sisters.
Anyway, what crazy email this has all been. I hope you all at home are doing well and loving the summer. It's super hot here and it's getting to be monsoon season, so it's getting pretty humid too. I'm trying to love it and enjoy it while I have it, because I know that before I know it, I'll be in the snow again...
Well, have a great 4th of July everyone!
Love,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
Monday, June 27, 2011
Count your Blessings
Well, it's been a week full of incredible blessings! I feel like the Lord is really aware of the people that we are teaching and I'm amazed to see the changes that have come into people's lives this past week. We really are being blessed in our area.
This last week we had an amazing experience with Marco and Stephanie, some new investigators I think I told you about last week. we had a lesson with them on monday night, with an awesome young couple in our ward. They planned an FHE for them and we talked about families and how to strengthen our families. Marco and Stephanie loved it. After the lesson, Marco turned to us and said, "I've been thinking and I want to be baptized." He told us of how much he's seen a difference in his life and he said that this was the path he wanted to take. Stephanie wasn't quite sure yet, but she said that she really loved what she saw so far about the church. we were amazed by how fast they have been able to realize the hand of the Lord in their lives! Two days later we had a lesson with Stephanie. We talked about babtism and the reasons behind it because we knew she had a lot of questions. At first the lessons was a little crazy. Her little boy was crying and we it was a little harder to teach, but the cute couple that came with us, really helped us to calm the baby down and focus on Stephanie. She opened up to us and told us about her feelings about everything. She told us that she had seen a huge difference in her life since she has been introduced to the church. She began to tell us of all these incredible miracles that have happened just in the past 2 weeks. She told us she's had problems with depression, but since she met us, she has been so happy. Before she has been so depressed she doesn't want to eat, but she doesn't feel that anymore. She feels like she is loved and that someone cares about her. She also told us that her family has been so much closer. There are other miracles that she's seen, but I know how sacred they are to her, so I don't know if I should share them. But there is no doubt in my mind that she has seen the hand of the Lord reaching out to her in her life. As she told of her experiences, the Spirit filled me and I felt such a deep love for her in her heart. I was reminded of the reality of God's infinite love for us and His willingness to reach out to help us all. I couldn't help but just cry for the last 20 minutes of the lesson. I was a mess, but I couldn't help it. It was the most spiritual experience of my mission so far! Her and her husband plan to get baptized on the 9th of July. I know that they were led to us and that we were sent to help them. I love this family with all my heart and am so greatful for the chance to bring them to Christ.
One interesting thing that I have realized is that when things go wrong, you always know that something incredible is just around the corner. The day before the lesson with Stephanie, we had a really hard day where nothing went the way we'd planned. Our lessons fell through and felt like it was a very unproductive day. We were super discouraged, but the next day we had that amazing lesson. Sometimes Satan tries to discourage us just when our greatest opportunities are there, so that for some reason we miss those chances, but we must always be positive because God always has something wonderful in store for us!
This week we also had Beto's baptism. It was amazing! I tried to add pictures to this email, but the computer I'm on wouldn't let me, so I'll have to try again next week. He was so ready and so excited to be baptized. He just had a glow about him. The whole program for the babtism went super well and there were so many people there! And, for all of you that know how hard it is for me to sing in front of people, I'll have you know that I sang a solo. I didn't do perfectly, but I did it. Beto really wanted me to, and I'd do anything for him, even be humiliated in front of 50 people. After his baptism, they had him come up to the front. He thanked everyone for being there and then he turned to Hermana Norton and I with tears in his eyes and thanked us for being patient with him. He is such a sweetheart! I am so happy for him and for his family! Already he is an amazing member of the ward. Just yesterday he was commenting and answering questions in gospel principles and sharing his testimony. I can't believe the change that has come over him and the light I see about him. The Lord truly is powerful and changes hearts everyday!
We also had many other miracles happen this week. We see the Lord's hand truly in all of our investigators and we see their desires to come closer to Him and to really do what He would have them do. I love people and I love feeling this love for them. I love being a missionary! I know that my Redeemer lives and that He cares about each and every one of us. He is leading us all on the path that we need to be on, whether we can see that or not. But we are so quick to forget that. It's so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and to forget to look for God in our lives, but He is there and He cares. I promise and I know that that is true.
love,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
This last week we had an amazing experience with Marco and Stephanie, some new investigators I think I told you about last week. we had a lesson with them on monday night, with an awesome young couple in our ward. They planned an FHE for them and we talked about families and how to strengthen our families. Marco and Stephanie loved it. After the lesson, Marco turned to us and said, "I've been thinking and I want to be baptized." He told us of how much he's seen a difference in his life and he said that this was the path he wanted to take. Stephanie wasn't quite sure yet, but she said that she really loved what she saw so far about the church. we were amazed by how fast they have been able to realize the hand of the Lord in their lives! Two days later we had a lesson with Stephanie. We talked about babtism and the reasons behind it because we knew she had a lot of questions. At first the lessons was a little crazy. Her little boy was crying and we it was a little harder to teach, but the cute couple that came with us, really helped us to calm the baby down and focus on Stephanie. She opened up to us and told us about her feelings about everything. She told us that she had seen a huge difference in her life since she has been introduced to the church. She began to tell us of all these incredible miracles that have happened just in the past 2 weeks. She told us she's had problems with depression, but since she met us, she has been so happy. Before she has been so depressed she doesn't want to eat, but she doesn't feel that anymore. She feels like she is loved and that someone cares about her. She also told us that her family has been so much closer. There are other miracles that she's seen, but I know how sacred they are to her, so I don't know if I should share them. But there is no doubt in my mind that she has seen the hand of the Lord reaching out to her in her life. As she told of her experiences, the Spirit filled me and I felt such a deep love for her in her heart. I was reminded of the reality of God's infinite love for us and His willingness to reach out to help us all. I couldn't help but just cry for the last 20 minutes of the lesson. I was a mess, but I couldn't help it. It was the most spiritual experience of my mission so far! Her and her husband plan to get baptized on the 9th of July. I know that they were led to us and that we were sent to help them. I love this family with all my heart and am so greatful for the chance to bring them to Christ.
One interesting thing that I have realized is that when things go wrong, you always know that something incredible is just around the corner. The day before the lesson with Stephanie, we had a really hard day where nothing went the way we'd planned. Our lessons fell through and felt like it was a very unproductive day. We were super discouraged, but the next day we had that amazing lesson. Sometimes Satan tries to discourage us just when our greatest opportunities are there, so that for some reason we miss those chances, but we must always be positive because God always has something wonderful in store for us!
This week we also had Beto's baptism. It was amazing! I tried to add pictures to this email, but the computer I'm on wouldn't let me, so I'll have to try again next week. He was so ready and so excited to be baptized. He just had a glow about him. The whole program for the babtism went super well and there were so many people there! And, for all of you that know how hard it is for me to sing in front of people, I'll have you know that I sang a solo. I didn't do perfectly, but I did it. Beto really wanted me to, and I'd do anything for him, even be humiliated in front of 50 people. After his baptism, they had him come up to the front. He thanked everyone for being there and then he turned to Hermana Norton and I with tears in his eyes and thanked us for being patient with him. He is such a sweetheart! I am so happy for him and for his family! Already he is an amazing member of the ward. Just yesterday he was commenting and answering questions in gospel principles and sharing his testimony. I can't believe the change that has come over him and the light I see about him. The Lord truly is powerful and changes hearts everyday!
We also had many other miracles happen this week. We see the Lord's hand truly in all of our investigators and we see their desires to come closer to Him and to really do what He would have them do. I love people and I love feeling this love for them. I love being a missionary! I know that my Redeemer lives and that He cares about each and every one of us. He is leading us all on the path that we need to be on, whether we can see that or not. But we are so quick to forget that. It's so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and to forget to look for God in our lives, but He is there and He cares. I promise and I know that that is true.
love,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
I'm growing
Wow! It's been an incredible week. This week I have seen a lot of opportunities for me to grow spiritually and to learn. The Lord truly knows that I have things to learn and BOY is He teaching me. But I'm grateful for it. I feel like this whole transfer so far has been a transfer of refining and that through it all, the Lord is stretching me and blessing me too. I'm learning a lot about what it means to be a true representative of Christ and to give my ALL to God. I have a long way to go, but I know that as I work a little on this every day the Lord will strengthen me and my weaknesses will become my strengths.
First of all, let me tell you about Gabby's baptism. It was actually on the 11th, but because of all the amazing miracles from last week, I totally forgot to put it in the last email. It was awesome to see Gabby baptized. She was so ready and had planned out her baptism program to perfection, but of course, a few things didn't go as planned, but the whole time she was smiling and so happy. The Spirit was there so stong and it was awesome to see her parents support, even though they don't really agree with her decision. They were so cute and it was so fun to meet them. She just beamed as she was baptized and the next day when she was confirmed. I am so grateful for her willingness and desire to be baptized. I am so grateful to have been a small part of that process. Yeah for Gabby!
This week we were worried about a lot of the people we are teaching and what their desires really are-if they really are serious about this all or not. So we went into our lessons with a desire to figure out where they were at. It was interesting to see how the Lord has prepared each of them. It turns out that each one of them have had a lot of special experiences lately that have actually led them to have more of a desire to change their lives for God. I have one story in particular to share. One lady that we are teaching has a boyfriend that does not want to get married to her. She has tried asking him about it and we've even tried to talk with him about it, but he's super scared of commitment. The funny thing is that this couple has been together already for 15 years and they have two beautiful little girls together. Basically, they are already committed. So we've been praying that he will have a desire to marry her so that she can be baptized. This week when we visited her, she told us that their youngest daughter needs some surgery and in order to get help with that, they need to be married. Also, if they are married, this couple will be able to get papers to be legal in the United States. So now there is a lot more pressure on this guy to get married. We see this as a huge miracle and we know that the Lord is answering our prayers so that this wonderful woman can be baptized and be blessed by the gospel.
Also this week we had stake conference for the Tempe Stake. It was really so good for me. I was so spiritually chastened and rejuvinated. In the adult session of stake conference on Saturday night, the stake president, Pres. Clegg showed the stake a clip from a talk to Elder Holland gave in the MTC. In the talk, he spoke of the experience that happened to the disciples, namely Peter, in John 21. In this chapter, it is after Christ's death and resurrection and He has already appeared to them a few times. The disciples are now going back to their former work of fisherman. They fish all day, but do not catch anything. By the end of the night, Christ appears to them and says to cast their nets on the other side. They do and their nets are filled to the brims. When he realizes that it is Christ, Peter runs to Him. After this experience, Christ is talking to him and he says, Peter, lovest thou me more than these (meaning the fish)? And Peter says, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus answers by saying , Feed My Lambs. This happens 2 more times and by the third time, Peter, more sincere than ever, again answers, Lord, thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love thee. And the Lord says again, Feed My Sheep. Elder Holland goes on to talk about that experience. After Christ's life and this great journey He had with the apostles, the last thing He wants them to do is to go back to their former lives of fisherman. So He appears again to them and teaches them, that if they truly love Him, they will continue on in this jouney of discipleship and apostleship. Elder Holland pointed out that our callings that we have now are not just a 2 year or a 1 and a half year call. They are forever calls. This call is a call to change, to become like the Savior, and to never look back. That hit me so hard. I need to look at this position and the things that I am learning right now as a call to love the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strengh (D&C 4:2) and to never look back. That is my new goal. To put aside the old and to look to God who is the "high priest of good things to come." Then will my mission truly become a sacred experience. I love the Lord so much that I am willing to do that and to change my life forever. I am going to let this mission change me for good. I have much, much to learn and here is the time to learn it.
Well, I hope that you all are having a wonderful day. I hope that you all had a great time with your families for Fathers Day. Families are so important and I am so grateful for good priesthood holders and the difference they make in our lives. Thank you!
Con Amor,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
First of all, let me tell you about Gabby's baptism. It was actually on the 11th, but because of all the amazing miracles from last week, I totally forgot to put it in the last email. It was awesome to see Gabby baptized. She was so ready and had planned out her baptism program to perfection, but of course, a few things didn't go as planned, but the whole time she was smiling and so happy. The Spirit was there so stong and it was awesome to see her parents support, even though they don't really agree with her decision. They were so cute and it was so fun to meet them. She just beamed as she was baptized and the next day when she was confirmed. I am so grateful for her willingness and desire to be baptized. I am so grateful to have been a small part of that process. Yeah for Gabby!
This week we were worried about a lot of the people we are teaching and what their desires really are-if they really are serious about this all or not. So we went into our lessons with a desire to figure out where they were at. It was interesting to see how the Lord has prepared each of them. It turns out that each one of them have had a lot of special experiences lately that have actually led them to have more of a desire to change their lives for God. I have one story in particular to share. One lady that we are teaching has a boyfriend that does not want to get married to her. She has tried asking him about it and we've even tried to talk with him about it, but he's super scared of commitment. The funny thing is that this couple has been together already for 15 years and they have two beautiful little girls together. Basically, they are already committed. So we've been praying that he will have a desire to marry her so that she can be baptized. This week when we visited her, she told us that their youngest daughter needs some surgery and in order to get help with that, they need to be married. Also, if they are married, this couple will be able to get papers to be legal in the United States. So now there is a lot more pressure on this guy to get married. We see this as a huge miracle and we know that the Lord is answering our prayers so that this wonderful woman can be baptized and be blessed by the gospel.
Also this week we had stake conference for the Tempe Stake. It was really so good for me. I was so spiritually chastened and rejuvinated. In the adult session of stake conference on Saturday night, the stake president, Pres. Clegg showed the stake a clip from a talk to Elder Holland gave in the MTC. In the talk, he spoke of the experience that happened to the disciples, namely Peter, in John 21. In this chapter, it is after Christ's death and resurrection and He has already appeared to them a few times. The disciples are now going back to their former work of fisherman. They fish all day, but do not catch anything. By the end of the night, Christ appears to them and says to cast their nets on the other side. They do and their nets are filled to the brims. When he realizes that it is Christ, Peter runs to Him. After this experience, Christ is talking to him and he says, Peter, lovest thou me more than these (meaning the fish)? And Peter says, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus answers by saying , Feed My Lambs. This happens 2 more times and by the third time, Peter, more sincere than ever, again answers, Lord, thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love thee. And the Lord says again, Feed My Sheep. Elder Holland goes on to talk about that experience. After Christ's life and this great journey He had with the apostles, the last thing He wants them to do is to go back to their former lives of fisherman. So He appears again to them and teaches them, that if they truly love Him, they will continue on in this jouney of discipleship and apostleship. Elder Holland pointed out that our callings that we have now are not just a 2 year or a 1 and a half year call. They are forever calls. This call is a call to change, to become like the Savior, and to never look back. That hit me so hard. I need to look at this position and the things that I am learning right now as a call to love the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strengh (D&C 4:2) and to never look back. That is my new goal. To put aside the old and to look to God who is the "high priest of good things to come." Then will my mission truly become a sacred experience. I love the Lord so much that I am willing to do that and to change my life forever. I am going to let this mission change me for good. I have much, much to learn and here is the time to learn it.
Well, I hope that you all are having a wonderful day. I hope that you all had a great time with your families for Fathers Day. Families are so important and I am so grateful for good priesthood holders and the difference they make in our lives. Thank you!
Con Amor,
Hermana Anneli Hansen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)