A mid-december letter home

Hello All!

My e-mails have been real brief lately, for that I apologize. I am starting to feel a lot better. Thanks for all the e-mails and support. I love you!!

What has been happening lately?

We had a really cool teach the other day. Sometimes we meet people and get phone numbers that we don't really remember. This happened to me, so I called the name in my phone, *, and made an appointment. When we met him Sister Stevens and I were both surprised. He was over 65. We never teach seniors. Never. He sat down, told us a little about himself and his family. His wife and died 15 years ago. He still missed her, and it was cute. We continued to teach him the restoration, asking questions the entire way to make sure he was understanding. He understood it all. Then we asked him to pray. Although we had taught him how to pray, he still said the lords prayer. So we tried again. An honest conversation with Diety. Ask questions. So he started over. He said maybe 3 sentences, stopped, looked up, and told us his heart was burning. We were both thrown off guard because we hadn't taugh him a thing about how the Holy Ghost feels. He asked what it was and what it meant. Then he said a wonderful prayer. I want to keep teaching him so bad, but his kids don't like it. I talked to them on the phone and he told me his kids didn't want him to learn more. It made me so sad because he was so happy as he heard the message, and he felt the spirit with ease. I also know that the comfort he could get when it comes to his wife would be wonderful. We are going to meet him on Wednesday, so we will see how it goes.

On another note: We met a boy last month who has set a baptismal date for January. He actually took time to read The Book of Mormon... the ones who read find an answer. He said he got his answer before he was even ready for it. We are almost done teaching the commandments and it is going well. A 21 year old Norwegain who studies Geology; his name is *. I felt good about him from the contact. He will be the first person that gets baptized that I really remember exactly how the contact went. It was cool, I asked what meant the most to him, and he said the future. So I bore some testimony and asked him to come back to the teaching apartment with us. He came right then. He is a super good kid; I'm happy for him. Please keep him in your prayers, though.

Other things you might find interesting:

We had a Christmas party at the church. We wore goofy elf hats and sang and ate pinekjøtt and riscrem. The two investigators that came asked me to dance...and I felt so awkward and wanted to be in the hall for the rest of the night. Especially as I tried to explain to them that it isn't that I can't dance, it is just as a missionary I don't dance. Being a missionary is real awkward sometimes. One of our investigators is so funny. He is from Germany. He came and joined the choir and performed with us. It was real funny. But it kept him coming, and he even answered a question in Sunday School. He knew that temple work would ge going to on the Millenium- although he had no idea what temple work was. I could have died. 

 

We went hiking last P-day. I love hiking. I love fresh air. I thought of Ado almost the whole time. (You would have loved it). 

 

The grass is still very green. Even though it snows it rains often, too. The snow doesn't stay long and we just have green grass. Not the icy tundra I was expecting. It can get cold, but for the most part I'm okay. I do, however, wear two huge coats, two pairs of pants, tights, two pairs of socks, boots, a skirt, slip, between 3-4 shirts, a hat and gloves every single day. Needless to say, I'm feeling twice my regular size and can't wait for the day when I can wear cute flats and see my legs. Ha ha.

 

I love you all. I'm thinking of you and wishing you a Merry Christmas!

 

xoxo

Katie

 

Dear Everybody and their dog...

Yes, it is getting colder and darker by very noticeable degrees here. No, I don't love it. I miss the 24 hours of sunlight and sleeping with my beauty mask.

The following happened this week:

We were taking the bus from point A to point B. Søster G and I were sitting apart from each other in order to talk to people on the bus. Sometimes if we are having a good conversation we just stay on a little longer, so we try to keep an eye on one another. Once we got to point B I kept talking, but just a little bit. Just a second long linger. But it was a second too long, because Søster G didn't know that I had the intention to get off the bus. I hopped up, leaped through closing doors, and turned around just in time to see Søster G standing on the other side of the window looking at me with a look of shock. I lost it right there. I waved goodbye to her and started the long walk to the next bus stop. It really wasn't long at all, but took me twice as long because I was laughing so hard the whole way. People must have thought I had gone crazy.

One of my favorite parts of missionary work is helping people to stop smoking. You wouldn't believe how many people smoke and don't want to. It is my favorite part because you really can see them get help from the atonement. We tell them to drink orange juice, chew gum after eating, read from the book, and pray. And it works. They come back and talk about how good they feel. We are helping a Norwegian\Greek man about our age. I also like when we get to teach the younger kids about the commandments. In Norway you would have to teach no smoking starting at 8 at least to make sure it is early enough. I am still amazed by the number of things we do everyday when we know how bad they are for us.

We met a big old man from Spain who has my heart. He has met with missionaries before and says the funniest things in his half Norwegian half Spanish. (I can get any latino to give me their number, because I speak a few words of Spanish to them, melt away the Norwegian cold, and we are BFF. It is like we have some sort of understanding. I like it.) He told us he can't pray to God anymore because he fights with him too much. I wish I could take a picture of the moments that I am in and send them home to you. This week he is having us over for dinner and we are bring an old member Norwegian member with us. It should be quite the party.

Went to Oslo again this week. Sat next to an architect on the airplane. Thought of you, dad. The houses here are real different than the houses there. Super simple. It might be the future...maybe you could google it? I like the yellow ones. But I have always liked yellow houses.

Søster G and I work real good together doing missionary work. We get a lot of new investigators every week and are really good and keeping each other laughing. I'm wondering where all the super weird sister missionaries are, because I haven't met any of them yet. Poor girl though. Her camera got put in the washing machine. Mine only works every other time I turn it on, but I just shake it up a little and it works again. Neither of us are big picture takers. I think we have 1. Sorry, never been a strong point.

Another real good part of the week was teaching T, a 20 year old Norwegian, the law of Chastity. He almost died as we slowly named one more thing that was now forbidden. He is out of town but called us because he felt like he was losing the spirit. I wasn't planning on giving him the lesson, but he said he was trying to avoid alcohol, marijuana, and girls. He said B told him about the no girls, so I decided I might as well go into detail. By about the middle of the phone call he asked what he was going to do all day. I told him to get a job. : )

My favorite things to teach: The Plan and Commandments. I don't know why, but I love teaching commandments.

Boy, dad was sure on fire after my last e-mail... Sorry it was so short!

I miss you all mucho grande. Winter will be the hardest part. I'm still in Tronheim, but moves are around the tenth of next month. President said he will put me somewhere warmer because I never take my coat off, even inside. He said he was sorry that there was no places in Norway with palm trees.

Love you,

Katie

Moses

Moses is a blind, middle-age man from Eritrea. He was also the highlight of my week. We met him contacting and we asked if we could call him and come and visit him sometime. He said yes and invited us over.

One of my favorite Authors is Thornton Wilder. Thomas Monson, who must also be fond of Wilder, used an example from Our Town in one of his first talks as President of the church.  He explains, ''In the play Emily Webb dies in childbirth, and we read of the lonely grief of her young husband, George, left with their four-year-old son. Emily does not wish to rest in peace; she wants to experience again the joys of her life. She is granted the privilege of returning to earth and reliving her 12th birthday. At first it is exciting to be young again, but the excitement wears off quickly. The day holds no joy now that Emily knows what is in store for the future. It is unbearably painful to realize how unaware she had been of the meaning and wonder of life while she was alive. Before returning to her resting place, Emily laments, “Do … human beings ever realize life while they live it—every, every minute?” I remember being very struck by Emily's experience the first time I read Our Town. Every single moment of our lives is amazing, we don't, however ''realize life...every, every minute.'' But when we do, it is something that changes you completely. When we visited Moses, I realized life. 

We rang bell 3.2 on the outside of the apartment found over the old, local restaurant. The door unlocks and through the speaker we hear ''vær så god, third floor, end of the hall'' in Norwegian more broken than mine. Once inside his small, simple apartment, all three of us were in awe as we watched him scurry about. His tea making was amazing... pouring hot water into cups without spilling a thing. We sat on the couch, speechless. He had some African spiritual music playing, and before we started talking he went to turn it off. But this is the moment that really made me realize life. He paused before he turned it off to really listen, and to sing. I didn't understand a word of the music, but there was a strong feeling of peace that instantly came into the room. He looked nowhere in particular and sang from the bottom of his heart. I guess I just felt how beautiful his life was, and how much I knew he mattered. His soul is of so much worth, and we are lucky to have him here. We often talk of the beauty in nature or the beauty in music...but more beautiful than that is the beauty of another soul, another life. 

We have been to visit Moses 3 times now. He can't read The Book of Mormon, so we are kinda at a stand still because his Norwegian isn't too good. But, we ask him if we can help him with anything each time. This morning we went over just to help him start his laundry machine and fold his cloths. I love that I have a whole year left of trying to find opportunities to help people as they live their normal life. I am so glad in being a missionary.    

Finally, I'll being to Oslo on Wednesday for splits and a training meeting. Next Wednesday I will be getting my very own, brand new, fresh from the MTC missionary. And I am scared out of my mind. With not many sisters in the mission they don't have too many options, because training after 3 1\2 months isn't ideal. I'll need an extra dose of mail and prayers. 

Love you all! 

Katie

Blueberry Picking

No blog post this week because I wrote too much to individuals. Just post a few pictures. We had an activity where we took some investigators blueberry picking in the mountains with the young adults. I ate more than I saved and had blue hands and blue lips... I never thought this was part of missionary work! We have one investigator who this meant a lot to, so I'm glad we could go. 

I'm safe!

In case  you haven't heard...I'm safe! I was worried about my poor dad who said that at least he would have to worry about me in Norway. Norway has really been affected by what happened last week. You can feel it out in the streets and when you go in to people's houses. The news is always on. This is a safe country where nothing this violent ever happens. As a missionary I don't see any news about exactly what happened but I hear about it from people and from our leaders. We have a special opportunity to be able to comfort the people here who don't know what to think when something like this happens. Yesterday we were visiting a member and I  shared a little spiritual thought about what I had studied in relation to what happened. We shared it after they had talked about the disaster. I really felt the comfort and love come in as I tried to share something hopeful. I never feel like I do a real good job...but we are qualified in our efforts. That is the most miraculous part. The church was open all day yesterday so people could come in if they wanted. We didn't have very many...but it was neat to have our doors open all day. Also, the church sent a letter to the Norwegian State letting them know that we would be willing to do anything to help. We have been asked to give blood; I'm pretty excited about that. My heart goes out to those who lost a loved one or who where otherwise influenced by what happened. It is a long road to finding a new normal, and even once you found it you never know when it will creep back up again and you'll have to try something new to fill the hole and readjust once more. 

There was a baptism here in Trondheim last week... and we did it in the fjord! V was turning 20 and wanted to be baptised on her birthday and in the fjord, so we did it! It was a really lovely day. It was supposed to rain but it stayed sunny and the fjord is always amazing.  She felt so happy after. Baptism days are the best.  

At the same time my heart is real broken this week. People are just disappearing and it makes it real hard. You open your heart up a lot to these people and when they are suddenly gone it hurts bad, but then you have to do it again and again. I never knew you could meet so many people and make so many friends in such a short amount of time. It will be hard when I have to leave here...and the longer I am here the harder it will be. The city I'm in isn't too big, we talk with so many people that it is pretty common for us to run into at least one person we know when we go out...when we find time to even contact. We are teaching a lot of people now...missionary work comes and goes in waves. Or I guess you could say, when it rains it pours. 

Also, I saw some pictures of my niece and she really grew. I don't feel like I've been gone that long at all, but by the look of those picture I've been gone more than just a few weeks. That time is flying here is real good. It means I'm loving it, and I am. I thought earlier this week that they will have to pull me kicking and screaming away from missionary work...but I have to be honest...when I saw pictures of my family I thought maybe they'll have to pull me away just crying. Is it possible to have them both?

I love the gospel and I love how happy I am. 

Kinda short today...

This week I have been thinking a lot about the choice I made when I was 8 to be baptised. I wondered if that was too young to make such an important decision. But in a way...I trust my 8 year old self quiet a bit. As an 8 year old I knew I wanted to be a good person. Everything was real simple then...and it was easy to know what was good and bad. My attention was naturally drawn to those things that were most important, family, friends, how I spent my time. I didn't care what I wore or who said what. I knew that drugs were not good for my small body. I knew it was important to be honest and kind. I knew school was important. If there is anyone in the world I would trust to make the decision to be baptised, it would be my 8 year old self.

 

I love it see how the spirit changes people. I love to see how excited new people are the first time they come to church. We had 9 people in the church on Sunday...it was amazing. I am really starting to see what a long road it is for these people to get to baptism. Everything I write doesn't do what I'm experiencing justice. 

Here is a funny story...They asked Sister J and I to sing at a baptism this week, acapella. After a few practice rounds we decided maybe it would be better if Sister J did it on her own. Ha ha.

Miracle Day!!!

Friday was a real good day, I saw so many miracles that I couldn't sleep. I guess it isn't bad if the only thing you lose sleep over on a mission is being so happy. I'll tell you some of the biggest. 

I guess it kinda began on Tuesday last week when I was out contacting. There was a group of punky 20 year olds that I decided to talk to. When they are sitting out on the steps smoking they don't mind listening to anything. Since our goal is to teach on the street I told them about Joseph Smith and the Restoration (Lesson 1). One boy in particular, *, kept popping off and asking inappropriate questions that I answered with a simple testimony of God's love for us. I was surprised in the end when 2 people wanted the book and would also give me their number, including *. I called him on Wednesday night to see if he had read from the book and if he could meet with us the next day. Again, I was a little surprised when he said yes and proceeded to ask me if he could bring a friend. 

So Thursday comes and * and his friend * come to the church a little hung over. I couldn't understand what got them there and neither could they, except * said that something I said got him thinking and he couldn't sleep the whole night. Being a semi-skeptic myself I thought...great...they just came because they think we are crazy and they are so bored they have nothing else to do but meet with the crazy Mormon missionaries and laugh at the golden book they saw on that one episode of South Park. Søster J and I took them in the church showed them around and again taught the first lesson, in more detail. * wouldn't say much and wouldn't take off his sunglasses, but * asked a few questions, some still rather disrespectful. He did ask why he couldn't stop thinking about it and why he couldn't sleep. What was interesting was to watch him as we told him about the spirit. He couldn't stop smiling. Later Sister J and I talked about it, we decided he really felt something or he just thought we were crazy. But again, before he left he said to us that there was something about us when we talked about the message that he couldn't explain...and yes, he would meet again on Saturday. 

You can imagine how surprised I was when I got a text during language study from * asking if we had time to meet with him Friday morning. Søster J and I already had dependable teaching appointments all day except for at 11, where we had planned to eat. It was already 10:15 but, I told him we could meet at 11. He responded by saying he better go catch the bus now, but he would see us there. So we ended language study and got ready to leave the apartment to get to the church on time. The whole way there I got texts from him apologizing for being rude the day before and other things. When we got in the church we started talking to him about how he was and the things we talked about the other day. We sat down, said a prayer, and asked if he had read from the BoM. He, in fact, had read just a little, but he believed it was true and he could not explain why. He just said he felt so good while he as reading it and while he was in the church and he wanted to learn more. So we taught him about God's plan and how God wants us to be happy. *came half way through the teach and helped us. When it was over, he didn't want to leave. We had a little time to teach * before our next appointment and he asked if he could just stay. * said that would be fine. After that he still didn't want to leave. He and * played Ping Pong and the piano and talked all day while Sister J and I ran around teaching people. Later that night we came back to the church at 6 and our appointment was going to be late. * asked if we could teach him more, so we went with *. We only had about 10 minutes to talk before our teach showed up, but he and * just kept talking. * is a new convert who had to give up smoking; one day after being in the church he forgot to smoke and never smoked again. They even went out to get some dinner and came back to the church to eat it and continue talking. Later were making dinner with * before we taught her a little, so * came into the kitchen to help us. He spent 10 hours in the church that day and talked to everybody that came in or out, since there was a YSA activity there were a lot of people. He said everybody seemed so happy.  

Besides *, we had one person call us and tell us he wanted to be baptised (a King of a small region of *...we are still trying to sort through what will happen there). I also got a call from *, a man that I had been calling often but never talked with. I usually would have given up, but I felt like I needed to keep trying to call him even though I felt super annoying. He said he was grateful for my calls and that he wanted to meet us this coming week. We also taught a whole family, that never happens but felt pretty good. And another teach from early in the morning texted me to tell me that he was liking the BoM. 

I really was so happy about it all that I couldn't sleep.

* has still been meeting with us everyday. I hope he keeps coming to the church. This is a young kid with so much potential. He is real smart, but he needs some direction. He has no reason for anything right now. Things really started making sense when we taught him about God's Plan. We haven't taught him about the Word of Wisdom yet, but he still wants to stop smoking and drinking. The first time we met him he couldn't sit through a whole teach without going out to smoke...now he only leaves the church a few times in the day. He has seen the Elders here and talked to me a little about serving a mission. He has a really good heart and seems to really feel the spirit...I hope he keeps coming. 

That is the hardest part. We have no control over the choices people end up making. Sometimes they just vanish into space after meeting with you for months and you never know where they went. Or they decided to let something stand in the way of them joining the church. You open your heart so big because you want what is best for them and you care so much. It can be real hard when it doesn't work out the way you know would bring them the most happiness. Everything here ends in pure ecstasy or absolute sorrow

The only time its been dark.

Happy Fourth of July! Søster J started the day out right by singing patriotic hymns around the apartment. I am a really good singer...so we laughed a little too. It actually was a neat way to celebrate the day. I have to admit, I felt glad to be an American and actually really thought about why we celebrate the fourth. Our country has an amazing history.

The best way to be a good missionary is to be a friend. I realized this last week. I spend 10 hours every day being a good friend. I am only effective here if I really love these people. But the more I try to love the more love we get back. There must be something about missionaries because people like to be around us. People who investigated the church but choose not to get baptised still come around often to be with us. If we don't call certain people they notice and ask why we didn't call. They think it is strange if they go 3 days without talking to us. I was worried because I didn't want to ''be annoying,'' but the amount of people who thank us for calling makes me worry less. One person can make a huge difference. One phone call can make a huge difference. 

I'm just lovin' missionary work. First, we are teaching a man named *. He is thinking about getting baptised in August. He is from * and so nice. I didn't know if much would happen after the first time we taught him because he didn't seem to be searching, but we told him about The Book of Mormon and told him to start reading in it. Ever since then we meet with him a few times a week. He invited us over to his house for lunch the other day. He made us traditional * food that was so good. It was some sort of sponge tortilla thing that you use to soak up all the gooey, sludgy stuff. You don't use silverware and you get real dirty, but it tastes real good. He doesn't speak much Norwegian and when we told him he was a good cook he  smiled. So now we call him * and he laughs. He gets really happy when we teach him. Yesterday he came to church, and when we called him later in the evening to see how he was doing he said he was really happy because he went to church today. I am so glad for *. I am so glad he would listen and so glad that he is happy. 

We also got invited to have dinner with *'s mother and brother. They are an adorable family, and even though the rest of the family isn't interested in the gospel, they are still loving and accepting of us and *. Her mom made us a whole stack of Norwegian waffles. I loved waffles before I came, now I can't get enough. Norwegian waffles are always in little heart shapes; they don't skimp on the details. It makes me real happy.  

Also big news this week...I taught the first lesson in Spanish. I was on the bus one day and I heard two people who I just knew were from Chile. I could here that drawn out ''ado'' from across the bus. So I said, that is it...I'm going to teach those people. I got off the bus and ran after them and started talking to them. They where from *. So I said I was a missionary and I shared El Libro and that I really wanted to share it with them because it made me so happy. They both gave me their number and on Saturday we taught *. He remembers the Church from when he was in * 9 years ago. In fact, his mom was investigating just before she passed away and he also has a member sister and friend still in *. I was so happy that I could teach him and I have never wanted to hug someone so much on my mission. He smiled and said he would read The Book of Mormon. Another thing that was pretty cool is that I usually struggle quite a bit trying to switch from Norwegian to Spanish, but when I really needed to I could just use it without thinking to much about it. I had never practiced teaching about Joseph Smith before. It is all these small miracles that happen everyday that make me so happy to be a missionary. 

Finally, I just love how happy the gospel makes people, especially me. I have never been so consistently happy every day. I think back to when I didn't make the gospel a top priority, I didn't have the same passion for each and every day and each and every person I met. I know we all have a purpose here and also that God loves every single one of us very much. 

It is officially the end of my first transfer. Søster J says it only gets better the longer you are out-- but I can't imagine it getting much better than this. She also says each transfer goes by quicker and quicker. That last one was so fast that I think my last transfer will feel like an hour, maybe two. I'm still staying in * and I still am with Søster J. I love her so I am real happy we have two more months together. 

2 months without seeing darkness...ever. Unless I'm in the bathroom and Søster J turns the light off because it is on the outside. That really is the only time it has been dark.     

Everyday is Better than Christmas

Everyday is better than Christmas. I'm not sure if I wrote this thought yet...but it is true. I really look forward to every single day as if it was Christmas. There is just always something that we have planned that is too good to be true. For example, yesterday * came to church and we got to visit and teach the * Family. Today I found out my sister is having a baby girl which right now makes her look like she ate a whole watermelon for lunch. Tomorrow we have been invited by *'s mother to dinner. Her mom is a work of art and I simply can't wait. But it isn't just these big things that make me so excited. I love contacting. I love it when we get to go out and just talk to people. Before you know it you are sitting down and having a conversation, and not a ''small talk'' conversation but a real conversation. Last July I made a mid-New Year Resolution to meet someone new once a week, if only for a minute. I just went back and read it again this week with *. We laughed because I'm really doing that now. The people have always been my favorite part of anything I have done. I have not been disappointed. And we talk to so many people that some of them start coming up and saying hi to us. It makes it hard to contact new people, but I feel like I have a base here...and that feels nice. Oh, and just to make it about as picturesque as possible, as we are contacting on the old cobble stone street there is almost always someone playing the accordion, and they plays my favorite songs including but not limited to: La vie en rose and Rondo Alle Turke.

A couple funny language mistakes I have been making that are funny: I tell people about the ''ladders of truth'' that people took and used to build up churches during the apostasy. Also, I often asked people if they have any friends who are visiting God and would maybe like to hear about our message. You see, seeking and visiting are pretty close. I asked Søster J why people always looked at me funny when I asked for referrals. I told her what I had been saying and she just started laughing. Ha ha. Also...this past week I found 2 people who speak Spanish. I'm reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish when I get home at night if there is time.

Speaking of The Book- Sister J and I finished reading. It only took us 13 days and we didn't let it get in the way of missionary work. We just woke up early and read like the wind. Every time I read it I feel my testimony grow. I'm glad I served a mission because when I was younger it felt like...read the whole Book of Mormon...maybe in a year. But now that I have done it so quickly I really feel like I see exactly how it all fits together, and how it fits with the Old and New Testament. It is a different kind of amazing that came as I read it quickly. Needless to say I love the Book of Mormon and I know that it is true. How lucky we are that that is the only thing we have to find out, because as the book says itself about the meaning of witness that it is true: ''Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.''

* also got baptised this past Saturday. I didn't know he wasn't a member when I first got here since he did just about everything for the church, but soon after I got here he was able to quit smoking and get baptised. He is an example of faith and also an example of working hard for the things you believe in. One day after Family Home Evening he just forgot to smoke, and he never did it again. It is really cool to see how the atonement can help with all the different challenges we face. He asked me to speak about the Holy Ghost at his baptism. I had given a talk the week before on the Holy Ghost and didn't know what I had left to say, but I'm glad I got asked again because it made me really think hard about what the Holy Ghost means to me and how it really helps me. I remember the time I got lost when I was 7ish walking home from the Andersons. I walked maybe an hour or so on Davis Blvd. in the wrong direction. I remembered that mom taught me to pray, so I did. Not long after I calmed down and the thought came to me to turn around and walk back the way I had come. Soon I found two people who could help me get home. That is exactly how the Holy Ghost still works. First, it calms you down...or comforts you. Then it gives you a small hint as to what you should do. Turn around. Before you know it you really find yourself on the way home. The proof is in the blessings that come from following the Holy Ghost. I remember telling my mom about how happy I was because I knew it was the Holy Ghost. I knew that prayer worked and that God loved and was aware of me. * also asked me not to cry. Ha ha. Even though my heart doesn't really speak Norwegian I only got half way through before I started to cry. Love it.

Last but not least, I saw the midnight sun this past week. It was summer solstice so we had permission to be out late. We had a bon fire right by the fjord, played sand volley ball, and watched the sun not go down. Pretty exciting. The best part had to have been the 7 investigators we had at the activity, (Sister J is quite the trainer). That is more investigators than members. The people are really the reason I'm in Norway. It is really good when we get to have fun with those getting to know the church. Our different personalities really matter as we help others feel comfortable among strangers. It is also really great to see how the church quickly brings so many people together.


I love being a missionary.

Perfect

This week was so good. We had a baptism, and it was amazing. * is one of the first people I taught on my mission. I got to Norway after she had been taught lesson one, or about Joseph Smith. I love teaching her. You can tell she was ready for the gospel. She converted herself by reading Mormons Bok. * is my age and grew up here in Norway. I'm really impressed with her. She understands what she committed to and I don't worry about her one bit. I am only thankful that I have a such an amazing friend in Norway.She got baptised on Saturday and everything went really well...except there was no hot water. When she got in the water she let out a small yelp. Right after she came out of the water she again let out a little ''AH,'' but it was followed by ''that was... perfect.'' I was so happy because she was so happy, and it was perfect, despite the ice bath, because she thought it was. I really felt something strong when she was baptised. What a good use of words, right? I don't really know how to explain it, but it felt so good and I was so happy. I love being a missionary.

We were pretty busy this week with teaching and getting stuff ready for the baptism that we didn't really have much time to contact. I really do miss it when we don't get to go out and talk to people on the street. It is so interesting and so awesome to be able to just start teaching someone that you just met

Here is another funny story you might like. There is a member here named Søster *. She is maybe in her 50's or 60's. Anyway, she is in the Relief Society here and so I find myself calling her all the time. I know that the quickest way to learn a language is to make all the mistakes you can once so you understand...so I just go for it. She thinks I'm hilarious and just laughs the whole time we are on the phone. (I've started to look forward to calling her because she thinks it is so funny). After the baptism I said to her ''Takk for alt!'' Because she had done so much to help us get ready and have food. She just started laughing and laughing, and I couldn't understand what was so funny, because I was pretty sure I had said just what I wanted to...''Thanks for everything.'' I asked her what was so funny and I guess ''Thanks for everything'' is something you say to people that are dying or are dead. Like maybe at the top of an obituary or on a head stone. She thought it was so funny and still laughs and says ''takk for alt'' when she sees me. It's good I thrive on experiences like that. I love that it keeps both of us laughing.

Love and miss you all!

Katie

30 C

 I must be past the deer-in-the-headlights phase because this week my personality really came back. I don't think Søster J really knew what to do with me. I kept cracking jokes that I thought were really funny and dancing all the time. I'm really grateful I'm starting to feel so comfortable and I'm getting used to the fact that you never know what is going to happen in a day, even though you have every hour of the day planned. Oh the joys of missionary work.

Søster J and I made a goal to read The Book of Mormon in 14 days. We wake up early and read, read in personal study, and a little in companion study. We are both pretty quick readers and are even ahead of schedule. I don't want to stop and am sad when we study something else. Reading it so fast has been super helpful in getting a better understanding of how incredible complex that book is. It is incredible. It also makes it pretty hard when all you want people to do is to read it, and they won't. What is so scary about a book anyway? We go out to try and get people to take a free copy of a book and read it, and with some people you couldn't even pay them to take the book. Interesting it is. I'm so grateful to be here. You learn a lot about people and about yourself.   

I was lucky last week because it was warm. More then warm, it was even hot. Maybe one of the warmest days this city has ever seen. I'm talkin 30 C. *, the Branch Secretary who never leaves the church, came to get us to make us look at the thermometer because it never happens. He was so excited and his eyes were so big as he told us how it was such an amazing day. 30 C. I laughed a little as I thought about how different things really get us excited depending on what we're used to. For me, when we drive out of the city into the country side I can't stop talking about how beautiful the white houses and red barns are against the green grass. They must have known something about complementary colors. * laughed and said it is good that I point it out, because he doesn't even notice it anymore. I hate cities, I'm my father's daughter and a country girl at heart.  

Another random thing, I never thought I would play so much volleyball on my mission. We play on P days, Saturdays, YA activities and who knows when else. I wouldn't be surprised if I was maybe a little bit decent by the time I get home. I've already made improvements. But you should see my companion. She knows how to spike the ball and could even throw a football further and with a better spiral than any of the Elders.  

Finally, if I spell prophet p-r-o-f-e-t it is because I'm thinking in Norwegian. If I spell it any other way, yes I'm an English major that can't spell. But that isn't a huge surprise...  : 

Monday? Again?

Something so exciting has happened. Her name is *. She is the most adorable, cute thing I have ever seen. She is from * and we met on the bus maybe my first week here. It was pretty much a miracle because Norwegian is a second language for both of us. I don't even remember what I said...but I remember it was maybe two or three sentences and then I asked if I could call her and tell her more. For some reason, she quickly gave me her number. It took us a little while to be able to meet with her, but this last week was so amazing because we saw her 3 times. She can't really explain why she came and why she keeps coming because she had not a single belief in God. We teach everything really slow. We started with the existence of Heavenly Father and prayer. On her second time she tried praying...It was the most genuine prayer I've ever heard. I look forward to the days we meet with her. I feel like meeting with * is one of the evidences that there is something more involved in the work here. I can go out and try my best to tell people about God, but most people here don't have a belief. With some people we say hardly anything and they are ready to come learn more. I know I couldn't convert anyone one my own, so I don't try. We meet with them to give them the Book of Mormon and send them on their way to figure it out for themselves. There is a lot of power in that book, because it all depends on whether or not it is true. There are a lot of places to go for information, but why not the source? Reading the Book or Mormon changed my understanding of who God is and why it is important to believe in him. If you haven't lately, read the Book of Mormon.  

Søster J. laughs at me because it is easy to see the strongest part of my testimony. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. Everyone we meet and talk with gets to hear it from me. The thing is, it is the only thing I need to know. If God loves me then I can trust him with whatever else. 

Speaking of Søster J., I thought sister missionaries were supposed to be weird, but she's not. Unless you think I'm weird, because we are alike in many ways. I know I said in my last letter how much I appreciated her, but it true. We were instant friends and keep each other laughing. Mostly, we are both honest with each other and really care about each other. She really gets me thinking about why I am here and who I want to be, and she pushes me. She told me when I first got here that we were going to have so many appointments that we were not even going to have time to contact. I did not believe her. But I think we had 1 hour to contact in the last 5 days. And I missed it. I really did. That one hour was glorious. It was pouring rain, but it was a warm rain. There was some music playing really loud and lots of people were out (ha ha, in fact the song ''Have you ever seen the rain'' started playing. Sister J. and I just laughed). I had one of those moments where I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing, and loving it. As I stopped people to talk to them I just realized how lucky I was to get to go out and meet so many people in one day. I instantly can tell so much about them as we start talking, and I quickly start to care a lot about everyone I talk to, even if it is just for a minute or two. It is funny because Trondheim is pretty small. I already recognize people when I go out, and even more people recognize me. I started contacting a college age boy at the bus stop the other day, and as we started talking I realized that I had spoken to him a day or two before. I asked him if I had talked to him and he laughed and said I had. Pretty funny. 

Time really started taking off. I feel like last Monday was just a few days ago. The only time I am homesick is in the morning when I blow-dry my hair. That is a boring task that leaves me with nothing but time to think. I think it is interesting the way when you are away from home certain foods are suddenly the best thing you have ever tried. In Chile it was peanuts, in Mexico it was mangos (understandable), but here in Norway it is raisins. I hated everything about a raisin four months ago, now I can't get enough. 

* is still going to be baptised, but she changed her date to accommodate for family members. I love seeing the change that has come over her. I arrived in Norway when she had been taught twice. She was quiet and unsure and was uncomfortable with many things. Now I watch her as she easily makes friends with everyone in the church and talks and laughs openly with her. I've really seen her find happiness. I love hearing her talk about Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon. I just know it really means a lot to her. She is so dedicated. We see her often, almost everyday. She takes the train to get to the church to meet with us, 1 hour each way. She has even started coming to institute and FHE. We had a member middag this past week with her and some members here. One of my favorite things has always been good food and good people, and there isn't a shortage of that on a mission. We get to sit around the table and talk about things we love and things we think are important. Being a missionary is amazing.

I'm getting made fun of right now because I don't like cheesy poetry that rhymes. I refuse to read it. Ha ha ha. 

Diana: Love you and your soon to be married face. Your letters made me happy. Thanks for not forgetting to send me an invite. I'll think of you on your big day. I have the best girl-friends in the whole world. 

Everyone Else: I love you, too. 

First Pictures from Trondheim

Rain

My grandma wrote me and told me that it has been raining a lot over there in Utah. I really laughed, because I never even knew rain like I know here in Norway. It has rained every single day since I have arrived, and when you are out talking to people in the pouring rain you really start to understand what rain is. Also, I figured it would be warm in the summer...but I have been nothing but cold since I got here. Everyday I try wearing more and more cloths. Tomorrow is the first day of June and I'm wearing thermals. It is going to be the longest winter of my life. 

The food here is pretty good. They have good bread, which means a lot to me because I worked at GH for so long.

 I'm really loving the work. Everyday I love it more and more. There are huge dissappointments. People randomly don't want to meet anymore. People dissappear out of the church, and it took so much to get them there. The biggest dissappointment has got to be how misunderstanding divides people. I hate that. 

But what did I love this last week? My companion is really amazing. Sometimes you meet people and they instantly have a place in your heart. I am so glad she is my trainer. She is really loving and teaches me so much, which is one of my favorite things to do. Some of the members here have my whole heart, and one girl that we are teaching shows me how important this gospel is. It changes people for the better. 

Oh yeah, that is another thing I loved. We had a new convert, she had been baptised a month, who wanted to come and do missionary work with us. She was found on the street last year and now has one of the most powerful testimonies I have ever heard. As I would start talking to somebody she would just start begging them to listen to me because my message had made her so happy. It had complely changed her life, and you could see it in every part of her. That is why I love this so much...it makes people so happy.

 I'm really busy, so that makes it easier, but also this is somethimes really hard. I think so far student teaching was harder on me, but this is harder to get right. Sad to say I'm not a good missionary. I am aware that I have a lot to learn, and I'm also trying to not let myself get too overwhelmed. I wasn't called here to fail and I know it takes time to learn how to do new things. I also try to have faith that the things I can do now are the things that need to be done here now. But I haven't found anyone that wants to come back and learn more. And I have only gotten 2 people to come to the church to learn about anything in the first place. Mostly, I have learned that a lot of people think religion is crazy...which I don't understand. There is so much good that comes from faith. I loved what you said in your testimony, ''its so much easier to let God in than to shut Him out''. That is just how I feel. The strongest part of my testimony is that God loves me. Sister J asks sometimes how I know that. I can't really give her an answer of how I know it. Not one that makes any sense, but I just can feel it. And it is so much easier to feel it than to try and always wonder if he exists, so I just focus on feeling and noticing Gods love for me. It is hard to know anything, but the blessings of the gospel speak for themselves. I love the commandments, the priorities, the blessings, and the responsibilities of being a saint.    

 I have learned a lot from Sister J. We talk a lot about how a mission is a wonderful opportunity to become the person that you want to be. She challenged me to think of the person I want to be at the end of my mission. I've prayed and thought about it and I think I want to be more humble and less selfish. I've already noticed myself thinking about my goal and making changes. I'm excited to make a good plan. I also am praying to really love the people here. I've never really had a hard time loving people, but I want to love these people more than I have ever loved any other people. More, even, then anyone in South America. Sister J and I talk about what it is that motivates us to do the work. She challenged me to let it be the people here that motivates me, so that means I will really have to love them. I like talking to her about motivation. I have always been a hard worker, but that isn't really as important as why I always work. Focusing on the why instead of the just getting something done is better. 

Love you all,

Katie

First Photo from a Stranger

Brother Fredrickson,

As we discussed on the phone tonight, my mother and I were in Trondheim, Norway for 10 days and arrived home early this week.  While we were there, we attended church in Trondheim and had the opportunity to meet your sweet daughter.   She is well, seemed happy and ready to dive in to her work as a missionary.  It was a pleasure to meet her.  I hope you enjoy the picture.

Highlights

Did you ever think a mission could be this good? I planned on not really loving the first month, but if you always expect the worst then you are always pleasantly surprised. Needless to say, jeg liker veldig mye å være på misjonen min. It get better and better every day. Here are some highlights:

My companion. Sister J from somewhere in Utah. She is a hard worker and a really good example. We don't waste any time and that keeps things moving, which I'm really grateful for. She is as loving as they come. She tells me everyday this transfer is dedicated to me and keeps me laughing and talking. 

So much sunshine. I never see the sun go down. We go to sleep at 10:30 with a bright sun still lighting the sky. We had to turn our little bunk beds into a fort with blankets hanging all around because it is even worse in the morning. I'm pretty sure the sun is out by 2:30, because if I wake up in the middle of the night I wake up to sun. I love it. It is so easy to wake up in the morning. My first day I woke up at 4 and felt like it was 9 the sun was so bright. Also, Norway is beautiful. I'm in the city most of the time, (and you know I'm really not a city girl), but have been able to go out into the country a few times. It will absolutely take your breath away. Green land, old and colorful buildings, just picture everything I love and you have Norway. 

Teaching and talking about Heavenly Father all day long. I meet all sorts of people and I get to tell them about Heavenly Father, sometimes they just stand there and smile. They don't agree to be taught often, but I make them smile while for 5 minutes I tell them about a loving God. Even just talking with people makes everything brighter and you can tell. I sat down on the bus today next to a girl and before I said a word she said she wasn't interested. I laughed and said she must know that I was a missionary. I still need to practice Norwegian so I just kept talking to her. You could see her slowly loosing up and smiling by the end of the bus ride. Maybe next time we meet she'll let me talk about how important she is to God. But today I hope she just felt happy. We are teaching one Norwegian girl about my age. She has a baptismal date for the 11th of June (Happy Birthday Dad). I loving hearing her talk about what the Book of Mormon makes her feel. I love seeing her smile more and more each time we meet. 

The small and interesting miracles that happen. I'm not one to admit a miracle, but they happen. Yesterday we were meeting a new investigator for church, but he has absolutely no phone, so we had to be to the bus stop at just the right time. Well, we got there and he wasn't. (That happens a lot). So we waited a bit and then went back to church. Once we got to the back door we realized neither of us had our keys, that never happens. As we were walking to the front of the church. He never would have come in if we hadn't walked over and seen him. He liked church and is coming to FHE tonight. Another thing I loved, *.  We met her contacting on the bus one. A lot of people give out numbers, but few people give out real numbers and even fewer actually meet with us. But she invited us to her house, made us dinner, and let us teach her about the Book of Mormon. She comes from * but married a Norwegian. She has * children. Right off she said she believed that Joseph Smith saw what he saw, so it will be interesting to see where it goes. She had about every Holy Book you could imagine. I'm excited to go back and teach the plan of salvation. 

The members. This certainly is not South America. I remember church being pretty big every time I went, but the church is small here. I'm talking 3-9 primary kids. 13 people in Relief Society. But they are all amazing. I love to ask them about how they found the church. I'm still really not the most effective missionary, and sometimes it's a downer, but then I see the members and ask how they heard about the church. They tell me about meeting the missionaries and what it was like for them. After that I am totally ready to get back out and try contacting again. I'm just one person, but I can make a huge difference. 

Worst part: 

They gave me a cell phone. My own. I've never been good at phones. Answering, talking, texting, keeping it with me, not losing it. And I have my own cell phone. It is a huge blessing because you can get a lot done, if you know how to use it. So I'm really going to have to learn phone skills. Especially how to listen and not start chattering the second it get quiet, and even more so how to not just jump into the reason I'm calling. (It is pretty weird when a stranger calls someone for the first time and just asks when they can meet to talk about God.) Top it all of, I'm doing it in another language. 

Love and miss you all.

Okay, I only miss you on P Day... but at least I'm honest

First few days...

Hello Home.

I guess I send you(pl) all an  update on how I'm doing. I am doing really well. Today I don't have much more than half an hour, so I'll just write as much as I can. I think my favorite thing that has happened so far was my plane ride from Texas to London. Heavenly Father must answer prayers because I sat next to someone born and raised in Mexico but currently living in Italy. During the plane ride we talked about why I was going to Norway, which led to a discussion about what make the LDS church different. It was a really incredible talk and I am so grateful that I got to met him (we'll just call him Juan). I told him about the BoM and we read from the introduction together. I told him about Joseph Smith and used the picture from my gospel principles book. Well, he just kept asking questions and I kept answering them. We talked about everything, 9 hours is a long plane ride. We talked about temples, baptism, family, profets, priesthood, marriage, all of it. My favorite part might have been when we were looking through the last edition of the conference Ensign together, because as I showed him picture of Thomas Monson he took the magazine and started reading it. He read 1 whole talk and the closing remarks by Monson. I told him as a missionary we give the Book of Mormon to people and he said he would like to have one. I had one Spanish copy in my carry-on, so I gave it to him. It was my personal copy, so it was highlighted and written all over, but he said he didn't mind. I also gave him a copy of the Ensign since he seemed to like it so much. He gave me his card with his name and number and e-mail and told me if I needed anything while I was in Europe I just needed to write him and he would take care of it. He was kjempe nice. Finding people who are willing to listen has got to be the best part. 

Norway is beautiful. Really green. It reminds me of Virginia only there is more water. I'm in Trondheim right now, and my companion is now sister Johnston. I love how as a missionary you get on a plane with a complete stranger, yet you know you can count on them to help take care of you and be your best friend for the next few months. 

Yesterday we went to church. I love all the people here. Church was really great. I'm in love with the Norwegian old people because they look like they just fell out of an old murder mystery or maybe they own a funeral parlor. I'm not sure if that really makes sense. There is one in particular that has my whole heart, but I can't remember his name because I heard 2 trillion names yesterday, none of which I've really heard before. The church is old and pretty, and so far we spend a lot of time here. It has a room where we can teach in and is close to us, so we use it often. I'm still meeting the investigators that we have later today. 

I'm certain that this will be a bigger adjustment than the MTC was, but I figure the quicker and harder I jump into it the quicker the adjustment period will go, because I don't like adjustment periods. I did, however, eat a boiled egg today. I'm glad some things never change. 

I love you.

Katie

Safe in Norway

<hi! <i'm safe here in norway. <i'll be writing more tomorrow. i love you all! it is pretty here, but the sun comes up so early. church is beautiful! ''

coputer is weird.'

'

katie

I'm alive and in the MTC

Dear Family and Friends,

Hi! I think some people have been wondering if I am still at the MTC or in Norway. I'm still in the good ole' MTC. It is interesting because I really have no idea what is going on or how long we will be here. I don't like it because if I wasn't in the MTC I could get on the phone and figure it out, but as it is I can only hope that everyone who needs to be is diligently doing their job. Hopes are we will leave Friday, but that hasn't been the first time we have been told we will leave by a certain day.

It hasn't been bad being here more time. I have learned even more about the gospel and Norwegian. We also got to meet the next district of Norwegian missionaries, 9 in all. It is pretty crazy because we only had 4 in our district. There are 2 sisters, which is exciting because we will certainly be companions sometime in the future. I think there are almost as many Norwegian sisters here as in Norway. Anyway, it was funny to see them come in with big, worried eyes. And I love hearing them try to speak Norwegian because I know I sounded just like them when I first got here, and I'm sure I still sound pretty weird. The 1 Elder who is here with us had to go and get a solo sticker. He is a good sport, laughs, and says the church is still true even if he has two sisters for companions. Having companions can be difficult, but I'm grateful them because we are united in purpose and understand pretty well how the others are feeling. I usually tend to like doing things on my own, so it has been a pretty big adjustment. You do a lot of waiting as a missionary, especially when there are 3 of you.

We were, however, very lucky to have another apostle come last night. Elder Andersen. One thought hit me while he was teaching. I'm not sure how related it was to his message, but it was the message I got; those messages usually mean more. I have always had this fear that I won't live up to my full potential. I've always made goals and strived to achieve them. I work hard. (I've noticed since being at the MTC that I have a unique ability to read and study for hours on end without getting terribly sick of it. Apparently this isn't common.) But still, I worry I might miss something and I won't live up to...or become what i could have become. Elder Andersen talked about the grace of God. Three beautiful words. I always understood the grace of God to be a divine help and strength. Yesterday, my understanding was expanded. What I learned is that it is by the grace of God that I have the opportunity to become more than I have the capacity to become on my own. I believe that and I'm thankful for that. I must work my hardest and do all I can, but I can have the assurance that I can become more than even I hoped to become. As I put my trust in my loving Heavenly Father, I see myself grow and improve each day. Not in the ways I always thought I wanted, but in the ways I know are best. I thankful for the person Heavenly Father helps me become. (I literally just opened my scriptures to this page...I hadn't read this scripture this week nor was I planning on including it. It only fits oh so perfect. 1 Corinthians 1:4-8).

I've also learned more about goal making since being here. It is important to prayerfully make goals with the guidance of the spirit. we tell Heavenly Father what it is we want to do. Then we make a plan to do it. If we made the goal with the spirit and it is righteous, Heavenly Father will most certainly help us achieve that goal. Divine help for the things that matter most to us is always available. I like that. It is kinda like we make a promise to God that we will do the thing we have decided we want to do and he promises he will help us. This must be why with God all things are possible.

Wow, how was that for an e-mail? I used my journal, so I hope you enjoyed the increased insight into my brain.

I was really bummed that I didn't get to call home on Mothers Day. I hope you all had a good celebration. We didn't talk too much about it here, so people wouldn't get homesick I think. Maybe, if your lucky, I'll be able to call on Fathers Day. I know my dad would love that.

I love you all so much! I'm so grateful for all the good influences and support that I have. I miss you!

Love always,

Katie Bug

P.S. My dad sends me e-mails from his iPhone while he is in bishopric meeting, just to tell me he is sending me an e-mail during bishopric meeting. Isn't he funny?

Good News!

I got some really good news this week. Hayley T. Castle is going to have a waffle stand at the Provo Farmers Market. Why is this maybe the best news ever?

1. I love waffles.

2. I love summer.

3. I love farmers markets.

4. I love Hayley!

So do me a favor, go buy one of her waffles, give her hug, take a picture, and send it to me. Yay Hayley! You knew I’d be proud, and I’m so proud. Add the tennis lessons and I’m just jealous.

Maybe if I was in Norway I wouldn’t be. I know you’re hoping for this next line to say, “Oh wait, I am in Norway.” But, alas, it cannot be. In case you haven’t heard, we experienced some work permit difficulties. Everything is all in the middle of being resolved; hopefully we will leave by the end of the week. We met and elder who had been here for 16 weeks; that is 7 over how many he was supposed to stay. One extra week really won’t be bad.

Apparently the MTC has this library of devotional talks from the past. We watched one by Elder Holland. He usually speaks with a lot of power, but this one was so powerful because he really let loose. He has a wonderful personality. It was so funny. He said he wished he had chains or rope or even curtains to tie up any missionary who wanted to go home. He said not for his own sake, or the Church’s sake, or even for Heavenly Father’s sake, but for the sake of the missionary. His mission just meant too much to him and he wants everyone to have that experience. I have totally felt like this is an amazing opportunity and that I am so blessed to be able to serve. I love you all mucho grande, but I want to be here right now, with all of my heart.

Also, I’m growing a sunflower in the MTC classroom. So good.

Happy Mother’s Day, hopefully from 4792.3 miles away!!!

Pictures from the MTC

"Funny glasses."

"Norway!"

"My district."

"Time to study!"

"Yay! I'm 23!"

"My B-day party in the MTC! Wild!"

"Companions."

"Sister R. Me. Elder B. Elder S."

"I'm not sure-I guess I'm yelling or something."

"Hand brace."