Too many hotdogs!

Hi from me, Sister Williams, a missionary who lives and serves in Norway!

Another week gone by! We drove to hønefoss on Friday this week and do you know what? We had hot dogs and mashed potatoes and an eternal investigator's house after we mopped her floor and then we went to visit a member. It was in the middle of the day but you know what? She made us dinner and it was... hot dogs and mashed potatoes; and they always want you to eat more. I had 7 hot dogs in one day. WHAT! Then we had a dinner appointment and then another appointment and they fed us there. When you serve the Lord, It requires sacrifice. Sometimes a sacrifice in your digestive system! 

Other than that, we had a couple of very confused people that didn't show up to their appointments and a couple of golden lessons with J. A. This guy is amazing, he just needs to start having a real, personal relationship with God. Another guy, G., is probably one of my favorite people I have had the opportunity to teach. He has been investigating for like 8 years, but has just started having a lot of progress again, and I feel like he just understands the gospel. That is really cool to see in people. There are so many people here in the ward that understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and really live it. I admire and love them.

That is really what life comes down to. The simple things we need to do here on earth to progress and reach our eternal goal. It comes down to Faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. It is so easy and so simple and I am so glad for the opportunity I have to focus on that all the time.  It is a choice we take every week. 

Thank you for love and support,

Søster Williams

Kjære venner

Kjære venner,

This is part of the letter I wrote to president today:

This week we had a lot of time to find, and not as much success as we wanted. Although we taught many lessons on the street, the people were not willing to meet again. I realized that I wasn't quite sure what it was that we were looking for, so I studied about finding this morning. We are trying to find those people that the Lord has prepared. One of the characteristics of a prepared person is someone that is willing to act on the message that you share. Knowing that, with our contacts on the street and at the door, we can invite them to do something very specific, and if they are willing, they might be prepared.

The Lord has prepared people- it is just a matter of finding them. I feel so blessed to know God and my savior. That is why I am here. I have made a promise to the Lord to serve him my whole life.

Although We didn't find a lot of new investigators this week, we had a couple of really cool experiences meeting people that needed to hear that God loves them. There was a girl sitting on the steps one day that we talked to that said she had had a rough day and had been praying to God and we came right at the right time. an answer to her prayer. It is so amazing to be apart of little miracles like that throughout each and everyday. 

Thank you for all of the love and support. I don't have a lot of time today, but I love you and encourage you all to keep building your faith in God. 

Love,

Søster Williams

ps

the pics are from a hike that we took earlier today with a bunch of missionaries from Oslo

The Promised Land

Dearest friends and family,

Asker is the dream! After half a year in the isolated north, I am arrived in the promised land. It is beautiful here. I am close to the mission office, President is actually in my ward, I am in the same district as the assistants, the people hear speak the kind of Norwegian that I learned in the mtc (no crazy dialect), I serve with sister wood who is from Utah- South Jordan, and she is here to work and to work hard. We are going to see miracles here! I am on board. I am ready. 

I left beloved Trondheim on April fools day. We got dropped off at the airport by sister Rappleye- one of the senior missionaries. She actually started tearing up as she said goodbye to us! then it was just me, my two polka dotted suitcases, and super heavy duffel bag, and my dynna and my violin and my heavy winter coat. and two of my best missionary friends- sister Hartley and Elder Vause. long story short, I sat next to a druggie on the plane, I arrived safely in Asker, my companion drove me home (we have a car!), we celebrated her birthday a little, and then we got to work.

Super cool guy that we teach- J. A. He met the missionaries like 3 weeks ago and has a baptismal date. he came to watch General Conference with us at the institute center and is pretty much just golden. We got to watch conference on Saturday night, then on Sunday at 2, 6, and 10 at night. that was fun. :) I love hearing the words of our living day prophets. 

Missionary work is the most exciting thing in the whole world- and I am blessed enough to be apart of it! If you are not involved in it, you are missing out. Pray and ask the Lord what you can do to help him with his work. You will find greater happiness and an increased purpose in your life. I can say that because I have felt that. Seek His guidance in knowing how you can use your talents to bless others. We are hastening the work together! 

Love,

Sister Stephanie Joy Williams

Companions old

 

 and new