Feliz Año Nuevo!

Dec 31, 2018

Feliz año nuevo!!!

I had an AMAZING Christmas and hope you all did too!

On Christmas Eve we spent the evening at a members house, the Pace family! We had a candle lit dinner and we had "unleavened bread" (garlic Naan), fish, pomegranate seeds, and grapes and ate with our hands like Jesus would have. It was a really cool experience! We did the nativity with their family, I was the best Wiseman you ever did see haha. We ended the night by opening our Christmas Pj's that our parents sent us with their family!

Christmas day was amazing. There is no better place to be on Christmas than on your mission serving the Lord. We opened our presents from home, ate breakfast with Sonia and Alexis, and FaceTime our families!!! That was definetly a highlight even though the time seemed to go so sick. I love them! We spent the rest of the night with members and it was truly such an amazing and happy day.

The rest of this week was a little hard. Not from homesickness, but the work was pretty slow. No one seemed to be home. I think that is typical during the holidays though. The day after Christmas we got up to exercise and Hermana Esplin hurt her back pretty bad when we woke up to exercise. She already has some back problems but  apparently she did a Squat wrong and did something to it. She pretty much collapsed and was in a LOT of pain! She said she was fine so we went out and did some tracting, but apparently it was still hurting pretty bad. We called our mission nurse and she said she needed to stay inside for the rest of the day and rest with ice and heat packs. So we were inside from 4:00PM to the rest of the night. We watched some church videos and I took care of her like the good companion I am (it wasn't that hard haha). I also got to write some thank you cards to the members in our branch so it turned out okay! Her back is feeling much better so we were able to work for the rest of the week.

There was one day we had an appointment with Gay Moo, a man that speaks Karen. No one answered, but a blizzard hit the night before and his driveway was full of snow. So we shoveled it for him! And to our surprise, he opened his door and invited us in! Turns out he was home after all and was sleeping. This time his wife and roommate joined us for the lesson!!!! Because we took some time to serve him and shovel the driveway, we were able to find two new people to teach. They are so humble and ready for the gospel!

On Sunday we were running late to church and we were stressed. We walked in to find out that the Branch presidency forgot to assign talks for Spanish Sacrament AGAIN (this has happened at least twice now) and they really didn't want to do fast and testimony meeting for like the 3rd week in a row. So me and Hermana Esplin gave very last minute talks. During the sacrament I was kind of panicking, so I prayed SO hard for strength and ideas for my talk. I was prompted to look up the talk from Shayne M. Bowen, and I ended up reading a long story from it and bearing my testimony about the Book of Mormon. It was like a 10 minute talk in Spanish that I hadn't prepared for at all! The gift of tongues was so real and I felt the Holy Ghost working through me and giving me strength and confidence. It was such a spiritual experience for me and I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. Now I will be praying that our branch presidency asigns talks from now on haha. 

I hope you all have an amazing new year!!! Thank you for all of your love and support! I love you!!!

Con amor,

Hermana Hansen 

Pictures:

1-3: Christmas Eve dinner

4: Christmas pj's from my mom!

5: Christmas pj's from Hermana Esplin's mom

6: Skyping my family from 4 different places! Ohio, Utah, England, and Minnesota :)

Feliz Navidad!!!

Dec 24, 2018

Feliz navidad a todos!!!!

We had transfers last week, and lucky for me I will be staying in Worthington for my 5th transfer! We were relieved. I love it here and I love Hermana Esplin!!! I already know we will be life long friends and we are already making plans for me to visit her in Alaska after our missions! Also, I hope you all heard that Sister Missionaries can wear dress pants now! So excited for that change. I love President Nelson.

We worked very hard this week and honestly I think knocking doors is becoming one of my hobbies. I actually find joy in it!!! If you told me I would say that at the beginning of my mission I wouldn't have believed you. I used to be terrified of knocking doors because I never knew who would open it. But now I think to myself, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" And I also think to myself, "If they reject us, in the Spirit world they will come up to us and apologize." Haha. When they open the door we smile and introduce ourselves and do our best to offer them something that we know will change their life, something that is true, and something that they need whether they know it or not!

This week we saw our hard work paying off! Probably over half of the names on our Branch list are inactive, moved, or people just don't know who they are. We went to a couple different cities in our area this week and tried knocking on everyone's doors that was on the member list but we hadn't met before. Miraculously we found a few of them that hadn't moved!!! We were able to invite them to church. There was one lady named Nidia that we tried to see, and no one answered the door. A man pulled up in his truck as we were about to leave and we asked if Nidia lived there. He said no, but said she lived close and he could show us how to get there! He got in his car and had us follow him to her house around the corner. The timing was perfect, if we came any earlier we would have missed him! He was so kind to show us where she lived. What a miracle! 

We got a referal a few weeks ago for someone that requested a Bible online. We had tried to get in contact with her but she hadn't answered the door or the phone. We tried calling one last time last week and were able to get an appointment! She invited us inside and we gave her the Bible and she opened right up to us. Her name is Susan, she is probably in her 50's-60's and lives alone. Her children have basically cut her out of her life and won't allow contact with her because of some things that have happened in her past. They won't even let her see her own grandkids. She told us she has a reached a point where she doesn't know if God is really there for her. She was looking for truth, and for a church. We shared the Restoration with her. We bore testimony to her that God loves her, and Jesus knows her pain and is reaching out to her, and that because of His Atonement she can be forgiven and can heal. She basically told us she wants to get baptized!!!! I think that was the strongest the Spirit has been during a lesson in my whole mission. The whole time I was thinking to myself, "This is why I am on a mission." I know that Heavenly Father has been preparing her for this gospel at this time. I am SO excited to continue teaching her and helping her progress towards baptism. What an amazing experience.

This week we also were able to put a girl named Crystell on date for baptism! Her mom is somewhat less active and Crystell just wasn't ready to be baptized up until this point. She is 11, and is thrilled about the idea of going to the temple! We had dinner with them and asked if she wanted to be baptized and she said yes! We have asked her before and she always said not yet. We are so excited to help her prepare to be baptized on January 19th!

This week was so amazing. The miracles we've seen have truly been a demonstration of God's love for us, and His acknowledgment that we have been working hard to gather His lost sheep. I know this Gospel is true!!!! God loves you all so much!!! So much that He sent His Son as a gift to us so that we can come back to Him. I'm so excited to celebrate the Savior, Jesus Christ's birth tomorrow! And see my family! YAY!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Con amor, 

Hermana Hansen 

Pictures:

-A few weeks ago on P-day we took these pictures for a Christmas card. Enjoy!!! 

-There's also a picture from the special sacrament meeting we had on Sunday. Hermana Esplin and I sang a song in Spanish with a member named Flor! 

Milagros de Navidad!

Dec 17, 2018

Hola Familia y Amigos!!!

Prophecies Fulfilled:
"And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, to bring about the restoration of his people upon the earth." (2 Nephi 30:8) 

This prophecy really came true for us this week. I have almost been in Worthington, Minnesota for 6 months now, and it really hit me this week how diverse this area is. We taught lessons in 5 different languages this week!!!! Lao, Karen (pronounced like Korin), Spanish, English, and I even got to do a little ASL this week!!!! Of course I don't speak Lao and Korin, but there is a less active Lao family that we visit and use Google translate to communicate and show videos that they have in Lao. And we phone-called the Karen Elders in our mission to help with a Karen family that we met! We got an ASL referral that is in a different area in Iowa, and we sent a video to her in ASL introducing ourselves. 

Zone Conference:

This week we had Christmas Zone conference and it really was such a faith builder and the motivation that we needed to work even harder and have more faith. We also had a talent show in our Zone and Hermana Esplin and I performed a spoof song that we called "I'll Make a Missionary Out of You" (instead of "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan). It was so fun! I'll try to send the video if it works. 

Discouragement and Miracles:

The work here has definitely slowed down since I was here in the summer. There was a point that we were teaching so many people I couldn't even keep track. Now we could count them on one hand. We officially stopped teaching Dora because she had completely stopped keeping all of her commitments and started to dodge our appointments and hasn't been at church in weeks. When we stopped teaching her I was so sad. She was doing so well, and I just didn't understand what happened. But I know that the Lord has timing, and that it just isn't her time right now. People also just haven't been accepting return appointments or showing interest. We were pretty discouraged at the beginning of the week, but our discouragement didn't last long. 

Miracle 1: 

On Thursday we went to try a less active member named Ferdinand who lives in Windom. He lives in a locked apartment and his buzzer wasn't working. We knocked on the glass, and an old man told us he couldn't let us in because we didn't live there. We were about to leave, when another old man came by and opened the door for us and said, "Come on in!" Miracle. We went to his apartment and a girl answered and let us right in. She told us that Ferdinand moved, but she was his ex-girlfriend and she was a member!!! Apparently she moved here a few months ago from Washington and got baptized 2 years ago. She told us she wanted to come to church so we got a ride for her!!! We were so thankful that we were able to find a lost sheep. She is so sweet!

Miracle 2:

On Saturday morning we woke up, did our studies, prayed a LOT, and went to WORK. We car fasted for almost 4 hours. We knocked door after door. As we were knocking, a big Ford truck pulls up and I kid you not, SANTA CLAUS get out and comes up to us! He said, "I saw you guys working out here and had to come with you a Merry Christmas!!!" And he gave us candy canes and thanked us for the work we do!!!! We were so happy we literally almost cried tears of joy. We gave him a light the world card too. Yeah that's right, we just might convert Santa Claus!!!! 

Miracle 3:

We kept knocking doors and a cute Guatemalan family let us right in. They fed us a huge dinner of mole (kind of like beans and chicken) and were SO kind. It fills my heart to know there are people out there kind enough to let strangers into their house and feed them. We were able to teach them and get a return appointment! Such humble and amazing people. 

Miracle 4:

On Sunday morning we gathered to have Spanish Sacrament meeting, and it was about 15 minutes after the meeting should have started and NO one had showed up that only spoke Spanish. We wondered if we should just cancel the meeting and go join the English sacrament meeting. But one of the members said, "Let's just start the meeting just in case people show up." We started the meeting, and about 15 minutes later 10 Spanish speakers showed up all at once. No one cared that they were late, we were just SO filled with joy that they came. The meeting was so spirit-filled. What an amazing day!

I really learned that when we have faith, discouragement disappears, and miracles happen. The Lord's hand is with us in every moment, we just have to look for it! Sorry this email is so long, I just had so much to say! I love you ALL so much and am so thankful for your support and love!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Hansen  

Pictures:

1-2: Zone conference with the Hermanas! So nice to be reunited with every companion I've ever had all at once. I love them SO MUCH!

3: Santa Claus!!!!

4: Christmas Party with Sonia

5: Church with Alexis!

Light the World!

Dec 10, 2018 

Hola Familia y Amigos!!!

This week we had exchanges in Omaha, a Christmas party in our District Meeting, and we did a lot of finding and lighting the world! The work has been moving kind of slowly, but we have been so happy. And I know that is because we are putting in ALL of our effort to find people who are ready for this gospel and doing our best to make a difference here. And I know that Heavenly Father consecrates our efforts and time!

A big miracle we saw this week was on Thursday. We had just gotten back from exchanges in Omaha the evening before, and we had zero appointments. We looked at our open schedule, gulped, and decided we were going to make the BEST out of our time. We brainstormed ideas about how we could spread the word about the Light the World initiative. We cut snowflakes and went and Snowflake attacked a few people's doors that we are working with. We talked to everyone we saw on the street and showed them the Light the World video from Lds.org. We knocked on doors and showed it. We had about an hour and a half left in the day, and we wanted to use our time to the best of our ability. We prayed for direction, and went and tried a few of the potential people we have in our area books. There is a 14-year-old girl named Dulcy that we met a couple weeks ago, but the past few times we have tried seeing her she hasn't been home. We decided to knock on her door one last time. We knocked, saw a shadow look through the peep hole, and no one answered. We decided to knock her neighbors door that lived in the apartment upstairs. As we walked up the stairs, we heard the door open and we looked and Dulcy was standing there!!! She waved us down and we went inside to talk to her. I don't know what changed her mind, but her heart was softened and she opened the door for us. Definitely the Spirit! We taught her the Restoration, and it was one of the strongest times I have felt the spirit on my mission. She understood all of it and had amazing questions. What an amazing tender mercy from the Lord that we were able to find her!

Later this week we were trying to find more ways that we could use Light the World to find people. We made a Light the World facebook page for the area, and every time we meet someone we are adding them to the page and having them post about how they are going to light the world! This is just a start, but we know that Technology will really help people be connected to the gospel and they will desire to learn more as they see the community reaching out to each other and serving. I am so thankful to be part of a technology mission. We have learned that our phones are really like the Liahona. With the digitized area book, with Facebook (when it's used wisely/correctly), and with text messaging/calling - we are able to reach out to SO many and shared the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just like the Liahona, if we are obedient and faithful, the Lord leads us to those who are ready through technology! That is WHY we have it! To spread His gospel in the last dispensation!!!! 

I love this gospel so much! I am so happy to be a missionary. I love my companion. I love my area! I think I might be in Worthington, Minnesota for a while! A member from the High Counsel came and visited and sat in on part of the Spanish Sacrament meeting that we have been having. Afterward he asked if he could send our mission president an email and ask if I can stay in this area for longer to help the Spanish members stay strong in the branch while this Spanish Sacrament meeting is starting out. I guess we will see what happens, it is in the Lord's hands! 

I hope you all have an amazing week and find ways to serve others and light your community this week!!!! Remember: "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

-Hermana Hansen-

Failures and Successes

Dec 3, 2018

Hola Familia y Amigos!!!

WHAT A WEEK!!!! Let's just say you have SO many ups and downs on a mission it's crazy. At the beginning of this week, I hit a low point. After Leanor and her family dropped us, and Dora fell off date, I was having a really rough time. I was feeling inadequate and like I wasn't a good enough missionary or teacher. On Monday night I literally broke down and started crying in the car with Hermana Esplin because I was just having such a rough time. But on Tuesday, we had interviews with our mission President. I was able to tell him how I was feeling, and he helped me change my outlook and see how I can improve. He reminded me of the realness of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That only through Him we can get back on our feet and start over again. I was reminded that through the grace of Christ, He will consecrate my efforts and I am not alone in this work. I am here to be an instrument, and through His Holy Spirit He can work through me and help His children come to the covenant path! 

A huge miracle happened this week with a member named Alexis. She is 25 and her mom is our branch mission leader. We are with them quite a bit. Alexis came out with us this week to go find a less active member and to do a little bit of contacting. The next time we saw her, she told us that she is going on a mission!!!!! We were shocked. She had never wanted to go on a mission before, and was set on moving to Utah next May. We asked her what changed her mind, and she said she said she realized she wanted to when she came out with us!!!! She told us that we were the reason she decided to go. We were so happy. Her mom told us, "You may have not had the baptism that you thought would happen (Dora), but you helped someone go on a mission!" This experience made me so happy and really lifted my spirits, it was exactly what I needed this week.

Saturday, December 1st was the "World Wide Day of Service" but we hadn't had anything planned. All of the members in the area were at the temple, and there aren't any food banks or anything in the area where other missionaries normally do service. So we were determined to set out and find some service! When all of a sudden a BLIZZARD hit. We were hesitant to drive, and we had an appointment that wasn't too far away. We decided to walk to her house and do some spontaneous service if we saw anyone outside on the way. We started walking and the snow was just pelting us right in the face. Our mascara was dramatically smeared all over the place! But we were determined to find someone to serve. We kept trudging along in the snow storm, when a car pulls up and the driver asked if we wanted a ride somewhere. We awkwardly looked at each other not knowing what to say, because we aren't allowed to ride with non-members. We kind of shrugged and said, "Oh, no, that's okay!" And before we were able to say more they drove off. We felt so embarrassed, because we were desperately trying to find people to serve, and people felt so bad for us that they were trying to serve us! It was so funny and sad. The worst part was, when we got to our appointment, she wasn't home! It took us a half hour to get there when normally it would take like 8 minutes. By the time we got home, we had found no one to serve. 

There was a member who's 8-year-old son was going to baptized that night. Because everyone in the area was at a temple trip together and they live far away, they asked us if we would mind filling up the baptismal font. When we got there, we didn't have a key to open the baptismal font from the bathrooms. We opened it from the front side and I jumped over the glass and Hermana Esplin lowered me into the font so I could unlock the door. To our surprise, it was full of BUGS! We swept out the whole font, and filled it (it takes a few hours and you have to stay in the building while it fills up). However, our efforts were again all for nothing, because the baptism got canceled due to the weather. 

When we got home on Saturday we felt a bit like failures. We prayed to Heavenly Father to help us find some service the next day. On Sunday morning we were driving to church, and we saw the car in front of us skid on the snow and did a 360 turn into a huge mound of snow. Luckily, we were prepared and had snow shovels in the back of our car! We helped dig out his car and he was on his way. After church, there was another guy whose car was literally boxed in with snow from when the snow plow came through. Yet again, we were able to help him get his car out! Our hearts were full of gratitude because Heavenly Father gave us opportunities to help others in need and share a bit of His gospel and light with them. I know with my whole heart that Heavenly Father placed us in the right place at the right time so that we could have helped these people. He knew we truly wanted to find service, and He guided us to it. He listens to our prayers and truly guides us with His hand! He loves us so dearly! 

Although this week started out hard, it completely turned over. We worked so hard and saw so many miracles. It was such a refresher to be able to take the Sacrament on Sunday and listen to the testimonies of the 20 person congregation (we lacked members due to snow). But although we were small in numbers, the Holy Ghost radiated throughout the room. I was able to feel this again during the Christmas Devotional when we got to hear our beloved prophet and I was able to see my mom in the choir!!! 

I know that Heavenly Father loves us SO MUCH! He hears our prayers and answers them. He wants to bless us and will if we are obedient. I love you all so much! Find a way to LIGHT THE WORLD this week! 

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen 

Pictures:

1-2: The snowstorm! Me trying to see in the snow haha

3: Hermana Esplin and I

4: My mom in the choir!!!!