Interviews, Exchanges, and More!

September 10, 2018

I can't believe I'm already almost done being trained, oh how time flies! Although it still feels like I'm going to be on my mission forever sometimes.

This week was one to remember! We were away from Worthington for 3 entire days due to Interviews with the President in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Tuesday, and then exchanges on Wednesday, and on Thursday we stayed in Omaha most of the day because we had to trade in our car (it had too many miles on it) and then Sister Thacker had a doctor's appointment.

One of the highlights of my week was Tuesday night, on the way to Omaha (it's about a 3.5 hour drive) we got caught in a massive rainstorm! We pulled into a gas station to wait it out because we couldn't even see the road. We were there for so long that we decided it wasn't the smartest idea to finish the drive that night, so instead we crashed with the Hermanas in Sioux City, Iowa for the night! And guess who one of the Sioux City Hermanas is?! HERMANA IVERSON!!!! (My MTC companion and my best friend). I was so excited and it was so nice to catch up. Even though I had to sleep on the floor, it was worth it. I'd sleep on the floor for her any day.

Exchanges in Omaha was such a blast. I was with my new Sister Training Leader, Sister Coleman. She has been out for over a year and is such a great missionary. She taught me that even though I am a missionary, I can still laugh, have fun, and be myself. You'd think this would be obvious, but sometimes you forget! We had a dinner with a lady named Sister Gublrite and her friend Loraine. I have never met funnier ladies in my life. We went to a Chinese Buffet and we were all sitting down eating and Loraine comes and sits down with a MOUNTAIN of food, it looked like it was going to overflow. She suddenly bends down and grabs her purse and looks at us and goes, "'Scuse me for a minute," and she pulls out a gallon sized plastic bag and starts DUMPING THE FOOD INTO THE BAG!!!!! We were so alarmed but we literally couldn't stop laughing. Moments later she leaves and comes back with more food, and she goes, "Don't worry, that plate was for my dogs." Sister Gulbrite got all mad at her for taking the food, because you obviously aren't supposed to take food to go at buffets. But Loraine said, "Oh relax. Don't act like you've never done that before." I literally don't think I stopped laughing the entire dinner. I wish I could have recorded it. But I was so thankful for this experience because it reminded me that it is okay to LAUGH! Heavenly Father's plan for us is to have joy. :)

That was definitely the highlight of my week. The rest of this week felt a bit slow, a lot of people that we are teaching dropped us so we did quite a bit of finding on the days we were home! We did get Dora on date for baptism though for October 20th. It's subject to change, but we are so excited for her! :)

Although it seems like I will be on my mission forever sometimes, I am so happy to be here. This is the only time in my life that I will be able to put ALL of my time and effort into the Lord's work. I am on his errand, doing His will. And I have seen SO many miracles and blessings already. I know He is so mindful of us and loves us so much. I can honestly say that I've witnessed pretty much every promised blessing I've been given on my mission come true as I do my best to serve the Lord obediently.

Moses 1:39 - "For behold, this is my work and my glory- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

I love you all!! Have an amazing week!!!

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen

Pictures: 

1. The mission president's wife and us at Interviews! We love Sister Ence!

2. HERMANA IVERSON AND I! <3

3. Sister Coleman and I on exchanges with some sweet people we met on the street.

4. Sister Gulbrite and Loraine at the dinner I will never forget. Hahaha. 

5. This is the car we had to sell! Her name was Millie (2016 Nissan Rogue. Now we have a 2017 Malibu.)

6. We got to go fishing for P-day today with some Hispanic Members in our ward!!! It made me realize that I know absolutely zero words about fishing in Spanish. I learned a lot and caught 2 fish. :)