Christmas Day w/Sister Aase

We had such a fun time FaceTiming with Sister Aase on Christmas Day.  Having only been on her mission for 2 1/2 months, we wondered if this call would make her very homesick.  Thankfully, she was so happy and excited to chat with all of us and tell us about how great things were going -- she was nothing but smiles and laughter.

Abby saved some of the gifts we'd sent her so she could open them with us (which btw was a brilliant idea).  It was so fun to watch her open the gifts we'd sent and see her reaction. Who knew wool socks and leg warmers could bring such joy?  We got to speak with her trainer for a few minutes, as well as say a quick hello to the wonderful members who are graciously letting the Sister Missionaries live in their home.

Here are some photos from our call.

The Miracle in the 36th Ward

HELLLLOOOO EVERYONE!

How has everyone been? Are you getting excited for Christmas? I know I am:)  You know what I didn't really expect with the Christmas season... MISSING CHRISTMAS MOVIES. Haha out of all the things that I could miss! I don't get it. But do me a favor (and yourselves hehe) and snuggle up with popcorn and hot chocolate and watch a cheesy Christmas movie. You won't be disappointed. 

So many miracles man so many miracles. First off we got 3 new investigators in one ward this week. DAH! We also found a family with a potential of 5 new investigators in that same ward. DAH! Lastly, we had 5 people in sacrament meeting in this SAME WARD. DAHHHHH! It's crazy. This ward is just all of a sudden blowing up with work to do. We love it! 

I just know that this is the Lord's work. I know that this gospel has the power to bless people's lives. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows us and can help us with anything we need. I love this gospel and I love being a missionary. 

Thank you for everything you do for your missionaries at home and all the prayers for me.

I love you all 

Sister Aase  

P.S. ALSO IT SNOWED THIS WEEK 

Ice & Icing

So it happened... Winter is here. It's super cold all the time now. But no fear because all those years in MN prepared me well. We in fact actually went on a walk one of these mornings in the freezing cold haha good times. One of the highlights of the week was when we went out and hank (our car's name) was all frozen over ... except for the picture of Christ. We laughed for a while about that.

Also, Brother Whitmyer loves us so much that he cleared a space for us in his garage. So no more frozen hank #whitmyersavedhank.  

Another fun thing that happened this week was district meeting. Since we are having a lot of changes happening to our district this week for transfer we decided to leave with a BANG. We made breakfast together with pancakes, eggs, and bacon - it was great. We also made gingerbread houses and let me tell you no one was prepared for my decorating skills. I wish I would've grabbed a picture of all our houses next to each other because the sight was pretty funny. Anyway, it made me very happy.

  

Some spiritual insight for the week. Some weeks are harvesting weeks and some weeks are planting weeks. Both are necessary. Both are good. Both make God proud. 

I love all of you and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season:)

Sister Aase 

Answers to My Questions . . .

Abby isn't the greatest at answering questions that may seem trivial to her, but meaningful to a concerned father, so she finally caved and answered a few for me yesterday. 

ME:  So Abby, I'd kinda like to know where you are living - Dad's worry about these things.  Are you living in a disgusting, dark & damp basement apartment with a single bulb hanging from the ceiling (the nightmares I have) or are you fortunate enough to live with a Church member in their lovely home?

ABBY:  So I live with the Whitmyers. They are an older couple and are converts to the Church.  THEY ARE THE SWEETEST!!  They got us “sister themed" Christmas stockings and we watched the LDS Christmas Devotional with them last night.  I love them, they are the best.

ME: So tell me about your companion – should I be reading anything between the lines?  You say you absolutely love her and you couldn’t ask for a better trainer, but what is the real story?

ABBY: Sister Soelberg is the BEST.  She is just so supportive and lets me cry and be emotional and doesn’t even judge me, HAHA.  I saw her cry though once this week, so that was a plus . . . I almost took a picture but then she started laughing because I was freakout out that SHE was the one crying this time.  But yes, I do truly love her!!

ME:  What car are you driving?  Do you get to actually drive as the Junior Companion or are you the designated person who stands out in the cold while your companion backs up the car?

ABBY:  We are driving a 2015 Toyota Corolla.  I did get my driving card today, but I won’t be driving for a while.  I’m the “backer” but that’s A-Okay.  I like backing.  I usually moonwalk dance while backing her up and she appreciates it… and the neighbors do too.

Anyway, love you ton Pops!!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like... SNOWFLAKES!

SNOWFLAKES! This week Sister Soelberg and I have gained a few obsessions first Hobbit Monopoly... second random, spontaneous humming of Christmas songs... and finally the making of snowflakes. We have made a lot... including little tiny confetti ones. It's been a lot of fun.

  

Other then those fun things, this week has been ALL WORK!  We love working. Also, I had my first exchange this week. (an "exchange" is when we swap companions and work with them for the day and learn from each other).  It was weird and different but I learned a lot from the experience. I also found the funniest sign. The idea of this business just cracks me up.

 

Thought for the week: There is beauty to be found in all trails. 

This week was a tough one, but I've really been focusing on the characteristic of Hope. Hope is not just being positive in hard times. Hope is knowing that even though you might not be happy right now, that Christ's Atonement is real, and through it, joy and happiness someday will come. Sometimes working really hard and not having anything come from it IS really hard, but as I'm working on the gift of hope, my days are getting better. I know that the atonement is real and can help us through anything.

I love all you guys and hope you have great weeks! 

Sister Aase