Things are starting to get in a groove here. President Hill has been here over a month now and a lot of cool things are happening right now in Norway. The dream for any missionary in Norway is baptizing a Norwegian family. This last week a Norwegian family was baptized in Sarpsborg (2 parents and a daughter). The ward was ecstatic and the bishop mentioned that this is the first Norwegian family he has seen baptized in his 20 years as a member! It was a huge miracle and a good reminder to me of the vision we need to have as missionaries of families being baptized and eventually sealed for time and all eternity in the temple.
We had a couple awesome teaches with Bu. this week. Our goal and focus this past week was getting him to church since he hadn't been able to come the previous two weeks. One of his concerns was that he didn't have any very nice clothes to go to church. We told him that he didn't need to worry about that and even offered to try and find him some clothes if it was that important to him. On Sunday we came by his house to walk with him to church and he was wearing brand new clothes that he had bought himself for church! It was real touching to see him make that sacrifice and to experience an awesome Sunday with him in church.
Do you remember D.? He has been coming to church regularly and we just found out that his family was finally able to move to Norway. It has been powerful to see the Lord bless him as he has been keeping the commandments and being a faithful member of the church. He recently received work and now his family is here! I'm excited to meet them and hopefully start teaching them!!
There is a young man here in the Sandvika ward that I have become close to. He is 16 and is the only member in his immediate family (he was baptized a couple years ago). On Sunday he bore a POWERFUL testimony that really hit me right to the heart. He mentioned how he feels like he really doesn't know very much at this stage in life, but that there are 2 things he is 100 percent sure about. 1. There is something good about this church. 2. The missionaries have a very special and important calling. I think one reason it hit me is that it is something Dad would always share as the essence or foundation of his testimony: that there exists good in the world and that these good things come from God.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
We have something good to offer the world. Something that can't always be explained or proved, but something that can be felt and experienced. I feel good...Na na na na na na na.
Make it a great week!
Love,
Eldste Parkinson
Eldste Parkinson
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| Was in Stavanger this past week and was reunited with my man Elder Holden! I guess it's Christopher now...and he's getting married! |
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| Stavanger from the air. |
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| The district with President Hill |
PS -- Sister hill has made a blog following their experiences in the mission. I figured you would appreciate it. http://www.thehillsinnorway.com/
