July 27 2014

"For me, the reading of the scriptures is not the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the word of the Lord and that of his prophets." President Hinckley 1985

This week was a BLUR. If it was not for my planner I would have no clue what happened. 

Highlights of the week:

-Member present lesson, where the member followed the spirit to the location of the lesson, because he had no clue how to get there and doesn't own a cell phone. It was insane.

-Making Pinatas, because we all know I love doing pinata lessons

-Getting a new investigator!!!!

-reconnecting with a former investigator at the art museum! (She's so ready now...)

-Drop by lessons and free Chinese noodles. Yum.

-Our first ever English class!

-The best part, going and volunteering at the Handicap center, it is always the highlight of my week, I love going and seeing them and their zeal for life despite their very real challenges! 

-Ramadan is over and Raya has begun. (The Malay..aka Muslims...are done with their fast and happiness is restored to Kuching!)

This week was good, missionary life is finally completely natural to me and I hope I never loose sight of that. I have been so reflective this past week with missionaries going home and transfers coming up....again. I am finally cultivating the deep love for the gospel that I have always wanted and admired in others. I love the scriptures, I am obsessed with the scriptures, I finally have a love affair with the scriptures. As I was reading the BOM this morning I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the trials and pains that the prophets went through so that I, ME, SISTER HANSEN, could have them now, for my trials, which are so small in comparison. I made a goal last week to finish the BOM by the end of July, I am currently only in Alma 45, but as I have been spending all my "free" time reading the word of God, I can't even explain the joy and peace it has brought to me. The work has been slow for me the past 2 months here in Kuching. I would lie if I said I hadn't gotten discouraged, but reading about Ammon, or Abinadai, or Moroni, or Alma the Younger, the spiritual heroes, the amazing missionaries, I have found that the promises to them and their labors are true of me and my labors as well. I have only a short time left here in the vineyard, and I am stoked to finish it strong. 

I am going super sister missionary on all of you now. Please, from the bottom of my heart, do missionary work, share the gospel, pray for opportunities, and then seize them. I have never been so happy in my entire life. So many of the problems we face now would be non-existent if we just turn outwards and serve others. 

I don't have any funny stories or weird food that has been eaten this week, but I do have a renewed desire to try my hardest and to do my best as the Lord's servant. I LOVE THIS WORK. 

Sister Emma Lou Hansen