365

Hei hei doker, kossen det går?

That's called dialect, which is something I am still getting used to here in beautiful ol' Stavanger Norway.

Wow.

Guess what I get to celebrate this week?

My 1 year mark.

Can you people believe that?

365 days.

Holy long time.

To celebrate we are going to listen to Søster H. rant about some of the wonderful things she has learned on her mission thus far.

1. There is a reason for trials.

They strengthen and allow us to grow. They help us become better friends and family, they help us have empathy for the people around us. The harder the trial, the bigger the blessing that God promises back.

2. We have to be obedient to what God asks of us, we cannot afford not to. I was obedient to God's call to serve a mission and holy. freaking. cow. I have received blessing upon blessing in return for accepting and serving my mission. Obedience is the key to the mysteries of God.

3. The church really is true.

Everything that I am, every blessing, every good thing in my life IS because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Everything beautiful in my life is here because of my religion. I have felt time and time again through countless experiences that the church really is true. It is a solidified fact in my life.

4. I have learned what love really is.

What charity can do for people and what it has done for me. Love heals all and changes all. It is in all through Christ. My mission really has been a year long study and practice of charity and I have learned so much about the importance of serving and lifting the people in my life. People need love. We are either taking from people, or we are radiating our love to them, and I have learned so much about the importance of being aware of which one of those I am sending out every moment of every day.

5. I have learned over and over and over again, through the above things that God's plan for us is far greater than our plan for us.

His plan for me was never how I imagined it would be, yet is everything and more that I need. He knows me. And I have learned how to trust in His timing. Every little thing, every person we meet, every blessing, every trial, every circumstance happens for a reason. God orchestrates every detail for the benefit and progression of His children. It has been incredible to witness and become aware of those details. I know that He lives. I cannot stand here today and not testify of His divinity and hand in my life. There is too much in the universe-in my universe-that point to the sheer fact that God exists.

My mission is a precious thing.

Thank you for the love and support,

See you in 6 months!

klem always, Søster Hutchings