Week 103 - Last email

"The best companion ever"

Hey everybody!

Well I've been sitting here for about five minutes now trying to think of the words that could possibly do justice to the last two years of my life. Trying to wrap up all the experiences, memories, and lessons learned is honestly one of the hardest things I've had to do on my mission. It's been one crazy adventure and I could sit here writing for hours and I wouldn't be able to fully explain everything I've been able to take away from my mission. It's been such an amazing blessing to serve as a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ, to represent His name, and His church. The simple fact that He would trust someone as insignificant and inadequate as me to preach His glorious gospel is something I don't think I will ever be able to understand or explain. He has given me the chance to be a part of something much bigger than myself and has let me feel the joy and happiness that comes from seeing the changes in the lives of other people, as well as my own. I've seen how His love and peace can soften even the hardest of hearts and lift even the lowest of spirits. I'll never forget the moments on my mission when I have been a personal witness to the power of the atonement in the lives of those around me. I know it's real and has the power to take away all our burdens and pains, leaving the sweet assurance of His peace, and giving us the chance to then share that with those in need. 

Like I said a few weeks ago after conference, I never knew it would be possible to be so happy in my life. I've felt a greater happiness than ever before, and I've been able to learn how to keep that happiness alive even when things get tough and it seems like the whole world has turned against me. Happiness isn't the end result of external factors, but rather an internal decision taken regardless of the surrounding circumstances. Even when every appointment fell through that day or even when every dog just had to bark at us as we passed by, or even when the rain started just as my umbrella broke, the Lord has replaced those feelings of disappointment and frustration with the simple idea that everything will be all right. That even though things seem so dark, if I can just hold out, it'll get brighter. I mean it really is that simple. Every challenge we go through is only temporary, so why stress? Why worry about it? The Lord will never let us be tested beyond what we can bear, so if we can just bear it a little longer, He will eventually help us. He has taught me through many trials that if I will trust in Him and bear my afflictions with patience, He will bless me. Something that President Hayes has taught me is that the Lord tests us to be able to teach us and that if we aren't tested, we can never progress in this life. So instead of complaining when the tough times roll around, we should rejoice with the knowledge that after this test, we'll be better than we were before. 

I know without a doubt that this is the work of the Lord. There's nothing I would have rather done these last 24 months than be a missionary. He lives and loves us and if we trust in Him, He can work miracles in our lives. I know because that's what He has done for me. I still have a lot of work to do, He's not done molding me yet, but I know that as I rely on Him, He will slowly change me into the person He needs me to be. 

I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout these last two years. All the prayers, letters, and emails have made a bigger impact than most of you will ever know. I never could have done this without you. I love you all so much. Thank you for the love and support in all the ups and downs. I can't wait to see you all again!

Elder Hansen

"My biggest homies in the mission" 

"Elder Vasquez and Muñoz (my replacement)"

PS - Got to say goodbye to my good friend Elder Hangsen. Great guy, except for that extra "G" in his name. Gonna really miss him.

Week 101 - The streak is broken

Hey fam!

My streak has been broken. I cried today. The first time in as long as I can remember. It was the monthly check today with the new missionaries that came this change and everything was awesome until the very end when President asked me to bear my testimony. This is now the third time I've had to do it and the other two times I was perfectly fine, and this time I started out fine until I started talking about how much my testimony has grown and the love I've felt from my Savior and I just lost it. It wasn't as bad as my farewell talk, but it wasn't great either. But hey I am my father's son haha (love you dad).

But anyway other than that, this was a great week!

Tuesday was pretty normal, district meeting and then some great lessons that night.

Wednesday was awesome. We went to Los Santos for district meeting and then had a baptismal interview with Rosi's daughter, the woman who was baptized while we were working there, who is going to get baptized this week. That area was really special, good memories.

Thursday we took of in the morning for Siquirres and Limon. President had asked us to go work with them, so we split up and I got to go work with the elders in Siquirres. It was so crazy to be back there again. There's only one set of elders there now so I got to see parts of the area that I had been assigned to at the start of my mission and we even taught some people that I had been teaching with Elder Duran, who are now going to get baptized. It was awesome. And I got to see some converts which was so special. Love that place so much.

Then Friday and Saturday we worked with the zone leaders in that zone which was super fun because we got to see Elder Greene again. I was super bummed when he left San Diego but it was great to see him again. 

With Elder Shumway and Elder Greene

Then Sunday we were back in our area and it was a pretty normal day too, which is always nice. 

And that brings me to today. All in all a really great week. Time just refuses to slow down, but these have been some of the best weeks of my mission and I know that these upcoming weeks will be even better. Love you all so much! Have a great week!

Elder Hansen

Week 100 - General conference and a temple trip

Watching conference

Hey hey!!

Well, doesn't get much better than conference weekend. It came and went too fast. I felt like each session was about 20 minutes long haha but it was amazing, I loved it so much. There's just nothing better than hearing the inspired words of the Lord's servants. And going to the temple. That's pretty cool too. And luckily it worked out and we got to do them both this week! The perfect way to get ready for conference. 

Monday and Tuesday were pretty normal. Just pday and then a normal day's work. Always good.

Wednesday we got up early to get on the bus at 5:30 that would take us to the temple, which because of the traffic didn't show up until about 6:00 and then it was another hour and a half before we got to the temple. We were supposed to get there for the 7:00 session so we had to wait until the 9:00 one, but it turned out alright and we got to go through anyway. It was a really special session for me, too, I felt like I got more out of it than I ever have before. Love the temple.

Thursday was pretty cool. Don't remember much, but it was cool.

Friday was another pretty normal day, which has been nice because I feel like my mission is lasting longer and the time hasn't passed as fast as before so I'm good with that.

But then the weekend rolled around and everything sped up again haha Saturday was perfect. Got to see all three sessions without problems. I loved Elder Cook's talk when he said that our stumbling blocks can become stepping stones. That really hit me and has stuck with me these last few days. I also loved Elder Oaks' talk. Great boost for the members. 

Priesthood session was awesome as always. Elder Holland coming in clutch with another great talk.

Then Sunday was another amazing day. I really liked President Nelson's talk about having joy through suffering. I think it's one of the biggest lessons I've been trying to learn on my mission. It's not always easy to be a missionary, in fact it's almost never, but I don't think it's supposed to be. The trials and tests don't get easier or softer as time goes on, but I've been able to see how the Lord has taught me to deal with them and be able to stay positive and joyful even through the hardest moments. Even as those freezing saints huddled in that bitter cold cabin maintained their cheerful spirits, the Lord has taught me how to keep smiling when doors are slammed, appointments are cancelled, and invitations are rejected. One of the best talks from conference.

But I love you all a ton! You're the best, thanks for everything!

Elder Hansen

Random dog walked into our district meeting