July 13, 2011

Hei Familie,
How is everything going? I still don't have my visa and i might not be going to Norway for a while. This last week has been really tough trying to figure out why I'm still here. They sent the wrong papers in to get my work permit. So the papers have to go through the Norwegian govt all over again. I've have learned so much in the last week but it has also been really rough because i really want to teach people. Today i should be getting flight plans for a temporary assignment somewhere in the US. So if i get those plans i will be calling you later today. They told us as soon as my work permit comes i will be leaving the next day for Norway. So i could be going to Norway in a couple of days or it could be up to three weeks. The new Norwegian district is amazing and they are picking up on the language so fast. It's been nice to teach them everything i know. I don't have a companion right now because I'm solo so basically the sisters our my companions. I have a lot of personal study because what they have been going over in class is basic stuff. Are you still planning on building? I will be sending some pictures home with the chip but this time i bought a padded envelope. I've seen Eldste Robinson several times. I got released on Wednesday after the presentation with the new missionaries. Eldste Whitworth which is Greg tanners cousin is the new zone leader. I've been able become good friends with all of the Norwegians and a lot of the Swedish missionaries. In my room right now is two Swedish missionaries and myself. I have fasted many times to get my work permit and i know that God has a plan for everything. I know that i will find, teach, and baptize the people of Norway but God might has something else planned before i get to Norway. I have know idea where my temporary assignment will be but I'm really excited to find out.

This last couple of days i have been studying Christs life. I've been reading in the Bible and Mormons Bok about all of the miracles that he performed. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can return and have eternal life which is Gods greatest gift. We are forever indebted to Christ. Elder Winkel from the seventy spoke to us about Christ and his atonement. It is really interesting to see how important personal study has become in my life. When i make the best out of my personal study then there is a scripture that will be perfect for an investigator that day or it seems like whenever i study something they talk about it in sacrament meeting or at a fireside or a devotional. God is really watching over us in all that we do. We should always have a question or a thought going into any church meeting and God will answer your questions through the mouth of other people. Anyways Elder Winkel said something that i had never realized. He said, "Christ is the same Christ as in other worlds" There is only one atonement and it covers all the universe and all other worlds.

During personal study i came across several scriptures about putting your trust in the Lord. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says that if we trust in the Lord, he will lead us. Alma 36:3 it says, "trust in God and you be supported in your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and you will be lifted up in the last day." Elder Oaks said, "The healing power from the Lord Jesus Christ whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure is available for every affliction." I doesn't matter what you affliction is God is there to life you up and become stronger. I love what is says in Ether 12:27 about your weaknesses becoming strong. We are not perfect and we humble ourselves before him and study his word the mysteries of God will open unto you.

The last thing i want to share with you is called Good, better, best. Everything in life counts on your family. Families are central to Gods plan for all of his children. In this talk it says every family should have the following. 1. Family Prayer 2. Family Home Evening 3. Family Scripture Study 4. Family meals together 5. One on one time with each of your kids 6. Other Family activities. Elder Oaks said this about family dinner time, "What you children really want for dinner is you." I want to challenge you to do these six things and i promise our family will become closer together. I love you all very much!
Eldste Godfrey