Week 54 - Bella Notte

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep," John 21:17

Transfer update: I'm staying in Slagelse with beloved sister Webb. Thank heavens I was scared that I would leave. I cant leave my people!!!

Tuesday was Mimi's birthday. Mimi has a chronic illness that causes severe sensitivity to light. She is also immunosuppressed, which makes disse corona tider even harder. She was baptized about a year ago, is Hawaiian, and probably the most Christlike person ever. She lives with Nile (still trying to figure out if Nile is her mom or her sister) and their brother from another mother Dennis. Dennis is not a member, but he is a friendly black guy from Indianapolis and probably our favorite human on the planet. We have been getting to know them over the phone since we got to the area.

But anyways, there wasn't much we could do for Mimi's birthday, because of her condition, but we had to do SOMETHING. So we mustered up all of the crafting skills we could and heart attacked their door. She ended up being really happy about it and was even able to come outside for a bit. We took some pictures and they shared cake with us from a distance.

Restaurants have opened up again, with a few restrictions, and members are starting to want to have eating appointments. Saturday afternoon we got a phone call from an Italian member, Tinne. "Do you guys have dinner plans?" She asked.

We did not. But, we also cannot eat with people, members can give us food, but we can't "dine together" in that way.
We explained the situation to her.
"I know, I know, don't worry, I just want to leave you some food, here's my address,"

We drove to her house later that even to grab dinner and realized that it was in fact not her house but her fancy shmancy italian restaurant on the beach. Oh no, here come the water works. Are we princesses? So we walk in. Her husband is there in the kitchen and Tinne points us in. There was no one else in the restaurant, and candle-lit table sat waiting for us by the window.

!!!!!

It was so sweet! They let us order off the menu like we were real customers and everything. Kept all of the rules, washed our hands a bunch, and shared a spiritual thought at the end about focusing on the Savior.

Later in the week, after finding ourselves upon a large hill- (Alligev l var den lige så stor som de kan være i Danmark) we were admiring the view when we discovered a small flock of sheep grazing not to far away from us. 

We did what one must naturally do when seeing a group of fluffy animals that are afraid of you. You go towards them and demand they accept your love and affection. But alas, they were sheep. So they would just run away. AND THEN out of no where this one cute one just looks at me and comes walking over- JUST TO ME. Anyways it let me pet it and love it and followed me around and it was the cutest thing ever.

Last night, Brad Wilcox held an online devotional and spoke about the Saviors Atonement. He spoke of grace and shared some cool insights.
Here's some of my notes:

Grace isn't a get out of jail free card, nor is it something we have to work super super hard to obtain. Grace enables us. Grace is a free gift that if we utilize we can become better. Grace is like a scholarship. It opens the door for us, we don't have to pay the price, but it doesn't guarantee learning or graduation. We have to work for that part.

The Atonement is about so much more than consolation. It is about transformation.

As far as the work,, things are going well. We have some really positive people we are teaching. It's kinda frustrating because we're hitting walls with a lot of them trying to get them to hold commitments and just do the basics. Praying is so hard for a lot of people here and you really have to coach them through it. But I hvert fald, things are going well. We started teaching three more people this week, one was Divi, a referral from a member, Buster who was previously taught by missionaries here, and Moses who was found over Facebook by the Vejle sisters.

So as you can see, Slagelse has truly been a fruitful part of the the vineyard this week.

Tune in next time for more action, adventure, and literally no romance, with yours truly, mkh,

Søster Felt 🇩🇰

Elsker jer

Week 53 - Be thou humble

I guess you know your in full-on missionary mode when the only songs you can think of that fit your mood towards the week are hymns.

See mom? I guess they are changing me!

Haha or at least I hope so.

We had a week full of lessons, miracles, and meetings and to be honest I just blinked and it was over. I can remember some of it though.

I hit my "one year on a mission" mark on friday and it was kind of cool to look back and think about how much I have changed.

For one thing, I like watermelon now. I didn't like watermelon before my mission. I don't know why, it tastes really good and is quite refreshing. I guess I just didn't appreciate it before. Oh well, now I do and I make yummy fruit salads with it.

Our friends are doing good. We finally got a hold of Dorthe, she is still interested and keeping commitments. She opened up about some home problems that really cleared stuff up for us. She assured us that she is still in,, and told us, "dont give up on me, even when I dont respond," that gave us lots of comfort.

Oscar is also doing good, he is a good kid and just like a genuinely nice person. Sister Webb and I agree we would both be legit friends with him in our normal lives. We hope we dont screw this up hahaha.

We had interviews this week,,, in between interviews we sat eating pizza with Sister Olsen. We were talking about hairstyles and let me tell you trying to explain mullets to a Danish person is harder than you think. Let's just say I think sister Olsen's opinion of the US of A went down a little bit.

I Know God lives and loves you. I know God answers prayers. So hit your knees and just talk to him!

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Elsker jer!

Søster Felt 💗🇩🇰

Week 52 - It is well, with my soul

Flash backwards

170 years ago on May 11th a boat docked in Denmark, Copenhagen and a missionary greeted his new home. Peter Hansen set feet on Danish soil at 4am where he began his journey that would impact the lives of thousands of individuals, create the history of the Lords church, and change my life forever.

Flash forward.

To commemorate the arrival of Elder Hansen, on Tuesday May 11th, 2020 each set of companionship committed themselves to complete 6.5 hours of facebook finding. (The sum total of our hours spent finding would total 170).

So that is what we did.

Flash a little less backwards

I haven't been very happy, at least I wasn't very happy for a while. Probably for about a month or so, I'm not totally sure. I felt joy, when we taught and did missionary work. I felt the peace and comfort of my Savior. But in those little in between moments? When I didn't have something to keep me busy, I was just, down. And to be honest? I didn't understand why. All these missionaries around me talk about how they are the happiest they have ever been and this is the best time of their lives. And I just wanted that too.

I worked my hardest, I know that. I did my best to be exactly obedient, that was not an issue. And I truly did love the work and the people here as I do now. I prayed so much over this. I studied so much. But the sadness and pain and loneliness just wasn't going away for what felt like a really long time. It was really confusing.

With time, I did start getting some answers. I recognized God confirming to me through the spirit as I prayed and studied that this trial was not a punishment or a consequence of any misbehavior- it was just that- a trial. He told me that everything was gonna be okay and I just need to be patient. He just told me this is something that I need to go through right now. This gave me some comfort, but I was still hurting. And I didn't know why.

On the evening of May 10th 2020 I had had enough. I prayed to God and I told him that I want to be happy again, and I want to be his servant.

When I woke up smiling on May 11th I knew the Lord had work for me to do.

As sister Webb and I began our six and a half hours of work we quickly found a facebook group for people struggling with anxiety and depression. A place for them to be vulnerable.

Then, miracles came.

I just felt so much sorrow and empathy for these people as I read their stories and felt their pain for them. I could read them and think, "Yes! I get that!" And I knew what kind of help they were looking for-- because I had been searching for the same kind of help for over a month. I talked to all of these people and listened and validated their struggles for 7 hours. And shared with them what I knew could help them. We saw miracles.

I have gained a new understanding of the scripture:

"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."

-Mosiah 24:14

Sister Webb and I just finished our first Skype lesson with Laura, a girl our age who says, "I will try anything to find peace at this time in my life, I have been praying so much to God to help me," We invited her to pray, and in her prayer she cried and thanked God for sending us to her. She was so open and asked if we could call twice a week. This is a miracle.

The Lord has helped me to gain the charity that I have prayed for in a way that I never would have expected. He has prepared me to be his tool in a way I would never have asked for, but am now so grateful for.

I know God's ways are different than our ways. Hold on to him, trust him, and one day it will all make sense.

Elsker jer! Ha en dejlig uge:)

Mkh,
Søster Felt

Week 51 - Thank You for the Music

First of: THANKS to all of you for the birthday wishes! This year's birthday was probably my favorite, and you all made it that way for me. So thankful I was birthed.

Tuesday: Began the day with a lovely burnt appointment. We waited at the church for the lesson. 20 minutes after the scheduled time, we called him. You know what he said? I'm on my way. I'll be there in twenty minutes. So? 40 minutes later we call again and come to find he's blocked our number. Sådan er livet.

It actually ended up being a really good day. We worked hard and taught a lesson over skype to Rebecca, one og my friends from Herning. We finished the day by visiting members and serenading them with hymns,, with social distancing of course.

Wednesday:
Not gonna lie, I think this was the best birthday I've ever had. My comps all did a lot to make it a great day.

It began with me, sitting on my bed, trapped alone against my will. 20 minutes later,,, sister Webb, followed by sis O'Connor and Nielsen, came in carrying an apple illuminated by the glow of 7 candles protruding from wonky angles. Still haven't gotten an explanation on that one. But they sang to me and guided me to the other rooms which were decked out and gave me some really sweet gifts.

The day just kept getting better as I received so many phone calls, texts, and emails from so many amazing people.

Later in the evening we went to a members house who had made food for us to come pick up. It was this sweet old couple, Anny and Leo. Anny made me a layer cake and they sang me happy birthday. I felt so loved. I started crying haha. They didn't even really know me and they were showing me so much love.

Thursday:
We had zone conference and some lessons. I'm sure there was more stuff but I can't really remember right now haha.

Friday: Went on splits with Søster Hepworth. Oh my gosh it was so fun we worked so hard it was like the best day ever. She is so bomb. Great at teaching. Great at Danish. Makes me laugh. Bomb.

Saturday: We had a bunch of lessons also a good day. We taught some of sister Webbs family which was really cool. We also had a coordination meeting with our mission leader Søren and oh my gosh that is always an experience. We tried to keep it focused on missionary work but instead it ended up with Søren making us stand up, face each other, and punch each other in the gut as a breathing exercise. Idk either.

Our friend Cenk also made us some traditional turkish mad. Which was super good.

Sunday: I got to call and talk to a family I know from home who means so much to me. It was really special to hear and share our testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ.

We also had a lesson with our friend Oscar. It went okay. Wasn't the best. That evening we had a mission wide testimony meeting over skype it was way good.

I know God loves you!

So yeah, Great Week! Elsker her!
Mkh, søs Felt

Week 50 - 5 More Minutes

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.

Alma 13:28-29

Oscars Lektion: We had this way good lesson with our friend Oscar this week! We taught God's plan for us and he really started to open up to us. At the end of the lesson, he shared Alma 32:27 with us. This verse reads, "But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words," he told us he really liked the verse because even if you just want to believe, God will help you.
"Do you want to believe?" We asked.
This was a pivotal moment in our teaching experience with Oscar-as up until this point we hadn't gone personal yet.
The Danes have a thick shell ya know. Cannot be cracked in just one go. It takes time, and a patient chisel.
After a tense moment of silence, he answered.
"Yes,"
!!!!🎉🧨!!!👍🎉!!!!!!


He shared that though he cant bring himself to believe now, he wants to and he is willing to try.

Sister Webb invited him to start praying daily, and I promised him that this would help him begin believing.

"It's funny you say that," he replied. "Cause right after I said I wanted to believe, I had the thought that if I want to do that, I should start to pray,"

Keep in mind that Oscar grew up in an atheist home and has only prayed the one time with us. It was awesome.

The Chin Saw: For our DIME video this week sisters Webb, Nielsen, O'Connor and I made a Jullian Michael's style neck workout video tutorial. It was too good. Might leak it later. We'll see.

Bunnies: While Sister Webb and I waited for our friend Cenk to show up at the church (we can have lessons outside now as long as we keep a good distance) we saw two young girls skipping up the side walk. They were out walking their bunnies. Oh my gosh so cute. We went and talked to them for a bit and said hi to their cute bunnies it was so precious.

Brownies and the Work and the Glory: Yeah,, that's how we sisters have been bonding after our work is finished.

Isabella: Because Sister OConnor and Sister Neilsen are the Lyngby sisters,, sister Webb and I were able to join in a skype lesson with our old gal pal Isabella!! We did come follow me with her and she had some really cool insights on Mosiah chapter 4. She's the best.

Island Splits: We had splits over facetime with the sisters up on Iceland.

John Bytheway: Elder Bytheway's (serving up on Iceland) Dad did a devotional over Skype for our mission last night! He talked about focusing on Jesus Christ.

Humility: This week I learned a lot about what it means to be humble. It doesn't mean hating yourself. It means you admitting you need the Lord's help and guidance in all things. It means being submissive to the will of the Lord. True humility cultivates confidence, charity, and patience. Not insecurities, competition, and anxiousness.

I know that God answers prayers. I know we can find answers in the Book of Mormon. I know that it is when we lose ourselves in the service of others that we will truly find joy.

Jeg ved at Gud svarer bønner. Jeg ved at vi kan finde svar i Mormons Bog. Jeg ved at det er når vi går tabt i andres tjeneste at vi vil finde ægte glæde.

Elsker jer!

Med Kærlige Hilsen

Søster Felt🇩🇰

Week 49 - To Be a Princess

Good week everyone! I hope you are all doing well.

- All the baby ducks have hatched and we go to see them sometimes and they are so cute!!!!
- We had a really good lesson with our friend Francesco. He is really changing and it is awesome! He also told us all about Italy it was way cool
- I am now living in a house with three slytherins (however you spell that). I am a hufflepuff. It has been interesting but I'm figuring out how to melt stone hearts with my squishiness.

- I made a poll in a Facebook group with different options people could select for what they believed happened after death. We got A TON of responses and we reach out to a lot of them.
-The fields are alive with the blooms of gold flowers.

Welp, my weeklies suck. I'm so sorry everyone.

I know God lives, knows who you are, and loves you 💗

Med kærlig hilsen,

Søster Felt

Week 48 - Abide with Me!

The Happenings:-Our friend Dorthe accepted a baptismal date this week!!!! She is working towards the 6th of June!
-We had two super good lessons with our friend Oscar. He is honestly so positive and it's all going so well.
-We had transfers,, and sister Webb and I will be staying together in Slagelse:)
-Søster Webb accidently waxed the skin off of her upper lip
-It was Søster Hepworths birthday this week! And we got permission to go surprise her in Lyngby!! We decorated her apartment while they were out and ate Ben and Jerry's together:)
-I had my interview with my mission president. He talked about marriage the entire time. Oh no.

The Quotes:
- "Ain't Heaven without Soljah Boi," -søster Webb
- "High on the Muffin Top," -søster Young

The Scriptures:
"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility," -2 Nefi 2:11
-"And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard," -Jacob 5:75