CHRISTMAS IS COMING... DECEMBER 21 2015

DECEMBER 21 2015

I am a firm believer in Christmas Miracles.   And this week was just jammed pack with them. Blessed is a good way to desribe it.

Maria has been an investigator of the Hermanas for a very long time now.  She wants soooo badly to be baptized, she assists regularly, and has the most beautiful little testimony...but she isnt married. #ugh. Anywho, the other day we were talking about the importance of the Book of Mormon. She explained to us that she really believes that its important, but that she has a really hard time understanding, and reading.  So we have been reading and talking about the Book of Mormon.  We promised her that if she continues to read every single day, even if she doesnt understand it, that God will bless her for her sincere efforts. Anywho, we passed by to read with her like we always do. This time, she had the biggest smile on her face. We sat down, and we asked her what she had read since our last visit. She then proceeded to desribe to us the story of the two chapters she had read in detail. Perfectly.  With the biggest smile she said, ¨I understand them now.¨  I couldnt do anything else but put my head in my hands and cry. Then with tears in her eyes she said, ¨Thank you for not giving up on me.¨  One of my happiest moments. 

Hermana Celan and I have been praying and fasting so hard for a little family.  Here, it is so hard to find a complete family that is ready and prepared to hear our message.  But not impossible :)  This week we found Roxanna, Lucio, and their little baby.  We invited them to church, and they stayed for all three hours!  Seriously such a sweet little family, so prepared, and so ready to accept our message.  Finding them has truly been an answer to our prayers. Our God is a God of miracles. I will testify of that forever. 

I truly love this time of year so much. I love that I can have His named pinned on my chest this Christmas.  I love that I get to wake up everyday, and testify of our Savior.  I love it so much. There isnt any other way to desribe how I feel.  As much as I love and miss my friends and family during this time, there isnt anywhere else I would rather be.  

¨I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.¨

John 14:6

I wish you ALL a very Merry and Magical Christmas this week! Share the joy that you have with those around you! There is no other way to give back to our Savior. Feliz Navidad!!

Con Amor,

Hermana Hansen

WE HAVE A SPECIAL LITTLE DISTRICT HERE IN SAN JERONIMO

THIS IS HNO FELIX AND HIS FAMILY.  THEY ARE MEMBERS AND SERIOUSLY SO SPECIAL.  WE HAD NOCHE DE HOGAR (FHE) WITH THEM AND THE JOHNSONS. CHRISTMAS TIME IS SO SPECIAL!!

(NOTE FROM COLLEEN: SARAH RELATED THIS STORY ON OUR CHRISTMAS DAY CALL..."I WAS BEGINNING TO FEEL PRETTY HOMESICK AND THINKING ABOUT MY FAMILY AT CHRISTMAS BACK HOME WHEN HNO FELIX SAID THE CLOSING PRAYER AT NOCHE DE HOGAR.  HE PRAYED IN THE MOST SINCERE WAY AND THANKED FATHER FOR OUR MISSIONARIES SERVICE IN PERU..LEAVING OUR FAMILIES..I WAS OVERWHELMED WTH COMFORT AND GRATITUDE FOR HNO'S FELIX PRAY")

JULIO'S BIRTHDAY

                                                   RAIN IN CUSCO...AGAIN!!

IF MY FACE LOOKS FUNNY IT BECAUSE I WAS CRYING....YEAH I CRY ABOUT EVERYTHING....     :)

December 14, 2015 Cha Cha Cha CHANGES!!

Its that time again! Seriously, this was the fastest change of my life.  I had a little breakdown moment the other day when I realized that I would complete 6 months in the mission this month.  Unreal. No worries all is well :) Solo necesito aprovechar cada dia! Anywhosies, Hermana Celan and I will be staying together for another change in San Jeronimo!! WAHOO!  So happy that we get to spend Christmas together, and learn and grow some more!

This week Hermana Celan and I saw the light at the end of the tunnel!  These past few weeks have been difficult for us.  Trying to come to terms with agency of others. But this week, we really had some little miracles happen.  We have been trying to reactive this awesome little family, Familia CasaPerez  They have been inactive for quite sometime now.  Well this Sunday, who comes walking in...Familia Casa Perez! Every single one of them! Seriously almost fell out of my chair. Also,   We have also been working with Ruban.  He is 22 years old, and his younger brother is a member.  He had been investigating the church about 8 years ago, but decided it was not for him.  Anywho, he came to church this week too! We talked to him after, and he told us that for whatever reason it was different this time.  And that he was ready to start listening again. But wait...theres more! Last night we got a phone call around 10:30.  We were really confused because no one calls at that hour.  We answer, and its Sophia.  The hermanas had been teaching Sophia a while ago, but she became really cold and really didnt want to continue with the lessons.  Anywho, we answer, and she was quiet for a minute. Finally, she asks if we could meet with her this week....again almost hit the floor. Christmas miracles people.  They are real.  I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord.

Here are some fun little facts from the week!

1.  Hermana Celan loves the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. And it has been on repeat all week.  #hobbitorperuana?

2.  We have fleas in our beds! Cheveree....

3.  Paneton. Paneton. Paneton...tis the season. For those of you who dont know what that is.  Dont feel too bad. 

We had a cool little lesson with a recent convert. Honestly I dont remember what we were talking about, but she interrupts us and says I have a question.  ¨Is it really necessary to pray to know if these things are true?¨  We asked her to explain a little better.  She told us that when the missionaries where teaching her, she never doubted if any of it was true.  She said for some reason, I just knew it was true.  After that lesson, I really thought about what she had explained to us.  And ya know what its true.  The things we are teaching are not new.  We knew these things before.  Everything we teach will have a familiar ring to it, because our spirits will recongize it.  Thats all we are doing here. Helping people remember what they already knew.  

I really do love this time of year.  Its a special time we have to focus on our Savior.  I hope everyone is enjoying the sweet spirit that comes during this time! I love you all, I love His children in Peru, and I love my Savior.  Thank you all for you love and support!

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen

THIS IS JULIE AND HE REALLY HAS MY HEART.  WE WERE TRYING TO TAKE A PICTURE...HAHAHE IS TOO FUNNY!

THE JOHNSONS! I FOUND THEM! AND THEY ARE SO AWESOME---

EVERY NIGHT HERE IN CUSCO---LLAMA SWEATER, HOT COCOA,AND A HEATER...

NUTELLA!!   ITS THE LITTLE THINGS

THIS IS JEN..WE ARE THE SAME AGE :)

I HAVE HAD A BAD COUGH FOR QUITE A WHILE SO THEY GAVE ME STRAIGHT GARLIC.!! UMMM NOT SURE ABOUT THIS AT ALL!!

December 7, 2015 Hola To All This Fine December Day

Hola To All this fine December Day!

So ya know, I thought the weather in Idaho was bipolar...Peru wins by a long shot.  This week we had some serious down pours.  Had to break out the rain boots and all!  When it rains here, within 10 minutes, the streets turn into rivers. Its pretty outstanding. Makes for some fun adventures :)

This week we had divisions with the Hermana Leaders.  I went with Hermana Paez in Vista Alegre.  I love divisions so much! I love having the opportunity to learn from other Hermanas. We had a really awesome lesson with one of our recent converts Ader and Jeny.  They are such an awesome little family.  They were baptized just under a year ago, and have seriously progressed so much!  They have had plans to finally go to the temple in January, but they have been really worried about money.  The other week, they told us that they werent sure if they were going to be able to go.  Seriously heart broken, but we told them to find the faith and trust in the Lord. Their Heavenly Father wants them to go to the temple even more then they do!  Anywho, so we had the Johnsons, (the family history missionaries here in Cusco)  do a family history lesson with Ader and Jeny to do their family history online.  By the end of the night, Ader had his grandparents information ready to go to the temple. Ah how crazy cool is that!  They were so excited! Ader told us, without a doubt we are going to go to the temple in January, no matter what.  My grandparents are waiting for me to do their work! Ah seriously such a special moment. I love the temple, and the knowlege we have that we can be families forever.  This work is so special.  

Hope you all had the opportunity to watch or listen to the Christmas Devotional!! This time of year is seriously the best. And I might add, even better on the mission.  Hope we can all remember really why we are celebrating! Our Savior Jesus Christ.

The other day during personal study, I really took the time to ponder these last 5 months.... (5 MONTHS!! BLEEHHHH)  I thought about the hard times the good times, the funny times, and the sad times.  And I tried to think of a phrase that summed up what I have learned thus far....Be Obedient and Pray Your Face Off.

Yeah thats about it haha.  Ive learned that its when we are obedient is when we see the blessings.  Our purpose in this life is to become more like our Savior, and when we are obedient, we are walking in His footstepts.  Ive also never prayed so much in my entire life.  But its the only way to do this work.  To be in communication with our Father in Heaven.

Scripture of the Week:

Alma 27:18

"A humble seeker of happiness..."

Well I really do love you all! Have a fantastic week! 

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen

Study Time with my Companion--

NOVEMBER 30 2015 SPENT MY 20TH BIRTHDAY HIKING INCAN RUINS IN CUSCO..UNBELIEVABLE!!

NOVEMBER 30 2015

HOLA EVERYONE!!

Phew what a week! Full of all sorts of fun peruvian things.  

Thanksgiving was a little different this year haha.  I had myself a plate full of rice and an ice cold drink of Inca Kola.  Its been way hot here in Cusco this week. Sometimes I forget what time of year it is at home.  Sorry for all of you who were snowed in this Thanksgiving! I was nice and toasty roasty up here in the Andes :)

The morning of Thanksgiving, I decided to start out my personal study by just writing a few of the things I was grateful for.  But as a started my list, I found that I really couldnt stop.  My list was at 100 before I knew it.  These past few months have been months of trials and learning.  But as I took the time to reflect, I realized really just how unbelievable blessed I am.  Here are just a few of the MANY wonderful things I am grateful for this year. 

1. Mangos.  Everyday I get to eat a delicious mango.  So blessed. 

2. Carpet.  Never ever will I ever take for granted carpet.  Seriously people.

3. The gift of tongues.  

4. Every crazy Peruvian abuelita I meet. 

5. The little tender mercies I see every single day. 

6. Hot showers.

7. My wonderful amazing supportive family.  You all seriously mean the world to me. 

8. Every frusterating, and disapointing moment in the mission.  Every single one is an opportunity to stretch and grow.

9.  My Savior Jesus Christ.  I dont think I will ever be able to express my love and gratitude for my Savior.  I feel of His love every single day.  And countless times I have felt him carry me through times of hardship. He is my friend, advocate, and Savior, and I love Him with all my heart. 

10.  The opportunity to serve Him, and his children every single day.

Judith committed to baptism this week! Ahh such a powerful little lesson we had.  Im so excited to see her progress! This week was a little slow all in all, but we are finding some really prepared people.  Poco a poco...

Also... SURPRISE! Im turning 19 again!!  Yeah I wish...No but seriously what a fun birthday!  This morning Hermana Celan and I hiked up to Saqusewaman and hiked around in some Incan ruins...who gets to do that for their birthday? I really cant get over how beautiful Cusco is.  I LOVE THIS MISSION SO MUCH!!

Scripture of the week-

Mark 10:21-22

"Come, take up the cross, and follow me."

This is the story of the young rich man who desired to follow Christ.  However, when he found out exactly what he had to do and give up, he couldnt.  With Christmas just around the corner (oh gosh where did this year go...) I hope we all take a moment and reallly think what we are willing to give or give up to follow our Savior.  He gave us everything. And in return, He has asked us to follow Him.

Also! If you havent checked out the new Christmas video... DO IT!  I love this wonderful time of year! Thank you all for the many birthday wishes!  I love you all so much. Have a fantastic week!  

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen

I BLEW OUT CANDLES ON A LOAF OF BREAD

MY TWENTH BIRTHDAY!  FUN!!!

MY BIRTHDAY EXCURSION TO THE INCAN RUINS IN CUSCO

NOVEMBER 23 2015 HOLA FAMILIA Y AMIGOS!

NOVEMBER 23 2015

Wow....Did November even happen? Seriously this has been the fastest month of my life! PLEASE SLOW DOWN!

Anywho another week in the beautiful city of Cusco.  Hermana Celan and I and working hard.  I know we arent opening up the sector here, but sometimes it really feels that way.  We are both somewhat new, and new to the area.  So this week we have been finding, finding, finding, and contacting, contacting, and contacting. There are so many prime people here.  We started teaching 17 year old Judith. Ah man shes another little doll that the Lord has prepared.  She already LOVES going to church  and wants to be baptized! Shes living with her aunts here in Cusco while she goes to school, and really they are not very supportive about her decision at all.  But she knows what she wants and what she should do.  So impressed with her valor and drive.  Like I say, I learn more from them then they ever do from me.  

I dont know why, but its been CRAZY hot here in Cusco. We are going through some sort of drought here.  We never really know how to leave the house, because if the sun is out, we are dying. But then in .5 seconds we can have a complete down pour.  Cusco, Cusco, Cusco...

Anywho, this week as been one of learning.  Lately I have been feeling somewhat unqualified...to say the least.  I have spent a lot of time on my knees praying for strength.  And I can honestly say its the best thing thats happened to me.  We had a devotional in the CCM, and one of the speakers said, "Deperation will be the best thing that happens to you."  I can truly testify to that now.  There are days where the only thing I can do is pray to my Father in Heaven.  Its hard, but its brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior then ever before.  My companion shared a quote with me this week, "We must learn to sufrir con gozo."  Really our trials can be our greatest blessings.  Seriously I am so blessed to have to opportunity to be pushed, challenged, and shaped into the person God knows I can be. 

Scripture of the week!

Alma 34:38

"...And that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

Seriously if you cant think of a "tender mercy" that happened today...think again. Because I promise there is one. 

Anywho..Happy birthday shout out to Jamie Lynn, and a little special shout out to Dad this week! The day we thought would never come... came. :) And right before Thanksgiving. #blessed.

I hope you all have a fantasmal week full of football, family, and food!! Happy Thanksgiving! Eat a pumpkin pie or 3 for me! Gracias por todo!

Con Amor,

Hermana Hansen

                                Missionary tan lines....what can I say.  The sun is BIEN FUERTE here.

Us with Hermana and Elder Rhodes! We ate chicken fried steak at Chilies!!!!  I literally almost cried!  I told them , you guys really don't know how much this means to me.  And they just smiled and said, no ha ha, we know.  Fun to share this missionary experience with them.

FOUND HERMANA FRAME!!!! There were lots of tears and jumping up and down.  Love this Hermana sooooo much!

Thunder Strom rolling in..

 Ok.. this is called the peruano perry.  Its a dog thats only native to Peru.  Literally the ugliest dog I have ever seen. Look up more pictures so you can understand.  Every time I see one I just die laughing.  But make sure not to make fun of it in front of a Peruanos because they are really proud of them ha ha .  Just had to share :)

NOVEMBER 16 2015 ANOTHER GREAT (and rainy ) WEEK IN CUSCO

November 16  2015

Hello to all!

Another week in the City in the Sky!

So yeah its true there just is not air here.  We went running the other morning for exercises, and literally almost passed out.  I like to blame it on the lack of oxygen here...but there might be some other factors in there...pero no importa :)

So in our mission, there is a huge focus in finding menos activos.  In our last conference, President Harbertson said our efforts should be 50% menos activos and 50% investigators and conversos recientes.  I actually really love working with menos activos.  Trying to rekindle that fire that we know is in there.  We having been doing something that is actually really neat.  In our first lesson with a menos activo, our first question is, Do you remember your missionaries?  Without fail, their whole contenence changes.  Its amazing to see the change that happens to these people who have become cold, when they start talking about their missionaries that baptized them.  It doesnt matter, 5 years, or 25 years, every single one can tell us the names of their missionaries, where they were from, something funny they did, or a really powerful lesson that they taught.  And immediatetly that same spirit that they felt with the missionaries that introduced the gospel to them, returns to their hearts. 

Also in our mission there is a HUGE focus on having the latinos learn English. There was a conference with all the mission presidents in South America with President Uchtdorf.  He said,  There are 3 things they need to learn on their mission.  English, English, and English.  So Hermana Celan and I have been really working on that, and in turn its really pushed my Spanish.  But oh man she is so awesome!  We are probably having a little too much fun together.   Right now her favorite phrases are,  Do you want to fight?  Dont tell me what to do, and My companion is ugly.....who is teaching her english??? haha Yeah maybe we should just stick with the book. 

Other than that just another normal week of work work work, and rain rain rain!!  Still trying to learn our ginormous sector, and our ginormous ward, but poco a poco.  

This weeks scripture:

Mosiah 4:9 10

"...And if you believe all these things see that ye do them."

Remember to walk what we talk! Share what we know, and most importantly, LIVE what we know!  

Hope you all have a fantasmal week this week!

Tupanachis kama!!   (kechwa for see you later!)

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen

                                So this picture pretty much sums up the week...

MY NEW BOOTS! YEAH!!

                                                                CUSSSCCCOOOO

Not a very good pic but I had to sneak a picture of our darling little people...

 How we feel when we have to do practice  zone conference----ask a missionary what that is....
                                                               they know I promise!

                         Our little Manases and our new CTR rings. He LOVED it ha ha too fun!

NOVEMBER 9 2015 A WHOLE NEW WORLD

November 9  2015

A big HOLA to ALL!
Phew...Its really been a week? La verdad what a crazy week full of all
sorts of new and exciting things. Entonces...drumroll..... Here I am in
the
beautiful San Jeronimo, Cusco. Not going to lie, its been quite a change
for me. Going from tranquilo Tamburco to the hussle and bussle of CUSCO!
But oh man I cant get over how fun this place is. Saying goodbye to
everyone was hard, but I am ready to discover what lies ahead. So our
sector is gigante. There used to be 3 sectors here, but they closed two of
them. So we for sure have our work cut out for us here. Right now we are
working with 6 carpetas de area (I really am not sure what that is in
english) so lots of work to be done, and lots of Gods children to find! My
companion is Hermana Celan from Argentina!! And yahoooo shes a fun one!
haha She was actually in my group in the CCM, so we both just finished our
training. She really is too cute. Full of sass and ready to work. Perfect.
Shes really working on me with that Argentinian accent. I think its
working. Shes been so patient, and so willing to help me with my Spanish.
I
am actually doing a lot better then I thought I would with the language.
The gift of tounges is real people! So our sector is where the Mission
Home
is, and our barrio is the barrio where Presidente Harbertson attenends.
Chévere :) I went from a little rama of about 70 to a barrio of about 300.
Sunday was a little overwhelming, but wow what amazing members we here
Cusco. Rainy season is upon us here in Peru. Time to break out the rain
boots....yeah right more like our safety rafts.
Thank you all for you love and prayers this week! I could feel them all!
Hope you all have an amazing week! So grateful to be apart of the work of
salvation.Con Amor,Hermana Hansen

                                                              Saying Chow
                                           Heading out to my new area-Cusco!!!

                                                Saying Good bye to our sweet Nataly

                                         MY NEW COMPANION  HERMAN CELAN!

                                                                        Beautiful Cusco


                                                                 

                                                                     NOVEMBER 2 2015

A TIME TO STRETCH AND GROW

Hello Everyone!

Well...This morning has been a little emotional and overwhelming. Today is cambios, and lets just say you really cant expect anything on the mission.  Tomorrow I will be leaving for Intirymi in Cusco.  I really was expecting to have more time in my first area.  I have grown to love these people so much in these last 3 months.  And really it breaks my heart knowing that I have to say goodbye today to the people who have really become my family.  Your first area is always special, and I know there was a reason I was called here.  But now its time to trust in the Lords plan, have a little faith, and go.  I find a lot of comfort in knowing that these changes are inspired.  

Anywho...this week was amazing! This Friday was Natalys baptism!!  Ah talk about a perfect day.  She looked so beautiful with the BIGGEST smile on her face.  This was one of the most profound moments of my life where I sincerely felt Gods love for someone.  Nataly is a very special girl.  And Im so grateful for the opportunity ive had to teach her during my time here.

Sorry this email is a little short and crazy, but hey! Got to roll with the unexpected, and I got to go get packing!  I am so grateful for a loving, and all knowing Father in Heaven. And I am SOOOOO grateful for the time I have had here in Abancay.  I love this place, I love these members, and I LOVE the people here.   We just need to trust in his plan and in his will.  Time to SIGUIR ADELANTE!  I love you all, and hope you all had a super fun and exciting Halloween! Gracias por todo!

Con Amor

Hermana Hansen

                                                                 NATALY GOT BAPTIZED!!!

                                                      




                                                    

Oct 26 2016 A DOWN POUR OF RAIN AND A VERY SPECIAL LESSON!!

A big HOLA to all Family and Friends!

I hope this email finds you all happy and enjoying your Monday!  

This Wednesday, we went on a little (ha yeah right) hike to take some supplies to a less active family.  They live pretty far up the mountain, and the mom injured her hip a while ago, and can no (like a blanket) and delivered some rice, beans, and a few other things.  I am not going to lie, it was a pretty Peruano moment.  However, a big shout out to all the abuelitas that carry everything in their mantas everyday. Mad respect. 

This week we had a really special lesson with Nataly.  We were on our way up to our house, when a huge thunderstorm rolled in out of no where.  By the time we got to her house, we were literally drenched.    Idaho rain storms didnt quite prepare me for a Peru rain storm.  Anywho, we got there and all the power was out.  So we lit a little candle and all sat around it on the floor.  She then asked us, "So really, what is a testimony?"  I dont know why but this question really took me by surprise. Really what is a testimony?  We explained that it is the things we know to be true, and its very special because its something no one can take away from you.  She started to cry and said," I really want something like that.  But this is what I think it is..."  and then continued to bear the most beautiful simple testimony I have every heard.  

In 2 Nephi 31:33 it says,

"...yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, and then can ye speak with the tongues of angels."

If any of you have ever heard a recent convert bear their testimony, you know that its true, they really do speak with the tongues of angels.  This Friday, Nataly will be baptized! I cant tell you enough how special this little daughter of God is.  

Yesterday we had a farewell for Lizbena, a joven in our rama.  She is leaving for her mission in Cancun Mexico!  It was weird to think that that was me about 4 months ago.  I still feel like I just hopped off the plane.  But its amazing to look back and see all the people I have met, and the things I have learned in such a short amount of time.  

So a few things have been on my mind this week.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Lately, I have seen this in the lives of my family, friends, and those I am serving in Peru.  Really this is something I see everyday.  Everyday, we go out and meet people who have trials more painful and difficult then I can imagine.  Ive watched lives being destroyed to addictions.  Ive seen families broken and torn apart because of divorce, depression, and abuse.  Ive witnessed the shattering affects of losing a loved one.  And for me, its hard not to feel absolutely helpless.  As missionaries, we can only do so much, and this is something I am learning to deal with.  We can share this message with them.  We can listen to them.  But ultimately, its the Savior who can take away their pain, and heal what is broken.  Sometimes its hard, but really in these times, all we can do is give it to our Savior.  I am really started to learn what that really means.  Because I have seen it happen. I have seen just exactly what the Atonement can  do.  I have seen in  work in the lives of those we are teaching here, and in my own life.  

Alma 7:12

"...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels, may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

I still dont know why bad things happen to good people. But I do know that we have a Savior, who knows every pain, perfectly.  And because of that, we can give it to him.  He will heal us, forgive us, and even at times carry us when we need it.  

I love you all so much! Again, thank you all for you endless love and support.  Go out and share the message! Have a great week!

Con Amor, 

Hermana Hansen

My favorite little familia

Meet Lizbena

These kids seriously have my heart.

                                                            Lizbena will serve in Cancun Mexico

The first tarantula! I guess these are around a lot this time of year.

Herman Hansen plus machete plus Peru equals one happy girl!