Monday, May 5th, 2014

Porsgrunn is a really awesome place. We also work a lot in Skien, which is right next to Porsgrunn. Our ward here is incredible. We have a big member referral system and everything. There is an Albanian couple who is going to be baptized this coming week. In my district are sisters in Skien, and Elders in Sandefjørd as well as in Tønsberg, which are both part of the Tønsberg branch. It is a lot different than being in Alta, but I love both experiences so much. It is also a lot different than Oslo, but it is indeed the same work. I am really excited to have all of the blessings of being able to work with other missionaries and with the ward organization again as well. Elder Newey grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho and lived in Nephi, Utah for a couple of years before he left on his mission. He likes music a lot and soccer too.

There are so many blessings we enjoy as members of the church who have the restored gospel. I have been thinking a lot about how much Heavenly Father wants to bless each and every one of us. The purpose of the gospel and the plan of salvation are to help us enjoy all of the blessings that Heavenly Father enjoys, to come back to Him and to be with Him and Christ forever. These blessings are too much to comprehend, but I know that there is indeed nothing more desirable than the love of God. We need to help others to come unto Christ so that they can taste that fruit so we can all rejoice together. We are all indeed one. We are a family. We must reach out to others and show them our love just as the Savior came to serve and not to be served.

I am now a district leader. District leaders lead a group of companionships, help build up and train them, and do baptismal interviews, lead district meetings and that sort of thing. It is wonderful to be able to focus on other people as well. The ward here is awesome! There is one young man preparing for a mission who is a drummer and recently did a report from school on James Brown and Soul. He is super cool. The ward focus for the year is on missionary work, which is a tremendous blessing that we need to take advantage of. I know Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and that He is always watching over us. I know we each have a work that is far more important and greater than we can comprehend. I also know that we have an even greater source of strength and power to be able to accomplish those works. I pray we will each keep moving forward and doing what is right. The Norwegian word of the week is forenet, which means united.

Love,
Elder Ankenman