We went to Oslo to celebrate 17th of May, which is Norway’s independence day. It was the 200th anniversary of the constitution. We also had a barbeque at President and Sister Evan’s house, which was a lot of fun. It was really nice to see a lot of missionaries, who I had not seen in a long time. Also, there is a traditional Norwegian outfit called a Bunad that Norwegian women especially wear on special occasions. A challenge to missionaries on 17th of May is to get a picture with as many girls in Bunads as possible. Elder Hurst and I did not try too hard but we got a couple. A sister missionary broke the record this year though with over 24. We sang the Norwegian national anthem, Ja Vi Elsker Dette Landet, which means yes we love this land, in the ward choir this week. I am so very blessed to be able to serve in Norway. It is an incredible country that enjoys great peace, freedom and prosperity. I am so privileged to be able to help Norwegians come unto Christ who is the source of true, real and lasting peace and joy.
We are really making an effort to work a lot with the members and to be visiting members every day because we must be united to do this work. There are a lot of incredible people in the ward, and it is a joy to be able to work with them and get to know them better. Everyone is very kind and supportive. I know we will be able to accomplish a lot of incredible things here. We just need to go forward with faith. Missions are truly a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow and serve. We need to bring the gospel to the world. It is the solution to everything. Christ is indeed our light and our life. It is so difficult for us to even begin to understand the pure love of God. It is however that charity that must motivate, guide and unite each of us. Through Christ's Atonement we can become new people and develop that love. The Norwegian word of the week is frihet, which means freedom.
Love,
Elder Ankenman
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