Tilbake hjem i Ålesund

The highlight of this week was getting to be able to go back to my birthplace and serve a couple days with Søster Kinder and Søster Burkman. I didn't think it was possible, but I forgot how breathtaking Ålesund is. This time it was even more breathtaking because as soon as we stepped off the plane, we were met with hurricane speed winds! For the entire time we were there not once did the wind let up and it even started raining and hailing. But come rain, wind, snow, hail, the work never stops!

Søster Burkman and I traveled out to Alina's house on a nearby island to go visit her. The buss driver was so shocked that we were out in such crazy weather and laughed when he saw how wet we were. The buss was completely empty for most of the ride until a man got on and (following Norwegian culture) sat on the complete opposite side. Luckily, Søster Burkman and I are past breaking cultural norms and we got up and sat next to him and talked to him. We only had enough time with him to figure out that he was christian and to give him a card, but he was very nice and receptive. We visited Alina and she caught us up on her life. It has almost been a year since she met the missionaries and stopped smoking! I am so proud of her! She is such an amazing strong person and I am so lucky that I have the privelege of knowing her.

A couple other things that happened: Søster Kinder and I visited Tine (my missionary mom) and she is as sweet as ever! Søster Zenger and I went on a ministrering visit with one of the members here. And just yesterday we experienced the amazing power of the Holy Ghost as we witnessed a Muslim man convincing himself to take a Book of Mormon without us having to say more that I couple words. This work really is amazing and I am so grateful that God is helping us every step of the way. 

Hope that everyone has a great week and that you all have an amazing general conference!!! 

Love, Søster Starkie