Spring has sprung og plutselig SNØ!

Weekly Weather Report: The Norwegian weather is going through suffering some pretty severe mood swings. These last couple of weeks we had blazing sun and eldste aland and I had to break out the sunscreen to avoid looking too much like red tomatoes all the time. And then this week we were blindsided by snow! It has made for pretty interesting days because our old Nokia phone doesn't tell us what the weather is going to be like for the day and we don't know how cold it is outside because our neighbor made us remove our thermometer on the windowsill outside. I think it was taking away from the beauty of the building or something. But come rain or snow, Søster Zenger and I didn't even hesitate to do everything that we had planned. We even played volleyball in the snow ( a first for me) and went on a really chilly walk with a member that we have been visiting lately. She was a really good sport! 

While we were on our walk yesterday she told us all about a friend that she met in Switzerland 25 years ago and has somehow been able to come back into contact with now. This friend has been through some really tough things since then and this amazing lady has been spending hours on the phone with her, even giving up some much needed sleep, and uplifting her with her testimony of Heavenly Father. It was amazing to see how Christlike this woman is and the simple and sincere joy that she radiates.

-We celebrated two birthdays! One of them is someone that we are teaching and another was our friend Nadine! Gratulerer! 

-We had our first teach with that man from the buss and had a really spiritual experience. It was so interesting to hear about his buddhist beliefs and also his knowledge about Hinduism as well. The people that he lives with aren't really okay with him learning about the Christian religion in his house, but he is sincere enough in his interest to learn about our message that he suggested we meet him another place next time. The spirit was so strong as we talked about Jesus Christ and he said that he felt something. 

-We made sushi with some members in the ward and Nadine and Arkeen! Pictures coming soon.:)

- I have recently taken up knitting and am being personally coached by old norwegian women and fellow missionaries. I have had to start over multiple times but there is progress. :) 

- We had sister's day in Romerike and we learned about our self-worth, painted nails, and learned some self defense. Søster Zenger and I have been practising so we are ready for whatever comes our way!

- I bore my last testimony at zone conference and going home finally feels real. I continue to be filled with gratitude for my mission, all the experiences that I have had, and the people that I have had the privilege of meeting.

This work truly is the most important work in the entire universe and I am happy to be a part of it. 

Have an amazing week og vi snakkes!

Love, Søster Starkie

PS: Gratulerer med cinco de mayo og May the 4th be with you!