On A Mission

My name is Sister Hanson and I am 23 years old. I have three sisters, a cat and a dog, and amazing parents. I grew up in Virginia and am now a native New Englander; braving each bitterly cold winter day telling myself how beautiful the snow is. I'm not sure how I got here some days, but I am so, so wonderfully glad that I did. A year ago, I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it has changed my life in so many ways. I am a better - not perfect, better - person, and I am embarking on a journey to share that change, my testimony, and the amazing message of Jesus Christ that is responsible for it, to wherever God sends me on this Earth. I ask that as you share this journey with me, that you know that this is 100% real. This is my life. I am not doing this or sharing it for any profit or gain. I don't get anything out of it. I'm not looking for anything. I'm simply sharing the truth that changed me. (Like sharing a good movie or a great coffee shop, but better). I ask that you may allow yourself to question if what I say is true. How you question is up to you, but I ask that you open your heart to receive whatever message this gorgeous universe (and our Heavenly Father) is sending you - you won't regret it.

[sisterhanson]

This week was not like last week and yet it was wonderful. We had zone conference. 20+ missionaries are going home within the next two transfers and they gave their departing testimonies. The last two to give their testimonies were our mission president and wife. There wasn't a dry eye. We sniffled through the closing prayer. I am going to miss them so much! President and Sister Chambers have been an incredible force and light in my life. President and Sister Lansing are coming in on Friday and I can't wait! We have been praying for them for months and they have been praying for us. They will be welcomed and loved. Transfers are next Monday as well. Lots of changes are happening and it seems that's what summers are for. And that's what missions are about. I'm thankful for the change I have seen in myself and others :) Until next week — Sister Hanson

[sisterhanson]

Busiest and most miraculous and beautiful and wonderful week of my life. We found four new investigators, had ten lessons with members active and present with us, we testified boldly, talked to everyone, felt the spirit and charity more than I ever have, and witnessed the baptism of 2 of the sweetest girls I have ever met. I love them and they have a special place in my heart. God was so present and my heart was full of gratitude. Each day I wake up and despite challenges that may come my way, they never last, and I can see how Heavenly Father has changed me. I have so much peace in my heart and hope for the future. Missions are pretty great :)

[sisterhanson]

The draper temple made my heart beat out of my chest today. I felt it pounding with joy as I entered each room. I am so, so blessed beyond comprehension. And loved. And so are you. We are working hard here in Sandy. We picked up a new investigator last night and we will pick up 3 more on Friday. That's a total of 11 investigators with 3 already on date for June and I have a hunch the other 4 will be baptized in July. Plus, we are teaching 4 other Less active families. We are in a time of harvest! It's hot but I am so happy to work. The Lord is good! Keep praying for miracles :)

[sisterhanson]

I was transferred last week, leaving behind my first-born daughter a Sister Crapo [:P :(] and assigned to second-transfer train Sister Pinkham here in Sandy. Sister Pinkham is 26 so it feels nice not to be the oldest sister in the companionship! She is from Washington and she is Native American! I am surrounded by different cultures and I am in love. In this stake alone, we are teaching people who speak Croation, Chuk, Spanish, and we are over a whole Samoan Ward! We are teaching several people and we picked up a new investigator yesterday, with 3 potential lessons this week in addition to our normal lessons. The field is white already to harvest here in the Midvalley stake! We have had a spiritual week. We have prayed our hearts out and biked our butts off. My heart has been full of gratitude as we have met people and sought opportunities to bear testimony. We were able to touch the hearts of many and I know that God is using us to fulfill His plan! I love you all and hope you know God hears you and answers your prayers! Have a great week!

[sisterhanson]

Wow I have not been good at this, have I? Well now is a good a time as any to retry. :) This week has been incredible — We fasted for missionary work with our district and we have really been putting the pedal to the metal. Everyday it seems like we are running and running and running (well, biking) to talk to everyone we can and get to our appointments and it feels so good. I've gotten better at talking to everyone I see and now I even enjoy it :P I've been practicing having the mind of Christ and trying to do and see what he would. It has changed everything! I don't know where I've been for 9 months but it feels amazing. And my hump day is next week! I can't believe I'm halfway through my mission already. I feel like I am just getting the hang of things and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me for the next 9. I have already learned so much! More than anything, I KNOW that God loves you all! He is watching over you, he cares and he has a plan. Why would we want to hold ourselves back by holding on to our plans when we can follow our Heavenly Father, who can see the whole picture and promises us peace? The longer I am out, the simpler the gospel becomes. I am thankful for the spirit and these experiences. I have officially found a scripture that has changed my whole mission. It has instigated the change in me this week; "13 Therefore, that we should *waste and wear out* our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven--" I will spend the next 9 months wasting and wearing out my life for Christ and his purpose and plan for me! And then I will come home and learn how to waste and wear out the rest of my life for Him. I love you all! Take courage and have peace, the Lord is with you! Sister Hanson [image: image1.JPG] [image: image2.JPG] [image: image3.JPG] [image: image4.JPG]

[sisterhanson]

Everything is good here :)

[sisterhanson]

Hello everyone! I feel like I have abandoned you! It has been six weeks. But really, I love you all. This transfer we have put two people on date, reactivated a drug addict, helped someone regain their testimony, helped one man pray out loud for the first time in 20 years and another pray privately for the first time in years. We have inspired others and been inspired, watched an 8 year-olds life literally change because of the gospel, we reactivated a 14 year-old girl who changed me more than I affected her, and we have learned about prayer, inspiration, feeling the spirit, following promptings, strength, identity, and confidence. What more could you ask for? It has been successful and I am changed because of it. Missions are wonderful. Sister Crapo and I are staying together so I will finish training her, I am thankful for that! We have grown and learned a lot together. I secretly think she's the one training me, but she insists she isn't. I hope you have all enjoyed conference! I got to be there when they announced the new temples - it was magical! I am so thankful to have conference and the temples so close! I can testify that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet on earth today and that the temple is truly the house of the Lord! This week I learned a lot about prayer. In the bible dictionary it says that prayer becomes natural when we remember that we are God's children and He is our Father. This is so true - our prayers are a communication with our Father who loves us! What would your relationship with your family look like if you didn't talk to them? likewise, to have a personal relationship with God, we have to talk with him. It also says that in order to pray in the name of Christ, we have to have the mind and the wishes of Christ. Prayer is an act of faith and an act of conversion! If we are casting ourselves aside and allowing ourselves to have the mind of Christ when we pray, our lives and the lives of those around us will change. Will you experiment on that this week? I love you all! Thank you for your prayers, help, and encouragement! It means more to me than you know ❤️ *Sister Hanson*

[sisterhanson]

Well. It has been an eventful few weeks. Firstly, the Hanson duo was dispelled after an astronomically wonderful six weeks together. Secondly, this girl is TRAINING. I have a daughter! Her name is Sister Crapo and we met each other 3 weeks ago by accident when we ran into each other in Walmart; I was shopping with sister Hanson and she was grabbing last minute items before going to the MTC. I had a feeling I would train her and that feeling came *true* and we have had so much fun together!! We have seen miracles already. One of our Less-Actives quit smoking this week, sister Crapo put a new investigator on date for BAPTISM on March 19th, and we are getting to know the area quickly. I am so excited to see what this transfer holds! Thank you for all of your love and support, as always ❤️ And please feel free to send me letters! I love getting mail :) Sister Victoria Hanson 8060 S 615 E Sandy, UT 84070 [image: image2.JPG] [image: image1.JPG]

[sisterhanson]

Adventures of Sister Hanson and Sister Hanson: We got to paint this week, we did lots of service, admired a few adorable babies, blissfully ate gluten-free pizza, (West Coast Hanson is gluten intolerant), had amazing lessons with less-active families, saved the world, (just kidding), and promised a 14 year old girl that she could be a pirate-ninja if she followed the word of wisdom. I'd say it was a pretty good week. We were also delivered flowers by our amazing Sister Training Leaders. They are wonderful. I love them. Actually I love all of the missionaries in this mission. It's amazing. BEST MISSION IN THE WORLD. We met a girl in Walmart today who is reporting here on Wednesday, so she'll be in the field next transfer, which is in 2 weeks! I'm so excited for her as she starts this journey. It's weird to think it's been 5 1/2 months since I've been out. My two year anniversary of my baptism is on February 22nd. I can't believe how far I have come and all that I have learned! I'm so thankful to have the gospel in my life and to be able to share it with others. I have so much peace in my heart. I know that the Book of Mormon is true because I prayed about it to know for myself. I have read and examined it. It has brought me closer to Christ than anything else and I have learned more than anything on my mission how much God loves me. I know He loves you too! He is incredibly mindful of us and has a plan for us. God is so good. If you don't know this truth, if you don't know if God loves you, if you are looking for something more or to have that peace and love in your life, please pray and ask you Heavenly Father. He is listening and He will answer you. You can also check out Mormon.org for more information. I love you all! Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for all that you do and all that you are. Keep shining your lights, keep doing good! I love you. Love from the East Coast Hanson❤️

[sisterhanson]

Ladies and Gentleman, another transfer has come and gone! I have been out 5 months already, on transfer I live in South Jordan with a companion who is coincidentally named Sister Hanson. Yes, you heard it. Hanson and Hanson.

[sisterhanson]

I have about .3 seconds to write this is, so what I say is going to be very important; What I learned this week: 1. Heavenly Father is amazing (duh) 2. He is mindful of us 3. He has a plan for us 4. Our trials sometimes are difficult but are the way we can learn and grow closer to the savior 5. Moms (and grandmoms) are the best 6. You are never alone, and 7. Miracles are EVERYWHERE. Just open your eyes :) I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! We sure did. We welcomed 2016 by baptizing the coolest kid I know. Love you all! Sister Hanson

[sisterhanson]

Christmas is here faster than I ever imagined. We were lucky enough to see the lights in Temple Square. The few moments we were there didn't do it justice. The pictures don't really capture the magic or the spirit, either, but they're beautiful just the same. This week I have learned a lot about leaning on the Lord. The Atonement is so powerful and so real and it is available to all of us. Even amidst struggles we can witness beautiful miracles in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We have another baptism on January 2nd for a boy named Cameron. The spirit is sweet as we witness it change the lives of those we teach. Brothers and sisters and friends, this gospel is sharper than the sword and sweeter than honey. The greatest gift we could be given was found in a manger, and grew to be our Savior, the Son of God. As you partake of the Christmas Spirit and holiday traditions, whatever they may be, remember what our brother has done for us, on our behalf. I love you all! I pray for you always and hope that your hearts and minds are full of love this week. From Utah - Sister Hanson

[sisterhanson]

Merry almost Christmas everyone! Sister Okun and I are working hard to see more baptisms in our stake, and enjoying the snow in the meantime! With the Christmas festivities increasing, we are looking forward to calling our parents next week :D I'm pretty sure it's the best gift since Christ. Speaking of which - the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ in every single chapter! Will you read it, highlighting the references to the Atonement? I promise it will bring you blessings and strengthen your testimony! With that, enjoy a few photos :)

[sisterhanson]

Recently heard that these were actually posting to the blog AND Facebook. Recently realized that I haven't posted in forever and ever The mission is. Exactly what I thought it would be and yet it all feels new and unexpected. Not sure how that works! But it is incredible. This weekend, Elder Bednar and Elder Renlund came to our mission with two Seventies and their wives and it was an amazing experience I will never forget. I'll share the two (best) things I learned: 1. Heavenly Father sent me on a mission for many reasons, but one of those reasons was so he could give me this gift; that I might have this time and space to draw near to him, serve others, and be able to foster my own growth and conversion. He loves me! The longer I am out the more I learn about the Greatest Love Story ever told. 2. We are agents, not objects. We are here to act, and NOT to be acted upon. I think I knew that faintly before but that knowledge has really taken deep root. Heavenly Father loves us so much that he will never force us nor forsake us. We are here on earth to learn and grow and act and experience for ourselves. He will never force us but will be with us every step of the way. My favorite part of the Christmas Initiative this year is the statement: "He was born so I

[sisterhanson]

Another week, and each getting better than the last. Sister Okun and I were transferred together to the Western Springs Stake. It's exciting to be here together! We have seen so many miracles. We found 2 new investigators and put them both on date for baptism this week! One of those investigators we found by knocking on the wrong door...it was incredible! We left elated and wondering how God could be so good to us. He truly prepares people and we get to be a part of it. We continue to be uplifted and edified by our incredible District and Zone Leaders. Our APs (assistants to the president) are amazing examples and our President is so inspired. He is amazing to work with and we all love him very much. Last week we met David Archuletta and were privileged to hear his incredible testimony. His stories reminded me of my testimony and why I am here. It helped me to refocus on Christ and the gospel and the Bigger Picture. It feels so good to depend on the Lord in all things! Why is it that we forget to do that sometimes? We make it harder for ourselves when we try to rely on our own strength. I love you all very much and hope you are well. This week, pray for the strength of the Lord and let yourself lean on him as you go throughout each day. Heavenly Father is faithful and his promises are always fulfilled...when we seek him diligently and follow his commandments, we are promised so many blessings. Give it a try! Watch what happens ;) Until next time - Sister Hanson

[sisterhanson]

They're not kidding with this "time flies" stuff. It's week 5 here, near the end of my first transfer and we're already through Conference weekend. When you take things one day at a time, suddenly it's Christmas and then 6 months and One Year and then home. I know that's how this will go. I heard once that you have a lifetime to prepare for your mission and a lifetime to reflect on it, but only 18 to 24 months to actually be on it...I hope I am not wasting a single second. There is so much I need to work on and yet we are working so hard. It feels good and it's crazy and the Lord is always taking care of us. If you're reading this, think about what you learned from how you can apply it to your life. Are you taking every opportunity to be a missionary? What is stopping you from progressing? Are you standing tall as a daughter or a son of our King? Make it count. If you receive revelation and council, be ready to act on it. I've found that acting is the key. Love you all, from this gorgeous Mormon State.

[sisterhanson]

Hello all! I have learned so much this week and I can't believe we are going into week 4 of this transfer! This weekend I was able to go on exchange to Draper and be a witness to all its beauty. I learned so much from Sister Lewis and her wonderful spirit. She is so kind and loving and calm, and it was a great experience to be around. Sister Okun continues to teach me each day about how to have charity, how to follow the spirit, and how to be obedient to the lord and receive all that He has for us. Her example is incredible. I've been learning the most about action. Faith is a belief that motivates us to act. Charity is a love that motivates us to act. The Plan of Salvation is for us to learn through action and experience; "to act...and not to be acted upon." (2 Nephi 2:26). It's not enough to know, we must act. As we act, we learn and grow and receive the tools we need to keep going and keep learning. At The General Women's Session, which I was fortunate to get to see, Linda S. Reeves mentioned that we will not receive all of God's blessings here on Earth. This is the time to prepare to meet God. Prepare - another action. She also made me think, How can our trials be bad if they qualify is for eternal life? Through those actions, though we may face trials, we become more prepared to meet our God at the last day. Heavenly Father is doing an incredible work. This day, at this time, in this Earth. Are you acting for the Lord? Are you doing all you can do, and then relying on the Atonement to make up the difference? His love for us incredible. Share that love with as many as you can. Act. Don't be acted upon. Love from Utah, Sister Hanson