The Greatest Life Lessons Learned in Just 18 Months

Dear family and friends,

  I can't believe how time has flown by. I never thought I would come to this day being the last week on my mission. I don't even know where to begin expressing all the things I've learned, experienced, people I've met, etc. My heart is full of gratitude for all that the Lord has given me. I know that the Lord has sent me here to Sydney Australia for a reason and I'm forever grateful for this opportunity that I've had being able to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What an honour it has been being able to wake up every morning and put on my name badge with my name "Sister Sorensen" and my Saviour Jesus Christ's name right by the side. I know that all things have been made possible through my Saviour, Jesus Christ.

   Many say that missions are training fields for the rest of your life and I definitely agree with that. I've learned so much more about people and about life in general. I've made a list of some of the main lessons that I've learned while I've been on my mission.

Here they are:

•      As I trust in the Lord all things are made possible. I have gained a strong testimony of relying on the Lord in all things. Now when I don't know what to do in a situation the first thing I do is pray.
•     I have learned how to recognize the promptings from the Holy Ghost. I have learned to be "quick to observe(Mormon 1:2)" just like Mormon was. I have come to understand more fully that all good things come from God and therefore all good thoughts are of God and I should act upon all good thoughts, that is how the spirit guides.
•      I have come to have a great LOVE for the scriptures. I have come to understand just how helpful the scriptures can be in our everyday life. The scriptures have all the answers to life's greatest questions. It is through the scriptures that God is able to speak to us.
•    We have a loving Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally. Everything that we have in this life is because he's given it to us. Each and everyday I received another witness that God loves me as he showed me through the tender mercies in my life that I'm never alone.
•      Fasting coupled with prayer is a powerful tool in being able to find answers to questions we have in life and to strive to gain self control and to grow spiritually.
•     Another great thing that I have learned is the importance of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have developed a strong testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that he was truly called by God to do such a  "marvellous work and a wonder." Because of the restoration we have everything here on earth and are able to have the fullness of truth once again for us to partake of. What a great blessing is that?
•     Every single person on this earth needs this message of the restored gospel. We are the ones that can bring it to them because we have the truth. That is something that we should not be afraid to share. This is something that everyone needs in their life.
•      Another great lesson that I've learned is of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Now this is a subject that is so deep and hard to comprehend with our human mind but, I've began to gain a better understanding of it. I have realized that the atonement reaches farther than I ever imagined. The Saviour's arms are always outstretched towards us. He will never let us down. He knows us each individually and knows what we're going through and what we've been through before. I learned the importance of daily repentance. Repentance is a good thing, it allows us to become more like our Saviour, Jesus Christ. As we apply the atonement into our everyday lives, we will become stronger and stronger and become the children God has sent us to be.
•     Another great thing that I have learned is the importance of goal setting and trusting in the Lord when you set goals. Goals are a great way to help you achieve all that you desire, it pushes you to take action and have motivation to do the work. I know that all things are made possible with the Lord by our side.
•     The last thing that I wanted to share that I have learned is that Obedience=Liberty. I know through experience that obedience brings blessings, but EXACT obedience brings miracles. As we do all that is required of us and do our best, that is when the Lord blesses us even more. Commandments aren't to bind us but they are to free us and help us along this journey in mortal life. They often protect us from danger and help us to live according to the Lord's standards.

  I know that there are many more things that I have learned on my mission but here are just some of the main points that I wanted to share with all of you. I don't know where I would be now without serving my mission. I have learned so many things that I don't know I would have learned elsewhere. I encourage all of you that are debating of whether or not to serve a mission, I would say GO! It will be one of the greatest decisions in your life. Yes, a mission is hard and you won't understand until you are out in the field but it is so worth it. This is the most rewarding work I have ever done. It is because our Saviour is right by your side in the work and you are spreading forth His gospel. You can't fail with the Lord on your side.

  

   I would like to thank each of you that have supported me throughout my mission and gave me the encouragement and strength I needed to keep going. You would have no idea how many you have helped me. My commitment to each of you is to "stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places.(Mosiah 18:9)" Stand up for what you believe in and help all those around you to be able to receive the gospel if they haven't already and also to LIVE IT!

  

    I want to leave my testimony with all of you that I know that I'm a daughter of my Heavenly Father. He loves me unconditionally and is always there for me. I know that my Saviour lives and loves me too. I know that because of my Saviour regardless of the many mistakes that I will make in this life that I can get past them and become more and more like Him. My favourite book is the Book of Mormon. It really has all the answers. I know that it is the word of God. That book can bring you nearer to God than any other book. I have witnessed that myself. The more I read and learn of Christ the easier it becomes to know what path I should take. I know that this is the Lord's true church upon the earth. This church has the fullness of truth and you can only know that as you turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer. He answers prayers! I know that he does each day.

  Thanks for all that you do. I love you all and will be seeing you all very soon.

     

   Love Always,

         Sister Sorensen

FHE with the Hailame's and Caspa and her boys.

Its been raining a lot so we have fun walking in the rain.

P-day with Whitney (one of our favorites in our ward)

Last district meeting!

Elder Bednar Came To Sydney!

Dear family and friends,

 

   Oh wow it has surely been an incredible week of learning and many wonderful experiences! As I mentioned in the title of my email we had a wonderful opportunity to have an apostle of the Lord, Elder David A. Bednar to come and speak to us. We had a combined mission conference with the Australia Sydney North mission also. We had about 400 missionaries in one stake Center. Talk about a powerful force right there. The spirit was so strong! Along with Elder Bednar we had 4 members of the 70's that also joined in this conference.

     I had another wonderful experience with an apostle of the Lord. (Thanks to my wonderful mother!) We had several speakers and when Elder Bednar got up to speak he began by saying hello and then said, "now I have one item of business that I must take care of before I begin," My heart dropped and I knew instantly that once again my mother had done something for me. He said, "Can I have Sister Heidi Sorensen come forward?" I'm pretty sure my face went bright red and I didn't know what to think. I went up on stage and he talked about my wonderful mother and what an awesome job she does in the temple. He even mentioned that she gave him a big piece of pie that day that she gave him something to give me. He got a big smile on his face. He then gave me a bag of candies and a note from my mom. Then he had his wife give me a big hug. It was very sweet of them to do that for me to help me to have an unforgettable experience. It was an embarrassing/ exciting experience in my life. Thanks mom for all that you do! Everyone afterwards kept saying how awesome that was and that I was famous and I just replied, "no I'm not famous my mother is, and I just happen to be her daughter. :) Thanks for letting me have that experience, mom.

    This conference was one powerful conference and I learned so much more than I could ever record in words. It is hard to describe the feeling that was in that conference. Elder Bednar being the great teacher he is set up this conference a lot different than I've ever seen before. He had us read some conference talks before we came so that we were ready and prepared for it. He then asked us to share some of the things that we learned from the readings. He then let us ask him questions and it was all more of a discussion rather than him teaching us the whole 3 hours. It was a great experience because it allowed the spirit to be the teacher. He taught us a lot about the importance of using this tool in the way that we teach. We are truly not the teachers, we are the instruments in the Lord's hands in bringing this message to them. Here are some of the other things that I learned...

        Not all spiritual experiences are dramatic. Most of them are subtle and are received by a still small voice. I had a lot of thoughts and personal revelation come to me as I was listening. It was really cool also when he was letting us ask questions. At one point he stopped and said, how many of you by a show of hands have had a question in your heart or mind that you haven't voiced but have had it answered? We looked around the room and majority of the room had their hands raised. He said now that is a miracle! how could that be? He then pointed out that, that is how the spirit works. As the spirit is present in a meeting you will learn and be edified and often find answers to questions you haven't verbally shared.

      I also got a greater understanding of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I learned how the Savior knows us each individually and how he suffered for our sins each as individuals. It was one by one that he felt our pains, sorrows, disappointments. I always thought of it in a completely different way. I thought of it as just a feeling that all goes into a bowl and he took all of those pains and sins upon him all at once. But this helped me to understand how he truly knows us each personally and has felt what we feel and knows exactly. He thought of us individually in the garden of gethsemane. He knows us individually and wants what is best for us. That was one of the best lessons I learned this week.

    I know that my Savior lives and that he loves us each individually. He can truly lift our burdens and help us in our life to get through anything that comes our way. He is our Savior, our Redeemer and Mediator. I know that He is there for each one of us.

 

   Thanks so much for all of your wonderful examples and support. Hope you all have a great week!

 

Love Always,

    Sister Heidi Sorensen

For district P-Day we tie-dyed shirts 

My dear friends at the mission conference

Aligning with the Lord‏

Dear family and friends,

 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Know that I love you all!

 

    This has been a bit of a crazy week but the work must go on! There are still so many great things that are happening here and it just goes to show that the Lord is in charge. This week it was a cancellation week. It was crazy how we could have a full day planned with heaps of appointments but by mid day they had all cancelled. It was a great learning experience that we aren't in charge. This is the Lord's work and sometimes he was much greater plans for us than we may even know. Here are some of the events that happened this week.

•       On Monday night we only had a short time left in our day and we wanted to make every minute count. We both felt like we needed to go and see this older woman who is in-active. She is in her 90's and still very active and able to do a lot. We were able to meet with her and talk to her. When I was choosing the scripture to share with her I felt like we needed to teach her about prayer. We came to find out that Sister Tuhi has not prayed in a long time and wasn't sure how to do it anymore. We were absolutely amazed and so we taught her how to do it. She was a little afraid to say a prayer and we were finally able to get her to say one. The spirit was so strong! She also said that she felt good and she had remembered that good feeling. It was amazing to see that such an older woman could be almost like a child spiritually. We were so happy to help her and we are hoping that little by little she could strengthen her spiritual body.
•         We have an investigator who is so difficult to get a hold of and we haven't been able to see her in over a week and we were praying about her. Well on Tuesday we were walking to our appointment and we were running late. The whole time I was praying that somehow we would be able to make it to our appointment on time. I wasn't sure how it would happen but somehow I knew that we could. We kept walking as fast as we could. Then this car pulled up along side us and someone yelled "Sisters!" We turned and looked and it was our investigator, Lisa whom we have been praying to see. She offered us a ride to our appointment. Although when we got to our appointment the woman was just leaving and had to cancel. Lisa turned to us and said, "maybe this was meant to be, can you teach me?" Of course we said we would love to teach her and help her. It was an answer to my prayer. It was a powerful experience as we taught her in her car. I think it was also so good for her to see that the Lord knows what she needs and will guide her if she does what is right. What a tender mercy!
•          We were able to go on trade offs with the Sister Training Leaders. I got to go with Sister Finau and it was such a great experience. There is one event that happened that I will never forget. We got of the car wanting to find someone new to teach. We began with a prayer and I knew that we were going to find someone. It was amazing how the Lord completely guided our feet. He lead us down and around this neighbourhood as if there was a sign that said, go this way. On this particular street we found this man who was changing his tire. Well we both went up and asked if we could help him. The funny thing was neither one of us knew how to change a tire anyways but it was a good conversation starter. He happened to be Tongan and Sister Finau is Tongan as well. And in the Tongan world everybody knows each other. Sister Finau was able to find a lot of connections with him and his family. He invited us to go inside his home and to talk to his family. We talked with his wife and kids and it was a great conversation. They mentioned that they had had elders come around a long time ago and they have family that are members. They then said that they weren't interested in our church but are willing to have us around. I knew that the Lord had literally guided our feet that day so that we could find some of his choice children. Even though they aren't interested we know better and we know that this is the time for them to come unto Christ whether they know it yet or not. :)
•      Yesterday we had 4 investigators come to church! That was so great to finally be able to get several of our investigators to come to church. What a great step for them to take. They all enjoyed it. We had Lalitha (temple referral), Angela (single mother of 4), and Sam and Stefanie (who are alcoholics but making enormous changes, it is incredible!)

     This week I have learned so much about the importance of aligning our will with the Lord's will. One way that we can do that is by aligning ourselves with our leaders. It has been amazing on my mission how much you learn about the organization of the church and how perfect it is if we do it correctly. We have been striving to work smarter, not harder by working with our ward council and members. It has been a bit challenging but in the end many good things are coming. I know that the work of Salvation is being hastened at this time and it is important for all of us to take part in the wonderful work. We each can make a difference as we put our trust in our Heavenly Father. All things are definitely made possible with the Lord by your side. I have such a strong testimony of this gospel, I know without a doubt that this is the Lord's true church restored to this earth for all of us to be able to partake of. Take advantage of it, live the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can promise you that as you live the gospel, you will find so much more happiness than you could ever find in the world today.

 

   I love and appreciate each and every one of you. May the Lord bless you!

 

Love always,

     Sister Sorensen

Becci Pemberton took us miniature golfing last p-day...so much fun!

Sister Finau and I

We got the Christmas photo back!

 

Referral from the Temple President!‏

Wow this week has been incredible! I know I say that pretty much every week but it is so true! Each week there are so many great things that happen. That just goes to show that with Christ in your life, so much good comes out of it. Here are some of the amazing miracles that have happened this week:

 

•       This week we were fortunate to get a referral from the temple president, President Barr. He asked us to come in so that he could tell us about the people he wanted us to go and see. It was a great opportunity to go inside the temple and to receive counsel from President Barr and to receive a referral. There was a couple that went inside the temple this last week wanting to see this beautiful building. Well as we know they wouldn't have been able to get very far but President Barr talked with them and said that he would give them some pamphlets that teach them more about the temple and how they would be able to enter inside one day. They are a younger couple from India and they happen to live about 5 minutes walk from our flat. What a miracle! We went to see this couple right away and we met a woman named Lilitha. She was such a kind woman that was truly seeking the truth. We saw her Saturday night and invited her to come to church the next morning. Well the next morning she wasn't there but she called us Sunday afternoon and she apologized for not coming but wondered if there would be an evening session. We quickly called some members and arranged a chapel tour for Lilitha. Sister Koster and I had never really done a chapel tour before but we followed the spirit and showed her around. It was one of the most powerful experiences on my mission. The spirit that was felt was indescribable! We had our relief society president and her 1st counsellor with us and we all testified of truth and pretty much were teaching the restoration as we went from room to room. The final room that we went to was the chapel. There we talked about Christ and what he had done for us. Lilitha was someone who came from a background of Hindu and doesn't know much about Christ. It was there that Lilitha shared with us that lately she has felt like something has been missing in her life and that she had been getting consistent dreams about Jesus Christ and wanted to know this man. She said that is what led her to the temple in the first place. We assured her that she was in the right place and we all bore our testimony. She said that she wanted to come to church and to learn more!
•           We went to visit a less active this week that we had never met before. We sat down and talked with her and her husband and found out that her husband was not a member. He was wandering around a little bit so we were teaching Sia but the whole time I felt the need to talk to him (Sifa). When he finally came back and sat down I started to talk to him. Come to find out his dad is a member and so he knows some things about the church and has always been very curious. He wanted to know about the Book of Mormon and what makes is so special. He is so eager to learn and has agreed to take the discussions with us. We look forward to meeting with him and teaching him!
•         We had also another new investigator this week named Emily. We meet Emily and her mum a few weeks ago while we were walking down the street. Kym (Emily's mum) is a personal trainer and was trying to get us to come to her gym. We listened to what she said and then began to share what we had to share. She then said that she wasn't too interested but she knew that her daughter would be. Emily was so excited to listen. We just barely were finally able to meet up with them again on Saturday. It was such a great experience! I would call Emily a "Joseph Smith" for her time. She is wise beyond her years and is so eager to learn about Christ and Heavenly Father. She has great faith but just hasn't ever known how to show her faith. We taught her how to pray and she was smiling from ear to ear. She never knew that she could pray to Heavenly Father. She then said she wanted to come to church. Her mum brought her to church yesterday and she loved it! We are so blessed to be able to teach Emily and help her to know the truth.
•    Another tender mercy when we were at the temple was I was able to see one of the less-actives that I taught in Green Valley enter the temple. Just as we were leaving the temple after talking with the temple president she was going inside for her endowment. What perfect timing! It was so fun to see how much she has changed and to be there on her special day. Everything happens for a reason!
• This week we were walking down the street and I saw a sign that said, "gluten free bakery" you know me I love those signs! So of course we went inside to just see. Just at that time I felt the need to talk to the woman at the desk. Come to find out she is an inactive member and hasn't seen missionaries in a long time. It was great to talk with her an to remind her of what she once knew! See who would have thought that a gluten free bakery is where we needed to be!

There are so many more things that I could share but those are some of the many miracles that we witnessed this week. I love this gospel I know that it is true! I love you all and hope that you have a great week!

 

Love always,

  Sister Sorensen

With Sia at the temple

Our recent convert named Devmini. She is so awesome!

The Lord's Work Continues To Move Forward in Oatlands Ward‏

Dear family and friends,

 

     Wow I love missionary work! This week has been another incredible week! Miracles continue to happen each and every day. I just can't record them all. I have learned a lot about our loving Heavenly Father. He has infinite love for each of us and will bless us as we continue with faith and trust in Him. Here are a few of the events/ tender mercies that happened this week.

 

• We got another 3 new investigators! One of them is from a less active family named the Hyland's. I may have mentioned it last week but we just met this woman and she mentioned that she had two kids that have never been baptized and they are both of age to be baptized. We talked to her about teaching her kids and she really desires that her kids get baptized. She also mentioned how much she still loves that church but is held back because of her husband who is catholic. We just met with the kids this week and it was really good. We are hoping and praying that the dad will allow us to help them to get baptized. But that was a blessing that we found that family and they are open to have us over.
• In that past we tried so many of the houses of less-active members and we never could catch them home but this week we took members with us to visit. And we were finally able to meet all of those that we've tried for weeks to catch. That is the miracle that comes when you take members out with you.
• We had a really funny experience this week as we took the Bishop's wife out with us visiting. We went to visit this less active and as we were walking up to the house we could begin to smell a terrible smell. The yard looked very savage and not taken care of. We could see dead cockroaches inside the window as we knocked on the door. This woman right away open the door as a big wave of animal urine BO came at us. This woman had bandages all over her face and she looked just a little crazy. We of course talked with her and she welcomed us into her home. We were not really wanting to go inside but we accepted her invitation. Inside was even worse! I could tell that all 3 of us were holding our breath as we went inside so that we didn't have to smell anything. It is so hard to even describe some of the things we saw inside this house. Dog poop on the ground, fish tank black and the fish barely able to move inside, rubbish everywhere, boxes stacked high to the ceiling, statues of pigs and these other squirrel looking things all staring at us. Lets just say it was a little hard to focus at that time. We all just wanted to go. But we got to know her a little bit and shared a brief scripture with her. She didn't really pay much attention to what we said and only wanted to talk herself. She didn't have any interest in what we shared. So we kindly said a prayer and left. Well I didn't realize just how much it had effected my companion. She was almost sick because of that house. It was crazy to see how some people live. That was one experience I will never forget. That sure made me more grateful for what I have and the hygiene that I've been taught to have. It also goes to show how much the gospel can help us in all aspects of life including health and wellness/ hygiene.
• We went over to another one of our less-actives  house named whitney and made some cookies and brownies with her. It was so fun to be there and to talk with her and her sister. We then were able to deliver some cookies to various members and investigators thanking them for all that they do. It sure feels good to serve and make someone's day.
• We had an appointment with one of our newer investigators named Angela.  She is a single mother of 4 girls and we love her! We have only met with her once and this time she had kept all of her commitments and was so excited to have us come and teach her. She is so keen and ready to hear the gospel! We invited her to be baptized and she said she would! We are now figuring out a right date for her. But miracles are happening and it is great that the Lord is trusting us with some of His choice children to teach and to show them the way. We are meeting with Angela today and can't wait to see her progress towards baptism.
• Just yesterday we were able to take some of our investigators who struggle with being alcoholic's to a fireside. It took some time to get them there but they really enjoyed it and are looking forward to making big changes in their life for the better.

    Sorry if that didn't make much sense but those are some of the great things and experiences that happened this week. This work is absolutely amazing and I'm so grateful to be apart of it. I know that this is the Lord's church. It is so great to see the lives of many being changed by this great message of the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is true and can help others to come closer to God than any other. This is the way and I see that each and every day. The Lord has shown us the way and all he's asking us to do is follow Him and come unto Him. I hope that each of you are continually doing the small and simple things that will keep you strong and strengthen your testimony. Because the Lord is coming soon and NOW is the time to repent and to come unto Him.

 

I love you all and am very grateful for all the wonderful people that have helped me to become who I am today. May the Lord bless each of you!

 

Love always,

     Sister Sorensen

 

Kiara Pemberton is a little 8 year old girl that we love. she was just baptized on Saturday and we are so proud of her!

This is Sam and Stefanie, some of our investigators that went with us to the recent convert fireside. And also Milla who is one of our dear friends who helps us so much in the work.

Catch the Wave of Missionary Work‏

Dear family and friends,

 

    Wow what a great week it has been in the Oatlands area! I don't know if I can possibly share everything that happened this week, there is just way too much! Lets just say that the Lord is definitely leading our every step and guiding us in His work. Specifically in the Oatlands Ward. We just got a new Ward Mission Leader, Brother Hailame and he is amazing! He is so excited about missionary work and so it is just contagious. We have had so many meeting with his since he's been called and we are setting so many great goals. I can't wait to see what is in store for these coming weeks. Here are some more of the wonderful things that happened this week:

 

• We got 3 new investigators just this week! One of them is Angela. We met her at a members house. We got her information and just the other day we were in the area and we thought of her. We went by to see her and it was such a great visit. We shared with her a lot of the restoration and the unique message that we share to the world. She is so curious and ready to learn. I love people that are prepared and open their hearts to the message! We are having another lesson with her this week.
• Another new investigator is a girl named Jade. She is a little Chinese woman who has never known or believed in a loving Heavenly Father. This week we had the opportunity to teach her about God and who He is and who we are. Her eyes lite up as we taught her. The best part was when we taught her that we can pray to him and talk to him. She had never done that before. We had her practice a little bit with what she could say to Him. Then we had her try it for real. The spirit filled the room! It was an incredible experience and I don't know if Jade was able to recognize it yet but it is just the beginning for her and finding out who she really is. I love my job! We are unfortunately going to have to pass her to Mandarin speakers so that she can progress farther but it was great to be the first ones to meet her and to teach her.
• The third new investigator we found as we were walking down the street. This woman was laying on some old mattresses that we stacked outside. She looked like she was from Africa and that she had been through a lot. I felt the need to talk to her so of course I did. She looked like she was 16 years old, she was literally skin and bones. She didn't have much. But it turned out that she was 30 years old and had 2 children over the age of 10. We taught her more of who we were and God's plan for all of us. We set up a time with her and left her a pamphlet. She started reading it right away and is so eager to learn more.

There are so many more experiences that I could share but unfortunately my time is very short. I know that this is definitely the Lord's church. He knows our needs and will be there for us if only we turn to him. Miracle do happen and they happen each and every day as long as we have the faith we can see them. Look for them in your everyday life. They are there!

 

Love you all very much!

 

Love always,

    Sister Heidi Sorensen

Here is what we had to wake up this Sunday morning...a Huntsman Spider! Got to love Australia!

Australia Day yesterday!

We went to this families house to celebrate Australia day. We had a blast! Here are a few of the funny photos that we took.

"Line upon line, precept upon precept..." 2 Nephi 28:30‏

Dear family and friends,

    I hope that all of you have had a great week! I know that Sister Koster and I have sure had a good week. It is hard to explain all the tender mercies that we have received this week. The work is beginning to pick up in the Oatlands Ward. We've been focusing a lot on the members and having them assist us more in the work. There have been so many that have stepped up to the plate and have helped us out heaps and heaps! There are so many great people in this ward that now we're trying to bring all those wonderful people together and unite them in the work of salvation. That is definitely a challenging task that takes a lot of time but I know that it is all made possible through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

          One of the main things that I have learned overtime is the importance of alignment. The Lord's organization is perfect, everything works in its proper order when we do it His way. He has called prophets and apostles to guide us and along with that area seventies, Stake President's, Bishops, etc. It is so important for us to be in line with them because if our leaders are in alignment with their leaders and we follow them. That means that we are in turn in alignment with the Saviour. I have learned so much of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that allows us to be in alignment and to improve ourselves. I know that I probably talk about this a lot but it is because time and time again the Lord has reminded me and bore witness to me of the power of the Atonement and just how crucial it is in our lives.

       This week I was reading in Joseph Smith History and it was a great experience. I've read it before but this time it was completely different and it meant a lot more to me. One thing that stuck out to me that has never stuck out before was when Joseph Smith spoke of his weaknesses and imperfections. When I think of prophets of apostles I think of them as just perfect, how could they really do anything wrong. But it humbled me to know that they too are only human. They have weaknesses and imperfections just like all the rest of us. But another thing that Joseph did was he was quick to recognize them and then also quick to repent and turn away from sin and push forward with faith. He is such a great example to us. One of my favourite scriptures is found in Ether 12:27 which reads, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weaknesses. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." One thing that I learn from this is that it is okay if we have weaknesses, we are human! But a Christ-like attribute is recognizing our wrong doings and turning to the Lord for strength. As we humble ourselves we will become more like our Saviour, Jesus Christ. That is ultimately why we are here on earth, to become like Him.

   Just last week I was asked to speak in Sacrament. I was actually very honoured to speak and I knew that is would be a good experience. I studied all week and really focused on the people in the ward an what they needed to hear. I also fully relied on the Lord to know what I needed to share. I prayed so hard the day of and I got this overwhelming sense of comfort that everything will work out. When I got up to speak the spirit was so strong. I don't know what I said but I remember the feeling that I had at that moment. I knew that at that time my prayers were answered and that I was not speaking just my words but I was speaking the words of the Lord. I know that the Lord needs our help to spread forth His gospel and that we can be effective instruments in the Lord's hands today as long as we have a willing heart and mind. Its all about submitting our will to the Lord's will.

   My testimony has grown so much and continues to grow each day as I strive to give all that I have. I know that each of you can do that same as you place Christ at the center of your lives. He is truly the way, the truth, and the Life (John 14:6). I know that to be true! It is hard to do so but just turn to the Lord in prayer and I know that he will guide and direct you.

I love you all very much and I'm extremely blessed to have so much love and support. May the Lord bless you as you strive to align your will with His. I love you all heaps!

Love always,

      Sister Sorensen 

We had a district p-day this last week. We went laser tagging and bowling. It was so much fun!

"Aussie As" is something that is so common here in Australia. They add "as" on to everything. So I just had to get a picture of that to remember the weird terms that they use. "Cool as," "Sweet as," etc.

Me and my wonderful companion, Sister Koster. I love her!

Being an Affective Instrument in His Hands‏

 Dear family and friends,

 

    This week has been a wonderful week!  I hope that each of you have taken the challenge that I left with you this last week to read the Book of Mormon and seek for the words of Christ while you're reading. Let me know how its going. I'd love to hear all of your insights and thoughts!

 

   There is so much that is happening in this area now, it is wonderful! This week we had the opportunity to have Elder Pearson of the seventy come and teach us. He is the President of all the Pacific Area. He is such a powerful teacher. We got to hear him several times at many different events. He was traveling around Sydney speaking to many different groups. We were privileged to have him come to our zone conference. Man I tell you what that was surely the most rebuking/spiritual conference ever! He is a very powerful teacher. Without a doubt I know that he is called of God. He is really making a difference and I hope that the mission will lift due to his visit to Sydney. Thank goodness for the atonement so that we each can do better and become more like our Saviour.

     President Pearson taught a lot of important principles that really stuck with me. He taught a lot of the importance of planning and setting goals. He did this great demonstration to teach an important principle about the difference between trying and doing. It will be hard to explain over email but the quote that he shared was, "Do or do not, there is no try!" He said it so powerfully and it hit me hard. That we are to be "doers of the word and not hearers only" ( James 1:22).

   After zone conference Sister Koster and I spent a lot of time setting goals and planning out how we were going to improve and truly uplift this area. It has been amazing how the Lord has already been blessing us and helping us to execute those goals. He is definitely leading this work and helping us.

   

    One miracle that we've seen this week is that the Lord has helped us to know who we need to focus on in our investigators, less- actives, and recent converts. We've been fasting and praying to know how to help them and we are already seeing so much success with them. This work is incredible and I'm so glad to be apart of it!

 

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

 

Love always,

    Sister Sorensen

 

Pictures:

  We found these awesome pens this last week! They are perfect for walking missionaries in the heat of Australia. They have pretty powerful fans on the end of them to keep us cool while we're walking. They are our favorites!

"Just roll with it, because Heavenly Father's driving"‏

Dear family and friends,

    Happy New Year to you all! I can't believe how fast this year has gone by but as I look back I'm so grateful for all the wonderful things that have happened this past year. My heart is so full of gratitude for the love that my Heavenly Father shows to each of us consistently. I absolutely love this gospel!

    It has been a wonderful week! To be honest, I'm so grateful that the holiday's are over so now we can focus on the work more and we can also have the focus of the members. It is starting to really pick up and we are loving it! The Oatlands ward is a wonderful ward, there are so many great people here. But our main goal now is to take all those wonderful people and unify them to all be on the same page. It is a big challenge but we know that this is the Lord's church so as long as we do it His way, we can do anything. That has been the main focus in this area is the members. We've been visiting more members than anyone else because if we don't have the members by our side the work is a whole lot harder. It felt so good to go to church yesterday and to be able to recognize most of the members there and to already have the relationship with them. I love when that starts to happen!

     We've had so many great experiences this week and so much that I've learned. Here are a few of the things that happened this week:

•  P-DAY: On Monday for p-day we went to the Sydney Olympic park. It was a really fun park and we had a lot of fun walking around and seeing where all the events took place during the Olympics. We also got as close to swimming as you can on a mission. We ran though a few fountains to cool us off. It was so hot that we dried instantly afterwards.
• ALMARIO'S:On Tuesday we went by to meet this part member family named the Almario's. The mother is the only member of the church and she has two daughters that are not members. They are both in their early 20's so we thought it would be good to get to know them and be able to help them. The elders before us were trying to teach them but they said that they never had a whole lot of luck because they never wanted to listen. But we had such a great lesson with them. We got to know them and was able to have a great spiritual discussion. It helped us to see where they were at spiritually and what we can do to help them. While we were there I had this strong feeling like these two girls are the reason why we are here. Now it is just the beginning of teaching them but I know that we can help them to understand just how this gospel can help them personally and that it is for them specifically. I can't wait to see their progression!
• NEW YEARS:For New Years Eve we had to be in our flat by 6pm so that was a little bit of a downer. We were meant to do a deep cleaning but because I live there it was already really clean so we didn't even have to do that. So we made a nice dinner together and just relaxed a little bit, which is un-heard of as a missionary. haha! We had a lot of fun with the sisters that we live with, Sister Prete and Sister Brewer, they're awesome! We also got to play one of my favourite games, "Ticket to Ride" as we celebrated the start of a new year.
• 20 REFERRALS: On Friday we were struggling because we hardly had anyone to see that day. Well I mean there is always someone we can see but we didn't have any set plans. We were just putting names down to try but that day I really felt like something good was going to come. The Lord always has greater plans for us. That day during lunch we received 20 referrals! Because our area is right across the street from the temple we received a lot of referrals from the Christmas lights that they do at the temple every year. It was such a tender mercy. Our plans soon changed as we had so many more people to go and see. We were able to have a member come with us and we started down the list and contacted a lot of people. With one of them we even had a full lesson on his door step and many of the other ones we tried invited us back for another day. So now we have so much to do and so many wonderful potentials!
• FASTING: Yesterday was such a great Sunday! I was fed spiritually for sure as I was fasting. I love fast Sunday's! Church was great and there was a lot of wonderful testimony's shared. After church we decided to just go out and walk until dinner time. Well lately its been between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius here (which is super hot for those that don't know). It has been really humid as well. We weren't sure where we would end up and how we would do in the heat with no water or food in our bodies but we knew the Lord would provide and help us. We walked and tried a few houses and no one was home so we kept going. But it got to a point where I could see that both of us were really struggling. I know for me I didn't know if I could make it so I told Sister Koster to stop and we said a little prayer for strength. We kept going in the faith and knew the Lord would provide. Just when I was about to give up hope and grab some water there was someone home! We went inside and started talking and shared a good message with them. It wasn't until after we left that I can realized the hand of the Lord in our lives just then. We no longer were struggling, we had more energy and were able to keep going. I KNOW that the Lord will look after us even when you're about to give up...hang on and HAVE FAITH! He will always bless you and help you! That was such a testimony builder to me that the Lord knows our needs and is by our side.

     This week our mission has started a new Book of Mormon challenge. Instead of just reading the Book of Mormon we have been asked to read and highlight all the scriptures that speak of Christ or where Christ is speaking. I cannot put the Book of Mormon down! I love it and I have gained an even stronger testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I have read the Book of Mormon so many times before but this time it has put it in a new perspective. I'm now looking for Christ and I'm realizing more and more just how much the Book of Mormon truly testifies of Christ. I never knew how much he spoke to His children and how much He helped the people in the Book of Mormon.

    I challenge each of you to start this challenge for yourself. Get a new Book of Mormon, just those small, cheaper ones are great. And just start looking for His words and I promise you that if you have the desire you will find Him and you will come to know Christ more. For me it has helped me to learn more of the Character of Christ and who He truly is. Let me know how the challenge goes. I will send the paper for you to check off along with me if you'd like to.

  Now you're probably wondering where the title of my email came from... Just yesterday we went to a members house for dinner and we had such a good discussion with them. I learned so much! This is one of the quotes the Sister Danielson said and I really liked it. We were talking about the importance of putting our trust in the Lord and in our Heavenly Father. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and will be there for us. He has provided the Lord to be there for us and to help us in our lives. I know these things to be true because I've seen it in my own life, countless times.

  I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love always,

    Sister Sorensen

On Christmas day we went to this beautiful waterfall and wildlife place. It was really cool!

The Olympic Park

Happy New Year!

Sister Koster and I at the Temple, Christmas lights.

Book of Mormon Challenge