Dear friends and family;
It is good to have my companion back. Sister Gormley was gone for three weeks. She had some special time with her mother. Paulene is still with us. We are grateful for her. Laurie is still fighting the jet lag. I made three trips north the week before she got home. Two to Haugesund and one to Bergen. I have really enjoyed serving in that small branch in Haugesund. We really enjoyed all of the Halloween pictures we received of the grand kids. We are a little bias, but they are the cutest. They don't celebrate Halloween much here in Norway. We have another sister getting baptized from Stavanger next week. We have helped teach her. She is getting baptized in Utah. She was an exchange student there several years ago. Her husband is an inactive member. It is continuing to cool off. It is getting down to around freezing at night, but still in the 50's during the day. We are down to six weeks. Time is flying. We are working on a ward Christmas concert here in Stavanger. It is December 9th. We continue to enjoy serving the Lord any way that he can use us. We were asked by the Area YSA director to provide a list of the things that we are involved in. I thought I might include it so you can see what we are doing. We love each of you and are excited to see you. We have much to do before we leave. We are grateful for the time we have had here.
Elder and Sister Gormley
1. (Stavanger) We hold a weekly family night for the Young Single Adults in Stavanger and for others of similar age that need fellowshipping. These activities include BBQ's, outdoor and indoor sports activities. We begin with prayer and a spiritual thought organized by the YSA leaders. The missionaries bring investigators and participate in the activities. Text all each week about the activity.
2. (Stavanger) We attend institute weekly and bring refreshments. We support the teacher and substitute when necessary. Make a dinner 1-2 times per month for institute.
3. (Stavanger) Substitute for early morning seminary when asked. Last year we taught full time for 1/2 year.
4. (Stavanger) Oversee a sport activity each Saturday. Sometimes there is a little conflict with rules, etc. between the YSA, Missionaries and members. We have found that our participation brings some calm and levels things out.
5. (Stavanger) Attend weekly MMCO council weekly to discuss investigator progress and missionary needs.
6. (Stavanger) Attend ward council every two weeks and represent the YSA and Missionaries when the representatives aren't available.
7. (Stavanger) Help teach the investigator class in Sunday School when needed.
8. (Stavanger) Attend monthly ward YSA coordination council meeting. Keep an updated record of each individual and their progress.
9. (Stavanger) Assist in Home and Visiting Teaching when called upon.
10. (Stavanger) Attend missionaries district meeting once a week. Provide a lunch for that meeting.
11. (Stavanger) Assist the missionaries in teaching.
12. Assist missionaries in Stavanger and Haugesund to prepare for the drivers test.
13. (Haugesund) Travel to Haugesund every two weeks. I serve as second councilor in the branch presidency. Sister Gormley plays piano and helps in the primary.
14. (Haugesund) Drive the Missionaries to appointments that they cannot reach with the bus.
15. (Haugesund) Teach and give talks when called upon.
16. (Haugesund) Visit active and inactive members.
17, Inspect missionary apartments when necessary. Also facilitate changing apartments when needed.
18. Provide transportation for the missionaries (transfers, splits. conferences etc.
19. Provide a meal every six weeks for zone conference.
20. Help with ward and branch activities when called upon.
Laurie was able to spend some time with Kari's and Faith Elise's Family. She was also able to see Cammy's family briefly.
Ida Hiltunen's baptism at Sandbekken lake on October 27th. It was very cold, but the spirit was very warm. She is the Branch President's daughter. Sweet young lady.
We had an enjoyable branch BBQ after the baptism.
What I won't do for the YSA. We had a contest to see who could stick the most cheeze puffs to our faces covered with shaving cream. Fun family night activity.
Contest to see who could get the most large marshmallows in their mouths.
Elder Welch won with 15.
District lunch on Halloween. Chili and corn bread. (Left to Right) Elders Welch and Garlick, Sisters Sorensen and Morris, Elders Braunberger and Sperry.
Lt to Rt. Sisters Morris, Gormley and Sorensen
Our district sang a medley of church songs for the Zone Conference in Bergen on October 24th.
Elder and Sister Jensen from Utah. They are serving in Bergen. They provided a great lunch.
The Sisters for the Norway Oslo Mission West Zone, October 24th, 2017
The Elders and President Hill of the Norway Oslo Mission West Zone, October 24th, 2017
