the last email

hello my favorites,

Well, this is so surreal, but today is my last day as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I cannot believe this day has come! I have loved every second of this 18 month adventure that the Lord has so generously allowed me to participate in. It's been full of laughs, tears, miracles and trials.

One thing I've learned is that as they take my name tag off, I will still be "Hermana Hansen" just without the tag. We still have this mandate to preach the Gospel and share what we know with others. It really isn't a sacrifice, it's who we are. 

I know with all my heart that the doctrine that I have so imperfectly tried to live and teach over these past few months is so undeniably true. I have come to understand the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ more than I ever have in my short lifetime. He has succored me when I have needed it very most. I love Him. He truly is the Prince of Peace. This is HIS true gospel.

Xoxo

Hermana Hansen

 you were right apartment sign, I've loved it here

I call this one "going home"

my baby 💕 good luck Hermana Thomas !!

nothing is impossible in Texas

Hola a todos 

We saw lots of tiiiiiiny miracles this week, but none the less, they were there!! It was a week with a lot of slamming doors and weird looks, but it honestly just made me more grateful for this Gospel in my life. Whenever someone chooses not to accept our message, it hurts me in a way I haven't felt before! Hermana Thomas and I like to say that this week, we met a lot of "future prepared people" or they aren't prepared now, but we found them anyways! Haha

We had the ward party for father's day this weekend, it's was AWESOME! We were able to help serve the food, and there were so many good things that came out of it! 
1: we got awesome bear aprons that I am 100% keeping 
2: there were SO many families who brought non member friends #REFERALS
3: I experienced my first MARIACHI band. it was a blast.
4: my looove for this amazing ward grew exponentially. Not sure if that's a good thing cause it's gonna make saying bye hurt a lot more. 

Update on Tivo: we had a powerhouse lesson with him Saturday evening, after the longest week, and invited him to pray to know if God restored His church through Joseph Smith during the sacrament on Sunday. And then.....he didn't come to church. So keep him in your prayers..

FUNNY: so we were out knocking doors this week, and we had a dog legit run at us and start chasing us. We both are slightly scared of dogs, so hermana Thomas got out her pepper spray (thx hermana young) and we ran to the car....#blessed to have our car!!!

We have been reading the Book of Mormon as a mission in 65 days, the time it took Joseph Smith to translate it. It has been life changing. We just finished it this morning, and I can testify of the reality and truthfulness of the book. It is amazing and God is so plain when he teaches us through the scriptures. One thing that has stood out to me is how God, when the people are wicked, will always, always send prophets to guide his people back to Him. I am grateful for the restored gospel and the knowledge I have had to share it with the people of Houston AND Costa Rica.

It's all bittersweet knowing that it's my last week as a missionary. Christ lives and I wouldn't be able too have served a mission without His Atoning sacrifice and the strength we can recieve through it. This is His church. 

MAKE IT COUNT & see y'all soon.
Xoxo

Hermana Hansen

see ya soon

kitty break

fresh figs from a member's tree

MARIACHI selfie 

knocking doors during the Mexico vs Korea world cup.....

sweet is the work

hola a todos

It's been SwEeT this week!  It's been so fun here this crazy week!! I've been living it up every single week, and this one did not disappoint.

I had exchanges with hermana Espinoza this week! It was a blast and a half to be together once again, and of course we could not stop talking!! She has become one of my best friends and such an amazing missionary!! 

We have an hermana in our ward who owns a cake business and we were able to help her decorate one of her orders this week!! It was a blast and I totally felt like I was on Cake Boss! Haha she's the one we made macaroons with last week!!!

The work was sweeeeet this week, and not just because it included lots of sweet things or experiences, just because being in the service of the Lord is the sweetest thing in this world. I am so happy and I love helping everyone here in Houston 


Also, supposedly a tropical storm was going to pass by this weekend, but then nothing happened!! So much for all the stress....haha we are still safe here in Houston. 

Working on the cake

macaroons last week

exchanges with Espinoza

halfway thereeeeee

Hello my favorites,

This week has been an adventure like always. It continues with hermana Thomas here in Broadway. It's been a little cooler with the wind, which makes the humidity just blow around! 

This week we had my last zone conference. It was so crazy to think that all these experiences are slowly coming to end. I learned so much about planning and the importance of setting goals and making plans behind those goals to achieve them! It's something that I've definitely been trying to work on my whole mission, and something that I'm excited to apply after! 

We are starting to teach a referral from another mission who's name in Tivo. We've been teaching him about 2 weeks. This week we sent a message to him on Sunday inviting him to church and he just walks in right before the opening song!! He loved the church and wants to keep coming!! Miracles happen when we are exactly obedient!!

Lately a scripture has given me a lot of comfort--  "for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind". I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and helps us in our efforts to share His glorious gospel.

Today we are making macaroons with an hermana in our ward!! Should be fun. Have a good week!! Love you all and thanks for all the support.

Xoxo

Hermana Hansen 

macaroons

when members bring us food....

"now I am district king"

keeping cool from the HEAT

"why doesn't salt lake come down and bike in the Houston humidity"

hola a todos,

How's it going?? This week was a HOT one here in Houston! We actually didn't have a car for a few days here, our mission's miles got cut. So we walked, cause it hurts this girl's back to ride a bike!! And we had a really cool experience....

We decided to walk to one of our potential investigator's house, we didn't think it was very far, but as we walked we realized it was a little farther than we thought...but we felt like we needed to keep going, and when we got there she opened up the door and gladly received us! She says that she really wants to attend church and find the truth!! She works everyday from 8am-2pm, including Sundays, so pray that we can find a solution to that!!

Just loving the work here in good old Houston!! Being a missionary is the best, and I definitely wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I know that this Church is Christ's, and that it was restored by Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and it is the most sure way to come closer to God and stay strong during the hard times. 

Xoxox
Hermana Hansen

Ps: subject line is a direct quote from my companion this week when we got our miles cut

the Hermanas of Broadway 

Houston 

hna Osotro + pizza 

when you realize you'll only deal with the Texas heat for another month 

dry humor + water bottles

hola family & friends 

It is HOT here in Houston. We are talking 85 degrees with 95% humidity! It made for lots of water and sympathy contacts throughout the week. "Why are y'all out in the heat?" makes for a great way to start talking with people! 

My new companion, Hermana Thomas is from West Jordan, Utah and she turned 20 on Monday! She went to BYU-I before the mish, but I forgave her and still love her lots. She's such a hard worker and has been taking the transition to mission life like a CHAMP. She also has the driest humor that makes me laugh so hard...

We are working with a less active family, the Morales Family. I had visited them about twice with Hermana Vikari, and right before she left we had the thought to teach them the plan of salvation and see if it would help them come back. We taught them on Tuesday, and their faces just lit up with excitement to be reminded of this wonderful plan that God has given us. The hermana is a recent convert of about 4 years, and she even ran into her room to grab a notebook and take notes!! So cute. It helped them feel the spirit again, and on Sunday, they were there, in dresses and white shirts. They loved it and can't wait to come back. 

Along with the Texas heat comes the random Texas rainstorms. And it's not just like rain, it's like POURING almost flooding rain! So we got caught in a few of those this week!! It made everything just a little more exciting!

I learned something this week with mija Hermana Thomas. It was a week full of learning, for the both of us. I was able to show her one of the ways to do missionary work, and although we worked as hard as we could, we didn't have the biggest results or numbers. And I realized that it's ok, because as long as you keep up the positive attitude, listen to the Spirit, and talk with EVERYONE, God is pleased with your work at the end of the day. And it's a great feeling. 

Also, this scripture touched me this week....Ammon says -
Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work. 

I hope everyday to be an instrument in God's hands to bring to pass His work and glory, and what a blessing we have to share this Gospel with others!!

Have a good week and thanks for all the support.

Xoxox

Hermana Hansen

first day together!!!

Harvey 2.0??

gorditas con mi bebé

the beginning of the end

Helllllllo from Houston!!

Crazy week, loving the work!! I'm super excited because I'm getting a brand new companion straight from the MTC! 

Just loving here in Broadway, and it was so hard to say bye to Hermana Vikari. It's been a FAST transfer and it's been full of learning👍❤

I'm learning so much as we are reading the Book of Mormon as a mission! We are reading the story about Amulek and Alma, and such powerful missionaries they were. It amazes me how they called down the powers of heaven and used the enabling power of the Atonement. They weren't alone in this work, and neither are we!!

Sorry I have a no time this week, just getting ready to have my "baby" haha...everyone have a good week and know that I love y'all!!

quote of the week--- "sometimes I wish the car hit my side...then I could be in the hospital sleeping". YES. A little old man got his car too close to our car this week while we were both moving!! And yes, my companion said that she wishes that the car had hit her, so she could be in the hospital sleeping. We are a bunch of tired missionaries. Haha we are good though, the damage wasn't bad!! Luckily we made it safely 🙃🙃

Xoxo

Hermana Hansen 

ice cream break

it's true

getting our car estimated.....yay

Damage not too bad

mother's day + miracles

Hey guys 👋👋

About 3 weeks ago we were talking with people in the street, as usual, and we were able to give a pass along card with this man. We don't remember doing it, but this morning during studies, we get a call, and it's him!!! He said that he wants to meet with us! How cool is it that he kept the card all this time and called US? Amazing. Well, we invited him to an FHE at the chapel yesterday. He got there and we talked for a bit outside in the parking lot, gave him a chapel tour, he stayed a played volleyball and loved it! When we talked about the baptismal font, he said that he would like very much to be baptized, and almost started to cry as we explained the sacrament. Then during volleyball the members just loved and welcomed him SO well. After, he sent us a message saying, "thank you hermanas, it was amazing. I already want to to meet Wednesday so we can meet again in the chapel." God really does compensate our efforts in sharing the Gospel.

I got to be back with my first comp here in Texas, Hermana Young, for the day on Saturday. It was SO much fun to teach with her again and realize how much we both have grown in the 6 months we've been apart! The mission is just the perfect time to grow and become better teachers, future parents, leaders in the church and overall disciples of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Also please keep Estephany in your prayers...she's going through so much and really needs the Gospel more than ever. She's so strong and has such a desire to learn, but is going through some stumbling blocks currently...

We were able to go to the Houston temple this week! And I was able to go through for a woman from Jalisco, México. It was an amazing experience, even if I did get a bloody nose 10 minutes before our session started. I know that the temple is the Lord's house, and that we can receive revelation from Him as we go more and more often. 

This morning I was reading in Mosiah 23, when Alma, the only convert of Abinadi, is talking to his people, and one of my favorite scriptures stuck out to me, verse 10 "Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth." Nearing the end of mission, I feel that the Lord has molded me, Emily Hansen, into an instrument in His hands throughout the course of my mission. It hasn't been easy, at any point, but it's been a beautiful ride. I know now, that we must pass through difficult times know truly KNOW JOY. And what an amazing feeling it is, to know at the end of the day, that the Lord is satisfied with what I did. 

Xoxo

Hermana Hansen

the beautiful Houston temple

Hermana Young

Happy Mother's Day, mom

I MADE THIS ALL. thanks Hermana Osotro

who lives in a pineapple under the sea??

being those people who eat elote in the car...

making jam & cross stitching

Hey guys!! 

Another amazing week has ended in Broadway! 

Ok so we are loving it here. We are killing it and get along SO well. Ah! It's amazing. I had an epiphany the other day....I love the mission. And you wanna know why? It's because I enjoy every part of it. Knocking doors, district meeting, lessons, progressing investigators, dinners with members, talking with people in the street and grocery store, baptisms, studies, being with a comp 24/7 and planning. I LOVE IT. And loving every part, all the way, is what makes it go by soooo fast! It's flying by and I cannot believe it! It was barely Monday! But, it's flying by because we are enjoying every part. Ps we speak 100% Spanish minus pday and it's awesome, we are learning so much!! We are so tired....but not letting it get to us!! Haha 

I think the mission is easier to enjoy and goes by a lot quicker when we fully understand our purpose as missionaries and love every part of the work!

Update on Estephany: she came to church yesterday and talked about how much she loves Relief Society! She just fits in, and in our lesson we had on Thursday, we asked her how she was feeling for her baptism on August 18th. She told us: "Well, I want to get baptized tomorrow. But it's not possible" aahhhh. Please pray that her divorce papers can be processed quickly and that she can be married to her bf, who is the member that introduced her to the church.

Well, to explain my subject, we did lots of service this week, which just happened to make us feel like the grandmas we are inside. We made strawberry jam with a 82 year old, and then did some casual cross stitching to help out the Relief Society, they are doing a tablecloth with all the hermanas names! 

So one of our appointments canceled this week, and so we were walking around this apartment complex, and started talking with this man that was outside. He did the usual look away and rush inside, but we caught him in time, starting talking with him, and he told us to come back in a few days! We met with him and his friend, both from Guatemala, which reminded me like crazy of all my guatemalteco amigos. Long story short, he had all the *golden questions* and is super excited to learn!  

We are reading the Book of Mormon as a mission, which means we read 8 pages per day. It's been an amazing experience being able to learning so much about how merciful and loving God is! Also, Nephi is so obedient and never delays a prompting from the Lord. This Gospel is so TRUE, and I love sharing it with the sweet people of Houston.

Xoxox

Hermana Hansen

service with hermana osorto

the things we find on the ground in Houston....

it's been REAL good

HOLA 🤗🎉

Ok, this week was the best by far of my time here in Houston. *sorry for a long letter in advance, it's too good not to share* I learned so much as a disciple of Christ and saw many lives changed!

Remember Shade? Her dad is from Nigeria and her mom from Peru, but they ended up in Houston, Texas. (who knows why) She found the church by a RM YouTuber in Peru (note to all: always share the Gospel online) and we got her referral a few weeks ago. Well we went to visit her this week, and she said that she has loved reading the Book of Mormon, and that the Word of Wisdom just makes sense. She said the closing prayer, and paused for a few minutes before to think about what she wanted to ask our Father. Talk about someone who values her relationship with God. (!!!!) As we walked out, we gave her a bible, and she honestly looked like a kid on the last day of school. 

ESTEPHANY is amazing. No words would be sufficient enough to describe how I feel about her. This week during one of our lessons, we started talking about missionaries and who they are and what we do. She got a really confused look on her face and said "wait, so there is a chance that you two wouldn't be here for my baptism?" I explained to her that I go home soon, but that I would come back for her baptism as her lifelong friend. She also, as we finished the plan of salvation, told us "So my dad died a while ago. Is there something I can do for him in this life to help him?" *inspired questions* we quickly explained temple work and family history!! She got so excited. 

When she came to church yesterday, she just blended in with the ward I swear! We had an hermana sit with her, who also happened to be from Honduras as well that was PERF. Instant bffs. And guess what the topic was in Gospel Principles? FAMILY HISTORY. In few words, she loved it. #tendermercy. Then the members were talking with her about "their missionaries" and said that you never forget the first ones. And she just said "ohhhh sí. Apenas conocí a la hermana Hansen y ya la quiero mucho. Nunca le voy a olvidar y espero que nunca se olvida de mi" AH! The cute member then leaned over to me and told me I have the gift to love. We showed Estephany the baptismal font and told about our baptismal days and she started crying. I LOVE THIS WOMAN.

Earlier this week we found two beautiful, prepared daughters of God by wandering around an apartment complex. We almost let Satan win and walk right past them without talking to them, but we stopped, and they are so prepared to hear It! Elisa said the closing prayer and I quote "thank YOU God, for sending me these two hermanas today. You knew that I needed the message they brought. What they share is true" AH 

We had two huge conferences this week, one with Elder Pearson of The Seventy. It was amazing. I am not who I am, Emily Hansen, a swimmer, a college student, future teacher or not even a missionary. I am a disciple of Christ and it is my duty to proclaim His gospel. We watched a clip from Elder Bednar, and he said something that has changed me. "This is not a sacrifice. This is who we are." We have this mandate, since the premortal world, to share His gospel to those who don't know. And it's a beautiful privilege.

Cherry on top of this week: FAMILIA HERNANDEZ baptism. Oh what a glorious day it was. They were all SO happy, and the spirit was so tangible. They really have allowed the Gospel to change them and allow them to become better people. I was sent to Texas to find them. And they allowed us into their lives. 

Funny note: saw a woman eating elote in a cup whole driving on the freeway here in Broadway. Only in Texas.

Xoxo

Hermana Hansen

Do you see how big their smiles are???

There are blackberry trees....EVERYWHERE!

We made dinner for ourselves this week! 

Total fail. Not ready to be married.

shade + Inka Kola

lyft?

Walked in the door and she came running to hug me. SO CUTE

dabbing my way downtown

HOLA 💕

This week was full of so many laughs and power naps. Let's just say we laugh all of our energy away. Being in a trio was a good time!! Now Hermana Hudrlik's companion is back! They will be going back to their area tomorrow.

Remember like two months ago when I got into a crazy car accident? Well, this week Hermana Espinoza and I had to go to court to testify about the accident. Which means we got to go downtown (super out of the mission). Knocking stranger's doors is nothing compared to being in a court room with a judge. I felt like I was on Judge Judy, but also Abinadi before King Noah. Court was exciting. It was actually nothing and super stressful all at the same time. I got like 0 sleep the night before and then we got up super early to get there on time!! We ended up not even being needed, but if we hadn't gone we wouldn't have been cited on our records!  After we took some nice selfies to make the trip worth it.

We are teaching some really amazing people, but you guys already know that. Do I mention it enough?? Well, we met with Estephany this week and she told us "I want to be sealed in the temple with my boyfriend. I want an eternal family". Please keep in mind this is the third lesson with her. There have been two times in my mission when I've been speechless, and that was one of them! She's progressing so quickly. We asked her to chose a baptismal date and she choose....wait for it....August 18. WHAT? We died. It's so far away!! Keep her in your prayers to help her reach this (or a sooner) goal!! 

We stopped by to visit Javicercillo and his sibs, and it's always an adventure teaching them. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. Let's just say we talked about Thor, fresh grapefruit juice, popcorn and wrapping paper all in the same lesson. (and maybe some dabbing) They are super cute and Javiercillo is reading the BOM at school! We asked him how he felt after being confirmed and he says "I just couldn't stop smiling. I'm so happy!!" Same. The Gospel brings us so much happiness and I am so thrilled that I am able to help others here in Houston!!

I was able to finish the Book of Mormon this week, and its just so TRUE! A man will come closer to God by reading and applying the principles found there than by any other book! I love the Book of Mormon and how merciful God is to His children. I love studying from it's pages and filling up the whole of my soul with it's teachings. 

Love you guys. If you read all this, you're a champ. Have a good week and if you can, send me mail.

Xoxox

Hermana Hansen 

always reppin

*cue downtown by Macklemore*

court selfie

rip trio car selfies 

the healthiest meal here in Texas