Where to start. I guess maybe I should just go through the whole day from the beginning. We woke up and started getting things ready for the baptism. We had cleaned the church the other morning so that was all set, but we wanted to get a few extra things to make it extra special. We headed to this cute little flower store nearby the church and picked up some way cute flowers for the chapel. Also (funny story), we headed over to H&M afterwords. You may think to yourself, why on this hectic morning would we go shopping and I would tell you that the answer to that question is quite the story. We were going over everything with Ben a couple days before the baptism day and we told him to make sure to wear white underwear for when he gets baptized. He pretty much told us he didn't have any white underwear to wear. We told him that we would be happy to go and pick some up for him and he quickly shut that down. He said he would not accept any underwear from us so we told him that we would figure something out and either have the branch president or the elders grab him some so (as Ben put it), "the guy stuff can be left to the guys." Anyways, we ultimately ended up being left to grab Ben some underwear the morning of his baptism and did a quick hand off with the Elders so that they could be the ones to give Ben his underwear. Crazy story and Ben still has no idea that we were the ones to purchase his baptism underwear. Lol. Anyways totally random tangent but we got that done the morning of and then headed back to the church to make Ben a card for the little gift we got him and print out some programs. Of course the printer broke halfway through printing the programs and there were some other issues we had to overcome but nevertheless the baptism was still a go.
Once everyone had arrived we began the program. We sang, Søster Bender gave a talk on baptism, Søster Ralphs and I bore our testimonies and then we were off. We all hopped into cars and drove over to the fjord that Ben had chosen to be baptized in. It was sprinkling on our way over but as soon as we got to the spot, the rain stopped and we were able to take some nice pictures before Ben and Elder Rappeleye got into the water. It was such a spiritual experience to gather around the bank and watch Ben as he was immersed into the freezing cold water of Norway. Ben is such an amazing human being. We had him bear his testimony back at the church and that was one of the most spiritual parts of the entire day. He told us all how much he had been fighting for this day. How much he wanted to change his life and follow Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. He really does have such a strong testimony and such a strong spirit about him. I can't even put it to words. Ben is just an amazing person. The people love him and I have yet to see him be anything but happy. Ben is the type of person that turns outward when most of us would turn inward and through his example, I know he will help bring others to Christ.
What a special blessing it was to come to Ålesund at this time and to meet Ben and help him get to this special day. I will never forget the Spirit that was felt this weekend and what a testimony builder this whole ride has been. I am so grateful for people like Ben who know what they need to do and are willing to fight to do it. I hope that I can fight just as hard to do what is right even when it may not be easy. I would challenge you all this week to focus on something that is hard for you, whether it be spiritual or temporal, and work little by little to either overcome it or become better at whatever it may be. I know with the Lord's help we can do anything we set our minds to.
A few other highlights of the week before I have to go. The beginning of this week we flew up to Trondheim for zone conference, (which was a blast and taught me a ton) where a special package was delivered to me. Just wanted to give the Plano 9th ward seminary class and teachers a special shoutout for the card and candy. I love and miss you all so much and make sure to keep your eyes out for a thank you card headed your way!
Last but definitely not least, HAPPY AMERICAN MOTHER*S DAY MOM! I am so grateful for your wonderful example and it was so nice to be able to Skype you and the rest of the family yesterday. I am so grateful for my amazing family and each member that compiles it. You all have taught me so much and are my favorite people in the whole wide world. I am so thankful for everything my family has brought me and I can't wait to see them again in just a short 16 months, but for now I'm proud to give my time to the Lord. See you all at Christmas time (just a short 230 days away but who's counting). Thanks again for being the best family there ever was.
Love all you friends and family back home and I'll talk to you all next week!!
Sincerely,
Søster Blankmeyer
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| 2 months on the mission |
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| Placing Books of Mormon |
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| Søster Bender was so tired after Ben's Baptism |
Hi Soster Blankmeyer!
ReplyDeleteThis is Alex, one of the guys that was in your FHE group last fall. Because I have no experience with blogs, please let me know if you received this comment. Thanks to Ivy, I have the pleasure to read your blog posts. They are awesome and inspiring to read! I also loved looking at the beautiful pictures of Norway! I am so happy for you that you are having a great time in Norway so far and that you are serving a mission in the place that the Lord wants you to serve in right now. You are being a great missionary so far: keep up the great work!
Good luck!
Alex Habashi