One Small Fish in the Great Salt Lake: Go and Do Thou Likewise

January 26, 2015

Go and do thou likewise is the instruction we've received from Dallin H. Oaks one of the 12 apostles, who was the concluding speaker at the funeral of our beloved mission president's wife, Sister Hansen. Her life is a legacy of love, spirit, missionary work, enthusiasm, virtue, and hard work. I have learned so much from this incredible woman. Among those things are:

-making my bed before I pray in the morning so I can start thinking about what to pray for

-Always being a "busy missionary" and being diligent

-Praying to be the answer to someone's prayer everyday

-Singing every hymn with gusto

-A great love for the scriptures

-A fearless attitude towards being obedient and being an example to others in that with love.

The list goes on and I feel so honored to have been in close association with Sister Hansen. She always brought us fruit snacks (for vitamin c;), gave us huge hugs, and instructed us with great eloquence and spirit. she will not be forgotten. And you know what? Her death was not a goodbye but a "see ya soon!". Death is simply a graduation from this life to the next. As soon as we heard the news, our entire apartment of sisters dissolved into tears but through our grief there has been an immense sense of peace in knowing that Sister Hansen's mission wasn't cut short, she has simply been transferred to a new area to continue her work among the lost and searching spirits of the spirit world. I know 100% that she lives on. I don't worry about her because she has done everything in this life she needed to do and more in order to return to the Father and hear the words "well done thou good and faithful servant". Seeing her entire family together, 8 children all sealed in the temple with beautiful grandchildren who are active in the gospel and full of light, reaffirmed my conviction and desire to one day be married in the temple with someone who can fight the good fight in this life and raise children in the glorious light of the restored gospel. Family is what makes us happy, and eternal families are our goal! President and Sister Hansen will reunite sooner than they know it as we all will one day with our loved ones. This week has been full of big changes and despite our sadness in losing our mission president, the Lord knew this would happen and he has a grander plan. My trust in him grows daily as I continue to labor in his vineyard.

This week has been full of lessons and excitement in our area. Work is the best antidote for sadness. I have put all of my energy into the people we work with and there are miracles happening daily. Maombi was baptized saturday night and I was able to attend 2 other baptisms from past areas in the same day. I am a spoiled missionary! I love my savior, I love this work, and I'm excited for a new transfer! Sister Johnson is moving on to North Salt Lake and my new companion is an amazing sister from Peru! How great is my calling.

Mosiah 5:15- this scripture will always make me think of Sister Hansen!

Love,

SIster Pearson