Well. Not sure you were expecting one more thing from me, given I have finished my mission, but I did not have sufficient time to write a final email. So this is it.

In short— yes, going home was as crazy as you can imagine. It consisted of hours of travel, family coming to Greece, a lot of hard goodbyes, and— Elder Stevenson from Quorum of the twelve??

I intended to write this email within the first week of coming home, or even while traveling around Greece with some of my family, but sickness got the best of me during that time (I got Covid as soon as I got home, with a fever and the whole thing). It's been a little over a month since I've gotten home, so time fades detailed memory, but retrospect and hinesight of my mission is a gift now. The mission is still a big part of my life.

The first item is my homecoming talk. I felt I should include it. If you are on the webpage, click on the box to expand it.

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This is the final talk I gave in Thessaloniki. Again, click on the box to expand it if you would like to read it. If you read my homecoming talk though, you've pretty much covered it. The Greek written was to help me find my words if I got lost. Google translate is a blessing in a crunch.

‌‌I will miss the mission very much. The people, the missionaries, and responsibility to share the gospel.

As we had our our meeting with Elder Gary E. Stevenson, he asked each of the missionaries leaving soon to raise our hand. Elders Huhtala, Morgan, and I raised our hands.

"Oh, isn't it sad? Don't you wish you were these missionaries?" he said as he gestured to the new missionaries. He continued to discuss things that, even now, feel very applicable to normal life. Maybe I'll had to share another time.

When my parents, uncle, and grandfather arrived to Greece to come pick me up, they were shocked at the energy I had to get started. In their words it was like I was on adrenaline and couldn't sit still. I got so used to trying to use your time as effectively as possible. It excited me to stay busy. I still feel that even now. I hope I don't loose it too much. Though I hope I wasn't overbearing to my family as we explored beautiful areas of mainland Greece.

Coming home was about as crazy as you can imagine. As I said earlier, with Covid making surprise guest appearance in my life again, and trying to adjust to being back home.

I've given it a lot of thought though; what does it mean to adjust? What is it that we return missionaries are adjusting to? There's certainly the usual things– no focus on the standards, no companion, less teaching opportunities, no areabook, etc. Often times, those are the things I would bring up when someone asks me about adjusting.

But I had a lunch with one of the bishopric councilors in my ward recently. I expressed to him that the focus after your mission seems to– not completely change– but adjust. During my mission, the focus was to "invite other to come unto Christ". Though as members we still have that responsibility to do so, feeling this sense of purpose weaken was a bit hard for me. After all, I have school to get ready for this January, work to apply for, things to do around the house, and plans to make for hanging out with friends. These are all good things but feel to pale in comparision to literally "helping bring souls unto salvation".

Todd said to me, "Well, maybe these aren't separate ideas, like you have in your mind. Maybe it isn't a list made out of things you gotta do along side inviting others to Christ. My work doesn't sound directly connected this gospel purpose, but it does help me raise my family." We continued to discuss and I had many thoughts come to my mind.

The gospel is not something that we must do along side the other aspects of this mortality. It is the very fiber that brings it all into one organized thought and purpose. It is the road – not only leading to exaltation – but leading us every step forward. As we strive to be Christ-like in all our actions and thoughts, there is no greater purpose. If it's hard to imagine being Christ-like as a mechanic or what cashier, do not forget – Christ was once simple carpenter. Yet he was always the Christ. A missionary is not only a missionary as they wear the badge. Neither are members of the church only Latter-day Saints on the sabbath.

Becoming more like him is my purpose now, even if it is hard to imagine him applying to jobs, registering for classes, or walking the dog. But all these things are done in the light of Christ, and they are not necessarily lesser because I'm not a missionary.

A Christ-like person might look like:

• A taxi driver who learned to memorize the hymns in-between rides.
• A teacher who continues to learn better patience with their students.
• Someone who works an extra hour each day to keep his Sundays clear of work.
• A teenager keeping his mouth clean of foul words in an otherwise foul-mouthed environment.

Or even,

Mathew 5:

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

I guess a long story short, I know everything is going to be alright. After all, God is with us. I will forever love the blessing that was my mission.

I know God had a hand in it.

I know that my Savior lives and he is indeed ο Χριστός.

This is His church.

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dylan John Hansen

Bulgaria Greece Mission

Serendipity.

This has taken a theme this last transfer, particularly with Elder Fronk. Honestly though, as we have discussed it I have seen it throughout my mission.

My definition for it as we went around the table at the Fronk's after church was, "When something goes not as planned, but as it should."

In reality, and in a gospel sense, we've attributed it to the idea of trusting in God. trust in Him. Something we talked a lot about in my seminary class while I was in highschool was, "God can't steer a parked car." This idea related also to the idea that "Faith without works is dead."

Serendipity. It's all about this. What are you going to do with what you are given? Are you going to keep moving? What are you going to do?

"I don't know!"

Walk forward with one foot in front of another. You keep walking. You'll preform as well as you prepare.

"What do I even prepare for if I don't know what I'm doing?!"

It doesn't matter. With the spirit guiding your actions, you "cannot go amiss."

An emphasis that I would say for the entirety of my mission is, given this is probably my second to last email, stop worrying about it.

Slow down.

Do everything you can to be prepared. Plan the best way you can. The Lord will take care of it.

I used to think faith was simply believing that my own efforts would be sufficient to complete a task. But I've come to realize over the time of my mission, no matter what, I cannot do everything. When I struggled so much with Greek the first year of my mission, I questioned my own faith. What was I doing wrong? When the day would just not physically be possible, what do we do?

So my faith had to grow in a way I didn't realize was so important. I couldn't let it stay so simple. I realized faith needed to be sufficient to believe that my efforts would be used for the work of God. The more effort I would put in, the more I could be put to work by the Lord.

There's no bar you have to reach to be sufficient to God. There's no mandatory bar you have to hit to be capable of saying over the pulpit, "I was a good missionary!"

"Elder, you can't be suggesting lazy missionarys are still good missionaries..."

You are right, I am not suggesting this at all. What I am suggesting is lazy missionaries are not your concern. It's the mission president's. Leave it. You might help and encourage them to improve, but do not ruin your day because of it.

So if there is no bar to hit, what's the motivation of a missionary?

There are a couple types of motivation:

Fear. This is the simplest. Fear is basic, but it's never long lasting. If you ask me to go up the stairs when I'm tired, I'll be a lot more motivated if you scare me at the bottom wearing a gorilla costume. But chances are, I'll get used to that costume and it will not last.

Next is Reward. Reward only works if it's increased over time or the reward comes in certain time intervals. Again, you can't eat 3 cookies every hour to keep you doing your homework.

The next is Social. This is the one that might keep people going to social interactions. I like to think of when we were all wearing masks during Covid. It isn't socially acceptable to be making weird faces all the time but as soon as those masks were on our faces, it was totally fine. Because it was hidden.

Christ has asked us to go to the higher level.

Love.

You eat ice cream because you love it. Not because someone scared you into it. Not because you'll get to eat vegetables after as a treat. Not because your friends will think that you're weird if you don't.

You do it because you love it.

God didn't ask you to hit a certain bar during your missionary work. There is not set number of "baptisms" you're supposed to get to be considered successful.

God wants you to ascend to a higher level. Because you love it. Because you love Him.

You see why it matters so much if you love Him?

The first principal we teach as missionaries is, "God is our Loving Heavenly Father."

God loves you. Your Father in heaven knows you personally and wants everything for you to succeed. Because He loves you.

He created this world for you to learn and to grow, because he loved you so much he wanted you to become like him and have the fullness of joy.

He loves you so much, he didn't leave you alone. He sent down His prophets so you could learn of Him and how to tap into his peace; a peace only a loving father could give; peace and guidance.

He loves you so much, he sent his Only Begotten Son to atone and die for you.

He loves you so much that even as people began to change the gospel of His son, he called a prophet more knowledgeable to give you the chance to tap into that peace again that He offers.

He loves you so much, He will answer every single prayer you offer to him.

Why?

Love is a celestial trait we inherited from our Heavenly Parents. I truly believe that.

Learning to follow him because you love Him is the most powerful strength in your life.

How will you show your love to him? Through your works. Yes, they might not feel sufficient. But that's okay. God knows.

Trusting God is not only an external thought. It goes beyond and into the very way you view your surroundings. You can show your love to him by trusting him.

What are you willing to give to God? What are you willing to do to have Him in your life.

The piano lesson is paid for by your mother. Is she expecting you to pay her back in cash? Not at all. It's by practice you show your thanks to her. Using the lessons. Using her sacrifice.

Do you see how the Atonment in your life? It's more than just when you've done something wrong. It's the very action that propels us forward to love and improve.

I've thought a lot about having gone home as I'm about to do it again, for the second time.

I really remember thinking while I was home, "How much more interesting could my mission get? Why should I go back out?"

I remained obedient to the initial feeling I had but "not knowing before hand what should I do." Not knowing what was going on, but depending on serendipity.

I think about what I have gained since returning and how pivotal it has been in my life, but also so in others.

What would have happened if I gave into my fears or demotivation to not get moving?

How often do we ignore a prompting from the spirit?

I won't. Ever again.

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This week has been pretty crazy, as usual. We are just trying to roll with the punches and going with what God has handed us. Next Sunday, I will be going down to Athens. Elder Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve will be coming. We were originally planning on having the final meal with the mission president on this Friday and just leaving early to Athens, but our friend Dimitri is getting baptized that week.

I looked at Elder Morgan and said, "That baptism takes priority, right?"

"Of course," he replied. So I don't know when we will get our final dinner with the mission president, but we'll see!

I'm very excited for this baptism. He will the first baptism I will have been involved with that was Greek. It's super special, and I've felt super honored to be involved.

Elder Bonney's sister has been here this week, and it's been pretty funny to see him interact with his sibling. It's funny to see some twin things are universal.

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Well, I've got to get to bed. Could have bored you with the events of this week, but this is what I felt like talking about this week. I wish I had time to write more. But
I've been so blessed on my mission. I couldn't trade it for anything.

Be still, and know I am God.

I love you all, and hope the best for all of you.

Elder Dylan Hansen

P.S. The weather has been nice. The Greeks think it's cold. Funny lol.

Elders Morgan, Bonney, and I pushed past the crowd inside the Orthodox church to try and find Elder Fronk, who was supposedly saving a seat for us. The chatter was incessant, yet it was drowned out by the Orthodox Chatting from the priest in the front of the room. Though the music was impressive, it was not the reason everyone was there.

We sit in the back row of at least 30 Orthodox Priests, prepping for a 3 hour meeting. Yes, we attracted looks, but I was surprised by the kindness everyone showed. It was a bit unusual.

After about an hour, the man of the event walks in. It's not everyday you see the Archbishop of the Orthodox church.

To put this in understandable terms, we basically got to see the "Pope" of the Orthodox church. We sat and heard the singing of the stories from the New Testament, and sat through their equivalent of a sustaining.

The sustaining was particular to me. One of the Priests was receiving a promotion, which was the purpose of Archbishop Bartholomew's visit, and as he was speaking, he exclaimed,

"ΑΞΙΟΣ!" ("worthy of")

Which the congregation replied, "ΑΞΙΟΣ!" unprompted. He said it a couple times has he continued his praise for this man. It was really interesting.

After the 3 hour meeting concluded, most people began to file out. We remained to find a couple of our friends, Father  Esavios, and the Arch Deacon of the local monastery. After we finally did, Father Esavios greeting me with a grand hug, he promoted us to line up along the red carpet leading out of the church.

"He'll exit this way," he basically said. And surely enough he did. And here were five Latter-day Saint missionaries standing along the side, in the zone of shaking his hand.

Though, we had the false assumption things would proceed as respectfully as is usual during general conference or whenever a general authority visits somewhere. It was simply not the case, which we realized as people rushed past us, one lady that the security was having a hard time keeping back, at Bartholomew's feet, speaking Greek faster than I could grasp. I assumed from her attitude, she was begging for forgiveness or confessing.

Regardless, as you'll see in the pictures, we get pretty easily pushed aside. It was quite a sight, to say the least.

I might have 16 days left of my mission, but things certainly aren't slowing down, it seems. I just couldn't believe that happened.

Let's just say, the longer you wait to write the email, the harder it becomes to write the thoughts that you would like to express and the events that occured. But since I am so close to the end, I am really trying to make the effort. Yet again, this email is really for me, so the better I make them, the better journal I have, haha!

We called this last week our "Interfaith Relations" week since we met with, not only Bartholomew, but SIX other faiths. Every time would happen, we would joke "I wonder who else we will meet!" Then a day later, we would meet someone new.

- Leader of the Orthodox Church
- Two Roman Catholic Priests
- 2nd generational Jehovah's Witness
- Apostolic Greek Christians
- Student Protestant Minister (She came to an activity at the church)
- American Jew

We were like little kids with too much stimulus-- "What do we do! Uh...." with eyes wide. I don't have a lot of time to write this, but I will mention, each of these had led into some form of conversation. Aside from Bartholomew, but we made friends with some of the Priests, so I would count it. The conversation with the Roman Catholic's was probably one of the most productive, since we spoke for nearly 30 minutes. He did call us a cult, which made me quickly realize that his "study" of us in his seminary was about all he had. Not much external study. Regardless, I did really enjoy the conversation.

I think about conference, where one of the speakers spoke of a time during Covid, the different leaders of the churches got together on Zoom to pray together.

In the way of general respect and Christ-like love in the presence of religions contemporaries, disputations demand to be set aside; differences acknowledged; dissonance out of the vicinity; and love to be shown for our fellow man.

"Let them worship how they may."

As we rode in a Taxi the other night, our driver asked us what we were doing here in Greece. I gladly explained that we were volunteers for our church, and we taught about Jesus Christ.

"What, the Greek's don't know Jesus Christ?" he scoffed.

"No, they do," I replied.

"So what are you actually doing here then?" he asked.

"We believe the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the Earth again. That's what we teach."

He got so offended by the truth we said, which wasn't much more than my last statement, he began to get, nearly physical as he jabbed my chest near my tag.

"You need to join the Orthodox church, how do think anything else is true?" to summerize his words.

"No," Elder Bonney replied boldly. "Because I have a testimony of the restoration. That is why I am here."

He was so upset by our unwillingness to raise our voices to feed his fire, he continued to raise his own so high it blinded his sight, and he missed the turn to our street.

He got out of the taxi with us once we stopped, went to his trunk and begin to paint something which I could understand the Greek, just not his point. Circular reasoning, which doesn't really do it for me.

Regardless, other than a testimony given, this conversation didn't amount to anything. Unfortunately mutual respect is locked behind a two-keyed door. The other might not be willing to turn his key, but at least you did your part.

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Last week was a hard week for us all, to be honest, and it was a remarkable flashback to the time I went home.

Sister Gamett, one of the sisters I've been serving with for her entire mission, aside one transfer, had to go home for medical.

It was a deeply emotional time for everyone. I have been known for saying, "I would not wish my experience upon my worst enemy."

And to watch someone, a good friend, go through the same thing was a lesson to me to understand what it means when Christ desires for us to place our burdens upon him. Because how greatly all of us wished we could for her. Yet God has a plan for each of us. Who are we to step in his way.

We had a final p-day and meal together the evening before she went home, and discussed stories. It was honestly a special moment for us all.

But I testify of the peace that God gives you as you follow his command. As I wrote of the overwhelming peace felt as I myself went home early from my mission, Sister Gamett confirmed as she shared to us all that she too had the same feeling.

I testify of his peace. It don't make sense why you feel peace in times of grief or pain. Yet, that is what He promises as we follow Him.

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Well, I could talk about this last P-day for a long time, but honestly-- just Google it. I'm too tired for context.

Basically, we visited King Phillip the Second's tomb, and it was one of the coolest things I've seen since I've been to Greece. It was awesome. I was shocked how much paint was still on everything. The entire history surrounding it is amazing. Alexander the Great would have been the person, being King Phillip II's son, to prepare this tomb. It's the equivalent of King Tut's Tomb to the Greeks. As we drove there, we listened to Alexander the Great's mutiny speech.

Anyways, I gotta go. But God loves you!

The weather is perfect here now.

Elder Dylan Hansen

How do I start the email to one of the most crazy weeks of my mission?

I guess this is how!

Last last week, we went to the ancient city of DION, which is a city where King Phillip the Second, the father of Alexander the Great, celebrated his victory of uniting all of Greece under one ruler. It was considered a very religious place, and quite beautiful. During the Roman rule, they built a lot of buildings there too, and after Christ, there was a church built around 350 AD. Pretty cool. It's super moist there, and it's wonderful to see Mount Olympus in the background of the city. It was a sight to see. I was super thankful for the background that Elder Fronk gave on the site. His interest in the history of this area is a blessing. It gets me craving for learning more about all of this area.

The reason I mention something of last week is to set up the crazy of this week.

Because, goodness. I am tired.

DAY ONE:

Monday, we have gotten the knowledge that Elder Xanthos would be transferring to Cyprus, meaning that this would be last chance that we could go to Kavala to find information on his family history, his Greek side.

Right after the transfer news, we call the Thessaloniki chat on messenger with the sisters and the Fronks.

"Well, I guess that settles it, we're going to Kavala!" Elder Xanthos says.

Elder Fronk prepared a number of stops we have to go see before arriving to Kavala. This includes:
AMPHIPOLI
PHILIPI
THE BAPTISMAL SITE OF LYDIA

All of  these places have deep connections to Paul, so keep this in mind.

Amphipoli is the the place he crossed through in order to arrive to Thessaloniki from Philipi. In fact, there is the wall/gate where they assume he would have been through. The ancient city is situated on the top of a hill, providing a strategic advantage, as well as an outstanding view of the sea. There are a number of tombs located around the area, but we did not have enough time to visit those sites. We had time to me! It's really interesting because the area is just a small village now. After stopping to say hello to a very friendly dog that wanted to join us in our photo, we piled into the car, began making our way to the next location.

ACTS 16:13-15
13 And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

At the foot of Philipi, which Philipi is built also on a hill, there runs a river. It's quite green around about the river. When we missionaries went to her baptismal site, I can comfirm the water is actually pretty cold. The Orthodox church has built a small, yet beautiful, church illustrated with numerous depictions of baptisms contained in the New Testament.

When you see places like this, it's a lot easier to put a picture of it in your head.

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

As we walked down this Agora, it made it so easy to imagine Paul, walking with is group, and a lady shouting he was a man of God. Naturally getting pretty annoyed at this, turns around and shouts, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!"

Those around, seeing this soothsayer (fortune teller), who would provide income, suddenly becoming free of this demon. Then almost just as quickly, people trying to get Paul in trouble.

After walking around for a moment, we actually got to see what they presume is the jail that Paul was held in after preforming this act.

I'd love to talk about this site literally mentioned in the Bible, but I don't have a lot of time. Not a lot of time to be a wiki page, as much as I would like to.

Once again, we piled into the car again, and headed onward to Kavala. Kavala is where Paul arrived into Macedonia in the first place. Again, a pretty historical place.

As the sisters went on their adventure to find their teaching friends, Elder Xanthos and I stayed near the pier, waiting to meet someone he knew from his family. It's not really my story to tell, but it was really cool to talk to this, all Greek, person about the place we were in and Greek culture. It was really special. We even walked passed the church she was married in.

We got all the missionaries together, and got ice cream all together.

Who knew that Ρόδι ice cream could taste so good!! It was the best tasting ice cream I had ever tasted.

After which, we headed home super late, but having felt fufilled in what we set out to do.

Oh I forgot to mention, this was on September 2nd, my sister and I's birthday. Out of my choice, we ate at a sea food restaurant that I really loved. Everyone was always asking for my opinion on what we should do, and it was driving me crazy! Not actually, but it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was definitely the most unique place to spend a birthday, I must be honest.

We get home and spend a restful night in bed.

But the week was only getting started. Elder Xanthos and I really spent our time working on keeping the area progressing as we worked through other things. I really felt like I learned a lot.

I guess now is a good time to tell the story of Mutu! Mutu is a friend of ours, and we have been working the past few weeks on getting him married and baptized!

Simple enough, right? How about she's living in Cameroon? And the officiant is living in Utah?

Shout out to the Kiddles, senior missionaries in Larnaka Cyprus, who figured out how make this work without having to fly everyone to one location!

Long story short, the wedding is performed over Zoom, and it is technically preformed in the state of Utah. It's crazy, since the bride and groom don't even have to be in the same place! Yet it is a perfectly legal marriage. We have been working for a few weeks on getting this working, so two Thursdays ago you can imagine the stress Elder Xanthos and I felt when the wedding was supposed to be the next day and the paper work was incomplete and we were unsure if we could get an appointment for the officiant.

Elder Xanthos, sitting across from me, goes, "Elder, if this gonna happen tomorrow, it will take a fricking miracle."

"You are absolutely right," I reply. And in that moment exactly, we received an email explaining how to set up an appointment.

"There are times available for tomorrow!" Elder Xanthos shouts. At that point, we felt confident that was an answer to a prayer, and we were more confident our actions would be guided by the spirit. In fact, I testify to you, it was an answer to prayer. I would say that was a big theme of last transfer.

Keep in mind, that doesn't mean Elder Xanthos and I were free of stress.

Let me just say, I cannot stand the transport in this city! Driving is a nightmare, there is no such thing as parking, and the public buses are always crowded!

So it doesn't help the night of Mutu's wedding, as we were driving, the Prime Minister of Greece was coming though the city and they closed the main road! Elder Xanthos and I get caught in the middle of this, getting 'detoured' other directions. I'm pretty sure detours are not supposed to put you in a loop!! As our patience is getting tested, I'm trying to find a route to the paid parking at the church. A 15 minute drive ends up taking almost an hour. At a certain point, I cancel the Google Map navigation, going old-school, and begin shouting, "Left! right! straight one, left! Right! LEFT! RIGHT!" sounding no different than the train conductor guiding the Polar Express on an icy lake.

One final "RIGHT!" and we arrive at the parking 10 minutes before the wedding is supposed to begin. Needless to say, Elder Xanthos and I are running through the center of a rain-soaked Thessaloniki to make to our church. People are staring at us as we fly by.

We burst through the door of the church. Taking a look to our right, we see the set up for the wedding, and the Elder and Sister Fronk there to greet us.

"Where is Mutu?"

"In the backroom I think," Sister Fronk says. Surely enough, there he is, in the back of of church, scrolling on Facebook, and the sisters teaching our member, also the translator for the wedding, a western dance with music blasting.

"GUYS! The wedding is starting in like, 5 minutes! We should be in there right now!" I say.

We all file out of the room before I realize Mutu has no idea what I said, since he only speaks French. So I translate into French.

Again, to make a long story short, we begin the Zoom wedding, and Mutu's, well now wife to spoil the story, doesn't join the Zoom call. Turns out, the countless times we had requested them to download zoom, she had not downloaded it.

The stress in the room radiating from Elder Xanthos and I was like a balloon laying on a bed of nails. And here was SOBA in the middle of this, translating! He was feeling it as much as we where. Everyone was so curious as to what was going to happen. Stressed might be a better word to it.

The officiant is gracious enough to grant us a time an hour later to sort out all the technical issues, which we finally do.

Amongst all the chaos of this night, I glance over to Mutu, who is sitting, just sitting on the phone. He is the calmest one in the room! I aspire to be this man someday with my own concerns.

SO. the wedding began. Turns out, internet connection is terrible in Cameroon, and she keeps dropping in and out of the meeting. To equate it to an in-person wedding, she is stepping in and out of the room every 5 minutes.

Without a doubt in my mind, one of the most unique weddings I ever attended. In which, I thought that the wedding in Larnaka would take the cake!

Anyways, as the officiant is checking IDs, we sit in anticipation for their vows and such.

They exchange vows beautifully. My speaking French might not be great anymore, but I do understand well enough to know that Mutu's vow was one of the most beautiful.

The Officiant asks each of them if they will take each other as legally and lawfully-wedded spouses.

They answer yes.

Now, for those that know civil marriages, there exists more after this. This is not the end of the ceremony.

With that information out of the way, the Sisters, sitting in the front row, catch the "I do". The man who is standing behind Mutu recording the entire thing on his phone, begins flipping out.

Sister Veshuure pulls out the biggest party popper I have ever seen in my life and fires it off. Confetti goes EVERYWHERE. Mutu ducks like he's getting firebombed. The officiant is trying to figure out if we had just gotten attacked.

"IT'S NOT DONE YET, THERE'S STILL MORE" someone says.

With everyone covered in confetti, the meeting proceeds, and it's completed.

The relief is insurmountable.

It was chaos, but I will say, it was wonderful.

The next day, Elder Xanthos and I are running every which way to get Mutu's BAPTISM ready! Also Zone Conference, which was in a few days.

Needless to say, it was a crazy day and the roads were still closed.

The baptism is delayed by an hour and a half-- delayed enough that Mahalis goes and gets sandwiches for everyone. Vilgot, one of the kids in the Branch, is walking around in his underwear, having taken a swim before everyone arrived. Soba is sitting on a rock, preparing himself spiritually to baptize Mutu, listening to a talk.

The baptism was beautiful. I wish you could have been there to see it. The most emotion I've ever seen Mutu express was moments after he came out of that water. A new person. It was the first time I have ever been involved in a sea-baptism as well. It was special.

Then began the adventure of getting everyone home. Soba, Mutu, Elder Xanthos, and I pile into the Fronk's van and begin the trek to driving home. A drive that was supposed to take 30 minutes takes us an hour and a half, and we find ourselves, starved, soaked, and tired at 11pm.

"Should we stop at Mc's?" Elder Fronk asks. Funny enough, Elder Xanthos and I were about to stop on the way back from the wedding.

So here we are, my companion and I, wearing all white, soaking, and walking into a McDonalds.

What a sight to see, certainly for those around.

But man, those McNuggets are hard to beat at 11pm.

The next day, Monday, is not a P-day as usual, but rather a work day. P-day was moved to Wednesday in order to have a Zone p-day all together.

That day turns into taking care of a ticket that Van had encurred, basically planning the entire Zone Conference, and taking care of loose ends. We were basically working until the moment our heads hit the pillow.

I was impressed with how quickly Elder Xanthos was able to pack.

Next day, we spend 3 hours at the municipality, which significantly delay our departure out of Thessaloniki. Nevertheless, we eventually get on the road!

"Look at this, this is great. We have the ticket taken care of, the Sisters are on the train down to Athens and we are on the ro-- does that say 2 o'clock?" is a near direct quote from Elder Fronk. It had me laughing so hard.

On our way down though, we take a small stop and visit the the city where Paul departed from to get to Athens. We discover the ruins of an ancient church that had even been turned into a castle by the Franks at one point. A wonderfully kind Greek man showed us around that place, and it was wonderful.

5 hours later, we get to Athens at almost 8pm, and take care of all the luggages in the Athens church building. Elder Xanthos and I drive to the airport to pick up the missionaries coming in from Cyprus for Zone Conference. Needless to say, we are pretty tired. We get to our apartment at about 11pm. The next day, we get ready to go to play Lazer tag, and have an absolute blast. It was honestly the best Lazer tag I have ever played. I felt like I was in Black Ops 3 or something. We all had a blast.

The next day, we had Zone Conference, which next week, I think I will explain the topic of our training next week, since I really felt passionate about it. It was my last zone training as a missionary. It was an interesting feeling. People said they liked it, so I hope that means something.

Now, here we are, in Thessaloniki, Elder Morgan, Elder Bonney, and I.

I really like to include a spiritual aspect in these, but I just have such a hard time summarizing the week, since there was so much to include, yet so much that I couldn't even mention.

We saw a lot of history the last few weeks, and a lot of preservation. I was reading a book from Elder Fronk's library, and I couldn't remark at the brilliance of how well the idea of what a museum or history is explained. The phrase included below was translated from Greek into English. Which I think it even more impressive.

"Death transubstantiates. Whatever ;died; and was buried, accompanying the deceased in his tomb, whatever the earth kept for centuries in its embrace, may perhaps one day return to daylight, but it will never be the same as it was. The finds, no longer usable but nonetheless useful, raised on their pedestals become monuments, fragments of memory, ideas rather than material objects. Without their owners they become possessions of us all. They are exhibited in such a way that they are at once accessible and inaccessible; touching them by the living is prohibited, yet they are invaluable witnesses of the touch of those who have lain dead for hundreds of years."

The conclusion of this week, or arching idea: do not underestimate the power of prayer. I have not had that confirmed to me more than this last transfer. Oh, what a powerful, yet simple, form of worship.

I love you all, and hope the weather doesn't cool down too much for you! It's getting to be perfect down here. Not too cold, but not too hot.

Love ya!

Elder Dylan Hansen

Not sure exactly why, maybe it's since I'm nearing the end of my mission, but I've reflected a lot on my mission. It's really interesting the progression of things as my mission has συνέβη (happened).

Those that have been following along for a while would recognize this story as I recount the time the missionaries in Athens went caroling and the Orthodox Priest began to shout at us. Needless to say, people were not very receptive at that time. I honestly would think, "Are we ever going to reach these people? Not in my mission life time..."

I now think forward to Elder Schneider's and I's time in Nicosia. We called a referral who wanted to learn more about baptism. The man who answered was in 20's, born and raised in Cyprus. First words he said to me were,

"I was baptized in the Orthodox Church as a child, but I don't feel like I got to choose Christ. Now that I am older, I feel like that would mean a lot more if I chose Christ and I am baptized now. I want to get baptized again, but the Orthodox Church won't let me."

I was in shock, and we discussed more beliefs about the church, all of which agreed with excitement. We spoke on the phone for nearly an hour. We agreed that he would come to church on Sunday, and witness the baptism we would be having that day. He agreed and we concluded our call.

20 minutes later, he sent me a text, sending a anti video, explaining that he was not interested at all after looking us up on YouTube. Elder Schneider's German bluntness overtook me, and I sent to him, "Man, honestly that video is not it. It is not even remotely correct, and this is what we talked about how people don't always have the best intentions and you need to check your sources.“

We called and spoke for another few minutes since our lesson for that block had fallen through. He eventually was open to the idea of maybe talking again, but really didn't want to talk to us anymore.

My first reaction was to get frustrated. After all, we had just spoken to someone, who had a very real realization, and we discussed with him for 1.5 hours about it to end in "nothing".

But to get frustrated was quickly overtaken by a second thought. Have you read "To Kill a Mocking Bird"? It's a good book. Without getting too much into the details, I couldn't help but think of my English teacher.

"Yes... It is sad. But have you thought of it as, maybe, ‘progress‘?“

I thought back to my days in Athens, where giving a pass-along card or getting a simple, "hello" back on the street was victory.

Now, I'm sitting in here, having a conversation with someone for over an hour about something they have recognized that would be part of Christ's church; that being the agency to choose Christ.

Regardless of his decision at the end of the conversation...

"...have you thought of it as, maybe, ‘progress‘?“

Our mission president has recommend to us to continue to pray for the hearts of the people to be softened.

I personally can testify that I've begun to see that in my mission.

This is no time to slow down or stop. Brothers and Sister's, we're just getting started. I just wish I could be here as it picks up faster than we can keep up. God cares so much for these people. Even in times when we are yelled at or called things on the street and it feels hard to love these people, there are the small moments where the love of God for these people is beyond human understanding.

Well, shall we talk about Thessaloniki for a moment?

What a wonderful place! The history here is crazy, I couldn't stop talking about it with Elder Fronk on the way to the Ancient City of Dion today.

Oh, how I missed the Greek. I feel I've lost some of my confidence in my Greek since I've been in Cyprus, but I'm hoping to regain it. Elder Xanthos and I are working on that. But it's so wonderful to speak it again.

I have never served here before, so I had no idea what to expect. So you can imagine my shock when we walked into a TGI Friday's, saw two Greek Orthodox Priest and Deacon stand up and greet us missionaries like old pals after a long trip.

The father has been a friend of the missionaries for a long time, and we have good relations. I discovered the last transfer the missionaries had a 3 hour interfaith meeting with these two. It went wonderfully, and the deacon was particularly interested in family history.

Well, we got lunch all together, and had a wonderful discussion about the early church in Thessaloniki, among other things.

"Well, that's one way to start off the transfer!" I couldn't help but think.

Yes. Everyone was staring at us. Not everyday you see the Orthodox Church and Latter-day Saints eating at a TGI Friday's.

My first introduction to the members was also interesting, considering my first interaction with Brother Tanto was him jumping our car.

Long story short, after arriving from the 5 hour drive to Thess, our car wouldn't start the following morning. We called the Fronks, who then refered us to Brother Tanto, since he might have a better idea on how where to replace the battery or what our options where.

"Που είσαστε; (where are you?)" he asked through the phone. We explained our location, and he pulled up in 15 minutes.

"Get in!" he beckons, as we slide into his car. We guide him to the van, and he promptly jumps the vehicle, sends us the location for a battery store, and leaves.

I thought it was a scene out of a movie, or he was the main character and we were a side quest he decided to fill out.

We later discovered the vehicle had other issues in it, so we had to put it in the shop for a week.

This resulted in us going on an hour and a half bus ride to some members' house twice that week. It was such a unique experience. And hey, we got Ikea meatballs after the third time! It was great!

That P-day was really the first day I had to get to know the Fronks. We took it slow since we didn't have the van. Let me say, I haven't cry-laughed for some time. He did a wonderful job helping us feel welcome to Thessaloniki. I am so grateful for them.

I was particularly thankful for Elder Fronk's concern as I got food poisoning last week.

I had eaten something that cause me to awake at 5am to puke my guts out. Honestly, I haven't gotten that sick in a long time. I promptly returned to bed, hoping it was a one-time thing, and I would only suffer with an upset stomach through Sacrament Meeting the following day, of which I was giving a talk.

Boy, was I wrong.

... One puking session later, I walk into the study room.

"Elder, how are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, are you sick?"

"Sort of. I feel great as of right now. Let's see how this morning goes though." The feeling of "good" did not reside, and I found myself puking about 10 minutes later.

The urgent return to the restroom persisted the rest of the morning. Eventually, it was decided I couldn't give a talk.

"Elder we invited so many people to church, and we gotta get the zoom laptop returned to the church!" Elder Xanthos proclaimed.

"Well, let's go to church then. We can decide then."

After a short terrible trip to the church I think Elder Xanthos thought I was going to die on, we made it to the church. Honestly the next events are bit of a blur, but I find myself laying in Elder Fronk's office on an oversized teddy bear for three hours since Elder Fronk and Elder Xanthos questioned my ability to return to the vehicle. In reflection, it was a valid concern since I threw up at some point when we got the church (thankfully I made it to the bathroom to do so).

It took a couple days to recover, but I was thankful it was quick enough to not slow down the work too much. Elder Fronk asked me to give my talk the next week, which obviously to prepare the best as a thanks to the care he gave.

The adventure getting home was something of itself, but I've probably elaborated enough as it is. Needless to say, I could figure I was not feeling very good when I began to sing "The Spirit of God" in Greek and English to myself. Not sure exactly why I did that. Huh.

Well. I should get to bed.

I hope you all are doing well! I hope the weather has been treating you well! It's cooling down here, so it's a little more bearable every day!

Elder Dylan Hansen

(Elder Hansen sent this email on August 12 but I forgot to post it. Sorry! - Mom)

Alrighty. I don't have a lot of time tonight but we got some stuff to get written down and shared!

We just got back from celebrating Tasos' birthday, and it was an absolute blast. We are down in Athens for exchanges, and we took the moment to visit him. Elder Crossely, Elder Xanthos, and I went. It felt like old times. I want to say I haven't laughed that hard in a while, but I recall last P-day with Elder and Sister Fronk, and I was dying of laughter. I don't know if I've cried laughed since Athens. It was so wonderful. Both moments. Spyros and the senior missionaries were at Tasos' as well, which was wonderful as well.

I don't have a lot of time, and I still have things from Cyprus to include! And pictures! So I'm gonna do something that I don't like to do; I'll do a list. But maybe the lack of context will keep it more interesting.

Let's go!

- We met with this young woman who had lived in Idaho for an exchange year, and her best friend was a member. So she came back to Cyprus, where she was from, and we spoke for an hour at a cafe. That was the most involved I've ever seen someone during a lesson. We had a super deep discussion about who God is, and she really wanted to understand what we believe. Next time we met, we had a getting to know you lesson. It was a bit backwards, but it was super cool. She had an Orthodox background, and her knowledge was really high. It was very fun. Never have I ever talked about the nature and who God is so in depth during a first lesson. Teach to needs, I guess!

- We met with another young women from Bulgaria that was a self-proclaimed prophet by saying things such as, "Christ SPEAKS through ME," in a very emphatic tone. She wanted to come to church to make sure we were "of Christ" and not stealing people's money. Unfortunately, she went back to Bulgaria before then. I was kinda looking forward to it, would have made quite the story.

- Elvira's friend, who we had been teaching, testified to us the change Elvira had during our time teaching her. We were informed she was a bit of a fireball and it was hard for her to leave something if she got offended. "Leave it!" Elvira said to her friend once.

"I was shocked! She really has changed!" she said. It was wonderful.

- It was my last time at Cans for Kids, and the organizer was not being happy about it. "Find yourself back in Cyprus, alright? We'll miss your zeal for the work. You work hard." I didn't have the heart to say I would probably finish my mission in Thess (Thessaloniki). I honestly will miss it, and I couldn't help but feel that. A chapter of my mission had ended.

I have more, but I'm gonna save it for when I have more time. They really deserve a full story.

So we flew from Cyprus into Athens, got to hang out there for a day, then began the 4.5 hour drive to Thessaloniki. It's honestly one of the most beautiful drives. I really do enjoy it. I've done it 4 or so times now in my mission, and every time it is its own adventure. Elder Xanthos really likes driving it.

Honestly, I'm really enjoying Thessaloniki. The members are good fun, and-- my goodness, I've missed the GREEK! It's such a pleasure to speak with people again. I didn't realize I would miss the experience of trying to figure out what the heck someone just said.

Something super beautiful that shocked me this last week is how much the work is progressing here in Greece. I feel like I'm in a different country from the first time I came here. Elder Xanthos and I actively go out with the intention of finding not one, but multiple people. The first time we went, we found 5 people in an hour. It was really cool!

I told our mission President, I don't need to adjust my expectation much when going from Cyprus to Greece! The work is very busy in Cyprus, but Greece feels like it will catch up sometime in the near future. The gap is not so big.

I really like how Elder Fronk framed Greece. Greece has always been the crossroads of Europe. And, it still is. We get to meet people from all around the world, and the gospel is spread to those places they go. During Sunday School, we read the scriptures in 4 different languages out of necessity. It was so cool.

I have more details from just the first week, since it was so crazy, but I'll have to close off here and save it for the next one I guess.

But as I said in the beginning of this email, we are actually back in Athens. We drove down to do exchanges, and will be here until Thursday. I'm kinda sad to be out of our area that long, but it's really out of necessity. We'll keep having lessons online.

What a wild ride. And I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet!

I love you all, and have a wonderful week! The weather is lightening up a little here, but it's still pretty killer!

Elder Dylan Hansen

Well. I started this email a lot later than I should have and don't have enough time to write all of Joselina's conversion story.

What a wild week.

I struggle to even remember the details that describe everything, so I'll focus on bits and pieces.

Elder Schneider and I both had a transfer that we both remarked as one that would be something that we would highlight about our missions. It was truely a special transfer.

As I have said before, our mission is very finding-focused. Because of the nature of the place we serve, we spend a lot of time finding people who are interested. Honestly, it was hard for me at first because I am someone who really appreciates focusing on specific people.

Last transfer was different. Thanks to the work put in and the preparation from the Lord, Elder Schneider and I were about to do exactly that; focus on individuals and needs. It was one of the most wonderful things to see the change in someone's heart as they came towards their Savior.

No one embodies this change more than Joselina this last transfer.

If you recall from 6 emails or so ago, we had the adventure of meeting a family where the father is Persian and his wife from the Philippines. They've been living here for 24 years.

Joselina liked to speak with us but she wasn't very content with the idea of changing her religion. She wanted to learn from the scriptures so we would read when we met.

Eventually they got too busy and we had to set them as "too busy" in our Area Book. Honestly, it was extremely difficult for me to stop trying to visit them, but I look in retrospect with a better understanding now why that needed to happen.

4 weeks later, Elder Bonney and I are out finding and knocking on doors. He expressed some understandable frustration with our success with it-- more like the lack of it.

At that moment Joselina and her husband popped into my mind like a light.

"You wanna go find two people right now?" I said to him.

"Sure?"

I walked us to what was to to him a random building, random floor, and random door.

"Hansen!!" I remember Joselina shouting as her husband invited us in.

We discovered that they had just been wondering where we were and were missing us coming over. One day later is when Elder Bonney and I show up.

I'll sum up an absolute adventure of a story. By the end of the transfer and into the next, Elder Schneider and I have the idea to read the Book of Mormon over the phone every night for two weeks just to see if that would work.

Man, did it work! She began to progress so fast. Months ago she began her journey to Christ with, "Don't rush us! We don't want to be pressured into this."

Now with Elder Bonney and I she would say, "You know, maybe in time... People change their religion all the time! They can make that choice."

Flash forward to her attending Joel's Baptism. Keep in mind, we had read much of the Book of Mormon just by reading one chapter almost every night.

I finished getting changed out of my wet clothes, and walk into the sacrament room, where everyone is sitting.

I see her, and she waves me over.

"Hansen-- my turn next week?"

I already mentioned this in my last email, but I wanted to demonstrate the complete change of heart.

Without getting into it, there was some complications with her interview, and it resulted in her sobbing over the phone, feeling she was not worthy to be baptized. "I just... want to make sure the day I am baptized, I am accepted into the church..." she wept to me.

After speaking with the mission president and sorting out an interview where I and my district leader could be there to help her feel more comfortable and answer the questions more easily.

After we had a meal appointment with the Li family, which I will get to in a second, and began our drive to Larnaca, Elder Bartsch called her with my phone.

He asked her a couple more questions, until finally he says, "Can you give us a moment?"

Right that second, I pull over the vehicle and he looks at me and asks, "Do I ask her if she wanted to get baptized tomorrow?"

"...Sure? If it feels right!" I say.

He unmutes the phone. "Joselina, I feel that you are ready, and do you want to get baptized tomorrow?"

"WHAT? Really!!??" an exclamation enough to make me want to cry, but she did that for me in that moment.

Needless to say, this was the fastest I've ever planned a baptism. Not 24 hours later, she was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. She wept throughout the entire meeting. 10 hours later, I was on my way to the airport to Athens. 24 hours later, we were on the road to Thessaloniki (my new transfer). Not a lot of breathing room, to say simply.

It was one of the most special moments of my mission. To see her become the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ in that branch from the person I meet 3 transfers ago.

"I still have many worries. We still have problems. But I'm not worried anymore. I know it is with God. I trust God now."

The worth of souls is great in the sight of God. Oh, how I will miss their family.

I felt a taste of God's love visiting the Li family last Sunday. My various companions and I have been teaching the sons English twice a week for a while. I've been doing it for 3 transfers. I didn't realize how close I'd grown to this family, until Dongling realized I was leaving and said, "Please come this Sunday!"

Impossible to decline.

We had to eat quickly with them, but we talked about their plans and how they've been a support in the this Branch and everyone is better for having them.

Everytime we have done lessons, Dongling prays first, and John Wayne second. Even at meal appointments, we would have exactly that.

We said our goodbyes, and I suggested we should have a prayer together before we left.

"You pray," John Wayne says, pointing at me.

"Okay," I reply and begin to pray. An overwhelming sense of love for this family catches my tongue. It's weird how the spirit has a way of doing that.

Why is it possible to come so close to a family without speaking their own language?

I feel bad for Elder Bartsch who had to watch me try to drive down to Larnaca, weeping and sobbing. I hate to cry in front of people, but I don't think I had a choice in that moment. I will miss them very much.

I have so much more to write, but I think that's all I got time for.

I love you all, and hope you have a wonderful week.

Elder Dylan Hansen

"The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
"The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
"The visions and blessings of old are returning,
"And angels are coming to visit the earth.
"We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the armies of heaven,
"Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
"Let glory to them in the highest be given,
"Henceforth and forever,
"Amen and amen!"

"The Spirit of God" has been played at both baptisms of this transfer. It's interesting how that has been selected each time as a closing hymn by those being baptized.

I actually listened to the Joseph Smith Podcast on the writing of the song, and it's a beautiful history. I recommend hearing it.

I've served nearly about 8 month total in Cyprus, all of which have been in Nicosia. Seems like they couldn't keep me out of here. Honestly, it has been a roller coaster of emotions and experiences.

I'd be lying if I didn't say it wasn't always my favorite. There was hard times here. Every day I walk into the room I got the news I was getting sent home early. Everyday, take from the bowls I would eat over thinking, "Did I make the right decision to come back on my mission?" I sleep in the bed I, apparently, spoke in my sleep from, stressing about the branch I was president of. I asked my mission president last time I met with him, "Is there a reason I'm still here? Is there something specific you need me to do?"

I sit here, even now, asking, "Why do I have to leave?"

The first time I asked myself that, I realized, "Ah. That's why."

I look forward to my time in Thessaloniki; without a doubt, I look forward to it, maybe only with a little fear. But I must admit, when I found out I was leaving Nicosia, my heart broke.

"That's why you stayed, I needed you to see what I saw here," I can imagine God saying.

My heart broke, a feeling I haven't felt in a long time.

"Why does it hurt so much?"

"Because it was real."

It hit me when it was announced I was leaving to Thessaloniki, and my friend Michael, whose wife is getting baptized soon, leaned forward to see me and said with tears in his eyes, "It's like loosing family, why you leave?"

These last few transfers have been, arguably, the most "successful" transfers of my mission. It has felt I've been able to deliver the best I have to offer this last transfer, and it's been a good feeling-- certainly. But I don't think that's the only reason I was here for so long, since I am sure any other missionary could have taken on what I and my companions had if they have the Lord on their side. I don't think there is anything special about me in that sense. Maybe I'm a little more crazy and blunt now, haha!

God need me to learn to love a place that was so packed despite the hardships. To condemn a place because of the, in retrospect, minor difficulties I had is wrong.

A member spoke to one of our friends this last week saying, "You know, I spent so much time thinking Elder Hansen was intimitating or [phone break, I missed the word] but I realized, I was wrong!" I was glad she didn't think of that anymore, but I more so realized, was I misjudging something for myself.

I am going to miss this area very much. I will especially miss the members. The member families, the single members, and the friends will hold a special place in my heart for a while. I'm so thankful for the time I had here. I hope I was able to contribute something of value to such a special place.

Let me stop gushing about it, and give you some reasons why.

Joel got baptized this last week on Sunday.

Elder Wahl, Crossley, and I met him after Elder Wahl had randomly contacted him on Facebook. Apparently, this was moments after Joel had prayed to God to come closer to Him or to help Joel.

We began to meet with him, and he loved to learn. He went from a quiet man, to him sharing his bright personality, continuously sending us messages about friends he wanted to share the gospel to.

Joel testified to me that it doesn't take complicated faith to believe in Jesus Christ. We don't need to have a complete knowledge of everything to be able to follow the Savior. Every day I study the scriptures I learn something, and nearly every day I find 3 or 4 more questions that I want to find in the scriptures and learn about. I don't know if we can ever stop learning, and I think that's the point. Our heart needs to be in the right place-- and be willing.

Joel was so ready to follow the Savior. I think he lost at least two jobs because he wanted to come to church every Sunday.

"I have to be there, I have to come to church. It''s where I need to be," he shrugged.  I felt it was such simple and pure testimony.

We had his service after church, and the excitement he had overtook his anxiety of being in front of everyone. He came in wearing a nice colored shirt and pants, and after he was baptized, he changed into a very nice, all white, outfit he wore to signify his change into a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Funny note, he would not take my forearm low enough that I or Elder Lamb felt he would be completely submerged into the water. Elder Lamb came to me after saying he thought we would have to do it a second time until I put him in the water. Apparently the definition of "buried in the water". He came out of the water like a rocket since I had to put him in so low and water rushed up his nose. I have never gotten so wet from a baptism. I usually get away with a short length of my sleeves wet, but we were both pretty darn wet.

It was absolutely wonderful. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

I went and changed only my pants (since I had forgotten a white shirt-- oops) and stepped into the foyer to wait for Joel before entering the Sacrament Room for his confirmation.

I spotted Joselina, who waved and becond me over.

"Elder Hansen-- next, my turn?" she asked timidly; as if we would say no.

"Of course!!"

We had a beautiful confirmation, after that, and the spirit was felt so strongly. Even up to the last verse of "The Spirit of God".

The Li's, some of our newest baptized members, had smiles from ear to ear the whole time. I think it was a good reminder to them of their baptism only 6 or so months ago.

I will say though, I will miss that family. I can testify the love and spirit transends language barriers. I don't speak a single bit of Chinese, and they speak very little English. Yet the closeness we've felt towards them has been developing since we've been here. We teach them English connect every week, and I absolutely love helping them to learn and speak the language.

The hardest thing I've ever had help them understand in English was that I was leaving this next week. Brother Li, the father of the two boys we teach English, thought I was saying till October. I felt so bad.

I will say that I trust the hands they will go into. The next missionaries will treat this Branch with the love and respect it deserves; I know it. I say this as if this Branch is not in the hands of God already, but I testify to you that God has been keeping his eye on this place for a long time.

I have so much more to write, but I guess I'll have to save that for next P-day. Funny enough, because of the events of this week, P-day was on Saturday, and our next is on Monday. So, see you again soon for part two!

I love you all and may God guide you. For those that need rest such as I, I hope you take a moment to receive it.

Elder Dylan Hansen

I feel like I was sitting down and writing one of these just a few days ago. I am surprised how quickly the week went by! That might be thanks to two exchanges, a busy area, and a baptism. Who woulda thought that would make a week busy...

Honestly though, it's like the usual remark that the week flies by, but when you think of specific events, they feel like they were a month ago. Days are weeks, weeks are days.

Let me start off with how much I love my brethren in Christ, the Larnaka Elders, who we had exchanges with.

It's funny, but it was the first time in nearly 2 or so months that I had filmed a video for a missionary. I felt so rusty! Sounds like a comparison that could be used for a gospel principle or something... But we'll save that for another time, haha. Honestly though, it was a great deal of fun to pull the camera out and recall something I had so much fun doing in the past.

It's actually been a super interesting experience spending so much time away from the camera (aside from P-days of course). I have to be honest, at the beginning of my mission I had a pretty unfortunate mentality about my work as a missionary.

"You are simply here because you are good with a camera and computers. That's your contribution to the work."  – me

I am disappointed to admit how long I felt that way in my mission. At times, even now, I still have to swat those thoughts away.

I think we all have times where we only think of ourselves as contributors in one or two ways. Someone we might think we are only good at teaching but not good at finding...or good at finding people to teach but not good at teaching them.

I think that's an effort Satan makes to limit our abilities. I don't think God sent us here to simply become better at what we already do, but rather to work on our weaknesses.

I've said this so many times already but I don't think those that may have known me before my mission would fully recognize me when I'm out talking to people on the street. We literally try to talk to every person that looks us in the eyes... and more. I am nowhere near the best at it, that is for sure. But you know what? I am improving. I'm not in a competition. I'm on a mission.

But if my mission was a competition... I would definitely be winning in one category...

FIND THE COOLEST THING EVER AT THE STORE!

I've literally thought this my entire mission: "You know how much we could use a good old fashioned camping chair?" Elder Schneider must have thought I was crazy when I saw one on the shelf at the store the other day for a very good price. "THERE'S NO WAY!" I recall exclaiming.

Needless to say, it makes a nice addition to our apartment. We only have one chair for the balcony, so now we have two so we can actually sit on chairs out there! I think I could be over-hyping this but, honestly, it's the small things that count I guess. Also I'm tired. So there we are, almost 3 paragraphs about a camping chair.

I don't have a lot of time left, but I need to talk about the highlight of this week as well as this transfer up to this point.

A while back, the sisters had found someone on social media that expressed interest in coming to church. The note we had on her was, "She can't meet any other time than on Sunday, so teach her after church. She'll be baptised someday, but  σιγά σιγά!"

" σιγά σιγά " meaning, "Slowly but surely."

Well, after she discussed getting baptized during Relief Society and I confronted her about it, we did not take it "σιγά σιγά". We first started meeting for a while after church but, call it my impatience, we began to meet with her during the week over video call right after she finished her 10 hour work days. I originally felt bad about it, but once we asked her at the beginning of the lesson, "What was the best part of your day today, Elvira?"

"Right now is the best part of my day! This!" she proclaimed. It was wonderful.

She has already been a wonderful addition to the Nicosia Branch, and she will bless many lives by her testimony and example. Her baptism this last Saturday was an experience I will not forget. The honor to help her come closer and make promises to God the Father and Jesus Christ was overwhelming at a few moments.

We spend a lot of time studying the scriptures as missionaries. We try to learn better for ourselves to answer our own questions, and hope to better answer the questions of others as we study to become better disciples of Jesus Christ. I often find myself getting lost in the scriptures or a podcast made by the church about certain details of things; yet this does the opposite effect I would have anticipated. The more I've studied, the simpler my faith has become. Our knowledge increases as we study His Gospel, but I've seen how those that can barely read one page out of the Book of Mormon, because of their lack of education, revere the Son of God as their Redeemer and Savior more than some scholars. They place their full trust in Him.

"I still have a lot to learn, but I will continue to learn as a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints," Elvira said as she bore her testimony after her baptism. Sometimes I wish I could better understand that kind of faith.

"And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. And now, behold, I say unto you, and I would that ye should remember, that God is merciful unto all who believe on his name; therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe, yea, even on his word." - Alma 32:21-22

Well, I should go to bed, I'm pretty tired. After a week of two exchanges and a baptism, I guess it makes sense.

I love you all and hope you have a blessed week! The time is flying by faster than I can get a hold on it. The weather is still hot though!

Elder Dylan John Hansen

I'm so tired.

But man, I am so thankful.

But goodness-- I'm tired. Those familiar with Alma 27:18 might know what kind of tired I'm meaning.

I've been in Nicosia three times in my mission, and each of the times were special -certainly-- but I think I've begun to really understand what it means when God works in his own timings.

He's keeping us busy here, and I've absolutely loved teaching. We have so many unique experiences with people, and it's been keeping us on our toes. Sometimes, lessons are within 3 minutes of each other, so as we dial the number of the next person we are meeting with on the phone, we will decide what to teach. Or as we walk from one place to another, we do the same.

But a huge blessing has come from this. What Elder Schneider and I have learned from this method of teaching people so close together, is focusing on needs of the people we meet with.

Oh, how often we turn people into checklists. That's how we are raised at times, anyways. I've got to get THIS many points to pass the test.

People aren't tests, though.

Sometimes we find ourselves just talking to someone about what they liked about what they saw about the church, and it quickly turning into a discussion about something of the church or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Call it unpreparedness, but we really do make an effort to be prepared; we've even been taking our time after 9pm to create lessons plans for the next few lessons.

Here's the beauty of something that's been happening the last few weeks; We've been ready for these lessons, and our friends are progressing without our constant focus on "what to teach".

After these imprompto lessons, we go through the gospel principles, and we've taught more than guided lessons we've prepared for. The spirit has been working in remarkable ways. And we've developed a better connection with the person we've been teaching.

Nothing testifies to me about the spirit more than the lesson we had with one of our good friends we've been meeting with for a while.

It was the first lesson Elder Schneider and I had together, it being the second day he arrived.

Our lessons with Adrian are always wonderful, but I really wanted us to push it forward this time. New transfer, new start I guess. Boldness, here we come. Walking out the door, I thought, "Oh maybe I should bring my Quad." So I quickly slipped it into my bag and we made our way to the church.

"So bro, I have one question as we start. We've basically taught you most of what we teach those before they are baptized. What do you think about everything?"

Elder Schneider later informed me that it caught him completely off guard. My bad, I guess.

Needless to say, this spiraled into a huge discussion about faith, the church, the authority, and particularly the Book of Mormon.

We paused for a moment and I asked if I could ask him something. "Do you believe the Book of the Mormon is the word of God?" looking him straight in the eyes.

"Bro... that's a good question..."

"You're not gonna hurt our feelings, you can be honest."

He lightened up in his seat and said, "Well, man, if that's the case, definitely not."

Honestly, in almost any other situation, that would be devastating. But somehow, the spirit prompted us to keep moving forward.

"Why?"

Which led into a long discussion yet again about scriptures, what they are and who wrote them. I was so glad I had studied this just a few days priorly.

I think of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings to describe our discussion:

Frodo: Before you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of.

Gandalf: Indeed?

Frodo: Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.

Gandalf: [...] I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door.

I told him the bible was written over a long period of time. In fact, 1,000s of years of time. And when Moses received the revelation that is now in Exodus, it didn't exist in writing or orally up until that point. And God continued to reveal truth through the prophets-- even Jesus Christ.

"Right," Adrian affirmed.

"Why did it stop?"

I absolutely love this part. You gaze into the eyes of a person who, regardless if they fully understood what you said, are having gears turning in their head.

"Well.. maybe in like 1,000 years the bible and the Book of Mormon will be in one book."

"Dude-- guess what," I reached into my bag and nearly threw my quad into his hands, "It already is!"

We were all so caught off guard by the perfect situation, we all laughed until our faces went red. It was so wonderful, and the lesson concluded well. Elder Schneider claimed, to use his words, I was "dropping bars" during the lesson. He exaggerates, but he was doing well. It was one of the best lessons I've had on my mission. It set a great expectation at the start of the transfer, and that boldness has continued onward since that moment. It works a lot, it seems. I shouldn't be surprised; we preach the truth!

The Book of Mormon is more to me than just a book that I can learn from. It's a testament to me that God still cares about us. We are no different compared to the past in regards to needed a connection to our creator and Savior.

I was doing a lot of thinking about the church and the statement of true. As well as this life being a test.

I remember hearing growing up in the church that this life was a test. Even as a child, I used to have questions about that. For we are saved by grace after all that we do, but calling this life a test made it feel that if I didn't score high enough on the Scoreboard of Life, it would be "Game Over" or I got an "F" or something. It seemed like this life was all about works.

Amongst my thoughts of this, I was asked to give a talk this last Sunday, an hour before the meeting began, about the Plan of Salvation. Though I enjoy the challenge of not being given a lot of time to prepare, not much was coming to mind. I struggled.

A thought came back to my mind as I was concluding the talk.

There is a different type of test. A test of quality.

When I was home, I really liked a show called "Forged in Fire". It was a show were blacksmiths would compete to see who could make the best blade-- usually a sword. Naturally, I learned a lot about steals and knives as I watched the show and did research on it on my own.

On this show, there was a test preformed on the blades that I did not expect. Typically, we imagine a blade is considered strong if it's very ridged. However, with long swords or skinny blades, the blade to bend on impact is a inevitable.

The test was not conducted on whether the blade would bend, but rather if after the impact, would return to it's original alignment-- straight. The word used is "true". How well it could return to true would often reveal the quality and craftsmanship of the blade.

This invoked a lot of thought in me. This life is not a test to get a certain number of points on our "gospel report card" to quote Brad Wilcox. Rather a test of our ability to return to "true" after a trail of our faith. A test of quality of our spiritual steel.

Are we willing to follow the savior to the end? Are we willing to follow his commandments? To covenant with our Father in Heaven?

It's still an analogy that I have to give more thought, but I've felt a lot of comfort in thinking about this life as this form of test of "integrity" so to speak. I know I won't be perfect in this life. I have so much work to do. It nearly gets overwhelming at times, as many could relate to. Yet, am I working, while I'm in the furnace of life, developing into the character that will want it and be willing to follow what is required of it? When I am tested for quality, will I return to true? I know I wouldn't-- if it wasn't for my savior.

Well, I should get some rest. I hope you have had a good week. Have a blessed time, and good luck in the heat!

I didn't get the chance to tell the man at the bus stop who didn't have the time to hear us, but I'll say it now; God loves you!

Elder Dylan John Hansen

I don't know what the deal is about the 3 hours on P-day that have been hitting so hard the last few days, but I feel like opening with another experience from just barely.

Having so much to think about every single day makes it difficult to tell the stories from the week. But to me, this was important, so that's what matters I guess.

Throughout the scriptures, many people meet in high places to communicate to God. There are often a comparisons to temples and mountains, even.

I think, in inspiration, many people seek this out to create the space in which invites the spirit. Scriptures say to pray in secret after all.

When I opened my mission call, I went to a local park on my own, and sat in my car as I prayed to God to feel a confirmation this was the place I should serve. For me, this place was suffice to feel the spirit. I did.

Yet, there exists other places we can feel the love of God. Not always where we expect.

The embrace of a parent, around a campfire, or a walk through the quiet snow. Today, it was a call with a friend.
Why do these people need to go through such a hard time? I know God's plan and there is "something exalting about suffering," but I want to reach out with both hands. It's like trying to pick up too many things, and at times, it's hard to bear. I can't help them all. But, oh God, let me help one. Just one.

I didn't expect a simple contacting session (calling friends to follow up with commitments and such) the apartment couch I would feel the love of God has for his children once more.

One of our friends is going through a particularly hard time. He asked us to pray for him today. I texted him that we would and that we hoped the best for him and knew God will guide him. I considered that done, until I felt I should call him. Not because he was the next person on the list to contact-- we contacted him already technically-- but because I wanted to.

We had a honest and beautiful discussion about God's will and how God will bless effort and magnify it. I promised him that the church will always be a blessing he can have in his life. He's found it now.

We ended our discussion. It was when he sent me a text saying thanks that it hit me;

Loving the people is the key to missionary work, I've heard. I didn't call him because I had a job to do. I didn't even have to technically. But I did that because I wanted to.

I don't say this to boast, please don't catch me wrong, but to express a change of mentality.

I wanted to. It wasn't going through the rhythm of things. I hesitated to record the call in our record app because almost felt wrong to have any record of it. It was so personal to me. Not because of the subject of the call, but because it was something else.

There was no reason but to show love and support to my friend. I wanted so badly for him to succeed. Yet, it was one of the most effective contacts I've had in my mission life.

I think I'm talking in circles at this point, but I feel that's because I'm not sure if I've fully expressed my point. But I just imagine if every moment and every missionary was 100% like this. What would the missionary work look like across the world? I struggle to feel this at times myself, but as I've said before, God gives us the chance to get a taste at times. What an honor.

I don't like to cry in front of people, so you can imagine myself, trying to hide it from my companion, haha. Still fighting it as I'm writing this.

Well, we had a lot that happened this week. I don't like to make lists, but I feel it will speak to the "whack" that was this week.

- Two exchanges
- Wedding (yes, a second one)
- North YSA conference
- Two district conferences
- Leadership Training meeting
- Zone P-day

This last week has been a month, and yet past faster than I thought. It's such a weird feeling.

I got to be with my broda Huhtala, as I mentioned, and I gotta say, they have one of the best beds in the mission. That was the best sleep I've had since I put the tag on, I think. That was a dream. Literally.

After which, I went to Larnaka to rejoin with Elder Bonney and for the wedding that night. It was super cool, and Elder Bonney played the music beautifully. I got to do the pictures as well, which was fun. It was interesting to be at a wedding that I was not conducting.

The next morning, I went up with Elder Morgan to Nicosia, which after an awesome day (we found someone that was going to U of U while finding!!), I rejoined with Elder Bonney again, and Elder Morgan went back to Larnaka.

To save you the details that will mean nothing to you and nothing to me in 20 years probably, we had the conference which had 80% non-members there. The sisters taught 60 Africans how to do the dance to cotton-eye Joe, and had a grand blast.

We had district conference the next day-- oh and I forgot there was also the baptism right before district conference-- then the next day we had the South conference in this crazy cool hotel. Today we had a good time all the missionaries for P-day, and tomorrow is Zone Conference. Two days after that, we will have our transfers, which hopefully we will maybe have a baptism this week or the following at least. Then we will have a baptism every week for the next 3 weeks.

Things seem to never slow down. I hope they don't. I'm enjoying this. I would like to have a little more time than running out of the door every day. That would be nice. But the opposite I guess would be worse.

I guess I should wrap up, it's getting a bit late.

I'll wrap up by quoting, "The spirit of God is like a fire."

It really is sometimes.

Love you all and have a wonderful week! Drink plenty of water, it's so hot!

Elder Dylan John Hansen

Well, we had exchanges today, so I've been chilling with my broda Elder Huhtala for Preparation day. We'll be doing our exchange tomorrow.

Needless to say... I was pretty distracted and am just starting this now... Oops.

Anywho, shall we begin?

Last week, the week that I did not write an email, we had a meeting with the, priorly known as, Sister Campbell. She was our MTC teacher. It was the first time since I've really gotten the chance to speak to her since I returned as a missionary, and it was such a special opportunity. I still have a long way to go, but she was impressed with the progress I've made in my Greek. I think she and I both know I really struggled with the language in the MTC. I still struggle now. But I've just been trying hard, expecially in the latter half of my mission. I'm proud of how far I've come from where I started, but I can still see my goal. I'm going to fight for it. But meeting with Sister Campbell was super motivating.

On the same streak of things, Elder Bonney and I took our tech computer to get repaired, and we had a conversation in English with the technician. We left the computer there for the service, and they called us the next day.

Me, assuming it was a referral, open with a good ol', "γειά σας!"

They man goes, in Greek, "Oh you speak Greek?"

"Well we study it and but yeah."

"Is English or Greek better?"

"Both work."

And so we just spoke in Greek, and when we got to the shop to pick up the laptop, he asked who he was speaking with on the phone. He was shocked that we had been taking this effort to learn the language and couldn't believe at the point that we were at by the phone call. It was a nice affirmation that these efforts haven't been to waste.

But I share this, but I have to explain, I have so much further to go. I have not included the countless humbling moments where I walk out of a situation saying, "why in the world did I just say it like that?" or "Gosh! What is that WORD!?" But I've decided to not focus so much on those situations, since those have not been what has pushed me forward to learn. As I said to Sister Campbell, "My Greek is still horrible, but I'm progressing!" And we laughed.

But that's enough on that. I'm counting the minutes now before I gotta head to bed, so I gotta rush!

Elder Bonney got in contact with a member family living about 30 minutes outside of Nicosia. They are originally from Sri Lanka, but have moved here for work. Needless to say, their situation has not been easy. They work on a farm together as a couple, and are currently working so hard to come to church. So Elder Bonney organized a time for us to go visit them. I am so thankful he did.

We went out with the Lambs, the senior missionaries here, and ventured into the middle of nowhere in Cyprus.

We pull up to a small village and I mistakenly thought that was where the members lived.

"There he is!" Elder Bonney said as we came around a turn and saw a man leaning against a truck. We pull to the side, and that's when we realized that he was there to lead us to where his wife was.

So we hop back into the car and we follow his truck further into the farmlands of Cyprus. Which are, undoubtedly beautiful, I might add.

After about 15 minutes of driving on dirt roads, we pull up to the farm, and see a small freight container that has been converted into a small home.

I wish you could see the joy on their faces as we walked up to the door of their home. The joy that makes any trip worth it.

We cram into the small home, and... We'll talk. We talk about their contributions to the church in their home country, the sacrifice they made to be able to go into the Hong Kong Temple in 2013, which is the only opportunity they've had so far. They joined the church in 2006, and they have a son on a mission.

"You went to the temple?" Elder Lamb asked.

"Yes President, I have my temple recommend." He reaches into his pocket, takes out his wallet, and slides a well kept, and current, temple recommend. "We renewed ours before we left home."

Now, without a doubt, they knew there wasn't a temple here in Cyprus. Nor do they have the opportunity to leave the island as they work here.

I think we have some notes to take from this couple alone, without their children, and without a temple, to keep our temple recommends current. Because if is important to them to keep theirs current in this time, it must mean there is more to it than just physically being able to enter the temple. It's being always ready to enter God's presence.

I couldn't help but feel the emotions swell as we pulled way from that house and them waving goodbye. Oh how small it was. It could barely contain the spirit they brought to it.

**We totally didn't loose our way back and drove through a literal field...**

The spirit we have felt as we've taught those that are getting ready for baptism has been particularly special as well. Currently, we have 5 people we are getting ready for baptism, and each are such special people.

What they are willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus Christ is a testimony to me of his power.

No one could drop their old habits that fast. There is no way. And yet, I have watched it before my eyes.

"You're going to do the impossible through Christ," is a common phrase we say as we teach our friend Joel. What a blessing it has been to see the gospel exercised. I am honored to see it. It has changed me.

Well, I've got to get some rest, I'll need it for how much biking we do! We could average 10 to 15 kms a day, on a given day. It's been a huge blessing to have them, but man; I get tired. But every time we go out, it has been worth it.

The temperature has been getting hot though, we find ourselves biking in 103° F weather on the regular now. Let's just say, most meetings happen in the evening-- especially now. People just don't feel like meeting in this scorching heat.

Anyways, I should get to bed lol.

I hope y'all are doing well. Love y'all more than you might realize. Thank you for everything.

Elder Dylan Hansen

PS: Oh yeah we had some crazy adventures at the border and helping the sisters get ready for their baptism(which they did a great job on by the way) but you'll have to stay tuned for next week, I don't get time to write about that this time.
See ya!

I have given much thought to temporal needs recently. Not in regards to myself, but the unavoidable relation it has with missionary work. As missionaries interact with those of diverse backgrounds on a daily basis, we are bound to run into people of both sides of the spectrum-- in excess or lack of those needs.

Maybe I can explain this better by two examples.

As I was writing this, we went to the church to teach a lesson. Unfortunately, our friend didn't arrive; so we returned about 20 minutes later.

We walk up the street and I see a man somewhat familiar; he recognized us too.

"I know you, don't I?" I asked.

"Yes, I had met with those three girls a while back," he replied. He went on to explain that he had a personal confirmation about the words that they had shared to him, a testimony, but he couldn't focus it at that time because he was out of work. Struggling to put food on the table.

"I really would like to be apart of what you are, but this is my first priority," he explained.

In his eyes, the cost of discipleship was too high. Maybe it was, at this time. So he decided he would wait until he was more stable to pursue it further. His decision.

Now, we go back to about two weeks ago. Elder Bonney had just arrived, and we ran into a multi-company owner with a number of locations across the world. He had outstanding English.

"Thank you guys, but I'm agnostic," and continued to explain that he felt his life was complete with just this understanding and the success of his life.

For him, the cost of discipleship was too high, because his heart was filled of other things.

I don't know if my point came across the right way, but this is something I have begun to realize this transfer. What are we really asking people to do?

Change. They are going to change. Both the "rich man" and the "poor man" are sacrificing something. The poor man may be sacrificing working on Sundays, despite that he's really trying to save as much as possible. The rich man may be sacrificing social connections or, as some members across have experienced, full unemployment. This results in a course adjustment in their careers.

When I share my thoughts on this, it's not to compare one side with the other, or to say which sacrifice is greater. It is the simple fact that discipleship costs something. It looks different for everyone.

I nearly despair at the trials of those here. It aches me to the bone.

A few weeks back a man came to us for, what we thought to be, a lesson. We three Elders sat in a circle with this man who sat in solemn silence until he gazed up at us.

"What am I supposed to do?" Tears came from his eyes. "I have nothing here."

Our hearts ached as we expressed that we can't give him money, but we could offer him a way of life through Christ to find joy, even in the hardest times.

"I don't want money-- I don't want that from you." His eyes sloped down to the ground again. "I want to take care of my family. And I can't go home-- if I go back, they will kill me. I can't go back there."

We offered the comfort of smiling faces at church every Sunday, and again the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the meeting concluded after we shared a few words, that I hope left him with some peace.

This whole concept is something I'm still grasping, so maybe I'll come back to it another time.

---------------------------------------------------------------—

Right about when Elder Bonney arrived, I was given the phone number of a member I did not know about and was told she was in the hospital. The next day, we went there with the Lambs.

We entered the hospital, the one I had been to a year prior, and found our way to the intensive care unit.

We stepped into a long room with 10 or so beds, separated by curtains. Thankfully, the member's daughter was there to guide us. We walked only a few short steps before we saw a small and clearly weakened woman.

"Hi, Mom," I assume is what her daughter said as we all entered the curtained area. The lady looked up from her chair, and looked at us like we were ghosts.

The last time she had seen another member was 4 years ago. She was so happy to see us, yet we could feel her weakness from the other side of the room. I got to one knee to speak to her.

She spoke with a whisper, saying, "After I woke up, I saw too many stars. Too many. I asked the doctor to look at the camera footage. I really saw them." Elder Bonney got to one knee to speak to her. She had many medical things piled up and the complications seem to have hit her all at once. "I'm not afraid to die. I just... want the pain to go away."

"I'm not sure what the stars were, but I know God is watching out for you," Elder Bonney said as she nodded. He continued to speak to her about it and you could see how much it mattered to her. I fought tears.

We gave her a blessing upon request, and she cried. Sister Lamb, one of the senior missionaries with us, took her in embrace. We stayed a few moments longer, arranged a time to visit her when she would be released, and left a little before visiting hours concluded.

These are the moments that live with you. And it has you question, "Where is the relief? Where is hope?"

When you are in the pit of despair, all you have to do is look up; there is the light.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Elvira is a friend we've been teaching for a while. She has been coming regularly to church and during my first interactions with her she told me she would come as often as she could. A number of her family members back home were already members but she wasn't terribly familiar with it.

A few weeks later, just as church meetings end, I caught some insight when I heard the Relief Society President ask Elvira, "Were you talking about getting baptized during second hour today?"

She shied away a little, like a kid with a proud drawing. "Yes..."

"Well that's wonderful!"

She is to be baptized soon, but she expressed to me the other day she was not ready. So we had a lesson after church. We talked about some things she is going through, and this is when we learned her cost of discipleship.

"This is what I have chosen. I want to be with my family. This is what I want and I know what I need to do to be together with them." I wonder if she recognized the power in her words. I don't know, but I do know the spirit was there. It was there so strongly.

She weighed the cost. It was worth it for her. What an example.

"Where's a pool? Lets go do this!" I wanted to say.

Elder Jeffery R Holland said:

"This speaks of the crosses we bear rather than the ones we wear. To be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must sometimes carry a burden—your own or someone else’s—and go where sacrifice is required and suffering is inevitable. A true Christian cannot follow the Master only in those matters with which he or she agrees. No. We follow Him everywhere, including, if necessary, into arenas filled with tears and trouble, where sometimes we may stand very much alone.

"I know people, in and out of the Church, who are following Christ just that faithfully. I know children with severe physical disabilities, and I know the parents who care for them. I see all of them working sometimes to the point of total exhaustion, seeking strength, safety, and a few moments of joy that come no other way. I know many single adults who yearn for and deserve a loving companion, a wonderful marriage, and a home full of children of their own. No desire could be more righteous, but year after year such good fortune does not yet come. I know those who are fighting mental illness of many kinds, who plead for help as they pray and pine and claw for the promised land of emotional stability. I know those who live with debilitating poverty but, defying despair, ask only for the chance to make better lives for their loved ones and others in need around them. I know many who wrestle with wrenching matters of identity, gender, and sexuality. I weep for them, and I weep with them, knowing how significant the consequences of their decisions will be.

"These are just a few of so many trying circumstances we may face in life, solemn reminders that there is a cost to discipleship. To Araunah, who attempted to give him free oxen and free wood for his burnt offering, King David said, 'Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: … [for I] will [not] offer … unto the Lord my God … that which doth cost me nothing.' So too say we all."


What reward do we get for this cost? We don't have all night to answer that question, but I will leave with a word.

Peace. "Not as the world giveth" but, true peace. I can't describe it to you. You'll just have to come and see for yourself.

I admire one of the members here, Chris, for this. He has hard times as we all do. And yet he is one of the brightest lights of Christ in Cyprus. I admire his diligence to not only help the missionaries but to find joy in his life. He has told us countless times that there are three things he can find joy in: his work, his home, and the Gospel. And it is all thanks to God for what he has. Even if he has, according to some people, little temporal or material things, he is one of the richest in Cyprus. The light in his eyes is indisputable.

I can testify that I might not know what the cost of discipleship is for you but I will tell you this; once you can afford it, it will be forever worth it for you. Yeah the hard times will come but come talk to me so we we can have a respective conversation about how keeping your covenants with God has led you to be the person you need to be today.

Sorry if this email has been so solemn. It's quite ironic actually since Elder Bonney and I, especially after 9pm, laugh so much. We are staying busy down here in more ways than I thought imaginable. Elder Bonney has been experimenting with cooking and it's been honestly a pleasure to see him work towards that. Some good food on the side has also been a bonus.

We had my friend David who was baptized at the beginning of this year help with a lesson. It was a huge blessing and a lot of fun! I've missed him. It's remarkable to see how much he has grown in the gospel. "You're a better missionary than me!" I said. He laughed.

I look forward to reflecting at the conclusion of my mission. I'm already seeing the blessings that have rolled forth in my own life, and as well as those around me, so I look forward to more.

Have a blessed week everyone and I hope you are doing well! The weather here is supposed to get a lot hotter, so I guess best of luck wherever you are!

Elder Dylan Hansen

Short email this week! Sorry, not sorry!

To be quite frank with you, I literally sat down to write this at like 9:45 pm thinking, "Yeah I've got enough time to at least write something decent."

One of our friends texted me to tell me he didn't want to be baptized anymore literally as I pulled up my keyboard.

I say this often, but there isn't a much in this world more important than the person in front of you.

Well, I'm writing this at 10:25 pm after getting off a very productive one-on-one call with him. He is such an excellent person, being so young yet so willing to follow God. But yes, the demands of discipleship is hard. So hard.

For those curious, yes we are still going to be meeting with him. And he is still wanting to follow the path of the Church. Just committing to a baptism right now is not something he is comfortable with. We missionaries often jump to the worst conclusion when a bomb like that is dropped on us, but I've begun to learn talking it out often clarifies things. And asking inspired questions will often lead those to the truth. We really don't need to say much.

Sometimes, I think we too often ask questions with the prior intention of answering it for them. In our response.

Even if you don't answer the question you've asked someone, if it was an inspired question, that question has worked inside them and nourished the seed of faith. Grant them the chance to work it in their heart. Allow them to see it is a good seed.

Love you all, and have a blessed week!

Elder Dylan Hansen

PS: Saw a 2,400 year old ship today. Pretty cool!!

Well, I was released as a Branch President last Sunday.

What an adventure that was. Maybe I'm understating it by saying that, but that's the first thing that comes to mind.

I really thought I would have more remarks to say about it, but mind often draws a blank. Despite it being one of the shortest terms as a branch president in mission history, I still don't quite feel like I've been released. It could be because of how soon up I found out I was released. The night before the Sunday of that I was being released. So I think it will take a bit of time to fully transition into regular missionary work. I unintentionally went into the clerks office today, for example.

At the end of the day, I am thankful for the experience. In addition to the retrospect, I can't help but feel I could have done more. I really did everything I could with what I was given.

But how I like to think about it is like climbing a mountain. It's a lot easier to picture the entire path from up that high. But you certainly couldn't exactly imagine it from the bottom your first time.

So with that thought, I feel accomplished with what I did. But more so, I've felt so thankful for two things; I am thankful for the things I learned, those that I've gotten to know. As I spoke on Sunday, I couldn't help but think of those that I really had the chance to really know. And to develop trust between people. Oh, how I love these people. The ability to serve others in the way I could was an honor and privilege, no matter how hard things may have been at times. What a blessing.

That is something Elder Bonney, my new companion, have decided to focus on, and I'm actually really looking forward to it. Our cheesy mission statement this transfer is, "Making everyone the one."

I expressed to him the extra focus I wanted to make on each individual person, and their individual needs. I really wanted to plan lessons specific to each person. After all, the Preach my Gospel manual really opened the door for that. We can utilize that.

I believe missionaries may go on their entire missions without a certain experience, because it occurs retrospectively. Two could go through the same experience and yet one will walk out as a different person.

There is seeing someone in their trials; and there is knowing them.

As you stay in tune with the spirit, God will grant you a flash of light, and he will allow you to see something with his perspective; just enough to enlighten your understanding.

And when you gain that insight of his love for a child of God sitting right in front of you, in joy, in saddness, in happiness, or in suffering,

It's overwhelming.

Even so, I don't want to take a back seat in observing or feeling God's love for me an those on this Earth.

I think... That is what I learned this last transfer as a Branch President. God's love is always there. Whether I see it or not. I'll do my best to keep it in sight.

Love you all, and I wish you a blessed week! Good luck in the heat if it's started rolling by. It certain has here.

Elder Dylan Hansen