So I haven't written in a long while.... so I'm a gonna start again. I found a friends blog and stalked it like a creepy person and then I came to the conclusion... I like blogs. Soooo here I go again.

Shout out to the 36 page views in URUGUAY today. That was pretty cool. Oh and one person in Russia who read my blog. You're cool too. And will probably never see this. Oh well. haha. 

Sundays are my faaavvvvv... now what to write about. Let's start with all the tender mercies from God. Soooo 2 weeks ago (i know that's a while ago but be patient it's a good story) I was stressed-ish and everyone knows the perfect way to destress is to play spikeball. Actually a lot of people don't know that BUT they SHOULD because spikeball has been like life for me this summer. So I got some friends and went to play spikeball.

 

(Because this is basically us... minus the beach... and the sand... and the almost coordinating shirts and the stick looking thing sticking out of the guy in green's back that looks like the end of a tennis racket which come to think of it is probably just his belt... So basically us as I said.)

Aaaannnd as I was backing into my parking spot (my dad has already told me 90% of accidents are from backing, k i know and ill be better) i didn't see the car behind me due to them parking way closer to the curb than me and me only looking out of one mirror (k again I KNOW that's dumb but everyone is dumb sometimes ya hypocrites don't judge me ;) and i totally bumped into the car behind me and about started to cry. 

WELL tender mercy number uno: I get out of my car and for some bizarre reason my car is fine, their car doesn't look like it's been touched and I said about 8943879423087423 prayers of thanks. 

Don't worry I left a note still on the window shield, then played spikeball. An hour or so later I see one of my friends running by and he yells a hello and we say hello back. Then we finish playing spikeball. As we're heading out I see that the car behind me that I hit left and I don't have a return note on my car so I'm feeling home free! I started to laugh because I was like wouldn't that be funny if it was my friend that just ran by's car? hahahahahahah

Well it was. 

so TENDER MERCY number 2! If you're going to hit someones car, try to hit your friends, they tend to me more forgiving. Except don't hit your sarcastic friend's car like I did or they'll start to tell you their light wasn't working right and is crooked now and as you start to total costs in your head they'll tell you they were joking and you'll threaten them within an inch of their life. yup.  

But the moral of this story came from Church today, 

Elder Bednar shared this at his second time speaking in general conference:

This afternoon I want to describe and discuss a spiritual impression I received a few moments before I stepped to this pulpit during the Sunday morning session of general conference last October. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf had just finished speaking and had declared his powerful witness of the Savior. Then we all stood together to sing the intermediate hymn that previously had been announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley. The intermediate hymn that morning was “Redeemer of Israel” (Hymns, no 6).

Now, the music for the various conference sessions had been determined many weeks before—and obviously long before my new call to serve. If, however, I had been invited to suggest an intermediate hymn for that particular session of the conference—a hymn that would have been both edifying and spiritually soothing for me and for the congregation before my first address in this Conference Center—I would have selected my favorite hymn, “Redeemer of Israel.” Tears filled my eyes as I stood with you to sing that stirring hymn of the Restoration.

Near the conclusion of the singing, to my mind came this verse from the Book of Mormon: “But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” (1 Ne. 1:20).

My mind was drawn immediately to Nephi’s phrase “the tender mercies of the Lord,” and I knew in that very moment I was experiencing just such a tender mercy. A loving Savior was sending me a most personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through a hymn selected weeks previously. Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.

Picture master Oogway telling master Shifu 

"There are no coincidences."

Speaking of... President Monson said the same thing! I'm feeling a whole the turtle is inspired by President Monson/President Kimball and Yoda theory coming on. 

Man I love this man... He is God's prophet. I have no doubts, because to doubt is a choice. It's when you allow fear to overcome a question you have. 

So here's your reminder that miracles are only miracles for man, for God they are His daily work. So NOTICE THEM ALREADY!!!

oh life!

So want to know why i entitled my blog post oh life? ill tell you.
don't fret.
So i had a companion once who i loved more than anything. She is a filipina who i call sister dela torre :) she had a knack for coming up with sayings that made absolute no sense... but if you think about it most sayings don't. for example: we americans are always saying oh man (who came up with this.. honestly. oh man. probably the wife of someone) but instead of oh man she would say OOOOH men women children... haha. later in the mission i ran into her and her new saying was oh life. she said it used to be oh life eternal but someone told her that's not good to say. so she shortened it to oh life! and that's how I'm feeling!

Life likes to beat you down ya'll... recently my best friend and younger sister and counselor and listener of all my problems has left me for the glorious purpose of serving a mission, in the blessed land of oregon. yay verily yay (from the court jester ya'll, watch it and you'll get my quote) Much more stressing than that is my baby nephew, Asher Moses Barney has had heart surgery and he's just a week old... since then some complications have risen and the pressure in one of the chambers of his heart has tripled. Guys. He's barely 2 weeks old. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM.
I know God is the God of miracles. His biggest to date yet is probably helping me become who i am right now, man He's patient. But this is a miracles we need too. so pray. pray. pray. add that too a host of other small things i don't care to get into and i feel like the camel and someones just about to place that straw that breaks my back...

BUT at times like these of course I think of songs like this:

1. 1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
2. (Chorus)
   Count your blessings;
   Name them one by one.
   Count your blessings;
   See what God hath done.
   Count your blessings;
   Name them one by one.
   Count your many blessings;
   See what God hath done.
3. 2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly,
   And you will be singing as the days go by.
4. 3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
   Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
   Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
5. 4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
   Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

 Well believe in that songs so I'm going to go ahead and start listing the tender mercies and blessings the Lord has given me:) :

• institute: i just went to it tonight ya'll of course i'm going to say that. I have THE most amazing class where i feel God's tender mercies shine through to me as He answers all my questions. Today some unknowing sister shared how her sister, while she was on her mission, had a baby boy. This baby boy was born with only half a heart. It was really troubling to this girl being so far away and not able to help. But she prayed. She felt peace. She knew that her nephew would be ok. Well she's home now. And her baby nephew is crawling around, driving his mum nuts as 1 yr olds tend to do, and being adorable. When she told this story I felt overwhelmed. Little baby Asher, my nephew with heart problems galore and surgery, has recieved a priesthood blessing. I believe God can speak his will through worthy men and I believe my nephew will heal. Whatever the case I know it will all be ok. Because Jesus died for us so families are forever.
• My friend and Savior, Jesus Christ, His teachings, His life, and how I get to learn from him and about Him a little more everyday.
• my family
• the gorgeous rain... k it's not as good or warm as the philippines but summer rain in Utah is as close as you're going to get to filipino weather. 
• the sun
• My sister hannah :) and her being a missionary
• my sister kirsten who comes and cries with me or lets me drag her around DI for 2 hours when i'm having a rough day... DI will make you happy people. it's better than bubble wrap
• my new nephew asher
• advances in medicine and medical help
• 1 dollar cds at di... hellooooo mannheim steamroller's Christmas albumn haha.. in may. You better believe i listened to it the whole way home.
• 1 dollar oregon trail.. we'll see if it's as good as it was when i was 8
• summer time
• gas in my car
• hiking adventures with siblings
• finding wonderstone and random graves on memorial day in the middle of vernon (ie: no where) with the family
• peas and raspberries for dinner
• dance parties in the bathroom mirror with siblings
• Filipinos
• increased understanding
• fantasy books.. yes i read like im in 6th grade still... not level wise. just maturity wise haha
• grass to lay down in... they don't have grass in the 'pines... that's not ant infested anyway
• new starts
• new people
• gardening
• gardening tools to smash creepy spiders with.. and weed i guess. 
• MY FAMILY... they always support me when i struggle
• A patient Heavenly Father
• Priesthood blessings from worthy guys!
• disney movies and peter pan! (not the cartoon the i do believe in fairies i do i do one... i know im not the only one that had a crush on him) 
• heaters... the basement is fraaareeezzzing...
• TAGALOG... hindi nyo alam kung ano sinasabi ko. pero mahal ko ang mga pinoy kapatid ko ;)
• ... sleep! I'm going to get some now... i really do feel better. good night all!

here's a picture of me just owning life and the world... cuz that's how tomorrow is going to be :) 

November 30th... courage

K just so you all know I read this on bellainberlin's blog and am reposting it cause it gave me the chills... 

"" Many many years ago in Hamburg, Germany lived a young man by the name of Helmuth Hubener

Being wise beyond his years for a 16 year old. Helmuth was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.. Helmuth had a very broad outlook on life and talent for overseeing certain current circumstances one faced during the reign of Hitler in Germany.

Helmuth grew concerned with the power of the rising political party and was disgraced at how they treated foreigners ESP. Jews. Helmuth knew God viewed all his children equally and that such a political group would poison and destroy many lives.

He acquired a small radio ( very illegal during this time to own in Germany ) and every night when his grandmother went to sleep would listen to foreign news reports from the BBC for updates on the war.

His speculations were true! He saw right through the lies that Hitler was telling the citizens in Germany

For example: 

German broadcasts: Germany proves successful with the bombing of British air craft carrier. No survivors for Britain

The truthful BBC report:

Ship still afloat, noone injured.

Becoming more concerned as time went on and as the political group grew stronger. He became determined to expose Hitler for the liar he truly was.

Although only 16 years of age Helmuth began to print VERY bold messages degrading the political party in hopes to help his fellow Germans learn the truth..

Helmuth later let two of his best friends in on his plans as hope for reinforcement .. One young man being Rudi Wobbe.. Only 15 years old at the time.

Together these 3 young men printed red leaflets and painted the city of Hamburg red late at night hanging the bulletins along all the streets

 A crime that at that the time was viewed to be the most SERIOUS of sins for a German to commit.

A popular known saying was " he who fights for his country may die, but he who betrays his country must die"

Noone dared even whisper anything but pleasing thoughts about Hitler.

One day while at his Sunday church services Rudi Wobbe noticed his friend Helmuth..did not show up..

Their nightmare had happened.. Helmuth had been caught by the police and arrested.

Weeks later.. Rudi too was caught and arrested.

The story goes on that all 3 young men faced weeks of interrogation, beatings, and imprisonment in hopes to get them to admit their crimes.

Not allowed to communicate one with another or to recover in-between beatings.. They endured the harsh punishments and were later all brought before the dreaded " blood court" in Berlin.

The Blood Court in Berlin was where only the most serious of criminals were taken..

Here stood 3 young LDS young men to fight for their freedom as well as their lives. 

The first called to the stand was Helmuth Hubener. Witness reports on the trial explained Helmuths performance to be "unforgettable". 

Just a young boy he stood confident, and held his own openly and confidently degrading Hitler before his own judges.

Helmuth denied the help of his two friends, stating they were innocent and had nothing to do with what had happened.

Later that night after the trial, Rudi was able to speak one more time with his friend Helmuth. He asked him WHY he would do that!?

Why would he take all of the blame when all 3 were obviously guilty.

Helmuth answered:

 " I have faith enough to know that whatever happens to me.. God knows what I did was right.. and I need not fear"

A report the next day was delivered to Rudi Wobbe's Prison cell stating

Helmuth Hubener

Beheaded... 

Total time of execution: 11 seconds

Helmuths last words were found in a note he wrote home just minutes before killed.. Stating that he regretted NOTHING...only that before he is to be killed, that he will be forced to break the word of wisdom

( before execution, the victims are given wine to relax them )

The story of these 3 young men is a famous tale in Germany for War heroes. Hitler feared and was so threatened by the intelligence and testimony in these 3 LDS teens, one faced the most cruel punishment executed during the war.

There are to this day many books, monuments and people thankful to these 3 young men.

Including a film now available at Deseret book.. " Three against Hitler"

Rudi Wobbe lived on by the grace of God and spent the remainder of the War in concentration camps and imprisonment. Rudi later was later freed by British soldiers and returned home to Hamburg.

Just months later, he was called to serve and labor in the KASSEL, Germany Mission..

Serving in Kassel, Rudi Wobbe met and baptized my grandpa Wilford Diederich.

Helmuth Hubener had such a testimony of Gods plan for us he will willing to save his best friends life..

Although Helmuth Hubener never personally got to serve a mission, 

Because of his FAITH and TESTIMONY... His best friend lived on and brought my dad's family to the gospel.

If only Helmuth knew...

Now, in 2013

The granddaughter of Wilford Diederich would be called to serve and labor in

KASSEL GERMANY!!!!!!!!! ""

And now a quote from President Thomas S Monson... because he's so awesUM:

“Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.” 

I love being LDS :) 

Nov 9

ah hindi nyo alam

namimiss ko kayong lahat!! 

guess what? so maraming sinasabi hindi nila naiintindihan ang tagalog... kaya magenglish ako sa email na ito kasi magaling ang mga pinoy sa english. yeah so this week was AWESOME. you know how everyone talks about "adjusting" when you get home? yeah it doesn't exist. you're former life adjusts to the new you not you back to your former life. don't slow down. the Lord didn't invest so much into you just to get some others baptized. He also did it to convert you. so stay that way. I'm working to do that. So today me and my sisters went proselyting! ... like RS style... hahah as in we baked a bunch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and took them to people we didn't know in the neighborhood. scared. me. to. death. I dunno why its so much easier  talking to people you don't even know in a foreign language then you're neighbors you've known all your life but that's ok... we're facing those fears with faith :) we showed up at one house gave them cookies and they gave us pie. pwd rin iyan! :) hahah parang ang mga benefits ng gawain ng missionero eh? haha. but it really felt good to feel that fear from Satan and his minions and just go no. im going to go out and fellowship the ward anyway. Never let fear paralyze you. go forward with faith relying on the Lords power available to you through prayer. AND I TAUGHT MY FIRST LESSON AS A MISSION PREP TEACHER. best. calling. EVER. hahah i love my life. there's so many people to help and so much of the gospel to study. 

remember 2 tim 1: 7-11

ingat kayo! 

magrereplay ako sa susunod na linggo sa mga email nyo :) 

Oct 26

 mmm k so sa linggo na ito ito ang nangyari. meron akong kaibigan sa college noon. rm siya. pero ngayon naging inactive siya. pero hindi kong nalaman iyan noong umuwi ako. pero parang lagi nasa isip ko siya. naisip ko active pa ba siya or hindi. kaya nafacebook ko siya. sabi ko punta ka sa homecoming ko! tapos walang reply. kaya tinext ko siya. sabi niya. sa totoo hindi na ako aktibo sa simbahan. sabi niya may patotoo pa ako pero nawawala ang lakas ng pananampalataya ko. sabi ko AYOS! may patotoo pa. kailangan lang natin palakasin ang pananampalataya mo para magiging aktibo ka. sabi niya iyan ang ipinakapositibong tugon na narinig ko sa pagiging inactive ako. hahahah. pero tapos sabi ko kailangan mong magsimula sa pagbabasa mo. sabi niya sige gawin ko iyan kung magpaalaala ka sa akin na magbasa. sabi ko siyemps! iyan ang ginagawang ko sa 18 buwan! tapos nagpaalaala ako sa kanya at isang umaga tapos tinext niya ako at sinabi na I read a little. i didn't have time for a lot. but for the first time in a long time i felt a little bit of the spirit :) yayyayayayya SO-brang masaya ako. 

isang pang karanasan. nakapunta ako sa isang sayaw. so dati napakasaya sa akin ng mga sayaw ng school. pero itong beses masaya pa rin siya pero parang hollow ang kasiyahan ko. hindi siya lubos. fleeting. temporary. tapos noong nakabalik sa appartment ng adding ko (sleepover!) nandiyan ang room mate niya... hindi pa siya member... YEEESSSS. (rare iyan kc sa byu kami!) fresh meat siya! kaya inimbitahan namin siyang magbasa sa amin. tapos kinakausapan namin ang book of mormon. tapos nalubos ang kasiyahan. man... talagang swerteng swerte kayo na full time missionero pa kayo... (most of you). don't be trunky and use every day because nothing tops that joy! AND ISN'T CONFERENCE AWESOME. yeeeaaah. still catching up on watching all of it... eh. peace!

joy!

love!

CHIRSTMAS! is coming

-rachel 

PS i started doing family history and its AWESOME :) mostly im just becoming a successful missionary by living what i learned. oh life is good

sorry i didn't respond to your individual emails! next week promise! :)

Oct 12

nagawiden! hahah basta ilocano. 

KAMUSTA KAYONG LAHAT!!

man... hindi nyo alam kung ganoong kamiss ko ang pinas... if that made sense haha. pero sasabihin lang sa inyo mahirap ang paguwi! haha pero ok lang kc ibinibigay ng Diyos ang mga callings sa akin at marami pang bagay at mithiing kailangan kong makamit. haha ginagamit ko ang google translate kaya paxenxa kung pangit siya. pero kailangan ko magpraktis ng tagalog para hindi siya mawawala. tapos pwd pa akong gawin ang gawain ng missionero KAHIT WALANG TAG :) sobrang madali lang :) parehas ang brt at pati rin ang inbitation na magtuto. MAHAL KO ANG MISSIONARY WORK :) pero "anyway" haha kanina narinig ko na may mga "rainbow people" sa utah. sabi ko sa dad ko ano ang rainbow people? sabi niya "siya ay isang pangkat ng mga hippies that travel from state to state..." bakit rainbow people? Anong nayayari sa mundo! haha loco loco dito. kaya kailangan natin ang ebanghelyo na ito. Hasten the work and value every day cuz it is really SO short!

dapat ninyo ipadala ang mga weekly emails nyo sa akin :) gusto ko silang basahin!

Love the people

Love the Lord

Sister Hansen

new email.... kaya ipadala nyo dito hindi sa mylds... haha medyo halata iyan pero sinasabi ko lang haha

Oct 5

well... this will be my lamest email yet

im going home

and i cried a lot. 

i love filipinos. SO MUCH

But i get to see my family so that's a perk :D

oh man do they need missionaries here

im going to be a missionary forever. 

the only optional direction to go is forward with faith not back

ehhh...
that's it

wait.
some of you can google translate this 

Ammok ti simbaan ni Jesucrist ket agpaypayso. ken adda tayo ti sibibiag a propeta ni Thomas S Monson. Ammok nga no agbalinto tayo natungpalen nalpas adda parabur nga umayto kadatayo. ayayatentayo ti ama nga nailangitan

ok im nose bleeding my self 

talaga totoo lahat sa ebanghelyo. sobrang malalim lahat ng doktrina galing sa tagapagligtas pero sobrang simple lang din. ummm ano pa. Nakita ni Joseph Smith lahat na sinabi niyang nakita. BUHAY si Jesucristo at siya ay ang annak ng Diyos and diyos din siya.  yung lang. mahal na mahal ko kayo pero mas mahigit ang pagmamahal ng Diyos para sa inyo :) hindi kaya nyo maunawaan. peace! hahah talna! at kapayapaan!

Sister Hansen