Chillin' With My Gnomies in Norway: Farewell Skein and HELLO Tromsø!…Week 72

Note from Darbi:
We didn't get a mass email this week because Haylee found out that she's moving and had TONS to do today to prepare! She is moving 1,000 miles north of Skein to a city called Tromsø. It translates to "Gateway to the Arctic". A few FUN facts: located 217 miles ABOVE the Arctic Circle; currently the sun rises at 11:06AM and sets at 12:26PM which means there's only 80 minutes of sunlight right now; this is the number ONE tourist destination to see the Northern Lights! She is going to miss the people of Skein whom she LOVES dearly. Goodbyes are always tough. <3

Here are a few excerpts from her email to me this morning and LOTS of photos…

I AM MOVING TO TROMSØ!!!!!! Tromsø is called the "Paris" of Norway! I am so excited! I have heard it is just BEAUTIFUL! They are having reindeer races next week and we are going! I am so excited! It’s good to hear that it is warmer up there! It was -1 this morning (on your scale but ours its -18). Yuck! My boogies keep freezing whenever I go outside...and its hard to breathe when I first go out because it is so cold hahaha but then I get used to it :)

I am so excited to go to Tromsø mom. I feels SO right! I had no idea I was moving until Saturday when President called and told us he was closing Skien to Sisters and I was like WHAT?! I know Tromsø is hard and way up there but I actually find a lot of comfort in knowing that I will be there for 6 weeks and I just have to work my hardest and SPREAD THE LOVE! I am so ready to love the heck out of Tromsø! My new companion is an amazing person! Her name is Søster Larsen and she is just such a sweetheart! We have always gotten along really well with her and I am really excited to get to know her better. :)

Mom...I have learned so much on my mission. I just can’t even express how grateful for what the Lord has taught me. I feel so much more accountable for the things I have learned and I KNOW that if I rely on the Lord and hold fast to the iron rod (the scriptures) I will be led in my life and find strength! I find so much comfort in the scriptures mom. I love my Heavenly Father and I am SO excited to continue to learn and grow! Thank you for being my mom :)