January 25, 2016 What a Privilege! Nueva Santa Rosa, Cuilapa 7

Familia,

What a privilege it is to be a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am helping people to come to the understanding of His church and authority here on the Earth. What more could I ask for?

This week was way fun but a bit difficult. A ton of things are just going wrong for our investigators. Each and every investigator (some WAY SUPER AWESOME) has a major issue or problem blocking their happy passage into the path the way of happiness, the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. If life didn't have problems and difficulties, if it wasn't hard, what would be the point? 

Here are some scriptures that are super-duper helpful. READ THEM ALL!!!! (if you want to be uplifted)  

Ether 12:6 "And now I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things: I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Alma 26:27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

Alma 5:26 "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"

Acts 14:22 "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

Well this week was all over the place. On P-day, we played soccer in Barbarena with Elder Galvan and the rest of our district and some members from up there. Down here they play soccer with rocks in the form of balls. (Their soccer balls are rock solid). I head butted quite a few and I wasn´t feeling too good. 

I had splits with Elder Galvan and we worked super duperdy hard. He is so cool and his story is even cooler. He shared it with one of our investigators (he and his brother got baptized like two years ago, only ones in family and now are on missions) and afterwards, our investigator bore a powerful testimony of the church and its truthfulness. 

My favorite experience this week was when we took a bus all the way out to Rinconcito to visit one of our investigating families that moved out there, to learn that the buses stop coming pretty early. So....we walked, and walked, and walked to get home. It got dark, but we had brought flashlights for our previous plans, visiting the Colonia La Union, so we had those as to not get run over in the street. There was a humble little family just standing on the side of the road and asked if they could join us in walking for protection (because we had flashlights). This road is super dangerous in the night. They were walking all the way to where we live in Nueva to take their baby to the doctor. They had no idea how they would get there, but they just trusted in God and went. As we walked, we taught them about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His church here on the earth with His authority, that He directs today through a prophet. They understood and accepted all of it because their hearts were open and willing to receive the truth. They would be baptized and be a part of the Church in that very instant if it was possible, but they live farther than Rinconcito and have no way of transportation. Well when the walking was almost too hard for them, our investigator drove by and ended up giving them a ride all the way to Nueva. 

I love you all. I am serving the Lord with all of my might. Sometimes we just can't see the blessings yet, but boy oh boy will we in less time than we think. Persevere through the trials of your faith. The Lord always reveals himself and his blessings after, for our growth. I am grateful for each and every trial and difficulty that I have. 

#willingandworthy

-Elder Olson

PS We made pancakes!

January 18, 2016 It SNOWED in Nueva Santa Rosa!!!!! Nueva Santa Rosa, Cuilapa 6

It SNOWED in Nueva Santa Rosa!!!!! Nueva Santa Rosa, Cuilapa 6         January 18, 2016

Did it really snow? Yes-ish, but not how you would imagine it. (See the attached picture).

This week was amazing, simply because we worked Hard. This week was full of miracle after miracle after disappointment after miracle.

This week in our district meeting, we decided we were going to work really hard. We set goals, set visions. And went to work. We keep on finding new families that are either ready for the gospel or are already members and are ready to reactivate. This Gospel brings such joy.

Oh from my personal study this morning, READ 2 Nephi 28! It is prophecy about the manner of people in this time with respect to their beliefs about God. It is ¡CHIQUOTE! I love it.

This week I had my first interview with President Caffaro. It was in Cuilapa (one and a half hours away). It was also right in the middle of our day because we were last. Interviews were on Friday, the Birthday of Elder Galvan (some of you know him). We took him down and got him a strawberry and strawberry ice cream. For interviews, we met with the Daly's (couple missionaries called to teach English (only ones in the world?)) who gave us sweets for saying stuff in English. They checked our progress and helped us set a plan for Elder Marroquin to learn English as fast as possible. The next room was Hermana Caffaro. She asked us generally how we were doing and shared with us about the difference between (Laman and Lamuel) and Nephi, how they were all in the same situation but Laman and Lemuel always looked back and Nephi only pressed forward. This is because Nephi took the time to KNOW God and they didn't. She also gave us brownies and apple juice. She's the BOMB! President Caffaro then interviewed us and his main message was that we will not have success in this mission until all of the missionaries are BOTH willing and worthy. Are you willing to complete the will of God? Are you worthy before him to do so?

Mini-highlight of the day. Elder Galvan yelled out, "Check this out!" and chucked a gummy bear all the way across that chapel's basketball court (outside) and up two levels of stairs onto the higher plane and I caught it in my mouth! Bigger highlight of the Day: I GOT MY STOVE!!!! On the box, it says Since 1968. I have been waiting for this SINCE 1968 TWO MONTHS!!!!! Now that I have it, who knows what I'll do with it. I've just been staring at it.

Oh and also I got your Christmas Letter. HAHA IT WAS THE BOMB!!!!!!! (source of snow)  You guys are LOCO!!!!!! (They all drew me a self-portrait, . . .  using their toes. It's an inside joke making fun of me as I have long toes.)  (From Mom: He actually draws with his toes.  That's why we did it.) I also got the Christmas card from the Millers. Thank You!!!!!!!

I got washing clothes down to the rhythm, to the beat. I can do 3 minutes each piece. I'm rather satisfied.

This week at church we had a record-breaking 73 attendance. (We are finding so many less active members and helping them to come back) I had another English class. This time it was about feelings. We had a fun time acting out all of the feelings for them to say in English. Any ideas for this class or ways to improve? Activities? We also want weekly ward activities to get people used to the church building to eliminate their fears. Any Ideas? With detail (I'm only 18).

I'm not sure what else to write. I am just so happy to be here. I forgot my agenda (which I finished-SIX WEEKS ALREADY?!) in the house so I don't have a record of who we taught. There is one family that is really special. Family Ramos with Sonia and Rodrigo. They are super-duper poor but really happy. They are trudging along, progressing with all of their heart. They live up in the hills of Colonia La Union in a metal shack and both of the parents are full time recycling collectors. I love you all.  I'll try to organize my thoughts better for next week.

I was meditating on a scripture this week trying to recieve inspiration on how I can help people ACT. . . NOW.

It is Alma 5:26

 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?

Being on a mission, we have felt this powerful spirit before. But can we feel it NOW? Can our investigator's feel it NOW? This gospel is beautiful. We need to constantly examine ourselves and consider; can I feel it Now? If not, what must I change?

Love,

Elder Olson

PS Lizard catching gets a little more exciting around here. This guy was infront of the church building. I proselyted like that with him on my shoulder. I contacted a family with him and taught half a lesson until Elder Marroquin told me I had to get rid of him.

 

(Explanation from Mom:  Ben taught our boys how to catch lizards by making a noose out of long grass, then sneaking it up from behind the lizard.  They don't run away from grass.  Looks like bigger grass catches bigger lizards.)

                                                     

Bananas!

January 11, 2016 Happiness is a Choice--Nueva Santa Rosa, Cuilapa 5

Hello Family ...and Friends....and that one guy that doesn't know why he's reading this,

I know why. Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real and true and will change the life of anyone that is simply willing to accept it. This treasure chest is available to everyone. They just need to step up and open it. 

Attached is a picture that I found glued onto one of my buddy Elder's agendas when we were on splits. I love it. It is soooooo simple but yet take the time to ponder it and then apply it. The best part, it's not a onetime thing, it's infinite. Let's all act and open this treasure chest of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Right now many of you cannot see the treasure inside, are you now willing to open the treasure chest of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and trust in God? The treasure chest is full of infinite treasure for you, but hey I'm just some 18 year old kid down in Guatemala. What do I know? Find out for yourself. Take a peak. Maybe it's empty, but what if it's FULL?! I know it's full. How do we open this chest? There are people like me in every part of the world, missionaries. We are messengers of the existence of this Chest. Our drive and joy is in seeing others receive the endless joy that this gospel brings. Our message is only to present the opportunity, we do not force, pressure, or push. We only share our knowledge of it and help others to find it. The invitation is not to accept this, but to hear it and find out for yourself. The invitations always end with, "You can know for yourself, through prayer. We want you to ask him and gain a knowledge for yourself between you and God. Ask God and he will tell you whether it is true or false. It is 100% one or the other. God cannot lie. He will tell you." Remember that we cannot say whether a cake tastes good or bad without testing it or trying it. This is the best tasting cake that exists; it is endless and your favorite flavor. Take a taste. Missionaries have given two years of their lives to the Lord to serve him and all the Children of God. Invite them over. Ask your Mormon friend about them. Or at least just meet them. If you do and do not like the taste, if there is no treasure, so be it. I have lied to you and now you know. But how sweet is the joy that the message of truth brings. Other ways to take a peak are to read the Book of Mormon, a sacred scripture written thousands of years ago by the prophets in the ancient Americas for YOU. Ask about this book.  It can and will change your life. Also, the doors of the church are always Wide-Open to all. The Church OF Jesus Christ is for all. Jesus loves each and every one of you individually and sincerely.

That being said, this week was Great! And I am Happy! I think I have reached the point where I have found the Joy in helping others find the truth in the sense that other things don't really matter anymore. My main concern is fulfilling the will of the Lord being the same will of God. 

We had our (well my) first scorpion in the house. Mission rules say we can't have pets, so after deep thought, I taped him to the floor and waited for him to calm down then studied him good being stuck on the tape. Very interesting creatures. 

We see miracles (the hand of the Lord) every day. These people here are amazing. I LOVE the bread here in the little panaderias. They are sooo cheap. I'm in the process of making deals with the different little shops to buy all their old bread that they don't get to sell. I started saying that it's a real problem, my love for bread, then I looked in a mirror. I should eat all of the bread in Guatemala. These people are actually rather psychic and know that I would like to gain weight. They are helping me a lot. 

We have a Less Active (stopped attending church and partaking of the Sacrament) named Raul. He really wants to come back and feel that sacred special power of the Sacrament again, but just has fear of what people will think. He was offended by a member and is afraid of being offended again because he wants to attend faithfully as soon as possible. Last night, we shared the same scripture that they had been studying....for the second time in a row. It's pretty special. No credit to us, we just try to follow the Spirit.

Oh! Yesterday we had our first English Class. This class is open to all. If someone can speak English down here, they automatically get double pay. They are all soooo excited. After one class (the alphabet and different *non-existent* sounds (to them), they all think they're pros and will be speaking fluently in a couple weeks. They are all going to bring friends to the next one. The mouth is incredibly interesting how we make all of our sounds. Take a moment and think, what are you actually doing. This took a long time for me to prepare because it is just so natural. Tips? Fun Games? Ideas? I need help. But it's fun!

-Love you All!!

Elder Olson

I just had this thought and wrote it to my Mission President:

I had a thought about improving. It's like trying to make the best cake. We already have the recipe and we try over and over again to make the best cake but it comes out unsatisfactory each time. Before we think about and try to see what new ingredient we can add or what we should take out, we first need to re-examine the recipe and follow it exactly. If we do not, and think that we know better from the beginning, how can we ever know how it would have turned out with what we have been given. My companion and I are looking for many new ingredients and we have found some that son tan rico! (English classes) But first we need to step back and follow the recipe EXACTLY in order to achieve success. 

The second part is that Happiness is a CHOICE. My mother had a quote up on the wall for years which said, "Happiness is not doing what you like to do, but liking what you have to do." That is so true! I am Happy. 

We visited the capital for a meeting of new missionaries.  Afterward, we found my "grandpa."  He trained my companion, who is my "papi" because he trained me.

This is after our shopping trip today.  My companion needed new shoes, and I bought bread!

January 4, 2016 Oh What a Painful. . .I mean WONDERFUL life. Nueva Santa Rosa, Cuilapa 4

It's already 2016! What?! Time is weird. I just want to let you all know how happy I am. This is a time of happiness that is eternal, long-lasting, of the soul, and that I want forever. Unfortunately it is not always a physical happiness. We are working HARD. It started with a challenge from my Mission President, President Caffaro to have a day of Diligence. He set numerical goals for us to work for and confide in the Lord to obtain. The miracles that we witnessed this day were absolutely amazing. We met the goals and surpassed them. We wore out our bodies but we were happy.

We always ask investigators how they feel after praying (Happy). Do you want to feel that way every day? (Yes) Then what do you have to do every day? (Pray). Why don't we just do the things that make us happy? My comp and I applied this to us and the day of diligence. We knew we were happy and could not deny it. We want this every day, so we work diligently every day.

There is too much work to be done for just two of us. We Run, we give up meal time, we wake up earlier, and we still can only accomplish a little tiny bit of what needs to be done. This is where faith comes in. We are promised that if we do all that we can, Christ will step in and do the rest. I have been trying to identify "What is Faith?" in my heart while studying the scriptures. Then just live by faith. We walk by faith and not by sight. Find your beliefs, your trust in Christ and then act, NOW! Act in faith with full trust in Christ and with a perfect love for him. We are trying harder every day to do our part and the miracles that we are witnessing are just stunning. You can receive these blessings and miracles too! When it looks impossible, stop looking and walk (or run) by faith. When life gets too hard to stand, kneel......and pray for the help that you are entitled to as a CHILD of God a child of Heavenly Father.

New Year’s is big here but wasn't much for us. We had a very strict curfew this day.

I love you all.

Oh. I cut my own hair last Monday. That was fun! Until the buzzer died half way through and I had to live with the reality that I would go out to work with half a head of hair. Then I prayed and took apart the buzzer and figured out how it works (cool!) and it turned on. I love you all.

Thank you sooooo much for your examples. I'll try to be more detailed next week.

Love,

Elder Olson

December 28, 2015 Feliz Navidad--Nueva Santa Rosa, Cuilapa 3

Hey Fambam ... and others,

This week was one of the most awesome, and strangest weeks ever. The people here love Christmas! Enough to get up at 4 in the morning and work all day to make 150 tamales per family. Then again for New Year ’s Eve - - - what?!. They eat them at midnight. One father insisted that his wife give us tomales even though she said they weren't ready. So..... they were hot! But raw. That got my companion and I pretty bad. I had another one of those weird gastro attacks where gas builds up in my abdomen to the point where I can´t walk so my companion was helping me down the street until I realized it looked like I was drunk, so I painfully walked, but didn't stop and with each step it lessened until it became bearable. I have a firm testimony that the lord will give us the strength to bear any trial with ease rather than change our trial. Find the scriptures that say so! (challenge) there’s only about 20,000. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. -Jesus Christ.

Well this mission is just awesome. We are working hard and having miracles, we just need so many more.  This is the work of miracles. This Sunday morning, Marlon Lux went on divisions with me starting up in Santa Rosa Lima and we ran down to catch a bus (this is before church). When we arrived in Nueva, we Ran Ran Ran all the way too Riacheulu for all those families then turned around and ran the opposite direction all the way through Espitia for those families and then turned around and ran back to the church. It intense, but SOOOO fun!! Until we found out who could make it to church :( now we just have to get up earlier and work harder and during the week too. I love all of you guys. I have more to write, but I am an OBEDIENT missionary. I cannot afford not to be. I need the blessing. Obedience brings blessings, exact obedience brings miracles. (Last week I wrote for too long). Still write me the same or longer letters, I can print and read during the week. I love this work. Seeing you guys was just weird how normal your life is. How normal it was for me when my brothers were on their missions. Remember, Ingles es pecado! -Phrase from Hermano Abadillo-CCM

Love you all!

Til next week.

-Elder Olson

Picture credit-feliz navidad! Drunk man passed out Christmas morning in front of my door.