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.

December 21, 2015 Baptisms and Navidad! Nueva Santa Rosa--Cuilapa 2

Family!

For starters, this keyboard is way broken and this computer hates pictures. Sorry if this letter isn't what you wanted, but I will try.

Okay we had our huge Christmas multi zone conference on Wednesday in which we had a nice lunch, a message from the president, and watched "Iron Will". On the way there I rode the most full bus in the world with Elder Galvan, my zone leader with whom I do splits once a week. Well, I was asked to move back and just could not as there were 4 people per square foot so I grabbed the top rails and jumped to jump over 5 people. Well the bump in the rode and the light box on the ceiling aligned perfectly with my jump and I hit my head HARD!!!! Let's just say my head still hurts.

I am studying the book of John with my whole mission. Please join me. Count how many times Jesus says father and have a notebook ready because it is amazing the understanding you can gain about Jesus and his divine role.

Kids do everything here! This week I met a 12 year old paramedic in full uniform with his ambulance. And I saw a 4 year old MAYBE 6 driving a mustang. Little kids guide cattle. A 5 year old galloped past me on a horse. They buy groceries, ride the buses, and sell stuff on the buses. The whole bit.

I think I was in the CCM for 6 weeks but I'm not sure. I wasn't really counting. The drive to my mission field was about 15 minutes to the selected chapel where we had interviews and met our PAPI's (trainers). Then for me was about 2 hours to my area. We use tuc-tuc's all the time here (motorcycle with a bench on back and a covering). All of my "Spanish speaking brothers" in the MTC my last week with whom I was the closest are in my mission. I am just going to miss President cox. That guy has spiritual FIRE. He gave me my vision that keeps me going. He returns to Sacramento California in January.

My new mission president is a STOCKY man. He was a football quarterback too. He and his wife both grew up in Brooklyn and the Bronx in NY. She has a GIANT accent and I LOVE her because she bought me peanut butter (old crispy tortillas and Peanut Butter makes for a DELICIOUS breakfast). My mission president was a football coach for Rick's college (BYUI) and then for BYU Provo. He had just finished off getting his children married and settled and moved into a brand new house in Utah. In the third month, he got the call. 

I haven't met any other missionaries from other MTCS. In the photo of my group Elder Mattiaccio has black boxy glasses and is a bit round with curlyish black hair, he is from Utah, and was in my district in the CCM. Elder Hightower is blondish and is from Texas.  His irises in his eyes are puny. His mom is Mexican so he speaks Spanish. Elder Diaz is the small one. His heart is bigger than Guatemala. I love that little guy. He uses and entire bottle of chile or salsa or picante but HOT every meal... not an exaggeration. Elder Rodriguez always wears the knit sweater. He was my first brother in the group and according to him I have a giant family and a house in El Salvador.  He speaks English as he was a waiter in an international restaurant. Just because of his English, he made twice as much as everyone and was able to pay for his mission. 

Elder Marroquin (mi papi) is form lima Peru, he has 3 siblings, is number 3 in his family, his father is the boss of a metal construction company, he is going to finish 9 months in his mission, he loves the gospel and would defend it to the death. He has been a member for 2.5 years and is the only member in all of his family. He has really good memory and it's fast. Sometimes he only likes to rely on memory. :(

He makes every situation fun for everyone (unless they threaten his religion). Our ward isn't even a branch. It's an unidad we have about 30% activity. It’s super hard because we only know where 3 of 70 inactives live, as addresses don't exist here.

I love the people. I never had a culture shock. Just a culture embrace. I gave a blessing in Spanish this week. Spoke in church. Angels are truly preparing the way. In one lesson I literally felt their presence. 

There was a giant parade here last night. GIANT!

Mom I want to write more. Can I take pictures and send them to you? I could write a novel about my experiences and insight ALREADY. There just is NOT enough time! Never enough time for anything. It is not hard at all to get lost in the work.

For Christmas President gave us P90x "chest and back" and "plyometrics" those are my mornings. We have a mini portable DVD player for PMG learning and learning English for Latinos.

Oh! We have a less active that teaches karate and he teaches on Sunday so he doesn't go to church. He feels really bad so he asked for a ton of Restauration pamphlets for his 70 students so he is going to teach them the gospel and instead of class one day, bring them all to church. HAHAHA we will see what happens there.

The baptism was awesome. Angelica is amazing and Samuel too! Only we found out that he is DEATHLY afraid of water. Well an hour of screaming and yelling passed with calming and us playing in the water with him to get used to it, then Elder Marroquin rather aggressively assisted him under water. It was interesting. William is getting baptized this Sunday. He is the most golden investigator ever and wants to serve a mission.

I love you all. Please give me specific questions and let me know what’s up? I love life here though it is hard and my body always hurts. Sorry about the pictures I am going to figure it out one day I promise.

Love 

-Elder Olson

I LOOOOOVE being a missionary!!!! Nueva Santa Rosa 1 Cuilapa

Hey guys,

I am sooo sorry right now is a bit confusing because this is my first time and I am in a computer lab in the middle of the boonies. I will try to write all that is in my heart but just know I love you almost as much as I love being a missionary. Well I can now send pictures but I found out SD cards don´t fit. mini SD´s do. I have mini SD cards but not with me today. Just imagine what I say for now. 

My first companion is Elder Marroquin. He is freshly 27 years old and is from Peru. He is my PAPI and I love him. He likes to work hard and is also the District Leader. I was born outside of the Capital in The Zone of Cuilapa in the Area of Nueva Santa Rosa. Here there is no such thing as an address or even a street name. It´s I live next to the Tree with three bushes or I live about 20 miles south next to the tienda with red letters. That is a little bit hard so street contacting is not the best, but I can´t stand to let people pass. In clear words I hear Not a Soul will pass. You talk to everyone. These are the hijos of Heavenly father and they need the Gospel in their life. 

Our house is simple. You will see pictures next week but know that we have two beds a closetish thing and a sink. Also a mini fridge, a broken stove thingy and two desks. Sometimes we don´t have electricity and sometimes we Do have water. I love those times. 

Well, I love the word of god. I have been praying for a thirst for the word of God and boy my prayer was answered. I am severely dehydrated and I just can´t get enough! I rush through preparations and meals so I can study more. 

My first morning was just like yours mom. "OH my goodness I am in Guatemala. I am here for the next two years. What did I get myself into?" Then I got out of bed. Wow. I have never been more happy in my whole life! We are Progressing rapidly! At church we had almost double attendance than normal: 67. A new record. In the past year this place has had 6 baptisms. In December we are going to have three and in January 20. I know it because that I my goal for the Lord and boy the miracles are flying in. I am going to work for it. My numbers are high because I love the guatemaltecos aqui. I love the children of god. Numbers mean nothing to me other than I need them to push myself. I love working with these people. They are soooooo humble. Most never went to school and live in dirt floors and spend all day working just to survive. The understanding deficiency is an issue, but we are working with it. 

My Spanish is soaring! I am now thinking in Spanish and can say whatever I want, though our recent convert made it VERY clear that I shouldn´t even try because I can´t do anything. He wants to learn English though so we are going to help each other. 

I have so much more to write but I love you. Dad I am making a map and doing your idea about quick visits.  Mom I only have a broken stove but I ordered a new one. I want recipes. I can print here. I have a stove and a microwave and a mini fridge. Anyone else too I want simple recipes. I love this work. I love these people. Oh also if someone wants an eagle project, more than half these members don’t own white shirts or ties. I want to give all of mine away but I am only going to do two because it is my responsibility to represent the lord in the way I look. I love you all. For scripture study this week. List common pitfalls in testimony of investigators and solve these in your hearts. Examples: is baptism by fire in the end of the world with the apocalypse? Is god real? My time´s up will talk more next week.

Love you all.

Elder Olson