August, 26, 2009 chegei galera!!!‏

It was good to hear from you all, since I wasn´t able to check my e-mail last week.-Our zone had an activity at the president´s house where we all played soccer together (along with the president). It was alot of fun, yet we didn´t get back in our area until p-day ended.
Well, work had been going well as the transfer was ending, then this monday the new transfers came. Everyone was telling me that I would be transferred from Viçosa (because I have already been here quite a while).
We waited anxiously to see what would happen...then it finally came! I saw my name still in Viçosa, yet in place of Elder Ramos'name was written "novo filho"(new son)meaning that I would be training here. I was very excited.
On tuesday I went with Elder Ramos and dropped him off at his new area in Maceió; and then met up with the president, assistants(the new assistant is E. Gonçalves--my trainer), secretaries, and a few other trainers to go to the airport and pick up the new missionaries.
WOW! What a flashback! It seems like yesterday that I was arriving at the airport. We greeted the greenies and went with them to the presidents house, where they had an orientation meeting. Then, they announced the new companionships. It is kind-of an exciting moment...my new companion is an American!!! Kind-of something different than what I am used to. His name is Elder Dinwiddie, and he is from Nebraska.! He seems like a very great Elder, I am very excited to work with him(and be his "father" on the mission). I would send a picture of him for you all, but I forgot my camera.
Really though, the first thing that went through my mind when I met him was,"Nebraska, where in the world is Nebraska?" Yeah, kind of sad, I know. I am starting to forget alot of common american knowledge. Well, I am very excited for this transfer. It should be a great experience for us both. We left Maceió last night to make the 3 hour bus ride to Viçosa. Then, this morning I took him to one of the waterfalls. He had a great time,but now it´s time to WORK!!!!!
I hope that you have a great trip, mom and dad... give everyone there a big hug from me, okay?
I miss you all a bunch and pray that all goes well back home.
love ya,
-Elder "Pai" Olson

August 12, 2009 Alô galera, tô nem aí...!

Well, things are all good here. We have been working hard, and have found a good group of people to teach, that´s always good. As long as I am teaching people I am happy.
Well, on other news Elder Ramos and I found some place that makes this incredible fruit bowl of açaí, grains, wild honey, and bananas. Probably the greatest thing that I have ever eaten in my life!
I will be honest, I am very glad that it is p-day. I am a little bit destroyed today. We have been working in the most hilly part of town. It is a cool place. But wow! I am pretty sure that my tie almost drags on the ground when I am climbing up some of those hills! It gets a little tiring(yet its all worth it). The funny part is when you have to move out of the way for the delivery man on a little motorcycle passing by. Really it´s gotta at least be a trials "advanced class" route (you should know what that's like dad).
Well, I have been trying to get some letters out to everyone. It just seems like I keep running into some kind of problem, whether its time, money, or just that I can't make it to the correios. Dont worry, I promise that I will get them out...before the end of the year :)
Well, Brasil is doing good. I´m not too sure about the rest of the world, cause it has been quite a while since I have seen any bit of world news (besides a bit of the swine flu- which I still dont really know hardly anything about). But it's all good. I am kind-of glad not to hear anything that is going on in the world today. Its crazy to think that I am coming up on a year out here.
Alright, well, I will have to go. It sounds like everyone has had a busy, hectic week. Yeah, I know how you feel. Just remember that life wouldn´t be interesting if we didn´t have times like this. I hope that all goes well for you all.
love you a bunch,
-Elder Olson

August 5, 2009 Irmão jó..!‏

Well, it has been another good week.
Today we had a pretty good adventure in mud up to our knees with some others missionaries from our zone.. (Elder Silva and Elder Gonçalves came)--also today was also the first time that I actually ate chicken foot at lunch...-(your not missing too much)
We had been working extremely hard this past week finding alot of new people, but as sunday morning came around ALL of them dropped. Still, the Lord blessed our efforts. We arrived at the church to meet 4 new people that decided to make a visit! That just doesn't happen. I have been doing well here with Elder Ramos. I truly love him as a companion. We are doing great work and helping to turn this ward into what it should be.
Really this past week was full of very interesting experiences. Especially with the growth of the 2 young men who helped us all last week. I saw André become a whole new person and now he is working with us everyday!
Well, I have gotta go. We will hold a huge activity at the church here in a little bit, so I need to go and plan something for it. Our zone leaders (Elder Harris and Elder Silva) will be staying with us for the next few days helping us out with the work.
I think that I forgot to tell you all, but Elder Ramos and I made a gigantic batch of cookies for an activity one day! (which don't exist here) People were going crazy for them as was I. I had forgotten how good they are.
I am glad to hear that all is well with everyone. I will try and write letters to you all only it may take a little while, I cant find a spare moment anywhere.
I love you all and just want to tell you that Zion prospers! Nothing will stop the work of the Lord here..
Thanks for everything,-Elder Olson