I feel like I am slowly becoming Americanized again with my comp fresh from the states.
It is funny to see how much I have forgotten, or how Brazilian that I have become. But that´s just part of the ride I guess.
Elder Messer and I are doing great, he is a good companion and I am happy to be serving with him.
This week all of the missionaries in Maceio united for a giant "helping hands project". We took a bus to a little city called Branquinha, that was 90% destroyed by the flood that passed through a few weeks back.
It was a great experience. We cleaned mud out of a little school so there would be a refuge for the homeless and helped stock up supplies for the needy people.
We spent practically the whole day there. It was sad to see so much destruction. The city is completely devastated, yet many are working to build this back up.
There was quite a number of cities that were hit; I was glad that we could help out a little.
I spent the whole day by the side of my MTC group as we cleaned the school and walked through the town helping people. I am sure that you will come to know them better.
There is Elder Neuberger (from Missouri), Elder Whitehead (from Colorado), and Elder Deurden (from Idaho). We have grown pretty close over the mission and plan to keep in contact. I really love these guys like brothers.
We are teaching a small group of people. On Monday night we taught a kid that is 19 years old who lives close to the bishop. He is such a smart guy and I know that the message really touched him. We felt the Spirit very strong and marked his baptism for the 17th. I feel strongly that he will enter into the water!
The bishop here is great, by far one of the most helpful ones yet. When I first met him he reminded me of someone, but i couldn't tell who. Who ever it is, he seems like a Brazilian reincarnation of someone back home.
I know that the church is true and that the Lord's work will always go forth. I love the mission and am so grateful for this opportunity to learn, serve, and grow.
love you all,
Elder Olson
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Rain drops keep fallin on my head...!!!! June 23, 2010
There has been so much rain these past weeks! I talked to Elder Neuberger today and he told me that he had to take a canoe to church this past week!
A lot of people are missing because of the floods and many houses are destroyed. All missionaries are well though, and we aren't very close to any of the flooding.
A lot of inner cities were affected because most run alongside some large rivers… I think that there are thousands of people missing and lots of destruction. Kinda sad, but that is the toll of nature I guess..
Things are going well here. Yesterday we had our zone conference with Elder Ellis from the Area Presidency. He gave a very interesting training about what the Lord does, what the Spirit does and what we need to do to edify the church.
-I really liked the way that he explained 1 Néphi 3:7; saying that the Lord has gone before us in our areas, and in every place that we will be or anything that we will do the Lord went before us and prepared the way for us to accomplish what we have been called to.
We have been working and trying to find those that the Lord has been preparing, yet we have had a bit of a hard time so far. We have very few members in the place that we have been assigned to work. But no worries we will find them, just keep praying for us… Elder Messer and I are having some great experiences and learning a ton here with the Brazilian people!
There is an awesome lady in our area, named Sister Borges, that takes care of us quite well. I think she likes us to call her mãe, as she is always a mother to the missionaries.
Hahahaha, on a funnier note, Elder Messer is a huge John Wayne fan, so our days are usually full of John Wayne quotes and such! He is a really funny guy and a great companion. We will work hard together, I just hope that we will baptize!
I want you all to know that I know that this gospel is true and that it is the only way that we can make it back to the presence of our Father in Heaven
Love you all, and hope you have a great week
-Elder Olson
A lot of people are missing because of the floods and many houses are destroyed. All missionaries are well though, and we aren't very close to any of the flooding.
A lot of inner cities were affected because most run alongside some large rivers… I think that there are thousands of people missing and lots of destruction. Kinda sad, but that is the toll of nature I guess..
Things are going well here. Yesterday we had our zone conference with Elder Ellis from the Area Presidency. He gave a very interesting training about what the Lord does, what the Spirit does and what we need to do to edify the church.
-I really liked the way that he explained 1 Néphi 3:7; saying that the Lord has gone before us in our areas, and in every place that we will be or anything that we will do the Lord went before us and prepared the way for us to accomplish what we have been called to.
We have been working and trying to find those that the Lord has been preparing, yet we have had a bit of a hard time so far. We have very few members in the place that we have been assigned to work. But no worries we will find them, just keep praying for us… Elder Messer and I are having some great experiences and learning a ton here with the Brazilian people!
There is an awesome lady in our area, named Sister Borges, that takes care of us quite well. I think she likes us to call her mãe, as she is always a mother to the missionaries.
Hahahaha, on a funnier note, Elder Messer is a huge John Wayne fan, so our days are usually full of John Wayne quotes and such! He is a really funny guy and a great companion. We will work hard together, I just hope that we will baptize!
I want you all to know that I know that this gospel is true and that it is the only way that we can make it back to the presence of our Father in Heaven
Love you all, and hope you have a great week
-Elder Olson
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
caraca!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! June 16, 2010
He goes......makes the pass........... goes into the area and.........GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOL PARA BRASIL!!!!!!!!
If you hadn´t heard yet....Brazil won their first game yesterday!!!! The whole country is pretty excited.
We weren't able to watch it but we definitely heard all of the explosions on the streets and the FESTA!!!
We have had quite the rainy week. I can't even remember the last time that I saw the sun!
Elder Messer and I have been working hard to find a teaching group and a good place. We are getting to know the area a whole lot better.
The members in our ward are awesome!! Sunday was a great meeting,although none of our investigators showed up. We had a man visit the church who came with his girlfriend (who is already a member of the church).
There are 4 missionaries in the ward, so the area has a division. Unfortunately most of the members that help live on the other side of the division. So we will have to work extra hard to find the Lords elect.
We live high up on a hill above the lake Mundaú, which is the same lake that was next to my last area, only now we are on the other side! Part of our area here has a road that leads down to a little villa called Fernão Velho. It is a very pretty place and seems almost like a country-style little town (though is is very close to Maceió)
In the bottom (which takes about 40 minutes to get to) lives a member of the church that is a pioneer. Her name is Irmã Borges, and she seems like a mom to the missionaries. She is really great. Her testimony is very strong and I know that we will be able to use her and her family to help bring others to the church.
I can see alot of potential in this place.
I know that the Lord will help us find a family to teach and baptize this transfer!!
It is so incredible to see the change that the gospel has made in the lives of many of the members here. There is no way that I could deny the truth of these teachings after seeing so many proofs of the blessings of the Lord. But I can only recognize these things because I first put my faith in the Lord. Just as he promised in D&C 63, "certainly, signs will follow those that believe."
I know that God lives and that the church is true, I am so grateful to be a representative of Jesus Christ and to bring this restored gospel into the lives of others.
Time is short, and the Lord is soon to come!
I love you all, and hope that all goes well!
until next time,
Elder Olson
2nd email...
Hey mom and dad,
President has decided to change my return date to the 11th of August again. I did all that I could to stay until the 25th; because it was really what I wanted to do, but I guess that the President just felt that I really had to go home on the 11th.
The good part is that I´ll have a little more time to spend with you guys before school starts. But to be honest, I don't feel ready to go yet.
love you guys
GOL PARA BRASIL!!!!!!!!
If you hadn´t heard yet....Brazil won their first game yesterday!!!! The whole country is pretty excited.
We weren't able to watch it but we definitely heard all of the explosions on the streets and the FESTA!!!
We have had quite the rainy week. I can't even remember the last time that I saw the sun!
Elder Messer and I have been working hard to find a teaching group and a good place. We are getting to know the area a whole lot better.
The members in our ward are awesome!! Sunday was a great meeting,although none of our investigators showed up. We had a man visit the church who came with his girlfriend (who is already a member of the church).
There are 4 missionaries in the ward, so the area has a division. Unfortunately most of the members that help live on the other side of the division. So we will have to work extra hard to find the Lords elect.
We live high up on a hill above the lake Mundaú, which is the same lake that was next to my last area, only now we are on the other side! Part of our area here has a road that leads down to a little villa called Fernão Velho. It is a very pretty place and seems almost like a country-style little town (though is is very close to Maceió)
In the bottom (which takes about 40 minutes to get to) lives a member of the church that is a pioneer. Her name is Irmã Borges, and she seems like a mom to the missionaries. She is really great. Her testimony is very strong and I know that we will be able to use her and her family to help bring others to the church.
I can see alot of potential in this place.
I know that the Lord will help us find a family to teach and baptize this transfer!!
It is so incredible to see the change that the gospel has made in the lives of many of the members here. There is no way that I could deny the truth of these teachings after seeing so many proofs of the blessings of the Lord. But I can only recognize these things because I first put my faith in the Lord. Just as he promised in D&C 63, "certainly, signs will follow those that believe."
I know that God lives and that the church is true, I am so grateful to be a representative of Jesus Christ and to bring this restored gospel into the lives of others.
Time is short, and the Lord is soon to come!
I love you all, and hope that all goes well!
until next time,
Elder Olson
2nd email...
Hey mom and dad,
President has decided to change my return date to the 11th of August again. I did all that I could to stay until the 25th; because it was really what I wanted to do, but I guess that the President just felt that I really had to go home on the 11th.
The good part is that I´ll have a little more time to spend with you guys before school starts. But to be honest, I don't feel ready to go yet.
love you guys
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010 E aí....
Transfers came and I found that I was training again, along with Elder Neuberger and Elder Whitehead (who are my CTM buddies).
We had a meeting at the president's house yesterday and all three of us were given a new American companion, fresh from the States!
My companion is Elder Messer, who is from Centerville Utah, a little closer to home, eh?
He is a great guy, and I am sure that we are going to have an incredible transfer!!!
We have been sent to a part of Maceió called Colina, it is a great ward from what I hear.
I have never been to this side of Maceio, but it looks pretty cool.
Soooooo, up until now we are pretty lost. But I´m sure that we´ll find ourselves soon enough.kkkk
I am living in a house with Elder Hardisty again, Wow, I love that kid!!!! He was a great companion.
I am really excited to work here in this area, and I know that the Lord will bless us greatly.
I got the package....thanks, it was funny to see all of the ugly ties and American food!!! its been a while. I cant believe how fast time is passing!!!!!
Oh by the way, I was talking to Elder Mckay the other day who is a great elder in our zone, serving in a place called Farol. I guess that there is a member in their ward that is going to be living in Santaquin in a few months (like a foreign exchange deal) and then he asked me; "She will be living with someone called Lynn Lowe. Do you know who that is?" (our ward member)
Wow, the world is pretty small,eh?
Just to let you know, my return date may change due to the mission transfers and arrival dates of some missionaries. But i´ll let you know.
But whichever day that I get back, know that I´ll be living home with you guys for at least the first semester. (YEAH)
Well, I love you guys. Take care and talk to you next week,
maybe send some pictures of my filho...
Valeu,
Elder Olson
Transfers came and I found that I was training again, along with Elder Neuberger and Elder Whitehead (who are my CTM buddies).
We had a meeting at the president's house yesterday and all three of us were given a new American companion, fresh from the States!
My companion is Elder Messer, who is from Centerville Utah, a little closer to home, eh?
He is a great guy, and I am sure that we are going to have an incredible transfer!!!
We have been sent to a part of Maceió called Colina, it is a great ward from what I hear.
I have never been to this side of Maceio, but it looks pretty cool.
Soooooo, up until now we are pretty lost. But I´m sure that we´ll find ourselves soon enough.kkkk
I am living in a house with Elder Hardisty again, Wow, I love that kid!!!! He was a great companion.
I am really excited to work here in this area, and I know that the Lord will bless us greatly.
I got the package....thanks, it was funny to see all of the ugly ties and American food!!! its been a while. I cant believe how fast time is passing!!!!!
Oh by the way, I was talking to Elder Mckay the other day who is a great elder in our zone, serving in a place called Farol. I guess that there is a member in their ward that is going to be living in Santaquin in a few months (like a foreign exchange deal) and then he asked me; "She will be living with someone called Lynn Lowe. Do you know who that is?" (our ward member)
Wow, the world is pretty small,eh?
Just to let you know, my return date may change due to the mission transfers and arrival dates of some missionaries. But i´ll let you know.
But whichever day that I get back, know that I´ll be living home with you guys for at least the first semester. (YEAH)
Well, I love you guys. Take care and talk to you next week,
maybe send some pictures of my filho...
Valeu,
Elder Olson
Monday, June 7, 2010
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Friday, June 4, 2010
Sabão Kra Kra! June 2, 201
This week has passed by very fast. It seems like each day we had some meeting or activity planned, but it was good.
My companion, Elder G. Rocha is a great guy. No matter what happens we are always able to talk and laugh, which takes off the stress and weight that always seems to be weighing above your shoulders.
I am grateful to have so many great elders in our zone. Elder Ramos lives about 10 minutes from us and we are always able to talk about the work, about the gospel, about life, and so on. Elder Thomas, from SLC, is on the other side of our area. He´s a great kid.
I think that the greatest thing that I have been able to see at times, is the importance of always doing our part with a smile on the face and then waiting patiently to see the salvation of the Lord.
The work is going well, the Lord has led us to some elect people and this transfer, and we have also planted a seed in the hearts of many people during these past 6 weeks.
Yesterday, I did a split with Elder J. Silva in an area of Maceió called Chã da Jaqueira. Its a pretty crazy looking place with lots of hills.
One appointment, we went to teach a young man at his judo fighting class (which is taught by a member) as we arrived the instructor had us join them to learn some beginner techniques and basic moves and had us "fight" with a few of the people there (which was more just like a training).
It was pretty interesting, after we trained with them we taught them a lesson about the Book of Mormon and were able to get a few references off of it.
Hopefully we see some fruit from it.
Today me and Elder Ramos went to Viçosa with a few other elders, we picked up Silvana, Roberta, and Macena and took them to the waterfall. It was a great day.
Roberta is our most firm recent convert from Viçosa, she is very cool she is preparing to make her first trip to the temple to do baptisms in August.
The Lord is helping us. I know that He lives, and hears our calls of help. That is something that has always comforted me.
Talk to ya next week:)
Elder Olson
My companion, Elder G. Rocha is a great guy. No matter what happens we are always able to talk and laugh, which takes off the stress and weight that always seems to be weighing above your shoulders.
I am grateful to have so many great elders in our zone. Elder Ramos lives about 10 minutes from us and we are always able to talk about the work, about the gospel, about life, and so on. Elder Thomas, from SLC, is on the other side of our area. He´s a great kid.
I think that the greatest thing that I have been able to see at times, is the importance of always doing our part with a smile on the face and then waiting patiently to see the salvation of the Lord.
The work is going well, the Lord has led us to some elect people and this transfer, and we have also planted a seed in the hearts of many people during these past 6 weeks.
Yesterday, I did a split with Elder J. Silva in an area of Maceió called Chã da Jaqueira. Its a pretty crazy looking place with lots of hills.
One appointment, we went to teach a young man at his judo fighting class (which is taught by a member) as we arrived the instructor had us join them to learn some beginner techniques and basic moves and had us "fight" with a few of the people there (which was more just like a training).
It was pretty interesting, after we trained with them we taught them a lesson about the Book of Mormon and were able to get a few references off of it.
Hopefully we see some fruit from it.
Today me and Elder Ramos went to Viçosa with a few other elders, we picked up Silvana, Roberta, and Macena and took them to the waterfall. It was a great day.
Roberta is our most firm recent convert from Viçosa, she is very cool she is preparing to make her first trip to the temple to do baptisms in August.
The Lord is helping us. I know that He lives, and hears our calls of help. That is something that has always comforted me.
Talk to ya next week:)
Elder Olson
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