Sunday, August 29th - Speaking in Church

 

Arriving Home in Time August 19th

Blessed arrival and happy reunions.

 

Arriving at the Airport where Uncle Ben was waiting

First hugs at the temple

finally home 

Puppy love

Travel Miracles

Hi Everybody!

I made it home this week and have already been released from being a missionary. I wanted to write just one last email to share my experience with coming home. On Monday, we had our last dinner with President and Sister Piros. On Tuesday, the journey home started. I was nervous that I wasn't going to make it home in time for my brothers wedding. 

The first flight from Goiania to Sao Paulo went just fine. But, when we landed, I only had 30 minutes to get to my next flight, and it was on the other side of the airport! I ran there and had to go through security again. I got there just in time to board, only to find out that the church hadn't paid for my ticket. They took my bags off the plane and I was stranded in Sao Paulo. I borrowed a phone and got in touch with church travel, and they got me on another flight, but it got cancelled. I wasn't going to make it home in time for the wedding. The airline put me in a hotel, I contacted my mom and then at 1:30 a.m, I zonked out.

I woke up to my room phone ringing at 6:30. It was my mom. Apparently she had spent the whole night trying to get my flights worked out, and had been trying to call me for the past few hours. She got it worked out so that I would fly through Mexico, to LA, to Salt Lake, and make it back one hour before Jacob and Alayna's sealing. Everything worked out perfectly. My flight to Salt Lake miraculously landed earlier than expected on Thursday morning. I ran through the airport and ditched my bags at baggage claim. My Uncle Ben picked me up and took me to the temple. I got there right in time for the sealing. It truly was a miracle. 

I know this email is kinda long, but I wanted to share that I know that God is aware of each one of us and that he hears our prayers. I prayed fervently that everything would work out, and I know that many of you did as well. Thank you so much for your prayers. God is truly a God of miracles. 

-Elder Olson

Photos:

1-2 My last dinner in the mission

Coming Home!

Hey everyone!

I don't have much time today, but I just wanted to send one last email before my mission ends. I should be seeing many of you soon! This last week we worked really hard, and on my last proselyting day, we had a baptism! It was the son of a less active member who had turned 9, and they wanted to have the baptism this week, so we taught him everything and baptized on Sunday. I worked hard until the last minute and feel so blessed for the opportunity I had to serve here in Brazil, and in the States. I have learned more during my mission than during the rest of my life. I have learned to be patient, humble, charitable, and countless other things. 

I am grateful for all of you that have supported me in this wonderful journey!

Love you all,

Elder Olson

Peseverar até o fim - Persevere to the end

Hi everyone!

We had a pretty busy week. We didn't have any in-person exchanges, but we did do one online. Basically, we just joined in on a few lessons of another companionship in our zone. Anyways, other than that, not too much going on. We have been working super hard to try and prepare people for baptism so that we can have at least one this transfer. 

I don't know if you all remember, but my mission president gave us a goal of 40. Sadly, we did not reach that goal. Some of you may be thinking, why in the world was their goal so freaking big? Well, that's a good question. I have realized that because my President gave me this really huge goal, I have been more focused and have worked harder than ever before. This transfer has been so fun and has flown by. 

Spiritual thought: I would like to bear my testimony that as we worthily serve, God can use us as an instrument in his hands to help others and save souls. This week, we talked with 3 different people who were contemplating suicide. The Holy Spirit guided us in each one of these different situations. One of which, we ran to her house to give her a priesthood blessing. I know that the power of the priesthood is real. In the blessing, God gave me the exact words that I needed to say to help this woman. If my companion and I had not been paying attention to the promptings of the spirit this week, these 3 people may not have received the help they needed. I know that as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, God will use us to bless his children. There is no greater joy than the joy that comes from serving the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Photos:

1. Rodizio churrascaria!!! (Basically Tucanos)

2-5 A cool park to the side of the restaurant 

Zone Conferences and Downtown

Oi gente!

This week was good, it started off with zone conference. We did a lot of roleplays to practice teaching, and I had to do lots of them in front of everyone. I was kinda nervous, but it was good and everyone learned a lot. After Zone conference, we had exchanges. This time, I went to the assistant area in downtown Goiânia. It's a cool area. We took advantage of the fact that lunch was close to the Goiás soccer team stadium, and I bought myself a Jersey. 

The work in our area was a bit more difficult this week. Sadly, it is looking like we won't be able to teach Erik anymore because of some problems. But, we were able to find some really awesome people. Also, we received the referral of a pastor who lives in Goianira, and we might be able to go and preach in his church this next week! We are keeping our fingers crossed, because that would be an excellent opportunity to find new people in Goianira.

Spiritual thought: At Zone Conference, President Piros talked a lot about "widening our vision". It reminded me of what I learned at Timberline: "vision is what future success looks like." If we want to succeed, we have to really see the possibilities, and then set goals to achieve our vision. Without vision, we can't progress.

Photos!!!!

1-2 Zone conference

3. Reunited with Elder Arias 

4. Exchanges (in front of the Goiás team stadium)

5. Exchanges 

City of Churches

Hi everyone!

We started this week off with a good ol' exchange. We traveled about an hour and a half by bus to a city called Annapolis to do exchanges with the district leader there. Fun fact: Annapolis  is the city with the most churches in the world. I worked with Elder Pedroso. We spent most of the day walking, because he had marked some lessons super far away. But, it was a good time. I had never been there before so it was cool to see something new. Also, the bus station on the way home has Burger King, so we definitely took advantage of that.

We also had to walk to Erik's house and back this week, on the eternal dirt road. This time, we took a bit of a different route, and got chased by a huge dog so that was fun Haha. Sadly, the appointment fell through, so the Journey was not a huge success. Also, we are going to have to remark his baptism due to some minor problems. But, we had 5 people at church this week! We were happy about that.

Spiritual thought: Doctrine and Covenants 62:1 "Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted."  God knows our weaknesses. He understands us completely and wants to help us overcome our temptations!

Photos!!

1. Burger King

2. Chimarrão (also known as maté, I used to hate it, but I have been converted)

3. Exchange with Elder Pedroso