So yeah haha...
I didn't write any letters but I felt that I wrote some awesome e-mails. That being said I understand I still need to write, so I will!
But anyway howya'll doin?
I'm starting to get the accent down really well. I don't talk slow and I don't really have a drawl, but it's just the words I say. Yeah, I love it.
A few days ago we were starting the day off like normal, it was super sunny and everything was good. We drove into downtown Conway parked the car and started to ride our bike... directly towards black (not gray) clouds. Then the sun went away, it got windy and then WOOSH! It was raining, instant drenching. But we just kept riding our bikes because it's not like we could get any wetter. We later described our shoes, they were like fishbowls when the water swished back and forth in them as we biked. Luckily all the stuff that I had in my backpack was in a grocery bag (be prepared). Unfortunately my planner was in my pocket and it got destroyed. But lesson learned! We went back home a couple hours later and changed. There is nothing like putting on a pair of dry socks.
It's not that hot here anymore. It's overcast a lot which has also gotten rid of a lot of humidity also. Yes I'm enjoying that.
Ugh. I sit down at the computer and I can't remember whats happened in the past week. I just stare out the window. Oh here's something! I'm super tired! Haha we've been having trouble getting in on time. Not that we're rebels and we're trying to break all the rules. We just have tons of stuff to do and not enough time to do it. Plus when we get home we just lose track of time (even though we both have a watch and there are clocks everywhere). But our curfew is 10:30 and we've been getting in bed at 11:30 (I fall asleep at about 11:30:27). Then I'm awake falling asleep during my morning prayers. Then Elder Cramer says "ready to go running?" I groan and put on my shoes and we go and run. Thats the morning routine.
Jesse came to church yesterday!!! It was perfect for him! Because the talks during sacrament answered his prayers, gospel principles class was about baptism (which answered my prayers), and in elders quorum he made tons of friends! They were inviting him to dinner, and basketball, and to go shooting. And the best part is that we didn't ask any of the members to do that. Later we had dinner at Jesse's house. He made this really good stuff which had, chicken, cheese, mayo, sour cream, other stuff. I had a few helpings of it. But guess what was the appetizer? Come on, guess. Nope! He made fried Okra! Which is actually really good, at least when it's fried. Then after we watched The Prophet of the Restoration with him. It changed his perspective on the church when he really understands Joseph Smiths story. Then for the last part we had a discussion, and bore strong testimony of prayer and the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. He's going to pray about it, and i know he will receive an answer. I love being on a mission!
So there was a baptism in Conway on Saturday. His name is Brother Armando Puga. We didn't baptize him because he was taught by the spanish missionaries. But either way I got to be there and witness a baptism! Yesterday he was confirmed a member of the church. It's amazing to see what just happened with this man. He made a promise with God. He has promised to serve Him and obey His commandments, and God has promised to forgive him of ALL his sins, and has given him the gift of the Holy Ghost -who is the comforter and the spiritual guide of our lives.
I've been reading a lot more in the Bible lately, and I have to say I really regret that I didn't read it a more in the past. There are so many amazing people and stories! My current favorites are either between Paul and Joshua. They were both bold in different ways which is my desire. I want to be bold in speaking and not necessarily in battle like Joshua. If you don't know the story of Joshua then there are 12 really cool war chapters. In those chapters, he destroys Jericho (and many other cities), he splits Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant, he stops the sun for a battle. Just little things like that. But towards the beginning when the Lord is telling him to prepare for all of this, the Lord says "Have not I commanded thee?" That scripture means a lot to me. Because just like in 1 Nephi 3:7, we can understand that all of Gods commandments are possible. We would Not be asked to do something if our Heavenly Father didn't believe that we could. All we need to do is trust in Him and He will provide a way.
I know that by reading the scriptures and following the counsel of the prophets, who are the mouthpiece of the Lord, that we can find all our answers. Receive help in all our problems. And have happiness, no matter the trials and difficulties in life. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God. Joseph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ's true and only church has been restored, and his holy priesthood which Joshua used to stop the sun has been returned to this earth today. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today. He is the Lords mouthpiece and has spoken to the Almighty. Gods commandments are gifts and by following them we can have eternal life, and eternal happiness with our families and our Heavenly Father. And I say this in the Saviors name, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Elder K. Olsen
P.S. I Love Y'all
Elder Olsen is in South Carolina
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Zone Conference
Kyle had his first zone conference a few weeks ago. He mentioned, in his previous letters, how he really enjoyed it. Here are a few things he mentioned...* No more knocking doors! They talked to the missionaries about relying on the members for help in finding investigators. It helps the new members stay more active once they're baptized if they have friends who have followed them through their conversion. Kyle said he'd still be knocking doors, but they won't have to knock entire streets.
* He was able to listen to Brother Pieper of the 70 talk about the atonement. Kyle mentioned that listening to Brother Pieper really helped increase his testimony of the atonement.
* And I'm sure the best part of zone conference...he was able to pick up a package that his mom had sent him several weeks earlier. All packages have to be sent priority mail, or he has to wait for zone conference to pick them up. Thankfully he didn't have to wait too long :)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Dear Following Persons who are taking time to read this---
Dear Following Persons who are taking time to read this,
Well another week has flown by and i cant believe that its Monday again. Its gotten colder the last few days and i guess after general conference we have to wear our suit every day. So we'll see how that goes! It is a lot nicer to go around biking now that its cold, i'm not sweating like crazy and my energy isn't drained the second i step out the door (okay I'm exaggerating a bit, but still). But hallelujah for that!
Earlier this week i went to a zone conference where we got to hear from Elder Pieper of the 70. Well i think that was this week i hope i haven't told y'all this already... Turns out that was two weeks ago. But if i could tell you one thing about the whole experience is that Elder Pieper has an amazing testimony of the Atonement and it boosted my testimony a lot.
It was a pretty slow week for Elder Cramer and I. We tried really hard but a lot of people canceled on us or just weren't home. But still we found some success!
We spoke with Jesse Bloodworth again. He's doing great! We had a very strong spiritual lesson with him, and we resolved all of the marital issues. It turns out they aren't married because she hasn't been officially divorced yet. But they are planning on getting married once all of that is solved and then he's getting baptized!
The people we didn't see this week: Bro. Pokey, Bro. Philipscheck, Gloria Sarvis, please pray for us this week that we will be able to teach them and that when we do so the spirit will be with us.
We taught Sis. Campbell and it seems that she's golden! Except she will not come to church. Which is one of the biggest things that she needs to do. So please, please, please, pray that she can come to church and that we can help her realize how important church really is.
We have a man on baptismal date for the 15 of Oct! His name is Randy Humes. Unfortunately he didn't come to church either (Aghhh!)
He learns a little slower than others, but he has a strong desire. When we brought up church he said he was going to get his really nice suit cleaned and that he's gonna shave (he's gotta beard), and he said he wants to give fast offerings (he said donation). But his understanding is great because we hadn't talked about any of that stuff. That is pure proof that the Holy Ghost is the real teacher in these lessons!
We are getting fed so much food here! The other day we had a huge dinner complete with awesome potatoes, ribs, steak, salad with home made dressing, then this awesome cinnamon cake! We couldn't eat it all so they sent us home with leftovers. We got home and on our front porch were some meals wrapped in tin foil! We already had a couple meals in the fridge from the day before. I don't think I've gained any weight yet, but i haven't been hungry since I got here either.
I'm going to try really hard to write many letters today. But i don't know how long it takes for my letters to get there.
My camera broke even more so now i can't take any pictures at all. I live far away from the Best Buy and don't have time to go. So should i just send home the camera to you? Because I think it's under your name anyways. But on the bright side i will send home the pictures that I've taken so far with it.... Yes, there's more trees than pictures of people. sorry haha
But i know that this is the true church. I know that the Book of Mormon like the Bible is the word of God and has His teachings. I know that by reading them we can gain a strong testimony. I know Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and through him has restored the true church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christs Atonement happened for us and we are always worthy of it, the atonement happened for the sinners so that we could be forgiven and have true happiness. Don't let the Great Sacrifice go to waste. I love y'all and you are in my prayers.
Love,
Elder K. Olsen
P.S. Elder Cramer and i need some music. Don't worry we have plenty (plenty) of MoTab (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). We need some other music that brings are thoughts to Christ (that's the requirement of our music). If possible we would like the Prince of Egypt soundtrack. Andrea Bocelli is also amazing (we have the Christmas album and have listened to it a lot, so we're desperate). Love Ya!
Well another week has flown by and i cant believe that its Monday again. Its gotten colder the last few days and i guess after general conference we have to wear our suit every day. So we'll see how that goes! It is a lot nicer to go around biking now that its cold, i'm not sweating like crazy and my energy isn't drained the second i step out the door (okay I'm exaggerating a bit, but still). But hallelujah for that!
Earlier this week i went to a zone conference where we got to hear from Elder Pieper of the 70. Well i think that was this week i hope i haven't told y'all this already... Turns out that was two weeks ago. But if i could tell you one thing about the whole experience is that Elder Pieper has an amazing testimony of the Atonement and it boosted my testimony a lot.
It was a pretty slow week for Elder Cramer and I. We tried really hard but a lot of people canceled on us or just weren't home. But still we found some success!
We spoke with Jesse Bloodworth again. He's doing great! We had a very strong spiritual lesson with him, and we resolved all of the marital issues. It turns out they aren't married because she hasn't been officially divorced yet. But they are planning on getting married once all of that is solved and then he's getting baptized!
The people we didn't see this week: Bro. Pokey, Bro. Philipscheck, Gloria Sarvis, please pray for us this week that we will be able to teach them and that when we do so the spirit will be with us.
We taught Sis. Campbell and it seems that she's golden! Except she will not come to church. Which is one of the biggest things that she needs to do. So please, please, please, pray that she can come to church and that we can help her realize how important church really is.
We have a man on baptismal date for the 15 of Oct! His name is Randy Humes. Unfortunately he didn't come to church either (Aghhh!)
He learns a little slower than others, but he has a strong desire. When we brought up church he said he was going to get his really nice suit cleaned and that he's gonna shave (he's gotta beard), and he said he wants to give fast offerings (he said donation). But his understanding is great because we hadn't talked about any of that stuff. That is pure proof that the Holy Ghost is the real teacher in these lessons!
We are getting fed so much food here! The other day we had a huge dinner complete with awesome potatoes, ribs, steak, salad with home made dressing, then this awesome cinnamon cake! We couldn't eat it all so they sent us home with leftovers. We got home and on our front porch were some meals wrapped in tin foil! We already had a couple meals in the fridge from the day before. I don't think I've gained any weight yet, but i haven't been hungry since I got here either.
I'm going to try really hard to write many letters today. But i don't know how long it takes for my letters to get there.
My camera broke even more so now i can't take any pictures at all. I live far away from the Best Buy and don't have time to go. So should i just send home the camera to you? Because I think it's under your name anyways. But on the bright side i will send home the pictures that I've taken so far with it.... Yes, there's more trees than pictures of people. sorry haha
But i know that this is the true church. I know that the Book of Mormon like the Bible is the word of God and has His teachings. I know that by reading them we can gain a strong testimony. I know Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and through him has restored the true church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christs Atonement happened for us and we are always worthy of it, the atonement happened for the sinners so that we could be forgiven and have true happiness. Don't let the Great Sacrifice go to waste. I love y'all and you are in my prayers.
Love,
Elder K. Olsen
P.S. Elder Cramer and i need some music. Don't worry we have plenty (plenty) of MoTab (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). We need some other music that brings are thoughts to Christ (that's the requirement of our music). If possible we would like the Prince of Egypt soundtrack. Andrea Bocelli is also amazing (we have the Christmas album and have listened to it a lot, so we're desperate). Love Ya!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
News from Kyle
How y'all doin today!
I looked up that Featherstone talk and he was actually quoting Pres. Kimball. It was about how he predicted that the South would baptize more than any other english speaking mission. That congregations would be baptized. I gotta say. I Really hope i'm there when that happens!
So lets see whats happened. On Monday we had zone conference and we got the privelege to have a 3 hour discussion with Elder Pieper of the 70. It was very spiritual and eye opening to what missionary work is and how we can do better.
Something else is the mission has banned knocking doors! Yay! Now obviously we're allowed to knock doors, but they really want us to work with the members because they are the best way to get people coming to church and those converts will actually stay at church. So we're just not supposed to plan on knocking streets. Which i'm happy to say i'm glad happened, because thats one thing i REALLY couldnt do very well. I said um and uh alot...
So we saw Gloria again. We taught her the entire first lesson and she really enjoyed it. She seemed like she understood everything and more so it seemed that she believed everything we said. The spirit was so strong in that lesson. Now for the problem. We called her to get a return appointment. She told me that she thought what we were doing is great and everything, but she was going to stay with her church. I was able to talk her into another appointment, so we'll see.
Jesse is doing great! I don't know if you know about him but he's living with a recent convert. They aren't married but they already call themselves a family so i'm not to worried about that. Hes already started handing out Books of Mormon to his family and he's not even on date for baptism! The issue is that he likes to go off subject, so we havent really taught him everything. So pray that we can keep on track in our upcoming lessons.
Then there's Bro. Philipscheck. He's really open to all our teachings, and he's been taught since before i got here. He likes the discussions but his wife isnt too thrilled about it. She's super nice but i guess she tried throwing away his Book of Mormon, but he wouldnt allow it! Ha ha i love that family.
Sis. Campbell who is on date, or was. She won't come to church! So pray ALOT for that.
A man named Sandy who we already taught the first lesson we are meeting again today, so i'll give you that update next week.
Those are the main investigators i suppose, so Dad, i hope that answers your REQUEST ;)
Unfortunately i have 8 minutes left on my super fancy library computer so i cant give you all the details. But i do have 6 hours to write letters! and do laundry, and clean, and shop, and car wash, and plan, and nap (yeah right).
So i got a request! Someone should give my facebook page an update; 1) change name to Elder Kyle Olsen, i didn't do that. and 2) put down "This is Elder Olsen and I'm in South Carolina! I cant text or call anyone (and i'm not even the one updating my fb stats, i had to write and tell someone to do this) so i thoroughly enjoy getting letters. So family, friends, facebook friends, and even acquaintances. Send me a letter at (place address here). Thanks Y'all!"
Thanks a ton!
Love (and alot of it)
Elder K. Olsen
P.S. I love y'all!
I looked up that Featherstone talk and he was actually quoting Pres. Kimball. It was about how he predicted that the South would baptize more than any other english speaking mission. That congregations would be baptized. I gotta say. I Really hope i'm there when that happens!
So lets see whats happened. On Monday we had zone conference and we got the privelege to have a 3 hour discussion with Elder Pieper of the 70. It was very spiritual and eye opening to what missionary work is and how we can do better.
Something else is the mission has banned knocking doors! Yay! Now obviously we're allowed to knock doors, but they really want us to work with the members because they are the best way to get people coming to church and those converts will actually stay at church. So we're just not supposed to plan on knocking streets. Which i'm happy to say i'm glad happened, because thats one thing i REALLY couldnt do very well. I said um and uh alot...
So we saw Gloria again. We taught her the entire first lesson and she really enjoyed it. She seemed like she understood everything and more so it seemed that she believed everything we said. The spirit was so strong in that lesson. Now for the problem. We called her to get a return appointment. She told me that she thought what we were doing is great and everything, but she was going to stay with her church. I was able to talk her into another appointment, so we'll see.
Jesse is doing great! I don't know if you know about him but he's living with a recent convert. They aren't married but they already call themselves a family so i'm not to worried about that. Hes already started handing out Books of Mormon to his family and he's not even on date for baptism! The issue is that he likes to go off subject, so we havent really taught him everything. So pray that we can keep on track in our upcoming lessons.
Then there's Bro. Philipscheck. He's really open to all our teachings, and he's been taught since before i got here. He likes the discussions but his wife isnt too thrilled about it. She's super nice but i guess she tried throwing away his Book of Mormon, but he wouldnt allow it! Ha ha i love that family.
Sis. Campbell who is on date, or was. She won't come to church! So pray ALOT for that.
A man named Sandy who we already taught the first lesson we are meeting again today, so i'll give you that update next week.
Those are the main investigators i suppose, so Dad, i hope that answers your REQUEST ;)
Unfortunately i have 8 minutes left on my super fancy library computer so i cant give you all the details. But i do have 6 hours to write letters! and do laundry, and clean, and shop, and car wash, and plan, and nap (yeah right).
So i got a request! Someone should give my facebook page an update; 1) change name to Elder Kyle Olsen, i didn't do that. and 2) put down "This is Elder Olsen and I'm in South Carolina! I cant text or call anyone (and i'm not even the one updating my fb stats, i had to write and tell someone to do this) so i thoroughly enjoy getting letters. So family, friends, facebook friends, and even acquaintances. Send me a letter at (place address here). Thanks Y'all!"
Thanks a ton!
Love (and alot of it)
Elder K. Olsen
P.S. I love y'all!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Short but Very Sweet
Howdy everybody!
As for the language, it's not that different. There's sort of an accent, but I talk stranger than everyone else around i think. Except how some people say 'ax' instead of ask. Or 'skreet' instead of street. But i'm getting used to it. But yes, I am trying to get that southern drawl.
I'm sorta out of it right now and i'm not quite sure what i've written to you and what i haven't. But last night Elder Cramer and I had an amazing experience! After church and dinner and all the study time we're supposed to do. We finally got out of the house at 7:00. Having a total of two hours to go teach, we had zero appointments.So the first lady we saw, her name is Gloria, is a media refferal. Which means that they got on a website or something and ordered an LDS product. Gloria ordered a finding faith in Christ DVD. She recieved one a couple months ago but didn't want to talk to the missionaries at the time. So we've stopped by the house almost every other day and they never answered. We decided to try one last time. We knocked and the door and she yelled "Who is it!?" (something that happens alot here), so of course we responded "The Missionaries!". Then she said that now wasnt a good time. So we decided that we were going to just leave our number on a card and let her call us. As we were writing on the card she opened the door and invited us in.
During our study time we studied something in "The first 12 weeks training program book", which is actually the first time that they are using this book. I'm the guinea pig. But we studied something called teach people, not lessons. It taught us that if we just listened with love, the spirit would fill our mouths with the answers.So with this attitude we went inside to see Gloria. We sat down and we could see the sadness in her life. All we did was listen to her, comfort her, and testify that God loves her and wants to help her. All over her table there were books saying things about how God can help. We can tell that she has been praying for help from God. We are going to see her again tonight and teach her the restoration and how it can help her. But the best part of that "lesson", was the closing prayer we said. We got on our knees, this whole time we had been feeling the spirit. Elder Cramer said the prayer. And all of us cried because we could all feel the Holy Spirit and Gods love for us.
I know that God guides us in our lives as long as we try our best and ask for His help. I will write more in my written letter. But i wanted to share that experience.
Love Y'all,
Elder Olsen
As for the language, it's not that different. There's sort of an accent, but I talk stranger than everyone else around i think. Except how some people say 'ax' instead of ask. Or 'skreet' instead of street. But i'm getting used to it. But yes, I am trying to get that southern drawl.
I'm sorta out of it right now and i'm not quite sure what i've written to you and what i haven't. But last night Elder Cramer and I had an amazing experience! After church and dinner and all the study time we're supposed to do. We finally got out of the house at 7:00. Having a total of two hours to go teach, we had zero appointments.So the first lady we saw, her name is Gloria, is a media refferal. Which means that they got on a website or something and ordered an LDS product. Gloria ordered a finding faith in Christ DVD. She recieved one a couple months ago but didn't want to talk to the missionaries at the time. So we've stopped by the house almost every other day and they never answered. We decided to try one last time. We knocked and the door and she yelled "Who is it!?" (something that happens alot here), so of course we responded "The Missionaries!". Then she said that now wasnt a good time. So we decided that we were going to just leave our number on a card and let her call us. As we were writing on the card she opened the door and invited us in.
During our study time we studied something in "The first 12 weeks training program book", which is actually the first time that they are using this book. I'm the guinea pig. But we studied something called teach people, not lessons. It taught us that if we just listened with love, the spirit would fill our mouths with the answers.So with this attitude we went inside to see Gloria. We sat down and we could see the sadness in her life. All we did was listen to her, comfort her, and testify that God loves her and wants to help her. All over her table there were books saying things about how God can help. We can tell that she has been praying for help from God. We are going to see her again tonight and teach her the restoration and how it can help her. But the best part of that "lesson", was the closing prayer we said. We got on our knees, this whole time we had been feeling the spirit. Elder Cramer said the prayer. And all of us cried because we could all feel the Holy Spirit and Gods love for us.
I know that God guides us in our lives as long as we try our best and ask for His help. I will write more in my written letter. But i wanted to share that experience.
Love Y'all,
Elder Olsen
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