Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been an incredibly good one. Note that I did not say easy. It has actually been a rather challenging week. But I learned a lot about myself and the power of my God.
I do not exactly know why this week has been so hard. In some ways I do, in others I do not. It was hard because school is starting to pick up I have had quizzes and assignments, and the next two weeks I have my first exam in every single one of my classes. This is the biggest class load I have had since coming home from my mission, and I am finding that I am still adjusting to the life of a college student. But I have found time to do everything required of me, and have learned a great deal about my capacities and my strength. But I do not take credit for this. I thank my God for the mind he has given me and for the blessing it is that I can obtain such a wonderful education.
As I said, this week was hard for reasons I do not understand. There were moments when I felt down in the dumps. Moments when I was just sad. One particular night, I found myself alone in my bedroom. Feeling sad, and alone, tears began to come and I could not stop crying. So that nobody gets the wrong idea, I was not sobbing uncontrollably, but I was having a good cry. It was late at night, and I knew there was nobody I could call and talk to. I did not know why I was so sad, or why I was crying. Stress from school? Missing my brother who is on his mission? Missing my mission? Sorrow that I was going to loose another best friend and roommate to marriage? Although I could not place my feelings, and I do not know what I would have said had there been someone to call, I wanted nothing more than to have someone to talk to. To have someone to cry with. I cried tears of self pity for a few moments before I found myself on my knees. As I prayed, I realized I had found someone to talk to. And He listened to my pains and my sorrows. In Him I found comfort. The sorrow did not completely go away, but I no longer felt alone. I realized I always had someone to talk to. I always have someone who is there for me. So do you.
I guess this week really has been a week of powerful prayer. At the beginning of the week, I had lost one of my notebooks that had all my notes from two of my classes. I really needed the notebook to study for an upcoming quiz. I looked everywhere for my notebook. I searched my whole room, cleaned my room, and looked throughout my apartment. I could not find it. So I prayed. I then looked under my bed, and the notebook was right there. I quickly said a prayer of gratitude.
Earlier this month I had lost my car keys to the messy abyss of my bedroom and had been using my extra set. I was not too worried about it when it first happened, but as the weeks progressed and I began to clean my room and actually start looking for the lost keys, I began to worry when I really could not find them. So, when I was praying for my lost notebook, I figured it was a good time to pray for my lost keys too. And no, they were not under my bed with the notebook. I didn't even find them until a few days after I had said that prayer. But I did find them. One morning, I was getting dressed for school and decided to wear a pair of pants that I hadn't worn in a few weeks. They're not my favorite. I put them on, and noticed a bulge in my pocket. I stuck my hand in, and pulled out..........drum roll......my car keys! I dropped to my knees, and gave thanks to my God.
I know this church is true. I have a huge testimony of the power of prayer. God answered my prayers this week, as he has always done. Prayer is an amazing thing. I testify that it truly is communication with our loving Heavenly Father. When we pray, he hears us. I know that answers do not always come when or how we want them. But they always come in the best way for us. Like He answers my prayers, I promise God will answer yours too.
Con amor (with love),
S. Olsen
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
7 months and counting!
Dear family and friends,
The past 2 weeks have been a crazy mix of dedicated school work, spiritual experiences, and of course the kind of fun that only happens when you live in Provo.
Let me start by explaining some of the highlights from last week. It was busy with homework and starting my job (I work at the English Second Language Writing Center on campus), but it was definitely an incredible week.
Brigham Young University (BYU) had the inauguration of our 13th President. President Kevin J. Worthen is now president of BYU. At the inauguration we were blessed to be in the presence of Presidents Monson, Eyring, and Uchtdorf, and Elders Nelson, Holland, and Oaks, among other general authorities. And last Sunday was a regional conference in Utah in which Elder Scott spoke. Later Sunday evening there was a CES fireside with Elder Christofferson. For those of you who didn't keep track that is 8 apostles I was able to see in one week! It was amazing. I think a lot of people take living in Utah for granted, but that week really reminded me the blessing that it is.
It was also a fun week in which I was able to go to a Peruvian restaurant with 2 of my former mission companions and on Sunday after the fireside I went to a mission reunion with 40-50 people in attendance. It was so fun to see everyone and reminisce about old times.
One of the coolest experiences of my week, though, was when I had the opportunity (and I got extra credit) to see a silent film called Ramona. This was a big deal because this movie had been thought lost for the past 80+ years. It was rediscovered in 2010 and they had spent the past 4 years restoring it. The showing I went to was one of the first since it was lost and the very first time it had been shown in Utah since being restored. I had never seen a silent film, but really enjoyed the experience. They had someone playing the organ and he did an excellent job making the movie come more to life. I loved it because it was such a neat and special experience. I love doing new things and being able to participate in the history that is happening around me. I am grateful for the resources and events that take place at BYU so that I may learn and do new things.
This week has been a little more mellow, but still very exciting. The biggest event was probably the engagement of my roommate and dear friend. I have known her my whole life and am very happy for her. To make a very long story short, I introduced them to each other but never thought they might actually get married. But as I have watched them grow closer, I have seen how happy they are and have felt a small measure of joy and peace. I am not trying to say that I have received revelation that they should marry-I cannot do that. But, it is hard to see a best friend get married, in the sense that you know your friendship with them will change. It is especially so in my case, because I will no longer be able to live with her. So, I think I was feeling joy and peace to help me accept the changes that will come. It is a tender moment to feel that way.
Today was the re-dedication of the Utah Ogden Temple. The dedication was broadcast to us at the Marriott Center. It was such a delight to be able to attend. The spirit was so strong, and I was truly edified. I felt like a gained a deeper understanding of the importance of temples. Or maybe it was just a much needed reminder. I also learned about the importance of always having a valid temple recommend, even if you cannot go. Lastly, I learned that it is possible to have spiritual experiences that rival the spirit of the Temple without having to be in the Temple. And I believe that. I don't think that means we don't have to go. Sometimes we do need the Temple for that extra spiritual boost or to really receive the guidance we are seeking, but just as often, I think we can find those moments and receive those answers as we live righteously day to day.
This week I also hit 7 months since coming home. It seems like I just got home yesterday.
I know this church is true. I know it with all my heart. I know God loves me and I know He loves each and every one of you. I feel it so strongly! It gives me so much joy and strength. I am so grateful for my mission and the lessons I learned.
Con amor (with love),
S. Olsen
The past 2 weeks have been a crazy mix of dedicated school work, spiritual experiences, and of course the kind of fun that only happens when you live in Provo.
Let me start by explaining some of the highlights from last week. It was busy with homework and starting my job (I work at the English Second Language Writing Center on campus), but it was definitely an incredible week.
Brigham Young University (BYU) had the inauguration of our 13th President. President Kevin J. Worthen is now president of BYU. At the inauguration we were blessed to be in the presence of Presidents Monson, Eyring, and Uchtdorf, and Elders Nelson, Holland, and Oaks, among other general authorities. And last Sunday was a regional conference in Utah in which Elder Scott spoke. Later Sunday evening there was a CES fireside with Elder Christofferson. For those of you who didn't keep track that is 8 apostles I was able to see in one week! It was amazing. I think a lot of people take living in Utah for granted, but that week really reminded me the blessing that it is.
It was also a fun week in which I was able to go to a Peruvian restaurant with 2 of my former mission companions and on Sunday after the fireside I went to a mission reunion with 40-50 people in attendance. It was so fun to see everyone and reminisce about old times.
One of the coolest experiences of my week, though, was when I had the opportunity (and I got extra credit) to see a silent film called Ramona. This was a big deal because this movie had been thought lost for the past 80+ years. It was rediscovered in 2010 and they had spent the past 4 years restoring it. The showing I went to was one of the first since it was lost and the very first time it had been shown in Utah since being restored. I had never seen a silent film, but really enjoyed the experience. They had someone playing the organ and he did an excellent job making the movie come more to life. I loved it because it was such a neat and special experience. I love doing new things and being able to participate in the history that is happening around me. I am grateful for the resources and events that take place at BYU so that I may learn and do new things.
This week has been a little more mellow, but still very exciting. The biggest event was probably the engagement of my roommate and dear friend. I have known her my whole life and am very happy for her. To make a very long story short, I introduced them to each other but never thought they might actually get married. But as I have watched them grow closer, I have seen how happy they are and have felt a small measure of joy and peace. I am not trying to say that I have received revelation that they should marry-I cannot do that. But, it is hard to see a best friend get married, in the sense that you know your friendship with them will change. It is especially so in my case, because I will no longer be able to live with her. So, I think I was feeling joy and peace to help me accept the changes that will come. It is a tender moment to feel that way.
Today was the re-dedication of the Utah Ogden Temple. The dedication was broadcast to us at the Marriott Center. It was such a delight to be able to attend. The spirit was so strong, and I was truly edified. I felt like a gained a deeper understanding of the importance of temples. Or maybe it was just a much needed reminder. I also learned about the importance of always having a valid temple recommend, even if you cannot go. Lastly, I learned that it is possible to have spiritual experiences that rival the spirit of the Temple without having to be in the Temple. And I believe that. I don't think that means we don't have to go. Sometimes we do need the Temple for that extra spiritual boost or to really receive the guidance we are seeking, but just as often, I think we can find those moments and receive those answers as we live righteously day to day.
This week I also hit 7 months since coming home. It seems like I just got home yesterday.
I know this church is true. I know it with all my heart. I know God loves me and I know He loves each and every one of you. I feel it so strongly! It gives me so much joy and strength. I am so grateful for my mission and the lessons I learned.
Con amor (with love),
S. Olsen
Thursday, September 18, 2014
What is a mission?
Dearest readers, I apologize for not writing last Sunday. I had a very busy week! But before I write my "letter" about last week, I wanted to explain a little bit more about missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Young men at the age of 18 and young women at the age of 19 can decide that they want to serve a mission for the church. For young men it is a two year commitment, and for young women it is 18 months. When one decides they want to serve, they fill out the required paperwork and meet with their local religious leaders to determine their worthiness and desire. When this is done their papers are sent to church headquarters. Within a few weeks to a few months a letter is returned with the missionary-to-be's assignment. There are over 300 missions one can be called to, and we believe that the call comes from God. For this reason, we do not choose where we will spend the next 18-24 months.
In my case, I will always remember the joy and elation I felt when my letter came, and I read that I would be serving in the Spain Madrid Mission. It was such a surreal feeling; a feeling of happiness and peace. Feeling that way was a confirmation to me that I had been called of God to go to Spain.
With the letter, each missionary is given a date to report to the Missionary Training Center (MTC). In the MTC a missionary will spend 2-9 weeks to study the scriptures, learn the language they will be speaking (if they are to learn one), and prepare to serve their missions. The purpose of the mission is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. In other words, missionaries in the MTC spend 2-9 weeks preparing to teach the Gospel of Christ and inviting people to enter the waters of Baptism.
Once in their designated mission, they put to practice everything they learnt in the MTC. Missionaries always travel with a companion. They go from city to city serving the people and teaching them about the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They teach about Christ and the Church He established. They teach that the same exact church has been restored and is on the earth today. They teach about God's plan for us in this life, and the next. And they teach about what we must do to receive the gift of Salvation and Eternal Life. They invite those they teach to believe in these true principles and be baptized.
It is important to explain that we don't want to offend anyone. Missionaries do not force anyone to be baptized. We love those that listen to our message, but do not accept it. Missionaries merely serve, teach, and invite. we do not believe that other churches are bad, or that their members do not have faith. But that does not mean that we believe all churches are true. We believe that they all have truth but they do not have the fullness of it. It is for that reason that missionaries teach people how they can know the truth and invite them to be baptized. Only through baptism in Christ's true church can one receive Salvation.
So I invite all to read and learn. If what I say is true, congratulations! You have found earthly and eternal happiness, and the path back to your Father in Heaven. If it is not true, than your life goes on as it is. You have nothing to loose, yet so much to gain! Come see for yourself!
In my case, I will always remember the joy and elation I felt when my letter came, and I read that I would be serving in the Spain Madrid Mission. It was such a surreal feeling; a feeling of happiness and peace. Feeling that way was a confirmation to me that I had been called of God to go to Spain.
With the letter, each missionary is given a date to report to the Missionary Training Center (MTC). In the MTC a missionary will spend 2-9 weeks to study the scriptures, learn the language they will be speaking (if they are to learn one), and prepare to serve their missions. The purpose of the mission is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. In other words, missionaries in the MTC spend 2-9 weeks preparing to teach the Gospel of Christ and inviting people to enter the waters of Baptism.
Once in their designated mission, they put to practice everything they learnt in the MTC. Missionaries always travel with a companion. They go from city to city serving the people and teaching them about the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They teach about Christ and the Church He established. They teach that the same exact church has been restored and is on the earth today. They teach about God's plan for us in this life, and the next. And they teach about what we must do to receive the gift of Salvation and Eternal Life. They invite those they teach to believe in these true principles and be baptized.
It is important to explain that we don't want to offend anyone. Missionaries do not force anyone to be baptized. We love those that listen to our message, but do not accept it. Missionaries merely serve, teach, and invite. we do not believe that other churches are bad, or that their members do not have faith. But that does not mean that we believe all churches are true. We believe that they all have truth but they do not have the fullness of it. It is for that reason that missionaries teach people how they can know the truth and invite them to be baptized. Only through baptism in Christ's true church can one receive Salvation.
So I invite all to read and learn. If what I say is true, congratulations! You have found earthly and eternal happiness, and the path back to your Father in Heaven. If it is not true, than your life goes on as it is. You have nothing to loose, yet so much to gain! Come see for yourself!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Hello friends and family...and anyone else who might be reading this!
Hello and welcome to my blog! Let me explain a little about myself. I am a returned missionary from the Utah Ogden Mission AND the Spain Madrid Mission. I served in the Utah Ogden Mission for four months while waiting for my visa to Spain. I consider myself extremely blessed to have served in two different missions! I am fluent in Spanish, I have met some of the most amazing people in the world, and I have some of the most incredible friends from all over the world.
As I served my mission, I learned so much about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I saw myself (and those I taught) become different, and better people. I changed, and I became truly converted. I've always had a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. But my mission took that to a whole new level. I LOVED dedicating every moment to the Lord. My time, my energy, my talents, and even my heart were His. I was not a perfect missionary, but I tried my hardest and saw miracles every day.
I grew to love every moment of the mission, and because it changed me so much, it was very hard to come home. I didn't want to. I didn't want to give up the opportunity to share the Gospel, to serve, and to brighten people's day. I didn't want to give up the day to day personal growth as I studied the Gospel and grew closer to my Savior.
But here I am. I got on the plane that took me from Spain to the U.S.A. But I didn't leave those experiences behind. I still struggle sometimes to know how to feel like I did when I was on my mission. How to keep that joy, love, and discipleship alive. I learned so much on my mission and I want to apply it to my life now and to share it with others.
So every week, I will write a "letter" just as I did when I was on my mission, sharing the insights of the Gospel that I have gained, and the miracles I have seen.
As I served my mission, I learned so much about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I saw myself (and those I taught) become different, and better people. I changed, and I became truly converted. I've always had a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. But my mission took that to a whole new level. I LOVED dedicating every moment to the Lord. My time, my energy, my talents, and even my heart were His. I was not a perfect missionary, but I tried my hardest and saw miracles every day.
I grew to love every moment of the mission, and because it changed me so much, it was very hard to come home. I didn't want to. I didn't want to give up the opportunity to share the Gospel, to serve, and to brighten people's day. I didn't want to give up the day to day personal growth as I studied the Gospel and grew closer to my Savior.
But here I am. I got on the plane that took me from Spain to the U.S.A. But I didn't leave those experiences behind. I still struggle sometimes to know how to feel like I did when I was on my mission. How to keep that joy, love, and discipleship alive. I learned so much on my mission and I want to apply it to my life now and to share it with others.
So every week, I will write a "letter" just as I did when I was on my mission, sharing the insights of the Gospel that I have gained, and the miracles I have seen.
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