So this new area is looking pretty tough... because it's close to the airport. Yep, that means "SCCCHHHEEEEAAWWW" every half hour, an airplane touching down...

Haha but this is SUCH a great area! I got here on Wednesday and Elder Zeballos on Thursday I think, and it is the first time that this ward has had 2 companionships of missionaries. So they are pretty much stoked. Everyone comes up to us excited and happy, we got an investigator to go to church yesterday and everyone treated him well too. (By the way, there hadn't been other missionaries here before so we started from scratch, 1 whole day knocking doors! But it was bom demais!!) Our area is close to the University here and it seems to be a little bit more well off, but we still have been well received by the people.

Elder Zeballos got here really wanting to do personal sanctification, and I was happy to oblige. We started with a fast, and are trying to turn our thoughts to the Lord with everything we do and be as obedient as possible. I have studied a lot chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel this week, about recognizing the Spirit. It is such a great feeling when you know that God has used you as an instrument in some way! That's what I pray for every day.

I also started studying Jesus the Christ again today. This time I will read every single scripture reference! But I can already feel the Spirit permeating our life more. I am just really excited for my comp and this area, the Lord has blessed me so much!

Mom sorry that all the missionaries are coming back and making you miss us haha! But one day we'll come back too! savor it while you can

But I love you! Thank you for your support. I know that the Savior lives and watches over us, be it one that is walking consistently in His light, or fallen from the path, He loves us infinitely.

Love,

Elder Nick Olsen

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There were just a couple of lines from Eric. He is happy and well and in his new city, Linhares. His new companion is Elder Bessa from Forteleza and they are getting along great and working hard.  They are zone leaders. 

WELCOME TO...

TIBERY!!!!!!!!! That's right, I was transferred DE NOVO! And again, it is here within Uberlândia. It's crazy, I have been in Uberlândia 3 (going on 4) transfers, and all 3 (going on 4) transfers the zone leaders' area has changed. That never happens! But it's pretty sad. I was even talking to Elder Sales today and I said to him that I could have stayed in Patrimônio for the rest of my mission. It is truly a blessed area and I have made friends that I'll never forget.

Now the good news. My companion will be........... ELDER ZEBALLOS!!!!! One of my best friends on the mission! Idk if y'all remember but I lived with him while I worked in the mission office. He is a great guy and we will see miracles here!

Honestly, that's pretty much all I remember from this week, haha. I will miss Elder Sales a lot though, this is the 3rd time that we've been companions. I only have 4 more transfers! #nottrunky

But I love you guys a lot, I know that the church is true and that Jesus Christ is the head of it. And I know that the mission president is designated by the priesthood of God and that he guides the mission with revelation! And if I have been called to move again, there is certainly a just purpose.

Much love,

Elder Nick Olsen

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We found some really amazing people this week! We had a goal to leave the office a little bit early each day, so that we could really get some work done in the street. It worked out some days,... but other days we were running to Walmart and the bus station until 9 pm! It is weird to think that next week I won't be doing office tasks anymore.

Last Sunday was one of the saddest days of my time here in Brazil. We had a meeting at our ward mission leader's house, and his wife made a cake, etc. as a farewell for Elder Gingrich and I, since we both will be leaving. There were a lot of people, both missionaries and members of the church, and recent converts, that I really love, and it was super sad to be saying goodbye. A lot of us ended up crying! It is amazing how Heavenly Father sends us certain places at certain times in our lives, so that we can meet certain people, and how our paths cross. Everyone that I met here in Vitória has had such a great influence on me, and I know that I've had the opportunity to help others change their lives too! There is a Conductor, a Maestro, a Director of our universe - Jesus Christ. Everything happens according to His divine will.

I spoke with some people from Terra Vermelha this week! They said that Eliane is firm in the church, has 2 callings, and is going to the temple next month! What a blessing to have been able to know her.

Other that that, it was the regular business that accompanies the last week of the transfer. A lot of running around, a lot of anxiety, and, of course, a lot of new investigators! I love being a missionary, and am excited for the next step.

com amor,

Elder Eric Olsen

July 4th

4th of July is always a weird time to be out of the country. Lost in the work or not, loving Brasil or not, I can't help but turn my thoughts back to the homeland for a little bit! Especially since I received an awesome american flag towel this week (haha yes mom I got it).

This week was great! We got to go to Goiânia and see some old friends and have a meeting with President Kuceki. He is a really inspired man, and draws my thoughts often to the eternities and glories that await after this life. 

We also saw a few miracles this week. One was with our investigator who  we're helping get married. He has been going to church for a while, and the other day we decided to teach the word of wisdom. We knew that he likes to drink beer, and that it might be a problematic commandment. So we explained what it is, what the blessings are, why God has given this commandment, everything. And then  Elder Sales said "So we want to help you live this commandment, by taking all of your beer that you have here at home and throwing it out, to get rid of temptation." Until then he hadn't even agreed to live the word of wisdom. He looked up, seeming a little bit sad, and I was really nervous. And then he looked at us and said "na hora." basically like "lets do it." My eyes even filled up with tears to see this grizzled guy taking steps and making sacrifices to follow the Savior! It was amazing.

I know that the gospel is true! I know that Jesus can change lives and give us life eternal. And I thank yall for all the support and prayers!

Much love,

Elder Nick Olsen

first sushi in Brazil

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Bom dia meu povo!

The days are dragging on as we near the transfer. At least, the time in the office is dragging on! Elder McDown knows how to do almost everything already, so I don't have much to do. Next week will be more exciting though, and a lot more busy because of transfer preparations!

I have tried to take advantage of my free time in the office to strengthen m testimony of the Book of Mormon. In case anybody was wondering, it is true. If we take the time to REALLY read and ponder it's teachings, we will see how true they are. I've asked the Lord each day this week to strengthen my testimony of this wonderful fruit of the prophet Joseph Smith, and each day I have felt myself have more certainty . It's been a wonderful blessing, and I know that God will manifest the truthfulness of it to anyone who reads it with a desire to know of it's truthfulness, patience, and faith.

AND we didn't even pass the first round of our cake competition in the church last week. It was a super pretty cake though! I think my cake career is over, we got pretty sad afterwards......

It was our landlady Tania's birthday yesterday as well! We bought her a cheesecake - a real one from Sam's Club! Holy cow, those things are not cheap here! but we split it 5 ways. and it was totally delicious.

In other news, we woke up at 4 am this morning and climbed a hill and a TV tower on top of the hill in order to watch the sunrise. We were super high, so it was really windy and kinda scary, but it was such a beautiful sight!

My companion and I knelt down to thank our Heavenly Father for allowing us to see such  a miraculous view. When we recognize all that God has done for us in our lives, and are obedient to His commandments, we will always be happier. 

I am so glad to be here in Brasil! I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and wouldnt trade this time for anything.

Elder E Olsen

June 20th and 23rd emails. Also 29th.

June 20th from Elder Eric Olsen:
I think this was the most stressful week of my life.

President called me in on Wednesday and said "What do you think about getting transferred this week?" There have been a few problems in a far away area, and he told me that he was thinking about sending me there to try to help out. Of course, I know that in whatever I am called to do, the Lord will help me. However, I was really nervous/scared. Since he told me of the possibility, I reflected a lot on the Savior's words about the Holy Ghost in John 14. He promised that He would leave us peace, but we need to trsut in Him, have faith in His promise, and live worthy of the companionship of the Spirit so that he can bring us that peace! I had the opportunity to really ponder about Christ and the peace thatHe is capable of bringing us - and I testify that if we trust Him and keep His commandments, He will comfort us! "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." But it ended up that I wasnt transferred, so 3 more weeks in Vitória! I love Vitória.

ALSO I had the best experience this week with a recent convert of ours, Debora! She called us during the week, saying that she wanted to go with us to visit a young woman that we are teaching, so we picked her up at her house that night and went on our way. On the way to the appointment, she started telling us all about her plans for the future. She told us that she wants to go on a mission, and that she doesn't want to date until after her mission, because she doesn't want anything to stop her from entering worthily in the temple with her future husband. I can't describe how impressed and happy I was to hear that!! Afterwards, we got to our appointment and she testified of the importance of the Church, and what Christ had done in her life. It was so cool, I cant even explain.

And it was President's birthday yesterday, so I made him a cake. Haha classic!

AND shoutout to Francisco, who's birthday was also Friday! Happy birthday!

I love y'all! Thanks for the support.

Elder Eric Olsen

June 22 from Elder Nick Olsen:

So we got a call on Saturday night... it was our investigator's mom. "I have good news and bad news. The bad is that we've decided to postpone the baptism for next week. The good is that Danielle (her sister) has decided to get baptized too!" WOOH! MILAGRE! haha this month our President has told us to search for "17 Miracles" in each of our zones, 17 sons and daughters of God to enter in the waters of baptism. If everything goes right and the 2 sister get baptized as planned along with the other investigators marked for this week in our zone, we will have EXACTLY 17. That will be so cool!

This week was really good. The lady that had we visited a couple weeks ago was getting baptized on Saturday! And she asked my comp to baptize her. I guess the water was really cold, because she and the other rapaz being baptized made quite a fuss... haha tbh it was the funniest baptism I had ever been in. Everyone in the room was busting out laughing because of what they were saying! Also I got to see some old friends from my first Uberlândia area, Parque do Sabiá. 

Also I finally got a general conference edition of the Liahona, with the talks from living prophets and apostles. I LOVE the living prophets and apostles! It seems like almost everything they say applies perfectly to me. This week I studied Pres. Uchtdorf's talk about being genuine and without guile. How we have to worry about ourselves, who we are becoming and if we are following Christ's teachings, and not about showing others how great we are. But all the talks I've read so far have helped me in one way or another. 

But I love y'all! thanks for the prayers and support.

Much love,

Elder Nick Olsen

picture (YEEEEEEEES FINALLY): velhos amigos de pq do sabia]

I would send more pics now that i got it to work but I just switched memory cards so I don't have many others!

June 29th from Elder Nick Olsen:

This week I was eating lunch at a member's house (who is surprisingly similar in appearance to dad) when the phone rang: Executive Secretary of the mission. And when I answered, he asked me the infamous question: "Elder Olsen, which airport is the closest to your home?" AHH I only have 6 months left! It's weird, like I got excited but at the same time I realized that I have to work hard to take advantage of my time in the service of the Lord.

That being said, we had a baptism this week! A 15 year old girl that we have been teaching a few weeks. Her mom and stepdad are members, and she just recently moved to their house. It was cool to see, interestingly one of the people that I most saw change from beginning to end! Yesterday we even went by to talk with their family (we are teaching her sister now too, who just moved there) and she came in and said "Mãe, o que é tabaco?" she was reading the pamphlet of the Word of Wisdom! MUITO chique.

Also I have been reading "Our Heritage" this week. It has been really inspiring to see the sacrifices made for the gospel. Even some that were witnessed and made by my own ancestors! It makes me realize that God really doesn't ask that much of us in these latter days.

In other news, Bob Burnquist came to a mall here this week. I wanted to get an autograph really bad.... but I didn't haha. I guess that is my sacrifice for the gospel! haha jk

BUT that's pretty much it. This week there is a meeting in Goiânia so I'll see if I have gotten anything from yall!

Love yall! Thank you for everything! sorry for lack of pics but i forgot the cable at home :(

Love,

Elder Nick Olsen

Training and working hard

The weeks are kind of dragging on as I train Elder McDown. It's like being condemned to death - you know that it's coming, but for now you are just waiting. Not that I don't want to leave, but it gets a little dull - Elder McDown learns really quickly, and so I teach him what to do and then sit back and watch! It is not the most exciting time of my mission, I can tell you that. But it's been a blessing - I have been able to slow down, think, ponder, pray, and count my blessings. Sometimes it is good to just stop, think, and thank.

We took 8 people to the federal police this week - IT WAS A MESS. But nobody got deported, and everybody is legal now! And afterwards we had a churrasco for everyone at our house. It was a ton of work, but all the Elders were happy to have a change of pace.

I also did quite a few splits with the assistants this week - actually, I went each time with Elder Gingrich. He taught me a bunch, and really made me excited to go out and teach. We had a few lessons that the Spirit was really strong, and found quite a few people that accepted us really well. It was nice to get out and inspire people! We also taught a woman from Chile that spoke straight Spanish, and we understood her. It was a miracle haha!

That's about all I got. Like I said, it was a slow week. The Lord has blessed us with quite a few people to teach, and McDown has a lot of fire to find more! It's a real blessing to have him here. I know the Church is true, and that Jesus wants us to follow Him. He invites us all, with arms wide open to receive us. He is our Savior and King.

Here's a shirt you don't see every day on a Mormon missionary ha ha.

Elder Eric Olsen

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Well I'll have to be quick today! Unfortunately, the Presidente changed our time for doing email from 90 minutes to just 60 so that's not a lot of time and a lot to do.

BUT good news! Yesterday when we went to church we sat in sacrament meeting behind our investigator Karol and she turned to us and said "Good news for you two... I decided that I will get baptized on the 20th!" WOOH we were so happy. And also a couple of investigators Valtair and Marlene, who have been to church almost a month now, decided to get married! WOOH! so E. Sales and I are pretty excited. 

Other than that there is not too much to tell. We're just working hard! Don't worry about me, every prayer that y'all say on my behalf or kind word to somebody I think is paid back to me, because I am happy and the ward is great here.

Love you all, 

Elder Nick Olsen

Tiago McDown: THE NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. That's right - in just 5 short weeks I will be back in the street, never more to be pale, chubby, and spending time in the air conditioning! I am super excited - the more I think about it, the more I want to go somewhere that's really out there in the country. ...I'll probably regret thinking that later..! Elder McDown is a great guy though - he is from Texas, and his mom is Brazilian. Even though he has only been here for 4 months, and didn't speak fluent Portuguese before coming to the mission, he speaks really really well. We will have a lot of fun together.

The transfer was super stressful, but nobody got lost, left behind, or switched out incorrectly, so I count it as a success. I was pretty sad to see some great friends and examples go home, but it just gave me a greater desire to make the last 6 months count. There is a new assistant, Elder Perez, and Elder Johnson finally went home :( But now there are four Americans in our house, and probably too much English being spoken...! Poor Elder Carvalho. But he will learn English with us, so we are actually helping him out!

I studied a lot about the Holy Ghost this week. I studied what His role is, why He is important, how to invite Him into our lives, etc. And I saw His influence much more frequently as I learned about Him - I felt more connected and more sensitive to his whisperings. I'll just give a quick example - although the week has been full of them! - as we were working the other night, I felt as if we should go visit a member of the church that lives close to where we were working. When she came to the door, we saw that she was limping - it turns out that she had had an accident, and was needing a priesthood blessing. It was amazing to be able to serve.

Other than that, the week has been pretty normal. We are getting out to work a lot more, so that has been a great blessing. I dont realize how much I love teaching and testifying until I get out to do it - we are truly most happy when we serve others! 

SO THAT'S IT. much love from Vitória!

Elder E Olsen

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Well it has been quite a week people..!

It's always a trip when you move areas, I'm having to get to know everything again, all the members and the map, it's a good thing that I'm with Elder Sales, at least I already know him! We wanted to add a little spice to our missionary life, so we decided to REALLY work out in the morning work out time and start doing a diet. A lot of boiled sweet potatos... haha but its fun! 

This week we worked really hard. We are making some progress with 2 moças, daughters of some recent converts. They just have been really pushed away from the church by their dad who doesn't live with them. But were trying really hard to get them to pray and help them feel their responses come from the Spirit. Danielle and Carol, pray for them!

So I have a quick question for mom and dad... Bertha the groundhog is like a groundhog that lives at our house? lol because the first time y'all mentioned her I thought y'all meant the one that sees his shadow, but now I'm confused. haha.

BUT i love y'all, thanks always for your prayers and support! have a good week!

Love, 

Elder Nick Olsen

Dear family!

I am pleased to report that I am going to train a new secretary next transfer. WOOOOOOOOOOO! I have loved the office, but I am ready to get out and teach some people. A good friend once told me that he loves his mission, because he can meet new people, make new friends, and help them come closer to his hero, Jesus Christ. I am excited to do that more frequently! We actually haven't left the office to proselyte at all this week - too much business to take care of in the office. Needless to say, I am excited for a change of pace. ........but I can't say who I will train yet. It is still a secret!

In other news, the Sister that was having so many health difficulties went home. But it was for the best. She'll be able to get the help she needs there, and then she can come back out!

It has been a sad week for me, because Elder Johnson is going home on Tuesday. He has been such a good example of humility for me, and he always really shows love in his work. He wants to have a lot of success, but he never let that get in the way of loving people and doing what would be best for them. I've lived with him for 6 months now... I'll miss him!

I have made a concentrated effort to be seeing the Lord's hand in my life. I remember when I got a journal, I think 6 years ago, and y'all had pasted in it a talk from President Eyring. He couselled to always write of miracles and blessings etc., and to never go a day without writing how you saw His divine hand in your life. I ALWAYS remember that talk,.. but I never follow it! This week, I read Bishop Caussé's talk from this last conference, where he advocates the same practice. I resolved to do the same, and have sincerily felt a greater peace of mind and heart each night as I sit down to write. It is good to realize how the Lord cares for us each day.

OH also we found a giant mouse/rat in our house and killed it. Shout out to Elder Carvalho, who hit it so many times with a broom that it didn't have a chance!

uma ótima semana pra todos!

Elder E Christian Olsen

(Man of God, Man of Steel) haha

Elder Eric Olsen, Elder Carvalho and Sister Ulfeldt at church

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Welcome to.......UBERLÂNDIA!!! But yes I actually WAS transferred! to the neighboring area Patrimônio, we even share the same church building haha. But I will be Zone Leader with......... ELDER SALES!!! Pouquíssimas vezes that you get to be comps 2 seperate times with a missionary, but I have done it twice now, with Elder Silva and Elder Sales! I love these dang Paulistas hahah. 

But this week was pretty uneventful and super eventful. Elder Bennion's last week, so we just tried to finish out strong. Unfortunately one of our golden families dumped us off, but I have hope that eventually they will realize they need this gospel. The worst part is that it was for the dumbest thing: their Sundays are really busy! I was like then cancel your activities! haha but we really did work hard. 

Last night I said to him "okay were gonna knock doors for the last time, do you wanna take a pic or something?" jokingly. But he liked the idea, so we went around trying to teach and regardless if they wanted to hear or not, we asked to take a pic haha so we got a last knocking doors pic. But shout out to Elder Bennion, he was one of the most kind and generous missionaries I know, and a great example to me.

Now I will be moving forward, new area, new comp... have yall noticed that for the pst 3 transfers I have only stayed in the area 1 transfer? I'm beginning to think that I'm a problem missionary! haha

I had a super spiritual experience at church though. I spent the whole week studying up on the atonement, there is so much to learn about Christ's sacrifice. And then when I went to take the sacrament, I read in Luke when he instituted it. And I just realizes, idk it just hit me like the Spirit sometimes does, how important the sacrament is. That it represents His blood which was shed for us. Idk, whenever you try to explain the Spirit its impossible haha. But I gained a stronger testimony of the Atonement and the importance of the sacrament.

But I love yall, thank you for your prayers and everything yall do for me.

Much love,

Elder Nick Olsen