Week 41

Hi Family and Friends,

Nothing really new to report. We went on two exchanges this week. I went with Sister Gough (She's from Texas) to her area and then Sister Willam (she's from Papa New Guinea) came to my area. It's really a great opportunity to serve the Sisters.

We had a special training for all the Sisters in the mission this past Tuesday. Sister Swain and I were asked to train. We trained the Sisters on how to make a negative door approach a positive experience. It was good. I referenced Matthew 28:19-20 and also Matthew 28:10 where Christ says "be not afraid" and that He is with us always.

Last p-day, we went on a hike. My camera is acting up, so it somehow deleted my photos. The two photos below are from Sister Swain's camera. It was a really short hike to a waterfall. It was only us so it was nice.

During my scripture studies, this verse found in 2 Nephi 9:39, stuck out to me today. "...remember, to be carnally minded is death, and to be spiritual minded is life eternal." So true. How often to we get caught up in materialistic things and become selfish, prideful and think we "deserve" something. I'm not perfect, I'm guilt of this too. However, because of Christ and His Atonement we can repent, be forgiven and start again. Here's a little advice from President Hickley's Father given to him as a young missionary, "forgot yourself and go to work." Let us all do this. Forget ourselves and serve others. Love others. Forgive them.

Love you family, be safe and continue to work on becoming more spiritually minded.

Sister Olszowka

Week 40

Another week here is South Jordan!

Sister Swain's dad sent us some poi and Kalua Pig! It was sooo 'ono! He has a friend that works for the airlines and lives in Draper so she dropped it off at a member's home. We were definitely happy Hawaiians!

We taught seminary at one of the local charter schools in our area. We took about 10 minutes in each period to discuss missionary work. Look up Matt 28:18-20 . What does the Lord command of us? And what is His promise?

We had a baptism on Saturday! It was awesome. His entire deacon's quorum was there and they have played a very influential role in his conversion. He grandfather baptized and confirmed him. The short talks given at the baptism were great. The Spirit was so strong; A true blessing for this young man and his family.

In my studies this morning, I read a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. He's awesome. He mentions that sometimes missionaries struggle. I know that they struggle because of rejection. Rejection in this sense that investigators have received a witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, but aren't willing to change. They feel comfortable and think, "I'm a good person, that's good enough." But we read in the scriptures, we have to do more. We can't just be "good people," the Lord has commanded us that we need to have faith in Him, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and endure do the end. 2 Nephi 31.  Because of Him, we've all been given salvation, but eternal life is dependent on us. My question to you is, how much do you love the Savior? I think about this every day. When I wake up, throughout the day, what am I doing to show that I love the Savior? Let us all remember the great love the Savior and our Father has for us. Let us all be more dedicated to showing love, kindness, patience and obedience.

Love you all. have a great week!

Sister Olszowka

Week 39

Wow! Busy week!

It's was GREAT talking to the 'ohana yesterday! So good to hear familiar voices and catch up on everything. Man, I love you guys. and I miss you lots!

We had 15 lessons this past week! 12 lessons with less-active/recent converts and 3 lessons with investigators. Then we had active member lessons too. so yes, we were busy every night this week. We have a baptism this coming Saturday, I can't remember if I told you this or not.

Last p-day we went to the new aquarium. It was cool! We saw penguins! Aren't they cute?! (see photos below) oh course sister Dillon went with us. We love her lots!

We had exchanges too. Sister Collins, she's from Georgia, came to my area and we made some good contacts. I was a little worried because it had been rainy, like flash floor kine rain, but it stopped and got really sunny by the time our exchanges started. Thank you Heavenly Father for that small miracle. After our evening planning we saw there was a new puzzle laying out and we finished it in an hour!

The weather has definitely been strange lately. Somewhat of a cloudy, rainy week, but today is beautiful and sunny.

The gospel has brought so much happiness into my life. and you know what's the best part? Heavenly Father wants all of His children to be happy, the gospel is for EVERYONE. I bear witness that Christ church has been restored on the earth today. I love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that through Him we can lives together forever.

Ok, until next week!

Love,
Sister Olszowka

Week 38

Hi Family,

Gotta keep this short today. We're headed to the aquarium today!

Hmm. let's see. Last p-day, we got FREE facials! There's a sweet sister is the branch we cover, that offered us one. How could say no?! It was really relaxing. We also had Pho (Vietnamese noodles) for dinner on p-day too. I haven't had Pho in almost a year! It was really good!

We had Zone Conference this past week and it was definitely uplifting and amazing! We talked about Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The Atonement is about change.  Faith is the desire to change, repentance is the reason to change, baptism is how we change, the Holy Ghost helps us change and enduring to the end allows us to apply change FOREVER. The Atonement is unconditional, but made conditional on our obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So I invite you think about our Savior and how we can apply the Atonement in our lives.

On Wednesday, I made my half way mark! Crazy! only 9 months left! Someone decorated our house and car! We ate chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate!

Okay, I look forward to talking to you this Sunday!

Shout out to all my Saint Martin's University friends graduating this Saturday! Especially you, Shalaya! hehe! Love you lots sis!

Love,
Sister Olszowka