Week 9: We're not in Kansas anymore.

The first week in the new area went by surprisingly smooth.  The Elders who were in the area before us wrote down a lot of good information so we were able to plan a really good week.  The UPK Elders didn't do that for Elder Gallup and me.  We met some really good people.

First, I'd like to say that our apartment is really nice.  It's brand new and we are only the second set of Elders to live there.  It's a lot quieter than Orlando and it's very pretty.  Apopka actually has hills.  The country side is beautiful and so green.  It was a definite piece of eye candy throughout the week.1

We met a woman named Darlene who is a recent convert.  She lives at an assisted living home so we go over there regularly to visit.  She's super sweet and calls us 15 times a day.  We met another recent convert named Fransisco from Puerto Rico.  He has a really thick accent, but you can understand what he's trying to say.  Last year, his car broke down and he couldn't go to work, and that's when the missionaries came and helped him.  He said God broke his car so he could hear the message of the restoration.

We met another recent convert (there are a lot) named Teresa.  She lives in the thick of South Apopka, which I'll get to later, and has another incredible story.  One of the things she said was that when missionaries contacted her, she usually would yell at them to go away, but this one particular time when missionaries knocked on her door, her legs wouldn't move, she broke into tears, and invited them in.  Another recent convert we met was Rae.  She always believed in Christ but one day something clicked and she was able to come to the knowledge herself.  She knows a lot about the gospel, more than most recent converts, and more than some members I might add.  One thing she said was that she could never see herself leaving the church.  It has helped her too much and her co-workers say she has a "glow".  Even I could see her glow.  Time and time again, Elder DeVroom and I leave with a loss of words.  We are shocked at how solid these people are and how well they know Jesus Christ.

We found two new investigators.  A woman named Grace and her son Jacob.  We think that Grace is from Haiti, she didn't speak much English, but she wanted us to come to her house on Friday.  We were also able to teach a woman named Marysel who is very spiritual.  She moved here from New York and always makes time to listen to the missionaries.  We told her that we wanted her to have the Holy Ghost so she could have more constant peace in her home.  She has 3 young children and life is hectic, but we know that she can be comforted through Christ.

One thing about South Apopka is, it's super sketchy, but I love it.  Its nothing like East Orlando.  We are always safe, but it definitely is a different world.  I absolutely love walking through the ghetto.  It's super fun.  There was a member we had dinner with who said he used to hear gunshots all the time, but it's died down a lot.  I'm super pumped to serve here more.  Don't let that scare you though, I can handle myself.

We were extremely blessed this week.  We were constantly amazed at how willing people were to meet with us.  God really is hastening His work.  It is such an amazing blessing and privilege to be a part of it.  Im not going to go deep into detail, but as much as this week was good, it was also very hard.  However, Teresa said God gives you double for your trouble.  That was very evident.  I know that through Christ we can conquer our afflictions.  It doesn't necessarily make them go away, but our burdens can be lightened.  I know that this is true.

I hope you all have an amazing week.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Last day with Valencia Elders

Darlene

Week 9: Alma 38:5

I know I've said this before, but I have a rock solid testimony that Jesus Christ can heal us.  Whatever it is, whether it be transgression, weakness, affliction, trial, or hardship.  He heals us.  I put a scripture at the top of everyone of these emails, but I stress it's importance this week.  Please read the scripture because it teaches better than I teach.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Week 8: In West UPK, Born and Raised

Well, this week was a lot better than last week, that's for sure.  One thing I do want to say is that if you don't know me, you should know that I don't sugarcoat things.  I don't say things i don't mean and I don't palter.  If I had a good week, I'll tell you.  If I had a horrible week, I'll tell you.  I think often times we aren't real enough with our emotions.  The thing with me is, what you see is what you get.

On Wednesday, we were biking to an investigator.  Along the street, we had someone yell at us to believe in Jesus.  Check.  A shirtless guy in a truck honked and flipped us off.  Then, a guy on a parked motorcycle beckoned us over and said he was a member who had just moved here, and needed the address to the chapel.  At least one of those things were productive.  Our investigator, Midamyr is from Puerto Rico.  She's super sweet and soft spoken but prefers English.  It has been such a blessing to be able to know her.  When we got to our appointment with her, we talked about faith in Christ and how vital it is.  We talked about the trials we face and how faith helps us conquer our struggles.  We then asked her if she would be baptized when she knew these things were true, and she accepted.  We didn't go into the lesson thinking we would ask her that, but it felt right.

On Thursday, we went to UAP, which is usually uneventful, but there was a mouse inside one of the bins we use to transport goods.  None of us wanted to touch it, but one of the workers there named Jeremiah grabbed a sticky trap and courageously caught it.  He was so funny about it saying, "He's been got."  I attached a picture below.  We named him Lil' Jawn.  When we went home, Elder DeVroom and I were texting and calling our investigators.  We texted a guy named Cason who we have been having sporadic lessons with.  He texted back and told us to come over which was a first.  We went to his home and taught him about the Holy Ghost and how much of a blessing it is in our lives.  He really wanted that gift so we asked him if he would prepare to be baptized on June 2nd and he said yes.  That feeling we get when someone commits to changing,  whatever it is, is indescribable.

Nicolas was baptized on Friday night and confirmed on Sunday!  It was a long process that saw the date moved back a few times, but it all worked out.  I was able to be one of the witnesses which was a cool experience.  It's an amazing to see his growth through the past weeks.  His dad gave a great talk on baptism and it was full of the Spirit.  They are an awesome family and I will miss them.

These stories make it seem like baptism is what we are trying to accomplish here as a companionship but it's not.  We are trying to bring others closer to Christ.  Members or not, we just want people to be happy, and we have a testimony that receiving the Holy Ghost after baptism is one of the ways to come closer to Christ.

I talked about how I was going to miss Nicolas and his family.  I also emailed earlier that my address was changing.  Here's a little preface about our area because I can't remember if I've talked about it before.  We are in the University Park ward which is just East of Orlando and covers the campus of UCF.  We have two sets of Elders in the ward, an East and West, and we are the West Elders.  The East Elders are Elder McArthur and Elder Williams.  President Clark gave us a call on Saturday.  He told us that he would be shutting down UPK West and there would be one UPK area.  Elder McArthur will stay and train a new missionary, while Elder Williams, Elder DeVroom, and myself will be transferred.

Elder Williams is going down south, while both Elder DeVroom and I are whitewashing an area in Apopka, Florida.  I will let you know of my address tomorrow.  It came as a huge shock.  The one good thing about this transfer is that Elder DeVroom is staying with me.

It was really sad news however.  I've grown very close with the ward members.  There are so many families that I love and it was so hard to say goodbye.  I love the kids in the families.  They are so fun and so pure.  I could talk about the families in depth about how much they mean to me.  I've also grown really close with Elder Lester and Elder Cruz who are staying in the Valencia area.  On Saturday, we went to visit Roberta.  We've been visiting her every week and she loves having us come.  We brought her M&Ma's which are her favorite candy and told her that we were leaving.  She almost cried because she didn't want us to leave.  Walking out of the assisted living community, I started to tear up because of how much I'm going to miss all of the members.  They have a special place in my heart.

Moroni 8:17 "And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation."

Last night, we had dessert with the bishop and his family.  They are the epitome of the perfect family.  I love them so much, and the last hug I gave the bishop was emotional.  I'm going to miss them.

I know I didn't talk much about doctrine, but this whole email covered the most important thing: Love.  Love is so important.  I was here for six weeks and loved the people more than I thought I would.  It is such an amazing blessing to have people in your life that you can love.  

Just like the people here, I love you all.  Remember what I said about not saying things I don't mean?  Yep.  My emotions of love and joy are being broadcasted through this email, I hope you can feel it.  Have an amazing week.

2 Nephi 4:21 "He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh."

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

The bishop and his family

Roberta. She said her hair looked bad but I said she looked great.

Nicolas after he was baptized.

Jeremiah being Jeremiah

 Biking in the 407

Week 8: 2 Nephi 26:30

I want to keep this short and sweet.  I'm also going to be blunt here, this probably applies to every one of us.  It absolutely applies to me.  Please take this to heart and work on it.  Don't just read my email to hear from me or skim through it without getting anything out of it.  My bishop said, paraphrasing a general authority he heard speak, "You don't fall in or out of love. Love is something you pray and work for everyday. If you aren't loving someone as much as you should be, you've got some work to do."  This applies to every single relationship we have.  Please pray and work for the love of others. I promise, as a representative of Jesus Christ, that if you do that, you will be happy.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Week 7: Dios es bueno

I'm not going to sugar coat.  This week was extremely hard.

I miss home a lot.  Two of my favorite artists came to Salt Lake City and I missed it.  I know that in retrospect, those concerts won't matter, but it did make me think about home.  My mom and sister are in Seattle fighting hard, with no promise of anything.  It's been really hard to not miss them and things back home.  I try hard everyday to focus on my purpose.  I work as hard as I can, but sometimes it just isn't enough, and I find myself in heartbreak and tears because I am away from those I love.  I have thoughts of being forgotten and not knowing if things will be the same when I get back home.  I have really tried hard to get past these feelings, but they do come up.  Someone emailed me during the week and said "You are a great man and you will be rewarded for your effort."  This meant a lot to me.  I remember the months leading up to my mission.  I remember when I came out.  It has been a sacrifice.  I honestly can say that I was not beaming with joy to come out here, but I knew what God expected of me, and I know He does not leave our efforts unrewarded.  My family and my future family will be blessed, and that is why I am here.  I am here to bless others.  This is not about me.

We might have hard trials, however, God compensates for our hardships evenly.  This week was really hard.   I had thoughts of quitting, going home, and it was hard, but I was able to experience and equal amount of joy.  

On Teusday, we went over to a less-active's home.  He texted us earlier that morning and told us to come.  He was struggling with some paranormal activity in his life.  He told us that he's always been sensitive to that kind of stuff and that he was very scared.  I could tell from the first time we saw him that he was not his usual self.  We gave him a blessing and dedicated his home.  His whole demeanor changed and we've tried checking up on him this week with no success.  However, we are so grateful he thought to text us in his time of need.  He recognized that God was the only way he could turn.

On Saturday, we went over to one of our investigator's homes to read the Book of Mormon with him.  He wasn't home so we started to bike away pretty deflated, but then we saw 3 kids playing near a playground.  We went over and talked to them.  They were between ages 9 and 11.  2 of the kids were hesitant but the other one was a little African American boy named Raheem.  He was very friendly.  He said the other kids names were "Eggroll Kenny" and "Whiteboy Talon".  Yes, Kenny is Asian and Talon is white, it was pretty funny.  We talked to them about school, basketball, and their families.  They all opened up at that point and were very talkative.  They asked us what our jobs were and we explained that we teach people about Jesus.  Talon said "Well, teach us."  So we taught them the Plan of Salvation.  They responded very well.  They asked questions and were very interested.  Kenny was the one who responded the best.  He told us he felt something warm inside him and we told him that it was the Holy Ghost.  We told them that there was more to our message and they were really excited.  We gave them our number to give to their families and parted ways.  It's in the Lord's hands at this point.  All we can do is hope and pray.

Sunday, we were able to have dinner with the bishop and his family.  He has an awesome family and they really gave me hope.  He told us stories from his mission and we had a good time.  Very relaxing.

This morning, we went outside and our car was gone.  Long story short, it was towed.  We had to go through a long process to get it back.  At first, I was pretty ticked off, but it ended up being alright and we had a different type of P-Day than we usually have.  I saw a sticker on the back of a car that said "Dios es bueno".  This week was a total manifestation that God is good.

I am still hurting from this week, but still healing.  It is an amazing feeling to take one day at a time.  

Moroni 7:13 "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."

I don't just say this without meaning it.  I love and care for you all.  Have a fantastic week and pray always.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Elder DeVroom

The bishop and his family

P-Day jawns 

Yours truly

Milo.  A drink that was everywhere 

when I went to Singapore and Malaysia.  

Love the taste of nostalgia.

Week 7: Moroni 10:20-21

I want to talk about something that has been on my mind this week.  I'm going to be brief because it's a simple topic.  Some people have viewed my method of missionary work as unorthodox.  My goal here in Florida is to do things that God wants me to do.  Yes, I will be obedient to my leaders, but I will follow God first, having charity in my heart, and not have a fear of man.  I think that too often we fear man more than we fear God.  Don't worry about what people think of you.  Do what you know is right, even when people oppose you.  Things will work out.  Charity is the most important thing, I cannot stress that enough. D&C 122:9 "...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."  Please remember this and stop worrying about what people think about you, it causes too much pain.  I love you all and hope you have a joyful week.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Week 6: I don't like barbecue.

On Tuesday, Elder Gallup called our mission nurse because of some medical issues he has been dealing with for a while.  It had progressively gotten worse over the course of the transfer and he couldn't handle the pain anymore.  We went to a doctor for him to get it checked and he was advised to have surgery.  Mission protocol calls for him to go home, so between Wednesday and Friday, we were figuring out what was going on and coordinating with the Mission President.  We found out on Friday that he was leaving early Saturday morning and that I would be getting a new companion.

This came as a huge shock because Elder Gallup and I had just started to connect and really get things going, and it was all going away.  I tried to keep my emotions in check.  He gave me a tie and wrote on the back of it.  He said "Elder Poulsen, thanks for all of it.  The laughs, the love, the support.  You are going to be a great missionary. D&C 6:36"  I am grateful for what he has taught me.  He is a great missionary and I love him.  I hope he comes back soon and we can serve together again.

Saturday morning, my new companion came.  His name is Elder DeVroom.  All of my companions have had really cool names, Elder Riggs, Gallup, and DeVroom.  He's from Sandy, Utah and has been out 20 months.  He's very experienced and very knowledgeable.  He is different from Elder Gallup, so it will take a little getting used to, but I trust God and I know that this situation will work out.

A couple of emails ago, I said Nicolas was on date for a baptism on April 7th.  We had to reschedule, but it is now set for April 13th.  Hopefully by next Monday I can email you all telling you about his baptism.  I'm so excited for that day.  I have seen the difference in his family because of the Spirit.  Nicolas is taking a big step and I am so happy for him.

Time to explain the title of this email.

On Saturday, we had a dinner with the Daniel's.  They are a fairly young couple in the ward and they have a 4 year old daughter named Aela.  She is easily the funniest, smartest, and outgoing 4 year old I have ever met.  She had no problem talking to us and telling us about her life.  She said so many funny things.  One thing she asked was how old we were.  We told her and then she continued to say: "Daddy how old are you?" "29" "Mommy how old are you?" "27" "Wow mommy, you are so old!"  Aela roasted her mom and disregarded that her dad was older.  It was really funny.  At one point, the topic was on flowers and we told her that we had floral ties at our apartment.  She said that they wouldn't look good on us and that we would look gross, but her dad would look cute in one.  I was trying to follow what she was saying so I asked a reassuring question. "If I wore a floral tie, would I look cute or gross?"  She responded and said "I don't like barbecue."  I have never laughed so hard, it was the funniest thing that has happened on my mission.

I've said it before, but I love the members here.  They are so loving and real.  Every dinner we've had has been an uplifting experience.  I really strive to love them, and get to know them.  It's insane how well the Spirit blesses us to remember information about them, and that comes with Christlike love.  Our ward mission leader, Brother Miller, has two crazy boys named Caleb and Konrad.  They love the missionaries and have an endless supply of energy.  The children of the members are so sweet.  They make my heart so happy and I can see the light of Christ that they have.

I hope you have a great week and feel the love the God has for you.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

A picture Aela drew for us.

Elder Gallup's last night.

Caleb and Konrad.

 Elder Gallup's last night.

Elder Gallup.

Week 6: Alma 26:11-12

I want to talk about the above scripture.  In everything we do, God gives us strength.  Being here, I've noticed that I have done nothing without God and that I would continue to do nothing without God.  He is everything.  For every success I have, I will always boast in God because He is the reason I have everything.  I am so grateful for the experiences I've had.  I'm so grateful for the family and friends that I have.  I hope that this week, we can all remember that we are nothing compared to God, but we are everything to Him.  Through Christ, all things are possible.  I promise that the more we focus on that and strive to become like our Savior, the more happy we will be.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Week 5: What the jawn?

I sound like a broken record but these weeks keep going by faster and faster.

We got an email from our apartment complex that their mail system was changed completely.  We weren't able to get over to the leasing office very quick, so if you sent me any mail that was returned, you can now send it again because it is all worked out.

Just to briefly explain what "What the jawn?" means:  Elder Gallup, Elder Cruz, Elder Lester, and I all spend a fair amount of time with each other, even though the other Elders are Spanish speaking and are in a different area.  We share a car with them, go to service and meetings together, and their ward meets in the same building as ours.  Whenever we are with eachother, it's a good time.  "What the jawn?" has become the new thing.  You basically just use "Jawn" as a replacement for anything.  It doesn't mean anything and I'm not even sure where it originated but it has become a staple.  Just a little story to show us that missions can be fun, just as much as they can be hard.  It's the same with all of life.

Tuesday was a really fun day.  I did an exchange with Elder McArthur and went to Elder Williams on the east side of UPK.  It was a really busy day.  We started by biking over to a recent convert named Ray.  He's a classic Floridian.  Southern accent and super funny.  He said the hardest thing to give up was sweet tea because he had been dranking it since he was a baby.  However, it was not hard to convert to the gospel.  He had always been very confused because there are so many religions and denominations, but as soon as he read the Book of Mormon, he said it was easy to understand and it was without a doubt, the word of God.  He has a very strong testimony and just recently went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.  It was a very spiritual discussion and we left feeling happy.  We biked around and talked to a few people without much success.  

After lunch we started to bike to the Pegero's home.  They are a less-active family that lives in a trailer park about 5 miles from us.  Elder Williams and I were biking along the highway with cars zooming past us at 65 mph.  It was super nerve wracking, especially because Florida drivers are some of the worst in the country.  About halfway there, the chain on the bike I was borrowing slipped off the track and got stuck.  I couldn't pry it out so we were stranded on the side of the road.  We called Brother Pegero and asked if he could come pick us up.  His truck was full of trash so he asked his neighbor if he would and he gladly came and picked us up.  His named is Mr. Dubey.  He's a Vietnam War Veteran.  Very real and very funny.  He wasn't interested in reading the Book of Mormon with us but he was very friendly and I hope I see him again.  We read the Book of Mormon with the Pegero's.  Brother Pegero's granddaughter, Kylie, really liked me for some reason, so we spent a while looking at and taking pictures on my tablet.  (I've attached some below.)  She is the sweetest little girl with the light of Christ.  

After we read with them, we invited Brother Pegero's son, Omar, to be baptized.  He said he would and wants to be baptized on April 8th because it is his dad's birthday.  They don't live in my area, so I won't be able to continue to teach him but I will be able to attend his baptism which is very exciting.  After we finished, Brother Pegero fixed the bike and we were able to ride home.  It was a day full of love, gratitude, and mercy.  It really humbled me to be mindfully grateful for what I have.  I am so grateful for the people God has blessed me with.

Thursday, a member family took us to a restaurant.  Before we sat down, a man called us over to his table.  He was a Vietnam War veteran and was eating with a World War 2 veteran.  They asked us why we were dressed up for such a casual place and we explained that we were missionaries, spreading the joyful word of Christ.  They weren't too interested in our message but the World War 2 veteran reached in his pocket and pulled out a $20.  He handed it to us and said "You're doing good out here.  This is for breakfast tomorrow."  It touched my heart and I felt inspired to be more loving and charitable in my life.

General Conference was this weekend and we were able to watch it at our church building.  There was a lot of inspired change that is happening and it just reafirms that the Lord is hastening His work.  This Church has inspired leaders and they know what God wants for us.  Harken to their council and we will be on the right path.  My favorite talk was by President Oaks.  By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.  Sometimes I get it in my head that I need to do great things all the time, but reality is, the small things we do everyday are the things that define our character.  Remember to do the small things.  Pray daily, search the scriptures, be charitable, and be a disciple of Christ always.  These small things we do are the things thay will bring great miracles into our lives.

Yesterday was Easter, marking the most important day in the history of the world.  I was constantly reminded of Christ's suffering in Gethsemane.  He suffered for each and every one of us.  He loves us infinitely and always has His hand outreached for us.  I hope that you felt His love this weekend and continue to spread that to every one.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Week 5: Matthew 5:44

This conference was a strange one.  A lot of changes are coming to The Church and it just shows us that the Lord is hastening his work.  He works in small means and sometimes it can be confusing to us.  

Remember to do those small things that make us great.  Smile at someone, bake cookies for your neighbor, what ever it is, do something small because I promise you that it is not small in the eyes of the Lord.

Alma 37:6-7  "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.  And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."

Have a very peaceful and joyful week.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen