Week 4: How many Mormons can you fit into a KIA?

This week went by way fast.  I've been sitting at the church for two hours, trying to figure out what to say.  

We were able to meet the bishop and his family.  He is the most involved and spiritual bishop I've ever met.  He's really young and works for the UCF sports department.  He filled us in on what's been going on in the ward.  He told us he was calling a ward mission leader so that was good to hear.  

Lessons have been short this week, but the Spirit has been strong and I've loved getting to know the members.  They are all so real.  They love the gospel and they love life, even though times are tough.  We had dinner with many different families and God to connect with them.  Those were the highlights of my week.

Friday, we went to the temple.  We are so blessed to have a temple in our mission.  It was really spiritually uplifting to be with all the missionaries.  We had a member drive us up and, long story short, we ended up with 6 missionaries in the car on the way back, so the answer to the above question is 7.

We met with a man named Cason.  He works at McDonald's and is really nice.  We are going to start reading the Book of Mormon with him and he's excited to learn about God.  He was the only knew investigator we were able to meet with this week.  The work is slow but God works in his timing.

Elder Cruz told me something that shocked me.  He told me that when he first met me on the frontliner to the airport 2 weeks ago, he thought I was standoffish.  This surprised me.  I thought I was very kind and open, but I was once again humbled by the fact that I am not openly friendly at first.  That it something I've been praying for and something I need to work on.

I have never in my life been so excited for General Conference as I am now.  It's going to be so wonderful to hear from the leaders of the Church.

I wish I had more to write about.  This really was a slow week but I was able to take lots of pictures.  I hope that you all have a relaxing and spiritual Easter.  I love you all.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen

Some pictures I got from my cousins.  I laughed so hard when I read them:

      A) I will never forget you.  I hope you have a grate life.  I'm crying wright now. - Ruby

      B) Wy did you leav in the first place.  We miss you - Lily 

      C) Dear, eldor Polson we will never forgit/forgive you.  I hope you get a good career.  We all love you so much. Love Millie.

      D) Dear Mr. Elder Polsen, we miss you over here, and we wish you could be here expeshaly your cosins. Sincerly, Claire

I don't know how we didn't get pulled over.

Elder Gallup, Elder Lester, me, Elder Cruz

Elder Gallup looking very photogenic

The O-Zion zone. #ALLIN

We are professional skyscraper architects at UAP

Week 4: Omni 1:26

This week, we took the car to the shop to get it serviced.  While we were waiting, we went to a customer lounge where there were a few Tv's.  We don't get a lot of opportunities to watch T.V. so we watched the news for a while.  5 minutes in, I felt overwhelmed and scared for this world.  Life is not easy.  It is stressful and unpredictable.  This weekend is General Conference and it allows us to listen to the uplifting words of the prophets.  No matter where you are spiritually.  No matter where you are in your happiness.  No matter where you are in your testimony.  If you get anything out of this Easter Sunday, let it be hope.  Let it be hope that our Savior lives.  Let it be hope that things will get better.  I promise that even when we go through trials, even "if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee" we can be happy.  Christ will bear our burdens.

"I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. I am optimistic about the future.  For our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God." - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love you all and hope you have a great Easter weekend.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen