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
Elder Poulsen
A picture Aela drew for us.
Elder Gallup's last night.
Caleb and Konrad.
Elder Gallup's last night.
Elder Gallup.
