Week 15: Why do people live here?

Hey y'all, it feels good to finally have P-Day again.  Also, I only recently realized that I've started saying "y'all".  It's now a part of my vocabulary and I'm not really sure how it happened.  Oh well.

It is so hot, bugs are everywhere, and you are wet as soon as you step outside.  I have no idea why people live here.  God has a sense of humor.  He put me in the exact opposite of my ideal climate.  But that's ok, hopefully winter will come fast and I can enjoy it.  I hear winter time is lovely here.

Transfers sent a lot of missionaries to a lot of different areas.  I saw Elder Lester at service when we went to Second Harvest.  He is the funniest guy, I love him so much.  I got my new companion.  Elder Correia is from Sugar House, Utah and he's awesome.  He's a lot different than Elder DeVroom, but I think it will be a good transfer.  Elder Correia is a tracting missionary.  He loves knocking doors and doing the classic missionary shtick.  Door knocking isn't my favorite.  It's hot and I haven't seen a lot of success come from it, but it's a great way to get over fears of talking to people and it makes for some pretty interesting stories.  I also find that I am much more tired at the end of the day if we spend a decent amount of time tracting.  The main reason why I'm not a huge fan of it is because it gives off the impression that we are "selling" something.  People think we have ulterior motives so they are almost always defensive.  It doesn't give off a good first impression and out of the hundreds of doors I have knocked on my mission, I have had 0 return appointments.

Because Elder DeVroom left the Zone, we have a new District Leader named Elder Pennock.  He's super awesome, and even though he's been out for less time than most of our District, he knows what's up.  He has a genuine care for the people around him and he has really tied us together.  It helps when there is a support system around you.  No one has to go through life alone.  It's hard sometimes and we need the people around us to lift us up.

The highlight of our week was our lesson with Gwen and Patricia.  We were at our apartment planning for the day, when we looked at a report of a media referall.  It was a woman named Gwen, and she had requested a Bible, but there was no report of a delivery, so we called and asked her if she had recieved it.  It turns out that she never did and said we could come over right away.  We booked it over and saw Gwen and her friend Patricia outside.  Gwen invited us inside and Patricia was happy to join.  Apparently, Patricia hadn't been to Gwen's house in 2 years and that was her first day back.  The odds of that happening are so small and I know that God played a part in that.  We talked about the Book of Mormon, and read the introduction, which has slowly become one of my favorite things to read with investigators.  They were both overwhelmingly receptive and wanted to come to church.  Never have I had someone come out and ask when our church was.  They both wanted to reschedule appointments and it turned out that Patricia lives really close to the chapel.

1 Nephi 1:20 "..But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

Friday, I had the worst stomach pain I've ever had in my life.  It was like heartburn mixed with the feeling of needing to puke.  I couldn't get rid of the feeling.  I took a lot of tums and tried to throw up but nothing worked.  I was pretty immobile the whole day until I called the mission nurse.  She told me to get some Omeprazole and after a while, it really helped.

All in all, it wasn't that exciting of a week, but we did all we could, and that's all that matters.  I have a reoccurring feeling throughout my days that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing, and I am exactly where I am supposed to be.  It's a great feeling to have because it is comforting when things aren't going your way.

Alma 29:9 "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

Have a great week, love y'all.

Elder Poulsen

I'm sorry I don't have very many pictures.  Life isn't anymore interesting in Florida than it is in Utah.

Here's a bad picture of 

Elder Correia that I took last night.

Also a picture of me being dumb.

Week 15: Doctrine and Covenants 6:36-37

One thing I have been thinking about this week is how blessed we truly are.  I have seen a lot of things that are sad.  I have heard stories that cut to the core.  Whether it be temporal or spiritual, we are all exremely blessed.  The more we focus on our blessings and focus on the good things, the easier it is to get through the day, and not focus on the bad.  It doesn't make the hard times go away, but it puts our lives into perspective and helps us understand that not all of life is doom and gloom.  I know the more we focus on our blessings and develop a more grateful attitude, we will be happy.

"When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

Elder Poulsen

Week 14: I'm a human juice box

Hey y'all, this will probably be a shorter email than normal.

This week has gotten really hot.  The heat isn't too bad because we are in and out of air conditioning, but the bugs are coming out more and more.  I probably have 4 new bug bites a day and I even put bug spray on.  It's like they're immune or something.

We had interviews with our President on Teusday.  I told him about a possible bone marrow donation that could happen in the next 2 to 5 months.  I am a possible match for someone in need of a bone marrow transplant and it would be while I'm on my mission.  He told me that it's a very high possibility that I'll be cleared to do it.  That is really exciting news!  Because transfers are tomorrow, he hinted the idea that Elder DeVroom and I would stay in Apopka until Elder DeVroom went home in August, so that is what we expected to happen.

We were able to meet with a couple new people this week that were new.  Austin and Karma are 10 and 8.  Their mom is less-active but wants them to be baptized.  They are really sweet kids with Haitian heritage.  We are teaching people with so many different cultural backgrounds.  We only have one white person in our teaching pool.  The diversity is pretty awesome and makes it more interesting.  Orlando is the definition of a melting pot.

On Thursday, we felt like we needed to go see Teresa.  We knocked on the door and she answered it in tears.  She had been going through a rough time and really needed us.  We read D&C 121 and 122 with her.  We talked about trials and the reason we had them.  We gave her a blessing, and immediately her  changed.  We love her a lot.

Friday, we got in touch with Marysel and her kids.  We invited them to church and had a member call to tell them how excited they were to meet them.  She said that she was positive that she would come.  Sadly, she wasn't able to make it, but we have high hopes for next week.

Saturday, we received a call from President that we didn't expect.  Elder DeVroom would be moving to Melbourne in the Cocoa Zone as a Zone Leader and I will be staying in Apopka.  I was happy to hear that i was staying.  I love Apopka and i don't feel that my work here is finished.

Francisco recieved the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday.  I was able to be a part of his ordination circle too.  It has been humbling and an honor to be with him and talk about the gospel with him.  He is the most receptive person I have taught, and honestly we aren't even teaching him.  We just discuss the topics and he talks about how much the church has blessed his life.

We had Elder DeVroom say goodbye to a few of the ward members that we got close with.  He will be missed and I know he'll do great things in Melbourne.  I get my new companion tomorrow, Elder Correia.  I won't be in training anymore and I will be leading out.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time.  I have been trying to take one day at a time and it seems to be working.  I don't think too far into the future and I try to worry about only the things I can control.

All in all, it was a good week.  The work continues to move forward.  Thanks y'all for bearing with me.  God lives.  He loves us and wants the absolute best for us.  Sometimes we have to be molded and moved into shape to the person He wants us to become.  "...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."  He didn't say "some of these things", He said "all these things".

Have a fantastic week.

Elder Poulsen

Francisco.  He's a quiet man, and doesn't smile much,

 but he is a happy guy :)

The Pickard's.  Our ward mission leader.

Week 14: Helaman 5:12

I love Apopka.  I love the members and the people I teach.  I love the people that are rude and the people that give us weird looks.  Everyone is beautiful.  I have been praying for Christlike love and God has provided.  I try my best to look at everyone the way Jesus Christ would.  It has helped me be happier and not take everything so personal when people aren't as nice or reliable.  Pray for Christlike love.  It is real and it can be obtained.  We will be happier as we look at everyone as the child of God that they are.

Moroni 7:47-48 "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

Elder Poulsen

Week 13: I am feeling this. Call it the Holy Spirit or the passion of the Christ, I am lovin’ these people!

Hey y'all, this week flew by fast.  

On Monday, I was able to go fishing with some Elders in a lake near a member's home.  It was fun to just relax with that.

Side note: my title is a quote from The Office, if you didn't already pick up on that.

On Tuesday, we met with Marc and talked about the Book of Mormon.  About halfway through, his friend Gregory walked in and started asking us questions.  He asked for a Book of Mormon before we could offer it to him.  Both Marc and Gregory are pastors of their respective churches.  They are both fairly receptive to the things we have to say, but both of them want to take their time to know for themselves that it is true, which was music to my ears.

We are having a hard time contacting Marysel.  She has a lot on her plate and I only wish we could help her out.  She hasn't been to church yet.  We just want her to feel the Spirit and meet ward members.  There is true power in congregating and being with a ward family.  Keep trying to be a beacon of light to everyone you meet.  Your testimony will grow and you will help a lot of people that you might not even realize you are helping.

On Thursday, we knocked on the door of a potential investigator who had met with Sister missionaries several months ago, but never had any more contacts.  His name is Basil and he's from Jamaica.  We asked him what his experience was the last time he spoke with missionaries.  He had a few words to say that weren't too nice.  He is a very devout Catholic and wasn't too fond of the Book of Mormon.  I tried to bear my testimony and then explain the genius of the Book of Mormon, that if it isn't true, our church is a complete fraud.  If it is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church again restored to the Earth.  It's either one or the other, no in between.  He wasn't having any of it.  Elder DeVroom started to get a little frustrated and argue just a tad.  I doused the fire real quickly by bearing my testimony and thanking him for his time.  I had this sincere love for a man I had met only 4 minutes prior.  It is amazing how much God blesses us with Christlike love.

I went on an exchange with Elder Fenn who is in Eustis, just up north.  It wasn't a very productive day if you're looking at numbers, but we found one man.  He made the whole day worth it.  We had just knocked on the door of a current investigator who wasn't home.  We saw a guy sitting on his porch across the street so we went and said hello.  I am usually a shy person with people I don't know.  I don't like talking to people if I don't have to, but I was extremely blessed in this instance.  The conversation went so smoothly.  I just went into it knowing that I was making a friend.  I had the gospel in the back of my mind but I really was focused on him.  His name is Tavaris.  We talked about his kid and his job.  The topic naturally went into religion and he talked about his frustration.  He said there are so many churches that teach pretty much the same thing.  Why do they all hate each other?  He didn't like the monopoly of certain sects and was searching for a church that he could worship the Lord and not have to worry about the "politics" of it all.  We answered a lot his questions and introduced him to the Book of Mormon.  He had never heard of it and took it with open arms.  The coolest part of the whole conversation was when he told us that he had goosebumps up his entire body.  It was about 85 degrees outside.

All in all, it was a good week that went by fast.  I don't have the entire repertoire of missionary work, but when I do my very best, God compensates me in the departments that I lack.  I am content with the work that I did and know that I was a disciple of Christ everywhere I went.

Do not hesitate to email me, even though I am horrible at responding (I apologize).  I'm also really bad at taking pictures.  I always say that I will and then it's Monday before I know it.

I hope y'all have an amazing week.

Elder Poulsen

Elder DeVroom, Elder McKee, and Elder Fenn

Cosmo and Wanda think they slick.

Here's a cliché missionary picture

Trite fish picture

A chip I pulled out of the bag that looked like Utah. 

I did NOT cut it or break it or anything.

Here is a funny video that Elder Lester sent me.

It is a video we watch for part of our training

but the way that it is recorded makes it out of context

and it is so funny! haha

Week 13: Ether 12:4,6

This week I started a new type of marking system on one of the cheap blue Book of Mormons.  I have topics like agency, faith, tithing, and everything in between.  The more that I've searched the scriptures and found ones that mean a lot to me, the more my testimony has strengthened.  I invite y'all to read, study, and ponder the scriptures.  There is absolute, true power that comes from doing that.  It weaves a tapestry of knowledge and peace that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

1 Nephi 15:24 "And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to 

destruction."

2 Nephi 32:3 "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do"

Elder Poulsen

Week 12: Basura and Rain

Hey y'all, this was quite the week.

Monday, I went on an exchange with Elder Pili.  He's one of the Zone Leaders and he's cool.  He plays for BYU's football team.  He's a jacked Tongan but he's humble and helped me out a lot.  Oh and by the way, he's the one who invented "jawn".  Finally met the creator.  He also started this thing where you say "basura" whenever applicable.  It means garbage in Spanish but it's not necessarily a bad thing.  

We met quite a few people while in Sorrento.  There's a member couple that is really chill.  Nana and GM.  When I first went in the house, Nana said she was going to cut my hair so they could mix it with the sisters hair and make babies.  Needless to say, I was really confused.  Turns out she was joking the whole time.  I could talk about them all day but ill jist say this ine thing.  Nana gives every missionary a nickname.  She called me "heartthrob" because I am "adorable" and my name is Pulse-n.  Kind of funny.  She also told me to marry someone that loves me when I'm poor, that's how I'll know it's real.

It also rained a tom this week.  Every time a storm comes in, parking lots flood and it's pretty cool to see.  I'll have to get a picture this week.  I was wet for about half the time.

The rest of the week went pretty well.  We met with a guy named Marc from Haiti.  He works part-time as an uber driver and met a member that he gave a ride to.  That member referred him to us.  He was really receptive to our message, but the funny thing is, I didn't even notice.  I had this huge desire to help him be happy.  We got into a groove where we were just teaching him things he needed to hear.  It was a great experience.

We finally got in touch with Marysel again.  She's been going through health problems but she is super solid.  She knows this is the right path for her.  We also gave her daughter Nevaeh an opportunity to be baptized on June 2nd and she accepted.  It's incredible to see the growth of this family over the past couple weeks.

I just want people to be happy.  I've had a hard time being happy lately and the only way I can combat that is by focusing on other's happiness.

Ether 12:34-36 "And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.  Wherefore, I know by this thing which thou hast said, that if the Gentiles have not charity, because of our weakness, that thou wilt prove them, and take away their talent, yea, even that which they have received, and give unto them who shall have more abundantly.  And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity."

Elder Poulsen