Peter, 11.26.10

hey family

glad to hear everythings good! simeon staying in  bed? Dane, how did the play go? did you Love it?

I love the work! the time is going so fast here. there's a saying that i've heard since being here "The Days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days" its so true it feels like i haven't been here very long but at the same time its been a while. really want to get into the field. its so great here i have two teachers they are both return missionaries, sis maxfield and brother shumway they take turns and usually at least one of them are here each day sometimes we get both of them. sister maxfield is an amazing teacher and really helps us to learn how to rely on the spirit. she has also taught us the importance of bearing tesimony of Christ. and that if the're not brought closer to Christ after our lesson we have not fullfilled our purpose.

Yesterday was amazing we had a moring devotional and Elder Holland with his family to speak to us. I have never heard a talk more powerful, and bold. He truly is an apostle of the Lord. He told us that the reason to serve a mission is so christ doesn't have to tread the wine press alone. and that we are to join him in this glorious work. he also said Don't get homesick or lonely Cowboy Up! Pull up you sock! get over yourselves and think about others. I loved how bold he was it helps us to have it so boldly set forth He really did drive home the importance of serving the lord 110%

i know christ lives and did atone for my sins. the fulness of Christs church has been restored to the earth through Joseph smith. the church is True!! I love it!

    Elder Olsen

ps my companion and i were made Zone Leaders last sunday

Simeon went sleep walking to Grandpa's house about 1 week ago.  He has since stayed in bed each night. Dane was in the play Annie as an extra and had a great time.

Peter, 11.20.10

hey

family glad to here you made it home safe. the mtc is amazing! we are so buisy! the work is great! i already felt like i've been here forever. the mtc is the most zionlike place i think i have ever been. today i have a half p-day today but p-day is going to be on fridays after today. i will leave the mtc dec. 13. i've realized that i have a lot to learn to become an effective teacher. Emily, they do ask you if you have been set apart but its a one on one thing. its wonderfull being this busy. its so easy to become lost in the work. i love it!

my compainion is elder willey he is from bountiful. and he is here to work. i'm so glad he is my companion. and we are both serving in orlando. i'm rooming with one other companionship elder fulmer and elder savage. i've got to go class is starting.

 the works great. the church is true! I Love it

                Elder Olsen

a quick note from me.  As a family we finished the Book of Mormon the day before Peter left.  We take turns reading.  Peter read the very last verse.  "And now I bid unto all, farewell.  I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead.  Amen.  (Moroni 10:34)


We got a good laugh as we applied that one to Peter.

MTC drop off

Yesterday Peter reported to the Missionary Training Center at 1:15.  We were prompt and efficient.  We had finished up at Distribution Center, gone to lunch at Panda Express, taken pictures at the temple and then received our last hugs- good ones, to last 2 years.

Red luggage makes it easier to find him in a sea of black.  

Hurrah for Israel!

Why a mission, Em?

Go to her blog to find out in her own words.

Emily goes to the temple!

Emily has been looking forward to this day for a long time.  We sang "I love to see the temple, I'm going inside today" at our morning devotional.  We were on a big session but had few family members able to attend.  Still the spirit was there teaching us and we are so grateful.  Emily can't wait until the temple is open again on Tuesday for another chance to "go inside" to feel the spirit and to enjoy the peace.

Grandma and Grandpa Peterson, Emily, Peter, Mom, Dad

 Pictures were a bit of a challenge but still fun to share as we captured this moment.

I got a glimpse of heaven as I followed my two missionaries, dressed in white, into the creation room.  They have been very close as brother and sister, teasing, loving, sharing, talking.  It is wonderful that they were able to share this experience and will serve missions at the same time.

Grandma Peterson, Emily, Mom

Endowment received Nov.  5, 2010, 6:30 session.  Mom was escort.  Just 2 months exactly until she enters the MTC.

Temple

 Peter received his endowment in the Manti Temple in September 2010.  He has enjoys worshiping in the temple regularly and has visited quite a few temples.

A few righteous priesthood holders sharing his special day.  (Jay not pictured).  Here is a great article on making the most of your temple experiences.

First, THE Calls

Peter receives his call on August 5, 2010, to serve in the Florida Orlando Mission where he will preach the gospel in the English language.  He reports to the Provo Missionary Training Center on November 17, 2010.

Emily receives her call on October 27, 2010, to serve in the Bolivia Santa Cruz mission and will share the gospel in the Spanish language.  She will spend 3 weeks at the Provo MTC and then 6 weeks in the Peru MTC.  She reports to the Missionary Training Center on January 5, 2011.

Now the fun has begun.  We are busy shopping, planning, getting shots and savoring the moments at home.  I'm going to miss these too.  Yesterday we had some missionary pictures taken by Aunt Lauri.  We will share those soon.