Mexico MTC CCM

 

The MTC here is absolutely insane. I love it so much, it's so great. I made it here safely. Driving on the bus was absolutely terrifying. I thought we were gonna run over so many cars. Everyone is such a bad driver. but somehow most of them aren't rolling on the side of the road. I don't understand how they're not. but I made it to the MTC. I am learning so much every day. I have class a lot most of the day and they give us some time to study which is so good. my Spanish is improving I get to practice with some people who don't know any English which has been really helpful and frustrating at times because I can understand what they say but responding is difficult I'm learning so much the spirit is so strong here I feel it every day I learn from it every day I'm grateful for this gospel grateful for the church and it's truthfulness.

My companion and I got called to be the district's leader for our district here at the MTC and being his campaign I help him with that but it was really cool because our branch president doesn't speak English he called him over the pulpit and right then there we stood up we went up onto the stand and then he's like he told us that we had to pick a language leader and a health leader and we went into his office we knelt down we said a prayer in Spanish and he gave us a paper to look at and on that paper was our district is like all right who is your health leader and language leader and we both new who it should be, we let her found out that the person we chose for health theater had four years of health study and knew a lot of that which we hadn't known when we chose them. The spirit really truly is a guide and I learned so much from it.

I love the devotionals I learned so much each day and I'm so very grateful for them I'm grateful for everything I'm learning the president of the MTC is such a good man he has taught us all so much and him and his wife are so friendly and are so truthful in the gospel in teaching us and helping us learn a cool story from the devotional last night was about the pioneers and about Brigham Young and how he climbed the top of ensign peak in terrible health and that they he put a yellow bandana on his cane and they waived that as a banner, a banner of missionary work and going forward teaching the gospel to all nations it was really special and we all got up and shouted hurrah for Israel hurrah for Israel hurrah for Israel. And the sang high on a mountain top, it was so incredible. 

The church is true, I love learning and slowly understanding more and more each day. The gift of tongues is real, I see God's hand in my life each day I promise you if you look for his hand in your life you will see it to. I'm so grateful. 

-Elder Simeon Olsen

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL

here are some pictures

MTC in Mexico

 First pictures of MTC in Mexico.  We got a short email saying that Simeon had arrived safely and would call in 9 days.  He did. Someday maybe he will explain each of these.

Home MTC

 

Simeon became an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood surrounded by these good men. He was ordained by his father.

Brother Rasmussen of the stake, Milt, John, William, Simeon, Bishop Hintze, Jay, and Scott

And support from good friends - Jack, Jesse, Matthew, Talia, Simeon

And the girls - Debbie ,Melissa, Lauri, Elise, Rae, Natalie, and Mom

And to support Uncle Simeon - Nellie, Lucy, Jack, Josh, Jared, Samuel, Gideon, Thomas, and Fredrick.

We enjoyed our day at the Provo city center temple with Simeon.  Isaac surprised us by showing up from Portland, OR, where he is selling pest control.  He stayed for the week and enjoyed Lake Powell and a farewell.  We had the whole family together for Lake Powell. Perfect.

Simeon was set apart on June 26 as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He began home MTC the next day.

Home MTC has been rewarding, and exhausting, a time to practice strict obedience and adjust to missionary life.

This is a favorite of mine as I feel like it represents the effort and dedication Simeon is already showing.  He changed right before our eyes. He is learning the gospel and how to share. He is learning Spanish and he is making the most of every moment.

The 4th of July was fun but not Pday.  Simeon ran the 5K and then ran to class.  He got the afternoon of class off and made the most of family time.

And some fun fireman time.  Part of the games at the park included a tug o war and the fire department spraying hoses.  This is where Simeon go to help.

And is also Debbie's 16 birthday. Simeon decorated the cake and presented it to her like royalty.

We took advantage of his exercise time at 6:10 am and played some pickleball.

Got a few rides in the convertible.

Visited Debbie at Aloha where she sells snow cones.

Last Pday and we headed to the mountains.

Last Sunday was Nathan's blessing day. We got to drive the 2012 Mustang convertible up to Santaquin.  It was another good day.

And spent more time right here than he ever thought possible. Hours of studying where he has been able to fall in love with missionary work, his companion, his district, and hopefully the Spanish language.

Then on July 12 we got him to the airport before 7 am.  He is ready and willing. We will miss him so much.

His MTC companion, Elder Julander

Hurrah for Israel!!!