Today we had an amazing young Sister bear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel as she leaves to serve in the Maryland Baltimore Mission of the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enters the MTC Wed., Dec 18, 2013. She spoke with two other sisters who also bore solemn witness of the truthfulness of this gospel and its restoration to the earth.
The spirit was so strong and many were touched by the power of their testimonies. I am not sure how many attended, but the overflow had to be opened to accommodate all those who came. Although I will not always remember everything that was said, I will not forget what I felt.
The grandmother who is attending the Temple prep class brought two of her grand daughters in again. They ended up staying a little over two hours steadily working on finding census records on their grandfather's father and then his mother. We were also able to find Mabel Small's grandmother, who apparently raised her. Grandmother is going to try and contact one of the other relatives to find out Mabel's parent's names.
I am including pictures of the two girls, the younger was is 10. What an amazing time to start family history. The girls started to race each other to see who could find the next census record, it was so fun to be a part of and watch their smiles as they found the next census.
Grandma was also able to request a copy of her patriarchal blessing. It should arrive in the next few weeks.
Sister T has been a wonderful asset in the history center. She invites everyone she runs across to come back to church and to come and start working on their family history. Two more people are working on their family lines because of her invitation to do so.
It is so wonderful to serve among such great people and to see them and listen to them as they bear their testimonies. You know that they will shine wherever they go and invite many to come and share in the truth they have found.
Sister Olson
These are pictures of Shelby Begody, the young sister who will enter the MTC Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 the same day we will be driving to Alpine, Utah.
Our other sister who is serving in the Utah Salt Lake Mission is now in Bountiful and Elder Olson's cousin, Kevin Olson took her picture at a Ward Christmas breakfast just this week. Sister Tammi Horseherder.
Two of our young men have returned from their missions, one served in North Dakota and the other in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Both left after we got here and have now returned after serving two years. Both were surprised to find us still here. The first is going to school in Thatcher, AZ and the other who came home this week will head back to Stanford, where he has already completed two years. Both are wonderful young men. Hopefully I can get pictures from our young elders to attach in the near future.
With Christmas only a few days away, there is no doubt of what the holiday is really about. Let us give the gift of time, listening to the laughter of the children, watching with our hearts and not just with our eyes.
Let us celebrate the time we have and not the gifts we get. Let us love more deeply and forgive more quickly " for they know not what they do."
Let us watch with our hearts and see the best in those around us. Let us praise more and overlook the faults "for in the quiet heart is hidden, sorrow that the eye cannot see."
May we keep the true spirit of Christmas every day and celebrate our unique differences with warmth and gratitude for each is on a long journey home. May we light the way for those who travel with us, with encouragement and smiles, hugs and listening ears, tenderness and patience.
Merry Christmas to each of you, may God Bless You and Yours Always.
Elder & Sister Olson
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