Selina Slim and son, Tachoney West of White Mesa

• "Here is our little garden. Me  n  ma son. We luv it very ! Thanks 4  helping us  its means a lot 2  us :-)"

  This is the text and the picture Elder Olson got this morning.  How would you like to try and garden where they are?  Look how happy they are and how the garden is growing.  Her husband took the picture and they sent it to Elder Olson with that little note.

  
  

  Selina Slim and son, Tachoney  West of White Mesa.  Elder Olson had one of those orchestrated days when he went to see Peter and Lulu Chee and Selina happened to be there when he stopped by to see how things were going.

  
  

  She expressed interest in what the church could help provide for her and her family, and set up an appt for a few days later.  They had a garden in place with a fence up, They tilled in some fertilizer, and put in the irrigation.  Since she is closer to Kaibeto, Elder Olson referred her to the Rigbys in Kaibeto. 

  Alma 13:24

  • 24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

  
  

  Her husband had been out of work for a while, but is now working part time in Page.  Elder Olson explained that they had been doing what they could to establish a garden, but it was an uphill battle.  Then the Lord orchestras his day and he has resources that they need and he is able to share those with them.  We can have our agendas in place, but aren't we grateful when the Lord does it His way and we get to be a part of a greater plan for the day.

  
  

  Alma 37:6

  • 6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
    Yes, I know we are on "vacation", but aren't we glad that Heavenly Father never goes on vacation.
    Elder and Sister Homesick ;o}
    AKA The Olsons

Cutting firewood June 2013

A semi load of wood holds from 13-15  cords of wood.  I bet you are all jealous that you can't be here helping, but John, Jamie and the kids got to be a big part of getting it cut or at least a third of the load.  I wondered why the pile looked smaller than it did the last time.

Brother Erickson has a new way of delivering wood.  He has this amazing little tractor that has a "knacker" device that just scoops them up and allows him to drop them where he wants.

  I know I have pictures, but not sure where they are at the moment.

  Elder Olson wants to take the big blocks back to the rez because most of them have never seen a piece of wood that big.  He would like to give several people "chopping blocks" from Wyoming.

  We spoke today in Sacrament.  Elder Olson had a difficult time controlling the tears when he spoke about his love for the Navajo people. 

 I spent a lot to time preparing and was able to share  a little of what it is like to be a part of such a wonderful experience serving on the rez among the Navajo People.  We love being home, but miss our other home. ;o}and our other family.

  It has been great to see so many of our friends, even if they are "pale" in comparison to our friends on the rez.

  Hope all is well with you and your family.

Elder and Sister Olson

June 2013 Trip to Maryland

Hard to believe that the last week went so quickly.  The first picture was taken at the annual Gore Company Party.  So much fun with Daryl, Liz, Carter and Madeline.  Miss them so much.  Kellan and I had a great time.
 Liz has a great story about the dessert we ordered when we went out the first night.  It will be a family favorite I am sure. ;o}  The story that is!
  Daryl and Kellan had a brother's day out in Washington DC.  They were able to see Alma Stump's name on the wall and walk the long walk.
   Madeline organized a little piano recital and played her "own songs"  We may have a famous song writer in the making.  We even had reserved seats on the front row.
  On our last day we were privileged to attend Carter's Graduation from 5th grade.  That was very special.  He has grown up so much and is such a fine young man.
I guess I am very prejudice, but I think they are a beautiful family and I can't believe how much I miss them and the fireflies and the great food and the time we had to spend together.  Already looking forward to the next trip, but now I know what "Adult Friendly" means. lol
Sister Olson

UPS, GPS, or DPS

Dear Family and Friends,
  This is a copy of a letter I sent to our Leaders about the little adventure we had last night.  Thought it would be OK to share it with you also.

  Some evenings are more fun than others and last night was one of them.  Sister Corry and I had gone out earlier in the day and were able to put a number of participants in the GPS that appeared to be missing.  We had quite the adventure finding some of the participants from last year that the Littlefields and the Hansens had tended.  We also got to meet several "friends" who were very helpful in pointing us in the right direction and which also provided opportunities to share a brief message about the church and what we were doing.

  Around 4:20  I felt like I should go and add a few more before I had to give the GPS unit back.  Elder Olson "sort of volunteered" to be the driver.  Several more "scenic" routes were taken, but eventually new participants were located and added to the system of coordinates, which will make it easier for new missionaries, young and old, to find in the future.

  We went by a "late comer" participant who's gr grandmother was a "Mormon", met her husband, and took the opportunity to tell them what an amazing job they were doing with all the "blow sand" they had to work with.  As we walked back to the garden, her new neighbor who is also a co-worker came to the fence and visited about what she was doing with her backyard.  She pointed out that they had a lot to do and she was loving the challenge.

  She had noticed that the previous occupant had had some sort of drip irrigation.  After visiting with the one we had come to see, we walked over to the neighbor's backyard and visited with her.       We have already given the young Elders the 2 new referrals.  It never ceases to amaze me how "orchestrated" our days are by the Lord. 

   Both of these women associate with the YW President of the 2nd Ward at their work place who told them about what the church does to help people put in gardens and become more self-reliant.  It was pretty obvious that the YW President has become a great example of sharing the gospel.

 While were were out, we were able to visit several less active families, leave a brief message, tell them how much we missed them, and leave behind a hug and hopes to see them again soon at church .

  As we drove away Elder Olson asked if I had put them on the UPS.  I assured  him that they were all on the GPS.  He smiled and said he was glad I had got them on the DPS.

  Every family expressed gratitude for the short visit and you could see in their eyes just how much those few minutes meant and the reminder of what they should be doing and where they should be on Sunday.  If our "Home Teachers" and "Visiting Teachers" could gain a testimony of how important those visits are to members they would go out each month and come home with their own increased testimony of how much those visits mean to the members.

  How grateful we are to be here and to be serving in the way that we are.  We recognize that these sacred funds are being well used and that almost every  previous gardener continues to plant each year.  Some continue to need assistance, but even more have the confidence to maintain their gardens on their own and are willing to help others start.

  The Senior Couple in Kaibeto have had a recent contact stand up to a friend when they were saying things about the Mormons which he did not hesitate to correct because of the interaction he has had with the Mormons.  Slowly but steadily, barriers are being taken down, and misunderstandings made right, by those who's hearts are being touched.

Sister Olson

Two Special Baptisms 12 May 2013

I know it has been several weeks since I last posted much and other than being very busy I am not sure why I haven't been posting.  Some amazing things are happening every day, but they said we shouldn't include any names and it somehow took a lot of the fun out of it.
  I can't imagine any of you posting these blogs on the "net" but I guess it happens and so it has been really hard to write things without including names.
  I mean who wants to write about she and he, or just a sister or a brother.  Guess I am frustrated.
Tonight we had two baptisms even though it was Mother's Day.  The grandfather performed the ordinances.  The spirit was so special.  Each person who spoke was so humble and so sincere and testified of such wonderful blessings that go along with being baptized and then confirmed.The
  The grandparents have become such special friends to us and a handshake is never enough.  You always get one of the best hugs you could ask for.
  I did miss phone calls from Daryl and RaDawn while we attended, but I know we were in the right place.  They will be in the 1st Ward and the Bishop gave such a wonderful message about what they were doing and how it would affect their lives forever.  These were young men who will receive the priesthood and their countenance was amazing.
  Many of the older people did not have the opportunity to learn to read and when they repeat the prayers they do so with such humility and such sincerity.  It is such an honor to be a witness to the event and feel of the spirit that is there.
  A couple of weeks ago another grandfather was a witness as his son-in-law baptized his granddaughter. The grandfather has learned to read and wants to read the scriptures every day. He has amazing dreams and often shares what he has learned from those who have gone before. He is one of the most humble men I have ever met.
  After the baptism tonight another couple was walking out as we were.  It had been mentioned that they had driven over from Kirkland, which is near Farmington. I took a chance and asked if they knew Dean Winn, who worked at Totso Trading Post in Luckachukai with his family when I taught there in 68-69.  They said they knew Jolene Winn Duncan his daughter, who is serving in the Stake Primary.  I gave her our email address and asked if she would give it to her.
  Yes, I know I used someone's name and so if you have to come see me in prison, so be it. ;o{
I sure hope she sends an email, I would love to know about what has happened to all those sweet kids.
  Some of you may know that we are headed home on May 22.  Many of you may not know that we are coming back in July. ;o}  We are going home for about 6 weeks to help Kellan and Dallin with cutting a semi load of firewood for next winter.  A lot of phone calls and a lot of work was done by our Mission President and Stake President to make this all work out, so we could come back, or maybe I should say continue serving here.
  Our new exit date will be 14 Feb 2014, but then we have the option to change to CSM missionaries, but that is in the future.
  I know I have not done the Grandma letters for several weeks either.  Hopefully I will be able to start that up again soon. ;o}
  We now have 635 gardens in the Stake 235 of which are here in Tuba City and Red Lake.  We did get a new couple that came in last week.  Elder Olson and I have been the only Gardening Missionaries for a long time.  We hope to "teach" them everything they need to know in the next 9 days. ;o} but we will make sure they have our phone numbers.
  From what we have already seen, I doubt they will need to call us though.  This is their third mission and they are 10+ years younger than we are and extremely capable of figuring things out.  I am sure they could replace us in a heart beat.
  Elder Olson says that people are always asking him when we are leaving and he says keep praying we will leave soon. ;o}
  Kellan and I will be flying to Maryland for a week while we are home.  That should be lots of fun, since Kellan has not been back there.
  It is late and I am tired, so I will try to post some pictures next week and write some more.
Elder & Sister Olson
If you find typos or other mistakes, chalk it up to old age and the lateness of the hour.

Quote on Conversion 11 May 2013

"Conversion means consecrating your life to caring for and serving others who need your help and sharing your gifts and blessings.

"Every unselfish act of kindness and service increases your spirituality.  God would use you to bless others.  Your continued spiritual growth and eternal progress are very much wrapped up in your relationships - in how you treat others.  Do you indeed love others and become a blessing in their lives?  Isn't the measure of the level of your conversion how you treat others?  The person who does only those things in the Church that concern himself alone will never reach the goal of perfection.  Service to others is what the gospel and exalted life are all about"  Conference Report, Apr. 2005, 96

I know each of you is serving every day and sometimes into the the night :o}  So I would also like to add the quote that Neal A Maxwell kept in his office. "My  life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds. "  Please remember to use wisdom as you serve each day.

Lily's Blessing Mar 31, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

  We made a trip to Utah to see family and be there for the blessing of Lily, who is our beautiful new grand daughter.  She is a good natured, sweet little munchkin.  It was hard to leave.

  I stayed with Shelaine and family, while Elder Olson went over to Lake Point to help John and Jamie with a couple of projects they needed done.  It worked out well and we both were able to help out where we were needed the most, which is very rewarding.

  The first picture is Lily, the second the whole Maxfield family, and picture three is John, Shandon, Kellie, Jamie and Kaycie who was sound asleep.  I guess March is celebrated by growing a mustache or beard.  John said he would be shaving it off for April.  It was quite a surprise to see him. ;o}

  I have several more pictures, but did not want to take the time to put them on this page.  I plan to print them and put them on our wall at the apt.

  Conference was amazing.  What a spiritual feast. Each speaker had a great message.  L. Tom Perry and Holland spoke with such power and conviction.  It is always such a highlight to be able to hear them speak and give such amazing counsel which is always relevant. I was touched by each speaker and the message they presented.  We had nonmembers come this morning. 

  I loved President Monson's story about the matches and what happened.  I had never heard that story before.  

  The folks here were glad to have us back and Elder Olson had to go right out to "his people" in Red Lake.   

  We will be having our second missionary meeting next Monday.  We will explain how the irrigation works and we will also package seeds to send with each couple back to their units.

  We will have a couple in each unit after Monday.  Right now Elder Olson and I are in Tuba alone, but hopefully we will get another couple or maybe two before too long.  Right now we have 225 gardens between the two wards.  

  Obviously we don't have to help all 225, but we do have 50 new gardeners and we want to make sure that they get the attention they need.  It has been fun to watch "natural leaders" step up and mentor  some of the new folks.  The goal is to eventually work ourselves out of a job. ;o} by finding members to take over what we are doing.  It is all pretty exciting really.

  One of our jobs is to make sure every participant is on the GPS system, so new couples can find them.  It is time consuming, but also fun to find them and make sure the next couple can find them as well.

  We added two more people to the area that I call the rock garden spot.  So far the couple who started in 2011 continues to lead the way and continues to have a wonderful garden.  The others have seen it and want what they have.  They are all hard working people and want to become more self reliant.

  The ones that are the most fun are the ones who garden in the "furthest most part of the vineyard" and have great success in what appears to be in a place that looks impossible to grow anything.  They have such great faith.

  The people are so kind and so full of faith.  The young Elders are having good success and many of the contacts are new gardeners.  We love the young Elders and their great love for the people and the work.

  We love our mission and those we serve, how could it be any better?

Elder & Sister Olson