Week 20

Dec. 29^th, 2015

Dear Everyone and anyone,

Christmas was amazing and overwhelming. The Mission President came to our apartment and delivered three packages for me and three for Elder Farr. Sadly the President didn't see our apartment, since we had it spotless. 

We had our white Elephant exchange on Christmas Eve and I thought it was also a Potluck dinner, so I made a big pot of Alfredo pasta.  Turned out to just be a White Elephant Exchange and no dinner, so I looked foolish in front of my Zone.  Elder Farr and I both brought Pez dispensers as our gifts, our gift bags were plain so I drew Elephants on them and glued a picture of M. Russel Ballard on them to make them more festive. My zone doesn't understand my sense of humor but Elder Farr does and that's all that matters. 

On Christmas we opened our Gifts and Cards and to say the least, I was way over whelmed with what I got. My first thoughts were how am I going to eat all this food, how will I fit all these gifts in my suitcase. Of course most of my gifts were Star wars stuff, food, blanket, pens, etc. The Skyping part was my favorite part. I saw all my favorite people; Aiden and I think that's it. Just girting your loins, I loved seeing my mom, dad, aunt, sisters, and brothers, especially Jacob, for those precious five minutes. I spent Christmas with the Seldens, a nice Spanish family and we had Chinese for lunch. We then hung out with Staten and Courtney for dinner, which was pot roast, very spicy pot roast, sadly I'm not like Jacob and I have to drink lots of milk when I eat Spicy food. We played a game of Sorry where I totally destroyed Staten, it was my personal revenge since he destroyed me in Chess. We then taught Courtney the whole history of Ether. Staten then gave us adjustments before we left. He adjusted my jaw and I think it has helped make my voice more clearer. Anyways Love yall lots and Happy new years!

With Magnificent Love, Elder Larson (Seattle Mish Representative)

Christmas Skype call

Week 19

Dec. 21^st, 2015

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This past week has been very cool. Elder Farr and I went to a Christmas Concert with Gary and his family and even though they couldn't understand the words they felt peace and joy in their hearts. We had a lesson with them the day after the concert and I was with Elder Van Wagner, due to exchanges.  We asked Gary if he feels the spirit during the lesson and he said he didn't. At the end of our lesson we asked him to kneel down with us and pray in his native language, Chinese and we felt the spirit just emanating from him as he closed that prayer. He had a very peaceful look in his eyes and at that moment, I knew that Gary is feeling the spirit, but won't admit it. I know that once he admits it, he will be baptized. They are sadly gone for Vacation so we won't see Gary till next year :( Vicky is also on Vacation and we won't be seeing her anytime soon. Seems like most of our investigators are on Vacation. 

The Thrift Shop, we volunteer at, invited us to a Christmas party and we received permission to go for an hour counting it as our lunch.  It was different, 90% of the people there, were old ladies but the food was exquisite to the taste and they had Apple Cider there as well. One of the new volunteers was asked if he would have some cider and he said he doesn't drink Alcohol, which I thought was hilarious since Elder Farr and I were both drinking it. 

When the exchanges occurred, Elder Farr was completely unprepared.  He had no change of clothes, no razor, no bedding, no toothbrush, no nothing. He was not too happy about that, since our District leader and our area, don't have cars.  It's really hard to do exchanges, so that's why Elder Farr was unprepared, cause it was a now or never sort of deal. Elder Van Wagner drank this strange juice given to us from a member and while he was drinking it, I pointed out that the bottle says "contains less than .5% alcohol". Elder Van Wagner freaked out and was super nervous thinking he broke the word of Wisdom. We logically decided that since the bottle doesn't say alcoholic beverage on the front and considering it was given to us by a member, we decided that he didn't break the Word of Wisdom. 

We had a mission Christmas Party and I sat with Elder Henry, he was the Elder that got into a bike crash my first day in the field and I passed the sacrament to him at the mission home before he went home. It was interesting to see him again, he definitely looks better than when I first met him. :) I was able to see my friends Elder Hales, Elder Sill, Elder Reese, and many more. It was fantastic!  Elder Farr is super Hilarious, everyday he finds new ways to crack me up. The spirit is really strong with him and he explains the doctrine in a very simplified manner. We put a gift together for President and Sister Schofield, it was a bottle of limited edition apple spice cider, Fancy chocolates, and a Gavel in a nice gift bag. Since President Schofield used to be a Judge, Elder Farr thought it was funny.  On Sunday President Schofield came to our Sacrament meeting and invited us over to his house, to pick pass along cards up. We went by and we shared a fabulous lesson with them. I think they will start calling us to do stuff, but it was worth it. I am happy to see my family this Friday and I ask that they set up a Skype account for me and I will have the family we are eating with contact you on Facebook so we can set a good time to Skype. Preferably afternoon! Love you all BYE!

With loads of Love, Elder Larson        

Bellevue South Christmas Card 2015

Week 18

Hello everyone,

This week has been amazing, we talked with so many people and received some investigators because of it.  A Savior Is Born video is amazing, you should all watch it. This week started with P-day and I played basketball with Elder Hepler, Felix, and my companion Farr. Basketball has been a good way for me to relieve stress and I'm starting to get good at it too. Taught Vicky more about Jesus Christ and we invited her to do a Baptismal interview to see where she is at. Taught Gary more about the importance of the Priesthood Authority. Stella said she wants to be baptized after our lesson on Faith in Jesus Christ, setting up a date is a problem, because Stella doesn't want to offend her Jewish mother, but we will work around it. The people at the Thrift Shop really love us and give us amazing deals on stuff, this thrift shop is so rich, they sell brand new $200 shoes for $10. Sadly I haven't found any shoes my size. Had Zone Conference, Elder Johnson of the Seventy conducted the meeting and asked us questions, then we discussed the appropriate answers. Overall it was spiritually uplifting. 

Saturday, we went on exchanges. Elder Farr and Piekarski went to Duval, so Elder Farr could baptize this lady he taught. Elder Tate and I were together and the weather, I kid you not, was frightful. We still went out and knocked on doors. We then took Vicky to the Nativity and she absolutely loved it and enjoyed it. She had a lot of questions that we answered, it was great, what can I say more. Well, after the Nativity we went to the ward party and the fun continued. Gary came to the party as well and He, Vicky, and Vicky's friend Maxine sat with us, but we wanted them to sit by members and no members would sit with us. So I got out of my chair trying to find anybody who wasn't with family to sit with. Luckily we found Staten and His Wife Courtney. Staten is a Chiropractor that gives us free adjustments, hilarious character. Courtney his wife, was born without legs and her right arm, she is currently pregnant.  If you remember, from about a month ago when she was sick, I was asked to give her a priesthood blessings. Anyways, I asked them to sit with us and they accepted. The night went uphill from there. Sunday, Elder Farr gave a beautiful talk on setting goals in our life, to help us improve. We then went to the Nativity, volunteering our time, to help and we saw Gary there.  His Mormon friend invited him to go, so he went. Today Gary is taking us to the Ensign Symphony, so that will be awesome. He drives an Audi Q7. Last night we went to a Lutheran church where they were doing a Nativity of their own. They invited us in and we ate chicken and drank hot chocolate. Then we helped them take everything down when it was over and they were very appreciative. I love working on Mercer, so what if it is the lowest baptizing area, it is still worthwhile and an amazing experience, you can't get anywhere else.

With all my Heart, Elder Larson(Seattle Washington Mission)  

Week 17

Dear anyone and everyone who cares, 

   

This week I came, I saw, and I conquered!

Last week we had a lesson with a young family for the first time, we molded our lesson to keep the kids active while teaching basic principles.  We ended up drawing armor with the kids and explained putting on the armor of god and we watched Mormon messages.  Overall, I give the lesson two thumbs up, the mother was so appreciative with us teaching the gospel in a fun way for her kids and we invited her kids to primary.  They couldn't make it last Sunday but the mom wants to make time so they can go.

We went out with Jake Jacobson and he took us to an awesome Japanese restaurant and I had two choices Steak or Sushi...and I chose Sushi.  I ate five different fishes raw and I felt like throwing up, but I did it. Next time though I'm choosing steak.

We have been teaching this Chinese family for six weeks, I know them pretty well by now and we spent Thanksgiving with them.  They really like our church but will not be baptized until they have a firm belief in God. They are really nice and friendly, Gary the dad even gives us rides to places.  We invited him to the Ensign symphony on the 14th and he said he would go and take us with him. I love their family so much, it is always fun teaching him. 

Vicky is no longer on date for baptism, because her sons couldn't make it, so she wants to wait until both her sons can attend.  Only problem is, her sons are so busy and she doesn't know if they will be here around Christmas, but other than that she is doing well.  She still comes to church and loves being there. She is kind and very close with her sons which is why she wants to wait.

We have a nativity going on in our stake building and we have nativities from all around the world made of precious materials,  We  also have people from other churches singing all day.  We went to it and it was no longer a stake center, it was basically a house of Christ.  Every room was filled to the brim with nativities, pictures, art, and on and on. It was great being there. I was so amazed that I forgot to take Pictures!

I've learned that as I have worked harder, that opposition seems to work harder as well, against me. There have been many times this past week where nothing seemed to be going the way I wanted and I just wanted to give in, but I know that my companion Elder Farr is counting on me, that my leaders are counting on me, that family and friends are counting on me, and that above all the lord is counting on me to carry out the work!

This scripture really helped me this week Moroni 7:48, it's about prayer and prayer has given me great strength this past week and I encourage all of you to follow this simple principle and use it to it's fullest extent, I pray for you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

With Tremendous Love, Elder Larson from the Seattle, Washington Mission 

12/1/15

Matt's newest companion, Elder Farr

Week 16

Dear everybody that cares,

This past week, as you may know, was Thanksgiving and your probably wondering why I'm emailing a day late, well I'll get to that. First, I will share the bad news and go from there. Griffin, our strongest progressing investigator dropped us not because this isn't true, but because his dad told him he should stop meeting us.  When he came by to tell us the news, he was crying and I almost started crying as well, but I know he will come around. 

Now off to some better news. One of our investigators gave us a tree with lights and ornaments, it was really nice of her. We had our lovely Thanksgiving dinner at our ward mission leaders house Bro. Jolley. I a was able to meet his son and his son's family. Then we had another Thanksgiving at Gary and Emily's house. This was their first Thanksgiving because they are Chinese and new to these traditions.  Elder Farr and I taught them how to cook and cut the Turkey. Gary invited his Chinese friends to come over and it was weird not being able to speak the language. I was so stuffed, it was an awesome Thanksgiving. 

We were able to get multiple investigators to church last Sunday. Met Vicky's kids and got to know them better, which I'm sure she appreciates. Then, this morning we went to the Temple as a mission. That is why P-day is today and not yesterday. I love every last soul out there and I pray this coming week will run smoothly! 

With Love, Elder Larson

P.S. I got the package with the stocking and I'm excited to see what people wrote to me. Sadly I won't receive another package till Christmas!

Love Yall

Week 15

Dear everyone,

This week Elder Farr and I got to know each other and we have many of the same interests. He is very humble, lovable, and spiritual. He is the Senior Companion, but because he knows nothing about the area, I had to lead and it was not as easy as Elder Hales made it look. I had to plan for what we were going to do all day and handle setting up appointments, then having to deal with appointments falling through and nobody wanting to talk with us. 

Friday we had Zone conference and I got motivated to work and try new techniques of getting people interested, but when we tried to apply what we learned in the field it just seemed that nobody wanted to listen. My motivation and enthusiasm was just about lost. Then church rolled on by and the talks were on being grateful. This theme really touched me seeing as my week went bad, but because of this topic I was able to look back at all the positives. Our investigator Griffin committed to keep the word of wisdom. Stella does want to be baptized, but her mom won't allow it yet, but she does have the desire to follow Jesus Christ. We met many mean people, but we also met some very nice people. This will be my first Thanksgiving without you, but I just want to let you all know that I am thankful for all the time that we spent together and for the memories that we have made. I love you all so much and remember to think about what your thankful for!

With so much love Elder Larson  

Week 14

Dear my kind and caring mother,

Today was Transfers and I... was... am... STAYING! Wow what a surprise, I am staying on Mercer Island. Elder Hales will be missed, he was so humble and diligent, I will truly miss him. Now my new companion is Elder Farr. Elder Farr has been trained by zone leaders, has been around the mission and was recently released as a district leader.  I'm glad to have him and we are going to change Mercer Island for the better. 

On Monday Elder Hales and I got our haircut and the barber was talking to us about God, it was fantastic and our haircuts were in style, I think...  We then gave our Investigator Gary a home made cherry pie.

On Tuesday we raked leaves for this nice old lady and she gave us doughnuts. We taught a nice lady named Elizabeth, who was very open in hearing more about our faith. Then we had a lesson with a guy named Ben but all he wanted to do was bash on the church so we got out of there. After that, we ate pie with Gary.

On Wednesday we taught Griffin, who is on date for Dec 5th, with bro. Riener and the lesson went extremely well. Then we had thrift shop duty. After that we taught a kid named Drake in the church building and it was perfect. When the lesson would start getting awkward, our Bishop or counselor would walk in needing something and inadvertently help our lesson. We also taught Vicki, our on date for Nov 28th, we let her know that if she wants,  she can have her non-member sons carry her in the font, since she can't stand. She was really happy about that.

On Thursday, we went to the bike shop and had our bikes fixed up, rode all the way down south to tract and found a couple of solid investigators. It was raining really hard and on our way to a meeting Elder Hales crashed.  He is okay, only a couple of cuts and bruises and bro. Jacobson fixed him right up with his professional first aid kit.

On Friday we had Zone Training and we talked about the evils of pride.  Elder Mun bore his testimony at the end of it and it was beautiful. We then worked another thrift shop shift. Later that day, our lesson with Stella went fantastic, she really wants to come to church again, but has some stuff on Sunday. Then we chatted with Gary a bit, learning more about his life.

On Saturday we had to get our laundry done at bro. Jacobson's house because our washer wasn't working. We then moved a couch for Sister Black and helped Vicki with her yard.  We also had a very spiritual lesson with Griffin at bro. Rieners house.

On Sunday Elder Hales and I taught the primary class on service. We had our monthly member missionary fireside and it went fabulously.  The recent converts testimonies just fill the room with the spirit. We were lucky it was held at our stake center this time, because traffic was bad.

On Monday Elder Hale and I thought we would celebrate by eating lunch at McDonalds, since a member gave us gift cards. The Zone Leaders came over and dropped off Elder Tate, Since Elder Mun is leaving. We then ate at Baskin Robbins, cause why not, we had time. Then we worked at the thrift shop, weirdly enough because today was a big sales event and they asked us to help. I was lucky because they asked me to just be a door greeter and hand out refreshments. I ate so much! A member gave us Spicy Teryaki chicken for dinner.  Then we taught Jake McQueen the Restoration. We learned that night that Elder Hales was leaving and it was so sad. I know that as a companionship we worked hard.

With Love Elder Larson

P.S. My jackets are doing fine and yes I can buy more if needed and for very cheap. Please send me some IBC Rootbeer and some gift cards. That would be very helpful. Thank you!

Week 13

Dear mi Mom,

Monday was P-day and I played Basketball. I also taught a guy who was shaking the whole time and explained the churches view point on Christ, because he said he heard Mormons don't believe in Christ. The lesson went well, he didn't want to meet up again, but I think we left a good impression on him. Tuesday was a Tuesday, which means a lot of tracting. We found a cool guy named Preston and he was very open with us. We taught him the Restoration and then asked him to be baptized Dec. 5th and he said if he gets a confirmation from the holy ghost he will be baptized. We also taught Gary and Emile about the Plan of Salvation, Gary asks very good questions and we feel the spirit as we answer these questions.  Then we talked a lot on faith and he is struggling with it, so we committed him to do family prayer and to kneel down and pray and I know that his faith will grow as he does these things. Wednesday was rough. We had a couple of lessons planned with investigators with a member present and all, but one fell through. Vicki, our on date investigator's lesson, almost fell through because our guy who was supposed to come with us bailed on us ten minutes before the lesson and we needed a guy to get in the house.  So we called everybody and luckily we got Bro. Jolley to come with us and we were only ten minutes late to the lesson, but she was OK with it and we taught a great lesson on modern day prophets and by the end of it she understood why we need prophets. Thursday we did lots of tracting and met a nice Hindu guy who claimed that all our religions are the same. Met a kid, whose mom investigated the church before, and we are going to teach him and his mom soon. Friday was fun and we volunteered at the Thrift shop again. Our lesson with Stella fell through and we went on exchanges with Elder Van Wagner in the Newport area and taught two nice older ladies. 

Saturday was good, Elder Van Wagner made me Cinnamon rolls and shared some of his favorite stories in the old testament, he's a great missionary and can talk to anybody about anything and relate it to the Gospel. We did a mini mission that day, so we went to the Issaquah ward and knocked on doors with the youth to show them what missionary work is like.  I had Trevor, a 17 year old convert and Race, a 15 year old member. The first couple of lessons were shaky, but they learned to work better together as a companionship and had a very spiritual lesson by the end of it. They weren't there to watch me, I was the there to watch them and support them. It was Fantastic. Then I went back to Mercer Island and Elder Hales and I taught Griffin the Plan of Salvation, at first it was shaky, but by the end of it the spirit was so strong and we asked Griffin to be baptized Nov. 28th and he said yes!

Sunday was Special, church was packed because of a baby blessing. Classes were good as always. I helped Jake Jacobson move his printer, since he just had shoulder surgery. Taught a member about the Word of Wisdom because they are struggling with addiction but we know that they can fight through it and go to the temple eventually.  We are praying for this member to have strength to withstand temptation.  We had a meeting with President Schofield and he only called 15 companionship's to this meeting. I thought, wow we are either test driving the new Ipads or we are going to be filmed for the District 3, sadly it was neither. President Schofield called one person from each companionship including Elder Hales to be trainers, so either i'm leaving next transfer or Elder Hales. I was kind of disappointed since we are really making a difference on Mercer Island for the better, but the Lord knows where we need to be, so all I can do is follow his direction. As 1 Nephi 3:7 says "I will go I will do the things the Lord commands"

Anyway I love you all and cherish every email and letter that is sent my way. (Hint, Hint)

With Love, Elder M. Robert Larson  

P.S. I don't exactly know what I want. Send me gift cards. IBC Root Beer. Other cool things you can think of. 

Week 12

Nov. 2, 2015

Dear Fabulous Mother of mine,

I just want to wish everybody a Happy Halloween, sadly I wasn't allowed to dress up this year and we were locked in our apartments at 5:00 pm. This week on the other hand has been amazing. On Monday we had P-day and I played basketball with Elder Jennings, Van Wagoner, Nelson, Mun, Tate, and my companion Elder Hales, it was way better than church ball because for one, people actually passed the ball around and secondly, I made a few baskets so it was pretty cool. That night we taught this really devote Catholic family and the father was taking notes on our lesson which included the Restoration and Plan of Salvation, they invited us over six weeks from now though, because they are going on vacation. Tuesday We finished mowing and trimming Fran's lawn, it was another three hour job, then we mowed the Atehortua's lawn for letting us use their lawn mower and weed whacker. Taught our nice Chinese investigators Gary and Emile, Gary explained that he didn't want to be baptized until he knew what we taught was true, so we committed him to continue praying and reading and going to church, that by doing so, he will receive a witness of the holy ghost. Wednesday Elder Hales and I gave a church tour to our investigator Griffon. Griffon just randomly wanted to go to church so he went with his friend Ian a member of our church and he wants a closer relationship with God, he is 24 and single and works at a coffee shop. He really felt the spirit during the church tour and is meeting us this Wednesday to learn more from us.

We worked at the thrift shop as per usual and they gave us licorice for our volunteering services. We met with the Seldens to teach their nephew Piero, it was interesting considering we had to have the parents translate what we said, because Piero only speaks Spanish. Why couldn't I just bring Jacob and have him teach for me, anyway it was good the Seldens always feed us when we are over. Then we had dinner with the Behnkes. They are an older couple and they are just hysterical, Sister Behnke was just called as Relief Society President, so you want to get on her good side. :) We then taught another person, who hasn't been feeling to well sadly, he said that he knows what we teach is true, but Elder Hales and I know their is something holding him back, because he still won't come to church, but we will continue to work with him. Thursday we met with a potential investigator that we met six weeks ago and gave her a Book of Mormon, we came to her house many times, but she was never home. However, when she opened the door we knew she was mad, apparently she had been reading the book and got to the part where the Lamanites are cursed and she being African American took serious offense to that and said that she could never join such a racist church, man she was mad, so Elder Hales and I tried to explain the circumstances, but she wasn't having it. After that episode we knocked on a door and big guy opened the door, we stood our ground and talked to him, he is 24 and going to college, parents are Jewish, but not practicing, his name was Jacob. We taught the Restoration and he was really interested, we are meeting him next Monday to teach. We taught our on date investigator Vicki and we watched a couple of videos about Jesus Christ, but since we don't have I pads we had to figure out how to use her DVD player, man it has been so long since I have touched one of those. The lesson was awesome and she really enjoyed the videos.

Friday we had a great District meeting, Elder Hales did a great job teaching us how to apply the Book of Mormon better when teaching, after that the day was pretty slow, only excitement was thrift shop, we did have a lesson planned with Stella, but something came up and she cancelled. Saturday we had coordination and we decided that to better involve Josh was to get him to mutual, so for this to work, Elder hales and I are going to plan a mutual activity and invite Josh and his friends to it, I am so excited for it. We had a lesson with an investigator planned, but they cancelled, so we did lots of tracting, Elder hales and I biked six miles all the way south to tract and we were lucky that the first door we knocked on we met a guy, Tate Givens, he has read the Bible and wants to learn more, we then saw a house boat, a boat dragged onto land and then remodeled to be more like a house, that was cool. We rode six miles back to our apartment, because we had to be locked in at five. Time zones changed one hour back, so we got an extra hour of sleep.

Sunday we had a couple of less actives show up and they actually bared their testimonies. Vicki showed up as per usual. Smiley showed up again, he isn't interested in taking lessons yet, but likes coming to our church. Stella, our Jewish investigator, also showed up and for her this is a huge step, she said she loved it and felt the spirit there. Statent, a member who just moved here asked us if we could give his sick, pregnant wife a blessing, we of course said yes. His wife's name is Courtney and she was born without her two lower legs and her right arm, she can walk around on her knees and she writes 70 words a minute. She has been pregnant for two months, after passing the sacrament to her, we asked who she would like to give her a blessing and she said she wanted me to do it. So I gave her a priesthood blessing and the spirit was so strong, Elder Hales said that it wasn't even me talking, but if was like an angle was speaking through me. It was the best experience for me so far on my mission. Statent showed his appreciation to us by giving us adjustments, because he is a chiropractor and said that if we ever need to be adjusted to just visit him and he will do it. He was so cool, he was actually part of a band called Iron Rod, so if you want his autograph I can hook you up. I had smoked Salmon with Bishop Post. Met with Joshua's mom and got to know her better and she is very encouraging of letting Josh choose his own path. This past week has been a major blessing to me and as always I pray for everybody's safety and well being. Peace!

With Love, Elder M. Larson   

Week 11

Dear Super Fantastic Family,

This week was amazing, just a whole bunch of ups with little to no downs. I am understanding the deep, deep doctrine more, because some of the investigators we teach, are smart and want everything behind each verse or phrase. I am bearing my testimony a lot more and Elder Hales and I are just super determined to serve the people of Mercer. On P-day Elders Hales, Mun, his new companion Tate, Nelson, his new companion Van Wagner, Jennings, Whiting, and I played soccer world cup as companionship's and football, it was fun. I kicked a few goals and caught the football 90% of the time. Elder Mun got a leg cramp and was being overly dramatic about it. Elders Nelson, Tate, and I went to Cloud 9 and ate some fantastic burgers because our companions had to go to a meeting. Tuesday we had Zone interviews, it was nice and intellectual. I was going to go on exchanges with Elder Whiting, but an emergency transfer was made and Elder Whiting had to go to a new area, so Elder Jennings and Van Wagner are zone leaders and Elder Nelson is still part of their companionship, but has no authority. The Beans fed us breakfast for dinner, as in pancakes and eggs, they were good then I had a meeting with the ward mission leaders, Bro. Jacobson and he gave us expensive sausages, that  were fantastic. Wednesday, we helped a guy help catch his two dogs that were just running around in the middle of the street, he was thankful but not interested. We then worked at the Thrift shop and Elder Hales found a $200 brand new pair of shoes that were donated,  he asked how much they would sell it for and the manager said $8.76 so Elder Hales jumped on that offer. Thursday Elder Hales and I spent three hours mowing this persons lawn, man they haven't mowed for seasons and their lawn was a jungle. We then attended Binai Shalom a Jewish Mormon event, we tried to get Stella to it, but she couldn't make it. The food there was great and we sang songs in Hebrew, then we watched this presentation on the twelve tribes of Israel, we then, met a non-member Fran there and we asked if we can meet up and she said why not. Friday, we taught this lady Jackie and her friend Steven at a McDonald's, we answered many of their questions and they want to meet us again two Fridays from now. Worked at thrift shop again. Read 2 Nephi 2 with Stella, she asks really good questions and she is always satisfied with the answer, I feel like she gets closer to conversion every time we meet her. Also, I taught a referral from Bellevue, Gary doesn't think he is ready for baptism yet, but he will attend church, read, and pray. Saturday, I introduced a man to Family Search, his name is Peter, he lost his right hand in the Korean war, but has a hook in place of it, I thought he was pretty cool. Did more service for Vicki in her yard. Then set up Trunk or Treat and at the event we had so many non-members and investigators there, we could barely talk to everybody.  We got a bunch of people that want to meet us now, it's amazing. Sunday we invited four Investigators to church, only Smile came and he liked it. Two members also got friends to come, so we got two new investigators to add to the list. Man this week was amazing. Elder Hales and I taught so many lessons and we are finally getting members excited for missionary work. We have been told that we are a really solid companionship. I learned this week that Elder Hales is colorblind, wow I was surprised. Anyway I hope all is well on your side. 

This Elder Larson Signing Off! Peace!

With Much Love, Elder Larson

PS: I did get the package from grandma, I loved it. I will think about things I will need in my next package, thank you so much.

Week 10

Dear Fantastic Mom,

This week was fantastic and amazing. Elder Hales and I found a couple of solid investigators and we have committed multiple investigators to come we to church. On Monday we played Soccer as a zone and I did pretty well as a goalie, then ate dinner with Bro. Hsu, he provided a massive meal and then on the side gave us bread, peanut butter, oranges, and banana bread to take home. Visited Linda a member who is a recovering alcoholic, she is awesome, but sometimes you can tell she is struggling, so we try to motivate her to move on and trust in the Lord. Tuesday was great we talked to a lot of people that wanted to invite us inside their homes, but we couldn't since they were all female and we didn't have any other males around us, so that was interesting, we need to get male members to come out with us, so we can hasten the work. I received letters that day from Papa and Nancy and in one phrase," It lifted me up", and it did, I was excited to get back into the field. Wednesday I finally had Thai food for dinner, it was also vegetarian style, it was really good, but I wonder if it would taste better with meat. On Thursday we had 2nd Transfer training, so I saw all my MTC buds, we also held the meeting in the Mercer Island building. Saturday we help a member move out, then we helped this older Jewish lady with odd chores around the house, we then saw our investigator Josh Lopez and his mom while riding to our apartment and they were trying to replace their car battery, but they were having issues, so we helped them to the best of our knowledge and our prayers were answered, because Joshua's mom asked him if was coming to church this Sunday, not yesterday, because it was stake conference and by luck Josh said yes and we ended up getting the car working without damaging it. Right after that a old guy asked us if we would helped them move for 20 dollars, we said no, we well do it for free, so we ended up helping a family move in to the apartment a building away from us, we gave them our phone number and they might call us over for a barbecue. After that we had no time for lunch, because we needed to go to Vicki's house, because she asked us to do some yard work for her. When we got there she had ham and cheese sandwiches, a gallon of chocolate milk, cans of root beer, chips, and cookies. It was a blessing, we also met her oldest son Ryan who is the Oregon Ducks broadcaster, he showed us some of his skills and taught us some helpful tips and tricks in life. Sunday was stake conference and we heard from our Mission President. There was a Member-Missionary Fireside as well and basically a meeting where we hear testimonies of recent converts and Missionaries sing songs. It was very spiritual and I can't wait to get our investigators up there bearing their testimonies. I'm looking forward to this next week. I thank you all for the wonderful support you give me.

With Love, Elder Larson

Selfie

Week 9

Dear Loved ones and other people,

This week has been full of bashers. They just keep coming and I try so hard not to put them in their place, but when you argue people only get more stubborn and the spirit leaves. Thankfully Elder Hales and I handled them very well by bearing our testimonies and getting out of there. Elder Hales and I ate all our food this week, we were so hungry, because it was raining a lot and our appointments were steep hills apart. We have a new investigator named Stella, she is sixty and Jewish, she prayed about the things we talked about and believes Jesus is our Savior, That  the Book of Mormon is true, and Joseph Smith was called by God, but she is having trouble adjusting and taking that leap of Faith, because her daughter is in a Jewish school and she teaches at a Jewish school. We have high hopes for her. Our constant Investigator Vikki wants to be Baptized Thanksgiving weekend, so her whole family can be there, only problem is I might get transferred:(, but who am I to complain at least she is getting Baptized and is making the right decisions in life. We taught lessons to so many potentials, but only a few gave return appointments, our goal is to get them to church, so they can fell the wonderful peace that lies there. On Sunday I gave a talk on the Prodigal son parable in Luke 15, I shared my experiences and bore my testimony that we are all not perfect, trying to find the right path and that right path is the one Jesus Christ laid for us. Everybody in the ward said my talk was wonderful, but I didn't really think so. I am excited for new week to share the gospel and I pray that you all are doing fine

With my Heartfelt Love, Elder M. Robert Larson

Week 8

Dear My Beautiful Mother,

I am writing one day late, because Transfers were today. I was not transferred neither was my companion, but Elder Mun and Sill are gone ): Elder Hales was called a District Leader so we had to go to district training for a couple of hours, it was exhausting. Make sure you watch General Conference and then re watch it, cause it is that good, I truly was inspired to work harder and help others. Last P-day we played football With Elder Mun and Sill, with an appearance of our Zone Leaders Elder Whiting and Jennings, our football got real intense, my team won though with Elder Mun and Hales on my team. Ate fish for the first time this mission at Brother Jacobsons house, it was called Hal bat (look it up). My companion and I were invited to a Fiesta, we ate all kinds of food, the kind that Jacob gets to eat 24/7, there was also cake with jello on top, it was pretty good. We taught Vikki the Gospel of Jesus Christ and her friend Maxine came to listen, we invited them both to read, pray, and watch conference, they both said yes. We also taught a Jewish lady named Stella, she feels like she knows this is true and would like to be baptized, but she thinks its to hard of a change, with her father being a holocaust survivor, with her daughter going to a Jewish school, and with herself teaching at a Jewish school. We asked her to watch General Conference and pray about it. Josh Lopez is reading and praying, but we are really trying to get him to come to church and we are also trying to find fellowship, so he will have Mormon friends his own age. This week has been great, we have found multiple people who are investigating our gospel and we hope to get some On-Date for Baptism.

With Sincere Love for the Lord, Elder Larson

P.S. With the no soda thing, Root Beer doesn't count. Elder Mun gave my Dr. Pepper to other Elders. The Thrift Shop is not Church owned

Working out and shopping

Week 7

Dear Me Madre,

This week Elder Hales and I have really focused on member missionary work and basically just getting the members involved. It has worked out well, in previous weeks we have had no members come with us to lessons, but this week we have had five members join us in lessons. Our Investigator Vikki is the best, she is a retired pediatrician, but retired because she has MS, so she moves around on a wheelchair, she has four cats, and two sons already moved out. She is so ready to be baptized, she loves our church, she loves how loving and caring we are to others. She calls us her favorite missionaries and will be baptized sometime in November, put we are going push towards an earlier date. This week has been interesting with the Pope in the US and the Chinese President in town. On P-day we hung out with Elder Mun and Sill and played Football. We then ate Ribs and baked potatoes with the DeSemples, they had a rowdy 6 month old that reminded me of Aiden and I had to stop myself from grabbing their boy. On Tuesday we had our District meeting, which is always fun, we have two sisters that are from South Korea, like Elder Mun and have learned to speak English. Elder Mun then Inspected our apartment to see if it was clean and we passed. Elder Mun stole all my Dr. Peppers and said that we are even now since I owed him lunch. Elder Mun then challenged me to stop drinking soda and that he loves me so much and wants to watch me succeed, so I gave in and will not drink soda for the rest of my mission, if I can help of course. We ate Chicken Casserole at the Benkes, they then gave us leftovers, they are an older couple and are hilarious. Wednesday we volunteered at a thrift shop and will be volunteering there every Wednesday and Friday 1pm to 5pm. We gave out multiple Books of Mormon that day. Thursday Elder Mun and Elder Sill came by to accompany us during weekly planning and Elder Mun challenged me to memorize more hymns and Elder Sill challenged me to do 100 push ups in one set, so far im at 31, but i'm working on it. I challenged them to show their love to everybody, through service and complements. Friday we had Thrift shop, then we visited Vikki with the ward Geologist Sister Evans and Brother Jolly, we taught the plan of Salvation and she really liked the idea of baptisms for the dead. I was so happy Brother Jolly could make it, because we need a male over 18 to enter into a home with the opposite gender and we called everybody in the ward at least twice and an hour before the lesson we got Brother Jolly to go, it was a blessing. Saturday we taught Josh a thirteen year old boy, he wants to be baptized, but his mom won't let him. We read Alma 56 and he was really interested in the wars and stuff, so he might read more, but he was really sick, so we hope he feels better. Sunday we had our Fast and Testimony meeting and it was awesome hearing people bear their testimonies. We learned about Wilfred Woodruff's life in class. We ate Chili with the Curfews. They are an older couple, Brother Curfew was a bishop 20 years ago and helped buy the Mercer Island Ward Building. They both work at the Discovery Center. This week has been fantastic and I know that as you count your blessings you will also see that life is fantastic.

With Love, Elder Larson

PS I loved the bottle you sent me and that package was awesome, but just so you know the mission provides soap dispensers and dawn and all manner of cleaning supplies. They dont however provide personal maintenance stuff. Thanks very much for the pics.    

Week 6

Dear Cool Mom,

This week has been fantastic, we mostly had appointments this week and taught many lessons. This lady in a wheelchair named Vikki really felt the spirit and wants to be more like Christ, I asked her if she would be baptized October 3rd and she said yes. We also met these two 23 year old guys who wanted to play halo with us, we of course said no, but we invited them on a church tour. They were very interested and felt a sense of peace in the church, we asked them that if they came to know for themselves that these things are true, would be baptized and start your spiritual journey, they said yes, no exact date yet, but we are working with them and praying that they will come to know for themselves that these things are true by the power of the holy ghost. This week I ate with the Snipes on Monday, sister Snipe is from Canada, we had vegetarian pizza and it was interesting since they are both recent converts. We ate with the Atehortuas on Tuesday, they are originally from Columbia, we had Peruvian chicken, beans, rice, French fries, and ice cream. I was on exchanges that day with Elder Sill, my friend from MTC, so I was senor companion that day, it was awesome. On Wednesday we ate with the Jollys, we had spicy beef teriyaki, they had a nonmember friend there named Bryan he was nice to us and enjoyed our lesson. On Sunday we had lunch with the Bernalls, we had pumpkin pie soup and pasta and salad mixed together, it was tasty. The Bernalls daughter Izzie had her farewell talk that day as well, she is going to Honduras, Spanish speaking. That night we had a member missionary fireside. The missionaries sang songs and recent converts bear testimony, it was inspiring. I loved seeing my friends from MTC and meeting new missionaries. So far I am loving this mission so much and I haven't been homesick at all, which was what I was most worried about, but as I continue to work hard, I learn to really love these people and feel compassion for them. As I am told repeatedly, prepare for the future, remember your past, and live today! I love you all and wish nothing but the best for you.

With Love Elder Matthew Larson

P.S. Brianna obey the law of the road for pete sake. Josh why did you never want to go on group dates with me. Shaylin where are my pics of Aiden. Dad continue to enforce law. Mom keep being a good example to me.

Week 5

Dear awesome Mom,

This week has been fantastic, the sun has been shining and its only 70 degrees, talk about perfect weather. My biking skills have grown exponentially, I can now go up those steep hills faster and not as tired, down hill wise, I have the whole braking thing down to a science. Going down some of these steep hills have really made me feel like I was going down a roller coaster, because of how fast I'm going. Dinners with members have gone really well, my manners are top notch and the food has been exquisite to the taste, but that's what you get on Mercer with the main inhabitants being millionaires. Elder Hales and I have helped with a food drive handing out fliers and doing that has really helped me talk to everybody. I spent $15 dollars on my bike, which included lights and a bike lock and a helmet. Last P-day Elder Mun, Sill, Hales, and I spent 3 hours playing ping pong and Basketball, I have increased my skill so much concerning these sports with the help of my companion Elder Hales, who is an athlete extraordinaire. We had zone conference this week and whoever had the cleanest car got an extra 100 miles and Elder Hales and I really wanted that, because our car only has 150 miles, so we only use it on P-days and to drive to meetings, on the island all the shopping centers are so expensive, so we shop off the island which costs us 10 miles round trip. Our area is one of the few areas that has a lot of biking, most areas do more driving so they 1000 to 2000 miles. We washed our car really nice so that we could win, sadly some sisters won instead, next time though we are going to bribe the judge. Just kidding. We had Primary program yesterday, where all the kids sing, it was the first Sunday that had a full house, It was very entertaining. Two older ladies showed up out of nowhere wanting to know more about our church and they loved the Primary program. This week I have testified many times what I believed was true to the people, even though most of them blow me off I know I will touch the heart of somebody and they by the spirit will know these things are true.

Sincerely, Elder Matthew Larson

P. S. I have not received the bottle, but hopefully I will see it soon. I love you so much Mom and I pray for nothing but the best for you. With Love, Your Favorite Son