Week 74

This Email is coming in very late today because some crazy things happened 

But Ill get into that in just a bit, so practice Patience!

Last Week:

Monday-Played Sportz with all the Elders in the Zone. Orange Chicken with the Bergholms, after dinner we went with the Bergholms to do service at HopeLink

Us with the Bergholms

Tuesday- District Meeting was on Fire, traded Posters and got the Zone Leaders Poster

Found a nice Japanese Lady, also a car pulled up by Elder Nielsen and I, this lady rolles the window down and starts questioning why we knocked her door five minutes ago, we told her we were missionaries, then she started going off about how thats soliciting and that we shouldn't be doing it, oh well can win them all. All in All a good Proselyting day

Wednesday- Mini Exchange out of nowhere with the Zone Leaders, Elder Nielsen was with Elder Hales and I was with Elder Roberts. Elder Roberts and I found an Awesome South African family, they invited us in and we sat down for 30 minutes teaching them what Missionaries DO! Went to Dairy Queen for Lunch and saw a Less Active that I know from Cottage Lake, he was surprised to see me... We then did service for this Thai family that is taking the lessons from Sister Watanawongworakula and Sister Anderson. Came back to Finn Hill with Elder Nielsen and had dinner with the Perrys

Thursday- Zone Interviews, Sister Schofield testified with burning Passion, she is really sweet and motivational! Weekly Planned like Bosses. Met a Solid lady and she talked to us while she did yard work and she said she wanted to start going to a church, she said she will try to come (which she didn't, so we are going to meet up with her again this week). 

Friday- Went on Exchanges, I was with Elder Poll. We Biked all day in the rain and it was Elder Poll's first time biking as a missionary. Found so many people home. Had a lesson with the Ducots with Juvy in charge, then we played Spiritual Tic-tac-toe again.

Elder Poll and I, we Undastand eachother

Saturday-  Had a Lesson and went over Baptismal Interview questions with an investigator.  We asked her how she felt and she said "I am so happy" WOOT WOOT! Church is True! Played Volleyball and I've improved my serves, I now do jump serves ;)

Sunday- Church stuff, learned more about building Faith and being better at praying. Dinner with Oien's, Lasagna one of my top Favs! they had two really funny kiddos. Spent the rest of the day doing the Lords Work

I Learned this week that it does matter, everything we do, even if our finding efforts are fruitless we know in our Heart how great this message is, It's hard, but I believe that the Blessings of our efforts will come, if not in this life then maybe the next!

Oh and Before I forget, something major happened

Finn Hill is getting a Car...

We are also covering Bothell Spanish Now....

And we are tripacking it with Elder Poll...

Yep, found out this morning, Elder Christianson's been Emergency Transferred to Seahurst, Elder Poll is our District Leader Now, and now I won't be biking for another three weeks. As of 3pm today this all took effect!

On the Bright Side we had a Zone Activity playing Mini Golf and ate together at DQ for Lunch 

mini golf

Good old DQ

Elder Christainson giving his goodbye speech.

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Week 73

Helllllo! 

Well well well, to start off, last week we had Zone Sports Day and we Played Volleyball and Chair Soccer. We also switched up posters as a Zone so the Poster we made went to Redmond Spanish Elders and we got Bothell Spanish Elders Poster.

Most of the Zone!!!... Yeah!

Tuesday it was Elder Christianson's first District Meeting, it went well, talked lots about finding stratagems... Then went on Exchanges and I was with... Elder Christianson in Bothell Spanish. It was interesting to be around Spanish people all day, yet it was awesome and even though it's a different language you can feel the Spirit strong with these good saints. 

Had to put this on the second I found it in the Apartment

Wednesday finished up our Exchange, Biked all over the area in search of some Apartment Complex's, this is why you write the address with the name of the place, so we can find it easier. We didn't find the Apartments we were looking for, we did however write down each apt. with an address that we did find. Now I know my area boundaries a lot better too. Oh and it also down poured all day. 

Thursday lovely lovely weekly planning, cleaned things up a bit, visited less actives and potentials all day, though it seemed like everyone had fled the country or something...

Friday yes we had sun! and it was warm, it hit around 60  degrees, what a blessing indeed. Didn't where Jackets for the First time this Transfer, People were home too and we got to bear lots of testimony and give out some BoMs(Books of Mormon) Had a Lesson/Game with a semi-active family and they don't know much about the church but they Love to learn through the games we do. This time we played Tic Tac Toe, if they wanted to mark a box they had to answer a question correctly, we would explain the answer every time and in 45 minuteswe had only played 2 games. 

Saturday it was wet outside again, we decided to stay close to our place, so we walked all day, met a couple of new potentials. Met My Ward Mission Leader Bro. Bahr, turns out he knows Bro. Redd back at my home ward. Bro. Bahr had us meet him at a Sushi Place (This is why the Subject of my email is Sushi) he bought us three sushi rolls of Salmon, each piece prepared differently, so I tried 8 different types of Salmon, I'm starting to see why people like sushi a lot, once you get over that it's raw fish, it's pretty good! Had a Ward Game/Dessert night. got to know Ward Members Better and the dessert were too tempting and I partook a lot and I regretted it later for sure. All in All, I had some good fun and met some great people.

Sunday Sacrament was all about Baptism and Holy Ghost, Both our On dates were there and we are still good for March 25th, baptism. Found out that one of the on dates grandfather was someone I knew from the HollyWood Hill Ward, I knew him as Dale the Building Guy, I remember him telling me months ago that he was trying to get his Grand Daughter Baptized, who would of thought that I would be here to help,,, Went to the Primary Class to help teach commandments, but their Primary teachers did a good enough job, so we were there in case they needed back up. Yeah this ward is stellar at Missionary Work. Had a great Dinner with the Fishers, definitely the best Spaghetti I've had thus far (Got to get the recipe from them) had a good spiritual thought after 15 minutes of trying to work the TV... 

It was a good week, had lot's of fun, biked many many miles and learned how to make the perfect egg, so I give this week 12 Rolls of Sushi  out of 13 Rolls of Sushi    

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Week 72

Well I Had a major Transition this week!

Cottage Lake/Hollywood Hill got Pink Washed, which means Sisters...

Spent My P-day with Zone Leaders Elder VW(Van Wagoner) and Poppy(Kohler) spent all day driving around making sure areas are ready for Transfers

Tuesday went to Denny's with President and the Assistants for Breakfast. Then Elder VW, Poppy, and I went to the airport, didn't pick up any new missionaries, but we did grab all their Luggage.

Now I am serving in Finn Hill! I was pretty sure I was going to FInn Hill the whole time, since it's the only English non-Zone Leader area. My new Companion is.... Elder Nielsen (We were in the same MTC District ) and in Finn Hill we Bike! Up and down the hills, in the Rainy and Windy weather! 

I have to say though Finn Hill is on Fire, we are working with two Investigators that are On Date for this Transfer. We have a young girl who is 16 and has always wanted to have God in her life and she found the church through a friend, she is on date for March 25th. Then we have another young girl who is 9, her parents have been less active, but now are active in the church once again, she is on date for March 18th. I haven't met much of the ward yet, but so far they are all very nice and Loving. I already feel like a part of their Ward Family!

Funny story: Got a referral from Arizona for a guy, so we went and contacted him and he either has mental issues or he was really drunk. Well he was a very funny guy, doesn't know anything about us, but told his Mormon friend he would meet with us. Around the end of the Lesson, he looks me dead in the Eye and asks "Do you need a Girl?", "Uh what" I reply. He then goes off on how he has an attractive 19 year old daughter and that he would love to set us up... I told him I wasn't interested right now, then he started joking about other things. As a missionary though, those kinds of curve balls can really throw you off... *eh he*, but not me of course.....

Also, I made a new Friend, Juvy, he is 16 a priest and his family is from the Philippines, the moment I met him we clicked and are already good buddies, I can't wait to make more friends in this ward

Any ways... Love You all lots and hope the Gospel continues to run smoothly in your lives 

Arizona Born, Elder Larson

 Elder VW and I at the Hillcrest Bakery

What happens when you have 3 missionaries together?  Bow Ties!!!

Week 71

How do I even begin to tell all the things I've been through this last week. I've never experienced anything like this before. Right Now I am with the Zone Leaders Elder Van Wagoner(my old Companion) and Kohler. Last night at 6:30 I dropped Elder Smith off at the mission home, gave a last hug goodbye and now he is on a plane already heading home(New Jersey) I also left the car behind, because I am also Leaving CottageLake/HollywoodHill, they are bringing in a set of Sisters. I learned this news Sunday Morning an hour and half before church, so I had to hastily pack my things, at church we gave departing testimonies and everybody was sad to hear we were both going, especially the priests, we had a lot of good times with the Priests :) I'm sad I'm leaving, but I am used to transfers by this point... so far I know I'm going to Kirkland and I won't know who my companion is until tomorrow.... 

don't just Love the People, show them you Love them! that is the most important lesson I learned while serving here. Till next time...

With Love Elder Larson 

Our beautiful district!

Week 70

 Heyo!

 It's been good up here in SEATTLE, to be more Specific the Cottage Lake/Hollywood Hill Area, we have seen so many Miracles, we now have this Chinese guy who wants to know more about our church, we are stoked to work with him, he is very Polite and Humble, that's saying something, because he lives in a mansion!

The week started out Great, on Valentines Day my amazing Mother sent me a Package full of goodies! Had dinner with one my favorite families here the Copelands (we used to live in there basement for awhile) as always an amazing Steak and Potato Dinner!

Did a lot service for a sorta active Member, raking up seemingly endless amounts of leaves while in a mine field (Dog Poop everywhere) But hey she gave us Caffiene Free Dr. Pepper and it was still good!

Had Dinner with the Woods, which almost didn't happen, because I didn't even text them to remind we were coming over, yet by Grace we got a phone call 20mins. before from sis. wood reminding us that we were coming over. We had a great time, we even sat outside around a fire, making smores, telling stories, and my favorite part talking about Guns!

President asked to meet with me and my first thoughts were "Oh NO who Died back at home", Thank goodness it wasn't that at all, he wanted to see how I was doing was all, he asked if their was anything that I wanted and I said "Send me Back to Edmonds", he laughed and said "You never know". Needless to say Edmonds still has a lot of my heart.

Speaking of Edmonds,  I got to see Lyle and Bonnie Smith at the Redmond stake Fireside (usually we wouldn't have gone, but it was Elder Smith's last one so we went) It was good to hear how things have been going since I've left. I also saw many of my good Mission buddies. Most of which were surprised and happy to see me there...

Double Church just gets better and better every week, I am more fully awake in the classes and I also participate a lot more in discussions, I'm also starting to remember every bodies names finally! 

It's been Lovely, it Truly has been and this is Elder Smith Last week so High Hopes for this up and coming week. 

Listen to Your Heart and listen to that still small voice

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Week 69

Well did I have a good week or what? well I'm gonna tell you Y

After having it snow Beautifully outside for two days straight it then rained profusely(as in it rained a ton) for three days, then the sun came out  and it was colder than it was when it was raining, how dare the Sun lie to me like that...

Despite the usual weather, we were pretty happy with how the week went down, had a lot Fun to top it all off as well.

We had dinner with the Todescos on Wednesday, they fed us Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes, the Goood Stuff. They are a super fun Family, got along well with them, they even said that next time we come by they will have a nonmember there to meet with us :) after that we went to the church Building to meet with Bishop Iverson, usually he texts us the day of, but he didn't, so we still went by and he wasn't in his office, but we heard commotion in the Kitchen. we go over there to find all the Youth Leaders and Bishop making a huge amount of pasta and prepping other foods. It was Etiquette night for Mutual, all the youth were inside the Gym sitting at Valentines themed tables, each table had an older person playing Host/Hostess. Bishop felt bad that he didn't text, so he invited us to stay and join in on Etiquette night with the Youth, so we did. We sat at Mary and Lisa's (our Recent Converts) table and ate a second dinner, just like a Hobbit (Still working on doing two breakfasts) It was a very Pleasant night

On Thursday we had Zone Conference, The main topic of discussion was "Who is Christ", it was very deep and touching, also it was nice as always to see my mission buddies!!! 

Saturday is a Special day, it's the day we watch Amazing people get Baptized! Elder Smith and I went to Highline Somoa's area, because they were Baptizing an Investigator that Elder Smith taught. Saw Elder Hales(my Trainer/Mission Dad) and saw Sister Malolo (now known as Kiri Malolo) It was interesting to see her there after she went home 4 weeks ago, I couldn't help but joke with Elder Smith saying "in two weeks thats going to be you ;)", He is both Excited and sad to go home and each day you never know which one he is feeling more. After the Baptism they had amazing food as expected, Chicken 'n' Rice. Went to a District Blitz in Kenmore, after that Elder Bermudes wanted to hear my Smeagol Impression, so I did it for the whole District, after all this time I still got it!

Sunday was a very Special day, First ward we talked about the importance of Optimism and choosing to be happy, second ward we were with the priests and discussed the topic of Agency!

Had a feast of a dinner at the Mann's home, not to mention the amazing Ice cream bar they had set up for us! We went to Pie Night after that, which is a Priest/Laurel Activity, which involves a lesson, time to get to know your fellow quorum members, and PIE! They brought out a pIng pong table and I was drawn to it, like Hawk Mosquitoe to a Porch Light. we played King of the Hill and I lost all my Charity, I beat everybody and I went mad with power, JK JK. I didn't want to win that way, but all those years of training kicked in and my body just reacted.

All in all I'd say it was a lovely week, which is appropriate since tomorrow is Valentines day. 

Remember to Work Hard, Learn Lots, Because the Party doesn't Stop!

With Prayers of Love, Elder Larson

That's my ride, she has a cold personality but eventually she warms up to you.

Selfie sticks are not as effective as I thought they would be...

Week 68

So I didn't email yesterday, due to some events.... 

First off it snowed a LOT and all the Libraries closed due to the weather 

Second of all, the Zone Leaders had everybody email at the Stake Center, but their isn't enough computers, so Elder Smith and I got the short end of the stick, but we didn't mind, more P-day for us and we still get to email. I call that a total win win situation!

Last week it rained a ton, well thats to be expected in good old Seattle! People were nicer at the doorstep, mainly because they pity our Freezing bodies... Still took advantage of that opportunity to teach and testify during the extra 30 seconds the give us. I have become exceptionally better at talking to people, I was on exchange with Elder Gale (He is by far one of the most down to earth Elders you could ever meet) and together we taught the Restoration to a Jewish man and he even took a Book of Mormon. Of course we Elder Gale and I did some catching up, reflecting on our Shoreline(Shorelove) days.

"Mother Nature" has been sending us very confusing texts, like shes having a conversation with us, but we never respond and she just keeps going... But hey everybody needs a crazy friend, I always say... We haven't visited her in two weeks, we better see hows she doing

Elder Smith only has three weeks to go now, with him it feels like the days go fast, but the weeks take forever. I enjoy being with him, because he laughs at all my jokes, most of which are not that funny. He may be a big guy, but he is very Loving and wants everybody to Happy!

Had the pleasure of meeting the Elledges and Pittsenbargers in our ward, they are fantastic people, super willing to help in our missionary efforts.

Had dinner with the Cedurlands an fun Loving Asian family, they invited their Asian friends over and we ate traditional Taiwanese food, the young boys were most entertaining, showing off magic tricks that I have never seen before and the Nonmember friends were kind and interested in what we do...

To top things off we had a Stake Conference and Elder Nattress of the seventy came, I only mention him, because he used to be the Gilbert, Arizona Mission President when the Gilbert Temple was dedicated!

Overall I rate this past week a SOLID GOOD!

With Love and Prayers, Elder Larson