Week 94

It's Bitter sweet to come so far, to gain so much experience and knowledge, I'm just getting started here and now I am just about go home, which I am indeed excited for, I have loved Serving on Mercer Island, West Seattle, Edmonds, Cottage Hill, Bothell Spanish, and Finn Hill 

This past week was a blur, We dropped Arberie, we met Blain the Basher Master, Had my final Zone Conference, and we met a guy who was haunted by evil spirits

We also had a District day, we did weekly planning as a District, and then did service again as a district

This coming we we are busy, because a lot of the members want to see me before I go...

When you serve strong and true, you will see what the Lord can do through you!

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

We are the Team Redmond Team!

Love this Zone

District Leader Elder Fukuoka

Catch you on the flip side!!

Week 93

hola como estas?

My life has been nothing less than insane!

We had youth come out with us a lot this past week, I was not expecting they would be bold in certain circumstances but they were, Juvy and Kazuma, they came out with us only because we promised them Mcdonalds

​Ammon on the other was super chill with coming out with us!

our investigators have been asking for lots of service, but they won't read the Book of Mormon or pray, so we be dropping them

Went on Exchange with Elder Henrie, We celebrated Angela Ducots B-day, we got her a fidget spinner, she loved it

Had a ward BBQ with Hawaiian burgers, followed up with V-ball and it was so much fun. we didn't keep score this time and everybody was having a blast!

I can't think straight so many thoughts in my mind, I can't believe it all is coming to an end :(

But come on get happy, I'm still alive, so watch out!

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Say hello to Kylo  Ren

Week 92

"I feel deep within, just beneath the skin, 

I must confess, I feel the Spirit,

It's coming from the light, it's feeling right, 

It helps my soul, and helps my heart,

nobody can hear it scream, maybe it's whispering,

what if it's inside of me, what a Blessing,

I feel deep within, just beneath the skin, 

I must confess, I feel the Spirit!"

Amazing stuff being going on in the realm of FInn Hill, I Elder Larson have been adventuring this fine area for months, I have had down pour rain beat on my back, the sunny sun blind my eyes, and now a Chevy Malibu is here to save me from the frightful weather, Oh how I love dear Delilah(Our Malibu) alas my days of riding her are over, Elder Frei is now the designated driver... By no means was I a quote on quote bad driver. President made a new rule that last transferie's don't drive, unless there company doesn't have privileges, which Elder Frei had none, until today!

Theres all the Finn Hill drama for ya, other than that, not much has really changed, Elder Frei and I are killin it out here, talking to a lot of people and especially this past week we started to thin the area books, because, usually you should have 1-2 area books, we have four, used to be five, but we thinned it out earlier down to four, so now the goal before I leave is to make this area a Golden Paradise that everybody wants to go to!

We have had an assortment of meals this week, again due to the ward trying to fatten me up I think before I go home, but nay, I still weigh... wait I won't spoil it here, I will surprise you all when I get home! needless to say, we have had Burgers, Pizza, more Burgers, Pasta galore, and to top it off the ultimate Taco Salad!

Other news, we have been videoing converts in the ward for a mission project and it is so cool to hear every bodies covert stories! 

Well adios Amigos's

Lovely prayers, Elder Larson

At the Farmers Market

Bro. Segobia- one of the best guys ever!

Our zone

Week 91

Hey hey hey it's Elder Larson, 

Another Grandio week in the far off lands of Finn Hill!

Elder Frei and I had some amazing times, Not only Have we been having a glorious time in the beautiful weather of Seattle, but we have also been experiencing tiding of great joy!

Last Monday we had Zone Sports, We played Capture the flag, Rugger, and Soccer

Tuesday was Elder Fukuokas first District Meeting, it was super Spiritual, he put a lot of effort into it! I love our District so much, they are all so much fun! Elder Frei and I shared a lesson on Faith, Trust us it really works!

We had our Zone Interviews on Friday and we played Volley Ball as a Zone, which was so much fun

Even more so is that we had our usual lesson with the Ducots and we had a break through, we taught about kindness and the kids were all pointing fingers, so we said you all got to repent and be kind! 

We also had a District Blitz in our area, I went with Elder Fukuoka and we found a new Investigator, Scott Inama, he was kicked out of his church for refusing to take a calling, so now he is searching once again! 

We ran into multiple less actives this week, all of them were very nice to us and some even prayed for us :)

Elder Frei and I taught a lesson on Tithing at church which turned into a big discussion on Generosity and kindness

This week we have some good stuff ahead, so wish me luck!

With Love, Elder Larson

Pikahuge, complement of Elder Brown

Guess what I am?

Failure of a District photo...

Week 90

Put your hands in the air like just don't care, life is amazing beyond belief!

Our District Leader is Elder Fukuoka (from Japan) he is a convert and met missionaries when he was 20. He is super sweet, some language barrier, but I still feel a wholesome spirit from him.

We got a lot of desserts from members this week, they feel bad because they know I'm going home soon and I still look like a thin mint, so I'm guessing they are going to try and fatten me up these next few weeks, but little do they know that I am passing most of the goods to the rest of the district, because I refuse to be fat for now and forever!

Elder Frei is super excited beyond all or any kind of reasoning to still be my companion, I am like "meh we are companions again" and he be all like "What! we are still companions, This is Wonderful I must tell everybody". Hehe he is a funny kiddo.  I will be imparting every ounce of wisdom I have onto him and he will be known for being the Elder that Murdered Elder Larson, at least of anybody that actually knew me, I don't know half this mission anymore...

Anyhow, it sufficeth me to say that this past week was Incredible.  I went on Exchange with Elder Fukuoka and we taught an amazing lesson to a Part Member Family, Elder Fukuoka has an Ipad, he is the only missionary in the mission with an Ipad, some how he got permission to have one. During the lesson he just whips it out and I'm like "whaaaaaat!", He used to bring up a talk during the lesson which was followed with us bearing testimony on the Book of Mormon, tears were shed, tears of unspeakable Joy.

Went to the Patriotic Ensign Symphony Chorus and it was spirit filled, celebrating the land of the free and the home of the Brave!

Sunday many members were overjoyed that we both stayed and we didn't have a dinner for that night, but before we left church a member said "hey can I see your calendar" and when he saw it, he says "You guys come to my house tonight, will do Burgers!" Lord Loves his servants <3<3

Tune in next time to find out what the Washington Seattle Missionary's next adventure is going to be!

With Love, Elder Larson

Saying goodbye to my best friend, who got transferred.

Pharisee Larson

My Last Transfer Planner

Week 89

All is well with my soul my Family, my Friends, and the guy who mistakenly gets this email while waiting for an important message from a special someone...

Well to kick things off Elder Frei and I will be staying together for my last transfer in the mission is Finn Hill! The ward is super excited for us! 

We had an amazing Miracle a woman walked up to us(Yes she walked up to us, while we were talking to a member) and she says "I been wanting to meet you guys for over a week and I contacted some sister Missionaries that I had the phone number of and they said that they will refer me to you, but it's been a week and I really wanted some help!" she had us help move some tables out of the apartment she was moving out of which was in the same apartment complex as us, she lived in the building right next to us and we had never seen her before! She told she was taught 9 years ago and was almost Baptized, but her Husband told her no. Now she is divorced and said she can do what she wants now! she wants to take the lessons again and she wants us to teach her 12 year old daughter and her 16 year old son as well!

Another Miracle, while I was eating leftover pizza, Elder Frei gets a call on the phone, the number is unknown... the man on the other end identifies himself as a Less Active who recently moved to our area, his girlfriend is on the verge of giving birth, she has 2 to 7 weeks. He had an unfortunate accident and now he has a broken leg. He and his Girl friend need help and they reach out to us and lo and behold, they live in our apartment complex! The Girlfriend is not a member and is interested to learn more!

Was able to help with even more moves, sadly all of them are for members moving out, we better get some coming in soon! Yeah I love doing service, it is nice to know that I am really helping these people out, because it is hard to move, I know, I have been a part of a lot of them! 

Right now we are tri-packing and Elder Simmons is with us since his companion went home (He had it coming! he served his time), so we are currently the Zona Espanola Zone Leaders (Not really, but how cool would that be) Got a fly haircut today and am just feeling all sorts of fantastic! strange how four of my past companions go home today, Elder Hales, Farr, Barrick, and Sorensen! But hey I will not slack off and you better count on it!

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

 Played Mini Golf for Elder Hales last P-day

 Elder Hales last District Meeting  

His Funeral (Mission wise)

Us trying to really kill him...

our Volley Ball Dream team!

Week 88

We helped with a lot of moves this week, as is my custom I grab the Heaviest stuff I can find, now my muscles are sore... Thats okay though! Because it means I am building muscle!

Here is the rundown of my week:

It was Hot, which meant everybody was outside at the Beach, we spent countless hours at the beach, we handed out Book of Mormons and many Gospel conversations, almost died of heat (Not really, but it was miserable and we were only in the 90's) 

Our members have been solid, they have given us so much food, it has been great! 

We had our Zone Conference which went super well, we almost had the cleanest car in the whole Zone, we were barely second place. We talked a lot about the Book of Mormon, turns out the Book of Mormon is key to testimony, so I highly recommend reading it often!

We had the Kirkland Fireside, my last Fireside as a Missionary, saw many Missionaries, Members, and friends for possibly the last time as a Missionary. It has truly been a fantastic experience, as I have strived to do the right thing, the Lord has blessed me with so much. Though it is hard for me to see sometimes, but after going this far in my mission, I have become more... There is so much I need to do, so much that needs to be done, but I have been called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have the opportunity to bless the lives of those around me with this amazing message. It doesn't end when my mission ends, I will always be on the Lords errand. The Mission has been a good start on this long journey of life. We have great reason to rejoice in so wonderful a thing. Realize your potential and strive to be your best and God will bless you!

With Love, Elder Larson

                                                                     Loads of Fun!

Week 87

Monday: we had a Zone Barbecue, we had Chicken, Steak, Hot Dogs, ribs, and pork! We played Mafia as a Zone and a fun Japanese game, Then we pied the Zone Leaders in the face with whipped cream! then everybody started pieing each other, unfortunately I got messed up, after spending the whole time avoiding the Mayhem, they all turned on me....

My good friend Elder Bermudes

Tuesday we had our District meeting, which became a Zone Training, focused on our testimony in Jesus Christ, then we Role played in the Gym, Missionaries objective, talk to people in the park(GYM) and bear Testimony of Christ. Sister Snow, Martin, Elder Fukuoka and I were acting as kids playing Basketball, but no Missionaries came up to us, Sister Snow got bored and started yelling and bullying Elder Fukuoka, calling him the Mormon boy and Sister Martin and I joined her in persecuting the Japanese Mormon boy. Still no Missionaries came, Then Elder Fukuoka spoke boldly against us and testified of Jesus Christ, he befriended us and taught us the Gospel, we were shouting we want to get Baptized, but still no missionaries came and time was up. It goes to show that when you stand up for yourself good things happen!

Wednesday Bishop had a Barbecue at his house, we had much reason to rejoice! The Priests in our ward are super tight, I finally got excepted into their group, I also messed with Juvy and Kazuma as well, those two teachers are punks, always trying to hustle us, man I love them!

Thursday we did our weekly planning and got stuff done, it rained! nevertheless we went out and fought a good fight. 

Friday went on Exchange with Elder Hales (My Mission Dad) he was not feeling well at all, after breaking his wrist a couple weeks ago, it just seems like one thing after another with him... We covered his area Willows, it was loads of Fun
​

Saturday Elder Fukuoka taught me Kendo for our workouts, it was mainly him beating me with a Bamboo sword. Came back to Finn Hill! We went to a Japanese Cultural event, where they had Sushi stand, Manga stand, and Kendo Stand. I was asked to help at the Kendo stand helping people put on Kendo gear! Volleyball went great as usual!

Kazuma is dressed in Kendo gear

Sunday was Fathers Day, Shout out to the Man who raised Me! It was a slow day for work, but a great day to feel Gods Love!

Keep being Awesome everybody! Till next time!

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Also, we were at the Mission Office today and I ran into these punks, What used to be Elder Haliday on the Left, Elder Jennings Right Center, and Elder Jones on the Right 

Week 86

Hola Buenos Dias!

How has life been for the all of you? This past week Elder Frei and I have been able to see many miracles and we have also hit some trials...

I'll start with the bad stuff, so that way we will end on a good note

Nina has been sick all week and we have been unable to meet with her. She is still struggling to stop smoking. Arbrie has been ruff to meet up with and she didn't do well on a test she had been studying for months on, she is not happy, yet we can help, but she won't give us time to do it. 

On  a better note, it has been beautifully sunny here and we have been spending lots of time at the parks, because that''s where the people are at. We ran into a less Active Sarah, she was really nice and said we can meet with her, she has an 11 year old daughter and said if her daughter wanted to join, she would be completely fine with it. We found more people we can teach.

Our Volley Ball is starting to get really big, we are getting a really good turn out, we might need another night for Volleyball, we even started at an earlier and still got a huge turn out!

We had a Music and Dessert event, they played non hymns in the Gym and Matthew Weatherford preformed, he sang Don't Go Breaking My Heart while doing many different voice Impressions. 

We had our annual Zone Interviews, President told me to work hard and said "uhhhhhh sure", but in all seriousness I said "YES!" we are giving it our all here in Finn Hill! Our Ward Mission Leader Brother Bahr just left for south America and won't be back for 3 months, but he is still going to help in any way he can, he will just be doing it from a Long distance.

Love is Key, If you Love God and your Neighbor, life will be amazing, It seems like the best antidote for Fear, hate, and doubt is Love. Give it a try and see what happens.

Today we are going to have a Zone Barbecue and we are going to pie the Zone Leaders in the face, because we completed the challenge of getting 80 contacts in one day as a District, if we failed to complete the challenge the punishment would have been writing a letter to President explaining why we failed the challenge.

But Hey I'll catch up with you all later

With Love Elder Larson

Larson the Lamanite fights for what is right.

Arrow's could not hit him for a man of God, was he.

Look a Mormon Missionary, Fred get the camera.

Week 85

What sayest Thou? a question that was once asked to the Savior himself, when a Woman taken in Adultery was brought to him, the Pharisee's exclaiming "Moses in the Law said such should be stoned", Jesus got to ground and started drawing and when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her", being conflicted by their own conscience, they departed.

Jesus Exclaims, "I am the Light of the World!"

The Scribes and Pharisees were none too pleased and they accused him of bearing False Witness, Jesus states that his Witness is true, that he and his Father bear record of it. The Pharisee's were confused in which Jesus says "Ye neither know me nor my Father" He tells them that if any man believes on him and the truth that he has hitherto said they will be Free, In which the Pharisees in Anger said "We be Abraham's seed and never been in bondage to any man!" Jesus says in John chapter 8 verses 37-40

    I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

I speak that which I have seen with my Father    Ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.                     He then preaches deliverance of the dead and the power that his Father hath given him,then say the Pharisees unto Jesus "art thou greater than Abraham who is dead?" Jesus said unto them "Your Father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and was glad" then said the Pharisees unto him "and hast thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said unto them "Verily Verily, I say unto you, even before Abraham was, I Am" 

Often I ask myself "Is it true?" My quick answer is always "Yes, of course it is", but the question comes again and again "Is it really True?", I am thankful for the testimony that I have been blessed to receive, That Jesus Lived, Loved, preformed Miracles, Atoned for our Sins, and Died for us. I know he rose from the dead, that he continues to Love us, Bless us, Strengthen us, and wants all of us to come back. There is a God above, He has a Plan for us, a plan that has brought me much Joy. I cannot say I know it all, but it sufficeth me to say that I do Hope with all my Heart that all these things are True, every last bit of it, from the Prophets words to the Book of Mormon, from Joseph Smith to the Temple. I am not one liken unto Abinidi who was as Bold as a Lion,  nor am I one of great stature  such as Nephi, yet I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer, and he will surely come again. These things I say in his Holy Name, even Jesus Christ, Amen

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Week 84

Well as said, as of last week, Elder Frei and I are indeed together for another 6 weeks and I believe that Finn Hill with be my place of rest, we will see in six weeks.

.

Well I have another surprise for all of you... Elder Frei and I got a 2017 Dark Grey Chevy Malibu!!!! Yeah baby! life is ultimately swell, we got the car on Tuesday, it was just over 6500 Miles. It is by far the Nicest car I have ever driven in my life, after we cleaned of course, the last Elders who had it didn't clean it at all and they were Zone Leaders, with a brand new Malibu! It's okay now, because I'm going to take real good care of it, and yes I am the Driver! :)

Work Wise we are involving the Youth more, it's been difficult since all the youth have busy lives... Yet this last week we were able do some good. With Nina, she still hasn't stopped smoking, but she is super stressed because she is going to court and might be put on parol, we stopped by on Wednesday for her son's Birthday, that was good we talked to her non-member friends, planting some seeds!!! Arbrie has been doing okay, she doesn't answer our texts, but will accept calls and impromptu visits, she hasn't progressed much, but we were able to help her a lot this last week and her son Artin(6 year old) has grown more interested in coming to church now that he has made friends in the ward.

Helped two Members move on Saturday, started at 9am and went on till 10:00am and the second started at 10am and went on to 1:30pm yeah I was tired, then we had Vball at 7pm till 9pm and I was even more tired, then on Sunday I was sore... so glad we have a car, because I could not bike that day. 

We played Capture the flag for Zone Sports day and it was super fun, instead of having to touch to get someone out, you chuck a dodgeball or a sock at them to get them out. We did Seniors versus Junior Companions. Elder Hales was unable to play, because he broke his wrist playing ultimate Frisbee last Saturday, so he refereed the game and Elder Bermudes couldn't play, because he hurt both arms in a bike accident, so he was the water boy, getting all us some refreshing drinks. The game tied 2 to 2. You should of seen me, I was getting into the other teams heads, distracting them while my team mates ran for the flag.

"Life is like riding a boat down a River, it is calm, peaceful, and enjoyable. At times though the rivers turn into rapids and suddenly the ride is bumpy and scary, and if you don't follow the safety protocols, with your Life Vests not secure, you may face major injury or certain death. As in life if we are not careful, if we are not cautious, if we play in the dark area. It will cause major problems n your life and in the worst case scenarios, a Spiritual Death. Brother and Sisters, Family and Friends, wear your life Vests of Rightousness, follow the guidelines that the Lord has placed before, because he guarantees your spiritual safety, he has taught that by him and through him we may be saved. I know these things, because of the spirit and it is by that spirit by which I speak, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen" (Larson History 5:23-26)

With Love and Prayers, Elder Larson 

Delilah

Elder Bermudes and I after sports

Me and my baby Delilah!

Week 83

It's that time again when the whole Mission enters into a blender to mix things up, this time though our Mission was scarcely moved around. Most Missionaries are staying in their areas. Our District, also known as the Kirkland District is staying at full power! Our District was left untouched, unscathed, and never to be messed with!

Elder Frei and I will be spending another 6 weeks together, that's what's up!

This past week has been a good week for service, with the sun out and shining. We helped a local park kill a bunch of Black Berry bushes. Helped spread mulch at juanita park by the beach.

I am so happy to be staying in Finn Hill, Elder Frei and I are going to get the work done up here in Finn Hill. We have so many great and nice members :)

This last week on Wednesday we went to Union Hill for a Baptism of a guy Elder Frei taught

Then on Saturday we went to Edmonds for Kurt Nickles Baptism, a guy I once taught. I was then able to talk to the wonderful members of the ward

I really can't think of more else to say, I am too happy with how last week went and how this next transfer is going to be like. I truly feel the Lords Love right now and I am so thankful for the Peace and Comfort it has given me

Thank you all who have supported me and Loved Me

                "Verily Verily I say unto thee, Love one another as I have Loved you, wherefore if ye have desire to serve God ye are called to the work, for the night cometh when no man can labor, and though the very gates of Hell be upon thee, insomuch will it have no power to defeat thee, for he whom is far greater than I, hath given thee power over the whole world, and I pray continually for the welfare of the saints, and that his Holy Spirit may be upon my Loved ones, even so in his name amen" (Larson 1:1)

Love and Prayers, Elder Larson

Our Amazing District

Can't forget we had the Redmond Zone Awards

Bye bye  VW, rest in peace.

Kurt Nicole and I.