Perfecting a talk?

Hey! I hope everyone had a great week. We had a pretty exciting week! P day last week was cool because this member wanted to build this rabbit cage, so he took 2 old chicken coops and made a good looking rabbit home. We helped him with that, so that was kinda cool. Something quite new. I'll have to get pics of it the next time I go over for dinner. Now he just needs a rabbit for it 

On Wednesday we had our first zone conference with President Meservy! It was a REALLY long meeting. Most of them don't feel that long but this one felt forever. I think it in total was about 9 hours... that's okay. He will get used to things over time. We learned some good things there though. President is changing the way we study, so I guess we'll see how it goes. He's also changing the way some of the leadership is done. Lots of changes happening! I know this is what the Lord wants in our mission! 

 

We were able to find a new person looking into the church so that was really good. It was actually a returning member's niece! She's staying with him for the summer and seems to be really liking what she's hearing. They both came to church on Sunday and like it there, so that was good. Nicki wasn't able to come on Sunday so we were sad about that. 

But... I did give ANOTHER TALK on sunday... I figure I'm gonna speak in all my areas  I'm glad I wrote a good talk in Ukiah about conversion because that fits in almost every aspect of Missionary work. So I gave that talk again with minor adjustments and small differences. I forgot if I told everyone what my talk was the last time I gave it... so part of it was the conversion process. How we need faith (ether 12:6) which leads us to that change in heart and to repent. Then we repent and make covenants with God at baptism that we renew every week. Which then leads to how baptism is not complete without the holy ghost and the how we all want the good feelings from the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And how we need to endure to the end or rather enjoy to the end while we enjoy the blessings from god. Now you have a short recap of something I made last about 20ish minutes 🏽 I hope that we can all become more converted as we go through that conversion process. Because it's not just for new people. We go through that same process. I miss you all so much! Have a great week! Love you! 

Also I'm sorry I forgot to put my new address in my other emails. But it's

4242 Walnut Dr. Apt 3

Eureka, CA 95503

Love Elder Larson 

Random picture.... new tie though! 

Now I know what happiness is!

Hey everyone! Hope you had a great 4th of July. First things first... I saw a picture of someone last monday that I got really close to that got baptized! Willow and Cora and Cora's oldest son all got baptized!!! It made me SOOOO happy! I cannot not express the joy I felt when I saw that. Brother Owens was able to baptize all 3 of them so that is amazing! It feels so good that Elder Salsbury and I were able to go over and see them and get to know them pretty well. They are a great family.

The rest of last P-day was also really good. We went to the beach and played beach flag football as a district. I decided that beach flag football is SO much fun! That took up most of the day, but then we went back to the church and talked for a bit. It was great to celebrate a little bit for the 4th and for this awesome land we live in. We are so blessed to live in the country where we have the freedoms we do and have the men that protect those freedoms. 

As for the actual 4th of july.... it was a pretty basic day for us. We woke up extra early so we could help put some flags up at some businesses. Then we had a ward breakfast which was kinda cool. The sausage tasted really really good. Then nothing really throughout the day. Most people didn't really want to talk to us because I mean... they were busy with their family and had the day off and eeverything. We did have a really good dinner where the member whipped up some really delicious burgers and bacon cheese hot dogs. It was really cool though because there are some raccoons that basically live in their backyard. They will come up to the backdoor and you can put your hand on the door and they won't run to the plants until you open the door (pics at the bottom.) It was really cool. They have a really good firework show that they shoot over the bay. We live kinda far from the city but still got to see some of the fireworks.

Nicki was able to come to church and really enjoyed it! She definitely had a spiritual experience. It was an amazing sacrament meeting, then we taught gospel principles so it couldn't have been thaaat bad. She was also able to meet a lot of members, so that was really good for her. It was overall a really good week. Oh the lesson did fall through with the referral on Saturday and she still hasn't come to church but we hope to be able to continue to teach her.

I just wanted to quickly share my testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he is my Savior. I'm so grateful to have someone who will never leave my side no matter what or how many mistakes I make. I am so grateful for the gospel and the blessing it is to me. I never knew how important the gospel was until coming on my mission. It's incredible. We had a lesson yesterday with a part-member family. The husband (member) was talking to his wife (non-member) and was saying how she will love the gospel because it makes sense. The gospel is so logical and makes so much sense. This gospel is good, god is good. Hope everyone has an amazing week. I thank god for each and every one of you. I love you all!

Love Elder Larson 

4th of July at dinner

Is his countenance smiling upon you?

Hey everyone! Not too bad of a week over here! The weather was great all week. One thing happened this past week that isn't too common.... we had a goodbye meeting with President and Sister Wright on Tuesday and it was so sad. They have been such a blessing to me and I've learned to much from them. I will miss them so much. But I am super excited to have President and Sister Meservy! We have a meeting with them on Saturday and I'll meet him then! Unless I decide to do something really stupid and I mess up somehow  but I won't plan on it.

Throwback to first day in the field

We weren't able to meet either of the people that are kinda ready for baptism and normally at church (neither of them were at church). But we did meet with Nicki, the one who doesn't feel comfortable coming to church... we had a really great lesson! We showed her some videos of what happens at church... so she committed to this next Sunday because she had plans yesterday! Hopefully we will see her there. We also picked up this referral and when we met with her, she was so happy to see us! She apparently goes to a few church's right now and is kinda "church shopping." So it shouldn't be too hard to get her to come to our church.

I was reading in 3 Nephi actually yesterday morning, and I found this scripture that I really liked in chapter 19 verse 25. The part that I really like (hence the subject line), "his countenance did smile upon them." That just sounds so special! It just makes me think and ponder... What am I doing or not doing to make Christ smile at me...? I know it's safe to say that we all make mistakes and won't please god 100% of the time. But we do have a way we are facing and a way we are striving for. 

I was thinking about about something I hear sometimes... we talk about how if "everyone was mormon" or everyone abided by our guidelines and principles... the world would be a better place. Can you imagine if you had a community of.... well... the whole town. Everyone serving each other, everyone loving one another and sharing with each other. I never really thought about it that way. Growing up in Utah you become used to "your neighbors are your friends." It's amazing the difference out here. 

Despite all of the challenges I face and that get thrown my way, I love my mission. I love the things I am learning and the person I am becoming. I know that God is in control and knows exactly what I'm doing. I love you guys and appreciate the prayers and support I get each day. I don't know what I would do without you all. Hope you have a fantastic week! Go serve someone!! 

Love Elder Larson 

SORRY I'LL HAVE PICS NEXT WEEK

Another random selfie I just took because I haven't taken very many pics lately haha

New Area round 2!

Hey guys! I told you last week, but I'm now in Eureka! I love it! It's probably the best place to be for the summer, while everyone is sitting at about 100°, we are up here sitting at around 70°. It's so beautiful here with the coast right next to us and everything. It's good. I'm also happy to be out of the "pink palace" apartment. The apartment I'm now in is probably double the size of my last one! So that's nice!! 

My new companion Elder Summerhays is from Syracuse Utah and he's been out for about 22 months. He loved to play golf back home so I was able to tell him about my hole in one at cedar hills. I thought I would "kill" (be his last companion) Elder Kelso before he went home but I was wrong on that one. Its likely that I will "kill" Elder Summerhays but I could be wrong on him too! He needs to get home a couple weeks early for school too! So we'll see how everything works out.

We have a few people we are teaching! One named Nicki is progressing pretty well but just needs to feel comfortable enough to come to church. She even has a favorite chapter and verse in the Book of Mormon. Hopefully she will gain that confidence to come to church. I know she'll enjoy it. Then there's another person we are teaching named Jim. He has been taught everything but has a concern with being baptized we need to resolve. Then there is a part member that also has been taught everything and comes to church every week but doesn't feel comfortable to be baptized either. So we will resolve both of their concerns with baptism and bring them into the fold.

I was reading a talk titled "With Hand and Heart" by Thomas S Monson yesterday and it was REALLY good. There was one quote that really got to me. "True love can alter human lives and change human nature." I pondered about that and other things in this talk for almost the entire day. You really don't know how much of an impact you can have by just simply loving someone. BE the difference you want to see. You truly will change someone's life and bring them so much joy, which in turn will bring you joy. Don't wait for other people. Love and lead by example. You are all so amazing. I thank God for you everyday. I love you guys! Have an awesome week! 

Love Elder Larson

Redwoods on the drive up 

We didn't have a pic yet so we took one late last night

Happy Father's day!!!!

Hey! As you can tell, I'm super grateful for all the fathers we have. Both my earthly father and heavenly father are so special to me. My dad is one of the most loving people I know. I've never heard any vulgar language out of his mouth, he never gets mad, he occasionally yells... but he's so special to me. He's taught me so much! I'm so grateful for all the discussions and conversations we've been able to have. I love him so much and I'm happy to be blessed with the best.

My Heavenly Father has never left me. Even at times when I felt alone, he was always there to comfort me. He's one of my best friends. About 8 months ago, I don't think I could've said that. I'm grateful for the relationship we have built. I'm so thankful for all the experiences he's put me in and the people I've met. I'm also thankful for all the trials he puts me through to make me stronger. 

Last P-day I was able to spend the day with the Bettencourts from Fairfield! So happy they could come up and see Elder Alvarenga and I. We were able to go to Montgomery Woods and lunch and bowling and hangout and the church and dinner, it was great. We had so much fun! 

 

Montgomery Woods with the Bettencourts

Taco bell

Bowling

Nothing too much has happened with our current investigators... the Khunes dropped us... so that was a bummer, but something really cool happened the other day! I saw on Facebook someone I taught in Fairfield got baptized! And another lady I taught got baptized too! I mean I only taught them both twice... but it was still cool to see them make covenants with god. I was literally filled with joy when I saw that.

We got transfer docs yesterday and it looks like I'm getting sent up to Eureka! I'm so sad to leave some of these awesome people but I will see them again:) there's so many great people here and I've come to love the small town of Ukiah. I am so grateful to be out servings the Lord. I love my heavenly father and all he has blessed me with in my life. All the friends and family I have mean so much to me. Hope all the fathers had a great father's day! Have an amazing week! You guys are the best! Love ya!! 

Love Elder Larson 

 I caught this today :))

God's love is perfect

Wow! Busy day! It's been crazy! Huge shout out to my most awesome best friend ever!!! I love my sister to the moon and back and hope she/you had the greatest day. You mean so much to me and I'm grateful for the memories we've made and had. Also shout out to the Bettencourts for driving up all the way from Fairfield to see me. I'm so happy I got to spend the day with them and be with them. 

Had another investigator drop us last week. It was the old man Elder Boehner and I found in the park that had the near death experience. When Elder Kelso and I went to meet with him on Thursday he pretty much just wanted to bash... in a kind way. He wanted to show us what he has conflicts with and there was no real way to help him because he stated he was a Christian-scientist.... someone who will just justify their reasoning with either side. Kind of sad he dropped us.... but that's okay, sake off our feet and run to other people god has prepared for us. All we gotta do is... our part, find them.

On a different note, I decided this past week that missionary work and the missionary lifestyle is a lot more different and difficult than anyone could imagine until you experience it yourself. We get looked at differently and treated differently just because we wear white shirts and ties and talk to people about Jesus. It was pretty funny, on... I think Saturday we went to the park to talk to the typical "stoner" friends we see every week. They make poor life decisions but they all still are great kids (they are teenagers). But, it was funny because when we started walking toward them and they saw us coming... a few of the kids that aren't normally there got up and walked away. Until we talked to the ones we knew for a good 10-15 minutes and they came back wondering how we're casually talking with teenagers that constantly smoke weed. They were able to realize we aren't all that bad and we were normal people ourselves. 

Even though some of those kids have made bad decisions... it's never to late to turn to god... never. I wish more of his children would know that. Sunday night Elder Kelso, some other missionaries, and I were talking about how God's love works. We talked about how man people use the word unconditional to describe it and it isn't exactly the right word. Because I/we believe he can and does love his children differently. He loves the child more if they follow his commandments rather than if they don't. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love the child who does not obey him. God will never hate any of his children. I think the word to describe God's love for us is perfect. He loves us perfectly. The amount of love for us will always be perfect. I'm so grateful I have a god who loves me and loves each of you. I hope you learn how to feel that throughout your week and throughout your life. He really does care for you. I love you all and miss you. Hope you have a fantastic week! 

Love Elder Larson 

Random pic with little kittens at a members house!

Sneak peak of today: Looking for a 4 leaf clover

Sneak peak of today part 2: Found a 4 lead clover

"Strait" not "Straight"

Hey everyone! It's been a pretty not horrible week! I mean... I'm not dead.. so that's always a plus. No I didn't feel that great literally all week. Constant headache, stomach ache, I was just out of it... it was just an off week. Probably the coolest part about it was, everytime we either went to go see someone (potential or investigator, etc.) or in for a dinner appointment... I felt fine the entire time we were there. I just remember feeling great, then I walk out the front door and it all comes back, icky stomach and headache.... Kinda cool to see that small little "God wink" throughout the week as we go see people.

We had that follow-up appointment with the mother and daughter from Wednesday. We shared another scripture and she started tearing up when we told her about missionaries, how we leave for 2 years to do what we do. I have high hopes for her to grow in the gospel. She's super nice with her 12 yr old daughter. They're super awesome. It's been a real struggle trying to meet with everyone else.

Something that I've come to learn is that being in Christ's church, living his standards in his gospel, it's not easy. In 2 Nephi 31 it talks about the strait and narrow path. Notice how it doesn't say "straight." Strait, if you look it up, means difficult. It really is difficult. But it's worth it. He's given us scriptures and other things to help us along the path. TURN TO HIM! He wants to help you. I know that even though things in life may be difficult, you can make it through whatever you are facing. God is aware of you and everything you go through. I hope you all have an amazing week! You all make me so happy! Love you guys!! 

(Sorry this email is short!)

Love Elder Larson 

Zone Conference 

Sleepy after zone conference 

I mean... I didn't know he was taking a picture 

Uplifting quote!