An impossibly fast week...

Dear Family,

This past week has been really quite hectic. But before we get into that... the Christmas call!

 

So this is the deal. Sadly (Dad) we aren't allowed to use Skype. Neither will we be sending a Christmas Eve 2 minute call either to set things up. The way this is going to work is that President Gelwix has asked that all of the families call us at our missionary cell phones. Our number is: (for obvious reasons, I'm cutting this out, sorry guys...or should I say girls? :) ehhh ok, weird...back to David)

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited. I'm preparing a few topics that will help me to make sure that we get everything covered.

 

So, this last week, we had a baptism planned. Her name is Griselda Cabrera. She was planned to be baptized yesterday but... well, the way she put it is... she was having some "girl problems". So know we are planning to baptize her this Thursday.

 

We have been having a lot of success lately during the Christmas season. We've also received a lot of spiritually reviving training. It has been  awesome.

 

So we just went to the home of the Torres family. Their son, Manuel Torres, just returned home from his mission. As we were talking, after I told him that I was from Florida, he asked if I knew an Elder Perez, who had served as one of the Assistants in his mission.

I thought for a moment, then asked, "Elder Will Perez?"

To which he replied, "Yeah, I think that's it."

Then he ran off and grabbed an album of mission pictures. Sure enough, there it was the same Elder Perez.

 

So that is pretty awesome. I was about to send off a picture of said picture... but this Family History computer does not allow me to send/upload pictures. I then thought... hmm, what if I could find a way around this? After 2 minutes, I realized that it was pointless... too much of a time suck.

 

Well, I'll talk to you this... Sunday.

 

Love you all!

Happy Christmas!

Elder Ostler

Missionary work=intense

Dear family!

Muy Buenos Dias! I am happy to write to you and tell you of the good things that are going on in this area. This last week (as in last Saturday and Sunday) we were able to see Brandon Obregon get baptized and confirmed. It was awesome.

It was actually rather tricky as his parents didn't know how everything would work out, but in the end, the Lord provided.

This last week as well, we had Zone Leader Council. It was awesome. The spirit there is just so strong. We discussed the things that we needed to do to improve the work... what would need to happen.

 

 

O gosh...

my time is up!@

I love you all!

The calm before the storm

Dear family,

This last week has been busy....one might say 'quite' busy. We've been running around trying to get everyone situated (-this last week was transfers). This next week's itinerary looks something like this:

Monday (as in today): Preparation Day

Tuesday: District Meeting/mini-Zone meeting (to welcome all of the new-comers and set goals)

Wednesday: Zone Leader Council/begin exchanges with District Leaders

Thursday: ..... I forgot - but we do have something important

Friday: Weekly planning/ apt. checks

Saturday: ..... I forgot again... but we have something important

Sunday: The craziest day of all

So then, the next week looks even crazier! Ahhh... well, we'll live.

So things that have been happening lately - I am the Branch pianist. I'm really not sure how I got the job... since I really didn't send in any application. I think it was just that there was indeed a great need. So now, they use me for everything... it is ridiculous. I'm the choir pianist as well. We're not the best (as in... we're struggling) but we have definitely gained a lot of branch support from it.

Other news... I need new pantalones.... I'm figuring that I might as well just buy them myself as there is a Wal-Mart like 5 minutes down the road ( that really kinda kills the whole spirit of Christmas thing, doesn't it? Buying things for yourself? )

Well, so we finally set a date with Brandon Obregon for this Sunday. T'will be awesome. Or else it is this saturday. I forgot. It is in my planner.

Hmmm... we WE'RE able to see the Christmas Devotional as a matter of fact, and I must say that they've done a fabulous job with those new videos!

Preguntas? Dudas? Chistes? No?

Pues, hasta la proxima semana.

Elder Ostler

A good week!

Dear Family,

I hope that you know that these letters do not even contain a hundredth part of the going-ons of the mission. I am just inept at writing them. I'm working on keeping a good journal, however that is an On again - Off again - back On again... process.

However, I am doing my best to get on it.

We have been having pretty good success here in Ceres. We were able to have a baptism last week in the Ceres English (from the english missionaries - Elder Hall & Elder Byington). As far as our own teaching pool, it has been slightly rocky for a few of our investigators due to the inherent problems which come from living here illegally. Now I hope that this isn't taken wrong in the slightest... I have nothing against these our beloved investigators. The problem is that they have a really difficult time getting married while trying to gain citizenship. If the DO get married, things get x100 more difficult (gaining citizenship-wise). We've definitely been learning a lot more about the laws of the land than I would have ever forecasted.

I have attached a picture of the history of our mission. I thought it was interesting to note. I have had such an amazing experience here.

We are excited for another baptism which will be taking place shortly. Yes... the last picture was of Christian Rojas. The upcoming picture will soon be of Brandon Obregon... followed shortly by Griselda Trevino(?)... that is the plan.

I'm super excited for what the future has to offer in December.

I love you all!!

Elder Ostler

PS~ I am attaching my letter to Pres. Gelwix, to you... I thought it would be appropriate. Love ya!

Letter to President

 President Gelwix,

Thank you for you letter of encouragement. We are writing you with many high hopes for this upcoming month. We have been working on becoming more organized (which in part, has to do with my ability to understand and stay on top of the Zone Leader responsibilities)... I have to admit... it has been slightly tricky... but there ARE going to be miracles here in Turlock - I can feel it.

Last week, we gave some training in a mini Zone Meeting on training which we received during Zone Leader Council from Sis. Liz Wiseman and Bro. Greg Pal... and then we had them read the story of "Coach Gelwix and the Team-Captains"... after which they were all rallied up.

We talked about the importance of Setting Goals for December and Following-up. The goals which they set in their personal areas of solid people to be baptized in the month of December... came to a total of 25 baptisms as for the Turlock zone. Nobody wanted to back down from it... but most importantly, that number didn't come from us - it was theirs.

So now our job become, following up on their efforts, counselling, encouraging, and training.

We know that the Lord is with us in this!

Love,

Elder Ostler

Where does the time go?

Dear Family,

Hijole! where does the time go every week?! You've probably figured this out by now... but every week seems SOO short.

Ayyy... pues, para comenzar, .... o! No se si alguien podia ir al sitio de web que les di el otro dia.

Ojala que si.

Esta semana... mmmm... pues esta transferencia ha pasado bien rapido, pero sin embargo, he aprendido mucho. Como debo vivir. He aprendido mucho de mi companero (algo nuevo? yo digo que no).

Este viernes pasado, podiamos ver a un bautismo.... de Christian-Alexander-Leon-Rojas. Aprendi como hacer un programa de bautismo con nada mas que el printer alli en la biblioteca y un typewriter (no estoy familiarizado con el nombre de esas machinas... disculpe!). O... y una de las tarjetas que damos.

 

 It has been so awesome to see how integrated our recent convert - Jesus Vasquez has become. He is part of the family now. He even said it, cuando le dije,"No pasamos tanto como antes." me dijo, "Si, pero soy integrado de la rama. No es necesario que me visiten tanto."

 

I was stunned by his remark, but indeed I find that his comment rings true in my ears. However, our job isn't checked "DONE" when they're baptized and confirmed. We also make a calendar of getting them to the temple, working along side with the Bishop/WML.

 

Personal Note:

I would say that I've learned quite a bity about myself in this short time that I've had out on the mission. It has been an interesting Self-study period. I would say, looking at my previous outlook on life, that I am learning the importance of immersion.

That's an interesting topic of study,  wouldn't you say?

When people are Baptized, they are "Immersed" under water. It is a change from the old. But it isn't a partial change. It is complete. Total. They are COMPLETELY immersed. Even their clothing is completely immersed (Suggesting to the mind "Modesty"). There is no middle ground.

The focus of my study has been mainly upon two points:

- Immersion in the work

- Immersion in Spanish

 

First off, when I have done my best to stay focused in the work, something miraculous happens - my own worries/burdens are lifted. I'm not laden down by the day-to-day struggles. My mind is more keen and clear - when there is a problem in the work, it is held in sharp focus and the "problem solving" part of my brain can appropriately attack the problem.

 

When I am immersed in the Work, the Spirit knows it and I am able to discern needs and teach appropriately. It is amazing how well the language accompanies the Spirit. It is literally night and day.

 

Well, that's all the time I have for writing. I hope that these thoughts have been making some sense. I'm so happy that you're there. It's this interesting feeling. Sometimes, I'll be there in a lesson and the most curious thought and feeling will occur. All of a sudden there is this "glowing" feeling, and then the thought comes, "It feels like someone is praying for me."

 

I can't really describe it.

 

But I thank you.

 

Much love,

 

Elder Ostler

A cool, COOL week

Dear family,

AGGGHHH, so many things to write about but not hardly enough time to write them.

 

This week:

 - Liz Wiseman & Greg Pal gave us instruction as Zone Leaders. (If those names don't ring any bells, Google them. Hint: the Wisman Group)

 

 - (Slightly less useful) I learned how to generate plasma in a microwave. Weird, eh? And yet very cool.

 

 

Whew... let me talk about that first one for a bit.

 

First of all, wow. I find it really awesome that Pres. Gelwix can, through some of his former contacts, call on people like them to give us instruction.

 

From the time we saw the promo, I was hooked. We were  all sitting there in council, and there she was addressing us as though we were executives in the corporate America. Their theme... actually, their study, is about leadership training.

(For more information on the topic, visit www.multipliersbook.com )

 

They're both members of the Church, and they put a really interesting spin on this book. I'm really intent upon reading it at some point in the future.

 

I wish I could describe some of what happened in that Zone Leader Council, but honestly, I think that going to that website (I'm not sure, I've never seen it), you'll get a better taste of what we saw/learned.

 

So our job now is... how do we become "Multipliers" as Zone Leaders?

 

 

I had this great opportunity to go out on exchanges with one of the Assistants to the President, this last week. Actually, it occurred right after Zone Leader Council on Wednesday.

 

So yeah, last week was intense. I've also had this interesting change-of-perspective because of the added responsibilities. It has helped me see how I can be a better missionary. It definitely opened up a whole new realm of improvement.

 

 

 

Well,

 

I gotta go family!

Los quiero!

Elder Ostler

Working....more

Dear Family,

this week has been great. Hard. Rough. It's tough to explain. I'm sure that I'm not doing it justice. Yesterday, we were on exchanges with one of our district leaders, Elder Julian and his companion Elder Elkington. I had the opportunity to stay in Ceres while Elder Elkinigton came in. It was awesome.

Just a little background on Elder Elkington: He is from New Zeland. He actually had the opportunity to be on Pres. Gelwix's rugby team last year. That was pretty cool. He was pretty excited to learn some spanish so I taught him a couple of things such as, "Esta bien", "Soy misionero de la iglesia..." y "Soy de Nueva Zelanda". Cosas asi.

 

T'was pretty great. It has been awesome to be here. I feel that I've grown somewhat in my ability to take responsibility.

 

For example, Sunday is usually crazy day for Elder Burnett and I. We Progress Records for our investigators, Recent Converts/Less-actives, and Focus 15.

 

Then, we run off to Branch Council or Priesthood Executive Meeting (PEC) and discuss the progression in the work. Then, we're released to call our investigators and recent converts and arrange rides for them.

 

Then, when that is completed, I get to run off and play prelude music and the following hymns for the sacrament meeting.

 

Just yesterday, I somehow got volunteered/begged to play the part for the upcoming Primary program.

Despite any fears that I retained concerning past efforts in trying to play the primary songs, these proved to be quite playable!

The Lord definitely has a way of working/stretching/enlarging us as we are pushed to our limits.

I think it is pretty awesome!

 

Mas que eso.... I have been pretty psyched to hear from some of you and I DO plan on writing some letters today.

 

I'm happy that you all are well... I heard that there was a storm down there recently (I don't know how recently...). I also somehow heard that this guy named "Steve Jobs" died.... whoever he is.

 

I'm really excited for the work. the constant improvement.

 

I hope that you all know that I love you.

 

I have pictures too. I cant send them though!

 

Elder Ostler

Working

Dear Family,

I have not written to you all (sufficiently) for the last...while. Well, these last two weeks have been really interesting. I've definitely learned a lot (I think that a large majority of the emails I've written to you all says that). My companion is a race horse. I'm not kidding. He's incredible.

I think that is what makes things so amazing. I feel pushed soooo much harder than I've been pushed. He doesn't say anything disparaging. He doesn't even think it (I know... I'm pretty good at sniffing that stuff out). No concerned looks. No "beat-around-bush" comments. None of it. He just is awesome.

and I love it. Everything is coming from within. You see, Elder Burnett is definitely my favorite companion. He shows me a brilliant example of what a missionary should be. How he should act.

 

And he does it all while remaining humble.

And it isn't this self-righteous "look at me I'm a martyr" mumbo-jumbo. He just works hard. While I'm driving, he'll be juggling a hundred different things that need to be done. Whew...

 

Well, Jesus Vasquez-Martinez (investigator) was baptized by Pres. Ambriz (presidente de la rama). It was amazing. As we had been teaching him, we had invited him (knowing that there he had a concern that he hadn't shared with us) to be baptized in a week and a half.

He then explained that he had an issue with (this will shock you) - public speaking. Well, once we calmed that fear, it was smooth sailing.... well actually,  then he said, "Pues yo quiero bautizarme manana!" - "Well then, I want to get baptized Tomorrow!"

 

So then we said... "Alright", and then began scrambling around telling everyone and getting everything ready. He had already attended church before (and loved it). I love that man. He is awesome. He has this amazingly humble spirit about him and is always seeking to be good.

 

Then, we set up for another baptism last weekend for the sister missionaries in Turlock 4/5 "Sister Hebdon & Sister Caramela". We gave the half-time show.

All in all, everything went great.

 

Then, I'm not sure if I told you but Elder Koelliker of the 70 came over to teach us. It was an amazing experience. He met with the zone leaders of the 4 nothern zones and Pres. Gelwix to make plans and talk about any inspiration that had come during Zone Conference. Honestly, it was an amazing and unusual experience. It was in that 2nd zone leader meeting that we had this awesome Q&A with him and president Gelwix.

 

Anyway, the work continues... I know, I cannot write even a hundredth part of all of the things that are happening. I'm even having a rough time putting it all in my journal!

 

Well,

I really do love all of you. I hope that you are doing well. I'm putting my nose to the grindstone.

 

Love you!

 

Elder Ostler

There and Back Again...

I thought the heading highly suitable considering the current situation.

Well, this last week has been CRAZY! Whew... I mean, I knew that the zone leaders were busy people, but I never knew that they were this busy. Sheesh!

You know how normally at night (10:30 pm --> ) one asks their companion a few questionspara que les conozca mejor ("so that they get to know them better")? Well, every night since the 1st day here, the moment my head has hit the pillow, I'm out. Beat. Hitting the sack. Counting sheep. etc...

 

 

AGHHH... I haven't any time to tell you.... I have to write president Gelwix!

 

Otherwise, I'm done for...

An unexpected call

Dear Family,
Well this week we went to Fresno so that my companion could take a driving test... he didn't have the cleanest driving record. However, we got that all cleared up. So anyways, this week, we got called from Presidente Gelwix. I didn't think I would this transfer so that (he'd said a couple things hinting about "future responsibilities").
Anyway, I'm going back to Ceres 3rd Branch... where I was TRAINED. I'm also going to be serving as a Zone Leader along side Elder Burnett. So things are going fine. I'm excited to go back to my first area. It will be weird... but it will be great at the same time.

I'm excited for my new responsibilities. A bit nervous. Actually, the nervous hasn't quite kicked in yet, but I'm sure things will go fine. I'm just going to put in my 100%.

Sorry that I haven't written too much. The problem might be found with a controlling companion... I'm not a big fan of the "Preparation Day Freak-out". I expect that things will be better in my new area. 

I love you all soo much..

I promise you all that I will write a lot better this upcoming week. Well, take care!

Love,
Elder Ostler

A winner is named. A "high-flyer" chosen.

Dear Family,
I am writing you from Visalia - as usual. However, I do have some news. I will be writing you again this Saturday. 'twill be brilliant.

So, news from the battlefront, ehh? Well, things have been struggling. But never fear - we press on. The work continues. We have been teaching Maria. She wants to be baptized - she is just waiting on the date. It is really cool because she is one of the first that we picked up with Elder Petersen.

Andrew Macias is becoming more and more involved with our work and the work of the missionaires.

We picked up a new investigator by the name of Manuel. He is a college boy from Mexico that told us that he had seen the missionaries in Mexico, and he thought that it was really cool to meet us here as well. My companion, Elder Petersen, todavia hace frente en la lucha para aprender espanol. He sometimes gets lost in the lessons. However, his confidence is growing a LOT and he can say more and more of the things that he wants to say. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were all in that same boat. A veces, depiende sobre la tema, no entiendo algunas cosas, pero usualmente puedo averiguarlo.

Well, I'm not sure if any of you have heard of the highly popular restaurant "Buffalo Wild Wings". Something special there that not too many are willing to try is the "Blazin' Hot Challenge".

Well, as you know, we took it. 

I'm done

It was funny. It was actually a breeze in comparison to some of the Mexican food that the members sometimes feed us. However, after signing the "Safety Waivers" which exclude them from any liability should we die, (seriously, look closely at the picture... it says that)



(the waivers/ the challenge)

Well, long story short... i won!

Love you all.



Elder Ostler

An awesome weekend

'Ello Family,

 

How have you been? I'm so glad that we were all able to listen to Conference this week. Aghh... people just don't know what they're missing out on, do they? I can't wait for the next Ensign to come out!

 

Well, this past week, we went golfing. It was awesome. Our crew included Elder Petersen (current companion), myself, Elder Munoz, and Elder Boekweg (ex-companion). I definitely won the most improved award though.

 

 

It hasn't been easy, this last week. However, the weather has cooled down tremendously. Where it once was 100+ outside, it has now been, now it ranges between the 60s and 90s.

 

Well, I haven't too much time. We are having a general authority come into town this weekend.

 

But I would like to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!

 

I love you!

 

To Suzanne, and Jessica, Happy Birthday. I sure hope that you had wonderfully birthdays as well.

 

 

 

Aghh.... I'm sorry that my letters seem to get smaller and smaller. However, I'm not too sure why, I keep getting loaded with stuff that I need to do!

 

I love you all!

 

Elder Ostler 

A Hiking Trip

Dearest Family,
so this last Preparation Day, we (my companion and I) decided that we were going to go hiking. Yes. We, being installed in Woodlake, decided that this would be a great idea. And it was.

So I'm sending you a few pictures of that. It turns out that we didn't even come near the border of our area. It was great.

Woodlake has been a great area though. I've definitely learned a lot!! However, it (this area) has probably been one of the toughest. It's much like they say on the District 2 - "Sometimes you do everything to get a baptism. You go the extra mile, talk with everyone,... aghh."

There are so many struggles. So many many people that need help, but they just can't seem to find it within themselves to put exercise just a particle of faith.

But then you come across amazing examples of faith, such as Gilbert Vargas. He had known the missionaries a while ago, but had lost contact with them in the move from Porterville to Woodlake. We met Gilbert on the street. He called us over and asked us to come by and teach him.

I'll never forget his story. You see, Gilbert's kidneys don't work. He goes to dialysis every other day. The missionaries decided to go on a team up with one of their members - it turned out that... unbeknownst to the missionaries, he was an old friend of Gilbert's, who had since changed his life as he had come to learn the Gospel. It was that member's testimony that really helped Gilbert to see the power of this Gospel.

I love hearing from all of you. I'm striving to be the missionary that you think I am - that the Lord wants me to be.

Pues, les quiero.

Elder Ostler

To those whom I love.

A mi querido familia,
I was pleased to get emails from most of you (*nervous muttering and scared looks fill the room).

Yesterday, we had training from our mission president, Pres. Gelwix. It was incredible. I love that man. I don't understand how he is still alive, but I love him all the same.
He has been wondering how we can fix our area. Woodlake has definitely been a trial. We've been scrambling around to make allies with our members who got offended that their old missionaries (who were transferred). It hasn't been easy at all. There is so much potential... and yet some people decide to use their agency to make decisions that lead to unhappiness.

Aghh... it's frustrating. Truly frustrating. But it has caused me to wonder how the Lord thinks about me, you know? I can imagine that sometimes He must feel like saying, "Aghh, won't you ever learn, Elder Ostler?"

Well, I have come to the realization that this mission has been so important for my life. More than I can say.

In fact, it just turns out that I can't really write all of these feelings in just an hour.

However, I do plan on writing more next week.

I'm so sorry if my email last week didn't send either. It was pretty loaded with pictures.

Well, I'm so happy for all of the progress that each of you are making. All of the growth that you have made while I've been away.

So... 'til next week!

I love you!

Elder Ostler

An Unseen Blessing

Pretty self explanatory, this is David. I know as much about this picture as you 

Dear Family Ostler... and guest,
So a story that is still in the works. Last week we got something working! It's slightly ridiculous to me sometimes how tough it can be to work with different auxiliaries - even other missionaries. Not that they're problematic, but rather, working around their schedules can be a hassle as well as just finding the time to coordinate certain events.

And so it was with us. As it turns out, we have been working with a girl (whom you may have heard of) named Maria Navarro. She has been really receptive with us when we come over, but, as it is with many investigators, sometimes it is hard to nudge them to make certain decisions... such as coming to church!

Well, this Sunday, we were sure she was coming. More than that, she was sure that she was coming. Due to the fact that she was YSA-aged, we had this amazing YSA team-up planned with a couple of YSA kids... an RM and his girlfriend - but... when they showed up, she all of a sudden wasn't at her house!

Frustrating, am I right? Very frustrating. Well, regardless of this, she had still promised us that she would be coming to church.

As Saturday evening came around, we threw her a text ("We're excited to see you there tomorrow!" - or something along those lines), to which she replied, "Ok, thanks!"  ... Does that count as an empty reply? Tal vez.

So Sunday morning rolls around, and - a big, empty Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zero.

So I'll admit, I was bummed! And then, our Branch President (who has been under quite a bit of stress to get the Missionary Work moving here in the branch - which includes 3 sets of missionaries) vented some of that frustration onto us through our Branch Mission Leader. Nevertheless, our BML is doing awesome, and he knows we are working full-speed... it just hasn't been manifested in the numbers yet.

So in this very meeting (during which our BML is giving us the run down on the meeting with the Branch President), all of a sudden, we get a text.

"Maria Navarro came to church today to the YSA Branch. She loved it and is planning on coming to the Fireside tonight."

I have to say, that was definitely needed at that point. My feelings were, 1st: a sigh of relief. 2nd: finally! whew. 3rd: FINALLY!!!! WOOHOO!!

So that has been something that we are happy about. The Lord does bless us as we give our best. And giving your best isn't easy. But the blessings that come from it - the answers to prayers, the progress of the investigators, the miracles which come as they strive to keep commitments - they're worth it.


I love you all.

I'm glad that I have this opportunity. I love you all.

Love,
Elder Ostler


PS ~ attached are a couple of pictures. I think you'll be able to figure them out without too much explanation.

David's new companion

Step-training

My dearest family,
I am writing you from my area.... still Woodlake. I've (...that sound's selfish) - We've, found it difficult working here. The people are nice and willing to talk, but as of yet, they are unwilling to change. Ugh... that is a sad excuse of an attitude.

I suppose that the work out here is hard. Nothing less should be expected. It is the hardest. We've been struggling to find a true investigator. What could I possibly mean by that? Well, to be completely honest, I feel (and this is mostly my fault) that we have been withholding investigators from others. really, we have just been trying to baptize in our area, into our branch so much that we have forgotten that the important thing is that they are baptized into the Lord's area - the Lord's branch.

Sure, there are problems, but we will overcome. We have shed many tears over the hardness of the hearts of these people, but they will come.

I've never understood the importance of Member - Missionary work so much. It is vital. Without it, there is minimal work, and even less retention.

For instance, one of our investigators, has been trying to change. But she is facing a lot of adversity, right now. Her fatherless children are left nearly homeless as she is tossed about by her addiction to Methamphetamine (Meth).

It is definitely a struggle.

It has been difficult... I can't lie. I think that I feel much like Enoch (in the book of Moses) who was called to work among his people. There are so few people here and they don't even like us. How do we move forward?


I can say that I felt encouraged by the letter from Elder Shippen. I'm so glad that he is doing well and learning so much in Chicago. I look forward to seeing him afterwards.


---Anyway, it was under these afflictions you might say, that I was struggling for the past couple days. This morning, I woke up just completely and utterly exhausted. Yes, I was physically tired - it seems that I'm always tired these days - but this was a spiritual thing. There wasn't any glow. Usually, you can pick yourself up as you study your scriptures... as you go out and holding the Book of Mormon in your hand, testify of it's veracity. But this was different.

While I was thus under these afflictions, I remember reading in the last chapters of 1 Nephi and first chapter of 2 Nephi.

Then I studied Intercession for one of our investigators, Ralph Palafox.

Then I remembered his story.


Ralph Palafox asked us to come over. He reached out. What's more, he reached out at 8:55 pm, as we were walking to our apartment. He was the reason why I was unable to fix my bicycle tire. If we had been on bikes, we would not have met him.

There are definite miracles here.

I feel that fire is reignited. I love this work.

Dear family and friends, please help your missionaries by being missionaries. Invite your friends to church activities. You don't have to be a weirdo about it. In fact, I would highly suggest not being a weirdo.

If you can, go out on splits with them. Invite others to come unto Christ. There isn't a feeling much greater than that.

I love you all.

Elder Ostler


PS - A Question to Elder Davis.... Does he know an Elder Michael Arzate? That is the son of our Branch President here. That would be cool to know.

A Suicidal Companion

To my beloved ones,
I feel that I should start with a story.

~Flashback~

We were sitting in the home of a potential investigator (by the name of  "David Ruiz"), as we discussed
the importance that God and religion hold in his life.
He, being the nice guy that he is, prepared us a food tray loaded with sandwiches.
As we were talking, somehow David began talking about the different types of chiles that he had,
and then stood up, walked into his kitchen, and brought out a plate loaded with 'em.
He then began telling us how hot these little, round, yellow ones were - about twice the size of a pea - 
(known as "picquin?") and how he doubted that either of us would be able to withstand the tremendous heat.
Well, of course, being the experienced chile-connoisseur that I am (did pride have something to do with
it?... who's to say.), popped the aforementioned pepper into my mouth.

Was it hot? Eh...yeah. Nothing as dreadful as was stated on the brochure, but picante.
After the praising of my incredible ability to hold my pepper from our investigator, my companion was
anxious for a try.
(- Now before I continue, please keep in mind that my companion is not used to the intensity which comes
from eating said chiles. I'm pretty sure that onions fall into the category of Picante for him.)

As I was talking with David, I took my eyes off of my companion for all of 20 seconds, in which time he
grabbed a small, greenish chile (which I believe is called "chile de arbol"which can be quite fiendishly hot),
 and popped the whole of it in his mouth. All I saw was David's eyes get wide, and I turned to my companion
who was sitting there holding an empty stem as he chewed furiously.

After about 5 seconds, his face went a deep red, which then turned into a light purple.

"Aghh!!" was all he could scream, as he jumped up from his chair.  A look of fear quickly crept onto his face.
Then, he quickly swallowed. (Bad idea? uhh...yeah. Definitely.)
"Go spit it out!" David Ruiz said, pointing at the rubbish bin in the kitchen, chuckling nervously.

Elder Petersen ran to the rubbish bin, spewing out the small chunks of pepper as fast as he could.
"..-so HOT!" He then grabbed my glass of lemonade and began gulping it down, then stuffing his mouth with
as many sandwiches as it would hold.

After some 5 minutes, things began to settle down. I have come to realize that I would probably be a pretty
bad EMT because - at the moment of emergency - all I could do was sit there in shock and laugh.

Moral of the story:  don't bite off more that you can... handle?

~End of Flashback~

So anyway, yeah, that happened. I thought it would be important to share that precious moment with you all.
But something that I would like to share with you is something that we saw last week on Mormon.org.
"Wait. You go on the internet to watch videos?"
"Yessir."
And this is the link to one of my very favorites... our own dear presidente.www.mormon.org/larry


Well, all is well here.

I love you all.

I asked Presidente about my extension... nothing definite. =T

Well, other than that, I love you, and keep up the great work over there.

I did get my contacts... thanks so much. They were much needed. I also got the package of sweets. Thanks so much!!! =)

Also, you might see some unusual activity on my personal account. Sorry about that. Bad planning. That shouldn't happen again.

Love you.
Take care.
Elder Ostler

...Nothing Clever to Say

Querido familia,
quiero escribir este email a todos y por eso, me voy a escribir en ingles. Well, today we went to the temple. It was great! I loved it. I always love going to the temple.
Hmm... well to start off, I feel that I owe some of you an apology. I haven't written you directly back/answered your questions in the weekly family broadcast. However, let it be known that I read ALL of your letters. I don't print them out... the library charges inordinate sums of money for that. During the reading portion, I have a tendency to reminisce. That is definitely my fault. I will do my best to get back to you all on pressing matters (*cough - Jessica's & Steve's baby) etc.

Well, to start off, I love the mission. Not because it's easy - because it definitely does not fall into that category. I just love it because it is awesome. And I don't want to stop.
It's funny, because while writing this, I am constantly reminded of how tired I am... and there's that voice in the back of my head that says, "Are you suicidal? You want to keep up this ridiculous pace?"
To which my heart replies with a resounding, "Yes". It isn't a shout. It's more like a stern-faced, determined answer.
What is my point? I have decided to include in my letter to President Gelwix that I would like to extend my mission. Might as well take care of this business while I still have time.

It is hard. But doing it is molding/carving me into the person I want to be.
I hope we are all unified on this decision.
I don't know how long it will be for - if it even will go through... nevertheless, it's worth a try.

I just want you all to know that I love you so much. Every single one of you give me great joy. I am so happy to be a part of this family. You are such a strength to me. I think of you every time I say the words "eternal family".

Love,
Elder Ostler

A Skirmish in the Dark

Dear family,
you may be wondering what story lies behind such an intriguing header. Well, perhaps it isn't so intriguing as it is...slightly gross. Completely gross, actually. For this reason, I will be including pictures to help illustrate this horrific tale.

The Problem: (I wanted to use a word like "Enemy" or "Crisis")  Cockroaches
Or just Roaches. I'm not sure that I know the difference.
Either way, we had them. You might say that my companion and I cohabited our apartment with several hundred of these demonic beings. Our only weapon against these ruthless creatures was an old, tattered fly-swatter who looked as though he had killed more than his fair share.

Either way, Pest Control finally came. And then soon later, our Air Conditioning was fixed. No more sweating in bed. That was definitely an upside. Now being in our apartment isn't such a burden, and weekly planning is a whole lot more enjoyable.


Here in Woodlake, we basically had to drop 99% of our investigators at the beginning of the transfer. Nobody was progressing! It isn't the happiest day when that happens, but I would say that I have learned more thistransfer than any other. We had to pick the work up here. So we did. We found. We are teaching. We will baptize. =)

There is this lady by the name of Teresa, who we are teaching. She has had problems in the past with drug abuse, alcohol, spouse abuse-ment, etc. Because of this, she has a hard time looking people in the eye.

For me, it is really cool to see her progression - her confidence growing as she comes to realize her true identity - a Daughter of God. More and more in the lessons, she has begun to look us in the eye as we taught. Her happiness is growing.
I am really excited.

As far as training goes... you'll just have to read in my journal about that one... it takes too much time to write that one out.

Well, I love you all!!!

Love,
Elder Ostler

The greatness of Training

So another week passes by in the great mission of Fresno, CA (and in the rest of the world... but that's not important).

My companion, Elder Petersen, is awesome. He's obedient, humble, and driven. When I ask him to do something, he does it. However, he's still getting used to the whole mission/missionary thing. When I say this, I mean... taking correction from other people.

To preface this next statement, I would like to start by saying that Missionaries are awesome. Right when you get to the mission from the MTC, everyone is correcting you. Everyone. It hurts sometimes... and sometimes you wonder if you're even a good missionary. The thing is that some people go overboard, making you feel like a terrible person by the time they've left you. So that happened today in District Meeting, a sister corrected my companion - rather harshly, and he clammed up. It was a visual reaction. He just stepped out of the conversation. I guess that that is one of the things that you learn as a missionary. Taking it.

I would say that something that has helped me is being obedient. When you're honestly truly doing everything you can possibly do, there is no problem. Sure, you look harder at yourself and often ask, "What more can I do?" but it doesn't make you feel terrible. If anything, it encourages you. All of a sudden, you know another way in which you can improve.

However, something that I have found key in correction is love. Not only is it key in our personal lives, but in missionary work. You see, if the person doesn't know that you love them, they won't change.... ugh. Well, I helped him out. Luckily, he gets over stuff quickly.

Anyway, the work in our area started slow, but we have been picking it up. Sure, it is hard, but it is awesome. It is the work of God. Obviously it is going to be hard! Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that He wouldn't be doing it. I may even venture to say that it is the hardEST!

Well, there's my deep doctrine for you for the week!

I love you all!!

Elder Ostler

Another Week in Woodlake

Dear Family,
I'm writing you from my area in Woodlake. To answer a few questions - Firstly, I'm attaching a few pictures of the my contact-lens box. I really hope that I won't have to make a trip to the eye doctor's office because...well, I'm pretty sure that we don't have an optometrist in Woodlake, and secondly, it's just such a hassle. They start calling me about stuff, I have to call them back, blah blah blah, it just isn't my cup 'o tea. However, I will do whatever needs to be done should these pictures be insufficient. =T

Anyway, about the work (yeah, Missionary work). The word that comes first to my mind when talking about this area is "Hijole!". This has been crazy. I'm not sure that I've ever worked so hard in my life. Every single day. Work, work, and more work.
You see, I feel that I've been doubled into the area. When I got here, there was no work. Let me rephrase. There was no Investigatorial work. Sure, we were working, but most of what we had been doing was Recent Convert/Less Active work.
And now that Elder Escobar left the area (he had been here for 6 months), even some of them have been shutting their doors on us. Weird, eh?? I mean, who would do that? Heck, I wouldn't shut the door on me!!

Well, to make this shorter, Elder Petersen (my new companion) is amazing. President Gelwix is amazing. The mission is amazingly hard. And yet I love it.

I'm sorry that I didn't send a longer letter... I have so much more to tell you about - I was sending a letter to president.

Love you all!!

Elder Ostler

An interesting Twist of Events

Dear Family,

I am writing to you from here in Exeter - a nearby city of my area, Woodlake - about transfers. So it turns out that I'm not going anywhere. That's really great - because I LOVE it here! Although I am sad because my companion, Elder Escobar, is not staying with me. He is going off to Modesto. However, this transfer was awesome. In four weeks, I fell in love with the people and figured out my way around (at least somewhat). I was also really happy because Elder Escobar is an amazing missionary. You know how there are companionships where there is one Senior Companion who is always teaching the Junior? Well, this was more like we were both Seniors - and we were constantly learning off of each other. So that was incredible. But now he is leaving. Off to Modesto to be a District Leader. That's pretty cool.

 

It turns out that I am staying here in Woodlake because I'm training. I can't say that I've ever done that before. This is going to be crazy! It was so cool because I was finally in an area that was unified - completely. Our companionship was unified. Our District was unified. Our Zone was unified. It was the epitome of awesome.

 

Now our District Leader, Elder Young, is training as well as another Elder - Elder Sigmon. Now to give you a little background on Elder Sigmon, he was one of the Office Assistants when I came into the mission. He doesn't talk too much, but he is really intelligent and rather intimidating. He was one of the elder's that was giving us training our first day.

 

So yesterday, our zone came together to play sports and I approached him rather cautiously and asked, "Elder Sigmon, what am I going to do? I don't know what to do!"

There were a few other people around that said, "Don't worry! No one knows how to train!" But Elder Sigmon looked at me and said," Elder Ostler, you know what you're going to do. You're going to Find, Teach, and Baptize."

 

When I heard that I was like... oh, ha ha ha, Elder Sigmon. Quoting Preach My Gospel, eh? But what he said kind of stuck with me, and I kept thinking about it. Now, I see the powerful simplicity to his words. It's true. That's exactly what we're going to do.

 

 

So you know how I am in the Visalia Zone, right? Well last week, I went on an exchange into our District Leader's area, and we had this idea that we were going to just blow up the place that day. We were going to doeverything. Like literally. everything. And so we did. And it was cool because we didn't get down about those people that were rude or told us "no thanks", we simply moved on. We were constantly on the look-out for those who the Lord was preparing. And it was weird because it always seemed to be the people who we wereleast likely to talk to that were the best.

 

 

There was this one family that we decided to talk to. They had spoken to missionaries before. He told us about this vision and how he was a preacher and how he felt that it was his duty to help everyone come to the truth about Jesus Christ. His wife was sitting there right next to him but she wouldn't say a word to us. I could tell that she really didn't feel comfortable talking with us in the beginning. But after he told us everything, we spoke to him and shared the commonalities of our belief in Christ. They really felt the love we had for them because we felt the love that Christ had for them. That emanated from us. It's the only way you can teach others. If they feel that love. Otherwise, they completely disregard what you say, and esteem you as their enemy.

 

When we left, I looked at Elder Fadely (Elder Young's companion) and I said, "That was awesome. Now, whenever they see the missionaries, they're going to remember that special moment that we shared. We did the work of the Lord, there."

 

 

--- I had a point to that story. You see, during that lesson, the son asked, "So did they have to hire a new preacher over there?" I quizzically inquired as to what he was referring to. He then told us about how the Bishop had been shot there not too long ago - right in the building where we have District Meeting.

 

 

That was cool.

 

I like this area.

 

Anyway, I love you all so much. I'm so happy that I have all of you.

 

I await all of your letters. (Even those from my fan club)

 

Love you all,

Elder Ostler

To My Dearest Family (and friends)

Dear Family,
Sorry that I don't have tons of time to write this email. I"m not sure what to tell you really.

Something has been changing in me since the beginning of the mission. I'm not sure how to really explain it. In the beginning, I remember hearing about how missionaries didn't want to go home at the end of their mission... and yet at the same time, I saw missionaries (a couple - not more than 5) either goofing off or going home, and I thought, "Well, I know this is important to the Lord, so I'll stick it out to the end."

Yes, those were a few of my pensamientos in the beginning. But now it's completely different. I'm slightly scared of going home. I mean, I want to. I love everyone back home, but... I'm on the road of some major changes here on my life. I don't want to screw them up. And I'm almost halfway done with my mission and I'm thinking, "Where did that time go?" Here I was thinking that I was in for the long-haul, but it wasn't like that at all..


Anyway,

I am so glad that I received your letters.

I love you all. I'll think up some things to tell you about this upcoming week.

I'm so glad that I have you all. You're such a great support for me in my life. Keep striving to be your best!

Love you all!
Elder Ostler

Una otra semana en paraiso

Dear Family,
I received all of your emails. All of them... especially the ones from Dad. Actually, that was all of them. I don't want it to sound like I'm angry about it or anything, but I just thought that now would be as good a time as any to let everyone know how much I enjoy receiving emails. =)

Anyway, I love our new area. It's awesome. I love the missionaries that serve here. They're really inspiring and focused. And President Gelwix is an amazing example.
Today in District Meeting, we talked about the importance of "Talking with Everyone". Then, because we were in the city of Visalia, we decided to go out to this Vietnamese place as a district (which turned out amazing) and Elder Nelson just struck up a conversation with this lady that was sitting next to us. There was nothing embarrassing, nothing awkward about any of it. She was amazed that we would choose to come out here and spend 2 years of our lives working to help other people. He then asked if she would like it if the missionaries came over to her house to which she replied, "Absolutely!"

I am still marveling at the beautiful simplicity of it all. It would seem that the hardest part of talking with everyone is overcoming fear. Because you'll either talk to that lady or you won't. And if you don't, you don't know when it might happen in the future. And she'll either say "yes" or "no". And then at the end of the day, you'll either feel great because you did everything you could, or you'll feel that regret which gnaws away at you. And no one likes to be gnawed at.

So anyway, she'll probably be baptized. It is so simple. Missionary work at its core is simple. Not that it is easy, but it is simple. It turns out that the hardest part is the part where you get over yourself and do it.

We have a baptism projected for this Saturday. It is for Lupe Martinez. She is an awesome person...like, she is just cool. She is getting more and more ready, and I'm sure that it is going to follow through.

My companion, Elder Escobar, is an awesome missionary. He knows what his responsibilities are and he does them to the best of his ability. I'm just excited for this area. It turns out that he is from Miramar, Florida. He knows people that were part of the late Kendall Ward. I think that he is my favorite companion. We just get work done and it is great. Where I fall short, he picks up the slack and runs with it.

I think that every companion that I've had has helped me to become a better missionary... although, some of them have helped me by showing me what to do, and others by what NOT to. Some of them are amazing examples, and for others I feel like whacking them upside the head with Preach My Gospel. There is a reason that obedience is the first law of heaven. It is the law upon which everything is predicated. Ughh... they just don't get it.


Anyway, I'm attaching a couple pictures. One of them is my companion. Another is about a strange dog, named "Sexy". There is a strange story behind why she looks so... so much like she does. It turns out that she was hit by a car and then her owner, Hna. Rocha, kept her dead body in a closet. For three days, the dog was dead, lying there in the closet. When the missionaries came over to her house, she asked them to say a prayer for Sexy. And thus, Sexy was resuscitated. True story.

I'm not sure what the other picture is of.

Well, I can't think of anything else to say.

Love you all.
Elder Ostler

Sorry about last week

So,
due to the excitement caused from last week as well as the rushed craze to fit everything into the email, I accidentally sent the email off a bit too late. You see, here at the library, we have timers that automatically log us off after our time is up. It's my favorite. So I hit send like 3 seconds before. I should have known better.

By the way, thank you Jessica, Suzanne, and Dad for sending me emails. It has been really nice to hear from you all. I knew that yall would enjoy EFY. It's the best. I didn't know how cool it would be, but really, there is something at EFY that you can't really find in too many other places. I am really glad to hear that Mom and Dad are having an amazing time in Guatemala. Seeing all of those things would be ridiculously cool to see! Whew! Hopefully you're taking tons of pictures.

So I don't know if you've had time to read my emails yet from last week, but last week I was emergency transferred down south out of Crows Landing to a very special place called Woodlake. It is in the Visalia zone. When I say special, I mean, really amazing. The people here are actually nice. My companion's name is Elder Escobar ( just in case you haven't picked up on all of this from the last email that I send some 32 minutes ago) and we really click.
This morning, we had Zone Meeting/District Meeting in Tulare and I like everyone in our zone. Life is just...good! Everything - except our apartment. It's not that our apartment isn't clean, because it is. It is hot. Like, ridiculously hot! It has been like 100 degrees at night in our apartment for the last 4 nights- and that is with our 1 fan going full blast. =) So that's fun. And, of course, its not too easy to sleep when it's 100 degrees. So we're trying to get that fixed. In the mean time, however, I am just glad that I went through Katrina and went to Munson Island, because I just think about those times, and realize that it was just preparation for this. Preparation for getting me used to the feeling of sweating in bed. That and running a fever.

So we had a somewhat enjoyable 4th of July. We were supposed to spend it with the Jimenez family, however, they skipped town to go to some lame swimming party (who does that?), leaving us to the mercy of Lupe, another of our members. It was great though.

Oh, and  Tina - I love you so much and it would be really great to hear from you. If you could squeeze me into your schedule, to maybe send me a quick message/length letter, I would pleased. Very pleased. Pleased as punch, you might even say.


So we met with our new Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Gelwix. We actually had Zone Conference with them. Then we had president interviews. The conference was amazingly inspirational, the topic being "Choose Whose Team You Play For", as well as "Live with No Regrets". The interviews were great too. He said (beforehand) that there were too questions that he was going to ask - 1. "How have you enjoyed your mission thus far?" and 2. "Can I Trust You?"

It was great.

I love them.

Well, I need some new contacts. I left the prescription with you.

Ummm.... I love you all.

Elder Ostler

A Sudden Change

Whew... what a week.
So last week we went about preparing for the upcoming baptism for Saturday (aka - preparing baptismal clothing, calling people to arrange refreshments, making the programs, etc.). Everything was going great until we got to the Making the Programs part. We went to the Arnel's house to attempt to make these on her...aged and somewhat unruly computer. I, being something of a computer geek that I am, thought that the stories I'd heard were nothing more than the common ignorance of a lesser-civilized populous. Besides, we had already made one the week before which had gone without a hitch.
When we arrived at their house, Sister Arnel turned on the computer (muttering her normal prayer that the computer would work and everything would be fine, and something about the children in Africa) but this time, my companion, Elder Boekweg, decided that it was his turn to try. I think he must have angered the gods of computer-dom or something because... well, everything went downhill from there. All of a sudden, the computer died. Blue Screen. Death. Blank...
Well, then I tried. I have come to the conclusion that I must have some sort of aura around me that makes computers work/obey me because everything went along normally. And then it came time to print. Again, my companion must have done something because the printer started going haywire. It started printing stuff that didn't exist. To make a long story shorter, either they live in the Bermuda Triangle or their house is possessed and I seem to have misplaced my holy water.

So then, everything finally works out. We get the programs. Saturday morning rolls around. We are ready. This transfer is going to be great. The Crows Landing Area is going to boom like it never had before.
BUZZZ.
Our cell phone starts buzzing. Elder Boekweg pulls the phone out of his pocket, looks at it and says, "It's President Gonzalez. Haha.. it's probably Elder Carrasco *wink".
(a silly joke that is played once in awhile amongst missionaries)

Note: This is verbatim  
Elder Boekweg: "Hello, this is Elder Boekweg."
Pres. Gonzalez: "Elder Boekweg, this is President Gonzalez. Do you think you would be able to hold down Crow's Landing if I moved Elder Ostler out of there on Monday?"
Elder Boekweg: "Uhh.... yes President. But you're not going to do that are you?"
Pres. Gonzalez: "Yes Elder Boekweg I am. Could I talk with your companion?"

I am handed the phone.
Elder Ostler: "Hello, this is Elder Ostler."
Pres. Gonzalez: "Elder Ostler, how are you doing?" In a half-jolly, half-tired voice. (He's going home at the end of this week.)
Elder Ostler: "I'm doing great, President."
Pres. Gonzalez: "Did you have that baptism that you wanted?" (Referring to the Baptism of the Bolton's)
Elder Ostler: "Umm... kinda."
Pres. Gonzalez: "What do you mean, kinda?"
Elder Ostler: "Well, we had a baptism, but not the baptism."
Pres. Gonzalez: "Well Elder Ostler, I want to move you to Wood Lake, Visalia. Now I'm going to make a special note to President Gelwix that I am giving you special permission to go back for the Bolton's baptism. Is that alright?"
Elder Ostler: "Yes, President. Is there anything else I can do?"
Pres. Gonzalez: "Just tear the place up, ok?"
Elder Ostler: "Alright."

Well... that is about as much as I can talk about without going into too much detail (it is still a rather sensitive topic). Needless to say, I was Emergency Transferred to Visalia to be with Elder Escobar (no, not Pablo Escobar). Oh, and it wasn't anything that we did, either. The move took the better part of yesterday's preparation as Fresno is some 2 hours away from our area and Visalia is another hour away from Fresno. Thus, I wasn't able to write you all yesterday. But, now I am happy. Elder Escobar is an awesome missionary. I mean, Elder Boekweg was great but... well, (*sheesh, this makes me sound like a jerk) he doesn't take correction well at all. He's a great guy, but he refuses to stay in missionary mode, as he wastes so much time in 'guy mode'. There's a difference.

Now for the unhindered flow of good, solid, unhindered work! Yes! =)

Well, I'm going to try to send you some pictures. I don't really have time to label them but when I get back, it will be easy to identify them to you.

I love you all.
Take care.
Elder Ostler