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
Thursday, August 25, 2011
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Temple Ground Breaking
It's really awesome that a temple is being built soon. Funny thing is that we were just talking about the Gifts of the temple which are found throughout the Doctrine and Covenants. We were reading in Section 109 about the blessing that are found from those who participate in the ordinances of the greater priesthood. President Gonzalez was talking about the power of Godliness made manifest... etc. It was some really interesting stuff.
I feel that out here I have change a lot. I think that most of the changes have been something like a sculpture who chisels out a vague silhouette of what he intends to make and then begins the process of intensifying its features until everything is sharpened into perfect contrast. I feel that everything that is important to me has played a big part of that.
Wow... didn't meant to stop there.
- My family: teaching me the kind of person I should be and giving me a good example of who I should strive to be like. I love my family.
- the Scriptures: which continually nourish and nurture, and constantly bring me to repent and push to give my all. I love the scriptures and all of those prophets who gave their all, showing us an example whereby we can follow and live.
- The Mission (which greatly includes President and Sister Gonzalez): Hijole! That pretty much sums up my feelings about this mission. Today was something of the farewell talk for President and Sister Gonzalez. I really love them. They are such an amazing example to of an eternal companionship. They constantly remind me of you and mom. They give me hope for you both, as well as myself. I know that this is what I want. Sister Gonzalez is very much like mom. She has a very funny, fiery character but in large groups is rather quiet.
President Gonzalez reminds me very much of you. It is really kind of funny that because you both are so similar, I immediately felt that connection with him as a father figure, although I'm not sure that he ever knew that.
Today, at the end of that great (but rather long) meeting, we sang "God be with you til we meet again". BOOM. Such a strong feeling of love for them so completely overcame me that I couldn't sing. I think I sang all of half a verse. They have been such an amazing example to me and I wish that I could somehow get them to meet you. Me and like 1000 other missionaries.
Yesterday for preparation day, we had a mandatory Zone Activity at the Turlock Stake Center, where we watched "Forever Strong". That movie was inspirational, but as much as if not more so were the special features "Lessons for Larry Gelwix" (our soon to be Mission President who will be arriving in July). I have a feeling that something really big is going to happen soon.
In that he talked about several different things that were really poignant to me, one of which was that there were only really 2 different types of pain:
1. The pain of work
2. the pain of regret
The first one comes with working as hard as we can - work is hard - yet it fades away, leaving behind the beautiful feeling of accomplishment.
The second never really fades, never really leaves. It sits there and nags, eating away at our confidence in ourselves.
That, as well as several other things really hit home. If you ever find any time to watch that, I would definitely encourage you to do so.
Well, I'm going to attach a picture of Justin Rosales' Baptism.
I love you all.
Love,
Elder Ostler
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