Bolivia Bound: Thoughts From The Miami Airport

We are sitting in the Miami Airport.  I think these lines are the same ones that I wrote two years ago in the same place while waiting to go to Argentina.  Some eternal experiences have transpired in the last two days.

Sunday.  Many compliments were paid to the Azul District.  We averaged 80% on DMT, 9 out of 10 memorized all 8 discussions, and many commented on the love and examples that we have shown each other.  That night we had a great culture class.  Elder Harris and Elder Merrill really got us excited to go.  Then, we went up to the temple and had a testimony meeting.  I cannot describe the spirit that was there so I won't try.  After the meeting we all gave each other abrazos.  Everyone was crying, those abrazos were so neat.  I just won't forget District Azul.  It rained on the run back from the temple.

I felt like I was in a dream world on the bus to Salt Lake.  The reality of 2 months has not sunk in.  These two months in the MTC have been the fastest in my life.  If I have had thoughts of being unprepared they are gone.  Now is my time and I am ready.

Seeing Mom and Dad and Linda at the Airport really was a dream.  It was so fast.  Dad and Mom were fairly easy to comprehend but I haven't seen Linda for five months and I was just shocked at how good she looked to me.  I just bumbled with my words.  I don't think that I got one clear thing across, and that handshake with Linda just seemed insufficient.  I guess one day I'll gain my reward haha.  I talked with them a little about my experiences in the MTC and what they were doing.  The time went just too fast.  On the way up to the Airport I wrote my testimony in The Book of Mormon that I bought for Dad.  The road was real bumpy and the handwriting was shaky but it was my testimony.  I also was able to bear my testimony to all three in Spanish, it was neat for me and I think that they felt my spirit.

Well, on the plane to Denver I handed out my first pamphlet to a man who had his family with him.  I was nervous as all get out.  Elder Cowley who is in my traveling companion told me that I did a good job, that helped.  Speaking of Elder Cowley, his grandfather's brother was Matthew Cowley.  He is a real good missionary.

My second contact in the plane was real great.  We were flying between Denver and Dallas.  I sat next to a lady named Laura Wallace.  We got a real good conversation going about Colorado, Trumbles in Boulder, sheep, Aspen, and many other things.  We became fast friends when I gave her some of my Mom's toffee that she made for me.  She raved and raved about it.  Well the spirit was helping out and I got some inspiration.  I told her that if she gave me her address I would have my Mom send her the recipe.  That was the first address that I have received for a referral and I think that it was pretty smooth.  We then got on the subject of families.  I gave her Elder Cowley's tract on Family Home Evenings since I had given mine to the first family.  She mentioned that she had the missionaries over before.  I asked her what she thought of the Church.  She told me that she thought the Church was a real good one and that she was extremely impressed with the youth.  However she told me that she couldn't accept the Joseph Smith Story.  I told her my feelings about Joseph Smith, bore my testimony of him and gave her the pamphlet on him.  I aske her to read it again and pray.  I told her also that I would send some missionaries again.

I felt so good doing all of this.  She truly was a good lady.  By this time the plan had landed.  I took a big piece of the toffee and wrapped it in a napkin for her.  I really think she was touched.  We said our goodbyes and parted.

My third contact was probably the strangest.  A lady who was from Cuba and returning on a vacation to Miami.  She didn't speak very good English which gave me a chance to practice my Spanish.  We introduced ourselves and I talked with her a little about Bolivia.  She then kind of drifted off to sleep.  We ate dinner and then she slept a little again.  I had decided that she didn't want to hear about the Church.  I think it was just that I didn't want to talk because the spirit was really working.  It seems as if out of nowhere she just asked me what our Church believed.  Well, I guess I realized that it wasn't me that should decide who to teach and who not to.  I girded up my guts and got going.  I presented the C-1 concept and C-2 to her in Spanish.  I was really nervous.  I hope that I didn't get her too confused.  I told her that if she gave me her address, then some missionaries would be sent to tell her more.  She did so gladly.  She was really surprised with the story of Joseph Smith.  Apparently she had never heard of him.  I felt so insufficient with my ability to communicate.

It's 1:20 am and we just heard that our flight will be delayed until 4:00 this morning.  That is going to be a while.

The variety of people here in this Airport is absolutely incredible.  All races, colors and creeds are represented.  Spanish is as commonly heard as English.  There also is a diversity of morals and standards of attire.  Some with sufficient, others insufficient.  Well it is time to attempt some sleep.  Before I do that, I will write just about my feelings right now.

I can just feel those precious missionary days just slipping through my fingers.  Talking with the people is really a great experience.  Every person is so different and so full of stories of their own life.  I always hope that I can have this desire and love for the people.  I think the love that I have felt for these people has come as part of my call.  The last lady that I taught was a negro.  The funny things was that distinction wasn't made until I saw her later in the airport.  While I was teaching she was just another child of God to whom I should share my message.

"I think I need a mini P-Week!"

The days are going faster than I can write them down.  It's Saturday.  We have a mini P-Day to wash our clothes and pack.  To do all the things that I need to do I think that I need a mini P-Week!  I have worked harder than I have in my whole life, prayed harder, and tried harder.  I have read The Book of Mormon, Jesus The Christ, half of a Marvelous Work and a Wonder and half of the New Testament.  I have grown incredibly, mentally and spiritually, and I know that the Lord has blessed me to.  Then why do I feel so unprepared?!

A Letter From Elder Nelson

Elder John,

Well Elder, this is it.  The 8 weeks are over and we are finally on our way.  It has been really neat developing a great friendship with you.  We have studied together and worked together and really grown close.  You and your companion have really brought life to our room and made my days a true pleasure to live.  Thanks for our great "runs" during gym.  I really got to know you a lot better because of them.

Elder, you are going to have a great mission.  You have a neat, loveable spirit and a strong testimony of the Gospel.  The people of Bolivia are in for a treat when you arrive and start spreading the Gospel.  Do your best, as I know you will, and you will be successful.

The Church is true and the greatest thing in our life.  Be a great, enthusiastic missionary and remember your old buddy from the MTC and the great things we went through here.  I love you Elder, and expect to see you sometime in the future.

Go with God, my brother and have a great, enjoyable, fruitful mission.  Thanks again for your wonderful friendship.

Que Dios Te Bendiga,

Elder Gerald S. Nelson (Jerry)

A Letter From Elder Ostler

Elder Christensen,

What can I say to such a great missionary and friend.  I can honestly say that I have developed a love for you that is going to last a lifetime.  I have really felt and partaken from your spirit.  Your testimony is strong  and shows.  But not just that because I know without a doubt that as you continue on this same missionary path that you've portrayed, you are going to not just be a good missionary, but you're going to be a great missionary.  I want you to know that I have grown spiritually because of your great spirit.

Know also that I love this great work with all my heart and I am going to work with all my heart.

If, for some reason, we never meet again in this life, there is no doubt but that we'll see each other again in the Celestial room of our Father's mansions.

Con gran amor,

Elder Dale Anthony Ostler
Argentina Buenos Aires Mission

Finishing The Last Spanish Concept

I finished the last concept today - 8 charlas!  Elder Nelson and I took pictures with our signature sheets.  I also finished the last of my interviews with the Naromas District.

The Last P-Day: "I have no idea what is ahead of me in Bolivia."

I had been harboring some pretty bad feelings towards Elder Laycock.  So I went and talked to him about it.  If I were any other place where I could get away for just one day, I think that I could work them off or forget about them.  But here when you are with a district every hour of the day, little things can work up to be big things and about the only way to get them off your chest is to talk about them.  Well, it worked.  I felt really good about everybody today.

As our last P-Day, we went to the temple together and went to Heaps for pizza.  It was fun.  We walked back from Heaps and I could feel those old pains in my back starting to creep in.  I had better start watching my posture and take it a little easier playing volleyball.

I received a letter last week from Linda that said she could see me off at the airport.  I suspect some type of hanky panky has been going on between her and my parents.  In her letter it says that she and her family are going on vacation to bring Denise down to school.  In my Mom's letter however it says that they are going to meet her at the airport Sunday night!  It also said that Mom was helping Linda with her airfare.  If I find out that Linda is flying out from Oregon just to see me off, I am going to be pretty mad (I think).

Just like when I had no idea of what was really awaiting me in the MTC, I have no idea what is ahead of me in Bolivia.  The culture classes have helped a little bit but they just can't show you what you are going to feel.

Shaking Hands With Elder L. Tom Perry

I shook the hand of an apostle of the Lord tonight.  Elder L. Tom Perry spoke at our devotional.  When I shook his hand, I did feel power come out and into my body.  Not physical power but spiritual power.  I know that he is an apostle.

His speech was a needed rest.  I have really felt like I have been sinking under the load of this final week.  I am trying to do everything and I am not doing anything well.  Re-passing, learning new concepts, my relations with others are really sagging and I haven't felt too good about my attitude.

I FEEL BETTER!  I've done some talking with Elder Laycock but it is late and I will write about it tomorrow.