Dear Family,
I'm so glad to hear you are all doing so well and I cant
wait for you to meet the people here. They're great! This week has been another
roller coaster! We have been working with Olya, making sure she has good member
support, helping to activities and doing all we can to help her adjust
comfortably to the branch. She is great and puts up with a lot. In between
classes they had a lesson about Fasting. I had been in another class and when a
came out to see how it had gone, she informed me she was starting a fast right
then. She has great faith and is willing to act quickly upon what she knows to
be right. I also found out this week that i am being transfered!! Thats right!
i'll have 3 weeks left in my next area and would be missing the baptism. At
first i was a little shocked since we were so close and i was in the middle of
training. I think the reason for this change is for my companion to be able to
finish his training experience in a normal way, having a full transfer
companion. We had a musical fireside put on by a senior couple from sumy that
we took Olya and her nonmember sister too which was a great success and
oppurtunity to invite others who appreciate good, wholesome entertainment. Her
sister really liked and is planning on coming to Olya's baptism. When our
investigator heard i was going to a different region and wouldnt be able to
come to the baptism, she demanded to talk to president about allowing me to
come and baptize her. I was pretty surprised at the request but President gave
permission and it looks like everything will work out for me to go. What a
blessing! We had been talking about what members could baptize her and what
options we had with the upcoming transfer but things just seemed to work out.
It's been great to see how this branch moves into action when a baptism
arrives. They seem to know exactly what is expected of them and what is needed
from the missionaries. I think it will be a great service.
Something that i have come to realize once again on my
mission is just when you think you know whats going on in life, its turns
upside down. I really had not been expecting this transfer but it's taught to
fall on my knees in times where i need comfort, not just turn up the music in
the car, read the news online, or sit at the piano and play till my feelings
are calmed. Its taught me to turn to my maker and seek his help and His comfort
immediatly. I now realize just how much more effective and thorough the comfort
from Him is. It doesnt just momentarily push away the feelings of anxiety and
sadness in my heart, it thoroughly removes them and replaces them with feelings
of love and peace. Prayer is something i have taken for granted in my life. Wow
is there power in it when expressed sincerely. Experiences like this make me
never what to offer an insincere prayer again. I love you all so much family!
May you also find peace and joy through sincere and heart felt prayer. Thankyou
for the spiritual experiences you share with me. I promise i read them and
cherish them:) Have a wonderful week!
Elder Sanger, President Campero, Olya, and I
Our District
With love,
Elder Ostler
