Dearest Mother,
You are very hopeful in sending my christmas package here to Dominica. Maybe you know something that I don't. But, I thought they would most likey send me back to Puerto Rico to get my teeth fixed. I guess its possible that they just schedule the appointment during my off time right before I fly home. I'll most likely find out next week at zone conference.
Which reminds me, we will be flying to St. Kitts on Monday and we dont return till Wednesday. So you probably wont recieve an email from me until Thursday. Sorry for the wait. :(
Hopefully it gets snowing soon. It snowed so much last year and I was so jealous. But I blew it off hoping that it would do it two years in a row. Hey, maybe its just all stored up somewhere just waiting for febrero.
Oh, and if you dont mind, you can tell the bishopric they need not worry about scheduling a talk. Its alright. I'll return when I return. But, really they dont need to schedule a talk.
Well, the news here is that Birdy's auntie who's 101 years old passed away the other week. Birdy had been taking care of her for some time now. We will probably go to the funeral with her either tomorrow or Friday. We arent sure of the date yet. All our investigators have things they have to work out, so no baptismal dates as of now.
Blessings, (as they say here)
Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December 3, 2008
Well, transfers are going to be on the 22nd of December. So if you sent it right now it would take at least another three weeks. So not till after transfers. You could call the office and ask them if they can bring it. It usually depends if the Assistants to the President are coming. If they come, Most likely they can bring it, if not, it will be less likely. But it cost so much to send a package to Dominica that I fell bad when I recieve it.
Thanksgiving was nice. Just a simple dinner at a restaurant. No leftover turkey sandwhiches the day after, so it wasnt quite the same. But still, it was nice to get a little taste of it.
Thats way awesome. Ryan is the high point scoring machine. Tell him he still has a lot of practicing to do if he wants to reach MO status. I mean we were undefeated Jr. Jazz champions. Thats a big feat if you ask me. And I play almost every pday here against black people. He just can't get that kind of experience in Utah. Thats not racist its just a fact. Everyone here can dunk. Its not fair. I've been training though. The rim is getting closer and closer.
Well as expected nothing goes as planned in Dominica. Bensen ran away from us right before his baptism. He still came to church the next day. Thats something, but we still dont know why he chose not to go through with his baptism. It must not have been his time. Birdy is almost there. We had a great lesson on the evils of coffee. If you want to give up caffiene, just look up what it is on wikipedea and it will scare you out of ever wanting to drink it again. Its not good for you, at least in the amounts they put in soda and especially coffee. Steve is playing games. He always says that he will be in church but hasnt been in about 5 weeks. He came the first five, and then just all the sudden things changed. Its really sad.
Sometimes I kinda get sick of living here in Dominica. But truely I cant imagine anywhere else I would rather be. Its such a unique place. Honestly it is one of a kind. President Zayas, from the mission presidency, was here visiting last week and he told me a story. This is it. There was a man riding a horse late at night. And he was crossing over a river, and a voice came to him and said, "get off your horse and grab a stone." The man wasnt used to hearing voices though so he just kept on riding. And the voice came again. So he went back, and grabed a stone, and put it in his pocket. The voice came again and said, "In the morning you will have a feeling of extreme joy, and an opposite feeling at the same time." So the next day came and the man remember the stone in his pocket. He reached in and pulled it out. To his surprise it was pure gold. And he jumped up and down, because of the excitement. But then he stopped and kicked himself because he didnt grab more gold. President Zayas said that story is the same as a missionary when he goes home. Mixed feelings. We'll see.
Love
Elder Osterloh
Thanksgiving was nice. Just a simple dinner at a restaurant. No leftover turkey sandwhiches the day after, so it wasnt quite the same. But still, it was nice to get a little taste of it.
Thats way awesome. Ryan is the high point scoring machine. Tell him he still has a lot of practicing to do if he wants to reach MO status. I mean we were undefeated Jr. Jazz champions. Thats a big feat if you ask me. And I play almost every pday here against black people. He just can't get that kind of experience in Utah. Thats not racist its just a fact. Everyone here can dunk. Its not fair. I've been training though. The rim is getting closer and closer.
Well as expected nothing goes as planned in Dominica. Bensen ran away from us right before his baptism. He still came to church the next day. Thats something, but we still dont know why he chose not to go through with his baptism. It must not have been his time. Birdy is almost there. We had a great lesson on the evils of coffee. If you want to give up caffiene, just look up what it is on wikipedea and it will scare you out of ever wanting to drink it again. Its not good for you, at least in the amounts they put in soda and especially coffee. Steve is playing games. He always says that he will be in church but hasnt been in about 5 weeks. He came the first five, and then just all the sudden things changed. Its really sad.
Sometimes I kinda get sick of living here in Dominica. But truely I cant imagine anywhere else I would rather be. Its such a unique place. Honestly it is one of a kind. President Zayas, from the mission presidency, was here visiting last week and he told me a story. This is it. There was a man riding a horse late at night. And he was crossing over a river, and a voice came to him and said, "get off your horse and grab a stone." The man wasnt used to hearing voices though so he just kept on riding. And the voice came again. So he went back, and grabed a stone, and put it in his pocket. The voice came again and said, "In the morning you will have a feeling of extreme joy, and an opposite feeling at the same time." So the next day came and the man remember the stone in his pocket. He reached in and pulled it out. To his surprise it was pure gold. And he jumped up and down, because of the excitement. But then he stopped and kicked himself because he didnt grab more gold. President Zayas said that story is the same as a missionary when he goes home. Mixed feelings. We'll see.
Love
Elder Osterloh
Sunday, November 30, 2008
November 26, 2008
Hello Mom,
So the island life continues. Its actually really pleasant right now, It hasnt been rainy and there has been a really nice breeze, so its been very cool. Its nice.
Here they dont officially celebrate Thanksgiving, but their are so many students here from the states that a lot of restaurants are doing Thanksgiving dinners, so the Bruners invited to take us to one of them tomorrow. I think it will be really nice. Not quite like home, with family and all, but the food should be similar. Some of the grocery stores have some turkeys they are selling, but the price is rediculous, and I have no clue how to prepare it.
On the subject of the dentist, they should speak english, because she would speak to me in English. I believe her name was Figeroa, but thats a long time ago. I have the number written down in our apartment. Sis. Dewsnup called me and said that dad called her about it, but they didnt tell me what they are planning on doing about it. My guess is they will be in contact with her and set it up for me. They are always so secretive about transfers that they probably wont tell me anything for a long time, so as to eliminate the posibility that I figure something out. But I think that is stupid. They just want to trick us into working hard until the end of the transfer.
Dont worry about not sleeping to much, here in Dominica the people sleep less then I have ever seen. And they all seem to be happy all the time. Even I sleep less here. The matresses arent all that great. Its like foam, and there no box spring, just wood bars that run underneath. Needless to say, I roll around alot. (I told Mo I was sleep deprived so I guess he was trying to tell me to toughen up!!)
-Elder Osterloh
So the island life continues. Its actually really pleasant right now, It hasnt been rainy and there has been a really nice breeze, so its been very cool. Its nice.
Here they dont officially celebrate Thanksgiving, but their are so many students here from the states that a lot of restaurants are doing Thanksgiving dinners, so the Bruners invited to take us to one of them tomorrow. I think it will be really nice. Not quite like home, with family and all, but the food should be similar. Some of the grocery stores have some turkeys they are selling, but the price is rediculous, and I have no clue how to prepare it.
On the subject of the dentist, they should speak english, because she would speak to me in English. I believe her name was Figeroa, but thats a long time ago. I have the number written down in our apartment. Sis. Dewsnup called me and said that dad called her about it, but they didnt tell me what they are planning on doing about it. My guess is they will be in contact with her and set it up for me. They are always so secretive about transfers that they probably wont tell me anything for a long time, so as to eliminate the posibility that I figure something out. But I think that is stupid. They just want to trick us into working hard until the end of the transfer.
Dont worry about not sleeping to much, here in Dominica the people sleep less then I have ever seen. And they all seem to be happy all the time. Even I sleep less here. The matresses arent all that great. Its like foam, and there no box spring, just wood bars that run underneath. Needless to say, I roll around alot. (I told Mo I was sleep deprived so I guess he was trying to tell me to toughen up!!)
-Elder Osterloh
Saturday, November 15, 2008
November 19, 2008
Mom,
So about the crowns, did the dentist lady contact you? I havent heard anything about that. Honestly I was kinda hoping that the dentist lady would have forgotten about me and I would just get the crowns when I came back to SL. Whatever works though. That gives me a chance of going back to Puerto Rico for my last transfer, which I did not think would happen.
Oh and get this. Our next transfers are on Dec. 24!!! So just because I stay this transfer does not mean I will have Christmas here. Basically only time will tell.
Bensen should be baptized and confirmed long before I leave. He has a date set for November 29th. Its been pretty exciting here. We had 5 investigators in church on Sunday. Lots of things happening. So I'm really excited to talk to you guys for Christmas. I dont know that I will be able to say all that much or else you will all be bored of me when I get back.
I'm supposed to have my death papers (going home papers) by now but I think that the people in the office just forget about us Elders that arent on Puerto Rico. O well, They'll come when they come.
We've got zone conference in St Kitts on Dec. 16 so thats probably when they will get to me. And Yes I just got the package you sent me on Monday. It took exactly three weeks from the postmark date.
Talk to you soon.
-Elder Osterloh
So about the crowns, did the dentist lady contact you? I havent heard anything about that. Honestly I was kinda hoping that the dentist lady would have forgotten about me and I would just get the crowns when I came back to SL. Whatever works though. That gives me a chance of going back to Puerto Rico for my last transfer, which I did not think would happen.
Oh and get this. Our next transfers are on Dec. 24!!! So just because I stay this transfer does not mean I will have Christmas here. Basically only time will tell.
Bensen should be baptized and confirmed long before I leave. He has a date set for November 29th. Its been pretty exciting here. We had 5 investigators in church on Sunday. Lots of things happening. So I'm really excited to talk to you guys for Christmas. I dont know that I will be able to say all that much or else you will all be bored of me when I get back.
I'm supposed to have my death papers (going home papers) by now but I think that the people in the office just forget about us Elders that arent on Puerto Rico. O well, They'll come when they come.
We've got zone conference in St Kitts on Dec. 16 so thats probably when they will get to me. And Yes I just got the package you sent me on Monday. It took exactly three weeks from the postmark date.
Talk to you soon.
-Elder Osterloh
November 12, 2008
Hellooooo mom,
Well, Its been an interesting week. We've been recieving plenty of attention because Obama won the elections. Everybody in Dominica was routing for him because of race. Thats all it really came down to here.
Sad to report that neither Bensen nor Birdy have been baptized. Bensen has some doubts, and got stuck working in Roseau the day of his baptism. Whether on purpose or not, I'm not sure. But he is still excited to meet with us. Birdy is still overcoming Coffee. She just doesnt seem to believe that it is all that bad. When it comes down to it, she jsut is justifying herself.
Transfers are in. Another 6 weeks in Dominica, which most likely means the rest of my mission will be here. I hope I can keep myself motivated that long. There are still people that I havent ever seen or talked to though, so the work never ends.
Well, in the whole language circle I would say that I am losing my ability to speak any language. I to be started to speakin like de peoples here. Plus I've given up on French. I'll just stick to Spanish. I've decided to read the whole D & C in Spanish before I come home. Thats my goal. I believe that will help with the whole relearning Spanish.
-Elder Osterloh
Well, Its been an interesting week. We've been recieving plenty of attention because Obama won the elections. Everybody in Dominica was routing for him because of race. Thats all it really came down to here.
Sad to report that neither Bensen nor Birdy have been baptized. Bensen has some doubts, and got stuck working in Roseau the day of his baptism. Whether on purpose or not, I'm not sure. But he is still excited to meet with us. Birdy is still overcoming Coffee. She just doesnt seem to believe that it is all that bad. When it comes down to it, she jsut is justifying herself.
Transfers are in. Another 6 weeks in Dominica, which most likely means the rest of my mission will be here. I hope I can keep myself motivated that long. There are still people that I havent ever seen or talked to though, so the work never ends.
Well, in the whole language circle I would say that I am losing my ability to speak any language. I to be started to speakin like de peoples here. Plus I've given up on French. I'll just stick to Spanish. I've decided to read the whole D & C in Spanish before I come home. Thats my goal. I believe that will help with the whole relearning Spanish.
-Elder Osterloh
November 5, 2008
Hello Mom,
Well lets see...We didnt have any baptisms on Sunday, so that was kinda a bummer, but birdy will be baptized soon. Bensen is getting there though. He should be ready for his baptism this Saturday. So we are pretty stoked for that.
The birthday celebrations were pretty good. Nothing like home though. The Bruners took us out to dinner on Saturday, and on Sunday we ate with some of the members. The made cupcakes. Those were great!
Dominica has basically been dead the last week. They are celebrating their independence day of 30 years. Which is pretty impressive.
Transfers are next week. So we will see what happens. I only have two transfers left. So the way I see things, if I stay here this coming transfer, Then I will probably be here until I die. Which has its perks, but also Portsmouth is too small for me. I feel I know it like the back of my hand.
Hopefully I can get to the package you sent soon. Everything has been closed down for the past four days with all their celebrations.
Love
Elder Osterloh
Well lets see...We didnt have any baptisms on Sunday, so that was kinda a bummer, but birdy will be baptized soon. Bensen is getting there though. He should be ready for his baptism this Saturday. So we are pretty stoked for that.
The birthday celebrations were pretty good. Nothing like home though. The Bruners took us out to dinner on Saturday, and on Sunday we ate with some of the members. The made cupcakes. Those were great!
Dominica has basically been dead the last week. They are celebrating their independence day of 30 years. Which is pretty impressive.
Transfers are next week. So we will see what happens. I only have two transfers left. So the way I see things, if I stay here this coming transfer, Then I will probably be here until I die. Which has its perks, but also Portsmouth is too small for me. I feel I know it like the back of my hand.
Hopefully I can get to the package you sent soon. Everything has been closed down for the past four days with all their celebrations.
Love
Elder Osterloh
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
October 29, 2008
So I almost sent my letter to your email address at Delta. Luckily I caught myself.
Anyways, Things have been going really well. Birdy is working on dropping coffee. She just doesnt quite have it yet. So we arent sure whether she will make her date. Only time will tell. Its coming up really quickly though. We are also teaching a guy named Bensen. He's Haitian and he came to Dominica for work, but isnt really working right now. He is solid though and has a date for November 8th. Things are really starting to pick up.
Zone Conference went well. It feels like we are there the entire week. But only two days. and travel. It just feels like we are out of our area for way too long. President Dewsnup taught us a lot of good things. They want us to find more people, using different ideas and ways to find them. He says that you cant expect to find more people to teach if your stuck in the same routine. They are also pushing really hard that we should be working better with our members. There's always so much to remember its hard to keep it all organized. But we do our best.Anyways, thats about it.
Everybody tries to get me really trunky and say that I'll be home in no time, but to me it still seams off in the distance.
All the locals here keep asking us about the elections. Because we are Americans. and basically the only channels they have here is fox news and cnn. So thats all they watch. They all get angry or dissapointed when i tell them that I havent really been following it at all.
Love Elder Osterloh
Anyways, Things have been going really well. Birdy is working on dropping coffee. She just doesnt quite have it yet. So we arent sure whether she will make her date. Only time will tell. Its coming up really quickly though. We are also teaching a guy named Bensen. He's Haitian and he came to Dominica for work, but isnt really working right now. He is solid though and has a date for November 8th. Things are really starting to pick up.
Zone Conference went well. It feels like we are there the entire week. But only two days. and travel. It just feels like we are out of our area for way too long. President Dewsnup taught us a lot of good things. They want us to find more people, using different ideas and ways to find them. He says that you cant expect to find more people to teach if your stuck in the same routine. They are also pushing really hard that we should be working better with our members. There's always so much to remember its hard to keep it all organized. But we do our best.Anyways, thats about it.
Everybody tries to get me really trunky and say that I'll be home in no time, but to me it still seams off in the distance.
All the locals here keep asking us about the elections. Because we are Americans. and basically the only channels they have here is fox news and cnn. So thats all they watch. They all get angry or dissapointed when i tell them that I havent really been following it at all.
Love Elder Osterloh
October 21, 2008
So now that the hurricane is passed by, all is restored to normal. There wasnt much damage done in Dominica except for the boats that were in the harbor got run into the beach. So they are all stuck. I got some nice pictures of all that happened but I dont have my camara with me today, so for a future time.
Zone Conference is going to be an interesting one, because of the traveling. We leave tomorrow morning at 4:30 A.M. so we can get to the airport in time. And we dont return until friday at 10:00 A.M. so two days gone. The most interesting thing is that we will be returning in a different airport than the one that we leave at. So that takes us driving ourselves out of the picture. Taxi time. O well, we have had to use the taxi's here before anyways.
So what is Mike going to call his new restaurant? I keep forgetting.
Birdy is doing really well. She has been coming to church regularly now and is accepting our message more and more without contending. They other day she shared with us some of how her testimony of the restoration has been growing. She wants her baptism to be private, and I dont even think she wants us to take pictures. So, I might not be able to show you that one. But she is doing really well.Steve is also growing stronger and stronger. He hasnt missed one week of church since we met him. He is great. Hopefully he can recieve the priesthood soon. We have been talking to the Branch President about it, but nothing as of yet.
Love Elder Osterloh
Zone Conference is going to be an interesting one, because of the traveling. We leave tomorrow morning at 4:30 A.M. so we can get to the airport in time. And we dont return until friday at 10:00 A.M. so two days gone. The most interesting thing is that we will be returning in a different airport than the one that we leave at. So that takes us driving ourselves out of the picture. Taxi time. O well, we have had to use the taxi's here before anyways.
So what is Mike going to call his new restaurant? I keep forgetting.
Birdy is doing really well. She has been coming to church regularly now and is accepting our message more and more without contending. They other day she shared with us some of how her testimony of the restoration has been growing. She wants her baptism to be private, and I dont even think she wants us to take pictures. So, I might not be able to show you that one. But she is doing really well.Steve is also growing stronger and stronger. He hasnt missed one week of church since we met him. He is great. Hopefully he can recieve the priesthood soon. We have been talking to the Branch President about it, but nothing as of yet.
Love Elder Osterloh
Sunday, October 19, 2008
October 15, 2008
Hey,
Dominica is great. We had a fun P-day today. Played tennis with the branch president and ward mission leader. It was great. I did get a little sunburnt though. I guess when you run and sweat on a tennis court you are more suseptible to get burnt by the sun then when you walk all over town and sweat.
By the way a hurricane is passing close by us but we should only be getting heavy rains. Doubtful that it will hit us. It will be great. ha, Cool off a little bit.
We already have another zone conference next week in Antigua. They did ours a little early this transfer cycle.
Man, the most exciting thing happened this week. Birdy accepted a baptismal date. And thats not the only exciting thing. Guess what day its set for?!?!?!?! Nov. 2!!!! I'm stoked. And she's already started to do missionary work. She gave us a referral yesterday, and we have a return appointment with him on tomorrow. Things are looking really up. The referral she gave us is a lot like Steve. He's had some hard times and wants to change his life around. Birdy told us, "If you could do it with Steve, you can do it with him. I'm putting him in your hands now." The work is about to exploid here, I can feel it.
Love
Elder Osterloh
Dominica is great. We had a fun P-day today. Played tennis with the branch president and ward mission leader. It was great. I did get a little sunburnt though. I guess when you run and sweat on a tennis court you are more suseptible to get burnt by the sun then when you walk all over town and sweat.
By the way a hurricane is passing close by us but we should only be getting heavy rains. Doubtful that it will hit us. It will be great. ha, Cool off a little bit.
We already have another zone conference next week in Antigua. They did ours a little early this transfer cycle.
Man, the most exciting thing happened this week. Birdy accepted a baptismal date. And thats not the only exciting thing. Guess what day its set for?!?!?!?! Nov. 2!!!! I'm stoked. And she's already started to do missionary work. She gave us a referral yesterday, and we have a return appointment with him on tomorrow. Things are looking really up. The referral she gave us is a lot like Steve. He's had some hard times and wants to change his life around. Birdy told us, "If you could do it with Steve, you can do it with him. I'm putting him in your hands now." The work is about to exploid here, I can feel it.
Love
Elder Osterloh
October 8, 2008
Man, General Conference was great. The highlight for me wasnt really what was said, but the fact that this was the first General Conference in Portsmouth in which all the mambers were able to participate. We gave Steve some of Elder Jorgensens white shirts he left behind, and man was Steve lookin stylish. He was so happy to be there. The Roys, student family, offered their house to everybody who wanted to watch conference. It was amazing.
Birdy is coming along. Last week we had an awesome lesson with her about the authority. It was basically the first lesson which she has heard more than once, but we presented it in a different way than I have ever done it before. Birdy is very logical, so we taught her the first lesson logically, using the authority factor as our main focus. Man, she ate up every word. She loved it, and was giving all these examples of what she has experienced that all went to back up what we were teaching. It was great.
If you want to try and send a package you can. I'm not sure how reliable it will be and it will probably take about three weeks to get here. But the address is as follows.
The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
ATTN: Elder Osterloh
George Nathan Apt. #3
Portsmouth, Dominica West Indies
Phone: 767-445-6939
That is the senior couples phone number. They like having it so that when it gets in to the post office they can call and tell you it is there.
LoveElder Osterloh
PS I got the Insoles and some other goodies. A member of Pres. Dewsnups Presidency came to Dominica to do some Audits. So he brought them for me last week. They are great.
Birdy is coming along. Last week we had an awesome lesson with her about the authority. It was basically the first lesson which she has heard more than once, but we presented it in a different way than I have ever done it before. Birdy is very logical, so we taught her the first lesson logically, using the authority factor as our main focus. Man, she ate up every word. She loved it, and was giving all these examples of what she has experienced that all went to back up what we were teaching. It was great.
If you want to try and send a package you can. I'm not sure how reliable it will be and it will probably take about three weeks to get here. But the address is as follows.
The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
ATTN: Elder Osterloh
George Nathan Apt. #3
Portsmouth, Dominica West Indies
Phone: 767-445-6939
That is the senior couples phone number. They like having it so that when it gets in to the post office they can call and tell you it is there.
LoveElder Osterloh
PS I got the Insoles and some other goodies. A member of Pres. Dewsnups Presidency came to Dominica to do some Audits. So he brought them for me last week. They are great.
September 30, 2008
It is official. Steve is a member of the church. Baptized, confirmed, Record is submited to church headquarters. Its done. The members are going to teach him the lessons after baptism (first time that has ever happened in my mission). But we plan on taking him to lessons with us. He still has a lot to learn. Baptism is only the beginning.
Transfer info is also in. I'll be staying in Portsmouth with Elder Haag. Im excited for that. We work really well together. Elder Olsen, from Roseau is going back to Puerto Rico, so we will have a new elder on the island soon.
We dont have all that many prospects. Birdy came to Steve's baptism and ever since then she has been awesome. She is very close to being baptised herself. There's just a few doubts we have to clear up first.
Love Elder Osterloh
Say Hi to everybody for me, and tell them I'm dying to hear from them.
Transfer info is also in. I'll be staying in Portsmouth with Elder Haag. Im excited for that. We work really well together. Elder Olsen, from Roseau is going back to Puerto Rico, so we will have a new elder on the island soon.
We dont have all that many prospects. Birdy came to Steve's baptism and ever since then she has been awesome. She is very close to being baptised herself. There's just a few doubts we have to clear up first.
Love Elder Osterloh
Say Hi to everybody for me, and tell them I'm dying to hear from them.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pictures!
Check out his sweet tan line around the neck in in the picture below! Hahaha I love the missionary tan!
September 22, 2008
Ya, taking the pictures was the easy part. Getting to the locations isnt always that easy. But we're young missionaries, so an hour and a half hike isnt so bad. (both ways, straight up and then down).
Last week we had almost three days of solid rain. The nice part of it was that it cooled the island off, so I wasnt as sweaty. It was nice. Then Sunday was the first day that it stopped raining. Perfect for steves baptism. I'll have to send those pics later, didnt bring my card. He was so happy though. Afterwards he was saying that he had been ready for this all of his life. We ran into him today, and he told us about how he had been helping his sister out earlier that day. She was very astonished, and told him that the spirit of the Lord must already be working inside him. His nickname has always been "Brotha," But starting today everybody has been calling him "christian Brotha." It's really funny. And the Lord has already started blessing him. Today some random guy came up to him with some GIANT Breadfruit and gave him one. So he roasted it up and enjoyed the blessings of the Lord.
Elder Haag is doing great. Were still truckin along. We just bought a basketball so were planning on having some good fun this pday. We played last week as well. It was great, I schooled some black people, Ryan better watch out. But Im really rusty.
Zone Conference will be in St. Kitts tomorrow. And we dont fly back until Thursday morning. It sucks how much time we have to spend out of our area just for a meeting. O, well. Hopefully I'll be getting the package that you sent last time. They called me up and asked for permission to open it up and pack all the stuff. So the AP's might be planning on bringing it with them. (I'm wishing)
Love
Elder Osterloh
Last week we had almost three days of solid rain. The nice part of it was that it cooled the island off, so I wasnt as sweaty. It was nice. Then Sunday was the first day that it stopped raining. Perfect for steves baptism. I'll have to send those pics later, didnt bring my card. He was so happy though. Afterwards he was saying that he had been ready for this all of his life. We ran into him today, and he told us about how he had been helping his sister out earlier that day. She was very astonished, and told him that the spirit of the Lord must already be working inside him. His nickname has always been "Brotha," But starting today everybody has been calling him "christian Brotha." It's really funny. And the Lord has already started blessing him. Today some random guy came up to him with some GIANT Breadfruit and gave him one. So he roasted it up and enjoyed the blessings of the Lord.
Elder Haag is doing great. Were still truckin along. We just bought a basketball so were planning on having some good fun this pday. We played last week as well. It was great, I schooled some black people, Ryan better watch out. But Im really rusty.
Zone Conference will be in St. Kitts tomorrow. And we dont fly back until Thursday morning. It sucks how much time we have to spend out of our area just for a meeting. O, well. Hopefully I'll be getting the package that you sent last time. They called me up and asked for permission to open it up and pack all the stuff. So the AP's might be planning on bringing it with them. (I'm wishing)
Love
Elder Osterloh
Sunday, September 21, 2008
September 17, 2008
So this week has been very exciting. Steve, the guy with the hurt foot, has been progressing at an incredible rate. He has his bapism set for this Sunday. We have been passing everyday to teach him the lessons and make sure he is doing fine. Appearantly he used to drink a ton of alcohol and some other stuff, but he is so cool now. He has left all of that other stuff behind. Its priceless to see how happy his face is when we congratulate him for all the progress he has been making. It really helped on Sunday when all of the members came and talked to helped and friendshipped him. He asked us if his name was written in a book somewhere, because all the members seemed to know his name.
Birdy is still Birdy. She didnt come to church last week, and she's just kinda there, she knows Steve really well though and promised him that she would come to his baptism. Our mission leaders have told us a statistic that 50% of investigators who attend a baptism end up getting baptized themselves. So we are going to put it to the test and see if we cant start baptizing like crazy here.
Love Elder Osterloh
Zone conference is next week = pday on Monday
Birdy is still Birdy. She didnt come to church last week, and she's just kinda there, she knows Steve really well though and promised him that she would come to his baptism. Our mission leaders have told us a statistic that 50% of investigators who attend a baptism end up getting baptized themselves. So we are going to put it to the test and see if we cant start baptizing like crazy here.
Love Elder Osterloh
Zone conference is next week = pday on Monday
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 10, 2008
Well this week has been quite swell.
I just finished a tradeoff with the Roseau Elders. We're fixin to go to a waterfall or something this afternoon.
Investigator updates are as follows, Birdy came to church last Sunday, but is still stubborn and doesnt want to give up coffee. She loves the bible and says that it doesnt mention it in there. But, I think she will come around. We found this guy on Monday with a hurt foot. So he was just chillin at his house nothin doin and we taught him a first lesson. It was good. He accepted all and we mentioned baptism to him. I guess on the tradeoff they gave him a baptismal date for the 21st. So we'll be working towards that. Hopefully all goes smothly, but then it hardly ever does. We just have to increase our faith sometimes.
Love Elder Osterloh
I just finished a tradeoff with the Roseau Elders. We're fixin to go to a waterfall or something this afternoon.
Investigator updates are as follows, Birdy came to church last Sunday, but is still stubborn and doesnt want to give up coffee. She loves the bible and says that it doesnt mention it in there. But, I think she will come around. We found this guy on Monday with a hurt foot. So he was just chillin at his house nothin doin and we taught him a first lesson. It was good. He accepted all and we mentioned baptism to him. I guess on the tradeoff they gave him a baptismal date for the 21st. So we'll be working towards that. Hopefully all goes smothly, but then it hardly ever does. We just have to increase our faith sometimes.
Love Elder Osterloh
September 3, 2008
What's happenin!
So, Its been a good week. We took a trip to Roseau yesterday. It basically drained the whole day. Had district meeting, went to lunch and did some running around trying to get a visa for a guy to come here from the Dominican Republic. But, afterwards the Bruners invited us over to have some ice cream. Man that was nice.
That makes me happy that grandma and grandpa are still doing alright. How is the other Grandma doing?
So if both of the middles from Missy's team are injured, who is playing middle? I'm a little bummed that all of Missy's games will be over by the time I get back. But, thats what camaras are for, right.
Send salutations to Jacob and Ryan and all their party. And also The old people (grandmas and grandpas, uncles and aunts). And also the older siblings. (trying to write like the Bible, HEHE)Love Elder Osterloh
I heard theres another storm going towards New Orleans. Imagine that.
So, Its been a good week. We took a trip to Roseau yesterday. It basically drained the whole day. Had district meeting, went to lunch and did some running around trying to get a visa for a guy to come here from the Dominican Republic. But, afterwards the Bruners invited us over to have some ice cream. Man that was nice.
That makes me happy that grandma and grandpa are still doing alright. How is the other Grandma doing?
So if both of the middles from Missy's team are injured, who is playing middle? I'm a little bummed that all of Missy's games will be over by the time I get back. But, thats what camaras are for, right.
Send salutations to Jacob and Ryan and all their party. And also The old people (grandmas and grandpas, uncles and aunts). And also the older siblings. (trying to write like the Bible, HEHE)Love Elder Osterloh
I heard theres another storm going towards New Orleans. Imagine that.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
August 27, 2008
Well, Its been quite the exciting week. All the students have left for their two week vacation, but a lot of the new students are slowly showing up on the streets. They are all about. My new companion arrived safe and sound on wednesday. And the Senior Couple on Saturday. So between them and sending Elder Jorgensen back I got to take 3 trips to the airport on a small, curvy mountain full road. I'm happy thats all over with though. Elder Haag, My new comp, is from Sacramento California. He is way excited to be here. And we have been finding a lot of new people to work with. The one that has impressed me the most is a 16 year old boy named Ezekiel. He is way awesome. We have only taught him a few times, but he has been reading and is planning on coming to church, and he is a really good prospect.
Birdy is slowly moving along, she told us last night that she knew we would come to her house someday. A while back she had been praying and somebody told her that she wasnt going to church anywhere and she didnt have a place of worship and stuff like that. She knew in her heart that someday God would give her a place to go worship, that the time wasnt right back then, she hadnt found it yet. She is ready I think, its just a matter of her feeling ready. Its also been going slow with her because her daughter is here visiting for two weeks. And since her daughter lives in New York and hadnt visited for 17 years, she's taking advantage of every moment with them. I understand a little.
The Bruners are also here in Portsmouth. They are getting themselves established here. Getting a phone line, learning to navigate the roads, banking, matresses, the whole jazz. They are really cool. Elder Bruner was an Technician/repair man. He repaired appliances like refirgerators, microwaves, toasters. He's a handy man. They have the missionary spirit. They have already started contacting people, and sharing the gospel. Its great. Elder Bruner is a convert to the church as of 41 years yesterday. So today he is going to take us out to dinner to celebrate that. I'm very happy that they are here.
I dont know what storm your talking about it been a little rainy and some thunder, but nothing out of the norm.
Love Elder Osterloh
Birdy is slowly moving along, she told us last night that she knew we would come to her house someday. A while back she had been praying and somebody told her that she wasnt going to church anywhere and she didnt have a place of worship and stuff like that. She knew in her heart that someday God would give her a place to go worship, that the time wasnt right back then, she hadnt found it yet. She is ready I think, its just a matter of her feeling ready. Its also been going slow with her because her daughter is here visiting for two weeks. And since her daughter lives in New York and hadnt visited for 17 years, she's taking advantage of every moment with them. I understand a little.
The Bruners are also here in Portsmouth. They are getting themselves established here. Getting a phone line, learning to navigate the roads, banking, matresses, the whole jazz. They are really cool. Elder Bruner was an Technician/repair man. He repaired appliances like refirgerators, microwaves, toasters. He's a handy man. They have the missionary spirit. They have already started contacting people, and sharing the gospel. Its great. Elder Bruner is a convert to the church as of 41 years yesterday. So today he is going to take us out to dinner to celebrate that. I'm very happy that they are here.
I dont know what storm your talking about it been a little rainy and some thunder, but nothing out of the norm.
Love Elder Osterloh
Monday, August 18, 2008
August 18, 2008
Well its early pday Monday, because of transfers. In Puerto Rico it would be Tuesdays, but my comp has to fly out tomorrow on Tuesday. So this will be an unexpected email for you.
We went to zone conference in St Kitts, the other one I went to was in Antigua. They switch it around a little bit. I'm becoming very well traveled. :) Ha, but it kinda sucks because basically we are taken out of our area for two entire days with all the traveling. It really hurts our numbers for the week. especially since another day also goes towards pday.
So finally this investigator we have been teaching came to church. Her name is Birdy. It was about time. She has been showing a lot of signs of progression lately. Before her reading and praying were just so-so. But we stressed the importance of reading daily and helped her make a time each day to do it. Now everytime we pass she is always telling us about what she has read. She started from the beginning of the Book of Mormon and has reached 1 Nephi chap. 5. She told us she would read more of it if she didnt have the TV distracting her. She just likes her game network to much. Theres something funny about Dominica. Most people live in such a state of poverty. They hardly ever have food to eat (not Birdy, she's fine) and even with the hunger they have. they still find the money to get big TV's, giant stereo systems and $200 sneakers. Is something backwards here or is it just me?
So the weather has been pretty good lately. Not to much rain, the sun is still a blazin though. I'm lovin every minute of it.
Elder Osterloh
We went to zone conference in St Kitts, the other one I went to was in Antigua. They switch it around a little bit. I'm becoming very well traveled. :) Ha, but it kinda sucks because basically we are taken out of our area for two entire days with all the traveling. It really hurts our numbers for the week. especially since another day also goes towards pday.
So finally this investigator we have been teaching came to church. Her name is Birdy. It was about time. She has been showing a lot of signs of progression lately. Before her reading and praying were just so-so. But we stressed the importance of reading daily and helped her make a time each day to do it. Now everytime we pass she is always telling us about what she has read. She started from the beginning of the Book of Mormon and has reached 1 Nephi chap. 5. She told us she would read more of it if she didnt have the TV distracting her. She just likes her game network to much. Theres something funny about Dominica. Most people live in such a state of poverty. They hardly ever have food to eat (not Birdy, she's fine) and even with the hunger they have. they still find the money to get big TV's, giant stereo systems and $200 sneakers. Is something backwards here or is it just me?
So the weather has been pretty good lately. Not to much rain, the sun is still a blazin though. I'm lovin every minute of it.
Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
August 13, 2008
We didnt have any investigators in church, except one. He was an old investigator and showed up out of the blue. The whole time he was asking how he could become a member of the church. :) Then we were gone all Monday and all Tuesday for zone conference. Today is Pday. So three days down the drain. But we will go and see Julias tomorrow and see if we cant make his desires reality.
Another guy named Bli (vincent is his real name), we had an awesome first lesson with him Sunday night on a mini-tradeoff with E. Olsen. We need to work on getting him to church though. At the end of the lesson he offered a great prayer. It made me really excited.
The President wasnt able to check any bags, because of his tight schedule, so I was unable to recieve my package. He said that now, because of the changing baggage restirictions they wont be able to carry as much stuff out for zone conferences. They encourage parents and friends to simply send a letter and some money. So that means no more E.L. Fudge cookies for me. :( I'll live though.
Got some good news from President this week. We are expected a new senior couple to be arriving around the 23rd of this month. Quick, eh? The Bruners, as they called them, are from somewhere in California. I dont remember where. It will be really nice to have them here.
Lately I have been in charge of paying all the bills for the church and mission here in Dominica. Good learning experience, but its a hastle. Also, I'm getting a new companion next week. We fly E. Jorgensen out on Tuesday, I stay with the Roseau Elders for a night and we pick up the new guy on Wednesday. Pres. told me that the new guy has one transfer on the mission. So, basically I'm going to be his stepdad (mission term) 1st comp=trainer/dad, 2nd=stepdad.
Love Elder Osterloh
Another guy named Bli (vincent is his real name), we had an awesome first lesson with him Sunday night on a mini-tradeoff with E. Olsen. We need to work on getting him to church though. At the end of the lesson he offered a great prayer. It made me really excited.
The President wasnt able to check any bags, because of his tight schedule, so I was unable to recieve my package. He said that now, because of the changing baggage restirictions they wont be able to carry as much stuff out for zone conferences. They encourage parents and friends to simply send a letter and some money. So that means no more E.L. Fudge cookies for me. :( I'll live though.
Got some good news from President this week. We are expected a new senior couple to be arriving around the 23rd of this month. Quick, eh? The Bruners, as they called them, are from somewhere in California. I dont remember where. It will be really nice to have them here.
Lately I have been in charge of paying all the bills for the church and mission here in Dominica. Good learning experience, but its a hastle. Also, I'm getting a new companion next week. We fly E. Jorgensen out on Tuesday, I stay with the Roseau Elders for a night and we pick up the new guy on Wednesday. Pres. told me that the new guy has one transfer on the mission. So, basically I'm going to be his stepdad (mission term) 1st comp=trainer/dad, 2nd=stepdad.
Love Elder Osterloh
August 5, 2008
Yep, its zone conference week. I just finished a trade-off with my district leader in Roseau, the capitol of Dominica. It was great. Lots of new experiences. Roseau is much bigger than portsmouth, and it seams that people might actually have money there. Thank you so much for sending a box. It doesnt really matter to me whats in the box, its more of the excitement of getting a box, and then rubbing it in your companions face. I try not to do that though. I try to be a good boy.
Our zone leaders are in St. Kitts. Its only a few of the islands. There a four zones in Puerto Rico and three in the islands.
We have stopped working with Island so much, we still pass on the occasion, but they just arent determined to fix their problem. And they are stuck were there at until they do. But we do have some new faces. We go through a lot of people to see who will keep commitments that we leave, and thereby prepare to keep covenents they will make with the lord. One guy is named Wendel. He is a groundskeeper at Ross University. He reads the things we leave, and also other things on the internet that we dont leave. So lately we have been doing a lot of doubt solving from the anti mormon literature he has been reading. Stuff like plural marriage, Some kind of Blood atonement thing. Mostly just people misquoting prophets and taking things out of context. He seems to accept the answers we give him. We also exlplained that God can answer his questions that he has and that he shouldn't rely on the precepts of men. He knows that is what he should do, and we are praying that he can recieve the answers that he needs. We have many other news faces to the crowd, always shifting through them, separating the wheat from the tares (sp?).
My comp finishes his mission in two weeks. I'm sending him home, or as they say in the mission, I'm "killing him."
Love Elder Osterloh
Michael was still at the email place so he answered a few questions for me. These are his answers. I think he went to St Kitts for zone conf, because thats where the zone leaders are.
We go to zone conference Mon-tues. on tuesday we get a layover of 7 hours in antigua. Its a half hour flight to antigua and a half hour flight to Dominica. But 7 hours in the airport. Wahoo. My comp is from Utah
Our zone leaders are in St. Kitts. Its only a few of the islands. There a four zones in Puerto Rico and three in the islands.
We have stopped working with Island so much, we still pass on the occasion, but they just arent determined to fix their problem. And they are stuck were there at until they do. But we do have some new faces. We go through a lot of people to see who will keep commitments that we leave, and thereby prepare to keep covenents they will make with the lord. One guy is named Wendel. He is a groundskeeper at Ross University. He reads the things we leave, and also other things on the internet that we dont leave. So lately we have been doing a lot of doubt solving from the anti mormon literature he has been reading. Stuff like plural marriage, Some kind of Blood atonement thing. Mostly just people misquoting prophets and taking things out of context. He seems to accept the answers we give him. We also exlplained that God can answer his questions that he has and that he shouldn't rely on the precepts of men. He knows that is what he should do, and we are praying that he can recieve the answers that he needs. We have many other news faces to the crowd, always shifting through them, separating the wheat from the tares (sp?).
My comp finishes his mission in two weeks. I'm sending him home, or as they say in the mission, I'm "killing him."
Love Elder Osterloh
Michael was still at the email place so he answered a few questions for me. These are his answers. I think he went to St Kitts for zone conf, because thats where the zone leaders are.
We go to zone conference Mon-tues. on tuesday we get a layover of 7 hours in antigua. Its a half hour flight to antigua and a half hour flight to Dominica. But 7 hours in the airport. Wahoo. My comp is from Utah
Sunday, August 3, 2008
July 30, 2008
Ha, you told me to watch out for all the big bugs, there arent really any. The biggest thing we see here are cockroaches. Dont worry, none in our apartment. I have seen a few centipedes, but they usually stay up in the mountains.
I'm not really complaining about my shoes yet. I still have one pair that is in really good shape. My other pair are my tracting shoes. I got them resouled. But now they are really heavy and give me blisters. So I just stick to my good pair. Zone conference is on monday the 11 (Aug). One thing that I wanted was some Dr. Schoels gel pad things to put in my shoe. I got the pillow type one in Puerto Rico, but they are already out of service. Nice while it lasted though.
It does rain everyday!!! Especially right now. We got a huge rainstorm this morning and all the shops had no power=no email!!! But we continued searching and found an email place near the end of town that has power, lucky us.
But ya, I have a small umbrella and it works great, one of the metal arm things is detached but so far it has given me good protection. I bet jake only went to the U's EFY because of pride. For some reason he just hates BYU. I bet its because BYU is so much better then that U in basically every sport. Especially football. Thats just my opinion though.
Elder Osterloh
I'm not really complaining about my shoes yet. I still have one pair that is in really good shape. My other pair are my tracting shoes. I got them resouled. But now they are really heavy and give me blisters. So I just stick to my good pair. Zone conference is on monday the 11 (Aug). One thing that I wanted was some Dr. Schoels gel pad things to put in my shoe. I got the pillow type one in Puerto Rico, but they are already out of service. Nice while it lasted though.
It does rain everyday!!! Especially right now. We got a huge rainstorm this morning and all the shops had no power=no email!!! But we continued searching and found an email place near the end of town that has power, lucky us.
But ya, I have a small umbrella and it works great, one of the metal arm things is detached but so far it has given me good protection. I bet jake only went to the U's EFY because of pride. For some reason he just hates BYU. I bet its because BYU is so much better then that U in basically every sport. Especially football. Thats just my opinion though.
Elder Osterloh
Thursday, July 24, 2008
July 23, 2008
Things are going great. I guess things are the same all around the world. Lots of people come when they are making a change. This Sunday was a little dissapointing compared to last Sunday ( attendence wise). Most of the members were there. You see what happened was that we made a list of everybody that we had committed throughout the week to come to church on Sunday. We had about ten. Half dropped out saturday night when we called them. And none came to church. But, those are just the people we committed.
There is a lady named Island(pronounce the "s") and she comes with 2 of her kids and 2 kids of her sister. We went and taught her yesterday. Its going to be a long process with her if she wants to get baptized. She is living with Patrick, her boyfriend, who married a girl in Haiti. Now, those two have no contact. He says that he would want to divorce the other girl and marry Island. Sounds great uh? Well, now Island isnt sure whether she wants to marry Patrick. So, obviously something has to change there.
In response to some of your questions. We have no car, they dont have insurance for persons under the age of 25. There is an empty apartment here waiting the arrival of a new couple. We have army rations as a hurricane supply. I have cereal, Plenty of Tuna, I've got beans, they dont have spaghettios. Cookies are expensive and very limited options. I dont think anybody on this island has ever even heard of jerky.
Love, Elder Osterloh
Ps Im learning French now
je m'appelle Elder Osterloh
je sui de l'amerique
bonjour...
There is a lady named Island(pronounce the "s") and she comes with 2 of her kids and 2 kids of her sister. We went and taught her yesterday. Its going to be a long process with her if she wants to get baptized. She is living with Patrick, her boyfriend, who married a girl in Haiti. Now, those two have no contact. He says that he would want to divorce the other girl and marry Island. Sounds great uh? Well, now Island isnt sure whether she wants to marry Patrick. So, obviously something has to change there.
In response to some of your questions. We have no car, they dont have insurance for persons under the age of 25. There is an empty apartment here waiting the arrival of a new couple. We have army rations as a hurricane supply. I have cereal, Plenty of Tuna, I've got beans, they dont have spaghettios. Cookies are expensive and very limited options. I dont think anybody on this island has ever even heard of jerky.
Love, Elder Osterloh
Ps Im learning French now
je m'appelle Elder Osterloh
je sui de l'amerique
bonjour...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
July 16, 2008
I am writing you from the tropical climate of Dominica. It has been raining tons due to the passing of Bertha. But it hasnt been so bad, at least when I remember my umbrella.
Dominica isnt quite the same without the senior couple here, but its still great.
We got a new branch president and presidency this week. He is a student, the first counselor is a student, and the second counselor is a Dominican. So that was pretty exciting to get them all in there this Sunday. President Dewsnup spent the weekend with us(in the Whites Apartment) while he reorganized the Branch.There were tons of people in church this Sunday, 61. The most that I have ever seen. And it surprised me since Elder Jorgensen told me that the attendence had dropped to about 35 a week. We had five non-members there as well. We're trying to get them all to recieve the lessons, but some are harder to get in contact with.
Love Elder Osterloh
Dominica isnt quite the same without the senior couple here, but its still great.
We got a new branch president and presidency this week. He is a student, the first counselor is a student, and the second counselor is a Dominican. So that was pretty exciting to get them all in there this Sunday. President Dewsnup spent the weekend with us(in the Whites Apartment) while he reorganized the Branch.There were tons of people in church this Sunday, 61. The most that I have ever seen. And it surprised me since Elder Jorgensen told me that the attendence had dropped to about 35 a week. We had five non-members there as well. We're trying to get them all to recieve the lessons, but some are harder to get in contact with.
Love Elder Osterloh
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
July 8, 2008
Things went incredibly well this week...for the most part. Erik got confirmed Sunday during sacrament meeting. It was really cool. He was so nervous. When they pulled the chair out in the front and called him up there, he turned toward as and said "I have to go up there"( with his eyes super opened) It was pretty funny. When they were confirming him he looked like he was going to pass out.
Transfer calls are in. They are sending me back to Dominica. They want me back there to help hold things together until a new senior couple can get out there. The Whites finished last month. Elder Nichols goes home tomorrow. And Elder Jorgensen, my new companion, finishes this next transfer.
Dont worry about my teeth. They still havent done the crowns, but what I have right now should last until after I get home. It would probably be better to do the crowns at home anyways.
Dont worry about Bertha. Our landlord was talking to us about it, he said it started really far north in Africa, and they rise as they come across, so it should hit somewhere in the Carolinas. Watch out Elder Lucas (He was my trainer).
Now I wont have to worry about my bike anymore. I have been tightening the pedal everyday so that it wont come off. Sometimes I went two or three days without tightening, but it would get really loose, and it sucks riding only using one pedal.
Tonight we are going to see Enid and Erik. Kinda say goodbye and all. She was really hoping that I wouldnt get transferred. I dont worry about her too much though, because the members have really taken her in as one of their own.
This week we found another guy, whose name is Alejandro, he had met with the missionaries before. So we started teaching him, and says that he believes Joseph Smith is a prophet and all, so we gave him a baptismal date and he accepted. But, there was some confusion in picking him up on Sunday to go to church. We stopped by to make sure he was awake, and he was sitting there all ready to go, but we cant give people rides, so we told him we would be back. At the church none of the members wanted to go and pick him up. Finally we found somebody just before church started and we got to his house and he was gone. Ever since then he has been very flaky with keeping appointments. I was excited to work with him though, and now Im gone. O well, I guess.
Love Elder Osterloh
Transfer calls are in. They are sending me back to Dominica. They want me back there to help hold things together until a new senior couple can get out there. The Whites finished last month. Elder Nichols goes home tomorrow. And Elder Jorgensen, my new companion, finishes this next transfer.
Dont worry about my teeth. They still havent done the crowns, but what I have right now should last until after I get home. It would probably be better to do the crowns at home anyways.
Dont worry about Bertha. Our landlord was talking to us about it, he said it started really far north in Africa, and they rise as they come across, so it should hit somewhere in the Carolinas. Watch out Elder Lucas (He was my trainer).
Now I wont have to worry about my bike anymore. I have been tightening the pedal everyday so that it wont come off. Sometimes I went two or three days without tightening, but it would get really loose, and it sucks riding only using one pedal.
Tonight we are going to see Enid and Erik. Kinda say goodbye and all. She was really hoping that I wouldnt get transferred. I dont worry about her too much though, because the members have really taken her in as one of their own.
This week we found another guy, whose name is Alejandro, he had met with the missionaries before. So we started teaching him, and says that he believes Joseph Smith is a prophet and all, so we gave him a baptismal date and he accepted. But, there was some confusion in picking him up on Sunday to go to church. We stopped by to make sure he was awake, and he was sitting there all ready to go, but we cant give people rides, so we told him we would be back. At the church none of the members wanted to go and pick him up. Finally we found somebody just before church started and we got to his house and he was gone. Ever since then he has been very flaky with keeping appointments. I was excited to work with him though, and now Im gone. O well, I guess.
Love Elder Osterloh
Sunday, July 6, 2008
July 2, 2008
We had a really good week. Enid's son, Erik, was baptized this Sunday. It was a really great service. Enid shared her experience when he decided to be baptized last week. Wow, the spirit was so strong. But, she said that she was more nervous at Erik's baptism than at her own. Elder Fuentes baptized him. Erik was really really happy, and so was his mom.
We are working with a few others as well. Carmen Delia has had some experience with our church in the past, she said that she has never felt the spirit like she did the one time she visited our church. She's been part of quite a few different churches and been baptized in them, when we gave her the condition baptism invite she didnt show any signs of that being a problem. First we invited her grandson Brian Gomez, and he accepted, and we asked the same question to her, and she said,"of course I will be baptized as well." Brian is 15 years old, lives with his grandma on the weekends and with his mom in Carolina during the week. His father passed away four years ago. Carmen knew a little about baptism for the dead, and so we discussed it with him and know he wants to do the work for his dad. They weren't able to make it to church this last Sunday, they already had other plans to go visit her brother in Humacoa, so they will be coming this week, they just need help with transportation.
Sincerely ,
Elder Osterloh
We are working with a few others as well. Carmen Delia has had some experience with our church in the past, she said that she has never felt the spirit like she did the one time she visited our church. She's been part of quite a few different churches and been baptized in them, when we gave her the condition baptism invite she didnt show any signs of that being a problem. First we invited her grandson Brian Gomez, and he accepted, and we asked the same question to her, and she said,"of course I will be baptized as well." Brian is 15 years old, lives with his grandma on the weekends and with his mom in Carolina during the week. His father passed away four years ago. Carmen knew a little about baptism for the dead, and so we discussed it with him and know he wants to do the work for his dad. They weren't able to make it to church this last Sunday, they already had other plans to go visit her brother in Humacoa, so they will be coming this week, they just need help with transportation.
Sincerely ,
Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
25 de Junio 2008
So we just got done painting a room in a members house. Ha, I feel pretty ridiculous, all painty in the library at the college. But hey, gotta do email. I think that it would be way cool if you went to see Logan. I miss him a ton. He was definately one of my favorite companions. He and I didnt get to have any baptisms together but we worked our butts off, well at least he was until we got the car. :).
Enids baptism was awesome. We sang a special musical number. Ha, if you can imagine me singing a special musical number you will know how it went. I got it on video, so you'll get to see it someday. It was a little awkward though, she chose me to baptize her, and so I started walking down into the water. She was on the other side and started walking as well, then stopped, and ran back into the bathroom. So I just kindof stood there on the first step. There were some members in the bathroom who told me to wait there. So I waited, just standing there out of sight of everybody. She finally came back out, and slowly we went down into the font, and everything was smooth after that. We changed and the program ended. Afterwards we were talking and she told me why she had turned and gone back into the bathroom so quickly. But first I have to explain something else. She has seven children, but one of her oldest daughters died two years ago at age fourteen. Back to the story. When she entered the font she said that she felt the presence of God, and that her daughter was holding her hand as she was walking into the font, and when she looked at her daughter she nooded her head, as if to say she was doing the right thing. It was too much for her, so she ran back into the stall until she could catch her breath and put herself together. This next sunday her son, Erik, is going to be baptized as well. We were very blessed to have found this family to bring into the gospel.
I hope everything is going well at home. And that the boys recover from their games.
Love Elder Osterloh
Enids baptism was awesome. We sang a special musical number. Ha, if you can imagine me singing a special musical number you will know how it went. I got it on video, so you'll get to see it someday. It was a little awkward though, she chose me to baptize her, and so I started walking down into the water. She was on the other side and started walking as well, then stopped, and ran back into the bathroom. So I just kindof stood there on the first step. There were some members in the bathroom who told me to wait there. So I waited, just standing there out of sight of everybody. She finally came back out, and slowly we went down into the font, and everything was smooth after that. We changed and the program ended. Afterwards we were talking and she told me why she had turned and gone back into the bathroom so quickly. But first I have to explain something else. She has seven children, but one of her oldest daughters died two years ago at age fourteen. Back to the story. When she entered the font she said that she felt the presence of God, and that her daughter was holding her hand as she was walking into the font, and when she looked at her daughter she nooded her head, as if to say she was doing the right thing. It was too much for her, so she ran back into the stall until she could catch her breath and put herself together. This next sunday her son, Erik, is going to be baptized as well. We were very blessed to have found this family to bring into the gospel.
I hope everything is going well at home. And that the boys recover from their games.
Love Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June 18, 2008
Here's the latest from Mo!
You guys are so lucky to have cold. I wish it were cold here so bad. Because when it is cold you can always put on more clothes, When its hot and your a missionary, all the normal ways of cooling down just arent available. I try to drink plenty of water though.
Enid is on track for her baptism this saturday. She is awesome. We taught the law of tithing on monday and she didnt have a single doubt. She even has her slip all ready to pay this Sunday! Usually people have a hard time commiting to tithing, but she has been prepared. People have been telling me alot lately that angels are out there preparing people to accept the gospel, I guess its true what they say.
I love the new shirts, I saw how white they were compared to my other shirts, so I put my older shirts in a clorox solution last night before we washed today and they look much whiter. You would be proud of me. They ties are great, they look pretty stylish with my suit.
So who is going to help you with all the dirt? I did that for Grandpa and Grandma when I was up there working for them. I bet that Bear Lake will be really cold this year, It takes a long time for it to heat up. Well, theres always St. George.
Love Elder Osterloh
You guys are so lucky to have cold. I wish it were cold here so bad. Because when it is cold you can always put on more clothes, When its hot and your a missionary, all the normal ways of cooling down just arent available. I try to drink plenty of water though.
Enid is on track for her baptism this saturday. She is awesome. We taught the law of tithing on monday and she didnt have a single doubt. She even has her slip all ready to pay this Sunday! Usually people have a hard time commiting to tithing, but she has been prepared. People have been telling me alot lately that angels are out there preparing people to accept the gospel, I guess its true what they say.
I love the new shirts, I saw how white they were compared to my other shirts, so I put my older shirts in a clorox solution last night before we washed today and they look much whiter. You would be proud of me. They ties are great, they look pretty stylish with my suit.
So who is going to help you with all the dirt? I did that for Grandpa and Grandma when I was up there working for them. I bet that Bear Lake will be really cold this year, It takes a long time for it to heat up. Well, theres always St. George.
Love Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 11, 2008
Dear mom,
Im just here at the University doing my email, free email :). Ya I sent some things home that I dont need, so I can be more light and agile. How can it possibly still be snowing there. Thats ridiculous.
I talked to president about my release date. If I wanted to come home for school, basically, I would need to get special permission from the first presidency. Too much time. He only has 30 days to play with. But, I will be fine going to Spring term or something like that.
The dentist still hasnt called me about the crowns. I have absolutely no clue how long it will take them to do it. She had to send molds of my teeth to the lab and then they will make the crown. So I'm just going about normal stuff untill they call.
The work is going pretty well. We have a few investigators that we are working with. The most progressing would be Enid Mercado. She is in her thirties. 3 kids. She said that she wants her kids to be missionaries like us. That was pretty cool. She has a baptismal date for the 21 of June. She's come to church the last two weeks. Way cool. We have been working alot with the members to get Enid aquainted with as many people as possible. Last week she really enjoyed church because she knew quite a few more people. Its hard when the only person the investigator knows are the missionaries, and usually the members dont go and introduce themselves. That whole Ice thing. So we try to break the ice. Other then that, we do plenty of bike riding. Elder Fuentes was a professional bike rider before the mission. He just doesnt understand when I tell him that I'm sick of riding the bike. In my mind I would rather walk around and talk with people. But, thats life sometimes.
The musical toothbrush is great. I make sure to use it the complete two minutes of music. I really like those Plackers(the floss things) my teethies feel sparklin clean.
Love,
EldEr OsTerLoH
Im just here at the University doing my email, free email :). Ya I sent some things home that I dont need, so I can be more light and agile. How can it possibly still be snowing there. Thats ridiculous.
I talked to president about my release date. If I wanted to come home for school, basically, I would need to get special permission from the first presidency. Too much time. He only has 30 days to play with. But, I will be fine going to Spring term or something like that.
The dentist still hasnt called me about the crowns. I have absolutely no clue how long it will take them to do it. She had to send molds of my teeth to the lab and then they will make the crown. So I'm just going about normal stuff untill they call.
The work is going pretty well. We have a few investigators that we are working with. The most progressing would be Enid Mercado. She is in her thirties. 3 kids. She said that she wants her kids to be missionaries like us. That was pretty cool. She has a baptismal date for the 21 of June. She's come to church the last two weeks. Way cool. We have been working alot with the members to get Enid aquainted with as many people as possible. Last week she really enjoyed church because she knew quite a few more people. Its hard when the only person the investigator knows are the missionaries, and usually the members dont go and introduce themselves. That whole Ice thing. So we try to break the ice. Other then that, we do plenty of bike riding. Elder Fuentes was a professional bike rider before the mission. He just doesnt understand when I tell him that I'm sick of riding the bike. In my mind I would rather walk around and talk with people. But, thats life sometimes.
The musical toothbrush is great. I make sure to use it the complete two minutes of music. I really like those Plackers(the floss things) my teethies feel sparklin clean.
Love,
EldEr OsTerLoH
Monday, June 9, 2008
June 2, 2008
Michael didn't write much this last week, very short email, with very little info, and a day late (Thurs) to boot!
Hello Madre
Or as the Puerto Ricans say "mai" (pronounced "my"). That is super Puerto Rican slang. Now if you see any Puerto Ricans you can say Mom to them.
Ya, the crowns are kinda on hold. She has to get permission from the plan and they took molds so they are working on the crowns right now as well. So she is gonna call me when they are ready. So its out of my hair at least for a little while.
I got my last package and the other one too. The contacts feel a lot thinner and more comfortable. But my eyes still kinda get red, you know me.
Love Elder Osterloh
Hello Madre
Or as the Puerto Ricans say "mai" (pronounced "my"). That is super Puerto Rican slang. Now if you see any Puerto Ricans you can say Mom to them.
Ya, the crowns are kinda on hold. She has to get permission from the plan and they took molds so they are working on the crowns right now as well. So she is gonna call me when they are ready. So its out of my hair at least for a little while.
I got my last package and the other one too. The contacts feel a lot thinner and more comfortable. But my eyes still kinda get red, you know me.
Love Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
May 27. 2008
Hello there,
Well you may have thought that the root canal was over, but you forgot that im in Puerto Rico. She didnt finish it. I got sent to a dentist so that they can reconstruct the tooth and put a crown on the tooth. I have to go back in on thursday. Its not very fun. I like the dentist in Utah because they just take care of it there is no run around. The root canal lady said that the insurance was going to cover it all, so hopefully thats true. But the crown lady, Prefferred Metlife Dentist, said that the plan only covers half of the two crowns. So Ill have to fish out $500, 250 for one and 250 for the other. I love my teeth so much. Im trying to drink more milk, I think that is the key.
Transfers were this week thats why im writing on tuesday, And Im staying here with Elder Fuentes for anoder six weeks. Rio piedras is a very hilly place,(on bikes at least). Im not sure about the cruise ships, Its possible but I havent been anywhere near water, so i dont think that is here. We have a really cool ward with good members. We have two baptismal dates, but they are just soft dates.
Love Elder Osterloh
Well you may have thought that the root canal was over, but you forgot that im in Puerto Rico. She didnt finish it. I got sent to a dentist so that they can reconstruct the tooth and put a crown on the tooth. I have to go back in on thursday. Its not very fun. I like the dentist in Utah because they just take care of it there is no run around. The root canal lady said that the insurance was going to cover it all, so hopefully thats true. But the crown lady, Prefferred Metlife Dentist, said that the plan only covers half of the two crowns. So Ill have to fish out $500, 250 for one and 250 for the other. I love my teeth so much. Im trying to drink more milk, I think that is the key.
Transfers were this week thats why im writing on tuesday, And Im staying here with Elder Fuentes for anoder six weeks. Rio piedras is a very hilly place,(on bikes at least). Im not sure about the cruise ships, Its possible but I havent been anywhere near water, so i dont think that is here. We have a really cool ward with good members. We have two baptismal dates, but they are just soft dates.
Love Elder Osterloh
Monday, May 26, 2008
May 21, 2008
Sorry it took me so long to email today, I just finished reading all of your emails!!! Just kidding. It looks like Coleman is doing pretty good. Back to his normal dressing habits. ha.
I go to the dentista tomorrow. Its gonna be great. gotta love life. Mostly Im just excited to get it over with. If she doesnt finish me off this time I think that I will probably go on a rampage. My tooth feels really wierd because she put some like prtoective covering on it so she could finish it later. Its just different.
My bike pedal keeps on falling off. the screw that holds it in fell out. so i went to the "house of the screws" to get another one. I got it all fixed we rode away, and sure enough this one fell out as well. Im pretty sure that the inside is all stripped. So Im gonna search my stuff for the warranty. I have it somewhere. Until then I'm stuck on Elder Jorgensens midget bike. Yeehaw. With mucho Amor, Elder Osterloh
I go to the dentista tomorrow. Its gonna be great. gotta love life. Mostly Im just excited to get it over with. If she doesnt finish me off this time I think that I will probably go on a rampage. My tooth feels really wierd because she put some like prtoective covering on it so she could finish it later. Its just different.
My bike pedal keeps on falling off. the screw that holds it in fell out. so i went to the "house of the screws" to get another one. I got it all fixed we rode away, and sure enough this one fell out as well. Im pretty sure that the inside is all stripped. So Im gonna search my stuff for the warranty. I have it somewhere. Until then I'm stuck on Elder Jorgensens midget bike. Yeehaw. With mucho Amor, Elder Osterloh
Friday, May 23, 2008
Mother's Day
I know this blog is usually just Michael's weekly emails, but I decided I would add in what Michael did for our mother in Mother's Day. It was the sweetest thing ever. I had been talking with him for a few weeks trying to figure out something really great we could do for her because I know how much she misses michael, so after a LOT of thinking and emailing, Mo sent me some pictures that he took specifically for mom. I tied them to Maximo (Michael's cat) and he walked them up to my mom while she was talking on the phone with Mo. It really was funny to see Maximo all confused with the pictures tied to him like a cape, but even better was seeing my mom cry because she was laughing so hard! Here are the pictures that Mo sent to me and then also some pictures of mom holding max while talking to Mo. Happy Mother's Day mom!!
Now, this is the reaction from my mother! Priceless! I just love it when she laughs so hard she cries. I inherited that and I love it. (Notice her wiping the tears. priceless.)
What a good sport Maximo was to participate in this Mother's Day surprise and what a surprise it was. Anyway, Mo loves his mom very much. :)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
May 14, 2008
So here are some updates on the tooth visit. So I went in there and she took some x-rays. Definatly a root canal, or as you already know two root canals. She starting working on the first one, and did four canals of one of my molars, but didnt have time to get to the other tooth, only one canal, because we were lucky to squeeze in there anyways. She finished the one that was painful though. The other was just in the process so it was caught before it will get to bad. She gave me some interesting information about why i needed the root canals. She told me that my teeth looked great from the outside, but because of my fillings i needed the root canal. One of two things happened, either bacteria slid in underneath my filling or it was closed up with bacteria still inside there, so slowly it just went away at eating my tooth. Nothing I really could have done except not get the cavity in the first place. I go back in a week from tommorow.
Love, Elder Osterloh
Love, Elder Osterloh
Friday, May 9, 2008
May 7, 2008
Well about the tooth, dont worry too much. Its not a big deal. You know me, I dont feel pain. I need to get a root canal. but the tooth doesnt really hurt anytime except in the night. so i take some drogas and Im good. But president is transferring me back to puerto rico to have the dentist work done. Theres much more qualified persons there. So mothers day i will probably call you. Im not sure about the time yet though since I will be in a different area. I guess my new comp is elder fuentes. He was my district leader in Canovanas. So that will be good. Somebody I already know.
Our baptism for this saturday kinda dissapeared. We just found out that he has been lying to us and has a pretty bad Word of Wisdom problem, and now that we know, he has been dodging us. So that kinda sucks. But the family is still doing really good. We talked to them about getting married last night and the accepted the message but werent to sure that they wanted to get married. They are going to talk about it and give us an answer on Friday. Well they will give my comp and his new companion an answer on friday. Man, Im really sad that i have to leave this area already. Its hard just packing your bags and going like this. Ya know, I wont get a chance to say goodbye to hardly anybody. Thats so cool that we got a new bishop. Clint is such a god guy. Hes going to do awesome. thatll be wierd to come home to a different bishopric.
Love Elder Osterloh
Our baptism for this saturday kinda dissapeared. We just found out that he has been lying to us and has a pretty bad Word of Wisdom problem, and now that we know, he has been dodging us. So that kinda sucks. But the family is still doing really good. We talked to them about getting married last night and the accepted the message but werent to sure that they wanted to get married. They are going to talk about it and give us an answer on Friday. Well they will give my comp and his new companion an answer on friday. Man, Im really sad that i have to leave this area already. Its hard just packing your bags and going like this. Ya know, I wont get a chance to say goodbye to hardly anybody. Thats so cool that we got a new bishop. Clint is such a god guy. Hes going to do awesome. thatll be wierd to come home to a different bishopric.
Love Elder Osterloh
Friday, May 2, 2008
April 30, 2008
Ya, so we have taught the lowrence family again, We went over there to teach the law of chastity and the word of wisdom(double wammy), but we ended up only having time for the Wow, Because they were watching Finding Faith in Christ when we got there. We only got half a comitment for the word of wisdom. They know that it is right, but they said that every once in a while they would still like to drink coffee, or wine. So not yet, but they will. Its going to be really fun getting them married. A big learning experience, because they dont really have anyplace to do it in Portsmouth so they will have to go to Roseau. Roseau is where most of the cruises go, but an occasional smaller cruiseline comes through portsmouth. Today we had a real good time for pday. We went to the Trafalgar Falls. Wow, it was so cool. We hiked/jumped/mountain climbed our way right up next to the water falls. Their were two pretty close to eachother so we went to both. Man if we could go swimming as missionaries I would have been in their so fast! There were little pools at the bottom of both of the falls.
Love Elder Osterloh
Only eleven days till the best day till christmas, which is the best day till february 4th HEHEHe
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 23, 2008
The Lowrences are doing awesome. The mom and one of the kids came to church on Sunday and really liked it. They said it was a lot different then the catholic church that they had been attending. The mom has to work this next sunday but the kid wants to come again. We really want the father to come to church ya know. But get this, They arent married. So once again the process of getting people married begins. It might be a little more difficult this time, Mama lowrence kinda already told us that she didnt want to get married. Good thing that the gospel changes people, huh.
We usually get about 50 people to church. There is the medical school right by us so a lot of the students are members. Its about half students and half locals. The senior missionary, elder white, is the branch president. And most of the students do all the teaching for classes and such.
This last week we had four investigators in church. We have one baptismal date. his name is Junior, he's from santo domingo. he came here to try and find some work. doesnt really speak any english. so that gets interesting at our english branch on sundays. Guess who gets to translate?
Well thats most of the updates that I've got for now. President Dewsnup is visiting our island right now. He's come to see what needs to be done when the senior couple leaves in five weeks. They dont know of any replacements coming in the moment, unless grandma and grandpa want to sign up> :)Love Elder Osterloh
We usually get about 50 people to church. There is the medical school right by us so a lot of the students are members. Its about half students and half locals. The senior missionary, elder white, is the branch president. And most of the students do all the teaching for classes and such.
This last week we had four investigators in church. We have one baptismal date. his name is Junior, he's from santo domingo. he came here to try and find some work. doesnt really speak any english. so that gets interesting at our english branch on sundays. Guess who gets to translate?
Well thats most of the updates that I've got for now. President Dewsnup is visiting our island right now. He's come to see what needs to be done when the senior couple leaves in five weeks. They dont know of any replacements coming in the moment, unless grandma and grandpa want to sign up> :)Love Elder Osterloh
Monday, April 21, 2008
While we're waiting for another email....
here are some pictures that Elder O has sent us while on his mission. He's a great missionary!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 15, 2008
My companion and I are staying together. So nothing new here. I completely forgot about taxes, I guess thats one of the blessings of being a missionary, you get almost completely out of the world.
They usually leave people out on the islands for quite a while. There is an elder on Barbados who has been on that Island for over a year. He switched areas once, but still thats a long time. I will probalby be here for a while. The brethren have recommended to mission presidents everywhere that they leave missionaries in an area for six to eight months. Obviously that cant always happen, but that is kinda the new standard I guess.
They usually leave people out on the islands for quite a while. There is an elder on Barbados who has been on that Island for over a year. He switched areas once, but still thats a long time. I will probalby be here for a while. The brethren have recommended to mission presidents everywhere that they leave missionaries in an area for six to eight months. Obviously that cant always happen, but that is kinda the new standard I guess.
So I dont remember if I told you about this new family that we found. They are the Lowrence family. Man, they are so cool. We went over there to contact the mother and see how she was doing, so we were about to go and she asked us to mark another chapter in the Book of Mormon for her. They have plans to come to church the first time this next sunday. Every time we go over there I feel something telling me that they are going to get baptized and be awesome members here.
Love,
Elder Osterloh
(Here are some pictures that Elder O emailed. He looks really good! He's such a wonderful missionary!)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
April 9, 2008
Conference was great. We got to see it from the internet. We went over to the white's,senior couple, apartment. It was pretty nice. Almost like watching it from home ya know, except that it was a tiny apartment on a tiny screen on a tiny island. Thats the only difference. Ya I really like elder bednars talk because we spend most of our time walking the streets trying to find people to teach. Man, it would be so cool if the members found people for us to teach, but its so new here that that doesnt happen much ya know. We did find a new family that we started teaching this week. They are a family of 7. What a number uh. One of the kids is a little tiny baby, so we dont really teach the baby ya know. But they are really cool, we gave them a Book of Mormon and they are going to read it as a family. Man, Im excited for them. But they are really new still, so basically anything could happen with them ya know. Love Elder OsterlohPs Im learning French. A bunch of the people here speak french because the island keeps on going back and forth between endlish and french rule. And there is a french island just a short ferry ride away. I can see it when we walk down from our apartment.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April 2, 2008
the work here is going well. Things are starting to shape up with a few of our investigators that were having problems. They just didnt want to do any work themselves. They love our visits, but those commitments were killer. We think we have it figured out though. If not, well theres always more fish in the sea. Zone Conference went really well. President is really good to us. They gave us donuts for breakfast and hamburgers for lunch, those things are kinda out of the question out here because of prices.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
March 26, 2008
We have our zone conference on saturday. So we have to fly out on friday spend the night. Then saturday afternoon we are flying back. I think it will be nice to have some down time if you know what I mean. We have been working really hard here to find some new investigators. The investigators we have arent progressing at the rate that we had hoped for. Anyways We did meet this one really cool new guy. His name is Lico. He is from Haiti but he live in the DR for the last 9 years. He got to dominica about two months ago, so he is still learning english, but he speaks spanish very well, lucky for us. He was attending some other church here and the pastor told him that he was going to get baptized!!! Anyway he didnt really know why or even what baptism meant. So he saw us on the street, and came and asked us. We have taught him a couple times. He is still pretty new, but I think he's got some potential.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
March 20, 2008
Dominica is really good though. I told you a lot of stuff in the email from last week so hopefully you got it now cause i resent it. We have no problem finding people to teach. Everybody is so accepting. But none want to keep commitments. They dont really want to do anything for themselves. so it is a little hard. But the people here are so friendly and nice it amazes me. Whenever I thought of third world countries before i thought that there would be a lot of crime and that kind of stuff. But the people here are very respectful.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
March 12, 2008
I made it to Dominica. Its a great place, third world country. But as missionaries we've got what we need to live. To answer questions time. There is a senior couple here, The Whites, they are from queens creek arizona and they spoil us alot. Yesterday morning they had us over for breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, fruits, it was the jam. There are the senior couple and also two missionaries in Roseau, the capitol. My comp is Elder Nichols. Hes from Idaho. Hes been out 1 year and 8 months. theres a medical school here and about 50 or so of them are members and there are a couple members from here on the Island but the church is less than two years old here. I live in an apartment and our backyard is beautiful, its like a forest. The apartment is nicer then the place we had in canovanas thats for sure. Im in the city of Portsmouth.Theres no fast food here. We've got to get it all from the grocery store. They have a subway at the university, but normally we cant afford it. We dont have a car or bikes, just the two feet that god gave us. Our chuch building is a big lime green building that the church rents out in the middle of town. Its pretty sweet its got that old fahioned sign that hangs outside of the building. Its awesome. They filmed Pirates of the Carribean 2 here. The scene where they are fighting in the wheel as it rolls down the hill. Thats here. also basically everybody here is a masta fari. That means they look and act like bob marley. He is a God here. They all speak that islander accent here its pretty sweet. We found this guy on saturday, He is golden. Came to church sunday, he quit smoking already and wants to get baptized as soon as possible. They only thing is that he is from Haiti and speaks french. He does speak a little english though. So its like speaking to a 6 year old.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March 4, 2008
So this week is transfer week. Yesterday I got a call from the assistants to the president and they are moving me. I am going to the Island of Dominica (not the Dominican Republic). I'm pretty stoked. This means that Im going to have to change my proselyting language to English. I'm really excited. I believe that there is only one pair of missionaries on the entire Island. Its going to be crazy. I don't know what to expect at all. Im pretty sure that I know who my know companion is. He was in my zone three transfers ago. My flight leaves Wednesday at 1 pm. My companion is really jeolous, because he is still learning Spanish. So he wishes that he could go to the English part of the mission. The weird thing about it is that last Tuesday we had our interviews with the mission president, and after we had finished he asked me to say the closing prayer. So I started to say the prayer, Our dear Heavenly Father, up until then I had always said my prayers in Spanish when I was with president, but I had already started in English and so I just continued to pray in English. After the prayer the president just looked at me and smiled. It was pretty weird, but now I know why it happened like that.Hope you have the greatestestest week ever.
Truly yours,
Elder Osterloh
Truly yours,
Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
February 6,13,20,27, 2008
So my companion and I had to go to Carolina today to try and get his license. Those places are a joke so we still dont have it. But they have a Costco In Carolina so we went there to do our shopping today. I dont think I have ever been so happy to go to costco. It was just like america. There were samples, nice recliners, and people spoke english. I felt like i was in heaven. They also had the cold room for all the fruits and vegetables, and I saw my breath in there. I saw my breath in Puerto Rico. Can you believe that? We went to the funeral last saturday, but we didnt get to stay for the whole thing. We saw everybody speak and as soon as they took of in the cars we had to go. So you probably watched the end and I watched the biggining so between the two of us we probably got the whole thing. I got a package from elizabeth as well. I am currently in the process of trying to write a 17 page letter to her. We will see how far I get. My companion doest think I can do it, so thats my encouragement.Missionary work rocks. I love it. I've been able to work with some of the most humble people that I have ever met. The members here are really great. Its amazing the sacrifices they are willing to make to help spread the gospel.Love Elder OsterlohPS The other week I ate Iguana. I didnt want to tell you until I knew that i wasnt going to get sick. hehehe
Pdays are great. And tomorrow is Valentines day. So yesterday we went to the DMV so that my comp could get his puerto rican drivers license. He had to take the written riving exam, and he totally didnt pass it. So we have to got back again so that he can try again. Its funny. This Sunday was a great and marvolous Sunday for us. We had a baptism. It was really cool because this lady is so humble and so willing to obey the commandments. She does not live in the best of situations. Much of her family still lives in the dominican Republic, and the family that she does have here is trying to save up money to get the rest over here. anyway it was really hard to get her to agree to pay tithing, and the other day we were talking to the member who gives her a ride to church. And she told us about a conversation that they had. She said that Maria had started gathering her pennies, so that she can pay tithing. Maria said that it would be hard, but if the lord wants her to pay tithing then she is going to pay tithing. It was such a touching expirience for me. I know that she is going to be such a great member here.Well, we eat pretty well here. Thats funny that you asked me what I eat because Ryan asked me that same question, so I was just wondering what brought that up? For the most part we eat rice and beans, and they usually put a side of chicken along with it. When we cook for ourselves its more american food. Usually something fast and easy. Like Mac and cheese. A sandwhich. Bowl of cereal. Now we have some good freezer foods from costco, so we got that going for us.
well that pleases me that it wasnt max getting eaten alive. I was a little worried. It sounds like you guys are having a blast there, with all the basketball games, the snow, the flu. Why does it have to be so boring here, sun sun sun... hehehe.In the mission life, I am doing really great. We are finding, teaching, and preparing people for baptism. Im really excited. I hope i get to spend some more time here in canovanas, because the work is really starting to pick up. It was actually really frustrating when I first got here because we had nothing! We just left the house and started to make our way around. Slowly getting to know the area. Its incedible to me the change that I have seen here. I feel really blessed.
Pdays are great. And tomorrow is Valentines day. So yesterday we went to the DMV so that my comp could get his puerto rican drivers license. He had to take the written riving exam, and he totally didnt pass it. So we have to got back again so that he can try again. Its funny. This Sunday was a great and marvolous Sunday for us. We had a baptism. It was really cool because this lady is so humble and so willing to obey the commandments. She does not live in the best of situations. Much of her family still lives in the dominican Republic, and the family that she does have here is trying to save up money to get the rest over here. anyway it was really hard to get her to agree to pay tithing, and the other day we were talking to the member who gives her a ride to church. And she told us about a conversation that they had. She said that Maria had started gathering her pennies, so that she can pay tithing. Maria said that it would be hard, but if the lord wants her to pay tithing then she is going to pay tithing. It was such a touching expirience for me. I know that she is going to be such a great member here.Well, we eat pretty well here. Thats funny that you asked me what I eat because Ryan asked me that same question, so I was just wondering what brought that up? For the most part we eat rice and beans, and they usually put a side of chicken along with it. When we cook for ourselves its more american food. Usually something fast and easy. Like Mac and cheese. A sandwhich. Bowl of cereal. Now we have some good freezer foods from costco, so we got that going for us.
well that pleases me that it wasnt max getting eaten alive. I was a little worried. It sounds like you guys are having a blast there, with all the basketball games, the snow, the flu. Why does it have to be so boring here, sun sun sun... hehehe.In the mission life, I am doing really great. We are finding, teaching, and preparing people for baptism. Im really excited. I hope i get to spend some more time here in canovanas, because the work is really starting to pick up. It was actually really frustrating when I first got here because we had nothing! We just left the house and started to make our way around. Slowly getting to know the area. Its incedible to me the change that I have seen here. I feel really blessed.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
January 22,30, 2008
Well, there are some more problems that have happened with this baptism. She needs to be interviewed by the mission president and now she doesnt want to be interviewed again. Appearantly she didnt have a great experience in her first interview. So last night the mission president came with us to go and visit her to try and get her to be interviewed and she wasnt there. So we are going to try again this thursday or friday. But we are having a lot of other success as well. We set another baptismal date last night and we have two more people who we are going to give baptismal dates in our next appointment. We also have this really cool new investigator who says that she knows that we are representatives of God and that she needs to start coming to church and change her life around. She says that she was baptized in the Catholic church but she has always believed in the mormon church because they dont need to wear crosses or do other things but you can tell that they are true because of their contenence. Their is a light that surrounds mormons. So we are really excited to teach her more and she is coming to church this sunday.We got our transfer calls yesterday and I will be staying once again. At this rate I will only have four areas in my entire mission. But I love this area and Im really excited to be staying here.Love Elder Osterloh
So yes I did hear about president Hinckley. Monday morning the president of the mission called all the zone leaders and dispursed the information. Thats pretty sad, I really liked president Hinckley, but im sure the next prophet will be just as inspired and helpful. It does make things a little diferent when we are teaching people about following the prophet. We have a baptism planned for this Sunday, after church. That seams to be the best time to do it hear, because everybody struggles so much with transportation here. Maria Cruz is really awesome. She was already baptized in the catholic church, and we invited her to be baptized again. She agreed and I asked her why she wanted to be baptized. She told me "because this one is true". It was really really cool. I cant wait for Sunday. Her whole family wants to come. Its going to be great. So its the skyline brighton Battle huh? Or maybe it has already happened. Anyway, you should tell me how it went. Did Ryan make the game winning shot again? That would be sweet
So yes I did hear about president Hinckley. Monday morning the president of the mission called all the zone leaders and dispursed the information. Thats pretty sad, I really liked president Hinckley, but im sure the next prophet will be just as inspired and helpful. It does make things a little diferent when we are teaching people about following the prophet. We have a baptism planned for this Sunday, after church. That seams to be the best time to do it hear, because everybody struggles so much with transportation here. Maria Cruz is really awesome. She was already baptized in the catholic church, and we invited her to be baptized again. She agreed and I asked her why she wanted to be baptized. She told me "because this one is true". It was really really cool. I cant wait for Sunday. Her whole family wants to come. Its going to be great. So its the skyline brighton Battle huh? Or maybe it has already happened. Anyway, you should tell me how it went. Did Ryan make the game winning shot again? That would be sweet
Saturday, January 19, 2008
January 9, 19, 2008
Well, we are doing pretty good in our area. We have a new baptism planned for this Saturday and im way stoked for that.The weather is super hot here. It got a little chilly for a couple days, but im but to soaking wet shirts by the end of the day.Ya i never heard about coleman having a knee injury, but he told me that he tore his quad again. I guess hes all good now though.I did get my belated christmas gift and i did tell you that i loved it. I thought that you had forgotten that i had asked for that. It was really cool to have all the pictures with it too. There was only one person missing and that was Max. :)Love Elder OsterlohPs We are teaching a backup dancer for Daddy Yankee. Ryan might now who that is. He is The Regeatone artist down here. So basically we are going to infiltrate daddy yankees crew and get him baptized as well. Thats the plan.
Ha, Ryan finally gave a talk in church. 3 minutes huh? What did he read a scripture and bear his testimony? I guess thats alright. I bet that clint did a great job though. He's awesome.So that sounds pretty interesting steve is finally leaving us. Are you guys going to throw him a thank you party for all of his years of faithful service. Maybe you can give him a gold medal or something. I hope that you guys dont have to move to Logan. That would be wierd. So are you sure that Tyler is getting up at 700 everyday or is he just not going to sleep. I remember Tyler, he didnt go to bed until like 430 in the morning. But thats great that he has turned himself into a morning bird. So our baptismal date had some problems in the baptismal interview and needs some more time to prepare for her baptism. Im not really sure why, our district leader has given me any clues, so Im kinda walking in the dark trying to help her resolve whatever she had troubles with. She is really cool though and we are going to do all we can to get her back up on the saddle. Ya Elder wells had knee problems before he came on the mission, he had some accident, and they never got it fixed. So now he is paying the price. But i dont think it will be too bad for him they will just have to keep him in car areas. Which I believe he would prefer anyways. Transfer are a week from today. We get transfer information this Sunday. That means that Ill be doing email next tuesday not next wednesday. Please tell missy that too, I always forget to tell her, and she always writes at the last minute. Everybody thinks that I will be going to an english speaking Island. Personnaly I wouldnt mind staying in canovanas another transfer. It is great here.I want you to know that I love you so much. Im so thankful for all that you did to help prepare me to serve a mission. It is such a great experience. I love it so much. I learn so much everyday out here. And the people are so great.Love Elder Osterloh
Ha, Ryan finally gave a talk in church. 3 minutes huh? What did he read a scripture and bear his testimony? I guess thats alright. I bet that clint did a great job though. He's awesome.So that sounds pretty interesting steve is finally leaving us. Are you guys going to throw him a thank you party for all of his years of faithful service. Maybe you can give him a gold medal or something. I hope that you guys dont have to move to Logan. That would be wierd. So are you sure that Tyler is getting up at 700 everyday or is he just not going to sleep. I remember Tyler, he didnt go to bed until like 430 in the morning. But thats great that he has turned himself into a morning bird. So our baptismal date had some problems in the baptismal interview and needs some more time to prepare for her baptism. Im not really sure why, our district leader has given me any clues, so Im kinda walking in the dark trying to help her resolve whatever she had troubles with. She is really cool though and we are going to do all we can to get her back up on the saddle. Ya Elder wells had knee problems before he came on the mission, he had some accident, and they never got it fixed. So now he is paying the price. But i dont think it will be too bad for him they will just have to keep him in car areas. Which I believe he would prefer anyways. Transfer are a week from today. We get transfer information this Sunday. That means that Ill be doing email next tuesday not next wednesday. Please tell missy that too, I always forget to tell her, and she always writes at the last minute. Everybody thinks that I will be going to an english speaking Island. Personnaly I wouldnt mind staying in canovanas another transfer. It is great here.I want you to know that I love you so much. Im so thankful for all that you did to help prepare me to serve a mission. It is such a great experience. I love it so much. I learn so much everyday out here. And the people are so great.Love Elder Osterloh
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
January 2, 2008
ya, it was way awesome to talk to you all on christmas. We didnt get to do anything special for new years. We had to be inside by six. It souended like world war three had started outside because of all the celebration. Everybody had fireworks the shooting kind. It was pretty funny. I thought to myself...this must be what its like to be in the middle of a war. Yesterday we had our presidents intervews, it was really good. also we had to go on a drive to caguas. The caguas stake is doing some mini missions and president dewsnup assigned one of them to serve his week long mission with us. So now Ive got another new companion. His name is elder Castro, and he says he doesnt believe that he is related to fidel. so that reassuring. On sunday we had Nelia Javier in church again with her six year old daughter. She also brought her little sisters and a friend. It was really cool. We extended a baptismal invite to her, but she has not accepted it yet. I am sure that she will soon though. Her friends name is Albita and we have started teaching her as well. It is going really well. We have a lot of people committed to coming to church this sunday, I am praying that all of them can make it. We found two really cool families yesterday. I think the new kid is our goodluck charm. One said that he used to have the missionaries over back the last time a hurricane hit and the missionaries helped him to get everything cleaned up. He said that they he was supposed to be baptized but he wasnt. I dont know why yet. the other is named Joshua. He is a way cool kid we taught him the first lesson and afterwards he said that it all made such great sense. He has to work this sunday but wants to come the following sunday. The work is moving right along.So how are you all enjoying your gifts. Did you get them all super glued yet? I bet that max has some long meaningful conversations with his new friend. Everybody is excited to be going back to school i bet. All the kids here are out of school until next week because they celebrate three kings day on the 6th. But they only get two months of summer break.Elder Beatty is doing great. His spanish is still coming along but he is doing a lot better with it. It takes a lot of practice to get good. Even just understanding people can be difficult here, even for me at times. They speak a very broken spanish.Ya, elder wells got a little bit crazy on the tape. He had a blast with it. But that was elder wells personallity anyways. Now elder wells is with a latin, so no english. Its really hard for him.I got a letter from alonso yesterday. You still hadnt sent me his adress. Slacker. But now i got it. He seams to be doing well. His hair looks a little long in his picture, but its colder there.LoveElder Osterloh
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