I woke up with the flu

So this past Friday, I went on exchanges with my District Leader, Elder T. And I woke up with the flu! That's funny, isn't it? Wait, you are probably wondering where the humor is. Let me explain.

So, after we had our district meeting in the morning, we had to go back to the flat, because I was having a great time feeling terrible. So Elder T had to stay in the flat with me while I slept and recovered from the flu. Poor guy! When he was about to leave, I got up, and told him "Hey, sorry for the lame exchange", and he was like "Are you kidding me? That was the best exchange I have ever had!", meaning that he enjoyed not working. He of course was kidding, both of us would have liked to go and do the work. Especially since we had planned to see like four of Elder Cocker and my investigators. But it definitely made me laugh, and feel better about the exchange.

Korean People AND Indian People are My Favorite

Elder Cocker and I picked up a new investigator yesterday (actually, two, because we taught a lesson to Mrs. K____ also). I don't remember if I mentioned meeting the Indian dude a couple weeks ago, but we ran into him, and he said that he used to go to one of the LDS chapels here in Canberra. We went and visited him yesterday, and found out that he isn't a member, but that he just went a couple times with his neighbor, who is a member. We shared a portion of the Restoration with him, and he told us that we are always welcome to come and talk to him, as long as we are talking about Jesus Christ. It was a cool experience, despite the fact that there was a language barrier. I have decided that Korean people AND Indian people are my favorite (I mentioned the K____ family are Indian, right?).

About Jarrad's Missionary Flat Mates

Okay, so you asked what have I learned from Elder Cocker, and you  wanted to hear about the other missionaries from my flat. Elder Cocker is a stud! He is a great trainer, and has lots of experience to share with me. One thing that he told me that stuck out to me is that we have to recognize that all good comes from God. All of the blessings that we have, everything good that happens in our lives is from God, and we need to acknowledge His hand in all things. (see Moroni 7:13)

Elders Larsen and Cocker working on their Area Book.

The other missionaries in our flat are Elders Pedersen and Searle. Elder Pedersen is from Highland, Utah and plays Gridiron (what Aussies call American football). He will be playing as a wide receiver for Southern Utah University when he gets home from his mission, where his brothers play. He plays basketball too, and has a good sense of humor! Elder Searle is from Cache Valley, Utah. He is good at soccer and basketball, and will also be attending Southern Utah when he gets home from the mission.

That's really cool that the Presiding Bishop of the Church is going to be at Sacrament Meeting in your ward in Chico. Elder Searle is good friends with the Presiding Bishop's son, they live close to him I think.

Teaching Experiences

We saw a family yesterday, only for like 20 minutes. But it was good! Really good! We talked about Biblical prophets and how they are important, and then shared with them that our church has a unique message; that a prophet is again on the earth after centuries of no prophets. And they truly enjoyed the message. We have a return appointment for this Tuesday evening with them. I can't wait!

We haven't been able to see the fisher guy and his Korean girlfriend this week. We planned to see them Friday, but of course I was sick, and then we were also going to see them yesterday, but we got really busy with some other stuff. But we will for sure see them some time this week.

Water spout seen from Mount Ainslie. We stopped there today for the view with the District.

With the Tongan guy, we haven't had any luck. It seems like he has dropped off the face of the planet. Part of that I am sure is that he has a job now, so he is busy. I think that he still has a desire to learn about the Book of Mormon more, and to hear what other messages that we as missionaries share. He just hasn't found time.

There is the capital of Australia! You can see at the far end of the line Parliament Building, and on this side of the line is the War Memorial. To the right on the far side of the river is the National Library.

Of Flies and Spiders

What is the weirdest bug that I have seen? The flies! They are ginormous! And annoying. Elder Cocker and I witnessed a dead fly give birth. That was nasty! We were studying one day, and then Elder Cocker yelled out "Dude, this dead fly is giving birth!" So, naturally I had to go see this phenomenon. It was..... weird. I think I will spare y'all the nausea from describing it, but just know, that it was incredibly.... strange.

Our flat is really nice, there aren't really any spiders that I have found. I have seen redbacks here, but not at the house. Redbacks are similar to Black Widow spiders that are found in the states, only their backs are red, not their bellies. Similar sting, from what I have heard.

The Australian Redback Spider is related to the American Black Widow spider

Answers to Miscellaneous Questions

I don't think that anyone in the Canberra zone can go to the temple. All of the other zones can, but Canberra is really far south. So, I will have to wait until I am transferred somewhere north of here. But I don't really want to be transferred. I love it here!

The new bike is good! I have only ridden it twice, because Elder Cocker has a busted tire already. After two rides! Unlucky. But the bike rides very nicely. It is a bit hot to be riding bikes here around now, so I am glad to be walking. It may take longer, but I am not drenched in sweat when I am done. At least we aren't in Sydney. It is hoooot there!

Those were some cool pictures of the albino buck! Reminds me of all the good times out on the farm!

Blacktail deer picture taken by Jarrad's old boss, Brian M.

I will have to teach JJ how to play uke! I will just have to learn how to play first... Or maybe JJ can learn, and teach me when I get home! :)

Jarrad's Ukulele, which he spent an undisclosed sum of money on.  ;)

Final Thoughts

I like the pictures that you guys sent me. Very cool! What's on Moana's face?

Okay! Well that's about it! I hope y'all have a good week! Thanks for the prayers and for the love! Much appreciated. Be good and remember who you are! Peace out!

Elder Larsen

PS - Ezra, you are a goof! Thanks Kaysie, I appreciate your desire to share [your cold] with me.... Oh, and I forgot to answer one of your questions. I did meet Elder Macfarland, but not until we were traveling. He is a good guy! I don't know him too well, he was in a different zone, but a good guy nonetheless.

Another cool bird...