He made it! He was baptized!

G'day inhabitants of the World!  How ya goin'?

It has been a long week. I can tell you that for sure.

He made it!  He was baptized!

I guess the biggest and most exciting thing that happened this week was B's Baptism! Yaaaaaay! He made it! He was baptized on Saturday evening by his son-in-law A. It was such a great experience. I was very proud of the ward members that showed up and supported B. He was overjoyed at the response from the ward. And his service was beautiful. I will send a copy of the program.

A picture from B's baptism!

He didn't have words to describe it

One of the coolest things was when Elder Wulf and I went into the bathroom in between the ordinance and the rest of the program, while B and A were changing. I asked B how he felt. He said he didn't have words to describe it. Then he shared with us when he knew that it was the right path for him to take. He said that it wasn't until the Recent Convert Fireside that he knew without a doubt. He said President Palmer's testimony was what sealed the deal.

President Palmer spoke of the conversion of his family. He spoke of real problems and issues and how the missionaries (back in the '50's) helped to resolve their concern. President also spoke of the profound influence that those missionaries were in his life. B shared that all of the missionaries that taught him mean so much to him. As icing on the cake, President Palmer was there at his baptism! We invited him and Sister Palmer to attend, and they were able to make it. President was invited to share his testimony during the meeting, and he bore a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, and a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. It was incredible. Sunday B was confirmed by A, and Elder Wulf and I were able to assist with that. What a neat experience!

Me, B and Elder Wulf.

Opening our mouths

We have been having great experiences with opening our mouths. We rode the train this week and spoke to many people who have been prepared. One neat thing was when we got off of the train at one point, we talked to this young woman for around a half-hour. She couldn't focus the whole time, and when we left (she was left with a pass-along card with our number) we thought that that was the last that we would see of her. That was Saturday, just before B's baptism.

Before the baptism started she called us. She wanted to talk. She apologized for not listening, and we set up an appointment for after B's baptism. We were able to meet with her and leave her a copy of the Book of Mormon. Then she texted saying that she needed help. The next day, we called her and talked to her for an hour on the phone, telling her how she could know what we said was true. The spirit was strong. She understands. She is currently reading the book. She wants to talk on the phone again this evening. Miracles!

They are all awesome... just not awesome singers!

One funny thing that happened this week was actually at the baptism. We did a surprise musical number for B_ and sang "I am a Child of God" with a family. They are all awesome... just not awesome singers! It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo funny! Ohhhh my gosh!! They could not hold a tune! Bwahhahahaha I almost busted up laughing 30,000 times during the song. I wrote in my journal one line concerning the musical item. "That was interesting." :D

Albino kangaroos and other answers to questions...

Your mom has been hearing some pretty scary missionary stories. Lots of "I never told Mom that story until I got home." So she wants to know what you've really been up to in Australia! Well, Mom. If I told you, then you probably wouldn't want to send any other missionaries into the field.... :)

JJ wants to know, "What's Australian math like?" I can't say that I know! I don't do math here. But it must be different. It wouldn't make any sense for the math here to be the same....

Ezra: Why did they name Australia Australia? It is because of the trails here. They are American. A-U.S.-TRAiL-Is-Apparent.

Moana: "Have you seen any albino kangaroos?" No, I haven't. I haven't seen a roo-bag since Canberra! It has been ages!

Kaysie: "What constellations do you see down under? Do you see the same stuff?" I literally found the Southern Cross for the first time last night. So no, we see different stuff. :)

Now.... An assignment for the family again... Mwahaha. Next week I would love to see pictures of you all in missionary attire! :) There may be a reward in upcoming packages for that.....

Okay, I love you all! Have a great week!
042 (slang for the Tongan farewell "ofa-atu")
Elder Larsen

Looks like Jarrad found his evil twin...

Or maybe his evil trips...

Missionary work isn't easy

A few excerpts from Jarrad's letter to his mission president:

Dear President Palmer,

I just thought that I would express gratitude for all that you and your wife do for the missionaries of this mission. I think that it is incredible that you care enough about us to consider us all individually. I also really enjoyed reading your letter this week. I think that reading all of the examples of "Open Your Mouth" missionaries is benefiting me greatly by helping me have a desire to speak to everyone, because I know that miracles are happening everywhere.

Things are all good back home! My family is well. One of my good friends just received his mission call to Colombia! I am so happy for him. Every week my family shares with me the missionary work that they have done that week, or missionary experiences that they have been a part of/witnessed. This week they shared about a woman in our ward back home who fainted and had to go to the hospital. My dad went to give her a blessing, and when he got there, she was "just happy as pie to be there. Doing missionary work among the nurses!" It is exciting to hear about the hastening work back home.

Our area is doing really well! It was such an exciting experience to see B enter the waters of Baptism and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was sooo special for him, and spiritually uplifting for myself. Thank you so much for attending. You have truly made an impact on B's life. I thought it was a neat experience to hear about how he knew that this was the path he should take only when he attended that recent convert fireside that his friend M spoke at, but particularly your words. I think that made your attendance at his baptism even more special.

My lamp of testimony is continuing to be nourished by the oil of conversion. As the Spirit is poured into my life, I know with more and more conviction that Jesus is the Christ! That Joseph Smith restored His Gospel. That the Book of Mormon is God's word. And that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom on the earth once more.

Missionary work isn't easy. It is tiring. It is stressful. It is draining. It is more difficult than anything that I have done in my life. Especially serving now as a Zone Leader. But I know that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I think that after my mission there will not be a day that I do not reflect on the experiences that I have had and will have while in the field. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. I know that He calls us through a prophet to serve where we need to be because He loves us all. I know that missionary service is the most important thing for any young man to do (before marriage). 

I love you! Hope that all is well, and we will see you Tuesday!
Love,
Elder Larsen