Letter #8 (Dec. 15, 2008)

Hey!

I've been on my mission for 2 months. I've been in NC for 6 weeks. That means that I completed one transfer. To my surprise, I found out Saturday night that my companion is getting transferred. Already!!! He was a district leader and now he's going to be a zone leader in Fayetteville. I find out tomorrow who's going to be my new companion. I'm a little nervous and unsure what to expect. I have to adapt to my new companion/follow-up trainer. I have to get him up-to-date with our area and what to expect from our ward. I'll be fine! The Lord is aware of my concerns and he will strengthen me.

Someone we taught earlier in the week came to church yesterday. Her name is Wanda. She is excited about the gospel. Way excited! She's a little on the wild side. She's in her late 40's. She has some Native American heritage. We met her in the streets one day and she gave her address. She loves the Lord. She once said, "All I want people to say this Christmas is Happy Birthday Jesus!" She's the "Praise the Lord" type. She doesn't bite her tongue. She has a mean attitude. She's had a tough life. Very tough life. She lost her husband about 20 years ago to a car crash that she blames herself for. She's been arrested like 3 times. She has some issues. But I see good in her. I know the power of the atonement can change hearts. I know what it's done for me. I'll keep praying for her. She read the restoration pamphlet and marked it up and answered the questions on the back. Who does that? She prayed on her own to know if the message was true and she said that God let her know that its true. Amazing! She wants to get baptized. She has a lot to overcome. But if she desires the gospel in her life, I'm confident in the power of God in guiding her.

Many other great experiences I had this week. I know that Thomas S Monson is God's prophet. I love this work.

Love, Elder Olaya