Letter # 15 (Feb. 2, 2009)

I was transferred to Chapel Hill! I'm near the UNC campus. It's a great college town. I love it! We are responsible for the non-students. I believe the Durham 3rd elders proselyte the students. So I met my companion. His name is Elder Condie. He's been out for 1 transfer (6 weeks) and I've been out for 2 transfers (3 months). I think that we're the youngest companions (mission age) in mission history! He's amazing! He's so poised and mature for his age. The ward had a baptism the Saturday before I got there. His last companion is also a phenomenal missionary. There was a baptism set for Saturday, January 31st. I couldn't believe the great situation I was put in. I was humbled by the trust that the mission president has in us in putting us together. I met the Suners(pronounced soon year) the Tuesday I got there. They're the family of 3 (mother, son and daughter) who were getting baptized last Saturday the 31st. They're awesome. I never met a family so ready. Diane the mother lived in New York city in her youth up to her 20's. She once lived in 107th and West End just 4 blocks and a couple of avenues from where I used to live. She has a light to her and she keeps it real. Her 13 year old son (Ivan) is so smart and he just gets it. He's going to be a stud in the gospel. Her daughter is funny and clever. She's 11 years old and she's going to be amazing. I felt joy in my heart because they were going to be baptized on Saturday.

Diane called us on Thursday to tell us that her soon to be ex-husband has been emailing her anti-mormon websites. He lives in Florida. He all of a sudden wanted to care about them joining the church. We went to see the Suners that night and we comforted Diane. I told her that I received opposition prior to joining the church. I received great opposition prior to me going on a mission. We all go through it. Jesus went through it as well. We left their house feeling good about Saturday.

Diane called us Friday and told us that her husband threatened to freeze up her finances if she and her kids joined the church. What a punk! We prayed for them and for her husband's heart to be softened. She called us back and told us that she's post-poning the baptism. She said that her husband wants to learn more about the church so he's willing to meet the bishop and other members.

This may be a good thing. The husband could see our goodness and then become 100% supportive of their decision. His heart was softened. Diane bore her testimony in fast and testimony meeting about the church being true. The whole ward knows the situation so everyone will be supportive. They'll be fine!

This situation highlights the fact that Satan does not take a day-off. We, therefore cannot take a day off neither. We must continue to pray and read our scriptures. We must continue to do good works and follow the Savior. We sometimes have to stretch ourselves. The Lord remembers all the covenants he has made with us. He is bound when we keep His commandments. He lives! This is His work and His glory.

Love, Elder Olaya