Letter #35 (July 13, 2009) - Transfer and called as Zone leader

I'm leaving the Chapel Hill 1st Ward. President Cotterell called me Saturday afternoon. He released me as a district leader. He called me as a zone leader. I'm being transferred to the Chapel Hill 2nd ward. I'm so excited! I'm still going to be in Chapel Hill. I'll be working on the other side of town. I'll still be going to the same church building. I'll still be able to see the Chapel Hill 1st ward members every Sunday. I'll be serving with Elder Birrell, my current zone leader. He's such a good missionary. When we went on exchanges and served together a couple of weeks ago, we were amazing together. We already had a great love for each other. We're going to do a great and marvelous work in Chapel Hill. I'm super excited!

I'll be 9 months on my mission this Wednesday. I was able to interview to baptismal candidates last Friday on July 10th. Their names were Marcus Covington and Alli Pridgen. They got baptized into the singles ward. It was a great spiritual experience for me and for them. I interviewed them individually. They shared their testimony with me and I shared mine with them. I gave them some advice as the Spirit directed me. What made these interviews sweet was that it was done 5 years to the date I was baptized. I can't believe I've been a member for 5 years. I sometimes feel like I've been a member my whole life. There has been so many great things that I have been blessed with because of my membership in the Church. I've felt great joy and I know my Savior. I love Him and my Father in Heaven.

We had another powerful lesson with Kathy on Saturday. She's set to getting baptized on July 25th. I'm happy that I'm going to be in Chapel Hill to see her get baptized. I'm excited and happy for her friend Brother Kirby. He was very happy to hear that I'll be in Chapel Hill as well. Many people said their goodbyes to me. But not really! I'll see them next Sunday. I've enjoyed my time in the Chapel Hill 1st ward. I have a great love for many in that ward.

I'm grateful for this work. Oh! I saw Evan Johnson in Chapel Hill. He was with his brother driving on the road when he saw me at the bus stop. He pulled up next to me and said, "Elder Olaya?''. When I saw Evan I was so shocked. I shouted and literally jumped for joy. He got out of the car and we embraced. They drove us home. He gave me a little update on New York. It was great to see him. It was one of the many tender mercies I received from the Lord this week. I also received a bunch of photos of my dad from Becky. I'm grateful for those who have visited him. He looked happy in the photos. My joy is overwhelming. Great is God. I love Him. This is the Lord's true Church on earth. I'm a representative of Jesus Christ.

Elder Olaya