Letter #76 (May 17, 2010)

We had a great start to our week and a dissapointing weekend. We had set a baptismal date with Kevin Thigpen last week and we taught him a couple of times this past week, but we haven't been able to get a hold of him since Saturday. He seemed like the most elect person I taught on my mission. This has been hard to swallow. We hope that we get to hear from him soon.


We set a date with a part-member investigator. Her name is Beth Obrien. She mentioned in the past that she didn't want to get pushed and missionaries have been hesitant to set a date with her. But we set a firm date for June 5th. She wants to get baptized before Elder Collard leaves. He's been doing a great work here in Washington preparing people to get baptized. I love him very much.

We're teaching a lady named Vanessa Dixon. We taught her a great lesson with our Branch President, President Groves. We taught Kevin 2 times in President Groves' house. He's been very helpful to us in the missionary effort. He's the MVB (most valuable Branch President) of the North Carolina Raleigh Mission. I love this Branch.

I was studying the Plan of Salvation lesson in Preach My Gospel. It said in "our life on earth" section that our purpose in life is to have joy and to prepare to return to live in God's presence. Its simple, but powerful. This is the message that brings joy and leads us to life eternal. I know that its true. I'm grateful for this work.

Love, Elder Olaya