12.27.10

Mom,
Hey it was so good to talk to you all and to hear your voices. It's hard to believe that this was my last Christmas phone call, sometimes it feels like serving a mission just doesn't end. On Friday we went
to a local orphanage and took some cookies and stuffed dolls for the kids. It was a pretty cool little place, they mostly handle babies from 0-3 so we got to play with the babies and feed them. It was
pretty cool, it's been a long time since I've fed a baby. Saturday we went to the couple's flat and exchanged gifts with each other and then we ate food. We bought a turkey and Sister Fox cooked it for us. It was good, we still have the beard, it's only about 2 1/2 inches long, not a trophy, but it did taste good! :) Sister Fox also made a couple pumpkin pies, not quite like your's mom, but it was pretty good. it's been the only one that i've had since i got here, so i enjoyed it. Sunday was good as well, some members got together and fed all four of us dinner. haha they had a bowl of chicken, cut up in chunks. I
pulled out what i thought was a drumstick, but it was hard like a bone, haha it took me a minute but i finally realized that it wasn't a drumstick, it was the head. kinda funny, but it tasted pretty good.
Today i finally got a hair cut, Elder Bakker helped me out. My hair was getting long, so now my head feels pretty light. i hope that you all have a Happy New year. Don't forget to make some good new year's goals/resolutions. I was reading Pres. Uchtdorf's talk, "of things that matter most" this morning. it was really good, it inspired me to focus on those small, simple and basic things that will help us to get
through difficult times. If we don't do the little things then the big things that we all wish to accomplish in our lives will be next to impossible. It's funny how simple and yet intracrit the gospel is. But i do know that this gospel is true and that if we will do the things that the Lord has asked us to do through his prophets, then we will be blessed. There is always a way to be obedient. Well i love you all, and i hope that you have a great week. until next year,
love
Elder Larsen

this is me pretending to kill christmas dinner. it would've been cool to slaughter a turkey with a panga ( the thing in my hands) but i think it would've made a
huge mess!

12.20.10

Thanks for the pictures that you sent. Brody looks like a cute little kid.  He'll be a tough nut with all this stuff he's going through.  I can't believe that I guessed right with the weight. So when do     they plan on releasing him from the hospital? any time soon? Well  there has been a lot of changes for me over here.  I'm now in   Kisumu, it's right at the top of Lake Victoria and it is HOT.  It feels a lot like Phoenix. I now have a white companion, Elder Herr is    his name, he's from Tucson, AZ.  He's been out for about three   months.  This is now his third transfer in the field.  I replaced his    trainer and now I'm the District Leader.  It seems like these leadership callings never end.  The people here all speak english, its amazing. I'm gonna miss all the swahili.  We had two baptisms on Saturday along with the branch christmas party.  there was a ton of new people who i don't know, but i figure that i'll learn all of     there names eventually.  We have another baptism planned for a  little bit after christmas, this area is doing really good.  there is    plenty on work to do. So for Christmas I was thinking that it would be best for me in the evening sometime, which would make it   morning for you.  Maybe about 6 or 7 my time.  I'm not sure what   time that'll be for you.  but I hope that'll work out.  I know every  body will probably be all stung out at the hospital, so don't worry about it too much, May is just around the corner.  I've been thinking a lot about service and gratitude lately.  It's an amazing feeling to give a little and help someone else out.  It seems like when we do that then all of the things that are wrong or not going right are taken away and our burdens are lifted.  And showing gratitude has a similar effect.  I'm so grateful for all that you guys back there at home have done for me and for your support and help.  Thanks again and i hope that you all have a very merry christmas!!
Love ya
Elder Larsen

12.13.10

Well my time in Arusha has hit the end, wednesday morning i'm heading to Nairobi and Thursday i should be in Kisumu.  yippeeee i'm gonna get some fresh fish!!!  I'm going to be serving with a white guy for a change, not sure how that'll be but i'm looking forward to it.  His name is Elder Herr and I'm not sure where he's from exactly.  This last week was just fantasticly spiritual.  We had three baptisms.  Nahum asked me to baptize and confirm him.  Elder Ndhlovu baptized and confirmed Neema, and Brother Chinunda baptized and i confirmed Amos Kibanda.  It's been such a joy to watch these people progress in the gospel and make it to the waters of baptism.  There has been struggles all along the way, but they all pressed forward with His help.  This last week we've been doing our best to offer any kind of service available.  we were able to cut down a tree with an axe for Japhet, Elder Ndhlovu and I had it down in about ten minutes but I was really disappointed with my soft hands.  A little bit of manual labor killed my hands and gave me blisters.  It kinda made me feel like a little girl.  So i don't know about you guys, but i'm excited for these babies to get there.  whit asked me to guess how much he'll weigh, so i'm thinkin he's gonna be about 5lbs, 11 oz.  let me know how close i get, i'm not to good with babies but who knows, maybe i'll get close...... is there a prize for the winner? haha jk  today we went to the other guys' house and had lunch.  we all brought 1/2 kg ( 1 lb ) of meat each and cooked it over charcoal. it was good.  well not sure what else to say so i better get moving, we still have to hit the store before our Pday ends and i have to pack and get all my stuff organized.  this whole moving around and living out of a suit case is no fun at all.  Well take care and have a good week!  I love you all.
Love
Elder Larsen

12.6.10

So no i haven't gotten a package yet, and if you sent macaroni then i hope the cheese is still in there.  The burgenders came up this week so if it was in the office then i would've gotten it along with any letters, but i didn't get anything.  and i'm pretty sure that Elder Lipengah would have told me that they got a package for me.  So for chistmas, i'm not sure what time we'll be talking.  cuz transfers are next week and i might get moved, so i could be in a completely different part of east africa with a new companion by the time christmas rolls around.  but maybe plan on the morning sometime and then i'll plan on the evening sometime....that otta get us close to the right time. :)  haha its funny that the tree is covered with lights.  i told my companion that we need to cut down the tree in front of the gas station near our house.  then we can set it up and have a christmas tree.  :)  but he didn't like the idea, so we won't be stealing the tree in the middle of the night.  on friday we went and dug some holes for Nahum's banana trees.  Nahum is planning on getting baptized on saturday.  he is building a house and working like crazy to get it done, so it felt good to help him. Bro. chinunda's daughter Neema should also be getting baptized this weekend. we're gonna do the interviews this week to make sure that everything is good, but i don't expect any challenges.  it's been a joy to watch and help these two progress toward baptism.  it has been a roller coaster at times, but i one thing that i've learned is that even when we hit a low spot, the roller coaster still moves forward.  and with the Lord's help, we go up.  Well take care and have a good week.  i love you all
Elder Larsen

11.29.10

Thanks for the pics of the pies.... it made me remember how bad my own cooking ability is. :) it seems like you guys got dumped on with snow, well if you look at the bright side then the ski season will be longer this year. beaver should almost be able to open up. :) Well this week was pretty good, nothing exciting happened. we've gotten into the habit of going to the park in town and playing something on mondays. today we played basketball, i thought i was kinda in shape.... but i'm not. i got so tired and worn out. i should start running every morning again. that would be a good thing. so my thanksgiving was awesome, it was so good that i forgot about it until friday. then i remembered, but by that time it was over, so i didn't miss much. i'm gonna buy a chicken today so maybe that'll be my thanksgiving dinner. We have two baptisms coming up, one might be pushed back for a polygamy interview but i think it'll go through almost on time. they're planned for a week from saturday. Well everybody, i love you tons and i hope you have a great week.
love ya
Elder Larsen

11.22.10

Thanks for the pics, you guys all look good.  mom, you have some very prego daughters.  Earlier this week we were able to help one of our investigators with his chickens.  we left early friday morning and headed up to his home above arusha.  it takes about 1.5 hours to walk up there.  and then we had to eat something first, that's like a tradition here, you always have to eat something, even if you don't want to.  so we drank some milk.  then we went to work with the chickens, there was about 100 of them.  we had to catch and vaccinate each one individually.  it was pretty fun, i haven't been able to do much with animals since i came out, but it was fun and enjoyable.  after we finished with the chickens we taught him the plan of salvation and set a baptismal date for dec 11.  I love this guy, he is an older gentleman, a retired veterinarian, and he is humble and has lots of soul searching questions.  he says he likes the church because he can ask a question and get an answer.  apparently that isn't possible in any other church.  who would have thought that Christ's true church helps us all to learn and progress?  its amazing isn't it?  i love being able to learn and find answers to questions.  
today we played some soccer in the park.  it was fun, as always there was kids hanging around waiting to play with somebody that had a ball so we formed a couple teams and had a good time.  
if i remember right then thanksgiving is this week, so enjoy!  i get sick everytime i think about pies and other good food.  haha next year i'll be there!  But remember to be grateful, just like pres Monson counseled us to be in his talk.  gratitude is a great way to show love and appreciation.   I know i'm so grateful for all that i've received in my life.  if it wasn't for all the good people who have helped me on my way then i know i wouldn't be in tanzania right now, sharing the joy that the gospel can bring.  I love you all and i hope that you all doing well. take care and be careful on them cold snowy roads!
love ya
Elder Larsen

11.15.10

Well I didn't get moved, Elder Ndhlovu and I will be staying together for a third transfer.  Elder Frost and Jackson are also staying together, so all of Arusha stayed the same.  Those two had a baptism on Saturday and then after that we finally started to watch General Conference. We watched the sat morning session on saturday and the sunday morning session on sunday.  hopefully soon we'll get to see the other sessions.  Elder Harris who just finished his two years had his family come and pick him up. He took them down here to Arusha and they went on safari's and stuff.  but saturday night they invited us to dinner at their hotel, wow, talk about good food. I haven't ate that good for a long time.  I think i'll count that as my thanksgiving diner, cuz i don't see another meal like that in the near future.  While we were watching general conference, right at the beginning, the power went out.  So we started singing "onward chistian soldiers" and before the song finished, the power came back.  I leaned over and whispered to my companion " a song of the righteous is a prayer unto me "  haha he just laughed.  but it's true, we needed the power so it returned.  John, the kid i baptized two weeks ago passed the sacrament this week.  I was so excited and happy for him.  He was all dressed up with his white shirt and tie and he did a great job. He kinda reminds me about connor and mason, only, john is quiet and shy and .... well, connor and mason aren't, last time i checked.  :)
So where did you get this wild boar that you ate?  I didn't know that was on the hunting list this year? 
Today we played a little basketball with some kids in the park.  it was four Elders on eleven kids.  needless to say that we got worn out really quick, but we still won. :) 
This week Elder Ndhlovu hits his year mark.  I think we're gonna buy a couple chickens and burn one of his shirts to celebrate.  It should be a good day, i'm excited for him. 
Well not sure what else to write about, so enjoy the snow and i hope that you all have a great week.  I love you and pray for you. 
Love
Elder Larsen

11.08.10

Well this last week went pretty good.  It was the last week of the transfer so tonight we find out transfer news.  Last week we went on exchanges and I went to be with Elder Frost.  but unfortunately he was sick as a dog so i got a lot of reading done while he went from his bed to the toilet.  It wasn't the funnest exchange i've had, but i sure did learn a lot.  Yesterday at church we found out that the branch finally got their copies of General Conference, so if i don't get transferred then we'll be watching them this saturday and sunday.   I'm excited for it.  I've heard about a few of the different talks so i'll be happy to watch and listen.  But if i get transferred somewhere where they have already watched it then i'm not gonna be to happy.  If thats the case then i'll have to borrow the disks and watch it on my pday or something.  So lately I've been thinking about how we worship a God of the fourth watch.  I don't know if i can explain it very well, but pretty much the help that we receive comes at the last minute, or in the last watch of the night.  Just like when Christ came to his disciples in the fourth watch of the night, it was the last one.  He could have came earlier but he didn't, their patience was exercised to the fullest and then he provided the help that was needed.  Its the same with us, as we are patient and long suffering and we hold out to the end and then just about when we're gonna give up, he comes.  So if your at the end of your rope then hold on a little longer and He will come.  When our faith is exercised to the fullest possible, further than we thought we possible, that's when we grow and change into the disciple that he wants us to be.  That is when we reap the blessings that we've sown.
Well have a great week
Love ya
Elder Larsen  

11.01.10

This week was great!  We had a baptism on Saturday.  We had originally planned on the father doing the baptism, but Saturday afternoon, we were informed that John (our member-to-be) had changed his mind and now he wanted me to baptize him.  So with out a change of clothes I changed into white and baptized the feller.  It was awesome, it seems like that happens a lot where i get  wet at the last minute and i don't have a change of        clothes.  But i'm not complaining, it was a great exper-   ience  and I enjoyed it.  I've enjoyed teaching this kid    from the beginning. We also got the confirmation taken care of in sacrament, and right after sacrament, he was ordain to the office of a priest. so now he can help with  the sacrament.  I think that makes about 3 young men in the branch.  Nothing else exciting really happened this week, just work like normal, oh we did go on exchanges with the other Arusha Elders.  I was with Elder Jackson he's from Zim.  He is a funny guy and i really enjoyed  serving with him for a day.  I think we're gonna do exchanges again this week and then i'll be with Elder Frost, not sure yet, but i think it'll happen.  Haha thats funny    that Landen missed his plane, if I did that when i go       home then it might be like 2 or 3 days before i get on another one. Transfers are next week, not sure what will   happen, but it's pretty likely that i might get moved.  We shall see what happens.  Well, i should probably get     going so i love you all and i hope that all is well.  Remember to keep the Lord bound in all that you do and the  promised blessings will be yours.

Love

Elder Larsen

10.25.10

The bus ride to Dar is long, I've made that trip 4 times now and I don't know if i want to do it again.... but in this mission, anything is possible. Sat we got picked up at 7:00 am and we didn't get to our apartment in Arusha till 7:00 pm.   Friday we had Zone Conference and then ZLC.  It was a long day of meetings and talking.  I conducted the Zone Conference, so that was a pretty cool experience.  This Saturday we are planning for a baptism.  The other elder's also had 2 canidates but they found out yesterday that one was involved in poligamy, she's wife # 2 so that was kind of a heart break.  but at the same time its a common thing here, it's not fun when you find someone to accept the gospel and then you find out that they can't be baptized.  So when we got to Dar I got the package that you sent and also a letter from Grandma Larsen.  thanks for all the stuff you sent, when i first saw the trail mix i was confused, i wasn't sure why you would send me such a thing.  but then i started eating it and i must admit, it's good stuff. i like it, kinda addicting, but good.  So lately I've been studying a lot in the old testament and there has been one thing that has stuck out to me a lot.  the people are always obedient quickly and with out question.  When the Lord commands, they act.  I've thought a lot about some of the choices that i've made in my life. how if i would have immediately followed the Lord's counsel then i would've been better off.  It just goes to show that the promise in D&C 82:10 is true.  As we are obedient to the Lord then we will always recieve the promised blessings.  I love you guys and i hope that you are following the Lord in all you do.  He has marked the path and gone on before us, now it's our turn to follow.  Have a great week, take care.

Love
Elder Larsen  

10.18.10

Well this week went by quick, they seem to do that lately.  Yesterday was awesome, we had 10 of our investigators and the other companionship had 10 as well. 10 + 10 = 20 investigators at church.  and it was a great meeting, good lessons and just a good day.  Today we went back up to the waterfall with Elder Jackson.  the wild raspberries were pretty good today, the sun was shining and there was only about 3 inches of dust on the trail.  It was a good hike, it's a lot easier to get somewhere if you know where your going compared to hiking blindly.  I don't know what the big deal is about eating a squirrel.  We cooked it and blessed it, there isn't much more we could've done, unless we would have caught it last year and vaccinated it.  :)  but that would've been quite the challenge.  This week is going to be a bit short.  Thursday morning we're going to Dar and we'll be getting back on Saturday.  Friday will be full of meetings, first zone conference and then zone leaders counsel.  i hope we'll be able to see the beach again.  that was cool last time.  The AP's will be there this time as well, it'll be good to see them both again.  Elder Lipengah said that he has a package for me so i'm excited to get it.  hopefully there will be a letter too.  We're planning on having a baptism in a couple weeks, i'm excited for it, we've been working like crazy and it's been way to long since we've had one.  Baptisms are awesome, helping someone to get to that point isn't always easy but it's totally worth it to be there for them and to help in the process.  But making those covenants are only half the battle, after that we have to keep our end of the deal.  By remaining worthy of the covenants that we've made then the Lord will surely bless us and help us in our daily lives and challenges.  I love you all and i hope you have a great week.
Love
Elder Larsen

10.11.10

So this week seemed to fly by. Elder Jackson got here on Tuesday?  or maybe it was Wednesday, i can't remember at the moment, but he's a way cool guy.  Everything is going pretty good, we had to change a few baptismal dates because of our traveling plans.  We'll be going to Dar again on the 21 of Oct.  We won't get back till satuday afternoon.  So the week after we return we should be having a few baptisms.  It'll be a good day :)  So i got to thinkin that it just wasn't fair that you guys get to do all this hunting without me..... so i took matters into my own hands. :)  hehe  So, I have this little slingshot, and at the church there are a ton of squirrels in the bushes.  well, i killed me one. but don't worry, we went home and cleaned it up, cooked it, and ate it.  Ya know, squirrel isn't to bad. I'll try to upload a picture of it.  haha it was a pretty short hunt, but it sure was fun. I hope that you guys continue to be successful in your hunts.  So mom, were you able to send that package yet?  Well i hope that all is well and that you are continuing to read and study the scriptures.  There is an amazing power that comes from the scriptures, it really is the window to revelation.  I only know of two windows at the moment; Scriptures => revelation and tithing => many blessings.  Open the windows in your life and the Lord is sure to bless you. I love you all and i hope you have a great week. 
Love
Elder Larsen

10.04.10

Well this week has been interesting.  Elder Magero left on Thursday so since then we've been working in a three-sum with Elder Frost.  His new comp, Elder Ayana, was suppose to come down friday.  but the border wouldn't let him through. Today we found out that another Elder will be coming tomorrow, Elder Jackson.  He's from Zimbabwe if i'm not mistaken.  I met him a couple weeks ago while at the Leadership training.  He seems like a cool guy so it'll be fun to get to know him.  Yesterday we had a lunch appointment all set up after church so we could all break our fast, but at church the lady cancelled and after that appointment we were booked until the evening.  but luckily we had another investigator that invited us over right after the other one cancelled.  That was a great blessing, he fed us kabisa.  if it wasn't for him, then we wouldn't have been fasting anymore.... we would've been starving.  I'm glad you guys got my letter, i was wondering if it was ever gonna arrive.  So i didn't even know that it was Conference weekend until Sister Burgener told us Sunday morning.  I feel like i'm on a different planet sometimes.  Hopefully we'll be able to watch it soon, three weeks....maybe.  So the Burgener's came up this last weekend and with them came Christmas!!  I got that package you sent with the Lurf's and all my garmets and suff that i ordered from the distribution center. Tanzanian prices were cut 90% on almost everything, so i ordered a bunch of stuff.  My shoes with these new insoles feel like a new pair of shoes.  They feel so good.  Thanks a ton.  So as for being there for the next peach pie that you make...... i kinda doubt it. The thing that i want to eat lately is biscuts and gravy.  so could you please send me the recipe for the gravy.  I'm pretty sure i can make the biscuts, but i'm gonna need some help with the gravy part of things.  I guess i better end on a spiritual note..... So we've been told to focus on the docrine on Chirst lately.  one thing that i've learned is that all we have to do is get sanctified by the Holy Ghost.  ( ? 2 ne 31 ? )  After that the Atonement will perfect us ( ?  Hebrews 12 or 13 ? )   sorry i don't have my scriptures with me or i'd give you the exact refference, that's ok, it'll give you a chance to search for it by yourself.  But the hard part is getting sanctified or "enduring to the end."   The goal of Heavenly Father is to bring to pass the "immortality and eternal life of man," right? so He just wants us to be perfect after this life, as we're perfect in this life by applying the Atonement and keeping the commandments then we'll get sactified.  it ain't easy, i don't think any test is..... but it is possible, with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ and our loved ones around us.  As we lift each other up and are an example to all around us, then we will allow the Lord to shape us into the disciple that we need to be in order to live in His presence in the Celestial Kingdom. I love you all and i hope that you have a great week/day.

Love 

Elder Larsen   

09.27.10

ELK DOWN!!! Haha I scared my companion when i first read that line.  :)   haha he nearly jumped out of his chair.  I'm so excited for mason, sorry i couldn't help with all the work..... i am a bit far at the moment.  You guys will have to send me some pictures of this critter, i want to see him, and a letter would be nice too. :)  this morning the AP's called and told me that we needed to buy one ticket for Elder Magero so I'm pretty certain that i won't be going anywhere this transfer.  I'll be sticking around for at least one more with Elder Ndhlovu.  so that is good news, i don't think i'm ready to leave this beautiful little place yet.  This last week, we went on exchanges with the other two.  I was with elder Frost.  when it's me and Ndhlovu we don't attract to much attention.  but when you put two mzungu's together then everybody decides to stare or welcome you to Arusha.  Kinda weird how that works out.  But it was still fun, i enjoyed spending some time with him.  Not much else has happened this week, just work work work.  It is paying off though. We had an entire family at church this week, all are investigators.  that doesn't happen for me very often so when i saw them all there i was filled with joy.  It's so good to see families come together in the gospel.  It makes me think of all of you and the love that i have for you.  It brings me comfort to know that we are sealed together forever.  Not even death can separate us.  Teaching that to people and seeing the light in their eye's when they understand it, brings a happiness that is kinda hard to explain.  the power of the priesthood and the gift of the atonement are two things that are wonderful blessings in our lives.  It makes me wonder what eternal life will be like, cuz that's the best gift we can receive from our Heavenly Father.  I love you all and i hope that you all have a great day/week. 

Love 

Elder Larsen

09.20.10

So no dead elk yet, huumm.... they need my help.  Saturday morning felt like a good day to kill one.  I was expecting a big story and some pictures.....maybe next week. 
So the big training in Nairobi went pretty good, I liked it.  We stayed with the AP's and the guys from Dar.  It was good and uplifting.  the new MTC president came on thursday.  it was cool to meet him and his wife, they are really nice people.  The training was just there to kinda help us to focus on a few areas so that we can be more productive. 
Today we hiked our butts off.  i haven't hiked like that for quite some time.  I'm all sorts of sore.  but it was totally worth it, i feel good now.  I miss hiking all the time.  we went to this cool waterfall and took some pics and stuff.  on the way back we found some wild raspberries, yum yum they were so good.  Reminded me of all the fresh fruit that is at home this time of the year.  Coming down the mountain killed my knees, but it was good, we were running some of the time. 
This week is the last week of the transfer so hopefully i'll know transfer news when i write next time.  if not then you fellas might just have to wait two weeks.  I'm trying to attach pictures, hopefully it'll work.  If that doesn't work then the atonement always does!!  All it takes is a little application and some desire and everything works out....everytime.  Well i love you all and i hope to hear some more exciting news about this elk hunt, mason needs to kill a big ol bull!!  Have a good week
Love Elder Larsen

09.06.10 and 09.13.10

Sept 13,2010


Mom,
Eesh this week has flown by.  So today I put on one of my fake ties and i thought it looked so ugly, so i told myself that i'd get rid of it today. so I walked into one of the many shops on the street and traded my ugly fake tie for a really nice purple one.  I had to add a little money but i got rid of the ugly tie.  Thats my story for today.  This week has been pretty good, nothing exciting happened just work work work.  Tomorrow we'll be going to Nairobi for a two day leadership training.  we come back on Friday.  It should be a good time. I feel bad for our gators, we won't be able to meet with any of them till saturday.  We were suppose to go to a waterfall today that is here in arusha, but we ended up not going, i hope we can get it arranged to go soon.  I'd love to see it.  Friday we went up the mountain to one of our gators who is a retired veterinarian.  He's a funny old man that knows very good english and also french.  He raises chickens and works part-time in town to keep him busy.  But anyway when we went up there the dust was terrible.  Seriously the dust was like powder and it was about 6 inches deep. we were covered in dirt/dust when we got home.  But the trip was totally worth it, he had a huge list of questions about the Book of Mormon. So it was a good lesson.  I love teaching about the Book of Mormon, I know that it is the word of God and that as we read and study it constantly then our testimony and relationship with our Heavenly Father will improve.  I love the plain and precious truths that we learn from it.  I hope that all of you are reading and studying the Book of Mormon everyday.  I love you all, take care and have a great day.
Love
Elder Larsen


Sept 6,10


It only took me twenty years......... but i finally learned how to whistle. :)
Well this week was pretty good, it was the first full week of work since Elder Nhdlovu got here.  It's been so nice just to work like normal and not have to worry about traveling somewhere or other missionaries.  Not this week but next week we'll be going to Nairobi for four days.  Tuesday we'll go up, Wednesday and Thursday will be a leadership training and then Friday we travel back down to Arusha.  So that week will be all messed up as far as the work goes.  Which means we have to make the most out of this week and do all that we can to help our investigators to progress.  We haven't done anything to exciting lately, other than i got a hair cut this morning.  I've needed one so now my head feels lighter.  We climbed up on the roof and took some pictures.  Its a pretty good view of Mt Meru from the roof top, the only bad thing was the roof is made of tiles so we had to be careful where we walked.  but it was good, we got some good pics.  I've also been working on cracking my bull whip.  Elder Ndhlovu gave me a few pointers and now i can crack it multiple ways.  thats the closest sound to a gun that i can make, so i like it, and so do the neighbor kids.  :)  they come running every time they heard it.  So i got Grandma Larsen's letter. Letters are awesome!!  It sounds like the Brazilian roads are similar to the African roads. :)  so i also wrote you guys a letter and sent it today, so hopefully it'll get there soon.  Well not sure what else to say, so i hope all is well and that you're recognizing the Lord's hand in your life.  I know that when we are obedient to his will, he is bound to bless us.  ( D&C 82:10 ) ?? i think that's the right reference ??  haha anyway i love you all and i hope you have a fantastic week.
Love Elder Larsen  

08.30.10

Hey guys, how is everything this week?  This last week was really good, Tuesday we traveled to Dar, Wednesday we were in a meeting and Thursday we came back.  So at the meeting was Elder Watson from the Seventy.  He's in the Area presidency.  Elder Ndhlovu and I were asked to give the training for the AP's cuz they couldn't make it to Dar.  That was pretty cool.  We were given a topic and then we had to prepare our own training, it was good.  Elder Watson talked about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.  Sister Watson talked about using the Articles of Faith as we teach.  President and Sister Broadbent talked about prayer and how important it is.  After the meeting all of us changed our clothes and went down to the beach.  It was so cool to walk on the beach and see the Indian Ocean, it pretty much looks like any other beach, just sand and water.  But i loved it.  We later found out that the beach we were on is the same place where the country of Tanzania was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel.  i don't remember who did it, i think it was Elder Nelson, but i'm not sure at the moment.  So we got back in Arusha thursday night and then friday, I burnt a shirt!!  It was cool i'm sending some pics of it, i decorated it and then soaked it in kerosene and i was gone in a matter of seconds.  It feels good to know that i've been out for one year now.  kinda weird to think about it, but its a good feeling.  So i've been wondering, do you have a good recipe for a pizza base?  We like to make pizza down here, but i don't ever know what to put in the dough to make it good and tasty, so if ya got a good one then would you please send it to me, thanks.  So right now i'm thinkin about the temple, i wish i could go there.  there are many people here who have the desire but are unable because of the distance.  I think its such a great blessing to have a temple in our backyards, i hope all of you are taking advantage of what the Lord has blessed us with by partaking of the blessings that are received in the temple. i hope you have a great week. 
I love you all!!  
Love, Elder Larsen

08.23.10

Aug 16, 2010

So the AP's just called, Elder Lipengah is leaving me. :(  But i'm not sure who will be replacing him.  I'm not to happy about that, i love this guy, six weeks just isn't long enough to get to know your brother.  So earlier this week Lipengah ran out the gate and locked me inside, so instead of getting my keys out of my pocket, i climbed the wall and jumped the gate. in the process i ripped my pants.  so i was able to sew them with green thread.  it ripped the seam so you can't see the thread, but if you could, haha you would laugh.  For insoles i think i need size 10, not really sure at the moment, my brain is empty.  sorry i haven't sent a picture of my house yet, my camera card has a virus and is a pain in my butt!! but i'll work on it.  So the other guys had a baptism yesterday, that was pretty good.    Eesh i'm brain-dead at the moment.  i'm not sure what to write about.  Well, say your prayers and study the scriptures and the Lord will bless you!  Love you have a great week.

Elder Larsen  

Aug 23, 2010

Sorry last week was so short.  I'll try to do better in the future :)  so last week Elder Lipengah left and went to serve in Nairobi with Elder Harris as an AP.  I should have known he was going to be the new one, he's a great missionary, i'm gonna miss him.  But its ok, i gots myself a new companion named Elder Ndhlovu.  He's also from Zimbabwe.  He's a way cool guy, i love him already.  Elder Magero will now be serving with Elder Frost.  We had a hard time getting Elder Lipengah and Elder Sibiya on a bus to nairobi, they didn't leave till thursday morning.  the passports didn't come till wednesday night, so when we picked up elder Ndhlovu and elder Frost on wednesday afternoon, I had two companions for a little bit.  that was a little weird.  I don't think i would like to ever serve in a threesome.  It would be difficult.  So this week i'm looking forward to; two 10 hour bus rides, one long meeting, BURNING ONE SHIRT, and well, thats about it.  Honestly i'm only looking forward to the shirt burning.  I mark one full year on friday the 27 of august.  I'm so excited.  Its weird to think i've been gone that long.  this morning we did what i would call "spring cleaning"  our flat needed a good cleaning, so we did it.  i found a ton of crickets, i think they wanted to be like the mormon crickets or something, cuz they were everywhere.  This week is mission tour in dar es saalam, thats why i'll be a bus for 10 hours.  we leave tuesday morning, wednesday will be the mission tour and then thursday we'll get back on a bus and arrive in arusha thursday evening sometime.  Friday will be the day to burn a shirt.  This week is going to be long, but i think it'll go pretty quick.  well i think this is longer than the last one.... i think.  most of the time i don't know what to write about, so ask me questions and i'll write about that.  well i love you all, have a great week. 

Love

Elder Larsen

These are the pictures of his flat!!

So i almost forgot to tell you guys about the Mormon Helping Hands.  Saturday the whole branch and a ton of our investigators went to an orphanage and we cleaned up the place and helped where we could.  It was pretty cool, we got to wear the yellow vests and everything.  Thats why me and Elder Ndhlovu and I are in yellow vests in the one picture.  So I hope ya like the pics. have a good one.
love
Elder Larsen

08.09.10

This week was sweet.  We went on exchanges with the other        elders. i was with Sibiya, he's from South Africa.  Today there is a group coming from Nairobi for the night.  they are doing the same thing that i had to do a few months ago.  coming down for visa  stuff.  it should be a fun night.  we had to arrange for two sisters who are coming down as well.  so other than that not much is     going on, just missionary work.  we've been working with a part member family, teaching the kids english and preparing them for baptism.  we set dates this week with them so we're excited for    that.  Transfers are next week, but i don't think i'll get moved, i    hope i stay here for a while, i love this place.  there is an international trade fair this last week so today we are going to try and go  to it.  hopefully it will be good.  Sorry i'm a bit rushed so i didn't  get any pics uploaded, so love you have a good one.
love
Elder Larsen

08.02.10

This week has been crazy, I'm exhausted!  We've been    working like slaves here.  I don't think i described    what we do here everyday. Monday is pday, tuesday is    english class in the morning, wed is DDM, thursday is   english class in the morning, friday we do our weekly   planning, saturday is coordination meeting, and sunday  is church.  We have a meeting everyday of the week.  Butits good, i like it here. Today we went to another snake park, this time we got to hold a python.  i have some  good pics but you might have to wait till next week.    there were also some cobras   that got all puffed up for us.  one was a spitting cobra and the window was       covered with spit.  we also went on a wild monkey chase in the forest with a local man.  we found some white    monkey's that looked like a skunk. they were pretty cool and vocal.  Well that was the excitement for the week.  Next week i think we might go with a member to find    some waterfall that is nearby.  This last month has     flown by, i can't believe that it' August.  Well i hope you have a great day/week.
Love
Elder Larsen
 

07.26.10

This week has been good, just busy.  Yesterday at church, one of the counselors in the branch presidency walked up to me and asked if i would give a talk.  the first speaker spoke for about 10 minutes and then the rest of the time was mine.  I didn't even have time to
prepare.  With no preparation i talked for about 20 minutes.  After that the people started to fall asleep so i just bore my testimony and sat down.  I wasn't going to continue to speak to people who weren't listening.  But it was cool to speak the words that were put into my mouth.  We didn't do anything that was very exciting this week, just worked like crazy.  We are having some guys make weights for us so we can workout in the mornings and at nights before we sleep.  It should be good.  we were going to start running in the mornings, but that hasn't happened yet.  Maybe this week we'll be able to talk ourselves into it.  The mornings are just so cold sometimes.  But its good, i love being a missionary.Have a good week, i love you all. 

Love


Elder Larsen

07.19.10

This week has been really good.  We had Zone Conference on Friday with the new mission president and wife, Elder and Sister Burgener and the AP's.  It was a really good conference.  I gave my first training as a ZL while my companion conducted the meeting.  We also had Branch Conference yesterday.  The Branch President recieved two new counselors.  Saturday we had exchanges with the AP's.  I went with Elder Harris.  He used to be my ZL when I was first moved to Rongai, so this was the second time I was able to work with him. Today we went to a snake park here in Arusha.  It was cool, they gave us a snake to hold and take pictures with.  there were a ton of other huge and dangerous snakes.  we saw a green mamba eating a baby chicken.  they also had a couple black mamba's and other things like pythons and cobra's.  I love my new comp, Elder Lipengah is a stud.  we get along really well and he is just a fun guy to be around.  I'm trying to work on the pics so i hope they work.  but anyway have a good day/week.

Love

Elder Larsen

07.12.10

So I got moved last week and I got to meet the new mission president. He's a way funny guy. He'll be coming down this week for our zone conference, it'll be on Friday. Oh yeah, so now i'm in Arusha, TZ serving with Elder Lipengah as a Zone Leader. And i must say, this place is COLD!!! but its an awesome area. Its a little tourist town at the foot of Mt. Meru? i think thats how you spell it. The ride down was DUSTY kabisa. I was caked with dust by the time i got here.



The flat we stay at is pretty nice. we have an oven so i'm excited about that. we've already made a cake and a pizza. but the wiring is messed up so we straight wired it to the wires in the plug, little scary, but it works. :) this last week has flown by. well, not sure what else to tell you. well love ya Elder Larsen

07.05.10

Well my days in Rongai are over!  Last night I was told that I'm getting transferred.  Not sure where I'm going, the AP's haven't told anybody anything.  I was just told to be ready to go by 4 pm today.  This last week has been pretty good.  President Taylor went home on Thursday and President Broadbent got here Tuesday.  I haven't met the guy yet, but I'm told that he's pretty cool and a fun guy to be around.  So I'm excited to met the feller.  I've decided that living out of a suitcase isn't so much fun.  I started packing last night and it just gave me a headache.  The water ran out last night.  So i have a ton of dirty clothes and I haven't showered yet.  Hopefully it'll be there when we go back.  I won't be able to wash anything cuz i  won't have time to let them dry if I'm getting picked up in a few hours.  I wish I knew where I was going, it sure would give me some peace of mind.  I'm gonna miss Elder Mutadhuba, he's become a great friend to me.  I guess you could say he's grown on me.  But change is good, I'm ready for another chapter in my mission.  Well I love you all.  Have a great day!  

Elder Larsen

06.28.10

This week has been interesting, Thursday my companion started feeling sick.  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday he was to sick to go out.  So this week hasn't been very productive.  We had three good days but then three not so good days.  but on a happier note, the baptismal service was a success.  Mark was baptized by me.  A member was suppose to do it but he was unable to make it. So Mark asked me to do it instead.  I gladly accepted even though i was completely unprepared.  I didn't have a change of clothes or anything.  so i slowly air dried :)  But it was fun, i enjoyed it.  After the baptisms we had an activity for all of our recent converts and investigators.  It went well.  we played games and ate food.  this week we have another baptism planned.  i hope it goes as well as the last one did.  well have a good week,

love all yall.

Elder Larsen

06.21.10

Congrats Whit!  :)  So this week was full of blisters.  Last Tuesday Elder Mutadhuba and I set off on a trek to hunt down a refferal from some other Elders in Nairobi.  We walked to a little village called Gataka and back.  Now I have a huge blister on my little toe.  Saturday we helped the YM and YW with a service project at a children's home.  We were cutting grass with thrashers- long slim mashetti's with a kink in the end of it.  Now i have one big blister on each of my soft scripture searching hands.  Never again will i complain about mowing the grass with a lawn mower!  Church was good yesterday, we had 5 of our investigators come to church and one of the in-actives that we've been working with.  I got the package you sent.  I also found out that they still go through the flat rate envelopes.  But luckily they didn't catch the price tag on the shorts, so i only had to pay 370 KSH for it.    I attached some pics from the service project on Saturday.  THis saturday we have a baptism planned along with an activity for all of our Recent Converts and investigators.  It should be fun.  Well have a good week.  Love ya!
Elder Larsen

06.14.10

This last week went by quick, we went on exchanges with the ZL's on Wednesday.  Saturday we were suppose to have two baptisms, but only one of them happened.  Mark, our investigator got hurt and had to go to the doctor to get fixed up.  He hurt his back at work.  We rescheduled the baptism for the 26 of June.  Church was good yesterday.  the chapel filled up slowly after the sacrament meeting started.  then i taught the Sunday school class.  It was fun, the lesson was on the book of Joshua.  I focused on chapters 1, 3, and 24.       So guess what?  This morning i weighed myself while Elder Mutadhuba was getting a hair cut, even though i feel like i lost weight, i gained ten pounds.  i thinks i'm littler than i was when i left, but the scale says otherwise.  either way it doesn't matter, i feel great and look great too :)  I've changed the way that i proselyte these days, i got tired of carrying my quad everywhere, so i bought a millitary edition of the Book of Mormon and that is now what i carry around with me now to teach.  it's sweet, it's so small that i can put it in my pocket.  so the World Cup is going, i don't even know if America is paying attention, but we africans love soccer (football).  FYI- USA tied with England.  The world cup is going to make teaching hard for us over here.  we have to be aware of the games so we can schedule appointments for when people are not watching the games.  i think there are games like everyday for the rest of the month and everybody is a fan.  it's gonna give me a headache trying to work around soccer games for the rest of the month.  But no worries, the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is a prophet, so what else matters.... right :)   I attached some photos, one is of the girl who was baptized and the other is of Elder and Sister Randall.  they are going home in two weeks and yesterday was the last time they were attending our branch.  so we took a picture.  the couple who is replacing them are from Blanding, UT. i think they get here this week sometime, not exactly sure.  Have a great week, remember that obedience brings blessings, so keep the Lord bound!  If we do what he asks then he has no choice but to bless us. 
Love ya.  
Elder Larsen

06.07.10

Hey guys, so tuesday we had our Zone Conference, no i haven't gotten my package yet.  but i did get grandma larsen's letter.  The zone conference was good.  that was the last one that i'll have with President Taylor.  President Broadbent (spelling?) will be here at the end of this month.  Last friday we set a baptism date with one of our investigators, July 3.  I'm excited, her name is Fiona.  we met her through her aunt who is a member.  so with the aunt and uncle's help we've been teaching her and now we're workin towards baptism.  This saturday we have a baptism as well, Mark is his name.  He's a referral from one of our other members, Joseph.  Joseph is from the DRC.  He is the best missionary in the branch, if you ask me.  He has given us so many referrals, he's a great guy!   This week I'll finally be able to do my first baptismal interview.  I'm doing it for one of the sister's investigators, i'm excited.  I think it'll be a cool experience.  We'll also be going on exchanges with the ZL's this week.  I think i'll be staying here with Elder Chimimba and Mutadhuba will go to the other area to be with Elder Clark.  Have a great week. 
Love you guys! 
Elder Larsen

05.31.10

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  LOVE YOU!!!


Well its official, I'm 20!  Today we went to the Nairobi National Park.  Inside there is an animal orphanage so we went to check it out.  It was pretty sweet, there was all kinds of African animals.  When we got back to Rongai we came to the cyber and I found out that i had a virus on my camera and card, so I've been having a headache with that for the last two hours.  For my birthday I bought myself some rechargeable batteries for my camera....pretty exciting, I know.  I finally got a pic uploaded of the leopard but the rest of the pics will have to wait for another day.  you might want to scan the computer to make sure i didn't send the virus to you.  Tomorrow is zone conference, so we decided not to go to Upper Hill to see if the package came cuz we'll be going there early tomorrow morning.  But i hope it came.  Well have a good one.
Love
Elder Larsen 

05.24.10

This last week was interesting.  Wednesday morning we woke up to a flooded flat.  So we cleaned up the mess and put a bucket under the leaking toilet hose, then left for DDM.  When we got back the flat was flooded again, but we picked up a new hose on the way back.  the only problem was the guard wouldn't turn off the water for us.  so we waited for the plumber to come so we could get the problem fixed.  Thursday morning we woke up to no water at all.  which wasn't good cuz both mutadhuba and i like to shower everyday, you can call it an obsession if you'd like :)  Apart from all the problems we had, the baptism we had on saturday was the best i've had on mission so far.  It was awesome, a 12 year old girl was baptized by her father.  We had support there from a few of the auxillaries and a couple investigators came as well.   It was just a good day!  We were also able so extend a baptismal date for next month to one of our investigators who is progressing quickly.  Sunday was interesting as well.  they closed the road that goes from Bomas to Nairobi.  So we had to walk to church and we were almost late.  a few others were stopped completely from coming so the chapel wasn't as full as it could have been.  Amazingly enough we still had 3 investigators come. and the chapel was almost full by the end of the meeting.  they canceled the sunday school and priesthood meetings so instead of going home early we watched the priesthood session of conference until the power went out during Pres. Eyring's talk.  Tonight we get our transfer news, but because of a brother of mine, i know that my whole district is staying the same.  Elder Mutadhuba and i will continue to work together for at least one more transfer.  I'm happy that i'm staying here for another transfer.  so i attached a bunch of pics from both the Mamba Village and also a bridge Elder Mutadhuba and i found in our area.  The bridge led to a hotel/resort thing for tourists.  but it also works great for missionaries who want to take a few photos :)  well thats all i have to say for this week, so i hope you all have a great week. 
Love ya,
Elder Larsen