It’s a Small World After All....

“There is just one moon,

And one golden sun.

And a smile means,

Friendship to every one.

Though the mountains divide,

And the oceans are wide,

It’s a small world after all.” lyrics by Richard & Robert Sherman

In church settings we often use the Disney “it’s a small world” phrase since the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon proximity game is so easy to play. Someone knows someone whose sister dated someone who served their mission with your boyfriend, etc. etc. (you get the idea).

But, what are the odds that our cousin Alex Olsen (serving his mission in Armenia, an impoverished country that is home to very few church members) would run across an old photo of Webb (while serving his mission in Russia)? When Alex emailed this picture straight from a member’s home in Armenia, this connection felt pretty “wow!” to me.

It turns out that Elder Olsen was at the home of some stalwart Armenian members whose daughter (pictured in far left of the photo) was a sister missionary in St. Petersburg when Webb served there. I happen to think it’s a pretty cool coincidence that Elder Olsen was shown some random pictures that happened to include his cousin Webb. Seriously, what are the odds?

If this scenario played out it Utah (or even California) it wouldn’t be that unlikely but for Alex to come across a missionary photo of Webb in Armenia when Webb has never been to Armenia is kind of wild. At least I think so.

And, I may be biased (and the picture is a little blurry), but I think Elder Knudsen looks adorable!

Families of Missionaries...

It’s often said that families are blessed when they have a missionary serving in the field.

I felt this was true for our family when Webb was in Russia and Julie Holland mentioned it last week when Rachael (Hermana Holland) was released.

While my nephew, Alex, has been serving in Armenia, his older brother, Andrew, became a dad when Caitlin delivered James McNally Olsen last September.

Last week, Andrew, Caitlin, and baby James went on vacation to the Grand Canyon. When they were heading home on Saturday a driver across the median fell asleep and crossed over into their lane. Caitlin was driving and tried to swerve out of the way but they hit and their car rolled.

They were taken by ambulance (Andrew & baby James) and a Life Flight helicopter (Caitlin) to a hospital in Flagstaff, Arizona. Miraculously, other than some scratches, baby James was fine. Andrew’s neck is hurt but he was released the following day. And Caitlin, who suffered the most serious injuries, had a concussion and some head trauma.

But, they’re now all out of the hospital and healing at home. It was really touching to read my sister’s email about how much they feel like Alex’s mission service blessed their family through this frightening ordeal.

In another tender mercy, when the hospital in Arizona (where the Olsens knew no one) learned they were LDS, they sent members over to give them blessings AND a family in the local ward took James to their home and cared for him while Andrew and Caitlin were hospitalized.

Thank goodness for Elder Olsen in Armenia and church members in Arizona who reached out to help!

Hermana’s Home...

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ changes people. That is what this is all about. It has changed me even though I sometimes have a hard time seeing that." - Hermana Holland

Rachael returned home from the Albuquerque New Mexico Mission yesterday! Woo hoo!

Rach looks great and just like a missionary, her countenance radiates! It was fun to see her surprise at how much Connor and Holly have changed since her departure.

When Hermana left Holly wasn’t driving and not only that, Holly is now taller than Rachael. And, Connor turned 12 last week so he’ll be a deacon passing the Sacrament.

It will be great to see the Paige/Rachael combo reunited on Friday when Pooge gets back in town tomorrow! Good times!

“Serving people really does make you love them. Service brings the greatest joy anyone could ever ask for. Something a lot of these Mexicanos have figured out.” -Rachael Holland

A Sabbath Christmas

I loved having Christmas fall on a Sunday this year. Attending church Christmas morning made the day feel more meaningful; more Christ and less Santa Claus.

Our Sacrament meeting was great. Lots of music with a nice mix from the choir, congregation, and others and just one message from bishopric counselor Dave Bohn (who is always a good speaker).

Rob & Melisse Myers happened to be in town so it was an added bonus to see them and their three adorable kids (Elsa, Carter, & Hazel). Talking to Melisse about the murder of her brother, Bishop Clay Sanner, last year was really incredible. His death was a terrible tragedy but hearing some of the family stories was a great lesson re. people who have strong faith and firm testimonies of the plan of salvation. Bishop Sander’s wife sounds like an amazing person.

Another highlight for Christmas was getting in on the missionary call to Hermana Holland. Our families had gotten together for dinner and I didn’t want to impose on family time during their phone call to Rachael but I’m so glad we got to participate.

There’s something tender about talking to a missionary on Christmas. Since missionaries daily lives are all about spreading the gospel message their focus is different than the mundane things I fixate on. Rachael seems happy. You can tell she loves the people. She loved talking to us but you can also tell that her heart is in Texas and New Mexico right now (which is exactly how it should be). I liked Rachael’s advice that we need to keep doing the daily things (ah, it’s always those basics, those Primary answers).

Finally, speaking of missionaries, our favorite Temple Square Sister Missionary, Amy Harmer arrived home last Tuesday. The Harmer's had a surprise dinner Friday night with salmon, filet mignon, shrimp pasta, veggie pasta, etc. Cindy had even made home made eclairs and my favorite, her signature rolls. There is never a shortage of food at anything held at the Harmers!

Amy is doing well. On New Year’s Day (another holiday on Sunday) we’ll get to hear her full mission report. Something to look forward to...

Sister Hatch & Sister Lisonbee...

Julia Hatch’s Art Show wasn’t the only attraction in town this week. Recently returned missionary, Angie Hatch, and her also recently returned mission companion, Courtney Lisonbee, stayed in the Knudsen basement keeping Paige company this week.

It was fun to have the Sister Missionaries around. They served in the New Hampshire mission and they've only been home 12 weeks (Angie) and 6 weeks (Courtney). So they are both fresh returnees, missing New England and all things missionary. And they are darling girls!

When Amber Menasco walked into the house after our Wednesday run/walk, Courtney recognized her but it took a minute to process. And it turns out that Amber had taught at the Missionary Training Center when Courtney was at the MTC. Typical. The missionary world generally has that six-degrees-of-separation, Kevin Bacon theory at work. But often it’s more like one or two degrees with Mormon missionaries! There is also a kind of a mission language sister missionaries speak that is only understood by their kin. They’re not trying to be exclusive, it’s just goes with the territory.

We really enjoyed having these cute girls pop in and out of the house between their adventures around the bay area. They were having a hard time getting used to calling each other by their first names, so half the time we all just called them Sister Hatch and Sister Lisonbee.

An American in Armenia...

“Why can’t he understand us?”

Elder Olsen has arrived in Armenia! He said the one phrase he understands best is: “Why can’t he understand us” since it’s the line he hears the most often! :)

Alex says the language is coming slowly and he can’t understand very much of what the Armenians are saying. Yet. He knows it will just take time. But He feels fairly proficient conversing about the gospel.

His first area to serve is Gyumri, an area hit hard by the earthquakes. The people are extremely poor and humble. The members in Gyumri are small in number but strong in spirit.

President Carter is Alex’s mission president and he sent a really great letter to Lisa and Bruce. The mission home, according to Alex, is really nice! It’s in Yerevan, the largest city in Armenia.

I love to read Alex’s emails. He’s got such a positive attitude and is so excited to serve and love the people of Armenia. He knows how much the gospel can help these investigators. Getting his weekly emails will definitely be a highlight of my week!

Mission Bound.....

“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” -George Bernard Shaw

It was so nice to be invited and included in Michael Hodgman’s setting apart as a missionary last night.

Today he is officially Elder Hodgman and will go by that name for the next two years serving the Lord in Brazil. I guess he’ll technically go by the Portuguese version of Elder Hodgman, but you get the idea.

I should have taken a picture of Michael looking tall and handsome and already invoking a cute missionary smile. Since I didn’t get any pictures I liked this google image showing the priesthood ordination.

Watching this group of men I admire lay there hands on Michael’s head while President Hodgman set his son apart as a missionary is a touching experience! The priesthood is powerful and I’m grateful to have opportunities like this to see it in action!

I read a book once where a nonmember described Mormon missionaries as young men who, while in the process of converting others, usually become true believers themselves. And, she was partly right. While the goal of a mission is certainly to bless the lives of people all over the world, hopefully by sharing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, missionaries often solidify their own conversion while reaching out to others.

As Michael works hard and is obedient, his testimony will grow and he’ll return in two years with confidence and maturity. It’s amazing to watch the transformation of missionaries and especially when you’ve known them most of their lives. I’ve had other Seminary students serve missions but Michael is the first (and probably only one unless Jenae serves a mission) that I taught all four years of high school.

In high school Michael grew at least a foot his freshman year. So now his physical growth may be complete but during the next year (or two) his spiritual growth will soar! It’s one of the miracles of missionary work!

Look Who’s In the MTC...

“Missionary service is not easy, but it is infinitely worth it.” -M. Russell Ballard, 2005, April General Conference

This picture shows cousin Alex laughing it up while doused in whipping cream after he lost a bet in Sun Valley. To my best recollection, Grammy had some sort of wager between Team Alex and Team Paige with volleyball bumps.

I’m not sure of Alex’s age in the photo but I think his glee showcases his temperament well. Generally good natured, Alex doesn’t seem to get distraught over much.

Apparently Alex lost the bet, hence all the whipping cream, but he doesn’t appear very bothered by his loss. In typical fashion, Alex takes it all in stride.

And yesterday Alex entered the MTC! His easy going nature almost assures that he’ll have a good experience on his mission. When you have a cup half full personality, you’re able to find the silver lining or bright side of anything.

Armenia could be a tough mission with the turmoil the country has been in for hundreds of years so I think Alex’s optimism will be quite a blessing. And after the harsh rules at the Air Force Academy, the MTC experience should be a walk in the park!

Aunt Lisa said Alex’s setting apart was a wonderful experience. Especially since Oakley, Alex’s handicapped friend, and Oakley’s whole family, the Hansens, attended. The Hansens were pretty emotional about how much Alex means to their family. And finally the MTC curbside drop off and Bruce and Lisa went home to a very empty and quiet house!

Lisa sounded a little sad last night but she’s also grateful that Alex has made good choices. The 2 year separation for missions is hard on families but filled with wonderful blessings. I wouldn’t trade those 2 years when Webb served in Russia, his experiences, and our family’s memories of those years for anything in the world!

“There are few things in life that bring as much joy as the joy that comes from assisting another improve his or her life.” Richard G. Scott, October General Conference 1997

Our Sweet (but Studly) Cousin Alex!

Cousin Alex is one darling (soon to be) missionary! I’m so delighted that we had the whole family in Salt Lake for his farewell speech on Sunday.

Alex’s talk was sincere and heartfelt. He talked about thinking he probably wouldn’t serve a mission and what made him change his mind.

Alex related a story when his close friend, Christopher, was preparing to serve his mission in Germany just over 6 months ago. Lots of their mutual friends were grilling Christopher on his reasons for going. Christopher’s testimony was simple. He just knew when he kept the commandments and read his scriptures, his life went better, and he wanted to share that happiness he’d found with others.

Alex tested Christopher’s theory and started reading his scriptures more earnestly and felt comfort during really tough times as a Air Force Cadet. Amidst the chaos of the Academy, Alex felt at peace and genuinely happy.

Alex didn’t even need to tell us he was happy; it’s noticeably palpable. I don’t claim super powers but there are times when I feel a good spirit being around certain people. Right now, Alex is one of those. There is just something genuine about Alex’s desire to share his testimony of the gospel.

Besides Alex’s tender remarks, we were also quite impressed with the entourage of gorgeous girls that pitched up to hear Alex speak. Then after church we walked into the Olsen’s house filled with beautiful blond babes, all vying for Alex’s attention. As Paige said, “Who knew Cousin Alex was such a stud?”

I’m really proud of Alex. I’m glad he’s discovered the happiness, joy, and meaning spiritual things bring to our lives. I’m especially glad he’s decided to share this message by serving a mission. Alex will bless the lives of many Armenians.

“I’ve grown up in Utah, hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing and listening to church leaders address us, but I’ve never felt closer to God than when I was crawling through a mud tunnel, completely spent, in the middle of bootcamp. I didn’t think I could possibly do it, but God lifted me up and got me through.” -Alex Olsen, from his farewell talk

Get Over It...

“If you don’t like something, change it.

If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou

Since Liz Walton is one of the kindest people on the planet, my ears perk up if Liz says anything with an edge or bite to it. Just like I notice sarcasm more when spoken by someone who doesn’t wallow in it.

So, I particularly liked some of Liz’s comments at the youth fireside Sunday night about working with young missionaries. Liz didn’t have a lot of sympathy for elders who whined about how strange and different things were in Portugal. Liz used both of the phrases “get over it” and “it’s not about you” to refer to her feelings about complainers.

Since missions are almost a little microcosm of life itself, I think there is a great message in these two maxims. In fact, they are probably apropos relative to many things we whine about in life generally. I can think of many occasions that these quips were exactly what I needed to hear for a good old reality check.

It’s easy for any of us to feel put out or bothered when things don’t go our way or when change disrupts life as we’ve come to know it. But getting angry when things aren’t fair or plans don’t conform to our wishes is at the heart of the center-of-the universe syndrome. The sooner I can catch myself and remember that it isn’t all about me, the better!

“Get mad. Then get over it.” -Colin Powell

From Portugal to Andora...

Chuck and Liz Walton received news that the Portugal Porto Mission they preside over will be combined with the Portugal Lisbon Mission in July. The Waltons will have served 2 years of their 3 year mission call.

So, just as you'd expect of Chuck and Liz, they expressed a willingness to serve in any capacity they might be needed for that 3rd year.

And, it appears that they are needed as the first proselyting/leadership couple in the African nation of Angola! Angola is part of the Mozambique Mission because both countries speak Portuguese but they are on opposite sides of the African continent.

Last October the Apostle, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, offered a dedicatory prayer in Angola for the preaching of the gospel and a few missionaries from Mozambique were transferred there. When Chuck and Liz arrive in July 2011 they will oversee the missionaries and the branches (currently 4 but growing) that have already formed in Angola.

It's fun to read Liz's email updates on the missionary work and church growth in Portugal. The members in Portugal are working hard to prepare for a temple in their country (announced in the October General Conference). But in a few months, Liz's reports will be coming out of Africa instead of Portugal but no doubt they'll be just as inspiring.

Liz has such a good attitude and I've come to believe through her emails (and ALL missionaries who write) that part of the "mantle of the call" as a missionary is optimism no matter how difficult the work might be! Liz always plays up the blessings and positive aspects of their circumstances and minimizes the challenges. It's not a bad model for life really!