conference week!

Hi there!

This has been an exciting week as we are preparing for all the people that will come to Temple Square this weekend! We had our zone conference which was training for General Conference and then afterwards President surprised us and we got to go to the Bountiful temple. That is the 4th temple I've been to on my mission, pretty amazing. I think things are going to be really fun this weekend. Some people think we are here to smile, wave, and "be the face of the church" but that is not true: we are in the business of saving souls. Considering that over 70% of convert baptisms come from member referrals makes me feel a lot of weight on my shoulders for this weekend. It is a unique opportunity we have to meet hundreds-of-thousands of members this week. Sister McKinlay and I have been fasting and praying our hearts out for a greater amount of the Spirit, so that the members will trust us with their friends and family members. I met a guy, mid-twenties from Missouri, this week and when I asked him who of his friends may be interested in learning more and he said, "Well one of my friends growing up came to church basketball all the time, but thats about it." When I called his friend I said,"Hi my name is Maegan and I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" and he said,"Oh Sweet!" I think there was an awkward silence after that because I don't usually get that enthusiastic of a response, so I was caught off gaurd =) Then I said,"Your friend Travis said the closest you have been to church is church basketball, and he would like you to meet with missionaries, learn more, and go to church with him." (I'm not usually that direct but I felt like I could be:) And he just said,"Ya that sounds awesome, thank you." haha probably the easiest call I've ever made, but it strengthened my testimony that people are more willing and prepared to accept the gospel than we may think. Missionary work can be scary, but it is definately the most rewarding work to be done. Every day I teach people that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That just as he called Adam, Abraham, Moses, he has once again called a prophet to guide his children. And now it is here, we get to hear the words of Thomas S. Monson and the twelves apsotles. It is really overwhelming to me and I am so grateful to be here for such a special event. I took a man from Ireland who has only been a member for 6 months in the conference center and his eyes just filled with tears. As we left, he commented on how strong the Spririt was and how he wasn't sure if he should laugh or cry he felt so full of the Spirit: that is exactly how I feel. I love you and hope you have a great week and enjoy watching conference. I will be @ the Saturday afternoon session on the front row on the left :-)

All my love,

Sister M. Olsen