it's meeeee

(dani here: this is Maeg's email from last week. I just got it today)

APRIL 17

I have had another great week at Temple Square! I was kind of sad that I had to put my big ugly winter coat on again this week, but today is sunny and actually feels like Spring so I'm happy =) For Easter the Senior couples hid eggs around the South Visitors Center haha, and Sister McKinlay and I had a fancy dinner of fried chicken and potatoes =) The best part about this easter was testifying of the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ to so many people. I think my focus on Easter in the past has pretty much been chocolate, so this was a nice change. Random story from this morning. This lady called into the referral center trying to get me to send missionaries and a Book of Mormon to the Pope. haha, I asked for the address (just for kicks) and she said it was Pope Benedict the 16th, Milk of the Holy Spirit, Vatican City, Rome, Italy. She said she has enjoyed learning about our prophet and she thinks the Pope would too. I agreed =) My district leader challenged us to study other religions, so that we can more fully understand where they are coming from and how to teach for their understanding. I think one of the most common questions I get here is,"What is the difference between your religion and all of the other Christian religions?" I have found that it is easier to answer that question when I can understand their background better. But ultimately, I think when we testify of truth and the Spirit touches their hearts, they can FEEL the difference, and that is so much more powerful than any words. Today I met a guy from Tucson, AZ who said his religion was metaphycist. ???? I had no idea what that meant, but as I shared with him what the Book of Mormon is and how much it has helped me the Spirit touched him. He asked to have the missionaries bring him a Book of Mormon and teach him more. WOOOHOOOO!!!!!I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH-XOXOXOXOXOXOOXSISTER MOLSEN

APRIL 24

Since this is my last p-day with sister McKinlay we decided we need to do something fun. So after emailing we are going to hit some balls at the driving range and then tonight we are going to a U of U vs. UC Irvine baseball game!!! We had to beg president to let our zone go to the baseball game, and he is still a little nervous, but he gave in =) President also had a BBQ for the whole mission on Tuesday this week. It was so fun. We took turns going between 11 and 2 and there was tons of food and I got a little tan. I love my mission. Its weird to think I'll find out who my new companion is this Monday: time is starting to go faster. Sister McKinlay is probably glad to get a new companion...she said "I can handle most of the apostate music you sing, but please, no more Britney Spears." ha woops. Oh ya, remember Juan the pony guy from Turf Paradise? Well when grandma and grandpa were here I asked for his phone number, because he NEEDS the missionaries, and I gave him a call and he accepted to have the missionaries come over. haha I was so happy. He was impressed that I remembered his horse blackie...I think thats what got him. Also I called Holland to see if the missionaries could stop by her home in Mesa and she happened to be driving behind Whit on her way to AZ at the time I called her!! She was really cute and fun to talk to, and excited to have missionaries come and visit her and her mom. Yay! I love calling people and inviting them to meet with missionaries but after they accept I always say a prayer along the lines of, "Heavenly Father, please don't let the missionaries that visit them be weirdos." haha I know thats rude, but I just want everyone to have a great experience ya know? That reminds me though, ususally comment cards say things like "Very interesting information/tour" but every now and again I get a "The Sisters were interesting" =/ or people say "you are very different than most 21 year olds", haha, and then I realize I'm probably a little weird =) I think I talk about my family on every tour I take. I talk about grandparents, cousins, siblings, parents. I try to switch it up so my companions don't get bored =) But really, I have been blessed with the most amazing family in the world! I love you!!!!!-Sister M. Olsen