Transfers, awesome week!

 Monday, January 13, 2025; Iranduba Branch, Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil:

Hello one and all! How are y'all doing?

Today we had transfers! My last transfer (6 weeks) on the mission!

Yesterday the President's Assistants (APs) called us super early, before our 9 am church. That was because my companion Elder Gale was getting transferred! He needed to pack his bags after church and then go to Manaus. He would then take a several hour boat ride to Borba. a small city in the middle of the Amazon. 

I then picked up my new comp today, Elder Jensen. He is an American from Texas and has 5 months on the mission. 

I was thinking on the 30-minute drive to Manaus and then back, about how cool it is that I'm here in the rainy season. I saw a lot of small lakes or creeks along the way, between the buildings, neighborhood, and forests that we pass between Iranduba and Manaus. Also, we cross Rio Negro on a long Bridge, and it's super awesome seeing a ton of boats moving across the water. On the way to Manaus the Sun was setting and it was beautiful! Wish I could sit and watch the sunrise or sunset on that bridge. Maybe someday if I return to Brazil.

This week went by super-fast but was really good! We did a lot of walking and talking. We met a bunch of people and talked to them about Jesus Christ!

-Talked to a Spirit-ist? Not sure how to say it in English. But a guy in another religion. Interesting hearing him talk about it...

-Saw some more wild monkeys! 

-I saw a bunch of small birds, and a few parrots flying around. Also, we have tons of vultures here. They look super-cool swooping in the sky. But then they start circling over their prey...

-Cupuaçu is starting to come into season here. It's a super good fruit! Makes good juice!!

-So much more that I forgot or don't have time to say. 

Miracle 1!

This week we had Suane's Baptism. We spent a while teaching Suane. One thing I loved with teaching her is I saw the growth. The things she was learning, and her growth in desire. She wanted to be baptized from the first time we met her, but we wanted her to understand a little bit more. Honestly it was also awesome to see her example of praying for help with some small problems she had. She really wants to become better, and that's what we do as we follow Jesus Christ!

Another Miracle! 

Só, because Elder Gale had to go to Manaus, we got his bags ready and took them to a bus stop at the edge of the city near our house. The problem is, it was a bad day and hour to be looking for a taxi... and because the taxis pass the whole city of Iranduba before they get to us... so fitting 2 people and some suitcases in is a little hard. But out of nowhere a couple of people, complete strangers, drives up and offered us ride. We didn't have any other options, so we accepted. They didn't accept payment, saying they were already on their way, so it wasn't a burden. AND they were going close to where we needed to go, so we got a ride across part of Manaus too, whereas a taxi would drop us off at the edge of Manaus. While we had money and time to wait, it was still a miracle that the kind couple helped us out. Sometimes we don't look at the miracles too closely and don't recognize them. I thought it was cool but brushed it off a little. But then I thought more about it, and how kind that couple really was. Often, reflecting and thinking helps us see God's hand [in the situation].

This week we also had a Iranduba Branch Leadership Meeting, talking about the activities and plans for this year, 2025. Leaders from the men's, women's, youth and children's organizations came together and talked about the plans they had. We also were in attendance to talk and add some goals for missionary work here in the branch/city. 

Something I loved is that some of the goals given by the leaders were for activities to help those who are members and going to church. But there were other goals and activities for those members of the church ho were currently not attending and for any other [friends who might be willing to join us]. Being a missionary, I loved that. 

Each and every one of us has the responsibility to seek and follow Jesus Christ. But after that, we must help others to find and follow Him. Often, we think inward. Of how we can help ourselves. To be healthier, make more money, get a better job. And that's not bad. But we also need to help others. 

Life's not a competition against other people, but it's a challenge together with others. We must help ourselves together with our team, being everyone else. 

So, my invitation for you all is two-fold. First, find and seek and follow Jesus Christ. And then, help others to do the same! You don't have to be learned to do it, nor do you need to be a preacher or missionary to do it!

Love y'all! 

Elder David Olson 

Missão Brasil Manaus Sul

Iranduba, Amazonas, Brasil 

Pics-

-Skyline from our house/apt

-Suane!

-Weird clouds

-A painting on a school wall of kids. Going by boat to a school on the river. I saw a pile of old abandoned boats, painted like school busses. I guess they had School boats!