Sis Billings & Jen at top of Cape Split hike
Aliesha Macdonald at baptism in Halifax

You know I have never been afraid of dogs, until recently on my mission. hahaha. There are some crazy dogs out here!And little kids just open front doors and let barking, snarling, jumping dogs out!......some dogs have too long of leashes....gates that are tall for a reason.....I'm sure this fear will go away when I return safely home haha. But for now, they make me a little nervous!

The weather here is pretty nice I have to say!! In our area we get a cool breeze off the ocean.....and I'm starting to think this summer might not be that bad! There still are some really hot and humid days. But it varies SO much from day to day. At least there's variety! I'm just trying to live it up, because I'm thinking it's going to be a short summer and then winter is back. :)

So we had a general authority and his wife come and tour the mission this past weekend: Elder Pieper. He's from Pocatello originally. It was really really great. He had a question and answer session with the members sunday night. We were able to pull many strings and get Shona our investigator there. She loved it, and got to talk to him personally afterwards. He talked to her about her husband and family as if he already knew it. It was a great experience for her. And for us!

So then we had a Zone Conference with him the next day (Monday). It was awesome! He gave me so many great ideas of things I need to do. It was really just what I needed. After lunch some of us missionaries got to have interviews with him. I did. He was very kind.....asked me about my family, about my greatest challenges as a missionary....and told me to tell you thanks for raising me to be here. :)

I learned something new in my reading this week that I have never realized before.....! I was reading about the roles of the Spirit. And one thing it said is that He neutralizes temptations from the adversary. I have never thought about that before. Who could use that power? I could! We all can. But it makes sense that when we invite the Holy Ghost to be with us, we are filling our lives with a light, love, and help that is so beyond our own. Not only do we have strength beyond our own, but we have less of a desire to sin. He neutralizes that natural man in us. "Yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit...put off the natural man....and become humble, meek, submissive...." (Mosiah 3:19).

Anyway, I hope you all are having a good week! Keep the faith!

Love, Sister Jen Olsen