May 14th, 2018 Mother's Day Face Time!

For me, Zack's mom, this was the best day ever! Elder Ogden told us all about his mission and how they use social media to meet people and talk about the Church. It was beyond heavenly to see his perfect face and hear his voice. This young man of ours is the best and we could not get enough of him. We didn't want the time to end and we were sad to have to hang up. He is doing so well, loving the people, and working hard. We could not be more proud of him!

May 6th, 2018

It's been a real slow week. A member we're working with gave us pink eye, so we were stuck inside for about 3 days, so it was interesting. But because the doctor was in Olathe, we got chick-fil-a. Amazing stuff. 

I got to drive through downtown KC (Kansas City). I want to serve there someday soon, but I believe I'm sent here to my area for a reason. We drove through KC to get to the temple, because there was a 5k temple run that the whole mission went to. We just walked it, but it was nice to see all my homies from the MTC and my past area.   

The guy in the picture is Kyle. He is an investigator. My comp is 6'4" and Kyle is taller than him...yikes!

April 29th, 2018

This week was pretty awesome. Some highlights were we now have 1 person on date, 1 person committed to baptism but no date, and 2 more people who are progressing. Also I caught a snake. It was legit. We also got to eat Big Macs. 

During a lesson, one of our investigators was smoking. He says he always has to smoke while telling stories. It's harder to feel the Spirit when he's doin' this, so I used a little reverse psychology. Someone told him to stop smoking. So I said "I heard you wouldnt." He put the cig out. It was kinda funny. 

Also I caught a snake on the road. This bad boy was like 5 feet long. It wouldn't die and I wasn't gonna leave it out to die a miserable death, so I had to cut it's head off with an ice scraper.... sorry. 

Monday, April 16th, 2018

I'm out here in Paola, KS now, the flattest place on earth. It's awesome though. We have a house. Dang straight. A house. Also we have a brand new Toyota Tacoma. It's awesome. 

And also, I just got to use my Spanish. I'm near one of the Spanish areas and we get to go there for P-days. It's called Olathe and there's a few wards here. The zone leaders are in one of the Spanish wards here and my companion is the District Leader, which means that I get to go on exchanges with them to the Spanish ward. I'm so pumped, you have no idea. 

Olathe is a giant city; it's huge. I'm about 30 minutes south of Kansas City, I think. But our zone borders KC. I'm still sorta in the boones, but it's not nearly as boony as Fishing River. I miss it though...but this is an amazing place. I feel like the Lord prepared me for this transfer. I'm so pumped to be here! We have about 5-6 people on date. Actually more I think. We have 4 set to get baptized this week. This place is live! 

Our area covers Spring Hill, Osawatamee, Paola, and a bunch of other little towns. We have part of Johnson County, the wealthiest county in the country, but we don't have much of that. My companion is Elder Hamby, he's a patient guy and we get along well. 

I had a cockroach crawl on me during a lesson the other day. That was weird. I'm excited to be here though, the people here are really cool. 

Love, Elder Ogden

Monday, April 9th, 2018

I got to use my Spanish at a little restaurant type deal in Olathe, a huge suburb with tons of people from Mexico. It was awesome! 

I love Paola; it's a cool place. The work is amazingly busy and we have a Toyota Tacoma (truck) and an entire house. It's about 100 years old and way cool. 

It snowed this week and then it's gonna be 80 degrees here soon. 

Elder Ogden 

Monday, April 2nd, 2018

The weather here makes zero sense. Saturday, it was about 60-65 degrees and sunny. Sunday, we got 2-3 inches of snow. Explain that one, Al Gore. 

I'm learning a ton, not only about the Gospel, but also how to deal with people. I also learned a lot from General Conference. My questions were answered. Incredible stuff. I loved Henry B Eyring's statement on how we can ALWAYS have the Spirit with us, we just have to accept it. That was a truth that didn't hit me until conference. Afterwards, I had the realization I can literally have it whenever, I just need to invite it and let it in. I can't really put into words the understanding I was given, but it can always be there, no matter what.

I loved all the counsel we got, but my favorite was getting to stand and sustain President Nelson. That man is a prophet. I felt the Spirit so strong. The first 3 times President Nelson go up to the pulpit, I got a witness each time that he is a prophet of God. I am excited for the changes that are coming. Whatta guy!

Not much is new out here. We have been trying to share the "Because of Him" video as many times as possible. We have seen a lot of people touched by it. 

I have found a new cologne I really like. It's made by Marlboro, AKA I smell like cigs all day and I LOVE IT. It tells me that I'm working no matter what and that I am trying my best to love others. Although I have a long ways to go, I can feel His love and He opens my eyes for just a split second every once in a while. I love the people.

Elder Ogden 

Monday, March 26th, 2018

I've felt life & light enter my life lately and am seeing miracles. It's really hard to find people to teach, but it's fun stuff. I actually love tracting, because I get to meet and talk with so many people. I love it. 

"I'm pumped for conference. That's my Superbowl." -Elder Beck 

I actually love my life right now and am seeing some amazing changes in my life. I can feel Him molding me into who He would have me be. 

I also got to hold baby goats with Elder Holden at Mark's place just before Easter.

Elder Ogden 

Monday, March 19th, 2018

This week we've been WORKIN! Holy schnikeys.

I have been praying and praying for opportunities to use my Spanish. Last week, after district meeting, we went to Arbys. There, 2 Spanish speaking homies walked in. And guess what. I didn't talk to them. I missed out on blessings because of that, but I'm trying to learn from my mistakes and have repented and will take the next chance I get. The lesson is, if you pray for an opportunity to do something, whatever it may be, service or missionary work or whatever, take advantage of the opportunity! He gave it to you. 

My Spanish actually going pretty well. I enjoy speaking it and speak it around my companion. I love my district, they are so cool. I've made some life long friends in there. 

We got to spend a lot of this week in downtown Excelsior, which reminds me a lot of Portland when Excelsior is raining. It's all hilly and old houses and stuff. Very cool place. Lots of cool people, lots of weird people, but it was a good time. 

We are working hard and Heavenly Father is blessing us with the ability to open our mouths and talk to people...all people.

We know this is not us. It is all Heavenly Father.