Karin

Karin Schlieven

When I was on my mission to Germany, this girl was baptized on Feb. 28, 1963 in Dusseldorf. I had been there almost a year, serving part time in the mission office and part-time proselyting. So I had several companions during that time. We spent almost the entire year working with Karin. She had a lot to overcome and learn before she could be baptized.

But finally the joyful day came! I quote from my journal: "The baptismal service was the most beautiful I've seen. The mission president baptized Karin, his daughter, Janice, and two little boys. After Karin came out of the water all she could do was cry for happiness and relief and I could only hug her and cry too. I looked the members and friends over for one last time (I was being transferred). It's hard to look forward to the unknown future when the present is so full and wonderful. I'm grateful that God allowed me to meet Karin and see her grow and help her escape from the old life she was in. My testimony has grown because of her. God bless her always!"

So we kept in contact for a few years and then lost touch when Eldon and I were moving around so much. But finally about 10 years ago her son found about eight Eldon Olsens on the internet and Karin wrote to them all and so we got back in touch.  I got a letter from her yesterday that said she'd found a book I'd given her when she was baptized and it brought back a flood of good memories and she asked me to call her. I called her tonight and we talked about an hour reminiscing and getting caught up. She is now 73, lives in Auburn, California, and has been a widow for 18 years. She has mostly served in the Primary but now is in the library. She raised 4 children, 3 of whom are active in the church. Knowing she has an eternal marriage is comforting to her.  She wrote in her letter, "Thank you for coming into my life--I will never forget you and never forget the Lord and my brother, Jesus Christ!"

As you can see, she influenced me a great deal and I also helped her. I want my missionary grandchildren to know what a good work they are doing and encourage them to keep in touch with the people they baptize. It will be a lasting joy to you.

Baby shower for Jessica

The shower was held at the Walkers, Jessica's boss

Steph and Gabriel

Susan gave her clothes Michael had worn as a baby

Trip to New Hampshire

It was great to visit the Dodges. They are good hosts. Sheryl took some days off work to go sightseeing with us. The first day she took us to Concord, Massachusetts to see the Orchard House where Louisa May Alcott lived and where "Little Women" is set. We had an excellent tour guide. I hadn't realized Louisa became famous and wealthy with her books during her lifetime.

Then we walked around Walden Pond and saw where Thoreau's hut had once stood. It was a very peaceful place.

We also went to the Concord museum and had lunch there on a park bench.

On Friday Jonathan took the day off and we went to Derry, New Hampshire. We saw the Frost farm where Robert Frost lived for a time. The guide could quote his poetry as he took us from room to room. Robert Frost also became famous during his lifetime and won Pulitzer prizes for his poetry.

This was the Frosts' bathroom with a 2-seater, no less!

We had lunch at a diner and then went to the American Stonehenge. This is an archealogical ruin built thousands of years ago with astronomical markers.

On Saturday we drove up to North Berwick, Maine and saw a wooded property they are thinking of purchasing as a getaway place. It was thickly wooded and surrounded by a rock wall.

There was once a cabin here and there are a few graves from the 1800's

Then we drove to the coast, only 5 miles away. It was cold and windy as we walked along the shoreline in Ogunquit. Those New Englanders are hardy people!

Saturday night the sister missionaries dropped in and it was fun to eat supper and get acquainted with them. The Dodges are now in a new ward because of a realignment --the Merrimack Ward--so going to church with them on Sunday was a real experience. The people we met were really nice. Sheryl led the singing in a baptism right after church which was very well attended.

On Monday we went to Auburn, New Hampshire to see Massabesic Lake. I have to mention the state things are in because everything is so close together you can get to the next state easily.

An island in Massabesic Lake

There was also visiting time and playing games and eating lots of good food!

Sheryl and Curtis

Grandpa and Trevor