If John were here he could tell how many days are left but I don't know. I'm starting to realize how close it is getting to Nathan actually leaving the country. I don't like to think about that part. It will be nice for Nathan to actually be in the mission field but he will be so far away.
Nathan sent a letter in the regular mail and we received it Monday. He wrote each of us a note, thanking us for our support. At least he thanked John and I. I'll let you be the judge on what he wrote Abbey and Tempest. "woof, wooof, woooof and ruff". I'm not sure if he was thanking them or telling them to get off the couch.
Here is this weeks letter.
Hello the Family!
Another week gone and an another begins! Can you believe that? I know I keep saying that but so it is. It seems like Thursday - Thursday goes by really quick but Thursday the day seems to take forever. This past week has been a good one. One of growth, one of learning, and one of success. I can feel the growing and learning taking place and its quite amazing. As I have frequently commented to my brothers in the District, to see how far along we are after only six weeks compared to where we were in two years of German is amazing. I look forward to seeing where I am when I land in Suriname and then seeing where I am when I come back. A lot of growth will need to take place between now and then but I know it can be done. We've had more appointments with our progressive investigator and things have been going okay. He seems to be really hung up on the question of why a just/loving god would allow for such pain to take place in the world. We are moving on to teach him about the Plan of Salvation(PoS) and hopefully we'll be able to invite the spirit and have the spirit be the teacher. The past week we had two devotionals. The first on Sunday night was Brother Allen whom, if I remember correctly, is in charge of the entire missionary department. His talk was a bit random but we enjoyed it nonetheless he played a lot of the old Mormon ads for us and then talked about them and how we can take their message and make us better missionaries. It was okay. After that we had the usual weekend movies to choose from and my companion and I went to a CES instruction video by Elder Holland about teaching. We enjoyed it and hopefully we'll be able to apply it for our own advantage. Furthermore, on Tuesday, President Gene R. Cook, Emeritus Quorum of the Seventy, came and spoke to us. He spoke on inviting the spirit and gave us seven different ways to do that. I don't have my notes so I don't remember exactly but I think they were: Prayer, Scriptures, Testimony, Music, Expression of Love and Gratitude to God and Man, Sharing spiritual experiences when appropriate and one more I can't remember. What great advice we were given and I hope I will be able to take that advice and run with it. I find here at the MTC when I have the spirit with me the day goes by so much quicker then it does when the spirit is lacking. I think this is probably true for life as a whole. The temple opened this last week so we've gotta get heading over to that so I'll see you later and I love you all!
Elder Nielson
It is great to get Nathan's letters and be able to tell he is working hard and loving it.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
5th Week
Waiting for a letter on Wednesday is becoming a habit. I wonder if the letters will be as regular when he leaves the country?, I hope so.
Our Home Teachers came last Sunday, John was busy so I was visiting with them while we were waiting. One of the home teachers made the comment that all of our children were great, so we hadn't had any trials. I would not sum up all of parenting years as trial free, but do agree we have great kids. I've always said that the Lord made sure we got great kids because he wasn't sure John and I would be great parents.
As you can see by the letter below Nathan is developing at the MTC and becoming the great man and missionary that we all knew he was capable of becoming. I can't wait to get his letters when he gets to the mission field.
Five weeks down and we are in our Sixth
Can you believe that? I think that is how I started my last email but what can you do? New Dutch elders arrive next Wednesday and we'll be the old pros by then.
We have been working hard, and definitely not hardly working. The teachers have been putting us to the grindstone like the taskmasters of ancient Egypt. We are loving it though in case you seem to get a sense of gloom and doom. My companion and I actually have been teaching a Progressing Investigator (Not a real one but rather a training one) in Dutch and that has been somewhat successful so far! We also taught the first lesson in Dutch in the TRC, which is the training simulator thingy, its a great idea and gives us a lot of practice before the real thing which is great. The lesson went great and we committed them to reading the Book of Mormon so you always have to love that. Other then that the devotionals have been as great as ever but they are currently reinstalling the bleachers in the MTC gym so we have to watch them in the administration building so its almost like watching an hour of general conference twice a week but perhaps better. The food here is starting to wear out I think they've reused the same chicken a few times but that's okay I guess. I'm currently leading the district in goals scored in soccer during gym time with 16 goals in 18 games! More important then that though is the spirit here at the MTC which is fantastic. I have truly enjoyed it here and have felt the tender mercies of my heavenly father multiple times. In my worst times here that has keep me going and happy. Of little importance, I was released as the District leader this last Sunday and my companion was called to that position. As well, the other three elders in the district were called to be the Zone Leaders. I guess that makes me the unimportant guy in the District :P. Thank you all for your letters so far. They brighten my day, keep me happy, and make me want to be here so please keep it up!.
I love you all!
Elder Nielson
P.S. my companion and I ran into a senior couple going on a CES mission to the West Indies so I guess we will see them around from time to time. Also, we've been hearing that the last four groups of Suriname elders have been delayed because of visas at least 3 weeks and some have even been dispatch to places in the us to await their visa. I'll keep you updated when I hear more. Also, we found out it is not uncommon to see 10 foot anacondas and other snakes and they like to eat iguana's in Suriname they are called bomkip
I don't think we should mention the snakes to Nathan's grandmother. He might be embarrassed if she drove to the MTC and demanded he not be sent to Suriname
Our Home Teachers came last Sunday, John was busy so I was visiting with them while we were waiting. One of the home teachers made the comment that all of our children were great, so we hadn't had any trials. I would not sum up all of parenting years as trial free, but do agree we have great kids. I've always said that the Lord made sure we got great kids because he wasn't sure John and I would be great parents.
As you can see by the letter below Nathan is developing at the MTC and becoming the great man and missionary that we all knew he was capable of becoming. I can't wait to get his letters when he gets to the mission field.
Five weeks down and we are in our Sixth
Can you believe that? I think that is how I started my last email but what can you do? New Dutch elders arrive next Wednesday and we'll be the old pros by then.
We have been working hard, and definitely not hardly working. The teachers have been putting us to the grindstone like the taskmasters of ancient Egypt. We are loving it though in case you seem to get a sense of gloom and doom. My companion and I actually have been teaching a Progressing Investigator (Not a real one but rather a training one) in Dutch and that has been somewhat successful so far! We also taught the first lesson in Dutch in the TRC, which is the training simulator thingy, its a great idea and gives us a lot of practice before the real thing which is great. The lesson went great and we committed them to reading the Book of Mormon so you always have to love that. Other then that the devotionals have been as great as ever but they are currently reinstalling the bleachers in the MTC gym so we have to watch them in the administration building so its almost like watching an hour of general conference twice a week but perhaps better. The food here is starting to wear out I think they've reused the same chicken a few times but that's okay I guess. I'm currently leading the district in goals scored in soccer during gym time with 16 goals in 18 games! More important then that though is the spirit here at the MTC which is fantastic. I have truly enjoyed it here and have felt the tender mercies of my heavenly father multiple times. In my worst times here that has keep me going and happy. Of little importance, I was released as the District leader this last Sunday and my companion was called to that position. As well, the other three elders in the district were called to be the Zone Leaders. I guess that makes me the unimportant guy in the District :P. Thank you all for your letters so far. They brighten my day, keep me happy, and make me want to be here so please keep it up!.
I love you all!
Elder Nielson
P.S. my companion and I ran into a senior couple going on a CES mission to the West Indies so I guess we will see them around from time to time. Also, we've been hearing that the last four groups of Suriname elders have been delayed because of visas at least 3 weeks and some have even been dispatch to places in the us to await their visa. I'll keep you updated when I hear more. Also, we found out it is not uncommon to see 10 foot anacondas and other snakes and they like to eat iguana's in Suriname they are called bomkip
I don't think we should mention the snakes to Nathan's grandmother. He might be embarrassed if she drove to the MTC and demanded he not be sent to Suriname
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
4th Week
It is hard to believe it has been 4 weeks. I've got to think of a new first line! Home life without Nathan is starting to feel normal. We pray for him nightly and have such a peaceful feeling. I don't worry about him and I'm thrilled he is getting this great experience.
Nathan mentioned in his first letter that he was concerned about speaking the language since he couldn't roll his R's. I was praying that he would have the blessing of being able to roll the R's and realised that he really just needed to feel peace. So I have been praying he would feel the Holy Ghost presence and he would be feeled with peace. I feel that the letter below shows that the Lord is blessing Nate.
When Nathan ran for Student body President in high school we made a sign that said Nate would be great. I feel that applies now. Nate Will be Great!!
And another week just rolls on by! We are now starting on vijf (fifth) week here at the MTC and things just seem to keep rolling along! District 36E is doing great we are learning the language we are unified and are working well together. We will official have been here for a month on the 16th which is only two days away. This week there isn't a lot to report but we did have two amazing devotionals. The first was Sunday which was from Jenny Oaks Baker who is a very accomplished violinist and the daughter of President Oaks. To be honest we were more excited when President Oaks walked in to listen to his daughter then about Sister Baker but it was quite amazing. She played for us throughout her talk and it was amazing. The devotional last night was Brother Halverson who is an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy. He talked about having success on your mission and I quite enjoy his talk as well. I could have listened to him forever I think. I'm having a really good time and I'm really enjoying being here. It has been well worth my time to say the least. I love you all! Feel free to write to me and I promise I'll reply to all letters received.
Elder Nielson
Nathan mentioned in his first letter that he was concerned about speaking the language since he couldn't roll his R's. I was praying that he would have the blessing of being able to roll the R's and realised that he really just needed to feel peace. So I have been praying he would feel the Holy Ghost presence and he would be feeled with peace. I feel that the letter below shows that the Lord is blessing Nate.
When Nathan ran for Student body President in high school we made a sign that said Nate would be great. I feel that applies now. Nate Will be Great!!
And another week just rolls on by! We are now starting on vijf (fifth) week here at the MTC and things just seem to keep rolling along! District 36E is doing great we are learning the language we are unified and are working well together. We will official have been here for a month on the 16th which is only two days away. This week there isn't a lot to report but we did have two amazing devotionals. The first was Sunday which was from Jenny Oaks Baker who is a very accomplished violinist and the daughter of President Oaks. To be honest we were more excited when President Oaks walked in to listen to his daughter then about Sister Baker but it was quite amazing. She played for us throughout her talk and it was amazing. The devotional last night was Brother Halverson who is an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy. He talked about having success on your mission and I quite enjoy his talk as well. I could have listened to him forever I think. I'm having a really good time and I'm really enjoying being here. It has been well worth my time to say the least. I love you all! Feel free to write to me and I promise I'll reply to all letters received.
Elder Nielson
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
3rd week
We celebrated the 4th of July this weekend by going to Stadium of Fire in Prove. You can imagine the temptation to drive by the MTC. We joked about parking at the MTC and visiting with Nathan before the program. We were good and didn't even drive by.
Can you believe another week is already done and gone? Starting today my district and I are now currently in our fourth week here at the MTC and how times has passed. This last week has been more normal then the others but its been good nonetheless. Last Thursday and Friday were normal class days and so there really isn't a whole lot to report about that. On Saturday, though, we got to attend a special devotional about the reformers and the restoration. Although the hair was horrendous the rest of it was great and the spirit was strong. It makes you realize who much effort, work, and blood went into what we have today. One part that really stood out to me was near the end when the Founding Fathers appeared to the then Temple President of the St. George Temple, I think it was Woodruff, and he has baptized for them all. I also enjoyed the very end where Moroni, President Smith, MTC President,, stood up and exhorted us to go and do the work that was required to bring people unto Christ it was very powerful. After the devotional they allowed us to go outside and watch the fireworks that were associated with the Stadium of Fire. That was fun and we really enjoyed it but it was bitter sweet to know that Mom, Dad, and Bone were just down the hill abit. They made us go to bed immediately after the fireworks so could get up by 6:30am on Sunday. Sunday's devotional was given by Pres. Craig who was just released from being the President of District A. He spoke on the three witness and likened their testimonies to that which would be given in a courtroom, I enjoyed that part.. Tuesday's devotional was given by Bro. Dallenbach who is an Emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy. He spoke on the Miracle that the Book of Mormon was it was good as well. On Monday morning we lost Elder Sanchez to the field. He actually got here six weeks before we did so his 9 weeks were up and he departed for the airport at 6am, but he made us walk him over to the travel office so we were actually up at 5am. Other then that there isn't a whole lot going on but what can you do? We'll continue to keep plowing away. I know the church is true and I know that Chirst is running it today. I also know that President Thomas S. Monsen is the prophet of the world today and he keeps us inline. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and I understand how powerful of a testimony builder it truely is. I love ya'll and I hope I hear from ya somtime.
One Love
Can you believe another week is already done and gone? Starting today my district and I are now currently in our fourth week here at the MTC and how times has passed. This last week has been more normal then the others but its been good nonetheless. Last Thursday and Friday were normal class days and so there really isn't a whole lot to report about that. On Saturday, though, we got to attend a special devotional about the reformers and the restoration. Although the hair was horrendous the rest of it was great and the spirit was strong. It makes you realize who much effort, work, and blood went into what we have today. One part that really stood out to me was near the end when the Founding Fathers appeared to the then Temple President of the St. George Temple, I think it was Woodruff, and he has baptized for them all. I also enjoyed the very end where Moroni, President Smith, MTC President,, stood up and exhorted us to go and do the work that was required to bring people unto Christ it was very powerful. After the devotional they allowed us to go outside and watch the fireworks that were associated with the Stadium of Fire. That was fun and we really enjoyed it but it was bitter sweet to know that Mom, Dad, and Bone were just down the hill abit. They made us go to bed immediately after the fireworks so could get up by 6:30am on Sunday. Sunday's devotional was given by Pres. Craig who was just released from being the President of District A. He spoke on the three witness and likened their testimonies to that which would be given in a courtroom, I enjoyed that part.. Tuesday's devotional was given by Bro. Dallenbach who is an Emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy. He spoke on the Miracle that the Book of Mormon was it was good as well. On Monday morning we lost Elder Sanchez to the field. He actually got here six weeks before we did so his 9 weeks were up and he departed for the airport at 6am, but he made us walk him over to the travel office so we were actually up at 5am. Other then that there isn't a whole lot going on but what can you do? We'll continue to keep plowing away. I know the church is true and I know that Chirst is running it today. I also know that President Thomas S. Monsen is the prophet of the world today and he keeps us inline. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and I understand how powerful of a testimony builder it truely is. I love ya'll and I hope I hear from ya somtime.
One Love
2nd week
Hey, here is the 2nd letter from Nathan. He sounds great, John and I are doing much better. We are still missing him but we have found a routine. John can tell you exactly how many days Nathan has left...
Hallo Jullie! (Hello Ya'll)
Ik ben Elder Nielson and ik kom uit Stansbury Park Utah. Ik weet dat God leeft and dat Jesus de Christus is. As you can see Dutch is coming along somewhat. It has been pretty difficult and I've struggled with it probably a bit more then I expected (It is well documented that I enjoy a small pride issue). Overall things have been good this last week with the exception of feeling a bit under the weather. My comp caught something last Wednesday and was kind enough to share it so I've felt pretty bad over the last week. That hasn't help much with the other things that have occurred. As I mention in my last email, we had the mission presidents training take place this last week and although I didn't get to meet any apostles, we did have Elder Oaks address us in a Special Devotional on Friday. It was a good message but a tad bit more appropriate for say General Conference then the MTC in my opinion... Don't get me wrong though I did enjoy it. Other then Elder Oaks we also got to here from Sister Dalton (YW President) and Brother Allen (Missionary Managing Group President[I think]). The devotionals are probably my favorite thing that happens here at the MTC, the spirit is undeniable and you hear a lot of very good speakers. Its too bad they don't happen more often and its a big bummer that its so compact as you have to either skip dinner or have extreme faith to find a seat. Classes are good and we seem to be learning a lot. We can now introduce ourselves, tell others are purpose, and a few other task in Dutch which I think is an extreme accomplishment for how short of a time we have been here. The food here is a bit bleh... It is cafeteria food which is worse then the U's and OU's and is probably more equivelent to Uintah High School. Things are going well and I miss you guys. Thank you for the prayers and the letters I need them and keep them coming.
Tot Ziens (Good Bye)
One Love,
Hallo Jullie! (Hello Ya'll)
Ik ben Elder Nielson and ik kom uit Stansbury Park Utah. Ik weet dat God leeft and dat Jesus de Christus is. As you can see Dutch is coming along somewhat. It has been pretty difficult and I've struggled with it probably a bit more then I expected (It is well documented that I enjoy a small pride issue). Overall things have been good this last week with the exception of feeling a bit under the weather. My comp caught something last Wednesday and was kind enough to share it so I've felt pretty bad over the last week. That hasn't help much with the other things that have occurred. As I mention in my last email, we had the mission presidents training take place this last week and although I didn't get to meet any apostles, we did have Elder Oaks address us in a Special Devotional on Friday. It was a good message but a tad bit more appropriate for say General Conference then the MTC in my opinion... Don't get me wrong though I did enjoy it. Other then Elder Oaks we also got to here from Sister Dalton (YW President) and Brother Allen (Missionary Managing Group President[I think]). The devotionals are probably my favorite thing that happens here at the MTC, the spirit is undeniable and you hear a lot of very good speakers. Its too bad they don't happen more often and its a big bummer that its so compact as you have to either skip dinner or have extreme faith to find a seat. Classes are good and we seem to be learning a lot. We can now introduce ourselves, tell others are purpose, and a few other task in Dutch which I think is an extreme accomplishment for how short of a time we have been here. The food here is a bit bleh... It is cafeteria food which is worse then the U's and OU's and is probably more equivelent to Uintah High School. Things are going well and I miss you guys. Thank you for the prayers and the letters I need them and keep them coming.
Tot Ziens (Good Bye)
One Love,
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