17 th Week

Man,

I don't really know how to describe this week. It's been an interesting one. One filled with suspense, surprise, and Murder! Okay maybe not murder but that seemed to naturally fit with the suspense and surprise. We continue to work everyday here in Athens like it's my last day in the Knoxville Tennessee Mission because quite likely it may be so. Saying this, there has been no word on any visa developments and so we continue to work. I hear you get three transfers until you are permanently reassigned. Transfer One ends on the 20th and so transfer two begins. Of course this could just be a silly rumor that gets floated here and there. Either way, if that were to occur, I think I'd be happy here in Tennessee. The work is the same, the people children of God, and the Church still true the difference is simply the language (or Taal for Dutch Speakers).

We are currently still working with two investigators mainly as the others have: dropped themselves, been dropped, or disappeared (like magic). I guess that is the ebb and flow of missionary work and you just do your best to keep your ahead above the current and do as much work as you possibly can do. I've learned another valuable lesson this last week and that would be Diligence. In my short, I don't think it's short but it is relatively short when you consider eternity, life, I've met people who go on through the toughest obstacles of life and I've met some that quiver at the sight of an ant hill. The truly successful in any endeavour, including missionary work, are the individuals that can diligently work. I guess, if I had to define diligence it would be by using a synonym such as perseverance or tenacity. It is the ability to have 999 doors slammed in your face by baptist, Methodist, and the occasional Wicca and still say that door 1000 will contain someone who will be baptized. It is the willingness to awaken at 6:30 every morning when you know getting up at 7am doesn't really affect your ability to be prepared for study at 8am. It is the willingness to not waste a second doing something that will not further the cause and trying to spend as much time as you possibly can furthering the cause. I have by no means perfected what is means to be diligent and surely Christ is again the greatest example of someone who is diligent. I have learned thought, that it is only when you are diligent in everything that you start to see success. You start to receive referrals and to find new investigators. I think some missionaries forget this, and certainly a lot of people in the world have as well. I guess my challenge to you is to be diligent. Will you be diligent this up coming week? I can promise you if you do you'll see the blessings of the Lord coming to you as you need. You'll have what you need and be able to accomplish any task placed before you as required.

Enough of that! The work continues. I'm doing great and I don't need anything, but I do always appreciate letters. I'm buying more stamps today so I need more people to write, and can only do so when I have you address which interestingly enough comes upon the letters you send me! Be diligent in writing to your favoriate Dutch speaking, Tennessee Knoxville Missionary currently serving in Athens and he will be diligent in writing you back!

Love,

As Always,

Tot Ziens,

Elder Nathan J. Nielson