66th Week

Hello Family!



This week is a bit different so I thought I'd send the family email first. Well I have big news. Transfers were on Saturday and unexpectedly the Mission Presidency has decided to close the branch on me. So I've been transferred back to the City to Munder which is downtown Paramaribo. Funny enough, my brother emailed me (Go Chris!) not too long ago and had the impression to give me some advice about being a trainer because he felt it might happen. At the time, I thought he was silly it couldn't happen. But lo and behold, Elder Saddler from Illinois has been assigned as my companion and he just got in Suriname 3 weeks ago! I will also be the District Leader with a district of six elders including myself and Elder Lundgren who will be in the next area over from mine. To say I'm surprised, would be an understatement that would be almost a lie. I truly felt like I would be here for six months so it is a bit unsettling to have the rug pulled out from beneath me. Especially when I had to stand in from of the 21 people who were present for church and announced that we were leaving and the branch would be closed.



I've really seen this as my Zion Camp. Yes I didn't have to march a thousand miles or whatever but I certainly did feel like a complete failure for a bit. I was given the task to stabilize this branch to help them succeed. Ultimately to baptize and to bring the Gospel to the people of Nickerie. In the end, I've killed the branch! I know there is much to learn from this experience though and there is an important principle we talk about in missionary work: No effort is wasted. I truly believe that.

The idea is that quite simply the Lord blesses us for our efforts and much like Elder Waddell said in the afgelopen algemene conferentie (Last General Conference) a lot of the effect of what we have done, or who we have touched, we will never see. I hope that I had a good effect on the members who whom I was able to work with, cry with, and to love with. I know without a doubt that I've changed their lives, I just hope it is for good right or even for awesome. The simple truth is that I have to believe as a missionary, a person, and as Elder Nielson that God has a plan for everything. That things do not happen to do evil unto us. Thus if we look for what the Lord wants us to learn then truly no effort is wasted when the answer is different then we expect.



I sent my Dad some pictures of the branch at their family home evening and also of my new helmet it is Orange and Black as you can see for the Cowboys! Go State! Next helmet is probably Red and White but only if we lose in the beginning of December :P



I love you all and I'm really excited to get moving to Munder. Should be interesting as that is where I started here in Suriname and I had a truly miserable time. I hated it to be quite honest and I'm going to have to exercise some demons when I get there but I know it is for a reason and I'm exited nonetheless.



Love you all,



Yours in the Service and God, and such



Elder Nathan John Nielson