Weekly Email June 30th, 2014

Things from home: I'm glad that the new diet is working out really well for all you two! Hopefully Dad will be down as much as I am by the time I get home that would sure be different. Sorry you can't eat meat mom. I swear you wouldn't have to diet if you worked out at least thirty minutes a day. That's what I do, and I haven't had to chagne a single thing in my diet. Then again, I'm in Italy, so food is totally different here. 

I am rather shocked that Mom has gone observing with Dad twice. I nearly died of shock, in fact these smilies were my face when I read that:    

I?m glad that Grandma is doing fantastic and that she is doing much better. I think the fact that I'm doing so well is helping her. Maybe she will make it to when I come home, and then she'll live for another 18 months to wait for Sam. 

Now as for my week:

Well, I made it into L'Aquila perfectly fine, no problem what so ever. It was a long journey, but I did make a friend on the train up from Catania. He was heading to Napoli for university, and he wanted to practice his English. So, I gave him the corso website and told him he could find the address on there. We also had a good conversation about what I was doing in Italy. Hopefully something comes of that.

The last few days, I've spent getting myself acquainted with the members, and getting to know the city a little bit. L'Aquila's a really beautiful place, and I'm really going to like it here. Anziano Bethke introduced me to quite a few of our investigators, and I'm rather happy that our work is really good. Let's hope that we can keep the swing of things going up!

I'm really excited about the member work, and I'm super content that the branch is doing a great job of missionary work. It's rather fantastic!

So, yeah, that's how things went this week. I'm looking forward to meeting all our investigators this week, and getting to know them. Overall, a good transfer.

Talk to you next week!

NaNa

PS: Sending email with answers soon!

Answers to some of our questions:

Okay here we go:

I took an inter-city train from Catania to Rome-Termini. It took 10 hours, and then another 2 hours by bus to get into L'Aquila. My new companion is Anziano Bethke, and he's one transfer younger than me. It's only the two of us.

The branch has about 25 members that are active. It's rather nice. They are really into missionary work, and we have a good amount of referrals coming in. Just need to keep up with them. It's rather nice.

I don't know what finding is going to be like in L'Aquila, because most of the people live out of the city as it's under reconstruction. But I'm not overtly worried about it. I've had worse situations in finding.

The evidence of the earthquake is a bunch of scaffolding on buildings, and construction equipment all over. L'Aquila is actually being fixed which is nice, and I think it'll be done before the temple. (Italian construction takes forever!)

I live in an attic. Literally. They added a fourth floor to a three floor building, and we right on roof level. It's our own apartment, but it's small. Perfect for two people, but if anymore come, it's a bit crowded. Yeah, I like it though.

Okay, there ya go. Next week then,

NaNa

Farewell Ragusa, Hello L'Aquila Italy

Email and lots of pictures from Anziano Eads in a second. Anziano Eads is closing his chapter at Ragusa and has another new beginning at L'Aquila Italy. L'Aquila was hit with a major earthquake in 2009 that destroyed most of the city and has been rebuilt. Here is a map of where his new city is located. It is the red dot and he is basically east of Roma/Rome.

Well, another end to a beautiful stay in another beautiful city. I have to say, I'm happy to be on a new adventure, and that I'm leaving a city much better than I found it.

I'm going to be going to L'Aquila, which means "The Eagle" which had a major earthquake in the past. The city's still pretty beat up, but I'm looking forward to helping the people in that city. Anziano Stamps is staying and he's training.

Yup, another smallish city. I'm happy about that, I like the smaller cities.

Now as for the stuff from home:

Dad: Don't worry I have every intention of getting married in the temple, and I have every intention on keeping that standard. It ain't gonna last if it ain't in the Holy House. But a May wedding for Kendra wouldn't be bad, even if it's one of my best friends and sister's wedding....

Mom: I got the picture of ya'll in the canyon, it was pretty fricking pretty. But I'm going to be sending some even more beautiful pictures here really soon....just to make yours not so pretty.

Cool for Marcus, I hope that he enjoys his new car. As for me, I have no idea....I'm still thinking. Since I like making an informed decision, how long do you think the 2005 will last, and which do you (this is for Dad as well) would be the better option? To buy Mom's car or keep running the 05 til it drops?

I hope the new diet works out for both of you. While I was looking at these pictures I'll be sending, I realized, that if you both lose as much weight as I have (95, COUNT 'EM 95 LBS!) then ya'll be as sexy as I am. Just look at those pictures.

Both: I am perfectly fine with a small thing as a family when I get home. However, I may sleep as well. I'll be beat no doubt. Yeah, count on me sleeping for at least a week.

Well this week was kinda different, as we were in Gela for a scambi this week. It was really nice, as it gave us a little more insight into how Gela's work is. It's a little rough, but still good work. They'll definitely have a baptism by the 5th this week.

Honestly, besides that, it was a normal week. We met with our Africans from the Marina, and things went well. They all came to church and Goodluck was sustained as a member and that was awesome. It's the second time I've seen an investigator go from start to sustained a member (sometimes I've been transferred before the sustaining) and I thank the Lord that I was able to see it.

Normally, Mom, we lead out in teaching the new convert, and transition into letting the ward or branch do the teaching, but sometimes, we just have to do it all. In this case, because there's limited english speakers (aka none) and our two africans who can speak can't get out that far, we'll keep going...or at least Stamps and his greenie will.

Yup, well, that's how it's been. I'm really looking forward to the new adventure in L'Aquila, and I'm excited to see the people I'll be able to help in that city.

Talk to you next week from L'Aquila, and enjoy these pictures.

NaNa

This is Carmelo. We've done a lot of stuff with him as he's really needed some spiritual help. I'm going to miss him a lot

 BEACH SHOTS!!!!!!!! Just to make Mom jealous of me because I see the sea a lot. Well, I did, now that summer's in full swing, I can't. Too many girls. Also, now I am leaving . . .

See the Crab! 

Our little Ragusa group, with Valentina as well. I got permission to wear sunglasses

IN honor of the Mondiale (world cup), Modica, a city thirty minutes away, put up a fake Rio Jesus Statue. We were doing work there, so I thought, why not?

 For Mom. I choose the right book correct?

is us with one of our investigators, Marcello, and his son Luigi (small guy in the red). He's the only one who has interest right now, but we're hoping the family will start taking the lessons at some point as well. 

 Ibla, the small city attached to Ragusa. You could actually call it Old Ragusa.

Just a few shots of me showing off my artistic skills. Like them? See Photography class was a good thing?! City is modern Ragusa. 

Do you remember Anziano Woolsey, my second companion? Well, he was in Gela this transfer and because I was district leader, I got to do a scambi with him. Unfortunately, Gela's dumpsters were missing, so trash was just piling up every where

 Goodluck and Me this last Sunday. He's awesome, and he's going to be an awesome member (they baptized Goodluck last week). 

 is of me and the patriarch, who lives here in Ragusa. I like to say I had a pretty good friendship with him. He's a pretty chill guy.

 is of the family Chines. He's the one who helped the sister's move in. Unfortunately, because he's on the High Council, he doesn't have a lot of time to help us with work. He's still a great guy. His wife is a great cook.

These two are of me and Fratello Puglisi. He's become like a grandfather to me. He's crazy, but with a heart of gold, kinda like Grandpa Ferguson. I would help him to and from his motorized scooter every day. He really appreciated it, and said he was losing one of his best friends when I said I was leaving. He's so cool!

Me and our Vescovo (Bishop), being well....us. Strange people. I can see myself becoming a lot like Vincenzo in the future. 

And then there's his famliy, and then his newborn son. I think I've met the next (and first) Italian prophet. 

Giovanni. He's an great member. He's always willing to help out with the work, and that's really great. He's another good person.

Carmelo Guastella (our ward mission leader) and his family. Supposedly, he cried when I was giving my farewell testimony, and said he was losing his grandson. I really love this guy!

This is of me and one of my little brothers, Giorgo (who people say will look like me when he grows up). He's another awesome kid, going to be doing some great things in the future. 

This is of Iolanda (spelled with an i and who waited 10 years to be baptized)  and her mother. Yeah, they are just awesome.

This  is of Giorgo's family. Their dad and mom are both RM's who help with work when they can. Lorenzo is Kevin from UP, and their daughter Emma is the cutest kid in the entire ward.

This is of me and Fratello Appiah. He's definitely one of the stronger members, and I've worked up a good friendship with him. He's going to be the branch president of our African Branch here in Ragusa when it gets started.

Me and Valentina. She's become a really great friend, and she's one I need to stay in contact with. Note: She is not actually hugging. 

Me and and the family Sorrentino. Again, I've made good friends with the youth. They leave for England this July. 

 The family Magrograssi. She's Brazilian and he's Italian. And then there's the American, me. Look at that awesomeness!

Last bit. Just some shots of the sunset from Punto Secco.

Sunset near the Med. near Ragusa. The sun has set on my time in Ragusa, now on to L'Aquila! 

Weekly Email June 9th 2014

Well, this is a interesting week.

Starting off with Mom (sorry Dad, she's more important ): I'll respond to my thoughts about the reunion using a meme "Prepare yourselves...the reunion is coming!" Glad that it's all ready to go, and that things went well at the recital. But I do have a question: Are you ever nervous? I don't think I've ever seen you nervous.

Tell Sam (my cousin who just got her call to Osorno,  Chile) the next time you see her that I tell her congratulations, and that she'll have a ton of fun. As for the theft, this is why I always lock my car back home. It's just safer and yep it only takes once.

Dad: SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER! (I'm just getting in a ton of song references!) Hope the summer is good for you, becasue once it starts again, it's going to be a pain in the butt! Purtroppo per te, you still have to take classes. Sorry.

Both: I'm glad that Kendra has realized that I'm probably her next best friend, and that she misses me. I did laugh about that! Number two after Mom said something! Does this mean I'm going to be the best man and her butler of honor?

Okay so, for my week....

This is the week of baptisms for us here in Ragusa. This Friday Goodluck and Lucky will be baptized. We, unfortunately, had to move Samsons date back to the 28th, because he missed church once again. We also feel that he needs some more time to grow his testimony. However, Goodluck and Lucky are helping him out with that. They're going to be really good members, once they join.

So, we taught them a little bit more this week. We taught them about how before and after baptisms things don't always get easier, as Satan will try and stop this experience from happening, or afterwards he will come and attempt to tempt them to leave behind what they know is true, and we did this using Joseph Smith's History 1:16 and Moses chapter 1:12. We told them that no matter what happens, if they hold true to their faith in God, He will help them overcome any and all trials.

Besides that, things are good. We were sick on Tuesday, and no one met with us, then we just couldn't get appointments scheduled, but things happen. I'm not overtly worried about these things. I just have to get out and do my best, knowing that the Lord will help me out, and that things will work out.

It's funny how optimistic the mission has made me. I'm almost to the point where when negative things happen, I tend to just think: "Okay, whatever. Just let the Lord work his miracles, and do what you do best, move on!" The trend has been that it's worked out thus far, so yeah. Good things happen to those who take action and put place in the hand of the Lord.

Speaking of miracles, a little miracle this week occurred yesterday. Because the Marina Bunch has to take a bus to get here, they tend to have to walk to the church, a good 45 minute walk. Because the bus doesn't arrive until 10:30 on a good day, we knew they probably wouldn't make it in time. So we tried to find some one who could give them a ride.

Purtroppo, no one said yes, or they couldn't do it. We had actually resigned ourselves to the fact that we would go and pick them up, and then teach them a lesson afterwards. However, around ten o'clock, I'm sitting there ready D&C, when the phone goes off. One of the members we had called earlier had changed his mind and was able to give them ride.

Miracles happen everyday. It just depends on if we want to see them. This week we're going to see a miracle in the baptisms, and then the miracle of conversion will continue to grow in their lives.

Okay, there's my recap of the week, next time, love you guys!

Anziano Eads

Here are some imagines of Anziano Eads from the Catania Zone Conference courtesy of Sorella Waddoups.

Anziano Eads on the far left as a District Leader, the Sister Leaders, the Zone Leaders, Presidente Waddoups and the Mission Nurse.

Anziano Eads and the Mission Financial Secretary. 

Anziano Eads on the right hand side of the image signing at the end of the Zone Conference.  Lynda says her son is rather short in this crowd!

Anziano Stamps who is Anziano Eads' companion and Sorella Pancheri who is training a new missionary in Regusa. 

Anziano Eads on the left hand side of the image, singing at the end of the Zone Conference. 

Anziano Eads with Sorella Pancheri and the new Sorella in the background. 

The Cantania Zone, June 5th, 2014

Weekly Email June 2nd, 2014 and What Nathan Loves about being a Missionary

Well, like always, an epistle from Dad, and a beautifully short message from Mom. I love you guys.

Starting off with the temporal things at home:

Dad: School never changes does it? It reminds me of that Bowling for Soup song "High School Never Ends." It's all true isn't it? I have more drama after the mission!

And as for the B-17: WHAT ARE YOU THINKING EVEN ASKING ME IF I DON'T WANT TO DO IT?!?!?!?!?!??! WHAT KINDA QUESTION IS THAT!?

Of course I want to go, that's frickin' ovio, Gosh dang it! You insult my love for the history of this world! Kidding about the blow-up, but of course I would love to go with you. I CALL BOMBARDIER!

STAR WARS! I don't know something that's as followed as this film will be. It's going to be intense.

Mom: Yay for cleaning! I'm super glad that things are going good in that regard. Things will work out. Your recital will be an awesome one, of that I'm sure! They always are. Good for Marcus, and good luck with Kendra!

Yay for grilling, I'm missing good old fashioned American grilling, because no italian knows how to cook American food. They think that if you put french fries on something, it's American! (It's not true, but eh, if it fits, )

On the Spiritual side of things: Dad, I will help with the family history as much as I can

Now as for my week things were definitely better this week.

We, once again, were not able to meet with our Italians in a formal lesson, but we were able to see one of them at English Course, and he said that if he's free he'll meet with us. We also ran into another one after church, and he said that he is free to meet with us this week. So, looks like things are looking up for us in that regard.

However, as always, our trusted Marina Africans are progressing quickly, and they came to church this week. They are ready for baptism, and hopefully all things work out for their interview this week, and all things will be awesome! This week we ran over the Plan of Salvation on Wednesday, and then we read some scriptures on Saturday. They're doing a great job!

Besides that, a lot of finding and english course publicity, and we're getting a great amount of new students. I'm think about approaching some of the students to see if any of them would be interested about hearing about the gospel, and I hope something comes of it. I think, overall, things are starting to get better after a terrible week.

Now to answer the questions, that's going a long email, so here comes a separate one.

My favorite part of being a missionay. That's a dang good question! You'll have to give me som...okay here's the answer :

I absolutely love every aspect of it! But what I love the most, is that I get to focus on this scripture. It comes from Alma 29, and I hope you don't mind some analysis. (I'm a nerd, with a desire to explain and know everything, so here comes scholar Nathan Eads ).

So, we'll start with the beginning: verses 1-3

"1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

 2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

 3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me."

How often at times have I desired to proclaim the Gospel to the entire city, from a wall of something similar! I wish that I could proclaim repentance to every soul, with enough energy of the heart that I could convert thousands in one moment!

But, how do I sin. I know I should be content with what the Lord has given me, and that should be enough, but there are times when it isn't!

Verse 4 and 6:
4 "I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to theirdesire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction."

6 "Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?"

Looking at all the things I've come to know, why should I want more, than to fulfill the calling that the Lord has given me? Why should I desire to do more? I state this because this calling is probably one of the greatest and most important callings in the world, and that should be enough for me. In magnifying this calling, I am magnifying my God, and giving him the glory.

Verses 9-10:

"9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

 10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me."

Verse 9 is something that hit me really hard a few transfers back. I know what the Lord has commanded me to do, "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." Being warned, I must warn others about the day of the Lord that is soon to come, so that they can be adequately prepared for that coming.

"I do no glory of myself" I do the best, and a lot of the time, I'm not too good at that, but I am trying to glory my God more than me. I glory in the fact that God has commanded me to warn my neighbors, I glory in that!

I do not know if I have been a super effective missionary, I didn't come out even knowing I would have baptisms. But I cam out knowing that as I do my best that "perhaps", which means that even now I do not know for sure if I can do all of this, "I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance, and this is my joy."

I find it interesting that Alma says "an instrument". I think a lot of the time, and I know a lot of the time for me personally, that we missionaries tend to think that we are the most important part of the work. We, occasionally, and only a few of us, are "lifted up in the pride of [our] hearts" (see 2 Nephi 26: 20), and we begin to think we are better.

However, that's not true. We are only the tool the Lord uses to bring to pas his work, and like a good worksman, a good farmer, he has many tools. We should not lift ourselves up becasue the Lord is the one who truly brings all to pass.

Verse 10 is very personal. Whenever I see someone, whether one of my investigators, or another missionaries investigator, truly humble themselves and are penitent, and they go before the Lord, knowing that he can cleanse them, as he has cleansed all of us, then is my joy full. Then am I,in the words of Ammon "Lifted up....to boasting in my God!" (see Alma 26).

It reminds that the mercy of God can be extended towards anyone, even the most hardened sinner, and that with the Love of God, the hardened walls can be broken down and all things can be done. Miracles can occur through the power of prayer.

In closing, I'll leave you all with verses 14-16, and with my analysis:

"14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of [Italy].

15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!

16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy."

We shouldn't joy in our success alone. We're all in the same work, we're all on the same team. We shouldn't envy the success of others, but rejoice with them in the moment of joy! They are many who have labored so hard, so diligently, but have never seen the fruits of their labors. We should remember always that this investigator that we've come to love, was loved by another.

Our joy should be full as should theirs. We shouldn't let bitter feelings interupt that! I've truly come to see that in my mission, that envy doesn't do anything. Only love moves the work forward, only charity "love unfeigned" "the pure love of Christ" will propel this work far into the future, and carry it on into eternity.

Hopefully that answers your questions. Love you guys, talk to you next week!

NaNa