I wanted to post the Skype of this, but we had some major problems with Skype from the Internet Hot Spot that Nathan used. I did manage to get about 10 minutes of Nathan's answer to the question what he has learned from his mission so far (he comes home on March 3rd). This was Nathan's reply transcribed from the video and audio from Skype. Nathan paused for a minute at least before answer, really thinking about this . . .
"Uhm, I think the most important thing I have learned is how I have grown from being a natural man to beginning to become a spiritual son of our Heavenly Father. Before I came out I really enjoyed my life, bought what I want, did what I wanted. Even in getting ready for the mission is was a selfish thing in someways, it was my mission. I learned out here that this isn't my mission, it is the Lord's mission for me. It is the people of Italy's mission. Yes, it is still my mission as I think I learn and grow more than anyone, but I have learned that what I want isn't important. I need to find out what the Lord wants and to do it. Anziano Zito (Nathan's companion who goes home this transfer) and I have had discussions reflecting on our missions and I think this is something we have learned. My mission has made me far less selfish, and more focus on others and on the Lord's will. The challenge will be to continue to seek the Lord's will and to follow it after I come home. See , a mission is just the beginning. Uhm, it is the starting point for becoming a spiritual man. Sorella Waddoups doesn't like the term dying missionary, but that is what we are in a way. We are dying to the things of the world and being born again spiritually. I get we don't lose our testimony but uhm, I do think we die as to the things of the world and that is what we need to continue to be focused on both here in the mission field and when we return home. So yeah, that is the most important, or one of the most important things I have learned here in Italy. To let the natural man in me die, and replace it by becoming a spiritual man and that will be the challenge for the rest of my life. That is why the Rome, Italy mission is the best. It is one of the hardest missions in the Church, the center of many traditions and beliefs. So the Lord sends his best missionaries here because of those traditions and challenges and the result is they learn to put off the natural man or woman, to put on the spiritual man OR woman, and become like the Savior is. By doing that we bring ourselves and we are prepared to bring others to Christ. So yeah, that is another thing. Dad asked if I feel I have had a successful mission so far? Yeah, I think I have. Some people measure success in different ways, by position in the mission, by discussions taught, by baptisms, by lots of things. I've been blessed to have taught people and to see some of them get baptized and others later I'm told got baptized. The greatest thing though is watching others start on this process of putting off the natural man and putting on the spiritual person, to come unto Christ. I think I have started that and I know I have seen others start that process and commit to that via baptism. That is what the sacrament and all our covenants are about, about becoming as the Christ is by putting off our selfish, natural ways and serving others. Uhm, I think that answers that question and I hope I am clear."
Nathan then shared his testimony and it was one of the most spiritual things I have listened to in person. What a blessing it is to have a son or daughter serve a mission for our Savior.
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