Happy Pioneer Day Email from Anziano Eads

Here are Anziano Eads' emails this week. By the way today was transfers and Anziano Eads is staying in Sassari for the next six weeks with the same companion. In case you've forgotten where Sassari is here is a map:

And compared to Italy here is that map:

To Mom:

HAPPY PIONEER DAY, AND HAVE A GOOD DAY OFF!!!!!1

Sorry to hear you're under the weather. Get better soon. That's an order. 

"Neil Patrick"? Just add "Harris" in there, and you've got another tv show star on your hands. Anyways, glad to hear, tell them I say congratulazione.

Work information....work information.....brain shutting down..........................................................

Yeah, that is definitely hard work. Keep it up! Lose yourself in the work and you will enjoy it! Or, at least I do. Maybe it's the same principle for back home...I don't know.

I'm good on the language. I understand the vast majority, but I still stumble on words, phrases, the like. It doesn't inhibit me though. I'm just a quiet person, I don't like talking is all. Basta cosi. (yeah, we have a hard time seeing this. Nathan, not talkative? Hmmmm . . . . his mission is changing him). 

Mom, I would love to be informative on my email. However, I can't unless I know what you want to know. Next email, I will be very informative, if you wish.

So, transfers are here...do you know about an island called Malta?

Okay, you didn't believe that did you? I was hoping to get a reaction. Anyways, I'm still in Sassari, with Woolsey as my comp, but the city is becoming a four man city. As I told Dad, I'll send you pictures of the apartment and you can make the judgement of how are we going to fit four Anziani in there. . . . it will be challenging but we'll do it!

Let's see, what else...Oh yeah!!! Not next Wednesday, but the Wednesday after expect pictures of the sea, if everything works out in our plans. Got a good P-day planned. Going to a good historical site. Also, I'll be sure to include myself in these pictures.

For your sake.

Well, that's all I got this week.

Love you Mom!! Keep being awesome!!!

NaNa.

To Dad:

HAPPY PIONEER DAY!!!!!!!!!

Although I don't know if it'll be Pioneer day yet over in Utah. It is for me! 

Yup, I got the pictures of Coda, thanks. I'll put them to good use. And by that I mean using them to talk to dog lovers on the street.

Yes, our mission has had trouble with missionaries going home. I think that some might've been in over their heads, but in truth, it doesn't matter. It's always sad when a missionary goes home early, and even worse when it's one who you had a good relationship with. 

Good job Dad!!!! Still doing missionary work. See the lives you touched by following the Spirit!!! Now, save some money, and get ready to go on a couple mission with Mom when both of you retire. You two willl do great things. And yes, I'm serious about it. Please read Elder Holland's talk "We are all Enlisted". It's good.

Same old same old, sigh. That's sad, I was hoping for something different. Oh well. Good luck with everything.

That's dog's ears will never be clean, I swear. TALK. TO. MY. SISTER!!!!! And tell her to expect an email from me as well. I will be sure to make her laugh at my stupidity... 

Tell Brother Pinock I say hi. Also, I demand that you tell everyone that I'm about to be translated...okay not really, but that I'm doing amazing (but if you do tell them I'm about to be translated, I'll give you a huge hug when I get home) [he'll be giving his mother first, then his sister and then me a huge hug when he comes home!]. 

I won't write to the Hobbit trailer, only because I want to keep the emails short today. Thank you, I read it. Seems awesome. We're having a movie marathon when I get home. You can bet on that.

Thanks, I always have a good week. In response to your questions, here's a list of responses:

1. I am always happy. I just don't show it.

2. I have had so much spirit and experiences, that I can't tell them all.(we're going to ask to share one a week from now on. His Mom's cousin is married to Mark P. who owns International Luggage who outfits missionaries with luggage and other items. Anyway, he suggests to the missionaries to carry a 3x5 card down and when something spiritual happens to jot down the details. Then they have items for their email to share. We'll be reminding Nathan of this and have him write down at least one spiritual experience a day. Then when things are tough they can look at those and physically remember the ways the Lord works in their lives and its a journal). 

3. Yup, I work. Work, work, work.

4. I grow, learn and know I was called here ogni giorno. I get enough evidence of that in meeting with people and teaching. 

5. Actually, I've stopped being hard on myself, and I've divorced my negative personality. It's done some great things. 

6. Language is good. I'm not fluent yet. I understand the vast majority of what's being said, I can respond, but I still stumble on words, phrases, but I expect that. So, don't worry. I study hard everyday.

Oh yeah, transfers. I'm still in Sassari, still with Woolsey, but Sassari's now a four man city. I'll send you pictures of the apartment, and then let you think of how we're mangaing to get four Anziani in our house.

Love ya Dad

Nathan

Glad to see how upbeat he is.  

July 17th, 2013 Emails from Anziano Eads

Hey Mom.

Ehehehehe...I'm not particularly proud of that fact...but congratulations on getting some pictures of me. I try, but I just don't like being on the camera. Something I get from you I guess. Not sure though...

Dad put that on Facebook? Sweet. I could go on about how that book is (the Bible from another faith he was holding in another picture), but it invites a bad spirit, so I won't. I will say, however, that I can't believe how a group can be so close, but so far from the truth...

Sorry work has been so busy. I know how that is. No, seriously, I know. Imagine having to get up and leave the door to work all day, with no real break...man...it sure sucks to be an accountant, huh?

Well, hey, I'm glad things are working out for you. That's a good sign, no? Just keep a chin up, maybe tease Dad a little, find a way to relax, and enjoy life. It's what I do, and I love it. 

No new information??? Emily has a baby, Heidi has a preschool, and your neice has boy's on mission, and you say not much information????

Okay, well it's true. Glad to know you think about me when you cook food. I just hope you're not thinking about me when you eat it. Because that's just creepy.

Congrats on the gluten free french bread, and the treats for Coda. How is the old rascal? I've seen a ton of beagals here, so I miss him. Can I get another picture?

Language is good, Investigators are fine, I just wish we could meet with them. We call, set up appointments, but they either cancel, or aren't there. We have a scambi with another pair of missionaries this week, and we're planning on nailing them.

Yup, plenty of less-actives, and in-actives to work with, and we are working with them. Members love us missionaries, even though I don't speak Italian, they just assume I'm really humble, and timid. I always think to myself "Just wait until I get fluent."

English is...okay. I teach advanced, which means I just talk, and have some fun with those who can speak and understand. It's normally the same people, about 3, so it's not bad.

Hey, I do have some requests. Can you scan in sheet music for me, so I can get it downloaded and start playing piano again? I would love my Zelda stuff (Zelda's lullaby, Ganondorf's Theme, Midna's lamet), mainly, but if you can send me some Lord of the Rings music as well, that'll be good to. Ask Dad, he can help you! (Anziano Eads is in trouble with his mother! She can scan music just fine and doesn't need her husband's help!). 

Here's wishing you a great week as well. You're awesome Mom!!! Love you!!!

NaNa

Hi.

Work goes, investigators aren't doing too bad, it's been tough to meet with them, but I know at least three of them are reading the BOM, it's just a matter of meeting with them. (It is vacation time in Italy so it is hard to meet with many as they simply shut the country down for a month . . . but the missionaries keep working, see Anziano Eads' note to his mom above and see Sorella Waddoups note in her blog).  

Hey, I actually need to ask for some advice later in the email, so be ready for that.

So age is catching up now? HA! The old grey horse ain't what he used to be, eh? Don't worry, you're okay for now. (to a response from me that I can tell I am starting, keyword starting to get older and I can feel it in my body).

Sorry about the gluten, that had to suck. Still, that's the only time recently right? As long as it didn't effect the teaching to much, you'll be fine, and now, you just need to recover. (response to me getting gluten taking the water during sacrament. Someone must of picked up the cup I used and put it back down and there was enough bread residue to get me slightly sick. I had to go home for an hour to recover before coming back to teach Priesthood). 

French doors!!!! SWEET!!!!!! (we are replacing our glass sliding door with French Doors). 

I miss the rain. No rain here in Sardegna since spring ended, just heat, heat, humidity, more humidity, and sweat. I think that's why I'm losing so much weight. I sweat off the fat, and then the water I drink keeps my system clear.

Fasting was good. We'll see if it works. It will, but in the Lord's way. 

Oh yeah, I forgot about the pictures from Sorella Waddoups...well, glad you enjoyed them, and you got to see me. I try, I really do.

Okay, then, that's it. Now for the advice:

So, we have an investigator whose an agnostic. We've met him three times, and he still hasn't developed the faith in God, or the desire, and we've tried. What would your recommendations be?

That's all I got for you this week Dad. Buona Fortuna per tuo settimana!

Nathan

I really don't try to give too much advice. This is Nathan's mission and he has to learn to follow the Spirit and his heart, they won't lead him wrong. That and pray and communicate with his companion. 

Anyway, this is what I told him if your interested: 

Hi Son, 

In terms of your agnostic investigator, have you done two things? First, Alma 32:27 and challenge him to an experiment as it states there. Then go through 28 - 40 and challenge him then to do Moroni 10:3-5 and read the Book of Mormon with a desire to find out if it is true. You can discuss things intellectually but that doesn't work in my experience. In the end, he has to read the Book of Mormon with a desire to investigate and FIND out if it is true, to begin to pray and set aside his pride in order to find out if it is true.  He has to do something to show his faith, even if all he does is to exercise a particle of belief. If he doesn't do that, he's not ready and you may just have someone you drop in from time to time to check to see if he is ready. Let your mission rules and the Holy Ghost guide you on that and your companion.  

.Share with him also Moroni 10:32 and invite him to come and know Christ and that he can see by living the Gospel that it does change and transform him into being more like Christ. We are all on that journey of becoming as Christ is (3Nephi 27:27) and though it is a lifelong thing the Gospel in 30 years I've been a member has transformed me, and transformed my weaknesses. I still have them, but I am better able to deal with them. I have more patience today than 30 years ago. Sure some say its age, it is also the impact of the principal of charity in my life. You've had the Gospel transform your life and that is a testimony that the seed is growing. As he does the experiment, as he reads the Book of Mormon, attends Church, prays, lets go of his sins he will see the inward changes and those he cannot deny. He will begin the path to becoming as Christ is and then he has a decision. To either admit the truth, admit the fruit is good or deny it and return to his old life. Much like the young rich man in Matthew.  Then let him know you and your companion love him, and that you being there is just another manifestation of the love of God for him and challenge him to the experiment. What does he have to lose but if it is true, he has much to gain. . 

Anziano Eads' reply: 

Thanks, Dad, I'll definitely do that. I agree, he needs to try an experiment and my companion agrees also. That might be a good way to get him to try.  

 

Pictures of Anziano Eads from the Sardegna Zone Conference

Okay, I am borrowing these pictures from Presidente and Sorella Waddoups Mission Blog. You can find them located here if you want to see them there. Here are the images of Nathan that were captured.

The missionaries singing both the Anziano's, Sorella's and Presidente Waddoups (the tallest one).

Here are the Anziano's or Elders singing with Presidente Waddoups. Nathan is in the middle with the orange tie his mother purchased for him for his birthday.

The Elders and Sisters singing as the wait for their interview with Presidente Waddoups. Nathan is leaning in the back in typical poise. He really does love to sing!

Another picture of Nathan signing.

This is our second favorite shot. We recognize the forced smile. Does he really want his picture taken? Hmmm, perhaps that's why we don't get too many pictures of him!

 Anziano Eads with other missionaries and Presidente and Sorella Waddoups.

This is our favorite picture of Anziano Eads. It is a typical poise for Nathan as he is reading and studying. I wonder if it was a posed shot or as we suspect, Sorella Waddoups capture the shot without him being aware.

Weekly Email Letter from Anziano Eads July 10th 2013

Okay, before I post the emails I will post the pictures that Anziano Eads sent to us today. Here they are.

This is Anziano Eads and his companion (sitting), the two sisters who serve in his city and the other two elders (standing). I believe this is after a district meeting.

Anziano Eads in his true form! Yes, he is very expressive and we miss seeing that.

Cool looking rock formations. Reminds me of Balancing Rock in Arches Natl Park near Moab Utah.

More pictures of the countryside. I think the rock here looks like a Stone Giant!

Native Wild flowers.

Love the rock formations. I see a face and a child on the top of the head or back.
Just beautiful!

Form high up looking at Sasari we guess.

More pictures looking down.

Email to Mom


I have lost all creativity...the mission has sucked it out of me. Okay not really, but I just don't have the time to think of ideas.

 Don't worry about life though. Relax, enjoy life, and always, always, make fun of Dad. It helps.

Sorry piano is slow. My new comp loves playing piano. In fatto, I'm thinking that when I get back from the mission, I may have to pick it up again. I kinda miss it. So, would you teach me when I get back? I'll practice, I promise.

Well, can't say I'm overly surprised with Marcus thinking of moving in. I think it'll be good. Overall, though, I will say I hope things work out for him. I don't think there will be too many issues with him though. He's a good kid.

DANG IT!!!!!!!!!!! I'm am missing your cooking so much! There are times when I just want some of your food. Some chicken piccata, maybe some rice, I just want some of Mom's homemade cooking.

The Evans are moving? Well, that's not what I was expecting. Good luck on getting that garage sale ready to go. Best of luck, c'e la fa!!!!

Love you Mom! Chin Up! Keep everyone in line for me!

NaNa

Email to Dad

Salve,

Week has been outstanding, thanks for asking! Yes, the interviews went well, and Zone Conference as well. Waddoups is actually pretty chill, he's very play by play though, not a lot of expression from him. Still, I think he'll do great here. Seems like a nice guy who will lead the work where the Lord needs it to go.

Yes, my comp helped to plan Zone Conference. Basta.

HA! Monsoon season is back? Sucks to be back home...okay not really. I miss the rain. It's so hot here, and I've been told it's been a pretty cold summer. I am going to die in August...or next summer...tutti due.

No offense...your paper sounds boring.

Glad to know the blog is still going. I thought you had forgotten about it, since it was never updated when I was getting ready to leave.

That's cool that you got Adien (I butchered that) to open up, and it's cool that Val offered for Kendra to go and help out.

Stuck in elementary school still huh? Well, shouldn't be too bad, I hope. I think you did well in 6th grade, so 5th shouldn't be too bad, at least I hope it won't. For your sake.

Wait: you cleaned your side of the bed?! Holy cow, miracles do happen! I knew I was coming out on my mission for a reason! Well, that's awesome Dad. Now I give it a week until it gets messy again. Just because I know you.

You simple-minded? That's funny.

Hope you find this email funny. I tried to be, but I'm not sure it worked. Still, I hope you can appreciate my attempt at humour.

You have a good week as well.

Nathan

Weekly Email July 3rd 2013 (almost 4 months out next week!)

Here is the latest emails from Nathan to his Mom and Dad. PLEASE read the BOLD part and if you feel inclined, please email Nathan at nathan.eads@myldsmail.net.  He would really like to hear from more people than the four of us who email him every week. He'll even email back!

To Mom:

Hey!

I probably would've spent the week playing my 3DS or something. I don't know, been a lazy butt like always am I right?

Jam tasting huh? Well, that doesn't sound half as exciting, but it's definitely better than wine...I guess. I know the people here would disagree but boh, they have their culture.

Actually, I don't really sunburn anymore. I'm acutally a little tan now. I have some pictures on my camera that I'll send next P-Day, and yes, I have one with my current companion. I also have a boss haircut in said picture, I think you'll like it.

Yeah, I saw the otter pictures, that was cool. I love otters!!!!!! Can we see them again when I get back, and after I bring you to Italy? Please? PLEASE?!?!?!?!?!?!

Coda acted like that...hmm...that's strange. It will be interesting to see what happens when I get home. Hopefully he still remembers my scent, although I'll probably smell like cigarettes and coffee. Seriously, it stinks of cigarette smoke here!

Technically, it's a follow-up trainer. You only ever have one trainer. Anyway, Woolsey's cool. We get along really well, we're almost like brothers really. He talks a lot, I'm silent, so we work pretty well together.

Yup, doing fine, always have been. Still have a pulse, still losing weight, I think, haven't checked lately, and I'm pretty sure I'm still walking. I don't think I've been translated yet, but I think I'm close, either that or I'm just hungry a lot.

Hoo boy, investigators...the ones we have are progressing...kinda...but we are having to drop one. He's the major atheist I told Dad about in his email. We're going to share Korihor from Alma, and let him know if he ever has that desire to believe, call us. We'll see however.

I forgot to tell Dad about this but please share my thoughts on the technology intergration:

Something like this was bound to happen. I've known it for a long time. Frankly, I believe that a lot of good will come out of this, and in the end it will allow missionaries a easier time of doing the work.

Yes, temptations will be rampant, but overall, it's a good idea. I really don't think, however, that things will be too bad. Here in the beginning it may be, but we'll see. I don't know exactly how it's going to happen in the mission yet, since President Waddops has yet to meet with us, but we'll know more on Friday at our Zone Conference.

All I know for sure, is that I truly have been called at this time because of my skills. The Lord sent me out here to help lead this new intergration, and both I and Woolsey (he's one of the two zone leaders in the zone, and he's DL also) have some ideas that we want to try and implement here in Sassari and see how it goes, after we know what President Waddops will want us to do.

Okay, that's all my thoughts. Let me think, my day-to-day. Nothing to special really. Wake up, work out, study, out the door, appointments, or finding, lots of finding, four hour lunch break (it's an Italian thing), back out, more finding, appointments, and then back home for daily planning, get ready for bed, go to bed at 22:30.

P-day: shopping, email, cleaning, seeing some sights, then back to proslyting at six. Tuesdays and Thrusdays we have English Course, and Mondays we have DDM, and yeah. That's really how my day goes. Nothing too special.

Honestly, I'm thinking I'm staying in Sassari for another transfer. I could be wrong, but we'll see. I don't think so, just because new president, and the island is really young, but we'll see. Depends on what the Lord needs me to do.

Thanks for Daniel's email. That'll come in useful. Also, can you please tell people to write me. I love writing you and Dad, Payson and Daniel, and President every week, but I need variety. I don't care who, but just some one different!!!!!!

Email is prefered, but I'm good with letters too. My address is Via Marras 7, 07100, Sassari, Sardegna, Italia, but I just want to make sure, so I'll double check and give you the green light next week. However, it could be changing so...keep the office address on hand.

Well, that's it for me this week. Love ya Mom, hopefully everything's going well. How's cleaning the black hole? If there's anything else you want to tell me, do so, and let me know if there's any questions I can answer.

Love ya!

NaNa

To Dad:

Hey!

Week was good. Met with some investigators, got a haircut, and the like. My new companion and I get along really well, almost like brothers. I just find it funny that my patriarchal blessing promise of staying close to mission companions is true. HA!!!

Yup, President Waddops is in charge now, and we have our zone conference this week. We're the first place that he's visiting, so that's exciting. He plans on meeting with all of us on the island that week, so, we'll see. I'll tell you what I think about him next week.

No, my camera has not been stolen. I'm just following the White Bible rules. It says to not look like a tourist, so I don't carry it in my manbag. I mean, I could, but I don't want to. So bleh!

Investigators are doing well. We're going to have to drop one, which is sad. He's a major atheist and is big into conspiracy theories, but he's so old that he's set in his ways. We're going to share the Korihor story, and then let him know he can call us when he's ready.

The one we're focusing on the most right now, Manuela, is ready for baptism, but dang it!!!! She won't stop smoking!!!! GAH!!!!!!!!!!!! This Sunday, I'll be doing a fast for that cause, and then we'll keep meeting with her, just to help.

Besides that, we got five new investigators that we'll be seeing sometime in the next week or two. It's fun. I haven't actually met them yet, since they all become investigators while I was on a scambio (exchange) with Olbia. So, yeah.

Language is actually a lot easier. I understand a lot of what's being said, and I can speak it, but I don't. I've always been a little quiet, so...but at least my good listening skills have come in useful.

Yes, I'm keeping a journal. I've actually decided to just do an audio journal so that I don't have to use too much ink from the pens. Thanks for the recorder, it's come in quite useful, and I can't wait to hear my progression.

How am I doing? Great, have been for a long time now. Don't have to worry about me really, nothing to serious going on. I'm going to be the best missionary I can be, and yes, that does mean losing myself in the work, like I've always done, but I'm not hiding my personality anymore. I've always put a mask on to hid who I am.  Hopefully that makes sense. I've learned that I can finally be who the Lord made me and those talents and gifts are useful in blessing other people. It's good to be me and let others see me for me. Kinda of cool, eh?

From your emails I want to hear about you. How's it going? School going okay? I went outside last night and saw the Dipper, and Hercules, and I think it was Altair, but I can't remember, and thought "Man, Dad's probably observing like crazy." How is the observing?

Well, I think that's all I've got. Is there anything else you want to know? If so, please let me know so I can answer.

Much love,

Nate

Letter June 19th 2013

Hey you guys! Sorry about not getting this email to you sooner, but it's been one wierd week. Also, this is going to be a long email, so bear with it.

 

So, yes, transfers were this last week, and I'm staying in Sassri, and I'm getting a follow-up trainer. Robinson went to Rome 3, and I' got Anziano Woolsey from Lece. He's a good guy. We get along fine, and we hope to keep it that way. Funny story, we had to be in Cagliri until Sunday because of flight issues, then baggage problems. We had to stay and get the missing luggage, and then bring the Sassari baggage with us.

We also recieved some greenies! One, Anziano Jimenez, for Anziano Prete in Olbia, whose only one transfer ahead of me, and a Sorella Kippen for Sassari. The Sorelle are going to take the city over....oh the horror!

Here are the Answers to Dad's Questions: Yes, we have investigators, we have six, however, none are currently making progress, so, we'll see what happens. Teaching wise, it's interesting, because I can teach a little, but it's not really too much. I can testify, that's about it.

Language is coming. It's better than I thought, but it's still tough. I'll get it eventually. I understand a lot more than I think, but then I get pressured, and I can't respond. Right now, I'm working on just enjoying the ride, and responding as best as I can. I'm doing a good job with that.

Favorite part of the mission thus far? I am loving the chance to help people. Hey, it's clichè, but it's true. The thing I don't like is the humidity. It's hot right now, and it's just going to get worse. I'm starting to miss winter...

Mom questions: One investigators is named Giovanni. He's 23, lives alone, and is almost there. Needs to stop smoking, but we're certain there are others issues. Working to meet with him.

Manuela is the other. She is in her 30's, and is ready for baptism, but needs to stop smoking...like now! ONce that's done, she's going to be baptized.

Monica and Teresa, are not progressing at all, and we may have to give them to the Sorelle, depending on the Sorelle's workload. 

Guiseppe is a new investigator, we've been teaching him since I've been in Sassari. His son asked him to take the lessons, but Guiseppe's an atheist. So we're trying to work on getting that foundation of God laid. Soon though, and then we'll get him baptized.

Finally we have Nicola, from Alghero. Don't know much about him since I haven't met him yet. I'll let you know.

Okay, Mom, I have a request: I need the email for Daniel. Also, that box of deoderant, just send it to the mission office. I'll get it at Zone Conference, so no issue. Thanks!

 

Okay now, let's see what else...oh yes! Pictures. I have to get a few of them from the other missionaries, but I will definitely get them to you, probably next Wednesday. I'll get them when we do DDM.

Two Weeks of Email

Here are Nathan's emails from last week and this week.

Last Week:

HI Mom,

How did you get out of that black hole? I'm shocked! I thought only I could leave that place alive once one entered into it.

Yeah, sorry about the mess. I do try to be clean, but it's hard...I'm doing a much better job on my mission however. The house is clean...and we're making sure of that later today. You're welcome for the money by the way. I didn't even know about that Wal-Mart visa...I could've bought a game with that!!!!!!!!!

You're welcome for the pictures! I knew you would love the color of the Ocean. And yes, that goat was special. Yeah...about the address...I'll get it to you next week. I have enough deoderant to last me, so I'll get that to you really quickly.

Good on Daniel! Hey can you send me his email address? I would really like to stay in contact with him on the mission, now that we can email friends. It might help him to know what it's like. I know it did for me having Braden and even Payson helping me out.

Oh hey guess what? I don't have allergies!!!!! I have never been so clear in my life! I can breathe normally! Even more awesome: I'M LOSING WEIGHT!!!!!

Hey Dad!

Yeah, I got the eyejot messages. My trainer doesn't know, so I'll have to ask President or the AP's next time I see them...or something. It is cool, but I don't know if we can do that (Eyejot is a free program on line that allows you to create a video email and then send it in an email for someone like a missionary to see. Problem, if the missionary is homesick it might not be a good idea but I can see it as a way to communicate in the future once guidelines are established).

Thanks for the Epistle. It helps.

Yeah, the weather sucks. It's getting warmer and more humid. I'm sweating a ton of weight off. I'm down 20 pounds, from walking and working out in the mornings. Man, I'll be thin when I get home.

Finally the Seahawks are back!! Get ready Dad, the Niners days are numbered, as well as the rest of the NFL, specifically the NFC!

Thanks dad for everything! You rock! Hope everything goes according to plan.

Love ya!

Nathan


This Week (Get Ready for the Tears and not from my email. The email from Nathan to his mother made me think of the Stripling Warriors, where they say "We do not doubt our mothers knew it." and "Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they were young and their minds were firm, and they do put their trust in God continually."  This is what I see from Nathan and the other missionaries that are going out. They are like the army of Helaman, they have been taught in their youth and they are the Lord's missionaries!)

I have had a really good spiritual experience, but I want to tell both you and mom, so wait for a bit for that.

Well, since Father's Day is Sunday here come my Father's day letter to you.

Dad, you are amazing!!! This week, while reorganizing my desk, I went through the "Dear Elders" I got from you at the MTC. I always tend to forget what a spiritual giant you are, and then I read something from you that just brings that to my rememberance. I don't think I'll meet anyone like you again in my life. You're knowledge has helped me by making me want to increase my own knowledge of the Gospel to rival, and eventually surpass, yours.

I gotta thank you for your example. Don't beat yourself up on the things you should've done, you can't change that. But you did let me figure out what I needed to to get through my life, and your example of a righteous priesthood holder means more to me than you know. I can't be like you, but I can emulate certain things I like about you. That is one.

Thank you for the advice you continue to give me, it helps a lot. You don't know how often I turn to your teachings to me, and how often I read the story of your conversion. I don't think I would be where I am without you making those choices, and then helping me understand them.

I love you Dad.

Nathan.

To his Mom;

Hey, I got a really good spiritual experience to share with you, but it'll come with a combined email for Dad as well. Patience, I'll get to it soon.

Glad to know you're doing better.

Mom, this is going to make you worry, but it does end happily.

I've really missed you these last few days. I woke up on Monday, went through the motions, and then I realized, around dinner time, "I miss Mom". I don't know why that thought came to my mind, but it just did. I can't really describe it...I just missed you. I still did the work, but I just had that feeling the entire time. I couldn't shake it.

So, I thought about it before I went to bed, and I think I realized why I miss you so much. I don't have you to rely on, or teach me anymore. I have to start doing things on my own. My own laundry, my own shopping, cooking, etc. and I don't know what to do half the time. Mom, you've taught me a lot, but you never taught me how to deal with missing you, and that kills.

But, after I thought about it, I prayed for you, and I definitely felt better. I know that I'm doing what I should be, and that you helped me to get ready for this work. You taught me more than you know, not only in teaching, but by your example. The only reason I am so helpful, patient, and all those other good things that people see in me, is because I have you as my example of those things.

Mom, you are awesome. Don't let anyone tell you differently, and don't let thoughts opposite to that truth get you down. You've been a huge example to me, and I love you for that. Keep strong, and I'll see you in two years. I got a big hug with your name on it.

NaNa