Ciao Mia famiglia! Come stai?
I hope that everything is going well for all of you, and that things are looking up, because I know that with time, all things become better!
Sorry Mom that you've been super busy this weekend, but that's definitely not the worst thing in the world. I'm glad that it was a really good program and that message about Christ was awesome! It's cool that people follow my blog, but it's not overtly important. I'm glad that people enjoy it however.
Cool! I'm glad that Sam is going to be serving a mission, but it's a little weird that she's going out super soon. I forget some times how close she is in age to me and Kendra...boh!
OH and Dad, congratulations! Hope thigns work out for you!
As for Easter: I'll be deep cleaning most likely, cleaning the entire house for about eight hours...yup...SAVE ME!!!!!!
No, peeps do not exist in Italy, but they do have giant eggs of chocolate! I'll be sending pictures hopefully next week. I don't have a whole lot of new pictures yet...so...yeah.
I'm pretty good with the things you've told me. I do just have two question: How's my katana doing? And more importantly: How are things going with being member-misssionaries?
Now as for my work:
So, I realize just what was meant when I had the Spirit tell me to plan realistically for the week, when I saw how we had down. I probably should've been more realistic, but overall, we had a good week, with one major down note.
Samuel, our investigator with the baptismal date had given us three bidones in a row, and unfortunately, he keeps saying that he will come and talk to us. I hate to say it, but we unfortunately had to let him go. We did tell him that if he ever wanted to meet with us again, we would always be open and willing to meet. I'm hoping that he responds soon, and we can get him back on track.
Besides that sad note, we had a really good couple of lessons with Giacomo. He was feeling a lot better, and was able to meet with us twice this week, and we taught him the plan of salvation. I really liked teaching him this lesson in two parts, because we definitely left him on a high spiritual note, after talking about the Atonement on the first lesson.
The second lesson was good as well, but he was a little distracted. He was going through some problems at home. I probably should helped him out a little bit more with that, I admit that mistake, but if we are able to meet with him this week, we're going to be focusing on how with faith in Christ, all things can be made right in the end.
We also found four new investigators this week. We were out finding, and we ran into some Africans who were looking for a phone store, so that one of them could buy a new SIM card. WE helped them out, and afterwards asked if we could teach them a little. They accepted, and on Wednesday, we taught them the Restoration. They live out of Ragusa, unfortunately, and they missed the bus to bring them to the church on Sunday, but from the information we had, they were waiting for the bus on time. They are showing signs of progress!
We also met with Issac Addo twice this week, and taught him the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation as part of his after-baptism strengthening lessons. It was interesting helping him recall things. He understands, but he had forgotten quite a bit. I feel we need to hold the baton a little more with him before we do anything else.
Okay, now as for the district: The district is well. The sister's are doing fine, their work, from what I can see, is growing steadily and surely, and in time they will be doing a lot of good. They do have some referrals that they need to get going on, but overall they are doing fine.
The Gela Anziani are doing fine as well, from what I gather from Ostler. Anziano Garner had a major tooth ache this week, but he is doing much better now. Their work is going really well, with investigators really progressing. I think one may have a baptismal date soon.
Well, that's all the news from our front. Talk to you next week. Love you guys!
NaNa
Monday, April 14, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Okay, then, well...
Thank you all for the Happy Birthday! That was rather sweet of you, and it's wonderful. I'm going to have some fun, you can be sure of that. As for the money, thank you very much. I don't know what I'm going to use it for just yet, but I'll think of something.
So, I've got all your questions, and I'll answer them all. Since he wants to know it all, I'll start with Dad:
I'm more worried about giving addrestramenti, and how to best help out the district than I am of anything else. It's not hard to gather numbers (Dad asked him how being a District Leader has changed him and how it is to gather stats).
I don't konw what's up with the verdini situation. I think now that things are levelling off with the increase of missionaries, they're going to start refilling the mission when a group goes home. We'll be getting a large Anziani group in August probably. (Dad asked him why his mission was getting low numbers of new missionaries in).
Yeah, I like Stamps. He's cool. We share an interest in all things nerdy, and we're both quiet people. Which is nice. (Both parents asked like they always do how he likes his new companion).
Yes, same sisters (Dad asked if his district in Ragusa was the same).
If the Lord is willing, and the people are doing their part (because I'll be doing mine), then yes, hopefully we see a few baptisms this transfer (Dad asked if he thought they would have more baptisms this month).
Transferred next: I'd like to go back to Sardegna, or even Malta. I'd think that would be really cool (Dad asked where he thought he might get transferred to in the future).
I hope I have a lot more than just 2 or 3 transfers before I go home. I'm only in transfer 9! (Dad asked if he only had 2 to 3 physical transfers yet but that did not get communicated so well).
Yes, I've realized that this is my last year in the mission, thank you. I'm trying to focus on work so that I don't have to get trunky!
Mom:
The added resposibility will not detract, as it will help me to stay closer to my Father in Heaven. I'm cool!
Am I staying in Ragusa for a while? Boh. The lord knows, and if there's one thing I'ìm sure on, it's that the President gets revelation on the transfers. SO, we'll see what the Lord wants me to do.
Well, things were rather interesting last week, but also very enjoyable.
I got Anziano Stamps to Ragusa without any problems, and we started right into the work the next day. I had an appointment set up with Samuel, but he didn't show up, and I showed Anziano Stamps around the city, doing some finding. We rescheduled the appointment with Samuel before Conference Saturday, but he didn't show again, and he didn't come Sunday. We set up an appointment for today, so here's hoping that all things work out. We are going to have to move the baptismal date back to the 26th, with the option to move it to the 19th, if we feel he's ready.
Rosa and Giacomo both came for a session of conference, as that's all they had time for. They both really enjoyed it. I'm planning on meeting with both of them this week, and getting them a baptismal date, also for the 26th. We have a good feeling that things will work out, and we'll see two great examples of progression in the Gospel path.
Speaking of conference, I thought it went really well. I got some good items out of it and added some of the things that were said into my action plan. Part of that action plan is to become the message, and to remain optimistic, like our prophets, and have that attitude of "Oh, things will work out!"
I've felt really overwhelmed with the assignment to be district leader, and I've felt a great need of the help of my Father in Heaven. I've felt myself grow closer to him as I've prayed for his guiding hand to help strengthen me and help me to know what to do to help out my fellow missionaries, and our investigators. He's definitely answered my prayers, and that relationship, which is probably the most important relationship that we could ever have with anyone, is becoming even stronger.
Yup, things are going well. I'm rather pleased with the work in Ragusa, and I really think that things are going to continue to grow. I'm excited for this next transfer period and my new companion.
Much love,
NaNa
Thank you all for the Happy Birthday! That was rather sweet of you, and it's wonderful. I'm going to have some fun, you can be sure of that. As for the money, thank you very much. I don't know what I'm going to use it for just yet, but I'll think of something.
So, I've got all your questions, and I'll answer them all. Since he wants to know it all, I'll start with Dad:
I'm more worried about giving addrestramenti, and how to best help out the district than I am of anything else. It's not hard to gather numbers (Dad asked him how being a District Leader has changed him and how it is to gather stats).
I don't konw what's up with the verdini situation. I think now that things are levelling off with the increase of missionaries, they're going to start refilling the mission when a group goes home. We'll be getting a large Anziani group in August probably. (Dad asked him why his mission was getting low numbers of new missionaries in).
Yeah, I like Stamps. He's cool. We share an interest in all things nerdy, and we're both quiet people. Which is nice. (Both parents asked like they always do how he likes his new companion).
Yes, same sisters (Dad asked if his district in Ragusa was the same).
If the Lord is willing, and the people are doing their part (because I'll be doing mine), then yes, hopefully we see a few baptisms this transfer (Dad asked if he thought they would have more baptisms this month).
Transferred next: I'd like to go back to Sardegna, or even Malta. I'd think that would be really cool (Dad asked where he thought he might get transferred to in the future).
I hope I have a lot more than just 2 or 3 transfers before I go home. I'm only in transfer 9! (Dad asked if he only had 2 to 3 physical transfers yet but that did not get communicated so well).
Yes, I've realized that this is my last year in the mission, thank you. I'm trying to focus on work so that I don't have to get trunky!
Mom:
The added resposibility will not detract, as it will help me to stay closer to my Father in Heaven. I'm cool!
Am I staying in Ragusa for a while? Boh. The lord knows, and if there's one thing I'ìm sure on, it's that the President gets revelation on the transfers. SO, we'll see what the Lord wants me to do.
Well, things were rather interesting last week, but also very enjoyable.
I got Anziano Stamps to Ragusa without any problems, and we started right into the work the next day. I had an appointment set up with Samuel, but he didn't show up, and I showed Anziano Stamps around the city, doing some finding. We rescheduled the appointment with Samuel before Conference Saturday, but he didn't show again, and he didn't come Sunday. We set up an appointment for today, so here's hoping that all things work out. We are going to have to move the baptismal date back to the 26th, with the option to move it to the 19th, if we feel he's ready.
Rosa and Giacomo both came for a session of conference, as that's all they had time for. They both really enjoyed it. I'm planning on meeting with both of them this week, and getting them a baptismal date, also for the 26th. We have a good feeling that things will work out, and we'll see two great examples of progression in the Gospel path.
Speaking of conference, I thought it went really well. I got some good items out of it and added some of the things that were said into my action plan. Part of that action plan is to become the message, and to remain optimistic, like our prophets, and have that attitude of "Oh, things will work out!"
I've felt really overwhelmed with the assignment to be district leader, and I've felt a great need of the help of my Father in Heaven. I've felt myself grow closer to him as I've prayed for his guiding hand to help strengthen me and help me to know what to do to help out my fellow missionaries, and our investigators. He's definitely answered my prayers, and that relationship, which is probably the most important relationship that we could ever have with anyone, is becoming even stronger.
Yup, things are going well. I'm rather pleased with the work in Ragusa, and I really think that things are going to continue to grow. I'm excited for this next transfer period and my new companion.
Much love,
NaNa
Monday, March 31, 2014
Weekly Email March 30th 2014
As you both probably know, I'm staying in Ragusa another transfer, and I'm getting a new companion. His name is Anziano Stamps, and he's coming down from Rome. Anziano Calchera is going to Brindisi, in Puglia, proving that I'm right about the Puglia Shuffle (the curse that says if you were born (started the mission) in Puglia, you go back).
Well, where to start this week about my work...BAPTISM!
The baptism of Issac went really well. He was very happy with how it went and how he felt. He said he felt good, and clean. He really has a strong faith in Christ that is going to move him into the future. He does need to grow his testimony of the Church and the Book of Mormon, but that will come with time and as he prays and serves. We'll do all we can to help him with that; that baton is not going to be dropped.
That was the highlight of the week, and the confirmation as well, but besides that, I don't know. Two of our promising investigators were really hard to meet with this week. Giacomo was sick and had to cancel on our two appointments with him. It hurt because we had a member coming to both. However he had recovered enough and he made it to the baptism, which sparked more questions in him. We plan on trying to meet him this week and teaching the plan of salvation, after answering his questions. We also plan on giving him a baptismal invite, for the 19th.
The other investigator, Samuel, also cancelled on us this week with another member. However, when we tried to call back to set up another appointment his phone was off. It was like this the entire week. When we saw him in church yesterday, we asked him about it. Turns out his phone was broken and he can't use it. We set up an appointment for Friday at 4:00 with the member. We plan on teaching the plan of salvation as well.
This does mean that his date will have to be set back a bit, but that's okay, as he'll still do his best to make it.
Rosa was in church, which was fantastic, and she attended the baptism which was even better. She definitely felt the spirit there. We're having lunch with her tomorrow and we're hoping to get that baptismal date with her, also for the 26th. I really think it could happen.
Well, that's been our week. I will say that it hasn't been the best one we've had, but it's definitely been a highlight with the baptism, and all. We can only go up from here.
So, yeah. Well, that's been about it lately...
Also, I'm District leader next transfer.
NaNa
Above: Anziano Calchera (Anziano Eads' companion), Fratello Appiah (brother Appiah) and Isaac their new convert.
Anziano Eads and Anziano Kearon of the Quorum of the Seventy. Anziano Kearon was there for the Mission Conference.
Anziano Eads and Anziano Kelley. Anziano Kelley's mom worked for our Bishop who is a principal. He has his own mission blog at this link. It's a wonderful blog and very funny also!
Anziano Eads & Anziano Prete. Anziano Prete was from Anziano Eads' first area in Sassari in Sardegna. He is now in Palermo and so they saw each other at the mission tour. Anziano Eads likes to think of Anziano Prete as a close friend.
Anziano Eads and Anziano Ferrero. Anziano Ferrero is serving in Malta and this is his last transfer before going home so it is the last time Anziano Eads will see him. Anziano Eads considers him a close friend also.
Anziano Eads & Anziano Peachy, another friend who will go home after this next transfer. He was the trainer of Anziano Eads' next companion as well.
Anziano Eads and Anziano Woolsey, who was Anziano Eads' second companion in Sassari, Sardegna.
Anziano Eads, Anziano Woolsey and Prete, a Sardegna reunion!
Fratello Carmelo Brunelli, one of the coolest members, his girlfriend Rosa, one of Anziano Eads' investigators. Anziano Eads said he took this picture discreetly because he is a monello (brat).
Fratello Carmelo Brunelli, his son Matteo who was baptized Saturday as well. Anziano Calchera and Anziano Eads taught the lessons to Matteo at the request of his father, Fratello Carmelo so that Matteo could make the choice for himself.
The Cathedrale di San Giovanni Battista. Is is the central church in Ragusa main.
Fratello Appiah, Isaac who is an earlier convert, and Isaac their newest convert.
Anziano Eads and a MTC friend.
Rusty bars at a school in Ragusa.
A leftover from WWII, an old bunker (round building). I find it very interesting that it sits across from a church.
The Soreellea and Anziano of Regusa for this transfer.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Weekly Email March 24th, 2014 Old Man Anziano Eads
Hey,
Well, sorry things at home are still kinda tough for all of you. I really hope things work out quickly, and for the better. I've been praying for all of you.
Wow, a family reunion and I won't be there...that's going to be a little wierd, but okay. Good luck in that pit of my room!
The mission tour was fantastic! Elder Kearon was the one who came, and he is a very likable guy. I learned a lot and am enjoying trying some of the stuff out. It was really fun seeing all my old mission pals again. I have photos I'm going to be sending, so you'll see what I mean.
The new suit is nice. Again, pictures, and yes I did meet Elder Kelley. We took a picture together. He was shocked that my mom knows his mom, but that's to be expected. He's a good missionary.
Anziano Calchera is probably going to leave. He's been here for 5 transfers, and that's a long time in a city, considering this is only his second. So, he's probably leaving and I'll stay, at least for one more. and as for this week:
What a week of miracles!
Firstly, we have a baptism coming up at the end of this week. Issac has made a good amount of progress, and he has passed his interview, which means that, yup this Saturday will be the day. We have taught him the big commandments and he has accepted them. He's done a lot of good work, and I'm super happy to see him come to this point.
Next, we have a good amount of good investigators. Samuel, the African we met has been showing his desire to follow Christ. He really likes to hear the messages, and he feels the spirit. While we weren't able to meet with him this week, we were able to set up some appointments with him. He says he has some questions for us, and I'm sure that things will continue to go well with him
Next is Giacomo. Giacomo came into the church last Sunday during the last part of ward conference, and he enjoyed the meeting. We met with him afterwards and set up an appointment for him on Tuesday. We met with him and had downloaded the Book of Mormon before coming. He's been reading it and is willing to learn more about our church. He really seems that he has been prepared by the Lord to find the truth.
Giovanni we weren't able to meet with this week, but we are seeing him this week. We're going to be talking about the Restoration with him, and inviting him to be baptized when he knows the church is true. We hope all goes well with that.
With Elvis and Vittoria, we're going to be helping them make friends with one of our members, Valentina, one of the new converts. We're hoping that things are going to work out there. Elvis came to church on Sunday which was nice. We have an appointment set up with them on Wednesday, so we'll see how things go.
Rosa we've stayed in contact with. She's been having some family troubles and hasn't been able to meet with us. However she has read other chapters in the Book of Mormon other than the ones we assigned, which is awesome! I think next time we talk to her, we're going to try what Elder Kearon said about praying with them.
Okay, so there's our work lately. It's really picked up lately and we're seeing many blessings from the Lord as we have some great investigators, and all are making some form of progress. Truly Ragusa is blooming!
Well, I don't know what else to say...I'll talk to you guys next week...and then on Mother's day!
I'M OLD IN THE MISSION!
NaNa
Well, sorry things at home are still kinda tough for all of you. I really hope things work out quickly, and for the better. I've been praying for all of you.
Wow, a family reunion and I won't be there...that's going to be a little wierd, but okay. Good luck in that pit of my room!
The mission tour was fantastic! Elder Kearon was the one who came, and he is a very likable guy. I learned a lot and am enjoying trying some of the stuff out. It was really fun seeing all my old mission pals again. I have photos I'm going to be sending, so you'll see what I mean.
The new suit is nice. Again, pictures, and yes I did meet Elder Kelley. We took a picture together. He was shocked that my mom knows his mom, but that's to be expected. He's a good missionary.
Anziano Calchera is probably going to leave. He's been here for 5 transfers, and that's a long time in a city, considering this is only his second. So, he's probably leaving and I'll stay, at least for one more. and as for this week:
What a week of miracles!
Firstly, we have a baptism coming up at the end of this week. Issac has made a good amount of progress, and he has passed his interview, which means that, yup this Saturday will be the day. We have taught him the big commandments and he has accepted them. He's done a lot of good work, and I'm super happy to see him come to this point.
Next, we have a good amount of good investigators. Samuel, the African we met has been showing his desire to follow Christ. He really likes to hear the messages, and he feels the spirit. While we weren't able to meet with him this week, we were able to set up some appointments with him. He says he has some questions for us, and I'm sure that things will continue to go well with him
Next is Giacomo. Giacomo came into the church last Sunday during the last part of ward conference, and he enjoyed the meeting. We met with him afterwards and set up an appointment for him on Tuesday. We met with him and had downloaded the Book of Mormon before coming. He's been reading it and is willing to learn more about our church. He really seems that he has been prepared by the Lord to find the truth.
Giovanni we weren't able to meet with this week, but we are seeing him this week. We're going to be talking about the Restoration with him, and inviting him to be baptized when he knows the church is true. We hope all goes well with that.
With Elvis and Vittoria, we're going to be helping them make friends with one of our members, Valentina, one of the new converts. We're hoping that things are going to work out there. Elvis came to church on Sunday which was nice. We have an appointment set up with them on Wednesday, so we'll see how things go.
Rosa we've stayed in contact with. She's been having some family troubles and hasn't been able to meet with us. However she has read other chapters in the Book of Mormon other than the ones we assigned, which is awesome! I think next time we talk to her, we're going to try what Elder Kearon said about praying with them.
Okay, so there's our work lately. It's really picked up lately and we're seeing many blessings from the Lord as we have some great investigators, and all are making some form of progress. Truly Ragusa is blooming!
Well, I don't know what else to say...I'll talk to you guys next week...and then on Mother's day!
I'M OLD IN THE MISSION!
NaNa
Monday, March 17, 2014
Weekly Email and Pictures March 17th 2014
Hi Everyone,
Miracles still happen, and I'm a living witness of that. This week was just the best week we've had this entire transfer...thus far.
Let's start with the investigators. We now have two baptisaml dates. One for Issac, who has finally started to understand the message of the Restoration, and his date is for the 29th, and another called Samuel, who has his on the 12th of April. A little bit bout Samuel is that he is from Ghana, and he has tried his entire life to live as God wants him to live, and to find God and grow closer to him. So, yeah, he's been well-prepared, and we're working hard on getting him ready.
Besides that, we've met with another investigator, Giovanni, one of the referrals from the Clarks, and he accepted the message of the Plan of Salvation, and came to church, which was really nice, and he enjoyed the meeting, which was ward conference.
We met with Rosa for a spiritual thought, as she didn't have much time for a lesson, and we shared how with faith, anything is possible. We're hoping to build that growing faith of hers, and get her ready for the next lesson, and invite her to be baptized. It's kinda funny, because we both think that she's starting to find out that the message is true. I always love that moment, because the reaction is always different. Anyways, we're planning on that some time this week.
Wednesday we had a scambio with Anziani Ostler and Bryant, and that's where a lot of the work came form this week, and the two dates. They really helped us out a lot and we all learned a few things from this scambio, including how to be a little bit more bold.
So, overall, we had a really good week. I'm excited, things are really looking up, and heading in the right direction. True is the phrase that "I am a God of miracles, and do not change." We just have to wait for the Lord's timing in all things and then it will all work out.
Well, much love, INCOMING PICTURES!
NaNa
Anziano Eads (being bossy he says) and his companion, Anziano Calcherra (just being himeself according to Nathan).
Anziano Eads, Anziano Calcherra and the other two Anziano laying in ancient tomb; (Nathan says they left it exactly as they found it)
Anziano Eads looking heroic (he thinks he accomplished it)
Anziano Eads calls this Purity
Miracles still happen, and I'm a living witness of that. This week was just the best week we've had this entire transfer...thus far.
Let's start with the investigators. We now have two baptisaml dates. One for Issac, who has finally started to understand the message of the Restoration, and his date is for the 29th, and another called Samuel, who has his on the 12th of April. A little bit bout Samuel is that he is from Ghana, and he has tried his entire life to live as God wants him to live, and to find God and grow closer to him. So, yeah, he's been well-prepared, and we're working hard on getting him ready.
Besides that, we've met with another investigator, Giovanni, one of the referrals from the Clarks, and he accepted the message of the Plan of Salvation, and came to church, which was really nice, and he enjoyed the meeting, which was ward conference.
We met with Rosa for a spiritual thought, as she didn't have much time for a lesson, and we shared how with faith, anything is possible. We're hoping to build that growing faith of hers, and get her ready for the next lesson, and invite her to be baptized. It's kinda funny, because we both think that she's starting to find out that the message is true. I always love that moment, because the reaction is always different. Anyways, we're planning on that some time this week.
Wednesday we had a scambio with Anziani Ostler and Bryant, and that's where a lot of the work came form this week, and the two dates. They really helped us out a lot and we all learned a few things from this scambio, including how to be a little bit more bold.
So, overall, we had a really good week. I'm excited, things are really looking up, and heading in the right direction. True is the phrase that "I am a God of miracles, and do not change." We just have to wait for the Lord's timing in all things and then it will all work out.
Well, much love, INCOMING PICTURES!
NaNa
These are of the Cathedral of Ilba
Anziano Eads with American Flag somewhere in Ragusa
Anziano Eads (being bossy he says) and his companion, Anziano Calcherra (just being himeself according to Nathan).
Anziano Eads, Anziano Calcherra and the other two Anziano laying in ancient tomb; (Nathan says they left it exactly as they found it)
Anziano Eads looking heroic (he thinks he accomplished it)
Anziano Eads calls this Purity
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Dear Elder or Sister Leaving on a Mission
This is a copy of a letter given to me by a very close friend when a I left, Scott. I still have the original. I then modified when Nathan, Anziano Eads left and he has since modified it some. So it is offered as a letter to any Anziano or Sorella leaving to any mission in the world. As it says, happiness. Active service in the lives of others does bring so much happiness.
Dears Elder or Sister,
Welcome to another month, but this month is unlike any other month in your life, for it is the month in which you labor as an ambassador for our Savior Jesus Christ. Never will you feel so important than in sincere service to our fellow man, to bring them into the fold, so share the happiness that come from the love of our Heavenly Father. The Spirit will be with you always, like you have never experienced before. Therein lays the gift of tongues. You will say things that you never knew, as you teach by the Spirit, and your testimony will grow as does those of the families and individuals you teach.
Times will become difficult, companions may not always be what they should; the harvest, although ripe, may often appear as a drought, and Satan works harder on you than he has ever done before. However, the Lord is very close to you. As you serve diligently, the Lord provides many blessings, even more than you thought possible. Companions and personal weaknesses are changed through prayer, and the Lord will send rains in His season to liven the harvest after you have proven you are worthy of those rains. Above all beloved missionary, you will grow from all these things.
Now because the Lord is nearby, when you resist temptations, Satan cannot touch you! You will feel so clean, so worthy, and that to brings happiness. The mission you are embarked on will please you Elder or Sister, and give you enough joy to last the eternities if you let it. If your desires are righteous and pure, the Lord will bless you to fulfill your righteous desires.
THIS is the time of YOUR life! Work hard, be obedient, follow the Spirit, forget yourself and look to others and their needs and you will find out the purpose of life, for each of us to live in such a way that we become as the Savior is (3Nephi 27:27).
So, is your mission a sacrifice? Each missionary has to decide this for himself/herself, but in my case I will tell you my answer. I have received so many blessings, have overcome so many personal weaknesses, have learned to love everyone, and I do not mean this as a cliche, but I truly learned to love everyone, and I went home so much happier than I ever imagined I could be. See, I learned where such happiness lies and it is in service to others. That is what it means to be Christlike, to place the needs of others above your own. So again was this a sacrifice? NO WAY! Is it a sacrifice to be blessed, to become closer to our Savior, to become more like Him, and to bring my fellow brothers and sisters to the Gospel and Church? To find the eternal joy of service and love toward others; no, this was/is not a sacrifice though others may view it as such.
All that you learn will come one day at a time, so look for those spiritual experiences, sometimes they can go by unnoticed. So you will need to recognize the Spirit as He works, and as you do so, you will see the marvelous works and wonders of our Lord. Stay close to the Savior through scripture study, companion study, training's and listening to the counsel of your mission president.
So Elder/Sister, go forth each day to teach, love, endure, sacrifice, obey, overcome, baptize, cry, and love some more. Happiness Elder or Sister, I'm telling you it brings so much happiness. One last thing, ALWAYS, in ALL conditions, good or difficult, ALWAYS remember that our Savior loves you and watches over you at all times. Your are His servant and He is ever so mindful of His missionaries. They have a very close place in His heart. Your blessings from this mission will continue the rest of your life, growing, increasing, as your capacity for love and service increases. Happiness, this will bring you so much eternal happiness.
Dears Elder or Sister,
Welcome to another month, but this month is unlike any other month in your life, for it is the month in which you labor as an ambassador for our Savior Jesus Christ. Never will you feel so important than in sincere service to our fellow man, to bring them into the fold, so share the happiness that come from the love of our Heavenly Father. The Spirit will be with you always, like you have never experienced before. Therein lays the gift of tongues. You will say things that you never knew, as you teach by the Spirit, and your testimony will grow as does those of the families and individuals you teach.
Times will become difficult, companions may not always be what they should; the harvest, although ripe, may often appear as a drought, and Satan works harder on you than he has ever done before. However, the Lord is very close to you. As you serve diligently, the Lord provides many blessings, even more than you thought possible. Companions and personal weaknesses are changed through prayer, and the Lord will send rains in His season to liven the harvest after you have proven you are worthy of those rains. Above all beloved missionary, you will grow from all these things.
Now because the Lord is nearby, when you resist temptations, Satan cannot touch you! You will feel so clean, so worthy, and that to brings happiness. The mission you are embarked on will please you Elder or Sister, and give you enough joy to last the eternities if you let it. If your desires are righteous and pure, the Lord will bless you to fulfill your righteous desires.
THIS is the time of YOUR life! Work hard, be obedient, follow the Spirit, forget yourself and look to others and their needs and you will find out the purpose of life, for each of us to live in such a way that we become as the Savior is (3Nephi 27:27).
So, is your mission a sacrifice? Each missionary has to decide this for himself/herself, but in my case I will tell you my answer. I have received so many blessings, have overcome so many personal weaknesses, have learned to love everyone, and I do not mean this as a cliche, but I truly learned to love everyone, and I went home so much happier than I ever imagined I could be. See, I learned where such happiness lies and it is in service to others. That is what it means to be Christlike, to place the needs of others above your own. So again was this a sacrifice? NO WAY! Is it a sacrifice to be blessed, to become closer to our Savior, to become more like Him, and to bring my fellow brothers and sisters to the Gospel and Church? To find the eternal joy of service and love toward others; no, this was/is not a sacrifice though others may view it as such.
All that you learn will come one day at a time, so look for those spiritual experiences, sometimes they can go by unnoticed. So you will need to recognize the Spirit as He works, and as you do so, you will see the marvelous works and wonders of our Lord. Stay close to the Savior through scripture study, companion study, training's and listening to the counsel of your mission president.
So Elder/Sister, go forth each day to teach, love, endure, sacrifice, obey, overcome, baptize, cry, and love some more. Happiness Elder or Sister, I'm telling you it brings so much happiness. One last thing, ALWAYS, in ALL conditions, good or difficult, ALWAYS remember that our Savior loves you and watches over you at all times. Your are His servant and He is ever so mindful of His missionaries. They have a very close place in His heart. Your blessings from this mission will continue the rest of your life, growing, increasing, as your capacity for love and service increases. Happiness, this will bring you so much eternal happiness.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Weekly Email March 10th, 2014
Welp, there are plenty of stuff to address, and we'll take care of the things at home first.
Sorry, I forgot the card reader again! I've just started getting use to carrying the camera around, and I just have to arry the card reader too, from now on. Next week for sure there will be pictures!
I am glad that I am loved back home. Please tell the ward that I miss them, and that things are good, as always. Yes, I remember Mandy, but I wasn't good friends with her, so meh.
HAPPY BIRHTDAY TO MY SISTER! Tell her I'm going to be writing her an email.
Yes, I bought my hardrive. I also bought a new suit! Pictures next week!
As for me, I don't know how I feel about this last week. Things just did not seem to work out for us.
The first half of the week went good. Tuesday we met with an investigator and talked about many things, including church organization, and things went well, and he did pray for us at the end. English was good, as we invited all of the course to pray to know if God loved them as part of the spiritual thought.
Wednesday we taught Issac the Gospel of Jesus Christ again, and he actually understood it. He did ask us this one question about a prophet being baptized without water, and he said it was in the Old Testament. I couldn't find it and neither could Anziano Calchera, so we're not sure if it exists, and we both have a pretty good grsp on the scriptures.
Thursday we met with Andreà, an investigator from English Course that we both felt was ready to start the lessons. We realized, however, that he is quite a way out from the truths of the gospel, and doesn't really have a Christian background. However, we are going to continue to meet with him and try our absolute best to get him going. He's a really cool person, and we both feel that he would be a strong member.
After that, however, things just did not seem to work out. When we got back from Specialized Training, things did not come together. We tried to schedule an appointment with Rosa, but she was occupied with the day of the women festa, and her son was in the city as well, which unfortunately meant that she was occupied. She didn't come to Church either, which was strange.
Anyways, we have decided that our lack of planning was the cause of the lack of work, and this week, we're definitely planning a lot more to get some more items done. We have appointments scheduled for today, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and we're working on getting a lunch appointment with Rosa as well. We have three investigators that we are going to be getting baptismal dates for this week. We're jumping into getting those 40 baptisms as well!
Well, new week, new start. Things can only go up from here! Can't wait to see what's going to be happening in regards to the mission tour thingy. Let you know what's up! Love you all!
NaNa
Sorry, I forgot the card reader again! I've just started getting use to carrying the camera around, and I just have to arry the card reader too, from now on. Next week for sure there will be pictures!
I am glad that I am loved back home. Please tell the ward that I miss them, and that things are good, as always. Yes, I remember Mandy, but I wasn't good friends with her, so meh.
HAPPY BIRHTDAY TO MY SISTER! Tell her I'm going to be writing her an email.
Yes, I bought my hardrive. I also bought a new suit! Pictures next week!
As for me, I don't know how I feel about this last week. Things just did not seem to work out for us.
The first half of the week went good. Tuesday we met with an investigator and talked about many things, including church organization, and things went well, and he did pray for us at the end. English was good, as we invited all of the course to pray to know if God loved them as part of the spiritual thought.
Wednesday we taught Issac the Gospel of Jesus Christ again, and he actually understood it. He did ask us this one question about a prophet being baptized without water, and he said it was in the Old Testament. I couldn't find it and neither could Anziano Calchera, so we're not sure if it exists, and we both have a pretty good grsp on the scriptures.
Thursday we met with Andreà, an investigator from English Course that we both felt was ready to start the lessons. We realized, however, that he is quite a way out from the truths of the gospel, and doesn't really have a Christian background. However, we are going to continue to meet with him and try our absolute best to get him going. He's a really cool person, and we both feel that he would be a strong member.
After that, however, things just did not seem to work out. When we got back from Specialized Training, things did not come together. We tried to schedule an appointment with Rosa, but she was occupied with the day of the women festa, and her son was in the city as well, which unfortunately meant that she was occupied. She didn't come to Church either, which was strange.
Anyways, we have decided that our lack of planning was the cause of the lack of work, and this week, we're definitely planning a lot more to get some more items done. We have appointments scheduled for today, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and we're working on getting a lunch appointment with Rosa as well. We have three investigators that we are going to be getting baptismal dates for this week. We're jumping into getting those 40 baptisms as well!
Well, new week, new start. Things can only go up from here! Can't wait to see what's going to be happening in regards to the mission tour thingy. Let you know what's up! Love you all!
NaNa
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