Well, I'll start off with transfer news. I've done another one and done with a companion in a city. Anziano Bethke is leaving and I'm staying in L'Aquila, however, I don't have any idea who my next companion is, because I'm going to be a father.
Yup, I'm training.
Well, I guess the Spirit was right when it told me that. I'm sad that I'm going to be seeing Bethke leave, as he's become a really good friend, but I'm happy for the new adventure and challenges. This is going to be interesting. I'm a little nervous and excited about training. Thinking about it, I've come to realize that my hurting my foot this transfer was to help me come to rely on the Lord so that I would be ready for the upcoming adventure that I have in store for me. Well, in the words of President Spencer W. Kimball: "Give me this [adventure], give me these challenges!" Because I know that they will help me grow into who the Lord needs me to be. I'm still going to miss Anziano Bethke though. What a wonderful companion and friend.
I'll let you know who my companion is next week. Along with pictures from my second trip into the heart of Catholicism on Earth. Yup, I'm going back to the Vatican, more or less a year later than when I was there last. Bethke's never seen Rome, and we decided it be better for him to see it before he leaves. I'm in Rome again, pics next week.
Okay, now to the stuff from home.
Go my sister! I'm glad that she's starting to pull her own weight in the family now that I'm gone. I hope it continues that way when I return. Anyways. No change huh? Still stuck in the rut of life? Don't worry, I've been that way for a long time now. But unfortunately, my rut just seems to make time fly by, instead of making it crawl....why can't time move slower?! I feel the urgency to do more with less time!
Good insight on how the Lord works Mom. I've come to see that, an honestly (that as we and others repent, the Savior honestly forgives and forget and we must do the same, that our job is to love, serve and not pass judgement), I can't really remember when I last looked for the flaws in others. Probably never, because that's not my personality. But still....I like it. Good luck with your talk and all else! I have faith in you!
YOU'VE BEEN A GREAT MOTHER DON'T BREAK YOURSELF DOWN!!!!!!!! I'm mean, you haven't been perfect, but who needs perfection? That's an eternal goal, you don't need to be perfect now, you just have to do your best with the time that's been given you. Hence why I'm out here....also because I wanted to see Italy, then there is this thing about how awesome the people here are.
Man, solar panels, self-sufficiency, I really wasn't expecting these kinda life changes. Still, I'm all for green energy just so long as I can play my video games and goof around on the computer.
Hail Jay, son of Larry, son of Howard, King of the realm of Nothingness! (I think I've out beaten you on the long titles!)
Thanks for the Hobbit pics. I can't wait to have the Hobbit and LOTR marathon with you when I get home HINT HINT!. Also, good for going to girl's camp, it's good for you to participate in the ward, serve and grow friendships. I'm proud of you for helping people out. Nice to see that your getting back to that.
Okay then, as for my week:
Another beautiful week in beautiful L'Aquila.
Firstly, we had to change Iole's baptismal date to the 23rd, but that's only for convience as the members will be out for Ferragosto, and they really want to be there for the baptism. They are really excited about it, and so is Iole. She is progressing very quickly and happily. She recently bought a tablet and had us put the Gospel Library on for her, and she has been accepting all the commandments that we have taught. No more coffee, and she understands why we fast at this point and the blessings of these things. So she will definitley make it.
Federica is growing a lot as well. In just two weeks, she has gone from being atheist, to actually believing in the existence of God, and she has been receiving answers to her prayers. Two cool stories about that how her prayers have progressed. When we met with her on Friday, when she said the closing prayer, she said "questo รจ un po strano ma, God, ti voglio bene." ("This is a little weird, but God, I love you.). And again on Friday night she was feeling sad and she said a prayer and she told us that she had never felt God so close in her life. No date though. She wants to wait until she receives an answer for herself, but she did say yes when we invited her. So just give it a little time, the Lord will bless her, we know that.
Yup, that's been our work this week. We've been out doing some proselyting and we've seen some people express interest in Corso d'Inglese, and we're hoping that from that we can begin to get some more investigators, as well as following up with our members about how things are going with their friends and families.
Okay then, that's my life, and I'm content with how things are. Tell Kendra I love her, that I expect there to be chinese food when I see you all at the airport (if not that's okay, I'll buy Taco Bell), and that I'll see you all soon....fricking December is right around the corner....and my time is going to fast.... way too fast. I guess it is that way for all of us, be it in our callings, in life etc. It just seems to go too fast and we have to maximize each of the days that we have left.
Love ya'll!
NaNa,
Also, I'll be going to the Ladyhawke castle sometime this transfer)
Monday, August 4, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Weekly Email July 28th, 2014 Anziano Eads on Crutches
Thanks for the pic of Tean. Glad that he's doing well (Tean is a friend of Anziano Eads who is also on a mission).
Mother, I think you would've known by now, that when any member of the bishopric comes to call, you pretend not to be home, or say that you are really sick and can't come to the door. I'm kidding of course.
I'm glad that you all are speaking about strengthening families. In fact, that's a way we find people to teach, we ask if they want to know how to have a more united family, or a happier family. We tend to teach that the Gosple of Jesus Christ, aka His teachings are what unite the family and make them happier.
Well, it's your talk, so I'll let you do what you want. I would recommend using the Family: Proclamation a little bit. You could also share how living the Gospel has made your own family more united.
I'm glad that you all had fun going up to Logan and Blackfork Canyon and doing all that stuff. Next year, I can go with you guys on all your trips, when I'm not busy working or studying or qualcosa simliare. I can't wait for the days I can spend with you guys again.
Well, a quick recap of Saturday: I was jumping rope, botched the landing, and sprained my foot. Thus, began the longest week of my entire mission. I hated not being to walk.
First off, my foot is much better. I can finally walk! Okay, I've been walking since Friday, but today I got rid of my crutch that I was using and I'm on my own two feet again. I'm really appreciative of the strengthening/enabling power of the Atonement that has supported me this week. Thankfully, with all the prayers, and the priesthood blessing I recieved, I'm back to at least 95% and I can only go up from here.
Well, enough about me, on to our wonderful investigators. We now have a baptismal date. Iole, the investigator from Avezzano, now has a baptismal date for the 16th of August, however, we may have to move it back a week due to feragosto, but either way, she's going to make it. She's been making some wonderful progress as well, and is keeping all the commitments that we give her. NO doubt, that she'll make it. We taught her the Ten Comandaments this week, and it really showed how far she had come.
And Federica as well is making some progress. She didn't make to to church this week, but she did commit herself to coming next week, and she's continuing to read the Book of Mormon, and she says that her prayers are starting to get better. Unfortunately, during the teaching of the Plan of Salvation, we both felt that the baptismal invite would be better delivered this week with the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson. However, this week, we're going to have two dates, that I know for sure! (Missionaries are now required by Church HQ to teach the 5 lessons before baptism, then reteach them those lessons after baptism and have constant contact with the new member for the first 3 months. After that they are to have weekly contact for the first year which means other missionaries will follow up on new members as missionaries move around The goal is to get them ready to go to the Temple at their year anniversary).
Besides that, we're going to try and grow our English course this week, and see if we can get any new investigators coming in from that, and other finding methods. We're also going to be asking members about how it's going with some of their friends this week, when they get back from their temple trip to Switzerland.
Okay, so my only question to answer this week is this: WHERE HAS MY TIME GONE?!?!?!??!?!
The time is flying by. I'll be skyping you guys before I know it, and then I'll be on my way home....frick....I don't like that. I REALLY don't like that. Too much to do here.
Okay, well, that's been my week. Love you guys!
NaNa
I stole, borrowed these two images from Anziano Eads' companion's blog Aniziano Bethke. We are parents are so grateful for Aniziano Bethke and for his charity toward Anziano Eads and for his endurance of that trial. It is never easy to stay in the apartment, I remember having to do that once on my own mission over 29 years ago.
Mother, I think you would've known by now, that when any member of the bishopric comes to call, you pretend not to be home, or say that you are really sick and can't come to the door. I'm kidding of course.
I'm glad that you all are speaking about strengthening families. In fact, that's a way we find people to teach, we ask if they want to know how to have a more united family, or a happier family. We tend to teach that the Gosple of Jesus Christ, aka His teachings are what unite the family and make them happier.
Well, it's your talk, so I'll let you do what you want. I would recommend using the Family: Proclamation a little bit. You could also share how living the Gospel has made your own family more united.
I'm glad that you all had fun going up to Logan and Blackfork Canyon and doing all that stuff. Next year, I can go with you guys on all your trips, when I'm not busy working or studying or qualcosa simliare. I can't wait for the days I can spend with you guys again.
Well, a quick recap of Saturday: I was jumping rope, botched the landing, and sprained my foot. Thus, began the longest week of my entire mission. I hated not being to walk.
First off, my foot is much better. I can finally walk! Okay, I've been walking since Friday, but today I got rid of my crutch that I was using and I'm on my own two feet again. I'm really appreciative of the strengthening/enabling power of the Atonement that has supported me this week. Thankfully, with all the prayers, and the priesthood blessing I recieved, I'm back to at least 95% and I can only go up from here.
Well, enough about me, on to our wonderful investigators. We now have a baptismal date. Iole, the investigator from Avezzano, now has a baptismal date for the 16th of August, however, we may have to move it back a week due to feragosto, but either way, she's going to make it. She's been making some wonderful progress as well, and is keeping all the commitments that we give her. NO doubt, that she'll make it. We taught her the Ten Comandaments this week, and it really showed how far she had come.
And Federica as well is making some progress. She didn't make to to church this week, but she did commit herself to coming next week, and she's continuing to read the Book of Mormon, and she says that her prayers are starting to get better. Unfortunately, during the teaching of the Plan of Salvation, we both felt that the baptismal invite would be better delivered this week with the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson. However, this week, we're going to have two dates, that I know for sure! (Missionaries are now required by Church HQ to teach the 5 lessons before baptism, then reteach them those lessons after baptism and have constant contact with the new member for the first 3 months. After that they are to have weekly contact for the first year which means other missionaries will follow up on new members as missionaries move around The goal is to get them ready to go to the Temple at their year anniversary).
Besides that, we're going to try and grow our English course this week, and see if we can get any new investigators coming in from that, and other finding methods. We're also going to be asking members about how it's going with some of their friends this week, when they get back from their temple trip to Switzerland.
Okay, so my only question to answer this week is this: WHERE HAS MY TIME GONE?!?!?!??!?!
The time is flying by. I'll be skyping you guys before I know it, and then I'll be on my way home....frick....I don't like that. I REALLY don't like that. Too much to do here.
Okay, well, that's been my week. Love you guys!
NaNa
I stole, borrowed these two images from Anziano Eads' companion's blog Aniziano Bethke. We are parents are so grateful for Aniziano Bethke and for his charity toward Anziano Eads and for his endurance of that trial. It is never easy to stay in the apartment, I remember having to do that once on my own mission over 29 years ago.
Anziano Eads laid up (notice the Sprite bottle next to him).
A missionary fridge or diet plan.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Weekly Email July 21st 2014 Week of Miracles
Deh boya! I don't know where to begin.
Sorry things are so boring at home. Doesn't sound like much is going on. I find it funny that the dogs got into a spat about carrots. I hope our Coda beat our Mocha. That would be funny!
Glad that Dad is almost done with classes and that things are going well with him/you.
Answers to Questions (I think I should just make a FAQ): Yes, last zone conference I asked. We'll see if anything happens. UP to the Lord, I'll accept whatever comes my way.
Bethke and I are getting along fine. I don't know, I've had it really easy to get along with companions in my mission, so I'm not overtly worried about things.
I really like the Melone family, and the Diodato family. They're really great members, always willing to help out when they can.
Dad: When we come back to Italy next summer, Foggia is a for sure. Ragusa is as well. If we have time, I'd like to go back to Sassari, but it's not high on my list. Besides that, any place you guys want to go, I'm down.
As for my week:
Well, it was a week of beautiful miracles, and then well something not so wonderful.
Let's start off with the bad news right away. Saturday morning I was jumping rope, like I normally do for excersize in the morning, and then as I came down on one jump, I botched the landing and sprained my foot. So, yeah, that's what happened. I'm taking care of it, don't worry.
On the bright side, however two of our investigators are making a good amount of progress.
Frederica is making amazing progress. This week we had a bit of How to Begin Teaching with her on Tuesday, where we found out what her expectations were for meeting with us, and we talked a lot about prayer and how the spirit communicates. It went really well, and she promised that she would pray on her own.
Then on Thursday, we met with her again and taught the Restoration, which went beautifully! The members we had with us bore really strong testimonies, and things just seemed to flow. I love how that works and the Spirit just flows. We all need to bear our testimonies more. She accepted the commitment to pray to know if the story of the Restoration is true. Then later, as we were going to get pizza, we ran into her again, and talked a little bit more about the Spirit, specifically how one feels when the spirit talks.
Then on Friday, while we're doing weeekly planning she sends us a text and says she was on her way to Rome, and then she got hit by the Spirit in a powerful manifestation! This week, we're going to be teaching the Plan of Salvation and extending the baptismal invite, because we both feel she is well prepared.
Iole has made progress as well. When we met with her, she had kept her commitments, and she came to church this week and enjoyed the meeting. Afterwards we were talking and she wants us over ASAP to continue to help her understand more about the church. We feel that we could potentially have to dates for later this month, if not in August.
Well, that's how our work was this week, and I'm rather pleased that the Lord has blessed us so much, actually, it humbles you when you think how much He loves all of us. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this week goes, because I feel it will only get better.
Okay, there' all my info for this week, next week! Love you guys!
NaNa
Sorry things are so boring at home. Doesn't sound like much is going on. I find it funny that the dogs got into a spat about carrots. I hope our Coda beat our Mocha. That would be funny!
Glad that Dad is almost done with classes and that things are going well with him/you.
Answers to Questions (I think I should just make a FAQ): Yes, last zone conference I asked. We'll see if anything happens. UP to the Lord, I'll accept whatever comes my way.
Bethke and I are getting along fine. I don't know, I've had it really easy to get along with companions in my mission, so I'm not overtly worried about things.
I really like the Melone family, and the Diodato family. They're really great members, always willing to help out when they can.
Dad: When we come back to Italy next summer, Foggia is a for sure. Ragusa is as well. If we have time, I'd like to go back to Sassari, but it's not high on my list. Besides that, any place you guys want to go, I'm down.
As for my week:
Well, it was a week of beautiful miracles, and then well something not so wonderful.
Let's start off with the bad news right away. Saturday morning I was jumping rope, like I normally do for excersize in the morning, and then as I came down on one jump, I botched the landing and sprained my foot. So, yeah, that's what happened. I'm taking care of it, don't worry.
On the bright side, however two of our investigators are making a good amount of progress.
Frederica is making amazing progress. This week we had a bit of How to Begin Teaching with her on Tuesday, where we found out what her expectations were for meeting with us, and we talked a lot about prayer and how the spirit communicates. It went really well, and she promised that she would pray on her own.
Then on Thursday, we met with her again and taught the Restoration, which went beautifully! The members we had with us bore really strong testimonies, and things just seemed to flow. I love how that works and the Spirit just flows. We all need to bear our testimonies more. She accepted the commitment to pray to know if the story of the Restoration is true. Then later, as we were going to get pizza, we ran into her again, and talked a little bit more about the Spirit, specifically how one feels when the spirit talks.
Then on Friday, while we're doing weeekly planning she sends us a text and says she was on her way to Rome, and then she got hit by the Spirit in a powerful manifestation! This week, we're going to be teaching the Plan of Salvation and extending the baptismal invite, because we both feel she is well prepared.
Iole has made progress as well. When we met with her, she had kept her commitments, and she came to church this week and enjoyed the meeting. Afterwards we were talking and she wants us over ASAP to continue to help her understand more about the church. We feel that we could potentially have to dates for later this month, if not in August.
Well, that's how our work was this week, and I'm rather pleased that the Lord has blessed us so much, actually, it humbles you when you think how much He loves all of us. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this week goes, because I feel it will only get better.
Okay, there' all my info for this week, next week! Love you guys!
NaNa
Monday, July 14, 2014
Weekly Email July 14 2014
Well, where to begin on the stuff from home: I know!
I can't believe that Alexis is dating Peachey. That's frickin hilarious to me! I'll send a photo of him in a bit. Whoo boy! Small world!
Mom: (Anziano Peachy told Alexis that in the mission they chant Nathan's last name, Eads and she was curious about it): It's just because my name is so chantable. No, seriously, I have no idea why. Anziano Rasmussen started it in the MTC, and ti's just followed me throughout my mission. I have no control over it. (I'm also a bit of an egotist, so I like the fact that my name is chanted! )
I like Peachey a lot. He's a good kid, and a good missionary, he was definitely one of the best that was in the mission.
Dad: Cool song. I like the fact that you have the video, I just wish I could see it.
Glad that one of your classes is finally done, and that you should be ready to go by December. That's something that's really cool, and I'm happy for you. And thanks for the two weeks off when I come home, and the images, I find those quite enjoyable! Also congrats on the weight lost. I think you'll be tied with me at some point. (six months start next month! Get ready!)
Yes that turquiose tie was one I got over here. Hey, can you guys do a quick check on my account and see how much money I have left? I may be buying some new shirts again during saldi.
Both: I salute in the pictures because I can. I didn't feel like making a "live long and prosper" sign, or the "peace" sign I normally do, so I saluted. Be Happy! I don't plan on going in the military, unless I have no choice.
I'm also very happy with your new diet....kinda. I want to work something out where I can still eat meat, and chocolate. I know that if I keep working out (the magical cure all for wight loss) I'll be fine.
I'm also making plans to go and visit the LadyHawke castle, I'll let you know when I go (aka I'll send pics the next P-Day ).
Tell Kendra that I tell her to stick with the job, and that she needs to respond to my email!
As for my week:
Where to begin? I like starting off with the miracles, so, we'll start with the miracle that happened this week.
On the way home from Conferenza di Zona, we received a phone call from one of our members, Fratello Melone. He said he had recieved a call from a member in Rome 3 who had a friend in the military move to L'Aquila, adn that she was reading the Book of Mormon. We contacted her and invited her to english corse.
Well, on Thursday, she showed up, and after the corse ended, we talked for a little bit. Turns out she was an atheist, but things have happened lately that can't be a coincidenze in her eyes, and then there's the Book of Mormon as well, and she's starting to believe. She has a lot of questions, and this week we plan on teaching the Plan of Salvation to help answer those questions. She really seems to want to learn more, and I know that we can help her with that desire.
So, there's our miracle for this week. The Lord has blessed us with a potentially golden investigator.
Let's see, we also tried out gesso this week, and we managed to have two quality conversations. One of the people we talked too had taken the lessons a year ago. We're hoping that we can find him in the area book and make contact once again. Maybe now he's ready for the Gospel.
We also finally made progress with Iole. She expressed a desire to come to chruch, and she's been keeping her commitments. We tried to set things up with a member who lives near her, but he couldn't do it. However, the member did set up an appointment on Wednesday with all of us, so things worked out.
So,. the Lord has definitely been rewarding our faith, and we're seeing the miracles pop up every where! Things are going really well.
Okay, next week.
NaNa
PS, some pictures will be coming, not just of Peachey
I can't believe that Alexis is dating Peachey. That's frickin hilarious to me! I'll send a photo of him in a bit. Whoo boy! Small world!
Mom: (Anziano Peachy told Alexis that in the mission they chant Nathan's last name, Eads and she was curious about it): It's just because my name is so chantable. No, seriously, I have no idea why. Anziano Rasmussen started it in the MTC, and ti's just followed me throughout my mission. I have no control over it. (I'm also a bit of an egotist, so I like the fact that my name is chanted! )
I like Peachey a lot. He's a good kid, and a good missionary, he was definitely one of the best that was in the mission.
Dad: Cool song. I like the fact that you have the video, I just wish I could see it.
Glad that one of your classes is finally done, and that you should be ready to go by December. That's something that's really cool, and I'm happy for you. And thanks for the two weeks off when I come home, and the images, I find those quite enjoyable! Also congrats on the weight lost. I think you'll be tied with me at some point. (six months start next month! Get ready!)
Yes that turquiose tie was one I got over here. Hey, can you guys do a quick check on my account and see how much money I have left? I may be buying some new shirts again during saldi.
Both: I salute in the pictures because I can. I didn't feel like making a "live long and prosper" sign, or the "peace" sign I normally do, so I saluted. Be Happy! I don't plan on going in the military, unless I have no choice.
I'm also very happy with your new diet....kinda. I want to work something out where I can still eat meat, and chocolate. I know that if I keep working out (the magical cure all for wight loss) I'll be fine.
I'm also making plans to go and visit the LadyHawke castle, I'll let you know when I go (aka I'll send pics the next P-Day ).
Tell Kendra that I tell her to stick with the job, and that she needs to respond to my email!
As for my week:
Where to begin? I like starting off with the miracles, so, we'll start with the miracle that happened this week.
On the way home from Conferenza di Zona, we received a phone call from one of our members, Fratello Melone. He said he had recieved a call from a member in Rome 3 who had a friend in the military move to L'Aquila, adn that she was reading the Book of Mormon. We contacted her and invited her to english corse.
Well, on Thursday, she showed up, and after the corse ended, we talked for a little bit. Turns out she was an atheist, but things have happened lately that can't be a coincidenze in her eyes, and then there's the Book of Mormon as well, and she's starting to believe. She has a lot of questions, and this week we plan on teaching the Plan of Salvation to help answer those questions. She really seems to want to learn more, and I know that we can help her with that desire.
So, there's our miracle for this week. The Lord has blessed us with a potentially golden investigator.
Let's see, we also tried out gesso this week, and we managed to have two quality conversations. One of the people we talked too had taken the lessons a year ago. We're hoping that we can find him in the area book and make contact once again. Maybe now he's ready for the Gospel.
We also finally made progress with Iole. She expressed a desire to come to chruch, and she's been keeping her commitments. We tried to set things up with a member who lives near her, but he couldn't do it. However, the member did set up an appointment on Wednesday with all of us, so things worked out.
So,. the Lord has definitely been rewarding our faith, and we're seeing the miracles pop up every where! Things are going really well.
Okay, next week.
NaNa
PS, some pictures will be coming, not just of Peachey
That's Peachey! (Lynda, Nathan's Mom, has been teaching the Williams two daughters for a LONG time the piano. Alexis their oldest daughter is a Cougarette and Peachy has taken her out a few times so thus the small world comment).
What an Anziano looks like after transfers: me after 12 hours of travel from Ragusa via train and bus (10 hours train, 2 hours bus) .
BLOCKBUSTER STILL EXISTS!
Wonderful L'Aquila!
BUNNIES! (Nathan loves bunnies and had a couple as pets growing up. Two were like the white and blacked ear and nose bunny in the first picture. Those are called Himalayan rabbits).
A bacon cheeseburger and that goes with the next picture: Happy 4th of July!
This is a view from our back window, of L'Aquila. Match that!
Me next to a car from the WWII era (cool), and showing off my skinniness.
This is our chalk of the plan of salvation...well, a part of it, for contacting. Yep, people ask questions about it.
Friday, July 11, 2014
The Olive Tree: Sixteen Months of Anziano Eads' Service in a Video
This is not a post by Nathan or Anziano Eads. I, his father am posting it. It is a collection of some (and I apologize if I left someone out, we'll make a larger one after he comes home next March when he can pick the pictures) of the photos he has taken during his time in the Rome, Italy Mission so far. You won't find many of the exotic scenery that is in Italy. What you will see and I know that Nathan has picked up on this from the shear numbers of photos he sends of them, is the most wonderful, most beautiful, most tremendous thing about Italy, it's people and the LDS missionaries serving there.
The music is called The Olive Tree and is based on an allegory in Jacob chapter 5 of the Olive Trees and their fruit. Read it as it truly is all about why our Savior sends out His missionaries. It is out of love, the love found in the ending picture of the video. There is no wound, physical, mental, spiritual that our Savior cannot heal. There is no heart He cannot touch. However, as the allegory points out, he does that through us. Each of us have to find the simple ways that we touch others, that we show our love for others, our Saviors love for them. I think Anziano Eads has found his ways to touch lives and in return, to be so richly blessed and touched by those he reaches out to. You can decide.
"And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard." Jacob 5:75 (see Jacob 5:71-72 also).
So here is a simple video of some of the photos of Nathan serving on his mission in Italy. Oh, the first date is the date when Nathan's mother and I got married (kinda started the whole thing) in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. The second is of the Rome LDS Temple that is under construction and is the date Anziano Eads reported to the MTC.
YouTube Video
Here are the words to the song:
The Olive Tree
Seminary Music: Book of Mormon
There’s a call that comes to you and me.
Strong and clear, to share His truth and light.
It’s our time to serve and bring new life
To a waiting, waiting world in need.
Each new day we’ll nourish with his words.
Those who seek direction from above.
With our hands we’ll share the Master’s touch.
With our hearts we’ll spread Hiss endless love.
Until He comes and His work is done,
We’ll labor and we’ll reap.
What joy we’ll find this last time,
As we serve the King of Kings.
Heaven’s eyes smile down as we declare
Words of peace so precious and so rare.
As we reap with tenderness and care
Truth and hope bless nations everywhere.
Text: Don Stirling
Music: Kurt Bestor
Arranged By: Brian Jensen
Artist: Felicia Sorenson
The music is called The Olive Tree and is based on an allegory in Jacob chapter 5 of the Olive Trees and their fruit. Read it as it truly is all about why our Savior sends out His missionaries. It is out of love, the love found in the ending picture of the video. There is no wound, physical, mental, spiritual that our Savior cannot heal. There is no heart He cannot touch. However, as the allegory points out, he does that through us. Each of us have to find the simple ways that we touch others, that we show our love for others, our Saviors love for them. I think Anziano Eads has found his ways to touch lives and in return, to be so richly blessed and touched by those he reaches out to. You can decide.
"And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard." Jacob 5:75 (see Jacob 5:71-72 also).
So here is a simple video of some of the photos of Nathan serving on his mission in Italy. Oh, the first date is the date when Nathan's mother and I got married (kinda started the whole thing) in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. The second is of the Rome LDS Temple that is under construction and is the date Anziano Eads reported to the MTC.
YouTube Video
Here are the words to the song:
The Olive Tree
Seminary Music: Book of Mormon
There’s a call that comes to you and me.
Strong and clear, to share His truth and light.
It’s our time to serve and bring new life
To a waiting, waiting world in need.
Each new day we’ll nourish with his words.
Those who seek direction from above.
With our hands we’ll share the Master’s touch.
With our hearts we’ll spread Hiss endless love.
Until He comes and His work is done,
We’ll labor and we’ll reap.
What joy we’ll find this last time,
As we serve the King of Kings.
Heaven’s eyes smile down as we declare
Words of peace so precious and so rare.
As we reap with tenderness and care
Truth and hope bless nations everywhere.
Text: Don Stirling
Music: Kurt Bestor
Arranged By: Brian Jensen
Artist: Felicia Sorenson
Monday, July 7, 2014
July 7th, 2014 Weekly Email
Beneamati Genitori miei,
I'm glad to hear that things are okay. I will respond to all questions in a moment, allow me to talk about things from home. (I'm trying to be more formal, but I think I'll just be me).
Mom: I'm glad the Taggarts dog made it back all right. Marcus is now 20? I thought I was old! Tell him Happy Birthday for me and that he now knows what I feel like...at least in age. (Dad's the only one who knows what it's like to be a missionary in the family, and just how stinkin tiring it is! )
Tell Kendra that I wish her luck with her interview and that things go well. I think she would like working at an eyeglasses store!
Dad: Busy as always. I think you and I can be considered the busiest members of the family right now! (I'm kidding mom!)
Sorry observing is going to be lonely for a while. Once I get back, I think I'll start going with you, that is if you've built my scope. And if you haven't I'll still go with you every once in a while.
I got the message on the 05. I think that'd be a good idea. I like that car.
Both: Well, as sad as I would've been, I wouldn't want Coda to be in pain, and it would've been better for him. But I'm glad that he's still alive, and I'll get to see him when I get home.
Okay, well, here we go:
Well, what to say about this week? I'll sum it up in a few words: I am in love with L'Aquila!
This week, I've spent most of my time meeting with our investigators and meeting some of the members, so it's been a rather good week.
On Monday, we went and had family home evening with the Melone family, and we taught about faith to one of the new converts and the friend of one of the members. It went really well, and they all comitted to find a way to show their faith in Jesus Christ.
Then we also taught Iole this week. Iole is an investigator who lives in Avezzano, an hour away. She's been taking the lessons for a while now, and we taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week. We went twice, once on Wednesday, and once on Saturday with members. We taught all the principles and invited her to be baptized. She said she didn't feel ready at the moment, as she wanted to know more. She did, however, pray that Heavenly Father would help her become a Mormon, so she is sincere in her desire.
This fast, aside from being for the Scherbel couple, was also, at least for us, the chance to fast for Monica, one of the friends of the members. She was an investigator for a while, but the mother has all but stopped her progress. We talked to her friends, both of who are members, and asked them to join us in a fast to soften the heart of the mother, and let Monica begin to progress in the gospel.
I feel the fast went over rather well, and I have a feeling we'll be seeing the results very shortly. We're going to be seeing Monica at the FHE tonight abnd we're going to be taking some actions, ie: asking if we could met with the mother so we could help soothe out any problems or false ideas, to help this fast work out.
Besides that, that's been our work lately. We have one other investigator who just got back into the city, but then went to Rome for the weekend, which I hear is a weekly occurance. I hope that this week we can see her, and begin to teach her agian. So, been doing a lot of finding lately. This week, because we both feel we need to find more people to teach, we're praying that the Lord will lead us to find these people he's preparing for us, and I know he will lead us to these people, or he will lead them to us. That's not really faith, I've seen these miracles happen too much, it's a testimony to me now.
So, basically, the same situation that I'm always in. The only difference is that now, I get to drink from the tap, and I'm plenty hydrated because of that, and I'm still losing weight. I'm going to be down 100 lbs. before the end of my mission easily.
Mom: Anziano Bethke is from Washington D.C. and he's really chill. He's from the same group as Calchera and Stamps (three from the same group in a row...hmm...). He's really good. He likes to go and work, and we get along well. We both like the same music style so things are good.
Okay well, that's about it for me this week...Love you!
NaNa
I'm glad to hear that things are okay. I will respond to all questions in a moment, allow me to talk about things from home. (I'm trying to be more formal, but I think I'll just be me).
Mom: I'm glad the Taggarts dog made it back all right. Marcus is now 20? I thought I was old! Tell him Happy Birthday for me and that he now knows what I feel like...at least in age. (Dad's the only one who knows what it's like to be a missionary in the family, and just how stinkin tiring it is! )
Tell Kendra that I wish her luck with her interview and that things go well. I think she would like working at an eyeglasses store!
Dad: Busy as always. I think you and I can be considered the busiest members of the family right now! (I'm kidding mom!)
Sorry observing is going to be lonely for a while. Once I get back, I think I'll start going with you, that is if you've built my scope. And if you haven't I'll still go with you every once in a while.
I got the message on the 05. I think that'd be a good idea. I like that car.
Both: Well, as sad as I would've been, I wouldn't want Coda to be in pain, and it would've been better for him. But I'm glad that he's still alive, and I'll get to see him when I get home.
Okay, well, here we go:
Well, what to say about this week? I'll sum it up in a few words: I am in love with L'Aquila!
This week, I've spent most of my time meeting with our investigators and meeting some of the members, so it's been a rather good week.
On Monday, we went and had family home evening with the Melone family, and we taught about faith to one of the new converts and the friend of one of the members. It went really well, and they all comitted to find a way to show their faith in Jesus Christ.
Then we also taught Iole this week. Iole is an investigator who lives in Avezzano, an hour away. She's been taking the lessons for a while now, and we taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week. We went twice, once on Wednesday, and once on Saturday with members. We taught all the principles and invited her to be baptized. She said she didn't feel ready at the moment, as she wanted to know more. She did, however, pray that Heavenly Father would help her become a Mormon, so she is sincere in her desire.
This fast, aside from being for the Scherbel couple, was also, at least for us, the chance to fast for Monica, one of the friends of the members. She was an investigator for a while, but the mother has all but stopped her progress. We talked to her friends, both of who are members, and asked them to join us in a fast to soften the heart of the mother, and let Monica begin to progress in the gospel.
I feel the fast went over rather well, and I have a feeling we'll be seeing the results very shortly. We're going to be seeing Monica at the FHE tonight abnd we're going to be taking some actions, ie: asking if we could met with the mother so we could help soothe out any problems or false ideas, to help this fast work out.
Besides that, that's been our work lately. We have one other investigator who just got back into the city, but then went to Rome for the weekend, which I hear is a weekly occurance. I hope that this week we can see her, and begin to teach her agian. So, been doing a lot of finding lately. This week, because we both feel we need to find more people to teach, we're praying that the Lord will lead us to find these people he's preparing for us, and I know he will lead us to these people, or he will lead them to us. That's not really faith, I've seen these miracles happen too much, it's a testimony to me now.
So, basically, the same situation that I'm always in. The only difference is that now, I get to drink from the tap, and I'm plenty hydrated because of that, and I'm still losing weight. I'm going to be down 100 lbs. before the end of my mission easily.
Mom: Anziano Bethke is from Washington D.C. and he's really chill. He's from the same group as Calchera and Stamps (three from the same group in a row...hmm...). He's really good. He likes to go and work, and we get along well. We both like the same music style so things are good.
Okay well, that's about it for me this week...Love you!
NaNa
Monday, June 30, 2014
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)