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

 

May 29th 2013 email and pictures

Much has happen in our lives in the last week. To be honest, we continue our journey in mortality while looking for ways to serve.  My email to Nathan this week was short and to the point and I asked him to focus on his mother who needed her son. Hopefully between Anziano Eads' advice and a Priesthood blessing things will turn around.  Here is where I feel my pride in my son soar as I read the email he gave to his mother. More importantly, it humbles me to see how after 19 years of preparing him, how quickly the Master Teacher, the Master Parent transforms the lives of those who put their heart, love and faith in Him so they can do His work. I continue to think and feel prodded that I also need to commit myself more and more to the Savior, do more and more of his work, and love my literal and figurative neighbors more.  Here are Anziano Eads' emails and PICTURES from Sardegna! Oh, in Italy the missionaries can only get travel size deodorant and Nathan wants normal. We have the merchandise, its in a box ready to go but after three weeks of promising to get pictures to his mother, Nathan finally delivered. Now we can send him his deodorant.

"Not really sure why I needed one, I'm keeping my word on this one. Although the deoderant thing is just cruel.

Congratulations on the new teaching job! New moon? Have fun with the cloud cover! You would hate it in Italy, lots of  cloud cover at night. A new Xbox huh? I'll get the details from Marcus, he should be emailing me along with Kendra.

That sucks about Mom. I'll make sure she gets a good email from me this week. Okay then, I'm cutting this email short to do so. Love you dad, talk to you in a week. Oh, your right, Mom's always come first and so should wives.

Nathan

Mom,

Glad to know you're doing okay. Glad to know the recital went well, and the students were good. Also the office cleaning is good to hear about. Yes, letting Marcus and Mason do the weeds is good work, I'm sure they'll love it. 

May I make a recommendation about Grandma and work? Go into the Book of Mormon during you're nightly reading session prior to you going to bed, and begin reading it with the question in mind: "What should I do about my mother and work?" There is power in the book that will help you answer your question, and gives you comfort.

I'm sorry about Paradise. I know that the peace there would be awesome for you right now, but you can always pray for that peace, and comfort. I'm sure that Heavenly Father would grant you that peace.

This week, my spiritual experience goes to you. On Monday, I did a scambio, or trade, with my District Leader (DL), Anziano Jepson. We taught one of his investigating families, and he asked me to bear my testimony about the Book of Mormon.

I did, and now I want to share it with you. Before I came out on my mission, I really had no idea whether the BOM was true or not. I was confused, and I knew I couldn't teach what I didn't know. So, I read it again, and then prayed to Heavenly Father about it.

I didn't get an answer the first time. But I took a break for a bit. Well later, I read Moroni 10: 3-5, and tried again. This time, I poured my heart out to Heavenly Father. I waited a few minutes after my prayer, and I felt this immense feeling of peace. That's when I knew it was true.

Well, after sharing that testimony, Anz. Jepson asked them to be baptized on June 22nd, and they accepted. Olbia (his city) will be having a baptizm pretty quickly.

Also, something else that'll make you happy: PICTURES! The few emails I send after this will be nothing but pictures. I'm always good at keeping my word.

Things will work out, Mom. Just put your trust in the Lord, read his words, and, in your prayers, ask Heavenly Father to help you forgive those who are causing these feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, and the other negative emotions, and to have the strength to overcome them.

I've seen the power of pray in my mission. I know from experience that it does work, but it is not enough just to pray. Pour your heart our to Heavenly Father, and he will answer. It may not be right away, but he does answer. Trust in him. May I recommend you find a secluded place and just pray vocally to him?

There is a power in vocal prayer, Mom. I always try to pray vocally at least once a week, and I know it helps me to overcome my problems. 

I love you, and I know that all will work out through Faith in Christ.

NaNa

 Anziano Eads' study area/desk in the Sassari Apartment

Always prepared to share a Book of Mormon in a variety of languages! 

A castle tower

A catapult; below are images of the ocean, Mom's favorite views!

At the castle by the sea. 

 Stairs leading down from the castle to the sea. 

Defense for the Castle 

Castle tower near the sea

Ancient Port near the sea: 

May 22nd 2013 Email from Anziano Eads

Here are the weekly emails. Please see Anziano's Eads' mission president blog. For zone conferences they are covering President David O McKay's 10 points for success.  Here is the link.  He's updated a picture of the Rome Temple as well.


I'm trying to be funny in my subjects this week with you and mom. I think I'm failing.

The change was good. I'm back in Sassari now with Robinson. He's got an all clear status. We've missed a lot of work, but we're doubling our efforts to make up for a missed week. It's gonna be hard, but so worth it.

A tri-companionship wasn't bad. Honestly, it was kinda fun. The Anziani in Olbia were able to get into the houses of some investigators they weren't able to, so that was good.

My investigators. Well, not much to say about them. Two of them are all but ready for baptism, they just have a few vices left to clear up. Smoking. We're meeting with them this week to try and help them out with that. We may be "breaking their boxes", but it should go well...I hope.

Our other investigators are interesting. We have two we're handing off to the Sisters, because we feel like it would be better for them. Another one we just got we're meeting Friday evening to talk about the Restoration, and following up on how his reading of the LdM (Book of Mormon abbreviated in Italian) is going.

Besides that we're doing a lot of work with less actives. Got a lot of those throughout the island, but Sassari has a really high amount. I forget the exact numbers however.

Weather's fine. It's raining a lot, so not too bad.

I had zone conference and district conference (since Sardenga's a district) last Saturday and Sunday. It was cool seeing the other missionaries in the zone, and to see President and Sorella Kelly for the last time.

Sad about Mat's dad. I hope everything is well with him.

Well, that's all for this week. Talk to you so.

Nathan

Email to his Mom (we each get our own).


Sorry, I was trying to be funny in the subject. I think I failed.

Robinson has been given the all clear for health, and we are back in Sassari. That week really killed us in the work, so we got a lot of things to catch up on, but we can do it. We're doubling our work efforts this week, and we're going to do all we can.

I forgot that Memorial Day is on Monday. Honestly, I have no idea when the major U.S. Holidays are anymore. I've have no idea of dates anymore. It's all starting to blur together. Yeah, I've felt gpa around, keeping me safe and all. I miss him to, but hey, he's doing some good stuff on the other side. So no worries.

Man, that is sad about Mat's dad. Hope he's doing all right. I'm grateful for the eternal perspective as well, it really helps with things.

Landon's coming home soon? Holy cow, didn't he just leave? Time really does fly doesn't it? I don't envy you that sacrament meeting, it's gonna be crowded.

Good luck at the recital, it'll go fine. It's sad that you're losing two students, and a lot of them that you've known and taught for a long time. Don't worry, things will work out. Honestly, I'm glad I'm not in the house for the recital. That place is going to be really crowded.

Yeah, pictures...I forgot my camera and card reader today. We were kinda rushing to get out the door, and I spaced. Sorry, next week. I swear.

Love you Mom!

Late Weekly Email Letters from Anziano Eads

Well, here are Anziano Eads' weekly email letters. They were a day late but he explains it. We are very proud of Anziano Eads' attitude in handling his current situation. Feel free to read.



Hey Dad, how's it going? Again, sorry about any typos, still not used to the Italian keyboard. It's funny, it says I'm typing everthing wrong. . .

I'm glad to hear that I made your day on Monday being able to talk to you, and answer your questions. Really glad I was able to make it. Okay, so some details really quickly about why I'm writing on Thursday and some other such stuff.

So, firstly, my companion has not been feeling well lately and he called the Mission Mom (Sorella Kelly) and then sent some pictures to the doctor over all the European missionaries. Well, on Tuesday, the doctor called Anz. Robinson, and told him he needed to see a General Surgeon A.S.A.P. Well, to do that, he had to fly to Rome.

So, I'm in Olbia now (just down the road), working with Anziani Jepson and Prete, until Robinson can figure out what's going on. It's not a tumor like the doctor was worried about, but they don't know what it is. He should get the results either tomorrow or Monday, but until then he's in Rome and I'm in Olbia. Funny how stuff like this happens to me huh?

Ah well, I'm doing the work, that's all that matters. Still wish I was in Sassari, because that's where I feel I belong and can do the most good, ma boh, it all works out. Robinson's health is more important right now.

Anways, onto the Thursday thing. P-Day was extremely busy yesterday. Lots of shopping, and it was a holiday in Olbia. Yup; we were celebrating San Sancripo (or something), the Saint who "took 1/3 of the sins of the world on himself." Supposedly, he had a vision where he saw Christ suffer in Gethsamane and felt so bad he took a third of the sins on himself. Funny huh?

So, because it was a holiday, everything was closed down. Couldn't do a single thing. We checked and this definitely falls under the White Bible rules of Local Customs and Laws, so we're clear to do this.

Okay, well, that's all. Have fun, good luck in life, and I love you

Nathan




Hey Mom!

Okay so the Skype call thing. We went earlier than I had planned so, I was hoping that you would be awake so I could talk to you earlier. Oh well, it all worked out.

Glad to know you got the AC fixed on your new car, that's good news for the Summer months. Awesome!

Gma wanting to set me apart, that's hilarious to me (his grandma wants to put his picture separate from her other grand-kids, setting him apart). That woman! Still, do as she wants. She deserves it.

Okay, so for pictures, I know I said I would send them this P-day, but I can't find the stupid USB drive on this computer. Sorry, but it looks like you'll have to wait another week. Don't kill me, please, I really don't want to die young...er.

Well, that's all I really got for you personally.

I love you Mum.

Na Na

Pictures of Anziano Eads in Italy

Okay, every week Lynda, Nathan's Mom begs him for pictures from the field.  So, today his Mission President, President Kelly posted pictures over on his blog of his service in the Rome Italy Mission which you can see at this link.  Here are two pictures President Kelly took of Nathan that I'll post and share  here (check out his other images of zone conferences and of Italy!).

Here are the 20 new missionaries from two districts from the Provo MTC that arrived in the Rome, Italy Mision.  Anziano Eads is up in the middle/center of the image.

  This is from the Sardegna (Sardina) zone conference held this last Saturday and Sunday. Anziano Eads is on the end on the right next to his companion and trainer, Anziano Robinson from Texas.  Well, we got pictures, but not from Anziano Eads! Hopefully soon but he looks good and happy! From our Mother's Day call we could tell that he was so happy to be serving the Lord in Italy, Sardegna.

For Mat

This is Nathan's Dad, Jay, and before we get his next email I wanted to post a few things. First, when I have time sometime this week or weekend, I will be posting an edited version of our conversation with Anziano Eads that we had on Skype. Our Skype conversation happen at 4:30a.m. Monday morning or 12:30pm Nathan's time in Sassiro.  We had such a great visit and it was truly wonderful to see both how happy Nathan is, and how full of joy he is. If you know Nathan, he can get down or frustrated but he doesn't stay down or frustrated. At the end of the call after we had both hung up, both Lynda, Nathan's Mom, and I were not sad at all. The hole in my heart that I had felt when he left was replaced by pure joy after seeing how focus and happy Nathan is. It also confirmed my conversation with my Heavenly Father that Nathan is  truly in the hands of our Father in Heaven and our Father in Heaven will take care of Nathan. I have that assuredness and its a testimony to me how the great spiritual blessings that come from having a missionary serving both our Heavenly Father, our Savior and the people where they serve.

I learned yesterday that my dear friend Mat, who is indeed one of my dearest friends both in the Gospel and in life, that his father had had a massive stroke on Sunday and was in a terrible car accident. Mat's dad was life flighted to Las Vegas (he lives near St. George) and the outcome does not look good.  So in reflecting tonight after reading my scriptures and praying, the analogy of Nathan on a mission and other sons and daughters on a mission came home to me. Mat has two sons, both who have faithfully and with honor followed their Dad's legacy and served missions. Both are home.  Tonight, I remembered or was prompted to remember to finish watching out a video posted by Anziano Clay Lacey's family on Anziano Lacey's return from his two year service in Rome, Italy.  You can watch that at this link on Anziano Lacey's blog. I followed the blog and read it to see what we could learn of what missionary life was like for Nathan before he left and I've kept up with it.

Anyway, as Anziano Lacey comes home, when he is sighted his family cheers for him.  He moves quickly down the stairs and embraces I assume, his mother and his sister. You can see his father hanging back allowing his son to be welcome home by his wife and daughter. Then at about 31 seconds in Dad has waited enough, and he moves in and father and son embrace in a tight, squeezing hug as the tears flow freely among them and among the family gathered there.  This is a sacred moment but I am glad the Clay family shared it. It is also inspiring and provides insight into what our reunions are like when we return home.

I had a sacred and similar opportunity almost 3 years ago when my father-in-law had been admitted to the hospital and I arrived with my home teacher to administer to my father-in-law.  At that time, in that blessing, the Spirit did not exercise the gift of healing to my father-in-law, but confirmed that he was indeed needed on the other side and with my spiritual eyes, I could sense and see anxious relatives in the Spirit world who had been granted a temporary reprieve from their assignments to welcome my father-in-law back to their longing and waiting presences. I felt that his father was there, as was his father-in-law to whom he was close. His mother was anxious to greet her youngest, her baby back to her presence.  Two days later, when my father-in-law was released by his oldest son and passed after all of his five children had gathered to his hospital room, I knew as I know now, that there was a reunion occurring between Leonard, my father-in-law and many who knew him in mortality, or knew of him in the spirit world.  They had awaited his arrival as anxiously as we await the birth of a new baby, a new spirit in mortality.

Separation is not easy. It is not easy to be separated from our loved ones. Yet I know that that is all it is, a temporary separation.  After paying the price for our sins, bearing our infirmities, our sicknesses, our trials, tribulations, our pains and sufferings of all kinds, and then surrendering His life on the cross, our Savior after 3 days, arose from the tomb, resurrected.  Because of that I know that we each will live again, and that our existence is not temporary, leading to a permanent separation.  No, through our Savior, families truly can be together forever, and we continue, our love continues, and grows and expands as do our relationships.

So to my dear friend Mat, I know you are going through a difficult time. I am so sorry and I hope and pray that if you or your family need anything, ANYTHING, just ask and it will be there. I love you Mat, more importantly your father loves you as does your Heavenly Father and our Savior. May in some small way you find solace in the fact that your Dad is going home, is ending his separation from those he loves and who loves him.  Mourn him, miss him, cry and love. Yet remember that when your day comes to enter into the Spirit World, your father will also wait patiently to greet you and think of what a tremendous embrace and welcome he will give to you.  He lives and because He lives your dad lives, my dad lives and our relationships endure.

Some may ask why I mentioned this here. Well, I feel that some of the spiritual lessons reinforced while Nathan are gone, and that may help some to understand what he is doing, I'll post. Not many, a few over the next two years but this is at the very heart of why Nathan is serving a mission. Nathan knows our Savior lives,   He knows that through Him we can be together forever as families. Nathan is serving to both serve and to let others know of this message. That because of Jesus Christ, we can be with our loves ones forever and baptism is the entry way to that path that leads to eternal families.