December 30th, 2013 Weekly Email

So, I have a lot of stuff to say, and I want to address it all, so, this may be a bit of a long email. Let's begin.

It was really fun to see you guys on Tuesday. It was probably the best Christmas present I've gotten, wait...it was the only Christmas present I've gotten...for now.

Speaking of which: Mom, next Monday I'm going shopping for some new shirts, heads up! I don't think I'll need anything else, but if I think of something I'll let you know.

The lunch appointments were really good. The food is nice, super healthy. So, yeah, they went good. Had a lot of good food, and good conversation, so yeah.

One of our investigators and his family came to the baptism that we held on Wednesday, which made me super happy. We met with them on Thursday, and had a great lesson on the Word of Wisdom, and figured out what we needed to do to help him really start thinking about baptism, and we fixed one tiny thing with his prayers. He would just say "Amen." Fixed that so he says and understands why we say "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

What was really awesome is that in that meeting, we asked them to share some of their talents and abilities with us. When we got to the Dad, he said he didn't have any talents, but his son, literally told us all the talents that his Dad has. That was super inspiring to see a son helping to build his father's confidence.

Then, probably my highlight of the week, was the fact that all of them came to Church! I was so happy and excited for them. It's been something we've been pushing for for a long time now, and to see them do so was such an amazing thing for me.

Things are going good in general as well. I'm really happy about things, and I'm excited about what the future brings.

I HATE THESE ITALIAN COMPUTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I wanted to express my frustration with how these computers never run the way I need them to. So, where was I...oh yes...The Hobbit.

Seems like it was really fun. I can't wait to get home and watch them all. It seems that all things are going to be really awesome. Can't wait to see what happens next (keep me up to date).

GO SEATTLE!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE GOING ALL THE WAY, BELIEVE IT!

Okay, well, that's really all I had left to say. You already have the information on my investigators, so yeah. There you go.

 (Jay asked the question in our email to Anziano Eads that he has been asked by several ward members and local leaders on if Anziano Eads and his mission have been working with technology as was outlined by the Church. This is Nathan's reply):

Dad: We'll be getting the iPads and Facebook sometime in spring or next summer at maximum. We don't have the exact dates yet, so I'll let you know. Right now, I'm just as in the dark as you are.

Okay, well, have a good week. See you all in 2014 (well, my next email at least), and I hope you make and keep some good New Year's resolutions!

Much love,

NaNa

Merry Christmas 2013

We talked with Nathan this morning on Christmas Eve.  What a wonderful day! He is great, working, studying, serving and enjoying his experience.  In his apartment is one of his MTC companions which he enjoys.  Overall, he is still Nathan, just older, wiser and far more confident in himself.  We'll post the video so those in the family can watch it.  He told us that he has had so many spiritual experiences that confirm to him that he is exactly where he needs to be at this time in his life.  So why does he serve? Why do we give him willingly to 2 years where we only have actual contact with him on Christmas and Mother's Day, so his focus is on his work?  These two video's share why Anziano Eads is doing what he is doing.

For me, this video, reflects the Spirit of what Anziano Eads is doing and learning in Italy. These Saints truly understand the meaning of service and love that reflects the true Spirit of Christmas.  Merry Christmas everyone.

The Other Wise Man

"Who seeks for Heaven alone, to save his soul,

May keep the path, but will not reach the goal;

While he who walks in love may wander far:

Yet God will bring him where the blessed are."

Henry Van Dyke

We offer to those who follow Nathan's blog a gift of a story this year for Christmas. It's a story that we feel that Nathan is on, we are on, and most of us are on. If you have never read or if it's been awhile, our family favorite Christmas story is The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke.  Here is a link to the story in Classic Reader as it tells the story, travels and search of the fourth wise man, Artaban as he goes to search for the Savior with his gifts of three stones, a sapphire, a ruby, and a marvelous pearl.  These were his gifts to the Savior but instead, he finds  that in his search for Savior, well, he finds its not the physical gifts that lead him to the Savior, its how he lived his life and uses the skills and gifts he has in behalf of others that lead him to the Savior. Please read the story.  It is wonderful.  Merry Christmas.

Anziano Eads becomes the "Star" Bari Specialized Training Pictures Dec 2013

Missionaries in the LDS Church do a variety of things on their missions. They spend their time sharing our beliefs with others and inviting them to come unto Christ and be baptized. They also provide service and attend trainings. Sister Waddoups on her blog at this link shares that missionaries also receive specialized training on a on-going basis to help them. You also need to know that a LDS Mission is a geographic area, divided into zones and each zone has a missionary called to be a leader over that zone. There are also Sister Training Leaders also in the zone that work in that capacity with the female missionaries. The Zone Leader's job is to still be a missionary but to also help those missionaries in their zones and provide training through a variety of ways.  Sister Waddoups explains it better than I can so I'll quote her here:

"The approved agenda is to hold a Zone Conference in each zone once a quarter or every other transfer and then to hold Specialized Training every other transfer or once a quarter.  This transfer we are doing Specialized Training.  It's the first time we have used the current format and were anxious to see how it turns out, but we were pleased.  Instead of meeting 5 or 6 hours like we do at Zone Conference, the meeting is only two hours long.  The goal is to not have any missionary travel more than 2 hours each way.  Because of the vast area our mission covers, it isn't always possible to do that, but we try whenever possible to accomplish the goal.

The agenda for Specialized Training is decided by the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders in each zone.  They are the ones who are really in tune with the needs of the missionaries in their zones.  We are there to help them in anyway we can.  The Zone Leaders do most of the teaching with the assistance of Sister Training Leaders and District Leaders.  Sometimes we are asked to teach a certain section or answer questions.  This time around we asked for 30 minutes to do a special presentation.

President Waddoups and I centered our adestramento (teaching) on the importance of teaching how simple the gospel is.  Most investigators are very childlike in their knowledge of religious teachings.

3 Nephi 9:22

"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God.  Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."

We dressed the missionaries up in simple costumes and re-enacted the story of the birth of Christ just like they do in primary so we could help them understand how they can teach simply and still have the spirit with them in abundance.

Anziano Eads attended the Bari Specialized Training. To see all the pictures please go to the Waddoups Blog at this link. It is here that we assume Anziano Eads finally became the "star" he always wanted to be! Hmm, at least I didn't need one of my telescopes to see this "star."

Anziano Eads, Presidente Waddoups and two Anziano Singing at the end of the Training. The Anziano in the gray suit is Elder Rasmussen who was with Anziano Eads in the Missionary Training Center. That means they are most likely in the same apartment as Anziano Eads (Nathan) and they will eventually, in March 2015, come home when their mission ends. 

Anziano Eads with other missionaries singing at the end of the training. 

Group Shot of Missionaries with Presidente Waddoups

Group Shot with just the missionaries. 

Another Group Shot. 

Anziano Eads with Anziano Rasmussen and a roommate. 

Anziano Eads with other missionaries.

Anziano Eads FINALLY becoming a Star! Per Sister Waddoups post reliving the Nativity. 

Reading the narration with the background star. 

Nice to see that Anziano Eads still can "ham" up his star. 

The beginning of the Nativity Story

Narrators, Star and Mary and Joseph

Wide shot of the narrators, Mary, Joseph, the "Star"

Now the animals join in, a donkey on the left, sheep on the right. . . 

Donkey having a problem with the ear, the star is taking a break. 

Angels appearing to the shepherds. 

More of the nativity

Fun and learning.

Attaching the donkey ear again.

Finishing up! 

Weekly Email December 16th 2013

"Have yourself, a Merry little Christmas!"

Yup, you can count down the days for our Skype, because I have no idea as of yet. We're working on it, and we'll talk about it at the next DDM. Either way, I'll let you know ASAP. (We have permission to email to set up the calls so I'll let you know.) Hopefully we can get things figured out.

Does not sound like GMA is doing so well. Well, what happens will happen. Ain't nothing we can do to stop it. I'm sure she'll find that in the Spirit World she is free of all pain and can bless and help others like she loves to do.

Yes, I got the PIN code, and I deleted the email right after. That was a hard thing to do, since I like to keep the emails, but meh. Life goes on. Card works, that's what's important. I'm probably going to go buy my new shirts today, and an electric razor. I'll explain that in a bit.

YEAH SEATTLE!!!!!!! (I really only add these because I know it annoys Dad).

YOU WENT TO THE WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY?!?!?!?!??! Wow, miracles do happen. That's amazing. Glad you went.

Tell Kendra that I hope it all works out for her.

So, as for the electric razor: I've been getting really bad razor burn lately, and I want to try and see if that helps. If not, then I'm screwed. I'll talk to President about it if it gets bad, but as for right now, I've adopted a wait and see approach.

My week was good. We had the daughter of one of our investigating family's come to church, so that is a miracle in and of itself. I was really content.

We've made progress with our less-actives. We're going to be teaching one of them from the very beginning, lesson one and up, and the other, the same thing.

Yup, things are great. As for the bad day comment: I never view any day as bad, just an experience to grow. I don't view things negatively (at least too much) anymore. The only time I feel depressed is when I look in the mirror and see all the grey hairs!

Love all of you,

NaNa

PS: I'm only slightly kidding about the grey hairs!

Weekly Email December 9th, 2013

"Happy Holidays!!!!! Happy Holidays!!!!! May the merry bells keep bringing, happy holidays, to you!"

Or something like that I can't remember the lyrics anymore. In fact, I can't remember anything anymore! Who are you people again?

Okay, so I'm going to get this out of the way right now: things haven't changed too much since last week. This week we just could not seem to get schedules with our investigators lined up with ours, and we hardly saw any of them. It's saddening, but this week, we're going to be pushing a little bit harder to meet them. It's Christmas. I want them to feel the love of our Savior.

I'm going to be doing some family home evenings this season with them, with desserts and the like. Also, for English Course, on the 19th, we're probably going to be having a Christmas Party, and for that...I think "Santa" (or Bobbo Natale in Italy) will be making a visit (I'm glad I still have a bit of a gut, and I've had tons of practice from watching Dad).

So to buisness: Seattle is going all the way this year baby! It sucks they lost to the Niners, but I'm glad Dad is a little happy (THE CURSE!!!!), so whatever. SEATTLE!!!

I'm glad that the house is now all Christmasy, and I'm rather pleased that Dad put up my ornaments, although he should've let you help out. Still, I thank him for the pictures that he sent. I miss that house. The new french doors look amazing! SNOW!!! I miss snow!!!!

You all will have a white christmas, I'm still thinking that I'll get a green Christmas. I hope not. A white christmas will be nice . . .

Glad to know that things are good at home. As for me and things;

I'm probably going to buy new shirts for sure, socks are actually lasting. That lifetime guarentee is holding for now. I was planning on getting my pants tailored, since they are all in a good condition, maybe the summer pants are a little sweaty still, but I think they're okay (KIDDING!).

I'm glad I need new clothes as well. I'm still dropping in weight, and I'm changing my diet to some healthier items, so I'll probably keep dropping. I'm just hoping I don't start the bounce back soon (when you lose a lot of weight too quickly, it can come back).

Anyways, yes, I've learned to make Italian food.

I don't have bad days anymore.

Love you all,

NaNa

Weekly Email December 2nd 2013

First thing's first:

THANK YOU MUM!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! Seriously, where would I be without you to save me!

I'm glad to know that you were super busy on Thanksgiving. It makes me happy to know that nothing has changed overtly much than when I was there last year. I will admit, it was rather strange not having a Thanksgiving celebration. Oh well, no big deal.

I'm glad that Grandma was happy with the blog print-outs. Sorry she was in pain and wasn't enjoying herself, but hey, life.

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.

So Bro. Christensen is the new primary director huh? That's cool. I know he'll do a good job. Yeah, sounds like Sunday was busy. I'm glad you told Bishop that I am a full tithe payer, because I am!

Tell my sister I say congratulations on her new job!

I will let you know once we have things figured out about Skyping on Christmas. I promise, but with six of us in the city, and only having the church computers (two) it'll be difficult.

Movies: We'll talk as a group and we'll figure something out (they can watch two movies or one movie twice from an approved list).

Here's how the weeks been: Really good.

Alessandra: She's been reading, praying, and working....a lot. She wants to come to church, but with her work schedule, it makes it difficult, but we've had inspiration hit, and we've come up with a plan and a lesson to help with this. We're going to share Elder Dube's talk from this last conference, and let her know that even though things may seem difficult, and you can't see the road ahead, you need to keep moving forward.

Really that's about the only investigator we've seen this week, as the family of one of our investigators wasn't well physically, and had to change the appointment, and so he couldn't meet with us. But here's his situation:

Pietro: Same as last week, but I had a revelation this morning once again. We're really going to ask him what kind of an answer he's looking for, and then we're going to share some scriptures with him relating to how the Lord answers our questions. Some thing I've done with him that I've seen work, is I pray to know what he needs to hear, and then open a copy of the Book of Mormon I keep on my desk. I open it to a random page, and read it. It's helped me out in the past, and I've seen it work with Pietro, so I'm going to keep doing it.

Now, his family is less active, but here's how it's going with them:

Famiglia Perta: They have made leaps and bounds of progress, and I am super happy about it. They really want to come to Church, and they are going to do their best. The problem is they live far away, and the wife works in the mornings, but I know that if they can pray, and with enough faith, they can make it.

Let's see, with our other less-active, Luigi, we have him reading in the Book of Mormon, and we read it with him this last time. We kinda drilled how important it was to read and pray to God to get the answer, and to find the answers to his doubts through the Book. He said he would, and I have faith he will. From what I understand, he used to not let the missionaries in, so things can change.

When all is said and done, things are going pretty well here in Foggia. A good amount of finding, but we're going to be checking up on the members we talked to for the referrals, and then changing some things regarding our finding methods. I'm also going to be talking to some of our English course students, and seeing if they would have interest.

Well, there we go. Tell Marcus to get an iPad. It's better in the long run.

I love you all, keep doing your thing.

NaNa


Well, I had to stay home today to go to the dentist for a tooth that is a problem so I had the opportunity to do an IM/email thing that most parents of missionaries know about. It's only the third time or so we've done it because of the time difference. Here is the conversation:

Dad: Hey, if we buy you a hair cutting shaver from AmazonUK will it have the right power? Then you and your companion could cut each other's hair and save money.  Where would we send it? The Mission Home or your address? Let me know what you think of that idea.

Anziano Eads: We had to get some stuff done in the morning that took our time. We've been helping a member move to a new house, and things worked out this way. Don't worry, I've got it handled.

And as for the idea of the hair things: NO!!!!

Dad: 5 to 8 inches of snow tomorrow. I miss my human snow plow.  Now I am going to buy a new snow blower this week.  Oh, we are going to skype you at Christmas on our new XBox1.  Mom's enjoying playing a couple of video games among other things with it.

Anziano Eads: I'm sorry I'm not there to be your slave anymore, and I've been saying that you need a snow blower for the last few years...granted it's because I'm lazy, but still. As for the Xbox One thing:

HAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAGHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

Sempre...

Oh and in response to your email questions:

As for why I need the money. It's not for anything emergency. The problem is that card readers are rare in Italy, and it's actually recommended that we only use cash. Also, there's mercatos (markets), and they have really good stuff for cheap. Also, I need to buy some clothes and stuff, because mine are too big. I'm down 40, count em, 40 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am jealous that you will be watching a Hobbit movie without me, and that it seems awesome. It's okay though, you are forgiven. Go, and sin no more. I am probably not going to upgrade. I haven't decided yet. A PS4 is in the future, but only for the next Kingdom Hearts. Video games don't seem so important anymore. 

I am aware of the disasters in Italy Dad, but thanks for caring. 

So, life's going well?

Dad:  Yeah, life is going good.  No major compliants. Mom's hurting (back and stuff) and its more difficult for her.  Kendra is okay. Coda is great though! Had to take him to the Vet for a ear infection and the Vet said he is not 56 as it normally seems, small dogs age more slowing about 5 years to a human year so he's only 35 going on 40 in March.  School is done this semester, yeah! So ready to be done by the time you get home, maybe before.  I will miss you at The Hobbit movie but we'll have the DVD for you when you get home. 40 lbs! 40 lbs! That is tremendous!!!!!!! Go buy some new clothes and soon!!!!! They look like they don't fit in your pictures.  Bishop Fausett asked about you at Tithing settlement.  Anyway, yeah, life is good and keeps going forward.  Always does, always will, even when the time comes to leave mortality. 

Anziano Eads: Thanks for the confidence regarding the PS4. Like I said, I'm not sure yet. the Wii U is a yes, but as for the others...who knows. I just don't see the need to upgrade. I've actually become tired in my mind of video games a little bit. They just take up so much time and the mission makes you realize there are more important things to do with ones life. 

Dad:  Often in life if we are content with what we have and it satisfies us, we don't have to use our hard earned money to upgrade to the latest and greatest. It's why we drive our cars until they die or are about to and then put a good chunk of money down on a new car (small payments).  Learned the hard way on that one over time. 

Anziano Eads: That's funny to hear you say that. You've changed a lot in life.  Guess I have too. 

Dad:  Did you like the SLC Temple Christmas Light pictures? 

Anziano Eads:  Yes, I did. Very much so. Thanks for those. I'll show them in my picture book.  As for Christmas: I'll probably call early in the morning if at all possible.

Dad: Anyway, I'll stop. Good to talk with you. Be safe, keep working hard but work and follow the Spirit as you do.  Love the people, and remember,::: HUG, HUG, HUG :::

Anziano Eads: I love you too Dad.  Talk to you again soon. Luv, Nathan.

I don't miss em that bad anymore, there are just times I would love to talk on the phone or Skype. What I miss the most about Nathan is how he always greeted me with a hug. Well, March 5th, 2015 there will be A LOT of hugging at the airport! His emails have sure changed form focusing on what he's done generally to now being very specific about his investigators and helping others.  It's a sign to me that he has changed from an inner focus to an outward focus on others and serving them and sharing ith them.  That for us, his parents, is the greatest Christmas present, and his subtle reminders for us to reach outward.