Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Rome Italy Temple Pictures
Nathan shared some pictures or the Rome, Italy Temple. Here they are. I think the colored reflections are just beautiful.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Weekly Email February 24th 2014
Okay, home things first as always, before I get to my week.
Firstly: Mom: I am sorry that work has become hard. Things can be really hard at times, I've seen that aspect of life a lot out here in the field, when it just seems like everything is working against you. But remember 2 Nephi 2: 11. There must be an opposition in all things, because then we know the greatest joy. BUt I'm glad that you are going to be staying, as it sounds that you really like the work.
And as for the Stake things: Don't worry, it's just a stake thing.
Marcus is now playing guitar? Well, that's interesting, but it's good that he's going to be a manager. He always had it in him.
I finished that letter to Grandma, and I just need to buy the stamps to send it, which should be sson. Along with the postcards to Grandma Eads.
Thanks, tell the Williams that will be nice. Even if I'm no where near the city, I can at least have other missionaries help out with that work.
Well, it's an interesting day for the start of the transfer. I'm in Catania, waiting for the arrivfal of Anziano Bryant, and Anziano Calchera, who had to go and get his permesso from Bari. So it was interesting, missing church in Ragusa, and being here in Catania, but it's not bad.
So this week was nice. We had plenty of teaching opportunities which really made the week, even with the surprise on Friday about leaving the city alone for a few days.
We started out the week by talking with Rosa, the girlfriend of one of our members, the Plan of Salvation. It was a really, really good lesson. Rosa literally asked all the right questions right at the very beginning, about where do we come from, where are we going to go? It was just the perfect lead in to the lesson we had planned. She accepted everything, and is keeping her commitment to read 2 Nephi 2, and Alma 41-42.
We also taught one of our recent converts about prayer, which was funny, because it turned around into him teaching us. Issac is the teacher for the gospel principles class and he really has tried to teach well. Well, he ended up preaching to us about how powerful prayer is, and how it has blessed his life. He's a great example of faith in the Lord.
We taught our investigator named Issac as well, about the Ten Commandments, which was pretty routine. He already knew about them and was willing to follow them without any problem. He hasn't been reading lately, and this week, to remedy that, we're going to be reading from 1 Nephi chapter 1, and helping him to get started in the scriptures.
We finished the new convert lessons with Valentina with her home teacher. We taught her the laws and ordinances, and she was really excited about the aspect of the temple. She has this strong desire to go when she has some free time and participate in the ordinances of salvation for her ancestors.
Besides that, it's been a normal week, except for the weekend, which was completely different. Still, things are good, and getting better. I have a really good feeling for this transfer, and that things are going to be getting good. All in all, I'm content. Hard to believe I'm nearly at my year mark. I'll be sending home a special picture that week.
It'll be one of me in the same suit I was wearing the day I went into the MTC, a year later. Can't wait to see the weight lost.
Next week, mia famiglia!
Nathan
Firstly: Mom: I am sorry that work has become hard. Things can be really hard at times, I've seen that aspect of life a lot out here in the field, when it just seems like everything is working against you. But remember 2 Nephi 2: 11. There must be an opposition in all things, because then we know the greatest joy. BUt I'm glad that you are going to be staying, as it sounds that you really like the work.
And as for the Stake things: Don't worry, it's just a stake thing.
Marcus is now playing guitar? Well, that's interesting, but it's good that he's going to be a manager. He always had it in him.
I finished that letter to Grandma, and I just need to buy the stamps to send it, which should be sson. Along with the postcards to Grandma Eads.
Thanks, tell the Williams that will be nice. Even if I'm no where near the city, I can at least have other missionaries help out with that work.
Well, it's an interesting day for the start of the transfer. I'm in Catania, waiting for the arrivfal of Anziano Bryant, and Anziano Calchera, who had to go and get his permesso from Bari. So it was interesting, missing church in Ragusa, and being here in Catania, but it's not bad.
So this week was nice. We had plenty of teaching opportunities which really made the week, even with the surprise on Friday about leaving the city alone for a few days.
We started out the week by talking with Rosa, the girlfriend of one of our members, the Plan of Salvation. It was a really, really good lesson. Rosa literally asked all the right questions right at the very beginning, about where do we come from, where are we going to go? It was just the perfect lead in to the lesson we had planned. She accepted everything, and is keeping her commitment to read 2 Nephi 2, and Alma 41-42.
We also taught one of our recent converts about prayer, which was funny, because it turned around into him teaching us. Issac is the teacher for the gospel principles class and he really has tried to teach well. Well, he ended up preaching to us about how powerful prayer is, and how it has blessed his life. He's a great example of faith in the Lord.
We taught our investigator named Issac as well, about the Ten Commandments, which was pretty routine. He already knew about them and was willing to follow them without any problem. He hasn't been reading lately, and this week, to remedy that, we're going to be reading from 1 Nephi chapter 1, and helping him to get started in the scriptures.
We finished the new convert lessons with Valentina with her home teacher. We taught her the laws and ordinances, and she was really excited about the aspect of the temple. She has this strong desire to go when she has some free time and participate in the ordinances of salvation for her ancestors.
Besides that, it's been a normal week, except for the weekend, which was completely different. Still, things are good, and getting better. I have a really good feeling for this transfer, and that things are going to be getting good. All in all, I'm content. Hard to believe I'm nearly at my year mark. I'll be sending home a special picture that week.
It'll be one of me in the same suit I was wearing the day I went into the MTC, a year later. Can't wait to see the weight lost.
Next week, mia famiglia!
Nathan
Monday, February 17, 2014
Weekly Email February 17th 2014
Well, I won't bore you over details about things too quickly, so let's get some of the things out of the way.
I'm staying in Ragusa another transfer, and with Anziano Calchera. I have not bought my shirts or a new belt (I don't need a new belt!), but I'm probably going to buy myself my Christmas present soon. I lost my USB for a bit one day, and I realized just how much that little thing has on it. I'm going to buy a hard drive to back it all up.
Sorry that you've all been sick this week with something different. Life just hits us with a left sometimes and then who knows what happens! Still, I'm glad that you are all (hopefully) feeling better, and that Gma is as well. I'll probably finish that letter today and get it sent off sometime soon.
Let's see, Zone Conf. was about receiving personal revelation, some things about commitment, and that's really all I can remember. There was one point during the commitment addrestramento (training) where the Assistants called the three biggest kids up to the front. Obviously I was one of them.
Well, we had this other Anziano whose a bit skinny, and they told him to catch us all in a trust fall. Well, he caught the one in the middle, and one assistant caught the other. As for me, I fell and hit my head on the ground, proving once again, I am hard-headed as I didn't even feel it.
The missionaries are always nice and friendly, and cool. I really don't have a preference on who I serve with, just as long as we get along that's all I care about.
Well, we have had a really good week this time around. The Lord answers prayers.
On Monday we had two wonderful lessons with a current investigating couple about the Law of Castità , and it was okay. They looked down a lot of the time, but they do that normally, but I want to see what happens. Also, they did say that their marriage was coming along, but it's going to take some time.
The other lesson was with a potential simpat that became a new investigator this week. She is the girlfriend of one of our members and we've been trying to meet with her for a while. It was fantastic! Anziano Calchera was talking about prophets and she straight up asked: "But where is this guy now? Where is the prophet today?" I love it when people have been prepared by the Lord to hear the message.
We also taught our new converts. With Issac we've been helping him work on his lesson for the Gospel Principles class, which he teaches. He does a good job, he just wants to ask us some questions for clarity. We help him prepare and share a brief spiritual thought.
With Valentina we've been teaching her with her home teachers and this week we taught the commandments. She accepted them without a problem.
We had a scambio this week with Gela, and we turned our attention to meno-attivo work. That went really well. We met with a few of them, and one of them actually came to church, which was rather nice, and it was good that we were able to learn a little bit more about the ward list, and be able to update it.
Then we taught our simpat Issac. He's been having troubles with his housing arrangement, and we felt inspired to talk about the story of Alma and his people in Mosiah 24, I think. We shared that the burdens can be hard, but with faith and prayers, God will deliver us from our burdens. We also left him 3 Nephi chapter 1 to read to share another experience about faith and prayer.
We also went out to Modica, with the Clarks. They had a few potentials they wanted us to meet, and so we went, and we met with Giovanni, and he's one interesting person. He lost his seventeen year old son, and has felt abandoned by God. When he met the Clarks however, he began to feel like God was coming back into his life. We're really going to try to head out there every other week next transfer to teach him.
And that's been our work. I have to say that things have been going really well, actually. We're going to be holding our fireside on missionary work this Sunday, which should help the members and us continue to grow in our working together, and it will help to "hasten the work." I can't wait to see what's going to happen next transfer.
Well, I love you guys, stay cool!
NaNa, Nathan, Nate, Anziano Eads, Easy Eads, whatever else I'm called.
I testify that Jesus is the Christ and our Savior. That He bore upon himself each of our sins, each of our sorrows, our disappointments, our griefs, our emotional, physical and spiritual pains. How He did this I don't know, I just know that He did it. He knows us, individually and loves us individually, no one more than another. He is there to comfort us when we are faint. I am asking my Dad to post this image he shared and a video with the song I Know That My Redeemer Lives. I remember each day that I serve, I grow to love others because He first loved me, and I want others to know of His love. In His love and strength we can do anything. I love serving.
The movie clip below is the resurrected Savior appearing first to Mary Madeleine. With no music. This is my mom's favorite story of the Savior.
The hymn, I Know That My Redeemer lives is my Dad's favorite hymn.
I love this next picture that my Dad shared with me.
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Luke 22: 41-44
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit -- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink--
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."
D&C 19:18-19
Words to the Hymn:
1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.
2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.
4. He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
I'm staying in Ragusa another transfer, and with Anziano Calchera. I have not bought my shirts or a new belt (I don't need a new belt!), but I'm probably going to buy myself my Christmas present soon. I lost my USB for a bit one day, and I realized just how much that little thing has on it. I'm going to buy a hard drive to back it all up.
Sorry that you've all been sick this week with something different. Life just hits us with a left sometimes and then who knows what happens! Still, I'm glad that you are all (hopefully) feeling better, and that Gma is as well. I'll probably finish that letter today and get it sent off sometime soon.
Let's see, Zone Conf. was about receiving personal revelation, some things about commitment, and that's really all I can remember. There was one point during the commitment addrestramento (training) where the Assistants called the three biggest kids up to the front. Obviously I was one of them.
Well, we had this other Anziano whose a bit skinny, and they told him to catch us all in a trust fall. Well, he caught the one in the middle, and one assistant caught the other. As for me, I fell and hit my head on the ground, proving once again, I am hard-headed as I didn't even feel it.
The missionaries are always nice and friendly, and cool. I really don't have a preference on who I serve with, just as long as we get along that's all I care about.
Well, we have had a really good week this time around. The Lord answers prayers.
On Monday we had two wonderful lessons with a current investigating couple about the Law of Castità , and it was okay. They looked down a lot of the time, but they do that normally, but I want to see what happens. Also, they did say that their marriage was coming along, but it's going to take some time.
The other lesson was with a potential simpat that became a new investigator this week. She is the girlfriend of one of our members and we've been trying to meet with her for a while. It was fantastic! Anziano Calchera was talking about prophets and she straight up asked: "But where is this guy now? Where is the prophet today?" I love it when people have been prepared by the Lord to hear the message.
We also taught our new converts. With Issac we've been helping him work on his lesson for the Gospel Principles class, which he teaches. He does a good job, he just wants to ask us some questions for clarity. We help him prepare and share a brief spiritual thought.
With Valentina we've been teaching her with her home teachers and this week we taught the commandments. She accepted them without a problem.
We had a scambio this week with Gela, and we turned our attention to meno-attivo work. That went really well. We met with a few of them, and one of them actually came to church, which was rather nice, and it was good that we were able to learn a little bit more about the ward list, and be able to update it.
Then we taught our simpat Issac. He's been having troubles with his housing arrangement, and we felt inspired to talk about the story of Alma and his people in Mosiah 24, I think. We shared that the burdens can be hard, but with faith and prayers, God will deliver us from our burdens. We also left him 3 Nephi chapter 1 to read to share another experience about faith and prayer.
We also went out to Modica, with the Clarks. They had a few potentials they wanted us to meet, and so we went, and we met with Giovanni, and he's one interesting person. He lost his seventeen year old son, and has felt abandoned by God. When he met the Clarks however, he began to feel like God was coming back into his life. We're really going to try to head out there every other week next transfer to teach him.
And that's been our work. I have to say that things have been going really well, actually. We're going to be holding our fireside on missionary work this Sunday, which should help the members and us continue to grow in our working together, and it will help to "hasten the work." I can't wait to see what's going to happen next transfer.
Well, I love you guys, stay cool!
NaNa, Nathan, Nate, Anziano Eads, Easy Eads, whatever else I'm called.
I testify that Jesus is the Christ and our Savior. That He bore upon himself each of our sins, each of our sorrows, our disappointments, our griefs, our emotional, physical and spiritual pains. How He did this I don't know, I just know that He did it. He knows us, individually and loves us individually, no one more than another. He is there to comfort us when we are faint. I am asking my Dad to post this image he shared and a video with the song I Know That My Redeemer Lives. I remember each day that I serve, I grow to love others because He first loved me, and I want others to know of His love. In His love and strength we can do anything. I love serving.
The movie clip below is the resurrected Savior appearing first to Mary Madeleine. With no music. This is my mom's favorite story of the Savior.
The hymn, I Know That My Redeemer lives is my Dad's favorite hymn.
I love this next picture that my Dad shared with me.
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Luke 22: 41-44
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit -- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink--
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."
D&C 19:18-19
Words to the Hymn:
1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.
2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.
4. He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Catania Zone Conference Meeting Pictures of Anziano Eads
Well this week the missionaries in eastern Sicily had their monthly meeting or zone conference. Thanks to Sorella Waddoups, the Mission President's wife we have pictures of Anziano Eads. Here they are:
Mt. Etna above Catania, Italy, at sunset.
Anziano Eads with another missionary friend.
Anziano Eads playing the piano. Hand position!
Anziano Eads with a typical poise.
The Elders with Anziano Eads on the end.
Anziano Eads with two other missionaries (my favorite of this set; he needs a new belt).
Anziano Eads with missionary friend, singing.
Anziano Eads; he always is capable of showing his affection to others.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Weekly Email February 3rd, 2014
Here is the song that Nathan I mean Anziano Eads speaks of in his email this week.
GO SEATTLE!!!!!!!!!!! WE FINALLY WON ONE!!!!!!!!! I'M SUPER PUMPED AND THIS IS GOING TO REFLECT IN MY WORK!!!!!!!!!!
No, seriously, I love it when I get good news from home that really makes me happy. It reflects my attitude and that really affects the work. But anyways, I'll talk about that in a bit. Right now, let's focus on the stuff that is going on at home.
Sorry to hear about Grandma. I'll definitely pray for her, and you can bet I'm working on that letter to her. I'm on a limited time since I can only write on P-Day, so it's slow coming. I just need to dedicate a P-Day to it, but we'll see. I've been out and about seeing what's around Ragusa.
Yes, the city is beautiful, it's a beautiful city. I have pictures I'll send next week just showing some the stuff around the city, but this city is awesome.The city is super safe, almost nothing happens here, as far I know anyways.
The ward here is really great. The members want to help with missionary work a good amount, and they are willing to work with us. We just need to do the typical training with them on what to teach and how to teach with the missionaries, but besides that, things are going good.
Dad: No, I have not purchased new shirts yet. The place I want to buy them is far out of the city, and I don't have a car in Ragusa. I'll have to wait, but I'll get them eventually. About my shoes: I had to buy a new pair. Both of the ones you sent me out with are destroyed, and I had to leave one of them in Foggia to toss out. The other worked good until the big rainstorms hit. But I got new shoes that are fine and they are awesome.
Suits are okay. Just need to get the pants taken down on one of them, and I'll be okay.
Well, I really don't know what to say about this week. Things were just a little weird in regards to how everything worked out. We made appointments, but we received a good amount of bidone from our investigators. We also found out that one of our investigators didn't understand what was different about our Church from the other Churches. That was a bit of a shocker but we worked it out, and then we had only two investigators in church yesterday, which is the lowest we've had.
Then there's that weather. I don't know what's been up with it lately but the weather here has just been really bad lately. Saturday there was a huge tempest that just dumped rain, and wind upon the city. I really don't understand what's been up, but as part of our fast yesterday, we fasted for good weather to be in this city for the remainder of the transfer.
So yeah, it was a little weird week, all things being considered, which makes things just frustrating at times. To tell the truth, I don't really know what to do sometimes, but I've truly have had past experiences where when we pray and truly have enough faith, we really can see the miracles.
For example, yesterday and today, we've had good weather (at least to this point in the day), and I have a feeling that, even with us being out of the city for a while (zone conference is this week), things are going to be good this week. We have a lot of time to work with on the days that we're free, and I know that with prayer, faith, and if it be according to the will of the Lord, things will work out. Truly, they will, and they do.
So, if you want the truth, I'm not overtly worried about things. Everything in this work that we're doing is all according to the will of the Lord. I go out and work to please Him, to let his Spirit move upon me and guide me to the people who are ready. There have been times here in Ragusa where we have been walking, and we have the inspiration to go and meet with one of our investigators, and we have taught a wonderful lesson.
The Lord will do his part if we are doing our part, and we have been doing our part. We try the best we can, and He helps us work out the miracles. I found a song out here and I love it. It's called In Christ Alone by Owl City (Kendra knows the group, you can ask her about the songs), and the lyrics just describe how I view things lately.
In Christ alone, my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace! When fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My comforter, my all-in-all, here in the love of Christ, I stand.
There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness lay. Then bursting forth, in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me. For I am His, and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry, to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand. Till he returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
I find my strength, I find my hope, I fine my help, in Christ alone. When fear descends, when darkness falls, I find my peace in Christ alone. I give my life, I give my all, I sing this song, to Christ alone. The King of kings, the Lord of all, all heaven sings to Christ alone.
Till He returns, or calls me home. Here in the power of Christ, I'll stand. Here in the power of Christ we stand.
This is the truth. We are all standing in the power of Christ, and we'll stand with him through all things, until we go home to Him, or He comes back, and as we follow His example and grow our charity, when He comes, He will have no difficulty seeing who we are. Our spiritual banner will be clear.
Well, anyways, there's my email, with my epistle at the end (I'm becoming like Dad), and I wish you all the best. I thank Heavenly Father for you guys every day. I'm nearly at the year mark, and though it's gone by way to fast, I'll see you sooner than we think...purtroppo (means unfortunately, Nathan is saying that his mission unfortunately is flying by way too fast).
Well, love you guys!
NaNa.
GO SEATTLE!!!!!!!!!!! WE FINALLY WON ONE!!!!!!!!! I'M SUPER PUMPED AND THIS IS GOING TO REFLECT IN MY WORK!!!!!!!!!!
No, seriously, I love it when I get good news from home that really makes me happy. It reflects my attitude and that really affects the work. But anyways, I'll talk about that in a bit. Right now, let's focus on the stuff that is going on at home.
Sorry to hear about Grandma. I'll definitely pray for her, and you can bet I'm working on that letter to her. I'm on a limited time since I can only write on P-Day, so it's slow coming. I just need to dedicate a P-Day to it, but we'll see. I've been out and about seeing what's around Ragusa.
Yes, the city is beautiful, it's a beautiful city. I have pictures I'll send next week just showing some the stuff around the city, but this city is awesome.The city is super safe, almost nothing happens here, as far I know anyways.
The ward here is really great. The members want to help with missionary work a good amount, and they are willing to work with us. We just need to do the typical training with them on what to teach and how to teach with the missionaries, but besides that, things are going good.
Dad: No, I have not purchased new shirts yet. The place I want to buy them is far out of the city, and I don't have a car in Ragusa. I'll have to wait, but I'll get them eventually. About my shoes: I had to buy a new pair. Both of the ones you sent me out with are destroyed, and I had to leave one of them in Foggia to toss out. The other worked good until the big rainstorms hit. But I got new shoes that are fine and they are awesome.
Suits are okay. Just need to get the pants taken down on one of them, and I'll be okay.
Well, I really don't know what to say about this week. Things were just a little weird in regards to how everything worked out. We made appointments, but we received a good amount of bidone from our investigators. We also found out that one of our investigators didn't understand what was different about our Church from the other Churches. That was a bit of a shocker but we worked it out, and then we had only two investigators in church yesterday, which is the lowest we've had.
Then there's that weather. I don't know what's been up with it lately but the weather here has just been really bad lately. Saturday there was a huge tempest that just dumped rain, and wind upon the city. I really don't understand what's been up, but as part of our fast yesterday, we fasted for good weather to be in this city for the remainder of the transfer.
So yeah, it was a little weird week, all things being considered, which makes things just frustrating at times. To tell the truth, I don't really know what to do sometimes, but I've truly have had past experiences where when we pray and truly have enough faith, we really can see the miracles.
For example, yesterday and today, we've had good weather (at least to this point in the day), and I have a feeling that, even with us being out of the city for a while (zone conference is this week), things are going to be good this week. We have a lot of time to work with on the days that we're free, and I know that with prayer, faith, and if it be according to the will of the Lord, things will work out. Truly, they will, and they do.
So, if you want the truth, I'm not overtly worried about things. Everything in this work that we're doing is all according to the will of the Lord. I go out and work to please Him, to let his Spirit move upon me and guide me to the people who are ready. There have been times here in Ragusa where we have been walking, and we have the inspiration to go and meet with one of our investigators, and we have taught a wonderful lesson.
The Lord will do his part if we are doing our part, and we have been doing our part. We try the best we can, and He helps us work out the miracles. I found a song out here and I love it. It's called In Christ Alone by Owl City (Kendra knows the group, you can ask her about the songs), and the lyrics just describe how I view things lately.
In Christ alone, my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace! When fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My comforter, my all-in-all, here in the love of Christ, I stand.
There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness lay. Then bursting forth, in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me. For I am His, and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry, to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand. Till he returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
I find my strength, I find my hope, I fine my help, in Christ alone. When fear descends, when darkness falls, I find my peace in Christ alone. I give my life, I give my all, I sing this song, to Christ alone. The King of kings, the Lord of all, all heaven sings to Christ alone.
Till He returns, or calls me home. Here in the power of Christ, I'll stand. Here in the power of Christ we stand.
This is the truth. We are all standing in the power of Christ, and we'll stand with him through all things, until we go home to Him, or He comes back, and as we follow His example and grow our charity, when He comes, He will have no difficulty seeing who we are. Our spiritual banner will be clear.
Well, anyways, there's my email, with my epistle at the end (I'm becoming like Dad), and I wish you all the best. I thank Heavenly Father for you guys every day. I'm nearly at the year mark, and though it's gone by way to fast, I'll see you sooner than we think...purtroppo (means unfortunately, Nathan is saying that his mission unfortunately is flying by way too fast).
Well, love you guys!
NaNa.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Weekly Email January 27th 2014
Hello!
Well, I've got a lot to address and plenty of time, but I'm lazy, so this email may be short. We'll see.
Let's start off with how things have been for me in my mission life this last week. Well, mark off another item on the missionary checklist. I got sick. Second time in the mission, and it was, like the last time, just for a little bit. I was back to normal the next day. The down side is: MY PERMA-COUGH HAS BEEN REACTIVATED! Yeah, so I'm hacking up my lungs every two seconds. YAY!
I blame the weather. It's been super cold and rainy here in Ragusa, which I hear is common in Gennaio (I'll be using a lot more italiano in my spelling because it's hard to think of certain words in english now), but that doesn't make it enjoyable in the slightest. But the work moves forward.
So, we met with Issac, our new convert who is now the Gospel principles teacher. We've been helping him prepare the lesson that he teaches on Sunday, and just encouraging him. He has this great wish to increase his scriptural knowledge, and he really tries. His lessons are always really good on Sunday.
We also met with Valentina, our other new convert. We taught her the Restoration with one of our members, as part of the after baptism lessons. It went okay. The member was a little unique in his teaching style, but we made the adjustments and the lesson went over well.
We met with our investigator whose named Issac, we taught the Plan of Salvation. I have my worries over whether or not he understands everything we say, but he seems to get the concept, and he has never missed church as of yet, so I have hope. We also met with Rose, and taught the Restoration. Again I don't know how much she understood, but she came to church as well.
We met with Elvis and Vittoria our investigating couple. We had to do a little box-breaking, and really inform them that they needed to read the Book of Mormon, and they need to pray about it. It went over well, and Elvis was in church on Sunday. Vittoria however, was not. She hasn't come in a while, I understand. I think we need to address that issue next.
Besides that, things are going great. Work here is steady, consistent, and growing. We've had to make adjustments since we've lost Valentina as a simpat, but we're going to be doing a lot more things. We have some good plans.
This next Sunday, for example, we're going to be doing a fireside about missionary work for the members. Our ward mission leader suggested the idea, and we went with it, because we really need it. Ironically, I was thinking about suggesting something like this when I got into Ragusa, and look at that! I didn't have to do a single thing. It was truly inspiration.
So yeah, I'll let you know how that goes. Besides that, things roll on like normal.
Well, love you guys, talk to you next week.
NaNa
Well, I've got a lot to address and plenty of time, but I'm lazy, so this email may be short. We'll see.
Let's start off with how things have been for me in my mission life this last week. Well, mark off another item on the missionary checklist. I got sick. Second time in the mission, and it was, like the last time, just for a little bit. I was back to normal the next day. The down side is: MY PERMA-COUGH HAS BEEN REACTIVATED! Yeah, so I'm hacking up my lungs every two seconds. YAY!
I blame the weather. It's been super cold and rainy here in Ragusa, which I hear is common in Gennaio (I'll be using a lot more italiano in my spelling because it's hard to think of certain words in english now), but that doesn't make it enjoyable in the slightest. But the work moves forward.
So, we met with Issac, our new convert who is now the Gospel principles teacher. We've been helping him prepare the lesson that he teaches on Sunday, and just encouraging him. He has this great wish to increase his scriptural knowledge, and he really tries. His lessons are always really good on Sunday.
We also met with Valentina, our other new convert. We taught her the Restoration with one of our members, as part of the after baptism lessons. It went okay. The member was a little unique in his teaching style, but we made the adjustments and the lesson went over well.
We met with our investigator whose named Issac, we taught the Plan of Salvation. I have my worries over whether or not he understands everything we say, but he seems to get the concept, and he has never missed church as of yet, so I have hope. We also met with Rose, and taught the Restoration. Again I don't know how much she understood, but she came to church as well.
We met with Elvis and Vittoria our investigating couple. We had to do a little box-breaking, and really inform them that they needed to read the Book of Mormon, and they need to pray about it. It went over well, and Elvis was in church on Sunday. Vittoria however, was not. She hasn't come in a while, I understand. I think we need to address that issue next.
Besides that, things are going great. Work here is steady, consistent, and growing. We've had to make adjustments since we've lost Valentina as a simpat, but we're going to be doing a lot more things. We have some good plans.
This next Sunday, for example, we're going to be doing a fireside about missionary work for the members. Our ward mission leader suggested the idea, and we went with it, because we really need it. Ironically, I was thinking about suggesting something like this when I got into Ragusa, and look at that! I didn't have to do a single thing. It was truly inspiration.
So yeah, I'll let you know how that goes. Besides that, things roll on like normal.
Well, love you guys, talk to you next week.
NaNa
Monday, January 20, 2014
Weekly Email January 20th 2014
Well, let's get the temporal stuff right out of the way:
YEAH! SEATTLE AT THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!! GOING TO WIN IT THIS TIME AROUND!!!!!!
Sorry about that, lost my cool. Anyways, I really think we have a chance this year. IF Wilson doesn't it turn it over so much, and our defense stays on top of things, I really think we'll win it this year. I hope so.
Dad: Even if Seattle doesn't win, I want you to buy Madden 14 for me, because I'm going to need something to play if Seattle loses.
Now the stuff from home:
Sorry Sunday was dry council, and that the week was boring. I'll tell you how my first week went in a bit, but for now, we'll keep it on you guys.
MOM! YOU CANNOT GET SICK! I leave you people for ten months, and you all get sick! What are you doing without me there to keep you all healthy? I swear that none of you can stay healthy unless I'm there.
Sorry about the tub. Hopefully you get the wish of getting it replaced with a shower sometime soon, but knowing the luck of our family, it'll happen really soon. Glad that everything else is working fine.
I honestly didn't get to see too much of Etna. Only the photo I sent. I wanted to see more, believe me, but Etna's too far away from Ragusa to go and see it on P-Day. Maybe at another point in my life.
Well, my first week in Ragusa is now done, and here are my personal impressions thus far.
Firstly, the Lord is blessing the work here, that is definitely for sure. I have sen huge doors open since I've gotten here and I know the Lord is answering the prayers of the members and Anziano Calchera and I. We have potential investigators who are now showing interest in the message, when before they would not.
Our members, who have always been willing to work with the missionaries, are now wanting to do more. Our ward mission leader, who was called about two months ago, has told us that he really wants to get members more involved with the work, and we are going to ask our Bishop if we can hold a fireside on the 2nd of Feburary about missionary/member work and how we can all do our part.
Secondly, this city is amazing. The people are super nice, and are very willing to open themselves to the Gospel. The investigators we have, and the new converts are strong, they have great testimonies, or are gaining them, and are truly working on bringing themselves closer to Christ. How beautiful is that!
I'm really getting to know our investigators pretty well. They've actually made me feel quite welcome, although they do miss the Anziano before me (he was here for five transfers, nearly 7 months), but that's not too big of a problem for me. Most of the people we're working with are really solid, and they are making progress, it's just taking some time for some of them.
I really like Anziano Calchera. He's actually from New Jersey, but lived in Brigham City before he came out to the field. He's a pretty chill guy, thinks a bit like me in regards to the work (member-missionary work is the best way to do things), and we got along really well, so things are good on that end of the field.
Well, this week was probably one of the best weeks I've had for teaching, and it shows. With our appointments, we taught the message simply, and the Spirit has been strong in every teaching setting we have been in, thanks to our Heavenly Father for giving us that support.
We have a new investigator, a friend of one of our new converts, and he truly feels the Spirit when we meet with him. He has accepted the challenge to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and he has now come to Church twice (he came last week, and that's when we got an appointment with him).
We met with a friend of one of our members and talked about the Book of Mormon and prayer. We're going to finish up with the rest of the Restoration this week. He seems pretty receptive, and I have hope for him.
Well, there we go. There's really nothing else I can say, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the other miracles that the Lord is going to put before us this week, and this transfer.
YEAH! SEATTLE AT THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!! GOING TO WIN IT THIS TIME AROUND!!!!!!
Sorry about that, lost my cool. Anyways, I really think we have a chance this year. IF Wilson doesn't it turn it over so much, and our defense stays on top of things, I really think we'll win it this year. I hope so.
Dad: Even if Seattle doesn't win, I want you to buy Madden 14 for me, because I'm going to need something to play if Seattle loses.
Now the stuff from home:
Sorry Sunday was dry council, and that the week was boring. I'll tell you how my first week went in a bit, but for now, we'll keep it on you guys.
MOM! YOU CANNOT GET SICK! I leave you people for ten months, and you all get sick! What are you doing without me there to keep you all healthy? I swear that none of you can stay healthy unless I'm there.
Sorry about the tub. Hopefully you get the wish of getting it replaced with a shower sometime soon, but knowing the luck of our family, it'll happen really soon. Glad that everything else is working fine.
I honestly didn't get to see too much of Etna. Only the photo I sent. I wanted to see more, believe me, but Etna's too far away from Ragusa to go and see it on P-Day. Maybe at another point in my life.
Well, my first week in Ragusa is now done, and here are my personal impressions thus far.
Firstly, the Lord is blessing the work here, that is definitely for sure. I have sen huge doors open since I've gotten here and I know the Lord is answering the prayers of the members and Anziano Calchera and I. We have potential investigators who are now showing interest in the message, when before they would not.
Our members, who have always been willing to work with the missionaries, are now wanting to do more. Our ward mission leader, who was called about two months ago, has told us that he really wants to get members more involved with the work, and we are going to ask our Bishop if we can hold a fireside on the 2nd of Feburary about missionary/member work and how we can all do our part.
Secondly, this city is amazing. The people are super nice, and are very willing to open themselves to the Gospel. The investigators we have, and the new converts are strong, they have great testimonies, or are gaining them, and are truly working on bringing themselves closer to Christ. How beautiful is that!
I'm really getting to know our investigators pretty well. They've actually made me feel quite welcome, although they do miss the Anziano before me (he was here for five transfers, nearly 7 months), but that's not too big of a problem for me. Most of the people we're working with are really solid, and they are making progress, it's just taking some time for some of them.
I really like Anziano Calchera. He's actually from New Jersey, but lived in Brigham City before he came out to the field. He's a pretty chill guy, thinks a bit like me in regards to the work (member-missionary work is the best way to do things), and we got along really well, so things are good on that end of the field.
Well, this week was probably one of the best weeks I've had for teaching, and it shows. With our appointments, we taught the message simply, and the Spirit has been strong in every teaching setting we have been in, thanks to our Heavenly Father for giving us that support.
We have a new investigator, a friend of one of our new converts, and he truly feels the Spirit when we meet with him. He has accepted the challenge to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and he has now come to Church twice (he came last week, and that's when we got an appointment with him).
We met with a friend of one of our members and talked about the Book of Mormon and prayer. We're going to finish up with the rest of the Restoration this week. He seems pretty receptive, and I have hope for him.
Well, there we go. There's really nothing else I can say, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the other miracles that the Lord is going to put before us this week, and this transfer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)