Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 12): The Emotion and Shopping!

Well, I first want to thank my Grandpa Brunner! This last weekend, we took a quick trip up to Utah to visit my Mom, and I was able to get some mission shopping done. My Grandpa decided to join us so that he could help out with the funds. Well, our shopping trip ended with my Grandpa buying me pretty much everything I needed for my mission. It was awesome because getting everything on my list had actually been worrying me for quite some time. So it was good to finally get it over with. Thank you, Grandpa!!! :)

Other than that, not much has changed. My preparation has been consistent for the most part, and I am learning more about being a missionary day by day--mostly by going out with the missionaries in my ward and what not. (It's the best!)

I've had two very cool experiences that I'd like to share. A few months ago, when I was at camp, we had a testimony meeting. After the testimony meeting, my friend Taylor came up to me and said, "Ben, I just wanted to thank you. I wasn't planning on going on a mission, but seeing you prepare has inspired me to serve a mission." I remember when he told me this, I did my best to hold back the tears, and I just told him how proud of him I was. Taylor got his call a few weeks ago and will be going to Argentina! He reports to the MTC the same day as me. :)

Two days ago, I had a similar experience. My friend Kody got on Facebook and sent me a message. He said, "Ben!! I've made THE choice." I knew that he was talking about putting in his papers so I told him congrats and what not. And then he said, "I just wanted to thank you! You are one of the big reasons I decided to make THE choice. You've always had a burning desire to go on a mission, and I've always noticed it since I first met you." This time, I couldn't help but to get a little emotional. Just like I did with Taylor, I told him how proud of him I was and that he was going to be a great missionary.

I do not share these stories to boast or anything like that. But I share these stories because these two friends of mine helped me realize that people really are watching me, and I really do make an impact on my peers' lives. Whether or not my two friends would have served missions had they not known me, I can't say because it wasn't my decision. However, it was a great comfort to me to know that I have two friends who have looked up to me and have decided to make the same choice as me to serve the Lord full-time for two years. For me in my life right now...There is no greater feeling in the world than to know that I have friends who are on the same journey as me.

And I just want to verify again....Preparing for my mission has truly been my toughest challenge yet. I would have never imagined that preparing for a mission would be this much of a challenge. However, I feel that I have prepared well, and I have relied on the Lord for help.

I have two more Mondays and two more Tuesdays at home. Although knowing this makes me a little sad and nervous, I know that everything is going to work out for the best. I've made it this far, and I can't let Satan get a hold of me now. :) And that's why I've built my foundation on Christ.

If you are reading this, I just want to let you know that I love you and will miss you! Whether you believe it or not, I love you and will miss you. Thank you all for all that you have done for me, especially the last few years when life got rough. :)