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Cheers!
EBN
EBN
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Hola From The MTC!
Hola Everyone!
How is everyone doing? Happy Thanksgiving! I have a lot to say, and they are actually timing me right now, haha, so I will do my best to get everything said. :)
The first day in the MTC was pretty tough for me, but it has become a new home since then. I love it! I think the reason it was so hard for me the first day was because it just really is a HUGE change if you think about it. Haha. I'm getting used to it, though, and I'm actually starting to feel like a missionary. :)
My District is great. Elder Fanene is my District Leader, and he is awesome. He is Somoan, and he is hilarious! The whole District is great. My companion is Elder Applegate, and he reminds me a little bit of myself, which can be good and bad at times. ;) Two other Elders in my district that have become some of my best friends (already) are Elder Hawkes and Elder Boyd. They are companions, and I just love them. Elder Hawkes is a mix between Jared Brummett and Brady Dow. And Elder Boyd is a mix of Chris Berry and Bryce Skelton. They really are great! As for me....My District thinks I am hilarious, and I think they enjoy working with me. :)
My motto in the MTC right now: Work hard and laugh. That means to work hard, but to have fun while doing it. There are a few missionaries in my district who are stressing out and what not because they work way too hard. Working hard is a good thing, indeed, but I think this work is so much easier when we work hard AND laugh/have fun while working. Whether or not that is the way I should be doing it, I am not sure. But it has worked thus far, and I've been enjoying myself. I've already changed a lot, I think. :)
The Branch Presidency for my Zone is the best. The Branch President is President Nelson, and he also has a son in Vina del Mar. So when I get there, there will be two Elder Nelsons for a few months. One of President's counsellors is Brother Nelson, and he and his wife are awesome. (So...there is plenty of Nelsons around here, as you can see.) The other counsellor is Brother Jensen. He is great because he only knows French, and no Spanish, which made me feel a whole lot better when I first talked to him.
We are actually supposed to go to the Temple today, but we aren't because it is closed for Thanksgiving. And it'll probably be the same for Christmas, too. I am really excited for both holidays here in the MTC. It's already snowed a little bit, and they have a TON of lights up. The atmosphere is just great. Tengo frio!
We had a funny moment on Sunday. My District got a good laugh whenever I was taking some pictures and the camera said: "Memory Full!" I was really confused because I was pretty sure I had only taken a few. So my first thought was that someone took my camera and took a ton of pictures. However, haha, I realized that I had forgotten my SD card! Oops. No worries, though, I bought an 8 GB card at the bookstore for super cheap. I also bought a sweatshirt/hoodie because I forgot to pack on of those. haha. Because the missionaries get huge discounts...it actually only cost me about $30 for both of those. Which was "muy bueno"!
Dad, I know Matt asked you for his line of authority when he was on his mission, and you said you didn't have it. However, they want me to ask and see if I can get mine. If you have that, could you send it? If not, it's all good. It's just something really cool to have, I think. (Also, Dad, I just wanted to remind you to log on to my hotmail account every month so that hotmail won't get rid of my e-mail address. Mucho gracias! :))
The Tuesday night devotional last night was awesome. Dallin H. Oaks came to speak to us! It was so cool. The Spirit was so strong, and I loved it. He gave us tips on how to be a better missionary, and he even told us a few funny stories. The advice that hit me the hardest: "It's about working smart, not about working hard."
Brent sent me a letter, and I was really grateful for that. I really needed that because my companion gets mail every day, and I was really starting to think people have already forgotten me! :) I am just kidding! But it really was good to hear from him. He told me that BYU won on Saturday!! I hope they destroy Utah on Saturday. :) And while I am at it....I still need to know how Foothill did on Friday. Someone needs to hurry up and update me on that one! Haha.
Well, my teachers here are excellent as well. Hermana Shulca and Hermana Cragun are great. They are doing a good job of teaching my district. I am a little slow in the Spanish category, but I'm 1000 times better at Spanish right now than I was before so it's all good. I can only compare myself to myself--no one else.
Elder Michealson and I see each other almost every day, which is sweet. We hadn't seen Elder Ericcson ina while, and I was really worried he had gotten sick or something. However, I ran into him yesterday, and my heart just jumped. It was so good to see Taylor, and I actually almost cried. Haha.
Well, another random note: Sister Elizabeth Smart (the girl that got kidnapped a few years ago) is here, and is serving in France...I think? It's pretty awesome! I would talk to her, but...She's gotten enough publicity from all the other missionaries here. Haha.
Well, here is my address:
Elder Benjamin David Nelson
[check it out on Facebook]
So I better here from you all soon. :) My time is running out. I love you guys so much, and I really miss everyone. However, I am really excited to be here. And it's only going to get better. Adios, everyone!
Yours Truly,
Elder Nelson
D&C 103:36
How is everyone doing? Happy Thanksgiving! I have a lot to say, and they are actually timing me right now, haha, so I will do my best to get everything said. :)
The first day in the MTC was pretty tough for me, but it has become a new home since then. I love it! I think the reason it was so hard for me the first day was because it just really is a HUGE change if you think about it. Haha. I'm getting used to it, though, and I'm actually starting to feel like a missionary. :)
My District is great. Elder Fanene is my District Leader, and he is awesome. He is Somoan, and he is hilarious! The whole District is great. My companion is Elder Applegate, and he reminds me a little bit of myself, which can be good and bad at times. ;) Two other Elders in my district that have become some of my best friends (already) are Elder Hawkes and Elder Boyd. They are companions, and I just love them. Elder Hawkes is a mix between Jared Brummett and Brady Dow. And Elder Boyd is a mix of Chris Berry and Bryce Skelton. They really are great! As for me....My District thinks I am hilarious, and I think they enjoy working with me. :)
My motto in the MTC right now: Work hard and laugh. That means to work hard, but to have fun while doing it. There are a few missionaries in my district who are stressing out and what not because they work way too hard. Working hard is a good thing, indeed, but I think this work is so much easier when we work hard AND laugh/have fun while working. Whether or not that is the way I should be doing it, I am not sure. But it has worked thus far, and I've been enjoying myself. I've already changed a lot, I think. :)
The Branch Presidency for my Zone is the best. The Branch President is President Nelson, and he also has a son in Vina del Mar. So when I get there, there will be two Elder Nelsons for a few months. One of President's counsellors is Brother Nelson, and he and his wife are awesome. (So...there is plenty of Nelsons around here, as you can see.) The other counsellor is Brother Jensen. He is great because he only knows French, and no Spanish, which made me feel a whole lot better when I first talked to him.
We are actually supposed to go to the Temple today, but we aren't because it is closed for Thanksgiving. And it'll probably be the same for Christmas, too. I am really excited for both holidays here in the MTC. It's already snowed a little bit, and they have a TON of lights up. The atmosphere is just great. Tengo frio!
We had a funny moment on Sunday. My District got a good laugh whenever I was taking some pictures and the camera said: "Memory Full!" I was really confused because I was pretty sure I had only taken a few. So my first thought was that someone took my camera and took a ton of pictures. However, haha, I realized that I had forgotten my SD card! Oops. No worries, though, I bought an 8 GB card at the bookstore for super cheap. I also bought a sweatshirt/hoodie because I forgot to pack on of those. haha. Because the missionaries get huge discounts...it actually only cost me about $30 for both of those. Which was "muy bueno"!
Dad, I know Matt asked you for his line of authority when he was on his mission, and you said you didn't have it. However, they want me to ask and see if I can get mine. If you have that, could you send it? If not, it's all good. It's just something really cool to have, I think. (Also, Dad, I just wanted to remind you to log on to my hotmail account every month so that hotmail won't get rid of my e-mail address. Mucho gracias! :))
The Tuesday night devotional last night was awesome. Dallin H. Oaks came to speak to us! It was so cool. The Spirit was so strong, and I loved it. He gave us tips on how to be a better missionary, and he even told us a few funny stories. The advice that hit me the hardest: "It's about working smart, not about working hard."
Brent sent me a letter, and I was really grateful for that. I really needed that because my companion gets mail every day, and I was really starting to think people have already forgotten me! :) I am just kidding! But it really was good to hear from him. He told me that BYU won on Saturday!! I hope they destroy Utah on Saturday. :) And while I am at it....I still need to know how Foothill did on Friday. Someone needs to hurry up and update me on that one! Haha.
Well, my teachers here are excellent as well. Hermana Shulca and Hermana Cragun are great. They are doing a good job of teaching my district. I am a little slow in the Spanish category, but I'm 1000 times better at Spanish right now than I was before so it's all good. I can only compare myself to myself--no one else.
Elder Michealson and I see each other almost every day, which is sweet. We hadn't seen Elder Ericcson ina while, and I was really worried he had gotten sick or something. However, I ran into him yesterday, and my heart just jumped. It was so good to see Taylor, and I actually almost cried. Haha.
Well, another random note: Sister Elizabeth Smart (the girl that got kidnapped a few years ago) is here, and is serving in France...I think? It's pretty awesome! I would talk to her, but...She's gotten enough publicity from all the other missionaries here. Haha.
Well, here is my address:
Elder Benjamin David Nelson
[check it out on Facebook]
So I better here from you all soon. :) My time is running out. I love you guys so much, and I really miss everyone. However, I am really excited to be here. And it's only going to get better. Adios, everyone!
Yours Truly,
Elder Nelson
D&C 103:36
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Elder Nelson's Farewell Talk MP3
For those of you who were unable to attend Elder Nelson's farewell I recorded it and have posted it online for your convenience:
Also, I have been alerted of Elder Nelson's MTC address. If you'd like it, please email me at brent@ebrentnelson.com or check his wall on Facebook.
Enjoy and thanks!
EBN
Enjoy and thanks!
EBN
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pre-MTC E-mail
Dear All,
Well, since I won't be getting a mission e-mail until next week, I thought I would e-mail you guys now to update you on what I have been doing the last few days. :)
On Monday morning, I left home with my Mom and my step-Dad Darin. We stopped at Brent's house so that I could say bye to Shayla (my sister-in-law) and my two cute little nephews. It was awesome to be able to do that! We also stopped by my aunt's house to say goodbye, and we picked up some stuff she wanted us to drop off in Provo with her kids up there. And then we were off!
It was a long trip. Even longer than usual. It was good to be able to sit down and talk to my Mom and Darin, but it just lasted a litle longer because I'm so used to having a sibling or two around. :) But I am glad it lasted long because I definitely needed as much time as I could get with my Mom. :)
We finally got to my Mom's house in Ogden, and I got on the laptop and started talking to Logan and Timmy. I laughed a lot because Logan said, "Hey, what's up?" And I said, "Hey, get off my computer!" He said, "...Dangit..." HAHA! And then he told me that it was weird to not see me napping when he got home; instead, he said Timmy was on my bed playing the Wii. HAHA. It really cracked me up. Timmy also said that the house was lonely without me; and he also said that everyone was so sad at seminary/school. And...well...it made me a little sad! But...I know once I get to the MTC--and once things get more adventurous--it won't be as sad. The greatest!
Today was pretty good as well. I pretty much sat around Mom's house until she got home from work around 2 PM. When she got home, we went to Wal-Mart and bought some things that I realized I was probably going to need. (Pens, pencils, paper for writing letters, etc.) We also found new blades for my elecrtic raiser, but they were $40. Instead, I just bought a new electric raiser for a few more dollars. It's a pretty nice one, and I am glad I was able to get it because my other one was getting kind of old and out-dated. My new one looks a lot cooler. ;) HAHA.
After the store, we had the missionaries over for a steak dinner. It was delicious! The missionaries gave me some hints and tips for the MTC, and it got me really excited. It sounds pretty awesome! They told me that the first day is by far the longest. And one of them told me to replace my cell phone and PDA with a missionary planner. Little did he know...I've always used a planner and I've never had a PDA or a cell phone. So I think I think the planning won't be too new to me. ;)
I called Tara and talked to her for about an hour while I packed and said a few goodbyes on the computer as well. It was good to hear from her! It was good to hear from her! She will be coming back to Henderson on December 19 and will be there for about a month. So everyone needs to be sure to include her in any FHE's and other family activites. And rides to church, of course, as well! ;)
Well, since I won't be getting a mission e-mail until next week, I thought I would e-mail you guys now to update you on what I have been doing the last few days. :)
On Monday morning, I left home with my Mom and my step-Dad Darin. We stopped at Brent's house so that I could say bye to Shayla (my sister-in-law) and my two cute little nephews. It was awesome to be able to do that! We also stopped by my aunt's house to say goodbye, and we picked up some stuff she wanted us to drop off in Provo with her kids up there. And then we were off!
It was a long trip. Even longer than usual. It was good to be able to sit down and talk to my Mom and Darin, but it just lasted a litle longer because I'm so used to having a sibling or two around. :) But I am glad it lasted long because I definitely needed as much time as I could get with my Mom. :)
We finally got to my Mom's house in Ogden, and I got on the laptop and started talking to Logan and Timmy. I laughed a lot because Logan said, "Hey, what's up?" And I said, "Hey, get off my computer!" He said, "...Dangit..." HAHA! And then he told me that it was weird to not see me napping when he got home; instead, he said Timmy was on my bed playing the Wii. HAHA. It really cracked me up. Timmy also said that the house was lonely without me; and he also said that everyone was so sad at seminary/school. And...well...it made me a little sad! But...I know once I get to the MTC--and once things get more adventurous--it won't be as sad. The greatest!
Today was pretty good as well. I pretty much sat around Mom's house until she got home from work around 2 PM. When she got home, we went to Wal-Mart and bought some things that I realized I was probably going to need. (Pens, pencils, paper for writing letters, etc.) We also found new blades for my elecrtic raiser, but they were $40. Instead, I just bought a new electric raiser for a few more dollars. It's a pretty nice one, and I am glad I was able to get it because my other one was getting kind of old and out-dated. My new one looks a lot cooler. ;) HAHA.
After the store, we had the missionaries over for a steak dinner. It was delicious! The missionaries gave me some hints and tips for the MTC, and it got me really excited. It sounds pretty awesome! They told me that the first day is by far the longest. And one of them told me to replace my cell phone and PDA with a missionary planner. Little did he know...I've always used a planner and I've never had a PDA or a cell phone. So I think I think the planning won't be too new to me. ;)
I called Tara and talked to her for about an hour while I packed and said a few goodbyes on the computer as well. It was good to hear from her! It was good to hear from her! She will be coming back to Henderson on December 19 and will be there for about a month. So everyone needs to be sure to include her in any FHE's and other family activites. And rides to church, of course, as well! ;)
Mom and Darin just dropped me off at Darin's parents' house. They are driving me into Provo tomorrow morning, and then I am going to meet up with Scott and some friends to eat lunch and say goodbye and what not. And then Scott and Company is going to drop me off at the MTC at 1 PM. I am really looking forward to it.
Well, I've only been gone for about two days, but it feels so much longer than that. But that's probably because I haven't gone to work yet. :) I am surprised by how much I already miss everyone. I was never one to play favorites, but I think I miss Timmy the most right now. Only because I realize that there is a 50/50 chance that I won't see him for four years. I also miss Skyler and Levi a lot as well; but I guess that is understandable because I spent so much time with them and Timmy. Heck, I miss everyone. :) But I wouldn't call it home-sicknesses or anything.
I know that what I am abou to begin tomorrow is going to be my toughest challenge yet, but I also know that it's going to be the greatest, even though I will struggle at times. I have a lot of faith, and I know that if I work hard and do what I'm asked to do...the Lord will make up the difference. I am excited for this journey. It's a little weird and unfamiliar to me right now, partly because I never thought the day would come, but...I know that it'll all sink in. Fast. :)
I love all of you guys. :) Check your e-mails again next week for A)my address and B)my e-mail address. I look forward to hearing from everyone again! Keep me updated, of course.
Yours Truly,
Elder Nelson
Moroni 8:3
P.S.
I will need updated on Foothill's game against Basic this week. And on BYU's last two games and their bowl game. ;)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 13): Looking Ahead
This week I look forward to...Finishing up my final preparations for my mission.
Next week I look forward to...Entering the MTC.
Next month I look forward to...Christmas in the MTC.
Next year I look forward to...Serving the Lord in Chile.
The year after that I look forward to...Serving the Lord in Chile (Year Two).
After my mission, I look forward to...My next challenge and starting fresh!
(And I don't think I should go any further than that. Haha.)
Next week I look forward to...Entering the MTC.
Next month I look forward to...Christmas in the MTC.
Next year I look forward to...Serving the Lord in Chile.
The year after that I look forward to...Serving the Lord in Chile (Year Two).
After my mission, I look forward to...My next challenge and starting fresh!
(And I don't think I should go any further than that. Haha.)
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