7: A Lot Happens In Seven Weeks

Dear All,

I am sorry about the ending of last week's e-mail. I hope you all understood what I was trying to say; I was in a rush. But all is well here! Last Tuesday I was on an intercambio with Elder Naylor (also from Las Vegas), and that was really great because he was in my branch, and we were celebrating his birthday together. I surprised him at a lot of the members' houses with little celebrations, and it was a great time. Except I was really worried because I got a small stomach flu, and I didn't feel well at all. My biggest worry was that I would be sick for General Conference. But I made a quick recovery, and I feel great. :) But geez. I think I've been sick more here in my mission than I ever was before.

What a Conference!! We are extremely blessed to live in today's world. We live in a time when the Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth! Thomas S. Monson IS a prophet of God, and the Apostles have also been called of Him. I loved this conference. When the conference started I had a lot of questions about my life and my future, and I can say with a certainty that I received personal revelation regarding each and every one of these questions. I absolutely loved the Priesthood session as always. Elder Holland and Elder Waddell's talks were inspiring, and I hope that every young man in the world hears those two messages. :) I loved seeing Elder Hales again after his absence in April; he gave an amazing talk. And as always, I loved hearing from the First Presidency--especially President Eyring. President Eyring always touches me because he is so sincere and humble. I am already really excited for the next conference in April. :)

We have a lot to look forward to these next few weeks. We have my birthday this week (thank you all for the birthday wishes, by the way), and then we are going to have a Special Conference (via satellite) this Saturday to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of having a mission in Chile. Wow. For fifty years the Lord has been calling missionaries to this magnificent country and people! Next Saturday, October 15, we will then have the opportunity to watch a special cultural celebration (also via satellite). I am excited. It's going to be great. I will keep you posted as always.

All is well here. We were sad to learn that Fernanda moved to Illapel! I was saddened by that news, but I know it's the Lord's will. We sent the reference to the missionaries over there, and I just pray that she is baptized there. :) Alejandro is doing great; he is progressing, but still hasn't accepted a baptismal date. We found a new investigator named Artemio and his wife Maria Eugenia. They are great! Artemio attended the Priesthood session and the Snday morning session. I am happy because we have seen a lot of progression here in Los Vilos! It is good to have good, strong investigators that are actually completing with their commitments.

I cried myself to sleep last night as I pondered these last few months that I have spent as a full-time missionary. You might laugh about that, but the way I feel now is an interesting feeling. The way I feel now is the same way that I felt a few weeks before leaving my home and entering the MTC. Yes, you may not believe it, but the feelings are identical. I didn't want to leave the world behind, but I knew I had to because the Lord was calling me. Now, as I approach the end of my mission, I don't want to take off this nametag, but I know I have to because the Lord's call was a call of only 24 months. As I prepared to enter the MTC, yes, it was hard, but I KNEW that I was going to one day return to my home. And now here I am drawing nearer and nearer to the end of my missionary service, and I am struggling to accept the fact that it is very probable that I may never return again to this great place. That is the only difference. It's going to be harder to leave my mission than it was to start because I have no idea if I will ever return to these people who I love so much. They have become part of my life.

*Sigh* But a lot happens in seven weeks, and I am grateful for that. I'm going to continue to give the Lord everything I've got. I didn't come on my mission to only serve 22 or 23 months; I came to serve all 24. And the only smart way to serve is to do it with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. So that's what I am going to do.

We have changes this week. Anything could happen. I hope to finish my mission here in Los Vilos, but I am used to accepting the Lord's will already, and I will do whatever is asked of me. I will keep you all posted. I love you all. Thank you for everything you've done for me. Until next week!

Con Amor,

Elder Nelson IV