It's a little strange to think that it's almost already been a whole month since I last wrote anything on my blog! So I thought I would just give a quick little update on the Mission Preparation. :)
I will be entering the MTC exactly eight weeks from tomorrow! Wow. It's kinda weird, but....eight weeks sounds a TON shorter than two months. And yet, they are exactly the same. :)
There is so much to do in preparing yourself to serve--mentally, spiritually, and physically! I think I've always known that there would be a lot to do to prepare myself, but I never imagined it to be quite this much. However, I think--overall--I have been very focused on preparing and have been working hard.
I have been better about getting out to the Temple, but I know that I can be doing a lot better. I have been studying the Book of Mormon prayerfully, along with going out with the missionaries on an average of 2-3 times a week. I think that if I make it out to the Temple a few more times before I leave, I will be more prepared to attend the temple once a week in Provo. Also, I think I should do more studying from Preach My Gospel.
I still haven't learned any Spanish. A lot of people have been asking me, "Ben, how is your Spanish coming along?" Well, first of all, I am not the type of person who can teach himself something, especially a language. Haha. When a member from my Bishopric asked me that same question, I told him, "Honestly? The language is the last thing on my mind right now. Right now, I am focused on getting myself prepared for everything else." In other words, I am very confident that the Spanish language will come to me eventually. If I can't teach myself anything now, why waste my time? I know that if I rely on the Lord and do my best, everything will be okay.
Other than that, all is well. I can now agree with everyone who told me that the months leading up to your mission can be some of the hardest months of your life! The last few months have definitely been hard, and I know without a doubt that Satan wants to destroy me before November. However, I made up my mind a long time ago, and I'm not going to let anything get in my way of serving my mission.
I know it's going to be really hard to leave my home for two years, and I know that my mission will be my toughest challenge yet. But I look forward to the challenge, and I know that the Lord will help me. It's going to be great!
Eight more weeks, everyone.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 10): No Fuzz!
Allow me to quote from my journal:
It was an okay week. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. And I am talking about my spirituality and my mission prep. when I say that.
Because--overall--it was a really fun week. I don't think I've laughed as much as I did in a long time! I spent a lot of time with Levi, Skyler, and Timmy, and it was awesome.
But I am definitely hungry for more spirituality.
It's true! Although I had a really fun week, full of a lot of great experiences with the missionary work, scripture study, and prayer, I definitely feel like I need to do better this week. I was spirituality in-tune this last week, but I definitely feel like there was still a lot of fuzz and what not to go along with my spirituality in-tuneness (good word, I know). This week, my goal is to be so in-tune that the reception is clear--no fuzz!
A little side-note: I was starting to get really impatient with myself and the Lord. November 18!? I think one reason I've had some of that fuzz is because I've been so impatient and not trusting in the Lord as much as I should be, ya know? But I had a lot of time to ponder and church today, and a thought came to my mind: "The Lord has given me two and a half more months for a reason. He wants me to use the next two months to prepare as much as I can for my mission; not so that I can sit here, prepare, AND question why I have to wait so long to leave." And then I remembered the excellent scripture Proverbs 3:5-6. That scripture helps me and motivates me to change my attitude every time I read it!!
And so I came up with a new plan for my week. Allow me to quote from my journal again:
Here are a few things I am going to change this week:
Helaman 5:12
It was an okay week. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. And I am talking about my spirituality and my mission prep. when I say that.
Because--overall--it was a really fun week. I don't think I've laughed as much as I did in a long time! I spent a lot of time with Levi, Skyler, and Timmy, and it was awesome.
But I am definitely hungry for more spirituality.
It's true! Although I had a really fun week, full of a lot of great experiences with the missionary work, scripture study, and prayer, I definitely feel like I need to do better this week. I was spirituality in-tune this last week, but I definitely feel like there was still a lot of fuzz and what not to go along with my spirituality in-tuneness (good word, I know). This week, my goal is to be so in-tune that the reception is clear--no fuzz!
A little side-note: I was starting to get really impatient with myself and the Lord. November 18!? I think one reason I've had some of that fuzz is because I've been so impatient and not trusting in the Lord as much as I should be, ya know? But I had a lot of time to ponder and church today, and a thought came to my mind: "The Lord has given me two and a half more months for a reason. He wants me to use the next two months to prepare as much as I can for my mission; not so that I can sit here, prepare, AND question why I have to wait so long to leave." And then I remembered the excellent scripture Proverbs 3:5-6. That scripture helps me and motivates me to change my attitude every time I read it!!
And so I came up with a new plan for my week. Allow me to quote from my journal again:
Here are a few things I am going to change this week:
- Temple: I MUST go back this week. I am gonna try and go 2-3 times this week to make up for the past few weeks I haven't gone.
- Scripture Study w/ Prayer: I am actually doing really well with this, but I know my prayers can be better. And I know my scripture study can be better; 2-3 chapters per day from now on, along with consistent studying of Preach My Gospel.
- Bike Rides (or runs) w/ Uplifting Music: I used to do this every day, and I need to do this again! Physical + Spiritual conditioning!
- Go Out With Missionaries: I need to continue doing this like I have been, but I MUST say a prayer and ask to have the Spirit with me before I go teach with the missionaries.
- Write Missionary Friends: This is also a must.
Helaman 5:12
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 9): The Power of Prayer and Holding To The Iron Rod, My Testimony
Overall, this last week was awesome.
It was rough at first because I knew Tara was leaving on Thursday, and it was sad to realize that Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday would be my last days with her until Fall 2011/Winter 2012. However, we spent all the time that we could together, and I helped her prepare for her trip.
Tara wanted a blessing before she left, and so I was able to give her that blessing Wednesday night. Taking her to the airport and saying goodbye was tough! But we both managed to stay dry-eyed. (And for those wondering...Tara is doing well in Arkansas. Even though she is attending what I believe is a Catholic Unversity, she found an LDS student who was able to give her a ride to church today! Awesome stuff.)
Matt left for Indiana on Wednesday night, and I was sad that I didn't get to say bye to him. I was also sad that Matt and I couldn't work out a date where we could both make the trip together. It was pretty disappointing, but I know Matt and KT are having a good time together.
Despite all the sadness and disappointment I felt earlier this week, this week--like I said before--was awesome, thanks to the experiences I had the last few days. I had the chance to spend some good, quality time with Timmy and our friends on Friday and Saturday, and I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It wasn't only a good heart-lifter for me, but for Timmy as well. He definitely deserved to go out there and have some fun, especially since he will be starting school tomorrow.
The thing that made this weekend special and worth it, however, was Dalton's baptism. Dalton is a nine-year-old boy who lives next-door to us. He is part of a less-active family and has been meeting with the missionaries the last few months. While doing so, Dalton has reminded his family what the Gospel is all about and they are now active in the church again. It was awesome to witness his baptism and to help the missionaries out with the baptism! Today in church, my Dad and I helped with Dalton's confirmation, and the Spirit was so strong. I loved it.
Also, last night, I had an awesome experience that definitely built up my testimony of prayer and scripture study. I am not quite sure if it is really an experience I should share, but I am going to anyways because I know that everyone who reads my blog is part of my family and you'd love to hear what I have to say. :)
Well, toward the end of the night, I was really not in a good mood and the Spirit was not with me. And I've reached the point where I really hate not being able to feel the Spirit; and so I got on my knees and started praying to Heavenly Father. I prayed for a good ten-or-so minutes, telling Heavenly Father what was on my mind, including all the things I was going through.
I have been reading a Mission Prep book, and one thing I read was to listen after you are done praying. And so after I was done with my prayer, I stayed on my knees for another few minutes, listening.
I will not go into too many details on what happened next, but I basically received all the answers I needed. I could hear a very calm voice whisper to me, telling me to open my scriptures and to read them. The chapter I opened to was Mosiah 4, and that chapter included all the answers I was looking for. It was amazing.
I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers and will help us if we do what He asks of us. I know that if we live our life in a way where we can always feel the Spirit, the Spirit will guide us and get us through any trial or obstacle that comes our way. The Savior Atoned for us, and I know that. If you apply His Atonement to you life and always remember Him, you will see His helping hand in your life every day, and He will bless you.
I love the Gospel, and it means more to me than anything else in this life. I love my Heavenly Father, and I am grateful to be His son.
It was rough at first because I knew Tara was leaving on Thursday, and it was sad to realize that Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday would be my last days with her until Fall 2011/Winter 2012. However, we spent all the time that we could together, and I helped her prepare for her trip.
Tara wanted a blessing before she left, and so I was able to give her that blessing Wednesday night. Taking her to the airport and saying goodbye was tough! But we both managed to stay dry-eyed. (And for those wondering...Tara is doing well in Arkansas. Even though she is attending what I believe is a Catholic Unversity, she found an LDS student who was able to give her a ride to church today! Awesome stuff.)
Matt left for Indiana on Wednesday night, and I was sad that I didn't get to say bye to him. I was also sad that Matt and I couldn't work out a date where we could both make the trip together. It was pretty disappointing, but I know Matt and KT are having a good time together.
Despite all the sadness and disappointment I felt earlier this week, this week--like I said before--was awesome, thanks to the experiences I had the last few days. I had the chance to spend some good, quality time with Timmy and our friends on Friday and Saturday, and I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It wasn't only a good heart-lifter for me, but for Timmy as well. He definitely deserved to go out there and have some fun, especially since he will be starting school tomorrow.
The thing that made this weekend special and worth it, however, was Dalton's baptism. Dalton is a nine-year-old boy who lives next-door to us. He is part of a less-active family and has been meeting with the missionaries the last few months. While doing so, Dalton has reminded his family what the Gospel is all about and they are now active in the church again. It was awesome to witness his baptism and to help the missionaries out with the baptism! Today in church, my Dad and I helped with Dalton's confirmation, and the Spirit was so strong. I loved it.
Also, last night, I had an awesome experience that definitely built up my testimony of prayer and scripture study. I am not quite sure if it is really an experience I should share, but I am going to anyways because I know that everyone who reads my blog is part of my family and you'd love to hear what I have to say. :)
Well, toward the end of the night, I was really not in a good mood and the Spirit was not with me. And I've reached the point where I really hate not being able to feel the Spirit; and so I got on my knees and started praying to Heavenly Father. I prayed for a good ten-or-so minutes, telling Heavenly Father what was on my mind, including all the things I was going through.
I have been reading a Mission Prep book, and one thing I read was to listen after you are done praying. And so after I was done with my prayer, I stayed on my knees for another few minutes, listening.
I will not go into too many details on what happened next, but I basically received all the answers I needed. I could hear a very calm voice whisper to me, telling me to open my scriptures and to read them. The chapter I opened to was Mosiah 4, and that chapter included all the answers I was looking for. It was amazing.
I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers and will help us if we do what He asks of us. I know that if we live our life in a way where we can always feel the Spirit, the Spirit will guide us and get us through any trial or obstacle that comes our way. The Savior Atoned for us, and I know that. If you apply His Atonement to you life and always remember Him, you will see His helping hand in your life every day, and He will bless you.
I love the Gospel, and it means more to me than anything else in this life. I love my Heavenly Father, and I am grateful to be His son.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 8): The Temple
Last night, I went through the temple for the first time. :) It was so awesome!!
I woke up somewhere between 8 and 9 AM, and my Dad came in my room and told me that he and I were going to leave around 2:30 so that we could get to the Temple to buy my Garments and Temple clothes. (The Endowment session was at 6 PM, but my Dad and I had to be there at 4:30 PM.)
For the most part, I just sat at home until 2:30. However, around 11 AM, I went to SuperCuts and got a haircut because my hair was getting quite long. Afterwards, I just sat at home in my room, resisting any food or drinks in the house because I was fasting for myself before going to the temple.
Around 2:30, Dad, Matthew, and I set off. Dad and I dropped Matt off at Brent Nelson's house, and then we headed over to the temple. We got there around 3:30 PM and our first stop was the Distribution Center, where I was able to pick out my Garments and Temple clothes! It took quite a while to pick everything out, but it was definitely a fun little experience to have before entering the temple. And I am grateful to have a Dad who was willing to buy me everything I needed. Thank you, Dad!
As for my actual experience in the Temple...wow! I had a lot of people tell me before going that I shouldn't try to get everything the first time I went. Rather, I was advised to just focus on how I felt while I was there and what not. It was truly excellent advise!
Although it was nothing like I thought it was going to be like, the Initiatory was awesome! Brother Mormon was the guy who took guided me through it, and he was great. After that, I met back up with my Dad.
The actual Endowment session was so awesome! I'll admit I was a little lost at times (haha), but I definitely felt very peaceful during it. The Celestrial Room was so beautiful!!
After being in the Temple for a few hours, I was definitely able to feel a difference when I stepped outside the Temple. Although I was sad to leave the Temple, I knew that I could come back at any time! Which I plan on doing as much as I can before I depart in November. :)
I woke up somewhere between 8 and 9 AM, and my Dad came in my room and told me that he and I were going to leave around 2:30 so that we could get to the Temple to buy my Garments and Temple clothes. (The Endowment session was at 6 PM, but my Dad and I had to be there at 4:30 PM.)
For the most part, I just sat at home until 2:30. However, around 11 AM, I went to SuperCuts and got a haircut because my hair was getting quite long. Afterwards, I just sat at home in my room, resisting any food or drinks in the house because I was fasting for myself before going to the temple.
Around 2:30, Dad, Matthew, and I set off. Dad and I dropped Matt off at Brent Nelson's house, and then we headed over to the temple. We got there around 3:30 PM and our first stop was the Distribution Center, where I was able to pick out my Garments and Temple clothes! It took quite a while to pick everything out, but it was definitely a fun little experience to have before entering the temple. And I am grateful to have a Dad who was willing to buy me everything I needed. Thank you, Dad!
As for my actual experience in the Temple...wow! I had a lot of people tell me before going that I shouldn't try to get everything the first time I went. Rather, I was advised to just focus on how I felt while I was there and what not. It was truly excellent advise!
Although it was nothing like I thought it was going to be like, the Initiatory was awesome! Brother Mormon was the guy who took guided me through it, and he was great. After that, I met back up with my Dad.
The actual Endowment session was so awesome! I'll admit I was a little lost at times (haha), but I definitely felt very peaceful during it. The Celestrial Room was so beautiful!!
After being in the Temple for a few hours, I was definitely able to feel a difference when I stepped outside the Temple. Although I was sad to leave the Temple, I knew that I could come back at any time! Which I plan on doing as much as I can before I depart in November. :)
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 7) AKA The Power of The Priesthood!
I went camping in Caliente with the Priest Quorum in my ward this last week. We left early Thursday morning and returned Saturday afternoon. It was such a cool camp! It wasn't an ordinary camp. It was meant to be a camp where we A)felt the Spirit and B)did some soul-searching.
Well, I had a lot of sweet experiences, and I won't share them all with everyone. But there is one special experience that I want to share.
Before going to camp, I really felt like I needed to know how to give someone a blessing. It made sense to me; since I was going to camp, maybe something was going to happen where I needed to give one of my old quorum members a blessing.
Well, we got to camp Thursday, and I was spending time with Timmy and our friends Levi and Skyler. We had a lot of fun doing some mountain climbing and some other random stuff. (There was even a game of badminton or two!) I even shot a gun for the first time, which was super cool!
Thursday night rolls around, and it is time for sleep. Timmy, Skyler, Levi, and I were settling down in our tent when I had the great idea to read them some of my old journal entries. Not a good idea! They laughed at some of the stuff I wrote and kind of made fun of me, and I--the fool that I am-- took great offense to it. Even to the point where I jumped out of my sleeping bag and started beating up my friend Levi! Haha.
My first thought: "The Spirit is definitely not with me right now." And so I pulled out a Mission Prep book of mine and started to read it. I could feel the Spirit again, and I fell asleep feeling pretty good.
I'm not sure how long I was asleep, but I woke up to a voice saying, "Ben! Wake up!" I sat up ASAP and looked around the tent. Timmy wasn't in the tent! And so I opened up the tent and I found Timmy outside our tent--bent over, breathing heavily.
Timmy explained to me that he felt very sick and that he felt like he was going to puke. I sat there and watched him for about two minutes, asking him questions about how he was feeling every couple of seconds. My last question was, "Do you think you can come into the tent for a few minutes?"
Timmy took a few deep breaths and then replied, "I think so. Why?" I told him that I could give him a Priesthood Blessing. He questioned whether I was allowed to do that or not, and I told him that I could give him a blessing of comfort like my Dad did for me when I hurt my back a couple of weeks ago.
And so Timmy and I got into the tent, and I gave him a blessing. Immediately after I was done giving him the blessing, he closed up the tent, laid down, and fell right back to sleep. It was easily one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I am glad I made sure that I had the Spirit with me before falling asleep that night. Because if there is anything that I learned at camp...it was definitely the lesson that the Spirit can definitely lead and guide us if we are living our life in a way where we can hear the still, small voice!!
Again, it was a sweet experiences! Today I was set apart as a ward missionary, and that, too, was a great experience. It's cool to know that I will be a part-time missionary--working with the missionaries in my ward--until I depart in November! I love it.
But best of all...I figured out that I will most likely be able to go through the temple on August 8! I just need to call the temple on August 4 when they re-open. I look forward to going through the temple for the first time and then re-visiting often before I depart in November! :)
Well, I had a lot of sweet experiences, and I won't share them all with everyone. But there is one special experience that I want to share.
Before going to camp, I really felt like I needed to know how to give someone a blessing. It made sense to me; since I was going to camp, maybe something was going to happen where I needed to give one of my old quorum members a blessing.
Well, we got to camp Thursday, and I was spending time with Timmy and our friends Levi and Skyler. We had a lot of fun doing some mountain climbing and some other random stuff. (There was even a game of badminton or two!) I even shot a gun for the first time, which was super cool!
Thursday night rolls around, and it is time for sleep. Timmy, Skyler, Levi, and I were settling down in our tent when I had the great idea to read them some of my old journal entries. Not a good idea! They laughed at some of the stuff I wrote and kind of made fun of me, and I--the fool that I am-- took great offense to it. Even to the point where I jumped out of my sleeping bag and started beating up my friend Levi! Haha.
My first thought: "The Spirit is definitely not with me right now." And so I pulled out a Mission Prep book of mine and started to read it. I could feel the Spirit again, and I fell asleep feeling pretty good.
I'm not sure how long I was asleep, but I woke up to a voice saying, "Ben! Wake up!" I sat up ASAP and looked around the tent. Timmy wasn't in the tent! And so I opened up the tent and I found Timmy outside our tent--bent over, breathing heavily.
Timmy explained to me that he felt very sick and that he felt like he was going to puke. I sat there and watched him for about two minutes, asking him questions about how he was feeling every couple of seconds. My last question was, "Do you think you can come into the tent for a few minutes?"
Timmy took a few deep breaths and then replied, "I think so. Why?" I told him that I could give him a Priesthood Blessing. He questioned whether I was allowed to do that or not, and I told him that I could give him a blessing of comfort like my Dad did for me when I hurt my back a couple of weeks ago.
And so Timmy and I got into the tent, and I gave him a blessing. Immediately after I was done giving him the blessing, he closed up the tent, laid down, and fell right back to sleep. It was easily one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I am glad I made sure that I had the Spirit with me before falling asleep that night. Because if there is anything that I learned at camp...it was definitely the lesson that the Spirit can definitely lead and guide us if we are living our life in a way where we can hear the still, small voice!!
Again, it was a sweet experiences! Today I was set apart as a ward missionary, and that, too, was a great experience. It's cool to know that I will be a part-time missionary--working with the missionaries in my ward--until I depart in November! I love it.
But best of all...I figured out that I will most likely be able to go through the temple on August 8! I just need to call the temple on August 4 when they re-open. I look forward to going through the temple for the first time and then re-visiting often before I depart in November! :)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 6) AKA Shots and Other Adventures
I am continuing to prepare for my mission, and the journey has been great.
I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but last Sunday, I was called to be a Ward Missionary. It's nothing new for me, though, because I have been working with the Elders in our ward since they first started teaching Tara.
However, I did my first official Ward Missionary appointment on Wednesday, and it was awesome. We taught this lady who lives two houses down from my house. She used to be a member of the church about thirty years ago but was excommunicated. We taught her the importance of reading the scriptures, and it was a great lesson! She seemed really excited to be getting back in the Gospel, and I even saw her at church today! Because the Chile Vina del Mar mission includes a lot of reactivating the less-active members, the opportunity to teach this lady was definitely some excellent preparation!
On Thursday, I went to the Health Department and got a Hep. B shot and a Meningitis shot. I also thought I would need my first Hep. B shot (the one they gave me was my second, according to them) and a newer DTP shot. After leaving the department, I realized that I DID need my first Hep. B shot and an updated DTP shot because they read my shot record wrong, and it turns out I hadn't gotten them yet. And so I decided I would go back the next day--Friday.
Thursday night, I went to Mission Prep, and it was great as usual! My teacher asked us, "Did anything exciting happen to anyone this last week?" I sort of laughed/smiled, and she said, "Ben, it looks like you have something to say." I told them I had been called to Chile, and my class congratulated me. This girl sitting near me (named Celes) said, "No way. Which mision?" I told her Vina del Mar, and she freaked out! Apparently her mom served her mission there, and then her family lived there for about a year. She told me a lot of cool things about the city, and she gave me a few people to look out for. She was a really cool girl, and she will be leaving for her mission in Brazil in August.
On Friday, I went back to the Health Department and explained to them the confusion. Because I had been there the day before and had already gotten a Hep. B shot, I was only able to get my DTP shot. However, the good news is...I only have to wait one month between my first and second Hep. B shot, and then I have to wait two months between my second and third Hep. B shots. So I'll have my Hep. B shots barely finished before I report to the MTC!! And that was great news for me because I wanted to get all my shots before I went to the MTC, and I was worried I wouldn't have time to do so. But alas! The other great news was that my DTP shot was free. Oh yeah--Tara came along with me to get my shots, and she walked out of the place with three shots. HAHA. She was only planning on getting one, but when the ladies told her that her parents' insurance still covered her, they told her she might as well get these two extra shots. It was pretty funny.
A couple months ago, my friend Erin and I won a "date night" at a ward auction. Friday night, Erin and I finally put this date to some use, and it was a lot of fun! The lady who auctioned it off provided an Italian dinner and a delicious cake! Additionally, she gave us a Blockbust giftcard for us to rent a movie with. We rented the movie "Australia" with Hugh Jackman, and it was a pretty good movie. It was almost three hours, though, which is a little too long for me unless I am watching The Dark Knight or something. ;) Overall, it was great to spend some time with Erin, as we haven't actually sat down and talked in a long time!
Saturday was another great day. I started it off by attending my first of two temple prep classes. President Walker, who is in my ward, taught me along with his wife, and it was awesome! (For those of you who don't know, President Walker is a well-known man down here in Henderson. The elementary school right next to our house is even named after him! Haha.)
JoAnn told me the day before that he would know whether or not I was ready to enter the temple or not. And it was funny because one of the first things President Walker said to me was something like, "Ben, you are ready to enter the temple. I've noticed you the last couple of years, and I've seen you grow Spiritually. You're a great man, and you're going to be a great missionary." Now, I know this is something I've heard from my family and close friends, but hearing it from someone like President Walker (who I didn't even think knew my name!) erased all the little doubts that I had about serving in Chile!
In fact, President Walker got me really excited to serve in somewhere like Chile. You see--he has been to every country in South America! And although this was a Temple Prep class, and he taught me a lot about being ready for the temple...he mostly talked about Vina del Mar and what I should do to prepare there as well. It was great! It was like an Advanced Mission Prep class, and I loved it. He shared so many cool things/in-sights, and I know I will be better prepared if I remember everything he taught me. He is truly a remarkable man!
On Tuesday, I am meeting with President Walker one last time, and I am hoping to go through the temple on August 15. I am really looking forward to it, and I am excited to have a few months to go to the temple! :)
I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but last Sunday, I was called to be a Ward Missionary. It's nothing new for me, though, because I have been working with the Elders in our ward since they first started teaching Tara.
However, I did my first official Ward Missionary appointment on Wednesday, and it was awesome. We taught this lady who lives two houses down from my house. She used to be a member of the church about thirty years ago but was excommunicated. We taught her the importance of reading the scriptures, and it was a great lesson! She seemed really excited to be getting back in the Gospel, and I even saw her at church today! Because the Chile Vina del Mar mission includes a lot of reactivating the less-active members, the opportunity to teach this lady was definitely some excellent preparation!
On Thursday, I went to the Health Department and got a Hep. B shot and a Meningitis shot. I also thought I would need my first Hep. B shot (the one they gave me was my second, according to them) and a newer DTP shot. After leaving the department, I realized that I DID need my first Hep. B shot and an updated DTP shot because they read my shot record wrong, and it turns out I hadn't gotten them yet. And so I decided I would go back the next day--Friday.
Thursday night, I went to Mission Prep, and it was great as usual! My teacher asked us, "Did anything exciting happen to anyone this last week?" I sort of laughed/smiled, and she said, "Ben, it looks like you have something to say." I told them I had been called to Chile, and my class congratulated me. This girl sitting near me (named Celes) said, "No way. Which mision?" I told her Vina del Mar, and she freaked out! Apparently her mom served her mission there, and then her family lived there for about a year. She told me a lot of cool things about the city, and she gave me a few people to look out for. She was a really cool girl, and she will be leaving for her mission in Brazil in August.
On Friday, I went back to the Health Department and explained to them the confusion. Because I had been there the day before and had already gotten a Hep. B shot, I was only able to get my DTP shot. However, the good news is...I only have to wait one month between my first and second Hep. B shot, and then I have to wait two months between my second and third Hep. B shots. So I'll have my Hep. B shots barely finished before I report to the MTC!! And that was great news for me because I wanted to get all my shots before I went to the MTC, and I was worried I wouldn't have time to do so. But alas! The other great news was that my DTP shot was free. Oh yeah--Tara came along with me to get my shots, and she walked out of the place with three shots. HAHA. She was only planning on getting one, but when the ladies told her that her parents' insurance still covered her, they told her she might as well get these two extra shots. It was pretty funny.
A couple months ago, my friend Erin and I won a "date night" at a ward auction. Friday night, Erin and I finally put this date to some use, and it was a lot of fun! The lady who auctioned it off provided an Italian dinner and a delicious cake! Additionally, she gave us a Blockbust giftcard for us to rent a movie with. We rented the movie "Australia" with Hugh Jackman, and it was a pretty good movie. It was almost three hours, though, which is a little too long for me unless I am watching The Dark Knight or something. ;) Overall, it was great to spend some time with Erin, as we haven't actually sat down and talked in a long time!
Saturday was another great day. I started it off by attending my first of two temple prep classes. President Walker, who is in my ward, taught me along with his wife, and it was awesome! (For those of you who don't know, President Walker is a well-known man down here in Henderson. The elementary school right next to our house is even named after him! Haha.)
JoAnn told me the day before that he would know whether or not I was ready to enter the temple or not. And it was funny because one of the first things President Walker said to me was something like, "Ben, you are ready to enter the temple. I've noticed you the last couple of years, and I've seen you grow Spiritually. You're a great man, and you're going to be a great missionary." Now, I know this is something I've heard from my family and close friends, but hearing it from someone like President Walker (who I didn't even think knew my name!) erased all the little doubts that I had about serving in Chile!
In fact, President Walker got me really excited to serve in somewhere like Chile. You see--he has been to every country in South America! And although this was a Temple Prep class, and he taught me a lot about being ready for the temple...he mostly talked about Vina del Mar and what I should do to prepare there as well. It was great! It was like an Advanced Mission Prep class, and I loved it. He shared so many cool things/in-sights, and I know I will be better prepared if I remember everything he taught me. He is truly a remarkable man!
On Tuesday, I am meeting with President Walker one last time, and I am hoping to go through the temple on August 15. I am really looking forward to it, and I am excited to have a few months to go to the temple! :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Operation: Elder Benjamin David Nelson (Part 5) AKA The Checklist! (As of: 7/23/09)
THINGS TO DO BEFORE ENTERING THE MTC ON NOVEMBER 18:
- Apply For Passport (Complete)
- Obtain Visa
- Get Temple Recommend/Endowments (25% Complete)
- Renew License
- Get Four Generation Pedigree Chart + Some Stories About Ancestors (50% Complete)
- Get Copy Of Motor Vehicle Record
- Get Shots (50% Complete)
- Give Parents Written Permission To View My Medical Record
- Buy Mission Merchandise
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