Today is November 15, 2010. A year ago today, I was speaking in Sacrament Meeting, saying good bye to friends and family, and getting set apart as a full-time missionary by my Stake President, President Peterson. I was spending my last moments with Timmy, Levi, and Skyler as they helped me pack my bags. Haha. I can't believe how quick time flies. I'm really grateful that I still have another year to serve the Lord, though. I'm really excited for it. :)
We had our two baptisms yesterday. But it was interesting. We almost didn't have them. I'll try and keep it short, but this is basically what happened: We had an activity on Friday night, and Juan's sister (Margarita; Ivan's wife) was there. Her son is a little...special, and he was running around the church. And I guess he ran into Juan's daughter, and Juan got really angry with Margarita and her son, and he left the activity with his wife. Yikes. But we set up an appointment for the next morning, and I thought all was well!
Well, Saturday morning, we show up, and I was a little surprised when Juan told us that he didn't want to be baptized anymore because of what happened at the activity. To make a long story short, I talked to them, expressed my love for them, and told them that they truly were the elect of God and they they were ready to be baptized. Elder Zorrilla (my new companion) also bore his testimony and shared a scripture with them. And it was an interesting lesson! Because then Juan changed his excuse to, "Well, I just don't want to be baptized unless Elder Richardsen is there." Haha. So I said, "Okay, fine." And I called the Zone Leaders right there at his house to see if it could happen.
Well, it happened. Elder Richardsen was able to make it. Juan and Nathalia came to church, and they were baptized yesterday at 4:30 PM. And they were really happy. It was awesome! :) We had two members in the ward baptize them, and there was a nice little group of members there to support them and welcome them. It was awesome that everything worked out! Especially my first week as the senior companion. (See my recordings.)
So I have a good companion in Elder Zorrilla. He's from Paraguay, and we're both really excited to be here together in Olmue. He actually knows a lot of English, and it's been fun talking to him in both languages. Haha. He's awesome because he REALLY wants to complete with his purpose as a missionary and invite EVERYONE to be baptized. Haha. And his excitement has really been contagious. We're going to have a good change together. :)
I had a cool experience on Wednesday. It was my first, real FULL day as Senior Companion, and when I woke up it hit me that I had no idea what I was doing. Haha. But I said a few prayers, and I felt a lot better. But then we started our weekly planning session, and it REALLY hit me that I had no idea what I was doing. HAHA. And I just thought, "Dang. I wish Elder Birchall was here to help me out a little. Haha." Well, we had lunch next door after our planning session, and then we went back to our house to grab our stuff and to use the bathroom. Well, while my companion was using the bathroom, I received a phone call from "Asistente 2", and I answered it, knowing right away that it was Elder Birchall. At first, I thought he was calling to just ask a question or something. But he said, "Hey, Elder Nelson, we're looking for someone to work with today. Can we come and help you guys out today?
I truly felt like it was an answer to a prayer. Elder Birchall and Elder Pleytez showed up an hour later, and I had the opportunity to spend a good 5-6 hours with my beloved friend and trainer Elder Birchall while Elder Zorrilla went out with Elder Pleytez. Elder Birchall encouraged me, and he taught me a lot and shared a lot of good, helpful ideas and hints with me. And of course, we talked about our times that we had together. :) And it was weird because we could both talk to the people this time. Haha! (Opposed to when I was first with him, and only he could.)
And so I am a witness that God does answer prayers. I know that the visit and help of Elder Birchall was an answer to my prayer, and I am so grateful for the experience I had with him. I know that if we are consistent in our prayers, in our scripture study, in our church attendance, and in keeping the commandments, God will bless us more than we can imagine. Often I even feel like God blesses me too much. :)
I love you all. I hope all is well back home. Keep up the good work, and always remember who you are!
Con Mucho Amor,
Elder Nelson IV
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