Lost Treasure #4: Christmas And Brent's Birthday.

The following pictures shall be revealed to celebrate Christmas (it's a little late) and to wish my brother EBN a happy 30th birthday today. Merry late Christmas everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROTHER!!

Lost Treasure #3: My Little Brothers

Does this need a description?

Lost Treasure #2: "Summer Games--The Line Up"

I couldn't help it. Here's another classic. When I was in 7th grade, I would make lists of video games that I wanted to play instead of studying during study hall. And this happens to be one of those lists. Enjoy!

Lost Treasures #1: Benjamin David Nelson:A History

The Lost Treasures is a series of old files found on my computer; these files are especially precious because I went two years without seeing them, which added to the level of hilariousness. Stay tuned for more of The Lost Treasures!

Today's Lost Treasure is the introduction to an "autobiography" that I began to write in the summer of 2006. An instant knee-slapper is found in the second paragraph when I talk about how "I lived in California for what seemed like hours" as if I actually remember that! And oh, just for the record: I lived in California until I was three WEEKS old; not three months.

Enjoy!

Benjamin David Nelson: A History

An Introduction

My name is Benjamin David Nelson. I was born in California. Mount Clair to be exact. That was on October 6, 1990, though. Almost been sixteen years ago, actually. I don’t know where all the time has gone, but I’ve never really kept a good journal. The best I’ve done is find a notebook, write a page or two in it about that day, and then lose the journal. So I thought I would write a little autobiography to cover all of the events that I missed because of not keeping a journal. Better to start now when I remember most of my childhood than to start later, right? But before I actually start the actual autobiography deal, I thought I would give this little intro.

I lived in California for what seemed like hours. Well, in other words, I was a baby, and I lived there for three months. But I cant really remember that. Actually, I don’t remember California at all. But I do remember this other place. That place being the small city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

I lived in Las Vegas for a good ten years of my life. Those ten years were definitely great moments now that I look back on them. But before I knew it, my Dad got a job transfer to Memphis, Tennessee. My family moved to Southaven, Mississippi (a close town or suburb to Memphis), and I ended up living there for five years.

The climax of my life (so far) definitely took place in Mississippi. I will not go into too many details because I need to save the rest for the actual autobiography. But lets just say that life was rough there. But before I knew it, due to certain circumstances, I was back in Las Vegas, Nevada. And that puts me where I am now. In my room, in Vegas, writing this little book. So I hope you read the rest, for this is just an intro. THE GREATEST!

Home

I loved my mission, and I will never forget it. These last few days at home have been difficult\different, but great. We celebrated Thanksgiving today with Mom and Darin. We are now catching up a little bit with Matthew Nelson.

Yesterday I was picked up by my Dad, JoAnn, my little brothers, Levi, and Skyler. Although I was only at home for a little while and I was so overwhelmed by the things that I needed to do, we managed to enjoy it.

It's really late. I just got done talking to a Sister from Renaca Alto via Windows Live Messenger. Yesterday I took a few minutes to call others from Chile. It was great. I plan on continuing with such activities; I don't want to lose the Spanish.

We still have tomorrow and then Saturday we are back off to Vegas so that I can attend church at Mission Hills. I'm looking forward to the struggles, the changes, and the adventures that will come these next few months and years that are ahead of me. As always...I will be keeping you posted.

0: We Did It

Dear All,

Yesterday was an adventure. I said farewell to Quillota and Achupallas. It was great to reunite with the people there; I love them all so much, and they will be missed.

My final interview went well. Really powerful. I'm not so worried anymore; the advice from President Gillespie helped me out a lot. I'll never forget the things that my mission president has taught me. He truly is a special witness of Christ. At the end of the interview, he gave me a blessing, and it was amazing how in tune he is with the Spirit! Everything he said was for me!

Just here with Elder Hawkes in Viña waiting for the "Last Supper" at 6 PM. We're off to the Temple tomorrow at 3 AM. And then I'll be there all day until they pick me up at 9 PM to head to the airport.

I love you all. These truly have been unforgettable days.

Con Amor,
Elder Nelson IV

1: I Have No Regrets; I Did My Best.

Dear All,

I believe this'll be my last e-mail as a full-time missionary. I may or may
not write next Monday. I don't think I will because I'm going to be with
Elder Hunsaker (the Elder that lived with me in Quillota), and we are going
to be visiting converts and what not. But if I do write my chance, don't be
too surprised.

Wow. Two years has come and gone. I've thought a lot about my days as a
missionary. I'll never forget all of these people that have made such a
huge impact on my life. I have no regrets. I can't say that I was the
greatest missionary at all times; I made a lot of mistakes. But I have no
regrets, because I did my best.

We had a great mission conference last week. We heard from Elder Cook,
Bishop McMullin, AND Elder Zaballos. It was great to be in Viña again, and
it was great to hear from these special witnesses of Jesus Christ. During
the conference I was reminded again by the Spirit that these men truly are
the Lord's servants in these latter days. I got a good laugh because we
also attended a fireside the night before, and Elder Cook and Elder
Zaballos spoke there, too. So I heard them both speak twice!

And the fireside was interesting because they talked a lot to the young
single adults about how they shouldn't hold off being married. They talked
about how we need to be more faithful, and how we need to put our trust in
the Lord--despite not having a ton of money or a lot of Education. And then
in the conference the next day, they talked a little more about marriage.
(And when they did, my zone--knowing that I am going home next week--all
looked at me and smiled/laughed. It's a missionary thing, I guess.) And
then yesterday at church we were visited by a Brother Goodman and his wife
Jodi. They are from Arizona. Brother Goodman served here about five years
ago. We ate lunch with them and a family in the ward, and he was telling us
his whole story and how he got married about a year after getting home,
etc. So what I'm trying to say is: I heard a lot about marriage this week.
Haha.

Well...I'm going to try especially hard this week to stay focused and to
end strong. On Sunday morning at about 6 AM, I'm getting on a bus to
Quillota. I'm planning on attending church there, and then I'm planning on
eating lunch at Valeska's (my convert) house. From there, Elder Hunsaker
and I will make our way to the mission home for our final interviews. I
have mine at 6:30 PM.

* 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:* (2 Timothy 4:6-7)

This is it. I loved my mission. I love all of you, and I am grateful for
everything you've done for me--especially these last two years. See you
next week.

Con Mucho Amor,
Elder Nelson IV