26/03/2013

It feels like I have been here forEVER but in the best way! I'm still learning the ropes but i have THE best trainer Korea can offer lol and T2. The first tour I ever did with Sis.Oh was in Korean! lol all I could say was: Hello! ("an nyung ha sea yo") Along with "My name is Sister Nelson, I'm from Canada!" (i'm not going to even try to translate that). I nodded a lot, told of some history and bore my testimony which Sis. Oh had to translate of course. My first phone call lesson (that's how we teach progressing investigators) was also in Korean, so same thing, but it was amazing how strong the spirit was. I think missionaries (myself included) focus too much about what they are going to say. It is important to remember that it really doesn't matter What you say. It is important How you obey the commandments. This may sound strange but if you are sincerely doing what is right you will have the Light of Christ. 

Not only are we teaching people from Korea but also from Africa, SLC, the UK and Alabama (even though it is hard to tell if Alabamans are speaking English HAHA). I had the coolest thing happen the other day while teaching in the Beehive house (they have computers and a small phone call center there as well) the other day. I called a referral from Alabama and I know I was helped by Heavenly Father. Firstly because I understood what she was saying and secondly because after teaching a doctrine, I felt the spirit so strongly and committed her to Baptism. She had said how she had gone to the Mormon church once and had received a Book of Mormon. She lost the book and contact with the missionaries but she liked it, she said it was different than her Living Spirit church she normally went to. It was quiet (lol) and the people were gentle. Her reply to my invite was: "You know I've been thinking about that book and the church, I think I'd like that." I nearly fell out of my seat for joy. The spirit was so strong. I love that woman and look forward to teaching her more. The spirit was so strong and I recognized it to be as strong as when my companions and I invited Sarah in Lethbridge to be invited to follow in Christ's footsteps. I know this is because that is fulfilling my purpose as a missionary and member of the church. To help others be as happy as I am, but more importantly for them to realize their full potential as a Child of God. i am starting to realize the meaning of the principles I sang about in Primary, " I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will, I'll live with him once more." That moment was the second Happiest moment of my mission, if not my life.

It is crazy I have already ran into so many people here on the Square. I saw Lo Hall and Andrea Vance (on there way to the mtc) and Tara O, Becky Vance, Kimberly Mullen and Britney Mullen! So cool I also want to give a shout out to the Parkland Primary! I love you and miss you all! keep up the good work and sing the Primary songs they are the best way to learn how to be like Jesus Christ! I sing primary songs everyday for part of my study! Also to Michelle Davy who is a loyal writer  I love your letter Michy! and your testimony, you are so strong. Last one for the temple crew!!! WHAT?! you got to paint more in the Baptistery without me?!!!!! I was so temple sick when you told me that, but tell me all about it! Love u all tons I want funny story's!

Me and Sister Oh are having a great time as we work and realize our potential (as you can see in our pictures!) We get along so well, we are both hard working, follow the rules and can be goofs. Every night before we go to bed we tell each other 1 thing we liked the other did that day and a secret! lol She is so Asian I love it! (I'm starting to sound Korean when I talk. I leave out words and don't add "s" on the end of some words. Its weird, and freakin me out a little). Today we got to go on a T-square Field Trip for P-day! To......Goshen Utah! lol I know it sounds weird, because it is but hear me out. We drove for an 1.5 hr into the country. There were so many cows than all of a sudden we were in Jerusalem....well a movie set of Jerusalem  It was the neatest thing ever!! It was where all the new "bible videos" (found on lds.org) were filmed. As we went through a tour of it, it was shocking how real it was and how strong the spirit was there. The set was dedicated by Elder Bednar, because they were filming videos about Christ's life, ministry, Atonement and Resurrection  the only way I know how to share that experience is with this link: 

https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/he-is-risen?lang=eng

At the end of the tour we were taken to the place where they filmed Jesus Christ being Crucified. The three crosses remained in a field. The tour guide explained the feeling, after they had set up all the actors and just as they began shooting the scene. How the reality of what he was seeing has actually happened.  There were people mocking the Lord and how there was others weeping for the Savior. Then he asked us to decide what we will do for the rest of our lives, and to remember. This experience deepens my love for Christ. I am continually being strengthened to know how important the Atonement is and that He has risen. Jesus Christ, my Savior over came, Spiritual death (sin) and temporal death so that I can be clean, live with the Father again and live  to my full potential as a Child of God. I want to invite my family and friends to, as they watch these videos of Christ's life and Sacrifices, think of how you can deepen your testimony of the Savior. This is not just done in thought but must be acted upon. I know this will help you because it has already helped me. I have determined to learn of Christ more fully and try to be like him in my actions towards others.

CTR sister and Brother Friends!

peace and blessings from Sister Nelson

PS. Mission rules are now I can email anyone!!! so for security reasons i dont want to post my email here but if you want to e-mail me just post on my Facebook (in a message) your email and my fam will get it to me!!! I can't wait this is so much easier for everyone! :)

I'm on the SQUARE finally!!!

Mom every time I picture you as a MOB member (Mormons on Bikes) with your curly hair peaking out of a matching silver and gold helmet I chuckle to myself lol. I'm pretty sure my new Companion (Sister Oh) thinks I'm Currr-azy! New companion you might say? That only happens when you get transferred. Well it happened I got transferred to.....TEMPLE SQUARE!!!! I'm finally here! it only took about 6 months but the Lord did it, I'm where I have been called to serve and LOVING every moment of it. On my way to Relief Society this morning Sister Oh and I took a picture in front of the Salt Lake Temple and I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real, and it was! 

So many things are different at the Square. We have Relief Society on Thursday mornings from 8 to 9 am. This is strange but Sundays are one of the busiest days of the week for any missionary, but especially Temple Square sisters. We have Sacrament on Sundays at 730 am than we get back to work. Work work work. This is literally what we do for 12 hrs everyday. I don't think I fully realized how difficult this mission will be, but I am exited for the challenge! Tours are just the surface of what the sisters do here. There's not enough time to describe all the work involved. The sisters teach to baptism, through texting to keep in daily contact, lessons on the phone, tours and Chat (online proselyting). It is a unique and effective way of teaching.

Sister Oh (pronounced just as it sounds lol) is from South Korea and so cute! I love her already and she has taken me under her strong wing. She is loved by everyone in the mission and a perfect trainer for me. I prayed for a sister who was train me with strict obedience, knew her purpose (to invite others to come unto Christ through baptism), and would love to workout. Within the first few moments of training she said, "Ok I want to go over both of our goals and expectations for our missions and companionship (such a good missionary already!)." Than through talking about a bit here and there, she is everything I was praying for and she LOVES to run! (mom I am SO exited). 

I am super exited for the History here. I am walking on sacred ground every day! Today Sis. Oh and I are doing "explore" day lol where we get to go to all the resources found just on the square. There is so many interesting facts and spiritually inspiring things. I am especially interested in the architecture and artwork in each area. If you haven't checked out the history of how the SLC temple was made or the Tabernacle do it! It is so neat and is physical evidence of the pioneer Saints love and faith for the Lord. Many miracles have occurred here and can create even more if you take interest and let them through the Spirit. Mom and  dad in the MTC I served with 6 or more sisters going to Winter quarters! I was so exited when you mentioned that in your email. I don't know many facts about W.Q. but I love those sisters they are the best. It is also important to think of why they have the visitor center there. It is not only to see the trials of the Saints but to see why they persevered and gained their Salvation. Although they had many trials harder than I can imagine to bear, through Christ they gained their salvation.

Heavenly Father knows exactly what he is doing. I feel like I'm the best person I have ever been (not at all what I'd expected to become but I am becoming happier and happier each day) because I am drawing closer to Jesus Christ and His teachings everyday. To explain some changes they are: I cut my hair!!! If you know me that is a big step lol, I am seeking how to be bold yet humble, I am trying to think of others before myself, I WANT and am on time or even early for things! I like getting up early and going to bed early (one of my favorite times of the day lol) and I have a clear perspective on what I am doing and where I want to go. This is not because of the "greeny fire" or vigorous scheduled. It is because I am turning my will to my Father in Heaven. He knows whats best for me and You. I can promise this clarity and happiness to those who do the same.

CTR I love you all!
Sister Canada Nelson (there's another Sis. Nelson here lol)

P.s. Mom are my vaccine records at home? I'm pretty sure they are on a printed piece of paper from a clinic, I need them for my mission to have a copy. If you could fax it in with help from dad than they can have it.




My address is officially: 

Sister Vickie Nelson
50N West Temple St. Rm BSVC,
 Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1891

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm sorry to say 18 months is not long enough and I never want to come home! :) This e-mail will be a bit different it will be a series of journal excerpts:

7.3.13.
This day has been A-MAZ-ING! wow. 1st Sister Garcia and I taught each other as each other (when we role play to practice teaching we usually play investigators). This was to learn to teach people not lessons. It was one of the best spiritual break through thus far on my mission. When I taught Sister Garcia I love her so much, earnestly wanted to help her and know her fairly well (I should I am with her 24/7) I could easily listen to her. Through LISTENING both to what she was saying and what the spirit was whispering, I was able to get specific insight from the Spirit of what would best help sister Garcia. When she taught me the same thing happened but in a specific way that the spirit knew I needed to here it. I have been struggling with using Doctrine of Christ and the fundamentals of teaching to teach clearly and simply. The spirit led her to relate my situation to Joseph Smith's experience when he was a young man looking for clarity. This led me to realize what James 1:5 actually means "If yea lack wisdom let him ask of God...who give it to all men & braideth not..."Why have I never connected this to my concerns other than gospel concerns. This can relate to helping anyone having difficulties in school, work and any other aspect really. Than it made me realize what happened when he asked, the 2nd most amazing event on the earth. This asking led to great abundance of receiving. This can happen for myself and others if they just put the work into it, have faith for it and ask.

8.3.13
 I just ran into the missionary that taught Cathie Queen (Elder Mella I think). Being at her lessons and being part of her conversion made me fell the spirit so strongly. It made me feel happiness in helping people come unto Christ. Because of the obedience and spirit these missionaries possessed I was able to feel the spirit as well. That spirit and happiness I felt, sparked my interest in serving. That idea grew from a desire to feel that spirit and help others too. I am so grateful for Heavenly Fathers plan for me. All my trials turn to blessings as I look at who I am becoming  The learning experience I can take from this and apply to my mission is to know that my influence will effect more than who I teach. HOW I am as a Missionary can and will effect the eternal decisions of those around me. For good (bringing them closer to Christ) or for bad (pulling them away from Christ). My influence (and the influence of yourself) can literally make or break their eternal salvation. We must be focused on our purpose and happily exited about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Faith in Christ and His Atonement, continual Repentance, Baptism or renewing our covenants through sacrament every Sunday and enduring to the end happily).

9.3.13
How do I know it is the spirit whispering to me? 
"Be a good boy or girl...follow the covanents adn commandments you have made...and this act of 'good girl' will make you an instriment in the Lords hands...just follow the right."

           -Elder Bednar

Invitation: read Alma 47. Think of ways to stay "fixed with a determined resolution" on your mountain top.

10.3.13
Gods Commandments = Gods Love for Me
My Obiedience = My love for God
If you are currently not happy, think of a time when you were happiest. What where you doing? Do not let things of the world (toys and trips) destract you. Do those thigns which the Lord has commanded so you can be happy again.

I have more but my time is up! I started Visitor Center Training this past Wednesday. WOW this will be a challenging but so sweet of a mission. We have to completely rely on Heavenly Father through the spirit to tell us about these people and ":behold" there trials and spiritually heal them through what we share so the spirit can best touch them. We have 30 sec to 30 mins (depending on the person) to give them a converting experience. By the end of meeting them they should feel a prompting by the spirit of something they need to change and also have the desire to change it. Easy right? lol But let me tell you it is the best Job EVER!!! WE also get to do "chat" the online proselyting on mormon.org. It is an amazing and spiritual experience each time I go online. 

Thank you all for the WONDERFUL Dear Elder Letters, and thank you so much Norm, Ariel, Becca-boo and Sara-Bear for the package of pie! Me and my sister friends LOVED it! You are the Best. Thanks Michy DAvy for the letters each day they keep me going when it gets tough. Love you all!

The Gospel is Dope! CTR

Sister Nelson

p.s Here is my new address!!

Sister Vickie Catherine Nelson
Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission
50 N West Temple St. RM BSVC
Salt Lake City UT 84150-1891
USA

MTC!

Hi YALLL! (my new Comp Sis. Garcia is from Texas! haha)

I LOVE the MTC!!!!! I never thought I would but from the moment I arrived the blessings POURED out! Me and Sis. Takahashi got there just in time to drop our bags off and see Elder Ballard Speak! An apostle of the prophet, the very apostle who assisted Pres. Monson in dedicating the Calgary Temple, neat right? On top of that we showed up 10 mins before it started and somehow (if you've you haven't had the pleasure of serving, it is impossible to get a seat even in the same building that late before it starts), we were seated in the 3rd ROW! Blessings people, they will come if you serve :) Since than the shower of blessings has been non-stop. My new Comp Sis. Garcia is gorgeous (in and out, people are drawn to her because of it!), Latino and so insightful about the gospel. We both agree we knew, loved and laughed in the pre-existence. 

My District and Zone are top notch. The sisteren and eldren are the silliest (as you can tell in the pics with Elder Nakai, Elder Nykamp and Sis. Peterson) yet the biggest spiritual giants. Sister Knolton (the best teacher EVER, she "spiritually roundhouse kicks us in the face" her words not mine lol every lesson) said when she first taught us that if we were willing we could have temple like experiences in that very classroom. She was right. The next day (day 2 at the mtc) we were all spiritually, psychologically and physically exhausted and were all ready to through in the towel for the night. These are her inspiring words,

"Remember the reason why you are here...its OK to be tired...remember you agreed to serve this mission in the pre-existence...you are preparing the next generation for the second coming of Christ...He did not send Abinidi, Nephi, Alma or Ammon, He sent YOU...you are not alone...you will be the Savior (lower case "s") to many souls."

-sis. Knowlton

After that inspired pep-talk we had the best lesson and role play. She invited the person I was role playing to pray for the first time to their Father in Heaven. Staying in character I hesitantly agreed and offered this persons first simple prayer. The spirit was so strong in the room it was one of those temple experiences. This instilled the principle that we are Gods children and He wants to hear from us. He wants to talk with us like He did in Heaven. He's waiting and all we have to do is open our mouths.

I was blessed to go to the temple today with my district. I love the Lords house. I love you all!

CTR

-Sister Nelson

P.s this is a shout out to Katie Baradoy, Lo Hall, Holly Dolly, Travis J, Michelle D and who ever else Dear Eldered me! I love it and it makes my day to here from my friends/fam!