HELLO WISCONSIN!

It feels so right being here! I love it hear I feel right at home with the ward! My flight left SLC at 830am. I flew to Georgia atlanta than to Milwakee. In georgia I asked if there was a smoothie shop to a lady. Her ascent was so thick and her drawl so crazy I said "okay thank you very much!" and walked in the general direction she pointed in I had no clue what she actually said! hahha It felt so weird be on my own while traveling. It was such a relief so be greated by President Cutler and Sister Cutler at eh airport. They took me to the mission office there where I did some driving tests and got approved! Than they took me to there house where I was interviewed and had dinner wither their family. They are so nice and young! They still have a 15 year old daughter at home. They moved from SLC to Wisconsin in July to serve this past summer. Than they took me to meet my new companions! I am loving my two comps Sister Reed (she is a hippie and I love her, and she loves essential oils). She is also the very kind and considerate of others needs at all times. I have no clue how she does it so much and all the time. And sister Brewster (who is the sassiest shortest diva in the funniest way possible who loves food I call her a Buffalo nugget cuz she is bite size and spicy!) She is so short like 4.11" I swear she reminds me of the dwarf character on the Chronicles of Narnia hahahahha. She also connects with people and our ward very well.  The first full day I got there was Thanksgiving! We had four meal appointments! (don't worry Aaron I refused to eat deserts or stuffing and paced myself so I didn't get a stomach ache!). It was great to meet the ward members some investigators and recent converts. THe  people have funny accents but they tease me like im suppost to have an accent its so funny. The work is slow becasue we are in a ritzy and highly catholic / lutherin nabourhood but its good. We have a new finding stratigie (? I can't spell) that is using a youth talk given to us by our mission president by Diane Holster. She talks about 2 different types of conversion that everyone needs to be sucessfully and continually converted. 1. Social 2. Spirtual. It helps teach how members can do the social and missionaries the spiritual. It is really good, her parents did it with their kids because they were promised in blessings that if they had their whole family work together in missionary work they would never fall away. Since than her family has had over 50 missionary discussions in their home and 30 baptisms. WOW. It is all through simple means as well. I will send a CD home with the notes sheet. Its great too because she is from Wisconsin and has a funny accent! I love you all But got to run! BYE LOVE YOU!

 

Sister Nelson

October 25th, 2013

This is going to be random but long story short BEST WEEK EVER!

Sister Kuo and I are doing swimmingly! We are on track with the 12 week program, tired (like missionaries should be :), Using methods from the "adjusting to missionary life" booklet and preaching the gospel to every Asian from nu skin convention haha. But really we have received many miracles this week. The man Leo (about in his late 20's) was such a miracle. He is from the  Bejing area here with his fiance for Nu Skin. We met him alone awhile opening the Joseph Smith Movie an we could tell he was experiencing the feeling of the Holy Ghost for the first time. As we identified to him what that feeling was he asked how he could essentially feel it more and become more familiar with our religion and join it. We arranged to meet with him after the movie to discuss what he watched and teach him more. When we did we answered many of his questions and taught the restoration. We also taught him how to pray. He told us how he was already Christian, but how he wasn't very familiar with it. We invited him to pray, to read the Book of Mormon and to meet with us the next day. He did and he brought his fiance! He wanted her to experience everything he had. We than taught them both the plan of salvation and the power of praying as a couple relating it to sister Kuo and I how it has strengthened our teaching companionship by involving God in it. They really liked that. Leo also confided in us that he really did know that God existed until he prayed the day before with us. He said he knew in that moment that God did exist and was watching over him. WOW. I feel Leo, jessica and China are very ready for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am going to have to start practicing my mandarin more!

Today on the Square we met a man from china who was trying to get in adn take pics of the temple from the lobby lol. Jian was crazy but he accepted to read the BOM. He also told us he has faith in prayers being answered. This is his story: "I pray for many days to get a paper [Visa] to live in the french. One night I just pray and when I close my eyes I saw a image in my mind. A face with BIG smile was looking at me and nodding!" I wish you could have seen him showing us with his own face so funny and so sinseare. He asked if that was from God. Sister Kuo looked at me... and I said "The Holy Ghost tells us in many different ways that God loves us." He than said "are YOU god?!" Even though I understoud he didnt actually think we were god but he was unable to phrase what he was thinking, I assured him we were not but God sends messengers, and we are representatives of Jesus Christ serving to deliver this message to God's Children. The simple version of the restoration, introduction to the book of mormon and about 30 mins later he had a chinese book of mormon, a large smile on his face and many other materials. He accepted the invitation to read, pray about the book of Mormon (teaching him to pray was a whole other story ahaha) and  to have the local missionaries in Pennsylvania to teach him there. He was one of the strangest contacts I have had on temple Square. The spirit was definitely there though, so all is well all is well.

LOVE LOVE you all

CTR

-Sister V. Nelson

We went to the humanitarian center for explore day!

                                                                  Sister Kuo ("guo")

I hope we get ipads soon, this is just getting ridiculous hahaha

Only in utah

November 15th, 2013

We have been getting a lot of new investigators (about 5 new this week again) but our goal is to help move them to progressing and meeting with the local missionaries.

One of my favorites is Jonni. She is in her 6o's and we met her after the movie "Joseph Smith: the Prophet of the Restoration"  as we were closing the film. We were actually late and when we got to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building everyone was gone. I felt so bad because I know missionary opportunities there are few and far between but when they come they are solid. There was one person studying the timeline of Joseph Smith's Life. For a moment I thought, "oh we shouldn't bug her"  than the spirit firmly prompted me that we needed to speak to her. We went over and the moment i said hello to her I knew why. As she spoke to us her countenance was changed. I had never met her before but I knew it had. Jonni was experiencing the spirit work in her in a way she had never experienced before. Its hard to understand or describe what this is like until you experience it for yourself. I have seen it in every person that is taught a doctrine of truth that rings true to them or just makes sense. I think the best way to describe it was Jonni was radiating the light of Christ, or as sister Kuo would say "there is a 'spack-oh' in her eyes!" We testified that the Book of Mormon was true and that she can continue to feel the spirit in the way she was right now when she reads it. We gave her a copy and exchanged information. She hs been to temple square everyday since that day. She came to hear our mission music fireside (which was so fun and the spirit was very strong), and yesterday we read the book of Mormon with her and taught her to pray out loud (she does in her heart but never out-loud) and ask for specific questions to be answered. Jonni is a choice spirit. We invited her to attend our temple square sacrament on Sunday and to Music and the Spoken Word. We are also trying to get her tickets to "Savior of the World" (which we saw as a mission last night so we can invite people to go to it, it was very good I highly suggest going or looking at it). She is only here for 6ish more days however and we haven't been told when it starts. The best part about it all is she wants to read the Book of Mormon with her Husband and son! To describe Jonni she has grey curly shoulder length hair, glasses, wheres jean button up shirts and is my height, she is sooooo cute. Her personality reminds me of a more laid back version but just as forgetful and sweet as mom!

Funny fact: The Mission Music performance held in the Assembly Hall was really good. We have been rehearsing for it for along time. The purpose was for our investigators and other missions investigators to come with their missionaries and feel the spirit through the music. There were violin, choir, harp, flute, acoustic, viola, and ASL. They were great! My favorite song was a group of 6 sisters who sang Joseph Smith's First prayer to the tune of Homeward Bound. I felt the spirit testify strongly that Joseph Smith did see heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. Than there was a traditional folk song written by the choir director that was suppose to be what the pioneers would have sang. It was weird. The worst part of it though is that there was a dance that went along with it. Can you guess who was dragged into participating in it by their precious companion they love so much and would do anything for? You guessed it me! I felt ridiculous we even danced in the audience, which completely weirds me out. I didn't even know the dance so I kind of just followed in the direction everyone was going in when I wasn't laughing or waving at a cute 3 year old girl in the row closest to me. Needless to say i have left my dance career behind long ago when I was 9 in jazz.

Love you all and as I went to the temple this morning I thought and prayed for my family and investigators. 

With BIG LOVE, (hahah) Sister Nelson

November 8th, 2013

Hello!

Funny story:

 

So yesterday morning Sister Kuo and I had Tabernacle duty. That is where we are assigned to greet people who walk into the Tabernacle and use it as a finding and teaching tool its very effective....when there are people. That morning no one walked in for over a half hour! We were walking around, singing songs and chatting when an organist started practicing. He played a song that reminded me of a carnival song. We fought it at first but than we would not take it we started dancing about. All of a sudden we heard laughter from behind us! A couple was standing there watching us bust our moves! We all laughed and we apologized for not being more professional. They assured us that for 22 year old young adults we were doing pretty good. Man I can't believe it, in the tabernacle you can hear a pin drop but you can't hear a door open? What's the deal?

we went to a space museum for our last pday! we are on the moon in this picture! This mission really doesn't have any boundries!
here is a picture of sister Kuo and I! this is her first time experiencing snow! what a hozer eh? she was so excited! She has been one of my favorite companion. She is so strong, fun and has an amazing testimony. I am so sad that on nov 27th I'll be leaving temple square for my outbound mission experience. I really wanted to finish training her and learning from her. I know though that I will see her again when I return to temple Square. I really feel like I will stay good friends with her for a long time or at least I hope so.

thanks a lot dad! I had no idea about Thierry, and as I read about your experience I realized how ungrateful I am for my situation. We get to teach every single day here, people ask for us to teach them. wow I need to repent and get back to work. That's actually what sister Kuo and I did. We recognized that we were not trying to be exactly obedient in all things even the easy little things. we recognized and repented as a companionship and resolved to help each other by correcting each other and consciously repenting daily for our short comings. What a blessing this has been. We have received 5 new investigators since I last emailed! As a missionary here and in general like you said we do not see the fruits or the exponential effect we actually have. I know I must trust in the Lord and his plan more.

 I love ya all and we are falling into winter down here!

PS SHAWNY!!!! MOM TOLD ME YOU PASSED!!!!! congrats!!!!!!!! So prouddd of you, may the plumbing force be with you!!!!!

October 8th 2013

Wow general conference was amazing right? It was busy for us sisters with a 7:30 am start Saturday and Sunday and a 930 pm finish each night but man was it worth it! My favorite highlights from watching the Saturday morning session was: Elder Bednar's talk on tithing:

"Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals. And when we plead for relief from physical, mental, and spiritual difficulties, He may increase our resolve and resilience..." 

The best part is when he throws down (in a Christ like way) and invites the world to repent:

 " [Tithing is] Not just a duty but an important step in the process of personal sanctification. For those who are obeying this commandment I comment you... those who are presently not obeying I invite you to consider your ways and repent... The windows of heaven will be opened to you... please do not procrastinate the day of your repentance."

The other talk that pricked my heart was by Elder Edward Dube (of the 70). His words inspired me not that I am reaching the half way mark of my mission and can help many others I believe in any stage of their lives:

"As a boy working in the field with my mother....we had been working for along time...I stopped to look at what we had accomplished and said to my mother look at what we have done! She did not reply finally she turned to me and said 'Edward, never look back look at what we still have to do.'....To be a disciple of Christ (baptized) is a life long commitment."

I announced and messed up so badly but i did manage to say "hi there! my name is Sister Nelson your neighbor from Canada! as a missionary and a member of the church I have felt the peace and joy that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although I am large in stature and may be intimidating i would love to help you with your missionary work! thank you." It was fun but i don't know if I like that many people staring at me...as I mess up haha.

It was great to see some friends too! (Katie and Dan Baradoy, Laura Dunford, Carlos Rojos, Heidi Halsted, Tyler Henry, Tanner Hopkins, Kent Harker, Sister Simpson & Sister Garner, David and Peter Blomfield, President Craig, any Canadians! and many more!)

My favorite part was uplifting members on the square and in the beehive house (we covered for 3 hrs.) One member in particular I will never forget. This brother was sitting outside of the Assembly Hall during Priesthood session. As we casually talked with him he told us he was a recent convert and from what we sensed with the help of the spirit he was struggling with  understanding and applying the gospel of Jesus Christ and his marriage. We invited him to read Sister Stephens talk from the Saturday morning Session. It is about the important role of men and women and how working together to keep our covenants is the way to attain salvation and true happiness. He seemed a little shocked and than explained how him and his wife were having  problems with seeing eye to eye and struggling. We than promised him as he did this and followed the gospel of Jesus Christ with his wife they would be able to be happy again. Heavenly Father really does place people in our paths and guides us in what to do to help them. In that moment through really listening and discerning through the spirit we were given the words what to say, just like in D&C 100:6. 

 Love you all!

CTR 

Sister Vicbic Nelson

  

Hadley made and gave me her art work of 

President Eyring talking in General Conference

 it will be worth big bucks some day!

                    Elder Skanchy

Sister Takahashi so pretty!

Sister Gee and Mee

                           

 A most scrumptious present left on my bed you even could call it precious!

Sept. 24th 2013

This email is going to be a little scattered because people keep on coming in and out of our office, but if you don't mind neither do I!

Hearing about Uncle Frank in the letter mom sent me was so sad, he will be in my prayers along with the rest of the family. (Uncle Frank and Aunt Vickie helped me a lot when I was making important decisions, I am so grateful for what they did for me). SHOUT out to Aaron for contributing to my mission. I appreciate it so much! This is the happiest I have ever been and it is only possible because the support I have back home. SO thanks I love you.

WOW tell ROBBY HEY! and i miss his stinkin guts. lol its so weird its been 2 years since he left

I was reading a scripture that goes along with that the other day:

Mosiah 5:15 "be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his" 

"Seal you his" To live with him and our families forever. The importance of temples are really manifest through this.

I had a prompting to call a member who was preparing for his mission when I met him at last conference, even though I didnt know why I called him anyways and explained why i was calling. Turns out he leaves for Tahiti in January!! Ye-haw. Than he explained how he was having a lot of temptation thrown at him lately. As we talked more, we realized his temptations were the same as mine before I left. I was able to advise him on what to do to defeat it. :) heavenly Father knows us all very well.

I have been having miracles in being able to have time to teach this week (because sister bahr is amazing) and because the Lord is merciful. I have reached 3 people I have been trying to teach for weeks now and received many referrals from people themselves that are interested in learning more! One man was on one of our tours was baptized a member when he was 8 but because his parents were not he fell quickly into inactivity and has little to no experience or knowledge of the church. He was however recently with his wife (former catholic) looking for a religion for their little young family of 4. I was able to get the information needed to send him the Book of Mormon, a finding faith in Christ video and the missionaries. I am praying for his family every prayer I have now.

These are a few of the miracles that have been pouring out. I love temple square so much! I am so happy to tell everyone I was told by president Gillette today that I will not be going outbound untill nov 27th!!!!! (mostly because renewing my passport is taking soooo long. But I am excited to have at least one more transfer here while the presidency is the same and the work is great. Also I can't imagin not being in the shadows of the SLC temple this is my home.

Today in Deseret book I ran into the actors from Ephram's rescue! the woman who played the pioneer "Elizabeth" talked to be for almost 15 mins! It was so neat hearing the behind the scene info from TC and now the actress herself. The scene she played where Elizabeth Nearly drowned was a very emotional one.

I had a break through while studying:

1 Nephi 14:14 I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were ^aarmed with ^brighteousness and with the ^cpower of God in great glory.

"Armed with righteousness" stood out to me. I have heard that many times in primary with the little diagram of the person in actual armor that represents things like "prayer, scripture study , CTR/......" I felt like there was more so I read the reference it has which is "Mission of Latter Day Saints". It spoke of our mission as members of the church, these Covenant people. We are to be missionaries and help others make it. This made me refer to my patriarchal blessing and realize through inspiration through the Spirit of my particular mission and how to accomplish it. I am so grateful for the power of the Book of Mormon, Prayer, and pondering. Now my mission in life is much more clear, worries are gone and I am more focused. I will never forget my personal study on Monday Sept 23, 2013.

On a funnier note, I bumped my head pretty hard on the office dividers in the phone teaching center while on exchanges with my districts. Now big blue has a a friend, Little red lol.

WE FINISHED the TREE of LIFE!!!! Hope yall like it! LOVE YOU CTR

 Moroni preaching the good word

Sister Todd special speaker for Relief Society. She is a publicist for General Conference and the church! she taught us the importance of our calling and appropriately talking with others on difficult questions that will come up at this conference and how to speak to people of a firm strong faith. It was very useful.

4.The tree of life crew (Sister Friend Takahashi -love this girl so much, Sister Lee -same and she is much more Asian-, Sister Bahr, President Seppi who provided the shop for metal work and the moral support :) and myself)

Sept. 17th 2013

The tree of life for General Conference. The theme this conference to focus the sisters is:

1 Nephi 8: 10-12

"And it came to pass that I beheld a ^atree, whose ^bfruit was desirable to make one ^chappy. And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the ^afruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted....And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great ^ajoy; wherefore, I began to be ^bdesirous that my family should partake of it also."

We are all children of God so we want to as Lehi did to have our family partake of this fruit and be filled with joy. We are focusing on reactivating less active members and finding new investigators. I really like this , I have always seen members as a high priority.

This week we had some pretty crazy things happen...like our car battery die on the way to walmart. Power steering was gone and i dont know how we made it but we did even though the break light turned on as well. I know we were protected because the breaks completely worked when everything else didnt. We had a strange investigator lesson where even though we cationed the elders who wanted to show a family "Gods Plan for the family" even though they had experienced domestic abuse. It didn't make them feel the spirit needless to say because they felt bitter they neverhad a family like that. We taught them about the power of the atonment which helped. It just goes to show we really need to be careful and teach to the needs of the poeple.

We had our first official district meeting! it was so neat. After sharing our "accountablity" (we share the people we will focus on for the next week and discuss what we can do to help them come closer to christ), I gave instruction on how to help people experience the gospel to believe it. I used Julia Gulia gross as an example ( I hope you dont mind :). i used the story of how when you were little you were told by D to not touch the fire place because it was "HOT" and would make you go "OUCH!" Than one day you leaned your bottom against it...talk about hot crossed buns! lol As sad as that experience was you (julia) learned to not touch it because you experienced what your mom had told you and believed her. This is the same with poeple ablut the gospel and the Spirit. You can talk people's ears off about how belief in Christ and how feeling the spirit will change their lives for the better but until they experience it for themselves it means nothing. Than we did a role play where each sister using one verse from the book of mormon would teach their comp. according to what they needed. Which is possible because the companions know each other but also more importantly because Heavenly Father knows each of us. That meant they would have to listen,  to the sister and the spirit to discern the needs of each other. It was a great experience, one which I have not tried since the MTC. Praying and planning for the sisters this way helped me re-discover this principle of teaching people not lessons.  I love my District.

Okay ran out of time love yalllllll PEACE be unto you...