Christmas Miracles

Hola Familia!!

It´s been a wonderful week. There´s been lots of fun, lots of sweating, and lots of spanish. Ánd we´ve found some awesome new investigators. Tuesday we were just knocking doors and stopped at one where the window was open. We said hello, introduced ourselves, and the lady inside didn´t say much but opened the door to let us in. We started talking and she is a very religious lady who has a lot of faith. We jumped right into the message of the restoration and she seemed to really enjoy it - and then accepted a baptismal date! Her name is A, she´s about 60 and has some rough experiences lately. But she has found great strength in God and in the bible. Yesterday she came to church!!

Wednesday all four of us missionaries went over to Presidente & Hermana Gira´s cute little house by the river to do service. We helped clear out their yard and cut grass, but only about 30 minutes into it Hermana Gira called us (the hermanas) in to help her make gnocchi´s. It was so fun and they were delicious!!

Thursday evening, at around 10 pm, we got on the bus along with the rest of our zone to head up to Bahia Blanca for the mission christmas conference! It was about a 4 hour drive and we tried to sleep but were pretty dead when we got in at 2 in the morning. The perk of being the only hermanas in the zone is when the APs came to the terminal they picked us up to take us to our place and the elders were left to fend for themselves. We stayed with the hermanas who serve in the area by the mission office. It was such a great day!! We started off splitting into two groups, and going to sing. My group went to a assisted living home for those with severe special needs run by some nuns. It was the cutest place. Also this guy played a few amazing guitar songs for us - imagine gypsy kings live. It was awesome, and such a cool ambiance, sitting there in a courtyard. And to feel of the innocent spirits of those people! Afterwards we met up with the rest of the missionaries and went to sing in the main plaza/park of Bahia Blanca. It was surrounded by really amazing old buildings, and we had people taking pictures and people from the local news. In that moment I was so happy to be here, experiencing Christmas Argentina style. I also made some new friends - a couple of hermanas standing next to me who had been visa waiters too and gave me some good advice. I also saw Hermana Hadley, my mtc hermana, and some of the hermanas and elders that I entered the mission with.

Afterwards they decorated the cultural hall in the mission office so beautifully and we had a christmas lunch, complete with motab christmas music in the backround. Then we had a talent show - there were funny skits, beautiful musical numbers, and even a dance. Then was the best part - President Parreno gave a devotional and spoke on the central message of christmas - LOVE! Jesus Christ descended below it all and came to earth because He loves us. And so this christmas we need to share the message of love. And then surprise, we all got letters from our parents!! That was my favorite part.

We got home late late that night. But something changed for me. As of saturday, my confidence is a little more back! I´ve been praying so hard to get into the work here, to love it and to have courage to open my mouth. And its happening. Yesterday we had the most amazing lesson just randomly with this cute young mom and her mother. The spirit was incredibly strong and for the first time I testified without feeling like the language was blocking me. It was amazing and felt so good. Each day gets better and better and with time I am coming to love this mission.

well, Feliz Navidad everyone! I hope its wonderful! Enjoy the cooler weather for me, it´s pretty hot down here. :)

Hermana Nelson

Personal notes

dad: Snow! Lucky!! Utah sounds fun. I shoulda had you visit my friends. Oh well. I´m glad you guys had a great time there. Thanks for the letter! I loved hearing about christmas in italy. Here I think it might be a little more worldly but we´ll see. 

mom: hooray for finishing school!! And vacations. It sounds like you guys are having a great time. I cant wait to skype! The area is a small town, it´s got a hoppin little centro but for the most part its small houses, all squished up next to each other. There are a lot of dirt roads. We walk a TON. There´s only one pair of shoes that works for the walking and they won´t live too long at this rate. :) I´ll tell you more about it tomorrow.

Matt&Angelica: It´s been a while since I´ve gotten a Skye picture!! Also will you guys be with mom and dad for christmas? I hope to see you on skype.

Paige&Jared: I LOVE those pictures! Your boys are adorable. Rykie especially looks super grown up. And Jared looks super skinny! haha.

Jake: Jake!!! Too busy having fun to write me?? How was good ol utah?

Firsts

Hola Familia!!

What a week it´s been. There´s a card that I got from my family that I have up on my wall - the front says "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone". Well I´ve been at the end of my comfort zone maybe a million times this week! But it´s cool to see how its pushing me to become better, stronger, and (eventually) more like my Savior.

So, as the title states, there were lots of firsts this week. Here ya go:

- First huge spider experience. My companion was in the bathroom and all the sudden I heard her scream. She runs out yelling about a spider. I grabbed a flip flop, peeked around the corner of the door, and decided that my bulky running shoes would be a better option. It was massive! But I conquered my fears and smashed it. Then my companion smashed it a couple more times just to make sure it was really dead.

- First time teaching a gospel principles class in spanish. We also have a Noche de Hogar (family home evening) every friday with a few members of the branch and we taught that too. It´s a real challenge to focus on following the spirit rather than the language but both ended up going really well!

- First real lesson on the restoration with a new investigator! An appt fell through so we were just knocking on doors. This young mom opened up, let us in her home and we taught her! It was awesome and she was so receptive. She commited to read the intro to the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We haven´t met with her again yet but are very hopeful.

- First big miracle. Well, miracles happen all the time. But this was a big one. So we met this cute young 17 year old girl on the street and she wanted to meet with us, but every time we went to her house no one answered. We were walking back from the chapel and there she was, walking home just about to get there. She was glad to see us, and we went in and met her mom. They both were so awesome - the mom is catholic but doesn´t practice, and they have had some spiritual experiences lately in connection with their grandma passing away. Pierina, the girl, was especially so receptive. We found out that the reason they never answer is because there house is actually far from the place where the door is, so they pretty much never are able to answer it. The only way we were able to get in with them is because we happened to be right where Pierina was! Awesome.

- First time eating way too much food. And it wasn´t the only time for long. We ate with presidente and hermana Gira again at their cute house, and they fed us milanesa and delicious bread. Presidente kept saying how little we ate and made me eat more. His reasoning is that I´m so tall that there´s lots of room to fit it. I hear that a lot here! Everyone thinks I´m super tall. :) Fortunately the food is super delicious. And the stomach aches have been minimal. My compa likes to make food for us and she is an awesome cook. One day she made us empanadas - which are the best thing ever!!

- First time playing the piano for sacrament meeting. That´s right. I´m gonna get a big fat "I told you so!" from my dad. There were so many times he said I would regret not being able to play better because one day I´ll be serving in a tiny little branch where no one will be able to play the piano and they´ll expect me to. And that´s exactly what happened. :) It was an adventure for sure, I played a super basic version of the hymns but it ended up alright. Now to practice for next sunday...

So lots to learn! Sometimes I get discouraged about the differences and the language but there are wonderful things that pick me back up.

Yesterday I was getting kinda down on myself, missing utah, feeling sad about not being able to understand people, and my companion was so patient and kind and said everything I needed to hear. But what really changed me was when later that night we went to visit Hermano and hermana A, who had just lost a son. They expressed their great sorrow and grief, and he cried. But I was so touched as they demonstrated such great faith and trust in the Lord and his plan. They were clinging to the gospel, and finding strength through the Savior. He shared a poem with us, the one that President Monson quoted in his last talk, about "the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees". It speaks of how the Lord is molding us, and greatness and strength comes only through test and trial. We went to comfort them but I came away comforted.

I have a testimony that the Lord answers prayers. I have a testimony that there is a reason for everything, and that one day all will make sense and we will see the bigger picture that the Lord sees. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father loves us and knows us perfectly! Some days are hard. But when we choose to become better from it and not bitter, we are choosing to become more like the Savior.

I love you all, and miss you! Have a wonderful almost-christmas week.

Hermana Nelson

Dad - I am a little jealous of your snow. It most definitely doesn´t feel like christmas in this heat :) I loved the story of your experience sharing your testimony! That´s awesome. Nothing feels better, especially when the people you share it with are important to you.

mom - Guess what!! I got a tan this week. That was another first. And not a sunburn-first tan, a real tan. That was big news too. :) So glad to hear you´re done with school! Now you better relax.

matt&Angelica - What´s the latest in good ol cali? Hows my favorite neice?

Paige&Jared - Send me some more pictures of your boys!! I miss them. I hope they like the christmas present I got them. And congrats JAred on the marathon! Thats sweet.

Jake - sorry about all the homework! Good thing you´re so smart. Are you still reading a lot?

BIENVENIDOS A ARGENTINA

Hola familia!

Well... here I am in Argentina! And not only is the keyboard different, but a lot of the keys are rubbed off. so sorry for any typos haha.

Its been a crazy last couple weeks! My last week in utah just flew by with a lot of great lessons, visiting our favorite people, and good american food. I was so happy to have thanksgiving there. Monday Sister Berry (our awesome friend from Kearns picked us up to go to the mission office. I had my last interviwe few with president chambers, and then elder and sister Embly from the mission office drove me and other elder to the airport. We found out really fast that we were part of a huge group (maybe 50 missionries) going to brazil and argentina missions. and most straight from the mtc!!! Crazy. It was a super long trip, but  lot of fun. I had an awesome conversation with the guy sitting next to me on the flight to bahia. And I was reunited with hermana O´hara, ny comp from the mtc!

The first night all the hermanas (6 of us) slept at the mission home. We ate ice cream with the presidente and his wife. They are super cute and even though they only speak spanish (ahhh!!!) I already love them. After some trainings the next morning, we found out where we were to go and who our comps are!! So here it is: My companion is Hermana Tovar, she is from El Savador and is super cute, small, happy, and full of energy. She also speaks english. Our area is called Carmen de Patagones, and we are the first hermanas in this zone! So, a familiar story of starting in a area totally new. Although there are elders here, we are sharing the area with our district leader and his companion.

So we didn´t have a house for the first few days, so we had to live with the hermanas who work in the area by the mission office and just do contacting in their area. I totally feel like a greenie all over again!

Everything is very different, and then there´s the whole language thing. But every day gets better, and my companion is so patient with me. And I am praying for the courage to speak up a little more. :)

Friday we finally were able to travel to our area! We took the collectivo (bus) for about a 5 hour trip straight south. We had so much luggage, fortunately we had elders to help us out starting out and then when we arrived there. I accidentally dumped a bunch of my companion´s stuff on a lady on the bus because her bag that I was trying to put in the overhead wasn´t closed. It was the funniest thing - and so embarrassing.

Our area is great! We are in a tiny branch of only about 20 -30 people who attend regularly. So they rely on the missionaries a lot. We were invited yesterday to bear our testimonies, and I was scared at first but once I got up there and started speaking the things I know the fear dissappeared. It´s like that all the time! As soon as I open my mouth, the fear just goes. And I am left feeling happy. That´s the power of bearing your testimony!

We get to do lots of walking, its awesome. We have a cute little apt that is basic and minimal but very comfortable. And the people are so nice!!! We talk to everyone and they are all so receptive. We pick up investigators like its nothing. Its the qualifying them to see if they are serious that´s the hard part. :) But we teach on the spot in the street all the time. Hna Tovar is an awesome teacher and so good with the people. For me, the understanding them is the hard part. Especially when they have no teeth. Like half of our branch members. Yesterday we had dinner with the branch president and his wife, they are the cutest older couple who live right next to the river in this super humble home. They are the kindest people.

It´s definitely and adjustment. And it´ll take time with the language. But I have no doubt I am meant to be here, and that the Lord will prepare a way! I have already learned so much.

I´ll write more about everything next week. We only have an hour.

I love you all. This is the Lord´s work!

Hermana Nelson

Chacabuco 1755

CP 8000 Bahia Blanca

Buenos Aires

Argentina

personal notes¨

dad: so we can only listen to tab choir and instrumental! Just fyi. Also, travelling here was such an adventure. Actually, every day is an adventure. I love it.

mom: it was definitely inspiration that you sent the package in time! I am saving the stocking for real christmas. Something funny - I am so good at pretending I understand people so they all think I´m really good at speaking spanish - until they ask me a question. It was an interesting time at church!

matt: I loved hearing about christmas in your mission! that sounds awesome. I cant wait to see what it will be like here. you are the best.

Angelica: yep, the language is a struggle. It´ll take time for sure but Im glad that I´m not totally new doing this!

Paige: sounds like Ryker is all attitude as usual. I miss those guys. How´s little Brenner?

Jared: Have you run the marathon yet? or still training?

JAKE: I cant believe they let you see catching fire!!! How was it? miss you bud!!!

November 25, 2013

All of the sudden (like 5 minutes ago) I found out this would be my last Pday in Utah. That's right, I GOT MY VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't decide whether to laugh or cry. In the last 5 minutes I have done both. I'm trying not to think to much about how much I love this mission, the people, the companions, the places... It's going to be hard but I have no doubt that it's all in the Lord's timing and He has a purpose for me in each place.

It has been a fun, crazy, awesome week. Being a trio has been the greatest. Actually Sister Collins was transferred away from us all the sudden this morning because somebody else lost their visa waiter comp and needed her. Poor sister Martin, losing both of us in a week! But this last week was great. I have some funny stories.

The first one features sister Martin. So one day during lunch we pulled all our chairs over to one side of the table to watch mormon messages on our little dvd player. Sister Martin was busily working on a letter and went to go sign it on her side of the table. All the sudden we hear a huge thump and sister Martin is on the floor. She tried to sit in a chair that definitely was not there. We of course were very concerned, but also dying of laughter. She bruised some ribs and has been uncomfortable all week but everytime we tell people what happened sister Collins and I would look like the most horrible companions ever - laughing hysterically.

We've had some great lessons, we started teaching Bryan this week who has been investigating the church on and off now for almost 3 years. He is getting so close now! He was been reading, praying, and attends church regularly. Just waiting for an answer! We've talked a lot about recognizing the spirit and exercising faith.

The K’s (our miracle family) are still awesome and we love them. The girls went to ward activities this week and loved them.

Here's another funny story. Yesterday we were eating dinner with this awesome family, the F’s. We had so much fun. Sister F is one of my favorite "mission moms" because she is so sweet. So we were saying our goodbyes, shaking hands, when I come up to their 23 year old RM son and extend my hand. He goes, "in this house, sister, we do hugs!" and comes towards me with his arms out. I was backed up against a wall and totally panicked! Everyone died laughing because apparently my face turned bright red. It gave everyone a good laugh. :)

For obvious reasons I am having a really hard time focusing. I can't talk about it too much or else I'll lose it, but I am so full of emotions right now. I absolutely love these people. This has been the greatest experience I could have ever asked for. The Lord has blessed me more than I could have imagined when I was sent to the Salt Lake City South mission.

I just have to trust that I will learn to love many more people in the Bahia Blanca Argentina mission. It is the Lord's plan, and it'll be hard at first but I am still a missionary doing the Work of Salvation and serving my Savior! It'll be in spanish... oh no. Time to pray for the gift of tongues!

I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. And today I'm going to attach some pictures!!!

love,

Hermana Mackenzie Nelson

Personal notes:

Dad- I finally get to fly on an airplane! It's been too long. Where have your travels taken you this week? I miss you and your funny sense of humor. I told my companions the "you just caught my eye" joke this week. They loved it, of course.

Mom- Almost done yet?? Still keeping afloat and no more passing out? :) you are awesome and I love and admire you. I think of things you've taught me every day and they make me a better missionary.

Matt- that picture of you and Skye is adorable. Sometimes I still can't believe you're a daddy. But I bet you're wonderful!

Angelica- I love thinking of your cute routine with baby Skye. Tell her I say hi and I love her. :)

Paige- here's a personal note for ya. :) I absolutely loved the pictures you sent. What a cute family! I love your hair darker too. And those boys... just kills me. Tell them to send me a picture!! Keep your head up!

Jared- way to be a boss and run another marathon! That's pretty awesome. The other day I mentioned you when using marathons as a metaphor for enduring to the end.

Jake- my favorite little brother!!! How has your week been? Lots of homework? I hear you're wearing my north face! Crazy. I miss you bud! I hear they're making a Lego movie??

November 18, 2013

November 18, 2013

Hola Familia!

It has been an amazing week, and there is lots to talk about! I'll try to do a good brief overview.

Monday for Pday we played this game on a playset where one person is it but has to close their eyes and tag someone. It was funny to watch - a group of 20 young adults running around on a tiny playset that's way too small for them. I've got a nice collection of bruises on my shins now. That night we had one of our final pre-baptism lessons with slater, and then two other lessons with less active families. I love busy mondays!

Tuesday was a day of miracles! So this family in one of our wards (summerfield - hence the title) the R’s had previously mentioned a family that had recently endured some tragedies and we should go over and offer service. So we had and that night we had a lesson with them but didn't think much of it. At dinner with the R's we mentioned that right after we had a lesson with that family. The dad goes, "you know they're not members, right?". We definitely did not know that. Apparently the mom had once been a member, but none of the 4 kids have been baptized. We had the most awesome lesson with them!! The mom wasn't there, just their active grandma. It was amazing how immediately we just loved them and they loved us. They've had some really hard times - their dad passed away and the 11 year old daughter recently was diagnosed with cancer. She is the sweetest and wants most to be baptized. We had such a good time we had another lesson with them the next day!! We taught the plan of salvation and the mom was there. It was powerful. So that was a highlight of the week.

Wednesday we had zone conference! It was awesome. Such a spiritual feast. We watched this short film called the Butterfly Circus (look it up, its amazing) that had the most beautiful message about seeing people not for what they are now, but for what they can become. Heavenly Father sees beyond the exterior, and this life is all about helping others to reach their potential. It was so touching. My favorite quote was: "the greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph".

I got to see Sister Monarrez, one of my trainers. It was so fun and we laughed a lot together! We will be friends for a long time. I also got to see friends from my old Kearns zone, which was awesome, even our old Stake President was there! The first thing that all these people say to me is, "you're still here???" Yep! Still serving in the best mission on earth. I'm sure Argentina will be great to... when the time comes. :)

Friday S got baptized!!!! It was an amazing service and the spirit was incredibly strong. All his extended family was there. Us three plus our district leader and his companion shared the first lesson during the intermission part and many people said that was their favorite part. The W's also asked me to give the talk on the Holy Ghost, which was fun. I love that family, they are so awesome and S has an exciting future ahead of him. We got a little glimpse of that in his confirmation blessing on sunday. That might be my favorite part.

So it's been a crazy, busy, awesome week. The work is really picking up and the miracles are everywhere! I love it here, I love serving, and I love sharing my testimony. I also love being in a trio again. Sister Collins is awesome, she so full of excitement and energy and love for the people. She has been a huge blessing to me.

The church is true. "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith". - Pres. Uchtdorf

Love you all!!!

Hermana Nelson

November 11, 2013

Hola Familia!

They've decided to keep me in Riverton another transfer! I was super nervous when transfers came around, but I get to stay and continue working here. And we got a third companion! So Sister Collins, who actually replaced me in Kearns last transfer, now has come here to make us a trio! It's pretty fun. Although I think it's because they expect me to get me visa soon. Yikes. Anyways, it was a great week as usual, with some craziness. When Sister Collins was dropped off at our place I got to see Sister Bingham, maybe for the last time because she goes home at the end of this transfer. And then I also got to see Sister Cox! If you don't remember, the Cox family were the ones we loved in Kearns (we helped their daughter S be baptized). If I had to go home now I would consider my mission a success because of them. So the whole family is getting active and her younger brother is preparing to be baptized, and S is loving Activity Days! It was awesome getting to see Sister Cox and getting a big hug. 

We had a zone meeting and met our new zone the next day. It seems pretty different, our DL Elder Hansen left and Elder Devanture is our new one. Changes can be sad at first, but it's great getting to meet new people. 

Here's a miracle! So Slater was on date to be baptized November 22. So we were in the middle of our weekly planning, when all of the sudden we got a text from his mom, and apparently he decided he wants to be baptized this Friday, on his birthday!! Our DL and zone leaders were right there so we all celebrated together. So exciting. So we've been meeting with his family a lot this last week to get him all ready. 

So both of my companions were sick, fortunately on different days, this week. So we had a different combination of sisters every day. I think the members were getting a little confused. That was sad for them for sure, but right now we're all healthy so hopefully there won't be any more! 

Sunday was a crazy day as usual. The night before when we were planning for it, we had finished pretty much when all the sudden I was like "oh no! We forgot to plan to go to sacrament meeting!" You know you're a missionary in Utah when... so that was funny. Don't worry, we did take the sacrament in between teaching relief society, going to ward councils and correlation, and teaching mission prep. Then that night we had to do splits - I went with a visiting teaching to teach this less active family, and the

Elders came to bless the home, which was an interesting experience. I have never seen so many priesthood blessings than I have since I've been on my mission. This week both of my companions received blessings because they were sick. It's the coolest thing also because these Elders are the ones worthy and righteous enough to do the blessings. 

The work is great. There's still lots to do, but we keep busy and it's fun. And the weather is still good. :)

Love you all! Keep the faith and remember to read and pray every day. The Lord loves each one of us so much!

Hermana Mackenzie Nelson

It's coming...the winter, not my visa :)

 Hola familia!!!

It's been a crazy loco awesome week. Halloween happened, and it was such a fun day. We had a zone meeting, getting everyone excited to do work. We ate dinner with the D’s, who are the most awesome family ever. I have chosen them as my mission mom and dad. We had delicious chili and scones. Then we went to the temple!! The whole mission went to the Jordan River temple, in 3 sessions. It was so awesome. I love that place. We got to see old friends and just all be together there.

The work is great as usual. We got to take S to the scout broadcast and it was the coolest thing ever! And we've had some great lessons with him and his family. Yesterday he even went to primary, which is a big thing. I told him about how my family used to make me go to primary in wards where they didn't speak English and I was super shy. But now I can say I'm glad because it helped me set a pattern of dedication for the rest of my life!

We've been teaching more and more, which is always good. I am praying not to get transferred because there is so much good stuff coming!

We started teaching this cutest little girl yesterday, her name is C and she is 9. It's a familiar situation, we are pretty much working with the whole family to reactivate them. We're excited.

Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting - my favorite. Getting up there is the scary but once you start speaking it is one of my favorite feelings in the world. Bear your testimony. It's the best way to build one!!

The work is great, the church is true.

Love you all!

Hermana Nelson