Yes this Wednesday is transfers, I honestly have no idea what might happen.
I think my companion will go district leader either in this district or in another one elsewhere in the mission. It wouldn't be too bad if I were to stay here in Bellville because I kind of like this place and all the great members and the investigators we have been working with. One more transfer here would make 6 months for me, not too many missionaries get to say they were in one area for that long.
Yesterday we baptized two of our golden investigators, it was really great to see them make that initial covenant with the lord and im sure they will go on to make even more covenants with him in the future. Among other things this week was pretty cool, we ran into some aggressive JW's which was fun because they backed down once they figured out we knew our stuff pretty well. I think they learned that you cannot mess with the truth especially when you are talking to two guys who have been studying and living it their whole lives and especially in the last little while. We were able to bear testimony of the restoration, the plan of salvation, and the simplicities of the gospel of Jesus Christ and we could feel the Holy Ghost bear witness to ourselves and in them as they had no more objections and agreed for us to come back and teach them. That gave us a lot of confidence and a reassurance that all the study we have been doing actually pays off in ways that cannot be expressed in words.
I ran into a scale this week and weighed 85 KG's which is about 187 lbs, and when I left on mission I was only 75 KG's which is just 165 Lbs. Surprisingly most of the weight I have gained is muscle mostly in my legs, at nights I push the car in neutral while Elder Naylor steers. So along with the spiritual muscle and braun I have gained through scripture study, I have also gained physical strength. I am feeling like a beast in every sense of the word ha. I think I will start running soon longer distances and not push the car too much.
Its good to hear that Ariel and Brian have now graduated, and that uncle Kirt was able to see Kailey and Samantha. Also good to hear from you brother Hamilton, always nice to get caught up to speed with Phil and Jordan and their prep for mission.
Take care everyone,
Elder Nielsen
Showing posts with label Bellville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bellville. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Week 32: April 18, 2011
Hello again,
From tuesday to friday Elder Naylor was sick with a fever, so on those day we were just in the boarding trying to get him feeling better. That gave me a bunch of time to do some studying. Good thing he was alright to go to the general conference re-broadcast even if he wasn't I was going to drag him to it. Right now I feel like I am just spiritually exhausted, it's a good feeling!
I really enjoyed Conference and took a bunch of notes on all of the speakers, In my own testimony I can see tremendous growth. David O Mckay said that the most important thing to imporove upon always is our testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I think anybody will back that up.
Last Month I finished reading through the old testament and Im now reading in 1 Corinthians and during conference I was proud in myself for recognizing all the scriptures the speakers used and remembering the stories behind the scripture and between the lines.
Because my companion was sick and sleeping most of the time, we weren't able to do much work, so I found myself a lot of the time in deep thought and meditation over my purpose here in life and here on my mission. I came away with a very pure understanding of the importance of serving a mission, even one that I cannot describe well in words. I guess I can say that I am truly impressed with Paul who was so heavily persecuted and even stoned, and he still went out and preached the word. Why? because he had a sure testimony built upon a rock and he wasn't going to let anything detract him from doing the work the lord wanted him to do, I hope I can somehow have such tenacity for missionary work sometimes it's easy to say "ahh lets turn in for the day". Im trying and making progress on that and I will keep you guys updated on that.
To Colin, Mom, Ariel and Dad thank you for your letters to me it's always nice to have something to read and get a glimpse of your weeks. Ariel you are looking a little bit bigger nice! hey dad does CSI have a lacrosse team or club? just curious. Mom I think you might have timed that easter package pretty well, maybe I will receive it this friday we will see.
cheers,
Elder Nielsen
From tuesday to friday Elder Naylor was sick with a fever, so on those day we were just in the boarding trying to get him feeling better. That gave me a bunch of time to do some studying. Good thing he was alright to go to the general conference re-broadcast even if he wasn't I was going to drag him to it. Right now I feel like I am just spiritually exhausted, it's a good feeling!
I really enjoyed Conference and took a bunch of notes on all of the speakers, In my own testimony I can see tremendous growth. David O Mckay said that the most important thing to imporove upon always is our testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I think anybody will back that up.
Last Month I finished reading through the old testament and Im now reading in 1 Corinthians and during conference I was proud in myself for recognizing all the scriptures the speakers used and remembering the stories behind the scripture and between the lines.
Because my companion was sick and sleeping most of the time, we weren't able to do much work, so I found myself a lot of the time in deep thought and meditation over my purpose here in life and here on my mission. I came away with a very pure understanding of the importance of serving a mission, even one that I cannot describe well in words. I guess I can say that I am truly impressed with Paul who was so heavily persecuted and even stoned, and he still went out and preached the word. Why? because he had a sure testimony built upon a rock and he wasn't going to let anything detract him from doing the work the lord wanted him to do, I hope I can somehow have such tenacity for missionary work sometimes it's easy to say "ahh lets turn in for the day". Im trying and making progress on that and I will keep you guys updated on that.
To Colin, Mom, Ariel and Dad thank you for your letters to me it's always nice to have something to read and get a glimpse of your weeks. Ariel you are looking a little bit bigger nice! hey dad does CSI have a lacrosse team or club? just curious. Mom I think you might have timed that easter package pretty well, maybe I will receive it this friday we will see.
cheers,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, April 11, 2011
Week 31: April 11, 2011
Congratulations to Colin and Whitney for graduating this year! very exciting Oh and I also need to remember all the birthdays in April hopefully I can remembeu (haha) all of them Clayton, Aunt Sondra, Melissa, and I think Adam. I Know I am forgetting somebody and possibly added somebody who doesn't have a birthday in April, I need to remember to write them in my planner because I don't have my calendar with me right now.
Last week was pretty good, Elder Naylor and I have been doing great together and we know how each other work so we are pretty used to each other. It will probably be hard to seperate from him and get used to another companion and that sort of thing.
I am really glad that you guys all had a good time this weekend with the graduation and baby blessing, looked like a whole lot of fun. Well I haven't written any hand written letters in a while but I am going to try and get some out there to some folks, that way I can actually share some more personal thoughts. Sorry this letter is a short one but be looking forward to getting some letters soon.
Love
Elder Nielsen
Last week was pretty good, Elder Naylor and I have been doing great together and we know how each other work so we are pretty used to each other. It will probably be hard to seperate from him and get used to another companion and that sort of thing.
I am really glad that you guys all had a good time this weekend with the graduation and baby blessing, looked like a whole lot of fun. Well I haven't written any hand written letters in a while but I am going to try and get some out there to some folks, that way I can actually share some more personal thoughts. Sorry this letter is a short one but be looking forward to getting some letters soon.
Love
Elder Nielsen
Monday, April 4, 2011
Week 30: April 4, 2011
Hello everyone,
This week was great here in Bellville. Yesterday we had 7 investigators at church which totally smashed the record by far. It's really exciting to have all those people at church and see the ward welcome them and show them what classes they need to go to next. It was packed in our Gospel principles class and we are sure that all of those people enjoyed their time at church and felt something special about it and of course it was the spirit that was present. We were kind of nervous about it being fast and testimony meeting but it actually worked out for good we heard great testimonies for veteran members, it was also nice to hear from our members that they had never seen so many investigators at church at one time.
I wasn't going to tell you this week but unfortunately my camera was stolen so I won't be able to send more pictures in the near future. But it is a good thing you guys sent me a flash drive so I can still collect all the memories that have been captured from my companions camera's.
We haven't watched conference yet, we will be watching it on the 16th of April so we are very excited about that. Can't believe that it is already the second General Conference on my mission. The weather here is starting to get cooler, I can't describe what it feels like but I will try my best to put it into words for next week, it's something I have never felt before it's weird.
Butler is apparently still in it, I hope they can pull it off hah. Dad thanks for keeping me updated on all the interviews and job possibilities you are having it's cool to hear about them and the possibility of them all.
So it's a big week for everybody with Graduations and a baby Blessing that's awesome, I will be keeping all of you in my prayers and hope everything goes well!
Love you,
Elder Nielsen
This week was great here in Bellville. Yesterday we had 7 investigators at church which totally smashed the record by far. It's really exciting to have all those people at church and see the ward welcome them and show them what classes they need to go to next. It was packed in our Gospel principles class and we are sure that all of those people enjoyed their time at church and felt something special about it and of course it was the spirit that was present. We were kind of nervous about it being fast and testimony meeting but it actually worked out for good we heard great testimonies for veteran members, it was also nice to hear from our members that they had never seen so many investigators at church at one time.
I wasn't going to tell you this week but unfortunately my camera was stolen so I won't be able to send more pictures in the near future. But it is a good thing you guys sent me a flash drive so I can still collect all the memories that have been captured from my companions camera's.
We haven't watched conference yet, we will be watching it on the 16th of April so we are very excited about that. Can't believe that it is already the second General Conference on my mission. The weather here is starting to get cooler, I can't describe what it feels like but I will try my best to put it into words for next week, it's something I have never felt before it's weird.
Butler is apparently still in it, I hope they can pull it off hah. Dad thanks for keeping me updated on all the interviews and job possibilities you are having it's cool to hear about them and the possibility of them all.
So it's a big week for everybody with Graduations and a baby Blessing that's awesome, I will be keeping all of you in my prayers and hope everything goes well!
Love you,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, March 28, 2011
Week 29: March 28, 2011
I attached a photo of our baptism that we had yesterday, the picture was taken right after the baptism so we were already wet. Pictured from left to right top to bottom (Sister Zandile, me, Buhle and Mahle). Sister Zandile is a recent convert who was baptised in November and we have been working with her two children for the last couple of weeks.
Right now we have two more baptisms scheduled for April 24th which is right at the end of the transfer so it would be cool to see those two go through. The work in Bellville has really picked up in the last couple of month which Elder Naylor and I are very excited about.
Today for P-day we are probably going to play some foosball with the other Elders in our district, it's what we usually do when we don't have anything special planned. No matter what we do we always have fun. Mom that's pretty cool about Stephanie Skiba and those other soon to be Sister Missionaries, that's cool I have heard Sisters get into the doors that the Elders can't. Too bad there aren't any Sister missionaries In S. Africa I guess it's too dangerous or something. No I wouldn't know anything about that, so far on mission I have been in nice areas and not township. I think no matter who goes on a mission and do what the white handbook instucts them they will realize a different joy that can only found by being obedient, hard to explain but it just makes you feel good about yourself.
Wow I really miss those March Madness Brackets, it's cool to see butler In the final four they are my pick to take it all, I think they got pretty far last year as well.
Everyone is graduating from University whoa that's awesome, right now I'm kinda glad I don't have to worry about school right now, it's nice to wake up in the morning and asking myself "what am I going to do today" and always the answer is Missionary Work haha.
Oh I just remembered a story from Paarl that I wanted to tell you guys, we were walking through our area one day and we saw this kid riding a skateboard. So I thought to myself "I wonder If I could still ride one of them things" so I stopped him and asked him if i could ride for just a second, so here i am in my whites riding this skateboard and I was even able to land a heelflip with my proselyting shoes. I think we just got the kids contact information and were about the go look him up and then I got transfered. I was pretty proud of myself, I hadn't skateboarded since fifth grade or something like that.
Have a great week everyone!
Elder Nielsen
Monday, March 21, 2011
Week 28: March 21, 2011
I am staying in Bellville for another transfer with Elder Naylor, I guess the work we have been doing here is supposed to continue on for another six weeks. I am very excited about it and hope that the work can continue to bring success here and I will even have the opportunity to see some baptisms.
This week I gave Elder Naylor a nice haircut with the clippers I bought here, His hair was a bit long so he asked if I could cut it for him. Well I did and I gave him a good cut, but what I didn't realize was when I was trimming his neck I gave him a real nice rat tail. I think it looks really nice on him so I didn't tell him about it until a few days after the haircut, haha I had a pretty good laugh at that. I took some pictures of it but I forgot to bring the camera into the E-mail shop so ill send them another time.
This last week was pretty productive and we were able to fill up most of our days with appointments, so the success continues, we even need to make contact with investigators we have less contact with. It's awesome to have plenty of people to teach, all because we were diligent in finding people for the first couple of weeks. Hard work pays off that's for sure.
Hey that's a pretty good bracket you have there dad, that would be a lot of fun to track and see who wins. Looks like Brian is on top of it this year, wow I kind of miss March madness now. Keep up the good work and have an extra special week in all that you do this week.
Mom, it is alright for us to have devices that play gospel related music, just make sure it has a bunch of it so that it doesn't get old after a while. Time flies when you are busy huh? the same is true here! I hope you are enjoying primary, Im sure you do.
thank you all for your letters and for telling me what you are up to.
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
This week I gave Elder Naylor a nice haircut with the clippers I bought here, His hair was a bit long so he asked if I could cut it for him. Well I did and I gave him a good cut, but what I didn't realize was when I was trimming his neck I gave him a real nice rat tail. I think it looks really nice on him so I didn't tell him about it until a few days after the haircut, haha I had a pretty good laugh at that. I took some pictures of it but I forgot to bring the camera into the E-mail shop so ill send them another time.
This last week was pretty productive and we were able to fill up most of our days with appointments, so the success continues, we even need to make contact with investigators we have less contact with. It's awesome to have plenty of people to teach, all because we were diligent in finding people for the first couple of weeks. Hard work pays off that's for sure.
Hey that's a pretty good bracket you have there dad, that would be a lot of fun to track and see who wins. Looks like Brian is on top of it this year, wow I kind of miss March madness now. Keep up the good work and have an extra special week in all that you do this week.
Mom, it is alright for us to have devices that play gospel related music, just make sure it has a bunch of it so that it doesn't get old after a while. Time flies when you are busy huh? the same is true here! I hope you are enjoying primary, Im sure you do.
thank you all for your letters and for telling me what you are up to.
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, March 7, 2011
Week 26: March 7, 2011
Well its a new month and this week I will turn six months out on mission exciting huh? Time happens thats for sure.
And yes today as a district we will be going up to table mountain! I have been looking forward to doing it for a long time and I apologize but this email will be short for that reason.
Shout out to uncle Kirk and uncle Kirt for birthdays in March hope you two have a good one. Also congrats to Becky and Lance for bringing in another little one to their family.
Yesterday we had a couple investigators show up at church, which in Bellville is pretty impressive. Missionaries usually have trouble doing so, of course we were pretty excited about that. We will see if these two progress closer towards baptism. There really is no better feeling in missionary work when you are doing everything you are supposed to and then you see an investigator finally get what you are teaching them, their eyes open up and they understand. This week we have had a lot of fun introducing the book of mormon to people and I think we have gotten pretty good at it. To me it makes perfect sense that the book of mormon was recorded just like the bible for us to have to know that Jesus is the Christ, and to know his will for us. what frustrates me is when some of these people say "I have a bible, i need no more bible" one time I actually opened up 2 Nephi where the lord says people will say such things. I don't know why people are so scared of The Book of Mormon, if they were to look at the cover they would read that its another testament of Jesus Christ, what is there to lose in reading another testament of Jesus Christ.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true, that is was translated by the gift and power of God perfectly through a young prophet Joseph Smith. I know this because I have read the Book, pondered in my heart the doctrine it contains and then asked our Heavenly Father if it was true. The answer I recieved was yes it is true, and I know God would't give me another answer than he gave Tom down the street. In teaching people we want them to understand that they need to read the Book of Mormon to know if the kingdom of God is once again upon the earth. Yes the Gospel was lost, the fullness of the gospel that is, fulfilling Amos 8:11-12 therefore the Gospel needed to be restored. The Book of Mormon is proof that Joseph Smith was a prophet, it is his fruit and it is good. Matthew 7 says that we must beware of false prophets but by their fruits we shall know them. If we don't taste the fruit of Josheph Smith we will never know if he was called of God.
Hopefully everyone has a great week,
Chase
And yes today as a district we will be going up to table mountain! I have been looking forward to doing it for a long time and I apologize but this email will be short for that reason.
Shout out to uncle Kirk and uncle Kirt for birthdays in March hope you two have a good one. Also congrats to Becky and Lance for bringing in another little one to their family.
Yesterday we had a couple investigators show up at church, which in Bellville is pretty impressive. Missionaries usually have trouble doing so, of course we were pretty excited about that. We will see if these two progress closer towards baptism. There really is no better feeling in missionary work when you are doing everything you are supposed to and then you see an investigator finally get what you are teaching them, their eyes open up and they understand. This week we have had a lot of fun introducing the book of mormon to people and I think we have gotten pretty good at it. To me it makes perfect sense that the book of mormon was recorded just like the bible for us to have to know that Jesus is the Christ, and to know his will for us. what frustrates me is when some of these people say "I have a bible, i need no more bible" one time I actually opened up 2 Nephi where the lord says people will say such things. I don't know why people are so scared of The Book of Mormon, if they were to look at the cover they would read that its another testament of Jesus Christ, what is there to lose in reading another testament of Jesus Christ.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true, that is was translated by the gift and power of God perfectly through a young prophet Joseph Smith. I know this because I have read the Book, pondered in my heart the doctrine it contains and then asked our Heavenly Father if it was true. The answer I recieved was yes it is true, and I know God would't give me another answer than he gave Tom down the street. In teaching people we want them to understand that they need to read the Book of Mormon to know if the kingdom of God is once again upon the earth. Yes the Gospel was lost, the fullness of the gospel that is, fulfilling Amos 8:11-12 therefore the Gospel needed to be restored. The Book of Mormon is proof that Joseph Smith was a prophet, it is his fruit and it is good. Matthew 7 says that we must beware of false prophets but by their fruits we shall know them. If we don't taste the fruit of Josheph Smith we will never know if he was called of God.
Hopefully everyone has a great week,
Chase
Monday, February 28, 2011
Week 25: February 28, 2011
Hey family,
Another great week here in Bellville, on Tuesday we had district training with President and Sister Probst. We learned about stewardship and all that we are responsible for as missionaries and what the lord has given us to work in his field. They taught it in such a way that my Perspective was broadened and I really thought twice about all that missionaries are responsible for, area book, car, flat, companion, all those things that we are given to build the kingdom of god here on earth are his and we need to treat them as such.
The training really made us work harder this week and with that hard work we were able to enjoy some success with 12 new Investigators and even more baptismal commitments, it seems that all we do is work work and more work which is really getting addictive, and the success we are seeing is really a good feeling. There is probably no greater joy in knowing that you are doing what the lord wants. Hopefully this next week brings just as much fruit and that all the new people we met listen with open hearts read the BOM and come to know that the kingdom of God truly is on the earth.
This week I think I actually dreamed that I was teaching an investigator the message of the restoration and the importance of the Book of Mormon ha.
sounds like everything is going well back home and I hope it continues to.
Until next week, Chase
Another great week here in Bellville, on Tuesday we had district training with President and Sister Probst. We learned about stewardship and all that we are responsible for as missionaries and what the lord has given us to work in his field. They taught it in such a way that my Perspective was broadened and I really thought twice about all that missionaries are responsible for, area book, car, flat, companion, all those things that we are given to build the kingdom of god here on earth are his and we need to treat them as such.
The training really made us work harder this week and with that hard work we were able to enjoy some success with 12 new Investigators and even more baptismal commitments, it seems that all we do is work work and more work which is really getting addictive, and the success we are seeing is really a good feeling. There is probably no greater joy in knowing that you are doing what the lord wants. Hopefully this next week brings just as much fruit and that all the new people we met listen with open hearts read the BOM and come to know that the kingdom of God truly is on the earth.
This week I think I actually dreamed that I was teaching an investigator the message of the restoration and the importance of the Book of Mormon ha.
sounds like everything is going well back home and I hope it continues to.
Until next week, Chase
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week 24: February 21, 2011
This week was magnificent!
It seemed like everything we planned for went through and people were letting us in to their homes, we got lots of new investigators and a bunch of great potentials. I guess it was one of those weeks where everything works out the way you wanted it to. The highlight of the week was last night when we taught a lesson and committed a father led family of four to baptism, what a sweet feeling for a missionary to have a bunch of work payoff with finding one of the lords chosen to receive our sacred message.
Sounds like everyone had a great week as well with the holiday weekend and everyone getting together, back home I used to look forward to those, which I still miss them but on mission I instead look forward to Zone Conferences and Zone trainings. Those events get me through the rough times and give me that energy to continue to work hard.
Today we are planning on going to Milnerton which is right in the shadows of table mountain and going to Century City which is a super posh mall with a cool arcade, we will probably end up playing pool or Foosball for the day. Its always fun on P-days to get together with the elders in the district and just relax.
Later in the evening we have a dinner appointment with some members which is usually pretty good in South Africa but occasionally some people like to drench their food with particular items I don' like, but to my utter dissatisfaction I eat whatever is put in front of me with watery eyes. If ever I have a companion who persuades the member to put more on my plate knowing full well that I dislike the food, they will go into the guiness book of world records for the most bruised limbs (arms and legs) That hasn't happend yet and hopefully it doesn't. But like I said most of the time the food is great.
Love you all, Chase
It seemed like everything we planned for went through and people were letting us in to their homes, we got lots of new investigators and a bunch of great potentials. I guess it was one of those weeks where everything works out the way you wanted it to. The highlight of the week was last night when we taught a lesson and committed a father led family of four to baptism, what a sweet feeling for a missionary to have a bunch of work payoff with finding one of the lords chosen to receive our sacred message.
Sounds like everyone had a great week as well with the holiday weekend and everyone getting together, back home I used to look forward to those, which I still miss them but on mission I instead look forward to Zone Conferences and Zone trainings. Those events get me through the rough times and give me that energy to continue to work hard.
Today we are planning on going to Milnerton which is right in the shadows of table mountain and going to Century City which is a super posh mall with a cool arcade, we will probably end up playing pool or Foosball for the day. Its always fun on P-days to get together with the elders in the district and just relax.
Later in the evening we have a dinner appointment with some members which is usually pretty good in South Africa but occasionally some people like to drench their food with particular items I don' like, but to my utter dissatisfaction I eat whatever is put in front of me with watery eyes. If ever I have a companion who persuades the member to put more on my plate knowing full well that I dislike the food, they will go into the guiness book of world records for the most bruised limbs (arms and legs) That hasn't happend yet and hopefully it doesn't. But like I said most of the time the food is great.
Love you all, Chase
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week 23: Februrary 14, 2011
Sweet good to hear the good news about Ava that's really cool! Also Phillip and Jordan both going to Brazil great news this week!
Yes so I guess I should tell you a little bit more about Elder Naylor, he is from Centerville Utah and is one transfer older than me and it is his first time being senior companion with me. We are both working really hard, and he is learning the area pretty quickly, they say that Bellville is the hardest area to learn because it is very complex and big.
Dad it is good to hear about Reliantz, also that the packers won the super bowl Nice. Last week I don't recall an email from you but this weeks showed up just fine. Man WAG is looking like a beast stock that's awesome! Have the Q4 reports came out yet from last year? Anyways I always keep you and mom in my prayers and hope everything goes well for you each week. What is happening with the Western Athletic Conference, more importantly where does Idaho Stand? And if for some odd reason the WAC does stay remotely intact which teams will be the powerhouses and who would you expect to win Conference championships?
Mom I received that package with all the chili and sweets in it, thank you so much that was LEGIT, you know it's weird I can finally see leaves falling! I know realize that I had a super LONG summer. Temperatures have cooled down a little bit and some nights we get those sweet Georgia like thunderstorms you know the ones where its really humid and warm rain falls with loud rolling thunder. Awesome I have missed those! But yeah my sizes are both mediums top and bottom. Also once you send that April package with those pants in them just know that to save some money you dont need to send me packages, I would just prefer receiving one at my year mark, Christmas and my 21st birthday. I love packages and all but sometimes I feel like my companions are jealous and that I am a weird homesick missionary haha that sounds bad but I hope you know what I mean.
The missionary work was great this week we got 3 new investigators and extended them all to a baptismal committment, it was a cool experience. We also ran into this one interesting guy tracting, he was telling us he doesn't want to go to a church building. He later said that it would be better if there was a guy who would just start preaching under an African tree somewhere and people flocked to him like the disciples of Christ. Also he said yeah and then the guy could say "next week we will meet at the other tree in that park over yonder' that way we don't have to have a building or an organized church. Then we responded "sir what you just described was an organized church whether you know it or not, the only difference is that the ones most people go to have roofs. It was a fun week and we have many stories to tell from it, but I think I will just leave them for my journal for now.
Colin that must have been pretty fun searching for some lost dude up in the hills, hope everything is going well with school. Whitney it sounds like you are enjoying teaching that is really cool. I could never see myself teaching school kids, props to you.
Ariel and Brian I mentioned this above but congrats thats awesome you are going to be parents to a little girl, how exciting.
until next week,
Elder Nielsen
Yes so I guess I should tell you a little bit more about Elder Naylor, he is from Centerville Utah and is one transfer older than me and it is his first time being senior companion with me. We are both working really hard, and he is learning the area pretty quickly, they say that Bellville is the hardest area to learn because it is very complex and big.
Dad it is good to hear about Reliantz, also that the packers won the super bowl Nice. Last week I don't recall an email from you but this weeks showed up just fine. Man WAG is looking like a beast stock that's awesome! Have the Q4 reports came out yet from last year? Anyways I always keep you and mom in my prayers and hope everything goes well for you each week. What is happening with the Western Athletic Conference, more importantly where does Idaho Stand? And if for some odd reason the WAC does stay remotely intact which teams will be the powerhouses and who would you expect to win Conference championships?
Mom I received that package with all the chili and sweets in it, thank you so much that was LEGIT, you know it's weird I can finally see leaves falling! I know realize that I had a super LONG summer. Temperatures have cooled down a little bit and some nights we get those sweet Georgia like thunderstorms you know the ones where its really humid and warm rain falls with loud rolling thunder. Awesome I have missed those! But yeah my sizes are both mediums top and bottom. Also once you send that April package with those pants in them just know that to save some money you dont need to send me packages, I would just prefer receiving one at my year mark, Christmas and my 21st birthday. I love packages and all but sometimes I feel like my companions are jealous and that I am a weird homesick missionary haha that sounds bad but I hope you know what I mean.
The missionary work was great this week we got 3 new investigators and extended them all to a baptismal committment, it was a cool experience. We also ran into this one interesting guy tracting, he was telling us he doesn't want to go to a church building. He later said that it would be better if there was a guy who would just start preaching under an African tree somewhere and people flocked to him like the disciples of Christ. Also he said yeah and then the guy could say "next week we will meet at the other tree in that park over yonder' that way we don't have to have a building or an organized church. Then we responded "sir what you just described was an organized church whether you know it or not, the only difference is that the ones most people go to have roofs. It was a fun week and we have many stories to tell from it, but I think I will just leave them for my journal for now.
Colin that must have been pretty fun searching for some lost dude up in the hills, hope everything is going well with school. Whitney it sounds like you are enjoying teaching that is really cool. I could never see myself teaching school kids, props to you.
Ariel and Brian I mentioned this above but congrats thats awesome you are going to be parents to a little girl, how exciting.
until next week,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week 22: February 7, 2011
Yes so transfers were this last week and again I have another new companion, while dropping off Elder Ochanda at the mission home President kind of joked around with me saying "well lets see if Elder Nielsen can keep a companion for more than a week this time" we both had a chuckle and then he said the lord must trust me with all of these sudden changes. I can really notice a difference in getting a new companion in the area just because the days go by much slower when you are showing someone around an unfamiliar place. Recently in Bellville there have been a lot of changes happening as far as missionaries go so a lot of member missionary relationships have been lost. So with this new transfer Elder Naylor and I will try to build up the ward relationship.
The teaching pool here in Bellville is quite small we are actually only teaching one family and the rest of the time we are out finding new people looking up old names in the area book and just trying to keep ourselves busy. Its always hard when you get a new companion just because you again have to adjust to him and adjust to a new schedule or routine I guess. Oh well I guess I am just going to have to get used to all of these sudden adjustments for the next nineteen months.
So last week when I did the birthday shoutouts I had not yet turned to Feb on my calendar so sorry for a week late. Happy birthday to Adam last week and Grandma this wish you well this next year!
Sorry to hear the news about the TW job mom but what a good experience with the ward you had this week. Sometimes the lord will test us just like Abraham, He is just watching you and seeing exactly how much you are willing to sacrifice, and then at the point of no return will make it lighter for us thats a great experience you had and thank you for sharing it with me.
I sure hope everybody has a fantastic week and has much success.
Love, Chase
The teaching pool here in Bellville is quite small we are actually only teaching one family and the rest of the time we are out finding new people looking up old names in the area book and just trying to keep ourselves busy. Its always hard when you get a new companion just because you again have to adjust to him and adjust to a new schedule or routine I guess. Oh well I guess I am just going to have to get used to all of these sudden adjustments for the next nineteen months.
So last week when I did the birthday shoutouts I had not yet turned to Feb on my calendar so sorry for a week late. Happy birthday to Adam last week and Grandma this wish you well this next year!
Sorry to hear the news about the TW job mom but what a good experience with the ward you had this week. Sometimes the lord will test us just like Abraham, He is just watching you and seeing exactly how much you are willing to sacrifice, and then at the point of no return will make it lighter for us thats a great experience you had and thank you for sharing it with me.
I sure hope everybody has a fantastic week and has much success.
Love, Chase
Monday, January 31, 2011
Week 21: January 31, 2011
Well it seems I have been neglecting some birthdays, so to Cooper and Brian Happy Birthday!
Yes so this long seven week transfer is nearly over just one more day and maybe we will have some changes in Belleville, I don't think I am going anywhere but everyone has a hunch that my companion is moving. Also this transfer Elder Carver goes home which is exciting but at the same time sad because we have become pretty good friends the past transfer. Mom I don't know why you are sending me those rainbow point emails sometimes I wonder if you are trying to make me homesick, but to tell you the truth I do enjoy reading those correspondences and it gets me excited about the fun that you guys would have there without me ha weird uh?
Wow gospel doctrine teacher mom that's awesome I bet they give you a sweet teachers manual for that class, and remember that we will never be tried or challenged any more than we can endure. Im not saying you will have to endure this calling of yours because there are some awesome times ahead of you. I have really enjoyed teaching the gospel principles class to recent converts and investigators every other sunday it's a whole lot of fun! You get a lot of joy out of teaching people and having good classroom discussions especially when someone learns something new, and that's what's great about the gospel there is always something new to learn always. I hope you get that job!
As far as missionary work it has been pretty slow and the baptism has been moved back a week and possibly will be moved to the end of the month. Other than transfers this week and the baptism moving back there really is no special news to report, we just continue to see less actives recent converts and the few investigators that we have.
And wow Ariel you are getting a little belly there, when's the baby due?
Colin that is some awesome news about school and Ohio that will be an incredible experience I would bet, hope everything continues to go well for you and whitney.
I pray that everyone has a spectacular week!
Elder Nielsen
Yes so this long seven week transfer is nearly over just one more day and maybe we will have some changes in Belleville, I don't think I am going anywhere but everyone has a hunch that my companion is moving. Also this transfer Elder Carver goes home which is exciting but at the same time sad because we have become pretty good friends the past transfer. Mom I don't know why you are sending me those rainbow point emails sometimes I wonder if you are trying to make me homesick, but to tell you the truth I do enjoy reading those correspondences and it gets me excited about the fun that you guys would have there without me ha weird uh?
Wow gospel doctrine teacher mom that's awesome I bet they give you a sweet teachers manual for that class, and remember that we will never be tried or challenged any more than we can endure. Im not saying you will have to endure this calling of yours because there are some awesome times ahead of you. I have really enjoyed teaching the gospel principles class to recent converts and investigators every other sunday it's a whole lot of fun! You get a lot of joy out of teaching people and having good classroom discussions especially when someone learns something new, and that's what's great about the gospel there is always something new to learn always. I hope you get that job!
As far as missionary work it has been pretty slow and the baptism has been moved back a week and possibly will be moved to the end of the month. Other than transfers this week and the baptism moving back there really is no special news to report, we just continue to see less actives recent converts and the few investigators that we have.
And wow Ariel you are getting a little belly there, when's the baby due?
Colin that is some awesome news about school and Ohio that will be an incredible experience I would bet, hope everything continues to go well for you and whitney.
I pray that everyone has a spectacular week!
Elder Nielsen
Monday, January 24, 2011
Week 20: January 24, 2011
It seems like just yesterday I sat down to write my weekly letter home, but here it is again another week gone. The week really did go by fast with all the appointments we had and the busy schedules we are trying to control. We have some really exciting news, it seems that we will be baptising two people either on feb 6 or feb 13 depending on what the Bishop decides. Actually we as missionaries are only baptising one person and the ward the other because one is a child of record. Its kind of a long story but in short there is a single mother in our ward who is a recent convert, we are baptising both of her children, the one is ten years old and the other is turning eight on feb 5. I'm excited for that and I think it will really make us missionaries work with a lot more confidence and diligence, sometimes you have to accomplish what you are trying to do every once in a while.
Today I want to list out what I will usually eat in a single day starting from Breakfast down to my evening snacks.
Breakfast:
2 eggs (the way mom used to make em for me) R 20 (18 pack)
bowl of strawberry flavoured porrage (just add water and stir) R15 ( 1 packet about 10-12 bowls)
2 or 3 plums R12 (carton of 50)
Lunch:
PB&J ( 2 triple stacker's)
plums optional
Dinner:
for dinner what I will usually do is boil up some pasta noodles, brown some mince and also steam up some veggies put it all together and throw some spaghetti sauce on top to put a finishing touch on the recipe. this is kind of a missionary special nothing a chef would make but its cheap and can fill you up which is all a missionary really cares about anyways.
Something that I have come to learn about South Africa is that food and clothing is dirt cheap here but electronics and other appliances are about the same price as back home. I was really shocked this last week I went out shopping at a grocery store here (pick'NPay) and I came away with all my weekly essentials and it only rang up to $15 (US Dollars) which is about R105 (SA Rands).
I hope every one has a spectacular week!
Chase
Today I want to list out what I will usually eat in a single day starting from Breakfast down to my evening snacks.
Breakfast:
2 eggs (the way mom used to make em for me) R 20 (18 pack)
bowl of strawberry flavoured porrage (just add water and stir) R15 ( 1 packet about 10-12 bowls)
2 or 3 plums R12 (carton of 50)
Lunch:
PB&J ( 2 triple stacker's)
plums optional
Dinner:
for dinner what I will usually do is boil up some pasta noodles, brown some mince and also steam up some veggies put it all together and throw some spaghetti sauce on top to put a finishing touch on the recipe. this is kind of a missionary special nothing a chef would make but its cheap and can fill you up which is all a missionary really cares about anyways.
Something that I have come to learn about South Africa is that food and clothing is dirt cheap here but electronics and other appliances are about the same price as back home. I was really shocked this last week I went out shopping at a grocery store here (pick'NPay) and I came away with all my weekly essentials and it only rang up to $15 (US Dollars) which is about R105 (SA Rands).
I hope every one has a spectacular week!
Chase
Monday, January 10, 2011
Week 18: January 10, 2011
Hello family,
Whew just like the subject states this week was very interesting, first last Monday Night we get a call from President Probst and he tells Elder Kogo that he is going to be a Zone Leader. This usually does not happen in the middle of a transfer so we were really surprised at the sudden move. Returned missionaries know that this was a E.T. As a result of this move I got a new companion named Elder Ochanda who used to be the zone leader in the Cape South zone which is now where Elder Kogo is serving. Elder Ochanda is from Kenya just like Elder Kogo and he seems pretty cool. We have only been together for about a week so we are still getting to know each other.
Other than the sudden companion rearrangement things are starting to pick up in Belleville again, we received some referrals from members this week, one of them is a father led family of six which is encouraging. We have a really cool recent convert named Dimitri (23) who we see once or twice a week and it's awesome to see how the gospel has changed his life and his father has noticed the change in him so we are starting to teach him as well. In my personal studies I am still reading through the Old Testament and I have a study journal that where I write down all my insights down so In that way I have a daily journal.
Mom, I have received the calendar you sent me and I love it! The calendar can also be used as a type of daily journal and I'll try and do that. Still have not received the package but maybe the Zone Leaders will swing by the office and pick up this weeks post and it could be there, or not ha. I know that you will find that job you are looking for and if it doesn't come as soon as you hope, know that you can start your own business with your own time clock, all you need is a good idea and the confidence that it will be successful. Love you mom.
Dad, Elder Carver just told me that the Seahawks upset the Saints, what is this madness? what was their record anyways? Continue to work hard with reliantz and hopefully you will have some spectacular job opportunities with Sid.
Thank you to the rest of the family who have sent Christmas Cards, it was wonderful to recieve them and always good to have pictures of the families.
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Whew just like the subject states this week was very interesting, first last Monday Night we get a call from President Probst and he tells Elder Kogo that he is going to be a Zone Leader. This usually does not happen in the middle of a transfer so we were really surprised at the sudden move. Returned missionaries know that this was a E.T. As a result of this move I got a new companion named Elder Ochanda who used to be the zone leader in the Cape South zone which is now where Elder Kogo is serving. Elder Ochanda is from Kenya just like Elder Kogo and he seems pretty cool. We have only been together for about a week so we are still getting to know each other.
Other than the sudden companion rearrangement things are starting to pick up in Belleville again, we received some referrals from members this week, one of them is a father led family of six which is encouraging. We have a really cool recent convert named Dimitri (23) who we see once or twice a week and it's awesome to see how the gospel has changed his life and his father has noticed the change in him so we are starting to teach him as well. In my personal studies I am still reading through the Old Testament and I have a study journal that where I write down all my insights down so In that way I have a daily journal.
Mom, I have received the calendar you sent me and I love it! The calendar can also be used as a type of daily journal and I'll try and do that. Still have not received the package but maybe the Zone Leaders will swing by the office and pick up this weeks post and it could be there, or not ha. I know that you will find that job you are looking for and if it doesn't come as soon as you hope, know that you can start your own business with your own time clock, all you need is a good idea and the confidence that it will be successful. Love you mom.
Dad, Elder Carver just told me that the Seahawks upset the Saints, what is this madness? what was their record anyways? Continue to work hard with reliantz and hopefully you will have some spectacular job opportunities with Sid.
Thank you to the rest of the family who have sent Christmas Cards, it was wonderful to recieve them and always good to have pictures of the families.
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, December 20, 2010
Week 15: December 20, 2010
Yes so this week was pretty interesting for me, I was transferred to Bellville and Bellville is to Cape Town as Bellevue is to Seattle. So I am really in the thick of things which is awesome. My new companion is Elder Kogo from Kenya and he is a super cool guy I am really going to enjoy serving with him. Bellville is probably the biggest areas in the mission so its a little bit of a change from the smallest area in the mission. I wasnt too sad to leave Paarl but i was kinda sad to leave a couple missionaries that are still serving there. I however love being in the car and I am the designated driver since E.Kogo doesn't have a license which most Africans don't. It is a little interesting to drive on the left hand side of the road but i have gotten used to it. Every day I get a great view of Table mountain and it's just breathtaking, one of these Pdays we are going to hike it as a district. Pdays here are going to be much more exciting than in Paarl, im so excited to be serving around Cape Town and for the chance to get to know the area.
Although the work here in Bellville is said to be very challenging because it is a white area and not many people are receptive to our message. I do look forward to knocking doors at Bellville Hill which is where all the rich people live and man they have HUGE homes, i'm just interested in finding out what those people do for a living and maybe making friends with them and maybe teaching them a little about the truth haha. But yeah i guess im bound to be a white area missionary which is fine with me because I can deal with being rejected and I think president knows that. Ahh this is going to be a transfer that I dont want to end because E Kogo is just too cool, I really took for granted my first companion so im really going to cherish this one. Also the district here is a six man with Milnerton ( 2 month Elder Zimunhu, Zimbabwe, 22 month Elder Carver, UTah) and Panorama ZL's (Elder Anderson Utah, and Elder McChargue Rocklin Idaho haha) yes but everyone in the district is nice which is a really good thing.
But yes i can tell you all about whatever you want to know on the phone saturday I will most likely call collect from a members home.
Mom I havent yet recieved my package but the Zl's have some post that they want to give to us later on in the day so maybe its in there. Oh and dont send any M&M's last time they melted and spilled on the bottom of the package but no big deal nohing was hurt.
Dad wow Walgreens is up 10 bucks from where i bought it! I dont know what that trend looks like but i am up on it a little. whatever you feel is best on that one maybe a target mark of.
I look forward to talking to all of you on the phone saturday and have a Merry Christmas!
Although the work here in Bellville is said to be very challenging because it is a white area and not many people are receptive to our message. I do look forward to knocking doors at Bellville Hill which is where all the rich people live and man they have HUGE homes, i'm just interested in finding out what those people do for a living and maybe making friends with them and maybe teaching them a little about the truth haha. But yeah i guess im bound to be a white area missionary which is fine with me because I can deal with being rejected and I think president knows that. Ahh this is going to be a transfer that I dont want to end because E Kogo is just too cool, I really took for granted my first companion so im really going to cherish this one. Also the district here is a six man with Milnerton ( 2 month Elder Zimunhu, Zimbabwe, 22 month Elder Carver, UTah) and Panorama ZL's (Elder Anderson Utah, and Elder McChargue Rocklin Idaho haha) yes but everyone in the district is nice which is a really good thing.
But yes i can tell you all about whatever you want to know on the phone saturday I will most likely call collect from a members home.
Mom I havent yet recieved my package but the Zl's have some post that they want to give to us later on in the day so maybe its in there. Oh and dont send any M&M's last time they melted and spilled on the bottom of the package but no big deal nohing was hurt.
Dad wow Walgreens is up 10 bucks from where i bought it! I dont know what that trend looks like but i am up on it a little. whatever you feel is best on that one maybe a target mark of.
I look forward to talking to all of you on the phone saturday and have a Merry Christmas!
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