Well hello family!
What a couple of fun letters I was able to read today. I appreciate all the love and support I feel from you at home. I can picture all that's going on and it sounds like everyone is doing well. Good to hear. Yes, things are warming up very nicely here. It sounds like we got about a week of beautiful weather and then we'll be sweating our brains out in nice and hot humidity. Not what you picture when you think of Russia! And funny to think we were walking through snow on ice covered streets a couple weeks ago. Yes sorry moma, I couldn't get the pics to attach last week. So, we'll try again! This week we were able to go to the Kremlin here. The city center is so cool it has a little bit of a D.C. feel to it. It is in the other area across the river, but we still have a great area of course. It is a cool place with a big Russian orthodox temple with the big mosque right across from it in the complex thing. Really its like a big fortress from like 1000 years ago, kind of a castle. It's a cool place I'm in.
Well tranfers came around this week and I was able to escape the destroying angel. Elder Christensen unfortunately was made a zone leader and has left me. He was such a blessing and I will definitely miss him. He is a great missionary. My companion, Elder Taylor will be the new district leader and I am so excited to work with him. We will continue to travel around and visit the other elders in our spread out district, but I love it. It makes the time fly though.
So, things continue to look just wonderful in good ol Kazan. I hope I can spend a lot of time here.
Things were quite interesting this week as we continued to do the work. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday with the south elders in Kazan. As I said, that half of the city is across the river and is a very cool place. Very cool Russia is all I can explain it as. And it is very well kept, so it was just a couple of great days. We were able to find a bunch of people and hopefully jump start the area. We spent the latter part of the week back at the ranch on the north side of the city. The suspense with the brothers continues on. It causes for some deep mulling over of things as I try to wrap my mind around what they are going through. But we continue to pray for them and try our best to stay in contact. They have found work but it just isn't enough. So, we will continue to pray and hope for their happiness. Heavenly Father has a good plan for them in store. Whether in this life or the next, they will accept the gospel. We also were able to meet with some ladies that cracked me up. Elder Christensen had found one of them a few weeks ago with the zone leaders. She brought her friends and they are excited to meet again and so we are excited for that. They remind me of Grandma Sher and I get a kick out of it. I wanna learn how to ask if they wanna grab a "peps" and eat some spanish food with me and Skeet. They are awesome.
We then were able to watch conference this weekend! How awesome was that? Holy cow I love what was said. It is so interesting how it so applies to what we are trying to get into people's heads here. Basic principles, repentance, and the gospel blesses families. Man, that was awesome. And I just want to go and sit on a bench with Elder Holland. Holy cow, his talk was awesome. We were able to watch some in English on a member's iPad. Haha kinda funny-people here love technology. They might not be able to put food on the table, but they have an iPad dang it! We had a couple of great investigators come that will be so ready to be baptized soon I hope. I don't know how anyone couldn't after watching that. It was such a blessing to see our prophet. It adds a little more meaning when you are on the streets trying to struggle through a different language testifying to someone that we have a prophet of God who receives revelation for our families. What a blessing we have to have a prophet.
Well I hope all is well. Grandma 'Net I hope your knee continues to
heal- you'll be running laps around me in no time. And Grandma Nielson I hope and pray that the treatment gets better. Sure love you family. Thanks for the pic - man we got a good lookin' fam! Thanks for the update Tanner- keep playin' hard. Good luck with grad and stuff Em and Jackson. Sarah - your the bomb. Just keep it up. :) and I love you mom and dad. Thanks for everything you do. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Nielson
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Hi Family!
Well hi family!
I am writing already on my last week of cycle one! What in the world! What a crazy 6 weeks it's been in good ol' Kazan. I am going to do my best again to try and report this week, but probably won't get the hundredth part into my epistle. It was a crazy week, lots got done and we've been all over creation! No, we have not had the opportunity to watch conference yet. I believe this weekend we are, so we are excited to get some investigators out to the branch for that! We left Tuesday morning to Tagliatti for the middle part of the week. Elder Christensen was due for a visa trip, so we had a beauty of an 8 hour bus ride there. I spent the time there with Elder Glad and Elder Wiseman while he went to Keiv for the day and back. Kinda funny how they have that so coordinated with all the missionaries. But my pictures are first at this lady's and her house. I found the Uzbekistan version of Kim Jensen! Haha she was the kindest lady. We went to teach her for the first time there in Tagliatti. She was so nice and listened, and then brought out all this food for us! It was so awesome. She had five daughters, so we were nervous for just a marriage auction, but it ended up being so good. It was only us and the lady and her youngest daughter and then all the sudden the others brought in all this food! The rice is called plove. It's so good! And she also made this stuff called peroshki in Russia. But hers was Uzbekski so I don't remember what they were called. But they are like a scone filled with potatoes in Russia, but the ones she made were only filled with onions. Weird I know, but trust me on this one. It was awesome. She is from Uzbekistan and grew up in Turkmenistan. Crazy. The other pic I just included to show the coat. Yes, that is fox fur. Nothin’ too fancy, but it’s a good coat. :) We came back to find our area somewhat falling to pieces. We had some great meetings on Friday and Saturday. Friday we met a kid that I found with the Elder I was working with in Ulyanovsk that lived here in Kazan, so we met and he's way cool! Miracle there. We had some other great meetings, but our solids are kind of dying. If that makes sense. I am rushed on time, so this is kinda a mess. On Saturday we met with a family that is from Kyrgistan. Pretty crazy again. I want to take a picture of the house we were in. It is crazy. This little pieced together shack...it was pretty humbling. But it was nice and warm on the inside, the outside was something I have only seen in pictures. We will see where they go. They are staunch Muslims, and gave us the whole singing prayer at the end which was really cool. I got quite the culture experience this week.
The others were a little disappointing. We went yesterday to find our progressing couple drunk as can be for the third time. Needless to say, I don't think we'll be back there for a while. We have also not been able to get a hold of the brothers. We have been a little panicky about that. We asked about their family and hadn't heard anything since. We have been very down about that. However, we just had nothing go good yesterday. Everything fell through and nobody would even say hi it felt like. We stopped and both had the strongest impression to go to them. We already had several times this week. We got there and rang the doorbell. One came to the door! We were so excited and praying someone would come. He apologized and said they had been in Moscow this week trying to get visas renewed. We were so relieved. However, this is where it gets juicy. He started telling us how he has so much problems. They got a bunch of money stolen and don't have the money to renew a visa, or just live. So, they are going to be forced to go back to their country. He started crying a bit. This legitimately broke my heart. He is just this big teddy bear. He said we don't understand what's going on, and they have no idea what to do. He's right- I can't even fathom the situation they are in. We both had the impression to give him a blessing. We went in and talked and explained what a blessing is. Elder Christensen did a beautiful job telling him how everything we have taught is true. He replied by saying, " you believe me, I know everything is true. I know the book is true." Holy cow if that isn't some power. They blow me away. I was able to give the blessing, both of us had the impression that everything will be ok. so basically, they gotta find work today or else go back. I have not quite prayed as hard before as I did last night. If I could ask a favor at home, please pray for these friends. I feel so at peace about the situation, but we are definitely trying our faith. We feel so strong that Heavenly Father has prepared them for something great. As they said, "we will meet in a couple days. I just want it to be like how it was." I firmly believe it will. What a blessing we have had of knowing these two.
Having had it be the end of the cycle, I've had some time to think about what I've learned. What an appreciation I have gained of what we have. I am truly humbled to recognize this. I am sure if anybody saw our home, they would be blown away. To have a car, a big kitchen, a personal swing set for their kids-the temporal blessings we have would blow them away. However, if they could only be there. This would really blow them away-to feel the spirit of our home. To be happy and have a happy family. To have the Rios's walk by and say hello and Kim Jensen saying hi. The love and happiness which we have is truly what's the difference. And that's because we have the gospel. Our picture seems to glow when I show it to people. I am so grateful for the blessings which we have to enjoy. I love each of you and hope you can remember to remember our loving Father in Heaven. Love you!
Love,
Elder Nielson
(Elder Nielson spoke of pictures in his email, but there weren't any attached. :( We will hope for next week!)
I am writing already on my last week of cycle one! What in the world! What a crazy 6 weeks it's been in good ol' Kazan. I am going to do my best again to try and report this week, but probably won't get the hundredth part into my epistle. It was a crazy week, lots got done and we've been all over creation! No, we have not had the opportunity to watch conference yet. I believe this weekend we are, so we are excited to get some investigators out to the branch for that! We left Tuesday morning to Tagliatti for the middle part of the week. Elder Christensen was due for a visa trip, so we had a beauty of an 8 hour bus ride there. I spent the time there with Elder Glad and Elder Wiseman while he went to Keiv for the day and back. Kinda funny how they have that so coordinated with all the missionaries. But my pictures are first at this lady's and her house. I found the Uzbekistan version of Kim Jensen! Haha she was the kindest lady. We went to teach her for the first time there in Tagliatti. She was so nice and listened, and then brought out all this food for us! It was so awesome. She had five daughters, so we were nervous for just a marriage auction, but it ended up being so good. It was only us and the lady and her youngest daughter and then all the sudden the others brought in all this food! The rice is called plove. It's so good! And she also made this stuff called peroshki in Russia. But hers was Uzbekski so I don't remember what they were called. But they are like a scone filled with potatoes in Russia, but the ones she made were only filled with onions. Weird I know, but trust me on this one. It was awesome. She is from Uzbekistan and grew up in Turkmenistan. Crazy. The other pic I just included to show the coat. Yes, that is fox fur. Nothin’ too fancy, but it’s a good coat. :) We came back to find our area somewhat falling to pieces. We had some great meetings on Friday and Saturday. Friday we met a kid that I found with the Elder I was working with in Ulyanovsk that lived here in Kazan, so we met and he's way cool! Miracle there. We had some other great meetings, but our solids are kind of dying. If that makes sense. I am rushed on time, so this is kinda a mess. On Saturday we met with a family that is from Kyrgistan. Pretty crazy again. I want to take a picture of the house we were in. It is crazy. This little pieced together shack...it was pretty humbling. But it was nice and warm on the inside, the outside was something I have only seen in pictures. We will see where they go. They are staunch Muslims, and gave us the whole singing prayer at the end which was really cool. I got quite the culture experience this week.
The others were a little disappointing. We went yesterday to find our progressing couple drunk as can be for the third time. Needless to say, I don't think we'll be back there for a while. We have also not been able to get a hold of the brothers. We have been a little panicky about that. We asked about their family and hadn't heard anything since. We have been very down about that. However, we just had nothing go good yesterday. Everything fell through and nobody would even say hi it felt like. We stopped and both had the strongest impression to go to them. We already had several times this week. We got there and rang the doorbell. One came to the door! We were so excited and praying someone would come. He apologized and said they had been in Moscow this week trying to get visas renewed. We were so relieved. However, this is where it gets juicy. He started telling us how he has so much problems. They got a bunch of money stolen and don't have the money to renew a visa, or just live. So, they are going to be forced to go back to their country. He started crying a bit. This legitimately broke my heart. He is just this big teddy bear. He said we don't understand what's going on, and they have no idea what to do. He's right- I can't even fathom the situation they are in. We both had the impression to give him a blessing. We went in and talked and explained what a blessing is. Elder Christensen did a beautiful job telling him how everything we have taught is true. He replied by saying, " you believe me, I know everything is true. I know the book is true." Holy cow if that isn't some power. They blow me away. I was able to give the blessing, both of us had the impression that everything will be ok. so basically, they gotta find work today or else go back. I have not quite prayed as hard before as I did last night. If I could ask a favor at home, please pray for these friends. I feel so at peace about the situation, but we are definitely trying our faith. We feel so strong that Heavenly Father has prepared them for something great. As they said, "we will meet in a couple days. I just want it to be like how it was." I firmly believe it will. What a blessing we have had of knowing these two.
Having had it be the end of the cycle, I've had some time to think about what I've learned. What an appreciation I have gained of what we have. I am truly humbled to recognize this. I am sure if anybody saw our home, they would be blown away. To have a car, a big kitchen, a personal swing set for their kids-the temporal blessings we have would blow them away. However, if they could only be there. This would really blow them away-to feel the spirit of our home. To be happy and have a happy family. To have the Rios's walk by and say hello and Kim Jensen saying hi. The love and happiness which we have is truly what's the difference. And that's because we have the gospel. Our picture seems to glow when I show it to people. I am so grateful for the blessings which we have to enjoy. I love each of you and hope you can remember to remember our loving Father in Heaven. Love you!
Love,
Elder Nielson
(Elder Nielson spoke of pictures in his email, but there weren't any attached. :( We will hope for next week!)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Kickin' it in Kazan!
Hello family!
I am writing on a warmer and nice and muddy day in Kazan. There is quite the weather here, I am going to try and get a couple pictures sent. It is hard when all the functions are in Russian so I don't really know what to do. But I'm tryin momma! It has been a good week. Definitely a wider range of ups and downs, but always a good week on the mission to cash in!
We started the week of course with a P day. We then left early Tuesday morning to head out to Uleeyanovsk [I think this is Ulyanovsk….south from Kazan]. I don't know how to spell it with English letters. But we headed out because we have to go on splits with the district due to Elder Christensen being the district leader. So we headed out for a good 4 hour bus ride to hang with those two elders for a couple days. It was a blast. We jump started that area by finding 11 in two days. What that means is that we teach them something, give a commitment, pray, and set up a return appointment. The mission goal is to find 1 a day, and we blew that up. It was so fun. The area had been a little struggling, so we went to work! They now sound like a lot of progress is being made. I had a fun find there, we were on the Marshutka (these crazy little vans that run around the city) on our way home. I got talkin’ to a guy across with his granddaughter who when his stop came asked to write down my number for them to call! It was so sweet. Once he left, this other guy across asked me what we're all about. I told him a bit and totally went ahead and said a prayer with this dude on this little bus/van thing. It was pretty funny, but hey we find when we can! My companion was just tearing up the back part of the van as well talking to people and so we were on clouds the rest of the way home. Good times, funny people. That's my favorite part. So we travelled back and got back on Thursday. We spent that day doing planning for the week and had a couple meetings that went well. We had a little bit of disappointment though. Our brothers that we are teaching are so stuck in some job that they are just killing themselves to earn some money it sounds like. Basically, they work about 16 hours a day splitting up the shift. And they can't work out a schedule because they can't speak Russian. However, we ran into one of them Friday evening when we were teaching an investigator on the street and one of them ran into us. We had to ask him how his family was coping with their decision and he hadn't said much to them yet. Anyways, we couldn't really understand him when we called yesterday because he can't express very well in English, so as of right now we really don't know what’s up with them. Too bad. I still can't wait to talk to them again. The small family moved to Moscow which was too bad, but we had some miracles show up to church that we met with after. The Spirit was very strong as we told the first vision, so we will see what happens! All in all a wonderful week as always. I continue to love this. The language is hard, but I have learned a lot and will get it down. What a blessed opportunity I have to serve! I love you all and hope you know that. More importantly, I hope you know how much our Heavenly Father loves us. He truly does. Hope all is well and c’ya next week!
Elder Nielson
I am writing on a warmer and nice and muddy day in Kazan. There is quite the weather here, I am going to try and get a couple pictures sent. It is hard when all the functions are in Russian so I don't really know what to do. But I'm tryin momma! It has been a good week. Definitely a wider range of ups and downs, but always a good week on the mission to cash in!
We started the week of course with a P day. We then left early Tuesday morning to head out to Uleeyanovsk [I think this is Ulyanovsk….south from Kazan]. I don't know how to spell it with English letters. But we headed out because we have to go on splits with the district due to Elder Christensen being the district leader. So we headed out for a good 4 hour bus ride to hang with those two elders for a couple days. It was a blast. We jump started that area by finding 11 in two days. What that means is that we teach them something, give a commitment, pray, and set up a return appointment. The mission goal is to find 1 a day, and we blew that up. It was so fun. The area had been a little struggling, so we went to work! They now sound like a lot of progress is being made. I had a fun find there, we were on the Marshutka (these crazy little vans that run around the city) on our way home. I got talkin’ to a guy across with his granddaughter who when his stop came asked to write down my number for them to call! It was so sweet. Once he left, this other guy across asked me what we're all about. I told him a bit and totally went ahead and said a prayer with this dude on this little bus/van thing. It was pretty funny, but hey we find when we can! My companion was just tearing up the back part of the van as well talking to people and so we were on clouds the rest of the way home. Good times, funny people. That's my favorite part. So we travelled back and got back on Thursday. We spent that day doing planning for the week and had a couple meetings that went well. We had a little bit of disappointment though. Our brothers that we are teaching are so stuck in some job that they are just killing themselves to earn some money it sounds like. Basically, they work about 16 hours a day splitting up the shift. And they can't work out a schedule because they can't speak Russian. However, we ran into one of them Friday evening when we were teaching an investigator on the street and one of them ran into us. We had to ask him how his family was coping with their decision and he hadn't said much to them yet. Anyways, we couldn't really understand him when we called yesterday because he can't express very well in English, so as of right now we really don't know what’s up with them. Too bad. I still can't wait to talk to them again. The small family moved to Moscow which was too bad, but we had some miracles show up to church that we met with after. The Spirit was very strong as we told the first vision, so we will see what happens! All in all a wonderful week as always. I continue to love this. The language is hard, but I have learned a lot and will get it down. What a blessed opportunity I have to serve! I love you all and hope you know that. More importantly, I hope you know how much our Heavenly Father loves us. He truly does. Hope all is well and c’ya next week!
Elder Nielson
Monday, March 26, 2012
30 minutes in 30 seconds!
Well Hello Family!
I will do my best to include what has happened this week and hope that you can get a taste of what’s really goin’ on here! What an awesome week it has been, nothing short of a great week to log away on the mission. I will do my best to answer questions and things as well. Goodness, I thought the MTC was hard to explain! I must first sadly admit that the market is closed on Mondays. Too bad. But we were able to get into a shop and get me a fine coat. Kazan is a very advanced city, and so to be honest sometimes it doesn't feel like I'm in too whacko of a place. Of course then I try to talk to somebody. But for the most part it is super nice. The food she made was good stuff momma! They have this stuff that are these little noodle spheres with meat in the middle, about the size of a marble. They are dang good. And she made some soup that was super good as well. My favorite is this stuff called plove, which is a rice and chicken thing with some seasoning. It is super good. For the most part, there isn't too much strikingly different. The ice cream here is crazy good. It's like they took the cream straight outta the cow and mixed it with sugar and froze it. Most of their food is pretty good because it's all real stuff. As far as people go, a lot of drunk people, and everyone and their dog smokes. The old ladies are just as you picture. They always walk in couples with their arms linked and just babble a hundred miles an hour to each other. It's funny. The old guys are in their sweet hats and pretty much just hang around and smoke. Funny people. We are in by nine every night, 9 30 if we are teaching a lesson. At least half of the people we talk to are Muslim, there really isn't too much of a distinction. I hope that answered a little bit...the weather is really nice today. It is pretty random, and should start warming up. And yes momma, I'm nice and toasty. I will do my best to get pictures, we email from an internet cafe that we don't know if we have access to send pics. We will check in on that, so stay tuned. To be honest we really haven't had the time to take pics. But we are going to the Kremlin in the middle of the city so we will have some cool ones.
So I gotta first talk about the brothers we found last week. Holy cow I cannot say enough about them. They are 23 and 25 and have been the greatest blessing to my life. I could very have well been called to Russia for these two and I would be fine with it. They have the kind of faith I would love to have someday. I learn from them when I teach them. It is a pretty incredible experience. We taught them that night and Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat. They came to church yesterday, and are asking when they can be baptized. We had them pray on Tuesday and that could have been the sweetest experience of my life. I wish I could send a recording so you could see, and would like for everyone to see how to pray. They both took a turn and prayed literally as if they talked to God. Every time since, they pray just as good as that. It raises our spirits every time we meet with them. They believe that they came to Russia to find work but "found something much better. The best thing they could find." I love them and will be friends forever with them. we came in on Tuesday to see them writing his friends on facebook telling them to visit lds.org. They are unbelievable.
We also found a beautiful family last night with 3 kids. I can't wait to teach again and us and the member we taught with are so excited to set a baptismal date with them. I wish I could tell more of what's gone on, but just know how great of a week it's been.
I must also report that we met a lady on the street. She was a babushka...we taught a bit and I said a prayer with her. She had me repeat it in English to hear. There was a sweet spirit there, and she pulled in and laid a fat kiss on my cheek. It was so funny. I didn't know what to do. Good times on the mission.
Dad I forgot-I got your dearelder check on Tuesday. We get mail when the leaders come, and we had zone leaders on splits. I can only talk to family on the email, so tell Collin and Ty hi and look for a letter in a few weeks. I am grateful for my knowledge of the gospel. What a blessing it is. What a blessing the organization of the Church is, in a small inexperienced branch you can see how blessed we are to live where we are and have the strong ward we do. I love our family. I was proudly showing you to a lady on the bus yesterday. She loved it. I love you and love my chance to bring what we have to these people here. Til’ next week!
Love,
Elder Nielson
I will do my best to include what has happened this week and hope that you can get a taste of what’s really goin’ on here! What an awesome week it has been, nothing short of a great week to log away on the mission. I will do my best to answer questions and things as well. Goodness, I thought the MTC was hard to explain! I must first sadly admit that the market is closed on Mondays. Too bad. But we were able to get into a shop and get me a fine coat. Kazan is a very advanced city, and so to be honest sometimes it doesn't feel like I'm in too whacko of a place. Of course then I try to talk to somebody. But for the most part it is super nice. The food she made was good stuff momma! They have this stuff that are these little noodle spheres with meat in the middle, about the size of a marble. They are dang good. And she made some soup that was super good as well. My favorite is this stuff called plove, which is a rice and chicken thing with some seasoning. It is super good. For the most part, there isn't too much strikingly different. The ice cream here is crazy good. It's like they took the cream straight outta the cow and mixed it with sugar and froze it. Most of their food is pretty good because it's all real stuff. As far as people go, a lot of drunk people, and everyone and their dog smokes. The old ladies are just as you picture. They always walk in couples with their arms linked and just babble a hundred miles an hour to each other. It's funny. The old guys are in their sweet hats and pretty much just hang around and smoke. Funny people. We are in by nine every night, 9 30 if we are teaching a lesson. At least half of the people we talk to are Muslim, there really isn't too much of a distinction. I hope that answered a little bit...the weather is really nice today. It is pretty random, and should start warming up. And yes momma, I'm nice and toasty. I will do my best to get pictures, we email from an internet cafe that we don't know if we have access to send pics. We will check in on that, so stay tuned. To be honest we really haven't had the time to take pics. But we are going to the Kremlin in the middle of the city so we will have some cool ones.
So I gotta first talk about the brothers we found last week. Holy cow I cannot say enough about them. They are 23 and 25 and have been the greatest blessing to my life. I could very have well been called to Russia for these two and I would be fine with it. They have the kind of faith I would love to have someday. I learn from them when I teach them. It is a pretty incredible experience. We taught them that night and Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat. They came to church yesterday, and are asking when they can be baptized. We had them pray on Tuesday and that could have been the sweetest experience of my life. I wish I could send a recording so you could see, and would like for everyone to see how to pray. They both took a turn and prayed literally as if they talked to God. Every time since, they pray just as good as that. It raises our spirits every time we meet with them. They believe that they came to Russia to find work but "found something much better. The best thing they could find." I love them and will be friends forever with them. we came in on Tuesday to see them writing his friends on facebook telling them to visit lds.org. They are unbelievable.
We also found a beautiful family last night with 3 kids. I can't wait to teach again and us and the member we taught with are so excited to set a baptismal date with them. I wish I could tell more of what's gone on, but just know how great of a week it's been.
I must also report that we met a lady on the street. She was a babushka...we taught a bit and I said a prayer with her. She had me repeat it in English to hear. There was a sweet spirit there, and she pulled in and laid a fat kiss on my cheek. It was so funny. I didn't know what to do. Good times on the mission.
Dad I forgot-I got your dearelder check on Tuesday. We get mail when the leaders come, and we had zone leaders on splits. I can only talk to family on the email, so tell Collin and Ty hi and look for a letter in a few weeks. I am grateful for my knowledge of the gospel. What a blessing it is. What a blessing the organization of the Church is, in a small inexperienced branch you can see how blessed we are to live where we are and have the strong ward we do. I love our family. I was proudly showing you to a lady on the bus yesterday. She loved it. I love you and love my chance to bring what we have to these people here. Til’ next week!
Love,
Elder Nielson
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March Madness in Kazan
Hello family!
Greetings from a sunny day in Kazan! Things are beginning to warm up here and we are happy to be here. I am writing on market day! Whether I will need it or not we are headed off the the market right after this so i can become a true Russian. Our investigator, Andrei, said the other day that I am a pure American in my Mr. Mac rain coat and other American gear. I got a thing or two for him to see after today. It has been a good week, I will try to do it justice. all ending with perhaps the most blessed of miracles that occured last night. I don't know if I will ever have another experience like it, but I will do my best to explain.
We started out the week pretty well. Monday night we had to run a relief society dvd to a lady in the ward and she gave us some legit Russian food that was super good. We couldn't find our way home, so as far as proselyting that night was a little bit of a bust. However, Tuesday was a great day. We were able to find 4 new investigators! The goal of the mission is to find 1 a day, and we were very blessed that day with 4. Tuesday morning was a pretty wild time as well. On monday, the members asked if we could help move 'a little' snow for a member who got in a car accident and needed to put his car somewhere. So we rode to the edge of the city on the bus where a member picked us up at the stop. We walked up the hill to their house. All I can think of to describe the houses is Charlie and the Chocolate factory's house. They were funny all pieced together. Anyways, so in the midst of a blizzard we shoveled a mountain of snow to clear a spot for this guys car. It was a pretty crazy morning. We kept on asking eachother what in the world we were doing. I felt like rocky workin out in the mountains of Russia lifting snow and stuff for a work out. The rest of the week seemed to just go by. we continued to find Wednesday and Thursday. We are pretty much starting from scratch here and so most of our efforts right now are in finding people to teach. Friday was slow as Elder Christensen was sick and so we were in. It was kinda nice though because then I used the day to organize the house and the area book. I finally just started calling people in the back. I have no idea what they were saying, but hey we got in contact with some former investigators. It was a fun little hour of Russian struggle.
Finally, I must describe yesterday. church was a little killer. It gets a little tiring when a guy rambles for about 30 minutes and you can't understand what he's saying. We will see if our 3 investigators come again. But church was good. We then had some time to contact last night. Our lesson fell through, as had every lesson fallen through throughout last week. We were walking and just couldn't find anyone. So we decided to pray where to go. We started down a random street and were just getting owned by people. Nobody wanted anything to do with us. Finally we had to turn around after about 40 minutes. this is where march madness occurred. We were bored and decided to try to speak english for fun to someone. We were shy for the first couple people, but then my companion just walked up to this guy and asked in Russian if he spoke english. The guy turned to him and said "I only speak english". So we talked for a minute with him and he offered for us to come to his house. We, of course, accepted. crazy huh? We talked a little about what we do and felt prompted to teach restoration. Time is short so I will give you the highlights. I'll give you some of these two brothers comments. Consider it the shining moment for the year..."Can we come help you talk to people about God?" "People don't just get how to find happiness. They use like money and alchohol and girls and stuff." "Oh the priesthood like God's power." "People need to know where we came from, why we're here, and where we are going." "Yes we will be baptized the 14th of April."
I was about in tears by the end of our lesson. Heavenly Father truly was looking out for us. We are going to bring them a Book of Mormon tonight. Elder Christensen said it perfect when he said following our meeting," I could never deny the existence of a God following that." What a blessing these two are. I do not know if i will ever find anyone prepared and willing as these brothers are. I have such a love for our Heavenly Father following that. He does not care who we are, what we have done, where we have been. His love is extended to all and the mercies of the atonement of Christ allow us to turn to him at all times of life. I can't wait to teach these brothers this. I love my mission.
Well that is about it. Mom it sounds like we basically will never get mail, we are about 9 hours away from the office, so whenever they come we'll get our mail. I think email will suffice. :) It will be a fun week and we will have some fun travelling around to visit the district. (Elder Christensen is the district leader-yup he's the man.) So we'll have some good 6 and 4 hour bus rides in the next few weeks but I'm excited. Tanner, it sounds like your ballin well. Well done my friend. Mom and Dad you sound great, and Sarah I love ya buddy. Em and Jackson, hope all is well. sure miss and love you guys, but wouldn't rather be anywhere else. I love you all.
Love,Elder Nielson
Greetings from a sunny day in Kazan! Things are beginning to warm up here and we are happy to be here. I am writing on market day! Whether I will need it or not we are headed off the the market right after this so i can become a true Russian. Our investigator, Andrei, said the other day that I am a pure American in my Mr. Mac rain coat and other American gear. I got a thing or two for him to see after today. It has been a good week, I will try to do it justice. all ending with perhaps the most blessed of miracles that occured last night. I don't know if I will ever have another experience like it, but I will do my best to explain.
We started out the week pretty well. Monday night we had to run a relief society dvd to a lady in the ward and she gave us some legit Russian food that was super good. We couldn't find our way home, so as far as proselyting that night was a little bit of a bust. However, Tuesday was a great day. We were able to find 4 new investigators! The goal of the mission is to find 1 a day, and we were very blessed that day with 4. Tuesday morning was a pretty wild time as well. On monday, the members asked if we could help move 'a little' snow for a member who got in a car accident and needed to put his car somewhere. So we rode to the edge of the city on the bus where a member picked us up at the stop. We walked up the hill to their house. All I can think of to describe the houses is Charlie and the Chocolate factory's house. They were funny all pieced together. Anyways, so in the midst of a blizzard we shoveled a mountain of snow to clear a spot for this guys car. It was a pretty crazy morning. We kept on asking eachother what in the world we were doing. I felt like rocky workin out in the mountains of Russia lifting snow and stuff for a work out. The rest of the week seemed to just go by. we continued to find Wednesday and Thursday. We are pretty much starting from scratch here and so most of our efforts right now are in finding people to teach. Friday was slow as Elder Christensen was sick and so we were in. It was kinda nice though because then I used the day to organize the house and the area book. I finally just started calling people in the back. I have no idea what they were saying, but hey we got in contact with some former investigators. It was a fun little hour of Russian struggle.
Finally, I must describe yesterday. church was a little killer. It gets a little tiring when a guy rambles for about 30 minutes and you can't understand what he's saying. We will see if our 3 investigators come again. But church was good. We then had some time to contact last night. Our lesson fell through, as had every lesson fallen through throughout last week. We were walking and just couldn't find anyone. So we decided to pray where to go. We started down a random street and were just getting owned by people. Nobody wanted anything to do with us. Finally we had to turn around after about 40 minutes. this is where march madness occurred. We were bored and decided to try to speak english for fun to someone. We were shy for the first couple people, but then my companion just walked up to this guy and asked in Russian if he spoke english. The guy turned to him and said "I only speak english". So we talked for a minute with him and he offered for us to come to his house. We, of course, accepted. crazy huh? We talked a little about what we do and felt prompted to teach restoration. Time is short so I will give you the highlights. I'll give you some of these two brothers comments. Consider it the shining moment for the year..."Can we come help you talk to people about God?" "People don't just get how to find happiness. They use like money and alchohol and girls and stuff." "Oh the priesthood like God's power." "People need to know where we came from, why we're here, and where we are going." "Yes we will be baptized the 14th of April."
I was about in tears by the end of our lesson. Heavenly Father truly was looking out for us. We are going to bring them a Book of Mormon tonight. Elder Christensen said it perfect when he said following our meeting," I could never deny the existence of a God following that." What a blessing these two are. I do not know if i will ever find anyone prepared and willing as these brothers are. I have such a love for our Heavenly Father following that. He does not care who we are, what we have done, where we have been. His love is extended to all and the mercies of the atonement of Christ allow us to turn to him at all times of life. I can't wait to teach these brothers this. I love my mission.
Well that is about it. Mom it sounds like we basically will never get mail, we are about 9 hours away from the office, so whenever they come we'll get our mail. I think email will suffice. :) It will be a fun week and we will have some fun travelling around to visit the district. (Elder Christensen is the district leader-yup he's the man.) So we'll have some good 6 and 4 hour bus rides in the next few weeks but I'm excited. Tanner, it sounds like your ballin well. Well done my friend. Mom and Dad you sound great, and Sarah I love ya buddy. Em and Jackson, hope all is well. sure miss and love you guys, but wouldn't rather be anywhere else. I love you all.
Love,Elder Nielson
Monday, March 12, 2012
Greetings from Russia!
Hello Family from sun shiny Kazan!
Yes I am really here in Russia...kinda crazy to really think about. I will try the best I can to portray what the last week has been. I will definitely chalk it up as probably the craziest week I probably will ever have. That is until next week comes around. So, here we go! So we had a quick layover following our chat on Monday in New York. That is a crazy airport. Anyways just got on a plane from there to buzz straight to Moscow. I could have sworn Sister Moe and I were the only Americans on the plane. But it went pretty quick actually. We then landed in Moscow to begin a crazy day. We met a couple of nice American ladies that took us to the embassy down there in Moscow. Holy cow-we were in the part of Moscow you never see. I felt like I was in a dream the whole time and should have had Jason Bourne sitting in the seat next to me. The traffic there is absolute chaos. Russia in general is pretty unorganized in the traffic. I have no idea how we didn't die. Anyways, we then got registered for our other passports and then split from our other missionaries. They headed off to another airport and we were shipped back to Moscow airport. That was the craziest car ride I have ever had. They just sent us with some guy's friend they knew. He didn't talk the whole time and drove seriously like something from a movie. We were flying up and down the back roads and just in and out of the lanes that aren't painted on the ground. How we didn't die, I have no idea. That was miracle #1 from the week. We then were dropped off at the airport to wait there for 6 hours. It was pretty killer. Travelling is not on my top ten favorites I don't think. We pulled into Samara at about midnight and I swear the pilot just pulled into the parking lot. It was so funny to see the difference. Of course President and Sister Sartori were there to greet us and we got to bed about 2 or so. The next day was a bunch of orientation type stuff, which is when you got the picture. I met my trainer, Elder Christensen that afternoon and we had a quick meeting. Elder Christensen is from Murray (Utah) and has been out about a year. He is awesome. He is a little Taylor Walkenhorst-esque and is just patient and very good to me. He has been a great companion the last week and I am excited to work with him. We then were put in the car with the mission driver who I can't remember the name of and we were taken a couple hours to Tallyati where we would have zone conference the next two days. That was actually very nice to be in a meeting house and around other English speakers. They were all super nice and it was a very enjoyable couple of days. From there, we took off on a bus (Saturday morning) for a six or so hour ride up to beautiful Kazan! It was so nice to finally get to an area where I am supposed to be. It is a very unique city that is split by the river. We are in the north area and another companionship is in the south. And yes dad, I believe there are about 56 missionaries in the mission. Anyways the city is kinda it's own country. It is its own republic with like its own King. Pretty funny place. It's got a lot of Muslim mixed in the population and so there are just these super cool mosques and Russian cathedrals everywhere. Last night the mosque that is so cool across from us was doing the whole singing prayer. It is so cool here. I love the Muslim people here. They are so nice to us and will actually hear us out. It is such a wonderful place I am in.
I gotta explain real quick-holy cow it really is cold here. I am not gonna lie the last two days have been crazy cold. But I'm all bundled up and am taking it on like a champion. Scary thing is, everyone says it's all warm and just heating up here. It is a good time with that. I love the glittery snow here.
Yesterday was such an awesome day. It was my first day of being a normal missionary you could say. We travelled about 45 minutes to the branch building which is super nice. We had about 30 people at church, which supposedly we usually have about 50. It was some work day yesterday or something. But as I'm already playing the prelude music, Elder Christensen comes and tells me I will be giving a talk! He spoke before for about 20 minutes and I spoke for about ten. Wow welcome to Russia. I would like to say I gave a coherent talk, and all the members were so nice to me and said thank you thank you for piano and the talk. They are just as you picture them. Man, I love them so much. They were so funny yesterday. I can't wait for Sunday to come back around. I have begun to feel that love people talk about. They were so nice, and when we find the right people, they are so kind and accepting of us. I have a ton to learn, and really only understand nothing of what anyone says, but holy cow I love it. It truly is the Lord's work. I could feel the spirit so strong as a small group of us partook of the Sacrament. It was just the same as home. But something was just a little more radiant in the way it felt yesterday. It is a special place I am in. I wish you could be here to give a taste of what it really is like. I don't think I could do it justice. But overall, I love it. Yes it's hard, yes I don't understand anything, but I have such reason to be happy. They don't show it much, but when they do these people are so happy. I have loved to feel how the Spirit really can radiate from us. What a blessing it is to be a light to the people around us, even if it's just a quick hello. Hopefully this gave a good taste of how it is. It's tough, but I can't tell enough how much I love it and love Russia. I love you and am so thankful for you. I want to find a family like ours. Love you family!
Love,
Elder Nielson
Yes I am really here in Russia...kinda crazy to really think about. I will try the best I can to portray what the last week has been. I will definitely chalk it up as probably the craziest week I probably will ever have. That is until next week comes around. So, here we go! So we had a quick layover following our chat on Monday in New York. That is a crazy airport. Anyways just got on a plane from there to buzz straight to Moscow. I could have sworn Sister Moe and I were the only Americans on the plane. But it went pretty quick actually. We then landed in Moscow to begin a crazy day. We met a couple of nice American ladies that took us to the embassy down there in Moscow. Holy cow-we were in the part of Moscow you never see. I felt like I was in a dream the whole time and should have had Jason Bourne sitting in the seat next to me. The traffic there is absolute chaos. Russia in general is pretty unorganized in the traffic. I have no idea how we didn't die. Anyways, we then got registered for our other passports and then split from our other missionaries. They headed off to another airport and we were shipped back to Moscow airport. That was the craziest car ride I have ever had. They just sent us with some guy's friend they knew. He didn't talk the whole time and drove seriously like something from a movie. We were flying up and down the back roads and just in and out of the lanes that aren't painted on the ground. How we didn't die, I have no idea. That was miracle #1 from the week. We then were dropped off at the airport to wait there for 6 hours. It was pretty killer. Travelling is not on my top ten favorites I don't think. We pulled into Samara at about midnight and I swear the pilot just pulled into the parking lot. It was so funny to see the difference. Of course President and Sister Sartori were there to greet us and we got to bed about 2 or so. The next day was a bunch of orientation type stuff, which is when you got the picture. I met my trainer, Elder Christensen that afternoon and we had a quick meeting. Elder Christensen is from Murray (Utah) and has been out about a year. He is awesome. He is a little Taylor Walkenhorst-esque and is just patient and very good to me. He has been a great companion the last week and I am excited to work with him. We then were put in the car with the mission driver who I can't remember the name of and we were taken a couple hours to Tallyati where we would have zone conference the next two days. That was actually very nice to be in a meeting house and around other English speakers. They were all super nice and it was a very enjoyable couple of days. From there, we took off on a bus (Saturday morning) for a six or so hour ride up to beautiful Kazan! It was so nice to finally get to an area where I am supposed to be. It is a very unique city that is split by the river. We are in the north area and another companionship is in the south. And yes dad, I believe there are about 56 missionaries in the mission. Anyways the city is kinda it's own country. It is its own republic with like its own King. Pretty funny place. It's got a lot of Muslim mixed in the population and so there are just these super cool mosques and Russian cathedrals everywhere. Last night the mosque that is so cool across from us was doing the whole singing prayer. It is so cool here. I love the Muslim people here. They are so nice to us and will actually hear us out. It is such a wonderful place I am in.
I gotta explain real quick-holy cow it really is cold here. I am not gonna lie the last two days have been crazy cold. But I'm all bundled up and am taking it on like a champion. Scary thing is, everyone says it's all warm and just heating up here. It is a good time with that. I love the glittery snow here.
Yesterday was such an awesome day. It was my first day of being a normal missionary you could say. We travelled about 45 minutes to the branch building which is super nice. We had about 30 people at church, which supposedly we usually have about 50. It was some work day yesterday or something. But as I'm already playing the prelude music, Elder Christensen comes and tells me I will be giving a talk! He spoke before for about 20 minutes and I spoke for about ten. Wow welcome to Russia. I would like to say I gave a coherent talk, and all the members were so nice to me and said thank you thank you for piano and the talk. They are just as you picture them. Man, I love them so much. They were so funny yesterday. I can't wait for Sunday to come back around. I have begun to feel that love people talk about. They were so nice, and when we find the right people, they are so kind and accepting of us. I have a ton to learn, and really only understand nothing of what anyone says, but holy cow I love it. It truly is the Lord's work. I could feel the spirit so strong as a small group of us partook of the Sacrament. It was just the same as home. But something was just a little more radiant in the way it felt yesterday. It is a special place I am in. I wish you could be here to give a taste of what it really is like. I don't think I could do it justice. But overall, I love it. Yes it's hard, yes I don't understand anything, but I have such reason to be happy. They don't show it much, but when they do these people are so happy. I have loved to feel how the Spirit really can radiate from us. What a blessing it is to be a light to the people around us, even if it's just a quick hello. Hopefully this gave a good taste of how it is. It's tough, but I can't tell enough how much I love it and love Russia. I love you and am so thankful for you. I want to find a family like ours. Love you family!
Love,
Elder Nielson
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Elder Nielson arrives safe and sound...Whew!
Dear Parents,
Elder Nielson and Sister Moe arrived early today.... 12:25 a.m...... in our Russia Samara Mission. They look wonderful and were handling the 'jet lag' very well. Thank you for sharing your delightful young missionaries with us. We can feel their strong spirits and love for the Lord in their hearts. We love them already !!!!
Attached you will find 3 articles that will tell you about our mission. Also you will find the photos we took this morning after breakfast with them.Sister Moe will be serving in Saratov, Russia in our Dachney Branch with Sister Pitchforth and Sister Callister.Elder Nielson will be serving with Elder Christensen in Kazan, Russia.
Our P-day is Monday, so you will be hearing from your missionaries then.
Love, Laughter and Sunshine
President and Sister Sartori
Russia Samara Mission
Любовь, смех и солнце
Сестра Сартори Российская Самарская Миссия
Elder Nielson and Sister Moe arrived early today.... 12:25 a.m...... in our Russia Samara Mission. They look wonderful and were handling the 'jet lag' very well. Thank you for sharing your delightful young missionaries with us. We can feel their strong spirits and love for the Lord in their hearts. We love them already !!!!
Attached you will find 3 articles that will tell you about our mission. Also you will find the photos we took this morning after breakfast with them.Sister Moe will be serving in Saratov, Russia in our Dachney Branch with Sister Pitchforth and Sister Callister.Elder Nielson will be serving with Elder Christensen in Kazan, Russia.
Our P-day is Monday, so you will be hearing from your missionaries then.
Love, Laughter and Sunshine
President and Sister Sartori
Russia Samara Mission
Любовь, смех и солнце
Сестра Сартори Российская Самарская Миссия
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