Miami Lakes South Area 5-27-14

Un plato tipico of latin food

our view from our appointment

FAMILIA!
What's up everybody!? Sounds like you guys are about ready for summer! First off though, maddie I don't know if I believe you caught 5 fish! That's crazy, where did you guys go fishing? Send me pics por favor! I can't believe you're going into junior high, and that you got your braces off! You look so old! Stop that! haha anyway It's always good to hear that you guys are loving life!

This week was pretty crazy though, to say the least. So, first off I'll tell you all the stuff that went down with that Dominican family we found last sunday that fed us and let us in. So like I said the Mom, Angela, was taught in the DR for a little bit, and while we were there we met her daughter Jerlin. We told them we would stop by on Tuesday and help them pack because they moved to pennsylvania today. So we stop by and tuesday and meet her son named Ray, super legit kid, same age as me. We didn't even have to ask them or anything, but they all just sat down and were like alright teach us something. So we jumped right in, and taught a really simple Plan of Salvation, and invited them to be baptized. Boom, they all said yes, but we didn't expect much from it because we knew they were moving today so we explained how the process takes about 2 weeks so they would have to be baptized in Pennsylvania. So we go by the next day, and we start talking to Ray and he's just explains to us how they were talking about it last night, and then he asked if there was anyway they could be baptized the sunday before they left, and were just like, "I think so, but let us see what we can do." We call President explain to him the situation and he says yeah, we would just have to watch a session of general conference with them before Sunday! So we were pumped! So long story short the rest of the week we taught them everything, got members over everyday with us, and they were solid. Saturday they got interviewed they all passed, and were pumped and ready for church the next morning. Then sunday morning comes around and while were getting ready to head over to the church to meet our member who was giving them a ride they call us. Angela then starts to explain to us how they're not gonna come to church because Ray just left somewhere with his friends, and Jerlin had a sleepover at her friends house, and she for some reason doesn't feel ready now. We're both just like what in the world just happened. So sadly, they didn't get baptized. Huge heartbreaker but, we got them hooked up with the missionaries in Pennsylvania so as soon as they get there tomorrow the missionaries will be ready to pick up where we left off.

Sorry for telling that huge long story then just let down, but that was mainly our focus from this past week. No worries though, they will get baptized there and it will all work out! In other news transfer calls were last night, and I will be getting a new companion! Elder Page is leaving, and I will be staying here in miami lakes. I'm excited to stay because we do have 1 legit investigator named W, and a ton more potentials! So I will let you know next week about who my new companion is! I love you all so much, and hope you have an incredible week! First week of summer basically! I know this church is true, and I love being missionary! Keep up the good work back home!
Elder Nielsen

Miami Lakes South Area 5-19-14

FAMILIA!
First off I just want to say congrats dad! Qualified for boston with 46 seconds to spare! Whoop whoop that's what I'm talking about! Old guy still kicking trash! But for real though dad, that's legit and I'm glad you were still able to make it to the race even after all the stuff that happened! Sounded pretty crazy everything that happened! I really liked what you shared too mom, about how even in Utah there is still missionary work to be done! Missionary work is everywhere so I encourage all of you to continue to look for ways that you can share the gospel.

This week was kinda a weird week. It felt like it flew by super fast, but then during the days time was going super slow. One of the biggest highlights was on Thursday we had an amazing Zone Conference with President and Sister Anderson. That will be their last one before they leave, so that was kinda sad. Then during the Conference a huge storm came in and everyone got a text for a tornado warning in the area! Nothing ended up happening though, streets just got flooded and it rained super hard. Some other good news as well is that our area borders got expanded! Whoop whoop miami lakes south is no longer just a tiny box in the corner of the ward boundaries! That is gonna help us out a ton because there is so much spanish in the new area we have.

We knocked a lot of doors this week which was great! haha I don't know why but I have truly come to love knocking doors now on my mission. Just because everyday something weird happens or we meet some crazy cubans or people who just want to be baptized! haha last night we were knocking these huge apartment complexes (which our now in our area thanks to the border change) and this lady lets us in right away and tells us about how the missionaries used to always come over to her house in the D.R. Yup that's right dad there are a ton of dominicans in our area so I'm getting to know a little bit about what you're mission was like! Anyway, she asks us if were hungry and we both just say of course missionaries are always hungry. So she tells us to sit and in 5 mins she will have something for us. Well I don't know how she did it but in 5 mins there were 2 huge plates in front of us with super good dominican food! Man, it was rico! She also told us she wants to come to church next which was even better news than the giant platters of cominda!

We're super excited for this upcoming week cause were just gonna go crazy hard on finding still. I don't know why but just from talking to Elder Page this area seems to always have had struggles finding people but I believe were gonna find someone super cool this upcoming week that just wants to get baptized so bad! One of the things that I've learned on mission is that everytime a door gets shut in your face rather than feeling down that they don't want to learn more, just be excited for the next one because it means you're that much closer to the elect person who's going to get baptized!

I love you all so much, and just want to share with you that I know this is Christ's Church! Being a missionary is amazing because everyday I'm growing, and learning, and my testimony is being strengthened! It's amazing to think about how much I've changed just in these first 6 months. I can't believe it's already been more than 6 months and it makes just want to work even harder because time is flying and I don't like that! Keep up the good work, and sissy's don't have too much fun this last week of school! ;) Love you all!
Elder Nielsen

Miami Lakes South Area 5-12-14

Our happy Mother's Day/Birthday Skype call

FAMILIA!
It was super good to see all of your gorgeous faces yesterday! Man, that was a joyful experience for sure! Haha I kinda feel like what you said Mom, that I don't really know what to write because I saw all of you just yesterday! But nonetheless I feel kinda dumb because during the call I didn't say hardly anything about Mother's Day, and Dad's Birthday! So first off, Happy Birthday Pops! I'm glad to see that your still kickin' butt even though you're getting up there! haha just kidding but go hard and qualify for Boston! Now momma, happy mother's day yesterday! I just want to say how grateful I am to have such an incredible mother like you! And not just you but our whole family! Holy cow you guys are incredible and I feel super blessed to have such amazing family members as all of you! So I love you all, and thank you for all that you have done to help me! As well thank you for putting up with me back when I was a lazy turd, at home and did nothing!

I don't really know what to write now about missionary work because I feel like you all know everything now! Sadly, last night we weren't able to meet with our family from Paraguay. I don't know what happened to them but they just weren't home! No worries though we're gonna find them tonight, and I'm sure their still gonna be elect! We haven't heard back from our Mission President yet about changing our area boundary but when we talked to him earlier on the week he said he was pretty much good with anything we just had to get approval from the Bishop and Sisters. Which we did, so were excited for that so this week we can go work some new areas! Basically missionary work is just the best!

I want to let you all know that I know that this truly is the Church of Jesus Christ! Yesterday, you guys asked me some pretty good questions! Mom, I really liked as well when you asked me what has changed the most. I was thinking about that last night and it really is hard for me to say because I've changed in so many ways. And I don't want to say my testimony has changed, because it still is the same, just a lot stronger now I guess! The mission has really strengthened my testimony and I think that is what I've been the most grateful for so far in my mission. I know that the Book of Mormon is true because I have studied it, but more important than that is because I have prayed about it! The answers that I have received from Heavenly Father mean more to me than any other random information from the world. You guys are the best and I could not ask for a better family!
Con amor,
Elder Nielsen

This guy was selling mangos on the side of the road so we decided to stop and buy one and eat it there! haha so good!

This was the picture I was telling you about where I got dumped on. once by the rain and then by a bird!

Miami Lakes South Area 5-5-14

FAMILIA!
FELIZ Cinco de mayo! whoop whoop! Wow, can I just say that you guys are the best! I love reading all your emails every week and hearing about the crazy stuff back home! It sounds like the girls were busy with their recital this week! Sorry little sissys that I wasn't able to reply to your emails but just know I love you guys and am always happy to hear about what's going on in your lives! Thank you so much as well for sending me all the pictures! I love pictures! Kylie, stop looking so flipping gorgeous! Man, it's a good thing Dad is working his tail off and getting jacked! haha but seriously that picture of dad holding the shotguns was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time!

So yes our week here was incredible! And as you already know yes we did attend the temple cultural celebration! Haha I can't believe I was actually in it and that you saw me! I didn't realize until after but I was thinking about it, like why was there a light in my eye the whole time but I guess I was just lucky and that's what happened! The cultural celebration was super fun though! I felt like it was just a huge reunion! I got to talk to Elder Ward again, and all the other missionaries I used to live with so that was fun! Then as well I saw a whole bunch of my homies from fountainebleau! Specifically Benjamin and Alicia! I almost wept, when I felt someone tap my shoulder and I turn around and see B's face! haha it was legendary. Then the same thing happened with Alicia and she tried to hug me! haha I just started backing up and stuck out my hand. She was actually in the celebration so it was just awesome to see all the recent converts still being bosses! The temple dedication was amazing as well! We got to attend at our chapel here, and obviously the spirit during the sessions was incredible! I feel super blessed to be here in this historical time in South Florida!

Well I don't really know what else to write about the week other than the temple stuff! But even with all that going one we did still do missionary work! I actually got to go on 2 exchanges this week. I went on one with the Zone Leaders, and one with the other elders in our district. Both times I left my area and went into their area so that was fun. Their areas are Opa Locka, and Miami Gardens. Both straight hood. haha easily the most black people I've ever seen! But it was super fun, and I learned a ton! Hopefully one day I will get to serve in one of those areas because they are boss!

I also love our area here in Miami Lakes! We knocked out quite a few apartments this week, and found some cool peeps that we're excited to follow up with! I'm not sure what else to write about because all we're doing right now is finding. All our other investigators last week either dropped us or wouldn't act so we're kinda starting fresh, but I have faith that God will lead us to someone who's ready to be baptized! I'm also super grateful to be here with Elder Page. He's an amazing missionary and I feel super blessed to have had such legit companions. I learn something new everyday, which is always legit! Oh, and for skypeing we have some members who said we can come to their house. We're planning on going after you guys get home from church. so it will be around 6:30 here, but like 4:30 there. So that should work right?? I'm pumped to see all of your beautiful faces! I love you all and just want to let you know again that I know this church is true! Missionary work isn't easy but it is definitely worth it, and I love my mission! Love you guys!
Elder Nielsen

Miami Lakes South Area 4-28-14

I saw a dinosaur!

FAMILIA!
Sounds you guys are keeping busy as usual! Little sissies I'm excited to hear how your dance recital goes! Keep up the good work with that! I can't believe I have already been out almost 6 months. That straight blows my mind! That's crazy that we will be skypeing as well on Dad's birthday! Dad, thank you for the sports updates as well. I"m not to worried about the Spurs, I've been talking to some kids down here and everybody thinks it's gonna be a rematch between spurs and heat again so we will see!

Fun fact the temple cultural celebration is this Saturday and we are actually going to be in it! It is also going to be the first that you can watch live. So if you feel like watching it go for it!

I feel like I have learned a ton in this past week. I'm super grateful to be companions with Elder Page because he is a boss. We worked super hard, but didn't see too many results. Mainly, people just choosing to use their agency the wrong way! Flipping stinks when that happens but there's not much we can do about it!

We do have one legit person named Carmen though! She's way cool, sadly she wasn't able to come to church because her 2 year old daughter shoved a crayon up her nose and they weren't able to get it out so they took her to the hospital! yeah I know, a joke but she still wants to be baptized on the 18th so that's chill! We've got some good things coming this week I can feel it! We're just gonna keep working hard, and leave the rest in the hands of the Lord! That's all we can do anyways!
A cool miracle happened as well.  On Saturday night, we were harvesting because all of our appointment had fallen through and we knocked into a guy named Allen. At first he came busting out of the door looking like he wanted to hurt us, but as soon as we introduced ourselves he immediately let us pray with him. After the prayer we asked him if he believed God had sent us to him, and he said something like, "Yes, I needed that prayer and I can't remember the last time I felt like this!" We then told him as well that God sent us to invite him to be baptized and he said, Of course! He told us he was going to be gone on Sunday but we have a return appointment tonight and we are super pumped for that!

This week really strengthened testimony. With all the junk going on with people making dumb decisions, and whatever else I still know with a surety that this is God's church! I love this mission and am so grateful to be here. We've seen so many miracles with everything that is going on down here in South Florida and It's just an amazing time to be here. I love you all and appreciate all you have done for me! Keep going hard in the paint, and keep looking for opportunities to serve others!
Elder Nielsen

Miami Lakes South area 4-21-14 New Companion Elder Page

New companion- Elder Page

FAMILIA!!
Feliz dia de pascua! Good to hear that you all had a great day celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We had a great Easter yesterday as well here in the new area of Miami Lakes South! whooop whoop new area! Alright yes Mom, let me clear up all your confusion. So how transfers work is on monday night the whole zone has a conference call, and the zone leaders just go down the list of the whole zone and all they say is your name, and whether you are transferring or staying. That's all. So then on tuesday it's P-day so that everybody who is transferring can get all their junk together. Then on wednesday we have a big transfer meeting and they read out all the areas and who is going where and who your companion is. Make sense now?? So yes on tuesday when I wrote you guys I still had no idea where I was going just that I would be transferring.

But all is well now and you've already seen a new pic of my new companion Elder Page! We are in Miami Lakes South. He's a boss so our time here is gonna be legendary. So quit worrying about me momma I am chill!! haha just kidding I really do appreciate all the prayers and feel the support from you guys! I got the package as well so thank you for that!

Leaving Fountainebleau certainly wasn't easy but I am excited to be here in Miami Lakes! It's comforting to know that all our recent converts in Fountainebleau are gonna be taken care of because the ward there is so boss. I haven't got to meet hardly anyone from our ward yet, because yesterday we had stake conference with Bishop Gary E. Stevenson. As well we had a mission conference with Quentin L. Cook. Such an incredible experience. I learned a ton, and the spirit during the conference was amazing!

I really don't know what to say about my new area. We've got 2 legit investigators, one of which came to church yesterday and should be baptized this sunday so that's good news! Our area is pure spanish as well so I was pumped about that! Other than our 2 cool peeps we've got like no one though. So I'm feeling lot's of door knockin this week! whoop whoop! I wanna share one super cool miracle we saw this week though, with this lady named Nancy who Elder Page had found just before I got here.  She had been taught once before I arrived here about the restoration. She loved it, but wouldn't commit to baptism, but said she would read pray and come to church. The first time I met her was on Thursday. She has some health problems so she had been stuck on the couch all day. After I had met her we started to talk more about her reading and her prayers and she told us this amazing experience. She said she had been praying the night before asking God what she needs to do to grow closer to him. Then she said she had a little dream or vision I'm not exactly sure, but she said that all she saw was my companion, Elder Page standing in front of her, and a voice telling her, "Listen to him." It was an amazing experience that she shared with us, and we both were just grinning with joy! Nonetheless, she is committed to doing everything we say as well as be baptized! So we are super excited to keep working with her!

That's about it for the week, I'll send some pics right after as well. I just want to say that I know that Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know that He lives, and that because of Him all of us will as well! I'm so grateful for this gospel because I know it is the only way to find true joy and happiness! I love you all so much and miss you as well! Keep up the good work back in O-town!
Elder Nielsen

Last letter from Fountainebleau area 4-15-14

The new Ft. Lauderdale Temple

FAMILIA!
Man, you guys sound like you had a stellar week! I loved hearing all the stories about the rat, and the hikes, and just the overall vacation! haha I was dying, while I was reading that story of the rat just chomping through maddies sleeping bag! Dad, I'm not gonna lie it sounds like you're going pretty hard in the paint! 22 miles?? What!? haha I'm not gonna lie the mish is taking a toll on me staying in shape. We just get fed so much grub here! It was good to hear as well that Marla, and Tammy had their babies! You guys are definitely gonna have to go out there! Send me some pics por favor? Gracias!

Well, yes mother you were right transfers are this week that's why I'm emailing today instead of monday. Transfer calls came last night, and the news is. . . . . . . . . .. . Elder Nielsen . . . . . . . . Transferring. Elder Ward. . . . . . Staying. WHAT!!?? haha I thought I was staying for sure, but nope the Lord has something else in mind! I'm not gonna lie I'm pretty sad. Fountainebleau seriously feels like home here. I know almost the whole ward, I've got the area down like the back of my hand, we've got the coolest recent converts, and then Boom. Just like that, I'm gone. It sucks! I'm pumped to get a new companion and a new area but at the same time just thinking about it, it's like worse than leaving home because I really don't know if I'll ever see some of these people again! So yes mom, don't send a package yet, because I will not be here. You can send it to the mission office though. It usually doesn't take that long for them to get it to our apartment.

Other than transfer calls our week here was really good! Highlight of the week though was definitely going to the temple open house!! Whoop whoop we went twice baby! The temple is straight unreal. Holy cow it really is the biggest blessing ever for our mission right now. Then I just found out as well that we have a mission conference this saturday with Elder Quentin L. Cook. It's gonna be unreal, a straight apostle in our mission! Hopefully he's coming to tell us that Cuba is opening up. . . Opening up the area of Havana. . . . Elder Nielsen, and Elder . . . . Ahh I would weep like a small child if that happened!

Sorry anyway back to the temple, we got to go with 2 amazing families from our ward, and some non-members that they knew. It was an amazing experience just to be there and even though it's not dedicated yet to still be able to feel of the incredibly strong spirit that was there! There have been so many miracles in our mission just from the temple. In our tour group, literally every person except the families that we came with were non members. Just people that showed up and decided to go! Super legit! Hopefully I will be able to go again this week, but I don't know with being in a new area and all.

Well as always I love you and miss you as well! I gotta say bye to all my peeps tonight, so hopefully my eyes don't get too sweaty! Keep up the good work, and I know this church is true!
Elder Nielsen