The Work is Hastening!- Oct. 7, 2018

I was super excited to get pictures of you with the Perrets! It's so crazy to think that the two worlds that I live in are crossing if only for a few minutes! And I'm glad you got all the souvenirs! I had people in mind for each of the gifts, but it looks like you figured it out pretty well! The shorts were actually originally intended for Pace because I thought they matched his style. Plus, I got them in a thrift shop in Compton, which would be a pretty fun story for whenever you get compliments. But they probably fit dad a little bit better anyway :) I happened across a little nativity scene for mom that was small enough to send, but it's not the highest quality. It was mostly just to let you know I'm still looking hahaha. The neon shirts are part of the traditional Aussie tradie (tradesmen) outfit. So I got two of them for Tad and Brigham (hopefully the sizes fit--I just guessed). I honestly can't remember much else of what I sent, but it's all for you guys. I have a couple key chains for Drew (special request), but unfortunately they didn't make it into the package. I'll figure out a way to get them there, though.

Yesterday we had a member invite us over for Lunch and a session of conference which was really good! We just watched the first session, so I'll have to wait till next week for the rest of it. With the bamboo floral arrangements in front, I thought for sure they were opening China for missionary work, but maybe that's just a hint for the next conference. hahaha All the New Zealanders over here are super stoked about a second temple in Auckland. The Church is really growing fast! With all the changes and upgrades happening in the church, it's easy to see how the work is hastening and it feels like everything is building to a climax. It's an exciting time to be a missionary! 

We went on tradeoffs this week in "the most bush area" of the mission. I honestly love the country feel so much, even though most of the other missionaries can's stand it. I'll include some pictures, but the countryside here is so beautiful. One of my favorite responsibilities as a District Leader is going on long drives through the country for miscellaneous reasons. 

While we were on tradeoffs, Elder Agavale and I had a really cool teaching opportunity where we were guided by the spirit to share some scriptures about depression with this nonmember. Turns out it was exactly what he needed at the time. Hopefully they can continue to make progress with him. 

I had an interesting experience this week where a member chastised me for not pausing long enough before saying amen in a prayer. I had to stop myself from laughing because it was kind of silly, but I realized that she was probably right and since then I have been giving more thought to the way and the sincerity with which I pray. I would like to invite each of you to do the same. I know that "whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth." If you want to avoid being chastened, it's better if you seek out and learn the principles on your own without having to be "commanded in all things." 

That's about all from this week!

Elder Nelson

1. Mittagong NSW

2. the most beautiful garden I have ever seen. I ended up taking a video of the whole thing because it was so intricate, so the one picture I have doesn't do it justice.

3. long drives in the country

4. we haven't had a spider pic in a while...