Monday, November 30, 2015

Post Thanksgiving Hello!

Hello everyone! I miss you all so much! I am here in Wigan and loving it.

The weather is starting to get colder over here and I just cannot believe how fast time flies... it is very strange, but hey time goes faster when having so much fun! Transfers are coming up very shortly and it'll be interesting to see who leaves out of my wonderful and loving district.

It gives me a great warmth in my heart to hear that members of the ward are asking about me. I love them all so dearly. I have taken the Fruit Heights 7th Ward for granted so much and I didn't even realize how amazing the people are. We are truly blessed and I am so blessed to be raised in Kaysville/Fruit Heights. In the world today, there are so many people who go throughout their lives and they don't even see the glory and greatness that comes from living. Its time to start looking, counting, and living our blessings instead of singing them and not applying them.

Snow is already in the air over in the States? Darn, I miss those times. I really wish I was with my family, but I still love my mission and I know that there is no better place I can be than in Wigan.

Grandma, poor thing, I am praying for her every night. I hope she gets better soon. I am also glad to hear that Grandma Z. is doing all right and not cooped up in that prison haha.

We (Elder Domiciano and I) have had so many miracles and even more so since it is the time of the Savior and His birth. It’s a glorious time and Christmas is the best time to find and help come unto our Lord Jesus Christ. Just this week we have found three new investigators/friends just by talking about Christmas and even a little about THANKSGIVING! Ahh, how God shows forth his hand and helps others soften their hearts to hear His word. I am privileged to Live, Teach, and Preach the Gospel.

Mom and Family: I am reading all the books that are approved and studying each and every day. My knowledge of the Gospel has grown so much in the little time I have been here. I bought myself a new winter coat, a scarf, and a new (good) umbrella that should last me for a while. Thank you for putting money into my account. I will have to send a picture of me using all of them to show you how nice it all is! I love you all so much, Oh, Brycie! How was passing the Sacrament for the first time? I remember the first time I passed it and it was fantastic! You are a great young man! Keep being an amazing little read headed brother! Spencer, I love you broski, I would love to email you and if you haven’t read my last email, I sent one to you a while back. I wish I could be there for you every step of High School! Mom, I can see how much work you do, and I am so grateful for your wonderful example and love towards all of us. Dad, you have been a great supporter throughout my life and a great friend, I think of those times we would do fun stuff together especially going to Rhodesia Grill, Cabella's, then going to Inception. Derek, oh the brilliant times we had watching movies together and talking superhero stuff. Kaitlyn, thank you for keeping my older brother in line and keep supporting him.

I love all of you so much

Sincerely,

Elder Scott Nichols

Monday, November 23, 2015

What an Inspirational Week!

Hello Family and Friends!

What and Inspirational week it has been! We have so many people we are working with that it confirms to me that the Lord is hastening his work and is preparing his children for us so we can invite them into the warm waters of baptism. In my district we have kick started an obedience program that has greatly improved and impacted what is going on within the areas. As of right now, we are leading the whole mission for most baptismal scheduled dates! Now, I do not tell you this to be prideful, but more to tell you that God is using His missionary children as tools to serve and help others come unto his Gospel, and more importantly, unto Christ. What a blessing it has been witnessing C. enter the font and to make those covenants and promises unto the Lord. He is an amazing young man who really has a desire to know more. When he first met the President, he said, "Wow, I know you are ready for baptism right now because you just have a radiating glow about you. You have it in your eyes and in your heart". At this time, we haven't even asked him to be baptized! I love the family with all my heart and hope to see the whole family progress and succeed as a loving family!

We, as a district, have come up with a new way of answering others questions. It is more of a focus; this focus is on the Paris attack and how people will use that and religion against us. (By the way, you need not fear, there have been threats towards Manchester and other places, but we have guidance and laws that will protect us from any harm. President Ulrich has informed us that everything will be fine; so do not have any fear. I say "only have concern and action on the things you CAN control" I learned that from my dear father) Instead of thinking of this as a way to bring religion down, we need to think of this as an opportunity for helping others find the truth. Thank you for your wonderful love and support, I love you all!

Mom and Family: I am doing really well! I will do my very best not to pick up any foul language. Fun Fact: saying 'crap' is a swear word over here! Christmas gifts, thank you mom for sending some gifts and I promise that I will not open any packages until Christmas. I will start looking for a nice winter coat and thank you for the extra $, I will not use it all or take advantage of it. I also did receive the box of chocolate and candy, thank you! Oh, do not worry about the Yellow jacket, I can live without it (: Way to be Brycie! Happy Birthday too you... Happy Birthday too you... Happy Birthday dear Brycie... Haaaappppyy Biiiirrrtttthhhdddaaayyy tooooooooo you!!!!! I am so sorry for not being there or sending a card, it is a little over my budget. But I love you so much! Congratulations on receiving the Priesthood! You are the Bomb-dot-com! I miss you all, and would not mind hearing from Spencer ;)

With lots of love,


Elder Scott Nichols

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

England is exciting and very different from back home in Utah!

Hello everyone,

I am doing really well! This mission is the best one out there and it is because of all the amazing and phenomenal people that are in it! England is exciting and very different from back home in Utah. The stores are different, the food is different (not too much though), the people are different, and you cannot tell the difference from an 11 yr. old from a 20 yr. old... they all look the same! The worst part about England is that there are so many teenagers that have children too young, many of which are only 13 to 16 years old! But that’s not all, many young children smoke and just about everyone smokes. It is very sad; it really shows that the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity are major commandments that need to be followed because the promised blessings are numerous! Anyway, the members here are fantastic, Elder D. and I eat at least 3 times a week from members who love and care! Elder D. is actually the one who gets us the appointments cause the ward knows and loves him for almost 10 months! He is such an amazing companion and is so knowledgeable of the Gospel! I am very luck to be trained by him!

Transfers are in December and I believe that my companion is going to leave! If he does, I will be extremely sad, but hey that’s what a mission is about. Beyond that, we are teaching the whole L family right now and let me tell you that they are incredible and all have so many unique talents! Elder D and I are teaching them about loving each other, because families need that strength and support that love provides. I am privileged to be the one to help them with their situations in teaching them the true and everlasting gospel of our dear Savior Jesus Christ! It is really interesting that the message that we share is centered on Jesus Christ and yet our mission is all about the family! I absolutely love it; also it brings me so much joy that I am not alone in this great work. The Holy Ghost and God Have so many key roles in this church, hearing of the promptings of the Holy Spirit are vital! If we do not listen to the Still Small Voice than where will we be? Our values and morals will decrease as well as our happiness, guidance and joy. The more we listen to promptings, the more they will come and the more noticeable they will become, but the less we act upon those promptings, the less we will have those promptings. Strive to do your best at listening to the Holy Ghost and try and always feel his presence. "Stand ye in Holy places".

Mom & Family:
Wigan from Preston is about an hour and a half (by car); my socks are doing really well! My feet are warm, my shoes are holding up quite nicely! My gloves are perfect Thank you, I love that hat you sent as well! Well ok, Mr. Mac’s coat is not the greatest... I may have to buy a new coat because this coat is 1: not warm 2: not water proof 3: is already wearing and tearing.

Thank you dad for finishing that table for me, I apologies for not finishing, but thank you so much! I am glad to hear that D&K love it! Spencer!!! Great Job at your swimming, you are such a fast little fish (correction: fast 'Tall' fish), keep going with math and never give up! I know you can do whatever you put your mind to. Bryce! Becoming a Deacon. Wow that is so brilliant! That is such a large responsibility for such a great young man! Also what is your science fair project? I love to hear all of you being so busy, busy is good and make sure there is lots of love in the home always (:

The Mission: Ok, shopping is so strange here, there are the super cheap stores, the cheap stores, the average store, the little over average stores, and then there are the posh stores (expensive). Traveling was weird at first, but it is now fine. Cars can and most of the time is inches away from each other. On the main roads cars are, give or take, 3-4 feet apart! I felt like we would always crash! It was sketchy! The language over here is strange too. Our swear words are normal words over here and their normal words can be swear words over in America for ex; Crap is a swear word. The D-word and the H-word are not swearing.

Well I have run out of time and I love you all so much! Keep working hard and striving to be your best!

Love,

Elder Nichols

There is an amazing glow in his life!

Hello Everyone!

Our new convert got the Priesthood yesterday! He is such and incredible young man, and I cannot wait to see how he grows and progresses in life! Now, because of his amazing example and the Spirit of the Lord, N's brother C.. has accepted baptism for the 21st of this month! We wish it could be sooner, but this coming Saturday and Sunday is Stake Conference so we worked with what we could. There is an amazing glow that is in C.'s life and not only has he accepted baptism, he has a testimony of Joseph Smith and prophets and when we showed him a picture of Pres. Thomas S. Monson, he asked "is that the prophet today?" "I know that he is the prophet today!". I love the L. family! And also because of the brothers example, their mother wants to be retaught the lessons and come back to church! And because of this chain reaction, the sister, has become interested, so last night when we were teaching C., she sat, from a distance, and listened to what our message was. We hope more than anything that she feels the Gospel enter her life as well as the Holly Ghost, who testifies only of truth.

I, myself am doing great and am loving the work! The weather is not as bad as I thought it would be. It starts getting dark at about 4:30 each day, but you don't even think about time when you are focused on the Lords work! I miss everyone back home and I feel the love and support from the ward each and every day, but I know that there are people waiting to taste the sweet fruit of the Gospel so it can improve lives and give people a reason and a purpose in life.

Mom and Family: Let Grandma know that I will be praying for her health! Spencer, I am so proud to hear about swimming! That is so great and good luck. Also, look at your email inbox, I sent you a letter a couple weeks ago :) Bryce! Science fair project! What is your project? Dad keep going with being a teacher! "be a school teacher and marry one too" ;) Mom, keep going and keep busy! First lesson with the Beehives!!! Time flies by when you are busy and active! Don’t let stress get in the way of anything and your life will be fun and happy. Mom, try your best not to send any packages to my flat address, only letters and even with that be careful cause they arrive about two weeks after you send them. I will send a personal letter for what I'd like for Christmas.

Love,

Elder Scott Nichols

Monday, November 2, 2015

It has been a humbling week!



Good Morning, Good Moooorrrrnnniiinnggg!

It has been a humbling week this week. All of our plans fell through as well as our appointments, but I know that everything happens for a reason! God has a plan and it does include the harder times! Elder Domiciano is fantastic and tries to take on the world... and succeeds, so when I try to take on the world I stumble, but not without as large and giant smile. Even though it has been a trying week, it has been a great week that also ended off with a bang!

N. Is an outstanding young man and with his example we have met with his 15 yr old brother and his 13 yr old sister who look up to Nathan so much! Ever since N. has been baptized, his siblings have been really curious! N.’s mom is trying so hard to come back to church, but struggles. We are doing our very best to help her along the way!

Last night there was the recent-convert fast Sunday Fireside and N. was bearing his testimony. He invited his family so Elder Domiciano and I have had to find members who could go and also take N and his family in one vehicle. By the way petrol (gas) is 3 times more expensive over here (not including the exchange rate). We found rides for everyone and we made it! Nathan bore his testimony and right after, N said that it was the most moving thing he has ever been to. He is amazing! After the meeting we talked with his siblings and C.J. asked when we would be able to come over and teach him for the first time! It was a tender mercy for our tough work and rough outcome! Elder Domiciano was jumping with joy and delight, and I could not believe it!

Mom: First off, I love you so much and I am so grateful for your strength! Thank you for all that you have done to raise me! Also I was able to receive the Christmas packages just fine! I loved them! It is starting to get cold and I almost bought my own gloves, but then the package came! It was perfect timing! My health is great and I have been able to compromise with my companion about healthy eating as well as running two to three times a week! I have been able to keep a balanced diet! Next transfer is the 9th of December. Thank you for doing your best for delivering those letters!

Anyway I need to go!

Love you lots!

Love,
Elder Nichols