Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Gratitude

 Family & Friends,

What a week! I would love to express my ample amounts of gratitude since Thanksgiving does not really exist over here. I am thankful first off for the Book of Mormon, I am thankful for the tedious process that succeeded as the book was published. I always say, "No great thing comes simply" and the Book of Mormon came at great cost/lengths! I am thankful for my family and my peers, both in and outside of the mission. I am grateful for the hard lessons I have and am learning. I am thankful for my companion and the love he extends to me. I am thankful for Hyde ward and the Strength they give me in this great work. I am also thankful for having a marvelous Mission President! My leaders are great Men that I look up to as examples. Thank You!

Lots of finding has happened here. It's all about the "keeping your chin up" and having a positive attitude on everything here! I have learned the most from this area especially patience. I am still waiting for the Lord to bless us with someone who is prepared to walk into the waters of baptism! Just yesterday on our way to ward council meeting, a member was talking about two potential referrals that he is working with and finds them fit for the Kingdom! He eventually will allow us to teach them is what he said, but he is doing his work as a member! Miracle!!

I have come to the knowledge that if you love others they will feel that love and give the love back! It's like if I give the sweetest most desirable present or gift to someone, they in return will feel the need and divine responsibility to give back something they view as precious! Now I am not saying I expect anything from anyone, but the dichotomy between this principal is remarkable.

Have all of you watched the New Christmas Initiative?? It's so good! I can't wait to serve... more ;)

We are really working with a man, I might have mentioned him before, but he is a member, but has been less active for a long time. He and I are best friends; the only thing that prevents him from coming to church is his bus schedule. If you would like to pray for him because he has applied for a new job and he needs it. It's the only job out there for him! Thank you :)

Mom & Family: time slips away too quickly! Mom thank you for your email, it was a good cheery email that got me in funny spirits as you told your silly joke!... why were the Lamanites always hungry? Because the Nephites hid the plates ;) anyway, I have bought a couple things to remember places by... mostly clothes, but I dislike buying stuff, I don't like to spend money. That's for my schooling back home :) my electric shaver finally busted (dads old one that he gave to me years ago the old plug in) I am now officially learning how to shave with sharp razors 😱. SPENCER!!! AAAAHHH #Missionsareamazing! I am proud of my two younger brothers. I cannot wait for Skype to see you all! And Bryce's birthday!! I said happy birthday but you've been on my mind all week! I love you all so much! Thanks mom for sending the Christmas package! Can't wait! The other packages took so long cause they arrived in the office but never got delivered to me quickly, cause that's mission life :) well have a great week! I don't need much, just you love and prayers! 


P.s. I am always using the bus, cars are for those who get their license, I've thought about it cause it reduces insurance by 15%! I just am lazy to get my license. so I either bus or walk :) #countthemiles


Love, 
Elder Nichols

Monday, November 21, 2016

Thanksgiving!

Dear Family & Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans!!! How I will miss this memorable holiday!

Anyway, all is well and very wet! We had some snow just a few days ago
that was large and quite fluffy for English snow! It truly felt as
though Christmas is just around the block. My companion and I are
really trying our hardest to bundle up every day in this cold and
humid weather. We had the great opportunity and privilege to witness a
baptism that the sisters receive credit for! It was truly an
experience! President Ulrich attended and it was great to see him.

We had Stake Conference yesterday and it was fabulous! The Stake
president was so gung-ho that when the dedication of the Paris, France
temple comes, the Stake will have a road trip to see it dedicated!!!
It's absolutely incredible! Anyway, we have been challenged to read
the Book of Mormon within one month! Similar to last Christmas, I am
now scrambling to read it so fast and the incentive is when we finish,
we will do baptisms for the dead!!

Mom and Fam: Tea Time is just having dinner :) Bryce!! Happy birthday
to you! You are so big and great! I finally received the packages and
the letters and stuff! Thank you so much!! It is fantastic! Those baby
pictures almost made me cry!! Haha, I love them so much! Thank you mom
and dad for all that you do and I love my brothers and sister, and
maybe almost sister ;) keep up doing what you are doing and don't
overindulge yourself, but eat enough for me! :):)

Love,

Elder Nichols