The Spirit is Strong

Letter Received 23 September 2009:

hey evryone!

i miss all of you so much but everything is good here still kinda stressed though but its getting better . the spirit is so strong here i just got the package that you sent me which was awesome by the way thanks lexie i love you soooooooo much! but any who my comp is from american fork and he is a straight up baller! and he loves the spirit and he is very smart im doiong ok in class spanish is hard and is coming slowly and the gospel is hard i have my first teaching expierience this week we have to teach a teacher that is acting as a investogator i am super nervous sorry i didnt email sooner this is the only day that we are actually supposed to write tell taylor thanks for the picture it was awesome i am goin to put it up in my room along with the chile flag thanks for that mom i think that i want my thinner pillow and i want to wish mom and taylor a happy late birthday ! i am sad that i missed them ! i have seen tyson three times i get to sit with him every sunday and tuesday and sunday at the devotionals here! i have never felt the spirit so much in my life and i am becoming the man of god that i should be by im trying so hard and praying not to be home sick i know that the lord will bless me and i will be able to push through this. the food is gettin old really fast here and i am gaining weight like you cant belive i have already gained seven pounds! tell lyndsay  that every one loved the apple that she gave me and tell her thanks every thing is so busy here all the time everything is super scheduled and crazy but the spirit is strong like in the temple. im glad that i have had alot of letters keep them coming tell grandma and grandpa thanks for them how is every one doing there whats been going on i just wish that i could call you all but guess what i get to call all you guys when i get to the airport why i am waiting for my flight but one a bad thing mom and dad is that my credit card doesnt work at all! but everyone write me please i love to read whats going on at home and how everyone is doin thanks for everything so far!

things i need and would like
conditioner
thick white hangers
my thin pillow
more stuff that i can shine my shoes
small soccer sized beach ball to play with in my room
i cant wait to here back from every one how is my bike treating you dad  do you ride it everywhere? well my time is up so i have to go we only have a half hour love you all

elder nelson
ps miss you

MTC Address

If anyone would like to write to Elder Nelson, his address is:

Austin Wayne Nelson
MTC Mailbox # 330
CHI-CON 1116
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Please note the following items:

1.    Missionary service began upon arrival.  Please do not arrange or request visits with your missionary, particularly "unanticipated" meetings at the temple or in proximity to the MTC.

2.    All missionary mail must come through the US Mail or commercial delivery services.  Hand delivered items will NOT be accepted.  Do not send pizzas, fast foods, ice-cream, or any items that will spoil if they are not refrigerated within 24 hours.  Missionaries are not called out of class to receive packages, nor do they have access to a refrigerator.

3.    Communicate with your missionary weekly through letters sent to the above address or through the email account that the missionary will set up within the first two weeks.  Only immediate family can send to this email account.  Telephone calls for missionaries cannot be accepted.

4.    Families and friends should not plan to visit departing missionaries at the airport or MTC.  Farewells should have been said at home before the missionary arrived at the MTC.

First Letter from the MTC ... Reality Hits!

Letter Received 19 September 2009

Dear Mom and Dad and Family:

I miss you guys so much!  It's insane here like everything is planned for you like every second of the day.  It's work, work work, then sleep, then more work!  But I guess that's o.k. I guess I'm like exhausted though.  My comp is awesome, his name is Elder Christienson.  He is a lot like me.  We already get along awesome.  My district is awesome.  They all remind me of people I know!  But there all way chill.  The food is good!  Not going to lie I miss pop!  Ha Ha but doing good.  I saw Tyson for like a whole thirty seconds.  I think we're on like totally different time schedules.  But its o.k.  I know I will see him sometime.  My teachers are cool but its way overwhelming!  'Cause its like I'm stressed and it just keeps coming.

I have 3 roommates there way chill.  I need like all the extended family's addresses.  Especially Britt!  I have so much to tell him.  How is everyone doing with out me there?  What's everyone up to?  I can't wait to hear from you guys.  I love you guys.  Write lots.  Miss you guys a lot and my bed.  Please send lots of goodies like drinks if possible.  Love you guys so much.  I am doing well but stressed.  I can't wait to hear from you.

Love,
Elder Nelson

Entering the MTC

Elder Nelson entered the MTC on 16 September 2009.  It was an emotional day of goodbyes.  Good luck Elder Nelson, we love you.

Before leaving the house, Elder Nelson took one last ride down the street on his motorcycle.

Family is no longer allowed in the MTC with the missionaries.  Goodbyes are said at the curb and then a missionary escorts your son or daughter into the buildings.  We took a few pictures at the sign before dropping him off.

We said one last goodbye at the curb, he gathered his bag, and began his journey.

Trip the Salt Lake Temple

Austin was set apart as a missionary on 14 September 2009.  He received a blessing as a part of that setting part that was quite moving.  He definitely has an important work to do among the people of Chile.  The day before he entered the MTC was spent with family.  He spent the morning at the Salt Lake Temple and enjoyed his first live session.  Later that day we took family pictures and went to dinner.

Here are a few pictures outside the temple.

The Farewell

Austin spoke in sacrament on the Sunday before he left for the MTC.  He also sang "A Window to His Love" with his friend Caroline as a part of the meeting.  (His first ever music solo!)  He was a little anxious and got up to speak before it was his turn :)  Austin spoke about member missionary work and indicated that it was important to be an example and not afraid of who you are.  He said that something as simple as wearing a CTR ring can turn into a missionary moment if we are open to sharing with others.

Family and friends gathered after the meeting to celebrate and say goodbye.

Below:  Austin and his Sister Lexie

The group gathers at the house for an early lunch.

From Left:  Karey (a family friend), Jill (Aunt), Taylor (nephew)

Clockwise From Front Left:  Matt, Jace (brother), Hannah, Ryan, Alex (all the rest are cousins)

Clockwise from Left:  Kilen, Dax, Caleb, Talysha (All Cousins)

Looking at the Camera:  Mylie (niece) and Caroline (friend)

From Left:  Justin (brother-in-law) and Dad

Friends of Austin's

All the boys.

From Left:  Austin, Dad, Jace

Austin and Jace

Austin with Dad and Mom

From Left:  Sisters Lexie and Lyndsay, Dad, Austin, Mom, and brother Jace

Austin with sister Lyndsay

From Left:  Grandpa Merlyn, Austin, Grandma Connie

Austin with Grandpa Wayne

Austin with his Grandpas

Austin and Karli

Going to the Temple...

Austin received his endowments in the Ogden Utah Temple on 11 July 2009. 

From Left:  Mom, Austin, Dad

From Left:  Lexie (Sister), Craig (Brother-in-Law), Mom, Austin, Dad

Austin with Grandma Connie

The Call

Austin received his mission call on the 14th of May 2009.  Family and friends gathered at his home for the opening of the envelope.  Everyone made a guess at where he was going and posted it on the map you see behind him.  One person, Tara, guessed Chile.

 

Austin was particularly excited because he wanted to serve a Spanish speaking mission. His best friend, Tyson, is going to serve in the Ecuador - Quito mission. This was part of why he wanted to speak Spanish. His family is excited that he will be serving in a relatively safe country with humble people who will be ready to hear the Gospel.