Ben has been out for 6 months already! It's weird for me to use the word "already" because on one hand the time has seemed to go so slow and yet it is flying by at the same time.
He is so happy, loves the Lord and the work he is doing. Ben is learning so much about himself, the gospel and is completely in love with serving "his people" as he calls them.
As I have taken time to look through pictures and think back through these last 6 months, it has given me an opportunity to reflect on all the things he has been through to get to where he is today. He left his family, friends, job, (his Xbox😁) and anything else that was familiar to him and decided to serve the Lord for 2 years. Spent 9 weeks in the MTC learning one of the hardest languages (Chinese), studying the gospel hoping and praying that he can understand both well enough to teach the people of Riverside. He has met, served, bunked, pranked, been sick and taken care of, laughed, cried and prayed with many Elders whom he will call "brothers" for life and even rubbed shoulders with some amazing Sisters.
He moved to California, dove into an unfamiliar culture feeling like he had to relearn the language (because we all know it's completely different when you speak to natives), has walked and biked numerous miles in the heat and cold, has seen gorgeous sunsets, eaten weird food and met ALL different kinds of people. Some that really like him others...not so much. Haha😏
He has cried tears of joy and laughed so hard he couldn't breathe, but has also had quiet moments where tears of sadness have taken over and he has been heartbroken over the choices of others. He has had the opportunity to be taught by Prophets and Apostles, felt the spirit, shared his testimony with both friends and strangers, taught the gospel, has seen many miracles in the few months he has been out but most importantly, he is changing into the man that our Heavenly Father intends him to be.
To say we miss him would be an understatement. But we could not be more proud of the decision he has made and the example he has set for all of us. I am so excited to see what these next 18 months will bring for him and so happy that we get to watch and learn as he continues on this amazing journey.
Keep up the great work Elder Nelson, the heavens are rooting for you!👍😇
♥A sneak peek at Ben's last 6 months!♥
(Music courtesy of one of Ben's FAVORITE bands-Imagine Dragons!)
(Music courtesy of one of Ben's FAVORITE bands-Imagine Dragons!)
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