28 February 2010

28 February 2010
Mission Journal

Greetings Family & Friends,
We have actually seen blues skies this week, not only once, but twice. I hadn't really realized that we hadn't seen a blue sky for so long until we did see one. The willow trees are starting to have a few green buds on the branches, so Spring is coming here too.

This week Nathan Mahana came into the Center a couple of days. He is really a great help typing in the jobs that different people e-mail or call into the Center. He is very patient with me and is teaching me some sign language relevant to what we are doing. The first day sat by him most of the time guiding him on what to do. The second day he was very independent, knowing and understanding what needed to be done.

This past week Julie (manager) was in Salt Lake City for the funeral of her brother-in-law. She was back into the office Tuesday of this week. Wednesday afternoon she received a phone call that her daughter-in-law, who lives in California, is 38 yrs old and has 5 children, had just had a stroke. She left immediately, arranged for a flight and went to help. She will fly in tomorrow (Monday) and then her and the assist. Manager, Donna will fly out to Denver, CO for some meetings w/SLC. Fortunately we are working more independently also and hopefully can cover most things that come up – at least we hope.

There was a couple that we went through the MTC with, the Nicheliasen's. We enjoyed their friendship and getting to know them while there. We have emailed back and forth a bit since. They were sent to Siberia/Russia. He wanted to set up a time for us to visit via Skype, where you have a little camera on your computer and you see each other on your computer and can see each other and listen to each other talk. It doesn't cost you anything after you're set up with your little camera. Elder Nicheliasen had figured out that 8:00 would be a good time for us to visit. It was 8:00 am in Dallas and 8:00 of the next day in Russia. We had a great visit learning about some of the things they are doing and experiencing on their Humanitarian Mission. The reason he had called however was because he was wanting some information on Employment Services that we are involved with. The Branch President had asked if he could come up with some time of program for their Branch there because of the high rate of unemployment they are experiencing. We shared some ideas and then sent him some attachments of training books etc. His problem will be sifting through it all, simplifying it then getting it translated into Russian. He said the church is so new over there, they are just getting programs up and going. For example last month the Branch President said he had been doing some reading and studying and came across a program that he thought would be good and that they should try. It was the Young Women's Program.

We have been able to Skype with Dustin, Lauren and family too. It is great to beable to see the kids and talk with them. What a marvelous thing. Technology is amazing.

Our P-Day found us in Jefferson, Texas. What an interesting and enjoyable place. We must go back there, it was a 3 hour drive each way so once there we didn't have a long time to spend experiencing the town. In the late 1800's it was a booming town. The steam boats came there from areas such as New Orleans – the town actually looks alot like New Orleans along the river front. Because of several factors, the railroad and a change in the river it suddenly diminished in revenue and population. I suppose you could say they had an employment problem. So not much has changed between then and now – very intriguing.

We had some presentations to do Saturday and Sunday so we were very glad that Friday was rather slow at the Center – it was a rainy day so not many people got out. We were able to finish up a lot of our preparing and gathering of materials. A Sister called in to speak with Julie about a fireside that she would be doing Sunday evening (today). We hadn't realized that she had this coming up – so Elder Nelson and I assumed the responsibility and will do a presentation this evening for her for the Single Adults in the Dallas Stake.

Yesterday we did a 3 hour workshop in the Denton Stake. This was for job seekers. We had about 25 people in attendance and we feel like it went quite well. There are always ways that you can see to improve at the end of the day, but over all we were pleased. People who didn't know how or weren't able to see or say anything positive about themselves when they arrived were able to get up and share some of their skills and achievements with each other. Once again Elder Nelson and I enjoyed team teaching together.

There were several Stake and Ward leaders there who were a great help also. It's good to meet and visit with some of the people we see on our records and email with or visit with on the phone. Each person is so interesting. There are many converts here and its interesting to hear their stories and how the church has made such a difference in their lives. After the workshop the Stake High Councilman and Brother Dotten, the Stake Employment Specialist and I visited about some of the things that they would like to see happen in the very near future. Brother Martino, HC, could see that many of these people will need continued help and guidance in order to improve their lives and find employment. He would like for us and Brother Dotten come up with some ideas and an outline of how we might approach this. As we talked about ideas, he really spoke of things that the new Development Specialist Program has to offer. I was amazed at the things that he was asking for and felt the need for. I think that the Lord is working in the hearts of the leaders here, the spirit seems to be teaching them what needs to happen next. I believe that they/we will all be so prepared for this new program when it is officially presented and announced. Brother Martino doesn't feel too much of a rush on this – just by Thursday evening he would like some type of outline!

Jack is working with Brother Martino on establishing ties with some of the companies and corporations in the area. Bro. Martino is a service missionary who visits these corporations about hiring BYU-I graduates on interships etc.

We enjoy working with Brother Dotten. He and his daughter came into the Center about 6 weeks ago. I spent the day helping his daughter and Elder Nelson spent the day with him, training and teaching him on his new calling as Stake Employment Specialist. His daughter was able to get a job within the next week and has been working for the past 5 weeks now.

This morning we went out to Gainseville, Denton Stake to do a presentation for a combined Priesthood/Relief Society mtg. This town/city is out in a more rural area, about 60 miles north of Dallas, near the Oklahoma border. (Oklahoma still being part of our regional office area.) However the Bishop was expecting us NEXT week. He felt horrible about it but we assured him it was absolutely no big deal. We would just return next week. As we were preparing to exit Jack visited with a man who knew where Logandale was, in fact he was from Henderson and married a girl from Logandale! Lisa Murray. He went and found her in the Family History Library and we had a wonderful visit with her and her husband. Jack taught her in school and I was her young women's President /teacher. I think she baby sat for us some too. Do you remember Kristi and Jill? I'm pretty sure she did. As most of us, she regrets some of her teenage attitudes now.

Well, I think its time to move on and brush up on our thoughts and notes for the fireside this evening. Wish us well, as always. I sure don't think we could do all of this if we weren't missionaries. The Lord really does bless us, help us and guide us in what we do and say. It's wonderful to be a part of His work that is rolling forward.

We love and miss each of you but we are grateful to have this opportunity to serve the Lord. Thanks for your notes and letters, we love each reminder of you and home. It keeps us connected.

Thanks for all of your prayers in our behalf.
And remember faith is in the future, not the past.

Our Love,
Dad & Mom, Jack & Gaye
Elder & Sister Nelson



Jack n Gaye