Mom of a Minnesota Missionary

He's Legal

2010-07-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today is Elder Nelson's 21st birthday! Thanks Sister Morris for this picture of him and his companion, Elder Hill!

WHERE?

2010-07-21T08:46:00.001-07:00

Surprise! It's transfer day and Elder Nelson is on his way to Superior, WI! His new companion will be one of his "best friends," Elder Chamema. As difficult as it is to leave an area and investigators, Elder Nelson is happy and excited to move up North!

Final Day in St. Cloud

2010-07-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson, Elder Hill, and Harley contemplating their double transfer.

Three Amigos

2010-07-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson, Elder Grondel, and Elder Davis

While attending a four-day missionary training meeting in Bloomington, Elder Nelson had the opportunity to catch up with friends from Las Vegas who are also serving in the Minnesota, Minneapolis mission. They rarely have an opportunity to see each other. You can tell by the smiles on their faces, it was fun times!

Tornado Cleanup

2010-06-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson: middle row, 9th from left

On June 17, 2010 a string of tornadoes ripped through Minnesota. The northwestern town of Wadena was the hardest hit with a quarter of the buildings wiped out. On June 18th and 19th, 12 missionaries, a missionary couple, the Murdochs, and 22 members from the St. Cloud Stake helped dig out the town. Scott thoroughly enjoyed this service opportunity! He said, "It was a lot of fun to be up there. We were there for two days, and we cleaned up five different houses. It was humbling to see how much damage a tornado can do. It was even more humbling to meet the people and to help them out in their time of struggle."

Congratulations Meagan!

2010-05-25T06:05:00.001-07:00

Meagan C. was baptized by her husband on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Thanks to a phone call Meagan made to President Howell, Elder Nelson was able to return to White Bear Lake to witness her fabulous day! We can't wait to meet all of these wonderful members!

Tiandra's Baptism

2010-05-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

This beautiful daughter of God is Tiandra. She is 16 years old and soooo excited to be a member of the church. She sent us a text message right after her baptism with this picture. Congratulations Tiandra!

On the Road Again

2010-04-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Watch out St. Cloud, MN here comes Elder Scott R. Nelson and his new companion, Elder Hill! Scott learned about his transfer on Monday, 4/26, and will make the actual move to his new area on Wednesday, 4/28. He has really enjoyed serving in the White Bear Lake area and will miss the members and area. He and Elder Hill will be opening a new area, one that hasn't had missionaries for a while. Please keep their success in your prayers! FYI, Scott will continue to serve as a Distric Leader. Again, prayers please!

Seeing Double

2010-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

What are the odds? As of February 3, there are 2, yes 2, Elder Scott Nelson's serving in the Minneapolis, MN mission! Please address any letters or packages to "Elder Scott R. Nelson" to prevent mail chaos in the mission office.

Elder Scott R. Nelson would LOVE to hear from you!

New Companion

2010-02-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

Elder Nelson (back row, 2nd from the left) and Elder Burrows (back row, far right)

Elder Nelson is going to remain in White Bear Lake for a little while longer. He has a new companion, Elder Burrows. Elder Burrows in from W. Virginia. He has been out 14 months and is 3 months younger than Scott. They are working hard, teaching over 20 lessons each week. They also get along great, which a plus!

Missionary Sighting/3rd Transfer

2009-12-23T21:45:00.000-08:00

Sister Cook is awesome! She tracked down our recently transferred missionary son and his new companion. From what we understand Scott now resides in White Bear Lake, MN, which is a suburb of St. Paul.

Here is what Sister Cook said:
"I met Elder Nelson and his companion at the corner Subway. We enjoyed a lunch meeting and talk, just catching up on things. Scott's doing great, looks great, and seems happy. You can see the two pictures attached.

"His companion is Elder Hansen from Utah, out six weeks-I believe he said. Seems great and Scott really likes him. Scott said they changed his P-day this week to Fri for Christmas, so not to worry that you haven't gotten an email from him. He is excited to talk with you guys on Friday. We enjoyed a popcorn ball after our lunch today, so thank you. Scott was happy to receive those.

"I'm bringing a couple of things home for him, I'll get in contact with you about them when I get home. Hope you are well, good to see Scott. He is a fine young man who is serving the Lord and doing the things he knows are right. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Talk to you soon."

Sister Cook

Thankful Four

2009-11-26T21:38:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Elder Nelson is thankful for:

1. First, Jesus Christ and his willingness to follow Heavenly Father’s plan.

2. Next one is for family. I really, really love my family.

3. Third is the restored gospel.

4. Last, but not least, is the great examples in my life: Dad, Mom, Jason, Nat, Cynthia, Grandpa and both Grandmas-Nelson and Truman. These are just a few of the wonderful examples in my life.

Friendly Baptists

2009-11-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me how kind the people in MN are to the missionaries!

It's Snowing!

2009-10-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

The video says it all!

Elder Nelson reassures me he has plenty of warm winter clothing. He actually said, "O yeah, and to answer your question about winter clothes. You asked if I needed more, and my answer to that is NO! I have enough from last year to clothe an entire army. Thanks for asking though; it really helps to know that I have love and support from home." He's getting something warm anyway. The mom in me can't help it! Any suggestions?

Service

2009-09-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

What do Elder Nelson and Elder Daley do for service in their community?

They clean those beautiful autumn leaves out of rain gutters. Hard for us desert rats to imagine!

Autumn

2009-09-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful fall colors!

Even red!

Elders serve by raking leaves. What is he thinking?

Who would have guessed?!

Elder Nelson is enjoying autumn! In a recent letter he said, "So the weather up here is not hot at all, but it is really humid. The mornings have been really cold the past few days. It's starting to look more and more like fall. I'm a little scared for winter, but only one more left."

Baptism

2009-09-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

"Our ward had a baptism. The other two Elders that serve in our ward baptized three brothers they had been teaching. They were baptized last Saturday, and their names are Dan, YZ, and Curlin. They are from Thailand. A year ago, almost to this day, their older brothers Zaw Zaw was baptized in Dinky Town, so now I have been to all of the brother's baptisms. The cool thing is that the other two Elders asked me to baptize the 9-year-old, Curlin, because I knew the family a long time ago. It was such a cool experience!"

Hump Day

2009-08-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson has hit the half way mark in his mission! The ward sent a wonderful, and much appreciated, package to mark the occasion. Thanks for your continued support!

New Comp...Elder Daley

2009-08-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson has now been in North St. Paul 6 weeks. Elder Beohmer has been transferred to Pine City, MN. Elder Nelson is waiting to meet his new companion, Elder Daley.

St. Paul Temple

2009-08-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

"Today we went to the St. Paul temple. It was amazing! It has been 10 months since I have been able to attend the temple, and I really needed it."

Brief but Beautiful

2009-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Lots of Water

"Amazing trees and greenery"

Summer in Minnesota doesn't last long, so it is appreciated and enjoyed!

Little Books of Inspiration

2009-07-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who contributed spiritual thoughts, quotes, jokes, riddles, and messages to Elder Nelson's Little Books of Inspiration! He totally loved this birthday gift! What I envised being one book of 3 X 5 cards, turned into four separate books. Elder Nelson will have a personal message from someone special in his life everyday until the end of his mission. It was a project that would not have been possible without all of your help. THANK YOU!!!

The Big 2-0

2009-07-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 20th birthday Elder Nelson! This is an exciting day:) Ray & I no longer have any teenagers. Yahoo!!! Scott's birthday conveniently fell on his "p-day." Patriarch and Sister Thatcher were visiting the St. Paul area. They took Elder Nelson and Elder Beohmer out for a special birthday breakfast. Elder Nelson "was able to chill and play soccer." He received lots of packages and cards. He said, "everything was great and thank you so much!"

2nd Transfer

2009-07-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Official City logo of N. St. Paul

After serving over 6 months in the Farmington area, which he loved, Elder Nelson has been transferred. He is now serving in North St. Paul. His new companion is Elder Beohmer (pronounced Beemer). According to Scott, N. St. Paul is extremely different from Farmington. The Elders live with members, ride bikes and have lots of teaching opportunities-thanks to referrals. Scott is excited about his new area! Scott's 20th birthday is in just a little over 2 weeks, July 27th. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you:) His mission address is at the right.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson and Elder Lindholm

They really know how to celebrate, and include the missionaries, on the Fourth of July in Farmington! Elder Nelson and Elder Lindholm spent the day tracting in the rain before attending Christopher Kirchmann's Eagle court of honor and eating a delicious prime rib dinner with the Kirchmann family. We first met the Kirchmann's in Las Vegas in 1996. They lived in our ward. Brother Kirchmann served as a counselor in our Bishopric. When the Kirchmann's moved from Las Vegas, we didn't know where their family had gone. It's sure a small world! Scott was surprised at how much he remembered about their family, considering he was only 7 when they lived here. Thanks Kirchmann's (and everyone else in Farmington for feeding our Elder every night)!

God's Army

2009-03-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

There are times when I look at the pictures Scott sends home and can only guess what they are depicting. I have decided, so it must be true, that these pictures are depicting God's army. Our Saviour and Redeemer is the Commander-in-Chief and our missionaries are His army. What do you think?

New District Leader

2009-03-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

Today we received our weekly email from Scott. We thought there was a strong possibility he would be transferred. He had been serving in the Farmington area with Elder Hadfield for 12 weeks. We were surprised to receive the following information:

"No I did not get transferred, but there was a change, but not with elder Hadfield either. We got a call. I’m the new district leader. I was really really shocked. I'm kind of young.
Yes, there is still snow. My goals for this month are to help the Africans and anyone else that come into my path, and to be the best DL I can, and to follow the rules."

I don't know why I thought the "I'm kind of young" comment was humorous. Scott is the same age as most Elders. We were excited for his new opportunity and to know that he will continue to serve in Farmington with Elder Hadfield. They love the ward, the Bishop, their investigators, and they are working well together.

Please continue to keep them, and all of our missionaries, in your prayers!

Bump Day

2009-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

Missionaries have lots of interesting traditions. This short clip was taken to celebrate Scott's sixth month of service. Hmmm, I can't figure out how to download a video, so until I can a picture will have to do for now.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Most Elders want treats in their packages. Not Scott! Scott has requested that Ray pick all of the items that go into his monthly packages. Scott must be homesick because he said in his last letter "I really want one thing right now, but I can’t have it. I really want a hug from Dad. I miss Dad so much! He has always been a great friend to me, and I just need a father figure and a hug." Well, Valentine Man went into action, and this is the hug Scott got from Ray (probably not quite what he had in mind, but the best Ray could do at this point in time). I sent a pound of See's candy. I just can't help myself!

Minnesota Weather

2009-01-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

Friends and family ask us how Scott is coping with the winter weather in Minnesota. It's such a drastic change from the winter weather he is used to in Las Vegas. This is what he said in his last letter, "The weather is not really getting me down. It’s really not that hard to live in, well if you’re smart about it." Hopefully both Elder Nelson and Elder Hadfield are "smart about it!"

Well, it looks like the Elders continue to drive in the cold. I hope they are careful!

It also looks like the snow provides service opportunities.

And opportunities for fun. Gosh, I wonder what Scott's reminiscing about?
Only his father would know the answer to that question!

Well, maybe his brother, brother-in-laws, close friends would have a pretty good idea, too.

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder what missionaries do on New Year's Eve?

This is Scott's description of his New Year's Eve celebration. "I did go to bed at my normal time, but I spent my New Year's Eve differently. Elder Hadfield and I went to an old folks home and played bingo with them. It was so much fun! We play bingo with them once a week for service. I love to talk with them and hear all their stories. They always make us feel so welcome there, so it's nice. "

Christmas

2008-12-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

We didn't receive an email from Scott this week. We got something even better--a phone call on Christmas day! It was great to hear Scott's voice! We were all able to talk to him. He loves what he's doing and where he's serving. He bore his testimony and shared his favorite mission story.

We appreciate the Kirchmann family feeding the Farmington Elders a delicious prime rib lunch and allowing them to use their phone to call home!

Surprise Visitor

2008-12-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

What are the odds that one of your high school seminary teachers is from the same small town where you are serving? Sister Cook went home (to Farmington, MN) for Christmas. She tried to go to church on Sunday and surprise Scott, but due to hazardous weather conditions, the Stake President had cancelled church. Sister Cook called Scott's Bishop, got Scott's phone number and treated Scott and his companion, Elder Hadfield to lunch at Subway.

Sister Cook had also brought a few treats from home: popcorn balls and Scott's baseball mitt.

Does he look happy, or what? Thanks, Sister Cook!

First Transfer

2008-12-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

After 12 wonderful weeks serving in Dinky Town, Scott has been transferred to Farmington, MN. He is looking forward to serving in this new area! One of the Farmington ward missionaries, Larry Kirchmann, is a former member of our Las Palmas Ward Bishopric in Las Vegas. It's a small world!

His new mode of transportation, a car!

Elder Hadfield, Scott's new companion.

Scott describes him as "really cool!" He also said they have a lot in common. Great!

University of Minnesota

2008-10-26T10:40:00.001-07:00

This is where Scott and Elder Hansen spend their days. They leave their apartment at 11am every morning. They work hard at making their daily goal of 50 contacts. Scott says that doesn't sound like a lot, but...Girls on campus:) Saturday is their "p-day," since there is no one on campus. Billy & Jimmy. Fighting for ????

First Companionship

2008-09-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

After breakfast, and additional instruction, Scott met his trainer. Although Scott's letters are vague. We know his companion's name is Elder Hansen. They share an apartment with two other Elders, Elder Haymond and Elder Dahle. His first area is called "Dinky Town." It includes the University of Minnesota.

Scott & Elder Hansen

Minnesota Arrival

2008-09-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Scott has arrived safely in Minneapolis, MN! He and 16 other Elders were greeted at the airport by President and Sister Howell. These new missionaries were given a tour of the University of Minnesota prior to lunch and their first interviews at the mission home. After dinner, they had their first testimony meeting.

Here are all the "greenies" on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Scott Called Home

2008-09-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

At 6:00 am our phone rang. It was Scott calling from the Salt Lake City, UT airport. He was able to talk to us for a half hour. We were able to get all the details his letters leave out. He's "stoked" to go to MN because of a great teaching experience he had in the referral center on Monday (9/15/08). He said his time in the MTC went by "fast-It was like being at EFY for one week." There are 16 Elders flying to the MN, MIN mission together this morning. He had lots of questions about home, family, the ward... He appreciates all the mail and packages that have been sent his way. He wants everyone to know he LOVES them and thanks for the support!

Call Center

2008-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what the MTC call center looks like? Well, here it is! Scott had a great experiece here on Monday. He was following up on a request for a bible. When he spoke to the gentleman who had requested it on the phone, Scott offered him a Book of Mormon. When the man asked, "What's that?" The door was opened for Scott to teach the first discussion over the phone and arrange for the missionaries to follow up. What a great way to leave the MTC! Good job, Scott!

MTC Pictures

2008-09-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

One of these is Scott's bed at the MTC. Is it the made one on the bottom, or the unmade one on the top? He wrote and told us the first night he was at the MTC he didn't have a blanket. He was cold and had a difficult time sleeping:)

Elder Turner and Elder Nelson at the Provo temple. Elder Turner is from our home ward. He has left the MTC and is serving in Missouri.

Scott's awesome MTC companion, Elder Weigle.

MTC Update

2008-09-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

We had a sweet phone message today from Sister Frei. She has been working with "Elder Scott" for the past two weeks. She said, "We finished up today. Your son is a fantastic young man. He is going to be a GREAT missionary. He's doing well. He's learned so much. He's just on fire." Thank you Sister Frei! Your phone call brought up to tears! It was fabulous to hear from someone who had seen and talked to and worked with our son-today:)

The Real Deal!

2008-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were all invited over to my parents house for dinner and to have Scott be set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was so wonderful to be there as a family with all of our brothers and sisters. Grandma came too! The spirit was very strong and the blessing was powerful. Scott will be a great missionary, but as my mom reminded all of us he will need our prayers, letters, and love. (His address is on the side!) So lets do our part to support our cute missionary!

The Final Days...

2008-08-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Before we could celebrate Scott's mission there was some packing that needed to be done. Not a whole lot,as you can see by the amount of bags for two years. Brooklyn even stayed up past bed time to help.

Once the packing was done it was time to party.

(Preston, Kylie, Kimi, Scott, Brittany, Minh, Jason)

Lots of friends came over and family too. We had a chocolate fountain, fireworks, and a concert all in one night.

We enjoyed the singing quite a bit. We are going to miss Scott's great voice, but it will be enjoyed in Minnesota.

Temple Trip

2008-08-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today Scott received his endowment in the St. George, UT temple. It is our family's "special" temple. Our family was sealed here, Scott's grandparents on both sides received their endowments here, and even his Great-Grandpa and Grandma Nelson (the Grandpa who was the first branch president in Minneapolis, MN) were married here.

Ray and Scott went earlier than the rest of us. I was a little jealous (but just for a second) that for once I wasn't the one escorting our child into the temple.

After the session, our family and friends endured the heat and humidity and gathered outside on the steps for a group photo. We appreciated everyone who was able to attend and missed those who weren't! We look forward to the day when ALL of our children are able to be together in the temple. Like Jacob always reminds us, "We're a forever family!"

We wanted to have lunch together before heading back to Vegas. What could be better than lunch at Chuck-a-rama? The food was good and there was something for everyone. Brooklyn especially liked the cake!

Officially 19!

2008-07-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy 19th birthday, Scott! You are now officially old enough to serve a mission, and in exactly one month you will be entering the MTC. WOW!

Whatever your wish, we hope it comes true!

Mission Prep

2008-06-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Grandma Truman and Scott spent the day shopping. As a graduation gift, she bought him a new suit and tie to wear on his mission. The hardest (and longest) part of the day, according to Grandma, was picking out the perfect tie. Afterwards they ate at Applebees for lunch. Thanks Grandma!

Graduation

2008-06-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Dad, Jason, Me, Grandma Truman, Natalie, Cynthia, & Mom

Today was an exciting day! Scott is an official Silverado High School graduate. He won't miss the lectures, homework or tests, but he will miss his friends, choir and seminary. Having no school will free up his time for work and mission prep. He has set a goal to read the entire Book of Mormon before entering the Missionary Training Center. Does anyone else want to take the reading challenge with him?

Receiving the Call

2008-05-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

Scott's mission call has FINALLY arrived! He opened it tonight at the high school, after the choir concert. LOTS, and I mean lots, of family and friends were there. Everyone had all guessed where they thought Scott would be serving the Lord for the next two years. Denise Allen was the closest. She guessed Michigan. Scott will be serving in the Minnesota, Minneapolis mission. He was so excited! He will leave on August 27, 2008.