Contacts: [July 2008]

Dear Friends,

I haven’t been taking summer classes so late May and June have given me a chance to do a little traveling! Consequently, this month’s issue is travelogue! Hope you enjoy!

LAS VEGAS [May 7]

I’m coming back from visiting Papa and Grandma and it really was another trip to paradise. We ate tons and went on several walks. I made some tan lines by the pool and read a bunch. Mom and I scrapbooked pictures from NY—what a flood of memories! It was great to go to the temple with Grandma and watch TV with Papa. They are so good to us.

REXBURG [May 16]

Starting this morning at 4am I went on a road trip to see the marriage of my dear ex-roommate from BYU-Idaho, Ashley, to another friend, Brian, in the Rexburg ID temple. The temple was beautiful, she was beautiful, and the whole experience was simply wonderful. I’m so excited for them. Their temple wedding was so simple, so pure, and so powerful. What a blessing it is to be promised that—if they live worthy—they can be together forever.

Buddy—being the great brother that he is—came with my so that I didn’t have to travel alone. We ran into a bunch of dear friends up there (Mandy Kichens, Emily Wassink, and Toby and Sam Dossett.) We also walked all around campus and the memories came running in sheets—oh freshman year. One theme remained in all that I saw: supreme gratitude for the past coupled with a very real sense of appreciation for the present. I felt a great sense of closure. I belong where I am in the present, and that feels good—really good.

I wondered, as I walked by the streets I had come to love, what I would have told myself if I had run into the me of 5 years ago. “Hang in there, it gets even better.” Or maybe, “You’re going to love NY.” Or maybe, “Don’t worry so much—things work out great.” Wow life has been good to me. God has been good to me. I’ve been so blessed.

SAN FRANSICO [June 3]

We’re on our flight home from San Francisco! What a wonderful day! This was my last day off for awhile –so I really wanted to make a day trip and San Fran has been on my list for a long time. Ever since Daddy brought home a loaf of sourdough bread from one of his trips I knew that I needed to visit the city myself. The caravan included my parents and my sisters.

After our 2 flights we found the BART station and started the 30 minute trip to Embarcadero. Our whole trip was constantly interrupted with snapshots and giggling—I think that might have been my favorite part. :o)

Once we arrived at the anticipated stop we emerged from the depths of the BART station to find a sun-dappled skyline and an awaiting bus-cable car. We paid our fare and enjoyed the ride to pier 39. We found our destination to be tourist heaven. There were a million cute shops, restaurants, and attractions. We walked down the pier and just soaked it all in. Our wanderings lead us to the marinara (to look at the yachts), inside several gift shops, and onto a 2 story carousel (which we thoroughly enjoyed). We watched the Sea Lions, tried to see the Golden Gate Bridge (but the fog kept it a mystery) and ate lunch at Boudin’s Bakery. I had clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl—and felt that in a very real sense I had just fulfilled a childhood dream…I could now die in peace. :o)

Daddy took us inland to enjoy the beauty of the Lombard Street and the architecture surrounding it. It was all so picturesque and surreal. I simply loved it. Before we knew it we had to catch the bus home. We drove though Chinatown and Union Square to make our sightseeing trip complete. What a day!

--(Sister) Nikki Nelson
July 2008

Contacts: [June 2008]

Dear Friends,

In May I got a phone call that made me decide to get on a plane a few days later—headed for a home away from home—to my very own New York. So this month’s belated issue comes from my journal.

ROCHESTER [May 27^th] Buddy (my brother) and I flew into Rochester today. We left last night at 10pm and arrived 11am here in NY. It took 4 legs to get here—Buddy is a trooper. Sister Sheri Gammon picked us up from the airport. She brought us to her home and let us call her house “home” for the 28 or so hours that we were in NY.

Brother Tom Bales picked us up and took us to Palmyra. We went to the Smith Farm first. Sister Tuft and Sister Smales took us on a powerful tour there.

I thought that going back to the sites I would have this nostalgic trip and think about all my memories there. What stuck me was how much I was grateful for what happened almost 200 years ago. I am so grateful for the Smiths. I’m so grateful for Joseph; for the Father and the Son who appeared to Him and showed their love for all of us, and I’m so grateful for the spirit (the Holy Ghost) who still testifies so powerfully in those sacred places. I visited the Smith’s today—and I felt right at home.

I was grateful to have Buddy there. I had prayed that he would be able to come that he would be able to feel the spirit there. The sisters asked me to bear my testimony of the Book of Mormon as we were there in the Frame Home. All over again, I discovered the love I have for that precious book. I got a bit choked up.

We walked around the Sacred Grove, Brother Tom Bales, Buddy and I. Tom was just a joy to be around. It was paradisiacal to be in there again…simply Celestial.

Greg and Sarah Rupprecht came to Palmyra just as the sites were closing and we walked to Alvin Smith’s grave and afterwards ate dinner together. Sarah is as beautiful as ever, it was so good to see her and Brother Rupprecht. They both seem to be doing so well.

ROCHESTER [May 28^th]

The reason for my trip to NY was to attend Jamie Nessel’s memorial service. I had been so surprised to hear of her passing. It was quite a blow. I was grateful that I had work off on the two days that would allow me to attend the service.

I saw so many people from the Fairport ward at the memorial service. It was so good to see them and hear their voices. I served 9 months in Fairport and those it will always have a massive hold on my heart.

The memorial service itself really was wonderful. It was touching and personal—perfect for Jamie. It was so good to see Mr. and Mrs. Dingman (Jamie’s parents). I was glad to get their address so we could stay in touch—a lot of good memories there.

Sister Helen Bancroft was at the service and it was so good to see her! It was also so good to see the people I loved talking to my brother. I just couldn’t help but think that they were touching him—like they had touched me. I wonder if this is what heaven is like. :o)

Kathy Richardson was there too—I sure love her. She was the one who had told me about the service itself.

Brother Bales took us over to see Helen and Steve after the service. We just chatted for about an hour and I loved it. They are so great.

Next stop was the airport. Our trip had come and gone so quickly. On the way there Tom told us his big secret. It was his birthday! He really is amazing—I’m so grateful to have him as a friend.

I want to testify that God does fulfill all His promises. He is so good to me. I have been richly blessed with such real friends. I am just so grateful—my heart is full.

--(Sister) Nikki Nelson
June 2008

Contacts: [April 2008]

Happy Easter!

Nothing brings as much insight into the power of the Savior’s atonement as the emergence of spring. I guess that’s because both the atonement and spring—for me—have one essential foundation: hope. All winter I eagerly look forward to watching the mercury rise, seeing the daffodils peek, and enjoying the increased hours of sunlight. Suddenly there is warmth, life, and light, where there had previously been coldness, darkness, and death.

The atonement also brings warmth, life, and light into our lives. It brings hope where we had previously experienced despair. Suddenly there is life—and the peace and joy that makes us want to live forever. I love spring; and I love the atonement. Everything that both of them touch heals, lives, and thrives.

The Update:

This past month has been very eventful for me. I moved out of my parents’ home and into an apartment complex in Provo (where I’m going to school.) I love the new place. My roommates are wonderful, the rooms are comfortable, and the ward is a lot of fun. I sincerely feel that I was led to this place at this time. What a blessing!

Perhaps no miracle is greater than the fact that I was hired at the Missionary Training Center as a teacher. I train missionaries how to teach from Preach My Gospel (our missionary manual). I have loved going into work. There I stand in a dress and my missionary shoes :o) teaching and testifying of the things I love the most.

Thank you for all the great memories. Sometimes I just sit in wonder of the experiences that I was given there in New York. I will forever be grateful for the way each of you have changed my life. I continue to find immeasurable joy in just thinking about my precious time there and I look forward to future memories that we’ll make together.

Last week I figured out my class schedule for this upcoming fall—my last semester!!! I am so excited. I’ll be taking four organizational behavior classes and a religion class (I think the one titled “Latter-day prophets”). I’m toying with the idea of auditing a fun class: journalism, foreign affairs, interior decorating…. :o) We’ll see what happens. A lot of my schedule will depend on what I’m doing for work—which in large measures hinges on my internship experience this summer. Classes end in two weeks and I’m kind of just starting my summer internship search. Ahhhhh! I’m looking at a couple of opportunities and praying for the Lord’s continued help and direction. I know it will work out—I just also know I need to do my part.

General Conference:

Words fail me—I am so grateful for the opportunity we had to listen to President Monson bear such a powerful testimony. I know that he is a prophet of God. I went to General Conference asking some specific questions: like “how do I balance my life?” “how can I strengthen my relationships with family and friends?” and “What should I do with my life?” The answers to those questions came to me—in a way that I know was personalized to my needs. In large measure the answer to my questions was service. I need to look outside of myself and help others. I’ll have to keep you posted on my efforts. Have a great month and remember that someone in Utah is praying for you!

Alma 7: 11-12

“And He [Jesus Christ] ….shall take upon Him death, that He may loose the bands of death which bind His people, and He shall take upon Him their infirmities, that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that He may know, according to the flesh, how to succor His people, according to their infirmities.”

--(Sister) Nikki Nelson

April 2008

Contacts: [March 2008]

Re-defining Nikki Nelson has been my personal theme since I stepped off the plane. Who am I? What do I like? What do I do? I am so grateful for patient parents, true friends, inspired counselors, and an attentive God who have listened to me and encouraged me in my newly begun quest. I’ve had daily victories in which I’ve found so much joy. I’ve discovered, again, that life is full of perpetual change and growth. Following are some of my recent discoveries:

My aspirations:

Beginning last semester, the BYU Marriot school of business now offers several classes in OB/HR (organizational behavior and human resources). I’m so excited because I think that field sounds like something I’d really enjoy. There are several different aspects, including corporate training, hiring and firing, and corporate hosting. The thought of acting as a representative, giving presentations, and teaching fills me with excitement. I’m grateful for the time I spent in New York discovering how much I love those things. This new emphasis in my degree makes my major a much better fit. I feel the Lord has blessed and guided me. How great is the God I worship.

My strength in Him:

I’ve applied to a couple of part-time jobs—both that I’d really like to have. When I applied to both of them (over a month ago) neither had openings available. But in the past couple of weeks they both have called me in for second interviews. At first I was flustered that they’d both call me at once—which would I decide? But my experience with the Lord has given me the peace I need. I know it will all work out. This time period without a job has given me more time to spend with my family and to get adjusted to being a student again. I’ve had to be patient—but I’ve discovered that I can be patient. :o) More often than not the Lord tells me to be patient because He knows I need that time to grow, or to find opportunities I had not yet discovered. I’m learning to trust Him and His timing.

My balance:

A balanced life doesn’t necessarily mean that I need equal amounts of everything. Achieving balance means that I fulfill my mental, physical, social, and spiritual needs. For a while I was trying to keep all four aspects in equal parts. I’ve found, however, that I need to always be seeking spiritual nourishment—that aspect needs to be a part of the other aspects of myself. The Lord provides strength I cannot achieve on my own. He expands my capabilities and my vision of the present and the future. I do want to provide this clarification: always seeking spiritual nourishment does not mean I spend all day studying my scriptures. It means I recognize that the Lord cares about my education, my occupation, and my physical health and I turn to Him for help in becoming my best in those aspects. It does also mean sacrificing some time daily to prayer, study, and spiritually uplifting activities (family home evening, institute, going to the temple, volunteering at the Missionary Training Center, etc.) My time is precious to me—but it becomes even more effective as I maintain proper balance.

Hearkening to a prophet:

I don’t know why, but I was surprised to hear about President Hinckley’s passing. I’m so grateful for his selfless service as the mouthpiece of the Lord. I’m so grateful that the Lord has not left us without a prophet, but that he has called yet another living prophet for our day, President Monson. I know he will help lead me through this next phase of my life. I know that he truly is a prophet of God.

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own under-standing. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”

--(Sister) Nikki Nelson

March 2008

Contacts: [February 2008]

I’ve officially been home for a month now!

Time has passed so quickly; I would have a hard time believing it’s been five weeks except I know that so much has happened. We celebrated Christmas, visited my Dad’s side of the family in Las Vegas, visited my Mom’s side of the family in North Carolina, and I started the semester at BYU.

Throughout all the hustle and bustle I’ve been able to find a powerful anchor in my personal scripture study, church and temple attendance, and personal prayer. I’ve learned for myself, all over again, that when we put the Lord first and trust in Him that He will take care of us. I’m so grateful for that God who is the champion for the weak and simple. I can testify that He will not forsake us.

I’ve needed that anchor as I’ve started in “get back in the swing of things” here in post-mission life.

CLASSES:

I’m currently enrolled in marketing, organizational behavior, supply chain management, managerial economics, and intro to real estate. My teachers are really great and the readings and discussions are really interesting. I’m excited to be where I am.

HOUSING:

My amazing family has set up a room for me in the basement of their home in Lehi, UT. It’s only 30 minutes for me to get from their driveway to the BYU parking-lot. It’s the perfect place to stay as I continue to spend time around my family and search for a job. I have to say I’m one of the luckiest people alive. I’m so grateful for the setup.

Exciting Discoveries:

My jeans!

My curlers!

My shoes!

My jewelry!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Someone asked me the other day, “What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done since you’ve been back?” Here are some of the highlights of this past month:

Spending time with the family has been great. Just yesterday I went sledding with my sisters. I love sledding! Brooke and I went down the hill on our little saucer sled over and over. She didn’t think the idea of spinning all the way down sounded like fun…until she let us try it. Then she couldn’t get enough! I couldn’t either! If you’re looking for a stress reliever I definitely recommend sliding down a snow-covered hill as fast as you can…spinning. :o)

Catching up with old friends has been priceless. I went up to Temple Square in Salt Lake City to see a couple of friends from my freshman year. We toured the Church History Museum where the original Smith-Patented Press is on display. (At the Book of Mormon Publication Site we show the working replica of that press.) While we were up there we also checked out the Gateway mall—I don’t know where that came from. I’ll tell you what, I get dizzy sometimes looking up at buildings that were never there before.

It’s been fun to just do random things too—I went to a hockey game (go Sabres! I mean BYU!) :o) ventured out cross-country skiing, ice-skated in a picturesque part of Salt Lake City, and had a blast attempting to country dance in Provo.

I have loved getting your emails, phone calls, and letters! Thanks so much!

SCRIPTURE:

“I will be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye will keep my command -ments….and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.” -1Nephi 17:13

If anyone ever wants to get my attention all they have to do is mention New York. I especially love talking to people who are familiar with Palmyra, Rochester, Buffalo, or the Finger Lakes area. There’s a piece of my heart that is still there…and it always will be. Know that I miss you guys and I think about you and pray for you often. Until next month!

--(Sister) Nikki Nelson

February 2008