"I Know Him" - Elf

Wow, Christmas is almost here. I honestly can't wait to talk to you all next week. This week was awesome. Since Christmas is around the corner we have had some meetings and gatherings that have definitely brought in the Christmas spirit. Here are some highlights for this week. 

This week we had to drive to Yakima and back roughly 3 times. Yakima is the best because you have the Mission home, Mission Office and some of the best restaurants. So almost every time were up there well stop by some place to eat. Last Wednesday, Elder Bradshaw had District leader Orientation. Since I couldn't go into the meeting, I hung outside with another Elder who also couldn't go in. He's a super cool elder, just a transfer younger than me and we have already become good friends. 

Last week we also went to the Chiropractor. It was a guy who is in the Ward, but he invited us and the Hermanas to come. It felt amazing. There's a video I put in the drive for last weeks pictures, I think you'll find it funny. I'm not too much into cracking my neck and all that, well I don't even know how to crack my neck, but he did it and it kind of startled me. Haha. 

This past Saturday was our Zone Meeting or Christmas Gathering. There were four Zones In total and we all met up at a members home. This house was huge and had tons of things to do. Pinball, foosball, ping pong and all. Sister Jackman is the best at taking pictures huh. She's always got her camera out. Make sure to check out those pictures of Facebook. We had lunch, which was fantastic, then each zone performed a skit or a song. Our zone sang, "What Child is This", and others acted out the nativity scene. After that President Jackman walked up to the microphone and asked if we wanted to watch The Jungle Book or Coco. I voted for the Jungle Book but everyone else wanted Coco. Yes, Jacob and B, you both can make jokes back and forth. Each mission is different and others are better. Haha. After we finished the Movie, Sister Jackman shared a Christmas story. Right before she finished, Santa walked down the stairs. All the missionaries were excited and laughing and I couldn't help but tell out a classic quote from the movie Elf. I said, "I know him, 10 am tomorrow people". I must say it was pretty funny. Santa then shared some things, then gave each companionship a Christmas present....A Crockpot. There are going to be so many changes this January, in the church and the Yakima mission. I don't know a lot of things but I dot know some things about the dinner schedule. Dinners, starting this January will be from 4-5. This way our finding opportunities will increase and more people will be available. Also our evening schedule will be a little different. I'm not completely sure of the times. but I think from 7-9 we are asked to only be in homes of the Members. Of course with the exception of if we have set lesson. I like this idea, but the dinner time change will be a little harder, just because its really early, but oh well. These are all the changes that will be happening, I will have more information this coming week. 

This week we also had some great lessons and were able to get in contact with the Ruiz family once again. It had been nearly a month since we stepped inside their house, but last night we got in. Come to find out that Josefina's parents are member of the church. We watched a little bit of the Restoration Movie and asked her and Galdino a few questions. They have been taking lessons for years with the missionaries, and I think it's about time for them to be baptized. They really want to and they know its' true, but they have been experiencing some difficulties this year and during this Christmas season that have been delaying from that. Hopefully this coming week we can see improvement. 

Well that's about it for this week. Yes! Mom I got your package, but I won't open it until Christmas morning. I love the family package as well.

 Our family is the best, literally. Can't wait to talk to you all very soon. We will be with our Zone on Christmas morning, so I will most likely call in the afternoon, but that could change. What ever the time we call, it will be the best.

Love you all very much. Please be safe and have fun. 

Elder Nissinen

Relatives....Apparently?

Hola Familia, 

I hope you all had a fantastic week of school, work, coaching, or serving. The Christmas season is just around the corner and so houses are now all lit in Sunnyside. Here are some of the highlights from this week. 

So Monday night, President Wise from the branch called Elder Bradshaw and I so help him with a priesthood blessing. We went over to their house and gave this man a blessing. Since he spoke only Spanish they let me off the hook as far as saying anything for the blessing, but I have given blessings before. In fact last week I believe, I gave my very first blessing. We were then able to get a return appointment with them to teach the lessons. So the next day we brought a member from the branch with us and taught the restoration. Everything went super smooth and they seemed interested in our message. One question that was funny that they asked was "Can you guys Dance". We asked them to prepare themselves for a baptism on the 19th of January, and they excepted. We are going to have another appointment with them this week and help them reach their goal. Hope it goes well. 

Tuesday or Wednesday we were out knocking on doors and we couldn't find anyone interested. From the doorstep, I could see a man looking at us from across the street. We went to the next house and he was still watching us. A little bit later we headed back to the car and we passed by him and his son. I waved and simply said "Hey", he turned around and replied "You guys do good things". It was a little difficult to hear him, so walked towards him. To fast forward 45 minutes later standing outside in about 25 degrees, he had talked to missionaries before but not too much. He has had many problems, like problems times 10. So he's in a pretty big hole. Unfortunately he doesn't live in our area but we refereed him over to the missionaries who would be able to visit him. As he was explaining his problems, he started to tear up. I expressed what I felt and with the weather being so cold or the spirit, I slightly teared up as well. I almost never get like that, like never, but I couldn't hold it back like I wanted to. I don't know where he will end up, or what lessons he'll take, but I did plant a seed that could grow to be a tree. 

This weekend, the English Ward had their Christmas dinner. Lots of people came, and we were able to stop in and talk to some people. That was when I met Gayle Bland. Apparently (Because apparently, every time apparently) she has been to several Family reunions, but I was too young to even remember. It was great talking with her about family back at home and hopefully soon we can go over to her daughter's or my other relative home for dinner. At the dinner that night, the primary sang some songs and even Santa and Mrs.Claus were there. I kind of wanted to get a picture, but the line was too long. I would've though. We actually didn't have dinner at the Ward Party, but at Roberto's Grandparents home. She had randomly called us last Wednesday and invited us over that Saturday. She was super exited to see us and she made us Tamales. She was having some sort of pain the past week, so we gave her a priesthood blessing. This time, however, I would be doing it and in Spanish. I had a reference page, so everything went smooth. 

Well that's about it. Only a few more weeks until I can see you all. We haven't figured a place to call yet, but hopefully we can dial that all down within the next week. I'm hoping we can do it at an English Members home, just because they know about WiFi and all that. This upcoming week should be super fun. Love you all very much. Please be safe and have fun. Wish I could play one more game with the team. 

Elder Nissinen

 

Transfers

What's up everyone, I hope you've all had a fantastic week. This past week has been great and I can't wait to tell you all the highlights. 

Last Monday and Tuesday we decorated a Light the World Christmas tree. You probably saw some of those pictures on Facebook, but it was super fun and brought back some tree decorating memories from home. On Tuesday we went back to the same place and helped the people in charge of the event, move trees around and set them in place for the Christmas dinner. We won't be going to it, we just wanted to decorate the tree and spread the Light the World message. 

Well we finally met Roberto's grandparents. We had to get permission first cause it's actually on the east side of Sunnyside, and we cover the west. But, we eventually got permission and we drove over to their house. It gets super dark here fast and so it was hard to find the house. It wasn't near any market place which didn't help in finding it. It was on an old dirt road, and seemed like the middle of no where. We walked up to the home, not knowing if it was the right address and within a few minutes of getting to know each other, I explained if they knew or had a grandchild named Roberto. They said YES!! and we talked some more. They are super super nice. She wants us to come over anytime, basically all the time and have dinner with them. She said she would make tamales. I'm sure right after we left she was on the phone with Roberto. I had to get a picture with them, so you could show it to Roberto. I told them that I know Roberto son Roberto jr., and I went to school with him for many years. It was a little difficult speaking Spanish with them and describing who was who, because there's probably 5 Roberto's in their family. Elder Bradshaw and I can't wait to go back and visit with them more. 

For several weeks, we have heard about this event that happens in Sunnyside. It's called the Lighted Farm Implement Parade. It's a huge deal, last year or the one before was actually on the TV. Thousands of people come from all over to watch it. Basically if you have a creative idea to light up your car, tractor, or semi-truck, you show it in the parade. There will be lots of pictures and videos in the drive. Our job as a district was to hand out free hot chocolate. With so many people there, we handed our nearly 16 gallons worth. Some of those pictures are also on Facebook. It was super fun night and a great way to kick off the Christmas season. 

The weather is definitely changing here. It's pretty decent during the days, but it drops down pretty cold at night. The thermals really help and I was able to get some tops as well. Sometimes we will see cats sitting on top of the hood of the cars because the engine will be warm. Haha. 

This week we have visited quite a bit of people. Unfortunately we haven't had any success with the Ruiz family. We can never find a time to talk to them. The parents are either working, sleeping, or not home. We have tried and tried, but nothing seems to work. Although we have found a new person named Carlos Ruiz. Yes there are lots of families with the last name Ruiz. He works a lot as well, but we've caught him home in the evening every time were there. He loves reading books. I haven't necessarily counted, but he probably has 8 different bible apps on his phone. At least he's reading the Book of Mormon. He has a great family and he will be coming to our English classes on Thursday night. Speaking of our English class. We haven't had anyone show up. We tell as many people as we can, literally, but still no one comes. This week i'm hoping we get a few people. I will make that happen. 

Transfers are also this week. Both Elder Bradshaw and I are staying in Sunnyside which is great. I feel we have been and worked better together this past week. Some days are more difficult than others, but we work through them. In our district, we are getting a brand new sister and another Hermana that has been out for a while. Next week I will send some updated district pictures. Also our missionary funds changed this month to 180. We don't have a lot of information, but they might be changing the way missionaries eat with members. 

I love you all very much. Please be safe and have fun. You guys are the best. I love the package Ninnie. 

Stay warm, Elder Nissinen