Aug22
August 22nd, 2016 // #34 of 2016
Last Monday, we played some soccer with some of the young men here in
Bari who are preparing to head out into the mission field. I wore my
GB Hinckley jersey and they all liked that. We had a good time and
played some good soccer. Afterwards we got ready and started heading
out to Trani. Trani is a little town, about 45 minutes out of Bari
where the Musicco Family lives. We planned to have a Family Home
Evening with them. So we got on the freeway and were strolling down
the middle lane. There was a car in the right lane that was a little
in front of us and there was a car in the left lane who was just
behind us. We were passing the car on our right, and the car on our
left was passing us. Our right front tire was lined up with the back
left tire of the car in the right lane when all of a sudden without
any blinker or any notice...he began to merge into our lane without
even looking to see if it was clear. Instinctively I grabbed the
wheel, jerked it to the left and locked up the brakes. Somehow, we
avoided both the oblivious driver who was only thinking of where he
needed to be as well as the car to our left who was in the process of
passing us. For some reason I received ugly faces and hand gestures
from both of the other drivers, even though I just saved the three of
us from ending up in a big mess. I couldn't help but repeat the words,
"Thank you...Thank you...Thank you..." in my head over and over again.
It felt as if there were angels on our right and on our left, and I am
quite certain that we all know who one of those precious angels was.
It opened my eyes to just how fast things can happen. One second my
companion and I were laughing and joking, and moments later it was
dead silent in our car after we were nearly involved in what would
have been a serious accident. Friends and Family, please wear your
seat belts and please drive safe.
Literally moments later, the sister missionaries called us with some
fear in their voices. They explained to us that there was a man who
was following them and they were scared to go into their apartment
because they didn't want him to follow. I sped up, took the next exit
and started heading back to their whereabouts. They live in a pretty
shady part of town (don't worry we are currently taking care of that
and they will be in a new apartment building this week) and I actually
almost got into a fight the other week. In general it is just a shady
part of the town. We got them into their apartment and told them that
it would probably be for the best if they stayed inside for the night
and took care of some stuff around the house. Anyways, we ended up
getting out to our appointment an hour late. Our appointment went
super well and it was a ton of fun. The Musicco family is incredible
and they are so kind. We had a good night and there was a special
spirit in their home. At one point in time, the mother looked at us
and said and I quote..."We have decided to start saving up right now,
so at this time next year...we can head to the Temple in Switzerland
to be sealed together forever." It was a powerful statement and there
was power behind it. It was music to my ears, and I thought to
myself..."that is what this is all about." Baptism is a wonderful and
essential step, but it is only the gateway which leads to bigger and
greater blessings. It was a day that I shall never forget.
We also received our transfer news, I will be staying in Bari and my
companion will stay the same. Elder Borough finishes his mission this
transfer and I finish the one after. So more likely than not I will be
finishing my mission here in Bari which I am very excited about. Good
things are on the horizon and I am excited to finish this two year
journey here in this wonderful city.
It's crazy for me to think that school starts this week. It feels like
only yesterday I was turning 20 years old. Fair week has always been
bittersweet for me, and I believe for everyone that is reading this
email right now. Nearly 16 years ago Tyke and I left the house one
last time with the incredible lady that we called Mom. That morning we
lost a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend.. The accident replays in
my head often, and I often find myself wondering "what would it be
like if..." I'm sure we have all asked ourselves that same question
once or twice in these 16 years. One thing is certain... She is near.
We may not be able to see her physically or hear her voice, but we can
all certainly feel of her love, for it is tangible. She was a Mother
that loved Tyke and I unconditionally, and still from the others side
of the veil she continues to do so. She radiated sunshine and
happiness wherever she went, and now the memories of her continue to
radiate sunshine, laughs and even a few tears. I love looking people
in the eyes and telling them the story of how I lost the lovely lady
that I call Mom... Telling her story never gets easier, nor do I
believe that it ever will...but when I tell it, I know that she is
near. As I have thought back on her passing and what happened that
morning, I've come to the conclusion that she left this life fighting.
She did not want to go, just like we didn't want her to really be
gone. I feel that it has been just as hard on her, if not harder, than
it has on us...but again I know that she is never far. I know that she
is always near, because I have felt her presence time and time again.
I would give just about anything to have just one more day with her,
to have her come back just one more time...but I will just have to
wait for that priceless reunion on the other side. If I could tell her
one thing, I would tell her Thank You. Thank You for giving me the
world. Thank You for watching over me, keeping me safe. Thank You for
being my Mom. I long for the day when we will all be reunited, on the
other side...it will be a priceless moment.
Family and Friends, I love you all so much. I'm grateful for the
blessings of the temple that bind us together for time and all
eternity. This blessings go beyond the grave. To me there's not a
better promise, not a more conforming knowledge...than Families can be
Together Forever. I love each of you and I am grateful for each of
you. Have yourselves a wonderful week and please all be safe. Next
year, we will all be al the Box Elder County Fair and Rodeo together,
and on Wednesday night I am going to ride a bull. Write it down. Don't
forget it. Haha. that will be a treat.
I love you all...always will.
--
Anziano JarDee Nessen
Italy Rome Mission
Romans 8:35-39
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--New Missionary fresh off of the train. #selfiestick
Our District |
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