The Next Chapter

It's no secret that my life after the mission has been exciting; that would be the understatement of the year.  Things have been on the upward slant and there are new horizons I never could have dreamed of.  Due to the fact that this blog is for my life as a sister missionary, this will be my last post here.  You can continue to follow me and the happenings in my life on a new blog entitled "The Book of Bri."  Not only will you be following the adventures in my life, but the adventures of me and Brian Menasco (my soon to be husband).  I have loved keeping this blog and feeling the spirit as I have done such.  The gospel is and always will be true.

Some pictures of the post mission events

Obviously mom had to be first

My family minus 1 (keep serving the Lord Trevor!)

Yep, that's us!

First Temple trip with fellow former CASR Missionaries

Trip 2 with the gang

Vegas Airport with Sister Kahrs, I mean Jaclyn, and Brian

DC temple, where I said yes

Endings and Beginnings

Right now I am almost at a loss for words.  There's so much going on within my heart and mind that it seems nearly impossible to share even a portion of it.  But, you all know me, I will try my best. 

Memories, ah....good times!

It's here; the end has come.  The eighteen month journey is at it's close.  Over the last few weeks I have found myself laying awake and reflecting upon my mission, my life as a sister missionary.  I see the faces of each person I have met, the people I have loved, the people that have changed me more than I have changed them.  I love them.  I cherish the bonds I have made and the spiritual moments shared.  It's like nothing else I have ever experienced.

Though this chapter in my life is ending, a new one is beginning; my life as Brittany Nestman.

What will life be like at home?  Most likely it will be much like it was before the mission: church, work, school, family, friends, and dating (o.0).  Something I have found myself asking is "what will be different?  What is it that I am taking home from all of this?"  Yes I'm taking home all my memories, cherished thoughts and feelings, but what else?

Flag Poles

Now that I have your attention, let's kick this bloggaroonie into action!

My companion and I have been ranting and raving about this topic for a while now: Progression.  "A movement or development toward a destination or a more advanced state, esp. gradually or in stages."  So it's moving forward.  Going from one stage to a harder more advanced level.  Each of you think back to your Super Mario days (yes, for some that was only a second ago (good for you)).  What would it be like if at the end of the stage, there was no flag.

I can hear the answers now, "What?!?!  No flag?!?!  How could that possibly be?!?!"  There you would stand; stuck in a world you have already mastered.  Sure you could jump around, maybe jump on a goomba or two that you missed, but that's it.  No underground, underwater, or castle levels.  Not to mention that in future Mario Bros. games you'd never experience Yoshi!  <GASP> I know I know, it's all seemingly unimaginable.  But, is it really?

Let's take a look at our own lives.  We go through life and what do we hope to accomplish?  Do we have a vision?  Like in Mario, the big "vision" is conquering the game.  Beating every level and foe that stands in your way.  Our vision should be to live with God again one day, ergo we set goals to achieve it.  So, are there any "flag poles" in our lives (aka, goals)?  Once we have these goals, it's time to do everything we can to achieve them.  Give it our all to reach those "flag poles".

Word of caution, it's not going to be easy.  Hopefully we have all realized this by now.  The comforting thing is, that as we rely on the Lord and stay close to Him, it's easier.  Still not easy, but He gives us a LOT of help.  He gives us the little helps we need such as the Prophet, scriptures, friends, family, prayer, and so much more (like the fire flower, super mushroom, starman, and 1-up mushroom).

For those that don't have a vision, get one.  For those that have goals but aren't doing anything to reach them, get on it!  There's no time like the present!  Consider this blog a push forward.  As we speak I am setting goals and making plans to achieve the vision I have for myself.  I've got the flag poles in my sight and have that vision of defeating Bowser, do you?

True Identity

"What is your true identity?"  Over the past few days, this question has been bouncing around inside my brain.  Almost like flubber; it just won't stop bouncing!  As one would guess, a portion of my personal study each morning has been devoted to answering this very question.  Let's break it down.

First, 'true': what does it mean?  We all see it as one of the choices on a "true or false" section of a test, but what's the actual definition?  You better believe I looked it up.  "Steadfast, loyal, agreeing with facts or reality, consistent, properly so called, rightful, comfortable to a standard or pattern, placed or formed accurately."  Fair enough.

Now, what does 'identity' mean?  "Sameness of essential character, individuality, the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed."  After reading these definitions I decided to also look up individuality, which is "the sum of qualities that characterize and distinguish an individual from all others, separate or distinct existence."  Hmmmm.... Very interesting.

Laughter

Over the last few weeks I have been doing a lot of pondering.  Dangerous past-time right?  My thoughts have been over the goals that I want to have for after the mission.  Some are obvious, such as finding a job and getting back into school, but others are deeper.  Something my mind has been drawn back to again and again is joy.  My companion, Sister Kahrs, knows all about joy and has opened my eyes to an incredible goal for the rest of my life.  Here's the teaser to my goal (before I go into it further):



Classic! Robyn, Me, and Miliana at the Sacramento Temple

I love to laugh
Loud and long and clear
I love to laugh
It's getting worse ev'ry year

Conversion of Korey

Korey

 Okay my religious background was none. Didn't pray, wasn't sure of a 'God', and I had no idea about anything concerning Jesus Christ. Religion was something I was never forced to participate in and it was always something I avoided. In life you tend to avoid the unknowns, because there is fear of inadequacy from the lack of knowledge, or a fear of the 'what if's' as well. That was the case for me. I had friends that went to a number of different denominations, but was never motivated to follow their example at any point in my life. But all that, of course, changed.

The year was 2006, the start of my senior year in high school. I had yet to have a direct encounter with the church yet at that point, but was finally made aware that it even existed. At no point in my life do I recall ever seeing missionaries, or hearing about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (it wasn’t until much later on in the process that I realized that many times over the years I had seen, on late night infomercials, ads for the Book of Mormon). But, I had come into contact with a member of the church at work. We were actually really good friends. I worked at a restaurant and my coworker was a girl by the name of Shanda.

Ladder of Hope

This poem was sent to me by a very dear friend.  I am not sure who the author is or what it is titled (so if someone does, please let me know), but I loved it and wanted to share it with everyone!  Please read and let these powerful words touch you the way they've touched me.

I had been in that hole for a very long time
In the dark and the damp, in the cold and the slime.
The shaft was above me; I could see it quite clear
But there's no way I ever could reach it from here.
Nor could I remember the world way up there
So I lost all my hope and gave in to despair.
I knew nothing but darkness, the floor, and the walls
Then off in the distance I heard someone call: "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter.
Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder."
This had never occurred to me--had not crossed my mind.
But I started to stack all the stones I could find.
When I ran out of stones, then old sticks were my goal, For one way or another I'd get out of that hole.
So I soon had a ladder that was sturdy and tall
And I thought, "I'll soon leave this place once and for all."
I climbed up my ladder. It was no easy chore,
For from lifting those boulders, my shoulders were sore.
I climbed on up the ladder, but soon had to stop
For my ladder stopped short--some ten feet from the top.
I climbed back down my ladder and started to cry I'd done all I could do. I gave my best try.
And in spite of my work, in this hole I must die.
And all I could do was to sit and think, "Why?"
Was my ladder too short? Or my hole much too deep
Then from way upon high came a voice, "Do not weep."
And then faith, hope, and love entered into my chest
As the voice said to me that I'd done my best.
He said, "You've worked very hard, and your labor's been rough,
But the ladder you've built is at last tall enough.
Do not despair. You have reason to hope
just climb up your ladder; I'll throw down my rope."
I climbed up the ladder, then climbed up the cord.
When I got to the top, there stood the Lord.
I couldn't be happier; my struggle was done.
I blinked in the brightness that came from the Son.
I fell to the ground, His feet did I kiss
I cried, "What can I do to repay thee for this?"
Then He looked all about Him. There were holes in the ground They had people inside, and were seen all around
There were thousands of holes that were damp, dark, and deep The the Lord turned to me and He said, "Feed my sheep."
Then He went on His way to help other lost souls, And I got right to work, calling down to the holes: "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter.
Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder."
It now was my turn to spread the good word.
The most glorious message that man ever heard.
That there's one who is willing to save one and all
And we've got to be ready when He gives the call.
He'll pull us all out of the hole that we're in
And save all our souls from death and from sin.
So do not lose faith; there is reason to hope
just build up your ladder; He'll throw down His rope

Clear Vision

So, get this!  The other day I had this brilliant idea for a blog post.  I told my companion all about it, she told me someone has already written a book about it (who knew?), and then I had an experience that put it into an even greater perspective.  If ever there was a blog to be excited about, it is this one!

Wednesday of this week I went to see the eye doctor.  Yes, the optometrist.  I've been having some issues with my eyes going blurry for no apparent reason.  No good right?  I figured it was time to have the problem looked at.  To sum the experience up briefly: we got there, signed papers, tried not to listen to the distracting music (bah!), escorted to the back room (dun dun dun), had bright lights shined in my eyes, orange dye put in my eye (that rhymed), blue dye dabbed into my eye, a little chit chat, eye drops given, and off on my merry way with a prescription for some eye drops. 

The drops aren't bad.  They feel rather refreshing.  The gel on the other hand..... Not as much fun.  It feels as though I am putting lotion on my eyes and everything goes all cloud-like.  My companion, bless her heart, thinks it is the most entertaining thing in the world.  Myself, I like being able to see.

Stranger?

It's been seventeen months now in the mission field and I can still say that receiving mail still feels like Christmas.  Snail mail is the bee's knees in my book!  Today I received a letter from my "adopted" grandpa.  He is one of my best friends and the story of how we became such good friends is one of the greatest stories ever told, by me that is.

By now all of you are well aware that I worked at a swimming pool prior to coming on my mission.  Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 9:00-1:00 I was in the pool teaching swimming lessons.  While swimming lessons were going on there were a few water aerobics classes, lap swimmers, and people getting in their pool exercises.  It's like seventh heaven there!

Every day I was there to teach swim lessons there was a man that would come and do one of the water aerobic classes.  Because I am a talker and like to say "hello" to everyone and their dog, I started to talk to this elderly man that was attending water aerobics fairly regularly.  First thing I noticed was his German accent.  We talked about his days growing up in Germany, what it was like to be a member of the church there during that time, and he told me all about himself.  Each bit of information intrigued me to no end because my grandpa Nestman is from Germany. 

Give it 110%

Awe yeah!  Another post about swimming is coming at you!

I am a competitive person.  I don't like to lose.  My family can attest to this fact (we get kinda into board games....)  When I got into swimming, it was the best thing I could have done.  The competition is incredible!  Swimming is a unique sport.  It is both a team and individual sport; this made it a great sport for me.  Not only was I swimming against another person in hopes of beating them and earning points for my team, but I was swimming against myself.  Double competition!  Booyah!

On a team level, we were all working together for one cause: to beat the opponents.  We all know it's true!  No team goes into a competition or meet saying "well, let's not win this one.  Who cares?"  Haha, no.  It matters.  The goal is to come out on top!  Each of us is there trying our best.  We cheer on our teammates.  Help each other reach our goals.  There is also a coach there to tell you what you did that was good, and where there is room for growth; which ultimately helps you to become better.  As solitary as this sport may feel, it's not.  There's always someone there for you.

As much as you have a team there with you, competitors in the pool in the next lane over, it's ultimately you verses the clock.  Each race the goal is to go faster than you did before.  Drop more and more time and become better and better.  It's self perfecting at it's best!  To do this, you practice daily (sometimes more than once a day).  During these practices you better your technique, build up your endurance, push yourself to the limits, and do as much as you can to be ready for the day of the meet and beat your old time.

Swimming was something I poured my soul into!  I physically and mentally drained myself in this sport!  There were times that I thought I couldn't go any longer or give it anything more.  At those times, it was the help of my team and coach that got me to push past the limits.

In 2 Nephi 25:23 it says "...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  This life we are expected to do all that we can.   Give ourselves 110% to the Lord.  Obviously, we aren't perfect.  As much as we give, it will never be enough.  That is where the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes in.  He is there with open arms to lift us up; He is there to help us push past the limits that we reach in this life to become much more.  To help us become "2perfect, even as [our] Father which is in heaven is perfect." 

What has helped you give your 110%?

Awkward Turtle

This is probably the most overdue blog post in the history of overdueness.  But, the wait has been well worth it.  Trust me!

Swimming!

Boom!  That in and of itself could be my blog post.  Just that one word carries so much emotion and meaning to me.  Swimming isn't just a hobby, it is my life!  This sport changed me more than I could ever possibly try to explain, but I'm going to try to do just that here.

Once upon a time Sister Nestman was shy.  Not just shy, but mortified at the idea of talking to anyone I didn't know.  Which posed a major dilemma each time my family would move and I would have to make new friends.  Thank goodness there were some great outgoing people in my childhood, or I would have had no friends!  It took a lot for someone to get to know me and crack my shell.

Middletown Miracles

I despise the heat.  When the temperatures start going higher, I feel like I am getting lower.  Like I am melting and shrinking with every drop of sweat that falls off me.  It's just gross.  On Wednesday of this week I had the opportunity of going up to Middletown California for exchanges with Sister Cluff.  It was hot.  After being in Eureka for so long and then coming to Santa Rosa (which isn't too hot), Middletown felt like the Sahara Desert.

Aside from the unbearable heat, my time in Middletown was incredible.  Our mission president challenged each of the missionaries here in the California Santa Rosa Mission to go out tracting (knocking on doors) or street contacting (talking to people on the street) every day from 3:00-4:30.  During this time with Sister Cluff, we did exactly that.  We went out, hit the street, and knocked some doors.  What we found while knocking doors was miracles.One door specifically almost put the two of us into a coma.

My Lack of Grace

Evil Pole of Doom

Things don't always go the way I plan them to.  In a perfect world they would.  But, the world isn't perfect and neither am I.  Yesterday my companion and I decided to go online here at the Santa Rosa Junior College.  We parked at the Institute building so we wouldn't have to pay for parking or worry about being towed (o.0).  As we started our walk over we met a girl who was going through the same little short cut as we were.  Kindly, she stepped aside to let my companion and I through.  Sister Kahrs went by first, then it was me.  Because I was too busy looking over at the girl, I didn't notice the pole sticking up about knee high (for a shorty like me) right in my pathway.

Other little scratches

I hit it and fell at about snail speed.  Slow motion movie at it's best!  It wasn't too painful.  Just a few scratches, and now bruises, on my arm, leg, foot, and pride.  Nothing a band aid and some missionary work can't fix!



My foot :(



Now, all of us fall short.  My status on Facebook yesterday was "sometimes I'm just not that graceful."  Fitting for yesterday's events right?  One of the comments stood out to me.  Elder Walter Hepworth said "Key word is sometimes. We all fall a bit short."  Too true!  In life, we all fall a bit short.  That's where our dear Savior comes into play.  He took upon himself all of our weaknesses and shortcomings so that we may rely on Him to help us where we lack.  I know He is there and ready to help us.  To not just put on a band aid but to make us whole again.

Transformation's

How awesome is this?  I love it!  And, as you probably know, I want to tell you all about why it intrigues me.

Progression.

It begins as an almost splurb of color (if Dr. Seuss can make up words, so can I).  From this splurb of color it slowly becomes this dazzling colorful horse.  Just what every little girl dreams of!

Now, the application to the gospel (the moment you've all been waiting for).

Each of us begins life as splurb at one time or another.  We are incomplete.  There is so much for us to become!  Right now, I think I'm kinda in the semi-formed horse head stage of these pictures.  Heavenly Father can see the end of the picture.  He knows what we are becoming.  I am so grateful that He does too!  Because He has this big picture, or the final vision of what we can become, in His view, He can help us on our way to it.

I know I have seen this happen in my life.  The Sister Nestman of today is far different than the one that entered the mission field over a year ago.  Heavenly Father has been shaping me; molding me into the person He needs me to be.  He can do that for everyone and anyone if you let Him.  Rely on Him.  Let Him change you into the wonderful creature He wants you to be (even if it is a brown and pink horse).

Movin' on Up

You know those moments when you see something and just think "huh?"  Yes, my companion and I had such a moment yesterday.  Take a look.

This poor teddy bear was either trying to hide, hungry (like most bears are), sick, or someone was getting rid of him.  As my parents can attest, I loved stuffed animals as a kid.  They were better than anything else in the world!  Each one would have to travel with me from my bed to the couch each day.  Seeing this poor bear made the child inside me want to cry.  So why would someone get rid of the bear?

Yes, I have my theories.  One such theory, that I think is the winning theory (in my mind), is that the child has a better toy now.  Clearly this bear was taking up too much room and there was something even better that the child wanted more.  Something good, the bear, for something better.  And one day, that better item may be traded in for something that is best.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said "We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."  We all may need to move up in life from good to best.  Why settle for good or alright when you can have best or supreme?!?!  Dump the old bear and make room for something amazing!

Expressed in Photo's

<Phew!>  Packing and unloading is such work!  This weekend I had the sad yet happy news I was leaving Eureka to go down to Santa Rosa.  I have loved being in Eureka.  It is a part of who I am now.  Also, it was hard to hear the news that I would be leaving my companion.  But, it was the Lord's will.  On the happy side of things, Santa Rosa is a place I have wanted to serve for a while.  Right in the heart of our mission here in California.  Another exciting thing was to learn that my new companion would be Sister Kahrs.  She is someone that I have wanted to serve with for a while and I am finally getting to serve with her now. 

Box Smashing Thoughts

adilsifosijfwlekfuojlhcjflmeoiwehroldilkcioejmlaehioahwofneiowiejwn!  That's how I feel sometimes.  Today, it's kinda been one of those days.  Last night my companion and I went to be excited.  We had the whole next day booked and it was going to be awesome.  But, things don't always go as planned....

After the alarm went off and I realized that my dream had been a dream, my cold hit me.  My head felt three times bigger than it actually was.  The day proceeded with not one, not two, but six cancelled appointments.  One right after another.  Luckily, my companion and I had some backup plans in store, but still.

At one point this morning, we found ourselves smashing boxes.  I gladly took this opportunity to smash out some of my frustrations and did some thinking amongst the destroying.

My thoughts were about some of life's great questions.  Why am I here?  What is my purpose?  Today, the questions was more direct: "what am I doing here, knocking on doors and having no one answer?  Why is it that no one can meet with us today?"  With each box being taken apart one by one, I realized something.  There are days where the Lord builds us up.  Step by step like the boxes.  Someone, at some point, wanted that cardboard as a box, and made it such.  But "1 sometimes the Lord brings us low, before He can lift us higher."

At one point or another, we all face challenges.  It is a part of life.  These challenges are meant to make us stronger.  To teach us something.  One thing that I have learned from today is to keep smiling, no matter what.  I know that as I have kept a smile on my face, I have noticed all the little blessings around me.  Even on a foggy Eureka day, there is beauty and wonder to behold.  Being sick has helped me to see how awesome it is to be healthy (still working on being grateful for this one....but it's coming).  Above all, it has reminded me of how truly wonderful good friends are (ie. my companion).

 Why do you think we are given bad days?  How have you overcome them?

I'm a Helper

I've said it once, and I'm gonna say it again and again: I LOVE SERVICE!!!

Nice hat right?  It is the official "blackberry picking" hat.  The other day my companion and I helped someone in the area pick some blackberries in her yard.  In all actuality, I think she helped us more than we helped her.  My stomach has never been happier!  Once the blackberries were picked, my companion and I reaped the reward of a wonderful blackberry cobbler (mmmmm).

Okay, I promise there is a good reason I am wearing the wig and water aerobics belt.  1) Before the mission I practically lived in a pool, so it was my way of "pretending" I was there.  2) It's a wig.  You're supposed to wear them on your head.  What other option was there really?  These two items were found while cleaning out a members home.  We were moving boxes around and helping to organize things a bit.  My muscles got a good workout with all the lifting.

Now this service, is what it's all about.  This is a woman we have been teaching and sharing the gospel with.  We, as missionaries, get to go out and share the message of the gospel with others.  No matter who you are, where you're from, or what you've done in your life, the Gospel and it's teachings will bless you.  What I've noticed as I have been doing this, not only are others blessed, but I have been blessed.  This has been the general theme for all the service that I have rendered on my mission.

"1And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

I know that as we serve others, God blesses us.  We are helping His children, our brothers and sisters.  Not only is this what He expects of us, but it is how we draw nearer to Him. 
What have you done to help someone this week?

One of the 7

You know, sometimes people just don't take a hint.  They do the same thing over and over again and never learn.  Albert Einstein defines stupidity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."  (A little forewarning, the next statement I am about to make may sound a bit strange and insane coming from a missionary, but it will make sense by the end.)  As I have been reading the Book of Mormon again, it has been made blatantly clear that the Nephites just didn't get it.

The Nephites fall into the same cycle over and over again.  Pride.

"1Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction..."  By the end of the Book of Mormon, we see the complete destruction of the Nephite people, save it be the lone Prophet Moroni.  Their destruction was because of their pride.  All through the Bible and the Book of Mormon we can see a standard cycle: the people are obedient to the Lord; the Lord blesses them; the people begin to be prideful; they start to forget the Lord; wickedness sinks into their hearts; and then, it's time for a little humbling.

"2And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

We all need a little humbling from time to time.  Humility is a Christlike attribute.  Something each of us need to strive to attain.  Sadly the Nephites, and each of us, kinda forgot this.  We do this little dance/circle over and over and over again.  Obedience, blessings, pride, smack-down time by the Lord.  Ideally, all of us would just be humble all the time.  But, none of us are perfect (yet). 

Recently, I too was like the Nephites.  I needed some humbling.  As you may have noticed, my blog seems somewhat bare and picture free.  Well, in an effort to be more obedient to the Lord and all His commandments, I have gone through and deleted any and all pictures that were not taken by myself or someone I have permission to have them from.  At first, I was heartbroken that I had to get rid of all these pictures.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how prideful I was being.  So what if my blog would look a little plainer.  It's not the pictures that make or break the message I am here to deliver.  I was called to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.  That is my purpose.  It's not to have the "prettiest" blog.

So here I stand (or sit I suppose), having been sufficiently humbled by the Lord.  Will it stop here?  Goodness no!  But I look forward to the humbling and the chance to draw ever nearer to my Savior and our loving Father in Heaven.

What Lies Ahead

Sometimes I wish I could just shut of my brain.  Turn it to "sleep mode" like so many of our electronic devices and not have to worry about a thing for a time.  But, much to my dismay, I haven't discovered how to do that yet.  A couple nights ago I was stuck lying awake with my brain spinning in about a hundred different directions.  The source of the chaos, a lovely little letter in the mail which contained this....