I sent an email to the Nielsens thanking them for all they have done for James during the course of his mission and this was their response.
Dear Sister Whelchel,
It is sad to think of Elder Welchel leaving the island. It is something that we do not speak of often. It is a very bitter-sweet experience for us.
We wish all the parents could be here to witness the great growth of their sons and daughters. We know that you witness much of it as it comes through their messages sent home. You would be so pleased.
The evening when the departing missionaries come to our home is especially precious and poignant. We begin with a dinner of pork roast, bake potatoe, green salad and strawberry cheesecake. They seem to really enjoy this as they do not get 'Foreign Food' very often.
We then have some hymn singing. This always brings a strong spirit as they sing these hymns with all their hearts. Then we read Alma 26 with them having them substitute their own names and share their own experiences. We have a little advice from the two of us and then have a testimony meeting. Their love for the people is so great many of them say that it is harder to leave here than it was for them to leave their homes. We tell them that it is because they have learned how to love here as God has been their teacher, companion and guide. They are prepared now to give that love to their families and future family.
Elder Whelchel has been a very obedient missionary. He has done his very best to listen, follow and obey all that he has been asked to do by his mission president. We know that he is and will be greatly blessed because of his faithfulness. He is a leader and respected by all who know him. He will be greatly blessed. We love him dearly.
If you intend to share this email with him please wait until after he arrives home. We want to honor his desires to stay focused to the end. We love him dearly and he will leave a very big hole in our hearts. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Love,
President and Sister Nielson
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2 comments:
Wow what a wonderful letter. I am excited to meet James. It sounds like he was loved there. I bet you are SOOO excited for him to come home!
What a special letter to have. James has been amazing; that I can tell from his emails. It is sad that his time as a full-time missionary is over, but we are excited to have him back and see what is in store for him next.
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