Merry Christmas from India!

We had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Elder Nixon on Christmas morning around 8am. Although we were given an hour, the time seemed to go much to fast. It was so wonderful to hear his voice and to hear first hand about his experiences in India as well as hearing a little bit of an Indian accent. He is currently teaching a family of eight, all interested in being baptized within the next couple of weeks. However, Billy has just been told that he will be transferred to another area of Hyderbad about 45 minutes away from where he is serving currently. Billy mentioned how difficult it was on Sunday to say goodbye to all the members of the Branch. He has been apart of their Branch for 4 months and he has really developed a love for all of them.


Before Christmas, Billy thought it might be fun to introduce some of our traditions with the members of his branch in India. He thought it would be fun to dress up like Santa for all the children. In order for him to do this he took to the streets of India looking for a Santa costume. Finding a Santa costume proved to be a challenge and Billy and his companion searched high and low in many stores for a Santa costume. He finally found success in a small store that was tucked away down an alley. He sent us a picture of him dressed up as Santa (see below).

Bill shared with us some of the Christmas traditions that they have in India. One of the things he mentioned was that they all buy themselves a new outfit to wear in celebration and prepare a feast with chicken and rice using a great assortment of different flavors of curry. They do not share gift giving. Most families are very poor, but at the same time they are eager invite the missionaries in for a meal and feed them very well. Bill said that it is sometimes difficult because families will offer them so much food that they begin to feel ill but they would not want to offend them by refusing to eat.

Billy sent us all gifts from India. He sent everyone pajamas (a family Christmas tradition) and few popular Bollywood and Tollywood movies. The most precious gift was when he sang a very meaningful Christmas song to his mom. This particular song has a special meaning to Billy and his mom and there was not a dry eye in the house.

Our home was filled with the Christmas spirit. We are very blessed to have a missionary like Bill who loves the gospel and is serving the Lord.


I would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to write to Billy and let him know that you are thinking of him. It has meant a great deal to Billy and us as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Elders had a Thanksgiving celebration at a Marriott hotel. A couple of turkey's were flown in for the festivities. Billy said that it was wonderful! He said that the food was fantastic and that while he misses home, he feels that this is the best Thanksgiving ever because he is serving the Lord.

TURKEY BOWL!

Of course Billy wouldn't miss out on the opportunity for a good game of football. Naturally, he was the one that put a Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl together for the missionaries. Looks like they had a good time!

Another Baptism!

NEW PICTURES!!!

To keep the true essence of Billy, we decided that all this post would include is the pictures Billy sent and his hand-crafted captions. Enjoy!


This is the funniest sign I have seen in India. This place is so dirty and there is trash everywhere! I once asked a man for a trash can and he said, "Sir, you are in India, you are standing in it!" He wasn't joking, people throw trash everywhere!



You travel in a posh car... I travel in a tin can! Sometimes this automobile can get up to 30 Miles an hour, going down a very steep hill. *This is an auto. It charges by meter and the people who drive them live in them. They are very interesting people who tend to cheat people out of money. But, if he doesn't give me my change, I have been known to steal his chupples (sandals)! Just until he gives me my change that is. I always give them back! Ha ha.

Billy's First Baptism...

Fireworks, fireworks, everywhere fireworks. It was wonderful to hear from Billy. He described last night as being remarkable. He started off by asking if we remember seeing the movie, Aladdin. Specifically when Aladdin flies on the magic carpet to India and there are fireworks everywhere. Well, that is what Billy and his companion experienced last night during a celebration of Dewali that went on all night. The Elders were told to stay indoors because of the danger of all the fireworks. Billy said they all went up to the roof so they could see the huge fireworks that filled the sky. He said he has never seen such a display, and he doesn't think any other firework show would come close to this one. They felt like if they reached out, they could actually touch them and the noise level was unbelievable. The forth of July doesn't compare to this holiday. Billy said that nothing can be compared to a Devali night on the roof of a eight story building.

The work in India is very hard, but very rewarding. Members is India are so excited about the missionary work, and they dream that one day they will have a temple of their own.

Last Sunday, Billy had his first Baptism. He baptized a sister by the name of Sujatha Judke and Elder Tyler baptized her husband. They have been teaching the couple for about a month and a half and it was a so wonderful to help them make that necessary covenant with the Lord. They are a great family and are very dedicated. The Judkes travel an hour and a half by bus to get to church every Sunday. Walking to their home in dress shoes is hard on the feet, but trying to run from their home to the bus stop to catch the last bus at night is a real challenge. There is a reason that the Lord sent athletes to India. You definitely get your speed up.



It is very interesting how the Lord prepares people. As a missionary, we can tell who is prepared to receive the message and who isn't quite there yet. There are three ways you can tell if someone is prepared: (1) they know you are representatives of the Lord; (2) they keep the Commandments; and (3) they are looking for the truth, but do not know where to find it. The hard part of any mission is finding the people who are ready. Once you find them it is remarkable to see how fast they grow and how fast the spirit teaches them.

Currently, Billy and his companion are teaching a family of four.

A funny story. Billy said he realizes how hard a domestic mission would be. Last week he and Elder Tyler had the opportunity to talk with an American women who happened to live in Washington DC at one time. It was so nice to talk with someone from home. She asked why we were in India and they told her that we were serving a mission for our Church. She laughed and said to save it for someone who cares. She was quick to say that she and her husband didn't have time for this and they really don't care. After she walked away, Billy's companion asked what religion he thought she was and Billy said, "American." He said that it is so disappointing to hear and see how hard-hearted so many Americans have become. He related it to the story of Alma, when the Nephites become prideful and lived in wickedness. The Lord cannot bless one wicked son over another.

Billy loves serving the lord and is truly enjoying the people of India. Transfers are coming and he is hopeful that he will be able to remain in the same area for a while. He loves the members and he feels like he would love to have the opportunity to see the people he has been teaching commit to be baptized.

October 15, 2008 e-mail

Billy writes that things are going well. He is still with his same companion. They are working hard, they are both recovering from being sick, but they have been keeping up on the work. Apparently part of the problem with the acceptance of Christianity and the people who preach it, stems from catholic missionaries paying people to convert.

He says that India is great. “I have already felt I have changes a lot.” He doesn’t understand how people in America can complain about their living conditions. Many people live in one bedroom or smaller, and have many family members with them. He says that the people are so loving and grateful for what they have. “Family is very important and I really hope our family can stay close like that.”

He says that the environment problems here in American are minimal compared to where he is. The pollution is pretty bad, and his white shirt looks black at the end of each day. In order to dispose of trash it is burned and the smell can be difficult to take at times.

Many people chew tobacco. He says that he is taking a new approach to missionary work. “Everyone I see that is chewing or smoking I approach. Teach them about the word of wisdom and how they are polluting a gift from God. One time I even went up to a stranger as he was about to put it in his mouth and I told him to throw it away and he did.” He goes on to say, “I really think that I want to come home and be a dentist.”

They took a zone trip to Ramiji Film Studio and he said that it was a lot of fun. “It was like a very very very small Hollywood. It was nice to take a break and see something that reminds me a little of American and home.”

He appreciates the care packages he has received. His favorite thing that we sent him was the peanut butter and jelly because he can’t get it over there.

“I love it here and I love studying the scriptures. The more I study the harder I desire to work. I realize that I am an unprofitable servant and I have a lot of debt to pay for the wonderful blessings I have received in my life. I love the gospel and it has helped me grow so much.”

He says that he has been trying to work out every morning but it is so hard because at the end of the day he is so tired and his body is so sore from all of the walking. “Missionary work is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it is so rewarding. Even on very hard days I am so grateful for the blessing of being on a mission.”

“There are a lot of times I miss home and wish I was back there but I know that this is more important. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and I am so grateful for the love I feel.”

“We watched general conference last Sunday and I loved it. I learned so much. Please work hard to help with this great work and help bring this church to a unity of faith.”
With regards to the BYU football updates my dad sends Billy he says: “I loved dad’s e-mail report on the game. Man I am so happy BYU is doing great. For every door I knock BYU gains a yard. I promise to keep knocking on those doors.”

Finally Some Pictures!

Well, we finally got Billy's first REAL letter from India. It takes a little while for them to come. We have gotten a couple of short e-mails from him, but he says that he only gets 30 minutes on the computer once a week so there is not a lot of time to read and write e-mails. He appreciates everyone's letters and e-mails but again asks to please write him letters instead of e-mails since he is not allotted very much computer time.

Okay, I'm done lecturing onto some news! He says that things are going great. The people there stare at him and his companion because they are white. He said "it is neat to see how much people care about religion here. People would rather go to church than live in big homes. Above every door people hang flowers which represent what faith they believe in. Many people allow us in their homes, but they won't convert because their families do not support it. Family is huge here. Everyone lives together or around each other, and no one moves away." He says he feels like he can fit in because Ben and I are temporarily living in the same house as mom and dad (ha ha very funny Billy) and that the only difference is that the house the Indian people are sharing is about the size of our garage. He goes on to say "for being so poor the people here like to party a lot. They have many festivals, some of which restrict mission work."


There is no American food there and India has a different smell to it. He says that there does not seem to be any major effort to keep the land clean and free of litter, and personal hygiene traditions are different from Americans which takes some getting used to.


He is currently in Hyderabad which is the leading baptizing area in the mission. He has already taught many lessons and has a couple of baptism dates. He hopes that he will be able to baptize someone in the next six weeks. He really likes his companion although he will not be with him next transfer because his companion is a zone leader and he will be assigned another senior missionary in Hyderabad. He says he loves his area and hopes he won't be transferred yet.

Not long ago he and his companion had a dinner appointment with an Indian couple. It came out during dinner that the lady remembered meeting our dad four years ago when he was visiting India and spent sometime with the senior missionaries there. Billy was pretty excited about that. It definitely proves that it is a small world!

He says that it is sometimes very very hard and he wishes he could just come home. However, he says that "at the end of the day this is the most fulfilling work I have ever done. It is so amazing to see how much Heavenly Father helps me everyday. This is not my work, this is the Lord's work."

He asks that we all eat "cookies and good food" for him, and he sends his love!

Very QUICK Update!

Just so I don't have to take any of the blame on this one, this update is quick because Billy's last letter was really short!  He is doing well still and loving his mission.  He said that he feels that his speed has improved because of having to chase buses everyday, which he hopes will show on the lacrosse field when he gets back.  He has expressed an interest in studying to become a dentist having seen some of the people in India, and says that he would love to be able to return one day and help improve their quality of life.  He did say that he appreciates all of the e-mails, but he doesn't have much time to read and respond to them since their time on the computer is so limited.  He asked that people would please send hand-written letters instead and that he will try to respond in a timely manner.  He promised us pictures next week so we'll see if they come!    

INDIA!

Sorry guys, I know I've been shirking on my duties as Billy's blog manager but the new school year has been keeping me pretty busy. I promise I will try to be better about posting. In the meantime here is a nice update on what Billy has been up to...

Billy did leave for India last Wednesday, so he has officially been there one whole week! He called my parents from the airport in Salt Lake Wednesday morning, and then called us again from Germany at about 2:30AM. I had the pleasure of talking to him during the 2:30AM call although I don't recall much of the conversation except that he sounded very excited to be on his way to India and he was quite tired.

According to the e-mail from the Mission President he made it there safely. He spent a couple of days with the Mission President and his wife, and was able to attend a zone conference his first full day in India. He and Elder McKay were both sent via airplane to Hyderabad to meet up with the zone leaders who would be their companions.

Okay, so after hearing from the Mission President, we got an e-mail from Billy. He wants letters. He has already taught dozens of lessons and committed two people to baptism. His first baptism will be in a couple of weeks. He says that India is a very different since there are no traffic rules, and he says that "trying to cross the street should be done to the Indiana Jones theme song." He says, "I know why they send athletes here, you need to be able to run and jump to get on the bus and that's not even the hardest part, wait until you try to get off!" He also says that "there are a lot of cows roaming the streets and they are the only ones that get the right of way, no one will hit a cow."

He goes on to say that the people there are wonderful and that they come right up and hold your hand. They have been instructed not to wear their name badges and to be very careful because three days ago two of the elders were thrown in jail for being Christian missionaries and they are still there. He says that "the truth is spreading like wildfire and it is amazing seeing and being apart of this." Many stray dogs live on the streets and so do people. A lot of the people in his area live in apartments or tents. He says, "I'm living in the Ritz and it would still probably make mom cry."

He loves it there and he loves his mission. He said he is so happy to be there and that he loves the people and loves the gospel. He can't wait to send pictures soon and he promises they are coming.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Just a quick update. We got word that Billy and his companion will be heading to India on Wednesday September 3rd. He is really excited to finally be on his way and is glad that his companion is doing well after surgery.

Steadfast & Immovable

Billy waits for Elder McKay to recover from his operation last Tuesday. Billy's trip to India was delayed due Elder McKay's need for surgery before departure. Billy offered to stay behind with Elder McKay while he underwent surgery so that they could travel together upon his recovery. They are awaiting their departure date which will be sometime this week. Billy is enjoying his time in the MTC, and has expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Lord. He continues to study diligently as he prepares to head to India.

Last Letter From The MTC!

Billy sent the family a care package from the MTC.  Mostly it was letters for everyone, however he included some black licorice for my mom and dad, some pictures, and a wonderful little newsletter he put together.

Click Here For Billy's Newsletter

Billy's 19th birthday was on August 8th, so he was sure to send pictures of himself opening the care package we sent him. We stuffed it with some of his favorite things such as twizzlers, beef jerky and homemade cookies. We also filled it with practical birthday presents such as speakers for his CD player, stationery, pens and highlighters. He seemed to enjoy what we sent him, and we are glad he got it in time for his birthday.



Billy is leaving the MTC for India bright and early Monday morning August 18th. He is really excited to get there, however I'm not sure he is so thrilled about his 30+ hour flight. If you are planning to write him make sure you write the India address (on the right hand side of this page) so he will get it!

BREAKING NEWS...

Billy just let the family know that he will be staying in the MTC an additional week.  One of the missionaries in his district needs to have surgery, and Billy volunteered to wait to leave so that the elder did not have to travel to India by himself.  So, if you want to get a quick letter to Billy while he's still at the MTC you have one more week.

Working Hard and Playing Hard!

We just got a letter from Billy today.  It sounds like things are going well in the MTC.  He says he is working hard and is giving his all to his calling as District Leader.  He also assured us for as hard as he is working he is playing hard as well. He FINALLY sent us some pictures and from what I could tell, it looks like he is having a blast.

The First Letter Home

We finally received our first letter from Billy today.  He is doing wonderful in the MTC, catching up with old friends and making many new.  Billy was given the assignment of District Leader which he is a little nervous about, however we all know he is going to do a fantastic job.  I've updated his contact information on the side bar so be sure to write him if you have a minute!

Billy Enters The MTC

Billy entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on July 30, 2008.  He has finally begun his mission!  Billy will be in the MTC for three weeks before departing to India.  As I am sure you can tell from the pictures, mom had a difficult time saying goodbye.   We know he is going to be a wonderful missionary and we are so excited for him!  His address is listed on the right hand side of his blog so be sure to write him if you get a minute!

Billy asked me--his amazing older sister--to take over his blog and keep it updated while he is on his mission.  He promised that he would write often and send pictures whenever possible so that I can keep it current for friends and family.  Please remember to check back for the latest in Billy news! 

Final Farewell... Love Elder Nixon

Well I am now officially Elder Nixon. My Stake President (My loving Dad) set me apart right after my wonderful open house at my Grandparents house. My Mother and Grandmother sure know how to host a wonderful party. It was wonderful to see all of the people I care about in Utah come to the open house tonight, I don't think I could have asked for it to go any better. It feels really overwhelming because I am the first grandson to go on a mission out of the United States and it is very exciting. I am very close to most of my Aunts and Uncles and it was sad to say goodbye knowing I would not see them for two years. I am really going to miss my family। However, I would not trade the opportunity to go on a mission for anything। I cant wait to spread the Gospel to the people of India (I hope the recent bombings in India do not effect my mission)! I know that the Church is true and Heavenly Father needs me in India.

A day of goodbyes and “Farewell(s)”

When I opened up my calling a couple of months ago I was so excited about it I felt like ready to leave the next day. Well, the day of departure seems to be coming faster than I can handle.
Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to speak in my home ward. I feel bad because I monopolized the meeting and spoke a little long. My talk was mostly about missionary work and how I have prepared to serve.   After my talk my sister played a special musical number on the saxophone, and we had the opportunity to hear from the mission President and his wife as well as my dad.

Following the meeting, my mother prepared a fantastic open house in my honor. Everyone that knows my mom probably has already assumed that the open house was amazing. Mother decided to go all out and have a wonderful Indian buffet. I of course was excited because I enjoy eating Indian food, but I am sure that after two years of it I will be ready for a good American hamburger and fries.  I would love to say that the hundred plus people that attended the open house were there just to see me, but I have feeling that when ever people hear that my mom is throwing a party they come running, and to top it off my sister made an 

amazing three layer Indian looking cake with an elephant on top.  I hate to admit it but I am one lucky Elder, because I have a wonderful family that supports me.

While the open house was wonderful because I had the opportunity to say goodbye individually to all my friends and family it was very emotional. Although I am very excited to serve the Lord, it is very weird to think I am going to be putting my life on hold for the next two years.  It is hard to think that I am going two years without the blessing of football on television and playing lacrosse. However, I cannot express in words how much love I have for my Savior and the gospel. I know that when I put the Lord first everything works out.

Show Time

My family and I had the opportunity to attend the Lion King at the Kennedy Center. It was amazing, and I will even admit I thought about crying. (But I didn’t)
I have heard many people express their feelings toward the performance prior to my viewing. So I went in with high expectations. Well it was more amazing than I had ever dreamed. From the very beginning to the very end I thought I had died and arrived in Musical Heaven.

THANKS MOM AND DAD!!!

The Move... and Addiction!

Hello everyone, my name is Billy Nixon and I am a addict... a Twilight addict. I know it is very sad, I didn't even see it coming. I wanted to be a nice brother and went up to Syracuse, New York to help my sister Brittany and her husband pack up their house and move down to Virginia. Well there was some down time and the television was packed, so in my boredom I decided to go to Borders to pick up a book. I read the first chapter and was addicted!  Twilight's addictive power is worse than even the hardest of drugs. I am embarrassed to say I finished the first two books in a matter of days and am working on the third as we speak. 

Now about the move, It was really fun spending time with Brittany and Ben. We packed all week and our goal was to load the truck by Friday and be down in D.C. by Saturday. Well we began packing the truck at 9AM on Friday and finished at 9AM Saturday. Yes, we pulled the quintessential "all-nighter" reminiscent of many my freshman year of college.

The drive down was a journey in its own. We had a very special truck... the "little engine that could" if you will. 

I know everyone knows the story of The Little Engine that Could. Well this truck gave that story a whole new meaning. All three of us wondered numerous times if our truck was going to make it as it would only drive at 30 mph uphill. Well it did eventually make it, but I am sad to say I never want to be with a truck like that again. 

Overall the trip was really fun. I am glad I had the chance to help out Brittany and Ben. But most of all, I am happy I had the chance to read.

I would be remiss not to mention the opportunity I had to go see the Hill Cumorah pageant on Friday night before we left town.  It was amazing, and worth the lack of sleep and speeding ticket my brother-in-law got because of it. 

A “Gay” Old Time at the Ball Park!

The day after I returned home from the beach I was woken up with a wonderful surprise, my mom was offered 4 club seat tickets to the Nationals vs. Angels baseball game which was scheduled to be played that night. Being such a huge fan I could not pass up the wonderful opportunity to watch my Nats play a little ball.  I went to the game with my brother-in-law Ben, my little brother Joseph and Joseph's friend Cole.

At the start of the game, I noticed that there was something unusual about the choir that was walking out to perform the National Anthem - they where all men. So I decided to be funny and I turned to Ben and told him that it was the 

National Gay Men's choir. Well I was shocked when I found out that I was right, in fact it was “Gay night” at the Ballpark.  Please understand I don’t discriminate and I don’t want to offend anyone, but the last person I wanted to sit next to during a situation like this is my brother in-law. I defiantly think we gave the wrong impression to some of the spectators because we received plenty of unwanted winks.

Aside from that the game was very enjoyable. It was fun being there to see Ben at his first MLB baseball game and I enjoyed watching him eat his first ballpark frank. It was a fun night.