January 14, 2013

Hi Dallin,

 

How was your week?  We loved the pics of you and Dave! So happy that you get to work together.  I'm sure your area will get a fresh look at missionary work with you two taking care of it. 

 

Relax about your new responsibility.  You are doing exactly what the Lord wants you to do and He will provide the tools for you to use to be the most effect ZL you can be.  I spoke with Sister Jergensen. She will help you get the MD attention to get an RX.  You can start at a lower dose, if you want.  I hope it quiets your anxiety/sleep issues.  If so, then that is the tool that will help you in your calling. 

We had a great Sunday.  We went to Tim's farewell.  Rachel and LIzzy sang, "Jesus was no Ordinary Man."  It was so sweet-they could not finish because they were too emotional.  Tim's talk was great.  I skyped Beau while TIme was talking :):) Beau could hear the talk.  Tim talked about his experiences with Beau in Alaska-out on the ocean when the skiff broke and they were totally scared. He said he always sings hymns when he is in difficult situations.  He also talked about his experience on Granite Peak with you and Aaron.  It was a really spritual meeting.  He is going to be a great missionary.

 

We also had the Turley funeral.  It was very nice.  The Bishop talked about how much Bro Turley loved Sis. Turley.  When he was in the nursing home, he always worried that someone could take Frieda to get her "feathers fluffed." ( her hair done)  So cute.  Big family.  Funerals are a bummer, but the always remind me about how important families are and the covenants we make so we can be together.

 

It's cold here and I know that it has been chilly there.  Do you need anything?  YIKES!  I forgot you need garment tops. I promise-this week I can get over there.  It was -38 degrees at the cabin this weekend!!

 

Well, all is well here.  Dad is almost finished with the little house.  I'm sure he'll send pics. Chels and Jordan are moving into another apartment.  Norah is almost 1 year old!!  Angie is very uncomfortable as she goes into these last few weeks of pregnancy.  We are very blessed. 

 

We love you-hope you have a great week this week!

 

Mom

Hey Mom!

 

It's always so good to hear from you. I love you so much. Thanks for carefully writing me.

 

It has been a busy week! We drive a lot. This week we had a Zone Meeting in Osceola. A zone meeting is about 3 hours long. The whole zone gets together and discusses every area, every investigator, and every way we can improve. They are monthly, and this month President Jergensen was there with his wife. I love them so much. They remind me of the Tall grandparents. We gave a training on becoming conduits of the Spirit by putting off the natural man. We discussed goals, and how to achieve them. President trained on last year's 400 success, and how the Savior comes in the "fourth watch"....which in Hebrew culture is like saying at the last minute, after all we can do. We also had Stake Coordination  in Des Moines with President Pentz (Des Moines stake), and Presidnt Jergensen. The Des Moines Stake is massive. It was a bit crazy...There are two presidents who hold all the keys for the gathering of scattered Israel for their sphere, and then there were Elder Purcell and I and one other set of zone leaders. Stake coordination is cool because it really helps the units improve their work.

 

As for our area we are being blessed despite how busy we are. It causes us to refine and refocus, so we get a lot done in a little time.  We set dates with four 19 year olds. Two of them are married. Their names are Madison, Ray, Shylee, and Jake. They came to church yesterday and loved it! I pray that we can continue to see them progress. We have a solid baptismal date with Karina Stewart. She even found the church on her trip to Marshalltown and attended by herself! She is set for the 26th. 

We are having a lot of fun doing the Lord work, and I am so grateful.

 

I am still memorizing scriptures daily. Today I memorized Moroni 7:42-48.

 I love that passage...probably my favorite in the scriptures.

 

Yes I am  bit stressed, but it will work out.

 

I love you!

Elder Tall

January 14, 2013 Ang & Dal

From Ang: Haahahahahaahahahah

From Dal:
hahaha! !!!!!!!! I was like huh? Until I zoomed in on it. So funny! Everyone says 'hey you guys should switch nametags'...thinking they are real original.

January 7, 2013

Hi Dallin,

How was your first week in Oskaloosa?  I love saying that word:)  It looks like it is a pretty small town/area.  I can't believe you actually get to be with Elder Purcell.  I have laughed about that several times this week. Please take a pic of you two and I will send it to your friends-Caleb and Dillon.  Jacob Hooton was called to serve in Farmington, AZ.  Tim leaves in a couple weeks for Korea.

 

So, did you get to see April this week?  How is she doing?  

Some news from home: Brother and Sister Turley passed away on Wednesday.  They were both in Eagle Cliff and he passed away in the morning and she died 3 hours later. Amazing.  We are a little relieved because they were so sick and having such a difficult time. We have a wonderful ward who have really rallied around their family.  Their funerals will be Saturday.

Also Travis Tiner had to undergo an emergency appendectomy.  He's doing better-keep him in your prayers.  Dad and I had a wonderful fast today for family members.  We are routinely doing a full 24 hour fast and it has been humbling and strengthening to me. We truly are dependent upon the Lord for everything.  

 

Dad had his HP meeting at 8:30 am and was asked to give Kent Jones a blessing, which he did.  He then was asked to go to Ward Council at 11:40 am, which he did happily and then all three hours of church, which he did happily while fasting for 24 hours!  

As I was pondering Sunday dinner, I saw a can of Sloppy Joe sauce and thought of you.  That would be a really simple dinner to make.  1 onion, chopped and 1 lb ground beef, cooked together and then add the sauce. Put on a hamburger bun.  Easy.

 

I look forward to hearing all about your new area and comp.  We love both of you and are confident that you will do all that the Lord wants you to.

 

I love you!

 

Mom

 

Hey Mom!

 

Thank you so much for sharing that with me about your dream. 

Words cannot describe my gratitude for the Atonement.

 

Oskaloosa is said better in an "indian" accent...cousin :). I love being companions with Elder Purcell. We are genuine when we teach. It's nice to be paired up with someone who is like a brother, especially when you miss your own brother so much. We are working hard to improve ourselves each day. Randomly throughout the day we yell a random number like"12!" and then do 13 push ups, because in setting goals it is always better to "under promise and over deliver", as we learned from Elder Clarke. Among the biggest changes in ourselves is that we learned how to set goals. Thats what 400 taught me. We have a goal that he will lose 15 lbs. before we are transferred, whenever that may be. He has already lost over 30 pounds. He is doing great.

 

As a zone leader we go on exchanges once a week with various companionships throughout the zone to see their area and help them out if we can. It is a lot of fun. I went to Indianola and visited April. She is having trouble with stupid smoking, so Elder Austin and Elder Gibson will be visiting her regularly. Plus, she is living with her non member family so...scattered Israel gathering bonus! I love her a lot. She still reads a lot and loves the gospel. It would be hard to change like we ask people to do! I have to trust that the Lord will take care of her.

 

I have begun memorizing a scripture every day. I heard that an apostle promised a photographic memory if you memorize scriptures every day. It is helping already. Alma 37:6 small and simple things. Ether 12:27 overcoming weakeness through humility. I don't know what Ill try tomorrow.

 

One night we prayed after our plans fell through to find just one prepared person in a neighborhood. It was freezing! So we started walking and it was like there was something pushing us in a certain direction. Toward the end of the night we passed a house and both our heads turned back and our bodies with it at the same time without saying anything! It was almost cartoon like haha our legs kept going and our top half turned. Anyway, this lady answered the door and let us in. We had a great lesson with her, and she had alreay read a lot of first Nephi. We will be setting a date with her on Wednesday! Her name is Cathy. We also have a date with a girl named Karina. Also I got a letter from a guy in Iowa City. A less active that we always bugged a lot. I'll copy it and send it. I thought he may never come back, but he is now preparing for the temple!

 

Miracles never cease. I love this work.

 

I love you.

ps tell Tim how proud I am.
pss Pictures: We made a steak dinner to celebrate...we live in a sweet barn in a vineyard, and we have a grill! 

 

January 7, 2012 Ang & Dal

Hey dal!
It was soooooooooo awesome to see your sweet face on Christmas! I hope my pregnancy tears didn't make you feel bad, they are 90% happy tears from seeing how happy you are and all the progress you are making. The other 10% wants you here. I can't wait to hear all about your transfer and you Zone Leading position. Mom and dad left on Friday and Beau is still here for another week or so. I'm getting attached to having him here, he's prob sick of me. He's been an easy houseguest. Anyway I'm feelin laaaaarge. 8 weeks to go!!!!! I love you
Ang

Sent from Angie's iPhone

Ang! 

Can you belive I am serving with Elder Purcell! We are workin so hard together.  We are so unified already. It is so much easier to teach when you really understand your companion, and understand his intentions. We work out a lot too. Gettin bouldahs for shouldahs. :)

The Lord is guiding us and we have been changed by our missions so much. I know the Lord guides this work. I hope you and the forming babe are doing well. I can't wait! Thanks for the video it was hilarious!

Love you

December 28, 2012

Good Morning Elder Tall :)

 

Wow our last emails of 2012.  The time is really flying by. It was soooooo great to talk to you last week.  You look the same but I can tell the gospel has changed you and enlarged your capacity to love and serve.  That's what it's all about.  It was fun to meet your investigator and the host family.  Such good people. 

 

Well, where are you and how is it going?  I will laugh if you are back in Iowa City -Ha.  If so, you were meant to be there for a great purpose.  I'm sure it was had to leave Elder Barger, but you trained him well and he will do fine. 

 

We had a great time at Angie's house.  She should be a cruise activity director.  She had us going all over the place and doing some pretty cool things.  Our surprise for Dad was an 18 hole round of golf at Pebble Beach- He was so surprised.  Ang's friend works there and hooked us up with a super great deal. Cade is so cute and I loved waking up to  him saying, "gramma, come pway twains wif me" then he would say--"wook, wook at da twains."

 

Beau is staying there a few days extra and then back to the arctic. We are back at home and hitting the work grind again but feeling refreshed from our getaway.  Dad is still renovating the little house and hopefully it will be ready to put a for sale sign by the end of this month.  Dad went to Eagle Cliff again yesterday to conduct.  He's pretty dedicated. 

 

Well, I'm so glad you are doing well.  I have to get to work now.  I love you and as always, we are praying for you and your mission.  You have a beautiful smile- keep sharing it. (how are the whitestrips working?)

 

Love you!  Mom

Mom!!

 

Where do I start?

 

Thanks for the whitestrips they are working great. My new companion is loving all the goodies as well.

 

Soo transfer meeting was so full of energy. It was the last couple weeks of the year.

 We have all been striving to acheive the goal of 400.

 Big changes were occuring in the mission, and seemingly we would not acheive the goal. 

We have worked hard all year, and I can say with gratitude that I have tried so hard to be diligent. We made our offering to the Lord, and sacrificed a lot. I never lost faith that we would acheive it with the Lord's help. 

The anxiety was tremendous though, as President jergensen read the transfer news.

 I had chances of going with several zones. Finally He got to it.

 "And in Oskaloosa Elder Purcell's new companion is...kinda short!" 

Right when he said that I dove over three missionaries to him! haha. 

All the Elders freaked out. I heard how President decided that I would be with Elder Purcell. 

He had no intentions at all of placing us together, but he prayed and laughed and knew for certain that it was the Lord's will. I know it is as well. I only have a couple more minutes to be in the Library, but I am so happy and so grateful. The Gospel that we took for granted as teenage punks has changed us so much. We are so much happier and closer than we ever were, and we are going to have so much fun helping the Oskaloosa Zone acheive  the Lord's will for it. We found out last night that the mission acheved 400 exactly, and the 400th baptism was right here in our chapel. His name was Spencer.

 

I love you

 

ps. I get to see April Higginbottom next week. She doesn't live too far away. 

So when I go on exchanges, I'll see her. I know I am supposed to be here.

December 17, 2012

Good Morning, Son!

 

How's Galesburg this week?  I'm kinda like GPa Tall and Gpa Tiner- I check your weather everyday on my iphone and give the report to dad.  I keep track of the weather in Anchorage, Monterey, Chico, Ogden, Provo and just to make me crazy- Kona. HA! 

Looks like you're going to be a little chilly today.  Are you wearing your v-neck sweaters?

 

I'm so happy to hear about your baptismal dates.  The gospel tends to be contagious when new members are on fire.  I hope your ward will fellowship April and her sister!  7 new investigators is pretty awesome. 

 

We are really trying to do our missionary work- but dad and I are focused on certain members of our ward that are struggling.  Some everyone thinks are solid, but really- they have been offended and are not really attending and sort of go unnoticed.  Dad is so good at talking with a couple of these gruff guys.  Dad loves his calling and is dutiful in his HP visits, meetings, and hometeaching.

 

We had a busy Saturday with working and my work Christmas party, (held in the classy Sunset Bowl) then coming home that night to prepare our talks.  We wrote them until midnight, then Beau got home with Matt and Chase and we stayed up until 1:30 am.  It was a long Sunday- but our talks went well.  Can't really go wrong  talking on Christmas. I had to tell my fave Christmas story that I read every year-  Trouble at the Inn. Do you remember it?  I should send it to you.

 

Did you get the packages?  I sent small ones to all your missionary friends from here-Dave, Dillon and Caleb.  I hope the garms fit.  I will get you tops ASAP.  I know I sent a lot of small stuff but if you can share it, that would be great.  What will you do for Christmas? Do you open presents with your comp or with a family?  Angie moved into a bigger house at the top of a hill and now she has great internet service-  I'm so relieved since we will be there when we get to "google circle with you."  I'm excited that Scotty gets to bring his family down to her house for the weekend, too.  I miss them.

 

Funny story-  Cade saw a parody picture of the Mona Lisa holding a rottweiler.  He said, "Gramma (meaning me) and Rosie!" I definitely have to wear more makeup when I skype with the little stinker!  He made me a concrete 12x12 block with jewels in it for my birthday.  Vance cut a silouette of himself out of christmas paper and shaped it like a hug and mailed it to me.  So cute!

 

Well, I have to start my appts for the day.  I love you and can't wait to here about your week.  We are so blessed and all is well.

 

Love you! 

Mom

Mooom! 

Happy late Birthday. You are amazing.

 

Thanks so much for the package! It got here safely. Merry Christmas!

 

Great week! April Higginbottom was baptized and confirmed on Thursday. She was glowing afterward. There is an incredible power that comes over you when you confirm someone. I know that the Lord loves her. It was hard to see her go when we saw her off at the train station headed for Iowa. She said she loved us and thanked us, and now she is in the care of the Elders in Indianola. They had better take great care. 

Now we are working on the rest of her family!

 

Steven Kirkman had his baptismal interview and is all set to be baptized with his family in Pocatello. His Dad, who is repenting and getting active again got permission to baptize him, so that is awesome. I feel bad for him. His parents split not too long ago, and it wasn't a real pretty one. He is excited to be a deacon!

 

We are working on getting a woman named Dawn Carlson to have a solid date for Jan 12. It is hard to get her to church, but we had a really powerful experience teaching her the restoration. After she said her first vocal prayer, asking if what we were teaching was true, she said," I have goosebumps, I have never ever felt this way before." While we knelt, we told her that Heavenly Father loved her, and that the Holy Ghost was telling her that. 

 

We are having alot of fun and alot of spirit filled experiences, 

and I have never been more sure of the reality of the Atonement.

 I love this work. 

 

I love you 

December 17, 2012- Ang & Dal

Oh man I've gotta be the worst sister! I'm so sorry I've missed like 3 weeks in a row! I miss reading your letters. Guess what?? We moved!!!!! To a cuuuute house by the wharf and Bill's work. Bigger & better. So the last week or 2 had been Ca-razy trying to get ready for Christmas and packing the whole house. Aaaanyhoo, can't wait to hear an update.
 Cade is singing in his 'mine own room' right now 'cwean up, cwean up eberbody eberbody cwean up, Elephant! Did u hear me?CWEAN UP!'
 I hope you get you Christmas package in time...it was let's call it, very homemade due to my sewing machine jamming and resorting to the Glue gun. I'm getting super super big. The new babe kicks not all day long, but all night. Despite waking me up, I love it so I don't worry. Things seem to be plugging along well here. We are happy and your letters only make each week better. Love you.
Ang

Heeey! Congrats on the move! I loved the clean up story! I feel like I have seen that house. Quite swank indeed. I love the roof. Das TIGHT.

 

I haven't gotten the package yet, but I am excited to see what involves both a sewing machine and gluegun!.

 

As you read in Mom's email we had a baptism this week. It was amazing! The spirit was powerful. April was so fun to teach. I am so grateful that I get to meet so many characters and hear their stories, their fears, and their cares.

 

I hope Google thing works on Christmas. I cant wait to see you.

 

Love you!! Thanks for the pictures! 

December 10, 2012- Chels & Dal

Well these 2 weeks have been nuts! We got home from MT, which was so fun, and have been on a dead run. I have finals, research papers, and 3 babies to take care of... yes three... Jordan counts as one of them. We have learned a lot of valuable lessons these past 2 weeks. The main one was tithing. We are very cash poor and some how got behind in our tithing a while ago and haven't been able to make it up. But we decided to pay a chunk of it 3 weeks ago and just prayed and hoped that Jordan would make enough money so that we could pay our bills for the month of December. Literally the day that bills were due, his check came in and provided enough for all of our bills, plus some. I never will get behind in my tithing ever again. I don't think that it was necessarily intentional that we got behind but I want to make sure that it is a priority to pay it right when we get paid. We are very blessed. Jordan has been offered more contract work with the church so we will be able to have money for January. Life is sweet. It is good and we are being taken care of by our HF. I hope you are doing great. I hope the people you teach feel of your love and your deep testimony of Christ. We love you very much Dal. I am excited to see/chat with you in t-minus 2 weeks!!! You are a strength to me and our whole family. Take care of yourself.  Please remember to shower... you stink.
 Love you!
Chelsea

Chels-

I cant Shower or I wont blend in with Galesburg!

 

I loved your tithing story. That's awesome. There shall not be room enough to recieve them blessins.

 

Chels I think you should call Salt Lake for me and get my mission extended. I love it too much. Mom said it has already been a year since I got my call. In two months I will be a year out. Gross.

 

Galesburg is fun. Everybody is a character...even the 3 or so cats that every family has. I hate cats. I have given up on lint rolling. We have baptisms coming up, and the spirit has been guiding us so much. I am also  excited to talk to you guys on Christmas!

 

How are the children and papers coming. What are ya reading in the BOM? Lately I have been marking a new BOM with several colors for categories like Charity, Diligence, Doctrine of Christ(faith repentence baptism HG) interesting things, and the atonement...Its colorful. I love the Book of Mormon. Makes me feel good.

 

Love you 

December 10, 2012

Hi Dallin,

Important*****please clarify - We bought you medium garments last year and you didn't like them and went back and bought larges.  In your last letter, you said you need medium bottoms---was that correct? I am sending your package out today and I want to include the right size.

Anyway, how was your week.  We liked the pics you sent.  Is that your apartment that you are standing in front of with the car?  What is your comp's name and is he new?  Wow, can you believe it's been 1 year from the week that you opened your call?  The time is really flying by.  Karly Manwill received a mission call to the Phillipines! I think Camie is also considering putting in her papers.

 

Morgen and Bret are pregnant and very excited.  Holly had her little guy early- 4.5 lbs.  His name is Cohen.  Both are doing fine.Cassidy had her big guy-Lucas- I think he was 8 lbs. Stephanie had her big girl- Adalie, the 1st of Decemeber.  We are an expanding family!  

Wow-You have a lot of baptism dates. You are really being blessed.  I'm so glad people are hearing from you and feeling the spirit.  Dad and I will give out our videos as soon as we get them.  The mission home is out of all the vids so I have to order them. 

 

We had a very nice Stake Christmas fireside last night.  The Light family acted as a family having family night- Tim sang a solo and it was so nice- his voice has really matured. Emily Walker and Kristie Rawlinson did a piano/viola duet that should be professionally recorded- it brought tears to my eyes as most good music does.

 

Well, Beau will be home this Saturday. I'm very excited. Have you found a place where we can google circle on Christmas?  Will you be calling me about a time like last time?  I'm so excited for Christmas Day :)

 

Keep up the great work.  We love you so much!

 

Mom

Hey Hey!

 

Medium tops, and yes I'm sure, I had more muscle when I left and I am a bit smaller now. 

As for bottoms let's stick with large, boxer style not brief. Thank you so much!

 

So happy for the Manwill family! That's awesome, and all the baby havers in the family!

 

This week was amazing! April will be moving on Friday, so President asked us to move her baptism. She will be baptized this thursday, and confirmed as well. She is a bit nervous, but she is ready. It will take a lot of coordination with the Elders in Iowa to take care of her when she goes. So many miracles this week! April's sister randomly told us she would like to be baptized and join the church "because I love it" she said. These are the blessings of following a prompting. So we will be teaching her too. Also several members are getting people ready. We found seven new investigators this week, and five of them are pretty solid. I am so full of gratitude. 

 

Also our Korean investigator, Sung Joo, is doing really well. It's amazing to see her understand things like the spirit world, things that have never been explained to her...her questions of the soul and such. It's way fun.

 

As for Christmas items: We are still trying to find the right place to google message. 

 

++What should I do for gifts and stuff Mom? Maybe you could use my Chirstmas money you would spend and get everyone what they need from me!

 

Oh yeah, I haven't mentioned Elder Barger much sorry. Elder Barger is from southern Utah. He is laid back and really fun. He did alot of drama in highscchool. I am his "breaker" or "buster" which means your companion right after you get done being trained. So he is still in his first area. We work really well together. 

 

Well all is well here in the dirtyburg. Hopefully we can set more dates this week. 

 

I love you! Especially since this is all over on the 21st ha

Elder Tall

December 10, 2012 PICTURES!

So, Theres me with a cool church, my new comp/apartment/maliboat, and that one where we are eating was in Iowa City:the kids chose the utensils for us to eat with :).

December 3, 2012

Good Morning Dallin,

 

How was your week.  Thank you for answering some of my questions :)  You are photogenic and one of your pics looked like you had lost weight.  That is why I asked if you were exercising! 

 

I'm reading the BOM with an eye for the love of the Savior to all mere humans who are so imperfect!  I'm also reading PMG (Preach My Gospel) and getting familiar with better teaching skills.  I'd like to start the New Testament and study it along with the seminary guide. 

 

The Primary program was an unexpected success.  Those little buggers stepped up to the microphone said their parts like pros.  The two practices before were scary.  Kids are hilarious!  My little sunbeam, Colton Jones, never says a word but is the cutest, funniest little guy ever!  He told me he could 'sit quieter than a mouse'-  nothing my own kids could have or would have ever done!!

 

Dad ended up not giving a talk because we went to Hawthorne ward that week.  He did, however, get up at 6 am yesterday to attend his High Priest Group leadership training!  Wow.  Miracles never cease. 

How are your contacts going?  You will be getting some Christmas boxes soon.  There will be some excess stuff that you can share with others.  Is there anything specific that you need or want? Did you take those little speakers with you?

 

Dad and I have made a missionary plan, with a special effort during Christmas.  We have 10 families that we have thought of that we are going to take some treats and the Joy to the World video and invite them to our Stake musical fireside next week.  I hope to get those done by Wednesday.  I have asked the missionaries for lots of copies of the videos.

 

I hope you got your plaque pic (ha).  It looks good.  All is well here.  Scott Manwaring had his tumor removed and things are looking up for him.  Holly is in premature labor right now.  They are hoping she can be on hold for a few more days to allow drugs to develop her son's lungs.  I'm sure she'll be ok.  Austin in doing ok.  Tough mission.  People really do not like the church there.  There is a youth uprising in Russia and Poland and they are telling everyone that the missionaries are US spies who come home and join the CIA.  Scary.

 

Well, I'm going to write to Caleb.  We love you and are so proud of you.  Keep working diligently and you'll be blessed.

 

Mom

Hey Mom!

 

Great week! Sorry for assuming you were calling me fat. You might have sent them already, but we are loaded with junk food because of the old ladies around here, so save the money and send it to Poland :). I do really need garments I lost some in the transfer. In terms of a christmas list or something:stamps, a normal pictureframe for one of those normal size pictures after you develop film, I would love choffy...but it might be kinda distracting in the morning, mints, my birkenstocks, a size large longsleeve shirt...I dont know ha.

 

So good to hear about the primary program and all! I'm glad it went well. Also, its so awesome that you are reading PMG. It is so amazing! The how to begin teaching section was written when President Packer woke up one night feeling like he needed to write something down, and the how to begin teaching came by revelation to him. I use that in every teaching situation. I think all leadership positions in the church should be required to study it!

 

I am actually studying the seminary guide for scripture mastery right now. One of the greatest miracles/ spiritual experiences that have happened on my mission is that The Lord has improved my ability to learn and memorize. It didn't come easy, but now, when I am feeling the spirit I have this system of logging away scriptures by topic in my mind. So I use the Teaching skills section of PMG to work an investigators concerns out, with inspired questions and such, and then I am directed to a scripture thats stored in my personal topical guide. It's really miraculous. I'm so glad you guys have a mission plan! I feel like its an answer to prayers(for you guys to have missionary experiences).

 

So we have two new solid baptismal dates, and we exceeded all of our goals this week. I am full of gratitude. People are coming out of the woodwork. April Higginbottom read the BOM to 2nd nephi chap. 4 in two days! She read all night and studied it like Parley Pratt. She will be baptized on Dec 22nd if she can quit smoking, and she will. She is dedicated. She is very clear that she has found what she was praying/searching for. Steve Kirkman is a 12 year old. His Dad got active again and his son came with him, and told his dad he would like to be baptized. He will be baptized on Dec 29th. So awesome. I wish I could tell you guys everything, but those are the highlights.

 

I love you

 

November 27, 2012

Hi Dallin! *****What is your neck size?

How was your week?  How did your talk go? Did you get to spend any time with Elder Clarke? That must have been a great experience. Tell us all about it.  How are the other missionaries in your district? Did you have a good Thanksgiving?  Dad did hospital visits with Jordan and ended up giving two blessings.  Good service.  The blessings were to the family attending an inactive gentleman who had just had both of his legs amputated.  I ended up doing her laundry for her.  It was a good experience.  I then proceeded to overcook the turkey, but we still had a good dinner.

We have Chels and Jordan still here.  Vance is promising Grandpa that he will stay one more night:)  They go home tomorrow. He can sing all the Disney songs-at the top of his lungs :)  We love it.

It snowed a few inches last night and it is so beautiful.

Is it harder to be in a smaller area?  How is your apartment?

We are still praying for Scott Manwaring.  He goes into brain tumor removal surgery tomorrow.  The tumor is quite large but operable.  Keep him in your prayers.

Dad is keeping Mason busy at work.  We went to Hawthorne Ward yesterday to hear Mason, Aaron, and Joseph speak.  It was really nice to go back to the old ward but and truly love the Lake Hills Ward.  We have lots of energy and missionary spirit. We have the sisters and they bring a great spirit.  

Do you think you can get on Google plus and sign up for "circles"?  That way we can all talk to you at Christmas. Look into it.  

Well, I hope you are having a great time and a good P-day.  Are you exercising?  Did you get my package--

I expect all these questions to be answered!! 

I love you!  Dad says Hi-

Mom

Hey Mom!

So you began and ended your email with FAT questions! :) I know that I am not photogenic, but its like I told Chels, I have actually lost weight. I work out every morning. I will have to work harder here in the dirty burg because we don't play bball as much. My neck size is 16, but I already got new shirts from mish mall. I do need garments though medium cotton poly boxer not briefs :). Our apartment is sweet. It was built some time in the 40's and its really long with high ceilings. I can zing one of my finger rockets Mary sent me and nail my companion all the way across the place ha. I got your package! Thank you so much! The pomegranates were bad, but I have to confess I was so excited I ate them anyway...irritable bowel syndrome :). The Google thing I will do. Not sure if there are members here that we can skype at yet. 

==Questions for you: has my account made any investment money? Did the guitar strings get loosened? 

What are you studying in the BOM? 

My week was amazing. We taught 17 lessons last week and ALL of them showed progression. Deela said she has had several spiritual experiences and plans to be baptized for sure. Her mom wants to quit smoking, so we are teaching her the workshop today. We are teaching a Korean foreign exchange student named Song Joo. The Porters, who also fed us thanksgiving, are housing her. They are an awesome crazy family. The district is doing well. We haven't had a district meeting in a couple weeks because of other meetings, but we have a great relationship because I get to help them over the phone. 

 The mission tour with Elder Clarke was so informative. They called on me to open up the meeting. That was nerve racking. I was prepared though and the spirit carried my words I think. I didn't spend a ton of time with Elder Clarke, but he is effective at training missionaries.  

I started a new Book of Mormon with categorized highlighting! I am learning so much. Just 1st nephi has sooo much info in it, like all the types of revelation, nature of Gods, attributes of Christ and so forth. I love this work. I know that God's hand is in the details of every soul I meet. I love the Savior so much. 

I love you

November 19, 2012

Good Morning Son!

 

How's your new area?  I have been talking with Mindy Decker on FB and she let us know that you are in the Galesburg, Illinois area.  How awesome!  Do you get to have some District Leadership training?  Take some pics and tell us all about it.  I bet is was kind of hard to leave Elder Musick.  I'm sure he'll do fine and take care of all the work that you did in that area. 

 

Dad and I are doing our fellowshipping. We went out with a new couple in our ward.  They were very happy to have a night out and get to know someone.  They are the couple that bought the last townhome.  It was fun.  Dad gets to talk in sacrament meeting next week. We are praying for opportunities to share the gospel.  I believe it all comes down to standing as a witness at all times and all places.  I told Kara about a RS meeting where we talked about adopting the attributes of Christ in our lives, especially at Christmas.  She thought that was totally important and had a couple simple questions. 

 

I'm so excited to have Chelsea, Jordan and the kids come for Thanksgiving.  It will be different for all of us this year with you and Beau gone.  But we are having some great experiences and can look forward to lots of great times in the future.  Enjoy all the new experiences you get to have in your new area.

 

Did you get your package?  I hope the pomegranates were still good :)  Is there anything you need? 

 

Well, all is well here and we are praying for you and your mission continually. 

 

We love you and can't wait from you!

 

Mom

Hey Mom!

 

I love Galesburg! Imagine a town straight out of the 1920s-40s, then fill it with 30,000 people who never escaped the early 1980s. The town of Galesburg used to be a real busy town full of industry, but then big job providers like Maytag and such started shutting down. Needless to say there is alot of financial struggle here, and the unemplyment rate is way high, which helps the work because people are home all day hhaaa. On my mission so far I have never been this busy teaching. It is awesome. We set a date the other night with a lady named Deela DeLaCruz for December 8th. She came to church on Sunday with her little girl Hannah and they loved it.

 

There is a old man here that lets us dry our clothes at his house and is crazy about family history. I gave him my 4 generation pedigree chart and he went nuts. Today he told me that one of our direct ancestors, Andrew Jackson Stewart, was converted because Joseph Smith sent two elders to find him. He didn't know that till after he was baptized. 

 

I have a really peculiar district. There are only four of us Elders and two senior couples. So that's four elders, and four elderly (Elder Barger,Elder Johnson, Elder Tripp, Elder/Sister Aten, and Elder/Sister Zaugg). The Zauggs are almost done with their mission and constantly complain about the work in their branch in Princeton. Usually we have 6-8 elders plus the two couples, but the mission lost 10 missionaries and Canton and Havana are closed down.  Anyway they are all awesome and I love them. District meeting was fun.

 

I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow because President Jergensen asked me to give a talk during Zone Conference. Oh and Elder Don R. Clarke of the seventy will be there. He gave a talk in conference recently. I will be talking for a few minutes about what my missionary purpose is to me. Pray for me so I dont get rebuked by a GA! :).

 

We are seeing miracles. Illinois is Sweet!

 

Love you

Elder Tall

November 19, 2012- Ang & Dal

Heyyyyyyoooo
So did you ever get my last letter?? It was one I took time on boo. Sooo, we heard about your transfer and promotion haha, you are gonna do so well. Just pray pray pray for patience and love and you'll be fantabulous. Can't wait to hear about your new journey...as far as here I'm still waiting for my new calling, though I got asked to teach Relief Society next week, yikes!!!! Nervous. Lots of smart old broads in our ward. I'm getting bigger, which is lame cause I'm uncomfortable but awesome because that means baby boy is getting close. Bill took a HUGE  test for his CFP license this weekend that was 3 yrs. & 4,000$ in the making so we are soooooooooooooo glad it's over. We find out results in a few weeks😁 we are going to my inlaws wed-thurs for turkey day...what are your plans? Ma pa and Beau are coming for Christmas and could pee my pants with excitement. We are working on a little something from Santa for you. Does it get cold there? Is there anything you want/need?? Don't hesitate. Funny story before I go make little peanut Cade some breakfast: last night I skyped with chels and she's like, ' I learn so much from watching Curious George, did you know maple syrup comes from a tree? and I started laughing because I had watched the same episode with Cade that morning and thought the same thing!! We were crying laughing about all the crap that friggin monkey teaches us. Haaaaaaaaaa love you!
Ang b&c

Sent from Angie's iPhone

Hey Ang!

Haha I was just gettin wild about Maple syrup a couple days ago! We have some of the straight from the tree syrup in my new apartment. So good. I was thinking wow..thats friggin good tree sap.

 

It's good to know Bill has his license so he can stop taking skii masks and guns to work. 

 

I'm glad the baby is doing well.

 

I love Galesburg. It is sooo ghetto. Alot of people move here from Chicago because jobs are easier to find here. We are teaching alot of less actives and we are having great spriritual experiences helping them. The ward is really old compared to the last ward I worked with, and the people are all such characters. They could make a 80s TV show during church. I love them all it's so fun. I will be eating thanksgiving with a family that eats on the floor and couches, all of which have never seen a vaccum or any cleaning supplies for that matter. I love my mission, you coiuldn't buy these memories. 

 

My companions name is Elder Barger, he is a stud. He's way laid back and loves to do the work so we are becoming good friends already. 

 

Love you 

November 12, 1012

Hi Dallin-

Sorry you had a slow week last week.  Those kinds of weeks teach us to appreciate the successful weeks and to be humble and let the Lord lead. I'm always surprised at how busy you seem to stay and that there are so many people who are willing to listen to the missionaries.  I bet the election stirred some people up to ask questions about who these Mormons are.  A lot of good came out of Gov. Romney's run for the presidency. I'm excited to hear where you will be transferred.  This will be a little tough since it's Thanksgiving week, but you will have some great experiences in your new area.  We are so proud of your great efforts and testimony.

I'm so glad to hear that the Decker boy is having a good time in Poulsen. I have asked many missionaries here about him to see if we could have him to dinner, but no one knew him yet.  Poulsen is up by Kalispell.  It's really beautiful up there.

Mason and Micki were over until late last night-chatting.  :)  Dad was cutting up his deer and loving it.  yuck. It's been very cold. I hope it warms up a little so that Chels and Jordan can come up for Thanksgiving.  

We are so blessed and happy about the future for all of us!  I hope you have a fun transfer week! Enjoy all of it!

I love you!

Mom

Hey Hey

So some transfer news: Elder Musick has been called to train a new missionary here in the 1st ward area. That should be awesome! I have been called to be a district leader in a new area. I will be in my new area with a new companion as of thursday. I am excited/apprehensive about leading a district. District leaders have alot of contact with the missionaries in their district and can affect the work a lot. I pray, and hope you will pray, that I will be able to help the mission achieve the goal of 400 by the end of the year. We are seeing miracles in the mission: we have over 300 baptisms and confirmations and over 130 dates, but they wont all get baptized statistically. I am excited for new challenges in a new area!

This week we set a baptismal date with Sandy Heidenpol. She is a nice old lady. The story is cool: So one day the work was slow, no appointments, no dinner, no new places to find...So I prayed and felt like Elder Musick needed to have an experience with the spirit in the area book. I asked him to pray and then flip through the former investigators section and pick one that the Lord would reveal to him. I could hear him flipping back and forth for fifteen minutes or so, and then he called me in. He pointed at a teaching record with a lady named Sandy that I always wanted to go visit, but never could. We went out there and taught her. In subsequent visits she has told us she knows the Book of Mormon is true and     

we have scheduled her to be baptized on December 22nd. 

I wish I could appropriately explain all my experiences with being guided by the spirit. It is indescribable. I know that the Lord knows each of his children. I know that he devotes a portion of that love to me before I even meet a person. I know that we had a pre mortal life. It makes it so easy to love as I have gained a stronger testimony of the pre mortal life because of the perspective it brings.

I love you,

Elder Tall

November 5, 2012

Hi Dallin!

 

How was your week? Are you working hard?  How do you like being a trainer?  Will you still be a trainer when you get transferred?  Are you feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy?  That was quite the storm.

 

Before I forget, I know that I'm thinking way in the future, but I'm hoping you can ask your president if you can go on googleplus at some point to set up what is called "google circle."  It's better than skype.  If we use circles at Christmas time then all of us can talk and see each other at the same time.  Dad, Beau and I will be out at Angie's for Christmas.

 

So, is this transfer week?  Are you looking forward to a change?  I think it will be great for you to have a new area to work in. 

 

Dad is done with his big job in Melstone. He says to tell you hi.  He had to teach the High Priest Group yesterday.  I am following Dad's example and we fast for the full 24 hours.  It has made a huge difference in my focus and spirituality.  We fasted for Scott Manwaring yesterday.  He is Aunt Lynn's son-in law.  They found a small brain tumor on Friday.  Keep them in your prayers.  How are you doing at fasting.  The boy I remember used to get serious fasting headaches.  Have been able to push through that?

 

Dad got two deer.  I'm sure he'll send you pics.  Mason is working for him almost full-time and he is a good worker.  I'm trying to make a quilt. What a joke.  No wonder we have Dillards. 

 

Anyway, we love you so much.  Keep laughing and working hard!  You are being so blessed and so are we.

 

Love you!

 

Mom

Hey Mom!

This week was a bit of a let down. We haven't been able to get in with Ken, and Denise called to tell us she would no longer be baptized because she couldn't commit. Ken is reading the Book of Mormon though, and Denise said she was going to keep reading it. Ken is still progressing though, he is just way busy. 

We get transfer calls this saturday. I love being a trainer. Elder Musick and I have so much fun. He gets cold when its like 40 degrees out, so winter will be funny. "bro..I think my butts frozen to my bike seat" ha. I would love to train again, and since we will have a surge of 100 missionaries by next year, Im sure I will get to again. I really don't know what is coming next but I'm excited for whatever it is (predicting transfers has never been profitable so far on the mission ha). 

Fasting has become easier, but I do still get headaches. It helps remind me of what Im fasting for though :). 

So we had a great dinner at the Deckers last night and they had some less actives and non members there. We had a great talk about the Doctrine of Christ. I thought teaching large groups would be so hard for me, but Heavenly Father has kept his promise and made weak things become strong. I sometimes prefer to teach large groups. The Deckers tell me that their son Kenyon is loving Poulsen Montana, and they are having great success up there!

This week I have just enjoyed missionary work as I have tried to find comfort in the Spirit and doing the Lords will. 

I love you and pray for you to have missionary experiences every day!

Elder Tall

November 5, 2012

From Dal to Ang:

Hey ang. I had to come send an email to Des Moines. Sorry to hear you got released. Those girls will appreciate you forever. I will always be grateful to my leaders growing up. They played a HUGE role in my life. I know how much you love them, and they know it too.

Did Bill have a giants celebratory party or what?

I haven't gotten the package yet, but thank you so much in advance. You rock you know that?

Still haven't told me the gender of the baby. :)

I Love you and I love the Lord's work. It all starts at home :)

Oh also I got your package! All of those things are my favorite things...ebvery.day.

Here are some pics!

November 5, 2012- Ang & Dal

From Ang:

Both tigers for Halloween, two states away.

From Dal:

hahahahah!!!!!
I embarrassed myself about this picture in the Library. It was one of those that you would look away for a second and then look back, and it just kept getting funnier...killin me.

Im excited. I might be going to Nauvoo with Elder Musick this week. I want to go to the temple with him, but he doesn't get to go to Carthage because its outlawed now.

Cade looked so cute on Halloween. Miss him :(.

Love you