Hermana Emily Dahl
Argentina Bahia Blanca 7-09
Hermana Dahl will arrive back home in Dallas on August 12th. She expresses amazement in every email that her time in Argentina is rushing by so fast, and says, "I am sad that with every day that passes, it is one day less" [left on her mission] But I am continuing to work hard, hard until the very end!" She was recently transferred to a small area; the smallest yet, called Dorrego, and has a new companion, Hermana Lopez, who is a native northern Argentine from the Formosa area, and a convert to the Church. Hermana Lopez calls Emily "nena", The Argentine word for "Niña", or little girl! They live in a house that has just been painted inside--white, green and turquoise, and new refrigerator and clothes washer were just delivered this week. So the Herman’s are happy with their newly convenient and redecorated little house. Emily says, "Every time I go to a new area, I'm amazed at the members, and their faith and testimonies. There have been really firm, strong people in all of my areas, and I love to hear their testimonies, and how they came to know of the Church." Hermana Emily broke her toe recently and says that it "has made walking a little difficult. And naturally I need my feet to do missionary work!" Further medical adventures this week included a trip to the hospital at 3:00 a.m. as Hermana Lopez had terrible tooth pain, and as Emily said, "I don't know exactly what I was expecting, probably Medical Center of Plano, but more and more I get reminders of how grateful I am for our medical care in the United States!" Emily expressed her appreciation in her Mother's Day call for all those ward members who have taken the time to write and have maintained contact with her throughout her mission.
Argentina Bahia Blanca 7-09
Hermana Dahl will arrive back home in Dallas on August 12th. She expresses amazement in every email that her time in Argentina is rushing by so fast, and says, "I am sad that with every day that passes, it is one day less" [left on her mission] But I am continuing to work hard, hard until the very end!" She was recently transferred to a small area; the smallest yet, called Dorrego, and has a new companion, Hermana Lopez, who is a native northern Argentine from the Formosa area, and a convert to the Church. Hermana Lopez calls Emily "nena", The Argentine word for "Niña", or little girl! They live in a house that has just been painted inside--white, green and turquoise, and new refrigerator and clothes washer were just delivered this week. So the Herman’s are happy with their newly convenient and redecorated little house. Emily says, "Every time I go to a new area, I'm amazed at the members, and their faith and testimonies. There have been really firm, strong people in all of my areas, and I love to hear their testimonies, and how they came to know of the Church." Hermana Emily broke her toe recently and says that it "has made walking a little difficult. And naturally I need my feet to do missionary work!" Further medical adventures this week included a trip to the hospital at 3:00 a.m. as Hermana Lopez had terrible tooth pain, and as Emily said, "I don't know exactly what I was expecting, probably Medical Center of Plano, but more and more I get reminders of how grateful I am for our medical care in the United States!" Emily expressed her appreciation in her Mother's Day call for all those ward members who have taken the time to write and have maintained contact with her throughout her mission.
Elder Trey Nelson
California Roseville 1-10
Elder Nelson We received the picture of Trey and his companion from some members in Granite Bay who initiate elders new to the area with huge bowls of ice cream. In addition to teaching and baptizing, dumping and being dumped, Trey relates an interesting experience. "We had a pretty funny experience in the singles ward Sacrament meeting. The meeting started as usual with the conductor getting up, doing his thing, and then having an opening prayer. However, right after the opening prayer this guy pops out of nowhere sitting on the stand and walks up to the mike. He starts declaring that he's been working with President Monson a lot lately, and that he has a message to deliver from him to the ward. He then goes on for a little bit trying to talk about unity and said that things are no longer just black and white. Then the bishop just walked up, put his hand on the kid's arm, and the kid just said a little conclusion and headed out the door. Who knows where the kid was going with his speech. Bishop said a few words on proper line of communication, how we get direction from the prophet, and then headed out to see if he could find the guy. I guess he didn't find him because he came back in after a few minutes. When the kid first stood up I thought it was part of the program for a second but then quickly figured out that he wasn't supposed to be up there. After he was gone the meeting proceeded as usual. It was really weird. I've heard of incidents like that but have never actually seen one myself. Beware of false prophets!"
California Roseville 1-10
Elder Nelson We received the picture of Trey and his companion from some members in Granite Bay who initiate elders new to the area with huge bowls of ice cream. In addition to teaching and baptizing, dumping and being dumped, Trey relates an interesting experience. "We had a pretty funny experience in the singles ward Sacrament meeting. The meeting started as usual with the conductor getting up, doing his thing, and then having an opening prayer. However, right after the opening prayer this guy pops out of nowhere sitting on the stand and walks up to the mike. He starts declaring that he's been working with President Monson a lot lately, and that he has a message to deliver from him to the ward. He then goes on for a little bit trying to talk about unity and said that things are no longer just black and white. Then the bishop just walked up, put his hand on the kid's arm, and the kid just said a little conclusion and headed out the door. Who knows where the kid was going with his speech. Bishop said a few words on proper line of communication, how we get direction from the prophet, and then headed out to see if he could find the guy. I guess he didn't find him because he came back in after a few minutes. When the kid first stood up I thought it was part of the program for a second but then quickly figured out that he wasn't supposed to be up there. After he was gone the meeting proceeded as usual. It was really weird. I've heard of incidents like that but have never actually seen one myself. Beware of false prophets!"
Elder McKay Crandall
Puerto Rico San Juan East 6-10
Elder Crandall is doing fine. He’s been transferred to the North part of the island again-first in a threesome and now just one companion. He is teaching and working and coming up on his year mark. So hard to believe.
Puerto Rico San Juan East 6-10
Elder Crandall is doing fine. He’s been transferred to the North part of the island again-first in a threesome and now just one companion. He is teaching and working and coming up on his year mark. So hard to believe.
Elder Jacob Reading
California Carlsbad Mission 7-10
Elder Reading has been out 11 months and just got transferred to his third area, called Rancho Santa Margarita. It is a few miles further inland. As he says, he can no longer smell the ocean breeze. He is really excited, because there is more missionary work going on. His companion is the district leader and is going home in a few weeks. He mentions that there is a church there called the Saddleback church, and it is as big as a castle. It was started by a man named Rick Warren, who wrote the book, "The Purpose Driven Life," a best seller. Elder Reading mentions that 2/3 of the people who live in this area go to this church. So he has his work cut out for him to teach them all about the gospel. He is doing lots of less active work, and has 2 or 3 people in the process of taking the discussions for the first time. He says they are teaching about 2 lessons a day. He always mentions how he loves seeing peoples lives change when they hear the gospel for the first time. He says it is what makes missionaries keep pressing on. In the latest pictures we have of Jacob, we can tell he has put on a few extra pounds. So we are sending a larger size in the slacks that he needs. I guess those are called the missionary 10, or 20? The people are feeding him real well. He was so excited to hear of Adrian's mission call, and always asks about everyone back home. We have sent out a Texan, but afraid we are gaining a Californian, forever. He just loves the people and the climate and the whole mission life. This is one happy Elder.
California Carlsbad Mission 7-10
Elder Reading has been out 11 months and just got transferred to his third area, called Rancho Santa Margarita. It is a few miles further inland. As he says, he can no longer smell the ocean breeze. He is really excited, because there is more missionary work going on. His companion is the district leader and is going home in a few weeks. He mentions that there is a church there called the Saddleback church, and it is as big as a castle. It was started by a man named Rick Warren, who wrote the book, "The Purpose Driven Life," a best seller. Elder Reading mentions that 2/3 of the people who live in this area go to this church. So he has his work cut out for him to teach them all about the gospel. He is doing lots of less active work, and has 2 or 3 people in the process of taking the discussions for the first time. He says they are teaching about 2 lessons a day. He always mentions how he loves seeing peoples lives change when they hear the gospel for the first time. He says it is what makes missionaries keep pressing on. In the latest pictures we have of Jacob, we can tell he has put on a few extra pounds. So we are sending a larger size in the slacks that he needs. I guess those are called the missionary 10, or 20? The people are feeding him real well. He was so excited to hear of Adrian's mission call, and always asks about everyone back home. We have sent out a Texan, but afraid we are gaining a Californian, forever. He just loves the people and the climate and the whole mission life. This is one happy Elder.
Elder Skyler Thiot
New York New York South Mission 8-10
“Elder Thiot is pretty much the luckiest missionary in the whole world to be in NYNY South, and there is no greater work that is taking place then that of missionary work. Wow, how amazing is it to not have to worry about grades, or girls, or essays, but just put my trust in the Lord, and allow His will to be done! I love this work so much, and I’m so glad to be here at this time for this work. I’m so grateful for the divine way our lives can be guided. I see why I am in New York, and not Russia. Although I loved it there, there were people here who God needed to hear the Gospel from me, and that strengthens my testimony every morning, and gives more purpose to every second of the day!”
New York New York South Mission 8-10
“Elder Thiot is pretty much the luckiest missionary in the whole world to be in NYNY South, and there is no greater work that is taking place then that of missionary work. Wow, how amazing is it to not have to worry about grades, or girls, or essays, but just put my trust in the Lord, and allow His will to be done! I love this work so much, and I’m so glad to be here at this time for this work. I’m so grateful for the divine way our lives can be guided. I see why I am in New York, and not Russia. Although I loved it there, there were people here who God needed to hear the Gospel from me, and that strengthens my testimony every morning, and gives more purpose to every second of the day!”
Elder Christopher L. Martin
Santo Domingo West Dominican Republic 1-11
Elder Martin made an interesting discovery. In his last email he writes:
"First off, I learned that cockroaches can fly and that they're huge! One of them caught me by surprise but we got it. The mission work is going great. Poco a poco or little by little I'm learning Spanish. My companion and I worked hard this week. However, this Sunday was Mothers Day for the Dominicans which means very few went to church this Sunday." Next week Elder Martin reports that his first companion will be transferred. He writes, "I stay here in Enriquillo. . .which means I have to teach the next person the area. This will be a fun adventure! An interesting note on Elder Cowdell (the companion who has trained Elder Martin and is now being transferred). He is one of the young boys in the video "The Singles Ward." He and his friend awaken the main character who has fallen asleep in his car on a mountain overlook area. Elder Martin reports that it has rained a lot. His umbrella broke and he got soaked. According to him there is a silver lining to those rain clouds. They are able to catch many more people home and teach them.
It was so nice to hear Elder Martin's voice on Mother's Day. He is having a lot of success there in the Dominican Republic. “Oh, I almost forgot! Just before the baptism on Saturday we had a surprise visit by Elder Cook of the 12! I got to shake his hand! And by the way, he asked me if my parents were serving in California when I went up to shake his hand! I guess he knows you Mom and Dad so watch out! He gave a powerful talk on PMG but we had to leave early for the baptism. What a great week it was!”
Santo Domingo West Dominican Republic 1-11
Elder Martin made an interesting discovery. In his last email he writes:
"First off, I learned that cockroaches can fly and that they're huge! One of them caught me by surprise but we got it. The mission work is going great. Poco a poco or little by little I'm learning Spanish. My companion and I worked hard this week. However, this Sunday was Mothers Day for the Dominicans which means very few went to church this Sunday." Next week Elder Martin reports that his first companion will be transferred. He writes, "I stay here in Enriquillo. . .which means I have to teach the next person the area. This will be a fun adventure! An interesting note on Elder Cowdell (the companion who has trained Elder Martin and is now being transferred). He is one of the young boys in the video "The Singles Ward." He and his friend awaken the main character who has fallen asleep in his car on a mountain overlook area. Elder Martin reports that it has rained a lot. His umbrella broke and he got soaked. According to him there is a silver lining to those rain clouds. They are able to catch many more people home and teach them.
It was so nice to hear Elder Martin's voice on Mother's Day. He is having a lot of success there in the Dominican Republic. “Oh, I almost forgot! Just before the baptism on Saturday we had a surprise visit by Elder Cook of the 12! I got to shake his hand! And by the way, he asked me if my parents were serving in California when I went up to shake his hand! I guess he knows you Mom and Dad so watch out! He gave a powerful talk on PMG but we had to leave early for the baptism. What a great week it was!”
Elder Adrian Etherton
Idaho Boise Mission 8-11
Elder Adrian Etherton received his called to serve in the Idaho Boise Mission. His mission includes 44 stakes in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. He will report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. He is excited to devote his time and attention to serving the Lord.
Idaho Boise Mission 8-11
Elder Adrian Etherton received his called to serve in the Idaho Boise Mission. His mission includes 44 stakes in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. He will report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. He is excited to devote his time and attention to serving the Lord.
President and Sister Martin
California San Fernando Mission 7-12
The Plano 4th ward was privileged to hear from Adam, Sister Martin and Bishop Martin on Sunday, May 31st. The Spirit was so strong as the three of them bore testimony of the Gospel and shared their love for the Lord and their enthusiasm to be called to serve. We are going to miss you 3 Martin’s a LOT!
Photo Explanations
Hermana Emily and housemates, Elder Martin at a teaching appointment, Elder McKay and comp, Elder Sky, Elder Jacob and a great investigator, President & Sister Martin, Elder Sky’s new mission President, Pres. Nelson, Elder Jacob & a great sunset, Elder Trey enjoying a big bowl of ice cream with his companion, Hermana Emily cooking up some amazing food, Elder Chris at a recent baptism, Elder McKay at a recent baptism, Elder Jacob and comp at the Newport Temple, A great family Hermana Emily taught, Elder McKay on a p-day with a great waterfall, President Bennion, Elder Sky’s current Mission President for a couple of weeks, Elder Adrian getting ready to serve.
California San Fernando Mission 7-12
The Plano 4th ward was privileged to hear from Adam, Sister Martin and Bishop Martin on Sunday, May 31st. The Spirit was so strong as the three of them bore testimony of the Gospel and shared their love for the Lord and their enthusiasm to be called to serve. We are going to miss you 3 Martin’s a LOT!
Photo Explanations
Hermana Emily and housemates, Elder Martin at a teaching appointment, Elder McKay and comp, Elder Sky, Elder Jacob and a great investigator, President & Sister Martin, Elder Sky’s new mission President, Pres. Nelson, Elder Jacob & a great sunset, Elder Trey enjoying a big bowl of ice cream with his companion, Hermana Emily cooking up some amazing food, Elder Chris at a recent baptism, Elder McKay at a recent baptism, Elder Jacob and comp at the Newport Temple, A great family Hermana Emily taught, Elder McKay on a p-day with a great waterfall, President Bennion, Elder Sky’s current Mission President for a couple of weeks, Elder Adrian getting ready to serve.
