I received an email today that let me know of an opportunity to offer promotions from my blog because mine had been reviewed as one people would want to read. I would love to think that I am so witty and such a great writer that everyone reads my blog, and to not be so cynical. However, even if I were the world's greatest writer, I believe I would need more than 3 posts per year to qualify for something valid! Or is it just my cynicism again, maybe wonderful opportunities do just pop up into your email inbox! Nevertheless, I think I will continue to be skeptical.
Dayne is back in the city as of the beginning of December. He misses the cows, but is loving the area. He is in the 9th of April which is very close to his second area. He says 'the security' is not very good, but 'don't worry'. He is with his companion from the MTC and they are enjoying their time together so far. There are 4 missionaries in their ward, 3 of them were roommates in the MTC! It is very hot which makes it difficult to sleep at night. They are planning a zone activity for Christmas day, including the movie Toy Story. He says that some of the people actually decorate for Christmas in this area. Last year he reported that one house had a string of lights over the door. He has been very busy and hasn't had time to think much about home this year. We look forward to talking to him on Christmas day.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
What a difference a year makes!
A year ago I was worrying about Dayne newly arrived in Argentina and wondering what he was doing at different points in the day. A year later, life seems so busy that I remind myself each Sunday to get a letter off. I still miss him terribly at times, but time has done a great job of dulling that feeling.
Since I wrote back in April, still in the same area, he got a greenie over the summer then was transferred to a new area in the fall. He is in an area called Alejandro Korn and he loves it because instead of trash, there are pastures and cows. He has the opportunity here to ride a bike which has been a challenge keeping it in one piece. His companion was Elder West from American Falls ID, a match made in heaven which he thoroughly enjoyed for a month. The highlight was a celebration of 10/10/2010 at 10:10 pm in their matching red underwear. All good things must come to an end and although petitioning the mission president, Elder West was transferred to Banfield. The new companion is from Peru and a hard worker, although he doesn't like bean dips which was a great disappointment to Dayne. To make up for that, they wear their bike helmets (which they should have been doing anyway!) and are being likened to the "Power Rangers"!
I am now counting down the months left (8!) and have no idea how long he has been out. This call at Christmas will be so much easier. When you are around things all the time, you don't notice the changes so much. Taylor was 12 when Dayne left and an inch or two shorter. He wants to know where his sister is!
Summer is fast approaching in the southern hemisphere. Lucky Dayne, he will miss out on a winter!
Since I wrote back in April, still in the same area, he got a greenie over the summer then was transferred to a new area in the fall. He is in an area called Alejandro Korn and he loves it because instead of trash, there are pastures and cows. He has the opportunity here to ride a bike which has been a challenge keeping it in one piece. His companion was Elder West from American Falls ID, a match made in heaven which he thoroughly enjoyed for a month. The highlight was a celebration of 10/10/2010 at 10:10 pm in their matching red underwear. All good things must come to an end and although petitioning the mission president, Elder West was transferred to Banfield. The new companion is from Peru and a hard worker, although he doesn't like bean dips which was a great disappointment to Dayne. To make up for that, they wear their bike helmets (which they should have been doing anyway!) and are being likened to the "Power Rangers"!
I am now counting down the months left (8!) and have no idea how long he has been out. This call at Christmas will be so much easier. When you are around things all the time, you don't notice the changes so much. Taylor was 12 when Dayne left and an inch or two shorter. He wants to know where his sister is!
Summer is fast approaching in the southern hemisphere. Lucky Dayne, he will miss out on a winter!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The winter of my discontent....
I actually have a moment and am thinking of my blog, an amazing occurrence of events. This has been a long and cold winter with the sun just teasing me with the sun that just might come out in full one day. Dayne's summer is winding down and he will soon be in the freezing cold. He had an amazing companion in December and got out of the very scary area. He had a companion from Bountiful area the past three months that just went home. He managed to keep him working the entire time. He sent some very sage advice when I was at my lowest, something that I have to keep reminding myself about.
"...I am out her doing God´s work and it was a reminder to me that I need to rely on him more. He is willing to help us out if we seek his guidance. The problem is that in life too many times we try to do things on our own. We can´t do it on our own, and it is so much easier if we turn to God in the first place. It really reminded me that I need to be trusting in him more because I am doing his work so I know that if i trust in him more we will have more success. This applies to all of you back at home too. In everything we do, it is a lot easier if we have someone else helping us out. Humble yourselves and put your trust in God because he knows whats best for us. Work hard, do your part and rely on God to help you with the rest."
Great wisdom, I often become so focused on doing that I forget to ask for help. My hope is that one day the sun will shine!
"...I am out her doing God´s work and it was a reminder to me that I need to rely on him more. He is willing to help us out if we seek his guidance. The problem is that in life too many times we try to do things on our own. We can´t do it on our own, and it is so much easier if we turn to God in the first place. It really reminded me that I need to be trusting in him more because I am doing his work so I know that if i trust in him more we will have more success. This applies to all of you back at home too. In everything we do, it is a lot easier if we have someone else helping us out. Humble yourselves and put your trust in God because he knows whats best for us. Work hard, do your part and rely on God to help you with the rest."
Great wisdom, I often become so focused on doing that I forget to ask for help. My hope is that one day the sun will shine!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I'm back...
After a considerable hiatus I am back. The end of the year always seems to get so hectic, add work and illness to that and without the help of others there isn't much hope.
Although perfectly content with his informative and humorous letters, speaking for myself that is, we had the opportunity to speak to Dayne at Christmas. My tears rendered me completely speechless for most of the conversation. He is doing well and enjoying his companion Elder Risquez who is from Peru. He was very glad to find out that there were hard working elders in the mission. He has also had the opportunity to baptize 2 people. The first was a young girl who was very nervous and on one of the five attempts she actually dove forward. He has only been robbed once that I know of, and I thought he gave the family picture away! His hunting skills have come in handy as he can hear and feel the wild dogs as they creep up in the rear before they attack! After they are discovered all you need is to pretend to throw a rock. His previous companion's pants were full of tears from the sneaky little beasties.
Next week brings another transfer, Elder Risquez has been in the area for over 6 months so it is with great sadness that he and Dayne expect to be parted. Elder Robert Murray, a friend of Dayne's from Riverton arrives in the mission this month and it is a mother's great desire that they are put together. A mother can dream can't she?
Dayne sent a bunch of pictures including his pet frog, the streets after rain and some from the MTC.
Dayne's new email is dtatty31@gmail.com, please use dearelder.com mission buenos aires south.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Although perfectly content with his informative and humorous letters, speaking for myself that is, we had the opportunity to speak to Dayne at Christmas. My tears rendered me completely speechless for most of the conversation. He is doing well and enjoying his companion Elder Risquez who is from Peru. He was very glad to find out that there were hard working elders in the mission. He has also had the opportunity to baptize 2 people. The first was a young girl who was very nervous and on one of the five attempts she actually dove forward. He has only been robbed once that I know of, and I thought he gave the family picture away! His hunting skills have come in handy as he can hear and feel the wild dogs as they creep up in the rear before they attack! After they are discovered all you need is to pretend to throw a rock. His previous companion's pants were full of tears from the sneaky little beasties.
Next week brings another transfer, Elder Risquez has been in the area for over 6 months so it is with great sadness that he and Dayne expect to be parted. Elder Robert Murray, a friend of Dayne's from Riverton arrives in the mission this month and it is a mother's great desire that they are put together. A mother can dream can't she?
Dayne sent a bunch of pictures including his pet frog, the streets after rain and some from the MTC.
Dayne's new email is dtatty31@gmail.com, please use dearelder.com mission buenos aires south.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Duty Neglected!
Life tends to get crazy and out of control from time to time, I just have gone through one of those times and completely neglected this site. Luckily, I still remembered to write to Dayne.
Dayne is doing Ok. He tends to get frustrated at times when he would like to work harder than they do. He also seems to be in a more difficult area where finding people to teach is even a challenge. He says that he can't take pictures because the area is too dangerous to take his camera into. Thank goodness he doesn't live in that area! His letter last week focused on a discussion they had with an inactive member and his girlfriend. It was a very good experience and was quite serendipitous as a man they didn't know flagged them down and took them there.
In his previous letter he was talking about a greenie and described some of his area, "Elder andros didn't really like Argentina at first ha ha, its a
good thing he isn't in my area or else he would have gone home. He couldn't believe that there were stripped cars burnt on the side of the road. Here people steal cars, strip them, then light them on fire. In my area i see crazy things every day.." Wow, a far cry from where most of us live. He hasn't had any great funny stories lately, I am waiting for tomorrow's with great anticipation.
Dayne has begun his fifth month, ironically it is his dad who is keeping track. I'm sure the blessings are there, but I miss him terribly. Boy do I love to teach and never would I deny him of that experience.
I hope to be back soon and climb on my soap box! Stay tuned...
Dayne is doing Ok. He tends to get frustrated at times when he would like to work harder than they do. He also seems to be in a more difficult area where finding people to teach is even a challenge. He says that he can't take pictures because the area is too dangerous to take his camera into. Thank goodness he doesn't live in that area! His letter last week focused on a discussion they had with an inactive member and his girlfriend. It was a very good experience and was quite serendipitous as a man they didn't know flagged them down and took them there.
In his previous letter he was talking about a greenie and described some of his area, "Elder andros didn't really like Argentina at first ha ha, its a
good thing he isn't in my area or else he would have gone home. He couldn't believe that there were stripped cars burnt on the side of the road. Here people steal cars, strip them, then light them on fire. In my area i see crazy things every day.." Wow, a far cry from where most of us live. He hasn't had any great funny stories lately, I am waiting for tomorrow's with great anticipation.
Dayne has begun his fifth month, ironically it is his dad who is keeping track. I'm sure the blessings are there, but I miss him terribly. Boy do I love to teach and never would I deny him of that experience.
I hope to be back soon and climb on my soap box! Stay tuned...
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Update for week of 9/28
Dayne's letter this week brought back many memories for me. I hope that this will get read and that someone, somewhere, will learn something from his words. Dayne's own words say it best, so I will paste them in a moment; but first of all I of course need to add my own commentary. My biggest shock is that Dayne is being made fun of as he has always been the king of cool, second of all, why in heavens name are you elders and prospective elders out there if it isn't to work diligently ( see D&C 4) and do the Savior's work? You have been called to a sacred calling and it needs to be taken seriously.
I absolutely know what I am talking about as the summer of '85 in Rome saw it's share of rule breaking. Luckily I was blessed with a tender mercy, because I too like to have fun, and was not invited to anything due to a companion situation. What a blessing that was. It still makes me feel sick to think how I would have felt had I participated. This is a very serious work that can be done with a degree of fun; the trick is to keep your eye "single to the glory of God."
(Dayne) "As far as the work in Argentina, it is tough but rewarding. I can really feel that i am being blessed and Heavenly Father is helping me. I am trying to be 100 percent obedience so I am able to have the spirit and find the people that are ready to receive our Heavenly Fathers gospel. It's not easy because not many missionaries have the same desire unfortunately. When i first got here i was devastated to see what went on in the mission. My mtc teacher gave me advice before i left, he told me I´m a natural leader and I cant be afraid to be the best missionary I possibly can. It is really tough though but through the scriptures i find strength. That is why the scriptures are so important in our lives and you all should read them every day. They help us through our problems and we can feel our Heavenly Fathers and our Saviors love for them. I really look up to Nephi because he was the younger brother and he wasn´t afraid to be too righteous. He also obeyed no matter what his brothers did to him. He was really blessed and the spirit was strong with him. I get made fun of by others missionaries but its going to be worth it in the end. I've been blessed and Heavenly Father has been humbling them. In the MTC we watched a re run talk that i´ll never forget. I can´t remember who it was ha ha but it was a twelve apostle and i have who it is in my notes. In the talk he said salvation isn´t cheap and its not meant to be. A mission isn´t easy and its not meant to be. It was even tough for the Savior to upon all of our sins and sorrows but he did. This talk gives me a lot of strength and I´m really trying to just focus on my investigators. THis talk applies to all of us though. Life isn´t easy and its not meant to be. Salvation isn´t cheap. Whenever we need help with life I know we can always turn to our Savior Jesus Christ because he has felt everything we have gone through and he is helping me a lot in my mission."
And now for the humor, "I only have one funny story to tell you about this week. It was my companions birthday and for his birthday we went to a members house and ate cake and empinadas. After we ate he went outside and they threw buckets of nasty crap all over him. It was funny and disgusting ha ha i was just glad it wasn´t me.
The members here aren´t quite used to my sarcasm yet. I was at the bishops house for lunch the the bishops wife was listening to me read out loud in the Book of Mormon to help me with my pronunciation. At the end of the chapter she always asks me what i read. There was one chapter that was only six verses and i had no idea what it said. As always she asked "what did you read?" I replied by saying "I read six verses." she just sat there looking at me and didn´t really understand until we explained to her. I don´t know if sarcasm exists in argentina ha ha."
I absolutely know what I am talking about as the summer of '85 in Rome saw it's share of rule breaking. Luckily I was blessed with a tender mercy, because I too like to have fun, and was not invited to anything due to a companion situation. What a blessing that was. It still makes me feel sick to think how I would have felt had I participated. This is a very serious work that can be done with a degree of fun; the trick is to keep your eye "single to the glory of God."
(Dayne) "As far as the work in Argentina, it is tough but rewarding. I can really feel that i am being blessed and Heavenly Father is helping me. I am trying to be 100 percent obedience so I am able to have the spirit and find the people that are ready to receive our Heavenly Fathers gospel. It's not easy because not many missionaries have the same desire unfortunately. When i first got here i was devastated to see what went on in the mission. My mtc teacher gave me advice before i left, he told me I´m a natural leader and I cant be afraid to be the best missionary I possibly can. It is really tough though but through the scriptures i find strength. That is why the scriptures are so important in our lives and you all should read them every day. They help us through our problems and we can feel our Heavenly Fathers and our Saviors love for them. I really look up to Nephi because he was the younger brother and he wasn´t afraid to be too righteous. He also obeyed no matter what his brothers did to him. He was really blessed and the spirit was strong with him. I get made fun of by others missionaries but its going to be worth it in the end. I've been blessed and Heavenly Father has been humbling them. In the MTC we watched a re run talk that i´ll never forget. I can´t remember who it was ha ha but it was a twelve apostle and i have who it is in my notes. In the talk he said salvation isn´t cheap and its not meant to be. A mission isn´t easy and its not meant to be. It was even tough for the Savior to upon all of our sins and sorrows but he did. This talk gives me a lot of strength and I´m really trying to just focus on my investigators. THis talk applies to all of us though. Life isn´t easy and its not meant to be. Salvation isn´t cheap. Whenever we need help with life I know we can always turn to our Savior Jesus Christ because he has felt everything we have gone through and he is helping me a lot in my mission."
And now for the humor, "I only have one funny story to tell you about this week. It was my companions birthday and for his birthday we went to a members house and ate cake and empinadas. After we ate he went outside and they threw buckets of nasty crap all over him. It was funny and disgusting ha ha i was just glad it wasn´t me.
The members here aren´t quite used to my sarcasm yet. I was at the bishops house for lunch the the bishops wife was listening to me read out loud in the Book of Mormon to help me with my pronunciation. At the end of the chapter she always asks me what i read. There was one chapter that was only six verses and i had no idea what it said. As always she asked "what did you read?" I replied by saying "I read six verses." she just sat there looking at me and didn´t really understand until we explained to her. I don´t know if sarcasm exists in argentina ha ha."
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