Hey there peeps,
It was great to hear from you on Christmas. I realized today while I was thinking about it, I’ve been blessed to talk to the whole family every time that I’ve gotten to call home. There’s a lot of missionaries who only get to talk to a part of their family because the others are in college or have already moved out of the house. But now that you guys have made me officially trunky, I still gotta go out and work hard this last couple weeks. To me its just incredible that my time as a missionary is coming to an end, I still feel like I just got started, but truth is my group is the oldest in the mission right now, because those going home at the end of this change are getting sent home a week early to make it home for school.
But some more good news, I’ll be getting my New Years package this week, and I’m excited to see what my “gift” is... dad mentioned that I’ll be getting a cool little photo in the package. But I got a call from Elder Curtis, who is one of my buddies, who’s the assistant right now, and told me how a got a tiny little package from one James Fiala that includes just one can of Mountain Dew... So I’m super stoked for that little taste of heaven as well. Being deprived of good foods you know and love is definitely the worst part about being on the mission... that and family, of course...
But I’m glad to hear that the family was able to come to a conclusion as to what’s going down this March and April, and I’m perfectly fine with just chilling during March, and getting ready to head out come April. Plus I think it’d be nice to have you come out with us to Utah, I mean, I’m all grown up and everything, and I’ve been living on my own for two years, but let’s face it: I’ve been doing that all in spanish! There’s no way I could do that in english anymore! So Mom can ride with me if Dad’s not gonna go too.
But enough trunky talk, we’re working pretty hard in our area, but it was kind of tough with Christmas this past week, plus it rained on Sunday, which made for a poor church attendance, with only 5 people who made it to church other than us. But we got two investigators there, so that was cool, but then I just felt bad for them the whole time. I’ve heard that a lot of missionaries get home, and they find themselves searching for their investigators in the crowd at church, or feeling that protectiveness over making sure that the new people there feel comfortable, just to find out that they don’t have anyone there and that they don’t do that anymore. I’m not sure if I’ll feel that or not, but one things for sure, I will probably always listen to the things that members say and just cringe at the things that come out of their mouths as if an investigator who doesn’t understand completely the lingo or the doctrine enough to not take something offensive or downright weird. Like how I’ve heard a couple times in testimony meeting in Paraguay... “Joseph Smith died so that we can be here today.” Now I know that those people mean well, and that they’re refering to how he died for his testimony and how if it weren’t for his efforts we wouldn’t have the restored gospel today, but just think about what an investigator would think about us if they heard that statement without any background information! No wonder so many people think we worship Joseph Smith.
I love this work though, I’ve learned so much on my mission, I’m a completely different person since when I left... but don’t you worry, you’ll still be hearing my saweet guitar riffs and playing video games with me when I get home... I’m pretty sure those things are going to be in Heaven.... So Cole, you just get ready to bust out the Zelda games when I get home! And I call first dibbs on the Medal of Honor!!!
Love ya all,
Elder Dennis
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dec 21, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
Santa Claus is rolling in a little late to Pedro Juan this year for Elder Dennis hahaha, no packages made it here on time. But I got a card from Grandma and Grandpa Dennis this past week. But to me it doesn’t really matter, I didn’t want anything anyway, because I’ll be getting home in less than two months now. You should have the flight itinerary already and everything. Elder Reid’s mom was nice enough coughcough to forward him the information already, but he goes out west, so once we land in the states I don’t know how long it will take for me to get home. The only thing I’m looking forward to is the last phone call. Its so hard to believe its actually coming this week, because I’ve always thought of that as the start to the end. But while we’re talking about the phone call, I’ll finalize the details with you...
So Elder Adamson’s family wants to do it a little later, because more of his family will be there, so if you guys could call at 3.30 pm my time, that way he’ll talk to his parents starting at 5.00 our time, leaving that little space for the common errors and bugs and whatnot that always happens. We’ll probably be there like 10-15 mins early too, so if you get scared its not gonna work you can start trying just a little early. So be there, or be square.
We’re planning a Christmas dinner for the branch for tomorrow, and right now we have to go finalize on a house in our area... well, not really a house, just a little one room apartment like in Saltos, because it is soooo expensive here. Well not really to us Americans, but for the Paraguayans, its like trying to live in downtown Manhattan. But the mission didn’t get us money on time to buy stuff to move in there with, so we’ll still live with the ZL’s in Rama 1 for another week or so until that gets to us.
It doesn’t feel like Christmas, but we’re doing our best here to set the mood, listening to Christmas music and always singing one of like the 6 holiday hymns that are in Spanish when we visit people. We usually start off singing a hymn to invite the spirit when we teach. The work is really tough right now mom, it’s really pushing me, but I'm trying to find new people that are excited about what we have to offer. Elder Adamson is great though, he really wants to do his best, and is really excited to be here. But we don’t have like any progressing investigators, and we only had 11 people in the church on Sunday, including an investigator and two little girls younger than 8. It is so sad here, and we’re trying so hard to fix all the petty little problems that the less active members have about “so and so” or “what’s his name” and solve their little excuses for why they don’t go to church. I love this work, I love this season to remember our Savior, and I’m trying to give him it all this last little bit that I still have. I’m almost done with the Book of Mormon again, we started October 1st as a mission, with the goal to finish on Christmas. I’m passing through Ether right now, and I absolutely love that book. I know it is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Thanks for your love and support always, I can’t wait to talk to yins on Friday.
Love,
Elder Dennis
Santa Claus is rolling in a little late to Pedro Juan this year for Elder Dennis hahaha, no packages made it here on time. But I got a card from Grandma and Grandpa Dennis this past week. But to me it doesn’t really matter, I didn’t want anything anyway, because I’ll be getting home in less than two months now. You should have the flight itinerary already and everything. Elder Reid’s mom was nice enough coughcough to forward him the information already, but he goes out west, so once we land in the states I don’t know how long it will take for me to get home. The only thing I’m looking forward to is the last phone call. Its so hard to believe its actually coming this week, because I’ve always thought of that as the start to the end. But while we’re talking about the phone call, I’ll finalize the details with you...
So Elder Adamson’s family wants to do it a little later, because more of his family will be there, so if you guys could call at 3.30 pm my time, that way he’ll talk to his parents starting at 5.00 our time, leaving that little space for the common errors and bugs and whatnot that always happens. We’ll probably be there like 10-15 mins early too, so if you get scared its not gonna work you can start trying just a little early. So be there, or be square.
We’re planning a Christmas dinner for the branch for tomorrow, and right now we have to go finalize on a house in our area... well, not really a house, just a little one room apartment like in Saltos, because it is soooo expensive here. Well not really to us Americans, but for the Paraguayans, its like trying to live in downtown Manhattan. But the mission didn’t get us money on time to buy stuff to move in there with, so we’ll still live with the ZL’s in Rama 1 for another week or so until that gets to us.
It doesn’t feel like Christmas, but we’re doing our best here to set the mood, listening to Christmas music and always singing one of like the 6 holiday hymns that are in Spanish when we visit people. We usually start off singing a hymn to invite the spirit when we teach. The work is really tough right now mom, it’s really pushing me, but I'm trying to find new people that are excited about what we have to offer. Elder Adamson is great though, he really wants to do his best, and is really excited to be here. But we don’t have like any progressing investigators, and we only had 11 people in the church on Sunday, including an investigator and two little girls younger than 8. It is so sad here, and we’re trying so hard to fix all the petty little problems that the less active members have about “so and so” or “what’s his name” and solve their little excuses for why they don’t go to church. I love this work, I love this season to remember our Savior, and I’m trying to give him it all this last little bit that I still have. I’m almost done with the Book of Mormon again, we started October 1st as a mission, with the goal to finish on Christmas. I’m passing through Ether right now, and I absolutely love that book. I know it is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Thanks for your love and support always, I can’t wait to talk to yins on Friday.
Love,
Elder Dennis
Monday, December 14, 2009
Dec 14, 2009
One more week til Christmas!
It's just absolutely crazy how fast the time flies. I remember trying to think of what it would be like to be at my last Christmas of the mission, and it always seemed so far away! But next week we'll be talking, and then a month and a half later I'll get to walk bare foot on carpet! I'm getting excited... It's not too hot here in Pedro Juan, so that's pretty lucky, but right now the work is pretty tough. We had these awesome girls, five sisters, who we were teaching, but this past week they really fell in excitement for what we teach. I think the main thing was that this past week in Paraguay it was the "Virgin's" birthday, so everyone is hardcore into their idols and images, saints and virgins right now. That and I think that they are getting a lot of flak from their family, who are pretty hard core Catholic.
That's basically the story with everyone right now. Our area is pretty Catholic, and we're having a lot of trouble trying to find good investigators right now, and even less success trying to find a house to live in. The walk to our area isn't bothering me that much anymore, I'm getting used to it, and we usually just eat with the members during the week. If we don't have a lunch appointment, we usually just stay in the house to eat, and don't go out in the morning, because we're supposed to leave at 11.00 in the morning, and so that would mean we'd get about 20-30 mins to work before lunch, and its not even worth it, so we just eat a little earlier and then head out to get to the area the time we would normally start anyway. I'm in Branch 2, which is literally one block from Brazil, and its like 4 blocks north of Shopping China, this HUGE shopping store place that´s really big and fancy. It's also right next to this place called the Aduana. Good luck trying to find it. But no, we don't go into Brazil this time, there's missionaries over there, we met them today at Shopping China, even though its on our side, but whatevs.
It sounds like the ward is having a bunch of success in baptizing youth, they really are amazing, aren't they? Their testimonies are just so strong and simple. Our branch is definitely NOT functional, I don't know where you came up with that idea. There's only one priesthood holder that goes to church, the branch president, and there's a relief society class that usually has four sisters in it, and this week we had 13 people at church in total. There's no primary, no young mens or young womens or elders quorom or anything. There's no activities during the week, and I'm embarrassed to invite people to church. We don't hold leadership positions, but I think I might talk to president Wade about that, because we're the only other priesthood holders, and there are some areas here where the missionaries are counselors or whatever.
Pedro Juan is a decently sized place, but right now it doesn't need the 5 branches, but back in the day it was pretty successful, so we run in to a TON of inactive members while we´re going around contacting the people. I got the envelope and Cole's pictures of his Bionicles and stuff. Way cool little man! When is Cole's baptism going to be? Have you guys planned it at all yet? Any word on my BYU admission? Well it doesn't feel like Christmas at all, but I hope my package gets here on Saturday (thats when we get mail) or I'll have a presentless Christmas haha.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
It's just absolutely crazy how fast the time flies. I remember trying to think of what it would be like to be at my last Christmas of the mission, and it always seemed so far away! But next week we'll be talking, and then a month and a half later I'll get to walk bare foot on carpet! I'm getting excited... It's not too hot here in Pedro Juan, so that's pretty lucky, but right now the work is pretty tough. We had these awesome girls, five sisters, who we were teaching, but this past week they really fell in excitement for what we teach. I think the main thing was that this past week in Paraguay it was the "Virgin's" birthday, so everyone is hardcore into their idols and images, saints and virgins right now. That and I think that they are getting a lot of flak from their family, who are pretty hard core Catholic.
That's basically the story with everyone right now. Our area is pretty Catholic, and we're having a lot of trouble trying to find good investigators right now, and even less success trying to find a house to live in. The walk to our area isn't bothering me that much anymore, I'm getting used to it, and we usually just eat with the members during the week. If we don't have a lunch appointment, we usually just stay in the house to eat, and don't go out in the morning, because we're supposed to leave at 11.00 in the morning, and so that would mean we'd get about 20-30 mins to work before lunch, and its not even worth it, so we just eat a little earlier and then head out to get to the area the time we would normally start anyway. I'm in Branch 2, which is literally one block from Brazil, and its like 4 blocks north of Shopping China, this HUGE shopping store place that´s really big and fancy. It's also right next to this place called the Aduana. Good luck trying to find it. But no, we don't go into Brazil this time, there's missionaries over there, we met them today at Shopping China, even though its on our side, but whatevs.
It sounds like the ward is having a bunch of success in baptizing youth, they really are amazing, aren't they? Their testimonies are just so strong and simple. Our branch is definitely NOT functional, I don't know where you came up with that idea. There's only one priesthood holder that goes to church, the branch president, and there's a relief society class that usually has four sisters in it, and this week we had 13 people at church in total. There's no primary, no young mens or young womens or elders quorom or anything. There's no activities during the week, and I'm embarrassed to invite people to church. We don't hold leadership positions, but I think I might talk to president Wade about that, because we're the only other priesthood holders, and there are some areas here where the missionaries are counselors or whatever.
Pedro Juan is a decently sized place, but right now it doesn't need the 5 branches, but back in the day it was pretty successful, so we run in to a TON of inactive members while we´re going around contacting the people. I got the envelope and Cole's pictures of his Bionicles and stuff. Way cool little man! When is Cole's baptism going to be? Have you guys planned it at all yet? Any word on my BYU admission? Well it doesn't feel like Christmas at all, but I hope my package gets here on Saturday (thats when we get mail) or I'll have a presentless Christmas haha.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dec 7, 2009
Hey there again,
How are preparations for the Christmas season coming? It does not feel like Christmas here in Paraguay, but people are putting up lights and all the stores have Santa Clauses and posters of snow and stuff... it´s kind of weird, not gonna lie. But yeah, Elder Adamson is a good kid, his spanish is way awesome, and he really wants to work hard. Who would've thunk that the two New Yorkers would be together. It makes it easy though, because everyone asks us where we´re from, and we just have to say New York.
Pedro Juan is a pretty cool place, but there´s a lot of Portuguese, as you can imagine, since like you said, there is absolutely no border control whatsoever. The city is literally divided in half, the Brazilian side is called Ponta Porã. As far as describing where my area is though, it´s right up on the border of Brazil, the church building is literally 2 blocks from the border. The only difference is the visible difference, because Brazil is so much nicer than Paraguay. On one side there is the cobble stone streets of Paraguay, and on the other it´s nice pavement, and its just a whole lot more organized. Anyway, my area, I have no clue how to describe where to find it. Does it have names of building on google earth? Or you could just hop on the church website and look for Pedro Juan Caballero 2, that´s the branch I'm in. I think it should have maps.
Our area is a good 40 minute walk everyday, there and back, from Branch 1, where the ZLs are, and so we're looking hard for a place, but it is so expensive out here that nothing we can find is in our price range, which is up to about 800 mil guaranies, or like $150 a month. I mean, it´s so cheap, but out here that price, if you're in a normal area, can get you premium living. Most places in Asuncion are only 400-500 mil a month, and they're nice big houses. But no luck so far out here.
But we're working hard, we're getting soaked quite a bit in the rain too, because it likes to rain out here, and its a long 40 minute walk home and we usually aren't prepared because in the morning its all nice a clear, and then we get to walk home in the rain. Last week we were fording the flash flooding rivers of streets that were caused by all the rain, and that was awesome. Don´t worry, the lighting hasn't hit us yet :)
We had a baptism and wedding on Saturday, so that was awesome. We´re working hard, and having a good time. I'm doing my best to stay focused, but it's super hard on P-Day hahaha. I love this work though, it really is the most important work on the face of the earth. I love you all,
Elder Dennis
How are preparations for the Christmas season coming? It does not feel like Christmas here in Paraguay, but people are putting up lights and all the stores have Santa Clauses and posters of snow and stuff... it´s kind of weird, not gonna lie. But yeah, Elder Adamson is a good kid, his spanish is way awesome, and he really wants to work hard. Who would've thunk that the two New Yorkers would be together. It makes it easy though, because everyone asks us where we´re from, and we just have to say New York.
Pedro Juan is a pretty cool place, but there´s a lot of Portuguese, as you can imagine, since like you said, there is absolutely no border control whatsoever. The city is literally divided in half, the Brazilian side is called Ponta Porã. As far as describing where my area is though, it´s right up on the border of Brazil, the church building is literally 2 blocks from the border. The only difference is the visible difference, because Brazil is so much nicer than Paraguay. On one side there is the cobble stone streets of Paraguay, and on the other it´s nice pavement, and its just a whole lot more organized. Anyway, my area, I have no clue how to describe where to find it. Does it have names of building on google earth? Or you could just hop on the church website and look for Pedro Juan Caballero 2, that´s the branch I'm in. I think it should have maps.
Our area is a good 40 minute walk everyday, there and back, from Branch 1, where the ZLs are, and so we're looking hard for a place, but it is so expensive out here that nothing we can find is in our price range, which is up to about 800 mil guaranies, or like $150 a month. I mean, it´s so cheap, but out here that price, if you're in a normal area, can get you premium living. Most places in Asuncion are only 400-500 mil a month, and they're nice big houses. But no luck so far out here.
But we're working hard, we're getting soaked quite a bit in the rain too, because it likes to rain out here, and its a long 40 minute walk home and we usually aren't prepared because in the morning its all nice a clear, and then we get to walk home in the rain. Last week we were fording the flash flooding rivers of streets that were caused by all the rain, and that was awesome. Don´t worry, the lighting hasn't hit us yet :)
We had a baptism and wedding on Saturday, so that was awesome. We´re working hard, and having a good time. I'm doing my best to stay focused, but it's super hard on P-Day hahaha. I love this work though, it really is the most important work on the face of the earth. I love you all,
Elder Dennis
Monday, November 30, 2009
Nov 30, 2009
Opa, ¿Cómo vai vocé?
Well, changes. So I´m no longer in Yverá, and I´m not a zone leader anymore either! Instead, I´m training!! That was awesome, I´m super excited for that, I was a ZL for forever. But yeah, it was good that I was training, because I probably wouldn´t have met E. Adamson, cause he went wayyyyy out Lejos to Pedro Juan Caballero, a city out on the border of Brazil. Luckily I was training though, so now I get to go out and work with him everyday. That´s right baby, I´m opening an area in Pedro Juan, a little branch called Rama 2 (´Branch 2´), and I´m training the other New Yorker! I couldn´t believe it when I heard, the other Elders back in my old house, E. Gage and E. Hill, both knew of E. Adamson by some way or another, and they were teasing me that I was so old as a ZL that I was just gonna drop down and train him, and it totally came true. It´s amazing how small this world is, let me tell you! So now I´m just a District Leader, but we´re living with the ZLs out here while we look for a house to live in, one of whom is E. Reid, from the MTC, so that is awesome, I love that guy.
It´s funny how I have some weird traditions in the mission though. Both times, I trained the day before a major holiday and spent the whole day on a bus to get out to my area in the zona Lejos, and so my childrens´ first day in the field was a major holiday, Christmas the first time and Thanksgiving this time. And I´ll have spent both my Christmases in the mission while training. We´re right on the border of Brazil, so I´m dealing a lot with Portuguese again, luckily I had plenty of training in Saltos, and this time around I understand just about everything and am speaking a lot more. I really love the language, I want to be able to speak it fairly fluently by the time I get home.
The branch is in ruins, but don´t you worry, E. Adamson and I are going to get things back in shape in no time. On Sunday there was a total of 15 people in the building, including the 3 investigators and the 3 kids under 8 that came... so basically just like Saltos when I showed up out there. There are a couple amazing members though (they´d have to be to keep going in situations like that) who are helping us out quite a bit, and we have some awesome investigators right now that we´re working with who are super excited for everything. I´m really excited for the change up of the routine, and E. Adamson is a stud, he already basically speaks Spanish, he just runs into a lot of trouble with the Portuguese and the Guaraní, which we have to deal with quite a bit out here too. It´s such a melting pot here, the people just mix those three languages together, and it's amazing but I understand it all. I´ve really fallen in love with foreign languages, I´d love to keep learning more after the mission.
Well, I don´t have much time today, but it sounds like everyone is doing awesome, and I love you all a ton. Sis. Wade said she´d find out what happened to that paper, and I´ll see her on Wednesday so I´ll check up on it again. I don´t have a phone yet out here so I can´t call her easily and remind her. Thanks for all the support.
Love,
Elder Dennis
Tracie here - just a fun fact: the new missionary that Josh is training grew up in the Albany NY Stake. He and Haley went on a few dates when they were seniors in high school. We knew he got called to the same mission as Josh and were thinking that it would be pretty neat if Josh got to train him - pretty cool that it actually happened :)
Well, changes. So I´m no longer in Yverá, and I´m not a zone leader anymore either! Instead, I´m training!! That was awesome, I´m super excited for that, I was a ZL for forever. But yeah, it was good that I was training, because I probably wouldn´t have met E. Adamson, cause he went wayyyyy out Lejos to Pedro Juan Caballero, a city out on the border of Brazil. Luckily I was training though, so now I get to go out and work with him everyday. That´s right baby, I´m opening an area in Pedro Juan, a little branch called Rama 2 (´Branch 2´), and I´m training the other New Yorker! I couldn´t believe it when I heard, the other Elders back in my old house, E. Gage and E. Hill, both knew of E. Adamson by some way or another, and they were teasing me that I was so old as a ZL that I was just gonna drop down and train him, and it totally came true. It´s amazing how small this world is, let me tell you! So now I´m just a District Leader, but we´re living with the ZLs out here while we look for a house to live in, one of whom is E. Reid, from the MTC, so that is awesome, I love that guy.
It´s funny how I have some weird traditions in the mission though. Both times, I trained the day before a major holiday and spent the whole day on a bus to get out to my area in the zona Lejos, and so my childrens´ first day in the field was a major holiday, Christmas the first time and Thanksgiving this time. And I´ll have spent both my Christmases in the mission while training. We´re right on the border of Brazil, so I´m dealing a lot with Portuguese again, luckily I had plenty of training in Saltos, and this time around I understand just about everything and am speaking a lot more. I really love the language, I want to be able to speak it fairly fluently by the time I get home.
The branch is in ruins, but don´t you worry, E. Adamson and I are going to get things back in shape in no time. On Sunday there was a total of 15 people in the building, including the 3 investigators and the 3 kids under 8 that came... so basically just like Saltos when I showed up out there. There are a couple amazing members though (they´d have to be to keep going in situations like that) who are helping us out quite a bit, and we have some awesome investigators right now that we´re working with who are super excited for everything. I´m really excited for the change up of the routine, and E. Adamson is a stud, he already basically speaks Spanish, he just runs into a lot of trouble with the Portuguese and the Guaraní, which we have to deal with quite a bit out here too. It´s such a melting pot here, the people just mix those three languages together, and it's amazing but I understand it all. I´ve really fallen in love with foreign languages, I´d love to keep learning more after the mission.
Well, I don´t have much time today, but it sounds like everyone is doing awesome, and I love you all a ton. Sis. Wade said she´d find out what happened to that paper, and I´ll see her on Wednesday so I´ll check up on it again. I don´t have a phone yet out here so I can´t call her easily and remind her. Thanks for all the support.
Love,
Elder Dennis
Tracie here - just a fun fact: the new missionary that Josh is training grew up in the Albany NY Stake. He and Haley went on a few dates when they were seniors in high school. We knew he got called to the same mission as Josh and were thinking that it would be pretty neat if Josh got to train him - pretty cool that it actually happened :)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Nov 23, 2009
Well, once again, I have to write everyone without the bit of information that everyone wants. We still haven’t heard as far as changes go, so we’re all still pretty anxious here in the mission. But it was weird, because the kids going home this change headed into the office this morning to do the whole good bye stuff with Pres. Wade, and they’ll be taking off tomorrow to be home in time for Thanksgiving. I hope the family is all happy and excited to be at Grandma’s house, I got a happy Thanksgiving card from her today, and all I can say is that I’m missing her amazing meals that she is famous for. I totally took that food for granted before, but let me tell you, the next Thanksgiving, we’re totally going to Grandma’s house again, because I’m not gonna miss out after two years of nothing haha. The people here don’t even know what Thanksgiving is… it’s so weird.
Last night, it was Elder Guest’s last night, because he went into the office this morning, so as a zone we got together and had a sleep over and monopoly party to send him off haha, it was pretty fun, plus I got to sleep in air conditioning, because we went over to their fancy house. His companion, Elder Rosales, from Ecuador, is with me and my companion until Wednesday, when the real changes will take place. So it’ll be weird being in a trio for a day. Changes should be coming later tonight, and I’m not gonna lie, I kind of want to leave. Actually I really want to leave my area. I love the members, and we’re starting to bring a couple inactive families back to church, but the work is so slow and we just don’t have any investigators who are really progressing. We busted our butts this change, but we haven’t seen much fruits for our labors. This area has just kind of killed my energy for the work, which I feel bad saying, because I love getting out and sharing this great message with the people, but it’s just like throwing pearls before swine, because everyone takes it for granted.
I hear that there’s lots of snow this year, is that just out west, or does Upstate have quite a bit as well? We are dying of heat down here, it hits the 100’s just about every day, like 38 C. It’s impressive, because it’s just like the heat at home, nice and humid! It sucks to have to wear a shirt and tie out to work every day, and the house is just an oven, I have to sleep with the fan right up against my bed, without any sheets to even be able to relax. Two seconds without a fan blowing on you and your whole body just begins to sweat profusely.
I’m so jealous I’m not around to be checking out all these cars and helping Dad make a decision, but that TSX is a pretty sweet car, I remember that from all the way back when I was home. And my poor Honda! That thing has been through so much, and yet it always seems like the Mercury takes a lot too, but I’ve never heard of us fixing that body up hahaha. That thing is a tank though, I bet the little Honda didn’t do hardly anything to it.
But this Adamson kid is pretty popular! He dated my sister, is the neighbor of Elder Hill’s uncle, and the friend of Elder Gage’s non-member girlfriend who is going to school in Boston… so basically the whole house knows the kid some way or another. I’m pretty interested in meeting him. Right now he’s traveling on his way down here. That poor kid, if only he knew what he was getting himself into hahaha. Just kidding, I love it down here.
I’ll call up Sister Wade right after this to make sure that little paper gets sent, sorry to keep ya’ll waiting. I get to talk to you guys in a month. Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Last night, it was Elder Guest’s last night, because he went into the office this morning, so as a zone we got together and had a sleep over and monopoly party to send him off haha, it was pretty fun, plus I got to sleep in air conditioning, because we went over to their fancy house. His companion, Elder Rosales, from Ecuador, is with me and my companion until Wednesday, when the real changes will take place. So it’ll be weird being in a trio for a day. Changes should be coming later tonight, and I’m not gonna lie, I kind of want to leave. Actually I really want to leave my area. I love the members, and we’re starting to bring a couple inactive families back to church, but the work is so slow and we just don’t have any investigators who are really progressing. We busted our butts this change, but we haven’t seen much fruits for our labors. This area has just kind of killed my energy for the work, which I feel bad saying, because I love getting out and sharing this great message with the people, but it’s just like throwing pearls before swine, because everyone takes it for granted.
I hear that there’s lots of snow this year, is that just out west, or does Upstate have quite a bit as well? We are dying of heat down here, it hits the 100’s just about every day, like 38 C. It’s impressive, because it’s just like the heat at home, nice and humid! It sucks to have to wear a shirt and tie out to work every day, and the house is just an oven, I have to sleep with the fan right up against my bed, without any sheets to even be able to relax. Two seconds without a fan blowing on you and your whole body just begins to sweat profusely.
I’m so jealous I’m not around to be checking out all these cars and helping Dad make a decision, but that TSX is a pretty sweet car, I remember that from all the way back when I was home. And my poor Honda! That thing has been through so much, and yet it always seems like the Mercury takes a lot too, but I’ve never heard of us fixing that body up hahaha. That thing is a tank though, I bet the little Honda didn’t do hardly anything to it.
But this Adamson kid is pretty popular! He dated my sister, is the neighbor of Elder Hill’s uncle, and the friend of Elder Gage’s non-member girlfriend who is going to school in Boston… so basically the whole house knows the kid some way or another. I’m pretty interested in meeting him. Right now he’s traveling on his way down here. That poor kid, if only he knew what he was getting himself into hahaha. Just kidding, I love it down here.
I’ll call up Sister Wade right after this to make sure that little paper gets sent, sorry to keep ya’ll waiting. I get to talk to you guys in a month. Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Monday, November 16, 2009
Nov 16, 2009
Hey family,
Alright Haley, I can’t help it if I live half-way around the world and Mom loves me enough to send me Christmas goodies hahaha. So stop your whining. In normal circumstances, I would totally agree with you, but this is an emergency, okay! But you wanna know what’s driving me out of my mind? Here in Paraguay, they don’t have the Thanksgiving Day, let alone in November, so they just pull out all of the Christmas stuff after Halloween! It’s so annoying! But I have never heard anything about customs fees here in Paraguay, so I’m pretty sure it doesn’t exist, and some missionaries get like 10 packages a day. Not even exaggerating... So I’m sure the mission would have mentioned something if the mission had to pay anything to get them out of customs. I would hate to be in Argentina if that's the case.
I talked to Sister Wade, and she was going to take care of everything and I signed my part of the paper, and she was going to have Pres. Wade sign it and then fax it in, so I’ll give her a call after this to ask what’s up with that. Everything should be good to go, I probably just have to remind her to get that sent off. Elder Hill’s mom mentioned that you sent that photo to her, so once again the mothers have creeped out the missionaries. Technology is not a good thing in parents’ hands. Changes are tough to call, especially a week in advance. Sometimes you wake up with the feeling of what’s going to happen the day of, that’s what usually happens to me. There’s a good possibility that I stay with Elder Comte this change as well, but I could also easily see myself going to a different zone. Anyway I look at it, I can’t see myself ‘dying’ here in Yvera, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be staying a zone leader this change. As for the last one, eight changes as a zone leader is a long time, so that last one I might drop down just to train, but that’s too far out to call right now. It all depends on how the leadership of the mission is when that change comes around.
I could totally see you as the seminary teacher mom, you always got up early. That’s still the one thing that bothers me more than anything, you early birds. I can’t stand peppiness the first thing in the morning. But this week was pretty awesome, it was pretty eventful, let me tell you. Pres. Wade went out with us to work for about 3 hours on Tuesday, and that was awesome. We just did a bunch of contacts and taught some lessons, it was great to learn from him. He doesn’t change out in the street with the people from when he’s talking to us, and he’s such a great guy, he brought little candies for all the little kids and people we taught and gave away a tie to less active member who we’re trying to get out to church again. Then on Thursday, Pres. and Sister Wade came to inspect the houses of the zone and to have the interviews with President that we get once a change, so they were mixing things up on us, normally we just get together at the Stake Center and have interviews their. So we spent all of Wednesday night and Thursday morning cleaning our house like crazy, so it’s a lot nicer now hahaha. I went out with Pres. and Sister Wade Thursday to show them where all the houses of the zone were, and my comp did a split with a youth in the ward. It was awesome to have some more one on one time with the two of them, they are such great people!
But then Thursday night, the power went out for like twenty minutes, and we found out later that it was ALL of Paraguay and half of Brazil! But wow, it was scary, it cut off at like 9.10, and we were walking home, and then all the lights go out. And let me tell you, Paraguay is not a safe place to have the lights go out. At first it was alright because the full moon was out, but after like 4 minutes, it was as if the lights went out again! But it was just the moon going behind the clouds. THEN it was scary, we had to go by the light of the cell phone, and everyone on the streets was scared, because they know how dangerous Paraguay is, and they were always staying away from other cell phone lights. We got to the house just fine, and Elder Gage and Elder Hill showed up about the same time, and we called everyone in the zone to make sure they were okay, and luckily nothing happened, and the lights came on like 10 minutes later. Whew, that was fun.
But yeah, that was the exciting week. Hopefully we have a wedding and a baptism this week, so pray for us. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Alright Haley, I can’t help it if I live half-way around the world and Mom loves me enough to send me Christmas goodies hahaha. So stop your whining. In normal circumstances, I would totally agree with you, but this is an emergency, okay! But you wanna know what’s driving me out of my mind? Here in Paraguay, they don’t have the Thanksgiving Day, let alone in November, so they just pull out all of the Christmas stuff after Halloween! It’s so annoying! But I have never heard anything about customs fees here in Paraguay, so I’m pretty sure it doesn’t exist, and some missionaries get like 10 packages a day. Not even exaggerating... So I’m sure the mission would have mentioned something if the mission had to pay anything to get them out of customs. I would hate to be in Argentina if that's the case.
I talked to Sister Wade, and she was going to take care of everything and I signed my part of the paper, and she was going to have Pres. Wade sign it and then fax it in, so I’ll give her a call after this to ask what’s up with that. Everything should be good to go, I probably just have to remind her to get that sent off. Elder Hill’s mom mentioned that you sent that photo to her, so once again the mothers have creeped out the missionaries. Technology is not a good thing in parents’ hands. Changes are tough to call, especially a week in advance. Sometimes you wake up with the feeling of what’s going to happen the day of, that’s what usually happens to me. There’s a good possibility that I stay with Elder Comte this change as well, but I could also easily see myself going to a different zone. Anyway I look at it, I can’t see myself ‘dying’ here in Yvera, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be staying a zone leader this change. As for the last one, eight changes as a zone leader is a long time, so that last one I might drop down just to train, but that’s too far out to call right now. It all depends on how the leadership of the mission is when that change comes around.
I could totally see you as the seminary teacher mom, you always got up early. That’s still the one thing that bothers me more than anything, you early birds. I can’t stand peppiness the first thing in the morning. But this week was pretty awesome, it was pretty eventful, let me tell you. Pres. Wade went out with us to work for about 3 hours on Tuesday, and that was awesome. We just did a bunch of contacts and taught some lessons, it was great to learn from him. He doesn’t change out in the street with the people from when he’s talking to us, and he’s such a great guy, he brought little candies for all the little kids and people we taught and gave away a tie to less active member who we’re trying to get out to church again. Then on Thursday, Pres. and Sister Wade came to inspect the houses of the zone and to have the interviews with President that we get once a change, so they were mixing things up on us, normally we just get together at the Stake Center and have interviews their. So we spent all of Wednesday night and Thursday morning cleaning our house like crazy, so it’s a lot nicer now hahaha. I went out with Pres. and Sister Wade Thursday to show them where all the houses of the zone were, and my comp did a split with a youth in the ward. It was awesome to have some more one on one time with the two of them, they are such great people!
But then Thursday night, the power went out for like twenty minutes, and we found out later that it was ALL of Paraguay and half of Brazil! But wow, it was scary, it cut off at like 9.10, and we were walking home, and then all the lights go out. And let me tell you, Paraguay is not a safe place to have the lights go out. At first it was alright because the full moon was out, but after like 4 minutes, it was as if the lights went out again! But it was just the moon going behind the clouds. THEN it was scary, we had to go by the light of the cell phone, and everyone on the streets was scared, because they know how dangerous Paraguay is, and they were always staying away from other cell phone lights. We got to the house just fine, and Elder Gage and Elder Hill showed up about the same time, and we called everyone in the zone to make sure they were okay, and luckily nothing happened, and the lights came on like 10 minutes later. Whew, that was fun.
But yeah, that was the exciting week. Hopefully we have a wedding and a baptism this week, so pray for us. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Monday, November 9, 2009
Nov 9, 2009
Hey there,
I always have such a hard time trying to figure out what salutation to use… I think its the hardest part of my letter hahaha. This week the primary had the special program in Sacrament meeting as well, and oh man, I wish you guys could just see this stuff. It’s so horrible its hilarious. Just try to imagine what it could possibly be like down here... they don’t even have someone who can play the piano to attempt to keep the kids on key... yeah, it’s pretty bad. I’m glad Cole did good this year though, that little guy is a stud, he’s going to be the best of us Dennis kids.
I wish I could go visit the temple whenever I wanted. The once every six months is definitely not often enough for me. I love seeing pictures of the Boston temple now. I’ve only ever seen it once in person, but I love that temple just because it was the first time I got to visit a temple other than to do baptisms. The temple truly is just the whole vision and meaning of why we’re here doing what we do, just to give these people that eternal family. Its something that hardly anyone truly understands down here, the importance and significance that the temple truly can have on their lives. Just knowing that I’ll be with the little man for forever is awe inspiring to me. Oh yeah, being with the rest of you will be cool too... hahaha just kidding, I love all of yins.
Speaking of counting down days though, tomorrow starts the hundred day countdown til yours truly will get to step foot on American soil again hahaha. Don’t worry though, I’m not counting, I was just informed today by one of the guys in my group. But today was pretty awesome, we had a Council Meeting with President Wade and then we went as the ZLs to visit the Museum of South American Soccer Association. I sent you a photo of the outside. Things are still going pretty tough here in Yvera, but I love my companion, and we’re doing our best to try and get things going, but the blessings for our efforts are taking a little while to get here haha. But todays meeting helped me out a little bit with some ideas as to what we can do to pick things up a bit. It’s weird though, I realized today that I’m the oldest ZL in the mission. In fact, at the end of this change I’ll have the same amount of time as a ZL as I did as a non ZL. Wow. The mission is flying by!
But as far as a Christmas package... how about an iPhone? When I get home? hahaha. Honestly I don’t have any requests, I don’t even really need a package... if its anything other than food it’ll just be more weight in my suitcases or will just be left here in Paraguay a month later. And before you get excited, don’t buy me garments or anything to have for me when I get home. Mine are all in pretty good shape still, and I think I’m going to want to get a different kind when I get home. Haha I can just see you getting antsy and we’d end up with a bunch of extra stuff on our hands.
But hey, I love you all, thanks for all of the support!
Love,
Elder Dennis
I always have such a hard time trying to figure out what salutation to use… I think its the hardest part of my letter hahaha. This week the primary had the special program in Sacrament meeting as well, and oh man, I wish you guys could just see this stuff. It’s so horrible its hilarious. Just try to imagine what it could possibly be like down here... they don’t even have someone who can play the piano to attempt to keep the kids on key... yeah, it’s pretty bad. I’m glad Cole did good this year though, that little guy is a stud, he’s going to be the best of us Dennis kids.
I wish I could go visit the temple whenever I wanted. The once every six months is definitely not often enough for me. I love seeing pictures of the Boston temple now. I’ve only ever seen it once in person, but I love that temple just because it was the first time I got to visit a temple other than to do baptisms. The temple truly is just the whole vision and meaning of why we’re here doing what we do, just to give these people that eternal family. Its something that hardly anyone truly understands down here, the importance and significance that the temple truly can have on their lives. Just knowing that I’ll be with the little man for forever is awe inspiring to me. Oh yeah, being with the rest of you will be cool too... hahaha just kidding, I love all of yins.
Speaking of counting down days though, tomorrow starts the hundred day countdown til yours truly will get to step foot on American soil again hahaha. Don’t worry though, I’m not counting, I was just informed today by one of the guys in my group. But today was pretty awesome, we had a Council Meeting with President Wade and then we went as the ZLs to visit the Museum of South American Soccer Association. I sent you a photo of the outside. Things are still going pretty tough here in Yvera, but I love my companion, and we’re doing our best to try and get things going, but the blessings for our efforts are taking a little while to get here haha. But todays meeting helped me out a little bit with some ideas as to what we can do to pick things up a bit. It’s weird though, I realized today that I’m the oldest ZL in the mission. In fact, at the end of this change I’ll have the same amount of time as a ZL as I did as a non ZL. Wow. The mission is flying by!
But as far as a Christmas package... how about an iPhone? When I get home? hahaha. Honestly I don’t have any requests, I don’t even really need a package... if its anything other than food it’ll just be more weight in my suitcases or will just be left here in Paraguay a month later. And before you get excited, don’t buy me garments or anything to have for me when I get home. Mine are all in pretty good shape still, and I think I’m going to want to get a different kind when I get home. Haha I can just see you getting antsy and we’d end up with a bunch of extra stuff on our hands.
But hey, I love you all, thanks for all of the support!
Love,
Elder Dennis
Monday, November 2, 2009
Nov 2, 2009
Hey there,
So Halloween was spent working really hard and putting it all out on the line to get people ready to go to church. Halloween as we know it in the states doesn’t exist down here, but most people have an idea of what we do, because of movies and stuff. Here they just go out and party in masks or something like that, and its fun, but we don’t see that side of life down here, so it didn’t really effect us. I don’t know, as a missionary holidays just don’t exist. Birthdays, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving... they’re all just normal days down here. The only thing that can kind of be thought of as a holiday is Christmas, because you don’t really do anything, just visit cool members or something. But there’s no family or american food or any of standard things that denote ‘Christmas’ for us. But hardly anyone went to church by the way... things are going tough right now.
One thing I’ve really come to appreciate on my mission is family, because like they say, you don’t really know how important something is to you until its gone. Luckily I’ll be getting you guys back haha, but it’s really hit me these past couple weeks just the weight of this message we are trying to just give away to these people, and they just turn it down. We’re trying to give them an eternal family, the blessings of being sealed together for the eternities. I watched the church movie ‘Between Heaven and Earth’ by the church, and it talks about temples, and what other religious leaders and scholars have to say about it last night, and it was pretty powerful. But if you could see how these people just pass day after day and don’t even have direction in life. We pass old old old people in the streets and its just like, why don’t you just die already? What do you really have to live for? They just wake up, work, drink beer, and sleep again. That is the Paraguayan life. It’s so awesome when you can see meaning come into their lives though. Thats what makes it all worth it, that’s why we got out everyday in 100 degree weather and get rejected, ridiculed, mocked and yelled at. Cause in the end, it’s all worth it.
Sounds like the family is having fun with Grandpa Bob out there though, so that's cool. I love that guy. You people and your history sights though, I never would’ve guessed hahaha. And you’re planning your funerals already... no comment. But I enjoyed the photos of the costumes! Robyn busting out the Princess Peach, and the little Indiana Jones looked awesome, I wish I could have been there. Can you believe it was over TWO years ago that I dressed up as the scare crow in the Trunk or Treat thing at the church and scared all the little kids while they reached in to the trunk for the candy? That was the last Halloween memory I have. I don’t even have a clue as to what happened last year, I don’t remember it at all. It sucks that I won’t be home til all the holidays pass. But whatevs, I only have 15 weeks left here in Paraguay. When you put it that way it feels like nothing, fetch, I gotta get working!
But I’m proud of you guys having Paige move in.. to my room.... nah just kidding, that really is awesome. Not gonna lie mom, I don’t want to make you feel bad, but that never felt like my room. I know you tried your best, but it was never the same to me. Tell Paige I think she’s a stud for everything she’s doing to follow the truth, I respect that more than anything anyone can do in this life. She’s kind of like that ‘mystery girl’ to me too, and I’m kind of disappointed I won’t even meet her when I get home, I feel like she’s part of the family already. I haven’t even seen a picture of her or anything, I’ve just heard you talk about her, but it sounds like she fits right in to our crazy family. I love you all more than you know. And I miss my electric guitar...
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
So Halloween was spent working really hard and putting it all out on the line to get people ready to go to church. Halloween as we know it in the states doesn’t exist down here, but most people have an idea of what we do, because of movies and stuff. Here they just go out and party in masks or something like that, and its fun, but we don’t see that side of life down here, so it didn’t really effect us. I don’t know, as a missionary holidays just don’t exist. Birthdays, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving... they’re all just normal days down here. The only thing that can kind of be thought of as a holiday is Christmas, because you don’t really do anything, just visit cool members or something. But there’s no family or american food or any of standard things that denote ‘Christmas’ for us. But hardly anyone went to church by the way... things are going tough right now.
One thing I’ve really come to appreciate on my mission is family, because like they say, you don’t really know how important something is to you until its gone. Luckily I’ll be getting you guys back haha, but it’s really hit me these past couple weeks just the weight of this message we are trying to just give away to these people, and they just turn it down. We’re trying to give them an eternal family, the blessings of being sealed together for the eternities. I watched the church movie ‘Between Heaven and Earth’ by the church, and it talks about temples, and what other religious leaders and scholars have to say about it last night, and it was pretty powerful. But if you could see how these people just pass day after day and don’t even have direction in life. We pass old old old people in the streets and its just like, why don’t you just die already? What do you really have to live for? They just wake up, work, drink beer, and sleep again. That is the Paraguayan life. It’s so awesome when you can see meaning come into their lives though. Thats what makes it all worth it, that’s why we got out everyday in 100 degree weather and get rejected, ridiculed, mocked and yelled at. Cause in the end, it’s all worth it.
Sounds like the family is having fun with Grandpa Bob out there though, so that's cool. I love that guy. You people and your history sights though, I never would’ve guessed hahaha. And you’re planning your funerals already... no comment. But I enjoyed the photos of the costumes! Robyn busting out the Princess Peach, and the little Indiana Jones looked awesome, I wish I could have been there. Can you believe it was over TWO years ago that I dressed up as the scare crow in the Trunk or Treat thing at the church and scared all the little kids while they reached in to the trunk for the candy? That was the last Halloween memory I have. I don’t even have a clue as to what happened last year, I don’t remember it at all. It sucks that I won’t be home til all the holidays pass. But whatevs, I only have 15 weeks left here in Paraguay. When you put it that way it feels like nothing, fetch, I gotta get working!
But I’m proud of you guys having Paige move in.. to my room.... nah just kidding, that really is awesome. Not gonna lie mom, I don’t want to make you feel bad, but that never felt like my room. I know you tried your best, but it was never the same to me. Tell Paige I think she’s a stud for everything she’s doing to follow the truth, I respect that more than anything anyone can do in this life. She’s kind of like that ‘mystery girl’ to me too, and I’m kind of disappointed I won’t even meet her when I get home, I feel like she’s part of the family already. I haven’t even seen a picture of her or anything, I’ve just heard you talk about her, but it sounds like she fits right in to our crazy family. I love you all more than you know. And I miss my electric guitar...
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Monday, October 26, 2009
Oct 26, 2009
Hola mis queridos!
Bueno, this is Elder Comte’s first change as a ZL, so he’s pumped to get out there and get the zone pumped as well. Unfortunately, it’s pretty slow going still, even though we’re working our butts off. We’re living with Elder Gage, who showed up in the end of September, with Elder Shumway, and now he’s training Elder Hill. I have no clue how Elders in other parts of the world (cough the states..) work all day long! Because everyone is just out in the street and you can talk to anyone, it’s just so easy to ‘get the numbers’ here. We’re having trouble getting the amazing people we have to progress right now though.
We have a couple main investigators right now. Juliana went to church on Sunday, to Stake Conference, and she’s way awesome, but her boyfriend, the guy she lives with, is an inactive member who smokes and drinks and doesn’t want anything to do with the church, and she knows she needs to get married or break up, and she doesn’t want to get married. I can’t blame her, I wouldn’t get married to her loser boyfriend either. She is young, only 20, so we’ll see what happens. What’s awesome about that though is that we’re activating this inactive girl with her, because we got her all excited and put her with the responsibility of being the friend of Juliana and making her feel comfortable in church. Her name is Cinthia, and she’s 18. We have another lady named Liz who is cool, planning on getting married to her less active husband and get baptized, and also Marisa, who is a stud and loves the church. Her sister loves it too, but she needs to get married and is planning on it, but it’ll be a little bit farther down the road. We still need to just find newer better people to teach, because we’re running thin right now.
That’s awesome that Cole is a stud! When is his baptism going to be? Is he getting super excited? I’m touched that he keeps all of my old photos, that’s pretty cool. But yeah, I got my Halloween package, and its awesome! I’m glad you’ll be heading down to PA for Thanksgiving. How’s Grandpap Jones doing? And tell Aunt Audrey I’m excited to see her in church to hear my talk haha.
But about schools, what does LDSBC offer? I was looking at it a little bit in the brochures that Haley sent me, and it really just doesn’t seem like it has anything that I’d like to do. I’ll take a look at it again though. It’s so hard to tell you what it is that I want to do over email, because it can’t be explained well in written words. I don’t even know how to describe it to myself what I want to do, I can just feel like the tip of what it is, but the ideas are still developing. Anyways, love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS Does Haley write Elder Adamson? If she does, tell him that I'll be on the lookout. Haha.
Bueno, this is Elder Comte’s first change as a ZL, so he’s pumped to get out there and get the zone pumped as well. Unfortunately, it’s pretty slow going still, even though we’re working our butts off. We’re living with Elder Gage, who showed up in the end of September, with Elder Shumway, and now he’s training Elder Hill. I have no clue how Elders in other parts of the world (cough the states..) work all day long! Because everyone is just out in the street and you can talk to anyone, it’s just so easy to ‘get the numbers’ here. We’re having trouble getting the amazing people we have to progress right now though.
We have a couple main investigators right now. Juliana went to church on Sunday, to Stake Conference, and she’s way awesome, but her boyfriend, the guy she lives with, is an inactive member who smokes and drinks and doesn’t want anything to do with the church, and she knows she needs to get married or break up, and she doesn’t want to get married. I can’t blame her, I wouldn’t get married to her loser boyfriend either. She is young, only 20, so we’ll see what happens. What’s awesome about that though is that we’re activating this inactive girl with her, because we got her all excited and put her with the responsibility of being the friend of Juliana and making her feel comfortable in church. Her name is Cinthia, and she’s 18. We have another lady named Liz who is cool, planning on getting married to her less active husband and get baptized, and also Marisa, who is a stud and loves the church. Her sister loves it too, but she needs to get married and is planning on it, but it’ll be a little bit farther down the road. We still need to just find newer better people to teach, because we’re running thin right now.
That’s awesome that Cole is a stud! When is his baptism going to be? Is he getting super excited? I’m touched that he keeps all of my old photos, that’s pretty cool. But yeah, I got my Halloween package, and its awesome! I’m glad you’ll be heading down to PA for Thanksgiving. How’s Grandpap Jones doing? And tell Aunt Audrey I’m excited to see her in church to hear my talk haha.
But about schools, what does LDSBC offer? I was looking at it a little bit in the brochures that Haley sent me, and it really just doesn’t seem like it has anything that I’d like to do. I’ll take a look at it again though. It’s so hard to tell you what it is that I want to do over email, because it can’t be explained well in written words. I don’t even know how to describe it to myself what I want to do, I can just feel like the tip of what it is, but the ideas are still developing. Anyways, love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS Does Haley write Elder Adamson? If she does, tell him that I'll be on the lookout. Haha.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Oct 19, 2009
Hola, ¿qué tal?
So I’m still kickin it here in Yvera, but I got an amazing new companion, Elder Comte. He’s a stud, he’s a way funny guy and works hard, so I’m excited. He’s from Payson, Utah, so I got someone from the ‘Factory,’ as they call it. We worked hard this week, but we’re just having trouble finding more good investigators that will progress... we have a handful, but a couple of them aren’t all that secure just yet, but on Sunday I think the main problem some people didn’t get to church was the Daylight Savings Time. Down here we lost an hour because we’re in the spring time now, and like you were guessing, it’s starting to get hot. Its also cool because Elder Gage, who lives in the house with us, went up to senior companion and is training a greenie this change, Elder Hill. So our house just has a bunch of excitement and it’s interesting to see a brand new kid and his utter culture shock that we all have to go through when we show up hahaha.
Well, what’s gonna happen with this Summer thing at BYU? Are Haley and I just gonna be stuck in the dorms? Or would we be living together somewhere? Anyways, I get to see Pres Wade tomorrow so I’ll ask him about the application thing. And is Haley planning on going to the UVU come fall? Cause you mentioned she got in there or something. Welp, I guess I’m not too worried about it, and I just have to wait til next week to find out anyways, so whatevs.
Well, keep warm during those late night soccer games, and send that cool air down here if you can. I really don’t know what else to say, things keep going pretty normal, you know, the whole mission thing. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
So I’m still kickin it here in Yvera, but I got an amazing new companion, Elder Comte. He’s a stud, he’s a way funny guy and works hard, so I’m excited. He’s from Payson, Utah, so I got someone from the ‘Factory,’ as they call it. We worked hard this week, but we’re just having trouble finding more good investigators that will progress... we have a handful, but a couple of them aren’t all that secure just yet, but on Sunday I think the main problem some people didn’t get to church was the Daylight Savings Time. Down here we lost an hour because we’re in the spring time now, and like you were guessing, it’s starting to get hot. Its also cool because Elder Gage, who lives in the house with us, went up to senior companion and is training a greenie this change, Elder Hill. So our house just has a bunch of excitement and it’s interesting to see a brand new kid and his utter culture shock that we all have to go through when we show up hahaha.
Well, what’s gonna happen with this Summer thing at BYU? Are Haley and I just gonna be stuck in the dorms? Or would we be living together somewhere? Anyways, I get to see Pres Wade tomorrow so I’ll ask him about the application thing. And is Haley planning on going to the UVU come fall? Cause you mentioned she got in there or something. Welp, I guess I’m not too worried about it, and I just have to wait til next week to find out anyways, so whatevs.
Well, keep warm during those late night soccer games, and send that cool air down here if you can. I really don’t know what else to say, things keep going pretty normal, you know, the whole mission thing. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Monday, October 12, 2009
Oct 12, 2009
Hey there family (and friends),
Tell Cole that I can’t wait to play fútbol with him when I get home, because I’m not gonna lie, I love playing soccer now. We play just about every week, and it’s a ton of fun. We gringos suck pretty bad, but I can keep up with the best of em... um... sometimes. But Hey, congrats for accomplishing the half marathon! Glad to hear that the two old folks are still keeping in shape. But yeah, I also got those pants, and they fit just fine, thanks so much for that, because I definitely needed it. I’m not gonna lie, I’m getting pretty fat... sooooo, yeah. But yeah, now I’m good for the rest of my mission. I think I might take one of my suit coats in to a fancy store and try and get some pants tailored up of the same kind of cloth, because man, those pants are wayyyy too tight. But you don’t have to worry too much about packages, you should just save up to spoil me when I get home :)
But wow. This starts my 14th transfer... I only have 3 more to go, and wow, I’m getting so old in the mission. I was thinking about that today, and I swear it still hasn’t hit me that I’m actually on my mission, but tomorrow is 20 months... WOW: I’m just bummin it in Paraguay and talking to people about Christ. And its amazing. I definitely wouldn’t call it the best two years of my life, but it is by far the best possible thing that a young man can do to prepare himself to be successful in life. I’ve changed so much, I can just walk up to a perfect stranger and talk to him about anything. And it’s in spanish. I was so shy before! By the way, I really hope you people can understand spanglish, because trying to speak straight english is literally impossible. The phone call home should be pretty interesting.
Alright, I guess I’ll answer your trunky questions though. First off, yeah, just go ahead and have me scheduled to talk that first week back to just get it out of the way, no point in procrastinating. Plus my accent might fade after a week in the states, and we can’t have that now can we? Haha As far as getting into the spring session, I’m sure Pres Wade will do whatever he needs to to help me get that all done, I’ll talk to him about it the next time I see him. I’m thinking if I need to, I can just go to UVU to get my grades up a little, because I know they were pretty low before. I bet that would be cheaper too than going to U of U, and once I get residency I can decide if I want to go there or if I want to try and transfer to BYU. I’m not gonna lie, I just want the cheapest solution to get things started off, and then once I get back to making some money and getting into the hang of things, we can see what happens.
Well, no changes information as of yet, so it looks like you’ll just have to wait til next week. Its almost certain I’ll be staying in the area and getting a new companion, but you never know. And tell Elder Wagner that being a ZL is way overrated. I just want to be a beetle. Now that’s deep doctrine right there. Who says I haven’t learn anything in two years? Hahaha. (The Savior’s Atonement, by W. Cleon Skousen). Oh, and if you can find that in English you should totally send it to me, I only have it in Spanish.
Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Tell Cole that I can’t wait to play fútbol with him when I get home, because I’m not gonna lie, I love playing soccer now. We play just about every week, and it’s a ton of fun. We gringos suck pretty bad, but I can keep up with the best of em... um... sometimes. But Hey, congrats for accomplishing the half marathon! Glad to hear that the two old folks are still keeping in shape. But yeah, I also got those pants, and they fit just fine, thanks so much for that, because I definitely needed it. I’m not gonna lie, I’m getting pretty fat... sooooo, yeah. But yeah, now I’m good for the rest of my mission. I think I might take one of my suit coats in to a fancy store and try and get some pants tailored up of the same kind of cloth, because man, those pants are wayyyy too tight. But you don’t have to worry too much about packages, you should just save up to spoil me when I get home :)
But wow. This starts my 14th transfer... I only have 3 more to go, and wow, I’m getting so old in the mission. I was thinking about that today, and I swear it still hasn’t hit me that I’m actually on my mission, but tomorrow is 20 months... WOW: I’m just bummin it in Paraguay and talking to people about Christ. And its amazing. I definitely wouldn’t call it the best two years of my life, but it is by far the best possible thing that a young man can do to prepare himself to be successful in life. I’ve changed so much, I can just walk up to a perfect stranger and talk to him about anything. And it’s in spanish. I was so shy before! By the way, I really hope you people can understand spanglish, because trying to speak straight english is literally impossible. The phone call home should be pretty interesting.
Alright, I guess I’ll answer your trunky questions though. First off, yeah, just go ahead and have me scheduled to talk that first week back to just get it out of the way, no point in procrastinating. Plus my accent might fade after a week in the states, and we can’t have that now can we? Haha As far as getting into the spring session, I’m sure Pres Wade will do whatever he needs to to help me get that all done, I’ll talk to him about it the next time I see him. I’m thinking if I need to, I can just go to UVU to get my grades up a little, because I know they were pretty low before. I bet that would be cheaper too than going to U of U, and once I get residency I can decide if I want to go there or if I want to try and transfer to BYU. I’m not gonna lie, I just want the cheapest solution to get things started off, and then once I get back to making some money and getting into the hang of things, we can see what happens.
Well, no changes information as of yet, so it looks like you’ll just have to wait til next week. Its almost certain I’ll be staying in the area and getting a new companion, but you never know. And tell Elder Wagner that being a ZL is way overrated. I just want to be a beetle. Now that’s deep doctrine right there. Who says I haven’t learn anything in two years? Hahaha. (The Savior’s Atonement, by W. Cleon Skousen). Oh, and if you can find that in English you should totally send it to me, I only have it in Spanish.
Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Monday, October 5, 2009
Oct 5, 2009
Alright folks, how’s it going?
I’m excited right now, because we had a great week of work last week, and General Conference was awesome, getting to hear the powerful testimonies of some of the most amazing leaders of the Church. I got jipped during the Priesthood session though, because I showed up late and missed the first talk, and it wasn’t in English, so I had to listen to it in Spanish. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, because I understand just fine, but man, it just does not have the same feeling as getting to hear it come straight from the mouth of the person speaking, its just some translator who is trying to keep up and get the grammar right, and it just looses all spiritual power. I heard the first talk was amazing though, about a father and son, and I’m really sad I missed it. I don’t have my notes with me right now, but there was one talk that I just loved that talked about teaching… it was by an unknown-to-me Seventy, and I forget his name at the moment. Well, they were all gold, if you know what I mean.
Okay, pancakes with that syrup mix that you sent me is AMAZING! We ate pancakes on Saturday and Sunday, and then today at a ZL Council with President Wade, Sister Wade cooked us all up pancakes as well… but I gotta admit it, her sauce just wasn’t as good as mine. If you throw some bananas in there, mmmmm! So this week we’re planning on cooking up some more French toast or something… I like this actually cooking thing, I’ve been doing a lot more of it lately.
Well, that one kid’s name is actually Manuel… we were kind of confused about that until we did up the Baptismal Register and asked him about it… so that was kind of embarrassing. But yeah, he’s still doing well. Enrique is a total stud, we’re gonna get him to bless the Sacrament this coming week. And Eddy is getting ready, he already has his papers that he’s filling out for the mission, and come January, he’ll be able to take off on a brand new journey. Everyone I talk to out there just mentions how awesome he is, so I’m excited. I haven’t gotten to talk to him in awhile, but I might try to get a hold of him here pretty soon.
Well, yesterday marked eight months as a zone leader… and next week I hit twenty months in the mission. Some would say I’m getting old, but I swear my receding hair line begs to differ… er… oh man, I guess I AM getting old! Not Cool! But yeah, there’s almost guaranteed a ton of changes this coming transfer, because there’s like twenty new kids who are going to be showing up, and the mission is going to have to open up like ten new areas. So everything is just gonna get all flipped around. But hey, you guys mentioned some kid who’ll be getting down here to Paraguay in November… what’s his name? We already have the papers with the names of all the newbies who will be showing up. Oh, and guess what my grandkid’s name is... Sorensen… Yup, that’s right. I still haven’t met him yet though.
But I’m glad the family is still working hard in the mission work, is Mark the one who was in the Navy? If not, I don’t know who it is… I have been out of the house for a year and 7 and a half months now, that’s quite a long time. But the fact that the Jessee’s are home is soooo trunky. I was with them in the MTC! That’s so not cool. Tell them I say hi and that I’m still working hard… most of the time. Nah, just kidding, I’m so flippin tired but the last 5 minutes of the game are the most important. Plus I’m a captain, and I gotta get out there and go crazy right now to fire up the team.
But some trunky talk… maybe you should start the papers for BYU as well… because I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and its so cheap, has great programs and reputation, but I don’t think I’ll get in right away, but just to see. UVU is looking to be the little community school back up if I can’t get into BYU or the U. I was thinking a lot about Arizona, but I feel like I should go to Utah all-in-all. I don’t know, I’m still so confused, but the Lord is helping me decide line upon line, precept upon precept.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS How are my teams doing?
I’m excited right now, because we had a great week of work last week, and General Conference was awesome, getting to hear the powerful testimonies of some of the most amazing leaders of the Church. I got jipped during the Priesthood session though, because I showed up late and missed the first talk, and it wasn’t in English, so I had to listen to it in Spanish. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, because I understand just fine, but man, it just does not have the same feeling as getting to hear it come straight from the mouth of the person speaking, its just some translator who is trying to keep up and get the grammar right, and it just looses all spiritual power. I heard the first talk was amazing though, about a father and son, and I’m really sad I missed it. I don’t have my notes with me right now, but there was one talk that I just loved that talked about teaching… it was by an unknown-to-me Seventy, and I forget his name at the moment. Well, they were all gold, if you know what I mean.
Okay, pancakes with that syrup mix that you sent me is AMAZING! We ate pancakes on Saturday and Sunday, and then today at a ZL Council with President Wade, Sister Wade cooked us all up pancakes as well… but I gotta admit it, her sauce just wasn’t as good as mine. If you throw some bananas in there, mmmmm! So this week we’re planning on cooking up some more French toast or something… I like this actually cooking thing, I’ve been doing a lot more of it lately.
Well, that one kid’s name is actually Manuel… we were kind of confused about that until we did up the Baptismal Register and asked him about it… so that was kind of embarrassing. But yeah, he’s still doing well. Enrique is a total stud, we’re gonna get him to bless the Sacrament this coming week. And Eddy is getting ready, he already has his papers that he’s filling out for the mission, and come January, he’ll be able to take off on a brand new journey. Everyone I talk to out there just mentions how awesome he is, so I’m excited. I haven’t gotten to talk to him in awhile, but I might try to get a hold of him here pretty soon.
Well, yesterday marked eight months as a zone leader… and next week I hit twenty months in the mission. Some would say I’m getting old, but I swear my receding hair line begs to differ… er… oh man, I guess I AM getting old! Not Cool! But yeah, there’s almost guaranteed a ton of changes this coming transfer, because there’s like twenty new kids who are going to be showing up, and the mission is going to have to open up like ten new areas. So everything is just gonna get all flipped around. But hey, you guys mentioned some kid who’ll be getting down here to Paraguay in November… what’s his name? We already have the papers with the names of all the newbies who will be showing up. Oh, and guess what my grandkid’s name is... Sorensen… Yup, that’s right. I still haven’t met him yet though.
But I’m glad the family is still working hard in the mission work, is Mark the one who was in the Navy? If not, I don’t know who it is… I have been out of the house for a year and 7 and a half months now, that’s quite a long time. But the fact that the Jessee’s are home is soooo trunky. I was with them in the MTC! That’s so not cool. Tell them I say hi and that I’m still working hard… most of the time. Nah, just kidding, I’m so flippin tired but the last 5 minutes of the game are the most important. Plus I’m a captain, and I gotta get out there and go crazy right now to fire up the team.
But some trunky talk… maybe you should start the papers for BYU as well… because I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and its so cheap, has great programs and reputation, but I don’t think I’ll get in right away, but just to see. UVU is looking to be the little community school back up if I can’t get into BYU or the U. I was thinking a lot about Arizona, but I feel like I should go to Utah all-in-all. I don’t know, I’m still so confused, but the Lord is helping me decide line upon line, precept upon precept.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS How are my teams doing?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sept 28, 2009
Well well well.
That’s awesome that Cole is enjoying soccer, I love it down here. I’m so excited because I’ll be home in time to watch the World Cup in June! Paraguay already made it into the tournament, and so did the United States, so it’ll be cool to have two teams to root for. But why you gotta always go and ruin my little surprises that I have all planned up? Haha, I was already planning to pick him up some sweet little jerseys and was even going to ask his size in this email. So at least I don’t have to do that now I guess. We’ve begun playing soccer as a zone every week, er, for the past three weeks. Without having District Meeting on Monday, that morning time is all open now to play. So we go to this sweet turf field, and we each pitch in $1.50 to play for an hour and a half. Today it was cold and had the constant mist drizzle, but it was still a ton of fun, but man, I’m turning into Dad when it comes to sport injuries. A couple months ago, like right after my birthday, I twisted my ankle pretty bad… it’s still pretty weak, but today I totally busted up my toe. I hit a post while trying to kick the ball and I think the nail lifted up from the skin. All I know was that when we got home it was all bloody, but I took a shower and was looking at it, and besides being sore, it really isn’t that bad.
The temple was amazing, I got to do confirmations and a session and then some sealings and ended with initiatories. But the best was just getting to sit in the Celestial Room. I was praying a lot to know about where I need to go and what I need to do after the mission, just asking specific questions and listening to my feelings. I was like- BYU?... U of U?... … Utah?.... Arizona? … .. ….. … alright, I’ll say it, Idaho? ….. Nope, nothing. But I just got the impression that I just had to pick up the Book of Mormon that was on the table, and just open it up because it’d have the answer. Now I was kind of skeptical, because I’d never had the luck with that, but after a few moments I was like, alright. So I picked it up and flipped it open and I swear, my eyes just popped to the first verse that I saw and I read it, and it was the PERFECT scripture for me right now. It was incredible. But it was also in Spanish, and later I looked it up in English, and the feeling the scripture gives is way different, and totally wouldn’t have worked for me if I were to have read it in English. Anyways, that was very powerful for me. It had nothing to do with after the mission though.. so I’m still at a loss as to what to do when February rolls around. I’m glad you were able to get Paige to visit the temple so soon, that’s something that President Wade and the Temple President are pushing right now, that recent converts visit the temple right after baptism to just strengthen their testimony that much more. I’m so glad my family was able to feel the joy as well of helping a friend find the truth and joy of the restored gospel.
Alright, well, I guess I’ll answer some of your questions now. First off, the Eccos survived the operation, if barely, and are now usable again, but they look a little funny now, not gonna lie. But whatever, I just need them to trek around in the dirt and the cobble stone streets that they have here, I’m not trying to impress anyone. The baptisms also went very well this past Thursday, Enrique and Paloma were both baptized in freezing cold water hahaha. I feel so bad for the converts here, the water is never warm. But as a missionary, I just have to hop right on in and act like its warm and look up at them with a smile and offer a hand so that they come on down haha. But yesterday they both were confirmed and Enrique was ordained as a Priest. But the kids here have a very relaxed school system that is just a disaster, they don’t learn anything. All schools have morning, afternoon, and night classes, but none are the normal 9-3 that we’re used to in the states. Seminary is only held on Saturdays, for like an hour and a half to two hours, but I guess in places where the church is more established, like in Chile where my companion is from, they have it in the morning like at home.
Anyways, Love you a lot, and I love empanadas a lot too,
Elder Dennis
PS. Have you found a lomito arabe place?
That’s awesome that Cole is enjoying soccer, I love it down here. I’m so excited because I’ll be home in time to watch the World Cup in June! Paraguay already made it into the tournament, and so did the United States, so it’ll be cool to have two teams to root for. But why you gotta always go and ruin my little surprises that I have all planned up? Haha, I was already planning to pick him up some sweet little jerseys and was even going to ask his size in this email. So at least I don’t have to do that now I guess. We’ve begun playing soccer as a zone every week, er, for the past three weeks. Without having District Meeting on Monday, that morning time is all open now to play. So we go to this sweet turf field, and we each pitch in $1.50 to play for an hour and a half. Today it was cold and had the constant mist drizzle, but it was still a ton of fun, but man, I’m turning into Dad when it comes to sport injuries. A couple months ago, like right after my birthday, I twisted my ankle pretty bad… it’s still pretty weak, but today I totally busted up my toe. I hit a post while trying to kick the ball and I think the nail lifted up from the skin. All I know was that when we got home it was all bloody, but I took a shower and was looking at it, and besides being sore, it really isn’t that bad.
The temple was amazing, I got to do confirmations and a session and then some sealings and ended with initiatories. But the best was just getting to sit in the Celestial Room. I was praying a lot to know about where I need to go and what I need to do after the mission, just asking specific questions and listening to my feelings. I was like- BYU?... U of U?... … Utah?.... Arizona? … .. ….. … alright, I’ll say it, Idaho? ….. Nope, nothing. But I just got the impression that I just had to pick up the Book of Mormon that was on the table, and just open it up because it’d have the answer. Now I was kind of skeptical, because I’d never had the luck with that, but after a few moments I was like, alright. So I picked it up and flipped it open and I swear, my eyes just popped to the first verse that I saw and I read it, and it was the PERFECT scripture for me right now. It was incredible. But it was also in Spanish, and later I looked it up in English, and the feeling the scripture gives is way different, and totally wouldn’t have worked for me if I were to have read it in English. Anyways, that was very powerful for me. It had nothing to do with after the mission though.. so I’m still at a loss as to what to do when February rolls around. I’m glad you were able to get Paige to visit the temple so soon, that’s something that President Wade and the Temple President are pushing right now, that recent converts visit the temple right after baptism to just strengthen their testimony that much more. I’m so glad my family was able to feel the joy as well of helping a friend find the truth and joy of the restored gospel.
Alright, well, I guess I’ll answer some of your questions now. First off, the Eccos survived the operation, if barely, and are now usable again, but they look a little funny now, not gonna lie. But whatever, I just need them to trek around in the dirt and the cobble stone streets that they have here, I’m not trying to impress anyone. The baptisms also went very well this past Thursday, Enrique and Paloma were both baptized in freezing cold water hahaha. I feel so bad for the converts here, the water is never warm. But as a missionary, I just have to hop right on in and act like its warm and look up at them with a smile and offer a hand so that they come on down haha. But yesterday they both were confirmed and Enrique was ordained as a Priest. But the kids here have a very relaxed school system that is just a disaster, they don’t learn anything. All schools have morning, afternoon, and night classes, but none are the normal 9-3 that we’re used to in the states. Seminary is only held on Saturdays, for like an hour and a half to two hours, but I guess in places where the church is more established, like in Chile where my companion is from, they have it in the morning like at home.
Anyways, Love you a lot, and I love empanadas a lot too,
Elder Dennis
PS. Have you found a lomito arabe place?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sept 21, 2009
Well, another week down. Which means only 21 left. Which means before the end of this change I’ll be in the teens. That’s a cool little tid bit for those who might be trunky. We played soccer today. It was fun. My team won 16-11... We as goalies suck... But yeah, District meetings here are actually zone meetings, because the areas (and wards) are so tiny because they have to be walkable for the missionaries (and the members). So the whole zone meets up at the same chapel, and then the meetings start off with each district getting together and have their own meetings for like 30-45 minutes, and then we all get together and talk about the zone for 15 minutes, and then it ends and we go rule the town. Literally. We own this place. I’m pretty sure we’re the only people with money here.
But that’s exciting that Paige was able to get a Bible. I remember having to do those calls when I was in the MTC. She totally talked to a sister missionary who’s in the MTC right now. But that totally sucks that her quad got tossed. I would have been so mad, my scriptures (and my fotos!) are my most valuable possession. I don’t know if I told you guys but I lost a month's worth of photos, and it was quite upsetting. It was awhile ago now, so whatevs, but my fotos from like the middle of February to mid March all got deleted before making backups. But tell Paige to keep going strong despite what others may say, trust me, I can totally sympathize with her right now. A great example is a young man that will be baptized this Thursday named Enrique. He was cool, but I never really saw that he had a testimony or anything until Friday last week, when we shared the Restoration video with his mom (it went okay, but I don’t know if she’ll get baptized anytime soon). Anyways, after she left to go attend some other people, we were talking about how Joseph couldn’t be swayed from what he knew was true, and Enrique was just like ‘Yeah, I know it’s true, and I don’t care what anyone else says.’ It totally caught me off guard, but it was super exciting. Anyways, he and another girl, Paloma, are getting baptized on Thursday, so we’re excited for that.
Tomorrow, we get to go to the temple! I’m so excited, it’ll be my last time going to the temple as a zone in Paraguay. I’ll go once more as I’m leaving to go home, but this is it. Then comes my last general conference, and before you know it, we’ll be talking on the telephone machine. Another exciting note: The LDS Bible came out in Spanish this last week!!! It’s so amazing, I can’t believe it, all of the members are super excited haha. Reading Paige’s story again totally reminded me of that. Anyways, no new pictures, but wish Elder Shumway a happy birthday, because today is his cumpleaños. We woke him up with that cake in a bowl thing that you sent. Those things are AMAZING by the way. You should totally send more next time. The cookie was my favorite.
Much love,
Elder Dennis
But that’s exciting that Paige was able to get a Bible. I remember having to do those calls when I was in the MTC. She totally talked to a sister missionary who’s in the MTC right now. But that totally sucks that her quad got tossed. I would have been so mad, my scriptures (and my fotos!) are my most valuable possession. I don’t know if I told you guys but I lost a month's worth of photos, and it was quite upsetting. It was awhile ago now, so whatevs, but my fotos from like the middle of February to mid March all got deleted before making backups. But tell Paige to keep going strong despite what others may say, trust me, I can totally sympathize with her right now. A great example is a young man that will be baptized this Thursday named Enrique. He was cool, but I never really saw that he had a testimony or anything until Friday last week, when we shared the Restoration video with his mom (it went okay, but I don’t know if she’ll get baptized anytime soon). Anyways, after she left to go attend some other people, we were talking about how Joseph couldn’t be swayed from what he knew was true, and Enrique was just like ‘Yeah, I know it’s true, and I don’t care what anyone else says.’ It totally caught me off guard, but it was super exciting. Anyways, he and another girl, Paloma, are getting baptized on Thursday, so we’re excited for that.
Tomorrow, we get to go to the temple! I’m so excited, it’ll be my last time going to the temple as a zone in Paraguay. I’ll go once more as I’m leaving to go home, but this is it. Then comes my last general conference, and before you know it, we’ll be talking on the telephone machine. Another exciting note: The LDS Bible came out in Spanish this last week!!! It’s so amazing, I can’t believe it, all of the members are super excited haha. Reading Paige’s story again totally reminded me of that. Anyways, no new pictures, but wish Elder Shumway a happy birthday, because today is his cumpleaños. We woke him up with that cake in a bowl thing that you sent. Those things are AMAZING by the way. You should totally send more next time. The cookie was my favorite.
Much love,
Elder Dennis
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sept 14, 2009
Well, not a lot happened this week… it’s the start of something new though: we no longer have District Meetings on Monday, instead we just have a full P-Day, and on Tuesdays we’re going to get together for District Meetings. So that’s interesting. But tomorrow we’re going to have Zone Conference, so hopefully that gives a boost to the zone, because right now we’re not doing so hot, and I’m running out of ideas and options of what I can do. Our own area is lacking a bit right now too, because even though we have some cool people, hardly anyone makes it to church. But I’m excited that the mission work is going well in Saratoga, I hope Paige does well in growing the seed of her testimony, and I know with you guys accompanying her, she’ll do great. That’s one thing that I’ve definitely learned here in Paraguay, without a friend who will stay with them after the missionaries are gone, it is soooo tough for young converts to keep going strong, so don’t underestimate the influence the family is having on that young woman!
Yeah, I’m excited though that I’m a grandpa in the mission, but I still don’t know my grandkid’s name haha. I plan on finding out this week though, because I’m pretty sure I have Zone Conference with the zone that Elder Spencer is in right now. But as far as soccer goes, I’m stoked that Cole is doing good. Fútbol is a ton of fun. Today we went to this sweet turf field that’s like the perfect size to play 7 on 7, and its all netted in so we can’t kick the ball out (a must with gringos playing) and it only costs 60 mil an hour, or 12 dollars. So we split that up and everyone paid 5 mil, or a dollar, and it was awesome. With our open P-Days now, we’re planning on going just about every week in the morning early to start off the day with some bonding time and exercise. There’s no way you could find a nice place like that for so cheap in the states.
My shoes are still in the process of getting fixed, supposedly it took him forever to get the soles off… the Paraguayans aren’t used to quality American shoes. But now he’s going to sew on a new sole, so I should have them by the end of the week, if not next P-Day. Anyways, tell the Jessee’s hello for me when they get home, and just so ya’ll know, yesterday was the 19th month mark for me… so I’m getting pretty old. Other than that, there’s no real news… things are going pretty slow, but I’m fighting to keep things going, but man, every day I’m just a more and more tired. Thanks for everything you did Mom and Dad… and siblings… for me before the mission, even if I did take it for granted in the moment. Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Yeah, I’m excited though that I’m a grandpa in the mission, but I still don’t know my grandkid’s name haha. I plan on finding out this week though, because I’m pretty sure I have Zone Conference with the zone that Elder Spencer is in right now. But as far as soccer goes, I’m stoked that Cole is doing good. Fútbol is a ton of fun. Today we went to this sweet turf field that’s like the perfect size to play 7 on 7, and its all netted in so we can’t kick the ball out (a must with gringos playing) and it only costs 60 mil an hour, or 12 dollars. So we split that up and everyone paid 5 mil, or a dollar, and it was awesome. With our open P-Days now, we’re planning on going just about every week in the morning early to start off the day with some bonding time and exercise. There’s no way you could find a nice place like that for so cheap in the states.
My shoes are still in the process of getting fixed, supposedly it took him forever to get the soles off… the Paraguayans aren’t used to quality American shoes. But now he’s going to sew on a new sole, so I should have them by the end of the week, if not next P-Day. Anyways, tell the Jessee’s hello for me when they get home, and just so ya’ll know, yesterday was the 19th month mark for me… so I’m getting pretty old. Other than that, there’s no real news… things are going pretty slow, but I’m fighting to keep things going, but man, every day I’m just a more and more tired. Thanks for everything you did Mom and Dad… and siblings… for me before the mission, even if I did take it for granted in the moment. Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sept 7, 2009
Hey there everybody,
All right, first things first: Google Earth! So you basically found where my area is. It’s not that main road that you’re talking about, but it’s along there. It’s split down the middle by a street known as Calle’i, but its real name is Gabriel Pellón. But that power plant that you saw is on the opposite side of the big Luque-San Lorenzo road, but the big power lines that go out from it cross over my area, to the east. So yeah, that main street is one border, and it swings down and hooks up with the east side border, which is a tiny little stream. To the north, its tough to describe the border, but the church, if you find it (a little northeast of the powerlines) is out of my area by like 3 blocks. So yeah, have fun with that. Oh and interesting fact, the other side of the main street Luque-San Lorenzo is the south mission.
The mission suffered very little change this time around. I’m still with Elder Contreras, who besides being annoying, really isn’t that bad of a kid. I am impressed, because like a good many of the latin missionaries, he’s the only member in his family. They totally support him, but still, its impressive that he made it here on his own testimony and desires. Elder Whiteford went out to Pedro Juan Caballero, but I’m still living with Elder Shumway and Elder Larsen, so I still got buddies nearby. Today we made a title of liberty in district meeting, with all of the reasons we’re on the mission written on it, to try and animate the zone a little bit. I don’t know why, but we’re having a tough time rising up. The first Sunday of the change IS usually the worst for whatever reason, but still, its no fun to be fighting the mediocrity. Then we went to a little Luque Expo, or like city fair thing, where I bought just a couple little trinkets... 4 dollars worth, to be exact. And you’d be surprised at what 4 dollars can get you in Paraguay haha.
Anyways, I got your package last Tuesday, so no worries there, it was a nice surprise. It was just full of goodies and a pizza kit and some deserts, which I haven’t made up yet, but this week hopefully I have some more energy to do that. You may laugh at the fact that I lack energy to stir some water into some packets of powder that even come with a bowl, but you never served a mission hahaha. Are the Jesses home?! Its been a year and a half since I left, but I don't know how long their mission is for.
I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get home, because I want to work and save up some money to go out west, but what could I do in February that pays good money? Do you think the track would use translators that early in the season? Its right after the holiday season, so no one in retail will be hiring. Too bad I can’t just go and work at the Chiller haha. As far a a family trip goes... anything that involves activity, like snowboarding or surfing or wakeboarding or motocrossing... I still don’t like doing nothing. Maybe going down to Mexico or Spain or wherever I can use Spanish just for fun... or Alaska would be cool too... probably still too cold up there in March though. Or we could come visit Paraguay... but there really is nothing to do here but talk to people I know, and only I talk in Spanish. I’m really down for whatever. Oh, and through the grape vine I’ve heard that Matisyahu came out with a new cd... if you’re still listening to reggae you should check it out and let me know how it is.
Well, keep me informed on my teams, OSU and UofU, and I'll keep fighting the good fight.
Love,
Elder Dennis
All right, first things first: Google Earth! So you basically found where my area is. It’s not that main road that you’re talking about, but it’s along there. It’s split down the middle by a street known as Calle’i, but its real name is Gabriel Pellón. But that power plant that you saw is on the opposite side of the big Luque-San Lorenzo road, but the big power lines that go out from it cross over my area, to the east. So yeah, that main street is one border, and it swings down and hooks up with the east side border, which is a tiny little stream. To the north, its tough to describe the border, but the church, if you find it (a little northeast of the powerlines) is out of my area by like 3 blocks. So yeah, have fun with that. Oh and interesting fact, the other side of the main street Luque-San Lorenzo is the south mission.
The mission suffered very little change this time around. I’m still with Elder Contreras, who besides being annoying, really isn’t that bad of a kid. I am impressed, because like a good many of the latin missionaries, he’s the only member in his family. They totally support him, but still, its impressive that he made it here on his own testimony and desires. Elder Whiteford went out to Pedro Juan Caballero, but I’m still living with Elder Shumway and Elder Larsen, so I still got buddies nearby. Today we made a title of liberty in district meeting, with all of the reasons we’re on the mission written on it, to try and animate the zone a little bit. I don’t know why, but we’re having a tough time rising up. The first Sunday of the change IS usually the worst for whatever reason, but still, its no fun to be fighting the mediocrity. Then we went to a little Luque Expo, or like city fair thing, where I bought just a couple little trinkets... 4 dollars worth, to be exact. And you’d be surprised at what 4 dollars can get you in Paraguay haha.
Anyways, I got your package last Tuesday, so no worries there, it was a nice surprise. It was just full of goodies and a pizza kit and some deserts, which I haven’t made up yet, but this week hopefully I have some more energy to do that. You may laugh at the fact that I lack energy to stir some water into some packets of powder that even come with a bowl, but you never served a mission hahaha. Are the Jesses home?! Its been a year and a half since I left, but I don't know how long their mission is for.
I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get home, because I want to work and save up some money to go out west, but what could I do in February that pays good money? Do you think the track would use translators that early in the season? Its right after the holiday season, so no one in retail will be hiring. Too bad I can’t just go and work at the Chiller haha. As far a a family trip goes... anything that involves activity, like snowboarding or surfing or wakeboarding or motocrossing... I still don’t like doing nothing. Maybe going down to Mexico or Spain or wherever I can use Spanish just for fun... or Alaska would be cool too... probably still too cold up there in March though. Or we could come visit Paraguay... but there really is nothing to do here but talk to people I know, and only I talk in Spanish. I’m really down for whatever. Oh, and through the grape vine I’ve heard that Matisyahu came out with a new cd... if you’re still listening to reggae you should check it out and let me know how it is.
Well, keep me informed on my teams, OSU and UofU, and I'll keep fighting the good fight.
Love,
Elder Dennis
Monday, August 31, 2009
Aug 31, 2009
How’s it going… (I’m getting tired of trying to think of ways to greet ya’ll in a letter…)
Wow Mom, I’m impressed, I totally can’t see you running 8 miles, but I do remember the old days when we were in Reynoldsburg and you were going to do that speed walking marathon thing, so yeah, I’m glad you’re having fun getting in shape and all that jazz. I really need to start working out again… Remember that one video I sent you guys were I had been working out, and I was actually looking pretty good? Yeah, it’s been since about my third change that I’ve really worked out. Now I’m just so tired and I have absolutely no energy to get up and do exercises… more than anything I just got bored with doing the same exercises everyday.
But yeah, um… when did you send July’s package? Was that a long time ago or just a couple weeks back… because I honestly don’t remember when the last package I got was. The time is just flying by right now, this change passed like it was nothing! Each month just passes faster and faster. I’m pretty sure that Paraguayan family in the Ensign was from one of the fancy wards near the center of town… it’s almost like America there. Did it say which ward they were from in the article? Paraguay is kind of fancy in the center of town, but the vast majority just live in poverty. Right now I’m in probably the fanciest area that I’ve had so far, most people have decent houses and an air conditioning unit and stuff, so it’s weird, I’m not used to it at all. Unfortunately, our house doesn’t have one, only my second of 5 houses to not have air conditioning… I’ve been pretty lucky so far. But it wasn’t all that bad, until these past couple days, it’s been giving us a flavor of the heat of summer, and personally I would absolutely love it if I were just living in it, but having to go out and walk around all day in the sun just stinks. But man, it’s been so beautiful, just perfect weather as far as I’m concerned, dry, 80s, light breeze, no clouds, just gorgeous.
Anyways, a little about the zone: it’s the zone Luque Sur, which lies inbetween the cities of Luque and San Lorenzo. Most of the areas are pretty well off… there’s some poor parts, but the majority is like a nicer little suburb of the Paraguayan middle class. There is a total of seven areas, or 14 Elders, in the zone. My area is the farthest south, the most towards San Lorenzo, and we share a house with Elder Shumway and Elder Larsen, who are in Laurelty (laurel-TU), and we share the church building as well, which is right next to our house, which is actually a killer setup, I love it there. I knew most of the people from previous zones, which is part of the reason I think the Lord sent me here, because they’re all my friends, and the last leaders here (Elder Ramirez, my ex-comp, and Contreras) both just stink as leaders and just told everyone they sucked because they weren’t doing good, and so everyone hated them. So I’m here to make them feel better and just be their friend. I don’t know if I mentioned Elder Whiteford yet, he’s in the zone, and his brother was in my district in the MTC, but went to Mendoza Argentina for his mission. So that’s cool, anyways, were planning on starting up a business together when we get back, it’s gonna be awesome, we’re gonna be millionaires. Elder Bullcreek, from the MTC is here, so is Elder Hermosilla, who was out near Saltos with me, and others that I don’t think I ever mentioned. So yeah that’s the zone. Its good times, the zone is SLOWLY improving, but yeah, it’s slow going.
But yeah, we still don’t know changes, and probably won’t know them until tomorrow, because Pte Wade was out of town all weekend, and just started working on them today.
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Wow Mom, I’m impressed, I totally can’t see you running 8 miles, but I do remember the old days when we were in Reynoldsburg and you were going to do that speed walking marathon thing, so yeah, I’m glad you’re having fun getting in shape and all that jazz. I really need to start working out again… Remember that one video I sent you guys were I had been working out, and I was actually looking pretty good? Yeah, it’s been since about my third change that I’ve really worked out. Now I’m just so tired and I have absolutely no energy to get up and do exercises… more than anything I just got bored with doing the same exercises everyday.
But yeah, um… when did you send July’s package? Was that a long time ago or just a couple weeks back… because I honestly don’t remember when the last package I got was. The time is just flying by right now, this change passed like it was nothing! Each month just passes faster and faster. I’m pretty sure that Paraguayan family in the Ensign was from one of the fancy wards near the center of town… it’s almost like America there. Did it say which ward they were from in the article? Paraguay is kind of fancy in the center of town, but the vast majority just live in poverty. Right now I’m in probably the fanciest area that I’ve had so far, most people have decent houses and an air conditioning unit and stuff, so it’s weird, I’m not used to it at all. Unfortunately, our house doesn’t have one, only my second of 5 houses to not have air conditioning… I’ve been pretty lucky so far. But it wasn’t all that bad, until these past couple days, it’s been giving us a flavor of the heat of summer, and personally I would absolutely love it if I were just living in it, but having to go out and walk around all day in the sun just stinks. But man, it’s been so beautiful, just perfect weather as far as I’m concerned, dry, 80s, light breeze, no clouds, just gorgeous.
Anyways, a little about the zone: it’s the zone Luque Sur, which lies inbetween the cities of Luque and San Lorenzo. Most of the areas are pretty well off… there’s some poor parts, but the majority is like a nicer little suburb of the Paraguayan middle class. There is a total of seven areas, or 14 Elders, in the zone. My area is the farthest south, the most towards San Lorenzo, and we share a house with Elder Shumway and Elder Larsen, who are in Laurelty (laurel-TU), and we share the church building as well, which is right next to our house, which is actually a killer setup, I love it there. I knew most of the people from previous zones, which is part of the reason I think the Lord sent me here, because they’re all my friends, and the last leaders here (Elder Ramirez, my ex-comp, and Contreras) both just stink as leaders and just told everyone they sucked because they weren’t doing good, and so everyone hated them. So I’m here to make them feel better and just be their friend. I don’t know if I mentioned Elder Whiteford yet, he’s in the zone, and his brother was in my district in the MTC, but went to Mendoza Argentina for his mission. So that’s cool, anyways, were planning on starting up a business together when we get back, it’s gonna be awesome, we’re gonna be millionaires. Elder Bullcreek, from the MTC is here, so is Elder Hermosilla, who was out near Saltos with me, and others that I don’t think I ever mentioned. So yeah that’s the zone. Its good times, the zone is SLOWLY improving, but yeah, it’s slow going.
But yeah, we still don’t know changes, and probably won’t know them until tomorrow, because Pte Wade was out of town all weekend, and just started working on them today.
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Aug 24, 2009
Hey there gang,
Well, the french toast turned out great, so thanks a ton for sending me the recipe. The syrup thing was also surprisingly good to not be actual maple syrup, but it was very watery, not at all thick like normal syrup. And the interviews that we had with Pres. Wade also went well, he talked to me a lot about how I’m here to turn the zone around, and how its practical experience in business because you never know, I might be like one of his friends and just be a guy companies hire to go in as CEO and turn failing but potential companies around. And I was all like what if I don’t want to do that and just want to take it easy.... haha not really, I just thought it. But yeah, I have a feeling I’ll be here for awhile, until this zone starts doing good, and it’s definitely progressing, its just kind of slow going.
All I can say about my comp is that I’m so glad that there’s only one more week left in this change, because I really hope I get a new one come next week. I like having patience and all, but I just really would rather pick my friends and not have super weirdos from completely different life styles being my shadow 24/7. But he’s a good kid, just not the kind of person I get along with all that well, mostly because, at this point in the mission, it isn’t just being with another person that bothers me, I can deal with that just fine now, but what gets to me now is if the person affects the work, and my companion just doesn’t know what he’s doing, so that's just what getting to me.
I’m glad you two were able to get away and only had to deal with 2 disasters in the house, and I’m super jealous you guys went bob sledding! I’d totally be down with that. I also want to jump out of a plane like bad! With a parachute would be nice, but that’s just optional. Free falling just has this appeal to me that I can’t explain... its the adrenaline addiction in my blood. But yeah, museums... come one, that’s like school fieldtrip stuff, and I got done with that a looooonnggg time ago. But I’m like so excited that the Avatar movie is coming along, I remember it being announced right as I was leaving, but no actors had been chosen or anything. But yeah, enough trunky stuff.
Haley is a stud for helping out in the mission work, I so wish I’d had that opportunity to help someone I knew get to know the gospel, I’m sure the missionaries are so excited there for the help that they’re getting from her, it really does make all the difference in the conversion of an investigator. I’ve seen that someone can get baptized without member support here, but their long term conversion is almost non existent if members don’t get in there and bridge the gap. I know that this work really is the most important that one can do in this life, and all the other stuff is just on the side, so don’t lose that view, and remember to always focus on the things that are important....
You have no idea how difficult that was to write in english, anything about the gospel just comes out in spanish now a days, and I totally was translating in my head and trying to remember how to talk english. You guys don’t see the bad side, only the finished copy of what I write, and wow, do I change a lot around after doing a quick read through before I send my letters. But I’m so glad you mentioned the request of items for a package, because I am in dire need of more razor blades... the 5 blade ones, and I only need like 3 or 4 cartridges to end the mission, one blade lasts me about 2 weeks on average... how long should those things last anyways? I’ve never really known. But other than that, I’m actually doing good, learning how to actually take care of myself long term style rather than just living on cereal lately. Like the other day I made tacos with steak, and today I bought some stuff to make some omelets for breakfast... so I’m branching out and enjoying these new cooking experiences that are actually surprisingly cheap to make. Actually if you want, you could include like, 1 or 2 more pairs of pants, definitely size 32 this time.... I’m getting fat... its the making food thing, not good for the scale. And I’m living with two amazing guys, Elder Shumway and Elder Larsen, but they’re both bigger guys and the eat a lot... and I’m usually included in the eating adventures. Anyways, I figure I’m way skinny, putting a little bit of meat on my bones isn’t exactly a bad thing, and I think I’m also a little bit taller than when I started the mission. So dad, watch out! Hahaha. But I bought two sweet jerseys today, the Paraguay one and a Guaraní one. Guarani is a team in the like, NHL of soccer teams down here, one of my favorites. My favorite team is Libertad, but their jerseys are hard to get a hold of. One of these days...
Anyways, yeah.
Elder Dennis
Well, the french toast turned out great, so thanks a ton for sending me the recipe. The syrup thing was also surprisingly good to not be actual maple syrup, but it was very watery, not at all thick like normal syrup. And the interviews that we had with Pres. Wade also went well, he talked to me a lot about how I’m here to turn the zone around, and how its practical experience in business because you never know, I might be like one of his friends and just be a guy companies hire to go in as CEO and turn failing but potential companies around. And I was all like what if I don’t want to do that and just want to take it easy.... haha not really, I just thought it. But yeah, I have a feeling I’ll be here for awhile, until this zone starts doing good, and it’s definitely progressing, its just kind of slow going.
All I can say about my comp is that I’m so glad that there’s only one more week left in this change, because I really hope I get a new one come next week. I like having patience and all, but I just really would rather pick my friends and not have super weirdos from completely different life styles being my shadow 24/7. But he’s a good kid, just not the kind of person I get along with all that well, mostly because, at this point in the mission, it isn’t just being with another person that bothers me, I can deal with that just fine now, but what gets to me now is if the person affects the work, and my companion just doesn’t know what he’s doing, so that's just what getting to me.
I’m glad you two were able to get away and only had to deal with 2 disasters in the house, and I’m super jealous you guys went bob sledding! I’d totally be down with that. I also want to jump out of a plane like bad! With a parachute would be nice, but that’s just optional. Free falling just has this appeal to me that I can’t explain... its the adrenaline addiction in my blood. But yeah, museums... come one, that’s like school fieldtrip stuff, and I got done with that a looooonnggg time ago. But I’m like so excited that the Avatar movie is coming along, I remember it being announced right as I was leaving, but no actors had been chosen or anything. But yeah, enough trunky stuff.
Haley is a stud for helping out in the mission work, I so wish I’d had that opportunity to help someone I knew get to know the gospel, I’m sure the missionaries are so excited there for the help that they’re getting from her, it really does make all the difference in the conversion of an investigator. I’ve seen that someone can get baptized without member support here, but their long term conversion is almost non existent if members don’t get in there and bridge the gap. I know that this work really is the most important that one can do in this life, and all the other stuff is just on the side, so don’t lose that view, and remember to always focus on the things that are important....
You have no idea how difficult that was to write in english, anything about the gospel just comes out in spanish now a days, and I totally was translating in my head and trying to remember how to talk english. You guys don’t see the bad side, only the finished copy of what I write, and wow, do I change a lot around after doing a quick read through before I send my letters. But I’m so glad you mentioned the request of items for a package, because I am in dire need of more razor blades... the 5 blade ones, and I only need like 3 or 4 cartridges to end the mission, one blade lasts me about 2 weeks on average... how long should those things last anyways? I’ve never really known. But other than that, I’m actually doing good, learning how to actually take care of myself long term style rather than just living on cereal lately. Like the other day I made tacos with steak, and today I bought some stuff to make some omelets for breakfast... so I’m branching out and enjoying these new cooking experiences that are actually surprisingly cheap to make. Actually if you want, you could include like, 1 or 2 more pairs of pants, definitely size 32 this time.... I’m getting fat... its the making food thing, not good for the scale. And I’m living with two amazing guys, Elder Shumway and Elder Larsen, but they’re both bigger guys and the eat a lot... and I’m usually included in the eating adventures. Anyways, I figure I’m way skinny, putting a little bit of meat on my bones isn’t exactly a bad thing, and I think I’m also a little bit taller than when I started the mission. So dad, watch out! Hahaha. But I bought two sweet jerseys today, the Paraguay one and a Guaraní one. Guarani is a team in the like, NHL of soccer teams down here, one of my favorites. My favorite team is Libertad, but their jerseys are hard to get a hold of. One of these days...
Anyways, yeah.
Elder Dennis
Monday, August 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Hey there folks,
So another week down, and from today I have exactly 6 months left in the mission, because changes will be Wednesday, the 17th of February 2010. So yeah, that's exciting. Things are going... we had two baptisms this week, so that was awesome, but only one was a convert baptism, the other was an 8 year old child of a member, but they like the missionaries to do the baptisms down here, so we put it together for them. So yeah, Laura finally got baptized after a thousand and one problems and obstacles, she's only 9, her parents got baptized a little while back, but she's cool, and then we had Walter, a little itty bitty eight year old. But we continue to see poor church attendance here, though we got this awesome 15 year old to church, named Emanuel, and he's a stud. And the youth at church are just amazing, we were walking by his house a little later on in the day, just passing by, and two of the youth his age are there hanging out with him, and they'd just met him at church. But one of the kids was all like 'Elder, I love your tie, give it to me!' (the sweet blue paisley one from my birthday), and Emanuel was like, 'I have some ties,' and runs into his house and comes out with 5 and he's all like, 'I have these but I don't know how to tie them, you guys gotta teach me!' haha, so yeah, he loved church and is already making friends. So that's exciting, he's an awesome kid.
But tell Robyn to keep it up in inviting her friend, that's so awesome she's sharing with other people, she's doing better than I was at her age, I wouldn't say a word to anyone about the gospel. But it's good to know from James Fiala that life still exists after the mission, you don't actually die... just to the people still in the mission. And I can't believe I miss your 25th wedding anniversary, that's so weird. How long have you been a member? When did you get baptized? I know you two were still newly weds, but I don't know much more than that. But I wish I could go swimming, the past couple of days were beautifully hot, but today came a super downpour that was awesome, and now its kind of chilly outside. But I love tubing, and I'm glad Cole is becoming the normal Dennis athletic boy with all of his different sport camps... but I noticed one is missing! What happened to hockey! hahaha.
But yeah, thanks for the recipes, we have a family home evening planned for tonight, and they're looking forward to some good french toast, but yeah, I don't think they'll have maple extract here, so I hope that other stuff turns out alright. Other than that, things just keep plugging along... yeah, my comp and I aren't getting along all that well, but I'm just trying to work hard and effective and I just feel like he's holding me back and has no clue what's going on. I'm trying, but right now I just don't feel like I'm having any success. There's progression in the area, but no one makes it to church. But you're right, things don't snap back in a moment, it takes time and effort. We have interviews with Pte Wade this week though, so I'm getting excited for a boost from that, a boost I'm in desperate need of right now.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
So another week down, and from today I have exactly 6 months left in the mission, because changes will be Wednesday, the 17th of February 2010. So yeah, that's exciting. Things are going... we had two baptisms this week, so that was awesome, but only one was a convert baptism, the other was an 8 year old child of a member, but they like the missionaries to do the baptisms down here, so we put it together for them. So yeah, Laura finally got baptized after a thousand and one problems and obstacles, she's only 9, her parents got baptized a little while back, but she's cool, and then we had Walter, a little itty bitty eight year old. But we continue to see poor church attendance here, though we got this awesome 15 year old to church, named Emanuel, and he's a stud. And the youth at church are just amazing, we were walking by his house a little later on in the day, just passing by, and two of the youth his age are there hanging out with him, and they'd just met him at church. But one of the kids was all like 'Elder, I love your tie, give it to me!' (the sweet blue paisley one from my birthday), and Emanuel was like, 'I have some ties,' and runs into his house and comes out with 5 and he's all like, 'I have these but I don't know how to tie them, you guys gotta teach me!' haha, so yeah, he loved church and is already making friends. So that's exciting, he's an awesome kid.
But tell Robyn to keep it up in inviting her friend, that's so awesome she's sharing with other people, she's doing better than I was at her age, I wouldn't say a word to anyone about the gospel. But it's good to know from James Fiala that life still exists after the mission, you don't actually die... just to the people still in the mission. And I can't believe I miss your 25th wedding anniversary, that's so weird. How long have you been a member? When did you get baptized? I know you two were still newly weds, but I don't know much more than that. But I wish I could go swimming, the past couple of days were beautifully hot, but today came a super downpour that was awesome, and now its kind of chilly outside. But I love tubing, and I'm glad Cole is becoming the normal Dennis athletic boy with all of his different sport camps... but I noticed one is missing! What happened to hockey! hahaha.
But yeah, thanks for the recipes, we have a family home evening planned for tonight, and they're looking forward to some good french toast, but yeah, I don't think they'll have maple extract here, so I hope that other stuff turns out alright. Other than that, things just keep plugging along... yeah, my comp and I aren't getting along all that well, but I'm just trying to work hard and effective and I just feel like he's holding me back and has no clue what's going on. I'm trying, but right now I just don't feel like I'm having any success. There's progression in the area, but no one makes it to church. But you're right, things don't snap back in a moment, it takes time and effort. We have interviews with Pte Wade this week though, so I'm getting excited for a boost from that, a boost I'm in desperate need of right now.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Aug 10, 2009
Yup...
Well I’m glad the family is doing good at working on the financial burdens, and that Dad’s new practice is really doing well. Last week was a tough week for me. We were doing great, and I felt really good about our work, but first off the baptisms didn’t go down because one got sick and so it got pushed back, and the other person we can’t find and don’t know what happened. Then we had a decent, not great, amount of people getting ready for church with a baptismal date and everything, and some of them are super awesome, but Sunday morning came and it was drizzling off and on and we just couldn’t get these people to go to church. Three of them, we show up and they flat out say that they just don’t want to go. So yeah, that just sucked. And then the zone is just really in dire need of an overhaul or something, because we did super awful at our church attendance. I feel stressed and tired and trapped, and I have no idea what it is that I have to do differently to pick up the pieces and help these investigators and missionaries under my supervision to progress.
However, being on the mission, and all of the examples you showed me growing up has helped me become a pretty good budgeter. Well I don’t budget, I just don’t spend money I don’t have, and people here ask me how I'm never short money, well, almost never, and I can’t explain it to them. I just remember ever since I started to make money I saved half, and the other half I would save up for the things in life that I really needed, like guitars and computers and cars. But yeah, I really don’t want to ever end up in debt, no matter what it is that I need.
My area here is pretty nice, the people are pretty well off, it’s a suburb in between two of the bigger towns down here. The members are really awesome, some of the people I’ve been able to meet I just admire so much, like these youth that go out and knock doors and invite their friends to go to church, it’s totally the opposite of anything I did while I was at home.
Eddy I hear is still just a stud, he even quit his old job a while back because they made him work a Sunday every once in a while, a job he’d worked for like 5 years. So yeah, I find out about him every once in awhile, and I’ve talked to him once or twice since I left Saltos. But hey now, that Honda is MY Honda!, and it is definitely not named Howie, his name is Fred! I really hope that thing is in the very same condition I left it in when I took off…
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS. I need the recipe of how to make French toast, I know its like you dip the bread in the mix of egg, milk, cinnamon, and stuff, and then fry it, but an exactish recipe would be nice, I promised to make them next Monday for a family home evening. And maybe if you can find out how to make maple syrup ish stuff from scratch, that would be awesome. I know it can be done, cause I’ve seen it done in the mission, but I don’t how exactly. :)
Well I’m glad the family is doing good at working on the financial burdens, and that Dad’s new practice is really doing well. Last week was a tough week for me. We were doing great, and I felt really good about our work, but first off the baptisms didn’t go down because one got sick and so it got pushed back, and the other person we can’t find and don’t know what happened. Then we had a decent, not great, amount of people getting ready for church with a baptismal date and everything, and some of them are super awesome, but Sunday morning came and it was drizzling off and on and we just couldn’t get these people to go to church. Three of them, we show up and they flat out say that they just don’t want to go. So yeah, that just sucked. And then the zone is just really in dire need of an overhaul or something, because we did super awful at our church attendance. I feel stressed and tired and trapped, and I have no idea what it is that I have to do differently to pick up the pieces and help these investigators and missionaries under my supervision to progress.
However, being on the mission, and all of the examples you showed me growing up has helped me become a pretty good budgeter. Well I don’t budget, I just don’t spend money I don’t have, and people here ask me how I'm never short money, well, almost never, and I can’t explain it to them. I just remember ever since I started to make money I saved half, and the other half I would save up for the things in life that I really needed, like guitars and computers and cars. But yeah, I really don’t want to ever end up in debt, no matter what it is that I need.
My area here is pretty nice, the people are pretty well off, it’s a suburb in between two of the bigger towns down here. The members are really awesome, some of the people I’ve been able to meet I just admire so much, like these youth that go out and knock doors and invite their friends to go to church, it’s totally the opposite of anything I did while I was at home.
Eddy I hear is still just a stud, he even quit his old job a while back because they made him work a Sunday every once in a while, a job he’d worked for like 5 years. So yeah, I find out about him every once in awhile, and I’ve talked to him once or twice since I left Saltos. But hey now, that Honda is MY Honda!, and it is definitely not named Howie, his name is Fred! I really hope that thing is in the very same condition I left it in when I took off…
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS. I need the recipe of how to make French toast, I know its like you dip the bread in the mix of egg, milk, cinnamon, and stuff, and then fry it, but an exactish recipe would be nice, I promised to make them next Monday for a family home evening. And maybe if you can find out how to make maple syrup ish stuff from scratch, that would be awesome. I know it can be done, cause I’ve seen it done in the mission, but I don’t how exactly. :)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Aug 3, 2009
Hey there munchkins!
I miss those rousing family board game nights that we would have. I still have no clue what Rummikub is though, I think that came out after I left but you mentioned it once before. Anyways, I’m really out of the loop down here. Seeing the new Harry Potter and Transformers 2 movie advertisements is really not making this whole mission thing easy on me, but what can ya do? Hahaha. Plus all the members just love to rub it in your face that we can’t watch them and how good they are, and then the new members don’t know the rules and ask if you want to watch it with them and man, it’s so tough to stay on the straight and narrow. I got a letter from Elder Nilsen today, my trainer, and he’s getting married in three weeks, so right around when you two got married 25 years ago… and wow it’s weird to hear about all these missionaries that I knew here that are getting married already. It makes me want to just follow the crowd hahaha.
But as for school, isn’t there usually like an alumni scholarship that I would get for going to the same school that my dad did? I know OSU had that, and that it was a decent amount off. But if I have to go to a community college out there or in Arizona that’s cheap to get the GPA up, I’m down. Idaho is definitely not on the preferred list though, it’s just to far out there in the middle of nowhere for me to feel comfortable. And all my buddies will be in either Utah or Arizona. Anyways, there’s just so much to think about, I’m so lost when I try to think about where to go and what to do after the mission.
But yeah, I got a nice pair of shoes of a brand called Guantes, and I’m wearing them right now actually. And I’m doing alright, but my area and zone just need to be drop kicked into shape, I’m telling you. Things are not going good right now, but I have the first 2 baptisms that this area has seen in over a change lined up for this Thursday, so all of the members are really excited for that. The members here are truly amazing, and love working as missionaries, but they were really frustrated with the Elders who were here that just killed the area, and they are not fans of my companion, so it’s funny, they all pat me on the back and wink at me when they talk about the upcoming baptisms and seeing investigators in church. But yeah, I like my area, I just have to deal with my comp who just doesn’t know how to really work and also deal with all the problems that he causes while we’re teaching.
But I hope you’re all excited to go out and eat with me in 6 months, because Olive Garden is sitting on the top of the list for when I get back. And tell … James… that he’s invited. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
I miss those rousing family board game nights that we would have. I still have no clue what Rummikub is though, I think that came out after I left but you mentioned it once before. Anyways, I’m really out of the loop down here. Seeing the new Harry Potter and Transformers 2 movie advertisements is really not making this whole mission thing easy on me, but what can ya do? Hahaha. Plus all the members just love to rub it in your face that we can’t watch them and how good they are, and then the new members don’t know the rules and ask if you want to watch it with them and man, it’s so tough to stay on the straight and narrow. I got a letter from Elder Nilsen today, my trainer, and he’s getting married in three weeks, so right around when you two got married 25 years ago… and wow it’s weird to hear about all these missionaries that I knew here that are getting married already. It makes me want to just follow the crowd hahaha.
But as for school, isn’t there usually like an alumni scholarship that I would get for going to the same school that my dad did? I know OSU had that, and that it was a decent amount off. But if I have to go to a community college out there or in Arizona that’s cheap to get the GPA up, I’m down. Idaho is definitely not on the preferred list though, it’s just to far out there in the middle of nowhere for me to feel comfortable. And all my buddies will be in either Utah or Arizona. Anyways, there’s just so much to think about, I’m so lost when I try to think about where to go and what to do after the mission.
But yeah, I got a nice pair of shoes of a brand called Guantes, and I’m wearing them right now actually. And I’m doing alright, but my area and zone just need to be drop kicked into shape, I’m telling you. Things are not going good right now, but I have the first 2 baptisms that this area has seen in over a change lined up for this Thursday, so all of the members are really excited for that. The members here are truly amazing, and love working as missionaries, but they were really frustrated with the Elders who were here that just killed the area, and they are not fans of my companion, so it’s funny, they all pat me on the back and wink at me when they talk about the upcoming baptisms and seeing investigators in church. But yeah, I like my area, I just have to deal with my comp who just doesn’t know how to really work and also deal with all the problems that he causes while we’re teaching.
But I hope you’re all excited to go out and eat with me in 6 months, because Olive Garden is sitting on the top of the list for when I get back. And tell … James… that he’s invited. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July 28, 2009
How’s it going?
So okay, a little bit more about Ybera. Sorry, I guess I spelled it wrong the first time, but I see it spelled both ways, because in Spanish the v and the b sound the exact same, and the people always have problems coming up with which letter is really used. But in the church records I think it has a b, so yeah. Well, yup, I’m still a ZL, and I was sent here to boost this zone back up to stuff, because I’m not gonna lie, it’s doing REALLY bad right now. So I've got a lot of work ahead of me. But my area itself seems pretty cool, it’s just been in the hands of two kids that didn’t know what they were doing or how to lead a zone. So I’m coming in to fix that up a little bit. But yeah, my companion is Elder Contreras, and he’s not a bad guy, his personality just isn’t ideal. He’s not a bad guy though, we’re getting along alright so far. But I definitely don’t like the way he tries to work, so it’s a good thing I’m senior comp hahaha.
Anyways, I loved the photos, and wow is Cole getting big. But what is he doing with long hair like that?! Hahaha whatever happened to dad giving buzz cuts at the house? But I’m glad you all had fun in PA, and Robyn is just getting too old. I feel old. And out of the loop. I swear I’m just in this time warp, time just stopped back there when I left on my mission and everything is just going to be the way it was when I left. It’s crazy to think that a year and a half has gone by. I’m now able to say that I remember doing stuff over a year ago here in Paraguay when I tell stories and stuff, and it just kind of hit me that wow, I’m old in the mission now. Thank goodness I’m not the oldest in the zone anymore though, I have an Elder Guest who goes home in November, and then Elder Bullcreek is one of my District Leaders and another Elder, Elder Hermosilla, will be going home with us. So yeah, things are going alright, and I just keep plugging along.
Love ya'll lots,
Elder Dennis
So okay, a little bit more about Ybera. Sorry, I guess I spelled it wrong the first time, but I see it spelled both ways, because in Spanish the v and the b sound the exact same, and the people always have problems coming up with which letter is really used. But in the church records I think it has a b, so yeah. Well, yup, I’m still a ZL, and I was sent here to boost this zone back up to stuff, because I’m not gonna lie, it’s doing REALLY bad right now. So I've got a lot of work ahead of me. But my area itself seems pretty cool, it’s just been in the hands of two kids that didn’t know what they were doing or how to lead a zone. So I’m coming in to fix that up a little bit. But yeah, my companion is Elder Contreras, and he’s not a bad guy, his personality just isn’t ideal. He’s not a bad guy though, we’re getting along alright so far. But I definitely don’t like the way he tries to work, so it’s a good thing I’m senior comp hahaha.
Anyways, I loved the photos, and wow is Cole getting big. But what is he doing with long hair like that?! Hahaha whatever happened to dad giving buzz cuts at the house? But I’m glad you all had fun in PA, and Robyn is just getting too old. I feel old. And out of the loop. I swear I’m just in this time warp, time just stopped back there when I left on my mission and everything is just going to be the way it was when I left. It’s crazy to think that a year and a half has gone by. I’m now able to say that I remember doing stuff over a year ago here in Paraguay when I tell stories and stuff, and it just kind of hit me that wow, I’m old in the mission now. Thank goodness I’m not the oldest in the zone anymore though, I have an Elder Guest who goes home in November, and then Elder Bullcreek is one of my District Leaders and another Elder, Elder Hermosilla, will be going home with us. So yeah, things are going alright, and I just keep plugging along.
Love ya'll lots,
Elder Dennis
Sunday, July 26, 2009
July 20, 2009
Hey there mommio,
Paraguay is doing alright, and on Wednesday I’ll get to see a little bit more of it, because I’m going to a new area. I’ll be with a latin, Elder Contreras, from Chile. I’ll be heading to an area called Yvera (U-bear-a) in the zona Luque Sur. But I’m really excited to get out of Asuncion Norte, where I’ve been for the last four changes. I got a letter from Elder Fiala today though, and man, it’s making me trunky. I just want to get hooked up with all the music I’m missing out on right now with an amazing iPhone. I’m starting to get really annoyed by the music in Paragauy... it’s not very good and they just blare it all day long on crappy speakers and get drunk... so yeah, it’s fun. It’s been pretty tough lately, I’m getting a little geared up to get home already, which isn’t good, but this change I’ll probably get back into the grind again with the new area to energize me to get out there and get to blowing it up. I’ve been doing pretty good so far in my mission, and I got a nice letter from President Wade congratulating me on the success I’ve had so far, so that was nice to know that I’m appreciated.
I ate a lot of pizza today too... but definitely not the kind I would have liked. We went to Pizza Hut today, and man it’s just not the same! But I’m getting used to it so it doesn’t bother me all that much anymore. But as far as school goes, I don’t know what’ll really happen, but I don’t know if I want to head to BYU...and I’m pretty sure UVU is not a place I’d like to go. I guess I could go to Idaho, but not preferably. I’m leaning for Uof U right now... but I dunno. I’m not sure what’s gonna happen when I get home. I want to go easy on the budget though to make up for Otterbein, so that’ll definitely play a role in the decision making process. I dunno, I guess it’s just wherever you want to send me. But there has to be many beautiful available women there. That is the number one priority. Just laying that out there. Mountains and snow would probably be number two.
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
P.S. Tell Grma and Grpa ‘hey’ for me.
Paraguay is doing alright, and on Wednesday I’ll get to see a little bit more of it, because I’m going to a new area. I’ll be with a latin, Elder Contreras, from Chile. I’ll be heading to an area called Yvera (U-bear-a) in the zona Luque Sur. But I’m really excited to get out of Asuncion Norte, where I’ve been for the last four changes. I got a letter from Elder Fiala today though, and man, it’s making me trunky. I just want to get hooked up with all the music I’m missing out on right now with an amazing iPhone. I’m starting to get really annoyed by the music in Paragauy... it’s not very good and they just blare it all day long on crappy speakers and get drunk... so yeah, it’s fun. It’s been pretty tough lately, I’m getting a little geared up to get home already, which isn’t good, but this change I’ll probably get back into the grind again with the new area to energize me to get out there and get to blowing it up. I’ve been doing pretty good so far in my mission, and I got a nice letter from President Wade congratulating me on the success I’ve had so far, so that was nice to know that I’m appreciated.
I ate a lot of pizza today too... but definitely not the kind I would have liked. We went to Pizza Hut today, and man it’s just not the same! But I’m getting used to it so it doesn’t bother me all that much anymore. But as far as school goes, I don’t know what’ll really happen, but I don’t know if I want to head to BYU...and I’m pretty sure UVU is not a place I’d like to go. I guess I could go to Idaho, but not preferably. I’m leaning for Uof U right now... but I dunno. I’m not sure what’s gonna happen when I get home. I want to go easy on the budget though to make up for Otterbein, so that’ll definitely play a role in the decision making process. I dunno, I guess it’s just wherever you want to send me. But there has to be many beautiful available women there. That is the number one priority. Just laying that out there. Mountains and snow would probably be number two.
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
P.S. Tell Grma and Grpa ‘hey’ for me.
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009
Hey there peeps,
So yeah, things are going good. I’m stoked you guys were able to find an empanadas place in the city, but I really hope they’re good, because there are a ton of different types of empanadas here, and only a select few are just amazing. But that’s great that Tara enjoyed going to church while she was visiting. And stop making me trunky by telling me about people who are getting married. It’s not too far away for me, but its still not gonna be any time soon. It’s so weird, Elder Wagner keeps hearing from his buddies too that they’re all getting married and stuff, I can’t believe we’re actually moving along in life. I mean, 21? That’s just old. I mean, when I get to August, that will put me at exactly how old dad was when you two got married. That’s just crazy!
Oh wow, I wish I had a mission mom I could text and ask for delicious foods! I mean, I wish I could just text people... the mission ran into too many problems with the ability to text on the phones ... so yeah, since I’ve been here there hasn’t been texting on the phones. We still run into problems like when we show up for a lunch appointment and the Sister is like hey, I sent you a text message telling you that I couldn’t feed you today and we’re all like but we still don’t get text messages, like we told you last week... so yeah, that’s fun. I’m not gonna lie though, I have some sweet sisters that are like my mission mom. I don’t get any crazy good sweets, but they’ll hook us up with cocido or fresh juice when we show up, and its all good. Anyways, I was just trying to say that Elder Fiala is lucky man. One, he has you guys, and two, he goes home in one week... Totally not fair. I only have 7 months left though, because today, I officially hit 17 months in the mission. Yup, one more and I’ll be 3/4 s of the way through this mission thing.
We made some sweet hoodies as a zone last week, and we passed those out today at district meeting. They didn’t turn out half bad, considering we only payed $12 for each one. Yes... I love being American in Paraguay. But is the flu thing that’s going around that bad back home? Because its like shutting down Paraguay... starting this Sunday, we’re only going to have the Sacrament meetings at church, and they’re not even having church in Argentina. And that’s just the church, it’s affecting everything here that involves people forming groups. It’s hitting hard at our investigators, and at us too. I have a pretty bad cough, and my comp is like dying, but we’re making the best of it. It helps that I got a free brownie with ice cream today at TGI Fridays... cause I just happen to be the waitress’s ‘boy of my dreams.’ So yeah, that was cool. It was very awkward, but I got free desert, so I’m not complaining.
But yeah, don’t worry about the shoes, I’ll just pick some up here. There’s some decent quality ones that you can find, and like you said, they only have to last half the time my Eccos did.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS Tell Haley I love her but I ran out of time to write her this week. :D
So yeah, things are going good. I’m stoked you guys were able to find an empanadas place in the city, but I really hope they’re good, because there are a ton of different types of empanadas here, and only a select few are just amazing. But that’s great that Tara enjoyed going to church while she was visiting. And stop making me trunky by telling me about people who are getting married. It’s not too far away for me, but its still not gonna be any time soon. It’s so weird, Elder Wagner keeps hearing from his buddies too that they’re all getting married and stuff, I can’t believe we’re actually moving along in life. I mean, 21? That’s just old. I mean, when I get to August, that will put me at exactly how old dad was when you two got married. That’s just crazy!
Oh wow, I wish I had a mission mom I could text and ask for delicious foods! I mean, I wish I could just text people... the mission ran into too many problems with the ability to text on the phones ... so yeah, since I’ve been here there hasn’t been texting on the phones. We still run into problems like when we show up for a lunch appointment and the Sister is like hey, I sent you a text message telling you that I couldn’t feed you today and we’re all like but we still don’t get text messages, like we told you last week... so yeah, that’s fun. I’m not gonna lie though, I have some sweet sisters that are like my mission mom. I don’t get any crazy good sweets, but they’ll hook us up with cocido or fresh juice when we show up, and its all good. Anyways, I was just trying to say that Elder Fiala is lucky man. One, he has you guys, and two, he goes home in one week... Totally not fair. I only have 7 months left though, because today, I officially hit 17 months in the mission. Yup, one more and I’ll be 3/4 s of the way through this mission thing.
We made some sweet hoodies as a zone last week, and we passed those out today at district meeting. They didn’t turn out half bad, considering we only payed $12 for each one. Yes... I love being American in Paraguay. But is the flu thing that’s going around that bad back home? Because its like shutting down Paraguay... starting this Sunday, we’re only going to have the Sacrament meetings at church, and they’re not even having church in Argentina. And that’s just the church, it’s affecting everything here that involves people forming groups. It’s hitting hard at our investigators, and at us too. I have a pretty bad cough, and my comp is like dying, but we’re making the best of it. It helps that I got a free brownie with ice cream today at TGI Fridays... cause I just happen to be the waitress’s ‘boy of my dreams.’ So yeah, that was cool. It was very awkward, but I got free desert, so I’m not complaining.
But yeah, don’t worry about the shoes, I’ll just pick some up here. There’s some decent quality ones that you can find, and like you said, they only have to last half the time my Eccos did.
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
PS Tell Haley I love her but I ran out of time to write her this week. :D
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009
Hey there yet again. Here I have to write all yins I guess...
Happy Birthday to You!
Que los Cumplas Feliz!
Happy birthday Dear Mommy,
Que los cumplas feliz!
SO yeah, this week was pretty good I guess. We had a bunch of meetings and didn’t get a whole lot of time to work in our area and I twisted my ankle playing basketball and it’s black and blue but I ain’t stopping, because there’s no stopping on the Lord’s time… So yeah. It’s not that bad, I just pop a couple Ibuprofen and its all good.
But I’m glad you guys are having fun with the grandparents, I hope Cole keeps having a good time with Tara. And I’m glad you survived Girls Camp… I hope your girls liked those little boat hats you got for them. So yeah, anyways, today was the Expo here in Paraguay, or at least, today was the day my zone got to go. So I dropped a couple hundred mil on some sweet Paraguayan stuff. Don’t worry, I picked up a decent amount for people other than myself. So yeah, it was pretty cool. But I’ve decided that I need to not be a missionary for very much longer because girls are starting to look pretty fine. So yeah, and I officially hit 5 months in this area on Saturday. Oh and I totally forgot it was the 4th of July, so yeah, I didn’t even do anything special. We found a bottle rocket in the house but we were too tired to launch it off… that or we forgot, I don’t even remember. So I’m pretty much exhausted, more and more everyday. I thought Elder Fiala was just exaggerating when he was telling me about that way back when, but it is totally true.
But on to some other news. I need black shoes. Cause mine are dying. I already lost the toe on the right shoe. So there are two options. 1. You all send me some Eccos in the next package. Downside: it takes a while to get here and there is a higher possibility of them being stolen in the mail. 2. I buy some decent shoes down here in Paraguay because I already have a bunch of money. Downside: They’re not Eccos. So you decide and let me know next week. I could also use some more saline solution for my contacts. Other than that I’m good to go.
The favorite part of my day is totally reading the scriptures. I like reading better in Spanish than in English. I also discovered this past week that it is SO much easier to read out loud in Spanish. I tried to read a verse out loud in English in zone conference cause Pte. Wade asked me to and wow, I barely got through it. Like seriously. So yeah, I guess I’m latin. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Happy Birthday to You!
Que los Cumplas Feliz!
Happy birthday Dear Mommy,
Que los cumplas feliz!
SO yeah, this week was pretty good I guess. We had a bunch of meetings and didn’t get a whole lot of time to work in our area and I twisted my ankle playing basketball and it’s black and blue but I ain’t stopping, because there’s no stopping on the Lord’s time… So yeah. It’s not that bad, I just pop a couple Ibuprofen and its all good.
But I’m glad you guys are having fun with the grandparents, I hope Cole keeps having a good time with Tara. And I’m glad you survived Girls Camp… I hope your girls liked those little boat hats you got for them. So yeah, anyways, today was the Expo here in Paraguay, or at least, today was the day my zone got to go. So I dropped a couple hundred mil on some sweet Paraguayan stuff. Don’t worry, I picked up a decent amount for people other than myself. So yeah, it was pretty cool. But I’ve decided that I need to not be a missionary for very much longer because girls are starting to look pretty fine. So yeah, and I officially hit 5 months in this area on Saturday. Oh and I totally forgot it was the 4th of July, so yeah, I didn’t even do anything special. We found a bottle rocket in the house but we were too tired to launch it off… that or we forgot, I don’t even remember. So I’m pretty much exhausted, more and more everyday. I thought Elder Fiala was just exaggerating when he was telling me about that way back when, but it is totally true.
But on to some other news. I need black shoes. Cause mine are dying. I already lost the toe on the right shoe. So there are two options. 1. You all send me some Eccos in the next package. Downside: it takes a while to get here and there is a higher possibility of them being stolen in the mail. 2. I buy some decent shoes down here in Paraguay because I already have a bunch of money. Downside: They’re not Eccos. So you decide and let me know next week. I could also use some more saline solution for my contacts. Other than that I’m good to go.
The favorite part of my day is totally reading the scriptures. I like reading better in Spanish than in English. I also discovered this past week that it is SO much easier to read out loud in Spanish. I tried to read a verse out loud in English in zone conference cause Pte. Wade asked me to and wow, I barely got through it. Like seriously. So yeah, I guess I’m latin. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Friday, July 3, 2009
June 30, 2009
Hey there a todos!
Alright, so this last week was a pretty good week. Everything went great, I even made it to my birthday to open everything but the throw and the cake (I had to check out if I’d need to buy anything to make it... and good thing I did, because I needed to buy butter)! So yeah, I know, I feel good about my self control right now. But yeah, my birthday was awesome. I awoke to 10 Elders (from the office... its nice to have friends in cars) flipping on the light and jumping on me and singing happy birthday and taking us to play some basketball at 6, and then we went out and worked hard... and it was all going good until about 5.30... we show up at a poorer converts house, who we’re working with to baptize two more of the daughters, and anyways, we’re playing soccer with the kids, and the next thing I know they bring out this plate, and from afar its not looking too bad, I thought it was some tortillas fried up recently and some mandioca... but no. We get up close and its milenesa (way yummy), but you can tell that it was probably cooked up 6 hours before for lunch... and mind you, this is Paraguay... there was no fridge involved in this process. Okay, so we bite in, I’m like it can’t be that bad, thinking it would be of beef, but no. No, this was made of mondongo. That would be the stomach of a cow... or pig... or dog... we’re never quite sure which. And its all chewy and cold and absolutely nasty. Like we KNEW that we were going to get sick as we were downing this, and finally they walk away for a moment, and we shoved like half of it in our pockets. And yeah, we told them it was good and then we Sprinted. And I’m not talking none of that half-a joggin crap. We ran. To the nearest despensa, little store thing, and we downed a liter and a half of Coke to try and kill all the bad stuff we had recently consumed...
Long story short, my comp got sick and I was fine. He still has chivivi a little bit. But yeah, we went home and we made cheese cake... way good... that my comp had (also a non bake product). Then on Sunday we had a decent attendance in church, followed by throwing some of that marinera sauce that you sent me on some pre made pizza crusts and some cheese and ham on that... turned out pretty good for lunch, and I also cooked up my, and I must say, I made it pretty darn perfect, Reese’s thing. WoW. Yeah, that was just a little taste of Heaven. So yeah, that was my birthday. I also love my new sandals, those are amazing, now I don’t have to use my pink ones... don’t ask. And the ties are also spectacular, and yeah, it was all gold.
Well, I hope your little camp trip went well, and you kept control of those crazy teenage girls. And remind me about Adamson when he gets a little close to getting here. Is November when he starts, or when he’ll actually be showing up in Paraguay? Well tell him he is coming to literally the best mission in the world, as far as the people, the culture, the areas, and the numbers, so he is a lucky guy! Is Haley enjoying being at home again? Why doesn’t she write me anymore? Yeah, all of my siblings are kind of slacking in that regard. You should do something about it. But yeah, you guys don’t really exist, I’m pretty sure I’ve been in the mission all of my life... but like next week I only have 7 months left in the mission...........
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Alright, so this last week was a pretty good week. Everything went great, I even made it to my birthday to open everything but the throw and the cake (I had to check out if I’d need to buy anything to make it... and good thing I did, because I needed to buy butter)! So yeah, I know, I feel good about my self control right now. But yeah, my birthday was awesome. I awoke to 10 Elders (from the office... its nice to have friends in cars) flipping on the light and jumping on me and singing happy birthday and taking us to play some basketball at 6, and then we went out and worked hard... and it was all going good until about 5.30... we show up at a poorer converts house, who we’re working with to baptize two more of the daughters, and anyways, we’re playing soccer with the kids, and the next thing I know they bring out this plate, and from afar its not looking too bad, I thought it was some tortillas fried up recently and some mandioca... but no. We get up close and its milenesa (way yummy), but you can tell that it was probably cooked up 6 hours before for lunch... and mind you, this is Paraguay... there was no fridge involved in this process. Okay, so we bite in, I’m like it can’t be that bad, thinking it would be of beef, but no. No, this was made of mondongo. That would be the stomach of a cow... or pig... or dog... we’re never quite sure which. And its all chewy and cold and absolutely nasty. Like we KNEW that we were going to get sick as we were downing this, and finally they walk away for a moment, and we shoved like half of it in our pockets. And yeah, we told them it was good and then we Sprinted. And I’m not talking none of that half-a joggin crap. We ran. To the nearest despensa, little store thing, and we downed a liter and a half of Coke to try and kill all the bad stuff we had recently consumed...
Long story short, my comp got sick and I was fine. He still has chivivi a little bit. But yeah, we went home and we made cheese cake... way good... that my comp had (also a non bake product). Then on Sunday we had a decent attendance in church, followed by throwing some of that marinera sauce that you sent me on some pre made pizza crusts and some cheese and ham on that... turned out pretty good for lunch, and I also cooked up my, and I must say, I made it pretty darn perfect, Reese’s thing. WoW. Yeah, that was just a little taste of Heaven. So yeah, that was my birthday. I also love my new sandals, those are amazing, now I don’t have to use my pink ones... don’t ask. And the ties are also spectacular, and yeah, it was all gold.
Well, I hope your little camp trip went well, and you kept control of those crazy teenage girls. And remind me about Adamson when he gets a little close to getting here. Is November when he starts, or when he’ll actually be showing up in Paraguay? Well tell him he is coming to literally the best mission in the world, as far as the people, the culture, the areas, and the numbers, so he is a lucky guy! Is Haley enjoying being at home again? Why doesn’t she write me anymore? Yeah, all of my siblings are kind of slacking in that regard. You should do something about it. But yeah, you guys don’t really exist, I’m pretty sure I’ve been in the mission all of my life... but like next week I only have 7 months left in the mission...........
Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 22, 2009
Wow, so yeah, I’m still here. And I’m fetching exhausted because we are just working like crazy. But man, it’s taking its toll on me! Especially because after working hard all week long, Sunday really fell through for us. All of the members we had lined up to take their friends to church just didn’t even go to church, after all week of prepping them to go. So we only got who we went and looked for in the morning. But yeah, so now my energy is zapped, but we’ll get back out there and keep working hard. We’re seeing a lot of success, and like, the people we had at church last week and the people we had this week are completely different, so it just shows we have a ton of people that we’re teaching, we just can’t get them all there at once hahaha.
But E’ Wagner is a stud, we really are tearing it up together, so it’s good to just have a good solid companion that I can rely on. E’ Ramirez went out to Luque to end his mission. It’s weird to think that Elder Fiala will be on his way home though, the mission really does just fly by. But yeah, I got my packages last Tuesday, so those sweaters are coming in handy... so is the awesome OSU fleece blanket that I will be opening on Saturday and haven’t used yet... But I promise I haven’t opened anything else, even though I know what it all is hahaha. So yeah, I should be able to hold out til Saturday. I really don’t want to be getting older though, it just means I have to actually be responsible or something like that. But yeah, it’s all good, means I’m competely passed the halfway point of the mission... I have 2/2 of the birthdays, ¾ of the general conferences, ¾ of the phone calls, and I don’t know what else.
But thanks so much for hooking me up with the dinero... in like a week the Expo starts, which is like the state fair, so I’m planning on spending very wisely my money on sweet souveneirs for me... and you, of course. Anyways, I hope you’re honing those chicken picata skills for the day I get home. But I’m glad you’ve got the little rescue society going full operation, it’s always good to know that a turtle is getting its proper basking light. I love you guys so much, tell the little man to feel better and the old man to keep chugging along in the ward, the Lord needs good, faithful workers to keep the kingdom moving. Focus on the missionary work, its the most important of it all. Tell Robyn to get her little big butt in church and Haley... well, study hard this time haha. And Mum, you just keep taking care of all of us munchkins like you do. And good luck finding a cool gift for the Bubba Gump house. A sweet bucket of shrimp should do.
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
But E’ Wagner is a stud, we really are tearing it up together, so it’s good to just have a good solid companion that I can rely on. E’ Ramirez went out to Luque to end his mission. It’s weird to think that Elder Fiala will be on his way home though, the mission really does just fly by. But yeah, I got my packages last Tuesday, so those sweaters are coming in handy... so is the awesome OSU fleece blanket that I will be opening on Saturday and haven’t used yet... But I promise I haven’t opened anything else, even though I know what it all is hahaha. So yeah, I should be able to hold out til Saturday. I really don’t want to be getting older though, it just means I have to actually be responsible or something like that. But yeah, it’s all good, means I’m competely passed the halfway point of the mission... I have 2/2 of the birthdays, ¾ of the general conferences, ¾ of the phone calls, and I don’t know what else.
But thanks so much for hooking me up with the dinero... in like a week the Expo starts, which is like the state fair, so I’m planning on spending very wisely my money on sweet souveneirs for me... and you, of course. Anyways, I hope you’re honing those chicken picata skills for the day I get home. But I’m glad you’ve got the little rescue society going full operation, it’s always good to know that a turtle is getting its proper basking light. I love you guys so much, tell the little man to feel better and the old man to keep chugging along in the ward, the Lord needs good, faithful workers to keep the kingdom moving. Focus on the missionary work, its the most important of it all. Tell Robyn to get her little big butt in church and Haley... well, study hard this time haha. And Mum, you just keep taking care of all of us munchkins like you do. And good luck finding a cool gift for the Bubba Gump house. A sweet bucket of shrimp should do.
Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15, 2009
First of all....
‘Que los cumplas feliz,
Que los cumplas feliz,
En tu día dichoso,
¡Que los cumplas feliz!’
Happy Birthday Daddio! Fetch, that means I’m like 10 days to turning 21... that is wayyyyy too old. But I hope you have a good birthday, thanks for being such a great example to me, you’re my hero. Love ya lots. Oh, and I think next Sunday is Father’s Day... so if it is, Happy that too. Oh, and that really awesome gift you’re gonna open, you know, the one that’s gonna be your favorite, Mom might lie to you, but I swear it’s from me.
Alright, so I’m still in Zeballos Cue... but thank goodness I am no longer with Elder Ramirez... I love the guy but we just did not rub the right way. So, I let you guess the name of my new companion. Yup, you guessed it, Elder Wagner! So I’ll let Mom freak out about that haha. But he doesn’t know any Wagners from St George, he’s from Ogden. Anyways, he is a stud, I’m so stoked to be with him. After three changes with latins, it feels SO good to really just WORK again. Nothing against them, but the latins aren’t known for being the most diligent missionaries. But Elder Wagner, who has one change less than me, is excited and this is his first change as a zone leader, and I can just feel that we’re just gonna blow this area to pieces! If you could feel how good it feels to go out and work and just see how we’re just powering through this area in just the first couple days, oh man, I’m so excited right now. Unfortunately, only like 2 full days of work didn’t quite give us enough prep time to get people in church, we only got 7 people there this week. It rained a ton a couple of weeks back on Sunday, and since then the amount of people in church has dropped a ton, down to about 10. But we’re just getting used to preparing people for getting to church in the cold and stuff, but we’re gonna explode this place again.
It’s so awesome to hear that Jake is on his mission now, that is so sweet, I’m stoked for him, and Kris and Allie, totally never saw that one, but that is way awesome too. Taylor should be getting home from his mission soon though, shouldn’t he? Let me in on that one, would ya? That’s weird to hear that people’s lives are moving on, time just kind of stands still while you’re in the mission as to things of the world. Like all these new kids are showing up and they talk about a new movie and I’m like, hey did you see this one, it came out like 6 months ago, oh wait, that’d be like 2 years now... fetch I’ve been a missionary too long. So yeah, this change I’m the oldest Elder in the zone! Yeah... That is one of the weirdest feelings in the world, I still feel like I just got here.
Anyways, have fun getting ready for girls camp and the grandparents... it should be lots of fun! Love ya,
Elder Dennis
‘Que los cumplas feliz,
Que los cumplas feliz,
En tu día dichoso,
¡Que los cumplas feliz!’
Happy Birthday Daddio! Fetch, that means I’m like 10 days to turning 21... that is wayyyyy too old. But I hope you have a good birthday, thanks for being such a great example to me, you’re my hero. Love ya lots. Oh, and I think next Sunday is Father’s Day... so if it is, Happy that too. Oh, and that really awesome gift you’re gonna open, you know, the one that’s gonna be your favorite, Mom might lie to you, but I swear it’s from me.
Alright, so I’m still in Zeballos Cue... but thank goodness I am no longer with Elder Ramirez... I love the guy but we just did not rub the right way. So, I let you guess the name of my new companion. Yup, you guessed it, Elder Wagner! So I’ll let Mom freak out about that haha. But he doesn’t know any Wagners from St George, he’s from Ogden. Anyways, he is a stud, I’m so stoked to be with him. After three changes with latins, it feels SO good to really just WORK again. Nothing against them, but the latins aren’t known for being the most diligent missionaries. But Elder Wagner, who has one change less than me, is excited and this is his first change as a zone leader, and I can just feel that we’re just gonna blow this area to pieces! If you could feel how good it feels to go out and work and just see how we’re just powering through this area in just the first couple days, oh man, I’m so excited right now. Unfortunately, only like 2 full days of work didn’t quite give us enough prep time to get people in church, we only got 7 people there this week. It rained a ton a couple of weeks back on Sunday, and since then the amount of people in church has dropped a ton, down to about 10. But we’re just getting used to preparing people for getting to church in the cold and stuff, but we’re gonna explode this place again.
It’s so awesome to hear that Jake is on his mission now, that is so sweet, I’m stoked for him, and Kris and Allie, totally never saw that one, but that is way awesome too. Taylor should be getting home from his mission soon though, shouldn’t he? Let me in on that one, would ya? That’s weird to hear that people’s lives are moving on, time just kind of stands still while you’re in the mission as to things of the world. Like all these new kids are showing up and they talk about a new movie and I’m like, hey did you see this one, it came out like 6 months ago, oh wait, that’d be like 2 years now... fetch I’ve been a missionary too long. So yeah, this change I’m the oldest Elder in the zone! Yeah... That is one of the weirdest feelings in the world, I still feel like I just got here.
Anyways, have fun getting ready for girls camp and the grandparents... it should be lots of fun! Love ya,
Elder Dennis
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 8, 2009
¿Ha upei che familia kuéra?
So yeah, we don’t have the changes yet… so yeah, it’s super exciting, I know. But I’m really praying I get changed. My area is way too small to stick around here again. That and my comp is really kind of annoying, I could use a good American again. Not to be racist or anything, but the efforts of the latins vs the gringos is just so much different. And I’m still junior companion, so my comp has all these ideas of what he wants to do and doesn’t like to listen to my suggestions, but he doesn’t know how to maintain an area that has the kind of success that this area can have. So it’s been a little frustrating this change, you can just look at the numbers and see the difference since he showed up and I was still kind of in charge and now that he has sort of taken control. But yeah, so I just want out hahaha. But the Lord knows best, so maybe I need learn patience or something like that. So whatever comes along...
But sounds like fun that Grandma and Grandpa Dennis are coming out to visit, it’s crazy to think that you guys have been living in NY for three years now, I only spent like 6 months with you guys before I left on my mission up there. I hope you still like it up there and everything. But tell Haley the apartment is totally off limits, that is definitely my pad when I get married hahaha. Okay, probably not, but still, I get my bed back that’s ‘stored’ up there! Anyways, I was reading the new Liahona, with the conference addresses, and in the back it has little bios on the new general authorities, and I liked reading up about what they studied and did for a living before they got called to serve. It was impressive to see how many were lawyers (but that’s definitely not for me). But it helped me start thinking a little more and becoming more open and I’m just like whatever comes my way, I’m good. Mostly I’m just worried about what school to go to, cause now I’m starting to think like, where is She gonna be? Hahaha. 10 bucks says Haley beats me to tying the knot though.
As for Fast and Testimony meetings, sometimes I just wish investigators or new members weren’t there to witness some of the things that are said hahaha. First off, almost all of the people say exactly the same thing, really fast: Joseph Smith, the Church, and the Canon books of the church, and the Temple. Then they sit down, eating up none of the very generous amounts of time that they could have to make things go better. And then people that haven’t been to church since I’ve been here get up and they’re all like pity me, my horse and buggy were stolen and I have nothing, but God is going to help me coughbishopsstorehousepleasecough. SO yeah, that’s painful to swallow. I try to just not listen and think about other things that have to get done that day, like who we’re gonna eat with and things like that. You know, the important things.
Anyways, hopefully you’ll know what’s going on, and you’ll be finding out that I’m in a different area next Monday. 16 months in 3 areas... I could use a new one here pretty soon. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
So yeah, we don’t have the changes yet… so yeah, it’s super exciting, I know. But I’m really praying I get changed. My area is way too small to stick around here again. That and my comp is really kind of annoying, I could use a good American again. Not to be racist or anything, but the efforts of the latins vs the gringos is just so much different. And I’m still junior companion, so my comp has all these ideas of what he wants to do and doesn’t like to listen to my suggestions, but he doesn’t know how to maintain an area that has the kind of success that this area can have. So it’s been a little frustrating this change, you can just look at the numbers and see the difference since he showed up and I was still kind of in charge and now that he has sort of taken control. But yeah, so I just want out hahaha. But the Lord knows best, so maybe I need learn patience or something like that. So whatever comes along...
But sounds like fun that Grandma and Grandpa Dennis are coming out to visit, it’s crazy to think that you guys have been living in NY for three years now, I only spent like 6 months with you guys before I left on my mission up there. I hope you still like it up there and everything. But tell Haley the apartment is totally off limits, that is definitely my pad when I get married hahaha. Okay, probably not, but still, I get my bed back that’s ‘stored’ up there! Anyways, I was reading the new Liahona, with the conference addresses, and in the back it has little bios on the new general authorities, and I liked reading up about what they studied and did for a living before they got called to serve. It was impressive to see how many were lawyers (but that’s definitely not for me). But it helped me start thinking a little more and becoming more open and I’m just like whatever comes my way, I’m good. Mostly I’m just worried about what school to go to, cause now I’m starting to think like, where is She gonna be? Hahaha. 10 bucks says Haley beats me to tying the knot though.
As for Fast and Testimony meetings, sometimes I just wish investigators or new members weren’t there to witness some of the things that are said hahaha. First off, almost all of the people say exactly the same thing, really fast: Joseph Smith, the Church, and the Canon books of the church, and the Temple. Then they sit down, eating up none of the very generous amounts of time that they could have to make things go better. And then people that haven’t been to church since I’ve been here get up and they’re all like pity me, my horse and buggy were stolen and I have nothing, but God is going to help me coughbishopsstorehousepleasecough. SO yeah, that’s painful to swallow. I try to just not listen and think about other things that have to get done that day, like who we’re gonna eat with and things like that. You know, the important things.
Anyways, hopefully you’ll know what’s going on, and you’ll be finding out that I’m in a different area next Monday. 16 months in 3 areas... I could use a new one here pretty soon. Love ya lots,
Elder Dennis
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
Bueno, les amo mucho. Y espero que puedan entenderlo. Anyways, it feels kind of weird to have to speak in English, because it’s been 4 months that I’ve lived almost 24/7 with a latino companion, who doesn’t speak almost a lick of English... mostly just the bad words they picked up from who knows where hahaha. So you have to correct them sometimes, but it’s all good. But this week went alright, we had the visit from Elder Aidukaitas, who is a really young guy in his 40’s from Brazil, so luckily I was already accustomed to the accent, or I think it might have been kind of tough to understand him at times. But he was like, I love you, you’re doing great, the best in the area, but Bam, you guys need to do better. So yeah, he dropped some major cane. To ‘Drop the cane’ is to like, reprimand or correct, I don’t really know how to explain it, but I remember that I didn’t know what it meant when I first showed up in Paraguay.
Anyways, we had 3 baptisms this week of Angelica, and her two children, Carlos and Yeni... (like Jenny)... so that was pretty cool. It’s amazing to see the way that each person shows it a little differently, but they’re all touched and changed by the restored gospel. You can really see a persons relationship with the Lord when they pray. Some people it’s just like a little kid, like what I remember our prayers to be at night as a family when we were younger, kind of husselled to get it over with, but when you get to listen to the prayer of someone who didn’t really know how to pray less than a month ago really converse with the Lord, it’s enlightening in a way I can’t describe. Angelica was never a person where it’s be like Wow, she’s golden. But this past weekend I got to listen to her prayer as we were leaving, and I was just like wow, she is solid. It’s amazing how people come out of nowhere like that as you teach them.
Well, this is the last week of the change, it’s crazy how fast time is flying... like I already have 16 months in the mission basically, and this month I turn 21! That’s fetching OLD! There is no way that I ever imagined I’d spend my 21st birthday in the South American country of Paraguay when I was growing up. My birthday will also mark a year and a half since I first went through the temple... almost time to get a new recommend, and it feels like just yesterday we went to Boston.
Alright, another food recommendation: You guys MUST look for a ‘Lomito Arbabe’ place the next time you’re in NYC. Look it up on the internet too, because if I can’t find a lomitos place in the states after the mission, I think I might just loose the meaning to life, it’s that good. The last time we were eating lomitos, it kind of hit me that I’m the 3rd oldest missionary in the zone (that’s just freaking, let me tell you) and I started thinking about my consumption of the delicious lomito arabe after the mission. So if you could get a head start looking for me and let me know of your results, it would be of great appreciation.
Love,
Elder Dennis
Anyways, we had 3 baptisms this week of Angelica, and her two children, Carlos and Yeni... (like Jenny)... so that was pretty cool. It’s amazing to see the way that each person shows it a little differently, but they’re all touched and changed by the restored gospel. You can really see a persons relationship with the Lord when they pray. Some people it’s just like a little kid, like what I remember our prayers to be at night as a family when we were younger, kind of husselled to get it over with, but when you get to listen to the prayer of someone who didn’t really know how to pray less than a month ago really converse with the Lord, it’s enlightening in a way I can’t describe. Angelica was never a person where it’s be like Wow, she’s golden. But this past weekend I got to listen to her prayer as we were leaving, and I was just like wow, she is solid. It’s amazing how people come out of nowhere like that as you teach them.
Well, this is the last week of the change, it’s crazy how fast time is flying... like I already have 16 months in the mission basically, and this month I turn 21! That’s fetching OLD! There is no way that I ever imagined I’d spend my 21st birthday in the South American country of Paraguay when I was growing up. My birthday will also mark a year and a half since I first went through the temple... almost time to get a new recommend, and it feels like just yesterday we went to Boston.
Alright, another food recommendation: You guys MUST look for a ‘Lomito Arbabe’ place the next time you’re in NYC. Look it up on the internet too, because if I can’t find a lomitos place in the states after the mission, I think I might just loose the meaning to life, it’s that good. The last time we were eating lomitos, it kind of hit me that I’m the 3rd oldest missionary in the zone (that’s just freaking, let me tell you) and I started thinking about my consumption of the delicious lomito arabe after the mission. So if you could get a head start looking for me and let me know of your results, it would be of great appreciation.
Love,
Elder Dennis
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