Dear Family-
Mom yes I got your package ! Thank you so much :)
Elder Tovar was facebooking Nikki ? haha crazy kid!
So braedon is heading out now ? Dang ! Ill bet he is excited. His mom is prolly worried sick though. I know he will do great. Has Gus returned home yet ?
President Riggs is heading to D.C. huh ? I was hoping he would come out here ! haha but DC is a way legit place. My new mission President is Elder and Sister Hall. Bishop Neher knows him ? That is a small world. He seems really young and cool though.
I did get to see Elder Ackley this past monday. It was way cool to see him :)
This week was pretty uneventful until yesterday. It was Elder Okazaki's 21 birthday. We had to speak in Church yesterday. It was the first talk in English I have given since my mission farewell a year and a half ago haha but it went well. After which we had an amazing dinner with a member family. It is kind of crazy. Because Ridgecrest is on the Naval Air Weapons Testing Base, just about everybody here are engineerrs so they are way smart! After Dinner we visited a few families then had a district bonfire at a members house. The day before, we had bought virgin margarita mix so our district was sitting around the fire drinking non alcoholic margaritas.
We have not gone to see Elder Perry yet. He does not come until March 7th. Hopefully we will be able to go.
That is very exciting to hear about the temple !
Grandma, thank you for getting me the wool socks. I know they will help me a lot. Also could you send me Camille's email address again ? and yes I really enjoyed the jam :)
LOve you all!
- Elder Dutson
Monday, February 20, 2012
Week # 30
Dear Family-
My first week in Ridgecrest went fantastic. The people up here are a little different but awesome nontheless. Elder Okazaki is from Littleton Colorado. Mom, a transfer period is six weeks. So far I am warm enough but wool socks couldn't hurt. Today we are going to go up to Lone Pine and visit Manzanar, a japanese internment camp from WWII. It should be very interesting. OUr investigators up here are way legit. Elder Okazaki and I are shooting for two baptisms this transfer. Most of who we teach are part member families. The main people we are teaching right now is Alex Orilhuela. He is like 13 or 14 and he is the only one in his family that isnt a member. Then you have Alexa Moreno and she is like 12. Also the only one not a member in her family. This week we found a african american couple name Kasia and Gail and they are way legit. Super religious people. Church yesterday was awesome. It was weird mixing spanish and english but the ward is great.
I am glad Nate's show went well :) and I am glad that Nikki isn't being forced to pitch if she doesn't want to. I will definitely miss going to her games but look forward to catching most of her senior season and college if she chooses to play. You are going to Disneyland ? Awesome ! California has some pretty awesome weather right now. Up here it is a little colder but down closer to LA and the beach it's super nice.
So in President Martin's email this wseek he told us that Elder Perry would be coming to tour our mission and that there is a special meeting with the missionaries, but that our zone is excluded because distance. LAME!!! Our zone leaders are going to try and get permission because it would be pretty cool, but if not... oh well. Rachel thanks for the letter! I will be writing back today. I love you all and wish you a good week !
- Elder Dutson
My first week in Ridgecrest went fantastic. The people up here are a little different but awesome nontheless. Elder Okazaki is from Littleton Colorado. Mom, a transfer period is six weeks. So far I am warm enough but wool socks couldn't hurt. Today we are going to go up to Lone Pine and visit Manzanar, a japanese internment camp from WWII. It should be very interesting. OUr investigators up here are way legit. Elder Okazaki and I are shooting for two baptisms this transfer. Most of who we teach are part member families. The main people we are teaching right now is Alex Orilhuela. He is like 13 or 14 and he is the only one in his family that isnt a member. Then you have Alexa Moreno and she is like 12. Also the only one not a member in her family. This week we found a african american couple name Kasia and Gail and they are way legit. Super religious people. Church yesterday was awesome. It was weird mixing spanish and english but the ward is great.
I am glad Nate's show went well :) and I am glad that Nikki isn't being forced to pitch if she doesn't want to. I will definitely miss going to her games but look forward to catching most of her senior season and college if she chooses to play. You are going to Disneyland ? Awesome ! California has some pretty awesome weather right now. Up here it is a little colder but down closer to LA and the beach it's super nice.
So in President Martin's email this wseek he told us that Elder Perry would be coming to tour our mission and that there is a special meeting with the missionaries, but that our zone is excluded because distance. LAME!!! Our zone leaders are going to try and get permission because it would be pretty cool, but if not... oh well. Rachel thanks for the letter! I will be writing back today. I love you all and wish you a good week !
- Elder Dutson
Week # 29
Dear Family-
I apologize that this is coming late. I was transferred so I was moving all day yesterday. President gave me the option. I was able to choose between training again or him granting my previous request to be with Elder Okazaki( my buddy from Arleta) in Ridgecrest. I told him it would be really cool to be in Ridgecrest but that I would be happy to train again if he thought that was best. So here I am in Ridgecrest CA. like 2 hours from Mammoth Ski Resort. SUPER COLD but way nice :) I am also kind of in English work this transfer. Both Elder Okazaki and I will both prolly be up here for like a transfer or 2 and then both go down to the valley again. President wants back in Spanish work. The ward up here is an English ward but it has "Spanish accomadations". Basically we have to translate for the Latino people. But it is mostly english work. It is a completely different experience being in English work. But I do like it :) I am sad that I left my district in San Fernando but its super cool up here. Lots of interesting hiking and museums and stuff. Ridgecrest is a military town. There is a huge Naval base. Actually from what I have heard, the biggest base in the continental U.S.. .. It is a boomb test research facility and flight training base. So lots of cool airplanes and bombs going off. It is like in the 40's up here. No snow but very cold rain. There is actually a decent chance of snow tonight though. I am also in Elder vNathan Ackleys zone :) He and I are both very excited to see each other. Other than him, I am the longest serving missionary in my zone. Our zone leaders ahave been in the mission for 9 months and my district leader for 6 months. This is a really good zone and one of the coveted areas in the mission. :)
As for the Patriots losing... super lamee. Oh and my new address is 848D South NOrma Ridgecrest CA. 93555.
Nate BREAK A LEG!!!
Nikki... Buenos suerte. play hard and dont take advice from Burch :P
As for Hawaii, um I dont want anything in specific. Just if you see something good :) Well I love you all and hope that all is well !
- Elder Weston Dutson
I apologize that this is coming late. I was transferred so I was moving all day yesterday. President gave me the option. I was able to choose between training again or him granting my previous request to be with Elder Okazaki( my buddy from Arleta) in Ridgecrest. I told him it would be really cool to be in Ridgecrest but that I would be happy to train again if he thought that was best. So here I am in Ridgecrest CA. like 2 hours from Mammoth Ski Resort. SUPER COLD but way nice :) I am also kind of in English work this transfer. Both Elder Okazaki and I will both prolly be up here for like a transfer or 2 and then both go down to the valley again. President wants back in Spanish work. The ward up here is an English ward but it has "Spanish accomadations". Basically we have to translate for the Latino people. But it is mostly english work. It is a completely different experience being in English work. But I do like it :) I am sad that I left my district in San Fernando but its super cool up here. Lots of interesting hiking and museums and stuff. Ridgecrest is a military town. There is a huge Naval base. Actually from what I have heard, the biggest base in the continental U.S.. .. It is a boomb test research facility and flight training base. So lots of cool airplanes and bombs going off. It is like in the 40's up here. No snow but very cold rain. There is actually a decent chance of snow tonight though. I am also in Elder vNathan Ackleys zone :) He and I are both very excited to see each other. Other than him, I am the longest serving missionary in my zone. Our zone leaders ahave been in the mission for 9 months and my district leader for 6 months. This is a really good zone and one of the coveted areas in the mission. :)
As for the Patriots losing... super lamee. Oh and my new address is 848D South NOrma Ridgecrest CA. 93555.
Nate BREAK A LEG!!!
Nikki... Buenos suerte. play hard and dont take advice from Burch :P
As for Hawaii, um I dont want anything in specific. Just if you see something good :) Well I love you all and hope that all is well !
- Elder Weston Dutson
Week # 28
Dear Family !
Buenos Dias !
I hope that everyone had a fantastic week. I certainly did. Well there wasn't any life threatening accidents this week so I would have to say it was pretty boring :P
But in all seriousness, my week went very well. We spent much of this week finding. We knocked alot of doors and talked to just about everybody we passed. We are also orgainizing a stake activity about missionary work. Whew it's hard work !!
Well, we had a stake conference last week that included a special broadcast from Salt Lake. Many of the church leaders spoke to us, among them was Elder Perry. It was wonderful and very uplifting. Yesterday was our ward conference, which also was very uplifting. Our stake president spoke on remaining pure from spiritual disease and how we can do that.
I recently heard an allegory,( I think that is what they are called in English that really hit home with me. It is about faith. It is of two farmers who really needed a good harvest. They both prayed to God that he would send rain to water his crops, but after which, only one of them went out and prepared his fields to recieve such rain. The question was posed, Which one showed more faith ? The answer is the one who went out and prepared his fields for rain. Sometimes we can be guilty of not doing our part. Their is a saying that says," Pray as if all relies on God, then act as if it all relies on you. " Heavenly Father loves us very much and desires to bless us, but he has also blessed us with capable minds and bodies to go out and work for desired blessing. For example, Elder Grose and I could pray all day and night to have baptisms, but if all we do is stay in the apartment and pray, we will never have even one. We have to go out and find, then teach by the Spirit, invite them to be baptized and prepare them for when that day comes. Back to the allegory, both farmers prayed for rain, both recognized the omnipotence of God and that he could send rain, but only one recognized the importance of works. In the book of James it says faith without works is dead. Many people we teach simply profess that Faith is all they need to have to be saved, that they simply profess Christ as their savior and they make it to Heaven. But that is incorrect doctrine. We HAVE TO put our faith in practice and do the works. I want to invite you all to strive to be like the farmer who prayed for rain and then went out and prepared his fields to recieve it.
I Love you all
- Weston
Buenos Dias !
I hope that everyone had a fantastic week. I certainly did. Well there wasn't any life threatening accidents this week so I would have to say it was pretty boring :P
But in all seriousness, my week went very well. We spent much of this week finding. We knocked alot of doors and talked to just about everybody we passed. We are also orgainizing a stake activity about missionary work. Whew it's hard work !!
Well, we had a stake conference last week that included a special broadcast from Salt Lake. Many of the church leaders spoke to us, among them was Elder Perry. It was wonderful and very uplifting. Yesterday was our ward conference, which also was very uplifting. Our stake president spoke on remaining pure from spiritual disease and how we can do that.
I recently heard an allegory,( I think that is what they are called in English that really hit home with me. It is about faith. It is of two farmers who really needed a good harvest. They both prayed to God that he would send rain to water his crops, but after which, only one of them went out and prepared his fields to recieve such rain. The question was posed, Which one showed more faith ? The answer is the one who went out and prepared his fields for rain. Sometimes we can be guilty of not doing our part. Their is a saying that says," Pray as if all relies on God, then act as if it all relies on you. " Heavenly Father loves us very much and desires to bless us, but he has also blessed us with capable minds and bodies to go out and work for desired blessing. For example, Elder Grose and I could pray all day and night to have baptisms, but if all we do is stay in the apartment and pray, we will never have even one. We have to go out and find, then teach by the Spirit, invite them to be baptized and prepare them for when that day comes. Back to the allegory, both farmers prayed for rain, both recognized the omnipotence of God and that he could send rain, but only one recognized the importance of works. In the book of James it says faith without works is dead. Many people we teach simply profess that Faith is all they need to have to be saved, that they simply profess Christ as their savior and they make it to Heaven. But that is incorrect doctrine. We HAVE TO put our faith in practice and do the works. I want to invite you all to strive to be like the farmer who prayed for rain and then went out and prepared his fields to recieve it.
I Love you all
- Weston
Monday, January 23, 2012
Week # 27
Dear Family-
HI!
This week was interesting... :)
It has been raining here for like the last week or so and they dont want us riding our bikes in the rain anymore. Sister martin told us on rainy days we should walk. That means a little less effective days because it takes longer to get around.
We had interviews with President Martin on Wednesday. As always he gave me some inspired counsel. I also was hit by a car this week on my bike. Nothing or nobody was harmed though. We were riding to our dinner appointment when a car without lights on that we didnt see turned into a parking lot right in front of me. I was going pretty fast but as soon as I saw it i slammed on the brakes and tried to lay the bike down. I almost stopped in time but due to the baldness of my rear tire, I slid a little too much and I collided with the car. The lady was very apologetic and frightened and tried to offer me over $100. I rejected the offer, apologized for frightening her and we were on our way.
It made for a fun story at district meeting :)
Mom, of course the Patriots are going to the SuperBowl :) Figures.. eh oh well.
Nate is driving huh ? Sweet :) I am sure he loves that. It is crazy that my youngest brother is already in high school and getting ready to drive!
Ok well that is about all there is to update ! I love you all and Dylan.... stay bundled up!
- Elder Weston Dutson
HI!
This week was interesting... :)
It has been raining here for like the last week or so and they dont want us riding our bikes in the rain anymore. Sister martin told us on rainy days we should walk. That means a little less effective days because it takes longer to get around.
We had interviews with President Martin on Wednesday. As always he gave me some inspired counsel. I also was hit by a car this week on my bike. Nothing or nobody was harmed though. We were riding to our dinner appointment when a car without lights on that we didnt see turned into a parking lot right in front of me. I was going pretty fast but as soon as I saw it i slammed on the brakes and tried to lay the bike down. I almost stopped in time but due to the baldness of my rear tire, I slid a little too much and I collided with the car. The lady was very apologetic and frightened and tried to offer me over $100. I rejected the offer, apologized for frightening her and we were on our way.
It made for a fun story at district meeting :)
Mom, of course the Patriots are going to the SuperBowl :) Figures.. eh oh well.
Nate is driving huh ? Sweet :) I am sure he loves that. It is crazy that my youngest brother is already in high school and getting ready to drive!
Ok well that is about all there is to update ! I love you all and Dylan.... stay bundled up!
- Elder Weston Dutson
Week # 26
Dear Family-
All is well here ! I am glad that Kayln's funeral had tons of support. It just shows how many lives she touched. I hope that her family was able to realize how much she meant to the community.
Mom that story about George Lopez doesn't suprise me. He is HUGE in this area and I have heard several similar stories. It seems like he has genuinely tried to make a difference in the community in which he grew up.
Ragen Riggs is pregnant ? wow I bet President Riggs feels super old now ! That is way cool though :) Tell her congrats for me. Courtney I DO expect a nephew by the time I get home though ! jk... take your time with that. I am sure mom and Dad are in no hurry to feel even older than they already are :P
As for Kevin, he didnt come to church this past Sunday because he visited his dad for the last time. His dad is being deported back to El Salvador on his 3rd DUI offense. We didnt feel like we could really make a big deal out of him not coming because Elder Grose and I both thought we would have done the same thing in his position. But hopefully he will come this Sunday. We have made him a Book of Mormon reading chart that would have him read the BOM from start to finish by September. It is more intense than the one the Twelve came up with but Kevin loves to read so we know he can do it. We have him reading in between 20 to 30 verses a day on average. As for the Saldana family, well they accepted a baptismal date. The mom( Lourdes) finally came forward with us and told us that she has a testimony and so does her 14 year old daughter Kimberly. But it is hard for them to go against ir change all those Catholic traditions. That is a common challenge within the Hispanic missionary work and so we are working through that with them.
Dylan, I am not training another one yet... Our transfer does not end until the 6th of February. But that is something my mission president has talked to me about and so we will see. I am perfectly happy with Elder Grose though. He has been a huge blessing to me. I hope everything is going well. please tell nate that I love him !!
- Elder Dutson
All is well here ! I am glad that Kayln's funeral had tons of support. It just shows how many lives she touched. I hope that her family was able to realize how much she meant to the community.
Mom that story about George Lopez doesn't suprise me. He is HUGE in this area and I have heard several similar stories. It seems like he has genuinely tried to make a difference in the community in which he grew up.
Ragen Riggs is pregnant ? wow I bet President Riggs feels super old now ! That is way cool though :) Tell her congrats for me. Courtney I DO expect a nephew by the time I get home though ! jk... take your time with that. I am sure mom and Dad are in no hurry to feel even older than they already are :P
As for Kevin, he didnt come to church this past Sunday because he visited his dad for the last time. His dad is being deported back to El Salvador on his 3rd DUI offense. We didnt feel like we could really make a big deal out of him not coming because Elder Grose and I both thought we would have done the same thing in his position. But hopefully he will come this Sunday. We have made him a Book of Mormon reading chart that would have him read the BOM from start to finish by September. It is more intense than the one the Twelve came up with but Kevin loves to read so we know he can do it. We have him reading in between 20 to 30 verses a day on average. As for the Saldana family, well they accepted a baptismal date. The mom( Lourdes) finally came forward with us and told us that she has a testimony and so does her 14 year old daughter Kimberly. But it is hard for them to go against ir change all those Catholic traditions. That is a common challenge within the Hispanic missionary work and so we are working through that with them.
Dylan, I am not training another one yet... Our transfer does not end until the 6th of February. But that is something my mission president has talked to me about and so we will see. I am perfectly happy with Elder Grose though. He has been a huge blessing to me. I hope everything is going well. please tell nate that I love him !!
- Elder Dutson
Week # 25
Why hello !!
I hope all is well. Well first off to address the sad news that you shared with me mom; Kayln passed away... well, I am glad that it is done. I am sure there are alot of people grieving for her, and she certainly will be missed. But for such a wonderful person to be done suffering as she was is good news. Like you said, she is now back in her Heavenly Father's presence. Of course, please send my love to her family.
Ok :) well,this week was a normal one.. Nothing unusual to report. I dont think I told you but one of my new Zone Leaders is Elder Banuelos whom I served with when I was in Panorama City. He was Elder Okazaki's companion. It certainly is good to be back serving around him again as he is a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, I will only have him for one transfer as he leaves for home at the beginning of February. We found one new investigator this past week. His name is Martin. He is a really nice guy and he has a very sarcastic sense of humor at times. He let us in and we taught him and and his 80 something year old mother in law. She was funny. She kept repeating over and over again that she had visited Elder Grose in the hospital a couple months back. Elder Grose has never been to California before this so we just laughed and Martin had to explain several times to her that we are missionaries and that Elder Grose hadn't been in the hospital. Very sweet lady but a bit senile haha but Martin is great. We gave him a Book of Mormon aand set a return appointment. We continue to struggle with Kevin and the Saldana family. the thing with Kevin is that his mom will not let him be baptized until he goes to church 5 times, but his mom is also stopping him from going to church, literally telling him he can't go because they have stuff to do. After which, he ends up sitting around all day because they really dont have stuff to do. We are thinking about confronting her about it and asking her why she is doing what she is doing, to see if we can help. With the Saldanas, I dont know. We really enjoy going over there, but they really are not progressing anymore.. We might have to drop them. they really like when we come over and teach, but they still have never gone to church and rarely do they keep the reading assignments we give them. I think they believe it's just a free Bible Study class no matter how many times we have told them that it is not!! haha Well I can't believe that It is already halfway through my second transfer training Elder Grose. The second transfer with your trainer is usually your last in this mission but we will see. Elder banuelos, (the zone leader I talked about), told me on Saturday, that President wants me to train another new missionary next transfer. I guess he came to them and asked if I would be up to it and if it would be ok for the zone. They told him yes, so we will see. Training has been a wonderful experience for me as Elder Grose has taught me so much. Sometimes I wonder if he has taught me more than I have taught him. But anyways, I am glad you like your new sunbeams Mom. I really love and miss kids. Everytime I see a baby, I want one haha even though I am not quite ready to be a daddy yet. Speaking of which,Courtney...?? :) any news in that subject yet ? hahaha
Ok well I love you all and Mom, tell the new Elders I said hi. Everybody else, I love and miss you and wish yuo the best till next week.
Oh and morgan, I dont know if it was japanese food or what but I ate octopus the other day. We had a member take us out to an all you can eat asian buffet. It was really yummy!!
- love you all
- Elder Weston Dutson
I hope all is well. Well first off to address the sad news that you shared with me mom; Kayln passed away... well, I am glad that it is done. I am sure there are alot of people grieving for her, and she certainly will be missed. But for such a wonderful person to be done suffering as she was is good news. Like you said, she is now back in her Heavenly Father's presence. Of course, please send my love to her family.
Ok :) well,this week was a normal one.. Nothing unusual to report. I dont think I told you but one of my new Zone Leaders is Elder Banuelos whom I served with when I was in Panorama City. He was Elder Okazaki's companion. It certainly is good to be back serving around him again as he is a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, I will only have him for one transfer as he leaves for home at the beginning of February. We found one new investigator this past week. His name is Martin. He is a really nice guy and he has a very sarcastic sense of humor at times. He let us in and we taught him and and his 80 something year old mother in law. She was funny. She kept repeating over and over again that she had visited Elder Grose in the hospital a couple months back. Elder Grose has never been to California before this so we just laughed and Martin had to explain several times to her that we are missionaries and that Elder Grose hadn't been in the hospital. Very sweet lady but a bit senile haha but Martin is great. We gave him a Book of Mormon aand set a return appointment. We continue to struggle with Kevin and the Saldana family. the thing with Kevin is that his mom will not let him be baptized until he goes to church 5 times, but his mom is also stopping him from going to church, literally telling him he can't go because they have stuff to do. After which, he ends up sitting around all day because they really dont have stuff to do. We are thinking about confronting her about it and asking her why she is doing what she is doing, to see if we can help. With the Saldanas, I dont know. We really enjoy going over there, but they really are not progressing anymore.. We might have to drop them. they really like when we come over and teach, but they still have never gone to church and rarely do they keep the reading assignments we give them. I think they believe it's just a free Bible Study class no matter how many times we have told them that it is not!! haha Well I can't believe that It is already halfway through my second transfer training Elder Grose. The second transfer with your trainer is usually your last in this mission but we will see. Elder banuelos, (the zone leader I talked about), told me on Saturday, that President wants me to train another new missionary next transfer. I guess he came to them and asked if I would be up to it and if it would be ok for the zone. They told him yes, so we will see. Training has been a wonderful experience for me as Elder Grose has taught me so much. Sometimes I wonder if he has taught me more than I have taught him. But anyways, I am glad you like your new sunbeams Mom. I really love and miss kids. Everytime I see a baby, I want one haha even though I am not quite ready to be a daddy yet. Speaking of which,Courtney...?? :) any news in that subject yet ? hahaha
Ok well I love you all and Mom, tell the new Elders I said hi. Everybody else, I love and miss you and wish yuo the best till next week.
Oh and morgan, I dont know if it was japanese food or what but I ate octopus the other day. We had a member take us out to an all you can eat asian buffet. It was really yummy!!
- love you all
- Elder Weston Dutson
Week # 24
Dear Family -
My week was very good. I hope that everybody's new year went fantastic. As everybody knows, New Years is a time to look back on the year completed and to set goals to improve in the year to come. I would like to invite you all to think of a "New Year's Resolution" that you all could do as a family or individually that would help you show your faith in Christ. We did this with some investigators and members and they had some resolutions such as reading the Book of Mormon as a family, or having a FHE. These are wonderful. I promise you that if you all do this and think a Resolution to be more Christlike or show your faith in Christ, that your faith will increase and that you all will be blessed with strength to pass through the faith trying trials.
Our New Years was fun. We were not allowed to be out too late so we stayed in and played Monoply. We were woken up at Midnight by the celebrations though. We heard a lot of fireworks as well as quite a few guns going off. :)
I am glad Nate and Dad are spending some time together. That is something that I feel like I have failed in thus far as an older brother. I didnt spend as much time teaching and helping my siblings as much as I should have.. especially with Nate. Hopefuly this time spent with dad will make up for that and will benefit him.
How is Tim Matyas doing ? I thought he had joined the Army ? He is a really good kid.
I am sure that it is crazy to have only 2 kids in the house now but it probably makes it easier to do things since you have to work around less schedules.
It's hard to believe how much time has flown by. By the end of this transfer(in February) I will be almost a year completed. That gives me the determination to do more, to work harder and to devote myself even more completely to the work and to make the best of what I have left. I love you all and wish you all a Happy New Year. :)
- Elder Weston Dutson
ps... Dylan your awesome :)
My week was very good. I hope that everybody's new year went fantastic. As everybody knows, New Years is a time to look back on the year completed and to set goals to improve in the year to come. I would like to invite you all to think of a "New Year's Resolution" that you all could do as a family or individually that would help you show your faith in Christ. We did this with some investigators and members and they had some resolutions such as reading the Book of Mormon as a family, or having a FHE. These are wonderful. I promise you that if you all do this and think a Resolution to be more Christlike or show your faith in Christ, that your faith will increase and that you all will be blessed with strength to pass through the faith trying trials.
Our New Years was fun. We were not allowed to be out too late so we stayed in and played Monoply. We were woken up at Midnight by the celebrations though. We heard a lot of fireworks as well as quite a few guns going off. :)
I am glad Nate and Dad are spending some time together. That is something that I feel like I have failed in thus far as an older brother. I didnt spend as much time teaching and helping my siblings as much as I should have.. especially with Nate. Hopefuly this time spent with dad will make up for that and will benefit him.
How is Tim Matyas doing ? I thought he had joined the Army ? He is a really good kid.
I am sure that it is crazy to have only 2 kids in the house now but it probably makes it easier to do things since you have to work around less schedules.
It's hard to believe how much time has flown by. By the end of this transfer(in February) I will be almost a year completed. That gives me the determination to do more, to work harder and to devote myself even more completely to the work and to make the best of what I have left. I love you all and wish you all a Happy New Year. :)
- Elder Weston Dutson
ps... Dylan your awesome :)
Week # 23
Mi Familia-
I hope all had a wonderful Christmas ! I sure enjoyed talking with all of you. We have been allowed to email on Tuesday (today) this week because all libraries were closed yesterday. My Christmas was great and it included me eating alot! I think I ate 3 times on Christmas eve and we had a huge dinner with our ward mission leader on Christmas Day. I keep hearing how cold it is in Arizona and in Washington(Dylan) but I had a very warm Christmas. It was around 64 degrees all day. It felt super weird. We had a member family give us a present and our ward mission leader gave us a box of chocolates. Our district also had a baptism on Christmas Day so I think that was a nice Christmas present for us and the guy getting baptized. His name is Rodrigo. He is Elder Ruiz and Elder Ellsworth's companion. Elder Ellsworth has been transferred and Elder ruiz will be training :) Elder Grose and I were both pretty excited that we would be staying together just like we thought. Dylan I heard that our family was giving you trouble because it looked like you had gained weight. If it makes you feel any better, I have gained weight. not much though haha.. Well thanks everybody for the packages and the cards. It certainly was a nice suprise !!
- Elder Weston Dutson
I hope all had a wonderful Christmas ! I sure enjoyed talking with all of you. We have been allowed to email on Tuesday (today) this week because all libraries were closed yesterday. My Christmas was great and it included me eating alot! I think I ate 3 times on Christmas eve and we had a huge dinner with our ward mission leader on Christmas Day. I keep hearing how cold it is in Arizona and in Washington(Dylan) but I had a very warm Christmas. It was around 64 degrees all day. It felt super weird. We had a member family give us a present and our ward mission leader gave us a box of chocolates. Our district also had a baptism on Christmas Day so I think that was a nice Christmas present for us and the guy getting baptized. His name is Rodrigo. He is Elder Ruiz and Elder Ellsworth's companion. Elder Ellsworth has been transferred and Elder ruiz will be training :) Elder Grose and I were both pretty excited that we would be staying together just like we thought. Dylan I heard that our family was giving you trouble because it looked like you had gained weight. If it makes you feel any better, I have gained weight. not much though haha.. Well thanks everybody for the packages and the cards. It certainly was a nice suprise !!
- Elder Weston Dutson
Week # 22
Dear Family-
Its a week away from Christmas !!!!
Holy Cow that is crazy.
Mom, that is way awesome that you and Sister Smith are such good missionaries ! It really is SO important to get members involved in missionary work. President Hinckley said this, " Some think missionary work is simply tracting. Everyone involved knows there is a better way, and that way is through the members." When members take part in missionary work, it is more sucessful. Us as the full time set apart missionaries, can not stay with our investigators/ converts for forever. We have transfers every six weeks. But if that investigator/convert has a fellowshipper in the ward, it gives the investigator that added support after the missionaries leave :)
Mom, I am sure your sunbeams will miss you. You are an amazing teacher. I dont think I have mentioned this in my letters but since Elder Grose came, he and I have been teaching a Sunday school class for the 14- 18 youth. The ward does not have enough people to fill the calling right now so we stepped in. We have developed a friendship with several of the young men and they are coming to us now and volunteering to come out with us. That has been very fun for us.
It continues to rain off and on and we actually do get in more houses because people pity us haha. Our week went really well. Our hard work and patience has pulled through. We were blessed to find 4 new investigators in 4 days this week. It certainly made us grateful.
For the package mom, I dont have any more requests and it would probably be better sent to our apartment. I know Grandma said she sent hers to the mission office which is fine, but the people who pick those packages up( our zone leaders) are not very good at remembering to give the packages out that they send out. My apartment address is 13520 Foothill Apartment 209 Sylmar CA 91342. But grandma dont worry, I will bug my zone leaders until they give it to me.
As for the phone call business, I will be calling home at 11 am Arizona time. Hopefully all who want to talk will be able to at this time.
Glad to hear that the Gilbert Temple is coming along nicely. I wonder if I will beat it home?? I am sure all the new temples in Arizona will be a relief to the Mesa Temple. I have heard that besides the Provo Utah temple, the Mesa Temple is one of the busiest and services the most people. We have not gone to the temple yet, we actually go tomorrow ! Super Excited !!
Well I love you all and hope you enjoy the Christmas Caroling with the family. I will certainly miss singing with everybody. We went with our ward last night and caroled to all the less active members and the members who are too sick to make it to church. It was really special.
- Elder Weston Dutson
Its a week away from Christmas !!!!
Holy Cow that is crazy.
Mom, that is way awesome that you and Sister Smith are such good missionaries ! It really is SO important to get members involved in missionary work. President Hinckley said this, " Some think missionary work is simply tracting. Everyone involved knows there is a better way, and that way is through the members." When members take part in missionary work, it is more sucessful. Us as the full time set apart missionaries, can not stay with our investigators/ converts for forever. We have transfers every six weeks. But if that investigator/convert has a fellowshipper in the ward, it gives the investigator that added support after the missionaries leave :)
Mom, I am sure your sunbeams will miss you. You are an amazing teacher. I dont think I have mentioned this in my letters but since Elder Grose came, he and I have been teaching a Sunday school class for the 14- 18 youth. The ward does not have enough people to fill the calling right now so we stepped in. We have developed a friendship with several of the young men and they are coming to us now and volunteering to come out with us. That has been very fun for us.
It continues to rain off and on and we actually do get in more houses because people pity us haha. Our week went really well. Our hard work and patience has pulled through. We were blessed to find 4 new investigators in 4 days this week. It certainly made us grateful.
For the package mom, I dont have any more requests and it would probably be better sent to our apartment. I know Grandma said she sent hers to the mission office which is fine, but the people who pick those packages up( our zone leaders) are not very good at remembering to give the packages out that they send out. My apartment address is 13520 Foothill Apartment 209 Sylmar CA 91342. But grandma dont worry, I will bug my zone leaders until they give it to me.
As for the phone call business, I will be calling home at 11 am Arizona time. Hopefully all who want to talk will be able to at this time.
Glad to hear that the Gilbert Temple is coming along nicely. I wonder if I will beat it home?? I am sure all the new temples in Arizona will be a relief to the Mesa Temple. I have heard that besides the Provo Utah temple, the Mesa Temple is one of the busiest and services the most people. We have not gone to the temple yet, we actually go tomorrow ! Super Excited !!
Well I love you all and hope you enjoy the Christmas Caroling with the family. I will certainly miss singing with everybody. We went with our ward last night and caroled to all the less active members and the members who are too sick to make it to church. It was really special.
- Elder Weston Dutson
Monday, December 12, 2011
Week # 21
Dear Family-
It is pouring over here!! Oh boy being a bike missionary in the rain
is SOOO fun :) Anyways, this week was better than last week. Dad,
thanks for your advice. Elder Grose and I will do exactly what you
suggested. Well just to scare you all, I finally have a dog story....
Last monday after email, I was bit by a pitbull... But in that, I
witnessed a miracle. We were riding our bikes and we had to pull off
for a minute. I was right next to a chain link fence without really
realizing it. It was right next to a really busy street so I couldn't
hear the dog barking, but right on the other side of this fence was a
GIANT pitbull. All of a sudden I felt a really sharp pain in my hand.
I look down just as the dog is releasing my hand from its mouth. When
I get my hand back, it looked pretty bad but wasn't bleeding. But we
said a prayer right there on the street and within a half hour, there
was not even a mark on me.
I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I know that my Heavenly
Father was and is looking out for me and I am eternally grateful.
The rest of this week was good. We had a stake Christmas program
last night and all the wards sung a villancico(christmas hymn).
Because our ward's choir was very small, all us missionaries helped
out and sang with them. Then we also had a song that was sung by a
special missionary choir that I got to take part in.
OH MY GOODNESS.. Christmas is coming up ! I am not entirely sure when
I will be calling still but i will know for sure by next pday. We only
have church for one hour on Christmas so we will be done by 12. But we
might have a baptism so I will let you know exactly next pday. I
received a card and tie from the Montez family this week. I really
miss them ! I also got a card from Grandpa Phil and the Nutz as well.
Thanks for the cards everyone ! They are definitely appreciated. Next
Tuesday we are going on a San Fernando Valley missionary temple trip.
All the spanish speaking missionaries in the Valley have a special
session in the LA temple. I am way stoked!!! \
That is way scary for Kayln's family I am sure. Her and her family
will definitely be in my prayers. She is such a sweet girl and
hopefully things will go ok.
Well, I think that is about it for the week. and Dylan, stay bundled up!
With Love,
Elder Dutson
It is pouring over here!! Oh boy being a bike missionary in the rain
is SOOO fun :) Anyways, this week was better than last week. Dad,
thanks for your advice. Elder Grose and I will do exactly what you
suggested. Well just to scare you all, I finally have a dog story....
Last monday after email, I was bit by a pitbull... But in that, I
witnessed a miracle. We were riding our bikes and we had to pull off
for a minute. I was right next to a chain link fence without really
realizing it. It was right next to a really busy street so I couldn't
hear the dog barking, but right on the other side of this fence was a
GIANT pitbull. All of a sudden I felt a really sharp pain in my hand.
I look down just as the dog is releasing my hand from its mouth. When
I get my hand back, it looked pretty bad but wasn't bleeding. But we
said a prayer right there on the street and within a half hour, there
was not even a mark on me.
I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I know that my Heavenly
Father was and is looking out for me and I am eternally grateful.
The rest of this week was good. We had a stake Christmas program
last night and all the wards sung a villancico(christmas hymn).
Because our ward's choir was very small, all us missionaries helped
out and sang with them. Then we also had a song that was sung by a
special missionary choir that I got to take part in.
OH MY GOODNESS.. Christmas is coming up ! I am not entirely sure when
I will be calling still but i will know for sure by next pday. We only
have church for one hour on Christmas so we will be done by 12. But we
might have a baptism so I will let you know exactly next pday. I
received a card and tie from the Montez family this week. I really
miss them ! I also got a card from Grandpa Phil and the Nutz as well.
Thanks for the cards everyone ! They are definitely appreciated. Next
Tuesday we are going on a San Fernando Valley missionary temple trip.
All the spanish speaking missionaries in the Valley have a special
session in the LA temple. I am way stoked!!! \
That is way scary for Kayln's family I am sure. Her and her family
will definitely be in my prayers. She is such a sweet girl and
hopefully things will go ok.
Well, I think that is about it for the week. and Dylan, stay bundled up!
With Love,
Elder Dutson
Week # 20
Dear Family-
It is December!!!!
Last night was the Christmas devotional, and I hope all got the
opportunity to watch it. I loved it. It reminded me how much I love my
Savior and how much I am indebted to him.
Mom, the new ward theme about recieving, trutsing and following
personal revelation is key. That is something that I struggle with
sometimes is trusting and following. As a missionary, I definitely
recieve alot of help from Heavenly Father, but sometimes I dont follow
it as well as I should. If we do strive to follow the counsel we
recieve personally from Heavenly Father, we will become stronger
examples to all around us.
My training went ok this week. My district leader called me like 5
minutes before we left and asked me to do it in Espanol and I had
already prepared it in English. But I just translated it in my head as
I went. I thought it was a little rough but everybody told me that
they enjoyed it. Heavenly Father must have helped me out with it.
Nikki, BE NICE TO JAMES! :)
I sure do miss my Primary kids. Children are so much sweeter and
kind hearted than adults can be sometimes.
This week was pretty slow for us. We are trying super hard to find
some new people to teach and we have not had much luck. We did find
one really awesome one though named Mirna. Hopefully things go well
with her. And mom all those baptisms got pushed back :( Kevin's is the
25th now because his dad is in prison. He wants his dad to be there
and he gets out the 22nd. And the one that was gonna happen in my old
ward was pushed back too. Our other dates, The Saldana family is
struggling. They wont come to church and ever since we set a baptismal
date, they have been cancelling appointments. We are praying really
hard for them and hoping that we can help them, so we will see. Their
dates are the 18th, but since they have not come to church, that will
probably be pushed back as well. It has kind of been a frustrating
transfer thus far. We have not had as much success as in the past. It
has made me a little sad but I know that I am doing all I am supposed
to be doing so I will just have to wait for the success. Elder Grose
is still amazing and continues to progress everyday. :)
And Dylan, good luck with your greenie - busting ! Before you know it,
you will be training ! and maybe even AP by the time you hit a year ;p
Anyways, I love you all !!!!
- Elder Dutson
Elder Dutson and his "son" Elder Gose
It is December!!!!
Last night was the Christmas devotional, and I hope all got the
opportunity to watch it. I loved it. It reminded me how much I love my
Savior and how much I am indebted to him.
Mom, the new ward theme about recieving, trutsing and following
personal revelation is key. That is something that I struggle with
sometimes is trusting and following. As a missionary, I definitely
recieve alot of help from Heavenly Father, but sometimes I dont follow
it as well as I should. If we do strive to follow the counsel we
recieve personally from Heavenly Father, we will become stronger
examples to all around us.
My training went ok this week. My district leader called me like 5
minutes before we left and asked me to do it in Espanol and I had
already prepared it in English. But I just translated it in my head as
I went. I thought it was a little rough but everybody told me that
they enjoyed it. Heavenly Father must have helped me out with it.
Nikki, BE NICE TO JAMES! :)
I sure do miss my Primary kids. Children are so much sweeter and
kind hearted than adults can be sometimes.
This week was pretty slow for us. We are trying super hard to find
some new people to teach and we have not had much luck. We did find
one really awesome one though named Mirna. Hopefully things go well
with her. And mom all those baptisms got pushed back :( Kevin's is the
25th now because his dad is in prison. He wants his dad to be there
and he gets out the 22nd. And the one that was gonna happen in my old
ward was pushed back too. Our other dates, The Saldana family is
struggling. They wont come to church and ever since we set a baptismal
date, they have been cancelling appointments. We are praying really
hard for them and hoping that we can help them, so we will see. Their
dates are the 18th, but since they have not come to church, that will
probably be pushed back as well. It has kind of been a frustrating
transfer thus far. We have not had as much success as in the past. It
has made me a little sad but I know that I am doing all I am supposed
to be doing so I will just have to wait for the success. Elder Grose
is still amazing and continues to progress everyday. :)
And Dylan, good luck with your greenie - busting ! Before you know it,
you will be training ! and maybe even AP by the time you hit a year ;p
Anyways, I love you all !!!!
- Elder Dutson
The "Family Tree" Elders Gose, Dutson, Tienda (Elder Dutson's "father", and Gomm (Elder Tienda's other son).
Elder Dutson and his "son" Elder Gose
Elder Dutson and Elder Oaxaca (the DL)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Week # 19
Dear Family-
This week was long haha. My new companion (Elder Grose by the way)
is very cool. He is from Bear Lake Idaho. Wednesday and thursday were
really long because I had to pick him up in Santa Clarita and then the
next day was all day training with President Martin. The training was
very nice but it was alot. I am glad you were able to get a letter
from President. I didnt know he did that for trainers. Elder Grose is
really amazing and he bears his testimony very strongly. His spanish
is decent but I will teach him as best as I can. He is not used to
biking all these hills though haha. He reminds me of me when I first
got to this area. But because I know how it feels I make sure not to
leave him in the dust.
We love our new apartment but our neighbors make it a little tough.
Since we have moved in, there has been two rough domestic disputes
with cussing and pushing and crying and it is not fun to listen to.
The walls are very thin so it is hard to escape. It certainly makes me
grateful that I have a loving family that doesn't have those kinds of
things go on. We are working very hard with a less active family
right now named the Arjon family. The hermano Arjon has problems with
faith. He has to know everything and have a reason to do everything.
He knows he needs to have faith but he would rather just know. We also
plan on visiting our investigator family tomorrow and invite them to
be baptized. We are very excited. We just had another person be
baptized yesterday from when I was with Elder Tienda. The kid really
wanted me to go to that baptism but the misioneras in our ward had a
baptism and I was supposed to sing again. Man, thats the second one
where I have been asked to sing a duet with a sister missionary. It
went well but its weird. I dont think anybody even girls would have
gotten me to sing a DUET with them before my mission. But now that I
am out here serving teh Lord, I will do it for Him.
I am glad Courtney and Santiago got back from their honeymoon safe.
Hopefully they enjoyed it. Bummer to hear about his grandfather
though.
I am certainly grateful for a lot of things too. I am most grateful
to be out here serving the Lord. I have been learning so much and am
having the time of my life out here. I am grateful for my family, for
loving, righteous parents who have taught me what is important in this
life. I am grateful for the gospel and the joy and peace it brings to
me. I am grateful to my Savior for His loving sacrifice for me. I hope
everybody pauses to think about all the wonderful blessings we have at
this time of the year and make a commitment to thank your Heavenly
Father for all the wonderful things He has given you.
With Love,
- Elder Dutson
This week was long haha. My new companion (Elder Grose by the way)
is very cool. He is from Bear Lake Idaho. Wednesday and thursday were
really long because I had to pick him up in Santa Clarita and then the
next day was all day training with President Martin. The training was
very nice but it was alot. I am glad you were able to get a letter
from President. I didnt know he did that for trainers. Elder Grose is
really amazing and he bears his testimony very strongly. His spanish
is decent but I will teach him as best as I can. He is not used to
biking all these hills though haha. He reminds me of me when I first
got to this area. But because I know how it feels I make sure not to
leave him in the dust.
We love our new apartment but our neighbors make it a little tough.
Since we have moved in, there has been two rough domestic disputes
with cussing and pushing and crying and it is not fun to listen to.
The walls are very thin so it is hard to escape. It certainly makes me
grateful that I have a loving family that doesn't have those kinds of
things go on. We are working very hard with a less active family
right now named the Arjon family. The hermano Arjon has problems with
faith. He has to know everything and have a reason to do everything.
He knows he needs to have faith but he would rather just know. We also
plan on visiting our investigator family tomorrow and invite them to
be baptized. We are very excited. We just had another person be
baptized yesterday from when I was with Elder Tienda. The kid really
wanted me to go to that baptism but the misioneras in our ward had a
baptism and I was supposed to sing again. Man, thats the second one
where I have been asked to sing a duet with a sister missionary. It
went well but its weird. I dont think anybody even girls would have
gotten me to sing a DUET with them before my mission. But now that I
am out here serving teh Lord, I will do it for Him.
I am glad Courtney and Santiago got back from their honeymoon safe.
Hopefully they enjoyed it. Bummer to hear about his grandfather
though.
I am certainly grateful for a lot of things too. I am most grateful
to be out here serving the Lord. I have been learning so much and am
having the time of my life out here. I am grateful for my family, for
loving, righteous parents who have taught me what is important in this
life. I am grateful for the gospel and the joy and peace it brings to
me. I am grateful to my Savior for His loving sacrifice for me. I hope
everybody pauses to think about all the wonderful blessings we have at
this time of the year and make a commitment to thank your Heavenly
Father for all the wonderful things He has given you.
With Love,
- Elder Dutson
Week # 18
Dear Family-
Dang my sister is a married woman ! That is crazy. I am so glad that she had such a wonderful time. I hope everyone is recuperating well from the reception. Polynesians and Hispanics are very similar in the fact that they like to party and they are good at it! haha. The work continues to advance here. We have been doing a ton of knocking and we found many many new people to teach. Yes mom, Elder Thacker did know Braedon Talbot. Sadly, Elder Thacker is leaving me though. He is going out to Palmdale. I will certainly miss him. He is an extremely hard working missionary. I will be training a new missionary now for the next little bit. He comes in on Wednesday so I am teaming up with a missionary in North Hollywood for a couple days. That means I will be in a car for a bit! Yay ! haha but the new missionary's name is Elder Grost I believe from Idaho. I am way nervous to be trusted with that responsibility but I am extremely excited :) We set another baptismal date with Kevin so things are starting to look up with him as well. The thing was that his parents put it into his head that he needs to know us for 6 months before he should be baptized. the average time it takes is usually like 1 month and a half soimetimes two. So that is why he has been pushing it off. But he committed to being baptized December 4th. Dylan I hope all is going swell in Washington. My former zoneleader goes home the 16th of this month. He is from Vancouver. His name is Benjamin Browning. If you happen to come across him or his family let me know :) I guess my final note would be that I absolutely HATE that California changes the stupid time. It has messed with my internal clock soo bad haha. I wake up at 630 and I feel like I slept in and then by 8 at night I am falling asleep. GRRRRR... anyways I am glad all is well and wish Dad luck on his tests!
- Elder Dutson
Dang my sister is a married woman ! That is crazy. I am so glad that she had such a wonderful time. I hope everyone is recuperating well from the reception. Polynesians and Hispanics are very similar in the fact that they like to party and they are good at it! haha. The work continues to advance here. We have been doing a ton of knocking and we found many many new people to teach. Yes mom, Elder Thacker did know Braedon Talbot. Sadly, Elder Thacker is leaving me though. He is going out to Palmdale. I will certainly miss him. He is an extremely hard working missionary. I will be training a new missionary now for the next little bit. He comes in on Wednesday so I am teaming up with a missionary in North Hollywood for a couple days. That means I will be in a car for a bit! Yay ! haha but the new missionary's name is Elder Grost I believe from Idaho. I am way nervous to be trusted with that responsibility but I am extremely excited :) We set another baptismal date with Kevin so things are starting to look up with him as well. The thing was that his parents put it into his head that he needs to know us for 6 months before he should be baptized. the average time it takes is usually like 1 month and a half soimetimes two. So that is why he has been pushing it off. But he committed to being baptized December 4th. Dylan I hope all is going swell in Washington. My former zoneleader goes home the 16th of this month. He is from Vancouver. His name is Benjamin Browning. If you happen to come across him or his family let me know :) I guess my final note would be that I absolutely HATE that California changes the stupid time. It has messed with my internal clock soo bad haha. I wake up at 630 and I feel like I slept in and then by 8 at night I am falling asleep. GRRRRR... anyways I am glad all is well and wish Dad luck on his tests!
- Elder Dutson
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Week # 17
Hola Familia !
This week was kinda crazy! We knocked into a family and at first they were not interested but both me and Elder Thacker felt the impression to ask them if there was anything that they needed help with. It turns out their house has been without water for like a year and a half. Their pipes are all broken. They turn the water on for 15 minutes in teh morning and they all shower and fill up a bucket to wash clothes and dishes for the day. Then they turn it back off. When tey explained that Elder Thacker and I got a huge smile on our faces. Elder Thacker used to lay water pipes for the city he lived in and he knew exactly how to do it. We told them we could do that for them and they gratefully accepted. We dug for two days this week and figured out our course of action. We are going to install a brand new water line for them. Then we moved this weekend so that was hectic as well. My new address is 13520 Foothill Apt 209 Sylmar CA 91342. I also got the opportunity to go on exchanges with my district leader Elder Riggs. He is an awesome missionary and it was nice to be able to learn from him. We are all getting ready for transfers as this is the last week. We are pretty sure that that Elder Riggs is leaving and that Elder Thacker is leaving and Hermana Blackburn(the one that reminds me of mom) is leaving so that would mean alot of change. Its kind of a bummer because I have really enjoyed being with Elder Thacker.
That is crazy that some of my friends are already on their way home! How is Elders Olmstead, Neher and Montez doing ?
Wait, what is going on with Kayln ? She didnt get better ? Thats a bummer. She is one of the absolute sweetest girls I have ever met. Her family will definitely be in my prayers.
Kevin is still pushing off being baptized but I feel like we are making progress with him. Hopefully he will make the decision here soon. Yesterday Darian( Elder Tienda's and I's investigator ) was baptized. I was able to attend. It was a really cool experience for us and the Arleta ward. That ward is turnimg around. Before Darian, nobody had been baptized for like a year and a half. The wardw as so excited that most of the ward turned up for the baptism. We took pictures that hopefully I will send to you guys soon.
Hope all is well
Con mucho carino,
Elder Dutson
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Week # 16
Querido Familia Mia-
I hope that everyone's halloween went swell. Mine was very fun! We had an activity with our whole zone and we dressed in costumes and played volley ball. My zone Leader ( Elder Riggs from Mesa AZ) dressed up as one of the sisiters in our district and that sister dressed up as Elder Riggs. Haha I love my district. Elder Riggs is a very good friend. His companion, Elder Ellsworth is also from Mesa . The sisters are crazy but that is to be expected from sister missionaries haha. One of them reminds me of you Rachel and the other one reminds me of Mom. They are both wonderful missionaries as well. We were told to not go proselyting on Halloween night so we went out to dinner with Elder Riggs and Ellsworth. On the way home we had an egg thrown at us haha but it missed! This past week has been absolutely amazing though. We assisted a baptism Sunday of a kid in our ward. She wanted the sisters to sing and those crazy sisters suckered me into singing with them. One played the piano and the other one and I sang. We will be doing it again for the next baptism. Elder Tienda and I have been keeping in touch and Darian( the investigator we found will be baptized this Sunday. I am wayy excited for him.
This week I have just been really studying about the things we need to do to return to God's presence. I have also been reading alot about the beginnings of early Catholicism and it made me sad to see all the different things that happened to lead the people farther from the truth. Something I run across alot in the mission field is people that believe that it doesn't matter what religion they profess as long as they have faith in God, thus believing there are many paths that lead to God. Likewise, in the Roman Empire, the city of Rome was one of the greatest and busiest. Why was that ? Because the emperors were smart and in the road building process, they made all roads lead to Rome. Everyone had to pass through Rome on the journeyings. I feel like that is the view of the world sometimes.. That just like all roads lead to Rome, it is believed that all roads will lead to the Celestial Kingdom. That is just not true though. There is only one road that leads to the Celestial kingdom and that is through this beautiful gospel that has been restored. The gateway to this path is baptism and that is the ONLY way we can live with our Heavenly Father and our familes forever.
Well thanks for the package, I did receive it! I especially loved the card from Conner with his drool on it haha! I love you all and hope that you have a wonderful week.
OH! and one more thing. I will be moving this Friday to a new apartment. My new address is 13500 Foothill. I am not sure of the apartment number yet but I will get it to you all as fast as possible.
- Elder Dutson
I hope that everyone's halloween went swell. Mine was very fun! We had an activity with our whole zone and we dressed in costumes and played volley ball. My zone Leader ( Elder Riggs from Mesa AZ) dressed up as one of the sisiters in our district and that sister dressed up as Elder Riggs. Haha I love my district. Elder Riggs is a very good friend. His companion, Elder Ellsworth is also from Mesa . The sisters are crazy but that is to be expected from sister missionaries haha. One of them reminds me of you Rachel and the other one reminds me of Mom. They are both wonderful missionaries as well. We were told to not go proselyting on Halloween night so we went out to dinner with Elder Riggs and Ellsworth. On the way home we had an egg thrown at us haha but it missed! This past week has been absolutely amazing though. We assisted a baptism Sunday of a kid in our ward. She wanted the sisters to sing and those crazy sisters suckered me into singing with them. One played the piano and the other one and I sang. We will be doing it again for the next baptism. Elder Tienda and I have been keeping in touch and Darian( the investigator we found will be baptized this Sunday. I am wayy excited for him.
This week I have just been really studying about the things we need to do to return to God's presence. I have also been reading alot about the beginnings of early Catholicism and it made me sad to see all the different things that happened to lead the people farther from the truth. Something I run across alot in the mission field is people that believe that it doesn't matter what religion they profess as long as they have faith in God, thus believing there are many paths that lead to God. Likewise, in the Roman Empire, the city of Rome was one of the greatest and busiest. Why was that ? Because the emperors were smart and in the road building process, they made all roads lead to Rome. Everyone had to pass through Rome on the journeyings. I feel like that is the view of the world sometimes.. That just like all roads lead to Rome, it is believed that all roads will lead to the Celestial Kingdom. That is just not true though. There is only one road that leads to the Celestial kingdom and that is through this beautiful gospel that has been restored. The gateway to this path is baptism and that is the ONLY way we can live with our Heavenly Father and our familes forever.
Well thanks for the package, I did receive it! I especially loved the card from Conner with his drool on it haha! I love you all and hope that you have a wonderful week.
OH! and one more thing. I will be moving this Friday to a new apartment. My new address is 13500 Foothill. I am not sure of the apartment number yet but I will get it to you all as fast as possible.
- Elder Dutson
Monday, October 24, 2011
Week # 15
Dear Family-
It is starting to get a little chilly here ! I forgot to tell you mom that I busted out the rainjacket/overcoat thing like the first week I was in Sylmar. It was pouring rain and freezing. I didnt think I would ever use that here in sunny California. Well, unfortunately, Kevin was not baptized yesterday. He chose to postpone it more. We are not sure how to help him since he isn't telling us exactly what is going on. I have an interview with President Martin tomorrow and I will ask him for ideas. Well, what else is new back home ? How is Notre Dame doing Mom ? I heard that the World Series is already going on... Geez haha suprisingly, I dont miss all the sports as much as I thought I would. I really only miss it on like Saturdays. Elder Tienda called me and told me that one of the guys that we found like 2 weeks before I left named Darian is going to be baptized this next Sunday. Hopefully I will be able to make it down in the valley for that. I was way excited. Elder Thacker and I continue to work hard and we have found many new people to teach that we are excited for. Morgan, how is Japan going ? Are you getting excited for your wedding ?
I look forward to the package mom ! Elder Thacker recently got two and he has been sharing the goodies with me. I will make sure to share a little bit with him. :) Anyways
I love you all !
Keep being awesome,
Elder Dutson
Monday, October 17, 2011
Week # 14
Hey family
Finally I get some good timeto email ya'll. The new area continues to amaze me. Sylmar is a really nice place.We actually live very close to where they filmed the race scene in Little Rascals! This past friday we finsihed our apointments a little early so we went across the street and watched like 10 minute of the high school football game. It reminded me of when i would have to be at those games for marching band.
NATE!!!!
Dude you are getting pretty old man, I kinda sad that I couldn't wish you a happy birthday ON your birthday but i hope that you had a good time !
You bought me life saver gummies and butterfingers?? YAY!!!! I miss the dumb cat too.Everytime I see a cat I wanna pet it!
Mom along with the pictures could you send a pic of the family ? I don't have one out here.
Well we should have a baptism this next sunday. He is a 14 year oldkid who is way cool. His parents are trying their hardest to scare him off though.We will see what happens.
Oh so i found something way cool in my aprtm,ent this week.It is a New Era magazine from1978. It is way cool. I was reading it and their was a really cool article. IT was entitled," How well can you fly it when everything goes wrong ? It told the story of this guy who was a very good pilot. He was test flying a plane for an insurance guy before he bought it.The pilot was pretty confident he would do fine as he had flown this type of plane before, but as they started to take off, the insurance guy told him I have complete confidence you can fly this plane, but can you fly it when everything goes wrong? It then goes on to say that during that whole flight, the insurance guy simulated a bunch of emergencies. He would turn switches on that were supposedto be off and turn switches off that were supposed to be on.Finally they returned to land and the insurance guy told him he was very good and that he would let his wife and kids fly with him. It continues to make the simile with life.Many times and I have witnessed this alot, that when life is "good",people are happy but when it is not, people become angry with God. This makes me sad. As it says in the scriptures that I give unto man weakness that they may be humble.If they will humble themselves before me I will show unto man their weakness and it will be made a strength. God tries us in many things but it is forour benefit.It is to test our faith and to see if we will remain faithful to him even during times of trouble. I would just like to ask you.. How well do you all fly when everything goes wrong ? Are we quickto blame God and others for our problems ordowe recognize blessings and persevere through them? I would just challenge all of us to learn to fly better when everything goes wrong. I know that we will be blessed in doing so. I am so grateful to be out here in the workof the Lord and even though it is hard sometimes, I recognize the blessings that you and I recieve fromit.
I love you all,
- Elder Weston Dutson
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Week # 13
Hey family :) sorry about the delay. My first week in Sylmar/ San fernando was way cool. Elder Thacker IS a really hard worker and a really great guy too. The area is cool but I am dying biking up all these hills haha. My new address is 13140 Dronfield AVE apt 111 Sylmar CA 91342 :)
Well unfortunately i am already out of time. I dont have a library card. I promise next week will be better :) love
Elder Dutson
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con amor,
- Elder Dutson
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Week # 12
Dear Family-I hope you all were as uplifted by the prophets this weekend as was I. Conference was absolutely amazing and i recieved answers to my prayers.I already cant wait until April rolls around and I get another opportunity to hear from them. Transfers went well. I am getting transferred to Sylmar, CA. I am not training, but I am the senior comp to a younger missionary. Elder Tienda is training. We will miss each other alot. We expected to be split up but when we finally heard it, we were both sad. Yesterday after conference, I said goodbye to all my investigators and it was tough. But I am not too far away. I will still be on bike :) Other than that, not too much to report. I dont have my new address yet but i will have it by next week. Well I love you all and hope that all is well at home.- with loveElder Dutson
oh by the way, I forgot to mention that my new comp is Elder Thacker from Utah. He is a hardworking farmboy and a really cool kid :)
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