I am so sad this transfer is almost over! It's been such an
incredible experience. It has literally flown by. I went to the zoo with some
members for P-day today so unfortunately I don't have much time left to email.
I will try to cover the highlights.
I have the best companion in the world! She is so strong and
such a hard worker. We found out she had a kidney stone on Thursday. We had to
go to the emergency room and she was basically out til Sunday morning when it
finally passed. It was such a blessing it happened so fast though! The doctors
said it could have taken a whole week, but she received a Priesthood blessing
and it all worked out. I felt completely awful because there was nothing I
could do to help her! While she was in the ER, I went Visiting Teaching with a
member in our ward. The family we taught really opened my eyes to true
suffering. That family has been through so much! The dad died suddenly from
cancer the day after the mom had her 8th child. She raised them all while being
a teacher and running a tutoring service. She never remarried because he was
the love of her life. She is now 76 and the doctors say she has literally
worked herself to death. Her family must have very bad luck in health because
most of them are handicapped in some way. There was such an amazing spirit
about them though. With kidney stones and seeing people who can hardly function
on their own, my appreciation for The Atonement grew even more. I can not
imagine what Christ went through just so he could simply succor His people and
save them from their own nature. The pain is too much to grasp. It brings me to
tears to think about everyone's individual pains multiplied together to amount
to what Christ went through. I am so thankful to be able to give people the
chance to have all that lifted and know that there is someone who understands
every pain, sickness, and sorrow.
On a much happier note, we were able to go to the Sikh
temple yesterday! It was such a cool experience! It was literally like stepping
into India. I love being able to experience all of these different cultures. We
were able to go with our Sikh friends. We had to cover our heads with scarves
and were able to see how they worship. They all eat together twice! It was
absolutely delicious and unlike anything I've ever tasted. It was very
different sitting on the floor for most everything. They also had live Indian
music which was my favorite part.
My favorite lesson this week was with Alan. He is the one
who called us after 10 years of inactivity. Two lessons ago he told us he
decided not to get the tattoo he was SET on getting. The last lesson he told us
he didn't drink his usual coffee that day. He is sure to tell us not to get too
excited, but at the same time we can see a complete change! He knows what is
best for him, he has a testimony of Christ and knows that we wouldn't be given
commandments unless it will better our lives, he just forgot for a while. He
came to church Sunday and is just progressing so much. I'm not sure if I shared
this but he brought his girlfriend to the 4th of July breakfast and after she
told him if he was planning on going back to the church, she wasn't going to
remain with him. So he broke up with her! What an amazing example of someone
who recognizes how truly important this gospel is.
We also went running with Jared- the part member who's wife
is from Russia. He has two adorable toddler twins and he is the poster guy for
Iron Man. But really. If you look up "Hotter than He**ck"- its a
triathalon- he really is the poster guy. We went running Tuesday morning at 6am
with a group of people training. It was intense, but such a good bonding time
with him! He will come back to church in no time and his wife will soon realize
the gospel is true!
Wish I had more time, but that's it for now! Next week I'll
have to send more pictures because we had some incredible experiences at the
Sikh temple and the zoo. Every day I'm so thankful to be serving the Lord on my
mission. I can't express my gratitude that my Grandpa is back home from the
hospital. I love my family so much. I know God is in control, I just have to
remind myself to trust Him each day.
Also I was soo happy to see the Smith family a few days
ago!! I love the wonderful, small world we live in. She was my YW leader in NC
so many years ago ;)
Just in case y'all happen to send a letter around transfer
time which is next Tuesday here is my mission address so that it doesn't get
lost in the mail:
Sister
Kristina Dalling
Texas
Dallas Mission Office
13747
Montfort Dr. Suit 120
Dallas,
TX 75240
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