"Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to
God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.
He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen
their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their
opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.
Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life."
New Era, May 1975 President Ezra Taft Benson
Losing my life to God was the best thing I ever did. Period.
This mission, as Felipe has said, 'is the hardest thing I've ever loved'. And
training is the best thing I've ever been nervous for.
My new companion is Sister Reboquio! She is amazing. She's
from the Philippines, which is the coolest thing ever! This is her first time
in America! It has been quite an adventure teaching her about this country and
learning about her country. She speaks Tagalog but studied English in school.
Her English is pretty good but there's still a little bit of a
language barrier. She's adjusting very well though! She's the sweetest person
from an amazing culture. I love Filipinos just from what she's told me.
Training is crazy, especially because I'm training her on an entirely new
culture too. Her country is a lot more simple than ours. The people are much
more harsh here and our way of life is quite extravagant. Being her trainer has
taught me a lot more than what I'm teaching her. This is definitely a life
changing experience! Her people serve each other all the time and are so
respectful, it's so incredible! I can easily say the only hard thing about
training so far is my disappointment in our culture.. People don't seem to have
enough time for God or to serve and love each other. The way money is thrown
around is super astounding to my companion, and it's really opened my
eyes. We could really use some humility up in here!;)
The differences in our cultures don't all make me sad
though! It's been so fun experiencing things she's never done or seen. I took
her to Subway for the first time- she loved it! (Thanks for the gift card mom!)
She says everything is bigger in Texas- and she doesn't even know that's a
saying! But it's true! She was amazed how big the sky, the sun and moon are.
She's never met so many inside, pampered dogs. In the Philippines, dogs usually
run around the streets all the time. I taught her how to use a dishwasher
and a washing machine. I want to teach her to drive, but pretty sure the
mission wouldn't approve! We bought rice and have been eating that everyday.
She's teaching me Tagalog and we are going to learn I am a Child of God! She's
really adorable. She has an amazing spirit and testimony. She is a super
powerful teacher. Training has really been the best experience! There are so
many things, I don't even have enough time to write them all down. One funny
story- The first night she was here she was still not sure about what she
should and shouldn't do. So we were getting ready for bed and I said my prayer
and got into bed. I left the light on because she was still praying and usually
the last person to go to sleep will turn the light off. She must have thought
we slept with the light on or something because the light was on all night. I
was so tired I didn't even notice until 6am! The next day our light burnt out-
haha! It's been fun. She watches and does and says everything I do, so it's
been a good chance to evaluate all those things in myself. I'm always teaching
her new words and she is a great, fast learner!
We have had a great week! It's been a huge blessing to have
such fresh faith. I'll have to tell y'all about more miracles next week! I got
to sing a song in Spanish at another Spanish baptism- that was one highlight.
Gift of tongues in music for sure since I only had 10 minutes to prepare! Oh
and one of my favorite highlights- Robert and Judy have been having a hard time
recently. She is getting more sick and it doesn't look like she'll be able to
be baptized in this life. Robert is so tired. So we asked what his favorite
dessert was. Key lime pie. So with the help of the Lea family, we got to make
his dessert! He wasn't expecting it at all. It brought tears to both of their
eyes and meant so much to them. It was definitely worth all 20 key limes
that we juiced. I'm so blessed to have so many incredible people in my life
right now!
Also I read the story of the brother of Jared in Ether and
wrote down my thoughts. I really got a lot out of this story and wanted to
share it with y'all: When we turn to God and rely on His support, He will be
there. He will provide trials. He will provide safety, light, protection,
guidance to lead us in the right direction toward what He has prepared for us.
There may be storms of trials, we may be completely submerged in hardship but
He will always bring us back up. Under water or above water, He will always be
the light that never dims. We must keep ourselves 'tight like unto a dish' to
God and His counsel. No wiggle room. We should praise Him and give Him thanks
unceasingly. Then, we must go to work.
President Monson: "Whether it is the best of times or
the worst of times, He is with us. He has promised that this will never change.
May we have a commitment to our Heavenly Father that does not ebb or flow with
the years or the crises of our lives. We should not need to experience
difficulties for us to remember Him, and we should not be driven to humility
before giving Him our faith and trust. May we ever strive to be close to our
Heavenly Father. To do so, we must pray to Him and listen to Him every day. We
truly need Him every hour, whether they be hours of sunshine or of rain. May
His promise ever be our watchward: 'I will not fail thee, nor forsake
thee.'"
Easter was the best ever! Made me cry every time I thought
about how incredible it was to spend Easter as a missionary. Talking of Christ,
Rejoicing in Christ, Preaching of Christ. He lives! He is Risen! He will come
again!
Mahal kita! (I love you in Tagalog)
Sister Kristina Dalling
P.S. I completed my 21 day chocolate fast! And my mom
provided the prize. Thanks for the best Easter package! aka chocolate package
aka I love you! I have the best family ever!
Forever<3
Write me!
Sister Kristina Dalling
6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048
#123
Sachse, TX 75048
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