THIS IS MY LAST WEEK!! From Plano, Texas

Hey everyone!!!

THIS IS MY LAST WEEK!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS. 

I can't believe it. Next week there probably won't be a ton of an update but I'll be home soo soon :)

I kind of have a crazy update so hang on! Please don't worry about me, I am doing more than great. 

So basically we lost our car in Plano :( They needed it for another area and our apartment is too far. Sister Acton and I are with different Sister Training Leader comps for the time being. I'm with Sister Gavin and Sister Peterson! They are AMAZING and I love them so much. I'm having a ton of fun with them in Garland. Garland has soo much work. We taught 20 lessons! 10 LTMP's- which I haven't done for a long time. The investigators and members here are so great. 

It's hard to be away from Plano, I miss my area, but it looks like Elders Maloney and Crandell are going to take over which is a good thing because we had to drive 20 minutes every day to just get to our area. President Taylor reassured me I'd get to say goodbye to everyone. They'll find a way! Right now it looks like I'll be spending Wednesday, Sunday and Monday in Plano. Crazy situation and its a bit stressful, nobody really knows what's going on, but it happens! I'm just in this weird limbo part of my life, but it's been an adventure. I can feel my Father with me every step of the way though. 

In Garland we're teaching soo many people! I can't tell you about all of them, but I'll give you some highlights.

James. He is so great! He's kind of a hard core black baptist and is SO funny! His ex wife and kids are Mormon. He is the typical investigator I've always dreamed of teaching! He is basically a black version of someone named Brother Lucas who is a service missionary. He'll be baptized soon enough! He came to church which was a miracle and watched the Christmas Devo with us at a member's home. Speaking of the devotional.... President Durrant said the closing prayer!!! I love him sooo much. Not going to lie, my eyes were open the whole prayer. I miss the Durrants.

Dean- he looks so much like John Cook! He's in his 80s and it took me right back to my days in The Colony. He came to the ward's Christmas party we had on Saturday. 

I love being a missionary during this Season! We get to do so many fun things with the ward and members. The best part is we get to share the message of the gospel and of Jesus Christ! It has been so great to use the "He is the Gift" initiative. I really love that video and we are sharing it with everyone!! 

We have seen so many miracles this week and it has been so great to be with these sisters. I even got to spend some time with Sister Nance! I'm sad I don't get to fully finish my mission in Plano but we are being so blessed for the situation we are in. I am so ready to work my butt off this week. I am so insanely tired but I want to give my all this week. A midst all that is going on in my life, working is the only medicine. I have loved being able to serve here in Texas. It has and will forever change my life. 

I'm so excited to be home and to see and hug everyone!!! 

I'll try to send pics but if I don't..... I'll be home soon anyways and I'll just upload them then. 

Love you sooo much!!!!!!

Sister Dalling

2 Weeks!! (NEW ADDRESS)

12/1

Hey everyone!! 

This past week was just insane! So much change. This last transfer is definitely the hardest of all. But it's had its blessings for sure.

Thanksgiving was great! We went to Billy's mom's house. Billy is a recent convert in the Allen ysa and his parents aren't members. He's going on a mission beginning of next year so its a great opportunity to get to know his parents. The food was amazing of course! I tried jiblet....which is disgusting! It's basically all the organs of the turkey in a gravy.. bleh. But I had to try it! Oh Texas..

Other than that we've had some crazy changes! 

We are living in an apartment in Plano 7 ward and they gave us a car because its so far out of our area. 

Our new address is 1201 E Park Blvd Plano, TX 75074.

So sorry but I have to go! Might be able to get on later. I'll send an update in a letter.

Love y'all! I'll be home soon! 

Love,

Sister Dalling

11/24

Hey everyone!

I just love this holiday season. I have never been more ready to come home. It's like the worst roller coaster I've ever been on! One moment I'm so sad my  mission is ending but the next I am so ready to just be with my family. I can't explain it! But God is definitely preparing me in every way to go home.

This week was kind of a struggle! The last transfer of anyone's mission is so hard and now I understand. I jut want to give my all and work harder than I've ever worked but at the same time 18 months takes a big toll on your body and mind. I have never been so tired in my life. 

We met with Gloria and Paola and both lessons went very well! Gloria just needs time to accept that she needs to get baptized ;) She is so ready and prepared! Her whole family thought she was crazy for looking into Mormonism but she read them all the pamphlets and they all loved it! Really that happened! She told us she especially loved The Plan of Salvation. She had never heard it explained that way and just found so much hope and comfort through it. She is very strongly catholic though so it's going to be a journey for her. 

LaRon's situation breaks my heart. His mom has to move to another apartment possibly in Mckinney by the end of the month, but because LaRon isn't covered by the same welfare as her, he will likely be homeless.. This has been such an eye opener to me. The ward council is going to do their best to help them through this though. And a family offered to have them over for Thanksgiving! I just wish I could buy them a house and give them all the clothes and food they need! In fact I just wish the whole world could have that.. Growing up is hard.

I gave a talk in 6th ward. It was on gratitude! I am so thankful they asked me to speak on that. Gratitude in all circumstances is what carries us through. There is always something to be thankful for. I also thought it was very appropriate to speak on gratitude as sort of my farewell talk from Texas.. It was hard and I cried! 

Keep our housing situation in your prayers! We have to move out of the Ashursts by the week of Dec 1.. sooo next week! And we don't have a replacement home. Really ridiculous I know! The mission office said they might have to double transfer us out if there's no housing.. Really sad and scary! I would be so sad to be in a different area my last 2 weeks. But who am I to counsel God and His plan? At least as a missionary, I know He has control. It's a good opportunity to feel "Homeless, Homeless, like the Christ Child was." Love that music, brings back memories daddy!

"True gratitude is an act of faith and an expression of hope and testimony." -President Uchtdorf

"Find the compensatory blessings in your life when, in the wisdom of the Lord, He deprives you of something you very much want.. You will discover compensatory blessings when you willingly accept the will of the Lord and exercise faith in Him." -Elder Scott

Acts 21:13 What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

"Difficulties come into our lives, problems we do not anticipate and which we would never choose. None of us is immune. The purpose of mortality is to learn and to grow to be more like our Father, and it is often during the most difficult times that we learn the most, as painful as the lessons may be." -President Monson

"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.. Regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us." <3 President Uchtdorf

I love you all so much! 

I'm so grateful for each of you.

I love you Daddy! I love you Mom! I love you Katie! I love you Sara! I love you Jacob! I love you Emily! I love you Quinten! I love my Grandparents and aunts/uncles/cousins. I love you Prince! Thank you for each being a part of my life and shaping my future.

Love,

Sister Dalling

Week 55 / 56 Staying in Sachse!... Time just flies by

My district right before transfers. Sister Rust and Ricks, us, Elders Stein and Sasser. Love them!

My sweet companion did this for me for my 13 month mark! She's the best.

Week 56

I just hit my 13 month mark! Can not believe how fast everything is going. I feel like my life is just like that huge boulder that almost crushes Indiana Jones during the ride at Disney. I'm hangin in there though!

Yesterday was Sister Reboquio's 20th birthday!! She is SO amazing! There's not much you can do to surprise your companion since we're together all the time. But I did what I could! Cleaned the kitchen, made lunch, wrote a note on the mirror, texted her favorite members at church to wish her a happy bday. Joakim set up the best birthday surprise of course! He is so good at giving gifts. They got her roses and a beautiful music jewelry box. Also really yummy cake and our favorite- Ben&Jerry's! We are both addicted to that stuff.

I'm so lucky to be with her 3 transfers. That is a long time in missionary time! Hardly ever are companions together for that long. But we need each other. It has been so hot this week, we've really had to keep the other going and remembering why we do this. Ohhh and my knee.... So it's just been kind of a rough week overall. I fell and skinned my leg. My knee is disgusting, it's just raw. I've been doing a very good job at cleaning it- which hurts a ton! So it's healing up pretty fast, but it still hurts to walk on and very annoying to deal with. All that just made this week a little hard because we did a lot of walking and working in the sun in 100+ weather. We didn't find any new investigators which was kind of a bummer. We have to remember there are up and down weeks, so it's okay! Of course there are still always miracles. The Carillo family all came to church! Roberto's mother- the member from Mexico- is in town. She had wanted to go to the Spanish branch but Esmirna said "I want to go to our ward, I'll just translate for her." So that's what she did! So happy she considers this her ward family. I love them!

We're trying to think of more creative ways of working so we don't tract so much. So tomorrow we are doing something way fun! For a young women's project, we are going to have a YW in our ward be a 'missionary for a day' with us. She's going to start early morning till almost the end of the night. She's so excited and we are too. I think it will be a great experience for her.

Joakim is going out of town for 6 weeks so I won't see him for a lonnnng time after today! So sad, but he probably needs to see his family in Norway every once in a while. His poor mother- haha.

Well thanks so much for everything! For all the support and prayers. It's so great to be surrounded by so much strength and faith. Jesus Christ keeps me going. I'm not finished yet, but lemme tell you, I will be ready when the time comes.

Week 55

Hey y'all! 

Yep I'm staying in Sachse. I'm excited!! But so tired, not going to lie. I've grown so much these past 6 months, and growing is tiring. Sister Reboquio has been the hugest blessing though. I can't thank the Lord enough for her. She is so patient with me! We are going to see miracles these next 6 weeks, guaranteed. Also I'm working on being more bold, so pray for me!

The big event of this week was meeting the new mission president. President and Sister Taylor are amazing of course! Sister Taylor is so sweet and they have an adorable family. We are focusing on Becoming One around the mission, our wards, as companions, and around the world. Because we need to make God's will our will. 

I really don't know what to say, which is weird because I usually do! It was a great week. We are working hard. The 4th of July was AMAZING, just like it always is. It seriously might be my favorite holiday, possibly tied with Christmas. We mostly helped Joakim clean out the garage. That night we went to go contact at a festival, but we weren't allowed to. So we ended up going home BUT we watched the fireworks from our apartment and they were amazing! It was Sister Reboquio's first real fireworks show, she loved it. 

Don't have much time today because we need to say goodbye to all the missionaries getting transferred! Love you all. Pray for me this transfer! 

Much Love,

Sissy Dalling

Write ME!

Sister Kristina Dalling

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

or email:

kristina.dalling@myldsmail.net

Week 53 & 54 News from Sachse, Texas!

It was really sad saying goodbye to the Durrants. They are both so amazing! I can't believe how much they have sacrificed for us. I will miss them so much!!

Tj is basically the big brother I never had but always will have now. He's incredible! And I couldn't ask for anyone better than Kaycee to spend forever with him. 

I love these funny pictures! This is just their families. 

Nothing like a trunky, kissing picture at the temple!

Week 54-

Wow everyone, I can't believe it's already the last week of the transfer. This is the first time I'm not really anxious for transfer news. At this point, I really just want to be where Lord wants me to be. Where He thinks I can make a difference. Whether that be here or somewhere else, we'll find out.

It was a great week in Sachse! We taught more lessons this week than we ever have here, I'm pretty sure. It felt great. Of course, we still had time for a ton of tracting. By the way I have like 15 mosquito bites! And yes, I spray bug spray every day! My companion doesn't even have 1. I guess I need more trials in my life or something-haha. I feel like I've been in the refiner's fire for 6 months. It's been hard, but the results are great.

This week has been super 'filipino'. Every where we go we seem to run into Filipinos- it's been so great! Sister Reboquio is going to be able to touch so many lives! One of the members in our ward-Sister Anderson- is like my Sachse mom. She is literally just like my real mom, it's weird. She is good friends with her sons' former teacher who happens to be Filipina. We had dinner with them twice this week! I've been eating so much Asian food. It's all really good though and I know Sister Reboquio loves speaking her language and sharing in their culture.

Jacob is doing just amazing. I love him! He's like an uncle to me. I can't wait to go to the Holy lands with him someday. It's so nice having connections!

Alisha is also doing really well. She is so strong.

Esmirna is feeling a little pressured, so please pray for her.

Speaking of baptisms I sang at TWO on Saturday! One of God's tender mercies to me.. being able to sing nearly every week of my mission. I love it!

Don't have a ton of time today, sorry. But know I'm working hard and loving it! Even the weather hasn't been that bad yet. Just the bugs. Well I sure love yall a lot!

-Sister Dalling

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Week 53-

My wonderful Family and Friends,

I had a great week! Lots of hard work and roller coaster of emotions, but as always it's been amazing.

There's a lot to cover with not much time, so sorry if I don't get everything!

Monday- We found a new investigator who just let us in. He's quite the person. I haven't met anyone like him yet. He grew up Christian but then later on got so confused by all the religions he kind of just set it all aside. He is so much confused by it all now so much that he doesn't even know if he's a Christian. He says there's just so much out there and it's impossible to prove any of it as THE truth because we all claim to have the truth. It's going to be an interesting process teaching him. He doesn't like when we say 'I know these things are true or I know...etc'. But I do know it! So it's impossible not to say those words.

Wednesday- Singing at the Spanish Specialized was fun even though we didn't understand any of it. I still can't believe President Durrant asked me to tour the mission with him for these trainings. It was such a great experience sharing his testimony through the song I sang. We also taught Jacob again. He's doing so great. He says he knows this church is true! He is such a testimony to me..of prophecy being fulfilled, of intellect and faith, of the Book of Mormon, etc. He is studying that book backwards and forwards because he's thirsting for knowledge of the gospel. He's truly feasting upon the words of Christ. We love him!

Thursday- We literally tracted all day. Usually this is our planning day, but we both felt that since we were spending so much time in specialized trainings, we were just going to plan in any of our down time such as lunch/dinner/inthecar. I'm super lucky I have such a great companion who loves to work and have fun. Tracting would be pretty awful otherwise. We always meet really interesting people. I love Texans. I hate mosquitos.

Friday- This was a great day. We got to see everyone at the last Specialized. It was really sad saying goodbye to the Durrants. They are both so amazing! I can't believe how much they have sacrificed for us. I love how anyone can easily see their priorities: God then family. I'll miss them so much! Later that night we went to a 'movie night' our district put together for investigators and members. We watched the Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration video. Esmirna and her family came. It was a great experience EXCEPT Satan had to throw in his efforts. The fire alarm was going off the entire time and nobody could turn it off. Everyone still stayed and watched the whole thing though, so it turned out alright.

Saturday- I probably had the best few hours of my entire mission on Saturday. Tj and Kaycee Michalow were sealed June 21 at 1pm. It was such a spiritual experience. It made me really excited to get married someday to be honest! It's such a beautiful thing to know that marriage is eternal. They looked so happy. There were many tears. So many people I didn't even know thanked me for my hand in it. Kaycee thanked me for following the spirit and serving because eternal families is our entire goal as missionaries. Even though I feel I was just lucky to be there at the right time and place, it was so amazing seeing the highest rewards of missionary efforts. It makes every second worth it. Every rejection, every meal skipped, every sleepless night, every tear shed, every sweat drop, every prayer of plea worth it.

Sunday- We had a great lesson with a less active sister, Sister Gonzales. She has a lot of health issues which is mostly why she doesn't come to church. She has a strong testimony. We all ended up crying when she said no matter what she does she knows God loves her because every time she needs someone, we show up at her door within 24 hours. I can't tell you enough about how important it is to follow the spirit. And she committed to come to church next week no matter what.

We also stayed in the zone leader's ward to hear Elder Munday's last testimony before he left for medical testing. I feel so extremely lucky to have spent the last 6 months in this zone with this incredible elder. Anyone else would have gone home long ago. He's an amazing example of serving God to the end. This is a pretty scary trial to go through but he's facing it with faith and confidence that God's plan will prevail. Keep him in your prayers please.

Well that was my week! Quite the roller coaster right? Wow, I love my mission!!

Trying not to think about all the crazy decisions I have to make for after my mission, but there's no avoiding it.

Love all y'all and each y'all!

Sissy Dalling

Write ME!

Sister Kristina Dalling

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

or email:

kristina.dalling@myldsmail.net

Happy Father's Day: Week 52 from Sacshe, Texas

Hey Everyone!!

Happy Father's Day to all those amazing men out there. Especially my daddy. You've done soo much for me I can't even put into words how much I love you. It was so fun singing at the lessons we had. Some of the highlights.. On Tuesday the zone leaders (e.munday&e.meads) came with us to teach Jennifer and Josh. I sang "Come, Thou Fount", one of my favorite songs. The spirit was really strong and it was a great lesson. My other favorite time was at Esmirna and Roberto's lesson. President and Sister Durrant came and to teach about The First Vision I sang "Joseph's First Prayer". The spirit there was undeniable and their family accepted the baptismal invitation! I seriously love that family so much. I also sang at the Specialized Training out east in Tyler, TX. I got to see Sister Nance! It was so much fun being the only sisters in a huge conference. Everyone loved the song. It was really sad seeing the Durrants say goodbye to those missionaries. Pretty soon President and Sister Taylor will be here. This week I'm singing at the Spanish Specialized Training as well as our S.Training on Wednesday and Friday! Singing at every lesson also made me miss my dad! Singing is what our family does. Some of our best memories are gathered around the piano or doing 'concerts' for mom. Even on school nights sometimes staying up until midnight singing while my dad plays piano. I love my dad, couldn't ask for anyone better. I'll always be your little girl!


Click here for Youtube song-->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4rZbfCNTpQ

I have the best parents in the world. I say over and over again, God really spoils me. I feel like God has put me in the most perfect conditions for me. He has the perfect plan and He's held my hand the whole way through. So I'm eternally grateful for my Heavenly Father.

I hit my year mark on Thursday! Cant believe it. Time is a funny thing, sometimes it seems so slow but then you realize a whole year went by in the blink of an eye.

Robert moved to Arizona. It was so hard saying goodbye. We've grown really close, especially through that experience with Judy. 

Jacob is doing pretty well. He's studying the Book of Mormon like crazy, he knows its true! There's just a lot of cultural pressure that is holding him back from baptism. Keep praying!

Going out east we got to ride with the Assistants and Elders Evan and Lee. It was so weird being in a van of elders! It was a lot of fun. Assistant Larsen even got pulled over on the way there. Luckily he just got a warning because he was following the speed on the gps rather than the posted sign..oops! The cop was a true Texas ranger though, it was really funny. Afterward we went to really yummy Texas bbq at this little place called Stanleys. It was sooo good!

Stanley's bbq! That burger was HUGE. and yes all those napkins are from wiping grease off. So yummy though.

On Saturday we did a free lemonade/bible/bookofmormon stand with a few companionships from the Zone. It was really fun. We made posters and got cars to stop by and see what we were all about. It was a great, fun, easy way to introduce the gospel.

This week we get to go to Tj and Kaycee Michalow's wedding!! The timing is just right that I get to go! Again, God spoils me. I'm so excited to see them sealed in the temple! It will be my first sealing. I just love the temple!

Can't believe I'm coming up on 6 months in Sachse! But I love it, it'll be sad when it's over. This transfer is already halfway through!

Thank you all for your prayers and support! I couldn't be happier!

Love,

Sister Bina Dalling

Write ME!

Sister Kristina Dalling

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

or email:

kristina.dalling@myldsmail.net

Compared to Oregon this isn't super out of the ordinary, but east Texas is so much prettier than the city. There are so many trees! I really feel deprived.

Mission Week 51: 1 Year in Texas!!:)

Aloha! 

Where do I begin? 

While my family is in Hawaii, I get to be in Texas! 

It has been the best year of my whole, entire life. 

And it was a great week! I really do love Sachse. 

This one family we have been teaching is doing so well! That family is so prepared, it's insane. She knows the church is true because she's seen the fruits of it, especially in her husband's family in Mexico. They love the feeling at church and the gospel principles book. She just hasn't gained a testimony of The Book of Mormon yet, but she will in time. Because this family is so close, President Durrant is actually coming to their lesson this week when we teach the whole family for the first time.

Sadly, some other investigators have been reading a lot of anti material so they are struggling right now, especially with Joseph Smith. Pray for us this week! Only pure testimony and faith can overcome this. We've ran into so many people who are engrossed in anti material. It can destroy faith. In reality, you will find whatever you are looking for. If you want anti about anything, you'll find it. But man does not provide truth, only God does. If someone shows me anything that somehow proves the church is wrong, and the source is man, of course I will go to the true source, GOD. And God is my source, strength, and foundation of my life and testimony. 

Our Jewish investigator is also doing really well. I can't tell you how amazing it is to be teaching someone from Israel. He has fig trees in his backyard from seeds from Jerusalem and seriously that fruit is so amazing! He also says he knows the Book of Mormon is true! However it's going to be a hard journey for him because in their culture and the town he's from, if you switch religions, the entire town and family shun you. He needs a lot of prayers and faith. 

We had an amazing meeting with Robert. He had such an inspirational experience with Judy as she was dying. He just felt so close to the veil. He could tell she could see those of their family that have already passed away. We felt really strongly that Judy has accepted the gospel and will help Robert the rest of his journey. He moves to Arizona this next week. 

One of my best friends, Elder Munday, on the mission is really sick and might have to go home. He's been sick for 14 months but has made it this far. Doctors have examined and tested and haven't found the source, but he's going to see one of the top doctors who is a member next week. He could use a lot of prayers though. 

I have to share an experience that happened last night! We had a little bit of time left before we  had to go home, so we went to the parking lot to contact a few more people. The first two people we talked to were Jewish. We talked to them for like an hour, mostly about the Book of Mormon, an atheist joined the conversation for a bit AND a Jehovah's Witness who came to thank us for our work (he thought were jw at first). So that's just a small experience to show you just how much religion is here in Texas. It's crazy.

One more thing.. next Sunday is Father's Day! I love my daddy so much. It's so hard to believe I've been away from my family for a year. It hit me this morning, especially because I haven't seen my precious Emily in so long! Ok anyways, so for Father's Day I decided I'm going to give something to the best dad in the world. Sister Durrant challenged us to do give of our time or talents. So this week, every lesson I am going to sing a song in honor of my daddy. I'll let y'all know how it goes next week! 

And I get to go out East this week for Specialized Training to sing I Love Jesus Christ! I'm so excited to see Sister Nance!! We get to ride with the assistants for 2 hours each way. Such an honor to be able to do this. 

Well I love y'all! 

Love,

Sister Dalling

Week of the Infestation of Blessings and Trials (Week 45 Update from Sachse, Texas)

The Gladys Knight Concert was so AMAZING!

It's been kind of a crazy week, so I'll try to cover most of it!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! We've had a lot of Mexican food this week because everyone found out Sister Reboquio hadn't had it before. So we're prepared to have a very Tex-Mex holiday today. 

I don't even know where to begin! I've been pretty overwhelmed with so many ups and downs. Sachse is definitely turning out to be a growth period in my life. 

Monday- My birthday was just so great! Of course you already heard about most of it and all that my family did. Then Joakim's family gave me a true birthday party! It was the best! There was chocolate cake, a huge teddy bear, and an awesome card everybody signed. And Joakim sang happy birthday in Norwegian. I feel so loved! We also had a family home evening (FHE) with the Sanchez family. I stole my parents Tree of Life idea and we did it with them. The kids loved it! We made a 'rod of iron' out of string and it led to the 'fruit of the tree of life' or candy. We blind folded them and we pretended to be the adversary to get them to let go. Brother Sanchez went first since Lehi went first to lead his family down the path. It was so powerful.  The kids loved it! Thanks mom and dad for being such great parents! Keep those FHE's going. 

Tuesday- we have this new investigator who is progressing pretty well. She hasn't come to church yet and we haven't taught her family yet, but you can tell there is sincere desire to know. She is a tender mercy! We've been praying so hard for someone like her. We also met with a "less active" couple, but you wouldn't know it because their testimonies are still strong. Anyways, we had a great conversation about blessings and miracles in our lives' and the mother shared an experience about doing her father's temple work since she is a convert. Then my companion started tearing up and told us about how her father's work hasn't been done either. She's the only one in her family who can do it since she is the most active. She didn't know she could do it on her mission, but I told her it would happen no matter what. So we called President Durrant and got permission. We asked Joakim to perform the baptism for her father. This week or the next we are going to have the baptism of Brother Reboquio who died 18 years ago. It was such an incredible, spiritual experience. And we have both felt his presence. We know he is ready and excited. I'm so grateful for the temple! 

Thursday- We had a great lesson with Joakim about the priesthood. So exciting! I also had to get a ton more allergy medicine because Texas is crazy and it kills me. It affects my whole body and there is no medication that is strong enough. But life goes on! I just won't be able to properly breathe for a couple of months. 

Friday- I don't remember what day this happened, but we helped the Arrevalo's paint the entire inside of their garage. That was fun and a good experience. We also ended up talking with two Jehovah's Witness' for about an hour. Technically they are new investigators, but we are mostly just trying to understand the others' beliefs. It will be interesting! Who knows, they could feel the Spirit testify to them this message is true! We've been working so hard though, tracting at least 4 hours almost every day. We've talked to over 200 people and haven't had very much luck, so that kind of got me down for a couple of days. But I've been learning and realizing a lot about what true success is. Again. God is so patient with me. I keep having to learn this lesson. He knows it's a hard one for me, but He also knows, better than I do, that I can get through it. 

Saturday- It was a truly beautiful day, but for whatever reason this is when the stress just piled up. It was a hard day, but we are getting through it! My companion is so incredible, strong, and patient. I love her example. So our fridge stopped working (it's still not fixed today even though apt management was supposed to fix it 2 days ago), all of our food spoiled, we have an ant infestation now in our kitchen, a lot of people who were going to attend Gladys Knight's fireside cancelled, I have 7 mosquito bites, etc. The list could go on and on I assure you, BUT I'm growing a lot. It's ok. I've been doing a lot of study and prayer. God is making me very strong for my life and family ahead. I know I need all of these experiences, but He has a lot more faith in me than I do. I'm sure that's true with everyone. When I do a deep study about something like that, I get very deep and dramatic- haha. I'm sure someone will be able to benefit from my answers I've received though. In my journal some of my thoughts were pretty profound looking back so I thought I should share them: God needs me. I came to Earth to become who I need to be. That is my responsibility, I will respond. I can't give up. I want to live so He can trust me, I want my heart to be like His. I believe in Christ, so come what may. John 16:33- "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I [Christ] have overcome the world." "Hold on, child of God. Keep believing. Don't quit. Don't give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to miss what God wants to teach us through our troubles"-march ensign "The future is as bright as your faith.""Our Heavenly Father, who gives us so much to delight in, also knows that we learn and grow to become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass.. Such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were- better than we were, more understanding than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before." President Thomas S. Monson

I can testify of the truthfulness of all of that. Even though my trials are so small right now, I'm grateful I was able to have some insight on the subject. God has revealed so many amazing things to me. 

Sunday- Church was great as always! Joakim is going to bless the sacrament next week! And it was the anniversary of my baptism 12 years ago! That was a pretty special realization. And we went to Gladys Knight with Joakim, Meggie, Laura, and their friend Joshua. I also got to see Sister Stephenson! It was such an amazing fireside. Sister Knight's husband bore his testimony as well, and wow. His testimony and witness was so powerful. Music is the most incredible thing. It truly breaks all boundaries of culture or color. I know everyone there felt the Spirit. I hope I can share my testimony that strongly through music. She is truly a powerful tool in God's hands. 

So I hope my week can give you a spiritual boost as well. I've definitely felt the Spirit so strongly each day. I am so blessed! Even after spraying, killing, and scrubbing our disgusting fridge for an hour, even after all of our food went to waste, even after all of my itchy bites, stuffy nose, and watery eyes, I am SO blessed. Literally, God spoils me. Thank y'all for reading! May you feel God's hand in your life each day. 

Love,

Sister Kristina Dalling

p.s. I am a Christian. :)

p.p.s. there will be pictures next week! We took lots of blue bonnets and of my birthday, I just forgot my camera!

#7moremonthsnextweek

"Happy Easter!" Week 43 Update from Sachse, Texas

"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

Week 36 from Sachse, Texas: "Transfer 7!!!"

Our district- Elder Campbell, Elder Taylor, us, and Sisters Otto and Nance

Joakim and Felipe! We are all basically best friends. 

Love them!

Felipe is the best member missionary ever!

Gina was in our ward but just moved to NC :( she was so awesome though! I love her! 

Hello everyone!! 

So quick update on why I'm emailing Wednesday.. The weather is insane in Texas. Insane. Saturday was the most beautiful day in the 70's, felt like spring. And then Sunday dropped 50 degrees and iced and snowed again. I was driving 15 mph on the way home from church it was so bad. One miracle from that storm though! It's kind of scary, don't freak out because we are fine! As we were driving home, we came to an intersection and the light turned yellow, so of course I stopped, but our brakes kept skidding because of the ice and we were not stopping. But somehow we stopped at exactly the right spot so that we wouldn't get hit either from the front or the back. It was pretty scary though. I hate ice! So then Monday, the whole mission was ordered to stay indoors. Texas is crazy.

Okay so a sister in The Colony actually went home early, so Sister Walton replaced her for the rest of that week. She got really homesick. :( So Sister Stephenson and I finished the transfer off on our own. It was a very good transfer! And we are staying together for at least another 6 weeks, so I'm very grateful for that. We are both staying in Sachse! And it's my 7th Transfer!! That means I only have 6 left.. I hit my halfway mark next week.. insane. 

We had a really awesome miracle! So we were tracting a street and one man answered and politely declined and didn't take a card even, the rest of the street didn't seem to be receptive either, but then I noticed a dog. This dog was just roaming around and so we called him over. He was super nice and wouldn't leave our side after that. We knocked on a few doors to see if anyone knew who's dog it was because it appeared to be a stray, and nobody knew. But tracting with the dog was super effective. People actually talked to us for a few minutes longer than how long it takes to shut the door! We even got a pretty great potential investigator from it. He told us he knows he needs to make religion more a part of his life, so he wants us to come back! After tracting a few more houses with our new companion, we decided to call the animal shelter to come pick up the dog. As we were waiting, the man who refused even a card earlier came out with his dog to check the mail. Our dogs wanted to meet and we explained the situation. He thought it was the most amazing thing that we cared enough about that poor dog to have called the animal shelter. He kept saying how impressed he was, after we got to know him and his dog a little better, he opened up about religion. he didn't like how all the Christian faiths are kind of against each other, we explained we don't like it either. And we are very aware of it, too, since 90% of Texas is Christian and only a very small percentage are particularly welcoming. We explained our purpose and what we do. He thought it was great and wants us to come back! So basically, I love dogs. so much. I miss my Prince back at home! Can't wait to see my dog again. They really are a man's best friend. 

So remember Robert and Judy? Judy has Lou Gherig's disease.. and the bishop, mission president, and ward mission leader are determined to find a way to get her baptized! Her lessons are amazing and the spirit is always so strong, but we can't tell how attentive she is or how much she understands. We explained to her that mostly we are going to focus on the change of heart and her desires and devotion to Christ since she can't really break any commandments. We focused on what true repentance means, and it's all helping Robert too! Even though Judy can't move, talk, or do anything really to communicate, it honestly feels like our souls are communicating. It is truly beautiful. Sometimes during lessons, she can't help when she falls asleep, so we even thought of things Robert can do with her when he knows she's attentive enough to understand, like Mormon messages, ensign talks, and scriptures. They are awesome! 

Church was great! It's weird because most of our investigators are going to the ysa ward.. Joakim and Todd came. Todd is new! So he's awesome. He's 19 and just a great person. We knocked on his door and he agreed to meet with us again! So we taught him the first lesson and when I invited him to be baptized, I almost couldn't even finish asking, he said "are you done asking the question? Yes!" It was very exciting. He even pretty much scheduled it in. He said he'd do anything to find out if this is all true. So we are very excited about him. He's an MMA fighter and works a ton, but he's determined to make time for this. Unfortunately we'll probably have to hand him off the ysa elders. The only reason we haven't handed off Joakim is because we are teaching the family sporadically as well. But church was awesome! For now, it's very fun going to the ysa ward. 6 hours of church, but it's all good! I've been getting a lot out of the meetings recently, because I've been taking notes in every meeting! It helps me pay attention and feel the Spirit. Joakim and Felipe bore their testimonies, and it was one of the best moments. Joakim told us he wants to be baptized when he finishes The Book of Mormon hopefully and he wants Felipe to be the one to baptize him. He stayed up to 3am reading and is already done with all of 1Nephi! Ysa wards are so awesome, they have so much success because people this age are so receptive! I love it! 

Sadly one of our investigators isn't really making any progress, pray for him! We don't want to have to drop him, but we might have to. And please also keep the Riegals in your prayers. They were the family I taught in The Colony, Alex got baptized. Apparently the dad won't let his family go to church because Sunday morning is the only time he has off of work. So they have to choose between family and church.. It's really sad. They haven't been in a while.. But I heard every one else is doing great, including John!  And JEREMY IS GETTING BAPTIZED MARCH 15 :) I'm so excited! Finally! And they will be sealed next year in the temple as a family. Best news ever! 

Well I love you all! So much! I love my mission! It's crazy how fast it's going. 

Love,

Sister Kristina Dalling

Write me!

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

Week 34 from Sachse, Texas!

Sleepover!

Valentine's Day -- Love these girls!

More Valentine's Day pics!

Well this was quite an experience. We wanted to go to lunch as a district, but two of our companionships don't have cars, we're the only ones who do. Soooo the elders got in the trunk..shhh.. :) #ThisIsn'tSaratovApproach

Snow Day!

my 8 month celebration :) Bahama Bucks has the best shaved ice

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a beautiful and lovely week! Valentine's Day weekend was the best. I hope it was the same for y'all too.

I have some good stories this week!

One story I completely forgot to tell, but it is pretty funny. So it was very cold outside, snowing in fact. So Sister Stephenson and I had the brilliant idea that we should build a fire in our fireplace. We had a few twigs and logs. We got a pretty good fire started but we didn't understand why it kept dying, especially when we put the log on. We kept trying for quite some time, but then the smoke alarm went off, so we opened all of our doors to get the smoke out and then our apartment ended up colder than when we began. Later on we found out you have to open something in the fireplace to let smoke out and oxygen in- no one told us! Growing up can be fun sometimes.

Best fire ever :)

A member in our ward did my hair this week! I'm so grateful for members who love missionaries! It's a little darker than I usually go, but it'll fade! We also had a sleepover with Sister Nance and Sister Otto before a meeting the next day because they are on bikes. That was a ton of fun too, but I think we were all too tired the next day because of it.

Wednesday we found a new investigator. Loves cars, super Texan. Lives more country and is married. We taught him the Restoration and he loved it! He's always believed in Christ but was never really religious. When we taught him about the  great apostasy, he said how it all made sense now and no one had explained it to him yet. We are teaching him again this week, so cross your fingers!

This week we spent quite some time with Joakim! He's awesome! We have a ton of fun learning from each other. They had a huge group of Unitarian missionaries we got to meet and get to know a little. They were all very nice. Then we watched the long version of the Joseph Smith movie. I always love watching that movie. So in Norway, they don't really celebrate Valentine's Day so of course we had to show him how great it is! We gave him his first Valentine he's ever received! We also visited a Buddhist temple, which was a neat experience. Next stop- the Dallas Temple! 

Joakim, me and Sis Stephenson :) 

Richard took us out to Outback Steakhouse, and it was crazy busy! It was so good though. They gave us milkshakes in the most adorable containers and we asked if we could take a container home and they made and exception for us!! It was great.

Only 1 investigator came to church this Sunday, so that was kind of disappointing. Nevertheless it was a good day. We had an awesome lesson with three less active sisters who are all ysa age. They are so awesome! Ally and her two sisters I can't remember their names right now! We've taught Ally a few times, but her sisters joined for the first time today. It went so well. We talked about The Gospel of Jesus Christ. The spirit was so strong, especially as we talked about repentance. Afterward they promised to come to church next week and said our lessons are always exactly what Ally needs. Then we had kind of a sad lesson with one investigator. He hasn't kept any commitments, including reading, so we had to say he needs to start reading for us to meet as often as we do. For now, we will just be seeing him on Sundays. He was okay with it and understands he can't make much progress til he does that. That's always a hard lesson to have! But his desire is there, so it'll be fine.

This week we are having Elder Ellis of the Seventy come! So that's exciting. It's hard to believe this transfer is over half over!

I have the best family ever! I loved my Valentine package, flowers, and mail. I love and pray for y'all!

Have to go bowling and lazer tagging with some awesome missionaries :)

after I send some pictures!

Love,
Sister Kristina Dalling
6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

Happy Valentine's Day!!! (week 33 from Sachse, Texas)

Happy Valentine's Day!!! What a great holiday! God has definitely shown His love for me this week.

In church yesterday, someone shared what their mission president always told them and I absolutely LOVED it. 

Love is the motive.

Faith is the power.

Obedience is the price.

So true! I absolutely love my God! No matter how hard missions can get, serving God in this way is the greatest way I can honor Him. I reached this epiphany while reading President Monson's talk titled "The Lord Needs Missionaries". 

I reach my 8 month mark on Wednesday! Can't believe it!! 

So my week was pretty good. Mondays we play basketball with our Zone and it is so much fun! That unathletic Sister Dalling you used to know is dwindling! I've gotten so much better at volleyball and basketball- you wouldn't believe. I even made 3 shots and that was playing against elders too! Granted, they might've gone a little easier on the sisters, it was still an accomplishment. That's what I get for having a NBA player for a mission president! 

We visited Richard's car shop this week. That was really cool! His mechanics showed us different cars and what was under the car as well as under the hood. This week I was truly convinced I was sent here to learn  from others more than they are to learn from me. It's been like that with Richard and all of the other appointments we had. I am just so fascinated at everyone's' life and experiences- they're all so different. Every experience shapes who we are even if we don't realize. 

We met with a new family- the Sanchezs'. They are so awesome! They have a great faith and family. They are a joy to teach and to be around. Sister Sanchez is full Navajo Indian, her grandma still lives on a reservation. She has some crazy stories about traditions and pow-wows. Brother Sanchez is a professional hunter. He travels the world, hunting animals and shooting footage of it. His videos are under Blind Goat media- look em up on youtube!! There's a super cute  one about his daughter coming on a trip with him. Their house is so cool. On the outside, it's just a small, normal house, but the inside looks like a cabin in the woods. They have animal heads everywhere and all the walls are covered in wood too, it's very rustic! They have a family ranch with horses down the road that we are going to start serving at! Bring on the horse poop! 

So it has been so cold!  We even had snow and freezing rain! I can't wait til I don't have to wear dresses in this kind of weather, builds character though! 

Even though Richard didn't come to church this week (he was sick), we had 2 investigators at church! That was a HUGE miracle. Huge. John came, and he's a friend of a youth in our ward who we are going to start teaching. Also we took Joakim to the YSA ward! It was so fun going to that ward. We are going to share him with those elders, too. His lessons are the most interesting experiences! He is quite a character! 

Anyways, hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's filled with lots of love. Know that I LOVE YOU! 

Love,

Sister Kristina Dalling

6360 Murphy Rd.

#123

Sachse, TX 75048