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

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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 49 "My life is like my shoes - to be worn out in service" (Sachse, Texas)

“My life is like my shoes—to be worn out in service.” — Spencer W. Kimball 

Hey everyone!

Sorry I didn't have a ton of time last week, or this week.

I'm doing well. Judy passed away last week. Super sad but it was the best thing for her because she was suffering every moment of life.

Esmirna and her family are doing really well! 

Jacob is also doing well. He is incredible to teach. He knows SO much but says I understand more than he does which blows my mind. But the gospel really does make everything so clear and simple. I feel so honored to have met him, what an amazing person with so much knowledge. His knowledge with faith in the gospel....wow. He will do amazing things.

We've been working so hard every day! We tract a ton, but it's been alright. It's starting to get hot though- 95 to 100 every day all day! Let me tell you- when you're fasting that is not very much fun. But it's incredible to feel God's strength in every breath because we have to rely on Him to provide that. Sister Reboquio is still the best- I love her! Made me tear up the other day just thinking about how lucky I am to have her.

I've been studying the enabling power of the Atonement a lot. I love this quote from E. Holland: "I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when He finds that His people do not feel confident in His care or secure in His hands." I loved it because it's so true! We all need to trust our Savior more. To rely on Him each moment. He can help us through anything.

Also: "My life is like a pair of shoes- to be worn out in the service of God." Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

Well I love y'all! Still loving every moment of my mission. It's going by way too fast.

Love,

Sister Dalling

Week 46/47/48 "Staying in Sachse!!"

I Love Jesus Christ, Lyrics written by President Durrant, Music by Elder Clark Evans, and sung by Sister Kristina Dalling (Click on link to see youtube video)

Sister Nance and I :)

and my awesome birthday present from the Leas, mostly Joakim. 

Best Mission birthday ever! :)

Best Mission birthday ever! :) (Part II)

The Leas let us borrow their cooler..for a week! I am seriously spoiled, I thought this was such a trial. I'm learning :)

This bug. Found it in the middle of our kitchen! Ew. 

Blue Bonnet flowers - My favorite!

Week 48: 

Hey y'all!

First and most importantly: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA DALLING! I love you so much! You are such an inspiration to me. I feel so lucky and blessed to bear your name here in Texas. Your legacy is unbelievable. I'm so happy I am yours forever and ever!:) <3

Another 6 weeks in Sachse, and I'm so grateful to be here!! I have no idea what the Lord has in store for me, but it will be worth it, I know that.

I really don't have much time today because it's Memorial Day, we only have half an hour.

Let me tell you, we had the most incredible week. We found 8 new investigators and the best news of all......WE HAVE A BAPTISMAL DATE! Jacob, from Israel. He is golden. He kept saying how much of an honor it would be to be a Mormon and asking how he could join. Of course we told him it would take a few weeks to understand and accept everything, but he has true desire! He is incredible. He's an expert on the Bible and genealogy.

I really am learning so much about history and the Bible. It's been such a good experience serving in Texas.

Every day we have just been so blessed. We even went to the temple with Joakim to show him around. It is so beautiful with all the spring flowers. I love that place.

Well that's all for now! I'm so happy to have my awesome companion and to be surrounded by so many amazing people.

Keep Jacob in your prayers!

I love you!!!

Love,
Sister Dalling

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Week 47:

Hey y'all!

I had a great week! Really, God has been good. But first, transfer calls are this Saturday!! I have mixed feelings about it, which is good because either way I'll be okay with it. Leaving Sachse would be really sad for me. I've grown to love the people so much here. Also I've learned SO much about myself. I've really become more like the person I am always striving to be. But staying in Sachse would be a trial as well because I'm dying to teach and baptize more. We are working so hard. I've never been more tired in my life, except maybe on finals week. But this is like a finals week that never ends..for 18 months! I know wherever God calls me will be the place I need to go. I'm learning to trust that. Patience is one thing I haven't mastered yet, so waiting for the call is really, really difficult! We'll see!

So this week we found 6 new investigators! It was a complete miracle. We pushed through really hard and the Lord blessed us. I'm always amazed when people let two strangers into their home to hear a message. But it happens and it's great when it does!

One huge miracle is Zach. He was taught by elders for a long time. They stopped meeting with him about a year ago. He lives next door to an awesome member in our ward, who called us up and told us he really thinks it's time to try Zach again. So we called Zach and met with him and he is awesome! We had a really good discussion about the reason and blessings why we have the word of wisdom. He has a testimony of just about everything! We also met the cutest couple who just let us in. They are 84 year old devout Mexican Catholics, but they love talking about God with anyone of any faith. They've been together 60 years and were just adorable. He kept saying she's losing her mind and he's just waiting for the Good Lord to call him home. They are still so in love and serve each other all the time. They even sang a song for us- old people are the best! Oh we also met a man named Jacob. He is from Israel but has lived in Texas for a long time. He's fluent in 4 languages, Hebrew, English, and I don't remember the last two. He's read the Bible in all four! He knows a lot as you can imagine and even knows a lot about our faith. He investigated many years ago. He heard a few anti things that turned him off but really respects the church. He told us that ours is one of the biggest churches Jerusalem has allowed to be built there. He is willing to listen to our message again, so wish us luck! I learn so much from all the faith here in Texas.

I sang President Durrant's song "I love Jesus Christ" at the Carrolton Stake Conference on Sunday. It was a huge honor to be there. President Durrant was one of the speakers and introduced the song, let us perform it, and that was his talk! I still can't believe I get to be the one to sing this wonderful song.  I love my mission president!

Robert and Judy really aren't doing well. Judy is in her last moments. The doctors suggested to Robert that they stop feeding her soon, then she has just 1-3 days left. We visited twice this week. She is in really bad shape, her lungs are filling up with water and they aren't feeding her very much at all because it worsens the condition of her lungs. Robert is so strong and he knows she does not want to live like this. He asked me to sing Judy a song, and I sang I Stand All Amazed. She will be well taken care of when she leaves this life, that I am sure of. It's impossible to be with those two and not feel God's love for them. It is an honor to know such amazing people. Robert is also a recovering alcoholic and designed something called the Marble Cage, it's too help people who are overcoming addiction. It's really a beautiful thing. Go on his website marbleinacage.com to check it out. He's amazing!

Well, that's it folks! I'm doing great, thanks for all the prayers and support!

Love,

Sister Dalling

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Week 46:

Mother's Day was the best!! 

I'm so glad I got to talk to my family. I miss y'all so much! But I know I'm loved and have so much support. This mission would be a lot harder without my family. Mothers are incredible, especially my mom. They have so much responsibility, and seriously have the hardest job in the world. Preparing children to face this world is a daunting task, but so many mothers face it fearlessly every day. I wouldn't be here today if my mom didn't take the time to teach me about my Father in Heaven, my Savior, and the gospel.

So we had a great week! It was pretty slow, but of course we saw miracles. We met someone this week who thought the heavens were still closed and miracles ceased. Their preacher is saying that, I couldn't believe it! I told her to spend a day with us if she wanted to see proof that God is a God of miracles and there is a constant flow of revelation pouring down from Heaven. 

Jennifer and Josh are that nice couple who let us in when we knocked on the door. We met with them again and still had a lot of questions. They are so nice and really seem to have a desire to understand. They let us borrow their mini fridge and are going to feed us dinner tomorrow night! I really hope and pray we can help them understand the restored gospel. They are such awesome people. It always amazes me how God provides. There's so many people in my life that God uses as tools to support me. The Leas are great examples of that. Laura seems to save the day when I need it most. I wish little things like fridges and ant infestations didn't bother me but those little things add up fast! 

Thursday we had kind of a crazy day. I already told my family but its a good story. We were out tracting in the pouring rain. It was really raining hard, but we were having fun with it, getting completely soaked from head to toe. Only 2 people were home after an hour of knocking in this rain. We talked to one man who is now a potential investigator and then right after that we got a text about a tornado warning and to take shelter. We only had 3 more houses so we were going to just finish the street but then the tornado sirens around the city started going off. We ran back to our car, which was probably a mile away. Luckily we made it back to the apartment safely and God filled us with peace and calm, but it was quite the adventure. My first tornado warning in Texas! 

The weather here is so strange. I feel responsible for the tornado warning because the day before I prayed for a thunderstorm so my allergies wouldn't be so bad. God provided! And it's been pretty overcast ever since. Still very hot and humid, but is has helped! The bugs are still disgusting and something I'll probably never get used to. We had to clean all our cabinets out because of the ants. 

A huge miracle on Sunday! Esmirna and her husband and kids came to church! They loved it. We're teaching her again this week. Their family is so prepared. We're REALLY excited about them. 

It was also really great getting to meet Sister Reboquio's foster parents through skype. He's a mission president so as you can imagine, he's super spiritual. He made me cry telling me how grateful they were for me and how my companion would remember me forever. I love serving with this incredible girl! I am so blessed. 

Well I love y'all! So much! 7 more months!!

Love,

S.Dalling

Sister Kristina Dalling

6360 Murphy Rd.

#123

Sachse, TX 75048

or email:

kristina.dalling@myldsmail.net

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