Showing posts with label baptism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baptism. Show all posts

ONE MORE MONTH! (news from Plano, Texas)

Sister Acton is my new companion!
Wow! I can't believe it. In exactly a month I'll be with my family again!!
This week I've had such mixed emotions about it though. This was probably the hardest week of my mission. Let me tell you!!

Sister Greenall got transferred to Dallas 6th ward. Sister Acton is my new companion! I love her already. We are working hard and really enjoying it. I am so thankful for companions because we suffer together. 
This week was the coldest week everrrr! It snowed last night and has been freezing in the 20s and 30s all week. I've  never had to ride a bike in the cold like this (except in college). It is the hardest thing ever! We put on a ton of layers, it is pretty funny. 3 tights/leggings, 3 shirts, a coat, gloves, a hat. I'm hoping to buy more boots today! I wear my one pair every day. 
Last night while tracting we both just looked at each other, laughed, and said we were crazy for Jesus Christ. Which is so true!! 
LaRon's baptism was so amazing!! His mom couldn't come.. but at a lesson afterwards he said when he came home his mom said he was literally glowing with the Spirit. He said his baptism made him feel so humble. I don't think I've met a more humble person! He is so happy and so accepting of what life throws at him. He is truly my Brother Brown! 
I got to sing at church again and I also sang at a mini music devotional at a members home. They invited their neighbors and it was awesome. My companion was really nervous to sing but it went well :)
I'm so happy I get to be with her and help her. She said she feels so good to be working hard and being obedient. She thanked me for helping her feel accomplished. I love my mission! 

Keep us in your prayers! Stay warm and loved!
Love,

Sister Dalling

Nov. 10, 2014

Hey Everyone!!

Wow, I can't believe I made it to my last transfer. And we still don't know if either one of us is getting transferred. President Taylor is changing things around and so we don't find out someone is leaving until Monday night, leave Tuesday morning, and at the meeting there you find out where you're going. Crazy, right?? They do it this way in other missions I've heard, but I'm so grateful this is my last transfer change. It stresses me out! I want Sister Greenall to stay to bad. I just love her. I've really enjoyed all my companions. I've learned so much from them and we've all become best friends.

We are having LaRon's baptism this Tuesday! We are so excited. He is so awesome. He reads the Book of Mormon every day and his prayers are just incredible. I've always wanted to have a baptism through tracting but I was never confident it would happen! 

Brother Restrepo is also doing very well. Wow I love their family. We had some amazing lessons with him this week. We taught the Plan of Salvation one night and invited President Hall from the Stake Presidency. Br Restrepo just loves him. When President Hall was bishop, he baptized Andrea when she turned 8. So ever since Sergio has always had a connection with him. He knows he'll be baptized eventually, so we are really focusing on getting him 'active' now so when he does decide to be baptized he'll already be living the lifestyle. It is incredible to see the change in their family as he's starting to really listen and open his heart to what we teach. 

We also had Sisters Conference this week. Super great! It was all about not beating ourselves up and loving ourselves more. They also talked a lot about seeing ourselves as God sees us, viewing our true beauty and potential. We as girls are so mean to ourselves! It makes me so sad. I was super touched by something they did as well. On a white board, we wrote down a trial or hardship that each sister or someone they knew was going through. Then one of the sisters was asked to say a prayer for every specific trial. We were all in tears of course. It really hit me when I thought of how awful all of the trials were and how hard it was for the one sister to pray for each one. It made me realize a little bit more of the reality and power of the Atonement. I love my Savior! 

We had a lot of fun on Saturday! We made a ton of cupcakes and pumpkin bread with the Edwards Family. They have 6 kids so it felt just like home. We put all the goodies in cute packages with Book of Mormons and passed them out to all their neighbors. It was so much better than tracting! People just took the Book of Mormon and didn't glare at us or slam the door or anything! It was like magic and the kids really enjoyed it too. 

On Sunday, I sang "I love Jesus Christ" (click here for youtube video) again with an elder in Plano 3rd ward. It was great! Joakim and Christelle actually came and gave us a ride. It was so much fun spending time with them. And we stayed and listened to the Chinese branch for a bit. The spirit was so strong there. 

Those are about it for the highlights! The weather wasn't too bad last week but it's supposed to get super cold this week. We'll get members to let you know if there's a transfer change! But I hope there isn't. I'll probably send a ton of pics in a bit. 

Love y'all!! 
Sissy Dalling

Happy November!!!









11/3 

Hey everyone!

This week was a little slow but it was a ton of fun! Halloween was so awesome. I'll send a ton of pics. We dressed up with the Plano 4th elders who share our building- Elder Crandell and Elder Maloney. We were cowboys and Indians. Elder Maloney is Navajo so we had authentic face paint and really awesome costumes we made. Sister Greenall sewed my whole dress and we beaded it and put feathers on it. It was quite the costume! Everyone at trunk or treat loved it. 

But it was freezing. 

I wanted to dedicate a whole paragraph on my hate of this cold weather. Riding a bike in the freezing cold in a dress is a joke! It's a joke! It's only like 50 degrees and I'm already freezing and shivering. We'll adjust....but Texas weather changes over night and I was not ready for this! These are my last 6 weeks I get to show my faith and devotion like this though so I'm pulling through. But I am not going to sugarcoat it or tell people I enjoy that bike. Oooooh I am not biking another mile for a long while after this mission. But I do enjoy wearing winter clothes :) and everything else that comes with this season. 

Laron is doing so well! He is officially being baptized November 11th at 7pm. We are so excited! And his family is going to come. They are so happy and proud of him. At the end of our lesson this week, he was sad we had to go because he said he was just so hungry for more truth. He's just been starving for years! 
Our ward mission leader, Brother Thomas has been such a huge help with him. We are so lucky to have such an awesome WML. He truly magnifies his calling and loves missionary work. 

This week Sister Walker put on an amazing Visiting Teaching Conference and Sister Greenall and I sang "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go". Which reminds me- transfers are this week! But I feel somewhat confident we're both staying...but we'll see! I hate the nerves until we find out. 

We need lots of prayers for Denise and her husband Wayne. On their anniversary trip, he got in a serious accident and injured his spinal chord and neck. He was in the ICU for almost 2 weeks and is slowwwly recovering. Denise asked for local church members over there in California to come pray with them and give him a blessing. So I hope even though this is a scary and sad time for them that they will see God's magnificent hand in their lives. 

I just always remember the line from Praise to the Man that says "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven". It's so true!! We are being so blessed here in Plano. Everyone is always telling us how grateful they are for us and what a difference we're making. It means so much when people see and recognize that. I really love being a missionary. I can't believe its almost over! There are hints of Christmas just everywhere telling me I'm almost home! 

Well I love y'all! Can't believe we're coming up on Thanksgiving soon! I love and miss y'all so much!

Love,
Sissy Dalling


Me and Tyler <3 Love this kid! Nothin better than some football in Texas Fall



10/27
Hey everyone!

I'm so excited for Halloween. Can't wait to send yall pictures..we have some great costumes planned! You'll just have to wait and see. 

We had a good week.
Here are some highlights:

Laron is doing AWESOME. We call him Brother Brown- that is his last name. He is like our brother! I just can't wait to see the awesome things God does with him. He came to church again and should be getting baptized November 9th. On Saturday we went and watched him play flag football with the elders quorum. That was SO much fun. He was awesome of course. And we also watched Brother Chappell, Tyler's dad, and got to hang out with Tyler at the game.

Also on Saturday we went to a relief society activity and learned how to decorate cakes! That was so fun too. These women here are such great examples of who I want to be someday! I am so lucky. 
Sunday both wards had their primary programs. That was the most adorable thing ever! Lots of people invited their friends and the spirit was so strong. It was incredible to see the faith and love these children have for the gospel and their Savior. Our church primary leaders are just the best! 

That's about it for this week! Things are going well, but I know I need to have a good balance of focusing and thinking about home and not stressing out about everything. Life is going by way too fast! But I'm ready to hit the ground running and prove to my God that I love Him and will do everything I can to return to Him and bring as many people as I can along with me. I love Him! 

I love y'all! Especially my beautiful sisters- Katie and Sara. You looked SO gorgeous in your pictures. Write me!

Love,
Sister Dalling 

10/20/2014


My Dearest Family and Friends,

 I love you so much! These next 2 months are going to be quite the challenge. It's always a missionaries nightmare to get a call from home bearing sad news about our loved ones. This weekend was very hard for me, finding out my Grandpa Leatham has cancer.. Family I am praying for you day and night! I know people are doing the same for me. I can't tell you how many tender mercies have been sent my way this week. "God will never us forsake". I can't tell you the peace I have found in the Plan of Salvation, that I have an eternal family. I hope I can bring that peace to the people here in Plano.. I need to make these last 8 weeks count. 

I did have a really good week other than that news though. The work is really moving forward here! 
Denise is doing really well! We were totally meant to meet. She's going on her anniversary trip this week so hopefully theres lots to update next time we meet with her! She is so close to the spirit and just wants to help everyone.
I have to tell you about Laron! He is so amazing. He had a couple of lessons around a year ago with Sister Hanson ( my trainer)!  We found him through contacting a few weeks ago. They live a humble life and he just lost his grandma. He's 23 but very mature because of all he's been through. He's so full of faith and hope! He truly wants to be better and is soo receptive. We gave him a second Book of Mormon and he gave it away to someone at work! He is already a missionary! He clicked right away with Brother Thomas, our ward mission leader. There's this other guy named Sam who lives in the complex as well who joined our lesson.. He's an interesting fella.. . He asked about why we don't wear crosses and Laron told him it's because we wear the cross on our hearts instead and glorify the living Christ. Perfect answer!! He came to church Sunday at 8:30am, met the bishopbric. After sacrament he even went up to the speakers and thanked them for their talks!! In gospel principles he participated. We had to leave that ward early because I was asked to sing in Plano 1 ward, but Brother Thomas texted us and said Laron ASKED to be baptized on November 1! I couldn't believe it!! He is totally going to be a bishop or something someday. We were shocked and so excited. It will probably be either Nov 1 or 8. 
Yes, I sang in Plano 1. An elder and I did a duet to "I Love Jesus Christ". It turned out really well! And the best part was that Joakim and Christelle (basically his sister) gave us a ride to it and spent half the day with us. It was so much fun! He will always be my big brother. 
Another fun thing that happened was the great night we had with the Restrepo family. They invited some other elders over too and we had a huge barbeque dinner and watched the long version of Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. I just love that family! Can't wait for the day that Sergio is baptized. 

Those are the highlights of my week! Opposition in all things, right? I have a huge testimony about that for sure. 

I love you! Keep those prayers coming.

Sister Kristina Dalling




Mission Update from Plano, Texas!


I sent most of my pics in my last email but here are the rest! Sister Cavalcante (from Brazil) is an amazing photographer and insisted to do a photo shoot. I will always love Sister Reboquio! Each companion has taught me so much!









I just love my companion! 
On Saturday we had a real Texas "Hoedown". It was way fun! Sister Greenall could not stop laughing when everyone in the room sang "Deep in the Heart of Texas" together. Oh man! Texas is THE best. Did you know it is the only state that is allowed to raise it's state flag at level with our country flag? And students say their allegiance to the Texas flag each morning in school? And we have the tallest state capital in all the country? Yep! Texas is something else.




Love these people! Seriously some of the best friends to be around. 


We went to the Perot Museum- which was cool. But it would've been fun enough to just walk around Dallas. Let me tell you though- I am so excited to go to Portland. I feel like Portland is a lot more fun than Dallas.. no offense to my Texans ;)



My first time doing a true face mask haha don't make fun, it was a blast.
I got to see TJ and Kaycee at the baptism!
Isn't that the cutest note?? Tyler is so amazing! 
The Lewis boys' baptism! It was sooo amazing! 
Tyler's baptism!! 
He gave us each this cute book as well with a sweet note inside thanking us for being his missionaries. It has been such an awesome experience to watch him and his dad as they progress in the gospel together. His dad has become very active in church and has become a worthy priesthood holder. Tyler looks up to his dad so much and it is awesome to see how strong their relationship is. Tyler's dad choked up with tears as he baptized son. It was a really powerful experience.

This picture was just too funny of E.Evans. It will be so weird to be separated eventually. Seems like we are just always performing something. He's a musical genius for sure.
And I just love Sarah and Shomari Lewis. Shomari is one heck of a father. I am so grateful he allowed that day to happen. They are both such an inspiration raising 5 boys.





9/29
Surprise I'm staying! Haha jk I wasn't even scared. I'm excited to have another 6 weeks with Sister Greenall! This is my 2nd to last transfer! Wow! 
Everything is just going right here in Plano. Things are just starting to happen. We had an amazing week. Of course there are always ups and downs but the ups definitely out weighed the downs. 

First off- HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUINTEN. Who would have ever thought I'd be saying that? Wow! We are so lucky to have you in our family. I remember getting a call a few days before I came home from college. Mom said "So when you get home, we're going to have a baby here...". And it has just gone from there. I loved taking care of you before I left and singing you to sleep. You were the tender mercy our family didn't even know we were going to  have. But you complete our family! Mom and Dad always said they wanted 6 kids. Through children- that's how we really learn of God's love. I never thought I could love and worry and stress and cry from joy and sympathy for a little boy I hardly know. You won't understand this now, but when you're older you'll read back on this and know someone in Texas loved you on your third birthday! 

The spirit was insanely strong in my life this week. 
We had specialized training- probably my last one! I got a little teary thinking about how far I've come on my mission. How much this mission and gospel have saved my life. We also got these amazing mission rings that  President Taylor designed. they say 'PRO'- which stands for Pray, Read, and Obey. These three things I will cherish and do for the rest of my life. 

Women's Conference was INCREDIBLE. I loved knowing that my mom and sisters-including Em- were watching it with me just a few miles northwest ;) I can't believe Emily is 8 now. And I LOVE PRESIDENT UCHTDORF. My face just lit up as soon as they announced he was speaking. He is like my Morgan Freeman.

This next highlight I can not even put into words and give it justice. It is an experience I will forever cherish. We got a referral from some other missionaries for this lady named Paola. They just talked to her on the street, she had been having a really hard day and when they talked to her and asked if she needed help carrying in groceries, she just cried. She didn't know what it was at the time, but the spirit prompted her to accept their invitation for her to meet with us. She told us this story when we met Friday night. She brought her kids with her and there was this crazy, instant connection between us. We told her about the Book of Mormon and she was listening so intently. The Spirit was just telling us exactly what to say. In fact we told her the Spirit would give her a witness and she asked what the Spirit was. We told her and then she made the connection that she felt the Spirit when the other missionaries talked to her. I also felt prompted to say some special things the Spirit told me to tell her son, Christopher who is 11. After ward Sister Greenall asked me how I knew to say that because Christopher got teary and obviously really needed to hear what I said. I couldn't explain it! Then early, early the next morning I got this crazy overpowering prompting from the Spirit that this was the family I've been searching for. Earlier this summer, I got a blessing because my back/neck pain was starting up again. In that blessing, it said that a family I knew in the Pre-existence would be led to me, that I would find them and recognize them. That they would change my life and I would change theirs. I couldn't hold back the tears! All throughout companion study I was just super emotional. I couldn't read a sentence from PMG without crying- I felt ridiculous! We'll see where this goes, but I know I was meant to meet them. I love them so much!!

Sunday we sang at sacrament and Elder Claudio Zivic was there! He spoke for a few minutes at the end of sacrament and it was so amazing! We  got to talk to him afterward, it was so great to have him there. It's sad that even when General Authorities are visiting their families' wards, they still have to sit on the stand. Great day at church though! All the speakers and lessons were just amazing. 

As you can tell, I  had an awesome week! 
I love you all! Here we go for another week in Plano :)


Love,
Sister Dalling



9/22
Ok! Here we go! 
I'll try to update as much as I can..
I hit my 15 month mark which is crazy! 
We served at a cemetery and I mowed a lawn for the first time in my whole life! I have been so sheltered- haha. 
On the 13th that was Emily ( my sister), Shomari, Ethan, and Jayvin's baptism! What an amazing day that was. Of course I cried thinking about what a tender mercy that even was. I thought those boys would have to wait until they were 18. Sarah has held on for so long- she is so strong! Wow I love that family. It felt so good to have a baptism again. And I sang with some other sisters at their baptism. We sang "A Child's Prayer". 
Also that night I sang at Stake Conference (click here to listen)which was definitely a good experience. I am just so grateful I get to sing ALL the time. It keeps my spirit happy! One time after practicing with Elder Lee and Evans, Elder Evans and I just played through all of our all time favorite songs..from Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. Oh man! You should have seen how happy I was! We probably played through them for almost an hour! Reminded me of the best times with my daddy. 
We have just seen so many miracles the past 2 weeks. We have found so many investigators and almost all of them are formers that we just happened to run into! Strengthened my testimony so much of being in the right place at the right time. We even set another baptismal date. It's not super solid but it's something! The wards are definitely building in excitement. This week we spoke in 8th ward. Next week we're singing in 6th ward. Almost every week we're doing something. 
Tyler's baptism was Sunday. Such a good way to end the week! It was such an honor to be a part of it. His whole family from around the country came. And they planned it to be on his grandpa's birthday. His grandpa passed away just a few months ago, so that was SUCH a special experience. 

I love you all so much! I'm working hard, trying my best. Time is literally flying by, so fast I just can't grasp it. Soon I'll be home for Christmas ;) That is my new favorite song by the way! 
Miss you!
Love,
Sister Dalling



And I just love Sarah and Shomari Lewis. Shomari is one heck of a father. I am so grateful he allowed that day to happen. They are both such an inspiration raising 5 boys.



Isn't that the cutest note?? Tyler is so amazing!

Tyler's baptism!!
He gave us each this cute book as well with a sweet note inside thanking us for being his missionaries. It has been such an awesome experience to watch him and his dad as they progress in the gospel together. His dad has become very active in church and has become a worthy priesthood holder. Tyler looks up to his dad so much and it is awesome to see how strong their relationship is. Tyler's dad choked up with tears as he baptized son. It was a really powerful experience.

2.The Lewis boys' baptism! It was sooo amazing!

This is from the catholic festival we went to that Brother Restrepo's band played at!
Sept 15
So sorry I really don't have time this week! I'll send a letter home that will be a better update. 
Went to Dallas today with some missionary friends, it was fun :) But traffic was awful. We just went to a museum. 
We had a great week! the weather has been incredible! Thanks for your love and prayers.
Sorry this is so short.
Love,
Sister Dalling

Sept 8
I can't believe how fast time is flying by!
Let me tell you about my week. Kind of boring, not much to report! So I got super sick.... I'm pretty sure it was the stomach flu and it hit wednesday night. I was completely out Thursday- slept 24 hours! Got super dehydrated the next day and slowly got nursed back to health haha. I'll spare you allll the details, but it was not fun. I finally started feeling normal again yesterday :) It was so hard being sick! Just miserable. All I wanted was sleep, 7-up, and ice cream which is just what I got! I am one spoiled girl! Mom, how did you learn all your tricks?;) 

Other than that, really there is not much to report! The weather is finally getting better! Everything is cooling down. Oh I have to tell you about our brilliant inspiration! We are going to start doing 'mini musical devotionals'. We'll go over to members houses and they'll invite friends and neighbors to listen to Christian music! It's so great! And it's already working. We announced it yesterday and someone already wants us to come over and do it tonight. Members are telling us about their friends left and right and the best part is we'll get to meet them! And they'll feel the spirit and BAM conversions will happen. I can't wait. It will be such a great use of our time. 

Oh also we had a fun Saturday! Brother Restrepo- our investigator- plays in a Catholic band so we went to a huge carnival at that church and listened to them play. It was really fun! And a good experience to feel what nonmembers feel like even at our activities. I totally felt like an outsider. I love that family though! They took us out to Cracker Barrel after and it reminded me of NC! I could hardly eat anything at all until Sunday though. 

We also met with the a new family. They are part member and have a tonnn of potential! She's the nonmember and has been going to church with him for 4 years. They're both 20 and have been married for a year. She actually grew up Muslim in Bosnia but really loves our church, she just says she's waiting for the right time. Which is NOW so that's good! She and I click really well, love her already. Stay tuned!

Spiritual thought: 
So Elder Zivic's (Seventy) son is in our ward. He's a ward missionary. Elder Zivic is visiting our ward in a few weeks, so I decided to read his talk from Conference! So good! He mentioned a few things we should always remember.
1.The works and purposes of God cannot be frustrated
2.We must not fear man more than God
3.There is a need of constant repentance
I love those reminders! 

Well! It's about to be a great week ahead! Going to see a few baptisms this week and sing at stake conference! 
Thanks for your prayers! I know they are the reason I was able to recover as soon as I did.

Love,
Sister Dalling

New Area!: Plano, Texas

The one on the left is my new companion, Sister Greenall! 

NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
8708 Clearsky Dr. Plano, Tx 75025 

September 2nd:
Hey Everyone :)

Yes, it was sooo hot this week but we have been working so hard. I think the hardest part for me is having enough energy to do what I need to do at home..like plan, unwind, etc. I didn't think it was possible to yawn while biking like crazy in the middle of the day. I could fall asleep riding that bike. I'm soo happy I've only partially fallen asleep in one lesson- haha. Every time I think I'm working hard, it just gets harder and I realize I never even knew what hard work was. I used to take naps sometimes during lunch, but if I let myself sleep, I go into that super deep sleep and can not get out of it. So! Luckily summer should be cooling down soon. 

Sister Greenall is so great. We have gotten so close this week. She is soo good at guitar! So we jam all the time :) Well..when we can!
We got a lot accomplished this week. We had a super good meeting with the Bishop of 8th ward. The work should move forward very soon! We did a missionary training for combined 3rd hour that went so well. We sang at sacrament too, so the wards just love us! I am loving it here in Plano. The members are the best.
GUESS WHAT? I met some cousins of ours! The Dallings live in our ward. They are so great, we already connected that we are family because of Sugar City, ID. So good to know I have family everywhere I go. 
We met with John Paul this week who is a ysa returning to activity. He is so great! Meeting with him really reminded me that we need to all work on ourselves line upon line. That's how the gospel works! I love the talk by Elder Scott- "I Have Given You an Example." Read it! It's so strange because even though we are in different zones, Elder Munday covers part of my area because of the ysa in Allen. I cover a bit of Allen so he actually found John Paul for us. We had a great fhe with them last night for Labor Day. 
One more new family I have to tell you about!  They are so awesome. The husband is not a member yet but he is so prepared. He recently went to SLC and did the tour there with his family as they dropped their daughter off for college. Even though he has known missionaries for years, he is so prepared now! He said the Spirit worked on him so strongly. So we are teaching him and he came to church to hear us sing! They are such a funny, amazing family. Being with them is just a blessing.

Well I have to go! Hope everyone had a great Labor Day! 
Love you so much,

Sister Dalling

"Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven and they forgive." President Uchtdorf

PS:
The Carrillo family is being baptized on Sept.13!!!!!!!!!! 
It's a miracle! I am so happy for them. That will be such an amazing day.
Also I can't figure out how to do pictures at this library so hold tight!

August 25th:
Hey everyone!!:)

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY, my love :) My goodness, I can't believe you are 8!!! This is such an exciting time in your life, and even though I'm not there physically, I am with you always. You're my little girl! My world would not be the same without you. I will always remember when you were born, and I was the first to hold you in my arms and sing to you [please see previous blog on a letter I wrote about Emily's birth]. A little baby girl stole my heart 8 years ago. I wrote you a birthday card so check the mail this week! 

So I've had an awesome week. Sister Greenall, my new companion is so great! I was nervous about back up training because sometimes trainers don't do the best job. But she is so amazing, she's like a sponge, wanting to learn more and more.  She is one of the best contacters I know now! She loves working hard, which is so great. We definitely get along. We both kind of go insane if we don't work hard, so putting us together is just awesome. I'm excited to see her be one of the best missionaries in this mission!

Plano is really slow right now.. People say when you're in Plano, you 'plan for 0'. Awful, I know!! We're gonna switch that around though. The members are just AMAZING. Member work is really key here, and they are so willing and ready. Covering two wards is a challenge. 6th Ward definitely has more going on then 8th. There's a ton of potential in both wards though, I'm excited.

6th Ward we are going to have a baptism on September 21st!!!! His name is Tyler Chappell. He's adorable. His dad is a returning member. Tyler is turning 9 this Thursday. I love him! He's so ready. Our lessons with him are great. 

I have to tell you about this one AMAZING sister in 6th ward, Sister Walker. She offered to come out with us last night, ended up staying with us for 3 hours. She felt a huge prompting to introduce us to her neighbors, then we visited several part-member, and less active members. We got so much done! She's such an inspiration because she was so nervous, especially with her neighbors but she followed the spirit and said she felt so much calmer after. She's been through so much in life, but you can truly tell that she listens and follows the spirit. And also the Briggmans invited their neighbors to dinner, we taught the restoration! We've been getting so many referrals and so much help from the members.

ALSO. I just got the news that the Lewis boys from The Colony are getting baptized Sept.13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shomari Jr., Ethan, and Jayvin!!!!! I love those boys so much. I'm sooo happy. Miracles do happen! I'm so grateful hearts can soften and change. Wow! Same day as my precious Emily Joy!  Also John and Shirlene are most likely going to make it to the temple in October! John was very sick for a while, they weren't sure if he'd make it but he miraculously recovered. The missionaries there say he still talks about me all the time and reads my letters and shows our pictures to everyone. I will always love The Colony.

I'm looking forward to all the miracles we're going to see this transfer! And I've already been asked to sing at church next Sunday and at Stake Conference in September!! I sang at a baptism on Saturday!:) I love singing :)
I have such a testimony of prayer. Let me tell you! My Father loves me, He listens to me, He blesses me so much. "It is of great significance to me, that I may at any moment and in any circumstance approach through prayer the throne of grace, that my Heavenly Father will hear my petition, that my Advocate, Him who did no sin, whose blood was shed, will plead my cause." -Elder Christofferson

I really love my mission. All I want to do is to be used as a tool in His Hands. I've never felt happier, more at peace, than when I am doing the work of my Father in Heaven.  He knows me, and loves me. And I love Him! I also love my family SO much. "Families are the treasure of heaven." -Elder Anderson

I am a happy missionary! But I could still use a lot of prayers! Love you all!

Love,
Sister Dalling

I'll probably send pics next week! Sorry!

August 18th:
First of all:
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! I love you so much. I lost track of the years but I know it's over 20! I am so lucky to be your daughter. I love your love story, and I love how I'm a product of it. Thank you for finding each other, following the Spirit, and having an Eternal family. I miss you so much.

So I'm finally being transferred. Sister Reboquio is staying. Now that the time has come, I'm kind of stressed about leaving. God knows I need relationships with people, so He let's me stay in my areas forever, which makes it so hard to leave. Changing never gets easier. Leaving those I love just seems to get harder as I accumulate more people I love. I'm going to Plano 6&8, covering two wards, on a bike, back up training- which means my companion has only been out 6 weeks. This week is supposed to be 100+ all week.. I'm so tired from packing and cleaning and thinking about what's coming. I'm sprinting to the end, giving it all I can. I'm curious to find out what the Lord has in store for me in Plano!! Even though I know it will definitely be challenging, I'm ready and I will answer the call.

I don't have much time today because I still have so much to do! People to say bye to, stuff to pack.

Alisha was soooo sweet! She bought us clothes from Downeast. She even looked in the Book of Mormon and proved we had to accept gifts- haha. She is amazing, so giving. She even cried talking about her family who have passed on, they have their temple work done, and she knows they are just waiting for her. The veil is so thin around her!  So the ward is doing a fast in general for missionary work but I know many will be fasting for her.

All of our lessons this week were really filled with the Spirit. I almost cried in every one, even the dinner thoughts! I usually don't do that. But Sachse is such a sacred place to me. A place where I've really learned to let the Savior carry me.

I have some quotes I wanted to share:
"Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He is the promised Messiah. He lived a perfect life and atoned for our sins. He will ever be at our side. He will fight our battles. He is our hope; He is our salvation; He is the way." -President Uchtdorf
"What an amazing source of power, of strength, and of comfort is available to each of us. He who knows us better than we know ourselves, He who sees the larger picture and who knows the end from the beginning, has assured us that He will be there for us to provide help if we but ask. We have the promise: 'Pray always and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good' D&C 90:24". -President Monson
"Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness." -President Uchtdorf

I LOVE President Uchtdorf!! He is and always will be my celebrity crush haha in a very appropriate way. Love him.

Wish me luck this week! And please pray for me! Know I will try my best and will realllly try not to complain.

Love y'all!
Sissy Dalling

p.s. pics will be next week probably unless I get back on late! I forgot the memory card.
p.p.s. my address is 8708 Clearsky Dr. Plano, Tx 75025 living with members again!


Week 57/58 Best Week Yet!

My sweet companion did this for me for my 13 month mark! She's the best.
This was when we went to the temple with Joakim. I love that place. Gonna miss him!

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

Sissy R and I :) I love her!! 



Week 58:
Hey Y'all :)

Seriously this was an amazing week. There were multiple miracles every single day. The biggest one- we reached 7 lessons with members present!!! I looked through all the progress records in the area book and within the past 4 years, the highest LTMP week was 5 (we have reached that as well a couple of times). This has never been done here, we could not believe it! Before Elder Munday switched zones, he promised us we would hit 7 LTMP's before I left. Of course, I didn't believe him. Reaching 4 was something of a miracle in itself. But we worked so hard and felt strongly about making 7 our goal. We not only hit that goal but we also had 3 people at church, set 3 baptismal dates, had 4 other lessons, 5 new investigators, talked to 156 people, and  had 2 lessons with less actives. Unbelievable! I still can't believe we did it, and for our reward we watched 17 Miracles last night after planning. Love that movie!

YES, we have baptismal dates!!! Esmirna, and soon we'll count her whole family when we meet with all of them again. Her date is August 23rd, please pray for her because she's still a little unsure. We are taking their family to tour the temple grounds this week. Alisha has a date for August 30th. She is so incredible, love her! And a new investigator, Tristina for August 30th. She's 20 and has a baby. She needs the gospel and she said she had been praying for people like us and we came right away. All of these were complete miracles- all credit to God.

On exchanges with Sister Kerr, we saw a dead dog in the street and watched as it was taken away by animal control. :( That was a bit of a damper. 
We also ran out of money for the month, and I ran out of bug spray..awful I know. I go through a whole can in 2 weeks. So I was getting bit like crazy and I finally said a desperate prayer to God asking for bug spray. The next house we knocked on offered me a HUGE bottle of bug spray randomly. Miracle!! 
We also went to the temple at like 6am, but it was so worth it! I love the temple. Can't wait to go every single week at home.

This week felt so good and it's looking like another great week ahead! I love everyone here so much. I realize my time is soon ending here, but I am loving every second. I've never been more tired in my life but as quoted from 17 Miracles, "It will all be worth it".

Thanks for all your prayers, letters, and support! Sorry I haven't written to individuals in a while, I'll try better this week. ;)
Love you SO much,
Sister Dalling 

ps applying to school sucks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Week 57: 

You know you've been somewhere too long when you can't 'contact' anyone at the store because you've already talked to them a million times.
Sachse feels like home, especially this past week. It was beautiful weather! Huge tender mercy from God. Felt like I was right back in Oregon. I had to wear a coat tracting one of the days because it was like 70-80 degrees all day, just amazing!! It was truly a great week. I'll start with the bad parts first and then end with the miracles-

I GOT STUNG BY A WASP. TWICE. I was so mad at that wasp. We were out tracting and we were teaching a lesson on someone's porch and it just attacked me out of nowhere and it stung our potential investigator right after me! So you can imagine that lesson didn't last very long. I just keep getting hurt, I don't know what it is! But no worries, I survived.
Also, Joakim left for Norway on Saturday. He won't be back until after I'm gone. It was really sad saying goodbye but we'll stay in contact. He's like a brother to me! He has a lot of work to do up in Norway- the members there would love to hear his conversion story and I pray one day his family up there will accept Christ.
And our phone broke. But the Lord provides! We only had to go for a few hours without a phone. Members let us borrow their phones. One member even gave us their 'go' phone for a few days. The miracle was that the mission office said our phone wouldn't be delivered for another week but 2 days later we got our phone in the mail! The office couldn't believe it. Life without a phone is stressful! But God spoils me :)

Miracles!! So many. Every day!:)
On Tuesday we had Abby come out with us all day. It was so fun having her with us! She is going to be an incredible missionary someday- she was fearless! We went chalking- drew the plan of salvation- and talked to a lady at the park about it. We went to go teach Mary, but she was sick. Her great grandson Jordon was there though and so I asked if he'd be interested. He said yes! Backround- He's amazing! And he sees how much he needs the gospel. It just worked out perfectly that we had Abby with us- they are both 14. He told us he always hears God is real but has never known for himself. We taught him the restoration but ended up focusing mostly on Christ and the Atonement. The spirit was so strong, we all ended up having tears in our eyes. I felt such a strong urgency for him. Like he needs the gospel now, it can change his life forever. He was going down a wrong, dangerous path, but he honestly wants to change. It was such a beautiful lesson. We met with him again that week with Br.Condiff and he accepted the baptismal invitation! His mom and Mary were shocked about everything. He wants to come to church and mutual, it's unbelievable. I love the gospel! I love what I do! The Atonement changed my life, it's so exciting seeing it change another life. The least I can do to show my gratitude to my Savior is to keep working, even after a couple wasp stings. It's all so worth it.
Have I told y'all about Denise? I don't remember if I did. But she is a miracle. We have taught her twice now. We knocked on her door and she invited us right in. She told us E.Merrill knocked on her door a year ago and left a Book of Mormon. Thank you for following the spirit elders!! She still had the book with his name in it. They didn't even teach her anything but felt prompted to leave it with her. She is super active in a Methodist church, but she is so amazing. While teaching her she said "wow, maybe there is a need for a prophet". It will be an incredible journey if she converts, but it is definitely possible.
Jacob's wife finally got back from Jordan this week! We'll meet her later this week. Please pray she will be supportive. Jacob is SO close.
You'll never guess who we taught last night. The Guntas family! If you don't remember, Sis Stephenson and I taught them a while ago. Blake was great friends with the Bishop's sons and investigated the church for a while. We found out it's spelled Giunta..but it was awesome! I felt prompted to stop by their house and they said they had just been talking about us the other day. That had been really busy with a wrestling tournament for a long time but wanted to continue learning. So we taught Blake the restoration again. It was an incredible lesson.
Also we ended up talking to some famous minister for almost an hour! He leads a ministry that travels around the country helping religious leaders 'see the truth' and the wrong in what their teaching. So you can imagine how nervous we were. He only really wanted me to answer because I was 'senior'. Can't tell you how grateful I am for the spirit and for everything I've learned here in Texas! He loved what I had so say and mostly ended up helping us know how to correct false doctrine we run into each day talking with all the faiths we do. He said it was refreshing to see young girls like us who know so much and dedicate so much of ourselves for our beliefs. Nicest minister I've ever talked to! He owns For His Glory if  you're curious.

We had interviews this week with our zone. President and Sister Taylor are so amazing! They talked a lot about foreordination. They were meant to be here with us and we were called to be here in the pre existence. That is an undeniable truth! I have had so many confirmations that I was meant to be here at this exact time to meet specific people. Also I loved how they defined success and how to achieve it. Success comes after all we can do and then is something we choose for ourselves. Being successful means you feel the spirit constantly guide you and are happy! I love it! So grateful for all the success I've had.
There's a lot of excitement about missionary work in our ward. We have some amazing investigators. The Lord is with Sister Reboquio each day. I'm doing everything I can to make my Father proud. I will give til I have nothing, work until he stops me, go until I drop. Please keep us in your prayers. We know we can baptize in August, but it's going to take a lot of faith.  We watched "Legacy" this week and it was just the motivation I needed. My ancestors worked so hard for Zion. Some even died for it. They left a huge legacy of faith. I'm so grateful to feel just a glimpse of hardship for the cause of my Savior. I echo the original apostles of Christ- who in their hour of persecution went "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Acts 5:41-42
Four more weeks of this transfer! One day at a time. I love my companion! Don't know what I'd do without her.

Thanks for all the support! I love all y'all and each y'all!


Love,
Sister Dalling

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

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.


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

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

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