Oct 6th & 13th update from Plano, Texas

Oct 13

I love my momma SO much! 

I just want everyone to know about this incredible woman. I can honestly say she is the woman I want to become! She has taught me so much about my divine role as a mother. I know I was not the easiest daughter to raise but we got through it together because my mom has been there every step of the way. And now I'm here in Texas and she's there in Oregon and I miss her SO much. 

President Hinckley said: "You are the bearers of the children. You are they who nurture them and establish within them the habits of their lives. No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God."

Thank you mom for being so amazing! I am so indebted to you for where I am now, for what I know to be true, for my relationship with God. Just as the Strippling Warriors I know what I know because my mother knew it. I LOVE YOU! 

We got to watch Meet the Mormons on Tuesday. It was SO much fun! I loved that movie, everyone needs to see it. It's such a good thing for nonmembers to see as well. We are relatively normal people :) It was so much fun to see everyone too, but also sad because that will be my last Specialized Training with the whole mission. 

 

Click here to see trailer

Thursday we found an amazing new investigator. She let us right in and we just clicked! She's had a few contacts with the church, including DoTerra (love it). She was so fascinated by our missions. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she said she'll read it. We are meeting again this week. 

I definitely had my testimony reaffirmed of talking to everyone. We saw so many miracles just opening our mouths to those who were in our path. I hope I always open my mouth. 

Friday was so much fun! we went to a place called Shoppes at Legacy (which is an amazing place btw) with some other missionaries. We  brought a guitar and a ukulele and jammed out to Primary songs. It was so great! A dad came up with his little girl, we sang her I am a Child of God and the dad said that was the first live song she has heard! So amazing. And the Restrepos came to listen to us too. I love them!! Afterward we all went to the Restrepo's house and had a Mormon Message party. 

Saturday was great too. We helped out at a youth conference for family history. It was all about the Game of Life. So much fun. That night we sang at a baptism- I love singing! 

Sunday I hit my Sweet 16 month mark!!! We also had a potluck to break the fast with the ward. So much good food! The weather has also been super amazing. Just like Oregon! It makes me so excited to go home and feel that perfect weather every day. I used to hate it but now its such a relief. Except last night was the craziest thunderstorm, woke me up like 5x because the thunder was so loud and the light from the lighting filled the whole room. 

Sunday was Brother Restrepo's birthday so we heart attacked his door and gave him a spanish Book of Mormon with our testimonies inside. He loved it of course! That family is just amazing.

The first and only door we knocked on that day was this lady who said she had been going through a hard time and she was so glad we came by. We gave her a Book of Mormon and are coming back this week! It was so amazing to be led by God like that. Then that night we went out with Sister Walker who is SO amazing. We all have those people in our lives that influence us forever- she is one of those. 

General Conference with the Restrepos!

October 6, 2014

Hey everyone :)

I LOVE this fall weather. It's beautiful! It also  makes riding a bike a little more enjoyable. I'm excited to tell y'all about our week! It was a good one.

Elder Evans was transferred, which was sad. We've been working on music together since last Christmas! But his replacement is new to the mission, E.Lee is training him and he is also a cellist and a pianist. Of course, we are planning another musical number in their ward in 2 weeks. 

Speaking of music... Sister Greenall and I do this thing we call 'sing tracting'. It's quite the experience (haha), keeps things interesting for sure. When we tract and night it's always dark and creepy, so we wanted to think of a way to help us stay motivated to stay out. So when people answer the door we ask if we can sing a hymn for them. We usually sing "Nearer, My god, to Thee" and people love it! It is so much easier to feel the spirit and we hand out so much more material that way. Don't know why I didn't think of doing this sooner! 

We're kind of teaching a Muslim family--They are super nice though! Every time we go over, they make the best food for us! 

We're also teaching this guy who we found him through contacting, he's 19 so we might have to hand him over to ysa. But he almost got baptized at 17 because he's good friends with a member, but his parents didn't give him permission sadly. But he really wants to now. Work is the only issue, but he's going to try to make this a priority in his life! 

Right after his lesson, this lady walked up to us and asked who we were. She said the only reason she had never gone to our church was because she thought we didn't like black people so she wouldn't be accepted. We had a super good discussion with her outside. She has been in a lot of bad places in life through her decisions. She says all she wants is peace and knows she is missing something. She wants her 8 year old daughter to have the foundation she never had. She lost hope for herself, but wants this for her daughter. Of course we testified of the Savior's Atonement and how she has never done anything in her life that would take her too far out of the reach of His loving arms. Definitely cried in that contact! She is coming to church this week!!

I LOVE SISTER WALKER. I've mentioned her in a couple of my emails, but she is just the best. She is sooo busy, RS President, but always makes time to come out with us and help us with whatever. She is so close to the Spirit and just wants to share the gospel with everyone. She recently befriended her new neighbors and she is just setting them up perfectly for us. She brought the kids to youth activities, told the mom about General Conference, talks with her often about the gospel. Sister Walkers sister had a stroke this weekend, so she wasn't able to watch conference with her neighbor. But she asked us to stop by and explain it to her. So we did and she is so great! She recently moved from Vegas, got out of a bad marriage, has 3 kids.. She is so great! So we have high hopes for that as well. 

We also met another new investigator who let us right in! She's strong in the Catholic faith but is open. She is an awesome mom too! Basically taught her kids all the standards that we have in our church. Her daughter, who is my age, is just amazing! She wants to devote her whole life to service pretty much. Which is my dream too! Great family.

Thursday we had a tornado warning! And right after it was a perfectly sunny day.. Texas weather... hmm.. gotta love it! 

Friday we had dinner with Sister Dalling (haha). We went to Olive Garden- love that place!

GENERAL CONFERENCE WAS SO GOOD. 

So many of the talks were exactly what I needed. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk (of course), President Eyring just made me cry (love you mom!), Elder Holland's talk (possibly my favorite).

I loved the theme of prophets and personal revelation. We are just so lucky and blessed to have what we have! I just want every person in Texas to listen to Elder Christofferson's talk! Elder Klebingat's talk was incredible as well. 

Ahh I loved Elder Holland's talk. I remember when my family lived in Cali and every time we went downtown to San Francisco my heart could not contain the pain I felt for all those homeless suffering there. We are all beggars. We all need to do our part to bless others. I love Jesus Christ and His example to us. I love Mother Theresa! I want Christ to be able to say "She hath done what she could" about me. 

I loved Elder Perry's talk! And Elder Eyring's because it made me appreciate so much the parents that I have. In my notes I wrote "Thank you Dad for teaching me the meaning of work, for our unforgettable family trips, for our 101 teaching moments in the car on the way to school or practices. Thank you mom for making your family and house a home, for being the influence of the strong, loving woman I want to be, for believing in us and setting such a good example." "Who can put a price tag on the influence of a mother?"E.Perry. My parents are priceless to me! 

I loved when President Monson said, "To obey is better than to sacrifice." We have no idea the blessings and promises we are sacrificing, or even the protection, when we are not obedient. 

Of course I loved E.Bednar's talk! We watched conference with the Restrepos 3/4 sessions so I felt a lot of the talks were just perfect for him! I LOVE THEIR FAMILY. I feel right at home there.  You'll see, in the pictures they took (haha). I am just snuggled up on their couch. 

And of course I love our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He is so amazing, so strong. I know he is a prophet. I always love how he closes inviting us to resolve to do a little better, serve a little more.

Sorry that email was SO long! Just had a lot on my mind. It was such a good week! I love being a missionary!! 

Tomorrow the whole mission is getting together to watch Meet the Mormons so I am psyched about that! Love you all! 

Love,

Sister Dalling

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.

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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.

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.

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

It's My Birthday!!!! 20 years old.....wow. (Week 44:update from Sachse, Texas)

 Part of my birthday present was this incredible sign. My favorite quote- "In God's plan there are no endings, Only everlasting beginnings." 20 years ago my eternal life with the best parents began.. I'm so lucky! 

All my chocolate... well there's more..but this is what I felt like taking a picture of. And yes that is a Jesus chocolate. And yes, that is organic healthy chocolate in that bag! I found the answer to my addiction! This is even healthy! It has no sugar. Just dark chocolate and honey. My goodness I love it.

4-28-2014

First of all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA LEATHAM! I love you so much! I've loved you since the day I was born, and for eternity before then as well. I feel so blessed to share a birthday with such an incredible woman. I look up to you so much! You are the most amazing blessing to our family. I hope your birthday is so wonderful. I'm sending you hugs and kisses!!

and Yes it's my birthday too! It's been a great one so far. I really do have the best family. All I wanted was a letter from each of them and they definitely exceeded that expectation! And thank everyone for all the birthday email! I feel so loved! Out of all the presents I've been given, probably 90% of it was chocolate. People know me too well. God, love, and chocolate. Those are my basic needs and wants. I love my family and friends! I really have been so blessed to be surrounded by the most incredible people. Wow. Also for my birthday I FINISHED THE BOOK OF MORMON. Wooh! Perfect timing. Wow, I love that book!

I can't believe I am 20 years old. I seriously feel so old today. I am no longer a teenager! I don't even know how to be 20! But I'll take it one day at a time. And now I want to take a moment and admire God's hand in my life. We had interviews this week and Sister Durrant spoke about what a huge blessing the 'age change' was for so many. I thought about it. It changed my life. Completely turned it around. I couldn't help but cry because God literally loves me so much, He lowered the age at the exact moment I needed it. He once again saved my life. My mission is and forever will be the best choice I ever made. I heard a story from someone in our ward. His brother taught the deacons a long time ago and told them if they went on missions he would pay them $500. All but one went, and he said it was worth every cent! It is most definitely. The same man taught a group of primary girls. He gave them each a dollar and said they could spend that dollar or they could save it and if they got married in the temple, he would pay them each $100 if they brought back that $1. What an amazing man! And I love the emphasis on missions. My future marriage would not be the same if I didn't serve a mission, I know that for a fact!

So we had such an amazing week!

We found 5 new investigators. It was such a huge miracle. Two of them are super solid, too. One lady and her family were a referral from the Evans. Her husbands family all joined the church within the past 10 years. Her whole side of the family is Catholic, so they get pressure from both sides. She wants to investigate and see which one fits her family the best. What an amazing mother! Then we are teaching another lady who was a referral from the Bishop. Her story is incredible. So she is 45 and is fighting colon cancer. She goes through intense chemo treatment and it's really affecting her and her family's life. Her biological father died when she was very young. She never knew his side of the family, but 5 years ago she was doing family history work on her father and his side of the family (who are all members) found her! They told her she should get a blessing, so they contacted our bishop. He then asked her the willing and brief invitation and BAM we are teaching her! She is such a strong woman. She really has lived a difficult life. The gospel will help her so much. It's so amazing to be able to know and love her.

Robert hasn't been to church in 3 weeks...pray for him and Judy.. :(

John Cook is pretty sick.. I need prayers.

The Riegals are going to church and the father is taking the lessons! Prayers answered!

Byron ran into anti material...prayers. 

We had a ward talent show on Saturday and Sister Reboquio and I wrote more words to the Cup song/Called to Serve. It was really good, everyone loved it! We also spoke on Sunday. Everyone said they loved that as well! Interviews were great. Those were the last interviews the Durrants will give before they leave! Crazy. They asked me to sing at that meeting as well. I've been able to sing practically every week! I love it! I heard David Archuleta is home.. crazy!

My companion is incredible. She's doing so good! Her life is such an example. Her foster parents are the mission president and his wife of a mission in the Philippines. Her family is in too much poverty to take care of all the kids, that's why she is fostered. She converted to the gospel at age 10 and a lot of her family is less active now. Seriously she is so strong, I love her! She is such a blessing to me. I thank God every day.

Ether 12:27 is my scripture of the week!

"Pure Christ like love flowing from true righteousness can change the world." Elder Holland

I love y'all so much! All y'all and each y'all. Thank you so much for such a wonderful birthday.

Sister Kristina Dalling

 P.S.

Sorry everyone but I had to get evidence of this!

This is my gigantic spider bite. Yep, it's 2 weeks old and still nasty. You should have seen it last week. This seriously looks like it's healed a ton. The story: We were just outside and my arm started itching, I scratched it barely and my skin started peeling. Then I had a huge bump and it was red and my skin was raw. It was disgusting. We tracted into a nurse last week and she said it was a spider bite and that I was super lucky and I should have seen a doctor. Apparently spiders here in Texas can be very dangerous. And this was a huge spider. Those are the bite marks, pretty gross right? Good thing I didn't die! Just kidding ;) It's fine, just kind of horrible looking.

p.p.s. Also! This is completely unrelated but when the group of missionaries that Sister Reboquio entered with came into the mission, one of the new sisters came up to me. She said 'don't think this is creepy or anything but I know all about you! I stalked your blog ever since I decided to serve a mission.' Made my day! Seriously-haha. This is such a small world. Thought y'all would enjoy that! 

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

"Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life."  New Era, May 1975 President Ezra Taft Benson

Losing my life to God was the best thing I ever did. Period. This mission, as Felipe has said, 'is the hardest thing I've ever loved'. And training is the best thing I've ever been nervous for.

My new companion is Sister Reboquio! She is amazing. She's from the Philippines, which is the coolest thing ever! This is her first time in America! It has been quite an adventure teaching her about this country and learning about her country. She speaks Tagalog but studied English in school. Her English is pretty good but there's still a little bit of a language barrier. She's adjusting very well though! She's the sweetest person from an amazing culture. I love Filipinos just from what she's told me. Training is crazy, especially because I'm training her on an entirely new culture too. Her country is a lot more simple than ours. The people are much more harsh here and our way of life is quite extravagant. Being her trainer has taught me a lot more than what I'm teaching her. This is definitely a life changing experience! Her people serve each other all the time and are so respectful, it's so incredible! I can easily say the only hard thing about training so far is my disappointment in our culture.. People don't seem to have enough time for God or to serve and love each other. The way money is thrown around is super astounding to my companion, and it's really opened my eyes. We could really use some humility up in here!;)

The differences in our cultures don't all make me sad though! It's been so fun experiencing things she's never done or seen. I took her to Subway for the first time- she loved it! (Thanks for the gift card mom!) She says everything is bigger in Texas- and she doesn't even know that's a saying! But it's true! She was amazed how big the sky, the sun and moon are. She's never met so many inside, pampered dogs. In the Philippines, dogs usually run around the  streets all the time. I taught her how to use a dishwasher and a washing machine. I want to teach her to drive, but pretty sure the mission wouldn't approve! We bought rice and have been eating that everyday. She's teaching me Tagalog and we are going to learn I am a Child of God! She's really adorable. She has an amazing spirit and testimony. She is a super powerful teacher. Training has really been the best experience! There are so many things, I don't even have enough time to write them all down. One funny story- The first night she was here she was still not sure about what she should and shouldn't do. So we were getting ready for bed and I said my prayer and got into bed. I left the light on because she was still praying and usually the last person to go to sleep will turn the light off. She must have thought we slept with the light on or something because the light was on all night. I was so tired I didn't even notice until 6am! The next day our light burnt out- haha! It's been fun. She watches and does and says everything I do, so it's been a good chance to evaluate all those things in myself. I'm always teaching her new words and she is a great, fast learner!

We have had a great week! It's been a huge blessing to have such fresh faith. I'll have to tell y'all about more miracles next week! I got to sing a song in Spanish at another Spanish baptism- that was one highlight. Gift of tongues in music for sure since I only had 10 minutes to prepare! Oh and one of my favorite highlights- Robert and Judy have been having a hard time recently. She is getting more sick and it doesn't look like she'll be able to be baptized in this life. Robert is so tired. So we asked what his favorite dessert was. Key lime pie. So with the help of the Lea family, we got to make his dessert! He wasn't expecting it at all. It brought tears to both of their eyes and meant so much to them. It was definitely worth all 20 key limes that we juiced. I'm so blessed to have so many incredible people in my life right now!

Also I read the story of the brother of Jared in Ether and wrote down my thoughts. I really got a lot out of this story and wanted to share it with y'all: When we turn to God and rely on His support, He will be there. He will provide trials. He will provide safety, light, protection, guidance to lead us in the right direction toward what He has prepared for us. There may be storms of trials, we may be completely submerged in hardship but He will always bring us back up. Under water or above water, He will always be the light that never dims. We must keep ourselves 'tight like unto a dish' to God and His counsel. No wiggle room. We should praise Him and give Him thanks unceasingly. Then, we must go to work.

President Monson: "Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, He is with us. He has promised that this will never change. May we have a commitment to our Heavenly Father that does not ebb or flow with the years or the crises of our lives. We should not need to experience difficulties for us to remember Him, and we should not be driven to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. May we ever strive to be close to our Heavenly Father. To do so, we must pray to Him and listen to Him every day. We truly need Him every hour, whether they be hours of sunshine or of rain. May His promise ever be our watchward: 'I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.'"

Easter was the best ever! Made me cry every time I thought about how incredible it was to spend Easter as a missionary. Talking of Christ, Rejoicing in Christ, Preaching of Christ. He lives! He is Risen! He will come again!

Mahal kita! (I love you in Tagalog)

Sister Kristina Dalling

P.S. I completed my 21 day chocolate fast! And my mom provided the prize. Thanks for the best Easter package! aka chocolate package aka I love you! I have the best family ever!

Forever<3

Write me!

Sister Kristina Dalling

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

Week 39 Update from Sachse, Texas!

Hey y'all!

Another week of miracles! To be honest, I've had to really look for the miracles this week, but regardless they were there! It was a trying week.

For example, Tuesday we had 5 lessons planned and all of them fell through or cancelled! So we basically knocked on doors all day every day. It was exhausting! But it builds character- haha.

On Friday, we had Specialized Training with all the English missionaries. It was really great to see everyone! Oh, when I saw Sister Allred, she told me her grandpa passed away two weeks ago. So keep her in your prayers! Can't imagine how hard that must be. So during the training, President Durrant told a story about how a missionary's parents and older brother visited Dallas for business but wanted to see their missionary. They didn't want to distract him, but chose to watch from afar all day. He told two scenarios, the first was of a missionary who wasn't working as hard as he should have been and it made the parents and brother really sad. The second scenario was that they were so proud to see him working with all his might. At the end, we found out the parents were our Heavenly Parents and Jesus Christ, our elder brother. It was such a powerful story. And it really rang true to me. God sees everything I'm doing, He sees all my hard work even though sometimes nobody else does because we don't have success in numbers. God and Christ know my potential and they are with me every step of the way. I really needed to hear that this week!

So Sister Stephenson and I made a goal to contact as many people as we could the rest of the week. In one day, we talked to 100 people. We had a total of 202 contacts for the week. Usually missionaries have a hard time reaching 100 for a total week. It was a lot of hard work and we are exhausted now, but it was so worth it! And it was incredible realizing God and Christ were watching me and were with me every moment.

We even tracted a neighborhood no missionary has knocked on prior because it was gated. As missionaries, gated communities are one of our biggest enemies. I think every missionary gets the police called on them at least once. The police have come twice already in my 9 months! So in this gated community we ran into a few houses that had gates that led up to the door as well. Sister Stephenson and I asked each other if we should still unlock the gate and knock on the door, and after a few moments we came to the conclusion that we definitely should! Why were we fearing what man could do? Why were we scared of a simple gate? My motivation was found in a simple thought that entered into my head "Please don't let a simple gate stop this person from hearing My gospel.. I love this person, and I suffered everything for them so I could heal them. Please don't pass this chance up for them". It felt so good to knock on that door, even though it didn't lead to anything! Christ was rejected too, He was scared too of how bitter the cup was. I can do my simple part in giving everyone the chance to feel that healing, to come to Christ.

So I learned a lot. I grew a ton this week and I am so grateful for that!

Also President Durrant asked a favor of me! He asked an elder and I to make music to a poem President wrote. I'm going to sing it at a meeting in May or June. I was so honored when he pulled me aside and asked! He said I've become the official TDM vocalist. I'm so excited for this opportunity. I love my mission!

Expect more miracles next week!

Love,

Sister Kristina Dalling

Write me!

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

I love y'all Week 38 from Sachse, Texas

Hello friends and family!!!

First of all:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER SARA! I love you from the depths of my heart! Your letters mean so much to me, you have no idea. I can't believe how old you are getting, holy moly! It seems like it was just yesterday you were in diapers, sitting on my head, and pulling on my hair. You are growing up to be such an amazing young woman! So beautiful inside and out! I think about you all the time. I hope you have an incredible birthday and know I'll be there in spirit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER JACOB! Oh Gub. You are the only boy who has had my heart since the day you were born! I can not believe you are turning 13. You're a teenager. OH my gosh. I love you so much! Your letters mean the world to me. Thank you for everything you do. You are so sweet, kind and talented.

Expect a package very soon!

And Happy St,Patrick's Day! We are ending our preparation day early this week because we want to work super hard, so sorry I don't have much time!

This past week has been a great one. Always filled with miracles! God is a God of miracles, that's for sure.

We went to the temple Wednesday which is always an amazing experience. I feel like my time to go to the temple always comes at the exact moment I need it most. I love it so much! I feel so close to my Heavenly Father in the temple. I absolutely love all other faiths, any kind of faith is beautiful to me. But temples is what sets this faith apart, I feel. And the beauty that the temple brings into my faith is unmatched.

We had a lesson with Richard.. kind of a sad one. We found out about the missing plane and a senior in highschool 15 minutes from where we live was murdered. So the world is crazy. 

Shelly and her baptism are still looking really promising!

Speaking of baptisms, Jeremy was baptized Saturday in The Colony! Love the Davis'!

I sang the song "I Will" (Hilary Weeks) at Stake Conference. Elder Jones, of the first quorum of the Seventy came and spoke. It was a great conference. The Spirit was very strong, so many inspired speakers. Joakim and Felipe went skiing in Colorado for the weekend because of spring break, so they weren't able to go. But Laszlo, who also lives in Joakim's house, came! He's from Hungary and he is awesome! His family is still in Hungary and are apparently meeting with sister missionaries there as well! He is such an incredible person.

Well, my 9 month mark came and went. Hard to believe! We also had a zone meeting this morning and we all bore our testimonies, it was amazing. This week we have Specialized Training and lots of fun things coming up! Be prepared to hear about many miracles next week!

I have the best family in the world. I don't know what I'd do without them. Or my mission! I'm so grateful that my family is going to be together forever.

Love,

Sister Kristina Dalling

Write me!

6360 Murphy Rd.
#123
Sachse, TX 75048

Lyrics to I Will:

I made my choice 
You can mark this day 
The day I pledge 
To take His name 

I will be strong 
I will be brave 
Standing for Him 
As I take my place 

I have felt the spirit burn truth in my heart 
It's in my heart 
I will stand 
I will not fall 
In a world that's weak 
I will be strong 

I'll be true 
I will choose His way 
Yeah, I know what's right 
And I will not change 
In a world where so many will not 
I will 

I may be one 
But one becomes two 
When you stand with me 
And I stand with you 
As we unite 
Our cause is great 
We're not just the candle 
We are the flame 

I will take the light He gives me 
And I'll hold it up high 
I'll hold it up high 

And I will stand 
I will not fall 
In a world that's weak 
I will be strong 

I'll be true 
I will choose his way 
Yeah, I know what's right 
And I will not change 

In a world where so many will not 
I will 

I will stand 
I will not fall 
In a world that's weak 
I will be strong 
I'll be true 
I will choose His way 
Yeah, I know what's right 
And I will not change 

In a world where so many will not... 
I will