The Mission Training Fireside yesterday was awesome!

So, first things first:

My new missionary is absolutely amazing and I love her to death. She is one of the funniest people I've ever met in my life, besides me and Erika, of course. Her name is Hermana Ostler and she's from Billings, Montana and she went to BYU-I for a semester before her mission. She is so cool. We are being exactly obedient and I love it. We're actually on time. She's so easy to train. She makes me laugh so hard. Heavenly Father sent her to me. I've laughed so much. I'm so happy. As we were getting our new missionary picture taken together, Sister Hall (President's wife) was telling us all about how excited she was that we are companions and about how we're going to be just 2 peas in a pod and how amazing we're going to be together and I was just smiling thinking, "Yeah, okay, no pressure or anything!" hahaha! But we've been working our bums off. The other day we biked about 12 miles just contacting potentials that we met and tracking down referrals. Being a trainer is hard. I feel super inadequate for this job. But Hermana Ostler is such a champ. She loves her bike. She wanted to ride bikes, too. We are so alike, but different enough to keep it entertaining. She rapped missionary songs to me while we were riding down the road the other day. That was when I knew it was going to be a GREAT couple of transfers! 

 

So, we had a Zone Conference 2 days after transfer meeting and, holy. cow. It was amazing. We learned about the first missionaries out here in the desert. Sister Hall's great grandpa was the Mission President for this area way back when. Cool, huh? Runs in the fam. Anyway, he made the missionaries come out here without purse or script. That meant that they didn't have any money or a place to live. All they had was a suitcase that said LDS MISSIONARY and some copies of the Book of Mormon. They weren't allowed to ask for a place to live, and they weren't allowed to ask for food, but if someone offered, they could accept! But through their faith, and obedience they saw MIRACLES. They told us all about the history out here and I loved it. They were telling us about how President and Sister Hall love us so incredibly much and how they feel like they are sending their kids out on missions (to the other Mission)! Then we sang 'Carry On' (Hymn 255) President and Sister Hall and most of the missionaries in the room just started to weep when we got to the part that says "And we hear the desert singing: Carry on, carry on, carry on! Hills and vales and mountains ringing- carry on, carry on, carry on! Holding aloft our colors, We march in the glorious dawn. O youth of noble birthright, Carry on, carry on, carry on!" it was amazing. Then they asked me to give the closing prayer. It was really special. President and his family took pictures with all of us. He said he can't wait to be in the temple with all of us one day. President Hall and Elder Cropper talked a lot about mission reunions and how we need to go to them. The zone conference was amazing. 

That broadcast yesterday was awesome. I'm not going to lie, I was hoping they would extend girl's missions to two years but, alas, I was wrong. One miracle at a time, right? I found myself, and many of the Elders I was sitting by, in tears a few different times yesterday during the broadcast. It was so incredibly tender. I just love being a Missionary. It's so amazing. The videos that they kept showing just had me teary. I felt Heavenly Father's love so strong for His missionaries. 

A few of the things that I learned:

-He won't let us fail as we do the best we can

-When we act in faith, the Lord's blessings may be different than we expect, but they are ALWAYS BETTER than we've ever imagined. (see the first presidency message on the first page of Preach My Gospel)

-Missionary work is a rescue mission

-live so that you can abandon yourself, and script, but just follow the Spirit and let it flow

-The greatest teaching is done by a mother. The Priesthood holders think sometimes they have the power, but it doesn't compare to the power of a mother. -Boyd K. Packer aka- one of the greatest teachers of all time. Wasn't his message powerful?

Anyway I love being a missionary. It's so cool. Being a trainer is freakin' hard, but awesome. I am growing more than my new Missionary and President Hall told me that was going to happen! It's cool just watching it happen. I'm so thankful. I love you!

 

Hermana Dodge

President Hall asked me to Train!

So, surprise! President Hall just called me and asked me to be a trainer! Saturday night I found out I'm going to stay here in Esperanza and Hermana Tavoian is leaving. So, that means I'll be in the newly created Bakersfield Mission with President Wilson! and then President called and Hermana Tavoian answered and said hello, I'm actually calling to talk to Hermana Dodge! And then he asked me, "Will you be a trainer? Will you be exactly obedient? And will you fulfill the 12-week program?" and I said, "Yes, of course!" Then he gave me some more information. I'm going to transfer meeting tomorrow to pick up my new trainee and to drop off Hermana Tavoian!

 

It is so evident to me that I needed to be in the Bakersfield Mission. Think about it:

When I sent in my mission papers, the Bakersfield Mission had not been created yet. So, Heavenly Father must have wanted to me to go to San Fernando because He knew that's how I would get to Bakersfield. So, then, I remember getting the letter from President in the mail that talked about all the different Spanish areas in the mission. (aka- a ton) and one was called Esperanza (aka- the area I'm in right now) and I knew Esperanza meant "hope" in Spanish and I remember sitting on the couch in the living room and thinking, "Oh I want to go there! I'm going to need a little esperanza!" and then... I got sent here. THEN, I remember right when I heard that the mission was being split I thought, "That is why I'm here... I'm going there". Also, I only had a month in between when I got my call and when I reported to the MTC (Mission Training Center in Provo, UT). That is almost unheard of for missionaries at the time that I submitted my papers because of that huge wave of missionaries. People had to wait months to enter the MTC, because the MTC was PACKED. All the missionaries in my District in the MTC had submitted their papers way before I did! The Lord needed me out in the field, and he needed me TRAINED so that I could hit the ground running and be ready to help open this new mission with President Wilson. He needed me to be ready so that I can be an asset to my new Mission President. I'm going to see miracles. I was bummed for a grand total of 5 minutes because President Hall is awesome and the valley is cool. But then... the Spirit just hit me and was like, "You need to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become and is planning on you becoming. Stop worrying about yourself and step up to the plate!" and then I got called as a Trainer. lol. It is awesome.

Prep-Day at the church.

 

I love being a missionary. We are seeing miracles out here in the desert. Please send me Erika's birthday so I can make sure to not miss it.  I need you to look it up on FaceBook or something and let me know when it is! Please send back the SD card that I sent you with everything on it. Don't worry about my birthday. To be honest, I forgot about it until last night because Sister Peatross's birthday is today and I realized my birthday is in a month. I'm fine. I have everything I need :)

 

I'll let you know if I need anything! I love you a whole bunch. Life is so good. Hermana Tavoian and I have been having a lot more fun this week which is awesome. We've been working really hard. Life is good! I'll only be on for 10 more minutes because I'm writing to President! I love you!

We went to lunch with some GREAT members

Back- Sis's Scaife, Fish & Peatross

Middle- Sister's Cottrell, Tavoian, & Hermana Dodge

Front- Wendy & Trevor Bird

 

Hermana Cassi Dodge

Other Interested Church Members

Hi Everyone!

Here is a little excerpt from our email from President Hall this week:

~If you ever wanted to know what the MTC experience is like for Mission Presidents, this is your chance. They will be broadcasting a special session from this year's seminar for New Mission Presidents live on Sunday, June 23rd, 2013 at 4pm (mountain time). The following is a letter from the First Presidency.

"Ward and Stake council members, their spouses, full-time missionaries, and other interested Church members are invited to participate in a special session of the Seminar for New Mission Presidents entitled, "The Work of Salvation," which will be broadcast from the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. (time above). The program will be subsequently rebroadcast to many areas of the world. President Thomas S Monson, President Boyd K Packer, and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will share messages about missionary work and conversion. Where necessary, we ask local leaders to adjust scheduled worship services so that members are able to participate in the live broadcast of this historical event."

Pres Hall continues; All full-time missionaries are invited (and required) to attend this broadcast. I would also talk this up to your wards, and branches. All ward council members should attend, but invite EVERYONE to attend (note "other interested Church members"- shouldn't everyone be interested in missionary work?). This will be a very important and memorable broadcast related to this great hastening of the work that is taking place today! ~

Palmdale News

Hi. this letter is going to be super sporadic and not very fluid. Also, I'm awful at grammar and spelling in English now. Lets just go with it :)

 

Yes, I got the Toms and brownies and cards! Thank you so much! They are awesome! The brownies were delicious and we tried to make them last as long as possible so we cut them in half and only ate a little bit at a time :)

 

Mom: Make Codi Peterson and Dylan Gardner stand together and take a picture of them! Tell Lara and Codi I love them and I would LOVE to hear from them BOTH. 

 

So, lots of things to talk about. Ready? GO. 

Kristi might think this is cool- They have created a new thing called Sister Training Leaders or something like that! They are new leaders that work with the Zone Leaders and are specifically the conduit between sisters and president and they go on exchanges with other sisters and do training and stuff! So now, they don't have Zone Leadership Council with just the Zone Leaders! Now the Zone Leaders and the Sister Training Leaders go to a meeting with the President. It has a new name. I forgot what it was. I left my journal that has all of my notes from training in it at home! (dumb, I'm sorry. I'll repent and be better) So, that's cool! That is church-wide! This is a new thing for all Missions everywhere! :)

Also, speaking of, who was the first sister missionary? Can you look that up for me? Who was she? Where did she serve? Tell me about her!

Also, could you send me one or two good smoothie recipes? Maybe one involving oatmeal?

Also, just FYI, I rediscovered my love for Cheetos. Yeah. it's a blessing and a curse. I'm 9 years old again. I love it. Haha.

So, I get to help plan a wedding! Who would've thought that the first wedding I plan would NOT be my own? haha! Our investigators are getting married so that they can be baptized! It was awesome. I was kind of concerned about how they were going to react to our invitations but I trusted the Lord! Here is what I wrote President about it: "This week has been wonderful. We've seen many miracles. The one I'm really excited to tell you about is Teresa and Jessie. We've been teaching them and this week we had to find out if they were married or not. I was excited, but a tiny bit nervous because if they weren't married, they would have to get married before they could get baptized. So, when we got there Jessie wasn't home from work but we started to teach Teresa and her daughter! We taught her the 10 commandments and the law of chastity and she definitely understood everything and said she liked it a lot. So, we brought up marriage and how she needs to be married to be baptized and she actually really liked that! She said she doesn't feel good living with Jessie without being married and that they had plans to get married and they've wanted to for a while but they just always push it back. Well, then Jessie walked in from work and sat down and joined in. We kind of reviewed with him what we had talked about and started talking about the Law of Chastity with him, too! He was really receptive and open to it, as well! He liked it and Hermana Tavoian and I talked about the huge blessings that come with being married. We talked about how marriage will bring them closer together as a couple and how they will be able to go through trials and difficulties together when they have Jesus Christ as the center of their relationship. We talked about how when they grow closer to Christ they will grow together and they loved that! So, we asked them if they would get married to prepare to get baptized, cleared up some confusion and worries they had, and they said yes! Jessie is excited but he wants to make sure his wedding is nice and that they do everything "right" so, we decided to give them a little over a month. We set their baptism date as May 26 and they committed to getting married before then. We're going to teach their daughter, Adriana as well so that we can baptize them as a family! They're really excited, we're really excited, and I'm so thankful for the Spirit and the hand of the Lord in all of our lives. None of that could've happen if Heavenly Father hadn't softened their hearts and helped us have the Spirit. So, we get to help put on a wedding! We're getting the ward involved and so it will be interesting to see how everything plays out. It was a miracle for us!

So, needless to say, we're doing great here. I'm still trying to get used to everything and there are hard days, but I'm so happy to be here. There is nowhere I'd rather be! I love being a missionary and sharing the message of the Restoration with the people in this area. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon and I'm reading it daily. Anyway, thank you so much for all you do for us and I hope you and your family are doing well!

-Hermana Dodge

So, we are STOKED. 

Also, I experienced my first sandstorm this week! That was awesome! In Texas, ya know how you can see thunderstorms rolling in from miles away? It's like a wall of dark gray clouds? Yeah, Sandstorms are just like that, except light gray/tan because it's just a wall of sand coming. It was SUPER windy. 

 

Oh, and by the way, we get to Skype our families on Mothers Day and Christmas!! :) No big deal! Hahaha! Also, I noticed this Sunday that sometimes I stick out like a sore thumb in my congregation. Hna Tavoian has a darker complexion and so she kinda fits in, but I just stick out! I love it! It's so fun! So, apparently President Hinckley said that if anyone reads the Book of Mormon in another language, they will be fluent in that language. Can you research and find that for me? I would love to see a talk or something or a quote on that, because I'm BANKING on that! lol. 

So, this week we had Zone Conference! It was awesome! We had the Lancaster Zone with us, and there are Korean Elders in the Lancaster Zone. So, there is one Elder named, Elder Kim. He comments a lot and sings really loud, and he is the definition of a tenor. So, I noticed him singing and then after conference he came and found me and said, "Sister, what is your name!?!" and I said, "Hi! I'm Hermana Dodge. Nice to meet you!" and he said, "Oh yes it is very nice to meet you too. You have an amaaazing voice, Sister. You sound beautiful! Have you ever taken any voice lessons?"  I proceeded to tell him a little bit about my vocal background and he said, "Wow, I'm classically trained, too! I was trained to sing Opera!" Anyway, I talked to him about that too and he said we need to tell President Hall that we need to sing together! I just smiled and said, "Okay!" It was just so funny and random. I was sick last week and so I know I didn't sound my best, but Elder Kim sure thought I sounded alright! LOL.

 

So, last but not least. Last night we were visiting some potential investigators before we went home, and we were going to see this guy named Frederico and his wife Erika (yeah, her name is Erika. I almost cried and hugged her when she introduced herself) but that's not the point! Anyway, we went over and when we were walking we passed this apartment that we had contacted (or "knocked") the week before. We had contacted this guy who was watching us out his window for just a couple seconds as we knocked on his neighbors door. So, I smiled and waved and we saved his house for last. Well we knocked and he opened the door,  we shared a really short message and asked when we could come back and talk more and he said come by sometime in the evening this week, my baby is crying so I need to go and we said ok and left. We went back that week and nobody was home so we left a card with our number and a message on it. When we were visiting Erika and Frederico (who live around the corner) I just really felt like we needed to stop by, so I thought... Okay, after Frederico we will. So, we went over there and the wife (or girlfriend, or something) answers the door holding the baby boy (who is precious) and says, "Come in come in!" We go in and sit down and she tells us her name is Ruby (such a pretty name) and the tells us she's a member! So we asked her about her background and she began to tell us that she was baptized when she was younger. She went to girls camp, and even went to the temple and did baptisms for the dead! She said she loves the church and the gospel is so beautiful and that although she attends the Catholic church with her husband, her heart has always been with our church. So, her husband was upstairs taking care of the children and he didn't come down to listen, but Ruby and her daughter listened very intently. We shared the restoration with her and left her 2 copies of El Libro de Mormon and 2 pamphlets about the restoration, one in English and one in Spanish, and we scheduled a follow up appointment for this week. it was amazing. Seriously... it was a miracle. She said she has always hoped that little by little her husband would come around to hearing the gospel and that he is shy but she really wants this for her family. She said her cousin is actually preparing to go on a mission right now and her siblings are members too! We felt so guided by the Holy Ghost to go and talk to them that night. I am so grateful. I am honestly so happy that we had this experience. The Spirit was there in our lesson and we felt so much peace in their home. She was just lost for a little while but the Lord has perfect timing. Ruby and her family needs the gospel and we're going to work with her and her family. Ruby said she saw our card that we left and asked her husband if he knew what that was and who left it and she said she told him that it was actually a card from the real church and that missionaries left it for them! She said she was so happy! :)

 

Gosh, the time is gone...I guess I'll leave you with this: I love being a missionary. I love wearing this badge everyday. It's weird because I remember looking up to the missionaries as a little girl and I remember writing Kristi all the time and it's just so awesome that I get to be a missionary now! I love the Book of Mormon. I read it everyday. It changes lives, it brings peace when you feel like you can't find it anywhere else. It brings a joy that you can't get from anything else. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us so much. I love the people here. I love California. People can say what they want, but I love California! The Lord is "exalting His valleys" Isaiah 40:4

 

I love y'all. I love you mom. I love you so much. I'm sending you copies of my journal entries from this week. 

P.S. Can you tell everyone I said hi! I love you!

Mission Splitting!

Hi Everyone!

I've got lots of stuff to tell:

Our Mission is getting split! Ya know how yesterday they mentioned that there would be the creation of 58 new missions? Yeah, they are forming a CA Bakersfield Mission that will split our mission in half! This split takes in the area I am serving in right now. There are two transfers in between now and when the mission actually splits, and since I am being trained for my first 12 weeks, I won't go anywhere this next transfer, but then the last transfer...the one right before the mission splits, I could leave, but I also could stay. So I may be in a new mission with a new Mission President, in June. I am trying not to worry about it.

This week I was SICK! It was awful. Being sick on the mission STINKS. But, I worked through it and I'm feeling much better. I got a ton of home remedies from the Hispanic people. This lady gave me a jar of this concoction she made of blended up radishes, garlic, onions, lemons, and a bunch of other random things (who knows, didn't ask) that she threw in there. And she mushed that all up and told me to eat 2 spoonfuls every day. So...I did! It was the single most disgusting taste/texture combination of my LIFE! But, it worked! :) Also, Sister Cropper told me to gargle with salt water every few hours, so I did that too. I was sick for about 3+ days but I got a wonderful Priesthood blessing, and now I am feeling great! I LOVE hippie remedies that I am learning on my mission. :)

Hermana Tavoian and Hermana Dodge

Tell Tyler Weiss and the Weiss family that Elder Michael Neff is in my district. In fact, we serve in the same ward! He was so stoked that I knew them. It was so tender. Also, for the people that might read this and care, he is a huge Guster fan. We're buds.

Okay we need to talk about General Conference for a minute...

HOLY COW THAT WAS THE GREATEST THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD!
General Conference was about families this time. Holy cow.

Sister Dalton's talk? OH MY GOSH. Changed my life. I didn't even take notes. I just sat there in AWE as she spoke.

I saw Robin Pratt singing in conference and I was so excited! I was like, "I know her!" It was such a sweet surprise! The BYU choirs were absolutely WONDERFUL! They sounded fabulous. :)

Mom, do you remember that tea party that I went to when I was a little girl? It was a birthday party for someone in my class at school, and I was little, like maybe 1st, or 2nd grade. It was down in the old part of downtown Grapevine in the back of a little shoppe. It was an old fashion tea party...anyway, I remember being all dressed up in the fancy dresses they had there for us to wear, we walked along the street outside and practiced our princess waves, hahah. Anyway, when the ladies came around to serve us tea I asked the woman who was serving me, "Is that real tea?" and she said, "Yes, would you like some?" And I said, "Ummm, I don't know, just a second." You were sitting in the back by the other Moms and I ran up to you and whispered in your ear, something along the lines of, "Mommy, that's REAL tea that they are serving! What should I do?" And you looked at me and said, "What do you think you should do? What does the spirit tell you?" So I went back to my seat and sat downand the lady came back and asked me again if I would like some tea and I said, "No thank you, I don't drink tea." And then she said, "Okay, I will bring you something else!" I remember how good I felt. I felt so happy and proud of myself, and you just smiled at me. Mom, thank you so much for letting me make my own choices and allowing me to choose the right on my own and teaching me about the Spirit when I was young. There were quite a few talks about how to talk to your children and how to show your kids that you love them and I took SO many notes. I received a lot of revelation, but there were so many times where I thought to myself, 'My mom does that!' -or- 'Oh yeah, my mom is good at that!' So Mom, thanks for being so cool.

Oh man, Elder L Tom Perry THREW DOWN! It was awesome. I think he's been taking tips from Elder Holland. Oh, Elder Holland SERIOUSLY threw down this conference! Elder L. Tom Perry was the warm up, and Elder Jeffrey R Holland was the ball game. They were both AMAZING! President Thomas S Monson was so great, and hilarious. I am so thankful for him and his love. I am so thankful to have a true prophet on the earth today. He is a blessing and a treasure.

OHHHHH...ya know how President Monson announced a new temple to be built in Rio De Janeiro? Well, I hope everyone remembers that that is where the next OLYMPICS are going to be! How amazing is that going to be to have a temple being built, maybe, possibly even finished when people from all over the world are flocking there for the Olympics. That is absolutely amazing, and perfect timing. :)

I also loved Sister Wixom's talk. 'Where ere thou art, act well thy part." I remember looking at that stone in the Library at BYUI with Ryan, and then I went and saw it again at the MTC, and then she mentioned it in General Conference, and I was like...WHAT?!?! It was so cool. The BEST feeling.

I LOVE my Mission President and his wife. I want to BE a Mission President's wife. I am going to grow and live my life worthy of that. When I look at President  and Sister Hall and how cute they are, I just see me and my husband. We had training meetings this week and he told us his priorities are:

1- Sister Hall
2- Their kids
3- The Missionaries

So- what does that mean? Well- he told us...date night is every Friday from 6--9pm so don't call. Then Sis. Hall interrupted him and said, "Honey, put a plus sign next to the 6-9pm thing...so 6-9 or more." He laughed and said, "I'll put 2 plus signs, just to be safe." and winked at her. It was THE cutest thing I have ever seen. He loves her so much. And he loves his kids. Family day is on Saturday, and FHE is Monday and he likes to help with dinner and homework from 6-9. AND- He loves us Missionaries like crazy. It was so cool. I just want to BE a Mission Presidents wife. I KNOW I'm going on another mission after this one when I'm older. Mission's'. I love this life and I want it forever. For people who might read this letter...Preach My Gospel doesn't just apply to missionary work. It applies to family. How to make goals FOR YOUR FAMILY. How to use time wisely FOR YOUR FAMILY. So, yeah, I'm going to use Preach My Gospel forever.

Look who I saw! Hrm Clifton, Hrm Barnes, and I

at our training meetings.

Oh gosh, my time is up and people are waiting to use the computers. I gotta go. I love you so much. Give Daddy a hug and thank him for me. He's so cool. I love all of you so much. Okay...gotta go.

Hermana Dodge

I'm in Palmdale California!

Oh, my, lanta, I am so stinkin' happy to write you. First things first:

I LOVE CALIFORNIA SO STINKIN' MUCH. IT IS THE SECOND GREATEST STATE IN THE UNION. Second only to TEXAS, of course. ;)

So, I'm in Palmdale, specifically Esperanza West area, yes Spanish speaking :) I was super stoked about that. I did NOT want to get sent English right out of the gate, but apparently, President pretty much keeps Spanish missionaries in Spanish areas because hellooooo, there are TONS to teach! Most of the people in my area are from Guatemala and Mexico. A couple from Peru and El Salvador. Don't worry, I have plans to learn how to make all of the delicious food I'm eating. I CANNOT believe I haven't had a papusa, yet. Don't worry. I'm going to fix that soon. Anyway, I'm legitimately in the DESERT out here. I'll send/take pictures today. Our apartment has pretty green grass, and then as soon as you turn out of our complex it is DEAD. sand, joshua trees, the whole 9 yards. I love it. It's so gorgeous. I LOVELOVELOVE it out here! The people are absolutely wonderful. This area hasn't had Hermanas in 8 years, so everyone is SO EXCITED to have us. And, we're white-washing the area, so we came in the area and hit the ground running. Luckily, the elders who were here before us were awesome and really set us up for success. So, we had a baptism yesterday, we have another one next Sunday and another 2 on the Sunday after that :) First Sunday, First baptism! It was an awesome blessing. Her name is Margarita and she has 2 daughters that we are hoping to teach as well. 

Palmdale, California...I'm HERE!

President is awesome. SO AWESOME I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU. His wife? EQUALLY, IF NOT MORE, AWESOMENESS. They love each other so much it's ridiculous. Totally reminds me of how much you and dad love each other. He loves sports and Doctor Who. Like, what? Who are these people? LOL. I only got to talk to President Hall for like, 3 minutes and he asked about me and what I like to do and everything and I mentioned about how I love sports and the sunshine and how happy I am to be here, but I also love music and I'm kind of a nerd and he just giggled a little and smiled and said, we are all about that in this family. It was awesome. They are like the grown up, married, cooler forms of me. They are amazing. They just always have the Spirit with them. We had a little training the next day by Sister Hall (what a gem) and she said "We don't care where you are, we care where you're going!" and I about fell out of my CHAIR. How many times have I said that? President also said something that I really liked: (paraphrased) If you let the mission go through you, instead of you going through your mission,  your eternity will change. Your spouse will be different, your kids will be different, everything will be different just by the way you decide to live your mission. 

I'm going to let the mission go through me. I love it. One thing Elder Holland said in the MTC is that he can't stand it when missionaries say things like "life after the mission" or "when i get back to real life..." etc. He said THIS IS REAL LIFE. If you serve your mission correctly, your life when you get home won't be much different! Just without a tag and some other little things! 

Okay, so, more about me and the area :) 

The people are amazing. The branch is tiny, but good! The Bishopric is awesome, and we have an awesome ward mission leader, so things are set for some awesome work! Bless my heart and the heart of anyone who is patient enough to suffer through my Spanish. When I got here I realized how much I have to learn! And, it's "funny" because my English is kind of... well... it's hurting lol! It's hard for me to read out loud in English. I can read it just fine, don't get me wrong, but when I have to read it out loud, it takes me just a tiny bit longer than it did before. lol I love it. SUCH an awesome side-effect of learning Spanish. This past week we went and talked to Juanita. Juanita is from Oaxaca, Mexico. Like, she is FROM OAXACA. (prounounced wah-hawk-ah) She is the smallest hispanic woman I have ever seen in my entire life. Smaller than Grandma Dodge, and if I remember correctly, Grandma was small! I love her. She is so kind. She is like 90-something years old and ADORABLE. I'll take a picture with her, don't worry. I remember you telling me that Grandma Beaujeu was so small you could stick out your arm and walk by her and she would go under your arm. Hahaha. This lady is just like that. She is absolutely beautiful. She loved it when we sang hymns to her. She just got baptized a couple weeks ago. Last week, actually. I think. She loves visitors and so we set another appointment to come visit her and teach her a little more on Wednesday. 

My new companion is Hermana Tavoian (pronounced tu-voy-yahn) is amazing. She is my trainer and is everything a new missionary could want: obedient, kind, follows the Spirit, supportive, knows more Spanish than me, but not condescending or prideful. She is an angel! She's from Malad, Idaho! And, she went to BYUI before the mission! She is quiet, but i love her. I have quiet companions. Do you think the Lord is trying to teach me something? lol I love it here. Everything is going so awesome. 

Funny story: There are some awesome youth in this area. So we went by Jesus, Allen, and Oscar's place to ask them about some referrals they gave us and they were so excited. Anyway, they asked us where we were from and Jesus said "You're from Utah, right?" and I was like,  "NO way!!!!! I'm from TEXAS!" and Allen smacked Jesus in the arm and said "You just said that because she's white, didn't you?" and he goes, "Yeaaahhhh".... and we all laughed. I was like no way! I'm from Texas! and I've got a little Mexicano in me! It was hilarious. I'm definitely the minority here. The bishop gave us time at the beginning of testimony meeting yesterday to share our testimonies. Everyone really liked that. Nobody knows this is my first area so every family we've had dinner with is super surprised because "my Spanish is so good".... but it's NOT! I have so much to work on, and I'm not worried about it though, I know the Lord is helping me a ton, but I just don't understand why they keep saying that. lol!

p.s. Johnny Jarnigan is going to BYUI after his Mission? HECK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PARTY!

p.p.s. We're driving a 2013 Chevy Cruze. brand new. Our zone is JEALOUS. And we love it. :)

My new address is:

Hermana Dodge

38121 25th St. East

#AA103

Palmdale, CA, 93550

 

Thanks for sending me some pictures. That Mormon Prom pic of Lara Peterson is absolutely gorgeous. So is the one of Hailey in that picture. Absolutely stunning girls.  :)
 

I LOVE your Sew Sandi! Sew cute! (see what I did there lol?)
 

Also, I feel Grandma Dodge's presence all around me. I love the white skirt you sent me. ABSOLUTELY love it. At first I was like, eh, maybe not, but I brought it with me, and I wore it the other day with that blue shirt and my tan flats and the wind was blowing a little bit and we were in the desert walking around the apartments to and from appointments and I could just feel her there. I looked down at my skirt flowing a little bit in the wind and I had my Spanish scriptures in my right hand and I just felt her. I felt my ancestors and how proud of me they are. I know they're happy! I know grandpa Dodge is so happy! When I'm with Juanita, I feel so in touch with my roots, ya know? I know I'm white. But I really hang on to that Mexicano culture! I always have and I always will! I mean, it might sound weird, but I'm so in touch with my ancestors here. I can feel their love and support for me. Don't get me started on Grandma Beaujeu. I'll cry. You can share that with some family members if you want!

p.s. I have to go now.

p.s. If anyone has written me in the past like 2 weeks,  I haven't gotten it. the MTC said they would forward our mail to us, but i'm not holding my breath that it's going to get here anytime soon. They are so busy. You have NO idea. lol

I love you so much, y'all!

I need letters! And get erika's email for me please! Thanks to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE who has taken the time to write me. I appreciate it so. much.

 Hermana Dodge

 

 

 

 

Letter from President Kenneth T Hall

 

 

Sis. Hall, Hermana Dodge, and Pres. Kenneth T Hall

25 March, 2013

Cassi's 1st day in California

Hermana Dodge's first letter home from the 'field'.

Hermana Tavoian, Hermana Dodge's Trainer

and 2nd Companion.

They are headed to Palmdale, CA.

 

 

Ready to serve!

Hermana Dodge

 

 

A Message from President and Sister Hall

Hello from Sunny Southern California!

 

Well, technically it was a bit hazy today, but it is always sunny for us when new missionaries arrive!

 

Everyone arrived safe and sound, and as you can see from the picture, we had a large group—24 new missionaries and 12 of those are sisters.  It may be the record  number of sisters arriving in the history of the mission.

 

President Hall, the assistants and some of our senior couples met them at the airport and took them to the San Fernando Stake Center. 

There they had some pizza, filled out some paperwork, watched a safety video and then we sent them out with a great temporary companion to find people to teach.
They did a great job.  I’m sure you’ll get the details from your missionary, but we love that first day of finding and talking with everyone.  Miracles and baptisms happen because of the efforts of the new missionaries who’ve been here only hours.

 

Tomorrow is the transfer meeting.  Everyone in the mission who is being moved to a new area will be together to receive their assignments.  Over half of the mission will meet tomorrow and it is a great way to feel a part of this great mission.  President Hall has just finished interviewing all the new missionaries and will spend considerable time tonight on his knees determining which missionary will go with which trainer.  As you pray for your missionary, pray for their companion as well. 

 

We are super excited to love and work with all these wonderful servants of the Lord.

 

Love,

 

Sister Hall

 

The new Missionaries in the CA San Fernando Mission

25 March, 2013

With President and Sister Hall

 

My last P-day in the Mission Training Center

Hi! Happy belated Birthday to you Momma! How are you?

This week has been NUTS! Like...whoa! I feel like I say that very week, lol, but I leave the MTC for California on Monday! WHATTTT!?! It's super weird. You know how I am, it won't hit me until my first lesson out en campo (the field).

Miracles DO happen, and I got to witness one personally this week.

Elder Dohner had surgery on Tuesday! As we all remember, he got an MRI of his knee, and some sort of scan too, anyway, he got one and it showed that he had a Bucket-handle tear in his meniscus. So he went in for surgery. Well, we prayed. And we prayed HARD. Every single prayer I have said since he was hurt has involved him. There was fasting, and MORE prayer, there was temple prayer rolls. WE PRAYED! And we got a miracle. :) When he went in for surgery Tuesday...his meniscus was FINE. He had some tissue around his knee-cap that needed to be removed, so they did that, but he will be just fine in 1-2 weeks. That means, depending how he re-cooperates, he will only have to stay behind for 1 week, and he doesn't have to go HOME! Can you believe that Mom? It's so awesome.

Celebrating the good news with Elder Dohner.

 

So, do you remember Pablo? The one who I said finally got the light back in his eyes a few lessons ago? Well, there is more:

 

Before, he had mentioned how he has tried to change his life, but he always falls back into his old ways. He has tried, and tried to change but he can't seem to stick to it for long. We talked about change and what that really means. About how we can't ever truly change without the help of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. (For the record...I just wrote that in Spanish and had to go back and translate it. Que pasa, Spanish skills?!?) I said, (in Spanish), Pablo, I think you've never tried to change through Jesus Christ, and with the help of The Lord, have you? He kind of chuckled and said, no. I said, that is the difference. We read some scriptures about trusting in the arm of the Lord, instead of the arm of the flesh, and about how we can't do things on our own.

 

In our lesson, where he got the light back in his eyes, we talked about the first quarter of Alma 32, and about how the people who had been cast out of their synogagues because they were poor and didn't have nice clothes, etc. The people asked Alma what they should do, and Alma rejoiced because they were humble. Then we brought up questions about why bad things happen, and why life is so hard sometimes. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and one of the reasons why we're here is to gain experience, and to learn and grow. We asked Pablo why he thought Alma was so happy that the people were humble and he said, "Because they were easier to teach and they were ready to learn and hear him." I about fell outta my chair! You could see him thinking, and those wheels turning in his head. Things were connecting, and the Spirit was testifying to him! Then we read Alma 32: 13, 16, and 21 which says:

 

13- And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentence; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.

 

16- Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.

 

21- And now as I said concerning faith-- faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

 

It all came together. We talked to him about how nothing is too big for the Lord, and that Heavenly Father loves him. We were then out of time so we committed him to read the rest of the 32nd chapter of Alma in The Book of Mormon, which breaks down what faith is. And the he prayed for us, and we left.

 

Which brings me to our next lesson:

 

The next time we met, he was happy, he still had that light in his eyes. He told us he had not 'slipped' up at all this week, We talked to him about what he'd read in Alma Chapter 32, and asked him what he liked, we answered his questions, and then talked about repentance. We talked about what it really means to actually repent, and how repentance helps us all to change our lives. Heavenly Father WANTS us to live with Him again. Heavenly Father WANTS to forgive us. Pablo was concerned that his sins were to big, and we reassured him that as he gives his whole heart to the Lord, as he gives up his addictions, and bad habits, The Lord will sustain him. Then, when he gets baptized he receives the gift of the Holy Ghost who will help him as he continues on and resists temptation. The I asked him:

 

"Sequira elejemplo de Jesuchristo al ser bautizada por algun que posea la autridad del sacerdocio de Dios?"

 

And Pablo looked at me and smiled and said, "Si." He was so happy! I tried not to let my jaw drop too much. I almost forgot to set a date for his baptism. LOL

 

MOM, PABLO IS GETTING BAPTIZED. PABLO IS CHANGING HIS LIFE. FOREVER.

 

That day, when we were leaving class, Hermano Usecitch says (in Spanish), "Hermana Dodge, do you remember the lesson you had with Pablo where you shared Alma chapter 32 and asked him about Alma and the people who were cast out of their synogagues?" and I said, "Si." ...and he said, "That is the lesson that changed Pablo. It couldn't have been better, even if I'd have plucked it straight out of Preach My Gospel. Way to go! That really helped him." I about bawled! I rmember my email after that lesson when I told you we saw Pablo smile for the first time. It was comforting and humbling. Who am I to be an instrument of the Lord? Me, a little girl from Highland Village, Texas. I KNOW, that the Lord does NOT call the qualified, he qualifies who He calls.

 

There are so many things coming together in my life, it is crazy. I HAD to come on a Mission.

 

Oh super important thing: I saw Elder Thomas Duty!!!!

 

FROM MY JOURNAL:

 

Today I saw Elder Thomas Duty! Elder Duty is from Ryan's Mission in Tulsa, OK. Ryan baptized Thomas! They are good buds! Anyway, there I am, in the hallway talking to some of the otra Hermanas in my zone, and this line of people (I think it was a district) comes walking down the hallway, so we kinda move to one side and keep talking. Then I hear this unfamiliar voice say, "Hermana Dodge!!", so I turn around and it's some random Elder beaming at me from ear to ear as he sticks his hand out to shake my hand! I said, "Hi....." and then (while still shaking my hand) he turns and shows me his badge that says, "Elder Duty", and then it clicked! That was THE Thomas Duty in the flesh! The picture of him on FaceBook, and his FB friend request rushed back to my mind! I MET Thomas Duty at the MTC. He is going to Argentina on HIS Mission. I about died. It was wonderful. I shook his hand more excitedly then! Hahaha. We took a picture, and I told him to say hi to me WHENEVER he sees me, and then he had to run off to do some online language study. How COOL IS THAT!?!? Whoa, tender mercy...and SMALL WORLD!

Elder Duty & Hermana Dodge

Provo Utah MTC March 2013

 

I LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father has a Plan of Happiness in place for His children. I am thankful to be a part of the WORK. I am happy here. I love you all so much!

 

Hermana Dodge

Me and Hermana Hall studying. It was EARLY!

;)

 

 

 



 



P-Day 15 March, 2013

Hi Everyone!

Guess what?!? I saw Elder Anthony Fernelius Wednesday right when he got dropped off! His Mom actually drove back around to say Hi to me. It was so tender! I told her to give you a great big hug, and she said she's going to come over to the house so you two can talk about your Missionaries. :) It was so cute, and so nice. I told Anthony I would try to find him during lunch or something. He was grinning from ear to ear. I think it's just the Spirit of this place that makes everyone want to smile all the time. :) Including me.

Elder Anthony Fernelius and Hermana Dodge.

Elder Fernelius is headed to Japan.

Let me introduce you to my District. They are all so awesome!

Back- Elder Barkdull, Elder Williams, Elder King

Elder Dohner, Elder Pahulu, ElderBennett

Front- Hermana Hall, H Barnes, H Clifton,

H Warren, H Dodge, and Hermana Hardy.

 

Look at the beautiful weather we have been experiencing. It's been so nice to walk outside in a simple sweater and not bundle up like we live in Alaska. :) I'm SO going to enjoy California.

 

Me and my wonderful companion Hermana Hall

Notice: Elder Olivas right ear in this photo as he tries to BOMB.

 

Our District loves to opportunity to attend the temple

early in the morning on P-day. Me & Hermana Hall.

H Barnes, Me, H Hall and H Warren on P-day

heading to the Temple to serve.

I'm going to have to talk to Elder Olivas about

photo bombing my pictures today.

Elder Wilson, Elder Pahulu, And Hermana Dodge

These guys are GREAT missionaries.

Show this picture to Daddy. I got his favorite drink

with my lunch. It made me think of you Dad. Love you!

 

 

Thank you for keeping me up on the family news. I absolutely LOVE what Todd and Sarah named their baby. (William Tate Z)

 

I am so happy to know that you talk to Erika, Mom. So JEALOUS! Hahah! I love knowing what she's doing and about Garrett's homecoming. I'm so glad she got to go home.

 

The work here is nothing less than miraculous. Let's just start with yesterday. Oh my gosh, it was amazing. In the morning we taught Edith, our investigator who has had a very tough life. Her husband doesn't have a job, she works a ton, she feels like she cannot help Pablo, her son, because he speaks English, and all of his friends do so she cannot help him with his homework sometimes when he needs her, etc. She also doesn't feel like Heavenly Father listens to her, and questions weather The Book of Mormon is true. We had an AMAZING lesson on faith. She prayed and we left with smiles on our faces, even her. :)

 

Our teachers are actually our investigators. It's so inspirational to watch them do this so efficiently, and effectively. This works because they pick an investigator, (or in some cases themselves before their own conversion and baptism) and they sort of channel them through prayer, preparation, and meditation, basically. Then we teach them. Hermana Banfield is our teacher in the morning, and Hermano Usevitch is in the evening. We teach every day, but we teach each investigator every OTHER day, does that make sense? And since we taught Edith (Hermana Banfield) yesterday morning we thought we were done for the day. All of a sudden Hermano Usevitch came in and asked the class if we were ready to teach Pablo (the name of his investigator), and the people who had taught Edith were like, 'No, it wasn't on our schedule! We aren't prepared. Can't we do it tomorrow?' Etc (Remember, there are '6' companionships in our District/class, so 3 teach every day) and so of course, I said, "Hey- I'll do whatever the Lord wants me to do, and so whatever you want me to do. Heck yeah, I'm ready to teach Pablo!" (Insert small stink-eye glare from the companion, and the two other companionships who had to teach too). Hahaha! Our teacher was so excited and said, "Well, ALRIGHT!"  I said, "We're on an errand of the Lord, we are here to share the Gospel, so that's what I'm going to do!" Why wouldn't I jump at the chance to fulfill my purpose, at every opportunity?

 

 

Okay- we had like 15 minutes to prepare, and we just prayed together before we started prepping, and before we walked in, and the Spirit TOTALLY led the lesson. Pablo has lived a dark life. He just moved to Utah to live with his brothers and Mom after living in California for quite some time, where he got involved with some pretty shady things. He doesn't understand why bad things happen to us in this life, and questions if God really loves us. He asked why all this bad happens around us. We shared with him in The Book of Mormon, Alma 32 vs 6-8, "6) And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word. 7) Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly penitent, and said unto them: 8) I behold that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed are ye." We then as him why he thought the people who were poor and lowly were the first people, Alma, a Profeta at the time, wanted to teach? He answered, because they were ready to learn. They needed it the most! And we said, "Exactly!" Then he read from verse 13 and 16, "13) And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved. 16) Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before he will believe." It felt so wonderful to teach him HOW he could come unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, then...enduring to the end. He really liked that. I testified that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Then we had him read a paragraph out of one of our pamphlets and asked him how he could apply it in his life, then how he felt about it. IT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES WE'VE EVER SEEN HIM HAPPY! He even said that it was wonderful, and quite beautiful, and made him so happy. I told him that the best part is that it really is available to EVERYONE. It doesn't matter what you've done, or how much money you have (or don't have), you can partake in this happiness too. He committed to reading the rest of Alma 32 (which is all about faith, and is an awesome chapter), and he had such a sweet light in his eyes. He prayed to close our meeting, and he was excited to have us back to talk more about the peace and happiness that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. :)

 

 

The Spirit guided our lesson. It felt absolutely amazing. I looked him in the eyes and promised him blessings. That is the most amazing feeling in the world. Communicating Spirit to Spirit is the best way to go, and the ONLY way to go.

 

Oh Mom! I forgot to tell you...Elder Bohner got hurt really badly and has to go home Tuesday for surgery. I am so sad about it. We don't know what's going to happen other than that but we are all broken hearted about it. Please ask everyone to pray for Elder Bohner. He's one of my best Pals here.

 

 

I love y'all. The Spirit is amazing. I have to go...I'm already out of time. I LOVE you! DearElder.com me! :)

 

 

Hermana Dodge









Another fun MTC Surprise.

I got this picture text from Kristi this morning. This is a picture of Kristi's former companion when she served her mission in the North Carolina, Raleigh Mission, Emily Thurston. She is one of Kristi's best friends in the world. Emily not only attends BYU Provo, but now teaches at the MTC. She actually teaches on how to teach. ;) She went into a building Cassi was in and voile...they ran into each other. :)

Emily Thurston & Hermana Dodge

So exciting to see familiar faces when you are so far from home.

Momma D

MTC Life

Hey Mama!

This week has been a roller coaster ride. I'm not even going to play with ya. This mission is the hardest thing I've ever done, but the greatest. For realsies.

Luckily we had some amazing devotionals/firesides. The Provo Temple President came and THREW DOWN! He talked about some seriously sacred topics. I hope your picking up what I'm throwing down. I was seriously the coolest thing. Everyone was so reverent, and the Spirit was there and he spoke very openly, but respectfully about the temple and how important it is to the children of God, but also us as missionaries. It was so cool. There are SERIOUS reasons why missionaries go through the temple before they go on their missions. I always knew there were deeper reasons than I understood, and there are even more, but he shared some. This is stuff you'll just have to read later from my journal because I don't really want to email about them. :)

Then-

After devotionals on Sundays, they offer us like 4 different movies and/or talks for us to watch, so our District chose to watch 'Characteristics of Christ' by- David A Bednar. It was from when he came to speak at the MTC on Christmas. I don't know if you'll be able to find the transcript, or tape to it (because MTC devotionals are special, and not for the masses), but if you can, try to find it, okay? I learned so much about Christ. SO MUCH! My whole life changed because of that one talk, Mom. My whole life. How I live my life will never be the same. He talked about how if you study your scriptures every single day, you will NEVER fall away from the church, and it made me think of my patriarchal blessing, because it gives me some warnings that I have just been pondering in my heart and THAT WAS MY ANSWER. Read your scriptures and you'll be okay. :) Then, he also talked about how Christ even when He was in the depths of pain, He always looked outward. I want to do that. I'm trying to do that. I'm not perfect, don't get me wrong, but I'm going to try so hard to be more Christ-like. Which leads me to my next point.

Elder Bednar said that if you take a normal blue copy of the Book of Mormon and have a question in your heart, or that is troubling you...ask the question and then read it cover to cover underlining things you find throughout it that give answers to your question, then when you are done write in pencil a short paragraph about your question, and the answers that came through your study, and your testimony in the front cover...by the time we get to be his age I'll have HUNDREDS of copies, and I'll not only have a testimony of the restored Gospel, but I'll begin to be REALLY converted to the Gospel. It's amazing. He promised that through desire, and diligence I will have an increased understanding of the true character of Christ, and every available spiritual blessing. It was absolutely amazing.

I've also learned on my mission (like Elder J Jarnagin- thanks Mom for forwarding me his letters) that I am hard on myself. I need to work on that. I need to work on loving myself. My Branch President mentioned some things to me (Ether 12:27 to be specific) and I know I need to work on accepting myself as a mortal human being and just do my best. It was really insightful. Our Branch President out here is a man of God. He is incredible. :)

So yes...this week has been rough. I got my feelings hurt and it was really hard for me. I felt very lonely for a couple of days. But don't worry, I'm great now. I just miss you Mom and how you'd always hold me, even though I'm grown, and your hugs in the mornings. That always made me feel better. Here though...I felt alone. But then...I had an amazing spiritual experience in...THE SHOWER! Not kidding, one of THE most tender experiences:

The showers here have terrific acoustics. All the showers are in one big room, but are separated by walls, and curtains. The Sisters love to sing in there. So one night, late, I was taking a shower and I could hear that there weren't many showers running because it was kinda all quiet in there, and I started to sing 'A Child's Prayer'. You know the one that goes;

Heavenly Father are you really there?
And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.

Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
"Suffer the children to come to me."
Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee.

---I was feeling so alone and I just wanted to know that Heavenly Father loved me. I'm tearing up now as I am writing this, just FYI, anyways...I sang the first verse, and then the second verse...and then ya know how on the third verse it's a duet and two people sing the two verses at the same time? Well, some random Sister somewhere in the room started singing the other part while I sang the top part:

She sang this while I sang the other two verse simultaneously.

Pray: He is there;
Speak, He is listening.
You are His child;
His love now surrounds you.

He hears your prayer;
He loves His children.
Of such is the kingdom,
The kingdom, of heaven.

---And I just started to cry. I mean, I started to choke up WHILE SINGING in the shower because I knew Heavenly Father could hear me singing. I knew He was there and could hear my prayers, and could also feel my pain and loneliness. I knew at that moment that I wasn't really alone, and that simple Primary Hymn was a prayer to the Lord (D & C 25:12). It was just a moment of peace and confirmation that Heavenly Father is always there for me. Always.

Okay- one last thing because I have about 2 minutes left. We had an amazing talk from Marcos A Aidukaitus. He basically broke down the three kingdoms and told us that we can choose which one we will go to. I had never thought of it like that. I can choose which Kingdom of Glory I inherit. So, he said we need to choose today which one we want to go to, because once we choose which Kingdom we want to inherit, ALL other decisions in the world are simpler. So, I picked the Celestial Kingdom. He said he wanted us to go home and write in HUGE letters in our journal so it can easily be found when flipping through the pages. He said write it down in HUGE letters in your journal so that your posterity knows that you CHOSE where you are going and that you know where it is you want to go, and they can follow you there. So I picked two blank pages side-by-side in my journal and wrote in HUGE block letters, "I CHOOSE CELESTIAL!"

I love it here. I love everything I am learning. THIS is where I am supposed to be!

Now a bit of quick business: I'm sorry I have been spending money at the BYU Bookstore. I've been buying things like a laundry bag, better pens, some highlighters, a black undershirt, etc. And like 3 of the Elders in my District (like, my favorite ones) got real sick, and so I bought them some powerade, sprite, and pepto bismol, and stuff, and an anti diarrheal  med for Elder B. Bless his heart. They were SOOOO grateful.

I love it here, Mom and Dad. I love these people. I love this language. Our whole District has been improving drastically with our Spanish. Mom, I'm getting pretty good at it. I'm awful at grammar, but I can teach well! :)

Sister Moore found me. I was in line at the cafeteria and she came up and put her arm around my shoulder, and I was like...."WAIT A MINUTE!" hahah but then I turned around and was SUPER happy to see her. Obvi.

I love my WHOLE family. I don't want any empty chairs. I love this gospel. Jesus Christ died for my sins, and for the whole world. All we have to do is have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. So simple, yet so amazing. I love you.

~Hermana Dodge~

PS- Ask Grandpa if he could get me some cream colored Toms instead...size 8 and 1/2 would be great! I also need more stamps please, and little no-show socks. :) Thank you!

A little silliness too. Hah!

Hermana Barnes, Me, and Hermana Clifton

I ran into Elder Christensen who is a friend of Erika.

Yeah! This is for you Erika! :)