Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Pictures: February 15, 2010
Here are some pictures of my new companion, Elder Jeppson, and our apartment.
Pictures: February 1, 2010
Elder ThielI was on an exchange with him for 2 days, because of transfers. He is awesome and I would be happy to work with him longer. He is from Canada and serving in Green Bay right now.
Iowa SignThat's right!! Part of my area right now goes into Iowa. I have already served in 3 states!!! Pretty cool, huh!
Me at the Mississippi Not much to explain. THAT RIVER IS HUGE!!!! That behind me is only about a third of how big it really is!!!
Overview of Green Bay
The Amish Yep! There are amish in my area here and they actually put up signs for them and their carriages. It was so funny when I saw one the first time. I am going to try to take a picture with one of them :)
Turkey TimeWell...one of the members in the area has turkeys.
UP DistrictYeah that is us...Marquette, Houghton and Iron Mountain Elders...except Elder Cottle, who was already on his way to Milwaukee to pick up his new greenie.
Email: January 25, 2010
Alright, my second Area: PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI
It is interesting, to see how the Lord works with us. I started out in an area, that has a looot of success and now I have been sent here, where there is basically nothing going on. I see, that I have been called here, to serve with my new companion Elder Jeppesen, to get this place up and running. Work has slacked a lot the last months and things are quite unorganized. But Elder Jeppesen and I have been working hard already, to change that.
There sure is a lot of potential here, especially if we can work with the members. There are several young families in the branch, which are all ready to share the gospel with their friends and happy to help us with our work.
It's how it always is. If we show heavenly father that we trust him and do our best at all times, then we can be absolutely sure, that he will bless us and give the effort reason.
I love being here. It is a challenge. But a challenge with blessings, that I am ready to take. To many times it happens, that we stand in front of a wall and loose focus of the blessings that we know, are waiting right behind.
This will work. I know it.
Thanks to everyone, that has been writing and supporting me over here.
I miss you all and hope, that you are all doing well.
Take good care,
Elder Robert Dautel
It is interesting, to see how the Lord works with us. I started out in an area, that has a looot of success and now I have been sent here, where there is basically nothing going on. I see, that I have been called here, to serve with my new companion Elder Jeppesen, to get this place up and running. Work has slacked a lot the last months and things are quite unorganized. But Elder Jeppesen and I have been working hard already, to change that.
There sure is a lot of potential here, especially if we can work with the members. There are several young families in the branch, which are all ready to share the gospel with their friends and happy to help us with our work.
It's how it always is. If we show heavenly father that we trust him and do our best at all times, then we can be absolutely sure, that he will bless us and give the effort reason.
I love being here. It is a challenge. But a challenge with blessings, that I am ready to take. To many times it happens, that we stand in front of a wall and loose focus of the blessings that we know, are waiting right behind.
This will work. I know it.
Thanks to everyone, that has been writing and supporting me over here.
I miss you all and hope, that you are all doing well.
Take good care,
Elder Robert Dautel
Email: January 18, 2010
TRANSFER WEEK! My training time is over and I am going to be transferred! Where to, i do not know yet, I will hear tomorrow, but I am already excited. Sad, because I really love this area here, with all the people. And also, because of Elder Cottle and having to leave him. He is going to train again, which is good, since his wonderful working attitude truly is an example to everyone.
But, he has taught me so very much, it is unbelievable. I am going to miss that.
I am grateful, for the blessings I have received through this companionship and the time here. Including the trials, which almost always in life, turn out, to be a blessing in disguise!!!! It is hard, to be with the same person 24 - 7. Especially if you didn't get to choose the person :).... BUT, if you work things out and have the same righteous desires and goals, it can work.
Elder Cottle and I have learned, to feed off of each others strengths and to simply work. Work together in our cause, to invite others to come unto our Savior Jesus Christ. THEN it all just started to work out and we truly ARE having the time of our lives.
It is simply amazing to see how Heavenly Father always knows best and knows, what we need! The time here has taught me so very much. Things that were hard for me in the beginning, like getting up and excercise on time, knocking doors and other small things... are now my favorite thing to do, for I see how it helps us to focus and be more effective. I love knocking doors now and it is way fun. :D
AWWWWW well... a mission is simply the coolest thing ever and I love it! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world right now. I am grateful for the chance to serve my Savior and my brothers and sisters here.
"Today is the day, for us to perform our labors."
I am glad to perform them now.
Take good care everyone,
Love, Elder Robert Dautel
But, he has taught me so very much, it is unbelievable. I am going to miss that.
I am grateful, for the blessings I have received through this companionship and the time here. Including the trials, which almost always in life, turn out, to be a blessing in disguise!!!! It is hard, to be with the same person 24 - 7. Especially if you didn't get to choose the person :).... BUT, if you work things out and have the same righteous desires and goals, it can work.
Elder Cottle and I have learned, to feed off of each others strengths and to simply work. Work together in our cause, to invite others to come unto our Savior Jesus Christ. THEN it all just started to work out and we truly ARE having the time of our lives.
It is simply amazing to see how Heavenly Father always knows best and knows, what we need! The time here has taught me so very much. Things that were hard for me in the beginning, like getting up and excercise on time, knocking doors and other small things... are now my favorite thing to do, for I see how it helps us to focus and be more effective. I love knocking doors now and it is way fun. :D
AWWWWW well... a mission is simply the coolest thing ever and I love it! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world right now. I am grateful for the chance to serve my Savior and my brothers and sisters here.
"Today is the day, for us to perform our labors."
I am glad to perform them now.
Take good care everyone,
Love, Elder Robert Dautel
Pictures: January 18, 2010
Elder BurnsideNot much to say about...he is really cool and a very good missionary already, even though he has only been out one transfer.
Elder WesselyElder Burnside's companion, from Germany, Bielefeld. He is really nice and a good missionary.
Gallon ChallengeOoooh my...me, Elder Cottle and the young men (plus the leaders) had to drink 1 gallon (3.78 Liters) if milk within ONE hour and keep it down for an hour. Supposedly it is impossible to do, because the milk expands...and none made it...EXCEPT ME! Ha...none beats me! :D But that night sure was horrible...:) NEVER AGAIN :D
Me, Trista and Dan Sarasin
They are a less-active couple, that really want to go back to church. Struggling but still trying. They are awesome and I am going to miss them, when I leave.
Me and Aden SarasinDan and Trista's youngest son. He loves me sooooo much...I don't know why. He is shy to everyone else and hides from them...but from the first day on, he wouldn't stay away from me. :D I love that kid.
Me, Jeremiah and Jenna SarasinDan and Trista's older kids. They are so sweet. Crazy :D...but sweet. Love them...and will miss them, when I leave. A lot!
Pictures: January 4, 2010
Christmas StockingsThese were made by Crystal, an investigator.
Me, Sonya and Will (her boyfriend)Sonya is someone we are teaching in Marinette. Her whole family is basically being taught.
Christmas Gifts from SonyaWonderful people!
Me Sick
Iron Mountain Branch.JPG)
Aaron, Autumn and DanielAaron and Daniel are Pres. Scott's sons. Autumn is a recent convert, baptized by Elder Cottle and his companion before me. She is very nice and strong in her testimony about the church.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Gift from the Scotts
Elder Cottle and Me Christmas EveE-mail: January 4, 2010
I have written a few times about the work here... but I just wanted to write a little bit of a summary about the whole area here and how things go....
We travel every 3-5 days, from one area to another and try hard to keep up with everyone we teach. It works alright and we love it very much.
We get to see and to know a lot of people and try hard to help them find the truth about the Lords restored gospel on the earth today.
Iron Mountain is definitely the area with the most work right now and we love it there.
People come up to us and just say, that they want to be baptized... how great is THAT!?!?!
Iron Mountain has been prepared for this, for sure! The members really want to do their part and try hard to help us.
In all three areas, we are staying with members.
Marinette – The Scotts
President Scott is the Branch President in Marinette and just in the beginning of this transfer we moved in with them, from an apartment that the church owned before. Sr. Scott is German and it is nice to talk to her in German once in a while J. They have 3 daughters and 2 sons, of which only the sons, Aaron and Daniel still live with them. They are wonderful people and we love being with them.
Escanaba – The Schmidts
Sr. Schmidt is the BEST! she does everything for us. She is sooo very nice. Her Husband is the branch president in Escanaba and her son James (16) still lives there also.
Cool guy, whose best friend lives in Houston and goes to seminary with my cousin Lauren :) :D
Iron Mountain – The Lewis’
Brother and Sister Lewis are my 'Grandparents' :) here and so very nice. They love having the missionaries in their house and try to do anything for us. Br. Lewis is the Branch Mission leader and does a fabulous job at it. He tries to talk with us almost daily and does everything he can to support us with our investigators. It could not be better than that. It is an essential part to the work, that there is such a good relation between the missionaries and their leaders.
So…that is where we are staying…now about some few people we are teaching. I took the names out, but at least you can read a little bit about the things we do here.
In Marinette there is a 25 year old girl. She has come a looooong way already and really tries hard to do what is right. After overcoming a loooot of things…it is only Smoking that is still holding her back. She has come down from a package a day to ONE stinking cigarette a day, but THAT, she just doesn’t finish off. We have been trying so very hard to help her, and will keep doing so as much as we can.
Iron Mountain has a lot of great things happening.
There is a 9 year old boy,Tyler (name ok here), whose father is Inactive. The dad knows the Church is true, but has a long story of different things happening, that prevent him from coming to church. As we worked with Tyler, his dad himself made a lot of progress and started to have the desire to return to the church and support his son. At the baptism service for Tyler, he offered the closing prayer. It was so wonderful to see the progress he has made, just in these last months. He will be a wonderful dad.
Then there is another couple that we are teaching. LONG story. But short: They were contacted at the delivery of a bible, which they had requested over the internet,said, they would like to be taught more. IN that process, a lot happened. One night, (2 days after I came out J ) we helped them move out their stuff, from their apartment. Their landlord wanted to redo the carpeting in there. The next day, when they wanted to see how things are and when they could move their stuff back in, she was told that they are thrown out and the locks have been changed. CRAZY.!!!! … They were devastated and called us. We went there, talked to them and gave them both a blessing. They were comforted and we talked to them a little more about trials and the good they can bring us.
They understood and changed their attitude about it, by wanting to change their lives to the better. It has been marvelous to see the changes they have made.
Now, they both have jobs again and a place to stay. Family Home Evening is being held regularly in their home and if work allows it, they always come to church.
She is just waiting for her divorce papers to come through, so they can get married and baptized. A wonderful day it will be. I look forward to it…
There are more people… but to write about all of them, would take a looong time. To know… the work here is amazing and the people wonderful. I love serving here and wish I could stay the whole 2 years.
But anyways…it’s the Lord’s work. I will do, as he calls! I am very grateful to be here and will do my best at all times to live up to the responsibility.
Thanks to everyone. I miss you all and hope everyone is doing good. Bye
We travel every 3-5 days, from one area to another and try hard to keep up with everyone we teach. It works alright and we love it very much.
We get to see and to know a lot of people and try hard to help them find the truth about the Lords restored gospel on the earth today.
Iron Mountain is definitely the area with the most work right now and we love it there.
People come up to us and just say, that they want to be baptized... how great is THAT!?!?!
Iron Mountain has been prepared for this, for sure! The members really want to do their part and try hard to help us.
In all three areas, we are staying with members.
Marinette – The Scotts
President Scott is the Branch President in Marinette and just in the beginning of this transfer we moved in with them, from an apartment that the church owned before. Sr. Scott is German and it is nice to talk to her in German once in a while J. They have 3 daughters and 2 sons, of which only the sons, Aaron and Daniel still live with them. They are wonderful people and we love being with them.
Escanaba – The Schmidts
Sr. Schmidt is the BEST! she does everything for us. She is sooo very nice. Her Husband is the branch president in Escanaba and her son James (16) still lives there also.
Cool guy, whose best friend lives in Houston and goes to seminary with my cousin Lauren :) :D
Iron Mountain – The Lewis’
Brother and Sister Lewis are my 'Grandparents' :) here and so very nice. They love having the missionaries in their house and try to do anything for us. Br. Lewis is the Branch Mission leader and does a fabulous job at it. He tries to talk with us almost daily and does everything he can to support us with our investigators. It could not be better than that. It is an essential part to the work, that there is such a good relation between the missionaries and their leaders.
So…that is where we are staying…now about some few people we are teaching. I took the names out, but at least you can read a little bit about the things we do here.
In Marinette there is a 25 year old girl. She has come a looooong way already and really tries hard to do what is right. After overcoming a loooot of things…it is only Smoking that is still holding her back. She has come down from a package a day to ONE stinking cigarette a day, but THAT, she just doesn’t finish off. We have been trying so very hard to help her, and will keep doing so as much as we can.
Iron Mountain has a lot of great things happening.
There is a 9 year old boy,Tyler (name ok here), whose father is Inactive. The dad knows the Church is true, but has a long story of different things happening, that prevent him from coming to church. As we worked with Tyler, his dad himself made a lot of progress and started to have the desire to return to the church and support his son. At the baptism service for Tyler, he offered the closing prayer. It was so wonderful to see the progress he has made, just in these last months. He will be a wonderful dad.
Then there is another couple that we are teaching. LONG story. But short: They were contacted at the delivery of a bible, which they had requested over the internet,said, they would like to be taught more. IN that process, a lot happened. One night, (2 days after I came out J ) we helped them move out their stuff, from their apartment. Their landlord wanted to redo the carpeting in there. The next day, when they wanted to see how things are and when they could move their stuff back in, she was told that they are thrown out and the locks have been changed. CRAZY.!!!! … They were devastated and called us. We went there, talked to them and gave them both a blessing. They were comforted and we talked to them a little more about trials and the good they can bring us.
They understood and changed their attitude about it, by wanting to change their lives to the better. It has been marvelous to see the changes they have made.
Now, they both have jobs again and a place to stay. Family Home Evening is being held regularly in their home and if work allows it, they always come to church.
She is just waiting for her divorce papers to come through, so they can get married and baptized. A wonderful day it will be. I look forward to it…
There are more people… but to write about all of them, would take a looong time. To know… the work here is amazing and the people wonderful. I love serving here and wish I could stay the whole 2 years.
But anyways…it’s the Lord’s work. I will do, as he calls! I am very grateful to be here and will do my best at all times to live up to the responsibility.
Thanks to everyone. I miss you all and hope everyone is doing good. Bye
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Email: December 7, 2009
so... another week!!!! MY FIRST TRANSFER COMPLETE :) (16 to go :) )
work is going great!!! but wow... financial crisis. it is crazy. Unemployement...puuh...it is the worst here. Like...every second person is unemployed...for sure. It is CRAZY. But we try to help the people to get through that, by showing them, that if they trust in the Lord it will always work out. and we HAVE seen many miracles already.
One time, there was a younger couple that was moving out their furniture for their landlord, so he could renew the carpet in their appartement. The next morning, wanting to move things back in, the were told, they have been evicted..... wow....that was so crazy...
a lot to go through....but...now....we have been teaching them and they have started to rely on their savior. Now they both have jobs and a decent appartement. They both want to get baptized and married, as soon as her divorce papers are through. They are good people. it is an amazing story.
I am so happy for the chance we have been given to help the people around us with the truths we have been given.
We have something amazing to share! And that is EXACTLY what we all need to do. SHARE!
Thanks, to everyone for all the support I get. I miss you and think about you a lot. Take good care,... until we meet again!
work is going great!!! but wow... financial crisis. it is crazy. Unemployement...puuh...it is the worst here. Like...every second person is unemployed...for sure. It is CRAZY. But we try to help the people to get through that, by showing them, that if they trust in the Lord it will always work out. and we HAVE seen many miracles already.
One time, there was a younger couple that was moving out their furniture for their landlord, so he could renew the carpet in their appartement. The next morning, wanting to move things back in, the were told, they have been evicted..... wow....that was so crazy...
a lot to go through....but...now....we have been teaching them and they have started to rely on their savior. Now they both have jobs and a decent appartement. They both want to get baptized and married, as soon as her divorce papers are through. They are good people. it is an amazing story.
I am so happy for the chance we have been given to help the people around us with the truths we have been given.
We have something amazing to share! And that is EXACTLY what we all need to do. SHARE!
Thanks, to everyone for all the support I get. I miss you and think about you a lot. Take good care,... until we meet again!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Pictures: November 30, 2009
Campfire with the Scotts and one of their neighbors, for Family Home Evening.
President and Sister Scott (the branch president in Merinette)
Elder Cottle at the campfire.
I love the decorations here.
People just started decorating. I bet it is going to get even better.Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Email: November 30, 2009
Wow, soooo much is happening. It is CRAAAAAAZY! I love it :)
Elder Cottle and I are getting along great and have a lot of fun together.
Man, am I glad we have a truck with four-wheel drive :)
One time he wanted to turn around on the street and went a little bit into the high grass on the side of the street. We got stuck in swampy ground. but... ONE click on the big 4- button .... and OUT we were :) it was funny.
and the work...wow...the work... it is amazing. We see sooo much success. As we both try to be better personally and also to each other, daily... we also see the many blessings, that come from it.
We knock on doors and people just say: "oh...i already have my beliefs...but...hey...sure, I will learn more!"
Progress is being made so much, and we get to be the tools for it. I am so grateful for that opportunity. I learn so much and grow closer to my savior Jesus Christ, daily.
We have 4 baptism dates at the moment. one on the 13th of december, 2 on the 19th and 1 on the 26th.
It truly is going to be a white christmas :):) i love it.
BUT I am glad that elder cottle was asked to do the one on the 26th. The investigator wants to be baptized in a river.... CRAAAAAZY... it is already freezing cold here and it is getting colder daily... well.... faith and it will be fine!
so, that's about it :) thanks to everyone that I know and for the support I receive.
BUT...let me say just one more things. there is not much, that is nicer, than a letter in the mailbox in the morning.
I love emails, but letters are just simply better. :D:D
Elder Cottle and I are getting along great and have a lot of fun together.
Man, am I glad we have a truck with four-wheel drive :)
One time he wanted to turn around on the street and went a little bit into the high grass on the side of the street. We got stuck in swampy ground. but... ONE click on the big 4- button .... and OUT we were :) it was funny.
and the work...wow...the work... it is amazing. We see sooo much success. As we both try to be better personally and also to each other, daily... we also see the many blessings, that come from it.
We knock on doors and people just say: "oh...i already have my beliefs...but...hey...sure, I will learn more!"
Progress is being made so much, and we get to be the tools for it. I am so grateful for that opportunity. I learn so much and grow closer to my savior Jesus Christ, daily.
We have 4 baptism dates at the moment. one on the 13th of december, 2 on the 19th and 1 on the 26th.
It truly is going to be a white christmas :):) i love it.
BUT I am glad that elder cottle was asked to do the one on the 26th. The investigator wants to be baptized in a river.... CRAAAAAZY... it is already freezing cold here and it is getting colder daily... well.... faith and it will be fine!
so, that's about it :) thanks to everyone that I know and for the support I receive.
BUT...let me say just one more things. there is not much, that is nicer, than a letter in the mailbox in the morning.
I love emails, but letters are just simply better. :D:D
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
November 24, 2009 Pictures
Lake Superior! Those blue skies...exactly like that everyday! Except today actually. The first time it rains on me is today :) I love it!
Me at the Lake
Me attempting a major bubble! :) Why do we fall...TO TRY AGAIN. (See the following picture)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOH YEAH!!!!!!
Elder Cottle and me on the way to an appointment :) Yeah, we are cool.Email: November 23, 2009
I am really happy here!!! It is exciting times for sure! We have a lot of work to do here, but a looot of success!!!!
The Brault Family in front of the church.
Elder Cottle, Robby and the Brault Family, with Brother Lewis (who Robby and his companion live with)
The little boy Robby baptized...Destin Schuh.
We just had some baptisms on Saturday!! A whole family, except the youngest is just turning 8 in April! It was really special. I got to baptize one of the boys. I love that family. Darlene and Howard Brault. They married THAT day. And Darlene's kids Bryce and Destine (Schuh, their last name) and then Ashley, the youngest. The wedding and the baptism were simply amazing!! I LOVE THIS WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so wonderful, to see people change their lives and grow closer to our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ!!!
I am priviledged to be a part in this and to be a tool in the hands of the Lord! I am doing my best to live up to the responsibility.
We have 3 more baptism dates that are all solid. So hopefully, I will be able to tell you more about it soon:) I am grateful to see this work progress. I love the work and I love my Savior. I know that this church is the one true church and that we can enjoy the FULNESS of the gospel within it. Let us ALL be beacons unto the people. If WE don't share the light, who will!?!?!?!?! Let's fulfill our purpose and invite others to come unto Christ!!!
OH MY...I am so happy! I am really learning alot. No day, without some experience!
Oh and please get the letter business going. I like emails, but...well...letters are even better! I haven't recieved ONE letter yet, except one. :(
I love you all very much and thank everyone for the support I recieve Take good care.
Love, Elder Dautel
The Brault Family in front of the church.Elder Cottle, Robby and the Brault Family, with Brother Lewis (who Robby and his companion live with)Tuesday, November 3, 2009
November 2nd Email
HEY!!! WOW.... the missionfield! it is CRAZY!My companion Elder Cottle and I, are responsible for 3 different areas! Merinette, Iron Mountain and Esconaba (Michigan). We travel from city to city every 3 days or so. It is crazy! BUT AWESOME! I love this place! It is cold....but wonderful :)I love the people and the work I get to do! Spiritual Experiences EVERY DAY! It never stops. My testimony is growing every day. I am happy to be RIGHT here, RIGHT now!My companion and trainer is the best guy ever! Elder Cottle (from Brigham City, Utah) and I get along very well... and we have a lot of good fun. Every day is a chance for us to get better. we try our best and see the success.
I know why I am here, and am grateful for it. This is the lords work and I am part of it. I will do my best to live up to it!!!!! Thanks to ALL that support me. I think of all of you and pray for you. The lord watches over all of us. Always. Never forget!
I know why I am here, and am grateful for it. This is the lords work and I am part of it. I will do my best to live up to it!!!!! Thanks to ALL that support me. I think of all of you and pray for you. The lord watches over all of us. Always. Never forget!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
October 26, 2009 Snail Mail
Out of the MTC!!! This morning, I got up at 3:30 to get ready to leave for Wisconsin!! It is exciting, yet intimidating!! I love the Lord's work and am proud, to be a part of it!! But it is a huge step, once again!!! But ALSO, I am ready for it. THIS is what I was prepared for, for 19 years! THI is my test! And I will NOT fail it!! I am proud, to have come here!! I miss you all very much, but know why I am here!!
The journey here was interesting! At first, we flew from SLC to Cinncinati, Ohio! We were 9 elders going to Milwaukee & 2 Elders and a Sister going to Montreal. Sister Lindsey was that sister. We had a wonderful talk & I was really happy to see, how much better she was doing! I am glad, that I was able to hlep her.
THEN, in Cinncinati, we split up, to our final destinations! Once in Milwaukee, I was happy to get off that plane! The elders I went with are great, but sitting for several hours straight, is NOT comfortable!! :D...
Well, we were picked up at the airport in Milwaukee and went straight to the Mission office!! There, after we took care of a few things, we discussed car-use & finances! And then, off to the Mission home! Dinner, ping-pong :) and interviews! Also, we had a really nice testimony meeting! After that, we there went to sleep!
Wisconsin is very much like Germany, just more Rain. :)
I love you all very much, take good care!
Love, Elder Robert Dautel
The journey here was interesting! At first, we flew from SLC to Cinncinati, Ohio! We were 9 elders going to Milwaukee & 2 Elders and a Sister going to Montreal. Sister Lindsey was that sister. We had a wonderful talk & I was really happy to see, how much better she was doing! I am glad, that I was able to hlep her.
THEN, in Cinncinati, we split up, to our final destinations! Once in Milwaukee, I was happy to get off that plane! The elders I went with are great, but sitting for several hours straight, is NOT comfortable!! :D...
Well, we were picked up at the airport in Milwaukee and went straight to the Mission office!! There, after we took care of a few things, we discussed car-use & finances! And then, off to the Mission home! Dinner, ping-pong :) and interviews! Also, we had a really nice testimony meeting! After that, we there went to sleep!
Wisconsin is very much like Germany, just more Rain. :)
I love you all very much, take good care!
Love, Elder Robert Dautel
Saturday, October 31, 2009
October Snail Mail
Sunday October 18, 2009
Dear Family,
After the e-mails I sent, I thought I could write you a letter as well!
I miss all of you SO much! There are moments, when I wish I could just be home and hold one of the girls on my arm! Of course I am happy to be here. I know why I am here and love it. Just sometimes it is hard.
But, I am learning so much here, it is amazing! Doctrine of the Gospel but also personally!
After the first few days here, I was assigned a companion. His name is Comp 1. It was SO hard for me. He acted like he knew everything, didn’t want to listen to anyone and always interrupted others, as if it was less important, what others would want to say. And then there were the general cultural difficulties & differences. So…as I said it really wasn’t easy.
Then, I had another Companion at the same time, Comp 2! He is very nice…but so shy. His American language skills were not the best, nor was his self confidence. So, us there being together was quite frustrating! I decided pretty quickly for myself, that it was not my job to change them and tried to ignore the problems and to just enjoy my time here…Well, that wasn’t as it sounded!!!
Last Sunday evening there was a major discussion between my two companions and when I noticed it, I decided, that we should talk to our Branch President. (Like a “miniature” mission president, for the MTC)
Basically all they told u, was to think about what Christ would want us to do. Of course that wasn’t exactly that, what I wanted to hear in that moment. All three of us wanted a change of companionship. It was VERY frustrating. But we accepted the decision, that we should just work it out. A few days later, it was decided, that Comp 2 should be transferred into another class, because he needs more language training. That took some frustration away. I liked (like) him, but still it was good, because he could learn the way it was best for him…and also there was less bad feelings in all of us. Still though everything was really hard for me. I was as nice as I could be! I answered EVERY question Comp 1 had. Whether it was disturbing me in doing something…or not. There were no more fights or discussions, but inside, frustration was building and building. I could not feel the Spirit as I should anymore. Then, on Thursday afternoon, we had a class about patience!
“Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering WITHOUT becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious…Patience is related to hope and faith—you must wait for the Lord’s promised blessing to be fulfilled.”
(Preach My Gospel, pg.120)
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are NOT WORTHY to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us!”
(Romans 8:18)
In that class that day, I figured some major things out. It is not about “making it through”!!! Rather “Come what may & loving it”! Heavenly Father knows what is best for us! Always! He loves us, so much. He would NEVER let anything happen to us, of which there is nothing to be learned. We NEED to have faith in his promises.
Now, I do not know, what exactly Heavenly Father’s intention was, by having me be companions with Comp 1. But I know there is a reason. I have learned much from it already. We get along great now. It is NOT perfect. But we try our best to make it that way. That is what counts! “Trust, and God will provide!”
I really hope, that everything is going well at home. I miss you very much. But, know that I am happy! There is no where else on earth, where I would rather be. I am looking forward to invite others to come unto Christ! Show other the way to find the same joy I have had. To see the unending love of Christ, which I have seen and see continuously. And to know the truth about this life and the life to come. I truly love my Savior Jesus Christ. He is my brother, friend and Redeemer. I am proud to carry His name and to speak for Him to the people in
Again, I hope that everything is well! I hope you all are happy. “Men are to have Joy”! I have found that to be true!!! All is hot God has planned it. NO NEED to know more!!
I love you all very much and miss you.
Take care and be happy!!!
I will try to write again soon! If you want to write to me, then remember I am leaving here, tomorrow in a week! So, depending on when you answer me, it would be, that I am already in
Love you,
Elder Robby Dautel (aka Robber J)
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