This work is awesome!

Hola todos!!

Yesterday was a pretty darn good day. First of all, I got to sing in church, which was awesome! I sang Yo se que vive mi Senor, or I know that my Redeemer Lives. Dad, I sang it out of the Michael Hicks book you gave me. It was pretty sick. Messed up one Spanish word but that is ok. It went really well, and Sister Pedersen, who is from another ward but plays the organ in our branch, and also played for me, said that we will probably be doing that more often. They don't get many musical numbers in the branch, and she said that they need to use me while they have me haha. But that was an awesome experience.

Secondly, and much more importantly, was that Fulvio was baptized!!! He was the one that was taught for years in Florida, but was living with a woman so couldn't be baptized. He has read and has a testimony of the Book of Mormon, Gospel Principles, and the Doctrine and Covenants. So ya we didn't really teach him much, we basically just had review lessons with him and he got baptized yesterday. Sadly, I don't have a picture with me right now. I handed my camera to someone to take a picture, but apparently he just decided not to take one with mine. Elder Wright has a picture, but not with him today, so I will get that to ya next week. But it was actually kind of funny. Jose Taveras, Fulvio's buddy, baptized Fulvio. This would be a lot easier with a picture, but I will just describe it to you. Jose, the baptizer, is like 5'2" and kind of fat. He got baptized a month ago, the priesthood last week, and didn't really know how to baptize. Fulvio is a 6'3", 250 pound Dominican monster.  We went over it before, but he was a little nervous. He literally had to do 6 or 7 tries to First, he forgot to say a certain word. Then he couldn't get Fulvio under the water completely. Then he forgot another word. It was kind of funny, but eventually he got it done. Apparently Fulvio had a lot of sin to be washed away because it took that long.... JK but it was awesome!!!!! Then afterwards in true Hispanic fashion we had a huge meal in the gym. Best part.

Another story. Remember Martha? I mentioned her last week. Refer to that for more information. Anyways, we had an awesome lesson with her about baptism and the Holy Ghost. We brought this awesome member with us and he shared his testimony and experience about how the Holy Ghost has helped him in his life, and we think that Martha is going to be baptized on the 23rd of December. She wanted to wait for her boyfriend from Columbia to come and do it, but we have absoluetly NO idea when he is coming. But another thing is that her older sister, who she was wayyy close to, died like 4 months ago, and so she is really interested in temple work too. But she can only do that if she is BAPTIZED!!!!

Saturday, we went to Staten Island for the last time to do service.We don't bus in, members drive. It is about 1.5 or 2 hours way. We went to a house right on the beach and cleaned it out completely! It was crazy. There was nothing left in it except for framing afterwards. Good times though. And then they ordered us pizza, which is the real reason why we members of the church do service. For free refreshments. Lets be real here.

Don't hate me family but I have a couple requests. In the next package, will you send some Christmas music and a cd booklet? that would be awesome. Oh and I just realized that I never brought my line of authority out here. That would be nice to have. You're the best.

Awesome to hear about that service project. There will be some happy missionaries here. For those who don't know my parents are putting together a service project to send christmas packages to missionaries in my mission so everyone can receive a Christmas package. And NO I have not heard from Emily! Tell her to fetching write me.

This work is awesome!!! The days are flying by. I am almost done with my first transfer here!!!! Crazy. It is like this church is true or something like that. Love you all. See you later, and can't wait to talk to ya a month from yesterday!!!

-Elder Mike Dial

1. some people park their boats in the worst places....

2. Me rocking baptismal pants

The Book of Mormon is true!

Dear Family,

T'was a good week. We had a baptismal interview yesterday for Fulvio and he is going to be baptized this coming Sunday. His buddy Jose Taveras, who was baptized like a month ago and just received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday, is gonna baptize him. I am so stoked!!!! Fulvio is the one who has been taught for like 2+ years in Florida, but was living with a woman, but then moved up here and we reap the benefits of someone else's work haha!!! But it is ok. I am excited to see someone enter into a covenant with God through baptism. That is central to our purpose as missionaries. I am so excited to see that happen!

Another investigator, Martha, (pronounced, Marta. The H is Spanish is always silent) Will probably be baptized on the 23rd of December. She is basically a member, but she wanted to wait for her boyfriend/basically husband to come to the United States from Columbia to baptize her. He was supposed to come 2 months ago, then in December, but now in like May/never. She said she wanted to wait, but we tried to emphasize to her about the Gift of the Holy Ghost and how her life can be so much better with it. She will also be able to get sealed to him a lot earlier if she gets baptized sooner. I think that is the deal breaker. She says she will pray about it, and I think she is going to decide to be baptized. I am stoked for her and her decision!!!

Dunnigans, you people are the greatest. That package was fetching awesome! The candy is just about gone, as are the sunflower seeds. Thank you very much. Grandma and Grandpa Bevan also thank you for the card! Thanks for you thoughts and prayers. Family thanks for the letters as well. There is a great feeling when you open the mailbox and there is something in there, nothing much better. Except being guided by the Spirit, which leads me into my next paragraph quite nicely.

Cool experience. I went on exchanges with Elder Flake, from Snowflake Arizona (HILARIOUS I know) in Reading, and we went and taught some guy, who broke his leg and is basically confined to his house, which is kind of nice for those Elders. But anyways, we walk out of his house, and see this big black guy smoking on his front porch. He calls us over. His name is Norman. We go over and start talking to him. He doesn't look like your average church-goer, but he knew his stuff. He recognized us as men of God, and we brought up the Book of Mormon to him. We started to have a lesson right there on his front porch. He said that if there was more scripture, then he was interested. So we whipped out the Handy-Dandy Introduction to the Book of Mormon. He glanced over it, and said that he really liked how it said that we challenge people to find out for themselves whether it was true, to read, ponder, and pray. So we challenged him to do just that. We bore testimony, and the Spirit was there. Hopefully he can show his faith and open his heart to the Book of Mormon. He was an English speaker, so I am not sure if I will get to see him again, but that's ok.

Later that day, we were going to a cita (appointment) that the English Elders referred us to because the dude spoke more Spanish than English. On the way, we saw this woman on her porch, and we asked her how she was doing. She said that she was ok, but that it was her husband's birthday, and he had died two years earlier. She straight up asked us, "Do you believe that I will see my husband again?" Oh yes we do!! I bore testimony that I had no doubt in my mind. We talked to her a while about the Plan of Salvation. She told us that she didn't really want to live much longer. She was lonely, and just wanted to be with her husband again. Then she asked us, "Do you believe that we will still be married after this life?" Of Course!!!  We testified that God has provided a way that we can be with our loved ones forever. The English Elders then came, and told us that the cita with the Spanish dude had cancelled. Weird huh? It's like we were guided by the Spirit or something. Anyways, we had a long discussion about the Plan of Salvation, gave her a pamphlet, invited her to church with a ride from a member, and the English Elders set up a return appointment. These past two experiences I was able to see directly how I was guided by the hand of the Lord to two people who needed the truth.

Oh. Also, I experienced the Hispanic "Cheek kiss" for the first time. We knocked on this one referrals door, they opened, this Hispanic drunk lady smiled from ear to ear, and just went in for the kiss on one cheek, then the other. I don't think we are supposed to do that, but sometimes there isn't much you can do.

We spent another week in Staten Island stripping a house to the bare framing. I think I pulled out at least 492,364,592,379 nails and screws from the basement. The family also bought us some authentic New York Pizza, which was delicious.

In any case, this work is true. If you have any doubt, read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. God has PROMISED that if you read with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, that he will answer your prayer. It isn't something that may happen, or happen to some. God Himself has made the promise. It will happen, but you have to do your part. I didn't really get that before. I need to do my part to receive my specific blessings from God, as does everyone. We gain those blessings by obedience!!!!! If you are tempted to be disobedient, ask yourself, "Is this worth me losing or not receiving blessings from a Being who knows what I need better than I do?" I know that I can't get along without His blessings for me. I love all of you. Keep sending thoughts and prayers to Allentown. I and many more need them. Love you all!!!

-Elder Mike Dial

Service plus Wawa equals a CELESTIAL WEEK!

Mike on Staten Island New York providing service - Mormon Helping Hands - Top Right

Que esta arriba??? Oh that's just a phrase that makes zero sense in Spanish but a lot in English. Weird, I know. Anyways, cool things happened this week. First off, I did the anointing for two blessings. That was nice, especially because it comes right out of my nifty Spanish Handbook, or else I would be completely lost and these people wouldn't understand me. I am not quite to the point where I can give a full blessing in Spanish, but Elder Wright says that the next time that we give a blessing, that it is my turn. Then we will see if all of those prayers coming my way pay off. Don't worry, they will. I have been studying faith recently, and have realized that I need to completely rely on the Lord. No matter what, do not rely on my own abilities. I am nothing. I need to swallow my pride, be made humble, and rely on Him. That means getting out of my comfort zone. My zone leader told me that if you feel comfortable while you do missionary work, you are in your comfort zone, and need to do something different. Strech yourself. If you feel awkward, then that is good. You are either progressing or regressing. I am being made very humble out here. It is an awesome thing!!!

Ok, on thursday we went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. Someone made a terrible decision of keeping me in the Spanish area and sending Elder Olaveson (Zone Leader) with me. Well it turned out fine. Luckily the lessons we taught were able to be Spanglish and the people understood just fine. We tried to get this one lady baptized on the 18th of November before she leaves to Guatemala for like 2 months, but they for some weird reason she and her Member boyfriend are waiting to get married!!! They were waiting for his divorce to go through, but now it is and they aren't really doing anything about it. ugh. So we will probably end up baptizing her when she gets back. Well the rest of the day went just fine. We have Noche de Deportes every Thursday from 7-9, and so that took up the rest of our night. Somewhere in there I got to enjoy a delicious sandwich from the Wawa. Be jealous.

Ok highlight of the week was leaving the mission. Not lying. SERVICE!!! We got permission to leave the mission to go with our stake down to Staten Island, New York, to help some of our brothers and sisters who were in desperate need. When we got down there, I saw how bad the damage really was. In one of my pictures you can see one of the many trees that were knocked down and some uprooted, boats turned upside down, cars filled with water and seaweed, poles down, houses flooded, and everything just destroyed. Some houses were completely moved over, but most were just flooded. These people literally lost almost everything. We went in and basically gutted houses down to the framing. Drywall, flooring, decks, doors, just about everything we took out and threw it into the middle of the street. I realize what joy comes from service, and know that When we serve our fellow beings, we also serve The Being, who is our God. People rallied together, most from out of town, to help complete strangers. There were people carrying around hot soup for everyone, rice, chicken, potatoes, food kits, and everything, for workers and victims alike. It was such a great experience for me to see strangers rally together to help strangers. Send prayers that way!!! They need so much help. We may be able to go down and help them again, and I hope that we can.

Thanks Mom for the package. The cookies were gone in .382734 seconds, and everything you sent me is much appreciated. It isn't that cold here right now, actually like 50s and 60s, but it is right around the corner haha. The Dunnigans deserve a thank-you as well. Their package is sitting in the post office as well, because they decided to close today because apparently it is Veterans Day or something like that. I think we have been invited to a bunch of houses for Thanksgiving, so instead of hoping I will get something to eat, hope I don't die from overeating. Elder Wright says that I haven't seen anything yet when it comes to eating. Maybe I will fast until Thanksgiving to prepare myself. I will let you know how that goes.

Well, it seems that that is all the information I have for this week. Oh PS I finished the Book of Mormon this morning. It was a good time. Now I have a Spanish copy, and I am reading it through, underlining words that I don't know then writing the translation above it. It takes a while, but it will be sooooooo worth it. This work is true. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, and His arms are always wide open ready to receive us, we just have to fall into them. He stands at the door, we just need to let Him in. I love you all sooooooo much and love the support you give to me. It keeps me going. Hasta la proximo lunes.

 -Elder Dial

BTW:  Wawa is a east coast chain kinda like Maverick...but wonderful sandwiches made there...a great memory from our time in Virginia!

Tongue Tacos???????!!!!!

Monday, November 05, 2012

Top of Form

Hello everyone!!

Elder Dial here just hanging out here in Allentown; loving life. I am realizing that the Allentown branch is the most true branch in the church. It is on the brink of becoming a ward. It has like 50-60 strong members, but apparently you have to have a certain amount of full-tithe payers, but we will get some more coming up really soon. There is this one family, the B*** Family, (I am finally starting to remember people's names. Before they were all just Spanish jibberish) they are the BOMB.COM. They feed us like kings like every day. I am told that the more rice I eat the more Spanish I will understand. Anyways, the two daughters in the B*** family were baptized like 10 years ago, but soon after went inactive. But recently, about a year ago, one daughter, Leni, was reactivated and her husband converted. They got sealed like a month ago. About 8 months ago, the other daughter Jeni, was reactivated and the mother Yaqueline (pronounced with a "J") was baptized. Then the father, Martin, was baptized as well, along with Jeni's husband, Gian. They have one other son, O****, who was in prison for like 6 months and missed the baptisms of like everyone, but was released a couple months ago. He is the only non-member in his family now. He came to church yesterday and he said that he felt good. He has subtly hinted that he has a desire to be baptized. So yesterday we gave him a Book of Mormon and told him to read the Introduction, which is pretty much the best thing ever. I never read it before my mission. If you can't remember what it says, read it. It is great. Anyways we are following up with him today or tomorrow because he works in a Barber Shop and gives us haircuts for free. We are gonna go get our hair cut today or tomorrow. He said to teach us there so that his buddies at work can hear too! What a boss. He will be baptized.

Luckily, Sandy didn't hit us like she hit others. We got power back on Thursday, which was good because cereal wasn't quite as good with lukewarm milk, but we are all good now!

STORYTIME!!! A miracle happened on Saturday. Pretty much all of our appointments had fallen through, and we were kind of doing a last-resort effort to go visit some members. We went to their house, knocked on the door, and BOOM!!! nothing happened. Not home. Gotcha there. Anyways, so Elder Wright got in the car, and being the obedient missionary that I try to be, I was backing him up. As I was about to get back in the car, a 30ish year old man with a cane stopped us. He told us that his name was Carlos Castro, and that he wants us to come by and teach him!!! His mom and sister are inactive members, and he went to church a few times in Puerto Rico. He wasn't interested then, but he has two kids and a wife now, and is looking towards the priorities in his life. We are going to see him tomorrow, and I am fetching stoked. He is my first new investigator and I can't wait to teach him. If we hadn't been obedient, and I had just gotten in the car, he would have missed us. I will report on how this goes next week. Love it.

Mom, you can send us packages to our door. They give us a slip and we go to the Post Office to pick it up. Do that and then it won't sit in the mission office for a couple weeks. Love you.

Cool story, we went on exchanges, so I spent a day in Reading. If you look on a Monopoly board, one of the railroads is Reading Station. Ya. I saw it. No big deal. Anyways, we went to an authentic Mexican place, and I got cow tongue!!! It is delicious. A tiny bit more chewy than beef, but I loved it. I got it in a Huarache, which is kind of a giant mexican calzone. It is delicious, and can be seen in the picture. It was yummy. That wasn't even the best part! Someone paid for our meal there!!! I now know what it feels like to serve in Utah where people do that everywhere!! All I had to pay for was my Sangria, which is a delicious grape drink. Try it sometime.

Well, I love you all. Thanks for the love, support and prayers. My testimony has grown so much over these 10 or 11 weeks. I see people change to come unto Christ, and there is no better feeling than knowing that you are helping someone change their life completely. I have only been out for like 2 weeks and haven't seen anything yet!!! The church is true!!! Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and saw what he said he saw. The Priesthood Authority of God was restored through him, and I have the privilege of holding it and exercising it, like yesterday when I was invited to stand in the circle of two baby blessings. I love you all but don't miss you that much because I am enthralled in the work of the Lord!!! Love you!!!!

-Elder Dial

P.S. Dad gift cards are always great ways of showing love for your son and his companion. Love ya.

A wonderful gift to parents!

Sunday November 4, 2012

Dear Brother and Sister Dial

My name is Katrina Pedersen and I live in Allentown, PA.  I walked in to church today and noticed we had a new Elder so of course I introduced myself to him.  Immediately I knew that this branch was being be blessed.  I then found out that Elder Dial just arrived here from the MTC this past week.  

As I took a few minutes to get to know him, I could feel his enthusiasm for the gospel right away but along with that, I sensed a deep love he has for his mom. (I'm sure it was for his entire family but, hey, mom's get the credit while they are on their mission! ) 

I shared with him an experience I had this past week with our daughter who along with our son is serving a mission in Brazil.   With the hurricane that hit this area, our daughter has only heard the worst of the news in Brazil so while she was at a members home, she asked if they had any information on how things were in Pennsylvania.  Seeing the stress she was carrying, wondering if we were alright, the member picked up her phone and called us.  I can't tell you the emotions I had that day talking to a member of the church that I have never met letting her know that we were fine as she relayed the message to our daughter.  As I was telling Elder Dial this story, he said, "Oh I can imagine how you felt, just knowing how my Mom would have felt."  Right then I knew there was a way I could pay it forward for something someone had done for me.

I told Elder Dial that I would love to take a picture of him and send it home.  Before I could even finish my sentence, he had a piece of paper out with your email address on it and of course a HUGE smile on his face.  He is serving in a branch that will feed him well and love him a lot.  He is also blessed with a great companion and between the two of them, I know that branch will really be blessed.

Thank you so much for sending us a well prepared and of course a very like-able :) missionary.  If there is anything I can ever to while he is in our area, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I know it is always nice to have someone looking over our missionaries while they are away from home.

Love,

Katrina Pedersen