Dear Family,
Hey ya how's it going!? So Christmas came early to me this year! I got 2 packages this morning from Dad! It was so great. No I didn't open any of my presents besides the one that said to open up ASAP. I loved to find my frog there. Tell dad thanks for sending him to me. I'm going to be sure to take some good pictures with him now. I have a small stuffed lion that I got from an investigator here so I take take pictures with both of them. I think dad will love them. I'm so happy with the Christmas CD as well from the NW Boys Choir. I was telling Elder Thorup about them the past couple weeks so it was great to get it. Elder Thorup loves singing.
I'm glad to here everyone is doing well. Things are going good hear. I'm working a lot harder and my focus is a lot better. Christmas season isn't bothering me anymore. Home sickness is going away. The only thing that bothers me now is trying to find people to teach which we're lacking on but things should be improving this week. Elder Thorup and I are worknig hard. Trying not to get caught up on all the recent converts that we have here but to also keep moving forward.
Well I don't have much time this week. I'm going to keep it short for you 3 so I can write dad a nice long letter. I haven't done so in a long time. So but about my week. Elder Thorup and I went down to Leeds on Tuesday and stayed till Wednesday. He had a leadership training meeting for all the district leaders, zone leaders and trainers, and President Lindley wanted to see me as well. So I got to work in Leeds during the day with some other missionaries who I used to be around when I was in Bradford, and that was great. It was nice to be in a real city again. So then at night I saw President, then went out with another mssionary to work till curfew. We did street contacting and it was a lot of fun. Street contacting in Leeds is so pretty and you meet so many different people. 4 of us missionaries got to stay in the mission home as well which was neat. Kind of odd though because President and his wife weren't there till way late. There was a sick missionary in the hospital. They have a really nice in Leeds which is a change from the small little room I got here in Billingham.
Oh it was neat because one of the missionaries that stayed at the mission home with me was Elder Hua. We were just kind of looking at each other all night like ''you look so familiar''. When we then found out that we went to BYUI at the same time, stayed in the smae complex, and took the same snowboarding class! It was really funny we were talking about it all night. I'm excited to hear from Myranada that the auditorium is going to be dedicated. That's neat. Oh by the way Myranda, so I have been exercising here a lot more and using those bands you gave me. Well I snapped one yesterday morning and it hurt. I was like ow stupid thing. Then I tried to use what was left because it was quite in half. But then 10 seconds later it broke again and snapped me. ow stupid thing! So I think I'll just have to resort to pushups and sit up for now.
Well this week was great. The ward is doing really well. Everyone is excited. We have a couple investigators who are looking really good. One who is going to quit smoking by the new year so she can get baptized that first week! We may have one this weekend as well but he needs a lot of prayers. The people that we have that are getting baptized are so great and the ward loves it. They are all really solid. Like they continue want to learn. It's something that they want to do and not just convienant or nice at the time. I thin that's what really has the ward excited.
Well I got to go but I love you all. Have a merry christmas and Myranda. Happy Birthday tomorrow. I didn't forget. how old are you again? 30? sounds about right.
Thanks family. I love you.
Elder Dudgeon
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dear Mom,
Hey, I love you mom. Things got a little better this week. I did end up working a lot of it out. My companion and I have been getting a long a lot better lately. He is such a goofy guy and since I get pretty serious sometimes it's difficult, but I'm just learning to laugh at it and relax a little bit about somethings. It was funny though because he was really up tight this week. We had the baptisms of this amazing family of 4, the Cuthbertsons. My companion really wanted to make sure everything was perfect for it because it's a family he's been working with the whole time. So he was up tight and maybe a little stressed, so instead of making things worse I stood back and let him do what needed to be done. Trying to help him lighten up a little bit. The baptism went great. All problems were resolved and the whole thing was amazing. We had 4 different members baptize so we have pictures of 8 people in white! It was great.
I think the best moment though was the Sunday after when they were confirmed. We had the exact same people who baptized them confirm them. These were all members in the ward that had helped fellowship and support them. So there were 6 of us in the circle and each blessing was a little bit different but very special. It took awhile to do all of them though. The best part was afterwards was testimony meeting. A lot of members got up and bore their testimonies about missionary work and how it's been such a blessing. The the father of the family, Gareth, got up and bore his testimony. It was a wonderful testimony. He said he felt the spirit tell him to get up then he felt 3 more nudges from the spirit (or his family). He told about their week before. How they went down to London to see his wife's sister and got stuck because of the weather (Ya the snow is all over England now), and that their car broke down. But they were able to get back Friday night before their baptism. He said they were struggling quite a bit and being worn down but felt the support of everyone and got over all the obstacles. It was a good testimony. I almost cried. I dared not to look at Elder Thorup because I knew he was going to be (I asked him later and he said he was). Later on in the gospel principles class, they were in there and the lesson was on baptism. Gareth talked about how he didn't feel any different when he was baptized but rather that he had given something to God, but when he received the holy ghost that day that he felt like he had received something. Well it was an interesting way he said it because as we read later on in the book it talked about how at baptism we promise things, or give things to God, and when it is complete through confirmation that we receive blessings. It was amazing. A really really good weekend.
Another day that was good this week was Thursday. The theme for the day could've been service! We went and saw a couple recent converts that morning and gave lessons about service. How and why we give service in the church and how it brings us blessings. Well afterwards we went to another members home for lunch and to borrow a shovel. We had found a couple new investigators the day before and offered to shovel their walk. So we went to go do that and while walking down their street there was a few people who asked if we would do theirs. Only jokingly of course but we said sure! We shoveled in front of the investigators house (this is on a street thats just terrace housing. So it's just a front door then sidewalk) and when we were down we went down and shoveled the other peoples as well. We did about 6 houses, and got to talk to the people who lived their. They gave us some hot chocolate (after we told them we don't drink tea or coffee haha). We invited them to our ward christmas activity and asked if we can come around again later and share a little bit about our church. Some of them weren't bothered but some agreed. It was great. Well you think it would stop there but we tried to keep that theme for the day. We had a tea appointment with some members that night and decided to share a message about service using the examples from the day. It was a good lesson. Well Sunday one of the sons who just got back from his mission gave a testimony how he was thinking about service ever since we gave that lesson. Then out of nowhere he got a flat tire while driving. It was hard to change the tire in the cold snow with no gloves or anything and not exactly sure what he was doing. Well at that same time the Bishop drove by, saw him, pulled over, and had the tools to help him change his tire. He was greatful that God showed him the importance of serving eachother. Oh it was a great sacrement meeting.
So it was a good week. Things have really started to get better. Elder Thorup and I are getting along really well. I had already started doing the things you said to due. That is humble myself. I started finding ways to serve my companion more. I made him breakfast when he was having to prepare for a district leader council. Made his bed because he was running late. He's been really tired lately because of district leader duties and follow ups so I try to do the things that I can. I talked to the member we live with last night, Bro Kelly. He's a nice guy. He loves his american football so I talked to him a little about that last night (he's a big raiders fan), then I used the opportunity to talk about some of the recent converts and less actives. Bro kelly is in the Elders quorum presidency so I figured we could work with him more since we live together. He gave us the Christmas decorations for the tree and house so we can decorate. He said it's tradition for the missionaries to do it every year. He says that they usually like to do it so ya. I think it will be fun. I am excited to decorate. A member bought us a small fake tree with lights and decorations so we used the day we didn't have a tea appointment to put it up and decorate it in our room. It's pretty. I never have had a fake tree before.
Sorry no more snow there. We have tons here and it's really cold. I got a new jacket by the way. I don't know if I told you. It was free!!! Found it in our pile of flogged clothers in our room. It's a really nice coat that covers my suit, and is completely waterproof. And best of all it fits me. I guess some missionary who finished his mission there was about my size because I found a suit and shirts and stuff that were all my size. Most were too gross to wear though. There was some winter clothers though like hats and scarves so that was good. They just needed a wash. So don't worry about coats or anything for me. As well we had a mission rule change. We can now where hats in the cold as long as they are nice and conventional. So I have been wearing my headband a lot. It works great. I haven't received Myranda's announcement yet. Post has slown down though because of weather. It shouldn't snow too much though the next week or so so we'll see if I get it this week.
Well I hope things are going well at home for you guys. I hope dad is doing well. I miss him. I haven't written a letter yet. I've started a couple of times but never finish them. Let him know though that I am thinking about him everyday. I just want to make sure I write him a good letter. How is he doing with everything going on?
Well I'm gonig to send Devin and Myranda some short emails now. You are getting all the stories so if they ask you can forward them to them. I wanted to send you a nice big one this time though. I miss you mom. I thought everyone was going to be upset with me after my last email, but no one was. I'm glad because I felt really bad afterwards. But I love you and hope things are going well.
Love your son,
Elder Dudgeon
Hey, I love you mom. Things got a little better this week. I did end up working a lot of it out. My companion and I have been getting a long a lot better lately. He is such a goofy guy and since I get pretty serious sometimes it's difficult, but I'm just learning to laugh at it and relax a little bit about somethings. It was funny though because he was really up tight this week. We had the baptisms of this amazing family of 4, the Cuthbertsons. My companion really wanted to make sure everything was perfect for it because it's a family he's been working with the whole time. So he was up tight and maybe a little stressed, so instead of making things worse I stood back and let him do what needed to be done. Trying to help him lighten up a little bit. The baptism went great. All problems were resolved and the whole thing was amazing. We had 4 different members baptize so we have pictures of 8 people in white! It was great.
I think the best moment though was the Sunday after when they were confirmed. We had the exact same people who baptized them confirm them. These were all members in the ward that had helped fellowship and support them. So there were 6 of us in the circle and each blessing was a little bit different but very special. It took awhile to do all of them though. The best part was afterwards was testimony meeting. A lot of members got up and bore their testimonies about missionary work and how it's been such a blessing. The the father of the family, Gareth, got up and bore his testimony. It was a wonderful testimony. He said he felt the spirit tell him to get up then he felt 3 more nudges from the spirit (or his family). He told about their week before. How they went down to London to see his wife's sister and got stuck because of the weather (Ya the snow is all over England now), and that their car broke down. But they were able to get back Friday night before their baptism. He said they were struggling quite a bit and being worn down but felt the support of everyone and got over all the obstacles. It was a good testimony. I almost cried. I dared not to look at Elder Thorup because I knew he was going to be (I asked him later and he said he was). Later on in the gospel principles class, they were in there and the lesson was on baptism. Gareth talked about how he didn't feel any different when he was baptized but rather that he had given something to God, but when he received the holy ghost that day that he felt like he had received something. Well it was an interesting way he said it because as we read later on in the book it talked about how at baptism we promise things, or give things to God, and when it is complete through confirmation that we receive blessings. It was amazing. A really really good weekend.
Another day that was good this week was Thursday. The theme for the day could've been service! We went and saw a couple recent converts that morning and gave lessons about service. How and why we give service in the church and how it brings us blessings. Well afterwards we went to another members home for lunch and to borrow a shovel. We had found a couple new investigators the day before and offered to shovel their walk. So we went to go do that and while walking down their street there was a few people who asked if we would do theirs. Only jokingly of course but we said sure! We shoveled in front of the investigators house (this is on a street thats just terrace housing. So it's just a front door then sidewalk) and when we were down we went down and shoveled the other peoples as well. We did about 6 houses, and got to talk to the people who lived their. They gave us some hot chocolate (after we told them we don't drink tea or coffee haha). We invited them to our ward christmas activity and asked if we can come around again later and share a little bit about our church. Some of them weren't bothered but some agreed. It was great. Well you think it would stop there but we tried to keep that theme for the day. We had a tea appointment with some members that night and decided to share a message about service using the examples from the day. It was a good lesson. Well Sunday one of the sons who just got back from his mission gave a testimony how he was thinking about service ever since we gave that lesson. Then out of nowhere he got a flat tire while driving. It was hard to change the tire in the cold snow with no gloves or anything and not exactly sure what he was doing. Well at that same time the Bishop drove by, saw him, pulled over, and had the tools to help him change his tire. He was greatful that God showed him the importance of serving eachother. Oh it was a great sacrement meeting.
So it was a good week. Things have really started to get better. Elder Thorup and I are getting along really well. I had already started doing the things you said to due. That is humble myself. I started finding ways to serve my companion more. I made him breakfast when he was having to prepare for a district leader council. Made his bed because he was running late. He's been really tired lately because of district leader duties and follow ups so I try to do the things that I can. I talked to the member we live with last night, Bro Kelly. He's a nice guy. He loves his american football so I talked to him a little about that last night (he's a big raiders fan), then I used the opportunity to talk about some of the recent converts and less actives. Bro kelly is in the Elders quorum presidency so I figured we could work with him more since we live together. He gave us the Christmas decorations for the tree and house so we can decorate. He said it's tradition for the missionaries to do it every year. He says that they usually like to do it so ya. I think it will be fun. I am excited to decorate. A member bought us a small fake tree with lights and decorations so we used the day we didn't have a tea appointment to put it up and decorate it in our room. It's pretty. I never have had a fake tree before.
Sorry no more snow there. We have tons here and it's really cold. I got a new jacket by the way. I don't know if I told you. It was free!!! Found it in our pile of flogged clothers in our room. It's a really nice coat that covers my suit, and is completely waterproof. And best of all it fits me. I guess some missionary who finished his mission there was about my size because I found a suit and shirts and stuff that were all my size. Most were too gross to wear though. There was some winter clothers though like hats and scarves so that was good. They just needed a wash. So don't worry about coats or anything for me. As well we had a mission rule change. We can now where hats in the cold as long as they are nice and conventional. So I have been wearing my headband a lot. It works great. I haven't received Myranda's announcement yet. Post has slown down though because of weather. It shouldn't snow too much though the next week or so so we'll see if I get it this week.
Well I hope things are going well at home for you guys. I hope dad is doing well. I miss him. I haven't written a letter yet. I've started a couple of times but never finish them. Let him know though that I am thinking about him everyday. I just want to make sure I write him a good letter. How is he doing with everything going on?
Well I'm gonig to send Devin and Myranda some short emails now. You are getting all the stories so if they ask you can forward them to them. I wanted to send you a nice big one this time though. I miss you mom. I thought everyone was going to be upset with me after my last email, but no one was. I'm glad because I felt really bad afterwards. But I love you and hope things are going well.
Love your son,
Elder Dudgeon
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dear Family,
How are things. It's weird getting emails from everyone each week. Each time it's different and each one of you is different in your writing as well. It's hard to read them each week sometimes. And even harder to respond. What do I say that I can say for all to hear? Well this one is simple and easy because it's a new area and a new companion.
I'm in Billingham which is a small area. We cover it and a town called Stockton-on-Tees or just Stockton. It's a neat place very different from Bradford and Leeds area. There is no big city anymore. It's nice though. We're right next to a chemical or nuclear plant which is neat to see the huge chimneys just in the background. I'm not too far from the coast though which can go to on P-Days. Which I wouldn't mind. I miss seeing the ocean. But, this is a great area with a great ward and great people. There was a baptism just this past weekend and there should be more this month as well. So it's nice to come into that. We should've had a baptism back in Bradford this last weekend but I won't find out till later this next week. I do miss Bradford a little bit but I feel like I'll love this area.
My companion is Elder Thorup. He is great. He's from Taylorsville, UT near Salt Lake City. He has been out more then a year. He's the district leader. We get a long really well. No problems yet. He's just an all around funa pleasant missionary to be around. He loves the work, but knows how to enjoy it and make it fun. We live with a member which is interesting. Not something I'm used to but it goes well. I also sleep on the top bunk of the beds. That's interesting. Been awhile since I've done that. Not much else to say. I feel like I already know a bit about the area and the district because my second and third companions both served here.
How are things going for Myranda's wedding? Good? I wish I could be there now. What are the plans for Thanksgiving? Where's it going to be this year? I was telling Elder Thorup about the Turkey Bowl. I'm sad we're going to miss that but we may get together with the zone to play some touch football or some proper football against the Sunderland zone. What about Christmas? What's everyone doing for Christmas since the Wedding is so close?
I sent a package home with some stuff in it. Some is mine and some is for all of you. I have some old planners, a hymnbook, a pillowcase, and some coins and pins and things like that that I didn't want to lug around anymore. The coins are all the coins except for the 2 pound. If you line up the backs of them they make a shield like the one on the pound coin. There is a pin from the Piece hall in Halifax for dad. The other one is the White rose for Yorkshire and that's mine. As well there is a big bag there for Myranda with the Union Jack flag. Some chocolate for everyone. Souvenir tea towels for mom and English flag from the world cup for dad. As well as cd's full of my pictures. Oh and some cufflinks for Devin They were just kind of funny was. I was going to give them to dad but I don't think he'll wear them that often. That's all that I could send at the moment. And it's quite expensive to send things as well So ya. I hope you will all enjoy them. And I hope they will get there soon. It will take awhile because I sent it with the cheapest option.
Well that's about it. Elder Thorup and I are going to just go hang out for the rest of the day then head back to the work tonight. I hope things are going well. I miss you all. I'm not sure what to send me for christmas. Some easy mac n cheese. Those back heat pads would be nice. A copy of Jesus the Christ. Just some money would be nice too so I can get some things here. But I love you all.
Elder Dudgeon
How are things. It's weird getting emails from everyone each week. Each time it's different and each one of you is different in your writing as well. It's hard to read them each week sometimes. And even harder to respond. What do I say that I can say for all to hear? Well this one is simple and easy because it's a new area and a new companion.
I'm in Billingham which is a small area. We cover it and a town called Stockton-on-Tees or just Stockton. It's a neat place very different from Bradford and Leeds area. There is no big city anymore. It's nice though. We're right next to a chemical or nuclear plant which is neat to see the huge chimneys just in the background. I'm not too far from the coast though which can go to on P-Days. Which I wouldn't mind. I miss seeing the ocean. But, this is a great area with a great ward and great people. There was a baptism just this past weekend and there should be more this month as well. So it's nice to come into that. We should've had a baptism back in Bradford this last weekend but I won't find out till later this next week. I do miss Bradford a little bit but I feel like I'll love this area.
My companion is Elder Thorup. He is great. He's from Taylorsville, UT near Salt Lake City. He has been out more then a year. He's the district leader. We get a long really well. No problems yet. He's just an all around funa pleasant missionary to be around. He loves the work, but knows how to enjoy it and make it fun. We live with a member which is interesting. Not something I'm used to but it goes well. I also sleep on the top bunk of the beds. That's interesting. Been awhile since I've done that. Not much else to say. I feel like I already know a bit about the area and the district because my second and third companions both served here.
How are things going for Myranda's wedding? Good? I wish I could be there now. What are the plans for Thanksgiving? Where's it going to be this year? I was telling Elder Thorup about the Turkey Bowl. I'm sad we're going to miss that but we may get together with the zone to play some touch football or some proper football against the Sunderland zone. What about Christmas? What's everyone doing for Christmas since the Wedding is so close?
I sent a package home with some stuff in it. Some is mine and some is for all of you. I have some old planners, a hymnbook, a pillowcase, and some coins and pins and things like that that I didn't want to lug around anymore. The coins are all the coins except for the 2 pound. If you line up the backs of them they make a shield like the one on the pound coin. There is a pin from the Piece hall in Halifax for dad. The other one is the White rose for Yorkshire and that's mine. As well there is a big bag there for Myranda with the Union Jack flag. Some chocolate for everyone. Souvenir tea towels for mom and English flag from the world cup for dad. As well as cd's full of my pictures. Oh and some cufflinks for Devin They were just kind of funny was. I was going to give them to dad but I don't think he'll wear them that often. That's all that I could send at the moment. And it's quite expensive to send things as well So ya. I hope you will all enjoy them. And I hope they will get there soon. It will take awhile because I sent it with the cheapest option.
Well that's about it. Elder Thorup and I are going to just go hang out for the rest of the day then head back to the work tonight. I hope things are going well. I miss you all. I'm not sure what to send me for christmas. Some easy mac n cheese. Those back heat pads would be nice. A copy of Jesus the Christ. Just some money would be nice too so I can get some things here. But I love you all.
Elder Dudgeon
Dear Family,
How goes it? Everything here is going good. The week went well. I'll talk about that later. Sounds like everyone is doing well. I got some good emails from everyone today. Thanks for that. It's good to get those some times. Not too much happening though besides the norm back at home?
Well we got our transfer calls last night, and surprisingly I'm getting moved to Billingham. Elder Oviatt is staying in Bradford to train a new missionary. That'll be 7 1/2 months in one area for him. That's tough. But I'm kinda happy because that means I probably won't move right before Christmas or stay in Bradford for 6 months. The next Transfer happens 3 days before Christmas. Imagine going to a new area and spending Christmas with people you haven't gotten a chance to meet! So ya it should be good. They live with a member there so that should be interesting. It's been a pain though having to pack everything up. Bradford has been a good area. Good people, ward, flat, transportation, food, etc... It's been nice.
So we did have a baptism this weekend that went really well. The ward was great and President and Sister Lindley came and spoke at the end. It was powerful. The confirmation the next day was really good as well. It made a rough week nice. We should be having another one this weekend but unfortunately I'm not going to be there.
So some crazy story time. On Saturday morning, Elder Oviatt had a meeting for district leaders in Leeds that he had to go to. So I went with another missionary and did street contacting in town. During the morning a man came up to us and said that we had not accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts because we read the Book of Mormon. It wasn't very nice. He just went off on the bible says this, the bible says that. And I said yes it also says this and it also says that. Anyways he was very rude and wouldn't listen to anything. He left but about 30 minutes later came back and gave me a bible. He told me to read it and said that it was perfect because it was the simplified New King James Version. So I got a free bible Saturday morning. Pretty neat. Pretty annoying though.
We had Bonfire night this last week. It wasn't anything too special. Weak compared to the 4th of July. All the fireworks died around 10. BUt it had been going all week. Kind of weird. We had tea with a member here who's from Latvia. He is an older gentleman but such a good member. He fought in WWII and gave me some interesting perspectives on it now. Things weren't as black and white. It was really neat though. I love learning the history.
We have been working hard and finding a few new investigators but nothing to progressing so far. We'll see how Billingham gets. Don't send any packages either by the way. Not yet till I give you my new address. The office doesn't want to be flooded for the holiday season so they have asked once we move to send the packages straight to where we live. So I will send that to you next week. I did get Devin's though with all the music. Thanks it's so great! I love having more music.
Well I miss everyone. I love you.
Cheerio Elder Dudgeon
How goes it? Everything here is going good. The week went well. I'll talk about that later. Sounds like everyone is doing well. I got some good emails from everyone today. Thanks for that. It's good to get those some times. Not too much happening though besides the norm back at home?
Well we got our transfer calls last night, and surprisingly I'm getting moved to Billingham. Elder Oviatt is staying in Bradford to train a new missionary. That'll be 7 1/2 months in one area for him. That's tough. But I'm kinda happy because that means I probably won't move right before Christmas or stay in Bradford for 6 months. The next Transfer happens 3 days before Christmas. Imagine going to a new area and spending Christmas with people you haven't gotten a chance to meet! So ya it should be good. They live with a member there so that should be interesting. It's been a pain though having to pack everything up. Bradford has been a good area. Good people, ward, flat, transportation, food, etc... It's been nice.
So we did have a baptism this weekend that went really well. The ward was great and President and Sister Lindley came and spoke at the end. It was powerful. The confirmation the next day was really good as well. It made a rough week nice. We should be having another one this weekend but unfortunately I'm not going to be there.
So some crazy story time. On Saturday morning, Elder Oviatt had a meeting for district leaders in Leeds that he had to go to. So I went with another missionary and did street contacting in town. During the morning a man came up to us and said that we had not accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts because we read the Book of Mormon. It wasn't very nice. He just went off on the bible says this, the bible says that. And I said yes it also says this and it also says that. Anyways he was very rude and wouldn't listen to anything. He left but about 30 minutes later came back and gave me a bible. He told me to read it and said that it was perfect because it was the simplified New King James Version. So I got a free bible Saturday morning. Pretty neat. Pretty annoying though.
We had Bonfire night this last week. It wasn't anything too special. Weak compared to the 4th of July. All the fireworks died around 10. BUt it had been going all week. Kind of weird. We had tea with a member here who's from Latvia. He is an older gentleman but such a good member. He fought in WWII and gave me some interesting perspectives on it now. Things weren't as black and white. It was really neat though. I love learning the history.
We have been working hard and finding a few new investigators but nothing to progressing so far. We'll see how Billingham gets. Don't send any packages either by the way. Not yet till I give you my new address. The office doesn't want to be flooded for the holiday season so they have asked once we move to send the packages straight to where we live. So I will send that to you next week. I did get Devin's though with all the music. Thanks it's so great! I love having more music.
Well I miss everyone. I love you.
Cheerio Elder Dudgeon
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dear peeps,
How goes it in the great northwest? Sounds like things have been going ok. Nothing too crazy. Stake changes and everything. That's neat. Is everyone getting excited for Halloween? You have to be extra excited for me because they don't celebrate it that much. They have bonfire night but thats on the 5th of November for different reasons. I wish I could be there. Myranda and Brad look like they carved a pretty neat pumpkin of President Monson. Devin sounds excited for the ward Harry Potter Halloween party. Haha I'll show you Harry Potter. No we do need to watch them all when I get back and I'll let you in on what they are really saying ;) Mom said that Delvin Tapusoas cousin is coming to the Leeds mission! Thats way neat. Mom you will have to tell me his name and let me know when he is coming. (I still need to train someone haha). I got dad's letter this week and started writing him back. I felt it was important too.
So things have been good here. The weather has gotten really really cold. Not freezing but I walk around with a scarf and gloves on. My jacket I got is too thin for the cold. It's fine for the rain. I'll just need to start wearing my thermals I guess. This week has been a little slow. We have been teaching 2 people though who are looking good for baptism. They're both really great. One we gave him a Book of Mormon on Wednesday and finished it by Saturday morning! Crazy. We are struggling to find people to teach but there is room for us to improve. This week I am hoping will be better.
The Bradford district should be having baptisms these next 3 weekends in a row! That's so good. We just need to find more to keep it going. The ward has been doing great on backing us up and helping fellowship. I hope I get to stay another transfer here. The area and the ward are great. We just need to do better.
I can't say much about this week because it wasn't too good. Not many amazing things happened besides what I've already told you about. Well everything we do is amazing and there are lots just not many that I can think of and say. Well I'm gunna cut this one short this week. I love you all though.
Cheerio
Elder Dudgeon
How goes it in the great northwest? Sounds like things have been going ok. Nothing too crazy. Stake changes and everything. That's neat. Is everyone getting excited for Halloween? You have to be extra excited for me because they don't celebrate it that much. They have bonfire night but thats on the 5th of November for different reasons. I wish I could be there. Myranda and Brad look like they carved a pretty neat pumpkin of President Monson. Devin sounds excited for the ward Harry Potter Halloween party. Haha I'll show you Harry Potter. No we do need to watch them all when I get back and I'll let you in on what they are really saying ;) Mom said that Delvin Tapusoas cousin is coming to the Leeds mission! Thats way neat. Mom you will have to tell me his name and let me know when he is coming. (I still need to train someone haha). I got dad's letter this week and started writing him back. I felt it was important too.
So things have been good here. The weather has gotten really really cold. Not freezing but I walk around with a scarf and gloves on. My jacket I got is too thin for the cold. It's fine for the rain. I'll just need to start wearing my thermals I guess. This week has been a little slow. We have been teaching 2 people though who are looking good for baptism. They're both really great. One we gave him a Book of Mormon on Wednesday and finished it by Saturday morning! Crazy. We are struggling to find people to teach but there is room for us to improve. This week I am hoping will be better.
The Bradford district should be having baptisms these next 3 weekends in a row! That's so good. We just need to find more to keep it going. The ward has been doing great on backing us up and helping fellowship. I hope I get to stay another transfer here. The area and the ward are great. We just need to do better.
I can't say much about this week because it wasn't too good. Not many amazing things happened besides what I've already told you about. Well everything we do is amazing and there are lots just not many that I can think of and say. Well I'm gunna cut this one short this week. I love you all though.
Cheerio
Elder Dudgeon
Monday, October 18, 2010
Hey Everyone!
It's good to finally hear from everyone. I'm glad things are going well with everyone. Sounds like everyone is busy with all sorts of stuff. I'm so jealous. I'm busy doing the usual. What's the usual you might ask? Oh it's missionary work! This week was ok. Different things happened, but it was not the best. So Lets start.
This week we had almost all the investigators we found last week, drop us. Sad day. That's not fun. We still have one we're working with who is doing great and coming to church. This week as well there was leadership training in Leeds. So My companion who became district leader, and Elder Caine (The mighty South African from my group) who is training, both had to go. So Elder Caine's greenie, Elder Porter from Toronto, and I had to work between both areas. So the whole city of Bradford! It was tough. We lost quite a bit of time travelling back and forth, and basically this week didn't go well because of that.
So we limped along after that. got one investigator to church. Then we met another person last night while finding. We walked with him to his house and then taught him. It was so good. He's my age and really nice. It was just a witness to me that God is working. I got really discouraged this week and was really down. Things just kept weighing on me and I let it effect my work. Well I got a letter this week from my friend Leah. We met back at BYUI. Well she wrote a lot about faith and working through hard times while explaining things that have been happening in her life. It was so great to get that letter this week because it was exactly what I needed to pick me up. I started looking at the things I was grateful for and the ways the lord had been blessing me this week. There was plenty I missed because I was down or discouraged. But I Started to notice those things more and it's really started helping last night. I got happy again and we saw blessings. Thanks Leah! This is why missionaries need post and people to write!
Elder Oviatt and I had some weird experiences this week. One of the times we were together we were walking to some investigators home. We had just got off the bus at the super market and started walking when this old lady stopped us and started talking about how they used to not have big supermarkets and stuff. How she used to work on a milk truck and crazy things. she was very upset on how England has changed. Completely random. Hmm. What else. There was that new investigator last night. We talked to him while walking to finding, asked if we could come by right then and share our message, he said sure, but it's more then a mile that way. So we walked and talked with him. That was really good. It went really well.
I think thats it for now. I'm glad Myranda is well getting ready for a wedding. I hope everyone is doing well and surviving that. I miss the Autumn season. It's one of my favorite times of the year. I wish I could be there to carve pumpkins and bake seeds and everything. People here celebrate it but not that much. They have what they call bon fire night, which a basically a night where you can have a bonfire. Whoo hoo. Very original. I think we'll carve pumpkins as a district on pday if we can find some.
Well Cheerio,
Love Elder Dudgeon
It's good to finally hear from everyone. I'm glad things are going well with everyone. Sounds like everyone is busy with all sorts of stuff. I'm so jealous. I'm busy doing the usual. What's the usual you might ask? Oh it's missionary work! This week was ok. Different things happened, but it was not the best. So Lets start.
This week we had almost all the investigators we found last week, drop us. Sad day. That's not fun. We still have one we're working with who is doing great and coming to church. This week as well there was leadership training in Leeds. So My companion who became district leader, and Elder Caine (The mighty South African from my group) who is training, both had to go. So Elder Caine's greenie, Elder Porter from Toronto, and I had to work between both areas. So the whole city of Bradford! It was tough. We lost quite a bit of time travelling back and forth, and basically this week didn't go well because of that.
So we limped along after that. got one investigator to church. Then we met another person last night while finding. We walked with him to his house and then taught him. It was so good. He's my age and really nice. It was just a witness to me that God is working. I got really discouraged this week and was really down. Things just kept weighing on me and I let it effect my work. Well I got a letter this week from my friend Leah. We met back at BYUI. Well she wrote a lot about faith and working through hard times while explaining things that have been happening in her life. It was so great to get that letter this week because it was exactly what I needed to pick me up. I started looking at the things I was grateful for and the ways the lord had been blessing me this week. There was plenty I missed because I was down or discouraged. But I Started to notice those things more and it's really started helping last night. I got happy again and we saw blessings. Thanks Leah! This is why missionaries need post and people to write!
Elder Oviatt and I had some weird experiences this week. One of the times we were together we were walking to some investigators home. We had just got off the bus at the super market and started walking when this old lady stopped us and started talking about how they used to not have big supermarkets and stuff. How she used to work on a milk truck and crazy things. she was very upset on how England has changed. Completely random. Hmm. What else. There was that new investigator last night. We talked to him while walking to finding, asked if we could come by right then and share our message, he said sure, but it's more then a mile that way. So we walked and talked with him. That was really good. It went really well.
I think thats it for now. I'm glad Myranda is well getting ready for a wedding. I hope everyone is doing well and surviving that. I miss the Autumn season. It's one of my favorite times of the year. I wish I could be there to carve pumpkins and bake seeds and everything. People here celebrate it but not that much. They have what they call bon fire night, which a basically a night where you can have a bonfire. Whoo hoo. Very original. I think we'll carve pumpkins as a district on pday if we can find some.
Well Cheerio,
Love Elder Dudgeon
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hey Everyone,
How's everyone's day/week been? My has been good. I'm very tired though. I can barely keep my eyes open right now. It's Tuesday by the way. We have to email during our lunch time today because we weren't able to yesterday. For our P-Day we went with the whole zone to Malham. This area out in the country where you can do some hiking and stuff. It was fun to drive out there and see the countryside. It's the part you imagine when you think of England. We did do some hiking though. There were a couple water falls as well that were really pretty. I took plenty of pictures. I would send them right now but I don't have all of my stuff with me. It was great, really pretty. We climbed up the waterfalls which was amazing.
Sounds like things are going good at home. Glad to here that mom is back and that she had fun on her trip. Sorry it was wet but so was here. The past 6 days was rain, sun, rain, sun, rain, sun. One day it would rain all day and the next it would be sunny. Luckily it was sunny for our P-Day. It really pours here though. We were inside for most of it. But even the 5 to 10 minute walk inbetween appointments was enough to get soaked in. Oh well.
So I'm really tired today but it's ok. I'm always tired anyways. This last week has been good though. Went kind of slow. There was general conference this weekend which was great. My second out of 4 on the mission. It is a little different because we watch Saturday morning on saturday night. Then the Saturday afternoon, priesthood, sunday morning and afternoon sessions are all on Sunday. We don't get to watch the Sunday afternoon though because it is shown live here at 9pm. Too late for missionaries. But we got a couple people to watch a session. We had quite a few people confirmed to come but no one showed up or they canceled. Sad day.
Vikki, the recent convert, just got engaged. That's great. It's odd because I just here about Myranda then this one as well. Their dates are close as well. Maybe if I'm still here I can go. Well else is new... Not much really. Things have slowed down with Muna because she got a job and is very very busy all the time. But we'll keep doing our best with her. We've got a couple more people we're working with as well but not too much progress yet. We really need to pick up though. We can definitely do better in our efforts. Jason's sister is getting baptized this weekend. That's exciting. And his mum, Sue, is working on quiting smoking. It's so good.
Lets see time for some funny stories. One is the other day we were trying by a couple people in a village not to far from ours. We were walking back to the train station, and talking to people as we walked. I went to stop a person a few meters ahead of me by saying '' hey mate how you doing t-...'' then I had to correct my self, ''I mean ma'am how are you doing today?'' She looked like a man. But when I got close enough and said something I could tell she was a woman. I hate this I get woman that look like men and men that dress like women. People are weird on my mission.
Well nothing else really to report. I miss everyone though. I can't believe it's already October. Things are going quick. I say that and it hasn't even been a year. It's crazy. Anyways. Love you all.
Cheerio,
Elder Dudgeon
How's everyone's day/week been? My has been good. I'm very tired though. I can barely keep my eyes open right now. It's Tuesday by the way. We have to email during our lunch time today because we weren't able to yesterday. For our P-Day we went with the whole zone to Malham. This area out in the country where you can do some hiking and stuff. It was fun to drive out there and see the countryside. It's the part you imagine when you think of England. We did do some hiking though. There were a couple water falls as well that were really pretty. I took plenty of pictures. I would send them right now but I don't have all of my stuff with me. It was great, really pretty. We climbed up the waterfalls which was amazing.
Sounds like things are going good at home. Glad to here that mom is back and that she had fun on her trip. Sorry it was wet but so was here. The past 6 days was rain, sun, rain, sun, rain, sun. One day it would rain all day and the next it would be sunny. Luckily it was sunny for our P-Day. It really pours here though. We were inside for most of it. But even the 5 to 10 minute walk inbetween appointments was enough to get soaked in. Oh well.
So I'm really tired today but it's ok. I'm always tired anyways. This last week has been good though. Went kind of slow. There was general conference this weekend which was great. My second out of 4 on the mission. It is a little different because we watch Saturday morning on saturday night. Then the Saturday afternoon, priesthood, sunday morning and afternoon sessions are all on Sunday. We don't get to watch the Sunday afternoon though because it is shown live here at 9pm. Too late for missionaries. But we got a couple people to watch a session. We had quite a few people confirmed to come but no one showed up or they canceled. Sad day.
Vikki, the recent convert, just got engaged. That's great. It's odd because I just here about Myranda then this one as well. Their dates are close as well. Maybe if I'm still here I can go. Well else is new... Not much really. Things have slowed down with Muna because she got a job and is very very busy all the time. But we'll keep doing our best with her. We've got a couple more people we're working with as well but not too much progress yet. We really need to pick up though. We can definitely do better in our efforts. Jason's sister is getting baptized this weekend. That's exciting. And his mum, Sue, is working on quiting smoking. It's so good.
Lets see time for some funny stories. One is the other day we were trying by a couple people in a village not to far from ours. We were walking back to the train station, and talking to people as we walked. I went to stop a person a few meters ahead of me by saying '' hey mate how you doing t-...'' then I had to correct my self, ''I mean ma'am how are you doing today?'' She looked like a man. But when I got close enough and said something I could tell she was a woman. I hate this I get woman that look like men and men that dress like women. People are weird on my mission.
Well nothing else really to report. I miss everyone though. I can't believe it's already October. Things are going quick. I say that and it hasn't even been a year. It's crazy. Anyways. Love you all.
Cheerio,
Elder Dudgeon
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