Dear Family Units,
Oi! What you like? Aw way! Ha ha Just joking. Oh you are asking for a translation? I just said 'Hey whats your deal? Come on.' Crazy I know but that's the language for you. How is everyone doing? Well I mean now after you emailed me because I know how all of you are doing. Thanks everyone for emailing me. Everyone sounds like they are doing good and winding down. The craziness of the season and that other thing. Glad it all went well and thanks Myranda for the pictures. Shame on the rest of you. I want all the pictures you can send. Myranda looked really perdy in her dress and everything. Hey can I get one of those ties that Brad is wearing? I like it a lot.
So this was a little back to normal and things started to progress. We've been finding more people to teach and more people have been giving us referrals to teach as well. SO that's good. It's still kind of slow though. We see a lot of new members and less actives. We see about 10 in the whole week. Mostly new members. It's hard because we want/need to switch them over to the ward and home teachers but we're lacking in some of the coordination. It's all good though. Let me think of some experiences this week...
We saw some new investigators and one of them is a kid and he was trying to describe the feeling he got when he prayed. He said it was like passing gas without farting. Like the relief after indigestion. It was funny, but true I guess. That relief and comfort you get from the spirit. So that was funny. We met the nicest drug addict. A very nice polite guy. Like the druggee with a heart. He believes in Bob Marley and Rastafarianism but he doesn't smoke pot anymore so thats good. Just some of the crazy people you meet I guess. Don't worry we're careful. We found plenty of potential people this week as well. Hoping to see them next week. We also went on exchange a few time this week. Once with the Zone Leaders which was fun, then again friday with the Middlesbrough Elders. They are having a rough time working together so they needed a good exchange. I'm trying to help my companion figure out what we can do to help them. I've been telling my companion why I had some problems with companions, what I did that helped and what didn't. I learned a lot from my last 2 which I think is why Elder Ashby and I get along so well. The dad from the family we just baptized got the priesthood Sunday aswell as invited some of their friends to church. They are doing really good and are really nice. They keep progressing and are even teaching me things. I think that's about it for the week. There wasn't too much exciting things happening that I can remember right now or that I can really say.
I can tell another story I had the other week though right after Christmas. Well it starts before Christmas. At the Christmas P Day at the army base, Sister Lindley, our mission President's wife, read us a story called Christmas candles.
A man went into a shop to by some candles for his lantern to get him home for Christmas dinner. He's rude to the candle maker because he makes really nice candles, very pretty ones but they will always melt into puddles of wax. So the man just asks for some plain ones, the cheapest ones. The Candle maker warned him though that they maybe cheap, but would be the most costly. So the man walks home with his latern lit with these candles. Well the story goes he meets several people on the way home, beggars and homeless. Everytime he sees them with the candle light though it looks like someone from his family. So shocked to see his mother, brother and other family members begging or hurt in need of help he helps or gives everything he's got. But when he takes the candle light from their faces he sees who they really are. Well he passes by one beggar before he gets home. A little girl, knowing if he shined the light on her what would happen. SO he gets home for Christmas dinner. See's his family's faces and remembers the people he helped. Remembers the little girl and goes back out into the cold to get her and bring her in for a nice Christmas dinner.
It was a nice story and made a lot of sense to us missionaries. So since I heard that I was trying to think of every person I talked to as a member of our family and to fight just as hard for them. Well one day Elder Ashby and I were out knocking with not much luck and were walking back to an appointment when he stopped a woman. Well I didn't notice it until I stopped and talked to her too, but she looked just like mom. Like dead on. Same height, size, hair, voice, face, everything. It was really weird. Well we talked to her and she was really nice but a methodist and so didn't really care too much. She heard of us before. We fought hard with no success. Well with that she kept on walking home. It was hard to see mom walking off like that but I was greatful for the experience because I learned so much about loving people and helping people from it. It's one of my more tender experiences lately so I thought I should share it with you all.
Let's see what else. Elder Ashby and I are great. I hope we stay together for another transfer or 2. How are things at home? The member we live with loves American football and was upset to tell me that Seattle beat the Saints. He tries to down Seattle every now and then but not this time. So that was funny.
Not much else to report. I hope you all are well. I have not received dad's little package yet though. So I don't know what happened. He sent 2 normal ones nad 1 small one right? Might want to see if you can track it down.
AS WELL THIS IS BIG NEW SO LISTEN UP AND THEN SPREAD THE WORD. THE OFFICE HERE CAN NO LONGER FORWARD OUR MAIL TO US SO IT NEEDS TO BE SENT STRAIGHT TO ME WHEREVER I AM OR TO THE OFFICE. IF YOU SEND IT TO THE OFFICE I WILL NOT GET IT TILL WE HAVE A BIG MEETING OR INTERVIEWS. WHICH MEANS 2 TO 4 WEEKS AT THE MINIMUM. I WOULD LIKE MORE POST THEN JUST EVERY 2 TO 4 WEEKS SO LISTEN UP MY ADDRESS HERE IN BILLINGHAM IS
ELDER BLAINE DUDGEON
40 ESSEX CRESCENT
BILLINGHAM
TS23 4AW
UK
IF YOU SEND A LETTER OR A PACKAGE TO ME MAKE SURE YOU GIVE IT A GOOD 7 TO 9 WORKING DAYS TO GET HERE. THAT MEANS THEY DAY BEFORE TRANSFERS IS NO GOOD. TRANSFERS ARE ON FEBRUARY 2ND. I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THE NEXT ONES ARE. THE ONLY ADVICE I CAN REALLY GIVE IS WHEN IN DOUBT SEND IT TO THE OFFICE ADDRESS. IF IT GETS TO THE FLAT ADDRESS AND I HAVE MOVED IT WILL TAKE EVEN LONGER TO GET TO ME. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO THEY KNOW AS WELL. OR MAKE SURE IT IS ON THE WARD BULLETIN OR WHATEVER. CHEERS.
well i got to go love you all.
Elder Dudgeon
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dear all the folks at home, (mainly Devin because he is the only one who emailed me this week )
How was everyone's new years! Ours was very uneventful as new years eve should be on a mission. Went to bed at 1030 and woke up at 630. That was it. Elder Ashby and I did get something to eat (my last kebab till my birthday, I don't wanna get fat). It was fun. We enjoyed the next day thoroughly though. A full working day with no busses and everyone hungover and staying inside. We walked 18 miles that day. The feeling in my head that night was, ♫I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more♫ haha it was good.
That day was actually quite fun. We went to the bishops home for dinner (aka: lunch) and they were all tired from the night before. They are a great family. Well when we were done and had some good laughs we were going to leave with a spiritual thought. But before we did the kids were asking us questions. First one was about colors which Elder Ashby started laughing at me because I'm still having a hard time telling between certain colors. Well we told them one more question that we'll answer completely truthfully so the older are thinking when the youngest who's about 10 quietly asks ''have you ever kissed a girl?'' Hahaha it was hilarious. I went bright red and so did everyone else. I didn't answer instead we gave the spiritual thought. But thats my funny story of the week. Things you run into. It was a good meal appointment because our Bishop took us out around his areas and showed where some of his friends live that aren't members so we can try by. Then took us to another members house. He's a good bishop.
Things have been kind of slow this week but going well. We are trying to mix things up a little bit. Break away from what missionaries have done in this area for years. Trying out new areas and working more with the YSA. We went through our area book and found some former investigators that are really good. We have met some LA and PM families to seek referrals from which is great. As well as we saw some recent converts that haven't been seen in awhile. They have just amazing stories to tell. Some are from Africa and faced many hardships I couldn't even begin to comprehend nor cope with. It was a really humbly day when we went by them. This has got to be one of the most foreign missions. You meet so many different people from all over the world and all walks of life. Speaking english is sometimes a struggle haha.
Things are so good though. Elder Ashby and I get along so great. Maybe too well. We can lose focus or go off subject pretty easy, but we are getting better at it. I don't know if I've told much about him. He's from Pocatello, ID. He's country boy but didn't grow up on a farm as my zone leaders first told me haha. He basically did what I did. He likes and listens to mainly country music which is funny because I've never met any missionary yet who likes country music. You know me, I like anything so we get along with that just fine. Oh funny thing, the member we live with taped the BYU v UTEP bowl game and we watched it this last P-Day since we are allowed to watch recorded sports. There was college basketball on right before it as well and it was just weird to here American accents and stuff, but neat.
I started to write in my journal again. I'm terrible at it. But Elder Ashby showed me how he does his and it seems a lot easier then the wasy I do it so I'm trying it that way. It's going well I've made it everyday since the new year and thats my goal. To stick with my journal because this is my full year here. From beginning to end of the calendar year I'll be on my mission. Crazy. I'm so excited though. Well I hope everyone is well. I bought dad a birthday present but it'll be awhile till I send it. I got it now because England does January sales. Right after Christmas and new years sales drop to 50-70% off. So it was good. I was thinking as well. If anyone sends a package anytime soon, send taco seasoning. Haha like those big containers of it. The other American missionaries and I miss tacos haha. Just a suggestion. I haven't gotten dads other small package yet. It may come this week though because of the holidays and the bank holidays.
I love you all and I miss you. Hope everyone is doing well. SEND EMAILS NEXT TIME AND PICTURES OF THE WEDDING. even if its just a couple of email. SEND SOMETHING!!!
TTFN (TaTa For Now)
Elder Blaine C. Dungeon Master
How was everyone's new years! Ours was very uneventful as new years eve should be on a mission. Went to bed at 1030 and woke up at 630. That was it. Elder Ashby and I did get something to eat (my last kebab till my birthday, I don't wanna get fat). It was fun. We enjoyed the next day thoroughly though. A full working day with no busses and everyone hungover and staying inside. We walked 18 miles that day. The feeling in my head that night was, ♫I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more♫ haha it was good.
That day was actually quite fun. We went to the bishops home for dinner (aka: lunch) and they were all tired from the night before. They are a great family. Well when we were done and had some good laughs we were going to leave with a spiritual thought. But before we did the kids were asking us questions. First one was about colors which Elder Ashby started laughing at me because I'm still having a hard time telling between certain colors. Well we told them one more question that we'll answer completely truthfully so the older are thinking when the youngest who's about 10 quietly asks ''have you ever kissed a girl?'' Hahaha it was hilarious. I went bright red and so did everyone else. I didn't answer instead we gave the spiritual thought. But thats my funny story of the week. Things you run into. It was a good meal appointment because our Bishop took us out around his areas and showed where some of his friends live that aren't members so we can try by. Then took us to another members house. He's a good bishop.
Things have been kind of slow this week but going well. We are trying to mix things up a little bit. Break away from what missionaries have done in this area for years. Trying out new areas and working more with the YSA. We went through our area book and found some former investigators that are really good. We have met some LA and PM families to seek referrals from which is great. As well as we saw some recent converts that haven't been seen in awhile. They have just amazing stories to tell. Some are from Africa and faced many hardships I couldn't even begin to comprehend nor cope with. It was a really humbly day when we went by them. This has got to be one of the most foreign missions. You meet so many different people from all over the world and all walks of life. Speaking english is sometimes a struggle haha.
Things are so good though. Elder Ashby and I get along so great. Maybe too well. We can lose focus or go off subject pretty easy, but we are getting better at it. I don't know if I've told much about him. He's from Pocatello, ID. He's country boy but didn't grow up on a farm as my zone leaders first told me haha. He basically did what I did. He likes and listens to mainly country music which is funny because I've never met any missionary yet who likes country music. You know me, I like anything so we get along with that just fine. Oh funny thing, the member we live with taped the BYU v UTEP bowl game and we watched it this last P-Day since we are allowed to watch recorded sports. There was college basketball on right before it as well and it was just weird to here American accents and stuff, but neat.
I started to write in my journal again. I'm terrible at it. But Elder Ashby showed me how he does his and it seems a lot easier then the wasy I do it so I'm trying it that way. It's going well I've made it everyday since the new year and thats my goal. To stick with my journal because this is my full year here. From beginning to end of the calendar year I'll be on my mission. Crazy. I'm so excited though. Well I hope everyone is well. I bought dad a birthday present but it'll be awhile till I send it. I got it now because England does January sales. Right after Christmas and new years sales drop to 50-70% off. So it was good. I was thinking as well. If anyone sends a package anytime soon, send taco seasoning. Haha like those big containers of it. The other American missionaries and I miss tacos haha. Just a suggestion. I haven't gotten dads other small package yet. It may come this week though because of the holidays and the bank holidays.
I love you all and I miss you. Hope everyone is doing well. SEND EMAILS NEXT TIME AND PICTURES OF THE WEDDING. even if its just a couple of email. SEND SOMETHING!!!
TTFN (TaTa For Now)
Elder Blaine C. Dungeon Master
Monday, December 13, 2010
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
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 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
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