JOURNAL WORTHY DAY!

So, I haven't been too good at keeping up on my journal, but I feel like today is definitely a "Journal Worthy" day. Elder Pyne and I woke up to go work out we did our thing and then came back to the apartment.  We finished getting ready for our day and  I ran out to the car to grab something...and well....we couldn't find the car...so Elder Pyne and I came to 2 conclusions...One...that someone jacked the missionaries car...or 2 we got towed....We decided it was probably the latter of the two scenarios and called the towing company,  Needless to say, they had our car....And loved to tell me that we owe them 150.00 Dollars!!!!....So I called my Zone leaders and was talking to Elder Morrill.  I ask him what do I do? He told me that I needed to make sure I had enough money to pay for the car so I needed to call home.  Way Cool!!!  So being an obedient missionary I called home.  I got to talk to my Dad, who was more than suprised that I was calling him, and then mom was super pumped! haha,  Mom made sure that I had all that I needed.

All in all I figure it was been a pretty weird day/cool so far. Not to mention we probably have gotten 3inches  of rain so far today...and it's still pouring!!!

Hope you all can get a laugh out of this.  Hopefully it can brighten your day :)

I love you all and miss you all!
Love,
Dakota Thomas Anderson!

3 for the 10th!

So in the last post on here we were teaching one of our less active's family. We have since then taught three lessons to them and they are now all on date for the 10th of december!! :) Hope everyone had an amazing thanks giving! Again, I love you all. Hope everyone has an amazing holiday season! Alyways in my thoughts and prayers.
Dakota Thomas Anderson

Missionary News this Week

    THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF SUCKEDDDDD!!!!!!! dropped 5 times. all our investigators fell off date!! and then Sunday happened.... We invited one of our less actives to church and asked if he could give us a ride. He hadn't been to church in 5 years or so. He came and said he wants to go back again! 

Now "Ernie's" family aren't members. He is married to a catholic lady and her kids are living with them.So on the way home from church I asked "Ernie" if we could talk to his family and his wife's kids (who are married with kids too) about the gospel...He told me we could try but it  probably wouldn't be of any use. I figured at this point I was willing to try anything to get some new investigators...WOW THE LORD IS AMAZING!! All of a sudden "Ernie's" wife and her daughter, and her husband started talking about religion. Some how I taught the plan of Salvation. I feel bad being a trainer some times...I often teach an entire lesson with Elder Pyne saying 1 or 2 sentences. It's not that I don't trust him. I just get going and I'm off like a rocket! 

But anyways right as I was about to wrap up the lesson "Oren", the husband of "Ernie's" wife's daughter asks "when will you be back" So we set up an appointment for tonight at 8! Please pray for this family. I know they feel the spirit so much, but as we all know prayers always help.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach the gospel to others.  I know that this church is true!

I love hearing from all  of you!!!  Miss you and love you all so much!  I keep you in my prayers every day!

Love, Your son, your favorite bro!!!

Dakota Thomas Anderson 

Trainer ... The Lord qualifies whom He calls.

My new companion and greenie is Elder Pyne.  He is from Utah.  He played right tackle in high school.  I should be his trainer until January 20th.  Mom, as far as a trainer goes I basically show him the ropes and make a copy of me and put him out in the field. :)  On November 12th we had the opportunity to baptize another young lady into the church.  I think that it is petty awesome for Elder Payne to be out in the mission field 2 weeks and having his first baptism.  I was asked to confirm Mac (name changed) as a member of the church.  It was an overwhelming experience.  It is an awesome to feel the spirit of the Lord and be able to share it with others.

Dressed in White

    A recent convert that moved into our ward called us on October 17, 2011.  She said that her 10 year old daughter Kelly (name changed) wanted to be baptized!  What a way to start our P-Day.  She is scheduled to be baptized on November 12, 2011.  My second baptism.  It feels so good to be able to bring one of our Heavenly Father's choice daughters to the light of the gospel.  She has a great testimony, and a beautiful spirit.  The ward will welcome her in with open arms.  Thanks for all the prayers in our  ( Elder Bates and mine)    be-half and of those that we are teaching.  The Lord blesses us in so many ways to accomplish his work.
     We had another baptism on October 20th, again a recent converts daughter who is 13.   I know that I told you that transfers were coming up and I wasn't sure what or where I would be at.  But I just got the word that I will be staying in Spotsylvania. (YEA!) and I will also be becoming a trainer.  WOW!  A lot to take in.   I am so grateful to be serving a mission and I am seeing the Lord work miracles in the lives of the people here in Virginia.  Remember that I love you all.  I have the best family ever!
     Love,
         Your Son, your brother, your friend.  Dakota Thomas Anderson
                                                      P.S.  Only 48 days till Christmas!

Look Around

I want to tell you about a lady that we were blessed to meet.  Her name is Sally (name changed).  She is in her 30's and she has a 3 year old son.  We had been told about this member and that she was not doing well.  Elder Bates and I went over to see her, to meet her, get to know her, and perhaps be able to teach her non-member mom.  Well, we were in for a shock when we got to her home.  Sally just has a few weeks left to live-if even that.  She is just hanging on by a thread.  It broke my heart to see her or anyone in such a condition.  She will be leaving her son to be raised by his grandparents.  Elder Bates and I could not do to much for her other than to talk with her and hopefully bring her some peace.  We offered to pray with her, also offering to give her a blessing if she so desired.  She did ask us to give her a blessing.  After the anointing, Elder Bates pronounced a marvelous upon her.  He blessed her with comfort and told her that Heavenly Father was so excited to see her and receive her home with open arms.
What a marvelous day it will be when we are able to go and give our Heavenly Father a big hug as we are returning home from a long trip.
Mom, I cannot wait ti give you and dad a big hug after my trip here is through.
Moral if the Story though:
If you ever think that your burdens, your trials, your fears or anything that could be possibly holding you back is too much to bare.  LOOK AROUND!  There are people in the world who unbeknownst to us have it far worse than we could ever imagine.  Don't ever back down! Don't ever quit when there are trials before you.  Push through it and as the famous quote goes, "Come what may and love it.
Love your son,
Dakota

We also have 3 people on date for baptism.  1 for the 20th of October and 2 for November 5th.  Hopefully I can stay in Spotsylavania for another transfer.  Otherwise I might not be here for the last 2, because transfers are on the 27 of October.  But, hopefully next week I can have my first baptism.
Hey Dad, enjoy hunting in Idaho!!!!!!!
Love, Dakota

General Conference..........October 2, 2011

Hey mom and dad,  General Conference was just amazing!  I think one of my favorite talk was the one given by President Eyring on Sunday morning.  He talked about always being charitable.  Always standing as a witness no matter what the circumstances, and enduring to the end.  Good advice for all.
Temple in Wyoming!!! WOW !!!