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 !!!

A Good Week..........September 26, 2011

This has been a pretty good week.  we have taught a lot of lessons and have gotten 5 new investigators.
QUICK STORY:  We ran into this young man sitting on his porch.  He was really involved in gangs and other stuff and his family moved to this area to try and get him away from that stuff and help straighten him out.  As we we walking up he thought we were the police, kind of tells you how bad off this kid was.
But, I started talking to him about repentance and baptism and how all of his guilt can be gone through Christ.  He got very excited about what we were telling him.  He was really glad that we had stopped by.  But the bigger news is that we will be teaching his whole family.  So therefore we have the chance to bring an entire family together for eternity.... just another example of the amazing things the Lord does to bless his people.
Another highlight!  I also finished reading the Book of Mormon today. I'm going to start on the D&C now and hopefully before my mission is over, have read through the entire Standard Works, at least once, and the missionary library at least once.
Have a great week,
Love your son,
Elder Anderson

Elder Bates comes to Spotsylvania

Elder Slade has been transferred.  My new companion is Elder Colby Bates from Fresno, California.