Dec 21 2010

Family,

Don't worry, I haven't left Brive! Elder Boehme however has, and is now in Marseille. It is a bit bizarre that you can be with someone for 9 weeks, then just be without them in one day! I will miss him, but my new colleage is super cool! Il S'appelle Elder Nicholes! He is from good ol' Orem Utah!!! The Lord loves me and knows my needs, that is all I can say! Ha ha.

The last week, the weather was actually pretty decent. Me and Elder Boehme seen many blessings this last week, and found 7 new amis!!!! That is two new families! I'll tell you about them!

The first family is the Famille Lecruse; do you remember me telling you about the women we found at the dry cleaning place? Well we finally taught her family!!! She has two little girls, one is 9 and the other 8! They absolutely love us, and it was heart warming to see one of the little girls treasure a picture of Jesus we gave her! They came to the Soirée Noel Saturday and brought the husband too! They loved it, and we were able to eat with them Sunday afternoon as well! We were iffy about the husband... you see we actually had knocked on the family's door before actually meeting Delphine, and the husband told us "ça m'intéresse pas" which means "I'm not interested". He is rather intimidating, reminds me of dad, But after talking with him, he is super sweet! He committed to read the Book Of Mormon! Lots of hope for this family!

Then we ate dinner with a member family who invited a non-member friend to the soirée noel and church, and then dinner! We talked briefly about the Book Of Mormon, but the mother and the kids are interested and want to continue visiting with us!!!

Then there is Iraj, the Iranian I told you about. We moved his baptismal date to the 8th of January, because of certain factors, but he loves to meet with us, and learn the Gospel. It is difficult to know if he completely understands the principles due to a language barrier he has, but we are working at it! We are going to try really hard to get his wife involved this week!

I am a little bit nervous, and can see that this week and the weeks to come are going to require a lot of work. I have a new companion who doesn't know the ville or amis.. but that's life! Life is full of changes, change is good! Im' keeping a postivie attitude, and know I can always place my trust in our Heavenly Father; truly he does not change. He is the only constant thing in my life right now! I will strive to steadfastly look forward to Christ and persevere with joy! Coach Chournous and Coach Hawes always taught me to keep my eye on the ball, and when I did I was able to make things happen. However, after that you had to be smart when running the bases. Hitting the ball is one thing, but to make it home is another. If you aren't smart at the bases, and do not know what to do in certain situations, you will quckly find your spot right back the bench. Of course we all know I struggled a lot my senior year, and frankley just didn't keep my eye on the ball. My time at the plate was numbered, and the chance to redeem myself passed, but I can still keep my eye on the ball; that is to keep my eye on what I want most. Salvation and Exaltation. If I keep my eye fixed firmly on Christ, and his Gospel, I can make things happen, I can find what I want most. But like the game of baseball, once you have hit the ball, you have to run the bases! You have to run the bases with everything you have, and be smart about it! You can do so by I being obedient,having faith, and doing work! if we do these things, we will have the constant companion of the Holy Ghost and be smart as we run the bases of life and ultimatley make it to home base; eternal life!

It is like it is said in Helamen 5, if we build ourselves on a firm foundation, we cannot fall! That foundation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I know this Gospel is true! I know this work is true! I absolutley loved the picture story from the tabernacle fire because it speaks to my heart.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

When all other lights go out, the light of Christ will shine in darkness. No matter what should come to pass, Christ will forever be a beacon of Hope and Salvation!

I love you all, and can't wait to talk to you on Christmas!!!!!!!! I'll figure this situation out with the calling, you just be waiting ;)

Love à Jamais,

Elder Petersen

p.s

I included pics of the famille lecruse; some members; me, Elder Boehme, Elder Heywood and his companion Elder Magnan; and a picture of Iraj (picture with black man in it)

Dec 12th 2010

Family!!!

I don't have much time this week!!! Sorry I was late, we had our Christmas Zone Conference yesterday, it was so much fun!!! We got a tie for Christmas ha ha, I included a few pics too. Yes President Carter and His wife sing together! And the black family is Famille Hubert! The mutation will be ending Monday, and we will get word of our leaving or staying on Friday. I'm sure I'm staying, but I think Elder Boehme will be going. He has been in Brive for 4 mutations. I will miss him, but change is good, and the Lord knows best where to place his servants!

It is really disheartening to hear about Uncle Curt... I loved him very much, I felt like I had three grandpas. I did send him a letter, and simply shared my testimony of the great plan our Heavenly Father has for us. I didn't know how it would be recieved, but now I know it calmed his soul. In the great mercy of our Savior, I have no doubt he will find peace. It means a lot to me that he read, and studied my letter, I poured my heart into it. Tell Rita I love her, and apologize for not writing her, I think I will. I was sad that he didn't come to my farewell, but knowing that my letter touched him is even better. He knows I have a testimony of my Savior and Redeemer!

I'm so happy that you were able to go out and have fun for Mom's birthday! That's too bad Cami had to leave, but we still love her! ha ha ha I hope you had a great Birthday mother! You deserve it!!! The card was the least I could do, I mean after all you gave birth to me ha ha! I really wanted to show my love, and make something from the heart, but of course you will be receiving a package in the mail in a couple of weeks! There are some fun stuff in it!

I loved the Christmas presents, you are way too good to me! I feel really spoiled mom and dad, please know that I am grateful, especially for the gloves and scarf! Much needed ha ha!! I love the picture frame too, I can always see someone or something I love when I am at my desk!!!! You two are way too good to me!! I am saving the tape recorder for later, it is nestled under the tree :)

I have been sending Elder Lewis some emails, he has already had two baptisms! That is great! Just like every mission, it is tought though! He had to drop some investigators this last week too! I love seeing little message from him in my inbox, I just grin from ear to ear! Speaking of which, that picture of Emma is adorable!! I don't know how she managed that, but she is definitley a prodigy of her mother ha ha!!!! I can't believe how much she looks like Cami! And Alli she is just growing up so fast, she is a little lady! baby Mason is going to be a Captain Moroini, I know it!

This last week was CRAZY!!! We found a man named Iraj Soltani, he is Iranian. I speaks Persian nativley, but knows english, and very little french. It's ironic, his wife speaks a little english, but is French... who would have thunk!? He is a very humble man, and now I now why. His wife and son are both very low in health right now. The son is 17 and has epilepsy. Iraj is depressed because of their state of health, and is a stay at home dad to take care of them. He just wants to help his famiy. Our first rendez-vous we taught how the Gospel brings healing, and engaged him and his entire family to baptism. They all accepted! Iraj has accepted the 26th of this month! He told us that he read the Book of Mormon and prayed. He said when he reads, he feels happy, and peace; he feels like a burden is being lifted; he told us he knows it is true! He even told us he knows Joseph Smith was a Prophet! It is truly a miracle, and blessing from the Lord! He came to church Sunday, and Family Home Evening with a ward member yesterday! We even moved his baptism up the the 26th!

The Lord has his elect, and I can testify that this is His work! I feel very unworthy of this great and wonderful blessing, I don't feel I have worked hard enough to receive such a blessing, but yet here it is! We are meeting with him again today and many more times to come before the 26th.

This Saturday there is a baptismal service in Perigueux for two young boys in our ward, and he is going to come with us to watch! It is all so wonderful, and I just marvel at the blessings that are being poured down from heaven! I truly stand all amazed!

I just want you all to know, I love this work! It is hard, very hard, but I wouldn't be anywhere else! This truly is the only time in my life I will ever get to be a missionary, to have the authority and power to promise God's children blessings in his name! Is there a greater work than this? Than to bring souls unto Life eternal? No there is not!

I love you all, and pray for you all continually. Never forget the Lord in everything you do! Pray always, that you may be lay up store and act in faith that you may prepare a place for your kingdom on high!

Love à jamais!

Elder Petersen

Dec 6th 2010

Family,

Weeks fly right on by don't they! Don't worry I can share your excitment for Monday to roll around!!!! Ha ha, I pray you are feeling like a million bucks momma, and your smile never fades ;) I can't wait to see a picture of the house, I'm sure you did an amazing job dad!

The temple, oh how I miss the Temple ha ha! Lucky!!!!! ha ha ha. Wo wo wo

Christmas Spirit is hitting Brive smack dab in the face! ha ha. They really go all out for the season; with lights down every street, and Christmas classics ringing through out Centre-ville! They block off streets in Centre-ville and set up booths and trees and all sorts of things to celebrate the season! There is no way I couldn't be happy! And that is very valuable right now :) I remember home with all this Christmas spirit and I remember why it is so special for me. It is even in the word Christmas. I think of all He has given me, and His love that enfolds me every day. I think of you, my family. Heavenly Father gave you to me so I might have joy in this life! Christ, His son, gave His life that we may have joy together in the life after! Although I am grateful for the presents you sent me, it isn't the material in them that give me joy; the little tree in the midst of them is a monument of your love to me. I will treasure our memories together more than any pleasure a gift or present could bring! I am the son of Shane and Lori Petersen, my hero and my angel. We are all sons and daughters of a king! What joy there is in celebrating his life this Christmas season!

I appreciate all your prayers and I feel your love every day! This week was hard, but good! We had some upsets, but the blessings always out weight them. We had to let go of 4 of our investigators because they aren't progressing, and that was no easy decision. We prayed and both felt it was the Lord's will that we use our time more efficiently to find His elect who He is preparing! I will share an experience with you quickly before time runs out! Yesterday, we were in a dead end, and didn't know where to go or what to do. Our plans could only take us so far, but we needed help and guidance. I told Elder Boehme we should pray to know where to go. He asked me, do you really think that will work? I testified that it would, for I had had an amazing exchange with our district leader earlier in the week, and our prayers were truly answered. We prayed, and it was no sooner that I remembered a street I had seen that I felt I should have entered, but passed on by. That was where we needed to go. We back tracked till we found the street, did some door to door, but no luck. But in that dark lone street, we found a man, named Alex. He comes from a family of many religions, but he himself has not found one. We set up a rendez-vous, and got his information to share our message with him.

God is in control, and this is His work! If we truly desire to know His will, with faith and works, He will prepare his elect, and guides us to them.

I love you all! Keep the faith!

P.S. if you really want to give a gift this season, invite the missionaries over for dinner ;)

Elder Petersen!

Nov 28th 2010

Fam,

I know weeks are flying by! I did get your packages, and no tax :) President says it doesn't usually happen, just happened to get the every 'once and a while open up the box and check' ha ha! But the pringles weren't banged up too much, and I got the Christmas package!! The presents are nestled underneath our little tree of Christmas spirit!

That is sad to hear about President Jensen's son, I don't remember specifically

who he was, but it is always a disheartening day when a young man's life is cut short. I have been too close to that too many timesto not be sensitive; car wrecks touch a sensitive part of my memory.

Mother I got your letter. It was truly amazing, and what I needed, a answer to my prayers. I realized there have been days that I have wished away while I have had my short stay here in Brive, looking towards the day when I can return to you all. I have even created the moment when I will be slowly descending down those escalators, tired, and weary, full of joy to s

ee you all again. It has been difficult for me at times, but your letter is a blessing! Elder Boehme had just shared with me the very same inspirational quote you included in your letter, the day before; find joy in the journey! What a statement! I will not wish my mission away! I will cheerfully persevere and serve the Lord to the end!

This last week was truly a week full of blessings from the Lord. We found two new investigators, and they are sweet! It is kind of a bitter sweet moment however, because we were dropped by an investigator too. Started teaching here, and dropped us in the same week. We had

high hopes for her, but the adversary got to her first. She was polite, and very kind in her opinion, but I know why I'm out here, and the Lord knows, and I can't deny it. I love you all, but the world is full of our brothers and sisters, and it is a responsibility to bring this

message of the Restoration to them. They are family too! I wish I could have said that at the time. We as missionaries are fueled by love, how can we do this work without out that? It is impossible.

All is well however, we still have some cool amis, and have high hopes! Sunday we had branch conference in Bordeaux. That is like stake conference, but on a smaller level. It was great! I didn't really understand a whole lot, but I can understand bits and pieces... BUT, I can understand President Carter really well, he spoke. He spoke about consecrating our lives to the Lord; reiterating Elder Christoffersons talk in General Conference. He spoke about the Savior and his sacrafice for us, how he truly consecrated his life. Something that stood out to me however was the statement that when we consecrate our lives to the Lord, we will find joy. In the life of a missionary, it is really easy to get discouraged and find joy. The only joy I find sometimes is in the fact that I know what I know, and that I have you! Recently I read an article in the Ensign that explained how a missionary had been into his mission for a year and not had the joy others were having. In a zone conference, he recieved the answer to his prayers. No matter what, we can always have joy in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When all else fails, He is there for us, because he paid the ulitmate price. I have a neat little story from a book Elder Boehme let me borrow; it is called 'footprints':

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that at times of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that these were the lowest and saddest times in his life. This bothered him, and he asked the Lord, "You said that once I decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints; Why, when I needed You most, did You leave me?" The Lord replied, "My son, I love you and would never leave you. During those times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I was carrying you."

This touches my heart deeply, and I'm sure it will touch yours as well. It is hard work out here, I'm burdened with a constant nagging of temptation to give up. To take the easier path, but I cannot. I will not. It is at those times of greatest strife, that I know the Lord is carrying me. Mother we all know that you are a testimony of this principle. You couldn't have dones this on your own. NO MAN OR WOMEN CAN!

Just as I speak of the wonderful peace and calming assurances that your letter brough

t me, I know that you have endured much in your life, but more importantly you FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY! I know you will continue as well, and you will be a living testimony to all your beautiful daughters, that life is meant to be lived, not endured!

I recieved many letters this weeks: one from Uncle Steve, one from Becca my cousin, you, Mindi, my childhood friend Elder Lewis, and my friend from college Elder Clark. I can't tell the joy I have felt, and the love He freely gives me. I can testify he knows each and every one of us, and he is just waiting for us to pray to Him so he can lighten our burdens. Each of these letters edified me in one way this week, and gave me hope!

Baby Mason is such a cutie, I can't believe how handsome he is! Mindi and Matt did a good job ha ha! Alli kitty, your drawing was beautiful! Thank you for your sweet little heart!

I haven't opened any presents yet, but I can't tell you I wont open them before Christmas! ha ha OH AND IT SNOWED THIS WEEK HERE IN BRIVE!!! It was only a little but it filled me with Christmas spirit!

I love you all, and love this Gospel. I know it us true with all my heart, and that we are members of the only true church on the earth today! Continue in faith, keep the faith, nurture your faith! Do not forget why we are here; to serve the Lord and prepare to meet him again!

I CAN DO HARD THINGS

Son, brother, and uncle,

Elder Dustin Shane Petersen

Nov 22-2010

Ma Famille,

Another week has come and gone, and I feel like I just wrote you yesterday!!! Time is really beginning to fly here it france! It continues to rain, but people are beginning to light up their houses with christmas lights, and there is a square that they have a ton of overhead lights on as well!! I hope I get to stay here for Christmas! Mother I did get your packages! I can't tell you how full my heart truly was when I saw two huge packages from home, then the camera card and plug in the mailbox! The day before I think I got your letter from the 4th too! I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you send me packages and letters…. I cry every time I get one, I am just so full of love and appreciation. You know me well mom and dad.

Thank you for the tree :) I don't honestly know how the chips are, but the oreos weren't smashed so I'm hopeful :) This part of the letter is going to be a little sentimental.. I want you to know how much I love you, and how every day I thank my Heavenly Father for you. You are even in my dreams everynight, I haven't had one yet without you in them! I am just getting over my new missionary blues and putting my shoulder to the wheel. I love the Lord, and I realize this work is all about LOVE!

We had a zone conference last Thursday and Elder Texiera, a member of the

inter-region (Seventy) spoke to us. It was one of the best meetings I have ever been to in my life! The spirit was so strong, and I was overcome with the love that is in this work. I have no doubt this is the Saviors work, and His hand is ever shaping it. Elder Texiera was carried away in the spirit, he spoke for almost and hour and a half! He shared things with our zone that he didn't with the other zones, he said that there is something special about our zone! He gave us a lot of counsel, and I see there are many places where I need to improve. There is always a reason we aren't either happy, or having the success we want. Usually it is because there is something we know we need to do, BUT AREN'T DOING THEM!! It all comes down to dilligence, hardwork; and love!! I also evaluated myself in the Christ-like chapter of Preach My Gospel, chapter 6 pg 126 I believe. I realize I have work to do, and right now I need to work on patience, Faith, and Hope. Preach My Gospel is such a beautiful tool the Prophets have given us, and it is defintley a treasure in terms of the 'perfecting of the saints'! I challenge you both right now to start using Preach My Gospel in your studies!! I use mine everyday, and so should EVERY MEMBER!! I like how Elder L Tom Perry counseled that it is every members responsibility to 'find people for the missionaries to teach'; How do you think members learn how to do this??? PREACH MY GOSPEL!!!! I can't wait to hear how this goes for you!

In the conference Elder Texiera also told us that the time for planting seeds is over. "We are sick of just planting seeds, we have been planting seeds for many years now. We aren't here to plant seeds Elders and Sisters, we are here to baptize. It is time for the harvest!!!" He is right! We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and we have been set a part and given the keys to baptize. Do some research, there are very few who have the keys of baptism. I am not going spend my time here thinking planting seeds is good enough, because it isn't. I wasn't called to 'plant seeds', I was called to invite others to come unto Christ by bringing them down into the waters of baptism. I see there are many things that we have yet not tried, and I know that the Lord will bless us as we expirement and have faith in His every guiding hand.

A family the other night came out of their house to talk with us after knocking on their door. They were once religious, but now athiest because of all the bad that happens in the world. The women explained her reason for turning her back on God, and that is because I little child in her School (she was a teacher) died of a tumor. I testified of the power to overcome death one day, and that this life is but a moment in time. I recounted your experience with grandma mom. I testified that although she didn't follow Christ throughout her life, on her death bed, she requested to say a prayer with her daughter for the first time and for the last. That is faith. I wasn't there, but I know that she could see the truth. Mom, I know that we will see Grandma again, without a doubt. I know that satan can take away everything we love, everything we hold dear, and thanks to the grand plan devised in the beginning we can still rejoice; even then! It is hard to except when babies suffer, and nations starve, and the homeless wonder without purpose, but there is message that can bring light and joy to everything. The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Christ is my strength, I am nothing of myself.

We had another great experience with a new member in the ward too. He got in touch with us first, and then we were able to have a rendez-vous with him to welcome him to Brive. He immediatley opened up to us, and shared the struggles in his life right now, and the scars sin has left on his soul. Without doubt, I have never seen a more humble man. He began to cry, and bore witness of the truth of this Gospel. He knows that without a doubt it is the light and the way. His love for the Savior is more than words, and his desire to change is described as nothing more than PURE LOVE! We watched 'the touch of the Master' with him, and it was perfect. Though life rages, and we are banges up, and scarred by the pains of our mistakes, with the touch of the masters hand, we can be restored. I have seen the pain and sorrows of sin in my own life , but I have felt the touch of the masters hand in my life, and

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of arighteousness for his bname’s sake

Ps 23:3

I know this is where I need to be. I love the Lord, and I thank him everyday for keeping you safe from the days journeys; I pray for you all continually and can't wait to here from you and your Spirituel Experiences !!!

Love your son, brother, Uncle,

Elder Dustin Shane Petersen

Nov 14th 2010 Excerpts

Ma Famille,

Your emails are wonderful, and I love to feel the love in your words. I can't wait for Mondays to roll around ha ha :) In a good way - don't worry! The work is difficult, very difficult. All our appointments fell through, and it rained every day. We walked in the rain a lot this week. Both mine, and Elder Boehme's faith was tested. I feel we could have fared better, but it is all good experience for the future. I have started to see a correlation of faith + works as the weeks have come and passed. Only with both can you have success. I read this interesting little thought from a book of inspirational quotes Elder Boehme let me borrow. On a page on Faith, it talked about a man who entered a boat with a young boy. The man noticed that one oar in the boat had Faith written on it , and the other had works written on it. The man thought this was strange and asked the young boy why. The young boy replied with something like this: You need both oars to row a boat; If you just row with faith, you will going in circles to your left. If you row only with works, then you will go in circles to your right.

When you use faith and works, only then can you row straight ahead."

James 2: 20, 26

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

• • •

26 For as the body without the spirit is

dead, so faith without works is dead also.

What a divine principle! There are times we worked hard, then there have been times when I feel like we rowed in circles ha.

We did have a lot of trial this week, and opposition, but the tender mercies of the Lord are ever evident! One day, we worked all day in the rain and had little success. But at the end of the day, we met a young girl going to school in Brive who was very interested in our message! She was English, and spoke english ha ha, good break for me ;) We have many tender mercies like this. Maybe only one person a day, but what blessings can come from only one soul!

I haven't been too discouraged about the Language. At times I am frustrated, but I know its normal. What frustrates me, is that I feel like none of our investigators are feeling the spirit when we teach. That is why I have thoughts of doubt and inadequecy. I ask myself if I really teach with the spirit, and if I don't, then why not? I am very happy however, I love it here, and I love the work. Even in the life of a missionary, I don't feel like I have all the time I need for studying ha ha, but I have learned how to effectivley study too. All our studies are for our investigators too, I learn a lot of things from basic doctrine. It all stems from questions too!

That is how my week has been! I have a few pics for you! Some are just fun and silly ha ha!

This is what you call a kabab. It was amazing!!!!!!!! One minute it is there, the next gone ha ha!

This is the Chateau Turrene. We" had an investigator out this way! super cool! The country side is so beautiful, we did have one good sunny day saturday! It is weird not to have mountains, but rolling hills I dig

There are little figurines inside this cake around the Holdiay Season. If you find it, then you are King for the day! It is a tradition in France! I have won twice now and one was Homer Simpson and the one in the picture is Mr. Burns ha ha

Thank you so much for sending those packages! I'm sorry if they were expensive! I will be anticipating them with excitement!

I'm so happy all is going we'll for you and Mom! I'm so excited and happy for you! I can't believe how strong she is, she is a warrior angel ! You keep hangin in there too, you are my hero! I love when you tell me little things like you dug up some plants, continue that. It warms my heart and I feel like it is a telephone call, and you are just telling me about your day! I am sad about the flag pole, but I am happy you remembered me.... and the Christmas lights!!! My soul is filled with joy! Send me pics when it is lit! The tree too!!! I did get your pictures by the way, I just didn't have time to reply!!!

I got grandmas letter too, she is too sweet!! I loved it!!! I love you both so so much!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you, you are always in my prayers!!!

November 8th 2010

Bonjour!

Cette semaine était très bien! J'ai trouvé beaucoup de bonheur et vu les bénédictions tombé sur moi! Merci pour tous tes prières!

This week went very well! I found a lot of happiness this week, and saw blessings fall upon me! Thank you for all of your prayers!

You all mean so much to me, and I just am so thrilled that you are mine!!! ha ha This last week was great! We had our "Blue" Conference and I got my legal residency taken care of for my Visa. They have to take a chest scan to see if you have Turburculosis. I passed ha ha, then there was a bunch of waiting and stamping of papers then finally my passport! After that I was done! I seen many of my friends from the MTC, including Elder Heywood! You knew he was in my district right? I see Elder Heywood all the time, and I will continue to because after one transfer, I am resting in Brive.... with Elder Boehme!!! Elder Heywood is also resting in Périgueux, except his companion is jetting to Toulouse to be a Zone leader. His new companion is French ha!

Alors, "Blues" Conference is just what I needed. A answer to my prayers! I was blessed to be able to hear Elder Miller bear his testimony.. and I will tell you, he is an amazing missionary. I remembered his same mentality with football, he stated that he only had one problem while being on his mission, and that was missionaries who didn't care about it as much as he did. I was touched, and I look up to him so much. I hope I can become the missionary he is. It is sad he leaves tomorrow (Tuesday) Morning. I made sure to ask him a few questions about his mission, and even took a few pictures. I found out a lot of things that conference, and one of them was happiness doesn't just come, it is worked for. It also can come and go if you aren't always giving it your best effort. That is in terms of missionary work, living the Gospel, or anything else for that matter. I made a lot of goals that day.

Then the next day, I did an exchange with Elder Heywood! Thats right, two blues in Perigueux! Even better, two blues who were MTC companions! Ha ha, his companion Elder Wimmer, was our district leader and had to get an exchange in with Elder Boehme before the transfer. I was scared at first, but I then I remember something I heard at general conference. We are the only ones who can decide if we are going to fail or succeed. I took my spiritual creation very seriously that morning, and created my whole day before it even happened, and the same theme appeared; happiness and success. I now have a very strong testimony of this practice and know why we do it in this mission. It was not only a great day, but I found the family I created that morning. It wasn't till the end of the night, but surely the Lord placed them in our path. Of course me and Elder Heywood struggled, thats a given. Sometimes we had no idea what someone else was saying, but we just bore our testimonies and asked for their contact! You wouldn't believe the blessings! I actually found that I speak and comprehend French a lot better when it is all on me and I don't have Elder Boehme to bail me out!

I have been making phone calls too ha ha..... I'm surprised with how patient people are. Elder Boehme sat laughing the other night as I made a phone call and botched a lot of things up.. but hey I get the appointment!!!!

The last thing I wanted to share was my spiritual creation yesterday. I thought of a middle aged women with dark hair, that would want to talk to us. The day passed and night came. We had just finished a lesson with a less active, and we were on a long walk home..; hence the tree pictures ha ha. We chose a certain path here, talked to certain people here, knocked on a door, etc... and then we visited a members house because he had been sick, I forget to tell you I gave my first blessing in French! It was tough! Anyways he was asleep and we woke him up. We told him we would come by another day. It was then we were randomly walking when a women from across the street waved us down. She acted like we were old friends, it was kind of wierd; Elder Boehme told me to go to her quick even though we were taken back. I don't have much more time to type, but I know the Lord prepares his elect, and he places them in our path when truly seek them! We not only got her contact, but set up a rendez-vous. I love the Lord, and I know that he influences every thing we do in life, and if we study, listen, and expirament, we will find treasures beyond anything we imagined!!! I love you, and pray for you always!

Fear is tempory, Regret is forever... act now!

Love your son, Elder Petersen!

Nov 2nd Excerpt

Family.... I miss you.

When I read all your loving words, I just can't help but cry. I can't believe how much the Lord is molding all of you, Im proud of all of you, and I love your guts!!!! I'm will not lie to you and make things sound all peachy, I am discouraged a lot lately. I don't show it, but I feel it. I continue to pray for strength, and count my blessings, and have faith this discouragement will pass.

We have two investigators right now, and are crossing our fingers for another! We meet with her today, her name is Celine. One of the two, Anne just became an ami, and she came to church Sunday!! She hit it off with the members and she is going to come again! We are truly blessed, we were hitting a dead zone for a while. We were recieving a lot of contacts but they weren't solid, or the adversary got to them first.

Dad I love your testimony of music, I feel the same. Elder Boehme has General Conference addresses on his ipod, and it is a joy to listen to the prophets words. You all look so well!! I loved the pictures and can't wait for you to send more!

We have seen many different kinds of people from day to day. Most in a hurry, the expression is "je suis pressé" ha ha and my favorite expression that I say is "Que Dieu Vous Bénisse" which means God Bless you! Sister Carter likes us to say that. Tomorrow we have a blue's conference, its like a training for newbies. By they way they call us Blues here, not greenies ha ha.

There are 80 missionaries in the mission, 20 in my zone, and 6 in my district!

I love you all, I don't have much time today! Didn't write yesterday because it is all saints day here in France and everything was closed! We have to run to an appointment!! I love you all, baby Mason is so cute!!

Chow!!!

Love,

Elder Petersen

Oct 27, 2010 - Excerpts

Mom and Dad,

Bonjour! It is just morning for you, but it is all ready the afternoon here!! Sorry about Monday, we had a surprise zone meeting, and we had to take our Prep Day today! Dad it was very lovely to recieve your letter. It was just what I needed at the time! It is refreshing to hear your testimony, and your loving words. Each day is a new challenge for me. We deal with a lot of rejection, but the Lord blesses in our rejection. At the end of the day it isn't "Today we had no success" but "That was amazing how many people we shared the Gospel with!!!" We probably talk to well over 100 people a day. Yesterday was especially hard, because all of our appointments fell through, and our referals didn't exist or turned us down; yet we seen the blessings of the Lord follow. Just after we had been told by Renée, an older women, she didn't want to see us anymore, we met a man on the street who I believe was sent by God. It was an interesting contact on account that he was behind us, and you don't just turn around and walk back towards someone. I felt like we should talk to him, and whispered to Elder Boehme to slow down... but it wasn't enough... so I dropped my pen :) ha ha, as I picked it up he was right there!! He walked with a cane, and seemed very distressed. We flat out taught him the Apostasy and Restoration. It was a great discussion, and he then told us that he was a victim of malpractice and his leg is permantley shorter than the other. This message is what he feels he needs right now.!! Amazing or what!!?? We got his information and will be calling him today.

Earlier that day we contacted a young girl who said she has been looking for a church to go to, and would love to learn more!! That was a miracle and a blessing as well.

About the trip here, not much to tell hahaha. After I talked to you on the phone in Seattle, I sat next to a German man on the flight to Amsterdam. We talked a little, but not much. It was a very long flight, and my leg hurt a lot haha. But it is completely healed now ;) Anyways security was crazy in Amsterdam, I had to get my bag checked by the personalle, not sure why... crazy dutch haha, they kept asking me what my lint roller was for! But I made it through. My flight was delayed a bit, and I did try to call you but yeah didn't work.

I miss you all, and each day I think of you and what you mean to me. I loved your letter dad, I'll tell you again, it choked me up because I could feel your spirit. I still am being trained by the spirit, but I feel my saviors love and know I must walk by faith. My Faith is not unshakeable yet, but I know this life is a progression. Read a great passage from Jesus the Christ talking about the temptations of Christ. It put things into perspective for me. We don't know when He was tempted during his 40 days of fasting, or if it was all at once. It doesn't really matter. The important thing is that those weren't the only times He was tempted. If you recall, the Roman soldiers shouted "If thou be the son of God, save thyself." Even the other on the cross next to him said, "If thou be the son of God, save us all" Jesus Christ had that power, but would have never done that, or couldn't have. The lesson we learn is that Satan will not tempt or try to torment us only once in our lives and then all will be well and dandy. He will never stop, and niether can we stop fighting.

Mom I love you, your spirit is sweet and your words fill my spirit with joy. After talking with both of you, I was very choked up. I'm pleased to hear your health is prevailing, and praise the Lord for His blessings. You are the beneficiary of the love of Christ, and He will continue to carry your burdens in your Faithul service. I'm so happy to hear you are both studying more, and feasting on the words of Christ. Truly they are the words of life, and the only source of true happiness on Earth.

Thank Mariah for her efforts, and send her my best wishes. Tell her that I take no credit, for it wasn't MY cause alone. The chapter is where it is now because of the love it members poured into it. It is now her responsiblity to continue finding others who want to share their passion, and give them that chance to pour their hearts into something they love and care about! It is all about LOVE!

I love you all!!!!!

Avec L'amour toujours,

Elder Petersen

Brive France - Oct 19, 2010 -excerpts

Bonjour ma famille!

I arrived in france safe and I'm in Brive, which is above Toulouse. It is beautiful here and my companion is great! His name is Elder Boehme (Bamee).It is ironic, because he is from Logan!!!!! He also just got out of the hospital from appendicitus, so the timing was great for me to arrive! Ha ha he has been out a year and a half now. It is difficult to write because the keyboards are a little different here. I'll do my best.

When I first arrived France, President Carter was waiting for me, it was great! Then he we went to the mission office in Toulouse, which by the way was so familiar and you know why? because it is the exact picture on Google earth haha: I recognized the street and everything!!! haha, next you won't guess who I saw! Elder Miller!!! He is an assistant to the President, and couldn't wait for me to come!!! After all the logistical stuff, I ate a real french baguette sandwhich!!! Then I contacted with Elder Miller!!!! It was great :) Then I stayed at President house (the Mission home) was fed by Sœur Carter --- AMAZING MEAL!!!! They go all out with 3 courses haha. They sent me off to bed at 7:00 to catch up and get up early to head to Bordeaux in the morning for a Zone conference. By the way, I was the only one who got to stay at Presidents house out of this last group because there were so many!! Priviledged haha and blessed. Then of course that day was all zone conference and traveling to Brive. I got to ride the train, and we take it often to get back and forth from district meetings in Périgueux.

It is about 7:00 AM and your day is just starting, but mine has been going for quite a while already. Monday is P Day, so be watching for my emails. The work is definitely hard, I mean harder than anything I have ever done. I don't understand much of what anyone is saying, and it gets frustrating. We are out all day, finding people to teach. We have been finding 1 or 2 but we have to contact almost 50 or more people to do so. My leg is fine, so don't worry. My companion has takin very good care of me, and he is a great example. Church was cool, didn't understand a word but thats okay. We have a branch of about 50 members. One thing that was familiar was all the babies and obnoxious kids !!! haha reminded me of home. They had me get up and bear my testimony... It was good hahah. All the members are great, and bombarded me with conversation that I had them repeat many times. A few finally talked to me in english. Only a few know english however.

We ate at a members house, you will notice the picture :) It has been frigedly cold the last few days. Others joke with me that I brought the Utah weather with me. We tract all day, visit members, teach one man as of now. He called Elder Boehme back and was mad and wanted to return the Book of Mormon he gave him. Elder Boehme was like, "We will come over and talk about it!" We shared 3 Nephi 11, when the voice is heard; he said he hears voices in his head!! Then he starting freaking out because Jehovas Witness had messed with him a little bit and he thought he was going to get sucked into Mormonisn; he even told us he thought he was going to explode.... but we calmed him down and he was receptive after that... for the most part. We set up a second rendez-vous and got out of there! We have prayed for him ever since, and pray he reads the rest of 3 Nephi 11 by then. I pray he feels the peace that the words from the book of Mormon can give him.

We have a member who lives close to us, and he loves the missionaries. He is pretty much the best! His name is Jeremy Labini, and he is from La Reunion (just off of Madagascar) He has been a member for 8 years I believe. He has to be only in his 30's. We also have a really nice, old lady in our apartment that is our "mami" she brings us baguettes every morning!!! She isn't a member though, but would make a great one! ;)

This truly is the hardest work like I told you before. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The MTC was nothin. Please pray for me to recognize the promptings of the Spirit. It is a skill that I know takes a life-time to master, but I have been called to an amazing work, that requires much!! I know salvation isn't a cheap experience.He never said it would be easy, only worth it. I know my redeemer lives, and loves me. He loves his children, and knows each and everyone. He has prepared his elect, and I know when I am obedient and strive to be all I can be, the Lord will trust me and send them our way! I learned to look at contacts this way. We aren't getting turned down by 50 or 100 peoplet today, but we tried to share the Gospel with 50 or a 100 people today!! How cool is that!!

God bless you all,

Elder Petersen

Dusty has arrived in France

Dear parents of Elder Petersen

Your son has finally arrived in Toulouse! We are so glad to have him

here now. We love him, and are grateful that he has accepted to serve

here. Thank you for preparing such a good young man to accomplish a

mission for our Lord and Savior. We will see that he has joy doing it.

He will be going to Bordeaux tomorrow with us for Zone Conference, and

there he will meet his colleage and head to Brive for his first area.

If there is anything we can, do not hesitate to contact us!

President Carter

France Toulouse Mission

MTC Veteran !!

So I don't have very much time! Well I'm still here haha. My leg is healing up, and I feel a lot better. The Lord is watching over me ;) I find out Monday at my 7:40 appointment with the Orthopedic if I can take off the boot or not. I'm crossing my fingers haha!

Mom and Dad, thank you for your sweet encouraging, uplifting, and edifying letters. You bring a smile to my face, and a tear in my eye. Your testimonies are amazing, and I can see the Lord molding you into his disciples!

I pray for you continually and I am grateful for your example and testimony. Your light truly does shine through your words. You are so happy@!!!! I can so :) that. You two are great parents, and I just wish I could have done more for you growing up.

I love you and will write you both more in a letter! I hope all the girls are okay! I hope You are off to a speedy recover Mindi! Oh and p.s. they are starting to put up Christmas lights here at the MTC. Have you started Dad hahahha!!!!! YOU BETTER!

Love your son, brother, uncle, and missionary,

Elder Dusty Petersen

Oct 1, 2010 excerpts

Oct 1, 2010 excerpts

Bonjour Ma Famille! Felicitations!!

Oh my gosh I am so happy that Mason is finally here!! It has almost been 10 weeks since Mindi was given the news she would be on bed rest! You must have gotten a ton of rest Mindi hahaha. No naps from now on right? The Lord has truly blessed our family, and his light has touched all of us in one way or another. He knows our name, and how to succor to his people! hahaha. I can't wait to see a picture!! I got your package by the way Mindi ;) Thank you for thinking of me :)

All is going well here at the MTC. At first it was very difficult for me to adjust after everybody leaving (60 missionaries arrived with me on July 28th, I was the only one to stay behind) It was hard for me to say goodbye to Elder Heywood after all we had been through, but the inevitable came. It always comes, doesn't it? President Robinson (Branch President) placed me with the Tahitian district as companions and room mates. They are awesome, they aren't really Tahitian just so that is straightened out haha. I actually am companions with all 3 of them(Elder Mulford, Elder Asay, and Elder Burton) and one, namely Elder Mulford was in a Institute class with me at USU. We are getting along very well. I also go to class with the group of missionaries that arrived three weeks ago... Elder Park's class :) Haha and I was sad that I wouldn't get to spend time with Elder Park at the MTC... hahaha I should trust in the Lord more ;) They have all been amazing, and there Charitiful acts have saved my life here at the MTC. I see Christ in my life everyday through their acts of service and love. Whether it is getting my meals, offering to get me a drink, or even just ask if I need anything. I feel like an imposition all the time, and that is how I have felt since I have been on these crutches. However, not once have I felt that from others. The work is great, and truly the love of God is something all of us need to gain in our lives. Serve, serve, and BE SERVED, and serve some more!!

It has been an interesting week, I wasn't sure what to do haha. I have done a lot of studying in the scriptures, and in Jesus the Christ. I finished Our Heritage, and I am going to begin Our Search for Happiness. It has been a good experience as well, because I am able to share what I have learned with these new missionaries. I didn't realize how much I actually learned till I become the teacher in french and in teaching. I do not take pride in myself, I know the Lord has prepared me in all ways, and the Glory be to him.

Thursday I had a appointment with the Orthopedic, Dr. Winegg. He took some more x rays, because after ten days, you are supposed to be able to see things better. Nothing broken still :) A lot of the swelling has gone down, and bruising is fading. However he felt around my ankle, and had me do a few tests by standing and walking. There was definitley pain hahaha. I was loudly chanting "YUP THERE IS PAIN THERE ALRIGHT!" hahaha it was funny. He is concerned I may actually have a stress fracture in my ankle, and I am no where near ready to go tracting on it. He is holding me off another 10 days. My appointment will be the 11th of October. He wanted to take a MRI, but after consulting with the clinic doctor, and considering the cost, they decided the wait would be best, and I just need to gradually put more weight on it as I use the crutches. I was dissapointed at first, head into the chest and all, but I walked out of that room and made a mental tweak. I know the Lord reveals all things in his own due time. I immediately began to think of stories I could take back to the MTC when I got back haha. I figure a postitive attitude is the best thing ;)

Later I was studying when two Elders got up to go contact. It has almost been two weeks since I have contacted/shared my testimony, so I jumped on board to go with them. They were new and not very steady with their french, but it didn't matter, I wanted to be with them as they invited the spirit. As I stood there on my crutches and it was my time to share my testimony... I was overcome with the spirit, I felt that pain and sorrow from not sharing my testimony, but also the joy and happiness that was replacing that pain and sorrow. I was able to bear witness of Jesus Christ and all he has done for us. That he knows who we are, and has felt every pain we have felt, and will feel. Not only in reference to my leg, but to my spiritual longings and my loneliness. There was such a rush in bearing that testimony, I couldn't stop! We contacted 3 more people and I helped the newbies out!! Truly the Lord knows each of our names, and who we are. That day, he called me back into his warm arms.

It was so good to hear from you Mom and Dad, and Lisa Park and Kallie wrote me too! It was extremely good to hear that Grandpa was excited about that picture I sent home. I prayed it would touch him! Well I would like to share more, but Time is almost out!

I love you all, and hope the best for you! Read JS Matthew vs. 47-55. It tells us what we need to be doing each day, and how to do it. Thanks for sharing that with me Caleb ;)

Love your Missionary,

Elder Dusty Petersen

Sept 24, 2010 Excerpts

Bonjour Ma Famille!!

Well I can't seem to stop amazing myself with my good fortune haha! It is true, I will be here at the MTC for one more week than scheduled! Due to a injury I acquired playing soccer this week, I have been delayed from departing Monday the 27th. I don't know when exactly I will depart, but what I do know is when I'm cleared the District President said I could get out of here anytime period between a few days and the same day I am give the O.K. from Doc.

I'll explain what happened haha. I was playing soccer (Shouldn't have played the week before I leave ) and I was kicking the ball across the field, when another elder was tailing and kicked for the ball as well. Well his foot collided with my leg, right above the ankle on the inside of my right leg to be exact. I have used this example a lot, but it's is like a car crash. One car is going 45, the other 45, they collide and equal 90 mph of massive damage. At first my leg was just hurting like a normal bruise would. I heard the spirit tell me to get ice. So I limped off the field and got ice on it, then I was on my merry way. As the day progressed, it got worse. It immediatley began to bruise, and swelling. It was night before I could get take care of, but the front desk took care of me. I tried to get some athletic trainers to look at it, but they were gone because of the devotional that night. I waited till morning to visit the doctors. Long story short, and several visits to doctor Sampson and a visit to an Orthopedic specialist, I have been told it isn't broken and I just need to keep it compressed, iced, elevated and rested! I'll send pics later, but the bruise is the nastiest thing I have ever seen!!! The 2nd night (Wednesday night) I couldn't sleep at all, but last night I slept like a baby. They gave me crutches and a boot. I'm happy, positive, and hopping along haha!! No pun intended ;)

The weirdest part of the whole experience is that they let me call home. I called but mom wasn't there, she was at school. So I called Dad, and he answered with his loving voice : "This is Shane" and I replied this is your son! He was like "They let you do this!?!" haha I was pretty much sobbing the whole time because I was filled with so many emotions. I haven't heard any of your voices for 2 months.... Dad told me to quit acting like a baby and ironically I cried even more.. I miss his humor, and I was filled with so much love ;) I laughed, he said "Don't make me come down there and whoop you into shape" hahaha. I love you Dad, you mean the world to me. The call only lasted 4 minutes... they told me not to be too long. Mom I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you. It probably would have been pretty hard to understand me, I would have been bawling my eyes out hahaha. I consider myself lucky though, I get to call you again in a week ;)

I'll let you know what happens between now and then, but just DON'T WORRY! Hopefully I'm out of here by Friday, but we will see. I have had a lot of opportunity to pout, and be depressed and unfruitful, but I have not let this situation get the best of me. I decide how I feel, and I choose whom I serve this day. Jesus Christ is my leader, my Savior, and Redeemer. I have said this many times now, but He leads me and all of us by the hand when we are in our times of deepest need. Yeah I could dwell on the past and let this make me angry, but I won't. I could fear for the following week, and what "Could happen", but I won't. I live in the present where faith conquers. When we live for the present moment, and have faith, we show our trust in the Lord and show him we can walk without sight. When we live for each moment with faith, there is no way anger or fear can hold us from progressing. We move forward with the Lord's direction.

May the hand of the Lord guide you in all things, and may you follow!

Until next time! Maybe I'll be in France, maybe not!

Elder Dusty Petersen

Sept 17, 2010- excerpts

Bonjour Ma Famille!

Wow time has flown right on by here at the MTC! Only 10 more days. 1 devotional, two more Sundays, one more Temple day, and then bam, out of here! I'm glad to hear everything is going well for the most part!

I have been thinking a lot about this month.... it is full of memories. I think the day has already passed when mom was diagnosed, but i know it was this month, sometime around the 15th? I thought of 9/11, I thought of Grandma's passing, I thought of breaking my leg on Mindi's birthday.... I don't mean to ponder on all the sad things, but there have been so many blessings that have come from each of these things, and I can't help but thank the Lord.

I have been studying many Christ-Like attributes lately. I believe as I strive to understand Christ better, and who he is, I will gain those attributes as well. One of which is Charity. I had an experience in the temple where I was in the chapel waiting to enter the endowment, and I began to read in Mosiah. I feel such peace in the temple. I had barely began to read when the spirit whispered 'Charity'. Like you speaking to me, I heard it. It was new, peircing, and an experience I haven't had before. I almost ignored it, but then immediately looked up Charity in the Index and found Alma 7:24. It is a simple scripture, but it is very profound. Truly if we abound in good works, and have charity, we will never be in the power of Satan. I challenge you to pull out that Preach My Gospel in the magazine basket and study Charity in the Christ-Like Attributes section.Also study Virtue and Patience. Those are what I am working on. I also had another amazing temple experience....I immediately thought of you mother. Your experience made it that much more significant for me. The lord knows each and everyone of us, and he answers our prayers. I know that.

I was reading in 'Our Heritage' Sunday, and guess what I found!! Great Great Great Grandpa George Darling Watt is in the Church history book!!!! page 34. Take a look! You should study up on our ancestors and send me a few stories, I enjoy them :)

I have seen Elder Park many a time now that he is here. He is in my Zone obviously, and his classroom is right next door to mine ;)

Exciting news!!! I HAVE MY FLIGHT PLANS!!! I'll get them copied and send you it in the mail. It is all coming together now. Thanks for putting up my flag Mom and Dad ;) You know how much that momument means to me, and I am grateful you are taking care of it for me. Momma, I loved your poem in your letter. It made me feel a lot of peace, and i think about it often. You are such an amazing woman, and momma. Thank you for always pushing me to be better, and but also bringing me out of my many holes of self-pity. You are a testimony to me, and your light shines through your letters, and when I teach. Dad I recieved your dearelder. I really enjoy your testimony and it strengthens mine. Continue to rock my world with your testimony! I also got your package! I always love your little notes mom ;) They make me smile :D You and dad and the sis's truly are the greatest family to ever exist ;) 'I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me, I want to share my life with them through all eternity" Families can be together forever, and Dad has revamped my testimony. No matter the trials, no matter what happens, the Lord's Will be done, and his love will be eternal. Thank you for your love. Continue to send it my way. Please encourage some of my friends to write me hahaha. It would be nice ;)

Love forever and always!

Elder Petersen