Dusty's First Letter

Here is Dusty's first letter home to our family. I (Cami) loved it so much, that I had to put it on his blog. I thought others would be interested to see what a missionary experiences their first week in the MTC. Sounds like he is doing awesome... Enjoy!

Things are wonderful here! Everybody says that the first week is horrible, but I absolutely love it! I did meet my companion, Elder Heywood, and he is an amazing man. I love him very much, and respect him! He is my senior companion, and our district leader. What that means, is this. We have a branch-46, within that branch we have zones, and within our zone we have a district. There are about 12 in our district, 10 Elders, and 2 Sisters. Our zone is huge! We have over 60 missionaries... that is significant because we (every missionary who entered this week) have been the largest group this year to enter the MTC. 600 Missionaries, and we got almost over 10% of all the missionaries in our zone.

Anyways, after you left, I found my way through the MTC and picked up my name tag, and essentials packet (key to room, Missionary Standard Book aka white bible) Then Elder Shaffer actually found me and directed me to my residence hall to drop off my bags and then to my classroom where I met my teachers Frere (Brother) Hill and Frere Welch. They are the best from what I hear, because all the missionaries in the other district come and solicit us because we "stole" them ha ha. From there I met my entire district. Very good Elders and Sisters. We went over basics about the MTC, but dove right into the purpose of our callings. It is has been a reoccurring theme, and I know that it will echo throughout my two years. It is what reminds us we are here to do. "Invite others unto Christ by helping others to receive the restored Gospel, through faith in Jesus Christ and in his Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end"

We ran through more basics, and purposes, then had a general meeting with the MTC President. He, his counselors, and their wives each spoke about important counsel and standards we are to uphold. They challenged us to read all of the Missionary Handbook by Sunday. Me and Elder Heywood finished it yesterday :) Then it was off to dinner and then we did some really cool workshops, which I have come to find out, all missionaries can do at anytime. They are called progressive investigators. It is pretty much a staged scenario with an investigator and you teach them the missionary discussions. BUT while some of them are members, some are not, and the scenario is real! There have been baptisms because of it. I am not ready for anything like that, but as a group we were able to observe and ask the investigator questions to find out about who they really are. That has been the focus of the last couple of days as well. Missionary work is ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE. If we do not love them, and truly take an interest in their lives, our visits are in vain. The most important aspect of teaching the lessons is getting to know the investigator so the spirit can direct us to teach based on WHAT WE KNOW.

I have always been a outgoing person, and cared about people, but it is going to be a challenge learning what questions to ask: How are you doing? What do you like to do? What does Family mean to you? What is your greatest fear... etc. Especially in FRENCH ha, but I have faith in Jesus Christ and know he is my strength. The power of prayer has been amazing while at the MTC. We haven't dove into learning French that much yet, but we did recently learn how to pray and testify in French. We have been practicing and praying every meal, meeting, study time, etc.. and all in French. I even say my personal prayers in French now. It is truly amazing how much the power of praying in my mission language for help in speaking and learning it blesses me and my capacity for the language.

I know my redeemer lives, and He loves me. His Gospel is beautiful and most desirable above all other things. I am doing well here, and am continually praying for you in every way. I love you and mother, and will write/ email again in a week. I am having the time of my life, and am looking forward to the next 9 weeks!

I got your cookies mom, and hmm hmm good! I love you thanks!! God be with you till next time.

Je t'aime (I love you)

Elder Petersen

This is where Dusty will spend the next 2 years!

MTC

Very emotional, trying to hold back tears! See you in two years!

Dusty is officially on his mission!

Dusty was set apart as a MISSIONARY last night by President Thompson. We all shared a few words of advice, then Dusty was able to bear his testimony to us. We all felt comforted by the testimonies that both Dusty and President Thompson shared.

As a family, we all gathered for one last goodbye at IHOP!

We know Dusty will have plenty of missionary friends, because while we were eating, at least 5 more missionary families trickled in. After our hugs and luvs, we said our goodbyes...with his bags packed and ready to go, mom and dad dropped him off at the Provo, MTC. It was a bittersweet moment for all of us.


We are so proud of Dustin and know that he will be a wonderful missionary! We are excited to watch him grow and share the gospel!

Stay tuned for missionary updates! More pics coming!