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