July 18th 2011

Ma Famille,

As you already have seen, I'm going to be a dad! (mission lingo) that means I'm TRAINING A NEW MISSIONARY!!! I'm going to have my own blue!!!!!!!!! I don't know much yet, but President Murdock did tell me this morning that he comes from...... not hard to guess, UTAH!! I guess it is a city called Zarahemla....cool beans. IM SO EXCITED!!!!

Elder Wilcox will be leaving me for a city called Clement-Ferrand. He is pretty excited as well, but sad to leave our apartment. It is the nicest in the mission! My blue is lucky ha ha!!!

Yes yes yes!! Jérôme was confirmed and all is going splendid! He has such a strong testimony and has made so many giant strides in his conversion. Elder Wilcox talked about his conversion in whole(because he was an investigator well before I was at Gap) and his story is a miracle! It took 5 months, but it was worth it!

Cécile is still M.I.A. We were supposed to have a rendez-vous with her the other day, but she didn't come. It turns out, she has some psychological sickness from trama she has had in her life (maybe with her family) We pray she comes back soon. You spend so much time caring about the people here, and working so hard to help them return back to their Heavenly Father, that you just get a heart ache when they do the unexpected.

About this whole one year business....... It is true, but try not to write about it in every email.... I don't want to be trunky for my blue ha ha. No, but really, I want to use this next year to really engage myself and become lost in the work! Be sensitive with the comments about "time" ha ha. I love you all and can't wait to see you, believe me, but the time period is set, and the time I have to serve the Lord is limited!

We were very blessed this week! We had some really great Rendez-vous, and one in particular was with a man named Daniel. He has a sister in Idaho who is a member, and he is catholic. We met him on the street a couple of weeks ago, and finally caught him! It was such an amazing lesson, and the spirit flooded the chapel. His wife is very sick at this point, he told us worse than cancer, and his questions where very close to the lines of why are these things happening? It was the 1st lesson, but it applied to him in everyway, and the spirit testified to his spirit of the truth. We engaged him to read, and pray about the Book of Mormon. After he accepted, I invited him to baptism! He responded, "Of course, If it's true, I need to really study this and pray to know" ........ THE GOLDEN RESPONSE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM EVERY INVESTIGATOR!!!

Another experience we had was with a family, not very far from the chapel. The mother's name is Darba and she comes from Africa. Her husband is french and his name is Angelin. Their 4 year old daughter's name is Camilla. It was again an AMAZING LESSON!!!!! We engaged them to baptism as well and they accepted to be baptised the 14 August. The dad is Catholic, but again said, "Yes, if it is true". Oh what a week it was!

I also had a new experience, we dropped one of our investigators in our rendez-vous. He told us he wouldn't pray about the B of M or any of the teachings we presented, so we told him we couldn't help him if he didn't pray. It was our 3rd visit with him. It was sad, but others need the Gospel, and if he isn't going to put forth the efforts, we really can't do anything for him. Good thing there is always hope he will be interested one day. With God, all things are possible!


Thanks for your letter momma and your card Mindi!!!!! I was very touched and they gave me the warm, fuzzies that I needed! That is too bad to hear about your skeeter syndrome, but I'm happy that you are happy, and that is all that counts. The lord gives us our trials for a reason, and we must learn the lesson that is behind it. THe Ensign for the month of June had a great article on that. "He carried my sorrows" I think it was called. I found a great scripture in Doctrine and Covenants the other day:

D&C 58
4 For after much atribulation come the bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ccrowned with much dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

Oh mom, and you too dad, you both have many tribulations; the Lord knows this. In His mercy, there are always blessings that follow tribulation, if we patiently and faithfully await them. If we endure them well, the blessings of Heaven will be poured out, and we will grow in ways that only the Lord knows. Even better, this tribulations not only bring forth blessings in this mortel existence, but in the life to come, which is the Life Eternal.

I will go looking for a camera today, don't worry at all! I accidentally sat it down when we were working, and someone snatched it, I know my fault!

That is sweet that Shay is going to New York, you will have to get me her mission address before they go to the MTC and let me know the details. Tell Ryan I miss him and love his gutz. I love him so much I'm thinking about letting him shoot me with a bee bee gun again just to re live the good ol' days! (you better tell him that ha ha) That was nice to hear from Kendall's mom too, I didn't know you two were acquainted, when did that happen? You should get me his contact info... You have a lot of work to do for me! I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you again, unfortunetly, I must leave you now!

P.S. BRIGHAM CITY TEMPLE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL! and....... work for the Temple in France is advancing.... I don't know much, but there is terrain available now in favor of the church's purchase ;)


Until the next time my beautiful, beautiful family!

--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen

July 11th 2011

Oh my famille et des amis!


It has been an AMAZING week! I had tons of great experiences, and have learned a lot! It all started off with Monday... the worst day of the week!

I was very discouraged monday, because contacting was tough that day. Nobody listened, and I was trying new approaches and a style for contacting that my district leader showed me on our exchange. As I became more discouraged, I felt like the people got meaner ha ha. We got called a sect several times, and I almost lost it! Didn't get to see any fireworks, but I thought of all of you!

The next morning, during my studies I studied Lehi's dream, and asked myself what I need to do to help others to taste the fruit of the Restored Gospel. My studies were amazing, and I received the answers to my prayers. I seen Lehi's vision in a perspective that I have never seen before, a missionary perspective. The verses 15, 33, 37, and 38 told me exactly what I needed to do.

15- Beckon others to come unto us, (waive them down), Call to them with a loud voice( confidence), and help them see that it is most desirable than any other fruit!
33 - ignore persecution
37- exhort people with LOVE
38- preach the gospel, invite others to learn and keep the commandments; after that, it is up to them.

This might seem simple, but it was HUGE for me, because it made me realize that I need to be MYSELF! I can improve my contacting, but I cant' change who I am to do it. Acting like something I'm not will not bring others into the church, only being myself will!

After studies Tuesday morning, we hit the streets on fire! We shook hell alright! We talked with EVERYONE and the Lord blessed us. The changed the whole week for me! Sure we still have persecution all the time, "You're a sect!" they say. One man said, "You should be in prison" ha ha, and after we told him "May God bless you", he said, "May God kill you." He was a poor confused man, we just laughed it off, laughter is ESSENTIAL in missionary work!

Despite all of the persecution, the work is moving along here in Gap! You have inquired much about Jérôme, and it is my pleasure to tell you that I had the priviledge of baptising Jérôme yesterday! He has made leaps and bounds in his preparation for the baptism, and oh what joy we had in finally helping him contract this wonderful alliance with Heavenly Father! ! Of course, that means he went without coffee for a whole week! After 5 months of work, he finally did it! And I know his conversion is beginning to become a true conversion. His efforts to better his life and please Heavenly Father is remarkable. For example, he is excersizing now, and prays NORMAL! His prayers are so sincere too; I see his heart has began to change COMPLETELY, and when he has the Gift of the Holy Ghost this next week, he will be IMMOVABLE in an ANCHORED in the faith! He is very excited to receive the Holy Ghost next Sunday, he just needs to endure this week! Keep him in your prayers!

Also keep Cécile in your prayers, she is having some difficulties right now, and we aren't sure what it is...

Found a less active this week too! The story is cool! We were on our way to pass Alexis when I contacted somebody just as they were crossing the street, and of course they ignored me and kept walking, and normally we would have kept to the side of the road we were on, but I was prompted to cross the street after the man. So, I did. We crossed to the other side, and walked straight ahead until the round about. Elder Wilcox said, " to the left, to the left" which lead to our path we normally take to get to Alexis. , but I told him today we were going to go straight . It was then we contacted a women, and she called us by "Elder" which nobody does, and then she told us she was a member! We talked for a while and took her information to set up a RDV later!...... MIRACLE!!! The Lord works in mysterious ways, we just need to follow the spirit to achieve his eternal designs!

This week we met an American women from New Jersey, that was cool. We also had an amazing FHE this week. Watched The Testaments, and the members and our Investigators loved it! Speaking of one of our investigators, Alexis ( Ethiopian man) told us that Snoop dog died of a heart attack! Wow, that was wierd to hear. It is sad, but proved our point when we said he needed to quit smoking weed.

Had some members from Brive accidentally call our phone this week too, ha ha, I got to talk to Francois Villan! It made my day!!!!!!
I didn't know whether to tell you this or not, but I just will. This morning, my bag got stolen. Don't worry, my wallet wasn't in there. However, my scriptures (french B of M and bible) and camera were :( Luckily, I have a colleage who has taken many pictures too, so I will just copy his :) I only lost pictures form this transfer. Should I buy another, or what? Let me know, sorry that this happened. I have really payed close attention till now, I promise, life just happens sometimes! The mission will reimburse my scriptures I 'm pretty sure. You never know, maybe my bag will turn up too, and this will all be a big joke ha ha. I love you and really am sorry.

I did get the movie, and memory card! THANKS! Oh and please tell Bishop I loved his Email! He is such a great man! I love you all, and i can't wait to hear from you all! The transfer is actually the 21st. sorry. HMMMM I think that's all!!! I love yOU!!!!!



--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen



 

June 27th 2011

Oh ma famille!!!


This last week was a lot better than the previous week.  We taught Cécile again, and she endured till Sunday for her confirmation! Elder Wilcox confirmed her yesterday! We were so happy! Now there are 16 members ha ha!!! Jerome is really close, he just needs to quit café (coffee)!!! This week he is going cold turkey! I included that in my voice message! We had a great experience teaching him this last week. He has a few problems with prayer, so we worked with him to resolve the problems. As we studied for prayer, and taught it, I have reflected upon my own prayers. I have seen how much I need to improve the quality of my own personal prayers. Sometimes it is really difficult to say my prayers, but from teaching Jerome, I have been reminded of the things I have already learned about prayer, and how the Holy Ghost can lead us in what we need to say in our prayers! (Romans 8:25-26)

Cécile has also taught me a lot of things! She is so close to the spirit! The other day she asked us what Genesis 3:15 meant. This is a significant scripture, if you know what I mean. I thought I knew what it meant, but when I started to think about it, I was stumped. We took it upon ourselves to study a bit and get back to her! In the french bible, there isn't footnotes(sad ) but in english you can find that it is speaking about Jesus Christ. In the french addition it isn't clear with the subject "it" is talking about...

15And I will put ^aenmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; ^bit shall ^cbruise thy head, and thou shalt ^dbruise his heel.

so I went to the Pear of Great Price in French to see what the Prophet Joseph Smith translated.... BAM it is very clear with the subject in saying:
21And I will put ^aenmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; and he shall ^bbruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Oh you gotta love modern day revelation! Even helps in foreign languages without the footnotes!

I can't neccassirly think of anything else to tell you actually..... yeah the mission is changing, I'll forward you the news letter that will be the last from the Carters! There are some good photos at the end you need to look at. You will see Elder Park too :)

It rained a lot this last week, and thundered too!!! OOOOhh I love that!!!!!! It reminds me of home! Speaking of which I am so jealous you were at the cabin! It has been a year ago that we were there all together! And maggie was there :( but it is good to see that you are carrying on her legacy with Dash! I can't wait to tackle that little pup! Talk about Emma and how flippin cute she is!!!!! I want to just squeeze her cheeks!!!!!!!!! I really do appreciate your photos, they make me smile :D It will be nice to be with you all again! July 2012!!!! Can you believe I almost one year old! I'm just growing up too darn fast!

Elder Wilcox and I are getting along great! We are still getting the whole teaching the Gospel part down, but it will come. It's ironic, I have almost been one year out, and I still can't teach the Gospel well ha ha! I guess it takes a lifetime ;) I'm down for the journey!  I actually got an email from Elder Shaffer!! Woop Woop!! He is doing well, actually just got a pick up truck in his area, so he is happy! I am really happy to hear from him! Also heard from Laurent Vanaquer and Frère Vital this week!!! Elder Bowen is doing well, his blue is super blue though! Cant speak a lick of french... Oh I remember those days... Dark times they were ha ha.


I hmmm.... I think that is all I got. I love you all, and I think about you all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

love,
GROS BISOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

July 4th - 2011

Ma Famille!!

Everything is going super duper well!!! This week was a great week, and I got to meet President Murdock! He is very nice, a little bit older than President Carter, and American. He hails from Salt Lake City actually! His american accent is sweet on my ears ha ha. Our mission is now officially La Mission Francaise de Lyon, and has doubled! This last month with the combination of both missions we had 148 baptisms!!!!!! Speaking of baptisms, I recieved an emails from the Créquit Family, and Marie-Oceane(the daughter) got baptised yesterday!!!!!! I am more than happy, words cannot express how happy I am!!! I can't wait to hear about the temple in a year!!!!


President Murdock told us that he will be integrating the two missions quite a bit this next transfer. Most likely I will get a colleage I don't know! For now, american missionaries will not be able to serve in Suisse this year, only if they are newly arriving into the mission field. The government is kind of messed up right now, and there is an backlog for visas in Suisse. Too bad, maybe next year!

Hmmm... well this week was great! Some highlights, some crazy, hippy, french man on his way to suisse to fight nuclear power plants stopped and yelled at us... But it is the first time somebody has yelled at us because they love us! He told us he loves the Mormons(but will never join) for three reasons: FHE, We don't use curse words, and we(missionaries) are in the street sharing our message! That was funny! I also had an exchange with my district leader, Elder Birk. He was an assistant with Elder Miller when I got into France, I contacted with him the first day! He is an amazing missionary and rocked my world on our exchange! Unfortunetly his time is up, and will be going home in a couple of weeks!
This Sunday was great too!! The Lord blessed us immensley! Of course it was Fast Sunday, and so like we do, we fasted. We fasted for the work to advance here in Gap and well, the Lord answers prayers! We had 4 investigators at church ( more than Gap has ever had!) Jerome and Cécile both bore their testimonies, and we had one of the Best first lessons I have had on my mission with a random man we contacted in the street ! BLESSINGS BLESSINGS BLESSINGS!!!!!

The photos I included:
1- Elder Peart on our exchange ( comes from Logan!!!!)
2- my wonderful gravy and Elder Wilcoxs potatoes. We eat good!
3- a kabab I couldn't finish but was amazing
4- a FHE with the branch!
5-making reeses cake
6- me
7- day of the baptism of Cécile!
8- merci pour la cravate!


I got your package and I loved the tie! However, don't spend anymore money on ties!!! I have so many and I don't want you to use all your money on ties!!! I am well taken care of!!! Thank you so much for the oreos!

I love you all and I will let you know how Jerome goes! His baptism is next week! Woop Wooop!!! You all look great and I love the photos, keep on sending them! You all are BEAUTIFUL!!!
--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen

June 13, 2011

Chère Famille,

All is going well here in Gap ! This first week was different…. Sometimes difficult, but the blessings have outweighed the difficulties! It went by stinking fast too! It

is difficult because there aren’t a whole lot of people here, and no body really wants to listen to us. However, we have some sweet investigators already and I have a lot of hope for the weeks to come! We have one investigator named Jerome who is trying to quite drinking coffee. He has a baptismal date for June 10^TH, so we are working with him A LOT to try to help him conquer his addiction. He has been putting forth a lot of efforts, and is making a lot of progress! He even talked with President Carter yesterday after church!

President Carter was there because it was branch conference yesterday, and it was also supposed to be the inaguration of our new chapel, but for some techinical reasons, we didn't do the inaguration. HOWEVER, something wonderful and amazing did happen yesterday..... Drum roll.................................................................................................. I BAPTISED SOMEONE!!!!!! When I got here in Gap, I told you that there was a engaged investigator for baptism... well she chose me to baptise her, and well, I GOT WET!!!! I have been so blessed, the Lord just continues to bless me with so many tender mercies. Her name is Cécile, and she is most definetly an elect of God. Elder Wilcox found her THREE weeks ago, and she knows the gospel better than I do!!! It is a MIRACLE! She has been prepared by the Lord, and my testimony of God preparing his Children in his own due time is stronger than ever! She will be confirmed and conferred the Gift of the Holy Ghost this next Sunday. Keep her in your prayers, she will need a lot of strength and faith to get through this week!

I don't have much more to say actually... I'm speechless, nothing else that happened during the week compares to the baptism! I was so stoked because President and Soeur Carter were there for the baptism as well!!!!! I'll will never forget that! Another little miracle is that we had 3 investigators at church and 2 at the baptism! I love serving the Lord, and I know there is more elect her in Gap, we just gotta find them!!!!!!!!! In fact, There are elect everywhere, we just need to look around us, and PLANT good seeds; That is your mission!!!!!! Plant those seeds fam! Serve the Lord in the capacity that you have and invite someone to church, or to a Family Home Evening! Give a Book of Mormon with your testimony written in the cover too!! You don't need to try to baptise them, just try to plant that seed so that when it grows you can call the missionaries ha ha!

I love you and pray for you constantly!

My address is.

Les Missionaires-Elder Petersen
40 Bd Georges Pompidou
05000 GAP
FRANCE



EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17

-Elder Dusty Petersen

June 5, 2011

Oh ma famille!

It is so good to hear from you again! That is too bad that momma has got a cold, you are always in my prayers momma!!!! Pappa you are in my prayers too! You better not work too hard dad. I'm happy you have a lot of work to do now, but don't get stressed out, and don't forget you've gotta have fun! When is the last time you took momma on a date? GET-R-DUN! ha ha! I love you and pray for your success; I know the Lord will continue to pour out blessings upon you!

Well, the whole dog thing was just a freak accident, and our DMP has already given up his dog. We are happy because one of the members is moving back to Africa and she is taking Match (the dog) with her! So he won't have to be put down. It is so odd the whole thing, because the dog didn't continue to attack after the ear bite; he just sat there. I think there may have been bigger powers, on both sides, at work there than the eye could see. I still have never heard a dog growl like that when the accident happened.... and I can't believe that after receiving a kick to the face, that he just sat there and didn't fight back. Sounds like a battle of good and evil to me. Anyways.... We were protected and the Lord continues to bless us. Elder Bowen got the stitches out Wednesday and his ear looks actually really good! It healed well and his hair is growing out. In a month you may not even know something happened!

You were right, yesterday was transfer day! I have been transferred to a smaller area in the Alps called Gap. It was a bitter sweet good bye, and I left a lot of love back in Carcassonne, but I know it is the will of the Lord. Carcassonne will always rest dear in my heart as well, and I have made so many wonderful friendships. Especially the friendship I made with Elder Bowen. I learned so much from him during our two transfers together, and they were truly the best two transfers I have had so far! (Besides the one and a half that I had with Elder Boehme, because honestly... He was my dad for cryin' out loud!) It was hard to say goodbye to somebody I have spent 12 weeks with.... after all I spent more time with him than I have any other colleage. He taught me how to laugh, have fun, how not to sweat the small stuff, and how to teach with love. I feel more confident after being with Elder Bowen as well, I feel empowered. I even had a sister missionary comment on how she could see a difference in my nature. I was happier, and more confident! I will never forget all the great memories and lessons learned in Carcassonne. One day I hope I can go back!

Good advice dad, I think I will do that next time, a 7 dollar pizza is not worth my life! Just so you know, Elder Bowen will be able to get his ear reconstruced after the mission. He has one year left. THey will take skin from behind his ear, attatch it to the ear, and leave if for a time so that there can a good blood flow created. After that they will cut it from his scalk, and take some carteledge from his rib to form a new top of his ear. Modern medecine is amazing! Keep him in your prayers, and if you would like, add him on facebook. His name is Matthew Clifton Bowen! Talk to his family as well! I would love it if you became best friends with my mission companions families! SPEAKING OF WHICH!

My new colleage is Elder Wilcox! He was Elder Park's colleage in the MTC! He is a really nice Elder, and I know we are going to have a blast! I'll send you a picture of us together. I'm now 1ST colleage! WOOP WOOP!!! I'm growing up so fast!!!! ha ha. I was nervous a little at first because of the new responsiblity, but I know it is going to an amazing experience. And now for Gap. Like I told you it is in the Alps, THE ALPS!!!! It is so BEAUTIFUL HERE!!!! I feel like I'm truly back home! I heard it was like being in Provo again and that is true! ha ha. Our apartment is pretty sweet too! The area has only been open for 5 transfers now, and we have a branch with a whopping 10 members! LOTS OF WORK TO DO ha ha. We actually have an investigator engaged for baptism this saturday, so I'm pumped!!!! President Carter will be there and eveything!We have the best apartment in the mission too! IT IS HUGE AND STINKIN' NICE! The missionary couple had it before, so that is why it is so nice! We have a balcony for crying out loud! I'm most grateful for the stand up shower however!!! TENDER MERCY!!! I don't have to crouch in my apartment either!!!! I'll send pictures!!!!


Well, I just want to close by saying that I know this church is true, and that it is the same church that Jesus Christ established on the Earth when he ministered among men. He restored it by the prophet Joseph Smith and we have a living prophet on the earth today named Thomas S.Monson! I know that sometimes we ask why we have trials, or why we have to endure so many hardships, but there is an answer! God loves us, and wants us to learn one of the greatest lessons that can be learned. That is to learn patience, and long-suffering.

Mosiah 23
21Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to ^achasten his people; yea, he trieth their ^bpatience and their faith.

22Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his ^atrust in him the same shall be ^blifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.

No matter our trials or sufferings, the Lord knows them. He himself showed us perfect patience, long-suffereing, and faith in fulfilling the demands of justice and accomplishing the Atonement. If we place our trust and faith in Him, that he may lift us up out of our afflictions, he will truly come to us saying as he did for Alma the elder, "Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage." (Mosiah 24:13)

And this the Lord also said to Alma and his brethren, in which he can tell us; "And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage." (Mosiah 24:16)

These principles have truly touched me, and I would invite you to read Mosiah 23 and 24 as well and feast for yourselves!

I love you and I can't wait for next time!

--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17

-Elder Dusty Petersen

May 30, 2011

Bonjour!

Well I would first like to say that I did see Uncle Allen. It was a fun experience, and I got to meet Traver and his wife for the first time! It is against the rules because it can make a missionary lose focus. I feel bad I didn't tell you that it wasn't against the rules the first time, but I just forgot by the end of the email...and like I said, I didn't think it was going to actually happen.

I just have to say, it is raining here, and I just heard THUNDER!!!! You never hear that here in the south of France unless you are by the Alps or some big mountain range! I miss that so much! I LOVE THUNDER!!!!!!! It has been pretty hot this last week, it's nice to have a cool down!
Dad, first of all, you are a stud! I'm glad that you are getting more hours at the Pie Dump! Heavenly Father just continues to bless our family so much! Have you heard about the government position yet? Mother, I can't believe you work like you do, you are a warrior Angel! ha ha. Continue to work hard and give what you can to the Lord so that He can bless us more! That's right I said US!
As you can tell from the mission news letter I sent you, we succeeded with our goal of 50 engaged investigaters with a date for baptism, 75 investigators at church, and 100 New Investigators! We had 50-82-134!!!! IT IS POSSIBLE! We are breaking mission records each week, and the Lord's work is progressing in France!

Speaking of this week.. There has been a lot that has happened! We had 3 new investigators this week, 2 of which are super sweet!!!! Madame Kinanche, and Madame Bordel. We have met with Madame Kinanche, and we will see her again Wednesday. I will keep you posted!!!! Claudine is still a ? We don't think she needs to be baptized for the moment. She isn't mentally quite there. We hope in the future, she can receive enough pschological and health care that she can be, but for right now we are at a stand still. A major factor is all of her family except her sister who is a member here in Carcassonne, is against the church. Claudine seems to be very easily influenced, and we don't want to baptise her just for her family to tell her to leave the church and break her convenants. It is a difficult situation.

Now for some interesting stories. First, I seen Uncle Allen and the family. Second..... On Thursday, something really scary happenend to my companion Elder Bowen. We were with Brother Vital for our weekly meal/meeting at the church. Lunch was GREAT!!! I enjoyed it, lots of meat! However, we didn't eat it all, and there was some leftovers. Elder Bowen wanted to feed Brother Vital's dog, Match, some scraps. I was putting away the table and chairs, while Elder Bowen headed over to the door to give Match the scraps. He stood in the door way of the church, so that I could see and hear him. As I was putting up the table, I had an impression that I needed to look up to the door. I could no longer see Elder Bowen, but could still hear him. Thoughts passed throught my mind that I needed to talk to him, but I just ignored them. I didn't see why I needed to. Only seconds later, I heard a monstrous, almost evil growl, and then I knew why.

"My ear, my ear, He bit off my hear!!!" Elder Bowen said. I thought he was kidding for a moment, and then he lifted his hand off his left ear and nothing could have prepared me for what I saw then. Half of his ear was mission. He was bleeding into a puddle on the ground. He gave me the phone and told me to call president, and yelled for a towel. The members (Br Vital and Bruno) joined me in a moment that I would explain as running around like a chicken with its head chopped off. As I searched for the number for President, I saw it. There layed my companion's ear on the ground. Instinctivley, I reached down to pick it up... but I hesitated as I realized I just touched his detached ear! That was freaky! As I made a second attempt, Match the dog, swept in and ATE THE EAR!!!!
Well to make the story shorter, we went to the Hospital with Bruno, while Fr Vital stayed back with Match at the Church. Elder Bowen got about 20 stitches, and they told him that he will be able to get a reconstruction after he goes home in a year. For now, he has received permission from higher authorities in the church to grow out his hair so it can cover his ear.... It is a bit to swallow isn't it? It felt so surreal, and I still can't believe it happened. The dog, in his 10 years of existence had never hurt a fly. He had all his tests, shots, and even a psycological test prooving that he was a domestic, nice dog. By the way he is a Rotwieller. We have played with him the last 12 weeks and he has never acted up. Apparantly we found out that, he was wounded and when dogs are wounded they do wierd things. Elder Bowen just had fed Match the meat, and after wards, Match acted like he wanted to be pet. Elder Bowen leaned down and pet him, but then Match must have felt vulnerable and in a hop skip and jump bit Elder Bowen's ear off.

We feel terrible, because Br Vital has to put Match down now, and he is Br Vital's best friends. However, Br Vital feels terrible too... It is all kind of a feel bad party. Elder Bowen received a call from his parents the other night as well. THey aren' mad either, they actually feel bad for Br Vital too. Although, His dad said he would have killed the dog with his bare hands if he would have been there! The insurance is going to take care of Elder Bowen's reconstruction when he get's home, and the church will help in any way possible too! What an experience! Keep Elder Bowen in your prayers! He is doing great, and his ear is healing well. He gets the stitches out Wednesday. He is really positive and cracks jokes. He does get a lot of wierd looks from people though! When his hair grows out, you won't even notice! He just will be the only missionary in the world with long hair ha ha! The mission doctor said he is the only missionary to have ever had his ear bitten off by a dog as well! BREAKING RECORDS ALL OVER THE PLACE
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EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17

-Elder Dusty Petersen