July 27, 2012

Dear Family,
It isn't P-day yet, but they asked us to write our families so they would know we were doing well. It is amazing here! I have already learned so much and the spirit is so strong here! I can't ever describe the feeling that came over me as they slipped my nametag onto my pocket. It was one of the greatest feeling that I have ever felt! I am finally a missionary! On Wednesday I was assigned to a companion. He is really strong and the Spirit radiates from him. I feel that we are a well rounded companionship, and a great influence to each other. We have already had alot of time to study, and we have already had some teaching opprtunities. Through teaching I have uncovered some of my weaknesses, but by the time I leave the MTC, I plan on them being strengths. This place feels alot like YFF, only it is real and 100% more life-changing. Everything is perfectly organized and the Gospel is the only thing that matters. Not only that, but I am surrounded by people with the same goals and desires. On Wednesday, 350 new missionaries entered the MTC, and currently there are 2600 missionaries at this MTC alone. This is a true army! My doctrine teacher is Brother Anderson, who used to attend George Wythe with Jamin Rock. Jamin is his favorite person, and they were both counselors my first year at YFF! It's a small world.

Yesterday took me by surprise. We were all interviewed by our branch president and didn't know why. It turned out we were being interviewed for district leadership and I was called to be our district leader! I had no idea I would get a calling like that so soon! It is a true honor, and a big responsibily, but I know that the Lord will help me through it.There is a reason for everything, right? As a district leader I am supposed to lead the other missionaries by example. I am supposed to study the scriptures prayerfully,and be sensitive to the needs of others. I am also supposed to prayerfully seek ways to strenghten my district, and 2 weeks from today I am supposed to teach a 1 hour lesson on recognizing and following the Spirit. It is going to be alot of work, but a great opportunity.

I hope that everyone of you know how much I love you and that you are in my prayers. There is so much to be grateful for. We are all where we need to be and God is watching over us. I will return home safely before we know it. Just hold tight and enjoy the adventure. Stay strong and rely on the Atonement at all times! I love you all! Live like you mean it!
Love your son, brother and friend,
Elder Dallin A. Lyman